Burning of the JAMES BAINES in the Huskisson Dock, Liverpool

00001091_4.pdf

Burning of the JAMES BAINES in the Huskisson Dock, Liverpool

Maker Illustrated London News (Established 1842)

Date1858

Object number00001091

NameEngraving

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 400 x 270 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA page from the Illustrated London News from the 8 May 1858 featuring two engravings: 'The Austrian steam-yacht FANTASIE' and the 'Burning of the JAMES BAINES in the Huskisson Dock, Liverpool'.HistoryThe JAMES BAINES took out 700 passengers, 80 in first class, and 100 crew. She could carry up to 1400 tons of cargo. On her first voyage to Boston it was remarked in a newspaper, “You want to know what professional men say about the ship JAMES BAINES? Her unrivalled passage, of course, brought her prominently before the public and she has already been visited by many of the most eminent mechanics of the country. She is so strongly built, so finely finished and is so beautiful a model that even envy cannot prompt a fault against her. On all hands she has been praised as the most perfect sailing ship that ever entered the river Mersey.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Baines_ (clipper)). She set the record on her maiden voyage of 12 days and six hours from 12–24 September 1854 measured from East Boston (Boston Light) to Liverpool (Rock Light) that is unbroken by a sailing ship to this day. On April 22, 1858 while unloading cargo at the Huskisson Dock in Liverpool, the JAMES BAINES inexplicably caught fire and was destroyed up to her hull along with her cargo. Her insurance had lapsed just days previously and her remains were sold and were concerted into a coal carrier.