Montreal Gazette (Montreal, QC), Sept. 6, 1832

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LAKE ONTARIO STEAMBOATS.

We have often devoted a portion of our columns to notices of the different magnificent steamers that ply on the Canadian waters; and this spring, in particular, we went into some length, in different numbers, in conveying information to the travelling community of the accommodations prepared for them. Our paragraph, at that time, about the Lake Ontario boats, was somewhat incomplete in relation to the Alciope, then receiving her new high pressure engines on board, and the American steamboat, the United States, at that time in the progress of building at Ogdensburgh. Since these boats have lately made their appearance on the Lake, we have it in our power to furnish some details from the Upper Canada papers, and we accordingly transfer to our columns a communication from Niagara, on the subject of the first mentioned steamer, which appears in the York Courier, as well as paragraphs in reference to both these boats from the Kingston Chronicle. "The inhabitants of Niagara, having had a general invitation to take a trip to York, in the United Kingdom, on Wednesday last; I availed myself of the opportunity, as well for the purpose of seeing the powers of what may be cal led the new Boat, as for the pleasure of the excursion. Having started from the Government wharf, a little after ten in the morning, this splendid steamer went through the water in fine style, with all her colours flying. The weather was, however, squally, and the wind rather against her progress, and although we were threatened with rain, we had very little; indeed, the deck, without an awning, was found to be extremely pleasant. People from the shore, judging from the blowing of the steam, might have been apt to suppose that we were much inconvenienced by the noise; but it seemed to be the general impression of those on board, that this was more in the appearance than in the reality. This was found to be more particularly so, by those in the cabin, who expressed astonishment at the steadiness of the motion, and the freedom from sound. Many of them declared that they never should have believed themselves on board any other than a sailing vessel; there being nothing of that unpleasant shaking, and deafening clamour, so commonly felt in steamers. Her dimensions are 140 feet long, and 48 feet wide; she is 380 tons burthen, and her engine is a horizontal high pressure, of 210? horse power - whose cylinders are twenty-four inches in diameter, with a six foot stroke - and it is calculated to make twenty-four revolutions of the paddle-wheels in a minute. It looked to be a beautiful piece of machinery, and highly finished. She has no less than eight cylindrical boilers, which must add much to the security of every one on board. There is one funnel or chimney forward, and another aft, for the purpose of allowing the smoke to escape; but strange to say, I saw neither fire nor smoke issuing from them. These funnels are much lower than any I have previously seen; and it appeared that the width compensated for the height, or answered every purpose that would have been answered by a greater elevation, which will be of considerable service when running against the wind. For some time after leaving Niagara, the paddle wheels only made fourteen to fifteen revolutions per minute, which, however, increased ultimately to twenty. This was occasioned by the leakage of the boilers, a thing very common, I believe, when they are new. So that during the whole passage, she never had the full power of the steam. But, notwithstanding this disadvantage, she crossed from Niagara to York in three and a half hours. Like most of the steamers of this country, she steers forward, and with great ease. The cabins are all well fitted up, and are extremely airy, pleasant, and comfortable. The dining cabin is large enough to dine one hundred people. I cannot close this letter without remarking upon the very handsome and gentlemanlike conduct of the owner who was on board, and the Captain and Officers during the trip. An excellent dinner was provided for the company, after which, "Success to the United Kingdom " was drank, with all the honors that belong to the name, the vessel and the enterprise of those, who have been principally concerned in despatching to her native element, the most powerful steamer of the lake."

United Kingdom Steamboat - This fine vessel, better known to us, when our late estimable and scientific friend, Captain M'Kenzie, commanded her, under the name of the Alciope, arrived here from York on Sunday last, making her trip, under all the disadvantages of untried and unsuppled enginery, in the short space of 18 hours. She is so universally altered, as to defy, in the salic language of the Herald, "recognition." The gentlemen's cabin is neatly arranged with commodious boxed-in berths, and measures 45 feet in length; the ladies' cabin, which is below, furnishes every comfort. She is propelled by two horizontal high pressure engines of 120 horse power each, and promises to fly through the water with miraculous velocity. She reflects high credit upon Robert Hamilton, Esq., her enterprising owner; and commanded by Captain Herchmer, we have no doubt of her receiving her portion of public patronage. We understand she will leave Kingston for York, etc. every Tuesday. [Kingston Chronicle]

United States Steamer - The unexpected arrival yesterday morning of the American steamboat, United States, Captain Elias Trowbridge, master, attracted an immense crowd to the wharf, to witness the most beautiful vessel that has ever yet entered our port. She rates about 380 tons burden, propelled by two low pressure engines, each of 60 horse power, with her boilers on deck. Her length is 145 feet, with a promenade from stem to stern. The ladies' cabin is elegantly fitted up with state rooms, and, as well as the dining room, is furnished with very superior taste. She has cold and hot baths, and two excellent bathing rooms - luxuries rarely to be found out of Europe. She will henceforth become a regular trader from Ogdensburgh to Niagara, running from Kingston by Sacket's Harbour, Oswego, Gennessee River, to Youngstown. Her speed averages about ten miles an hour. We have no doubt that the proprietors will be rewarded with the patronage they so justly merit. [ibid]