1817- 1820	British and American 74s	413

Americans, how did they act? Why their rating system was founded upon deception, and deception alone. They built "44s," and mounted them with 56 guns; and they have since built "74s," and mounted them with 102 guns, on three flush decks : although, owing to inability to bear the weight, from some error in the construction of the hull, the two first-built ships went to sea with no more than 82 guns.

While on the subject of the American 74s, we will, having the means in our power, compare the force of one of the smallest of them with that of a British 74 of the middling class ; a class that exceeds in number all the other line-classes in the British navy put together; and the only class of 74, which, in the event of a contest, the Americans would admit to be an equal match for a ship of theirs bearing the same denomination. Let us take the Albion. That ship mounts 28 long 32-pounders, weighing 55 cwt., upon her first deck, 28 long 18s upon her second deck, six long 12-pounders and 12 carronades, 32-pounders, on her quarterdeck and forecastle, and six 18-pounder carronades on her poop ; total, 80 guns. Her net war complement is 594 men and boys, including 32 of the latter ; and her measurement 1743 tons. The American 74-gun ship Franklin mounts 30 long 32-pounders, of 63 cwt., upon her first deck, 32 medium 32-pounders, of 52 cwt., on the second deck, and two of the same guns and 18 carronades, 32-pounders, on the quarterdeck and forecastle ; total, 82 guns. Her complement actually on board in 1818 was 786 men and boys, including but eight or 10 of the latter ; and she measures 2124 tons. Admitting then, these ships to be mutually opposed, the following would be their comparative force

So much for the equality of force between an American 74 and a British 74 of the class of the Albion ; and yet, were a war to break out to-morrow, Sir William Hoste * would consider himself peculiarly fortunate (and where is the captain of a British 74, indeed, who would not ?) in falling in with the Franklin, commanded by the most renowned of the American commodores.

We will now proceed to state a few particulars respecting the construction, equipment, and qualifications of the Franklin, the result of an inspection of the ship when she lay at Spithead in January, 1818 ; and which particulars, to the British public at least, are as novel, as it is hoped they will prove interesting.

* The Albion's captain till June, 1825.

^ back to top ^