Full-rigged ship Rising Star wooden, built 1818-21 D. Brent, Rotherhithe.
428 nrt, 123.5 x 27.7 x 6.1 ft
Steam engines by Maudslay, Sons & Field
Auxiliary two cylinder side-lever engine, 2cyl (42 - 36in), 70hp, inboard paddle, 2 funnels
First owner Thomas Cochrane, registered London
Engines removed by 1826. Large repairs 1827.
Voyage St Petersburg to London with hemp and tallow; Captain Clarke.
Aground 30 October 1829 at Porkkala [approx 59°58.00N, 24°25.17E]; wrecked 1 November.

Rising Star:

Lord (Thomas) Cochrane was a daring naval commander who, after a prosecution for fraud, was dismissed by the British Navy but acted to support the Chilean Navy in their battle for independence from Spain. He is considered to be one of the sources for the fictional Naval Commander Hornblower (books by C. S. Forester).

He ordered, partly at his own expense, a pioneering naval steam vessel. She was to be powered by a single paddle wheel, located on the centre-line, so protected from attack. The engines were regarded as auxilliary - giving extra speed or extra capability in case of lack of suitable wind.

The fitting out of the vessel, called Rising Star, on the Thames was lengthy - presumably because of the difficulty of achieving a reliable engine capability. The paddle wheel revolved in a water-tight central compartment with the bottom open to the sea - much like a modern water-jet engine. But, although the shaft of the paddle was above the water-line, the action of the paddle tended to flush out any air and fill the compartment with water - so reducing the propulsive action.

Her engines were of a similar design to those used by the London Engineer of 1818, by the same makers:

Her maiden voyage from London to Valparaiso suffered further delays by what were reported as leaks and she spent several months at Cork undergoing repairs. Her arrival in Valparaiso in spring 1822 was too late to contribute to the Chilean independence. She is listed as the first steam-powered naval vessel and as the first steam-powered vessel in the Pacific.

After a few years, she was sold to commercial interests and her engines were removed. She returned to London in 1826, was sold and underwent large repairs in 1827. She then voyaged to Bombay (in 1828); to Charleston (in 1829) and to St Petersburg (in late 1829).

Returning from St. Petersburg, she went aground on the Porkkala peninsula (SW of Helsinki and a well-known ship graveyard) on 30 October 1829 and subsequently broke up in a gale.

My interest in this vessel was sparked by the report, in the Chilean Navy history, that she was lost in the Irish Sea in 1830. This seems unfounded.

The only other vessels called Rising Star at this date are a coaster engaged in the East Coast coal trade or fishing vessels. So the vessels listed above do all seem to be the same vessel. This is also confirmed by Lloyds's Register which lists only one ocean-going Rising Star (as a Polacre in 1822, then as a Ship; with designated destinations Valparaiso; Bombay and then Charleston). The last listing is in 1833.

Here are contemporary newspaper reports of her:

