In short, the 'Silver Crown' was one of the fastest and most famous sailing clipper ships afloat.
This was the vessel in which Jack Clewlin was about to begin a long and honourable career on the sea, to experience some dangers, adventures, and privations, and no boy ever felt prouder as he listened to the many expressions of admiration passed on her by competent experts ashore.
Her commander, Captain Robert Thorne, was a finely proportioned, pleasant-looking man of middle age, heavily bearded, and of thorough sailor-like appearance, always anxious for the comfort and the safety of those placed in his charge, and prompt and decisive in action.
His first and second officers were also highly experienced and capable men. William Sennit, the first mate, was a tall and powerful-looking man of thirty years, sun-tanned and weather-beaten features denoting constant exposure to the heat and the storms of every portion of the world; while a slight nasal accent, with dark brown hair that fell almost to his shoulders, indicated an American nationality. His clear, ringing voice was always distinct in the midst of any gale.
Stephen Statten, the second mate, was a native of Devonshire, and of medium height, but the breadth of shoulders was particularly striking, and his muscular limbs denoted great strength.
He was about twenty-five years of age, keen-eyed, alert, and of a kindly disposition, and with Jack Clewlin he became as friendly as discipline permitted.
In addition to these the 'Silver Crown' carried a surgeon, a purser and his assistant, one carpenter, a sailmaker, a boatswain and his two mates, four quarter-masters for steering, with several cooks and stewards, while thirty able-bodied and ordinary seamen occupied a comfortable topgallant forecastle.
The saloon was already filled with first cabin passengers, and the forward deck-house, or second cabin, was also occupied by ladies and gentlemen, but one room there had been allotted to the use of four apprentices, all of whom were 'first voyagers.'
Accompanied by his father, Jack presently joined his ship, and they were received by the chief mate at the gangway.