Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com
1854
Friday 6 January 1854
Globe
Letters from the Mediterranean announce that Lieutenant Herbert of the Bellerophon is appointed to the Inflexible, vice Oldfield, to the Bellerophon. The Rev. Antony Salkeld M.A., Chaplain of the Retribution, has leave of Admiral Dundas to come to England. Theatrical performances were the order of the evening on board the ships. Commander Heath of the Niger, has had six weeks leave granted him by Admiral Dundas, to enable him to go to Malta and get married.
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Wednesday 18 January 1854
Sun (London)
The British Fleet in the Black Sea and at Constantinople
It appeas that Admiral Dundas has taken with him into the Black Sea about half of his force - namely, four line-of-battle ships and five steamers, exclusive of the two steamers detached. The following is the division and distribution - - - Brittania, Agamemnon, Rodney, Vengeance, Sanspareil, 71, screw, Captain R.C. Dacres.
The following force remained at Constantinople - Jan. 1:-
Trafalgar, 120, Captain Greville, Queen, 116, Captain Michell, London, 90, Captain Eden, Albion, 90, Captain Lushington, Bellerophon, 78, Capt. Lord G. Paget, Leander, 50, Captain King, Arethusa, 50, Captain Mends, Niger (srew), 14, Commander Heath, Fury, (Paddle), 6, Captain Tatham.
Saturday 11 February 1854
Hampshire Advertiser
The Combined Fleets in the Bosphorus.
We have our own letters from the British fleet, one of which dated Sinope, January 15, says"A French steam-frigate suddenly ordered back to Constantinople enables me to communicate that both fleets here are ordered back to Constantinople, and leave this tomorrow, order to this effect, I believe, having been received yesterday from somewhere. Such an unexpected move is not what we expected. When the Retribution arrived at Sabastopol the other day, they were more peremptory in ordering her to "move off" than you may gather from the details of the visit yet published, - - - The Niger, 14, screw sloop, Commander Heath, was sent with despatches to meet the fleets and countermand their return to Beycos, but met them close to the Bosphorus. - -
Saturday 8 April 1854
Hampshire Advertiser
The Black Sea Fleet.
- - - Niger, 14 guns, 1013 tons, 170 crew, 400 horse power. - - -
Saturday 29 April 1854
Hampshire Advertiser
The Black Sea Fleet - The Reception of the Declaration of War; And the Russian Attack upon the Fury, and Firing Upon the Boat with our Flag of Truce! (From our own Correspondents)
April 9 - Received by the Niger, 14, Commander Heath, from Constantinople, official intelligence of the "declaration of war," which was responded to in a most enthusiastic way by the seamen of the fleet, who manned the rigging, trucks, &c, of their respective ships (having first obtained permission), and gave three such hearty cheers as made the Bay resound again, assisted by both Admirals and officers, the former of whom witnessed it from the poop of the Britannia - it really was a beautiful sight, and made one thirst for a crack at the Russians.
The French not having as yet (10th) receibed official intimation of the declaration, could not join in, which much annoyed them, but when they do receive it we shall join the French in giving another cheer. Some of the Marines, in their anxiety, found themselves as high as the topmosthead, and lots of young Cadets were seen in the yards cheering and waving their hats in a most glorious manner.
Wednesday 3 May 1854
Morning Herald (London)
The War - The Black Sea - Bombardment of Odessa.
The Sidon, 22, paddle, Captain Goldsmith; Firebrand, 6, paddle, Captain Drummond; Niger 14, screw, Commander Heath, and another Frenchman, are gone towards Oddessa.
