Many of those on board were interested to see what effect some canvas would have on the new clipper, so Mr. Raynes said to Captain Bertram that he thought it might perhaps be a good plan to set some sail, “just to assist the tow-boat a little.” Captain Bertram, with a twinkle in his eye, said he thought so, too, and gave orders to loose the topsails, jib, and foretopmast staysail. The _Witch of the Wave_ had a crew of Portsmouth riggers, shipped by the run to Boston, and it did not take them long to put the topsails on her. As soon as the yards were braced, she began to dart through the water like a fish, and soon ranged up on the weather beam of the _R. B. Forbes_, the hawser towing between them with the bight skipping along among the blue waves in showers of sparkling spray. On board the _R. B. Forbes_ the safety valve was lifting, with steam at thirty pounds pressure murmuring in protest to the breeze. There was great joy on board the _Witch of the Wave_, with clapping of hands and waving of handkerchiefs, while the band struck up “A Life on the Ocean Wave.” The log was hove, and she took nine and one half knots off the reel. The topsail yards were then lowered on the caps, and the reef tackles hauled out, yet with only this small canvas, the _R. B. Forbes_ did not have much towing to do. After rounding Thacher’s Island, a banquet was served on tables in the between-decks, which were decorated with the ensigns of all nations, and at the close of the entertainment speeches were made by E. H. Derby, a grandson of Salem’s great merchant of that name, Charles H. Parker, Henry N. Hooper, and the Hon. Charles W. Upham; then the following resolution was adopted with hearty cheers: “Ship _Witch of the Wave_, “Off Salem Light, May 2, 1851. “At a meeting of invited guests, held this afternoon, it was unanimously “_Resolved_--That the ladies and gentlemen here assembled gratefully acknowledge the courtesy, kindness, and generous hospitality of Captain John Bertram and the other owners of the _Witch of the Wave_, on this festive day, and tender their best wishes for the success of this noble vessel. “E. H. DERBY, _Chairman_. “CHARLES H. PARKER, _Secretary_.” After this, Jonathan Nicholas, of Salem, recited the following impromptu lines: “I wonder what’s the dreadful row They’re kicking up in Portsmouth now! The people running up and down Crying ‘All Salem’s come to town!’ Clear the track, the ship is starting! Clear the track, the ship is starting! Clear the track, the ship is starting! And Portsmouth hearts are sad at parting. “They say a man came down to-day To carry the _Witch of the Wave_ away; And the people think he oughtn’t oughter Just because he’s been and brought her.