1882 Season
The Gulf of St.Lawrence is blocked and this season [1890] is the heaviest one for ice since 1882. (MWR ~4 Mar 1890).
Dec 18 Local ice formed Bonne Bay. (GR p.85)
Jan 6 Some open water in St. Peter’s Bay. Mr. Gunn trapped on an ice floe. (Pat 6 Jan 1882, p3#1)
Jan 7 Gulf ice arrived La Poile. (GR p.92)
Jan 10 Local ice formed Bay of Islands. (GR p.88)
Jan 15 Ice passing Cape Ray. (GR p.33)
Jan 20 St. George’s Bay full, slob forming in Bay of Islands. (GR p.33)
Jan 23 Ice into Channel and Rose Blanche. (GR p.33)
Jan 25 Halifax, arrived, steamer “George Shattuck” from St. Pierre, Miq., reports saw Gulf ice East of Scatterie and passed through a mile of field ice East of Canso, well off shore. (MH 26/01/1882 p3 #4)
Feb 1 Northern ice arrived Bay of Islands. (GR p.88)
Feb 1 North Sydney, Brigt “Thomas Ridley” from Boston for this port is now at Cow Bay, and will likely have to discharge cargo there, in consequence of ice in the harbor, which will prevent a vessel getting to any of the wharves. (MH 14/02/1882 p3 #7)
Feb 2-27 Bark “William” closed by ice presumably off Halifax and put into Sable Island leaking badly. (NYMR)
Feb 7 The Gulf full. (GR p.33)
Feb 8 The steamer “Newfoundland” arrived on Saturday afternoon from St. John’s Nfld,. She left this port on Tuesday the 31st ult. and on the following day encountered a very heavy gale from SE veering to E, with intense cold. Ice was encountered 40 miles from land and the steamer remained in it 18 hours, arriving at St. John’s on Saturday afternoon the 4th inst. The “Newfoundland” left port to return on Tuesday. At 11:30 pm [next day] the steamer took heavy Gulf ice off Scatterie, remaining in it for three hours, and was in slob ice afterwards until Friday night at six o’clock. (MH 13/02/1882 p3 #3)
Feb 9 Cape Breton coast blocked. (GR p.33)
Feb 12 Northern ice arrived Bonne Bay. (GR p.85)
Feb 14 The “Autocrat” from New York bound to Bremen arrived yesterday. She could not get into Cow Bay on account of the ice. (MH 14/02/1882 p3 #6)
Feb 21 Ice at Burgeo. (GR p.94)
Feb 22 Issue: ship unable to get into Cow Bay, C.B. because of large amounts of ice in the vicinity. (NYMR)
Feb 25 All ice to Burgeo. (GR p.33)
Feb 25 The Allan Steamer “Newfoundland” from St. John’s Nfld, arrived yesterday. The Captain reports left St. John’s on Tuesday morning and that harbor was full of ice also that his steamer tried to break it up but was unable to do so. The whole coast was blocked and only encountered clear water when on St. Peter’s bank. On Wednesday evening when off Scatterie got into heavy Gulf ice in which was jammed twice, once for five hours. Came through the ice for 120 miles and got out of it this morning at five o’clock when between Liscomb and Beaver Harbor. The Captain also reports this is the hardest ice jam he has seen since 1875. (MH 25/02/1882 p3 #1)
Mar 1-18 Steamer “Newfoundland.” left Halifax on Tuesday, the 28th ult., and passed through several strings of Gulf ice on the 1st inst. On the 2nd slob ice was encountered on St. Peter’s Bank, accompanied by thick fog. The afternoon of the same day the ship entered heavy Polar ice, and at eleven o’clock that night got jammed when in 46°03’N 54°39’W… (Capt. Mylius states that he never saw Arctic ice so far West and such a large number of icebergs before). (MH 20/03/1882 p3 #3)
Mar 3 Halifax, arrived, brigt “Birdie” from Alberton, PEI via Port Mulgrave, bound to St. John’s Nfld., reports encountered heavy ice off Louisburg and was obliged to return. Encountered the ice up to Beaver Harbor on Thursday night, when stove a small hole in the starboard bow above water line. (MH 04/03/1882 p3 #4)
Mar 4 Halifax, arrived, steamer “Milanese” from Boston, was in the ice, and received serious damage. (MH 06/03/1882 p3 #5)
Mar 6 Bonne Bay blocked. (GR p.33)
Mar 8 Ice offshore Channel. (GR p.33)
Mar 18 SS “Newfoundland” [on return] passed through slob ice on St. Peter’s Bank, and on the 18th, at 8 pm entered Gulf ice off Louisburg, and left it 20 miles West of Whitehead. (Capt. Mylius states that he never saw Arctic ice so far West and such a large number of icebergs before). (MH 20/03/1882 p3 #3)
Mar 26 The schr “Neva” after having been twice driven back to Port Hawkesbury by the ice, sailed. (MH 31/03/1882 p3 #5)
Mar 30 Gulf full of ice. (GR p.33)
