HMS Edgar (1858)
HMS Edgar (1858)


Royal NavyVessels

Browse RN vessels: A; B; C; D; E - F; G - H; I - L; M; N - P; Q - R; S; T - U; V - Z; ??
NameEdgar (1858)Explanation
TypeSecond rate TypeTwo-decker
Launched23 October 1858   
HullWooden Length230 feet
PropulsionScrew Men860
Builders measure3094 tons   
Displacement5158 tons   
Guns91   
Fate1904 Last in commission1865
ClassAgamemnon   
Ships bookADM 135/148   
Career
DateEvent
22 October 1858Launched at Woolwich Dockyard.
31 May 1859
- 22 May 1861
Commanded by Captain James Edward Katon, flagship of Rear-Admiral John Elphinstone Erskine, second in command, Channel squadron
22 May 1861
- 10 July 1862
Commanded (until paying off at Portsmouth) by Captain George Pechell Mends, flagship of Rear-Admiral John Elphinstone Erskine, second in command, Channel squadron then (December 1861) second in command, North America and West Indies
11 July 1862
- 14 May 1863
Commanded (from commissioning at Portsmouth) by Captain Hon. Fitzgerald Algernon Charles Foley, flagship of Rear-Admiral Sidney Colpoys Dacres, second in command, Mediterranean
14 May 1863
- September 1865
Commanded by Captain Geoffrey Thomas Phipps Hornby, flagship of Rear-Admiral Sidney Colpoys Dacres, Commander-in-chief, Channel squadron
6 September 1865
- 14 December 1865
Commanded (until paying off at Portsmouth) by Captain Thomas Brandreth, flagship of Rear-Admiral Sidney Colpoys Dacres, Commander-in-chief, Channel squadron
12 December 1870Lent to Customs as quarantine ship, Spithead
Extracts from the Times newspaper
DateExtract
Th 2 June 1859Rear-Admiral of the Blue John Elphinstone Erskine arrived at Sheerness yesterday, at noon, and shortly after, accompanied by Flag-Lieut. Robert G. Douglas, proceeded on board the new screw steamship Edgar and hoisted his flag (blue) at the mizen, as second in command of the Channel squadron. The gallant Admiral forthwith proceeds on short leave of absence, during the fitting of the ship.
Fr 5 August 1859The Edgar, 91, screw, Captain Katon, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral J.E. Erskine (blue at the mizen), second in command of the Channel fleet, sailed from Spithead yesterday, at 3 p.m., for Portland, under canvass.
We 10 August 1859The screw steamship Edgar, 91, Capt. Katon, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral J.E. Erskine, second in command of the Channel fleet, arrived at Portland on Saturday morning from Spithead. The Blenheim, 60, Capt. F. Scott, returned from the westward on Friday. Sir John Burgoyne, Inspector-General of fortifications, paid an official visit to the works at Portland on Saturday. The screw line-of-battle ship Neptune, 91, Capt. Sir William Hoste, arrived at Portland on Sunday afternoon from Spithead.
We 24 August 1859At half-past 6 o'clock on Saturday evening Her Majesty's ship Nile steamed out of Cork harbour with the intention of joining the Channel squadron at Spithead. It is thought likely that she will henceforth form portion of the squadron, and that the Hawke will continue for some time longer to hold the post of guardship in Queenstown.
The screw steam despatch vessel Flying Fish, 6, Commander C. Hope, arrived at Plymouth on Monday, from the Channel fleet. The screw steamship Caesar, 90, Capt. T.H. Mason, got up steam on Monday morning, and in the afternoon left Plymouth Sound to join the Channel fleet, which, it is said, will cruise as far west as Ushant.
The scrow steamships Aboukir, 91, the Topaz, 51, and the Melpomene, 51, left Portland harbour on Sunday, to join the Channel fleet, which was cruising a few miles from the harbour. The Edgar, 91, the Impérieuse, 51, and the Blenheim, 60, remain in port.
Sa 17 September 1859Letters received at Plymouth on Thursday from the screw steamship Caesar, 90, Capt. Thomas H. Mason, state that she and the rest of the fleet anchored in Torbay at 9 30 p.m. the previous evening. On Wednesday morning they met Admiral Erskine's portion of the fleet? viz., the Edgar, Neptune, and Imperieuse, going down Channel.
The screw steam frigate Imperieuse, 51, Capt. John J. Frere, from the eastward, arrived in Plymouth Sound yesterday (Friday) morning.
Ma 24 October 1859By the last accounts received at Malta the Marlborough, 131, bearing the flag of Vice-Admiral Fanshawe, the Commander-in-chief, with Rear Admiral Dacres on board as Captain of the Fleet; the Conqueror, 101; the Orion, 91; the Princess Royal; 91; the Renown, 91, steam-ships of the line; the Vulture, 6, steam frigate; the Scourge, 6, the Coquette, 4, and the Lapwing, 4, steam sloops; the Growler steam gunboat; the African depot ship; the Redpole steam tug were at Gibraltar, as well as the Edgar, 91, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Erskine, and the Neptune, 91, steamships of the line belonging to the Channel fleet. The Caesar, 90, the James Watt, 91, the Agamemnon, 91, steamships of the line, and the Virago, 6, steam sloop, were on their way to Gibraltar and the Mediterranean from England; and on her way to Malta from England and Gibraltar the Supply, 2, steam storeshlp. On her way to Gibraltar and England the Firebrand, 6, steam sloop. The Doris, 32, steam frigate, was at Tetuan, and the Quail steam gunboat at Tangier.
Ma 28 November 1859

MALAGA, Nov. 17.

