Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-09-15
THE STEAMER ILLINOIS.
Description of the New, Swift and
Palatial Memphis and Napoleon
United States Mail Packet
Illinois.
Dimensions, Outat, List of Omcers,
Etc, of one of the Finest
Steamers that Rides the
Waves of the Great
Father of Waters.

| steamer limos makes ner initial trip
this evening in the Napoleon and bends
trade. The Illinois is we'll adapted for
the trade. She is staunch has all the
modern improvements, and, in fact, is
one of the most complete packets that
plies to and fro from our port. Her
dimensions are 22l feet long and 225
feet over all, 3S feet beam, 62 feet hold,
8 boilers "a feet long with l23 inch aues,
2 engines with cylinders 224 inches in
diameter, with I feet 2i inches stroke;
wheels u feet in diameter, with ID feet
bucket by 30 inches in width. The hull
is one of the staunchest on the river. 1t
was constructed out of the best timber
that could be procured on the upper
Ohio, and no expense was spared by the
builders in constructing it. The engines,
which are the finest on the river, was
manufactured by G. 7. Dumont, the eel
ebrated engine builder. Her boilers are
manufactured of the best Tennessee
iron. The doctor and "nigger engine
for hosting freight was also manufac-
tursd out of good material, and is a
beautiful piece of workmanship.
The main deck has been caulked and
made tight, and no expense was spared
in arranging and building suitable deck
o,o,to,c TO-, tbo o,ary and daok naooan.
gers; in this respect she is the most COM
plete boat on the river. Her cook house
on the lower deck is model of beauty;
it is supplied with all the latest improve
ments in the culinary department, and
looks as clean as new pin. The pastry
room is also furnished and supplied in
style equal in keeping to the finest ho-
tells in the country. The steps leading
from the main deck to the cabin were
constructed with an eye to ease and
comfort in ascending from the deck to
the cabin, and are beautifully grained,
and add much to the appearance of the
boat.
The cabin, which is an elegant piece
of workmanship, and inviting by its
grand appearance to the weary traveller,
has forty staterooms including pair of
bridal chambers. The rooms are all
furnished with new and elegant spring
mattresses and bedding. The rooms in
the ladies' cabin have been fitted up
with exquisite taste. A handsome
Brussels carpet adorns the cabin floor.
The cabin outfit is of the finest material.
The seven chandeliers, which are of
gilt, together with the elegant furniture,
makes the cabin look cheerful. The
cabin is painted white, with the doors a
beautiful mahogany color, which forms a
good contrast. The recess at the rear
of the ladies cabin, which is so
much appreciated by the fair sex
while travelling, is also fitted up
comfortably and with taste. The office
in front is well arranged for the accom-
mediation of the freight and passenger
clerks. The pantry, on the starboard
side, is fitted up in grand style, with
steam tables, and conveniences for the
crew. A dining hall for the cabin crew
adjoins the pantry. The ware and out
fit OF the pantry was manufactured ex
pressly for the boat and is of the finest
material. The barber ald wash.rooms
are also supplied with the latest improve
ments for the comfort of passengers.
The bar, cozy place, is in the barber
shop, and is supplied with the best brands
of wines, liquors and cigars that were
ever dispensed. Mr.. Joe Smith, who has
no superior as mixer of good beverages,
will be found in the saloon to attend the
appetizing wants of those who worship
Bacchus. The nursery has five rooms,
comfortably furnished and conveniently
arranged. The skylights are set with
beautiful stained glass, which contribute
greatly to the appearance of the cabin.
ne VI bub Nhbih Hoo
manufactured in Paris. The chairs and
divans are of the finest brocatel and of
magnificent design.
The ladies' saloon is also furnished
with a grand piano. The texas has
twenty state rooms fitted up in a splen-
did manner for colored passengers;
also dining hall. The rooms for the
Offices are also comfortably arranged.
The captains room is perfect palace.
The pilot house is large and roomy.
The chimneys are of one of the finest
patterns ever put on steamboat, and
add much to the appearance of this
handsome steamer She is also sup.
piled with four lifeboats, and a yawl
capable of carrying forty people each.
Mr.. Tom Demmons, one of the finest
artists in the Mississippi valley, did the
painting, and the fine appearance Of the
Illinois is a proof of his great genius.
Mr.. Demmous and his assistants deserve
special credit for the manner in which