A %. .% ^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // 7 jf * '* //W A (/^ 1.0 I.I 1.25 110 112.8 M M 1.4 11.6 1^ i^ ,> % 7 'c>l o / y^. r CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CmM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques 1980 Technical Notes / Notes techniques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Physical features of this copy which may alter any of the images in the reproduction are checked below. L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 6t6 possible de se procurer. 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The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes ou les planches trop grandes pour dtre reproduites en un seul cliche sont filmdes d partir de Tangle sup^rieure gauche, de gauche d droite et de haut en bas, en pranant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Le diagramme suivant illustre la mdthode : 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 A A A A SEVENTY YEARS OF New Brunswick Life. ▼ ▼ ▼ T ■ 1 ■■ -.-■'-^1;_" — j^J-'Jl-^BtiiUte'^-.. "- 1! LIEUT. COLONEL WILLLIM T. BAIRD. SEVENTY YEARS OF §m Utmmkli Wtit %' rr W 1 0B10GI(APHICALSKETCHE BY WILLIAM T. BAIRD, LIEUTENANT COLONEL, Paymaster of Military District No. 8, Domh of Canada, from the Confederation of the British Provinces to the year 1887, Superintendent of Stores at St. John, New Bmn wick, from the year 187 9. to the year 1887. mo7t '"^hx^ is miiu oton, inn uatilic lanb. ST. JOHN, "N. B. : I'HKSS OF OKO. E. DAY, UKRMAI.V ST. 1S90. •9 A -^ 130298 .->^iAD^aj.7r c [Entkrrd, according; to the Act of tho Parliament of Can- ada, in the year one thousand eiglit hundred and ninety, by William T. Baird, in the office of the Ministci of Agriculture, at Ottawa.] ] PI^EFACE. 'HESE PAGES, prepared at different times in moments of leisure, were or'i• Oowan. He then proceeded to possess his land, which was situated on the west bank of the River St. John, about 100 miles above Fredericton. After a residence of two j'ears in the Parish of Kent, he returned to Fredericton, where, as Prin- cipal of the National School, he continued to teach during a period of twenty years. Children of some • f the most respectable families attended the school ; and several, yet living, are occupying high and honorable positions in public service. A few years later he discontinued teaching, sold his pi'operty in Fredericton, and removed with his NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 5 family to a newly purchased farm a few miles above the Tobique Village, where he resided until his death, which occurred in the year 1858. *iis remains lie in the Episcopal burying ground in Tobique Village. MY MOTHER. Annie Diggin was born in the city of Dublin in the year 1798. Her grandmother was a Quaker- ess, and her own mother retained a love for what was chaste and plain in language and dress. Her mother died when she was young. Her father held for many years an appointment as clerk in the Dublin Post Office, retiring on a superannuat- ed allowance, which he lived to enjoy to the good old age of ninety -four years. I have often heard my mother speak of being kidnapped when a child going to school. An old woman met her in the street, and under the pretence of giving her some dolls' clothing and confectionery led her sev- eral blocks out of her way, thf;nce into a dark alley, where she stripped Iier of most of her cloth- ing, and was examining the rings in her ears when a gentleman passing, attracted by her shrieks, came to her relief, and happening to know her father, had her conveyed to her home. My mother's brother, John Diggin, whose let- ters in my possession show him to have been a clerk on plantations in the islands of Grenada and 6 SEVENTY YEARS OF Curacoa, was last heard from as a lieutenant on the "Spanish Main." I remember hearing my mother speak of liis joining the Columbian service under Bolivar in the struggle for independence, which he (Bolivar) eventually secured, both for Columbia and Peru. The letters from my grandfather and uncle, with a miniature of the latter, are well pre- served, and denote the writers to have possessed an intelligence and religious fervor which, I trust, will never be found wanting in their descend- ants. I have been unable to obtain any information other than contained in these letters regarding my uncle, John Diggin, but the probabilities are tliat he was killed during the war or fell a victim to some of the malignant diseases that infest the cities and shores of South America. In a Book of Common Prayer, in use by the Church of Ireland, is written : "Samuel Diggiu, No. 13." Also : "Anne Diggin, " Born iu Dublin, in Simpson's Court, Beresford Street, «« In the year of our Lord 1798. " Married to John Baird on the 30th day of "March, 1817." This Prayer Book had evidently been used by my grandfather, and the " No. 13 " referred to the pew occupied by his family. - XEW liliUXSWlCK LIFE, 7 I set much store by tliis book, wliich seems to bring me in direct c( iitact with my clear mother and the scenes of her early life. OUR HOME. Our home and the place of my birth, was sit- uated on Queen Street in Fredericton and neai* the residence of Mark Needham. A portion of my mother's time was occupied in teaching some young ladies, among whom I I'c- member the Misses Needham and Grosvenor, more especially as they would take me occasional- ly to their homes. The long journey from Fredericton to the Parish of Kent in an open sleigh in the nionth of March, with two children under five years of age, must have been to my mother a' trying 5ne. I remember, while we were occupying tempor- arily a small cabin on a steep bank of the river, nearly opposite the now '' Muniac Station " of the N. B. Railway, seeing her weep bitterly while reading a letter received from her father. To a sensitive mind, the contrast must have been painful in the extreme. My mother felt here the absence of what to her were necessaries of life. No near neighbour to break the dull monot- ony of forest life, — friendly interchanges with the Morehouses opposite was rendered difficult and at times impracticable by the rapid tlowing river be- tween, — no highway road above the River de 8 SEVENTY YEARS OF Chute, three miles below, — and no regular postal communication. I well remember the courier of thi-t time, Martin, a Frenchman. The trip to and from Quebec was made each month ; in winter on snow- shoes, with dog aiid toboggan. The next remove was to a small log house on our own place, and I have no doubt the protection it afforded, humble though ii; was, was a great re- lief to my mother. Our nearest neighbor was a family named McDougal, whose kindness during our stay there was long after remembered. The prospect of a retu. ^. from the wilderness of that time to Fredericton, must have been truly gratifying to my mother ; but the time spent in Kent was far from being a blank in our existence. Its lessons can never be lost ! In our new home on George Street, Fredericton, we enjoyed, for a few years, as much happiness as this world generally affords. Among the kind friends who visited my moth- er during occasional illness was Mrs. Dr. Wood- forde, a good Christian woman and a type of the old New Brunswick stock of true nobility. Our life was very quiet and retired. My moth- er saw very little society, and devoted herself en- tirely to the comfort and happiness of her fandly. When her health permitted, she attended re- gularly the morning service in the old church, XEW n HUNS WICK LIFf^. 9 where the Cathedral now stands. A few years previous to her death she occasionally attended the evening meetings in the New Methodist Church. T generally accompanied her, and after a time, a pew being rented, my father did also. The rules and usages of the Church of England were closely observed by my parents, in the par- taking of the Sacrament, reading cf prayers on stated festivals, etc. T remember a serious conversation between them at a certain time with reference to my Con- firmation ; but which, for some reason that I cannot now explain, never took plac«. My sponsors, there- fore, have never been relieved from the great respon- sibility which Bishop Mountain placed upon them. My mother's healtli had become sadly impaired ; a lingering cough, with hectic flush, showed but too plainly the terrible enemy with which she was struggling. Consumption ! that ruthless disease, had marked her for its own. The winter of 1836-37 was a dark and gloomy one to our family. Death made a sad inroad upon us, taking away the two youngest children, and our dear, dear mother. Language fails to express the sense of loneliness we feel on our return from the burial of a loved one. Every object the eye rested upon, seenied to wring fresh anguish from the heart and stamp there indelibly, gone ! — gone ! — never again to see or speak with on earth. 10 :^EVENTY YEARS OF As I write, and more than three score years have passed away, I would not suppress the tears that flow in memory of my mother; and many, many times, as in a dream, have I felt that dear loving face to be near to mine and been comforted. My mother died in February, A. D. 1836, and vvas buried by the Rev. Mr. Sterling, in the old burial-ground, Fredericton, ix, few feet to the NortJi- East of a tomb and vault in which rests the re- mains of the wife of the late Hon. Tliomas Baillie. Chapter EE. Two Years in the Wilderness. '||I|N the month of March, 1823, my father hav- ^P ing purchased a horse, sleigh and harness for the journey, with my mother, self, four- year-old and younger sisters, set out to explore the wilderness and endure for a time the hardships of pioneer life. The only roadway was on the river, and marked out by fir bushes planted in the ice. I have yet a recollection of some of the inci- dents of this journey, the cutting wind, the heavy snow-drifts, and breaking up of a tine fishing rod in urging the horse through them, the dangers of ice travel — often treacherously giving way and engulfing man and beast. We at length reached the hospitable home of George Morehouse, Esquire, nr w Muniac Station, from which we could see at a distance of a few rods across the river the long looked for land. Two teams loaded with furniture and neces- saries, one of them driven by the owner, John Rierdon, arrived shortly after without serious mishap. The summer was spent in clearing land and 12 SEVENTY YEARS OF making preparation for building on the new farm. A few miles fartlier up on the eastern side of the river, the country being more thickly settled, we occupied a house there, and my father taught school during the winter. Occasional visits with my father and mother to Mr. Morehouse's barn, wliere was stored for a long time our furniture, and from some mysterious parts of which they would bring out raisins and nuts, must have been events deeply interesting, as they still lin^sr in memory. One of the most remarkable events of my life and providential escapes occurred while we occu- pied the hut on the front of the Glebe lot. A pathway led from thence through the forest to a creek on our place, over which we passed on a large tree, or windfall, flattened for the purpose. While one of the settlers, a Mr. Grant, and my father, were engaged in building the log house, it was my duty to pass througli the woods, a dis- tance of one-fourth of a mile, and call them to dinner. I was then about six years of age. One day, following the pathway for tliis pur- pose, wlien about half way, T saw at my feet a small living black object, its hair coarse and straight, and as I stooped to examine it, it turned its head to one side with a whining noise. Its mouth being open, its tongue resembled a piece of scarlet flannel. While fondling it as a puppy dog, a peculiar rumbling noise caused me to rise NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 13 up, when T saw a large, black object bounding towards me through the underbrush. I had heard many stories of bears and an intuitive fear prompted me to run instantly and with all pos- sible speed in <3 direction of the men. T had almost reached the creek where it was necessary to turn to the left to cross on the tree already named, when looking over my shoulder, I saw tiie huge monster close upon me. Throwing myself into the stream to avoid instant seizure, I was carried down with the current amongst some brush, and had probably, in the meantime, made good use of my lungs, for the men came in haste to my rescue. A brace of dogs were soon on the scent, followed by the men with guns in pursuit. The bear with her cub got safely away, but Basto, a spaniel dog, brought back a severe mark from bruin's paw. My father having purchased for me a small, narrow axe, I essayed to fall a tree. The one chosen by myself was a tall, dry cedar, the hardest kind to cut, about eight inches in diameter, and quite near to our hut. I spent some time mangling this tree, and, after many days, there was evidently a decrease in the circumference, wliich resembled the work of a beaver. After many repeated efforts, and blistering my hands, at length I heard a creaking noise, and looking up, saw the tree had actually commenced to fall. Dropping my axe, T ran at full speed for 14 SEVENTY YEARS OF the house, which was just in the direction it had taken, and narrowly escaped injury, as the top- most branches were broken at my heels. The removal to our new log-house, and within hailing distance of a neighbor, was an agreeable change. There being no highway road, the appearance of a stranger was to the settlers an event, and the news as greedily seized upon as we now do our morning paper ; with this difference, that related might have been several months old ; that read, the event of