The painting represents the “Northfleet” in a storm under close-reefed topsails, fore staysail, and main trysail, and the “Hebe” under close-reefed topsails, with heavy seas breaking over her, her boats and house washed away, her stern-post (struck by a heavy sea) started, and the brig in a sinking condition.  The cutter, manned by a crew of five, with Captain Knights in charge, and with the rescued crew of the “Hebe” in her, appears under the stern of the “Northfleet,” one man of the “Hebe’s” crew being hoisted on board by a bowline running from the spanker-boom.  The whole of the “Hebe’s” crew were got on board the “Northfleet” in the same way, — the cutter, containing Captain Knights and the crew from the “Northfleet” being then hooked on and run up without accident.

It may be mentioned that the “Northfleet” was the ill-fated vessel which some years afterwards was run down, while at anchor under Dungeness, by the Spanish steamer “Murillo,” when over three hundred lives were lost.

Presentation of a Telescope by the British Government.

In the early part of the year 1859 I received a letter from the Board of Trade, notifying me that the British Government had been pleased to award me a telescope in acknowledgment of my service in rescuing the master and crew of the brig “Hebe,” and requesting me to write a statement, of what took place before and after the rescue, and hand it to the President of the Local Marine Board, on a day named, and to be then presented with a telescope.

I appeared at the place and time appointed, and the President rose from his seat and read my statement to the gentlemen of the Board.  He then asked me if I had rendered any previous service to British or foreign subjects in distress; if so, had I received any reward or remuneration for the same.  If not, then the Board would make application and obtain whatever might be due for such service.  Or, did I wish for any further reward for the present service from any Society in Great Britain, application should be made.

I replied that I had not rendered any previous service to any others in distress, and that what I had done on this occasion was voluntary and spontaneous, without thought of reward.  I considered it only as a duty to my fellow-man; and since the Government had been pleased to acknowledge the service, I was truly grateful.  I was then complimented by the gentlemen of the Board, and was presented with the telescope.  The inscription on it is my greatest pride to this day, as is also the honorary testimonial, stamped on my Government certificate of competency by the recommendation of the Local Marine Board.

To the President and Gentleman of the Local Marine Board, London.