1840
1840
No mention of ice in RG and seems to be regular arrivals.
No mention of ice in SCL.
No mention of ice off Newfoundland in LL.
Feb 13 Issue: The season so far has been of an unusually mild character; – unprecedented indeed if we except the fine winter of 1831 which alone gives us a parallel for the present. [repeated word for word in RG]. (Newf.).
Feb 14 Issue: We have not experienced in Newfoundland so mild and open a winter as the present. Yesterday 46 (8C). Streets almost clear of ice and snow. (PL).
Mar 2 Issue: Seal fishery seems to be very successful. (PL).
Mar 5 Extremely favourable weather. (Newf.)
Apr 9 So far sealing voyage most successful, weather unusually fine. (Newf.)
May — 42N 45W a ship stove. (WCRM).
Jul 4-17 Maiden voyage of the first of the Cunard fleet, SS “Britannia” from Liverpool to Halifax (and thence to Boston). On 14th, saw bergs in the near distance. (JMB).
1841
1841
Mar 2 Concern for the non-arrival of the Packet from Halifax, the coast being apparently free of ice. (RG).
Mar 11 Steamer “President” sailed from New York with 120 persons and has not been seen since. Conjectured that she fell apart or struck a berg, the first opinion more likely. (BA2).
Mar 17 Schooner “President” arrived from Halifax 15 days heavy N easterlies but saw no ice. (the frequent mention of arrivals from Britain & Halifax without mention of ice gives the impression that there was little if any ice about.)(Newf.).
Apr 6 Issue: The spring catch is getting on very slowly, even if very successfully, which there is some reason to doubt. (seal catch probably less than average). (PL).
Apr 6 Seals struck off Grate Cove. (RG).
Apr 14 Vessel lost by iceberg off Cape Race. (same as Apr 19 ?) (WCRM).
Apr 18 SS “Great Western” (letter from Capt. Hosken. abbr) “.. the ship steering W at 6pm first saw 1 iceberg on the stbd bow at 730 passed it; at the time 4 or 5 others were in sight; at 915pm passed several pieces of ice – slowed engines. In a few minutes after the ship was surrounded by light field ice, which appeared similar to a field I ran through on the 11th Feb, 1839. This induced me to go slowly .. but by 930pm finding it closely packed escaped by the same channel we had entered. .. At 1015 succeeded in getting the ship’s head to eastward and by 11pm entirely clear. From that time went slowly passing several icebergs.. At 330am of the 19th again got embayed in the ice.. steered E by S coasting the ice for 5 or 6 miles. At 420 kept her to the westward running through innumerable icebergs until 0830, when we passed the last iceberg and field of ice. When the sun arose the ice was visible as far as the eye could reach, in an unbroken line from NE by E, by the northward to NW by W; at the same time icebergs innumerable in every direction, forming one of the most magnificent sights I ever beheld. The first iceberg we saw was in 43N 4830’W; and the last in 4220’N 50W. I am quite sure there was an unbroken field of that extent; and from what I heard from Capt. Bailey of the packet ship “South America” I have no doubt the field ice extended, with very little break to 4030’N where Capt. B. fell in with it on the morning of the 18th. Several other ships also fell in with it in the same longitude .. Some of the icebergs I estimate if at all less than a mile long and from 150 to 200′ high. This field of ice was in large masses, some of them not less than 20′ square by 6′ thick or more.” (WCR).
Apr 18 Ship “South America” for New York from Liverpool, from 4430’N 49W on the eastern edge of the Banks to 43N for 70m sailed along a solid body of ice; saw about 100 icebergs; some were about 200′ high and aground; sailed 45m S to get clear of it and was obliged to go through thick broken ice for ½m which took 2 hours with a 6 knit breeze. There were a large number of seals on the ice, stuck fast. 2 Barques, 2 brigs, a Havre and London packet came through in company. Capt. Hosken of the “Great Western” and Capt. Thompson of the “Sully”, also report having encountered large quantities of ice. (SCL).
Apr 19 Ship “William Brown” collided with an iceberg and sank off the coast of Newfoundland in gale conditions. (JPA).
Apr “William Brown” from Liverpool to Philadelphia struck a berg and foundered. Passengers took to the boats: 33 passengers, the mate and 8 of the crew to the long boat; the captain, 3 of the crew and 11 passengers to the jolly boat, the rest sunk with the vessel. The boats parted and some days after the mate and crew determined to throw 17 of the passengers overboard in order to lighten the boat, which they did. One hour after this, the ship “Crescent” fell in with them and saved the survivors. Of the jolly boat no more is known. According to SCL 31 of the 82 passengers and crew went down with the ship. The boat with the captain, 3 crew and 1 passenger is reported to have arrived at St.Pierre – Jun 5 issue..
Apr 24 Barque “Stardona” [“Stadacona” – LL] from Liverpool for Montreal sunk amongst icebergs off Cape Ray. (SCL).
Apr 28 Ship “Canada” from Greenock to Quebec got into very heavy ice about 30m off Cape Ray. (#575).
May — 4515’N 50W bergs. (WCRM).
May 2 4345’N 4630’W drift ice and ice island. (WCRM).
May 3 4130’N 44W a berg. (WCRM).
May 4 “Scotland” [field] ice from 4230’N 5115’W to 4215’N 5030’W to 4250’N 4930’W; bergs at 4215’N 51W. (WCRM).
May 4 Ship “Oneida” 4340’N 50W passed a number of large icebergs; saw ice as far west as 53W. (WCR).
May 9 Ship “Isabella” 422’N 4345’W hit a berg and sank. Crew picked up by the “Kingston” from Hull for Pictou. (WCR).
May 9 “Isabella” struck a berg (as above) on her way from London to Quebec, [44N 49W – LL] the ice broke through her bows and she sank so fast the crew barely had time to take to the boats, without provisions. Picked up on the 11th, one fatality. (BA2).
May 12 The “London” struck an iceberg near the SE side of the Grand Banks in 43N 5030’W, stove in the larboard bow and lost bowsprit, main topmast etc, arrived Liverpool Jun 3 [shortly afterwards heard a crash, supposed to be another vessel running against the ice, which is feared foundered, but weather too thick to distinguish her – LL]. In the same season the “Juliet” was a fortnight locked up in the ice without seeing water. (BA2). May 17 “Agnes Ewing” arrived Halifax from Liverpool, experienced very severe weather, lost fore-top mast, etc. Mate and 1 man washed overboard and fell in with numerous icebergs. (LL).
May 18 42N 48W bergs. (WCRM).
May 18 The Bremenese ship “Pauline” fell in with several islands of ice, one of them a berg 160′ above the water and 2 miles long. (BA2).
May 21 The “Fairy Queen” from Liguna to Liverpool 45N 17[W or E?] saw a quantity of ice while lying to in a NNE gale. (LL).
May 30 4750’N 4510’W berg. (WCRM).
Jun — “Orpheus” arrived New York reported that in 4730’N 49W found themselves amongst icebergs and continued sailing among ice for 5 days. Some were 100′ high and fields several miles long. Was obliges to steer S to get clear of it. (BA2).
Jun 5 Issue: Ship “Robert Isaac” at New York reported saw part of a wreck in 44N 49W which appeared to have been in the ice, much chafed. (SCL).
Jun 22 “Herald” 43N 48N bergs and pack ice? (WCRM).
1842
1842
Mar 2 The “Eliza” arrived 47 days from Cork. About 50m off the coast fell in with ice which extends far to the south and westward. The non arrival of the Packet is thus accounted for and indeed the coast has been in our own vicinity so ice bound for the past week… (arrived a few days later). (Newf.).
Mar 10 Ship “Lowell” 4415’N 4830’W met a field of ice, beat southward meeting ice on the west tack until 13th. Passed the southward extremity of the field in 42N 4915’W having seen it extending NNE and SSW direction nearly 150 miles. (WCR).
