Actaeon, 1831
Type: 6th rate ; Armament 26
Completed : 31 Jan 1831 ; Disposal date or year : 1889
BM: 620 tons
Notes:

21 Sep 1829 Portsmouth building.

31 Jan 1831 launched at Portsmouth, Capt. Hon. F. W. Grey.

14 Feb 1831 in harbour at Portsmouth.

14 Feb 1831 will be taken out of dock on Monday, Commander Hon. F. Grey, in command.

16 Apr 1831 went out of Portsmouth harbour to Spithead.

20 Apr 1831 departed Portsmouth for the Mediterranean.

12 May 1831 departed from Gibraltar for Tangiers.

4 Jul 1831 arrived Dardanelles.

26 Mar 1832 had been relieved at Constantinople by the Barham.

6 Jul 1832 departed Napoli di Romannia, where the St. Vincent and Raleigh were at anchor, with the Belvidera and Scylla, for Tripoli, to protect Mr. Harrington, the British Consul, who was subsequently embarked on board, following their arrival. The Pacha was playing up and refusing to pay British merchants $200,000 due to them, pleading that he'd already given it to the French and had nothing left.
Later : However, news subsequently received via French newspapers suggests that once Mr. Harrington had gone on board the British Squadron and reported the facts to the senior officer the Pacha had a change of mind and sent on board $177,000 with a note to the effect that the balance outstanding would be made good shortly. Did someone say something about gunboat diplomacy ?

21 Jul 1831 arrived Constantinople.

3 May 1832 was at Malta when the packet Meteor returned to England.

27 Sep 1832 departed Malta for Constantinople.

6 Oct 1832 departed Malta for Tripoli.

20 Nov 1832 at Tripoli.

2 Feb 1833 at Naples.

16 Aug 1833 at Stamboul.

News received at Portsmouth on Dec. 21, from the Mediterranean that the Act�on, 28, Captain Hon. F. W. Grey, was at Constantinople

Letters of 4 Dec 1833, from Vourla (near Smyrna), report that the Act�on is on detached services

5 April 1834 Commander the Hon. G: Grey, promoted to the rank of Captain

19 Apr 1834 Reported to be at Constantinople

1 August 1834 reported to have departed Malta for Gibraltar and England,

6 Sep 1834 paid off at Portsmouth.

13 Oct 1834 Mr. Frank Denison, mate, late Actaeon; passed for Lieutenant at the RNC

22 Nov 1834 has been commissioned by Captain; Lord Edward Russell. Lieutenants Hon. B. C. F. P. Carey, and George Elliott, Mr. W. W. Thompson, Master, Dr. B. Browning, Surgeon, Mr. W. Harris (of Portsea), Purser, Lieutenant Herriott, Royal Marines, and Assistant-Surgeon W. Durle, and Mr. George Beamont, Second Master, are appointed to her.

17 Jan 1835 in harbour at Portsmouth

16 Feb 1835 went out of harbour to Spithead. Is due to sail for Plymouth and South America shortly.

17 Feb 1835 paid an advance of wages to her crew.

28 Feb 1835 is reported to have departed Portsmouth Tuesday for South America, but owing to the bad weather she had to put back to St. Helen's, where she remains.

26 Mar 1835 arrived Plymouth from Portsmouth on Thursday, and departed Sunday for South America.

23 Jul 1835 based at Rio de la Plata for the last 2 months protecting British trade. It is regretted that the following men recently drowned in a boating accident : Michael Casey, William McDonald, Samuel Baxter. A seaman by the name of Munn is also reported to have died by falling from a ladder on the ship's side.

