Steamboat James Kent

Editor's note: The following articles were originally published in  1823 in the publications listed below. Thanks to Contributing Scholar George A. Thompson for finding, cataloging and transcribing these articles. The language, spelling and grammar of the article reflects the time period when it was written.

page 117 Early American Steamers by Erik Heyl

North River Steam-boats. -- Yesterday afternoon we had the pleasure of visiting the new and beautiful steam boat JAMES KENT, now lying at the foot of Liberty-street.  Through the politeness of Capt. Wiswall and Mr. Rhind, we enjoyed an opportunity of examining her from stem to stern, above and below, and of obtaining such facts, as will enable us to give a pretty accurate description of this superb vessel, which in many respects surpasses any boat, that has ever floated upon our waters.
       
The James Kent is about 140 feet in length; her extreme breadth 48 feet; and upwards of 400 tons burthen.  Her frame is composed entirely of live oak, locust, and cedar.  She is copper-fastened, secured in an extraordinary manner by screw bolts.  She was built by Messrs. Blossom, Smith & Demon, who have certainly done themselves great credit by this elegant specimen of naval architecture.
       
Her machinery is on a scale so gigantic, as apparently to require the anvils, hammers, and sinewy arms of Vulcan and the Cyclops to forge its massy wheels, bolts and bars.  The boiler is of copper, unusually thick and strong, weighing upwards of 30 tons, and amounting to nearly one third of the whole expense of the boat.  It is planned in such a manner, that if it should happen to burst, the water would immediately be carried through the bottom of the vessel by means of cast-iron tubes, or hollow pillars.  The copper was manufactured by the Soho Company.

The engine is modelled after the latest and most approved plan of the celebrated Mr. Watts, and was manufactured by the West Point Foundery Company.  It is decidedly one of the finest engines, that has yet been made in America, both as to the quality of the castings and the scientific arrangement of the machinery.  It occupies an unusually small space; and the workmanship is highly creditable to the manufacturers of our country.  We would here remark, that in all cases where it could be done, the company have given a decided preference to domestic fabrics.
       
The James Kent is finished in a style to comport with the superiority of her essential parts above described.  Few rooms in a private dwelling surpass her cabins in point of finish, neatness and elegance, or in richness of furniture.  Every attention has been paid to the comfort, convenience, and even luxury of the passengers. -- The gentlemen's dining cabin is capacious, airy, and lighted by eight or ten windows above, which may be opened or closed, as the weather may require.  A table is extended in a semicircular form quite round the room, nearly into the centre of which the stair-way leads.  The ladies' cabin and drawing-room, the former below and the latter on deck, exceed in splendour and elegance the gentlemen's apartment.  In the sitting room, the curtains are of blue damask, with orange drapery -- in the dining cabin, the curtains are embossed crimson moreen, with blue vallons and a richly wrought fringe.  The tables are mahogany, and the chairs and settees of birdseye maple, with cane bottoms.  Mirrors and other furniture equally splendid.
       
Aloft is a spacious and beautiful promenade, extending nearly the whole length of the vessel, shielded by an awning, and furnished with seats quite round the area.  The machinery is guarded by green blinds, and the pillars and upper works are highly gilt,
presenting a rich and brilliant appearance.  The upper deck is mounted by a finished flight of steps on each side of the boat.

On the stern, which is of superior workmanship, and ornamented with a variety of appropriate devices, is a tolerable likeness of the distinguished individual whose name
the boat bears, with a book in his hand. The whole exterior of the boat is such, as to present a noble and majestic figure, as she marches along the waters. 
       
We learn that the first trial of the James Kent was made on Tuesday last, and that she performed to the entire satisfaction of the company. She ascended as far as Catskill Landing, where the directors met. She traversed 110 miles in eleven hours, while her machinery was yet new, when the friction is much greater than it will be after a few trips.  There is no doubt but she will run through to Albany in fifteen hours.
       
