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| 1. | A Branch of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. | |
| 2. | The New-Brunswick Auxiliary Bible Society. | |
| 3. | Saint John Sunday School Union Society. | |
| Saint John Religious Tract Society. | ||
| 5. | Saint George's | } |
| 6. | Saint Patrick's Societies. | } Societies. |
| 7. | Saint Andrew's | } |
| 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 Aldermen, 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.
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 independent 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
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 forms 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 Hall, 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 Legislative 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
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 wing 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.
Fredericton contains a Printing Office and a Public Library, with the following public Institutions.
1. A Branch of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.
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 permanent 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,
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
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 improvements. 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 formed 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
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 temporal 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 importance in the event of a rupture with the United States. Considerable works were erected here during the last war, which are now much gone to decay. A few troops are, however, usually stationed 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.
CHAPTER V.
Topographical Description of the several Counties in the Province of New-Brunswick. Their Boundaries and Extent. Parishes. Rivers. Settlements, Produce, &c. Great Roads, &c.
Having, 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. Following 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 settlement 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
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
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 westward. 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 southwest 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 considerable 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 produce the most abundant crops. A district comprising ten miles
After the peace with America in 1814, a number of disbanded, men of the 8th, 98th, 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 comfortable 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 tallest 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 confined 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 temptation 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 accustomed, to a dissipated mode of living, 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 military post; Barracks, &c.
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 Episcopal 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 Penobscot
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 Queensbury, which is filled occasionally by the Rev. Mr. Somerville, President of the College of New-Brunswick, and itinerant Missionary 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 called the Poquihouk, which is an Indian name, signifying a dreadful place, and a dreadful place it certainly is. The water 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 impetuosity. 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 officers 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,
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 Nashwaack 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 confluence 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 Methodists and the other to the Baptists. They have no stated Ministers, but are visited occasionally. The road from Fredericton to Miramichi in the County of Northumberland leads through this settlement.
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
The Courts of Justice mere held here till 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 improving in appearance, and the settlers in general substantial landholders and good husbandman.
This is a delightful part of the Country for wheel carriages, the road being a continued 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.
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 Oromocto 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 parallel 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.
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, produces 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 light rich loam 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 conceived than the land from Maugerville to the Jemseg. The observations that were made about the road through Maugerville and Sheffield mill 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 communicating with the river Miramichi. This lake discharges its waters into the Saint John, by a narrow gut called Jemseg,
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 intervals 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 facilitates 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
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 Belisle, and is divided into the following Parishes—Westfield, Greenwich, Kingston, Springfield, Norton, Sussex, and Hampton. 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 comfort 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 little 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
The river Kennebeckasis intersects this county, and falls into the Saint John, near the Boar's Head. This is a considerable stream, and has several Islands scattered through its course. It is navigable upwards of twenty miles for vessels of any burthen, and sixty miles farther for small 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 considerable 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 quantities 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 occasionally.
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 line 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
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 however 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 himself, 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.
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.
Having 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.
The Parish of St. Andrews, besides the town of that name already described, 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 mills 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 herring fishery at the falls of the Schoodick.
St. Davids has likewise some good saw-mills. It also furnishes masts, and squared timber for shipping. The land in this Parish is of an excellent quality, and produces wheat, oats, Indian corn, 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 inhabitants are employed in the fishery along the shores. Great quantities
Grand-Manan is likewise a considerable place for fishing, Ship-building, &c. and is of considerable importance in a nautical point of view, as it lies near the entrance of the Bay of Fundy. It is fourteen miles long and seven miles broad. The Northernmost 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 importance, 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, Hillsborough, Hopewell, Moncton, Dorchester, Salisbury, and Botsford.
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 Chignecto, thirty-six feet; at Cape Enrage, forty feet; at Fort Cumberland, 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 building
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 worship 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 considerable 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. Dorchester has but little trade, and Chediac, is near the lines in Northumberland, although the river runs into this county and facilitates 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 line of Westmorland. The population of this county amounts to fifteen thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine.
This extensive county lies along the Gulph of Saint Lawrence having a great extent of sea-coast. It includes several
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 utility, 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.
The other sea-ports in this county are Saint Peters, Richibucto, 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
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 river. |
| From Fredericton to the Presque-Isle, | 84 | |
| FFrom 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 commencing. 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 advisible to explore the country some 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.
CHAPTER VI.
State of Learning. Trade. Revenue. Remarks on the Lumber Business. Population. Militia.
The 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 learning 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 counties which are liberally supported. By the bounty of the Legislature, 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 inhabitants, 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 thousand acres adjoining the town plot.
