HMS Undine (1847)
HMS Undine (1847)


Royal NavyVessels

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NameUndine (1847)Explanation
TypePacket   
Launched1847
HullIron
PropulsionPaddle
Builders measure284 tons
Displacement 
Guns 
Fate1854
Class 
Ships book
NotePurchased, ex-mercantile Ondine (built 1845).
Sold 1854 to Jenkins and Churchward for the Dover Mail Service
Extracts from the Times newspaper
DateExtract
Fr 14 May 1847

Portsmouth, Thursday, May 13.

The Undine steam tender, Master Commander Allen, having undergone sundry repairs. and been coated on one side of her bottom with red-lead and the other with a composition, in order to see whether either application will prevent the growth of rubbish, was undocked yesterday, and the Sappho, 16, taken in for refitment.
Sa 5 June 1847

ARRIVAL OF PRINCE OSCAR OF SWEDEN.

PORTSMOUTH, Friday.

Last evening, about 8 o'clock, the news was brought in by the Undine steam vessel, Master-Commander Allen, that the Swedish squadron so long expected here, escorting Prince OscarExternal link to our shores, was outside the Knab. Captain Pasco, of the Victory, flag-captain to the Commander-in-Chief, Sir Charles Ogle, Bart., had boarded his Highness's ship off Culver-cliff, Isle of Wight, about half-past 6, (the squadron having been descried through the haze which prevailed about 12 o'clock yesterday, endeavouring to work up to Spithead, and being reported to the Commander-in-Chief, that officer immediately despatched his flag-captain in the Undine, to invite his Highness ashore), and, in the name of his Admiral, invited the Prince to the Admiralty-house, placing the barge in which he went, and also the Undine steam vessel, at the service of his Royal Highness, who, however, after warmly acknowledging the courtesy of the gallant Admiral and his distinguished representative, declined to disembark from his ship until he left for London to pay his respects to Her Majesty, being, we understand, invited to the palace. Captain Pasco accordingly came in and acquainted the Admiral with the Prince's intentions; meanwhile, the Swedish vessels, consisting of the Eugenie, 50, Captain S.M. Von Krusenstjerna, and the Nordenskold brig, Captain A. Rafelt, worked up to the anchorage.
M. Vandenbergh, the Swedish Vice-Consul at this port, immediately despatched the news of the arrival of the Prince to the Swedish Ambassador and Consul General. Baron de Rehausen, the Swedish Chargé d’Affaires, went off at half past 7 this morning, with M. Vandenbergh, to receive the Prince's commands.
At 10 minutes to 8 the frigate fired a salute of 21 guns, with the British red ensign at her fore, which was acknowledged by the platform battery. At 9 o'clock Sir Charles Ogle, accompanied by Captain Pasco and Flag-Lieutenant Cochrane, went out in the Undine with his flag flying, to pay his respects to the Prince. The gallant Admiral was received by his Royal Highness with the warmest cordiality, and Captain Von Krusenstjerna was presented. The crew of the frigate cheered Sir C. Ogle most vociferously on his boarding her, which welcome was returned by the crew of the Undine. His Highness having expressed a wish to land at 1 o'clock, the Undine was placed at his disposal to bring him into harbour, and after inviting the captain and his officers to partake of his hospitality at the Admiralty-house during their sojourn, Sir C. Ogle left, under a salute of 19 guns, which were duly returned by the Victory, and came into harbour.
The gallant Rear-Admiral Sir C. Napier, K.C.B., also proceeded in his barge from his ship, the St. Vincent, 120, Captain Milne, accompanied by that officer and his flag-lieutenant, and paid his respects to the Prince, who saluted him on leaving with 13 guns, which were returned by the St. Vincent.
At 12 o'clock the Prince left the frigate, under salutes from the Swedish vessels, and the St. Vincent, and Howe, at Spithead, and embarked in the Undine, accompanied by Captain Krusenstjerna, of the Eugenie; Captain Rafelt, of the Nordenskold; Captain Hafner, Aide-de-Camp to his Royal Highness; Baron de Rehausen; M. Vandenbergh; and Flag-Lieutenant Cochrane; and with the Swedish flag at the main, entered the harbour at 20 minutes past 12, under salutes from the platform, the Victory (whose band, stationed on the poop, played the National Anthem as the Undine passed her), and Excellent, and landed at the King's stairs in this dockyard at 25 minutes after 12, where his Royal Highness was received by Colonel Lewis, C.B., Commanding the Royal Engineers in this garrison, and Deputy Lieutenant-Governor thereof in the absence of Major-General Lord Frederick Fitz Clarence, G.C.H.; Colonel Daly, Brigade-Major of the district; Captain Dacres, of the Avenger steam frigate; and other officers of distinction, who conducted the Prince to the Admiralty-house, where he partook of some slight refreshment with the Commander-in-Chief.
His Royal Highness having changed his uniform for a plain travelling dress left the Admiralty-house a little before 2, and crossing over to the Clarence Victualling Establishment, Gosport, in the Admiral's barge, where he was received by Captain Superintendent Sir E.W. Parry, Mr. Davies, Master Attendant, and Mr. T.T. Grant, F.R.S., Storekeeper, left, under salutes from his own squadron and the Victory, for the terminus of the South Western Railway, and proceeded to London by the half-past 2 o'clock fast train, accompanied by Baron Rehausen, Captain Hafner, Aide-de-Camp, and Colonel Drummond, Equerry to the Queen, who came down deputed by Her Majesty to conduct the prince to the palace.
His Royal Highness is a young man, apparently about 20 yours of age, tall and slender, and is a Lieutenant in the Swedish navy, doing duty that capacity on board the Eugenie. His Royal Highness will return to this port on Monday and make an inspection of this arsenal, sojourning at the George Hotel.
Captains Krusenstjerna and Rafelt dined this evening with Sir Charles Ogle and a distinguished party, invited to meet them at the Admiralty-house.
M. Louis Vandenbergh represented the Consul-General, that officer being prevented by severe indisposition from paying his respects to his Royal Highness. Prior to leaving Spithead in the Undine, the Swedish Chargé d’Affaires Baron de Rehausen, was saluted by the frigate with 12 guns.
Tu 8 June 1847

Monday, June 7.

The Frolic, 16, Commander C.B. Hamilton, came up to Spithead this afternoon from the Pacific, with a freight of 2,000,000 dollars on merchants' account, which have been consigned to Messrs. E. and E. Emanuel, freight agents and silversmiths to the Queen, of this port, for conveyance to the Bank of England. So great was the anxiety to get her into harbour, that the Commander-in-Chief went out in the Undine to inspect her a full hour before she anchored, and boarded her off Hyde. The Admiral mustered the crew, and exercised them in gunnery, which was very good. After inspecting the vessel and complimenting the commander, the Admiral returned into harbour, and the Tartarus steam-vessel, Lieutenant Commander Coles, towed the Frolic in shortly after to land her freight. Commander Hamilton is brother to the second secretary to the Admiralty, and has had the Frolic since April, 1844, being her second commander. He will, however, doubtless be promoted.
We 9 June 1847

PRINCE OSCAR OF SWEDEN.

