But to return. We were tracing the fortunes of Captain Richardson"s boat, the _Canada_, in 1827.
In July, 1827, the _Canada_ met with an accident. She broke her main shaft on the Lake. The _Loyalist_ of the 4th of August says: "We regret to state that the steam-boat _Canada_, while crossing the Lake from Niagara on Tuesday last, unfortunately broke her main shaft. The accident we hope is not of such a nature as to deprive us any great length of time of the convenience which that excellent Boat has afforded us of daily communication with Niagara." In the paper of August 18th it is announced that the _Canada_ is all right again. "The _Canada_, we are happy to state, has again commenced making her usual trips to Niagara: she left the Harbour yesterday afternoon." Towards the close of the season we have a record of the brave buffetings of this vessel with an easterly gale on the Lake. "On Monday last," says the _Loyalist_ of the 27th October, "we were visited by one of those violent gales of easterly wind, accompanied with torrents of rain, not unusual at this season of the year. The Steam-Boat _Canada_, at 10 o"clock in the morning, when there was an appearance of the storm moderating, left the Niagara river for York. She had not proceeded far on her voyage however, when the gale increased with greater violence than before, and in a short time both her masts were carried away, and some damage done to her chimney.
Fortunately her engine remained uninjured, and enabled her at about five in the afternoon to reach the wharf in safety. The _Canada_ has made some of her trips in the most boisterous weather, and deservedly bears the name of an excellent sea boat. She suffered no delay from the damage she had sustained, and left the Harbour the following morning for Niagara. The weather since Monday continues boisterous and cold."
On December 1st, the _Loyalist_ announces that "the _Canada_ Steam Boat made her last trip from Niagara on Tuesday, and is now laid up for the winter." In the following spring, on the 27th of March, she takes over Sir Peregrine Maitland. "His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor and family left York," says the _Loyalist_ of March 29, 1828, "on Thursday morning for Stamford. His Excellency embarked on board the _Canada_ Steam Packet under a salute from the Garrison." A communication from the Captain appears in the _Loyalist_ of the 12th of April, having reference to this trip. He replies to some strictures in the _Colonial Advocate_ on some alleged exclusiveness exhibited by Sir Peregrine while crossing the Lake in the _Canada_. "Having observed in the _Colonial Advocate_ of the 3rd of April, under the head of Civilities, that His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor engaged the whole of the two cabins of the _Canada_ for himself and family, and would not allow even the Members of a.s.sembly who were returning home to go over that day, except as deck pa.s.sengers, I have to declare the same an impudent falsehood. His Excellency having condescended to intimate to me his desire to remove his family and household as early as possible, I hastened the equipment of the _Canada_ expressly on His Excellency"s account, contrary to my intentions, and the requisite delay for outfit until 1st April. To all applications for pa.s.sage on the day fixed for His Excellency"s embarkation I replied, I considered the vessel at His Excellency"s orders. The moment His Excellency came on board, and understood that I was excluding pa.s.sengers, I received His Excellency"s orders to take on board every pa.s.senger that wished to embark. The only further intimation I received of His Excellency"s pleasure was, on my application to know if I should stop at Niagara, I received for answer that His Excellency had no desire to stop there, but if I wished it, it could make no difference to His Excellency. Born and bred under a Monarchical Government, educated in the discipline of a British seaman, I have not yet learned the insolence of elbowing a desire (in right, an order) of the Representative of my Sovereign, by an impertinent wish of my own. I have only to say that as long as I command the _Canada_, and have a rag of colour to hoist, my proudest day will be when it floats at her mast-head indicative of the presence and commands of the Representative of my King. Hugh Richardson, Master and Managing Owner of the _Canada_ Steam-Packet. April 11th, 1828. P.S. Perhaps Dr. Lefferty being a Member on the right side, who embarked on board the _Canada_, and who did me the honour of a call a night or two before, for information, may confirm this."