Saturday 27 May 1854
Lyttletom Times
At Constantinople - The following force remained at Constantinople, January 1:-
- - Niger, screw, 14, Commander Heath. - - -
Monday 29 May 1854
Morning Chronicle
On the 26th of last month the town of Varna was astonished by the spectacle of a steamer towing six brigs after her. She showed the proper signals, and was admitted with her little flock into the harbour. She proved to be her Majesty's steam-sloop Niger, having six prizes, taken at Odessa, in charge. The latter were sold next morning to the highest bidders at very fair prices for war time; and, what was more extraordinary, Commander Heath started the day after, with the price of five out of the six, for the fleet. The vessels were nearly empty, but on board of one were found the personal chattels, and stores for some six months, of Admiral something "koff" - the same, it is believed, who commanded at Sinope. His wife's millinery and other frippery, a considerable quantity of most excellent coffee, a large store of loaf suger, some very fine flour, and a quantity of a coarser description, probably intended for his servants, were among the articles found on board. The stores were sold, with the vessels, gear, &c., to the highest bidders; but the private property, clothes, &c. Commander Heath (like a gentleman) took away with him to the fleet, with the intention of sending them into Odessa or some other Russian port, with his compliments, on the first opportunity.
Tuesday 30 May 1854
Sun (London)
Retribution, April 17, 1854; rendezvous 15 miles east of Fidonisi.
(Captain T.R.Drummond) "Sir, - I have the honour to inform you that, in pursuance of your instructions dated the 11th inst., I proceeded off Odessa, having under my orders her Majesty's steam-sloop Niger, and in co-operation with me the Feench steam-frigate Descartes.
The morning of the 13th inst. off Cape Fontan Light, I prevented a Danish ship from entering into Odessa, she having on board at the time contraband for the enemy - namely, a cargo of coals. On arriving off Odessa, Niger captured two merchant brigs lying at anchor outside the mole; one of them slipped, and was within range when the Niger captured her. The crews I have detained on board a prisoners, subject to your further instructions.
I made an exception in favour of some passengers - vix., two men, two women, and two children; these I sent on shore in a small captured vessel to Odessa previoius to my departure.
The Governor of Odessa sent an officer with a flag of truce to make some explanations respecting the boat of the Furious having been fired upon on a late occasion. I declined to received any verbal explanation on this subject. The following day an aide-de-camp of the Governor came off, but again, as his communication was verbal, I declined to accept it. Subsequently, about 4 in the afternoon of the 14th, the officer returned with a letter from the Governor to your address, which I have the honour to forward.
The number of vessels captured and destroyed is enumerated in the enclosed list.Total, 13; crews, 51; of which 23 are prisoners in this ship, and 28 in the Descartes.
Commander Heath, who was detached on the 14th inst. to reconnoitre towards the Dnieper, observed a Russian transport in two of a steam-tug; he chased the vessels, but, after following them as far as the first beacons at the entrance of the Dnieper, and into three fathoms of water, he deemed it not advisable to detach his boats without the support of the ship. The transport was at a distance of five miles, and had got within the entrance, and under protection of the forts of Kinbourn and Nicholaef. The former fort fired several shots at the Niger, but at a distance of four miles. On return Commander Heath captured six country vessels, two with a full cargo of English coal on board, a third with a small quantity , all bound up the Dnieper to Nicholaef. I thought it advisable to take possession of this coal for her Majesty's service, and therefore purchased it for Government, and supplied the several quantities, as per receipts, to the Retribution, Descartes, Sidon, and Niger. - - -
I detached the Niger to examine the coast about Tendra; Commander Heath stood well inside the bay, and found the soundings as laid down in the chart perfectly accurate; as he did also within the Three Fathoms Bank at the entrance of the Dnieper. - - - -
It has been very gratifying to me the coridal co-operation of the captain of the French frigate Descartes, and I have been much indebted to Commander Heath, of the Niger, for his examination of the Dnieper entrance and Tendra Bay, and for his efficient assistance in enabling me to carry out your instructions relative to capturing and destroying the enemy's vessels. I left my position of Odessa on the night of the 15th, at the expiration of 60 hours. At daylight, observed the Niger standing towards the land; Com. Heath reported to me on rejoining that he chased on shore, burnt, and destroyed a Russian schooner laden with salt; the crew escaped on shore in their boat.
I reached the rendezvous on Serpent Island at 5.am. this morning, with the Descartes, Niger and nine prizes, to await further instructions.
The following is a list of Russian vessels captured by her Majesty's ships Retribution and Niger, and the French Imperial frigate Descartes, between the 13th and 16th days of April, 1854:-
The St. Constantine brig, empty, captured by the Niger.
