Basilisk, 1848
Type: 1st class sloop ; Armament 6
Launched : 22 Aug 1848 ; Disposal date or year : 1882
BM: 1031 tons ; Displacement: 1690 tons
Propulsion: Paddle
Machinery notes: 1033 h.p.i. ; 400 h.p.
Notes:

Jan 1848 Woolwich, Building.

20 Dec 1848 Woolwich.

21 Apr 1852, the Basilisk and Desperate, from reserve, came out to the Nore to accompany the Assistance, Resolute, North Star, with the tenders Pioneer and Intrepid, on their way to search for any remains of the Franklin polar exploration expedition, as far as the 20th meridian west, and the African to tow for 6 days.

22 Apr 1852, the Intrepid having made good her defect the Squadron departed under tow in the early hours, but the movement of the sea making towing inconvenient, the tows were dropped and the Assistance, Resolute, and North Star continued under sail, and the sea getting up the Lightning returned to Woolwich, and not being seen again, it was assumed that the African had accompanied the Lightning. And the weather deteriorating the squadron parted to make their own way to the Orkneys.

23 Apr 1852, rounded the Dudgeon Light.

25 Apr 1852, the squadron arrived Orkney.

28 Apr 1852, departed Stromness for Greenland.

8 May 1852, following a period of bad weather the squadron parted company with the Desperate, for Plymouth with mail and despatches, and the Basilisk, for Portsmouth.

22 May 1854 Dragon was ordered to try her guns on Fort Gustafvard, mounting 31 guns, south-east of Hango Head, but was soon in need of support and was to be joined by the Magicienne, and Basilisk, but the signal of recall was made before they could engage - see p. 418-> at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow

13 Jun 1854 the French fleet joined the British in the Baltic at Baro Sound - see p. 419-> at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow

15 May 1855 detained the Emma Helena. 2 Aug 1857 distribution of proceeds arising commences.

16 May 1855 detained the Grain out of Russian launches, the payment of the proceeds arising being made commencing on 2 Apr 1857.

4 Feb 1856 Portsmouth. In dock.

25 Feb 1856 Taken out of dock.

23 Apr 1856, Present at Fleet Review, Spithead ; Commander Crofton.

25 Jan - 24 Feb 1858 off Cuba employed in the suppression of the slave trade.

2 April - 4 June 1858 off Cuba employed in the suppression of the slave trade.

7 Apr 1858 the Commodore has instructed that the Styx, Basilisk, and the gun boats Jaseur, Jasper, Skipjack and Forward are to be kept actively employed in cruizing round Cuba for the suppression of the slave trade.

24 Aug 1858 at Port Royal, completing a return for the Admiralty of the 36 foreign vessels boarded under the command of Lieutenant Phayre, whilst cruising for the suppression of the slave trade from 21 Nov 1857 - 1 Jun 1858, on the south coast of Cuba, detailing the name of the vessel ; the flag under which she is operating ; the name of boarding officer ; whether it was necessary to fire at the vessel concerned to either raise her national flag, or heave-to to allow boarding ; reason for firing ; nature of the conversation held on board ; remarks.

1860 Woolwich.

1870 Sheerness (ship's company borne in Pembroke).

8 Feb 1871 has arrived at Plymouth Sound, from Sheerness and Portland, en route for Australia.

11 Feb 1871 departed for Australia.

2 Apr 1871, for census, at sea in Lat. 18.14.S Long.25.51. N Australia.

1879 Chatham.