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YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

1943

The
First History of
New Brunswick

By Peter Fisher

HISTORY OF
NEW BRUNSWICK
By Peter jfisher

AS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN 1825
(With a few additional Explanatory Notes)

NOW RE-PRINTED JOINTLY BY
THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW BRUNSWICK

William Shives Fisher
(Grandson of the Author)

UNDER THE AUSPICES OF
THE NEW BRUNSWICK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
St. John, N. B.
1921

^ublisfijcr's! Motitt.

The tale of the Loyalists; their loyalty to high ideals of
national duty — to fulfil which they underwent untold
losses, privations and sufferings when they abandoned
their homes and their all, and sought new homes and
commenced a new life in a northern wilderness — is a
story that appeals wherever patriotism is an honor and
self-sacrifice a virtue. In this Province of New Bruns
wick, settled mainly by families torn and rent by the
American revolution and whose descendants are reaping
the reward of their sacrifice, it is of peculiar interest.

In 1825, when Peter Fisher published the first Historical
work, the Province of New Brunswick had received the
loyalist immigration forty-three years before, at which
date it was constituted a separate Province. The progress
of the country during a period when its political institu
tions and industrial life were in a formative condition is
of deep interest. The account given of it in Mr. Fisher s
work is of sufficient value in the opinion of the New
Brunswick Historical Society to warrant its being re
printed. In addition to the original work, there has been
embodied with it, notes and observations prepared by the
Venerable Archdeacon Raymond and published in
Vol. X of the records of the Society. A copy of the
history not being available, this is printed from a photo-
stadt copy furnished by the Dominion archives.

or

NEW-BRUNSWICK;

CONTAININO

AN ACCOUNT OF THE FIESTJ, SETTLEMENT
OF THE PROVINCE,
WITH
OF THE
COUNTRY, CLIMATE, PRODUCTIONS, INHABITANTS,. GOVERNMENT,
RIVEBS, TOWNS, SETTLEMENTS, PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS,
TRADE, REVENUE, POPULATION, &C.

BY

an MfiaUtmt oi t^e ^xtsSairttt*

•' Whatever concerm my country, interestt me i
J follow nature, with truth my guide.".

SAINT JOHN:
PRINTED BY CHUBB & SEARS,
MARKET-SgUAEE.

18 25,

vn

®o tfje 3^catier.

JriAVING at different times collected what information I could
obtain relating to the Province of New-Brunswick, I intended
whenever I had a sufiRcient fund of correct materials, to publish
them in such a shape as to diffuse a general knowledge of the
Country, its productions, sources of wealth, &c. For this reason
I had kept the different Counties, as well as the several subjects
of which I intended to treat, separate, in order to receive such
additions as I could from time to time make. But as I am happy
to find that it is one of the objects of the New-Brunswick Agri
cultural and Emigrant Society, to publish a Geographical and
Statistical Account of the Province, as soon as materials can be
collected, I have given up my first design — being convinced
that such a Society can collect correct information and the
materials for such a desirable object with far greater facility and
accuracy than an individual. In the mean time, I have given
these Sketches to the public, hoping they may serve to give a
f^int knowledge of the Country, till a more perfect Work is
prepared. It is no small matter to give any thing like a full
description of a new Country like New-Brunswick, where the
Complier has but few helps — where there are but few written
documents to resort to, and where neither Animals, Minerals, or
Plants, have been properly arranged; and where there are but
few correct materials to guide him in pointing out the changes of
the seasons and other natural phenomena, with many other
things which are requisite in a complete description of a new
Country. The labour of even arranging the different Parishes
was considerable, which the statement of the population of the
Province, (had I possessed that document in time,) would have
at once supplied.

It was my intention to add a concise history of the principal
transactions that have taken place in the Country from its first
occupation to the present time, from such sources both written
and oral, as came within my researches; but have for the reasons
before stated relinquished that design.
The description of some of the Counties is not so full as I
could wish, but it may be observed this is but an outline of what
I at first designed ; and that the information I had collected of
some of the Counties, was very scanty; but that I intended to
extend it to considerable length, as correct materials could be
procured. Having therefore abandoned my first design, I had
to contract the description of some of the Counties of whioh I
had a fuller knowledge, to make the Work more uniform ; and
not to appear partial to some parts of the Province, or to have
forgotten others.
Fractional accuracy cannot be expected in such a brief
outline; neither indeed is it of much consequence. I have,
however, endeavoured to come as near the reality as possible,
and given as full a detail as the size of the Work would allow.
THE AUTHOR.

FISHER S HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

Old Settlers on the River Saint John. — New-Brunswick erected
into a Government, and settled by the Loyalists in 1783-4. —
Difficulties of the first Settlers. — List of successive Governors
and Presidents.
1 HE Province of New-Brunswick formerly formed a part of
Nova-Scotia, which was the first European settlement on the
Continent of North America. — The first grant of land in it was
given by King James the First to Sir William Alexander,
in 1621 — from whom it had the name of Nova-Scotia or New
Scotland. It was at that time regarded by the English as a
part of Cabot's discovery of Terra-Nova. The first settlers,
however, were emigrants from France, who as early as the year
1604 came to the Country with De Mont, a French adventurer,
and gave it the name of Acadia.
This country frequently changed masters; passing from the
French to the English, and back again, till it was finally ceded
in full sovereignty to the British at the peace of Utrecht in 1713.
In 1760, a number of persons from the County of Essex, in
Massachusetts, obtained a grant of a Township, twelve miles
square, on the River Saint John, from the British Government;
and after several delays in exploring and surveying, they com
menced a settlement at Maugerville.
During the American War of 1775, they were joined by a
number of other families from New England : the district adjoin
ing Maugerville was settled, and the whole called by the general
name of Sunbury, where the Courts of Justice were held till
1783: when the peace with America left the Loyalists who had
followed the British standard, to seek an asylum in some part
of the British dominions.
Prior to this period a number of families from Yorkshire in
England, and others from Massachusetts, had settled in and
about Cumberland, where many of their descendants still

10 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
remain. — These people, actuated by different attachments, lived
during the war in a state of hostility with each other; — one
part adhering to the British, and the other to the Americans.
In the month of April, 17«3, about three thousand persons,
men, women, and children, sailed from New-York for the River
Saint John ; many of them being passengers, but the major part
persons who had joined the British army, and were now sent
to this Country to be disbanded and settled. In the month of
October following, about twelve hundred more arrived from
the same place. Those as well as the former had to seek a
shelter from the approaching winter, by building log and bark
huts; a few indeed were admitted into the houses of the settlers
who had resided here before and during the American war.
Provisions and clothing were furnished by Government for the
first year, with a few implements to commence a settlement.
Lord Dorchester appointed the Rev. Mr. Sayre, George
Leonard, William Tyng, and James Peters, Esquires, as
agents to apply for lands and locate them. Major Studholm
was soon after added to the number by Governor Parr. — This
Officer at that time commanded the Garrison of Fort Howe, at
the entrance of Saint John River. These agents appointed the
Rev. Mr. Arnold for their secretary. The duties that devolved
on these gentlemen were of the most arduous nature; they had
however the satisfaction of receiving the thanks of the Governor
and Council of Nova-Scotia, for their upright conduct in trans
acting that business.
In the year 1785, the present limits of New Brunswick were
divided from Nova-Scotia, and a separate Charter of a Consti
tution was granted to the Province, under Governor Carleton,
with a Council composed of the following gentlemen: — Bever
ley Robinson, Gabriel G. Ludlow, George D. Ludlow,
Abijah Willard, Jonathan Odell, James Putnam, Joshua
Upham, Edward Winslow, William Hazen, Gilfred Stud-
holm, and Daniel Bliss. — Beverley Robinson, Abijah
Willard, and James Putnam, died soon after, when Beverley
Robinson, the son of the former, with George Leonard and
John Saunders, were appointed to succeed them. The above
Members of the Council transacted the business of the Province
for a long while. Governor Carleton was authorized from the
Crown to locate lands to the LoyaHsts and disbanded Troops
in proportion to their ability and rank.

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 11
From this period the Province slowly improved in Agricul
ture, Ship Buildifig, and the exportation of Masts, Spars, &c.
to Great-Britain, and Fish, Staves, Shingles, Hoop Poles, and
sawed Lumber to the West-Indies. Receiving in return coarse
Woollens and other articles from England; and Rum, Sugar,
Molasses, and other produce fromthe West-Indies. — a Town
was built at the mouth of the River Saint John, and another at
St. Ann's Point, called Fredericton, where part of two Regiments
were stationed till the French revolution. — Barracks and other
public works were erected in different places, and the upper part
of the Country settled by establishing two military posts in the
interior, one at the Presqu-Isle, eighty miles above Fredericton,
and another at the Grand Falls, fifty-two miles farther up.
But the difficulties to which the first settlers were exposed
continued for a long time almost insurmountable. Having been
reared in a pleasant Country, abounding in all the comforts of
life, they found themselves suddenly transplanted to a wilderness
with a rigorous climate, devoid of almost every thing that could
make life tolerable. — On their arrival they found a few hovels
where Saint John is now built, the adjacent country exhibiting
a most desolate aspect; which was peculiarly discouraging to
people who had just left their homes in the beautiful and culti
vated parts of the United States. Up the River Saint John the
country appeared better, and a few cultivated spots were found
occupied by old settlers. At St. Ann's, where Fredericton was
afterwards built, a few scattered huts of French were found;
the country all around being a continued wilderness — unin
habited and untrodden, except by the savage and wild animals;
and scarcely had these firm friends of their country began to
construct their cabins, when they were surprised by the rigors
of an untried climate : their habitations being enveloped in snow
before they were tenantable. The climate at that period (from
what cause has not yet been satisfactorily ascertained) being
far more severe than at present. They were frequently put to
the greatest straits for food and clothing to preserve existence;
a few roots were all that tender mothers could at times procure
to allay the importunate calls of their children for food. — Sir
Guy Carleton had ordered them provisions for the first year
at the expense of Government; but as the country was not
much cultivated at that time, food could scarcely be procured
on any terms. Frequently had those settlers to go from fifty to

12 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
one hundred miles with hand sleds or toboggans through wild
woods or on the ice to procure a precarious supply for their
famishing families. The privations and sufferings of some of
those people almost exceed belief. The want of food and clothing
in a wild, cold country, was not easily dispensed with or soon
remedied. Frequently in the piercing cold of winter a part of
the family had to remain up during the night to keep fire in their
huts to prevent the other part from freezing. Some very desti
tute families made use of boards to supply the want of bedding :
the father or some of the elder children remaining up by turns,
and warming two suitable pieces of boards, which they applied
alternately to the smaller children to keep them warm; with
many similar expedients.
Som.e readers looking only at the present state of the country
may smile at this account as wildly exaggerated, and may sup
pose that the skins of the moose and other wild animals would
have been a far better substitute for bedding. But I have
received the account of the above facts, with many other expedi
ents which were at that time adopted by the settlers, from
persons of undoubted veracity, and who had been eye witnesses
of what they related. It is, however, needless to enlarge upon
the hardships they endured, as most of the sufferers are now
no more. Some indeed were discouraged and left the country;
but most of those who remained had the pleasure of seeing the
country improved and their families comfortably settled. Many
of those Loyalists were in the prime of life when they came to
this country; and most of them had young families. To estab
lish these they wore out their lives in toil and poverty, and by
their unremitting exertions subdued the wilderness, and covered
the face of the country with habitations, villages, and towns.
I have not noticed these circumstances as if they were pecu
liar to the settlers of New-Brunswick; but to hold up to the
descendants of those sufferers the hardships endured by their
parents; and to place in a striking point of view, the many
comforts they possess by the suffering, perseverance, and indus
try of their fathers. All new settlements formed at a great
distance from the parent state, are exposed to difficulties till
the country becomes improved. Many of the Colonies in
North America, when first settled, were more than once on the
point of total extinction. The remnant of the inhabitants of
some of them were even embarked to abandon the countrv

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 13
altogether, when they were stopped by succour from home.
The remembrance of the difficulties of the first settlers should
make their descendants contented with their present advantages,
and instead of wishing to change, to use their own exertions to
improve the country, and dully to appreciate the many blessings
and privileges they enjoy.
Under the judicious and paternal care of Governor Carle
ton, assisted by several of the leading characters, many of the
difficulties of settling an infant and distant Country were les
sened. The condition of the settlers was gradually ameliorated ;
agriculture was particularly attended to : The Governor himself
set a pattern in which he was followed by several of the leading
men in the different offices. A variety of grains and roots were
cultivated with success, and considerable progress made in
clearing the wilderness. Barren seasons were sometimes experi
enced, when the scarcity of food was partially remedied by the
exertions of the Governor, assisted by several other public
spirited gentlemen, who are now no more.
After having governed the Province for nearly twenty years
— after having seen the country from a desolate wilderness
rising to a state of importance among the surrounding Colonies
— after having seen the settlers placed in a state of comparative
comfort and independence — and after having in every respect
endeared himself to them as their common father and benefactor
— Governor Carleton, in 1803, removed to England, when
the Government of the Province was administered by the follow
ing persons, under the style of Presidents, till his death, viz. —
G. G. Ludlow, from his departure till February, 1808; Edward
Winslow, Esquire, from that period till the 24th May following;
when he was succeeded by Major-General Hunter, who held
the Government, with the exception of two short intervals,
(during which the Government devolved first on Lieutenant-
Colonel Johnstone, and afterwards on Major-General Bal
four,) till 1812, when he was succeeded by Major-General
Smyth; he having gone to England in 1813, the Government
was administered by Major-General Saumarez; but was
resumed by General Smyth, in 1814, who having again left the
Province, the Government devolved on Lieutenant-Colonel
Hailes. On the death of Governor Carleton, Major-General
George Stracey Smyth, was appointed to the Government
by His Majesty's Commission, dated the 28th February,

14 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
1817. Governor Smyth died the 27th March, 1823, when the
Government was assumed by Ward Chipman, Esquire, who
administered the same till his death in the month of February
following, when it devolved on John Murray Bliss, Esquire.
In the mean time, Major-General Sir Howard Douglas, Bar
onet, had been appointed to the Government by His Majesty.
He arrived in the Province in August, 1824, and immediately
repaired to Fredericton, and assumed the Government on the
28th of the same month, and is at present (1825) Lieutenant-
Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Province of New-
Brunswick, and its Dependencies.
The lively interest which Sir Howard takes in whatever
concerns the prosperity of the Province, may be best inferred
from his own words in his address to the Legislative Body, and
his speech at the formation of the Agricultural Society, which
are inserted in full in the Appendix to this short work.

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 15

CHAPTER II.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

Situation. — Extent. — Boundaries. — Face of the Country. — Soil.
Animals. — Mineral and Vegetable Productions. — Inhabitants.
Religion, and Government.
NeW-BRUNSWICK is situated between the forty-fifth and
forty-ninth degrees of North latitude, and between the sixty-
fourth and sixty-eighth degrees of West longitude. It is nearly
200 miles in length, and 180 in breadth, containing about twenty-
two thousand square miles of land and water. It is bounded
on the North by the river St. Lawrence and Canada, on the West
by the State of Maine, on the South and Southeast by the Bay
of Fundy and Nova-Scotia, and on the East b)^ the Gulf of St.
Lawrence and Bay Verte. It is divided into eight Counties,
viz. St. John, Westmorland, King's, Queen's, Charlotte, York,
Sunbury, and Northumberland, which are again divided into
Parishes, according to their extent, and will be described when
I come to treat of the Counties separately.
This Province is watered with several fine rivers which lay
open the inmost recesses of the country, and are of the utmost
advantage to the inhabitants in transporting the products of
the forests to the seaports, as their chief trade consists in lumber
and other bulky articles. It likewise abounds in lakes, streams,
springs, and rivulets, so that there are few places unprovided
with good mill seats or water conveyance. It is diversified with
beautiful acclivities, hills and mountains, some of which will be
noticed in the course of this work.
The appearance of the country along the Bay of Fundy is
forbidding, rugged and broken, and the soil indifferent. Advanc
ing from the sea-board into the interior the face of the country
becomes more level, being interspersed with gentle risings and
vales, with large strips of fertile intervale along the rivers, which
being annually overflowed produce excellent crops. In many
places along the margin of the rivers, the banks are high and

16 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
abrupt, and to a stranger the land appears poor and hard to
cultivate; but after rising the banks, and advancing a short
distance from the water, the land becomes level, and the soil
rich; being covered with a thick black mould, produced by the
putrefaction of the leaves of the numerous trees with which the
country is covered. In other parts the land rises with a beautiful
slope from the water, offering many fine situations for buildings
and seats. The land in some parts being a second intervale,
and in others a good upland with a strong soil.
Most of the rivers have numbers of fine Islands interspersed
in their courses, which being chiefly formed by the washing of
the currents, consist of rich alluvial soil, producing grain, roots
and grass in the greatest luxuriance. These islands may be
considered as the gardens of the country, which they enrich and
beautify. The rapidity of the rivers, swoln by the melting of
the snow in the spring, tears away the soil in some parts, and
deposits it in others; by which means their courses are gradually
altered; new Islands are formed, and alluvial soil accumulated
in some parts of the rivers, while it is washed away in others;
and this is more or less the case according to the looseness of the
soil, and the bends of the river: so that a man may have a grow
ing estate, or he may see his land diminishing from year to year
without the power to remedy it.
As most of the settlements are as yet confined to the margin
of rivers and streams, the country a little back is a continued
forest, covered with a stately growth of trees, consisting of pines,
firs, spruce, hemlock, maple, birch, beech, ash, elm, poplar,
hornbeam, &c. In some parts of the country white and red oak
are found, but in no great quantity; although men who have
ranged the woods in search of pine, say there are large groves in
the interior. The islands are generally covered with butternut,
basswood, elm, maple, alder, &c. and in some places the same
trees are found on them, as on the high land in their vicinity.
As the climate of a new country, abounding with lakes, rivers
and streams, and covered with close woods, which exclude the
sun, must be daily altering as the country becomes cleared and
improved: I shall hereafter notice some of the changes that
have taken place in the climate of this Province since it was
settled by the Loyalists in 1783.
The domestic animals in this Province are much the same as
those in the United States; many of the horses and oxen used

FISHER S HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 17
in the lumber business, being annually furnished by the Ameri
cans. The breed of horses has been improved by stallions
imported at different periods from England and other places.
In Cumberland the inhabitants have paid considerable attention
to the improvement of the breed of horned cattle; in consequence
of which, and the extensive marshes in that country, their dairies
are superior to any in the Province. The sheep and swine are
of a good size and various breeds. As Agriculture has been
much neglected in this Province on account of the great trade
that is carried on in lumber, not much attention has been paid
to improving the domestic animals, till of late, a Society has been
formed, and cattle exhibitions instituted, which no doubt will
soon make an alteration in that part of the rural economy of
the Province.
The wild animals are not so numerous as formerly, and some
species are nearly extinct. The Moose or Elk, which were found
in great abundance when the loyalists first came to the province,
were wantonly destroyed, being hunted for the skin, while their
carcases were left in the woods, a few only being used for food,
although their flesh is equal to the Ox, and would have supplied
the destitute settlers with animal food for a long while, had there
been any effectual means at that time to restrain the waste of
the mercenary hunter. So great was the destruction of those
valuable animals, that in a few years they totally disappeared.
A few have lately been seen, and a law has been enacted for their
preservation; but they can scarcely be reckoned among the
present animals of the Province. The other wild animals are
Bears, Foxes, Wolves, Caraboo, Sable, Loup-cervier, Peaconks,
Racoon, Mink, Ground and Red Squirrels, Weasels, Muskrats,
Wild Cats, Hares, &c. with that valuable animal the Beaver.
The domestic Fowls are Turkies, Geese, Ducks, Hens, and
other Poultry; and among the wild are. Partridges, Geese,
Ducks, Pigeons, Owls, Crows, and Swans; with a variety of
small Birds, which have nothing peculiar to render a particular
description of them necessary. There are but few reptiles in
the Province, and those are harmless.
Most of the rivers are well stored with Salmon, Shad, Bass,
Suckers, and Herrings, with abundance of small Fish, such as
Trout, Perch, Chub, Smelt, Eels, &c. Cusks are taken in the
winter, and Sturgeon are taken in some parts, but not often.

18 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
The Bays and Harbors are well supplied with Cod, Pollock,
Haddock, &c. Mackerel are taken in different places at the
entrance of the Bay of Fundy, and along the coasts.
But little can be said about the mineral or fossil productions
of a country which is yet in its infancy, and where the industry
of the inhabitants can be more profitably employed on the
surface of the earth than in ransacking its bowels. Minerals
cannot be procured and manufactured without money. To
work mines effectually, many things are requisite that cannot be
expected in a new country. Such as capitalists who can risk
money on experiments, and wait a long time for returns: for all
property employed in the first working of mines is uncertain.
The next thing is abundance of cheap labour — then a demand
for the articles produced; next to produce it of such a quality,
and at such a price as to make it find a market: with many
other considerations sufficient to deter men who feeling them
selves straitened in pecuniary resources, see the necessity of
employing what little they possess in the way that will give a
sure and quick return; and to such persons, the surface of the
country covered with pines, holds out a more inviting prospect
than the concealed riches of the earth. From the appearance
of the country, there is reason to believe it is rich in minerals,
and that the mountains contain ores of different metals in abun
dance; but as no attempts of consequence have been made to
procure specimens or assay them, it cannot be expected that
any particular account of them could be given in this short
work. It is probable the time is not far distant when men of
intelligence will turn their attention to investigate scientifically
the different natural productions of the Province. Coals are
found in abundance at the Grand Lake, and specimens have
been discovered in several other places, so as to leave no doubt
of the Province being well stored with that useful article. Lime
stone of a good quality is found in different parts of the Province;
particularly at the narrows, near the mouth of the river St. John,
where there is not only sufficient for the use of the country; but
to supply Europe and America for ages, should they need it.
Gypsum is also found up the Bay, near Cumberland, and Man
ganese at Quaco.
This Province abounds in different kinds of excellent Stone
for building, and other purposes. Grindstones are manufactured
in abundance for home use and exportation. Veins of Marble

fisher S history of new BRUNSWICK. 19
of different species, have been discovered, some of which have
been partially explored, and small quantities manufactured.
The vegetable productions are. Wheat, Rye, Oats, Barley,
Maize, Beans, Peas, Buckwheat and Flax, with a variety of
Roots, Grasses, and Hortulan Plants.
The fruits are Apples, Plums, Cherries, Currants, Goose
berries, Cranberries, Blue and Black Berries, Raspberries, Straw
berries, and small Grapes, with a number of small wild fruits.
Butter Nuts, a large oily nut. Beech Nuts, and Hazel Nuts are
found in different parts of the country in abundance, and in
many places serve for fattening hogs; particularly the Beech
Nut, which after the severe frosts in the fall nearly cover the
ground. There are no disorders peculiar to the climate. The air
throughout most part of the year is very pure and the inhabitants
in general enjoy a good share of health. Whether the observa
tions that have been made of the Americans sooner decaying
than Europeans will apply to the inhabitants of New-Brunswick
cannot yet be ascertained; as the Province has not been long
enough settled; but there is good reason to believe that with
temperance and care the human frcune will exist as long in vigor
in the latter as in Europe. — Another remark as a proof of the
former has been made which is that the human mind sooner
arrives to maturity in America than in Europe; but this if true
may be more owing to accidental than physical causes.
Their earlier marriages likewise proves nothing as they arise
from the peculiar circumstances of the different countries.
The inhabitants of New-Brunswick may be classed as follows
according to priority of settlement.
1st. The Aborigines or Indians.
2d. Acadians, being the descendants of the French who
were allowed to remain in Nova-Scotia after it was ceded to the
British. They were called the French neutrals — their descen
dants are at present settled in different parts of the Province and
are considerably numerous and will be noticed with the Indians
hereafter. The old Inhabitants, were those families who were settled in
the Province before the conclusion of the American revolution,
as already noticed. They were so called by the disbanded
troops and refugees who came to the country in 1783, and the

20 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
appellation is still applied to their descendants. Some of those
were settled at Maugerville where they had made considerable
improvements before the loyalists came to the country. A few
of the old stock are still living, having attained to a great age.
Their descendants are however numerous, and by intermarriages
with the new comers, spread over every part of the Province.
The next and most numerous class of inhabitants are the
descendants of the Loyalists who came to the Province at the
conclusion of the American revolution, and whose sufferings I
have already slightly noticed. — These are the descendants of
those genuine patriots who sacrificed their property and comfort
in the United States for their attachment to that Government
under which they drew their first breath ; and came to this
Province (at that period a wilderness) to transmit those blessings
to their posterity. For although many of them belonged to the
army and were sent here to be disbanded, they had formerly
been comfortably settled in the States ; and when it came to the
trying point whether they should forsake their homes or abandon
their King, the former was preferred without hesitation, although
many of them had young families and the choice was made at
the risk of life, and also with the change of habit from the peace
ful yeoman to the bustle of a camp. — As however the choice
was made with promptness so it was persevered in with con
stancy. The other inhabitants are emigrants from different parts of
Europe. In some parts they have obtained allotments of land
and are settled a number of families together, in other places
again they are intermixed with the other settlers and by inter
marriages, &c. are assimilating as one people: proving them
selves in many instances, good subjects, and valuable members
of society. The last class that I shall notice are the people of Colour, or
Negroes. — These are found in considerable numbers in different
parts of the Province. In some parts a number of families are
settled together as farmers; but they do not make good settlers,
being of a volatile disposition, much addicted to dissipation;
they are impatient of labour, and in general fitter for performing
menial offices about houses as domestics, than the more impor
tant, but laborious duties of farmers. — In their persons the
inhabitants of New-Brunswick are well made, tall and athletic

FISHER S HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 21
There are but few of those born in the country, but what have
attained to a larger growth than their parents.
The genius of these people differ greatly from Europeans —
the human mind in new countries left to itself exerts its full
energy; hence in America where man has in most cases to look
to himself for the supply of his wants, his mind expands, and
possesses resources within itself unknown to the inhabitants of
old settled countries, or populous cities. In New-Brunswick, a
man with his axe and a few other simple tools, provides himself
with a house and most of his implements of husbandry, — and
while a European would consider himself as an outcast, he
feels perfectly at home in the depth of the forest. In new coun
tries likewise the mind acquires those ideas of self-importance
and independence so peculier to Americans. For the man who
spends the greater part of his time alone in the forest, as free
as the beasts that range it without controul, his wants but
simple and those supplied from day to day by his own exertions,
acquires totally different habits of acting and thinking, from
the great mass of the people in crowded cities, who finding
themselves pressed on all sides, and depending on others from
day to day for precarious support, are confirmed in habits of
dependence. Hence the inhabitants of this Province are men who possess
much native freedom in their manners. This, from their vener
ation to their King makes them faithful subjects and good citi
zens, not blindly passive, but from affection adhering to that
Government under which they drew their first breath and under
which they have been reared.
In noticing the state of religion in this Province, it may not
be amiss to observe that the old inhabitants who came originally
from New-England, where the genius of their church government
was republican, were generally Calvinistic in their modes and
doctrine; while the loyalists and others who came to the country
in 1783, were generally Churchmen, Quakers, or Methodists. —
The Emigrants who have come since that period include all the
above denominations.
The Church of England is in a flourishing state in this Pro
vince; there are nineteen Clergymen belonging to the establish
ment who are under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Nova-
Scotia. Many of them have handsome churches with numerous
congregations. Two of them are employed as Itinerants for

22 fisher's history of new brunswick.
the vacant districts of the Province, and several of the others
serve two or more Parishes — An Ecclesiastical Commissary
has the superintendence of the whole.
The Catholics have a few Chapels and appear to be on the
increase. Their congregations are chiefly composed of Emigrant
Irish, French, ana Indians. — ^There are six Clergymen in the
Province, some of whom are settled and others are employed
as Missionaries among the scattered French and Indians.
There are but two Ministers of the Kirk of Scotland in the
Province; they have handsome churches in Saint John and St.
Andrews. There are however a number of Seceders from the
Presbyterian form of Church Government, but all holding the
doctrines of Calvin ; several of them have commodious places of
worship, and respectable congregations.
There are no places of worship belonging to the Quakers in
this Province. There are however, a few of these primitive
worshippers scattered through the country, who joining sincerity
and honesty with plainness, are excellent members of society.
The Methodists are a numerous and respectable body of
people. There are four Wesleyan Missionaries in this Province,
with a number of Methodist Preachers, who although not immed
iately in connection with the Missionaries, adhere strictly to the
old Methodist discipline and doctrine; and usually attend the
Conferences, which are held once a year, either in Nova-Scotia
or New-Brunswick ; where the Missionaries for the two Provinces
and the adjacent Islands assemble to arrange the different
stations of their Preachers and regulate the affairs temporal and
spiritual of that body. At these conferences young Preachers
are admitted on trial, and probationers who have laboured four
years in the Ministry to the satisfaction of the Conference, are
taken into full connection.
The Baptists are the descendants of those followers of Mr.
Whitfield, who formerly were very numerous under the denom
ination of New-Lights. About 25 or 30 years ago, a change
in their forms and discipline took place among the leaders in
Nova-Scotia, who adopted the mode of Baptizing only Adults,
and the other tenets of the old Baptists whose name they also
assumed. — There are however a few of the New-Lights still
scattered through the country, who carrying the levelling spirit
into their religion, do not like order of any kind. They style
themselves Baptists, Christians, &c. The Baptists on the

fisher S history of NEW BRUNSWICK. 23
contrary have a formula of faith comprised in seventeen articles,
and are very strict in church government. They are a numerous
class of people, and have several fine Chapels ; they have however
but few settled Ministers, not having as yet made sufficient
provision to supply their members with a stated Ministry.
They regulate their affairs by an annual association.
In general a desire for the christian Ministry is increasing in
the Province. — Places of worship are erecting in most of the
settlements, and such other provision for the support of the
Gospel provided as the abilities of the settlers will admit.
The Government of New-Brunswick, like most of the British
Colonies, is Royal and a miniature of the parent state. The
other forms originally established in the Colonies and Planta
tions were charter and proprietory governments, which of late
years have mostly given place to royal or monarchial govern
ments, after the British model.
The Governor has a Council consisting of twelve Members,
to assist him in the discharge of the executive duties of his
station. These with the representatives from the different
Counties constitute the Provincial Legislature.
The principal Courts established in the Province are the
following : —
The Court of Chancery, which is a Prerogative Court, as
well as a Court of Equity. The Lieutenant-Governor, or Com
mander-in-Chief is Chancellor, and the Justices of the Supreme
Court Assignees.
The Court of Governor and Council, for hearing and deter
mining Causes relating to Marriage and Divorce.
The Supreme Court of Judicature for the Province is held
in Fredericton. It consists of the Chief Justice and three Assis
tant Judges. The Terms are the third Tuesday of February
and May, and the second Tuesday of July and October. The
Jurisdiction of this Court is very extensive, partaking of the
power of the Courts of King's Bench, Exchequer, Common Pleas,
and other Courts in England. All civil causes of importance
and capital cases are determined in this Court. The present
Chief Justice Saunders, who presides in this Court, the reader
will observe, was a Member of the first Council in the Province.
He has ever since been actively employed in the first stations
in the country, which he has filled with the greatest ability and

24 fisher's history of new brunswick.
integrity. He is the only survivor capable of filling a public
station among all those who bore a share in the public concerns
of the Province on its first erection into a separate Government
under Governor Carleton. The salary of the Chief Justice
is £700 or £750 sterling. The other Justices have each
£500 sterling per annum. The Justices, besides attending the
Supreme Court at the Seat of Government, hold Circuit Courts
in the different Counties.
The Inferior Court of Common Pleas consists of two, three,
or more Justices, who preside occasionally. They are assisted
by the Magistrates of the County. Here civil causes that do
not involve property to a great amount are determined, as are
also crimes and misdemeanors not affecting life. The Grand
Inquest of the County attends this Court, when Bills of Indict
ment are found, which if involving matters above its Jurisdic
tion, are handed over to the Supreme Court for trial. Most
of the Police of the Counties and Parishes is regulated by this
Court, which is held half-yearly or quarterly in the several
Counties, as the public business may require. Here the parish
officers are appointed, parish and county taxes apportioned;
the accounts from the different parishes audited; retailers and
innkeepers licensed and regulated, &c. In short, this Court
exercises in many respects the same powers in the several Coun
ties, in regard to their internal police, as those that are exercised
by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of incorporated
Cities. Besides these Courts there is a summary mode of recovering
debts under five pounds before a single Magistrate.
The Legislature of New-Brunswick, like most of the British
Colonies, is a miniature of the British Parhament, consisting of
the Lieutenant-Governor, the Council, and House of Repre
sentatives. The Governor represents the King. The Council
form the upper House, in humble imitation of the House of
Lords in England; and the Representatives from the different
Counties forming the lower House, or House of Assembly. The
number of Representatives for the several Counties is as follows:
For the Counties of St. John, Westmorland, Charlotte, and
York, four each; the Counties of King's, Queen's, Sunbury and
Northumberland, two each; and two for the City of St. John,
making in all twenty-six. This representation, the reader will

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 25
observe, is very unequal. The County of Saint John, which
includes the City, having two more members than the extensive
County of York, which includes the Seat of Government; and
the County of Sunbury, which is not as large as some parishes
in the other counties, has as many members as the County of
Northumberland, which comprises over one-third of the Pro
vince. It must indeed be admitted that Saint John and Sunbury
are far better settled than Northumberland; but when we look
at the great extent of the latter, the numerous settlements and
great trade in that part of the Province, we must allow that the
inhabitants of that part of the country have not an equal share
of what may be considered the bulwark of liberty — namely, a
fair representation. Six members at least, would not be out
of proportion for that large County.
The Assembly sits in the winter at Fredericton : the sessions
continue from six to seven weeks. Its chief business is in manag
ing the provincial revenue, providing for schools, roads, &c. and
making such laws as the state and trade of the Province may
from time to time require. When laws are enacted that inter
fere with Acts of Parliament, they are transmitted to the King,
with a suspending clause, and are not in force until they receive
the royal approbation.

