[Fred Carmichael]

We are down bound this morning to Natchez. Our big little sister went before us by several hours. The vent fans on the D. Q. seem to cause some problems for A. Q. passengers when we are tied along side in the evening.
Several concerns (rumors) have surfaced within the remaining crew. After we unload our last passengers, what are the plans? Will the extra days on board, after the 7th of Nov., be days we will get paid for? Is this expense already set aside? How extentsive will the shut down be or are we to just abandon her with the boilers still hot? What type of work will be done to keep the boat in condition for a hoped for new owner to take her over without damage caused by poor lay up pratice.
These are just a few of the question floating around amoung the crew. We have been told nothing about the plans after Nov. 7th. Maybe the officers know but no one is making the crew aware. It will be hard to have spent my summer keeping this boat in good condition only to see her thrown to the dock and forgotten.
Why are we, the ones who will be doing the work, being kept in the dark?