What were called medium clippers enjoyed a profitable trade for many years later, and one of them, the Andrew Jackson, was never outsailed for the record from New York to San Francisco.

This splendid type of ship was to be found on every sea, for the United States was still a commanding factor in the maritime activities of South America, India, China, Europe, and Australia.

In 1851 its merchant tonnage rivaled that of England and was everywhere competing with it.
The effects of the financial panic of 1857 and the aftermath of business depression were particularly disastrous to American ships.

Freights were so low as to yield no profit, and the finest clippers went begging for charters.

The yards ceased to launch new tonnage.