The Graphonitite brig, linseed and oatmeal, captured by the Niger.
The St.Peter and Paul, brig, empty, captured by the Niger
The St.Nicolas lugger, oatmeal, captured by the Retribution - Destroyed.
The St.Nicolas, schooner, empty, captured by the Nigher.
The St.Nicolas, lugger, empty, captured by the Niger.
The Annee lugger, coals, captured by the Niger.
The St.Speridon lugger, coals, captured by the Niger. Destroyed.
The Proce Bragenia lugger, coals, captured by the Niger.
The Elchiina brig, salt, captured by the Descartes.
The St.Nicolas lugger, linseed, captured by the Niger. Discharged into the Graphonite; sent into Odessa, with passengers, women and children.
The Unknown schooner,salt, chased and destroyed by the Niger.
T.R.Drummond, Captain and Senior Officer present.
Tuesday 30 May 1854
Morning Chronicle
Prizes. The following is a copy "of despatch of Vice- Admiral Dundas to the Secretary of the Admiralty, giving an account of the capture of certain prizes by her Majesty's ship Retribution, and two other war steamers, in the Black Sea" - Britannia, off Odessa, April 21 1854
Sir - I beg you will acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that the combined squadrons left Baljik Bay on the 17th and anchored off Odessa on the 20th inst.
This morning the Retribution and Descartes rejoined, and I transmit copies of Captain Drummond's reports of proceedings since he was detached on the 11th instant; and I trust that the zeal, activity, and judgment displayed by Captain Drummond and Commander Heath will meet their lordships' approval. - - - I have, &c., (Signed) J.W.D.Dundas, Vice-Admiral, The Secretary of the Admiralty.
- report of day before repeated.
Wednesday 31 May 1854
Morning Herald (London)
The War - The Loss of the Tiger, Paddle-Steamer-Frigate.
Although we have yet no official report of the loss of the Tiger, 15, paddle, Captain Henry Wells Giffard, at Odessa, yet the latest news from Admiral Dundas's fleet leaves us no longer hope for pronouncing the Russian Baron Munchausen's story an unfounded dispatch. We now learn that the Niger, 14, screw, Commander Heath, returned to Sebastopol, from the coast of Circassia, on the 11th of May, and on that day the Tiger, with the Niger and Vesuvius, 6, paddle, Commander Popplewell, proceeded to Odessa.
This is stated that it was on the 12th that the Tiger was stranded, and that too, before two steamers could to her assistance. It has been mentioned that the Niger was one of the two steamers. The official facts, therefore, taken in connection with the Russian statements, leave us little ground for disbelieving the report, at least of the loss of the Tiger.
We trust, however, that some of the Tiger's crew escaped to the Niger or the Vesuvius, and it is from them we may expect the true statement of the unfortunate catastrophe.
Thursday 1 June 1854
Nottinghamshire Guardian
Confirmation of the Loss of the Tiger.
The reported loss of this vessel has been confirmed by a letter from the surgeon of the ship, Mr H.J.Domville, to his wife, who resides at Stoke, near Devonport. His letter is dated Odessa, May 15, and states that "The Tiger" left Sebastopol with the Vesuvius, 6, paddle, Commander Popplewell, and Niger, 14, Commander Heath, on the 11th. A dense for came on, which continued all night. About six on the morning of the 12th the ship struck ground, and when the fog cleared, we found we were about 150 yards from the beach, and about five miles to the south of Odessa. Every effort was made to get off, and the guns fired to call the attention of our consorts, but without effect. Some of our guns had been thrown overboard, and other moved to lightnen the ship, so that when the batteries on shore opened their fire, one gun only could be fired, and that with little or no execution. The captain and four others were struck down with wounds, and in ten minutes from the commencement of the firing the ship was in flames in two places. We struck our colours and hoisted Russian in token of surrender. We were obliged to leave the ship in great hurry, but permission was given to take what we wished on shore. Nothing could exceed the extreme kindness of our captors, and we are told to ask for all we want....
