The "Screecher" was a vessel belonging to Louisville, having a cargo of wild Kentuckians and other passengers on board, among whom was an old lady, who, having bought a winter stock of bacon, pork, &c., was returning to her home on the banks of the Mississippi.

The "Burster" was a St.Louis boat, having on board a lot of wild back-woodsmen, &c.

The two rivals met at the confluence of the Ohio and the Mississippi.

Beat or burst was the alternative.

Victory hung in one scale; in the other, defeat and death.