yesterday. I remember on one occasion studying a trav- eller at his luncheon, through the cracks of the floor above ; and admiring, boy like, a new jack- knife he seemed to delight in exhibiting. A partial clearing had been previously made by a squatter, of an acre or more, on the high bank of the river in front of the house. In this space was a beautiful spring of water, to which I sometimes found my way. Its Genii was a large, green frog, which, on my approach, shot leisurely across the bottom and became a thing of life, whose presence I gladly sought in my visits. Incidents of these kinds, now considered so trifling, yet unobliterated by the graver events of more than half a century, startle one with the thought of the probable condition of a mind permit- ted to mature in such isolation and surroundings -JJM XEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 15 Soldiers disbanded from various Britisli regi- ments were the principal settlers, and a less severe training than that endured by those veter- ans of " flood and field " would not have secured to them the same measure of success in overcom- ing all the obstacles presented as " pioneers of the wilderness." The Indians — Melicites — were very numerous on the St. John river. An old Scotch veteran, Archy McLean, well- known afterwards in Fredericton, where he died, who lived near us the first winter at a farm known as " Vinegar Hill," told me many years later, that in ascending the St. John river to a military station at Presque Isle in a tow-boat with troops, he had seen the islands fringed with their canoes. They were peaceable when not excited by the demon buc-ta-witch, or fire-water, and T never heard of any cruelties being prac- tised by them on the settlers of the St. John, even in their palmiest days. The names of the settlers known to me on the east side of the river during our stay in Kent are : George Morehouse, a retired officer, 104tl» Regiment, .'vnd William Hallet, Magistrates ; McDona'd, Grant, Marcheson, Inman, Donaho's, Jonas Fitzherbert (the only blacksmith within miles of our home), and others ; on the west side : James and Joshua Bishop, McDougal, Larlee, Linen, Holmes, tfcc. *«* 10 SEVENTY YEARS OF Two of Mr. McDonald's sons made each a mark jeyond the limits of their early home : William, as a surveyor, well-known in Carleton County ; and Frank, merchant, and partner for a time of 0. D. Smith in Woodstock ; later, president for several years of the " Portland (Maine) Albertine Oil Co." In this enterprise he was fortunate in making considerable money, and was generous in distributing patronage to the sons of former friends in Woodstock. Many of the settlers, driven by necessity, soon became experts in the pursuit and capture of wild animals, salmon and other tish, with which the forests and streams abounded. The adventures of one of those veterans, Dick Inman, a vigorous and resolute man, were numer- ous. On one occasion a moose closely pursued by him through the deep snow leaped into the bed of a stream, its sandy bottom affording the animal firm footing for a distance of about one hundred yards. The walls of snow on either side prevented the exit of the now imprisoned animal, which raced madly up and down. Inman, watching his opportunity, leaped successfully astride tiie gallop- ing beast, and maintained his seat uutil it became exhausted, when with his knife it was easily despatched. Again, making with his axe a fierce attack upon a bear, she, with her cubs, was driven up a XEW BRUXSWICK LIFE. 17 tree. Calling loudly to liis wife, who wont to his assistance, and placing her, axe in hand, to pre- vent their descent and escape, he hastened to procure his gun, and succeeded in killing two of them. Three miles below our home was the " River de Chute " — Falling or Rapid River. On this stream was the only " grist mill " in this part of the country, owned by Hil. Kearney, whose hos- pitality to tra\'ellers was proverbial. The River St. John was navigated by tow- boats, drawn by horses. All the lumber — square timber and logs — cut upon its banks or tribu- taries was floated to St. John. It was first made into joints or rafts, on which one or more men, according to the quantity of lumber, was put to pilot and run as far as Fredericton, where a num- ber of rafts were put together and with a larger crew sent on to St. John. The scull-oar in the hands of a raftsman is a powerful lever ; many large rafts are handled with this implement alone, but a sweep or rudder is often placed at the tail of the raft as a double security. At certain pitches of water the swift currents and eddies demand skilled pilots, to which add an occasional gale of wind and the best and most successful pilot often comes to grief. At the highest spring freshet the current is over eight miles an hour, and rafts are run in the light of one day from Tobique to Freflfcericton. I IS SEVENTY YEARS OF Reverting to tow-ljoats as the only means of transporting freight in former times, the mouths of the rivers entering the St. John were crossed by the liorses, bearing their riders gallantly througli the deep or rapid water. I have seen them thus swinmiing, surrounded by running ice, the rider standing upon the saddle. To the horses was attached a long rope, united with two others connected with tiie centre and bottom of the mast in the boat, all of which were occasion- ally raised by means of a pulley on the mast, to escape in their progress objects of a higher level. The boats had a carrying power of from 100 to 200 barrels, and were the only means of transport for supplying lumber operations on the St. John and its tributaries. The ordinary mode of transport from Fredero- ton, where all supplies were obtained by the settlers, was the canoe; and many a weary man has lain down with a stone for his pillow and slept soundly, after shoving his load through tide and rapid with a spruce pole from early dawn. The largest lumbering establishment of those early times was known as the "Concern Place," a few miles below the Tobique River and near the " Tobicjue Rocks." The firm was composed of Peters k Wilmot, the latter the father of the well-known and talented Judge Wilmot. The pine tree grew to an enormous size, and was found in great abundance along the St. John and I 4 XEW BRUXSWICK LIFE. 19 its tributjiries, wliil*^ wliite pine timber was for many years tlie staple of the Province, — its eliief article of export. In the early days of lumbering, when tine groves of pine were found on the banks of the St. John, fortunes should have been made ; but drunkenness, extravagance and a waste of valu- able time occasioned many failures. The fur of wild animals was also an important item of export from this Province. An old Scotch gentleman, Peter Fraser, whom I well remember in Fredericton, was a buyer and exporter of peltry, perhaps the principal one in the Province. The Indians had great confidence in him, and he is said to have treated tiiem kindly. How long before my time I know not, but I heard it said tliat in buying fur by weight from the unsuspecting native, the hand of the purchaser weighed one pound, and his foot two pounds. Some friend of the Indians, pointing out the fraud, they cut the hand from a dead man, the weigiit of which they found to be a pound. They had no means, however, of weighing the muscular pres- sure of tl>e living hand. Chapter iii. Return to Fredericton. '^*^^V, ^c^^JHE crude state of society and the poor pros- •io^i pect of any speedy return from liis labors, together with the absence of everytliing congenial to the tastes and habits of liiniself and my mother, prepared my father in the spring of 1825 to accept a proposition for his innuediate return to Freder- icton, to take charge of the National School. The incident of our journey down was the tow- boat being swept by the current of a high sp-ing freshet under overhanging trees, which brushed from the cabin's deck the steersman into the seething waters below. I remember, also, our stopping for a night at Colonel Ketchum's, a little above Woodstock, where we were kindly treated. Again in Fredericton, my father at once resumed his former work of teaching. The buildings, occupied as a residence and school-room, were situated opposite Wilmot's alley, just above the present stone barracks, and formed two sides of a s(juare. We spent part of one year in this place and then removed our resi- dence to a large two-story building, owned by a Mr. Wells, on King sti'cet, near the jail, occupy- ing the half of an upper Hat. iVA'ir liRUM\SWICK LIFE. ■1\ IJefore all our eti'ects were reiiioved, however, tliere occurred tlie great fire of 1825, which in the month of October, destroyed the greater part of the town of Fredericton ; also the forest and numy dwellings on the Miraniichi River, where several lives were lost. The school being in session and the flames near- ing the building, the school was dismissed. A large dictionary was given me to carry, and as T leached the street — now tilled with smoke, burn- ing cinders and retreating people — and crossed to the opposite side, I saw a horse coming down furiously ; he was attached to a cart on which was some bed(Mng in flames. I ran into an alley leading into che yard of the Yerxa House, the hoise took the same course. Having run the length of the alley, in turning the corner the left wheel came in contact with the building, swinging the shafts and horse suddenly round over a cellar- way, down the seeps of which I had retreated to the door, which was closed. Suspended above me was the horse, but I was soon relieved from the perilous position by the arrival of the men in charge. The school was re-opened in the Market House, second flat, directly opposite to Taylor's Alley on Queen street. The other half of the flat, easterly, was the " Court Room," in which the Bible Society and other public meetings were held. Many residents of Fredericton who have since r 22 SEVENTY YEA US OF ))ftconio solid men and women, often refer to tlieir early training in the "Old Market House." My father also taught a night school, where, to keep me out of mischief, I was frequently taken, and where I dozed away many a restless hour on the desks or benches. At the top of the stairway leading to the school-room, on the outside of the b lilding, was a platform enclosed by balusters ; where r.ome of the latter were wanting, young children indulged ia the dangerous amusement of passing through and along on the outside. My brother, John D., was tlie victim. One of the balus- ters giving way, he fell to the ground, breaking his leg, but from wliich lie soon perfectly recovered. Just above the Market House, and almost darkening the windows, were several large ships in course of building by merchants in Fredericton. Tiie site of the brick dwelling and garden owned by the late Judge Saunders was at that time a shipyard, and the sons of the builders or contractors — Dows & Hoopers — schoolmates. My father, having purchased a comfortable one- story house on King street, above the range of the fire and just below the residence of Dr. Somerville, we removed thereto, where, on a first flat, with garden attached, we enjoyed many com- forts hitherto unknown. I now, when in Freder- icton, pause to look upon this unpretentious building, with which are connected so many associations of the long ago. mgatessssrr--^-- .VEIV BRUNSWICK LIFE. '1\\ After a few years' residence! on Kinj^ street, uiy father rented from tlie Cl)i"cli Corporation of Fredericton an acre of lana extending from Brunswick to George St., tlien the rearmost street in the town, on whicli latter lie proceeded to erect a commodious two-story building, with harn, etc. These buildings are yet standing, in fair condition, a little above and opposite to St. Ann's Church. A National School building having been erected on King street, a little above the Parliament buildings, with ample accommodation, and separate apartments for an African school, the school was removed thereto frou^ the Market House. In this building a room had also been prepared for the books of the Fredericton library, of which my fatlier was the librarian. T was frecjuently asked by lady and gentlemen subscribers to add to the catalogues, in a good round hand, the titles of new books received. I remember a kindly old gentleman, Judge Bliss, giving me for this service a diver half dollar. Our removal to Fredericton was one of the great events of my life. Almost uninterrupted attendance at school, with free 'iccess to an excel- lent library, presented rare opportunities for study or recreation, and to these early advantages I owe the development of the powers which God had given me, the position and much of the happiness I have enjoyed in the world. After being settled in our new home on George 24 SEVENTY YEARS OF street, there was a systematic arrangement of time for employment or recreation. Assisted by my father, the short afternoons from four o'clock were fully occupied during the winter in keeping the house supplied with fuel, frequently hard wood logs, or birch timber, cut with a cross-cut saw. Surrounding the table after supper, lessons invari- ably took precedence ; after which, sketching with water colors — many of which we were taught to make, — or reading, often aloud, occupied the time till nine o'clock, when we retired. At early d.iwii, books were drawn from under the pillow, and in winter, with hands rolled up in the blankets, held before the eyes, to refresii the studies of the previous evening. A cow, pig and poultry also occupied the time, so that little was left for outside amusement. The enjoyment of a half hour's skate was intense. The river Nashwaaksis and " Govern- ment Pond," so called, afforded