Morning Advertiser - Thursday 09 April 1818
 LORD COCHRANE'S EXPEDITION. A fine sloop of war on very novel principles, has been built at Mr. D. Brent's yard, Rotherhithe, said to be for Lord Cochrane. The vessel is of tons 400 burthen; pricked to mount 12 guns, and could use eight more should occasion require; and is so constructed as to go against wind and tide, and in spite of calm, by means of steam apparatus. The steam engine, although proceeding on the general principle applied to some our packet-boats, is of an original character in many particulars; and it is only meant to be used when the vessel cannot proceed by any other means, or, should it be requisite, to accelerate the progress promoted by wind and tide. This application of the steam engine to vessels engaged in warlike expeditions, or long and perilous voyages, has been forcibly suggested in print, but this is the first instance that is known to us, of any attempt in this country to put the principle into practice. In "an historical and explanatory Dissertation on Steam Engines and Steam Packets," that was published at the commencement of the present year, and which contains a variety of entertaining and original information, after justly observing that "the application of the power of steam to navigable vessels forms a new and modern era in naval tactics, and has certainly arrived at greater perfection than the most sanguine could have expected in so short a space of time" - it is stated, "To purposes of War, we consider sea-going steam vessels, if properly constructed, admirably suited, etc. The American floating battery, improperly called a steam frigate, mounts 32 guns, 32 pounders, bringing eight to bear in every direction, and is shot and shell proof. She is capable of performing a long sea voyage with safety. This battery is in effect two vessels sparred out, and raised upon." It is added, that success is expected from a plan to propel vessels of war and others that perform long voyages by an internal application of the powers of the engine without any external apparatus; and that "sloops and other small vessels may easily be rendered as fast by the power of steam as any steam packet. What ships of the line and frigates chiefly require is, to sail faster than similar vessels of the enemy. Suppose two large vessels to be equally good sailers; then that one which can avail itself of the additional speed derived from a steam engine has a decided naval superiority, and can either get up with, or away from, a chase. - Fast steam vessels could dash into an enemy's harbour against wind and tide in the dead of the night, do much service, and bring vessels out before the enemy could be well alarmed, and the batteries effectively manned. There could be scarce a doubt of a safe retreat, or bringing the prizes out, being then aided by steam, wind, and tide. How useful such vessels would have been at Algeziras Bay, and in the Baltic, where several of our largest ships, and bravest crews, during calms, have had impatiently to endure the mortification of being pelted by a few contemptible row gun-boats!"
  The vessel just built at Mr. Brent's seems to have proceeded on these calculations, as its construction indicates that it may be adapted to purposes of war. It is called The Rising Star, and has on its head decorations emblematical of its name. On its stern, however, it ought to be added, is written, the North Pole, which is surrounded by figurative illustrations of the frozen regions; and all this preparation tends to spread a belief that the vessel is intended to attempt the Northern Passage in pursuit of the Parliamentary Reward. The vessel is a curiosity; as such we mention it. Its destination, to whom it may belong, or under whose directions it may have been built, are matters of rumour; and as such we relate the above curious particulars. - it cannot legally be employed in any warlike expedition along the Spanish main, or elsewhere; at least not by the subjects of this country; to be found in arms against States with which this country is on terms of peace and amity is death according to the statute law of the land. And of what use can 12, 18, or 20 guns be in any attempt to explore the Northern Regions? Besides, if that be her determination, would she not have had double bows like all other vessels that expect to come in contact with immense masses of ice?

Statesman (London) - Wednesday 13 May 1818
 The vessel which is building at Deptford for Lord COCHRANE is nearly finished. She is to be called the "Rising Star." The whole complement of the crew is complete, which consist of about 60 men. His Lordship had about 3000 applications from Officers only.

Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser - Tuesday 14 August 1821
 PASSAGE VALPARAISO, in SOUTH AMERICA. PERSONS requiring either Cabin or Steerage PASSAGES to VALPARAISO, may be accommodated in the New River-built and Coppered Ship RISING STAR, of 429 tons, Alexander Scott, Commander; now lying in the Commercial Dock, and intended to Sail from the River Thames in ten days or a fortnight from this time. For Particulars apply to the Commander on board, or to JOHN EXTER, 106, Fenchurch-street.

Lloyd's List - Friday 02 November 1821
  TORBAY arrived from London 31 [Oct] Rising Star, Scott for Valparaiso

Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser - Wednesday 14 November 1821
  The Rising Star, Scott, from London for Valparaiso, put into Cork on Thursday leaky.

The delay in making repairs at Cork seems to have been several months.

Lloyd's List - Tuesday 04 June 1822
  Rising Star (Steam Vessel) Cork to Valparaiso off the Canaries

Liverpool Mercury - Friday 23 August 1822
  Rising Star from London at Valparaiso

During the next few years, the Rising Star (Estrella Naciente) was part of the Chilean Navy. She had been ordered by Cochrane to arrive in time to help in the war of independence against Spain, but had arrived too late to participate. By 1824, she was reported to have been sold to commercial shipowners S. Winter & J. Brittain, Buenos Aires.

Sun (London) - Saturday 06 May 1826
  FOR PUBLIC SALE, at Lloyd's Coffee-House, Cornhill, on TUESDAY May 9, 1826, at Half past Two o'Clock, TWO STEAM ENGINES, together of about 70 Horse power, adapted for Navigation or other purposes, and fitted by Messrs. Mawdsley and Co. into the Ship Rising Star, about four years since, in the river Thames. The Engines are now on the South Quay, of the London Dock Basin. For particulars apply to William Woolcombe, No. 6 Freemason's Court, Cornhill.

