Newspaper reports
concerning the ship 'Polar Star'
St Helena Herald October 1854
Passenger
list for the Polar Star - Sincere thanks to Peter Caves
The Burning of the Polar Star
Our Sincere thanks to Peter Caves for obtaining this information from the Archives on the island of St Helena and for allowing us to share it with researchers by way of our website. Also our thanks to Peter for bringing the previously unknown story of the Polar Star to light.
The arrival of the
"Polar Star" passengers at St Helena
St Helena Herald James Town 26th
October 1854
The arrival here of the passengers
saved from the Polar Star, which was burned down on this 3rd October on her way to New
Zealand, with Artillery Soldiers and Passengers, is the all absorbing subject of
consideration this week. The account furnished by the captain which we publish elsewhere,
gives all the particulars. The cause of the fire seems not to have been ascertained,
though a conjecture has been given that some hay or coal in the hold must have become
ignited. It is a great satisfaction to learn that though there were upwards of Ninety
persons on board the burning vessel, for three days after the fire was discovered, none
lost their lives. It is stated that one of the passengers named Mrs Hair died a few hours
after the alarm of fire was given, but she was in a sinking state previously and her death
seemed to have been expected very soon.
On Saturday morning last great excitement was caused by the arrival here of a boat with 8
or 10 persons in her, the more especially as there was no vessel in sight. They proved to
be Capt Walker of the Polar Star and Lieut Temple of the detachment of Artillery who were
saved from the vessel. They had left the Annamooka on the previous day 15 miles to leeward
of the island, their object apparently being to secure a speedy transmission of supplies
to the vessel if she should be unable from calms or other causes to make the land within a
few days. She was seen a few hours afterwards and after making numerous tacks she reached
the anchorage the following (Sunday) morning.
The troops were landed about nine o'clock in the morning, and they indeed seemed to have
lost their all; some were without shoes, some without caps, and others without jackets,
some dressed apparently in clothes which had not originally been made for them, and most
of them appearing soiled and worn out altogether, presenting a melancholy spectacle. Their
wives and children too were most distressingly ill provided for. The intermediate
passengers also are no better off. They had to leave all behind them and were only too
thankful to escape with their lives. All on board indeed appeared to have met with severe
losses, some who had sold everything they had in England and had laid the money out on
articles which they expected to sell on reaching New Zealand, have lost the whole of them
and having failed to insure, are now left penniless; one is said to have lost fifteen
hundred pounds and another has lost two hundred.
Captain Hutchinson of the Annamooka will ever be remembered with gratitude by those whom
he has thus been instrumental in saving from an awful death, and we are happy to see that
his kindness is appreciated by all, We trust our government will not allow him or the
owners of the vessel to suffer through this act of humanity. We understand that the
passengers of the Polar Star have sent in a memorial to the governor praying that he will
use his influence with the home government to secure compensation to Captain Hutchinson
for his benevolent action. We trust the prayer will not fail. For the encouragement of
others to pursue a similar course on all occasions, this act ought to be liberally
rewarded, and it would be a stain on the humanity of our government if they allowed any
ship master, or ship owner to suffer, for having rescued so many British Soldiers and
British Subjects from one of the most horrible of deaths.
It is a singular thing that for all property saved a salvage is allowed - for every Negro
rescued from slavery a certain head money is given, but for every British life rescued
from destruction their is no legal or certain allowance.
In the present case, perhaps fortunately for the sake of justice, fifty Artillerymen and
their families have been saved. Compensation has
consequently become a government duty. and we sincerely hope that neglect on this occasion
will not be; hereafter pleaded be all whose want of humanity may be seeking an excuse to
leave their fellow creatures to painful suffering and death, rather than take those
responsibilities which selfish me when they can with any excuse, are glad to shirk.
We are happy to notice also from letters published, that Captain Walker and Lieut Temple
have rendered themselves conspicuous by their cool and manly conduct throughout the whole
trying occurrence, and we feel assured that those who have thus generously acknowledged
the abilities of their leaders have not themselves been wanting in the performance of
their duties.
