Colonial Despatches

HMS viragoVirago was a first-class paddle sloop of the Royal Navy. It was part of the 1854 Anglo-French squadron during the Crimean War.1

viragoVirago is described in several despatches, and from these, it appears it was sent to further Colonial coal interests, particularly at Haida Gwaii. It served, also, as a temporary prison to one “Seakai”, a man described in this despatch as a minor Chief, who was, apparently, involved in the sack and plunder of the susan_sturgesSusan Sturges.

• 1. Peter Davis, HMS Virago, William Loney RN—Ships.