Kingston Chronicle (Kingston, ON), Nov. 5, 1831

p.2 Commodore Barrie and family returned here on Saturday last, after an absence of several months, during which period we understand the Commodore was employed in visiting the naval establishments on the upper lakes.

A large concourse of people assembled at Gananoque on Saturday last to witness the launch of the splendid steam-boat Wm. IV which was built there this summer. From Kingston, Brockville, Prescott and Ogdensburgh the principal parties were composed, attracted there by the novelty of the sight and the extraordinary favourableness of the weather. At the appointed hour the boat glided in magnificent style into her natural element, amidst the enthusiastic acclamations of the multitude.

Her dimensions run thus:

Length of Deck 135 feet

Breadth of Beam 25'

Depth of Hold 10'

Supposed draft of water when loaded 5 1/2'

She is to be propelled by an engine of 100 horse power. Should this spirit of steam-boat building be conducted with the same energy that has prevailed on these lakes for the last few years, the appearance of a sail vessel is likely to be as rare as the former craft were 10 years ago.