Kingston Gazette, Sept. 14, 1816

p.3

A NEW STEAM BOAT ON LAKE ONTARIO

On Saturday the 7th of September, the Steam Boat Frontenac was launched at the village of Ernest Town. A numerous concourse of people assembled on the occasion. But in consequence of some accidental delay, and the appearance of an approaching shower, a part of the spectators withdrew before the launch actually took place. The Boat moved slowly from her place, and descended with majestic sweep into her proper element. The length of her keel is 150 feet; her Deck, 170 feet. Her proportions strike the eye very agreeably; and good judges have pronounced this to be the best piece of naval architecture of the kind yet produced in America. It reflects honor upon Messrs. Tiebout & Chapman, the contractors, and their workmen, and also upon the proprietors, the greatest part of whom are among the most respectable merchants and other inhabitants of the County of Frontenac, from which the name is derived. The machinery for this valuable boat was imported from England, and is said to be of an excellent structure. The Frontenac is designed for both freight and passengers. It is expected she will be finished and ready for use in a few weeks. Steam navigation having succeeded to admiration on various rivers, the application of it to the waters of the lakes is an interesting experiment. Every friend to public improvements must wish it all the success, which is due to a spirit of useful enterprise.

A Steam Boat was lately launched at Sacket's Harbor. The opposite sides of this Lake, which not long ago vied with each other in the building of ships of war, seem now to be equally emulous of Commercial superiority.

Melancholy Occurrence - On Saturday last, the   ~~th inst. as the scow was crossing from Adolphustown, at Barker's Ferry, to Sophiasburgh, with eleven persons,... and a span of horses and a waggon on board; in consequence of the scow being leaky, and the wind blowing fresh, she filled about midway of the ferry...and four drown; the horses swam ashore, the waggon sunk but was later found.

Died - son of A. O Petrie, Master of the Schooner Brock of this Port.