Reinforcements for the British American squadron, &c.
--A letter from Wolwich,
England, of the 7th of May, reports:
The Government is now adopting energetic measures for the immediate dispatch of a powerful squadron of first and second class steam vessels and armed gunboats for the protection of British interests in the
American waters.
Commodore J. R. Drummond, C. B., superintendent of this dock-yard, received a communication from the admiralty this day, requiring information as to the vessels forward for service, one first class steam vessel, in addition to the Driver sloop, and six gun vessels, being required from this yard.
Similar reports are also required from other dock-yards.
Commander Horatio Nelson this day arrived at
Woolwich, to commission the Driver, six steam sloop, under orders to form a part of the North American squadron.
Her crew, one hundred and seventy seamen, was obtained within one hour from the Fisgard flag ship.--The Driver has recently undergone complete reconstruction, and was docked this day for final examination before receiving her crew, who are now burthened on the
Hebe hulk.--
Mr. Patterson, appointed last week master of the Driver, has recently returned from
China, where he served on board the Weasel gunboat, and received eleven wounds in action.
In consequence of continued indisposition, he was this day superceded, and entered on the books of the Fisgard flag-ship on full pay until his recovery.
The Driver is ordered to ship her crew on Friday, and is expected to leave for
Portsmouth on Saturday next.
A letter from
Portsmouth dock-yard of the 8th of May, says the
Flying Fish, six screw steam sloop,
Commander Hope, (attached to the channel squadron,) left
Spithead this morning under steam, and proceeded to the westward.
The Driver, six steam sloop,
Commander Horatio Nelson, was this day inspected in the dry dock.
She is in excellent condition, and the whole of her berths, etc., are ready to receive her officers and crew, who will join on Friday, for the American station.
