Name Pique Explanation Type5th rate   Launched21 July 1834 HullWooden PropulsionSail Builders measure1633 tons Displacement  Guns36 Fate1910 Class  Ships book Note1872 r.s.
1882 lent as hospital hulk Snippets concerning this vessels caree. Date Event 3 August 1837
- August 1841Commanded by Captain Edward Boxer, North America, West Indies and (in 1840) the Mediterranean (including operations on the coast of Syria) 14 November 1841
- 1 August 1842Commanded by Captain Henry Forbes, West Indies 1 August 1842
- 1846Commanded by Captain Montagu Stopford, North America and West Indies 26 December 1853Commanded by Captain Frederick William Erskine Nicolson, Pacific (including 1854 Anglo-French squadron during the Russian War and 2nd Anglo-Chinese War))

Amphitrite, 1816
Type: 5th rate ;
Armament 46
Launched : 14 Apr 1816 ;
Disposal date or year : 1875
BM: 1064 tons
Notes:
24 Dec 1816 Spithead (Captain Plumridge), arrived on Tuesday from Bombay, last from Plymouth, and awaiting a fair wind to go into harbour to pay off.
1 Jan 1820 built of teak.
1830 Portsmouth
Portsmouth Mar 26 1832 Arrived from Deptford.
Portsmouth Dec 5, 1832 Arrived from Woolwich.
21 Oct 1847 Squadron Exercises see below
Jun-Jul 1848 Off the Slave Coast (Sierra Leone). See article from the Morning Chronicle, for 11 Sep 1848 below.
10 Sep 1848 Captured slave vessel St. Antonio Triumpho
18 Sep 1848 Captured slave vessel Josepha
20 Dec 1848 Pacific Station(B)
19 Jun 1852 At Sydney it is reported by a visiting ship that this vessel was at Honolulu
11 May - 7 Sep 1854, when news of the war being declared against the Russians was received the British force on the China and Japan station consisted of the President, Pique, Amphitrite, Trincomalee, Virago and the French the Forte, Eurydice, Artemise, and Obligado. A number of operations appear to have been carried out, none of which were carried through to a satisfactory conclusion - see p. 429-> at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow
18 Dec 1854 It is reported that this vessel arrived on the morning of the 12th Oct per Polynesian of Oct 14, having sailed from San Fransico on 2 Sep and have been cruising for the past 6 weeks, but have seen no Russians. They have been in at Monterey, and again returned to SF, whence they sailed the second time and arrived here nearly direct
12 June 1855, the squadron, including the Pique, Dido, Brisk, Encounter, Barracouta, FNS Alceste, and the American store put to sea, but having met with the Amphitrite, and FNS Eurydice, returned to Petropalovski departing a day or so later.
27 Jun 1855, joined the Barracouta and Pique, as senior officer, off the coast of Siberia, and experiencing floating ice, and parts of the coast that were still ice-bound.
30 Jun 1855, off the river Amoor, where it was thought that some Russian vessels may have been hidden, and where the masters of the 3 ships carried out a survey to see how navigable the river was.
7 Jul 1855, sailed for the port of Ayan in Siberia, and on the 8th experienced visibility of about 50 miles, and not long afterwards arrived at their destination.
15 Jul 1855, the Barracouta and Pique departed Ayan, leaving the Amphitrite to sail later.
1860 Devonport.
1862 lent to contractors at Plymouth.
1870 Devonport, In Ordinary.

Trincomalee, 1817
Type: 5th rate ; Armament 46 (28 Ч 18pdr ; 8 Ч 32pdr ; 10 Ч 9pdr)
Launched : 12 Oct 1817 ; BM: 1066 tons ; Displacement: 1447 tons
Notes:

1847 26-gun 6th rate.

1830 Portsmouth

31 Oct 1840 Portsmouth, is ready for commission, the bulkheads and interior fittings being all complete.

7 Apr 1845 at Portsmouth, in the basin, preparing to be razeed.

17 May 1845 at Portsmouth, in dock.

24 Feb 1846 at Portsmouth, in the Basin.

15 Jul 1846 has received her masts.

3 Aug 1847 Master and Purser appointed.

20 Aug 1847 it is reported that there is insufficient room to work the Forecastle pivot gun.

4 Sep 1847 in harbour, fitting for sea.

9 Sep 1847 is recruiting her ship's company.

14 Sep 1847 has hauled off her hulk (usually used for accommodation whilst a vessel it being fitted out for sea) and has commenced painting ship.

15 Sep 1847 swinging her compass.

16 Sep 1847 has gone out to Spithead.

17 Sep 1847 is expected to be inspected and paid tomorrow, Saturday, and to sail Sunday, with her sister ship, the Amphitrite, on a trial cruize. 18 Sep 1847 weather too boisterous at Spithead to carry out planned events. Try again tomorrow, weather permitting.

19 Sep 1847 was inspected by the Commander-in-Chief, and then paid.

22 Sep 1847 having sailed on their trial cruize, the Amphitrite and Trincomalee, the weather coming on thick, they put back to St. Helen's a sheltered anchorage on the east coast of the Isle of Wight.

2 Oct 1847 the Amphitrite and Trincomalee arrived in the Tagus, joining Sir Charles Napier's Squadron at anchor.

7 Oct 1847 the Squadron sailed on exercises. At 5 p.m. anchored at Caxias.

8 Oct 1847 the Canopus, Vengeance, Amphitrite and Trincomalee sailed on a cruise to try rate of sailing etc.

21 Oct 1847 Squadron Exercises see below

20 Dec 1848 North America and West Indies.

11 May - 7 Sep 1854, when notice of war being declared against the Russians was received on the China and Japan station, the vessels on station consisted of the President, Pique, Amphitrite, Trincomalee, Virago and the French the Forte, Eurydice, Artemise, and Obligado. A number of operations appear to have been carried out, none of which were carried through to a satisfactory conclusion - see p. 429-> at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow

29 May 1854 Sailed from Honolulu to the northward, perhaps in the tracks of the Russian frigate Diana, which left this port the previous day.

1860 Chatham, reduced to a 24

8 Jan 1861 Chatham. Commissioned as RNR Drill Ship for Service at Sunderland.

1864 Home Station, as RNR Drill Ship at West Hartlepool. Report of Measles onboard. Number of Cases of Disease and Injury.

1870 Drill ship for RNR, Hartlepool, 16 guns

1 Jan 1873 Recommissioned

1879 Drill ship for RNR, Southampton Water, 15 guns

1879 Drill ship for RNR, Southampton Water, 15 guns

Apr 1886 Southampton

Jul 1890 Armourer C. Bound awarded LS & GC Medal.

1897 sold as Foudroyant, Training Ship,

1990 Renamed Trincomalee, being preserved at Hartlepool
________________________________________
Naval Intelligence.
Sir Charles Napier's Squadron

Portsmouth, October 21.- The arrival of the Sidon steam frigate, Captain. Henderson, C.B.. enables us to continue our interesting details of the movements of Sir Charles Napier's squadron. Our last were by the Recruit, and dated Lisbon, the 8th instant:

" October 9.- At 9 A.M. signal was made by Sir Henry Leeke, Captain of the Queen, who was directed by the Commander-in-Chief (Sir C. Napier) to superintend and command the whole, for all the boats manned and armed, to be able to land marines and small arm men. At 10 A.M. the boats having been placed in line along the sandy beach, the word was given, "Prepare to land," when each boat dashed to the shore, and to those who were looking on it appeared incredible that in so short a space of time (five minutes), and by the energy and direction of one man, assisted by the officers under him, the whole force, amounting to 1200 men, with five field pieces, should have been landed and formed ready to advance. We speak of the whole, but in doing so we may be allowed to give especial credit to the Queen's men, who, vieing with the Avenger's Marine Artillery, were both positively upon the beach with their field-pieces limbered up and loaded and then formed, before the others were out of the boats. Next came the Caledonia's, close upon the heels of the two former. The manoeuvring of the marines and seamen went off well, and Sir Henry Leeke was heard to compliment Lieutenant Clarke of the Stromboli for the admirable order of his men, and their excellent discipline, as well as for the zeal he displayed throughout the day. At 3 o'clock p.m. the whole party embarked, and although there was much surf upon the beach, not one accident of any sort occurred.

" Sunday 10.- No movements.

" Monday 11.- The marines and small arm men were again landed under the directions of Captain Sir Henry Leeke, the Commander-in-Chief, Sir C. Napier, commanding the whole. The same mode of landing as on Saturday was adopted, but the forming was not quite so quick on account of there being more surf upon the beach. The battalion was, however, immediately formed, and the men were put through their manoeuvres by the admiral in person. Sir Charles Napier then sent to Sir Henry Leeke to say he was with the seamen and marines of the Queen, and supernumerary marines of the Caledonia, to defend a small rising ground, while he, Sir Charles, with his whole force, attacked it. In one moment, Sir Henry was at work with his men, and in a few more a most perfect battery was thrown up, with breastworks, embrasures outside ditch, and seven guns brought to bear. The marines and seamen under Sir Charles N Napier then advanced to the attack, and a variety of interesting manoeuvres, none of them concerted, took place. At three, p.m., the whole party embarked and reached their ships in safety, although a heavy surf was beating on the beech. The Terrible arrived to-day, from the coast of Africa, with the Portuguese exiles. This afternoon the squadron weighed anchor, and took up more eligible berths in closer proximity to the town.

" October 12.- No movements of consequence.

" October 13.-The Vengeance returned today and reported the result of the trials between the Amphitrite and Trincomalee, which is important, and which I give you separately. (See below.)

" October 14.- The Canopus returned today from superintending the trial sailing of the Amphitrite and Trincomalee. whom she had sent on to their respective stations.

" October 15.- The admiral hoisted his flag in the Sidon, and put to sea in company with the Odin and Dragon ; the Odin having six of the St. Vincent's upper deck 32-pounders on her main-deck, in addition to her own usual armament, to have a trial. The Odin carried this extra armament well. The Dragon and Sidon were to try the effect of the extra quantity of coal the latter had on board, the Sidon on having 650 tons in her bunkers, and the Dragon only about 320, her usual quantity. The coals did not seem to impede the Sidon's working, but the Dragon had a slight advantage under steam ; the Sidon's inclination under sail was only four degrees.

The Amphitrite and Trincomalee.

" The trial between these razeed frigates was a special one, in order to ascertain as far as possible whether White's bow possesses any of those material advantages over the old bow which has been alleged it does. The Amphitrite has had White's bow given her ; the Trincomalee remains as she was built. The following is the result:

" On the afternoon of the 8th, the detached squadron, consisting of the Canopus, 84, Captain Moresby ; the Vengeance, 84, Captain Lushington ; the Trincomalee, 25, Captain Warren ; and the Amphitrite, 25, Captain Eden, were despatched from the Tagus on a trial cruise under the orders of Commodore Moresby ; they had a fine leading wind through the South Channel in the following order :-The Amphitrite, the Canopus, the Vengeance, and the Trincomalee. On the morning of the 9th, the Terrible hove in sight, and communicated with the Canopus. She was 30 days from St. Paul de Loando, with all the Portuguese exiles on board, except two, one of whom had died; the other remained behind at his own request. Bomfim and Villa Real were among them. After communicating, she stood in for Lisbon.

" On the 10th the ships tried rate of sailing on a wind, commencing at 8 a.m.; wind S W., under royals, flying jib, and whole topsails, on the starboard tack. At 8-30 a.m., the Trincomalee from the Amphitrite, S. 10 W. 750 yards ; both ships close hauled on the starboard tack, and ordered to chase, S.W., the direction of the wind ; considerable swell from N.W. At 9 the Trincomalee from the Amphitrite, S. 20 E., 1200 yards. At 9.30 the Trincomalee from the Amphitrite, S. 19 E. 2000 yards. At this time both tacked, and at 1030 a.m. their position from each other was the Trincomalee from the Amphitrite, S. 1300 yards. At 11 a.m. the Trincomalee from the Amphitrite, S. 75 W. 1500 yards ; at noon the Trincomalee from the Amphitrite N. 35 W. 1800 yards ; consequently, the Trincomalee had fore-reached 1800 yards on the Amphitrite, but the latter had weathered nearly half that distance on her opponent. At noon the dense fog put an end to the trial, and the ships were recalled by fog-signals.

Second Trial.

" October 11.- Wind west, moderate breeze ; heavy swell from the N.W. Amphitrite and Trincomalee tried rate of sailing, with the wind quarterly, steering S.E., with all possible sail set. At 10 a.m., Amphitrite from Trincomalee S. 45 E. 4000 yards. At 11 a.m. the Amphitrite from Trincomalee, S. 38 E. 3400 yards. At noon, the Amphitrite from Trincomalee, S. 36 E. 5400 yards. At 1 p.m. the Amphitrite from Trincomalee, S. 39 E. 5000 yards.

Yards.
At 2 p.m. Am. from Trin. S. 38 E. 4,300
At 3 p.m. Am. from Trin. S. 35 E. 7,000
At 4 p.m. Am. from Trin. S. 36 E. 5,600

" Thus ended the second trial, the Amphi-trite beating the Trincomalee by about half a mile in a run of six hours, and log distance of forty miles. The breeze during the trial freshened and lulled occasionally, which may partly account for the discrepancies in the dis-tances.

Third Trial.

" Wind west, moderate breeze, north-west swell; ships under whole topsails, topgallant sails, royals. Jibs, spanker. and courses, close hauled, and ordered to chase to the west-ward.

Yards
At 9-80 a.m. Am. from Trin. N. 30 W. 1,200
At 10 a.m. Am. from Trin. N. 20 W. 1,600
At 11 a.m. Am. from Trin. N. 34 W. 2,250
At Noon Am. from Trin. S. 70 W. 1,100
At 1 p.m. Am. from Trin. S. 70 W. 2,100

Tacked together and stood to the southward and westward.

Yards.
At 1-30 p.m. Trio. from Amph. S 78 W. 2,500
At 1-45 p.m. tacked together and stood to the northward

Yards
At 2 p.m. Trio. from Amph. S. 50 W. 3,300
At 3 p.m. Trio. from Amph. S. 5 W. 3,700
At 4 p.m. Trio. from Amph. S. 15 W. 4,270

Recalled by signal.- The Trincomalee during the trial of six hours and a half, had weathered on the Amphitrite 3300 yards, the latter having fore-reached on the former during the same time 3500 yards. In the first trial the Trincomalee fore-reached on her adversary, but the latter had weathered on her opponent. In the second trial the Amphitrite headed the Trincomalee ; in the third trial Trincomalee weathered, the Amphitrite fore-reached. Neither of these ships appear to have more than common weatherly qualities. On the first day's trial, after the general recall had been made, the Trincomalee was observed to raise stays twice.

