Description

Describes his arrival on the steamboat Sam Ward, which will be taking him on a tour of Lake Superior. Transcription: waiting, though the rain had cleared off, leaving an Iris, and a beautiful sunset. But as we got off, all sitting, (ladies included) on baggage,) twas overclouded again — and rain ‘gan fall. A wild prospect Huge rock boulders, the water to the right and before us, great tree roots uptorn and blackened, pools and dykes. At the Sam Ward atlength. Across another boat to her. A decent steamboat. Found friend Montgomery, and with [George M.] Swan was inducted into a delectable State Cabin, forward, nigh to Barbers shop. We two alone have it. Tossed for berths & he won the lower on [one]. I down stairs talking with his sister [Miss Compton]. A pleasant faced, though not handsome home-loving woman, told me she could set up types, and was rather weary of this travel, wishing herself at home. An hour thus, then above and about. We have started within half an hour after embarkation. Not over crowded, but no lack of folk, and I have as yet found none disagreeable. Most amusing varieties of character. I do like thy frank, manly natured, unaffected good sense of American character, that granite of character, independence. Evening wore on. Dancing and music in the ladies cabin, colored barber playing guitar, others the flute and violin. Cotillions. / Out on the fore-deck, conversing with the Captain, a manly, good looking sturdy fellow; and...

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Missouri Historical Society

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Missouri Hub