The arrival of the Annamooka has afforded all here an excellent opportunity of exercising
their benevolence towards their suffering fellow creatures, and it is gratifying to
witness the willingness with which an appeal for aid is being answered. We might name
several who have privately but liberally and promptly come to the relief of those who were
landed almost naked. The subscription list is going round and many handsome donations are
being offered. On Sunday the soldiers made a most liberal subscription, the officers also
gave freely. The Freemasons met on Monday night and voted Twelve Pounds from their funds
at once. The Mechanic' Society met on Tuesday night and Ten Pounds were subscribed by the
members before they left the room. The sympathy for the sufferers is universal and the
desire to render assistance is most pleasing. Rich and poor co-operating in the work with
the utmost eagerness.
Some of the passengers of the Polar Star have already returned to England and an American
Captain - Captain C. Linnell of the Eagle Wing generously took a whole family of 6 for
nothing.
In other parts of the paper will be found letters to Capt Hutchinson for his kindness in
affording the relief he did. His replies to these letters will
appear next week.
The following is a list of the passengers by the Polar Star, all of whom with the
exception of Mrs Hair have reached this land safely.
Passengers of the "Polar Star"
The "Polar Star"
St Helena Herald James Town October
1854
The unfortunate passengers saved
from the Polar Star, and left here by the Annamooka, have almost all returned to England.
The last of them leave today. It is gratifying to observe the sympathy, which has
prevailed for the sufferers, and to know the sacrifices, which have been made to render
some assistance towards making up the loss which they have experienced. We had hoped to
have been able this week to give an account of the amount subscribed, but cannot well give
it in a complete form and therefore defer saying anything regarding it until next week.
In reference to the circumstances of the fire itself, we can learn nothing further of
particular interest. There have been of course many little
incidents during three days spent on a burning vessel, which are worthy of record, but
personal allusions where all seemed to act nobly might be considered invidious. Of the
suffering which all experienced during the fire much could be said, one elderly lady
escaped from her berth with only a blanket wrapped over her. Her night dress and even that
blanket she lost in the confusion; Women said children were placed upon the quarter deck
and could scarcely move during the three days and nights they remained on board, the food
that all had to eat could not well be cooked in the anxiety regarding their lives, and the
water they had to drink was not only hot, but most nauseating through the vapors which had
got in it from the burning cargo. On board the Annamooka too although every attention that
possibly could be shown was rendered it could not be expected that provision and water
could be found to feed to the full for weeks, 96 additional persons, and they were
consequently put on short allowance; neither of course could comfortable accommodation be
found for such a number, so that though they had escaped the danger of death by fire, they
did not escape from inconvenience and even suffering until they arrived amongst us.
It is pleasing to hear testimony to the excellent conduct of all since they came here, and
it adds much to the pleasure with which the assistance is rendered them, to know that they
are highly deserving of, and appreciate it fully, The only regret which any of the
subscribers can feel is that it is not in their power to make up all the loss which each
has sustained and to send them on their voyage again comfortably supplied with all they
require. At least every one leaves with the sympathy and best wishes of all the
inhabitants and the hope that a more prosperous future may lie before them, and that they
may yet reach their destination in safety and comfort.
The Artillerymen and their family remain here, for what length of time is of course
unknown, but it is desirable that ere they leave, the public should be allowed to do
something towards supplying the losses which they endure in common with the other
passengers.
In the report of passengers in last weeks paper the name of the wife of Gunner McDonald
was omitted by mistake.
St Helena Herald October 1854
ARRIVALS
Oct. 19,Stately, English bark, 565, T. Ginder,
From Penang July 27, to
Solomon & Moss Agents.
21, Annamooka, English Bark, 595, R. Hutchinson,
From
F. Moss Agent.
22, Urgent, English bark, 412, J. Stooke
From
Solomon & Moss Agents.