" October 13, 9 A.M.- Signal is just made, "An, opportunity for letters by Vengeance." She is going into Lisbon, and now the frigates will receive their orders to proceed to their respective stations. (The Canopus despatched them - the Amphitrite to the coast of Africa, and the Trincomalee to the West India station - before leaving the cruizing ground.) "

Dido, 1836
Type: Corvette - sloop ;
Armament 18
Launched : 13 Jun 1836 ; Disposal date or year : 1903
BM: 734 tons
Notes:

9 Jan 1839 at Malta.

13 Jan 1839 departed Malta for Corfu.

Malta, 15 May 1839 In Port.

Sep 1939 at Smyrna.

18 Oct 1839 Beshika Bay The corvette Hazard relieves the Dido on the Smyrna station.

14 Dec 1839 Malta The Castor, Dido, Daphne, and Hazard, have lately had an experimental cruise ; they returned to Vourla Bay on the 3d of December, but (up to the date of Phoenix leaving) it was not ascertained which was the best sailer ; report says the Hazard.

14 Dec 1839 Malta Mr. Thomas M'Knight, purser of the Dido, has been appointed to the Vanguard, vice Hutten ; Mr. George P. Rickcord, additional clerk of the Vanguard, is appointed acting purser of the Dido.

11 Jan 1840 The Dido was to leave Malta shortly for Constantinople to relieve the Carysfort.

17 May 1840 was at Constantinople, and expected to remain there a month or two longer.

28 Jun 1840 was lying at Constantinople and expected to be relieved about the end of this month by the Talbot.

16 Aug 1840 The Talbot is reported to have arrived in the Dardanelles on the 14th and was wind-bound : she will relieve the Dido at Constantinople.

6 Sep 1840 sailed from Alexandria with Admiral Stopford's squadron.

9 Sep 1840 arrived Beyrout.

11 Sep 1840 attempt to take fort at Gebail - see p. 314 at at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow

14 Sep 1840 Beyrout, The bombardment continued and the allied troops fortified their positions.

15 Sep 1840 Beyrout, Carysfort, Dido and Cylops sent to Gibbail in an attempt to remove enemy troops from the fortress, who repulsed the first attempt, but withdrew to Beyrout during the night.

22 Oct 1840 with the blockading squadron off Alexandria.

Aug - Nov 1840 Capture of Acre and operations on the coast of Syria. Turkish Medals awarded to the Officers and Men employed during the Campaign. 16 Oct 1844 those onboard between 9 Sep - 10 Oct 1840, and at the bombardment of St. Jean D’Acre, on the 3 Nov 1840, will be paid their respective proportions of the grant voted by Parliament for the said services.

21 Nov 1840 it is reported to have been sent to Beyrout to advise the Admiral of an accident which happened on board the Medea.

2 Dec 1840, it came on to blow, the Zebra being lost in the bay of Khaifa and the Pique and Bellerophon being nearly lost on the Syrian coast.

8 Dec 1840 had arrived in Marmorice Bay, from Beyrout.

10 Apr 1841, Master George Wright (acting), appointed to Edinburgh from Dido, vice Davis, invalided. Master J. R. Aylen, from the Wasp, appointed to the Dido, vice Knight.

3 May 1841 arrived at Smyrna from Candia to relieve the Daphne.

11 Jul 1841, Malta, arrived from the Gulf of Suda.

16 Aug 1841, arrived Spithead, from the Mediterranean, and sailed on Wednesday to the eastward, to be paid off.

11 Sep 1841, Captain Hon. Henry Keppel, appointed to the Dido.

4 Sep 1841, was commissioned at Sheerness by Captain the Hon. Henry Keppel.

2 Oct 1841, Lieutenants James A. Abbott, Henry Eden, and James Hunt ; Purser C. Bullmar ; Surgeon A. Donahoe ; Assistant Surgeon John Simpson appointed to the Dido.

9 Oct 1841, Midshipman E. D'Жth, appointed to the Dido.

12 Oct 1841, Mate W. L. Partridge, Dido, passed for Lieutenant at the Naval College.

6 Nov 1841, Midshipman C. G. Rowley, appointed to the Dido.

11 Dec 1841, Lieutenant W. Tottenham appointed to the Dido.

11 Dec 1841, Spithead, arrived from Sheerness.

24 Dec 1841, Spithead, sailed for Plymouth, en route for China.

25 Dec 1841 arrived Plymouth.

26 Dec 1841, Plymouth, will be paid advance of wages before proceeding to China.

27 Dec 1841, Mate Armytage appointed to the Dido.

31 Jan 1842 off Falmouth. John Connell died of smallpox.

21 Mar 1842 arrived Simon's Bay.

24 April 1842 arrived off Java Head.

7 May 1842 arrived Singapore. The purser J.C. Bulman died a few days previously in the Sundra Strait.

At some time during the period 1839-42 engaged in the Operations in China. Officers and Men serving on this ship during this period may be eligible for a Medal. See p. 288 at at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow

11 May 1842 sailed for Hong Kong, arriving on the 30th.

5 Jun 1842 Hong Kong, sailed with the Serpent for Chusan with a convoy of transports.

14 Jun 1842 arrived Woosung and crew involved in destruction of forts.

19 Jun 1842 to attack on forts at Shanghai. See p. 300 at at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow

16 Jun - 29 Aug 1842, expedition up the Yang-tse-Keang, to the end of hostilities and signing of the Treaty of Nanking. See p. 300-> at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow and www.gazettes-online.co.uk.

Jul 1842 sailed up the Yang-tse-Kiang to Chiang Kiang-Fu which was captured on the 19th and Nanking on the 27th.

14 Sep 1842 relieved by the Childers and she started back down river for Hong Kong, with eighty on the sick list, calling at Woosung (24 Sep), and Chusan (11 Oct), arriving 23 Nov.

6 Dec 1842 inspected by R.-Adm.Sir T. Cochrane.

20 Dec 1842 Hong Kong, sailed in company with the Endymion and Wolverine, with a convoy, for Singapore.

1842 Engaged in the Operations in China. Officers and Men serving on this ship during this period may be eligible for a Medal. See www.gazettes-online.co.uk for more detailed info on the incidents in which she was involved.

20 Dec 1842 Hong Kong, sailed in company with the Endymion and Wolverine, with a convoy, for Singapore.

30 Dec 1842 arrived Singapore. Jan - Apr ship's boats involved in anti-piracy patrols.

5 May - 28 June 1842 sailed for Borneo and with Rajah Brooke and the ship's boats, was involved in a number of attacks against piratical strongholds.

30 Jun 1842 sailed for Hong Kong, where she arrived 12 Jul.

Dec 1842 Visited the Philippines.

Jan 1843, Captain the Hon. Henry Keppel, of the Dido, became senior naval officer in the Straits Settlements and subsequently held discussions with James Brooke regards the piracy problem in that area. See p. 324 at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow

Mar 1843, at Pinang, received news of attacks by pirates on native vessels trading to Singapore, and departed to Singapore to refit and gain more intelligence on the problem, such as Mr James Brooke, of Sarawak.

4 May 1843, passed through the Tambelan Islands, anchoring off the mouth of the Sambas River on the 5th, deploying the ship's boats in the search for pirates.

8 May 1843, deployed the ship's boats to the Island of Marundum, with Mr. Brooke, whose knowledge, it was hoped, of the Malay language would help the boat's crews when meeting with the natives.

9 May 1843, off Tanjong Datu sighted 3 suspected pirate vessels, who escaped, returning the following day to pick up their anchor, and whilst they discovered a good supply of fresh water and oysters, the bay contained a number of rocks which were covered at all but low tide.

13 May 1843, anchored off Tamkpong Poe, and the following morning crossed the bar and entered the River Morotaba, the boats deployed on the 8th returning that evening, having experienced action with boats belonging to the Rajah of Rhio.

16 May 1843, proceeded further up the river to Sarawak.

8 Jun 1843, having put together a native force to support the Dido in an attack on Paddi.

11-13 Jun 1843, attacked and burnt Paddi, and obtained the submission of the natives in that region, on the condition that pirates in other districts would be similarly dealt with.

14 Jun 1843, having re-provisioned for a further 4 days, took the flood tide up the river to Pakoo, which was reached that evening, and the defences not yet being ready the pirates fled without firing a shot. As with Paddi the forts etc. were set on fire and lit the night sky for some hours.

15 Jun 1843, the chiefs of Pekoo came down with a flag of truce, and agreed to the terms agreed at Paddi, and preparations were made for the attack on Rembas, where 700 Linga Dyaks were landed with a view to attacking the forts from the rear, and the matter was almost over without a shot being fired, the pirates running in all directions and the Linga Dyaks taking a few trophies, which was following the following day by the flag of truce and agreement to conform to a more civilized way of life.

1 May - 17 Jun 1843 operations carried out against pirates in Borneo - see p. 325 at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow

17 Jun 1843, Surgeon Simpson, was now laid up with a fever, and then, having slipped and fallen into the river, was so ill when recovered that he soon passed away.

24 Jun 1843, the force was now disbanded as the tribes went their various ways, with their loot, and the officers and men from the Dido returned on board, to where she was now lying, at Burong, and from thence to the mouth of the Morotaba and across the Straits to Singapore to water, and was under sail for the China coast in 24 hours.

Having arrived on the coast of China, spent some months in the Canton River, before leaving for Manila with the C-in-C, and then returning to Hongkong. In late Jan 1844 embarked a number of senior army officers for Calcutta, via Singapore, arriving 10 Feb., from whence she sailed for Penang and Calcutta aka City of Palaces, (11 Mar), arriving back at Hong Kong with treasure on 26 May, where Lt F Wade replace Lt W Horton, who had been promoted to Commander for his action in the ship's boats.

21 Jun 1844, having re-provisioned etc., departed Hongkong for Macao, and from thence, against the monsoon, down to Singapore.

18 Jul 1844, arrived back at Singapore.

25 Jul 1844, sailed for the entrance to the River Morotaba, arriving on the 29th and anchoring in the river. The Captain of the Dido transferred to the steamer Phlegethon for the passage upstream, taking with him the gig and pinnace for the last 4 miles

5 Aug 1844, departed downstream from Sarawak in the Phlegethon, to bring together the armed force to attack the Sakarran pirates, led by Seriff Sahib, and later in the day anchored in the Batang Lupar.

6 Aug 1844, departed up river with the flood tide. Sent warning to Seriff Jaffer not to give support to Seriffs, Sahib and Muller.

7 Aug 1844, set off the following morning, but was soon in sight of Patusen, and had to wait for the tide in order to pass some shoals. When the tide was right it carried the steamer and boats in front of the forts and the forts. Once the men from the boats had landed they charged the forts and as they entered the natives reputedly exited from the rear. The casualties suffered by men from the Dido, was the death of the captain of the main-top, John Ellis, whilst manning the bow gun of the Jolly Bachelor. 2 other men, not named, were badly wounded. The pirates suffered the loss of accommodation for a reputed 5000 men, some with families ; 4 forts destroyed ; several hundred boats also destroyed ; 60 brass cannon captured, and about 15 iron cannon spiked and thrown in the river, along with large quantities of arms and ammunition.

8-9 Aug 1844, spent searching for and destroying anything that the pirates might find of use in their trade.

10 Aug 1844, carried on inland up the river to where the Sakarran Dyaks were thought to be, some 15 miles above Patusen.

Aug 1844 involved in incursions into the pirate strongholds at Sakarran etc., aided by the HEIC steamer Phlegethon off Gillolo - see p. 327-> at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow

14 Aug 1844 destruction of pirates in the Sakarran river, Borneo.

19 Aug 1844 destruction of pirates in the Undop river, Borneo.

4 Sep 1844, the force arrived back at Sarawak having removed the evil Macota, and Seriffs Sahib and Jaffer from positions of power.

16 Oct 1844 Singapore, sailed for England.

27 Jan 1845 Arrived Spithead.

12 Feb 1845 Paid off at Sheerness.

End of April 1847 Sailed from Singapore to NZ (Captain J.B. Maxwell)

2 July 1847 Arrived Auckland from the Indian Station. Relieves HMS Castor which sails for England on 8 July.

7 Aug 1847 The following is a list of the officers of H.M.S. Melampus and Dido, daily expected on this station. Dido, 18, Captain J. B. Maxwell ; Lieutenants-T. C. O. D. Whipple, R. B. Brale, and F. W. Gough ; Master, John Kellock ; Lieutenant of Marines, --------- ; Chaplain and Naval Instructor, Arthur Browne ; Surgeon, J. J. D. Burns ; Paymaster and Purser, D. G. Charles ; Mate, Charles Kent ; Assistant Surgeon, Matthew Burton ; Second Master, W. G. M. Stent.

Circa 21 Sep 1847 Auckland

6 Dec 1847 letter regarding late schooner "Vanguard" and investigation of the murder of her crew.

9 Oct 1847 Sailed for Wanganui

19 Dec 1847 Naval Intelligence.- Extract of a letter from Auckland, dated 19th December:- "The Dido is about starting for the Fegee Islands, in consequence of some murders lately committed. - The Bishop goes in her to visit those islands.

24 Dec 1847 Sailed for the Feejee Islands

3 Mar 1848 Spoke with the "Maukin" off Cape Brett, on her return from the Feejee Islands

11 Mar 1848 The cargo of the Swallow had all been landed and sold at Singapore. Dr. Burns, of H.M.S. Dido, Dr. O'Sullivan, H.E.I.C., Assistant Surgeon Gallagher, of H.M.S. Bramble, and Lieutenant Downan, Royal Marines, were passengers by the Swallow from Hongkong for Sydney and in the typhoon in which she was dismasted lost everything belonging to them.

Circa 21 Mar 1848 At Auckland

19 May 1848 Departed Auckland for Sydney

5 Jun 1848 Arrived Sydney from Auckland

17 Jun 1848 Preserved meats, 6000 lbs. Taken by H.M.S. Dido at 6d. per lb. At Sydney

20 Jun 1848 Sailed from Sydney for Auckland.

Circa 30 Jun 1848 Arrived Auckland, as the Lousa left for Sydney.

17 Aug 1848 Sailed to Wellington, with despatches for the Governor-in-Chief, from thence she would proceed to the Feejee Islands.

24 Aug 1848 Arrived at Wellington from Auckland.

20 Sep 1848 Reported by the "Despatch" to be at Port Nicholson

30 Sep 1848 At Port Nicholson. Crew of Dido assist captain of barque Raymond to bring the vessel into port, his crew being in a state of mutiny.