26 fisher's history of new brunswick.

CHAPTER in.

Climate. — Produce.
-t\-'Ei New-Brunswick lies in nearly the same parallel of latitude
as Paris, Vienna, and other places in Europe, it would be natural
to suppose the climate would be similar to those places; but it
must be observed that cold is found to predominate on the
continent of America. Hence in places under the same parallels,
the differences between the old and new continents, with regard
to cold, is very great, and this difference increases as you advance
from the equator. This has been supposed by Dr. Robertson
and others to arise from the western situation of America, and
its approaching the pole nearer than Europe or Asia, and from
the immense continent stretching from the St. Lawrence towards
the pole and to the westward ; and also from the enormous chain
of mountains which extend to an unknown distance through
that frozen region, covered with eternal snow and frost; over
which the wind in its passage acquires that piercing keenness
which is felt as far as the Gulf of Mexico, but more severely in
the Canadas, New-Brunswick, and Nova-Scotia.
The prevailing winds, from October to April, are from the
north and north-west, during most of which period the air,
though frequently intensely keen, is clear and healthy.
December is a temperate, pleasant winter month. In January
the heavy falls of snow commence, and the drifting storms
prevail chiefly in February and March; but these are not so
frequent as formerly, and the major part of the winter is clear,
hard weather.
In April the spring commences, and the winds are chiefly
from the east north-east, which occasion dull, heavy weather.
The rivers, lakes, and streams break up this month. As May
advances, the weather bScomes settled, and the mornings are
uncommonly fine. The sun, which rises a little after four
o'clock, diffuses his beams in full splendor through an unclouded
sky. This is the usual month for sowing and planting on the

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 27
high land. The intervale and low lands are generally later
in drying, and are generally cultivated in June. The prevailing
winds in the summer are from the south and south-west, veering
at times to the eastward, but never continuing long to the
north-west. In the first part of June the cold is considerable
at night, frequently attended with frosts, particularly at the
changes of the moon, which sometimes injure the early flowering
fruits; and it is not till after the summer solstice that the night
air loses its chilliness. This is no doubt occasioned by the
snow, which lies undissolved in the deep recesses of the forest,
as well as by the waters of the numerous rivers, lakes, &c. all
which are swoln at this season; and by the cold acquired by
the earth during the winter, which requires the full effect of the
sun's influence, till late in June, before it is sufficiently heated.
As soon as the earth is so thoroughly warmed that the nights
lose their chill, vegetation becomes surprisingly rapid. In a
few days, plants that appeared yellow and stunted, assume a
deep green, and show a vigorous growth; and in less than a
week, should a shower intervene, the face of the country exhibits
the most luxurious vegetation, sufficient to astonish those who
have only been familiar with temperate climates.
September is a pleasant month: the air is serene and pure.
The rivers and streams are usually lower this month than at
any other period during the year, and the dry weather frequently
continues till late in October. Snow falls sometimes early in
November, and lays till late in April; but this does not always
hold. The rivers and lakes freeze up about the middle of this
month, some sooner and others later, according to their situation.
It is not uncommon to have frost in all the months in the year
except July: for, as was observed before, it seldom escapes at
the changes of the moon in June, and it frequently happens at
the full in August, particularly on small streams. If, however,
it passes that period, it generally keeps off till late in September.
A stranger would naturally conclude from this account, that
the season was too short and frosty for crops to come to maturity ;
but this is not the case. Roots come to perfection and grain
gets ripe in most years; wheat being oftener hurt by the rust
than the frost. The springs are indeed backward; but vege
tation is exceeding rapid, and the autumns are uncommonly
fine. The changes of the weather are frequently very sudden.
Often in the space of two hours, (in the seasons of fall and

28 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
spring,) changing from the mild temperature of September to
the rigor of winter. This is chiefly occasioned by the wind:
for while it blows from any of the points from the S. W. to the
N. E. the air is mild; but when it veers from the N. E. to the
N. W. it becomes cold and clear; and as it frequently shifts
very suddenly, the transition from heat to cold is equally short.
Even in the sultry month of July, whenever the wind changes
for a few hours to the N. W. the air becomes cool, elastic, and
invigorating. This, as was before noticed, is occasioned by
¦ its passing over the immense continent to the northwestward,
and Hudson's Bay to the northward. On the contrary, when
the winds are from the southward and S. E. they are mild and
relaxing, retaining a portion of the heat acquired in the torrid
zone. The changes, however, are not alwa3's so violent. The
weather often both in winter and summer, continues for weeks
with little alteration in the temperature, and changes imper
ceptibly. The coldest weather generally felt in the country,
is on or near the full moon in January; for it is not till after the
cold has had some timiC to exert its full influence and chill the
earth, that the full rigor of winter is experienced. The same is
the case with the greatest heat in summer, being in July, after
the sun has for some time exerted his full influence on the earth. —
From observations made by several persons, it is well understood
that a gradual change has been taking place in the climate on
the American continent within a century p2st. The change in
this Province since 1783, has been very great — the summers
having abated much of their form.er heat, and the winters grown
proportionately milder. Neither are there such excessive
droughts in summer, as formerly; the seasons being cooler,
with more rain ; neither does the snow accumulate to such a
depth on the earth. This m.ay arise not so much from a less
quantity falling, as from the frequent thaws which now take
place in the winter season.
For several jears prior to 1816, the seasons had been growing
gradually cooler — less warmth being felt on a mean in each
succeeding year till 1816, when the cold appeared to have
arrived at its acme; for in that year it appeared to predominate:
from whatever cause has not yet been ascertained. Some
ascribed it to spots on the sun's disc; others supposed that
large masses of ice had been detached from the shores of Green
land, and floated so near America as to occasion the uncommon

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 29
chill of the air, — with other conjectures of a like nature, totally
unsatisfactory. For spots have frequently been observed on the
sun. and it would require an immense quantity of ice to produce
any permanent effect. — Whatever might have been the cause,
it is certain the genial warmth of the sun appeared nearly lost:
for when shining in meridian splendour in the months of June
and July, a cold rigorous air was felt. There was a fall of snow,
which was general over the Province and extended to the United
States, on the 7th June, to the depth of three or four inches in
the northern parts of the country. This was followed by severe
frosts in every month in that year. The crops were very light:
fields of wheat were totally destroyed. Even the never faihng
potatoe was chilled and did not yield half a crop.
After this year the seasons began slowly to improve ; but the
shock given to agriculture, by the failure of several crops,
brought great distress on the poor, and gave a check to the
prosperity of the Province. So great was the distress of the
country, that the Legislature applied £6,000 to be laid out in
seed and provisions, and advanced to such as were in want on
a credit. For a few years back the seasons have been favorable
to agriculture; but the extremes of heat and cold in winter and
summer are not so great, and the rains are more generally diffused
through the year than formerly.
I have been thus particular in noticing the changes of the
seasons, as I think it would be a great advantage to the Province
if a correct register of the weather was kept, and the changes
of the seasons particularly attended to, as it would furnish dita
to guide the farmer in his crops, by sowing more of the hardy
grains, such as oats, barley, peas, &c. as the seasons, (judging
by a comparison with former years) was likely to be warm or
frosty; and not running so much on Indian corn, which always
requires hot seasons. Had this been attended to in the cold
seasons, less distress would have been felt in the country, as
oats, barley, &c. generally did well, when the other crops failed.
As I observed before, several causes have been assigned for
the difference between the climate of Europe and America, by
persons who have investigated that subject. But the causes of
the alteration that has taken place in the seasons in North
America, remain yet a desideratum with the learned. Whether
the alteration is occasioned by the precession of the equinoxes,
or by the position of our globe with the other planets, (for

30 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
changes no doubt are taking place in the great system of the
universe, which, though slow, must produce powerful effects,)
or from whatever cause it may be, the effects are visible, and
cannot reasonably be wholly ascribed to the improvement of
the country, or any alteration that has taken place in it.
New-Brunswick appears to be but Uttle liable to the great
convulsions of nature, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes,
&c. There has been but one shock of an earthquake experienced
by the present inhabitants since they have settled the country.
This shock happened on the 22d May, 1817, at 25 minutes past
three o'clock in the morning. The duration of the shock was
about 45 seconds. It was attended with the usual rumbling
noise, without thunder, the weather being very serene and
pleasant. The appearances, however, usually indicating earth
quakes, such as fiery meteors, the uncommon brilliancy of the
aurora borealis, &c. had been frequent the winter preceding.
I shall now proceed to notice the principal grains, roots, and
grasses cultivated in the Province, and give as correct an account
of their produce, &c. as the imperfect state of the agriculture
of the country will allow.
Wheat is sown from five pecks to two bushels to an acre, and
yields from twelve to twenty-four bushels per acre. Twenty
bushels is a good crop, on new land, although it sometimes
produces more, when the soil is very rich and the season favour
able. On old land the return is from ten to fifteen bushels per
acre, the mean is about twelve. Rye is grown on inferior lands.
It takes about the same quantity of seed to the acre, and gives
much the same returns.
Oats are much cultivated in this country, and generally, turn
out a good crop. The quantity of seed is from two to three
bushels, and the produce from twenty to thirty bushels per acre.
Barley is not much cultivated, although it would do well as a
substitute in frosty seasons.
Buckwheat is a grain that gives a large return for the quantity
sown. It is raised on lands that are too poor to produce good
crops of the other grains, and sown later in the season, so that
the greatest summer heat may be past before the grain is formed
in the ear; for should there be a few very hot days when the
grain is in the milk, the crop would be destroyed. The same
would be the case, if a slight frost should strike it in that stage.
If, however, it escapes these casualties, to which it is liable it

fisher S history of new BRUNSWICK. 31
turns out a good crop, yielding from forty to sixty bushels to an
acre. There is a species of wild Buckwheat, which is a surer
crop, but of an inferior quality.
Millet has lately been introduced into the Province. It is
said to do well on most lands, but has not been much attended to.
Indian Corn or Maize, flourishes in high perfection on the
intervales, which are generally composed of alluvial soil. It is
usually planted in hills nearly four feet asunder. Five grains
is the usual quantity for a hill. It is a plant that requires a
light rich soil, old manure, and hot seasons; should these
requisites concur, a good crop may be expected. It is usually
hoed thrice, and produces from twenty-five to forty bushels
per acre.
Pease are a hardy grain, and produce from ten to fifteen
bushels to an acre.
Beans are usually set in drills; they thrive well on light
sandy lands, but are not much cultivated in the country.
Among the ground crops or roots, the most valuable is the
Potatoe — a root that can never be sufficiently prized, as
affording one of the most productive and surest substitutes for
bread of any known, and without which it would have been
extremely difficult to have colonized these Provinces. This
may be reckoned the surest crop, and is peculiarly well adapted
to new countries, as it thrives best on new burnt land. The
usual and simplest method of cultivating this root is by planting
cuttings of it in hills, about three feet asunder. This method is
peculiarly convenient on land newly cut down, as the seed is
set with the hoe between the stumps and roots with which the
ground is covered, and where the plough or harrow could be
of no service. They are generally hoed once in the season, and
turn out in the fall a large crop of clean, smooth potatoes, of a
superior flavour to those grown on old lands. The produce is
from 150 to 200 bushels from an acre; although they sometimes
greatly exceed that quantity. — They are an excellent crop
for improving new lands; for as the culture is all performed
with the hoe or hack, the small roots of the stumps are destroyed
in planting and digging; for wherever there is room to drop an
eye, it never fails to vegetate, working under roots and around
stones, so that in the autumn the farmer has frequently to cut
away or dig under roots for his crop, which often exceeds his
expectation. In some parts of the Province, where the lands

32 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
have been long in cultivation, drilling is practised, and the labour
chiefly performed with the plough and harrow; and of late the
Irish method of setting them in beds has been introduced.
There are many varieties of this root cultivated in the Province;
but no attention has been paid to renewing the seed from the
ball, which no doubt would improve the quality as well as the
produce. Several kinds of Turnips are cultivated in this Province;
the best of which is the ruta-baga, or Swedish turnip. This
is an excellent root and cultivated with great success, particularly
on new lands. They differ from the common field turnip, being
of a firm texture they keep the year round; while the common
turnip turns soft and unfit for use after the winter sets in. They,
however, answer a good purpose for early use and for cattle,
being sown late in July, after the other crops are out of the way.
The Swedish turnip is sown early in June. All the sowing in
this country is broad-cast, the method of drilling being scarcely
known. The other roots are, beets, carrots, parsnips, onions, radishes,
&c. which are chiefly cultivated in gardens. There are a variety
of cabbages, sallads, cauliflowers, squashes, &c. which are also
cultivated in the gardens with great success.
The principal grasses produced in the country, are white
and red clover, timothy, lucerne, browntop, &c. Good uplands
produce one and a half tons per acre, and the intervale from two
to three tons. There are several species of wild grass, such as
blue-joint, &c. found in meadows, in the woods, and along
streams, which make very good food for young stock.
As no regular catalogue of the various species of indigenous
plants has yet been made in this country, it would be useless to
attempt anything like a correct, minute enumeration of them
in this concise sketch. I shall, therefore, prosecute this part
of the subject no farther, as I think the time is not far distant
when this branch of the rural economy of the Province will be
particularly attended to; and that the Societies which have
lately been formed for that purpose, will not only develope and
improve the native productions of the country, but introduce
different species of exotics, as they find them answer the soil
and climate.

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 33

CHAPTER IV.

principal rivers and TOWNS..

River St. Croix. — St. John. — Miramichi. — Mars-Hill. — City of
St. John. — Fredericton. — St. Andrews.
OAVING in the preceding chapters given a brief sketch of
the settlement and face of the country, and noticed its climate,
productions, &c. I shall now proceed to give a short description
of the principal rivers, mountains, and towns, beginning with the
River Saint Croix.
This river was made the boundary between the territories of
His Britannic Majesty and the United States, by the treaty of
1783 which describes the bounds as follows, viz. "That angle,
which is formed by a line drawn due north from the source of
the St. Croix river to the Highlands, along the said Highlands
which divide these rivers that empty themselves into the river
St. Lawrence from those which fall into the Atlantic Ocean to
the northwesternmost head of Connecticut river; thence down
along the middle of that river to the 45th degree of north latitude,
from thence by a line due west on said latitude until it strikes
the river Iroquois, or Cataraquy," &c.
The boundaries thus described, have caused considerable
difficulty between the two Governments, in discovering which is
the height of land mentioned in the treaty; and in regard to
the St. Croix, it is supposed that the British Commissioners
were totally unacquainted with the river in question, and not
aware that the lines proposed, if run according to the American
construction of the treaty, would separate the British Provinces
of New-Brunswick and Canada. It is also probable that it
was not precisely known at that time what river was meant by
the St. Croix, but that another river, more to the westward,
might have been intended. This uncertainty about the rivers at

34 fisher's history of new brunswick.
that time might have arisen from the general name of St. Croix,
which was given by Europeans to all the rivers falling into the
Bay of Fundy, occasioned by the French on their first landing
in the country, having erected crosses at different points, and
named the places from that circumstance, the country of the
Holy Cross. However it may have happened, difficulties
ensued in ascertaining the precise Islands in the Bay of Passa
maquoddy belonging to each power, and the Highlands meant
by the treaty of 1783. This induced the Commissioners of the
two Powers at the treaty of Ghent to provide against any misun
derstanding on these points for the future, by the fourth and
fifth articles of that treaty. The fifth article, bearing particu
larly on this point, states that "Whereas neither that point of the
Highlands, lying due north from the source of the river St.
Croix, designated in the former treaty of peace between the two
powers, as the north-west angle of Nova-Scotia, nor the north-
westernmost head of Connecticut river, have yet been ascer
tained: and whereas that part of the boundary line between the
dominions of the two powers, which extends from the source of
the river St. Croix, directly north to the above-mentioned
north-west angle of Nova-Scotia, thence along the said High
lands which divide those rivers that empty themselves into the
St. Lawrence, from those which fall into the Atlantic ocean to
the north-westernmost head of Connecticut river, thence down
along the middle of that river to the 45th degree of north latitude,
thence by a line due west on said latitude, until it strikes the
river Iroquois or Cataraquy, has not yet been surveyed, it is
agreed that for these several purposes two Commissioners shall
be appointed, sworn, and authorized, to act exactly in the
manner directed with respect to those mentioned in the next
preceding article, unless otherwise specified in the present article.
The said Commissioners shall meet at St. Andrews, in the
Province of NeM^-Brunswick, and shall have power to adjourn
to such other place or places as they shall think fit. The said
Commissioners shall have power to ascertain and determine
the points above-mentioned, in conformity with the provisions
of the said treaty of peace of 1783, and shall cause the boundaries
aforesaid, from the source of the river St. Croix to the river
Iroquois or Cataraquy to be surveyed and marked according to
the said provisions: the Commissioners shall make a map of the
said boundary, and annex to it a declaration under their hands

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 35
and seals, certifying it to be the true map of the said boundary,
and particularizing the latitude and longitude of the north-west
angle-of Nova-Scotia, of the north-westernmost head of Connec
ticut river, and of such other points of the said boundary as they
may deem proper. And both parties agree to consider such
map and declaration as finally and conclusively fixing the said
boundary. And in the event of the said Commissioners differing
or both or either of them refusing, declining, or wilfully omitting
to act, such reports, declarations, or statements shall be made
by them, or either of them, and such reference to a friendly
sovereign or state shall be made in all respects, as in the latter
part of the fourth article is contained." — The fourth article
here alluded to provides that "such sovereign or state shall
decide ex-parte upon the said report alone, and His Britannic
Majesty and the Government of the United States engage to
consider the decision of such friendly sovereign or state to be
final and conclusive on all matters to them referred." — Not
withstanding these precautions on the part of the Agents of the
two Governments, the points alluded to are not yet ascertained
or settled. But to resume the description of the river. The St. Croix
has two main branches, one inclines to the eastward, and com
municates with a chain of lakes, some of which are of consider
able extent, and lie near a branch of the Penobscot river. The
other turns to the westward. From this branch there is a route
by a succession of lakes and short portages to the waters that fall
into the river St. John. The lands on the banks of this river
are of good quality, and have been well tirribered; most of the
pine has been cut off, but there is still abundance of other timber,
consisting of the harder woods, spruce, firs, &c. There are
mills erected on different parts of this river, which furnish a
great quantity of sawed lumber annually.
There are several falls in the river, which obstruct the navi
gation. There are, however, several fine settlements along its
banks, and the adjoining country is first improving.
River Saint John.
This noble river encircles a large portion of New-Brunswick,
and may be considered as the principal drain of those numerous
rivers and streams with which the Province is intersected.

36 fisher's history of new brunswick.
Winding in an irregular semi-circle, it traverses an extent of
about five hundred miles, and falls into the Bay of Fundy nearly
in the same parallel of latitude in which it takes its rise.
It may not be improper to observe, that most of the rivers
and streams in this country were originally named by the Indians,
who generally, by the names they give, wish to signify something
peculiar to the thing named; consequently the Indian name of
this river, which they call "Looshtook," signifies long river. —
It rises from lakes near the head of Connecticut river, between
the 45th and 46th degrees of north latitude, and stretches to the
northward, beyond the 47th degree of north latitude, where it
receives the waters of the Madawaska river, which rises near the
St. Lawrence. It then inclines to the southward, and continues
its course uninterrupted, receiving several large streams, till it
arrives at the Grand Falls, in lat. 46° 54'. Here its channel is
broken by a chain of rocks, which run across the river at this
place, over which its waters are precipitated with resistless
impetuosity. The river, just above the cataract, makes a short
bend of nearly a right angle, forming a small bay a few rods
above the precipice, in which there is an eddy, which makes it
a safe landing place, although very near the main precipice,
where canoes pass with the greatest safety. Immediately
below this bay, the river suddenly contracts. A point of rocks
project from the western shore and narrow the channel to the
width of a few rods. The waters thus pent up sweep over the
rugged bottom with great rapidity; just before they reach the
main precipice they rush down a descent of some feet, and
rebound in foam from a bed of rocks on the edge of the fall.
They are then precipitated down perpendicular cliffs of about
forty-five feet in height, into an abyss studded with rocks,
which nearly choke the passage, leaving only a small opening
in the centre, through which the water, after whirling for some
time in the bason, rushes with tremendous impetuosity, sweeping
through a broken rocky channel and a succession of falls for
more than half a mile, being closely pent up with rocks, which
in some places overhang the river so as to hide most part of it
from the view of the observer. Trees and timber, which are
carried down the falls, are sometimes whirled round in the
bason below the precipice till they are ground to pieces; some
times their ends are tapered to a point, and at other times
broken or crushed in different places. Below the falls there is

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 37
another small bay with a good depth of still water, very conven
ient for collecting timber, &c. after it has escaped through the
falls. Here the canoes and boats from Fredericton and different
parts of the river land, and if bound for Madawaska they are
taken out of the water and carried or drawn, as well as their
loads, across the isthmus to the small bay above the falls before
mentioned, where they are again put in the water, and proceed
without any farther interruption to the upper settlements and
the Canada line. The distance of the portage, including
the windings of the road up the hill is about 100 rods from water
to water. Flat bottomed boats, from fifteen to twenty tons
burthen, can come from St. John to this place, which is a distance
of about two hundred and twenty-three miles. No larger craft
than canoes have as yet been used above the falls. This has
not arisen from any defect in the river, which above the falls is
smooth and of sufficient depth for large vessels; but from the
habits of the French settlers, who are partial to canoes, which
they set through the rapids with poles at a great rate, and with
which they shoot the cataracts and rapids with great address.
About a mile below the landing place a succession of rapids
commence. The first from their appearance are called the
white rapids. The banks are here every high, and the water
being pent up by a narrow channel, rushes through the beds of
rocks which nearly cross the river, and whirling about in their
passage are forced over and around the crags in sheets of foam.
A few miles below the falls the river is increased by the junction
of the Salmon, Restock, and Tobique rivers, which will be
noticed hereafter. It then continues its course without inter
ruption, receiving every few miles some considerable streams, till
it reaches the Maductic Falls. Its course is nearly south, and
its width about a quarter of a mile, occasionally widening
and contracting from the Grand Falls to Woodstock, where it
widens to near a mile and forms several fine Islands. It after
wards diminishes; and strips of intervale narrow its bed.
At the Maductic Falls its channel is again nearly choked up
with rocks. The navigation, however, is not totally interrupted,
for rafts, boats, and small craft in their descent are run through
the falls by persons well acquainted with the channel; and
in their ascent they are towed through with men or horses, and
but few accidents happen, considering the numbers that navigate
the river.

38 fisher's history of new brunswick.
As the bed of the river is frequently encumbered with rocks
and sand-bars, the navigation is very difficult at the dry time
of the year. The current is likewise swift in many places, and
rapids are frequent, till within six miles of Fredericton, where
they end .
About nine miles above Fredericton the river suddenly widens
and receives the Madam-Keswick. Here is a group of fertile
islands, some of which are over a mile in length, and nearly as
broad. At Fredericton the river is about three quarters of a
mile wide, and flows with a beautiful unbroken current to, the
falls near the City of Saint John. — A number of fine Islands
are scattered in different parts of its bed. These Islands are
composed of rich alluvial soil, and produce large crops of grass
and grain. Being formed by the washings of the river, they are
like garden spots scattered through the country. About nine
miles from St. John the river widens into a bay nearly six miles
long and three wide. The river Kennebeckasis falls into this
bay. At the foot of the bay it suddenly contracts, and winds
through a crooked passage called the narrows, and again opens
and forms a small bay directly above the falls. Here the current
is again broken by a bed of rocks, and suddenly contracted by
the near approach of the banks which appear to have been
formerly united and forced asunder by some convulsion of
nature. From the appearance of the rocks on each side it is
probable that the water having been pent up in the small bay
just noticed, have in their efforts to escape undermined the land
and rocks at this place, and forced a subterraneous passage,
which by wearing, aided by some violent concussion, has caused
the rocks to fall in, when the earth being washed away by the
rapidity of the current, has left the present passage open, and
that the split-rock and the bed of the channel is part of the
former overhanging rocks.
For that the bed of the channel consists of cragged rocks of
various shapes and sizes, is evident from the whirlpools and
eddies at that place. These falls make a tremendous roaring at
certain periods. After passing the falls, it forms the harbo'ur
of St. John, and falls into the Bay of Fundy in lat. 45° 20' N.
The spring tides at St. John rise from twenty-four to twenty-
eight feet. The body of the river is seventeen and a half feet
above low water mark. When the tide has flowed twelve feet
the falls are smooth and passable from fifteen to twenty minutes.

fisher S history of new BRUNSWICK. 39
They are level three and a half hours on the flood, and two and
a half on the ebb, and passable four times in twenty-four hours.
Above the falls the tides rise four feet. At Maugerville, seventy
miles up the river, they rise from one to two feet; at Fredericton
from six to ten inches, and are perceivable nine miles above
that place, varying according to the phases of the moon. In
the spring, the river, swoln with rains and the melting of the
snow and ice, rises higher than the tides, which prevents vessels
from ascending the falls for some weeks.
River Miramichi.
This is one of the finest rivers for lumber in the Province.
Its banks as well as the banks of the numerous streams that
fall into it, are covered with pines of the finest growth, which
appear to be almost inexhaustable, for although lumbering has
been prosecuted on this river to a great extent for a number of
years past, there is still abundance found by going a little back
from the water. It is indeed the main source of the trade of the
large County of Northumberland. One hundred and forty-one
thousand three hundred and eighty-four tons of timber were
shipped at the port of Miramichi in 1824. Rafts are taken
down this river with the greatest safety to the shipping, which
load at different places from the mouth of the river up to Eraser's
Island. It has two main branches called the north-west and
southrwest, which run a great way into the country, and with
their numerous streams lay open the inmost recesses of this
extensive County. Several fine islands lay in the course of
this river, covered with elm, ash, butternut, &c. which invariably
denote the most luxurious soil. Its waters are well stored with
excellent salmon and other fish, which are caught here in great
abundance. There are several settlements along this river,
none of which merit a particular description, the improvement
of the country being neglected for lumbering. The branches
of this river approach in several places very near to streams
falling into the river St. John, which communicate by short
portages. As I have never been able to procure correct informa
tion about the sources of this river or its length, I have not the
means of satisfying the reader on these points, but must dismiss
the subject with these few particulars, being all I could obtain.
As was observed in the commencement of this work, this
country is so intersected with rivers, streams, and lakes, that

40 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
with small portages persons can go to most parts of the Province
in a canoe. There is a route from the Madawaska river to the
Bay of Chaleur, and another from the river St. John by the
Grand River, which is fifteen miles above the Great Falls, to
the Ristagouche. The river Chicktahawk, which falls into the
St. John near the Presque-Isle, runs near a branch of the Mira
michi; a short portage connects the route. The route from
the St. Croix to the St. John is first by a chain of lakes with
short portages, and next by Eel river, which falls into the St.
John about fifty miles above Fredericton. There is another
route from the St. John to the Miramichi, by the way of the
Jemseg, through the Grand Lake and up Salmon river, from
whence there is a short portage to the river Etienne which falls
into the Miramichi; with several other such communications
where the streams of the different large rivers nearly approach
each other.
The Mountains and Hills with which the Province is diversi
fied, have nothing peculiar to merit a particular description,
except Mars Hill, which has excited considerable interest, being
supposed by the British Commissioners under the treaty of
Ghent to be the height of land intended by the treaty of 1783,
and that consequently the boundary line between the territories
of the United States and the British Provinces should take a
new direction at that place. This is resisted by the American
Commissioners, who wish to prolong the line beyond that point.
This is an object of great importance to the two powers, for
should the line be continued in the old direction, which at this
point approaches very near the river St. John, it would cross
that river a little above the Grand Falls, and would not only
separate New-Brunswick and Canada, but likewise give the
Americans the upper part of the County of York which joins
Canada, with a large Settlement of French at Madawaska. —
Mars Hill Hes about six miles from the river St. John, on the
western side, about one hundred miles above Fredericton. It
can be seen from the high lands on the opposite side of the river,
and appears at that distance majestically towering above the
adjacent country. On approaching the mountain the woods are
open and the ascent commences with an easy swell about half a
mile from the main hill, after which the ascent is more abrupt,
and in some parts nearly perpendicular. Having reached the
crest, the spectator has a clear expanse of horizon, being

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 41
completely above the surrounding country. From hence he
views a boundless forest beneath his feet. The hills appear like
waves covered with their green foliage of different shades, from
the various sorts of trees with which their brows are covered.
In different places the more elevated hills appear rising above the
others like towers. Facing the river St. John, he beholds
Moose Mountain at about nine miles distant on the opposite
side of the river, which is nearly as high as Mars Hill, and
perpendicular on the north side. To his left are a range of lofty
hills on the Restock; to his right he has a distant view of
Houlton -plan tation, and in his rear, as far as his eye can reach,
are the lofty Catardhan Mountains on the Penobscot river; the
intermediate space exhibiting an undulating forest of boundless
variety of hills and vallies, lakes, &c. The whole forming a
grand and interesting spectacle. The Mountain is about three
miles in length, very narrow, and divided by a hollow near the
centre. A small spot has been cut down on each end of the
hill, and a temporary observatory erected by the Commissioners
under the treaty of Ghent.
The Americans have laid out a settlement in this part of the
country, which takes in Mars Hill. The base of the mountain
is washed by the Presque-Isle river, and other streams which
fall into the river St. John.
The principal Towns in New-Brunswick are Saint John,
Fredericton, and Saint Andrews; which on account of their
importance and situation will be treated of separately. Leaving
the other places to be noticed as they occur in the description
of the several Counties, I shall proceed to give a short descrip
tion of the situation, trade, public buildings, and institutions
of the places just mentioned; commencing with the
City of Saint John.
The City of St. John is situated in the county of that name,
on a rocky peninsula at the estuary of the river St. John, in
lat. 45° 20' north, long. 66° 3' west. The city comprehends
both sides of the river. The district on the eastern side of the
harbour, formerly called the township of Parr, and Carleton
on the western side. It is divided into six wards, two of which
are in Carleton and four in St. John, properly so called. It
contains, according to the late census, 8,488 inhabitants of all
descriptions.

