Indian Antiquary Vol 32

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 91

-FEBRUARY, 1908.] THE ANDAMANS IN THE XVIIITH CENTURY.
Service she can do as a Transport, is proportioned to the Expence She is to the Government, and on a private Account, because I find that her Sailing Charges has been considerably more than what I represented it would be to Government, and which in consequence was allowed me. When I did myself the honor of offering her to Government it was at a period when a more proper Vessel could not be spared or procured for the service of the Andamans; I however think that in the present reduced state of the Settlement, the Cornwallis Snow and Sea Horse Brig will suffice to supply it with Provisions and Stores, with occasionally freighting a Vessel for the transporting of Grain which is infinitely the cheapest way of supplying the Settlement with that Article. Altho' the Nautilus from her small size is not fit for a transport, yet from her qualities as an exceeding fast Sailer, I think she is particularly well suited for a Dispatch Vessel, to any of the Company's Possessions on this side the Cape of Good Hope, and if she could be useful in this way I should be very glad that Government will purchase her for this purpose, and shall be content to receive the lowest Value that may be put upon her by any professional Set of Men. I am chiefly wishful that she may be disposed of in this way as it may be the means of keeping Mr. Timins her Commander in an employment for which he is exceedingly well qualified, and that he deserves well of the public for his services as Chief Officer and occasionally as Commander of the Nautilus, with the Squadron under Commodore Mitchell.
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I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most Obedient humble Servant, (Signed) A. Kyd Superintendant Andamans.
12th September 1795.
Agreed according to the Recommendation of the Superintendant at the Andamans, that the Nautilus Brig be discharged from that Establishment, and that the Marine Board be desired to issue the necessary Directions in Consequence.
With respect to the Dispatch Brig the Board agree that it may be proper to discharge her also from the Service, and to dispose of her at public Sale; but the Resolution is not final, and is to wait the return of the Vessel from Port Cornwallis.
In regard to the proposed service for the Nautilus, Agreed that the Proposition shall lie for Consideration.
Ordered that Major Kyd be informed of the Resolution passed concerning the Vessel.
1795. No. XIX.
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Fort William 25th September 1795.
The Secretary reports that the Dispatch Brig arrived this morning from Port Cornwallis, and brought a Packet directed to Major Kyd or in his absence to the Secretary of the Government, that Major Kyd being absent it was opened, and that it was found to contain the following Letter from Lieutenant Ramsay in temporary Charge of the Settlement at the Andamans.
To Major Kyd, Superintendant at the Andamans.
Sir, On the 13th Instant I had the honor to receive your favour of the 28th July by the Dispatch Brig and on the 20th I received your subsequent letter by the Snow Cornwallis, Both of these Vessels experienced tempestuous Weather in their Voyage to this Port, but I am happy to inform you their Cargoes sustained very little injury.
The want of Naval Stores I am apprehensive may detain the Cornwallis longer in Harbour than could be wished her Sails and Rigging requiring a thorough repair before She can with prudence proceed to Sea Lieutenant Lawrence has few Stores on board and we are incapable of affording him an immediate Supply.
I have directed the Commissary to indent on the Naval Storekeeper for a variety of marine Stores necessary for the use of the Boats and Vessels attached to the Settlement and earnestly request they may be sent to us at the earliest opportunity.