Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1848-06-08

The EMPIRE STATE.-The largest, and in
many respects, the most magnificent steamer
that has ever been built in the United States,
for the navigation Of its inland waters, left
New York on its first trip for the Eastward
Tuesday afternoon, and will hereafter, in con-
necton with the Bay State, form the Fall ri.
Yer line to Boston. The new boat in compli-
ment TO our own commonwealth, is called the
Empire State" She is of about 1900 tons
burthen length of keel 3O5 feet length over
all 3l9 feet breadth of beam 40 feet inches,
breadth over all 7S feet depth of hold IA feet
inches. There are four hundred permanent
berths on board, and arrangements can be made
TO comfortably lodge six numbered persons at
one time, while two hundred and fifty can be
seated at the table at once.
So much for the mere statistics of the boat :;
they are easily given, bu, it is more of task
to furnish any thing like an adequate idea of
the steamer and her. equipments, as she now
lies, complete in all her parts, ready to enter
upon her destined service The first thing
that impresses the visitor is the massveness of
every thing on board nothing seems to have
been omitted that could strengthen the vessel, !,
and fit her for battling with the angry storms
that sometimes rage in the waters through
which she is daily to plough her way. The
engine appears as if it must indeed be storm
OF unwonted violence that conld disturb its
working, while the heavy timbers, with iron
braces and fastenings wherever they can be
placed to advantage, bear evidence of the
strength and solidity Of the hull.
We do not know the precise dimensions of
the cabins, but they are Of great size, as must
be evident from the measurements above given
The one below the main deck extends the
whole length of the boat, with the exception
Of small apartment at the bow for the waters
&C., and a neatly furnished dressing saloon,
with all the conveniences for shaving and other
necessaries of the toilet for gentlemen. There
are double rows of berths on each side, and
portion of the after part is fitted up with
state rooms.
Near the stern is the flight Of stairs, with
ornamental iron railing, painted white, and
cushioned on the top with scarlet velvet, by
which access is had to the deck, or ladies' ca
bin. This is beautiful apartment, fitted up
with berths on each side, and private rooms,
decorated with hangings of silk, laccs, and
fine muslins. The chairs are large, with
voluptuous cushions Of figured satin and dam
ask, and on each side are settees covered with
variegated WOODEN velvet. The carpet is of
the finest Brussels, Of pattern selected with
view to harmony Of coloring with the rest Of
the picture.
But the most splendid apartment, extent and
all considered, is that Immediately above, on
the hurricane deck. 1t must be at least two
hundred and fifty feet in length, stretching
from the after part of the boat to very near the
bows. The stern part is covered with Wilton
carpet, soft and elastic to the touch as the
green sward of nature. Chairs and couches
and sofas of the most beautiful patterns, all
covered with the woolen velvet we have be-
fore noticed, are there in profusion. At each
side Is row OF state rooms, fitted up with ev-
cry convenience, and some of them, destined
for bridal apartments or for use on fcstal occa-
sions, with an elegance which can scarcely be
surpassed.
The forward part is more plainly fitted up,
but still with much taste, and in keeping with
the remainder. Directly in front of the engine
are what appear at first sight to be two mir
rOrs, but they are merely huge plates of French
glass, encased in gilt frames, through which
the workings of the machinery may be watch
ed, including the index of the register that
keeps record of the revolution of the
wheel.
This account would be sadly incomplete
were we to omit saying something of the ar
engagements for sleeping-a matter of no small
import ancc on this line as, taking the outside
route, ample time is allowed for repOsc, and
passengers are not disturbed in the dead of the
night to be transferred to the railroad cars
The berths are all large and conmodous, fur
nishcd with mattresses Of the best quality
sheets of the finest linen, made for that pur-
pose, blankets weighing eight pounds per pair,
and figured counterpanes OF snowy whlteness.
Each article is embroidered with the name
Empire State in full. These articles, we
understand, as well as the carpets. are from
the well known establishment of Messrs. Do
remus & Nixon, of this city.
The hull of the Empire State was built by
Messrs. Lawrence and Sncden the engine by
the Allaire works; oner's work by Sampson
and Perry painting by Bootman and Smith :;
upholstery and decorations by A Noorhls &
Co. cabinet furniture by Shipman 81 Co. :;
curtain materials, carpets, linen, &c. furnished
by Doremus e. Nixon and Patton q Go. ; and
all have so well executed their parts as to
leave nothing to be desired in her by the pub
lie or the owners.
The boat is owned by the Fall River line,
and commanded by Capt. Comstock, so well
known by and so popular with the travelling
community, than whom no better sailor or es-
tmable gentleman is now connected with any
of the fine steamers, of which there are SO
many plying from our port.---N. y. Adrr.
New YoRK, Tuesday, 0 o'clock, p. NJ