Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1865-10-02
Commerce of Baltimore.
THE INAUGURATION OF THE AMERr.
CAN LINE TO LIVERPOOL.


charge where so many have faled-seemed to
be attended with every favorable augury
which could encourage even the most scepti-
cal; and had it occurred in those DAYS when
from the heavens and the earth diyinatiops
had to be sought to indicate the final result of
any enterprise, the participants and the null
utude would have retired to their homes salts
fed In the fullest manner with the splendid
promise given.
The day was ushered in, with no cloud upon
the sky to give the sembance of a frown: but
on the contrary, with the glorious sun shining
in all his splendor to give cheerfulness to the
occasion, the fine ship, freighted with so many
generous wishes, moved, to the minute, from
her moorings, and as she steamed maiestically
and swiftly down the harbor, followed bv her
escort with streamers huttering to the soft
breeze of the bright autumn day, with cannon
speaking forth glad acclaim, it seemed like
mission of good will to Europe and even to
the world itself; the promise of that glorious
era in the history of human affairs when peace
shall claim her high and holy prerogatives.
making the world of humanity one in good
feeling and generous sympathy. when .the
nations shall not learn war any more"
Favored with an invitation to be present at
the opening ceremonial of this great enter
prize, we repaired toward noon of Saturday to
Hendersons wharf, where the Somerset was
moored, and with steam up waiting her de-
parture. With a Gordon of police officers
drawn across to prevent any interruption to
the needfu arrangements for despatching her
promptly, the usual hustle of preparation for
u long voyage was witnessed, as trunks and
essentials n countless forms were hurried
aboard In the very act of being turned
out of TIE hands of the shipjoiner and
upholster, we found her beautiful craft,
thoroughly fitted with every convenience
for first as well as second class passengers,
every thing indicated liberality of expenditure
and good taste, without indulgence of that
tawdry stye ofcabin fittings which in too many
instances, Of late years, seems so absolutely
out of place. A beautiful model, and substan-
TALLY built she justifes to the uttermost the
character incidentally given to us of herself
and consots, by her protector and builder
many months before she was thought of for
this line, and it needed additionally an
inspection Of her powerful and compact engine
as 1t acted almost with the smoothness and
comparative stiffness of clock-work-so little
jar was there in its movements-to know and
feel, thai in her and her belongings, the Com
pany have vessel well calculated, for many
long year, to carry out their boldest behests.
As the time approached-12 oclock-for
her to cast Oft, the company invited to see her
out of the river repaired on board of the
different boats selected for the OCCASION
The revenue cutter, commanded by Cap
tain McGowan, was brought to the wharf
amongst others, and soon congregated on
her decks were those, with Mr.. Garrett at
their head, who had been chiefly instrumental
in consummating the enterprise. Amongst
Others besides, we noticed Commodore Dor
min, Hon. Edward Webster, Collector of the
port; the Naval Officer, Mr. Reese; the Sur
veyor of the Port Mr. E. Fulton; Mr. Latrobe,
ofthe Baltimore bar; Mr.. VIM. Prescott Smith,
Messrs. John King, Jr., John L. Wilson, W. c.
Quincy, W. q. Woodsde and L. NJ. Cole, of
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, with other
gentlemen variously distinguished for their
prominence and public spirit in the commu-
nifty. Glancing around the harbor, the scene
was animating and magnificent. The cutter
itself was decorated with flags, and large num-
bers of the neighboring ships had donned their
gayest bunting for the occasion, whilst the
fine ship herself, the object of so much inter
est, gaily bedecked with national ensigns, the
cross of st. George at the fore, showed by an
occasional puff of steam, that she was painting
for the long race across the Atlantic.
The hour came at last, and as the shrill
whistle sounded her departure and the lines
were cast off, from the national war ship, the
Allegheny, and the revenue cutters in port,
came the thunder of cannon; the tugs whistled,
the multitude cheered, the little fleet moving
down the harbor, the noble ship being the cen
tire which attracted the gaze of all. As she
passed Fort McHenry, leading the van, that
representative and glorious stronghold of the
Government, paid the compliment of its thun-
ders as she steamed proudly past; and then,
at least, we were indeed, made to feel as we
gained the more open roadstead, and looked
back on the crowded port, that the enterprise
might be said to be fairly inaugurated.
The escort followed her to North Point, look
ing fairly down the noble Chesapeake; and
each little craft as it took leave with seeming
reluctance, gave her the parting, and received
from her an answering cheer, the revenue cut
ter, her staunch attendant, being the last to
quit her; and it might have been deemed an
augury of good for speedy passage, to see
how soon she disappeared down the bay, long
line Of black smoke being the last indication
OF her position and progress.
And now with the good ship fairly started,
other matters claimed the attention of the party
gathered on board the cutter. The gallant
commander Of the vessel, Capt. McGowan,
had had splendid collation. spread in the
cabin, and as the fine air from the bay had
whetted every appetite, seldom was a more ap-
preciative party gathered to do justice to hos
pitable intents. 1t was q regular Maryland or
Chesapeake Bay SPREAD" liberal and choice
supply of every good thing, from 'deviled
crabs to all else that could tempt the most
fastidious taste; and as the edibles disappeared
and the champagne corks began to fly, it was
evident that something else was on hand, some
thing in the way of sentiment suitable to the
occasion. A few moments lull, and then the
proceedings were further enlivened by toast
addressed by Capt. MCGOWAN to President
Garrett, the latter responding as follows:
Captain McGowan said that he must not permit
this interesting occasion to pass without proper
acknowledgement. He therefore proposed The Com
merce of Baltimore, the health of Mr. John W. CAR
rett. and success to the Baltimore and LiverT'oi
line of Steamships" - .o;5
Loud calls being made, John W. Garrett ESQ, sald
that on behalf of the directors of the Baltimore nu
Ohio Railroad Company, to whose unariin?Mus M @ ".un
his fellow -citizens were indebted for tne lhaus
ton of the enterprise of the line Of stesdips H oe
twixt Baltimore and Liverpool, ne pssieu w ~
knowledge the enthusiastic approval oI ehs gentie-
men present He begged further to acknowledge the
courtesy of Captain McGowsn, anT Th e @ t6i
of the port of Baltimore, (Colone epsterl Ior tner
Invitation and for the most agreeable
trip, joining in the escort OF te somerset upon ner
first outward voyage. lAppJause.I
II was peculiarly interesting that speedily after
the close of the terrible struggle through which we
have nassed we have tie satisfaction of nauguratlng
on this day granS.trumph of peace. lApplause;I
the first yoyagc of the first steamship sailing to Lv
erpool from baltimore (applause0 1t was peculiar
and impressive feature connected with this enter
PRISE hat the steamship Somerset, thus auspiciously
sailing upon her peaceful mission was recently YES
sci of war; which had under the successful rapid and
verted into frstclass seagoing vessel in the inter-
ests of commercial advancement and prosperity