Notes on the later American-built Passenger Ships.

Space does not admit of more than a few lines on the best known of these later clippers.

The Southern Empire was an old three-decker Atlantic packet ship, and so was the Mackay-built Chariot of Fame, which is credited with a run out to Melbourne of 67 days. There has lately been a reunion in New Zealand of the passengers who came out to Maoriland in that ship.

The Invincible was said to be the tallest ship sailing out of Liverpool. She was a White Star clipper and made some very fast passages.

The Empress of the Seas, No. 1, was also a very fast ship. On 1st June, 1861, she left Liverpool, and arrived in Melbourne on 6th August, 66½ days out.

The Neptune’s Car, another big ship, is notable for a very different reason; for in 1857, when still under the Stars and Stripes, she was navigated for 52 days by the captain’s wife. Captain Patten had placed his mate under arrest for incompetence and insubordination; then whilst the ship was off the Horn beating to the westward, Captain Patten himself became entirely blind. The second mate was no navigator. In this dilemma Mrs. Patten, who was only 24 years of age, took command of the ship and navigated her successfully from the Horn into Frisco Bay.

Golden Age was the ship which claimed to have run 22 knots in the hour with current to help her.

The Royal Dane was a well-known ship in the London River when she was commanded by Captain Bolt. She also was a big three-decker.

The Florence Nightingale was celebrated for her looks.

“BLUE JACKET.”

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“ROYAL DANE.”

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A curious incident happened anent the Mistress of the Seas; a passenger brought an action against the ship because he was ducked during the ceremony of crossing the line and the captain was fined £100.

The Sunda was a very fine fast ship, and made some fine passages under the famous Bully Bragg.