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Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul cliche, ii est filmA A partir de Tangle supArieur gauche, de gauche ik droite. et de haut en bas. en prenant le nombre d'images nAcessaire. Les (ilagrammes suivants illuatrent la m^thode. 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 < lUmmJ k^ i ike ceieira^et^ Jiciier, ^i^ee^ ^a^gars. Snullit ■ xillu . MEMOIR OF THE LIFE OF JOHN HART, The celebrated Robber^ Who was executed in Quebec, on the Tenth day of November, 1826 ; for having been convicted Of the Robbery of the ROMAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL OF THAT CITY. ** My day is closed ; the gloom of night is come ! A hopeless darkness settles o'er my fate." ^^---^ , JOHN HART was born in 1797, /§ P rede ricktc New-Brunsv/isk, of English parents, ^ad the youngjesj of six children . At the age of ten year ^1^ was receif^t into the 104th Regiment, as drummer, a^iActmlinued/iii that station for nearly eleven years, during wiii^h tibe his conduct was generally good. In 1817, the regiment be- ing disbanded. Hart enlisted into the 76lh, and continued therein until 1820 ; in this regiment he was very unfor- tunate, having received between six and seven hundred lashes, in cousequence of striking sergeants and corporals — for these and other offences, he was discharged in Quebec, and again set at full liberty on the world. Hav- ing a wish to see his parents, he resolved once more to visit his native place, and with that intention went on board a schooner in his regimentals, and agreed to work hia pQBsage home. Shortly after going on board, the J I i^s Captain Ret him to tar ropes on the ri^g;ing, with which occupation, Hart soon become dissatisfied, and quickly look his leave ot u sailor's life, havini^- been only four days in the service. Up lo this period, he said, he had never been guilty of any crime, save that of strikin<>; some of the petty and insulting officers in the last-mentioned regiment. His temper, which was naturally quick and fiery, could not brook insolence from any individual, and conseqently, poor Hart was often led into many difficul- ties. His prospects of returning to New-Brunswick being laid aside, ha prepared to push his way to Upper Canada, and with that intention, proceeded as far as Ntiw Liverpool, where he wrought for nine days, and then returned to Quebec, where he commenced at large all species of profligacy, vice and wickedness. The first crime of which he was ever guilty was the stealing of a Scok'h bonnet, from Mr. Young in the Lower Town of Quebec, under ihe following circumstances. One day, meeting with John R«binson,an Englishman, with whom he was but slightly acquainted, Robinson asked him if he had got any money, to which Hart repli- ed, that he had a little, and would freely share it with him ; upon this, they went into a tavern, and there spent what trifle he possessed, in eating and drinking. On leaving the tavern, Robinsoi- discovered a Scotch bonnet hanging at JMr. Young's door, and instantly encouraged Haitt(t steal it ; in the moan lime handing him a pen- knife to cut the cord by which it was suspended, adding^ that it would g(-i thetn a ftvv shillings to procure some- thing more !o oat and drink Hart readily complied, and succeeded in taking the bonnet, which he shortly after sold U)'- three shillings, to a negro, on board a vessel lying Dt the King's Wharf. This 'lone, they immediately went to another tavern, where they mutually participated of some more refreshment, which the recent boofy had pro- cured them. Here, while Hart was contending with a man about some trifling circumstance, Robinson slipt out, and went directly lo Mr. Young, and asked him if he had lately loat any t!)ing. Mr. Young said, he could not im- mediately tell. Robinson bade him look whether he had not lost a Scotch bonnet, which Mr. Younjr found was real- 1.. 4....<^ D^vU:«^^«. iU.-^^ \ 3 winch quickly days in I never 5orne of itioued ck and al, and lifficul- inswick Upper far as ys, and it large 'he first aling of 'own of ishman* Dbinson rt repli- it with re spent g. On bonnet )U raged a pen- adding^ B soiiie- ed, and y after el lying ly went >ated of id pro- la noian pt out, he had notinn« he had as real- .14 _:.._ liu j^fiv him, if he would tell who the perso!i was that took it, Mr. Young said, the cap was not of much value, but he would instantly make him a prisoner if he did riotimme- diately tell who the individual was that had taken it. Robinson finding his situation more precarious than he had anticipated, readily ap^reed, and quickly conducted him to the house where he had left Hart, and soon point- ed him out as the guilty individual. He was then taken before a Magistrate, and Robinson appeared as his ac- cuser ; the case being investigated, Robinson was also considered guilty, and they were both sentenced to the House of Correction for two months. After having spent two months in gaol, he was again set at liberty, without one penny to line his pocket. Hart resolved not to remain long moneyless, and consequently prepared himself for the first