The EARL of WILTONcalled the attention of the House to the extraordinary rapidity with which the above ships, from being totally unrigged, were lately fitted out for sea. In two days and a half they were fitted out, even to heavy ordnance and all sorts of provisions, for whatever service they might be required for. Nothing was more calculated to show the nations of Europe what our navy was capable of, in the event of our being forced to engage in the greatest of calamities, war.
§ The EARL of ELLENBOROUGHbore testimony to the truth of the description given of the energy and skill of the crews of those vessels.
The MARQUESS of CLANRICARDEremarked, that it would be better to make such an experiment as that alluded to on a ship in commission, than on one which had immediately to be unrigged, after having been fitted out for sea in the manner described.
§ The EARL of ELLENBOROUGHThis experiment was merely resorted to for the purpose of seeing in how short a time advance ships could be fitted out for sea. The experiment, he need not say, was perfectly satisfactory, though it was unnecessary to put the ships alluded to in commission.
The EARL of WILTONhad merely alluded to the experiment as a great feat on the part of the captains, officers, and crews of the ships which had been named.
§ Their Lordships then adjourned to Thursday.