SS Nile (1850)

1850 'PROPOSED LINE OF STEAMERS HENCE to ALEXANDRIA. - A company has recently been formed for the establishment of a regular line of screw steamers to ply between Liverpool and Alexandria, the first of whose vessels, the Nile, arrived last week from the yard of Messrs. A. Denny and Brother, Dumbarton. She is commanded by Captain Bulkeley, late of the Victory. There are four other fine vessels, which have been arranged to depart in regular succession. They are to visit Alexandria and Beyrout, having leave to call at Palermo and Messina. On Wednesday week the second of these beautiful steamers was launched at Glasgow, from the building-yard of Messrs. Wood and Reid, and will, we understand, be commanded by Captain George Haram, a gentleman who, it is well known in this town, as has had considerable experience in steam navigation. She is now receiving her machinery. On Friday the Nile proceeded on a trial trip. A large number of gentlemen were on board, amongst whom were Mr. A. Denny, of Dumbarton; Mr. Hick, of Bolton; Mr. Bibby, Mr. Southern, and other gentlemen of this town, who are interested in steam navigation. The Nile is 586 tons burthern, and has two engines, of a novel construction, of the united power of 150 horses, working an auxiliary screw propeller. After several turns in the river, she proceeded to sea, leaving the landing-stage at the Prince's pierhead at four minutes to one, p.m. and reached the Bell Buoy at 2 hours, 6 minutes, 40 seconds. From there she steamed to the N.W. Lightship, which she made at 2 hours, 31 minutes, 35 seconds, Massey's patent log measuring the distance at 4 1/2 miles, which she thus accomplished against a fresh breeze, in 24 minutes, 55 seconds, or an average speed (as proved also by the common log) of fully 10 1/2 knots per hour. With 8lb pressure on the boilers the engines made 70 revolutious in the minute. After reaching the lightship, the company on board were invited to a splendid dinner laid out in it the saloon, and the greatest hilarity prevailed. On returning to port her canvass was spread, and she attained a speed of over 12 knots. Though the weather was somewhat unpropitious, the voyage was most prosperous, and the result highly satisfactory, the uniform speed being unparalleled in annals of screw propulsion. Liverpool Albion.’

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