John Wesley (Schooner), narrow escape, 1 Mar 1861

NARROW ESCAPE. -- Marine disasters have already begun. Last week, as will be remembered, a schooner was wrecked above Milwaukee, and went to pieces, and on Saturday night another mishap occurred near the mouth of Genesee River, on Lake Ontario. The British schooner JOHN WESLEY, of Port Hope, Capt. Alward, cleared from the harbor about six o'clock Saturday evening for Port Hope. The wind was blowing strong at the time, and when the aptain got outside he found the gale increasing, the wing hauling to the north, and the sea very heavy. He put about at once, but in coming in, could not hold the ship up to the wind, and she came very near going on the East Pier. Fortunately, the anchor was let go in time to save the vessel, but she was in peril every moment. The sea was running high and breaking over the vessel, and the crew was powerless. A signal of distress was made, and the sailors and citizens of Charlotte went to the rescue. One of the government life-boats was launched, by the means of which a line was got to the WESLEY, and after three hours labor the craft was got into smooth water and secured from danger. It was midnight, however, before the object was effected.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      March 26, 1861