Desperate, 1849
Type: Sloop ; Armament 8 (per drawing : 2 x 56 pdr., 85 cwt., ; 6 x 68 pdr., 65 cwt. ; 2 x 32 pdr., 25 cwt.)
Laid down : Oct 1845 ; Launched : 23 Apr 1849 ;
Disposal date or year : 1865
BM: 1038 tons ; Displacement: 1663 tons
Propulsion: Screw
Machinery notes: 400
Notes:

19 May 1845 the " Conflict " and " Desperate " were ordered to be built along the same lines as the " Encounter," .

Jan, 1846, Desperate, 10, steam frigate, screw, by Sir W. Symonds, quarter built, at Pembroke.

15 and 19 Jul 1848 ordered to be altered and lengthened 7 feet by the stern.

20 Dec 1848 Building at Pembroke

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 Monkey transferring her coal to the Desperate departed for Woolwich, and 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 Stromness, 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.

15 Apr 1854 captured Russian brig Patrioten [Prize Money per London Gazette of 21 Jul 1857].

21 Jun 1854 Imperieuse, Lightning, Magicienne, and Bulldog, reconnoitred the Russian fleet and batteries at Cronstadt, with the Arrogant and Desperate in reserve - see p. 420 at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow

17 Apr 1855 the Archer and Desperate captured the Russian schooner Myran. 5 Jan 1856 preparations being made for the distribution of proceeds arising from the disposal of the schooner.

18 Apr 1855 the Archer and Desperate captured the Phoenix.

4 Feb 1856 Devonport. In Keyham Basin

28 Feb 1856 Asst Clerk Cox apptd ; at Sheerness

26 Mar 1856 Portsmouth. departed last night with the Tartar, for the westward to search for the missing steamer Pacific.

23 Apr 1856, Present at Fleet Review, Spithead ; Commander White

1860 Devonport