42 fisher's history of new brunswick.
Like most English towns, the streets in St. John intersect
each other at right angles. They are in some parts well built
up, the houses being of different heights and joining each other
for some distance, forming several fine ranges of buildings.
The first houses in this place were constructed of wood, many
of them were low and ill shaped. These when removed by
fires or other causes, are generally replaced with handsome
brick buildings, which is making a great improvement in the
appearance of the city. The streets, likewise, which were for
merly nearly impassable from rocks, hills and chasms, are rapidly
improving; hollows have been filled up, and rocks cutaway; so
that although the hills in some parts are still steep, yet carriages
drive through most part of the city with the greatest safety.
A projecting point near the entrance of the harbour, has
caused the different parts of the city to be distinguished by the
name of the upper and lower coves; the latter of which has
been much neglected till lately. Government having built a
handsome range of Barracks on the point fronting the Bay of
Fundy, and removed the troops, &c. from Fort Howe to that
station, it is beginning to improve.
Most all the trade of the city is carried on in the upper part
of the town, where there are a number of warehouses, stores,
wharves, and other conveniences for lading and unlading ships.
The tides rise to such a height that large ships can lay at the
wharves and discharge with the greatest safety.
The harbour is convenient and safe, and capable of containing
a great number of vessels of the largest description. Partridge
Island lies at the entrance, on which there is a light-house, and
signal station, where signals are carefully attended to and made
on the first approach of vessels. These signals are repeated
at Fort Howe. Within the island there is a bar which extends
from the western side, and passes the lower point of the peninsula,
on which the city stands. It has a beacon on the outer end,
and a buoy to direct vessels coming or going. The bar is dry
at ebb tides, but within the harbour there is sufficient water
for the largest ships. The tide ebbs and flows from sixteen to
twenty-four feet perpendicular in this harbour. A pier has been
constructed at the entrance of the harbour for the protection
of the shipping.
St. John carries on a brisk trade with Europe, the West
Indies and the United States, in lumber of different descriptions,

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 43
fish, gypsum, grindstones, &c.; but the staple article is squared
timber, one hundred and fourteen thousand one hundred and
sixteen tons of which were shipped from this port in 1824.
Ship-building has also been lately revived here and prosecuted
to a considerable extent. Sixty vessels were registered at this
port in 1824, whose tonnage amounted to sixteen thousand
four hundred and eighty-nine tons, besides three ships and
five brigs not in the above estimate. Part of these were built
in St. John, and the remainder up the rivers and along the
coasts for merchants in the city.
The city of St. John contains two Churches on the eastern
side of the river, one of which is neatly finished and has an
elegant organ; A handsome Kirk belonging to the members of
the Church of Scotland; a Catholic Chapel; two Methodist
Chapels, one belonging to the Wesleyan Methodists, and the
other to a number of that persuasion who seceded with Mr.
Priestley, and a neat Baptist Meeting-House. — The other
public buildings are a Poor House, a Gaol, a Marine Hospital,
with two handsome ranges of Barracks lately erected at the
Lower Cove, with Government Stores, Houses, &c.
A square near York-Point, reserved for a Market, &c. has
an old building in the centre, the upper part of which has served
for many years as a Court-House, and the under part as a
flesh market; a fish and vegetable market having been lately
built contiguous to it, at the edge of high water mark, and a
handsome flesh market in the Lower Cove, which are generally
well supplied. King's-square is situated on the height of land
in King-street, and is reserved for public uses. It is a very
pleasant situation commanding a fine view of the city and
harbour. It is in contemplation to erect a Court House on the
East side of this square on a liberal scale. — Queen's-square is
situated in Duke's Ward, and is also reserved for public uses.
The Public Seminaries in St. John, are a Grammar School,
the Central Madras School, and a number of Sunday Schools.
There are two PubHc Libraries in the City, a Vaccine
Establishment, three Printing Offices, with the following
religious, humane, and useful Societies: —
1 A Branch of the Society for Promoting Christian
Knowledge. 2 The New-Brunswick AuxiHary Bible Society.
3 Saint John Sunday School Union Society.

44 fisher's history of new brunswick.
4 Saint John Religious Tract Society.
5 Saint George's 1
6 Saint Patrick's \ Societies.
7 Saint Andrew's j
Instituted for the purpose of aiding their respective countrymen
in distress. 8 New-Brunswick Society for the improvement of the breed
of Horses and other Cattle.
9 Female Benevolent Society, for the relief of indigent
females, and a Branch of the Wesleyan Missionary Society.
A Provincial Bank is established here with a capital of
£30,000, and increased by an Act of the Legislature in 1825 to
£50,000. This Bank has been found of considerable advantage
in facilitating the trade of the City by discounting Bills, &c. but
it may more properly be called the St. John, than the Province
Bank, as it only transacts business within the City.
A Marine Insurance Company, and a Water Company have
lately been incorporated ; the latter is not yet in active operation.
Here is a Chamber of Commerce for the regulation of the
trade of the City, and a Savings' Bank for depositing the small
savings of the Laboring Classes. Carleton on the opposite side
of the river is comprehended in the limits of the City. It is
situated on the point, fronting Navy Island, and comprises
the ruins of old Fort Frederick. It contains a neat Church,
and Meeting House, with several fine buildings. It has a good
fishery and is fast improving. Saint John being an incorporated
City, is governed by a Mayor, Recorder, six Aldermicn, with
an equal number of Assistants, under the style of "The Mayor,
Aldermen, and Commonalty of the City of St. John." The
other officers are a Sheriff and Coroner (who likewise act for
the County of St. John) a Common Clerk, a Chamberlain, a
High Constable, six inferior ones, and two Marshals.
The Mayor, Recorder, Common Clerk, Sheriff, and Coroner,
are appointed by the Governor, and hold their offices during
his pleasure from year to year.
The Aldermen, Assistants, and inferior Constables are chosen
annually by the Freemen of the City.
The Chamberlain is appointed by the Mayor, Recorder,
Aldermen, and Assistants, in Common Council.
The Mayor appoints the High Constable, Marshals, Cryers,
Porters, Bell-ringers, &c.

fisher S history of new BRUNSWICK. 45
The Mayor or Recorder, with three Aldermen and three
Assistants, constitute a Common Council, with power to make
Laws, Ordinances, &c. which are to remain in force for one
year only, unless confirmed by the Governor and Council. They
also constitute a Court of Record or Inferior Court of Common
Pleas for the City and County of St. John. The terms of this
Court are quarterly, and it takes cognizance of all causes from
five pounds value to fifty pounds, in which titles of land shall not
come in question: and by an Act of the Provincial Legislature,
its Jurisdiction is enlarged to all transitory actions of any value.
It may be observed that the Mayor by virtue of his office
possesses extensive powers; such as making Free Citizens,
regulating the Markets, &c. ; and that the Aldermen are Justices
of the Peace for the County as well as for the City of St. John.
The Corporation can hold real property to the amount of
£2,000 per annum, within or without the City. They have at
present an annual revenue of about £2,000 at their sole disposal
for the improvement of the City.
It must, however, be observed that no great attention has yet
been paid to ornamenting the City. This arises in some measure
from the peculiar cast of its inhabitants. The men of inde
pendent property, and those holding high offices in the different
departments being too few to do much, although some of them
have fine seats, and many of the Merchants engaged in the
shipping business, being transient persons, who from time to
time come to the Province, and whose main object is to make as
much as they can, in as short a time as possible, with the intention
of soon returning to enjoy their gains in their native country.
These persons do not feel that interest in the improvement of
the place, that those do whose interests are identified with
the country. Having, therefore, no local attachment to the
soil, it is no wonder that they should extend their views no
farther than present convenience. Such persons, then, who are
to be found in all the ports of the Province add nothing to the
wealth of the country, but rather act as drains to it. A few seats
have, however, lately been begun on the Marsh near the City,
which will soon make an alteration in the appearance of the
Suburbs. Some small improvement is much wanted at the Quays for
the convenience of the Public and protection of Goods from the
mud. This could be easily effected by laying sleepers and

46 fisher's history of new brunswick.
covering them with strong plank and running a railing along the
margin. This would obviate the inconvenience so much felt
at present by persons transacting business on the wharves, who
have to walk or rather wade, day after day, through the mud.
It would also facilitate the transfer of Goods, by keeping them
in better order, and prevent many accidents which are yearly
occurring by sailors and others falling off.

Fredericton.
Is situated in the County of York, on the west side of the
river Saint John on an extensive flat opposite the Nashwaack,
formerly called Saint Anns point. The river formiS an elbow in
front of the town, and the hills encircle the plain, and approach
the river about two miles above the town leaving a spot of low
land nearly four miles in length and in places over a mile in
breadth. The town is laid out in squares of eighteen lots containing
one quarter of an acre each. The streets cross at right angles.
Those that run parallel with the river are more than a mile in
length, and are in places considerably well built up; the houses
are all of wood and of different heights.
The inhabitants are the descendents of the Loyalists who
came to the Province at the close of the American revolution,
with a mixture of Europeans and Americans.
Fredericton being the seat of Government, contains besides
a residence for the Lieutenant-Governor, a Provincial HaU,
where the Supreme Courts and General Assemblies are held.
This building contains a spacious room for the Supreme Courts,
with several Jury rooms, a Council Chamber, and an Assembly
Room, with other apartments and conveniences for the Legis
lative Body. Adjoining this building are the Offices of the
Surveyor General and Secretary of the Province. — The other
public buildings are a handsome square of Barracks with a Parade
in front, where part of a Regiment of foot are usually quartered.
— Barracks and Store-houses for a company of Royal Artillery
with other buildings for the use of the troops.
A County Court-House, which also serves for a Market; a
small commodious Church in a sightly situation, two neat
Chapels, one belonging to the Baptists, and the other to the
Methodists; a Catholic Chapel in progress; a Gaol, and a

FISHER S HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 47
building occupied as a College till another one on an enlarged
scale can be erected; a Poor House in the vicinity of the town,
on a liberal scale; and a Meeting House belonging to a number
of persons composed of congr€gationalists and other seceders
from the Kirk of Scotland.
Government House is situated a little above the upper part
of the town on a convenient pleasant site, but having been a long
time without a settled family it was when Sir Howard Douglas
came to the Province considerably out of order. It wants a
wiiig to be added to make it uniform with other improvements:
for although when the house was built for Governor Carleton
it was on a liberal scale, considering the state of the Province
at that time, it has been suffered to remain without enlargement,
while the country has rapidly advanced. — It is, therefore, at
present neither sufficiently spacious or splendid for the
Governor's residence. — ¦ The same observations may apply to
the Province Hall, which although always too low to make a
good appearance or allow a good Council Chamber, was a good
building considering the state of the country and want of revenue
at the time it was erected; but is now too small and plain,
considering the great increase of the population and trade of
the Province.
Public buildings speak much, though silently, for the public
spirit, taste, and importance of a country. They should,
therefore, always be on such an enlightened scale as not to be a
prejudice to it. One general observation may be made on all the
public edifices in Fredericton, which is that being uniformly
low they make a flat appearance, which is peculiarly striking
to a stranger coming from countries where buildings are more
elevated. Probably there are few finer situations for a town than the
site on which Fredericton is built. A beautiful river glides
majestically in front of a spacious plain; bounded by hills of
gentle acclivity, possessing elegant sites for seats and buildings
on commanding situations. On the opposite side of the river
the Nashwaack rolls its tribute to the Saint John and adds much
to the beauty of the situation. Abundance of excellent water
is every where found with a soil peculiarly well adapted for
forming gardens, walks, &c. with a pure, healthy atmosphere.
From the hills which skirt the town the river can be seen to a
great distance winding through the country, till it is lost among
the distant Islands.

48 fisher's HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.
Fredericton being at the head of the sloop navigation is the
main depot for goods from the seaboard. It is about eighty-five
miles from the sea and surrounded by a large extent of country
which is fast settling. The river Saint John is about three
quarters of a mile wide in front of the town, and extends upwards
of four hundred miles above it. — The surrounding country
possesses an excellent soil, and abounds in valuable timber, and
as the whole of the trade to and from the upper cotmtry must
pass Fredericton, a great part of it must of course centre there,
and consequently, as the country becomes fully settled, Freder
icton must improve and from its situation remain the great
central emporium of the Province.
Fredericton contains a Printing Office and a Public Library,
with the following public Institutions.
1 A Branch of the Society for Promoting Christian Know
ledge. 2 The Bible Association of Fredericton and its vicinity.
3 A Branch of the Methodist Missionary Society.
4 The Fredericton Emigrant Society. This Society was
formed at Fredericton in 1819, for the relief of destitute strangers,
being the first Institution of that kind formed in the Province.
It expended large sums in that and the following year, and
besides relieving the temporary necessities of great numbers
of destitute Emigrants, enabled many of them to settle on new
land, who are now in comfortable independent circumstances.
It is not at present in active operation, but has funds to a
considerable amount.
5 The New-Brunswick Agricultural and Emigrant Society.
This is a Provincial Institution having branches in the different
Counties. The General Society being established at Fredericton.
6 A Branch of the Society for improving the breed of Horses
and Cattle, and a Savings' Bank.
Fredericton was formed by Governor Carleton in 1785,
shortly after the division of the Province from Nova-Scotia, and
being considered the most eligible and central situation, was
made the perm.anent Seat of Government. The policy of this
measure has been questioned by many who overlook the general
good of the country for partial advantages. Much jealousy
has always existed among the Citizens of St. John in particular,

FISHER S HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 49
in regard to this selection. Prejudices in favor of our own land,
reUgion, institutions, &c. must always be expected, and to a
certain degree it would show a want of attachment not to feel
their influence; but then it must be remembered that when we
allow our own interest to blind our reason, we are prone to view
what concerns us with a partial eye. It is so with a person who
being settled at the seaboard goes but seldom out of sight of the
harbor, but from what is passing before his eyes, concludes his
town is the only place of consequence in the country; and as
nature has made it the great mart for the imports and exports of
the interior, it must of course be likewise the only place fit for
the Seat of Government, and every thing else of consequence in
the Province. But when a person whose mind is above these
mercenary considerations, and enlarged to see the general good
of the country, casts his eye on the map of the Province, he
will find that if the situation was as good a few miles farther up,
it would still be more central. For Fredericton is only eighty-
five miles from the sea; at the lower extremity of the County
of York, which extends upwards to the Canada line about two
hundred miles. The large County of Northumberland joins
York on the North and Northeastward, and comprises all the
land from Westmorland, along the Gulf and river of St. Lawrence,
till it likewise joins Canada. These two Counties form more
than two thirds of the whole Province; and will no doubt each
require to be divided into two or more Counties, when they
become more fully settled. Consequently the seat of Govern
ment is at present in the most eligible place for the general
convenience of the inhabitants of the Province at large, than any
other situation that possibly could be selected. Diverging as
from a common centre, the distance of the routes from Freder
icton to the most important parts of the Province are nearly
equal, viz. to St. John is about eighty-five miles, passing four
counties in the distance; to St. Andrews, the frontier town,
about ninety miles ; to Northumberland about the same distance ;
to Fort Cumberland in Westmorland, about one hundred and
forty miles; and to Madawaska, the upper settlement on the
great road to Canada, about the same distance.
In time of war, its situation for a military depot is excellent,
as from the direction of the routes just mentioned, the different
accessible parts of the Province could be easier succoured from
here than any other station. And if reinforcements should

50 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
have to pass through the Province to Canada during the winter
season, Fredericton and the Great Falls would always, from
their situation, be the natural depots for troops, stores, &c.^
Neither if magazines were formed at this place could there be
more danger of their being surprised and taken, than at any of
the sea-ports ; for it is nearly one hundred miles from an enemy's
frontier, and there must be a great want of vigilance if any body
of men, sufficient to make an impression, should be allowed to
approach without opposing effectual resistance, or at the worst,
taking such measures as should disappoint them.
The importance of good accommodations for troops marching
to Canada, at Fredericton, and the upper parts of the river
St. John, was well ascertained during the last war, and should
not soon be lost sight of.
In short, as nature has given St. John and the other sea-ports
advantages that cannot be taken from them, so Fredericton,
from its central situation, possesses advantages peculiar to
itself. Instead, therefore, of indulging in such partial jealousies,
every encouragement should be given to such towns, as they
contribute to the improvement of the interior of a country from
whence most of the resources that support the sea-ports are
drawn. Fredericton is slowly increasing in buildings and improve
ments. It has a considerable share in the lumber trade, for
which it is well situated. Ship-building has also lately been
commenced, and will probably be prosecuted to considerable
extent as there are no want of good situations for launching, and
abundance of timber.
If the main streets in Fredericton had been laid out to follow
the windings of the river they would have fomied an agreeable
curve; the squares could then have been kept uniform in width,
and the main streets could have continued without a jog, the
whole length of the town, which would be a great improvement
to the looks of the place. Saint Andrews.
The frontier town of New-Brunswick, lies nearly opposite
Robinstown, in the State of Maine. It is a small pleasant
sea-port in the County of Charlotte: being situated near the
river Saint Croix, on a narrow strip of low land fronting the Bay
of Passamaquoddy, with a range of hills in the rear. It has two

FISHER S HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 51
principal streets, running parallel with the water, which are
intersected by cross streets at right angles. The principal
streets are well built up, and the town contains 2,268 inhabitants,
according to the census taken in 1824. — It is conveniently
situated for the fishing trade, as the waters abound with cod,
haddock, pollock, and numbers of other fish, and there are
numbers of small Islands nearly within view of the harbor, very
suitable for prosecuting the fishery to advantage. — It carries
on a considerable trade in exporting squared and sawed lumber,
and in ship-building — thirteen vessels were registered in the
Port of Saint Andrews in 1824, amounting to three thousand six
hundred and thirty-three tons, all of which had been built in the
County, besides about five hundred and ninety tons, not included
in the above amount. — It contains a neat Church belonging to
the establishment, and a commodious Kirk, built at the sole
expense of Mr. Christopher Scott, and presented by him to
the members of the Kirk of Scotland. It has also a Grammar
School, a Court-House and Gaol; a Printing Office, with a
number of fine private buildings.
Here is likewise a Chamber of Commerce, a Savings' Bank,
a Bible Society, an Agricultural and Emigrant Society for the
County, with other public Institutions for promoting the tem
poral and spiritual welfare of the inhabitants.
Saint Andrews being situated on the frontiers of the Province,
within view of the American territories, is a place of great import
ance in the event of a rupture with the United States. Consider
able works were erected here during the last war, which are now
much gone to decay. A few troops are, however, usually sta
tioned here. — At the commencement of the last troubles with
America, an agreement was wisely entered into between the
Magistrates of this place, and the American authorities in its
immediate vicinity, to abstain from mutual hostilities, which
was strictly observed during the war, to the mutual advantage
of both parties; who were thereby delivered from the horrors
of a predatory, murderous warfare, equally distressing to both
nations. Saint Andrews being the shire town of the important County
of Charlotte, is silently rising into importance; and will no doubt
from its many natural advantages, always maintain its rank
among the principal towns of this Province. •

52 fisher's history of new brunswick.

CHAPTER V.

Topographical Description of the several Counties in the Province
of New-Brunswick . — Their Boundaries and Extent. — Parishes.
Rivers. — Settlements, Produce, &fc. — Great Roads, &c.
1J.AVING, in the preceding pages, given a brief general
description of New-Brunswick, I shall now proceed to give a
short sketch of each County, comprising a view of the face of
the country, principal streams, settlements, produce, &c. And
as five of them lie along the river St. John, I shall begin at the
head of that river, and follow it to its exit into the Bay of Fundy.
The three remaining counties will be noticed afterwards. Fol
lowing this method, (which by keeping the counties and parishes
distinct, will give the reader a clearer knowledge of the country
than a more elaborate account, where names and situations are
mentioned without method, and described promiscuously) I
shall confine myself to brevity, at the same time endeavouring
to avoid obscurity ; and have to lament that the want of correct
information prevents me from making this part of the work as
complete as I could wish.

SECTION I.

York.

This County commences at the Canada line, which bounds
it on the north-west. The County of Northumberland bounds
it on the north-east, on the south-east it adjoins Sunbury, and
on the south-west Charlotte, and contains 10,972 inhabitants.
Beginning at the northern and uppermost part of the county,
and proceeding down the main river St. John, the first settle
ment is Madawaska, situated between the Grand Falls and the
Madawaska river, which falls into the St. John at the upper
part of the settlement. The inhabitants are the descendants of
the old Acadians, who were settled on different parts of the

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 53
river St. Jofin, and who on the arrival of the English moved up
to this place, where, being joined by others from Canada, they
formed this settlement distinct from the English, and have ever
since been quiet subjects, and well affected to the British Govern
ment. Madawaska is about midway between Fredericton and
Quebec, and is in a flourishing state. It has a Romish Chapel,
where the rites and ceremonies of that religion are duly per
formed by a Missionary from Canada, who Ukewise, with the
assistance of one or two leading persons regulates the internal
police of the settlement by settling disputes, keeping the peace,
&c. and so successful have they been that although there are
neither lawyers or magistrates in the place, the Courts of Justice
have had but little trouble from that quarter. The land along
the margin of the river is in general good, level, and unbroken;
but owing to its northern situation it is unfavourable to Indian
corn; but wheat, oats, grass, &c. flourish there in great per
fection. The inhabitants are all farmers, and generally raise
more than they can consume, having a surplus of grain to sell
to traders in the settlement or to take to Fredericton. Their
manners and habits being simple, they expend but little on
luxuries. Their women manufacture a coarse cloth and kerseys
sufficient for their own consumption. The men are about the
middle size, generally spare built and active; the women, on
the contrary, are very stout and short. They are very lively
and hospitable, but very slovenly in their houses and cookery.
In short, they appear a different race from the English. A
stranger going above the Falls, finds himself suddenly am.ong
a new race of people, different in their language, religion, habi
tations, and manners.
Below this settlement the country is a wilderness for some
distance, comprising the lands adjoining and below the Grand
Falls. The isthmus formed by the bend of the river at the Grand
Falls, was formerly cleared by the troops stationed at that post.
This spot was selected at the first settlement of the Province for
a military station. It served not only as a security for the
settlers at that period, when the country was a total wilderness
and almost impassable, being without roads or habitations,
but also connected and secured the communication with
Canada. Barracks, &c. were constructed and troops stationed
at this place for a number of years. The works are at present

54 fisher's history of new brunswick.
in ruins; although it is no doubt one of the first interior positions
in the Province. This pJace forms one of the great features of
New-Brunswick. Here the navigation of the great river St.
John is totally obstructed, and the upper part of the country
disjoined from the seaboard. This points out the great import
ance of its situation, as the great connecting point and centre
for the intercourse and trade of the upper country, whenever it
becomes fully settled. Its situation will no doubt soon attract
a settlement, and in process of time a town will arise, which
will be the depot for goods from the seaboard, where they will
be exchanged for the produce of the upper part of the country.
A canal or tunnel cut through the isthmus, will probably follow.
This would be of the utmost advantage to the Province, by
connecting the navigation and developing the resources of the
upper country, which are said to be almost inexhaustible. The
distance to cut would be nearly one hundred rods. The isthmus
being ninety rods across, from bank to bank, the descent of the
water would be nearly half an inch to a foot.
Descending the St. John seven miles below the falls, it
receives the Salmon river, a considerable stream from the east,
and eleven miles farther the Restook falls into it from the west
ward. This is a fine river, running in a very crooked direction
through a fine country abounding in excellent land and well
stored with timber of the first quality. It makes to the south
west and has been explored upwards of one hundred miles,
where it continues of a good width. It is supposed to be of
great length and is claimed by the United States, although
some of the British settlers have lately commenced establishing
themselves on the river and are making very free with the pine.
Three miles below the Restook, the Tobique, named for its red
pines, brings its tribute to the St. John. This is another consi
derable river, being upwards of two hundred miles in length.
Its banks to a good distance back have been covered with pines
of the finest growth, which have been mostly cut off. The soil
in the pine districts is not favorable for farming pursuits, but
would require much labor to bring it to a state fit for cultivation.
There are, however, some good Islands in the course of the river,
and strips of rich land intermixed with the pine districts, and
the lands adjoining the Tobique lying along the banks of the
Saint John are of the finest quality; and where cultivated pro
duce the most abundant crops. A district comprising ten miles

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 55
extending along the river Saint John and embracing both sides
of the Tobique is reserved for the Indians. This tract is cer
tainly not inferior to any land in the Province, and it is a pity it
should remain in its present unimproved state. The Indians
have only a small clearing at the mouth of the Tobique, where
they have a hut which is reserved as a Chapel, and where one or
two Indians generally sit down as they term it, to watch a small
crop, and keep possession.
After the peace with America in 1814, a number of disbanded
men of the 8th, 98 th, and 104th regiments, and of the West-India
Rangers and New-Brunswick Fencibles, were settled on this part
of the river Saint John, chiefly between the military post of
Presqu-Isle and the Indian reserve. Many of these settlers have
made good improvements, and have already secured a comfort
able independency. The wilderness has been converted into
cultivated fields, covered with habitations; and the district
formed into a Parish, and named after his Royal Highness the
late Duke of Kent. — It extends on both sides of the river from
the Grand Falls to the Parish of Wakefield. The land is of a
superior quality, covered with a variety of timber of the taUest
growth, and unincumbered with much undergrowth; the trees
standing in most places so far apart, that a man on horse-back
would be but seldom incommoded by them. This is of great
advantage to the settler, as it relieves him from the great labor
of clearing away the under brush, which is so troublesome in
some parts of the country. Nor is this fine tract of land con
fined to the margin of the river, but extends back, and is found
in many places to improve as you advance into the interior.
The United States line approaches the river St. John within a
few miles along this Parish, and they have a township laid out,
embracing Mars Hill before described. It is to be regretted
that many of the settlers in this Parish having formerly been
accustomed to the free use of spirituous liquors, find the temp
tation revived by the great introduction of them by the lumber
speculators, who in many instances are drawing the settlers
from their domestic habits, to which they began to be accus
tomed, to a dissipated mode of Hving, to the loss of their morals
and property.
Descending the Saint John, which every few miles receives
the tribute of some considerable creek or river, we arrive at the
Presqu-Isle. This was formerly,a miUtary post; Barracks, &c.

