Part 50 (1/2)

Again, the mode in which the first Lake steamers were made to near the landing-place in the olden time, was something which would fill a modern steamboat captain with amazement. Accustomed as we are every day to see huge steamers guided without any ado straight up to the margin of a quay or pier, the process of putting in seems a simple affair. Not so was it, however, in practice to the first managers of steamboats. When the _Frontenac_ or _William IV._ was about to approach the wharf at York, the vessel was brought to a standstill some way out in the harbour. From near the fore and after gangways boats were then lowered, bearing hawsers; and by means of these, when duly landed, the vessel was solemnly drawn to sh.o.r.e. An agitated mult.i.tude usually witnessed the operation.

In the _Gazette_ of July 20, 1820, we have the information that ”on Sat.u.r.day evening, a schooner of about sixty tons, built for Mr. Oates and others, was launched in this port (York). She went off,” the _Gazette_ says, ”in very fine style, until she reached the water, where, from some defect in her ways, her progress was checked; and from the lateness of the hour, she could not be freed from the impediment before the next morning, when she glided into the Bay in safety. Those who are judges say that it is a very fine vessel of, the cla.s.s. It is now several years,” continues the _Gazette_, ”since any launch has been here; it therefore, though so small a vessel, attracted a good deal of curiosity.” This was the _Duke of Richmond_ packet, afterwards a favourite on the route between York and Niagara. The _Gazette_ describes the _Richmond_ somewhat incorrectly as a schooner, and likewise understates the tonnage. She was a sloop of the Revenue cutter build, and her burthen was about one hundred tons. Of Mr. Oates we have had occasion to speak in our perambulation of King Street.

In an _Observer_ of 1820, we have the first advertis.e.m.e.nt of the _Richmond_. It reads thus: ”The _Richmond_ Packet, Edward Oates, commander, will commence running between the Ports of York and Niagara on Monday, the 24th instant (July), as a regular Packet. She will leave York on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, at 9 o'clock a.m., precisely; and Niagara on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sat.u.r.days, at 10 a.m., to the 24th of September, when the hour of departure will be made known to the Public. The _Richmond_ has excellent accommodations for Ladies, Gentlemen and other Pa.s.sengers, and nothing will be omitted to make her one of the completest and safest pa.s.sage vessels of the cla.s.s in America, being manned with experienced mariners. Rates of pa.s.sage: After Cabin, 10s.; Fore Cabin, 6s. 3d. Children under twelve years, half-price. Sixty pounds baggage allowed to each pa.s.senger; above that weight, 9d. per cwt., or 2s. per barrel bulk. For freight or pa.s.sage apply to John Crooks, Esq., Niagara; the Captain on board; or at the Subscriber's store. Ed. Oates, York, July 17, 1820.”

Captain Vava.s.sour, commandant at Fort George, presented Capt. Oates with a gun and a set of colours. The former used to announce to the people of York the arrival and departure of the _Richmond_; and a striped signal-flag found among the latter, was hoisted at the Lighthouse on Gibraltar Point whenever the _Richmond_ Packet hove in sight. (For a considerable period, all vessels were signalized by a flag flying from the Lighthouse.)

Two years later, the _Richmond_ is prospering on the route between York and Niagara. In the _Gazette_ of June 7th, 1822, we have an advertis.e.m.e.nt of tenor similar to the one given above. ”_Richmond_ Packet, Edward Oates, master, will regularly leave York for Niagara on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and Niagara for York on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sat.u.r.days, from the 1st of June until the 1st of September.” The advertis.e.m.e.nt then goes on to say: ”Edward Oates respectfully informs his friends and the Public, that his Packet shall leave York and Niagara on the above days, either in the morning or evening, as the wind and pa.s.sengers may suit; and that pa.s.sengers may depend on a pa.s.sage on the above days. The superiority of sailing and accommodation for ladies and gentlemen are too well known to the public to make any comment upon. York, June 1st, 1822.” By the following year, however, the _Richmond's_ occupation was coming to an end. Steam on the route between York and Niagara had its effect. From the _Gazette_ of Jan. 16, 1823, we learn that Mr. Oates is about to dispose of his interest in the _Richmond_; is virtually about to sell the vessel. In the paper just named we read the following advertis.e.m.e.nt: ”Auction.