The Governor and Trustees of this College having surrendered 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
The most general seminary for the education of the bulk of the population is the Madras School. The Lieutenant-Governor 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 Province are on the Madras system of education, and under the direction 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 attendance | 197 | — total entered | 1222 |
| Carleton, | " | 96 | " | 143 |
| Fredericton, | " | 50 | " | 79 |
| Douglas, | " | 22 | " | 45 |
| Queensborough, | " | " | 45 | |
| St. Andrews, | " | 94 | " | 156 |
| Grand Manan,} Grand Harbour,} | " | 42 | " | 89 |
| 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 |
| Maugerville, middle district, | " | 39 | ||
| Fort Cumberland, | " | 49 | " | 105 |
| Point Debute, | " | 52 | " | 62 |
| Jolicure, | " | 32 | " | 50 |
| St. Georges, | " | 38 | " | 72 |
| Woodstock, middle district, | " | 36 | " | 135 |
| Upper District, | " | 35 | " | 76 |
| Dow's District, | " | 36 | ||
| Wakefield, middle district, | " | 21 | " | 90 |
| Lower district, | " | 21 | " | 86 |
| Northampton, | " | 35 | ||
| Military Settlement, | ||||
| No. 1, | " | 38 | " | 140 |
| No. 2, | " | 36 | " | 131 |
| No. 3, | " | 24 | " | 159 |
| No. 4, | " | 24 | " | 116 |
| Scotch Settlement, | " | 20 | " | 36 |
| In July, 1824 | 4,379 | |||
| Add the number in the College at Fredericton, as reported 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 present. 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 exportation 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
The amount of imports in 1824 was five hundred and fourteen thousand five hundred and fifty-seven pounds sterling, and the exports in the same year five hundred and twenty-six thousand 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 the quantity was | 266,450 | " |
| In 1824 the quantity was | 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.
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 district thereof, in the year 1824, with 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 | Coal, chaldrons | 3,703 |
| Bread, ditto | 1,088 | Oak and Locust Wood, M. feet | 62 |
| Corn, bushels | 37,917 | Onions, Seeds, Apples, &c. bbls. | 3,016 |
| Meal, barrels | 3,448 | Staves, M. | 45 |
| Rice, cwts. | 1,097 | Shingles, M. | 27 |
| Beef and Pork, barrels | 4,719 | Iron and Copper, tons | 2,154 |
| Sheep, number | 26 | Hides, number | 7,724 |
| Horses, ditto | 3 | Mahogany, Logwood, &c. tons | 192 |
| Peas and Beans, bushels | 1,145 | Bricks, M. | 21 |
| Wine, gallons | 14,772 | Stone Ware, pieces | 22,113 |
| Brandy and Gin, gallons | 29,682 | Cotton Wool, bales | 134 |
| Rum, gallons | 310,879 | Slates, M. | 95 |
| Molasses, gallons | 110,579 | Oats, bushels | 9,863 |
| Coffee, cwts. | 248 | Barley, bushels | 1,452 |
| Pimento, lbs. | 9,742 | Wheat, bushels | 5,418 |
| Sugar, cwt. | 2,988 | Tallow, hogsheads | 67 |
| Salt, tons | 4,673 | Wood Hoops, number | 2,400 |
| Naval Stores, barrels | 2,254 | Packages of British Merchandise, | |
| Tobacco, cwts. | 1,334 | including cotton, silk | |
| Tea, chests | 1,415 | and woollen Goods, Sail | |
| Cordage, coils | 9,406 | Cloth, Ironmongery, &c. | 24,686 |
Miramichi.
327 Vessels—94,601 Tons—4,274 Men.
| Wheat Flour, barrels | 17,285 | Naval Stores, barrels | 212 |
| Bread, barrels | 1,063 | Tobacco, cwts. | 727 |
| Corn, bushels | 17,262 | Tea, chests | 280 |
| Meal, barrels | 11,598 | Cordage, coils | 1,144 |
| Rice, cwt. | 160 | Coal, chaldrons | 1,063 |
| Beef and Pork, barrels | 6,016 | Onions, Seeds, Apples, | |
| Peas and Beans, barrels | 1,204 | Nuts, &c. barrels | 710 |
| Wine, gallons | 6,493 | Iron and Copper, tons | 125 |
| Brandy and Gin, gallons | 23,533 | Hides, number | 94 |
| Rum, gallons | 86,977 | Mahogany, Logwood, &c. tons | 42 |
| Molasses, gallons | 23,533 | Bricks, M. | 82 |
| Coffee, cwts. | 126 | Stone Ware, pieces | 60,300 |
| Pimento, lbs. | 224 | Slates, M. | 34 |
| Sugar, cwts. | 2,462 | Barley, bushels | 200 |
| Salt, tons | 410 | British Merchandise, packages | 3,600 |
Saint Peters.
33 Vessels—6,143 Tons—302 Men.
| Wheat Flour, barrels | 184 | Salt, tons | 250 |
| Bread, ditto | 34 | Naval Stores, barrels | 10 |
| Rice, cwt. | 16 | Tobacco, cwts. | 13 |
| Beef and Pork, barrels | 130 | Tea, chests | 4 |
| Wine, gallons | 61 | Cordage, coils | 67 |
| Brandy and Gin, gallons | 1,078 | Coal, chaldrons | 24 |
| Rum, gallons | 2,596 | Iron and Copper, tons | 35 |
| Molasses, gallons | 1,675 | British Merchandise, packages | 142 |
| Sugar, cwts. | 48 |
Richibucto.
