Index  Return to Colonial Events 1816

The Sydney Gazette 15 June 1816

LAUNCH OF THE ELIZABETH HENRIETTA

On Thursday the 13^th 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 46^th 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.