New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1855-03-31
ST. THOMAS.
Prom Our Own Correspondent.

ST THOMAS w. l., Monday, March 5, 1855.
The Columbia, Com. Nevton, left here on
Tbursdsy, 1st inst, for 81. Croix-intendiDg to
remain there some days, for the purpose of Civ.
ing the men liberty on shore, which 1t was not
cafe to DO in this larger and more commercial
town. In consequence, however, of sickness
among the crew-a fever resembling yello viewer,
which manifested itself before leaving this place,
and of which two or three 81 amen died-the ship
barely touched at West Eud, and then bore away
for the Mona Passage, with the design to run of
several degrees to the northward, beyond the
zone Of yellOw-fever.
The presence of the flag ship Of the Homo
"Squsdron" whose courtly commander, captain
and junior officers wherever they may be, will do
credit to our country, as opponents of its social
culture gave an impulse and variety to society in
st. Thomas quite pleasing and enliveDiDg, and was
the occasion Of many elegant cviities and hOspi
ta,ties, extended by the Government and citizens,
and fttingly embraced and reciprocated by the
Commodore and his officers. Commodore New
ton 10 highly and desrvedly esteemed here, and
commands the unanimous respect of alike the au-
thOrites and citizens generally. And it is but
Justice to Gov Berg to say, that not only IN this In
stance but also in case Of any Of our vessels of war
pie, he has not been wanting in anything of off,
cial courtesy, personal attentions and politeness
90 much so that those attentions rise even superior
To personal compliment, and become Intentional
respect for our people commerce and institutions.
He il decidedly democratic in his tastes aud hnb
it's and his name will be signalized in the United
States by the lasting memory and frequent men,
ton of Americans who have the pleasure to know
him here.
The leading festivities inspired by the Coum-
4 Il ell A e.
\ after her arrival Consul Helm and his accom-
plished lady, a daughter of Col Whistler, of Ken.
lucky gave a ball to her officers attended also by
the Governor and numerous American and other
residents, at which the freate's band, in addition
to various strains adapted to lead through the
may dance 1.-THE light fantastic toe" caused our
old familiar national airs Yankee Doodle, Hail
Columbia, Star Spangled Banner, to miugle de-
hcioutly en- the soft night air with Count Chris
"tian," the national air Of Denmark, and while
thrilling the hearts Of Danes aud Americans with
patriotic fervOr, at the same time not the less
drawing them together in generous sympathies
and the Interchange Of kindly feelings
A few evenings after, the Governor gave what
il known here as "a blow. out" at Government
House; which, however, is not go alarming an
affair as that phrase might be supposed to indi-
cate-in short, it was merely a large dinner. party
given to Com. Newton, his officers and a select
uumpeI VI lHNlteu uuetts, Inc consul also Olned
the Commodore, Governor, and Others
The ped of February was duly honored By the
ffigate in a national salute at SUNRISE noon, and
sunset. TIE Danish sloop of.war Maiden also
paid the uDwonted respect, TO a national snniver-
sary of another nation, of displaying the American
colors at her foremost through the day, and join.
ing in the salute at noon. At nOon also, by order
Of the Governor. the Commander of the Fort,
fred salute-a compliment never paid here to
any other nation. In the evening, Governor
Berg gave a large ball at Government House.
Two evenings before sailing, Com. Newton
having resumed his quarters on board his ship,
(Which in my last letter, l informed you he had
left, to accept the occupancy of the vacant Gov.
eminent mansion entertained in STYLE of ee-
CANT sumptuous, and yet refined hospitality. a
large comp any, consisting of the Governor Con-
sui and other invited guests, from the wardroom
and town. For the next day he had extended his
invitations for large company of ladies and gen
tlemen ON board, for the display of his fine ship
and little extempOre ball. But in consequence
Of the sickness and sudden deaths among the crew,
he was compelled, much to bis regret, nor less to
that of the invited guests, to withdraw his invita-
tons. The next morning, at sunrise, the frigate
was spreading her ample sails, and as our noble
American ship-ofwar, with her agreeable officers,
stood out to sea, many American hearts felt a sad
ness, as of departing friends
These vessels ofwar cruising around without
apparent aim or tendency and maintained at so
great expense, seem shameless idiers upon the
Ocean yet il cannot be denied that they evoke a
certain requisite national respect, which the best
appointed and most active mercantile marine
wonld fail to command.
ST. Thomas has not been as healthy as usual
this winter. Sickness, however has prevailed
principally among the Creoles in the form Of fe-
vers and fever. and -agues, and the yellow fever
among seamen. This, we regret to say, still con.
tinues with an occasional case in town. The |
English steamer Parapa which sailed hence On !