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^ <^» >% -^ w -/ y // Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 s:;*{;* .«!(,,,,, K ^ warn fi'ii'4itilj,' ri^ 'Mff|ifelf««»"'»'"'''"'"'i^>"''«'''-«^'''' ■'^i "!«)? ■'%.:■■ i;H-^.i::.-.i!iV-™Hfe^ US*- TWO CHAPTERS IN THE LIFE OF F. M., H. R. H. EDWARD, DUKE OF KENT. WILLIAM JAMES ANDERSON, L. R. C. SUKGEONS, EDIN., VICE-PRESIDENT QUEBEC LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY. " To hold as 'twere the mine/ up to nature." (Read before the Society y IrfCJ.) OTTAWA: PRINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE & COMPANY, 1869. .i-i^ ■■■M'mx l4,,|!.ii. | | ii HPi i' 4ii:,|' p^^s^,-^ ■^■:^ mii.^j^ TWO CHAPTERS IN THE T.IFE OP F. M., H. R. H. EDWARD. DUKE OF KENT. BY WILLIAM JAMES ANDERSON, L. R. 0. SURQEONS, EDIN., VICE-PRESIDENT QUEBEC LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY. " To bold as 'tware the mirror up to nature." CRead before the Society, 1867.) ts OTTAWA: PRINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE * COMPANY. vlibraires.^I AIRES, 27 Rue Buade, .v' ; i mmmii^'* > I n 1^ f 1 ' / 1 HI - - 1 .».♦..•• • • • •• • • * • • • • • • a^i I'll, i.' INTRODUCTORY. One of the objects of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, is the prosecution of researches into the early history of Canada, and the recovering, procuring and pub- lishing interesting documents and useful information in con- nexion with the natural, civil and literaiy history of British North America. Having, during the past year, been in professional attendance on the late Lieut.-Colonel de Salar- ijeny, Deputy Adjutant General of the Province, and the son of that distinguished Canadian soldier, Lieut.-Colonel . Charles Michel de Salaberry, whose name is inseparably connected with Canada as the Victor of Chateauguay, I had many opportunities of conversing with him on that great exploit, as also on the general career of his father. Seeing that I felt so much interest in the subject, Col. de Salaberry E laced in my hands certain letters addressed to his father y the late Duke of Kent, and I was thus enabled to pre- pare a paper which I read before the Society. After its publication in the "Transactions" of the Society, it became known that there had been placed in my hands by Col. de Salaberry and his younger brother Charles, a cor- respondence between the Duke of Kerit and members of the de SalabeiTy family, extending from 1791 to 1818, and a very general opinion was expressed by friends whose opinion I valued, that I should not rest with the publication of the paper which I had read, but should undertake to write a life of the Duke of Kent, based on the materials in my pos- session. It has been said that when personal character and habits form the principal subject of interest, a stranger stands at too great a distance to give the portrait a faithful outline or correct coloring, and that a true one can be only pourtrayed by him whose friendly intercourse gave opportunity of marking the peculiar characteristics of the subject. This is undoubtedly to a certain extent true, but it will also be ad- mitted that he who writes his own biography often discloses traits of which no other person is cognizant, and gives an into his own character which might not othei-wiso insight 51340 t?:r ■ ' jl be obtained, and that by lettcix, wc may truly be brought, a.s it were into personal correspondence with the distant and the dead. The Duke of Kent was an al)le and voluminous correspon- dent, and from the care with which his letters have been j)reserved, has thus unconsciously become his own biogiu- pher; but this biography hjis hitherto been confined to the limited circles of the families or friends of his correspon- dents, and the few of his letters which have been published in his life by the Rev. Ei^skine Neale, have only ex- cited a desire to sec more. I feel that the valuable correspondence which ha,s been placed in my liands, has furnished abundant matter for wilting a life; but, after mature deliberation, I have deter- mined simi)ly to hold the miiTor \i\} to nature, making my- self a, mere amanuensis ; nothing extenuating and withhold- ing nothing, but giving the true photograph. In the present publiciition I propose to give the whole of the letters in my ])OSsession, not merely all in number, but the contents, merely filling up tlie narrative where it is obviotis some con- necting statements are reqxiired, and I feel that I can do this without the slightest hesi+ittion, assured there m^U not be found in the correspondence of the Duke of Kent a single expression calculated to offend tlie mosft refined taste, but that every letter will furnish an additional proof of his princely nature and the high and generous (jualities which he invariably brought to bear in his intercourse with his fellow men. . " Ml h ■ 'l<:,t u M r ' :« ( ^ > Hdr ?^:'fl^^-^pt^nii^■ ^' r ) ',( ■. (ifH- ,<■:**■ : J i /ftirtt/t. I (' .'' ' .1 ■ I i ■ • > THE DUKE OV KENT. i't\ ' r» I CHAPTER I. Birth— -Childhood — Early Education — Military Training— Lune- berg — H anover— Geneva — Gibraltar. '-■(V . t. 