The following details are from the Gibraltar Chronicle:-
"Three of Her Majesty's steamships that have been in our bay since the 24th of September will take their departure to-day for England. These ships are the Edgar, 91, bearing Rear-Admiral Erskine's flag, belonging to the Channel fleet; the Conqueror, 101, Captain Clifford; and the Centurion, 80, Captain Patey. The two latter having put in their time on the Mediterranean station will, we hear, be paid off on their arrival at Portsmouth.
" 1 o'clock.- The above ships have just left the bay."
Tu 20 December 1859Rear-Admiral Erskine returned to Plymouth on Saturday, and reholsted his flag on bourd the Edgar, 91, Capt. James E. Katon. It is probable that she will join the Channel fleet shortly.
Th 19 January 1860The screw line-of-battle ships in Portland harbour are the Edgar, 91, flagship of Rear-Admiral Erskine, second in command of the Channel fleet; Donegal, 101; Hero, 91; Algiers, 91; Trafalgar, 91; Aboukir, 91; and the Mars, 80. The screw frigate Diadem, 32; the screw corvette Mutine, 18; and the gunboats Flying Fish, 6; and the Partridge, 2. The paddlewheel steam frigate Prometheus, 6, and the Coastguard ship Blenheim are also at anchor. The Royal Albert, 121, is daily expected from Plymouth.
Th 23 February 1860The screw steam frigate Diadem, 32, Capt. James H. Cockburn, arrived at Portland on Tuesday from Portsmouth. A portion of the Channel fleet is expected to leave that harbour in a few days for the Tagus. The vessels now in port are the Royal Albert, 121; Edgar, 91; Queen, 91; Algiers, 91: Donegal, 101; Hero, 91; Trafalgar, 91; Melpomene, 51; Mersey, 40; Diadem, 32; Blenheim, 60; Mutine, 17; Greyhound, 17; Biter, 2; and the Partridge, 2.
Fr 24 February 1860We learn by electric telegraph that the Channel fleet, consisting of the Royal Albert, Edgar, Donegal, Algiers, Trafalgar, Queen, Mersey, Melpomene, and Diadem, left Portland at noon yesterday, under sail, for Lisbon.
Fr 2 March 1860A letter dated Torbay, Tuesday, received at Plymouth, from one of the officers of the Channel squadron, says that off the Lizard the ships were taken all aback, and could not again form a line. The Edgar, Queen, and Donegal remained out. Besides the casualties to the Queen, Diadem, Algiers, and Mersey, already reported in The Times, the letter states that the Aboukir lost her cross-jack yard and starboard quarter-boats, the Royal Albert pitched her jib-boom under at times, and the Trafalgar lost her jib-boom; she will probably call at Plymouth before proceeding to the Tagus.
We 4 April 1860A portion of the Channel Fleet, consisting of the screw steamships Royal Albert, 121, Capt. Henry J. Lacon, bearing the flag of Admiral Sir Charles Fremantle, K.C.B.; the Donegal, 101, Capt. Henry Broadhead; the Aboukir, 90, Capt. Charles F. Schomberg; and the screw steam-frigate Melpomene, 51, Capt. Charles J.F. Ewart, hove in sight at Plymouth about 6 o'clock yesterday (Tuesday) morning, with the wind from the westward, a smart breeze. They came in from sea under their three topsails, and on reaching the west end of the breakwater took in all canvas, and proceeded under steam to the anchorage ground, the flagship taking her position well to the westward. At 8 o'clock the flag of Port Admiral Sir Barrington Reynolds, K.C.B., was honoured by a salute, which was acknowledged by the Impregnable, 104, Capt. Stewart, in Hamoaze. This portion of the Channel fleet left Lisbon on Friday, March the 23d, in company with the screw steamships Edgar, 91, Capt. James E. Katon; Algiers, 91, Capt. George W.D. O'Callaghan; Queen, 86, Capt. Charles F. Hillyar; Mars, 80, Capt. James N. Strange; and the screw steam-frigate Mersey, 40, Capt. Henry Caldwell, C.B. The Edgar carried away her main topsailyard on Sunday morning, when crossing the Bay of Biscay. The Edgar and Mersey have lost a man each overboard. On Monday night, off the Lizard, the Edgar, Algiers, Queen, Mars, and Mersey parted company, and proceeded up Channel for Portsmouth. Very fine weather was experienced at first, but within the last four days strong gales from west-north-west have prevailed, with extraordinary heavy seas. All the ships are reported leaky; the Royal Albert will require a thorough caulking. Two Dutch ships of war were in the Tagus.
Th 5 April 1860The Second Division of the Channel fleet, comprising the Edgar, 91, screw, Capt. James E. Katon, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral of the Blue John E. Erskine; the Queen, 86, screw, Capt. C.F. Hillyar; the Algiers, 91, screw, Capt. G.W.D. O'Callaghan; the Mars, 80, screw, Capt. J.N. Strange; and the Mersey, 40, screw, Capt. H. Caldwell, C.B., steamed into Spithead from the Channel yesterday morning by the eastern entrance in the order named. The Edgar having anchored, each succeeding ship steamed to the westward of the flagship, and, rounding to, proceeded to their respective positions. The Queen took up the eastern berth of the line, a-head of the Edgar. To the westward of the Edgar the Algiers anchored, and the Mars took up the western berth. The four liners are thus moored in a line from south-east to north-west. The Mersey frigate brought up in deeper water on the outside of the line. Soon after the ships came in sight the customary salutes were exchanged between the Edgar, flagship of Rear-Admiral Erskine, and the Victory, flagship of the Commander-in-Chief, Vice-Admiral Bruce. The Sprightly and Pigmy steam tenders were despatched from the harbour to Spithead on the fleet's arrival.

Sails were unbent on Tuesday on board that portion of the Channel squadron which arrived in Plymouth Sound the same day from Lisbon, and measures are in progress for their immediate refitment. Those ships previously in the Sound sent up topgallantmasts and yards, and loosed sails to dry. The Conqueror, 101, Capt. Sotheby, steamed into Hamoaze and brought up off Keyham; she was appointed to go into dock yesterday (Wednesday).

