"TOPSHAM. - On Tuesday, this hive of industry was the scene of unusual gaiety and activity, the whole population, including numerous visitors, having assembled on the quays and points of vantage to witness the launch of the Jeannette, the magnificent schooner yacht of the Earl of Egremont, from the yard of Mr. Bowden, where she had been undergoing substantial repair, and been lengthened about twelve feet.
"Adjoining the dock was an awning, erected by the noble owner of the lode-star, in which were Earl and Countess of Egremont, lady of the Ven. Archdeacon Stevens and the Misses Stevens, Captain and Mrs. Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. Williams and the Misses Williams, Captain Heringham R.N., the Revds J. Thompson and G.H.O. Pedlar, Mr. Walker, and several members of the Royal Yacht Squadron.
"The Town Band was stationed in a barge off the wharf, and played the inspiriting airs of "Rule Britannia," "See the Conquering Hero comes," &c. Upon the bosom of the waters were numerous craft, from the huge steamer gaily decorated with the flags of all nations, to the little cock-boat; the weather being delightfully fine the whole was a brilliant affair.
"The time appointed was seven o'clock, and about half an hour previously, the arrival of carriages with distinguished visitors, which was announced by the rettle of artillery, set expectationn on the tiptoe.
"Precisely at seven o' clock the word was given, the numerous supports were simultaneously removed, and he gallant vessel, which is really a noble craft, majestically glided into the yielding bosom of the deep.
"Some little delay occured from the fact that the tide did not rise so high as usual, but this was of little moment. it was some time before the immense crowd that were assembled dispersed to their respective homes, highly delighted with the scene they had witnessed."
Lode-star here means an attraction. (This is how Shakespeare used the word in A Midsummer Night's Dream). Here it is the schooner Jeannette that is meant although the lords and ladies there assembled would also have been an attraction, not to mention the over-the-top gunfire and the floating Town Band.
George Wyndham, 4th Earl of Egremont had been a naval officer before, in 1837, he became an earl, hence the strong naval presence under the awning. He was 56 when his refitted yacht was launched at Topsham and he had less than two years to live. He was the builder of Silverton Park, a great house some 8 miles from Exeter, long since demolished.
The Exe at Topsham had attracted numerous craft, that a huge steamer was lying off Topsham sounds a bit hyperbolic. I find cock-boat a charming word for a small boat.
The immense crowd that were assembled....! Tut tut!
Source The Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 20th July, 1844.
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