HMS Cadmus (1856)
HMS Cadmus (1856)


Royal NavyVessels

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NameCadmus (1856)Explanation
TypeCorvette   
Launched20 May 1856   
HullWooden Length200 feet
PropulsionScrew   
Builders measure1461 tons   
Displacement2216 tons   
Guns21   
Fate1879 Last in commission1874
Class  Class (as screw)Pearl
Ships book   
Career
DateEvent
20 May 1856Launched at Chatham Dockyard.
6 May 1859
- 23 July 1862
Commanded (from commissioning at Chatham) by Captain Henry Shank Hillyar, North America and West Indies
29 July 1862
- 23 November 1862
Commanded by Acting Captain John Francis Ross, North America and West Indies
24 November 1862
- 6 May 1863
Commanded (until paying off at Chatham) by Captain John Francis Ross, North America and West Indies
15 December 1864
- 28 May 1868
Commanded (from commissioning at Chatham until paying off at Chatham) by Captain Alexander Crombie Gordon, North America and West Indies
14 April 1869
- 8 June 1869
Commanded (from commissioning at Sheerness until paying off at Sheerness) by Captain Robert Gibson, for the Flying Squadron (but replaced by Barrosa, due to damage resulting from running aground on Salcombe Rocks on 4 June)
1 December 1870
- 26 November 1874
Commanded (from commissioning at Plymouth) by Captain William Henry Whyte, 1871 Detached Squadron then (April 1872) China
September 1879Broken up at Devonport (or Deptford?).
Extracts from the Times newspaper
DateExtract
Fr 13 May 1859The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, has been commissioned at Chatham by Capt, Henry S. Hillyar, C.B. It is expected she will be attached to the Channel squadron.
Fr 27 May 1859The screw line-of-battle ship Exmouth, 90, Capt. J. Stopford, arrived at Portland on Tuesday night from Plymouth, to join the Channel fleet.
The new screw steam corvette Cadmus, of 21 guns, and 400-horse power (nominal), Capt. Hillyar, from Chatham, has completed her coaling from the depôt in Saltpan Reach. She will have her compasses adjusted to-day, take in her combustible munitions of war, and leave immediately to join the Channel squadron.
We 1 June 1859The new screw steam frigate Emerald, Capt. Arthur Cumming, and the new screw steam corvette Cadmus, Capt. Hillyar, now at Sheerness, ready to join the Channel squadron, will proceed to the Great Nore, and there remain to salute the Princess Royal of Prussia on her passage down the Thames. Her Royal Highness will embark from Gravesend tomorrow.
We 28 September 1859The following is the distribution of the Mediterranean fleet at Malta:- Screw steamships of the Line.- The Marlborough, 131 (flagship of Vice-Admiral Fanshawe), on her way to Gibraltar, left Malta on the 15th of September; the Hannibal, 91 (flagship of Rear-Admiral Mundy), coast of Sicily; the Conqueror, 101, Gibraltar; the St. Jean d'Acre, 101, coast of Sicily; the Orion, 91, Gibraltar; the Princess Royal, 91, Gibraltar; the Renown, 91, Malta; the Victor Emmanuel, 91, Gibraltar; the Exmouth, 90, Naples; the London, 90, coast of Sicily; the Brunswick, 80, coast of Sicily; the Centurion, 80, Gibraltar; and the Cressy, 80, left Malta on the 5th of September. Steam Frigates.- The Euryalus, 51, Piraeus of Athens; the Liffey, 51, Piraeus of Athens; the Doris, 32, left Malta on the 13th of September; and the Terrible, 21, Naples. Steam Corvettes.- The Racoon, 22, Corfu; the Cadmus, 21, Malta; and the Vulture, 6, Morocco coast. Steam Sloops.- The Gannet, 11, Piraeus of Athens; the Argus, 6, Malta; the Intrepid, 6, Constantinople; the Recruit, 6, Malta; the Scourge, 6, Malta; the Assurance, 4, left Malta on the 31st of August; the Coquette, 4, Marseilles; the Lapwing, 4, Gibraltar; the Osprey, 4, Corfu; the Vigilant, 4, Venice; and the Wanderer, 4, Candia. Steam Gunboats.- The Growler, Gibraltar; and the Quail, Gibraltar. Steam Despatch-vessels.- The Banshee, 2, Malta; and the Caradoc, 2, Malta. Steam-tender.- The Boxer, 2, Malta. Steam Surveying-vessels.- The Medina, 4, Candia ; and the Tartarus, 4, Candia. Receiving-ship.- The Hibernia (flag of Rear-Admiral Codrington), Malta. Depot-ship.- The Africa, Gibraltar. Tugs.- The Hearty, Malta; and the Redpole, 2, Gibraltar. Sailing Gunboats.- The Azof, 2, Malta; and the Kertch, 2, Malta.
Tu 1 October 1861A number of Armstrong 100 and 30 pounder guns, with their fittings, shot, shell, &c, have been already set aside by the Ordanance authorities at Portsmouth for the service of the North America and West India squadron, and according to present arrangements, the Emerald, 51 screw, capt. A. Cumming, will at once embark the guns and stores apportioned to the Nile, St. George, and Cadmus, and sail with them to Halifax.
We 15 January 1862From letters received from the West Indies, dated Jamaica, December 21, by our Chatham correspondent, several important movements on the part of the various vessels of war are announced. The Mersey, 40, 100-horse power, Capt. H. Caldwell, C.B., arrived at Port Royal, on the 13th of December, from Bermuda, and was shortly expected to leave. The Donegal, 99, 800-horse power, Capt. Osborn, C.B., and the Sanspareil, 70, 400-horse power, Capt. Bowyear, arrived from England on the 16th, with part of the Marine battalion, for Mexico, on board. The Himalaya, 700-horse power, Capt. Seccombe, had arrived from Bermuda, and was to leave for Barbadoes and England on the 22d of December. The Conqueror, 101, 800-horse power, Capt. Sotheby,C.B., had arrived out with her Marines, and was to leave for Bermuda about the 24th of December. Her Majesty's paddlewheel steamer Barracouta, 6, Capt. Malcolm, arrived at Jamaica, from England, on the 15th of December. The Sanspareil passed the Cadmus, 21, Captain Hillyar, C.B., near Antigua, standing to the southward, on the 9th. Of December, last from St. Thomas. Her Majesty's screw steamers St. George, 86, Captain the Hon. F. Egerton, and Cygnet, 5, Commander Thrupp, arrived at Port Royal on the 2lst of December, also a small French screw sloop of war. All were well on board these ships.
Fr 31 January 1862Private letters have been received by our Chatham correspondent, from the West Indies, giving some further details respecting the loss of Her Majesty's ship Conqueror, 101, 3,265 tons, 800-horse power, Capt. E. S. Sotheby, C.B. The Conqueror was wrecked on the morning of the 30th of December, on a rock known as the Rum Crag, on her way to Bermuda, from Port Royal, which she had left but a few days. The pinnace of the Conqueror, with some of the officers and crew, arrived at Port Royal, Jamaica, on the 8th inst., when Commodore Dunlop, C.B., immediately despatched the Cygnet, 5, Commander A. T. Thrupp, to render her assistance. The Cadmus, 21, Capt. H.S. Hillyar, C.B., arrived at St. Thomas's on the 7th. inst., all well. The Rinaldo, 17, Commander W.N.W. Hewett, having on board the Confederate commissioners, arrived at St. Thomas's on the 14th inst. The United States sloop of war Iroquois, was also at St. Thomas's on the same date.
Sa 15 February 1862Her Majesty?s ship Cadmus was at Antigua, having arrived there on the 22d of January, with a vessel called the Laura, which, it was expected, would be confiscated in the Admiralty Court. The circumstances attending the Laura are the following:? She arrived at St. Thomas?s on the 1st of January, from Havannah, with rum, &c.; the master, Dionisis, consigning her to an American house, reported the vessel at the Custom-house and at the British Consulate. Her Majesty's Consul at St. Thomas's, Mr. R.B. Lamb, haring received information of a suspicious nature regarding the Laura previous to her arrival, kept a vigilant eye on all her movements, and on the 7th ult., when the Cadmus arrived from Barbadoes, he immediately communicated with Captain Hillyar. The Laura remained in port until the 20th of January, when she sailed with a destination for St. Bartholomew's, having taken in at St. Thomas's, a few days before leaving, some additional cargo, lumber, and water. Feeling convinced that the vessel was to all intents and purposes fitted for a slave voyage, it was stated that Mr. Lamb and Captain Hillyar agreed in thinking that the vessel should be overhauled, and accordingly the Cadmus left in pursuit the same day, and on boarding the Laura, some 40 miles from St. Thomas's, sufficient proof was found to warrant her being placed in charge of a prize crew, who proceeded in the vessel, in company with the Cadmus, to English Harbour, Antigua, where there is little doubt she will be condemned as a slaver, and her crew tried on the charge of piracy. The Laura entered and cleared at St. Thomas's in regular legal form, and great credit was given to Captain Hillyar and Mr. Lamb, the Consul, for the manner in which the intended capture was arranged, without the parties concerned in the adventure having the slightest idea of any suspicions attaching to the Laura.
Tu 4 March 1862Letters received at Chatham from Her Majesty's screw steamer Cadmus. 21 Capt. H.S. Hillyar, C.B., announce that that vessel had been detained at Antigua to await the decision of the Prize Courts relative to the slaver Lyra, which had been captured by the Cadmus, The latter vessel was, however, expected to leave for St. Thomas on the 12th of February last.
Th 1 May 1862From private letters received by our Chatham correspondent from the screw frigate Immortalit?, 51, Capt. G. Hancock, we learn that that vessel arrived at St. John's, Antigua, from St. Thomas's, on the 3d ult., and having relieved the Cadmus, 21, screw steamer, Capt. H.S. Hillyar, C.B., left on the 11th of April for Barbadoes. At the latter date the Cadmus was still lying at Antigua, waiting the decision of the Admiralty Court respecting the prize brig Lama. As soon as the finding of the Court was announced the Cadmus would leave for Bermuda. The island was exceedingly healthy, and all the crew, as well as the officers, were well.
