Little Masterpieces of American Wit and Humor, Volume II

Little Masterpieces of American Wit and Humor, Volume II

Does any one remember the Caravan? She was what would now be considered a slow boatthen (1827) she was regularly advertised as the fast running, etc. Her regular trips from New Orleans to Natchez were usually made in from six to eight days; a trip made by her in five days was considered remarkable. A voyage from New Orleans to Vicksburg and back, including stoppages, generally entitled the officers and crew to a months wages. Whether the Caravan ever achieved the feat of a voyage to the Falls (Louisville) I have never learned; if she did, she must have had a time of it! It was my fate to take passage in this boat. The Captain was a good-natured, easy-going man, careful of the comfort of his passengers, and exceedingly fond of the game of brag. We had been out a little more than five days, and we were in hopes of seeing the bluffs of Natchez on the next day. Our wood was getting low, and night coming on. The pilot on duty above (the other pilot held three aces at the time, and was just calling out the Captain, who went it strong on three kings) sent down word that the mate[Pg 2] had reported the stock of wood reduced to half a cord. The worthy Captain excused himself to the pilot whose watch was below and the two passengers who made up the party, and hurried to the deck, where he soon discovered by the landmarks that we were about half a mile from a woodyard, which he said was situated right round yonder point. But, muttered the Captain, I dont much like to take wood of the yellow-faced old scoundrel who owns ithe always charges a quarter of a dollar more than any one else; however, theres no other chance. The boat was pushed to her utmost, and in a little less than an hour, when our fuel was about giving out, we made the point, and our cables were out and fastened to trees alongside of a good-sized woodpile. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 47929
Author: Masson, Thomas L.
Release Date: Jan 10, 2015
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Editor: Masson, Thomas L., 1866-1934