The navy of Belgium was in the 19th century just a minor
one despite the harbour of Antwerp was through the river Wester Schelde
accessible from the open sea. When Hans Busk gave in 1859 a description of the
Belgian navy it wasn't a large one. "Belgium, it is presumed, does
not aspire to take high rank as a maritime Power, her Navy at the present time
being of somewhat modest dimensions. It consists of 1 brig, Le Duc de Brabant,
carrying 12 mortars or shell guns; and of 1 schooner, La Louise Marie, mounting
12 carronades. In addition, it is true, there are 5 steam mail boats
(unprovided with any armament), three of them at present engaged in carrying
the mails between Ostend and Dover, and the other two from Flushing to
Antwerp".
Source
Hans Busk. The navies of the world; their present
state and future capabilities, p. 101, and 124-25. London, 1859.