86 Vessels—17,490 Tons—830 Men.
| Wheat Flour, barrels | 889 | Sugar, cwts. | 202 |
| Bread, ditto | 283 | Salt, tons | 680 |
| Meal, ditto | 631 | Naval Stores, barrels | 39 |
| Beef and Pork, barrels | 493 | Tobacco, cwts. | 29 |
| Peas and Beans, bushels | 135 | Tea, chests | 36 |
| Wine, gallons | 968 | Cordage, coils | 56 |
| Brandy and Gin, gallons | 3,581 | Coal, chaldrons | 125 |
| Rum, gallons | 10,821 | Iron and Copper, tons | 25 |
| Molasses, gallons | 5,967 | British Merchandise, packages | 1,322 |
| Coffee, cwts. | 15 |
Shediac.
19 Vessels—4,018 Tons—208 Men.
| Wheat Flour, barrels | 7 | Salt, tons | 180 |
| Bread, barrels | 60 | Naval Stores, barrels | 17 |
| Beef and Pork, barrels | 29 | Tobacco, cwt. | 11 |
| Brandy and Gin, gallons | 120 | Cordage, coils | 23 |
| Rum, gallons | 20 | Coal, chaldrons | 7 |
| Molasses, gallons | 105 | Iron and Copper, tons | 28 |
| Sugar, cwts. | 9 | British Merchandise, packages | 176 |
Restigouche.
13 Vessels—2,226 Tons—118 Men.
| Bread, barrels | 5 | Salt, tons | 50 |
| Beef and Pork, barrels | 7 | Naval Stores, barrels | 5 |
| Peas and Beans, bushels | 14 | Cordage, coils | 33 |
| Rum, gallons | 972 | Coal, chaldrons | 6 |
| Molasses, gallons | 1,010 | Iron and Copper, tons | 6 |
| Sugar, cwts | 3 | Stone Ware, pieces | 3,000 |
| Oats, bushels | 40 | 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 | Bread, barrels | 140 |
| Pine Board and Plank, M. feet | 11,534 | Rice, cwts. | 23 |
| Staves, M. | 1,923 | Rum, gallons | 45,870 |
| Shingles, M. | 491 | Molasses, do. | 525 |
| Masts and Spars | 1,918 | Pimento, lbs. | 5,442 |
| Oars and Oar Rafters | 2,103 | Sugar, cwts. | 166 |
| Handspikes, number | 595 | Naval Stores, barrels | 271 |
| Hogshead Shooks | 4,461 | Tobacco, cwts. | 371 |
| Lathwood, cords | 1,435 | Coal, tons | 749 |
| Dry Fish, quintals | 15,102 | Mahogany & Camwood, &c. tons | 17 |
| Pickled Fish, barrels | 9,868 | Apples, Onions, &c. barrels | 330 |
| Smoaked Herrings, boxes | 6,961 | Smoaked Salmon, number | 3,662 |
| Fish Oil, barrels | 168 | Ox Horns, hogsheads | 20 |
| Gypsum, tons | 5,183 | Old Copper, tons | 25 |
| Grindstones, number | 6,013 | Salt, tons | 245 |
| Salt Meat, barrels | 90 | Hogsheads of Furs | 15 |
| Potatoes, bushels | 710 | Corn Meal, barrels | 50 |
| Flour, barrels | 332 |
Miramichi.
331 Vessels—94,800 Tons—4,341 Men.
| Timber, tons | 141,384 | Dry Fish, quintals | 263 |
| Pine Boards and Plank, M. feet | 1,256 | Pickled Fish, barrels | 580 |
| Staves, M. | 304 | Smoked 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 | 155 |
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 | 184½ |
| 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 |
| Pine Boards and Plank, M. feet | 7 | Dry Fish, quintals | 2,000 |
| Masts and Spars | 47 | Pickled Fish, barrels | 403 |
| Handspikes, number | 32 | Fish Oil, barrels | 20 |
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 | 29½ |
| 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 proprietors in the United Kingdom, or sent there for sale, as remittances 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 5th January, 1825.
