Captain Thomas Coe to Governor Sir T. Brisbane.

I am sorry to inform Your Excellency that H.M.S. Tees has returned to this anchorage without having the good fortune to bring the Elizabeth Henrietta with her. On my arrival at Port William every assistance that could be given was sent from this ship, and on our first trial we had the pleasure of moving her about five feet, but it not being spring tides we page 649 stood fast, the officer which was with the party having represented to me that if the Tees could remain until the springs he had no hesitation in saying she might easily be got off. I therefore determined to wait for that period, but unfortunately a gale of wind came on about the 10th May, which drove the brig fifteen feet higher up than when we began. We did not then despair and made every preparation for the approaching springs, but the whole of our strength could not move her, and I was under the necessity of leaving her, having carried away every purchase I have.

I have thought it prudent, at the suggestion of Mr. Kent, her commander, to leave him and two men to take care of her stores and cargo (which is quite complete) until you have an opportunity of sending a vessel down to convey them to Sydney.

I must beg leave to recommend to Your Excellency’s notice Mr. Kent, her commander, who I think is a young man deserving your patronage, although this unfortunate accident has taken place, which he assures me was in consequence of the brig not being supplied with sufficient ground tackle.

I also beg leave to inclose a list^*. of men belonging to the Wellington, brig, who, after they heard of the accident, immediately repaired to their assistance, and never left them, which appears to me the only reason the natives were kept from the Henrietta’s crew, and, should the colonial service allow it, they deserve some remuneration, as an encouragement to other seamen to assist those in distress.