622 REPOET OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1890. 



In addition to the engines the vessel carried the same complement of 

 spars and sails as a sailing ship of that period, with the exception of 

 royal-masts and royals.* The hull and rigging were constructed under 

 the direction of Stevens Eogers, afterwards sailing master of the vessel. 



The most important difference noticeable in her rig, so far as can be 

 determined by engravings extant, is that her mainmast stood consid- 

 ably farther aft than it would have been placed on a ship intended to 

 be propelled only by sails. This modification of the rig was doubtless 

 made to obtain more space between the foremast and the mainmast, so 

 that the boilers, engines, and coal bunkers could be located nearly 

 in the middle of the ship and still be forward of the mainmast. 



The cabin space was divided into three saloons, handsomely furnished 

 with imported carpets, curtains, and hangings, and decorated with mir- 

 rors. 



The state rooms were large and commodious ; the interior effect of 

 the decorations resembling those of a pleasure yacht more than a steam 

 packet. After the vessel was launched there was considerable delay in 

 completing the engines and machinery, which were of unusual size. 

 Several boilers were discarded before one was found that would stand 

 the tests made by Capt. Moses Eogers, and it was not until very late in 

 the winter of 1818-'19 that the machinery was in working order. 



TRIAL TRIP. 



The New York Mercantile Advertiser, March 27, 1819, contains the 

 following: 



By an advertisement in this clay's paper it will be seen that the new and elegant 

 steamship Savannah isto leave our harbor to-morrow. Who would have had the courage 

 20 years ago to hazard a prediction that in the year 1819 a ship of 300 tons burden 

 would be built in the port of New York to navigate the Atlantic propelled by steam ? 

 Such, however, is the fact. With admiring hundreds have we repeatedly viewed this 

 prodigy, and can also bear witness to the wonderful celerity with which she is moved 

 through the water. On Monday last a trial was made of her speed, and although 

 there was at no time more than an inch of steam upon her, and for the greater part not 

 a half inch, with a strong wind and tide ahead, she went within a mile of the anchoring 

 ground at Staten Island and returned to Fly Market Wharf in 1 hour and 50 min- 

 utes. When it is considered that she is calculated to bear 20 inches of steam and that 

 her machinery is entirely new, it must be evident that she will with ease pass any of 

 the steamboats upon our waters. 



Her cabin is finished in elegant style and is fitted up in the most tasty manner. 

 There are thirty-two berths, all of which are state rooms. The cabin for ladies is 

 entirely distinct from that iutended for gentlemen, and is admirably calculated to 

 afford that retirement which is so rarely found on board of passenger ships. 



THE OFFICERS AND CREW OF THE SAVANNAH. 



Moses Eogers, the captain (PI. clii), and Stevens Eogers, the first offi- 

 cer (or sailing-master, as he was called), although bearing the same 

 surname, were not related by ties of blood. They were, however, 

 brothers-in-law, the latter having married a sister of the former. 



* See explanatory note by Captain Collins on p. 611. 



