History #
The Alliance was a wooden schooner built in 1856 by John Simpson in Oakville, Ontario. It had an official number of C and a tonnage of 180 tons (or 263 tons in old-style measurement).
On December 2, 1863, the Alliance was entering Oswego Harbor in New York, towed by a tugboat with its sails furled. However, it was torn loose by a heavy gust of wind and driven ashore near the fort. The vessel became a wreck as a result. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities among the eight crew members. The Alliance was carrying a cargo of feed and flour on its voyage from Port Credit, Ontario, to Oswego.
The schooner was owned by Captain Sidney Hamilton, who also sailed it. The Alliance was built for him and operated out of Toronto. Unfortunately, the vessel met its end in the storm and became a total loss.
Reports mention that the Alliance drifted on rocks and wrecked after parting from the tow tug. The crew members were able to escape and were rescued by a line from the shore. The vessel, along with its cargo, was insured but considered a complete loss.
Sources and External Links #
- Great Lakes Ships
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Buffalo Commercial Advertiser Wednesday, January 20, 1864
- Casualty List for 1863
- Oswego Daily Palladium Wednesday, December 2, 1863
- Buffalo Daily Courier Thursday, December 3, 1863
- Buffalo Morning Express December 4, 1863 3-4
