Osprey, 1844
Type: Brig ; Armament 12
Launched : 2 Apr 1844 ; Disposal date or year : 11 Mar 1846
Disposal Details : Wrecked off Hokianga, New Zealand - see report in ship's notes
BM: 425 tons
Notes:

28 Jul 1845 Commander Frederick Patten. Despatched to NZ. See p. 347 at at www.archive.org/details/royalnavyhistory06clow

15 Aug 1845 approx Departed Anjer, with freight originally to have been sent per HMS Daedalus.

15 Sep 1845 departed from Bay of Isles for Auckland.

27 Sep 1845 HMS Osprey had been despatched for New Zealand one week previously.

16 Oct 1845 Departed Aukland for Bay of Isles.

25 Oct 1845 North Star and Osprey, also the Slains Castle, were lying in the Bay ; H.M.S. Daphne left Auckland for the Pacific on the 2nd October, and HMS Hazard arrived at Auckland on the 1st instant from the Bay of Islands. No collision had taken place with the New Zealanders, as the British had been waiting for reinforcements.

22 Nov 1845 HMS Osprey left Auckland for the Bay of Islands on the 16th ultimo.

1846 China and India Station.

10 January 1846 When Captain Milne left the Bay of Islands, the following vessels were lying in the Kawi Kawi River:- H.M.S. Castor, North Star, and Racehorse; H.E.I.C. ship Elphinstone; the Slains Castle, Victoria and a number of small craft. At Kororarika the following were lying: Fanny, of Havre, five months and a half out. with 200 sperm and 100 of black oil. She had drifted ashore on the beach during a gale of wind, but hauled off again without damage with the assistance of H.M.S. Osprey, which vessel was there at the time. The Perseverance, Captain Corkhill, had arrived there, and reported having seen a brig and schooner a few days previous, supposed to be the Louisa and Waterlilly, bound to Auckland. On the 17th ultimo, a new schooner called the Bride, about 80 tons, was launched from a yard at the bark of Pomare's pah, where she had remained in safety during the late disturbances.

17 Jan 1846 When the Louisa left Auckland, the Perseverance, Strathisla, Louisa Campbell, and Bandicoot, were lying there. A large vessel with a blue ensign passed the Bay of Islands on the 31st ultimo, supposed to be H.M.S. Calliope. The fore and aft schooner Bon Accord, from Sydney, 20th December, arrived off the Bay of Islands on the 31st ultimo. H.M.S. Castor, Racehorse, North Star, and Osprey, also the H.E.I. Company's ship Elphinstone, and the Slains Castle, were lying at the Bay of Islands. The schooner Waterlily had not arrived at Auckland.

24 Jan 1846 The schooner Aurora spoke the Hobart Town whaler Harriett Nathan, on the 11th instant, nineteen days out, with 80 barrels sperm oil on board. The cargo by the Aurora consists of 25 tons kowrie gum and 6 spars. The troops had advanced to within range of Kawiti's pah, into which they had thrown several shells, by which some of the natives were slain. The day before the Aurora left Hokianga, a report was brought in by one of the New Zealanders, that Kawiti's pah had been taken by the troops and burnt, the tribe having receded to Honi Heki's pah. This, however, was held as a fabrication, and the general opinion was, that Colonel Despard was merely keeping them in check until the pioneers had cut passages through the dense scrub. H.M.S. Osprey had been sent round to Hokianga to protect the settlers there.

14 Feb 1846 H.M.S. North Star has come on to Sydney to refit, preparatory to leaving for England, which will be in the course of a month, H M S Racehorse was at the Bay of Islands. and the Osprey was stationed at Hokianga. The Calliope, Castor, and Driver, were about to proceed to Port Nicholson, with Governor Grey and 400 of the troops, to settle the disputes concerning the land on the River Hutt. The North Star spoke the schooner Shamrock on the 3rd January, off the Three Kings, from Sydney to Auckland ; she reported having been in company with the Star of China two days previous, which was also from Sydney, bound to Auckland.

7 Mar 1846 HMS Osprey left the Bay for Auckland, on the 21st ultimo, the flag-staff at Kororarika had been again erected by Tomati Waka Nene, who had expressed his determination to defend it for the British.

