THE QUEEN'S CONVOY TO SCOTLAND.
TO TEIE EDITOR OF TDB SPECTATOR.
Gravesend, 5th September 1842.
SIR-The care the Lords of the Admiralty have displayed, on the occasion of her Majesty's first aquatic excursion, in selecting the finest specimens of the steam-marine to accompany her on her voyage from London to Leith, seems altogether to have escaped the notice of the London press. None but steam- vessels that had stood the wear and tear of years were allowed to form part of the royal squadron ; and nine years' service in her Majesty's fleet was the shortest period that qualified them for that honour.
That the future chronicler of Queen VICTORIA'S progresses may not be at a loss when describing the gallant fleet, I send you the history of each vessel
No. 1. The Shearwater, alias Dolphin, built in 1824, for an Irish packet condemned by O'CostrEti. five years since as unfit to carry the " Tail " be- tween Liverpool and Dublin, but from bee great age and experience thought the most proper vessel to lead the way for her Majesty-is 300 tons, and 140 horse-power. No. 2. Black Eagle, alias Firebrand, built in 1831, on the principle of heating to windward, assisted by her steam-power; which not answering, engines of double the size are now making for her-present power, 120 horse. No. 3. Rbadamanthus, a steam-frigate originally, built in 1832, but be- TOPICS OF THE DAY. coming pass-ie, is now turned into a troop-ship--200 horse-power. No. 4. Lightning. This is generally considered a misnomer, as no steamer in or out of her Majesty's service is more distinguished for graceful composure in all her movements. She is remarkable for having the oldest pair of engines THE ENGLISH IN ASIA.
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