We 11 April 1860The portion of the Channel fleet anchored at Spithead, under the command of Rear-Admiral John E. Erskine, and consisting of the Edgar, the Algiers, the Queen, the Mars, and the Mersey, has been inspected by the officials of the steam and shipwright departments, and their report of defects of the different ships, and the repairs recommended to be carried out, has been forwarded to the Admiralty. The whole of the five vessels, as we before stated, are in need of repairs to both hull and machinery. The Mersey's required repairs in the last-named department are likely to prove of a very extensive character, and necessarily involve a large outlay before she can be again pronounced fit for foreign service. The Queen's repairs have been taken in hand by the Steam Factory Department. The Algiers, it is expected, will proceed to Keyham, where she will be placed in dock to repair the defects in her stern, &c. It is rumoured that the Duke of Wellington, 131, screw, in the first-class steam reserve in Portsmouth harbour, will be commissioned to receive the flag of the Admiral commanding the Channel Fleet, the Royal Albert's defects requiring remedy. The Duke may be pronounced fit for 18 months, or, perhaps, two years' service, if worked carefully and no accident occurring; but at the end of that time she would require new boilers and very extensive repairs to both hull and engines. As she is not in a sufficiently healthy condition of hull, boilers, and engines, to be sent on a foreign station for a three years' cruise, it is very probable that the rumour concerning her may be verified, and that she may carry Admiral Fremantle's flag in the Channel Fleet.
Th 12 April 1860The disturbance on board a line-of-battle ship at Spithead on Tuesday, and referred to in The Times of yesterday, occurred on board the Edgar, 91, screw, Capt. Katon, flagship of Rear-Admiral J.E. Erskine, second in command of the Channel Fleet. It is stated that the Marines first displayed signs of insubordination relative to leave on the Monday, which was renewed on Tuesday, on which day a portion of the ship's company joined them, when there ensued the usual routine practised of late on such disgraceful occasions. Five of the ringleaders, comprising two Marines, one Marine artilleryman, and two seamen, were sent on board the Victory, where it is supposed they will be tried for their mutinous conduct. Various rumours are in circulation as to the cause of the disturbance and its extent. The Sprightly steamer was ordered to bank her fires, and the Marines on board Her Majesty's ship Victory were to hold themselves in readiness during last night to proceed in her on board the Edgar, should their services be required.
Th 19 April 1860The court-martial for the trial of the mutineers of Her Majesty's ship Edgar is expected to assemble on board Her Majesty's ship Victory in Portsmouth harbour on Monday next.
Ma 23 April 1860A court-martial is expected to assemble on board Her Majesty's ship Victory, in Portsmouth harbour, this morning, for the trial of the men undermentioned (part of the crew of Her Majesty's ship Edgar, flagship of Rear-Admiral Erskine, second in command of the Channel fleet), on the charges annexed to their names:- William Mathews, Thomas Doidge, Alfred Gunstan, Alfred Fry, William Harvey, William Parker, Charles Lucas, James Trlckey, Daniel Mooney, and Charles Cannon, private marines; and Henry Dawson, gunner, Royal Marine Artillery; on a charge of disobeying orders to fall in at two different times when the watch was piped to do so. James Haining, gunner, Royal Marine Artillery, and John Menzies, private, Royal Marines, for preventing John Clarke from being put in irons, and rescuing him from the sergeant and corporal who had him in charge. George W. Smith, A.B., for inciting a seaman named Cook to disobey orders, and to make a disturbance and unship ladders, &c, John Clarke, private, Royal Marines, for having when the port watch was mustered, endeavoured to delay and discourage the service by falling in with that watch instead of the starboard, to which he belonged, and for misconduct in the boat when being conveyed to the Victory a prisoner. George Jarvis, ordinary seamen, for inciting Cook to disobedience of orders, and for wilfully disobeying orders by remaining below when his watch was piped to fall in. Rear-Admiral the Hon. Sir H. Keppell, K.C.B., it is believed, will be president of the Court.
We 6 June 1860Her Majesty's ship Edgar, 81, Capt. Katon, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Ersklne, passed the Downs yesterday to join the Channel squadron at Leith.
Ma 25 June 1860The Channel squadron, after an anchorage of 15 days in St. Margaret's Hope, Firth of Forth, left its moorings on Saturday afternoon, and under canvass, with auxiliary steam power, proceeded down the Firth and stood out to sea. The squadron, in passing the narrow straits at Queensferry, proceeded in single line, the leading ships being the Royal Albert, 121, flagship of Vice-Admiral Sir C. Fremantle, the Mersey, 40-gun frigate, the Edgar, 91, flagship of Rear-Admiral Erskine, and the Donegal, 101, followed by seven other ships of the line and the Diadem frigate. The Greyhound corvette, 17, accompanied the Royal Albert as a tender. On passing Inchkeith, and getting into the outer bay of the Firth, the fleet formed in two lines, and stood out south-west in the direction of St. Abb's Head; the Royal Albert, the Donegal, the Aboukir, the Conqueror, and the Centurion, with the Greyhound forming the south line, and the Edgar, the Trafalgar, the Algiers, the Mars, the Diadem, and the Mersey, the north line. A number of steamers convoyed the fleet down the Firth, The public enthusiasm excited by the visit o£ the Channel squadron in the Forth can scarcely fall to give a stimulus to the service in the south-east of Scotland, where for many years a fleet of war-ships had not been seen; and great disappointment is felt that the fleet has not been able to make the tour of the north of Scotland and Ireland, as was anticipated. It was expected that the squadron would reach Yarmouth-roads yesterday afternoon.
Ma 2 July 1860On Saturday the Channel fleet arrived In Yarmouth Roads. The squadron, which has been engaged in target practice in the North Sea during the past week, consists of the Royal Albert, 120; Conqueror, 101; Donegal, 101; Algiers, 91; Edgar, 91; Aboukir, 91; Trafalgar, 91; Centurion, 80; Mars, 80; Mersey, 40; Diadem, 32; Ariadne, 26; and Flying Fish, 6. The fleet is not expected to remain in Yarmouth Roads more than three or four days, as it is to take part in a naval review before the departure of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales for Canada.
Tu 10 July 1860

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES.

PLYMOUTH, MONDAY AFTERNOON.

Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Fremantle's Channel squadron, consisting of the flagship Royal Albert, 121, Captain Henry J. Lacon; the Donegal, 101, Captain Henry Broadhead; the Aboukir, 90, Captain Douglas Curry; the Greyhound, 17, Commander Francis W. Sullivan; the Conqueror, 101, Captain Edward S. Sotheby, C.B.; the Trafalgar, 90, Captain Edward G. Fanshawe ; the Centurion, 8 0, Captain Henry G. Rogers, C.B.; the Edgar, 91, Captain James E. Katon; the Algiers, 91, Captain George W.D. O'Callaghan; the Mersey, 40, Captain Henry Caldwell, C.B.; and the Diadem, 32, Captain James H. Cockburn, under canvas only, with a smart breeze a little to the southward of east, hove in sight from Mount Wise at half-past 8 o'clock this morning in two lines. They then formed one line, and stood in for the port. At half-past 10 o'clock the ships wore in succession, and went away to the westward. Shortly after they came in sight more to the southward. Their funnels are up ready for use. The only ship likely to enter the Sound is the Diadem, which is said to be short of fu el. The Earl of Mount-Edgcumbe, in his steam yacht, near the Royal William Victualling-yard, is waiting the approach of the Prince of Wales. The Hero continues inside the Breakwater ready for sea, and arrangements are made for the expected departure of his Royal Highness to-morrow (Tuesday) morning. Her escort, the Ariadne, will probably take the Osborne in tow. The Flying Fish has gone on to Newfoundland.


(BY ELECTRIC AND INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPH.)

PLYMOUTH, MONDAY EVENING.

Sir Charles Fremantle's squadron, which arrived off the port this morning, formed two lines, ranging about north and south, in the afternoon to receive the Royal yacht, which hove in sight at 7 o'clock, and was saluted by the Impregnable and other ships in Hamoaze. On rounding the west-end of the Breakwater the yardarms of the Hero, St. George, Emerald, and Ariadne, in the Sound, were manned, and the three last-named and the Plymouth Citadel saluted. At half-past 8, when the Prince left the yacht to join the Hero, the Emerald and the Citadel repeated the compliment. The weather is extremely fine, and thousands of the inhabitants were assembled on the heights.

Tu 11 September 1860

REVIEW OF THE CHANNEL FLEET.