Fifty Shares, or three-quarters and two sixty-fourths of that superior vessel the _Richmond_ Packet, will positively be sold by auction, at the Town of York, on Sat.u.r.day, the 25th instant, together with all her tackle, apparel, stores and furniture; an inventory of which may be seen on application to R. Coleman, Esq., York; Mr. Edward Oates, Niagara.

N.B.--Terms of sale: one-third down; the remainder in two equal payments at three and six months, with approved endorsers. York, Jan. 6, 1823.”

In a _Gazette_ of this year we have a pleasure boat offered for sale at York, apparently a bargain. In the number for May 15, 1823, is the following advertis.e.m.e.nt: ”Pleasure-boat to be sold: built of oak, an extremely fast sailer, and in every respect a complete vessel of the kind. It is rigged with jib, foresail, mainsail, and driver. Original cost, upwards of forty guineas (and not more than four years old). It will now be sold, with everything belonging to it, at the low price of fifteen pounds currency. Enquire at the _Gazette_ Office, York. 7th May, 1823.”

As the _Richmond_ Packet filled an important place in the early marine of the harbour, it will be of interest to mention her ultimate fate.

While engaged, in 1826, in conveying a cargo of salt from Oswego, she was wrecked near Brighton, on the bay of Presqu'isle, towards the eastern part of Lake Ontario. The Captain, no longer Mr. Oates, losing his presence of mind in a gale of wind, cut the cable of his vessel and ran her ash.o.r.e. The remains of the wreck, after being purchased by Messrs. Willman, Bailey and Co., were taken to Wellington, on the south side of the peninsula of Prince Edward county, where the cannon which had ornamented the deck of the defunct packet, and had for so many years daily made the harbour of York resound with its detonations, did duty in firing salutes on royal birthdays and other public occasions up to 1866, when, being overcharged, it burst, the fragments scattering themselves far and wide in the waters round the wharf at Wellington.

Just as the _Richmond_ disappears, another favourite vessel, for some years distinguished in the annals of York harbour, and commanded by a man of note, comes into the field of view. ”The new steamer _Canada_,”

says the _Loyalist_ of June 3, 1826, ”was towed into port this week by the _Toronto_, from the mouth of the river Rouge, where she was built during the last winter. She will be shortly fitted up for her intended route, which, we understand, will be from York and Niagara round the head of the Lake, and will add another to the increasing facilities of conveyance in Upper Canada.” The _Loyalist_ then adds: ”Six steamboats now navigate the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario, in this Province, besides the _Canada_, and a boat nearly ready for launching at Brockville.” We shall presently hear much of the career of the _Canada_ and her commander.

The _Toronto_ (Capt. Shaw), named above as towing the _Canada_ into the harbour, was a steam-packet of peculiar make, built at York. She was constructed without any difference of shape at the bow and stern, and without ribs. She was a sh.e.l.l of successive layers of rather thin boards placed alternately lengthwise and athwart, with coatings, between, of stout brown paper pitched. She proved a failure as a vessel for the Lake traffic, and was speedily taken down the river, where she was also unfortunate. We hear of her in the _Loyalist_ of June 17, 1826. ”By a letter,” the Editor says, ”received from Kingston we are sorry to hear that the steamboat _Toronto_, on her first trip from that place to Prescott, had unfortunately got aground several times, and that in consequence it had been found necessary to haul her out of the water at Brockville, to be repaired. The damage is stated not to be very great, but the delay, besides occasioning inconvenience, must be attended with some loss to the proprietors.” The Editor then adds: ”The navigation of the St Lawrence, for steamboats, between Kingston and Prescott, is in many places extremely difficult, and requires that the most skilful and experienced pilots should be employed.” In the same number of the _Loyalist_ is an advertis.e.m.e.nt of the _Martha Ogden_, a United States boat. ”Notice. The steamboat _Martha Ogden_, Andrew Estes, master, will ply between York and Youngstown during the remainder of the season, making a daily trip from each place, Sat.u.r.days excepted, when she will cross but once. Hours of sailing, 6 o'clock in the morning and 3 o'clock in the afternoon. To accommodate the public, her hours of departure from each place will be changed alternately every week, of which notice will be regularly given. This arrangement will continue in effect, weather permitting, until further notice is given. Pa.s.sengers wis.h.i.+ng to cross the river Niagara will be sent over in the ferry-boat free of charge.

