Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1856-04-18

From the N. Y. Evening Post.


The limited States mail steamship Adriatic the last
comnleted and the most magnificent vessel of the Col
Inns line wal launched at quarter past eleven o.
clock, this morning, from the yard of the Messrs.
Steers her builders foot of Seventh street, East Riv-
err, with complete success Tie beauty OF the morn
ing drew an immense concourse of people to witness
the launch and the PIERS decks of vessels and house
tops in the vicinity of tie shpyar were black with
spectators, while fleet of steamboats, and row. boats
lowered upon the water. which was just curled by
light southwest wind. 1t seemed an suspicious omen
that the most balmy Spring morning of the season
had dawned upon the occasion
AT halfpast nine o'clock steamboat, conveying
Mr. E. K Collins and large number of invited
guests, among whom we recognized the kindly face
of VIM. vi. 1hackeray, left the foot of Houston street
for the scene of the launch AS she approached the
ship yard the vast hull of the Adatic, adorned with
flags and covered with busy workmen or spectators,
was seen peacefully reposlng upon the ways, a model
of beauty At the distance of half mile 1t was
impossible be struck with the faultlessness OF
her lines and her colossal dimensions although the
very symmetry of the model rendered it difficult to
| form an exact idea of her true proportions.
The ski yard side as tar down as the ways,
thicky packed with spectators. many of whom
were concealed beneath the huge bulk of the steam
er while on the other vacant space was left for
the ship carpenters to strike away the shores, when
the word should be given. All activity and bus
tie in the yard and on board the steamer
At 10 o'clock, without any notice or parade. the
little steamer Cuba built in the yard of VIM. H.
| Webb, adjoining, slid quietly from the stocks into
the water making a most beautiful launch. She is
about 900 tons burden, and is intended by her own
err Mr.. B Blanco for the South American trade
Her model very beautiful and she sits on the water
like duck After rushing half way across the
East River she was brought up by her anchors and
taken in tow by seam-tug.
The hour appointed for launching the Adrlatc was
ten o'clock but for various was delayed TO-
an hour beyond that time. Finally at quarter pas
eleven the word was given, and the magnificent yes
sci moved from her ways into her destined element
first majestically, burying her stern deeply in thu
water, until her bow had parted from the Shore wher
she pitched violently forward and then started across
the river with the velocity of ehorse, amid thu
shouts of the crowded piers and shipping, the salute
of and the shrill scream of dozen twenty
steam whistles from many little steamboats, and
tugs plying about upon the river.
When she he'd reached the middle OF the river, ar
anchor was let 60, but SO great was her velocity tina
it dragged like pebble after her, and her course
did seem to be in the least degree stayed. Sh'
was now rapidly approaching Williamsburgh, who's
alarmed inhabitants could be seen rushing preclpi
lately from docks and PIERS whittier they had come
10 witness the launch, apparently apprehensive tha
their whole town might be carried away by the mighty
bulk that was hearing down upon them. Just then
within short distance of the Williamsburgh shore
the second anchor was let co. and its effect was i'm
medately apparent upon tie velocity of the vessel
but it could not prevent her from humping the pie
pretty smartly. From our point OF observation, sh
seemed to penetrate about fifteen or twenty feet int
the heavy timber piles, which crashed before her Ik
much pine wood, and then rested, until the sear
! tug came along side and towed her out
So great however, is the strength of this magnii
cent vessel, and weak the resistance of Williams
burgh, that the former escaped without scratch
and now rides the waters of the East River in all he
pride and beauty With the exception Of this Sigh
accident, the launch was as perfect as could have
been given, and was more maj esc than we ever re
member to have
The Adratic is the largest steamer in the world :
The only vessel that at present approaches her il
size is the Persia, and she will only be exceeded b.
the Leviathan. now building in London, whose dimen
sons and tonnage are something fabulous. The Adri
attic is $50 feet in length, SO feet breadth of beam
is divided by water tight bulkheads, and her carpen
ters' work and build altogether perfect Sh
will undoubtedly prove the most magnificent steame
afoa, and will be an honor to steam marine,
to the Messrs. J. & G. Steers her accomplished COL
htruCtors.