This is a reproduction of a book from the McGill University Library collection. Title: Montreal and its fortifications Author: Sandham, Aifred, 1838-1910 Publisher, year: Montreal : D. Rose, 1874 The pages were digitized as they were. The original book may have contained pages with poor print. Marks, notations, and other marginalia present in the original volume may also appear. For wider or heavier books, a slight curvature to the text on the inside of pages may be noticeable. ISBN of reproduction: 978-1-77096-130-2 This reproduction is intended for personal use only, and may not be reproduced, re- published, or re-distributed commercially. For further information on permission regarding the use of this reproduction contact McGill University Library. McGill University Library www.mcgill. ca/ library FrontLspitce,. CAPTIEH'S VISIT TO HOCNELAQA. /J55. FORT! FICATIONS ALFRKD SAXDHAM, Author oi' Cf>is> o- Cas,\:)\, M >s tr-:a:, Pasi ani> Prksknt, &c., &c. FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY. MOxXTREAL : DANIEL ROSE, 210 ST. JAMES STREET. Pkintk.k To :hk Xi .mismatic anm Axitoi arian Sochetv. 1874. To J. iV\^ LEiV^piNE, ESQ^, or QUEBEC, AUTHOR OF “MAPI.E L E A V E S , ” E T C., THIS WORK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY •. I — , LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS, FULL PAGE. Frontigplece — Cartier’s visit to Hochelaga 1535. Plate 1 — Clramplaia’s Map of Part of the Island of Montreal. « 2 — Autographs of Cartier. Chauiplaiii, Maisoneuve, UeCJalliere and Mademoiselle Mancc. << 3 — Plan of Montreal (1680), shewing the old Chateau, or Fort of Ville Marie. “ 4 — Autograph of D’Ailleboiist, UcKamezay, Louis XV, Mar.slial D’Estrees, and LaChapi lle. “ 5 — Plan of Fort and Windmill on Citadel Hill (now Dalhousie Square.) II 0 — Chcaussegros DeLery's Plan of Stone Fortifications, n 7 — Sections of Walls according to DeLer3"’s Plan. " 8 — Autographs of Begon, Amherst, Vaudreuil, Montgomery, J. M. Mondelet, John Kichardson, and Marguerite Bourgeoys. “ 9 — Plan of Montreal in 1759. II 10 — View of Montreal in 1760, from an old print. “ 11 — Montreal in 1803, shewing the old walls on the River front. WOOD CUTS. Section of Indian Palisade P*ge 6 Old French Cathedral “ 9 Rare Medal, bearing a view of Montreal in 1760 “ 20 Portrait and Autograph of James McGill. " 21 Ancient French Halbard “ 2.3 Old Barracks “ 24 Ancient Towers and “ Maison des Pretres,” “ 26 Plate CHAMPLAIN'S NfAP or PAfiT oe^-rH£ JSLAND or M OA/7-p C A L. MONTREAL; AND ITS FORTHniCA-TIONS. S an Art, fortification is very nearly as ancient as the existence of Society. “ When men first as- sembled together for the purpose of mutual pro. tection, and placed their habitations on the same spot, the law of necessity, springing in this case out of the principle of self defence, rendered it indispensible for them to adopt some means for securing their families, and their property against the sudden inroads of enemies. In early ages, men considered themselves as sufficiently protected by a single wall, from behind which they could with safety dis- charge their darts, arrows, and other missiles against an as- sailant ; but when, in the progress of improvement, new and more powerful means of attack were discovered, it became necessary to increase, in a corresponding degree the means of resistance, and accordingly the feeble defensive structures of the primitive ages were in time succeeded by solid ram- parts, flanked and commanded by elevated towers.”* * Encyclopaedia Britannica. 6 The savages of America, like those of other lands usually adopted as a means of defence, a circular palisade, a form which appears to have been adhered to by many of the tribes which inhabited that portion of America, now com- prised within the limits of the Dominion of Canada. When Jacques Cartier* in 1535, first visited the island whereon now stands the City of Montreal, he found it inhabited by a tribe of Indians, who had established themselves near the foot of the Mountain, which he named Mount Royal.f Here they had erected their cabins or lodges, about 50 in number, the whole being encircled with a palisade formed of the trunks of trees set in a triple row. The outer and inner ranges inclined till they met and crossed near the summit. SECTION OF INDIAN PALISADE. while the upright row between them, aided by transverse braces,gaveto the whole an abundant strength. Within were galleries for the defenders, rude ladders to mount them, and magazines of stones to throw down on the heads of the assailants. | The entrance was a narrow portal, barely sufficient to admit the bodies of the savages who dwelt with- • Jacques Cartier, the discoverer of Canada, was bom at St. Malo, in France, in 1500. On the isth May, 1634, he sailed from his native city, on his first voyage to America, returning to France in August of the same year. He made a second voyage in 1^36, and on the festival ot St. Lawrence, he reached the entrance of the river, which he named in honor of the Saint. In September, he reached Stadacona (Quebec), and in October visited Hochelaga (Montreal), and shortly after returned to France. In 1S41, as second in command to DeRoberval, he agaio visited Canada, and died shortly after his return to France. See Autograph, Plate 2, fig. i. ♦ See Frontispiece. t Pioneers of France in the New World.