I forgot to include the most interesting tidbit about the Lt. Robert E. Lee (senior moment!).
It was a replica of the famous Robert E. Lee steamboat, made famous in the race in June of 1870 from New Orleans to St. Louis between the Natchez VI and the Lee.
Captain John Cannon of the Lee stripped the Robert E. Lee of excess weight and even refused to carry passengers or cargo. The Capt. of the Natchez, however, refused to lighten his load and
the Robert E. Lee beat the Natchez by several hours. The Lee made the trip in 3 days, 21 hours
and 58 minutes.
There has to be a life lesson in there somewhere--maybe--lighten your load and win, or,
strip down to the basics and succeed--or choose your own proverb!
And my brother, Robert E Lee was named after that famous boat!!!