Important from Bermuda.
--Files of the Bermuda Gazette to the 11th ult., have been received. Great activity prevailed at the Islands, in consequence of the additions made and to be made to the strength of the North American squadron--in view, it is supposed, of the war in the United States.The Admiralty has chartered the sailing transports Gondola, Queen, Wanderer, Elizabeth, Peninsula, Samaria, Hero of the Hill, Black Eagle, Patrician, Eva, Rambler, Duchess of Sutherland, Northumberland, Britannia and Wyo, to take military stores from Woolwich to the West Indian station and the British possessions in America. A large number of Armstrong guns for the different fortifications will be sent by these vessels, and the whole of the magazines and arsenals will be placed off a war footing.
‘ The Gazette, in another article, has the following:
Her Majesty's Government have decided on adding largely to the number of ships on this command. The Mersey, 40, sc., Capt. Caldwell, C. B., which splendid frigate was recently here on her way home from Jamaica, left Portsmouth on the 12th under steam for this station. Four other vessels have also been commissioned — we have the names, however, of only three, viz: the Driver, the Rinaldo, and the Challenger.
The Driver, 6, paddle wheel steam sloop, Commander Horatio Nelson, has received, in addition to her other armament, a 100-pounder Armstrong pivot gun. The D. is said to be exceedingly well manned, both in officers and men. The Rinaldo, 17, sc., Commander Hewett, V. C., is just commissioned. The Challenger, 22, sc., corvette, Captain John J. Kennedy, C. R., has a compliment of 280 officers and men. Another first-class steamer and six gunboats will soon be ordered to join the fleet under the command of Sir Alexander Miln, who has received special instructions for his guidance in the difficult and ticklish work before him.
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