Madeira Pet (Schooner), 26 Aug 1857

The MADEIRA PET. -- The Chicago papers state that the British schooner MADERIA PET, Capt. Craig, was to set sail from that port on Monday or Tuesday, for Liverpool. She takes from that port 3,000 salted hides, and a quantity of calf skins. She fills up with staves at the dock of the Detroit and Milwaukee Railway Co., in this city, the staves being the same kind and quality as those taken by the KERSHAW. They are sold to the agents of the vessel by Messrs. Fowler & Merrick, of this city. Since the arrival of the PET at Chicago, four of her crew have deserted, but their places have been rapidly supplied by other seamen. The Chicago Press is informed that on the return cargo of the PET, there will be realized a profit of between four and five thousand dollars -- perhaps more. This for such a small vessel, and in a season like the present, is a fair profit, and demestrates what can be done in direct trade with Europe. -- Detroit Adv.
      Buffalo Daily Republic
      August 6, 1857


      The schooner MADERIA PET, of Chicago, arrived in Kingston harbor on the 26th. from Liverpool. The News has much pleasure in adverting to the PET's trip, because the enterprize in which she is engaged is one naturally following the wake of the movement originated in Kingston. Some twelve or thirteen years ago the brigantine LILLA left Kingston for the ocean trade; much later the barques CHEROKEE and ARABIA. These vessels were built there, their tonnage ranging from 300 to 350 (double that of the MADERIA PET,) and capable of passing through the Welland Canal. The ARABIA in her return from Liverpool, proceeded to Chicago, and hers was the first ocean keel to divide the waters of that fair western harbor, and prove the practicability of a direct trade between the transatlantic and lake ports.
      Toronto Leader
      Saturday, August 29, 1857

      . . . . .
     
      LAKE TRADE WITH EUROPE.
The failure which attended the attempt of the "MADERIA PET" and the "J. KERSHAW," to open up a profitable trade between our upper lakes and Liverpool, has not deterred others from making another trial. At this moment the ALLIANCE is loading at Toronto with a cargo for Halifax direct. She takes out wheat, and is to bring back a cargo of flour. She is about 250 tons register.
      Another vessel, the INDIAN QUEEN, is getting ready for a voyage to Liverpool, with the design of being sold there. She was built last spring at Collingwood, and is about 420 tons register.
It is also expected that four or five vessels will leave Chicago this spring for Liverpool. It is said that Messrs. Martin & Son, of Belvedere, are forwarding 800 barrels of flour for this route.
      Buffalo Republic & Times
      Thursday, April 15, 1858