[Ted Davisson]

Greetings From New Orleans ,
It is with a very hearv heart that I have to report this but the current status on the Str. Mississippi Queen has taken a turn for the worst and is presently in dire straights !
After a lengthy conversation with one of the prinicpal players in the attempted purchase of the Str. Mississippi Queen , I have been informed that due to a TIMING ISSUE there is a very good chance that the MQ will be sold and scraped ! I was also informed that although the necessary funds are in play to purchase the MQ , the present owner of the boat has refused to grant any more time for this transacction to take place . Therefore , if at the end of this month the necessary funds have not been brought to the table to seal this transaction the MQ will definately be scraped !
The only hope that the MQ has at this point is if those of us in the steamboating community or some one else that you may know , can step up to the plate and put their money where their mouth is ! So no matter what you personal financial and economic situation is , the individuals that are attempting to purchase the MQ would show their appreciation and gratitude by offering free trips in the future and with the names of all that donate to this very worthy cause be ingraved on a plaque that would be proudly mounted in a place of prominence on board the Str. Mississippi Queen .
I have also been given an e-mail address for those of you that can and will step up to the plate and offer just WHAT EVER they can afford , and no donation woul be too small ! This e-mail address is : riverboatmen@aol.com
I personally have pledged $ 1,000.00 for tis cause and I hope that some of you will also do what you can ! If nothing else think of your donation as an investment of not only in the crusade to save the MQ but also to reap the benefits of being one of those that came to the rescue of this fine vessel and made some money as well !
Remember time is of the essence so please do what ever you can to save one of this countries few remaing steamboats !
Smooth Sailing !
Ted Davisson