HMS Baltimore (1742) facts for kids
_RMG_J0036.png)
1758 conversion plan of Baltimore
|
|
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
 Great Britain |
|
| Name | HMS Baltimore |
| Builder | Deptford Dockyard |
| Launched | 1742 |
| Fate | Sold 1762 |
| General characteristics | |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Complement | 110 |
| Armament | 14 × 4-pounder guns |
HMS Baltimore was a special kind of warship called a sloop-of-war in the British Royal Navy. She was launched in 1742. A sloop-of-war was a smaller warship, usually with one deck for cannons.
This ship was named after Lord Baltimore. He was a very important person at the time. Lord Baltimore helped design the ship. He was also a Lord of the Admiralty, which meant he was a high-ranking official in charge of the Royal Navy.
Early Life of the Ship
When HMS Baltimore was first built, she had a special type of sail setup called a "bilander rig." This was a bit unusual for a warship.
However, in 1743, her sails were changed. She was given a more common "snow rig." This made her sail like many other ships of her time.
Even though the ship looked like it could hold 18 cannons, she actually carried 14. These were "four-pounder" guns, meaning they fired cannonballs weighing four pounds.
Important Missions
HMS Baltimore took part in some important journeys. In 1749, she helped transport British settlers. These settlers were traveling to a new place called Halifax, Nova Scotia, in what is now Canada.
The ship was under the command of a mariner named Ephraim Cook (mariner) during this trip.
In January 1758, the ship sailed from Yorktown, Virginia. Virginia was a British colony in America back then. On board was Robert Dinwiddie, who used to be the governor of that colony. The ship carried him all the way to Britain.
A New Role as a Bomb Vessel
Later in 1758, HMS Baltimore was changed again. She was converted into a "bomb vessel."
A bomb vessel was a special type of warship. It was designed to fire large, explosive shells. These shells were called "bombs." Bomb vessels were often used to attack forts or cities from the sea.
In 1762, HMS Baltimore was sold. This means she was no longer part of the Royal Navy.