PORTSMOUTH, June 8.

His Royal Highness, accompanied by Baron Rehausen, Swedish Chargé d’Affaires; Count Rosen; M. Hjerta, Secretary to the Swedish Embassy; Commodore Von Krusenstjerna, of the Eugenie; and Captain Hafner, Aide-de-Camp, returned from London last evening by the 5 o'clock fast train of the South-Western Railway, and were received at the Gosport terminus at half-past 8 by Captain Pasco, of the Victory, Flag Captain to Sir Charles Ogle; M. Vandenbergh, Swedish Vice-Consul; Flag-Lieutenant Cochrane, and Mr. R.W. Stevens, Superintendent of the Railway, and were conducted to the Clarence-yard, where the Admiral's barge was in waiting to put the Prince and suite on hoard the Undine steam-vessel, Master-Commander Allen, which took the august party out to Spithead, to embark on board the frigate.
This morning at half-past 9 o'clock Captain Pasco, in the Undine, brought his Royal Highness into harbour, together with the above suite and some of the officers from both vessels, in order that they might view the various objects of interest in the arsenal. His Royal Highness was received on landing at the King's-stairs by Admiral Sir C. Ogle, Bart., the Commander-in-Chief; Mr. Brown, Master-Attendant; Mr. Fincham, Master Shipwright; Captain James, officer of Royal Engineers in charge of works; and M. Vandenbergh, Vice-Consul; and was conducted over the dockyard by Captain Pasco, the details connected with the different objects inspected being minutely explained by the scientific officers above mentioned. His Royal Highness went on board the ships building and in dock, and was particularly struck with the Royal yacht Fairy, the beauty and splendour of the embellishments of which elicited his Royal Highness's warmest admiration. The Prince highly eulogised the taste displayed in the embellishment of the yacht, which will be out of dock and ready for service this week.
From the Fairy the distinguished party proceeded to the Admiralty-house, to luncheon with Sir Charles Ogle, whence they proceeded, at 2 o'clock, to the King's-stairs, and embarked in the Admiral's barge, which conveyed them to the Excellent to witness gunnery practice. From the Excellent the Royal party visited the Victory, over which they were conducted by her gallant and distinguished Captain. This fine and venerable old ship seemed to be a far greater object of interest than any other afloat. After inspecting the Victory and other objects of interest, the Prince and suite were entertained at a sumptuous banquet at the Admiralty-house, to which a gallant and distinguished party were invited. This was followed by a ball upon a splendid scale, to which the officers of the Swedish ships were generally invited, and which was also graced by the élite of the naval, military, and civil houses of this port, garrison, and neighbourhood, forming a brilliant assemblage of about 150 guests.
Th 10 June 1847

PRINCE OSCAR OF SWEDEN.

PORTSMOUTH, Wednesday.

At about half-past 12 o'clock last night his Royal Highness left the Commander-in-Chiefs house, accompanied by Commodore Krusenstjerna and the officers of the respective ships, and proceeded to Spithead in the Undine, highly gratified with the courtesy and princely hospitality of their gallant and distinguished entertainer, Sir Charles Ogle.
At 11 o'clock this morning Baron Rehausen, Swedish Chargé d'Affaires; Colonel Drummond, Equerry to Her Majesty; M. Hjerta, secretary to the Embassy; and M. Vandenbergh, Swedish and Norwegian Vice-Consul, left the Victoria-pier, Portsmouth, in the yacht of the latter gentleman, to take leave of his Royal Highness and officers of the squadron. On arriving off the frigate Eugenie a barge was sent from her to bring the party on board. His Royal Highness expressed himself gratified with the attention paid him, and acknowledged their courtesy in the warmest expressions of gratitude. The distinguished party having taken leave and left the ship, the frigate and brig got under way, and proceeded for Stockholm, at about 3 o'clock this afternoon.
M. Vandenbergh, after landing Baron Rehausen and M. Hjerta. who left by the 3h. 30m. train for London, on the South Western Railway, conducted Colonel Drummond to Ryde, in his yacht.
The hasty departure of the Swedish squadron prevented, much to their regret, the officers from visiting Southwick-park, to which magnificent estate they had been most warmly invited by its proprietor, Mr. Thomas Thistlethwayte, through the intercession of the Swedish Vice-Consul, M. Vandenbergh, with whom they were to have dined yesterday, at his unique cottage, at Southwick.
The Prince would have visited the St. Vincent this morning, having expressed his intention of doing so, but Sir Charles Napier, Captain Milne, Commander Ogle, and First-Lieutenant (Commander Robertson), were all at the court-martial, detailed in our naval intelligence.
Th 17 June 1847

PORTSMOUTH, Wednesday.

The Undine steam-yacht, Master-Commander Allen, was got on the graving slip to-day to have her bottom examined.
Tu 22 June 1847

PORTSMOUTH, Monday.

This morning the Undine steam-yacht, Master-Commander Allen, was laid on the graving slip alongside the dockyard, in order to afford the commander-in-chief and other distinguished officers an opportunity of inspecting her bottom and examining the state of the composition with which it has been paid to prevent the adhesion of rubbish. One side of the vessel is coated with red lead, and the other with this composition, which has now been exposed to the action of the water since the 12th ult. On inspecting the bottom of the vessel this morning we found the red lead covered with weeds, grass, barnacles, muscles, and such like adhesive matters, the red lead acting as nourishment to the growth of such obstacles to the vessel's speed; whereas the composition side was clean and free from all rubbish, except such as would immediately come off on being slightly touched or acted upon by the water when the vessel is in motion. The result, therefore, was deemed eminently satisfactory, as far as all trials of this new composition for the bottoms of iron, vessels have hitherto extended. The Undine was taken outside the harbour when the tide floated her, and came in with her composition quite clean.
Sa 26 June 1847The Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Sir Charles Ogle, intends to sail on Sunday, we believe, if the weather should prove favourable, in the Undine steam-yacht, on a visit to the Channel Islands. On this occasion his flag will be struck in the Victory and transferred to the Undine, and the duties of the port will be carried on pro tem, by Rear-Admiral of the White Hyde Parker, C.B., Superintendent of the Dockyard.
We 21 July 1847

INSPECTION OF THE FLEET AT SPITHEAD.

PORTSMOUTH, Tuesday.

