on the inside. There are forty-five deck-beams in the lower deck, with carlines between, sided fifteen inches and moulded fourteen inches, with lodging and bosom-knees of white oak, and a large hanging-knee on each end. The water-ways on the top of the lower deck are composed of three pieces extending the whole length of the ship, thoroughly bolted, making this deck sufficiently strong to stand any reasonable strain. The clamps to support the main deck are of yellow pine, six inches thick and fourteen inches wide, of two widths. This deck is securely kneed in the same manner as the lower one. The stanchions, which extend from the floor-timbers to the lower deck-beams, have a large bolt passing through them, and are continued on to the upper decks, thus connecting the deck with the bottom of the ship. The lower and main deck-plank are of white pine, three by five inches, the upper or spar-deck extending the entire length of the ship. Her machinery is from the Allaire Works. She is propelled by two lever-beam engines: cylinders, sixty inches; length of stroke, ten feet; diameter of wheels, thirtyfour feet. Her boilers, of which she has four, are twenty-four feet long, ten feet diameter, eleven and a half feet front, eleven feet high, with single return flues.

"The main saloon is splendidly fitted up with all that can tend to gratify the eye and minister to luxurious ease. The state-rooms which lead from it, on either side, are fitted up in the first style of the upholsterer's art. The furniture throughout blends in one harmonious whole; there are none of those glaring contrasts which are too often met with, and offend the eye and taste by their incongruities. This saloon is of beautiful satin-wood, with just sufficient rose-wood to relieve it, the work of which was executed by Mr. CHARLES SIMONSON.

"The cabinet-furniture and upholstery were furnished from the extensive establishment of Messrs. J. and J. W. MEEKS. The furniture of the main saloon is of rose-wood, carved in the rich and splendid style of Louis XV., covered with a new and elegant material of figured velvet plush, with a green ground, filled with bouquets of flowers. It consists of two sofas, cost three hundred and fifty dollars each; four couches, three hundred dollars each; six arm-chairs, fifty dollars each. Connected with this saloon are ten state-rooms, superbly fitted up, each with a French armour le gles, beautifully enamelled in white, with a large glass-door, size of plate 40 x 64, cost one hundred dollars each. The berths are furnished with elegant silk lambricans and lace curtains. Each room is fitted up with a different color, viz.: green and gold, crimson and gold, orange, etc.

"The toilet-furniture matches with the hangings and fittings up by being of the same color, and presents a picture of completeness not often met with, reflecting credit on the parties to whom the arrangements were intrusted.

"The saloon and state-rooms are kept at a pleasant temperature by one of VAN HORN'S steam-heaters, which occupies the centre of the cabin. It is a beautiful specimen of trelliswork, and the effect is heightened by its rich burnished gilding. The portable chairs are Tewksberry's Marine Life Seat; in shape not unlike an hour-glass, the top, bottom, and braces of wood, and an air-tight tin chamber. It is capable of supporting two persons on the water with ease.

'Forward of the grand saloon is a magnificent dining-saloon. This jasper diningsaloon is fitted up in a style entirely new to sea-going vessels. The walls are covered with a preparation of ligneous marble, which is spread on to the depth of one fourth of an inch, and when dry, polished to a degree of mirror-like brightness that marble is incapable of receiving. The panels are of Naples granite, the style of Breschia jasper, and the surbase of yellow Pyrenees marble.

The ceiling of the room is painted white, with scroll-work of purple, light-green and gold, surrounding medallion paintings of WEBSTER, CLAY, WASHINGTON, FRANKLIN, and others, together with various emblematic conceptions.

All the table-furniture is of the most gorgeous description. The china is of ruby and gold finish; and the silver-ware is of the finest kind.

"The entire interior-furnishing has been done with the single idea of producing the very best effect possible, and every article shows elaborate design and workmanship, which reflects much credit upon American taste and skill.'

The construction, equipment, and sailing of this fine craft, and the energy and spirit which so eminently distinguish its owner, have suggested to our minds some thoughts in relation to the American character as exemplified in his own personal history from his youth up to the present time. And what a lesson it is to the young! proving, so incontestably as it does, that industry, perseverance, energy, and an indomitable will, in connection with stern integrity, will be rewarded in this happy country by triumphant success.

Our readers will be as surprised as we ourselves were, at the vast

extent of Mr. VANDERBILT's wealth, not less than at the 'day of small things' in which he began his career.

Until the age of sixteen, Mr. VANDERBILT was brought up on a small farm on Staten-Island, owned and cultivated by his father. Arrived at this age, however, he found himself with a growing desire to make his livelihood by following the sea. He therefore left the farm, and commenced running a small sail-boat between Staten-Island and NewYork, which was owned by his father. After the age of nineteen he commenced life on his own account,' following the same business for the space of two years.

