The Launch Of The Cambria

On Tuesday last [April 22] Mr. Shickluna launched the fine new barque, built by him at his ship yard here during the past winter, for the Messrs. Malcolmson, of Hamilton. She is of beautiful model, and gives promise of great strength and speed. Her length overall is 142 feet, depth of hold 12 feet, breadth of beam 25 feet 2 inches, and her carrying capacity is 21, 000 bushels. Although the weather was cold and rainy, quite a large crowd was present to witness the interesting spectacle, but many persons were disappointed in consequence of the launch taking place somewhat sooner than announced. As the noble vessel glided smoothly and greatly into her native element, J. G. Carrie, Esq., who performed the baptismal rite, broke a bottle of wine (the pure juice, we suppose,) on her bow and named her the Cambria, amid the huzzas of the assembled concourse. No accident of any kind occurred to mar the pleasure of the occasion. The Town Band, under Mr. Barnhart’s efficient management, added much to the pleasure of the event by their excellent music. Mr. Shickluna has two more vessels nearly completed, one of which will be launched in about two weeks, and the other about the first of June. We need to pass no eulogy on Mr. Shickluna’s ship-building capabilities, for he has earned a provincial reputation as a first class marine architect. No man better deserves the title, for every vessel that passes from his hands is built with a view to strength, symmetry and speed, and his great success in business is the best evidence that he combines all three qualities in his ships to a nicety. The Messrs. Malcomlson are highly pleased with their vessel, and well they may be, for she is a noble looking craft. She passed up the Canal to-day on her first trip to Chicago. A new feature in connection with the Cambria is that she was launched fully rigged and sails bent, in readiness to hand over to the owners immediately after her successful launch.