'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎137] (156/622)

HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
137
The following article in the " Bombay Times," describes the
strength and condition of the Indian Navy, early in 1841:—•
" Beginning with the ordinary sailing vessels of the Company's
navy, they in all amount to fifteen in number of an aggregate
burthen of 3,419 tons, and an aggregate armament of one
hundred and twenty-eight guns ; consisting of one ship (which,
however, is dismantled, and used as a hulk); three sloops-of-
war, of about 400 tons burthen, and an armament of eighteen
32-pounders each; four brigs of 258, 255, 192, and 179 tons
respectively, often and six light guns; six schooners of 70 to
157 tons, two of which are armed with long 32-pounderguns, the
others with four 6-pounders each ; and two light cutters. These,
though not apparently a very formidable fleet, are smart light
teak-built craft, chiefly employed in protecting the trade along
the coast. They are at present greatly overworked, especially
those stationed in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ; and heavy
complaints are made of their being under-officered, the Directors
having, in 1838 and 1839, reduced the establishment from
seven captains, twelve commanders, and forty-five lieutenants,
to four captains, eight commanders, and forty lieutenants,
amongst whom are shared the duties of the fifteen sailing
vessels. Seven large steam vessels of from 700 to 900 tons,
are now afloat; besides two of 900 and 1,000 tons, nearly
ready. Seven armed iron steamers on the Indus, and four in
the Euphrates, of from forty to seventy horse-power each.
Each vessel has a detachment of the Marine Battalion on board.
A system of instruction in naval gunnery is carried on, similar
in detail to that pursued in H.M.'s ship 4 Excellentalso a
school of navigation and engineering.
" It is to their steamers that the Company now look as the
right arm of the strength of their Marine. These consist of
nine splendid vessels, one of which is still unfinished, of an
aggregate burthen of 15,658 tons, and a gross value of about
<£500,000. They are mostly in very high condition. The
4 Auckland,' the latest built, is still in dock, but is entirely
finished, and will be floated out on the first spring tide. The
4 Semiramis' is not yet completed. By far the fastest of the
that with impunity, as the naval force has never been strong enough in the G-ulf
to send a sufficient armament to punish him. The ships anchored about 2,000
yards from the forts, but were to go within 1,000 if necessary. The negotiations
were not satisfactory, so at sunset the Commodore ordered the ' Sesostris' to
throw a shell clear of the fort, to expedite them ; at sunrise the next morning a
shell was thrown over the fort, which had the desired effect, and the Chief came
off, humbled himself, and satisfied all demands. We then proceeeed to Sharga,
where all the Chiefs visited the Commodore, who had the steamer exhibited, as
at Bahrein. We then went to Umulgaveen, a town on a large backwater; here
we went through the same ceremonies, and then went to the great Tomb ; the
c Sesostris' and ' Tigris ' will now go back to the Presidency The name given to each of the three divisions of the territory of the East India Company, and later the British Raj, on the Indian subcontinent. , and the * Coote' to
Kharrack. The cruise of this squadron will be beneficial, and the impression
made last a few months ; but the Arab chiefs, like the sick man, require to have
the dose often repeated.' ,