Michigan (Steamboat), collision, 5 May 1853

United States steamer MICHIGAN in collision with propeller BUFFALO on Lake Huron. Damaged both. Property loss $5,500 (for both vessels)
      Buffalo Express
      January 2, 1854 (casualty list, 1853)

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      At 4:00 on Friday morning, off Point Aux Barques, Lake Huron, the U. S. iron
steamer MICHIGAN and the propeller BUFFALO came in collision. No injury was
done to the steamer, but the propeller had a portion of her stem knocked off,
causing leakage, which continued until her arrival at this port. The injury was not
sufficient, however, to prevent her from leaving almost immediately.
      Detroit Free Press
      May 9, 1853

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      The Chicago Democratic Press of Tuesday says " The U. S. Steamer MICHIGAN,
Commander Bigelow, arrived yesterday morning from the lower lakes. The MICHIGAN
was run into off Point Aux Barques, Lake Huron, by the propeller BUFFALO, bound
down, at 3:00 on the morning of the 5th inst., and sustained considerable injury in her
upper works. She will go upon the drydock today for repairs."
      Detroit Free Press
      May 12, 1853

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      The U.S. Steamer MICHIGAN is now undergoing repairs at this port. It will
be remembered that she was considerably injured by being run into by the
propeller BUFFALO, in Lake Huron, on the 6th inst. Experienced judges say that
no wooden vessel could have borne the shock, but would have gone down in five
minutes. Some of her iron plates have been taken out in the process of
repairing, and a good opportunity is given for seeing her construction and the
exceeding firm way in which she is put together. She appears as impregnable as
the mountain rocks, and though not likely soon to have another test of her
strength equal to the collision with the BUFFALO, yet there is no apparent need
of her shrinking from any concussion. The comparative strength of wood and iron
in ship building, is an important point of thorough investigation. - - - - Chicago
Tribune, Tuesday.
      Detroit Free Press
      June 2, 1853

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