The Sun.
London, England, 1857-08-25 00:00:00

DIE BLACK BALL CLIPPER SHIP
LIGHTNIBG.

Since the introduction of steam -machinery as a
maritime propulsive power, wo have been ac-
customed to look to and depend upon it as the only
means of making rapid and safe voyages. Sailing
ve,,sels were looked down upon as means of transit
miserably below the progress and spirit of the age.
But the improvements which have of late years
been made in the construction of sailing ships has
forced them again into notice, and in many in-'
stances has enabled them to compete successfully,
both in speed and safety, with some of the best
steamers.

The Lightning, clipper ship, belonging to Messrs
James Baines and Co., which is at present embark-
ing troops for India, is a very fine specimen of th 3
latter class of vessels, and though entirely depen-
dent for her motive power upon the caprice of the
winds and waves, has nevertheless contrived on
several occasions to outstrip in speed some of our
best steamers engaged in the same trade and run-
ninc, the same track between this and the anti-
podes.

The Lightning was built in the spring of 1854
by Mr. Donald Mackay, of Boston, and is there-
fore comparatively speaking, quite a new ship.
Though large she is by no means one of those
monsters of the deep which, like mountain scenery,
are only interesting and. me rth seeing on account
of their vastness and bulk. She is but 1,468 tons
office register; and yet for speed, elegance of build,
and general tiiances.s she is probably unequalled by
any sailing ship afloat. Her, length from stem to
sternlis but 246 feet and her extreme breadth but 44;
but from the great height of her slender spars, and.
the yacht-like trim of her'hull, the impression con-
veyed on appoaching her is that of a vessel at least
one-third larger, presenting an extraordinary con-
trast to the great American wonder, the Niagara,
which in spite of her immense tonnage, at a short
distance does not look anything larger than the
Lightning. Her accommodation for passengers is
very extensive ; the principal saloon is eighty-
six feet long, and is fitted up in the most ele-
gant and tasteful manner, and in order to give
the appearance at least of coolness, which must
be very acceptable during the summer parts of
the voyage, white and gold comprise almost
the whole of the decorations. Her 'tween deck ac-
commodation for second class and intermediate
passengers is 176 feet long, 40 feet braiad,
afloat. and 8
feet high, beiug more lofty than any ship
The appliance for securing an adequate supply
of water to the passengers—a most necessary
consideration daring a long voyage is very
extensive—she carries iron tanks capable- of
holding 36,000 gallons. The height of the main-
mast from the deck to the truck is 157 feet, while
her main yard is quite equal in dimensions to that
of a first rate line-of 'battle ship, being 95 feet long.
The total cost of the vessel was about 30,0001., but
the wonderful rapidity of her voyages out and home
between this and Australia has amply repaid the
enterprising owners for the great outlay which was
incurred in her construction. As a sailing
ship she has made some of the smartest runs
on record, on one occasion accomplishing the
extraordinary distance of 430 nautical miles in
24 hours, being an average speed of about 18
knots an hour. In seven consecutive days she ran
2,188 nautical miles, being about 327 miles a day—.
an average speed of a little more than 14 knots an
hour fur the whole time. At the beginning of the
present month the Lightning completed her fifth
voyage, though only built three years. The dura-
tion of her voyage has varied from 63 to 83 days,
the average being a little over 70.
She is at present in the Government employ-
ment, and is about- proceeding to India with the 7th
Husssars, and detachments of other regiments, in
all numbering about 650 men. The whole of the
alterations which were rendered necessary by her
transformation from a packet to a troop ship have
been completed, and she is now in a fit condition
Ito receive her complement, of men, who will pro-
ceed on board her during the course of to-day and
to morrow. The extreme height of her 't ween
where the men will be accommodated; render her
particularly well adapted for the conveyance of
troops to the burning climate, of the East Indies.
Yesterday the owners, Messrs. James Baines and
Co., invited a large party of ladies and gentlemen
to inspect the ship previous to her departure from
Gravesend (which will take place during the week),
and on the occasion a grand dejeuner was given on
board), at which some of the officers of the 7th Hus-
sars, who will proceed in her, were present. The
entertainment passed off with groat festivity, and
about five o'clock the visitors returned to town
by special tram, all expressing themselves
highly gratified with the arrangements made
on board for the comfort and convenience of the
soldiers. The owners are under contract that the
ves el shall not exceed 70 days on the outward
voyage. Not the least interesting episode in the
proceedings of the day was the embarking of a re-
giment of the Dragoon Guards on board the screw
steamer City of Manchester, which was moored
alongside the Lightning. The troops cheered the
visitors most heartily as they left the ship in the
steam tug for the railway station, which, it is need-
less to say, was as heartily responded to.