Shaw, Savill & Company to Carnarvon (Parliamentary Under-Secretary)
Shaw Savill & Co.
Ship & Insurance Brokers
The Passengers Line of Packets,
for New Zealand, British Columbia &c,
Offices, 34 Leadenhall Street, E.C.
London
3d Feby 1859 The Right Honble The Earl of Carnarvon Downing Street

My Lord
Recollecting the interest which you took personally in the despatch of the stores required for the expedition to British Columbia, we regret greatly to inform your Lordship that by advices received today we learn that the "Briseis" was burnt at sea off the Coast of Brazil. This ship had on board about 400 Tons of miscellaneous supplies. From the source whence the intelligence comes we entertain no doubt of its authenticity.
We remain, My Lord,
Your most obedient Servants
Shaw Savill & Co
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Merivale
Communicate to the Admiralty. Ack: rect with thanks for the attention of the writers in imparting this infn.
The Briseis had no Engineers on board. Her Cargo consisted of Iron houses, & hay, I believe. Perhaps spontaneous combustion may have occasioned this disaster.
ABd 4 Feb
HM F 4
In acknowledging Manuscript imagethe receipt of this letter & thanking as proposed request also to be informed of any further details wh in the course of time the writers may become acquainted with.
C Feby 5
EBL F 9
Other documents included in the file
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Draft, Carnarvon to Shaw, Savill and Company, 12 February 1859, expressing thanks for the information conveyed, and requesting to be informed of any additional particulars which may be learned in future.