Idaho (Propeller), U12069, 26 May 1869

The Detroit Post in a paragraph which has been extensively copied, speaks of the prop. JAY GOULD as the 4th stemaer on the lakes having a compound engine. The aritcle is correct in other particulars, but the Post is misinformed as to the number of compound engines afloat on the lakes. There are no less than 17 engines of the same pattern as that of the JAY GOULD on the lakes, and one on Chautauqua lake. They are all of the Perry & Lay's pattent. The following vessels are provided with them: Propellers SUSQUEHANNA, PASSAIC, WABASH, EMPIRE STATE, IDAHO, NEBRASKA, FREE STATE, ARIZONA, NEW ERA, BADGER STATE, PLYMOUTH, CANISTEO, ROANOKE, ONEIDA and JAY GOULD, and tugs COMPOUND and BLANE. The stm. CHAUTAUQUA which runs on the lake of the same name, has also been provided with one of the same pattern. This new style of engine or rather a modification of a very old style, may fairly be said to have passed the period of experiment and to be a standard thing. Its comparitive excellence as compared with engines with a single cylinder is a question which is yet under discussion in the scientific world. We do not propose to discuss the question here . It is sufficient to say that in all the large propellers which have tried them, the compound engines have worked to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned, and they are rapidly superceding every other pattern on the lakes.
      Buffalo Morning Express
      May 26, 1869 2-9


Steam screw IDAHO. U. S. No. 12069. Of 1110,97 tons gross; 906.80 tons net. Built Cleveland, Ohio 1863. Home port, Buffalo, N.Y. 220.5 x 32.0 x 12.3
      Merchant vessel List, U. S., 1897