over from Niagara in the _Mohawk_. The _Gazette_ of Nov. 4, 1796 (still
published at Niagara), announces: "Yesterday (Nov. 3), his Honour the
President of the Province and family sailed in the _Mohawk_ for York. On
his departure he was saluted with a discharge of cannon at Fort George,
which was answered by three cheers from on board." (Fort George,
afterwards famous in Canadian annals, and whose extensive remains are
still conspicuous, had now been constructed, on the west side of the
river, close by Newark or Niagara, as a kind of counterpoise to the
French Fort on the east side of the river, immediately opposite, which
had just been surrendered to the United States.)
It is briefly noted in the _Gazette_ of the 26th of January in the
following year (1797), that the President's new house at York had been
destroyed by fire. This may account for his being at Niagara in May
(1797), and sailing over again in the _Mohawk_ to York, apparently to
open Parliament. The _Gazette_ of the 31st of May, 1797, says: "On
Saturday last, sailed in the _Mohawk_ for York, his Honour the
Administrator, and several members of the Parliament of the Province."
(The _Mohawk_ had come up from Kingston on the 27th of April. On the
28th of that month a vessel had arrived at Niagara, bearing the name of
the late Governor. The _Gazette_ of May 3, 1797, thus speaks: "On Sunday
last, arrived from Kingston his Majesty's armed vessel the _Mohawk_; and
on Monday last, the _Governor Simcoe_, being their first voyage.")
The _Gazette_ of the 31st, in addition to the departure of the _Mohawk_
for York, as above, gives us also the following piece of information
whence we learn that in the trade of the Lake, a competition from the
United States side was about to begin:--"On the same day (the day when
the _Mohawk_ sailed for York), arrived here (Niagara) a Deck-boat, built
and owned by Col. John Van Rensselaer, of Lansingburg, on the North
River. This enterprising gentleman," the _Gazette_ says, "built and
completed this and one other of the same bigness (fifty barrels burden),
and conveyed them by high waters to Oswego, and arrived there without
injury this spring. They are to ply continually between Oswego and this
place and Kingston."
On July the 3rd, 1797, the return of President Russell to Niagara in the
_Mohawk_ is announced. (The exact situation of Mr. Russell's house at
Niagara may be deduced from a memorandum in the papers of Augustus
Jones, the surveyor, dated Aug., 1796. It runs as follows:--"S. 61 W.,
34 chains, 34 links from the north-west corner of the Block-house above
Navy Hall to the S. E. angle of the Hon. P. Russell's house: at 24
chains, a fence.")
During the stormy season at the close of the year 1797, a momentary
apprehension was felt at Niagara for the safety of the _Mohawk_. In a
_Gazette_ of December in this year we read: "West Niagara, Dec. 2. Fears
for the fate of the _Mohawk_ are entertained. It is said minute guns
were distinctly heard through most of Thursday before last; but we hope
she has suffered no further than being driven back to Kingston. The
_Onondaga_," it is added, "which was aground in Hungry Bay at our last
intelligence, was in a fair way of being gotten off." In the next
_Gazette_, the number for Dec. 9, it is announced that "since our last,
arrived here the _Simcoe_, from Kingston, by which we learn that the
_Mohawk_ had returned there, after having her bowsprit and a
considerable part of her sails carried away in the storm." It is also
stated of the _Onondaga_, that "she had gained that Port without
material injury sustained in Hungry Bay."
In the _Gazette_ of May 19, in the following year, 1798, the _Simcoe_
again appears. At the same time the name of the commander of the vessel
is given. "West Niagara: By the arrival of the schooner _Simcoe_, Capt.
Murney, from Kingston, we are informed that upwards of a hundred houses
in the Lower Province have been carried away by the ice this spring."
The Capt. Murney here mentioned, as being in command of the _Simcoe_,
was the father of the Hon. Edward Murney, of Belleville. He built and
owned in 1801 another vessel named the _Prince Edward_, capable of
carrying 700 barrels of flour in her hold. We are told of this vessel,
that she was built wholly of red cedar.
In the _Gazette_ of May 26, 1798, we hear of a "good sloop" constructed
of black walnut. She is about to be sold. "To be sold," the _Gazette_
says, "on the stocks at the Bay of Long Point (near Kingston), at any
time before the 28th of June next, a good sloop ready for launching, in
good order, and warranted sound and masterly built. She is formed of the
best black walnut timber, 38 tons burden, and calculated for carrying
timber." We are told further in respect to this sloop, that "she will be
sold by consent of Mr. Troyer, and a good title with a warranty given on
the sale. The conditions are for cash only; one-half down, and the other
in three months, with approved security for payment. Wm. Dealy." J.
