I agree that some of the official accounts are rather suspect, as are reference works. As with any account, it is always healthy to query information listed, unless one has absolute proof that such information is beyond reproach. That is why I have an open mind on these subjects. As with a previous discussion, relating to crew members of the CSS ALABAMA, I feel that with any claims of someone who indicated that they were on the crew of a vessel, it would be advisable to investigate such claims, instead of just rejecting such claims outright, just because a person's name is not listed amongst one official muster roll.
I apologise for digressing, but I assume you get my point. There is no evidence that the CSS PONTCHARTRAIN was never ever on the White River, and the current whereabouts of the official record of her movements, namely, the deck log, are unknown, so I have an open mind on this.