Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-09-10
STEAMER JAMES LEE.
A staunch Graft ofa Substantial
Line.
Success the UnGhnIng Sign Of
Merit.

ssnatObiA Express, 81
To the commerce of Memphis no
line of travel and trade contributes
more than the "Old Reliable" Lee
line OF steamers. Many years ago,
when Memphis was in her swaddling
clothes and hardly more than a way
station at which the big steamers ply
ing between New Orleans, Louisville,
Cincinnati and st. Louis, merely
touched, Captain james Lee inaugu-
rated with complete success shorter
lines both up and down the river, with
Memphis as the central point. These
lines, through the energy and ability
Of Captain Lee, soon developed for
Memphis a remunerative and perma-
nent trade which had no existence
before. Cotton and other produce be-
low, which had hitherto gone to New
Orleans, and that all along up
to the mouth of the Ohio,
which had sought markets in
the cities above, was thus arrested
and turned back to swell the growth
and commerce Of the growing young
city. For this large increase in her
commerce Memphis is to-day more in
debted to Captain james Lee than to
any other man on the river. Before
the Memphis and Friars Point line
was inaugurated out little cotton pro-
duced below the Mississippi line ever
found its way to the Memphis market.
But now the Lee steamers bring up
thousands of bales annually which,
but for them, would inevitably find
their way to the warehouses of New
Orleans. But it is not of this excel
lent and useful line of splendid steam
ers, but of its famous founder and
management we propose to speak at
present. Although the ever-popular
Coahoma, 0sceola Belle and 0uchita
Belle are all fine fast-running side
wheel steamers, the prince of the
line" is the new and beautiful
JAMES LEE,
which has yet not passed a year from
her christening. This splendid craft
is a perfect model Of steamboat archi-
lecture, and walks the waters with
the grace Of queen. She was built
under the especial care and eye Of
Captain James Lee himself, and being
the thirty. fifth one built for him, has
all the Improvements and convent
ences his long and practical expert
ence could suggest. The berths are
exceptionally roOmy and comfortable,
thoroughly ventilated and provided
with spring mattresses and everything
needed in a bedroom. The ladies'
rooms are very large, each being fur
nished with an additional bed for
children. The fare is really sumptu-
GUS, being equal, if not superior to
that usually found at frst-class
hotels, and is served by atten-
tive and courteous waters. Stacker
Lee, who ran away from school
at the beginning Of the war
to join Forests famous cavalry, and
whose faithful performance of every
duty as a soldier through the four
years of conflict gained for him at
General Forests dying request the
honor of bearing the generals torn
and tattered battle flag at the head Of
the funeral procession, is in immedi.
ate command and ranks amongst the
most reliable and popular steamboat.
men on the river. The ladies say he
is the most gallant and handsome. but
of this we cannot say. L. w. Whit.
low, first clerk, is not surpassed BY any
one in like position for gentlemanly
and courteous manners and attention
to the comfort aud wants OF passen
gers. Of the other officers we have
not space now TO speak, but we ca,
assure the travelling public no bette
differed boat than the James lie,
runs the river. Her days out from
Memphis are Mondays, Wednesday
and Fridays, Let all who have bust
ness down the river make a note O
this.