It was provided with two long sweeps, or steering oars, at each end, with a roomy shanty for the accommodation of the crew, and with two other buildings for the stowing of cargo.

The floors of these structures were raised a foot above the deck of the raft, and were made water-tight, so that when waves or swells from passing steamboats broke over the raft, their contents would not be injured.

In front of the central building, or "shanty," was a bed of sand six feet square, enclosed by wooden sides, on which the camp-fires were to be built.
Much of the cooking would also be done here.

Besides this there was a small stove in the "shanty" for use during cold or wet weather.
The "shanty" had a door and three windows, and was in other ways made unusually comfortable.

The Major said that after four years of roughing it, he now meant to take his comfort wherever he could find it, even though it was only on a raft.