SIR JOHN HAYsaid, he would beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, To state to the House the number of petty officers, seamen, marines, and boys constituting the complement of the so-called "Flying Squadron," and the numbers that have died, deserted, or been invalided up to the latest accounts received from Rear Admiral Hornby?
§ MR. CHILDERSThe complement and supernumeraries of the Flying Squadron amounted to 2,882 petty officers, seamen, marines, and boys. Of these, up to the last accounts from Admiral Hornby, 33 had died or been invalided, and 221 had deserted or were stragglers. It is believed that many belong to the latter category, having taken free advantage of the hospitality of the Colonies, where they even had passes over the railways. As many as 16 were recovered out of those who absented themselves at Melbourne. Of the 221 only 92 were bonâ fide seamen, and two were petty officers.