To the Colonial Secretary - Victoria
King Island
Monday, July 16th, 1866
Sir,
It is with much regret that I have to inform you that the ship "Netherby" of the Black Ball Line with 450 Immigrants on board, was unfortunately wrecked on the West side of King's Island in about latitude 40o S.  On landing the passengers, who are all saved, our boats got stove in, and very little provision has been got out of the ship. It is under these circumstances that I take the liberty of bringing under your notice that immediate assistance must be sent by steamer with provision, otherwise the greatest misery and mischief may ensue.

I have the honour to remain
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Marshall H. Webster
Surgeon Superintendent,
Ship "Netherby".  


SEE MORE ABOUT MARSHALL WEBSTER'S LIFE HERE
Marshall H. Webster, Surgeon Superintendents Letter. 
First Hand Accounts From Those Who Were There

Web admin Karina: Typed version of this letter was provided to my father by Catriona Robinson of Ispwich in March 1998. Catriona is a descendant of passengers Isabella Moffatt who was travelling with her children Luke and Mary, to join her husbane and 3 other children in the colony. My father had come across an article in a magazine called Bremer Echoes authored by Catriona.