T. H. Orton (Barge), lost deck load & c.,, 9 Oct 1876

      Mr. R.R. Hefford received a dispatch Saturday announcing that the tow of the tug BALIZE, bound from Bay City to Buffalo with lumber, had broken up on Lake Erie Friday night. The barge E.S. CATLIN went ashore 2 1/2 miles this side of Ashtabula, and the T.H. ORTON reached Ashtabula with her deck load, anchors, chain and hawser missing. No news of the rest of the tow, the barges PECK and SPAULDING, had been received here up to noon today.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      October 9, 1876 3-6


      A dispatch from Ashtabula yesterday stated that the tug BALIZE had succeded in getting together the barges ORTON, PECK and SPAULDING, and would leave with them for Buffalo. The CATLIN has not yet been released. The BALIZE had not arrived here at noon today, but is expected some time this afternoon.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      October 10, 1876 3-6


      The CATLIN which is ashore near Ashtabula, is being lightered of her cargo of lumber.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      October 11, 1876 3-4


      The tug BALIZE has been libeled at this port for over $7,000 by J.L. Crosthwaite, owner of the barge CATLIN, and R.R. Hefford, owner of the barge T.H. ORTON. The libelants claim that the tug, which had the barges in tow, was to blame for the accidents to them, the CATLIN going ashore and the ORTON losing her deck load, anchors, chains and tow-line, and being otherwise damaged.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      October 13, 1876 3-5