Captain Richardson, as we can see, was a man of chivalrous temperament.
His outward physique, moreover, corresponded with his character. His form was lithe, graceful and officer-like. It was not alone when the Governor of the Province happened to be present that established distinctions in society were required to be observed on board the _Canada_ steam-packet. At all times he was particular on this point.
This brought him into collision occasionally with democratically disposed spirits, especially from the opposite side of the Lake; but he did not scruple to maintain his rules by main force when extreme measures were necessary, calling to his aid the stout arms of a trusty crew.
[Ill.u.s.tration]
[Ill.u.s.tration]
x.x.xII.
THE HARBOUR: ITS MARINE 1828-1863.
The _Canada"s_ advertis.e.m.e.nt for the season of 1828 appears in the _Loyalist_ of April 2. It differs a little from the one previously given. "The British steam-packet _Canada_, Captain Hugh Richardson, plying between York and Niagara, weather permitting, leaves Niagara, &c., &c., as before. N.B.--A gun will be fired and colours hoisted twenty-five minutes before starting."
It is interesting to observe that the traffic of the harbour carried on by schooners is still such as to require additional vessels of that cla.s.s. In the _Loyalist_ of April 19, 1828, the following item appears:--"A new schooner called the _Canadian_ was launched here (York) yesterday morning. She is owned by Mr. Gamble and Capt. Bowkett, the latter of whom, we understand, takes command of her." From the same number of the _Loyalist_ we learn that "the launch of Mr. Hamilton"s new Steam Boat at Niagara was expected to take place on the 21st instant. In the paper of the 17th, the launch of another schooner at York is recorded. "A fine schooner called _George the Fourth_ was launched here on Wednesday last. Burthen about 70 or 80 tons." In June this schooner is bringing emigrants to York. "During the last week," the _Loyalist_ of June 7th says, "several families of emigrants, arrived from Great Britain by the spring shipping at Quebec, have reached York. The new schooner _George the Fourth_ landed nearly one hundred persons, besides those which have been brought up by the steam-boats and other vessels."
The case is then mentioned of the very reprehensible conduct of the master of one of the Lake schooners (the name is withheld), "who, regardless of the consequences to several families who had taken pa.s.sage from Prescott to York on board his vessel, landed a body of emigrant settlers on Gibraltar Point, during the last week, instead of putting them, with their baggage, on one of the wharves in the Harbour--in consequence of which, women and helpless children were exposed during a whole night to the violence of a tremendous storm of rain, without any shelter, and, from ignorance of their situation, unable to get to the town. On Thursday morning the schooner _Catherine_, Captain Campbell, relieved them from their uncomfortable situation, and landed them safely in York.
In the _Loyalist_ of June 28, 1828, the arrival in York Harbour of the steamer lately launched at Niagara as successor to the _Frontenac_ is noticed. She is named the _Alciope_. "The new steam-boat _Alciope_, lately built at Niagara, owned by Robert Hamilton, Esq., and under the command of Capt. McKenzie, late of the _Frontenac_, with a number of ladies and gentlemen on a party of pleasure, made her first entry into our Harbour on Thursday last. She is a fine model, and fitted up in a most elegant and convenient manner for pa.s.sengers. She commences her regular trips, we understand, next week: and under the command of Capt.
McKenzie, so well known for his skill and experience as a seaman, and for attention to his pa.s.sengers, we have no doubt the _Alciope_ will be found a valuable acquisition to the regular communication which is now afforded by means of the several steamboats plying on the Lake; and that she will receive a share of that public patronage which is so deservedly bestowed upon the owners and commanders of other boats, whose public spirited exertions are deserving of the highest praise."
_Alciope_ is a singular name, taken as we suppose from the Greek mythology, betokening, it may have been thought, one of the Nereids, although we are not aware that the name occurs on the roll of that very large family. One of the several wives of the mighty Hercules was a daughter of Alciopus; she consequently may be conceived to have been an Alciope. But how Mr. Hamilton, of Queenston, or Captain McKenzie, came to think of such a recherche name for the new steamer is a mystery which we wish we could clear up. It is certain that the selection led to misp.r.o.nunciations and misconceptions on the part of the general public.
