1872-1874 The Paul Pelkey Expeditions

Milwaukee Sentinel, July 23, 1872

Capt. Pelkey, commander and owner of the tug Ida Stevens, is said to have discovered the hull of the propeller Westmoreland, which went down about seventeen years ago in the vicinity of the Manitou Islands. At last reports he had placed buoys to mark her whereabouts until steps could be taken toward raising her. The circumstances of her loss will recur to those who lived in this region at that time. Being extremely cold weather, in the beginning of December, she foundered with the accumulation of ice, sinking in 12 fathoms of water. Capt. Pelkey, who was her mate, was one of her survivors, and was compelled to follow the beach via Mackinac to civilization. On reaching the shore form the scene of the disaster, he had the presence of mind to take the bearing of the locality, which accounts for her almost immediate discovery on search being instituted. She was a new boat, and at that period one of the best on the lakes-measuring about 800 tons burden. She is undoubtedly in a good state of preservation as when she went down.

Port Huron Daily Times 8/25/1874

The propeller WESTMORELAND, which foundered in a terrible gale with the loss of 17 lives in the fall of 1854, has been found near Sleeping Bear. Her cargo consisting of liquors and hardware are in good condition considering the time it has been under water.

Daily News, Oct. 5, 1874
(Kingston)

Marine Intelligence
Wrecking - The wreckers of Lake Michigan, which have been so successful in the recovery of valuable property from great depths, have about concluded their labors for this year. The lateness of the season will beyond a doubt, prevent their accomplishing anything towards the rescue of the Westmoreland, which lies exposed to westerly winds.

Details of Capt. Paul Pelkey’s death
The J. W. Hall Great Lakes Marine Scrapbook, Fall 1876

"The tug went ashore Monday night (of last week), and when discovered was five feet out of water and listed considerably to one side. The night being cold, Captain Pelky, together with the mate, F. Martin, and the steward, Vetal Buresom, went in on the boiler deck and, shutting the doors, went to sleep. Mr. O. Newton, a part owner in the BENNETT, together with the engineer, W. Mulerone, sought repose in the engine room. During the night, but at what hour it is impossible to determine, the Government safety blew off, killing four of the men instantly, the fifth victim surviving till Tuesday morning. Captain Pelky died instantly from dry steam, and the others were skinned from head to foot, by the hot water and steam combined. The bodies were taken to Mackinaw and in transporting the body of Vetal Buresome, the cook, it broke apart across the breast, and in order to handle the corpse it had to be sewed in canvas. In the back of the man last to expire there was found a hole caused by a stream of hot water in which a man's hand could be inserted. The scene which met the eyes of the LEVIATHAN'S crew as they boarded the BENNET was past description.”