The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-10-23
CAPTAIN STOCKTON AND THE STEAM
MAN-OF-WAR VESSEL, THE PRINCETON.

captain STOCKTON AND THE STEAM
MAN-OF-WAR VESSEL, THE PRINCETON
We publish the official report made by Capt.
Stockton to the Secretary Of the Navy, of the
trial Of speed made between the Princeton and
the British steamer Great Western. The re-
suit was such as 10 make il proud day for
Capt. Stockton, and the country proud of Law
ing such son. The Great Western has long
been lavorite vessel on both sides of the At
lanric, and took precedence with the public over
all the ocean steamers for speed, skilful com
mand, &c. The act Of challenging a vessel
with such an established character to a trial of
powers with one which was still, in measure,
but an untried experiment, was an act Of daring
which few would have ventured on, and none
who are not actuated by that noble spirit of
chivalry, for which Captain Stockton is so emil
nently distinguished.
There is not any thing whatever new, but
only Improvements in the arts, as applied to
ship-building, machinery, and steam power
The model Of the Princeton is said to be as
perfect as any thing that ever hoate1 on the
water. Every one who sees her. is struck with
admiration at her perfect symmetry and grace
fui appearance. The machinery is said to be
Of the most perfect character, in design as well
as in finish The ship, the machinery, and
every thing connected herewith, has been orr
ginated by, and constructed and executed under
the immediate superintendent Of Captain
Stockton. To him belongs all the credit Of sue
cess, and the renown which il sheds on the
country, for these extraordinary improvements
in the arts as, in the event Of failure. he
would have been obliged TO have borne all the
odium consequent tberet,. This, after The ex-
Of the public bad been elevated TO the
highest point, would not have been either light
,r measured. Captain Stocktons professional
Is well as scientific reputation was siaked 10 the
result Of the experiment. Thus far he has sue
,eeded, and Iriumphed far beyond, it appears 10
US, what his most sanguine expectations could
have ever anticipated In this he reaps a rich
reward The country, which he has long gal
andy served, derives the benefits
This is not all. The armament and its cha
racter are veto be spoken Of Two wrought
iron guns Of greater weight than history gives
any account Of having ever before been forged.
The smaller one, thirteen or fourteen feet long
and carrying ball weighing 24O pounds-the
larger sixteen feet long, and carrying a greater
weight OF metal. These, also, the ORIGINAL in
venhon OF Captain Stockton. The experiments
that have already been made prove, we under
sand that these guns discharge ball with the
accuracy OF rife and with mos, terrific effect
Inc union OF these tremendous engines of do
i suucuon with steam power, by which the shin
can be propelled, either backward or forward
: and against wind tide, or current, will lead 10
q an enure change in the mode of naval warfare.
a greater change in character will be ,vron,b,
before ten years shall have passed over. we ysn.
ture 10 predict, than that produced - 49, 49,.
Of travel since the application, by pssa I,
II steam power TO propeIlug boets as4 G,oo,,@
n tives.
'f The name Of Stockton is destined. = s4 4.
s ture time, to adorn the pages Of history =.
, splendid contributor to the glory Of bis eoup,,v
IS by the improvements in science and the arts. Il