Boston: Departure, Securing the Towline c. 1885

It’s late evening in Boston Harbor at the zenith of the Clipper Era. A few well wishers and family members have remained at the wharf to witness the event as the ship leaves the pier in the custody of pilot and tugs. The vessel is being assisted, at the turn of low tide, to anchorage outside the harbor mouth in preparation for sailing at dawn on the ebb.

The scene is framed between East Boston to the left and one of the imposing North End granite warehouses which were saved from demolition some forty years ago when an enterprising group refurbished and preserved them as permanent historic landmarks.

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