Saturday 3 June 1854
Tablet
Before night we were again under weigh, and early on Thursday morning we fell in with the fleet at our appointed rendezvous, thirty miles west of Sebastopol. It was a fine morning, and it was a glorious sight to see our noble ships moving stately on, under canvas, in double line of battle. I here learnt that our party was to go on board the Agamemnon, flag ship of Sir Edmund Lyons, who was gong to part company with the fleet that very afternoon, with a French and English steam squadron under his orders, viz: - English - Agamemnon, Highflyer, Retribution, Sampson, Firebrand, and Niger. French - Charlemagna, Mogador and Vauhan.
Sir Edmund Lyons ordered the Highflyer, Firebrand, and Niger to cruise of Kertch Straits, and send send the Retribution southwards. - -
The Highflyer, Firebrand, and Niger have just come in. They did not do much in their cruise, as the Niger, in chase of a ship that came out of Kertch, ran on shore off Cape Anakli; and Captain Moore, of the Highflyer, was consequently obliged to spend all the day getting her off. She is fortunately very little damaged. - - - continues - - -
Wednesday 7 June 1854
Sun (London)
(from Constantinople, May 25)
- - - The Niger arrived on the 23rd with a prize, and left this evening for Malta, to be docked, having been ashore for four hours off Kertch, and towed off by the Highflyer. - - Lieutenant-Colonel Pratt R.M., Lord Ashley, and eight clerks, R.N., have gone by the Niger to Malta en route to England. The clerks are for service in the Baltic fleet. - - -
Ships now lying at Constaninople: - The Magaera troop ship, Commander Johnston; the Niger, 14, Commander Heath; the Vesuvius,6, Commander Powell; Caradoc, Lieutenant Derriman; and Banshee, Lieutenant Reynolds.
Tuesday 13 June 1854
Saint James Chronicle
The Black Sea Prizes
Niger, 14, screw, Commander Heath, arrived at Malta, June 1, from the Black Sea, having left Constantinople on the 26th of My. On the 1st of June, also, the first of the Black Sea prizes arrived at Malta, two in number. The first, the Russian brig Elchina, No.11, under command of Mr James Dowling, second master of the Niger, laden with salt; the second, the Craff ni Kiti, laden with linseed, under command of Mr Jones, second master of the Retribution, steam-frigate. Both these prizes were taken on the 19th of April, near Odessa, by the Retribution and Niger (English) and Descartes (French). After being condemned they will be sold at Malta. The Niger having received some damage from being on shore, she will be put into dock for repair. She had on board 15 Greek and Russian prisoners.
Tuesday 8 August 1854
Morning Herald (London)
The Niger, 15, screw, Commander Heath, having made good her defects, left for the Black Sea on the 23rd, having the Arthur the Great, transport No.28, in tow, laden with stores.
Monday 11 September 1854
Sun (London)
(From H.M.S. Fury, at sea, Aug 25, 1854) - We have communicated with Niger, 15, screw, Commander Heath, and the Vesuvius, 6, paddle, off the Sulina mouth of the Danube. They had no news. We also fell in with the Retribution, en route to Odessa, to receive remainder of Tiger's crew.
Monday 2 October 1854
Globe
The Crimea - Minor Incidents of the Landing
Captains Dacres and King, of the Sanspariel and Leander, and Commanders Heath and Hillyar, of the Niger and Agamemnon, had the direction of the landing. Everything was done from the orders received from the Agamemnon, which directed the whole disembarkation.
Saturday 7 October 1854
Bells Weekly Messenger
- - -we must content ourselves with extracting a few passages from the letters of the "Special" Correspondent of the Morning Herald, which embrace very point of interest:- Sail and Arrival of the Expedition at the Crimea. - -
At daybreak this morning we were off the mouth of the Danube, and about 15 miles from Sulina, the tall light-house of which is the only conspicuous object which remains since the Spitfire destroyed the town. Cruising off the flat, marshy shore, the very look of which spoke plague and pestilence, was her Majesty's steamer Niger, whose heavy guns taught the Russian batteries such a bitter lesson when the Tiger was lost of Odessa. She answered our signals, and ran alongside, when Captain Heath learnt to his great satisfaction the order from the Admiral, which removed him from his lonely and unwholesome station, and gave the gallant Nigers an opportunity of playing a conspicuous part in the coming attack on Sebastopol.
