Remark-book of the H.M.S. Alert, 1847-1849: Finding Aid

History of H.M.S. Alert (Sloop)

H.M.S. Alert, a packet brig, was ordered July 29, 1834, laid down in September 1834, and fitted out between September 25, 1835 and January 20, 1836 at Chatham. She was first commissioned on December 30, 1835, under the command of Lieutenant Harvey Norrington for duty at Falmouth.

Starting in April 1843, with work completing that September, Alert was converted to a sloop, and was recommissioned on July 28, 1843. Under the command of Commander Charles John Bosanquet, she sailed for the west coast of Africa in suppression of the slave trade. Between May 1845 and January 1846, she captured the slavers Triumpho de Inveja (May 23, 1845), Adelaide (August 12, 1845), Voador (October 3, 1845), Bra Sorte (November 15, 1845), and Emprehendedora (January 21, 1846). She underwent repairs at Plymouth from July until November 1847, and was recommissioned on October 25, 1847, Commander Hugh Dunlop in command. Under Dunlop, she returned to the west coast of Africa, capturing the slavers Maria (April 7), Lawrence (September 29), and Andorinha (October 11) between April and October 1848. H.M.S. Alert was broken up at Plymouth, England in May 1851.

Description of Contents

The Remark-book of the H.M.S. Alert, comprising 0.13 linear feet of documentation in a single volume of 133 leaves, spans from 1847 to 1849. The remark-book was kept by Alert's captain, Commander Hugh Dunlop, while on station off West Africa to suppress the slave trade.

Arrangement

The Remark-book of the H.M.S. Alert comprises a single volume.

Access and Use

Access

Patron use restricted to microfilm.

Copyright and Permission

The Remark-book of the H.M.S. Alert is the physical property of Nimitz Library. Copyright belongs to the authors or creators of the works, or their legal representatives. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.

It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure written permission to publish, reprint, or reproduce material from Special Collections & Archives. The researcher assumes responsibility for infringement of copyright or literary or publication rights. Please contact the Head, Special Collections & Archives for permission to publish and for further information.

Acquisition and Appraisal

Provenance and Acquisition

Purchased from G. E. Stechert. Accessioned on June 5, 1888. Accession No. 28921.

Related Materials

Location of Copies or Alternate Formats

This collection also available on microfilm.

Related Archival Material

Additional Royal Navy logbooks available in this repository include the Log Book of Proceedings on board His Majesty's Ship Valiant, 1811-1813, MS 156; Log of the H.M.S. Theseus, H.M.S. Royal George, H.M.S. Sophie, and H.M.S. Seahorse, 1806-1811, MS 155; Order Book of the H.M.S. Penguin, 1808-1876 (bulk 1810-1814), MS 58; and Log Book of the H.M.S. Wasp and the H.M.S. Eridanus, 1813-1817, MS 157.

Logbooks for H.M.S. Valiant are available in British Royal Navy logbooks, 1808-1840, MSS97923 at the Library of Congress.

Materials Cataloged Separately

No materials have been removed from this collection and cataloged separately.

Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

Remark-book of the H.M.S. Alert, MS 59

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Selected Bibliography

The following sources were consulted during preparation of the biographical note:

Winfield, Rif. British Warships in the Age of Sail 1817-1863: Design, Construction, Careers and Fates. Barnsley, South Yorkshire: Seaforth Publishing, 2014.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Mary R. Catalfamo. Finding aid written by David D'Onofrio in May 2020.

Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

• Alert (Sloop)
• Dunlop, Hugh, 1806-1887
• Great Britain. Royal Navy -- History -- 19th century
• Slave-trade -- Africa, West

Genre Terms

• Manuscripts
• Ships' logs

Additional Creator/Author

• Dunlop, Hugh, 1806-1887