Mar 31 Halifax, arrived, steamer “Boxburgh Castle” from Invergorden, GB, ran short of coal up for Louisburg at 1 a.m. on the 30th but soon got into field ice. Stopped the engines until morning when found the ice too heavy proceeded to this port for coal. (MH 01/04/1882 p3 #5)
Apr 1 Northern ice departed Bonne Bay. (GR p.85)
Apr 2 Gulf ice departed La Poile. (GR p.92)
Apr 5 Ice on Orwell Bay ok for horses. (Pat 5 Apr 1882 p3#1)
Apr 5 Orwell Cove ice still 2 to 2 ½ feet thick, unusual for April (Pat 5 Apr 1882 p3#1)
Apr 7 Gulf ice heavy on south coast. (GR p.33)
Apr 7 The steamer “George Shattuck” from St. Pierre, Miq., arrived yesterday afternoon at two o’clock. Capt. Angrove states that he never saw as much ice as on this trip. On Tuesday night the ship was compelled to lay to but on the next morning proceeded and passed through slob ice as far as Scatterie. The steamer found it impossible to gain entrance into Louisburg harbor, owing to the ice. (MH 07/04/1882 p3 #1)
Apr 8 Ice cleared Burgeo. (GR p.94)
Apr 8 Halifax, arrived [from?] St. John’s NF, drift ice extents out into the Gulf as far as the eye can reach [!?]. (MH 12/04/1882 p3 #3)
Apr 12 Halifax: steamer “Alhambra” from New York via Halifax, arrived today, passed through immense fields of ice. (MH 17/04/1882 p3 #5)
Apr 14 The steamer “Mark Lane,” from Dundee, , bound to Philadelphia, arrived at this port [Halifax] yesterday morning short of coal. On the 16th day finding the coal running short, bore up for St. John’s, Nfld, but was prevented reaching there by ice and was detained in it several hours. The steamer was then steered to the southward and an attempt was made to get into Louisburg, but she only got within 70 miles of the land, when more ice was fallen in with. She steamed through it in the hopes of getting clear, but on proceeding found the ice heavier, and the ship got completely jammed. On the 13th inst., the steamer being short of coal was unable to move until the ice parted, and got clear on the 14th having made several attempts before. In order to reach port, the topmast, cargo bulkheads and shifting boards and every available piece of wood on board had to be used to make steam and the steamer was obliged to proceed very slowly in order to reach port. (MH 27/04/1882 p3 #1)
Apr 22 Steamer “Newfoundland,” from St. John’s Nfld., arrived yesterday afternoon, making the run in 75 hours. She passed through 60 miles of loose scattered Gulf ice, before reaching Scatterie and a large number of ice bergs were seen. (MH 22/04/1882 p3 #1)
Apr 25 Sealing Schooner “Ellen”, of St. John’s was crushed by the ice and totally wrecked off Cape Auguilla [sic]. Crew saved and landed at Channel. (LL)
Apr 25 SS “Quebec” met heavy ice 46°31’N 47°W from which she did not clear until May 1. (NYMR)
Apr 25 Halifax: “Mary Agnes,” arrived from Boston, via Burin; she left that port yesterday morning and passed hundreds of icebergs along the southern coast of this Island. (MH 29/04/1882 p3 #4)
Apr 25-28 The Dominion Line Steamer “Texas” arrived yesterday morning after unsuccessfully attempting to reach her destination through the Gulf ice. The report of her endeavours to get through is somewhat similar to that the “Polynesian”, the whole stretch from Cape North to Cape Ray being found without a break into which the ship might go without danger. The first ice was seen on the 25th ult., on the Newfoundland Banks, and it appeared so densely packed that the ship had to turn, in lat47°, and steam South to 43° before it could be cleared. Having safely passed this danger, the steamer was headed for Quebec, but when 30 miles North-West of Cape Ray, on May 1st, the Gulf ice was met in immense quantity, into which it would have been exceedingly dangerous to enter. He then returned to the ship and she was headed for Halifax, reaching here after a long sail around an immense quantity of ice, encountered on the Cape Breton coast. On April 28th while the steamer was trying to pass the ice met on the Banks a barque was sighted just outside the field, in latitude 45, longitude 48 A German and an English barque, both bound to Quebec, were found at Port Basque, Newfoundland, where they had put in, the former after spending seven days in the ice, and having a large quantity of copper torn from her sides. (Pat 8 May 1882 p3#2)