Cabin pa.s.sage, two dollars. Deck pa.s.sage, one dollar. Agents at York, Messrs. M. and R. Meighan. June 13, 1826.”

The _Frontenac_ is still plying to York. In 1826 she brings up the Lieut.-Governor, Sir Peregrine Maitland, from Kingston. The _Loyalist_ of Sat.u.r.day, June 3, 1826, duly makes the announcement. ”His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor arrived here (York) on Wednesday afternoon, on board the _Frontenac_, Capt. McKenzie, from Kingston. His Excellency landed at the King's Wharf under a salute from the Garrison. Major Hillier and Captain Maitland accompanied his Excellency. On Thursday morning, his Excellency embarked on board the _Frontenac_ for Niagara.”

The following week she brings over from Niagara Col. McGregor and the 70th Regiment. The _Loyalist_ of June 10, 1826, thus speaks. ”We have much pleasure in announcing the arrival in this place of the Head Quarter Division of the 70th Regiment, under the command of Lieut.-Col.

McGregor. They landed from the steamboat _Frontenac_ yesterday morning, and marched into the York Garrison.” The _Loyalist_ then proceeds to eulogize the 70th, and to express satisfaction at the removal of that regiment to York. ”The distinguished character of this fine regiment, and the honourable testimony which has been given of their uniformly correct and praiseworthy conduct, wherever they have been stationed, affords the most perfect a.s.surance that from the esteem in which they have so deservedly been held, during a period of more than thirteen years' service in Canada, their stay at this Garrison will be rendered highly satisfactory to the inhabitants, and, we should hope, pleasant to themselves.” It was on this occasion that many of the inhabitants of York beheld for the first time the impressive sight of a Highland regiment, wearing the kilt and the lofty plumed cap. A full military band, too, which accompanies only Head Quarter Divisions, was a novelty at York; as previous to this year Niagara, and not York, was regarded as Military head quarters. The Pipers increased the excitement. The band of the 70th displayed, moreover, at this period further accessories of pomp and circ.u.mstance in the shape of negro cymbal players, and a magnificent oriental-looking standard of swaying tails surmounted by a huge glittering crescent bearing small bells.

In the down-trip from York, the same week, the _Frontenac_ took away a detachment of the 76th Regiment. ”The detachment of the 76th Regiment,”

the _Loyalist_ of June 10 reports, ”under command of Lieut. Grubbe, embarked on board the _Frontenac_ yesterday, on its destination to join the regiment at Montreal. Lieut. Grubbe takes with him,” the Editor of the _Loyalist_ says, ”the cordial regard of the inhabitants of York; and the exemplary conduct of the detachment under his command has been such as to merit from them their best wishes for their future prosperity.”--During the same week the steamer _Queenston_ had arrived at York, as we learn from the following item in the same _Loyalist_ of June 10: ”The Rev. Mr. Hudson, Military Chaplain, who accompanied the Lord Bishop from England, arrived here in the _Queenston_ on Tuesday last. Mr. Hudson is appointed Chaplain to the Garrison at York.” (In August, 1828, Mr. Hudson must have been in England. We read the following in the _Loyalist_ of Oct. 11, in that year:--”Married, on the 12th of August last, at Crosby-on-Elden, c.u.mberland, by the Rev. S.

Hudson, B.A., the Rev. J. Hudson, M.A., Fellow of St. Peter's College, Cambridge, and Chaplain to the Forces at York, in Upper Canada, to Barbara Wells, second daughter of the Rev. Thomas Lowry, D.D.”) In the _Loyalist_ of July 29, in this year (1826), we hear of ”the new steamer _Niagara_, built at Prescott, John Mosier, captain.” This new steamer _Niagara_ was in reality Capt. Mosier's schooner _The Union of Wellington Grove_, turned into a steamer. Some error had been committed in the build of the _Union_, and she suddenly capsized in the river near Prescott. Capt. Mosier then cut her in two, added to her length thirty feet by an insertion, and converted her into the _Niagara_ steam-packet.