'V-.' • ' " Still on the spot Lord Marmion staid, For fairer scene he ne'er surveyed, The wandering eye could o'er it go, And mark the distant city glow In gloomy thunder red, For on the smoke, wreathes huge and slow, That round her sable turrets glow The morning beams were shed. And tinged them with a lustre pro«'d, Like that which streaKs a thunder cloud ; Such dusky grandeur clothed the height, Where the huge castle holds its state And all the steep slope down. Whose ridgy back heaves to the sky, Piled deep and massy, close and high w ...;«U. ji; Mine own romantic town." — <^ position he had to maintain, with the stinted allowance assigned him, he resolved to visit England. He was now of age ; \, ritten remonstrances he had found unavailing, and he hoped a personal appeal to his father might secure an impartial hearing and redress." In January, 1790, he arrived in London, without previous intimation, and took up his quarters at an hotel, where he A'as at once visited by the Prince of Wales, who took him to Carlton House, where they were immediately joined by the Diike of York, who undertook to communicate his arrival to the King, Dire was the wrath of the King, his displeasure was inexorable. Prince Edward had returned without his sanction, therefore he refused to see him, and in a few days sent him peremptory written orders under seal to proceed, within twenty-four hours, to Gibraltar, and only admitted him to his presence for a few minutes on the night before his departure. Thus, after an absence of six years from his family, he was debarred all opportunity of giving explanation, or laying open his embarassments, or even of soliciting the King to gi'ant him the usual and necessary outut. aw m'ii ■>■>■ ,:-,L!-j'i "■^j'm-' rii. >;.^.'- vu,>ii.'«i *; yj .;>'i7A5".-iiiSi9^ On th6 iii'st of February, with wounded feelings and insulted affections, he quitted England, and on his arrival at Gibraltar, was compelled to provide for his domestic estab- ment at enormous expense. H^ was, however, rid of the " Old Man of the Sea," Wangenheim, and was placed by the Governor, General O'Hara, under tha kind tutc age of Colonel Symes, p man of genero"s qualities, who considerately made stforts to relieve him from his embarrassments, tiiough, unfortunately, without success. But, to his great delight, he was now appointed to the Colonelcy of the 7th Boyal Fusileers, then forming part of the garrison, and had thus an opportunity of carrying out the ideas of military duty which had been instilled into him in Germany, and as a consequence, the strict discipline which he enforced, though he faithfully subjected himself to it, made him unpopular with the men. Yet it is on official record, that "the Prince's general conduct has been perfectly to the satisfaction of General 0'Har&, and haa met the approbation of the whole garrison." And it is further testified, that of all the officers^ he had f t- LijiiMiiiimii. ^•«WA..;.i'<*.fty.. shewn himself the most attentive and diligent in the din- charge of his public duties, " as well as the most regular and temperate in his private hours," Unfavorable represen- tations had however been made at home, as to the dLsaffec- tion prevalent among the Fusileers, and in consequence he was ordered to embark with them for Canada. ^^ , Before his departure from Gibraltar, a splendid /eie was given by his brother officers, to shew their regard for " their comrade and fellow soldier," which was gratefully acknow- ledged by Sir Robert Boyd, in general orders, who was directed to say " how flattering to His Royal Highness this mark of their attachment had been," Though owing to tlie very limited, or rather totally inadequate allowance, which had been made to him by his father, his debts had been increased during his sojourn at Gibraltar. He left that fortress, bearing in his bosom good will to those he left behind, and animated with brighter hopes for the future, the voices of his comrades still sounding in his ears, singing the concluding verses of a song composed for the occasion. *' For Royal Edward leaves us now I ,*; a- ; 'Twas he who taught ua how to bear j ;, The soldiev's toil, the leader's care, Yet cheered fatigue v'ith festive hours, ' And strewed life's rugged path with flowers. Ye breezes softly waft him o'er To brave the cold Canadian shore, , tj . To spread afar his rising fame, , , . And make his own a glorious name." .iyiiP^ A- (^:- -.•'•. m m ■>•* ^i ..1 f^sti' i'.. 1 . .•,.• •.i'M.\i' -■ {, ■ V " '■ . Vi^i-J-yt A fi '5- .V,;^. AU ■X^:^!->['\ Under these favorable auspices Edward commenced his |voyage to America, which terminiited as has been described it the commencement of this chapter. 2 aum^: :.fe"5(!j.j..i'): ■■0^' I ! ^V,i^fM"^.:'y^ •■> ■)■ 'A CHAPTER II. :u ti I i I Quebec — Habits— Society — Desertion and Mutiny — Free School — De Salaberry Family — Addresses — Departure for the West Indies. 