By the unlearned she was usually spoken of as the _Alci-ope_, of course.
By a kind of antagonism among the unwashed she was the _All-soap_. In a similar way, Captain McIntosh"s vessel, the _Eunice_, which frequented the harbour at an early period, was almost always popularly and excusably termed the _Euneece_.
In the year 1828, Commodore Barrie was in York Harbour. "His Majesty"s schooner _c.o.c.kburn_," says the _Loyalist_ of June 7, "bearing the broad pennon of Commodore Barrie, entered this port on Monday last, and on landing at the Garrison, the Commodore was received by a salute, which was returned from the schooner. The yacht _Bullfrog_ was in company with the _c.o.c.kburn_. Commodore Barrie," it is added, "proceeds by land to Lake Simcoe, and thence on a tour of inspection at the several Naval Depots of the Lakes."
In the _Loyalist_ of June 21, Capt. Richardson is taking time by the forelock and advertising for dry pine to be supplied as fuel for the _Canada_ in the following season of 1829. "Steam-boat Notice. Persons willing to supply the _Canada_ Steam-packet with dry pine for the ensuing season of 1829, will please make application immediately to the subscriber for the contract. Hugh Richardson, Master and Managing Owner of the _Canada_ Steam-packet. York, June, 20, 1828." On the 30th of August we have:--"Until further notice the _Canada_ Steam-packet will leave York as soon after her arrival as she has received her supply of wood, firing a gun, and hoisting colours half an hour before starting."
We have also a notice in regard to the _Alciope_ in the _Loyalist_ of Sept. 6:--"The steam-boat _Alciope_ will take freight and pa.s.sengers from this port (York) during the remainder of the season, every Sat.u.r.day morning at 6 o"clock, on her way down from Niagara to Prescott, to commence to-morrow. York, 20th August."
From the _Loyalist_ of Sept 27, 1828, we learn that Mr. George Savage has been appointed to the Collectorship of the port of York. He himself announces the fact to the public in the following advertis.e.m.e.nt:--"His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor having been pleased to appoint me to the Collectorship of Customs for this port, I beg leave to acquaint the merchants, shipowners, and others having business to transact with this branch of the revenue after the first day of October next, that I have temporarily established an office in part of the premises fronting on Duke Street, occupied by Mr. Columbus. George Savage, Collector. York, 26th September, 1828." Bulky in form and somewhat consequential in manner, Mr. Savage was a conspicuous figure in York down to the time of his death in 1835, when he was succeeded by Mr. Thos. Carfrae. Mr.
Savage was, as his office required him to be, vigilant in respect of the dues leviable at the Port of York. But the contrabandists were occasionally too adroit for him. We have heard of a number of kegs or barrels, supposed to contain spirits, confidentially reported to him as sunk in the depths of the bay, near one of the wharves, which kegs or barrels, when carefully fished up and conveyed to Mr. Mosley"s rooms to be disposed of by auction, were found, on being tapped, to contain harmless water; but while Mr. Savage and his men were busily engaged in making this profitless seizure, the real wares--teas, spirits, and so on--which were sought to be illicitly introduced, were landed without molestation in Humber Bay. The practice of smuggling was, we believe, rather rife in and about the harbour of York in the olden time. In a _Gazette_ of 1820 (Nov. 30), we observe the schooner _Industry_ advertised for sale by the Custom House authorities as having been taken in the act; and on the 17th of October, 1821, Mr. Allan reports to the magistrates, at Quarter Sessions, that he had seized ten barrels of salt, in which were found concealed kegs of tobacco to the value of five pounds and upwards, brought to York from the United States in an American schooner, called the _New Haven_, A. Johnson, master. The Magistrates declared the whole forfeited to the "King." At the same time a system of illicit reciprocity was in vogue, and the products of Canada were introduced, or sought to be introduced, into the domain of the United States, sometimes in singular ways. On one occasion Daniel Lambert, a gigantic wax-figure, returned from Canada to the United States replete with articles designed for import without entry. The Albany _Argus_ of the day thus describes the adventure:--"Daniel Lambert turned smuggler.--This mammoth gentleman of wax, who is exhibited for the admiration of the curious in every part of the country, was lately met on his way from Canada by a Custom House officer, who, remarking the rotundity of Daniel"s corporation, had the curiosity to subject it to a critical inspection; when, lo! instead of flesh and blood, or even straw, the entire fabric of this unwieldy gentleman was found to be composed of fine English cloths and kerseymeres."