tine fields of ice, and good skaters were not wanting as models in this graceful and healthful exercise. Of chese I would name Hon. J. A. Beckwith, Captain Hansard, Stephen Miller and Beverly Robinson. On one occasion, a smaller boy and I were skating on the river ; we had found a space of smooth, black ice unmarked. Presently, the first of the ;»,bove-mentioned gentlemen entered, and seizing the smaller boy, held him out at arms' length, and made some almost perfect curves on lYJiJW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 25 tlui outsido, })ack\varcl and forward. Se(!ining to r'ead my mind, as I looked on wond(3ringly, he said to me, "Sonny, can you do that?" I said, "No, sir." Tiien said lie, "You must try ; 'there's an upper part to everything.' " The words were truly fitly spoken, and have heen to me "as apples of gold in pictures of silver." The poise of mind and hody T have found many times necessary to the accomplishment of what I considered great and good. If the highest and best objects of oui' i)ursuit are not always attained, we should at least be found struggling in the path of duty. The Hon. J. A. )>. set a good example in many ways to the youth of Fredericton as a lover of athletic .sports. T have had many faithful dogs in my life, to wliich I became warndy attached'. When about twelve years old, T had a large black and tan Newfoundlander, which was well harnessed and trained to draw me, anywhere guided, on a sled. He was a powerful animal and would draw very heavy loads, and often hauled my brother and I to school, returning with as many boys as could pile on the sled. T (mjoyed many m(U'ry and excit- ing rides after the brave and faithful "Danger." Some half a mile back from our house, on the race-course and near th(^ edge of the woods, car- casses of dead animals from the town were depos- ited. Dogs >f • \\ sorts and sizes would gather 20 SEVENTY YEARS OF about these, and many a frosty morning, sitting on my sled, have I guided " Danger " for a chase. He understood the thing better than I ; his tac- tics were good. As we approaclied near — the dogs being intently engaged — in a crouching and stealthy manner and taking advantage of cover, he drew slowly on, nearer and nearer, until with a dash and a yelp he struck terror into the hearts of the feasting canines. As they broke for the town the largest dog was selected ; previous experience gave fleetness to their motions, and for a half mile or more the pace was terrific. As a rule the dogs were more scared than liurt, but the chase sometimes ended in disaster to sled and harness. Early morning trips svere also made to the woods on the crust, for pea sticks to be used in the garden in summer, selected from the tops of birch trees recently cut. In the summer time an acre of ground, under cultivation as field or garden, occupied our time morning and evening. Duty being always the first consideration, then amusement. For an hour's fishing in tiie morning, I have left home at early dawn, walked two miles to the second creek below Fredericton, caught a good basketful of smelt, and returned in time for school. On wet days during the summer large flocks of English plover could be heard whistling as they circled around the open space or ran over the NEW BRUXSWICK LIFE. 27 green sward of the race-course, directly in front of our residence. Thus tempted, I took my father's gun, which was loaded, and made my dehut by bagging a few of these fine birds. From this time forth shooting and tield sports became a passion, and in after years many mornings in summer have T disturbed the nighthawks on the streets of Fredericton on my way to the hills. For my mother's amusement, when engaged with her needle, I read to her Washington Irving, Marryatt's writings, Doctor Syntax, etc. I became deeply intei-csted in the Memoirs of John Shipp, wiiich aroused an inspiriting and military ardour, an effect produced also in others with whom I have conversed. The provincial law at that time reciuired but three days' military training in each year. Pre- vious to the muster, the oHiceis of companies met just opposite our residence for drill. Being tali for my age, I was frequently selected to fill a blank in the rear rank — the initiatory step in the service of my country. The veteran commander of the militia was Lieutenant Colonel Minchin, who had served in the royal artillery. The knowledge obtained in battalion drill was very superficial, the volunteer companies only being supplied with arms. Tfie Royal African Corps, about 50 strong, was the centre of attraction, as it possessed a band. 28 SEVENTY YEARS OF Captain M , of Douglas, witli a nondescript uniform, was tlie commander. George Lawrence, late big drummer in the 104th Regiment (colored), was the drill instructor, and tlie half forg. Lten words of command, Africanised, afforded much amusement on parade. Fronting on George street was a large open space, which extended from our residence down- ward to the Scotcli kirk. Its circuit was nearly a mile, near the centre of which the exhibition building of later days was erected. The open space above referred to was the race-course of those early days, where many races were hotly contested. The most notable horses were the "Rattler," the "Mark's Horse" (beating the " Cannon Ball " in a three mile race), " Silk Stockings," "Gipsy" and others. It was also the scene of many brilliant " field days " and inspections of the " regulars " stationed in Fredericton. In the march home, plucky young urchins dared to grab from the aprons of the grim, bear skinned pioneers a handful of cart- I'idges, gathered upon the field. Here, too, was the annual training and the preparatory drill of troop or company. With all the improvements and modern appli- ances in the militia force of the present day, the conduct of our volunteers in field movements is no advance npon the practical and heroic of former |! times. V\ NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 29 It was no uncommon thing to see a troop of cavalry in uniform galloping over tlie parade ground, and by cut and parry, eliciting applaus*^ ; or sweeping down upon a battalion in square, througli fire and smoke, reform, with blood flow- ing from their horses from bayonet pricks received in the charge. On one occasion I saw more than one horse on its haunches, and another fall com- pletely over backward upon its rider. Again, a charge was made upon a square, into which the artillerymen ran at the last moment. A trooper, dismounting, seized a drag rope and remounted, upon which a non-commissioned officer (Brannen) rushed out, administering from his rifle, at close quarters to the horse's tail, a depilatory powder, to the great astonishment of its rider and the amusement of the crowd. At the rear of the race-course was an elevated earthwork called the " battery," into which many bullets from the old flint rifles entered in friendly contest. The crack shots of those days were L. A. Wilmot, George Wliite, John Davis and others. The presence of regular troops in tlie garrison at Fredericton, their personal neatness and pre- cision in movement had much to do in framing the tastes and habits of our young men ; but tlie miasma of immorality, floating from a thousand idle men and poisoning the atmosphere, makes questionable any advaritages derived from their presence. (Chapter ib. Choice of a Business. ^p^EING now nearly fourteen years of age, Dr. ^SS Emerson, our family physician, proposed that I should enter a dispensary opened by him- self and Dr. George P. Peters, who had recently formed a co partnership. There being no objection, the current of my thought was suddenly changed to obtaining a knowledge of the " Uses and Properties of Medicines," simple and compound. Dr. Peters had just returned from " Edinburgh Medical College." His father was the Attorney General of this Province. Under the doctor's supervision and instruction T was to learn daily from the Dispensatory the use and properties of medicine contained in three of the bottles on the shelves. Dr. Emerson was for many years the best known man in Fredericton. He had an extensive practice, and the impress of the large rings of his pattens indicated his presence in every street and alley throughout the town. He was a great lover of horses ; he owned the " Rattler," a race horse and the fastest of his time in America ; he also NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 31 owned " Gipsy," a beautiful light bay mare, a win- ner in many races. SMITH EXECUTED. While here an execution by hanging took place of one Smith, on the highway near the gate of the old graveyard. He had been in prison some time before his trial for murdering two or three men by chopping them to pieces with a sharp axe while they lay asleep in a lumber camp on the Tobique River. Returning from school one day I stood with another boy on the top of a greenhouse in the jail yard opposite the window of the cell in which he was confined. He looked savagely at us through a triple barred grating of iron, — the glass window was raised. Presently, without our having said a word, a piece of brick, accurately aimed l)y him through one of the narrow apertures of the grat- ing, passed rapidly close by our heads. He walked to the place of execution in his grave clothes, his arms pinioned behind liim, be- tween Sheriff Miller and his deputy. A large gathei'ing surrounded the gallows to witness the unfortunate wretch pay the penalty of his terrible crime. He was buried outside the gate of the graveyard. The execution took place shortly after my entering the dispensary, underneath which was a 32 SEVENTY YEARS OF dark cellar with a stairway. Going down to tho cellar one day I stuniijled over a basket, which, on examination I found to contain a human head and portions of a dismembered body, — the remains of Smith exhumed by Drs. P. k L., the latter being surgeon of the Rifle Regiment, then lying in Fredericton. The hangman of that time was a tall old colored man named Lowden ; he lived in an old house op- posite Dr. Brown's residence, the corner of a large field extending back to the race-course. The boys all knew Lowden, as he made or repaired sleds, toboggans, axe-handles, ladders, etc. lie had a team of six powerful well -trained fox liounds, which hauled very heavy loads and exceeded horses in swiftness. I recollect a man being hung at Gagetown at which the hangman's life was threatened. Im- mediately after the execution he was conveyed by the authorities to the glare ice on the river, where his fleet hounds awaited him, and soon left his pursuers far behind. KNTERS LATIN SCHOOL. Finding, after a few months spent in the dis- pensary, that some knowledge of the Latin lan- guage was necessary to make the study of medi- cine, either as druggist or physician, a success, I found myself transferred to the Fredericton Gram- f XEW BRUXSWICK J.IFE. X\ mar Scliool, under the tuition of the Rev. Mr. Cowell, who was a curate of the Churcli of Eng- land, and a gentleman for whom T shall ever en- tertain the highest regard. The morning was de- voted to the study of Latin, the afternoon to Algebra and Euclid. L. P. Fisher, barrister, and late mayor of the town of Woodstock, went through with u)e the first and second books of Euclid, and there was some rivalry as to which should first be able to demonstrate a proposition. George N Segee was my classmate in Latin, who also became a barrister, practising in Fred- ericton. As we had arrived at an age to feel tlie necessity of making the best use of our time, at the close of the first year we had passed through two of the lower classes in Latin. Many of the boys were sons of the so-called aristocracy of that day, and Segee and myself were subjected to no small amount of taunts and sneers, at and after the competitive examinations which twice in each year were held on the hill at King's College. The sympathies of the professors and the examiners were, I am sure, with us, notably of the Rev. George McAuley, who resided in the college building. He gave me a book in which were the lessons of Henry Kirk White, and at his invitation I visited his private apartment on Saturday afternoon to repeat them to him. I also attended for some time on Saturdays, at 34 SI' VEX TV YEANS OF tlie hall of the college, lectures on chemistry and natural philosophy by Drs. llobb and Grey. Considerable rivalry had for several years existed as to muscular supremacy between tiie "National" and "Grammar" schools. Many- large boys, sons of mechanics and others, attended the " National " in the winter time, when the battles occurred, and in which the " Nationals " were generally the victors. From the day of my attendance at the Grammar school I was marked as a " National," and a system of persecution commenced, which in a little while became intoler- able. The school was divided by the scions of aristocracy — as by Romulus, the Romans — into two classes ; and the Plebei thus proscribed were made to suffer many indignities. The yard of the Collegiate school was the scene of many combats. I had been advised by my parents to avoid (juarrelling with the boys of this school, which was wise aiid prudent teaching ; but the repeated insults, from one boy in particulai- of about my own ago, I could no longer endure. Segee, my classmate, was my second ; my opponent and his second — we four only — were in the yard. The remainder of the school were looking through open places made by knives in the fence. The style was " as you please," or " rough and tumble." The sense of accumulated wrongs gave force to every blow. I had little knowledge of what occurred until XEW lUWXSWICK LIFE. '^h the fray was over, wiicii T saw prostrate (tlie fence liad been