23, Jan Schowten, Dutch bark, 721, D.C. Myer,
From Batavia Aug. 20, to
Solomon & Moss Agents.
Secret. English brig, 188, H. Marguard
From Singapore August 18 to
T. Baker & Co. Agents.
Eagle Wing, American Ship, 1174,
From Foo Chow Fow August 1, to
Caroll & Kimball, Agents.
24, Contest, English Ship, 1120, J. Jennings,
From
Solomon & Moss Agents.
Samuel Appleton, American Ship, 780, H. Young,
From
Carrol & Kimball, Agents.
Various letters of thanks
and response.
St Helena Herald October 1854
Dear Sir, - The handsome address with which I have been honored by my Officers and Crew, and the Passengers of the last ship Polar Star, merits my warmest thanks, and I beg of you to accept them yourself and to express them to all who signed the address with you.
When I look back upon the narrow escape we have had from an awful death and reflect upon the circumstances connected with it, I feel most forcibly, that under God we owed our salvation to the good feeling and unanimity which was maintained during the three days and nights that the vessel was on fire. During that time and although none knew when the fire might burst out, and while its progress could only be known by the gradually increasing heat of the deck, I am proud to say that all on board seemed occupied only with the general welfare, and free from any selfish or personal feeling. Of their indefatigable exertions I cannot speak too highly, and you may well call them "almost superhuman." They must allow me through you to acknowledge sincerely but briefly, the addresses they have done me the honor to present, and to thank yourself and the officers and crew for their excellent conduct throughout the fire, and the passengers for the alacrity with which they came forward, and the material assistance they rendered, which was much enhanced by the good order and soldier-like conduct of the troops among them under Lieut. Temple.
I have seen all who have signed the address, in trying circumstances display the highest courage and most patient perseverance in continued and fatiguing exertion, look on death with Christian resignation when it seemed inevitable, and conducting themselves in every respect in a manner that having witnessed it - makes more valuable the respect and affectionate sentiments they express towards me, as well as the approbation with which they regard my conduct as Captain of the vessel.
Wishing them and yourself most sincerely all
happiness for the future.
I am, Dear Sir,
Yours truly,
H. WALKER
_____________________________
St. Helena, 30th Oct., 1854 To the Editor of the ST. HELENA HERALD,
Sir, - If you will allow me space in your columns, I should like to take the earliest
opportunity of thanking the Inhabitants of St. Helena, for the
manner in which they have received the Passengers and Crew of my late ship the Polar Star.
I cannot too strongly express my sense of their kindness and humanity. In the
Government and among the people both collectively and individually, the most generous
spirit has been shown, and everything done to alleviate the distress of many who had lost
their all by a sudden calamity. A subscription has not only been publicly got up for
their benefit and a large amount collected, but they have in all quarters experienced
great kindness and hospitality, and will ever entertain the highest esteem and regard for
those who have so feelingly assisted them when in need.
With myself they unite in an earnest prayer. That
I am Sir,
Your obedient servant,
H. WALKER
Master last ship Polar Star
____________________________
Ladies and Gentlemen, - I beg of you to accept my thanks, and to assure you that I feel
most grateful for your expressions of esteem and your good wishes to myself. With
respect to the assistance which a merciful Providence enabled me to render, I did only
what I thought and felt to be my duty, and believe that the good feeling and accord which
nerved you so admirable the three trying days that the Polar Star was burning beneath you,
did as much to make you comfortable on board my vessel as any effort of my own. And
certainly made my task of reception both easy and agreeable. I shall always remember
you with pleasure, and quit you with the hope of a speedy release from your present
difficulties, and that prosperity and happiness may for the future attend you all. I am,
Ladies & Gentlemen,
Yours very truly,
R. HUTCHINSON
____________________________
To the Inhabitants of St. Helena, who signed the Address presented to me by T.B. KNIPE,
Esq.
