Kingston Gazette, Aug. 11, 1818

p.3 Sacket's Harbor, July 28th.

Steam-Boat Sophia

The new Steam Boat Sophia, built by Mr. Roberts, was, on Thursday last at 2 o'clock P.M. safely and elegantly launched from his dock yard, in the presence of a numerous and respectable collection of citizens and others.

The Sophia is intended expressly as a Steam Packet, to ply between this place and Kingston, Upper Canada. It is contemplated that she will be completely ready for operation the latter part of next month. We are further informed, that the machinery is calculated to be of sufficient force to propel her from port to port in 4 hours, (a distance of between 30 to 40 miles) - by which calculation, she will be able, after breakfast to leave this place, dine in Kingston, and return the same day.

Though this establishment may be of a temporary disadvantage to a few individuals, who have vessels that are expressly used as Packets between this and Kingston; yet, we cannot but congratulate the public generally, in the prospect of the great advantage to be derived from this arrangement. Business which the citizens of either place may have to transact with the other, can be performed with the absence of ten or twelve hours; whereas, on former occasions, (through the irregular sailing of packets and head winds,) have been necessarily absent from 3 to 6 days.

This boat has a spacious raised Cabin; - and the accommodations, with her expedition, will no doubt, so contribute to the pleasure and advantage of Gentlemen travelling to and from the Upper Province, as to induce them to take the route of Sacket's Harbor.

On the 6th Sir John Johnson arrived on board str. Charlotte.

On 8th on board steamer Charlotte, arrived His Excellency Sir Peregrine Maitland, Lieutenant Governor of this Province and commander of the Forces, with his lady and suit, on their way to York. His arrival was announced by a salute of 18 guns, fired in front of Market Square.

Sir Peregrine Maitland and suite left in Steam Boat Frontenac for York.