56 fisher's history of new brunswick.
having been erected at this place shortly after the American
revolution sufficient to accommodate three companies of foot,
which are now in ruins. A few soldiers were stationed here till
1822, since which period the place has been totally abandoned
as a military station. The bank at this place is high and the
spot where the Barracks stood very pleasant, commanding a
fine view of the adjacent country, having a beautiful Island
directly in front. To a contemplative mind this spot must be
interesting when he reflects that the soldiers who forced their
way from Fredericton through the wilderness to construct these
works, have fallen by the sword and disease; that the men who
projected them, as well as those who superintended their con
struction, are mouldering in their graves — that the conductors
of the boats which transported the supphes are now no more —
and that the boats are now in view from the site of the Barracks
lying in the bushes and falling gradually to pieces. — If he is an
old settler, this must have past within his memory, and may
teach him the instability of all human affairs. Eight miles
below the Presqu-Isle a stream called the Pekagomique falls into
the Saint John on the eastern side. The land on this stream is
very good, and a settlement is begun a few miles from its mouth,
it has good mills and is well stored with timber. There are
several other streams in the Parish of Wakefield, which extends.
on both sides of the river, till it joins Woodstock on the western
and Northampton on the eastern side about sixty-three miles
above Fredericton. It is a flourishing Parish, the land being
of a good quality, the farms along the river are improving, and
back settlements forming.
Woodstock is generally well settled. The houses are neat,
and make a fine appearance as the traveller passes along the
river. There are some fine islands in this part of the river,
which enrich the settlers by their produce. — There is an Episco
pal Church in this Parish, which has been filled ever since its
erection by the Rev. Mr. Dibblee, who likewise officiates
occasionally in the adjoining Parishes. The river Madaxnikik
passes through this Parish to its exit into the Saint John, and
adds to its importance, as several settlements are making along
its banks. This stream has a series of cataracts, and passes by
the American settlement of Houlton which lies directly in the
rear of Woodstock, and commences about fifteen miles from the
Saint John. From this settlement there is a road to the Penob-

fisher s history of new Brunswick. 57
scot river. Eel river falls into the Saint John near the lower
part of Woodstock. This river heads near the sources of the
Saint Croix, a short portage leads from the waters of one river
to the other. Opposite Woodstock on the eastern side of the
river lies the Parish of Northampton, which extends down to
Queensbury. This Parish is well settled, as is the adjoining
Parish of Queensbury. Several streams intersect these Parishes,
the most considerable of which are the Nachiwikik and Mac-
tuqaack. The farms along this part of the country, are in many places
well improved : but the soil is not equal to the upper part of the
river. There are, however, a succession of fine Islands, which
compensate for the inferiority of the upland.
There is an Episcopal Church at the lower part of Queens
bury, which is filled occasionally by the Rev. Mr. Somerville,
President of the College of New-Brunswick, and itinerant Mis
sionary for this part of the country.
Prince William adjoins Woodstock on the Western side of
the river. The upper part of this Parish is but little improved,
a large district belonging to the Chief Justice being mostly a
wilderness. The soil, likewise, is inferior to the land above.
The lower part of the Parish is, however highly improved, some
parts being interval land of the first quality. There are several
fine lakes back of this parish, one of which named Lake George,
has a fine settlement on its banks. This lake discharges its
waters into the St. John, by a stream cafled the Poquiho.uk,
which is an Indian name, signifying a dreadful place, and a
dreadful place it certainly is. The wat"fer just before its exit
into the St. John, appears to have been originally pent up by the
high bank along the river. Through this it has forced a passage,
and tumbles down the rocks and precipices with dreadful impetu
osity. The passage through which it passes is very narrow and
nearly seventy feet perpendicular, composed of large stones,
which appear as if they had been laid by Masons; the whole
forming a sublime and terrific appearance. There is a Chapel
belonging to the Baptists in this Parish.
Several of the ofiicers and men of the King's American
Dragoons were formerly settled here, very few of whom are at
present alive. Some of their descendants are occupying their
lands and doing well.
The Parish of Kingsclear, which adjoins Prince William,

58 fisher's history of new brunswick.
has nothing peculiar, the soil being much the same as the latter.
The face of the country is hilly, interspersed with several streams
well adapted for mill seats. Many individuals of the reduced
Battalion of the New Jersey Volunteers settled i'n this Parish,
some of whom are still living and doing well. A Baptist Chapel
has lately been erected here, in which worship is occasionally
performed. Opposite this Parish on the eastern side of the
river is the Parish of Douglas, so called in honor of the present
Lieutenant-Governor of the Province. It adjoins Queensbury,
and extends down nearly to the Nashwaack. The Madam
Keswick, a considerable stream, intersects this Parish. This
is an extensive settlement, and was formed by the York Volun
teers and some of the Royal Guides and Pioneers. The settle
ments on the Keswick Ridge and Mactuquask lie between this
stream and the main river, and are in a flourishing state. It has
a back settlement on the Nashwacksis and another one still
farther in the wilderness, called Cardigan, formed by a number
of Welsh families from Cardigan in Wales, who came to this
Province in 1819, and were located here by Government. Being
very destitute, they were enabled to commence settling by a
subscription of the inhabitants of Fredericton, aided by the
Emigrant Society. This Parish has a Church near the mouth
of the Madam Keswick, and two Chapels belonging to the
Methodists and Baptists.
The Parish of St. Mary's, which formerly included the
Parish just mentioned, extends to the County line, and joins
Maugerville on the eastern side of the river. The river Nash
waack runs through this Parish, and falls into the St. John
opposite Fredericton. This stream was settled by part of the
42d Regiment and some of the disbanded corps that had been
raised in America during the war. It is settled for more than
thirty miles along its banks, having a mixture of good intervale
and high land along its course. About five miles from its con
fluence with the St. John, it receives the waters of the Peniack,
a considerable stream with a settlement along its banks, and
about twelve miles further up, the river Tay falls into it. There
are two Chapels in this settlement, one belonging to the Metho
dists and the other to the Baptists. They have no stated
Ministers, but are visited occasionally. The road from Frederic
ton to Miramichi in the County of Northumberland leads
through this settlement.

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 59
The Parish of Fredericton adjoins Kingsclear, and extends
to the Parish of Lincoln in the County of Sunbury. It includes
the town of Fredericton, before described, with a back settle
ment caUed New Maryland, and another on the Rushagoannes.
The road from Fredericton to St. Andrews passes through
these settlements, and is fast improving.
The lands in the immediate vicinity of the town are not much
improved. Having been reserved for the College, they remain
without tenants; the settlers in this country not liking to lease
farms, which are hard to clear up, when they can obtain lots for
themselves by paying the grant fees. A great part of the land
in the site of the town, likewise belongs to the College or Church,
or is reserved for Government uses, which has been and still
remains a great check to the growth and improvement of the
Town. The County of York is upwards of two hundred miles in
length. A great portion of the lands in this county are well
adapted to grain, particularly wheat. It is well stored with
excellent timber and abounds with navigable rivers and streams.
It is settling and improving very fast, and furnishes the major
part of the lumber shipped at the port of St. John. Fredericton
is the principal Town, and situated within four miles of the
lower extremity of the County. — The inconvenience of the
Courts, &c. being established at the extremity of such extensive
Counties are many, and amount almost to a denial of justice to
the distant settlers, who have to travel from one to two hundred
miles to the County Courts. The consequence is that wrongs
are frequently unredressed, and crimes, if not of a capital nature,
are often unnoticed; which if not remedied will in time have a
pernicious effect on the moral character of the inhabitants.

SECTION II.

Sunbury
Joins York on the North West, Northumberland on the
North East, Queen's on the South East, and Charlotte on the
South West. It stretches along both sides of the river Saint
John, and contains four Parishes, with a population of three

60 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
thousand two hundred and twenty-seven inhabitants. This is
the smallest County in the Province, not being over twenty
miles in length. It is, however, the oldest settled part of the
river St. John. The first establishment of any consequence on
the river was made at this place in 1761, by a number of families
from Massachusetts, who having obtained a grant of a Town
ship on the river St. John from the British Government, after
exploring different parts of the country, settled at Maugerville.
Here they were joined at different periods during the troubles
in America, by several more families from New-England. These
settlers made improvements on both sides of the river, and called
the whole district Sunbury. The first commission of the peace
for this place was dated llth August, 1766, and for holding
Courts of Common Pleas 1770.
The Courts of Justice were held here tifl 1783, when the
American war being ended and the Loyalists having settled in
different parts of the country, the Supreme Court was removed
to Saint John, and afterwards established at Fredericton, which
was made the permanent seat of Government, and has remained
so ever since.
The Parishes of Maugerville and Sheffield, on the eastern
side of the river, are situated on a strip of rich intervale, which
being annually overflowed, yield abundant crops and are rich
in pastures. The farms are well improved and stocked with abundance of
cattle. The houses are in many parts neat and im.proving in
appearance, and the settlers in general substantial landholders
and good husbandmen.
This is a delightful part of the Country for wheel carriages,
the road being a contin\ied level along the margin of the river,
which is occasionally hid from the view of the traveller, by
lofty trees and shrubs along the banks, which break off the
piercing winds in winter and afford a pleasant shade in summer.
The road, is however, unsafe in many places where the freshets
have scooped away the banks and indented the road with small
gullies, which being neglected by the inhabitants, endanger the
overturning of carriages. In the rear of these Parishes are a
chain of lakes which communicate with each other and discharge
their waters into the Grand Lake, and from thence by the
Jemseg into the Saint John. — Most of these lakes are environed
with excellent land, and have settlements along their Banks.

FISHER S HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 61
There is a Church belonging to the Establishment in Mauger
ville with a resident Pastor. — There are two Meeting-Houses
in Sheffield, one belonging to the seceders, and the other to the
Methodists. They haye both settled Ministers and good
congregations. The Parishes of Lincoln and Burton are opposite the Parishes
just described, on the western side of the river — they are
situated on high land interspersed with intervale. They are
well settled and the farms generally well cultivated. The river
Oromocto intersects these parishes. This is an extensive stream
well settled in many places, having several branches which
wind through the country to a great distance. Some of these
streams are settled, and mills are built at different places. —
The main road from Fredericton to Saint Andrews crosses this
river a little above the falls, where a blockhouse was constructed
during the war for military purposes. There is an extensive
tract of wild meadow along the course of this river, which yields
a great quantity of coarse grass, and affords an extensive range
for cattle, after the water has drained off in the summer. The
land on the Oromocto and its tributary streams is generally
of a good quality, but in common with most all the streams
in this Province very subject to frost. The mouth of the Oro
mocto being very deep, is a very eligible place for ship-building,
which is prosecuted here to considerable extent, timber, &c.
being floated down the river in great abundance. There was
formerly a good herring fishery at the falls in this river, but a
mill having been built near that place it has dwindled to nothing.
¦ — There is a Church at the mouth of the Oromocto on the
Burton side, in which divine service is occasionally performed
by the Rector of Maugerville. — There is likewise a Court-house
in Burton nearly in ruins where the County Courts are held.
A stream called Swan Creek runs through Burton, but has
nothing peculiar to merit a particular description. — Three
valuable Islands lie in this part of the river Saint John called the
Oromocto, Middle, and Major's Island. Ox-Island runs par-
rallel with Major's Island. It is small and forms shoals near it
which impede the navigation. There are also shoals at the
Oromocto, which are nearly impassable for large vessels in the
dry part of the season.

62 fisher's HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.
SECTION III.

Queen's.

This County joins Sunbury on the N. W. Charlotte on the
S. W. Northumberland on the N. E. and King's on the S. E.
It lies on both sides of the river Saint John, and contains four
Parishes, with a population of 4,741 inhabitants.
This is a good county for stock, having a number of fine
Islands within its limits. The inhabitants are principally
agriculturalists who have well improved farms and good stocks
of cattle. The land is of an excellent quality and in general
well cultivated. The soil along the bank of the river in the
Parish of Waterborough is equalled by none in the Province for
fertility. As the country descends to the Jemseg, the rich
sediment deposited by the annual overflowing of the river, pro
duces the most luxuriant vegetation, and although the farmer
can seldom commence his labours till June, yet so productive is
the soil, that in a few weeks the county exhibits the most
exuberant vegetation. Indian corn flourishes in this Parish in
the highest perfection: the soil being a Hght rich loom and the
country level so as to receive the full effect of the sun. Small
grain, grass, and roots are also produced here in the greatest
abundance. Indeed a more fertile district can scarcely be con
ceived than the land from Maugerville to the Jemseg. The
observations that were made about the road through Mauger
ville and Sheffield will likewise apply here, very little attention
having of late been paid to them, and it is probable that the
statute labor is but seldom fully performed in any of those
Parishes. There is a convenient Chapel belonging to the
Baptists in Waterborough, which has a stated minister and
numerous congregation. — After crossing the Jemseg, the
country rises, and the Parish of Wickham exhibits some well
improved farms in pleasant and sightly situations. The Grand
Lake, the largest body of inland water in the Province, lies back
of Waterborough. It is nearly thirty miles long, and from
three to nine wide. A large stream called Salmon River, falls
into it near the head. This stream is well timbered with pine.
A short portage leads from this stream to the waters communi
cating with the river Miramichi. This lake discharges its
waters into the Saint John, by a narrow gut called Jemseg,

FISHER S HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 63
which is about thirty rods wide and very deep. The country
on the Western side of this lake is in many places low and
marshy, having the French and Maquapit lakes in its neighbor
hood which are settled in places. The country in the vicinity
of the Grand Lake abounds with coal, which is found of a
good quality, particularly at a creek called New-Castle, where
large quantities have been dug. A stratum is generally found
near the surface of the earth: the first layer of coal being about
eighteen inches in depth, and they are found to improve in
quality in proportion to the depth of the veins. The layers are
nearly horizontal, and are probably a continuation of the strata
found at Cape Breton, which has been ascertained to proceed
in a Southwestern direction from that island, t Nova-Scotia
and New-Brunswick. The Grand Lake is well settled, and has
a resident Minister belonging to the Estabhshed Church. It
has likewise a Methodist Chapel; but no stated minister of
that denomination.
Another large lake called Washademoak, lies a little below
the Jemseg, and is separated from the Grand Lake by a range
of highland. This lake is from twenty-four to thirty miles long,
and from two to three miles wide. A stream falls into this
lake, called the Washademoak river, which rises near the bend
of the Peticodiac. It has a settlement along its banks, called
New-Canaan. There is a mixture of intervale and upland
along this settlement, well covered with timber of various kinds.
The Washademoak lake is well settled, and empties into the
St. John, opposite Long Island.
The Parishes on the western side of the river are Gagetown
and Hampstead. Gagetown is regularly laid out, and is the
county town. It has a handsome Church, with a settled Pastor;
a Court-House and Gaol, with several fine private buildings.
As was observed before, several fine Islands lie in this county,
one of them, named Long Island, is six miles in length and well
improved. It has a neat Church, in which divine service is
occasionally performed. It has likewise a tavern, with as good
accommodations and as well kept as any in the country. The
streams in this county on the western side of the river, have
nothing peculiar to merit a particular description. Gagetown
Creek runs past the Township of that name, and fecilitates the
navigation of that part of the country, and the Ocnabog is the
tunnel through which the waters of a small lake of that name

64 fisher's HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.
are discharged into the Saint John. I must not forget to notice
that in front of Gagetown there is a bend in the river, which
some ill natured person has saddled with the forbidding name
of "No Man's Friend" although there is nothing unfriendly
about the place, and it should rather be called "Pleasant Reach "
as the adjoining country is very pleasant.
A new Parish has lately been erected in this County, called
Brunswick, which lies back of Waterborough and Wickham,
and comprehends the settlement of New-Canaan and the district
adjoining.

SECTION IV.

King's County
Lies likewise on both sides of the river Saint John, and is
bounded on the North by a line running South West and North
East, from the South point of Spoon Island in the river Saint
John. On the East by Northumberland and Westmorland.
On the West by Charlotte, and on the South by the County of
Saint John. It contains seven thousand nine hundred and
thirty inhabitants.
It comprehends the Long Reach, the Kennebeckasis and
Beli'sle, and is divided into the following Parishes — Westfield,
Greenwich, Kingston, Springfield, Norton, Sussex, and Hamp
ton. Kingston has a Township regularly laid out, which bears
the name of the Parish. It has a neat Church, with a resident
Minister, and a number of neat buildings, which make a fine
appearance. The Court-House, however, is a considerable
distance from the Town. The settlers in most parts of this
Parish have the appearance of com.fort and affluence, although
the land is inferior in fertility to most of the other Parishes.
The Parish of Sussex has a Church with a resident Minister,
and an Academy for the instruction of the Indians, but Uttle
good has accrued to these wanderers from that Institution. A
beautiful strip of land lies in this Parish called the Vale of
Sussex, which is highly cultivated and covered with excellent
houses and barns. — Agriculture is in general well attended to,
and its effects are evident in independent farmers, good stocks
of cattle and an air of comfort and cheerfulness, the sure returns

fisher's HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 65
of industry and husbandry. The roads and bridges are in good
order and well attended to. The great road of communication
passes through this Vale to Westmorland.
The river Kennebeckasis intersects this county, and falls
into the Saint John, near the Boar's Head. This is a consider
able stream, and has several Islands scattered through its course.
It is navigable upwards of twenty miles for vessels of any bur
then, and sixty miles farther for sm„all vessels and boats. It is
well adapted for Ship-building, having abundance of excellent
timber in its neighborhood, and several vessels are annually
built here for the merchants of Saint John.
The Nerepis another considerable stream, falls into the Saint
John at the foot of the Long Reach. This river runs a con
siderable distance into the country and has a settlement along
its banks.
There are two quarries of excellent Plaster of Paris on the
river Kennebeckasis. There is likewise a salt spring in this part
of the country, from which small quantities of salt have been
made by the Indians and Inhabitants settled near the place,
which has proved of an excellent quality for the table, and there
can be no doubt of its possessing valuable medicinal qualities;
but no attention has yet been paid to analyse it. Great quanti
ties of sugar are extracted from the sugar maple in this county.
upwards of ten thousand pounds have been made in a year, of
that valuable article in one Parish.
Several of the Parishes in this county have Churches, some
of which have stated Pastors, and others are supplied occa
sionally.

SECTION V.

Saint John.
This County is bounded northerly by a line running East
North East, and West South West, from the southernmost
point of the Kennebeckasis Island. Westwardly by a North
Une from Point Lepreau. Eastwardly by Hopewell Township,
and on the Southward by the Bay of Fundy. It has four
Parishes. The City of Saint John, Portland, Lancaster, and
Saint Martins. It contains a population of twelve thousand

66 fisher's history of new brunswick.
nine hundred and seven inhabitants. This county has several
fine harbors; the principal of which is the harbor of Saint John,
at the mouth of the Saint John river and which was noticed in
the description of the city. This harbor has a valuable fishery
for Salmon, Herring, and Shad. Formerly from two to three
thousand barrels of Shad, twenty thousand barrels of herrings,
and a vast quantity of Salmon were taken here annually; but
the fishery has fallen off very much of late years. A Cod fishery
might also be prosecuted to advantage not far from Partridge
Island, but this is totally neglected. The other harbors are
Quaco, Musquash, and Dippoo harbor, down the Bay, which
have nothing particular. They have water sufficient for vessels
of four hundred tons burthen.
The lands, in the county and along the sea-board are not so
good for farming as those in the interior. They are generally
very rocky and uneven. In many places they are mere barrens
being covered with a stunted growth of shrubs. There are how
ever good spots intermixed, and many places that formerly
appeared doomed to sterility have been brought under a good
state of cultivation. Great improvements have lately been
made in farming in this county. Many new settlements have
been formed and are rapidly improving. Several merchants
and persons of property in the city of Saint John have lately
improved farms in its vicinity; particularly on the Marsh and
at Loch Lomond. It will certainly be a great advantage to the
Province, if men who possess capital, employ a part of it in
improving the country. By this means many poor districts of
sterile land may be reclaimed, and improved by the wealth of
the city; to the great advantage of individuals, and benefit of
the settlement where such improvements are made: as the
citizen will lay out from year to year, no more than he can spare
from his other pursuits, and this when the land is once brought
to a good state of cultivation will richly repay him: while the
indigent settler will have labour brought home to his own door
to enable him to subsist while he improves a small spot for him
self, which without such a resource he could not attempt.
A great strip of Marsh lies contiguous to the city, some of
which is dyked and yields excellent grass. The whole district is
rapidly improving to the great advantage of the city. Several
wealthy citizens have lately made great improvements here, and
some fine seats are nearly completed.

fisher S history of new BRUNSWICK. 67
The Parish of Portland contains old Fort Howe. This Fort
is situated on a rugged hill at the mouth of the river Saint John,
and completely commands the harbour. Portland is well built
up, but the road near the Fort is very narrow, and in a wretched
state, considering that it is the only thoroughfare from the
city, to the Indian House, so called ; which is situated in front
of the bay, just above the falls, and where vessels and boats come
too, going and coming to wait for the tide, and where passen
gers from all parts of the river land, and frequently walk over
the tongue of land to Saint John, which is a little more than
a mile. Passengers likewise going up the river in the Steam-
Boat or Sloops, usually ride or walk from Saint John to the
Indian House, and baggage and goods of all descriptions, are
transported above the falls by this route, which keeps the road
continually thronged, and points out the necessity of having a
good and safe communication in such a public place. There
is no public place of worship in Portland of any denomination :
the inhabitants resort to the different places of worship in the
city. The settlements of Quaco, Manawagonish, Musquash, &c.
are in a flourishing state. Considerable progress has been made
in Agriculture, and there is reason to believe the country round
the Bay shore is rich in minerals. Manganese has been found
at Quaco, and the adjoining district, which has been sent to
the United States, and is said to be of a good quality.

SECTION VI.

rlAVING in the preceding sections briefly described the five
Counties lying along the river St. John; I shall now proceed
with the three remaining, commencing with
Charlotte .
This County is bounded by the Bay of Fundy on the south,
by the St. Croix river, and the Bay of Passamaquoddy on the
west and south west, on the east by a north line from Point
Lepreau, and on the north by a west line commencing in the said
north line thirty-three miles from Point Lepreau, and contains
nine thousand two hundred and sixty-seven inhabitants.

68 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
It is divided from the United States by the river St. Croix,
commonly called the Schoodick, which is the line in this quarter
that divides the territories of His Britannic Majesty from the
District (State) of Maine. It comprehends several large Islands
in the Bay of Passamaquoddy, and is divided into the following
Parishes: — St. Andrews, St. Stephens, St. Davids, St. Patricks,
St. Georges, Pennfield, Campobello, West Isles, and Grand
Manan. The Parish of St. Andrews, besides the town of that name
already desct^vbved, possesses many advantages for trade, being
situated very conveniently for navigation. It has several Saw-
Mills, and a great quantity of boards, planks, &c. are shipped
from that port.
St. Stephens likewise furnishes vast quantities of sawed
lumber. The mUls in this parish on the river Schoodick are
very numerous. More than four million feet of boards and
planks are cut in this Parish annually. Ship-building is likewise
carried on to considerable extent. Large quantities of shingles
and small lumber of different descriptions are also furnished here
for exportation. There is a Methodist Chapel with a stated
Minister in this parish. The country is considerably improved,
having several good farms. It has likewise a good herrikig
fishery at the falls of the Schoodick.
St. Davids has likewise some good saw-mills. It also fur
nishes masts, and squared timber for shipping. The land in
this Parish is of an excellent quality, and produces wheat, oats,
indian com, potatoes, &c. in great abundance.
The Parishes of St. Patricks, St. George, and Pennfield,
have each a number of saw-mills, and furnish large quantities
of sawed lumber of the best quality — the country being well
stocked with excellent pine. Considerable quantities of scale
fish are also caught and cured here. Great improvements are
likewise making in Agriculture in these Parishes, particularly
in Pennfield, which produces wheat in great perfection. The
settlers in this Parish are good farmers, and are making great
improvements. The Parishes of Campobello and Deer Island comprehend
the Islands so called. Campobello includes the Islands on
the south east side of Passamaquoddy river. It contains several .
thousand acres of land fit for cultivation. Many of the inhabi
tants are employed in the fishery along the shores. Great quan-

FISHER S HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 69
tities of cod and other fish are taken about the Island, and sold
uncured to the Americans. Formerly most of the gypsum
exported from this Province was landed on this Island where it
was shipped on board American vessels for Philadelphia and
New- York.
Grand-Manan is likewise a considerable place for fishing,
Ship-building, &c. and is of considerable importance in a nau
tical point of view, as it lies near the entrance of the Bay of
Fundy. It is fourteen miles long and seven miles broad. The
horthernmost point is in latitude 44° 54' longitude 66° 45' west.
The rivers Maggagaudavick and Digdaguash, lie in this
county, and are of the utmost advantage in transporting the
lumber from the interior. On each of these streams mills are
erected. The Maggagaudavick runs a great distance into the
country, and communicates with a chain of lakes, down which
lumber is floated from a great distance. There are several falls
in the Maggagaudavick — those near the mouth are nearly
forty feet.
Several Islands lying in Passamaquoddy Bay are within the
limits of this county. Some of them are of considerable import
ance, on account of the fishery, and as affording harbors for
shipping.

SECTION VII.

Westmorland.
Is bounded eastwardly by the line of Nova-Scotia, and the
Gulph of St. Lawrence; northerly, by a west line running into
the country from the northernmost point of Shediac Island;
westwardly, by a line beginning at a point in the north boundary
of St. John County; north, from Quaco head, and running
north till it meets said west line; southerly, by St. John. County
and Chignecto. It contains nine thousand three hundred and
three inhabitants.
This County is situated at the head of the Bay of Fundy, and
joins Nova-Scotia. The line between the Provinces is the
narrowest part of the isthmus between the Bay of Fundy and
Bay Verte. A small stream over which there is a bridge —
forming the separating line. It contains the following Parishes:
— Westmorland, Sackville, HiUsborough, Hopewell, Moncton,
Dorchester, Salisbury, and Botsford.

70 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
A considerable part of this county was formerly settled by
the Acadians or French neutrals, whose descendants are still
numerous in this and the adjoining County of Northumberland,
being spread along the seaboard, to the Bay of Chaleur. They
have settlements at Memramcook, Peticodiac, Bay Verte,
Cocagne, Bucktouche, Richibucto, &c. — where there are several
large Chapels, which are usually supplied with Romish Mission
aries, who are supported by tythes from the French Catholics.
But the most thriving class of settlers are the English, chiefly
from Yorkshire, or their descendants. They are in general
good farmers and attend chiefly to husbandry. Indian corn is
but little cultivated in this county, the climate being too cool
and temperate for that plant to thrive well; but wheat, oats,
potatoes, &c. flourish here in great perfection. This is the finest
part of the Province for stock; from the extensive tracts of
salt rharsh which lie in this county, many thousand acres of
which are dyked and produce abundant crops. Butter and
cheese are made and exported from this county in large quanti
ties. The cattle are superior to any in the country from the
great attention that has been paid by the inhabitants to crossing
and improving the breed. During the American war nine hun
dred head of cattle, and eight hundred firkins of butter, were
sent from this county to Halifax, and other places in one year,
and although the demand has fallen off since the peace, there
are still large droves taken from Cumberland to Halifax, and
St. John ¦ — and likewise large quantities of butter and cheese.
The tides at the head of the Bay rise to a great height. They
come in with successive swells of the water called the Boar,
which at spring tides roll in with amazing velocity in waves
about three feet perpendicular. The noise of the Boar is heard
a great distance, and animals immediately take to the highland,
and manifest visible signs of terror if near it. The spring tides
at Cape Chignecto, Cape Enrage, and Cumberland bason, are
from forty-five to fifty-five feet. Common tides at Cape Chig
necto, thirty-six feet; at Cape Enrage, forty feet; at Fort Cum
berland, forty-five; and at Bay Verte, from eight to ten feet
perpendicular. The shores from Cape Chignecto and Martin's Head to the
Joggins, or land of Grindstones, are high, bold and rocky. On
other parts of the coast they are not so elevated, but abound in
most places with valuable stones of different kinds, fit for build-

fisher's HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 71
ing and other purposes. Great quantities of Grindstones are
made in this county, and furnish a valuable article for expor
tation. Nearly twenty thousand were formerly exported from
this place annually, to the United States, and other places, but
this branch of trade has fallen off considerably of late years.
Fort Cumberland formerly called Beausejour, is situated
on the Missaguash river in this county. It was the first post
fortified by the French in this Province, and was for a long
while a great annoyance to the English settlers, till it was taken
by Colonel Monckton, in 1755, who placed a British Garrison
in it. The works are at present much decayed, a few soldiers
are however still stationed in it.
The several parishes in this county are in a flourishing state.
Some of them have neat places of woship with stated Ministers,
and others are visited occasionally. Westmorland in general, is
well settled, with a substantial yeomanry, and although it does
not make such a figure in a bustling trade as some of the other
counties, it is silently enriching itself with the slow but sure
returns of Agriculture, and fast rising into importance.
The rivers in this county are the Peticodiac, Memramcook,
and Missaguash with several other streams which run a consid
erable distance into the country. Some of them are well
settled along their banks. The main road from Saint John to
Cumberland follows the Peticodiac nearly throughout its whole
course. There are no sea-ports in this county of consequence. Dor
chester has but little trade, and Chediac is near the lines in
Northumberland, although the river runs into this county and
faciUtates the export of its produce.

SECTION VIII.

Northumberland.
Joins Westmorland on the southward, and is bounded
eastwardly by the Gulph of Saint Lawrence, and Bay of Chaleur.
On the northwestward by the Bay of Chaleur to the river
Ristigouche, and westwardly by a continuation of the western
boundary Une of Westmorland. The population of this county
cunounts to fifteen thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine.
This extensive county lies along the Gulph of Saint Law
rence having a great extent of sea-coast. It includes several

72 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
large bays and rivers, and comprises more than one third of
the Province. It contains the following Parishes: — Newcastle,
Chatham, Ludlow, Northesk, Alnwick, Carleton, Beresford,
Glenelg, Saumarez, Wellington, and Nelson. It is a great
lumbering county, and furnishes more squared timber annually
than the whole Province besides: The pine is of the best quality,
and found in immense quantities along the numerous streams
and rivers with which this part of the country abounds. The
lumber shipped from this county generally commands a better
price in the British market than from any other part of the
Province. The principal port for shipping is Miramichi, which
is crowded with vessels during the summer and autumn. The
river has two main branches called the northwest and southwest.
Vessels load in different parts of the river, and rafts are brought
to the shipping with the greatest ease. Shipping go up the river
as far as Eraser's Island for cargoes and farther on the north
west, where there are several trading establishments. New
castle is a considerable place for loading, and although it may
be considered the county town, has nothing particular. About
two miles below this place there is a trading establishment
belonging to Mr. Abrahams, and two miles farther down is the
establishment of Rankin, & Co. Indeed wherever there is a
convenient cove, vessels lay and load. Chatham four miles
below Newcastle on the opposite side of the river, is also a con
siderable shipping place. It has a Church with several fine
stores and buildings. There are but few places along the
entrance of this river but what are convenient for shipping.
Upwards of three hundred sail load annually at Miramichi.
The timber is paid for part in specie, and part in British and
West-India goods and provisions.
A stranger would naturally suppose, that such a trade must
produce great riches to the country; and that great and rapid
improvements would be made. That large towns would be
built — that the fair produce of such a trade would be seen in
commodious and elegant houses, extensive stores and mercantile
conveniences, in public buildings for ornament and utiUty,
good roads and improved seats in the vicinity of the sea-ports,
with Churches, Kirks, Chapels, &c.: All these with many other
expectations would be but a matter of course. But here he
would not only be disappointed, but astonished at the rugged
and uncouth appearance of most part of this extensive county.

