[31]
As the New Orleans descended the river it passed out of the region of the earthquake, and the principal inconvenience was the number of shoals and snags, and sawyers. These were all safely passed however, and the vessel came in sight of Natchez, and rounded to opposite the landing place. Expecting to remain here for a day or two, the engineer had allowed his fires to go down. so that when the boat turned its head up stream, it lost headway altogether, and was being carried down by the current far below the intended landing. Thousands were assembled on the bluff and at the foot of it; and for a moment it would have seemed that the New Orleans had achieved what she had done, so far, only that she might be overcome at last. Fresh fuel however was added, - the engine was stopped that steam might accumulate, presently the safety valve lifted - a few turns of the wheels steadied the boat,- a few more gave her headway; and, overcoming even the Mississippi, she gained the shore amid shouts of exultation and applause.
The romance of the voyage ended at Natchez, where the same hospitalities were extended to Mr. and Mrs. Roosevelt, that had been enjoyed at Louisville.
[32]
From thence to New Orleans, there was no occurrence worthy of note. The Vesuvius and the AEtna followed the New Orleans, and they in their turn were followed by others, and again by others, until now, the traveller on the Mississippi is never, or, rarely, if ever, out of sight of the white and feathery plumes that accompany the boats of the Western waters as their high pressure engines urge them on their way.*
* Although forming no part of the story of the voyage proper, yet, as this has been called a Romance, and all romances end, or should end in a marriage, the incident was not wanting here: for the Captain of the boat, falling in love with Mrs. Roosevelt's maid, prosecuted his suit so successfully as to find himself an accepted lover when the New Orleans reached Natchez; and a clergyman being sent for, a wedding marked the arrival of the boat at the chief city of the Mississippi.
