1839 Season
Dec 8 A mail was received on Saturday by the sloop “Triumph” from Pictou. She had a fine run across, there being little or no ice in the strait. (RG.C 11 Dec p3 c2)
Dec 8 Arrived here on Saturday, the “Abeona” and on Sunday the “Woodbine” from Halifax. Neither of the above vessels were able to make the wharf, and are now fast in the ice, the former about two miles up the Hillsborough, and the latter at Three Tides. (RG.C 11 Dec p3 c2)
Dec 8 In harbour, the Schooners “Mary Jane” loaded for Halifax and the Restigouche Packet, loaded for Restigouche – the latter put back. The flats on the opposite side of the harbour have been frozen over for some days past and the approach to the wharf is rendered extremely difficult, from the accumulation of floating ice in the channel. (CH 8 Dec p3 c2)
Dec 8 Pictou harbour was slightly frozen over, but the Strait was free of ice. (CH 8 Dec p3 c1)
Dec 11 Our harbour is now completely frozen over. Foot passengers are now crossing the ice from the opposite side in front of the town. There is little or no snow on the ground. (RG.C 11 Dec p3 c2)
Dec 18 We are without a Mail this week, the “Courier” not yet having returned – indeed it is doubtful whether he has even yet succeeded in getting across to Cape Tormentine, owing to the quantity of loose ice in the Strait, which must render the passage extremely difficult. The frost also has been very keen for somedays past, with cold northerly winds. At day-break yesterday the thermometer was at 35 degrees below the freezing point. (RG.C 18 Dec p3 c4)
Jan 19 Plaister [Plaster] Cove (Gut of Canso), “This month so far has been uncommonly fine and fair – the ice drove in and closed the northern entrance of the Strait on Tues. last, the “Hatch “[?], from Halifax, for Maubau [sic], reached this on Sat. last, was unable to proceed on account of running ice and head wind and will probably have to remain until spring.” (NS 31/01/1839 p35 #3)
Feb Halifax, “The weather has been unusually cold for some time past. The thermometer ranged so low, in exposed situations, as 19 below zero. The harbour continues frozen beyond George’s Island. A regular path has been made from the Steam Boat Wharf to Dartmouth along which crowds of people, loaded sleds, and sleighs travel. This bar to navigation is to be regretted, but, on an average, such a matter occurs only once in ten years, if so frequently. We generally have our harbour as free in midwinter as it is in midsummer. Unusual cold and a complete calm, occurring at the one time, has been the cause. The “Inconstantly” outside the ice, and landed the detachments of troops at Point Pleasant on Sunday and Monday. She might have reached one of the wharves at the South end but perhaps fears were entertained of being hemmed in. She will sail immediately for England.” (NS 14/02/1839 p54 #3)
Feb Guysbro, March 19 – “The schrs “Murdoche”, and “Lark”, from hence for Fortune Bay, returned on Sat. in consequence of the immense quantities of ice upon the coast. They sailed from this on the 7th of Jan.” (NS 28/03/1839 p103 #1)
Feb 5 The last time Halifax harbor was frozen over was on the 5th of Feb 1839, … it remained frozen for about a fortnight. (AR 19/02/1859 p3 #3)
Feb 21 “The harbour has been relieved from its incumbrance [sic] of ice, …A slight thaw, followed by a gentle wind from the southward was sufficient to remove the unusual barrier.” (NS 21/02/1839)
Apr 6 Owing to the state of the ice in the Gulf, the carriers did not effect a passage across with the mail, due last Saturday, until yesterday. (CH 6 Apr p3 c2)
Apr 20 The ice is now rapidly leaving the harbour, and the rivers in the vicinity. The weather continues mild and genial. (CH 20 Apr p3 c2)
Apr 24 “Tobago” for London became entangled in the ice in the Gulf and was driven ashore on Amity Is. and been condemned. (LL)
Apr 24 Pugwash, May 3 – Sailed from Pugwash, NS Apr 12, ship ‘Tobago’, bound for London, G.B. with cargo of deals, on the 24th ult. became entangled in the ice in the Gulf and was cast ashore on Amity Island, near Wallace harbour, ship condemned and sold, crew saved.” (NS 09/05/1839 p150 #3)
Apr 26 Ship “Canada” from Greenock to Quebec entered first ice about 30m from Cape Ray. (#575).
May 8 Issue: Brig “Fenwick Keating” for St. John, NB, struck an iceberg and foundered; crew saved by “Hester” of St. Stephen. (SCL).
May 11 The “Lotus” arrived Quebec, reports the “Thames” and “Lord Goderich” to be in the ice [where?]. (LL)