THOMAS SALMOND Advertising Bill, New York City, NY – 1844 An 1844 advertising bill for a Benefit outing (fund raising charter) to the "Fishing Banks" aboard the steamboat "THOMAS SALMOND". The advertisement says "Henry E. Riell's benefit. The subscriber respectfully informs his friends and the public that he will take his Benefit to the fishing banks in the steamboat THOMAS SALMOND on Friday, Sept. 6th" "The boat will be decorated with flags &c, and has been gratuitously tendered by the politeness of Capt. Wm. T. Schulz. Capt. Peacock has kindly volunteered his services and will act as Pilot. Lothian's Celebrated Brass and Cotilion Band has been engaged and the public may rest assured every exertion will be made to please those who may honor him with their patronage. Fare for the excursion, One Dollar. The boat will call at Amos-St at 7½, Canal Street at 7¾, Catherine Ferry, Brooklyn at 8, Pike-St. at 8¼, and Pier No. 1 N.R. at half past 8 o'clock, touching at Fort Hamilton each way. Henry E. Riell." Steamboats during this era advertised trips to the "Fishing Banks", which was the generic term used for any of the regional ocean fishing grounds. Often, steamboats that made fishing excursions had both a Captain and Pilot (or Fishing Pilot) aboard. The Captain operated the vessel and the Pilot was responsible for directing the Captain how to navigate the vessel over prime (and often secret) fishing spots. A musical band for added entertainment was also a very common feasture on these trips.