Oxford Journal is in Newspapers.
27th December 1755. They write from Portsmouth that on Thursday last a Six-oared Boat, belonging to his Majesty's Ship Lancaster, the Hon. John Hamilton [deceased], Commander, coming on Shore from the said Ship, with the Captain, his Footman, the Coxswain, and six Men in her, the Sail being gibbed, she broached to and filled, by which Accident the Captain, Coxswain, and one of the Men were unfortunately drowned.
The others supported themselves by holding on some part of the Boat till Help came. The Captain got twice on the Boat which lay Keel uppermost, bu the Sea washed him off. When the Boat overset, the Captain had on a large Cloak, from which he with Difficulty disengaged himself, and swam about the Boat above twenty Minutes, exhorting the Men to Resignation in Case they could not save themselves, and at the same Time encouraging them to exert their Strength to preserve Life.
This honourable Gentleman was highly respected for his Naval Skill and exemplary Piety, having divine Service performed twice a Day at Sea to the Ship's Company, to whom he was a Father. His whole Behaviour was uniform, and shewed both the Christian and the Gentleman.