climbed by friends on both sides) a number of bleeding Patricians and near and about them as many exultant and crowing Plebs. j Many years have since elapsed, but from that day forward my then opponent and myself have been on the most friendly terms, I refer to this and similar events to show the spirit of the tinies, and feel that through influences or training of this kind latent energies are brought into action that might have remained dormant ; but stinmlated by success inspire to nobler achievements. T have seen one of our late judges, when attend- ing King's College, enter the Fredericton library and in a flood of tears relate to my father the indignities he was daily made to sutl'er from the class of young men above referred to. ini)p:ntkd apfukxtk'e to the druci business. #! The best drug establishment at this time in Fredericton was owned by James F. Gale. He was a 8t. John man and served his apprenticeship with Walker k Maccara of that place. He then went to London, England, and served two years in Apothecaries' Hall, prior to commencing his studies for the profession of M. D. A change in his father's circumstances, financially, compelled him to abandon this, and he returned to New 'M SEVENTY YEARS OF Brunswick. He purchasod the business and stand of ])r. George lialdwin, situated in Amasa Coy's brick building on Queen street, just below the officers' square. He understood his business thor- oughly as a chemist and druggist, and was most exacting in iiis demands as a master. While attending the Latin school, I spent from four to six o'clock p. m. each day in this establish- ment, and during the second year, an opening being presented, was installed therein as an apprentice for four years to the drug business. The hours in summer were from six a. m. to nine thirty p. m., often later ; and many times aroused at night to put up prescriptions, when competent to do so. For about a year I boarded at home, and my father provided me with clothing during the whole time of my apprenticeship. On Mr. Gale's marriage my quarters were changed to his residence, and I was thus deprived a good walk and being at home morning and jvening. I was expected to be in my room every night at ten o'clock. A previous severe training had made obedience with me a first law and in this case was seldom violated. Frr^i four to six a. m. were the only hours I could ootain for out-door exercise ; and a mental apparition is often presented to me of old " Libby," the coloi'cd bellman, tapping from a ladder on the m .v/;(r niwN.'iWiCK life. 37 window at grey dawn and in an underb»*(Nith call- ing, " Massa Will'm, it's to' o'clock ! " Wild pigeons were then very numerous. Mary- land Hill, a spruce grove hack of the race-course, and Hanwell, then a new settlement, were favorite places of resort. I have often visited the last named place (between two and three miles distant) in a brisk gallop on horseback, made a good bag and returned in time to have the shop open at six o'clock. My gun was a dint- lock, — percussion-locks had not then been introduced. On one occasion cover- ing some pigeons, T pulled the trigger. It seemed to miss fire ; the birds Hew. Following them with my eye, as I brought the butt of the gun to the ground, I was startled by its discharge, the con- tents passing close by my face and the leaf of my straw hat was cut by some grains of the shot. In carrying the gun through the bushes, wet with rain or heavy dew, the damp powder of the prim- ing burnt slowly and I had no thought of its hav- ing ignited. ADVENTURE WITH A HAWK. I brought down one morning from the top of a very high tree, on Maryland Hill, a large " hen " hawk. It was only wounded so as to be unable to fly. Coming upon it in the thick undergrowth, where it had fallen, it attacked me fiercely with beak and talons. It was formidable from its size, V u 38 SEVENTY YEARS OF and only after repeated and heavy blows from the muzzle of the gun did I succeed in giving it a quietus. But it was not dead ; it held so tightly with its great yellow claws to the muzzle of the gun ^1 'ts transport over my shoulder was thus safe and a.sy. iN -riving at the house I succeeded in shaking it ott' one gun and left it in the hall of the flat occu- pied by Mr. Gale. Returning home some two h jurs later to breakfast, I found the whole house ill a state of uproar. The servant woman, when sweeping the hall, had attempted to inove his " liawkship," wlien lie developed himself fully, seizing a portion of her dress. Tlie superstitious wo.nan thinking, as she said, that it was " satan " himself, rushed from room to room, shrieking wildly, then down the stairs and th^'ough the yard, until all the people in the neighborhood had assembled and released her from an unknown enemy, minus such portions of her clothing as he had put under tribute. A SECOND ADVENTURE WITH BRUIN. Having become, as I thought, on friendly terms with a young bear chained in front of the officers' barracks between two of the old willows, I saw on one occasion a crowd of officers and civilians assembled at the shore for the purpose of giving bruin a swim. Unaware of the irritation caused Si "'!? '% 4 '.si XE]V BRUNSWICK LIFE. 39 l)y its removal to that place, I approached it as usual. Snuffing over my hands and pockets, and finding 1 had nothing for it, it seized me treacher- ously by the leg with its teeth, which he tore badly ; and when escaping, pursued and struck me with its paw, stripping the flesh from the out- side of my right leg at the knee. I managed to walk to the shop where the wounds were dressed by Dr. Fraser, and was from thence drawn in a wagon by the hands of Donald McLeod and other kind friends to my father's house. These injuries kept me at home under a mother's care for a month, and the scars are still plainly visible.' COMPANIONS AND WALKS. A young Englishman, John Chalmers, a clerk in the Central Bank, having joined me in the purchase of a bark canoe, the hills on the opposite side of the river were occasionally visited, and I remember one morning when alone in the canoe making a bag of three heavy black ducks, near the mouth of the Nashsvaak. The physicians patronizing our estn^blishment were Drs. Woodforde (late Rifle Brigade), Fraser (Scotch), Toldervy (English). The prescriptions were numerous, and the directions written in Latin kept alive my love for the study of that language. My hours in the shop on Sabbath days were 40 SEVENTY YEARS OF from nine to eleven a. m. and eight to nine p. m. The companions in my walks on Sabbath after- noons were Charles Gregor, a clerk in the dry goods store of the late William Grosvenor, and Frederick Jewitt, clerk in the grocery of the late Spafford Barker, The former is yet alive and engaged in business in Kingston, Ontario. The latter is dead. These young men were of good moral character and much respected in Fred- ericton. Our walks on Sabbath afternoons extended to the churches at " Maryland Settlement," " Spring- iiiir'-and "Blake's Mills" (now Gibson's, at Marysville). The distance in each case was a round walk of about ten miles, and gave us pleas- ing and necessary open-air exercise. At the time of my mother's death 1 was over- come with a sense of complete isolation and felt as if I could not be comforted. I slept in a small room adjoining the shop alone. I read my Bible and tried to pray. The Church ritual, by this time stereotyped on my memory, seemed cold and discomforting, affording me no consolation. The pastor of the Methodist Church was the Rev. Enoch Wood, a faithful servant of God, but recently gone to his reward. I occupied my mother's seat under his preaching, and into my heart, tender with sorrow, he seemed to pour a healing balm and I felt as if he were preaching to me. The impressions of that time allected me NEW BRUXSWICK LIFE. 41 long and seriously, and have, I believe, exerted a deterring influence against evil throughout the wliole of my life. Gale's shop was a place of resort to the officers of the garrison and the elite of Fredericton I heard many rounds of wit and anecdote from officers, doctors, and the parish priest (Father McSweeney) assembled to imbibe pure soda and discuss the topics of the day. A young officer, Lieutenant Herries, succeeded once in obtaining leave for me to go out on the river and skate. He was a young skater anxious to learn and I was anxious to instruct. During the summer the music of the military band at the morning parade could be heard dis- tinctly in the shop and had a charming effi^ct. I could occasionally steal to the end of ths plat- form to see the movements of the troops, which to me were very interesting. The upper part of the building adjoining was the officers' mess, from the open windows of which were often heard music and hilfirious mirth. In the winter some of the officers took brisk walks with Indian guides in pursuit of deer, moose or caribou, and I have seen them coming in from the hunt on snowshoes, the Indian drawing on his toboggan as a trophy of the chase peltry or the remains of some monarch of the forest. ^s 1 42 SEVENTY YEARS OF THAMP OF OFFICERS IN HEAVY MARCHING ORDER. A discussion liaving taken place at mess in one of the regiments as to the distance that might be accomplished in a given time in heavy marching order, a wager was made to be decided by two of the officers. On a bright morning in summer two officers, named Cook and Barry, fully equipped, set out with a fair swing for a tramp to the Oromocto and back. Cook was tall, straight and lanky ; Barry short, well-knit, but bow-legged. Cook reached the stream iirst, sat down, put his feet in the water and lunched. Barry, arriving later, spattered some water from the stream in his face, wheeled about and continued the march, simply moistening his lips occasionally. At four p. m. Queen street was lined with people ; and later, cheers greeted Barry as friends met him with a hearty shake and a pull barrack- ward. Cook was found sitting in a mud-puddle near the first bridge at the flats. The strap of his cartouche box, not being equal to the strain on a march of sixty rounds of ball cartridge, was tied up with his handkerchief. His appearance gen- erally was dilapidated. FRIGID WARFARE. A snow fort, heavily walled and covering a large space in the oflicers' square, was ei'ected by SEW niWXSWICK LIFE. 43 a regioient about tliis time. On a soft day, after the fort was solidly frozen, a portion of the regi- Dient entered for its defence. The passage way to the interior was then hermetically sealed. The ammunition of defenders and assailants was balls of snow, hard and soft, large and small. The advance to the assault was met with a well-aimed shower from the ramparts, and as vigorously returned. After several unsuccessful attempts had been made to scale the walls, the demolition of the fort was commenced. As the walls were broken down the harder portions were used by either party, which placed many a good soldier hors de combat. After a fieice struggle, in which man were severely wounded, the defenders of the fort capitu- lated, but only at the instance of officers who then interfered. CHEMISTRY AXD CHEMICAL RECREATIONS. While Mr. Gale was in England he attained a good knowledge of practical chemistry, which he found exceedingly useful in the preparation of medicines not always attainable. When chloro- form was scarcely known in this country, he manufactured some, which Dr. Toldervy pro- nounced of fine quality. Some persons who may have received benefit fi'om this fine preparation, now in general use, 44 SEVENTY YEARS OF may be interested in reading the formula, wliich is as follows : — 4 lbs. chloride of lime, 12 oz. rectified spirit, 12 lbs. of water. During the winter a sand-bath covered the stove in the shop, from which the retort was scarcely ever absent. Many of the ordinary pre parations now imported by druggists were manu- factured in the shop, as also some of the finer preparations of mercury or iron from the metals. The manufacture of one preparation, " fulminat- ing silver," as I found to my cost, should only be undertaken by an expert. With Gale, its manu- facture was a never-failing success, and I, fully aware of the nature of what I was handling, had an ambition to try the experiment. Into a Florence flask I poured the proper quantity of nitric acid, dropping into it silver coin of correct weight. The flask was then placed on the sand bath, and the dark poisonous fumes which soon arose were so controlled at the neck of the flask as to turn them back into the boiling liquid. When the silver was dissolved, a precipitate fell to the bottom and the first part of the experiment was completed. The precipitate being washed and a filter pre- pared, I placed the funnel in an eight ounce measure glass and proceeded to pour from the flask into the filter. From an excessive weight of SEW BRUXSWICK LIFE. 45 liquid or a defect in the paper, the contents went through to tlie bottom of the glass. A moment later there was a terrific explosion and I found myself lengthwise on the floor. The explosion was caused by the grinding of the shank of funnel on the wet fulminate. The shop was soon filled with people, as the report was heard from a long distance, and I found that personally it was a miraculous escape. There was considerable breakage from fragments of glass and some of the beams in the ceiling may still bear the marks of larger pieces. We put up large numbers of the detonating crackers in the winter season, and being used in various ways aftbrded much amusement. Some grave old men adorning pulpit or bench may have long since forgotten how they were placed on the stairs of King's College to give timely warning of the approach of a professor, old Cameron the