H.M.S. NEPTUNE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1890, 15 March 1880, Page 3

H.M.S. NEPTUNE.

Her Majesty’s ship Neptune, after tmdorgoing many vicissitudes and changes, is announced as likely to be fit for the pennant by the end of March. The Neptune hag more powerful engines than any ship in the Navy, the indicated energy of her machinery being set down at 9000 horse-power, but so many years have lapsed since the launching of the monster ironclad that the metal structure must inevitably have suffered. Moreover, as the Independencia, it will be remembered, the ship was considerably damaged at the period of its launch, and for some time remained in the Thames in a half-sunken condition near Blackwall. In these circumstances, the Government permitted the contractors to take the ship into one of the docks in the Woolwich yard, and here she remained until made seaworthy again. The Brazilian Government, in the meantime, appeared to have repented- their bargain, and were desirous of laying out their money upon something better than a masted turret-ship, and an arrangement was come to whereby the British nation became the possessors of the craft. The sum paid was unwards of six hundred thousand pounds, and the Independencia became the Neptune. At the time of purchase the craft was armed with heavy Whitworth guns, but these have been removed and replaced by muzzle-loaders of the ordinary Woolwich pattern, other alterations of an equally important nature being carried out at the same time. In fact, a very largo sum has been required, besides that originally spent, to fit the vessel for the British Navy. The Neptune is heavily armored, and carries six big guns in her turrets and batteries, after the manner of the Monarch. She is a masted turret-ship, a rare exception to the majority of British battle ships. The Neptune will be fitted as a flagship, and will probably proceed to the Mediterranean, doubtless relieving the Alexandra or Temeraire, both of which are shortly to return home for repair. In this case she will hoist the flag of Sir Beauchamp Seymour, the officer selected to succeed Admiral Hornby as Naval Oommander-in-Ohief in the Mediterranean.