Launch of "Myron Holley"

Western Farmer
Nov. 21, 1821
Palmyra
THE LAUNCH

On the morning of the 15th inst. it was verbally announced to the inhabitants of this village, that the new and elegant Packet Boat built here by Seymour Scovell, Esq. would be launched in the course of the day. This information, together with the repeated discharge of cannon, immediately drew together a large collection of citizens to witness this interesting transaction.

About 11 o'clock A.M. a procession was formed at the Eagle Hotel, under the direction of Col. Thomas Rogers 2d, who acted as Marshal on the occasion, and moved, preceded by a band of music, to the Boat, which then rested on the ways, confined only by pulleys from its destined element. While in this situation, it was occupied by a number of gentlemen, among whom were those who had been requested to deliver an address and to read the toasts prepared for the occasion.

A gun was then fired as the signal for loosening the ropes, when the Boat gently glided into the water, amidst the reiterated cheers of numerous spectators - the animating notes of the instrumental and martial music, and the reverberating thunder of artillery.

The Boat's name was then announced by the proprietor, which we think highly appropriate, and creditable not only to Mr. Scovell, but to that section of the Canal on which it is destined to ride. - Its name is the MYRON HOLLEY.

After the general joy had somewhat subsided, and the people called to order, a laconic, animated, and truly appropriate address was pronounced from the Boat, by I. J. Richardson, Esq. which was answered with three cheers and a gun.

The following toasts were next called for, which were read, accompanied by music and the discharge of cannon.

1. The Packet Boat Myron Holley - Destined to ride in the road which the man whose name it bears has been preeminently engaged in erecting - may its usefulness and public accommodations answer the most sanguine expectations of its proprietors.
2. The Canal - Conceived in wisdom, promoted by patriotism, and executed with ability and integrity.
3. The 15th of November 1821 - Rendered memorable by the launch of the Myron Holley - may the inhabitants of Palmyra at future anniversaries, remember with gratitude the individual whose exertions have produced this event.
4. Commissioners and Engineers - Selected for their wisdom, ability and integrity - may their faithful exertions secure the applause and gratitude which they so richly merit.
5. The Contractors - Their industry and enterprise merit the gratitude of, and an ample recompence from, the government.
6. The State of New-York - Pre-eminently great in its resources and magnanimity.
7. The Governor and constituted authorities of the State of New York.
8. The master builder of the Boat, Mr. Hamlet Almsbury - his skill and industry merit a further patronage.

After partaking of some refreshment, upwards of two hundred of the company present, went on board the Myron Holley, and proceeded west on the Canal, to the first lock, a distance of about three miles, which, owing to the paddle gates not being hung, was then impassable. While in this lock, built by Darius Comstock, Esq. several volunteer toasts were given in commendation of this gentleman's skill and industry, which the elegance and fitness of the work so strikingly

On the way to and from the lock, the passengers were delighted, not only with the sweet shrill notes of the bugle and other appropriate music on board, but the novelty of the scene, with beholding the banks of the Canal, its bridges, and the windows and doors of every dwelling they passed, lined with admiring spectators.

On their return, about one hundred of the company on board, repaired to the Eagle Hotel, where they partook of an elegant supper, prepared by Maj. Wm. Rogers for the occasion.

The Myron Holley is said to be the best and most elegant boat on the Canal. It is well calculated for the accommodation of passengers, for which it is particularly designed. It will make daily excursions on the Canal, Sundays excepted, as long as the weather will permit.

We learn that the upper lock is now completed, and that the the repairs found necessary to be made on Mr. Cluse's job about one mile east of this village, will be in a few days be finished, which will open a navigation of about 28 miles on this section. The Canal through the marshes at Montezuma, owing to the uncommon wet weather during the latter part of the season, will not be ready to receive the water before next spring.