Florence (Propeller), burned, 1 Mar 1871

FLORENCE Propeller, burned at Malden at the dock; damage about $5,000: Repaired.
      Marine Disasters of the Western
      Lakes 1871, Capt. J.W. Hall

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The stm. FLORENCE, owned by Jenkins Bros., and which has been for the past 2 or 3 weeks plying on the line between Detroit and Amherstburg, was burned to the waters edge at the dock at the latter place about 11:00 Saturday night.
The fire seemed to have caught in some way from the boiler, and the flames must have burst out with great violence all at once, as, though there was a watchman on board the boat when the fire was discovered it had gained such headway that the crew, who were sleeping on board the boat, had barely time to partially attire themselves and reach the dock. The Amherstburg fire department turned out and worked nobly to prevent the steamer from being completely destroyed, and though her upper works were entirely consumed, the exertion of the department were so effectul as to obeiate the necessity of scuttiling the vessel. The hull is but little damaged, and it is believed that the engine is in good condition.
The vessel was damaged to the extent of about $2,000 which is fully covered by insurance in the Provincial, of Canada. - Detroit Free Press, 7th.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      March 8, 1871 3-5

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On Saturday night about eleven o'clock the little steamer FLORENCE, well known in this vicinity, took fire while at the dock in Amherstburg and was very badly burned before the flames could be extinguished. Estimates of the sum required to repair the damage, range from $2,000 to $5,000. The boat was insured for $6,000 with Provincial of Canada, and the owners will not suffer heavily except for the loss of spring trade, which will be a rather serious item.
      Port Huron Daily Times
      March 10, 1871