— ParAmttn. »y . <> . 0^7^ *(i)o6^c i ^ < —y i 17 vation of the fortifications ; and, it has happened, that when regiments, and the inhabitants of the towns, have caused damage to the fortifications, the troops have been admon- ished, and the inhabitants have repaired what they had damaged. “ I beg the Council to give orders that whatever may be damaged or carried away, be replaced at the expense of those who do it, and to order me to apprise the Council of it, which is the only means to prevent, in this Colony, the ruin of the fortifications, otherwise it will cost a great deal to His Majesty every year, as has already happened, to re- place what has been taken away, and to make good the damage. The same order must be understood in regard to the King’s buildings, artillery, &c. “ It is also necessary, that the Town of Montreal be shut up and guarded, as it was formerly, until it is fortified with walls.” In 1721, the work was fairly entered upon, and De Lery spent the greater part of the summer at Montreal, super- intending the work. As the work progressed, considerable difficulty was ex- perienced in negotiating with the inhabitants for the land on which the walls were to be erected.* Accordingly in 1726, M. Begon*f* the Intendant, issued an order requiring all pro- prietors of the lands to bring their titles of property to M. Rambault, {Procureur dn Roi,) that an estimate of their value might be made. The owners, however, had but little confidence in the official honesty of the day, and no atten- tion was paid to the order, and in 1726, Begon, in his des- patch, expresses his belief that the inhabitants “ perhaps feared that they will be re-imbursed only according to the amount of their deeds, the lands having greatly increased in value since they have had possession of them.” The Inten- dant, however, was not to be hindered in this manner, and Vaudreutl'f Despatches. t See Autograph, Plate 8, fig. i. i8 therefore, notwithstanding the want of the title deeds, he appointed Commissioners* to set a value upon them, accord* ing to the knowledge they had of the same. Of course this plan caused dissatisfaction, which, however, was of little avails for the land was expropriated, and the work upon the walls steadily progressed until they were finally completed. The fortifications were somewhat formidable in appear- ance, although subsequent events proved them to be of but little real value, nor were they destined to pass through any ordeal calculated to test their durability. In 1747, a celebrated traveller, i* who visited the town, describes it as being “ well fortified, surrounded by a high and thick wall. In front runs the River, while on the other sides is a deep ditch, filled with water, which secures the inhabitants against all danger from sudden incursions of the enemy. It cannot, however, stand a long siege, as on ac- count of its extent, it would require a large garrison. The gates are numerous, there being five on the river side.” Fortunately the inhabitants were not exposed to much danger or suffering at the hands of an enemy, and we ques- tion whether any fortified city ever fell more easily into the hands of its captors, than did the good City of Montreal, when on the morning of the i8th of September 1760, Am- herst's army entered with colors flying and drums beating, to take possession of its forts and towers, and on that day from its walls was thrown to the breeze the red banner of Eng- land. In view of the following letter from a French officer, can • M. Rambault and M. Degue. t Professor Kalm of the University of Abo in Sweden, t Jeffrey, Lord Amherst, was born in Kent, England, January 29th, 1717. He entered thft Army in 1731. In 1758, (i6th March), he sailed from Portsmouth, as Major-General, havinji command of the troops destined for the seige of Louisbourg, which place he captured on the 26th of July following. In 1789 he commanded one of the armies formed for the conquest of Canada. Having captured several minor forts. Montreal surrendered to his army, on the ith September, 1760. He continued in command in Canada until 1763, when he returned te England. For his gallant services he was (in 1776) created Baron Amherst of Holmdale ia Kent, and in 1782 received another Patent as Baron Amherst of Montreal, He died (leaving no issue) at hi* seat in Kent, August 3. 