Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1838-04-19
The steam SAips, and something new en-
the same subject.


Inc expectation and anxiety are At the helch. Inc
general opinion is that the Sirius could not have sail
ed on the I'd instant; at all events it is but far TO
allow her Is days. and if she compasses II IN 'hat
space it will be marvellous feat. In the mean
time, we have to announce another undertaking,
which pats all the others in the shade. We now
learn that private letter was received by the last
packet to the effect that the Sirius would not leave
Cork until the 9th instl
We have now four vessels of large class either
roate from the British Islands for this port, or mme-
diately about to start-the Sirius the Columbus, the
South America and the Royal Victoria; but great
er than these is behind of which the others may be
considered the arant courears and heralds TO an
nounce its approach. We allude to the Great Wes-
term whose deparurefor this continent was to take
place in the beginning of this month Of April. We
have already had several opportunities of descantng
upon the philosophy of this great undertaking, and of
the effect il will have in altering connection with
the old world of the improved facilities Of transit,
and Of the closer approximation of the great families
of nations; of the propous result the sciences and
arts the propagation of useful truths the removal of
preudlces, and the mutual advantages TO both hems
pheres. These vaccinations have not been contro-
verted, as they are proof against contradiction; and
all have hailed the undertaking a great epoch in
human enterprise and of vast importance 10 human
happiness and prosperity.
Wehave now before US the proceedings of a meet
ing of the propretors of the Great Western Steam
Ship Company, held Bristol on the first of last
month, preparatory to the departure of the Great
Western" in the beginning of the present month. IL
appeared that in order to ensure the practicaby OF
the undertaking, it was necessary in the construction
of the vessel to deviate in strength, fasenngs, and
form, from the customary mode of building steam
boats, and also to carry out those improvements
which would be certain to suggest themselves the
work progressed. To meet these contingencies, there
fore, Captain Christopher Claxton, of the Royal
Navy, was requested to act the managing Director,
and Mr.. Patterson appointed shipbuilder. The
construction Of the machinery was entrusted to the
Messrs. Maudsay, the most eminent machnists in
London, under the superintendent of Brunei the civil
engineer; together they have succeeded in producing
engines much larger than have been hitherto attempt
ed, and of the highest class; they are with cylinders
of 1874 inches in diameter, with seven feet length of
streke and, with several adaptations for the econo
my of steam and fuel, equal to $50 horse power
There are fosr boilers, distinct and Independent, so
that the engineer work such only as circnm-
stances may require; while, by passages reserved be-
tween them, he can cool, examine, repair and clean
those not i'm The wheels have the cycloidal pad
dies. The Board of Admiralty has taken also warm
interest in the undertaking. and have placed the plans
drawings, and calculations of the Queens steam SER
vice at the disposition of the Directors.
This vessel has been named the Great Western as
Ink in the connecting chain between The continent
Of America and the metropolis Of England. Its d.
mensions are length between perpsndcuars 2l7 feet
length all pa feet, beam 35l feet breadth from
out to out of the paddle boxes So feet depth 22t feet
and registered admeasurement l34e TONS Her floors
are of great length and each other they are
firmly dowelled and boted, frs, in pairs, and then
together by means of /. inch bolts, about "a feet
in length driven in four parallel rows soaring about
feet. The scantling is equal in to neo battle
ships, il is filled in solid, and caulked within and
without up to the first futtock heads previously 10
plankng and all to above this height of English oak.
She is most firmly and closely trussed with iron and
wooden diagonals and shelf pieces which, with the
whole of her upper works are fastened with screws
and nails TO a much greater extent than has hitherto
been put in practice. She has stowage for 300 tons
Of coal, or coal and cargo combined, without touch
ing upon her provision and water room for 300 people
Besides ample space for officers and crew, (comprs
ing about so persons) there state. rosms &c. for
l26 first class passengers there are also ZU good Sc
condary berths and should it eventually be found
advisable orego cargo space altogether about 100
more sleeping berths might be easily and convenient
ly arranged.
In studying the convenience, comfort, and decora-
ton Of the cabins, points which are Of great mpor-
lance in vessel carrying passengers Of superior
class the services Of artists and adesmen, recon-
mended by their taste and experience, have been en-
gagged. The ornamental work Of the principal apart
ment will be found az well adapted its purpose as
il is novel and beautiful in its application 1t is the
Joint prod ucton OF Messrs Jackson Sons, of Rath
bone place Londen, and of Edward Thomas Paris,
Esq, Royal Academician, and historical painter to
the Queen. The compartment; paintings of the latter
of these gentlemen in very high style Of art and
zeal appears to have Influenced HIM in a far greater
degree than emolument In the upholstery depart
ment Mr.. Webb, OF Bend street, London, has been
selected supply the principal articles; and the ma
tresses and bedding have been prepared by MI Stat
ford, of Bath In the appointment OF officers the d.
recors have been careful to obtain the strongest tes
timonaIs and have exercised their best Judgment
The commander Lleutenant Hosken, X. NJ, was
TO New York in the packet ship Garrick,
in December in order 10 make several preliminary ar
ranpemcnts Mr.. Matthews, the first officer has had
IN he md NJ