The packets are now running regularly, that is, about as regularly as you could expect. They generally manage to come up to time within 6 hours - very seldom more than that. Passengers report entire freedom from bed bugs when the nights are very cold - In consequence of this, fare has been raised considerably higher than last year. We learn that in a short time, Doyle will commence an opposition line of packets from Fort Wayne to Toledo. Should this take place, we have no doubt the fare will be very perceptibly improved on the old line. Wabash Gazette
Indiana Herald Wed. Apr. 19, 1851 p. 2 col. 3

Up to this time traffic on the canal had been almost entirely local, but early in 1841, the Wabash and Erie Transportation Company owned by Samuel Mahon, Lewis G. Thompson, and Francis Comparet advertised that they would "Commence running at the opening of the navigation on the Wabash and Erie Canal a Daily Line of boats for passengers and freight from Lafayette, Indiana to a point 6 miles beyond the Indiana State line; making 146 miles.
Fort Wayne during the canal era. Charles R. Poinsatte. IN Historical bureau. 1969. p. 3

The subscribers will commence running at the opening of navigation on the Wabash and Erie Canal, a DAILY LINE of boats for passengers and freight from Lafayette, Indiana to a point in Ohio, 6 miles beyond the Indiana State line; making 146 miles.

The boats will meet Neil Moore & Co's Line of Stages at the termination of the canal on Ohio, which they will continue to run in their usual good style to the Lake. Also an excellent line of Boats on the Maumee river will be regularly running from the same place to the Lake for the purpose of carrying goods and passengers.

Steamboats and stages are running in all directions from Lafayette and stages running north and south from Logansport, which will afford every facility to travelers that can be required and far exceeding any pervious arrangements. Fare will be reduced so as to meet the expectations of a generous public.
SAM'L MAHON
L.G. THOMPSON
F. COMPARET

N.B. - Stages will be put on between Lafayette and Fort Wayne in connection with the present line to the Lake, as soon as navigation closes in the fall.; so that in the future there will be no interruption to travelers through this region at any season of the year.
Tippecanoe Journal & Commercial Advertiser. Aug. 11, 1841

The daily line of canal packets now running on the Wabash and Erie Canal, from Fort Wayne to Terre Haute, is at this time one of the most consummate swindles ever palmed-off upon the traveling public, and all who travel on them once, afterwards take especial pains to avoid the line. - In many instances by going several miles out of their direct route.

Their bedding is suffered to remain so dirty that it really smells sour, and is a complete harbor for bed bugs, and the boats are generally manned by persons more resembling ruffians and blackguards than attentive and accommodating gentlemen. A few of the commanders, from their gentlemanly deportment, we readily except; But really, they should see that a little more cleanliness is observed on their boats.

We advise every one, who seeks anything like comfort in their travels, to avoid the canal packets.

Indiana Herald. Wed Sept. 19. 1855. p2 col 4

Dickey, Doyle & Dickey's daily line of new and splendid packet boats running from Lafayette to the junction of the Wabash-Erie-Miami canals. Leaving Lafayette 10 o'clock every day, running thence to Toledo in 60 hours and to Cleveland in 64 hours. Passengers from St. Louis across Lafayette, Indiana can then take a packet boat to Toledo and no detention caused by changing from stage to boat. This route is the shortest, cheapest, and best, and most expeditious for persons visiting eastern cities. From Lafayette $7.00. For passage apply at the office on the basin at the head of Wabash Street, Lafayette, or to the Captain of the boat.
Indiana Journal, June 1847

Doyle and Dickey's daily packet line. This line of new and splendid packet boats will start from Lafayette on Monday March 27, 1848 at 10 o'clock a.m. arriving at Fort Wayne at 6 p.m. going east. The line at present consists of four boats. On the first of May there will be an addition of three new packets, forming a daily line between Covington, Indiana and Toledo, Ohio.
Fort Wayne on the Old Canal. Reprint FW & AC Public Library. 1952

Hull's Wabash Line is now ready with first class canal boats to transport goods and all kinds of property to Terre Haute, Indiana and all intermediate points on the Miami and Wabash canals. All exertions will be used to secure the interest of patrons in giving reasonable dispatch to property entrusted with this well known line. Advances made on property for sale in this market or after shipment. Particular attention paid to the selling of produce and purchasing goods. For standing, I refer to my numerous customers, who have so liberally patronized this line. Office north of Miami canal between Main and Sycamore streets. Julius Hull Proprietor. Cincinnati, Ohio. March 1st, 1854
Indiana Herald, Wed. Mar 22, 1854. p. 3 col. 3

Hulls Wabash Line for 1855 still in operation! Not sold out as reported by some interested individual. The patrons of the above line of canal boats, and the public generally, are informed goods will be forwarded as usual by this line, with promptness, to all points on the Wabash and Miami canals, from my old stand, north side Miami canals, between Main and Sycamore streets, Cincinnati, Ohio. JULIUS HULL.
Indiana Herald. Wed. Aug 15, 1855. P. 3 col. 3