Built at Comeauville, Nova Scotia, by S.F. Comeau. Launched as the A.H. Comeau, this schooner was sold to Zwicker & Company of Lunenburg and renamed the Sceptre - after the Brigantine Sceptre, which had been operated by the firm for many years after her launch in 1890. The new Sceptre was not fated to last long, as she stranded at East Caicos Island in the Bahamas on June 22, 1922 and became a total loss.

Here is the original letter from Captain John Spurgeon Geldert to his wife, informing her about the fate of the Schooner Sceptre:

My Dear Wife:

Just a few lines to let you know that I am still living,but that is about all. Well Emmie I guess you was all shocked when you heard the news of the Loss of the Sceptre. Well Emmie it has certainly given me a shaking up, but I am not going to fret over it any more for that won't bring the Sceptre back again and I consider myself and the crew very lucky for not going with her.

Well she was lost at about 10 o'clock at night and it was very dark and blustering, just through the mate's carelessness and neglect of duty. I gave the course N. by W. and warned him if the wind hauled or if he wanted me for anything at all to be sure and call me and shortly after I went below the sailor at the wheel gave the wrong course N.W. by W. which put the Sceptre on the rocks and the Mate never looked after his work, or else he would of detected them steering the wrong course. I can't get over the Mate, for he was the best Mate I ever had, and everything was going so nice. I was only 21 days from home and on my way home again loaded and I was looking forward to making the trip in about 32 days and here I am the worst of all we landed on a desolate beach, but as luck happened there was a boat come along and carried us to the nearest port. I saved about all except the [illegible].

Well Emmie I can't say when I will be home for I must stay here and sell the gear we saved off the vessel. I wrecked here with men from here. The crew are leaving tomorrow for home I think. I will let you know when I leave. Take good care of yourself & Hazel. I must close now for there is a steamer coming in now on which I must mail this.

Your loving Husband,

Spurgeon