“At two A.M. the ‘Kent’ blew up, after being completely enveloped in flames for four hours previously. The fire originated in the after-hold, where the spirits were stowed for the use of the troops; a cask of which breaking adrift, and bursting, the contents were unfortunately ignited by a candle in a lantern. I feel the greatest gratification in stating that the gentlemen and their Cornish miners, in all 36, with my own crew, 11 more, behaved throughout the trying period with the greatest kindness in getting the people from the boats, soothing their sufferings, giving up their own clothes and beds to the women and children, volunteering to go into the boats (which I had good reason to prevent), and leaving nothing undone to make them as comfortable as the limited size of my brig would allow (only 200 tons). It would be pleasing also could I speak as highly of the crew of the ‘Kent,’ but I cannot refrain from expressing my disappointment of their conduct (in which I am borne out by Captain Cobb) derogatory in every respect to the generally received character of a British seaman,--by refusing to return to the ‘Kent’ for the people, after the first trip, and requiring my utmost exertions and determination to compel them to renew their endeavours to get out the soldiers, passengers, and the remainder of their own shipmates, who were left behind; and it was only by coercive measures, in conjunction with my own crew and passengers, and telling them I would not receive them on board unless they did so, that they proceeded, though reluctantly, in their duty. I must, however, except the officers, particularly Mr. Thomson, fourth mate, and Mr. Phillips, the boatswain, whose conduct and behaviour, in every respect, justify my warmest praise. “It may not be amiss to state that, two hours after the ship blew up, a soldier’s wife was delivered of a fine boy on board the ‘Cambria,’ and both mother and child are doing well. “I remain, Gentlemen, “Your most obedient servant, (Signed) “W. COOK. “To Messrs. Wm. Broad and Sons, “Agents to Lloyd’s.” “Falmouth, 4th March, 1825. “SIR,