Yeah I never could figure that out completely . I think their waterproof gear - probably a bit dirty and worn— marked them as being on the lower rungs of River hierarchy — something George alludes to when he says Ned’s attitude toward them changed when they took off their Buternuts to reveal their clothes underneath. Maybe Ned assumed the worst.
Then again, maybe he was just toying with the men, having heard about them from others on the river.
Another epic chapter in the story of our two intrepid explorers! I always think that the key element of a good writer and storyteller is if you can picture what the writer is picturing in your own mind as well. I am there on the riverbank watching them pass by onto the next part in their journey. Loved this Lori.
Excellent read. I really enjoyed how you transported the reader back in time to George and William’s journey along the Ohio. While certainly risky, I imagine the steamboat encounter offered a way for the captains to break the monotony of river travel—though truthfully, I doubt cruising the Ohio in that era was ever boring. Every bend likely held its own danger, surprise, or story waiting to unfold.
The Ohio River has a history of pirates, thieves, psychotic Indians and murderers of the most vile description. Captain Luty is a timid version of earlier denizens of the river.
I feel like I maybe dropped the ball on this bit of historical context. My apologies.
The rivers were wild places, even at this time. And riverboat captains were at the top of the food chain. Twain likened them to kings more than once - they had a unique culture birthed in adversity, challenge and leadership - which included a lot of ego, machismo, and crowing.
There were also hard and fast rules on the rivers — one of which was that vessels fighting the current always had the right of way - they had less control. Smaller vessels - again easier to maneuver - deferred to bigger ones.
George and William had a lot of experience on the Great Lakes where such rules weren’t necessarily needed - think big lakes vs small, often crowded rivers.
It’s also likely word had gotten out about these two crazy Cleveland gentlemen out for a pleasure trip and a good story.
In that context, Bill’s “friendly” game of hunt the canoe makes a lot more sense.
Again, sorry those details weren’t more clearly tied to the event.
So much to discuss here. But why in all creation would Ned associate a butternut suit with chicken thievery???
Yeah I never could figure that out completely . I think their waterproof gear - probably a bit dirty and worn— marked them as being on the lower rungs of River hierarchy — something George alludes to when he says Ned’s attitude toward them changed when they took off their Buternuts to reveal their clothes underneath. Maybe Ned assumed the worst.
Then again, maybe he was just toying with the men, having heard about them from others on the river.
Geez, a fine sense of fun you have there, buddy!
“Hunt the canoe.” What a game! I think I’d prefer to be the paddle wheeler.
Another epic chapter in the story of our two intrepid explorers! I always think that the key element of a good writer and storyteller is if you can picture what the writer is picturing in your own mind as well. I am there on the riverbank watching them pass by onto the next part in their journey. Loved this Lori.
Thanks for the added context. It shows Captain Luty in a much better light.
Excellent read. I really enjoyed how you transported the reader back in time to George and William’s journey along the Ohio. While certainly risky, I imagine the steamboat encounter offered a way for the captains to break the monotony of river travel—though truthfully, I doubt cruising the Ohio in that era was ever boring. Every bend likely held its own danger, surprise, or story waiting to unfold.
I don't like Luty's sense of humor.
The Ohio River has a history of pirates, thieves, psychotic Indians and murderers of the most vile description. Captain Luty is a timid version of earlier denizens of the river.
No doubt!
I feel like I maybe dropped the ball on this bit of historical context. My apologies.
The rivers were wild places, even at this time. And riverboat captains were at the top of the food chain. Twain likened them to kings more than once - they had a unique culture birthed in adversity, challenge and leadership - which included a lot of ego, machismo, and crowing.
There were also hard and fast rules on the rivers — one of which was that vessels fighting the current always had the right of way - they had less control. Smaller vessels - again easier to maneuver - deferred to bigger ones.
George and William had a lot of experience on the Great Lakes where such rules weren’t necessarily needed - think big lakes vs small, often crowded rivers.
It’s also likely word had gotten out about these two crazy Cleveland gentlemen out for a pleasure trip and a good story.
In that context, Bill’s “friendly” game of hunt the canoe makes a lot more sense.
Again, sorry those details weren’t more clearly tied to the event.
Makes more sense. You can't include it all but sometimes there is some pretty good stuff on the cutting room floor.
I’m doing a bit of rewriting as we speak to unmuddy the waters 😉
The beauty of Substack!
Thanks for the context! I get it now.