4 Nov 1848 H.M.S. Dido sailed for England direct

5 Dec 1848 Left Fort William (East Falkland)

14 Dec 1848 Spoken to at lat. 21° 18' S long. 22° 55' W, by Sir Robert Peel

23 Jan 1849 Arrived Portsmouth. 81 days from New Zealand, being the quickest passage on record.

2 Feb 1849 Captain Keppel is reputed to have sent the Dido round to Sheerness under the command of the Master in order that he might see his wife at Droxford, and then take her cross-country to meet the ship - see p. 328-9 at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow

May/June 1852 Reported to be lying at Tahiti.

21 May 1854 Arrived at Mazatlan, having onboard Capt Springer, of the Petrita and Messrs Gillam, Kelly and Bryan who were transferred to the US Revenue Cutter Wm. L. Marcy, to be conveyed to San Fransico - per Placer?

12 May 1855, the Barracouta met the French frigate Alceste, which was going to form a part of an allied squadron forming up off Kamschatka. The President was reported to be in the area with R.-Adm. Bruce on board, and the Dido was to the north searching for a privateer, and on the following day the Brisk hove in sight.

27 May 1855, the southern coast of Kamschatka became visible.

31 May 1855, the following vessels Pique, Dido, Brisk, Alceste, Encounter, Barracouta, and the American store ship Nile rendezvoused off Petropalovski.

1 Jun 1855, the squadron entered the harbour of Petropalovski, but discovered that despite appearing to have reinforced the fortifications the Russians had departed for the River Amur.

7 Jun 1855, destroyed the batteries and magazines at Petropalovski.

9 Jun 1855, watched the volcano of Koselskoi erupt, the sky over the mountain being tinged with red as night fell, the following morning the sea being covered with ashes, and a slight shock of an earthquake was experienced.

12 June 1855, the squadron put to sea, but having met with the Amphitrite, and FNS Eurydice, returned to Petropalovski, but appear to have gone their various ways afterwards, as directed by the Flag Officer.

30 Nov 1855 News received at Sydney that the Juno and Dido are reported to be at Opolu, the former was about to proceed to Vavou, and the latter to Tahiti.

1860 Coal (hulk) Depot, Sheerness

1870 Coal Depot, Sheerness

1879 Coal Depot, Sheerness

1890 Coal Depot, Sheerness

Encounter, 1846
Type: Corvette ;
Armament 14
Launched : 24 Sep 1846 ;
Disposal date or year : 1866
BM: 953 tons
Propulsion: Screw
Machinery notes: 360
Notes:

8 Feb 1845 a drawing was sent to Pembroke to build the "Encounter."

Jan, 1846, quarter built. Converted to screw on stocks

Jul-Aug 1848 See article by the Morning Herald re Screw Steam-Vessels.

20 Dec 1848 Portsmouth

30 Aug 1851 Experimental Squadron

4 Apr 1854 operation against local imperial troops in conjunction with the Grecian and U.S. corvette Plymouth - see p. 386-8 at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow

Circa 18 Aug 1854, a squadron under Sir James Stirling, consisting of the Winchester, Encounter, Styx, and Barracouta departed the mouth of the Yang ste Kiang for Japan.

7 Sep 1854, arrived Nagasaki.

4, 8, and 15 Oct 1854, visits by the Admiral and staff etc. to the Governor.

20 Oct 1854, departed Nagasaki.

25 Oct 1854, arrived Hongkong.

3 Nov 1854 ships' boats engaged in the Macao River in operations against pirates off Tyloo - see p. 388 at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow

13 Nov 1854 men from ships' boats carried a battery and destroyed junks in Coulan Bay - see p. 388 at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow

19 Mar 1855, at Woosung the Barracouta arrived to join the Encounter.

25 Mar 1855, departed for Kamschatka, sighting parts of Japan en route, and experiencing much colder weather, with sleet an snow, and separating from the Barracouta.

12 May 1855, met the French frigate Alceste, which was going to form a part of an allied squadron forming up in the area. The President was reported to be in the area with R.-Adm. Bruce on board, and the Dido was to the north searching for a privateer, and on the following day the Brisk hove in sight.

19 May 1855, rejoined the Barracouta.

23 May 1855, met up with the Flag Officer in the President, and then separated.

27 May 1855, the southern coast of Kamschatka became visible.

31 May 1855, rendezvoused with Pique, Dido, Brisk, Alceste, Encounter, Barracouta, and the American store ship Nile off Petropalovski.

1 Jun 1855, the squadron entered the harbour of Petropalovski, but discovered that despite appearing to have reinforced the fortifications the Russians had departed for the River Amur.

3 Jun 1855, armed boats from the Barracouta, Encounter and Pique were sent to Rakouina Harbour to detain the Russian whaler Aian, 400 tons, built at Abo in 1853, which was brought back to Petropalovski. An engine for a small steamer which had formed a part of her cargo, was taken as a prize.

7-8 Jun 1855, with the Pique and Barracouta, destroyed the batteries and magazines at Petropalovski, and removed a marine steam engine and copper tank from a Russian vessel.

9 Jun 1855, entertained on board FNS Alceste, and upon returning on board watched the volcano of Koselskoi erupt, the sky over the mountain being tinged with red as night fell, the following morning the sea being covered with ashes, and a slight shock of an earthquake was experienced.

12 June 1855, the squadron put to sea, but having met with the Amphitrite, and FNS Eurydice, returned to Petropalovski.

13 Jun 1855, departed for Hakodadi.

10 Sep 1855, arrived Nagasaki, from Jonas Island, Sea of Ohkotsk, with mail for the Barracouta up to 1 April.

2 Oct 1855, departed Nagasaki for Castries Bay, with the Sybille and Hornet, arriving at their destination on 15th inst., and in the afternoon the ships' boats were sent on shore for timber, but were fired on by hidden Russian infantry and field pieces when within 200 yards from shore, causing 5 injuries, which resulted in the squadron opening fire on the defences ashore. The Encounter and Hornet were then sent to search for the missing Russian ships, the Hornet going aground for some 24 hours, until she'd removed some of her ballast and guns, and the Encounter having discovered an entrance to the Amoor from the south, but the weather dropping below freezing both vessels returned to Castries Bay, where they arrived on the 29th, but the Sybille having already departed for Hakodadi, both vessels sailed in pursuit.

24 Nov 1855 arrived Hong Kong from Hakodadi.

5 Dec 1855 left Hong Kong for Calcutta.

6-8 Sep 1856, salvage services rendered to the Ichinnan.

Oct 1856 up the river from Hong Kong, at Canton and on the 27th inst. opened fire on selected targets in Canton.

12 Nov 1856 bombardment and capture of the Bogue Forts and the Anunghoy Forts on the following day.

4 Dec 1856 further attack on and capture of the now repaired French-folly Fort.

8 Jan 1857 British forces commenced withdrawal from off Canton, to Hong Kong.

15 Jan 1857 Canton River.

25 May 1857 Macao.

5 Jun 1857 Hongkong.

20 Jun 1857 departed Hongkong for Siam and Suez.

1 Oct 1856 - 26 Jun 1858 Parliamentary Grant of Ј33,000, for services (in lieu of Prize Money) on the China Station to be divided between 56 Vessels, for the destruction of pirates.

7 Feb 1858 the Encounter, Capt. O'Callaghan, arrived Plymouth from China and the East India station.

9 Feb 1858, inspected by the Port Admiralty prior to being paid off.

19 Feb 1858, paid off at Plymouth.

17 Aug 1858, in dock at Keyham, having many decayed timbers and planking, including her sternpost and bottom planking etc.

25 Apr 1859, removed from the South Dock at Keyham to the North Dock, to make room for the Algiers.

25 May 1859, was undocked.

20 Sep 1859, Lieut. E.F. Weld, Lieut. F.W.H.M. Heron, and Master W.H. Jawcker apptd. to the Encounter.

22 Sep 1859, Paymaster J.B. Jackson apptd.

24 Sept 1859 Devonport. Commissioned. Her complement will be 180 officers and men.

25 Sep 1859, Surgn. Abertny Irwin, and Acting Assistant Frederick J. Withers, apptd to the Encounter.

26 Sep 1859. Capt. Roderick Dew joined.

27 Sep 1859, Lieut. C.R. Macdonnall / Macdonall, apptd to the Encounter.

28 Sep 1859, Lieut. W.E. Stone ; and Clerk John Ashton, apptd to the Encounter.

2 Oct 1859, Lieut. Hugh Davis, and Midshipmen C. Woodhouse and H. H. Rawson apptd to the Encounter.

3 Oct 1859, Assistant Paymaster C.P. Fielon, apptd to the Encounter.

4 Oct 1859, Mate J.G.F. Leacock, apptd to the Encounter.

15 Oct 1859, Chief Engineer George Green ; Assistant Engineers J. Ferguson, W. Holland, and J. Derbyshire apptd to the Encounter.

17 Oct 1859, repairs are reported to have been completed.

19 Oct 1859, taken out of Keyham Basin.

25 Oct 1859, hauled off from the sheer hulk, [large crane], in Hamoaze [Plymouth Harbour], having taken on board the armaments for the gunboats Snap and Bouncer, probably bound to accompany the Encounter to Chinese waters?

28 Oct 1859, steamed out to Plymouth Sound and back.

30 Oct 1859, the ship's gig, with Lieut. Heron, the coxswain, James Dyer, and 4 hands, having taken despatches to Admiralty House, was returning to the the Encounter in Plymouth Sound, via the passage between Drake's Island and Mount Edgecumbe, often a difficult passage when the wind was blowing hard, which was compounded by the tide being forced through such a narrow channel, when a squall suddenly struck the gig, unstepping the mast and turning it over a number of times, each time the crew finding themselves thrown into the water and having to climb back on to the keel. By this time it was getting dark, and things started to look serious as the crew tired in the cold water, but fortunately 2 Mevagissey fisherman were coming through the passage from Cawsand Bay, when they saw the accident Mr. R.W. Pearce, in the Zedora, rescued the men, one almost on the point of drowning, and took them to the Encounter, the other boat, the Mary Anne, skipper James Pearce, towed the gig into Sutton Harbour, their destination.

4 Nov 1859, went out of harbour to test and trial her machinery.

10 Nov 1859, William Holland, First class Assistant Engineer, apptd., to the Encounter on promotion.

11 Nov 1859, ship's company paid wages in advance.

Depending on your source : 12 or 14 Nov 1859, departed Plymouth with the gunboats Bouncer and Snap, for China.

2 Dec 1859, departed Madeira.

20 Jan 1860, arrived with the gunboats at Rio de Janeiro, and departed on the 24th.

19 Apr 1860, the Encounter reported to be at Singapore by the troop ship Simoom, and was departing Singapore with the gunboat Snap and 2 transports for their passage to Hong Kong, the Encounter following in a day or so.

23 May 1860 has arrived back in Chinese waters, and is operating of the North China coast.

7 Jun 1860 Chusan.

23 Jun - 25 Jul 1860 on the North China coast, at Talien-whan with the fleet.

26 Jul 1860 Gulf of Pechelee.

16 Nov 1860 on the North China coast.

31 Dec 1860 Japan.

7 Feb 1861, the Admiralty, in London, has appointed Lieut. W.N. Cornewall to the Encounter, so it will be a few months before he joins.

15 Feb 1861 on the North China coast.

2 Mar 1861 Japan, probably with the Pioneer and Vulcan.

1 May 1861 Shanghai.

12 May 1861 Japan.

29 May 1861 Shanghai.

28 Aug 1861 Japan.

1 Dec 1861 Canton River.

29 Jan 1862, Paymaster Alexander D. McArthur [M'Arthur], confirmed.

15 Feb 1862 Hongkong.

7 Apr 1862, crew entitled to the China Medal, 1 Oct 1856 - 26 Jun 1858, and 1 Aug 1860 - 24 Oct 1860, and, as usual, with other qualifying factors, and clasps for those present at certain operations.

27 Apr 1862 Shanghai.

11 May 1862 - 15 Dec 1862 Ningpo, Captain Dew, having much local knowledge, and being in charge of a squadron of French and English Gun Boats supporting Chinese troops in action against rebel and pirate forces attacking the treaty ports, such as Ningpo.

11 May 1863, James B. Scarlett, promoted to be Acting First Class Assistant Engineer.

29 Dec 1863, departed Yokohama.

12 Jan 1864, departed Nagasaki.

20 Jan 1864, departed Shanghai.

26 Jan 1864, departed Ningpo.

29 Jan 1864, departed Amoy.

8 Mar 1864, departed Hong Kong.

23 Mar 1864, departed Singapore.

14 May 1864, departed Cape of Good Hope.

4 Jun 1864, departed St. Helena.

8 Jun 1864, departed Ascension.

7 Jul 1964, departed Fayal.

21 Jul 1864, arrived at Plymouth Sound.

23 Jul 1864, Lieut. Walter Stewart, of the Encounter, put in temporary command of the hired sailing transport Hornet, arrived Portsmouth.

29 Jul 1864, Chief Engineer J.H. Hewlett, appted to the Indus, for the Encounter, when paid off.

1 Jan to 2 Aug 1864 China station. Medical report : fever, and small-pox onboard : number of Cases of Disease and Injury.

3 Aug 1864 paid off at Devonport.

Type: Brig ; Armament 12
Launched at Portsmouth : 18 Apr 1840 ; Disposal date or year : 1860
BM: 484 tons
Complement : 81 officers and men, 24 boys, 20 marines.
Notes:
18 Apr 1840 Portsmouth, was launched here to-day. Just prio to the launch Mr. Hepburn, Master Attendant, was caught in the bight of a warp, and severely injured. He was rescued from drowning by Gillmore, a rigger, who jumped overboard after him.

25 Jul 1840 Portsmouth, is to be commissioned shortly.

29 Aug 1840 Portsmouth, On Wednesday was taken out of the basin.

27 Jan 1841, Portsmouth, being brought forward for commission.

8 May 1841, Commander The Hon. B. C. F. P. Cary, appointed to the Bittern.

11 May 1841, Lieutenant W. J. Lake ; Master W. Jeffery ; Purser J. Mitchell ; Boatswain W. Smith ; Carpenter C. Newton ; Surgeon L. F. Cunningham, M.D., Assistant-Surgeon J. S. Brown, appointed to the Bittern.

