, 1855-03-24
The Steamboat "lvater Lilly

The Steamboat "Water Lily"
" There being no mail contract in opera
tion ON the waters of the Sound, farther
there having been no means Of communica-
ton, with any certainty or regularity with
the residents of counties beyond that
point northward, since the wreck of the
steamer Major Tompkins," the informa-
ton must needs be gratifying, that the pro-
prictors Of the late steamer propose placing
upon the Sound Immediately the steamboat
Water Lilly so that communication may
he kept up with the various points on the
Sound until a steamer, properly adapted,
and with sufficient power for tonnage, and
ample Accommodations for passengers can be
procured from San Francisco-for which
purpose, an agent, we are informed, will
leave here on the 18th of April next. In
the meantime, our citizens will have an op-
portunity to have demonstrated to them
Enthusiastically, whether they do, ordo not
need and desire such an element to forward
the growth and prosperity OF the territory.
The Water Lilly" is provided with an
engine of about eight horse power-a small
cabin, and is capable of carrying about
twenty-five passengers-the mails, and
small amount of freight and can, in good
weather, cross over to Victoria, Vancou-
ycr's Island, without difficulty.
As the pioneers of regular steam naviga-
tion on the Sound, We cannot do otherwise
than give expression as to the high appre-
ciation with which the valuable services of
Capt. Hunt and Mr.. SCRANTON, are, and
rightfully should he regarded by our citi-
zcns gcncrally-the deep regret felt at the
loss of their steamcr, and the consequent
Inconvenience growing ont of the isolated
position we have been made to assume with
the country bordering on the Sound, since
the unfortunate wreck Of the Tompkins,
and suspension Of the means Of communica-
ton afforded by those gentlemen. r.. ..
Looking for speedy resumption of our
wanted familiar neighboring intercourse by
means Of the steamboat referred to, and
earnestly hoping the speedy introduction Of
one Of sufficient capacity to meet all requi-
sitions, by the gentlemen who have paved
the way for future operations, we take plea
sure in giving publicity to the following tes-
timoual of Capt HrSr and Mr.. SCRANTON,
as to the kind treatment extended to them,
and the valuable Offices performed through
the authorities on Vancouver's Island, af-
ter the wreck Of the 'Tompkins."
OLYMrIA, March IA, 1855.
j. w. WILEY Esq,
Dear Sir Mr.. Scranton
and myself arrived here this morning, after
a tedious passage Of days from Victoria,
at which place we have disposed of the
wreck and materials of the Major Tomp-
kins, the particulars Of whose wreck you
have already published. We cannot, how.
ever, permit the kindness with which we
have been treated by the Governor of Vic
toria-the gentlemen connected with the
lludson's Bay Co., as well as the people Of
the Island to he passed over in silence
On tho day following the wreck Of the
steamer, Gov. Douglass informed me that
any assistance | might require would be
promptly rendered me and at my request,
| received from Capt. Dodd Of the steamer
Beaver, the whole force of the engineer de-
pnrtment, commanded by Mr.. Johnston
who labored three successive nights middle
deep in water and to their untirng la
bors, the safety Of the engine is mainly at
tributable. After saving the engine, the
Beaver was brought round, and the
wreck towed into the harbor, aud placed in
perfect security. The same steamer was
then placed at my disposal, for the convey
ance of the passengers and crew TO Port
Townsend, which service was performed 10y
Capt. Dodd in the most hospitablc manner;
and Mr.. Scranton and myself conveyed
again to Victoria, where, in every transac-
ton toward closing our business, we found
the same UNMARRIED Kindness agd the most
earnest and solid assistance
Trusting an opportunity may soon arrive
to enable us to make at least some return
for so much hospitality and attention, we
remain ..-.
Your obd't sery't.,
JAMES NJ. HUNT,
JOHN II. SCRANTON.