THE PHIL SHERIDAN IN PORT-1872

SHERIDAN, LAUGHTON, SPENSLEY, HATCHER, SMITH, BARNES

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 11/18/2018 at 15:59:14

Dubuque Daily Times, Thursday, May 16, 1872, Dubuque, IA, Page: 3

THE PHIL SHERMAN IN PORT

This Good Boat, Capt. Laughton - Illuminated – Brilliant Scene Between the State Rooms

In ready answer to a kind invitation from Capt. Laughton, his good boat, the Phil Sheridan, was boarded by a happy party of our good ladies and gentlemen last evening, and between the twinkling stars, the glare of chandeliers, and the sparkle of pine knots blazing, the fleeting hours were danced away on the canvass covered deck. To the music of violin elcetera, a jolly band of happy heats beat, and tireless feet went forth in the tireless dance.

The readers who have ever enjoyed one of these terpsichorean entertainments on deck, knows how it is himself: one of the most enjoyable occasions: and those who were never there are earnest advised to accept the first invitation given them by so genial a master as Laughton, to see how they like the” trip” between state rooms. There is no doubt they will deem it good sailing – that is if they have the inspiration of a band equal in time and tone to Sheridan’s Operatic Band, Prof. King Hatcher, Master de Baton.

And then there is one thing further to fill the bill-‘tis the bill of fare; and this, served by the chef de cuisine, Jack Smith, last evening, was right on the top shelf of excellence.

The fact is, the “Phil Sheridan was not twenty miles away, last evening, but was right at home, and a right home like benefit was given. Mrs. C. T. Spensley, as first clerk, took a prominent part and took it very pleasantly too, in directing the affairs of the evening, assisted of course by W. H. Barnes, the gay and affable - and all went merry as a married belle.

The boat Phil Sheridan has been six years a float; she has borne many precious cargoes in her time, but never, we venture to assert was freighted with more happiness then it did on that last evening. Capt. Laughton had been running on the great river for twenty-five years; has, in the meantime, Mastered many of the Northern Line boats-run on most all of them-but never succeeded in making a young troop than on the occasion we report, and the reporter speaks for the crowd here, and returns thanks to the captain, clerks and steward for the ovation given by them last evening.

The Phil Sheridan will draw her plank, and steam away for St. Louis, it is expected on Friday. May her success be as sure as her state rooms are pleasant and officers are generous - then will she never break a wheel, start a plank, or be hurt by a snag.