The Sun.
London, England, 1838-04-02 00:00:00

DEPARTURE OF THE GREAT

WESTERN STEAM-SHIP.

This magnificent vessel on Saturday morning at length left
her moorings, at the Brunswick Wharf for Bristol, previous to
crossing the Atlantic for America. No occurrence for a long
time past has created so stirring an interest in the scientific
world. She had been destined to start by five o'clock ; but,
owing to the impossibility of clearing her of the numerous
workmen who were employed up to the last minute on her
decorations, &c., she did not start until upwards of an hour
beyond that time. Notwithstanding many stumbling blocks,
everything was in sailing- trim when the Great Western
started ; and, with the exception of the starting of one of the
small planks connected with the larboard paddle-wheel,
all
bore a propitious appearance. The morning was glorious,
and as the magnificent vessel floated majestically down the
Thames she was saluted with the cheers of all who at
that early hour were assembled. When she was tho-
roughly afloat in open water, the log-line (a patent one) was
cast, and her speed ascertained to be fifteen knots an hour,
which disproves the assertion of some of our morning Contem-
poraries, that she was outstripped on her trial the other day by
the Sirius. In fact, the latter never passed her at all until the
two vessels were proceeding in contrary directions, and then
the Sirius had no burthen on board ; the Great Western had
500 tons of coals. At a little after seven she reached Graves-
end, having performed the distance in the space of an hour and
fourteen minutes. Here most of the visitors, (amidst whom
we recognised the venerable Mr. Brunel), with the Custom-
house officer, were put into a boat to be rowed ashore.
About half an hour after this an accident occurred which ad-
mirably illustrates the great caution which has marked all the
movements of the proprietors of this splendid ship, and of
every hand connected with her; this was no less than an
alarm of fire. The workmen employed to coat the boilers
with felt, for the purpose of preventing the radiation of heat,
had improperly used a quantity of oil, red lead, and telt
about that part of them which is in contact with the chim-
ney. As the vessel approached the Nore the smell of
heated oil attracted attention, but its origin was not per-
ceived until, in a few minutes, it burst into flames, emitting
of course, large volumes of smoke. The vividness with which
it burned must, to the nervous, have indeed appeared terrific ;
fortunately, however, those on board were so satisfied with the
efficiency of all the arrangements that the only excitement
produced was that of interest instead of fear, and all the effect
of this alarming appearance was that of inciting every person
on board to activity. No sooner was the position of the fire as-
certained than so huge a jet of water was directed upon it by
the powerful engine pumps belonging to the vessel, assisted
by a portable fire-engine, with which the deck was fortunately
provided, that it was extinguished with scarcely a bit more
damage done than that occasioned by the zealous remedies of
the crew. During this anxious scene the engines had been
stopped, but Messrs. Illaudsley and Field, who were on board,
now descended, and, having carefully examined the source of
alarm, reported all safe and sound. We are happy in being
able most positively to state, that no personal injury was sus-
tained during the time she took fire : and have no doubt of her
becoming one of the most favourite mediums of transit to the
shores of America.