John McNulty (steamboat captain)

After years of sailing the seas of the World, John McNulty landed in Portland, Oregon Territory in 1852.

Thompson on the middle river, and the Oregon Steam Navigation Company, near, continuously, entrusted its Idaho to Capt.

McNulty in the Marine History of the Pacific Northwest that "His career has been exceedingly fortunate and free of accidents.

No longer encumbered by his duties to passengers and freight shippers and theirs or their property's continued safe transport, he entered the treacherous Cascade rapids with the 215 foot long and 1158 gross ton R.R.

Thompson, which was not a shallow craft, but had a significant hold depth of 9.5 ft exposed to the rapids concealed rock hazards and embankments, at full engine stroke.

With its 38 ft beam and great girth, the Thompson was built for passenger comfort and to house a maximum of cargo.

Passenger spaces were nicely fitted out and the ladies' cabin boasted carpets, plush settees, and polished panelled walls.

Rather she deliberately was built for comfort and truly qualified for such overblown adjectives as 'palace boat' and 'finest cuisine afloat,' whipped up by enthusiastic passenger agents of the day.[5]Capt.