Sa 17 May 1862Letters received from the West Indies by our Chatham correspondent give several items of intelligence of the movements of Her Majesty's ships in those waters. The screw frigate Immortalit?, 51, Capt. G. Hancock, left English Harbour, Antigua, on the afternoon of the 13th ult., for Barbadoes. The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, Capt H.S. Hillyar, C.B., left St. John's, Antigua, on the 17th ult., and arrived at St. Kitt's on the following morning. On the 21st ult. she left that island for St. Thomas's, which she reached on the following day, and on the 23d of April she sailed for Bermuda, where she would be stationed for some time. At the date of the mail leaving the officers and crews of the vessels were well.
Tu 31 March 1863The Cadmus, 20, screw, Capt. Ross, is still detained at Spithead, pending a forthcoming court-martial on her former Captain (Hilyar), on a charge of cruelty. A strong impression prevails that the charge will fall to the ground.
Th 9 April 1863The Court-martial now being held on board Her Majesty's ship Victory, at Portsmouth, on Capt. Hillyar, C.B., and Lieut. Lillingstone, the former lately and the latter now serving on board Her Majesty?s ship Cadmus, resumed its sittings yesterday, and received evidence for the prosecution relative to the charges of cruelty and oppression, and again adjourned until to-day. From the number of witnesses remaining to be examined the proceedings are likely to be protracted.
Th 23 April 1863The Cadmus, 20, screw, Capt. Ross, sailed from Spithead at 5 p.m. yesterday to dismantle and be paid out of commission.
. The court-martial. on Capt. Hillyar, C.B., and Lieut. Lillingston, of her Majesty?s ship Cadmus, was brought to a conclusion on Tuesday afternoon, after having extended over 14 days. The evidence for the defence was closed at 10 45, and at 3 40 the Court was again opened, when the Deputy Judge-Advocate read the finding of the Court. They acquitted Capt. Hillyar of the charge of cruelty and oppression, and also of ordering punishments not to be entered in the defaulters' book, but found him guilty of an act to the prejudice of good order and naval discipline in not making himself acquainted with the punishments which were going on in the Cadmus while he was in command, and seeing them entered in the defaulters' book, for which the Court adjudged him to be severely reprimanded. The Court found the charge against Lieut. Lillingston partly proved, inasmuch as he had been guilty of unofficerlike conduct in ordering punishments to be inflicted upon Robert Baker and other boys of the Cadmus which were not authorized by Her Majesty's regulations. The Court adjudged him to be dismissed Her Majesty's service, but in consideration of his zeal and ability they recommended him to the favourable consideration of the Admiralty.
Th 30 April 1863The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, Capt. Ross, dismantling in Chatham harbour, has returned the chief part of her stores into the dockyard, and to-day will be placed under the floating shears to have her guns, masts and other portions of her heavy gear lifted out. As soon as paid off she will be placed in the Chatham steam reserve.
Th 7 May 1863The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, Capt., J.F. Ross, having been dismantled, was put out of commission and her crew paid off in Chatham harbour yesterday. The Cadmus has been four years in commission, and bas been employed chiefly on the North American and West India stations.
Fr 8 May 1863On the occasion of the Cadmus, 22, being paid off at Chatham the officers entertained Capt. J.F. Ross at a banquet at Willis's (Sun) Hotel.
We 27 May 1863The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, in Chatham harbour, which was paid off into the steam reserve a few weeks since, is to be brought forward for repair, in readiness for commission, as soon as the work now in progress at Chatham dockyard will permit of her being taken in hand, She will require some rather extensive repairs, involving an outlay of about 10,000l.
Fr 5 June 1863The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, is to be immediately taken in hand and fitted for the first division of the Chatham steam reserve, in readiness for immediate commission.
Fr 19 June 1863Tho Cadmus, 21400-horse power, attached to the third-class steam reserve, is to be placed in the fourth dock at Chatham, where she is to undergo some extensive repairs, in volving an outlay of 10,000l. She will afterwards be commissioned to take the place of one of the vessels ordered home.
Fr 28 August 1863The Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, now in the shipwrights and engineer's hands at Chatham Dockyard, is undergoing a thorough overhaul and repair which will detain her in dock for several months. Her screw, which is the common Admiralty blade, has been lifted, and is to be altered to the Griffith's shape by having the leading corners of the blades cut off. The engineers are now repairing her boilers, the Admiralty having decided on making her present boilers last during another commission, and a large number of defective plates have been taken out, and are now lying about her decks. The Cadmus is also to be strengthened by being fitted with additional knees, and during the time she is in the shipwrights' hands she will be furnished with new decks. In addition to the other repairs and alterations now being carried out on board she is to be fitted with a topgallant forecastle for the protection of her crew during inclement weather. Her repairs will involve an outlay of from 10.000l. to 15.000l.
Fr 29 January 1864The repairs to the Cadmus, 22, 400-horse power, at Chatham, are likely to retain that vessel in dock some two months longer, the alterations and repairs she is undergoing being very extensive. Extra cabins are ordered to be fitted on board for an additional lieutenant, and she is also being fitted with a topgallant forecastle for the protection of her crew in inclement weather.
Ma 21 March 1864On Saturday Rear-Admiral S. Robinson, the Controller of the Navy, visited Chatham dockyard for the purpose of inspecting the progress made in the way of fitting the various vessels building and preparing for sea at that establishment. After transacting business at the office of Capt. Stewart, C.B., the superintendent of the establishment, the Controller directed his attention to the Bombay, 67, now in dry dock, where she has been several months fitting for an Admiral's flag. Most of the work on board is now completed, and in about a fortnight she will be ready to leave the dock. The Admiralty have directed her condensers to be strengthened by means of tension bolts, which will be fixed athwart ship, and this work will be executed by Messrs. Humphreys, Tennant, and Co., the makers of the engines. After inspecting the Cadmus, 22, 400-horsepower, which is undergoing some heavy repairs in the adjoining dock, the Controller visited the east end of the yard, where the iron-clad frigate Lord Warden is now being put in frame, and afterwards embarked on board the City of Rochester steamer and proceeded down the harbour to the Achilles iron frigate, which is being brought forward for sea with as much despatch as the resources of the dockyard will permit.
Sa 21 May 1864The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, which is undergoing a thorough refit and repair at Chatham Dockyard in readiness for the first division of the steam reserve, is to be supplied with a new Griffiths propeller, in lieu of her present screw, which is to be taken out. The Cadmus during the time she has been in dock has been fitted with a topgallant forecastle, and has undergone a general repair at an estimated cost of 12,000l. She will be out of the shipwrights' hands in the course of a fortnight.
Sa 21 May 1864The Torch, 5, screw gunboat, having, since being docked at Chatham, undergone a careful survey at the hands of the master shipwright's staff, has been found in such a generally rotten state that her repairs will detain her in dock some considerable time longer than was originally anticipated. Now that the exterior four-inch planking has been ripped off her sides the rotten condition of her timbers is easily perceptible. Although the Torch was only built some three or four years since, and has only been once in commission, many of her midship timbers were found, on inspection, to be so rotten as to crumble to powder under the fingers. The Torch, it may be observed, is a contract-built vessel, and in this respect bears a remarkable contrast to the Cadmus, 21, built at Chatham dockyard, and now under repair in the adjoining doek to that in which the Torch is lying. Although constructed about 15 years ago, since which she has been in constant commission, the timbers of the Cadmus are as sound as when cut in the dockyard, and no trace of decay can be detected.
We 29 June 1864In order to complete the screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, which is ordered for immediate commission, instructions have been received at Chatham dockyard from the Admiralty, directing the joiners employed on that vessel to be paid exertion money. An Admiralty order was likewise received at Chatham dockyard yesterday, directing the workmen in the sawing department to be employed for three months on task and job work.
