228
From this it will be seen that these gentlemen are of opinion (an opinion, it must however in fairness be observed, given ex post facts, and with the knowledge that an accident had occurred) that the boat in question carried more than ought to have been put into it, but that apart from number or capacity it was "safe for the carriage of prisoners with ordinary care on the part of the occupants."
12. Inclosure No. 2 is a report from Mr. ... whose report I have obtained. I enclose a letter from the Health Officer verifying what I have above stated that he made, and proving that the boat had received all due attention before the accident.
13. At the date of my Despatch (8th August) I was not in a position to state the result of the consideration given to the Jury's remarks, but it will be recollected that the Jury (none of them nautical men) did not dispute "the safety of the boat as far as the carrying capacity went", and this makes the question turn on the form of the boat which is not objected to by the two gentlemen.
14. I beg now to report that although satisfied that the calamity was due solely to the cause certified by the verdict, I gave such attention to the Special finding as to determine on ...