This elegant boat will enter the North River Line on Monday morning next at 5 o'clock, which is to be the stated hour of her departure from the city, arriving at Albany early in the evening, and rendering it unnecessary for passengers to sleep on board. Half a century ago, it would have been thought the dream of a mad-man to predict, that the day would soon arrive when a person could travel the distance of 150 miles between morning and evening, amusing himself all the while, if he choose, with a book or with writing, enjoying the quiet and comfort of a private dwelling.  Modern improvements have outstripped the calculations of the most sanguine theorists; and such are the achievements of human ingenuity and a daring enterprise, guided by science and philosophy, that it is hardly safe to pronounce any scheme visionary. The time may not be distant, when Perkins invention [of a high-pressure steam engine] will bring into contempt the snail-like progress of a steam-boat, moving only ten miles an hour.
       
But until this new era in navigation shall arrive, the public will feel greatly obliged to the North River Company, for the heavy expenses they have incurred in building such a boat as the James Kent; for their unwearied pains to consult the ease and comfort of travellers; and for the credit they have done themselves and the state, in paying a handsome compliment to a great and good man.  ***
New-York Evening Post, August 15, 1823
​
A TRIP TO ALBANY
Extracts from the Log-book of the New Steam-boat James Kent, Commodore Wiswall -- first regular trip.
Sunday night, August 17, 1823. -- Boat safe in her moorings, on Steamboat dock, foot of Courtlandt-street. Weather dubious --alternate clouds and star light. [Gets under way at 5:20, a. m., with 200 passengers] Wharves, and yard-arms of the shipping lined with spectators. . . .

Entered the High Lands at ½ past 9. Passed a school of North River craft, consisting of Hudson Packets, Albany sloops, Troy flat-bottoms, and Lansingburgh shallops, with scarcely any bottoms at all. Understand they are to build ships when they have deepened the upper end of the river, so as to make it run the other way. Spoke a vessel from the up-country -- (probably from Vermont) -- with a cargo of clap-boards, shingles, indian corn and children. . . .

Half-past 10. Passengers all on the upper deck gazing with wonder and delight upon the frowning crags and clouds-capt summits of the High-Lands. The interest in this part of the voyage was not a little heightened by the war-like notes of a patent bugle, blown by a perfect master. When passing the celebrated combination of echoes, the effect was such that we had, as it were, the benefit of nine bugles, all sending forth their wild and animating notes at once, and echoing from one glen to another. 

Eleven o'clock, opposite the Point and Military Academy.
At the landing we found the band of music of the station [sic], in uniform, and much to the satisfaction of the company, they came on board, to meet and return in the Richmond, which leaves Albany this morning.

Three quarters past 11. Off Newburgh. The whole village seemed to have swarmed; the wharves and piles of plaster of Paris, were covered with people. . . .

Half past one. Nothing remarkable occurred until we arrived at Poughkeepsie, and here we saw nothing but a remarkable collection of people. 

Three o'clock. Dinner announced -- time to exchange the crayon for a knife and fork. Dinner plentiful and excellent. 

Five o'clock. Invited below by the Commodore, to take a glass of wine. Having toasted the boat that bore us, it is here fit that se should attempt to convey some proper idea of her dimensions, convenience, and internal, as well as external elegance, to those who have not enjoyed the opportunity of visiting this "Chief" of nautical art. The James Kent is a vessel of more than four hundred tons burthen, built throughout in the strongest and most substantial manner. Her length upon deck is 140 feet, and her breadth of beam 43 -- a proportion very different from other boats, and which is thought by some, to have too much width. She is not so long as the Chancellor Livingston, but broader. She has every where [sic] an air of massy strength.

