Empire (Steamboat), 12 Apr 1862

Something new in the line of lake craft is about to make its appearance the present season which is a subject we have briefly alluded to before. The hull of the old stm. SULTANA has recently been taken in hand by Messrs. Norris & Burt, tow enterprising lumber merchants of Buffalo, and have had her converted into a sloop barge, and a mammoth looking craft of the kind she is. New deck beams, new decks, timbers, knees, &c., have been placed in her, by which means she has been strengthened, and is now probably as seaworthy as ever she was. She is to be engaged in the freighting of lumber from Saginaw to buffalo, and though sloop rigged, will invariably be accompanied by a relaible steam tug. Her gear above decks will consists of a mast and sail with requisite appendages, and is called the CUMBERLAND. She will be commanded by Capt. R.M. Coon, not "the same old coon," but a sailor who rightly knows his business.
The hull of the old EMPIRE is also to fitted up as above, of which more soon.
      Detroit Free Press
      April 12., 1862 4-3