We 3 August 1864The Cadmus, 21 1,466 tons, 400-horse power, after undergoing a very extensive repair at Chatham Dockyard, during which she has been fitted with a topgallant forecastle, new decks. &c., was yesterday undocked and berthed alongside the floating shears in the harbour, where her masts were put on board. The Cadmus is to be taken in hand by the riggers to-morrow, and, by direction of the Lords of the Admiralty, will be immediately brought forward for commission.
Fr 2 September 1864The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, in dry dock at Chatham, preparing for the pennant, has the whole of her wire standing rigging set up, and a considerable portion of her topmast rigging in place. She is to be expedited in her fitments, as she is required for immediate commission, and a number of additional hands have been placed on her. Since she has been in dock she has undergone very extensive repair to both hull and machinery, and she is now in almost as sound a state as when launched. She has been furnished with a new Griffith's propeller in lieu of the Admiralty screw.
Fr 16 September 1864The armament for the screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, shipped from the Chatham ordnance-wharf on board the War Department transport Bomarsund, was landed at the dockyard yesterday, and will be placed on board to-day. The Cadmus takes 16 of the 8-inch 60-pounder cast-iron smooth-bore guns, for throwing hollow shot, four 40-pounder naval Armstrongs, and one 110-pounder 84 cwt. naval Armstrong, together with the usual complement of light Armstrongs and brass guns for field and boot service. In consequence of the amount of work still remaining to be executed on board the corvette in the way of fitting, the Cadmus will not be sufficiently advanced to leave the dock during the present spring tides, but it is probable she will be so far completed as to allow of her being floated out of dock by the end of the present month. The sum originally ordered to be expended on the Cadmus in the way of repairs - 10,000l.- will be very considerably exceeded, in consequence of the additional work which it was found necessary should be executed as the repairs were in progress. It is understood that the Cadmus will be sent to join the West India squadron, under the command of Commodore P. Cracroft, C.B.
Th 22 September 1864The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, will be out of the shipwrights' hands at Chatham Dockyard in the course of next week, and will be ready to be floated out of dock during the approaching spring tides. During the last few days she has shipped her armament, which consists of 16 of the cast-iron smooth-bore 8-inch guns, one 110-pounder, and four 40-pounder naval Armstrongs, together with the usual quantity of 12-poundcr and 9-pounder Armstrongs for field and boat service. According to present orders received from the Admiralty, the Cadmus is to be prepared for the first-class steam reserve, in readiness for immediate commission.
Fr 23 September 1864In accordance with instructions received at Chatham from the Admiralty, the whole of the smiths and joiners employed on the Achilles, ironclad frigate, and the Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, commenced working extra hours yesterday, in order that both those vessels may be completed with as little delay as possible.
Sa 1 October 1864The Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, having completed a very extensive repair at Chatham dockyard, extending over several months, will be undocked on Monday, and will take her place in the first class steam reserve, for which she is fully equipped.
Tu 4 October 1864The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, was undocked at spring tide at Chatham yesterday afternoon, during a high north-east wind, and safely berthed alongside the floating shear-hulk Chatham in the harbour abreast the dockyard. During the time the Cadmus has been in dock, a period extending over several months, she has undergone a most complete repair, and she is now a first-class vessel of the corvette description, ready in all respects for service in any part of the world. She has been furnished with new decks, and the decayed portions of her stern and rudder-posts, as well as her stern timbers, have been made good; in addition to this, extra knees have been placed to strengthen her deck beams. She has also been fitted with a topgallant-forecastle, for the protection of her crew in unfavourable weather, and this arrangement will add to the comfort of the men, the Cadmus, as well as most of the corvette class of vessels, being rather down by the head, and, therefore, very wet during a rough sea. Opportunity has been taken during the time the Cadmus has been under repair to overhaul her engines and machinery, which have been thoroughly repaired, and several detective parts of her boilers made good. She has also been fitted with a new screw propeller of the Griffiths pattern, and the old Admiralty screw removed. The Cadmus is complete in her riging, and is now ready to hoist the pendant. The dockyard mechanics were at work on board up to within a few minutes of the corvette leaving the dock, and there is still a trifling amount of work to be executed in the way of fittings to the cabins and painting-up before the Cadmus is ready to take her place in the first-class steam reserve. The original estimate of the cost of the repairs required to be executed was 10,000l., but this has been very considerably exceeded.
We 5 October 1864The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, got up steam abreast the dock yard at Chatham yesterday, when, with the exception of one or two trifling alterations, the machinery and engines were found to work exceedingly satisfactory. She will coal-up to-morrow, previously to making her official trial of speed at the Maplin Sands, and afterwards go into the first-class steam reserve, in readiness for commission, to relieve most probably one of the vessels attached to the West India squadron.
Fr 7 October 1864The Cadmus, 21, 400 horse-power, is ordered to leave Chatham this morning, and drop down the harbour to Folly Point, where she will be stationed to await subsequent orders from the Admiralty.
Sa 8 October 1864The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, got up steam in Chatham harbour yesterday, and proceeded as far as Folly-point, where she brought up, in readiness to make her experimental trial of speed for the purpose of testing the working of her engines and machinery.
Ma 10 October 1864Her Majesty?s screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 1,466 tons, 400-horse power, left Chatham-harbour at an early hour on Saturday morning with the intention of making her official trial of speed at the measured mile, near the Maplin Sands, in order to enable the Admiralty officials to ascertain her steaming qualities since the numerous alterations and improvements recently effected on board. For some days previous to the trial the corvette's decks were crowded with dockyard mechanics engaged in getting the vessel out of hand, and a numerous body of artisans and labourers were working on board up to 11 o?clock the previous night, in order that the Cadmus might be ready to proceed on her official trial the following morning. Late on Friday it was discovered by the officials connected with the engineer department of the dockyard that the screw - a new Griffiths propeller, which bas been substituted for the old Admiralty bladed screw - required altering in its pitch, and accordingly several hours were occupied in clearing the well, lifting the screw, and altering the blades from a pitch of 24ft. to one of 20ft. The officials on board to superintend the trial on Saturday were Capt. W.K. Hall, C.B., commanding the Steam Reserve; Mr. Baker, inspector of machinery afloat and chief engineer at Chatham Dockyard; Mr. Rumble, inspector of machinery afloat; Mr. Hutchins, assist.-master ship-wright; Mr. Blakey, Queen?s pilot, and several others. The draught of water on the Cadmus leaving the harbour was 15ft. 6in. forward and 17ft. aft, which scarcely gave sufficient immersion for the screw. The wind at the time was blowing strong from the eastward, with a force of 5. Soon after the Cadmus had left her moorings at Folly Point a defect was discovered in the working of her screw, and it became evident that the propeller-blades were set at too great a pitch. Under these circumstances Capt. Hall decided on not placing the steamer on the measured mile, and a run was only taken to the Nore and back, the working of the screw being still unsatisfactory. The official trial of speed was accordingly deferred, and in the afternoon the Cadmus brought up alongside the Benbow, 72, where the workmen immediately commenced making some further alterations in her screw. In this they were employed the remainder of the day, the trial at the measured mile being postponed. Opportunity will now be taken to give the corvette better trim, for which purpose 200 tons of coal will be placed on board. It is stated at Chatham that the Cadmus will be commissioned in a few days by Capt. J.F. Ross, the same officer who paid that vessel off when put out of commission at Chatham.