1791. See Autograph, Plate 8, fig. a. PLATE 9. I I I I 19 we wonder that the brave Vaudreuil * should have ac- cepted the terms proposed.-f* No more desperate position could be conceived. The writer states : “ We were shut up in Montreal. Amherst’s army appeared in sight on the side towards the Lachine gate, on the 7th September, about 3 in the afternoon, and General Murray, with his army from Quebec appeared two hours after at the opposite side of the town. Thus the black crisis was at hand for the fate of Canada. Montreal was no ways susceptible of a defence. It was surrounded with walls, built with design only to pre- serve the inhabitants from the incursions of the Indians, lit- tle imagining at that time, that it would become the theatre of a regular war, and that one day they would see formid- able armies of regular well disciplined troops before its walls. We were, however, all pent up in that miserable bad place, without provisions, a thousand times worse than a position in an open field, whose pitiful walls could not resist two hours •cannonade, without being levelled to the ground, and when we would have been forced to surrender at discretion if the English had insisted upon it. The night between the 7th and 8th was passed in negotiating for the Articles of Cap- itulation. But in the morning all the difficulties were re- moved, and Gen. Amherst accorded conditions infinitely more favorable than could be expected in thecircumstances.”+ Whatever value the French inhabitants may have placed upon their stone walls, the troops do not appear to have placed much faith in them as a means of defence, and after the capitulation to the English, the new rulers paying but little * Marquis de Vaudreuil, the last Governor of Canada under French Regime, was bom at Quebec in i6q8. While comparatively young, he entered the military service, and speedily rose to the rank of Major. In 1733, he was appointed Governor of Three Rivers, and in 1743 ul Louisiana : being exceedingly popular in both positions. In 1748 he succeeded to hia Gather’s title, and in 1 766 was appointed Governor of Canada, in which position he continued until the capitulation of Montreal in 1760. He died in France in 1764. See Autograph, Plate *, 3 - t See Appendix A. I See Plan of Montreal at time of conquest, Plate 9, and View of Montreal in front • rare print, Plate jo. 20 attention to them, they gradually fell into decay, and when in 1775, Montgomery!* and the American troops ap- peared in front of the town, and demanded its surrender,, the citizen.s, although knowing full well that their ruined walls would prove no defence, determined to enforce, if pos- sible, the observance of military custom ere they surrender- ed, and while they had neither ammunition, artillery, troops nor provisions to withstand a siege, they drew up their own articles of capitulation, Jwhich were accepted, and on thei3th November, 1775, at 9 o’clock, the Continental troops took possession by the Recollet Gate,§ only, however, to retain their position for a few brief months, when the old flag again * This Medal is the only one thus far met with, bearing the word Mohigrans (Mohicans ?) on the reverse. similar medal with the word “ Onondagas,” has, however, been found. The Medal here represented is now in the valuable collection owned by H. Mott, Esq., President of the Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal. t Brigadier General Richard Montgomery, was born in Ireland in 1737. He entered the British Army, and served under Wolfe at Quebec ; but subsequently entered the Continental (American) Army, and was placed in command of the force sent to conquer Canada. On the 13th November, 1775, Montreal was captured ; but he lost his life in the attack upon Quebec, In December of the same year. See Autograph, Plate 8. fig. 4. t See Appendix B. § See Plate 6. cmuacm „'esu/rs CtTA oet. //fi-t. /^/tOA'I A A/ OUO 21 floated from “ Citadel Hill.” From this time onward, Mon- treal prospered, and extended its borders in every direction, so much so, that in 1797, the city having o’erleaped its for- mer bounds, and the walls having become a decided nui- sance, it was resolved to remove them. The Lower Canada House of Assemb;)-, in i8oi, consequently passed an Act appointing the Hon. James McGill,* Hon. John Richardson,*f‘ • Hon. James McGill wa* born in Glasgow, Scotland, on the 6th October, 1744. While a young man he emigrated to Canada, and settled in Montreal, engaging successfully in commercial