To the Editor of the Isle of Wight Observer

Sir, The “incident” referred to in your last paper by Mr C Leicester Bayly occurred on the afternoon of the 9th of November, 1851. The young man was cheque taker on board the Ryde steamer. The verdict returned by the coroner was “died by the visitation of God.” No one has spoken of the young man’s awfully sudden death as being a “miracle” except Mr C Leicester Bayly; but, inasmuch as the young man fell dead in less than an hour after his profane scoffing, many were struck by what they had considered a solemn coincidence. The official business of the Bishop was to visit one of his churches, and to administer confirmation.
I remain, Sir, your obedient servant.
T A Butler
Ryde, October 3, 1860

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