Saturday 25 November 1854
Portsmouth Times and Naval Gazette
The Promotion for Gallant Services Displayed in the Fleet Before Sabastopol
It is gratifying to observe the Lord of the Admiralty, have almost anticipated the nation's strong though silent demand, and an acknowledgment of the gallant conduct of the officers and seamen in the engagement of the fleet on the 17th of October, with the formidable batteries that command the entrance of the harbour of Sebastopol, should be publicly and formally made known.
A general expression of that thanks to the fleet for this spirited though unsuccessful effort, maintained at so fearful odds, will no doubt be voted in Parliament in due time. In the meanwhile the Lords of the Admiralty have discharged their duty well and faithfully in rewarding with advancement, the meritorious officers who signalised themselves on the occasion, and in delegating to the Admiral Chief in Command the choice of other officers for a similar reward. Undoubtedly many, both officers and men, who took part in the perilous attack, are equally as deserving of promotion as those who have received it. Such officers and men, whose exertions and bravery were, in all probability, in many instances, not inferior in daring and splendour to other evidences of determination and heroism, must unhappily, content themselves with the approbation of their own approving consciences - with the heartfelt conviction that they did their duty in every respect as British sailors. - - -
But of the sloops engaged, Commander Leopold Heath (1847), of the Niger, 15, screw is the senior; and the others next to him are Commander Spratt (1849), of the little Spitfire, paddle; Commander Powell (1851), of the Vesuvius, 6, paddle.
Allowing however, that the conduct of the seniors was satisfactory, the following will be the list of commanders promoted for the engagement, to be captains:-
Commander Randolph (1846), Rodney, 90
Commander Rogers (1847), Albion, 90
Commander Kynaston (1852), Spiteful, 6, paddle.
Commander J.J.B.E. Frere (1846), Bellerophon. 78
Commander L.G. Heath (1847), Niger, 15, screw
1 December 1854 (from Sat. 23 Dec. 18540
Now we have some kind of regularity in the harbour. Captain Heath, of the Sanspareil, is acting as captain of the port, and Commander Powell is active in the discharge of his new duties as harbour-master; but the catastrophe of November 14 has not been atoned for, and there is yet considerable want of method in the regulations of the port. Cholera, which broke out on the night of the 28th of November, continues its ravages, and we cannot estimate the number of deaths from it and its abettors in the destruction of life lower than 60 per diem.
Saturday 2 December 1854
Halifax Courier
Captain Eden, of the London, has been invalided; he will be succeeded by Captain L.Jones, whose place in the Sampson is to be taken by Captain Brock, the present Governor of Eupatoria. Captain Dacres, of the Sanspareil, also returns to England through ill health, Hon. Captain Drummond exchanges Retribution for Sanspareil, and Commander Heath, of the Niger, is expected to obtain the acting-invaliding vacancy in Retribution. Inflexible has returned from off Odessa, and Valorous is gone to Sinope for forage.
Tuesday 18 December 1854
Morning Chronicle
- - -Captain Drummond, of the Retribution, preferring to retain his own ship, Commander Heath is acting-captain of Sanspareil, and Lieutenant Hore, of the Beagle, gun-boat, is appointed acting-commander of the Niger.
Tuesday 12 Decembr 1854
Daily News (London)
In the fleet, Commander Heath had been posted into the Sanspareil, vice Dacres, invalided; Lieutenant Hore, of the Beagle, into the Niger, vice Heath; and Captain Jones, of the Sampson, to the London, vice Captain C.Eden, invalided.
Tuesday 12 December 1854
London Evening Standard
Captain Dacres, of the Sanspareil, 71, screw, has invalided. Captain Heath, of the Niger, 12, screw, has been appointed to the Sanspareil, on promotion. Captain Hore has been appointed on promotion from the Arrow, screw, dispatch-boat, to the command of the Niger.
