The David Crockett was a prominent example of the second generation of clipper ships, of “medium” rather than “extreme” proportions. Named for America’s popular western folk hero, the 215-foot David Crockett was launched by George Greenman & Company on the site of Mystic Seaport in 1853. She spent her first years in the North Atlantic trade to England and made a run to India and Aden before making her first San Francisco run in 1857. After golden wheat replaced gold as California’s principal export, the Crockett, with a capacity for 2,000 tons, remained profitable and made 25 San Francisco voyages between 1857 and 1883.

Demonstrating his knowledge of ship technology, Buttersworth showed the David Crockett snugged down for heavy weather under a balanced rig, with fore course and reefed topsails for driving and inner jib, forestaysail, main lower staysail, main spencer, and spanker for steadying.