"The steam boat Dispatch, Capt. Bruce, arrived at this place on Tuesday evening last about 6 o'clock, from Cincinnati, and departed next morning for Pittsburgh.--This is the same boat that the Kentucky papers made so much noise about as having been stopped and ordered off from New-Orleans without a cargo, by the agents of Fulton and Livingston. The Dispatch is a remarkable sailor, having beat the Aetna seven days in the run from Natchez to the Falls. She made her passage in 24 days, while the Aetna was 31 days.--The Dispatch has 24 passengers on board from Cincinnati, and has been 10 days on her passage from Cincinnati to Stubenville. Capt. Bruce reports that in his passage from Natchez to the Falls he counted over 2000 boats floating down the river, and this in the day time only; others might have passed him in the night which he did not observe." _Mercury, May 11, 1816._ THE STEAMBOAT VESUVIUS "We are sorry to state that the beautiful Steam Boat Vesuvius, launched about two years ago at this place, has been burned to the water's edge, at New-Orleans. The Vesuvius was freighted with a valuable cargo of dry goods and other commodities. The fire broke out about 12 o'clock the night previous to her intended departure. As she lay in the middle of the stream, no assistance could be afforded her, and all the property on board fell a prey to the flames." _Commonwealth, Aug. 6, 1816._ THE TRANS-ATLANTIC STEAMER "We are on the eve of one of the greatest experiments, which has been undertaken during the present age. A Steam boat is about to brave the Atlantic, and cross from N.Y. to Russia. The consequences of this enterprize who will predict? It may open a new era in the art of navigation. It may dispense with the lagging and variable agency of winds and waves. It may bring the two worlds nearer together--it may shorten the passage from 25 to 15 days. A first experiment is everything, who does not wish it success?" _Gazette, Aug. 23, 1816._ "We have heard it doubted (says the Virginia Patriot) whether the steam-boat soon to leave New York for Russia, will have sails; or those who go in it will venture to trust themselves to the efficacy of steam alone. If without sails (though Columbus deserves more credit,) those who first cross the Atlantic in a steam-boat will be entitled to a great portion of applause. In a few years we expect such trips will be common.... Bold was the man, the first who dared to brave, In fragile bark, the wild, perfidious wave: and bold will they be who first make a passage to Europe in a steam boat. Jason crept along by the shore: Not so these adventurers: they will have No port to cheer them on the restless wave." _Gazette, Sept. 3, 1816._ Ferries and Bridges