This brought him to the beginning of 1817, when his business life began with an activity and increased with an energy seldom equalled and more rarely surpassed. He now took charge of a small steamer running between New-York and Elizabethtown, New-Jersey, belonging to THOMAS GIBBONS. In 1818, he attended to the building of the steamer 'Bellona,' and was her captain for five years. In 1820, he built the steamer 'Caroline,' which, it will be remembered, in the troubles on the Canadian borders, in the commencement of the 'Patriot' movement, was cut out' at night at Schlosser, on the Niagara river, and sent, wrapt in flames, over the Great Cataract. This was the first steamer which Captain Vanderbilt built on his own account.

In 1821, he built the 'Fanny;' in 1822, the 'Thistle' and the 'Emerald;' in 1824, the 'Swan;' in 1826, the 'Citizen;' in 1827-8, the 'Cinderella,' the 'Clifton,' the 'Union,' the 'Champion,' the Nimrod,' the 'Livingston,' the 'Cleopatra,' the 'Sound Champion,' the 'NorthCarolina,' the 'Governor Dudley,' the 'Vanderbilt,' the 'Gladiator. These last four steamers he built for a company, for the purpose of running between Washington and Charleston, forming the regular mail-line. Then Captain Vanderbilt built the 'Sylph,' the 'Augusta,' the 'Emerald,' the 'Red-Jacket,' the 'Huguenot,' the 'Hannah Burt,' and 'Eastern'—all fine boats- the 'C. Vanderbilt' and 'Commodore,' which formed the great Boston line by the way of Stonington and the RailRoad. Captain Vanderbilt next built and placed on the route across the Isthmus, eight steamers for the Transportation Company, and the fine steamers that run between Havana and Matanzas. He also purchased, refitted, and ran the Witch,' and the 'Worcester.

New-Haven,' the 'Huntress,' the 'WaterHis next 'American Productions' in this kind were the steam-ships, the 'Prometheus,' the 'Daniel Webster,' the 'Star of the West,' the Northern Light,' and the 'North Star.

Nor are the vessels here enumerated all that have been built by Captain VANDERBILT: there are several others whose names we cannot now recal.

Now we should be glad to have this hasty sketch of a poor American farmer's boy's early career and after advancement-this potent lesson of what industry, energy, enterprise, and integrity, can accomplish in a country of free institutions and free American republicans—we should be glad to have it seen and felt in the various quarters of Europe where the steamer 'North Star' shall unfurl the flag of our country.

'Mr. VANDERBILT has been, as we have seen, entirely the architect of his own fortunes. Amassing immense wealth, he has, at the same time, made the fortunes of thousands of others. He is now a large proprietor of manufacturing and engine-building estab

lishments. He probably gives employment to more hands than any other one man in America. He is always liberal toward the poor and needy. He inherited nothing, except business talents of the highest order, and a persevering, bold, and independent spirit, that overcame every obstacle. Cool and sagacious, never seeming in a hurry, he will accomplish more business in the same time than almost any man that appears 'on 'Change.' From being a deck-hand on a schooner, he has risen in wealth, the possessor of millions, and now owns steamers that would be sufficient to blockade nearly every port in Europe. He has accomplished every thing for himself, without the patronage of Government or the protection of charters. His ability is equalled by his modesty; quiet and unassuming, never acting a part to make himself conspicuous.'

With the exception of a chaplain and a family-physician, with their wives, the passengers in the 'North Star' are all members of the family of Captain VANDERBILT.

"THE Commodore (as Captain VANDERBILT is familiarly called) expects to land first at Southampton, and, after a short stop, go round to London, where he will remain a considerable time, enjoying the sights and hospitalities of the Great Metropolis. Thence he will go up the Baltic, perhaps to see JENNY LIND, if she should be at Stockholm, and thence up the Neva, where he will be entertained at St. Petersburgh by the Emperor NICHOLAS, who will, beyond doubt, manifest great interest in the ship, if not in the Yankees, and will very likely send an order to some of our builders for one for his own use. Bidding adieu to the Czar, the North Star' will return to the Atlantic, try her strength with the billows of Biscay, and come to anchor off Gibraltar. Thence they proceed to the classic shores of the Mediterranean, stopping at Naples, Malta, Athens, Constantinople, Alexandria, and perhaps several other ports. Sufficient stay will be made at each place to see the most worthy objects in the neighborhood, and give and receive the hospitalities incident to the occasion. Every thing pertaining to the excursion will be done upon the most liberal and magnificent scale. The cost has been roughly estimated at half a million of dollars, which is all borne by the Commodore.'

Honor, say we, in conclusion, to the man who can inculcate so glorious a lesson as has Captain VANDERBILT; and long may he remain among us to enjoy the princely fortune which his own intellect and his own hands have won!

OUR CARRIE.

BY I. J. BATES.

