HMS Amazon was a high-status frigate appointment around 1800. She was less than a year old when Quilliam joined her and belonged to a two-ship class valued for fleet and cruising work. Her main battery comprised twenty-eight 18-pounders, supplemented by 9-pounders and 32-pounder carronades on the upper works. A design complement of 284 shows the manpower needed to sail and fight such a ship. Service in Amazon could build an ambitious officer's experience in cruising, escort duty, reconnaissance, and fleet operations.
Chapter · 7:27-8:52
HMS Amazon as a prime frigate appointment
The chapter reading introduces the nearly new HMS Amazon, a 38-gun frigate whose 284-person complement and mixed battery made her a prized appointment for a captain or lieutenant.