The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-07-05 00:00:00

ENGINES

Two engines, of 90 horse-power each.. 180 horse-power
Diameter of each cylinder
5 feet.
Stroke
_

The Guadalupe is modelled on the most scientific prin-
ciples, to ensure the utmost speed, combined with adequate
safety in a heavy sea. She i 3 peculiarly fine at the extremi-
ties, with a slight inclination to the " plough" bow, and a
long clean run. She has a handsome figure head, repre-
senting a female, and an elyptic stern—the latter a pleasing
compromise between the square, and (to our eye) the some-
what unseemly round or semicircular. This form is well
calculated for the working of her large after gun. She sits
beautifully on the water, and seen from any point presents a
specimen of perfect symmetry, her lines blending into each
other without the slightest approach to abruptness.
In the construction of the vessel the most approved prin-
ciples have been carried out, with many improvements
which experience has suggested to the builder. The whole
frame is extra strong, and the plating, all of which is double
rivetted, is of more than ordinary thickness. There are six
water-lights, iron bulkheads athwart-ships, dividing the ves-
sel into seven distinct compartments ; also longitudinal
bulkheads or partitions, regularly framed and built as part of
the vessel, and extending from the fore part of the engines
to the after part of the boilers, forming the coal boxes with a
space of five feet in width, the adaptation of which in wae-
fare we shall hereafter notice. These bulkheads obviously
give the vessel great additional strength, and will secure
her not only from the result of accidents by concus-
sion or grounding, that would be fatal to a wooden
vessel, but from the possibility of destruction by fire. As
a proof, indeed, of the efficacy of water-lights bulkheads,
we may state that the Nemesis had a hole knocked in her
bottom at the taking of Amoy, yet performed important
service for four months subsequently without being laid up
for :repairs. The Guadalupe has also longitudinal iron ties
running from end to end on the beams, and covered by the
deck planking, a system of strengthening introduced some
time back in some vessels constructed by the same builder.
The whole vessel, indeed, whether examined in her ribs, her
plating, her iron beams, her knees, and other fastenings, ap-
pears to be "as strong as iron can make her." She is
rakishly rigged as a brigantine, (with a standing square fore-
sail), and her general appearance—the paddle-boxes being
but little elevated—is that of a first-rate nobleman's yatch.
Seen from a short distance she looks much smaller than she
really is, and the visiter on board is agreeably surprised to
find her so large and roomy—the desideratum of compact-
ness combined with sharpness of model, being fully attained.
That she will, when her trim is accurately ascertained, be a
very fast ship, no doubt can be entertained. She has ample
beam and bearings, which she carries above throughout
nearly her whole length, with no sponsoning ; and can
spread a great deal of canvass with a studding-sail breeze.
How she will " walk" when under both sail and steam may
therefore be conjectured.
The upper deck is flush, and is perfectly straight (or with-
out sheer) from stem to stern. Being unobstructed except-
ing at considerable distances amidships by the companions,
hatches, and cabin lights, it forms a level area of great ex-
tent—affording ample room for the seamen to work the ves-
sel, and for the marines, when occasion requires, to do the
offensive. She is fitted with Pow and Fawcus's patent wind-
lass. The wheel is placed in front of the after-cabin skylight,
clear of interruption from the working of the stern gun. She
is fitted with Rapson's steering gear, as adopted in all her
Majesty's steam frigates.
The Guadalupe carries two huge pivot guns, one forward
and the other aft. They are 68-pounders, and are mounted
on sliding carriages of African oak, the under frame working
on circular rails of brass secured to the deck, so that they
may be pointed over the gunwale (which is low) in any direc-
tion from the bow and stern respectively, and the sides,
round about three-fourths of a circle. The topgallant rails
and cloths over the bulwarks (which last are plated with
iron, as well as the ship's sides) are so contrived as to be
readily removable on the eve of action, leaving these terrible
" bull-dogs " to open their mouths and discharge their con-
tents without carrying anything away. The bore of the
guns is 8 inches ' • their length 9 feet 6 inches ; and they are
calculated to throw shell as well as shot. Both guns and
carriages are on the principle used in her Majesty's steam
frigates, and, though plain in casting and of great weight
(65 cwt. each, and including the carriages 5; to 6 tons), are
handsome pieces of artillery. When loaded (with 101bs. of
power), they will carry a shot a great distance (probably two
miles), and do fearful execution. On each side of the slides
is a cramp, which may be so regulated as to cause more or
less friction, and thus check the recoil. The complement of
officers and men for this ship is 120 ; and 16 men are re-
quired to work each gun.
The ENGINE-ROOM is admirably fitted up with galleries,
polished railings, &c. The engines were built by Messrs.
George Forrester and Co., of this town, who have been very
successful in producing excellent marine engines, and who
fitted the Nemesis, the Phlegethon' and other vessels, for
the East India Company. They are beautiful pieces of me-
chanism, finished and polished in a manner that gives them
the semblance of the finest clockwork. The pillars that
support them are of wrought iron turned. This is evidently
a great improvement on the usual system, as these pillars
are both lighter and stronger than if they were of cast iron.
The engines are also fitted with expansion valves, which are
of much advantage in working slow. There are three dis-
tinct boilers, one of which may be worked by itself, or two,
or the whole together ; there being stop-valves in each. The
paddle-wheels may also be thrown out of gear, by discon-
necting cranks. On each side of the engine-room, which is
most spacious and beautifully clean, the vessel has an inner
casing or longitudinal bulkhead of iron ; the spaces between
which,
shotsofan and the ribs and plating of her sides, form convenient
coal-bunkers. These chambers, when filled with coals, will,
we should suppose, prove a security to the engine from the
sinn, enemy, or a possible violent concussion by colli-

