Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1872-04-18
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THE FIRST OCEAN STEAMSHIP.

may be found interesting. As is we'll known,
she was named 'The Savannah" and for her
construction, which has led to such grand re-
suits, the world is indebted to certain enter
prising citizens Of Savannah.
The Savannah was built in New York, and
finished in the month of February, 1919. She
was three hundred tons burthen, clipper built,
full rugged, for mast and sail, and propelled
by one inclined, direct acting, low pressure
engine, similar to those now in use. The size
of her cylinder was forty inches diameter, with
six feet stroke. She carried twenty inches of
steam. The water wheels were of wrought
iron, with only one fange, and entirely un-
covered. They were 80 attached to the shaft
that their removal and shipment on deck could
be accomplished in from fifteen to twenty
minutes, without occasioning the slightest in
convenience. She had two superb and ele-
giant cabins for passengers, ladies' and gentle
men, the two being separated and both hand
somely furnished. All berths, thirty-two in
number, were state rooms, and provided with
every comfort. She was commanded by
Capt. Moses Rogers, and, as before stated,
owned in Savannah.
Ather trial trip in New York bay, the Sa-
vannah excited the greatest interest. Nearly
the whole population were out to witness the
grand event-grand to them only for its nov
elty-but transcendently grand in the Won
derful revolution that it was destined to effect
at no distant day in the naval and CONNER
cial marine of the whole civilized world. The
performance of the new ship was not only sat-
isfactory, but commanded the greatest admi-
ration. Her trip down the bay to the present
quarantine ground, opposite Staten Island,
and back again, was accomplished in period
of time hitherto unapproached by ships, and
the success was most gratifying to all. Her
speed without sails is set down at five knots,
though vessels that passed her under steam
and sail in her voyage across the Atlantic, re-
ported her movement at from nine to ten
knots.
The Savannah left New York for Savannah
on the 28th day of March, 1919, and arrived
in our port at six o'clock, p. m, on the 9Th
day Of April. The vessels which she spoke
on her voyage, carried into port wonderful
tales Of her speed and beauty, as she moved
upon the waters. Some were greatly alarmed
by the singular apparition, being accustomed
only to sails as propelling power on the seas.
On her arrival, the whole population turned
out and assembled on the Bluff where, with
shouts and waving of handkerchief and hats,
they greeted the extraordinary visitor. Her
voyage was exceedingly tempestuous, and the
gallant steamer thoroughly tried and tested
by the ordeal, and the ease and safety of her
motion, surpassed all that her brave COM
mander had dared to hope for. Her arrival
in Savannah we find thus chronicled in the
Republican, Of the 7th of April, 1919:
"The steamship Savannah arrived at our
port last evening, after boisterous passage Of
seven days. from New York. On her ap-
proach to the city, hundreds of citizens docked
to the bank of the river, and while she ascend.
ed, saluted her with loud and long huzzas
The utmost confidence is placed in her secu-
rity. 1t rebounds much to the honor of Sa-
vannah when it is said that it was owing to
the enterprise of some of her spirited citizens
that the first attempt was made to cross the
Atlantic ocean in vessel propelled by steam.
The Savannah, we understand, will make
trip between this city and Charleston, and
then, perhaps, 20 to Havana and New Or
leans, and Immediately seturn to this place.
She will then proceed to Liverpool, cia. New
York, unless asuficiency of passengers should
offer direct. We sincerely hope the owners
may reap rich reward for their splendid
and laudable undertaking"
A part of the programme was subsequently
changed, as will appear.
The Savannah left here for an excursion
trip to Charleston, on the 18th of April, and
returned on the 3Oth of the same month.
May II, she took down an excursion party to
Tybee and the forts. Among the party on
board was President Monroe, then on a visit
to our city, together with large number Of
army and navy officers, and prominent citi-
zens. After delightful day in the river, the
ship returned to the city late in the afternoon.
The Republican of that day contains an an
nouncement of the intended sailing of the
Savannah for Liverpool, and holds out fele-
CANT accommodations as temptation to pas
sengers. 1t does not appear from the record,
however, newspapers were slow coaches in
that day. whether any were induced to en-
bark or not; probably none, as people are
generally suspicious Of things untried.
At all events, while we have no report of
her passengers or cargo, it is certain that May
10th, the steamship Savannah weighed anchor,
and set out on her voyage for Liverpool di.
rect an experiment hitherto untried in the
history of the world. She encountered every
variety of weather, and her log shows that
she was equal to every emergency.
At p. m, on Sunday, June 20, after a
voyage Of one month, the Savannah came to
anchor in the port Of Liverpool. During her
passage, she worked her engine eighteen days,
it being found necessary, on so long voyage,
to economic fuel. She used only pitch pine,
the use of coal in steamers not having been
introduced at that daY. On nearing Liver.