Hired armed vessels
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During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Royal Navy made use of a large number of hired armed vessels. These were generally smaller vessels, often cutters and luggers, that the Royal Navy used for duti
c. 1780 illustration of a hired armed cutter (second from left)
His Majesty's hired armed cutter Telemachus served the Royal Navy from 17 June 1795 until 15 January 1801. She was of 1285⁄95 tons, and carried fourteen 4-pounder guns. During her five and a half year
Painting c. 1797 of Commander John Crispo pointing to his former command, His Majesty's hired armed cutter Telemachus, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.