SIR JOHN GORSTasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether he had any information to give the House with reference to the reports circulated to-day regarding Her Majesty's Ship Bellerophon?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. HIBBERT)I am glad to give the House what information I possess. It appears that Her Majesty's Ship Bellerophon arrived at Madeira on 1768 January 26, and was expected to sail from there on January 28 at noon. The Commanding Officer stated that unless he met with very contrary winds during the first five days he would not go to St. Vincent, but would make his way direct to Barbados, as he thought that course would be more expeditious. He hoped, with luck, to arrive at Barbados about February 17. The Bellerophon did not call at St. Vincent; and it is assumed that she has met with head winds, and having burnt more coal than calculated on, she is economizing the same and proceeding under sail. The Hydrographer of the Admiralty thinks she might be 30 days in doing the distance. It is, therefore, the opinion of the Admiralty that there is no cause for anxiety. My noble Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty has telegraphed to Barbados, asking that the earliest information should be sent to him of the vessel's arrival there.