Her machinery, which is compressed into the smallest compass possible, and the whole of which is above the deck, is of the finest workmanship, and when in full operation, has an aspect almost appalling, from its magnitude and swiftness. Her engine (made at the West Point Foundery) is of one hundred and twenty horse power, and her boiler weighs thirty tons. The latter is of copper, and so constructed, that should it burst, the water will escape below, instead of being precipitated into the cabins, or on the deck. She has two cabins below, and a private apartment for the ladies on deck. The largest cabin, or drawing room, as it is called, is an ample and airy apartment, well lighted and ventilated from above, and furnished with great elegance. The curtains at its sides, and in front of the births, are of embossed crimson moreen, with a valiance of blue and very rich fringe. The table, which are of mahogany, are so constructed that when drawn out they extend all round the apartment, and when not in use, fold up in a compact manner, occupying little room. The settees are of that beautiful American wood, the birds-eye maple, with cane bottoms. The ladies' cabin is furnished with additional beauty, and the apartment on deck is truly superb, being richly carpeted, and hung with blue damask and an orange drapery. The kitchen is situated between the cabins below, where, in the other boats the machinery is placed. The walk, on deck, extends the whole length of the boat, passing round the ladies' apartment, and also extending over the top of it, to which you ascent by a flight of steps on each side. It is covered throughout by an awning (which, however, is already much injured by sparks from the chimney.) The appearance of the boat is much improved by surrounding the works with green blinds, and ornamenting such parts of them as admitted of it, by painting and gilding. There is a medallion on the stern, in which is a bust of the distinguished jurist and civilian after whom the vessel is named, and the prow is decorated with carved work of great elegance.

Passed the Richmond, Capt. T. Wiswall, from Albany, at half past 5 -- gave and received six cheers. Near the seat of the late Chancellor Livingston, passed through a school of sturgeon; many of them were leaping out of the water -- some said in honor of the new boat, which other contended that they were merely looking as usual, to see if they had arrived at Albany.

Passed Catskill (a fine bustling village, which has very modestly been built out of sight) -- at 7 o'clock, and Hudson at a quarter before eight. At the latter place, more than a thousand spectators were gazing from the shore, and the "round house"

A strong ebb tide had somewhat retarded our progress ever since we left the Highlands, and the anxious looks of the commodore, informed us but too well, that he feared so much of the water level had run off to the ocean, that we should not have enough left to get over the Overslaugh -- above which Albany was undoubtedly built to prevent an enemy from approaching by water.                                                                                                                                                               
Ten o'clock. -- Were met by the Fire-Fly, which had been sent down as a tender, or lighters, in anticipation of trouble. Half past 10 -- fast aground on the Overslaugh. Fire-Fly came along side -- much confusion, and looking for trunks -- some swearing, and many long faces -- worked hard 'till 12 o'clock, in fruitless endeavors to get off.

Sent off the Fly with all the passengers who wished to go, with their baggage. The others retired to their berths. At half past 12, got off, and at 1 o'clock were at Albany. N. B. machinery new -- not worn smooth -- lost more than two hours at landing places -- started at 20 minutes after the time appointed -- stemmed the tide more than 100 miles -- or we should have been in Albany by 8 o'clock -- or in 15 hours from New-York. 

Tuesday, August 19. [reception at Albany] Wednesday morning -- 5 o'clock. -- This was the appointed hour for setting the engine in motion on our return to New-York; but only a few of the passengers had made their appearance. They were mustering down, however, many of them scarcely half awake; some with unbuttoned waistcoats; others with their cravats in their hands; and many of them (being obliged to act as their own porters,) puffing and blowing with a trunk under one arm, and a valice under the other. 

Got under way at 25 minutes near the Overslaugh half an hour past 5, with about one hundred and fifty passengers -- the other hundred and fifty, who intended to come, having been left. 

