Colossus

Paid off

Loss of the Collusus

It is with much concern I acquaint you with the loss of the Colossus, of 74 guns, Captain G. Murray, on the night of Monday the 10th inst. in St. Mary's Road, Scilly.
On Friday the 7th inst. the above ship came in with a direct contrary wind, having under her convoy eight vessels from Lisbon, that arrived at the same time, the rest of the fleet having parted two days before for Ireland and the northern ports. In the evening, the wind increasing to a gale, her cable parted, and all attempts to secure the ship failing, she drifted on a ledge of rocks, called Southern Wells, near the Island of Sampson, from eighteen to twenty-four feet under water, all the convoy riding in safety then and since not withstanding the wind had risen to a perfect tempest. Most fortunately not a life was lost, save Quarter master Richard King, who dropped overboard in the act of sounding. The inhabitants of the island exerted themselves to the utmost of their ability in cutters and open boats, and by Tuesday evening every person was taken out and safely landed, the sick and wounded first, whereof many were from the battle of the Nile, the most worthy Captain, and most to be commiserated, remaining to lhe very last. The following night the ship fell on her starboard beam ends; and so violent was the persevering gale, that no crafts could attempt to approach the ship, and at present little prospect offers of any stores, property, or even the officers' baggage being saved, or hereafter recovered, to any extent. The ship is said to have been distressed, in order to supply other vessels of his Majesty's fleet, and also to have been in a bad state before, and worse since she left Lisbon, The main-mast and bowsprit are already gone over the side. Passengers, Captain Peyton, of the Defence, at the battle of the Nile, with Captain Draper, and two officers from other ships also a Mr. Harcourt and servants, with the remains of the late Admiral Shuldham, intended to have been deposited under British turf.