(From the North British Railway and Shipping Journal.)

On Saturday last, the Dauntless steam-frigate, which has just been fitted up with machinery by our respected fellow-citizen, Robert Napier, Esq., performed her first trial trip, for the purpose of testing her engines, by making a run from the " tail of the bank," off Greenock, to the Cumbrae Lighthouse, and back again.

The Dauntless, which is fitted for 24 guns, was built in Portsmouth yard, from a design of Mr. Fincham, the master-shipwright of that establishment, who constructed the Raleigh, of 50 guns-the fastest sailing frigate in the late experimental squadron.

She was laid down in Sep, 1845, and is the first frigate originally designed for the application of the " screw" propeller. She arrived in Glasgow in Apr, 1847, since which time she has been receiving her machinery. Her engines are 580 horse-power, and drive a screw 14 feet 8 inches in diameter, and 18 feet pitch. The application of the screw as a means of propulsion, instead of paddles, has enabled the engineer to place the machinery abut three feet from below the water line, thereby protecting it from the effect of shot, which is of great advantage in ships of war. The coal is also so arranged for storage as a further protection to the engines and boilers.

The Dauntless has three decks, two of which are for carrying guns : the upper one is called the spar deck, which will be armed with six large pivot guns; on this deck is also stowed the boats and spare spars. Next, below this, is the main deck, which ranges along the whole length of the ship, with continuous port holes, as in a sailing frigate - the guns being fought over the engines : this deck will be armed with eighteen guns. On the after-part of it is situated the captain's cabin, the bulk-heads of which are so fitted that they can be cleared away for action in a few minutes, so that the guns may be sent aft to the very stern windows, which are all fitted as ports. Below the main-deck is the lower-deck, the after part of which is appropriated to the officers for their mess-rooms and cabins. The gun-room, where the commissioned officers mess, is abaft, in the centre of the deck, and, on each side, are their cabins for sleeping, &c. Before the gun-room are situated the midshipmen's mess-room, the dispensary, and the engineers' mess-room - from which there is easy access to the engine-room. On the lower deck forward, the boatswain, carpenter, gunner, and warrant officers have their cabins, and there the crew are berthed. Below the lower deck forward are the magazine for powder, storerooms, and hold for water and provisions; and abaft is the shell-room, also spirit-room, bread-room, and officers' stores.

The Dauntless will, in a few days, proceed to Portsmouth, where she will be masted, rigged, and equipped as a sailing frigate, which will enable her to economise fuel, and make long voyages; as, thereby, she will use the steam-power only in cases of emergency or contrary winds. Her principal dimensions and probable armament are as follow: -

The rate of speed attained by the trial-trip on Saturday was about 8� miles an hour: but this is expected to be increased to 10, when she is fully equipped, and some improvements made on the after part of the ship, which, at present, does not allow the water to flow properly to the propeller.

The engines are of an entirely new construction and principle to what Mr. Napier has heretofore been in the habit of turning out. They work horizontally, instead of perpendicularly, thereby enabling the power to be applied direct to the cranks, and, when in motion, present a most beautiful and interesting appearance. They are almost entirely composed of burnished metal and brass. and have been declared, by every one acquainted with such matters, as altogether perfect and unique. The cylinders are 84 inches in diameter by four feet stroke, and are calculated to drive the propeller at from 26 to 32 strokes per minute.

The Dauntless is not yet in commission, but will be so forthwith. She is looked forward to with great interest by all naval men.

SG & SGTL 30 Dec 1848

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