This morning, at about a quarter to 12 o'clock, the Undine steam-vessel, Master-Commander Allen, came up from Osborne to announce to Sir Charles Napier the intention of their Royal Highnesses Prince AlbertExternal link and Prince Waldemar of PrussiaExternal link to inspect the fleet under his command at noon; about which time the Fairy was observed coming up to the anchorage with Prince Albert's standard flying. When nearing the fleet the St. Vincent, 120, Captain Milne, let off a Royal salute, which the Queen, Howe, Caledonia, and Vengeance took up at the second gun, with their yards manned, presenting a most imposing spectacle, the effect of which was considerably heightened by the stillness of the water and the perfect calm which prevailed. The Avenger steam-frigate and the Spiteful steam-sloop, Captain Sir William Hoste, Bart, (which vessel had the honour of carrying Prince Waldemar from Colombo to Madras and Calcutta in Decembers 1844), also manned yards, and looked exceedingly well.
The Fairy hove to abreast of the Vengeance, when Rear-Admiral Sir C. Napier, K.C.B., went in his barge to pay his respects to their Royal Highnesses, by whom he was most cordially received. Sir Charles then conducted the Royal visitors, who were accompanied by the Chevalier Bunsen, Prussian Ambassador, his Serene Highness Prince Löwenstein, Baron Laner Munchausen, Count Oriola, Count Groeben, Lord Morley, Colonel Buckley, and Captain F. Seymour, Captain Lord Adolphus Fitzclarence, &c., in his barge to the Queen, 110, Captain Sir H. Leeke, who, together with all the officers of the ship, received the Royal party on the quarterdeck, under a Royal salute, the Prince Consort's standard being hoisted at the main. After going round the ship, and the officers had been presented, their Royal Highnesses took their departure under another salute, escorted by Sir C. Napier, for the St. Vincent, 120, Captain Milne, who, together with all the officers of the ship and Rear-Admiral Hyde Parker (who was on board paying the crew advance wages), was stationed on the quarterdeck to receive the distinguished visitors.
Sir Charles conducted their Royal Highnesses into the admiral's fore cabin to witness the mode of paying seamen advance wages, whence they were conducted into every part of the ship; when on the lower deck the men gave three cheers for the Princes. On ascending to the quarterdeck, Commander Ogle was presented to Prince Waldemar, who asked to see Lieutenant Rogers, the first lieutenant, and that officer was accordingly presented. Lieutenant Rogers's brother was, when living, well known to Prince Waldemar whilst in Ceylon, when his Royal Highness presented him with a handsome pair of pistols in token of his regard for him; these were shown to his Royal Highness to-day by the gallant brother of the deceased whilst the Prince was in his cabin on board the St. Vincent. Lieutenant Hamilton, flag lieutenant to Sir Charles Ogle, was also presented to his Royal Highness.
Having expressed their warm acknowledgments for the attention shown them, the illustrious visitors left the St. Vincent under another salute, having been on board about three quarters of an hour, and returned to Osborne in the Fairy.
Sir C. Napier dined this evening with Her Majesty at Osborne.
The Lords of the Admiralty were not present to-day, being detained in town until after the prorogation. Their Lordships, however, have intimated to Sir C. Napier that they will visit Spithead towards the latter end of this week.
Ma 26 July 1847

PORTSMOUTH, Sunday.

INSPECTION OF THE FLEET BY THE ADMIRALTY.

A Board of Admiralty, consisting of the Right Hon. the Earl of Auckland, G.C.B., First Lord; Rear-Admiral J.W.D. Dundas, C.B., First Naval Lord; Mr. H.G. Ward, First Secretary to the Board; accompanied by Vice-Admiral Sir C. Adam, K.C.B., the Governor of Greenwich Hospital, and Lord Ashburton, arrived at Gosport on Friday evening, at a quarter past 6, and walked into the Clarence-yard by Her Majesty's railway at 6.30. The officers and men belonging to the Royal Clarence Victualling Establishment were dressed in their full uniform, as volunteers, and received their Lordships in true military style, with presented arms, the brass band playing the National Anthem. The troops were then marched in open columns, of companies, before their Lordships, and were to have marched also in quick time, but as they had much to do, and but little time to do it in, they ordered the men to be halted, and desired Captain Superintendent Sir W.E. Parry, who appeared en costume, as colonel, to call the officers before them, to whom the first lord made a short address expressive of their Lordships' approbation of the zeal and attention displayed by them in carrying out their Lordships' wishes, and complimenting them very highly and deservedly on the soldierly appearance of themselves and their men. Their Lordships then embarked with Admiral Sir C. Ogle, in his barge, the Victory and platform battery saluting, the former and Spiteful steam-sloop with yards manned, at 6.45 p.m., and at 6.50 got on board the Spiteful, Commander Sir W. Hoste, Bart., just returned from the East India and China station; orders having been given, after her steam was nearly up, ready to start for Woolwich on Friday, to detain her for the inspection of their Lordships. For the same reason the Marines of the battalion belonging to the eastern division, who had been brought from the Stromboli for a passage, and who were partly on board, were hastily re-embarked, and returned with their baggage to that vessel. Their Lordships, accompanied by Admiral Sir Charles Ogle, went on board her at 50 minutes past 6 o'clock p.m., and remained on board about twenty minutes, closely inspecting her above and below, and causing the crew to pass in review before them. The result was a very high and very deserved eulogium by their Lordships on Commander Sir William Hoste, his officers, more especially the First Lieutenant, Mr. Newland, and crew, for the very high state of efficiency in which their Lordships found the vessel after such a protracted absence from England. This well-merited praise is confidently expected to be followed by the promotion of Lieutenant Newland, at least, that officer having been Acting Commander of her.
On leaving the Spiteful their Lordships landed at the dockyard at 7.15 p.m., where the whole of the volunteers were drawn up for their inspection. As the men were only partially armed and clothed they did not present so soldierly an appearance as those at Clarence-yard, which their Lordships observed, and, we believe, expressed an intention of making another inspection in about 10 days, when they make their annual visit, by which time it is to be hoped they will be fully armed and accoutred. They, however, expressed their unqualified approval of the progress which had been made. Their Lordships dined and slept at the Port Admiral's.
Yesterday morning, at 9 o'clock, their Lordships were out early, and went over the dockyard, inspecting the new boathouse, now rapidly drawing towards completion, the Fury steam-sloop in the basin, just commissioned by a gallant young officer, Commander Willcox, late First Lieutenant of the Vixen steam-sloop during her commission in India and China; thence on board the Retribution steam-frigate, receiving tabular boilers in the basin of which vessel we may state the Board have some strong hopes of yet becoming a very valuable addition to the steam navy of the country. Their Lordships also inspected sundry other objects of interest and importance, especially the new steam basin, with the progress of which they appeared much gratified. After the cursory inspection of the dockyard they embarked in the Admiralty barge at the King's-stairs, at 10.15, under a salute with yards manned by the Victory, and went successively on board the Ajax steam-guard ship, the Amphitrite, 20, Captain T.R. Eden, and the Odin steam-frigate, Captain the Hon. F.T. Pelham; and ordered certain alterations to be made in her machinery with the object of reducing her weight, being very deep. From the last named, they proceeded on board the Undine, Master-Commander J.G. Allen, and went to Spithead, where they were received with a salute of 19 guns by Rear-Admiral Sir Charles Napier's flagship, the St. Vincent, 120, Captain A. Milne, the whole squadron manning yards. They went first on board the Queen, 110, Captain Sir H.J. Leeke, K.H., at 25 minutes past 11 a.m., and remained on board nearly two hours, actively inspecting her in every part; an inspection which resulted in the highest degree praiseworthy to the ship, her captain, officers, and crew, their Lordships having expressed their unqualified satisfaction at her internal and external economy. All the officers having been introduced to the Earl of Auckland, the Board proceeded to the Vengeance, 84, Captain Stephen Lushington, the finest specimen of a fast sailing and hard-fighting two-decker afloat, with whose trim and eminently serviceable state the Board expressed their warmest admiration. All the officers were presented to the First Lord by Captain Lushington, and then they visited the Avenger steam-frigate, Captain S.C. Dacres, with which ship, we need merely say in a word, the Board expressed themselves perfectly satisfied. She is certainly in as good condition as any steam-frigate afloat.
The Howe, 120, Captain Sir J. Stirling, was the next ship inspected, and yielded pre-eminent satisfaction; so much so, indeed, that the promotion of her First Lieutenant (Booth, a gallant and meritorious officer) is expected to result from it, which we shall be most happy to hear. All the officers wore introduced, as in the case of the ships previously visited, and similar compliments paid to them, after which their Lordships proceeded, at 3 o'clock, on board the St. Vincent flag-ship of the fleet, where they were met by Admiral Sir C. Ogle, Bart., commander-in-chief of the port, who had gone out in his barge to meet them; and all sat down to a sumptuous banquet, intended as an early dinner, in the state-room of Sir C. Napier's cabin, to which all the captains of the fleet at Spithead and in harbour were invited, as also a distinguished, but limited circle of private friends.
At 40 minutes past 4 p.m. their Lordships left the St. Vincent under another salute, and came into harbour accompanied by Sir Charles Ogle, in the Undine, at 5 p.m. Their Lordships left immediately, in the Undine's gig, and landed at Gosport, where they got into a fly and drove off to the terminus, leaving for London by the 5.30 train, on the South-Western Railway,
This morning (Sunday) Captain Milne, of the St. Vincent, proceeded to Osborne, to communicate to Her Majesty that the fleet will sail from Spithead on Tuesday, when, should the weather permit, Her Majesty is expected to lead the ships to sea.
We 4 August 1847The Royal squadron to accompany Her Majesty to Scotland will consist of the Royal yachts Victoria and Albert and Fairy, Captain Lord Adolphus Fitzclarence, G.C.H., the Birkenhead iron steam troopship, Commander Ingram; the Undine steam yacht, Master Commander Allen; the Garland steam vessel, Master Commander Luke Smithett; and, possibly, the Fire Queen steam yacht, Lieutenant Commander Johnston, of the Comet. About the 12th inst. will be the time for leaving Osborne.
Th 5 August 1847

