NEW HARTLEY
Hartley, Durham. 16th January, 1862.

The Night Watchers

A large crowd had gathered at the pithead and there was neither confusion nor noise. Around the pit buildings groups were gathered speculating on the fate of the comrades in soft undertones. Whenever the gin was required, there was no shortage of volunteers as the horses at the gin were worn out. When there was nothing to do, they stood around in the bitter cold and from time to time, anxious women came from the village to see if there was any news of their loved ones.

The correspondent of the Newcastle Chronicle described the scene-
“The flaming beacons on the high platform of the Hartley pit glare steadily in the eyes of the weary footed pedestrians approaching from Deval or from the nearer cottages. A thin covering of snow spreads over the ground and has changed the dark, brown, coaly roadways to a path of clear whiteness. The pit heaps are sky grey and the stillness of death reigns, broken only by the interminable orders from the gin, the crab and the jack, which are heard through the morning air. Black figures bend their steps noiselessly towards the gleaming fires where groups of persons were sitting or reclining quietly, the fountains of their grief being well-nigh exhausted, and the anguish of their minds, great as it is, being almost overpowered by the sleepy influences of the hour. On the boilers and in all corners and crevices where shelter is afforded and warmth can be gained, miserable mortals cower and crouch down in silent wretchedness. Some care for not even the slight comfort they derive from shelter and warmth, and stand patiently exposed to the cold, in bleak open spaces. Women still come and go, pensive, sad, and heartbroken the interest waxes stronger and stronger, and every one descending from the high platform, where it is supposed correct intelligence of the state of the working can be obtained, is humbly questioned on the vital subject. And they who reply shake their heads and say, "They are doing all that can be done but there is no further news".

On the platform misery and desolation rule, melancholy forebodings take the place of the cheerful looks of the officers, and every glance of the eye, each slight shake of the head, seems to presage evil. Meanwhile the ponderous machinery works smoothly on, the ropes as thick as a man’s leg glide up and down like slimy serpents, and in the hollow depths of the pit the lights burn distantly in a watery atmosphere.”

The cloth brattice was finished and the shaft cleared of gas by the afternoon and the men resumed work and got into the workings. They found several dead bodies by the furnace and the air was bad. Near a door they found a large number of dead men and boys as though they were asleep but it was the sleep of death.

The party went to the pit bank with this awful news and Joseph Humble and Hall went down again and returned half an hour later with the news that they had found only more dead bodies. Families were lying in groups, fathers clutching sons and brothers. All were asleep. Near the furnace some strong men had died a horrible death. The corn bins were empty and corn was found in the pockets of the victims an unmarked pony was found dead with the men. The rescuers were affected by the gas and no work was done underground until the ventilation was fully restored.

Queen Victoria took a great interest in the events at the colliery and sent the following telegram to the pit-
“Osborne, Jan. 22.
General Grey, Osborne, to the Viewer of the New Hartley Colliery, Shields.
The Queen is most anxious to hear that there are hopes of saving the poor people in the colliery, for whom her heart bleeds.”

In reply, Mr. Carr telegraphed that there were faint hopes of the men or a portion of them, being recovered alive. An hour later another telegram was sent telling Her Majesty of the finding of the bodies.

A second message came from Her Majesty-
“Osborne to South Shields.
23rd. January 1862.
Sir C. Phipps to Messrs. Carr Brothers, Hartley, Newcastle.:-
The Queen has been deeply affected by the dreadful news from Hartley. Her
Majesty feels the most sincere sympathy for the poor widows and orphans. What is doing for them? I write by tonight’s post.”

Mr. G.B. Forster replied:-
“Measures have been adopted for the immediate relief of the poor people. A public meeting is to be held tomorrow at Newcastle for forming a permanent relief fund.
There are 406 women and children left destitute.”

The following letter written to Mr. Carr, the head viewer, by command of Her Majesty was read by the Vicar of Easdown at a large religious meeting held at the pit on Sunday:-
“Osborne January 23rd 1862.
Sir, The Queen, in the midst of her own overwhelming grief, has taken the deepest interest in the mournful accident at Hartley and up to the last had hoped at least a considerable number of poor people might have been recovered alive.. The appalling news since received had affected the Queen very much.
Her Majesty commands me to say that her tenderest sympathy is with the poor widows and mothers, and that her own misery only makes her feel the more for them.
Her Majesty hopes that everything will be done as far as possible to alleviate their distress and Her Majesty will have a sad satisfaction in assisting in such a measure.
Pray let me know what is doing.
I have the honour to be your obedient servant.
C.B. Phipps.”

The clergy visited the bereaved read them the letter and they found it a great consolation.