chance that should offer to relieve his wants; with these impressions on his mind, ho was passing the provision guard-room, when the sentry cried, *' guard, turn out!" — he then entered the room, fur the purpose of lighting his pipe, when his ear caught the ticking of a ■watch ;this he thought was no unlucky hit, and he quick- ly seized it, and then stepped off. Thinking himself quite secure, he indifferently went to the Hext guard-room, having previously sol.I the watch, and with part of t^e money procured a bottle of spirits, which he very liberally shared with the sentry. Hart had scarcely finished the beverage, when the former guard came up, and apprehended him for stealing the watch ; they very soon eased his pocket of the ill-gotten load, and without further ceremony, than that wh^ich springs from the point of the bayonet, speedily lod|jed him once more in the body of the gaol. He was tried, found guilty, publicly whipped in the market-place, and sentenced to six months close confinement. Shortly after leaving gaol he became acquainted with an American girl.wilh whom he first commenced his love concerns ; he was ncvinlove, and in want, houseless and pennyless. This wa? a condition not easily to be borne. Wandering about the streets with his blooming spouse, he fortunately discovered an empty house, and soon re- solved to enter and take possession. They did so, and •truck up a fire, spending the night as happily as lovers I in fiuch a situation could possibly be supposed to do. They continued in this vacant house till the following night, when Hart and another companion of his found means of procuring a stove to warm their silent abode. They started out, leaving the American girl alone, in possession of their new dwelling. Hart was then directed by his companion to a house belonging to Mr. Phillips, in which there was a good stove and pipes ; they unlock- ed the door with a key fitted for that purpose, and straightway carried them to their cold habitation. They quickly erected the stove, kindled a fire, and spent that night more comfortably than the former. Day having arrived they began to think how they should manage to obtain some food, knowing that they wanted but little to eat, plenty to drink and then they could sleep for nothing. The only remedy thai seemed to offer was to pawn their stove, this they did, and thereby procured a temporary refreshment. Having some other little articles which they had brought with them, when taking the stove. Hart started to Saint Roc with them, leaving his com- rade in charge of his wife, till he should dispose of the booty. The articles being sold, he returned and equal- ly shared the money with his partner in business. By this time report of the robbery had been circulated, and? poor Hart, with his companion, was again appre- hended and sent to gaol ; his Vife made her escape in the hour of danger, and consequently saved herself from the misery of a prison. Hart and his colleague were tried for the crime, and sentenced to twelve months in the common gaol, and both to be burned in the hand. Having undergone this punishment, and being once ^ore set at liberty, he then thought that he would proceed to Upper Canada, and there try his fortune in a shanty ; with this view, he commesiced his journey, but reflecting on the very great hardships he must un- dergo in getting out lumber, he abandoned the under- taking, and quickly returned to Queb c. He had not been long in town, when he selected another wife, with whom he remained till their little funds were nearely exhausted. Finding himself now in rather a difficult situation, he went out one evening with his new bride, in OrClUr lU CUU3UJL WllUt lllCJ SUUUIU UV. '■i'^J -rhattil^t- ' ed abou in a ver misery, they wi cordial, resolved fell, am possible Havi was at t to lodg trance made it! which b partner^ tary ma duratioi surprise before impriso their co their fn dififeren about f free inn gued, u deplora whom I a consic not one sisted i kind as denied with wl ed on cloak, 1 told he therefoi reward his arn and str rivins: i to do. Ilowiri^ s found abode, one^ in directed 'hillips^ miock- er and They snt that having lage to little to lothing. vn their mporary which J stove, is cora- of the I equal - 88. By ed, and appre- escape herself lUeague months e hand. g once would 'tune in ourney, lust un- under- lad not e, with nearely [lifficult r bride. ed about for some time, till they were at length caught in a very heavy shower of rain, which still added to their misery. Not being able, conveniently, to return home, they went into a tavern and there had some refreshing cordial, with their last shilling ; this being spent, they resolved to start home, but from the heavy rain that fell, and the darkness of the night, it seemed almost im- possible to accomplished it. Having at last reached the Batteau Guardhouse, which was at that time unoccupied. Hart and his dearest resolved to lodge there for the night, and quickly made their en- trance by breaking through a window. As soon as day made its appearance. Hart went in pursuit of some bitters, which being obtained, he instantly