The fleet, having all got under way by about 8 a.m., stood out to sea from Milford Haven, and, having made an offing of about seven miles, the Osborne, which had previously joined, with the Lords of the Admiralty on board, made the signal for the fleet to form a double line. They accordingly broke into two divisions; the starboard one, consisting of the Royal Albert, 121; the Donegal, 101; the Conqueror, 101; the Mars, 80, and the Trafalgar, 91, was led by Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Fremantle, K.C.B., in the Royal Albert. The port division, under Rear-Admiral Erskine, in the Edgar, 91, which was leading, comprised also the Algiers, 91; the Aboukir, 91; the Centurion, 80; the Mersey, 40; and the Diadem, 32. This manoeuvre having been executed with great precision, the Osborne signalled for the fleet to make sail under easy canvass, followed by an order from the Admiral to bank up the fires. Having stood on thus for some time, the two divisions tacked in succession to the starboard, after which the order was given to form a single line of battle. This was effected by the starboard division standing on its course, and the port one tacking until they came into line, when they followed in the wake of their predecessors, an interval of two cables' length separating each ship. The concluding and most exciting manoeuvre of the day was then made by the whole getting orders to make all sail that could be done with safety, and running before the wind. Studdingsail booms were then run out, and every inch of canvass both alow and aloft that would draw was set. The order was then given to make for the nearest port, on which the fleet bore up for Milford Haven. The Osborne then steamed up to the Admiral's ship, and Rear-Admiral Pelham, C.B., hailed Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Fremantle, K.C.B., and expressed, on the part of his Grace the Duke of Somerset and the rest of the Lords, the extreme satisfaction they all felt, not only in the appearance of the fleet, but also in the admirable precision with which all the manoeuvres had that day been performed, and we believe Capt. Ramsay, C.B., the superintendent of Pembroke Dockyard, was commissioned to convey the above opinion in writing to the Admiral of the fleet. The Osborne then parted company, - the Royal Albert giving the Lords of the Admiralty a salute of 19 guns, which the Osborne acknowledged by dipping her ensign, after which she stood to the southward, it being their Lordships' intention to inspect some important works in progress at the Scilly Isles, and afterwards proceed to Devonport to inspect the dockyard at that place. Nothing could be more favourable than the weather; it was slightly hazy up to 8 o'clock a.m., when it cleared up, and a fine fresh breeze came from the north-east, which lasted up to 3 o'clock p.m., when it died away. The whole of the signalling was done by bunting, and not by Ward's new system, as was generally supposed that it would be, and the brilliant flags had a very pretty effect as rapidly repeated by every third ship. As the fleet entered the harbour the Admiral made the signal for all the ships to take up their old berths, and by 6 o'clock p.m., all were in their original positions.

The Lords of the Admiralty previous to leaving Pembroke-dock granted the employés the usual half-holyday for Saturday.

Th 13 September 1860Pursuant to orders received on Sunday last, the Channel fleet, consisting of the Royal Albert, 121, Capt. H.J. Lacon, flagship of Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Fremantle, K.C.B., commanding the Fleet; the Conqueror, 101, Capt. Edward S. Sotheby, C.B.; the Donegal, 101, Capt. Henry Broadhead; the Edgar, 91, Capt. James E. Katon, flagship of Rear-Admiral John E. Erskine; the Mars, 80, Capt. James F. Strange; the Trafalgar, 91, Capt. Edward G. Fanshawe; the Algiers, 91, Capt. George W.D, O'Callaghan; the Centurion, 80, Capt. Henry D. Rogers, C.B.; the Aboukir, 91, Capt. Douglas Curry; the Mersey, 40, Capt. Henry Caldwell, C.B.; and the Diadem, 32, Capt. James H. Cockburn, got steam up by daybreak on Tuesday last, and sailed from Milford Haven at about 10 o'clock a.m. They are bound for a cruise of three weeks or a month, and it is supposed will go round the Western Islands, after which they are to rendezvous at Torbay, previous to going into winter quarters. Mr Ward is on board the Admiral's ship with his new system of ocean telegraphs, which are to be thoroughly tried during the cruise. The fleet has been in Milford Haven for more than three weeks, and the conduct of the men has been most exemplary. The civil authorities have not had to interfere except in one or two exceptional cases of drunkenness, together with a few cases of the not very heinous crime of overstaying leave. Rumour has it that three or four vessels of the fleet are to winter at Milford. A more secure berth could not be found in any case.
Tu 18 September 1860The screw steamship Donegal, 101, Capt. Henry Broadhead, which arrived in Plymouth Sound on Saturday evening, as reported in The Times yesterday, was detached from the Channel squadron at daylight on Friday, in lat. 49 59 N., long. 7 45 W. From Tuesday morning, when the ships left Milford, to the time of detachment constant strong winds were experienced. On Wednesday morning, at 11 o'clock Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Fremantle signalled the ships to form line abreast and start afterwards in chase to windward. The Donegal shortly took the lead and at the end of the trial was some miles ahead of her competitors. The Edgar, 91, Capt. James E. Katon, was a good second; the Trafalgar, 90, Capt. Edward G. Fanshawe, third; and the Conqueror, 101, Capt. Edward S. Sotheby, C.B., bad fourth; the rest were nowhere. At 5 p.m, the signal for trial was recalled and signal given to form order of sail in two columns. On Thursday the wind increased to a strong gale; the squadron was under closereefed topsails and storm sails. On Friday morning, at 1 o'clock, the principal steering rope of the Donegal broke, which induced the Admiral to order her to Plymouth to have it replaced, although the could have remained at sea if necessary.
Th 4 October 1860The second division of the Channel fleet, under the command of Rear-Admiral J.R. Erskine, arrived at Spithead yesterday morning from the westward, under steam and fore and aft canvas. The ships comprise the Edgar, 91, screw (flag), Captain J.E. Katon; Trafalgar, 91, screw, Capt E.G. Fanshawe; Algiers, 91, screw, Capt. George D. O'Callaghan; Mersey, 40, screw, Capt. H. Caldwell, C.B. and the Diadem, 32, screw, Capt J.H. Cockburn.
Sa 20 October 1860Vice-Admiral of the Blue Sir Charles Howe Fremantle, K.C.B., in command of the Channel squadron, is expected to return with the fleet to Portland to-morrow (Wednesday). The following is a list of the ships, guns, horse-power, and tons' burden, together with the names of the officers and number of men composing the fleet: - Vice-Admiral Sir C.H. Fremantle, K.C.B., Commander; Rear-Admiral J.B. Erskine, Second in Command; Rear-Admiral R.F. Stopford, Captain of the Fleet:-

