The Water Witch

The Water Witch was built in 1836 by Justus Wetmore at Clifton on the Kingston Peninsula. It was a side wheeler, 120 feet long, with a gross tonnage of 87.

The great competition for business between Saint John and Fredericton resulted in the Water Witch being placed on the night run to Fredericton when it was ready for service. She continued in this role for four years except for a short period in her first year when she ran from Saint John to Annapolis. There is no record of her having been equipped with staterooms. Apparently, the sleepy-eyed passenger simply picked out a comfortable looking hay bale and curled up on it.

The Water Witch was transferred off the river in 1840.