Azuma was initially ordered for the Confederate navy as the CSS Sphinx (;later name changed to CSS Stonewall) while crossing the Atlantic the American Civil War came to a close. The ship was taken over by the Federal government, and was put up for sale. In 1867 it was purchased by the Dhogun but was captured by the Emperors forces on arrival in Japan. It was renamed Kotetsu, which means iron covered ship.  and became the Japanese flagship of the first naval squadron. On the 20th April 1869 she set sail with the fleet to attack the Shogunate navy at Hakodate. renamed Adzuma in December 1871

Hiei

Built at Milford Haven and launched 12th June 1877. designed by Sir Edward Reed. The Hiei took part  at the Battle of Yalu and was badly damaged  by gunfire from the Chinese battleships. later she was used as a survey vessel.

Displacement: 2200 tons,  Crew 308  Speed: 14 Knots,  Armament: Three 6.7 inch guns   Six 5.9 inch guns   four 4 pdr.  and two 14 inch Torpedo Tubes

Armoured Corvette Hiei shortly after completion

Chin Yen

Armoured turret ship Chin Yen

Hei Yen

Armoured gunboat Hei Yen