Caledonia (1794 ship)

Caledonia (or Caledonian), was launched at Greenock, Scotland, in 1794. The French captured her in 1795.

History
Great Britain
Name	Caledonian
Owner	Hunter & Robertson, Greenock[1][2]
Builder	John and William Scott, Greenock[2]
Launched	1 May 1794[2]
Captured	1795
Notes	This ship is often conflated with Caledonian (1797 ship), and occasionally with Caledonia of Greenock[lower-alpha 1]
General characteristics
Tons burthen	647[3][4] (bm)
Length	137.4 ft (41.9 m)[1]
Beam	34.9 ft (10.6 m)[1]
Draught	18 ft (5.5 m)[1]
Depth	20.8 ft (6.3 m)[1]
Propulsion	Sail
Complement	30[4]
Armament	22 × 12&6-pounder guns + 4 swivel guns[4]
Notes	Three decks

John and William Scott, of Greenock, were the premier shipbuilders in Scotland. When they built the 650-ton Caledonia she was the largest vessel built in Scotland up to that time. They built her as a "Timber ship" to carry timber to the naval dockyards in Britain.[5] The order for Caledonia was possibly the first naval order for a ship built in Scotland. Her role was to service the naval dockyards and the private shipbuilders working on orders from the Admiralty, especially in Hampshire.[6]

Caledonian first appeared in Lloyd's Register with Jn. Fish, master, Hunter & Co. owner, and trade Greenock—North Scotland.[3] Captain John Fish acquired a letter of marque on 30 May 1794.[4]

On 17 February 1795 Lloyd's List reported that Caledonian, Fish, master, was returning from New Brunswick to Plymouth with masts when the French captured her. Her captors took her into Brest.[7]

In 1791, Scott & Co. had built Brunswick, of 600-ton (bm), for the Newfoundland trade. She and Caledonia were the largest ships built in Scotland in their years. They marked the beginning of increased activity by Scott & Co., particularly with respect to large, ocean-going ships.[8][lower-alpha 2]