Albert J. Wright (Steam yacht), 16 May 1881

Saturday afternoon the handsome new propeller built to the order of Mr. L.B. Fortier, to run on Niagara River with excursion parties, taking the place of the ARUNDELL, sold during the winter by Mr. Bell to parties at Bay City, was launched. The fact that the launch would take place during the afternoon having been announced through the papers, there was a large number of spectators, including Mr. Albert J. Wright, after whom the vessel
is named. Mr. L.B. Fortier and party, Capt. George R. Hand, Thomas Maytham, D. Coles of Alpena, Mr. George Standrock, and several other well-known tug and vessel men. The launch was set for between 4:00 and 5:00, and at 4:35, everything being in readiness, Mr. John Humble, maste builder for Messrs. Mills & Co., the builders, gave the word, the last block was knocked out, and the WRIGHT glided gracefully down the ways, and notwithstanding that she had a drop of about 3 1/2 ft. from the ways to the water in the dock, she made it easily, both ends touching the water at the same moment, and she settled majestically while a big wave swept over the sides of the dock and some distance over the yard, causing those in the immediate vicinity to step back somewhat hastily in order to escape wetting. She is a handsome model with a particularly fine run, although her entrance appears a little full. Her bottom is slightly concave, the keel having a gentle rise towards the bow, which gives additional strength and stiffness to the hull. She has considerable rise to her floors, with a long easy bilge connecting with a good topside, which ought to render her stiff and speedy. She has white oak fames well seasoned and edge-bolted throughout, 5 inch flitch spaced 18 inches from center to center, and is of the following dimensions: Length over all, 127 ft.; breadth of beam 22 ft.; depth of hold 9 ft.; tonnage, about 275 tons. Her engine, a low pressure one formerly in the stm. ONTARIO on Seneca Lake, has a 24 inch cylinder with 26 inch stroke, to which steam will be supplied by an Otis steel boiler 14 ft. long, with 8 ft. 6 inch shell, furnished with return flues. She will be double decked, with accommodations forfrom 700 to 800 excursionist, and between decks aft will be a handsomely fitted cabin for the accommodation of lady passengers. She will be commanded by Capt. James Doyle, well known in marine circles here as an experienced navigator and popular vessel master. He will doubtless soon make the WRIGHT a favorite with excursionists.
      Buffalo Morning Express
      May 16, 1881 4-6