Gazette Of The United States

Launch of the Ville De Paris.

Chatham, July 17.

During the whole of this morning, and a great part of yesterday, a crowd of people continued flocking into this place, to see the finest ship ever built in England, or perhaps in the world, launched. The dock yard was quite full. Several booths were erected close to the ship, and parallel to her sides, for the reception of the Nobility, Gentry, &c. The neighbouring hills of Brompton, Chatham, Upnor, and Frindbury, were covered with spectators, who could not find room in the dock-yard. Several hundred pleasure boats were on the river. At a few minutes past one o'clock, the shamlings and posts were cut away, and the ship moved slowly and majestically into her proper element. The regimental bands of music on board, immediately struck up, "God save the King," and "Rule Britannia," in which they were heartily joined by the multitude, who rent the air with their shouts and acclamations.

In the evening, a splendid ball was given in honour of the launch, at the Assembly Rooms in Rochester. We do not hear that any accident has happened, which, considering the number of persons who came to view the grand spectacle, is a very fortunate circumstance. The builders say they never had a better launch.