Western Herald (Sandwich, ON), Wednesday, June 30, 1841

To The Editor of the Western Herald. --- Chatham, June 19th 1841.

Sir: -- This being the day appointed, for the launching of the new steamer, built during the present summer, at the Ship Yard of D. McGregor, Esq., by our enterprising fellow townsman, Mr. H. S. Larned, a large concourse of spectators, some of them from a considerable distance, assembled at an early hour to witness the exhilarating spectacle. The merry shouts and the happy faces, bespoke the true feelings of our proud Kentish yeomanry -- proud alike to defend themselves and their rights from invasion, or to see their loyal county acquiring a name with, and above, her sister counties for her independence and perseverance.

At three o'clock, the hour previously appointed, that fine specimen of nautical architecture, that new monument of our town's pride, the steamer "KENT," moved gallantly from the stocks, amid the most deafening cheers, and in one short moment was careering in all her majesty, in her destined element. Although accustomed to scenes of this description, never did I before behold so much anxiety, or witness so much real pleasure, as was manifested by the good people of Chatham, on this occasion. The old, the young, the rich, the poor, and beauty with her fascinating and alluring charms, all, all were there.

Chatham though now only about eight years in existence, has produced what no other town of the same size in the Province can boast, five steamers -- and about the same number of schooners, some of them of the largest class, and ornaments in our waters. Such evidences as these of the enterprise of the inhabitants of Chatham deserve the admiration of their neighbours; and I speak in language no to be misunderstood, that, under the fostering care of a liberal and patronizing government, they would in a very few years, not only rival, but even outstrip our vaunting Brother Jonathan, in gilded show and sparkling wealth. --- A Friend To Improvement