Her arrival at York is announced in the _Loyalist_ of July 29, and her return thither from Niagara with American tourists on board. The _Loyalist_ says: ”The new steamboat _Niagara_, built at Prescott, John Mosier, captain, arrived here (York) on Monday last, the 24th instant.

She proceeded the same day to Niagara, and returned on Tuesday afternoon, with a number of American ladies and gentlemen making the Northern tour. This arrangement,” continues the _Loyalist_, ”of visiting York twice on the route round the Lake will be continued, we hope, as the number of persons travelling at this season of the year, having an opportunity of seeing York, will tend to enliven the town. The _Niagara_” it is added, ”is a handsome and well-built boat, with a powerful engine, and most excellent accommodation for travellers.” A _Loyalist_ of the following month (the number for Aug, 12, 1826) reports the _Niagara_ as bearing another kind of freight. She has on board, for one thing, 60 hogsheads of tobacco. ”The steamboat _Niagara_, Capt.

Mosier, arrived in port on Monday last from Prescott _via_ Niagara. On going on board,” says the Editor of the _Loyalist_, ”it afforded us much pleasure to find that her cargo consisted in part of sixty hogsheads of Leaf Tobacco for the Montreal market, the produce of the western part of the Province. The cultivation of this article of consumption,” continues the _Loyalist_, ”is attracting the attention of the farmers in the Western District, and a large quant.i.ty of it will be offered in the market this year. The next season it will be very much increased. The soil and climate of that part of the Province is represented as being well adapted to the growth of the tobacco plant, and the enterprise which is exhibited to secure the advantages thus held out, gives fair promise that the article will before long be added to the list of the staple productions of our country, and afford not only a sufficient supply for home consumption, but also form an important item in the schedule of Canadian exports.”

In the same number of the _Loyalist_ we hear again of Capt. Richardson's new steamboat, the _Canada_. We read of her first pa.s.sage across from York to Niagara, thus: ”The new steamboat _Canada_, Capt. Richardson, made her first trip to Niagara on Monday last, and went out of the harbour in fine style. Her appearance reflects much credit on her builder, Mr. Joseph Dennis; and the machinery, manufactured by Messrs.

Wards of Montreal, is a specimen of superior workmans.h.i.+p. The combined excellence of the model and machinery of this boat is such,” says the _Loyalist_, ”as will render her what is usually termed 'a fast boat.'

The trip to Niagara was performed in four hours and some minutes. Her present route, we observe, is advertised from York to Niagara and the Head of the Lake. In noticing this first trip of another steamboat,”

continues the _Loyalist_, ”we cannot help contrasting the present means of conveyance with those ten years ago. At that time only a few schooners navigated the Lake, and the pa.s.sage was attended with many delays and much inconvenience. Now there are five steamboats, all affording excellent accommodation, and the means of expeditious travelling. The routes of each are so arranged that almost every day of the week the traveller may find opportunities of being conveyed from one extremity of the Lake to the other in a few hours. The _Niagara_ and _Queenston_ from Prescott, and the _Frontenac_ from Kingston once a week, and the _Canada_ and _Martha Ogden_ between York and Niagara and the Head of the Lake every day, afford facilities of communication which the most sanguine could scarcely have antic.i.p.ated at the period we speak of. Independent of these boats, it must be mentioned that the _Cornwall_ on Lake St. Louis makes a trip every day from Coteau du Lac to Cornwall; the _Dalhousie_ runs between Prescott and Kingston twice a week and conveys the mail; the _Charlotte_ and _Toronto_ once a week from Prescott to the Head of the Bay of Quinte; thus affording to every part of the country the same advantages of convenient intercourse. These are some of the evidences of improvement among us during the last few years which require no comment. They speak for themselves, and it must be pretty evident from such facts as these, that those who cannot, or will not, see the progress we are making, must be wilfully blind.” (The closing remark was of course for the benefit of contemporary editors at York and elsewhere, who, from their political view of things, gave their readers the impression that Canada was a doomed country, going rapidly to perdition.)