pursuiU. His integrity, public spirit, and practical good sense, gained for him the confidence of his fellow citizens, and he was elected their representative in Parliament, and continued for »ome years as such. He died at Montreal, on the 19th December, 1813, at the ageof 69 years. Not having any children, he bequeathed his beautiful estate of Burnside, with a sumof;£io, 90 o, for the foundation of the University which now bears his name. See Portrait and Autograph, above. t Hon. John Richardson was for some years a member of the Executive and Legislative 22 and Jean Marie Mondelet, Esq.,N.P.,J Commissioners, to re- move them. The walls having been erected at the joint ex- pense of the Government and Citizens, a similar partition attended the cost of their removal, the expense being equal- ly divided. As we have previously stated, a considerable portion of the land on which the walls were erected, had been taken with- out compensation. The Act passed in i8oi, provided : “ That it is just and reasonable that the lands which the said walls and fortifications now occupy, and which do not belong to His Majesty, should be delivered up to the lawful proprietors thereof, their heirs or assigns." The settlement of claims under this Act required several years to complete, and in the mean time, the Act was continued, until finally, in 1817, the walls were entirely removed. A glance at the mapi* will shew those acquainted with the present City, that the walls extended along the river front from the corner of the old barracks, to the foot of McGill Street, along which it passed, enclosing part of the present Victoria Square, thence along Fortification Lane, across the Champ de Mars, onward through St. Louis Street, to Dalhousie Square, and then returning to the barrack corner. When the work of demolition was completed, the Com- missioners proceeded to lay out a square, and wider street on the western terminus of the city ; and, readily agreeing, decided to perpetuate the memory of their labours by con- Ccuncils of Lower Canada. He was distinguished during a residence of near fifty year* nk th Province, by the rectitude and consistency of his conduct, by his spirit of enterprise in promoting improvement, and by the most extensive benevolence. He was born at Portsoy, in the County of Banff, North Britain, and emigrated to the Colonies (now the United States) in 1774, and came to Canada in 1787, where he attained great eminence as a merchant; and dis- played, in his long career of public service, the talent with which he was endowed. He died on the i8th of May, 1831, in the 77th year of his age. The Richardson Wing of the Montreal General Hospital was erected to his memory. See Autograph, Plate 8, fig. 6. • Jean Marie Mondelet, was son of Dominique Mondelet, a native of France, who came to Canada under the French Government as Assistant Army Surgeon. Mr. J. M. Mondelet was a prominent personage in politics, and represented Montreal East, in Parliament, during several sessions. He was a Notary by Profession, and was much respected in the City. See Auto- graph, Plate 8, fig. 5. t Plate 9. VIEW OF MONTREAL IN 1803, SHEWING THE OLD WALLS ON THE RIVER FRONT, From a Scarce Print. 23 ferring their name on the square, (the present Victoria Square), which was accordingly named “ Commissioners Square,” and continued to be known as such until a few days before the Prince of Wales’ arrival, when one of the Councillors very cleverly proposed to alter its name to Victoria Square, in commemoration of said visit. The For- tification Removal Commissioners readily came to an agree- ment respecting the name of their square, but seem to have had a little “ tiff,” over the name of the new street. Before they widened it, it was called St. Augustin Street. Mr McGill called it McGill Street, and entered it as such on the deed of homologation. Mr. Richardson contended, on the contrary, that it should be called after him, and did likewise on the deed. Mr. Mondelet also put in his claim, arguing with equal justice, that it should be known as Mondelet Street, and in his turn also entered it as such. It is hard to tell who decided the question between these three contestants, but the deed shows that Mr. Richardson’s and Mr. Mondelet’s names were erased, and Mr. McGill’s allowed to remain. While removing the old Fortifications, an interesting relic of early days was discovered in one of the bastions. The old French Halbard thus discovered, belongs to a period dating back to the very earliest history of the City, and we may picture to ourselves the French sentry bearing this weapon while pacing to and fro upon his beat with- in the old wooden palisades, or upon the ramparts of the more modern walls. This relic was formerly in the collection of Sir G. Duncan Gibb, M. D., Bart., (now of London), formerly an honored resident of Mon- treal. It was presented by him to the Natural History Society of Montreal. 