Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1878-04-25
UP THE MISSOURI.
epn rt urc Of the Gallant Little Steam.
cr, "lIelena. Bound North.
west. 2.7OO Miles. with
$4,000 Trip.

t>t. Louis Globe Democrat, April 81
A light-bllild, narrow. rabbit-like steam
oat has been lying at the foot of Wash
hgton avenue tor several days past, an(
as been the centre of an animated scene
The graceful little vessel is called the "IIe
ena," after the new capital of Montana
.ast night she let 90 her moorings anf
tarted on a wearisome trip Of 200 mile:
p the tortuous Missouri river, her destina
ion being Fort Benton, the nortllernmos
hlitary pest in the United States.
A glance Mt a map of the United States
Eill give an idea of the magnitude of the
fip. which will not need tie Endorsement
the statement that the trip will consume
lot less than seven. and possibly eight
reeks in the making. Lying snugly at
be wharf yesterday and labeled For
ankton. Bismarck, Fort Benton and the
Rocky Mountains" without more display
letters or verbiage Titan attended the
announcement hanging from neighbcring
boats bound for Alton. Grand Tower. Cal
20 or other Western cities occupying posi-
lions in the civilization of the age, she was
possessed OF a peculiar interest to Globe
Democrat reporter, who. grasping the real
Extent of the undertaking outlined in the
announcement OF her destination, looked
upon her as a Paul de Chaillu or Stanley OF
steamboats,. . h.
Walking aboard of the little craft whose
rareer must be an eventful one, everything
about her was found to be constructed In
! the light of the vagaries and eccentricities
of the muddy and turbulent Missouri. the
real and only Father OF Waters. -
The Helena Is but l45 feet long, by thir-
ty-six in width, and can thus successfully
wind her way through the sharp and al
most incessant bends that the rocky path
chosen by the waters has vested the river
with. The hold is but four feet deep, and
an employe of the boat, queried upon the
point, replied that when flying light she
drew but fifteen inches of water. A COM
modious cabin with accommodations for
forty iirst-class passengers, is an airy and
graceful portion Of the structure. and one
That will be appreciated by travellers from
one oasis of civilization to another in the,
F@ yet but partially explored AID almost
Unknown wilds Of the Northwestern Ter
Iritories. 7r- a8 fF
captain James McGarry. river COM
'nander of many years. experience, and
|ohe actually familiar with the courses Of
''e Missouri from its mouth to the head
waters, kindly gave the reporter informa-
uon regarding the boat, the proposed trip.
and thercuntry where his lot will be cast |
IN the Immediate future, which was pos
'essed Of real interest.
said the Captain, as he sat down by the
Exporter, and looked out upon the busy
Lie of the leyee: =
II were to tell a foreigner of the trip
=" gong to take on the Helena tonight,
n n'gln MT say anything. bat he would /
,"ea'a'Ay SCI me down for most consuIn-
,.:.' ,..a,e ana colossal liar. An Englishman.
~. nun his idea Of space and distance formed
:. contemplation of the size of his, own
10 ry' huy' would simply and firmly decline
y, Del'eve in the existence of river three
h;'' hoas,hd miles in length, and as for telling
/, ~, -no 'hat it was navigahle for upwards of
No., 49, ,nhes' end that craft like the Helena
h;S .lu M make the trip, it would only increase
ton, 'o"' Po"eis ci naof'ca-
o' Is IL not fact, Captain. that there