Mar 11 (from RG issue May 17): Ship “Echo” at New York from Liverpool fell in with large quantities of ice about Mar 11 from 4430’N 4557’W to 50W; at one time upwards of 200 icebergs were in sight and the vessel was in the ice 18 hours. (RG).
Mar 16-17 SS “Acadia” from Halifax to Liverpool 45N 44W passed several bergs. (LL).
Mar 27 Ship “Utica” in 4535’N 4824’W saw to the northward large fields of ice and 4 icebergs; 28th, 2 pm wind SE passed a quantity of field ice and several immense icebergs; at 5 pm was obliged to haul up SSW and clear a barrier of ice; 6.30 pm thick, could not find a passage through the ice – hove the ship too – embayed; 30th, 4340’N 4953’W passed between 10 islands of ice which was as large as any seen [400-500′ high], and the last we saw. I think it would have been impossible to have stood to the westward. In 45N from the mast head we could discover a continual barrier of ice. (SCL).
Mar 29 The Packet has not yet arrived, no doubt delayed by the continuance of the NE winds and by the large quantities of ice which the coast is in consequence beset. (RG).
Mar 31 The prevalence of NE winds during the last 10 days and the consequent accumulation of ice on the coast sufficiently accounts for the non arrival of the Packet. (arrived Apr 1). (Newf.).
Apr 5-6 “Elizabeth” from Berbice to Greenock 41N 47W passed a large berg and a quantity of ice; 6th, 43N 44W, 2 other icebergs. (LL).
Apr 12 Brig “Byron” 4118’N 50W saw 4 large islands of ice, one about 200′ high and 3 miles long. Saw it 30 miles off (plotted on map as 4018’N). (WCR).
Apr 17 4510’N 4730’W field ice stretching 30m ENE. (WCRM).
Apr 15 Issue: Seal vessels returning with a fair average catch. (PL).
Apr 16 Brig “Lady Turner” arrived from Cadiz reports on the day before Bay Bulls bearing about WNW distant 12m saw an immense iceberg lying SE and NW which from the length of time took to pass it viz. 3 hours going 8 to 9 knots could not have been less than 25 – 27m long and wore the appearance of the high land to the north of Bay Bulls. We believe this iceberg to be of an unheard size, but there can be no doubt of the correctness of the report as it has been seen by the “Euphemia” and “Mary Anne”, whose masters fully confirm Captain Hardy’s account. (Newf.).
Apr 18 (from Halifax – May 17 RG issue): The Packet ship “Baltimore” from Havre passed between 4450’N & 4330’N and between 4580(!)’W & 4930’W, 150 large islands of ice and many small ones. Fields of ice extended as far as could be seen from the mast head. No clear water to the westward. The wind being SW was compelled to steer SE and was 4 days before clearing the ice. (RG).
Apr 20 Ship “England” 4129’N 49W saw a large number of bergs. (WCR).
Apr 22 “Pauline” 4315’N 48W bergs and pack ice? (WCRM).
Apr 22 Ship “Caledonia” from Greenock to Montreal passed bergs 4432’N 5032’W. (#575).
Apr 24 “Rochester” 4320’N 4245’W a berg. (WCRM).
Apr 24-25 “Christian” for Clyde 42N 47W passed several bergs. (LL).
Apr 25 4110’N 4830’W bergs. (WCRM).
May — 4215’N 48W bergs. (WCRM).
May 2 “Liverpool” 3930’N 45W bergs. (WCRM).
May 5 SS “Great Western” for Liverpool 45N 11W[!at Liverpool by May 11] bergs. (LL).
May 5 The “Tay” for Clyde 44N 48W a large berg with a quantity of drift ice. (LL).
May 11 Barque “Isabella” lost at Cape North. Crew got ashore over fields of ice. (SCL).
May 12 “Oneida” 4410’N 52W bergs; July, 44N 5230’W and 4320’N 54W bergs. (cf. “Oneida in text for 1841. Different voyage?) (WCRM).
May 16 “Acadia” 4645’N 48W berg. (WCRM).
May 16 “Acadia”, off the eastern side of the Grand Banks in 46N 47W saw nearly 100 bergs, some of them of large size, one named St. Paul’s Cathedral. On return journey to Liverpool Jun 6 the same bergs was seen after drifting about 70m. (BA2).
May 16 Barque “Anna Tiffey” out from New York 10 days for Antwerp struck an iceberg in 4308’N 49W and was lost, crew saved. (SCL).
May 17 “Acadia” 4530’N 5230’W bergs. (WCRM).
May 17 The “Anna Liffey” from New York to Antwerp was fallen in with in 45N 49W in a sinking state, having struck a berg; crew saved. (LL). May 23 Brig “Juliet” of Waterford from Cadiz to Burin was spoken to by SS “Caledonia” from Halifax homeward bound in 45.69 (?)N, 4430’W, stating that the day before he had picked up the crew of a vessel bound for Newfoundland(?), form an iceberg. Vessel’s name could not be discerned. (PL).
May 24 “Romulus” for Clyde 46N 48W passed ~80 large bergs. (LL).
May 25 “Gotha” 4215’N 52W bergs. (WCRM).
May 28 Crew from brig “Stephen” arrived Pictou. She had struck a berg 31 days out from Newcastle for Pictou and abandoned. (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).
Jun — “England” 4130’N 4630’W bergs. (WCRM).
Jun — 43N 50W bergs. (WCRM).
Jun 2 “Lord Canterbury” arrived Quebec, had her bow stove in and received other damage in the ice off the Grand Bank. (LL).
Jun 4 From Cork: Several large islands of ice were passed in 44W by the “Kingaloch”, arrived at this port. (LL).
Jun 6 Issue: The “Styphen” of Shields, leaking and in distress, having been 3 or 4 days in the ice, was fallen in with, and the crew, with part of her cargo taken off by the “John Ramilly”, arrived at Newfoundland. (LL).
Jun 18 Ship “Formosa” 3840’N 4720’W saw an iceberg 100′ high and 170′ long. (WCR).
Jul — 4250’N 4630’W bergs. (WCRM).
Jul 10 4315’N 49W bergs. (WCRM).
Jul 10-27 SS “Columbia” from 4630’N 51W to 4830’N 45W approx. bergs. (WCRM).
Jul 18-21 Ship “Swanton” 43N 49W to 54W passed upwards of 300 icebergs, some of them very large; came near to be wrecked by them. (WCR).
Jul 20 43N 49W ice edge. (WCRM).
Jul 23-25 (1844 in WCRM) Brig “Cynosure” 42N 4930’W saw large icebergs, and was 2 days among the ice. Saw an island of ice that was estimated to be 200′ above the water, and saw several other islands in 54W. (WCR).
Jul 26 or Aug Ship “Laurel” collided with berg. 4730’N 40W. (WCRM).
Jul 27 “Metoka” 4145’N 5330’W bergs; May, 41N 54W bergs. (WCRM).
— — “British Queen” 4415’N 4445’W bergs. (WCRM).
1843
1843
Feb 28 Issue: Large island of ice outside the Narrows, however, no unusual severity and vessels uninterrupted. (PL).
Mar 28 The Packet, now several days due, has not yet arrived. Her absence may probably be accounted for by the prevalence of adverse winds lately, as well as from the coast being beset with drift ice. (RG).
Apr 1 The steamer from Halifax to St. John’s had to put into Aquaforte because of heavy masses of ice on the coast. (PL).
Apr 4 Issue: Easterly winds have blocked the coast for some time preventing shipping from arriving. Supposedly 13 large vessels sunk by ice so far or totally disabled. (No dates given or duration of blockade.) (Vessels arrived April 9). (PL).
