[Gutenberg 44656] • The Houseboat Book: The Log of a Cruise from Chicago to New Orleans

The Houseboat Book: The Log of a Cruise from Chicago to New Orleans was written by William F. Waugh. It was published in Chicago in 1904. (230 pages)

This book also contains photos and illustrations that are located at the end of the book. These photos are also available for viewing and download at [www.digitaltextpublishing.com](http://www.digitaltextpublishing.com)

The Publisher has copy-edited this book to improve the formatting, style and accuracy of the text to make it readable. This did not involve changing the substance of the text. Some books, due to age and other factors may contain imperfections. Since there are many books such as this one that are important and beneficial to literary interests, we have made it digitally available.

Contents:

Chapter I. Prelude — Chapter II. Gathering Information — Chapter III. Preparations — Chapter IV. The First Shipwreck — Chapter V. The Canal — Chapter VI. The Illinois River — Chapter VII. Building the Boat — Chapter VIII. The Lower Illinois — Chapter IX. Towing — Chapter X. St. Louis — Chapter XI. The Mississippi — Chapter XII. Cairo and the Ohio — Chapter XIII. Duck Shooting — Chapter XIV. Snagged in Tennessee Chute — Chapter XV. Mooring — Chapter XVI. A Levee Camp — Chapter XVII. Vicksburg — Chapter XVIII. River Pirates — Chapter XIX. The Atchafalaya — Chapter XX. Melville. — First Deer Hunting — Chapter XXI. Baton Rouge. — The Panther — Chapter XXII The Bobcat — Chapter XXIII. Ascending the Atchafalaya — Chapter XXIV. Ducking at Catahoula Lake — Chapter XXV. Some Louisiana Folks — Chapter XXVI. From Winter to Summer in a Day — Chapter XXVII. Voyage Ended — Chapter XXVIII. Dangers and Delights — Chapter XXIX. Results.

Excerpts:

.....Once upon a time there was a doctor who, after many years spent in that pursuit concluded to reform. But strong is the influence of evil associates, and those who had abetted him in his old ways still endeavored to lead him therein.

.....One day his good angel whispered in his ear the magic words, "House boat;" and straightway there arose in his mental vision the picture of a broad river, the boat lazily floating, children fishing, wife's cheery call to view bits of scenery too lovely for solitary enjoyment, and a long year of blissful seclusion where no tale of woe could penetrate, no printer's devil cry for copy. Incidentally the tired eyes could rest, and the long stretches of uninterrupted time be transmuted into creative work; with no banging telephone or boring visitor to scatter the faculties into hopeless desuetude. Sandwich with hours busy with those recuperative implements, the rod and gun, the adventures and explorations incident to the trip, and here was a scheme to make the heart of a city-tired man leap.

.....On reaching the boat Wednesday evening we found that J. J. had improved the opportunity of our absence by getting drunk, and had frightened the folk by developing that most objectionable form of it, a fighting drunk. After a few days he wound up in the lock-up, and there we leave him—thoroughly disgusted that he should have done such a thing when entrusted with the care of the sick wife and little ones.

.....The wife and Doctor took dinner with some friends, meeting a number of Memphis folk; and it is with unusual regret we bid adieu to this fine city. Stores are dearer than in St. Louis.

.....We were all ready to start by Saturday morning, but it was raining and foggy, the wind from the south too strong for our launch. Then the bank to which we were tied began to cave in, and soon our towlines were adrift.