13 Jun 1846 HMS Castor, 36, Captain Charles Graham, arrives Sydney 10 June, 1846, from Bay of Islands the 24 May,: Passengers Colonel Wynyard, Dr Pine and Lt. Leery, of the 58th Reg, Capt Patten, Lt Freere, Lt Wharton, Dr. Stewart, Mr Hallorne, Mr Cole, with other officers, and 67 men belonging to HM Brig Osprey, Mr J Peacock, 30 invalid soldiers, and 20 invalid seamen.

27 Jun 1846 The "Palestine" and "Posthumous" will both get away the beginning of next month, both having obtained the tender for the conveyance of invalids and sailors belonging to the Osprey, which lately arrived from NZ in HMS Castor.

9 Jul 1846 "Palestine" sails with officers and 38 seamen of the late Osprey.

25 Jul 1846 The New Zealander of 27 Jun reports that the hull of the Osprey is now deeply buried in the sand. The natives who own that part of the beach on which she struck have claimed her as their right and demanded payment for her accordingly ; but an influential chief as since taken charge of her for the purchaser Mr P Munro.

16 Dec 1846 The "Posthumous", Marshall, hence from Sydney, 6 July, arrived at Gravesend on the 16th December; Commander Patten, of the Osprey, and the other officers, and part of the crew, who proceeded to England by this vessel, had been ordered to Portsmouth, where the Court martial upon them for the loss of the Osprey at New Zealand, was to take place.

1847 See below for report of Court Martial.

Proceedings of the Squadron on the Coast of Borneo.by an Eye-Witness.
(From the Nautical Magazine, for January, 1846).
The squadron left Penang so unexpectedly, that many of the officers, even those of superior rank, narrowly missed being left behind. When assembled at Malacca, a steamer was despatched to Singapore, which shortly rejoined having on board Mr. Brooke and Captain Bethune, RN. These gentlemen having remained a day or two in communication with the Commander-in-Chief, returned to Singapore. It being known that Captain Bethune had been lately with Mr. Brooke at Sarawak, it was inferred that something was in view in that quarter ; and this supposition gained ground when, on the 24th of July, the Admiral received them again on board the Agincourt, the squadron being then at anchor off the Buffalo rock in Singapore Strait. At day light on the 26th, the squadron weighed and proceeded to the east, consisting of Agincourt, Vestal, Daedalus, Cruizer, Osprey, Wolverine, Vixen, Nemesis, and Pluto. In the course of the morning, the Osprey parted company for Singapore and New South Wales.

On the 28th [Jul, 1845] we were off the mouth of the Sarawak, and at daylight the Commander-in-Chief, with a party, went up the river in the Pluto, to pay a visit to Mr. Brooke's capital. The squadron anchored off Tanjong Po, and he returned the following day. The Pluto unfortunately had grounded, and sustained some damage, which rendered it necessary to beach her ; we proceeded to the northward, and had a pleasant run along the coast : we found the charts very erroneous. The flag-ship, however, appeared to view boldly, her master Mr. Ellyet, it was said, having already been on the coast in the Dido. On the 6th of August we were off the Brune River. While running in, the Agincourt touched on a knoll and hung for a short time. She came off without damage, with the exception of running into the Nemeses, which was coming to her assistance, and knocked over her funnel. This accident prevented our entering the river, so coming to an anchor, the next morning we dropped out into deep water. A boat conveying Mr. Brooke was despatched to the town. which returned the following day ; and shortly after a rajah, apparently of high rank, arrived rived to compliment the Admiral. He was received with all the honours, and had a long. interview. What passed I know not, but the result was that the next day, the 7th, a party of 160 marines, the band, &c., was embarked on board the Vixen, and she, the Nemesis and Pluto (which vessels had made good their damages), accompanied by three or four armed pinnaces, proceeded up the river of Brune, having the admiral and a large party of officers on board. At the bar, just below Palo Chesmise, there was found too little water for the Vixen ; the flag and army were, therefore, transferred to the small steamer, which proceeded off the town. The admiral, attended by his suite, paid a visit to the sultan, and active negociations (sic) appeared to be going on.

