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TELESCOPE Page 35 ALGOMA wreck Courtesy PAUL MICHAELS one leg of their journey to settle in Western Canada. In addition, supplies were also trans- ported, mainly for construction of the railroad. In 1885, after the Riel Rebellion in the West, Cana- dian troops sailed homeward on the CPR boats to Owen Sound after quelling the disturbance. The first year of service was very successful by all indications. If one of the sisters could have been considered jinxed, it would have been Alberta. She had four minor accidents in her first season, plus one of major proportions. The latter occurred three-and-a-half miles off White- fish Point on July 27, 1884. The wooden steamer J. M. Osborne was the victim of a collision with Alberta, and sank on the fog-covered lake. Sources vary, but three or four lives were lost in the mishap. It was not Alberta, however, but Algoma that met an early end. What was to be her last voyage began in routine fashion at Owen Sound on November 5, 1885. Aboard was a cargo of 530 tons of supplies and merchandise, along with eleven passengers. Five of these booked first class accomodations and six travelled steerage. While Algoma was crossing Lake Superior, a storm developed out of the southeast. At first, Algoma hoisted sail and took advantage of the wind. As she approached Isle Royale, all sails but one small one were brought in. Snow and freez- ing rain severely limited visibility, making a determination of position difficult. Perhaps the use of sail and the additional speed they provided may have led to a misjudgement of location. Whatever the cause, while the Master was delib- erating on whether to try and enter the Lakehead or return to the open lake, treacherous Isle Royale loomed closer, although remaining invisible. Just as the decision was made to turn back into the lake, the stern slammed on the submerged rocks of Greenstone Island, crumpling Algoma's rudder. The steamer was now at the mercy of the waves. Algoma was obviously in serious peril. Lake Superior was in a foul mood, and there were dim prospects for reaching shore, which lay only sixty feet away. A boat was launched, but it quickly capsized. Only a few people could hang onto it, and they were carried ashore. Many of those who remained on Algoma were washed overboard. Steam was hastily let down to prevent a boiler explosion. The seacocks were opened to allow the stricken ship to settle on the bottom and perhaps reduce the pounding on the rocks that was shaking her apart. The storm continued to batter the hull, which eventually broke in two just forward of the engine room. The bow half sank. The date of the tragedy was November 7, 1885. Out in Western Canada on that same day, the Canadian Pacific Railway was basking in the satis- faction of a job well done. The struggle on Lake Superior was unknown to the officials who were gathered for the driving of the ceremonial last spike at Craigellachie, British Columbia. The East and West branches of the railway were to join Canada at last in Eagle Pass. It was a glor- ious day for the CPR, but not for souls struggling for survival aboard the Algoma wreck. Although he was injured, Captain Moore dir- ected lifesaving efforts and encouraged the morale of the survivors who huddled on the stern of the stricken ship. Finally, they were able to reach shore the next day. With the aid of local fishermen, they managed to signal the down- bound steamer Athabasca which was looking for