2-913-701 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Launch of H.M. Gun-Boat "Pelter", and the Portuguese Steam-ship "Dom Pedro Secondo", at Northfleet, 1854. Dockyard on the River Thames in Kent. Gunboat '...which Mr. Pitcher has been ordered to build for her Majesty's navy...The dimensions of the boat are - length between the perpendiculars, 100 feet; extreme breadth, 22 feet; depth in hold, 7 feet 10 inches. The burden is 212 tons. The engines intended for her have been manufactured by Messrs. Penn and Co, on the high-pressure principle, and are of 60 horse power. Her armament wil! consist of two guns of 95 cwt., which will be capable of throwing solid shot of 8 in diameter...the Don Pedro...a fine commercial screw-vessel...has been constructed by Mr. Pitcher for the Luizo Brazileiro Steam Company [as a] passenger vessel to run between Lisbon and Rio Janeiro...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.