The Sydney Morning Herald, Friday 2 March 1849
(New South Wales)
 

H.M.S. NELSON
H.M.S. Nelson (flagship of Rear-Admiral H. Fairfax, C.B.) arrived in Farm Cove early yesterday morning from Melbourne . . . Socially, the visit to Melbourne was of a most enjoyable character, entertainments of one kind or another taking place daily, at which the officers of the ship were present; . . .  The men were also remembered in the festivities. Captain Crook and the non-commissioned officers and men of C Company, Victorian militia, gave a dance to the petty officers and men of the ship, and the latter gave a return ball. The blue-ribbon men of the Nelson and the minstrel troupe on board, the Snowflakes, also gave entertainments on shore, which were very successful, the latter’s being in aid of the Sailors’ Home at Williamstown. One of the A.B.’s, name John Hick, 31 years of age, died from brain fever, and was buried in the Williamstown cemetery with military honours. He was a native of Niskeard, Cornwall. Another A.B., Joseph Smith, had a narrow escape from a terrible death, and as it was he is disfigured for life. While the vessel was in dock he was going on board, and missing his footing, he fell to the bottom, a distance of between 15 and 30 feet. On being picked up one of his ears was torn off, an eye was knocked out, and his scalp was hanging down over his face. The poor fellow was taken on board, and received every attention, and strange to say he is now progressing favourable towards recovery.

Contributed by Bob Bolitho