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 73
There is not even a place that can claim the name of a town.
The wealth that has come into it, has passed as through a
thoroughfare to the United States, to pay for labour or cattle.
The persons principally engaged in shipping the timber have been
strangers who have taken no interest in the welfare of the
country; but have merely occupied a spot to make what they
could in the shortest possible time. Some of these have done
well, and others have had to quit the trade: but whether they
won or lost the capital of the country has been wasted, and no
improvement of any consequence made to compensate for it, or
to secure a source of trade to the inhabitants, when the lumber
shall fail. Instead of seeing towns built, farms improved, and
the country cleared and stocked with the reasonable returns of
so great a trade; the forests are stripped and nothing left in
prospect, but the gloomy apprehension when the timber is gone,
of sinking into insignificance and poverty. Formerly the woods
swarmed with American adventurers who cut as they pleased.
These men seeing the advantages that were given them, and
wishing to make the most of their time, cut few but prime trees,
and manufactured only the best part of what they felled, leaving
the tops to rot; by this mode more than a third of the timber
was lost. This with their practice of leaving what was not of
the best quality after the trees were felled, has destroyed hun
dreds of thousands of tons of good timber: And when this was
stopped by permitting none but British subjects and freeholders
to obtain licenses, the business was not much mended as any
person wishing to enter into the trade could, by purchasing a
small sterile spot for a small trifle (provided he was a British
subject) get in the way of monopolizing the woods. These are
some of the causes that have and still do operate against the
prosperity of the country. Men who take no interest in the
welfare of the province, continue to sap and prey on its resources.
The other sea-ports in this county are Saint Peters, Richi
bucto, and Ristigouche, at which places there is a considerable
trade carried on in squared timber, &c. but they have nothing
of consequence to merit a particular description. Besides the
Miramichi already described, this county is watered by several
considerable rivers, the principal of which is the Ristigouche,
which falls into the Bay of Chaleur, and communicates by a
short portage with Grand River which falls into the Saint John
fifteen miles above the great falls. The smaller rivers are

74 fisher's history of new brunswick.
numerous, some of them have settlements along their banks
and others are but little known. The inhabitants are a mixture
of Europeans and Americans. A number of the descendants of
the French neutrals are settled in this county, particularly on
the river Cocagne where there are several villages with Catholic
Chapels; they are also settled at Buctouche, Richibucto and
along the sea-board as far as the Bay of Chaleur. They are
generally agriculturalists and quiet orderly settlers.
Having thus gone briefly through the different counties, I
shall conclude this chapter with a statement of the distances of
the principal points on the Great Road of communication
from St. John to Quebec:
From St. John to Fredericton, 92 miles on the western side of the
From Fredericton to the Presque-Isle, 84 river.
From Presque-Isle to Grand Falls, 52
Thence to the Madawaska Falls, 45
To the river Des Caps near Kamouraska, 84
Thence to Quebec, 107

464

making in the whole a distance of four hundred and sixty-four
miles from the sea-board to Quebec, according to the present
routes; nearly two thirds of which is along the great river St. John.
The great road of communication between this Province and
Canada, has been much neglected, particularly about the Grand
Falls where the road has been but lately cut and is but little
improved, although this has been the route for the couriers
upwards of forty years ; but as the attention of Government is
now turned to that object it is probable there will soon be an
alteration for the better.
In opening new roads there is not sufficient pains taken to
explore the best ground in comm.encing. Frequently after the
roads are considerably improved, and much money expended,
better routes are discovered and most parts of the old road are
abandoned. To remedy this where the road runs along the
course of a river it would be ad visible to explore the country
sorne distance back, for as the banks of the rivers are in many
places very high the streams that run into them indent the
country and form hollows and hills near their exit that are nearly
impassable; when by going a little back the land falls and their
banks have a gradual slope over which a good road may be'
made with ease. This although not a general rule, will hold
good in most parts of the country.

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 75

CHAPTER VI.

State of Learning. — Trade. — Revenue. — Remarks on the Lumber
Business. — Population. — Militia.
JL HE state of learning in this Province is very flourishing at
present compared to what it was a few years ago. When the
country was first settled the opportunities of obtaining a liberal
education were small and confined to a few. From this cause
many persons who occasionally fill important stations in the
several counties, are found very deficient in learning, but this
from the many provisions lately made will cease in a few years,
and men will always be found to fill all public offices, with learn
ing sufficient to enable them to discharge their several duties
with credit to themselves and advantage to the public.
Besides the College of New-Brunswick incorporated by
charter, there are Grammar Schools established in several coun
ties which are liberally supported. By the bounty of the Legis
lature, twenty pounds per annum is allowed to be drawn out of
the Province Treasury for every Parish where a School-House
is provided, and the sum of thirty pounds raised by the inhabi
tants,, to enable them to employ good and sufficient teachers,
and this bounty extends to three schools in each Parish. By
this liberal public provision schooling is brought to the doors of
most of the inhabitants, who will exert themselves to partake of
the public benefit.
The College of New-Brunswick is established at Fredericton
and endowed with a block of land containing nearly six thou
sand acres adjoining the town plot.
The Governor and Trustees of this College having surren
dered their charter to the King, and petitioned to have the
Establishment put on a more enlarged footing; their petition
was graciously received and a new charter granted, bearing date
the eighteenth of November, one thousand eight hundred and
twenty-three. A grant of a sum of money was at the same time
made to the College out of the royal revenues in this Province,
to enable the Corporation to erect a suitable building for the

76 fisher's history of new brunswick.
President, Professors and Students; and to procure a Library,
and Philosophical apparatus for the same. The Legislature of
the Province has likewise granted a liberal sum for the same
purpose; in consequence of which a building on a liberal scale
is to be immediately erected on a conspicuous part of the rising
ground adjoining the town.
The most general seminary for the education of the bulk of
the population is the Madras School. The Lieutenant-Gover
nor and a number of the first characters in the Province, have
the management of this seminary, which is incorporated by the
name of "The Governor and Trustees of the Madras School in
New-Brunswick." As most of the Parish Schools in the Prov
ince are on the Madras system of education, and under the direc
tion of the corporation, I shall close this short sketch of the state
of learning in this Province with a statement of that institution
copied from the last report.
State of the Madras School in New-Brunswick, in July, 1824,
viz.

Saint John, in daily atten

.dance 197 — t

otal entered 1222

Carleton, "

96

143

Fredericton, "

50

79

Douglas,

22

45

Queensborough, "

45

St. Andrews, "

94

156

Grand Manan, 1 ,,

42

89

Grand Harbour,

North Head,

40

76

Westcock,

45

118

Sackville,

40

Shediac,

30

53

Peticodiac,

45

50

Kingston,

113

Springfield,

24

81

Gage Town, "

25

117

Sussex Vale,

38

114

Newcastle, "

39

166

Northesk,

42

66

Chatham, "

40

51

Hampton, "

26

75

Norton,

60
Maugerville, "
28
52
" middle district.
39
Fort Cumberland, "
49
105
Point Debute, "
52
62
Jolicure, "
32
50
fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 77
St. Georges, in daily attendance 38 — total entered 72
Woodstock, middle 1 ,,
district, / ^^ " ^^^
Upper District, " 35 " 76
Dow's District, " 35
Wakefield, middle

district, / 21 '¦ 90
Lower district, " 21 " 86
Northampton, " 35
Military Settlement

No.l, / 38 " 140
No. 2, " 36 " 131
No. 3, " 24 " 159
No. 4, " 24 " 116
Scotch Settlement, " 20 " 36
In July, 1824  4"^
Add the number in the College at Fredericton, as report
ed last year  357
Total  4_736
In July, 1823  3,396
Increase during the year  1,340
The trade of New-Brunswick may be comprised under the
following heads: Exports to the West-Indies.
Boards, shingles, fish, and small articles. The principal
return for which is rum, sugar, molasses, &c.
Exports to Great Britain.
Squared timber, masts, spars, oars, lathwood, deals, furs, &c.
Ship-building forms also a considerable branch of trade at pre
sent. Some of which are built by contract for merchants in
Great-Britain, and others are built and loaded by merchants
in the Province, and either employed by them in the exporta
tion of lumber, or sold in Britain. The returns for this trade
are British merchandise, and specie.
There was formerly a considerable trade carried on with the
United States in gypsum, grindstones, smoked salmon, &c. and
for a short period in the productions of the West-Indies from
the free port of St. John, (as well as from Halifax in Nova-
Scotia.) But the trade in West-India produce is now totally
at an end, and the other branches much fallen off, so that most

78 fisher's history of new brunswick.
of the flour, corn, and bread stuffs imported from thence is paid
for in specie, which is a great drain for the cash of the Province:
for there are nearly sixty thousand barrels of wheat and rye
flour, and from sixty-five to seventy thousand bushels of indian
corn, imported annually, besides corn meal, bread, &c.
The amount of imports in 1824 was five hundred and four
teen thousand five hundred and fifty-seven pounds sterUng, and
the exports in the same year five hundred and twenty-six thou
sand nine hundred and twenty-three, exclusive of exports from
the port of St. Andrews, which amounted to about one hundred
thousand pounds, besides several vessels built at St. Peters, and
other places not in the above statement. The gross amount
of the revenue collected at the different ports in the Province,
in 1824 was forty-four thousand six hundred and seventy pounds
two shillings and sixpence, New-Brunswick currency. This
when the population of the Country is considered, speaks much
for the trade and resources of the Province.
As squared timber is the great staple of this trade, I shall set .
down the number of tons exported yearly at three different
periods, from which the reader may form a pretty correct idea
of the quantity usually shipped in a year.
In 1819 the quantity was 247,394 Tons.
In 1822 " " 266,450 "
In 1824 " " 321,211 "
The above is the total amount from all the Ports in New-
Brunswick. The following statement will shew the total amount of
exports and imports of every description in the year 1824.

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 79
IMPORTS AND EXPORTS.

Port of Saint John, New-Brunswick.
An account of the total number of Ships and Vessels that have
entered inwards at this Port and the Out-Bays within the dis
trict thereof, in the year 1824, ^^^^ their Tonnage, number of
Men, and the quantity of Goods imported in the same Vessels,
together with the value of said Goods in Sterling Money. —
Exclusive of Coasters.
Saint John.
432 Vessels — 94,248 Tons — 4,192 Men.

Wheat and Rye Flour, bbls. . 32,512
Bread, ditto  1,088
Corn, bushels  37,917
Meal, barrels  3,448
Rice, cwts  1,097
Beef and Pork, barrels  4,719
Sheep, number  26
Horses, ditto  3
Peas and Beans, bushels. 1,145
Wine, gallons  14,772
Brandy and Gin, gallons. . . . 29,682
Rum, gallons  310,879
Molasses, gallons  110,579
Coffee, cwts  248
Pimento, lbs  9,742
Sugar, cwts  2,988
Salt, tons  4,673
Naval Stores, barrels  2,254
Tobacco, cwts  1,334
Tea, chests  1,415
Cordage, coils  9,406

Coal, chaldrons 
Oak and Locust Wood, M. feet.
Onions, Seeds, Apples, &c. bbls
Staves, M 
Shingles, M 
Iron and Copper, tons 
Hides, number 
Mahogany, Logwood, &c. tons
Bricks, M 
Stone Ware, pieces 
Cotton Wool, bales 
Slates, M 
Oats, bushels 
Barley, bushels 
Wheat, bushels 
Tallow, hogsheads 
Wood Hoops, number 
Packages of British Merchan
dise, including cotton, silk
and woollen Goods, Sail
Cloth, Ironmongery, &c. . . .

3,703 62
3,016 45 27
2,154 7,724 192 21
22,113 134 95
9,863 1,452
5,418 67
2,400

24,686

Miramichi.
327 Vessels — 94,601 Tons — 4,274 Men.

Wheat Flour, barrels  17,285
Bread, barrels  1,063
Corn, bushels  17,262
Meal, barrels  11,598
Rice, cwts  160
Beef and Pork, barrels  6,016
Peas and Beans, barrels  1,204

Naval Stores, barrels  212
Tobacco, cwts  727
Tea, chests  280
Cordage, coils  1,144
Coal, chaldrons  1,063
Onions, Seeds, Apples, Nuts, &c.
barrels  710

80

FISHER S HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.

Wine, gallons  6,493
Brandy and Gin, gallons. . . . 23,533
Rum, gallons  86,977
Molasses, gallons  23,533
Coffee, cwts  126
Pimento, lbs  224
Sugar, cwts  2,462
Salt, tons  410

Iron and Copper, tons  125
Hides, number  94
Mahogany, Logwood, &c. tons 42
Bricks, M  .". 82
Stone Ware, pieces  60,300
Slates, M  . . 34
Barley, bushels  200
British Merchandise, packages 3,600

Saint Peters.
33 Vessels — 6,143 Tons — 302 Men.

Wheat Flour, barrels  184
Bread, ditto  34
Rice, cwt  16
Beef and Pork, barrels  130
Wine, gallons  61
Brandy and Gin, gallons. . . . 1,078
Rum, gallons  2,596
Molasses, gallons  1,675
Sugar, cwts  48

Salt, tons  250
Naval Stores, barrels  10
Tobacco, cwts  13
Tea, chests  4
Cordage, coils  67
Coal, chaldrons  24
Iron and Copper, tons  35
British Merchandise, packages 142

86 Vessels -

Richibucto.
- 17,490 Tons -

830 Men.

Wheat Flour, barrels  889
Bread, ditto  283
Meal, ditto  631
Beef and Pork, barrels  493
Peas and Beans, bushels . . . 135
Wine, gallons  968
Brandy and Gin, gallons. .. 3,581
Rum, gallons  10,821
Molasses, gallons  5,967
Coffee, cwts  15

Sugar, cwts  202
Salt, tons  680
Naval Stores, barrels  39
Tobacco, cwts  29
Tea, chests  36
Cordage, coils  56
Coal, chaldrons  125
Iron and Copper, tons  25
British Merchandise, packages 1,322

Shediac.
19 Vessels— 4,018 Tons— 208 Men.

Wheat Flour, barrels  7
Bread, barrels  60
Beef and Pork, barrels  29
Brandy and Gin, gallons. . . . 120
Rum, gallons  20
Molasses, gallons  105
Sugar, cwts  9

Salt, tons  180
Naval Stores, barrels  17
Tobacco, cwt  11
Cordage, coils  23
Coal, chaldrons  7
Iron and Copper, tons  28
British Merchandise , packages 176

fisher's HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.

81

Restigouche.
13 Vessels — 2,226 Tons — 118 Men.

Bread, barrels  5
Beef and Pork, barrels  7
Peas and Beans, bushels .... 14
Rum, gallons  972
Molasses, gallons  1,010
Sugar, cwts  3
Oats, bushels  40

Salt, tons  50
Naval Stores, barrels  5
Cordage, coils  33
Coal, chaldrons  6
Iron and Copper, tons  6
Stone Ware, pieces  3,000
British Merchandise, packages 50

Dorchester.
4 Vessels — 841 Tons — 37 Men.
Total value of Goods  £514,557, sterling

CLEARED OUTWARDS.
Saint John.
417 Vessels — 102,300 Tons — 4,198 Men.

Timber, tons  114,116
Pine Board and Plank, M. feet 11,534
Staves, M  1,923
Shingles, M  491
Masts and Spars  1,918
Oars and Oar Rafters  2,103
Handspikes, number  595
Hogshead Shobks  4,461
Lathwood, cords  1,435
Dry Fish, quintals  15,102
Pickled Fish, barrels  9,868
Smoaked Herrings, boxes. . . . 6,961
Fish Oil, barrels,  168
Gypsum, tons  5,183
Grindstones, number  6,013
Salt Meat, barrels  90
Potatoes, bushels  710
Flour, barrels  332

Bread, barrels  140
Rice, cwts  23
Rum, gallons  45,870
Molasses, do  525
Pimento, lbs  5,442
Sugar, cwts  166
Naval Stores, barrels  271
Tobacco, cwts  371
Coal, tons  749
Mahogany & Camwood, &c. tons 17
Apples, Onions, &c. barrels. . 330
Smoaked Salmon, number. . . 3,662
Ox Horns, hogsheads  20
Old Copper, tons  25
Salt, tons  245
Hogsheads of Furs  15
Corn Meal, barrels  50

82 fisher's history of new brunswick.
Miramichi.
331 Vessels — 94,800 Tons— 4,341 Men.
Timber, tons  141,384 Dry Fish, quintals  263
PineBoardsandPlank, M. feet 1,256 Pickled Fish, barrels  580
Staves, M  304 Smoaked Herrings, boxes. ... 70
Shingles, M  8 Flour, barrels  737
Masts and Spars  1,400 Bread, do  7
Oars and Oar Rafters  702 Rum, gallons  8,627
Handspikes, number  888 Naval Stores, barrels  45
Lathwood, cords  3,080 Tobacco, cwts  106
Saint Peters.
32 Vessels — 6,095 Tons — 289 Men.
Timber, tons  8,308 Handspikes, number  159
Pine Boards and Plank, M. feet 52 Lathwood, cords  274
Staves, M  8 Dry Fish, quintals  800
Masts and Spars  191 Pickled Fish, barrels  165
Richibucto.
81 Vessels — 17,285 Tons — 820 Men.
Timber, tons  24,269 Oars and Oar Rafters  242
Pine Boards and Plank, M. feet 134 Handspikes, number  1,380
Staves, M  36 Lathwood, cords  625
Masts and Spars  545
Shediac.
19 Vessels — 4,018 Tons — 208 Men.
Timber, tons  5,851 Handspikes, number  96
Pine Boards and Planks, M. feet 12 Lathwood, cords  184j^
Masts and Spars  327 Rum, gallons  100
Oars and Oar Rafters  184 Tobacco, cwts  50
Restigouche.
14 Vessels — 2,301 Tons — 121 Men.
Timber, tons  3,062 Lathwood, cords  30
PineBoardsandPlank, M. feet 7 Dry Fish, quintals  2,000
Masts and Spars  47 Pickled Fish, barrels  403
Handspikes, number  32 Fish Oil, barrels. .,.  20

FISHER S history OF NEW BRUNSWICK.

83

Dorchester.
4 Vessels — 841 Tons — 37 Men.
Timber, tons  1,246 Oars and Oar Rafters  110
Pine Boards and Plank, M. feet 2 Handspikes, number  374
Masts and Spars  5 Lathwood, cords  29 J^
Value of Exports  £362,043, sterling.
N. B. To the value of exports may be added the following
Ships and Vessels built and registered at this Port within the
year 1824, by persons resident in this Province, either for pro
prietors in the United Kingdom, or sent there for sale, as remit
tances for British Merchandise, or for owners here, carrying on
the Timber Trade.
60 Ships and Vessels, measuring 16,488 tons, at £10  £164,880

Total  £526,923

Port of Saint Andrews.
An account of the total number of Vessels, their Tonnage, number
of Men, with the quantity and quality of their Cargoes, entered
at the Port of St. Andrews in the year 1824, ending the 6th
January, 1826.

156 Vessels
Rum, gallons 
Wines from Madeira, pipes. .
Ditto, Hogsheads 
Ditto, Quarter Casks 
Ditto, Half Quarter Casks . . .
Molasses, gallons 
Gin and Brandy, gallons ....
Wine from Great-Britain, galls
Brown Sugar, cwt 
Shrub, casks 
Coffee, barrels and bags 
Tobacco, hogsheads 
Bricks, M 
Naval Stores, barrels 

- 29,687 Tons — 1,406 Men.
104,259 Canvas, bolts  159
36 Cordage, coils  831
46 Made Sails, sets  3
38 Soap and Candles, boxes . . . 323
10 Beer and Porter, barrels  118
26,768 Nails and Wrought Iron, kegs. 198
1,391 Ship Chandlery, packages . 13
1,476 Beef and Pork, barrels  57
640 Coals, chaldrons  314
6 Paint, kegs  439
68 Tea, chests  47
4 Chain Cables  10
60 Glass, boxes, &c  120
327 Pieces of Earthenware & Cast Iron 873

84

fisher S history of new BRUNSWICK.

Oak Staves, M  120J^
Wheat and Rye Flour, bbls. . 5,732
Biscuit, barrels  727
Rice, casks and bags  43
Corn, Meal and Grain, bushels 12,100
Peas & Beans & Rye Grain, bus. 370
Boards and Plank, M. feet.. . 6J^
Wood and Timber, feet  22,750
Fruit, barrels  1,090
Sheep, number of  200
Merchandize, packages. . . 585
Salt, tons  1,998
Iron, tons  68
Earthenware, crates  105

Cotton Wool, bales  22
Mahogany, logs  H
Green Hides  305
Linseed Oil, casks  4
Pimento, bags and casks .... 8
Logwood, tons  1
Tobacco Pipes, boxes  25
Copper Bolts, cwt  47
Horses, number of  28
Piano Fortes  1
Carriages  1
Horned Cattle  678
Furs, bales and boxes  3

Port of Saint Andrews.

Exports.
175 Vessels— 33,493 Tons— 1,543 Men.
192 Plaster Paris Vessels — 13,040 Tons — 657 Men.

Birch and Pine Timber, tons. . 25,975
Boards and Plank, M. feet. . . 8,386
Cod Fish, quintals  10,540
Shingles, M  2,412
Lathwood, cords  753
Spars, number  1,559
Small Poles, number  1,542
Sawed Laths, bundles  172
Oars, Oar Rafters & Handspikes 1,093
Oak, Ash and Spruce Staves, M. 284
Ship Knees  50
Naval Stores, barrels  23.4
Cotton Wool, bales  22
Pickled Fish, barrels  3,132
Smoked Herrings, boxes  1,067
Beef and Pork, barrels and kits 69
Oil, barrels  69
Rum, puncheons  285
Sugar, barrels  10
Coffee, barrels and bags  7
N. B. Vinegar, barrels  40

Fruit, Onions and Potatoes, bbls. 126
N. B. Gin, barrels  37
Salt, tons  45
Iron, tons  12
Birch, M  35
Calf Skins and Sides Leather, No. 48
Soap and Candles, boxes. . . . 1,212
Butter, firkins  2
Tobacco, hogsheads  6
Smoked Tobacco, hogsheads. 21
Merchandize, packages  22
Wines, pipes  26
Ditto hogsheads  33
Ditto quarter casks  27
Ditto half quarter casks  1
Wheat and Rye Flour, bbls. .. 2,839
Bread and Biscuit, barrels ... 88
Rice, casks and barrels  22
Indian Corn and Meal, bushels 2,482
Peas and Beans, bushels  22
Plaster of Paris, tons  15,576

fisher S history of new BRUNSWICK.

85

The Articles of Exports the Production of this Province and
the Fisheries, are considered when shipped, worth the following
values, viz.:

Pine and Birch Timber,

20s. sterling

Per Ton.

Lumber and Plank,

40s.

per M.

Shingles,.

12s. 6d.

per M.

Lathwood,

20s.

per Cord.

Spars,

5s.

Each.

Small Poles,

2s. 6d.

Each.

Oars and Oar Rafters,

5b.

per pair.

Staves,

60s.

per M.

Dry Fish,

12s. 6d.

per quintal,

Pickled Fish,

20s.

per barrel.

Smoked Herrings,

3s.

per box.

Oil,

80s.

per barrel.

Plaster Paris,

10s.

per ton.

The whole value of the above Exports may be about £100,000.
From the foregoing statement it plainly appears that chief of
the export trade of this Province consists of timber, which is
its natural stock or capital; and as there are many articles taken
in exchange from the mother country, which are indispensably
necessary to the inhabitants of this Province; it points out the
necessity of paying strict attention to its preservation. In this
Country there is no article, or articles, that can in any degree
furnish exports equal to the pine, which is manufactured in the
simplest manner, and got to market with but little trouble. So
simple is the process that most settlers who have the use of the
axe can manufacture it; the woods furnishing a sort of simple
manufactory for the inhabitants, from which, after attending to
their farms, in the summer, they can draw returns during the
winter for those supplies which are necessary for the comfort
of their families. This being the case, the preservation of our
forests becomes of prime importance to the prosperity of the
Province. The evils that must arise to the Province, by allowing the
timber to be monopolized and hastily cut off are many. The
timber standing in the Country, particularly on the Crown
Lands, may be considered as so much capital or stock, to secure
a permanent trade, and promote the solid improvement of the
Country. Most of the lands in this Province where pine is
found are intermixed with other timber, and although the pre-

86 fisher's history of new brunswick.
cise spots on which the pine grows, are unfit for agriculture,
without much labor; yet there are most always spots adjoining,
where a settler may cultivate with success: so that in a lot of
two or three hundred acres, there is generally enough for tillage,
and a man settling on such land could always Choose his spot
for farming, and keep his timber to cut at his leisure. His pine
so reserved would as long as it lasted serve him as a resource,
from whence, after attending to his farming in the summer, he
could draw returns during the winter, for such supplies as would
be necessary for his family, and for improving his farm.
To make this more evident, we will suppose a man settling
on a wilderness lot — like most settlers he has but little save his
own labour — perhaps he has a small family — he commences
with cutting down a small spot, and erecting a hut — say in the
summer or fall, he then moves on his family, and looks round
for sustenance till he can raise his first crop — in doing this his
funds are exhausted, and he wants by his own labour to replen
ish them during the winter, and provide a few implements of
husbandry, and nails, &c. for building a barn — now supposing
his lot to be back from the river, and at a distance from old set
tlements where labour is wanted — what does he do? — why he
resorts to his pine — to the simple manufactory before noticed,
and makes a few tons, say twenty, thirty, forty, or fifty, accord
ing to his ability — carefully cutting the under brush and timber,
so as to put his land where he is working in a fair train for clear
ing — this timber he probably gets hauled to the water on shares,
if he is very poor and has no team; the returns for which the
next spring, furnishes him with supplies, and enables him to
continue on his land and prosecute his farming. If he cannot
do without the return of his timber till spring; he applies to a
merchant, who if the man is of good fame, advances him such
articles as may be particularly necessary for his family. This
enables him to find labour on his own lot, and stay with his
family: whereas if he has no such resource, he must leave his-
home, and go to a distance from his family, seeking labour;
and probably they may be so circumstanced as not to be left
safely alone, and he has to take them with him, which breaks
up his family and prevents him from settling.
If a number of families commence a settlem_ent together,
where the timber has not been destroyed, but where a fair pro-

fisher S history of new BRUNSWICK. 87
portion is still growing on the land, they exchange labour with
each other, and by their joint exertions, manufacture and trans
port their own lumber to market. In this way they are enabled
from year to year to prosecute their settlement and pay for their
grants; the timber answering as a first crop fully grown, and a
resource to make returns for necessaries. — By this method, as
the pine disappears, houses and barns will rise in its place, and
the country, instead of a barren waste, will exhibit flourishing
settlements, peopled with a race who will know the value of
their improvements; and feel their interest identified with the
country: and whose attachment to the Govemment will increase
with their growing possessions. Their children, raised on the
soil, from the strong principles of early association, will feel that
interest in the welfare of the country, that no transient advan
tage can produce; and grow up an ornament and strength to
the Province. On the contrary, if the lumber is cut off by mere
speculators, the land will be left in an impoverished state, much
valuable timber will be wantonly destroyed, and the places
from whence the timber is taken will be left an uncultivated
waste; settlers will neither have the inclination or ability to
occupy them. While the major part of the men employed in
getting the lumber for the merchants, instead of making a com
fortable provision for their families, will wear out the prime of
their days without making any permanent establishment; and
keep their families shifting about the country like vagrants.
Their children, for the want of employment, and the direction
of their fathers, brought up in idleness — their education and
morals neglected, and bad habits acquired, will be the reverse
of those before noticed: and many of them will become a vag
rant race, unconcerned or uninterested in the welfare of the
country, and in many instances a nuisance to it. While their
parents, after they get unfit for the business, will be turned off
in debt. In short, it will be the most direct way to prevent the settle
ment of the back lands, and to produce (what is the bane of
all countries) a race of inhabitants who have no interest in the
soil or welfare of the Province.

88 FISHER S HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.
Statement of the expenses on one thousand tons of pine tim
ber, manufactured on the Wabskahagan, a branch of the river
Tobique : —
The Secretary's, Governor's, and Surveyor General's
fees of office, including the charge for writing petition. . . 1 10 0
Duty on 1000 tons, at Is  50 0 0
Less by amount included in fees, &c  15 0
 48 15 0
Incidental expenses to the applicant  0 15 0
Surveyor's fees for measuring the timber berth  7 0 0
Expenses for axemen and chainmen  5 10 0
Travelling expenses thence and back, five hundred miles. .800  71 10 0
Ten men at £5 per month, and an overseer at £10, say for
six months  360 0 0
Six yoke of oxen, at £30 per yoke  180 0 0
One pair draught horses  50 0 0
One boat, sail, and gear  36 0 0
Two canoes with paddles  6 0 0
Sleds, chains, harness, &c  27 10 0
Eleven men's provisions for six months, at 85s. per head,
per month  274 10 0
Hay for oxen, &c. 30 tons, at £10  300 0 0
Grain for ditto  25 0 0
 —1259 0 0
Total expense on one thousand tons of timber, at the brow ready 
for rafting  ,  £1330 10 0
Expense of rafting, anchors, cables, ropes, &c  50 0 0
£1380 10 0
Deduct for articles that may be useful another season, viz.- —
Oxen, Horses, Boat, tackle, &c  214 0 0
Canoes, sleds, harness, anchors, &c. &c  50 0 0
 264 0 0
Total amount of expenses  £1116 10 0
From the foregoing statement (admitting it to be near the
truth) it appears that the expenses on one thousand tons of
timber got on the river Tobique, amounts to £1116: 10: 0 — to
which is to be added the expense and risk of taking it down to
Saint John, a distance of about two hundred and fifty miles —
the loss by casualties on a rapid river, where men and teams
frequently break through the ice, and are swept away by the
velocity of the current. When all the above expenses are
deducted from the returns of the timber, it will leave but a
little for those who carry on the business, and very often involves
them in inextricable difficulties.

fisher's HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 89
The preceding statement points out the necessity of adopting
a more prudent system in conducting the timber business. Not
to push the trade to such an extent — to retrench the expenses,
by raising the heavy parts of the supplies near the timber dis
tricts; and to follow up the timber trade with the improvement
of the country and cultivation of the soil.
Another great drawback to the prosperity of the Province is
the great consumption of ardent liquors — partly occasioned by
the present modes of conducting the timber buiness. The
amount of spirituous liquors imported and consumed in the
Province in 1824, at the least calculation was £120,000, exclu
sive of the County of Charlotte; and add to this amount the
cost of the transport of the liquor to the interior and the enor
mous charges on the article in the distant parts of the Province,
the cost to the consumer may be fairly reckoned at treble the
amount, making in the whole the gross sum of £360,000 for
ardent liquors alone, consumed by the inhabitants of the Pro
vince, being near twenty gallons on an average for every male
over sixteen years of age.
The number of inhabitants in this Province, according to the
census of last year, is seventy-four thousand one hundred and
seventy-six — besides the large settlement of Madawaska and
the parish of West Isles; and as it is probable the numbers in
the different parishes are taken in some instances under the
real amount, the whole population may be fairly rated in round
numbers at eighty thousand. The subjoined statement will
show the population of the different counties and parishes in
1824:

90

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.

population of tljc ^robincc of i^eto=Jgrun£(hji£fe,

IN THE YEAR 1824.

Parishes.

Whites.

Females.

People of Colour

Males.

Females.

— u
So.

j4

a

Fredericton ....
Saint Mary. . . .
Douglas 
Kingsclear 
Queensbury. . . .
Prince William.
Northampton . .
Woodstock. . . .
Wakefield 
Kent 

City of St. John 
Portland, 1st district .
Portland, 2d do 
Lancaster 
Saint Martins 

Kingston. .
Sussex. . . .
Hampton . .
Norton ....
Westfield.. Springfield .
Greenwich .