janitor, oi other curious ears to the doors of their dormitories. A half-grain of the greyish powder, a few grains of shot and a little sand tied up in tissue paper, would make a loud report, and the friction of dropping from the hand or treading upon would cause an explosion. While returning to the shop one evening after tea, T saw a large number of men assembled, several of whom were engaged in a fight. As the crowd swayed back and forth over the road or sidewalk, having a few crackers in my pocket I 46 SEVENTY YEARS OF laid them on the hard ground near by. Presently, as the din of tlie tiglit grew louder and some were pushed over the crackers, they began to explode. Some shrieked as if shot, and others, taking the alarm, scampered with all their might to get clear of the fray. I: CKitptcr U. Early Navigation of the R' er St. John. ,-^«- teiN opinion is freijuently expressed by tourists '^15^ that the natural beauty of the St. John is not exceeded by any other river on the continent. The report made by its discoverer, DeMonts, to the King of France, was in these words : " The "great extent of the river, the fish with which it " is filled, the grapes growing upon its banks, and " the beauty of its scenery, are .ill objects of " wonder and admiration." The distance from St. John to Fredericton, 85 miles, is made regularly in the summer season by steamboats ; thence to Grand Falls, 1 25 miles, has been made by steamers at a high pitch of water, or during the spring freshets. For a few months in the year, a steamer runs to Woodstock, and it is a great accommodation to the people living on or near the banks of the river with whom there is no railway communication. The erection of several bridges across the river and the daily passage of trains to Grand Falls and Edmunston has almost effectually closed the navi- gation, above Woodstock, to any water craft. My earliest recollection of vessels on the St. 48 SEVEXTY YEARS OF John WHS tlie firing of n gun announcing thf arrival at Fredericton of the " Governor's Yacht," used for tlie transportation of governors and their etl'ects to and from Fredericton. Before the introd' otion of steam as a propelling })Ower on the river, a boat ran between St. Jolin and Fredericton, driven by horse power. The first steamer was tlie "General Smith" in ISIO. Following her was the "St. George" in 1825, com- manded by Captain Segee, and later by C.iptain Wylie. The transport of freight and passengers was also done by "sloops." A veteran commander. Captain Currier, is still living in Fredericton. The others of my time were Captains Parsons, N'ail and Fradsham, resi- dents of the same place. A regular visitor from Grand Manan was "Drake's schooner," a tight little vessel, and her cargo sometimes exhibited an acquaintance with Yankee ports. The "John Ward" and "St. John," substantial steam vessels, were followed by Whitney's fleet of high pressure steamers, "Water Witch," "Novel- ty," etc. The latter reached the highest rate of speed attained by any vessel plying on the St. John. She made the passage from St. John to Fredericton and returned in less than a day. In the year 1838 she visited Woodstock, and left her mark on Becaguimac Island, 10 miles liigher up, where she was for a short time stranded. * XEW n HUNS WICK LIFK. 49 The " Novelty " was a long, narrow vessel, v(;ry tlitUcult to steer. I have seen her aground oppo- site Fredericton, with hundreds of red coats trying to lift her oH' the bar. HKN.TAMIN TIHHKTTS STKAMKK " RKINDKKK Among the young men of Fredericton with whom r was intimate, and vviiose life and conduct proved them benefactors to their country, was Benjamin Tibbetts. He was taciturn in manner, but possessed a rare genius. He was a musician : skilled as a portrait painter, and had accjuired a wonderful knowledge of the meclianical arts. He served his time to watchmaking with Ben- jamin Wolhaupter, Fredericton. When (juite young, he made and finished a pei'fect key-bugle. He was employed by Mrs. Shore and others of the elite to paint in oil their portraits ; but his great work was the building of the steamer " Reindeer." He showed me in figures on a slate .n " Mor- gan's foundry " his first conception of that beauti- ful craft, his calculations of form, size and bearing, and they proved remarkably correct. She illus- trated a discovery or invention entirely his own : the application of steam power under a high pres- sure and low pressure principle combined. The model of the " Reindeer " was beautiful. " She walked the waters like a thing of life," was of 60 SEVENTY YEARS OF light draft, 'ind did excellent work on the river for in any years. I enjoyed, with a large number of excursionists, n trip to tlie Grand Falls on her. The Woodstock band was with the party and contributed much to a nigljt's amusement at the Falls. Horatio Nel- son Drake commanded the steamer and as we returned received from the hand of Benjamin Beveridge, Esquire, at Tobique, a pair of fine antlers, which with music and becoming cere- mony were made to deck the prow of our gallant " Reindeer." A ready speech was made in ac- knowledgement of the gift by the engineer, Thomas Pickard, jr., whose father was the owner. The ascent of this, the first steamer, made it a gala day on the St. John River banks, and our progress was greeted with shouts of welcome, firing of guns, etc., etc. As we returned to Woodstock .« large number of persons were as- sembled at the landing. The band played and the party on board joined in singing, to a then popular ail", some verses composed en route by one of the band. A single verse will suffice : " Hurrah ! for the Restook Rivcr, oh ! The Tobique stream that is not slow ; But the Saint John River is the stream, Tlmt we have now traversed witfi steam." Then dance the boatman dance, etc. Some years later, when standing with Tibbetts on a wharf at Fredericton to which the " Rein- .YEW lilWXSWICK LIFE, 51 deer" was secured, lie expressed a wisli tliat I would go through the old boat with him. Evi- dence of abuse, neglect and decay was every wliere present. Tn the running gear, pieces of rope, chains or wire were doing unsiglitly service. Af- ter viewing the wreck of what was once the pride arid adv'iijation of Tibbetts as a machinist and inventor, lie raised his hands and said, " Strange that an harp of a thousand strings should stay in tune so long." 1 have didbrent versions of the following state- ment, therefore cannot vouch for its correctness. Several years having passed away, the " Rein- deer " changed hands ; she was plying on the Grand Lake. In a house on the shore of the lake poor Tibbetts was dying. It was his eaily home. A burning steamer, deserted by her crew, is seen drifting in the direction of that house ; and simul- taneously, the man and his work, things of life and beauty, become but as dust and ashes. Mr. Tibbetts also built a steamer at Quebec on this principle, which as a ferryboat at that place worked successfully. He spent much valuable time in New York endeavoring to obtain a patent for his invention, but failed, as he told me, from want of money and a theft by some official to whom he had entrusted confidentially some know- ledge of the secret. A resident of the Grand Falls, in a letter to the Telegraphy wrote as follows : " Sir, I will I ' 52- SEVENTY YEARS OF "thank you to communicate to the public througli "your paper that the steam boat ' Madawaska ' is " now in full operation. I have had the pleasure "of being on board of her on her trip to Little " Falls and back, and I am happy to state that " she went through well and was warmly greeted " by the young and the old of the inhabitants of " Madawaska as she proudly passed them on. I " congratulate Mr. Tibbetts on the high natural "and acquired abilities "'^'ch rendered him mas- " ter of planning and .. ming the complicated " machinery of the ' Madawaska ' and ' Reindeer ' " boats. As a native of New Brunswick vou " should all be proud of him, and I believe that " there is no other person born in New Bruns- " wick, Canada or Nova Scotia who could do the " same. I would therefore suggest the justice and " propriety of having some token of public appro- " bation bestowed on him, whether medal or other- " wise, to mark your esteem for a good man and a " bright ornament to New Brunswick." A stern wheel steamer, "The Carleton," was built by the Craigs of St. John for George Connell, Escjuire, Barrister, of Woodstock, to ply on the river between Fredericton and Woodstock. Slie was well adapted for that service and for many years passed safely through intricate pas- sages in falls or rapids. Her light draught of water (only fourteen inches) and an excellent engine rendered iier admirably adapted to glide XEW BRUXSWICK LIFE. 53 o\GV the bars and shoals and througli tlie rapid waters of tlie St. John. Tlie arrival at Wood- stock of the steamer — the first one owned in that place — caused much satisfaction to the people there, who evinced their joy by tiring a regular salute from one of the artillery guns as she rounded the island. In 1849 and '50 she proved herself a great accommodation to the community along the river and a success financially to her owner. Mr. Connell also built the " Jolin Warren," a side-wheel steamer of greater draught and requir- ing more power to drive her tlian "The Carleton." Otlier stern-wheel steamers were placed upon the river about the same time, wliich from their lighter drauglit were enabled to make more regu- lar trips and thus become the more popular boats, making tlie " John Warren " not as profitable to her owner as " The Carleton " had been. The '• Florence ville," chiefly owned V)y Wood- stock men, now plies regularly between Wood- stock and Fredericton when the water serves, ; proving a great accommodation to residents along ^the river where distant from the railway. [ The " Andover," " Richmond " and " Bonny );Doon," all stern-wheel boats, did good service on |tlie upper St. . ohn before tlie introduction of rail ; ways. Many enterprises such as the building of steam- tboats, mills and factories of various kinds, en- 54 ^ SEVENTY YEARS OF gaged in by spirited Provincialists in advance of their time, have failed to prove remunerative to their owners, often from prejudice or want of appreciation on the part of their fellow country- men. All honor to those men whose persistence, loyalty, and faith in the future of this country has led them to invest their time, talents and capital in enterprises that have aided in giving the country the commanding position it now occu- pies. In every city and town of this Province, the lofty chimney, the puffing engine or the hum of revolving wheels tells of the genius of our people and of the rapidly developing resources of our Dominion. Chapter t>i. Become a Soldier. ^^^^^fePART from the military spirit that I may '<^B have inherited from my race, the very at mosphere that I breathed and tliat surrounded me was military. Many of the young men, clerks and students, with whom I was acquainted were members of volunteer companies, Cavalry, Ar- tillery or Infantry. Being tall for my age, though slender, I was asked by Capt. William McBeth, comm.mding the Fredericton Rifle Com- pany, to join his corps, and in the summer of 1836 was enrolled and received a rifle and accoutre- ments. The members of the company provided uniforms at their own expense, the pattern of which was decided by a vote of the company. My first military suit was that of a private, dark cloth, green facings, a heavy shako with cord and tassels. The rifle was short and heavy, a flint lock. The one that fell into my hands was the only one in store, and the rear sight required much adjustment and practice by firing to obtain a true alignment. The "upper part" in the work before me, as a soldier, seemed to be to become a good shot and r)G SEVENTY YEARS OF obtain a tliorough knowledge of drill. To this end T commenced a systematic course of practice. A square yard of cotton — my target — was placed at a point qu the shore opposite Peter Fraser's. I fired from Gaynor's wharf (now Temple's), one hundred yards distant. The bul- lets used were round, and cast by myself and went out on the river in the direction of the mouth of the Nashwaak. My practice was in the early morning before many persons were astir. The militia law at this time required a muster and training for three days in each year. On one of the days of the annual trainings was a sharp competition in tlie Rifle Company for a gold medal, the gift of the oflicers. Sergeant-Major Philip Brannen, Sergeant Enoch Bradley and a few others were excellent marksmen ; the breasts of the above-named were covered with gold and silver medals. The prize to be fired for the second year of my being a member was a gold medal ; distance, 100 yards; object, a bull's eye the size of a Mexican dollar, the centre of cross-belts on the wooden figure of a man. My practice for some time previous had been to perforate a busi- ness card, two by three inches in size, twice out of three times at 100 yards. The object now be- fore me was smaller ; I was a recruit at the extreme left of the company ; more than one of the veterans had twice pierced the bull's eye ; yet I felt confident. The charges of powder had been JEW BRUXSWICK LIFE. 0/ weighed to a grain ; also the bullet, which was tightly covered with the kid of an old glove, to pass smoothly along the groove. Surrounded by our own officers and many of the regular officers stationed in Fredericton, I drew a sight on the mark and pulled. The report was quickly fol- lowed by the sound of the bugle from the target. Bull's eye ! I loaded again and lired, with the same result ; but it was too much for me, the third shot dropped a