APPENDIX. A. THE dimensions of the "Pleiad" have already been given at ge 5; the accompanying lithographic plans are so complete hardly to require any description. Figure A is a section along the level of the lower deck, howing her internal arrangements and the abundant cabin ccommodation. Figure B is a longitudinal section, which particularly exhibits the angle and shape of the stem, the rake of the masts, the line of the shaft, and the draught of water. The ample height between decks, from six and a half to nearly eight feet is very striking. Figure c is a section, principally exhibiting the upper deck plan, and also displaying well her great beam. Figure D is a horizontal section, showing the shape of her bottom, and giving a foreshortened view of half the bow. Not only was the "Pleiad " admirably adapted for her work, but the extreme beauty of her model must at once be perceived. She sailed very well indeed, was very stiff and dry, and the only fault which could be found with her was that she was rather slow in staying. She had a shifting fan, which was found very useful and convenient, as it could be unshipped, hoisted on deck, and again shipped within five minutes. COPY. ADMIRALTY INSTRUCTIONS, ADDRESSED TO THE LATE ADMIRALTY, 23rd May, 1854. SIR,-Her Majesty's Government having determined to send an expedition to the river Chadda, in Central Africa, and understanding that you have expressed your willingness to be the leader of such an expedition, and H.M. Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs having granted permission for you to be absent from your Consulate, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you that they have accepted your offer, and you are hereby directed to take charge of the expedition for exploring the river Chadda, and all those forming a part of the said expedition are required to obey your orders. You will be accompanied by Dr. Baikie, a medical officer of the Royal Navy, who is a naturalist, and has been preparing himself during the past year with this object. Possibly also Dr. Bleek, Ph.D., of Bonn, an ethnologist, will be of the party. It is further understood that the Rev. Mr. Crowther, from Sierra Leone, will avail himself of this opportunity of ascending the river. The vessel prepared for this expedition is the "Pleiad," an iron screw steamer of 260 tons burthen, rigged as a schooner. She is 100 feet in length, 24 feet beam, engines of 60 horse power, and having 7 feet draught of water, with three months provisions and stores on board, and twenty days' coal of twelve hours each. She is officially reported on her trial of speed, at Liverpool, to have made ten knots an hour in smooth water. There will be, in addition to this vessel, two 50 feet sectional iron trade boats, and the consular boat, all three of which will be towed from Fernando Po, as far as the entrance of the Chadda, or farther if necessary. This is an error, Mr. Crowther having for several years been stationed at Abbeokúta in the Yoruba country, and more lately at Lagos. |