156 Vessels—29,687 Tons—1,406 Men.
| Rum, gallons | 104,259 | Canvas, bolts | 159 |
| Wines from Madeira, pipes | 36 | Cordage, coils | 831 |
| Ditto, Hogsheads | 46 | Made Sails, sets | 3 |
| Ditto, Quarter Casks | 38 | Soap and Candles, boxes | 323 |
| Ditto, Half Quarter Casks | 10 | Beer and Porter, barrels | 118 |
| Molasses, gallons | 26,768 | Nails and Wrought Iron, kegs | 198 |
| Gin and Brandy, gallons | 1,391 | Ship Chandlery, packages | 13 |
| Wine from Great-Britain, galls. | 1,476 | Beef and Pork, barrels | 57 |
| Brown Sugar, cwt. | 640 | Coals, chaldrons | 314 |
| Shrub, casks | 6 | Paint, kegs | 439 |
| Coffee, barrels and bags | 68 | Tea, chests | 47 |
| Tobacco, hogsheads | 4 | Chain Cables | 10 |
| Bricks, M. | 60 | Glass, boxes, &c. | 120 |
| Naval Stores, barrels | 327 | Pieces of Earthenware & Cast Iron | 873 |
| Oak Staves, M. | 120½ | Cotton Wool, bales | 22 |
| Wheat and Rye Flour, bbls. | 5,732 | Mahogany, logs | 11 |
| Biscuit, barrels | 727 | Green Hides | 305 |
| Rice, casks and bags | 43 | Linseed Oil, casks | 4 |
| Corn, Meal and Grain, bushels | 12,100 | Pimento, bags and casks | 8 |
| Peas & Beans & Rye Grain, bus. | 370 | Logwood, tons | 1 |
| Boards and Plank, M. feet | 6½ | Tobacco Pipes, boxes | 25 |
| Wood and Timber, feet | 22,750 | Copper Bolts, cwt. | 47 |
| Fruit, barrels | 1,090 | Horses, number of | 28 |
| Sheep, number of | 200 | Piano Fortes | 1 |
| Merchandize, packages | 585 | Carriages | 1 |
| Salt, tons | 1,998 | Horned Cattle | 678 |
| Iron, tons | 68 | Furs, bales and boxes | 3 |
| Earthenware, crates | 105 |
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 | Fruit, Onions and Potatoes, bbls. | 126 |
| Boards and Plank, M. feet | 8,386 | N.B. Gin, barrels | 37 |
| Cod Fish, quintals | 10,540 | Salt, tons | 45 |
| Shingles, M. | 2,412 | Iron, tons | 12 |
| Lathwood, cords | 753 | Birch, M. | 35 |
| Spars, number | 1,559 | Calf Skins and Sides Leather, No. | 48 |
| Small Poles, number | 1,542 | Soap and Candles, boxes | 1,212 |
| Sawed Laths, bundles | 172 | Butter, firkins | 2 |
| Oars, Oar Rafters & Handspikes | 1,093 | Tobacco, hogsheads | 6 |
| Oak, Ash and Spruce Staves, M. | 284 | Smoked Tobacco, hogsheads | 21 |
| Ship Knees | 50 | Merchandize, packages | 22 |
| Naval Stores, barrels | 234 | Wines, pipes | 26 |
| Cotton Wool, bales | 22 | Ditto hogsheads | 33 |
| Pickled Fish, barrels | 3,132 | Ditto quarter casks | 27 |
| Smoked Herrings, boxes | 1,067 | Ditto half quarter casks | 1 |
| Beef and Pork, barrels and kits | 69 | Wheat and Rye Flour, bbls. | 2,839 |
| Oil, barrels | 69 | Bread and Biscuit, barrels | 88 |
| Rum, puncheons | 285 | Rice, casks and barrels | 22 |
| Sugar, barrels | 10 | Indian Corn and Meal, bushels | 2,482 |
| Coffee, barrels and bags | 7 | Peas and Beans, bushels | 22 |
| N.B. Vinegar, barrels | 40 | Plaster of Paris, tons | 15,576 |
| 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, | 5s. | 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 precise
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 replenish 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 settlements 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, according 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 clearing—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 settlement together, where the timber has not been destroyed, but where a fair proportion
In short, it will be the most direct way to prevent the settlement 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.
| The Secretary's, Governor's, and Surveyor General's fees of office, including the charge for writing petition | 1100 | ||
| Duty on 1000 tons, at 1s | 5000 | ||
| Less by amount included in fees, &c. | 150 | ||
| 48150 | |||
| Incidental expenses to the applicant | 0150 | ||
| Surveyor's fees for measuring the timber berth | 700 | ||
| Expenses for axemen and chainmen | 5100 | ||
| Travelling expenses thence and back, five hundred miles | 800 | ||
| 71100 | |||
| Ten men at £5 per month, and an overseer at £10, say for six months | 6000 | ||
| Six yoke of oxen, at £30 per yoke | 18000 | ||
| One pair draught horses | 5000 | ||
| One boat, sail, and gear | 3600 | ||
| Two canoes with paddles | 600 | ||
| Sleds, chains, harness, &c. | 27100 | ||
| Eleven men's provisions for six months, at 85s. per head, per month | 274100 | ||
| Hay for oxen, &c. 30 tons, at £10 | 30000 | ||
| Grain for ditto | 2500 | ||
| Grain for ditto | 125900 | ||
| Total expense on one thousand tons of timber, at the brow ready for rafting | £1330100 | ||
| Expense of rafting, anchors, cables, ropes, &c. | 5000 | ||
| £1380100 | |||
| Deduct for articles that may be useful another season, viz.— | |||
| Oxen, Horses, Boat, tackle, &c. | 21400 | ||
| Canoes, sleds, harness, anchors, &c. &c. | 5000 | ||
| 26400 | |||
| £1116100 | |||
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.
