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The Gun-Boat Flotilla, off Ryde, Isle of Wight, 1856. '...the first division of the numerous fleet of gun-boats intended for the next Baltic campaign. It consisted of the following vessels, each carrying two 68-pounder guns and two howitzers, under the orders of Captain Codrington, viz.: Starling, Biter, Dapper, Stork, Charger, Skylark, Snapper, Beaver, Swinger, Jackdaw, Dove, Banterer, Bustard, Bullfrog , Cockchafer; attended by the Commander of Portsmouth Dockyard, Vice-Admiral Sir G T. Seymour, K.C.B. , in the Fire Queen...the little fleet has been daily augmented by fresh arrivals from different ports; and it is expected that, by the commencement of March one hundred and twenty-five gun boats will be anchored between Ryde and Cowes, and all sheltered by the island...Our Illustration is from a Sketch forwarded to us by Mr. J . R . Smith, of Cowes'. From "Illustrated London News", 1856.