Gale on the Lake

The storm which commenced last night is now raging on Lake Ontario. The wind is from the north east, and blows steadily throwing very heavy seas upon the beach and piers. Vessels which are out are glad to make a harbor of refuge. Four or five schooners and a steam tug got into the mouth of the river last night and this morning and are now lying there in safety.

The wind is favorable for coming in- could hardly be more so – yet a wreck occurred at the mouth of the river this morning. About nine o’clock the Canadian schooner Almira, in attempting to come in went too far to the eastward and struck the East Pier, which is submerged. A hole was stove in the hull, and the vessel soon sank below her decks and was swept by the sea. The crew took to the rigging and there made themselves fast, not knowing at what moment the vessel would go to pieces and send them to a watery grave. Their condition was critical. As soon as they were discovered Captain J. H. Ledyard of the little steamer Flower City set about doing something for the relief of the poor mariners. He procured twelve stout men who volunteered to go with him. They took one of the government life boats from the harbor and launched it into the surf east of the pier, and succeeded in taking the crew of the Almira from the wreck.

The act was performed in a skilful manner, under the direction of Cap’t Ledyard and he and the gallant men who manned the boat are entitled to the gratitude of all human people.

The Almira was from a Canadian port laden with stave bolts. She belonged to C.W. Milford and was under the command of Cap’t Ellis. She is a complete wreck.

It will be born in mind that Cap’t Ledyard was dismissed from his position as one of the captains of the American Line by Superintendent Throop (NOTE: Captain Horatio Nelson Throop of Pultneyville) on the ground that his health was not good enough to remain in his place. He has been in command of a small steamer everyday this season and is able to go out on an expedition like that of this morning, showing that he is yet sound enough for the perilous work of the lakes. It may be doubtful if the health of Cap’t Throop would have permitted him to perform the work accepted by Cap’t Ledyard this morning.