The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1840-02-11 00:00:00

LAUNCH OF THE BRITANNIA STEAM SHIP.

We are now to notice an eN' cot which will, probably, turn
out a very marked feature in the annals of this country, in-
asmuch as it is the commencement of a mode of communica-
tion between the old and the new world, which brings them
within one-half of the former passage, and thus strengthens
the relation in which they stand to each other, as parent and
child. The launch of the Britannia steam-ship, which took
place yesterday, from the building yard of Messrs. R. Dun-
can
.& Co.. Greenock, was an event of general interest, and
we„therefore, do not regret having left Glasgow for the pur-
pose of being a spectator, and of joining in the warmest ex-
pressions of congratulation on the occasion. • The launch of
a trim-built and sea-worth} craft, is at all times a pleasing
and most gratifying spectacle, and never did we witness more
intense interest on any similar occasion. It ought to be
mentioned, that the name of the vessel was pronounced by
a Lady, Miss Isabella Napier, and we cannot doubt that it
was on that account the more cheerfully received. At the
risk of being tedious we should add a very brief statement of
the ship's dimensions, its capabilities, and-of the trade for
which she is intended. The Britannia is the first of the
North Anierican Royal Mail steamers. Her length from
traffrail to figure head, is 230 feet, the breadth of her beam
is 34A feet, and the depth of her hold 22 feet 6 inches. She
is to be propelled by two engines, each 220 horse power, and'
when put to sea, will be succeeded by other three ships of the
same dimensions and similar construction, all intended, as
we have said, to carry the mails and passengers &c. between
Liverpool and North America, a scheme it will be remem-
bered, which was originated by the Hon. S. Cunard, of Ha-
lifax, Nova Scotia, who, with a small party of influential
gentlemen in Glasgow, is associated in this great undertak-
ing. The vessel's hull and machinery arc constructed under
the direction and superintendence of .rvi r. Robert Napier, of
the Vulcan Foundry, Glasgow, and when we meuttonthis
gentleman's name as connected with such a work, we give a
sufficient guarantee, that, when completed, nothing better
will be found in the kingdom. The accomodation of the ves-
sel is provided on an improved mid magnificent •scale, the
cabin below deck being fitted up with spacious and well
ventilated state-rooms. The dining saloon will be unique,
and we may safely say, that from the keel to the topmast
everything will he found substantial, and adapted to the
course the vessel is to take.—Glasgow Courier, 6th,February.

CAPTAIN CLEGG, OF THE " HUDDERSFIELD."

TO THE EDITOR OF THE 4,IVERPOOL STANDARD,

SIR,—A. paragraphbaving appoared in the Liverpool
Chronicle of Saturday, the Bth instant, giving an account of
the assistance rendered by the steamer Vale of Clwyd to
Captain Clegg, after he had been fortunate enough to save
the passengers of the steamer William fluskisson, and com-
plaining that the captain bad not been more adequately re-
munerated, I beg to say this statement is totally at variance
with the account I received from my brother; but, in order
that the public may be put in full possession of the facts, I
have forwarded the paragraph to him at Milford, and when
I receive his answer the particulars•shall appear in your
valuable appear.—l am, sir, yours respectfully,
Liverpool, Feb. 101 h. M. CLEGG.

BALL AT THE ALSION HOTEL, ON THE CHESHIRE
SHORE. A fancy ball, in honour of the marriage of
the Queen, took place at the Albion Hotel, in Birken-
head, and was numerously attended. The costumes of
the parties were unusually splendid, including thiise of kings,
queens, princes, peasants; and ploughboys. There were
present Spanish cavaliers, Greeks of princely assumption,
Armenians, Italians,_ and ruffians of all whiskered qualities
and degrees. Not having ourselves been present at the hall,
we can but state, from the report of a friend, that the ball
went off with great eclat, and that the utmost satisfaction
was expressed by those present, with the entertainments.
Amongst the characters, Dr. Syntax was well personated by
Mr. Ruby. Mr. King appeared to great advantage as Prince
Rolando. Mr. R. M`Govran appeared in the undress of
the 12th Lancers ; and Mr. Jas. Aspinall as a French officer.
The ball went off !with some echit ; but we are bound to
state that the attendance of ladies was proportionately
slender, and that the enjoyment of the evening was conse-
quently contracted. The spirit of the entertainment
was, however, kept up throughout the night, and the visitors
left the scene of amusement higbly pleased with the enter-
tainments of the day.

•
PORTRAIT OF PRINCk.
• ALBERT.—We perceive from the
advertisement that Mr. Burland, of Church-street, will ex-
hibit on Thursday, Friday, and :iaturday next, 'the only ori-
ginal and authentic portrait of Flit Royal Highness Prince
Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha, painted by command, at
the
speaks Palaceks h
loyf
George Patten, A.R.A. Report
ppainting, and we have no doubt that
s highly of this Gotha, by
many of our townsmen will be anxious to possess a copy of
the engraving.

MISS YAISIENVICZ.—This lady leas announced her concert
for Monday evening next, in the Tern plars' Hall, Great George -
street. Several eminent performers are engaged, and these,
combined with the powers of Miss Yanievicz, cannot fail of
giving general satisfaction. We beg to recommend this con-
cert to all our friends.

LIVER THEATRE.—The Liver theatre was crowded to
excess last evening ; indeed, we believe it was the largest
house of the season. Mt. T. D. Rice kept the audience in
a continued roar of laughter, by hisshurnourous delineations
of the negro character ; and Mrs. Raymond sustained admi-
rably the laurels she has achieved. A very. clever and racy
actress will be found in the person of Mrs. Barton. What-
ever she does, she does well ; and her arch liveliness in the
characters which suit her, tells with . great effect. Mr. Rice
takes his benefit on Friday next.

Passengers by the packet-ship Columbus, Captain Cropper,
from New York in 17 days :—Mr. Brown, .Royal Artillery ;
Messrs. Seymour, Whitney, I.4evegyne, Baitdrie, Standfieli,
and Richard, of Montreal ; Mr. Getz, Gerniany.

JUDICIOUS SUGGESTION.--Tile committee appointed to
report to the Town Council the manner most desirable, for
celebrating the Queen's wedding-day have proposed a sub-
scription in aid of the funds of the public charities of £5OO,
to be increased to £lOOO, if the public should 'raise £2OOO. a
friend, who takes a deep interest in the Dispensarie3, and is,
therefore anxious to increase their funds, suggests, that the
clergy of every denomination might assist the subscription, if
they would makecollections, in their respective places of wor-
ship, in aid of the £2OOO subsLription. The suggestion is
worthy of the consideration of the clergy, and those who al,-
prove of it, will, we trust, act upon it on an early Sunday.
THE SHIP HUDDERSFIELD.—It Will be fresh in every
body's memory, that this vessel, hi rescuing ninetY-tWet`
souls from the wreck of the William Huskisson, carried away
her bowsprit, and was forced to return to Liverpool to r;•_
pair that and other damages sustained by coining in contact
lust. on liee
with the steamer. She sailed again on the Ist
voyage to the coast of Africa ; but in going down the channel,
she came, during one of the nights- olla.st week, in contact
with a barque, supposed to be the Palmyra, hence fur Demi.-
ara, and carried away her bowsprit and injured her stem.
Both vessels put into Milford to repair damage. It is cer-
tainly singular, that the Huddersfield should lose her bow-
sprit twice in of four the courseweeks.
•