Cherokee-Class Brig-Sloop

The Cherokee-class brig-sloop was a class of brig-sloops built for the Royal Navy during the early 19th century. These vessels were known for their two-masted design and were primarily utilized for various roles such as survey missions and patrolling. The class became prominent during the Napoleonic Wars and the subsequent decades.

Design and Construction

The design of the Cherokee-class was completed in 1807 by Henry Peake, a notable naval architect of the time. The plans were approved on November 26, 1807, with the first four vessels ordered in March that same year. However, these were not laid down until December 1807. By the end of 1808, an additional thirty vessels had been ordered based on this design.

The Cherokee-class brig-sloops were armed with ten guns, making them suitable for a variety of naval roles. They were much smaller and less heavily armed compared to the Cruizer-class brig-sloop, which carried 18 guns. The smaller size of the Cherokee-class allowed for greater maneuverability and economy in terms of manpower and resources.

Operational Use

Cherokee-class brig-sloops were often involved in various missions ranging from naval warfare to exploration. One of the most famous ships of this class was the HMS Beagle, which is renowned for carrying Charles Darwin on his voyage that would lead to the development of the theory of natural selection.

Despite their capabilities, these vessels were sometimes unpopular among their crews. They gained a notorious reputation and were colloquially known as "coffin brigs" due to a number of them being wrecked or foundered. This reputation was not entirely undeserved as they were difficult to sail and required skilled handling. Lieutenant William Bowers, who served on the HMS Helicon and Leveret for 12 years, noted that while the class had been criticized, their performance was commendable under adept sailors.

Characteristics

The Cherokee-class brig-sloops were characterized by their swift ability to change tack and their overall maneuverability. They were staffed by a crew of 75, making them economical to operate. However, they were also described as wet and cramped, with limited war capabilities.

Notable Ships

HMS Mutine: Launched in 1825 and served as a Falmouth packet.
HMS Barracouta: Built for survey missions in 1820.
HMS Falcon: Completed in 1821, later sold out of service in 1838.
HMS Drake: Launched in 1808, wrecked in 1822.

Legacy