The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — 1842-04-15 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

LAUNCH OF AN IRON STEAM FRIGATE.—On Tuesday last, a beautiful iron steam frigate, for her Majesty's service, was launched fr.na the iron-shipbuilding yard of Mr. John Laird, North Birkenhead. The day was fine, and the curiosity excited to witness the launch of a large vessel of war, built of a material which has comparatively but recently been introduced in the construction of our national marine, but which has already been found to be admirably adapted for an Important branch of the service, drew to the spot a large and respectable assemblage of spectators, from the vicinity, on this as well as the Cheshire side of the Mersey. Much ad, miration was expressed by connoisseurs of the beauty of her model, which seems to combine all those requisites in form that delight the eye of the mariner,—giving the utmost promiseof safety in all weathers, adaptation for carrying a press of sail when required, and speed whether under steam or sail, or both. She has a most insinuating entrance, and a run so gradually fining away from the fulness of the bilge, that it is difficult to detect where it begins. Her bottom (as is usual in iron-built vessels) is put together with lapped or clencher joints, in smooth plates, gently sheering from stem to stern ; her ton sides, with carve' or flush joints ; and she resembles, on the whole, a light and elegant yacht. The following are her dimensions and steam power : Length on deck .............. 190 feet. Beam ............ 30 „ Tonnage ........... 800 tons. She will carry two sixty-eight pound pivot guns, one forward and the other aft. These were in the yard, preparatory to mounting, and are truly " murderous -looking pieces of artillery. Before the launch, many parties had an opportunity of minutely inspecting the hull, the faithful ‘N:orkmanship and high finish of which, in the plating, moulding !kc., was the theme of general remark. But for the lapped joints, indeed, (and these have a pleasing appearance,) there was nothing to indicate that her sides were not each formed of a single huge plate. The interior was an object of. not less curiosity. She has six water-tight bulkheads, divi beams are ding her into seven compartments. The deck and paddle. all of iron, and the whole of her fasteni ugs logemously.conmatrived to impart strength with comparative lightness of terial. The fittings and accommodations will bof e the. s similar class ; and we shall furnish some details of them, when they are completed. She is the first iron vessel regsularly, built and equipped as a steam frigate ; and her masts and rigging (all of which were fitted before the launch). are adapted for carrying more sail than is usual in vessels with steam power. She was gaily decorated with numerous national and other flags, and a large assemblage occupied her deck. Lady Cust, of Leasowe Castle, undertook the office,ot " christening the vessel; and about half-past eleveti o clockshe went off in beautiful style, takinc, the water with the lightness and grace of a swan. She is' rigged as a two-masted schooner, with a large foretopsail, &c., and looked, when afloat, exceedingly rakish and mischievous ; such a craft, indeed, as, though acknowledged to be beautiful by our countrymen, will doubtless, like the Nemesis, be considered " an ugly customer" by those of their enemies who may have the misfortune to fall in her way. Before launching, a sight was put up at each end of the vessel, and a third one between them, to ascertain if she at all altered her shape when afloat. It appeared that there was not the slightest deviation,— thus proving the great strength and firmness of her build. This vessel makes the forty-second built of iron by Mr. J. Laird, besides canal-boats and other craft. May she be as successful in her ocean adventures as she is creditable to that gentleman in her construction !