The Portland daily press., 1863-03-20

Letter from Philadelphia.
The Napy Ydrd-Democrdtic Central Club
PHILADELPHIA. March I6. 1859.

Inc AQoy IdTd-OemocTdttc CentrQt Ctu0
PHLADELPMA, March 10, 1858.
To the Editor Of the Press:
Will you walk with me to the Phila- Navy
Yard 1t spreads along the Delaware at the loot
Of Washington Avenue, about two miles from
Market street You can take the horse cars if
you choose, for they cross the city In all di-
rections; but prefer TO walk, as have bet
ter opportunity to see the people, their dwell
lings, and their occupations. We enter at
this wide gate, without challenge or restric-
ton. What q quantity of fine, white oak
timber lies scattered all over this part of-the
Yard; 1t Is passing through various processes
Of adjustment TO the different parts of the
large vessels now being constructed; and
here Is one before Us Of almost internina-
BILE length, whose thick and solid ribs Of oak
are so closely brought together that knife
blade could scarcely be inserted between
them. She Is designed for gun-boat Of the
lkrgest class. Here too lie, all unconscious of
their fatal destiny, piles of the instruments of
destruction, of ali sizes, from the large shell
to the grape and canister, and the long steel
pointed and twisted shot. Human ingenuity
seems to have been put to the test, to contrive
instruments most fatal to life and most dam
aging to objects Of defence or resistance.
Look at these beautiful Dahlgren brass how
itzers! what finish and polish they have!
They weigh 1850 pounds, are for boat service
and were cast at Ames' foundry in Chicopee,
Mass. Immense mortars and Dahlgrens lie
idly around, all innocent of the mighty con-
ficts In viii ch they are soon to take their
part.
As we approach the river, another steamer
under ship house, Is nearly ready to 60 into
Its future element. Long, narrow, strong and
firmly knit together, she seems fully competent
to encounter both "the battle and the breeze"
and TO give as well as take hard knocks.
just outside of this house, elevated upon q
spacious floating dock stands erect the noble
form OF the Mercedita, undergoing the repairs
necessary to place her again upon the watch
Near her Is her prize, the faced Bermuda, a
very large iron steamer one of the fastest
which the English have sent to run the block
ade. Her speed is Is miles an hour; she could
easily have escaped the Mercedita, had she dis
covered her in season. She has been purchased
by the Government for tl 10000, and will soon
be turned against the rebels whom she was
designed TO aid. II was with great gratifca-
tion that witnessed the discharge from her
capacious hold Of the six immense guns,
Biakelys and Whitworths, which she was
transporting TO our enemy. This was bat
terry intended for the Oreto. She had also the
splendid 100 pound gun which was made for
the great exhibition in London, aud after
wards purchased by the Confederates. 1t is
said that, when equipped, she will be sent in
pursuit of the Alabama.
Near the Bermuda lies the other no less IA
nous prize, the Princess Royal, once the
proud argosy destined with her rich freight to
succor the ignoble cause OF rebellion, now dir
ty, humiliated and crestfallen-no naughty
coronet upon her brow. She was discharging
coal, the last Of her cargo, preparatory TO en-
tering upon a new career. May her future
usefulness atone for her past sins.
Att neighboring wharf lies trig French
steamer. laden with merchandise well adapted
for Southern markets. which put in for repairs
She Is under suspicion, and her movements
will be narrowly watched. Hard by the Mer-
edita the new gunboat Shenandoah is receiv-
ing her finishing touches. She Is a gallant
looking craft, and will no doubt give 4 good
account OF herself, il she has officers and men
equal to her high qualities. We can no more
sing the praises of wooden walls and bulwarks
Some modern Campbell must indite new
ballad more appropriate TO present naval
warfare than the once popular and still beau
ufui song, "Ye mariners Of England, who
guard our native seas" Their wooden walls
would be no protection now, against the rams
and the iron hail which Dalghren. Whitworth
and Porter have engineered into modern sery-
ice.
In the river, opposite the yard lies the fine
frigate Juniata, new, taunt, spruce, and gal
liant, ready To start out upon career which
VIC uust VIII De worthy Oi ner nODle bearing
and her admirable qualities. She Is long,
three.masted, full-rigged, and like all the new
vessels now finishing here Is painted a lead
color, to encounter the new dodge of rebel
sympathizing craft to escape our cruisers
Another black and bristling steamer lies in the
stream, which was informed was the Flori-
da. Everything Is lively and busy through.
out this important station, but they move on
very quietly, and must needs say moderate
ly, quite too much SO for Yankee who Is de-
sirous of seeing the utmost activity in all our
military departments, In bringing into service
the defenders Of our country and the vindcat-
ors of our laws.
gave you In my last some account of the
Union meeting here. On Saturday evening,
desirous OF hearing the other side, / went TO
the hall OF the Democratic Central Club of
this city, TO hear what their champion, Chas.
lngersoll, had TO say on Estate rights" Mr..
Ingersoll Is tall, well built, good looking
man, with full dark hair and smoothly shaven
face. He addressed the not very choice nor
crowded audience without notes, and in a
rather hesitating manner. He gave an histor-
ical analysis Of the characteristics Of the early