Marquette (Propeller), 28 Sep 1859

Yesterday afternoon a new screw steamer was launched at Russell’s shipyard. The ARGO took up a fair load of persons interested in such things, to see the launch. The boat had hardly reached the dock before the new vessel was sliding down the ways, she having started before all her shores had been knocked away. The future master, Geo. S. Ryder was on her deck, and rushed forward to the bows, broke the bottle of wine, and christened the vessel MARQUETTE, just as her stern kissed the water. She slid rapidly down the ways, the timber with which she had been supported falling away, and she was soon seen lying quietly in the river. Cheer after cheer went up from the boats, and the utmost satisfaction was expressed at the successful launch. We ourselves have never witnessed a launch where the vessel left the ways and glided into the water so smoothly. The MARQUETTE is 190 ft, in length, and 34 1/2 ft. in beam, with a measurement of 925 tons, and is without arches, the latter being made up for by a greater strength in iron and wood than is usual in a vessel of her class. She has besides her main keelson 2 sister keelsons and 2 bilge keelsons. She has also heavy oak stringers over the knees and under the deck beams, and a double plank sheer. The vessel has 2 powerful engines, and 2 large propeller wheels or screws. The cylinders are 24 inches in diameter and 36 inches stroke, and are well made and substantial in appearance. These are supplied with steam by 2 large boilers with independent connections.
On the main deck and nearly amidships, is a small but very powerful steam fire engine and vessel pump, an improvement on the Worthington patent, The vessel was built for Dr. George B. Russell by Joseph A. Jenkins, who certainly deserves great credit for planning and putting together so fine a craft.
The MARQUETTE is designed for the Lake Superior trade, and is expected to be ready for service in about 10 days. Her officers are as follows:
      Master - Capt. Geo. S. Ryder
      1st Officers - Phin Clark
      2nd Officer - Stowell Andrews
      1st Engineer - George Mack
      2nd Engineer - John Henderson
      Detroit Daily Advertiser
      September 28, 1859 1-3



      The new propeller MARQUETTE was successfully launched Tuesday, at Detroit. The MARQUETTE was built on the keel of the burnt propeller B.L. WEBB, is of about 900 tons burthen, and is intended for the Lake Superior trade.
      Buffalo Daily Republic
      September 29, 1859