Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1838-04-28
Corporation Visit tn tho Great Western
Ship. Proceedinxa.A Anecdotes. sc.


Corporation Visit tn tho Great Western
ship--Preceedings, Anecdotes, SC.
Yesterday was great day on board the Greal
Western; at early hour in the morning the vessel
decorated with the flags and coors of all nations;
those of the United States and Great Britain floating
proudly astern. AT twelve o'clock we went aboard,
and received with the utmost cvllity and atten-
ton; we politely escorted round the VESSEL and
shewn the beauties Of art and the wonders of science
so admirably illustrated in this magnificent specimen
of both.
Nc language is adequate TO describe the splendor
of the saloon, which is bounded on each side by the
state rooms for the accommodation Of passengers.
Ii looks like a bower of bliss perfect garden OF Ar
mida with recesses the wings, ornamented with
trellice work in gliding, and with exquisite paintings
in the wanscoatng and panneing, descriptive OF the
various scenes of romantic and pastoral life executed
by the first artists of Europe under the superinten-
dence of Mr.. Paris the royal academician. The So
fas astern are wadded in most luxurious manner
and every thing conducive the comfort and of
The passengers is consulted in style of elegance
never hitherto attempted and only dreamed of the
descriptions of the Arabian Nights, and the tales of
faery The furniture is formed on the model Of that
of Versailles, in the time of Louis XIV. the looking
glasses are enclosed in oval frames of painted porce-
LAM nlaid with narquetry, and the most vivid colors
the fire place in the centre is rich bronzed article Of
a quadranguar shape, with fire place on each an
gle and handsome voued column for chimney
Every thing was in the brightest order, and designed
with the most consummate TASTE exhibiting the trl-
umph of luxury when carried INTO execution by la
wish and regardless expenditure.
In order to keep the vessel in a proper state for
the reception of the corporation and ether invited
guests was found necessary to exclude the public
and we witnesses TO the cvility and courtesy
with which this unpleasant dsty was performed by
the young gentleman of the watch. Scores OF boats
filled with ladies and their cavaliers, alongside
expecting free admission TO Inspect the wonders of
the great steam ship, and they were much mortified
when they found there was an insurmountabe obsta-
Gle TO their admission They went away, however,
smingly, when the reason of their exclusion was
explained to them, and they were assured that this
day the vessel would be thrown open to their CURES
ity. In fact the only parties TO be blamed were the
avaricous hoatmen, who knew full well when they
took their fare that there chance of their be-
ing eratified but, Notwithstanding, they chose to
realize their paltry gain of shilling head, indier-
ent to the disappointment of those who engaged
them.
Al half past twelve o'clock, the boats from the
NAVY Yard proceeded TO the foot of Beck man street
to convey the invited guests on board; the fstila
consisted of about twenty boats under the charge OF
Captain Stringham, as marshal of the waters, and
CAV appearance they presented, with their ensigns
floating astsrn, and the shining ehecrlly on the
expedition. At two O'clock the band which had
been playing the national and patriotic airs of both
country since noon, struck up Hail Columbia, and
the first boat, containing the Mayor, Recorder
Judges, British Consul and other magnates of the
CITY came on board they were received by Captain
Hosken and his officers, whom they were several
w introduced by Mr.. Buchanan the British Consul.
During the time the fotlla was coming from Beck
man street TO the vessel it amusing TO hear the
remarks of the crew. the most characteristic Of
which was
aLord! Tom, 10 that all the processioH they've
sot7 Why surely they've got the Lord Mayors and
company's barges, like them chaps in London, with
their gilt gingerbread starns"
"Lord bless you" replied Vulcan Of fireman /,
that ere thing won't 90 down here. Why, they've
got nothing but men of-wars boats and hackney
coaches. New York 8 not Lunnon."
Upwards of a score of boats discharged their
freight consisting Of aldermen editors and such like
while the music was playing, and the people on ths
shore were shouting. The visitors were shown round
the ship its equipment was surveyed by them, and
i'm epene-room, more like mandatory OF steam
engines, inspected. The cast iron flooring, Of most
elaborate open iron work, was Of i'self curiosity
and the surprising cleanliness and order OF all around
elected the strongest expressions Of admiration and
satisfaction In short every thing was in It's proper
place, and its utility was obvious 10 every mind, how
ever snversed in mechanical operations
The fore, or second cabin, much admired 1t
was neatly plainly and comfortably fitted up; each
berth was furnished with nice dmty curtains Of spot
less white; and the room itself was thickly carpet
ed, and was very airy. 1t contains sixteen double
cabins.
The spacousness Of the state rooms was partcu-
larry noticed being nine feet in height SIX and half
feet fore and aft and feet wide, with every
commodatDn for the toilette. The saloon was laid
out with ten tables for the reception Of the pueets
whercon was displayed most epeurean bouquet, set
of with plate and crystal in great pro uson. The
china is expressly prepared for the Of the vessel
with the legend of the Great Western Steamboat
Company, and the device of the vessel inscribed on
each arIlcle.
After all the company had debarked, the boats drew
nm in line, and at signal from Captain Suingham U.
q NJ 49, a,ra vere all elevated and the crews ois