Squally Weather - The 'Southern Cross' of Boston

The medium clipper Southern Cross experienced more than her fair share of adventure during her relatively short twelve year career. She was commission by Baker & Morill and built by E. & H. O. Briggs at their East Boston yard in the winter of 1850. Measuring 170 feet in length, a 36 foot beam, and registered at 938 tons she was launched on 19 March 1851. Her maiden voyage from Boston to San Francisco proved a fiasco when she was dismasted on two separate occasions during the delayed 136 day voyage. Leaving San Francisco her luck was changed and she made Calcutta, via Singapore, in a record breaking passage of 56 day. On her second voyage from Boston to San Francisco a fire was discovered in the hold and she narrowly escaped complete destruction.
In the spring of 1863 Southern Cross was captured by the Confederate armed merchant raider Florida and ordered to surrender. Captain Benjamin Howes, his crew and passengers were taken aboard Florida and Southern Cross was set alight and left to burn. It proved a tragic end for such a fine clipper.