24 By order of the Commissioners the old Citadel Hill was razed, and when, in 1821, the site was presented to the City by the Governor General, the Earl of Dalhousie,*the Square then opened, was in honor of the liberal donor, designat- ed “ Dalhousie Square,” by which name it is still known. It is difficult to say if any portion of the old French wall is still above ground. The water front of the Quebee Gate Bar- racks is supposed to be built upon a part of it, and is the only OLD BARRACKS. portion left, being with the old Barrack on Water Street, the only vestige remaining of French military power in this city. The Government store houses of the ancien regime were in the same part of the town, east of the Bonsecours Church ; and “owing to the venality of Varin, ‘‘the Commissary of the Marine,’ and Martel, ‘ the Storekeeper,’ two gentlemen who displayed great talent in cheating the French Govern- ment out of its stores, and charging for them twice over, early received the name of La Friponne, a name which still adheres to the lane on which they abutted.” * George, ninth Earl of Dalhousie, was born in t^^o, and succeeded to the title on the deaA of his father in November, 1787. He entered the army the same year as a Cornet in the 3rd Dragoon Guards, and during his military career rendered the most valuable service. lu iSxCk he was appointed Lieut. -General Commanding in Nova Scotia, and on the death of the Duke of Richmond, succeeded him as Governor of British North America, which high office he retained until 1828. He died at Dalhousie Castle, Scotland, on the aist March, 1838. See Autograiil^ Plate 8, fig. 7. 25 At the present time, there stand on the line of Sherbrooke Street, (west of Guy Street,) two remarkable looking stone lowers, having at the first glance, an appearance not unlike OLD TOWERS AND COLLEGE. the remains of old wind mills. These quaint looking cir- cular towers, with their rough walls, contrast strangely with the more beautiful masonry of the massive walls of the im- mense structure in their rear, known as the Great Seminary. Yet we honor the “ Gentlemen of the Seminary” for the feel- ings which have prompted them to retain these old land- marks. For over a century and a half, have these towers withstood the assaults of time, and in their early history they served to guard the entrance within the wall which surrounded the old “ Maison de Pritres" as the first build- ing was called. Within these towers have gathered, some of the early Priests, and their Indian converts, looking anxiously towards the dark forest by which they were surrounded, ex- pecting, yet dreading the appearance of the treacherous and savage foe. Here also, the gentle Madame Bourgeoys* has sat, and taught the young Indian girls, and endeavored to * Marguerite Bourgeoys, the pious and benevolent Founder of the Convent of the Congrega- tion of Notre Dame at Montreal, was bom at Troyes, in France, on the »5th April, 1620, and waa brought to Canada in September, 1653, by Maisonneuve, who h.ad been visiting France. She died full of days and honors on the 12th of January, '700, aged 80 years. See .Autograph, Plate «, fig. 8. 26 impart to them some of that zeal which fired her own heart.* How changed is the scene I Now, villa and mansion sur- round the spot, and there is nought of by gone days, save these two solitary towers, the last remaining relics of the “ Fort de la Montague'.' Though strictly speaking, the old fort does not come within the compass of this work, still its connection with the early settlement, is so intimate, that I feel justified in thus dwelling upon its past history, and present appearance. I shall now close by stating, that some years ago, plans were prepared, by order of the British Government, for the erection of most extensive and formidable batteries, and other defences for the city. By those plans it was intended that the works should extend from about two miles below the city, on the opposite shore of the St. Lawrence, to the foot of the Lachine Rapids, taking a curvelinear form, with a radius of two miles from the river. These were to be surrounded with a wet ditch, and have five bomb-proof forts^ each containing a small barracks and arsenal. A sixth fort of superior size was to be erected on St. Helen’s Island. All these works were to be of stone, faced with earth. For this object, land was acquired, but it is more than probable that the stone pillars bearing the well known broad arrow and the letters B. O., which serve to mark the boundary of the