PORTSMOUTH, August 4.

The Birkenhead steam transport, Commander Ingram, which has been hurried forward to accompany the Royal squadron to Scotland, as the carriage and luggage vessel, had her orders for that service countermanded this morning, and is now ordered to proceed to Dundrum Bay, with Mr. Bellamy, Assistant-Master Attendant of this dockyard, and a party of riggers, to render all the assistance in their power in the endeavour to extricate the Great BritainExternal link. The Royal squadron will, therefore, consist of the Victoria and Albert, Fairy, Black Eagle, Scourge, Undine, and Garland.
Tu 10 August 1847

PORTSMOUTH, Monday.

The Lords of the Admiralty attended service in the Dockyard Chapel yesterday morning, after which the Earl of Auckland (First Lord) and Sir Charles Ogle went over to the Clarence-yard to meet Lord J. RussellExternal link, who arrived at half-past 1 o'clock by the South-Western Railway. The Earl accompanied the Premier to Osborne, where Lord John was invited as the guest of Her Majesty; the Earl proceeding to Ryde to dine with Sir Augustus de Clifford. The other members of the board dined at the George. ...
From these works ['Mr Bramble's new slips'] the board proceeded to inspect the bottom of the Undine steam yacht on the graving slip, which has been coated on one aide with Mr. Hay's (the chymical lecturer to the Dockyard) composition, and on the other with red lead, to see which was most efficacious in preventing the adhesion and growth of rubbish. It was palpably apparent that the red lead was of no use, as the side coated with it was covered with weeds, muscles, shrimps, carbuncles, grass, nine inches long, and such like rubbish; whereas the composition side was as smooth and clean as new iron. Lord Auckland and the other members of the board, as well as Sir C. Ogle and the scientific officers of the dockyard, expressed their strong opinion in favour of Mr. Hay's valuable invention, which will, doubtless, be generally adopted, and obtain for its patentee a permanent place and adequate remuneration, A letter from Commander Slade, of the iron brig Recruit, was read by their Lordships, proving the good properties of the composition on that vessel, and the total inefficacy of the red lead on the other side of her.
Ma 16 August 1847

PLYMOUTH, Friday, 3 p.m.

The City of Limerick Dublin steamer, Captain Moppett, which left Southampton yesterday and arrived here to-day, reported that on going through the Needles at 5 o'clock in the afternoon she met a large fleet of yachts, apparently returning from escorting Her Majesty from the Isle of Wight into the Channel.
This morning, between 4 and 5 o'clock, the Limerick descried the Royal steam squadron to the eastward of Start Point. They appeared to have just come out of Dartmouth Harbour. A large ship with two funnels led the van. She was followed by the Royal yacht Victoria and Albert; behind the Royal yacht on the starboard quarter came the Garland, and on the larboard quarter the Black Eagle, The Undine was in the rear of the Garland, and the Fairy followed the Black Eagle. The City of Limerick, with the Company's flag at the main, Ensign aft, and Union Jack at her bow, duly honoured the Royal squadron as she passed under the stern of the Garland and Black Eagle, off Prawl Point, a little after 5 o'clock. There was very little wind. The squadron was at full speed — say, 11 to 12 knots, and steaming a course W. by N., which would bring them abreast of the Lizard. About 6 the Garland put on extra steam, detached herself from the squadron, and steered a more northerly course.
Towards 7 o'clock the squadron was descried from the Breakwater Lighthouse several miles outside the Eddystone, steering for the Lizard. The Royal yacht was a-head, closely followed by the Fairy and Black Eagle. They had outrun the Shearwater and Undine, which were four or five miles astern.
The probability is that Her Majesty will pass Falmouth and proceed direct for Milford Haven, and thus keep her engagements in the St. George's Channel.
We 18 August 1847

HER MAJESTY’S MARINE EXCURSION.