1791 TO 1794. ^ '" The " Quebec Gazette " informs us, that on the Saturday- following his arrival, His Royal Highness Prince Edward received at the Castle of St. Louis, the officers, civil and military, of the garrison, the clergy, merchants, etc ; and in the afternoon, the ladies of Quebec, were introduced; and that on Thursday, 18th August, an address was pre- sented to him from the inhabitants, to which he made the following reply : — " Gentlemen, — I request you will be fully convinced how grateful I must feel myself for the very flattering sentiments you have expressed towards my pei'son. " I am anxious that during my stay in this country, my conduct may prove I am deserving of them, " Nothing will give me greater pleasure than if I should be fortunate enough to find an opportunity of being per- sonally serviceable to you — tilMhen, gentlemen, I hope you will remain fully persuaded of my gratitude and esteem." This may appear mere language of course, but time proved they were the genuine sentiments of his heart, and many a Canadian can testify to their ])ractical fulfilment. The Prince at once entered on his military duties in con- nexion with his regiment and the garrison, with that ardour which always distinguished him, and ako joined in the society of the place " with gracious and en- gaging condescension," shewing marked courtesy on all occasions to the French Canadians, with several of whom he associated on terms of the most kindly intimacy. He delighted in musical reunions and organized a society of | amateura, of which the late Chief Justice Sewell, an accom- plished violinist, was leader. Though duty required his daily presence in the city, after some time, in accordance with his taste for rural life, he took up his residence at Haldimsmd House, at the Falls of Montmorenci, from i iii. ■ intimacy. He zed a society of ewell, an accom- Lty required his 3, in accordance his residence at itmorenci, from whence he drove into town every morning. He soon became very popular, and the Quchec Gazette informs us that on the 2nd November, being the first anniversary of his birth aftei his arrival, a ball was given at the Castle of St. Louis, and the city was generally and splendidly illuminated in honor of the day. i-'- /'vr... '':■._•..■ v'--^;;:...., ; Brown autumn was passed, and winter reigned supreme, and its "joys " were fully entered into, and the terms on which he had already placed himself with one of the Canadian families will bo understood from the following letter, translated from the French: : i "Quebec, 1st March, 1792. ,i " I am in despair, my dear De Salaberry, that we will not have the pleasure of seeing yt)U here to-day. I am more pained to know the cause, but I hope it will not result in anything serious. Keep yourself cheerful, have a little patience, and do not venture out till you are completely recovered. The moment you inform me the roads are passable, I will not lose an instaDt in repairing to Beau- port with Madame de St. Laurent, who joins with mo in assuring you of those sentiments of distinguished considera- tion and esteem, with which I am always your most devoted and faithful '^M- :■ ■:rr^-'':^: .:ui-':''^:-iH^%v ' "Edward, Col. E,. Fusileers. ' "P. S. — Many compliments from myself and Madame de St. Laurent, tr Madame de Salaberry and your charming family." A Mon'r. , :;i*.-^-:'>'f • '<^.^fi>'d M. Louis de Salaberry, i''^^'!jr-i!- ■- t,'- i. ;-i'';=:-'^.k?-; .,■;:'^i>|-'': ,^- Beauport." f This letter pffords the opportunity of introducing the entleman to whom it was addressed, and who, with his mily, will occupy a prominent part in this narrative. M. Louis Ignace de Salaoerry, Seignior of Beauport, was escended from a noble ftimily in the Pays de Basque, his great cestor having been ennobled on the field of Coutras in 1557, y Henry Quatre,for a deed of daring and clemency performed der his eye. " Force a superb, Mercy a foible^ said the onarch, " shall be thy device," and it has continued to be to the present day. Michel de Salaberry, the father of 'jouis, arrived at Quebec in 1735, in command of the French ti'igate " VAnglesea" and the archives of Notre Dame de eauport show that he was married on the 13th July, 1750, tr> Demoiselle Madeleine Louise Juchereau Duchesnay, .Mt^ i ■ ! j t : I' 11 12 . •■ •■•■•;;;,:■- daughter of the deceased Seigr.Ior ; on the 5th July, 1752, is recorded the baptism of Louis Ignace. Captain de Sala- beiTy took an active part in all the operations preceding the conquest; and at the age of seven his son Louis witnessed, from the General Hospital, tlic battle on the Plains of Abraham, which decided the fate of Quebec and Canada, On the cession of Canada to Great Britain, Captain de Salaberry transferred his allegiance, and became a British subject. He sent Louis to France in 1760, to prosecute his education, from whence he returned to Quebec in 1768, and finished it at the Seminary, He was of great height and enor- mous strength, and the " Canadians of old " delighted to tell of his wondrous feats ; and, though a man of great courage, he w.as gentle to his friends and courteous to all, aixd by every action of his life illustrated the motto of his family. His loyalty was proved many times, and he received, on four