Chicago Democrat (Chicago, IL), 12 October 1836

Further particulars of the late gale. The Michigan City Gazette says:

"The Schooner Sea Serpent parted her cable, and ran ashore where she now lies high and almost dry on the sand. She grounded about half-past nine o'clock, P.M. and, owing to the severity of the sea breaking over her, sprung a leak about half-past three in the morning. It is feared that a great part of her cargo, all of which was for this port, is considerably damaged. She can be got off, but it will be with much labor.

We learn also that the Clarissa Harlowe was driven ashore below New Buffalo. She was also laden with merchandise for Michigan City. The Van Buren which sailed hence on Saturday last, also sustained considerable damage, but after losing most of her rigging, she came to an anchor, and rode out the gale.

On Monday afternoon the gale was renewed with increased and awful violence. Many of the inhabitants who have been for several years on the Lake, declare that they never witnessed its parallel. About four o'clock the schooner Chicago, which had gallantly rode out the former gale, at anchor, parted her cables, and was driven ashore with immense velocity. Though lying off at a considerable, and what is generally considered a safe distance beyond the bar, she was almost in shore before the hands could hoist the jib to ease her in. She now lies on the beach below the mouth of the river and, if the gale continues, must sustain considerable injury.

We fear that many more disasters will have to be recorded, for it blew a hurricane for some hours."

We learn that the boat Chicago, and the brig North Carolina are both ashore between Michigan City and St. Josephs. We are also informed that the gale was severe on Lake Huron, that several vessels and their cargoes were greatly damaged on that lake.

The above disasters occurred for the want of harbors on Lake Michigan. There is not one at present into which vessels can enter and be safe.