We 26 October 1864The Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, landed her two screw-propellers at Chatham Dockyard yesterday, where they are to undergo some alterations before they are again placed on board. They are both old Admiralty blades, one pair having the leading corners cut off to assimilate it to the Griffiths blade. At the late trials of the Cadmus under steam at the Maplin Sands the new Griffiths screw with which she had been fitted worked so unsatisfactorily, after two trials, that it has been unshipped and returned to Woolwich. The Cadmus will be detained about a week or ten days at Chatham while the alterations to her propellers are being carried out by the engineer department at the dockyard.
Sa 5 November 1864The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, is still in the hands of the engineer department at Chatham-dockyard, in consequence of its having been found necessary to furnish her boilers with new tubes. This will detain her about three weeks longer before she is fit to go into the Steam Reserve. Her Griffith propeller bas also been unshipped, in order that some alterations may be made in her screw, the working of which on the occasion of her recent trial by the officials of the Steam Reserve proved exceedingly unsatisfactory.
Sa 12 November 1864The following is the list of the vessels of the Royal navy which will be armed, and are now being armed, with the new description of 300-pounder and other guns in course of issue. The figures after each vessel specify the number of guns of the description mentioned she will carry. To mount the 12-ton 300-pounders:- Bellerophon, 10; Royal Sovereign, 5; Minotaur, 4; Scorpion, 4; Wiveren, 4; Prince Albert, 4; Agincourt, 4; and Northumberland, 4. To be armed with the 6½-ton guns:- The Achilles, 20; Black Prince, 20; Warrior, 20; Lord Warden, 20; Lord Clyde, 20; Royal Oak, 20; Prince Consort, 20; Royal Alfred, 20; Caledonia, 20; Ocean, 20; Minotaur, 18 ; Agincourt, 18; Valiant, 16; Zealous, 16; Hector, 16; Defence, 10; Resistance, 10; Endymion, 6; Mersey, 4; Orlando, 4, Pallas, 4; Favourite, 4; Research, 4; Enterprise, 4; Amazon, 2; Viper, 2; and Vixen, 2. To mount the 64-pounder muzzle-loader:- The Bristol, 12; Melpomene, 12; Liverpool, 12; Severn, 12; Arethusa, 12; Phoebe, 12;. Shannon, 12; Octavia, 12; Constance, 12; Sutlej, 12; Undaunted, 12; Impérieuse, 12; Aurora, 12; Leander, 12; Bacchante, 12; Emerald, 12; Phaeton, 12: Narcissus, 12; Forte, 12; Euryalus, 12; Topaz, 12; Newcastle, 12; Liffey, 12; Immortalité, 12; Glasgow, 12; Clio, 8, North Star, 8 [laid down 1860, cancelled 1865]; Racoon, 8; Challenge[r], 8; and Menai, 8 [laid down 1860, cancelled 1864]. The following will be supplied with the 64-pounder breech-loaders:- The Scout, 8; Rattlesnake, 8; Cadmus, 8; Scylla, 8; Barossa, 8; Jason, 8; Charybdis, 8; Wolverine, 8; Pylades, 8; Orestes, 8; Pearl, 8; Pelorus, 8; Satellite, 8; Acheron, 4 [laid down 1861, cancelled 1863]; Shearwater, 4; Valorous, 4; Furious, 4; Bittern, 4 [laid down 1861, cancelled 1863]; Magicienne, 4; and Columbine, 4. A supply of the 6½-ton smooth-bore 100-pounder wrought iron guns has already been received at Chatham, and it is understood that the first supply of the 300-pounder rifled 12-ton Armstrong gun may shortly be expected at the Ordnance wharf.
We 23 November 1864The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, fitting for the first division of the Chatham steam reserve, has been supplied with new tubes to her boilers, and will be out of the hands of the engineer department this week.
Th 24 November 1864The screw-corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, will be placed in dock at Chatham, on Saturday, to be examined, in order to ascertain whether she has sustained any injuries from the recent shipment and unshipment of her screws. She has shipped her new propeller, a "left-handed " Griffiin?s screw, which arrived from Woolwich in the early part of the week.
Sa 26 November 1864The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, fitting for the first division of the Chatham Steam Reserve, will be placed in No. 3 dock at Chatham to-day, for the purpose of undergoing au examination in order to ascertain whether she has received any injuries occasioned by the recent alterations effected in her screw. The whole of the tubes of the boilers have been removed and new tubes substituted, the Admiralty having directed the entire number of tubes to be removed in consequence of some few of them proving faulty, a subsequent examination showing them to have been manufactured from inferior copper.
Tu 29 November 1864An examination was yesterday made of Her Majesty?s screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, which has been placed in the third dock at Chatham; but the inspection failed to detect any serious injuries to her screw or rudder-post, and she will accordingly be immediately undocked.
Sa 3 December 1864The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 1,466 tons, 400 horse-power, which has been some months in hand fitting for the first division of the Chatham Steam Reserve, in readiness for commission, has completed the repairs rendered necessary by the recent alteration in her screw, and will be undocked at Chatham to-day. This fine corvette is, with the exception of the shipment of her sea stores, complete in every department, and in all respects ready for the pennant.
Tu 6 December 1864The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, got up steam yesterday in Chatham harbour, alongside the dockyard, for the purpose of testing the working of her boiler and machinery since the alteration and repairs effected by the engineer department. Her engines and screw worked satisfactorily, the propeller being a new Griffiths screw, which has been supplied to her in lieu of the old Admiralty bladed screw which she had during her last commission.
Th 8 December 1864The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, will leave her moorings at Chatham dockyard to-day, and steam down the harbour, in readiness to make her official trial of speed at the Maplin Sands to-morrow, should the weather prove favourable.
Fr 9 December 1864The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, proceeded down Chatham harbour at daylight yesterday morning, in tow of the Adder and Fearless paddlewheel steamers, to be in readiness to make her official trial of speed at the measured mile at the Maplin Sands.
Sa 10 December 1864Her Majesty?s screw steamer Cadmus, 21, 1,466 tons, 400-horse power, having undergone extensive alteration and repair, both to hull and machinery, was yesterday taken out of Chatham harbour to the measured mile at the Maplin Sands, near the Nore, for the purpose of testing her steaming qualities, her former trials having proved unsatisfactory. The Cadmus was built at Chatham dockyard, and, after seeing a lengthened period of service, underwent a thorough repair at that establishment, where she was fitted with a topgallant forecastle. Her engines are of 400-horse power (nominal), and were manufactured by Messrs. Penn and Sons, Greenwich. The cylinders are each 5ft. 4in. in diameter, and the length of stroke is 3ft. 3in. The four boilers are fed by 16 furnaces. Since the Cadmus has been in the hands of the shipwright and engineer department at Chatham she has been fitted with a "left-handed" Griffiths screw, in lieu of her former Admiralty propeller, in consequence of the unsatisfactory results obtained from the latter. The screw weighs rather less than ten tons, and is 16ft. in diameter, with a length of blade of 3ft. 6in., the edge of the blades during the trial yesterday being 3in. out of the water. The screw is set at a pitch of 24ft., but this can be varied from 20ft. to 28ft. The trial was under the superintendence of Capt W.K. Hall, C.B., commanding the steam reserve in the Medway, The other officials on board being Mr. T. Baker, chief inspector of machinery at Chatham dockyard, and Mr. W. Rumble, inspector of machinery afloat. The master-shipwright's department was represented by Mr. Darley. The Cadmus was navigated from Chatham by Mr. Blakey, Queen's pilot, and on being placed on the trial-ground six runs were taken over the measured mile, with the following results:? First run ? Time, 4min. 57sec.; speed, in knots per hour, 12?121; number of revolutions, 62. Second run.? Time, 5 min. 59 sec.; speed, 10?027 knots; number of revolutions, 61. Third run.? Time, 4 min. 58 sec.; speed, 12?5 knots ; number of revolutions, 62. Fourth run. ? Time, 5 min. 12 sec.; speed, 11?538 knots; number of revolutions, 61. Fifth run.? Time, 4 min. 34 sec.; speed, 13?138 knots; number of revolutions, 62. Last run.? Time, 5 min. 16 sec.; speed, 11?392 knots; and number of revolutions, 61. From the mean of these readings the first averages were 11?074, 11?263, 12?019, 12?338, and 12?265 knots, and the second means 11?168, 11?641, 12?178, and 12?301 knots, giving the true mean, or actual speed of the ship, as 11?882 knots per hour. The result is considered very satisfactory. It shows that the changes made in the Cadmus have increased her speed nearly 2? knots per hour, her average speed on the occasion of her last official trial at her deep-sea draught being only 9?709 knots per hour. Various causes are assigned for this improvement, the chief of which are the new screw-propeller with which she has been fitted, and the alterations effected in her engines. On the former occasion of her trial it was found impossible to keep the steam at a greater pressure than 17?25lb., even with the throttle-valve but a quarter open. The exit area of the stoke-hole, which in other vessels of the corvette class amounts to 20 square inches per horse power, in the Cadmus was only 7-10ths of a square inch, and to these great defects the unsatisfactory results then obtained were attributable. Since that occasion the changes made have been very great, and these now combine to make the Cadmus one of the