29 May 1841, Midshipman A. Ratcliffe, appointed to the Bittern.

5 Jun 1841, Volunteer 1st Class W. F. Congreve, appointed to the Bittern.

12 Jun 1841, Portsmouth, is nearly manned and needs only a few petty officers, and will shortly be ready for sea.

12 Jun 1841, Gunner James Seymour, appointed to the Bittern.

19 Jun 1841, Master G. T. Charles, appointed to the Bittern ;

7 Aug 1841, Portsmouth, is fitting out in the harbour.

2 Sep 1841, Plymouth, sailed for the Cape of Good Hope ;

23 Nov 42 detained the slaver Flor de Verao. Proceeds arising due 23 Mar 1843.

23 Nov 1842 the Bittern when in company with the Grecian detained the slave vessel Sumariva, which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court at St. Helena, and on 5 Jan 1843 sentenced to be condemned. 15 Aug 1844 the proceeds arising due for payment.

23 Nov 1842 the Bittern when in company with the Grecian detained the slave vessel Flor de Verao, which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court at St. Helena, and on 5 Jan 1843 sentenced to be condemned.

3 Dec 1842 detained the slave vessel Oriente, which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court at Sierra Leone, and on 15 Apr 1843 sentenced to be restored to her master.

6 Jan 1843 detained the slave vessel Ventura which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court at St. Helena and on 13 Feb 1843 sentenced to be condemned.

13 Jan 1843 detained the Brazilian slave brig Furia, which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court at the Cape of Good Hope and on 28 Feb 1843 sentenced to be condemned. Prize money due 5 Sep 1844

25 Sep 1843 detained a slave brigantine, Name Unknown, which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court at St. Helena and on 30 Oct 1843 sentenced to be condemned.

28 Sep 1843 detained the slave vessel Attrevida which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court at St. Helena and on 30 Oct 1843 sentenced to be condemned.

11 Sep 1844, arrived Simon's Town, from St. Augustine's Bay.

23 Jun 1844 detained the slave vessel Opio Feliz, which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court at the Cape of Good Hope and on 28 Sep 1844 sentenced to be condemned.

23 Jun 1844 detained off Quillimane the slave vessel Imperador Don Pedro, J. J. A. de Mattos, master, which was sent for adjudication to the British and Brazilian Court of Mixed Commission, Sierra Leone and sentenced to be condemned.

11 Nov 1844, arrived off Quillimane from the Cape and anchored with the Cleopatra.

26 Feb 1845, off the River Mariangombe, when the Cleopatra arrived, departing the following day for off Quillimane.

6 Nov 1845-46 paid to the officers and crew Ј39 17s. 4d. on account of further expenses of prize-master, in prosecuting the Portuguese brig Oriente.

21 Nov 1846 detained a slave brig Name Unknown, supposed L'Adelaide, which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court at St. Helena and sentenced to be condemned. Proceeds arising due for payment 11 April 1849.

29 Jan 47 detained the slave vessel Phedro, which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court at Sierra Leone and sentenced to be condemned. Proceeds of Tonnage Bounty, vessel and stores due for payment 5 June 1849.

11 Aug 1847 detained a slave brigantine, Name Unknown, supposed Tebessero, with 374 slaves on board, which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court at Sierra Leone and sentenced to be condemned. Proceeds of Slave and Tonnage Bounties due for payment 11 April 1849

4 May 1848 detained the slaver Josephina, which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court, St. Helena and condemned.

5 Aug 1848 detained the slaver Polka, which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court, St. Helena and condemned.

Jun-Jul 1848 Off the Slave Coast (Sierra Leone). See the vessel Amphitrite for article from the Morning Chronicle, for 11 Sep 1848.

20 Dec 1848 Coast of Africa

20 Mar 1850 Slave and tonnage bounties and proceeds of chronomter due from Josphina now payable.

6 Jun 1850 Excess of expenses for the capture of the Adelaide and Tebessero now payable.

20 Jul 1850 Tonnage Bounty and proceeds of vessel and stores for Polka, now payable.

5 Apr – 20 Dec 1852, ship's company involved in 2nd Burma War, and annexation of Pegu (now known as Bago, Myanmar), for which they were due prize money for capture of booty.

25 Apr 1855 HM Ships Sybille, Hornet, and Bittern, under Commodore Hon Charles Elliot, lat 37 ° 17 ' 23 " N, long 1331 ° 54 ' 23 " E - island discovered in the Sea of Japan, about a mile in extent, running in a NW by W and SE by E direction and are formed together by a reef of rocks. We could discern no dangers lying off them and the waters appears to be deep close to the shore. They are barren, without exception of a few patches of grass on their sides and landing would be difficult except in very calm weather. The height of the NW island was ascertained to be 410 ft above sea level - Charles C Forsyth, Cdr HMS Hornet

Circa 17 Jul 1855, with the Sybille, Spartan, Hornet, and the FNS Constantine in company, experienced thick fog and came into visual contact with the Barracouta, who joined the squadron, which was en route for the Gulf of Amoor, having already exchanged shots with the Russians in Castries Bay, in the Gulf of Tartary, where due to the lack of charts the squadron withdrew, the Hornet having grounded, albeit briefly.

23 Jul 1855, the squadron sailed down the Gulf of Amoor and anchored about 5 miles from Obman's Bay.

25 Jul 1855, the Hornet and FNS Constantine sailed for the Shantar Isles and Spartan went in chase of a strange sail. In the afternoon the Barracouta raised steam to chase a brig which was attempting to enter the River Amoor, but could not get within 3 miles of her due to shallowness of the water, and returned to the anchorage, as did the Spartan, the strange sail being that of a whaler bound for Ayan.

2 Sep 1855 Report of patrol against pirates off the Coast of China - see also p. 390 at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow

22 Sep and 5 Oct 1855 Further reports of actions against pirates on the Coast of China, along with a list of casualties per the London Gazette..

Oct 1856 Hong Kong ship's boats detached up the river to Canton, where, with other boats of the squadron, the various Chinese forts guarding the river were captured.

8 Jan 1857 British forces commenced withdrawal from off Canton, to Hong Kong.

15 Jan 1857 Hongkong.

25 May 1857 Canton River.

16 Oct 1857 Hongkong.

30 Oct 1857 Canton River.

28 Nov 1857 Hongkong.

15 Jan 1858 Canton River.

16 Feb 1860 Hongkong.

20 Feb 1860 sold at Hongkong.
________________________________________
Transmitting Reports from Commander Vansittart of Conflicts With Piratical Junks.

Winchester, at Hong Kong, 9 Nov 1855.
Sir,- I have the pleasure to transmit herewith a report from Commander Vansittart of her Majesty's sloop Bittern, detailing certain operations against pirates in the Gulf of Leotung, together with a copy of my reply to that officer in acknowledgement of the services above referred to.

I have also the honour to forward the accompanying reports from Commander Vansittart, in relation to a later action between the Bittern and a greatly superior force of junks, in Shiepoo Bay, on which occasion the pirates appear to have commenced hostilities. I also forward my reply to Commander Vansittart's report upon that service ; and I cannot recommend to the notice of their lordships in terms too high, the skill, gallantry and resolution displayed by Commander Vansittart and by the officers, seamen, and marines who were engaged.

I regret to add that success was not achieved without serious loss, and I beg to recommend to the consideration of their lordships the case of the family of Mr. Turner, late Master of the Bittern, who fell in the last named action whilst gallantly conducting the ships towards the pirate junks.
I have, &c., J. Stirling,
Rear Admiral and Commander in Chief.
To the Secretary of the Admiralty.
________________________________________
H.M. Sloop Bittern, Woosung, Sept. 2.
Sir,- I have the honour to report the return this day of Her Majesty's sloop under my command from a successful cruise in search of the pirates referred to in paragraph 5, and enclosures of my letter of proceedings to Your Excellency of the 1st of August ; bad weather and other circumstances detained us until the 7th ult., when we started from Woosung in tow of the Confucius steamer, that vessel manned and armed from the American frigate, having been supplied by the Chinese authorities with necessary officials, pilots, and informers.

2. At the port of Tsing-hae-wei, near Staunton Island, the Confucius obtained information of the pirates' movements ; the fleet, numbering by various accounts from 37 to 40, including, as the Chinese said, two European vessels, with Europeans on board, had proceeded northward ; this went to confirm the information I had already received of Englishmen having joined themselves to these villains, rendering them vastly more formidable ; so I decided to prosecute the search, and in tow of the Pavushan followed the Confucius round Shangtung promontory, and she having examined Wei hai Wei, rejoined us in Che-fou Harbour, which we found rudely stockaded, in preparation for the pirates ; they had, however, passed on, and unfortunately the shortness of coal obliged the Confucius to give up the chase.

3. Passing through Mid-Tao Strait and striking northward for Ross Bay in the Gulf of Leotung, at length on the 18th ultimo, the pirates were observed in the unexplored bight, northward of that bay, ending in the sizeable river which leads to the city of Fuchan ; the Pavushan having towed us in, we still found ourselves obliged to anchor between two and three miles outside the pirates, in two and a half fathoms ; the boats returned with soundings that rendered it doubtful if they could be approached, although over the bar of two fathoms, at about half a mile distant from the pirate fleet, we found a hole of three fathoms, which was buoyed after dark.

4. On the following morning the pirates, numbering from thirty to forty, including two lorchas with canvas sails, formed two divisions, and with a leading wind bore down in pretty style and opened a respectable fire on her Majesty's sloop, which weighed and stood off to lead them out. I tacked and returned their fire ; perhaps somewhat too soon, although they had already struck the ship, and continued working their guns with spirit ; for they then began a clever manoeuvre, joined their two divisions, and running for shoal water and a reef, kept is such a position that it was necessary to yaw up to bring our guns to bear, each time increasing our distance, and improving their chances of escape. Owing to the continued down-pour of rain and misty weather, it was difficult to count the exact force opposed to us, but that Europeans served the guns of two of the largest seems highly probable ; for, having obtained their range, they continued firing until they were dismasted and in a sinking state. As one boat was disabled another would take it in tow, and, although surrounded with wreck, I was glad to heave aback and work out of a dangerous corner into which they had led us, without taking possession of any of their vessels. Eight of their number, however, were sunk or abandoned.

5. Having communicated with the authorities, on the following morning we proceeded northward to release the merchant fleets. These we found had taken shelter high up various streams ; upwards of 100 of them in a river leading to the city New Chang, off which we anchored in 4ѕ fathoms, in lat. 40 deg., 38 min., N., lon. 122 deg., 0 min., E., eight miles distant from the low entrance to the river. Between two or three miles within the bar is the seaport itself, of respectable size, with large establishments of grain. Here we learnt the pirate had already been, and, disappointed in obtaining their calculated ransom (the junks that had ventured past them having paid 1,200 dollars each, others having been burnt that had not the money), they seized a Chinese of no great rank, and, quartering him, sent his remains on shore in it a basket to the authorities, with a threat that unless 100,000 dollars were immediately forth-coming, they would treat the mandarins in the same way. Having obtained their booty they were loitering on the coast for merchant craft when we fell in with them.

6. Turning to the southward, and searching various corners, we came up with thirteen of the fleet, westward of Mid-Tao Strait, and the day being favourable, secured eleven of them, which I sunk or burnt ; one only surrendering herself, was taken in and given over to the authorities at Tang chow-foo ; this, quite one of the smallest, had a crew of 41. The prisoners assured our interpreter that a lorcha, which was one of the number, this day captured a white man and two Portuguese, a part crew, and that they escaped to the hills on our leaving her stranded to secure others making off with sweeps. She did not, on this occasion return our fire ; but when on shore, after having suffered severely from its effects, opened with her big gun upon the country people, and clearing a lane, a great part of her crew got away, armed with baggage.

7. Finally, on the 30th ultimo, northward of Staunton Island, we overtook another of the fleet, the crew of which must have been prepared to land, and expecting an attack by boats, would have blown the boarders up ; for no sooner did our shot pass through her, than the crew took to the water, and landing with spears made for the hills ; one man remaining aft, threw a fireball forward, and sprung over-board immediately, before the explosion took place. This completed 20, out of a well provided daring fleet that we were enabled to destroy, besides probably having inflicted considerable damage on many that escaped us during the thick weather of the 19th ultimo. On different occasions, when the boats were employed, they were under the command of the second lieutenant Mr. Brooker, master Mr. Turner, and acting mate Mr. Todd, whose names I am glad to bring forward for favourable consideration.

8. I have troubled your Excellency somewhat fully, as the strength of the armaments of these vessels, with their crews averaging not less than 50 men each, and the apparently established fact that Europeans have joined them, proves the extent to which piracy has arisen, and the formidable scale on which it is now conducted. I am convinced a merchant vessel could only have escaped such a fleet by out-sailing it, and the frequent calms of this season would have rendered her fate more certain, for these pirates sweep with ease three and four knots, and with wind free, many of them distanced the Bittern. That they would not hesitate to attack merchantmen is evident from the vigorous manner they opened and maintained their fire upon us ; their guns, six or seven to fourteen and upwards in each, vary from 24 pounders downwards ; perhaps an occasional 32-pounder may be met with, but a nice sort of medium 18 is the most common. This fleet, all of which is called the west coast build, and of from, I would say, 90 to upwards of 200 tons burden (except two, which seemed considerably larger), had a bide [sic] crow's nest (said to be musket ball proof) at the main and foremast beads, capable of sheltering men who sling the stinkpot to a considerable distance ; vast quantities of these were found, and an almost incredible supply of ammunition, pikes, knives, &c., on board those captured.

9, It is impossible to estimate the amount of trade thrown open for the present, if Chinese are to be credited, fully to the value of two or three millions of dollars; the prisoners talked of two hundred thousand dollars having been amongst the fleet, and assured us a considerable portion of it went down in the largest of their vessels which had sustained their fire with such spirit. It would have been well to have brought away the heavier guns, but the delay would have cost us some of the fleet. The officers saw quantities of rich furs and other booty on board these vessels, which they burnt.

10. I am happy to say none of our people were wounded, one only was hurt in a trilling manner ; a round shot took an awkward score between two and three inches deep out of the bowsprit, besides rending the spar. The carpenter tells me it can be rendered permanently secure by a fish we have prepared.-
I have, &c., (Signed) . W. Vansittart, Commander.
His Excellency Rear-Admiral Sir James Stirling, Kt.
________________________________________
Winchester, at Hong Kong, Oct. 30.
Sir,- I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th September, in which you report that her Majesty's sloop under your command, accompanied by the Confucius and Pavushan steamers, the former manned and armed from the United States frigate Macedonia, and the latter employed by the parties interested in the object of your intended expedition, and supplied by the Chinese authorities with necessary officials, pilots, and informers, had proceeded to the head of the Gulf of Leotung, and had accomplished the capture or destruction of 20 junks, whose piratical outrages had for some time previously infested the coast of China to the north of the Yang tze Kiang, and greatly obstructed the legitimate channels of trade.

