The New Clipper Ship Lightning, Capt. J.N. Forbes, sailed from this port on Saturday afternoon bound to Liverpool. At 2 o'clock she hove her anchor up, and at 3 o'clock discharged her pilot off Boston Light. She went down in tow of the steamer rescue., Capt. Hennesey, and was piloted by Mr. E.G. Martin. Before the steamer left her, she set her head sails, fore and mizzen topsails, and had a moderate breeze from west southwest. She appeared to go at the rate of 6 knots under this canvas, though she drew 22 feet water, and has only 23 feet depth of hold. We have seen many vessels pass through the water, but never saw one which disturbed it less. Not a ripple curled before her cutwater, nor did the water break at a single place along her sides. She left a wake straight as an arrow, and this was the only mark of her progress. There was a slight swell, and as she rose, we could see the arc of her forefoot rise gently over the sea as she increased her speed. At 5 P.M., 2 hours after the pilot left her, the outer telegraph station reported her 30 miles east of Boston Light, with all drawing sail set, and going along like a steamboat. We think her talented designer and builder, Mr. McKay, cannot improve upon her model. Her commander being a pious man, was attended down the harbor by a select party of brethren and sisters of the M.E. Church, who at parting, gave him their blessing. This is much better than the dram-drinking and vociferous cheering, which usually make up the parting scenes of the unregenerated.


Boston Daily Atlas, 1854, February 20.

Transcribed by Lars Bruzelius.


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