Kingston Chronicle (Kingston, ON), May 14, 1831

p.2 The Great Britain Steam Vessel - On Monday last the curiosity and admiration of the inhabitants of Kingston were, to a considerable degrees (sic), excited, by the appearance at the King's wharf, of this gigantic specimen of the powers of steam; and not withstanding an incessant fall of snow and rain, crowds were attracted to behold the most magnificent specimen of Canadian enterprise that has as yet been established for the public benefit. Any attempt at a description of her enginery, accommodation, style of building and embellishments, would be far above the standard of our editorial pen, as she must be visited in order to obtain a correct impression of the wealth and genius which are so profusely and judiciously expended in her construction. Her length is about 160 feet; her measurement 700 tons; her beam 60 feet, and the hold 12 feet.-- Her decks, which are covered in, together with the hold, may be said to be capable of containing 3000 barrels. She is propelled by two engines, of 75 horse power, and is manned by 32 seamen. No expense seems to have been spared in the Gentlemen and Ladies' accommodation. The State Cabins and others are fitted up with great attention to the comfort of passengers; and the half-price cabin contains every requisite to contribute to the convenience of the humble traveller. Most cordially do we congratulate the public upon this auxiliary to the industry of our Province, and as cordially do we hope that she may long be a source of wealth and independence to the highly respected and enterprising individual who has embarked so immense a capital in the public cause.

She conveyed to this garrison the head quarter division of the 66th regiment, under the command of Major Baird; and on Tuesday morning started for York with the head quarter division of the 79th, under the command of Major Barwick.