Lexington (Shipwreck), sunk, 24 Sep 1853

Just as we go to press, we regret to learn of the total wreck of Bishop's Derrick, which happened about daylight this morning. Mr. Bishop started with the Derrick at 3 o'clock A.M. yesterday from Grand River, towed by the steamer EMPIRE, for the wreck of the ERIE. After being anchored there a few hours, the gale now prevailing commenced, and the sea ran so high that the anchor could not be raised in time to get the Derrick off. She lay over the wreck till about 4 o'clock this morning, when the trusses broke across the LEXINGTON, one of the boats attached to the Derrick to balance it. The Derrick fell across the LEXINGTON, and yhey soon went down together.
The wreck lies about half a mile from the wreck of the ERIE. One horse went down in the Derrick and five men who were at work on her, clung to a small boat and were picked up by the steamer EMPIRE. We are indebted for these particulars to Mr. Green, the Diver, who was with the Derrick at the time of the accident. Loss about $30,000.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      September 24, 1853

      . . . . .

The steamer EMPIRE, Capt. Mead, left this port some days since and proceeded to Grand River, where she took in tow the Derrick and brought if over to the wreck of the steamer ERIE off Silver Creek. Mr. Bishop and his assistants had previously placed chains under the ERIE, and everything was in readiness to raise the wreck. Yesterday a severe gale sprung up, blowing down the lake with great violence all day, and fears were entertained for the safety of the Derrick. During the night the gale increased and a portion of the Derrick fastened to the LEXINGTON gave way, and the hull filled and sunk, drawing the Derrick and the hull of the MADISON over with it. Several of the workmen took to a sail boat and arrived here during the night. The steamer EMPIRE, with Mr. Bishop and the remainder of his men, went down to Black Rock about 4 o'clock this morning.
      Buffalo Daily Republic
      Saturday, September 24, 1853