Naval Database

Saturn, 1786
Type: 3rd rate † ; Armament 74
Launched : 1786 ; Disposal date or year : 1868
Notes:

14 Jun 1795 the British fleet, then off Minorca, joined by a squadron from Gibraltar and England, including the Saturn, Captain James Douglas.

8 Jul 1795, the fleet, at anchor at in San-Fiorenzo bay, once aware that the French fleet was close by, gave chase. It was sighted on the 13th and later the order was given for the general chase, but apart from the loss of a 74 by the French the result was inconclusive and resulted in not a little criticism, the consequence perhaps being Admiral Hotham's resignation on 1 Nov 1795.

6 Aug 1795, Admiral Hotham put to sea on a cruise, sighting the French fleet in Toulon road.

5 Oct 1795, a squadron under Rear-admiral Mann, including the Saturn, sailed from San-Fiorenzo in pursuit of a French squadron returning from Toulon to Brest ; but too late !

11 Jan 1800 a ship's boat going out to Spithead got on shore near Blockhouse Point and upset. One man was drowned and the rest got ashore safely. I turns out that the coxswain and the boat's crew were drunk.

25 Jan 1800 a court martial was held on board the Gladiator, in Portsmouth harbour, on Captain Totty, of the Saturn, for running on board the Prince. He was acquitted, the accident being caused by the darkness of the night and other causes.

Circa 12 Mar 1801 fleet under Admiral Sir Hyde Parker sailed from Yarmouth roads for Copenhagen. 31 Mar Copenhagen : remained anchored off the Middle Ground with Admiral Parker whilst Nelson sailed with the rest of the fleet for the forthcoming engagement. 2 Apr moved closer to Copenhagen.

12 Apr 1801 the fleet sailed from Copenhagen into the Baltic.

8 May 1801 to cruise off Carlscrona.

23 Jul 1802 head money for those present at the Engagement at Copenhagen, on the 2d April 1801, due for payment.

May 1805 Portsmouth, fitting in Ordinary.

22 Mar 1808 action between a British squadron and the two French frigates Italienne and Seine, off the port of Lorient.

† 1812-13 Majestic, Goliath, and Saturn were cut down, fore-and-aft, to the clamps of the quarterdeck and forecastle. Each ship was allowed to retain her first-deck battery of 28 long 32-pounders, and, in lieu of her 28 long 18-pounders on the second deck, she received an equal number of 42-pounder carronades, besides two long 12-pounders as chase-guns, making 58 guns on two flush decks, with a net complement of 495 men and boys.

Portsmouth 3 Jan 1814 Arrived from the westward, and is appointed to take the next convoy to the North East Coast of America.

Portsmouth 27 Jan 1814 Will sail Saturday, with a convoy for Bermuda, Halifax, and the Bahamas, weather permitting.

Portsmouth 14 Feb 1814 Sailed with the Bermuda and Halifax convoy, the peristent fog having lifted.

25 May 1814 captured a U.S. privateer, the 10 gun schooner Hussar with 98 men.

31 Oct 1814 Endymion received from the Saturn, to replace the severe loss she had sustained, one lieutenant, four midshipmen, and 33 seamen and marines.

Halifax 7 Dec 1814 Remains.

Plymouth 27 Mar 1815 Arrived from the coast of America.

Jul 1830 Lazaretto (quarantine/hospital ship) at Milford.

20 Dec 1848 Quarantine Service at Milford.

30 Aug 1851 Pembroke Dock.

1860 Administration Ship for the Port of Pembroke [Dock].

1 April 1862 Pembroke. Commissioned as RNR Drill Ship for Service at Pembroke Dock.

1864 Home Station, as RNR Drill Ship at Pembroke Dock. Number of Cases of Disease and Injury.