THE ARMAMENT. 
31 
cumspection and caution. Larger engines would also 
have reduced the space for coals, while they would have 
consumed a much greater quantity. It must, however, 
be confessed, that the speed of the three vessels was less 
than it ought to have been. This was very apparent on 
our leaving England, when heavily laden ; and little im- 
provement was observable when they became light, 
causing our voyage out to be unusually long. There 
were, however, so many desiderata in such an under- 
taking, that it was difficult to adapt the vessels to every 
circumstance. 
Although the mission was essentially one of peace, it 
was necessary it should have an imposing appearance. 
The armament of the two larger vessels was in each, 
one long brass twelve-pounder, two brass twelve-pounder 
howitzers, and four brass one-pounder swivels, besides 
musketoons and small arms. The 'Soudan’ had one 
howitzer, and two swivels of similar calibre. 
Instead of the ordinary covering to the paddle-boxes, 
Captain Smith’s boats were adopted, which lying bottom 
upwards, served as a covering to the paddle-wheels, and 
being large and buoyant boats, easily turned over and 
lowered into the water, they proved of very great 
service, especially in the operation of bringing wood 
for fuel, &c. 
There were several other ingenious contrivances, but 
their questionable utility did not compensate for the 
expense and sacrifice of time in preparing them. 
They were square-rigged foreward and schooner aft, 
