In order to follow up the brilliant career of this great man while connected with the administration of New Brunswick, we will endeavor to give a few facts to prove the marvellous ability he displayed in carrying out his plans.

On the passage homeward Sir Howard and family encountered many dangers. During the whole voyage there was kept up a constant gale, sometimes threatening the destruction of the rudely constructed brig of war named the Mutine. Amidst these daily mishaps and perilous exposures the Douglas family maintained the utmost self-possession. Sir Howard was always ready to offer advice and assistance with a coolness that nerved the whole crew, and gave fresh hopes at the darkest moments. During the six weeks that elapsed, while braving the dangers of the deep, Mary Douglas never lost an opportunity to make the most of the occasion. She became interested in the stormy elements, learning lessons that served her to breast the struggling conflicts of life. Observation was largely developed in the mind of the gifted maiden. Nothing was presented to her eye that did not afford food for study and reflection.

The joy with which they were received in England was boundless. Friends gathered around with heartfelt demonstrations. Sir Howard was once more surrounded by many of his former companions. The Duke of Wellington gave him a hearty welcome, while statesmen could scarcely refrain emotion on beholding one who had taken such deep interest in the welfare of the nation and showed such firmness and decision in the boundary question. But another more distinguished honor awaited him. The University of Oxford were ready to recognize such greatness by conferring the degree of D. C. L. Sir Howard was called upon to be present at the commemoration of 1829, where crowds jostled each other to get a glimpse of this honored man. Patriotism has been, throughout history, the leading spirit governing the Universities of Great Britain and the present occasion proved no exception. Students were animated by the presence of a true patriot. Cheer upon cheer greeted the announcement of Sir Howard. Applause was boundless as he received presentation from the public orator. That the spirit which prompted such action on the part of this dignified body may be seen, we insert the following oration, taken from the life of Sir Howard Douglas:

Further comment upon the above is unnecessary, it being sufficient to convince one of the degree of popularity which Sir Howard had attained.

The next place in which he plays a most conspicuous part is in the presence of royalty at the Dutch court, where he was received with all the honors his rank, position and claim demanded. His Majesty entered in a lengthy and earnest conversation regarding the important question now to be settled by his decision. Sir Howard stated clearly every circumstance in connection with the affair from beginning to end. To every question he gave a prompt reply, showing the clearness of judgment by which every argument had been maintained. In order to explain why such a question should be brought up forty-seven years after the treaty had been signed, he showed that it was founded on some indefinite or ambiguous clauses of the treaty of 1783, but not proposed until 1820. Here was a delicate point for His Majesty to settle without giving offence to either English or Americans. But Sir Howard was resolved to support the claim which contended for the rights of his nation—for justice and for truth. He was not desiring territory, but protection and security to the interests of his people, security to prevent the Americans from claiming the privileges of the St. John river or classifying the Bay of Fundy rivers with those emptying into the Atlantic. However, a decision at length was given which did not meet the wishes of either party, but the matter was set partially at rest.

Soon afterwards Sir Howard was engaged in discussing the cause and events of the Belgian insurrection. He showed to the British Government the design which France had contrived to her aggrandizement by the dissolution of the Netherlands, and urged intervention on the part of the British Government. The measures taken in determining the strength of the Dutch territory and the trouble thus averted which must have involved war and bloodshed, secured the hearty thanks of the English monarch who acknowledged the debt of gratitude in terms of deep sincerity.

The colonists were now awaiting Sir Howard's return with great anxiety, watching his movements with deep concern. Hope once more filled their hearts as news spread abroad that their ruler was making preparations to return to New Brunswick. But a new source of uneasiness arose. The Home Government raised a question abolishing the protection on colonial timber. Sir Howard was aroused to a sense of the situation. By the abolition of such protection the trade of New Brunswick and the other colonies would be ruined, while the Baltic trade would reap the benefit. Was he to tamely submit to measures injuring the resources of the people whom he represented? No, he would appeal in a manner that would have public sympathy. Hence was produced the well written pamphlet bearing his name, setting forth the grievance in a way that could not fail to prove the justice of the cause. Every point was discussed with clearness and based upon the most reliable facts and statistics. Newspapers took up the subject and complimented the author in the most flattering terms.

A general excitement was now raised and the question was discussed on every side. In the House of Commons it gained much popularity. Great was the joy of Sir Howard when the result of his work was announced by the defeat of the government. This proved the patriotism of Sir Howard. He could not sacrifice the interest of his country to those of himself and family. He purchased his country's welfare with the resignation of the governorship of New Brunswick!

Where do we find such true nobility of character, such brilliant genius, and such unsullied virtue? Well might the Colonists have exclaimed with one voice when tidings conveyed the news of Sir Howard's resignation:

However, some recognition must be made to show their gratitude to one who had made such a sacrifice. Meetings were held in different parts of the Province resulting in a general subscription towards the purchase of a valuable service of plate which was presented him in England, accompanied by an address, breathing the spirit of heartfelt regret at the loss of their much beloved ruler. Sir Howard never forgot this circumstance. He often referred to his stay in New Brunswick with feelings bordering on emotion. Years afterwards his heart beat with quickening impulse as he fondly recognized the familiar face of a colonist or received some cheering account of the welfare of the people. Through the remaining years of his life he never ceased to keep up a faithful correspondence with several of his former friends, particularly the Rev. Edwin Jacob, D. D., who received the presidency of King's College through his kind patron,—the tie of friendship which bound them was only severed by death.

Much more might be said regarding this great man, but we must now leave him to the active duties of a busy and useful life, surrounded by his family in the comforts of an English home and enjoying the true friendship of the philosopher, the historian, and the poet. Among the most intimate in this list was Sir Walter Scott—the friend of Mrs. Bailie, the foster mother of Sir Howard. Doubtless the name of Douglas was sufficient to awaken in the mind of the Scottish bard a feeling worthy of the friendship of Sir Howard. Together they spent many hours in conversing upon the scenes which had formed subjects for the poet's pen and awakened a deep veneration for the legends of Scottish lore. Perhaps in no other way can we better pay a parting tribute to the memory of Sir Howard Douglas than by inserting the following letter which had been forwarded when the latter had arrived from New Brunswick:

Here is an instance of genuine simplicity and hearty friendship existing between men of like nature. The true greatness of Sir Howard was appreciated by one whose themes of poetic beauty and fervent patriotism kindle a glow of inspiration that will burn undimmed while time shall last. And now we close this chapter by bidding the noble, great and good Sir Howard Douglas a fond farewell!