The Mississippi Creole

paddle boxes,	66	6
Depth of hold,	22	6

It is so rarely any respect or courtesy is shown Mississippi, that the painting of her name on a big steam frigate's wheel-house is an honor for which we feel much obliged.

AMERICAN STEAMSHIP.

The great American Steamship MISSISSIPPI, was launched at Philadelphia on the 5th instant. The American gives a lively account of the occurrence, which drew to the Navy Yard and vicinity an immense concourse of people. "Long before the hour named for it to take place, all the avenues leading to the Navy Yard were crowded with both sexes. Every house top and wood pile, and wharf and vessels' deck in that region, seemed one dense mass of human beings. Not an inch of ground which could assist in procuring a glance at the magnificent sight on the shore was unoccupied. Even the vast number there was seemingly surpassed by the thousands which blackened the surface of the River, over which the host of crowded steamers and other craft were passing: From the upper deck of the splendid steamboat Ohio, the spectacle was one of grandeur and beauty. The river was literally alive with innumerable Club Boats, Schooners, Sloops and Steamers.

About 1 o'clock, the signal was fired from the Navy Yard: and soon after this a faint cry was heard, which, the American says, increased like an approaching tornado "The magnificent ship, crowded with human beings, was seen majestically to move, and gradually she left the place of her birth and gracefully she glided into her own element. The scene was full of grandeur and sublimity. It was greeted by the loud and long and hearty plaudits of the immense concourse of people both on the land and on the water, as well as by the multitude who filled the deck of the steamship." The Mississippi is said to be unsurpassed by anything that floats, for symmetrical proportions and beauty. She is 12 feet longer than the Pennsylvania. Her machinery is of the most substantial and finished kind. Her keel was laid in August, 1839, and she is built of live oak from Florida, "Take her all in all" says the American, "size, model, finish, armament and outfit, she probably has not a superior either in this or any other Navy." The Mississippi is to carry Paixhan guns, which are to be placed on the upper deck and traverse like a swivel. Her dimensions are as follows:— Length between the perpendiculars, 220. Extreme length from the cutwater to the taffrail, 224. Width of beam moulded or width at the timbers, 39. The same outside of planking, 40. Measurement of tons (per carpenter's measurement) as a double decker, 1788 tons. Measurement as a single decker, 1945. Measurement by the rule that the tonnage of the steamship President is estimated by 2280. She has several of Massie's patent pumps of English manufacture, bearing the English coat of arms, and said to be of very superior capacities. Their workmanship and finish are altogether inferior to that of the rest of the machinery which is of American manufacture. Besides, we consider the British lion no ornament to a National American vessel. The cost of these pumps are $1000 each. She has two magazines, one forward and one aft.

Length of keel,	Feet Inches
206 9