Cork Mercantile Chronicle 2 February 1816

Upon reference to the army news, we find under date from Ramsgate, Jan. 25, that on that day the William Pitt, Lord Melville, and Sea Horse transport, sailed from thence on that day, having on board the second battalions of the 59^th and 62d regiments, for this port; and we are inclined to think that the second vessel wrecked off Kinsale is the William Pitt, though some doubt appears to be thrown on this supposition, by the statement that she had a detachment of the 82d on board, whereas the Ramsgate note says it was the 59^th and 62d that were in the three vessels that sailed from hence.
The above it will be perceived, only relates to the wrecks of the two vessels off Kinsale; but the misfortune is accumulated by the arrivals yesterday morning from Tramore, in which Bay, we are deeply concerned to state, the Sea horse, the transport named above, as having proceeded to sea from Ramsgate, in company with the Lord Melville and William Pitt, was wrecked on Tuesday with a dreadful loss of lives. The short letter announcing this further calamity was received yesterday by Messrs, Murphy and Roes, Ship Agents, from their correspondent, and is as follows:-

         Waterford Jan. 31, 1816. I am sorry to say that the Sea Horse transport with part of the 59^th regiment on board, bound to your port, was wrecked in Tramore bay yesterday, when 379 people perished in the bay. Richard Pope[1]

Another Letter

Waterford January 31

With the most painful feelings, I have to relate one of the most melancholy appearances I ever recollect to have taken place. Yesterday at about half past one o’clock, the Sea Horse Transport, Captain Gibbs, from Ramsgate to Cork with 300 of the 59^th regiment, 22 officers, 31 women, 40 children, the captain, and 18 seamen was driven on shore by a strong south east wind at Tramore. Unfortunately it was low water when she struck, which prevented her receiving any assistance whatsoever. Though a vessel of between three and four hundred tons, she was soon dashed to pieces, and of the whole of the crew, only four officers, eighteen privates, the captain of the vessel, and two seamen were saved, and this within a pistol shot of land, in the noon of day. Such a scene has not been known on this coast. An Express arrived about two hours since that another vessel was seen approaching the same situation: God grant she may not experience the same fate. The wind is fully as high as yesterday.[2]

Several sail of transports have arrived from Portsmouth and Plymouth, which arrived from those ports from France. They are to be disembarked at Monkstown, to which place the transports have come up for the purpose. The proper officers were in attendance yesterday to superintend their disembarkation, but in consequence of the extreme severity of the weather, they considered it unsafe to attempt it.

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[1] Cork Mercantile Chronicle, 2 February 1816.

[2]Cork Mercantile Chronicle, 2 February 1816.