Richmond Enquirer

AMERICANS ABROAD.

The following is from the Diario di Roma, published at Rome, in August, 1817.

For the first time has appeared in these seas, passing from Leghorn, an American squadron, which has been off our port for several days, but has since sailed for Naples. We remarked the uncommon good appearance of these ships. A very exact military discipline, a perfect knowledge of naval affairs, and of navigation, appeared in every thing. Their spring locks combined ease, simplicity, and instant effect, and were equally admirable in their fire arms and in pistols, and multiplied their discharges at pleasure. The exercise, activity and readiness of their mariners and their perfect acquaintance with every thing, were observed not without surprise and wonder, and do honor to the nation to which they belong. Their vessels were well found fast sailers, and as neat as they were well built.

Soon after the visit of the fleet, anchored in our port a schooner from America, of a most beautiful construction, elegantly found, very light, and formed for fast sailing, constructed and armed like our light armed vessels. It was named the Cleopatra, belonging to a very rich traveller, George Crowninshield, of Salem, who constructed her for his own use, and for the voyages he had undertaken in company with Captain Benjamin Crowninshield, his cousin. Besides the extreme neatness of every thing about the vessel to fit her for sea, her accommodations were surprising and wonderful. Below was a ball of uncommon extent in which the luxury of taste, the riches and elegance of the furniture, the harmony of the drapery, and of all the ornaments, inspired pleasure and gallantry. The apartment of the stern was equally rich and interesting. Five convenient bed chambers, displayed with the same elegance, were at the service of the captain, with an apartment for the plate of every kind, with which it was filled. Near was another apartment, which admitted all the offices of a kitchen, and in it was a pump with three tubes, which passed through the vessel, to supply water from the sea, or discharge what they pleased with the greatest ease. The rich and distinguished owner had with him, besides his family servants, several linguists, persons of high talents in music, and an excellent painter. Every thing to amuse makes a part of the daily entertainment. The owner and captain were affable, pleasing, and civil, and gave full evidence of the talents, the industry, and the good taste of their nation, which yields to none in good sense and true civility. The above travelers, having complied with the usual rules of the city, and having expressed the due respect to the Apostolical Delegate, upon receiving a particular invitation he visited the Cleopatra, in company with many persons of distinction, and partook of an elegant collation.