but too well, that if not speedily arrested, the flames must reach the
powder magazine, and then a few smouldering fragments strewed upon the
waters will alone remain of the gallant ship and her living freight.

Such was the hideous form in which death presented itself to the minds
of the crew of the Queen Charlotte, who now anxiously turned their
eyes to their captain and officers, in the hope that, as on former
occasions, their example and assistance might enable them to avert the
threatened danger. Nor was their confidence misplaced.

Captain Todd and his first lieutenant (Mr. Bainbridge) stood upon the
quarter-deck, displaying a calmness and self-possession of which the
effects were soon felt throughout the vessel, and restored order among
the ship's company.

They went among the people, calming their fears, and encouraging them
to increased exertion, neither of them seeming for a moment to think
of his own safety in comparison with that of his companions in danger.

All that man could do in such a case was done; but human foresight and
presence of mind were of no avail against the irresistible power of
that relentless enemy.

The flames darted up the mainmast, reached the boats upon the boom,
and now wrapped in wreathing fires the whole of the quarter-deck,
from whence all had been driven save the captain and first lieutenant,
who still nobly kept their posts.

Amongst those who more particularly distinguished themselves on this
occasion (where all did their duty) was Lieutenant the Hon. G.H.L.