At 5 o'clock on Sunday evening the Royal yacht Victoria and Albert, accompanied by the Black Eagle, Scourge, and Undine, reached Beaumaris-bay, having come round by Holyhead, and at 8 o'clock Her Majesty, with his Royal Highness Prince Albert and the Royal children, boarded the Royal yacht from the Fairy tender, which had conveyed them through the Menai Straits. The Queen's tour through this intricate, though interesting passage, afforded much delight to the numbers who crowded each side of the channel.
During the forenoon divine service was performed in the presence of Her Majesty, her Royal Contort, the Royal children, and the other illustrious and noble personages on board; and at 12 o'clock the Royal fleet was abreast the south entrance of the Straits, when the Queen left the Victoria and Albert, and proceeded on board the Fairy yacht, accompanied by Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, Princess Royal, and several members of the suite. for the purpose of passing through the Straits, the draught of water of the former Royal vessel being too great to admit of her taking the channel. Sir S.H. Felly, the deputy-master of the Trinity Corporation, Captain Gordon, and others of the Trinity brethren, had preceded the Royal squadron some hours, in order to complete the necessary arrangements for piloting the fleet. The Fairy immediately proceeded up the Straits, the Royal standard flying at her main, followed by the Undine and Garland, and a small fleet of passenger steamers belonging to Carnarvon and Bangor. The booming of the heavy artillery on Carnarvon-pier announced to the inhabitants the Queen's arrival. Divine service had not been concluded at the several churches, and on the firing of the guns the congregations suddenly left their devotions, and with the populace made all haste to the water-side to witness the progress of Her Majesty. The enthusiasm of the loyal residents of Carnarvon was of the most boisterous description.
The first interesting object which seemed to excite Her Majesty's admiration was the remarkable pile of Carnarvon Castle, the birth-place of the first Prince of Wales. Here the Fairy halted for about ten minutes, and then passed through the Swillies, and on arriving at the Britannia Rock the attention of the Royal party was drawn to the works now going on in the formation of the great tubular bridge over the Straits for the Chester and Holyhead Railway. Arrangements had been made for Prince Albert to land and inspect the operations, but pressure of time preventing him, the yacht proceeded. Arriving at St. George’s-pier, the Fairy was again brought to, so as to enable his Royal Highness to minutely examine that stupendous work of art, the Menai-bridge. Attended by Earl Grey and Lord A. Fitzclarence, the Prince was rowed to the Caernarvonshire side, and spent some time in making inquiries as to the peculiarities of this noble structure. His Royal Highness walked slowly over it to the Anglesea side, and re-entered the barge, which had crossed for that purpose, and returned to the Fairy. The yacht continued its course through the Straits until it reached Garth Ferry, the landing-place at Bangor.
The state barge was again put in requisition in conveying Prince Albert on shore. The Fairy being brought up, his Royal Highness, accompanied by the Prince of Leiningen, Earl Grey, and Captain Gordon, were taken off, and being landed they took an excursion to Penrhyn Castle, the stately seat of the Hon. Colonel Douglas Pennant, M.P. After carefully viewing the interior of the castle and beautiful grounds attached to it, which called forth the admiration of the illustrious visitors, the Prince proceeded to the slate quarries in the vicinity of Bangor. These they also inspected with much earnestness, and the Royal party returned to the yacht shortly after 7 o'clock.
During the Prince's absence the Corporation of Bangor, who had followed the Fairy in a post chaise to Bangor, came off alongside the yacht, and presented a congratulatory address to Her Majesty.
An incident occurred while the Royal yacht was lying at the Garth, which gave rise to the utmost delight and enthusiasm amongst the loyal North Britons [strange: 'North Britons' are the inhabitants of Scotland, not Wales!]. The Fairy was surrounded by boats filled with inhabitants from either side of the straits, who were desirous of beholding and paying homage to their Sovereign. Her Majesty, who was on deck, seemed deeply gratified with the animated scene, and acknowledged the warm greetings of the spectators in the most pointed manner. In one boat, nearer to the Royal yacht than the others, was a gentleman who addressed Lord A. Fitzclarence, and stated the great delight the assembled multitude would experience in seeing the Prince of Wales. The desire was immediately communicated by his Lordship to the Queen, who, full of smiles, walked to the side of the vessel, and Lord Adolphus then lifted the youthful Prince of Wales onto a side seat, and in full view of the enthusiastic assemblage. This was the signal for tremendous cheering. The little Prince, "doffing his glazed hat," bowed his acknowledgments. In attire he was quite a miniature British tar, dressed in blue jack, white trowsers, and "nor'wester." The Princess Royal was by the side of her illustrious parent, and, by her smiles, appeared to be highly pleased with what was passing around.
At a quarter past 7 the little fleet got under weigh for the Cross roads to the westward of this town, Royal salutes being fired from the batteries of Craig y Don, Port Penrhyn, and Beaumaris, as they were passed by the Royal yacht. By 8 o'clock the Royal party were on board the Victoria and Albert, receiving as they went by Beaumaris every demonstration of loyalty.
Before 3 o'clock on Monday morning, the Scourge steam sloop got under weigh and proceeded to the northward, and in an hour afterwards the Royal steam yacht and the remainder of the squadron bore away in the same course, the weather being, as on the three preceding days, exceedingly favourable for the trip.
At 4 o'clock, the Black Eagle arrived in Douglas Bay. She made but a short stay and repaired to William Sands, off the north part of the island. At 8 o'clock a.m. the mail packet Tynwald, Captain Gill commander, who was appointed as pilot to accompany the Royal Squadron around the island, sailed out of Douglas harbour, having the High Bailiff of Douglas and a select party of passengers on board. The Fenella, a steamer of the Fleetwood line, Captain Wheeler, with passengers, soon followed. After passing the Douglas lighthouse, the Tynwald steered south to intersect the Royal squadron at the Calf of Man. At 10 o'clock a.m. the Scourge (one of the squadron) sailed past the Calf, west. At 20 minutes past 10 the remainder of the Royal squadron, viz. the yacht Victoria and Albert, the Fairy, the Undine, and the Garland, came in view. They then changed their course from west to north, steering direct to Douglas Bay. The Tynwald, Ben-my-Chree, and Fenella, joined company with the Royal Squadron, and the seven steamers continued in company. The Queen wore a white bonnet and blue veil. Prince Albert was dressed in Scotch grey. The Prince Regent was in a white canvas frock, like a young midshipman.
On arriving at Douglas Bay, at half-past 11 o'clock, fires were lighted on the headlands, and immense crowds of the people thronged the brow; guns were fired from Castle Mona and from Fort Ann; 50 row boats, with lads and boys, thronged around the Royal yacht with cheers and huzzas; but none of the authorities appeared to address Her Majesty. The squadron stayed about 15 minutes, and then moved on their voyage around by Ramsay and the Point of Ayr. At Maughold Head fires were burning on the mountains, and hundreds thronged the cliffs; flags were flying at Ramsay, and at different points around the coast. At the Point of Ayr, the Tynwald gave three cheers and left the Royal squadron to pursue its course toward the Scottish coast The weather was beautiful, and the scenery at Douglas Bay, when the Royal squadron was passing, was splendid.
In the course of the evening the Royal Squadron arrived off the Ayr Roads, near the entrance of the Frith of Clyde.
Th 19 August 1847

HER MAJESTY’S VISIT TO THE CLYDE.

