Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1842-05-23

M. Rhodes, the american architect at CONSTANT
nopie. Launch Of his first ship. We spent the
evening with our kind, agreeable companion, Mr..
Rhodes. AS specimen of our countrymen, Mr..
Rhodes is an interesting object to every American
who visits Constantlnople. He is self made man
and though now basking in the sunshine OF wealth
aud royal favor, retains delightful aud unaffect-
ed simplicity, which reminds us much ofhome,
that it is pleasure to be- with him. II is singular
how much energy of mind will accomplish. MIR.
Rhodes was born and lived in Rhode Island until
he was fourteen years of age, and had only The
| advantage Of a country education, under master
who mad kept the same village school for twenty
eight years. without adding to, or changing any
OF his ideas but his pupil had n natural tnse for
mathematics aud mechanics, and overcame all OBJ
stacles, He is now that most respectable Of be-
ings, scientific mechanic. Mr.. Rhodes accom-
panied Mr.. Eckford from New FORK to Consan-
tinople, and engaged with him in the service of
the Sultan. But Mr.. Ecktord had not completed
one vessel when he suddenly died, and the whole
business devoIved upon Mr., Rhodes, who deter
mined to 90 away AS soon the vessel was FIN
ished, but he received such offers as induced him
TO remain.
The first ship launched by the American archi-
tect presented scene oil general interest The
Sultan who takes particular pride in his navy,
came down to the ship yard aud had his silken
tents spread while the captain pacha, attended
|
made ready to draw the vessel, Ia Turk, iato the
| water.
"Whst are you going to do?" said Mr.. Rhodes
! "To help you" answered the Turk.
" But do not want any help" said Mr. Rhodes
with surprise. 81 have five or six men"
The Turk staried-Mr Rhodes gave his orders
the supporters were cut away, and in an instant
the the noble vessel tracked the waves with fire.
The Sultan sprang up, capped his hands and cri-
ed, .Hasshditdh" -wondeiul! 1t was n miracle.
Such thing was never before seen in Turkey
This will give some idea Of how little the Turks
know of the reductions OF manual labor. The
next day, MIR. Rhodes was very busy in the ship
yard he had off his coat, his sleeves were rolled
up, and his dress all besmeared with paint; man
came to him saying, the captain pacha wanted him
in a great hurry. tie Immediately stepped into
boat and was removed off to the palace
The Pacha met him, saying, the sultan wish
es TO you"
"But have coat on" said Mr. Rhodes.
/" cannot help that his sublime hghness
waits" replied the paeha
| So poor Mr.. Rhodes was ushered into the roy
al presence in the most uncourty array. Ills hrst
saldm was accompanied by an apology tor his
dress. al do not want your Clothes but YOU"
said the Sultan. From that day Iavors have fallen
thick upon our countryman. The Sultan once
proposed to make him, Instead of master OF the
arsenal, constructor general of the empire the
highest dignity he could bestow upon him in his
line of business. pacha was sent TO inform him
of the honor intended him.
IL cannot accept it," was Rhodes reply.
" Bat The Sultan wishes to honor YOU
81 know that continued NJ. Rhodes; "but
now an a private man, and can mind my own
business without any bodys minding me; and if
you give me this splendid decoration, you only
make me mark for the shafts oil envy, and am
now more safe"
1t vii. cost me my life to tell the Sultan you
refuse this honor" said the poor pacha turning
white.
They consulted about and discussed the subject
for three days at length, as the pacha could not
prevail, he ventured 20 tell his despotic highness
what Mr.. Rhodes said. The only reply was, We
ny WELL aud the subject WAS dropptd-but not
the Sutan's more substantial avors. Mr. Rhodes
showed me some rich shawls and splendid Jewels
which had been sent presents 10 him aud he
is provided with IA prncely establishment. His
luxuriant eastern halls ever open TO the many
American travellers who visit the city and to all
he shows the kindest attentions. ! examined ma
ny OF his drawings and models for ship building,
aud became quite interested in the science.
Southern Literary Messenger.