Towards the close of the year 1828 we have Capt. Mosier"s marriage mentioned in a number of the _Loyalist_ (for Dec. 13), thus: "Married at Prescott, on the 20th ult., Capt John Mosier, Master of the _Niagara_ Steam-packet, to Miss Caroline F. Munro, second daughter of Major Munro, of Edwardsburgh."
In January, 1829, the schooner _George Canning_ was plying between York and Niagara, the weather being open. In the Niagara _Herald_ of Jan. 29, 1829, we have the notice, "Conveyance to York, Upper Canada, by the fast-sailing schooner _George Canning_, commanded by Capt J. Whitney.
The public are respectfully informed that during the continuance of the present open season the above schooner will ply as a Packet between York and Niagara. From being perfectly new and thoroughly found, she is with confidence recommended as a safe and easy mode of conveyance to the capital of Upper Canada. For information in regard to time of departure, application to be made to Capt. Whitney on board, or at Chrysler"s Inn, Niagara. January 22, 1829." The _Loyalist_ of April 4 in this year, 1829, reports that "the steamboat _Canada_ is ready to commence her trips to and from Niagara as soon as the ice is out of the bay. It has broken up a good deal," the _Loyalist_ says, "within the last few days, and from its appearance after the late rain we may hope that the navigation will soon be open. Schooners have been crossing the Lake for some time past. Last year the first steamboat from Kingston arrived here on the fifth of April." The usual advertis.e.m.e.nt of the _Canada"s_ movements for the season appears in this number of the _Loyalist_.
In May the steamer _Niagara_ brought up Bishop Macdonell. The _Loyalist_ of May 9, 1829, notes his arrival at York:--"The R. C. Bishop, the Rev.
Mr. Macdonell, arrived here in the steamboat _Niagara_ on Tuesday last, accompanied by the Rev. W. Macdonell." It is added:--"The Rev. Messrs.
Fraser and Chisholm arrived on the Thursday following in the _Alciope_."
In this month the _Queenston_ takes away troops from York. In the _Loyalist_ of May 16, 1829, the following item appears:--"The first division of the 68th Regiment, under the command of Capt. Macdonell, _en route_ to Montreal, left York on Tuesday last, on board the _Queenston_.
The _Alciope_, from Kingston, brings intelligence of their having arrived at that place on the following day." The same paper reports that "the steam-boats have some difficulty in getting into the Niagara River from the large quant.i.ties of ice pa.s.sing down from the Upper Lake." And again in the same paper, under date of Niagara, May 11:--"The ice from Lake Erie has been running most of the last week, and continues to run to-day--so much so that the river, we believe, has not been pa.s.sable since nine o"clock this morning."
A notice of the opening of navigation at Buffalo this year appears in the _Loyalist_ of May 23, copied from the Buffalo _Republican_ of the 16th of May. The scene is graphically depicted. "The schooner _Eagle_,"
the _Republican_ says, "was the first vessel that entered our harbour this season. She ploughed her way through three or four miles of floating ice to the gratification of about a thousand spectators." The _Republican_ also gives the following, which presents us with even grander spectacles:--"On Thursday morning the steamboat _Pioneer_ started through the ice on her first trip to Dunkirk, with a full load of pa.s.sengers. In the afternoon the steamer _William Penn_, Capt.
