Note K — Chapter XXIII · Historical Sketch of Cornell College

The pioneer settlements about Mount Vernon had sent several flat boats down the Cedar and Mississippi to New Orleans with cargoes of wheat, corn and potatoes. With the proceeds of sale of boats and cargo, sugar, molasses and other goods were purchased and shipped by steamers to Muscatine. Col. Robt. Smyth was one of those who thus made the voyage from Stony Point, three miles south of Mount Vernon, to New Orleans.