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by Jon Malings 

UNFORTUNATE SURVIVORS IN THE SHIP BRUTUS

  
TO THE EDITORS OF THE LIVERPOOL MERCURY
 
GENTLEMEN, —Your paper of tomorrow wi1l no doubt, give some particulars of the distressing events which have occurred on board the Brutus, which returned to this port yesterday, having lost from her crew and passengers eighty two persons, (as report states,) from the generally prevailing disease. It is probable this circumstance may occasion a subject of argumentation, not only amongst those of the faculty, who admit the existence of Asiatic cholera in this part of the world, and those who deny it, but also furnish a theme for discussion between those who admit it, but differ in opinion as to its being contagious or not. With this part of the matter I have as little inclination as I have ability to meddle; but there is one point of view of this melancholy event which appears to me so self-evident, that it will admit of no difference of opinion, and that is, that people in so distressed and deplorable a condition, have an undeniable claim upon their countrymen who have the means to contribute towards the alleviation of their sufferings. My object in now addressing you is to request, or rather to suggest, that in announcing the melancholy tidings of what has happened to these poor creatures, who, from various causes, were leaving the land of their fathers, that a subscription should be made for their relief; not doubting that you would receive it at your office—Yours, &c.   AN ENGLISHMAN,
Who sympathizes with all those who feel compelled to quit the island.
June 14th 1832

We have great pleasure in stating that the Liverpool parish authorities, as soon as they heard of the arrival of the Brutus, under the afflicting circumstances described, sent on board a supply of provisions, medicine, and bedding. The promptitude with which this was done is most praiseworthy; and we do hope that there is not to be found amongst our parishioners one man so selfish, and so lost to common humanity, as to object to the expenditure thus incurred. The temporary relief thus afforded by the parish authorities will not render the further assistance recommended by our correspondent the less necessary. The distress on board of this ill-fated vessel, the family bereavements, blighted prospects and sufferings of the survivors, entitle them, in no ordinary degree, to public sympathy.—Edits. Merc.