The Morning News, September 17^th, 1855

Between the St. John & Boston Oarsmen!

The great Boat Race which came off at Boston on Thursday last, according to announcement, has resulted in a victory which fully maintains the well-earned reputation of our St. John Oarsmen. As we predicted when the challenge was accepted, they have proved themselves more than a match for their opponents. The Race was won with great ease, and in all a scientific and admirable style. Previous to the hour appointed for this occasion on Wednesday last, many thousands of spectators had assembled in the vicinity of the Charles River, to witness the trial of aquatic skill. Every spot from which a view could be obtained was taken up, and the great excitement which prevailed at the time showed how much interest had been manifested in the issue of the race.

At 1 ½ o’clock the signal gun was fired, and both boats started in fine style. The Maid of Erin (Boston Boat) having the choice of position, took the lead and kept it for a short distance. The Superior closely followed and soon passed her opponent - accomplishing the first heat, 3 miles, in 19 minutes; the Maid of Erin rowed the same distance in 20 minutes. During the second heat the Superior continued to lead; her crew pulling with apparent ease and without any straining efforts. The difference in time at the end of the second hear increasing in favor of the Superior slightly upon that of the first. The crew of the Maid now pulled desperately, exhibiting evidence of despair and a total disregard to the practical skill which our oarsmen displayed, and which was the subject of much general admiration.

On turning the station at the end of the sixth mile, half of the whole course being rowed over, the distance between the two boats was so great as to leave the Superior victorious beyond the shadow of a doubt.

The skill which was exhibited by our oarsmen in turning the respective stations was generally observable, and must have convinced all of the superior knowledge they possessed over their opponents.

Cheers from all quarters now saluted the crews of each boat as they sped their onward course, the difference increasing to the end of the ninth mile. On turning the station at this period the crew of the Superior appeared as fresh and cool as at the commencement of the race, pulling an easy stroke, and apparently unconscious of being engaged in a contest. On turning the ninth mile the Maid of Erin, being at least one half mile behind, gave up the contest! Shouts and groans from all quarters were heard at this crisis, and the crew of the Maid, in a state of exhaustion, and with their boat nearly full of water, found it useless if not impossible to pull the remaining three miles.

The Superior continued the race, accomplishing the last 3 miles in 26 minutes, being 2 minutes more than the former boat, and making the whole distance in a little over an hour and a half.

Loud and continued cheering greeted the crew as they finished the race and leaped on board the Judge’s boat, ready if necessary to commence afresh another contest, so easy had been their task, and so far had their opponents proved themselves from being anything like a match for St. John Oarsmen.

The trial of skill being completed, the Stakeholder was authorized to pay over the Club the sum of $2000, which our boys have nobly won and merited.

It is estimated that nearly $100,000 changed hands on the result of the race.

During the afternoon a strong North Westerly wind prevailed, which made it rather rough for easy rowing. The river was thickly studded with crafts of various sizes, all well charged with living freight. The Superior did not carry a coxswain her well trained crew preferring to row without one.

A day like this of course could not end without the occurrence of some events consequent upon the assembly of so large a number. As accident occurred as the race was about commencing; a shed upon which several person were standing in order to obtain a view, fell to the ground injuring five or six and one it was supposed fatally. We regret that we are also obliged to chronicle a circumstance which to say the least of it reflects but little credit upon the crew of the Maid of Erin; two or three of their number for reasons unknown, assaulted Mr. Thomas Cass, one of the judges on behalf of the St. John boat in a disgraceful manner, throwing him overboard and inflicting several injuries. Such conduct is deserving of the severest reprehension and we hope the Boston authorities will see that the affair is thoroughly investigated. The crew of the Superior have we are pleased to learn conducted themselves in an orderly and unassuming manner since their stay in Boston. Their quarters have been in a retired part of the city and it seems to have been their wish to avoid unnecessary show or parade. We learn that they intend leaving Boston to-morrow (Tuesday) and will arrive here in the steamer Admiral on Wednesday evening. We hope their friends are making arrangements for giving them a suitable reception. The victory must be gratifying to all, while the manner in which it has been achieved demands some sterling token of approbation which we think will be generally acceded to.