Built in 1858 on the yard of Boole & Porter at East Boston for Howland & Frothingham at New York.
1858 Launched under the name RICHARD S. ELY.
Tonnage 1.208 tons, dim. 184 x 38 x 24ft.
Ship rigged. Two decks.
She was built for the service in the Dramatic Line between New York and Liverpool. The Dramatic Line was founded by E.K.Collins (1802-1878), he founded this line in 1836, and the line was so called because the ships were named after famous actors and dramatists.
Her first years was she under command of Capt. Malcolm Livingstone.
Put later in the service from east coast ports USA to the west coast around Cape Horn.
1870 Her owners given as Dearborn Bro & O, and Captains name J.E.Lombard.
She is till given in Record of American and Foreign Shipping 1873 http://www.mysticseaport.org.library
Owned by Borland & Dearborn, New York, and under command of Capt. Coldrey William. Last surveyed in New York in July 1870.
Fate till so far not found.
The vessel is depict on the first triangular postage stamp ever issued by the U.S. and released on 13 March 1997. The issues consist of two stamps; both based on drawings of 19th century transportation scenes from California, the 32c depict a clipper.
The design of this stamp is based on an illustration from an advertising card for the clipper ship RICHARD S. ELY.
These cards were used during the mid-1800s to entice prospective pass-engers or freight consig-nors to do business with the advertised ship. On the card potential customers are directed to a pier at New York’s East River and promote Merchants Express Line of Clipper Ships for San Francisco.
The structure seen on the right side of the card, can also been seen on the stamp. This is probably an artist’s impression of Fort Point in San Francisco. It was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1853 and 1861, and still stands near the South end of Golden Gate Bridge.
United States 1997 32c sg3282, scott3130.
Sources: Copied from Watercraft Philately Vol. 43 page 60