[list-cumbria] Carlisle Patriot, 19 Jun 1824 - Aquatic Festival (2)

[Petra Mitchinson]

Saturday 19 Jun 1824   (p. 3, col. 4-5)

 

AQUATIC FESTIVAL. 

 

[continued] 

 

Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, several members of the Canal Committee, and a great number of spectators, walked down
the banks of the Canal in the evening, some so far as Burgh, expecting to meet the vessel, on her way upwards, but they were
disappointed. On account of the hourly anticipation of more genial skies, no messenger was dispatched, till it was too late to
prevent this inconvenience. 

 

On Tuesday morning, the weather having considerably moderated (though a strong breeze still blew from the east), the vessel, at
seven, was set in motion for Carlisle, gaily decorated with a great variety of flags. Her progress was necessarily slow. News of her
approach having been circulated, a considerable number of persons joined her at Beaumont, Kirkandrews, &c. and the banks were lined
with spectators; the music cheerily played on board, guns were fired, and she was hailed with frequent huzzas as she passed through
the locks and bridges. 

 

At half-past three, she was met by the Canal Committee-boat, having on board Mr. Wm. HALTON, Mr. John DIXON (two of that body), Mr.
FELL of Workington, Mr. THOMPSON, Mr. FERRIER, &c. Their arrival was warmly greeted. Having proceeded to within about five hundred
yards of the basin (the shallowest part of the whole line), she grounded (chiefly on account of the large mass of live lumber on
deck), and was not got off without considerable exertion. She also took the ground a second time in the immediate entrance of the
basin, and was still more difficult to disengage; a few hearty tugs at the windlass, however, aided by another temporary
disembarkation of a great part of the numerous passengers on board, forced her into deeper water, under a salute from her stern
chasers and amid the cheers of the numerous spectators, and she was brought to alongside the warehouse-door, where she soon became
excessively crowded by new visitors, among whom were the Mayor and many of the principal gentlemen of the city, most of whom partook
of refreshments in the cabin. She arrived at five. 

 

In the course of the afternoon, a great variety of toasts were drank, chiefly personal compliments to those present: hospitality was
the order of the day; all who came were heartily welcomed. One of the owners proposed, 'The Grocers' Company, and success to them.'
He understood, he said, that they were about to add a new vessel to the number already employed in the navigation; he hoped they
would go on and increase; and not only they, but that new companies might be formed, more vessels be built; for with our present
facilities, spirit, and the benefit of experience, he was sure that the trade of the port would multiply to an extent not at present
contemplated, perhaps, by the most sanguine. (Cheers.) 

 

On the subject of the extension of the Canal to Newcastle, many observations were made by various gentlemen, who all expressed a
conviction that the commencement of that most important undertaking was near at hand. "It is an event so desirable, so natural,
(said one speaker), that I look upon it as certain as that I stand in this cabin. It is necessary to the commerce of the two
counties: Northumberland cannot do well without it; Cumberland is fully aware of its immense advantages; Lancashire, the south of
Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man, are alive to it; and the general domestic trade of the kingdom requires it. What, then, shall
hinder it? Where is there any obstacle which cannot be at once overcome if proper exertion is made? Union, union only is wanted; let
all parties and all interests unite, and the desideratum is accomplished." (Applause.) The Mayor said that he was fully convinced of
the immense benefit of such an undertaking; every one who knew any thing, must entertain the same sentiments: but, Cumberland having
so nobly exerted itself in making the fine commencement on which the Carlisle then floated, he had no hesitation in saying that
Northumberland was now called upon to come forward and exhibit similar public spirit. 

 

In reference to the navigation of the Solway, Mr. FELL said that he had lately surveyed the Mersey and the channel from the entrance
of the Canal seaward, and he found the latter had a decided advantage. The opening into the sea had been chosen in the right place
(though he thought the entrance into the sea-lock might be improved), and the trade of Carlisle must of necessity increase with
great rapidity. Nothing was wanting but a Canal to Newcastle, to confer upon this district unexampled prosperity. 

 

The conviviality of the cabin was kept up (by a succession of visitors) till the butler had neither eatable nor drinkable left. On
Wednesday, a fresh stock was laid in, and numerous friends repaired on board to view the handsome new vessel, and taste the New
Company's excellent punch. Captain GEDDES and the owners were attentive to every visitant: and long will the first arrival of the
Carlisle be remembered; it reminded one of the glorious 12th of March, 1823. 

 

Some are very apprehensive that she will be found to draw too much water for the Canal: but this, perhaps, can be regulated; and it
may be observed, that if she came up after so long a drought, when the water was at the lowest-lower, probably, than it may be for
years to come-she will always be able to effect the passage. If any difficulty had been anticipated, an addition of a few inches
might have been made to the water's depth. 

 

 

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