Jan 1 We feel much disappointment at the non-arrival of a mail since the 19th of December (1841). The couriers from this side have made repeated attempts to cross, but have been unable to get any distance from the land, in consequence of the quantity of loose floating ice in the Strait. (CH 1 Jan p2 c4)
Jan 1 We have had no arrivals during the past week, although several vessels are yet expected from St. John’s, Newfoundland, and other quarters. The winds, however, have been unfavourable, although the weather, for the season, has been fine. The navigation continues unimpeded, there being only some floating ice in the harbour. The only vessels not in port are H. M. hired surveying vessel Gilmore, which has been dismantled and laid up for the winter, and a few coasting schooners, also dismantled. (CH 1 Jan p2 c4)
Jan 1 The Schooner “Elizabeth” arrived at Three Rivers, from St. John’s, N.F. on Sunday morning last. Left St. John’s on the 22nd of December and brought 35 passengers. (CH 8 Jan p3 c2)
Feb 25 The Halifax and other Colonial Mails, due since yesterday sen’night (sic), only arrived here yesterday morning at three o’clock – the Couriers having been unable to succeed in crossing the Strait until Wednesday last. (CH 26 Feb p2 c4)
Mar 5 In consequence of the heavy rain which fell on Wednesday night, and the subsequent mildness of the weather… we have enjoyed the luxury of wading through mud and water almost ankle deep… The ice on the Hillsborough is still good, but should the present weather continue for a few days longer, we fear we shall also be deprived of its friendly assistance. There is, however, this morning, some indication of a fall of snow, and we may probably have some Winter travelling yet, though we cannot expect that either will be of long continuance. (CH 5 Mar p2 c4)
Mar 26 We understand the mail-boat succeeded in crossing the Strait from this side on Thursday. (CH 26 Mar p3 c2)
Apr 2 It is with much regret we have to state that we cannot yet announce the arrival of the mail, or rather mails, now so long overdue. This is all the more tantalising, as a boat from Cape Tormentine crossed the strait on Wednesday last, without any difficulty. (CH 2 Apr p2 c4)
Apr 28 “The barque “Isabella”, from Glasgow, for Pictou, with 54 passengers and a large quantity of dry goods, iron, books, &c was lost at Cape North on the north side of Cape Breton, on the 11th inst. She sailed from Glasgow on the 1st Apr and made St. Paul’s Island on the 28th. She then became entangled in the ice and continued in that perilous condition 11 days. The captain seeing the eminent danger the ship was in landed the passengers on the 9th with much difficulty over fields of ice, when the vessel was 3 quarters of a miles from shore and riding at anchor among icebergs. On the following day she spilled her anchor, and when turning she struck a rock and began to fill with water. She was then run into Aspy Bay, a distance of eight miles, where she now lies a total wreck. … (NS 02/06/1842 p174 #4)
May 1 Barque “Isabella” lost at Cape North. Crew got ashore over fields of ice. (SCL
May 31 From Gaspé: Extensive fields of ice and some vessels fast in it were seen by the “Perseverance”, arrived at this port. (LL)