There’s a Divinity that shapes our ends,
Rough-hew them as we will.
This gallant officer, formerly commander of a post-office packet on the
Holyhead station, lost his life, in 1833, by being washed overboard in an
almost unaccountable manner, while standing on his own vessel speaking to
one of his sailors, who was carried away by the same wave with his
captain, and both ultimately disappeared. It is said the weather was not
very boisterous, and that the accident was one of the most extraordinary
ever known in the annals of naval experience.
The obelisk monument, erected by public subscription, to the memory of
the estimable and noble-spirited officer, is now to be seen on the rocks
south of the harbour. He was generally respected, and his loss greatly
regretted by his numerous friends. Surely no one can visit this
generous, humane, and affecting tribute of regard, without reflecting on
the solemn and sudden visitations of an inscrutable Providence, as
exemplified in the untimely end of the brave and benevolent Capt.
Skinner.