Mississippi (Steamboat), 8 Apr 1856

The stm. MISSISSIPPI, which has been purchased by the Michigan Central Railroad Co., and will run thi season in their North Shore line, is now, according to the Buffalo Commercial, undergoing a complete renovation throughout. Says that print:
      "She has been thoroughly recaulked, both hull and deck. Mr. S.V. Parsons, under whose superintendence the joiner work of the PLYMOUTH ROCK and WESTERN WORLD was done, has been engaged to make the repairs and alterations designed to be made in the cabins, great saloon and state rooms, and has received orders from C.B. Swain, general agent of the line, to put 3 bulkheads, dividing the hold into 4 compartments; and in doing so, to spare no pains nor expense. They will be composed of narrow deck plank of the best seasoned stuff; having the ends cut through the ceiling of the hull, and will be strongly 'kneed' and fastened. Every seam and crevice is to be caulked, and they are to be made really a protection against the most common disaster at sea, leakage. The main deck is to be supported with iron stanchions. The iron fire-room is also now in course of construction, which is to be made air tight, as well as water tight and fire proof. This room will be supplied with fresh air from above, in the usual way. It is designed to make it a protection against the extinguishment of the fires by water, in case if a leak, as well as against accident by fire.
      "The ladies receprion room, on the main deck, is to have large folding doors, instead of the single door now; and directly opposite these, about midway down the room, a new stairway is to be placed, ascending to the great saloon on the hurricane deck. The 2 rows of columns are to run the whole length of the hurricane deck, in order to strengthen the upper deck. The berths in the ladies reception room are to be wholly newly furnished, and the room itself will receive a new and splendid drapery. The same may be said of the state rooms generally, and of the bridal chamber particularly, which latter is being enlarged and completely refurnished in the most tasteful style. The Captain's state room has been removed to the forward part of the hurricane deck; not only a pleasanter location, but where he will be near his post in case of peril or need. A complete new set of silver and crockery ware will also be placed on board, and 4 lifeboats have been added to the old compliment, making in all 8. But it is needless to specify.
      "It is enough to say, that nothing will be left undone to make this large steamer one of the most splendidly furnished and best equipped boats, in every respect, ever upon these or any other inland waters. Capt. Langley, formerly of the prop. FINTRY, a gentleman well known for his kindly manners and efficient seamanship, has been appointed to command the
MISSISSIPPI."
      Detroit Free Press
      April 8, 1856