CLACTON-ON-SEA.—The Life-boat Albert Edward put off at about 5.30 P.M. on the 6th January, in reply to signals of distress from the Swin Middle Lightship. The wind was blowing a gale from the E., and the sea was very heavy. On reaching the Lightship they learnt that a barque was ashore on the Maplin Sands. The Life-boat sighted her at 8 P.M., but she could not get alongside until the flood tide made, when she boarded her, and brought the master ashore to telegraph for instructions, arriving at Clacton at 11 A.M. The Life-boat afterwards, at the request of the captain, took him back to the vessel, which was the barque Bertha, of Christiansnnd in ballast..