pe'hie rior to
fittings below deck, and the accommodations, are scuh-
greater tonnage, and are highly even
creditable to thosear who have
anY we have seen in vessels of w of mu.
planned them; and we may be allowed to say, that the plan-
ning in such a steam-ship, whew so much is required in the
-
various and classified departments, is a matter of no little
difficulty. We shall commence aft,
and proceed forward.
THE CAPTAIN'S CABIN, at the extreme stern, is a hand-
some and cheerfully lighted' apartment, about twenty feet
long by twenty in width at the broadest part. It is ap-
proached by a commodious stair of (like the other cabins)
teak wood, with grated steps. The landing below, forms a
vestibule or lobby, panneled in oak, and hence is the en-
semicirculartrance to the magazine. The cabin at the further end is of
form, sofa'd round in a continuous sweep, and upholstered in black hair cloth. Over the sofa are two rows

Of lockers receding in steps, and topped with mahogany. On
each side of the door, a large state room is taken off, and
ranging with these, at the extremities of the semicircle, are
two plain mahogany topped sideboards. The fronts of the
state rooms and the bulkheads forward are painted in oak,
with the exception of the upper paunel in each door, which
forms a venetian blind of varnished mahogany. The roof is
neatly but plainly moulded, and painted in light tints. The
floor is covered with oilcloth, and the light is admitted by a
large square deck light. The state rooms are handsomely
fitted up, and have small circular side lights, that open to ad-
mit the air, as well as bulls'-eyes, or rather oblong deck panes.
There are three iron pillars, cased in wood, and painted in
variegated marble, ranging fore and aft, in front of the rud-
der case, and also several shorter pillars rising from the circle
of the upper lockers. These are for the more effectual sup-
port of the great gun, or" Long Tom," and its carriage, tra-
versing the deck immediately over them. The movable fur-
niture and table are of substantial mahogany. Immediately
under the table and lower deck on which it stands is the pow-
der magazine, so that should a " blow up " unhappily take
place (which is by no means probable from the precautions
taken and the plan of " the premises"), the worthy comman-
der would in all likelihood be the first sent " aloft" by the
explosion. On the whole this is a fine apartment, devoid of
gaudy decoration, but sufficiently comfortable for all the pur-
poses of the service.

