Dutch brig Pijl
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The Dutch brig Pijl was launched on 19 May 1785 at Amsterdam for the navy of the Dutch Republic.[1] Records exist of her escorting East Indiamen of the Dutch East India Company to Batavia, arriving on 12 February 1787.
| History | |
|---|---|
 Dutch Republic | |
| Name | Pijl |
| Namesake | Arrow |
| Builder | Amsterdam |
| Laid down | 4 December 1784 |
| Launched | 19 May 1785 |
| Captured | 4 March 1796 |
 Great Britain | |
| Name | HMS Pyl |
| Acquired | 1796 by seizure |
| Fate | Sold 1801 |
| General characteristics [1][2] | |
| Tons burthen | 200 (bm)[2] |
| Length | 80 Amsterdam feet[a] |
| Beam | 25 Amsterdam feet |
| Depth of hold | Dutch: 15+1⁄4 Amsterdam feet |
| Propulsion | Sails |
| Sail plan | Brig |
| Complement |
|
| Armament |
|
In 1795 at the time of the Batavian Revolution the British Admiralty sent a messenger to Plymouth on 20 January 1795 to detain all Dutch vessels in Port. There were six naval vessels; Pijl among them. There were also six homeward-bound East Indiamen, three outward-bound East Indiamen, and some 60 to 70 other merchant vessels.[3][4] Vice Admiral Sir Richard Onslow and the British Royal Navy took possession 4 March 1796. The crews were removed from their vessels and taken to prison ships.[5] In September orders arrived at Plymouth that the Dutch naval vessels be equipped for immediate service.[6]
The Navy named and registered Pyl on 25 October 1796, but never commissioned her. She was converted to a fireship in 1798, but never used.[2]
The "Principal officers and commissioners of His Majesty's Navy" offered Pyl for sale on 24 August 1801.[7] She sold 7 September for £765.[2]
Notes
- All linear measurements are in Amsterdam feet (voet) of 11 Amsterdam inches (duim) (see Dutch units of measurement). The Amsterdam foot is about 8% shorter than an English foot. The basis of measurement is also different. The data is from Winfield and Van Maanen.[2][1]