The Sydney Gazette 15 June 1816
LAUNCH OF THE ELIZABETH HENRIETTA
On
Thursday the 13th
instant, at noon, a Government vessel, of about 150 tons burthen, was launched
from His Majesty’s dockyard at Sydney amidst a numerous assemblage of all
classes of the inhabitants, who had resorted there to witness a scene altogether
so novel on the coast of New South Wales. The style in which this fine brig left
the stocks was peculiarly graceful, and enhanced the effect of the ceremony of
consigning her to her new element, with the name of the
Elizabeth Henrietta which His Excellency the Governor was pleased to give
her in the usual form of breaking a bottle of wine on her bow. The Band of the
46th Regiment attended and played several favourite tunes, commencing
at the moment of her starting with God save the King! Followed by Rule
Britannia!, Hearts of Oak! And several other cheerful and appropriate
airs; until at length the scene closed with the Elizabeth Henrietta
riding safe at anchor in Sydney Cove.
The keel of this vessel was
originally laid by Governor Hunter in the year 1800 but very slow progress was
made towards completing her during his and the succeeding administration of
Governor King. Some alterations in her general construction took place by order
of Governor Bligh, which during the assumed Government were no further proceeded
in; until at length we had the gratification of witnessing a very handsome and
valuable acquisition to our maritime concerns, in the brig Elizabeth Henrietta
built on our own shores, and apparently well calculated for the service of
Government.
