Alexandria Gazette

Correspondence of the North American,
U. S. SHIP DELAWARE,
HAMPTON ROADS, Oct. 22, 1841.

This has been a joyous day to all on board
this noble ship of the Line. We had information late last night of the intended visit of
the President of the United States early today. But little special preparation was needed; kept as our ship constantly is, by the exemplary efficiency of our executive officer, in
the most perfect ship-shape condition. At
meridian the yards were manned, and the
quarter deck exhibited a scene of present and
anticipated pleasure in which all richly participated. The gathering of some seven hundred as fine looking seamen as you could wish
to see on the sunniest day, filling the entire
space from the forecastle to the main mast;
the full guard, with their officers of noble
bearing, some thirty midshipmen with joyous
faces, clustering near the break of the poop
deck: and along the starboard side of the
quarter deck, the commissioned officers, of
whom it is enough that their deportment bespoke the accomplished officer and the gentleman: these with our gallant Captain on the
poop, were in readiness to receive in naval
style our distinguished and honored guest.

He passed over the ship's sides accompanied
by our Commodore, whose broad pendant was
proudly waving at the main, with the step of
one who is no stranger to a man-of-war, and
with blended dignity and grace so attractive
to one in a station so exalted. He was attended by his son, John Tyler, Jr., Major
Dickens and Noland, and Captains Armstrong
and Stribling, of the Navy, with Lieut. Hunter and our Mr. Walsh, Secretary of Legation to the Brazils, and one or two others.

The impression made by the President on all
the officers, some 50 in number, who were individually introduced to him, was of the happiest character. The broad pendant gave
place to the national flag—the peal of 21 guns
followed—the drum beat to quarters, and his
Excellency accompanied our gallant Commodore throughout the ship. His countenance
indicated high satisfaction with the condition
and appearance of every thing which he
passed in review. Returning to the poop, he
witnessed a semblance of a regular engagement with which he seemed highly gratified.
He then visited the Fortress at Old Point
for an hour or two, dined with the Commodore on board; and, as the sun was setting,
he took his departure,—bidding us a kind adieu: and, with the spirit of a true Republican
President, giving his last graceful bow to the
gratified seamen. The national salute was
again cheerily fired, and our fine band struck
up in a excited style our favorite national air,
while he waved his final adieu from the steamer which took him hence. We all feel particularly gratified with this visit from our revered Commander-in-Chief, and could he know
how great was this gratification, his generous
ature would dispose him to feel amply repaid
for the time and trouble thus bestowed on the
inmates of the Delaware.

We sail in a few days to our destined station, and all are anxious to carry out the
wishes of the government respecting us. No
man-of-war could be better officered or manned and there is little doubt but we shall
bring back a satisfactory account of the defensive and protective doings to those who
have honored us with their confidence.

Commodore Hull has been on a visit to
Washington for several days past. We are
rejoiced to see the veteran looking so well and
hearty.

The officers of the Marine Corps, at present
on duty at head quarters, headed by Colonel
Henderson, the veteran Commandant, and
Captain Kennon, the Commandant of the
Navy Yard, paid their respects to the Secretary of the Navy on Thursday last.—Army
and Navy Chron.