Troyer adds: "I approve of the above." Again, it is subjoined: "All
persons having demands on said Dealy are requested to exhibit them
before the 28th of June, that the same may be paid one month thereafter.
May 24, 1798."
On Monday, the 14th of October, in the year just named, a Mr. Cornwall
was drowned by falling out of a boat into the Lake, near the Garrison at
York. In the _Gazette_ of the 27th it is noted that "on Monday last the
body of Mr. Cornwall, who was unfortunately drowned the 14th instant, by
falling out of a boat into the Lake, near the Garrison, was taken up at
the Etobicoke. The coroner's inquest sat on the body," it is added, "and
brought in a verdict 'accidental death.'" (In this _Gazette_ Etobicoke
is curiously printed Toby Cove.)
Boisterous weather gave rise to the usual disasters and inconveniences
in the autumn of 1798. "During the heavy gales of wind," says the
_Gazette_ of Nov. 24, "which we have had, a vessel loaded with sundry
goods was drove on shore at the Mississaga point at Newark (Niagara),
and another vessel belonging to this town (York) was drove on a place
called the Ducks, where she received considerable damage."
In August, 1799, Governor Hunter, lately appointed, arrived in York
Harbour in the _Speedy_. The Niagara _Constellation_ of Aug. 23, 1799,
gives us the information. It says: "His Excellency, Governor Hunter,
arrived at York on Friday morning last in the _Speedy_. On landing," we
are told, "he was received by a party of the Queen's Rangers; and at one
o'clock p.m. was waited on at his Honour's the President's, by the
military officers, and congratulated on his safe arrival and
appointment to the government of the Province."
On the 5th of September he has gone over to Niagara. The _Constellation_
of the 6th thus notices his arrival there: "Yesterday morning, arrived
here from York his Excellency Governor Hunter. He was saluted by a
discharge of twenty-one guns from Fort George. His early arrival in the
morning prevented so great an attendance of inhabitants to demonstrate
their joy, as was wished by them." He probably crossed the Lake in the
_Speedy_.
The departure of Governor Hunter from Niagara is noted in the
_Constellation_ of the following week. "On Saturday last," the
_Constellation_ of Sept. 13 says, "His Excellency sailed for Kingston
and the Lower Province (probably again in the _Speedy_). On embarking,"
we are informed as usual, "he was saluted from the Garrison;" and it is
also added that on passing Fort Niagara "he was saluted by the American
flag, which had been hoisted for the purpose." On which act of courtesy
the _Constellation_ remarks that "merit is respected by all countries."
It is then added: "We learn that his Excellency has committed the
administration of the Government, during his absence, to a committee
composed of the Honourable Peter Russell, J. Elmsley and AEneas Shaw,
Esquires; and the Hon. J. McGill, Esq., in the absence of either of
them."
Under date of York, Saturday, Sept. 14th, 1799, we have mention made in
the _Gazette_ of a new vessel. "The _Toronto Yacht_, Capt. Baker," the
_Gazette_ announces, "will in the course of a few days be ready to make
her first trip. She is," the _Gazette_ says, "one of the handsomest
vessels of her size that ever swam upon the Ontario; and if we are
permitted to judge from her appearance, and to do her justice, we must
say she bids fair to be one of the swiftest sailing vessels. She is
admirably calculated for the reception of passengers, and can with
propriety boast of the most experienced officers and men. Her
master-builder," it is subjoined, "was a Mr. Dennis, an American, on
whom she reflects great honour." This was Mr. Joseph Dennis; and the
place where the vessel was built was a little way up the Humber. (The
name Dennis is carelessly given in the _Gazette_ as Dennison.)
The effects of rough weather on the Lake at the close of 1799, as
detailed by the Niagara _Constellation_ of the 7th of December, will not
be out of place. "On Thursday last," the _Constellation_ says, "a boat
arrived here from Schenectady, which place she left on the 22nd ult.
She passed the _York_ sticking on a rock off the Devil's Nose: no
prospect of getting her off. A small deck-boat also, she reports, lately
sprung a leak twelve miles distant from Oswego. The people on board,
many of whom were passengers, were taken off by a vessel passing, when
she instantly sank: cargo is all lost." The narrative then proceeds to
say: "A vessel supposed to be the _Genesee_ schooner, has been two days
endeavouring to come in. It is a singular misfortune," the
_Constellation_ says, "that this vessel, which sailed more than a month
ago from Oswego, laden for this place, has been several times in sight,
and driven back by heavy gales."
