Speedy Justice: The Tragic Last Voyage of His Majesty’s Vessel Speedy

In 1804 an Ojibwa named Ogetonicut was facing trial in Upper Canada for the murder of a white settler. The prisoner was being transported from Toronto to Newcastle, the site of the trial, aboard the Speedy. Also on board to participate in the trial were some of the most important figures in the justice system of Upper Canada. The trial never took place: the Speedy vanished in a storm on Lake Ontario, taking with her the accused, his jailer, the judge, the lawyers, and all other passengers.

Brendan O'Brien recreates the wreck of the Speedy in this exciting account. In the process he examines several related issues, including the administration of justice for native people in Upper Canada, the reasons for the disappearance of the vessel, and the role of the governor in the tragedy.