Saturday, November 26, 2016

SS Great Western

Was the first steamship to provide service from Bristol, England to New York City on Apr. 8, 1838. She was the model for all Atlantic wood paddlers. You can read more at The Ships List which includes a copy of the article below written in NY papers after the arrival of the ship.

Another good article about the SS Great Western and her first ocean voyage can be found at Gjenvick-Gjonvik Archives

Another overview can be found at Wikipedia

New York papers of 24th April 1838 gave this account:

British Steam Packet Ship Great Western, James Hosken, R.N. Commander, having arrived yesterday from Bristol, which place she left on 8th inst. At noon, will sail from new York for Bristol on Monday, May 7th, at 2 p.m. She takes no steerage passengers. Rates in the cabin, including wines and provisions of every kind, 30 quineas[sic]; a whole stateroom for one person, 50 guineas. Steward's fee for each passenger, £1 10s. sterling. Children under thirteen years of age, half-price. No charge for letters or papers. The captain and owners will not be liable for any package, unless bill of lading has been given for it. 100 to 200 tons can be taken at the lowest current rates. Passage or freight can be engaged, a plan of cabin may be seen, and further particulars learned by applying to Richard Irvin, 98, Front Street. (p. 41 of The History of North Atlantic Steam Navigation, by Henry Fry, 1896.)

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