Corsican (Steamboat), 1 Oct 1870

The Steamer Corsican - This new steamer, which has been built for the Canadian Inland Navigation Company was launched yesterday at Cantin's dockyard at one o'clock. The launch was a most successful one. The moment the neighbouring whistles sounded the hour of one, a score of sledge hammers were raised, and wedges, blocks and stays were sent flying in all directions. The steamer rested upon skids parallel with the dock into which she was destined shortly to glide. She had therefore to be launched sideways, which seemed to the uninitiated rather a peculiar way of doing it, and one attended with some danger. By the time one o'clock had arrived, a considerable number of people had collected in the yard, watching with the greatest interest the disappearance of wedge after wedge, which shoved her upon the water-side. After about ten minutes' hammering the blocks were all removed, and then commenced the work of starting her. About two minutes sufficed for this work, and, once started, she glided down the skids without any further assistance, and rushed into the water with a sound like a small cataract, driving a wave up over the opposite bank which nearly overwhelmed a crowd of small boys who were gathered there to witness the event. The water having gained its equanimity and level, the Corsican was found to be floating with the ease and grace of a swan, drawing 5 feet 5 inches of water aft, and 4 feet 3 inches forward. The keel of the Corsican was laid in April last. She is built of composite, with heavy wooden plank bottom and iron top and sides of great strength. Her dimensions are 180 feet over all; 27 feet beam; and 11 1/2 feet depth of hold. Her iron work was done by Mr. A.A. Gilbert of this city; and the ship carpenters' work by Mr. Cantin; the whole being under the superintendence of Captain Howard. The Corsican has very large cabin and freight accommodation, indeed the largest of any of the line. Her engine and boiler were made by Gilbert. Her engine is known as an horizontal engine, on iron frame, with 44 inch cylinder and 10 feet stroke. Her whole draft is seven feet. Her fitting and style throughout are the same as the Spartan. She will make her trial trip to Hamilton next week. The new system of planking the bottom is found to be a great improvement, making it much safer in running the rapids. We understand that the Company intend planking all the boats of their line in the same way. [Montreal News]
      Daily News , (Kingston )
      October 19, 1870
Contributed by Rick Neilson