Ships Cover for the Surprise class despatch vessels HMS Alacrity (1885) and HMS Surprise (1885). The documentation mainly relates to statements of dimensions and weights, dimensions of the masts and yards, boats allocated, armament and ammunition allowance, steam trial reports, stability calculations and reports of inclining experiments, crew complement, and coal allowance. A significant amount of correspondence between the builders and the Admiralty concern the issue of whether steam-powered steering gear ought to be installed - this was ultimately declined. Later papers cover alterations made to the ships while in service, with particular attention paid to a replacement for Alacrity from about 1907 onwards. These are accompanied by condition reports for that ship at various times in her later career. The documentation commences in July 1883 with the ordering of both ships and ends in April 1913 when Alacrity was put up for sale.