In the course of the afternoon, the Vixen made her appearance, Commander Giffard having succeeded in forcing her over the bar in her own draft. Up to this time no visible symptoms had offered, and we began to fear that nothing would take place. During the night there was a slight confusion on board the Vixen, where the whole force had re-assembled, owing to some fancy having been entertained that she had been boarded by an enemy. The commander's appearance on deck, however, soon restored order, and on his endeavouring to arrive at the cause of the disorder, a sentry who had been calmly walking his post on the paddle-box, gave it as his opinion that "It was only Mr._______ a-dreaming."

On the forenoon of the next day, the 10th [Aug, 1845], it appeared that the Admiral had demanded that a certain chief, Panquera Usof, should be given up, be having behaved ill in the matter of some slaves. Usof apparently disliked the terms, whatever they were, for about noon his house was pointed out as the object to be attacked, and the steamers moved into position. It was admirably situated for a little practice, being quite isolated from the town, and exposed on all sides; the arrangements were very judicious. The Vixen was laid opposite the principal front ; the Pluto, with the marines, ran up a branch of the river to a point where her fire would cross that of the Vixen at right angles, and a place was found for the Nemesis midway betwixt the two. Had poor Usof's house been of adamant instead of mats, it must have come down in five minutes.

The arrangements being completed, the Vixen fired a 32 lb. shot through the roof of the house, just to give warning we were ready ; this was replied to by some half dozen guns, the shot passing over the Vixen. The three steamers then opened, and in ten minutes the house was riddled. I believe every one ran away on the first discharge, and they acted wisely, for the effect of the Vixen's grape and cannister was terrific. The firing having ceased, the marines advanced, and took possession of the frontier. Twenty-one brass guns were brought off, and a powder magazine (within twenty paces of which a shed fallen behind) destroyed. The houses were handed over to the Sultan. and the party re-embarked: The Sultan then gave permission to the populace to plunder it, and they were not slow in availing themselves of the permission.

The admiral returned to the squadron the following day, and ran over to the island of Labuan. When the steamer had completed taking in the wood. which in the mean- time had been collected by the Cruizer and Wolverine, having the carpenter of the squadron on board, we all moved to the northward; and on the road learned that there was another job in prospect. On the 17th we were assembled in Malluda Bay; in the evening the captains met by signal on board the flag ship, and received the plan of attack on Seriff Housman, a notorious pirate, harbour-ing in one of the rivers at the head of the bay.

Pursuant to these orders, on the morning of the 18th [Aug, 1845] all the small-arm men and marines moved to the Vixen and other steamers, and they taking the Cruizer, Wolverine, and the gun-boats in tow, moved up the bay as far as the depth of water would permit. The Pluto went on to pick out the channel, but shortly got aground. The admiral, whose flag was in the Vixen. anxious not to lose time, then directed Captain Talbot to put what men he could in the boats and proceed. Accordingly, about 300 blue jackets and 200 marines embarked in the boats; the details as follows:- To com-mand the whole, Captain Talbot, Vestal, as-sisted by Commander Fanshawe, Cruizer, to command the landing party, Acting-Commander Lyster, Agincourt, assisted by Com-mander Clifford, Wolverine, and Lieutenant Paynter, Agincourt, as Adjutant, - command-ing H.M. Marines Captain Hawkins, R.N.

H.M. ship Agincourt, second barge Lieutenant Paynter, Mr. May, mate, Mr. Patrick, Assistant-surgeon.- Launch, Lieutenant Lowther, Mr. Burton, midshipman, Mr. Burnaby, midshipman, Mr. Whipple, assistant-surgeon.- Pinnace, Mr. Reeve, mate, in charge of the rocket party.- Second cutter, Mr. Lincoe, midshipman.- In Wolverine, Daedalus and Nemesis cutters, in charge of the first company of small arm men, .Lieutenant Reid, Mr. Young, mate, Mr Hotham, midshipman.

