The ancient mariner went up through the chute, and down the river outside; and up the chute and down the river again; and yet again and again; and handed the boat over to the relieving pilot, at the end of three hours of honest endeavor, at the same old foot of the island where he had originally taken the wheel! A darkey on shore who had observed the boat go by, about thirteen times, said, 'clar to gracious, I wouldn't be s'prised if dey's a whole line o' dem Sk'ylarks!' Anecdote illustrative of influence of reputation in the changing of opinion.

The 'Eclipse' was renowned for her swiftness.

One day she passed along; an old darkey on shore, absorbed in his own matters, did not notice what steamer it was.

Presently someone asked-- 'Any boat gone up ?' 'Yes, sah.' 'Was she going fast ?' 'Oh, so-so--loafin' along.' 'Now, do you know what boat that was ?' 'No, sah.' 'Why, uncle, that was the "Eclipse."' 'No! Is dat so?
Well, I bet it was--cause she jes' went by here a-SPARKLIN'!' Piece of history illustrative of the violent style of some of the people down along here, During the early weeks of high water, A's fence rails washed down on B's ground, and B's rails washed up in the eddy and landed on A's ground.

A said, 'Let the thing remain so; I will use your rails, and you use mine.' But B objected--wouldn't have it so.