◄Table scrolls horizontally►
ShipsGunsComplementHorse powerTonsCommanders
Royal Albert1211,0505003,726Capt H.J. Lacon
Donegal1019308003,245" H. Broadhead
Conqueror1009308003,265" E.S. Sotheby, C.B.
Edgar918606003,094" J.E. Katon
Trafalgar908605002,900" E.G. Fanshawe
Algiers918506003,340" G.W.D. O'Callaghan
Aboukir908304003,091" D. Curry
Centurion807504003,590" H.D. Rogers, C.B.
Mersey405941,0003,733" H. Caldwell, C.B.
Diadem324758002,475" J.H. Cockburn
Partridge2 60233Tender to Royal Albert.
Total8388,3295,53031696 
Ma 31 December 1860THE POPULARITY OF THE NAVY.- A correspondent informs us that the eastern division of the Channel fleet shows the following list of desertions:- Trafalgar, 169; Edgar, 146; Algiers, 89; Diadem, 110;- a severe reckoning, which shows that there are causes for desertion more tempting than the inducements to remain, or that the deserters were irrational blackguards, who to their offence superadded ignorance of their own interests.- Army and Navy Gazette.
We 9 January 1861The Edgar, 91, screw, Capt. James Katon, flagship of Rear-Admiral J.E. Erskine, left Portsmouth harbour yesterday morning, and took up a berth to the eastward of the ships at Spithead. The ships now anchored at Spithead, in addition to the Edgar, comprise the Algiers, 91, screw, Capt. G.D. O'Callaghan; the Trafalgar, 91, screw, Capt. Fanshawe; the Immortalité, 51, screw, Capt. G. Hancock; the Diadem, 32, screw, Capt. G. Cockburn; the Cossack, 20, screw, Capt. R. Moorman; the Desperate, 7, screw, Commander Ross; and the Triton, 3, paddle, Lieut-Commander R. Burton; the whole representing a force of 477 guns, and 4,410-horse power, nominal.
The screw steamship Centurion, 80, Capt. H.D. Rogers, C.B., which left Lisbon on the 30th of December, arrived in Plymouth Sound yesterday morning. She started from the Tagus under steam, with a southerly wind, which continued until the 4th inst., when she was taken aback with east and south-east winds. On Sunday it changed to southwest, and so continued until 8.30 a.m. on Monday, when baffling winds were experienced, and at 2 30 p.m. steam was got up and continued until she reached the Sound. The weather was moderate and fine all the passage home. The Centurion brings only 10 invalids, who were taken from Lisbon hospital, where they were left by the Channel Fleet; she was ordered to go up Hamoaze yesterday afternoon to make good defects; her crew will be paid down and granted leave of absence. The screw steamship St. Jean d'Acre, 101, Capt. the Hon. C. Elliott, which arrived December 29, was left in the Tagus. The Centurion spoke January 4, at 4 p.m. the ship Phoenix, homeward bound.
Ma 14 January 1861Rear-Admiral J.E. Erskine's division of the Channel fleet, consisting of the Edgar, 91, screw, Capt. James Katon; Algiers, 91, screw, Capt. G.D. O'Callaghan; Trafalgar, 90, screw, Capt. E.G. Fanshawe; and the Diadem, 32, screw, Capt. E.G. Fanshawe [should be J.H. Cockburn], left Spithead at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday, under steam, and, passing out by the Bembridge lightvessel, proceeded down Channel, their ultimate destination, being stated to be Lisbon.
The Immortalité, 51, screw, Capt G. Hancock, and the Desperate, 7, screw, Commander Ross, remain at Spithead.
The St. George, 90, screw, Capt. the Hon. F. Egerton, left Spithead at 10 a.m. yesterday for Plymouth, where his Royal Highness Prince Alfred will embark prior to the ship sailing for North, America and the West Indies. Prior to the ship leaving Spithead Col. the Hon. H. Byng embarked onboard, and proceeded round to Plymouth in her.
Ma 15 April 1861Rear-Admiral Erskine's division of the Channel fleet, comprising the Edgar, 91, screw (flagship), Capt. James Katon; Trafalgar, 91, screw, Capt. E.G. Fanshawe; and Diadem, 32, screw, Capt. J.H. Cockburn, arrived at Spithead at 1 p.m. on Saturday, under canvass, 14 days from Lisbon. Their news has been anticipated by the arrival of the Tagus, Peninsular and Oriental Mail Company's steamer at Southampton.
Tu 23 April 1861The Edgar, 91, screw, Capt. James Katon, flagship of Rear-Admiral J.E. Erskine, second in command of the Channel fleet, took on board yesterday, at Spithead, her apportioned complement of Armstrong guns, consisting of one 100-pounder, and two 40-pounders. The Trafalgar, 91, screw, will receive two 40-pounders at Spithead to-day.
Ma 6 May 1861The following vessels were yesterday lying at Spithead:- Edgar, 91, screw, Capt. J. Katon, flagship of Rear-Admiral J.E. Erskine, second in command of the Channel fleet; Trafalgar, 91, screw, Capt. J.B. Dickson; Diadem, 32, screw, Capt. J.H. Cockburn; Icarus, 11, screw, Commander N. Salmon, V.C.; Flying Fish, 5, screw, Commander Charles W. Hope; Sealark and Rolla, training brigs, and the paddle steamer Cyclops, Commander Pullen. The Diadem was under orders to proceed into Portsmouth harbour this morning and embark a wing of the 55th Regiment, with which she sails for Jersey.
Ma 27 May 1861Rear-Admiral J.E. Erskine's division of the Channel fleet, now lying at Spithead, comprising the Edgar, 91, screw, Capt. G.P. Mends (flag); the Donegal, 101, screw, Capt. Sherard Osborn, C.B.; the Hero, 91, screw, Capt. A.P. Ryder; the Flying Fish, 6, screw, Commander W.H. Anderson; and the Diadem, 32, screw, Capt. J.H. Cockburn, have received their orders for sea, and are expected to sail from Spithead on the termination of the courts martial now being held on board Her Majesty's ship Victory at Portsmouth.
Sa 22 June 1861The Plymouth division of the Channel fleet, under the command of Rear-Admiral Stuart [should be Smart], consisting of the Revenge (flagship), Aboukir, Conqueror, and Centurion, with the steam tender Porpoise, cast anchor in Leith Heads on Thursday morning shortly after midnight. The division had been nearly three days at the mouth of the Firth of Forth, off the Isle of May, cruising about in expectation of meeting the Spithead division (Admiral Erskine's), consisting of the Edgar (flag), Donegal, Trafalgar, and Hero. Up to Wednesday evening the latter division had not been seen, and Admiral Smart gave the signal to proceed up the Firth. While cruising of the Isle of May the ships' crews were busily exercised in artillery and rifle practice at targets moored for the purpose. All Thursday the Plymouth division lay off the Island Of Inchkeith in Leith Roads, and at noon the several ships fired a royal salute in honour of Her Majesty's accession. In the afternoon the ships were ordered to get up steam for the purpose, it was understood, of proceeding up the Firth to St. Margaret's Hope, where both divisions of the Fleet lay for about a fortnight last summer.
Th 27 June 1861Rear-Admiral Erskine's division of the Channel Fleet, consisting of the Edgar, the Hero, and the Trafalgar, joined Admiral Smart's division, composed of the Revenge, the Aboukir, the Conqueror, and the Centurion, in Leith Roads on Saturday evening. It was expected that they should leave that anchorage early on Wednesday morning to proceed northward by the Moray and Pentland Firths, and subsequentlv visit the north of Ireland, and also, it is said, the Clyde.
Ma 29 July 1861The Channel Fleet are now anchored in the waters of Loughswilly. On Wednesday they sailed majestically up the Lough on the tide in the form of a crescent. The Londonderry Sentinel gives a graphic description of the scene, which I abridge:-
