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[Engraving of a sailing vessel at sea with a smaller one in the back ground]
[title under engraving]
THE FIRST OCEAN STEAMER - SAVANNAH

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THE FIRST OCEAN STEAMER
The first ocean steamship was planned by
certain citizens of Savannah, Ga. and at their
expense was built in New York, in the years
1818 and 1819, being completed in February of
the latter year. Our engraving shows her under
full head of steam, and every sail set to favoring
wind.

This vessel was properly named the "Savannah."
She was of 300 tons burthen, clipper
built, full ship rigged, and was propelled by
one inclined, direct-acting, low-pressure engine,
similar to those now in use. Ths size of her
cylinder was forty inches in diameter, with six- feet
stroke, and carried twenty pounds of steam.
The paddles were of wrought-iron, with only
one flange, and were entirely uncovered, as our
picture shows. They were so attached to the
shaft that their removal and shipment on deck
could be accomplished in fifteen or twenty minutes,
without difficulty - which fact would indicate
that some doubt was felt with regard to the
result. There were two fine cabins for passengers,
the two being separate, and handsomely
furnished. All the berths - thirty-two in number -
were state-rooms, and were provided with
every comfort then demanded.

On the 28th of March, 1819, the Savannah
left New York for Savannah, which port she
reached April 6th, after a very boisterous passage
down the coast. Hundreds of citizens
greeted her approach, and all the people were
enthusiastic. Somo excursioning followed, and
finally the oceancraft was advertised to sail for
Liverpool direct on the 20th day of May. No

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passangers offered, but she nevertheless sailed
as per promise, in ballast, and just one month
later she came to anchor in the harbor of Liverpool.
During her passage the engines were
worked eighteen days only - it being found neccessary
to economize fuel. Pitch-pine was
burned, coal not then having come into use on
steamers. Her speed, with both steam and
sails, was from five to ten knots an hours.

Nearing Liverpool, the "Savannah" resumed
her paddle wheels, the more effectually to astonish
British lookers-on, and with wheels plying
to their utmost, and all sails set she went
into the Mersey proud as any princess going to
her crowning, the spectators absolutely astounded
at her appearance. After remaining at the
wharf a month, where she was visited by thousands,
she sailed for St. Petersburg, and there
Captain Rogers and his novel craft were received
with every mark of respect and admira-