Quebec Gazette (Quebec, QC), Nov. 4, 1840

p.2 Kingston, Oct. 29th - By a gentleman from Toronto, who was a passenger in the William IV we have been informed of some of the particulars attending the temporary loss of this vessel on her unfortunate downward trip. It appears that yesterday morning, about 5 o'clock, when the William was about 3 or 4 miles above Smith Bay Point, a violent gale raging at the time, a leak was discovered to have taken place in one of her false sides, which having communicated with the body of the vessel, she commenced filling with water too fast for the utmost exertions at the pumps. Capt. Jones, who deserves every praise for his coolness and intrepidity on this occasion, immediately decided on running her into South Bay, but this became a task of no ordinary difficulty, as from her leaning and the heavy sea rolling, she refused for some time to answer to the helm, while the engine was with much difficulty kept in operation. In this situation the boat faced the lake, and destruction seemed inevitable. Fortunately, however, she was again put round for the Bay, and succeeded in reaching its still waters, where the Captain finding it impracticable to make the wharf, ran her aground, the passengers taking to the small boats. Nothing serious occurred, although some of the passengers remained in the cabin until the water had increased to an alarming extent. Our informant, on leaving his berth, found himself suddenly immersed, whether it coincided with his peculiar ideas of things or no; and a passenger in the ladies' cabin, apparently unwilling to "give up the ship," was obliged to make an exit through one of the skylights. We learn that arrangements are in progress for raising the William immediately, but it is probable that she will now be laid up for the season. [The News]