Van Buren Press July 6, 1859 THE BELLE OF ARKANSAS That old verteran of the Arkansas River, Captain Phillip Pennywit, accompanied by Captain Levi Chapman, left here for Cincinnati a few days since to superintend the construction of and completion of their new side-wheel steamer now building at that place. She is intended to be a New Orleans and Arkansas River Packet, and of the following dimension, viz: 220 feet in length, 35 feet beam, and 6 1/2 feet hole; 2 engines with 21 inch cylinders, 8 feet stroke and will carry 3,000 bales of cotton. She is owned entirely by Capts. Pennywit, Chapman and Carter of this place and her estimated cost is $35,000. >From the capacity and experience of Capts Pennywit and Chapman, in the construction of boats, we anticipate a craft well adapted to the wants of this trade. She is to have all the modern improvements and her cabin is to be fitted up for a first class passenger steamer. She will be ready for the river about the first of October , and with "Chap" in command, and "Ned Carter" in the office, she will, in all respects, be what her name indicates "La Belle de la Riviere."