Wright, commenced her first trip to Detroit, having on board upwards of 400 pa.s.sengers destined to Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan." "On Friday, about noon," the Buffalo paper then adds, "the steamboat _Henry Clay_, Norton, having previously arrived from Black Rock, left our harbour in fine style, having a heavy and full load of pa.s.sengers. The steamboat _Niagara_, Pease, will leave on Monday for Detroit, as we understand."
A casualty in York Bay is noticed in the _Loyalist_ of Oct. 4, 1828.
"Mr. William Crone, contractor for gravelling the streets of the town, was unfortunately drowned on Sat.u.r.day last. It appears that Mr. Crone was knocked overboard from the Durham boat, in which he was bringing a load of gravel from the Island, by the sudden shifting of the boom, and, being stunned by the blow, sunk before a.s.sistance could be rendered to him."
In Oct., 1828, Sir Peregrine Maitland arrives in York Harbour on board of the yacht _Bullfrog_, compelled to put in by stress of weather. He was on his way from the Lower Province to Niagara. "His Excellency Sir P. Maitland, after having visited Quebec, returning by the route of the Rideau Ca.n.a.l, arrived at York," says the _Loyalist_ of Oct. 18, "on Monday morning from Kingston, on board His Majesty"s yacht _Bullfrog_, Commodore Barrie, and on landing was received by a salute from the garrison. It was His Excellency"s intention, we understand, to have landed at Niagara, but the _Bullfrog_ having encountered a heavy gale on the previous night, was obliged to make for York. His Excellency proceeded to Niagara on Wednesday by the _Canada_, and Commodore Barrie with the _Bullfrog_ left the harbour on the same day on return to Kingston." Sir Peregrine, we may observe, was on the point of leaving Upper Canada, having been appointed to the Government of Nova Scotia.
The arrival of his successor at New York is announced in the same paper.
"The packet ship _Corinthian_ arrived at New York on the evening of the 7th instant. Sir John Colborne and family were pa.s.sengers in the _Corinthian_, and may therefore be daily expected at this place (York)."
It is announced in the same paper that "a public dinner will be given to His Excellency Sir Peregrine Maitland, previous to his departure from this Province. Tickets of admission to be had at Messrs. Meighan"s." In the number for November 4, we have an account of the addresses which are being presented to Sir Peregrine on the occasion of his departure, with the remark:--"The expressions of respect for his administration of the Government, and of personal esteem towards His Excellency and family, which these addresses contain, afford the most satisfactory testimonials that the sincere and anxious desire of His Excellency for the improvement of the country and the happiness of its inhabitants are duly appreciated when the period of a long and arduous administration is about to terminate. These, together with the approbation of his Sovereign, fully evinced by the more important Civil and Military honours conferred upon him, cannot but be gratifying, as well to His Excellency as to the inhabitants of the Province generally." And again in the _Loyalist_ of the 15th Nov., it is stated that "the last _Gazette_ contains addresses to His Excellency Sir Peregrine Maitland, on his departure from the Province--from the Magistrates, Grand Jury, and Bar of the London District, in Quarter Sessions a.s.sembled; from the towns of Kingston and Brockville, and from Grimsby, all expressing the same sentiments of personal regard and respect for his administration of this Government, as those which were previously presented from other places to His Excellency."
On Monday, the 10th of November, the new Governor, Sir John Colborne, is at the Falls, making explorations there, while the steamer _Canada_ is taking the luggage on board at Lewiston, preparatory to the pa.s.sage over to York. The Niagara _Gleaner_, quoted in the _Loyalist_, says:--"On Monday last His Excellency Sir John Colborne paid a visit to the Falls.