Ladies and Gentlemen, - Your address has taken me by surprise and leaves me too little
time to answer it as I could wish, further than to thank you most sincerely for your kind
wishes. I can only say that the generous sympathy, you have yourselves so
universally shown with the unfortunate Passengers thrown upon your Island, makes the
address with which you have honored me the more highly esteemed, and I shall value it
through life as a handsome testimonial of your regard, and a pleasing memento of St.
Helena.
I am, Ladies & Gentlemen,
Yours faithfully,
R. HUTCHINSON.
____________________________
From the St Helena Herald On or about
The first part of this article is missing and it is unknown how much of it there was,
however it continues.
...And self-denial, some if not all of us would have sunk from fatigue, brought on by our
almost superhuman exertions at the pumps.
Now that, (through the benevolent humanity and seamanlike kindness of CAPT. HUSTCHINSON),
we are saved and in a position to count our loss which to us all is great, to none more so
than you, being unable ourselves to assist you, we do most sincerely trust, (to which also
shall be added our prayers) that with life spared, you may succeed again in your future
career, and desolate as the world may appear to those who have lost their all, yet there
are hearts in it that will cheer your resolution and lighten the gloom and in the bosom of
us all, your future prosperity and happiness is deeply wished and prayed for.
The conduct of LIEUT. TEMPLE is likewise worthy of considerable praise; encouraged by his
presence, his men worked and did their utmost, so much so as left us unable to decide
which they held most dear, the Officer's commands or the lives of themselves and families.
MR. TEMPLE and yourself were the first who undressed, rushed forth to endeavour to
quell the raging element; and as commenced, so ended the self-possession of you both, as
all were saved before you left the flaming wreck; and it is our intention that the
circumstances of our wreck be circulated in the public papers, in order to prove to
Englishmen what their countrymen can do for each other in the hour of danger and deep
distress.
We must now dear sir conclude, by again expressing our high opinion of your noble conduct,
and by hoping that henceforth your life be not again troubled with like misfortunes, but
that it may be a career of calm good fortune, and that hereafter as years pass and time
rolls on, you may remember with the same affectionate regard as we do you, the Passengers
and Crew of the unfortunate "POLAR STAR."
Signed by all the Crew, Soldiers, and Passengers of the Vessel.
____________________________________________
Letter from the Passengers of the "Polar Star." St. Helena, Oct. 23, 1854
To CAPT. HUTCHINSON,
Bark Annamooka
Dear Sir, - Few but those who have escaped a similar dreadful fate to that from which you
have under ALMIGHTY GOD been the means of rescuing us, can appreciate the strong and
heartfelt gratitude which we must ever have for the humane feeling which prompted you to
bear down upon our vessel when a solitary blue light was the only sign of distress which
you could perceive.
You thought that we might be in need, and your generous heart would not allow you to pass
without seeing if you could be of any service.
To the noble impulses on your part, Ninety Sic of your fellow creatures feel that they are
indebted under GOD for there rescue from an awful death, and we now take the opportunity
on our arrival at this port, of expressing to you our feelings, and of also offering our
sincere thanks for your uniform kindness and attention to all while on board your vessel.
It is out of our own power under present circumstances to do anything in
compensation for the deviation you have been compelled to make from your intended route,
but we are confident that conduct such as yours has been, must receive its due reward from
the proper authorities, and the earnest approbation of all.
Wishing you happiness and prosperity in the prosecution of your voyage and in all your
future undertakings.
We are Dear Sir,
Ever Yours, faithfully & obliged,
(Signed)
Henry Walker, late Commander of the "Polar Star"
William Gardner, Passenger.
Thomas C. Jones, late Surgeon of the "Polar Star."
Frederick James Carrington
William Henry Lewin
Helen Burgess
Rose Burgess
F. Temple
Charles Trick Hosking
Charles Truck
Mary Jane Trick
George Bush Hair, with family of six.
Caleb Hosking, Amos Vickery, James P. Scott, Peter Leonard.
