The New York herald., 1863-10-17
TRIP TO FORTRESS MONROE.

entire country betwccn this and tho sabine.
TRIP TO FORTRESS MONROE.
,~->/o-~.o~~-s~>~~~-o~~-
Trial OF the Steamship America-A
Pleasant Excursion, Fine Weather,
Select Party and = GOOD Time Gene
raily-Grand Ball on Board-A visit to
"Tho Sacred soil'-view OF Norfolk
without Gaslighs"-Inctdents OF tho
Trip, 60, sc.
OUTWARD BOUND
On Monday morning select party OF ladies and gen
tenen to the number OF about hundred and nifty,
found themselves on board the splendid steamship
America at the pier foot OF Warren street, bound for
trip to Fortress Monroe order to test the qualities Of
the vessel which has been thoroughly overhauled and
rented by Mr. NJ o. Roberts, tho pioneer Of the Califor
MIA steamship line Never did excursion promise such
happy results as about to be undertaken. The
morning was delightful and balmy, and not ripple dis
turbed the placid surface Of New York Bay The passen-
gers on boardwere OF such character to combine
qualities Of rennement harmony ard good.felowshp
Not the least attractive feature Of the occasion was
the galaxy Of female beauty which adorned the vessel,
making totally forget the nauseatng feeling OF sea
sickness and all other unpleasant affections.
The America had her at an early hour In the
morning. and at about O'Clock carriages began to
rive in quick succession froighted with Of most
influential citizons. At twelve minutes past eleven
O'Clock all being aboard the steamer was cast loose from
the dock aud sailed maesticaly out, with coors flying
As she passed out salute was fired from the docks and
under the potage of the venerable John McGinn OF Now
York she headed towards the Russian ect now lying 10
our harbor; and passed mutual courtesies were
exchanged by the dipping Of ensgns and music from the
vessels band (Dodworth's) rafting up "Yankee Doc
die" 10 hne style.
In hal, fhc ANA uutn
enough down to her work. AMI dashed along in
beautiful style the Of about eleven knots hour
Everything began to 60 smoothIy-lhe machinery
worked freely tho vessel sailed steadily the passengers
appeared be and all quite sociabIe and the ladies
in particular expressed their delight at
life on the ocean wave
And home on the rolling deep.
At four O'Clock the gong summoned to dinner and here
may be remarked, passant, that the cuisine under
the management Mr. Eoran the steward, was all that
could expected by the most exacting gourmnnd
The shades OF evening soon came on, and knots we're
for the dance the song anecdote and fun IN
raj Thus occupied the time sped along until lae hour
when all hands retired to rest.
Tuesday morning broke delightfully."- over the waters
Yourg Aurora threw OF her MANTLE shook the night dew
from her tresscs and poured golden food Of light all
around This day, like the preceding, passed merrly
until we made Cape Henry, when Baltimore pilot was
took US safely Fortress Monroe, opposite which
arrived at half.pas two p NJ.
FoxrREs xoSRoE.
As soon az the steamer sighted from the fortress
there was somewhat of excitement amongst soldiers,
the impression at once made on them that we
we're tho harbingers Of good news IRON Charleston
Captain Morton, in obedience to orders from
the guardship, stationed little way from tho
fortress, accompanied by the members Of the press,
went ashore TO report TO General Foster and
obtain the necessary permit FROM him to ard and also
visit Norfolk. On reaching shore the party met
by Chief Quarermasor Lieutenant Colonel Herman Brgc,
who introduced Captain Morton Captain John Cassels
Provost Marshal who kindly furnished the required pass
es The tugboat Cous,itu<ion placed at service
by Colonel Briggs. and many OF the ladies and gentlemen
on board awaited themselves Of the opportu
nifty Afforded 10 make flying visit to tho fort The
appearance Of Fortress Monroe presented novel fea
turcs those who had boon inside its walls Heavy
guns frowned down the vors wherever they turned
senries thcky posted all the ground and the
whole aspect Of tho most rigid military discipline
On gaining the ramparts and looking around enjoyed
varied and delightul sight, Hampton Roads lay before
u.s. basklng sunshine, perfectly calm
40 inland lake. The blockadns squadron ho Minnesota
Roanoke and othors lay lazy at the mouth Of James
river waiting for chance to pitch to- and on the whole
the low, ewssmbk was worth beholdius.
is:. =. part, a. S.!.sd = ...s;.S. hos. =. ;s:
fortress they returned The steamer shout four O'Clock
when arrangements made by Captain Ludlow Quar-.
tsrnasssr Of Norfolk for all board 10 visit that city OF
she sacred soi" Quite large uuutsr avalsd OF this
psssurs-K pleasure might be oallsd Tor never did
city, town village present such miserable and God
fossaksn appearance this spot Of Rcbedom. II was
quite dark when wo landed. and everything was -
gloomy - Hadss In the conquered city. me party
divided themselves Into squads reaching the wharf
Some went 10 the theatre others quartered themselves
In private houses while tho balance consisting OF young
folks took stroll 70 "see tho elephant Seeing the
elephant BY the way, 10 Norfolk quite different from
the manner In which that vague animal 10
usually sought for Ia New York. In Norfolk
ono has 70 wcnd his wing through dark gloomy miserable
ruy uncIeaned streets which would induce Mr. Booc 10
have holy horror Of The place ~ the rs glance The
city looked sadly detected Many Of the places OF bus
ness wore entirely tenantess Even the saloons looked
like
Some banquet halls deserted,
and the whole place showed thing signs OF anma
,ion Now and again would stumble across United |
States soldier picket duty, pacing silently and fro
Beyond this and an occasional stragscr In tho streets
everything wore the most fasubrious appearance.
rux on BOARD.
After spending about twenty minutes at the "Opera |
House," and having become quite disgusisd with the
"murdering qualities Of the actors party cft and
got aboard the America, whore quite surprise awaited
10 the shape Of improvised ballroom. Nearly hall
promenade deck allotted to this purpose and pre-
sonted unique appearance. The sides we're lined with
Amer flags graceful fcs'oons Of sreamers were made
pendant from the covering while prcfusion Of
brilliant lanterns shed mellow light around Ia striking
contrast with gorgeous and sIlvery stars, which
tbo NH watar lima
making the whole picture Of the most pleasing that
we have ever bcheid.
In due course Of time Doiworsh's string band CON-
menced the musif--
~ went the darce,
joy being vrconfncd