Apr 6 Issue: The mail arrived here overland from Aquaforte Apr 3, the Packet having been obliged to put there in consequence of the ice which has completely surrounded this portion of the coast for some days past. Also:
We regret to record the loss of our sealers in our immediate neighbourhood within the last 2 or 3 days owing to the pressure of the ice. The “Catherine Power”, “Industry”, “Briton” and another of Spaniard’s Bay. We fear other disasters. The “Maypole” from Liverpool was signalled yesterday but unable to make port because of the belt of ice. (Newf.).
Apr 8 St. John’s: Our coast and harbours have been completely blocked up by drift ice since 28th ult. [March]. The “Swallow” of London is at Cape Broyle with bows stove [no ice mentioned]. The following Sealing Vessels have been wrecked amongst the ice, south of this place: the “Industry”, “Catherine Power”, “Rover”, “Mary”, “Breton”, and “Henry & Mary Ann”, all of this port, the “Despatch” of Spaniard’s Bay, the “Ocean” of Bonavista, the “Charlotte” of Carbonear, and the “Dart” of Harbour Grace. The “Princess” of Harbour Grace was driven by the ice over a reef of rocks, near Hants Harbour, Trinity Bay, but got into New Harbour; the master and 14 of the crew drowned. (LL).
Apr 10 St. John’s: The “Elizabeth” from Hamburg was assisted in here yesterday with 5′ of water in her hold, bows stove, rudder damaged, etc, having been among the ice off Cape Broyle. (LL).
Apr 11 Change of wind partially cleared the coast of the drift ice by which it has been from the continuance of easterly winds so long beset … several vessels have arrived. (RG).
Apr 13 Several arrivals from the ice the last 2 or 3 days with fairly average catch. The number of losses amongst the shipping will be unprecedented great. ( Ice and shipping reports becoming less.) (Newf.).
Apr 13 Liverpool: SS “Columbia” arrived here from Halifax, a few hours after leaving, fell in with 3 large fields and a great quantity of loose ice. (LL).
Apr 13 St. John’s: The “Wanderer” bound to Portugal put back yesterday with damage to cutwater. (LL).
Apr 14 St. John’s: The “Caribbean” from the Clyde to this port foundered 8th inst. among the ice at Cape Bollard, crew, passengers and part of cargo saved. The “Marion” from the Clyde was assisted in here today, leaky, with loss of cutwater and other damage, having been amongst the ice, cargo supposed to be damaged. Seventeen additional vessels of this place and the outports have been lost amongst the ice. (LL).
Apr 18 Seal voyage largely successful despite the loss of 20 vessels. (RG).
Apr 22 Quebec: The “William” arrived here from Portsmouth reports a great quantity of ice in the Gulf and was a few days in getting through it. (LL).
Apr 25 The following vessels lost at the ice: Schooner “Charlotte” at Cape Ballard on Mar 31; The “Ambrose”, “Rebecca”, “Relief” and “John” to westward; “Dart” and “Despatch” lost off Petty Harbour; and “Mary” and “Trial” lost to the northward. “Princess”, “Mary” (same one ?) and “Ocean” temporarily abandoned near Salvage Rocks when caught in the ice Apr 1. (RG).
Apr 25 Newfoundland: The following sealing vessels have been lost amongst the ice: “Lady Ann”, and “Superb” of Bonavista; “Brothers”, “Jane Amanda”, and “Edward” of Catalina; “Kitty”, “Orion”, “Shaver”, “Daniel O’Connell”, “Caroline”, “Violent”, “Mary”, “Nine Sons”, and “Active” of St. John’s; “Ambrose” and “William IV” of Carbonear; “Brothers”, “Mary”, “Trial”, “Pandora”, “Rebecca” and “Relief” of Harbour Grace; “Hannah & Elizabeth”, “Resolution” and “Sophie” of Twillingate. (LL).
Apr 29 Brig “Wm Rippon” sunk by running foul of an iceberg off St. Paul’s Is. (SCL).
May 15 “Ottoman” 4240’N 5850’W iceberg. (WCRM).
Jul — “Ocean” 4115’N 48W bergs. (WCRM).
Jul 3 1843? The “British Tar” heading E through the Straits of Belle Isle. 15m E of Belle Isle found the passage quite blocked up with heavy fields of ice forcing them back. 6th, again made for the ice and found it more open and passed through 70m of it. On the eastern edge fell in with 9 brigs, a ship and a barque standing off and on, waiting for a passage into the straits. The icebergs were very numerous and immensely large, as far to the eastward as 48W. (WCR).
1844
1844
“The spring of the growlers” plagued the sealing fleet. (JEC).
Jan 1 (1842 on map !) Ship “Sully”, Capt. Burroughs, met with an iceberg in 45N 48W. This is earlier in the winter than any other case we have met with. Capt. B. states that he had met with ice in this position on the first of February, on a former voyage. (WCR).
Jan – late Ship “Virginia” was 34 hours fast in the ice. On the Banks, in a hurricane, … saw large quantities of ice. also mentioned in SCL Feb 7.
Feb 29 Liverpool: “Virginian” arrived hence at New York saw large quantities of ice on the Banks. (LL).
Mar 28 There were several vessels off yesterday supposed to be sealers. In the evening the “Benjamin Black” arrived from the ice damaged with no seals. (Newf.).
Apr 4 The “Charles Buchan” arrived yesterday from Liverpool 12 days, considerable detention from ice about our coast. Also, favourable prospects for the seal fishery. Weather is reported severe and the ice heavy. A good deal of damage and some losses to shipping. (Newf.).
Apr 4 St. John’s: 28 vessels have returned from the seal fishery and report very boisterous weather during the month of March with 10 losses. (LL).
Apr 5 SS “Caledonia” to Liverpool 45N 58W large quantities of drift ice. (LL).
Apr 9-12 “Pandora” from St. John, NB to Liverpool 46N 48W fell in with several icebergs and soon afterwards became entangled in fields of ice, which she did not clear till the 12th, after making 75m of southing. (LL).
Apr 9 Issue: Sealing report very vague. Some vessels stuck in ice. Could be unsatisfactory season. (PL).
Apr 10 The “Creamore” arrived 35 days from Liverpool, detained a week by ice having met it in 45N. (Newf.).
Apr 18 The “Emma” from London spoke in 4715’N 46W to brig “Sarah” from Lisbon to Carbonear, out 23 days. The “Emma” was 14 days in the ice. (PL).
Apr 19 SS “Acadia” arrived 15 days from Liverpool, detained about 24 hours by ice off this coast. (Newf.).
Apr 22 Ship “Caledonia” from Glasgow to Montreal very heavy ice after 463’N 4614’W and headed eastward; position on the 24th 4423’N 4850’W (clear of ice ?) (#575).
Apr 23 Issue: SS “Acadia” from Liverpool to Halifax encountered ice 15 days out and stuck in it 2 days. “Cordelia” reports having seen a great deal of field ice and icebergs and spoke on the 15th inst. the “Orion”, sealer, with 1,800 seals. (PL).
Apr 23 St. John’s: 95 vessels have returned from the seal fishery, some of them with damage; 16 vessels are reported to have been lost in the ice, which is stated to be unusually heavy and dangerous. (LL).
Apr 25 American schooner “Burlington” spoke to vessel off Louisburg, was 25 days from New York and 14 days in the ice. Sealer “Squirrel” abandoned (no location). (PL).
Apr 30 Issue: The “Euphemia” from Bilboa saw a great deal of field ice and on the 19th inst. in 4620’N 4830’W a large vessel with nothing standing, abandoned. (PL).
Apr — “Oberlin” 4330’N 4030’W bergs (WCRM).
Apr — “Sylvie de Grasse” 43N 3930’W bergs. (WCRM).
Apr — “Franklin” 47N 48W bergs. (WCRM).
Apr — “Amazon” 4145’N 4845’W bergs. (WCRM).
