Oriental (Propeller), 17 Apr 1854

We are informed that the steamer WESTERN WORLD, of the Michigan Central Line will be launched tomorrow morning, at Messrs. Jones' yard. W.D. Walbridge's propeller, will also be launched from Messrs. Bidwell & Banta's during the forenoon tomorrow.
      Buffalo Daily Republic
      Friday, April 14, 1854



Owing to the low stage of water in the Creek, neither the steamer WESTERN WORLD or the propeller ORIENTAL were launched this morning.
      Buffalo Daily Republic
      Saturday, April 15, 1854



      LAUNCH. -- The propeller ORIENTAL, building by Messrs. Bidwell & Banta, for W.D. Walbridge, was launched this morning at 9 o'clock. The ORIENTAL is 230 feet long, and draws on an average 4 feet 6 inches on an even keel. She is 1,000 tons burthen, the largest on the lakes. We understand that Messrs. Bidwell & Banta will commence building another propeller of the same dimensions for J.L. Hurd & Co., of Detroit, which will be out during August or September.
      Buffalo Daily Republic
      Monday, April 17, 1854


The propeller ORIENTAL, the largest on the Lakes, was launched yesterday morning from the yard of Bidwell & Banta. Her demensions, and a full description of her, we have given heretofore. She is a noble specimen of Buffalo Work, and should bring a rich reward to her owners, Messrs. W.D. Walbridge, C. Hutchcock and Captain Squires.
      Buffalo Daily Courier
      April 18, 1854


The propeller ORIENTAL was launched at Buffalo on Monday morning. She is 221 feet deck; 234 feet overall; 34 feet 3 inches beam; 13 feet hold; will measure about 950 tons, and is the largest propeller afloat on the lakes. She will probably be ready for sea about the 1st. of May.
      Cleveland Morning Leader
      Wednesday, April 19, 1854



NEW PROPELLER.---Messr. Walbridge & Hitchcock's new and splendid propeller, the ORIENTAL, Capt. H. Squier, was to have made her first trip last evening, but the storm prevented. She is a noble craft of 950 tons, built in Bidwell & Banta's best style, and furnished with "motive power" from Shepard's Engine Works. She is to run in the Buffalo and Chicago trade, and leaves on her first trip on Monday next. Success to her and her worthy commander.
      The Democracy, Buffalo
      Thursday, May 18, 1854

      . . . . .

THE ORIENTAL. -- This splendid propeller, built this spring at Buffalo, Capt. H. Squier, reached her dock in the river yesterday morning. She started from Buffalo with 700 tons of merchandise on board, 220 tons of which is for this city. The ORIENTAL lay near the EDITH in the river, and larger as the latter is, the ORIENTAL seemed a full deck above her, being 950 tons register. From some imperfection in her wheel, the ORIENTAL has not made as good time as might be, but with her powerful engine and splendid mould, she must be a clipper when all is in good trim. She lay at anchor on good holding ground off Twin Rivers, during the gale. -- Milwaukee Sent.
      Buffalo Daily Republic
      Tuesday, June 13, 1854



The Detroit Tribune says the new fashioned wheel of the propeller ORIENTAL, which lay in that port week before last, doesn't work at all, and is pronounced a failure. It is made of iron, 20 feet in diameter, and similar to those used in steamboats, except that its buckets are differently arranged. She will probably have a new one put in on her return to this city. She was loading at Detroit with 40,000 bushels of oats.
      The Democracy, Buffalo
      Saturday, June 17, 1854
     

Steam screw ORIENTAL. Of 950 tons. Built Buffalo, N.Y., 1854. First home port, Buffalo, N.Y. NOTATIONS:- Lost Oct. 1859 by stranding [details unknown]
      Merchant Steam Vessels of the U. S. A,
      1790 to 1868. The Lytle-Holdcamper List