those we must refer[1]; we shall content ourselves with stiying, that, added to numerous instances not less striking, though perhaps less important, a small vessel, brig-rigged, called the Lady Nelson, but nick-named his Majesty’s Tinder-box, being of no more than 60 tons burthen, and constructed in conformity to Captain Schanck’s plan, and under his direction, made a voyage to Botany Bay. She was afterwards employed in that quarter, on a long and dangerous expedition of discovery, which she executed without difficulty, notwithstanding the perils that must unavoidably occur in exploring an unknown coast; and many sagacious persons had been induced, on account of her very diminutive size, both on her quitting England, and the Cape of Good Hope, to prophesy that she never would reach the first port of her destination[2].
To return, however, to Captain Schanck. After the commencement of hostilities with France, consequent to the French Revolution, his abilities were considered far too valuble to be neglected; and he was accordingly appointed to be principal Agent of Transports in the expedition sent to the West Indies, under the orders of Admiral Sir John Jervis, and General Sir Charles Grey. This fatiguing and important service he executed not only with the strictest diligence, but with an attention to the national finances uncommon, and perhaps unprecedented[3].
So conspicuous was his assiduity in the preceding service,
- ↑ See the History of Marine Architecture, vol. iii, p. 338, et seq., together with Grant’s Narrative of a Voyage of Discovery, performed in his Majesty’s vessel, the Lady Nelson, of 60 tons burthen.
- ↑ The following objections against the general adoption of sliding keels, appear very forcible:– “Sliding keels must weaken a vessel in the most essential part – her keel; for it may be called the back-bone of a vessel; and unless animals had two instead of one, it is most likely that one keel is more compact, and stronger than two. Sliding keels take up part of the stowage of a ship or vessel; and although, in some flat-floored vessels, they may act as well as a lee-board, would no doubt, in very large ships, endanger both their safety, and the lives of their crews.”
- ↑ During the West India campaign, in 1794, 46 masters of transports, and 1100 of their men, died of the yellow fever. On board one vessel the disease raged with such violence, that the mate, the only survivor, was obliged to scull his boat on shore to fetch off negroes to throw the dead overboard; and he himself died soon after.