STRANRAER, Tuesday, Aug. 17.

The Royal Squadron reached Loch Ryan at 6 o’clock yesterday evening, escorted by a flotilla of other steamers, crowded with passengers. The squadron anchored at Cairn Ryan amid the hearty cheers of the crowds collected on the shore. The Prince of Wales, his Royal sister, Prince Albert, and the Duchess of Norfolk landed immediately, and took a short walk along the beach. The Queen did not appear, but occupied a kind of covered tent or place of retirement on deck, and employed herself for some time in making a sketch of this magnificent sheet of water. The hills surrounding the loch were covered with bonfires, and the whole line of coast along which Her Majesty passed on her entrance to Scotland was similarly illuminated.
This morning the Royal Squadron, with the exception of the Black Eagle, which had burst one of her boilers, left Loch Ryan at 6 o'clock for Dumbarton, Off Arran, the first glimpse of the Albert and Victoria [!!!] was caught by the flotilla, which had sailed from Glasgow to escort her. The rest of the steamers of the squadron were immediately seen rounding the point, considerably in the rear. The Victoria and Albert came up first, the Fairy and Undine in a line behind. Three hearty cheers resounded as the Royal vessels passed at a quarter to 11, and the band struck up "God save the Queen." The Admiral of the flotilla immediately put about, and followed in the wake of the Royal Squadron. Smoke was seen issuing from the top of the old tower on the lesser Cumbræ — a preconcerted signal of the Queen's approach, and at a quarter past 11 the first Royal salute of 21 guns was fired from Largs, where great crowds lined the shore and innumerable small boats dotted the waters. Upwards of a dozen steamers were following when the Royal Squadron passed the Cloch. A Royal salute was fired from Dunoon. A small yacht gave also a Royal salute, whilst General Darroch's battery, from the summit of the hill above Gourock, poured in a thundering tribute, responded to from the Roseneath shore opposite. At Kempoch Point ratt1ed the musketry of the Coast Guard volley after volley. The Scourge was seen, all dressed in colours, lying off the tail of the bank. The United States frigate Macedonia saluted Her Majesty as she passed, the Royal yacht stopping in her course, imitated by the convoying squadron. The whole of the vessels were off Greenock at a quarter past 12. The sun shone gloriously; the Frith re-echoed with guns and music; and the brilliant picture of natural scenery was filled up with the gay magnificence of flags and streamers. The yards of the Government vessels were manned, and the "Queen's Anthem" was played by numerous bands of music. Such was the scene of Her Majesty's arrival in the Clyde.
It was not until about half-past 12 o'clock that the Victoria and Albert reached the tail of the bank at Greenock; and shortly after the tender yacht Fairy advanced to her side, to receive the Royal party, and convey them to Dumbarton; where, at about 1 o'clock, the long-looked-for signal from the Castle of Dumbarton announced the approach of the Royal Squadron, and the church bells, which the previous day had been set ringing upon false representations, now pealed forth in right earnest. About half-past 1 o'clock a company of the 1st Regiment took up their position on either side of the Royal platform as a guard of honour to Her Majesty, the band meanwhile playing "God save the Queen" as they entered the grounds. In a few minutes the Fairy steamer was seen to approach the river, and every eye present was full of expectation. Two guns from the Argyll battery of the cattle next sent forth their thunders over the waters of the Clyde, announcing that the Fairy was about to land its precious cargo. About 100 yards from the platform two boats were lowered and manned with 10 men each from the Fairy. The first contained Earl Grey and other members of the Royal suite; and the second, Her Majesty, his Royal Highness Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, his Serene Highness Prince Leiningen, Lady Jocelyn, and the Dowager Lady Lyttelton. The moment that the Royal party had taken their seats, the cheers from the shores and the platforms in the vicinity broke forth in loud and long continued acclamations. Two more guns from the ramparts were then discharged, and the band on shore struck up "Rule, Britannia." On Her Majesty's landing she was received by Sir James Colquhoun, Lord Lieutenant of the county; the Sheriff, Mr. William Campbell, of Tullichewan; Mr. James Ewing, of Strathleven, Mr. Smollett, M.P, for the county; Mr. Peter Denny, and other gentlemen. Her Majesty appeared in excellent health and spirits, as did the Prince Consort and the Royal children, though we could not but observe that the party were rather bronzed by exposure to the weather. The Queen was dressed in a white bonnet and feather, with primrose-coloured ribbons, a blue and white checked silk dress, a black mantilla, with a neckerchief of the Royal Stuart tartan. His Royal Highness Prince Albert wore a black frock coat, white hat, and grey pantaloons. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales was apparelled in a blue coloured suit with a drab coloured foraging cap with a college tassel. The Princess Royal wore a pea green spencer, with a close cottage straw bonnet trimmed with primrose-coloured ribbons. The Royal children excited the marked attention and admiration of all assembled. On arriving under the triumphal arch, erected at the extremity of the platform, Her Majesty was presented with an address by the Lord-Lieutenant, which was most graciously received. The Royal party were then handed to the carriages in waiting. The first carriage contained Her Majesty, Prince Albert, the Prince, the Princess Royal, and Prince Leiningen; the second, Earl Grey, Lady Jocelyn, and Lady Dowager Lyttelton. An escort of the Enniskillen Dragoons preceded, and followed the carriages, and the whole went in a leisurely pace to the Castle.
At the Castle-gate Her Majesty was received by Colonel Harvey, and was presented with an elegant bouquet by Mrs. Cabbell, of Muirbank, which was most graciously received. Her Majesty was also presented, through Earl Grey, with a handsomely bound copy of the history of the castle and town of Dumbarton, by the well known Mr. Glen, the antiquarian of the county. Her Majesty having taken a hasty survey of the surrounding scenery, left the ramparts, leaning on Prince Albert's arm, and leading the Princess Royal by the hand. The Royal party having reached the summit of the Castle, it was arranged to receive the addresses of the municipal bodies present.
Earl Grey accordingly, after Her Majesty had rested for a few minutes, inquired for the Lord Provost of Glasgow; but just as the esteemed magistrate and representative was to present the city address, Mr. Sheriff Steele stepped forward and observed, that as the Queen was now within the precints of Dumbartonshire, he considered that county should have the precedence. The noble Secretary replied to this, that as he had first met the Lord Provost of Glasgow last night at Lochryan, and had made an appointment for this hour, it would be desirable to receive the Glasgow address first.
The Lord Provost, accompanied by Bailies M'Kinlay and Stewart, and Mr. Forbes, Town-clerk, then advanced, and, after having been presented to Her Majesty, had the honour of laying before her the address of the Town-council. Her Majesty received the same very graciously, and intimated that an answer would be returned.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Dumbartonshire (Sir J. Colquhoun) and the Sheriff (Mr. Colquhoun) were then presented, and had the honour of laying before Her Majesty the address of the county, to which the same answer was returned.
