The Wreck of the "Royal Charter": Compiled from Authentic Sources, with Some Original MatterFowler, Frank
History
The Wreck of the "Royal Charter": Compiled from Authentic Sources, with Some Original Matter
Fowler, Frank
Royal Charter (Ship); Shipwrecks -- Wales -- Anglesey
'The general inquiry into the cause of the wreck, and of the
consequent death of her crew and passengers, was commenced in the
schoolroom of Llanallgo parish at one o'clock on Tuesday, the 2nd of
November, before Mr. William Jones, coroner for Anglesea. The Rev.
Mr. Williams, of Tyddyn, and H. Pitchard, Esq., of Troscawan,
magistrates, attended to see that a full investigation was gone
into. Mr. Mellor, of Oldham, solicitor, attended for Messrs. Gibb
and Brights, the owners of the "Royal Charter."
'The jury was composed of very humble-looking men--small farmers and
seafaring persons.
'The Coroner asked Mr. Bright if he had got any witnesses?
'Mr. Bright replied that he had collected all the witnesses whom he
thought could throw any light on the matter, and several first-class
passengers were in attendance. Mr. Gapper, a second-class passenger;
William Foster, the carpenter of the ship; George Suaicar, the
boatswain's mate; John O'Brien, sailor; Henry Evans, sailor; and
Thomas Cormick, one of the stewards, were also present.
'Coroner.--Is there any one else who wishes to give evidence on this
inquiry?
'Several voices.--Mr. Russell.
'Mr. Russell then answered to his name.
'Coroner.--I believe there are other persons. Where is Mr. Bradbury?
'It was answered that he was laid up with a broken leg.
'Mr. Bright.--There is also Hughes, an apprentice, who is in bed,
laid up.
'The Coroner then said he was about to commence one of the most
painful investigations which it had ever been his or any other
coroner's lot to conduct. He hoped the jury would discharge their
duty without fear, favour, or affection, and quite uninfluenced by
anything which they might have read or heard outside that room. He
regretted the circumstance that some of the jury did not speak
English, or understand it at all when spoken; but he had requested
Mr. Robert Pritchard, auctioneer, of Bangor, to act as interpreter,
and that gentleman had kindly consented to do so. He (the Coroner)
was now prepared to hear any evidence that might be tendered to him,
and which might throw any light on the unfortunate occurrence, the
precise cause of which it would be desirable to ascertain. He had
every intention that the inquiry should be a full and searching one.
'Mr. Bright said that he had taken down a statement from Mr. Morse,
one of the saloon passengers, which the Coroner might avail himself
of if he thought it would be of any use to him.
'The Coroner.--I shall examine the witness in the first instance
myself.
'The interpreter having taken the usual oath,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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