different occasions, wounds in engagements with the Ameri- cans ; during the war of 1775 lie was severely wounded by the explosion of a shell in Fort St. John, and in the follow- ing year was severely wounded by a musket ball in the knee. In 1778 he married Demoiselle Catherine Hertel de Rouville, but continued to serve till the close of the war in 1783, when he retired to his home, and, in consideration of his services and his wounds, a pension as Lieutenant was gi-anted him for life. He was living happy and respected in the bosom of his family at Beauport when the Prince ar- rived in Canada, and a warm attachment sprung up be- tween them, and the Prince was a constant, almost a daily visitor, showing a strong attachment and delighting in the society of the children, of whom M. de Salaberry had then several, boys and girls, ? f.h.. ; r . t • . -.k.;?-? e- r v^ 'kaM^ It may not be out of place to remind the reader here, that at the time we are speaking of, Canada had been under British nilo a little over a quarter of a century, and British society, though very much improved from what it was in ' 1766, when General Murray sent in to the Imperial Gcvem- ment his report, was still very far from what it ought to be. ^ What it was in 1766, let General Murray say : — " The whole population of Canada exclusive of the king's troops, amounts to 72,275 souls, of which in the parishes are nineteen | families, Protestants. The rest of that persuasion (a few || half-pay officers excepted) are traders, mechanics and pub- licans, who reside in the Lower Town of Quebec and Mont- real. Most of them are followers of the army, of mean iifiiPMiMii ^ July, 1752, tain de Sala- preceding the is witnessed, lie Plains of and Canada. Captain de me a British prosecute his c in 1768, and ight and enor- elighted to tell great courage, to all, aixd by of his family, ceived, on four ith the Ameri- y wounded by in the foliow- et ball in the rine Hertel de of the war in onsideration of Lieutenant was md respected in . the Prince ar- sprung up be- almost a daily Blighting in the herry had then eader here, that hiad been under iiry, and British what it was in nperial Gcvern- i it ought to be, :—" The whole troops, amounts s are nineteen psuasion (a few lanics and pub- ebec and Mont- army, of mean 18 ■ ■' "■':}'";; education, or soldiers disbanded at the reduction of troops, All have their fortunes to make, and I fear few are solicitous about the means, when the end can he attained. I report them to be in general the most immoral collection of men I ever knew ; of course little calculated to make the new subjects enamoured of our laws, religion and customs, and far less adapted to enforce those laws which are togove' n." — ■ " The Canadian noblesse were hated because their bii*th and behaviour entitled them to respect, and the peasants were abhon-ed because they were saved from the oppression they were threatened with." — " The improper choice and number of the civil officers sent out from England increased the inquietude of the colony. Instead of men of genius and un- tainted morals, the very reverse were appointed to most im- portant t)fficeSj and it was impossible to communicate through them those impressions of the dignity of the government, by which alone mankind can be held together in society. The Judge fixed upon to conciliate the minus of 75,600 foreigners to the laws and government of Great Britain, was taken from a gaol, entirely ignorant of Civil Law, and of the language of the people. The Attorney General, with regard to the language of the people, was no better qualified, the offices of Secretary of the Province, Registrar, Clerk of the Council, Commissary of Stores and Provisions, Provost Martial, &;c., &c., were given by patent to men of interest in England, who let them out to the highest bidders, and so little did they consider the capacity of their representatives, that not one of them understood the language of the natives." It is painful and mortifying to find such a record, but it lias been written for our instruction, and perhaps even in the present day, we may profit by it. But it ought to be known that though the evils pointed out were peculiarly felt in Canada, where there was such a vast disproportion in number and so great a dissimilaiity in religion and language between the two races, that the system was not exceptional, but was that generally adopted in that day by England towards all her colonies. — Men notorious for their profligacy, entirely ignorant of the art or science of government, men who could not govern their own evil passions, were thought good enough to govern any colony. Society was somewhat improved in 1791, men of integrity and ability filled the Crown offices, but they were not exempt from the prejudices of the school in which they had »£: ..A**"' il 1 ! t- been educated. Hear what a recent w riter, Mr. I'onnings Taylor, describes it to have been ; — " Such sentiments and the preferences to which they led, were not as well approved of by the French subjects of the Crown, as they were by the Crown itself. To