Captain Edwin S. Babot went to sea as an apprentice in 1846, and eventually was known as one of the most skilful and popular commanders of sailing ships under the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Co.'s flag. He first came to New Zealand in 1859 as chief officer of the Wild Duck, and made two voyages in that ship under Captain Bishop. He then came out to Auckland as master of the ship Maori, and to Lyttelton in 1864 as commander of the William Miles. When he returned to London in 1865 he purchased an interest in the ship Lovebird, a Spanish clipper, and sailed from London with a cargo of contraband goods, consisting of arms and ammunition. This was during the American War. He ran the blockade successfully for some time, but was eventually taken prisoner by the French, who seized the Lovebird and her cargo. As the seizure of the vessel was later held to be illegal he was liberated after serving some months in gaol, and his ship was returned to him. In 1867 Captain Babot accepted the position of master of the Water Nymph, and arrived at Auckland in 1867, making the run out in 87 days from the Lizard. From this port he sailed for Oamaru to load for London. The ship was driven ashore during a gale, and became a total wreck. On his return to London Captain Babot took over the command of the Hydaspes, one of the largest vessels that had visited New Zealand at that date. He traded for several years in this ship to New Zealand. In 1878 the vessel was sunk by a steamer in the English Channel. Captain Babot then made one voyage to Wellington in the Northumberland, and upon his return to London was appointed marine superintendent for the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Co. In 1884 he arrived at Wellington, and occupied a similar position in New Zealand. This be hold for a long period, until his death there a few years ago.

the Hydaspes did some remarkable sailing during this passage. In four weeks the ship sailed 7413 miles, making an average of 265 miles per day. In one week 2018 miles were covered. On July 28, when tacking ship, working the mainsail, the weather main sheet threw three of the male passengers overboard. The ship was immediately backed and one of the unfortunates was promptly hauled on board. Lifebuoys were thrown to the others, one of whom could swim, and he reached a buoy; the other could not swim, and his struggles were witnessed from the ship. The lifeboat was rushing to his rescue, and reached the spot as he was sinking for the third time. Mr. Watson, the third officer, dived from the boat and brought him up. After a couple of hours on board the youth recovered. The passengers loudly cheered Watson and the boat's crew when the boat returned to the ship.