returned to his chosen partner, whom he found comfortably sleeping in the mili- tary mansion. But their repose here was but of short duration, for scarcely had Hart re-entered when he was surprised with his loving spouse ; taken, and conducted before a Magistrate, and both se itenced to three months* imprisonment in the House of Correction. The time of their commitment having expired, they were again set to their freedom. On leaving gaol, Hart and his wife took diflferent roads, to shift for themselves. After beating about for several days, they accidentally met, at one of the free inns in the Suburbs. Hart was now completely fati- gued, and entirely destitute of friends and money. In this deplorable state he applied for a few shillings to his wife, whom he, somehow or other, knew was in possession of a considerable sum. She positively declared that she had not one penny, and still, to his repeated solicitations, per- sisted in denying. Convinced then that she was not as kind as he could wish, and feeling himself in distress, and denied relief from her whom he had long belViended, and with whom he had spent his last farthing, he soon resolv- ed on an expedient, and that was, to take from her a cloak, for which he had given six dollars. In doing this he told her that he knew she had money and denied it, and therefore he would sell the cloak to relieve himself, and reward her for her falsehood. Hart, laying the cloak over his arm, bade her good-bye. He soon disposed of it, and straightway directed his route to Three-Rivers. On ar- rivinff there, he went into a shop, under a pretence of pur- ■|1 '*1 II J" > 6 chasing some little articles, and while the woman was oc- cupied in looking- for the different things which he men- tioned. Hart very quickly furnished himself with a neat assortment of soft goods, crossed the river to the opposite side, and there peddled his merchandise as he pursued his journey to Montreal. Shortly after reaching Montreal, he met with an old ac» quaintaiice, and with him he went to the United-States, where he sported for some time : hut, from bad care and hard living. Hart became very much indisposed, and resol- ved to return to Canada, with a view of getting into some hospital, ^here he might recover his impaired health. — Afier a long and fatiguing journey by land. Hart at length reached Quebec, the scene of all his early foliiei?. The same day that he came into town, his wife had him appre- hended for her cloak ! — and Hart was once more taken, tried, and committed for twelve months to the com- mon Gaol. At the expiration of the time specified, he «vas again set adrift, without any advantage but the reco- very of his health. He tossed about for several days, till he fell in with one of his late comrades, who was much like himself, both friendless and pennyless. Wandering about one night at a late hour, and not knowing where to find lodging without paying for it, and that was entirely out of their power, they resolved to repair to a stable, and rest there, in company with the horses, for the night. This they did, and slept quietly till morning. On the approach of day, Hart began to look around him, and to consider what plan he should first strike out to better his condition. He was now half yielding to despair, when on turning about in the stable, he discovered an old table, which was used for cleaning knives upon. On closely examining it, he found a fork and a piece of soap ; " these articles," said he, addressing his companion, "though but of small value, will still be sufficient to procure us a little bitters." But on examining further, to his pleasing astonishment, he dis- covered a small bag quite full of dollars. This was a cheer- ing sight, and had the effect of dispelling the gloom that had pervaded their drooping spirits. No soomr had Hart divided the spoil with his friend, than he set off" in pursuit of his old doxy, whom he found in rags and wretch- edness ; and notwithstanding her cruelty in punishing him for and gon Hart till by tl to care. found h money j dollars. tell,but he was piratior he long not fine momen other a morninj proved and fin first me ing eve ing for purposi with hi before out, wl with a 1 woujan was st housed Love a him, tl: coming and hei eye we througl Hart, i the ne< with th over-m Pallas began scream I was oc- he inen- h a neat opposite rsued his in old ac* id-States, care and ind resoU iitosome lealth. — at lenjijth L's. The !n app re- re taken, he com- itied, he the reco- days, till t^as much andering; where to i entirely nble, and ?ht. This approach consider onuition. I turning hich was lining it, les," said all value, ' But on , he dis- I a cheer- e gloom onir had et off in i wretch- unishing him for the cloak, poor Hart fitted her out in fine style, and ^onerously forfjjotand forj^ave all her past offences. llart made quite merry that day, and part of the night, till by the soporiferous influence of grog; he bade adieu to care. On waking from his Bacchanalian dream. Hart found himself once more in his old apartment, wiih all his money gone, which consisted of upwards of one hundred