The Ship Great Republic.
What is left of this once splendid ship is now owned by the underwriters. Her
builder, Mr. McKay, returned from New York yesterday, having collected $
235,000, the sum insured upon her and her freight, in New York. Every policy
was accepted at sight, and paid without the slightest hesitation, and in the
evening, many of the underwriters and other friends gave him a public dinner,
at which the most generous and kindly feelings were expressed, and every
encouragement held out for him to once more restore the Great Republic
to her original beauty and completeness. Mr. McKay expressed his gratitude to
his friends, particularly to the underwriters, who had so nobly met their
obligations, especially as several envious persons had represented that the
ship could be rebuilt for $ 100,000. Upon his arrival here, our leading
shipowners gave him a cordial reception, and were warm in their praises of the
New York underwriters, for their promptness. He fully riciprocated their
kindness, and stated that a more honorable body of men than the New York
underwriters, or men more entitled to his lasting gratitude, he believed could
not be found anywhere. Instead of finding them peevish debtors, every one of
them received him as a warm-hearted friend, and sympathised with him for the
loss of his ship. Such conduct is worthy of commendation.
Boston Semi-Weekly Atlas, 1854, Saturday, February 4.
Transcribed by
Lars Bruzelius
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