Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs, and others to the Hon. Court of Directors. During the equipment of this schooner, and while still extremely unwell, he saved from a wreck, near Port Louis, the wife of a major in the army, and fifteen other persons. Being informed that a ship was cast away in approaching that harbour, during a perfect hurricane, and that the senior officer had made the signal for boats, if possible, to render assistance, he quitted his cabin, regardless of illness and debility, and departed in a four-oared gig for the coral reef on which she had grounded, where such a tremendous sea was breaking over her, that not another boat would attempt to approach it. To the astonishment of thousands of persons who lined the shore, he placed his gig in such a situation as to be thrown by the waves over the reef, then pulled up alongside the wreck, and took out the lady, who had been supplicating in the most pathetic manner, amidst universal acclamations. Three times did he return to the wreck before all on board could be rescued; and, singular as it may appear, he never received the least assistance from any other boat. There is in existence a painting of this heroic achievement, copied by Pringle from a drawing by an officer who witnessed the scene; and we need scarcely add, that the conduct of Lieutenant Watling was highly eulogised by all in authority at Port Louis, as well as by the public press. On the 14th Feb. 1811, he was thus officially addressed:–
“Sir,– Previous to your departure for Europe, in command of the Wellesley packet, I am directed to convey to you, in this public document, the entire satisfaction and approbation of His Excellency the Governor, as to the uniform propriety of your conduct, during the time you have acted under his immediate orders and authority.
“In taking charge of the important despatches conveyed to India by the Egremont schooner, immediately after your escape from the disastrous result of the gallant but unsuccessful attack on the enemy’s frigates in Grande Port, you rendered essential service to these colonies and to your country; and your subsequent conduct has been marked with the same spirit of cheerful activity and zeal in the public cause.
“In conveying to you this tribute of the Honorable the Governor’s approbation, as to the general tenor of your conduct, he is happy to do justice at the same time to the particular act of heroism and humanity which