Dochfour (or Douchfour) was launched in March 1810 at Bristol. She sent much of her career as a West Indiaman, sailing between Bristol and Grenada. She was wrecked in October 1846.

History
United Kingdom
NameDochfour
NamesakeLoch Dochfour
BuilderSydenham Teast, Bristol
Launched24 March 1810
FateWrecked 23 October 1846
General characteristics [1]
Tons burthen300, or 3434294, or 383[2] (bm)
Length104 ft 4 in (31.8 m)
Beam29 ft 8 in (9.0 m)

Career

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Dochfour was the first vessel launched at Bristol after the completion of the Floating Harbour in 1809.[3][4]

Dockfour first appeared in Lloyd's Register (LR) in the volume for 1810.[2]

Year Master Owner Trade Source
1810 J.Bayley A.J.Robe Bristol–Grenada LR

On 11 August 1813 USS Argus was off Lundy capturing vessels from the homeward bound Leeward Islands Fleet. Dochfour, Baillie, master, was able to escape by using a stratagem. Knowing that he had no chance of escaping, Baillie hoisted a naval ensign and steered towards Argus. Argus was more interested in commerce raiding than combat and sailed towards the other merchantmen.[3] A few days later, on 14 August, HMS Pelican found Argus and captured her after a severe engagement.[5]

On 25 June 1823 Maria, Williams, master, from Jamaica, and Dochfour, Bailey, master, from Grenada, ran on shore in the River Avon, Bristol. Maria was stuck in the mud near the entrance to the Basin. However, Dochfour was further down the river and in a more dangerous situation. Both were got off that night on the next tide, Dochfour with the assistance of HM cutter Vigilant.[6][5]

During a severe gale on 20 June 1835 at Quebec, Dochfour ran foul of Favorite. Both sustained some damage.[7]

Year Master Owner Trade Source & notes
1845 Wakeham Beeston & Co. Bristol–Quebec LR; large repair 1835, damages repaired 1835, & small repairs 1845

Fate

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Dochfour was wrecked on 23 October 1846 on Cape Bon Ann, Maine, United States. Her crew were rescued. She was on a voyage from Bristol to Quebec City.[8]

Citations

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  1. ^ Farr (1950), p. 42.
  2. ^ a b LR (1810), Supple. pages "D", Seq.No.D34.
  3. ^ a b Powell (1930), p. 338.
  4. ^ Farr (1971), p. 1.
  5. ^ a b Farr (1950), p. 43.
  6. ^ "The Marine List". Lloyd's List. No. 5815. 27 June 1823. hdl:2027/mdp.39015004293968.
  7. ^ "Shipping Intelligence". 25 July 1835. Caledonian Mercury (Edinburgh, Scotland), issue: 17793.
  8. ^ "Ship News". The Standard. No. 6954. London. 23 November 1846.

References

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  • Farr, Graeme (1971). Bristol Shipbuilding in the 19th Century. Bristol Branch of the Historical Association.
  • Powell, J. W. Damer (1930). Bristol privateers and ships of war. J.W. Arrowsmith: Bristol.
  • Farr, Grahame E., ed. (1950). Records of Bristol Ships, 1800-1838 (vessels over 150 tons). Vol. 15. Bristol Record Society.