fastest of her class of vessels In the navy. After the full-boiler runs were completed a couple of runs were taken at half-speed, with two of the boilers cut off, when the mean average speed realized was 9?05 knots. At the termination of the speed trials the steamer was tested in making the circles and half-circles. When at full boiler power, with the helm brought over hard to port, at an angle of 21 deg., the complete circle was made in 3 min. 35 sec.; at half boiler power the full circle was made to starboard in 5 min. 50 sec., with the helm at an angle of 27 deg. The half circle at full power was made to starboard in 2 min. 11 sec., and to port in 2 min. 5 sec. From the time of telegraphing the order from the bridge to the engine-room the engines were stopped dead from full speed in 15 sec., and started ahead in 10 sec.; the time occupied in starting astern after the transmission of the order was six seconds. The engines, which were in charge of Mr. Bird, engineer, worked with remarkable steadiness and regularity, and there was a total absence of hot bearings. The boilers emitted a full supply of steam, and the indicator cards showed the actual work of the engines during the trial to be 1,580-horse power. The Cadmus is ventilated on Mr. Baker's system, which has been found to answer well on board the Achilles, Royal Oak, and other vessels where it has been adopted. During the trial yesterday the temperature, which on deck was 51 deg., averaged 60 deg. in the engine-room, and 111 deg. in the stoke-holes. The Cadmus has all her guns, shot, shell, and other stores on board, and her bunkers filled with upwards of 200 tons of coal. At the close of the trials yesterday she brought up at the entrance to Chatham harbour, and this morning will steam up alongside the dockyard, where she will await orders from the Admiralty as to her subsequent movements.
Ma 12 December 1864The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, steamed up from her moorings at Saltpan Reach, Chatham, on Saturday, and brought up alongside the dockyard. She ls attached to the first division of the steam reserve until required for the pennant.
Th 15 December 1864The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, will be commissioned at Chatham to-day by Captain A.C. Gordon (5th February, 1858). She is to have a complement of 275 officers and men, including Royal Marines, and she will be attached to the North America and West India station.
Fr 16 December 1864The Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, intended for service with the North American squadron, was commissioned in Chatham harbour yesterday by Mr. S.S. Sugden, master, for Capt. A.C. Gordon, who is expected to join to-day. The Cadmus has all her guns, shot, &c., and the chief portion of her stores on board, and only awaits the arrival of her crew from the various receiving-ships to be ready for sea.
Ma 19 December 1864The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 1,466 tons, 400-horse power, Capt. A.C. Gordon, preparing for sea in Chatham harbour, is getting well forward with her fitments, but up to the present time only a very small number of her crew, which will number upwards of 200 hands, have joined. From the difficulty just now experienced by the Admiralty in manning the ships placed in commission it will probably be some time before she has her full complement. Just before the time of the dockyard hands employed on board concluding work on Friday one of the painters, who was engaged mixing some mineral paint in the store-room adjoining the ward-room, incautiously allowed a lighted candle to come into contact with the paint, which was immediately in a blaze. The alarm of "Fire!" was at once given, and by the prompt exertions of Mr. Darley, the foreman on board, the flames were extinguished. The workman, a man named Reeve, who caused the fire was immediately dismissed from the dockyard, and one of the junior officials who was in charge of the workmen suspended.
Sa 24 December 1864The Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, Capt. A.C. Gordon , fitting in Chatham harbour for the North American and West India station, has had no day named on which to take her departure, and it seems probable that she will be delayed some time in consequence of the slow rate at which the crew is being completed. Her complement is fixed at 270 men, but up to the present time only 60 hands have joined, and these were sent on board a day or two since from the naval barracks to proceed, with the Royal Marines, with the ordinary work of fitting out the ship. Very little now remains to be executed on board by the shipwright department, and the vessel is so far advanced that had she the proper number of men she could proceed to sea next week.
Fr 6 January 1865Her Majesty's screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, Capt. Alexander C. Gordon, intended for service with the North American squadron, in attempting to leave Chatham harbour early on Wednesday morning on a falling tide, unfortunately grounded on a bank of sand and mud, which, by the fresh of the tide at the spot, had accumulated near the entrance to No. 2 dock. Two of the steam tenders were immediately brought out with the hope of floating her off, but all attempts to effect this were fruitless, and as the tide ebbed she settled down heavily, and, it was feared, seriously strained herself. Fortunately, the spot where she took the ground was chiefly mud, so that little apprehension was entertained that serious harm would result from the accident. At flood tide on Wednesday afternoon the vessel was got off, and, in order to ascertain whether she had sustained any damage, was floated late in the day into one of the vacant docks, a number of the officials and workmen remaining in the yard all Wednesday night employed in the operation of placing her on the blocks and shoring her up. On the water being pumped out of the dock an examination of every part of the vessel was made by the master-shipwright's staff, but no injury could be discovered, the only defect apparent being the tearing off of a portion of her copper sheathing and the breaking of her martingale, which probably occurred during the operation of undocking. At an early hour yesterday morning the Cadmus was again undocked, and shortly before daylight left the harbour for the Nore, where she will have her compasses adjusted, and be inspected by the naval Commander-in-Chief, at the same time making another trial of her engines at the measured mile, in order to satisfy the officials of the steam reserve that her machinery is in all respects satisfactory before she passes out of their hands At the time of the docking of the Cadmus Mr. Hatch, the foreman of riggers, on whom devolved the responsible duty of placing the vessel in her position in the dock, was found to be in such a helpless state of intoxication that Capt. Stewart, C.B. directed his ejection from the yard, pending the decision of the Admiralty.
Sa 7 January 1865The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, Capt. A.C. Gordon, was yesterday swung for the adjustment of her compasses by the officials connected with the master shipwright's staff at Chatham dockyard. She will ship her powder and filled shells on Monday, in readiness for taking her departure from the Nore, and will call in at Spithead for final orders.
We 11 January 1865The Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, Capt. A.C. Gordon, has had her compasses adjusted and awaits sailing orders from the Admiralty. Should the weather prove favourable she will make her trial of speed, at her deep-sea draught, at the Maplin Sands, near Chatham, to-day, preparatory to taking her departure from the Nore to join the North American squadron, under the orders of Vice-Admiral Sir J. Hope, K.C.B.
Th 12 January 1865Her Majesty's screw steamer Cadmus, 21, 1,466 tons, 400-horse power (nominal), Capt. Alexander C. Gordon, haring been fully equipped for sea, made her official trial of speed, at her deep sea draught of water, at the Maplin Sands, near Chatham, yesterday, under the superintendence of the officials connected with the Steam Reserve. The Cadmus was inspected the previous day by Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Talbot, K.C.B., Naval Commander-in-Chief at the Nore, who visited the various portions of the vessel, and mustered the crew at quarters. The officials to superintend the trial embarked from Chatham-dockyard in the paddle-wheel steamer Adder, Master-Commander W.J. Blakey. They included Capt. W.K. Hall, C.B., commanding the Steam Reserve; Mr. Baker, chief inspector of machinery at Chatham; Mr. W. Rumble, inspector of machinery afloat; and Mr. Hutchens, principal assistant-master shipwright, and his staff. The Cadmus, with the whole of her stores, crew, &c., on board, had a draught of water of 17ft 2in. forward, and 19ft. 11in. aft, the bottom of her midship port-sills being 10ft. 1in. above the water. The quantity of coals on board was about 300 tons. The engines are by Messrs. Penn and Sons, and are fitted with the latest improvements. The weather yesterday was favourable for the trial, there being a force of wind of 2 to 3, with scarcely any swell. On reaching the Maplin Sands six runs were taken over the measured mile at full boiler power, with the following results:? First run ? time, 6min. 32sec.; speed in knots, 9?183; revolutions of screw per minute 61; pressure of steam, 20lb. Second run ? time, 4min. 50sec.; speed, 12?413 knots; revolutions, 61; pressure, 21lb. Third run ? time, 6 min. 10 sec.; speed, 9?729 knots; number of revolutions, 