I cannot but express the satisfaction I feel at your report, of the gallant conduct of Lieutenant Brooker and of Messrs, Turner and Todd, nor can I allow the present occasion to pass without conveying to you the expression of my high opinion of your own personal merit in the direction of the expedition, the success of which reflects the greatest credit on all concerned ; and it will afford me great pleasure to forward to the Admiralty a copy of your communication and of this reply.-
I have, &c., (Signed) Js. Stirling, Rear-Admiral, &c.
Commander Vansittart, Her Majesty's sloop Bittern.
________________________________________
Her Majesty's Sloop Bittern,
Sheipoo Harbour, September, 22.
Sir,- It is my painful duty to report the death, at 8.55 a.m., of Mr. Charles Turner, late Master of her Majesty's sloop, under my command. Being in tow of the Pavushan, Mr. Turner on board that steamer had successfully piloted us into port on the 18th instant, and it was some time after, during the heat of the action, whilst altering the position of the steamer, he was led to pass outside of us into the direct line of the piratical fire that went over the Bittern, when he received his death wound from a round shot which tore away part of his right side.

Your Excellency is well aware of the loss her Majesty service sustains in the premature death of this valuable officer. A thorough sailor and a first rate master, doubtless when represented by his commander-in-chief, his services will be favourably considered by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty in awarding some pension or assistance to his family. His mother, Mrs. Turner, the widow of an old lieutenant who died a retired commander, resides in Parker's place, Exmouth, Devon, and with two daughters, was, I am informed, chiefly dependent on the support she received from the late lamented officer and another son in the merchant service.
I am, &c., (Signed) E. W. Vansittart, Commander.
His Excellency Rear-Admiral Sir Jas. Stirling, Kt., Commander-in Chief &c., &c.
________________________________________
Her Majesty's sloop Bittern, Shanghai, Oct, 5.
Sir,- I have the honour to report the return last evening of her Majesty's sloop, under my command, from the contemplated cruise mentioned in my letter of proceedings of 11th ultimo. On clearing the Yang-tze-kiang the following day, instead of steering for Ningpo, as intended, we were induced by information that morning received, to make direct for Chusan, and in Tinghai harbour found five doubtful looking, well armed, west coast boats, a part of the Ningpo batch in Imperial Bay. We then learnt how a strong squadron of piratical craft had lately blockaded the inland of Potoo, on which some English ladies were at the time, and in Sinkeamoon Channel, only a few miles distant, captured an Englishman's boat, with European passengers, bound from Ningpo for Potoo ; and further, that the pirates had just gone southward, as supposed, to their favourite haunt of Sheipoo ; so hurrying across to Ningpo, we anchored off Chinhae on 16th ultimo, and found there the Pavushan merchant steamer, which vessel had again been placed at my disposal. This was most fortunate, for the information received from the Chinese at Chusan proved correct ; the ladies were in great danger ; some of their friends, with a Mr. Russel, had already been taken within sight of Potoo, making the case far too urgent to await the assistance of the much hoped for steamers-of-war, and the towing power of the Pavushan, little as it is, enabled us to proceed to Sheipoo with more confidence.

2. Taking the time of slack water, we entered the secure and beautiful harbour of Sheipoo by its N.E. pass, on opening which the piratical craft were seen, bearing many different banners, moored in an excellent defensive position close off the village of Sheipoo, with crowded decks, men at their guns pointed for the passage. I ordered Mr. Turner, the Master, who on board the Pavushan, was towing a-head and piloting us in, to keep her at fullest speed, and with sail on the Bittern to the last moment, we were still exposed far more than ten minutes to a heavy raking fire before a shot was returned, and the ship could be brought up and sprung into position ; then we found our port broadsides engaged at about 500 yards with a line of 22 west coast boats, lashed head and stern, the left wing of which was sufficiently advanced to cross their fire ; this they kept up with astonishing spirit for some time, and it took more than an hour to silence them altogether ; fortunately, being much within their first range, we suffered less than might have been expected.

3. On deserting their vessels the remains of the crews collected in bodies, with gingalls, spears, and other arms, and made for heights overlooking the village. A body of forty or fifty tried to escape in one of their captured vessels. This we dismasted and drove on shore ; the pirates, scrambling up some rocks, were seized or destroyed by country people. Another body attempted to escape in a like boat, by passing round the small islands, opposite Sheipoo village. The Pavushan chased her out of the harbour and drove them on shore. On taking possession only one of the whole twenty-two vessels was found uninjured enough to move ; she had eleven guns bearing on us, which had evidently been well served. A larger craft, pointed out to me early in the action as working fourteen guns, was singled out for our best shots, and was quickly sunk. I cannot resist bringing to your Excellency's notice the beautiful practice and cool management of his gun by a young able seaman, John E. Matless, who had been raised to the situation of captain of a gun, from my experience of his proficiency when exercising on a target. We removed all the guns practicable from such of the squadron as had not been sunk or blown up, and burnt the whole of the remains of the hull at low water.

4. The only prize I have brought into port was saved by the pirates having lashed a merchant vessel on her engaged side, laden with mud, coals, &c., sunk deep enough just to admit of their firing over her. A double tier of bales of cotton on the deck completed this perfect fender and battery, through which our shot could not penetrate. A shell had fired part of her upper works. Two other merchant craft moored in like manner, but not laden, had proved useless as fenders. Vast quantities of powder, stinkpots, iron pointed rocket arrows, &c., were destroyed, and about 100 guns brought away, these varying from long 18 pounders downwards, some larger could not be removed, and many were lost in vessels sunk or blown up. From the country people and a prisoner whom I have kept, as he volunteered information, we learn that the fleet had about 200 guns, with about 1,000 men, chiefly Cantonese ; that 12 of them had met us to the northward, and that their chiefs had given out some days before they expected the arrival of a war brig and steamer ; that it would be seen how they, the pirates, would handle them.

5. On the 19th ultimo, the morning after the action, I landed a strong party, under the second lieutenant, to dislodge a body of some 300 of the escaped pirates that had established themselves in a gorge overlooking the town of Sheipoo, which they threatened. The mandarins, greatly alarmed, were powerless, and explained through Mr. Interpreter Sinclair the evils that must befall all honest people in the neighbourhood, should I leave these men, then become desperate, at large. I desired the officials to be in attendance to receive prisoners, and the force turning the pirate flank escaped a fire of gingalls which were pointed down a causeway leading into the town, and overpowered them without any serious casualties. The excessive heat, however, told : one marine has since died from its effects, and the second lieutenant is suffering. This town of Sheipoo it about a mile further south than the village off which the pirates were moored, and in which many of them resided. I much fear the village is thoroughly piratical ; but seeing crowds of children, women, and old men about during an armed expedition, I agreed with Mr. Sinclair that it would be impossible to deal severely upon the doubtful evidence collected, so warning them of the risk all incurred who had anything to do with pirates, we required them to deliver up all guns and munitions of war, and continued the search of suspected spots on either side of the harbour.

6. We received three European anchors, the smallest fitted for an iron stock, of about 16 cwt., without mark, and the two others of from 25 cwt. to 28 cwt. each, one marked "Tom Bowline," Newcastle, the other 3.185, this latter confirming the statement of an American, Eli M. Boggs, a copy of whose deposition was enclosed in my letter of proceedings to your Excellency of the 11th ultimo. Besides three merchant vessels, we recaptured the Ningpo boat taken from Mr. Russel, but could find nothing of the lost property beyond an umbrella and a letter addressed to Mrs. Martin, Potoo ; so, with the boat in tow, we proceeded direct for the channel of Sinkeamoon, where the outrage had taken place, and sending armed boats to examine it and Potoo, saw nothing of any more pirate craft, and learnt that the ladies, hearing the coast was clear, had escaped three days before, and I am happy to say we found them the following day in safety at Ningpo ; indeed, news of the complete success of her Majesty's sloop at Sheipoo had already reached the Chusan archipelago, and doubtless frightened many smaller villains into good behaviour for the time. We should find great difficulty in dealing with this class of boats, generally with white sails and the Ningpo rig. I examined one; the officer could find nothing European on board, and we had no information against her. The Chinese official sent with us from Ningpoo pronounced her a pirate at first, then thought her honest. Within an hour of allowing her to proceed, fishing boats pulled alongside and declared she was a pirate.

7. I beg to bring conspicuously forward for your Excellency's favourable consideration the name of the Second Lieutenant George A. C. Brooker, who was slightly wounded on the 18th ultimo, carried the heights the following morning, and who, besides conducting a laborious and hazardous work in destroying the deserted fleet of piratical craft, within musket range of the shore, on which some hundred of their crew had collected, was again employed in the boats in Sinkeamoon Channel, and at Potoo on the 24th ultimo. Mr. Todd, acting mate, and the assistant surgeon, Mr. Newton, were under the second lieutenant on these occasions, and of whom he speaks highly. Mr. Interpreter Sinclair, from Shanghai, accompanied the expedition, and was of the greatest service throughout, occasionally at personal risk ; and besides that of the seaman John E. Matless (who was a boy in the Excellent), it becomes me to bring forward the name of Henry Hurneyman, quartermaster, captain of a gun, a good and cool shot, and at whose gun the men's legs were taken off. The enclosed list of wounded is large, and painfully distressing to us all as including the death of a valuable officer - -the master, already reported to your Excellency from Sheipo Harbour, where he was buried. But considering the number of guns bearing upon us, and the determined way the pirates served them for the first half hour, it is wonderful the casualties were not much more numerous. The greater part of the fire passed over us, and the rigging, sails, &c., were much cut up ; besides twenty-five shot in the hull, the boomboats, fore-yard, fore-topsail yard, &c., were shot through.-
I have, &c., (Signed) E. W. Vansittart, Commander.
His Excellency Rear-Admiral Sir James Stirling, Kt.
________________________________________
A list of men who have received wounds or hurts on board her Majesty ship Bittern, Sept. 18, 1855:

M. 3. C. 20. William Hanvey, aged 24, private, R.M., wound of right leg by round shot, amputation below the knee.

S. Co. 74. Thomas Ellis, aged 21, ordinary seaman, wound of left leg by round shot, amputation below the knee.

B. 2nd C. 22. James Brownlee, aged 15, boy 2nd C., wound of left leg by a splinter from round shat, amputation below the knee.

1st list 2. Mr. Charles Turner, aged 32, master ; very severe lacerated wound of right side of abdomen, by a round shot ; died on the 22d September.

Mr. G. A. C. Brooker, aged 25, lieutenant, slight splinter wound of right cheek.

S. Co. 18. John Ridley, aged 26, A.B., slight contused wound of right hand.

43. John Flynn, aged 23, A.B., contusion of scrotum and testicles
B. 1 C. 15. George Scott, aged 19, boy 1st C., slight splinter wound of right foot.

M. 3 C. 5. Elijal Mordey, aged 30, corporal, R.M., contused wound of left shin.

16. John Claw, aged 23, private, R.M., contused wound of right heel by a shot.

M. not C. 1. Benjamin Matthews, aged 42, sergeant, R.M., splinter wound of scalp, back of head.

19th September.- Wounded on shore:

S. Co. 72. Robert Funnell, aged 32, A.B., lacerated wound of left cheek and face (slight).

29. Andrew Carfral, aged 21, ordinary seaman, contused wound of left hand (slight).

S. L. W. and V. 1. Robert Livingstone, aged 22, ordinary seaman, contused wound of fingers of left hand (slight).

S. Co. 65 John Bennett, aged 28, A.B., contusion of left arm by bullet (slight).

19. Henry Fordhan, aged 25, A.B., wound of left foot (slight).

Men who suffered from the Sun whilst on Shore, Sept. 19.

S. Co. 27. James James, aged 24, A.B., severe headache and fever.

B. 1 C.18. William Woodley, aged 19, boy, 1st C., severe headache and fever.

S. Co. 8. Peter Pinkerton, aged 21, ordinary seaman, severe headache and fever.

M, 3. C. 21. George Tweedale, aged 23, private, R.M ,severe headache and fever.

18. Thomas Stevens, aged 30, private, R.M., very great pain of head, and fever; died on 24th September.

19. John Wallis, aged 28, private, R.M.. severe headache and fever.

S. Co. 14. Charles Wichelo, aged 24, A.B., severe headache and fever.

(Signed) George Gordon, Acting Surgeon.
Approved, (Signed) E. W. Vansittart, Commander.
________________________________________
Winchester, at Hong Kong, October 30.
Sir,- I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 22nd of September and of the 5th October in relation to your operations against the pirates in the neighbourhood of Sheipoo ; in the course of which, with the aid of your well-trained and efficient ship's company you appear to have accomplished one of the most remarkable exploits within my knowledge.

It will afford me the greatest pleasure to bring to the notice of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your transactions above mentioned, and to point their attention to the excellent conduct of all who were engaged in the occurrences referred to, and more especially to the cases of Lieutenant Brooker and of the late lamented Mr. Turner, and of Messrs. Todd, Newton, and Sinclair, and of the captains of the guns Matless and Hurneyman.

The satisfaction caused by the good conduct thus evinced would indeed be without alloy, if it were not accompanied by deep regret at the losses and injuries sustained. Although personally but little known to me, I was well aware of Mr. Turner's merits, and I trust the Admiralty may, with its usual liberality, consider the position in which his family are left by his death. To the other cases reported in your return of casualties I shall give my earliest attention on the arrival of the Bittern at this port, with the hope of alleviating in some small degree the fate of those severely wounded, by an early transmission to their native country.

With reference to the part which fell to your own share is these operations, it will be highly gratifying to me to bear testimony to the zeal, skill, and intrepidity you have displayed in this, as well as on two previous occasions within the present year, and I feel assured their lordships will feel so much pleasure in receiving, as I shall have in communicating so favourable a representation of your conduct in your present command.
I have, &c., (Signed) Js. Stirling,
Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
Commander Vansittart, her Majesty's sloop Bittern.
________________________________________
In consideration of the services mentioned in the above despatches:-

Commander Edward Westby Vansittart and Commander William Abdy Fellowes have been promoted to the rank of captain.

Lieutenant George Augustus Cooke Brooker has been promoted to the rank of commander; and

Mr. John James, boatswain of the Rattler, has been advanced to the second class.

Mr. Richard Brownsdon, paymaster of the Rattler ; Mr. George Gordon, acting surgeon of the Bittern ; and Mr. George B. Newton, assistant surgeon of the Bittern, have been noted for favourable consideration.