1 Nov 1835 at Pernambuco.

28 Dec 1835 reported to be at Bahia.

20 Jan 1836 departed Rio de Janero for the Rio Plata.

17 Apr 1836 is reported to be at Buenos Ayres.

8 May 1836 the Harrier reported to have gone to Rio Plata to relieve the Actaeon which had gone to Rio de Janeiro.

19 Aug 1836 departed Valparaiso on a cruise to the islands to the westward.

4 Feb 1837 at Valparaiso : the Master reports, see Nautical Magazine, Dec 1837, that they have just returned from a cruise amongst the South Seas Islands and that the following represented a small portion of the observations he had made during the cruise:
Resolution By, Island of St. Christina, (Marquesas,) watering place, 9� 55' 30" S. Longitude 4h. 28m. 46sec. W. of Valparaiso, by Chros. Lunars 138� 50' 45" W. of Greenwich. Variation 3� 45' E.
The whole of the MARQUESAS are laid down in the charts about fifteen miles west of their true position. Fort at WOAH00, lat. 21� 18' 10" N. Long. 158� 0' 40" W. of Greenwich. Variation 10� 42' E.
FLINT'S ISLAND, lat. 11� 20' ;30" S. 151� 53' 30" W. Variation 4� 57' E.
MAURICE ISLAND, lat. 16� 26' 30" S. 152� 11' 48" W. Variation 6� 55' E.
BOLABOLA ISLAND, lat. (north end 16� 27' S. 151� 49' W.
TUBAI ISLAND, (north end,) lat. 16� 11' 26" S. 151� 52' 45" W.
OTAHA ISLAND, (north end,) lat. 16� 33' S. Long. (west extreme) 151� 38' 10" W.
ULIETEA ISLAND, (south end,) lat. 16� 55' S. Long. (west extreme) 151� 25' W.
HUAHEINE ISLAND, (north end,) lat. 16� 41' S. Long. (west extreme) 151� 5' 47" W.
SIR CHARLES SAUNDER'8 ISLAND, (its peak,) lat. 17� 28' 40" S. Long. 150� 43' 15" W.
EIMEO ISLAND, (north end,) lat. 17� 27' 30" S. Long. (centre) 149� 56' W.
THETHUROA ISLAND, (centre,) lat. 17'� 5' S. Long. 149� 34' W.
ST. PAUL'S ISLAND, (west point,) lat. 19� 46' S. Long. 145� 5' W. East point, lat. 19� 50' S. Long. 144� 52' W.
MARGARET ISLAND, lat. 20� 26' S. Long. (east end) 143� 35' W. ; (west end) 143� 35' W.
DUKE of GLOUCESTER'S ISLAND, (eastern island,) lat. 20'� 42' S. Long. 142� 54' W. Western Island, 20'� 40' S. Long. 143� 11' 20" W.
ACTAEON's GROUP, discovered on the 3rd Jan., 1837. Three Islands: Melbourne Island, S. 1st, lat. 21� 28' 30" S., and longitude 136� 26' 46" W. Minto Island, its centre, in lat 21� 23' S. ; Long. 136� 32' W. And Bedford Island its N.W. Point in lat. 21� 18' 30" S., and long. 136� 37' 46" W.
PITCAIRN'S ISLAND, latitude of its northern part 25� 3' S., and longitude of the village by chro.130� 9' 26" W.
N.B. I suspect that the names of some of the islands will have changed since then and probably on more than one occasion, whilst others will still be the same.

6 May 1837 was at Calao.

27 Aug 1838 Appointed to the Acta�on, Mr. Henry Webb, 2d master ; Mr. Edward Lambert, collector first class ; Mr. H. V. A. Poulett, ditto ;

28 Aug 1838 Henry Webb, Second Master and Pilot, appointed to Act�on

28 Aug 1838 Midshipmen E. Lambert, and H. Y. A. Poulett, volunteers 1st class, appointed to Actaeon

28 Aug 1838 Clerk John Hutchings, appointed to Actaeon

27 Nov 1838 departed from Rio Janeiro for Monte Video

Circa Jan 1839 at Buenos Ayres.

Jan 1840 in the Rio de la Plata with the Stag, Calliope, Curacoa, and Grecian, due to the presence of a French force, along with other factors, which has left the coast of Brazil with very few British anti-slavery vessels.

