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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.
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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,
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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 ■
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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
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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."
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Under these favorable auspices Edward commenced his
|voyage to America, which terminiited as has been described
it the commencement of this chapter.
2
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CHAPTER II.
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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,
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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
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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 •
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» '.... ....
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> . . .
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...
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