Apr 25-29 The steamer “Quebec” from Liverpool, G.B. via Belfast, bound to Quebec and Montreal, arrived here early yesterday morning after a passage lasting almost three weeks. On the 25th April, in 46°31’N 47°W heavy ice was met, from which the steamer did not get clear until the 1st of May, and a number of large bergs were seen during that time. On the 29th the sealing schooner “Mayfly” was spoken in 47°32’N 59°35’W which passed word that the Gulf was completely blocked with ice, and it was impossible to make a passage. On Sunday the steamer attempted to get into Sydney and Cow Bay, but failed, and it was then decided to make for Halifax. While in the ice a small hole was knocked in the Quebec’s bow, but no further injury received. (Pat 5 May 1882 p1#4)
Apr 27 SS “Valetta” arrived St. John’s from Boston reported having met ice 120m SSE of Louisburg and passed numerous icebergs scattered along the course to Cape Race. (NYMR)
Apr 27 No ice off Channel. (GR p.33)
Apr 27 The brigt. “Gaven” arrived at Canso on the 27th ult., after a passage of 27 days from Bayonne, France and being the first vessel of the Island fleet arriving this season. Capt. Harris reports great quantities of ice from the Banks of Newfoundland until his arrival at Canso, and the straits were also full of drift ice, making it dangerous for sailing vessels. (Pat 12 May 1882 p3#1)
Apr 28 Heavy ice in, jammed. [Channel?] (GR p.33)
Apr 28 The “Alpha” will sail on Tuesday next for North Sydney if the ice will permit. (MH 28/04/1882 p3 #1)
Apr 28 Halifax, steamer “Valetta” from Boston, with a general cargo arrived last night. She met ice 12[? cf Apr 27 NYMR] miles SSE off Louisburg and passed numerous ice bergs scattered along the course to Cape Race. (MH 01/05/1882 p3 #6)
Apr 28 Richibucto, NB: The ice in the harbor is firmer than for many years at the same date, and it is not expected that navigation will be open until May 20. (MH 03/05/1882 p3#7)
Apr 29 Steamer “Canima,” from St. John’s, could not get to Louisburg on account of ice. (MH 01/05/1882 p3 #5)
Apr 29 SS “Quebec” 47°32’N 59°35’W; Gulf completely blocked. (NYMR)
Apr ~30 The “Canima” which arrived on Saturday from Newfoundland, reports seeing no ice until off the coast of Cape Breton, where there was sufficient to prevent her making Louisburg harbor. (MH 01/05/1882 p3 #1)
Apr 30 – May 4 Arrival of the “Polynesian,” from Liverpool, GB., bound to Quebec and Montreal, being the first boat of the season for the St. Lawrence, arrived at this port [Halifax] last evening short of coal, not being able to reach her destination, on account of ice. She passed Cape Ray on Sunday (the 30th) at 12:30 a.m. and fifty minutes later heavy field ice was seen, there was no passage through it, the steamer’s engines were stopped for the night. At daylight in the morning, the ship tried to find a passage to the northward, but there being none, her head was turned to the southward, and the ice was found to be very heavy off St. Paul’s Island. The steamer was kept dodging for three days about, skirting the ice, endeavoring to find a passage, and on the 3rd inst., was in the same position (45°53’N 57°43’W) [? this position is well short of C. Ray] where she met the ice on Sunday morning. An attempt was made to get into Sydney for coal, but it was found impossible to do so on account of the ice and the ship bore up for Halifax. Four sailing vessels bound up the Gulf, were seen outside of the ice. The probabilities are that it will be some time yet before shipping gets up the St. Lawrence. (MH 05/05/1882 p3#3)
May — 3 other reports of incidents in or near the Gulf in HR.
May “In May, 1882, the Gulf of St. Lawrence was blocked by heavy ice, and many vessels were hemmed in. Large masses of ice drifted along the shores of Nova Scotia southward to Halifax, in which port vessels were ice-bound at the close of the month.” (MWR May 1883 104.2)
May 1 Northern ice departed Bay of Islands. (GR p.88)
May 1 The steamer “Newfoundland” arrived early this morning. She had a good run: ice open and easily sailed through. (MH 01/05/1882 p3 #6)
May 3 The steamer “George Shattuck” which arrived [Halifax] yesterday from St. Pierre, Miq., reports saw no ice until reached Louisburg on Monday and found that harbor jammed with ice, it being impossible to get in. (MH 03/05/1882 p3 #1)
May 4 SS “Texas” arrived in Channel, Captain reports the Gulf blocked with ice. (LL).
