Chronicle & Gazette (Kingston, ON), Oct. 12, 1833

p.2 The increase of trade and population in Prescott, since the year 1815, surpasses any idea that can be entertained by those not actually acquainted with its increasing and promising importance. In looking back to 1815, we find that the largest vessel employed at that period, for the transit of merchandise, between Kingston, Ogdensburgh and Prescott, was one solitary schooner of only 40 tons burthen. In the present year, 1833, we find there are no fewer than 14 steamboats, of different sizes, carrying from 30 to 350 tons; and a fine fleet of 50 schooners, carrying from 40 to 150 tons. These are constantly employed between Prescott and the different ports on Lake Ontario, besides a number from Lake Erie, whose respective tonnages, we could not ascertain. The actual register tonnages of the steam boats and schooners mentioned, amounts altogether to 5647 tons! What an astonishing increase!.....

1400 people now live here..... Since 1825 the forwarding business at Prescott has more than doubled every three years. This year, we are informed from undoubted authority, it will be double that of last year..... [Prescott Herald]

It will be seen by the notice, that the meeting for forming the contemplated Kingston Forwarding Company, was last evening again ajdourned, to Wednesday evening next. We last week gave it as our opinion that this new Company would not go into operation; that it was in fact quietly consigned to the "tomb of all the Capulets." We rejoice to say that we were in error in saying so; and we further rejoice that there are still some hopes that the Company may yet be carried into effect. We should not have ventured the opinion we did in our last, had not several gentlemen assured us, who were most active in their exertions in getting up the Company, that "it was all over." This disheartening information occasioned us to forget for the time, "that while there's life, there's hope," and we forthwith chanted the requiem of the Forwarding Company. Now, however, we trust the enterprize of our inhabitants will be again awakened, and that like a giant, refreshed by sleep, they will exert themselves with increased energy. We are willing to contribute every thing in our power to forward the Company, the success of which we never for a moment wished to retard.

p.3 Another to the long catalogue of steam-boat accidents has been added this week. That fine vessel, the Britannia, having sprung a leak, was prepared to be hauled up on ways, at the slip near McDonell's wharf, that she might be repaired. By some unfortunate error, however, the leak gained so fast upon her that she sunk, and she is now lying upon the bottom, nearly under water, whereby great injury must be done to her beautiful works. It is hoped that she may soon be raised, but we fear that she will be of no more use this season. The loss to her enterprising owner, particularly at this busy part of the year, must be very great.

The arrival of the St. George from York brings the news that the new and very large Lake Erie steamboat George Washington was lost off Long Point, in the gale of Tuesday the 1st inst. One man drowned.

At an adjourned meeting of the Stockholders of the Kingston Forwarding Company, held at the Court House, on Friday evening, the 11th inst., J.S. Cartwright, Esq. in the Chair - it was:

Resolved - That the room of meeting being occupied by the sitting of the Grand Jury, this meeting be now adjourned until Wednesday next, at 6 o'clock in the evening. Carried.

J.S. Cartwright, Chairman.

Public Notice - The adjourned meeting of the Stockholders of the contemplated Kingston Forwarding Company will take place on Wednesday Evening next, the 16th Oct. inst. A general attendance is requested. Kingston, Oct. 12th, 1833.