them the refugee immigrants were " Anglo- Americans," and as such they were only known as encroach- ing neighbours and aggressive enemies. Thus the new sub- jects and the new settlers discovered that they were more obnoxious to each other than were the original races from which they had sprung. Their past history accounted for their present aversion. French and English power, whether in Europe or America, had always been exhibited in a state of strife, and time out of mind the youth of both countries had been carefully educated according to the canons of enmity. There was, moreover, a theological element in the quarter which tended to intensify this mutual aversion. The Anglo-Ajnerican abhorred the religion of Rome. The Franco- American detested that of the Refonnation. Public reverses had in an unlooked for way, brought these ancient antagonists together, and thus men who had fought in op- posing armies, and fostered every description of quarrel, were now elbowing one another as neighbors, sitting side by side, residents of the same country, subjects of the same crown, and competitors, hut not on equal terms, for the same honors." The Prince, with intuitive sagacity, saw this state of things, and his goodness of heart, high sense of justice and sound policy, induced him to strive to conciliate and to avoid in every way offending the feelings or prejudices of " His Britannic Majesty's beloved Canadian subjects." Nothing can better show the kindly intercourse existing be- tween him and one Canadian family, than the following let- ter — " Hurrah ! huiTah ! hurrah ! a thousand rounds in honor of the charming /Sowr/sand thenew-born. In truth my head is full of joy, and my hand trembles so much thdt T can scarcely hold my pen. And it is another boy ! How I \dsh that I was one of those powerful fairies who were able to bestow their gifts in such profusion ; how the d(3ar child should be endowed. Unfortunately all this is but an illusion, but never mind, something has said to me that the pretty little fellow has been born under a happy star, kiss him for me, my dear friend, and toll him this prediction of his god- mother. O ! no ! I was never so happy in my life. I have tills moment sent the news to our dear Prince. It is needless *»ll»^> iMr. I'onningFi Jntiments and Iwell approved \y were by the were " Anglo- \n as encroach- the new sub- |iey were more al races from laccounted for lower, whether dted in a state both countries ;he canons of ilement in the tual aversion, f Rome. The ition. Public these ancient fought in op- on of quarrel, sitting side by 3 of the same ?, for the same this state of of justice and ^ e and to avoid udices of "His s." rae existing be- foUowing let- unds in honor ith my head is T can scarcely [ \ Irish that I bble to bestow ild should be illusion, but 3 pretty little s him for me, of his god- life. I have It is needless ;-;.--..." ■ ■ Id ' to await his reply to assure you how delighted he will bo. I know his sentiments too well to have any fear in expressing them. Mrs. Staunton will excuse me, and I will go to Be.au- port to day about seven o'clock ; to-morrow I will go again and every day ; — Ah ! I wish it could be this every instant of .ly life. I reserve it to myself to congi-atulatc M. de Salaberry in person on the happy event, in the meantime I embrace the whole household without distinction of age or sex. J. DE St. Laurent. " Though obliged, as yesterday, to attend to my official duties at the Barracks, I could not resist the pleasure of liastening home to write a few lines, to assure you how much ;ind how sincerely I participate in the happy event ; a thou- sand wishes for the good health and speedy recovery of Madame de Salaberry. And I am always, ' j: ' • \ Your very devoted servant, ' ■^'l . "' ■ Edouard, Col. R. Fusileers." M. L. de Salaberry, „ Beauport. The child he;re refeiTed to was the youngest son of M. Louis (le Salaberry, who was christened at Beauport by Bishop de Capse on the 2nd July, 1792, and the Register shows that H. R. Highness Princ(3 Edward was godfather and Madame Alphonsine Therese Bernardine Julie de Montgenet de St. Lam'ent, Baronne de Fortisson, his godmother. The entry is thus subscribed : — Edouard, Piince de la G?'ande Brekigne, Montgenet de St. Laurent, Baronne de Fortisson, Heii^ei de Salaberry, John Vesey, Edmund Byng, Lt, Royal Fusileers, Fred. Augt. Wetherall, Captain 11th Kegt., Renauld,»pretre, Adelaide de Salaberry, John Hale, Wm. Heniy Digby, Lieut. Royal Fusileers; de Salaberry, Ch., de Salaberry, Clis. Thomas, C.C. P. f Charles Francois, EvSque de Capse. 20th June, 1792. In the summer of 1792 a general election under the now constitution took place, and at the close of the poll for the County of Quebec at Charlebourg on Wednesday, 27th June, a riot occurred, which threatened the most serious UK* Jh*.. ■«.