Five to eight o'clock. -- Delayed near the Overslaugh half an hour by the fog; company rather dull. The islands and shored upon both sides, appeared as fresh, green and beautiful as ever. -- The scenery for 25 miles below Albany, is pleasing, but instead of the rugged mountain, and the foaming torrent, the eye of the traveller rests upon green pastures, rich vales, luxuriant meadows, and golden fields of grain, with here and there a gentle brook or rivulet, winding its way slowly, until it is lost in the bosom of the Hudson. Passed Hudson, a distance of thirty miles, at twenty minutes after eight -- being just three hours from the time of starting. At least 800 spectators on the hill, which unfortunately hides the city from the river. Took in a large number of passengers.

Eight o'clock and forty minutes, Met the Richmond, 66 hours [sic] and a half from New-York. Boarded her, and got the Commercial Advertiser and Evening Post, of last evening. First article announced, was the "Yellow Fever," and the appalling news spread through the different apartments of the boat like wild fire. The alarm, however, was but momentary, as it soon appeared to be the a case, or rather an attempt to get up a case of domestic origin. Many learned discussions followed, all of which have at different times appeared in the newspapers. Passed Catskill at 9. 

One o'clock, P. M. Opposite Hyde Park, in approaching which there was some concern expressed at the appearance of a great number of strange animals in the water. As we approached them, their heads appeared of the human form, and from the shrill cries of a number of them, a Scotsman who had visited the Orkneys, declared his belief that they were Mermaids. Counted forty-seven of them, but in their haste to get out of the way of the boat, we found that their lower extremities had neither fins nor scales. N. B. If these animals are amphibious, or belong to the finny race, should advise the people of Hyde Park to catch a few of them. If they are men and boys, belonging to the place, they ought to be whipped into better manners. 

At three o'clock were dining while passing Newburgh. At West Point we landed the band, and the officers who accompanied us to Albany and back. N. B. The band had been sent on board by Col. Thayer, the accomplished Commander at West Point, at the request of Commodore Wiswall, for which act of politeness there was an unanimous feeling of gratitude on the part of 200 passengers who went up -- 150 who came down -- and all the citizens of Albany and Troy (which places the band visited and serenaded last evening.) -- Continued our voyage pleasantly several hours, without having any thing strange or comical to record.

Six o'clock. -- In the Tappan Sea, where the tempest had once been so nearly fatal to the gallant Peter Stuyvesant. Met the Steam-boat Chancellor Livingston, Center, in two hour from New-York. Boarded and got the newspapers. No yellow fever, and the Albany merchants concluded not to stop at Greenwich. While sailing beneath the towering pallisades of Rockland, the sun bade us good night, and the "moon" ushered in one of the most delightful evenings that we ever beheld.

At fifteen minutes after 10, we arrived at the foot of Courtlandt street; and before 11 of Wednesday, the writer of this, was in his own house, having left New-York on Monday morning -- slept at Albany on Monday night -- spent Tuesday in visiting his friends at Albany and Troy -- and slept again in Albany on Tuesday night. Such, with enterprising owners, and active agents, are the facilities of travelling by steam, at the present day. Who knows, when we get Perkin's engine in full blast, but that New Yorkers, instead of going to Albany to tea, may go there to attend to their bank business, dine, and return home to tea! One of our citizens who returned in the KENT, had travelled eight hundred and ninety miles in eight days, including two days devoted to his business, at Chazy.

But to conclude. No excursion to the country could have been more pleasant and grateful to the feelings than this. The expedition with which we travelled, regardless of winds and tides, was unprecedented, and the accommodations good enough for any body. But a few years ago it was quite a serious undertaking to go to Albany. Now, we can go in a few hours, without inconvenience or fatigue, and attended with all the comforts and elegancies of a splendid hotel. On this occasion, the company, both ways, were highly pleased with their fare, and gratified with the politeness and attention of the Commodore -- nor did they leave the boat without feeling a deep sense of the obligation the public are under for all these comforts, elegancies and conveniences, to the FULTON STEAM BOAT COMPANY.

“A Trip to Albany.” New-York Spectator, August 26, 1823, from Commercial Advertiser, August 22, 1823, 

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