Dutch floating steam battery De Ruyter ordered to be fitted out immediately according to the Dutch newspaper Heldersche Courant dated 7 February 1866

An item dated Den Helder the 6th reported that the navy direction at Den Helder received orders to prepare the armoured steam floating battery De Ruyter immediately for sea duties. She was there lying in conservation. In the meantime were the needed rafters for her roof already placed and which were not be removed on short notice. Decided was to wait before decommissioning her.(1) The reason for this order was not given, but it was a precaution regarded the Peruvian ironclad Independencia lying at Terneuzen?


Note
1. On stocks at the naval yard at Vlissingen, Netherlands 20 August 1831 as 74 guns ship of the line 2nd class. Dimensions 54,16 x 14,30/14,70 x 6,46-7,32m, displacement 3000-3655 ton (maximum), sail area 237 M2. Crew numbered 650 men. As 54-gun frigate 1st class on stocks at the naval yard at Vlissingen 22 February 1850, launched 8 August 1853, commissioned 21 August 1854. Dimensions 54,16 x 14,30/14,70 x 6,10-6,80m, displacement 2770 ton, sail area 2170M2. Crew numbered 500 men. Rebuilt at naval yard at Hellevoetsluis and NSBM Fijenoord as a steam frigate. In dry dock at the naval yard at Hellevoetsluis 20-21 October 1859 and in the aft dock 25 October-1860-19 September 1861. In 1860 fitted out there with steam power and fitted out with 45 guns. Launched 19 September 1861. Commissioned 17 April 1862. Dimensions 60,30/63,50 x 14,30/14,70 x 6,10-6,80m, displacement 2828 ton, sail area 2450Ms. Crew numbered 500 men. Rebuilt as an armed floating battery at the naval yard at Flushing/NSBM Fijenoord. On stocks mid 1862, launched begun 1866, commissioned 21 July 1870. Dimensions 60,30/63,00 x 14,30/14,93 x 6,40-6,80m, displacement 2944-3050 ton (maximum). Crew numbered 250 men. Armed with 14-60pdr and served at the mouth of the Schelde. Decommissioned 9 October 1870. Sold at Willemsoord to be broken up 1874. Her figurehead was made of fir-wood representing a bust of the Dutch sea hero M.A. de Ruyter.