Two letters to the paper, (The Western Times of 8th and 15th April 1843) refer to the foundering of the ship La Pauline on Exmouth bar where the Captain, Monsieur Caillot, and all his crew perished. A third letter pointed out that if Exmouth had been equipped with Manby's mortar lives could have been saved. Exoniensis, a regular correspondent, would seem, from Exeter, to have grossly misjudged the weather conditions prevailing at Exmouth.
"Sir - can any of your correspondents point out why it should not be a most disgraceful, as well as a most distressing thing, that in the midst of a fine summer's day, with a fresh breeze indeed, but nothing of a storm, on the 28th of last month, a French vessel and all her crew was allowed to perish at Exmouth bar?
"It was in full and near view, not only of a numerous population, but of a multitude of seamen with all sorts of boats at hand, and of a preventive station.
"The ill-fated ship is also stated to have been for two hours making signals for a pilot, without obtaining any. Some little explanation of such of the causes of such a calamity seems due to humanity and the public. EXONIENSIS."
To which SPECTATOR replied:
"It was with no little surprise that I observed in your last paper two letters complaining of the 'disgraceful' conduct of the pilots during the wreck off Exmouth bar. I am not aware, sir, whence your correspondents derived their correct information, but I can assure you, from personal observation, that their account is grossly erroneous.
"The "fresh breeze" which 'EXONIENSIS' represents as being so advantageous, was a furious gale, and there was an exceedingly heavy surf all day. Yet, notwithstanding this, two pilot boats from Exmouth were at sea for nearly three hours, making futile attempts to reach the ill-fated vessel; and surely, sir, after running a risk of their lives for that time, such an ungenerous, not to say unjust, attack is almost unpardonable.
"Hoping that you will give the same aid to the cause of justice as you did to that of humanity, I remain, sir, your obedient servant, A SPECTATOR."
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