File:Launch of the 'Vittorio Emanuele' Iron Screw Steamer, at Blackwall - ILN-1854-1202-0012.jpg

English: Launch of the 'Vittorio Emanuele' Iron Screw Steamer, at Blackwall.. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 2 December 1854. Edwin Weedon.

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THE "VITTORIO EMANUELE." This fine vessel, which was launched on the 21st ult., from the shipyard of Messrs. Mare and Co, of Blackwall, is an iron screw steamer of 1500 tons burthen, and 280-horse power (the engines making by G. Rennie and Co.), with accommodation for 250 passengers, 800 tons of merchandise, and 500 tons of coals. She is fitted with electric apparatus and all the improvements discovered to this time, and has five water-tight compartments. This boat forms the first of a fleet of steamers, to be constructed for the Transatlantic Company of Genoa-a Company established under distinguished patronage, by Royal charter, and of which the King of Sardinia (whose name the vessel just launched bears) is himself a shareholder to a considerable amount. It is a commercial Company for establishing steam navigation for postal services and passengers and traffic communication between Genoa, France, Spain, and North and South America The capita of the Company consists of ten millions of francs, raised in shares, which have been disposed of on the Exchanges of Genoa, Turin, and London. The Vittorio Emanuele has been constructed under the superintendence of Messrs. Draper, Pietroni. and Co, of London, agents; and the ceremony of naming the vessel was performed by Miss Draper, in presenoe of the Marquis d'Azeglio, Envoy Extraordinary in London of the King of Sardinia, the Chevalier de Bollo, Managing Director of the Company, and various other distinguished persons.