little below. The first shot drove a brass nail through the centre, the second almost cutting the edge of the tirst and securing to me the prize. On one other occasion T experienced on that same flat, when in command of a company of " Woodstock Rifles," a sensation akin, and I cher- ish the occasions as affording some of the proudest moments of my life. This was to me another evidence that success, to be made sure, must be accompanied by long and persevering etfort. Pal- man qui meruit, ferat. PHOVINOIAL PARLIAMENT. Our shop was frequently visitec^ by members of the Government and House of Assembly during the sessions. T remember the long-time " Speak- er " Charles Simonds ; also Crane, Partelow, Colonel Allen, Colonels Weir, Boyd and many younger and lesser lights. i 68 ISEVENTY YEAH.S OF "Paddy" End, so-called, brought into the shop a newly fledged member from Westmorland, whom he initiated by giving to drink from separate tumblers the acid and salts of a seidlitz powder. The result may be imagined. In those days of innocence and political honesty the best talent was concentrated in our Provin- cial Assembly and a sense of honor marked the treatment and bearing of antagonists in debate. About this time political excitement began to run high. The appointments of Attorney-Gen- eral, Surveyor-General, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Provincial Secretary, etc., were made by the Crown. Over these oflicers the people, through their representatives, had no control. They were not always approachable in their offices and their own conveniences, a dinner-party or a ball, would over-ride the necessity for an inter- view desired by the poor countryman. From this cause a feeling of dissatisfaction grew apace. A series of letters appeared in the St. John Courier over the signature of " John Gape," which caused intense excitement. Like the " Junius " letters, published in the reign of George the Third, no stone was left unturned to discover the author. Not only were the shortcomings in an official capacity exposed, but the gossip of the dinner- table and the ball-room, and even private whisper- ings, seemed to be uncovered to the gaze of the "great unwashed." I remember the names of A'-^ir BRUNSWICK LIFE. 5y several persons supposed to have been concerned in the publication of these letters, all clever men and occupying good positions in society, but the secret has been well kept. Among the intelligent and educated young men of this time and foremost among them were two who had felt the smart, " not to the manor born," but comparatively princes and giants in moral and intellectual force. I heard what was then said to be the first public addresses delivered by L. A. Wilmot and Charles Fisher, in the old Methodist meeting-house in Fredericton. AFFAIRS OF IIONOK. The departure of the stage, driven by Larry Stivers or "Green," every morning in the winter at eight o'clock, from Fredericton for St. John, was a common event ; but a stage driven rapidly down Queen street one morning in 1836 at an earlie" hour, attracted my attention. It contained five persons : two principals, two seconds and a surgeon. Words uttered in hot debate on the preceding day by Thomas Gilbert (the honorable member for Queens), insulting to Dr. Wilson (the honorable member for Westmorland) were to be atoned for in blood. A retired spot three miles below the city was the place selected for a duel with pistols. After two exchanges of shots, the seconds considered the honor of the parties vindi- cated^ and they returned home scatheless. GO SEVENTY YEARS OF Dr. Wilson was an Irishman, having an exten- sive medical practice at Dorchester, and but recently deceased. He was a kind hearted, benevolent gentleman, and many professional and social acts of kindness will linger in the hearts of recipients. All such affairs of honor near Fredericton have not had as fortunate an ending. When a lad I visited with my father a place near John Segee's at the Maryland Settlement, back of town, and was .shown by Mr. Ssgee the ground and the position of the principals where a fatal duel was fought while my father was in the 74th Regiment, an officer of the regiment being one of the seconds in the tragic event of that dark October morning. The following account, on undoubted authority, of the duel between George Frederick Street, Es(juire, and George Ludlow Wetmore, Esquire, October 2nd, 1821, may be of more than passing interest and well worth preserving. The princi- pals in this melancholy affair were members of the legal profession, living in Fredericton. The cause of the (juarrel was the issuing of a bailable writ by Mr. Street, as the attorney, against a man named Jacob Smith, upon which he was arrested and imprisoned, though denying that he owed the plaintiff anything. It was soon afterward discovered that the wrong person had been ar- rested, that it should have been the son of the prisoner (also named Jacob), and the father was NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. Gl tliereupon discharged from jail. He tlien brought an action, against the sheriff for false imprison- ment, Mr. Wetmore being his attorney. As the sherift' liad made the arrest by direction of Mr. Street, he felt himself bound to indemnify the slierifl", but as tlie arrest was illegal and there could be no defence to tlie action, he did not plead to it, and judgment by default was signed and the damages were assessed by a sheriff's jury. It was during the proceedings to assess the damages tliat the parties quarreled. Abusive language was used by each of them to the other and Mr. Street struck at Mr. Wetmore. The consequence was he sent a challenge to Mr. Street. They met on the second of October, between seven and eight o'clock in the morning, about four miles from Fredericton, on the farm of Mr. John Segee in New Maryland, near to but not in sight of his house, being concealed by the woods. Mr. Street'-^ second was Mr. Davies, an officer of the 74th Regiment, then stationed in Fredericton, and Mr. Wetmore's second was Mr. Winslow, the late Sheriff of Carleton County. The parties stood about fifteen paces apart. Two shots were ex- changed. The first shot was harmless, the ball from Mr. Street's pistol striking the ground. The seconds then endeavored to effect a reconciliation, but, unhappily, did not succeed, and the parties fired again, and Mr. Wetmore fell. The ball struck his right arm, glanced and entered his 62 SEVENTY YEARS OF right temple. He never spoke afterwards, tliougli he lived about two hours. He was carried to Mr. Segee's house, where he died. Tlie principals and seconds had ridden on horseback to the place where the duel was fought, and had fastened their horses in the bushes. As soon as Mr. Wetmore fell, Mr. Winslow went to the house and told Mr. Segee wliat liad taken place, not mentioning any names, and asked him to go to Mr. Wetmore's assistance. He also sent one of Mr. Segee's sons to Fredericton on one of the horses for a surgeon. Mr. Street and his second remained with Mr. Wetmore till they heard persons coming from the house, when they secreted tliemseives in the woods for a short time and then got their horses, joined Mr. Winslow on the road, and proceeded immedi- ately to St. Andrews and thence to Robbinston in the State of Maine. They remained there until December, wlien Mr. Street and Mr. Davies re- turned to the ProviPiCe and gave themselves up and were imprisoned. Mr. Winslow did not re- turn to the Province foi* a considerable time after that. At the term of the Supreme Court in October, a bill of indictment for murder was found by the Grand Jury against Mr. Street and the two sec- onds. Mr. Street and Mr. Davies were tried on this indictment at Fredericton in February, 1822. Judge Saunders (afterwards Chief Justice) was the presiding Judge, and Mr. Botsford, the Solici- XEW BRUXSWICK LIFE. 63 tor General (afterwards Judge Botsford), con- ducted the prosecution. The counsel for the prisoners was Mr. Cliipman (afterwards Chief Justice) and Mr. Henry Bliss. At that time, and for upwards of ten years afterwards, prisoners on trial for criminal cliarges were not allowed to be defended by counsel except to argue legal })oints. The principal witnesses for the prosecu tion were Mr. Segee and his two sons, and two surgeons, Dr. Woodforde, of Fredericton, and Dr. Grant, the surgeon of tlie 74th Regiment, wlio had gone out to Mr. Segee's on hearing of the duel. Mr. Segee and his sons testified to having heard four shots fired, and to Mr. Winslow's com- '• . to the hour.e for assistance, stating that a gentleman had been killed in a duel. They had also seen Mr. Winslov/ and two other gentlemen ride quickly past their house soon after that, but, as it was a thick and hazy morning, they were unable to identify either of them clearly, except Mr. Winslow, Tlie evidence of the surgeons proved that Mr. Wetmore's death was caused by the ball which had entered his temple. Neither of the prisoners addressed the jury, and tlieir counsel had no right to do so. The judge summed up the evidence to the jury aad explained the law bearing upon the case, stating his opinion that there was not sufficient evidence of the identity of tlie prisoners as the persons who had committed the offence to justify their conviction. The jury, (U SEVEXTY YEARS OF aftcM- a few minutes' deliberation, returned a ver- dict of not guilty. LEMUEL ALLAN WILMOT was born in Fredericton, January 3 1st, 1809. His father, William Wilmot, was one of the large lumbering firm of Peters i^' Wilmot, before re- ferred to. He was a good man and a zealous Baptist. He was twice married. L. A. Wil mot's mother was a Miss Bliss. L. A. Wilmot was remarkable as possessing a pleasing and genial disposition. He was ten years my senior, but when a student passing along the street, I have seen him lay down his bag of law books, ask for a marble, and, knocking the centre alley from the ring, move off laughing. He was a leader of the vounjj men in athletic sports, and without any apparent effort excelled them all in running, leaping, shooting, singing, key-bugling and other exercises or amusements. The leading jovial spirits of the time were clerks in the Crown land and other governmental offices. Fulton, Starrit, Scully, Gardner (organ- ist), Beck with and Vavasour were all good crick- eters and racket players. Their favorite place of resort was the fashionable saloon of one Louis Gouchee, corner of Carleton (north) and Queen streets. Gouchee was a Frenchman, a keen sportsman, a taxidermist and a good fellow. L ?■ • . J . • ■—■.\ >. t. . •;' • .v\» • '.■* ..• < ■■ .'••*.--5.-i^ . ... ■-«».. • ' ('^k'"''- 'm- \*«-.' '' ^^L ^Hj|k^';, J^^ "^'kL •- Hn^^aL : ' ' ' - , ^Bk^^!^- ■ ^^^ ?■»■■ <* ■ ., ^^tj. ^ .^nH^J^ ^^. ''ifi^n Hp^ H^y HF' :,•_.. V^^pwHH \fp(Jit'^^'''\h^ ' ■ '"^v ^r '-T-' w< 'W . LEMUEL ALLAN WILMOT, POLITICIAN, JUDGE, GOVERNOR, N. B. >^ If ilia' NEW /iHr/iYSW/Ch" rJFE. 05 I'.inls ;uH.l pictures mot the (70 (ivoiy w1i(m<' ;ik you cntoicd his rooms, which w(^ro k(!pt in the rie;it<;st order. Li()Uors .atid choice wiii(;s were; prepared and pr<;seiit(!d in Parisian mann(;r to suit the pahite. Tlie sahiri(!S paid l)y tlie Crown to pul>lic servants were gooJ and were freely spent. With tliese VVihnot for a time associated, hut for liim there was nohh^r work to do, Th(; cloud that ov(!rshadowed th(; financial prospects of his father touched in him a spirit of pardonable pride, nnd brougiit into action the noble powers of mind which under other circum.stan .;s might have re- mained dormant. H(! was a talent(;d and popular speak(;i' and on hi 1 the public mind centred as the future cham- pion of the people's rights. In this the peoph; of N(;w Brunswick were not disappointed. Ilavirr; completed his studies and opened an office for th(; practice of law, he was one day escorted from thenc(! by Harry Jones and Charles McPherson to the "hustings," where; from a platform in front of tin; old market hous(; he made; his dehui in a politit-al speec'i of such pow(;r as to sweep down all opposition and return him, unopposed, a repre- sentative; for tlu; Coui-.y of York. He was ably supported in his defence of the peopl(;'s rights by his young friend and colleague, Charles Fisher, and their (;flbrts were finally crowned with success, in the establi." mc-nt of the principles of '''' Renpon- sibfe (Joven d " ir the North American Colonies. 