British Whig (Kingston, ON), July 30, 1883

p.2

THE BIGGEST BOAT YET.

Arrival Of The Steam Barge Davidson.

Yesterday morning the steam barge James Davidson arrived at the Kingston and Montreal Forwarding Company's wharf from Milwaukee, having the largest cargo of grain that has yet been delivered here. She carried 60,000 bush. of wheat. Of the cargo 30,000 bushels were consigned to the K. & M.F. Co. the balance to the M.T. Co. The vessel is 235 feet keel, 37 1/2 feet beam, and 18 feet depth of hold. She is double decked and supported by two immense arches. The boat is not as long as the D.C. Whitney, but fuller forward and aft, consequently she can carry more grain. The Davidson was built about nine years ago and is owned by the St. Clair River Navigation Company. She has been engaged in the trade between Chicago and Buffalo and is officered by the following:

Captain - H.G. McQueen, Algonac, Mich.

First Mate - Charles B. Galton, Algonac.

Second Mate - S.A. Lyons, Algonac.

Engineer - Mr. Marson, Buffalo.

Assistant - Mr. McKenney, Buffalo.

The crew numbers 15. Besides the cargo the craft carried fuel for the round trip. She has accommodation for 1,800 tons of coal. On the trip she had the biggest load she ever carried, and drew 15 feet 6 inches of water. At the canal she lightened 27,000 bush. Her freight bill totalled $3,087.50. She left Milwaukee on July 21st.

The Biggest Schooner.

The schr. Angus Smith, from Milwaukee, arrived yesterday at the K. & M. Forwarding Co.'s wharf with 36,600 bushels of wheat. She is the largest schooner that has yet entered the port here. She secured a freight at 4 3/4 cents per bushel, so that the bill amounts to $1,730.50. She carried through the canal 31,000 bushels, being lightened at Port Colborne. She is a three and after, and is captained by L.E. Boyce, of Henderson. The other officers are: First Mate, W. Boyce, Henderson; Second Mate, Hawley Boyce, Bell Rock, Frontenac County. The crew numbers ten. The vessel is 182 feet keel and 82 feet beam. With her present cargo she draws 13 feet of water. The trip from Milwaukee to Kingston was made in 10 and a half days, but there was a succession of light winds. The canal was run through in 24 hours, which time included that occupied in lightening and reloading. The schooner goes to Henderson Harbor to report but where she will load coal has not yet been determined.

MARINE NEWS.

Captain Campbell, formerly of the str. Hastings, is now sailing a steamer out of Chicago.

The tug Perew has cleared for Montreal with six barges carrying 100,000 bush. of grain.

The schrs. Copley, Matthews and Cummings cleared for Cape Vincent this afternoon.

The yacht Laura, with a jolly crew, sail on Wednesday for Belleville. They will remain up the Bay until Saturday.

The wrecking str. Conqueror will probably be off the ways next week. The workmen are rushing the work upon her. Men from Quebec were brought here to help to fit up her boilers, so scarce were the local workmen here.

The schr. Jennie Matthews, Chicago, 23,300 bush. corn; schr. Mary Copley, Chicago, 18,500 bush. wheat; schr. Hartford, Chicago, 23,365 bush. corn; schr. M.J. Cummings, Chicago, 23,200 bush. corn; steam barge J. Davidson, Milwaukee, 65,000 bush. of wheat, have arrived in port.

The death is reported at Oswego of Captain J.M. Griffin, one of the oldest navigators on the lakes. He sailed from youth, was successful and became a vessel owner and finally a large capitalist. Of late years he has lived ashore, looking after and managing his vessels. He was well known to Kingstonians, who regret his demise.

The yacht lay at Swift's wharf while the crew breakfasted at the Burnett House. She is an handsome craft and measures 57 ft. keel, 63 ft. over all, 11 1/2 ft. beam, will carry 51 passengers, has a speed averaging twelve miles an hour, and is propelled by a screw. She will be an important acquisition to the fleet of the Quinte Yacht Club. The Omeita was much admired by those who saw her here.

The str. Hero had six engagements last week and fulfilled them all to the letter. On Saturday afternoon she ran down to the Thousand Island Park, going through the middle channel thus giving the excursionists a delightful change of scenery. The route taken through the channel on the South side of Howe Island till Grindstone and Leak Islands were reached, thence through the innumerable islands in the Middle Channel and Eel Bay. Such a sail was not heretofore given by this steamer. The steamer will make the same trip next Saturday afternoon and many should avail themselves of the trip.

The Marine Dep't of the U.S. has remitted the fine of $142, imposed upon the tug McArthur for a violation of the wrecking laws.

p.3 A Fine Steam Yacht - Omeita purchased at Brockville for Belleville man.

Killed At Fairhaven - fell into hold of barge Black Diamond at Fairhaven.