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 business. The amount of spirituous liquors imported and consumed in the Province in 1824, at the least calculation was £120,000, exclusive of the County of Charlotte; and add to this amount the cost of the transport of the liquor to the interior and the enormous 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 Province, 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:
Population of the Province of New-Brunswick,
in the year 1824.
| Counties. | Parishes. | Whites. | People of Colour. | Total in each Parish. | ||||||
| Males. | Females. | Males. | Females. | |||||||
| Above 16 | Under 16 | Above 16 | Under 16 | Above 16 | Under 16 | Above 16 | Under 16 | |||
| York | Fredericton | 526 | 352 | 470 | 392 | 29 | 21 | 34 | 25 | 1849 |
| Saint Mary | 259 | 242 | 216 | 223 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 6 | 972 | |
| Douglas | 365 | 340 | 289 | 306 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 15 | 1367 | |
| Kingsclear | 226 | 173 | 190 | 155 | 15 | 28 | 22 | 23 | 832 | |
| Queensbury | 205 | 172 | 149 | 153 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 15 | 716 | |
| Prince William | 159 | 142 | 117 | 116 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 545 | |
| Northampton | 182 | 130 | 133 | 123 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 568 | |
| Woodstock | 267 | 181 | 186 | 179 | 2 | 1 | ... | ... | 816 | |
| Wakefield | 217 | 276 | 267 | 218 | 1 | 1 | ... | ... | 1010 | |
| Kent | 645 | 596 | 457 | 597 | 2 | ... | ... | ... | 2297 | |
| Saint John | City of St. John | 2371 | 1731 | 2361 | 1632 | 94 | 72 | 139 | 88 | 8488 |
| Portland, 1st district | 628 | 392 | 447 | 340 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1813 | |
| Portland, 2d district | 386 | 242 | 228 | 207 | 42 | 40 | 43 | 42 | 1230 | |
| Lancaster | 216 | 150 | 157 | 151 | 38 | 31 | 28 | 2 | 793 | |
| Saint Martin | 154 | 147 | 133 | 148 | 1 | ... | ... | ... | 583 | |
| Kings | Kingston | 503 | 386 | 382 | 365 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1655 |
| Sussex | 487 | 460 | 414 | 433 | 11 | 12 | 7 | 9 | 1833 | |
| Hampton | 462 | 385 | 375 | 314 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 1559 | |
| Norton | 152 | 115 | 100 | 109 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 502 | |
| Westfield | 182 | 181 | 152 | 178 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 713 | |
| Springfield | 241 | 212 | 210 | 234 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 3 | 924 | |
| Greenwich | 184 | 185 | 178 | 185 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 744 | |
| Queens | Gagetown | 180 | 124 | 140 | 133 | 7 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 606 |
| Waterborough | 486 | 643 | 403 | 444 | 1 | 10 | 7 | 19 | 2023 | |
| Wickham | 306 | 297 | 236 | 259 | 2 | ... | ... | 1 | 1100 | |
| Hampstead | 193 | 188 | 164 | 165 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 723 | |
| Brunswick | 50 | 64 | 36 | 39 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 189 | |
| Brunswick District Butternut Ridge | 24 | 29 | 19 | 28 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 100 | |
| Charlotte | St. Andrews | 653 | 464 | 574 | 532 | 12 | 8 | 13 | 7 | 2263 |
| St. Stephen | 518 | 393 | 397 | 358 | 3 | 1 | ... | 3 | 1673 | |
| St. David | 278 | 233 | 230 | 264 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 1005 | |
| St. George, 1st district | 245 | 173 | 166 | 159 | 1 | ... | 1 | ... | 745 | |
| St. George, 2d district | 191 | 174 | 66 | 170 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 701 | |
| St. Patrick | 217 | 203 | 164 | 178 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 762 | |
| St. James | 121 | 116 | 109 | 107 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 453 | |
| Pennfield | 223 | 120 | 93 | 120 | 2 | ... | ... | ... | 558 | |
| Campo Bello | 167 | 123 | 123 | 95 | ... | 1 | ... | ... | 509 | |
| Grand Manan | 157 | 170 | 138 | 132 | ... | 1 | ... | ... | 598 | |
| West Isles | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | |
| Sunbury | Maugerville | 152 | 112 | 115 | 92 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 484 |
| Sheffield | 227 | 139 | 187 | 156 | 5 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 735 | |
| Burton | 432 | 298 | 322 | 269 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 1338 | |
| Lincoln | 200 | 167 | 142 | 158 | 1 | ... | 2 | ... | 670 | |
| Westmorland | Dorchester | 706 | 748 | 611 | 672 | 8 | ... | ... | ... | 2737 |
| Sackville | 444 | 464 | 395 | 415 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 1744 | |
| Westmorland | 215 | 208 | 192 | 229 | 2 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 883 | |
| Hillsborough | 281 | 291 | 226 | 344 | ... | 5 | ... | 3 | 1152 | |
| Monckton | 85 | 94 | 82 | 79 | ... | ... | 2 | ... | 342 | |
| Botsford | 200 | 216 | 162 | 195 | ... | ... | ... | 1 | 774 | |
| Salisbury | 171 | 170 | 147 | 177 | ... | ... | ... | 1 | 666 | |
| Hopewell | 292 | 256 | 225 | 232 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 1005 | |
| Northumberland | Newcastle | 641 | 326 | 377 | 313 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 1657 |
| Chatham | 451 | 296 | 319 | 382 | 1 | ... | 2 | 1 | 1452 | |
| Ludlow, 1st district | 407 | 191 | 147 | 173 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 918 | |
| Ludlow, 2d district | 286 | 38 | 29 | 37 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 390 | |
| Northesk, 1st district | 921 | 107 | 119 | 96 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 1243 | |
| Northesk, 2d district | 47 | 60 | 41 | 52 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 200 | |
| Alnwick, 1st district | 93 | 54 | 44 | 54 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 245 | |
| Alnwick, 2d district | 137 | 83 | 72 | 80 | 1 | ... | ... | ... | 373 | |
| Carleton | 757 | 429 | 376 | 402 | ... | ... | ... | 1 | 1965 | |
| Beresford | 327 | 294 | 225 | 228 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1086 | |
| Glenelg | 323 | 174 | 175 | 163 | 1 | ... | ... | ... | 836 | |
| Saumarez, 1st district | 299 | 209 | 201 | 234 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 949 | |
| Saumarez, 2d district | 524 | 446 | 408 | 450 | ... | ... | ... | ... | 1828 | |
| Wellington | 420 | 393 | 335 | 406 | ... | ... | 1 | ... | 1555 | |
| Nelson | 574 | 185 | 201 | 166 | 3 | ... | 2 | 1 | 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 |