61?, pressure, 21lb. Fourth run ? time, 4 min. 58 sec.; speed, 12?080 knots; number of revolutions, 61; pressure, 21lb. Fifth run ? time, 6 min.; speed, 10?000 knots; number of revolutions, 62; pressure, 21lb. Last run ? time, 5 min.; speed, 12?000 knots; revolutions, 62; pressure of steam, 21lb. Giving an average speed of 10?978 knots, or rather a knot per hour less than on the occasion of the former trial of the Cadmus a few weeks since. This falling off is to be accounted for from the circumstance of the mean draught of water of the Cadmus yesterday being 18ft. 7in., and on the occasion of the last trial 17ft. 6in., while in the early part of the trial the steam could be barely kept up to 21 lbs. Two runs were afterwards taken over the mile at the half-boiler power, when the mean speed realized was 9?103 knots, with a pressure of steam of 20 lbs., and 49 revolutions of the screw per minute. At the termination of the speed trial the ship was tested in making circles, when the complete circle at half-boiler power was made in 5 minutes and 9 seconds, the helm being put over to starboard at an angle of 25deg., by six men in 2? turns. With the helm hard over to starboard the complete circle with full boiler power was made in 4 minutes 28 seconds. The half circle at full boiler power was made in 2 min. 11 seconds, with the rudder at 22deg. From the order being given from the bridge to the engine-room the engines were stopped dead from full speed in 13 seconds, and started again in 5 seconds. The engines, which were in charge of Mr. Bird, the chief engineer, worked with remarkable steadiness, and there was an absence of hot bearings and priming. The actual work performed by the engines was 1,605-horse power. The Cadmus is ventilated on Mr. Baker's principle, which has been applied so successfully to the vessels of the ironclad squadron, the average temperature of the stoke-holes during the trials being 82deg., and of the engine-room 65deg.; the temperature on deck was 47deg. At the close of the trials the Cadmus anchored at the Nore and saluted the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir C. Talbot. The experiment of raising the screw, according to a plan submitted to the Admiralty by Mr. Baker, of Chatham dockyard, was afterwards tried, when the screw propeller was detached, raised to the deck, lowered info its place again, and started afresh, the whole operation occupying three-quarters of an hour only from the order being piped, while under the old method of raising the propeller some three or four hours would be consumed. The Cadmus will leave the Nore, according to existing arrangements, this afternoon, to join the North American squadron, calling in at Plymouth, where letters for the ship's company should be addressed.
Sa 14 January 1865Her Majesty's screw corvette Cadmus, 22, 400-horse power, Capt, A.C. Gordon, still remained at the Nore up to yesterday afternoon, haring been prevented leaving for the West Indies on the previous day in consequence of the gale which prevailed. An announcement was yesterday received at Chatham dockyard that her magazines would require some attention, which would probably detain her a day or two.
Ma 16 January 1865The screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 400-horse power, Capt. A.C. Gordon, sailed from the Nore for the West Indies on Friday afternoon, calling in at Plymouth to embark supernumeraries and for final orders.
Sa 21 January 1865The screw steam corvette Cadmus, 21, Capt. Alexander Gordon, from Chatham, arrived yesterday at Plymouth, en route for the West Indies.
Ma 23 January 1865The screw steam corvette Cadmus, 21, Capt. Alexander Gordon, which arrived on Friday at Plymouth, will probably leave the Sound to-day for the West Indies.
Tu 24 January 1865The screw steam corvette Cadmus, 21, Capt. A.C. Gordon, left Plymouth Sound on Sunday for the North American and West Indian station.
We 25 January 1865The screw steam corvette Cadmus, 21, Capt. A.C. Gordon, left Plymouth Sound at 10 o'clock on Sunday morning, under steam and canvas, for the North America and West India station; wind E.N.E., light. At 5 o'clock in the evening, when about 80 miles to the westward, she came in contact with the bark Maynards, from New York, with tea, butter, &c., for London. The Cadmus was struck on the starboard side, abaft the mainmast, and lost her cutter, davits, &c., and received other damage. The bark lost her jibboom, bowsprit, best bower anchor, chain, and had her bows stove in. Being disabled she was taken in tow by the Cadmus, which brought her back on Monday morning to Plymouth Sound.
Th 26 January 1865The screw steam corvette Cadmus, 21, Capt. Alexander C. Gordon, which returned to Plymouth Sound on Monday morning in consequence of having been in collision with a bark, is now alongside the dockyard at Devonport having defects made good. The bark the Maynards is also in the hands of the dockyard artisans.
Fr 3 February 1865The screw steam corvette Cadmus, 21, Capt. Alexander C. Gordon (which came into collision with the bark Maynards), having had defects made good at Devonport, left Hamoaze yesterday (Thursday) morning, and proceeded into Plymouth Sound. She began immediately to receive her powder, and will sail again forthwith. A portion of the cargo of the bark has been transferred to a schooner, in order to get at some defects forward below the water line.
Fr 15 May 1868The Cadmus, screw (unarmoured wooden) corvette, 21 guns, 1,466 tons, 400-horse power, Capt. Alexander C. Gordon, arrived at Spithead on Wednesday morning from Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she had been relieved as senior officers ship by the Sphinx, Capt. Richard Vesey [Hamilton]. She sailed from Halifax on the 25th of April, and experienced a very heavy westerly gale during her run across the Atlantic. Lieut. Green, of the 61st Light Infantry, carne home as passenger in the ship from Halifax, and a number of invalided seamen and marines from the ships forming the English squadrons under the command of Sir George Rodney Mundy also came home in the ship as supernumeraries. In addition to Her Majesty's ship Sphinx there lay at Halifax, on the date of the Cadmus's sailing, the United States armoured turret ship Onondaga, Capt. Deverenne. Vice-Admiral Sir G.R. Mundy, in Her Majesty?s ship Royal Alfred, was expected to arrive at Halifax about the date of the Queen's birthday. On the 9th inst. the Cadmus passed at sea the Nameless, of Jersey. The seamen and marines were disembarked from the Cadmus soon after her arrival at Spithead yesterday by the Sprightly steam tender, and, about 4 p.m., the corvette left Spithead again under steam, for Sheerness, where she is ordered to be dismantled and paid out of commission. She was commissioned for service in the West Indies in December, 1864. Capt. A.C. Gordon has commanded her nearly two years, his appointment bearing date June 1866 [this is quite incorrect; he had commanded her since 13 December 1864]
Sa 16 May 1868Her Majesty's screw corvette Cadmus, 21, 1,466 tons, 400-horse power (unarmoured), Capt. A.C. Gordon, arrived at the Nore yesterday, on the completion of her term of commission with the North American squadron, and exchanged salutes with the Formidable, Capt. D.M. Mackenzie, flag-ship of Vice-Admiral Sir Baldwin W. Walker. Commander-in-Chief. After transferring her powder and ammunition to the War Department lighters from Chatham, the Cadmus went into harbour, whence, after inspection by the Vice-Admiral Commanding-in-Chief, she will proceed into the steam-basin, there to be dismantled and put out of commission. The Cadmus has been in commission upwards of four years, and has been employed during the whole of that time with the West Indian and North American squadrons.
Ma 17 May 1869Mr. Chiders, First Lord of the Admiralty, Vice-Admiral Sir Sidney Colpoys Dacres, K.C.B., and other gentlemen connected with the Admiralty, arrived at Portland by rail from London yesterday afternoon, and at once proceeded to the armour-plated ship Agincourt, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Astley Cooper Key, C.B. Their lordships were received with the customary salute, and on their arrival on board the Agincourt the Admiralty flag was hoisted at the main. The whole of the vessels composing the Naval Reserve Squadron, consisting of the Agincourt, 26; Black Prince, 41; Hector, 20; Valiant, 24; Duncan, 81; Trafalgar, 60; Royal George, 72; Donegal, 81; St. George, 72 ; Mersey, 36; Cadmus, 21; Scylla, 21; and the paddle-wheel despatch boat Helicon, put to sea this morning shortly after 5 o?clock. The wind at the time of their departure was blowing strongly from the eastward, but so great is the harbour accommodation that the ships had no difficulty whatever in taking up their assigned berths between the end of the great breakwater and the north shore. The iron-clad vessels formed the starboard division, and the wooden two-deckers, frigates, and corvettes the port division.
The spectacle presented on the squadron leaving the harbour was fine in the extreme, The atmosphere, unfortunately, became rather hazy shortly after they left, and the vessels were soon out of sight from the shore. The great capabilities of the harbour at Portland were, perhaps, never better exemplified than on this occasion, for, in addition to these large ships, forming the Reserve Squadron, there were upwards of 60 vessels belonging to the mercantile marine at anchor, yet there were ample space and shelter under cover of the breakwater to accommodate at least an equal number of vessels in addition.
Sa 5 June 1869

