Way´s Packet Directory is listing two boats with this name:
3221
Sidewheel packet, wooden hull, built in New Albany IN, 1855. 429 tons. Went to Mobile AL. Captured as a Confederate steamer July, 14, 1863, and was turned over to the USQMD Jan, 6, 1864. Burned at Mobile May 25, 1865.
3222
Sidewheel packet, wooden hull, built on Stewart Island KY (hull) and completed at Algiers LA, 1858. 160 tons, 136 * 27.3 * 4.7. Owned by William Dale, Concordia Parish, LA. Ran New Orleans - Ouachita River in low water. Capt. Frank Moore with J.H. Cooper, clerk. Out of service 1862.
Regarding the size, compare it to the exisiting boats:
Delta Queen: 250 * 58 * 11.5
Belle of Louisville: 191´2´´
Natchez: 236 * 38
Compared to historic boats:
Rob´t. E. Lee (the racer) built in 1866: 1,456.31 tons, 285.5 * 49 * 9
All data quoted from Way´s Packet Directory.
Regarding the sizes and the words "in low water" the Kate Dale was one of the smaller boats, maybe running just in local trade. She might have been constructed just for the trade on the Ouachita River.
Maybe someone else may fill in with more informations but you have to wait until next week. Most of the posters on this board will be on the S&D meeting in Marietta this weekend.
Carmen
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