The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-09-22
From the Ne,c York Epening Post.

On Saturday afternoon last an experimental trip
down the bay was made with the steamship Ohio
the hrst OF the four vessels contracted to be built by
Mr. Sloo, two years ago, for the United States Navy
Department, but to be employed in the transporta-
ton of the mails. George Law, ESQ.,, of this CITY,
was associated with Mr.. SlOo subsequently to the
contract being obtained
The Ohio is to be commanded by Captain Schenck
U. 5. N, and will set out upon her first voyage next
Thursday. We have frequently before referred to
the model and the progress towards completion of
this large and beautiful vessel and therefore need
here give but a very brief description of her. The
Ohio is on her upper or spar deck, 276 feet long,
her width inside of the wheel houses is as feet and
including them 6s feet. Her bow projects very
much, and Is very sharp, which adds much to
the beauty of her handsome frame. Her depth of
hold is 33 feet. She has four decks, but the fourth
called the spar deck was not part of the model as
originally designed, and can be taken of in short
time, should the vessel be required for purposes
without affecting the solidity proportions of the
ships hull. By the addition of this deck, fine
saloon has been formed, which adds greatly to her
capacity a passenger vessel, and will prove an
important addition to the comfort and convenience
of those who travel in her.
The engines were built by Messrs. Secor Co.,
and are said to have cost 1876, 900. The diameter
OF the cylinders is ninety inches and the stroke Of
the piston is eight feet The ship has four boilers
which cost together 700; but whether this is to
be added to, or is included in the sum above given
as the cost of the engines, we are not informed.
II ought to be mentioned that the hull was built
by Messrs. Bishop and Simonson, and certainly is
a credit TO her constructors The registered ton
mage of the Ohio is 2, $50 tons, and the aggregate
cost Of the ship is said TO have been $4,000.
The Ohio left her wharf at half past one and pro-
ceeded to within few miles Of Sandy Hook. She
reached the foot Of Warren street at half five
The weather delightful, and the view of the
three cities of New York, Williamsbureh, and
Brooklyn. as the ship proceeded slowly down
through the East river, was very fine. The hull Of
the steamship Franklin, now receiving her ma
chinery at stllman Aliens wharf, the OBJ
Ject of general admiration. Though a lcviathan
IN size, she sits like waterfowl in her clement
Having turned Corlear's Hook, the steamship Hi
hernia was seen backing into the dock. She had
Just arrived from Halifax and was about to be
taken up on the floating dry dock. And near the
crippled steamer lay the charred and blackened
hull of the unfortunate Henry Clay, which, though
one of the largest and finest ships ever built in the
port, has met with series Of accidents that has
given her an unlucky name among the sailors,
notwithstanding which she is to be rebuilt.
When opposite quarantine, the steamer Cherokee
from Savannah, was passed, going up in fine style.
Returning, near the same point the Empire City
was met, having left the wharf one hour Before ON
her third voyage TO Chagres The Empire City was
stcaming al beautiful rate, and was crowded
down with passengers for the gold coast The two
fine ships passed very close 10 each other, and the
crowd on the deck Of each mutually cheered the
other in the most enthusiastic manner.
Soon after the steamer Northerner was met hav-
ing left half an hour after the Empire, voyage
TO Charleston, 8. &. When the Ohio neared the
Battery the rigate Raritan had Just hauled up her
anchors, and was unfurling her sails and had com
menced gliding down with light breeze prepar-
atory To long cruise in the Gulf At a signal from
an officer, her numerous crew sprang into the rig
ging, and saluted the steamship with nine hearty
cheers, delivered with will and emphasis that
seemed TO indicate that the gallant appreciated
her performance. Their cheers were returned with
enthusiasm from the steamer.