Type: Sloop ;
Armament 17
Launched : 13 Apr 1854 ; Disposal date or year : 1868
BM: 753 tons
Propulsion: Screw
Machinery notes: 100
Notes:

20 Dec 1848 Building at Woolwich

25 Apr 1855 HM Ships Sybille, Hornet, and Bittern, under Commodore Hon Charles Elliot, lat 37 ° 17 ' 23 " N, long 1331 ° 54 ' 23 " E - island discovered in the Sea of Japan, about a mile in extent, running in a NW by W and SE by E direction and are formed together by a reef of rocks. We could discern no dangers lying off them and the waters appears to be deep close to the shore. They are barren, without exception of a few patches of grass on their sides and landing would be difficult except in very calm weather. The height of the NW island was ascertained to be 410 ft above sea level - Charles C Forsyth, Cdr HMS Hornet

Circa 17 Jul 1855, with the Sybille, Spartan, Bittern, and the FNS Constantine in company, experienced thick fog and came into visual contact with the Barracouta, who joined the squadron, which was en route for the Gulf of Amoor, having already exchanged shots with the Russians in Castries Bay, in the Gulf of Tartary, where due to the lack of charts the squadron withdrew, the Hornet having grounded, albeit briefly.

23 Jul 1855, the squadron sailed down the Gulf of Amoor and anchored about 5 miles from Obman's Bay.

25 Jul 1855, the Hornet and FNS Constantine sailed for the Shantar Isles and Spartan went in chase of a strange sail. In the afternoon the Barracouta raised steam to chase a brig which was attempting to enter the River Amoor, but could not get within 3 miles of her due to shallowness of the water, and returned to the anchorage, as did the Spartan, the strange sail being that of a whaler bound for Ayan.

11 Sep 1855, arrived Nagasaki.

2 Oct 1855, departed Nagasaki for Castries Bay, with the Sybille and Encounter, arriving at their destination on 15th inst., and in the afternoon the ships' boats were sent on shore for timber, but were fired on by hidden Russian infantry and field pieces when within 200 yards from shore, causing 5 injuries, which resulted in the squadron opening fire on the defences ashore. The Encounter and Hornet were then sent to search for the missing Russian ships, the Hornet going aground for some 24 hours, until she'd removed some of her ballast and guns, and the Encounter having discovered an entrance to the Amoor from the south, but the weather dropping below freezing both vessels returned to Castries Bay, where they arrived on the 29th, but the Sybille having already departed for Hakodadi, both vessels sailed in pursuit.

27 Nov 1855 arrived Hong Kong from Hakodadi.

31 May 1856, arrived Hakodadi with mail from England HM ships at anchor in the harbour. Stored and refitted the ship for service on the Coast of TarTary.

8 Jun 1856, departed Hakodadi for the coast of Tartary with the Sybille and Pique, arriving off the coast on the 11th and cruised the waters and coast in the region using Barracouta Bay as a base.

18 Jun 1856, heavy fog came down and the boats of the Sybille arrived at Barracouta Bay reporting that she had got on shore, but by the time the Barracouta arrived near the scene had got herself off, and merely needed to be assisted back to Barracouta Bay. Experienced a severe thunderstorm during the night.

19 Jun 1856, the Sybille reported having cases of smallpox on board and was put in quarantine.

19 Jun 1856, unofficial reports of an armistice appear to have leaked through to the Pacific coast of Russia, and both sides appear to be talking to each other occasionally under flags of truce.

2 Jul 1856, departed Barracouta Bay with the Sybille, Barracouta and Pique : from the last week or so's notes the squadron seem to be less interested in the war and more concerned about enjoying the passage of time in a somewhat remote, but interesting part of the World, with walks, fishing and hunting trips ashore etc.

13 Jul 1856, the Sybille, Hornet, Pique and Barracouta arrived Hakodadi.

12 Nov 1856 bombardment and capture of the Bogue Forts and the Anunghoy Forts on the following day.

Dec 1856 spent Christmas on guard duty at Canton.

1 Oct 1856 - 26 Jun 1858 Parliamentary Grant of Ј33,000, for services (in lieu of Prize Money) on the China Station to be divided between 56 Vessels

15 Mar 1857 Hongkong.

19 Mar 1857 involved with Piratical Junks.

10 May 1857 Canton River.

10 Aug 1857 Ningpo.

28 Nov 1857 Canton River.

28 Dec 1857 Capture of Canton (see also report in London Gazette www.gazettes-online.co.uk of 16 and 26 Feb 1858).

30 Dec 1858 Hongkong.

15 Feb 1859 Shanghai.

23 Feb 1859 Sailed Hongkong for England.

19 July 1860 Portsmouth. Commissioned for service on the Cape of Good Hope station.

1 Jan to 12 Sep 1864 Cape of Good Hope and East Indies station. Medical report : fever onboard : number of Cases of Disease and Injury.

12 Sep 1864 Paid off.

Type: 5th rate ; Armament 36
Launched : 15 Apr 1847 ; Disposal date or year : 1866
BM: 1633 tons
Notes:

Jan, 1846, Sybille, 36, by Sir W. Symonds, five-eighths built, at Pembroke.

Jan 1848 Devonport, in Ordinary (reserve)

20 Dec 1848 Devonport.

25 Apr 1855 HM Ships Sybille, Hornet, and Bittern, under Commodore Hon Charles Elliot, lat 37° 17 ' 23 " N, long 1331° 54' 23" E - island discovered in the Sea of Japan, about a mile in extent, running in a NW by W and SE by E direction and are formed together by a reef of rocks. We could discern no dangers lying off them and the waters appears to be deep close to the shore. They are barren, without exception of a few patches of grass on their sides and landing would be difficult except in very calm weather. The height of the NW island was ascertained to be 410 ft. above sea level - Charles C Forsyth, Cdr HMS Hornet

Circa 17 Jul 1855, flying Commodore C. Elliott's pendant, and Spartan, Hornet, Bittern, with the FNS Constantine in company, experienced thick fog and came into visual contact with the Barracouta, who joined the squadron whilst en route for the Gulf of Amoor, having already exchanged shots with the Russians in Castries Bay, in the Gulf of Tartary, where due to the lack of charts the squadron withdrew, the Hornet having grounded, albeit briefly.

23 Jul 1855, the squadron sailed down the Gulf of Amoor and anchored about 5 miles from Obman's Bay.

25 Jul 1855, the Hornet and FNS Constantine sailed for the Shantar Isles and Spartan went in chase of a strange sail. In the afternoon the Barracouta raised steam to chase a brig which was attempting to enter the River Amoor, but could not get within 3 miles of her due to shallowness of the water, and returned to the anchorage, as did the Spartan, the strange sail being that of a whaler bound for Ayan.

27 Jul 1855, 2 boats each from the Sybille, and Barracouta, with 1 from the Spartan, were towed by the Barracouta towards the brig, which was run ashore by the Russians and set on fire, who then attempted to escape in the ship's boats up the River Amoor, and following a long chase 2 of the boats and their crews were detained.

29 Jul 1855, the Barracouta sent her prisoners on board the Sybille, and departed for Hakodadi, on the island of Yezo.

1 Aug 1855 the Barracouta detained the Russian brig Greta with 276 officers and men from the Russian frigate Diana on board, lately wrecked at Simoda. The brig was taken in tow to Ayan, where the Sybille and Spartan were anchored.

20 Sep 1855, arrived Nagasaki, from Ohkotsk.

29 Sep 1855, the Russian prisoners on board the Sybille, Barracouta and Spartan were put on board the Nankin, for passage to Hongkong.

2 Oct 1855, departed Nagasaki for Castries Bay, with the Encounter and Hornet, arriving at their destination on 15th inst., and in the afternoon the ships' boats were sent on shore for timber, but were fired on by hidden Russian infantry and field pieces when within 200 yards from shore, causing 5 injuries, which resulted in the squadron opening fire on the defences ashore. The Encounter and Hornet were sent to search for the missing Russian ships, but the thermometer dropping below zero the Sybille departed for Hakodadi shortly before the 29th inst., and before the Encounter and Hornet had returned.

30 Mar 1856, Treaty of Paris, i.e. the supposed cessation of hostilities, although it would probably have taken 3 or more months for the allies to get the message by sea, although ISTR reading in The Times that even as late a April, the situation in the Crimea in April 1856 was that it was treated as a temporary cease fire rather than a permanent cessation of hostilities, which is what it turned out to be. Urgent messages sent by sea, through the Med., and overland from Alexandria could probably arrive some weeks before those sent by sea ?

2 Apr 1856, the waters in the region of the Gulf of Tartary probably being in the process of thawing the Flag Officer in the Winchester ordered the departure of the Squadron from the shelter of Victoria Peak, Hongkong, to sea with the Flag Ship in tow, and on passing the Great Llama Island cast off the Winchester, the destination still unknown.

4 May 1856, the Barracouta departed Hakodadi with the Sybille and Pique in tow, anchoring overnight, departed the following morning with them in tow again, passing the city of Matsmae, spoke with a whaler who reported that the Straits of La Perouse were still frozen 8 days previously. The Sybille and Pique now proceeded under sail.

11 May 1856, having sighted the coast of Tartary, the Barracouta was sent by the Sybille in search of a suitable harbour for the ships. It was found that the ice persisted in many of the inlets, making it impossible for the boats to go ashore.

13 May 1856, a suitable bay was found which was named Barracouta Bay.

25 May 1856, departed Barracouta Bay with the Sybille and Pique in tow : 28th inst. spoke with the French admiral in the FNSs Virginie and Constantine, before departing for Hakodadi.

31 May 1856, the Hornet arrived Hakodadi with mail from England. Stored and refitted the ship.

8 Jun 1856, departed Hakodadi for the coast of Tartary with the Sybille and Pique, arriving off the coast on the 11th and cruised the waters and coast in the region using Barracouta Bay as a base.

18 Jun 1856, heavy fog came down and the boats of the Sybille arrived at Barracouta Bay reporting that she had got on shore, but by the time the Barracouta arrived near the scene had got herself off, and merely needed to be assisted back to Barracouta Bay. Experienced a severe thunderstorm during the night.

19 Jun 1856, the Sybille reported having cases of smallpox on board and was put in quarantine.

19 Jun 1856, unofficial reports of an armistice appear to have leaked through to the Pacific coast of Russia, and both sides appear to be talking to each other occasionally under flags of truce.

2 Jul 1856, departed Barracouta Bay with the Sybille, Hornet and Pique : from the last week or so's notes the squadron seem to be less interested in the war and more concerned about enjoying the passage of time in a somewhat remote, but interesting part of the World, with walks, fishing and hunting trips ashore etc.

13 Jul 1856, the Sybille, Hornet, Pique and Barracouta arrived Hakodadi.

14 Jul 1856, received on board the Barracouta a part of the crew of the US Whaler Endeavour, who, when away from their ship, became separated, and had gone on to Japan hoping to find a means of getting home, and were to be taken to Hongkong by the next HM vessel.

11 Oct 1856 Sybille, with the Barracouta and Coromandel at Canton as the opening gambits to the Second Chinese War were getting under way : see p. 93 www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory07clow

15 Dec 1856 Whampoa, Commodore Elliot.

Jan 1857 men from the Sybille garrisoning the Macao Fort in the river leading up to Canton.

15 Jan 1857 Canton.

10 May 1857 Canton River.

10 Jul 1857 Hongkong.

10 Aug 1857 Canton River.

28 Nov 1857 Hongkong.

28 Dec 1857 Capture of Canton (see also report in London Gazette www.gazettes-online.co.uk of 16 and 26 Feb 1858).

21 Jan 1858 departed Hongkong for UK.

1 Oct 1856 - 26 Jun 1858 Parliamentary Grant of Ј33,000, for services (in lieu of Prize Money) on the China Station to be divided between 56 Vessels

1860 Devonport.

Rattlesnake, 1822
Type: Survey vessel ; late 6th rate ; Armament 28
Launched : 26 Mar 1822 ; Disposal date or year : 1860
BM: 503 tons Complement as a survey ship: 170
Notes:

Circa Aug 1825 at Jamaica and reported to be healthy.

6 Jan 1827 Employed in the West Indies.

31 Jan 1828 with a squadron at Grabusa under Commodore Sir T. Staines, destroyed a number of vessels which had been used for piracy. See p. 261-2 at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow.

Jamaica 19 Apr 1828 Refitting at Port Royal. Lieutenant Fitzgerald, appointed to the Rattlesnake, vice Russell Elliott.

Valletta 4 Jun 1828 Is cruising off Corfu.

24 Jun 1828 Blockading the coast of the Morea.

Valletta 27 Jan 1829 Reported to be sailing for Naples on the 29th inst.

Portsmouth 29 Apr 1829 Was reported to be at Malta when the Neva transport, arrived today, departed from Valletta.

20 Jan 1830 at Malta.

6 Feb 1830 at Valletta.

19 Apr 1830 left Algiers for Malta.

29 Apr 1830 arrived Malta from Algiers.

29 Jun 1830 refitting at Corfu.

29 Aug 1830 refitting at Corfu.

May 1832 at Valparaiso.

Rio de Janeiro 13 Jan 1833 Was reported to be in the Pacific.

Valparaiso 16 Jun 1833 Remains.

Plymouth 27 Oct 1833 Arrived from Rio Janeiro and San Blas, Valparaiso and Coquimbo, with specie.

Portsmouth 30 Oct 1833 Arrived from Valparaiso, Rio Janeiro (4 Sep).

Spoke to The Gold Fleece, from Liverpool to Bengal, 22 Sep in lat. 1 S., long. 21 W. ;
the Albion, of London, bound to the Mauritius, 29 Sep in lat. 11 N., long. 23 ;
the Iberia, from Hamburgh, 29 Sep in lat. 12 long. 23 ;
the Royal Sovereign, from Dublin, 29 Sep in lat. 12, long. 24 ;
the Sylvia, from the Cape of Good Hope, 2 Oct in lat. 17, long. 27 ;
the Lady Mary Pelham packet, from Falmouth, 12 Oct in lat. 30, long. 29 ;
the Alarm, from Cardigan, 23 Oct in lat 47, long 14.

Portsmouth 31 Oct 1833 Has come into harbour to be paid off.

27 Feb 1834 the Admiralty (John Barrow) requests the Foreign Office (Viscount Palmerston), to order Warrants from the French, under the recent Conventions for the Slave Trade, for the Brazil Station for the commanding officers of the Snake, Satellite, and Rapid, at the same time cancelling and returning those that had previously been issued for the Rattlesnake, Samarang, and Pylades.

Portsmouth 17 May 1834 Taken into dock to be repaired.

17 Jan 1835 in harbour at Portsmouth

Portsmouth 16 Feb 1835 is being fitted out for the East India station.

