It gives us much pleasure in making public the following testimonial to the well known merits of a long tried public servant; and we trust that the Press of Montreal will pay that tribute of respect to the veteran Captain Stearns, which has been so cheerfully accorded to much younger gentlemen in the same employment:-

Kingston, May 24th, 1851. 

The undersigned passengers on board the Steamer Highlander, on her upward trip from Montreal, feel pleasure in giving this testimonial of their regard to Capt.  Stearns and his assistants, for the very efficient manner in which each has performed his respective duty; for watchfulness after the safety and comfort of his passengers; a better man than Capt.  Stearns cannot well be found.  The Steward is justly entitled to our thanks for the fidelity with which he has served up the substantial comforts of the season.  Some of us were passengers on her downward trip, and can testify that the attentions of the Steward have been such as to defy complaint. 

(signed by 12 names)

Capt.  O'Connor & the Comet. 

The undersigned, Citizens of Oswego, are happy on this occasion in being able to give their cheerful testimony in favor of the good conduct of Capt.  O'Connor, of the steamer Comet, at the time the melancholy disaster occurred which cast a gloom over our city - that he was unceasing and unremitting in his attentions to the sufferers by the explosion and that no expedient on his part was left untried, to alleviate their condition - that the best medical aid and attendance was procured, and the bodies of the deceased carefully disposed of for interment - that nothing which humanity and kindness could dictate was left undone by him - and that under the trying circumstances in which he was placed, he displayed the qualities of a careful officer and a kind hearted man - that he received the approbation of the community for his unceasing efforts to promote the comfort of the afflicted, and that he has in no respect forfeited their confidence or regard. 

Our citizens generally, will, we are sure, concur with us in the expression of these opinions; and the owners, and others interested in the steamer Comet, as well as the relatives and friends of the deceased, may rest assured that 'here' where the accident occurred - witnessed as it was by a number of spectators, and where all the testimony that could be procured was elicited before a coroner's jury, and the 'facts' then presented to the public; the feeling is universal that no blame is to be attached to Capt.  O'Connor for the unfortunate occurrence, and that his conduct was deserving of 'commendation' and 'sympathy,' rather than condemnation or reproach. 

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