3-011-902 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

New blockade-runner Lizzie, built in the Clyde, 1864. Engraving from a drawing by Mr. Hugh Aird. 'This steamer has been built...for the purpose of running the blockade of the ports of the Confederate States of America. The vessels most suitable to this hazardous employment are those of light draught and great speed...The Lizzie was launched a few weeks ago, from the building-yard of Messrs. Henderson, Coulborn, and Co., at Renfrew, near Glasgow. She had been built to the order of Mr. W. C. Deeley, of Liverpool. When completed, she took on board a select party for a short cruise down the Channel, to test her speed. The result of her performances was far beyond the expectations of her builders and owners; it gave the utmost satisfaction to everyone on board. The speed throughout was twenty- two miles an hour, and that was maintained with the greatest ease. This speed is unprecedented in the experience of steam-navigation; no steamer of whatever size having maintained in open channel a speed equal to that of this little vessel...Her engines are on the builders' patent diagonal oscillating principle, and of 150-horse power, nominal. She has feathering paddle-wheels and vertical tubular boilers'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.