"No sight could be more beautiful. Crowds collected from many points to witness the magnificent spectacle. These seven wooden walls of old England now displayed their graceful lines, their beautiful symmetry, and gayest bunting to the admiration of hundreds, while the waters of the Lough, as if proud of their freight, reflected their spire-like masts, their thousand flags and streamers, and their stately outlines in the glassy waves beneath. Now the ships are off Dunree Fort, on which the red cross of England unfurls its folds to the wind. As each man-of-war passes a salute is fired, and in the intervals the martial strains of the well-trained bands on board each vessel are borne to the shore. The scene was of the most thrilling description, and its interest was not lessened by the fact that this exhibition of the 'pride, pomp, and circumstance' of the maritime greatness of our country was unattended by the more direful accompaniments of 'glorious war.'
"At half-past 4 the fleet were off Buncrana, having arrived in the following order:-
"The Revenge, 91 guns, 800-horse power, Captain Charles Fellows, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Smart, senior Admiral of the fleet. The Edgar, 91 guns, 600-horse power, Captain Mends, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Erskine (white), second in command. The Conqueror, 101 guns, 200-horse power, Captain Southby, C.B., and Aide-de-Camp to the Queen. The Aboukir, 91 guns, 403-horse power, Captain Shadwell, C.B. The Hero, 91 guns, 600-horse power, Captain Ryder. The Trafalgar, 90 guns, 500-horse power, Captain Dixon. The Centurion, 80 guns, 400-horse power, Captain Rogers, C.B. The Porpoise gunboat, commanded by Lieutenant-Commander John Brasier Creagh, Knight of the Legion of Honour.
"As night set in the shores of lough Swilly were brilliantly lit up with bonfires. The glare brought out the ships into fine relief, affording a spectacle easy to be enjoyed, but difficult to describe. All the inhabitants of Buncrana likewise illuminated their dwellings, and on every side great enthusiasm was witnessed. It was most gratifying to see the cordial reception given by the people of Ennishowen to the fleet, and both officers and men feel much pleased and complimented at the reception they have met with. Perhaps in no other place since they have left Spithead have they received such a hearty welcome, and the short experience had of the members of the fleet gives reason to believe that it will be richly deserved.
"Some idea may be formed of the might and majesty of England's navy, from the fact that these seven vessels carry 636 guns, with crews amounting in number to 6,250 men, being more than the entire population of Strabane The entire horse-power is nominally 4,200, but is equal to double these figures. Three vessels properly belonging to this portion of the fleet are absent on other service - namely, the Donegal, the Diadem, and the Emerald."
This spectacle will produce a profound and lasting impression on the peasantry of Donegal, and the fame of it will spread throughout all the mountains and glens of the west.
We 9 October 1861Rear Admiral Erskine's division of the Channel fleet, consisting of the Edgar, 89 screw (flagship), Capt. George P. Mends; the Hero, 89, screw, Capt. A.P. Ryder; and the Trafalgar, 86, screw, Capt. J.B. Dickson, arrived at Spithead yesterday morning under steam, and brought up in line on reaching the anchorage. The Edgar discharged her powder and shell yesterday at Spithead, preparatory to going into harbour.
The starboard division of the Channel fleet, under Admiral Smart, which left Ireland eight days previously, and arrived at Plymouth yesterday morning (as reported in our second edition), parted company on Saturday evening with the port division, consisting of the Hero, the Edgar, and the Trafalgar, which are bound for Spithead. They entered the Sound in the following order:- The screw steamship Revenge, 89, Capt. Charles Fellowes, flag of Rear-Admiral Robert Smart, K.H., white at the mizen; the Centurion, 80, Capt. Henry D. Rogers, C.B.; the Conqueror, 99, Capt. Edward S. Sotheby, C.B.; and the Aboukir, 86, Capt. Charles F.A. Shadwell, C.B.
Ma 4 November 1861Rear-Admiral J.E. Erskine will this day haul down his flag from the mizen of the Edgar, 89, screw, at Portsmouth, as second in command of the Channel fleet, now that its summer cruising is over. The ships belonging to the Channel fleet at Portsmouth will, for a certain period, be placed under the command of the Admiral commanding at the port, Vice-Admiral Sir H.W. Bruce, in this following the course adopted in a preceding year.
Fr 20 December 1861Rear-Admiral Sidney C. Dacres, C.B., arrived at Dent's George Hotel, Portsmouth, yesterday, from London. At noon he hoisted his flag, as second in command on the North American and West Indian station, on board the Edgar, 89, screw, Capt. Mends, anchored at Spithead. The salute from the flagship's guns, customary on such occasions, was omitted in the present instance owing to the decease of his Royal Highness the Prince ConsortExternal link. The Edgar has taken in an extra 100-pounder Armstrong gun for conveyance to the station.
We 1 October 1862Rear-Admiral Sidney Colpoys Dacres, second in command in the Mediterranean, embarked at Portsmouth on Monday afternoon on board the Fire Queen steam yacht, Master-Commander Paul, and, proceeding out to Spithead, joined his ship, the Edgar, 86, screw, Captain Hon. F.F. Foley. On hoisting his flag he received the usual honorary salute from the ship’s guns. At 6 a.m. yesterday the Edgar left Spithead under steam for Portland and Lisbon. The Edgar was recommissioned under somewhat disadvantageous conditions, but, from the popularity of her admiral, captain, and commander, she speedily obtained a superior crew. Her rig and equipment have been carried out with great care, and few ships have left England for foreign service in better condition.
Th 14 May 1863The Prussian sailing frigate Gefion, Captain Klatt, arrived at Spithead yesterday morning from the West Indies, and on anchoring exchanged salutes with the Victory, flagship of Vice-Admiral Sir M. Seymour, G.C.B., Commander-in-Chief; the Edgar, 86, screw steamer, Captain Hon. F. Foley, flagship of Rear-Admiral Sidney C. Dacres, C.B., lying at Spithead, and with the saluting battery of the garrison. Captain Klatt afterwards landed, and, accompanied by the Chevalier Vandenberg, the Prussian Vice-Consul at Portsmouth, paid an official visit to Major-General Lord W. Paulet, C.B., and Sir Michael Seymour at their residences at the Government and Admiralty Houses. The Gefion sailed from the Havannah on the 18th of April, Her Majesty’s ship Nile sailing from there for Bermuda on the same day. The French liner St. Louis had landed her guns at Havannah, and was loading with stores for the French army in Mexico. All the ice that could be procured at the Havannah had been purchased and shipped on board the St. Louis for the use of the sick and wounded of the French army.
We 8 July 1863The Channel fleet arrived at Spithead yesterday. At 10 a.m. the ships were in sight from Portsmouth. In another hour the Nab Light vessel was passed, and the fleet was steering in for the narrow waterway between the sites of the proposed marine forts in two lines, in the following order:- Port Division (under all plain sail, the wind being light at about west):- Edgar, 71, screw, wooden liner, Capt. G.P. Hornby, bearing the flag of the Admiral Commanding, Rear-Admiral of the White, S.C. Dacres, C.B.; Emerald, 35, screw, wooden frigate, Capt. Arthur Cumming; and Liverpool, 39, screw, wooden frigate, Capt. R. Lambert. Starboard Division, under steam at low boiler power:- Black Prince, 40, screw, iron frigate, Capt. J.F.B. Wainwright, leading the line; Royal Oak, 35, screw, iron-cased frigate, Capt. F.A. Campbell; Defence, 16, screw, iron frigate, Capt. A. Phillimore; and Resistance, 16, screw, iron frigate, Capt. W.C. Chamberlain. The Trinculo, screw gunboat, was in company as tender to the flagship. The fleet is arranged in two lines; the Edgar, Emerald, and Liverpool being anchored along the edge of Spit shoal and forming the inner line, and the iron ships forming the outer line at their anchorage in deeper water; the Resistance and Edgar are at the extreme west of the two lines, and the Defence and Liverpool hold the eastern position. Rear-Admiral Dacres landed at the dockyard from the Port-Admiral's steam yacht Fire Queen during the afternoon.