21 Mar 1840 at Buenos Ayres.

16 May 1840 arrived at Buenos Ayres.

29 Dec 1840 at Panama.

22 Feb 1841 arrived Valparaiso with the Electra.

16-18 May 1841 departed Lima for Valparaiso

4 Jul 1841 arrived at Lima, from Ysslay.

29 Dec 1841 it was reported at Valparaiso to be in the Gulf of California.

6 Jan 1842 departed San Blas leaving the Curacoa.

8 Apr 1842 departed Valparaiso.

21 May 1842 departed Rio for Spithead.

8 Jul 1842 arrived Spithead from S America with $1,250,000 freight.

9 Jul 1842 departed Spithead for Plymouth to be paid off.

11 Jul 1842 arrived Plymouth Sound from Portsmouth and then went up into the Hamoaze to be paid off.

22 Jul 1842 paid off at Plymouth.

19 Dec 1845 detained in lat. 10� 13' S. long. 13� 15' E., the Portuguese slave schooner Gago, Joze Antonio Teixero e Rego, master, which was sent for adjudication to British and Portuguese Court of Mixed Commission, St. Paul de Loanda and on 26 Dec 1845 sentenced to be restored to the master, the arresting officer not having the necessary warrant to arrest a Portuguese vessel, per the treaty between the two countries.

28 Dec 1845 detained the Brazilian slaver Esperanza, which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court, St. Helena, and on 29 Jan 1846 sentenced to be condemned. 13 April 1849 proceeds of tonnage bounty due for payment. 14 April 1847-48 officers and crew paid �48 16s. 3d., in respect of expenses incurred at St. Helena, in consequence of the seizure of the Esperanca.

3 Apr 1846 detained, off Cabenda, a slave brigantine, Name unknown, which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court, St. Helena, and on 14 May 1846 sentenced to be condemned for being equipped for the slave trade. 8 Sep 1848 tonnage bounty and proceeds of hull, &c., due to be paid.

12 Apr 1846 departed Cabenda to examine a sail in the offing, which proved to be American national brigantine Boxer, with whom was discussed the matter of a suspicious American brig, Malaga, from Rio de Janeiro, anchored off Cabenda. The brig was soon examined, seized and sent on her way to the United States for adjudication.

23 May 1846 detained the slaver Olivia, which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court, Sierra Leone, and on 4 Jul 1846, sentenced to be condemned. 15 October 1847-48 officers and crew paid �11 13s. 2d. in respect of expenses attending the capture of the brig Olivia, at Sierra Leone.

27 Jun 1846 at Ascension.

5 Sep 1846 at Ascension.

2 Oct 1846 at Ascension, with unpleasant news from Lagos.

26 July 1847 detained in lat. 8� 4' S. long. 8� 10' E., following a chase of 8 hours, bound to Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian slaver Graca, with 447 slaves on board which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court, Sierra Leone and sentenced to be condemned. on 7 Aug 1849 slave bounty and tonnage bounty due for payment.

9 Sep 1847 detained the slaver Astrea, which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court, St. Helena, and sentenced to be condemned for being equipped for the slave trade. 10 Jan 1850 Proceeds of Hull &c. and tonnage bounty due payable.

9 Sep 1847 detained the slaver Maria Theresa, which was sent for adjudication to the Vice-Admiralty Court, St. Helena, and sentenced to be condemned for being equipped for the slave trade. 22 Mar 1850 Proceeds of Hull &c. and tonnage bounty due payable.

8 March 1847-48 officers and crew paid �40 5s. 8d. in respect of expenses incurred in bringing to adjudication the case of the Portuguese schooner Gago, at Loando.

20 Dec 1848 Portsmouth in ordinary

1856 survey ship.

Oct 1856 Hong Kong. Captain Bate and the ship's whaler up the River Canton at the taking of the forts.

