Montague Dawson R.S.M.A., F.R.S.A.

Newman Galleries, Philadelphia
Private Collection, Pennsylvania (acquired from the above, 1974)

Unlined. Under UV: Small spots of inpainting at right horizon line, upper part of sail, and dots and dashes to upper right sky.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Through the mid-nineteenth century, clipper ships’ reputation for speed was so prevalent in popular culture that bets were made as to which vessels could transport cargos of tea in the fastest time from China and India to London and New York.  In 1849, the British repealed the navigation acts, and threw the tea trade open to international competition.  American ships such as the Southern Cross, beautifully designed and with labor-saving devices that needed less manpower, eagerly entered the trade. The Southern Cross, 938 tons and 170 ft long, was built by E & HO Briggs of South Boston in 1851 for Baker & Morrill.  Commanded by Captain Levi Stevens, Southern Cross made her maiden voyage to San Francisco in May 1851, and was immediately recognized for her impressive speed of up to twenty-two knots. She held the remarkable record of fifty-six days for her voyage from San Francisco to Calcutta and 106 days spent crossing from Manilla to New York in 1853. (Basil Lubbock, The China Clippers, Glasgow, 1919 (reissued 1981), p. 68-9).  After over a decade of successful voyages, during the Civil War Southern Cross fell prey to the Confederate raider CSS Florida, known as the “Prince of Privateers.”  On January 16, 1863, Florida broke through the Federal blockade of Mobile, and began a seven-month cruise in which she captured twenty-two vessels, including Southern Cross, which was burned.  As such, the present work stands as Dawson’s testament to the innovative design, power and speed of the magnificent Southern Cross in her glory racing across the sea.