His own elegant carriage, drawn by four spirited horses, furnished by Mr. Chrysler, carried his Excellency"s lady, her sister Miss Yonge, and five children. His Excellency went on horseback, accompanied by Capt.
Phillpotts, of the Royal Engineers. In the meantime the steamer _Canada_ went to Lewiston, took in His Excellency"s luggage, and was ready to receive His Excellency and family at an early hour on Tuesday morning.
On the departure of the vessel a salute was fired from Fort George. We have been informed," the _Gleaner_ adds, "that His Excellency was highly gratified with the first view of the Province and the friendly reception he met with; also of the good things he partook of at the hotel, much of which was the produce of the Province."
Capt. McKenzie died August 27, 1832, aged 50. At the time of his death he was engaged in the construction of a steamer at the head of the Lake, and of another on Lake Simcoe. In 1832 Capt. Elmsley is offering for sale his yacht the _Dart_. In the York _Sapper_ and _Miner_ of Oct. 25, 1832, we read the notice:--"For sale, the fast-sailing cutter _Dart_, 22 tons burden, with or without rigging, sails, and other furniture.
For particulars enquire of the Hon. John Elmsley. York, 24th May, 1832."
There is an accidental prolepsis in the "Hon." He was not appointed to a seat in the Upper House until after 1837. Capt. Elmsley, with his friend, Mr. Jeffrey Hale, afterwards of Quebec, left the service of the Royal Navy about 1832. In 1837 Captain Elmsley was appointed to the command of a Government vessel carrying two swivel-guns on the Lower St.
Lawrence. He subsequently settled for a time on his estate known as Clover Hill, where he expended considerable sums of money in farming operations. Later he again undertook the command of a vessel, the _James Coleman_, trading on his own account between Halifax and Quebec. He afterwards, for a time, commanded one of the mail steamers on Lake Ontario, the _Sovereign_. (In several other connections we have had occasion to give particulars of Captain Elmsley"s career.) The _Dart_, above named, was built at York by Mr. Purkis, a well-known shipwright there. In 1834, we notice, in MacKenzie"s _Advocate_ of March 13, a marine item following an observation on the mildness of the season:--"The weather is very mild for the season," the _Advocate_ says: "occasional showers; plenty of sunshine and slight frosts. A schooner sailed last Tuesday for Niagara, and is expected back to-morrow."
It was in 1834 the grand old name Toronto was recovered by the harbour and town, whose early marine we have sought in some degree to recall.
We have evidence in the Toronto _Recorder_ of July 30, 1834, that, at that period, at least seven steamers were frequenting the harbour of Toronto. In the paper named we read in succession seven rather long steamboat advertis.e.m.e.nts. "The splendid low-pressure steamboat the _Const.i.tution_, Edward Zealand, master." She runs from Hamilton to Toronto, touching at Oakville; thence to Cobourg, touching at Port Hope; thence to Rochester, and _vice versa_. It is stated that "the _Const.i.tution_ will afford a safe and expeditious opportunity for merchants from New York and other places to forward their goods by way of Rochester to the head of the Lake Ontario." Agents at Hamilton, Messrs. E. and J. Ritchie; Oakville, Mr. Thomas; Toronto, James F.
Smith, Esq.; Rochester, Mr. Greene, forwarder; Cobourg, E. Perry, Esq.; Port Hope, J. Brown, Esq. Captain Zealand had formerly been in the command of an ocean-going merchant ship. "The steamboat _William IV._, Charles Paynter, Commander, propelled by a Low-Pressure Engine of a Hundred Horse-power." She runs between Prescott, Niagara, and Lewiston, touching at Brockville, Gananoque, Kingston, Cobourg, Port Hope, Toronto, Hamilton, and _vice versa_. "For freight or pa.s.sage, apply at the Post-office, Toronto, or to the Captain on board." Four smoke funnels rendered the _William IV._ recognizable at a distance. "The fast-sailing steamboat, _St. George_, Lieut. Harper, R.N., Commander."