In the same number of the _Constellation_ (Dec. 7th, 1799), we have "the
well-known schooner _Peggy_" spoken of. A moiety of her is offered for
sale. Richard Beasley of Barton, executor, and Margaret Berry of York,
executrix, to the estate of Thomas Berry, merchant, late of York,
deceased, advertise for sale: "One moiety of the well-known schooner
_Peggy_: any recommendation of her sailing or accommodation," they say,
"will be unnecessary: with these particulars the public are well
acquainted, and the purchaser will, no doubt, satisfy himself with
personal inspection. For terms of sale apply to the executor and
executrix."
In the _Constellation_ of the following week is the mysterious
paragraph: "If Jonathan A. Pell will return and pay Captain Selleck for
the freight of the salt which he took from on board the _Duchess of
York_ without leave, it will be thankfully received and no questions
asked."
The disastrous effects of the gales are referred to again in the
_Gazette_ of Dec. 21st, 1799. "We hear from very good authority," the
_Gazette_ says, "that the schooner _York_, Captain Murray, has
foundered, and is cast upon the American shore about fifty miles from
Niagara, where the captain and men are encamped. Mr. Forsyth, one of the
passengers, hired a boat to carry them to Kingston. Fears are
entertained for the fate of the _Terrahoga_." (A government vessel so
named.)
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
XXX.
THE HARBOUR--ITS MARINE, 1800-1814.
On the 15th of May, 1800, Governor Hunter arrives again in York Harbour.
The _Gazette_ of Saturday, the 17th, 1800, announces that "on Thursday
evening last (May 15th), his Excellency Peter Hunter, Esq.,
Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief of this Province, arrived in
our harbour on board the _Toronto_; and on Friday morning about 9
o'clock landed at the Garrison, where he is at present to reside." On
May 16th in the following year Governor Hunter arrives again in the
_Toronto_, from Quebec. "Arrived this morning, Saturday, May 16th,
1801," says the _Gazette_, "on board the _Toronto_, Captain Earl, his
Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, his Aide-de-Camp and Secretary, from
Quebec. We hear," continues the _Gazette_, "that his Excellency has
ordered the Parliament to meet on the 28th instant for the actual
despatch of business."
In the _Gazette_ of Aug. 29th, in this year (1801), we have the
appointment of Mr. Allan to the collectorship for the harbour of York.
Thus runs the announcement: "To the Public.--His Excellency the
Lieutenant-Governor has been pleased to appoint the subscriber Collector
of Duties at this Port, for the Home District: as likewise Inspector of
Pot and Pearl Ashes and Flour. Notice is hereby given that the Custom
House for entry will be held at my store-house at the water's edge, and
that I will attend accordingly, agreeably to the Act. W. Allan, York,
25th Aug., 1801."
In this year, it is noted in the Niagara _Herald_ (Nov. 18th, 1801), the
people of Niagara saw for the first time flying from Fort George the
British Flag, as blazoned after the recent union of Great Britain and
Ireland. "On Tuesday, the 17th instant, at 12 o'clock," the _Herald_
says, "we were most agreeably entertained with a display from Fort
George, for the first time, of the flag of the United Kingdom. The wind
being in a favourable point, it unfurled to the greatest advantage to a
view from the town. Its size, we apprehend, will subject it to injury in
the high winds that prevail here." It was possibly the Royal Standard.
In the following year, 1802, Governor Hunter arrives at York on the 14th
of May, and again in the _Toronto_. "It is with infinite pleasure,"
(such is the warm language of the _Gazette_ of May 15th, 1802), "we
announce the arrival of his Excellency Peter Hunter, Esq.,
Lieutenant-Governor of this Province, and suite, in a very short passage
from Quebec. His Excellency arrived in the harbour late yesterday
evening (May 14), on board the _Toronto_, and landed at the Garrison at
9 o'clock. We understand he left Quebec the 27th ult." The officer in
command at York on the occasion of Governor Hunter's visit in 1802 was
Captain AEneas Macdonell. We have before us a note from him, dated York
Garrison, May 15th, to Lieut. Chiniquy at Fort George, in which he
speaks of this visit. "General Hunter appeared off this harbour," he
says, "at 4 o'clock yesterday, with a Jack at his main-top-mast head. A
guard of two sergeants, two corporals, and thirty men," Capt. Macdonell
continues, "was soon ready to receive him, which I had the honour to
command; but I had not the pleasure to salute him, as he could not land
before 9 o'clock last night." (At the close of his note, Capt. Macdonell
begs Mr. Chiniquy to send him over from Niagara some butter,--such a
luxury being, as we must suppose, difficult to be procured at York). "If
you will be good enough to take the trouble," Capt. Macdonell says, "to
procure me a few pounds of butter and send it over, I will willingly
take the same trouble for you when in my power."
