The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-05-26
From the same.l
NEW YoRK, May "a, l845.

NEW YORK, May "a, l645
The packet ship Roscius, Captain Eldrdge, which
sailed from New York on the 23d of march last
for Liverpool encountered vast fields of ice ON the
banks. The captain states he fell in with long,
solid, and exensvef field of ce which lay in the d.
recton Of northeast and southwest and about twen-
ty-6ve miles long. He first came up with the ice
in foggy weather in about latitude 44o north. He
had to tack ship and run down south to near
43o before he was enabled to bear away on his
course without obstruction. He saw several ships
which seemed to be more or less entangled in the
ice, and fears entertained that of them may
have sustained serious damage.
The floating ice has appeared very early the pres-
ent year. II ia dangerous obstacle to navigation
between this port and Europe. II is now the gen.
eral belief Of mnny experienced ship masters, that
the President steamship was destroyed by coming
in contact with ice. She sailed from New York on
the 18th of March, 184l--only about twelve days
earlier than the Roscius, but rot too early to meet
with ice in the direct track the banks. Not
withstanding the "detour'' made by the Ruscus to
avoid the ice, this fine ship crossed the in 26
days. The passengers presented Captain Eldridge
with complimentary card, as testimonial of their
sense of his superior nautical skill and kindness and
attention to their comfort The captain replied in
brief, well-conceived and welwritten letter. creda-
BILE alike to his head and his heart. The Roscius
belongs to E. X. Collins & Co., line of New York
and Liverpool packets. Her model is one of the
most beautiful specimens ofnaval architecture to be
seen in the marine service Of this or probably Of
any other country. She is about 1000 tons bur
den She has been very lucky ship, has fine ac-
commodatons. and makes good passages
The New York lines Of Liverpool and Havre
packet ships do honor to American skill in naval
architecture, and are commanded by captains Of SUI
perior skill, tact, and energy Of character Every
American has reason to be proud Of the mercantile
marine of the United States. II is now depressed
by unequal and discriminating revenue laws, hich
by operating to produce low prices in agricultural
produce, never fail to react upon the shipping in
terest.
The favorable comparison our ship masters'bear
to those engaged foreign service, has always struck
me as fact gratifying to our national pride. Our
ship masters, and especially those who command
the packets "liners" are generally distinguished
for their liberay for their intelligence and gentle
manly department. Many Of them are part owners
Of the fine and well found vessels in which they
sail, and men Of education and superior man
ners.
recollcct being in Liverpool few years since
when master Of one of the packet ships died.
About forty American ship captains marched in
procession to his funeral. Their genteel appear
ance and strict propriety Of department would have
been creditable to gentlemen in any rank of life.
The influence Of such noble class of ship mas
tiers is seen and felt upon the subordinate officers
and crews of their vessels. If you approach the
mate who expects, ere long, to reach the command
Of liner, you win find him prompt gentlemanly,
obiging, and intelligent The same TO great ex-
tent may be said Of every smart American sailor,
from the mate down TO the men before the mast.
The merchant service of the United States Is an
honor to the country, and ought to be just cause of
pride toall Long may il continue so. Those engaged
in It are always found periodically attached 10 their
country and ready at all times to defend her honor
and interest. In time Of war they will form the out
ward bulwark Of our safety.
The condition of the common sailor has become
very much improved to what il used to be. For
mery, no body seemed to care for ''poor Jack" he
was at once the victim Of alcohol and designing
Gland sharks Now, he is in most cases, and may
be in all, preserved from imposition, and put upon
track to do something for HIMSELF intellectually NOR
ally and physically.
A very extensive sailors clearinghouse has been
erected in Cherry street, in this city, called the
"SAiloRs' HONS, !" which is well worth visiting by
strangers who come TO New York. Here, sailors,
when on shore, find comfortable end neat quarters,
at moderate prices for board. The house is well
kept by competent and attentive persons. All in
toxicating drinks are included from the premises.