Gagetown 
Waterborough 
Wickham 
Hampstead 
Brunswick 
Do. District But
ternut Ridge 

St. Andrews 
St. Stephen 
St. David 
St. George, 1st district .
St. George, 2d district. .
St.- Patrick 
St. James 
Pennfield. .- 
Campo Bello 
Grand Manan 
West Isles 

526
259
365 226
205 159182
267
217 645
2371 628386216 154
503
48746'2 152 182
241 184 180
486306 193 5024
653518278 245 191
217 121
223 167157

352242340 173172142 130
181
276 596
1731 392242 150
147
386
460 385 115181
212 185 124
643297 188 6429
464 393233 173 174
203 116120123170

470 216289 190
149 117
133186
267457
2361 447228 157133
382
414 375 100152
210 178140
403 236 164 36 19
574397230 166 66
164109 93
123138

392223306 155153116123
179
218597
1632 340
207 151148
365
433 314 109178
234 185133
444259 165 3928
532358264 159 170
178 107120 95
132

29 7
1915
10 3

94 1
4238 1
7
11 4 579 1
7 1
2

12 3

21 8
18
28 6
3

34 1115
22

72 1
40 31

139 3
4328

5
12 7
4 7 7
2 5
10

13

25 6
15
23 15 3

1849 972
1367 832716545
568
816
1010
2297
8488 1813 1230 793 583
1655 1833 1559 502713924744 606
2023 1100 723 189 100
2263 16751005 745701 762453 558 509 598

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
POPULATION, &c.— Continued.

91

Parishes.

Whites. 1

People of Colour.

o

Males. 1

Females. |

Males. 1

Females.

i \ o
O

2 >
<

to u
1

CD.-I so
.Q
<

CD,-< U
V
1

COi<

¦§

CDrH O
X)<

CD b a
5

Maugerville . .

152
227 432200 706444 215
281 85
200 171
292 641451 407 286921 47 93
137
757 327323299 524420 574

112139
298 167
748464208 291 94
216 170
256 326296 191 ¦38
107 60 54
83
429 294 174
209446 393 185

115187
322 142
611395 192
226 82
162147
225 377319 147 29
119 4144 72
376225 175
201408 335 201

92
156
269 158
672
415 229 344 79
195 177
232313 382 173 37 96 525480
402228 163
234 450406 166

4 54 1
862

396

35
42

373

484 735
1338

^^1

Sheffield

1

M
Lincoln 
670
2737
Dorchester 
7
13 5
4
11 2
7
93 11
1744
Tl
883
¦s
Hillsboroucfh . . .
1152 342
l<
1
Botsford 
774
Salisbury 
666
Hopewell 
1005
Newcastle 
1657
Chatham 
1
2
1
1452
Ludlow, 1st district 
Ludlow, 2d district 
Northesk, 1st district ....
Northesk, 2d district 
Alnwick, 1st district 
Alnwick, 2d district 
Carleton 
918
390
^
1243
i
200
'J3
245
1
373
^
1
2
1965
2
Beresford  , 
6 1
2
1
1086 836
Saumarez, 1st district. . . .
Saumarez, 2d district ....
Wellington 
2
1
1
949
1828
1
2
1
1555
Nelson 
3
1132
NUMBER OF INHABITANTS IN THE DIFFERENT COUNTIES.
County of York  10,972
County of Saint John  12,907
County of Kings  7,930
County of Queens  4,741
County of Charlotte  9,267
County of Sunbury  3,227
County of Westmorland  9,303
County of Northumberland  15,829
Total in the Province  74,176
92 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
The enrolled Militia amount to about twelve thousand.
They are divided into twenty-three battalions; the battalions
are composed of six, eight, or more companies, according to
local circumstances. The companies consist of one captain,
two subalterns, three sergeants, and sixty rank and file, except
flank companies, which are allowed four sergeants. Where
districts are in remote situations, and not sufficiently popu
lous to form two companies, but exceed the number of sixty
effective men, eighty are allowed to be enrolled in one company.
They assemble by companies two days in a year for drill; and
by battalions or divisions for muster and inspection, once or
oftener, if the Commander-in-Chief thinks it necessary. An
Inspecting Field Officer is appointed to inspect the battalions
at their general muster. He visits the different corps succes
sively, and reports to the Commander-in-Chief. He is paid a
certain sum per annum, which is granted yearly by the Legis
lature. The Militia Law is continually undergoing alterations,
and has not yet attained to that perfection, that such an impor
tant branch of our provincial constitution requires. The last
year two Inspecting Officers were appointed to inspect the two
great divisions of the Province.
There are abundant materials to form a good effective
Militia in this Province. The youth are in general docile and
orderly, and have a great aptitude to attain the requisite dis
cipline ; there are also a number of disbanded soldiers and other
persons acquainted with discipline, scattered through the coun
try; so that there are few districts, but where there are persons
qualified to act as drills. The want of arm^s is indeed a great
check to the military spirit, as nothing is more taking to boys
when first put to drill, than to have arms; and although many
requisites of discipline, such as marching, wheeling, &c. can be
acquired full as well without them; j^et nothing m.akes a young
lad so alert as to have a musket put into his hands.
To get persons to excel in any thing, it is requisite first of
all if possible to create an attachm.ent and liking to it; and to
get the youth fully engaged in acquiring martial disciphne, it
is a primary object to make it pleasing to them. If therefore
the different corps were at their musters to be supplied with
arms and a few rounds of cartridges, and taught to skirmish, it
would act as the greatest stimulous to the youth, and would
soon make an alteration for the better at the trainings; by

fisher S history of new BRUNSWICK. 93
making them a recreation and time of amusement: while it
would make the Militia familiar with the use of arms — which
is at present altogether lost sight of.
The writer is well aware that many arms forraerly issued to
the Militia have been destroyed, and that this might again hap
pen ; but surely some method might be adopted to prevent such
abuses, and still to furnish the different corps with arms while
at drill, by forming depots for lodging the arms, and appro
priating some of the fines to keep them in order. In scattered
districts, one, two or more companies arms mig'ht be kept
together; and in towns Arsenals might be erected where two
or three thousand stand might be deposited. Such buildings
would not only be highly useful, but ornamiental to the different
places: and as there are but few serviceable arms in the Prov
ince at present, some steps should be taken to procure a suffi
cient number, and not to let the country remain in its present
naked condition. It certainly appears like an anamoly in our
preparations for defence, to expend time and money in improv
ing our Militia, and not provide the means of arming and mak
ing them efficient if they should be wanted. If (as the pre
amble to the Militia Law states) "a well regulated Militia is
essential to the security of this Province, " it is equally necessary
that the Province should possess the means of arming that
Militia. If arms could not be procured from the Crown, it
would be advisable to appropriate a part of the Provincial
revenue for the purchase of a sufficient number to supply the
Militia in case of emergency ; which could be either sold to the
Militiamen, or placed in the Arsenals, and issued occasionally
to the different corps as the Government should think proper.
Should the Province ever be invaded, its defence will not
wholly consist in defending fortified posts or in engagements
with large bodies in open field, but by taking advantage of the
natural fastnesses of the country, such as woods, deep hollows,
hills, rivers, brooks, &c. with which the Province abounds.
This points out the necessity of having the Militia trained to
sharpshooting and such exercises as will be beneficial in the hour
of danger; and not merely taught a few parade movements, or
how to receive a reviewing officer.
The Indians in New-Brunswick are fast declining, and
although several attempts have been made to induce them
to form permanent settlements and become planters, they

94 fisher's history of new brunswick.
still continue their migratory mode of life. The attempts
that have been made to civilize them by educating their child
ren have been equally unsuccessful. The Romish religion
appears to be the most congenial to them, as well as to the
French. This arises in a great measure from its outward pomp
and external forms imposing on the uncultivated mind. They
yield an implicit obedience to the Romish Missionaries, who
instruct them in religion, regulate their marriages, and censure
or approve their conduct, and so successful have been their
endeavours, that but few depredations are committed by the
Indians on property, although they are frequently reduced to
the most extreme want. — The Baron La Houtan, who has
enumerated forty-nine Nations of Indians in Canada, and
Acadia, names the following Tribes as the original inhabitants
of Nova-Scotia: — The Abenakie, Micmac, Canabus, Mahingans,
Openangans, Soccokis, and Etechemins, from whom our present
Indians are descended. As the customs, manners, and dress, of
the Indians have been often described, I shall not therefore
swell this article by repeating old stories. Besides the conical
cap, the blanket, leggins, and moccasins, worn by all the tribes;
the women among the New-Brunswick Indians frequently
wear a round hat, a shawl, and short clothes, resembling the
short gown and petticoat worn by the French and Dutch women.
The Indian language is bold and figurative, abounding in hyper
bolical expressions, and is said to be susceptible of much ele
gance. To give the reader some notion of the manner in which
these people conduct their conferences with each other, and with
Europeans, I shall subjoin an extract of a conference, or talk,
held at Quebec, with the Governor General of Canada, during
the last American War. Quebec, 17th March, 1814.
Thursday having been appointed for holding the Council,
the Chiefs and Warriors assembled, and after shaking hands
with His Excellency, as before, Newash accompanied by his
Interpreter, again presented himself in the middle of the room,
and pronounced the following Speech, or talk.
SPEECH OF NEWASH.
"Father — Listen. — Vou will hear from me truth. It is the same as what
the Chiefs and Warriors now here have to say.
"Father — Listen. — Open your ears to your children, to your red children
that are in the west. They are all of one mind: although they are so far off
and scattered on different lands, they hear what I am now saying.

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 95
"Father — Listen. — You have told us by the talk of your Warriors, twice
Father, that we were to fight on the flanks and in the rear of your Warriors,
but we have always gone in front Father ; and that it is in this way we have
lost so many of our young Warriors, our woraen and children.
"Father — Listen. — The Americans have said they would kill you first
Father, and then destroy your red children; but when you sent us the hatchet
we took hold of it Father and made use of it Father, as you know.
"Father — Listen. — Your red children want back their old boundary
lines, that they may have the lands which belong to them, and this Father
when the war began, you promised to get for them.
"Father ^ — Listen. — Your red children have suffered a great deal, they
are sad, indeed they are pitiful, they want your assistance Father. They
want arms for their Warriors, and clothes for their women and children. You
do not know the number of your red children Father. There are many who
never yet received any arms or clothing. It is necessary at present. Father,
to send more than you formerly did.
"Father — Listen. — At the beginning of the war you promised us when
the Americans would put their hand forward you would draw yours back.
Now Father we request when the Americans put their hand out, (as we hear
they mean to do) knock it away Father, and the second time when they put
out their hand, draw your sword. — If not Father, the Americans will laugh
at us, and say our Great Father, who is beyond the Great Lake is a coward
Father. "Father — Listen. — The Americans are taking our lands from us every
day, they have no hearts. Father, they have no pity for us. They want to
drive us beyond the setting sun. But Father, we hope, although we are few,
and are here as it were upon a little Island, our Great and Mighty Father, who
lives beyond the Great Lake, will not forsake us in our distress, but will con
tinue to remember his faithful red children.
This is all I have to say. This is from our Chiefs and Warriors, this is all
they have to say."
Newash then advanced to His Excellency, and presented
him with the Black Wampum and Bloody Belt.
His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief then made the Chiefs
and Warriors the following answer to the talks or speeches that
had been addressed to him in their behalf.
My Children. — I thank the Great Spirit for his protection of you on your
long journey, and I rejoice to meet you at Quebec, the Great Council Fire on
this side the Great Lake. ,
My Children. — You have freely and forcibly spoken ) our sentiments, and
I am happy to have heard from your own mouths, your thoughts, as I know
on these occasions you always speak the truth. I am therefore delighted to
hear my red children declare their attachment to the King our Great Father,
beyond the Great Lake, and to myself and my Warriors.
My Children. — I have opened my ears and listened with attention to what
you have said. My heart was sore when I heard of the death of a great
warrior. It still bleeds when I think of his loss, and the misfortunes my

96 fisher's HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.
children have met with during the war, in the death of many a wise chief and
brave warrior, and some of your women and children who are gone to see the
Great Spirit, before whom we must all one day appear.
My Children. — I thank the Great Spirit that I see you in my own dwelling,
and converse with you face to face. Listen to my words — they are the
words of truth. You have always heard this from my chiefs, and I now
repeat them. We have taken each other by the hand and fought together.
Our interests are the same — we must still continue to fight together: for the
King, our great father, considers you as his children, and will not forget you
or your interests at a peace. But to preserve what we hold, and recover from
the enemy what belongs to us, we raust make great exertions; and I rely on
your courage, with the assistance of my chiefs and warriors, to drive the big
knives from our land the ensuing suraraer.
My Children. — Our great father will give us new warriors from the other
side of the great water, who will join with you in attacking the enemy, and
will soon open the great road to your country, by which you used to receive
your supplies, and which the enemy having stopped, has caused the distress
and scarcity of goods you complain of: for I have never been in want of goods
for you, but could not send them.
My Children. — Our success in the war must depend on our bravery and
your young men listening to the advice of their chiefs — this }0u must always
bear in mind. I recommend to you to open your ears when my chiefs speak
to you, for they only wish for your good. Tell your brother warriors whora
I may not see, that these are my words; and that though they are to destroy
their enemies in battle, they must spare and shew mercy to women and child
ren, and all prisoners.
My Children. — I have but one thing more to recommend to you, which
you will not forget — ¦ you know that the only success that the enemy gained
over us, last season, was owing to the want of provisions. There was much
waste at Amherstberg — the consequence was that you and ray warriors were
forced to retreat. In future you raust be careful of provisions, and use only
what may be necessary; they are the same as powder and ball, we cannot
destroy our enemies without them.
My Children. — You will not forget what I have said to you. This is my
parole to the nations. (Here the black wampum is presented to Newash.)
Let them know what I have said. Tell them they shall not be forgotten by
their great father nor by me. — Take courage my children — be strong — and
may the Great Spirit preserve you in the day of battle. (Here the bloody
belt is presented.)
After the interpreter had presented the belt to Newash, he
with several of the chiefs chaunted parts of the war song:
Under the Cloud Island
With this belt I go;
By this my heart is strong,
I shall have courage to d'ie by the foe.
Now I take hold of this belt.
Light as birds fly in the air;
Strong is my heart, and round I go.
Seeking to die by the foe.

fisher S HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.

97

While this song was chaunting, several short speeches were
made by the Indians. One of them said — "There is our father
— here is the belt — there you are — the Great Spirit presides
— now we are one, and none can flinch — if we stand by our
father, he will stand by us. Our path is in the west — the war
shall brighten there — the sky begins to clear — the light falls
on our lands, and soon again shall our women and children be on
them. You Saulks — you Chippeways, and all you of different
nations, we are all one. We will fight them with our father,
and never cease to fight while we have life, or until we have
got back our lands."
The names of twelve Indian chiefs, inhabiting the coast of
Acadia at the time the French peasants submitted to the British
Government, will be found in the appendix to this work.
Lands in New-Brunswick are held in fee simple or free
socage. The grants are immediately from the Crown. The
subjoined table will shew the fees on single Grants, or where
a number of Grantees are included in one patent, at present
taken at the several offices.
Table of Fees on Grants.

io
'o a

&•a a

i <

cOJ
O S
<

OJ ty) 2
> ^ ri
mHi 5.

cv
O I > 3
m

li •if

Total.

100
200300400500

£ s d
4 1 8
4 1 8
4 1 8
4 1 8
4 1 8

£ s d
3 7 6
3 7 6
3 7 6
3 7 6
3 7 6

s d
13 4
13 4
13 4
13 4
13 4

£ s d
1 10 10
1 10 10
1 10 10
1 10 10
1 10 10

£ s d
0 13 4
0 13 4
1 4 6
1 15 8
2 6 10

£ s
2 0
2 0
2 0
2 5
2 10

s d
5 0
5 0
7 6
10 0
10 0

£ s d
12 11 8
12 11 8
13 5 4
14 4 0
15 0 2

On Grants where more than one person is concerned. His Excel
lency has seven shillings per hundred acres; and the public
offices have half the above-mentioned fees for each additional
name, with the exception of the Attorney-General, who has
nineteen shillings and two-pence for each additional name. The
purchase money (which is a sum of five shillings sterling for
every fifty acres above two hundred, payable to His Majesty,
and called the King's purchase m.oney,) is included in the above
scale of fees to the Receiver-General. According to the

98

FISHER S HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.

Royal Instructions, a single man is entitled to one hundred
acres of land, with an additional quantity provided he can pro
duce sufficient testimonials of his ability to cultivate more. A
married man is entitled to two hundred acres, with an additional
quantity on proof of his ability to cultivate more: but no more
than five hundred acres is allowed to be granted to any person
by the Colonial Government.
The method of laying out lots in this Province, of a narrow
front and extending a great distance back, is very inconvenient
to the settler. Being confined to a narrow front when he com
mences clearing, supposing, (which is often the case,) the land
adjoining to be unoccupied, he merely makes a lane through
the wilderness, not half of which will produce a crop, on account
of its being shaded by the adjoining woods: which not only
exclude the sun, but impoverish the land by drawing the nour
ishment from the plants to the adjoining trees. To obviate
this, and many other inconveniences, it would be far better to
lay out settlements, where the face of the country would admit
of it, in square blocks, or parallelograms; to contain two ran
ges of lots, with roads at proper distances. The fronts of the
lots to be extended, and their length contracted. The lots to
abut on the road; and extend back one-half the depth of the
block: — The rear of the lots in one range, abutting on the rear
of lots in the next range. Or else, the settlements might be
divided into squares and sections, after the method adopted by
the United States in laying out new settlements, of which the
following is a short outline:
Their townships are laid out in blocks of six miles square,
the whole area containing 23,040 acres. Those squares are
divided into thirty-six smaller squares or sections of a mile
square, containing each 640 acres. The sections are numbered
from right to left, and left to right, as in the following plan: —
six miles long.

6

5

4

3

2

1

7

8

9

10

11

12

18

17

16

15

14

13

19

20

21

22

23

24

30

29

28

27

26

25

31

32

33

34

35

36

fisher's history OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 99
The sections are again subdivided into quarters and half
quarters. A quarter section is half a mile square, and contains
one hundred and sixty acres. The sixteenth section of each
township is reserved to maintain schools, and the sections two,
five, twenty, twenty-three, thirty, and thirty-three, are sold in
half-quarters. By this method the limits of counties and parishes are accu
rately defined; the settlements are every where interspersed
with roads, and each man's field, instead of a narrow strip of
irregular figure and uncertain boundary, is a square laying
compact and near a road, whose contents are always easily
ascertained. The rectangular method of laying out settle
ments, cannot always be followed, on account of rivers, &c.
which will cause gores and inequalities; but whenever it can
be adopted it offers many advantages.
The estates of persons dying intestate are distributed analo
gous to the custom of gavelkind in Kent. The heir at law of
such intestate shall be entitled to and receive a double portion
or two shares of the real estate left by such intestate, (saving
the widow's right of dower.) The remander to be equally dis
tributed among all the children or their legal representatives,
including in the distribution the children of the half blood;
and in case there be no children, to the next of kindred in equal
degree, and their representatives. Provided that children
advanced by settlement, or portions, not equal to the other
shares, shall have so much of the surplusage, as shall make the
estate of all to be equal, except the heir at law, who shall have
two shares, or a double portion.

100 fisher's history OF NEW BRUNSWICK.

^tibertis^ement.

JriAVING for reasons stated in the commencement of this Work,
given up my first design of adding a brief connected history of ihe
Province, I have inserted a few extracts relating to this Country,
in an Appendix; as they may be satisfactory to the reader, and
useful in conveying some knowledge of the early history of the
Country. My reasons for abridging this Description I have also
stated, and have omitted many particulars necessary in a full
description of a Country, such as tables of Animals, Plants, Min
erals, Weather, &c. as I could not obtain the necessary materials,
as but little attention has been paid to these subjects by persons
qualified for the task.
I have endeavoured to be as correct in what I have stated as
possible, but no doubt many inaccuracies will be discovered, as
the information I have collected from different sources is liable to
error. But it must be remembered that in a first Work like this
many difficulties will occur, and having no tract to guide me, I
have frequently wanted the necessary information. The Work,
however imperfect, must be useful, as giving the first general out
line of the Province, and interesting to every person who possesses
a feeling of interest for his own fireside. In short, persons who
strike out a first tract in any thing, may be compared to pioneers
who trace a road for others to use and improve.

fisher's history of NEW BRUNSWICK. 101

APPENDIX No. 1
Speech of His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor at the meeting
of the General Assembly, at Fredericton, February 1, 1826.

Mr. President, and Gentlemen of His Majesty's Council,
Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House oj Assembly,
1 HAVE much satisfaction in meeting the Legislature of New-Brunswick —
I am well persuaded that you will continue to promote and support the Inter
ests and Institutions of the Province in a manner that will not fail to receive
from rae that ready and cordial concurrence which it will be my greatest
pleasure to bestow upon all measures that may be calculated to advance the
public good.
It affords me great pleasure to have it in my power to congratulate you on
the very prosperous state of the Provincial Finances. The Revenue of the
last exceeds greatly that of any forraer year, and yields a large surplus beyond
the charges incurred, within the corresponding period.
Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen oj the House oj Assembly,
I shall direct the Treasurer's Acco.unts to be laid before you, I rely upon
your making the usual provisions for the Ordinary Services of the Province;
and I am happy to acquaint you that the state of the Treasury is such as to
enable you to provide for other objects of public interest and utility, to which
your bounty has already been extended, and also to promote other important
services which I shall hereafter bring before you.
Mr. President, and Gentlemen oj His Majesty's Council,
Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen oj the House oj Assembly,
Watching assiduously over the Public Interests, I shall have to submit to
you, by Message, various measures which it will be necessary to bring under
your consideration in the course of the Session, but whilst I reserve matters
of detail for that mode of comraunication, important considerations and
general views, which require to be fully and forcibly put to the Country, and
which could not be properly treated in partial or very concise forra, render it
expedient, on this particular occasion, to lay before you such a statement of
public affairs, as may embrace, generally, all interests, and leave nothing in
doubt as to our real situation, in the more important branches of our well
being. I have great pleasure in stating to you that I find the affairs of the Province
to be generally in a very prosperous condition. It will be useful however, to
observe closely, how far this prosperity depends upon adventitious circum-

102 fisher's HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.
stances and in what degree it rests upon our own inherent raeans and resources:
for it is necessary to contemplate the condition in which the Country raight
be placed, by alterations in such of her transactions as may be deemed pre
carious, to feel, with due effect, the necessity, which I earnestly represent, of
attending zealously to those internal resources which are not of that uncertain
description. The trade of the Province is, at present, very active; but much
of that activity depends obviously, upon external circumstances, on the per
manency of which, it were imprudent to continue to stake so exclusively, the
well being of the Country. It will be prudent, therefore, to endeavour to
open channels by which we may make our Comraerce more general, conse
quently less precarious, and particularly to establish and improve commercial
intercourse with our sister Colonies. Taking from them, what we require,
we raay make returns by some important operations of our industry, and
particularly by the proceeds of an advantageous trade which this transaction
would greatly extend; contributing thus to each others wants, in a way
mutually beneficial: and, in an union of interests, promoting and consolidating
strong and lasting ties.
Other channels for commercial operations of very advantageous natures
invite us to cultivate with increased activity, that rich source of wealth (one
of our natural advantages) which our Fisheries present! These, if rendered
more productive, will afford us great additional facilities in trade with the
new States of South America: and there are favourable openings in the liberal
policy of the present times, which should encourage us to cultivate, by every
means, commercial intercourse with those States. By your wisdom and
bounty the Fisheries have been iraproved on remote parts of the coasts of
British America; but I recommend you to consider whether the Home or
Coast Fisheries might not be brought raore under the fostering and stimulating
influence of your bounty by some extension of its provisions. The main
branch of our manufacturing industry (Ship-Building) has increased pro
digiously, and is now carried on to an extent beyond that of any former period:
but it is submitted to your consideration whether it is not accompanied by
some disadvantageous circumstances which detract vastly from the great
value it might be made to produce, and to leave in the Province; and for
which I have no doubt, you will adopt prudent remedies that will render this
branch of industry more staple, as well as more beneficial.
Vast sums are sent from this Province, in specie, for the purchase of foreign
agricultural produce. This enormous burthen, operating in fact, as a tax
raised by foreign industry on our food, contributes to raise high above the
rate in surrounding Countries, the wages of labour here, and to lay the Pro
vince under corresponding difficulty and disability in every branch of its
industry. It comes home to us, grievously, in various forms, in every opera
tion of our domestic and political economy; and I appeal to your wisdom, to
your patriotism, to the real interests, and to the public spirit of the Country
for zealous co-operations in the measures and exertions necessary to relieve
the Province from this raost serious difficulty.
Agricultural, Eraigrant, and other Societies should be encouraged to
extend and exert their influence in every way that can tend to promote, im
prove, circulate and distinguish the modes and raeans most favourable to
augment the production of subsistence. By such means, too, we may reason-

fisher's HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 103
ably expect soon to possess a population sufficient for the operative parts of
all other branches of industry; and when these several operations shall all be
executed by British Subjects and British Colonists, the Province will feel and
exhibit in her condition the good effects of having closed those drains that have
long carried off much capital which otherwise would have been laid out in the
Merchants' stores, in the cultivation of the soil, and in other productive enter
prizes of vast advantage.
Large suras have been expended on the Great Roads of this Province; but
their condition shows the inefficiency of the present systera, in appropriation
and execution. This arises, chiefly, frora having tried too much, and in such
attempts dispersing limited means, to superficial and endless labor; on works
far too numerous and costly, to be all substantially improved at the same
time. Such appropriation, therefore, should be made of the suras which may
be allotted to the Great Roads as may ensure effectual exertion upon them in
succession, and in the order of their importance; and at the same time preclude
those partial and general alterations in the lines of Roads, from which vast
sums of public money have been uselessly expended. The Public Service has
been exposed to very serious inconvenience by irregularities incident to the
present line of communication between the Seat of Government and the City
of Saint John. To remedy this, whatever it may be necessary to do in other
times and seasons, I earnestly recommend the expediency of completing such
a communication with Saint John, for a winter travelling and Post Road, as
may not be subject to those serious interruptions and dangers to which the
present line must always be exposed, during the greater portion of the year.
Fully impressed with the importance of attending to the efficiency of the
Militia, I have derived much satisfaction from what I have witnessed of their
appearance and public spirit. The Militia Law will have to pass under your
revision, generally, and I recommend the amendment of those clauses which
press so severely upon the Militiamen in regard to the distance of travel to
their drill, and also with respect to age, at unnecessary cost of time, and incon
venience to the people.
I earnestly recommend to your continued patronage the several Institu
tions for the Education of our Youth ; and I may have occasion hereafter to
recommend measures for giving security and encouragement to those Provident
Institutions, which I am happy to acquaint you have been established in this
Province, under very promising circumstances, highly advantageous to the
Country. I have great satisfaction in acquainting you that our Most Gracious Sov
ereign has condescended to patronize the College of New-Brunswick with his
gracious Favor, and to bestow a Grant from His Royal Revenues in this Pro
vince, to place that Institution upon a very improved establishraent ;
and I rely upon such gradual provision being made hereafter, in addition
to your last vote, as may enable the Governor and Trustees, to proceed
in the erection of a suitable building. His Majesty's Secretary of State has
further dispensed the grace and favour of the Crown in a manner that cannot
failtobeduly and fully appreciated, and to sustain those principles of attach
ment, and loyalty which distinguish the origin and course of this Colony.
In addition to the provision made for the Madras Schools, generally, and
to that of the African School at St. John, I recommend some provision for a

104 fisher's HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. '
similar establishment at the Seat of Government, to bring more generally
within the influence of these excellent Institutions, a portion of the human
race to whom we owe kindness, charity, and benevolence, and for whom we
should provide religious, moral and industrious education.
In the very prosperous condition which the affairs of this Province may
now permanently take, I perceive, that the period is arrived for entertaining
enlarged views and scope of systera, necessary to supercede some very disad
vantageous circumstances which should be gradually corrected, and to raise
the Province to that consideration, value and importance, which it will soon
assume, if the management of its affairs proceed upon sound views and esti
mates of her true situation, and be conducted according to fixed and solid
general principles. But great raisery and erabarrassment may be inflicted on
young and advancing Countries, if disturbed by doubts, or exposed to quick
transitions arising from different schemes of temporizing policy, and I desire
to point out the errors and dangers of all contingent measures and pursuits
made only to comply with chance circurastances, teraporary interests arid
adventitious excitements.
To that solid course, then, which may best embrace all of those interests
of which the public good is made up, and upon which the permanency of your
prosperity depends, I shall endeavour to look, and on it encourage the exer
tions of the whole Population to push their special interests with spirit and
enterprize, under the sober guidance of general measures calculated to produce
a steadiness, healthfulness and solidity of progress, which, under Divine
Blessing, and the powerful and enlightened protection of our Parent State,
will gradually conduct this happy Province to a very high degree of value and
prosperity.

