Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1840-12-12
Nr. Rhodes the American Architect at Con.
stnntinOple.
LAUNCH OF HIS FIRST SHIP,

we spent the evening with our kind, agreeable
companion, Mr. Rhodes. As a specimen of oul
couniynen, Mr.. Rhodes is an Interesting Object to
every American who visits Coostantinoplc. He is
sel'-madc man; /; and though now ta,kng in the
sunshine OF wealth and royal favor, retains de-
hghtiul and unrefectei simplicity, which reminds
us 80 much of home, that II is pleasure to be with
him. 1t is singular how much energy Of mind will
accomplish. Mr. Rhodes was born and lived in
Rhode Island until he was fourteen years Of age.
and had only the advantage OF country educ atom,
under master whn had kept The same village school
for twenty eight years without adding to or chang
ing any of his ideas; hut his pupil had a natural
taste Tor math' macs and mechanics, and ov,rcame
oil obstacles. He is now lhIt most respectable Of
lei g., scientific mechanic. Mr.. Rhodes accom-
panied NJ. Eckfmd from New York to Constants.
noplc, and engsg d with him in the service Of the
Sultan. But Mr.. Eckford had not com,l, ted one
vessel when he suddenly died, and the whole bust.
ness devolved upon NJ. Rhodes, who determined to
go away soon as the vessel was finished, but he
received such offers as induced him TO remain.
The first ship launched by the Amerdan archi
tcct presented n scene Of general intcrc st. The
Su tan, wEot k's part, u ar pride in his navy, came
down To tie ship yard and h d his slken tents
spread; whde the cap'a'n-pacha, attended by two
or three hundred men provided with ropes, made
ready to draw the vessel la Turk, into The wa
ter.
"Wha you going TO do - said Mr.. Rhodes
"To help you,' answered the TUX.
d" but do not want any help" said Mr. Rhodes,
with surprise. Il have five six men,"
The Turk stlrted-Mr. Rhodes gave his ord, rs
the supporters were cut away, and in an instant
the noble vessel tracked the waves with fire. The
Sultan sprang up, c'sppcd his hands and cried
/ a,hallah,-wondertu! II was a miracle. Such
n thing never before seen in Turkey. This
will give some idea of how little the Turks know
Of The reduction of manual labor. The next d,y,
Mr.. Rhodes was very busy in the boat yard; he
had of his coat, his sleeves Were rolled up, and his
dress all 6esmeaTed with paint; man came to hi N
in great hurry. He Immediately stepped into a
boat and was remo,ed off 10 the palace.
The pacha met him, saying: 1.-THE Sultan wishes
to see YOU"
J "Bu, have coat on" said Mr. Rhodes.
81 cannot help that; his sublime highncss waits -
replied the iachn.
So poor Mr.. Rhodes was u,hered into the royal
presence in the most uncou,ty array, His first
sllam was accompanied 10y apology for bis
dress. 81 do not want your clothes, but you, "
said the Sultan. FIom that day iavors have fallen
thick upon our countiyman. The Sulan once
proposed to make him, instead OF master of the ar.
sena' constructor general of the cmpire-lhe high
est dignity he could bcs,ow upon him in his fine
business. 4 picha was sen, TO infoIm him Of the
honor Intended him.
81 cannot accept Of ii" vas Rhode reply.
But TIE Sultin wishes to honor you
81 know thai, continued Mr. Rhodes but nov
AIN private man, and can mind my own busi
ness wihaut any body's miniing me /; and if 20,
give M this splendid decoration, you make me
mark for the shafts Of envy, and am now nor
safe.
It will cos, me my life to tell the Sultan 20,
refuse this honor said the poor pAcha, turning
white.
They consulted about and discussed the suhirc
for three days, at length, as the plcha could no
prevail, he yenured 10 tell his dtspotic h ghnes
what Mr. Rhodes said. The only reply was, "ver,
well" and The subject was dropped-5ut not tn
Sultan's more substantial favors. Mr. Rhode
showed me some rich shlwls and splendid jewel
which had been sent as presnis 10 him; aud he
provided with princrly .s,a lscm nj. His lux
urient ca-tcrn Ia is are over open to the man
American travellers who visit the city,; and to al
he showos the kind st .at;enlins. | exsmaminc
many of lis drawings and models for ship bu ldiuC
anl became quite iueresten in the seieHce.-Soufl
ern Literary Messenger.