8 Jan 1857 British forces commenced withdrawal from off Canton, to Hong Kong.

16 Oct 1857 in the Canton River.

30 Oct 1857 at Hong Kong.

15 Nov 1857 in the Canton River.

28 Dec 1857 Capture of Canton (see also report in London Gazette www.gazettes-online.co.uk of 16 and 26 Feb 1858).

10 Aug 1858 at Hong Kong.

24 Aug 1858 at Shanghai.

4 Jun 1859 in the North (surveying).

10 Aug 1859 on the Coast of Corea.

24 Aug 1859 in the North (surveying).

13 Oct 1859 Japan.

30 Nov 1859 in the North (surveying).

14 Jan 1860 Shanghai.

25 Apr 1860 At the North.

7 Jun 1860 Gulf of Pecheli.

23 Jun 1860 At the North.

26 Jul 1860 Gulf of Pecheli.

16 Nov 1860 At the North.

15 Dec 1860 Shanghai.

31 Dec 1860 at Hong Kong.

16 Jan 1861 Shanghai.

1 Feb 1861 At the North.

2 Mar 1861 Shanghai.

1 May 1861 At the North.

12 May 1861 in the Yamgtse.

29 May 1861 At the North.

28 Jun 1861 Japan (Surveying).

1 Jan 1862 at Hong Kong.

9 Jan 1862 Departed Hong Kong for Portsmouth.

1 Oct 1856 - 26 Jun 1858 Parliamentary Grant of �33,000, for services (in lieu of Prize Money) on the China Station to be divided between 56 Vessels

1870 Portsmouth, Hulk

1879 Torpedo Service, Portsmouth

15 Aug 1846 Particulars Respecting the Late Rollers at St. Helena.
To the Editor of the St. Helena Gazette.
Sir,-I do myself the honour to forward a few observations which I made on Tuesday, the 17th instant, as to the occurrences of the day, and should it be deemed worthy a place in the St. Helena Gazette, it will recompense me for the little time it has cost. I, however, earnestly hope, that the want of language adequate to express the grandeur, as well as the awfulness of what every spectator witnessed, will be in a measure atoned for by the accuracy of the statement.
St. Helena has ever boasted of the safety of its roadstead, and that most justly, as no individual upon the island can remember a solitary instance of a vessel having been wrecked upon its shores. Those who witnessed the scene presented on Tuesday, the 17th instant, alas will have a different tale to tell. The roadstead, which only the day previous was like a mill pond, was on this day (Tuesday, 17th instant,) a sea of troubled waters.
During Monday night, the rollers, for which St. Helena has ever been celebrated, the cause of which is altogether unaccounted for, began gradually to rise, and on Tuesday had increased to an awful height, like so many rolling mountains, one after the other, driving everything before them. The English schooner Cornelia. condemned at this port a short time since, and purchased by Mr. Cole, was the first vessel driven on shore, being, no doubt, not so securely moored as the other vessels, although in any other weather equally safe. If the person in charge of this vessel had been left five minutes longer than he was on board, it would have been out of the power of all human aid to have saved his life, as the vessel, some distance from the shore, was buried in the tremendous seas, and ultimately came in upon the beach in a few minutes she was a mass of splinters. Immediately after the Cornelia disappeared, the Brazilian brig Descobrador, (127 tons) brought to this island under the charge of Lieutenant Moynell, and condemned on the 16th January, 1846, as being fitted for the slave trade, as a prize to H.M. sloop Star, lifted her anchors and was driven by the force of the rollers on to the beach, between the drawbridge and upper crane; the shipkeeper Robert Seale, his wife, and two other persons were on board at the time she touched. Sea after sea broke over the vessel, and she fell broadside on to the shore the larboard shrouds ultimately gave way, and the lives of the poor creatures on board were in imminent danger, not only by the vessel separating fast, and the seas rolling over, but by the falling of the masts. At this time two persons from on board swam to the shore, leaving the shipkeeper (Seale) and his wife holding on by the rail on the leeward side of the vessel, appealing to the numbers on shore, within hearing of them, for assistance. The Town Major endeavoured to convey a rope by means of a rocket to the vessel, but by some unforeseen circumstance it failed. Mr. Chatfield, master's assistant of H.M. sloop Flying Fish, attempted to swim off with a spar attached to a rope, and after arriving alongside of the vessel was taken by the sea under her counter, roller after roller breaking over him, which buried him for a time, and finally threw him on the beach in an exhausted state. A whale boat belonging to Mr. Rolfe was launched, in hopes of being taken alongside the vessel, but she was no sooner in the water than she was dashed to pieces. At this period an American seaman, named Roach, who has been upon the island some time, and is employed as a boatman, most nobly plunged into the sea and swam to the vessel, which he reached in gallant style, taking with him a rope, the end of which was secured on shore. Upon gaining the deck he hauled on board a sufficiency of the rope, and after attaching the end which he took to the side of the vessel, to enable him to regain the shore, without depriving Seale of the means of escape, he then tied a rope round Mrs. Seale's body, and immediately plunged into the water, when they were dragged on shore by the spectators, amongst whom were Dr. Tweedale, of H.M. steam sloop Prometheus, and Lieutenant Grant, R.A., who plunged in to the assistance of Roach as he approached. The rollers having knocked him with Mrs. Seale over several times. Mrs. Seale was landed almost senseless, but prompt medical aid being afforded, she soon rallied, and was conveyed to her home about two hours after. Seale, when he saw his wife was safe, tied the rope round his waist, and was drawn on shore without sustaining any injury. From the time the Descobradar touched the rocks to the period of the people being taken out of her, ten minutes could not have elapsed, and within five minutes afterwards she separated and went to pieces. The hand of Providence showed itself most conspicuously, for when the mast went even with the deck, it fell towards the shore, by which any number of persons could have saved themselves with common care and energy. How. ever, those persons who witnessed the. scene must be fully satisfied that the saving of the lives of Robert Seale and his wife must be owing (with the aid of Divine Providence) to the exertions of Joseph Roach.