May 5 “Polynesian” failed to enter Gulf. (GR p.33)
May 5 Local ice cleared out Bay of Islands. (GR p.88)
May 5 Port Mulgrave, NS, [May] 5, “Marie Prudentine,” from St. John’s, Nfld, for PEI, reports saw no ice on the passage until he made Canso. Saw a large steamer and several barques and brigantines to anchor in Carriboo Cove, Canso May 3 – “Bonnie Bel” from Cow Bay for Yarmouth (detained a week by ice); “M L Sangster,” from do [Cow Bay] for Halifax (delayed 8 days). (MH 04/05/1882 p3 #3)
May 5 Canso: Schr “Perry” left here yesterday for Magdalen Islands, got in ice at the entrance of the Strait of Canso last night and had bow stove and sustained other damage. (MH 08/05/1882 p3 #4)
May 5 Halifax. Reports, Disasters, &c. St. John’s NF, the “Leopard” which arrived from the seal fishery last night was jammed at the mouth of Placentia Bay till Saturday last; reached the Gulf Thursday and found it packed with ice from Cape Ray on one side, to St. Paul’s on the other, reports two large passenger steamers at the edge of the pack, both bound for Montreal, waiting for a chance to get up the St. Lawrence; also a large timber laden ship and a French brig, failed to remember the name; on the way back put into Port aux Basque; found two German barques anchored there, both destined to Quebec; thinks some weeks must elapse before the Gulf is navigable. (MH 09/05/1882 p3 #4)
May 6 Ice block Cape Ray. (GR p.33)
May 6 The steamer “Newfoundland” arrived [Halifax] last evening from St. John’s, NF., reports seeing a large number of icebergs the first two days out, but saw no field ice and encountered heavy head winds to this port. (MH 06/05/1882 p3#1)
May 7 Local ice cleared Bonne Bay. (GR p.85)
May 7-9 Steamer “Polynesian” at Quebec reports left Halifax on Friday the 5th instant. On Sunday the 7th attempted a passage round Cape North, but finding the ice too heavy steamed Southward. Off Sydney passed the stmr “Quebec” seeking a passage. On Monday the 8th, passed barque “Maude” and 15 ships outside the ice, 30 miles SW off Cape Race. On Tuesday the 9th passed the stmrs “Peruvian” “Ontario” and four other steamers proceeding through the ice between Cape Ray and St. Pauls. (MH 15/05/1882 p3 #5)
May 7-13 The steamer “Lake Huron” which arrived at Quebec on Monday was the ship that first reported the “Peruvian”. She met field ice again May 7th, 6 p.m. 10 miles east of Cape Ray to St. Paul’s steamed into it in the slackest place in company with the S.S. “Peruvian” and became ice-bound at midnight. Monday the 8th at daylight, observed the S.S. “Veletta,” and a Temperly Line steamer all ice bound. On Monday evening observed the SS “Peruvian” trying to steam through the ice but failed to make any progress. Tuesday morning at daylight the “Peruvian” signalled [sic] to us that she had lost her propeller and wished to be reported to her owners the first opportunity. Wednesday and part of Thursday experienced a heavy gale from NE with snow and sleet. Thursday evening the sky cleaning sighted St. Paul’s and Cape St. Lawrence, found the vessel had drifted 50 miles in SW direction since Tuesday evening. Friday, a sharp frost all day, with fine clear weather ; no sign of breaking. Saturday, May 13th, the ice becoming loose proceeding cautiously in a NNE direction; ice very thick and dangerous in places; succeeded in getting clear of the ice at 6 p.m., St. Paul’s bearing S ½ E and Bird Rock NW by W. Left the SS “Peruvian” 14 miles N by E of Cape North, and the “Valetta” close to her; the Donaldson and Temperly Line boats off Cape North distance six miles, all ice bound, and driving in a SE direction at a rate of 1 ½ miles per hour; left the Dominion steamer steering easterly about 15 miles from where we cleared the ice. The “Peruvian” was seen off Meat Cove CB., on Tuesday morning, and a later dispatch states a schooner was seen coming from her on that day. (MH 19/05/1882 p3 #2)
May 8 Channel blocked. (GR p.94)
May 8 Georgetown – The writer remembers the year 1882 (44 years ago) there was an election on the 8th of May and they drove from Fortune across Grand River ice, across Cardigan and down Sturgeon to Murray Harbour on the ice. The SS “Heather Bell” did not get into Orwell until 20th May. Lobster lines run at Georgetown on June 2nd and Souris June 4th and East Point June 9th. So you see we have had late springs before this. (Pat 17 Apr 1926 pg 6#5)
