33054-002546

36/8330 - 15th October 1836 36/13

Commandants Office Moreton Bay

6th September 1836. Sir/ I do myself the honor to forward Lieut. Otter's letter relative to the recovery of Mrs Fraser the wife of Captn Fraser, Master of the Brig "Stirling Castle" wrecked on the 21st of May last on a reefe. I beg to state for His Excellency's information that Lieut. Otter left this to visit the river, and Pilot stations, after performing this duty he crossed the Bay and providentially met with two men survivors from the wreck/ and on gaining the third / who was at some considerable distance/ he immediately proceeded for the Settlement, where he arrived late at night, and reported the circumstance to me. From the information I received, from Joseph Corallas, a Native of South America no time was lack in preparing an expedition, and the following morning had two whale boats ready manned, and gave the entire charge to Lieut. Otter. By his letter His Excellency will be gratified to learn that Mrs Frazer, the second mate, and two sailors have been rescued from the greatest misery. I have great pleasure to state that the conduct of the men composing the party was most praiseworthy; and beg to recommend them The Honorable The Colonial Secretary Sydney

[marginalia] MV/.

22 them for the favorable consideration of His Excellency. Notwithstanding their degraded state as Convicts, the willingless executed on their parts was a pleasure to witness. The expedition was solely composed of men from the place, with the exception of Two Corporals of the Fourth Regiment. I beg particularly to bring to His Excellency's notice the conduct of prisoner Graham, to him alone are we indebted for the recovery of Mrs Frazer. Lieut. Otter also speaks in the highest terms of prisoner Mitchell, as well as every individual composing the party. After an absence of Twelve days the party returned and notwithstanding I paid great attention previous to their departure to add as much as possible to make the Crews comfortable (by allowing them a free Sailors ration without spirits) many privations were suffered. I am happy to say since Mrs Frazer's arrival She has improved in health, and also the Crew; some were very weakly from constant exposure to the weather and being without food for months - On the statement of this lady regarding the conduct of the Sailors, I consider they have been the cause of the loss of the lives of Capt. Frazer and Mr Brown the first Mate, as no doubt can exist if the men did their duty and obeyed the Captain's orders, the Boat would have reached our pilot Station as Mr Brown perfectly knew the place; however as the parties will be forwarded to Sydney by the first ship, I refer the case for His Excellency's consideration and

[right margin] Mr Bryant the agent for the Ship is aware of this, and is to see how far the men are punishable

23 and do myself the honor to forward the Statements of Mrs. Frazer and Mr Baxter the second Mate. The general conduct and manner of three individuals Robert Darge, Henry Youldron, and Robert Dayman since their arrival has been disrespectful and bad, and an apparent unwillingness on the parts of the two first to give any information regarding Capt. Frazer or his lady. I beg to state they arrived here long previous to Mrs. Frazer and regret to say they enjoyed every kindness and hospitality, but on hearing her statement I immediately dislodged them from our quarters, appointed them a Single room in the barracks and providing them with the ration No 5 which I consider is much more than their past conduct merits. I feel greatly indebted to Lieut. Otter for his exertions and willingness in taking charge of the expedition; the generosity and kindness of this gentleman left him without a change of clothes, on this occasion he must have gratifying feelings having acted as a liberal and kind friend to the most unfortunate. I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient servant. Foster Fyans Captn 4th Regt Commdt