Loss Of The Fame.
The following extract of a letter from Bencoolen contains some details of the destruction by fire of the ship IFVame, in wbhich Sir Stamford'Raffles, late Governor of Bencoolen, had embarked with his family and suite on his return to Europe. A more providential escape is scarcely to be found on record:- " On Monda,' Fist, about seven " BGXCOOLEH,. Feb. 6. Oni Aliondar last, about seven ,o'clock at night a light was seen in the direction the Famx sailed, which increased dutring the night; next morning, a ship lying in the roads cut her cable, and stood out towrtds where the nre was seen, and picked up two boats containing Sir Stam. Raffles, and all the other persons who went in the Fame. It appears that about 7 o'clock the steward went into the store-room and broached a cask of brandy, which (being drunk) he set fire to. In a few minutes the ship was in a blaze, an as they hWad powder atd saltpetre on board, the boats were cut away, and all hands left the ship, most of then half dre,ed. Lady Raffles had on her night clothes, and had not time to pe2t on even a pair of stockings. Most of the people were ithout hats; *they had not time to get a drop of water or any thing to eat; only one boat had a compass. Nevertheless, no life was lost. It is certairly one of the most mi- raculous deliverances I ever heard of. Had the been one day fur. ther out at sea, or had there been any winds.every soul of tlem must have been lost. Sir Stamfora and LadyRaffes are much better than could be expected. Me states his Personal loss to be of immense amount, independent of his valuable papers which he *,ould not have lost for double the value of his personal property : indeed, the world has suffercd a very great loss. He had maps, drawings, and every sort of natural cemiOsitv for the literary world, and had intended to print a history ofSnmatra: he says all hi fit- ture hopes are blasted, and that on Lis Dapeas he had expected to build his Tuture fame and prospects. They arc now without clothes to their backs. The people are a'l senling what they can spare. The captain goes to Padary in hopes of being able to buy a ship, and as there is areport of a ship going homefrom that port, I take the op- portunity of sending this Ictter. Aa address has been nresented to him to condole for his loss, and cDngratulate him on his safety. He does not intend sttaying, but goes the first opportunity. He cer- tainly is quite indefatigable, havingbegun a new map of Sumatra, and has sent out men to find specimnes of natural history." LOSS OP THE FAAIB.