HMS Hermes was the Dutch cutter Mercuur, that the Amsterdam Admiralty purchased in 1781 or 1782. (Mercuur was a brig when captured.) HMS Sylph captured her off the Texel on 12 May 1796 after a chase during which Mercuur threw all but two of her guns overboard.[3]
| History | |
|---|---|
  The Netherlands | |
| Name | Mercuur |
| Launched | 1781 |
| Captured | 12 May 1796 |
 Great Britain | |
| Name | HMS Hermes |
| Acquired | 1796 by capture |
| Fate | Foundered 31 January 1797 |
| General characteristics [1][2] | |
| Type | brig-sloop |
| Tons burthen | 210 (bm)[2] |
| Length | 85' (Amsterdam foot)[a] |
| Beam | 30' |
| Depth of hold | 13' |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Complement |
|
| Armament |
|
The British Royal Navy commissioned her in July 1796 under Commander William Mulso, for the North Sea.[2]
Hermes disappeared during a gale on 31 January 1797.[2] She was presumed to have foundered with all hands.[4]
See also edit
Notes edit
- ^ All linear measurements are in Amsterdam feet (voet) of 11 Amsterdam inches (duim) (see Dutch units of measurement). The Amsterdam foot is about 8% shorter than an English foot.
Citations edit
- ^ van Maanen (2008), p. 22.
- ^ a b c d Winfield (2008), p. 290.
- ^ "No. 13894". The London Gazette. 21 May 1796. p. 491.
- ^ Hepper (1994), p. 83.
References edit
- Hepper, David J. (1994). British Warship Losses in the Age of Sail, 1650–1859. Rotherfield: Jean Boudriot. ISBN 0-948864-30-3.
- van Maanen, Ron (20 June 2008). "Preliminary list of Dutch naval vessel built or required in the period 1700-1799" (PDF).
- Winfield, Rif (2008). British Warships in the Age of Sail 1793–1817: Design, Construction, Careers and Fates. Seaforth Publishing. ISBN 978-1-86176-246-7.
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