The shipkeepers on board the other condemned slavers were immediately removed and conveyed on board of a vessel lying at anchor outside of the influence of the rollers.

Whilst the Descobrador was on her beam ends upon the beach, the schooner, name and nation unknown, captured by H.M. steamsloop Prometheus, on the 22nd November, and condemned in the Vice-Admiralty Court on 29th December last, parted from her anchors, and, as if propelled by steam, ranged herself on the outside of the Descobrador. This vessel was partly demolished, having been purchased by Mr. Stewart at auction.

About 12 o'clock, the Brazilian schooner Acquilla, with another prize, lifted their anchors and were driven upon the beach, in front of the town. The Acquilla remained perfect for some time, but the other very soon went to pieces. The Acquilla was detained by her H. M. sloop Cygnet, but the result of the seizure is as yet uncertain, as her case is defended. The vessel that broke adrift with the Acquilla was the Brazilian brigantine St. Domingoa, captured by U.K. steam-sloop Prometheus, on the 25th of December, brought to this island by Mr. Clark, Naval Cadet, and condemned on the 2nd instant.

About 1 o'clock, a tremendous heavy roller, which seemed determined to sweep away everything before it, broke over the Rocket hulk, which was lifted stern uppermost, and disappeared. This sea swept away the lower crane and verandah, the latter being placed some distance from the landing place against the hill, for the accommodation of captains of ships and others waiting at the wharf for boats The crane was carried bodily by the sea into the Commissariat Coal hard, a distance of fifty yards, where it now lies buried with rubbish and stone. Previous to this sea breaking over the verandah or balcony, a great number of persons had resorted there for the purpose of gaining a good view of this awfully interesting but magnificent scene ; but as a warning, a previous sea had washed in, and they fortunately took the hint, otherwise many must have been sacrificed, either by the falling off the building, or being taken away by the receding sea.

Up to this hour almost every passage and luggage boat had been swept from their moorings - some thrown on shore and others taken out to sea. The Glacis in front of the fortifications, James' Town, is impassable from the immense quantity of wood, masts, casks, bunks, and other materials, thrown up by the sea from the wrecked vessels.

About 1 o'clock, the Brazilian schooner Eufrazia, captured by H.M. steam sloop Prometheus on 25th December, 1845, brought to this island for adjudication by Lieutenant Pollard, and condemned on the 29th January, and the Brazilian brigantine Esperanza, captured on 26th December, 1845, by H.M.S. Actaeon, and brought to this island by Mr. Lowe, second master, condemned on the 29th January, were buried by a tremendous roller breaking over them ; the former disappeared in an instant, having sunk at her anchors ; the latter, after her masts went by the board, drifted out to sea, a total wreck ; and whilst off Munden's Battery was boarded by some of the merchant vessels' boats, when sails, spars, and other articles were removed. This vessel ultimately drifted out to sea.

