The New Brunswick
The steamboat, the New Brunswick, was built in Carleton, Saint John and launched in May 1839. She was 169 feet long with a 19.9-foot beam. Her gross tonnage was 146. She had one mast, a standing bowsprit, and a square stern. A figurehead of a woman's head and bust adorned her bow. This side wheeler had a five-foot stroke 80 horsepower engine which had been brought from Scotland.
In the spring of 1840, she started her regular schedule of three trips per week between Saint John and Fredericton. Early in the morning of November 20, while lying at her wharf in Indiantown with a valuable cargo of general supplies, it was discovered that the hull was partly filled with water. Before anything could be done, she sank to the bottom. The New Brunswick was soon re-floated and sold to a
new syndicate who made repairs and placed it again on the Fredericton run. She left Indiantown on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 12 noon and left Fredericton on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 am. An advertisement in the press stated that:
This boat has superior accommodation for passengers and freight, having a promenade deck which will protect both in bad weather.
Freight charges (except way freight from Indiantown - nine pence per barrel, and from the City below the Falls, 1 shilling. Other freight in proportion
In 1842, the New Brunswick enhanced her earnings by running various excursions. Picnics and excursions soon became very popular. In September 1844, the following advertisement was placed:
The proprietors of the Steamboat New Brunswick beg leave to advise that on September, the steamboat will leave Indiantown on a pleasure trip to the Celestial City (Fredericton) for the special behoof of our sequestered villagers, a rare chance is afforded to rub off the rust of our monotonous existence and expatiate ourselves with the aerial splendors of the great metropolis.
Every lover of fine scenery, fresh air and good fellowship, and concord of sweet sounds should prepare for this excursion. What with the kindness of our friend the favorite Captain Whiley, our own steamer, our own Band, the aquatic amusements to which the dignified Cockneys of Saint John are to pull the lusty oar for our amusement, we are assured the liveliest expectations of pleasure may be gratified on this occasion.
Remembering all these pleasures are promised for the special gratification of the Frederictonians.
Signed James Tibbits Thomas Picard Jacob McKeen
In July 1848, the New Brunswick, while carrying a pleasure party to witness the launching of the new steamboat the Forest Queen at Springhill, NB, ran aground at Government Gully.
At the close of the season in 1850, she was sold by auction and dismantled.