THE GUN Room, further forward, is also an equally
handsome and even more shapely apartment—painted and
fitted up in similar style. It is about seventeen feet square,
This is the sanctum of the lieutenants, surgeon, purser, &c.
There are several private cabins for repose and retirement at
each side. These are each six feet six inches square, and as
the beds are constructed so as to be triced up to the sides,
the whole space is available during the day. They are all well
lighted and ventilated by opening circular side windows and
small deck lights. The floors are covered with wax cloth.
The writer of this notice has seen many seventy-fours not
nearly so comfortable.

Next to the cabin is the STEWARDS' Room, a large and
well-fitted compartment. On one side of it is the midship-
man's dining-room, and on the other their exclusive pantry,
and the dispensary. The " middies," hitherto accustomed
to the usual lack of accommodation in our sailing ships, will
be agreeably surprised on taking possession of tenements so
much superior; and we hope the example here furnished, of
what may be accomplished for their convenience within
comparatively small space, will conduce, in other ships, to
the increased comfort of these too-much-neglected young-
sters—from whom, after all, have sprung our Howes, our
Nelsons, and our Napiers.

The ENGINE and FIREMEN'S CABIN and sleeping berths
are proportionately roomy and commodious, and so disposed
that they can pursue their duties apart from interruption or
mingling with the crew. Each department, indeed, may be
said to be entirely separated by the iron bulkheads.
The same may be said of the WARRANT OFFICER'S
CABIN, and the COOKING APARTMENT or galley. The
latter is fitted with Brown and Redpath's cabouse, which has
been highly approved throughout our steam navy for its
compactness and the facilities it affords for the preparation
of food in various ways, for a great number of persons—
whether plain-boiled for the " jolly tars," or more delicate
and complicated for the cabin table.
The accommodations for the men, forward, and also on
the lower deck, are exceedingly roomy, and everything has
been done to conduce to cleanliness and comfort. The mess
tables hinge to the sides, and may be thrown up at pleasure,
leaving the whole central space clear. The mess kits are all
made of zinc, hooped, in imitation of cooper-work. They
are very light, though apparently strong, and can be kept
sweet and clean much more easily than wooden vessels.

The other arrangements throughout the ship, under the
lower deck, have been carried out with equal attention to the
general service and efficiency of the vessel. In the fore hold
are tanks for water, gunners, boatswains, and carpenters'
store-rooms, stowage set apart for wet provisions, &c. In
the after hold is the spirit-room, bread-room, &c. ; and in
the after peak the shell-room. Under the midshipmen's
berths is the shot locker and hold for berthing troops, or for
space for additional coals if wanted. Under the engineers'
berths are the engineers' store-room, and a similar hold for
troops or for stowing coals.
In fine, (for further details or technicalities would but
weary the general reader,) we need but add, that the
Guadalupe is: a first-rate vessel in build and equipments.
As she is the largest iron steam-ship yet built, she will, in
all probability, be the first of a series of war-steamers of a
class improved by modern science, and destined to carry the
naval glory of our country to a still higher pre-eminence
(great as that is) than it has yet attained ; and, at the same
time—suppressing every aggression that may militate against
our national welfare, or that of our allies—be the means of
pioneering commerce and civilization in their onward march
into regions yet barbarous and benighted, and opening out
their rich resources, not only for the advantage of their inha.
bitants, but of the whole human family.
She is commanded by Commander Charlewood, R.N., an
officer of great experience and distinguished merit. This
gentleman was promoted for his gallant conduct on the coast
of Syria, when serving as gunnery lieutenant of " The Ben-
bow," seventy-four. He served also with Colonel Chesney,
in the first Euphrates expedition, in the " Euphrates" iron
steamer, also built by Mr. Laird. Mr. Wright, who has long
been in the service of his country, and is a master in the
navy, is first officer. He served on the coast of Spain, in
11. M. St. Comet, and afterwards in the Rhadamanthus, steam-
ship, in the Mediterranean. The crew are all picked men—
most of them regular " men of wars'-men." The greatest order
and mutual respect are maintained on board, every one ap-
pearing to to know his duty, and willing to perform it. The
Guadalupe, in fine, will do honour to the country from
which she lails, whatever be her destination ; and we heartily
wish her and those connected with her every success.