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 discipline; there are also a number of disbanded soldiers and other persons acquainted with discipline, scattered through the country; so that there are few districts, but where there are persons qualified to act as drills. The want of arms 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; yet nothing makes 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 attachment and liking to it; and to get the youth fully engaged in acquiring martial discipline, 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
The writer is well aware that many arms formerly issued to the Militia have been destroyed, and that this might again happen; 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 appropriating some of the fines to keep them in order. In scattered districts, one, two or more companies arms might 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 ornamental to the different places: and as there are but few serviceable arms in the Province at present, some steps should be taken to procure a sufficient number, and not to let the country remain in its present naked condition. It certainly appears like an anomaly in our preparations for defence, to expend time and money in improving our Militia, and not provide the means of arming and making them efficient if they should be wanted. If (as the preamble 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
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.—You 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.
"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 continue 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 your 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
"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 must 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 summer.
"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 you 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 whom 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 children, 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 my warriors were forced to retreat. In future you must 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 die 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."
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.
| Number of Acres | Governor, including the warrant of survey | Sec'y and Regtr. | Auditor | Attorney Gen. | Receiver- Gen. including purchase money | Surveyor- Gen. | Commissioner of Crown Land | Total |
| £sd | £sd | sd | £sd | £sd | £s | sd | £sd | |
| 100 | 4 1 8 | 3 7 6 | 13 4 | 1 10 10 | 0 13 4 | 2 0 | 5 0 | 12 11 8 |
| 200 | 4 1 8 | 3 7 6 | 13 4 | 1 10 10 | 0 13 4 | 2 0 | 5 0 | 12 11 8 |
| 300 | 4 1 8 | 3 7 6 | 13 4 | 1 10 10 | 1 4 6 | 2 0 | 7 6 | 13 5 4 |
| 400 | 4 1 8 | 3 7 6 | 13 4 | 1 10 10 | 1 15 8 | 2 5 | 10 0 | 14 4 0 |
| 500 | 4 1 8 | 3 7 6 | 13 4 | 1 10 10 | 2 6 10 | 2 10 | 10 0 | 15 0 2 |
On Grants where more than one person is concerned, His Excellency 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 money,) is included in the above scale of fees to the Receiver-General. According to the
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 commences, 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 nourishment 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 ranges 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 | m | l | |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | s | i | o |
| 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | i | l | n |
| 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | x | e | g |
| 30 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 6 | 25 | s | ||
| 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | |||
By this method the limits of counties and parishes are accurately 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 settlements, 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 analogous 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 distributed 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.
Advertisement.
Having for reasons stated in the commencement of this Work, given up my first design of adding a brief connected history of the 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, Minerals, 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 outline 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.
APPENDIX No. 1
Speech of His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor at the meeting of the General Assembly, at Fredericton, February 1, 1825.
Mr. President, and Gentlemen of His Majesty's Council,
Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Assembly,
I have much satisfaction in meeting the Legislature of New-Brunswick—I am well persuaded that you will continue to promote and support the Interests and Institutions of the Province in a manner that will not fail to receive from me 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 former year, and yields a large surplus beyond the charges incurred, within the corresponding period.
Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Assembly,
I shall direct the Treasurer's Accounts 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 of His Majesty's Council,
Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of 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 communication, 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 form, 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 circumstances
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 improved 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 more 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 prodigiously, 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 Province under corresponding difficulty and disability in every branch of its industry. It comes home to us, grievously, in various forms, in every operation 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 most serious difficulty.
Agricultural, Emigrant, and other Societies should be encouraged to extend and exert their influence in every way that can tend to promote, improve, circulate and distinguish the modes and means most favourable to augment the production of subsistence. By such means, too, we may reasonably
Large sums have been expended on the Great Roads of this Province; but their condition shows the inefficiency of the present system, in appropriation and execution. This arises, chiefly, from 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 sums 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 inconvenience to the people.