H.M. ship Vestal, barge, pinnace, and cutter, Lieutenant Morritt, Lieutenant Pascoe, Mr. Pym, second master, Mr. Durbin, mate.
H.M. ship Daedalus, pinnace, barge, and cutter, Lieutenant Randolph, Mr. Nolloth, mate. Mr. Wilkinson, second master.,
H.M. steam-vessel Vixen, pinnace and cutter, Lieutenant Wilcox, Mr. Dent, mate, Mr. Sainsbury, midshipman.
H. M. sloop Cruizer, pinnace and cutter, Lieutenant Rodney, Mr. _______ , midshipman.
H.M. sloop Wolverine, pinnace and cutter, Lieutenant Hillyar, Mr. Gibbard, mate.
Lieutenant Heard, senior lieutenant of H.M. ship Samarang (supernumerary on board Agincourt) in the Pluto's boats, in charge of the Agincourt's field piece. Lieutenants Hambly, Dyer, Kennedy, and Mansell, of the Royal Marines, distributed with their parties.
Captain Talbot was accompanied by Mr. Brookes. Malay interpreter, Mr. Williams a volunteer, and two Malay pilots from Brune.

The boats started against a strong breeze ; the channel was so difficult to discover, that they were obliged to anchor outside the bar, at seven p.m. At half-past ten p.m. the tide enabled the boats to pass the bar and anchor at the mouth of the rover for the night. At seven a.m. the next day, the 19th of August, [1845], the boats weighed at quarter flood in two divisions, and proceeded up the river, carrying two fathoms water the whole way, the gigs leading and sounding. The course of the river trends generally to the S.S.W., with small reaches trending to the southward and eastward, with an average breadth of sixty yards, the banks covered with close jungle, lined with mangrove bushes fringing the edges.

Three miles up the river, Captain Talbot went ahead to reconnoitre, and rejoined two miles higher up, with information that the next bend would place the boats in front of the batteries and stockade, and that a boom of large size was thrown across the river 250 or 300 hundred yards below the fort. The launch and second barge of the Agincourt, the barge of the Vestal, and launch of the Daedalus were then, ordered up with directions to form line abreast, to anchor by the stern when close up to the boom, and keep up a fire, whilst the three cutters under Lieutenant Reid, Mr. Young, and Mr. Gibbard, were directed under cover of the fire of the gun-boats to clear away the boom, the Vixen's and Vestal's pinnaces to close up in the interval, and the remainder of the boats to be the reserve, and act as ordered.

Whilst Captain Lyster was preparing to carry out these instructions, a flag of truce made its appearance from the fort. The boats were immediately ordered to anchor in two lines, Captain Talbot demanded an unconditional surrender of Seriff Housman in half an hour. The flag of truce urged the wish of Housman to have a consultation with him, it was refused, and the flag left; in the meanwhile the boats had taken up their positions in the following manner: the Agincourt's launch close in on the left bank touching the boom, the Vixen's pinnace next, and the Daedalus' launch next; on the right bank was the Vestal's barge. then the Agincourt's second barge, the Pluto's cutter, and the gigs of the commanding officers. The three cutters with the carpenters, under Captain Lyster, employed themselves trying to unshackle the cable and clear the boom of the shore.

In a quarter of an hour another flag of truce came down the river and stated that Seriff Housman would allow two boats inside the boom during the conference. He was answered that the half hour was nearly up, and that if Seriff Housman did not surrender, action would commence. The flag of truce instantly returned, shot round a small turn of the river, hauled down the flag, and the batteries commenced firing, which was immediately returned. The 12-pound carronades in the gun boats appeared to make little impression on the forts, but the firing on both sides was well sustained. About twenty minutes from the commencement, Lieutenant Paynter obtained permission to land and try the rockets, and in eight minutes a 24, 12, and 3-pound tube were fired on the right bank, about five yards in the rear of the boom, and the first rocket (a 42-pound) was hailed by a loud cheer from all the gun boats. The well sustained fire of guns and rockets, soon rendered the fire of Seriff Housman's defences wild, but the perfect workmanship by which the boom was secured, resisted all efforts to force it. The firing having lasted fifty minutes, and the boom still impassable. the ammunition of the gun-boats was ordered to be husbanded, and the guns to be fired with great precision ; at this time Mr. Reeve of the rocket party was sent to Captain Talbot with information that the forts could be reached by the right bank; but at this moment one end of the boom gave way. The boats were immediately pushed through. and with a loud cheer, led by Captains Talbot, Lyster, Fanshawe, and Clifford; boat after boat passed with the marines under Captain Hawkins to storm the defences. The enemy retreated from the eight-gun battery without making any resistance. The flags were hauled down, and the forts immediately taken possession of. A guard was left in the fort ; parties of marines and small arm men advanced up both sides of the river, burning and destroying the houses, and everything that could be discovered.

