Queen Charlotte (1802 ship)

Queen Charlotte was a smack launched in 1802 in Berwick for the Old Ship Company of Berwick. She repelled in 1804 the attack of a French privateer in a single-ship action. A collier ran Queen Charlotte down and sank her on 26 October 1826.

For other ships with the same name, see Queen Charlotte (ship).

History
United Kingdom
Name: Queen Charlotte
Operator: Old Ship Company[Note 1]
Builder: Gowan, Berwick[2]
Launched: 1802
Fate: Sunk 26 October 1827
General characteristics
Tons burthen: 136 (bm)
Sail plan: Smack
Armament: 6 × 18-pounder carronades + 2 (or 4) × 4-pounder guns

Career

Queen Charlotte first appeared in Lloyd's Register (LR) in 1802.[3] The Old Ship Company advertised that she had been armed by the government.[4] The government had a program of arming merchantmen to enable them to protect themselves from French privateers.

Year Master Owner Trade Source
1802 Wm. Nesbitt Old Ship Company Leith–London LR

On 24 January 1804, the packet Queen Charlotte, under the command of William Nisbett and belonging to the Old Shipping Company, of Berwick, encountered a French privateer cutter of 14 guns. The privateer fired a shot and called on Nisbet to surrender. Nisbett fired back and an engagement of more than an hour and a half ensued before the privateer sailed away empty-handed. In the fight, Nisbett and another seaman were wounded.[1]

Year Master Owner Trade Source & notes
1805 Wm. Nesbitt Old Ship Company Leith–London LR
1820 Wm. Nesbitt Old Ship Company Leith–London LR; good repair 1813
1827 G.Crabb Old Ship Company London coaster LR; good repair 1813 & 1821

Fate

Queen Charlotte, James Nicholson, master, left Leith on 16 October 1827 with 11 passengers and 76 puncheons of "superior whisky" destined for a "gude Scott" of London. On 27 October the collier Silvia (or Sylvan), of Shields ran into her off Lowestoffe and cut her in half. Nicholson barely had time to get his crew and passengers aboard Silvia before Queen Charlotte sank without a trace.[5]

Notes, citations, and references

Notes

  1. The London and Leith Old Ship Company had been founded in Berwick but transferred to Leith early in the 19th century.[1]

Citations

  1. Martine (1888), pp. 2–3.
  2. Berwick Built Ships - 1800-1840.
  3. LR (1802), "P" supple. pages.
  4. Caledonian Mercury (Edinburgh, Scotland), 28 May 1808; Issue 13484.
  5. "Loss Of The Queen Charlotte Leith Smack". Times (London, England), 29 October 1827; pg. 2; Issue 13422.

References

  • Martine, John (1888). Reminiscences of Port and Town of Leith.
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