§ SIR H. DRUMMOND WOLFFasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, If he could state what was the nature of the injuries sustained by the Monarch at Goletta; whether those injuries would cause her to leave the neighbourhood; and, whether she would be replaced by another vessel of the same character?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, a letter describing the accident is expected at the Admiralty to-morrow. Meanwhile, it is known that the gun-cotton which exploded was 2½ lb. in weight, probably the lighting charge of a spar torpedo, and it is likely that the unfortunate young officer who was killed was holding it against his breast. The explosion did not take place on board ship, but in a steam pinnace alongside, and there is no reason to think that the ship is injured. The last telegram from Captain Tryon, of the Monarch, is dated yesterday, and says— 859
Have sent Condor to Malta with four patients for hospital, with orders to coal and Return. William Birch, seaman, died last night. Rest of injured men doing very well.The friends of Birch have been communicated with, and that is as much as we know at present.