The forts were well situated, and commanded a complete view of the river and boom. A floating battery of three long 18-pounders was erected close to the left bank, and the guns laid for the boom. The 8-gun battery, consisting of one 18 pounder, two 12-pounders, three 9-pounders, and two 6-pounders, on the right bank, were laid some for the boom and others above and below it. It was not to be expected that so formidable a position could be taken without a sacrifice of life. Six killed and fifteen wounded, (two mortally,) was the loss on the English side, and the determined manner the pirates worked their guns for the first half hour, secure in their position, and confident in their boom, renders it fortunate the loss was not greater.

The following is a list of the casualties on the occasion

H. M. ship Agincourt. 2nd barge, 3 killed, 2 wounded, (1 severely) ; launch, 1 killed, 2 wounded, (1 severely).
H. M. ship Vestal. Barge, 1 killed; pinnace, 2 wounded, (t severely).
H. M. S. Daedalus, Launch, 1 killed, 2 wounded, (1 mortally, l severely).
H. M. S. Vixen. Pinnace, 2 wounded, (Z severely) ; cutter, 1 wounded.
H. M sloop Wolverine. Cutter, 1 wounded, (mortally); pinnace, 1 wounded (severely).
H. M. sloop Cruizer. Pinnace, 2 wounded.
H. C. steam vessel Pluto. Cutter, 1 wounded.
Officers, wounded. Lieut. Heard, Supr. Agincourt, (slightly,) Mr. Gibbard, mate in Wolverine, (mortally), Mr. Pym, second master Vestal, (severely)

It is impossible to estimate the loss of the enemy; that it was severe, there can be no doubt; bodies were found in various directions - numbers were thrown into the river by their own- people, and the wounded were carried into the jungle as soon as they fell. But the testimony of some Manila men (slaves) who had escaped, amounts to this that Seriff Housman was dangerously wounded in the neck, that two Chiefs (Arabs) were killed, and two severely wounded, that many hundred men were in the forts at the commencement, but after twenty minutes firing numbers fled, and as the loss on the English side was all in the first twenty minutes, it is highly probable that the latter part of the firing was continued by a few desperate men, but without any effect, and who ran away the moment the boom was passed.

Not wishing to lose the tide, the force was re-embarked and returned to the Vixen. To prevent all chance of the enemy making head again, the Admiral despatched a fresh party under Commodore Giffard, who after a slight resistance from a few stragglers, completed the destruction of the town, and brought away a quantity of brass ordnance. The force having returned to the ship, the squadron moved to the island of Balambangan, and on the 25th departed for Manila and Hongkong ; the Cruizer being detached with Mr. Brooke and Captain Bethune. Thus under one short campaign at Borneo there can be little doubt that a most salutary effect will be produced by the powerful and effectual measures of our Commander-in-Chief.

LOSS OF H. M. BRIG OSPREY. (From the New Zealander, March 23.)

It is with the deepest regret we have to announce the loss of this beautiful brig of war ; mounting twelve guns, on the western coast, about eighteen miles to the northward of Hakianga, on Wednesday, the 11th instant, about three o'clock in the afternoon.

