The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-07-26


PORTSMOUTH, N. H., July Al, 1853.
Condition Of the Steam Nigate Princston-He,
Trial and Fdilure-W hat the People in Ne,s
Hampshire think about this good tornothing Ship
In previous communication, informed you tn II
the Princeton, in her run from Norfolk here, under
all the steam her boilers could generate, and with
every stitch Of canvass spread to fine breeze the
quarter, in Q sea tranquil that the three wise men
OF Gotham might have safely embarked in their
bowl, could not attain q greater speed than six
knots per hour. This convinced her friends and
hackers that with her present boilers, she was no
co. and when, on the first day out, she took fire
from the smoke pipe, through which escaped one
half the heat intended for her boilers, they became
aware Of q more alarming truth-that she might, at
any moment, regale herself with human fry. These
facts being known at Washington, where it had al
ready been determined to send Ter to the fishing
grounds, as flag ship Of especial squadron" were
rather embarrassing. What was to be done? Was
the Department to be nonplussed, and the govern
ment to be checkmated by the breaking down Of one
miserable steamer? Were the people to be told,
that the ship upon which their money had been
layished broad cast, was wretched hybrid, clap
trap impromtu OF American ingenuity or course
not, and thus Mr.. Martin, an engineer who has but
few equals, and scarce superior, was sent to doctor
this government invalid, this victim to misapplied
science and mercenary speculation. In the language
OF the great Roman, he says, Uen, ridi but leaves
the ric, unsp0ken-for fear the patient is beyond
the reach even of his skill; and they may patch,
plaster and poultce as they will, but she soon will
breathe her last, and accomplish her prOgnostcated
end; but that the government may profit by the les
soH and the people see how deep into their pockets
speculation has thrust its dirty hands, it is to be
hoped that the report of this engineer will be made
public as it will doubtless cover the whole ground,
showing what large amount OF money has been ex-
rimentaly, and that the Department may learn what
value to attach to trial trps when the champagne
OF the contractors Is apt to measure the speed
OF the ship than her log-line.
But TO the Fishing Banks she must 60, "gaters
no CATERS" as the flag ship of the special tom
cod and chowder feet, to scour the ocean with
fish kettle at her main, instead Of broom and the
zodiacal sign Of pisces at her fore in place of free
trade and sailors rights to compete with the Devas-
tation flag at bowls, with icebergs, and with her
friction guns propagate the creed Of Young America
and manifest destiny They talk too of sending her
to China as Mr.. Walkers yacht. Why, sir, before
she reached there the youngest boy board Of her
would be gray-headed man, the biography Of the
Commissioner become dusty tome, and the Tartar
and Pierce dynastias exist only in history or tradi
ton. Far better send her to get deep sea soundngs
in the Maelstrom, search for Sir John Franklin,
catch the Wandering Jew, or find Prester John-bet-
ter to convert her boilers into fish potts. her sails into
awnings, and her quarter into ballroom where
bellies of the provinces, in Goldfish quadrilles,
mackeTel mazourkas, and gudgeon gallopades. The
prayers Of the church will it is hoped be offered for
the preservation and safe return Of this skinner Of
to Barnum the bones Of Captain Bold Of Halifax,
fishing for health and happiness. l conclude God
save the Republic, America, and
SAN JONES, THE FISHERMAN.