Log of the Clipper Ship "Sweepstakes" George Lane, Master, New York to Bombay and back, May 16, 1857 to March 20, 1858. by Manuscript

Folio, about 80 pre-printed pages accomplished in manuscript.

"Sweepstakes" was an extreme clipper with an extremely interesting history. She was built for speed and was sparred even more heavily than the "Flying Cloud," spreading 13,000 yards of canvas. She got stuck in the ways during her launching in 1853, then careened and brought down the staging of a nearby ship, "precipitating a large number of spectators into the water." Three days of continuous work and two Navy barges were required to refloat her. Once underway, though, there was no doubt as to her speed. The voyage recorded here was her fourth, all of them under her original captain, George Lane - who also kept this log. According to Howe and Matthews, her passage from New York to Bombay was a record setter, "one of the fastest, if not the record, over that course." They have her arriving at Bombay on July 22, 1857, "74 days' passage." However in this log Captain Lane records, "8.30 pm come to anchor. 72 days passage" casting little doubt on the record time for the passage. This is a classic example of a clipper ship log, with careful recording of weather, heading, location, ships sighted, signals exchanged, sails set, and events on board. Lane also adds personal asides such as this one on his departure, "Billy says he feels very bad, rather guess he wishes himself at home." (Lane makes other references to Billy, none of them inconsistent with Billy being a son, nephew, or some other youngster in his charge.) Or more interestingly, "I'm sorry I run so far to the East before hauling to South. Had ought to have followed Maury strictly." The return passage was also a speedy 80 days. "Sweepstakes" went on to perform several more voyages to the east under a new captain. Finally, in 1862 she ran aground in Sunda Strait and was sold in Batavia, ending her career. A fine copy in original marbled boards, with title page vignette. Kept by Captain Lane in a neat and legible hand.