The William Lee arriving at the Humber Dock Basin, Hull, on her return from Calcutta, 22nd January 1839

Built by Messrs. Dikes and Gibson for Robert Lee and John Tall, the William Lee was launched at Hull on 17^th January 1831. Originally employed in the whale fishery, she was sold to Joseph Gee and Thomas Thompson in partnership with George Liddell, the banker, in 1837 and was put into the Calcutta trade. Leaving Hull on 23^rd March 1838, under the command of Captain Sheppard, she returned the following year on 22^nd January and received an enthusiastic reception from the people of Hull.