I earnestly recommend to your continued patronage the several Institutions 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 Sovereign has condescended to patronize the College of New-Brunswick with his gracious Favor, and to bestow a Grant from His Royal Revenues in this Province, to place that Institution upon a very improved establishment; 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 fail to be duly and fully appreciated, and to sustain those principles of attachment, 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
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 system, necessary to supersede some very disadvantageous 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 estimates of her true situation, and be conducted according to fixed and solid general principles. But great misery and embarrassment 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 circumstances, temporary interests and 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 exertions 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 consideration some propositions to be submitted by his Excellency, 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:—
The purpose for which I have caused this meeting to be convened, is of the first importance to the Country: And I am 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 accomplish the purposes which I am now to bring more particularly under your consideration.
Under ordinary circumstances, the high price occasioned by deficiency in the supply of any article in general demand, 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 unnecessary, superfluous, or perhaps disadvantageous, to interfere with the sources and currents of supply, which ultimately accommodate themselves in the most advantageous and fittest way, to meet demand. But these are peculiarities in the circumstances of this Country, which must appear very obvious to all persons who have correct notions of the extent of her business and dealings, compared with the limited 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 may augment the production of subsistence, it will be proper to resolve the question into the consideration of the elements 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 excitement.
With respect to Land, we possess it in abundance, and in quality ready to yield what we may in a judicious manner require of it; and it will be one of my 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 time, 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 appointment to a high situation in the Province, that powers are given, subject to certain conditions and regulations which I may sanction, to throw open portions 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 some 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
The greater part of such accumulations may be considered as funds rescued from unproductive consumption, to be laid out productively in various important 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 cultivation of the Soil, as proprietors of Land.
The poor Emigrant, for instance, who comes to the country destitute of pecuniary means, and who should always be met 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 himself 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 procure 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 summer, and in other pursuits in winter.
This object will perhaps be best pursued by the Emigrant Societies in the different parts, taking active measures to become acquainted with the circumstances and description of Emigrants so soon as they arrive, and entering in a Book, their names, age, trade or occupation, objects, and the means 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 Agricultural 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 Emigrant Societies, for the purpose of procuring Labourers of their recommendation.
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 advantageous location, so soon as he finds himself 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,
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 Emigrants, 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 may be greatly promoted by Agricultural Societies. These, under the designation of Agricultural and Emigrant Societies, I should wish to see formed in every County in the Province, and Sub-Societies organized 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 measure, and when they return to their respective Counties, to engage to organize such Societies to be composed of persons who would be most likely to co-operate in this great purpose. I feel confident, that whenever Societies shall be so organized in any County, they will meet 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 contemplate 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 may be desirable to possess here in the Seat of Government for myself and for you it will be proper that some 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 meeting.
The general meeting should be composed of all Members of the Legislature; of all Presidents and Vice-Presidents of County Societies, and of all members subscribers in the regulated amount. The Central Committee should be
With views such as these, so soon as I discovered, in studying your affairs, the disabilities and difficulties which the Province might have to contend with from deficiency in the supply of food, and aware that it would require pecuniary means, on my part, to put into activity the plans which I then formed, and now lay before you, I submitted to His Majesty's Secretary of State the importance of sanctioning a small grant from the funds at the disposal of the Crown, to meet the liberality and public spirit with which I am 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 sum, which I hope will be annual, at the disposal of those County Societies that are or may be organized to meet the views which I here lay before you.
In communicating this grant from His Majesty's Revenue to the Agricultural 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
of the Agricultural and Emigrant Society,
Ievince the satisfaction and cordiality with which I receive your Address by placing myself in this Chair, as your Patron, on the very instant the distinguished 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 may depend upon me.
I am gratified for the present, sanguine and confident for the future, when I look around me and perceive the distinguished persons of whom this Society is composed, and the interest which it has excited; and it is particularly
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, some appeals to those exertions 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 character and condition of which, in other times, will depend mainly 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 forming 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 most 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 contemplated 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 recommending and promoting them. My views have been cordially and ably seconded every where; the measures they called for have now been adopted; and they have been liberally endowed by the Legislature with pecuniary means to animate 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 made from foundations laid, first, in habits of frugality and domestic economy, onwards, through moral and provident conduct, to security and accommodation, productive application, improvement in Agriculture, increase of population, competition in labour, encouragement and development of industry, and augmented production. The Acts and the system 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 them seeds are to spring, depends not on those who have laboured on the foundation, or who have provided the means that may 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, may 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
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.
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-Brunswick; but was from unexpected circumstances obliged to relinquish the design.
Province of the Massachusetts Bay.
Notice 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 refreshments of that sort, shall not only be protected by the Admiral from pressing, but shall receive, both from His Excellency and the Admiral, all manner of countenance and regard.
A. Oliver, Sec.
| Province of the Massachusetts Bay. | Boston, October 31, 1758. |
The following proclamation being published in Nova-Scotia and transmitted to this government, was read in Council, and ordered to be published in this Province.
Thos. Clark, D. Sec.
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.
A Proclamation.
