60 



porter's journal* 



St. Catharines has been the usual stopping place for all 

 American vessels engaged in the southern whale fishery, on 

 their return to the United States ; four fishing vessels had 

 left it for America about one month before I arrived ; and 

 there recei ved the first intelligence of the war. 



Vessels should always moor here, as the irregularity of 

 the currents will otherwise soon occasion them to foul 

 their anchors. The tide enters to the north and south, 

 and rises about four and a half feet. The usual anchorage 

 for large vessels is about the spot occupied by us ; vessels 

 drawing not more than sixteen feet water, can go up to 

 the town. 