The Provost of Dumbarton then advanced in order to present the address of that burgh. Lord Grey, however, represented to him, that it was only addresses from the metropolis which were generally received in person, but that, in the present case, Her Majesty had made a special exception in favour of the great manufacturing city of the west. The address of the burgh was thereupon left with Lord Gray, to be afterwards delivered to Her Majesty.
The Queen remained some little time longer upon the battery, enjoying the very magnificent prospect laid open to the north, and inquiring for, and receiving information as to the localities visible in her position from Sheriff Colquhoun and other local gentlemen around her.
Meantime his Royal Highness Prince Albert, with the Prince of Leiningen and his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, ascended to the great flagstaff, and inspected the view from that point, inspecting the ruins situated on the highest peak, and known by the name of "WallaceExternal link's Tower."
After Prince Albert had re-joined the Queen, they descended to the armoury, where they were shown Wallace's sword. The Queen and the Prince inspected and handled the well-preserved relic, wondering much at the physical might of that man whose character we, even at this day, so little understand.
From the Leven Her Majesty dropped down the Clyde in the Fairy about 3 o’clock. On Her Majesty's arrival on board the Fairy, after the inspection of the castle this beautiful steamer proceeded down the Leven to re-join the squadron. Nearly half an hour was lost in getting over the bar of the river; but, this accomplished, the Fairy proceeded at a moderate speed down the river, followed by the Undine, and immediately after the Thetis, with the Lord Provost, magistrates, and corporation of the city of Glasgow. The other steamers stationed in the river then joined in the train, to a number of about 30, and the whole went down the river in regular order — the Fairy first, and immediately after the Thetis. The scenes which were successively passed in re-joining the Royal Squadron, combined with the magnificent fleet of steamers which accompanied the Royal progress, were imposing in the extreme. Port Glasgow came first, and the quays, docks, and platforms, with every point at which a view of the river could be obtained, seemed one united mass of human beings, who cheered most heartily Her Majesty and Royal Consort, with the Royal children, as they passed. The gratulations of the assembled thousands were, on repeated occasions, most graciously acknowledged by Her Majesty, who seemed highly delighted with the reception with which she was greeted. Having passed Port Glasgow there was a slight pause as the squadron pawed the jutting point between Port Glasgow and Greenock, on which Newark Castle is situated. When the squadron reached this point, it was saluted by a Royal salute from a powerful battery erected at this spot, and then Greenock came in view.
For this occasion it would seem as if Greenock had come en masse to the quays and building yards to greet the Queen of the Isles; as the whole river frontage, from the extreme point of Cartsdyke to Gourock, was lined with spectators. The crowd on the platform, on the quay, and the crowd assembled on the roof of the Custom-house especially, received the gracious attention of Her Majesty, who was on deck all the time, and repeatedly acknowledged the cheers and manifestations of loyalty exhibited by her subjects. In all our experience we never witnessed such a scene as Greenock presented at 2 o'clock, the hour at which the Royal squadron appeared. At least 100,000 persons were assembled on the shore. The fleet was composed of 40 steamers, at a moderate calculation, and as it passed at every point the thunders of artillery, both from the shore and the ships collected in the river, combined with the cheers of the multitude, formed a scene of surpassing grandeur, such at imagination can only conceive, but of which description fails to convey an adequate impression. One of the most remarkable incidents in passing Greenock was the dancing of the Highland fling, by a Highlander in full costume, on the paddle-box of the Chieftain, the performance of which amused Her Majesty in a very high degree.
Having passed Greenock, the Fairy, with Her Majesty on board, proceeded straight for Loch Long, accompanied by several of the river steamers, in the following order:— The Fairy, the tender, the Sovereign, the Thetis, the Premier, Queen of Beauty, Pioneer, Mars, Monarch, Petrel, Dunrobin Castle, &c. The greater number of these, however, went only a short distance up the Loch; and only the Premier, the Petrel, and the Mars continued in Her Majesty's company to Arrochar. On arriving at the head of the Loch the Fairy stopped for only a few minutes, Her Majesty remaining on board. The Fairy then slowly swept round the head of the Loch, and continued her course downwards towards the foot of Loch Long, keeping close in by the Ardentinny shore, followed closely by the Premier, the tender, Petrel, and Mars. On arriving at the foot of the Loch, the Fairy steered across the mouth of Holy Loch, and passing along by Kirn and Dunoon, which she reached about half-past 6 p.m., proceeded towards Rothesay, the place of rendezvous for the Royal squadron, while the river steamers turned their course homewards.
The visit of Her Majesty to Arrochar seemed to have taken the inhabitants completely by surprise, as no preparations were observable on the way up. The presence of so many steamers crowded with passengers, and covered over with flags, however, speedily brought them from their houses to welcome the Queen to her Highland lochs and romantic glens.
On several occasions his Royal Highness Prince Albert held up the Prince of Wales to see the most exciting scenes of the Royal progress; and thus the king in embryo was repeatedly cheered by the crowds who were favoured with his Royal presence.
The most complete preparations have been made at Inveraray for the reception of Her Majesty. Mr. Dewar, the ground officer at Dalmally, has received orders to collect the retainers of Breadalbane, and it is expected that a muster of from 100 to 150 men will be made from that district. It is also expected that Mr. Campbell of Islay will bring to the scene of the festivities 300 of his Islay men. The Celtic Society are already bivouacking on the lawn in front of Inveraray Castle. It is anticipated that altogether there will be 100 members of this national association present to grace the reception of Royalty, in their ancient and picturesque garb marshalled under the chiefs of Islay, Dunans, and Inverawe.
At the Castle everything is in readiness to do honour and to give a Highland welcome to our gracious Sovereign. A battery of cannon is mounted to fire a Royal salute. On Her Majesty's landing, she is to be received by the Provost and magistrates of the burgh, who will present an address; and it is also expected that the county gentlemen will tender their congratulations on the auspicious occasion. It is intended at the same time, we believe, to present his Royal Highness Prince Albert with the freedom of the burgh, enclosed in a silver box.
At the pier where Her Majesty is to land, a canopied walk has been erected, of about 150 yards in length, by Messrs. Leitch and M'Intyre. It is constructed of pillars gracefully festooned with evergreens and flowers, supporting a roof of white cloth, fringed with blue, and the floor of which is to be covered with scarlet cloth. From this covered gallery to the entrance to the Duke of Argyle's grounds trees have been planted on the side of the street next to the Loch, giving it somewhat the appearance of an avenue. A magnificent triumphal arch, gracefully festooned with flowers and evergreens, and two galleries have been erected. The galleries are for the accommodation of the public. A grand stand has been erected for ladies.
The weather is beautiful, and should it continue so, Her Majesty and attendants will have every reason to congratulate themselves on their visit to this most interesting portion of the Highlands.
Sa 21 August 1847

CRINAN, Thursday.

