Kingston Chronicle (Kingston, ON), Oct. 6, 1826

p.3

Steam Boat Queenston, 2nd Oct., 1826.

Sir,

Under an impression, that undeserved censure may be imputed to Capt. Whitney, Sailing Master of the Steam Boat Queenston, for the late inconveniences which attended the said boat in running into and grounding upon the shore of Reed's Bay, on her passage from Niagara to Prescott, we the undersigned, passengers, beg leave to state thro' the medium of your paper, that as far as attention to his duty extended during the passage, and more particularly during the night on which the accident occurred, he is perfectly blameless, as he was on deck the whole of the night. To the extreme darkness which prevailed; together with the circumstance of a wire lantern having been inadvertently placed on the binnacle which influenced the needle of the Compass, we impute the accident.

We shall only further add, that much credit is due to Capt. Whitney and Capt. Whiting for their prompt attention and exertions, in procuring means of safety for the passengers and their baggage - as also for the purpose of lightning (sic) and getting the vessel off.

We are, Sir,

Your Most Obedient Servants,

W. Chisholm,

Geo. Salmds,

Thos. Hughes,

Benj. James,

David Simpson,

Jas. B. Ewart,

Wm. Richardson,

Jno. Ross,

James Hamilton.