The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1848-09-26
The First Atlantio Steam yesssl


We take the following interesting account of the
first voyage of steam vessel across the Atlantic,
from the Washington Union:
WASHINGTON Cd. CO. Aug. 20, 1888
To the Editor Of the UHion--It may not be unin-
teresting to the public to peruse the following de-
tails in relation to the origin and projection of
" trans Atlantic " steam navigation Having re-
Gently heard and read, from sources seemingly en-
titled to much respect and consideration statements
tending to the belief that the English were the first
projectors of Atlantic steam navigation which
statements were in direct conflict With my previ-
ously entertained impressions, have been at no
little pains TO procure, through the medium Of the
estimable and obliging master of the steamer Au-
gusta, Capt. J. w. Rogers, the accompanying brief
account of the first voyage of the first steamship
that eUer crossed the brlny Deep This narrative is
compiled from the log-book of Capt. Stephen Ro-
gers, of NewL london, Connecticut, who is now liv-
ing, and who is the Stephen Rogers alluded to as
the sailing master Of the Savannah. As an act of
merlted justice to the skill, energy, erprise and
indomitable daring Of the American mechanic and
sailor, have respectfully to request the publication
of the following:
The first Atlantic steamship (Savannah) was built in
direction Of Capt Moses Rogers subsequently, her conn
mander The engine was built BY Daniel Dodd Of Eliza
The engine being put on board at EIzabehtown and ali
things being in readiness the ship hauled round to New
for Savannah, Georgia, where the ship was owned After
short say A. the latter place she proceeded TO Charleston
Savsnnahwhence after these successful experiments she
full rugged ship OF about $50 tons burden with low
pressure engine OF 80 OF 80 horse power. She proved
make eight knots per hour She was commanded BY Capt
Moses Rogers of NewLOndon Connecticut and Capt Ste
most successful passage OF q days IA OF Which her engine
was used she arrived at Liverpool Before crossing the bar
however, amusing incident took place. which may be-
worthy of narration here The ship rS discovered from
the Geographic station at Cape Clear the southern part of
Ireland and reported a shin ON - The Animal
who lay at the Cove Of Cork dispatched one Of the Kings
tai inability, with all sail fast vessel to come up with
ship under bare poles After several shots fired from
crew at their mistake as well as their curiosity 70 the sin
guar Yankee craft can be readily imagined They at once
by close inspection Of this naval novelty On approaching
hnndFeds Of people came on IN eoas 70 ee hs
should serve for her TO over the bar during this time the
sIoopof.war came alongside and hailed. Thesang master
was on deck a. the time and promptly anfwered the officer
ter sir!' To which the lscOnie reply given.
have no master sir Where is captain, them sir
then made his on deck and wished TO know what
ss Ivan a0 BeaGe my p Wa a 40 yOs
to do the spicy answer OF the Yankee captain.
insult him andi you do MT take down he will send
force that H do it, Capt Rogers. without replying this
g5a Now, although there was NO ac d msebne
aboard the ship the order had the desired effect and John
Bull glad to eyacuate fast as possible. On approach
ing the city, the shipping piers and roof of houses
thronged with an excited popuace cheering the adUeHtur
craft During her stay at Liverpool naval officers, and
noblemen, and merchants from London, came down TO visit
her and were snguary curious to ascertain her speed de
naon etc. As it will be remembered, this after
jerome Bonapae had offered large reward any who
would succeed in escung his brother Napoleon then St.
Helena This the suspected design Of the Savannahs
visit. After stay of y days in Liverpool during which
time the ship visited by thousands of people Of rank and
her officers the while treated with marked attention she left
for Copenhagen Denmark There she excited similar mani
estaons OF wonder and curiosity thence she proceeded 10
Stockholm where she visited by the royal family, for
elgn minister's naval officers nobility and Others, who, by
the invitation of Mr. Hughes the American minister, dined
on board and took excursion among the neIghbong Isl
ands with which they seemed much delighted. Lord Lyn-
dock OF England, who then tour through the north
OF Europe by invitation of minister took passage on
board the Savannah for ST. Petersburg, which place she
reached in due time. Here she visited by nobemen,
military and naval officers, who also tested her superior quail
tiles by trip to Cronstadt; and valuable service OF plate
presented to her officers From II Petersburg she sailed
to Copenhagen and hence 70 Aenda in NORWAY; whence
she returned TO Savannah where she safely arrived after
passage of % days Shortly afterwards she sailed for ASH
ington City where the ship laid upbeing the first
UesSa that crossed the y4ttaHtie The whole
performance OF this ship, after her departure from New
York. highly successful and cTedabe TO American in
genuity and enterprise" Respectfully, A SUBSCRIBER.