In the _Gazette_ of the preceding April a boat is advertised as about to
make trips between York and the Head of the Lake. This is the
advertisement: "The subscriber will run a boat from York to the Head of
the Lake once a week. The first departure will be from York the 31st
instant (on Wednesday), and from the Head of the Lake on Saturday, every
week. Any commands left with Messrs. Miles and Playter, and Mr. Beaman
at York, and at the Government House, Mr. Bates; and Richard Beasly,
Esq., at the Head of the Lake, will be attended to with confidence and
despatch. Levi Willard, York, 30th March, 1802."
So early as Jan. 18, in this year (1802), the following notice appeared
in the Niagara _Herald_;--"The sloop _Mary Ann_ will sail from this town
(Niagara) on first favourable day."--In August of this year a young
Scotchman falls from the sloop and is drowned. The Niagara _Herald_ of
Aug. 21, 1802, notes the incident:--"On Monday last, James McQueen, a
native of Scotland, aged about 20, fell from the _Mary Ann_ and was
drowned. The vessel being under sail, with wind and current in her
favour, could not put about in the very short time he remained above
water."--In 1802, "Skinner's Sloop" was plying occasionally between York
and Niagara. We have a letter before us from Capt. AEneas Macdonell to
Ensign Chiniquy, dated York Garrison, 28th March, 1802, acknowledging a
budget of news received by "Skinner's Sloop."
In 1803, on the 13th of May, the arrival at York of a Government vessel
named the _Duke of Kent_, with troops, is announced in the _Gazette_.
"This morning arrived at the Garrison the _Duke of Kent_ from Kingston,
having on board a detachment of His Majesty's 49th regiment, which is to
do duty here in place of the 41st regiment, ordered to Lower Canada."
This same vessel arrives again in the harbour on the 27th of the
following July. She now has on board "The Right Reverend Jacob, Lord
Bishop of Quebec."--"On Thursday, the 27th," says the _Gazette_ of the
29th of July, 1803, "arrived here (York), the _Duke of Kent_, having on
board the Right Reverend Jacob, Lord Bishop of Quebec. We understand,"
the _Gazette_ adds, "his Lordship intended first to visit Detroit, but,
owing to contrary winds, was necessitated to postpone his journey. His
Lordship will leave town for Niagara shortly after the Confirmation,
which will immediately take place."
We hear of casualties on the Lake towards the close of the year. We read
in the _Gazette_ of Nov. 16, that "it is currently reported, and we are
sorry to add with every appearance of foundation, that the sloop _Lady
Washington_, commanded by Capt. Murray, was lately lost in a gale of
wind near Oswego, on her passage to Niagara. Pieces of the wreck, and
her boat, by which she was recognized, together with several other
articles, are said to have been picked up. It is yet uncertain," the
_Gazette_ says, "whether the crew and passengers are saved; among the
latter were Messrs. Dunn and Boyd, of Niagara."--Again: the _Gazette_ of
Dec. 10, 1803, reports that "a gentleman from Oswego, by the name of
Mr. Dunlop, was on Wednesday last accidentally knocked from on board a
vessel near the Highlands by the gibbing of the boom, and unfortunately
drowned."
The disappointment occasioned to merchants sometimes by the uncertainty
of communication between York and the outer world in the stormy season,
may be conceived of from a postscript to an advertisement of Mr. Quetton
St. George's in the _Gazette_ of Dec. 10, 1803. It says: "Mr. St. George
is very sorry, on account of his customers, that he has not received his
East India Goods and Groceries: he is sure they are at Oswego; and
should they not arrive this season, they may be looked for early in the
spring." It was tantalizing to suppose they were so near York as Oswego,
and yet could not be had until the spring.
The principal incident connected with the marine of the harbour of York
in 1804 was the loss of the _Speedy_. We give the contemporary account
of the disaster from the _Gazette_ of Saturday, Nov. 3, 1804.