* 11 ^1 1 1 !. i 1 ■; consequences. Prince Edward hearing of it, hastened to Charlebourg, and thus addressed the rioters, in French ; — "Can there be a man among you who does not take the King to be the father of his people ? Is there a man among you who does not look upon the new constitution as the best possible one both for the subject and the Government. Part then in peace ; I urge you to unanimity and concord. Let me hear no more of the odious distinctions of French and English. You are all his Britannic Majesty's beloved Canadian subjects." The tumult ceased, and gave place to admiration and applause. On September 13th, in passing through Montreal, he received a highly complimentary address from the citizens, who declared their approbation of the new constitution ; aud on the 2nd November, a ball was again given at the Chateau St. Louis in honor of his birthday. The following pleasing anecdote is related by De Gaspd ; " The Prince having heard of an old woman a centenarian who lived on the Isle of Orleans, one day paid her a visit, and having talked to her for some time, (as she had all her senses) he asked if he could confer any pleasure on her. " Yes! yes ! certainly, my Lord," replied the old lady, "dance a minuet witli me, that I may be able to say before I die, that I had danced with the son of my Sovereign." The Prince com- plied with the best possible grace, and after the dance con- ducted her to her seat and gave her a respectful salute, which she returned with a most profound curtsey. Here is another, but by no means so pleasing, though it displayed the constitutional bravery of the Prince. The Prince esteemed very highly a soldier of his regiment, a Frenchman, a man of approved courage, but who determined to submit no longer to the severe discipline to which the Regiment was subjected, and accordingly deserted. The Prince knowing the desperate courage of the man, and the dan- ger that must be incurred in attempting his arrest, himself headed the party that went m pursuit, and surprised him while sitting at table at Pointe aux Trembles. "You are fortunate, my Lord," said La Rose, " in my not being armed, for by Heaven, if I had had my pistol I would have blown out your brains." La Rose was tried by Court Martial, and condemned to receive nine hundred and ninety-nhie lashes, the maximum allowed by the Mutiny Act. He submitted to this atrocious punishment without a murmur, and re- fused with disdain assistance to put on his clothes after, but IS*.-' "ik '\ \ i, hastened to in French ; — not take the 1 a man among dtution as the 3 Government. Y and concord. Dns of French jesty's beloved gave place to I Montreal, he n the citizens, '^ constitution; given at the I by De Gasp^ ; a centenarian id her a visit, she had all her jasure on her. Id lady, "dance efore I die, that 'he Prince com- the dance con- ipectful salute, rtsey. sing, though it i Prince. The is regiment, a i^ho determined to which the deserted. The in,andthedan- 1 arrest, himself surprised him ►les. "You are ot being armed, d have blown rt Martial, and etp-niiie lashes, He submitted rmur, and re- othea after, but turning to the Prince, and striking his forehead with his [hand, said, " it is the bullet, my Lord, and not the lash which |ought to punish a French soldier." " • < ^ " ^ •m,,.;,, ..r,*.;^ The disaffection which had originated among the men )f the Royal Fusileers at Gibraltar,' and which led to their removal to Canada, does not appear to have diminished, and )unishments were of frequent occurrence with certain hard- ened offenders, among whom at length a conspiracy was [formed, as was proved at the trial. The mutineers proposed break out of the baiTacks, and were confident of being |oined by a large number more, when they intended to jize the Prince, the General, and all the officers in the Cha- jau, who on non-compliance with their demands, were to bo )ut to death, after which the matins. ;£'$ proposed to escapo )y crossing the river and forcing the captains of militia to pve them guides. " It is difficult to say," says the Quebec Gazette of the 88th Mai'ch, 1793, " whether the folly or the atrociousness of the plot was the greatest ; for the smallest reflection light have satisfied them of the impossibility of effecting their escape. Yet, it can hardly be doubted that had they )nce taken the first step, their desperate situation would lave led them to the commission of as much mischief as in [.ho moment might have been in their power." Fortunately the plot was discovered in time, the conspirators were arrested, tried and convicted, and the sentences of the Gren- jral Coui-t-martial were as follows : — John Draper, found uilty of the charge exhibited again>st him — sentence, death, t)y being shot. William Rose, g uilty — sentence, f.ve hundred |ashes. James Lanergan, for want of sufficient evidence, fcquitted. Timothy Kennedy, guilty — sentence, seven hun- 'i/red lashes. Sergeant Thomas Urgton, who had been re-, leased (from a belief that the evidence would not be suffi- iient to convict him^ demanded and insisted or a trial, j^d was found guilty of a knowledge of an intended l&utiny, and sentenced to be reduced to the ranks, and to jpeccive four hunrired lashes. Draper was ordered for ex-y ^ution on Tuesday, the 2nd April, but having made appli- ^tion for a week's respite, it was granted. 