A FAST TRANSPORT-SHIP.
One of the proudest achievements of the American clipper-ships that we have to look back on is that of the famous Lightning, built by Donald McKay for the English firm of James Bain & Co. The McKay clippers were known all over the world, and England recognizing their merit, many orders were sent from that country. The Lightning was employed during the Sepoy uprising in India to carry troops and stores to Calcutta, and when she spread her snowy sails in the Downs and fairly had the bone in her teeth, she showed as neat a pair of heels to the steamer transports as any captain could wish for. It is on record that she beat the steamers every passage, and that not a sailing vessel under the British flag could keep way with her sailing side by side.