Plymouth 26 Mar 1835 arrived from Portsmouth on Monday, en route for the East Indies.

Rio de Janeiro 18 May 1835 sailed for the Cape and India.

2 Aug 1835 sailed from Bombay on a cruise.

Bombay 10 Jun 1836 arrived.

Mauritius 23 Jun 1836 sailed for New South Wales.

Trincomalee 4 Aug 1836 is reported to be at New South Wales.

Sydney, NSW 14 Dec 1836 arrived from Port Phillip.

Sydney, NSW 21 Feb 1836 sailed for Port Philip.

7-14 Feb 1839 Halifax, as a result of tension with the United States Government regards the possession of disputed territory British troops are to be sent to New Brunswick and the Rattlesnake will remain here until the 67th arrive from the West Indies.

3 Aug 1839 Master W. Brodie, appointed to command the Rattlesnake troop-ship ; Second Masters Edward F. Cavell, sen., Samuel Waddington and G. H. Harper, Assistant Surgeon John Sinclair, and Boatswain Benjamin Bull, appointed to the Rattlesnake.

10 Aug 1839 Portsmouth was commissioned in the harbour yesterday. The complement is to be 44.

17 Aug 1839 in Harbour at Portsmouth.

Circa Apr/May 1840 at Singapore.

21 Jun 1840 arrived in Macao Roads and established a blockade of the port and river of Canton. See p. 282 at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow.

1 Jul 1840 at the anchorage under the Buffaloe's Nose.

4 Jul 1840 anchored off Chusan.

5 Jul 1840 Chinese troops retreat into Chusan following short bombardment. See also p. 282 at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow.

6 Jul 1840 British troops discovered that Chinese troops had departed Chusan during the night. See www.gazettes-online.co.uk of 15 Dec 1840.

At some time during the period 1839-42 engaged in the Operations in China. Officers and Men serving on this ship during this period may be eligible for a Medal. See p. 288 at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow.

24-> Aug 1841 operations against Amoy and the fortified island of Kolangsoo. See p. 294-> at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow.

4 Sep 1841 the expedition proceeded to Chusan. See p. 294-> at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow.

1 Oct 1841 action at Tinghae. See p. 294-> at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow.

9-> Oct 1841 reconnaissance of the mouth of the Ningpo river and city of Chinhae - subsequent operations and choice of Ningpo as winter HQ. See p. 295-> at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow.

16 Jun - 29 Aug 1842, expedition up the Yang-tse-Keang, to the end of hostilities and signing of the Treaty of Nanking. See p. 300-> at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow and www.gazettes-online.co.uk.

24 Sep 1846 Portsmouth Thursday.- Orders were received this morning to Commission the Rattlesnake, 26, for the surveying service. Captain Owen Stanley took up his commission, and the pendant was hoisted at noon. Her complement ordered is 170, including officers, marines, and boys.

25 Nov 1846 Sails bent

30 Nov 1846 To sail to Spithead.

5 Dec 1846 To sail form Spithead via Madeira and Cape of Good Hope

7 Dec 1846 Arrived Plymouth, possibly to sail on the 10th ?

11 Dec 1846 Sailed for Madeira

18 Dec 1846 Arrived Madeira

26 Dec 1846 Sailed for Rio de Janeiro

23 Jan 1847 Arrived Rio de Janeiro

2 Feb 1847 Sailed for Cape of Good Hope

7/8 Mar 1847 Arrived Cape of Good Hope

10 Apr 1847 Sailed for Mauritius

4 May 1847 Arrived Mauritius

17 May 1847 Sailed for Hobart Town

25 Jun 1847 Arrived Hobart Town

7 Jul 1847 Departs for Sydney

16 Jul 1847 Arrives Sydney ; passengers Capt Charles Stanley RE, and lady, Mr King and Mr Gregson - see below for more information on passage out and details for the passengers.

16 Jul 1847 Vessel at Farm Cove refitting for a surveying expedition.

31 Jul 1847 We understand H.M. schooner Bramble and her tender Castlereagh will be paid off on Monday next. The whole of the officers of these vessels, we believe, with the exception of Lieutenant Yule, in command of the Bramble, proceed to England. The schooners will be re-commissioned with other officers from the Rattlesnake.

7 Aug 1847 Survey of the Harbour.- We are glad to perceive that the officers of H.M.S. Rattlesnake, are at present engaged in re-surveying our harbour. This was a necessary work, as it is now above twenty years, we believe, since it was last done.

11 Oct 1847 Departs Sydney on a Surveying Cruise

17 Oct 1847 Arrives Moreton Bay

3 Nov 1847 At anchor at Cowan Roads, Moreton Bay

4 Nov 1847 Sailed for Port Curtis

29 Nov 1847 Departed Port Curtis

8 Dec 1847 Arrived Port Molle

10 Dec 1847 Depart Port Molle

11 Dec 1847 Arrive Cape Upstart

Returned to Port Molle

31 Dec 1847 Arrived Moreton Bay

8 Jan 1848 Sailed for Sydney

14 Jan 1847 Returns to Sydney from Surveying Expedition - see below for RoP

2 Feb 1848 Surveying cruise

11 Feb 1848 Arrived Port Phillip

3 Mar 1848 Depart Launceston

9 Mar 1848 Arrive Sydney - see article below for 11 Mar 1848 for brief details of trip

29 Apr 1848 Sailed from Sydney on a surveying voyage.

29 Apr 1848 Letter to the Governor re future surveys in the coming season - see below

28 Jun 1848 Fitz Roy Island. See below.

27 Oct 1848 Reported to be leaving Port Albany for the Endeavour Straits for the purpose of surveying..

20 Dec 1848 Surveying vessel, East Indies.

24 Jan 1849 Arrived Sydney from Survey cruise.

25 May 1849 Sailed from Moreton Bay

1 Sep 1849 The brig Sir John Byng has been chartered by the Government to proceed to Cape York with stores for the Rattlesnake and Bramble and Port Essington, sailing on the 5th inst.

Gazette for 27 Jan 1849 for report on cruise

6 Feb 1850 Arrives Sydney from a surveying cruise. During the cruise a white woman by the name of Barbara Crawford was rescued from natives. See below for detail.

7 Feb 1850 Crew assist Maeander in putting out a serious fire onboard the Maeander

16 Mar 1850 The death is reported of Captain Owen Stanley on Wednesday morning.

23 Mar 1850 It is reported that Lieutenant Yule has been appointed in command.

28 Mar 1850 Able Seaman William Howard of this ship reports to the Sydney Water Police that he came upon a dispute in which one man was thrown by 2 others into the water. Being unable to swim he was unable to render assistance, but returned to the ship and reported the incident.

2 May 1850 Sails for England via the Falkland Islands. This departure appears to be contentious in that it was ordered by Captain Keppel of the Maeander, temporarily on station, whereas Captain Erskine of the Havannah, senior officer on station, but junior to Capt. Keppel wished to keep the Rattlesnake on station until the end of the year. Watch this space !

16 May 1850 Arrived Bay of Islands.

23 May 1850 Sailed.

5-25 July 1850 Falkland Islands.

29 Sep - 5 Oct 1850 Fayal

3 Aug 1850 And now the Flag Officer appoints Captain Cockburn in command, according to the United Services Gazette. It was subsequently been reported in the Naval and Military Gazette that Captain Keppel of the Meander threatened to fire into the Havannah if Captain Erskine pursued the Rattlesnake with a view to replacing the officer appointed by Keppel. What a mess !

8 Aug 1850 Spoken to by the Phoenician off Rio Janeiro.

23 Oct 1850 Arrived Plymouth. She was carrying several invalids from the Havannah and Maeander.

15 Nov 1850 It is reported that two of her Master's Mates - Brooker and Inskip - passed their examinations for Master on arrival in the UK and came out at the head of the 14 candidates.

11 Jan 1851 It is reported that the vessel is to proceed to Chatham to be paid-off.

22 Mar 1851 It is reported that Their Lordships approve of Captain Keppel's action in appointing Lieutenant Yule as the commanding officer of the Rattlesnake, on the death of Captain Stanley, but disapprove of his having sent the ship to the UK before she had completed the surveys which would have occupied her for another 6 months.

5 Apr 1851 It is reported in Sydney that MAA Robert Coates, late of this ship, has been awarded the medal and Ј15 gratuity, and a pension of Ј36.16s. per annum for a service of 37 years. United Service Gazette.

8 Jan 1855 Arctic search for the "Monongabela" of New Bedford following the Winter of 1853, when it is thought that this vessel may have been carried into the ice. It is understood that the prospects of finding this vessel in one piece are slim

13 Jan 1860 Chatham. Completed breaking up, per Parliamentary estimates etc. 1861-62.
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29 Jun 1847 left England on the 11th December, 1846, arrived at Madeira on the 18th, sailed again on the 26th ; arrived at Rio de Janeiro on the 23rd January, 1847, sailed on the 2nd February ; arrived at Simon's Bay, Cape of Good Hope, 8th March, sailed on the 10th April ; arrived at the Mauritius on the 4th May, sailed on the 17th, and arrived at Hobart Town on the 25th June. We furnish below a list of the officers. Owen Stanley, Captain and surveyor; Robert W. Suckling, senior lieutenant; Joseph Dayman and Henry C. Simpson, lieutenants and assistant surveyors; John J. Brown, master, John Thomson, M.D., (c) surgeon; Frederick Brady, paymaster and purser ; John M°Gillivray, naturalist; Thomas Huxley, assistant surgeon; George H. Inskipp, second master; Josiah G. Messum, Admiralty clerk ; Arthur Burnett, Captain's clerk; Arthur Packe, William Hewett, Thomas C. Smith, and H. E. G. Earle, midshipmen; Charles J. Card, clerk's assistant; Philip Sharpe, W. W. Howell, C. C, Robinson, Alexander Henderson, and G. P. Heath, naval cadets ; C. J. Johnston, W. H. Obree, and H. W. Burnett, master's assistants; Edward W. Broker, acting ditto, The Rattlesnake will make a short stay here, and then proceed on to Sydney.- Hobart Town Advertiser, June 29.
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17 Jul 1847 arrived yesterday morning from England, having touched at several ports on her passage, for the purpose of landing specie, has been fitted out for the purpose of completing the survey of the coasts of New Holland and New Guinea, which is expected to occupy her the next five years. She is commanded by Captain Owen Stanley, an officer well known in these colonies, having commanded H.M.B. Britomart on this station, for about three years. Captain Stanley has instructions from the Admiralty to pay off the schooners Bramble and Castlereagh and recommission them as tenders to the Rattlesnake. She has on board Ј4000 in specie for the Commissariat Department of this colony. At the Cape of Good Hope she landed Ј50,000 ; at the Mauritius Ј15,000 ; and at Hobart Town Ј4000. Capt. Charles Stanley, R. E., who has arrived in Sydney by the Rattlesnake, is a brother to Captain Owen Stanley : he is Private Secretary to Lieutenant-Governor Denison, at Van Diemen's Land. Mr. King, another passenger, is a son of Captain King, of Port Stephens, and has returned from England, after completing his education at Cambridge, for the purpose of being ordained as a clergyman of the Church of England, and it is expected the Rattlesnake will remain here about two months. We are informed that the officers surveyed Simon's Bay, and made a number of valuable observations on the passage out.
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The Rattlesnake.- During the last three months this vessel has been engaged with H.M. schooner Bramble, in surveying different bays to the northward of this port. She sailed hence on the 11th October, and arrived at Moreton Bay on the 17th ; having completed there the survey commenced by the Fly and Bramble, she proceeded to Port Curtis, and remained there three weeks. A most elabo-rate survey was made of the harbour, and a new channel or entrance, from one to two miles in width, and four to seven fathoms of water, was discovered. There was no appearance of natives, and at Facing Island a spy-glass and several other small articles, which had been left there by Colonel Barney's party some months' since, were found. She sailed from Port Curtis on the 29th November, and on the 8th December arrived at Port Molle, where she remained two days, a splendid harbour being found there, and some valuable obser-vations made. From thence she proceeded to Cape Upstart, and arrived there on the 11th December, that being her farthest point north.
It was Captain Stanley's intention to have proceeded as far as Rockingham Bay, but not being able to obtain sufficient water for the ship, (all hands having been for some days on short allowance,) coupled with the circumstance of strong northerly winds prevailing, he was induced to turn back ; and having touched a second time at Port Molle, for the purpose of hoisting in the Asp, (tender), arrived at Moreton Bay on the 31st December. Having watered there, she sailed again for Sydney on the 8th January, leaving the Bramble to follow on the completion of some small service - and touching at the Solitary Islands on her way. From the time the Rattlesnake left this port, up to her return yesterday, continued soundings have been taken along the coast - charts on a large scale have been drawn of the places surveyed, and a valuable collection of curiosities has been made by the naturalist ; Mr. John McGillivray.
We believe we are correct in stating that Captain Stanley's instructions from the Admiralty were merely to survey the inner barrier of Tames Straits ; but the season not being favourable for such duty this cruize was undertaken by him entirely for the benefit of the colony, and by so doing, he has rendered an important service. From Cape Upstart, the Rattlesnake has experienced exceedingly bad weather, and had to beat nearly the whole of the distance. On Wednesday last she passed the steamer Thistle, hence for Moreton Bay, off Port Stephens. We understand it is Captain Stanley's intention to proceed to Bass's Straits in the course of ten days, on some service connected with the erection of the light-houses ; which will occupy about a month, after which he will return to Sydney to refit, and in April sail again for Torres Straits.
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Notice to Mariners.- We understand that Captain Stanley, of H.M.S. Rattlesnake, has reported to the Government, for the information of masters of vessels trading to Moreton Bay, that the outer black buoy marked A. in Captain Wickham's chart, has been driven from its position (during a heavy gale of wind, from the northeast) a mile and a half to the S.S.W., (magnetic), and it is now inside the shoal altogether, in seven fathoms water. The buoys - B: and C: remain in their proper place.
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11 Mar 1848 During the absence of the Rattlesnake and Bramble from this port, they have visited the different lighthouses, at Port Dalrymple, Swan and Goose Islands, Kent's Gioup, and Cape Otway, and the observations made thereon, we understand, will shortly be made public through the Government. The Rattlesnake sailed from Launceston on Friday week, and the Bramble from Port Phillip the day previous. The latter reached Kent's Group on the afternoon of Friday, but having previously examined the works there, continued her voyage for Sydney ; during the night, however, Lieutenant Yule directed a careful watch to be kept on the light, and he informs us it was seen a distance of thirty-seven miles from the deck of the vessel. Owing to light contrary winds, the Bramble did not make Cape Howe until Wednesday morning, when she met with a strong breeze from the southward.
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Torres Straits.
(From Tuesday's Government Gazette.)
Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney, 8th May, 1848. His Excellency the Governor directs the publication of a letter from Captain Owen Stanley, recommending that in the event of any vessel being unfortunately wrecked in attempting the outer passage through Tomes' Straits in the present season, the crew should join her Majesty's ship Rattlesnake, at Princess Charlotte's Bay, or Cape York, rather than attempt to cross the Gulf of Carpentaria to Port Essington.
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H.M.Sg. Ship Rattlesnake,
Sydney, 29th April, 1846.
Sir,- Having landed Mr. Kennedy and his party, I shall commence the survey of the inner passage at Rockingham Bay, and work to the northward ; I expect to be in the neighbourhood of Princess Charlotte's Bay the end of July ; and at Cape York the beginning of October, so that in the event of any ships being unfortunately wrecked in attempting the outer passage this season ; it would be better for the crew to join this vessel than to attempt to cross the Gulf of Carpentaria to Port Essington.
I am, Sir, Sir,
Your very obedient servant.
OWEN STANLEY,
Captain and Surveyor.
Honorable E. Deas Thomson. Colonial Secretary, &c.
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28 Jun 1848 Letters have been received from H.M.S. Rattlesnake, dated Fitz Roy Island, June 28th. The Rattlesnake, Bramble, and "Tam O'Shanter" had a beautiful run from Sydney to Rockingham Bay, where Mr. Kennedy's party were landed, and the "Tam O'Shanter" proceeded on her voyage to Batavia. The survey was proceeding satisfactorily, the coast aid reefs for one hundred and twenty miles having been triangulated. It was understood that both vessels were to arrive at Cape York next month, and there wait for stores to be sent from Sydney. All were well.
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CRUISE OF H.M.S. RATTLESNAKE
(As reported in the Sydney Shipping Gazette of 9 Feb 1850)
The Rattlesnake has been absent from Sydney since the 8th May last, and, in conjunction with the Bramble has been making some very important and valuable surveys about the vicinity of New Guinea. From this, she proceeded to Moreton Bay, and after remaining there a few days, resumed the voyage until reaching the easternmost end of the Lousiade Archipelago, near which, it was supposed, that no certain passage existed ; but, after a minute survey it was found that a channel of forty miles breadth, from the land to seaward, extended to Cape Possession, on the south east coast of New Guinea, and at which point Captain Blackwood's survey terminated.
There was also a good and clear passage inside Sud Est Island, at which was found a spacious harbour, with good anchorage, which was named by Captain Stanley the Coral Haven, in which they anchored on the 14th June. The inner part of the reef was then surveyed, and intercourse was had frequently with the natives of the group both on board and on shore, who were of a superior description, being well proportioned and of an amicable disposition, bringing off in their canoes, (which were of large dimensions, some measuring 55 feet in length,) flax, arrowroot, yams, in abundance, tortoiseshells, and all the varieties of tropical fruits, which they eagerly sought to barter with ; tomahawks, red cloth, &c., were offered, but the only article they seemed to prize was hoop iron, and that which was rusty pleased them best. The canoes were well built, and elaborately carved and coloured. Upon landing, the inhabitants were found residing in well-constructed houses, in a most comfortable manner, and in a cleanly state. From thence they proceeded to Bruinie Island, where they remained a fortnight, the natives behaving .most friendly. Ranges of mountains were seen on the coast of New Guinea, from the Cul de sac de l'Orangerie to Cape Possession, ranging in many parts to the height of Teneriffe.
Having completed the survey, the expedition left the coast of New Guinea the latter end of September, for Cape York, and arrived there on the 1st October, at which place the brig Sir John Byng arrived the following day from Sydney, with provisions which, having discharged, she left on the 17th October, for Port Essington and Manila.
Cape York is described as being a very eligible place for a military post, the surrounding country being well wooded and watered, and the natives most friendly. Whilst lying there the watering party of the Rattlesnake brought off a white woman, and some of a native tribe who had come over from Prince of Wales Island to the main land. Upon coming on board she could scarcely make it understood that she would wish to be retained from the native, as she had almost forgotten the English language, but has been brought up in the vessel, and having again acquired her native tongue, states that her maiden name was Barbara Crawford, the daughter of a tinman, a Scotchman, residing in Sydney, who arrived in the John Barry, as an immigrant ; that she was married to a man named Thompson at Moreton Bay, which place she left with him and some other men, in a small cutter called the American, for Port Essington, at which place they intended settling, but were unfortunately cast away on Prince of Wales Island, when all but herself were drowned ; that the natives behaved very humanely to her during the five years she was among them, but refused until the present occasion to allow her to have any communication with the several vessels passing. At length, seeing the Rattlesnake anchored at Cape York she induced them to take her on board, saying she wished to shake hands with her countrymen. Captain Stanley rewarded the natives liberally with axes, knives, &c, as an inducement for them to behave similarly should another wreck happen. From her, great information has been received relative to the manners and customs of the inhabitants of the islands in Torres Straits. The discovery of these channels through the Louisade Archipelago will considerably shorten the voyage from this to India, and from the description given of the fertility of the islands and of the coast of New Guinea, also the strong inclination of the natives to trade, it will likely tend to send some of our colonial vessels among them to traffic ; but they should go well armed, as hostile intentions were often shown towards the Bramble when in shore among the reefs. The Bramble may he expected in a few days. A great quantity of curiosities obtained.
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Naiad, 1797
Type: 5th rate ; frigate ; Armament 38
Launched at Hill's Yard, Limehouse 27 Feb 1797 ; Disposal date or year : 1866
BM: 1020 tons
Notes:

