Reply To: Need information on HM Brig Daring, CMDR H.J Matson, Experimental Brig Squadron

[Michael Leek]

Harold A Underhill (author of Deep-Water Sail amongst other works) was planning a book on brigs but unfortunately died before it could be completed or published. To be included in this proposed study was to be a section on RN brigs, possibly including HMS Daring. I understand that following his death much of Underhill’s archives were deposited with the National Maritime Museum.

It might also be worth a search of Basil Lubbock’s papers, also held by the NMM, as Lubbock collected more material on nineteenth century sail than he ever published in his books, including material relating exclusively or specifically to the RN during the same period.

Draughts of Daring are held by the NMM. See David Lyon’s The Sailing Navy for details.

Michael Leek