The launch of the Steam Packet ‘Forth’, 22 May 1841

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The launch of the Steam Packet ‘Forth’, 22 May 1841 Long Caption: Inscribed: “To the Directors of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company. This plate of the launch of the Steam Ship Forth of 1940 tons burthen (on the 22nd May 1841 in the presence of Sixty Thousand Spectators) with a view of the port and town of Leith, is respectfully dedicated, with their express permission, by their most obedient humble servant, Thomas Freebody”. The ‘Forth’ was lost on 14 January 1849, when she ran aground Scorpion Reef (Arrecife Alacranes) off the northern coast of the state of Yucatán, Mexico. All passengers and crew, having being landed on the reef, were saved. The Museum also holds a pocket watch (JEW0283) later presented by the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company to one of her then-serving lieutenants for his conduct at the wreck. Credit line: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London Object: PAH8902 Artist: Carmichael, John Wilson [artist]; Duncan, Edward [engraver]; Thomas Freebody Hull [publisher]; Rudolph Ackermann [publishers]; Crighton [publisher]; Finlay [publisher] Date: 1842 Medium: aquatint, coloured Size: 367 mm x 508 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.