Tuesday 12 December 1854
Shipping and Mercantile Gazette
During the last few days several changes have taken place in the command of some of the vessels. Captain Dacres, of the Sanspareil, is invalided, and Captain Heath of the Niger, took his place ad interim. The command of the Niger was given to Lieut. Hore, commander of the Beagle, and to this latter Mr Hewitt, acting mate, was appointed.
Thursday 14 December 1854
Morning Post
We are to have some changes to the navy. Captain Eden, of the London, has invalided, and Captain Jones, of the Sampson, will succeed Captain Eden - the command of the Sampson falling to Captain Brock, who will forthwith take the vessel homewards. Captain Heath, just promoted, is now captain of the Sanspareil, and Commander Hore succeeds to Captain Heath in the Niger.
Friday 15 December 1854
Morning Herald (London)
The Disposition of the Fleet - - -
Sanspareil, 71, screw, Captain Heath, was at Balaklava.
Friday 15 December 1854
Promotions and Appointment in the Black Sea
Commander Leopold Heath, of the Niger, 12, screw, to be acting captain of Sanspareil, 71, screw, vice S.G.Dacres, invalided. This officer's promotion we believe has been anticipated.
Lieut. Hore of the Beagle, to be acting commander of the Niger, vice Heath, to the Sanspareil.
Monday 18 December 1854
Evening Mail
- -- Still, anything was better than the confusion and utter disorder of the harbour of Balaklava, and the ships lay outside till required for unloading. Captain Heath, of the Sanspareil, is acting as captain of the port, and Commander Powell is active in the discharge of his new duties as harbour-master; but the catastrophe of November 14 has not been atoned for, and there is yet considerable want of method in the regulations of the port.
Saturday 23 December 1854
Cheshire Observer
- - - The want of some competent and responsible supervision of the harbour of Balaklava is strongly commented upon in the Times correspondent's dispatches. Although he states, in one of his latest communications, that Captain Heath, of the Sanspareil, and been appointed captain of the port, and Commander Powell, harbour-master,yet he ascribes a large portion of the recent loass and disaster to the want of efficient regulations, at an earlier period, similar to those established at Kamiesh Bay, where the vessels are moored in regular lines, according to the nature of their cargo, and to the number of their register, instead of, as at Balaklava, being packed without order or arrangement, with fouled anchors, cables crossing and re-crossing each other, and hawsers made fast in every direction.
Saturday 30 December 1854
Halifax Courier
The blank promotions will not be filled up until the returns of those present are obtained from all the ships; but there is little doubt of the commandres and lieutenants promoted being Commanders Heath, Sanspareil; and Frere, Bellerophon, to be captains; and Lieutenants Thorpe, Tribune; Saulez, Belleropho; Rolland, Agamemnon; and Johnstone of Spitfire, to be commanders.
Wednesday 22 November 1854
Morning Herald (London)
Naval Promotions for the engagement with the Sebastopol Battery
The Following official announcement of promotions of officers engaged on the 17th ult. in the attack of the Sebastopol batteries will be read with the greatest interest.
The Lords of the Admiralty in order to mark their approval of the gallant conduct displayed in the engagement of the fleet on the 17th of October with the Russian batteries at Sebastopol ead of the skill and seamen like qualities shown on that occasion have made the following promotions dated of the 13th inst. - - -
But of the part of the sloops engaged, Commander Leopold Heath, (1847) of the Niger, 15, is the senior; and the others next to him are Commander Spratt (1849) of the little Spitfire,paddle; Commander Powell (1851), of the Vesuvius, 6, paddle. Allowing, however, that the conduct of the seniors was satisfactory, the following will be the list of commanders promoted for the engagement, to be captains:-
Commander Randolph (1846), Rodney 90, Commander Rogers (1847), Albion, 90, Commander Kynaston (1852), Spiteful, 6, paddle, Commander J.J.B.E. Frere (1846) , Bellerophon, 78. Commander LG Heath (1847) Niger, 15, screw
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Heath-Caldwell All rights reserved.
Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com