In the Annual Register for 1854, it is stated that Captain Luce and most of his officers exerted themselves with firmness and energy while a hope remained, and the former probably owed his life to his remaining at his post. When his steamer sank he clung first to some floating wood, and afterwards got on a floating paddlebox, on which eleven others had taken refuge, of whom nine were swept away by the sea, the three survivors being rescued by the CAMBRIA, of Glasgow. The captain’s son was killed in his father’s arms by a piece of wreck. The conduct of Captain Duchesne, of the VESTA, was most praiseworthy. Finding that the ARCTIC had disappeared in the fog, and that his own vessel had not sunk under him, he, with the utmost promptitude, took measures for saving his ship and passengers. He noticed that, although the steamer’s bows were completely shattered, the forecastle bulkhead had not given way, and this afforded some hope of safety. He at once gave orders to lighten the vessel by the head, by throwing overboard all the fish, cargo, passengers’ luggage, &c., which was in the forepart of the ship, all of which orders were promptly obeyed, and by means of which the vessel’s bows were raised considerably. Her head was raised still more by cutting away the foremast, which had been damaged by the collision. The captain next ordered about 150 mattresses, palliasses and other effects belonging to the crew and passengers to be placed abaft the forecastle bulkhead, over which were thrown sails, backed by boards and planks, the whole being secured by cables firmly wrapped round all. These operations occupied two days, after which Captain Duchesne proceeded under easy steam for the nearest port (St. John’s), which was entered on the 30th September. Most providentially, considering the disabled condition of the VESTA, she entered the harbour of St. John’s before the rising of a severe gale, which sprang up on the same day. The energy, unwavering perseverance, and superior seamanship exhibited by Captain Duchesne in bringing his vessel into port, elicited the admiration and praise of all who visited the ship. The American Consul at St. John’s made every exertion to procure vessels to go at once in search of the ARCTIC or her boats. He succeeded in obtaining the brigantine ANN ELIZA, whose owners (Messrs. Warren Bros.) generously gave her without charge. She sailed from St. John’s on the 2nd October, with instructions to cruise in the vicinity of the catastrophe for three days. The Right Rev. Dr. Field also promptly placed at the disposal of the American Consul his yacht, the HAWK, for the same purpose. The last moments of the ARCTIC are thus graphically described[20] by Mr. Baahlam, the second officer of the steamer:—