66 SEVENTY YEARS OF As a delegate from the New Brunswick Legis- lature, he represented at Downing street the interests of the lumber trade of the Province, threatened by the removal of the duty on Baltic timber. The burning in effigy of the n.v^ver of the bill, Sir Poulett Thompson, and the roasting of an ox on the occasion will never be forgotten by the Fredericton people of that day. Queen street resembled a forest of pine trees ; and con- spicuous in the procession was the figure of Sir Poulett on horseback. The election contests in those days of open vote were sharp and bitter. The people were tasting, in a small degree, the sweets of liberty, while the aristocrats felt the power being wrested from their grasp. York County extended from the Oromocto to the Canadian boundary line. The candidates were present on nomination day at each polling place, and there were curious trans- positions of tlie alphabet on some of these occa- sions. In several of Wil mot's elections I have seen tuu.ults suppressed where sticks were freely used, and a passage-way for voters had to be kept open through the crowd by the military. Hail ways at this time were comparatively in their infancy, and the inauguration of one be- tween Maine and New Brunswick was a signal for the gathering at Portland of great minds, irres- pecti^ e of nationality. Great and powerful speeches were made ; but Wilmot's elocjuence surpassed all XEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 07 the otliers, won the liearts of the nmltitude, and made liis name in the New Enghmd States and Provinces as familiar as a household word. His first wife was a Miss Balloch ; his second a Miss Black, of Halifax. Wilmot was a lover of military exercises, and active as an officer. When very young he com- manded a rifle company, and was one of the best sliots at the old battery on the race-course. He afterwards commanded a fine gvenadier company, uniformed as in the line with scarlet coats and bearskins ; again a troop of cavalry ; and finally a lieutenant-colonel in the active militia. While most urbane and gentlemanly in his de- meanor, he could not escape the shafts of aristo- cratic malice levelled at him. Knowing his long reach, his bitterest eneniies had learned to keep well beyond, but persons less acquainted were pushed forward to suffer a scorching rebuke or political anniliilation. Personal punislimeiit was often threatened, but never attempted. When a cavalry oflicer, he was challenged by a young scion of nobility in one of the regiments stationed at Fredericton, but a few words in scathing reply cut deeper than a sword and ended the matter. In the lirst military camp organized in the Province by the Governor, Hon. Arthur Gordon, composed of two battalions, ordered out for twenty-eight days' drill at Fredericton, Colonel Wilmot commanded the first. G8 SEVENTY YEARS OF He was appointed in 1857 one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the Province. When prac- tising as a barrister, like John Randolph, his fore- linger swayed many verdicts, to the discomfiture of able opponents. After the confederation of the Provinces, which he favored, the highest ambition was reached in the appointment of Governor of his native Prov- ince. For many years previous to his death, notwith- standing the cares of state, he took a leading part in the aftairs of the Methodist Church, and many now scattered over the earth have lived to bless his name as superintendent of the Fredericton Methodist Sabbath School. Being ten years my senior, I knew him all my life, and many times under different circumstances have I been hon- ored with Iris confidence and associated with him in work. The ardour of his temperament some- times led him to act impulsively, but those who knew him best ascribed the errors as of the head and not of the heart. On the afternoon of the 20th of May, 1878, whilst out riding in his carriage, he was seized with a sharp pain in the heart, was at once driven home and a physician summoned ; but all human aid was in v...i:i and he shortly aftei' breathed his last. " His end is with the just." J yEW BRUXSWICK LIFE. 69 Extract from the Jiodou ''Jourrial." " Hon. L. A. Wilmot, the newly appointed " Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, is a " native of that Province, and is now in his 59th " year. He is a lawyer by profession. Since "1851 he has been Judge of the Supreme Court, " and he has discharged the duties of the office in "a manner highly creditable to himself and to the "' Court. Before his appointment to tiie Bench, " he took an active part in the politics of the " Province and had served in the House of Asseni- " bly and the Executive Council, and was also " for a short time Attorney-General. He is one "of the most elocjuent speakers on this Continent. "Those who attended the great railroad conven- "tion in Portland in 1850, when the European "nnd North American Railroad project was in- " augurated, will recall the splendid address whicii " he made, and by which he held the audience " spell-bound by the brilliancy and fervor of his " eloquence as he depicted the moral, social and " intellectual influences which would result from "the contemplated work. Governor Wilmot has " 'ways been a leading man in New Brunswick "in every movement which had for its object the "improvement and elevation of the people, and "they are to be congratlated that a man of his "experience and ability, his purity of lift; and " nobility of character, has been chosen to till the n! i i si ! I 70 SEVENTY YEARS OF " important position to which he has been ap- " pointed." SALAMANCA SHAM FIGHT. The regiment of regular troops stationed in Fredericton at this time was commanded by Col. Maxwell. Tlie 36th had seen much active service and among other victories enrolled upon its ban- ner was "Salamanca." The anniversary of that day was to be com- memorated by a sham tight, in which all the uni- formed companies of the York militia were to be engaged. The defence was composed of artillery, one held battery ; cavalry, one troop ; rifle com- pany, one company of grenadiers, and one light company of militia. There was also attached to us one company 36th Regiment ; the whole under the command of Major Cairns, 36tli Regiment. At four a. m. we were all on the qui vive, and shortly after marched to take up our position. The action was to commence at the flat below Fredericton. On the flrst rise of ground the rifles proceeded to throw up a barricade for cover, behind which we were ordered to lie down. On our right was the River St. John, on our left the highway road, just beyond which in a ravine and grove was concealed the cavalry. On the hill (Nigger Hill) in our rear, covering the position, was a battery of artillery masked by trees. The main road bridge on our left rear was barricaded II t NEW lUWXSWlCK LIFE. 71 with timber, and t>vo heavy guns phiced in posi- tion, to defend which the main body of our in- fantry was here massed. All this work was accomplished in a very short space of time, and to tlie eye of a casual observer our position would not be discovered. About seven o'clock our bugler, far in advance, sounded tlie alarm, and shortly after the fixed bayonets of the 3Gtli wei'e seen glinting in the sunliffht. Then the music of the band reached our ears, the enemy was in sight, and for the first time the nerves of the recruits tingled with the prospect of a battle. When about oOO yards distant the regiment halted, wheeled into column, and the officers com- ing to the front were addressed by the gallant colonel. The doctor with his orderly (the latter carrying a large black box) took up a position to our riglit front, near the river. The regiment now deployed to its left and threw out a skirmish line, which at once proceeded to advance. The cavalry, dashing out suddenly from their conceal- ment, caused tlie skirmish line to close rapidly in rallying squares, v, hich on the retreat of the cav- alry became good marks for our artillerymen from the heights in our rear. These mantvuvres, several times repeated, brought the skirmish line unpleasantly near to our position, which in tlie meantime we w Te defending by a rapid tire through the timber of Il I u 72 SEVENTY YEA US OF our breastwork. Every shot was well-aimed, and had it been ball instead of blank cartridge, the rifles on that day would have done good execution. Presently a rush was made for the barricade. I well remember the appearance of the soldiers as they came up the rise : faces begrimed with pow- der from biting the cartridges, and white pants soiled and wet with perspiration. The bugle call " fire and retire " was quickly responded to, and we retreated, continuing tlie fire in extended order. We retreated to cover, and probably fear- ing an ambush were not pursued. In the meantime the main body of the enemy occupied the highway, advancing along which their rear was harrassed by our cavalry. The bridge reaqhed, the grenadier company, led by Captain Orange, assaulted the work. With swords in hand, bayonets at the charge, they crossed at the double. When half way over, the guns were discharged from the battery, unlim- bered, spiked and left to their fate. Notwith- standing a brave defence on the part of our troops, the work was demolished and the rout became general. Crossing the fences, the coat- tails of some of our militiamen were pinned fast with the bayonets on one side while they hung helpless on the other. To avenge this, as they ascended the hill in retreat, the wheels of unlim- bered guns were hurled down upon the advancing enemy. iVEW BRUXSWICK LIFE. 73 Arriving at the crest of the hill, where we were ordered to make a stand, it was witli great diffi- culty that the officers of the 36th could make the soldiers believe that it was now tlieir turn to retreat. Returned to our original position, the prisoners — of which we had several — were ex- changed under a flag of truce. Formed in one line, the rifles the advanced guard, we marched back to barracks about four p. m., hungry and tired ; but to me it was one of the jolliest days of my life. The casualties were : W, Segee, cavalry, wound- ed, his own pistol ramrod slioc through his hand, and some injuries to others which were slight. A dinner was served in the barrack scjuare, under booths formed from the green branches of trees, foi' the whole force, which was hugely en- joyed, and in the evening the officers' square was illuminated with colored lights suspended in the old willows. Music and dancing was enjoyed on the green sward until a late hour of the night. A balloon manipulated by Benjamin Tibbetts floated gracefully away to astonish by its fall the good Welsh people of Cardigan. From a ferry- boat anchored in the river, a fine display of fire works was made, and from it a noble young fellow, Kerr Inches, an artilleryman, lost his life. He was a favorite witli the volunteers, and his untimely fate tinged with sadness our commem- oration of the anniversary of "Salamanca." Opposition in Buoiness. |[ ^^S^ESIDES Dr. Baldwin, who re-opened busi- si|^P ness on Regent street, William Simpson, a brother of the Queen's printer, 'also opened a ji! large drug establishment on Carleton street, and anotlier directly across the street from Gales' i was opened by Amasa Coy, M. .D., recently re- f tured from Edinburgh. I Time flew apace, and at the end of three years of my apprenticeship, I began to look forward to grave responsibilities of my own. From a well- thun)bed Dispensatory, to which reference was continually had in the preparation of medicines or compounding prescriptions, I had so stored my l' \\ mind as to secure the confidence of the physicians and people generally in the manipulation of medi- cines. A young lad, Scott Wood, son of the Rev. Mr. Wood, a Church of England minister, having now entered to learn the business, I was no longer the shop boy, and began to feel the importance and dignity of my position. With tiie patronage of the Government house, officers of the garrison, the principal M. D.'s and respectable families of the town, time never hung XEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. r-d lieavily on our hands. Tlie doctors of the several regiments were also sociar in their visits, and the knowledge tiius obtained, with the daily routine of shop work, gave me an insight extremely useful in tlie practice and conduct of my own business. iOMP: ODD CHARACTERS. There were several oddities wjiose names would be familiar to Frederictonians of that day. One of these, Archy McLean, before named, had given up his farm, "Vinegar Hill," and now lived on his pension in Fredericton. He had seen real service in a Highland regiment; was generous to a fault; and a wit. When Sir Archibald Campbell, the hero of Jiurmali, was governor of New Brunswick, he frequently met and conversed with Archie. At times, when he received his pension money, he would promenade the streets dressed as a kilted Highlander, drinking many times a day, in dock- an-dorrish, "long life to the King and bonny Scotland." On one of these occasions, meeting Sir Archibald, he was offered a residence at the Government house, and his duty would be to herd the cattle. Standing erect and throwing out his plaided arm, he replied, " Na ! a McLean will never be a coo boy for a Campbell ! " During the Peninsular war, while sacking a town, he entered with a portion of his regiment a IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // €/./ <^ w ^ ^ ^ V. ^ ^ '^ I?- ,i/.. 1.0 H"- == .5. Ill I.I 1.25 M IIIII25 ^ 1^ I 2.2 XL Ii24 1.4 111.6 ^^s # M,%. ^ % c'. •^ ^^ s^ > v^' 7 /^ '^>^ <^\ . >:*> Cs '^Z.