The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-08-10
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The Watering Places.

OCEAN HOUSE, Newport, r. l., Aug. 7.
American Yachting-1hs Race betceen the Northern
Light and Syen-Lieut. Luther, a Hero of the
Rio Gramds. &C., &c.
In Newport letter, dated, believe, on the 9Th
ult, gave you short account Of the second
race between the yachts Northern Light and
Syren. In this letter, if l mistake not, stated
that the captain of the Light admitted his schoon-
er to be fairly beaten. She was beaten you will
recolect-farly distanced-run away from.
Capt. Winchester, however, admitted at tho
same time that any yacht, pilot, sail boat in the
harbor, might have done the same for her, as did
the Syren. But il beaten under the circumstances
of the TUESDAY, he does not, therefore, ac-
knowledge her nferiority as sailing craft to her
opponent. 1t is bat fair to state the circumstances
OF Tuesdays race, which are as follows
The Northern Light had been put into light
weather rg-that is, ten feet had been added to
each of her masts, making them IS and IA feet
respectively, to deck OF 81 feet. Moreover, her
canvass had been considerably enlarged, and in
this rig she had never been tried under a stiff
thing that has sailed against her, the Syren not
cepted; and in her old or heavy weather rig,
she has, we are informed, never been beaten by
any vessel whatever.
Upon the day of the second race, Tuesday, it
not only blew stiff breeze but gale, and the sea
was very heavy. This, with her tall masts and
increased canvass, rendered her unmanageable,
and completely crippled her, so that the captain
gave up the race at once, contessng himself beaten
for the day. 1t must be recollected, however, that
in four races that have been run between the
Syren and Northern Light, the latter has won two
OF them and her spirited captain has no idea OF
giving it up. He intends Immediately on his re-
turn to Boston, to replace the old sticks" and
try it again.
We like this nautical emulation. How much
nobler it is !-how much less cruel !-how much
more consonant with our naval and commercial
character, than horse racing, dog fighting, or
pugism.
To-day the yacht squadron sailed out of our bay
on a short visit to Bristol, a small place about
fourteen miles up the Narragansett. They went
thither, we understand at the hospitabe invita-
ton of some gentlemen yachters of that place.
They,wl return to Newport in the evening.
Looking from my window, saw gentleman
hobbling slowly past on crutches in undress
uniform; on his head was broad brimmed Mexi-
can sombrero; he wore long beard, and seemed
quite emaciatcd from the effects of disease, or
wounds. 1t was the latter, received in the battles
of Palo Alto and Guerrero, as l found upon in
quiry. The invalid himself was Lieut.. Luther,
who has just arrived at this place for the benefit
of his impaired constitution. We much mis-
taken if the sweet sea breeze, the cool zephyrs
Of the Narraganset and the hospitable hearths OF
Newport, do not soon re store HIM to his pristine
vigor. He will no doubt leave Newport as good
as new, and leave the crutches behind him too.
We have been informed that the Brooklyn City
Guards are on their way to Newport They are
expected here on Monday or Tuesday next. To-
night grand ball at the Ocean. ECoLIER.