"The Calcutta," from the Illustrated London News, 21 March 1846, page 196

Fitting out of the Calcutta at Devonport

Calcutta 84 guns

See the page in the ILN

TIHE FITTING-OUT OF THE "CALCUTTA." If anything could have been wanting to assure us of the dexterity of British tars-of their ability to accomplish even what would heretofore have been esteemed impossibilities, and of their readiness, under good treatment and judicious command, to engage with almost superhuman spirit and energy in any work to which they may consistently with their calling be appointed-it would be abundantly afforded by the smart and seaman-like act just performed by the crew of the Albion in fitting-out the Calcutta, 84 gun ship, at Devonport. The esprit they have evinced is worthy of the naval supremacy of their country; and the steadiness, and quiet and orderly perseverance they have shown, have earned for them a fame which will not be without its effect upon the entire Navy. In reference to the Calcutta, an amount of work has been done in a manner and within a time that is quite unprecedented. The alacrity displayed by the Albion's people could not have been exceeded: from the hearty Captain N. Lockyer, C.B., and the highly respected Commander, W. Chambers, down to the youngest boy in the ship, all have been animated with those feelings which at once proclaim the British seaman, and his indomitable energies. Immediately upon its being known that the crew of the Albion was to fit out the Calcutta, each man on board appeared to be delighted with the contemplation of the work chalked out; nor were these little inducements withheld which an officer always has at command, and which, though sometimes thought trifling in themselves, have no trivial influence with the men, and more closely bind them to their officers, as shown in the attentive and quick dispatch of the orders given. The fitting-out of the Calcutta excited the greatest possible interest among nautical men; for the excellent discipline on board and the smartness of the men were well known, and proportionate to this were the expectations indulged in as to the celerity they would exhibit. These have, however, fallen far short of the actual result. It is but justice to the Captain, Commander, Master, and other officers, to observe that in no point could the work have been done better than it has been. There was no bustling or driving: all went noiselessly on; the entire crew, seamen and marines, were admirably stationed, and everything that would occasion confusion or any waste of time, was avoided. It is proper to mention also, that not the slightest assistance was derived from any quarter whatever. On Monday morning (the 9th inst.), at six o clock, the ship was ready for operations, but in no way furthered-there had been no preparatory work done. On Monday evening, the main-yard was up; cross-jack-top, mizen topsail-yard, mizen and topgallant-masts on end, &c. On Tuesday morning, the fore-yard, fore main-topsail-yard, and topgallant-mast were fitted; in the evening the rigging was rattled down, the stores on board; the main and lower deck guns, in, &c. In fact, by Tuesday night, the ship was completely rigged and tolerably ready for sea; but, the starboard watch had not completed drawing all the stores, namely, hemp cables, and a few of the sea-stores, together with some spare spars which had to be got from the mast-pond. With the exception of these, the ship was ready; and by Wednesday at noon, all was on board but a few articles which were afterwards supplied. This having been done, all was accomplished; the tanks were in, stores, mess utensils, &c. complete; and, in saying that she was ready for sea, we mean perfectly ready in every respect and particular. She was in a position to cope with any enemy, As far as her general fitments were concerned. On Thursday morning, at half-past nine, she was hauled off; and, at one o'clock, when the tide suited, was towed into the Sound by the Tartarus steamer, and the Confiance tug. The whole of the work had been achieved within six-and-thirty working hours; for although she did not go into the Sound until Thursday, she was, to all intents and purposes, finished the day preceding.- Abridged from the Devonport Independent. The annexed Engraving of the Calcutta is from a drawing by Mr. Hornbrook. the marine artist, of Charlotte-street, Fitzroy-square.