Kingston Chronicle, Nov. 3, 1820

p.3

LOSS OF THE SCHOONER ASP

Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Richland (U.S.) to Thomas Racey, Esq. of this town, dated Richland, 16th October, 1820.

"Dear Sir - The schooner Asp, commanded by Capt. Prossey, was wrecked near the mouth of Salmon River at this place, on Thursday morning last. All on board perished except one seaman named James Young, and a lady (a passenger,) about 24 years of age, from whom I learnt the vessel belonged to you. An inquest was held on the bodies found (7 in number) before me, as Coroner of this Country, and by a law of this state, it becomes my duty to take possession of the wreck, which I found in a most deplorable condition. Her masts and spars hung by the rigging around her sides - her deck completely swept of everything - her hull split nearly from stem to stern - the planks off her sides in many places - the cabin completely broke. In fact the vessel is worth no more than her irons. I have saved the greatest part of the rigging, with the anchor and cable. The sails are torn to pieces and of no manner of use. The staves that were in the hold have been got on shore, and secured in a convenient place for re-loading on board of any other vessel; and the principal part of the deck freight has been picked up along shore. - About 20 dollars in money has been found in the Captain's pocket, also his watch - his trunk, which was washed out of the cabin before the vessel went ashore, and almost every thing else. From what I can learn, the vessel, on Wednesday, sprang a leak and nearly filled, then capsized, and lay on her beam ends, until she twisted off her masts, and then righted. During this time a gentleman, his wife, and little girl, were drowned in the cabin, and a young man was washed from the deck soon after she righted. The vessel at this time lay off Long Point, about 20 miles from the Ducks, the sea making a complete breach over her during the night. Five persons perished on deck. The Captain died about day break, and was washed off deck after the vessel struck shore. She drifted on to this shore about 10 A.M. The dead were decently interred. The little girl and young man who were washed from the deck, have not yet been found.

I believe that everything has been done for the benefit of the owners, and the comfort of the survivors."   [Niagara Argus and Spectator]

The Steam Boat Frontenac returned on Tuesday from Niagara, and will be immediately laid up for the season.