Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-08-08
From the New York Courier OF Friday last.
THE DEPARTURE OF THE STEAM
SHIPS.

About the hour yesterday, at which it was
announced the British Steam Ships would
leave their moorings at the wharf, on their
return voyage, our streets usually so throng-
ed with people, were comparatively deserted,
and the shores on either side Of the river
were literally swarming with the multitude.
On the New York side, the vessels at the
whaIvcs were crowded from their decks to
hcir main tops, every spot from which a.
sight of the river could be caught, even the
house tops, was filled, and the Battery in
particular-the great resource on such occa-
,ions-seemed tccming with human beings.
Nor was the Brooklyn shore less place of
resort. From the Navy Yard to Red Hook,
the Heights were lined with spectators, all
anxious, ii not to crafty their curiosity, at
least TO be able TO say, that they had seen
the steam ships depart.
Perhaps an expectation that there would
be something like trial Of speed between
| the two competitors for the honors Of the At
iantic navigation, added to the general curl
osity exhibited. III were SO, disappolnt-
nent in this respect could not be more com
pletc, for we are happy 10 say, that the
commanders of each vessel, and all concern
ed in them, repudiaie the idea of obtaining
any advantage in public estimation, by the
dangerous expedient Of calling to their aid, +,
more than the usual quantum Of the mighty
power which impels them.
On regarding the scene, which the East
River and its shores presented, the thought
that would probably first suggest itself to a
lredcctiDg mind would be-how insignificant
are The objects which have called this mass
togethcr--though these objects are the work
Of human intelligence in one of its highest
eiforts-compared with the imposing spec
tacle of such a concentration OF human be-
ngs, of the great city they have reared for
themselves, of natures hand seen in the
broad expanse Of waters, which courses along
It's shores even when the steam ships
themselves, entered OH the scene, we in
voluntary called Is mind passage in one of
Walter Scott's novels where he speaks Of
the comparative pigmy display which large
military array made, amid the high hills Of
Scotland.
But a truce to philosophising. Our task
is to tell of the departure Of the steam ships.
AT about twenty minutes past one, the firing
of gun from the Great Western announced
her departure from the wharf, and she pro-
cccded, occasionally firing as she went, along
the usual camel to sea. The British Queen
left her moorings ot ten minutes past two,
made a slight curve up 10 the Navy YARD,
and then stood OIL her course. AS she pas.
sed the U. S. ship North Carolina, the Band
paid her the same compliment they had on
her arrival Of playing "God save the Queen
She too occasionally saluted the city, which
was answered from the guns at Castle Car
den.
At the Nnrrows, she was detained half an
hour, in putting on board the steam packet
Neptune, q boat load of the friends Of the
passengers, and then pursued her way
When last seen, at about lS miles distant
from the city, the Great Western was abou,
Is miles ahead of the Queen, the latter then
going along majesiically, with some sail set.
The steamers Neptune, Passaic, Novelty.
Hercules and Arrow, accompanied the Brit
ish steamers to sea. They were crowded
with passengers, bedeckcd with flags, and
provided with bands Of music.
The packet ships Ontario for London, Or
phcus for Liverpool, Baltimore for tlavre,
aud the transient ship Andromcda for Liver
pool, also went 10 sea at about the same
| time.
The British Queen has on board one hun
dred and three passengers, exclusive Of chill
rem and servants. and the Great Western
about sixty. Amongst the passengers are
Gen. Hamilton of South Carolina, Mr.. Vim
cent Nolte of New Orleans Mrs. Papneau
1 snd family Of Lower Canada and last, mol
Yleast, the Hon. E.. e.. Cambreong!