C. J. Kershaw (Bark), 18 Jul 1857

The beautiful barkentine C.J. KERSHAW, which is now lying at the dock of the Detroit & Milwaukee Railway loading with staves, deserves something more than a passing notice, as well as her gentlemanly commander, Capt. D.C. Pierce.
      Capt. Pierce is the first and only man who has ever taken a vessel from our inland seas to Liverpool, and the C.J. KERSHAW the second vessel that has made the voyage. - the DEAN RICHMOND having been the pioneer in this novel and somewhat startling enterprise, and showing, what no one would have believed 10 years ago, that direct and, we trust, profitable trade can be carried on between our inland Lake ports and Europe.
      This barque was built at Cleveland for Capt. Pierce, by Quayle & Martin. Her length of keel is 133 ft.; length over all 142; fepth of hold 11 ft. 9 inches; width 26 ft. 2 1\2 inches, having been built as large as she could well be and get through the locks of the Welland Canal. She will carry 500 tons, and when loaded draw 10 ft. 6 inches water. Her builders have taken unusual pains in her construction, and she is finished throughout in the most substantial manner. She is furnished with Cunningham's patent reefing apparatus, by which the sails can be furled from the deck, and with Robinson's patent steering apparatus.
      Capt. Pierce feels proud of his beautiful vessel, and so may we all, for she is the neatest and trimmest craft that ever ascended the waters of the Detroit river; and, if we mistake not, will make John Bull open his eyes wider than when the yacht AMERICA came first, and "nothing" nest. (?)
      The KERSHAW takes out a number of passengers, for whose accommodation tasty and commodious state rooms are furnished, and in addition to the cargo of staves with which she is loaded, a considerable quantity of black walnut lumber was shipped at Cleveland, which just now commands a good price in the English markets. She will load for the return voyage with hardware, iron, crockery, &c.
      It is the intention of Capt. Pierce to sail on Monday next, and he thinks he can complete the voyage inside of 6 weeks. Success to him and his beautiful craft.
      Detroit Free Press
      July 18, 1857