Queen (Steamboat), sunk by collision, 28 May 1843

It is our painful duty to record one of the most melancholy accidents that have occurred on the waters of the St. Lawrence for many years. About 4:00 yesterday morning, the stms. LORD SYDENHAM and QUEEN came in collision in Lake St. Peter, and with so much force that we regret to say, they both sank, the latter in such a depth of water as to cause the loss of several lives. The weather was so extremely foggy, that as far as we can learn, that no blame can be attached to either party. It is impossible for us to give all the particulars of this melancholy affair, but we have heard one or two circumstances, that ought, for the sake of those interested, to be mentioned. A servant girl in the employ of Henry Pembertson, of Quebec, saved 2 of that gentleman's children, by placing them on her shoulders, and keeping them in that position for 2 hours, when an opening was made through the upper deck, and they were thus saved from drowning.
Several other ladies were also in the water for nearly 2 hours, among the number were Mrs. Deval and Mrs. Chisholm, of Three Rivers. The baggage has, more or less, been injured; and the arrival here of many of the passengers, scarcely clothed, has given us the best idea of the loss incurred. Montreal Times.
      Buffalo Daily Courier
      May 29. 1843


THE LATE STEAMBOAT ACCIDENT. -- A strong suspicion exists that several lives were lost by the sinking of the steamer QUEEN in the river St, Lawrence. But this cannot be ascertained until the vessel is raised, and this will probably be a work of some time, as she lays 20 feet under water.
Some of the passengers on board the QUEEN had a most providential escape from death. One lady was for half an hour with the water within a few inches of her mouth expecting every moment to be suffocated. Another female, a servant girl in the employ of Henry Pemberton Esq., of Quebec, saved two of her masters children by placing them on her shoulders, and keeping them in that position for two hours, when an opening was made through the upper deck. In several other instances parties owed their lives to chances which seemed miraculous.
Mr. Livingston U. S. Consul at Halifax was on the QUEEN on his way home, and of course like all the rest saved none of his baggage. -- Alb. Daily Adv.
      Buffalo Daily Gazette
      May 30, 1843
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The Montreal Courier mentions a piece of heartless and cold-blooded conduct which took place during the disaster to the two steamboats which came in collision and sunk in the St. Lawrence a few days since. One of the boats, the OUEEN, had with her, besides her own boats, 2 boats belonging to a raftsmen returning home. As soon as the steamers struck, 4 raftsmen took possession of a boat which was capable of carrying 40 or 50 individuals, and pushed off with it for shore. They were repeatedly hailed by those on board the steamer, and earnestly begged to come back to their assistance, but the selfish wretches were deaf to their prayers, and left them to their fate
      Buffalo Daily Courier & Economist
      June 5, 1843



      On raising the steamer QUEEN, which was sunk in the St. Lawrence a few days since, in consequence of a collision with the steamer LORD SYDENHAM, the body of a sailor, and that of a waiter, were found. A boy was known to have been drowned at the time of the collision.
      Buffalo Daily Gazette
      Tuesday, June 13, 1843