The Queen, along with Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, the Princess, and that portion of their suite who had accompanied them on their visit to Inverary, reached Ardrishaig at half-past 4 o'clock. The Royal yacht, the Undine, and other vessels of the fleet, had been previously sent round the Mull of Cantyre, and came into Loch Crinan at nearly the same hour when the Fairy came up to Ardrishaig. At the latter place the Queen was received by the authorities of the neighbourhood, Sir John Orde of Kilmorey, and some other gentlemen. The concourse of people at the secluded village which the Queen had now reached was immense. Her Majesty was received with perhaps even a deeper enthusiasm, not probably so noisy, but not less respectful, and clearly more Celtic than where many thousands were met to cheer her progress northward. From the quay the Queen and suite were accommodated in the carriages of some of the county gentlemen to a road specially constructed for the occasion, which probably will be called the Queen's Road henceforward, and which leads between a double row of trees, off the ordinary road passing in front of the hotel, upward to the canal bank where the Royal barge was in waiting. The centre of the quay and the centre of the new road were carpeted — the latter very tastefully. …
Tu 21 September 1847

ARDRISHAIG, Saturday Evening.

At 6 o'clock this morning Her Majesty, Prince Albert, the Royal children, and suite, left Fort William in the Victoria and Albert yacht for Crinan. The yacht was accompanied by the Scourge, Garland, and the Fairy. Meanwhile, the Black Eagle and the Undine had doubled the Mull of Cantyre for the purpose of receiving the Royal party at the eastern terminus of the canal in Lochfine. The wind was rather high, but nevertheless the passage was an easy one, excepting off Easdale, when the Royal vessels rolled rather uncomfortably from the swell of the Atlantic. The fleet reached Crinan Bay a little before 10 o'clock, when Her Majesty immediately landed in an open boat, and was received by Sir John Orde of Kilmory, Mr. Malcolm of Poltalloch, Mr. Campbell of Auchendarroch, and escorted by them to the Sunbeam royal barge, which was in readiness in the canal. The passage was performed in two hours. Her Majesty's reception at Ardrishaig was enthusiastic; but there was a great falling off in numbers as compared with the period when the Royal party pursued the same route westward. At the terminus of the canal Her Majesty, Prince Albert, and the Royal children entered a close carriage, and drove down at a walking pace to the quay, off which lay the Black Eagle and Undine. The weather in the morning had been fair, but blowy; but a little before Her Majesty's arrival rain commenced, and fell heavily during the whole period of the embarkation. Indeed, after the arrival of the canal yacht at Ardrishaig, the Queen remained in it nearly half an hour, in the hope that the rain might abate after a passing shower, but as the elements showed no symptoms of mitigating their wrath, it was not deemed expedient longer to delay the departure.
Her Majesty appeared somewhat chilled, and from this reverse in the weather the Queen's departure from Scottish ground took place under rather uncomfortable circumstances. She was enveloped in a gray cloak and hood, and in walking along the quay to the boat Prince Albert shielded Her Majesty from the pelting rain by holding an umbrella over the Royal head. The Royal party was rowed about 200 yards to the Black Eagle, in which Her Majesty and suite, consisting, among others, of the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, Lord Palmerston, Mr. Anson, &c., embarked, and set sail down the loch at 1 o'clock for Campbelton Bay, the point of rendezvous for the whole squadron. The Black Eagle would reach the bay about 6 o'clock, and as soon as she was joined by the Victoria and Albert it was intended that Her Majesty should proceed on board of that vessel and pass the night.
At 5 o'clock on Sunday the fleet leaves Campbelton Bay for Fleetwood, which will be reached about 6 the same evening. There the Queen will remain at anchor, sleeping on board the yacht.
Ma 27 September 1847

PORTSMOUTH, Tuesday.

The Undine steam yacht, Mr. G. Allen, Master Commanding (acting); the Garland steam-packet, Master Commanding Luke Smithett (acting); and the Fairy steam-tender to the Royal Yacht, arrived last night from Fleetwood.
Ma 18 October 1847

PORTSMOUTH, Oct 17.

The officers and crew of the Comet have at last returned to that vessel from the Fire Queen, and the latter has been laid up alongside the Britannia, 120, in charge of her engineers and stokers for the present. Rumour states that there is to be a complete change in regard to the tenders, which are in future to be steamers instead of sailing vessels, Undine and Fire Queen superseding Fanny, Emerald, and Mercury, at this port.
Ma 15 November 1847

PORTSMOUTH, Nov. 14.

An accident haying occurred on the Dover packet station, by which the Garland steam vessel, Mr. Luke Smithett, Master Commanding, has been disabled, having been run into, the Undine steam yacht, Master Commanding George Allen, was ordered from this port to supply her place pro tem., and sailed yesterday at noon accordingly.
We 24 November 1847

PORTSMOUTH, Tuesday.

The Undine steam-vessel, Master Commander Allen, returned from Dover at 11 o'clock last night.
Sa 8 January 1848

PORTSMOUTH, Friday.

The Fire Queen steam-yacht, under the temporary command of Mr. Allen, with the crew of the Undine (the latter being under repair, with her masts and funnel out, alongside the dockyard) sails this evening for Plymouth with two deserters belonging to the Endymion, 44, Captain Lambert, for trial by court-martial at that port.
Th 15 September 1853

WOOLWICH. Sept 14.

The Cyclops steam frigate, in charge of Mr. Alexander Pope, assistant to the master attendant at Sheerness Dockyard, left Woolwich in the forenoon of to-day, with the boilers and engines of the Nile, for Devonport.
The Admiralty have decided on discontinuing the Dover mail packet service, and that the mails between England and France shall be carried in future by contract steam-vessels. The present Dover mail steam-packets are — the Garland, Lieutenant-Commander Edward Wylde; the Onyx, Acting Second Master E.C. Rutter; the Princess Alice, Acting Second Master John Warman; the Violet, Lieutenant-Commander Henry P. Jones; the Vivid, Acting Master Luke Smithett; and the Undine, Acting Second Master Edmund Lyne, all paddle wheel steamers. Four of these vessels it is contemplated to dispose of, and reserve two for further service as tenders at some of the naval ports. It is also said that Captain Smithett will be appointed to the command of the Black Eagle, Admiralty steam-yacht, at Woolwich; in that case her present commander, Mr. John E. Petley, will, in all probability, be appointed Superintendent of the Compass Department, which has not been filled up since the death of Captain Johnson.


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