Despatch from Fredericton, 9th May - Yesterday about noon, the steamer "J.D. Pierce" burst her boiler while on her way to Woodstock. The steamer "Richmond" which was passing down at the time, immediately rounded to, and rescued the passengers and part of the freight. It is not yet exactly ascertained how many lives are lost; certainly not less than five, among whom were Mrs. T.M. JOHNSTON of Gagetown (Queens Co.), Robert MILLER of Woodstock (Carleton Co.) and two others, named respectfully MERRITT and WORK, the latter from Tobique (Victoria Co.) The steamer sank immediately in five fathoms of water. Cause of the explosion not yet known... The boiler, we are told, blew quite out of the boat, and Mrs. JOHNSTON who was on the upper deck, was thrown off and fell on some barrels, thus receiving the injuries that caused her death. (see original)