"The following," the _Gazette_ says, "is as accurate an account of the
loss of the schooner _Speedy_, in His Majesty's service on Lake Ontario,
as we have been able to collect. The _Speedy_, Capt. Paxton, left this
port (York) on Sunday evening, the 7th of October last, with a moderate
breeze from the north-west, for Presqu'isle, and was descried off that
island on the Monday following before dark, where preparations were made
for the reception of the passengers, but the wind coming round from the
north-east, blew with such violence as to render it impossible for her
to enter the harbour; and very shortly after she disappeared. A large
fire was then kindled on shore as a guide to the vessel during the
night; but she has not since been seen or heard of; and it is with the
most painful sensations we have to say, we fear is totally lost.
Inquiry, we understand, has been made at almost every port of the Lake,
but without effect; and no intelligence respecting the fate of this
unfortunate vessel could be obtained. It is, therefore, generally
concluded that she has either upset or foundered. It is also reported by
respectable authority that several articles, such as the compass-box,
hencoop and mast, known to have belonged to this vessel, have been
picked up on the opposite side of the Lake.--The passengers on board the
ill-fated _Speedy_, as near as we can recollect," the narrative goes on
to say, "were Mr. Justice Cochrane; Robert J. D. Gray, Esq.,
Solicitor-General, and Member of the House of Assembly; Angus Macdonell,
Esq., Advocate, Member of the House of Assembly; Mr. Jacob Herchmer,
Merchant; Mr. John Stegman, Surveyor; Mr. George Cowan, Indian
Interpreter; James Ruggles, Esq.; Mr. Anderson, Student in the Law; Mr.
John Fisk, High Constable, all of this place. The above named gentlemen
were proceeding to the District of Newcastle, in order to hold the
Circuit, and for the trial of an Indian (also on board the _Speedy_)
indicted for the murder of John Sharp, late of the Queen's Rangers. It
is also reported, but we cannot vouch for its authenticity, that
exclusive of the above passengers, there were on board two other
persons, one in the service of Mr. Justice Cochrane, and the other in
that of the Solicitor-General; as also two children of parents whose
indigent circumstances necessitated them to travel by land. The crew of
the _Speedy_, it is said, consisted of five seamen (three of whom have
left large families) exclusive of Captain Paxton, who also had a very
large family. The total number of souls on board the _Speedy_ is
computed to be about twenty. A more distressing and melancholy event has
not occurred to this place for many years; nor does it often happen that
such a number of persons of respectability are collected in the same
vessel. Not less than nine widows, and we know not how many children,
have to lament the loss of their husbands and fathers, who, alas, have,
perhaps in the course of a few minutes, met with a watery grave. It is
somewhat remarkable," the _Gazette_ then observes, "that this is the
third or fourth accident of a similar nature within these few years, the
cause of which appears worthy the attention and investigation of persons
conversant in the art of ship-building."
Two of the disasters to vessels probably alluded to by the _Gazette_
were noted above. In 1802 the _Lady Washington_, Captain Murray,
foundered in the Lake, leaving scarcely a trace. And three years
previously, the _York_, in command of the same Captain Murray, was lost
at the point known as the Devil's Nose, not far from the entrance to the
River Genesee. And again, some years earlier, in 1780, before the
organization of the Province of Upper Canada, the _Ontario_, Capt.
Andrews, carrying twenty-two guns, went down with all on board, while
conveying troops, a detachment of the King's Own, under Col. Burton,
from Niagara to Oswego. One hundred and seventy-two persons perished on
this occasion, Capt. Andrews was, at the time, First Commissioner of the
Dock Yard at Kingston, and Commodore of the small flotilla maintained
on the Lake, chiefly for transport service. (For several of these
particulars we are indebted to Capt. Andrews' grandson, the Rev. Saltern
Givins.)
As to the apparent fragility of the government vessels, on which the
_Gazette_ remarks, the use of timber insufficiently seasoned may have
had something to do with it. The French Duke de Liancourt, in 1795,
observed that all the vessels which he saw at Niagara were built of
timber fresh cut down and not seasoned; and that, for that reason, "they
never lasted longer than six or eight years. To preserve them for even
this length of time," he says, "requires a thorough repair: they must be
heaved down and caulked, which costs, at least, from one thousand to one
thousand two hundred guineas. The timbers of the _Mississaga_," he says,
"which was built three years ago, are almost all rotten."
A particular account of the homicide for which the Indian prisoner, lost
in the _Speedy_, was about to be tried, and of his arrest, is given in a
subdivision of one of our chapters, entitled "Some Memories of the Old
Court House."