Here is a conversation of that day.

A chap out of the Illinois River, with a little stern-wheel tub, accosts a couple of ornate and gilded Missouri River pilots-- 'Gentlemen, I've got a pretty good trip for the upcountry, and shall want you about a month.

How much will it be ?' 'Eighteen hundred dollars apiece.' 'Heavens and earth! You take my boat, let me have your wages, and I'll divide!' I will remark, in passing, that Mississippi steamboatmen were important in landsmen's eyes (and in their own, too, in a degree) according to the dignity of the boat they were on.

For instance, it was a proud thing to be of the crew of such stately craft as the 'Aleck Scott' or the 'Grand Turk.' Negro firemen, deck hands, and barbers belonging to those boats were distinguished personages in their grade of life, and they were well aware of that fact too.

A stalwart darkey once gave offense at a negro ball in New Orleans by putting on a good many airs.