Buffalo Gazette (Buffalo, NY), 22 Oct 1816

Kingston, U. C. Sept. 14.

On Saturday the 7th. of September the Steam-Boat FRONTENAC was launched at the village of Ernest Town. A numerous concourse of people assembled on the occasion. But, in consequence of some accidental delay, and the appearance of an approaching shower, a part of the spectators withdrew before the launch actually took place.

The Boat moved slowly from her place and descended with majestic sweep into her proper element. The length of her keel is 150 feet; her deck 170 feet. Her proportions strike the eye very agreeably; and good judges have pronounced this to be the best piece of naval architecture of its kind yet produced in America. It reflects honor upon Messrs. Tiebout & Chapman, from New York, the contractors, and their workmen, and also upon the proprietors, the greater part of whom are among the most respectable merchants and other inhabitants of the County of Frontenac, from which the name is derived. The machinery for this valuable boat was imported from England, and is said to be of an excellent structure. The FRONTENAC is designed for both freight and passengers. It is expected she will be furnished and ready for use in a few weeks. Steam navigation having succeeded to admiration on various rivers, the application of it to the waters of the lakes is an interesting experiment. Every friend to marine improvements must wish it all success which is due to a spirit of useful enterprise.

A Steam-boat was lately launched at Sacket's Harbor. The opposite sides of this fake, which not long ago vied with each other, in the building of ships of war, seem now to be equally emulous in commercial superiority.

September 21.

Sir Robert Hall and Capt. Lockier, of the Royal Navy, arrived in town on Monday last, they were saluted by the King's shipping at the navy yard.

On Monday last, the new Steam-boat FRONTENAC arrived in this harbor from Ernest Town. She now lays at the King’s new wharf (formerly J. Forsyth's, esq. ) waiting for her machinery.