On Tuesday, the 10th instant, the Osprey made the western coast, and was enabled to take an observation, which proved that she was in the latitude of Hokianga ; but the weather coming on thick and hazy, she kept off the land until the evening, when it cleared away. She then stood in, fired two guns to announce to the pilot at Hokianga, that she was off the harbour, and again stood to sea for the night. On the following morning, on nearing the coast, a high southern headland, similar to Hokianga, was seen, with what was presumed to be the pilot's house ; but which, subsequently, proved to be a white spot on the cliff. Soon afterwards, perceiving a red flag run up, it was confidently anticipated that it was the entrance of the Hokianga, and the brig stood on, over the surf, bringing the northern and southern heads in one. After crossing the breakers, which were judged to be the three of Hokianga, the vessel touched ground; but it was thought that she was just merely on the bar, over which she would soon forge ; but almost immediately, she struck again, with increased violence, and succession of shocks brought the alarming conviction that she was ashore ; and that it was not the entrance to Hokianga. but that of Haere-kino or False Hokianga. The guns were instantly hove overboard, and the masts cutaway, which falling, with the sails set, towards the shore, dragged the vessel still higher on the beach. On the tide receding, the vessel being about half way between high and low water mark, the officers and crew were enabled to land, about two o'clock on Thursday morning, with their small arms and some dry ammunition, which had been fortunately saved on deck, the greater part having been thrown overboard. The vessel stands upright on her keel, in the sand, and is but slightly injured, the heel of the keel only being knocked away. .The stores are being landed, and the crew are assisted by one hundred and fifty natives, who are well disposed, and behave very friendly and peaceably. Two of them had been caught pilfering, and had been taken into custody. After the stores are all taken out of the Osprey, there is no hope of her floating, without a number of empty casks to raise her, or of hauling her off. The shore, on that part of the western coast is extremely shallow for a long distance outwards, with a heavy surf and breakers continually rolling in, even when the wind is off the land ; so that no vessel of proper size and power could approach with safety, sufficiently near to render the Osprey efficient assistance is hauling off.

This untoward circumstance has arisen, it appears, from mistaking the headlands; and likewise, from being misled, by the hoisting of the red flag, similar to the practice at the true Hokianga, to apprise vessels that there is sufficient water for them on the bar. From information we have received, we learn that this little harbour of Haere-kino is precisely a miniature of Hokianga, and the principal native chief has adopted the plan of the pilot at the latter place, to announce high water to the smaller vessels that may approach his settlement. We consider that some measures should be taken to prevent in future recurrence of similar disasters to large vessels. The harbour of Hokianga, itself, although a bar harbour, can be approached and entered, with proper precautions ; therefore, the accident should not, in any degree, tend to the detraction of it. If some wooden beacon, or some other land mark, was erected at Haere-kino, and public notice given, the access to Hokianga would be more easily ascertained, and the strand of Haere-kino more certainly avoided. The Aurora, schooner, of Hokianga, is employed to convey the stores of the Osprey to that port, and the Adelaide, brig, has departed from here, to take them on board for their ultimate destination. H.M.S. Racehorse, likewise, departed on Thursday morning, for the Bay of Islands, to be in communication with the officers and crew of the Osprey.

THE "OSPREY." H.M.S. Racehorse arrived this morning from the Bay of Islands, bringing intelligence that H.M.B. Osprey was surveyed and condemned by proper officers; and having been stripped of her copper sheathing, &c., she was left where she struck - and has probably gone to pieces during the late gales.- New Zealander, April 11.

HMS Castor, 36, Captain Charles Graham, arrives Sydney 10 June, 1846, from Bay of Islands the 24 May,: Passengers Colonel Wynyard, Dr Pine and Lt. Leery, of the 58th Reg, Capt Patten, Lt Freere, Lt Wharton, Dr. Stewart, Mr Hallorne, Mr Cole, with other officers, and 67 men belonging to HM Brig Osprey, Mr J Peacock, 30 invalid soldiers, and 20 invalid seamen.

The Loss of the Osprey.- On Monday, a court martial, comprising Rear Admiral Hyde Parker, C.B., President ; Captain Pasco, of the Victory ; Captain Chads, of the Excellent ; Captain Lushington, of the Vengeance ; Captain Henderson, of the Sidon ; Captain Miloe, of the St. Vincent; Captain Giffard, of the Penelope ; and Mr. G. L. Groetham, Deputy Judge Advocate of the Fleet, assembled on board the St. Vincent, to try on the information of Rear Admiral Sir T. Cochrane, Commander F. Patten, of her Majesty's late sloop Osprey, and the officers and ship's company, for the loss of that vessel on the western coast of- New Zealand, in March last. It is quite unnecessary to give the evidence adduced ; the whole case rested upon this fact the waters where the ship was wrecked had never been surveyed, and False Hokianga so closely resembles True Hokianga, that mistaking one for the other was most natural under the circumstances detailed before the Court. Commander Patten read his defence. The Court fully acquitted Commander Patten, as well as the officers and ship's company ; and were of opinion that every exertion had been made in the endeavour to save the said ship. The President then returned Commander Patten his sword. -London Paper.