This letter described the Askew brothers progress with the BERTIE's construction. E. H. Frazier and Co. also built the KALULA's engine. Wilbur F. wrote that the KALULA's engine cost $1900.00, however this may not be true. In the 18 September 1874 issue of the Windsor Albemarle Times Edward Solon Askew advertised the sale of the KALULA's boiler and steam engine for $500.00. He mentioned that the price was considerably less than the $950.00 purchase price paid 18 months ago when the KALULA was built. The symbols ----- indicate that the document was damaged and one or several words could not be read.
Transcription for the image above:
Stmr "Kalula"
Windsor N. C.
July 8th 1872
Dear Farther
[Father],Perhaps you would like to hear from us how we are progressing with our work on new Stmr & c we are getting ---- we are only working ---- men on her though at this time Brother Charlie don't seem to come the Boat will all be set up I expect when he gets here, we are going to have quite a nice Boat this time she has a beautifull [beautiful] model and will have a very powerfull [powerful] machinery our Engine & Boiler is be built by the same men that made the Kalula's at a cost of $1900.00 it will a large Boiler having a four foot Furnace the Boat is bound to run we are putting her up with the best of timber that can be had all of Cabins will be Junipir [Juniper]
[Page 2]
and her bottom scelect [select] Pine cleare [clear] of Knots Capt Thrower this Boats builder says that he is going to Steam her down the Cashie before the last day of Sept but I dout [doubt] itThere are no Stock Holders yet except Solie Harden & Myself there are plenty who are anxious to take Stock but we dont [don't] want them if we can do without There are two different parties who are trying to get an opposition on here but I have no fears as I know the people in Windsor ---- us out I expect to come up in this month perhaps about the 24th this leaves all in fine helth [health] hoping it may find all the Same I Close
Your Son
W.F. Askew
| Citation: | W. F. Askew to Father [Zephaniah Askew], July 8, 1872, Stmr Kalula, Windsor, NC, Askew Family Papers. |
| Location: | East Carolina Manuscript Collection, Manuscripts and Rare Books, Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858 USA |
| Call Number: | Askew Family Papers, #298.1.b View Collection |
