The Scylla is about the smallest vessel comprising the Flying Squadron, but carries the same armament as the Barrosa. She was originally pierced for 21 guns, which have now been reduced in number, but increased in size and weight. They consist at present of sixteen 64-pounders, rifled-shunt guns, muzzle-loading, and of the new pattern.

Her engines are on Penn's trunk principle, of 400 horse-power, working up to 1200 horse-power.

She has been three times in commission, viz., Mediterranean, China, and particular service. Her first commander was Rowley Lambert, our present Commodore. Captain Courtney was appointed when she was placed on the China station in 1866. In July of that year she was sent to watch Russian operations in the northern island of the Japanese group. The Scylla started from Nagasaki, and visited in turn Vladivostock, Olga, and Hakodati [Hakodate]. She found that the Russians had established settlements down as far as Kussyeai(?) The Scylla conducting her observations, went to Dui to coal, and thence as far northward as Castries Bay. Her next trip was to Barracouta Bay and further down the coast, where she picked up the crew of an English vessel wrecked there. After calling at Amina [Aomari?] Bay she returned to Hakodati and Yokohama, and thence to England.

Her present commission began in April last. Among her officers is Lieutenant Parker (formerly with H.M.S. Curaçou, commanded by Sir William Wiseman) who has a medal from the Royal Humane Society. Appended is a list of her officers:- Captain Fredk. A Herbert; lieutenants, Hugo L Pearson, Phillip R. H. Parker, Henry T. Wright, and Chas. R. Wood; navigating lieutenant, John Riches; lieutenant marines, Edward S. Innes; chaplain and naval instructor, Rev. Richd. L. Neale, B.A.; surgeon, Constantine Keenan; paymaster, Fred. Burne; chief engineer, Jas. Gillies; navigating sub-lieutenant, Thos. B. Moody; assistant surgeon, John Whyte, M.B. (acting); assistant paymaster, Thos. F. Harrison, Wm. O. Bedford; engineers, Chas. Ware, John Bannatyne; assistant engineer, Bryant Little; midshipmen, Messrs, Genn, Somerset, Brant, Law, Reid, Hadley, Woodrige, Warren, Poulter, Abbott, R. Warren; navigating midshipman, Mr Beatty, Clerk, Mr Gillies; 279 seamen and marines

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