Mississippi River Pilot Records?

Question

I've read that pilots on the Mississippi were commissioned by the governor of Louisiana starting in 1805.  I have not been able to find records of these commissions, or indices of them, at the websites of the state historical records department, the public library, or the professional organizations.  Does anyone know if such records (licenses, applications, examinations, etc) exist, and if so where to find them?

Comments

Good question Herbert, you would think that is the kind of thing there would be record of.  It will be interesting to find out.  Cheers!

Answer 1

Samuel L. Clemens, AKA Mark Twain, received his pilot's license in 1859.

http://www.twainquotes.com/Steamboats/LicensedPilot.html

Comments

Yes!  Capt Cassidy probably earned his license not long after.  Maybe they knew each other?  Twain having so romanticized the profession, you'd think there would be tons of detailed historical and personal info, but I'm finding precious little.