Fr 31 July 1863The Channel fleet, under the command of Admiral Dacres, which left Sunderland on Tuesday morning, arrived in Leith roads on Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock. The Edgar, 71, led the van in coming up the Firth, and was followed by the Emerald, Liverpool, Defence, Black Prince, Warrior, Royal Oak, and Resistance. The anchorage selected is a mile to the west of Inchkeith, and about three miles from Leith harbour. The fleet will remain for about a week in Leith roads. The Channel fleet is expected to visit the Mersey before completing its present cruise. Its appearance there is not anticipated before the middle or end of next month.
Sa 29 August 1863The long-expected Channel fleet, for the appearance of which the inhabitants of Derry and Moville have been eagerly watching, arrived in Lough Foyle at 6 o'clock on Wednesday morning. The squadron, which is commanded by Rear-Admiral Sidney Colpoys Dacres, C.B., comprises the following vessels:— The Edgar (flag), 71 guns, Captain Geoffrey T.P. Hornby; Black Prince, 41, Captain James F.B. Wainwright; Emerald, 35, Captain Arthur Cumming; Warrior, 40, Captain the Hon. Arthur A. Cochrane; Royal Oak, 35, Captain Frederick A. Campbell; Liverpool, 39, Captain Rowley Lambert; Defence, 16, Captain Augustus Phillimore; Resistance, 16, Captain William C. Chamberlain; and the Trinculo, a tender, carrying two guns. The Emerald, Edgar, Liverpool, and Trinculo are wooden vessels, all the rest are iron. Their crews number more than 5,000 men. Several hundred persons visited the fleet in the course of the day; and a deputation from Moville presented an address of welcome and congratulation to Admiral Dacres on board his flagship. The shore was illuminated at night with tar barrels, fireworks, and bonfires.
We 7 October 1863Orders for the present disposition of the Channel squadron were received at Devonport yesterday. The flagship Edgar, which requires to he docked, will, with the Warrior, the Resistance, and the Emerald, leave Plymouth Sound for Portsmouth. The Black Prince, Royal Oak, and Defence are ordered to discharge their powder and shell, and to go up Hamoaze. The Black Prince will be docked at Devonport.
Fr 9 October 1863The Black Prince went from Plymouth Sound into Hamoaze on Wednesday. The Royal Oak went there yesterday morning, and is moored off Keyham. The Defence followed, and is placed off the Devonport dockyard. The flagship Edgar, the Warrior, Devastation, and Emerald got up steam in the morning, and left for Spithead, but put back in the afternoon, owing probably to the strong easterly winds and stormy weather.
Ma 12 October 1863The east division of the Channel fleet (as briefly announced by telegram in the second edition of The Times of Saturday); arrived at Spithead on Saturday, from. Devonport. The Warrior and Resistance, iron frigates, first hove in sight, and the latter anchored at Spithead by 8 a.m. The Warrior lay to in St. Helen's Roads, and did not anchor at Spithead until 11 a.m. The Admiral, in his flagship, the Edgar, in company with, the Emerald, wooden screw frigate, did not arrive at Spithead until 5 p.m. Both ships had remained for some hours off the Isle of Wight, where their crews had been exercised in firing with shot and shell. The passage from Plymouth Sound to Spithead was made with reduced boiler power, and on Friday night the Resistance, with three boilers in use, and contending with a strong S.E. gale, maintained a steady rate of speed of six knots. The officers of the two ironclads speak in the most enthusiastic terms of their ships behaviour at sea, but at the same time admit that a somewhat different form of bottom would give them more stability, and lessen the tendency they have to roll. Still, with even this admitted fault, it is contended that, on the whole, they are better sea boats than our heaviest wooden frigates of the Mersey and Orlando class. Seamen always speak flatteringly of the ship in which they serve; but if there be any truth in this comparison drawn, between iron and wooden ships, then our ironclads must be very much better sea boats, or have been very much better handled, than the French iron clad squadron which is now undergoing extensive repairs at Brest, in consequence of the damage received during its first experimental cruise. Reverting to our own ironclads, it appear; to be the general opinion of officers serving in them that the Resistance and Defence class must be more generally serviceable as war ships than the Warrior or Minotaur class can ever be. The latter undoubtedly possess the advantages belonging to beauty of form and great speed under steam, yet, from their extreme length, they cannot be turned so shortly or so readily manoeuvred as smaller vessels. These facts will possibly hold good so long as our ironclads are propelled by single screws; but now that it has been so repeatedly proved that ships can be made to turn upon their own centre as upon a pivot when propelled by two screws, the chief objection to ships of the Warrior's length seems to be overcome. A ship constructed for two screws would also possess much greater bearings at her midship section than a single-screw vesse l; she would consequently roll less, and be a much better sea boat, than any vessel with a single screw could possibly be, and. would also draw one-third less water than is the rule with. our present ironclads. A vessel like the Warrior must draw a certain draught of water in order to develops the power of her 1,250-horse engines and her monster screw. In shoal or narrow waters such a ship is helpless; she can neither approach sufficiently near a shore battery nor manoeuvre in front of it. Had the Warrior been built for and fitted with twin screws, her lessened draught of water would have enabled her to be taken so much nearer the shore, and to be manoeuvred as might be wished when she had reached the desired position.
Fr 11 December 1863The eastern division of the Channel fleet — comprising the Edgar, 74, wooden liner, Capt. G.P. Hornby, bearing the flag of the Commander-in-Chief, Rear-Admiral Sidney Colpoys Dacres, C.B.; the Warrior, 40, iron frigate, Capt. the Hon. A.A Cochrane, C.B.; and the Resistance, 16, iron frigate, Capt. Chamberlain — is expected to sail from Spithead to-day for Plymouth Sound, where it will be joined by the western division, and receive sailing orders for the next cruise. At Plymouth the Resistance will be detached from the squadron and proceed to the Mediterranean, where, according to present orders, she will complete her term of commission.
We 16 December 1863The iron screw steamship Warrior, 40, Capt. the Hon. Arthur A. Cochrane, followed by the Edgar, 71, flag of Rear-Admiral Sidney C. Dacres, C.B., the Black Prince, 41, the Resistance, 16, and the Defence, 16, all under steam, left Plymouth Sound by the Western Channel yesterday afternoon between 4 and 5 o'clock.
