The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-09-13
The First steam Voyage Across the Atlantic.

friend has been kind enough to furnish us with the
following extract from the log book OF the Savannah
steamer, which crossed the in 1915 We like to
pay due tribute to the ingenuity and enterprise of
own countrymen; and we have no idea that British
genius should away with all the credit of steam
igaton. We discovered the steamboat, and first
braved the Atlantic with the power of steam. The
Savannah commanded by Captain Rogers-the
father of friend J. w. Rogers who is now captain
of the Augusta steamer, but who. we hope, will ere
long be placed in command of OF those fine steam
ers which proudly navigating the He de-
serves it, if not by hereditary claims, by his own
skill and experience, his enthusiasm and devotion to his
profession, (of which have already given some ex-
ampes and that fine bearing and gentilty of manners
which make him great favorite with all his passen
gers.
The Mr.. Vail who is spoken of in the following ac-
count, the father Of the worthy gentleman who super
intends our telegraph Office.
1t is amusing TO trace out the adventures of the first
vessel which crossed the ocean with steam and it is still
more delightful the go-ahead progressive pnc-
pie of the age which in twenty years has succeeded in
increasing the speed of our steamers and reducing one
half the duration of the voyage and which has
ed the small and nconvenient steamer OF 1918 to the
day But we have not go, to the end Who will calcu-
late what Improvements may be made twenty years
hence in the rapidy of the boat in the economy of the
fuel in the comfort and cheapness of a sea voyage
There is question that in that time, the vessel will
supply herself with fresh water from the brine of the
ocean
WASHINGTON, 3D. CD Aug %, 1s4s.
To the Editor of the Union:
1t may not be unnerestng to the public to peruse the
following details in relation the origin and projection
of " trans Atlantic" steam navigation. Having recently
respect and consideration, statements tending the be-
lief that the English the first projectors of trans
Atlantic steam navigation, which statements were in
direct conflict with my previously impress
sons, have been at no little pains to procure, through
the medium OF the esmable and obligng master OF the
steamer Augusta, Captain W. Rogers, the accompany
ship that ever crossed the briny deep.
This narrative is compiled from the log book" of
Capt Stephen Rogers OF New London Connecticut (who
is now lvng) who is the Stephen Rogers alluded TO as
the sailing aser' of the Savannah" AS act of
merited justice to the SKILL energy enterprise, and
domitabe daring OF the American mechanic and sailor,
have respectfully to request the publication of the fol-
lowing narratives:
/" The first Atlantic steamship (Savannah) was built in
New York in the year 1918, by Echet and Crochet,
under the direction Of Capt Moses Rogerssubsequenty
her commander The engine built by Daniel Dodd
of Ellzabethtown, and Stephen Vail OF Morristown
New Jersey The engine being put on board at Eliza
DetntOWn anu All tnngS being IN readiness, the ship
hauled round to New York On the 80 March, 1910
sailed from New York for Savannah. Georgia. (where
the ship was owned) After short stay at the latter
place, she proceeded to Charleston South Carolina tc
take the President. James Monroe to Savannah
whence (afer these successful experments) she sailed
on May 25th, same year, direct for Liverpool-a full
rugged ship OF about $50 tons burden, with ow-pres
sure engine OF so or 90 horse power. She proved fas
saer and by the power Of her engine alone she would
make knots per hour. She commanded by Cap
tain Moses Rogers of New London, Connecticut, AM
Captain Stephen Rogers Of the same place was sail
ing master After a most successful passage Of Q.
days, IA OF which her engine used, she arrived
Liverpool. Before crossing the bar, however. anus
ing incident took place, which may be worthy OF
ton here The ship first discovered from the tele
graphic station at Cape Clear. Uhe southern part o
reiando and reported ship fire. The admiral
who lay at the cove of Cork. despatched one OF thu
Kings cutters to her re but great was their wonde
at their total inability with all IA in fast vessel
come up with ship under bare poles. After severa
shots were hre from the cutter the engine was stopped
and the surprise OF the at their mistake, as well a
their curiosity to the singular Yankee craft can b
readily imagined. They at once asked permission L
come on board, and were much grati6ed by close in
specon OF this naval novelty On approaching Liver