____________________________________________
Letter from the Intermediate Passengers of the "Polar Star" to Captain
HUTCHINSON
Barque Annamooka
19th Oct., 1854
To Capt. HUTCHINSON
Sir, - We consider it our duty at the present time, to return our most heartfelt thanks
for the kind manner in which you have received us on board your barque; for had it not
been for your timely assistance we should doubtlessly all have been lost. It is
impossible to describe the state of our minds during the time of the fire on board the
Polar Star, still more impossible to describe our gratitude to our Maker and to you when
the welcome news arrived that you were able to carry us to some port.
That the blessings of Him who watches over all our lives with the care of a Father for his
children, that his blessings be upon you, and that he may prolong your life, and that that
life may be adorned with other deeds of humanity is the wish and prayer of Your obedient
servants,
Charles Trick Peter Leonard
Charles Trick Hosking M. Gourley.
M.J. Hosking M.A. Hair
Jas. Scott M. Griffin
Caleb Hosking Mrs Hunt
Amos Vickery
___________________________________________
Letter from Lieut. TEMPLE to Capt. HUTCHINSON, Enclosing one from the Company of Artillery
under his charge St. Helena, Oct. 24th.
Sir, - In forwarding the enclosed, which I do with the greatest pleasure, I take the
opportunity of sending you a few lines from myself.
I remain,
Very sincerely your's
F. TEMPLE.
To Capt Hutchinson,
Annamooka
St. Helena, 24th Oct., 1854
Sir, - I cannot allow you to depart from this, without expressing my sincere thanks for
the great kindness you have shown to myself, and all the
passengers of the Polar Star. Had you not borne down and rescued us, I am convinced
all on board would have perished. I wish it was in my power to reward you as I think your
conduct merits, but I have little doubt that the Government will not allow services so
distinguished to pass unnoticed. In any case I shall always regard you as our
preserver, and hope that an opportunity may present itself to show that I am not unaware
of the debt I owe you.
With my kindest wish for your future happiness,
I remain,
Sincerely Your's
F. TEMPLE
_______________________
Barque Annamooka,
Sir, - Being desirous of returning our thanks to Mr. Hutchinson, Master of the above ship,
his Officers and Crew, for their timely assistance in
releasing us from our perilous situation on board the ship Polar Star in the South
Atlantic on the 3rd instant. I in behalf of the detachment under your command, beg you
will have the goodness to forward the sincere thanks of the Non-Commissioned Officers,
Gunners and Drivers, of the Detachment for the prompt attention to the signal of distress,
as also the seaman like manner in which he bore down on us, and lay by us until it was
thought seasonable to remove us on board his ship, and for the kindness received from
himself, officers, and crew during our stay on board, and convenience afforded by him.
We have nothing to tender now except our sincere thanks, but our prayers will be
ever for his
welfare and success.
In behalf of the Detachment,
MORTIMER CORLISS,
Sergeant 10th Batt.
Lieut.
Royal Artillery on board
Barque Annamooka
__________________________
Address from the Inhabitants of St. Helena, to ROBERT HUTCHINSON, esq., Master of the
British Barque Annamooka,
St. Helena Roadstead.
Sir, - We cannot suffer ourselves to lose the opportunity of expressing to you in the name
of humanity our congratulations on your safe arrival at this Island with the crew and
passengers of the late ship Polar Star, whom to the number of Ninety Six Souls you have
been the means under a DIVINE PROVIDENCE of rescuing from a dreadful but certain death.
Of the generous sentiments which prompted you to bear down during the night upon this
unfortunate vessel in answer to her signals of distress, we cannot express too highly our
admiration when we reflect that a blue light was the only signal they were enabled to
make, and it is too well known that similar signals have in many cases been unnoticed and
our fellow creatures left most cruelly and selfishly to their fate.
We feel that your conduct calls for some mark of our esteem, and trusting that it may meet
its due reward both here and hereafter, we sincerely wish you a pleasant and prosperous
passage to your destination.
We have the honor to be
Sir,
Your most obedient Servants,
130 signatures.
Copyright Denise & Peter 2005
Reference
St helena Herald October 1854