The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-08-24
Correspondence Of the .Near York Euening Post
LAUNCH OF THE GREAT BRITAIN

The 18th of July was great day in old Bristol %
the lesathan iron steamer built at that port having
been then hauled out of dock, and Prince Albert,
with host OF lords, ladies' and distinguished foreign
being present to witness the ceremony 1t is con-
ectured that fully hundred thousand persons oc-
cuped the surrounding heights, and the al
together very striking. The details of the proceed
ngs occupy dozen columns of the Bristol Jour-
nails. There was grand banquet given adjoining
the vessel on the occasion. On the health of the
Foreign Ambassadors and Ministers" being given,
the Prusslan Ambassador returned thanks, bat the
company were determined to have a speech from
MIR. EVERETT, the calls for that gentleman being long
and loud. On rising, he was received with a per-
fectly uproarous storm of applause, on the conclu-
sion of which he spoke briefly, (short speeches
necessarily the order of the day. but in his usual fe
licitous and extemporaneous manner The follow
ing is a correct version of what he said
Mr.. CHAIRMAN: May it please your Royal High
ness, ladies', and gentlemen, the inmation which has
been given to me, that in consequence of the kind
aliusion you have been pleased to make to my coun-
try and myself, that some acknowledgment is ex-
pected of me, induces me to ntrude myself for mo-
mdnt on your notice. feel it, sir very agreeable
privilege to be permitted to partake of the hospa-
ty of this interesting occasion We read in Of
the delightful poetcai productions with which the
literature OF our common language has been enrich
ed by Sir Walter Scott of the chieftan who, by the
sound of his whistle, called up FIVE hundred clans
men from the thckets of highland glen. His Royal
Highness has performed greater wonder to-day
He has literally covered your walls your roadsides
your house-tops, ard Brandon hill to the very sum
init, not with hundreds, but with hundred thousand
loyal Subjects anxious testify their devotedness to
their gracious and beloved Sovereign and their at
tachment 10 him, the partner of her affections | re-
oice, sir the humble representative of of the
allied or friendly Powers, to which you have aud-
ed TO have had an opportunity of witnessing spec
race so pleasing even TO a stranger.
But could hardly feel myself stranger when
on stepping on board this wonderful ship this morn
ing my eye caught from the foremost head the sight
Of the flag of my country, gracefully mingng its folds
with yours ana those of the other friendly Powers.
rejoice in the belief that the interests OF the two
kindred nations, rightly understood are as near to
each other their banners on your mastheads-
cteersl and pray from my heart that their best
affections may be as closely intertwned. Renewed
cheering
We read in the Arabian tales of the wonders of
magic; of flying steeds; of palaces starting by en-
chantment from The ground Sir let us leave magic
to the nursery; give me the magic Of the mechanic
arts. Consider that science, acting by their agency
has but waved her wand the dark Of the
iron mine, and out Of them has started up this noble
this stupendous structure, ready TO launch upon the
waves. Cheers. ! rejoice to understand that my
native shore is of the destn tons Of this beaut
ful vessel and assure you that when she has passed
the Narrows at New York, she will be saluted by
thousands of welcomes cordial those which
now hail her entrance upon her destined element
ing trade Of this ancient city Rather let us, with
him. this suspicious occasion, augur favoraby for
its revival 1t is the nature Of foreign trade like the
element on which IT is conducted, to luctuate hther
and tbither; the wave rises shore and sinks
another. But will not readily believe that this
cent seat of English enterprise and trade, from which
the discoveries of North America went forth three
centuries and half ago, is destined TO permanent
decline. [Cbecrsl j rejoice to behold, in the
tive part she has taken in the noble enterprise of
ygstIng the ocean by steam, vigorous effort toward
"a great and speedy revival. Let us hope that this
wonderful ship, whose introduction TO her destined
element are assembled to witness may prove one
Of the efficient agents for bringing about that auspi
cous result. wonder indeed IT is of modern art
that she will be able with her immense bulk, with her
wayfaring hundreds, borne her iron wings, to
duct her the Atlantic ard reach her de-
sired haven regularly almost certainly, that
mimic steamer which has busily been pursuing its
voyage before the table at which we seated, and
is now fast anchored in front Of his Royal HIghness
Mr. Eyerstt alluded to the ingenious piece Of me.
chansm representing the " Great Britain" in full
SAIL Sir, thank you again for your kind remem-
braoce of my country, and beg to tender you and the
Great Western Steamship Company my most cordial
good wishes for the of this great enterprise.
GCbeers.