The Chief Mate, R.B. Walters, of the “Wealth of Nations” to Thomas Waters’ wife, Amaret Waters. (June 22, 1871)

[The Chief Mate of the “Wealth of Nations” to Thomas Waters’ wife.]

[from a transcript “by Thomas Waters’ wife in 1871.]

Callao. 22 June 1871

Mrs T. Waters

Dear Madam

It is with great reluctance I take my pen in hand and am obliged to have to inform you of the total wreck of the Ship “Wealth of Nations” and the loss of Captain Waters and nine men.  I and ten more are saved, three were saved in a boat, the rest of us held to pieces of the wreck and were picked up the next day by a ship.  The ship struck on the Hornings or Hormeguens Rocks on the 13th instant at 7.45 P.M. second mate’s watch on deck; Capt.Waters walking the poop, ship going seven knots, all hands sprang to the deck, the Captain gave orders to haul up the courses, let run the topgallant and topsail halliards. we did so. he then ordered me to get the boats out for the ship was going to pieces.  I got out the gig and sent the Second Mate and three men in it, then I tried to get out the long boat but the sea was breaking over the ship and she was down on her beam ends, and her mizen mast and foremast were gone, we could not get the boats over until they stove or were filled, we held on to the wreck and the Captain was in the mizen chains when I saw him last, and we spoke together. we said there was no chance for our lives, the Captain told me to come if I could and we would pray before we separated never to meet in this world again, but we hoped to meet in heaven, when I got onto the piece of deck that floated away with me I tried to persuade the Captain to come to me but he made no reply why he would not do so, it was very dark and I could only discern that there was one or two in the mizen chains when I spoke to them last but did not know whether the Captain was one or not.  The ship was all broke to pieces then, only a few feet of her stern and the Captain of the ship that picked me up passed the stern of the Wealth of Nations the same day, it had washed off the rocks and was afloat, he went very close to it and examined it but there were no people on it, I send you the paper with the account of the disaster in it.  All the ship’s papers were put in the gig and I have them all and the British Consul and Mr O’Connor is arranging the matter, as best we can. I am in possession of the Captains bill of sale for his part of the ship and policy of insurance.  I find there is ($1400) fourteen hundred dollars in Mr O’Connors hands left by the Captain and I will send you the money, I have forbid Mr O’Connor’s paying any of it away.  I will send it to you as soon as we can get the business arranged.  I do not know whether it belongs to the ship or the Captain but let the Owners prove their claim, all private papers and letters belonging to the Capt.ⁿ I have put under the Consul’s seal and will send them to you. I will give you more particulars on the 28th instant.  I am the First Mate of the “Wealth of Nations”  excuse this poorly written letter my hand is dreadfully hurt in the wreck and I am sick so no more at present but believe me to be a faithful friend and will follow up the affair strictly and every dollar that can be got I will see that you get it, hoping God will help you and your children to stand the dreadful news I am

Dear Madam 

Your true Friend 

R.B. Walters 

Chief Mate

Ship Wealth of Nations 

P.S. I belong to St John’s and when I go home I will go to Digby and see you.

My wife lives in St John’s.

[31 miles due West from Callao, the Hormigas de Afuera are a small cluster of rocks, the largest of which is about three quarters of a mile in circumference only 25 feet above the water.]