HER MAJESTY'S SHIP CADMUS.
(BY TELEGRAPH.)

Cadmus struck on the rocks outside Salcombe. She got off, and anchored, but is making water fast. Her pumps are at work; bat she cannot light her engine fires. She has sent to Plymouth for assistance

Ma 7 June 1869

THE ACCIDENT TO THE CADMUS
(By telegraph)
(From our own correspondent)

PLYMOUTH, Sunday

The fact that a ship of war when proceeding at her own convenience had struck on a rock in the month of June has excited very considerable interest, but it must not be forgotten that although the Cadmus possesses steam power she was at the time of the accident under canvas only. The corvette was on her passage from Portland to Plymouth, and in charge of the captain and master.

At 4.35p.m. on Friday Start Point bore about N.N.E., distant ten miles, wind W. by S.; ship going seven knots. A course was then steered to pass eight miles to windward of Bolthead. Within a few minutes a dense fog came on, the wind lulled, and the ship's speed was reduced to five knots. About 5 30 p.m. the hands went to fire quarters, and while there, at 5.40 p.m., the captain being on the bridge, a strange boat hailed "close to the shore." About one minute after breakers were observed ahead and on the starboard bow. The helm was put up immediately, but as she came to the wind, at 5.42, she touched the Eel Stone Rock on the port bow. Everything was thrown aback; the ship gathered astern, and when well off the land her head yards were braced round, and she was anchored in the range at Salcombe. There was then 5 feet of water in the hold, and although the pumps were worked it increased, and at 11.30 the Cadmus, by the aid of the Trusty, which had arrived from Devonport, in charge of Staff-Captain Spain, was placed on Salcombe Bar.

At 10 a.m. on Saturday the Scotia arrived with 50 men, including some divers, who, by 8 p.m., had calked the broken part, and the guns, carriages, and projectiles of the Cadmus were placed in a lighter brought by the Dee, which arrived with 150 men from the Doris.

At 1.40 a.m. this morning the Cadmus was hauled off the bar and proceeded in tow of the Scotia for Plymouth, where she arrived at 9 a.m., and in the afternoon was placed in dock at Keyham, having 6 1/2 feet of water in her hold. She is now in the hands of Mr. Angear, assistant master shipwright. The damaged part is on the port bow, where the outer plank is ripped more or less for a space of 14 feet by four, and may occupy a week in repairing.

Allowing for the ebb tide, which had then made two hours, it was calculated that the Cadmus would have been six miles to the southward of the spot where she struck. There appears to be perfect discipline on board, and neither officers nor men have thought of taking, rest until she was in dock.

Her complement is 275 all told, and they will be transferred to the corvette Barossa on. Her arrival from Sheerness.

