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Telescope February 29 1847 For about thirty years after Lake Erie saw its first steamboat, there was hardly any regular express?' service at the western end of the lake. Passengers going from Detroit or Toledo to Buffalo had to abide with many stops at Lake Erie's numerous South Shore settlements. The nearest approach to an express line was the Detroit-Toledo service, calling at Monroe. Coming of railroads changed this. Railroad managers promoted express steamer lines from their terminals to other ports where railroad connections might also be available. Thus, early in 1847, the steamer General Scott began running between Detroit and Sandusky. At the one port was the Michigan Central, extending westward with further stage and steamer connect ions to reach Chicago. At the other was the Mad River and Lake Erie railroad extending toward Cincinnati, and another railroad reaching to link with the Baltimore and Ohio. Over the years, the occasional calls of the steamers at the Lake Erie Islands became formalized in regular schedules. Service from Detroit to Sandusky via Put-in-Bay grew into the Ashley & Dustin Line, whose beloved steamer Put-in-Bay last made the trip in 1951. The letter below, from, the Detroit Free Press of Sept ember 27, 1847, gives a view of the newly-opened steamer service and its attractions in its first year of operation. Sandusky, September 19, 1847 Mr. Harmon: Did you ever pass a rainy Sunday in a strange place? If you did, you know with what avidity the mind seizes hold of anything which affords employment for the moment, and you will know, too, why it is that I, who detest letter writing, am now engaged in scribbling you a letter for the Free Press. Being disappointed in our trip on board the Fashion in consequence of that boat starting on Friday some three hours before her time, I left on Saturday morning on board the {General] Scott for central Ohio, via this city. Our passage down was generally pleasant. I say generally for it was occasionally interspersed with sea-sickness--the lake being in considerable commotion in consequence of a stiff breeze. The Scott proved herself a good sea boat, and rode the waves admirably well. On our way down we stopped for half an hour at Put-in-Bay Island, famed in history as the spot where the gallant Perry, during the last war, discovered the British fleet, and near which, one of the best-fought naval actions of the last war was fought and won by our gallant tars. Roaming along the beach, accompanied by a friend, hunting for pebbles, we discovered several which, if polished, would be superior to any Lake Superior agates I have yet seen. Thousands upon thousands of pebbles of every shape and form, worn perfectly smooth by the action of the waves. Long will I remember Put-in-Bay Island for the pleasant stroll I had upon it. While at the island, we discovered a steamer passing, and by the time we left, she was some considerable distance ahead, right on our track. Of course, the Scott gave chase, and soon the increase of black smoke