At a general meeting of the Members of the Legislature, and
other respectable Gentlemen from all parts of the Province,
assembled in one of the Committee Rooms of the House of
Assembly on Thursday the 17th of February, 1825, by
request of the Lieutenant-Governor, to take into con
sideration some propositions to be submitted by his Excel
lency, relating to the improvement of Agriculture, &c. in
this Province, when His Excellency was pleased to open the
proceedings of the meeting with the following SPEECH: —
X HE purpose for which I have caused this meeting to be convened, is of the
first importance to the Country : And lam delighted to find myself surrounded
on this occasion, as I hope to be on every occasion, by those distinguished
Persons, from whose station, stake and consideration in the Country, I may
expect the most powerful aid in promoting the great objects I have in view,
if we are all fully impressed with the expediency and necessity we are under,
each in our several stations, of doing all that may depend upon us, to accom
plish the purposes which I am now to bring more particularly under your con
sideration.

fisher's history OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 105
The purpose for which we are met is, to enquire whether some encourage
ment and excitement may not be applied to Agricultural pursuits, to operate,
discreetly and gradually, in a manner to relieve the country frora the great
difficulty and disability under which it is laid by the vast sums which we pay
for our food, and from the very disadvantageous effects which this produces
on the cost of labour, and consequently in all branches of our industry.
Under ordinary circumstances, the high price occasioned by deficiency in
the supply of any article in general deraand, operating as a premium upon
increased production, has a direct and natural tendency to remedy its own
evils. This, in fact, is an effect which is working here, though slowly, to cure
the malady of which we complain;, and if other branches of industry were not
in an excited, forced, and somewhat unnatural condition, it would be unneces
sary, superfluous, or perhaps disadvantageous, to interfere with the sources
and currents of supply, which ultimately accoraraodate themselves in the
most advantageous and fittest way, to meet demand. But these are peculi
arities in the circumstances of this Country, which raust appear very obvious
to all persons who have correct notions of the extent of her business and deal
ings, compared with the hmited Population and Capital we possess, which
occasioning powerful competitions in other branches, would appear to demand
some additional encouragement and adventitious aid, to draw Labour and
Capital in greater quantities, to the cultivation of the Soil.
To consider, properly, the best modes and means by which we raay aug
ment the production of subsistence, it will be proper to resolve the question
into the consideration of the eleraents of production, viz. Labour, Capital and
Land, and to enquire in what way we can give to those constituent parts of
production, the facilities and encouragement they require, to compete with
other branches which are obviously under the influence of adventitious excite
ment. With respect to Land, we possess it in abundance, and in quality ready to
yield what we raay in a judicious raanner require of it; and it will be one of ray
main objects to endeavour to lay open to Agricultural pursuits, extensive
tracts which have long been locked up in reserved superabundance. This
measure has in one case been, heretofore, sought and petitioned for; but it
was not accorded to, at that tirae, in consequence of doubts entertained by
His Majesty's Government, as to the value of the standing produce of that
Land, for other purposes. But it is an advantage arising from a late appoint
ment to a high situation in the Province, that powers are given, subject to
certain conditions and regulations which I may sanction, to throw open por
tions of those reserves to meet the improving circumstances of the Country,
and this will be speedily observed in a way that will open considerable tracts
of valuable Land to the operations of Agriculture.
Proceeding, next, to the consideration of Capital, it has appeared to me
to be very desirable, that sorae new measures should be taken with a view to
attract the enterprizes of Capitalists, not only to the cultivation of fresh
tracts, but likewise to that of the waste Lands of the Province generally; and
I entertain the intention of bringing this proposition under the consideration
of the High Authorities, elsewhere, upon whom this will depend. But the
creation and accumulation of small Capitals, sufficient to enable the working
man to enter with advantage on the cultivation of a grant of Land, of the

106 fisher's HISTORY OF TSTEW BRUNSWICK.
usual extent, is a matter in degree and practicability, much within the influence
of our own measures, and it becomes therefore subject of very fit consideration
for this raeeting, composed of so many distinguished persons, who, returning
soon to their respective Countries, may give information respecting those Insti
tutions which are constituted, and likely I trust to be protected, to provide
for the safe custody and accumulation of the small savings of the industrious
classes of Society.
The greater part of such accumulations raay be considered as funds rescued
from unproductive consumption, to be laid out productively in various impor
tant branches of industry; and whilst, therefore, in this view, the provident
Institutions deserve encouragement from all classes, they more particularly
suggest to the gentlemen acting in the different Emigrant and Agricultural
Societies, and to the employers of Agricultural Labours generally, the co
operation which may be expected from Savings' Banks in encouraging, by
enabling, all industrious persons, soon to enter with advantage on the culti
vation of the Soil, as proprietors of Land.
The poor Emigrant, for instance, who comes to the country destitute of
pecuniary raeans, and who should always be raet and welcomed with a great
deal of charitable attention and protection, should be told, that to enter on
the laborious enterprize of clearing a Lot, in the wilderness, without Capital,
would be to entangle hiraself in very considerable difficulty. The best course
which such a person can pursue, would be to avail himself of the assistance,
which it should be a main object of all Emigrant Societies to provide, to pro
cure advantageous employment in which to acquire experience of the climate,
habit of Labour, and best modes of culture; and whilst acquiring these, to
accumulate his Savings in the Savings' Banks, in the manner that any person,
who is not burthened with a large family, may soon do, in farm service in
suraraer, and in other pursuits in winter.
This object will perhaps be best pursued by the Eraigrant Societies in the
different parts, taking active measures to become acquainted with the cir
cumstances and description of Emigrants so soon as they arrive, and entering
in a Book, their names, age, trade or occupation, objects, and the raeans they
may possess of pursuing these. From those entries of the circumstances and
condition of the Individuals, Emigrant Societies would be competent to give
them counsel and protection. If the Emigrant's desire should be to Agri
cultural pursuits, which will commonly be the case, but that he has no Capital
to commence with, he should be advised to put himself to Farm service, and
his attention should be drawn to the facilities which Savings' Banks provide
for receiving, securing and augmenting his savings. If this measure meet
concurrence in its objects and practicability, it will be received as an appeal
to the Agriculturists of the Country to keep correspondence with the nearest
Eraigrant Societies, for the purpose of procuring Labourers of their recom
mendation. But although it may not be expedient for a person without Capital, to
enter at once on the cultivation of his tract, yet it appears to me that some
inducement should be applied to excite his industry by a prospect of an advan
tageous location, so soon as he finds hiraself capable of undertaking it; and
in this view I see no difficulty in the arrangement, and on the other hand,
great public advantage, in securing for persons thus working for their capital,

fisher's HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 107
locations upon the Lots they may prefer, subject to a condition that, within
one year, the Emigrant Society in whose Books they may be registered, report
favorably of their proceedings, in a manner to give fair expectation that at
the end of a further short period, they would be able to enter upon their loca
tion, and pay a proportion of their fees, in aid of which the Society should
provide some donation or loan.
But when the Emigrant has pecuniary means, or is resolved to enter at
once on his Land, the Emigrant Societies will be enabled to let him chuse his
situation, in the plans of unoccupied Lots reserved for Eraigrants, which plans
will for this purpose be transmitted to the Emigrant Societies, and to whose
recommendation a quick return of location tickets will be 'made; and I am
happy to say that this measure will be observed and promoted with much
ability and zeal by the distinguished persons on whom it will severally depend.
When we reflect that one of the greatest difficulties under which we labour
in accomplishing the great purpose of independence with respect to our food,
arises from the want a working population sufficient for the all operative parts
of our industry, and consequently the very high rate of wages and food, which
lays the Agriculturist under disadvantages of the most serious description, in
a climate where the productive powers of the earth are so long dormant, we
must all concur in the necessity of aiding Societies by whose means so many
able hands can be procured, and for want of properly supporting which, so
many have passed to a foreign land.
An increased competition or supply of labour then will be much influenced
by arrangements such as I have indicated; whilst in its modes, intelligence
and material means, it raay be greatly proraoted by Agricultural Societies.
These, under the designation of Agricultural and Eraigrant Societies, I should
wish to see forraed in every County in the Province, and Sub-Societies organ
ized under them to carry their benefits to all parts of the Country. I trust,
indeed, that ere you depart, the foundation, or rather the re-organization of
such a system will be completed, and I call upon the Gentlemen of distinction
from the different Counties who are now present to concur in this raeasure,
and when they return to their respective Counties, to engage to organize such
Societies to be composed of persons who would be raost likely to co-operate in
this great purpose. I feel confident, that whenever Societies shall be so
organized in any County, they will raeet the provision which I trust will be
made by the liberality of the Country for their support and efficiency: and I
perceive with much satisfaction that the public spirit of the Country is in
many parts exhibiting itself in the form, and for the purpose which we contem
plate for general adoption.
For the purpose of improving, circulating and distinguishing the modes
and means most favorable to increased production, and of drawing to a focus
that information which it raay be desirable to possess here in the Seat of
Government for myself and for you it will be proper that sorae provision
should be devised for the laborious part of that purpose which will depend
upon a Secretary who should be appointed to manage the correspondence of
the Central Committee to report proceedings to the general raeeting.
The general raeeting should be composed of all Members of the Legislature;
of all Presidents and Vice-Presidents of County Societies, and of all raerabers
subscribers in the regulated amount. The Central Comraittee should be

108 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
named in the general meeting to carry on the correspondence during the
recess, and to arrange the general Accounts; but the appropriation of Public
Funds should be made direct to the County Societies and subject only to the
audit of the Central Committee. These Reports will thus exhibit a general
statement of the sums expended and whether coramensurate progress has been
made in the improveraent of Agricultural irapleraents, raachinery, modes of
culture, augmentation of production, and breed of Cattle, all of which should
be under the influence of these raeetings.
With views such as these, so soon as I discovered, in studying your affairs,
the disabilities and difficulties which the Province raight have to contend with
frora deficiency in the supply of food, and aware that it would require pecuni
ary raeans, on my part, to put into activity the plans which I then formed,
and now lay before you, I subraitted to His Majesty's Secretary of State the
iraportanee of sanctioning a small grar\J; frora the funds at the disposal of the
Crown, to raeet the liberality and public spirit with which I ara persuaded,
elsewhere and every where, the great object now under our consideration will
be supported. I have great satisfaction in showing how readily this has been
dispensed; I will read the terms of it, and hasten to say that the use I shall
make of it, will be, to place a sura, which I hope will be annual, at the disposal
of those County Societies that are or maj' be organized to meet the views which
I here lay before you.
In communicating this grant from His Majesty's Revenue to the Agri
cultural Societies, it is however my duty to state, that the continuation of this
grant for future years, will depend upon the report which I may have in my
power to make of the advantages which it may have produced; and these will
mainly depend upon the liberality and zeal with which this Provision is
seconded in the Country generally.
The Society having been formed and organized, the President
communicated to the Meeting that he had received a Message
from His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, that it was
his intention to attend the Meeting in person, to communicate
his sentiments on their proceedings, and his acceptance of the
office of Patron.
Whereupon His Excellency entered and having taken the
Chair, addressed the Society as follow: —
Mr. President, Vice-Presidents , and Gentlemen
oj the Agricultural and Emigrant Society,
1 EVINCE the satisfaction and cordiality with which I receive your Address,
by placing myself in this Chair, as your Patron, on the very instant the dis
tinguished Seat is offered to me; and the first sentence I shall deliver from it
is, to assure you that my most zealous exertions shall be used to promote the
great objects we have in view, in every way that raay depend upon rae.
I am gratified for the present, sanguine and confident for the future, when
I look around rae and perceive the distinguished persons of whora this Society
is coraposed, and the interest which it has excited; and it is particularly

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 109
pleasing to rae to find myself supported by the distinguished person whom
you have placed in the President's Chair. I congratulate you, Gentlemen,
upon such an election, and myself on having such coadjutures.
The Agricultural and Emigrant Societies being now about to go into
immediate, and, as I hope successful operation, it may not be useless to express
to you, and through you to convey to the Public, sorae appeals to those exer
tions which will be required to realize the benefits which we here contemplate,
and for attaining which, the course is now so clear.
This fine, and as I have hitherto found it, happy Province, is advancing
rapidly, with growth almost exuberant, to a station, the real intrinsic char
acter and condition of which, in other times, will depend raainly upon the
manner in which we who are now directing its affairs, in certainly a critical
period of its advancement, when it is daily developing its resources, and form
ing its system, may discharge our several duties, by doing all that may depend
upon us to train, sustain and correct the principles, habits and pursuits, and
to regulate the exertions, by which, unquestionably, it may be conducted to
a state of great prosperity.
To consider these duties with reference to all the obligations we owe to the
Country, in the several branches which contribute to its raost political and
statistical progress, would lead us away far beyond the sphere of our present
purpose; I shall, therefore, only consider the duties we have to fulfil in regard
to the Institutions now completely organized. The several purposes contem
plated by those Institutions call upon us to promote habits of frugality,
domestic economy, and useful industry, as training a rural population to
settle and labour on the soil, and to assist them so to exert themselves in the
modes and means of culture as to improve our Agricultural condition; to
make us more independent at least for our food ; and subsequently to set free
other branches of industry, which are now under great disability. The
foundation of systems which may produce such benefits has now been laid.
I have had much satisfaction in recomraending and promoting them. My
views have been cordially and ably seconded every where; the raeasures they
called for have now been adopted ; and they have been liberally endowed by
the Legislature with pecuniary raeans to aniraate and quicken the system.
The Savings' Bank Bill; the organization and endowment of the Body I now
address, open, to the industrious classes of Society, and to the interests of the
Country generally, a distinct view of the progress that may be raade from
foundations laid, first, in habits of frugality and doraestic economy, onwards,
through moral and provident conduct, to security and accommodation, pro
ductive application, improveraent in Agriculture, increase of population,
competition in labour, encouragement and development of industry, and
augmented production. The Acts and the systera of this Session have laid
the foundation of much improvement to the country, on solid grounds; and
seeds which should blossom hereafter, are planted in the fertile soil; but
whether the superstructure is to be raised, or those seeds are to spring, depends
not on those who have laboured on the foundation, or who have provided the
means that raay quicken the process. Whether the Savings' Bank Bill, or this
most admirable Institution are to be effectual in doing good, depends upon the
degree of Public Spirit with which our exertions here, raay be supported and
extended in the Country generally. All Public Institutions live only by
Public Spirit, in any Country; but this is particularly the case in young

110 fisher's history of NEW BRUNSWICK.
Countries where raan owes to fellow raan a greater contribution of his concern
and of his aid. Look at the progress of an individual case. When a Settler
goes, singly, to encounter the difficulties and the labour of a solitary Location
in an unsettled District, and with the sweat of his own brow to shelter his
family, and to clear space to receive the seeds which are to yield his immediate
subsistence, we all know what fortitude, power and time are required to
accomplish such beginnings. But should he undertake his enterprize on a
site near to where former Settlers have experienced such difficulties, the recent
sense brings to his aid the little coraraunity, to labour for him; and by the
exertions of that Public he is speedily established in a way, that he might
never have accomplished by his own solitary powers. This is Public Spirit.
So may it be with the Edifices we are now raising ! They are, in sorae respects,
partially, and in others wholly, new Settlers, in this Country; and they are well
deserving of public exertion to complete the useful fabric. We are here
entirely dependent upon public spirit. — What can these systems do without
it? They would languish from this day, and might expire even in their cradle.
This I do trust will never happen. I know not how long I raay be the witness
of their progress; but sure I am that the intensity of interest which I feel in
this Province, and which I have imbibed paternally, for the success of these
Institutions which I have been instrumental in bringing forward, will always
be felt with such solicitude as shall give me pleasure in their success; but which
from that very interest, will suggest reproach, if (which cannot be) they should
fail frora want of public exertion. But remember that tirae, labour in arrange
ment and management, must be contributed gratuitously, for the Chief offices
of these Institutions. I am confident that those sacrifices will be cheerfully
tendered by the public spirit of the Country in a way that shall produce advan
tage to it, and reflect everlasting credit, honor and substantial enjoyment upon
the patriotic persons who may offer their aid. — It cannot fail to do so; for the
man who feels the real irapulses of public spirit is usually the happiest, because
he is the best of Beings. Public spirit contains in it every laudable passion,
and every fine affection. — It comprehends our duties towards our parents, to
our kindred, to our friends, to our neighbours, to our fellow man in every
degree, and to every thing dear to mankind in the public Institutions formed
of them. Public spirit is the highest of virtues, and affords the highest degree
of satisfaction. Steadfast in good purpose; fidelity in trust; irapartial to all;
a passion to promote universal good, with personal labour, pains, and the
sacrifice of every selfish feeling; to endeavour to maintain Society in peace,
tranquillity, plenty and security. It is, in short, as I feel it, one man's care
for the many: and, as you I ara persuaded feel it, the concern of every man
for the good of all. This sentiment binds us together in the pursuit of public
advantage to a co-operation from which I am convinced none will shrink in
any difficulty which these Institutions raay have to encounter; and onward
let us go with a determination that when we meet again in this place, we may
receive, and record, reports which shall prove that our schemes have prospered.
I have now the pleasure to announce that from the Funds which His
Majesty's Secretary of State has put at my disposal from the King's Casual
Revenue, I shall appropriate £25 to each of the County Societies for the
present year subject to the regulations and conditions already established;
and I will not fail to intercede for a continuance of this Royal Bounty, if I can
report success in our labours.

fisher's HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. Ill

APPENDIX No. II.

Extracts relating to the early transactions in Nova-Scotia and
New-Brunswick , copied verbatim from papers compiled by a
gentlemen who intended to publish an account of New-Bruns
wick; but was from unexpected circumstances obliged to
relinquish the design.

Nc

Province of the Massachusetts Bav.

(OTICE is hereby given, that it hath been determined that a squadron of
His Majesty's ships and divers regiments of foot should winter in Nova-Scotia,
which will require large supplies of fresh provisions to be sent thither from
time to time, not only for the support of the sick in the hospitals, but for the
refreshment of those that are well; — and that His Excellency Governor
Lawrence hath given assurance, that the coasters and others trading in refresh
ments of that sort, shall not only be protected by the Admiral from pressing,
but shall receive, both frora His Excellency and the Admiral, all manner of
countenance and regard. A. Oliver, Sec.
Province of the Mas-

, Boston, October 31, 1758.
sachusetts Bay.
The following proclamation being published in Nova-Scotia and trans
mitted to this government, was read in Council, and ordered to be published
in this Province. ^^^^ ^^^^^^ ^ S^^
By His Excellency Charles Lawrence, Captain-General and Commander-
in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of Nova-Scotia, or Acadia,
in America, Vice-Admiral of the same, &c., &c., &c.

Wl

A Proclamation.

HEREAS by the late success of His Majesty's arras in the reduction of
Cape Breton and its dependencies, and also by the deraolition and entire
destruction of Gaspe, Miraraichi, and of Saint Lawrence, and on Saint John's
river in the Bay of Fundy, the eneray, who have formerly disturbed and
harassed the Province of Nova-Scotia, and much obstructed its progress, have
been compelled to retire and take refuge in Canada ; a favorable opportunity
now presents itself for the peopling and cultivating, as well the lands vacated
by the French, as every other part of that valuable Province:
I have therefore thought fit, with the advice of His Majesty's Council, to
issue this proclamation, declaring that I shall be ready to receive any proposals

112 fisher's HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.
that may hereafter be made to me, for effectually settling the said vacated, or
any other lands within the Province aforesaid: a description whereof, and of
the advantages arising from their peculiar nature and situation, I have ordered
to be published with this proclamation.
Given in the Council Chamber at HaUfax, this 12th day of October, 1758,
and in the thirty-second year of His Majesty's Reign.
By His Excellency's command, J
with the advice of His Ma- [ Charles Lawrence.
jesty's Council. J
God Save the King!
A description of the lands ordered to be published pursuant
to the foregoing proclamation, which consist of more than one
hundred thousand acres of land, interval and plow lands, pro
ducing wheat, rye, barley, oats, hemp, flax, &c. These have
been cultivated for more than a hundred years past, and never
fail of crops, nor need manuring.
Also, more than one hundred thousand acres of upland,
cleared and stocked with English grass, planted with orchards,
gardens, &c. These lands, with good husbandry, produce often
two loads of hay per acre. The wild and unimproved lands
adjoining abound with black birch, ash, oak, pine, fir, &c.
All these lands are so intermixed that every single farmer
may have a proportionable quantity of plow land, grass land,
and wood land, and are all situated about the Bay of Fundy,
upon rivers navigable for ships of burden.
Proposals will be received by Mr. Hancock of Boston, and
by Messrs. Delancie & Watts of New- York, to be transmitted
to the Governor, or President of the Council at Halifax.
(Copy.)
His Majesty's confirmation of the plan for settling the Province of Nova-
Scotia.
At the Court of St. James's, the 16th day of February, 1760,
(Seal) (Present)
The King's Most Excellent Majesty,
Lord Keeper, Earl Gower,
Lord President, Viscount Barrington,
Lord Steward, Lord Deleware,
Earl of Hyndford, Mr. Vice Chamberlain.

Wl

HEREAS there was this day read to the Board, a representation from the
Lords Comraissioners of Trade and Plantations, dated the 30th of December
last, containing an account of the proceedings of the Governor in Council of

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 113
Nova-Scotia, with regard to the settling of the lands evacuated by the removal
of the French inhabitants from that Province, as well as other tracts of land
in the wild and uncleared part of that country, and also with regard to the
terms and conditions upon which the said Governor and Council have agreed
to make grants of the said lands: and the said Lords Commissioners being of
opinion, that the plan so laid down by the said Governor and Council, will be
a means of the speedy settling the vacant lands in that Province, and therefore
proper to receive His Majesty's approbation : His Majesty has this day took
the said representation into consideration, and is hereby pleased, with the
advice of his Privy Council, to declare his royal approbation of the said plan
of the said Governor and Council, for the speedy settling the vacant lands in
that Province: and also of the terms and conditions agreed upon for that
purpose, and doth therefore order that the Governor or Commander-in-Chief
of his Province of Nova-Scotia for the time being, do carry the sarae into
execution. (Signed) W. Sharpe.
Extract oj a Letter jrom His Excellency Governor Lawrence, to the Agent jor the
Province oj Nova-Scotia, at Boston, dated S4th June, 1760.
"I am ready to receive farther proposals, in consequence of His Majesty's
approbation of our measures, from any person or persons who will offer them
selves to become settlers in this Province; and that all due encouragement
shall be given them to the utmost limits of the authority with which His
Majesty has been pleased to invest the Governor and Council of this Province.
— Nota Bene. Proposals left with Mr. Hancock, will be transmitted to the
Governor at Halifax.
" Captain Bragdon informs us, that Captain Fisher in a sloop from Annapo
lis Royal, bound to Fort Cumberland, was cast away in the Bay of Fundy, on
board of which was Lieutenant Tonge, an Engineer, with a considerable sura
of money, which was lost, together with the lives of two or three persons on
board. Friday last arrived here the Province ship King George, Captain
Hallowell, frora Louisburg and a cruize. Frora Louisburg, we learn that the
armed vessels lately sent out thence, had been at Pictou, and burnt five or six
vessels which the enemy took from us last year, and brought off some plunder;
and that the Indians frora Saint John, who brought the account of the five
French men of war being in the Bay of Chaleur, also informed that they had
landed four hundred men, in order to attack Fort Cumberland.
"Arrived here, Colonel Arthithnot, who coramanded at Fort Frederick, in
Saint John's River, the year past; also several other officers and a nuraber of
soldiers belonging to this Province, who have garrisoned His Majesty's forts
up the Bay of Fundy, and now discharged, arrived here, being relieved by a
number of soldiers lately enlisted in this Province, for that service. We hear
that the Indians behave well, and still continue to come into the forts at
Nova-Scotia, and carry on trade very peaceably."
Extract oj a Letter jrom Colonel Fry, to His Excellency the Governor, dated Fort
Cumberland, Chignecto, March 7, 1760.
Sir. — I informed your Excellency in ray last of 10th Deceraber, of the
submission of the French peasants residing at Miramichi, Richibucto, Buck
touche, Peticodiac, and Memraracook, raade by their deputies sent here for

114 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
that purpose. On the 30th of January last, Mr. Manack, a French Priest,
who has had the charge of the people at Miraraichi, Richibucto, and Buck
touche, and a number of the principal men of those places, arrived here, when
they received their subraission in a formal manner, by subscribing to articles
(drawn suitable to the case,) whereby among other things, they have obliged
theraselves and people the^' represent, to come to Bay Verte with all their
effects and shipping as early in the spring as possible, in order to be disposed
of as Governor Lawrence shall direct. With the French Priest, came two
Indian Chiefs, Paul Lawrence and Augustin Michael; Lawrence tells me he
was a prisoner in Boston, and lived with Mr. Henshaw, a blacksmith; he is
Chief of a tribe at Richibucto. I have received their submissions, for them
selves and for their tribes, to His Britannic Majesty, and sent them to Halifax
for the terms by Governor Lawrence. I have likewise received the submission
of two other Chiefs, who I dealt with as before raentioned, and was in hopes I
had no more treaties to make with savages; but he told me I was mistaken for
there would be a great many raore upon the same business, as soon as
their spring hunting was over: and upon my enquiring how raany, he
gave a list of fourteen Chiefs, including those already mentioned, (copy of
which I have inclosed) most of which he said would come. I was surprised to
hear of such a nuraber of Indian Chiefs in this part of America, and Mr.
Manack further told me that they were all of one nation, and known by the
name of Mickmacks; that they were very numerous, amounting to near three
thousand souls; that he had learned their language since he had been among
them, and found so much excellence in it, that he was well persuaded if the
beauties of it were known in Europe, there would be seminaries erected for the
propagation of it. How that might be, is better known to him than to those
who know nothing of the language; but I think I raay venture to say, that if
there be so many of these Indians, as he says there are, I know this Province,
as it abounds very plentifully with furs, may reap a vast advantage by them,
provided Canada returns not into the hands of the French.
"About the time that Mr. Manack arrived here, there came in eight men,
one of whom was a New-England man, one Irishman, and the rest Italians ahd
Spaniards; who inforraed rae they deserted from a French frigate that lay
froze in at the head of Gaspe harbour. The two former belonged to a vessel
comraanded by Captain Malcom, of Boston, who was taken by the above
frigate, as she was returning frora Quebec, where she had been on a trading
voyage. Naraes of the Indian Chiefs inhabiting the coast of Acadia:
Louis Frances, Chief of Miramichi.
Denis Winemowet, do. Tabogirakik,
Etienne Abchabo, do. Pohomoosh,
Claud Atanaze, do. Gediack,
Paul Lawrence, do. La Have,
Joseph Algimoure, do. Chignectou,
John Newit, do. Pictou,
Baptist La Morue, do. Isle of St. John's,
Reni, do. Nalkitgoniash,
Jeannot Piguidawelwet, do. Keshpugowitk,
Batelemy Aungualett, do. Minas,
Augustin Michael, do. Richibucto.

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 115

A NARRATIVE.
Of the proceedings of the first settlers at the River St. John, under
the authority of the Government of Nova-Scotia.

In the year 1761, a number of persons from the county of
Essex, province of Massachusetts, presented a petition through
their agent to the Government of Nova-Scotia, for a grant of
a Township of twelve miles square at the river Saint John,
they received a favorable answer and obtained full authority
to survey a tract of that dimension wherever it might be found
fit for improvement. In consequence many of the applicants,
proceeded in the course of the winter and spring following to
prepare for exploring the Country, and to survey such Town
ship: they provided a vessel for that purpose, and on the 16th
May, 1762, embarked at Newburyport and arrived in three
days at the harbour Saint John (the 19th :) The party amounted
to near twenty men, exclusive of two families, who took passage
in the same vessel, one of whom shipped a small frame for a
dwelling, and boards to cover it, with a small stock of cattle;
the frame and stock was landed the day of their arrival; on
the third day the house was finished and inhabited.
The exploring and surveying party then proceeded to view
the lands round the harbour and bay of Saint John in a whale
boat, they brought with them: for they could not travel on the
land, on account of the multitude of fallen trees that had been
torn up by the roots in a violent gale of wind, nearly four years
previous. (The same gale extended as far up the river as the
Oromocto, and most of the Country below that place, was
equally incumbered with the fallen trees.) — After making all
the discoveries that could be made near the harbour, it was the
unanimous opinion that all the lands near that part of the
Country, were unfit for making any settlements at that time,
and in about ten days from their first arrival, they set out to
view the country as far as Saint Anns, ninety miles up the river,
where they expected to find an extensive body of clear land

116 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
that had been formerly improved by the French inhabitants.
On their way to that place they landed wherever they saw any
appearance of improvement: all such small spots, as far up as
Milk Creek, were supposed not to exceed one hundred acres,
most of which had been very roughly cleared. — On the arrival
of the exploring party at Saint Anns, they lost no time in making
a shelter for themselves, nearly opposite the river Nashwouk,
(as it was then pronounced by the Indians,) but since, with
some variation, as there is in the original names of divers other
rivers, lakes, and names by which the tribes were distinguished,
— and they commenced their survey at the small gravelly
point against Government-House, with an intention to survey
a Township, to terminate twelve miles below that place, and
after surveying the courses of the river about four miles down
ward, a large company of Indians came down about nine miles
from their Priest's residence, with his Interpreter: all having
painted faces of divers colours and figures, and dressed in their
war habits. The chiefs, with grave countenances, informed
the adventurers that they were trespassers on their rights:
that the Country belonged to them, and unless they retired
immediately, they, (the Indians), would compel them. This
gave no small alarm to a few men in the heart of an Indian
Country, most of whom had never beheld a wild Indian, but
had. all their lives heard of their savage cruelties and murders.
The reply made to the Chiefs was to this effect ; that the adven
turers had received authority from the Governor of Halifax to
survey and settle any land they should chuse, at the river Saint
John — that they had never been informed of the Indians
claiming the village of Saint Anns; but as they then declared
the lartd there, to be their property, though it had been inhabited
by the French who were considered entitled to it, till its capture
by the English, they would retire further down the river. — In
answer to this the Chiefs suggested that the whole country
belonged to the Indians, they had some time ago, had a con
ference with Governor Lawrence, and had consented that the
English should settle the country up as far as the Grimross:
from this acknowledgment of the Chiefs, the adventurers were
a little relieved from the shock they received at first, and said,
they were unwilling to dispute, and would in a few days, remove
their camps towards Grimross. This answer did not appear
fully to satisfy the Indians, yet they made no reply. The sur-

fisher's HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 117
veying party i-emoved their camp, according to their promise
almost as far down as the lower end of the Oromocto Island on
the east side of the river, whence they finished the survey,
twelve miles below the first mentioned bounds: and returned
to Fort Frederick, 20, 8, 15, where there was a vessel bound
direct to Halifax, and took passage in her, with an account of
all their discoveries, and surveys, and with a plan of their
Township, they had laid out into lots: but they were so unfor
tunate as to arrive at that place just at that time accounts were
received, that the French had sent out a large fleet and a body
of land forces, and had taken Saint Johns, Newfoundland, and
were almost hourly expected to attack Halifax, where at that
time was only one man of war, the Northumberland, and very
few troops. The militia called out; public offices shut, and
nothing to be seen but bustle and preparation for the defence of
the town, that being the situation of Government, the agents
and surveyors, for the adventurers were obliged to return with
out giving any account of their proceedings, or obtaining any
confirmation of their former order for surveying a township, or
any instructions to govern their conduct in carrying on the
intended settlements. This disappointment was, in the autumn
of the same year, followed by one still greater. Commissioners
were sent to Fort Frederick, to inform the former applicants for
grants of lands, that the space they had surveyed would not be
granted to them. On receiving this distressing information
they sent a petition to the King, stating the expence they had
been at, in full confidence, that all the promises and encourage
ments, they had received from Government, would be con
firmed. This petition was sent under cover addressed to the
then agent for the Province, most earnestly soliciting his influ
ence in obtaining a speedy answer for their petition. He took
a lively interest in their cause, and in a short time, obtained an
order to the Governor to grant all such shares in the tract they
had laid out, as should from time to time be settled; and the
same gentleman advanced a considerable sum for the proprie
tors, to defray the expence of obtaining such order, and the
proprietors, as a mark of their gratitude, and esteem of their
patron, gave their town his name, with a small addition to it,
and grants were made to all the resident proprietors, in or about
the year 1765. The Indians had remained peaceable from
1762 to 1765: in this year they assembled together, and gave

118 fisher's HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.
threats of immediately commencing a new war against the
English ; and the inhabitants of all the frontiers of the Province
were greatly alarmed, and the commander of Fort Frederick
doubled his sentries on the occasion. The pretexts of the
Indians were well known to be mostly false and frivolous, and
the commandant and inhabitants residing near the garrison,
took great pains to persuade the Chiefs to lay their complaints
before the Governor, at Halifax, before they engaged in a war
that would eventually prove ruinous to themselves, which
might be prevented by their stating to Government all the
grounds of the injuries they complained of: after little consider
ation they agreed to the proposal, and soon after set out for
Halifax, accompanied by one of the inhabitants. Their busi
ness on their first arrival, was, without loss of time, made known
to the Governor, who appointed a time and place to give the
Chiefs a hearing of their complaints. They on examination,
could not in any degree, support their heaviest charges, and in
the end, they admitted they had been misinformed. So that
the result of their complaints, amounted to nothing more than
that the inhabitants had frequently killed some Beavers, Moose,
and other animals, but not far from their houses, which the
Chiefs alleged was their exclusive property; and that it was of
the condition of a former treaty that the English settlers should
not be allowed to kill any wild game in any part of the wilder
ness, beyond the limits of their farms and improvements. The
Governor informed them in his answer, that all treaties before
that time, should be strictly observed, and that if the inhabitants
had in any instance, done anything contrary to such treaties,
they should be severely reprimanded and restrained from con
tinuing such practices. The Chiefs replied, that it might be
out of their power to pacify their young men, unless the damage
before done to them should be paid. This brought on an inquiry
of the Chiefs, what the alleged damage amounted to. In their
answer they highly overrated as the inhabitants made it clearly
appear, from their statement of the number of animals that had
been killed. The Chiefs finding themselves detected in having
alarmed the country without reason and of having thereby put
them in distressing fear and to great expence, appeared ashamed
of their conduct, and could only repeat that the Indians of their
tribe would insist on being paid the damages for the loss of their
wild animals. After a full hearing a final answer was given

FISHER S HISTORY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 119
them; as follows. — That although the grievances that they
had stated were by no means sufficient to justify their hostile
proceedings; yet to do them ample justice, he would order to
be sent them a certain amount in clothing and provisions (amount
not remembered) provided they would consider it full satisfaction
for the injuries done by the settlers, and send orders to restrain
them from hunting wild animals in the woods. The Chiefs
accepted that offer, and the Indians remained peaceable, till the
commencement of the revolt of the thirteen Colonies, when they
were called upon to aid in defence of the Province, or at least to
remain neuter. They promised to do either one or the other;
for which purpose Government gave them large presents in
necessary supplies for their families. They were at the same
time, equally solicited by the Americans; and as large or larger
presents made by them; and they continued to live mostly at
the expence of the two parties during that war. In 1779 the
Indians again assembled, and threatened to make war against
the English; and went down in as great a body as they could
collect, to near Fort Howe, where they were met by a messenger
from the Commandant, and a Deputy Agent for Indian affairs,
who appeased the Indians, with a promise of presents (commonly
so called) , which they accepted and the purchase of a continuance
of peace; and they returned to their head-quarters at Opage.
This was the last threat of an Indian war.
Notes. — Notwithstanding all the obstacles and discouragements before
noticed, the nuraber of families at the river Saint John, including a few settlers
on the Islands in Passamaquoddy Bay, araounted to between one hundred and
one hundred and fifty families prior to the year 1783.
Memo. — The French Priest who had been forty years employed by France,
as a Missionary to the Indians, was ordered to leave the province in 1763,
being suspected of influencing and instructing the Indians to make extravagant
demands on Government as coramissions of their remaining peaceable, at the
same time all the French families, then in scattered settlements on the north
¦Side of the bay were ordered to leave the Province. They all obeyed the
mandate: but in a few years, many returned, one after another, and became
quiet subjects.