purchased land, is all the stone work which will ever be erected thereon by the Government. Let us hope that the necessity may never arise for further expenditure, but that learning to “ bear and forbear,” we may live at peace with all, and cultivate only such feelings as shall forever remove any apprehension of difficulty,or dispute between Canada and its neighbors, or other nations. See Appendix C. APPENDIX A. CAPITULATION IN 1760. The Articles of Capitulation were fifty-five in number, and in almost every instance were readilygranted byAmherst. DeVaudreuil, however, endeavored to secure further conces- sion, if possible, and urged the same through the officers charged with arranging the details. To his demand, the following letter was sent : Camp before Montreal, 7th Sept., 1760. Sir, — M ajor Abercrombie has just communicated to me the letter which your Excellency has honored me with, in answer to that I have addressed you, with the conditions on which I expect the surrender of Canada. I have already had the honor to advise you that I shall not make any al- teration. You will then be pleased to decide at once, and inform me in answer, whether you will accept them. Yes or no. Sir, your Excellency’s Most humble and most obed. servant, Jeff. Amherst. To the Terms of Capitulation, the Chevalier de Levis -entered his protest, and asked Vaudreuil’s permission to retire to St. Helen’s Island with his troops, and there de- fend himself. When refused, he requested that such refusal should be forwarded in writing, and accordingly DeVaudreuil sent the following order : “ Whereas, the interests of the Colony does not permit 28 me to reject the conditions proposed by the English Gene- ral, which are favorable to a country whose lot is confided to> me, I order Chevalier de Levis to conform himself to the said capitulation, and to make the troops lay down their arms,” Vaudreuil. Montreal, 8th Sept., 1760. APPENDIX B. CAPITULATION OF MONTREAL IN 1775. . . . The inhabitants assembled, and the following articles- of capitulation were drawn up and presented to Montgom- ery, by a deputation of the most respectable citizens : “ 1st. That the citizens and inhabitants of Montreal, as well individuals as religious orders and communities, with- out any exception, shall be maintained in the free possession and enjoyment of their rights, goods and effects, movable and immovable, of what nature soever they may be. “ 2nd. That the inhabitants, French and English, shall be- maintained in the free exercise of their religion. “ 3rd. That trade in general, as well within the province as in the upper countries, and parts beyond the seas, shall be carried on freely as heretofore, and passports shall be granted for that purpose. “ 4th. That passports shall be granted to those who may want them for the different parts of this Province, or else- where, on their lawful affairs. “ 5 th. That the citizens and inhabitants of the town and suburbs of Montreal, shall not be compelled, on any pre- tence whatsoever, to take up arms against the Mother Coun^ try, nor to contribute in any manner towards carrying oa war against her. 29 " 6th. That the citizens and inhabitants of the town and suburbs, or any other part of the country, who have taken up arms for the defence of this Province, and are taken prisoners, shall be set at liberty. "yth. That Courts of Justice shall be established for the determination of property ; and that the judge of the said Courts shall be elected by the people. “Sth, That the inhabitants of the town shall not be sub- jected to lodge troops. “ 9th. That no inhabitant of the country, or savages, shall be permitted to enter the town until the Commandant shall have taken possession and provided for the security thereof. (Signed,) John Porteous. Richard Huntley. John Blake. Edw. Wm. Gray. James Finlay. James McGill. Pierre Panet. Pierre Meziere. St. George Dupre. Louis Carignant. Francois Malhoit. Pierre Guy.” To this Montgomery returned the following written an- swer : “ I do hereby certify that the above articles were pres- ented tame, to which I have given the following answers : “The City of Montreal having neither ammunition, artil- lery, troops nor provisions ; and having it not in their power to fulfil one article of the treaty, can claim no title to a cap- itulation. " The continental arms have a generous disdain of every act of oppression and violence ; they are come for the ex- press purpose of giving liberty and security. The General therefore, engages his honor to maintain in the peaceable enjoyment of their property of every kind, the individual and religious communities of the city of Montreal. 