Apr 1 42N 47W bergs. (WCRM).
Apr 20 “England” 4120’N 49W bergs. (WCRM).
Apr 21-24 “Caledonia” from Greenock to Quebec fell in with on 21st, in 46N 46W a heavy field of ice but got through it in a few hours, on the 22nd, in 45N 48W fell in with ice again and got clear on the evening of the 23rd, ran along edge to the southward and finally got to the westward of it on the 24th in 44N 48W; passed 4 brigs and a barque in the edge of the ice. (LL).
Apr 27 “Acadia” 4530’N 5250’W bergs. (WCRM).
Apr 28 “Isabella” 4245’N 41W one berg 3m long. (WCRM).
Apr 30 “Splendid” 4120’N 4630’W bergs. (WCRM).
Apr 30 Barque “Suir” from Llanelly for Quebec out 53 days in 4750’N 4714’W was spoken by barque “Aurelion”, had encountered heavy weather, been in the ice and carried away her stern, some cargo jettisoned. (SCL).
May — Ship “Burgundy” from 4530’N 45W to 4330’N 48W [4350’N – SCL] was completely surrounded by icebergs and drift ice, lay to 4 nights, owing to the density of the fog; saw an iceberg 2m in length; no ice seen on the Banks. from SCL likely late Apr/ early May..
May — “Zurich” 4645’N 4430’W bergs. (WCRM).
May — “St George” 4540’N 49W bergs. (WCRM).
May — “Agitater” 43N 5230’W bergs. (WCRM).
May — “Montezuma” 42N 4930’W bergs. (WCRM).
May 3 Issue: The “Royalist” from Torquay fell in with a great deal of field ice and stove in starboard bow (no date, but after Apr 25, and no location). (PL). May 5 Ship “Switzerland” 47N 46W met with a perfectly solid field of ice and hauled out to the SE. After coasting the ice for 40m found it turned to E … afterwards turned to the south and steered SSW for 40m more when the ice became broken, and very soon was clear of it, having sailed 80m along an unbroken coast of ice … saw more or less ice for 3 following days, but none south of 4443’N, nor W of 49. (WCR).
May 6 Brig “Nautilus” passed a boat with name “Benjamin” on the inside, among the ice in 466’N 47W. (SCL).
May 7 Issue: Mail steamer “North America” overdue and was reported to have been seed near edge of ice and would have to run a considerable distance to the south to get round it. Vessels arriving having been detained by ice. Arriving sealers badly fished. (PL).
May 8 “Oxford” Immense field of ice and icebergs 47N 46W to 4645’N 4445’W to 46N 45W and WSW 20m. (WCRM).
May 9 Barque “Lotus” of Whitley struck a berg and foundered immediately. Boats picked up by the “Swallow” from Hamburgh on the 10th. (cf. May 25 below). (PL).
May 9 Brig “Peace” made the ice 4652’N 4630’W being bound to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and was soon so completely imbedded in a large field of fragments that escape was impossible. She remained fast until the 13th, without injury when gale got up and she was stove in. On the 14th the small boats were lowered and she was abandoned. Remained upon the ice until the 18th unable to get into clear water and were taken off by the ship “Copernicus” in 4650’N 4552’W. (WCR).
May 9 “Lady Colebrook”, Halifax for Quebec, struck the ice near Scatarie and sunk, crew saved. (LL).
May 10 The “Swallow” from Hamburgh in 50N 42W took the crew off the boats of the barque “Lotus” of Whitby which had foundered the previous day on striking an iceberg. (Newf.).
May 10 Issue: RMS “Hibernia” from Liverpool had to run a long way south to clear the ice and was consequently 14½ days on her passage. (PL).
May 10 “Gustav Wasa” spoke a French schooner which reported a British bark had foundered in the ice on the Banks a few days before. (LL).
May 11 Brig “Transit” 4540’N 4530’W fell in with the “Swallow” which had picked up the crew of the “Lotus” of Whitby which foundered in the ice 3 am same morning. (SCL).
May 12 “Quebec” 46N 44W bergs; also? 4630’N 4430’W. (WCRM).
May 13 Report of the “Isabella” (see PL). (Newf.).
May 13 “Isabella” 4617’N 4730’W fell in with an immense quantity of island and field ice, one sheet about 18m long and 12 broad. (PL).
May 13 Brig “Prince Albert” of Halifax fell in with ice on the Flemish Cap (the outer Bank) and badly stove, later abandoned in sinking condition. (PL).
May 13 Issue: Br. Barque “Sovereign” at Boston encountered much ice and lost cutwater. (SCL).
May 13 “Peace” from Bayonne to Canada was lost in the ice in 47N 46W. (LL).
May 14 A wreck embedded in the ice passed by “Glenlyon” in 46N 58W for Quebec, which also fell in with a very large field of ice in 43N 45W. (LL).
May 15 “Prince Albert”, from Halifax to Liverpool, was abandoned, leaky and with damage, having been 2 days in the ice in 46N 45W. Crew saved by “Trafalger” of Marysport bound to Newfoundland. (LL).
May 15 Arichat: Ice off here and Cape North, vessels damaged. (LL).
May 16 Gut of Canso choked with ice [vessels have been lost]. (LL).
May 17 Barque “Onyx” [spoke ship] about 4630’N 4530’W struck into a field of ice and received considerable damage. Passed a good deal of ice on the Banks. (SCL).
May 18 Issue: Nearly all the vessels arriving from Europe report unusual quantities of ice in the Atlantic in about lat and long 45, to avoid which they have been obliged to stand south many hours together. (SCL).
May 20 Field ice 4715’N 46W to 30m SW. (WCRM).
May 20 “Hudson” 4115’N 4330’W bergs. (WCRM).
May 22 Issue, via Quebec 13th: SS “Unicorn” delayed 3 days by ice in the Gut of Canso and 3 vessels lost there. (SCL).
May 22 Issue, via Quebec 15th: Barque “James Harris” lost in the ice east of the Banks. (SCL).
May 25 “Lotus” foundered 4430’N 43W. (WCRM).
May 27 4530’N 5230’W bergs. (WCRM).
May 28 Issue: General failure of seal fishery. (PL).
May 29 Quebec: “Nestor” of Plymouth fast in the ice, east of the Banks, but apparently without damage, spoken to by “Ninian”, arrived here. (LL).
May 30 “Roscius” 4740’N 4340’W bergs. (WCRM).
May 30 Pictou: The “Egerton” arrived here from the Clyde, fell in with large quantities of ice 11th inst. and saw a great many ships amongst it. (LL).
Jun 6 HMS “Apollo” 46N and from 48W to 44W passed several icebergs. (LL).
Jun 14 Ship “Glenlyon” saw in 4553’N 58W wreck of a barque, probably “Jas Harris”, abandoned and embedded in the ice (see May 22). (SCL).
Jul 10 “Apollo” 4354’N 5812’W immense ice-island. (WCR).
Jul 10 Limerick?: SS “Britannia” fell in with a great many icebergs in 42N 41W, arrived at this port. (LL) .Jul 12 Ship “St.James” 44N 4712’W passed 12 large icebergs; 20th, passed 25 do.; and 21st, passed 30 do.; 4350’N 5226’W saw the last of it. (WCR).
1845
1845
No copies of LL available for this year.
“Much ice has been reported during the present year,(1845) but in no unusual positions.” (WCR).
Mission ship “Harmony” had progress impeded on approach to Labrador coast, 1845 again being a year of icebergs and icefields. Departed Hebron Sep 8 with 18″ of snow on her decks and the sea studded with icebergs. (EW).
Jan 28 “Zebulun” reports a great deal of heavy ice about 30m from land. (RG).