120 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.

REMARKS.
On the state of that part of ancient Nova-Scotia lying north of the
Bay of Fundy, now in the Province of New -Brunswick, prior
to the year 1764.
1 HE French Government in defiance of former treaties con
tinued to erect forts around the harbour of Saint John, and to
send troops for the defence of this part of the country (consider
ing it theirs) and to employ the natives to harass and murder
the settlers in the district of Maine, thus for many years pre
venting the settlement of that part of the British dominions as
far west as that district or province extended; and the French
more recently built a Fort and named it Beau-Sejour, at the
head of the bay: from which place they suppHed with arms,
&c. the tribes of Indians who inhabited the coasts on the Gulph
of Saint Lawrence and the rivers that fall into the same. The
Indians were also employed to check and prevent the settle
ments of the Country called Minas, Cobequis and other parts
of the Province on the Peninsula of Acadia or Hahfax. To
prevent the continuance of such depredations, the British Gov
ernment sent an expedition in 1754, to take possession of this
fort, which was not obtained till after an obstinate resistance
from the French, who for some years after it was reduced, con
tinued to fortify their settlements on the banks of the river St.
John, at Passamaquoddy, and to employ the natives in the
service, to prevent the English from extending their settlements
eastward of the river Kennebeck and the inhabitants were con
tinually harassed, and often murdered by savages frequently
sent by the French for that purpose at Kennebeck and many
miles westward for a long course of time. In the year 1758, an
expedition was sent from Halifax or Boston to reduce the only
remaining French forts of any considerable strength, north of
the Bay of Fundy; situated on the west side of the river, below
the falls, within the present limits of the city Saint John. But
the French commander, having received notice of this expedi
tion some time before its arrival, removed all the light stores
further up the river, sunk all his heavy guns as reported by

fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK. 121
Frenchmen who were present and demolished the fort. He
first made his retreat only about four leagues above the falls,
where he had previously erected works, surrounded by a thick
wood, in order to be covered by Indian soldiers, who will never
fight on open ground, nor suffer themselves to be driven within
the walls of a garrison by a beseiging force. The French soon
after retired to Saint Anns, and not long afterwards to Canada.
The demolished fort was rebuilt on the ground of the old one,
and garrisoned the winter following, by a body of provincial
troops, and a company of Rangers, sent from Louisburgh.
The same company of Rangers as a scouting party, in March
1759, marched up the river on the ice as far as Saint Anns. The
few inhabitants below that village had either fled before this
party appeared, to St. Anns, or into the woods, and no prisoner
was taken to give information concerning the situation or
strength of the enemy, yet they continued a forced march as
far up as Saint Anns, where they found the village deserted.
They set fire to every building in it, and returned with great
precipitation to the Fort Frederick, expecting to be pursued
by the enemy. This company was early this spring ordered
to join the expedition against Quebeck, the Fort was garrisoned
with a company or more of provincials till the next or second
year: when they were relieved by a company of one of the high
land Regiments. The Fort afterwards continued to be garris
oned by a company of some British Regiments, under different
Commandants until 1770, when the British troops were embarked
from every post in the Province, on account of some disorders
that had recently been committed in Boston : the Barracks and
Stores were by order of Government placed under the care of
one of the inhabitants residing near the several Forts, specially
authorized by Government for that service. In 1774, a corporal
and six privates were sent to reside in the Barracks of Fort
Frederick. In May 1775, a brig was sent from Boston, to procure fresh
provisions for the British army then in that town, from the
settlement of the river Saint John. The same vessel was laden
with stock, poultry, and sundry other articles most brought
from Maugerville in small vessels and gondolas: all which had
been put on board within about fifteen days after the brig had
arrived. While she was waiting for a fair wind and clear weather,
an armed sloop of four guns and full of men, from Machias, came

122 fisher's history of new BRUNSWICK.
into the harbour, took possession of the brig, and two days after,
carried her off to Machias; but the first night after her arrival,
the enemy made the small party in the Fort prisoners, plun
dered them of every thing in it, and set fire to all the Barracks:
but at that time they did not molest any of the inhabitants, on
the opposite side of the river. Early next spring an armed
brig from Machias entered the harbour after having taken a
vessel from the West-Indies, belonging to Portland, which they
immediately sent to Boston. The two armed vessels continued
more than a week in the harbour and sent an officer with a boat
full of men to Maugerville: They did no material injury to the
settlers. In 1776 and 1777 large parties of armed men came
into the river Saint John, in whale boats from Machias and
passed through the falls in their boats, and took possession of
several empty buildings on the. west shore of the river against
the present settlements called the Indian House, and occupied
them for Barracks, whence they came over every day to Port
land shore, and marched along the tongue of land, between the
harbour and the water above the falls ; in order to capture any
vessels that might enter the river and to prevent the landing
of marines, or seamen from any British ship. In 1777, the
Vulture sloop of war, was stationed in the Bay, between Anna
polis and Saint John for the protection of these places, and to
prevent the enemy from venturing further up the Bay to plunder
the Towns of Horton, Cornwallis and other settlements at the
water side in different places, but it was soon found that these
towns could not be secured from depredations, as the enemy
would pass by all large ships of war in the night and in fogs.
Early in the summer of 1777 the Vulture came into the har
bour of Saint John while the Machias party were at their Head-
Quarters, above the falls.

123

SOME NOTES REGARDING
PETER FISHER
The First Historian of New Brunswick.
By Rev. W. O. Raymond, LL.D.
Peter Fisher's claim to be the first of our historians rests upon
two Httle books, both printed by a well known publishing firm
in Market Square, in the City of St. John, in the early years of
the last century. The first of these books appeared in 1825.
It comprises 110 pages, written in excellent literary style and,
considering Mr. Fisher's limited sources of information, is
remarkably accurate. In the preface he observes: "This
work, however imperfect, must be useful, as giving the first
general outline of the Province, and interesting to every person
who possesses a feeling for his own fireside."
The other book, "Notitia of New Brunswick," comprises
136 pages, and was printed in 1838. In the advertisement at
the beginning, the author states that "circumstances have com
pelled him to relinquish in part his original plan, and to contract
the scope of the publication, since the times do not warrant any
great outlay on works of this description."
The two books are really pamphlets in yellow paper covers,
and are now so rare as to be much sought for by collectors of
"Canadiana." Both books are written under the nom de plume
of "An Inhabitant," and the motto that follows is the same in
each, namely: —
"Whatever concerns my country, interests me; I follow
nature, with truth my guide."
Before proceeding to consider the personality of our first
historian and to speak further of his writings, it will be of interest
to speak of his antecedents. His father, Lewis Fisher, served in
the war of the American Revolution, on the side of the crown, in
the New Jersey Volunteers, a brigade commanded by Brigadier
General Cortlandt Skinner, the last Royal Attorney-General of
New Jersey. The corps was sometimes known as "Skinner's

124 THE FIRST HISTORIAN OF NEW BRUNSWICK
Greens." It was numerically the largest organization of British
Americans in Howe's army. Officers and men were mostly
natives of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. One of
the original six battalions was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel
Abraham Van Buskirk and it contained a large Dutch element.
Among the officers were Major Van Cortlandt, Captains William
Van Allen, Peter Ruttan, Samuel Ryerson, Jacob Van Buskirk
and Waldron Blaan; Lieutenants Martin Ryerson, John Van
Norden, John Heslop, John Simonson and Joost (or Justus)
Earle; Ensigns Colin McVean, Xenophon Jouett, Malcolm
Wilmot, William Sorrell and Frederick Handroff.
Among the men in the ranks — many of whom came to New
Brunswick and settled near Fredericton — we find such names
as VanHorne, Vanderbeck, Ackerman, Fisher, Burkstaff, Swim,
Ridner, VanWoert, Woolley, etc. By the settlement of so many
men of this corps in New Brunswick, the same thrifty "Knicker
bocker" element that figured in the development of New York,
New Jersey and Pennsylvania was planted in this province.
Lewis Fisher joined the New Jersey Volunteers on December
7, 1776. He was taken prisoner a few weeks later, together with
his brother Peter and fifteen others. After an absence of a year
and nine months he effected his escape and returned to his duty
on October 2, 1778. He was thenceforth stationed chiefly at
Staten Island, where his three oldest children — Eliza, Henry and
Peter — were born. When the war closed the New Jersey
Volunteers were quartered at Newtown, three miles east of
Brooklyn, on Long Island, N. Y.
In the earlier muster rolls we find Fisher's name entered as
Lodewick Fischer, but later he adopted the English form Lewis
Fisher. His wife, Mary, was probably of English parentage.
She was the mother of a very large family and a woman of reso
lute spirit, which she transmitted to her descendants.
The New Jersey Volunteers never numbered more than 1,500.
of all ranks. They, however, rendered essential service in New
Jersey and in the defence of Staten Island . One of the battalions
under Lieut.-Col. Isaac Allen, was conspicuous for its gallantry
in the campaigns in Georgia and South Carolina. At the close
of the war the original six battalions had been consolidated into
three, under command of Lieut.-Col. Stephen deLancey, Lieut.-
Col. Isaac Allen and Lieut.-Col. Abraham VanBuskirk.

THE FIRST HISTORIAN OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 125
The war may be said to have ended with the surrender of the
army under Lord Cornwallis, at Yorktown, on October 19, 1781,
and little attempt at recruiting was made subsequently; con
sequently the regiments continued to dwindle until, at the evac
uation of New York, two years later, they were not more than
one-third of their original strength. The New Jersey Volunteers,
a year after their arrival in New Brunswick, were mustered by
Thomas Knox, under the supervision of Col. Edward Winslow.
The return is dated at Fort Howe, September 25, 1784, and the
number of those then on their lands, and for whom the Royal
bounty of provisions was furnished , was as follows : —
Men Women Children Servants Total
Over 10 Under 10
1st New Jersey Vols  158 57 57 39 9 320
2nd " "  132 45 44 38 14 273
3rd " "  173 64 47 42 6 332
Total  463 166 148 119 29 925
The commander of the 3rd Battalion, Lieut.-Col. VanBuskirk,
did not come with his men to the River St. John but settled in
Shelburne, where he was the first mayor of the town. The troops
for St. John sailed in charge of Lieut.-Col. Richard Hewlett as
senior officer, with Lieut.-Col. Gabriel DeVeber second in com
mand. They left New York on September 15, 1783, and arrived
safely in St. John harbour on the 26th, with the exception of the
transports "Martha" and "Esther." The former was wrecked
near Yarmouth and more than half of her passengers were lost.
The "Esther," in which VanBuskirk's battalion had embarked,
got off her course in the fog and narrowly escaped destruction,
arriving a day or two behind her sister ships.
As Peter Fisher was born on Staten Island, on June 9, 1782,
he was a very young Loyalist indeed at the time of his arrival in
Blue-nose Land, being, in point of fact, less than sixteen months
old. Sir Guy Carleton's orders were that the several corps should
proceed at once to the places allotted for their settlement, direc
tions having been given to Captain John Colville, assistant agent
of all small craft at the St. John River, to afford every assistance
in his power to the corps in getting to their destinations. Three
days after their arrival the troops disembarked and encamped

126 THE FIRST HISTORIAN OF NEW BRUNSWICK
above the Falls, near the Indian House. Hewlett wrote Sir Guy
Carleton that he feared the want of small craft would greatly
delay their progress. He writes again on the 13th October, 1783,
that the troops had been disbanded and were getting up the
river as fast as the scarcity of small craft for conveying them
would admit.
I shall pause here to relate an incident, which will indicate
the source from which Peter Fisher derived the information he
gives us concerning the arrival of the Loyalists at St. Ann's and
their subsequent hardships.
About twenty-five years ago William, the youngest son of
Peter Fisher, read to me in his apartments in the old Park Hotel,
in St. John, a manuscript which contained the recollections ot
one of his sisters of her various conversations with her old grand
mother, Mary Fisher, concerning the coming to New Brunswick
and the subsequent experience of her family at St. Ann's. Mr.
Fisher did not entrust the manuscript to my hands but allowed
me to make full notes, and afterwards at my request re-read the
whole, in order that I might make sure of my facts. The story
which now follows is, of course, not quoted from the lips of the
first narrator, but is based upon the notes made by her grand
daughter in which are embodied the recollections of the conver
sations she had with her grandmother.
The Grandmother's Story.
We sailed from New York in the ship "Esther" with the fleet for Nova
Scotia. Some of our ships were bound for Halifax, some for Shelburne and
some for St. John's river. Our ship going the wrong track was nearly lost.
When we got to St. John we found the place all in confusion; some were living
in log houses, some building huts, and many of the soldiers living in their tents
^t the Lower Cove. Soon after we landed we joined a party bound up the
river in a schooner to St. Ann's. It was eight days before we got to Oromocto.
There the Captain put us ashore being unwilling on account of the lateness of
the season, or for sorae other reason, to go further. He charged us each four
dollars for the passage. We spent the night on shore and the next day the
woraen and children proceeded in Indian canoes to St. Ann's with sorae of the
party; the rest came on foot.
We reached our destination on the 8th day of October, tired out with our
long journey, and pitched our tents at the place now called Salamanca, near
the shore. The next day we explored for a place to encamp, for the winter
was near and we had no time to lose.

THE FIRST HISTORIAN OF NEW BRUNSWICK 127
The season was wet and cold, and we were much discouraged at the gloomy
prospect before us. Those who had arrived a little earlier had made better
preparations for the winter; some had built small log huts. This we could
not do because of the lateness of our arrival. Snow fell on the 2nd day of
November to the depth of six inches. We pitched our tents in the shelter of
the woods and tried to cover them with spruce boughs. We used stones for
fireplaces. Our tent had no floor but the ground. The winter was very cold,
with deep snow, which we tried to keep from drifting in by putting a large rug
at the door. The snow, which lay six feet around us, helped greatly in keeping
out the cold. How we lived through that awful winter I hardly know. There
were mothers, that had been reared in a pleasant country enjoying all the
comforts of life, with helpless children in their arms. They clasped their
infants to their bosoms and tried by the warmth of their own bodies to protect
them from the bitter cold. Sometiraes a part of the faraily had to remain up
during the night to keep the fires burning, so as to keep the rest from freezing.
Some destitute people made use of boards, which the older ones kept heating
before the fire and applied by turns to the sraaller children to keep them warm.
Many women and children, and some of the men, died from cold and
exposure. Graves were dug with axes and shovels near the spot where our
party had landed, and there in stormy winter weather our loved ones were
buried. We had no minister, so we had to bury thera without any religious
service, besides our own prayers. The first burial ground continued to be
used for some years until it was nearly filled. We called it "The Loyalist
Provincials Burial Ground."
The site of this old grave-yard, is on the Ketchum place at
Salamanca, just below Fredericton, near the shore. Some rude
headstones may perhaps yet be found there. The late Adolphus
G. Beckwith told me that he remembered when a boy to have
seen a number of pine "head -boards," much decayed, but still
standing in this old cemetery. The painted epitaphs, or inscrip
tions, were in some cases fairly well preserved. He remembered,
he said, that many of the names seemed to be German (or
Dutch), a statement which I hardly credited at the time, but
which is entirely in harmony with the old grandmother's story.
Continuing her narrative, she says:
Among those who came with us to St. Ann's, or who were there when we
arrived were Messrs. Swim, Burkstaff, McComesky, three naraed Ridner,
Wooley, Bass, Paine, Ryerse, Acker, Lownsberry, Ingraham, Buchanan,
Ackerman, Donley, Vanderbeck, Smith, Essington and sorae few others.
Here again the grandmother's story is confirmed by the
Muster Rolls of the New Jersey Volunteers, lately placed by our
Historical Society in the Dominion Archives at Ottawa for safe
keeping. Nearly all the names she mentions are to be found
there. In Captain Waldron Blaan's Company, we find John

128 THE FIRST HISTORIAN OF NEW BRUNSWICK.
Swim, Vincent Swim, Moses McComesky, David Burkstaff,
Frederick Burkstaff. In Col. VanBuskirk's Company we find
Abraham Vanderbeck, Conrad Ridner, Abraham Ackerman,
Morris Ackerman and Marmaduke Ackerman. In Captain
Edward Earle's Company, Lodewick Fisher, Peter Ridnor and
Peter Smith. In Captain Samuel Ryerson' s Company, Samuel
Buchanan. In Captain Jacob Buskirk's Company, James
Ackerman. Benjamin Ingraham, mentioned above, was a sergeant in the
King's American Regiment; he served in the Carolinas, where he
nearly died of yellow fever, and was severely wounded in the
battle of Camden. He arrived at St. Ann's in a row-boat in
October, 1783, and built a small log house in the woods into
which he moved on the 6th of November, at which time there
was six inches of snow on the ground.
The story now continues:
When the Loyalists arrived there were only three houses standing on the
old St. Ann's plain. Two of them were old frame houses, the other a log house
(which stood near the old Fisher place). There were said to have been two
bodies of peoplfe murdered here. It could not have been long before the
arrival of the Loyalists that this happened.
Many of the Loyalists who came in the spring had gone further up the
river, but they were little better off for provisions than we were at St. Ann's.
Supplies expected before the close of navigation did not come, and at one time
starvation stared us in the face. It was a dreary contrast to our former
conditions. Some of our raen had to go down the river with hand-sleds or
toboggans to get food for their famishing families. A full supply of provisions
was looked for in the Spring, but the people were betrayed by those they
depended upon to supply them. All the settlers were reduced to great straits
and had to live after the Indian fashion. A party of Loyalists who came
before us late in the spring, had gone up the river further, but they were no
better off than those at St. Ann's. The men caught fish and hunted moose
when they could. In the spring we made raaple sugar. We ate fiddle heads,
grapes and even the leaves of trees to allay the pangs of hunger. On one
occasion sorae poisonous weeds were eaten along with the fiddle heads; one
or two died, and Dr. Earle had all he could do to save ray life.
As soon as the snow was off the ground we began to build log houses, but
were obliged to desist for want of food. Your grandfather went up the river
to Captain McKay's for provisions, and found no one at home but an old
colored slave woman, who said her master and his man had gone out to see if
they could obtain some potatoes or meal, having in the house only half a box
of biscuits. Some of the people at St. Ann's, who had planted a few potatoes,
were obliged to dig thera up and eat them.
Again a few comments will show the reliability of the old
lady's narrative. The three houses she mentions on the site of

THE FIRST HISTORIAN OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 129
Fredericton were those of Benjamin Atherton, built about 1767^
at the upper end of the town, near the site of the old Govemment
House ; Philip Weade's, which stood on the river bank in front of
the Cathedral, and Olivier Thibodeau's, an Acadian, whose log
house was at the lower end of town. The tradition regarding
the massacre of some of the first settlers at St. Ann's refers doubt
less to the destruction of the French settlement there by Mc-
Curdy's New England Rangers in February, 1759, as is described
at page 242 in Dr. Raymond's "St. John River History." The
party of Loyalists, who had gone further up the river in the late
Spring of 1783, were the King's American Dragoons, who settled
in Prince William. Resuming once more the narrative, the
grandmother says:
In our distress we were gladdened by the discovery of some large patches
of pure white beans, marked with a black cross. They had probably been
originally planted by the French, but were now growing wild. In our joy at
the discovery we called thera at first the "Royal Provincials' bread," but
afterwards "The staff of life and hope of the starving." I planted sorae of
these beans with my own hands, and the seed was preserved in our family for
many years. There was great rejoicing when the first schooner arrived with
corn-meal and rye. In those days the best passages up and down the river
took from three to five days. Soraetiraes the schooners were a week or ten
days on the way. It was not during the first year alone that we suffered from
want of food, other years were nearly as bad.
The first suraraer after our arrival all hands united in building their log
houses. Dr. Earle's was the first that was finished. Our people had but few
tools and those of the rudest sort. They had neither bricks or lirae, and
chimneys and fireplaces were built of stone laid in yellow clay. They covered
the roofs of the houses with bark bound over with small poles. The windows
had only four sraall panes of glass.
The first store was kept by a man named Cairnes, who lived in an old house
on the bank of the river near the gate of the first Church built in Fredericton
[in front of the present Cathedral]. He used to sell fish at one penny each and
butternuts at two for a penny. He also sold tea at $2.00 per lb. which was to
us a great boon. We greatly missed our tea. Sometiraes we used an article
called Labrador, and sometiraes steeped spruce or heralock bark for drinking,
but I despised it.
There were no doraestic aniraals in our settlement at first except one black
and white cat, which was a great pet. Some wicked fellows, who came from
the States, killed, roasted and ate the cat, to our great indignation. A raan
named Conley owned the first cow. Poor Conley afterwards hanged himself,
the reason for which was never known.
For years there were no teams, and our people had to work hard to get
their provisions. Potatoes were planted araong the black stumps and turned
out well. Pigeons used to corae in great nurabers and were shot or caught by

130 THE FIRST HISTORIAN OF NEW BRUNSWICK
the score in nets. We found in their crops some small round beans, which we
planted; they grew very well and made excellent green beans, which we ate
during the summer. In the winter time our people had soraetimes to haul
their provisions by hand fifty or a hundred railes over the ice or through the
woods. In summer they came in slow sailing vessels. On one occasion Dr.
Earle and others went up the river to Canada on snowshoes with hand sleds,
returning with bags of flour and biscuits. It was a hard and dangerous
journey, and they were gone a long time.
For several years we lived in dread of the Indians, who were sometimes
very bold. I have heard that the Indians frora Canada once tried to murder
the people on the St. John River. Coming down the river they captured an
Indian woman of the St. John tribe, and the chief said they would spare her if
she would be their guide. They had eleven canoes in all, and they were tied
together and the canoe of the guide attached to the hindermost. As they
drew near the Grand P~alls, raost of the party were asleep; and the rest were
deceived by the woman, who told them that the roaring they heard was caused
by a fall at the mouth of the stream which here joined the main river. At
the critical moment the Indian woman cut the cord which fastened her canoe
to the others and escaped to the shore, while the Canada Indians went over
the fall and were lost.*
In the early days of the settlement at St. Ann's, some fellows that had
corae frora the States used to disturb the other settlers. They procured
liquor at Vanhorne's tavern and drank heavily. They lived in a log cabin
which soon becarae a resort for bad characters. They forraed a plot to go up
the river and plunder the settlers — provisions being their chief object. They
agreed that if any of their party were killed in the expedition they should
prevent discovery of their identity by putting hira into a hole cut in the ice.
While they were endeavoring to effect an entrance into a settler's house, a
shot, fired out of a window, wounded a young raan in the leg. The others
then desisted from their attempt, but cut a hole in the ice and thrust the poor
fellow in, who had been shot, although he begged to be allowed to die in the
woods, and promised, if found alive not to betray them, but they would not
trust him."
Here the story of the old grandmother comes abruptly to an
end. Enough, however, is preserved in these extracts to indi
cate the source of a good deal of the very valuable information
concerning the early experience of the Loyalists in the New
Brunswick wilderness, which appears in Mr. Fisher's "Sketches
of New Brunswick." Doubtless what he has related on this
topic in his little book is based upon what he learned from the
lips of his mother. To her care and devotion, in all human
probability, he owed his preservation during the first eventful
winter spent under canvas on the old St. Ann's plain.

*It is of interest to know that this legend was told by the Indians to the English settlers
shortly after their arrival. The name of the Indian heroine is given as Malobianah, or
Malabeam.

3i rfe>^^

THE FIRST HISTORIAN OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 131
Peter Fisher acquired a pretty good education, for those days.
hfac simile of his signature is here given, which shows that his
penmanship was excellent,
and compared more than fav
orably with that of his son
and name-sake, Lewis Peter
Fisher, who was for some
thirty odd years mayor of
Woodstock, and the leading
barrister of that place, and
whose signature is also here
given for comparison.
The advantages of education were not great in the elder Peter
Fisher's day, but he had a pretty competent instructor in an
English school master, Bealing Stephens Williams, who was born
in Cornwall in 1754, and came to Nova Scotia, a clerk in the navy
in 1779. He settled in Cumberland, N. S., where he taught
school and was married, removing to Fredericton in 1790, where
he again taught school for nearly forty years. He was an accom
plished penman and an expert in arithmetic and the elementary
mathematics. There can be no doubt, I think, that Fisher was
indebted to this gentleman for an education that was very fair
indeed, in the then circumstances of the country. Fisher unques
tionably possessed a good deal of natural ability, and was some
thing of a philosopher, as will appear when we come to consider
his writings. He carried on quite an extensive business in
lumbering at one time. He was noted as a tireless pedestrian
and there were few, even among his juniors, who could keep pace
with him in a walk of fifty miles, which he thought nothing of.
He married on August 15, 1807, Susanna Stephens Williams, the
Rev. George Pidgeon, rector of Fredericton, officiating at the
wedding. Their family was a large one, seven sons and four
daughters* The late Judge Charles Fisher, who was born
September 16, 1808, was the oldest. Another son, Henry Fisher,
was Chief Superintendent of Education of New Brunswick.
Lewis Peter Fisher, a younger son, was for years Woodstock's
most prominent citizen and a very eminent lawyer. Another
son, William Fisher, was for some years Indian Commissioner.

'I am pretty certain that Susanna Stephens Williams was a daughter of Bealing Stephens
Williams, the school master. — ^W. O. R.

132 THE FIRST HISTORIAN OF NEW BRUNSWICK
One of the daughters was the wife of Hon. Charles Connell,
Postmaster General, at one time in the local government, and a
member of the first Dominion Parliament for the County of
Carleton. At least three of the sons of Peter Fisher were actively
interested in education. Of these Charles Fisher received the
degree of B. A. at King's College, now the University of New
Brunswick, in 1830. His was the first class to graduate after the
incorporation of the college by Royal Charter, under the name
of King's College with the style and privileges of a University.
He read law with Judge Street, then Advocate General, was
admitted attorney in 1831 and barrister in 1833. He spent a
year at one of the Inns of Court in England. His Alma Mater
conferred on him the degree of D. C. L. in 1866. Judge Fisher
during his public life was a warm friend of the College at Freder
icton. At the session of the provincial legislature, in 1859, he
moved the bill under which the old King's College was trans
formed into the University of New Brunswick. He was later a
member of the Senate of the University.
Henry Fisher has already been mentioned as one of the early
Chief Superintendents of Education. His portrait may be seen
in the office of Dr. W. S. Carter, Chief Superintendent of Edu
cation, in Fredericton.
Lewis Peter Fisher, of Woodstock, was for years an active
Trustee of the Carleton County Grammar School, and a stren
uous advocate of Free School Education. He had no children.
By his will he left his large fortune to establish a number of
institutions of an educational and philanthropic character in
the town of Woodstock, the affairs of which he had long ably
administered as mayor. These institutions include:
The Fisher Memorial Hospital, established at a cost of  $50,000 00
Fisher Memorial Public School  60,000 00
Vocational School  48,000 00
Free Public Library  50,000 00
Total  $208,000 00
This is the largest individual benefaction to any community
in New Brunswick, if not in the Maritime Provinces. The
memorial buildings are all situated within the limits of the town
of Woodstock, and, with the exception of the hospital, are
handsome substantial brick buildings. In addition to the gift

THE FIRST HISTORIAN OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 133
of the buildings and their equipment, the estate contributes from
time to time to their maintenance, under the capable adminis
tration of the trustees, A. B. Connell, K. C, and Col. F. H. J.
Dibblee. It will thus be seen that although the late Mayor of
Woodstock left no child to perpetuate his name, his memory will
be kept green for future generations as a philanthropist and a
man of high ideals.
Space will not admit of any extended reference to the des
cendants of our first provincial historian. A short sketch of the
life of the Hon. Charles Fisher will be found in Lawrence's
"Judges of New Brunswick and their Times," pages 528-532.
As a man who in his day rendered essential service to his native
province, Charles Fisher deserves a more extensive biography
than has hitherto been attempted by any writer.

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