By Water to the Columbian Exposition | Page 3

feet, a width of about fifteen, with a
draught of five feet eight inches; being fitted out for both steam and sail
navigation.
Now, dear reader, let us go below. If you consent, we will first visit the
engine-room, since it contains the most essential part of the working
machinery. A force of from eighty-five to ninety horse-power is
developed to propel the boat. The engine is of the triple expansion type;
the diameters of the cylinders being 6-1/2, 10 and 16 inches
respectively.
Are you not pleased with this piece of machinery, so elegantly finished
and neatly polished? From it you can conclude that the yacht is capable
of running with considerable speed, amounting to thirteen miles an

hour, if desired.
Let us descend to the cabin next; can anything be more tasteful and
convenient? Is it not luxurious? And, although small, does not its very
limited space astonish you when you view so many comforts? This is
the dining-room. What can be more complete! Just look at this
side-board, with its sumptuous outfit in silver and crystal. _A multum
in parvo._
The kitchen is admirably arranged; the spacious refrigerator making it
possible that a considerable amount of all sorts of provisions and
delicacies can be kept on board for some time.
Let us peep into the cozy staterooms. Are they not nicely furnished?
Glance at the large and comfortable berths, which can be extended so
as to form double berths, as in a Pullman car. All the rooms receive
light, either through side-windows or from the upper deck. Every
facility for enjoying open air exercise is offered by the main deck
running the whole length of the ship. The portion pertaining to the stern
is especially commodious, and constituted our dining-room on pleasant
days. Even when the weather was unfavorable, the awnings which
inclosed this delightful place formed an excellent shelter, giving the
impression we were living in a large tent.
Thus, you observe, that nothing is omitted to secure comfort. Do you
see this electric bell? Well, all the staterooms are provided with such
bells, which are connected with the steward's pantry.
Now, let us go forward. These two doors form the entrance to the
pilot-house; please, step in. Here is the steering wheel, and by means of
these brass tubes the steersman communicates with the engineer. Look
up to the ceiling. It is decorated with multitudinous charts and maps.
Before we leave this room do not forget to glance at the mariner's
compass in its elegant brass case.
Close by is the entrance to the fore-castle, which contains the men's
berths. The crew occupying them consists of the captain, the engineer,
the cook, the steward, and the seamen.
There not being accommodation for more female servants, Mrs. James
was attended by only one maid. She, however, could easily spare larger
retinue, because this excellent girl has assisted her mistress in
performing the manifold domestic duties for more than fourteen years,
and during this long period Mrs. James has learned to value her for her

dexterity in all female occupations. She is also a faithful guardian of
the children for whom she tenderly cares.
Flattering myself that I have given my kind readers a satisfactory,
introductory description, I shall now advance with the narrative, and
proceed on our journey, traversing the longest artificial waterway ever
constructed by human hands; and sailing on the unsteady billows of the
great lakes, which contain the largest amount of sweet water on the
globe, in order to visit the World's Fair, the grandest and most complete
exposition that human eyes ever beheld.

CHAPTER I
.
VOYAGE ON THE ERIE CANAL FROM JULY 22ND, 10.40 A.M.,
TILL JULY 29TH, 1.30 P.M.
Finally, the 22nd of July, the day appointed for our departure, had
arrived. Great was my satisfaction to find the auspices predicting fine
weather; and, indeed, it was as beautiful as if Heaven smiled on our
enterprise. When taking leave of my neighbors, it was not at all with a
sad sentiment, for I had been well aware that I was going to undertake a
trip which but few mortals are so fortunate as to participate.
Accompanied by my dear parents I went to Dock street, where the
"Marguerite" lay all ready for leaving the flourishing city of
Schenectady.
My mother, whose domestic duties recalled her to the hearth at home,
was compelled to leave me, while my father remained on board the
yacht, anxious to enjoy my company as long as circumstances would
permit. Therefore, he gladly accepted Mr. James's kind invitation to
accompany us on our journey for a short distance.
Three intimate friends of Mr. James and his family were also invited
guests on the boat. These temporary traveling companions were Dr. A.
Veeder, Lawyer Charles Hastings and Congressman