30 “ The inhabitants, whether English, French, or others, shall be maintained in the free exercise of their religion. “ The present unhappy contention between Great Britain and her colonies, puts it out of his power to engage for a freedom of trade to the Mother Country ; nor can he make a general promise of passports. As far as it consists with the safety of the troops and the public good, he shall be happy to promote commerce ; and for that purpose promises to grant passports to the Upper Countries when required. “ The General hopes to see such a virtuous provincial con- vention assembled, as will enter with zeal into every measure that can contribute to set the civil and religious rights of this and her sister colonies on a permanent foundation. He pro- mises for himself that he will not compel the inhabitants of the town to take up arms against the Mother Country, or contribute towards the expenses of carrying on the present war. The continental army came into this Province for its pro- tection ; they therefore cannot consider its opposers as taking up arms for its defence. “ It is not in the General’s power to engage for the return of prisoners. Motives of humanity will induce him to use his interest for their return to their families, provided it can be done without endangering the public safety. Speedy measures shall be taken for establishing Courts of Justice upon the most liberal plan, conformable to the British Con- stitution. “ The inhabitants shall not be burdened with troops, but when necessity requires it ; of which necessity, the General must be the judge. “ The inhabitants of the country, and savages, shall not enter the town till the guards are posted. “ To-morrow morning, at nine o’clock, the continental troops shall take possession of the Recollet Gate. The pro- per officers must attend with the keys of all public stores. 31 upon the Quarter-Master General, at nine o’clock, at the Recollet Gate. “ This engagement is understood and declared to be bind- ing on any future commanding officer of the continental troops that may succeed me in this district. (Signed,) RICHARD MONTGOMERY, Brigadier-General, Continental Army. Montreal, 12th November, 1775.” APPENDIX C. THE OLD TOWERS OF THE “FORT DE MESSIEURS” Our gifted Canadian Poetess, Mrs. J. M. Leprohon, has made these towers the subject for a beautiful poem, from which we now quote, and we heartily respond to the senti- ment expressed in the closing lines. “ On the eastern slope of Mount Royal’s side. In view of St. Lawrence’ silvery tide. Are two stone towers of masonry rude With massive doors of time-darkened wood ; Traces of loop-holes still show in the walls Whilst softly across them the sun light falls ; Around, stretch broad meadows, quiet and green Where cattle graze — a fair, tranquil scene. Those old towers tell of a time long past When the red man roamed o’er these regions vast, And the settlers — men of bold heart and brow. Had to use the sword as well as the plough ; 32 When women, no lovelier now than then, Had to do the deeds of undaunted men, And had higher aims for each true warm hehrt Than study of fashion’s or' toilet’s art. * * ♦ * It was in those towers — the southern one — Sister Margaret Bourgeoys, that sainted nun Sat patiently teaching, day after day. How to find Jesus — the blessed way. Mid the daughters swarth of the forest dell, Who first from her of a God heard tell ; And learned the virtues that woman should grace Whatever, might be her rank, or her face. Here, too, in the chapel tower buried deep, An Indian brave and his grand-child sleep, True model of womanly virtues — she — Acquired at Margaret Bourgeoys’ knee ; He, won unto Christ from his own dark creed. From the trammels fierce of his childhood freed. Lowly humbled his savage Huron pride And amid the pale faces lived and died. With each added year grows our city fair ; Churches rich, lofty, and spacious square. Villas and mansions of stately pride. Embellish it now on every side ; Buildings — old landmarks — vanish each day, For stately successors to quick make way ; But we pray from change, time may long leave free The ancient towers of Ville Marie ! 33 APPENDIX D. KEY TO CHAMPLAIN’S MAP OF ISLAND OF MONTREAL, (PLATE i.) A — Small place which I got cleared. (Pointe a Calli^re.) B — Small Pond. (Viger Square.) C — Island where I caused a stone wall to be built, (Island Wharf.) D — Brook where the boats are kept. (Now covered by ■Commissioners Street.) E — Prairies where the Indians remain when they come into the country. (Point St. Charles.) F — Mountains. (Beloeil.) G — Pond. H — Mount Royal. I — Small Brook. (Now called River St. Pierre.) L — The Sault or Rapids. M — Place where the Indians pass their canoes over land, going Northwards. N — Place where one of our men, and an Indian were