Feb 4 Packet ship “Sheridan” from Liverpool 45N 4645’W, 3 pm fell in with large quantities of field ice, reaching as far as the eye could reach, saw a barque and a brig in the ice, and 2 small brigs lying off and on, stood to the southward and at 6 pm was surrounded by drift ice and was obliged to force our way through it for 2 hours; 5th, 45N 6738’W (?) fell in with a number of icebergs. (SCL).
Feb 11 Issue: The “Garland” from Lisbon reports ice 200m to the eastward – some of it heavy ice. (PL).
Feb 13 Report of the “Garland” (see PL). (Newf.).
Mar 31 A sealer in ice 1 day out from St. John’s. (PL).
Apr — (from Liverpool Apr 22): The “Waterloo” from New York to Liverpool saw a large island of ice in 4357’N 4430’W. (SCL).
Apr 4 “Roscius” from New York to Liverpool in 48N 47W saw a large ship and a brig fast in the ice, and another the following day. The ice extended about 120m from NE to SW and was seen as low as 4350’N. (SCL).
Apr 15 Issue: The “Dash” from Liverpool has considerable damage and larboard side stove in, having been 25 days in the ice. (PL).
Apr 17 Issue: report of the “Dash” says 35 days (see PL). (Newf.)
Apr 17 Ship “Albion” from Greenock to Montreal 4857’N 4410’N ice in sight; 18th, 4645’N 4633’W fell in with ice; 19th, 456’N 4738’W ice in sight; 20th, 4421’N 4852’W iceberg in sight. (#575).
Apr 22 Schooner “Curlew” to Boston from St. Pierre got among ice on St. Peters Bank and remained 4 days. (SCL).
Apr 23 Issue: Packet ship “Gladiator” from London at New York reports falling in with large quantities of ice in 4440’N 4730’W and with much difficulty got clear. (SCL).
Apr 25 A boat, not named struck ice off Cape St. Francis and foundered with fatalities. Some rescued by the “Orion”. (PL).
Apr 29 The sealing schooner “Triumph” spoke to brig “Myrene” from Liverpool to Quebec out 23 days, beset with ice. (May 9 issue). (PL).
Apr 29 SS “Hibernia” from Liverpool to Halifax fell in with quantities of field ice in 4553’N 4711’W; 30th, sailed through large quantities of field ice till 6pm when the steamer got jammed, later took schooner “Neptune” in tow, 4610’N 4729’W; May 1, sailing through ice till 6pm when steamer stopped for the night; a good deal of copper rubbed off, cutwater injured, nearly all floats broken on both paddle wheels; towed “Neptune” 60m cast her off at 7pm (night before ?); noon got clear of ice, 458’N 4739’W; May 2, passed by several icebergs and a great deal of field ice, 448’N 5216’W; May 4, Halifax. (Newf.).
May 2 Barque “Cinnamon” at St. John, NB in 49N 4730’W fell in with a very large field of ice, was in it 2 days and had to stand to the SE over 400m to clear it and saw several large vessels fast in it. (SCL).
May 2 Barque “Jupiter” of Scarboro’ bound for St. John’s struck a piece of ice and went down. Crew were cast adrift not having time to take to the boats, picked up by the “Alfred” on the 5th. (SCL).
May 3 Brig “Thomas & Mary” stove and sank 4551’N 4948’W. Rescued by “Swift”. (PL).
May 5 Spoken in 4326’N 4850’W brig “Countess of Durham”, which vessel was hove to, and taking passengers from brig “Eliza Ann” of Cork for St. John, NB, had been in the ice & received considerable damage [in 48W – later issue SCL]. Brig “Neptune” also taking passengers. (SCL).
May 6 Issue: Outward bound steamer “Hibernia” was seen by the schooner “Triumph” (arrived here yesterday [Halifax !]) on Wednesday last (Apr 30) in 4730’W, about 250m from Cape Race steering to the southward to avoid the ice. Also: schooner “Ellen” lost on the seal fishery ~ Apr 27 150m to the westward of Cape Race after collision with an iceberg. Crew took to the ice and picked up later by the “St. John’s Lass”. Also: schooner “Adventure” off Torbay after shipping heavy seas some days ago (no mention of ice) – (shore lead ?). Also: the season of spring this year is unusually protracted …. owing no doubt to the immense barriers of ice by which our coasts are besieged, further to the eastward than the eye can extend. The arrivals from Britain are no doubt retarded solely by this cause. (PL).
May 6 Brig “Royal William” at New York from St. John’s prevented from going into Sydney, CB by large quantities of ice and was fast in it for several days. (Newf.).
May 9 Barque “Niagara” struck a large iceberg stoving bows and carrying away bowsprit, injuries. (SCL).
May 10 Brig “Rhydoil” [“Rhydwl” – SCL] wrecked in the ice at 4730’N 4630’W, rescued by brig “Margaret Parker” (also damaged). (PL).
May 10 Barque “Alert” in 4820’N 4720’W saw schooner “Annabelle” from Liverpool to St. John’s in sinking condition after contact with ice. (SCL). May 10 Issue: SS “Hibernia” at Boston reports encountered more ice on the Banks than the oldest fisherman ever saw before, was detained 52 hours, carried away part of the cutwater and nearly all the outer ends of her floats, bent the outer circles of her wheels, besides chafing her copper badly. (SCL).
May 12 “Emerald” from Cork spoke barque “John” from London to Quebec in ice in 48N 49W. (PL).
May 14 Issue, from Quebec 7th: Capt. Allan of the “Albion” saw a great deal of ice to the east of the Banks but none in the Gulf. The “Caledonia” saw much ice in the Banks but none in the Gulf or the river. (SCL).
May 16 Still ice upon the coasts retarding spring and vessels. (PL).
May 17 Issue: The “James Campbell” at Quebec May 7 was 2 days in the ice at 47N 46W, lost part of the cutwater and rubbed some of the copper off her bows; saw a ship and a barque fast in the ice, sails furled. The “Brittania” at Quebec was in the ice at 4730’N 46W. The “Rory O’More” was 48 hours in the ice. (SCL).
May 17 Barque “Coverdale” for Quebec started 2 of her planks in 46N 48W [in ice]. (SCL).
May 17 Brig “Huntcliff” hit an iceberg stoving bows and next day met the barque “Hope” [see 19th] and took off the crew. (SCL).
May 19 The “Hope” was abandoned in sinking condition in 4522’N 48W having struck ice the day before. (SCL).
May 21 Issue, from Quebec 15th: Brig “Canning” saw 20 bergs on the south side of the Banks of Newfoundland, all within 50m. The “Safeguard” saw a large field of ice stretching from the Bird Is. to Newfoundland from which several vessels were manoeuvring to escape. (SCL).
May 24 Issue: Nearly all the vessels arriving at this port from Europe report unusual quantities of ice on the Banks.(SCL).
May 28 Issue: “Marquis of Normandy” reports having been in the ice 4 days and saw many pieces of wreckage. (SCL).
Jun 8 Barque “Perthshire” from Pictou, N.S. fell in with a field of ice in 4619’N 4640’W. It was above 30m in extent and on its north end there was a ship high and dry on the ice, with the crew on board, but could not render any assistance. (M9).
Jun 13 Brig “Pioneer” from Hamburgh arrived 53 days 10 of which were in ice. (Newf.).
1846
1846
No copies available of the Public Ledger.
Jan 30 Brig “Sandwich” arrived 12 days from Halifax met ice 40m S of C. Race. (Newf.).
Feb 9 Schooner “Trial” which left about a month ago for PEI returned with loss of foresails and lack of provisions. She has been upwards of 11 days in the ice. (Newf.).
Feb 21 Ship “New York” 4530’N 4850’W fell in with large quantities of heavy field ice, and not being able to force the ship through it, stood to the south – saw the ice as far as 43N 4845’W. (SCL).
Feb 26 Issue: The coast is still surrounded by ice …. (Newf.).
