1837 Season
Dec 8 Two Ship-wrights, named Thomas Sims and John Stevens, in attempting to cross Mill River, New London, nearly opposite Mr. Morris’s ship yard, on the 8th of December (1836), fell through the ice and were drowned, within 30 feet of the shore. A girl who witnessed the disaster, succeeded in placing a pole within reach of one of them, but he was too much exhausted to lay hold of it. (RG.C 3 Jan 1837 p3 c2)
Dec 20 With the exception of a small space about mid channel, the harbour this morning was frozen over, although but slightly. The harbour is now clear of all descriptions of vessels, with the exception of a few schooners and other small craft which are laid up for the winter. The Miramichi Gleaner states, that the last square rigged vessel took its departure from thence on the 24th of November and on the 4 of December, the river was frozen over sufficiently strong for foot passengers to cross on the ice. (RG.C 20 Dec p3 c2)
Dec 27 On Friday, we believe, the first successful attempt was made to cross the ice opposite Charlottetown Wharf; several persons have crossed since, but owing to the mildness of the weather, and the late heavy rains, this must be attended with considerable danger. (RG.C 27 Dec p3 c2 & 3)
Mar Halifax, “The weather during the past week has been very cold, and ice on our harbour has become so strong that for the last three days, the Steamer has had great difficulty in crossing. It is this morning, with a south east wind which we hope will break it up.” (NS 09/03/1837 p74 #2)
May “The brig “Horatio” from N. York for Quebec put into the Gut of Canso, about 23d May, to repair damage from the ice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.” (NS 14/06/1837 p190 #3)
May The following was left at the Exchange this afternoon: “Captain Power of the “Nelson Village” just arrived, spoke the ship “Isabella” from Cork, out 38 days, on Saturday night last, at the west end of Anticosti, with 400 passengers, she had suffered some injury from the ice. The pilot of the “Isabella” stated that a ship was on shore at Anticosti.” (QG #5110 19/05/1837 P3 C2c)
May 16 From Quebec: “Chieftain” encountered a large quantity of floating ice in the Gulf. (LL).