dollars. How or when he came into gaol he could not tell.but there he was, much as he left it. For this faux pas he was obliged to remain one month in prison. At the ex- piration of the month he was again discharged. Nor was he long at liberty before he met with his dear Jane ; but not finding it convenient to speak much with her at the moment of meeting, they mutually agreed to see each other at a certain place, at nine o'clock the following morning. Hart was true to his promise, hut his wife proved unfaithful ; at this trick he was terribly annoyed, and firmly resolved to bring her to an account the very first meeting. Passing through Lewis-street the succeed- ing evening, he went into a stable for the purpose of lodg- ing for the night; hut as the place appeared not to suit his purposes, he soon made his exit, in the mean time taking with him a good fat goose, which he carefully plucked before his departure. He had not been but a few minutes out, when he discovered a woman, walking arm in arm with a bold son of Mars. From the walk and dress of the woman, he conjectured it was his Jane, who, though false, was still dear to him. He watched their route, till they housed snug in a Martial Department in Lewis-street Love and indignation had now taken such possession of him, that he resolved to stand sentinel, and await her out- coming. After many hours had elapsed, his faithless Jane and her paramour made their appearance. He kept his eye well fixed on the red-coat, till they had fairly passei through John's Gate." Now for victory and revenge," cried Hart, stepping up and seizing the trembling soldier by the neck; at the same time measuring him across the jaws with the well-plucked goose. Hart and his goose proved an over-match for the soldier and his polished steel. Bellica Pallas abest ! Having well buffed his martial rival, he then began to dock off his inconstant Jane, whose i^ceasmg screams soon ffathered the nocturnal guardians. The well- bruised rivul got making his escape, and Hart said, that «as because lit had a red coat-(.t would be we 1, if 1 1 . betlie case, always to appear in red)— but Hart and Ui» Jane were both conducted to Gaol. On the following day Ihev were brought up to the Police Office. Hart was or- dered to the House of Correction for ten days, and his nerfidious spouse for three months ; and this terminated his love matters with the faithless and inconstant Jane. His ten days having terminated, off he goes, but as bis pocket was^Iight. hi prepared to furnish it as speedily as possible, and with that resolution began to have a look out." As soon as evening approached, he went to a cer- tain house, resolving to try for something, and if detected would sa/ that he was a poor roan, and vvanted a httle to It In^he goes, having first slipped off his shoes and as every thin" appeared to favour his designs he began ?olook&hlm^,'^andsoon discovered a fine sj^ver watch; this he seized, and quietly walked his way : he soon d,,- posed of the watch, and made merry as '""g »' '"« """!' lasted. Shortly after this, he went one day '"'"^ house, m which he was entirely unacquainted--oi entering, he found the people busily employed m skinning two fine fat sheep. anIreLined tfu part of them was cookef. '"^JjJ had received share of the roast. Scarcely had he finished his well-relished feast, when he ''''^''''"''^.^y Jj"* T pearance of constables at the door. Two of the men who were in the house, and Hart, were instantly taken, and Tent to Gaol for sheep-stealing; they remained there for ten days and were afterwards discharged, as no proof c'ould bl\"uglit against them. Of ^'^'^S ^t „f ^h'e Hart knew nothing, but was very glad ° Pf"f^ °*X sDoil allhoui ■*.tt'.'u- »'--'«'*»*nt changes ;. To one ;se appear- ; to sit and )rkings of a f a disgrace- (Ue ; at an- rdon— could If that com- ; the clank- d from cor- aroken sigh, d to increase sations. He s, and hoped irning to all af profligacy 13 He "«'l '"'.T;^. ! „as not afraid to die, smce of Saviour, and said »•>»' ;;7' ^5^^^ has been offered foi' Christ's death a ^"'«'='^?t '™i quite reconciled to the sins of the ^^ ''I,, . "th ITtimes he manifested by rf f t1 • ct'io'nf th Ire^rdS that laboured ia h.s '°»ks and action' tg ^.^^^^^^ ^.^^ ^ ^ ^„4 h,s breast ye he ^-^P^ ^„„,j ^,„„e spring from a crcttsnl' of htving made his peace w.th a just, a «„j^:,ke''d f h of •••;,f„' -r^^eVror^rta":::' his life had be- o"V;fhrd'l; no wish to live. He wickedness a 1 that he .^^^ ^^^ ^ recounted, while '«'""»»" ... .^ouhted to about ries he had ever committed, which J^m"" , j^„i„i sixtytUrec ! but ^''Y /itlTintL robbery of having been in any shape concerned mt^ ^^^^ ^J^^^^ the Roman Catholic CuUieUrai. "X, ,, ^th.an old received the stolen "'^'^ ^"'"^ i^^trign his life; b^nt;- hon:j:id ttVo'c7nt\f tL crime^for which \ra\X"l\"ome^>..ngarriv.J,.^^^^^^^^ out for execution, and after b '^"^ .f/Z^t '^f,„ui b,- a lected multitude and hoping that l«» deat^i w sufficient warning to all {"""f " t^„";,* ,,,i;=fi,ef.hle prayers of every 'ud.v.dual who ^v 'ne ;ed 1 ^^^^ ^^ ^_^^ end , he gave the sig a for the drop ^_^ ^^^^ wretchedness.