Mar 5 Ship “Versailles” 4316’N 59W fell in with immense quantities of ice, some of the fields 2m long and from 2′ to 3′ thick and was in the ice 20 hours and stood S to clear it. (SCL).
Mar 6 Ship “Sunbeam” for Boston, Sable Is. N by W 60m, saw large quantities of ice and stood into it until it became unsafe to proceed, and tacked ship to S, water covered with ice as far as we could see from the topmast head. Think the SS “Cambria” (seen the day before) could not pass N of Sable Is. in consequence of the ice. (SCL).
May 6 Issue: The St. John’s Packet from Halifax with the February mail was driven in to Lawn by the ice. (LL).
Mar 8 Brig “Juno” from Greenock to St. John’s was wrecked in the ice 4630’N 4730’W, 5 survivors out of 12 in the small boat picked up Apr 1 in 4326’N 57W by ship “Goodwin” for Boston from Liverpool, another died later. (SCL).
Mar 9 Issue: The “Laurel” of Quebec was lost off the coast of Newfoundland by coming into contact with a field of ice. (Newf.).
Mar 16 Issue: Sealing vessels of Brigus and S. of Trinity B. still frozen up. (Newf.).
Mar 16 Halifax: The “Charles” of, and for, Carbonear from Portugal sunk in the ice previous to 8th inst. Crew, except 1 man, saved. (LL).
Mar 21 46N 49W large quantities of ice were fallen in with, extended to 43N 49W [ no ship mentioned, perhaps “Zurich” ?]. (LL).
Mar 26 Large quantities of ice at the Narrows due to a north-easterly and several vessels visible from Signal Hill. The vessels from upper part of Conception Bay have not yet entered on their voyage. (Newf.).
Mar 30 Coast still jammed with ice. Also, indication of a number of vessels at St. Mary’s and Trepassey unable to reach St. John’s. (Newf.).
Mar 31 Not a single vessel has been able to get to sea from either of the ports in Conception Bay above Harbour Grace including Spaniard’s Bay [etc] nor from the ports towards the head of Trinity Bay which are all locked in by immense masses of ice. Unnamed vessel in the ice of the north head of Petty Harbour. (RG).
Mar 31 Crew of the brig “Charles” brought in from 44N 5420’W about Mar 3. Crew exhausted and vessel in leaky condition. 13 vessels at Trepassey, assumed that all of them have been in the ice for a greater or lesser time, which extends in a southerly direction as far as 42N. The northern ice and that coming out of the Gulf are said to have joined. (RG).
Apr 2 Sealing a short distance from Harbour mouth. (Newf.).
Apr 6 Welcome change to the weather though still need strong breeze to clear off the ice. Loss of the sealers “Wave”, “Zephyr”, “Good Intent”, “William”, “Samuel”, “Cambrian” and “St. Ann” at the ice. (Newf.).
Apr 6 Brig “Charles” from Liverpool, December, arrived off the coast Jan 21. Encountered ice and tremendous weather, driven around in the ice until picked up by the “Mayflower” from Liverpool to St. John’s Mar 3 and taken into St. Mary’s. (Newf.)
Apr 7 St. John’s: A large steamer supposed to be the “Unicorn”, outward bound from Liverpool, was seen off Cape Speir [sic] yesterday, attempting to make this port, but was prevented by the ice; today nothing is seen of her. (LL).
Apr 9 Issue: SS “Unicorn” from Liverpool to Halifax short of coal unable to put into St. John’s because of ice eventually landed at Bay Bulls. (Newf.).
Apr 13 Whole list of arrivals. (Newf.).
Apr 13 Ship “Albion” from Glasgow to Montreal 4510’N 5120’W ice; 14th, 4517’N 5320’W fell in with ice; 15th, 458’N 5422’W icebergs in sight. (#575).
Apr 13 “Albion” from Clyde to Quebec fell in with a large field of ice which carried away the cutwater, and injured stem; saw an immense number of icebergs extending across the Banks as far west as 54ΟW, but saw no ice in the Gulf. (LL).
Apr 16 Issue: (letter from Bonavista): Lost at Old Harry shoals (north and east of Cape Bonavista) and in its neighbourhood – “Rebecca”, “Mary”, “Louisa Stuart”, “Elizabeth”, “Amy Ann”, “John and William”, “Tyro”, “Swan”, and “Wm L Black”. Sealers from Brigus got out on Apr 13 (reports of other vessels been lost to the northward). (Newf.).
Apr 20 Issue: The “Eurydice” left Burin 13th in company with the “Hound” and “Margaret Russell” both from Porto Rico for this port. The “Eurydice” has been 2 months in the ice – lost a great deal of copper and lost cutwater. The “Samuel”, from Oporto, reports the loss of the brigantine “Sophia” in the ice, from Porto Rico to St. John’s. The long boat picked up by the “Samuel” off Renews. (Newf.). Apr 22 The “Syria” sailed from St. George’s Bay from Liverpool and passed through great quantities of field ice and icebergs between 59W and 54W and 4530’N and 46N, the field ice appeared to be getting thin. (LL).
Apr 27 Issue: SS “Unicorn”, which left this port for Halifax on Apr 11 reached there in 4 days having experienced heavy weather in the ice and sustained some trivial damage. Also: The “John” at Carbonear spoke on Apr 18 the ship “St. Andrew” in 4450’N 5240’W from Glasgow to Montreal out 21 days, 5 days in ice. (Newf.).
Apr 30 Schooner “Inverness” sailed from Trinity on a sealing voyage Mar 5 was lost in the ice in early April. Also: Ship “Godwin” arrived Boston Apr 8 from Liverpool reports on Apr 1 in 4329’N 57W fell in with a boat belonging to brig “Juno” from Greenock to St. John’s wrecked in the ice Mar 8 in 4630’N 4730’W; 24 days in open boat, fatalities. (Newf.).
May 5 The schooner “Frances” from St. John’s for Montanzos was spoken Apr 2 in 58N 67W. She had been in the ice 10 days and had lost 2 men overboard. (MPSG).
May 6 Barque “Hero” fell in with brig “Lyra” in 4625’N 5920’W from Sunderland to Montreal, which had struck the ice stoving in her bow port and 9′ of water in her hold. (SCL).
May 6 “Lyra” fallen in with in 46N 59W by the “Hero”, bowsprit stove and 9′ of water in the hold. (LL).
May 7 Letter: “Messenger” lost with 1000 seals. (#866).
May 14 Issue: The “Haidee” which had been detained by ice in St. Mary’s Bay for several weeks, arrived. (MPSG).
May 20 “Princess Victoria” for London from Pugwash, bow stove in by ice. (LL).
May 24 “Rory O’More” struck field of ice off Magdalen Is. (LL).
Jun 5 SS “Britannia” from Boston to Liverpool fell in with icebergs 46N 54W and was amongst them for 4 hours. (LL).
Jun 14 Liverpool: The “Hugh Wallace” foundered at sea after striking the ice, the crew took to 2 boats, one of which was picked up and taken to Quebec. (LL).
1847
1847
Mar 4 SS “Cambria” left Halifax 3rd, encountered ice 4th and did not get clear for 12 hours. Arrived Liverpool 16th. (LL).
Mar 9 Slob and ice offshore Hant’s Harbour. (PL).
Mar 14 Greenock: The “Glaucus” bound to St. John’s has put back today, after being within 30m of that port, having encountered heavy gales and been shut up in the ice. (LL).
Mar 16 Ship “Sylvie de Grasse” 4727’N 4630’W saw a number of icebergs; 20th, passed a great quantity of field ice, which extended to the N and NW as far as could be seen from aloft. (SCL).
Mar 18 Repetitive mention of mild weather during winter, early spring. Prospects for seal fishery good. (Newf.).
