Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Military Technology, Steamships, War

Institutions mentioned:

Royal Navy

    Tells the editor of his visit to the recent 'Naval Review' in Portsmouth, and describes his experience of sailing on the 'H.M.S. Royal Turret', 'the most tremendous of Turret Ships'. Later, he recounts his experience of getting inside one of the turrets, including his observations of the 'tremendous gun' which was 'Completely protected, and laid and worked by gunners who are safe and invisible', as well as being charged with 'five-and-thirty pounds of powder, and a ball about the size of your own respected head'. Elaborates on the fire-power and armour of the ship, believing that it could have 'engaged the whole wooden fleet that day' and thanking the Admiralty that it 'did not succeed in its desperate efforts to prevent our getting such a weapon'.