Whereas by the late success of His Majesty's arms in the reduction of Cape Breton and its dependencies, and also by the demolition and entire destruction of Gaspe, Miramichi, and of Saint Lawrence, and on Saint John's river in the Bay of Fundy, the enemy, 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
Given in the Council Chamber at Halifax, this 12th day of October, 1758, and in the thirty-second year of His Majesty's Reign.
| By His Excellency's command, with the advice of His Majesty's Council} | Charles Lawrence. |
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, producing 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. | |
Whereas there was this day read to the Board, a representation from the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Plantations, dated the 30th of December last, containing an account of the proceedings of the Governor in Council of
(Signed) W. Sharpe.
Extract of a Letter from His Excellency Governor Lawrence, to the Agent for the Province of Nova-Scotia, at Boston, dated 24th 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 themselves 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 Annapolis 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 sum 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, from Louisburg and a cruize. From 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 from 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 commanded at Fort Frederick, in Saint John's River, the year past; also several other officers and a number 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 of a Letter from Colonel Fry, to His Excellency the Governor, dated Fort Cumberland, Chignecto, March 7, 1760.
Sir.—I informed your Excellency in my last of 10th December, of the submission of the French peasants residing at Miramichi, Richibucto, Bucktouche, Peticodiac, and Memramcook, made by their deputies sent here for
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 and Spaniards; who informed me they deserted from a French frigate that lay froze in at the head of Gaspe harbour. The two former belonged to a vessel commanded by Captain Malcom, of Boston, who was taken by the above frigate, as she was returning from Quebec, where she had been on a trading voyage.
Names of the Indian Chiefs inhabiting the coast of Acadia:
- Louis Frances, Chief of Miramichi,
- Denis Winemowet, do. Tabogimkik,
- 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.
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 Township: 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
Notes.—Notwithstanding all the obstacles and discouragements before noticed, the number of families at the river Saint John, including a few settlers on the Islands in Passamaquoddy Bay, amounted 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 commissions 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.
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 1754.
The French Government in defiance of former treaties continued to erect forts around the harbour of Saint John, and to send troops for the defence of this part of the country (considering it theirs) and to employ the natives to harass and murder the settlers in the district of Maine, thus for many years preventing 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 supplied 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 settlements of the Country called Minas, Cobequis and other parts of the Province on the Peninsula of Acadia or Halifax. To prevent the continuance of such depredations, the British Government 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, continued 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 continually 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 expedition some time before its arrival, removed all the light stores further up the river, sunk all his heavy guns as reported by
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 highland Regiments. The Fort afterwards continued to be garrisoned 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
Early in the summer of 1777 the Vulture came into the harbour of Saint John while the Machias party were at their Head-Quarters, above the falls.
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 little 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 compelled 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
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 "Knickerbocker" 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 resolute 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.
| Men | Women | Children | Servants | Total | ||
| Over 10 | Under 10 | |||||
| 1st New Jersey Vols. | 158 | 57 | 57 | 39 | 9 | 320 |
| 2nd New Jersey Vols. | 132 | 45 | 44 | 38 | 14 | 273 |
| 3rd New Jersey Vols. | 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 command. 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, directions 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
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 of one of his sisters of her various conversations with her old grandmother, 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 granddaughter in which are embodied the recollections of the conversations 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 Rome 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 at 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 some 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 women and children proceeded in Indian canoes to St. Ann's with some 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.
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 them 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 inscriptions, 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 named Ridner, Wooley, Bass, Paine, Ryerse, Acker, Lownsberry, Ingraham, Buchanan, Ackerman, Donley, Vanderbeck, Smith, Essington and some 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
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 people 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 men 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 maple sugar. We ate fiddle heads, grapes and even the leaves of trees to allay the pangs of hunger. On one occasion some poisonous weeds were eaten along with the fiddle heads; one or two died, and Dr. Earle had all he could do to save my 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 them 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
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 them at first the "Royal Provincials' bread," but afterwards "The staff of life and hope of the starving." I planted some 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. Sometimes 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 summer 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 lime, 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 small panes of glass.
The first store was kept by a man named Cairns, 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. Sometimes we used an article called Labrador, and sometimes steeped spruce or hemlock bark for drinking, but I despised it.
There were no domestic animals 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 man 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 among the black stumps and turned out well. Pigeons used to come in great numbers and were shot or caught by
For several years we lived in dread of the Indians, who were sometimes very bold. I have heard that the Indians from 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 Falls, most 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.1
In the early days of the settlement at St. Ann's, some fellows that had come from 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 became a resort for bad characters. They formed 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 him 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 man 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 indicate 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.
Signature of Peter Fisher and Lewis Peter Fisher
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 accomplished 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 unquestionably possessed a good deal of natural ability, and was something 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.2 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.
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 Education, in Fredericton.
Lewis Peter Fisher, of Woodstock, was for years an active Trustee of the Carleton County Grammar School, and a strenuous 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 |
| Fisher Vocational School | 48,000 00 |
| Fisher 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
Space will not admit of any extended reference to the descendants 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.
Footnotes
1 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.
2 I am pretty certain that Susanna Stephens Williams was a daughter of Bealing Stephens Williams, the school master.—W. O. R.
