Something over a generation ago, a boat called the 'J.

M.White' went from New Orleans to Cairo in three days, six hours, and forty-four minutes.

In 1853 the 'Eclipse' made the same trip in three days, three hours, and twenty minutes.{footnote [Time disputed.

Some authorities add 1 hour and 16 minutes to this.]} In 1870 the 'R.

E.Lee' did it in three days and ONE hour.