1 We copy the following from the Quebec Gazette, of 11th April, 1794 : " On Tuesday last, about ten o'clock, Joseph Draper, of le Royal Fusileers, whose execution had been respited to lis day, was brought out from the barracks dressed in 3 If * : grave clothes, walking behind his coffin, which was covered y a pall, and carried by four men. The troops under arms marched slowly before — the music followed, playing dirges suited to the occasion, and a vast concourse of spec- tators attended. When this affecting i)rocession ha ....-• .;->.,-* -f^; " The subscriber requests those who wish to attend to give their namcK as soon as possible. He may be seen every ay from nine to twelve and from two to five, at the Aca- ^lemy in the Bishop's palace, where young people of both xes will be taught in separate apartments, all the various ranches of literature, on terms most suitable to their cir- umstances. ,y^ , . , ^ ., ^ ' Jas. Tanswkll." **Rule 2nd. Every one of His Majesty's subjects of hatever description, will be admitted into this school and "ucated gratis, on condition of good behaviour and con- rmity to such rules and regulations as may from time to ebe made for the better conducting the same. „ , „„, „ " Rule 5th. Reading, writing and the various branches of jtrithmetic, shall be constantly taught in both languages; and icular care taken to render the acquisition of the Eng- ih language as easy as possible, to His Majesty's new Cana- ian subjects." The following advertisement sliows that slavery still isted in Canada, though a Bill was then before the Legis- .ture for its abolition. . 20 |,»'-*V' (( TO BE SOLD. 1' » / > i , > ftt^ - **•♦ M ** " A likely, healthy, stout Mulatto man, aged 23 years ; haa been used to house work, speaks both French and Eng- lish, and is fit for any hard labor. "Inquire of the Printer. ' i i* ♦ ^^ •» "Quebec, 9th October, 17!)3." ' '^ /^ l' ' ■* if'n \ On Sunday, 10th November, a dreadful fire broke out in Sault au Matelot street. Prince Edward and Lord Dor- chester were present during the whole night giving assistance and encouraging by their pei-sonal example, and in conse- quence the House of Assembly then in session, passed an address, in which they acknowledge " the ardent zeal and indefatigable ability which His Royal Highness displayed on all occasions, for the protection of their property and the security of their lives." . >n "^^ i.,.j,f:-f >«j,^f i,; The masonic fraternity also presented him with an address, bearing testimony to his " gracious and engaging condescen- sion, and exemplaiy conduct" in every part of his duty. He honored with his friendship Chief Justice Sewell, Mr. Hale, Bishop Mountain, Bishop de Capse, M. Renauld, curd of Beauport, P6re Bery, the last Superior of the Recol- lets, Mr. Allsop, and, above all, M. Louis de Salaberry, for whom and whose family he formed a strong and lasting attachment. But finding the maintenance of his position incompatible with his limited means, and being anxious for active employment, in December, 1793, he solicited an appointment under Sir Charles Grey, then engaged in the reduction of the French West India Islands, and was ordered to proceed there in January, 1794, and left Quebec immedi- ately, before his departure could be made public — when it was known that he was gone, addresses poured in from all quarters. An extract from one of these, with his reply, will furnish a fair sample of the whole. The addresses were received at the Chateau, by Lord Dorchester, who caused it to be known, that ; — " The state of His Royal Highness's health would not permit his going by Halifax during the winter, and that in order to lose as little time as possible, ho had taken the shortest and most expeditious route to join his command." Extract from Address 14th February, 1794 ; — " The ami- able qualities of benevolence and attention manifested by your Royal Highness towards the relief and protection of our **««■ \ » ^oa\ 23 years ; ncli and Eng- D broke out in rid Lord Dor- ving assistance and in conse- lon, passed an ;"dent zeal and tiess displayed jperty and the irith an address, ;ing condesceu- )f his duty, ice Sewell, Mr. Renauld, curd of the Recol- i Salaberry, for ng and lasting of his position ing anxious for le solicited an engaged in the ind was ordered Quebec immedi- ublic — when it red in from all 1 his reply, will addresses were ', who caused it )yal Highness's fax during the ) as possible, ho IS route to join 4;— "The ami- manifested by rotection of our 21 follow citizonfl in the hour of difltrcKs, nn well as your condescension and urbanity to all who have occasionally had the honor to approach your Royal Highness, have invariably claimed our admiration and gratitude." Extract from His Royal Highness's reply: — " Nothing can flatter me more, than to learn from you, that my conduct during my residence in this Province has gained your friendship, by meriting your approbation. Be assured that though I go with chocrmlness to the post assigned me by the King, my father, I shall not leave Quebec without real regi'et, nor witliout