Mississippi (Steamboat), 1 Jun 1853

OUR STEAM MARINE. - The magnificent additions to our travelling comforts which we have, this season, to boast of, are worthy the attention of all citizens who take a pride in the rising and spreading glory of our lake emporeum. We have now upon the water four new steam palaces just completed. The MISSISSIPPI, CRESCENT CITY, ST. LAWRENCE, and QUEEN OF THE WEST. Each of these is well worthy of every laudation that can be bestowed on perfection of workmanship, elegance of design, and liberality of outlay.
First, the MISSISSIPPI, which enters on her journey through lake-life this evening, proceeding to Detroit on an excursionary tour, is a lovely craft, and
      "Sits the water like a thing of life."
Her extreme length is 335 feet, and breadth of beam 41 feet. Her depth of hold is 14 feet 6 inches, and her registered tonnage 1800. She has many novel features in her construction which add materially to her strength and safety from sinking in case of accident. She is perfectly cradled with iron braces, and her hold is divided into four compartments by water-tight bulkheads which must prove a great protection.
The engine of the MISSISSIPPI is a curiosity in its line. The cylinder is nearly 7 feet diameter with a 12 foot stroke. The beam is 24 feet long by 12 feet wide. There are three boilers 30 feet long by 11 feet diameter. This fine piece of mechanism was got up in Philadelphia by Messrs. J.P. Jones, and put together here under the superintendent of Mr. J. Newman. As in the EMPIRE STATE, there is a mommoth sheet of plate glass through which those in the upper cabin can witness the motion of this great piece of machinery by which the vast vessel they stand on is propelled through the water.
The ornamentation of the vessel is not its least feature. The workmanlike joinery was executed by Mr. John Grissim. The glass-staining, painting and gilding, which are all alike the admiration of visitors, are designed and executed by our highly talented fellow citizen, Mr.George L. Burns. The carpeting and the bedding are supplied from the well known establishment of W.B Bishop & Co., the former being of the most splendid and tasteful pattern.
The cabnet work reflects extra lustre on the popular name of Hersee & Timmerman. Rosewood and crimson silk plush are the material, and as for the design, make, and finish of the chairs, lounges, &c., we leave it to the eye of the most critical connoisseur to judge if perfection in luxury is not here. J. Dudley & Son have the credit of the planished ware, which is full and complete, elegant and useful. The cabins are furnished with gorgeous lamps by Thompson & McFarlane; and one of the most attractive features of the whole, is the elegance with which the Bridal Chambers are fitted up by Elder & Stearns.
Captain Hazard has the enviable command of this mammoth queen of the wave. Mr. Wm. Cleves is his mate. Mr.Powell is Clerk, Mr. Logan is steward, and Mr. John Grays, whose qualifications are based on experience and judgement, is the engineer.
Such is the MISSISSIPPI, and such her officers. Where can the traveller look for safety and comfort with confidence, if not here.
      Buffalo Daily Republic
      Monday, June 27, 1853