Here is a worse seafaring tragedy, even if the participants were not major figures. Item 62 is the
Narrative of the Shipwreck and Sufferings of Miss Ann Saunders. Miss Ann Saunders was the author of this 1827 tale of her sufferings. She was a tough cookie, or at least, the tough wife of a cookie. The
Mary Francis was hit by a powerful gale on February 5, 1826, losing almost all of its provisions. The 20 survivors floundered about the sea, the crew becoming hungrier by the day. The first crewman died on February 12. By the time the second died, ten days later, the survivors were desperate. He was hung up, dried, and sliced to pieces for food. In the next few days, seven more died, and while the survivors said they died of natural causes, some believe a few were assisted in making their way to the dinner table. One to die was the cook, who was engaged to Miss Saunders. The practical Miss Saunders believed her special relationship with the cook entitled her to more of his remains. Reportedly, she sliced him up as he lay dying. She denied anything quite that extreme, but did admit she "plead her claim to the greater portion of his precious blood." When finally rescued on March 7, there were six, Miss Saunders included, still alive. $350.
Lord Horatio Nelson is perhaps England's greatest naval commander. He is most remembered for his great victory over the French in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It sealed England's superiority on the seas. It also sealed Nelson's personal fate. He was shot while commanding his forces and died a few hours later. Ten years earlier, Nelson was already fighting the French, this time Revolutionary rather than Napoleonic France, along the coasts of Italy. Nelson wanted to act more aggressively, but his commanders, Admiral William Hotham and Sir Hyde Parker, were more cautious. Nelson was trying to help the allied Austrian army but his superiors did not provide sufficient support. In this letter, dated December 7, 1795, Nelson makes his thoughts known. "I don't think either Adm. Hotham or Sir Hyde Parker will easily get over it. Their shoulders must bear their own acts. I will not take any of their acts on myself." Item 43. $10,000.
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