New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-06-01
Departure of the Rev. Henry W ard Reechev.


Departure of the Rev. Henry Ward Becchcy.
On Saturday morning, several hundreds Of rie
friends and admirers OF the Rev. Henry Ward
Beecher embarked on board the Morrimlc at the
foot Of Montague street, Brooklyn, nni accompa-
med him to Sandy Hook, where he transferred
to the steamer City Of Baltimore, bound for Liver
pool In advance Of the time appointed for the de-
parture OF the Meumae her decks were thVnged
with ladies and gentlemen, who deemed tLemselse s
fortunate in securing tickets for the excursion. The
streets, wharyes, and hights In tue vicinity were
crowded with spectators, who desired once moro To
see the man who had always proved himself an
obliging neighbor, true friend, and faithful min
ster. His great popularity ID not entirely due TO
bis originality Of thought and eloqueuce Vi express
sion, but slso 10 bis manliuess, bis patriotism, and
liza uniinching courage Ia defending oppressed hn-
manity, irrespective Of color or creed. Prompt
the dial TO the sun" MIR Beecher, accompanied by
few members Of bis family, came IN carriage 10
the wharf and rs soon as all were safely On board,
the ship started, amid to enthusiastic cbeers Of II
great multitude, who will cheer with sii. greater
enthusiasm when he returns. At fret IL Was
feared by rome on board that the time Won d be-
devoted to speech-making and formal leave
taking, but the sound judgment aud good taste
Of the parties in power, directed Otherwise,
and all had opportunity TO SEQ Mr. Beecher and
speak a pleasant word to him personally. lie WA.
in excellent health and spirits. aud usual paid
,pecal attention TO the children wLo were present
lie WAS plainly dressed, wearing a white Kossuth
hat. al uDm.nis,erial n,ck-'c, and coat 10 lnhteh
In his baud he held Il boQue, ~ which some fair
band hnd woven starry petals, with The red, vile,
and blue blossoms, eubemaic " our national colvrs
When In the neghborhooi II SANDY Hook, the
wird which bad esu blowing ircsh from he esst
and hcAping the jabilant waves about tie vessels,
GOV, red tho horizon win clouds vivid shes Of
lightning were followed by tremendous pals Of
thunder and showers of rain but tho excursioni,ts
were not discouraged by this unexpected charg in
tbe weather. Seeking shelter In the coma. olious
cabins. and under the widespread awnings, they
amused themselves by singing patriotic sogss, tn
John Brown sorg was fsyorlte one, ans Oft N re
,eatedl aud looking out UPON tie sublime ant beau
tfu scene. Flashes Of lightn blezed out from tie
broad sky upon the brosf rea, and the thunder
shook the heavens, wbi'e the shouting pillows
threw ont their whi'e banners, II 10 all II
was n peaceful demonstration of tho elements.
About two o'clock lho City OF B-ltimors VIA seen
wan lowered aud Mr. licecher, With fsw others.
WAS rowed to the Baltimore, when Aaes dipp,d-
bands played, the people cbeered and Mr. Is echcr
standug in the boat responded by bowlug anu
waving his hands. Soon as be reached the
deck Of the Baltimore, no WA cordially
greeted by Capt. McGugan, and lie passen-
gers gave him three hearty cheers, after which
hs was conducted by the Captain to the whee-hou-o
where he was easily recognized by his friends on
board the Merrimac. Among thoso ou board the
McrrImac, were tho Rev. 4. l.. Cuyler; the Rev.
X. NJ Hatfield; the Rev. Samuel Scoyllle OF Nor.
witch, N. Y, Mr. Deechers son-in-law; the Rev.
Newton Heston; Admiral Strngham; Geo. a. Bell,
Superintendent OF the Sunday School Theodore
1ilton; tho Hon. George Hall Mr. Charles Den
mis-; II. X. Graves; ). W. Tubbs; Andrew Brad
shaw, aud others. When the boat passed over with
Mr.. Beecher, some Of the crew and officers Of the
Baltimore, anu the chiol engineer aud puner Of su-
other British steamer, began to boast OF the speed Of
the Brush vessels in general and tLai one in parlc-
ular; they spoke IN contempuols terms Of The Mer-
imac, called her slow aud easy lazy log boat
indeed two Euglishmen CONNECTED with ono Of tie
British steamers, who returned in the boat TO the
Merrimtc, and IN q conversation with the Captain,
made some invidious remarks, which indu ed him to
try the speed Of his vessel Both vessels put on full
steam, and started for fair race. Although the
Baltimore was nearly Il mile ahead at the START
in seventeen minutes the Merrimac passed her
trumphanty and then wheeled about and started
homeward. The Cty Of Baltimore is an Engllsh-
built vessel and tho fastesI boat III the linz. The
Mcrmac WAS built ia Boston and has boen IN tho
seyice of tho Government, until recently. Ihe Bal
tinore had every advantage; having on full head
of steam aud being in sailing uini-but she VIA
buddy beaten in tho race, to the uttor astonishment
oi the Englishmen who had prematurely boosted OF
the power aud speed of tho " crack vessel Of the
line, and had offered to stake money In bet IN
her favor. On tho way back the company were
entertained by tue musio Of the band and volunteer
songs. The trip was a very pleasant one. Here
wero groups Of clcrgymen amusing each other with
happy "REMINISCENCES, there the reporters were
quietly taking their notes, yonier tho extomporized
cholrs woro singing aud everywhere signs ot hap
piness were visible. To Mr. Charles Dennis is
principally due the credit OF this most successful ex
cursion. Ho assumed tho responsibility Of charter
ing the vessel and supplying tue refreshments, and
he drew up the programme which was DO happily
carried out. Mr. Boecher's eldest son who is
Lieutenagj g the Fourth Artillery Rcg'Rsat, Was