May 9 SS “Polino” forced through field ice 6m broad, extending from Newfoundland to Cape Breton. Steamers report that the Cape Breton coast is blocked by ice. (MWR)
May 9 Steamer “Pollino” from Montreal arrived at St. John’s NF., 12th and reports on the 9th , 16 miles east of Bird Rock, met ice and at 11 p.m. met pack ice and lay to till daylight, force through field ice 6 miles broad, extending from Newfoundland to Cape Breton. (MH 17/05/1882 p3 #5)
May 10 Telegrams from St. John’s state that there are 45 sailing vessels and 8 steamers caught in the ice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. (MWR May 8.2)
May 10 Port Mulgrave, arrived stmr “Melrose Abby” Newcastle, for Montreal, could not get through the strait yesterday for ice. Strait full of ice. (MH 11/05/1882 p3 #5)
May 12 Channel cleared with a SE gale. (GR p.33)
May ~13 Shediac Harbour full of ice. (Pat 13 May 1882 p3#1)
May 15 St. John’s NF: A telegram today states that there are forty-three ships and barks and eight steamers caught in the ice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and visible from the highlands of Cape Ray. (MH 15/05/1882 p3 #3)
May 15 The steamer “Alhambra” arrived [Halifax] yesterday from St. John’s, NF and reports left on Thursday and made the run to Scatterie in 38 hours. Innumerable icebergs were seen, and 65 were counted between Cape Pine and St. Mary’s, NF. On Friday morning the steamer met heavy ice, Scatterie bearing NW, distant 8 miles in which she was detained 24 hours and the whole of Cape Breton coast from that point to St. Peter’s was bound to be completely blocked by ice. The “Alhambra” was bound to Louisburg to coal but could not possibly get there on account of the ice. The steamer “George Shattuck” which passed through St. Peters Canal on Saturday bound to St. Pierre, Miq., reported ice to the eastward. Our shipping dispatch from Port Mulgrave, states the Strait of Canso was full of ice on Saturday. The steamers “M A Starr” for Charlottetown, PEI and “Melrose Abbey” for Montreal, a number of barques, and a large fleet of schooners are in the Strait waiting a chance to get through. (MH 15/05/1882 p3 #1)
May 15 St. Peters, arrived schrs “Angel-Dun” from River Dennis for Canso; stmr “George Shattuck” from Halifax for St. Pierre. Reports ice to the Eastward. Port Mulgrave, Strait full of ice. (MH 15/05/1882 p3 #4)
May 15 Port Hawkesbury yesterday reports the Strait of Canso to be full of ice. (MH 16/05/1882 p3 #1)
May 15 Halifax, arrived, Swedish barque “Ostendia” bound to Montreal. Got to Strait of Canso but found it blocked with ice. Saw a number of vessels outside of the ice. Canso NS 14 arrived schrs “Snow Bird” from St. John’s Nfld, for Sydney, (met ice off St. Peters Bank and was alleged to come here to clear it). Port Mulgrave, Strait full of ice. (MH 16/05/1882 p3 #4)
May 15 The steamer “Peruvian” from Liverpool GB bound to Quebec and Montreal, was reported yesterday by telegraph spoken in the ice, North East of Cape North CB, with her propeller broken. (MH 16/05/1882 p3 #1)
May 15-22 Abstract of steamer “Acadian’s” log – 15th May left Cunard’s wharf, Halifax with provisions for SS “Peruvian” at 11:30 a.m., discharged pilot off Chebucto Head 17th May 1:40 a.m. dense fog slowed the engines 9:30 a.m., the fog clearing, cull speed ahead 11:15 a.m. sighted heavy field ice in 45°21’N 59°11’W. Steamed SE along edge of the ice to 45°19’N 59°11’W, then steamed to the eastward until noon, 45°?N, 58°[?]47’W made various courses from E to NE along the edge of the ice. 7:00 p.m. stopped the engines and stayed in the ice; sounded and found 90 fathoms 18th, steamed to the southward 23 miles along the edge of the ice, various easterly courses. Noon 44°22’N 57°42’W. During the afternoon made a N by E [?] course, small patches of ice at night to the westward. 11:20 p.m. fell in with heavy field ice again; stopped the engines as it was too dark to proceed. 19th, day light ahead full speed; steamed to the eastward, 8 a.m. sighted Cape Ray bearing NNE distance 15 miles where surrounded the ice. 9:20 set course WNW for St. Paul’s. 9:45 sighted SS “Peruvian,” about 20 miles to E ?? of St. Paul’s . At 11:30 a.m. steamed along side the “Peruvian” and transferred provisions. At 1 p.m. having received “Peruvian’s” hawser proceeded to Quebec. 3:36 p.m. passed St. Paul’s. May 20th 1 a.m. passed Bird Rock; from that to Father Point had gale [?] and more or less fog with strong easterly winds and heavy sea. 22 May, 6:35 a.m. arrived at Father Point. (signed) J F McGrath, master of “Acadian” (MH 27/05/1882 p3 #5)
