The "General Smyth" was the first passenger steamer that ever made regular trips between St. John and Fredericton. An Act of 9th March 1812 gave certain persons the exclusive priviledge of navigating the Saint John by steam for a period of ten years. Among the persons were J. WARD, R. SMITH, H. JOHNSTON and J. FRASER. They built the "General Smyth" at Marble Cove, Portland (St. John), launched her 11th April 1816 and on 21st May following she reached Fredericton on her first voyage up the river. In 1832 the steamers "Woodstock" and "J. Ward" went up Grand Lake and brought down 200 chaldrons of coal - the first that was ever received from that place at Saint John. The "Meteor", the "Fredericton" and the "Novelty" soon contested for the trade of the river. The "Meteor" was under the command of Capt. MOREY, who now resides in California The "Fredericton" was commanded by Capt. AKERLEY, the "Novelty" by Capt. PURDY and Capt. J.T. KENNEDY who is today a resident of Indiantown. In 1848, the "Forest Queen" was built by F.W. HATHEWAY at Springhill (York Co.)