She runs between Prescott, Brockville, Kingston, Toronto, and Niagara, and _vice versa_. "This beautiful vessel," the advertis.e.m.e.nt says, "is propelled by a Low-Pressure Engine of Ninety Horse-power, is schooner rigged, and has accommodation for sixty cabin pa.s.sengers. The _St.
George_ will wait the arrival of the pa.s.sengers who leave Montreal by Thursday morning"s stage." "The splendid fast-sailing steamboat _Cobourg_, Capt. Charles Mcintosh, Master, propelled by two low-pressure engines of fifty-horse power each." She runs between Prescott, Brockville, Kingston and Toronto, and _vice versa_. "This boat will be found by the travelling community not surpa.s.sed by any on Lake Ontario for elegance, comfort and speed. The _Cobourg_ will wait the arrival of the Montreal stage before leaving for her upward trip. For freight or pa.s.sage apply to the Master or Purser on board." "The _Queenston_, Capt.
James Sutherland." This is the _Queenston_ of which we have heard already. She runs, according to the advertis.e.m.e.nt in the _Recorder_, between Toronto and Hamilton. "Cabin pa.s.sage each way, two dollars (meals extra). Deck pa.s.sage each way, one dollar. All baggage and small parcels at the risk of the owners, unless delivered to the Captain and entered as freight. Freight payable on delivery. As the boat will be punctual to the hour of sailing, pa.s.sengers are requested to be on board in due time." Captain Sutherland has been chief officer of the first steamer which crossed the Atlantic to Quebec, the _Unicorn_. He had before been engaged in the Hudson"s Bay trade. "The splendid low-pressure steamboat _Great Britain_, Capt. Whitney." She runs between Prescott, Brockville, Kingston, Oswego, Cobourg, Port Hope, Toronto, and _vice versa_. "The accommodations on board the _Great Britain_ have been much enlarged and improved during last winter, and every exertion will be used to ensure regularity and comfort to the pa.s.sengers. The above boat will await the arrival of the pa.s.sengers that leave Montreal on Monday by the Upper Canada stage. Emigrants and others desirous of taking this conveyance are requested to call at the Ontario Steamboat Office in this town (Prescott), and procure tickets."
Finally, the _Recorder_ displays the usual advertis.e.m.e.nt of the Steam-packet _Canada_, Hugh Richardson, Master. She leaves Toronto daily for Niagara, at seven in the morning, and Niagara daily for Toronto, at one in the afternoon. The fares continue unchanged. "Pa.s.sengers returning to either of the Ports within the week will only be charged half-price for the return. Accommodation for Horses, Carriages, and Cattle." About the same period the _Oneida_, of Oswego, the _Hamilton_, the _Sir Robert Peel_, and the _Commodore Barrie_, are other steamers entering the harbour of Toronto.
Near the landing place at Niagara, a row of capacious warehouses is still to be seen, disused and closed up, over the large double portals of which, respectively, are to be dimly discerned the following inscriptions in succession:--Great Britain; William IV.; St. George; United Kingdom; Cobourg; Commodore Barrie; Canada; Schooners. This is a relic of the period to which we are now referring. These warehouses were the places of deposit for freight, tackling, and other property appertaining to the vessels named, with a compartment for the accommodation of Schooners collectively. Niagara was then the headquarters of the shipping interests of the Lake, and the place where the princ.i.p.al wholesale mercantile houses were situated.
Sailing craft visiting the Harbour in 1835, and later, were:--the _Three Brothers_, the _Superior_, the _Emily_, the _Robert Burns_, the _Prosperity_, the _f.a.n.n.y_, the _Perseverance_, the _Matilda_, of Oswego, the _Elizabeth_, of Lewiston, the _Guernsey_, the _Peac.o.c.k_, the _Caroline_, the _Fair American_, the _Sovereign_, the _Jessie Woods_, the _Erin_, the _Charlotte_, the _Winnebago_, the _Lord Nelson_, the _Enterprise_, the _Boxer_.