THE fairest village of the West,
Beside a river sleeping,
Enshrined within its peaceful breast,
Earth's sweetest rose is keeping;
Before her bend the forest-flowers
As fays before a fairy;
And stately pines within their bowers
Would gladly shelter CARRIE.

Like crystal fount the soul she bore
From marble basin welling;
And all things evil fly before

The sun-shine of her dwelling.
Her heart is as the summer skies
On some soft summer even;
And, like the stars, her radiant eyes
Inspire sweet thoughts of heaven.

Her voice is like the song of birds,
Of more than mortal sweetness,
For love and pity lend her words
Their musical completeness;
And wheresoe'er her foot-steps stray,
They bring such sweet beguiling,
Even Sorrow half resigns her sway,
And smiles to see her smiling.

So kind, so gentle, and so pure,

Sure seraphs guard her dreaming,
For nothing earthly might endure
Life's ills so lightly deeming.
No stain upon her soul of sin-

A child, and yet a woman-
Who wins our CARRIE's love will win
An angel who is human.

BATTLE O F

THE PYRAMIDS, JULY, 1798.

BY ISAAC MOLELLAN.

'WITH matchless intrepidity, the Mamelukes rode round the French squares, striving to find an entrance; but an incessant fire from every front mowed them down as fast as they poured in at the opening. Furious at the unexpected resistance, they dashed their horses against the rampart of bayonets, and threw their pistols at the heads of the grenadiers, while many who had lost their steeds crept along the ground, and cut at the legs of the front rank with their scimitars. At length the survivors fled toward the camp from whence they had issued.'

ALISON'S HISTORY OF EUROPE.

FAR in the desert's waste of sands,
With lagging step and weary frame,
Toil on NAPOLEON's hardy bands,

Forgetful of their ancient fame.
Fainting and sick, still on they toil
With burning footstep o'er the soil:
The yellow sands like ashes spread,
And scorch the legions as they tread;
A brassy heaven above them glows,
Nor blessed breeze delicious blows.

The dragoon fain would cast away
His heavy helmet plumed and gay;
The grenadier would gladly throw
The bear-skin shako from his brow;
Scarce may the tirailleur sustain
His musket o'er that burning plain.
The pluméd troop, the clang of arms,
For them have lost their glorious charms:
The trumpet's blast, the war-drum's roll
Awakes no ardor in their soul;
For in this distant, hopeless waste,
No joys delirious they may taste.

Far-gazing o'er the waste of sand,
Their thoughts return to native land:
The fair green hills of France again
Smile sweetly, and each grassy plain;
And vineyards where the luscious grape
The valleys with their garlands drape:
They fain would seek their olive shade.
And dance at eve with sportive maid,
Where the blithe story and the song
The festive moon-light hours prolong;
And bathe in many a crystal stream
That twinkles in the shining beam;
Deep in the gelid fountain dip,
And bathe the brow, and cool the lip.

Still on they press: a fairer scene
Smiles round them lovely and serene :
Beside the waters of the Nile

Their columns in long march defile :

Their fainting hearts new life have caught
From the cool stream's delicious draught.
The palm-tree spreads its grateful gloom
Above them in perennial bloom;
The green-leaved sycamore imparts
A soothing vigor to their hearts;
And onward, when the trumpets sound,
The charging columns sweep the ground.

Their squares are formed in triple rows;
Their ranks a line of steel oppose :
While in their centre, calm and grand,
Their mighty leader takes his stand,
His eagles o'er him, and the fold
Of his broad banner fringed with gold.
He points to each vast pyramid,
Whose summit in the clouds is hid,
And tells that from each airy crown
Unnumbered centuries look down,
To view from that mysterious height
The valiant Frenchman rage in fight!

Foes swarmed around! The Bedouin steed
From the far desert came at speed;
The swarthy Arab shook his spear,
And lashed his barb to full career;
He left his palm-grove, and the well
Where tinkles sweet his camel's bell;
His tawny imps and dusky maid
Long sighing in the date-tree's shade,
His lowly tent and browsing flock,
To mingle in the conflict's shock.

But proudest there, with shining arms,
Renowned, and prompt at war's alarms;
With broidered robe and silken vest,
And flaming jewel in his crest;
With burnished blade and scabbard gay,
The spoil of many a robber-fray,
Lashing his courser's reeking sides,
The far-famed Janissary rides;
And MOURAD BEY, to dare the brunt
Of battle, gallops in their front.

On like the simoom! On they wheel,
An avalanche of horse and steel!
Against the fatal squares they dash;
Their blades against the bayonets clash;
The keen-edged scimitar like light
Shivers against the sabre's might!

In headlong plunge, they strive in vain

To hew through those stern squares a lane; Until, with empty saddles, fleet

Their barbs fly bleeding in retreat!

The war is o'er! the Frenchman's band
Long since hath vanished from the land;

And by the peaceful banks of Nile

The palm-trees bloom and harvests smile;
And Arab peasants drive the wain
Across the battle's famous plain: