The Van Buren press., 1870-07-12
Tie Great Race Between the r. z. La,
and Natchex.
The Fastest Time in sts.mboa. Anna,

| ~Ay sii"i VI oPccu tuat ever occurred on
water. 1t certainly has no parallel in the
annals of steamboating on the Missis-
sippi. Both boats were
BUILT EXPRESSLY FOR FAST RUNNING,
and after the most approved models.
Since the advent Of the Natchez there has
been great rivalry between her and the
Lee, and that they would sooner or later
come together in trial of speed was a
foregone conclusion. AS soon as it be-
came known that the boats would leave
New Orleans on the same day and at the
same hour, we made preparations to have
special reporter ON board the r. f.
Lee, and thus furnish the readers OF the
Times with complete report of the great
race.
THE CHALLENGE.
The Natchez and r. f. Lee were duly
advertised to leave New Orleans Thurs
day, June 30th, at p NJ, the Natchez
having changed her day from Saturday
to Thursday, the regular day of the Lee.
This was, of course, regarded by Captain
Cannon, of the Lee, as clear challenge
for a trial of speed, and was so construed
by the people of New Orleans.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE STRUGGLE.
Accordingly, every preparation was
made for great race, and cards appear
ed in the New Orleans papers announc-
ing quite number of steamboat excur-
Sions to Nineteen Mile Point, to see the
boats pass each other under way, if such
feat lay in the power of either. All New
Orleans was in commotion for several
days, and betting was extravagant, both
boats having their friends, who were on
ly too eager to back them. 1t was the
theme of the hour, and absorbed every
other topic.
THE sTART-INTo THE FIRST MILE.
The Lee cut loose about 4 :575 p. NJ,
and the Natchez at 5 p. Ma difference
in favor of the Lee of two and half min
utes. The Lee passed the timing point,
st. Mary's market, at :59, closely fol-
lowed by the Natchcz. Several excursion
boats, crowded with people, and provid,
ed with bands of music, started with the
racing steamers. The scene on the river
front baffled all description. The Levee,
from the foot of Canal street to Carol
ton, was fairly black with people, and the
widest excitement prevailed until the
boats passed from sight
The edict had gone forth, and the race
was anticipated all along the line of the
river to Natchez. Hundreds of people
focked to the banks at every landing, and
manifested unbounded enthusiasm Many
brought flags, fireworks and guns to sa-
lutte the boats as they passed.
AN NATCHEz.
The Lee reached Natchez in seventeen
hours and eleven minutes, thus beating
the great time Of the famous Princess,
made in 1856. The banks were lined
with an enthusiastic crowd, and the cheer
ing was loud and prolonged.
Here the Lee took her first barges in
tow, to lay in a supply of fuel. A dele
cation the leading citizens boarded her,
and presented Captain Cannon with
THE PRINCESS HORNS,
which had been held for nearly fifteen
years, for the quickest time on record be-
tween New Orleans and Natchez. The
horns are richly gilded, and attached to
a deer's head on which is the inscrip-
ton:
"Why don't you take the horns?
Princess, II hours 81 minutes!"
And below it
"Robert Z. Lee, II hours II minutes"
The excitement Of the people was un-
precedented and their loud huzzas could
be heard for several miles around. The
champion horns were placed at the mast
head of the victorious Lee, to be worn
by her until captured by the boat that
beats her time to Natchez. The people
of Natchez had led themselves to believe
that the horns of the Princess would
never adorn the brow of another boat
They surrendered them gracefully, how
ever, in an excellent state Of preservation
and it is quite likely that the Lee will
wear them during her existence.
AT vtcKsBURG.
The trip to Vicksburg was made in l
day, 3 hours and s minutes. The people
had turned out en- masse, vnd received
the Lee with loud acclamations of JOY
Flags were thrown to the breeze, pocket
handkerchefs waved, and great demon
stration was made.
HELENA.
All of the State of Arkansas seemed to
have emptied itself into Helena to see the
great boat race. She was greeted by a
salute of artillery, and the people cheer
ed wildly until she passed out Of sight.
She made the run to this point in l day
% hours and % minutes.
MEMPHIS.
The Lee made Memphis in 2 days, 6
hours and 0 minutes. AS she neared the
city, the air was rent with the booming
of cannon, the shouts of the excited null
titude, and the heavens lighted with a
grand pyrotechnic display. The city was
brilliantly illuminated in honor of the
great boat, and such scene of enthusi-
asm was never before witnessed in the
proud Bluff city Forty rounds were fir
ed from the cannons as the fleet steamer
dashed by on her wonderful race. All
the stores were closed and business en-
tirely suspended
AT CAIRO.
At precisely 6 o'clock and minutes,
Cairo time, the gallant Lee rounded the
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