The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-08-15

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We, yesterday, by invitation, made one Of a
party on pleasure tnp down the bay, in the new
splendid steamer Atlantic, soon to be placed on
the Norwich and Worcester line. She was built
by Capt Vanderbilt, under the direction ofCapt.
Dustan, who also acts as her commander
At two o'clock, together with numerous invi-
ted company, We went aboard the noble craft,
and primarily paid our attention to the gorgeous
splendor with which every part ofthis model stea-
mer is decorated Everything seems as though
the "magic wand had moved her brilliant beau
ties into life." Her length is three hundred and
twenty-one feet; thrty-four feet breadth of beam
eleven feet hold, OF about fifteen hundred tons
burthen her engine is very powerful, and by
the trials made, she can walk the water at the
rate of % miles an hour. Her engines and ma
chinery are built by Secor u Co., Of the Novelty
works.
On entering upon her eek. one is struck with
the neat simplicity which adorns every part of
her thar is visible. The captains Office, and the
ladies' saloon, are among the brilliantly adorned
apartments which attract every beholder; but on
ascending the stairs, and reaching the upper sa-
loon, one is almost bowldered with the variety Of
magnificent adornments which dazzle the eye
Numerous staterooms line the sides of the saloon,
and each is furnished like the chambers of Euro
pean hotels, and in far more tasty manner than
those of our steamships. The rooms especially
set apart for wedding guests, are peculiar, not
only for their spendor, but for the comic particu-
larites of equipment. Every article is apropos,
and seems necessary to the elysium attendant
upon those who "woo and marry but for love. /"
The saloon itself, with its soft carpets, original
settees, and counting couches, with its magn hcent
mirrsrs and rich curtains, realise the dreams of
Persian voluptuousness in their accurate details.
Below, the cabins, running the full length of tho
boat, are provided with WIDE, spacious berths,
with curtains, so arranged that every passenger
is, as it were, in his own apartment. The wash
rooms, and other necessary conveniences, are ar
ranged in novel and most perfect manner
Amongst other inventions which have been adapt
ed to the adornment of this floating castle, one Of
the most wonderful is the lighting of the whole
vessel by hundred and more gas pipes. The
gas is generated on board, and is conveyed to eve
ry part Of the boat where it may be deemed ne
cessary.
After satisfying ourselves that no boat in
America, or perhaps in the world, could vie in
splendor with the Atlantic, we at given notice de-
scended to the dining rooms, where feast equal
ing that with which Cleopatra wen the heart of
Antony, was spread the length and breadth Of the
spacious saloon. Every luxury was there liberal
ly displayed, and the wines stood expectant of re-
lease; uniformed waters stood ready with will
ling hands; and after adding hundred passen-
gers TO our already numerous number, at Staten
Island, the sig al was given to Join in a havoc
upon fish, flesh and fowl.
At the head OF the table at which we found
ourselves seated, was the noble captain, w 10 di-
rects-and we hope will for years direct-the in
comings and outgongs of this "queenly maiden
of the waters" Near him sat MIR. Holland, the
energetic and gentemanly President of the Nor
witch and Worcester Railroad Company; and
around us were gathered specimens of the fair
sex, whose clips the winds delight to kiss, and
linger IN their dalyng." Soon the clash Of cary.
ing weapons and the pop of champagne corks
announced that justice was being done to the
glorious feed provided.
From five to six hundred were seatnd at the ia
bles, and by every plate stood a bubbling bottle,
waiting 10 be broached. So soon as the appetites
were partly appeased, Capt Dustan proposed a
toast" The Norwich and Worcester Railroad
Company"-to which Mr.. Holland replied in a
lew pertinent remarks, and gave as a toast
" The Ladies'" This was drank standing, with
three times three; and Mr.. Walcott, of the Bow
cry theatre, being called upon, replil in an adj
mirable and eloquent manner TO the sentiment.
Captain Dunstan then offered as a toast, The
Press" which was responded to by gentleman
of the Herald office, who gave in return the
7" Success of Captain Dunstan on the Atlantic,
the only tic he will ever have to SEEK
1t is impossible from this time to follow the
course OF the various toasts proposed. Sixteen
or twenty little coeries were formed, and each
organized its own proceedings; but we heard the
"Army and Navy" given and replied to in hap
py style, by Samuel Chase Barney, of the Navy,
grandson Of Commodore Barney. Mr.. j.. Sproull
which is competent to build steamer graceful
as the Atlantic" Sentiments and corks began TO
fly too thick to distinguish the sparkling OF the
one from he Hastings OF the other, and we retir.
ed on deck, and found ourselves again approach
ing the gooc city Of Gotham.
At the North River, most OF the passengers left,
but few choice spirits remained on board, who
accompanied the steamer TO the foot OF Ninth
street The theatrical and editorial corps were
well represented ; and the Army and Navy were
not wanting. The liberal President, Mr. Holland,
invited all below, and again the sparkling wine
filled and vanished in the crystal goblet. The
ladies', God bless them, Joined in dances on the
main deck, while Lothian's band played soft mu-
SIC to the tune OF the pattering feet. Altogether,
it was scene, the like we ne'er perhaps shall
look on again and we only hope that the gallant
Captain and the liberal owners may reap full
reward for their enterprise and polite generosity
Taking all in all, the tantic is the most splen.
did vessel that ever kissed the waters Of our bay
her COSTS $3.50, 900, and all her arrangements are
made regardless expense, but considerate for the
comfort of every class of passengers. Not an i'm
provement could we think Of that might add to
the pleasure Of those who travel on the sound
and If the stewards endeavors to-day are a spe-
Cluicn VI MS usual euectS, we pronounce the
Atlantic as superior T. any vessel that floats on
the water.
Of Captain Duns'an it is unnecessary to speak
He is an active, experienced, and gentlemanly
officer, whose traits of character are well known
to the public On one occasion we recOllect, when
mate OF the Lexington, during storm, the tiller
ropes gave way, and the boat became unma-
nageable; no one STOOD ready to descend, and in
the raging tempest reeve the guiding ropes, till
Dunstan himself complished the bold under.
taking, saving probably the steamer and the lives
OF the passengers, (he latter presented him with
a gold watch in testimony Of their feelings }
emergency, and polite to all, be they high or low
who come under his charge.
We predict that the Atlantic will b, well pa
tronzed by oil who travel on the sound and desire
pectful treatment, and quick passages For Capt
Dalton we hope long life, and many means and
many friends to help him enjoy it.
- Sasl tr,. luA~.~