She is reported as arriving in London from Lima in September 1826; while her engines were advertised for sale at London in May 1826, so must have been removed earlier.

Lloyd's List - Tuesday 11 April 1826
  CHORILLOS [Chorrillos - south of Lima] Nov 29 [1825] Rising Star, Jeffery, from Valparaiso

Lloyd's List - Tuesday 04 July 1826
  MAR 29 Rising Star, Jeffery, arrived Valparaiso from Lima

Lloyd's List - Friday 18 August 1826
  Valparaiso Apr 14 Rising Star, Jeffery, sailed for Gibraltar
  June 1 from Valparaiso & Lima at Rio Janiero: Rising Star, Jeffery

British Press - Wednesday 13 September 1826 (From the Etoile of Monday.)
  The English ship Rising Star, left Lima on the 3rd May [sic, March more likely] last, and, after stopping at Rio di Janeiro, which it left 68 days before, arrived in the roads of Corunna on the 14th August. She had 118 spaniards, as passengers, on board, all of whom have been landed. These passengers are Brig. [Marquess] Rodil, Governor of Callao [Port of Lima], his staff, several other officers, with their wives and children, their suite, and some soldiers, sent to Spain after the capitulation of the fortress [on 22 January 1826].

British Press - Saturday 16 September 1826
  Rising Star, Jeffery, from Lima, has arrived in the River [Thames]

Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser - Saturday 14 July 1827
  TO BE PEREMPTORILY SOLD, AT LLOYD'S COFFEE-HOUSE, CORNHILL. On TUESDAY, July 17, Half-past Two, THE good Ship RISING STAR, 420 tons per register, River-built, by Mr. Brent, copper-fastened and coppered, has single deck, with poop and forecastle, and figure head; excellent quarters, and pierced for 20 guns. This Ship was originally constructed and fitted as a Steam Ship, for which purpose she may be again appropriated on receiving new engines; or for a Vessel of War; she is also eligible to rise another deck upon, for Merchant Service; her Inventory is ample, and in good order; now lying in the Export West India Dock. For Particulars please apply to Mr. C. MOSS, 9, Mark-lane; and to WM. WOOLCOMBE, 6, Freeman's-court, Cornhill.

1827: Large repairs listed in Lloyd's Register.

Lloyds List 8 Feb 1828
 Rising Star, Gillies, at Gravesend, sailed for Bombay

  25 May Rising Star from London arrived Bombay

Bombay Gazette - Wednesday 04 June 1828
  For London or Liverpool The Ship RISING STAR OF 450 TONS Capt Gillies WILL be dispatched for one of the above Ports on the 10th July as Freight may offer. - Apply to Messrs. DIROM CARTER AND CO. Bombay 4th June, 1828.

Rising Star, Gillies, sailed 26th July 1828 from Bombay

20 Nov Gravesend arrived Rising Star, Gillies, from Bombay

Goods for sale advertised at London from Rising Star Jan 1829 - bales cotton.

Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser - Wednesday 18 February 1829
  FOR CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA. THE fast sailing Ship RISING STAR, 428 tons. Walker, Commander. Will clear out on Friday for passage, having good accommodations. Apply the Captain on board. West India Export Dock; to HUGH STEWART, and Co., 2, Fen-court, Fenchurch-street.

Morning Post - Saturday 18 July 1829
  Deal July 16 arrived Rising Star, Walker, from Charleston

Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser - Friday 24 July 1829
  Thames: Arrivals 20 July 1829 Rising Star, Walker, from Charleston

Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser - Saturday 26 September 1829
  At St Petersburg 4 [Sept] Rising Star, Clark, from Antwerp

Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser - Tuesday 24 November 1829
  ELSINGFORS [Helsinki], Nov. 5 - The Rising Star, Clark, from St. Petersburgh to London, was driven on-shore off Pucala[Porkkala, 20 miles SW of Helsinki, an area with many wrecks], on the 30th ult[October]; she is under-water except part of the cabin and the starboard upper deck; part of the hemp is saved, and endeavours will be made save the tallow before she breaks up. [There was a heavy gale on 1st November and she went to pieces]