The rollers still continuing at as awful height, great fears were entertained for the safety of the English barque Lavinia, from Fernando Po, the crew of which vessel during the night previous had abandoned her, taking with them their cheats and hammocks on board of a merchant vessel lying at anchor off the influence of the rollers. All communication with the shore and shipping was impossible, as it was dangerous for a boat to approach the landing place, much less to afford a communication. The fishing boats fortunately escaped, as they were all out during the night of Monday, and on Tuesday morning, finding it impossible to communicate, remained out, and received assistance from the different merchant vessels then riding at anchor in the Bay.

About half-past five o'clock in the afternoon, the sea still continuing mountains high, the condemned Brazilian brigantine Julia, captured by H.M. sloop Star, was separated from her companion the Quatro de Marco, and thrown up by a succession of heavy rollers upon the West Rocks, and in an instant not a particle of her was to be seen. Almost immediately after, the Brazilian brig Quatro de Marco was, with four anchors down, lifted by the gigantic rollers, and, although buried for a time in the sea, was ultimately, by a heavy wave, lodged on the shore under Patten's Battery, near the West Rocks, the masts having been previously carried away by the force of the seas breaking over her. The Quatro de Marco was captured by H M. Sloop Cygnet, on the 18th December, 1845, and was brought to this island under the charge of Mr. Jones, Purser, on 26th December last, with 540 slaves. The remains of the hull of this vessel were sold on the 26th instant, by public suction, for �30 ; the greater part of her starboard side and the after part of the stern of this vessel were totally destroyed. Previous to her being thrown up to where she remained, she came in contact with an old anchor, which has been for nearly a century upon the projecting point of the West Rocks, and carried it away.

Thus ended the scenes of this memorable day, a day that will ever be remembered by all who witnessed what took place. In addition to the vessels already stated, there were three other condemned slave vessels in the act of being broken up washed ashore. The loss of the boats has thrown many out of employment, and deprived them of their little all. and the means of supporting their families. Thus, after the savings of many a hard day's toil. they are deprived of a living; but God's will be done! and what has this day been experienced only reminds us of our frail state, and how little we ought to think of our earthly possessions.

The most painful put to be recorded of what this day has brought forth, is the loss of three of our fellow-creatures. who have met with a watery grave, and summoned, it is to be feared, in an unprepared state, to appear before their Maker.

On the evening previous, John Maggott, an old and experienced rock fisherman, with James Craig, a shoemaker, and Robert Bath, went to the rock under Sugar Loaf, in a boat for the night. At this season of the year many persons are induced to enjoy this sport, being invited by what is termed upon this island, "Bulls-eye fishing," a delicate fish which abounds during the months of January, February, and March. The rock under Sugar Loaf has always been celebrated for the abundance of this description of fish, and being near the town it is accessible by a very narrow path, and with the assistance of a rope to descend, affords the means of escape in the event of the sea suddenly rising. On this night Henry Trim and others, when the sea became rough, made their escape and returned home; not so with Maggott, Craig, and Bath, who were separated by a small cove, and although in sight of the others, had no means of saving themselves, or those opposite rendering the slightest assistance. The boat that had landed these three poor creatures the evening previous, called according to promise on this morning, and although within hailing distance dared not venture too close. The boatmen were informed that Maggott had been swept away about five o'clock, and they, Craig and Bath, said - "we must soon follow."

The circumstance of these poor creatures being in this perilous state was soon known in town; a boat was immediately at a great risk despatched, and Mr. H. Doveton went by land with ropes, in order to descend to where they were last seen, and, at the hazard of his life, to endeavour, if possible, to save them; but they were gone, and no more to be seen !

Bath has been for the last ten years cook to Mr. Solomon, and for eight years previous, cook to General Dallas, Governor of the island. He has left a widow with seven children to lament his untimely end. There were other persons who, during the night of Monday and all this day and night, were prevented returning to their homes in consequence of the unprecedented heavy sea.

The Wharf, from the lower steps to the drawbridge, together with the Glacis, is almost totally destroyed. The Commissariat coalyard, which was erected at a heavy expense in 1834 by General Dallas, also the iron tanks under the verandah upon the wharf, for the supply of water to shipping, totally destroyed. The fortifications at Lemon Valley much injured ; and great damage sustained at Rupert's where the Liberated Africans are located.

