Mollie (Scow), struck pier, 1 Oct 1873

      The scow MOLLIE from Port Huron to Buffalo, laden with lumber struck the unfinished sunken pier at Fairport, Saturday night, and swung round in the bite between ????? and the new pier. It is thought the hull ????? ?????, but otherwise she is nearly a ???? and some cargo will be saved. We learn that there was an isnurance on the cargo but none on the vessel. It is impossible at this time to estimate the loss.

      The loss of the scow MOLLIE, which struck the pier at Fairport on Saturday night last, will fall heavily upon the owners of the scow, which their all was invested. From what we learn we cannot but feel that their loss must be attributed to the neglect, indifference, or red tapeism of government officials. In another column we publish the caution to mariners against this very sunken crib, showing that the officials having this work in charge knew it was dangerous, yet made no provisions against the situation otherwise than the issuing of the notice, which vessel captains may or may not happen to see. Said notice says that the government does not provide any means or light to warn vessels of their danger at night. This is very likely so, for it is not probable that the government intended to become a wrecker or run out sunk piers to endanger the property and lives of mariners.
      Painesville Times
      October 16, 1873 3-3