August 30 Monday – Sam dated the article he signed as “Rambler” this day [Branch, “Dickey” 196]. This was the same pen name Sam had used for the Hannibal Journal from Apr. 29 through May 14, 1853.
August 28 Saturday – The John H. Dickey left Memphis.
August 25 Wednesday – The John H. Dickey left St. Louis.
August 21 Saturday – The John H. Dickey left Memphis.
August 18 Wednesday – The John H. Dickey left St. Louis.
August 14 Saturday – The John H. Dickey left Memphis.
August 11 Wednesday – The John H. Dickey left St. Louis.
August 7 Saturday – The John H. Dickey left Memphis. In these runs there was either one-day layover or no layover. All departures were Wednesdays from St. Louis, Saturday from Memphis.
August 4 Wednesday – The shorter run from St. Louis to Memphis and back allowed Sam to stay closer to his family after the death of Henry and make weekly visits. The John H. Dickey (403 tons) left St. Louis on this date with Sam’s old friend Sam A. Bowen, pilot and Daniel J. Able (b.1825?) captain. Andrew Hoffman claims Bart Bowen got Sam the position as steersman with his brother Sam Bowen “in order to get Sam back on the river” [55].
July 28 Wednesday – Alfred T. Lacey arrived in St. Louis.