May 16 SS “Peruvian” lost her propeller in the ice, beset eastward of St. Paul’s. (GR p.33)
May 16 The steamers “Limossa,” from Charleston, SC for Hull, laden and the “Broomhaugh,” from St. John for Sharpness, arrived yesterday noon. Both vessels were bound to Louisburg but found the coast from Canso to Cape Breton completely blocked with ice. (MH 17/05/1882 p3#1)
May 17 Port Mulgrave, stmr “Melrose Abby” this p.m. got clear of the ice where she was drifting about in since last Saturday, and is now to anchor at this port. Strait full of ice; no water to be seen north. Canso, a large steamer supposed to be one of the Boston boats, ice bound of Cape [Breton?] Island this p.m. Schrs “Jewel” and “Mariner” for Halifax; and “Mary McDougall” for St. John’s NF, passed south to clear ice close to the coast. ([MH?] 18/05/1882 p3 #5)
May 17 Halifax, arrived, steamer “Newfoundland,” St. John’s Nfld., was bound to North Sydney but was prevented getting there by ice. (MH 18/05/1882 p3 #4)
May 17 Torbay Bay, NS – Barque “Annie” of Charlottetown, David master, from Swansea, for Port Hill, PEI, arrived here this morning. The captain reports: Passed a large quantity of ice: been in it the last seven days; put in here ice bound. (MH 20/05/1882 p3 #5)
May 18 The “Pensher” from Boston for Pictou, arrived [Halifax] yesterday morning. She could not get through the Strait on account of ice. The “Carroll” hence for Charlottetown, returned last evening on account of ice. (MH 19/05/1882 p3 #2)
May 18 The American steamer “Carroll,” from Boston which left this port [Halifax] on Tuesday afternoon for Charlottetown PEI, returned last evening on account of ice. On Wednesday morning Canso light bore NE by E, distant 5 miles from the steamer, and the ice was found to be very heavy in that vicinity about three miles from the shore and from Canso to Whitehead in heavy detached pieces which were working towards the land. At four o’clock as there was no chance to proceed on the voyage, it was decided to return to Halifax. Large clumps of ice were passed up to Whitehead then clear water with the ice two miles off, but going to the Westward at the rate of a mile an hour. Passed the Western end of the ice off Country Harbor, and at Canso the ice was very heavy and extended as far as could be seen from the northeast. (MH 19/05/1882 p3 #1)
May 18-28 The steamer “Newfoundland,” returned last evening, having been in search of the disabled steamer “Peruvian.” She reports left this port on the 18th inst., and got in the ice at 8 a.m. that day, between Green Island and Liscomb, and got clear at 10 at night. On the 19th the steamer got in the ice again and four hours later was obliged to keep away to the southward, not finding any passage. At 5 p.m. a number of vessels were seen to the north, and the steamer was still going through the ice. On the 20th spoke steamer “Polly” from Quebec for Liverpool, off St. Paul’s Island. At noon rounded the northern end of St. Paul’s. The Lightkeeper came off and reported that a large steamer barque rigged with two funnels, had been in the ice for two weeks off the Island, but was taken in tow by another steamer. At 5 p.m. passed the steamer “Grecian” bound north. On the 21st, nothing of any account happened, and on the 22nd at 2 o’clock, the “Newfoundland” arrived at Gaspe, and left there on the 24th at 4:30 p.m. for Pictou, getting into scattered ice at 6 p.m. At mid night, she was going through very heavy ice, which was too closely packed to get through, and part of her cutwater was carried away. On the 25th at 4 p.m. the East end of P E Island bore NW by N, distant three miles with the ice very heavy, as far as could be seen. The steamer got jammed on the Cape Breton coast, but got clear shortly after, and anchored in Pictou Roads at 11:30 p.m. (the 25th). She left Pictou on the 26th at 7 p.m., and