carrying with me a remembrance of the marks of friendship and consideration I have experienced here." He proceeded tlirough the United States, intending to embark at Boston, and on crossing Lake Champlain, two of the sleds carrying his whole equipage, broke through the ice and were lost. On aniving at Burlington on the 13th February, the following characteristic note was sent in to him : — " To His Royal Highness Prince Edward. , »'• "Sir, — Dictated by the principles of common civility and politeness, and possibly \irged by an unwarrantable anxiety to have an interview with your Royal Highness, in behalf of the most respectable gentlemen of this place, we have to request you to appoint an hour, (commencing after six o'clock, p.m., on account of the business of the couii) which will be most agreeable to you to receive that respectful attention due to your rank, and you may be assured, although in a strange country, that protection is equally at your command, with the gi-eatest subject of the United States. " We are with the greatest respect, " Your most obedient servants, ^ •: "ElNATIIAN KbyES, ' '*^ ' 4|^jv' r "John Bishop, ;* ' " William Prentice." , ■ . ,>■:.-'.* • rAnd the following answer returned : " Gentlemen, — I am commanded by His Royal Highness Prince Edward, to return you his best thanks for your polite attention, and at the same time to say, that if half-past six o'clock tbis evening will be a convenient hour to you, he i-4 ■:;,■-.; ■•-■'■'■ ,L ;.;,.'>;„ ""■■•,•■'.■.- v"""" ,-,■ ' ' ," '■'■-'> ! i'' •■■ ^■'. ■"■■ shall esteem himself much flatterer! by his having the plea- sure of seeing you." " I have the honor to remain, ' <. , .- " With great respect, »r,.^ " Your most obedient humble servant, r ,., .. ,.,,.. " Fred. AuGT. Wethbrall." This chapter cannot be concluded more appropriately than by an extract from "Lambert's Travels in Canada," published in 1816 : " His Royal Highness during his residence in Canada, paid great attention to the inhabitants, particularly to the French, to whom he Ay have supposed, that as he was comparatively inex- perienced in the ways of the world at the time of his residence in Canada, his utterances were the mere impulses of generous but thoughtless youth. But as age did in no degree diminish the warmth of his affectio'.^ or the steadfast- ness of his friendships, neither did his mature intellect, enlightened by experience, lead him in the noon and evening of his days to alter his views of a kind, a conciliatory and a just policy which he had on all occasions advocated and practiced in the morning ; and ^vell would it have been for Canada, well would it have been fjr Great Britain, had he obtained what was at one time a cherished object of his ambition — the Government of Canada. Let us hope that the dark days of Canada are passed, and that there is before us a bright future, and while on the subject I do not think I can conclude more fitly than by the following lines, which are so closely in accord with the sentiments of His Royal Highness : '^' ■ i, '.* ' t '" V v' ving the plea- THE DOMINION OF THE WEST. ant, •I ETHBRALL. 3priately than da," published residence in s, particularly for their sons, esteem of the ■ ttpon him as Ely in which I lapter in the Y remark that ►n have been ct and charac- [^tively inex- i time of his Qere impulses ^e did in no the steadfast- iure intellect, n and evening iliatory and a ivocated and Kave been for tain, had he object of his re passed, and v^hile on the Y than by the )rd with the Tell me, stranger ! how to name theo — What the land that ^ave thee birth, Has it place in song or story ? Ranks it with the great on eai th ? Has thy land mark or symbol ? Can it shelter those it rules ? Bears it blason proud and hoary, azure, white, or fiery gules ? I claim no record in the past — .^ : - ■•^■>' • Mine the future's mystic page, — ;. There my empire looms more vast ' Than King's or Caisar's heritage. { Bom in peace, serene and tranquil, I can shew no bloody claim. But I have a roll ancestral, f Ranking next to none in fame. Exists the land or rolls the sea, Where England's banner has not wiived, - Uuftirled for death or honor's fee, Whose valour oft iti' ^olds have saved ? - On shot-swept deck, and battle plain. The Scot and Erin's sons have stood And borne the standard free from stain, .; Or sank beneath it steeped in blood. And to these, an oft sang story, ^ I can set a gem as bright ; To the LiZtes lofty story " ' I have ancient lineal right. England, Scotland, J reland, Gaul, Land of races great and regal ; ^ > // Each to me h»8 yielded all. In my veins their tributes mingle. -» ' '- ' What did the sire the son can do, ' 1-. » Dare foe attempt to foige a chain ; ;> ; y? i Death may his freeborn limbs subdue — . The fetters can but deck the slain. From icy Gaspe to the sea, ' ' ! Wh«re sinks the sun at eve to rest, Lake, liver, plain belong to me. The " Young Dominion of the West." Toronto, Nov. 23, 1867. W. B. ; . • • a • ••' • ... • . • . . > , » '.... .... : . > . . . . . . ... . . ... . . .. • » . . • • •• . . . « . . . . . < ■:•■