"The Lachine Rapid, River St. Lawrence Bateau descending with a company of the 83rd on board" H.F. Ainslie.
Until the completion of the St. Lawrence canal in 1848 the rapids beyond Montreal prevented the passage of steamers. Immigrants going west travelled to Prescott or Kingston by Durham boat or bateau. This picture, dated May 24, 1843, shows a bateau descending rather than ascending the Lachine Rapids and carrying a company of soldiers instead of immigrants. However, it gives an idea of the kind of vessel used on this part of the river. Proceeding through rapids was slow work; at times it was necessary to disembark, unload, and pull the bateau with all of the passengers helping. At other times, the crew had to row and to push with poles. At night, passengers and crew camped in the open. Up to a week might be lost in covering this section of river, a distance of only one hundred and sixty miles.
