Navigating the Lower Saint Lawrence in the 19th Century.

Quebec Gazette #5336 07/11/1838 Page 2, Col. 3C.

	The following is an extract from a letter received by a gentleman in town, relating to the wreck of the bark Colborne, reported in a former number of the Gazette. Port Daniel, (Bay of Chaleur), October 17th, 1838. "Sir: I take it upon me to write to you, informing you of a dreadful accident that took place on our coast. The bark Colborne, from London, Captain Kent, bound for Quebec or Montreal, on Thursday the 16th instant, about 1 o'clock A.M. between Point Macrow and l'Anse au Gascon, or 7 miles below Port Daniel, struck, and instantly heeled out, the sea being so heavy that it washed over her, sweeping off all hands but 12 out of 54 persons, including crew and passengers; three of whom stuck to the rigging, althgough the ship was on her beam ends, and were taken off about 7 o'clock A.M.; the others who got to the rigging, being so exhausted that they dropped off before assistance could be obtained, the vessel having drifted two leagues from the land, and the wind by this time blowing a gale from the northwest. The captain and first mate were among the persons lost. Those saved were the second mate, (the only surviving officer), with 8 of the crew and 3 passengers; 12 in number. The second mate reached Port Daniel, about 12 o'clock, where he gave notice of the calamity. William Carter, Esquire, J.P. instantly manned two schooners and put off for the wreck. The Colborne had a general cargo onboard, consisting of spirits, palm oil, tallow, with many other valuable articles, and £7,000 in specie. This vessel was built at Montreal and launched about 4 months ago; took a cargo of timber to England, and is now 7 weeks out from London. "Since writing the above I heard that the schooners have the wreck in tow. "18th. No further particulars have reached this place; none of the bodies have yet been found. The mate thinks the money was for Government."

Posted Nov. 1, 1998.

Updated November 7, 2002.