Mar 20 The “Kingaloch”, sealer, scattered ice in 4729’N, left St. John’s March 3, returned 30th, clear water in last day’s run. (PL).
Mar 20 “Jane Gano” from Virginia to Liverpool 43N 49W was imbedded for 10 hours in field ice of which she passed large quantities. Same day, spoke the schooner “John” of Marblehead, a complete wreck, but declining assistance. (LL).
Mar 22 The “Eyry” arrived St. John’s from Matanzas with bow stove and about 50 casks of molasses started, from stress of weather, and was 10 days in the ice. (LL).
Mar 23 The “Science” and “Eyry” from West Indies and “Scotch Lass” from Alicante arrived recently. These vessels have all fallen in with and been from 10 days to a fortnight in the ice which is stated to be of a very heavy description and to extend southwardly as far as 44N and easterly to the outer edge of the Grand Bank. The “Eyry” sustained considerable damage. (RG).
Mar 24 Ship “St. James” 4230’N 50W passed 2 icebergs. (SCL).
Mar 24 Ship “Zenobia” 43N 51W saw several islands [ice ?]; 26th, 4230’N 57W saw large quantities of field ice.(SCL).
Mar 25 3 arrivals yesterday, lying off the Harbour prevented from entering by a quantity of drift ice which obstructs the Narrows. Also: Sealers left Trinity and Catalina Mar 3 and driven by ice to Cape St. Francis. There, liberated and returned to the Bay on the 9th but could not proceed northward for ice off Cape Bonavista. (Newf.).
Mar 25 Ship “Gladiator” 45N to 4330’N 4030’W to 50W was surrounded by enormous fields of ice and icebergs and was obliged to steer southwards and eastwards 2 days, at times closed in with fields of ice 10′ thick, as far as the eye could reach from the masthead. (SCL).
Mar 27 Ship “Liberty” 4250’N 50-51W passed several icebergs. (SCL).
Mar 27 “Argo” from Baltimore to Cork was abandoned, very leaky, having struck upon a berg; crew saved. (LL).
Apr 1 Issue: On Mar 25, the “James Stewart” from Liverpool spoke the barque “Margaret” in 47N 49W looking well fished and in the midst of seals.
Apr 8 Ship “Albion” from Glasgow to Montreal 4631’N 5813’W made ice; 9th, 4656’N 5834’W grinding through ice; 10th, Ship fast in ice; 11th, pressing slowly through the ice; 12th, ice very heavy scarcely moving, 8 pm got out into open water about 40m from Cape Ray; 14th, put into Port aux Basques; 25th, left Port aux Basques; 26th, jammed in ice off Cape Anguille and drift up to Point Riche near entrance to Strait of Belle Isle and finally got out after a gale broke up the ice on May 24, arrived Quebec Jun 4, passage 70 days, detained by ice 46. (from extracts from log and Bryce Allan had also typed up this “historic” voyage. 4 vessels entered the ice together including the “Great Britain”, “Eromanga” and the “St. Andrew”. The “Belle Isle” was with “Albion” on the drift up to Belle Isle. (#575).
(from PL 1881 – Allan Line started in 1821 running sailing ships from Glasgow to Canada and in 1853 built their first steamship which ran from Liverpool to Canada [ships end in -ian])
Apr 9 Sealing schooner “Margaret” lost with loss of life when vessel ran ashore near Greenspond [ice not mentioned]. (Newf.).
Apr 9 “Ann Caroline” from Alexandria to Waterford got into contact with an iceberg, lost bowsprit, had her stern and stern frame started, and abandoned; crew saved by “Messenger”. (LL).
Apr 21 Jersey Harbour, Newfoundland: The “Iris” arrived from Jersey was prevented by ice from going further west than 5749’W; from that point she proceeded southward to 44N from which she again proceeded northward to 4735’N and saw Cape La Hune, but could not discover any passage; the ice was fast to Miquelon, southward of the Seal Rocks – she fell in with the first ice 150m east of the Great Bank, which she crossed in 4355’N; she put into St. Peter, where it was reported that a brig from the West Indies to La Poile, supposed to be the “Harmony” had been hard and fast in the ice, between Cape La Hune and Burgeo, with the channel all to pieces. A craft here 16th inst. from Lamelin reports one of Messrs. Falles’ vessels hard and fast in the ice. (LL).
Apr 28 Brig “Reward” 4427’N 4710’W ran foul of an iceberg in thick fog and carried away the fore yard, jib-boom, started the bowsprit, split plank shear and other damage. (SCL).
Apr 28 Gut of Canso closed with ice. (LL).
Apr (late) Ship “Saracen” from 43(?)N to 4330’N and 4530’W to 50W for 6 days passed through about 50 large islands of ice from Glasgow to New York. (SCL). May 1 Quebec: The quantity of ice opposite Charlotte Town is greater than has ever been known at this period of year. (LL).
May 10 “Sophia Moffatt” for Quebec with bowsprit stove in by ice and leaking badly was passed 25th ult. in 46N 60W by the “Cambria”, arrived here. The “Emma Searle” also in the ice, was passed by her the same day. The “Canada” was seen in the ice off Cape North 29th ult. by the “Coeur de Lion”, arrived here. (LL).
May 11 “John Munn” for Liverpool 41N 47W passed a large iceberg and field. (LL).
May 21 Sp. ship “Eulleo” [=Eulalia, see also the Ship Iceberg Collision Database] from Havana to Spain ran foul of a large iceberg which stove the bow and she sank shortly after. 24 persons went down with the ship, 34 in to boats which were picked up by “Newport” from Stockport to Galway and which was spoken to on 23rd in 42N 5020’W. (SCL).
Jun 4 Greenock: The “Caledonia” from the Clyde to Montreal was seen in the ice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence by the “Britannia” arrived at Quebec. (LL).
1848
1848
No copies available of the Public Ledger.
Jan 25 The winter, down to the present moment, has been unusually mild. We have experienced no such weather on this island at this season of the year since 1831. (RG).
Feb 1 Still mild, though slob in the Harbour mouth, maybe obstructing traffic. (RG).
Feb 1 The brigantine “Avalon” from Glasgow to St. John’s anchored off the Southern Head, the Narrows being blocked by a quantity of ice. Wind got up flinging vessel ashore with loss of life. (Newf.).
“Young Shaver” fitted out at Greenspond sailed on Mar 2 and met ice 7m SW of the Funk Islands. 5 of the crew got lost. They report having fallen in with the “Terra Nova” which had run as far north as the Grey Islands without falling in with ice and had subsequently sailed 60m southward before meeting any. The ice is very open this spring. (MPSG).
Feb 20 A return to more frosty and seasonable weather. (RG).
Mar 4 Loss of the brig “Barbara” off Petty Harbour and Cape Spear but seems to be open water around. (see RG) (Newf.).
Mar 4 The brig “Barbara” went ashore at Hart’s Point, 3 – 4m SW of Petty Harbour, near “The Spout” with the loss of over 100 lives. The “Omega” had been 4 days out of New York on the Grand Banks when a tremendous gale incapacitated her. Some of the crew picked up by the “Barbara” and made land near Renews but decided to make for St. John’s. Became encompassed by slob ice and pushed ashore and wrecked by SE winds. (RG).
Mar 6 St. John’s: The jolly boat belonging to the brig “William Kelson” of Hant’s Harbour, Trinity Bay, with some of her timbers, seamen’s chests and clothes, also the fore-yard broken on the slings, have been picked up in the drift slob ice about 3m below Old Perlican, and it is feared all her crew are lost. (LL).
Mar 8 The schooner “Lady Mary” from Demerara to St. John’s was lost in the ice in 4530’N 59W. Crew saved. (MPSG).
Mar 11 Brig “William Kelson” lost near Horse Chops, Trinity Bay, [Feb 21 – SCL] evidently no ice present. (RG).
