Cold and ice did not stop the United States mail on Lake Erie. This iron-clad boat transported the mail to residents who lived on Kelley's Island. The boat sat on a "queer sort of low runners." The boat and its contents were pushed and guided by the carriers. Only when the boat encountered thin ice or open water did the men jump into the boat. They then used long poles to move ice cakes from their path. Their contract stipulated three deliveries to the islands each week.