Ma 27 June 1864The Racoon, 22, screw corvette, Capt. Count Gleichen, sailed from Spithead, on her northern cruise, on Saturday, Lieutenant Prince Alfred rejoining from leave previous to the corvette weighing her anchor. The Prince, accompanied by the Prince of Wales and Prince Louis of Hesse, arrived at the Queen's private station in the Royal Clarence-yard, Gosport, from Windsor, at 10 45 a.m., where, on alighting, the Royal Princes were received by Major-Gen, Lord W. Paulet, C.B., Admiral Sir M. Seymour, G.C.B., Rear-Admiral Harry Edgell, C.B., Capt. Scott, C.B. (aide-de-camp to the Queen), Col. Thackwell (Assist. Adjutant-General), and other officers. Their Royal Highnesses immediately embarked on board the Fire Queen steam yacht, Staff-Commander Paul, which conveyed them out to Spithead, and transferred them to the Racoon, lying at anchor with the Channel fleet, but with steam up in readiness to start on her voyage. Soon afterwards a signal was made from the Racoon to the Edgar, flagship of the Admiral commanding the Channel squadron, that "the Prince of Wales would be glad to see Admiral Dacres on board the Racoon." The Admiral at once went on board the corvette. At 3 p.m. the Racoon weighed her anchor, and, after steaming about the Channel fleet for some little time, stood out to sea by the eastern channel, with the Fire Queen in attendance. Off the Warner lightship the engines were stopped, and the Prince of Wales and Prince Louis of Hesse, taking leave of Prince Alfred, left her, re-embarked on board the Fire Queen, and returned to Portsmouth harbour, landing at the Royal Clarence Victualling-yard, and thence proceeding by special South-Western train for Windsor, via Basingstoke, at 4 30 p.m. In accordance with the wish expressed by the Prince of Wales, no public honours of any kind were paid him beyond the attendance of the chief military and naval authorities at the Royal Clarence-yard. The Inhabitants of Portsmouth, however, considering them, selves free from any official trammels or etiquette, decked out their Victoria Pier, at the entrance to the harbour, gaily with flags, and cheered most lustily as the Fire Queen steamed in and out of the harbour, the Prince of Wales lifting his hat repeatedly in answer to the crowd assembled on the pier.
Tu 19 July 1864The ships composing the Channel Fleet, under the command of Rear-Admiral Sidney Colpoys Dacres, C.B., consisting of the Edgar, Warrior, Black Prince, Defence, and Trinculo gunboat, sailed from Spithead for their coasting cruise at 2 p.m. yesterday, going out under steam by the eastern channel.
We 2 November 1864The Edgar, screw line-of-battle-ship, Capt. G.P. Hornby, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral S.C. Dacres, C.B., Commander-in-Chief of the Channel fleet, accompanied by the iron frigate (screw) Warrior, 40 guns, Capt. the Hon. A.A. Cochrane, C.B., anchored at Spithead yesterday from the westward.
Th 22 December 1864The Edgar, 78, screw line of battle ship, Capt. G.P. Hornby, flagship of Rear-Admiral Sidney Colpoys Dacres, C.B.; and the Aurora, 35, screw frigate, Capt. Sir Leopold M. M'Clintock, have both hauled off from alongside Portsmouth Dockyard, and having completed their refit and painting will be ready in a few days for sea. It is not probable that either of the ships will be out of harbour until after Christmas at the earliest, as their services are not urgently required elsewhere.
Fr 17 March 1865Admirals Sir Frederick Grey and R.S. Robinson, with other members of the Board of Admiralty, are expected to arrive at Portsmouth this morning and visit that portion of our ironclad fleet now lying at Spithead and in Portsmouth harbour, and a few hours cruise may possibly be taken by them off the Isle of Wight. The ships now lying at Spithead comprise the iron frigate Achilles, 20 guns, 1,250-horse power, Capt. E.W. Vansittart; the Black Prince, 40 guns, 1,250-horse power, Capt. Lord Frederick Kerr; the Royal Sovereign, 5, iron-cased turret ship, Capt. A.C. Key, C.B., temporary (of Her Majesty's ship Excellent); the Liverpool, 34, wooden frigate, 600-horse power, Capt. R. Lambert; and the Niger, 10, screw corvette, 400-horse power, Capt. Byng. The Royal Sovereign steamed out of Portsmouth harbour to Spithead yesterday morning, where she anchored near the other vessels lying there. The Edgar, a wooden screw liner, is in Portsmouth harbour fitting for her Lisbon voyage; and the Hector, iron frigate, Capt. G.W. Preedy, is also there.
The iron frigate Achilles, 20 guns, 1,250-horse power, of engines, Capt. E.W. Vansittart, made her final trial over the measured knot course in Stokes Bay, near Portsmouth, on Tuesday, with her new four-bladed propeller, which has recently been supplied to her at Devonport. The ship drew 25ft. 11in. Forward and 26ft. 11in. aft. She was supplied with "Royal Yacht" coal for the trial. This is of the kind known as Nixon's Aberdare, from the 4ft. lower seam, and from its superior quality was supplied to the Warrior on the day of her trial. The Achilles' new screw was of the same diameter and pitch as the one she broke during her last trial over the course in Stokes Bay. Plenty of steam was generated, and the results of the trial may be stated to be as follows: - Mean speed of the ship in six runs over the mile with full boiler power, 14·322 knots; mean speed in four runs with half boiler power, 12·049 knots; indicated horse power of the engines, as developed on the indicator diagrams, 5,724; pressure of steam in boilers, 26·16lb.; pressure of steam in cylinders, 25·34lb. The speed of our three largest ironclads that have yet been placed under trial is relatively thus:- Warrior, full power, 14·354 knots; Achilles, ditto, 14·322; Black Prince, ditto, 13·584. According to these figures, therefore, the Warrior still maintains her position as the fastest ship in Her Majesty's navy by about 32 thousandths of a knot in excess of the Achilles' speed. The hull of the Achilles has a mean immersion of about 3in. in excess of the hull of the Warrior, and this excess will fully account for the slight difference in speed between the two ships. Both vessels have engines made from the same patterns by Messrs. John Penn and Sons, and the detailed working out of the trials gives an astonishing similarity in the results attained by the power exerted by the engines in comparison with the area of each ship's midship section.
Tu 18 April 1865The Edgar, 89, screw steamship. Capt. G.T.P. Hornby, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Sir Sydney C. Dacres, C.B. (in command of the Channel Squadron), left Spithead yesterday afternoon for Lisbon, having on board the Earl of Sefton, Lord H. Percy, and suite, who arrived from London and embarked from the dockyard on board the Fire Queen,. Master-Commander Paul.
Th 20 April 1865The remaining portion of the Channel Squadron, consisting of the Black Prince, Capt. Lord F. Kerr, the Prince Consort, Capt. O. Wiles; and Defence, Capt. Phillimore, left Portland Roads on Monday evening at 8 p.m. to join the Edgar (flagship of Admiral S.C. Dacres), off Portland, after which they proceeded down Channel en route to Lisbon. The Achilles (ironclad), Capt. Vansittart, will join the squadron off Plymouth.
Tu 23 May 1865The Edgar, 71, screw line-of-battle ship, Capt. G.P. Hornby, flagship of Rear-Admiral Sir Sydney Colpoys Dacres, K.C.B., will, it is expected, receive orders to sail from Spithead for Portland to-morrow or Thursday morning, to join that portion of the Channel fleet now lying there. According to present arrangements it is very probable that Admiral Dacres will take the Channel fleet on a cruise to Cherbourg and Brest or Lisbon.
(various)this gets replaced
Th 7 September 1865The ships composing the Channel fleet at Spithead, consisting of the Edgar (flag), Achilles, Black Prince, Prince Consort, Hector, Defence, Research, and Trinculo gun vessel, have filled up with coals, stores, and provisions, and are under orders to sail for Portland and a cruise westward. The Salamis, despatch vessel, requires sundry repairs, which may probably detain her a short time at Spithead after the departure of the fleet.


Top↑
Valid HTML 5.0