The _Three Brothers_ was so named from the three brothers McIntosh--John, Robert, and Henry. John commanded the _Three Brothers_; Charles commanded the _Superior_, named second above; Robert commanded the _Eunice_, of which we have heard already. Two other brothers of this marine family were early owners of contiguous building lots on the east side of Yonge street, south of Shuter street. Prosperous descendants of the same name are still to be found in business on a portion of this property. Modern improvements have caused the removal of many of the original buildings of this locality; but one of the McIntosh family residences yet remains, at the present time converted into the show rooms of a carriage manufactory. (Capt. Wm. McIntosh, of the _Minerva Ann_, a schooner of this period, was of another family).
The _f.a.n.n.y_ is noticeable as having been the first craft commanded by Captain d.i.c.k of Toronto, who speedily afterwards became distinguished in connection with the steam marine of Lake Ontario, not only as a builder, large proprietor, and sailing master, but also as commander of a Despatch vessel in the Public Service, especially during the troubles of 1837. The _f.a.n.n.y_ was the property of Mr. James Lockhart of Niagara, as also were the _Sovereign_ and the _Jessie Woods_. The _Boxer_ was commanded by a veteran Lake captain, Wm. Peeke. Capt. Peeke, it is stated, supplied lime burnt at Duffin"s Creek before the close of the last century, for the foundation of the Lighthouse on Gibraltar Point, and other structures in York.
In 1835, the harbour was visited by Capt. George and his barge from Quebec. Capt. George--for so he was styled in these parts, although, as we shall see, not a professional navigator--was a combined nautical and mechanical genius, who vigorously urged on Government and the forwarding community the adoption of a scheme of his for enabling loaded vessels to overcome the rapids of the St. Lawrence, and reach the upper ports without breaking bulk. Pulleys and chains were to be anch.o.r.ed at points in the river, or along the banks of the stream. He contrived to get his own barge in this way up to Toronto, well filled with merchandize, and made the return trip with cargo of the upper country products, possibly more than once, but the undertaking, being found too expensive for a private individual, was abandoned; and soon after, the construction of ca.n.a.ls round the rapids rendered needless all such ingenious projects.
Mr. George had been long a merchant in Quebec; and it was simply his inability to secure a satisfactory person for the superintendence of his experiment, that induced him to take the command of his own vessel in her perilous venture up and down the St. Lawrence. Mr. George continued to reside at Quebec; and for an annual stipend of 200, he offered the corporation of the city to create for them every winter a "pont," or ice-bridge, opposite the city. From the action of the tides, the "pont"
fails occasionally to form, to the great inconvenience of the inhabitants. Here again Mr. George gave ocular proof of the practicability of his plan. Proceeding up the river above the influence of the tide, he cut loose a vast field of ice and floated it down whole to Quebec, where it fixed itself fast between Cape Diamond and the opposite sh.o.r.e, and formed a "pont." It did not, however, prove sufficiently durable. Some eccentricity in language is remembered as characterizing Mr. George. A person conversing with him occasionally found himself addressed in rhyming couplets, as if, of their own accord, his words would run into doggerel. "Some chance of wreck between this and Quebec! Mishap befall ere I reach Montreal! You"re a fool! go to school!" &c. His barge likewise is described as possessing a peculiar rig. Its masts, or rather the two spars which served to support his sails, formed above the deck, as we are told, a sort of large St.
Andrew"s cross, such being, according to him, the most convenient arrangement for working the leg of mutton or triangular sails which he used. (We note here the two heroic captains who were the first to encounter appalling risks on the waters of the St. Lawrence in vessels propelled by steam. Captain Maxwell, in the employment at the time of Messrs. McPherson and Crane, first discovered and navigated in a steamboat the deep channel of the Long Sault; and Captain Hilliard, on board the steamer _Ontario_, first descended the rapids at Lachine.)