To attempt to give a correct idea of the violence of the rollers on this eventful day is impossible, but as this humble effort towards a description of the same may meet the eye of many who have spent happy years upon the Old Rock, and are now in England and elsewhere, they will be enabled to judge of what I am at a loss fully to describe, and I will simply close by stating that the sea rolled as far as the officers' quarters at Rupert's, and that a 24-pounder carronade was taken from its platform from the Lower Chubbs Battery into the sea, as well as destroying the parapet on both sides. A boat was also drifted from James's Bay to the extreme point of the island to windward, Deep Valley, where it is now to be seen a wreck. The wind for many days previous to the setting in of the rollers, was from the northward and westward, with close sultry weather. The property lost by individuals, together with the expense of repairing the wharf, coal-yard, &c., is estimated at upwards of �20,000. St. Helena, 27th February, 1846.

Viscount Palmerston to the Marquis of Normanby.
Foreign Office, December 7, 1846.
My Lord, I transmit to your Excellency herewith, a letter from Captain Mansel, of Her Majesty's ship Actaeon, to the Secretary of the Admiralty, dated Ascension, the 2nd of October last, in which it is reported that the native Chief of Lagos, on finding that in consequence of the vigilance of Her Majesty's cruizers, he was unable to sell a large number of slaves which he had collected for sale, caused upwards of 2,000 of these unfortunate people to be put to death, and had their heads stuck on stakes all round the town of Lagos.
I have to instruct your Excellency to communicate this intelligence to M. Guizot, and to state to him that Her Majesty's Government consider this barbarous act to be such an outrageous violation of the laws of human nature, that they think an exemplary punishment ought to be inflicted upon the Chief of Lagos, and they propose, therefore, to instruct the officer commanding the English squadron employed on the coast of Africa for the suppression of the Slave Trade, to enter into communication with the officer commanding the French co-operating squadron, for the purpose of considering what measure can best be devised for that purpose, and to concert the arrangements for carrying any such measure into execution.
I am, &c. Palmerston
The Marquis of Normanby, K.P.

(Inclosure.)- Captain Mansell to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
Actaeon, Ascension, October 2, 1846.
Sir, I regret that I should have to inform the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty of the perpetration of a deed of such revolting atrocity, as, I believe, has never been surpassed in the annals of barbarism. Commander Young, in his letter of proceedings, informs me that he has long watched, together with the Styx, 2 suspicious Sardinian brigs lying at Lagos, which had at length been forced to sail from thence without cargoes.
He then proceeds to state that the native Chief of Lagos, finding he could not dispose of the numerous slaves on his hands, had caused upwards of 2,000 to be slaughtered, and their heads to be stuck on stakes all round the town of Lagos.
This fact is stated upon the authority of the master of a Swedish brig, who says, he was an eye-witness, and corroborated by a letter which the Captain of the French brig of war Fl�che, mentions to have been received at the French factory at Whydah.
However terrible in character this deliberate and calculated act of butchery, it is, I regret to state, not without parallel on the coast, as I was informed at Sierra Leone, in duly last, by the Governor, who assured me it was from the highest authority, that 300 slaves had met the same fate under similar circumstances, within the last 12 months, in the neighbourhood, as I believe, of the Gallinas.
I have, &c. Geo. Mansel, Captain and Sensor Officer.
To : The Secretary to the Admiralty.

The Marquis of Normanby to Viscount Palmerston. (Received December 13.) Paris, December 10, 1846.
My Lord, I called on M. Guizot this morning, and stated to him the substance of your Lordship's despatch of the 7th December, containing the account of the disgusting butchery perpetrated by a native chief at Lagos, upon 2,000 slaves. I also expressed to M. Guizot your Lordship's desire that such an outrage should not pass unpunished, and that the officer commanding the British squadron on that coast should communicate with the officer commanding the French co-operating squadron, in order that they might combine such means as might to them appear expedient with reference to the perpetrator of this outrage.
M. Guizot fully participated in your Lordship's feelings of horror and indignation on this subject, and promised that instructions should at once be given to the Commander of the French squadron in conformity with your Lordship's wishes. I have, &c. Normanby.
Viscount Palmerston, G.C.B.