two hours later got into scattered ice off Cape George, and at 2:45 a.m. the 27th was in a heavy ice jam. Cape Jack was passed at 4:40, and the Strait of Canso was found to be full of heavy ice, but the steamer being deeply laden, forced a passage through it. Three barques, one brig, two brigantines and a number of schooners and the steamer “M A Starr” were anchored at Caribou Cove. At 5 p.m. 27th the “Newfoundland” got into clear water, Green Island bearing NW 18 miles. The barque “Annie Maud” and brigantine “Willie” of Charlottetown, PEI, were spoken at 7 p.m. and at 8:30 passed through heavy ice, encountering it for five hours, leaving it 16 miles East of Jedore on the 28th. The steamer “Alhambra,” which left this port [Halifax] on Saturday night at 8:20 o’clock for Cow Bay returned yesterday on account of ice. She reports five hours after leaving Halifax, when six miles Southeast of Jedore Ledges, met heavy field ice, and the ship’s engines were stopped until daylight when an attempt was made to pass between the ice and the land, but a dense fog set in, and the ice closed in with the shore. Under these circumstances, Capt. Farquhar considered the risk, too great to proceed and returned to port. The brigantine “New Era” from Liverpool , GB, of and bound to Georgetown, PEI, with a cargo of salt, before reported in the ice off Scatterie and Canso, arrived at this port on Saturday, being unable to reach destination. She met with ice up to the Westward of Jedore, on Friday night. The Norwegian barque, “Alexandra” which left this port on Friday morning for Sheet Harbor was obliged to put into Ship Harbor on that day, on account of the ice. It was reported yesterday that the ice was seen to the Eastward on Saturday from Chebucto Head. A dispatch received from Cow Bay, CB., stated the coast was clear in that locality on Saturday. The Strait of Canso was reported to be clear of ice on Saturday. (MH 29/05/1882 p3 #4)
May 19 “The SS “Peruvian” with one thousand passengers on board, is reported as being disabled and locked in the ice at the entrance to the Gulf of St. Lawrence…” (MWR May 8.2)
May 19 Shipping news, ships entering and clearing Charlottetown and Montague. (Pat 19 May 1882 p3#1)
May 20 SS “Scotland” at Montreal reported having been hemmed in by the ice in the Gulf for 9 days and only succeeded in getting clear by passengers and crew cutting an opening. (MWR May 8.2)
May 20 Schrs “Jewel” and “Mariner” which arrived yesterday from Canso, were bound to P E Island, but were prevented getting there by ice. (MH 20/05/1882 p3 #5)
May 20 Port Hood, as far as can be seen ice is solid; north and south full of drift ice. (MH 20/05/1882 p3 #1)
May 20 SS “Carroll” reports, “Ice bound in Halifax Harbour since 20th; the ice has come along the Nova Scotia shore and in sight of the harbour; such was never witnessed by the oldest inhabitants.” (MWR 31 May 9.1)
May 21 Schooner “Harry Wetmore” (whaler) reported 21 ships locked in the ice north of Cape Ray, also 2 ocean steamers between Capes Ray and Anguille. (MWR May 8.2)
May 21 Halifax, arrived steamer “Neils from London, bound to New Orleans, tried to get into Sydney but met ice off Scatterie, and bore up for this port. Steamer “Canima” met heavy scattered field ice off Guion Island, and passed to the Southward of it. (MH 22/05/1882 p3 #4)
May 22 Glace Bay packed. (GR p.33)
May 22 Halifax, arrived, Barque “Eugenie” from New York to Sydney. Could not reach destination on account of ice. (MH 23/05/1882 p3 #5)
May 23 No ice but bergs seen from Channel. (GR p.33)
May 23 Clear on the Newfoundland coast [Cabot Strait]. (GR p.31)
May 23 Port Mulgrave, the Strait of Canso is open and the steamer “M A Starr” and three other steamers, and about 30 sailing vessels, passed through on Sunday. (MH 23/05/1882 p3 #1)
May 23 Halifax, arrived. Brigt “W W Odiorne” from St. John’s Nfld, bound to Little Glace Bay, put in to land crew of brigt “Pride of Chaleur” of St. John, NB which was sunk in the ice; also was prevented reaching destination by ice. Am Schr “Island Queen” was bound to Canso for repairs but could not get there for ice. Encountered ice up to the coast to West Liscomb, and saw it North of Canso, as far as the eye could reach. On Sunday last spoke brigt “New Era,” from Liverpool GB, of and bound to PE Island, who reported had been in the ice in the vicinity of Scattarie for 5 days. Schr “Maggie bound to P E Island, could not get past Canso on account of ice. (MH 24/05/1882 p3 #4)
