Sir James Kempt (Steamboat), 13 Apr 1837

      Lake Ontario Steam Boats - Judging by the accounts given in the Kingston, Oswego and Rocherster papers we may reasonably anticipate an early resumption, by the numerous steamers, of their trips on Lake Ontario. In Kingston harbour, though the ice at the last accounts still
maintained its station, it was disolving so rapidly that the first strong wind would, in all probability, send it adrift. At Oswego, the ice in the harbour took its departure on the 17th ult.
      The Hon. John Hamilton, in addition to the GREAT BRITAIN and TRAVELLER, built expressly for him, has now under charter, the COMMODORE BARRIE, BRITANNIA and HAMILTON.
      The GREAT BRITAIN, under her experienced and popular commander, Captain Whitney, and the TRAVELLER, Captain Sutherland, will continue on the same routes as last year. This will be the case likewise with the COMMODORE BARRIE and the BRITANNIA, with a change of captains, the former being under the charge of Captain Herchmer, well known and esteemed as a navigator on Lake Ontario, and the latter by Captain Coleough, who was much liked last year, when in command of the Cobourg. The route on which the Hamilton is to run, is, we believe, not yet determined.
      The Cobourg will be commanded this season by Captain Harper, of the Royal Navy, and late of the St. George. The latter will be under the charge of her former perser, and the William IV, as before, will have Captain Hilliard as her master. The three boats will have the same agent at Prescott, and run in conjunction with one another during the season.
      The SIR JAMES KEMPT and BROCKVILLE, Captain Calder, will continue to ply from Prescott to the ports in the Bay of Quinte. The Kingston has passed into new hands and we are not aware whether her proprietors intend to emply her on her former route or not.
      The TRANSIT, with that thorough sailor, Captain Richardson, her owner, as commander, will resume her former route between Toronto and Niagara.
      We have not heard as yet of the assignments of the other lake boats, but as soon as they reach us, we shall lose no time in giving them publcity.
      St. Catharines Journal
      April 13, 1837