A lot if information was collected during research for the Speedy story and much of it was peripheral to the main story, so was not included in the book. The author felt that some extra information might be of interest to history buffs, so it is being provided here, as sort of an addendum to the book. Feel free to download items I have made available. Please, also feel free to contact me with comments re what you see. Always happy to discuss history! Click on the headings to see the details.
The various accounts written about the Speedy story suggest two different locations for the Farewell trading post and therefore the murder of John Sharp. Some say it was on Ball Point and some say it was on Washburn Island. This conflict is not mentioned in the book because it is not relevant to the story. However, the author needed to analyze this problem and make a determination as to the location that is most probable, based on available documentation. Check out the author's opinion and documentation.
C.H.J. Snider (1879-1971) was a journalist at the Toronto Telegram for 65 years, covering both World Wars and many international and national events over a long and distinguished career. Snider was also an expert in marine history, researching and documenting ships that sailed on the Great Lakes. As a writer, he entertained his readership with the column "Schooner Days" and as an artist, he provided many pictures of ships based on the best information available. See both his picture of the Speedy and his story "The Loss of the Speedy" here.
Wabukayne was a much respected chief of the Mississauga people when he and his wife were killed in an altercation with a British soldier at York in 1796. In spite of clear evidence of his quilt, the soldier was allowed to walk free. The Mississauga people who watched Ogetonicut being taken away in chains less than a decade later were well aware of the double standard in the justice system. It was obvious. If an Englishman murdered an Indigenous person, he would not be punished; if an Indigenous man murdered an Englishman, the authorities would rush to make sure he hanged. Canadians may not like to hear this today, but it is part of our history.
The Speedy story includes an important component of Indigenous history, which is reflected in the book. However, much more was written in early versions and then reduced or edited out. Many of those bits and pieces have been assembled into one file. Don't look for a comprehensive history here, it is a list of items I felt might be useful for readers. Determine for yourself!
Moody and William Farewell, along with their mother, Sarah Bennett, represent a good example of how Loyalist families struggled to find a way to survive in the new colony of Upper Canada. Here is a bit more detail about their path to the trading post on Lake Scugog in 1804.
The small and brand new town of Newcastle, there on Presqu'ile Point, was the destination for the Speedy on that fateful voyage in 1804. Not only did the passengers of the Speedy suffer, but the tragedy set in motion a change that would damage the prospects of the town of Newcastle. Look here for lots more detail about Newcastle.
A dramatic and mournful poem commemorating the people lost on the Speedy appeared in the Kingston Gazette in 1811. The poem is called "Elegy" and it was included in Appendix C of the book. It is here as well, in its entirety.
Bill Johnson was a notorious pirate on the St. Lawrence who hated the British and worked to support the American side during the War of 1812. The town of Newcastle, on Presqu'ile Point, had one exciting night during the war when Johnson raided George Gibson's boat building enterprise and burned the schooner that was almost completed.