From the _Loyalist_ of Aug. 19, 1826, we learn that ”the steamboat _Niagara_, on her trip from York to Kingston, had her machinery injured, and has put back into Bath to repair.” In the same number of the _Loyalist_, we are told that the proprietor of the _Frontenac_ had fractured his leg. ”We regret to hear,” the _Loyalist_ says, ”that an accident happened last week to John Hamilton, Esq., the proprietor of the steamboat _Frontenac_. In stepping out of a carriage at the Falls, he unfortunately broke his leg.” In a _Loyalist_ of the following month (Sept. 2, 1826), we hear again of Sir Peregrine Maitland's movements in the _Frontenac_. The _Loyalist_ says: ”His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor and suite arrived in town (York) from Kingston yesterday morning, on board the _Frontenac_, and after remaining a few hours, proceeded to Stamford.” The next _Loyalist_ (Sep. 9, 1826) speaks of an expeditious trip made by Capt. Mosier's _Niagara_. ”The Steamboat _Niagara_, Capt. Mosier, made,” it says, ”her trip last week, from York to Prescott, and back again, in something less than four days, touching at the ports of Kingston, Gananoque and Brockville, going and returning, independent of the usual delay at Prescott. The distance is nearly five hundred miles.”

From the _Loyalist_ of Sept. 30, 1826, we hear of the steamboat _Queenston_, Capt. Whitney. A notice appears that ”The steamboat _Queenston_, Capt. W. Whitney, will, during the remainder of the season, leave Niagara for Kingston and Prescott every Thursday at eight o'clock a.m., instead of 10 o'clock as heretofore. Queenston, Sept. 8, 1826.”

From a number of the _Loyalist_ in the following month (Oct. 7, 1826), we gather that an accident, which might have been very disastrous, had happened to the _Queenston_. ”With pleasure,” the Editor says, ”we state that the steamboat _Queenston_ arrived here (York) on Thursday last, without having sustained any serious injury in consequence of the late accident which happened by her getting aground near Kingston. The apprehensions which were entertained for the safety of this fine boat are therefore happily removed. After getting off she returned to Prescott, where the necessary repairs were immediately made, and brought up several pa.s.sengers and a full cargo.”

A communication from Hugh Richardson, Captain of the _Canada_, appears in the _Loyalist_ of Oct. 14, 1826. A pa.s.senger has leaped overboard from his vessel and been drowned. ”To the Editor of the _U. E.

Loyalist_. Sir,--On Friday evening a pa.s.senger on board the _Canada_, on her way from Burlington Beach to Niagara, was seen by the man at the helm to jump overboard. On the alarm being given, in an instant the sails were in, engine stopped, and boat lowered, into which I jumped with two hands, and rowed a quarter of a mile in our wake, but, I am sorry to say, without success. On returning aboard, his hat was found, as if deliberately placed near the gangway whence he jumped. The hat is a new white one, and beside the maker's name is written 'Joseph Jewell Claridge, Jersey City.' The hat contained a new red and yellow silk handkerchief, a pair of white cotton gloves, and three-quarters of a dollar in silver. He was a good-looking young man, well dressed, in blue coat, yellow waistcoat, black or blue pantaloons and boots. He had neither bundle nor luggage, and came on board at Burlington Beach. I am inclined to think from all appearances, and the trifle of money left in the hat, that distressed circ.u.mstances had pourtrayed, in a too sensitive mind, insurmountable evils, producing temporary derangement, during which the barriers of nature were broken down; and he rushed in frenzy before his Maker. Perhaps by your kindly inserting this it may meet the eye of some relation or friend, to whom, on application, the little articles he left will be restored. I am, Sir, your most obedient servant, Hugh Richardson. York, Oct. 3, 1826.” (We shall have other communications of Capt. Richardson's brought under our notice shortly.

They are always marked by vigour; and are now and then pleasantly racy of the profession to which the writer belonged.)