LAUNCH OF THE ENOCH TRAIN, THE LARGEST CLIPPER SHIP IN THE WORLD. — Since the launch of the Vermont, seventy-four, we have not seen so many people assembled to view a ship, as were present at the launching of this magnificent clipper, on Saturday afternoon. She was gaily decorated with flags, and looked beautifully. Precisely at twenty minutes past one, the last block was cut away, and slowly she glided along the ways into the seam saluted with cheers upon cheers. Bowing obeisance to the spectators on the shore, she went gracefully about twice her length, and grounded, but was towed off next tide, and now lies at Lombard's wharf, East Boston, where she will be rigged with despatch, and then load for San Francisco.

She floats on an even keel, and only draws 10 feet 3 inches water, and this, too, including 3 feet 6 inches depth of keel. No freighting vessel, almost flat on the floor, is more buoyant. Such is the beautiful symmetry of her proportion, that, viewed as she lies, from the opposite side of the harbor, she does not appear larger than a common freighting ship of 500 tons. It is only on her deck that an observer can fully comprehend the vastness of her size. Sharp as she is, we believe she will stow nearly 3000 tons of measurement goods, and not draw more than 20 feet of water. In stowage capacity, strength of construction, and beauty of outline, she ranks the foremost of the clipper fleet. Never was there a ship to which the term beautiful was more appropriately applied.

After the launch, Mr. D. M'Kay, her builder, entertained a party of gentlemen at his house, in his usual hospitable style. Among those present were Messrs. Enoch and George F. Train, Benj. Bangs, Saml. Bradstreet, T.J. Shelton, W. Davis, Jr., L. M'Kay, Capts. Gifford and Brewer, of this city, Capt. Graham, of New York, and several others. At assembling, it was rumored that a distinguished gentleman present intended to make a speech upon the rise and progress of marine architecture, including an essay upon catamarans; but receiving a hint that the infliction was more than could be endured, he was mercifully silent. This threatened calamity removed, the company resolved itself into a social party, and were as happy as lords. Several of the sentiments were sung to the tune of "God save the Queen." Col. Train made a neat offhand speech, in reply to a compliment; but the great speech of the occasion was delivered by our juvenile friend, Capt. Gifford. A clerical gentleman said if the captain would make a speech, at its close he would favor the company with a verse of a psalm. The captain, always ready, accepted the condition, and made a great speech, setting forth the enterprise and skill displayed by Messrs. Train & Co. in the establishment of their line of packets. They commenced with the ship Joshua Bates, of 600 tons, and now had the Staffordshire, of 1800, and he would not be surprised to soon see them increase the size of their ships to 3000 tons. he was listened to with profound attention, and was cheered to the echo when he concluded. Capt. Graham, unable to make a speech, told a domestic story, in the happiest style. It was full of humor and pathos, and drew tears from every eye. Col. Samuel Hatch presided, Mr. Davis did the wit, Mr. Shelton the dignity, Capt. Brewer the gravity, and the rest supported them; but all were happy. The clerical gentleman forgot to give the verse he promised, but by way of a substitute, proposed the health of the Maine liquor law, which was drunk impressivly. The health of the lady of the house closed the entertainment, and at 4 P.M. the company separated in the best of spirits, wishing their host and his beautiful ship the best of good luck.


The Boston Daily Atlas, June 7, 1852.

Transcribed by Lars Bruzelius.


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