Ships Cover for the Alert class steel screw sloops HMS Alert (1894) and HMS Torch (1894). The documentation mainly relates to the initial design proposals, schemes of complement, stability calculations, statements of dimensions and weights, details of masts and yards, reports of steam and turning trials and vessel performance at sea, armament and ammunition allowance, details of ammunition storage arrangements, and a large number of papers and items of correspondence relating to alterations carried out post-commissioning. In addition, there is also a series of calculations and proposals relating to a 'New Torch', which may relate to the following Phoenix class sloops. The documents commence in June 1892 at the outset of the design process and ends in May 1914. Alert by this stage had been lent to the Basra civil authorities, but Torch was still on active service in new Zealand.