The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1865-11-20

So crvAuRR Thomas KELso.-The public mind
IN Greatly exercised ON the steamboat ques-
n tn If late, and no wonder, when we remember
uon nnmber of beautiful steamers that have found
iio;r way into our waters in the last few months
1n i uc;temept had continued to increase until
I'm, .s.dov when it eliminated with the advent
yteTn sieamer Thomas ~Kelso, of the Old Bay
L W. had seen a large number of steamboats, and
had read in history ancient ana mGofrn ., many
noe o9 the classic shores of the Cydnus, and
Lion, enid the incense that almost clouded its
h suI had seen Egypt's Queen, unrobed as
U.ahrodite, reclining on the purple ottomans OF
Apn roidep galley. We had dwelt, with peculiar
ner on the scene, depictured in the sim
Pertsl verse of Shakespeare, and had not wonder
S hot Anthony had himself become the willing
s s,ave of the very being whom he sought to en-
lave. Still there was lingering DOUBT upon
r mind as to the reality of the scene which the
4 Wnrd of Avon had colored up from the rude
l,'ntch of Herodetus, and we had ever been
t;c as to the existence of all that magnihcence
sh util the steamer Thomas Keso hoated into our
Sarbor yesterday. In common with thousands Oh OF
So with view, not only to see the steamer,
.hose beautiful proportions and oriental splendor
wa been hsralded by the monumental press but
Gnr the purpose Of paying our regards, IN common
~ ;,b the rest of our people, to her popular and
mra,ntlemanly commander, Commodore George W.
Russell. .e.o "a ,,uaon.,lo 20
~ in words, the splendor of this floating pal
pee pce would be work of supererogation, equalie,d
i by painting the lily, or gliding refined gold
w.; ali that the most vivid Imagination ever con-
;red No. of Egyptian luxury and style, or that the
yadern mind ever conceived of comfort and conve-
Mnca With seventy-six state-rooms, among
Itch are several bridal chambers, with the most
ao;n,s saloons, fitted up in the most prodigal
optla with every nvenience for the comfort OF
sossenpers and every arrangement for their sale
~, she is one of the most complete steamers we
hyoye ever seen. She is provided with SIX metallic
iiso boats. which, while we hope they may never
he needed, 'it's very handy to have in the house,
Nth any quantity of life-preservers; with com
ete set Of fire apparatus in case OF tre; and what
E of greater Importance she Is built IN compaTt-
mente to prevent trouble in the event OF leak. ohe
hao all the modern improvements, In the shape OF
Lining facilities and can furnish her passengers
18th warm or cold baths at will. Her boilers are
" The most superior class and her engines all that
Snnerior skill could devise. She Is one thousand
four hundred and thirty tons purtnen, anu ~
sont;no monument, alike to the skill of her build
noa'a ana the enterprise and liberaity of the old
Bay Line. upouha, hoon tb;r,v odd
.,oars on the route between this city and BATH
more, and in all that time has never losI pas
senoer nor has single party under his protection
sustsined material injury. These are important
facts that speak volumes for him as steamboat
commander Nor is his personal popularity con-
fined to this city. Wherever heis known, ne is
annrecated as a genial companion and accom-
nEssbed gentleman, and we congratulate the tray
cling public on the fact that he is is again nm aHa
himself. that he Is aaoat on a craft worthy OF his
high deserts. AZ. a;,.o,s;ons of hi.
steamer, and stated that she was built by Raney,
Son 4 Archbold, of Chester, Pa, ana co s
our notice of this splendid craft with the follow
ing list of her officers !: u,,-
Geo. W. Russell, Captain; John E. Wilson,
pnrser; Noah Bryatt, Chief Engineer; Martin
Rudolph, Assistant Engineer; A. Crolley' First
dard Caterer and Geo. A. Rawlings, Agent of
Adams Express COMPANY