Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-05-16
(Corrsspondencs Of the Nerf,Iks Herald
SOUTHERN STEAM MARINE ENTERPRISE.
= 81 "a 81 n MURHREEsBoRoUGH, N. G.
- s VI April 80th, 1857.

MURHREkSBOROUNiH,
q. =. April 8oth, 1857.
T. G.. Breughton d Son:
GEN1s.-Ths dates from one of the prettiest spots
in the "Od North State" the town or village OF
MurtreesbOr ugh, which stands high bluff, near
the banks, over looking the stream, here it emptes
into the Chowan. .i' ~
The express object of this communication is to re-
cord few facts touching the advantages of this in
ternal point, in regard to Commerce. and to herald
the pleasing news that Steam Marine Enterprise"
has taken root in the hearts of its people through
whose energy and zeal Qor the first tIme) birth has
been given to noble steamship, but recently aun-
ched from the banks Of the Meherrn. She is in
tended to ply between this, and the great metropolis
Of New York City, via Edenton and Plymouth, and
takes her appclauon from sister river in the vcin-
iiy, the Chowan. This is a new era in the
h story Of the "Old North State" which prom
Uses WELL" and must be ultimately crowned with
success and it augurs avourably for the enterprise
Of the citizens of the town. whom / rejoice to say
determined to participate in share of the para
mount advantages accrung from steam Marine Nav.
igation. The steam ship "Chowan, "is noble speci-
men Of Naval Architecture, and reflects much credit
upon her builder and constructor, Mr.. John r.
Kirkman-a young man-whose beautiful model
bears evidence Of his success and whose symu'etri
cal proportions hardly fail to please the taste of
the most fastidious snpbuilder; and in my humble
Judgment, as a sailor, consider the work highly
credtabe to the town, and think its citizens should
built and raised at the doors Ut their native village.
The "Chowan," is about five human ed ions burthen
three masted prof. eler, having two engines of
eighty horse power each Her length Of keel is l63
feet breadth Of beam % feet depth of hold 10 feet
and her extreme length on deck It's feet. She will
soon leave this port for Wilmington Delaware where
her machinery will be put on board by Messrs Belts,
Purcy Co. The president of the Company is
MIR. Southall, of this place. -
The advantageous position OF this town IS admir-,
ably adapted to commercial intercourse by the river
for trade well by the railroad to the interior
The Meherrin which runs alongside of the town
is navgable to its mouth, which enters the Chowan,
1t carries good depth of water, varying from
twenty to twentyv feet and its shores well sup
piled with timber. The town contains about one
thousand inhabitants, and wants but twelve miles of
railroad to connect it with the Seaboard Roanoke
Railroad. 1t may truly be cassed among the pref
test inland villages, and truly garden spot that
should claim the attention of those who seek quiet
and repose from the turmoil and hustle of city life.
1t numbers two churches, the Methodist and Baptist;
to which, another, the Episcopal, now being raised,
will soon be added owe. which the Rev. Mr.. Bronson
will preside, man of superior attainments. Also TWO
HOTELS one of which, the st Nicholas, where l am
sojourniAg for short season. is well worthy the
patronage of those who seek summer retreat, where
they will be cared for by its whole souled Southern
landlord. Mr.. James NJ. Trader. 1t has also to re-
commend it, two Female Colleges, immense struc-
tures- which for size and beauty of architecture
will compare il not surpass. any i'll the whole coun-
try, whose faculty men Of decided talent; the
Rev. DR. Hooper, LII. d. President Of one, the Bap-
t,st College, and the Rev. Mr.. Davis, President Of
the other the Methodist. These institutions we'll
sustained and patronized, and number about
hundred inmates Or pupils each, and under well
organized system Of government and discipline;
where parent can place his child with confidence,
there being nothing in the associations Of the village
that is Objectionable. The Colleges located On
extensive lawns, within half mile Of each other on
the immediate suburbs Of the town, which for beauty
Of situation and picturesque scenery, has no supe-
rior and cannot be surpassed.
Truly Yours
ROBERT B. RIELL, U. S. N.