Admiralty, I believe that an efficient Steamer ought to have two 20 Pounder breech-loading guns on deck. They are the smallest that exceed a mere field-gun, and are said not to require many men to work them, and it is not impossible that they could be procured from Woolwich.
No steamer of required description could be found in the market. In fact, no small iron-hulled steamer would be constructed of sufficient strength to carry any ordnance on deck; and the magazines would require special provision. It would be better to build, and the time required is said to be not more than six months.
I made inquiries through Capt. Forster of the Admiralty, in London, at Birkenhead, and in the Clyde. Without going into detail, the result in general terms was that a steamer of from 430 to 450 Tons O.M. (including engine-room), length 145 or 150 feet, beam about 25 feet, twin-screw engines of 120 Horse power, and a speed of 12 knots, could be had for £15,000 to £16,000. I fear that she could hardly be made to draw less than 10 or 11 feet water.
From what I have observed of other steamers somewhat similar in size, I do not...