Sa 12 June 1869A court-martial will be held to-day (Saturday) at Devonport on the officers of the screw steam corvette Cadmus, 21, for running her ashore on Bolt Head on the 4th inst. Her crew has been turned over to the corvette Barrosa, 17.
Ma 14 June 1869ANOTHER CASE FOR COURT-MARTIAL.- The maxim of "More haste, less speed", has been verified in the case of Her Majesty's ship Barrosa. This ship, on the news of the mishap which occurred to the Cadmus, was immediately got in readiness at Sheerness to proceed to the relief of her sister ship, but on her way westward she also ran ashore, and will have to be subjected to the process of docking at Devonport before she can be allowed to proceed to sea. - Army and Navy Gazette.
Th 5 January 1871The Flying Squadron, comprising the screw frigates Narcissus, 28, Capt. W. Codrington, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Beauchamp Seymour, C. B., Admiral in command of the squadron, and the Immortalité, 28, Capt. F.W. Sullivan, C.B.; and the screw corvettes Cadmus, 17, Capt. W.H. Whyte, and Volage, 8, Capt. M. Seymour, sailed from Plymouth Sound yesterday for Lisbon, Madeira, Barbadoes, and several other of the British West India Islands, including Jamaica, whence the squadron, probably calling at Havannah, will proceed to Bermuda, where the Pylades, 17, screw corvette, Capt. C.W.V. Buckley, V.C., is expected to join. The cruise will occupy four or five months, but a great deal of latitude is allowed to Admiral Seymour, both as to ports of call and the duration of the visit. The Commander-in-Chief at Devonport, Admiral Sir Henry Codrington, K.C.B., accompanied by Rear-Admiral W. Houston Stewart, C.B., went out in the steam tender Princess Alice to view the departure of the squadron, which left Plymouth with a fine easterly breeze.
Ma 1 May 1871The following is a brief account of the proceedings of Rear-Admiral Beauchamp Seymour's Flying Squadron since the last communication from the ships. Our letters are dated the 9th inst. [i.e. 9th April] from Jamaica : -"We remained a fortnight at Barbados, during which time the Governor and the town gave two balls in our honour, both being most successful. At Trinidad we stayed ten days, and from there have visited the islands of Grenada, St. Vincent, and St. Lucia, leaving the latter on the 30th, and arriving here yesterday. From St. Vincent to St. Lucia the squadron had a trial of rate of sailing. Getting all into one line when we had got an offing of the former island, the Admiral made the signal, 'Race to Castries, St. Lucia.' which was a dead heat [sic: should presumably be "dead beat"]. We started at 6 p.m. on the 27th and arrived in the following order on the 28th :- Volage, 12 50 p.m.; Narcissus, 2 50 p.m.; Pylades, 5 35 p.m.; Immortalité, 7 50 p.m.; Cadmus, 10 p.m. So the Volage has proved herself the best ship in sailing to windward, for she also beat the fleet in a two hours' trial we had between Grenada and St. Vincent. We met the Eclipse at St. Vincent on the 25th taking the Governor of Barbadoes round the islands. She was to return from there. The ships in port here are Myrmidon, Sphinx, Lapwing, and Britomart. We remain till the 20th, leaving for Havannah and Bermuda."- Army and Navy Gazette.
Ma 26 June 1871A Press despatch of the 1st of June from Halifax, Nova Scotia, is to the following effect:- "The remaining vessels of the Flying Squadron - Narcissus, Immortalité and Pylades - arrived to-day from Bermuda [I assume this means that Cadmus, Volage and Inconstant had already arrived]. The squadron will remain until the 17th, and then leave for a three year cruise to the West Indies, South America, China, Australia, and home. The squadron is commanded by Rear-Admiral Seymour. There are now eight warships and gunboats at this station".
Ma 14 August 1871The Helicon, paddle despatch vessel, Commander H.E. Crozier, from Vigo on the 6th inst., arrival in Plymouth Sound on Saturday morning, with letters, despatches, and a few supernumeraries. On leaving Vigo she proceeded to the rendezvous off Ushant, which she reached at 7 p.m. on the 8th inst., the Reserve Squadron arriving there at 1.45 p.m. on the 9th, the Prince Consort at 10.5 p.m. on the 10th, and the Mediterranean and Flying Squadron at noon on the 11th; and the Helicon left at 10.20 the same night for Plymouth. The combined squadrons, consisting of 23 ships, under the supreme command of Vice-Admiral Sir Hasting R Yelverton, C.B., were to cruise between 20 miles off Ushant and Ireland until the 14th inst.; the rendezvous after that would be 20 miles south of Cape Clear until the 21st or 22d inst. The fleet includes the following ships:- First, the combined Mediterranean and Channel squadrons, comprising the Lord Warden (flagship of Vice-Admiral Yelverton), Prince Consort, Monarch, Hercules, Northumberland, Defence, Caledonia, and Warrior; letters for these ships should be sent to Queenstown before the 17th or 18th inst. Second, the Detached Squadron, consisting of the Narcissus (flagship of Rear-Admiral Beauchamp Seymour, C.B.), Cadmus, Topaze, Immortalité, Volage, and Inconstant; letters for these ships should be sent to Portland before the 15th or 16th inst. Third, the Reserve Squadron, under Commodore G.O. Willes, C.B., including the Achilles, Black Prince, Resistance, Invincible, Repulse, Hector, Valiant, Vanguard, and Penelope; letters for these ships should be sent to Queenstown before the 17th or l8th inst.
We 4 October 1871On Monday five vessels of the Flying Squadron proceeded up the Firth of Forth and anchored at St. Margaret's Hope. The squadron left Bergen on Thursday. The vessels in the Firth of Forth are the following:- The Narcissus, 35, steam frigate (bearing the flag of Admiral Seymour, C.B.), Capt. William Codrington; the Immortalité, 28, steam frigate, Capt. F.W. Sullivan; the Inconstant, 16, steam frigate, Capt. C. Waddilove; the Volage, 8, steam iron corvette, Capt. M. Culme-Seymour; and the Cadmus, 16, steam corvette, Capt. W.H. Whyte.
Tu 10 October 1871The Narcissus, Inconstant, Immortalité, Cadmus and Volage, belonging to the Flying Squadron left St Margarets Hope, Firth of Forth, on Saturday for Plymouth. The vessels were expected at Yarmouth and Sheerness on their way.
Th 12 October 1871The detached squadron of unarmoured screw frigates under the command of Rear-Admiral F. Beauchamp B. Seymour, C.B., comprising the Narcissus, 28 guns, 2,665 tons, 400-horse power, Capt. W. Codrington, carrying the flag of the Admiral commanding; the Immortalité, 28 guns, 3,959 tons, 600-horse power, Capt. Francis W. Sullivan C.B,; the Inconstant, 16 guns, 4,066 tons, 1,000-horse power, Capt. Charles Waddilove; the Volage, 8 guns, 2,322 tons, 600-horse power, Capt. Michael Culme Seymour; and the Cadmus, 17 guns, 1,466 tons, 400-horse power, Capt. W.H. Whyte, anchored at Spithead yesterday morning, as briefly reported in our Second Edition of yesterday, on the return from the last portion of the cruise of the squadron in the North Sea, and await orders. The squadron left Queensferry, on the coast of Scotland, about 2 p.m. on Saturday, and carried fair winds nearly all the distance round to Spithead. The cruise of the squadron has been in all respects a pre-eminently satisfactory one. A very gratifying feature in connexion with the cruise is that not one case of desertion has occurred throughout the squadron.
Sa 14 October 1871The Narcissus, 28, screw frigate, Captain W. Codrington, flagship of Rear-Admiral F. Beauchamp Seymour, C.B., commanding the Detached Squadron, and the Cadmus, 17, screw corvette, Capt. H.W. Whyte, arrived in Plymouth yesterday from Portsmouth and will be taken into the harbour at Devonport to make good defects.
Ma 30 October 1871Rear-Admiral F. Beauchamp P. Seymour, C.B., commanding the detached squadron, has re-hoisted his flag on board the Narcissus, 28, screw frigate, at Devonport, and, with the Cadmus, 17, screw corvette, Capt. W.H. Whyte, will sail with the other ships of the squadron (now at Portsmouth), about the 8th or 10th proximo, for Rio and the Cape of Good Hope.
Th 9 November 1871The Cadmus, 17, screw corvette, Capt. Whyte, has been taken out of dock at Devonport, where she has had her bottom stripped, thoroughly re-caulked and re-coppered.
The Narcissus, 28, screw frigate, Capt. W. Codrington, flagship of Rear-Admiral F. Beauchamp Seymour, C.B., commanding the detached squadron, was taken into dock at Devonport yesterday, to have the bottom cleaned and valves examined, after which Mr. Froude will make experiments with both ships to ascertain the extent to which they roll, in order to compare the results with those of similar trials of other ships.
Ma 13 November 1871The Narcissus, 28, screw frigate, Capt. W. Codrington, flagship of Rear-Admiral F. Beauchamp Seymour, C.B., commanding the Detached Squadron, sailed from Plymouth Sound on Saturday night for Portland; and the Cadmus, 17, screw corvette, Capt. Whyte, was expected to leave the Sound last night for the same port.
Ma 19 February 1872Rear-Admiral Beauchamp Seymour, C.B., arrived at Rio Janeiro January 8 with his flying squadron, consisting of the Narcissus, Inconstant, Immortalité, Topaze, Cadmus, and Volage. The Immortalité was detached on January 11 to look for the ship White Rose off Cape Frio; she returned on January 13. Admiral Seymour intended to leave with his squadron on January 18 for the Cape and Bombay. There is a report, however, that the Foreign Office has expressed a desire that the ships should return to Europe earlier than was originally intended.- Army and Navy Gazette.
Fr 22 March 1872Advices from the Cape of Good Hope, by the mail steamer Syria, report the arrival at Simon's Bay on the 14th of February of the Detached Squadron, under command of Rear-Admiral Seymour, C.B., from Rio Janeiro, which port was left on the 18th of January. The vessels comprising the squadron were the Narcissus (flag), Captain Codrington; the Topaze, Capt. Oldfield; the Immortalité, Capt. Graham; the Inconstant, Capt. Waddilove; the Cadmus, Capt. Whyte, and the Volage, Capt. C. Seymour. The squadron left Portland on November 19, 1871, and reached Vigo on the 24th of that month. Here the squadron was put in quarantine in consequence of two cases of smallpox having occurred on board the flagship. Through this quarantine the Narcissus left Vigo on November 27 for Lisbon, the squadron remaining behind with the Inconstant in command. The Narcissus returned on the same day, not being able to steam against the head wind prevailing, and on the 29th the fleet sailed for Lisbon. The flagship parted company the same day, steaming ahead, and arrived at Lisbon on the 2d of December - the fleet on the 3d. At Lisbon the Narcissus sent the cases to hospital, and the whole fleet received pratique. The Squadron remained at Lisbon till December 7, at which date it took its departure and made an excellent passage to Madeira, which was reached at 9 a.m. on Sunday, the 10th. It left this island on the following day. At Rio the weather was intensely hot, and the port was left on the 18th of January. The squadron arrived eventually at Simon's Bay on the 14th of February. During the cruise there were, of course, manoeuvres, gun exercise, and other drills, which kept all hands hard at work. Cape Town had been visited by a large number of the sailors of the fleet, and their conduct had been most exemplary. The Inconstant was sent round to Table Bay as a guardship, arriving there on the l6th ult., and it was considered probable that some of the other ships would visit the port before proceeding to Bombay.
Fr 26 April 1872The Detached Squadron, under the orders of Rear-Admiral Beauchamp Seymour, C.B., has arrived at Bombay. The squadron will not proceed to Madras and other ports in India, as originally intended, but will go to the Mauritius, where the crews will be granted leave, and thence return to the Cape of Good Hope to await further orders. The Cadmus will leave the squadron at Bombay, and proceed to China to join the squadron under the orders of Vice-Admiral Shadwell. Letters for the squadron should be sent to the Cape of Good Hope by the next mail, and for the Cadmus to Singapore.


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