Give Her a Lick Sideways
On the Fourth of July, in 1837, a reporter described the launch of a steam-powered lighter at Milwaukee. The boat was built to ferry passengers and freight to and from larger vessels anchored in the bay.
"Our waters were enlivened last Saturday by the appearance of a new and elegant scow, the Badger, built and owned by that enterprising citizen, Mr. Byron Kilbourn. At the appointed time, heaving in the water and impatient of restraint, she started beautifully from her moorings, and we had a fine view of her noble proportions and splendid finish. With her deep-tuned engine under full power, and with all her streamers flying, she presented to the eye of taste the gratifying spectacle of beauty, power and speed combined in one graceful fabric, majestically moving through the deep water of our beautiful river, and going it with the most perfect looseness." James Buck remembered the little steamboat differently. "The Badger was a simple scow of seven mule power. Her upper works were just sufficient to support her wheelhouse and keep the engine dry. She had an immense helm to which she paid little attention, so her course was as gyratory as a hen which has eaten salt. "She was commanded by Capt. Hubbell, a large and powerful man with a squint eye, who did not always give orders in strictly nautical language. When landing his boat, he would yell something like, 'Give her a turn ahead!' This would send her too far forward, upon which he would yell, 'Half a turn back!' This would send her too far astern and farther from the dock. With a stamp of his big foot would come the order, 'Give her a lick sideways, damn you!'" "The West Siders were justly proud of their little steamers," recalled Andrew Wheeler, "and when, at a later day, they went into the towing business, express agreements were made with the captains of the sailing vessels that no canvass should be hoisted while being towed, for on one occasion a reckless captain had hoisted his jib, and to the horror of all on shore, and despite the furious paddling of the little steamboat, had actually sailed away with her into the lake." |