11 Aug 1798 captured the French privateer Tigre.

22 Aug 1798 Naiad, joined by the Magnanime, chased and captured the French 36-gun frigate, Dйcade, which was added to the navy as a 12-pounder, 36-gun frigate.

1 Jan 1799, CApt. W. Pierrepoint. Refitting at Plymouth.

11 Feb 1799, Plymouth, broke from her moorings in the gale and tailed on the West Mud in Hamoaze ; but the tide flowing she got off with little damage.

3 Mar 1799 with the San Fiorenzo, captured the French privateer Heureux Hazard, 16 guns mounted, and 94 men, in the Bay of Biscay, left Nantz only yesterday.

7 Mar 1799, Plymouth, orders came down this day to the Port Admiral Sir R. King, Bart, for all frigates in future to harbour in the Sound instead of Cawsand Bay, which is to be appropriated for ships of the line. This order it is said is in consequence of the Naiad frigate in the late gales of wind driving and running foul of the Mars, 74 guns, in Cawsand Bay.

19 Mar 1799, Plymouth, arrived with the French privateer L'Heureuse Hazard, 18, formerly the Stork of Liverpool, but in turning up Catwater she got embayed near the Leek Beds, and rode very hard for several hours ; but with assistance from the Dock Yard, she was safe in Catwater by about 5 p.m. Has sent into Falmouth a smuggling cutter, laden with tobacco and spirits.

24 Mar 1799, Plymouth, arrived in the Sound from a cruise.

15 Apr 1799, Plymouth, sailed with dispatches for Lord Bridport's fleet.

21 Jul 1799, Plymouth, sailed the Naiad, and Childers, on a cruise.

7 Aug 1799, Plymouth, arrived from a cruise.

15-17 Oct 1799 the chase of the Spanish frigates Santa-Brigida and Thetis, the latter with Ј311,690 sterling onboard, and their subsequent capture by the Naiad, Ethalion, Alcmиne, and Triton.

14 Nov 1799, Plymouth, went up the harbour, to refit.

24 Dec 1799, Plymouth, in dock for repair.

Circa Jan 1800, Captain Murray is appointed to the command of the Naiad frigate, her former officer, Captain Pierrepoint, being compelled to resign through indisposition.

14 Jan 1800, Plymouth, The nett prize money of the dollars taken on board the St. Brigida and Thetis Spanish galleon frigates, captured by the Triton, Alcmene, Naiad, and Ethalion, was paid this day by their respective agents, and is, exclusive of all expences, as follows : Captains Ј40,730 ; Lieutenants Ј5,091 ; Warrant officers Ј2,468 ; Midshipmen and their class Ј791 ; Able and ordinary seamen and marines Ј182. There still remains the nett produce of the hulls, stores, masts, rigging, &c. of the 2 frigates to be accounted for.

31 Jan 1800, Plymouth, arrived from a cruise,

29 Mar 1800, Plymouth, arrived from a cruise.

22 Jun 1800, Plymouth, arrived from a cruise.

13 Sep 1800, Plymouth, arrived La Providence French brig, with wine, soap, and brandy for the Brest fleet. She was discovered under the guns of two batteries near Camaret Point, by the Suwarrow, 14, Lt Nicholson who gallantly resolved to cut her out with his boats, which he effected, notwithstanding the heavy fire of the batteries ; the Elephant, 74, and the Naiad, were in sight in the offing, but have relinquished their share of the prize money in testimony of their approbation of their conduct.

17 Dec 1800, Plymouth, sailed on a cruise.

29-31 May 1803 captured French National Corvette L'lmpatient of 20 Guns and the French Merchant Ship La Chasseur.

4 Jul 1803, ship's boats capture the French national schooner Providence.

May 1805 On a cruise westward.

13 Aug 1805 Iris fell in with the French fleet off Cape Ortugal, and on the 14th had escaped the chasing ship and joined the Naiad, in sight of which was the Dragon, accompanied by the Phoenix and prize, the late French frigate Didon.

Circa 1 Oct 1805 the arrival of the additional frigates Naiad, Phoebe, Sirius, Juno, and Niger off Cadiz allowed Nelson to detach them to disrupt local shipping supplying provisions for the joint fleet in Cadiz.

10 Oct 1805 off Cadiz - the tactical preparations etc. for the forthcoming battle. 20 Oct combined fleet departed Cadiz, fleet manoeuvres.

21 Oct 1805 England expects….. &c. signalled, the first shots of the Battle of Trafalgar are fired. Nelson shot. Resumй of what had taken place. Individual ship actions and losses. The post-mortem commences ; Summary of British casualties ; Death of Nelson ;

22-30 Oct 1805 losses amongst the prizes due to bad weather etc: Redoutable, Rayo, Monarca (sank) ; Fougueux, Bucentaure, Indomptable, San-Francisco-de-Asis, Aigle, Berwick (wrecked) ; Algйsiras (taken into Cadiz) ; Santa-Ana, Neptuno (recaptured) ; Santisima-Trinidad (scuttled) ; Achille, Intrйpide, San-Augustin (burnt) ; the washup ; burial of Nelson ;

24 Oct 1805 Belleisle arrived at Gibraltar, under tow by the Naiad.

16 Dec 1808 captured the French privateers Superb and Fanny on the Home station.

23 Feb 1809 Amethyst observes M. Willaumez's French squadron abreast of the Tour de Baleine and signalled Rear-admiral Stopford's squadron, consisting of the Cжsar, Defiance, and Donegal, who went in chase of the French, and watched them entering Basque road on the 24th and despatched the frigate Naпad to inform Lord Gambia.

24 Feb 1809 Naпad made the signal of three suspicious sail coming down from the northward and signalled Rear-admiral Stopford's squadron accordingly. leaving the Amethyst and Emerald to watch Basque road, the squadron sailed in search of the approaching vessels.

Portsmouth 13 Jun 1811 Passing St. Helen's, with a convoy for the Downs.

Deal 4 Jul 1811 Arrived from the westward.

Deal 24 Jul 1811 Sailed for off Flushing.

Deal 10 Sep 1811 Arrived from a cruise off Boulogne.

20 Sep 1811 at anchor off Boulogne road, whilst observing the French emperor honouring the Boulognese, exchanged greetings with a number of French gun vessels sent out to chase her away.

21 Sep 1811 the Naiad, now accompanied by the Rinaldo, Redpole, Castilian and Viper, off Boulogne road, captured the French prame Ville-de-Lyon, flag ship of the squadron, but were unable close the remaining gun vessels due to shaoling water.

Deal 29 Sep 1811 Sailed to cruise off Boulogne.

6 Oct 1811 captured the French privateer Milan in the Channel.

Deal 13 Oct 1811 Arrived from off the French coast with a privateer, Reinarde, captured off Dieppe.

Deal 27 Oct 1811 Sailed to resume her station off the French coast.

6 Nov 1811 captured the French privateer Requin at sea.

Dover 7 Nov 1811 Passing here, with a French lugger privateer, just captured, for the Downs.

Deal 8 Nov 1811 Arrived with the Requin, French privateer, which she captured two days ago off Dieppe.

Dover 10 Nov 1811 Sent in the French lugger Requin, taken after a long chase.

Deal 11 Nov 1811 Sailed for off Boulogne.

Dover 17 Nov 1811 Passed by with a convoy.

Deal 2 Dec 1811 Arrived, having been driven off her station by stress of weather, sailing later in the day to resume her station, the gale having abated.

Deal 9 Feb 1812 Sailed to resume her station off the French coast.

31 Jan 1823 the Cameleon and Naiad, off Algiers, attacked the Tripoli, an Algerine corvette, and the former boarded her, before being ordered to abandon the vessel.

Jan 1824 With the Camelion, visited Algiers, following a violation of the Bitish consuls offices, in order to demand satisfaction from the Dey.

31 Jan 1824 Since it was apparent that British citizens living in Algiers were no longer thought to be safe, they were taken on board. However, on departing from the harbour the Algerine corvette Tripoli, which had recently committed depredations on Spanish trade, in contravention of the Treaty of 1816, was sighted in the offing and was reduced to a wreck by the Naiad's gunners. She was subsequently boarded and taken by the Camelion, but on the Naiad's orders, abandoned. See p. 235-236 at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow.

18 Mar 1824 captured Quattro Fratelli ; account of the proceeds deposited with the High Court of Admiralty on 16 Jun 1831.

Bona 23 May 1824 The ship's boats were used to burn an Algerine brig of war which had sought refuge under the guns of the fortress. See p. 236-7 at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow.

23 Feb 1825 captured the Muni ; account of the proceeds deposited with the High Court of Admiralty on 16 Jun 1831.

1830 Portsmouth

29 Oct 1846 Portsmouth. Commissioned for service as Store ship at Valparaiso.

1851 transferred to Callao.

1864 Store ship, Callao. Report of VD etc. onboard : number of Cases of Disease and Injury.

1866 sold to P.S.N.Co. for 2,000 dollars. She is reported in the Naval Review to have lasted until 1898.