New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1857-12-23
Flrst Trip OF the. virginia.

| Eds. Cyescent: It was my pleasure to DO one Of
the passengers the new steamboat Virginia on her
trial trip to and from Mobile. Glad to avail myself
any opportunity TO leave for time the turmoil and
excitement Of the city, sent dull care to the winds
and resolved that would be free for the space of 4s
hours. At twenty minutes past two on Saturday the
19thnst., carpet bag in hand, entered the cars at
Tiyol Circle en- route for the lake. Quickly borne
from the crowded city past neat, trim dwellings on
either hand it seemed as if entering into another and
different world. Indeed the world Of the city and
the world of the country have but few points in COM
mon. ys.Ss5&
In due time we arrived at the lake, where the vir-
ginia was awaiting us. Though you published a few
days since complete description of this fine boat
will hazard few remarks on those points which are
think calculated to make her peasaat popular.
She. is admirably ventilated Her ceilings are high,
and this Joined to the length and freedom from OBJ
struction Of especially her upper cabin, will create
draught in summer decidedly pleasant. The state
rooms are well arranged and quite roomy. If one
may judge from the fare she gave US she will set
good table. am certain that she will be fast boat,
for under the disadvantage her engine not being in
line and her not steering WE'LL for want of sufficient
purchase faults that will be remedied before her
next trip she made very good time. Going to Mo-
bile she stopped at all points, and consequently did
not arrive there till quite late Sunday; bnt return.
ing, her time was much better z
need not dilate on the pleasures Of lake trip to
persons as familiar with them as yourselves, Messrs
Editors but to me they seemed quite new after SO
long an incarceration in the city. The fresh, cool
breeze, the motion of the boat the hurryng of the
Clouds the pleasant dashing of the waves the spark
Ign foam, and the wheeling flight of the sea gulls,
all combine to render it attractive. Nor should
forget the pleasant companonship of those on board
the jest and laugh. And then the sight of a sun.
rise sunset the water is worth all the troube-f
troubleit be-of leaving the city. And more--there
is sense of unconstrained freedom on the water only
equaled by that felt in mountainous wds. Indeed,
the sea has many charms to those that have made
her acquaintance that there is no wonder that they
become enamored of her. .s-
Let us pass on, however. Arrived at Mobile, we
went to the Battle House-one of the best hotels in
the country-and there found fine repast spread for
us, with unexceptionabe Wines to which we did full
Justice. But let not forget to mention that the
Virginia rcated quite sensation at Mobile. On
our arrival we found quite large crowd awaiting us,
and whilst we were there many came aboatd In.
deed, Imuch suspect that, as I heard gentleman
say many forgot to go to church and came to see us
instead.
At three O'Clock we started on our return home,
during which quite an adventure beel us. The U. s.
revenue cutter MClelland, no doubt thinking we
were recruits for Walker, instead Of harmless excur
sonists fred blank cartridge as signal for us to
stop; but we, thinking it merely a salute, steamed
on, till ball sent some hundred yards ahead of us
gave us to understand its meaning and caused us to
stop until our papers could be examined After due
scratiny, we were graciously permitted to " depart
in peace"
In making a landing at Pas Christian the tide
being unusually high and the wind fresh the guards
of our craft got entangled with the wharf, where we
hung, douby in suspense, some two or three hours.
After getting free from our ENHANCEMENT, we pro.
ceeded on our way joyously, and arrived at the rail-
road at about halfpast eight o'clock on Monday
morning, when stepping into the cars we were soon
whrled back to the busy realities of city life.
The Virginia is iue boat, admirably adapted to
the lake trade, ably commanded, from Captain to
Stetcard. Too much credit cannot be awarded to
Robert Mott, Esq, the President of the Mississippi
Sound Company, for the untiring energy he has dis
played in this new enterprise. as*