May 24 Bay of Islands clear. (GR p.33)
May 24 Ice on the Bonne Bay coast. (GR p.31)
May 24 The steamer “Veletta” Capt. Anderson, stated that he parted company with the “Peruvian” on Sunday, about twelve miles northeast of Cape St. Paul, the ice having broken and the “Peruvian” freeing herself from the pack under canvass. (MH 24/05/1882 p3 #4)
May 24 Torbay, the steamer “Pensher” from Boston for Pictou, finding it impossible to get past Canso on account of the ice, put into Whitehead last night for shelter. (MH 25/05/1882 p3 #2)
May 24 Halifax, arrived, brigt “Birdie” from St. John’s, Nfld, bound to CB. found the coast blocked with ice and encountered it 25 miles west of Whitehead. (MH 25/05/1882 p3 #5)
May 25 Canso, the ice could be seen from the highest hill as far as a glass could reach. A telegram from Cow Bay states that port was blocked with ice. (MH 26/05/1882 p3#1)
May 26 Channel ice drifted over to Cape Breton. (GR p.33)
May 26 Struck an Iceberg – The barquentine “Olivette” of Charlottetown, PEI, Capt. Davis from San Locar, Spain, with a cargo of salt, bound to Ingonish, PEI, arrived here yesterday morning for repairs, having been in collision with an iceberg. She reports May 11th, lat 46 long 46.09, during dense fog, and light breeze, when going about two knots collided with an iceberg 80 feet high. The vessel had bowsprit carried away at the knight [sic] heard, pail post started and lost part of cutwater. She did not leak any. The “Olivette” was in the ice off Canso afterwards for eight days and when it was found impossible to reach her destination, she bore up for this port [Halifax]. (MH 26/05/1882 p3 #1)
May 27 Sydney Bay full. (GR p.33)
May 27 Dispatches received yesterday state the Eastern coast to be still blocked with ice. The steamers “Carroll” for Charlottetown, PEI and “Alhambra” for Cow Bay, still remain at this port, waiting a chance to proceed. (MH 27/05/1882 p3#1)
May 29 Canso full. (GR p.33)
May 29 Brig “Carita” from St. Pierre to PEI arrived Halifax after being 11 days in the ice unable to reach her destination. (MWR May 9.1)
May 29 Halifax, arrived, brigt “Cerita?” from St.Pierre, Miq., to Charlottetown, PEI, was in the ice 11 days off Canso. (MH 30/05/1882 p3 #4)
May 30 SS “Circassian” passed a number of bergs in 47°35’N 57°05’W. (MWR Jun 8.1)
May 30? Halifax, arrived, steamer “Coresilla ” from St. John, NB, bound to Cardiff, was bound to Sydney but met ice in the Eastward and was in it getting clear off Whitehead on Tuesday night. Steamer “M A Starr,” Charlottetown, PEI, via Eastern Ports, reports left Port Mulgrave on Monday and had very heavy ice to Canso, and from that port to Whitehead, but that ice was lighter up the coast, and got clear of it off Beaver Harbor on Tuesday night. Two large steamers were seen jammed in the ice off Canso and ice was seen aground in five fathoms of water off that place. (MH 01/06/1882 p3 #3)
May 31 The steamer “Valetta” from Montreal today, reports the St. Lawrence free from ice but many large bergs in the gulf. The steamer “Kate” arrived from Sydney this morning. She left that port Sunday and steamed through an immense field of ice on the Cape Breton coast. The steamer “Poline ” and “Commodore” put into Sydney Saturday, the former with her bows badly damaged by contact with ice pack. The latter was bound from Harbor Grace to Pictou, but failed to reach her destination owing to the ice floes. Three sailing vessels, “O??” “Vetta” and “Cre???” are jammed 15 miles from Sydney harbor. (MH 03/06/1882 p3 #5)
Jun 1 Halifax, arrived brigt “Ptaran” from St. John’s NF, bound to Sydney was unable to reach destination on account of ice. (MH 02/06/1882 p3 #6)
Jun 5 Fishermen on the South-East coast of Nova Scotia during this season have met with great losses by the Gulf ice sweeping along the coast and carrying away everything in the shape of fishing gear. (MH 05/06/1882 p3 #1)
Jun 15 Bark “Quebec” passed 12 bergs in 43°36’N 57°00’W. (MWR Jun 8.2)
Jun 17 SS “Colina” at St. John’s reported numerous icebergs between Cow Bay and Cape Race. (MWR Jun 8.2)