Mar 16 Weather mild and congenial, sealing prospects good. (Newf.).
Apr 18 The “Victory”, from the ice, spoke the “Martha Harrison”, of and from Harbour Grace, from Cadiz, off Cape Spear. (MPSG).
Apr 20 Best seal fishing since 1831. (Newf.).
Apr 27 Issue: The “Don Juan” from Cadiz to Harbour Grace arrived St. John’s on Apr 24 is detained by the ice. (MPSG).
Apr 27 Arichat: The “Briand” from Jersey which arrived here 25th inst. reports having seen large fields of ice to the westward of the Banks of Newfoundland. The Gulf of St.Lawrence is filled with ice, and it is impossible to pass the Straits of Canso, they being filled with drift ice. (LL).
Apr 27 “Britannia” saw several vessels fast in the ice, sails furled, off St. Paul’s. (LL).
May 4 “Indus” from Hartlepool to Quebec came into contact with the ice ~30m SE by E of Scatterie and sank ~1 hour afterwards. Crew saved. (LL).
May 20 “Mary” arrived Quebec from Liverpool with lower port bow started by ice and making much water. (LL).
May 29 SS “Cambria” for Liverpool 46N 54W saw several bergs. (LL).
1849
1849
The winters of 1848-49 … .. were confessedly severe in the extreme (from Sailing Directions for the island of Newfoundland 1873). (#837).
Jan 29 SS “United States” fell in with a large quantity of floating ice between Cape Race and Cape Breton, carried away the buckets and part of the wheel house. (SCL).
Feb 17 Issue: Immense fields of ice in passing the Gulf of St. Lawrence. (SCL).
Feb~19 The “Clutha” arrived Harbor Grace from Cadiz reported having sailed through extensive fields of ice. (from Harbour Grace Herald Feb 21, reported in RG Mar 6). Same issue also reports that since the beginning of December weather has been col and people suffering from hunger and the cold.
Feb 21 Vessel unable to get into Halifax because of ice. (SCL).
Mar 6 “William Warner” wrecked in Conception Bay having been driven ashore by the ice. (RG).
Mar 13 From the long continuance of northerly winds our harbour is so beset with ice that the sealing vessels have not yet been able to proceed. (RG).
Mar 14 Schooner “Thirteen Brothers and Sisters” totally lost at Cape St. Francis (but no ice mentioned). (RG).
Mar 14 St. John’s: There is a large quantity of ice on the coast which, at present, completely blockades the eastern harbours. (LL).
Mar 16 Issue: The SS “Falcon” (screw driven) left Halifax at noon on the 8th instant. Immediately after clearing Halifax harbour fell in with heavy ice and obliged to steer through it 60m south of Sable Island. On morning of 9th cleared the Nova Scotia ice. On the 11th fell in with Newfoundland ice off Cape St. Mary’s and steered through it to Cape Bollard when at 4 am on the 12th the wind sprang up from the north east and jammed the ice in with the shore. Seeing no possibility of making any progress, wore ship to the southwest, steamed through ice 60m and rounded it at 8am on the 13th. Saw Cape St. Mary’s at 4 pm and found the shore clear to St. John’s. (PL).
Mar 17 “Mazeppa” driven ashore by ice near the entrance of Halifax Harbour. (LL).
Mar 29 Issue: describes vessels dismasted and abandoned, sinking in the ice about 7m off Signal Hill. (Newf.).
Mar 29 Sailing sealer “James & Anastasia” lost at the seal fishery; crew of 39 reached Bonavista. (NW).
Apr 1 “William Penn” from Philadelphia to Liverpool 48N 45W encountered immense masses of ice. (LL).
Apr 5 (from letter from Brigus dated Mar 31): Schooner “Sarah Jane” lost Mar 23 in the Eastern part of the ice. (Newf.).
Apr 6 Issue: The “Gratia” which cleared on March 30 for Oporto, has put back, having sustained considerable damage in the ice, and must discharge cargo. (PL).
Apr 9 The “Senhora” from Matanzas to Liverpool encountered a great quantity of ice in 41N 47W and again on Apr 9 in 46N 47W which obliged her to run considerably to the southward. (LL).
Apr 10 Issue: The “Margaret” and “Acorn” fell in with seals on Mar 23 in the latitude of Cape Bonavista; the Greenspond vessels on the 24th NE of the Funks; and the “Emily Tobin” on the 28th in lat. of Cape St. Francis. The weather is reported to have been on the whole favourable and the ice open. (RG).
Apr 12 [new addition and unplotted] Schooner “Mary Francis”, (Henry Webber) lost when punctured by ice 120 miles east of the Grey Islands. (Morning Courier, 12 May 1849, p.2 col.3)
Apr 14 Brig “Ospray” from St. John’s to Baltimore 4023’N 6229’W passed several fields of ice and was forced to take the southern passage. On the outward passage on the Banks of Newfoundland, was completely blocked in the ice (8′ to 16′ thick) for 4 days. (MWR).
Apr 17 (From Harbour Grace Herald): The “Wave” sailed Mar 2, put into Northern Bay and sailed there 9th; off Baccalieu on 14th was beset with running ice from which she got clear on 21st off Cape Race – struck seals on 27th in lat. of this Bay and left the ice Apr 9 ( or 2), 20m E of Cape Bonavista. (RG).
Apr 22 “James Audus” from Bristol to Quebec struck iceberg during a dense fog and lost bowsprit, fore-mast by the deck, bulwarks and stanchions on both bows and other damage. Put into Halifax Harbour May 18. (see Apr 28 below.) (LL).
Apr 24 Issue: resumé on seal fishery since 1811. (RG).
Apr 27 Issue: comment about 1837 being bad. (PL).
Apr 28 Brig “James Audus” from Bristol to Quebec struck berg (no pos.) while going at 7 knots, lost bowsprit, foremast and bulwarks. Put into Halifax May 12, 35 days. (SCL).
May 7 Quebec: The “Annie” was seen in the ice off St. Paul’s about Apr 24 by the “Caledonia”, arrived at Montreal. Several other vessels mentioned over the next little while sunk by the ice in the gulf or of Anticosti and often with no locations. (LL).
May 11 Quebec: ~20 vessels in the ice between Bird Is. and Cape Ray. (LL).
May 12 Ship “Glasgow” from Antwerp to New York 44N 46W came in to contact with a berg 20′ high, carried away cutwater, cathead, stanchions and head gear and stove starboard bow causing ship to leak badly. (SCL).
May 18 Issue: All the harbours, with the exception of Aquaforte, are full of ice, but the coast is pretty clear; also, brig “Trafalgar” fell in with ice off Cape St. Francis on May 13 and drove foul of Cape Spear where vessel stove, crew took to the ice and reached shore with difficulty. (PL).
May 18 Halifax: A vessel from Great Britain to Quebec struck the ice near Ingonish, CB and out of 200 passengers on board, only 9 were saved. A ship from England to Montreal is reported to have struck the ice near Cape St. George and sunk. (LL). May 22 The “Falcon” was obliged to go into Aquaforte because St. John’s harbour beset with ice and NE winds. Winds changed later and she arrived 20th. (RG).
May 23 Issue: accounts of various incidents and disasters with ice but all to do with ice in the mouth of the Gulf. (MWR).
May 24 St. John’s: “Robert and Ann” from Cadiz to this port got entangled with the ice and drove on shore in Blackhead Bay; the cargo (salt) is lost, the vessel considerably damaged and will most likely become a total wreck. (LL).
May 30 Issue: – more reports of vessels, including brig “Coverdale” going down in the ice in the Gulf. (SCL).
May 31 Leith: The “Pomona” arrived at Mirimachi from this port, was in the ice 16 days and saw 100 sail completely beset in it. (LL).
Jun 5 Accounts of several disasters in ice near St. Paul’s Is late Apr early May. (RG).