^ ^ 76 SEVENTY YEARS OF doctor's shop. Every bottle that smelt like alco- hol was soon emptied by the victorious and thirsty soldiers. Some castile soap, seized and devoured in mad haste, saved them from the bad effect of the strong doses they had taken. Bryan Brady, alias Bryan Born, a butcher ; Concave Smith, an architect ; Peter DufF and " black Harry " were all oddities in their way and commanded their share of public attention. The last-named had been a soldier in tlie 104th Regi- ment. Under the influence of drink and irritated by a lad named Dalton he used his bayonet, stab- bing him fatally at St. John. He was tried and acquitted. He lived in the farm houses above Fredericton and was a good cook. When visiting Fredericton he was harmless under the influence of drink, but his dress was made up of all the colors of the rainbow and a profuse sprinkling of tinsel, which in the bright sunlight made "Harry" an object of general attraction. ELECTRICAL SOCIETY. During the early period of my service with Mr. Gale, I induced a number of the young men to unite in forming what was called an " Electrical Society." L. P. Fisher, W. C. Tredwell, H. S. Estey and Charles Wolhaupter were of the number. James Nesbit, an intelligent cabinet-maker, a mmimmmmmmmm JVEW BRUNSWICK LIFE, 77 Scotchman, constructed for us a simple apparatus. Igniting powder or alcohol with an icicle held in the hand, while standing on the insulating stool, was thought wonderful, and to this day I remem- ber the grimaces of men and animals as they bounded away from the influence and effects of the subtle motor. We had frequent visitors at our room to witness the experiments, and when operated upon never complained of the leyden jars being too lightly charged. The spark that we felt on our knuckle a half century ago, that flashes across our vision, causing the heavens to reverberate with sounds, is to-day tamed to harness, to lead or to drive, and will, I believe, in the hand of science, become the great power of the earth. MERCHANTS OF FREDERICTON, 1834. The great staple of the country being lumber, the heaviest importations of goods were made by merchants engaged in that business. The firm of Robert Rankin & Co. dominated all others in that line, and the supplies furnished to operators in various parts of the Province was immense. The stock embraced almost everything that could be asked for of the best quality, and numerous cash accounts were kept with government officers or respectable residents of the town. Their place of business was jit the upper end of the town, W. J. 78 SEVENTY YEARS OF Bedell, Esq., being manager, and Robert Gowaii and Sherman Carman, bookkeepers. North, with an alley dividing, was the business place and residence of J. A. k, F. E. Beckwith. This firm also transacted a large lumber and cash business for many years in Fredericton. Of French descent, this firm controlled largely the trade of Madawaska. Below, in the same block, was the firm of Langan k Robertson (T. R.), also in the lumber business. Just above the Barker House was the store and dwelling of Jedediah Slason, who carried on an extensive lumbering business in many parts of the Province. He was long and favorably known as a merchant, and represented York County in the Provincial Parliament. Merchants dealing heavily in those times, kept in stock a large supply of liquors of superior qual- ity. At the decease of Mr. Slason, a large quan- tity of various kinds of liquors was remaining on hand. Joseph Gay nor, Esq., a conscientious Methodist, being the chief executor, determined to pay the cost rather tiian sell or distribute what he knew was then destroying some of his best friends. Casks of gin, rum, brandy and various kinds of wine were brought up from the cellar, rolled into the streets, and the heads knocked in. Mingling with the filth of the gutter, the fiery flood rolled on, and dippers, cups, kettles, etc., \>:4 I ■if NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 79 were speedily put in requisition. But there was a draught being made unobservant, " a long pull and a strong pull," by a quadruped. Minchin's cow, knowing nothing of the effect, invested largely. Presently in the thickest of the crowd there was a stampede ; right and left flew wildly tlie excited people. Such gyrations of sound or motion were never conceived by the maddest buffalo on his native plain. With eyes rolling like balls of fire and tail erect, the intoxicated bovine cleared the way ; but like bipeds under similar circumstances she came at last to grief. The cow ran into the wrong yard, where a well was being dug, and surprised the del vers at the bottom. The largest grocery store was kept by the firm of Pickard, Gaynor & Workman, above the new market house and on the corner near the river. This large establishment — store, dwelling and out-buildings — was swept away by the fire of 1825. Mr. Gaynor opened on his own account in Waterloo Row below the Cathedral grounds, where a good country business was then being done, and later in the brick building now Mr. Temple's residence. John and James Taylor also conducted a large lumber-business store at Taylor's alley. WATERLOO ROW. Waterloo Row and vicinity embraced the resi- 80 SEVENTY YEARS OF dence of many of the aristocracy, viz., Attorney- General C. J. Peters, Colonel Shore, Judge Bliss, Archdeacon Best, Captain Hurd, Dr. Turner, etc. A noted hosdery was kept here by Avery, sign of the golden ball ; another, the Royal Oak, by Polly Vanhorne and her son Charles French, wlio was of the clever fast men of the time. The principal settlements were Nashwaak, Shef- field and Maugerville, the trade of which centred largely in Waterloo Row. Professional men and tradesmen of nearly every kind were represented, and but few persons visited th city without having occasion to call upon Clark, tho baker, or Wolhaupter, the watchmaker, or Barker, the tanner and shoemaker. Kendall was also well known by the boys as making the best cricket bats. There was but one street fronting on the River St. John. From the continuous row of houses there was, some forty- five years ago, a large sewer made to the river. It was partially enclosed. One afternoon a noise was lieard — loud, shrill, distinct. Everybody lieard it, and everybody said such a noise had never been heard before. No two persons were agreed as to its cause or des- cribed it alike. Men, women and children were assembled upon the bank. Some said it came from above, some from below. A stalwart blue- nose, after weighing all the evidence, concluded that a liippopotamus or other huge denizen of the atnmRi NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 81 deep, must have, unobserved, crept into and taken possession of the newly made sewer. His first anxiety was for the safety of the females and children. With stentorian voice h» sliouted : "Women! this is no place for you!" While volunteers were being sought for to enter tlie drain, there came an explanation. The first steam -whistle ever heard in Fredericton made its appearance that day on the steamer " Mada- waska," from the Grand Falls. She landed at the upper end of the town. This steamer had been built to ply on the river above tlie falls, but was taken to pieces and rebuilt below the falls, and this was her first trip to Fredericton, The St. John people apparently at that time were not more familiar witli steamboats than those of Fredericton. The first arrival of the steamer " Madawaska " at Indiantown, St. John, was in the night time. The people were sleeping soundly in their beds and suddenly were awak- ened by a loud and long-continued screech such as had never been heard there before. People rushed wildly from their beds into the streets, some sliouting, others praying, and many believed the end of the world had come. One gentleman pitched headlong from his bed against the corner of a sharp old-fashioned high bedpost, dividing his forehead as with a sharp instrument. For a short time there was great excitement and confusion. Many incidents sufficiently ludicrous ccmld be re- BH 82 SEVENTY YEARS OF lated to usher in a bit of history regarding the frst steam-whistle on the River St. John. MY FAITHFUL DOrJ NUMBER TWO, "SAGO. T had obtained as a great favor from Dr. Wood- forde ^ young terrier puppy, a tlioroughbred be- tween the Irish and Scotcli terrier. He was wiry haired, heavy chested, and white in color, with a black mark over one eye. I named him Sago ! 1 commenced his education young, and before he was many months old would shut the door, take soilt-d towels to the house and bring back clean ones alone, jump through a hoop covered with paper in flames, extinguish burning paper when thrown down casually, etc., etc. This latter feat saved my place of business at Woodstock. A block of matches fell by accident on the floor be- hind the counter. I was absent and the door was locked. I found on my return the place filled with smoke, and a quantity of paper which had been ignited, together with the singed appearance of his face and paws, gave evidence of his battle with the fire. He was considered the most intelligent and pluckiest little animal ir Fredericton, and was a favorite with all classes. When suffering from the distemper to which young dogs are subject, beside sympathy expressed by Judge Carter, he kindly used his skill in bleeding the little animal and prescribed for his treatments NEW BRVNU^WICK LIFE. 83 He seemed to understand language. Although apparently giving no attention to a conversation, the slightest reference to hioi would bring him instantly to his feet. On Sabbath morning when the bells rang for church he would come in quietly and lie down on his bed, and occasionally when the bell rang on a week day, he would come to the door, if outside, looking askance as if in doubt whether he had a correct marking of time. He would kill a rat or other vermin instantly, was a good hunter in the woods, and equally good in bringing game from the water. He was affec tionate and faithful to a fault, my companion in many rambles, and although many times roughly handled by large dogs, lived to the age of eleven years. He died in Woodstock, mourned by my two eldest children, whom he had often amused with his antics. The following lines express but feebly my love, — aye, love ! — for this faithful animal. IMPROMPTU LINES ON THE DEATH OF A FAVORITE TERRIER DOfJ. Alas ! old dog, thy days are told, Thy limbs now stiffening lie and cold, My tearful ryes doth see; For true, thou wert a faithful friend And ever through thy life did'st lend Thyself attached to me. Though but a dog, doth mem'ry trace When young and buoyant both did'st race O'er field or pebbled shore. 84 SEVENTY YEARS OF Thy name pronounced thou can'st not hear ; With vig'rous leap or willing ear Thou answerest no more. 'Tis but a lesson : the same hand Doth beckon mortals and command, — Its dicta is obeyed. For animals and man at last, When few more months or years are past, Will be in death arrayed. Ql^hapteu biii. The Disputed Territory between New Bruns- wick and Maine. iHE rebellion under Papineau having now assumed serious proportions, troops were sent from England to be transported to Canada, overland via Fredericton. Sir John Harvey was then Governor of New Brunswick. The Legislature of Maine, United States, began also at this time to exercise unwarranted jurisdic- tion over the land known as the " Disputed Ter- ritory," and by aggressive movement threatened an invasion of New Brunswick. An area containing three million (3,000,000) acres of land of a superior quality and heavily timbered with large white pine, spruce and hard wood in variety, forming a part of New Bruns- wick and the north-east boundary of Maine, was claimed by that State as territory belonging to it. The claim was urged with such pertinacity by our American cousins as to cause honest John Bull to hesitate, and that hesitation proved fatal. Had no concession been made, — had they been told to take the pound of flesh " but not one drop of blood," — the St. Andrews Railway would in all 86 SEVENTY YEARS OF probability have long since been completed to Quebec, and that rich and fertile belt a flourifihing district within the Province of New Brunswick. But the British Government dallied. That astute lawyer, Daniel Webster, wound the subtle web of diplomacy and prevarication, which !s said to be worse than lying, around his victims. The then Rothchilds of America, Baring Bros., succeeded in muffling the arguments of the British Commsssioner, Lord Ashburton, and there drop- ped into the lap of Uncle Sam one of his richest jewels. Had an earnest protest been made by the Gov- ernment and General Assembly of New Bruns- wick against the cession of this vast and magnifi- cent territory, the archives of Paris might have disgorged, as they did later, the only map in ex- istence, excepting one secretly held by the United States Government, showing the true boundary- line to be the original one claimed by New Bruns- wick and the transaction unworthy of a great or honorable nation. During the period of negotiations between the British and American Governments, a warden, Capt. J. A. McLauchlan, who had been an officer in the 104th Regiment, was appointed over the so- called disputed territory, whose duty it was to estimate the value of lumber cut thereon and float- ed down the St. John River. These were the glorious days of irresponsible / N£W BRUNSWICK LIFE. 87 government, when all the officers of public depart- ments were appointed by the crown, the crown re- ceiving from the Province certain revenues, called " Casual and Territorial," to meet the expenses. Some of us remember those gilded and happy '^^-c sunshine days of early life, as we gazed upon the "" ''' ' ^ d ^,.^ English horses and elegant coaches, breeched and /"'-^ V capped by liveried coach and footmen. Whilst, so far as we know, but little remon- strance was made by the Government of New Brunswick against the cession of tiiis territory, tlie loyalty of its people was touched, and volun- teers, representing the three arms of tiie service, came nobly to the front. Nor was this spirit con- fined to New Brunswick. The Legislature of Nova Scotia, in a true brotherly spirit of British loyalty, voted a contingent of 10,000 men, and money, to aid New Brunswick in repelling the aggression of the State of Maine. •— — It was mid- winter in the year of 1837-38, The regular troops in garrison at Fredericton being the first to move, ohe Fredericton " Riflo Com- pany " volunteered its services to perform garrison duty, which was accepted. The 36th Regime>it went into quarters at Woodstock, supported by the Fredericton Artillery and the Carieton County Militia. Reviewing a line of volunteers formed on the ice above the Meduxnakic bridge at Woodstock, the gallant old Colonel Maxwell addressed them 88 SEVENTY YEARS OF as "hardy and loyal sons of New Brunswick and as possessing bodies o" adamant and souls of fire." The Fredericton Troop of Cavalry acted as vidett^s, stationed on the road between Frederic- ton and Woodstock to carry despatches. A battalion of infantry was also organized in York County and occupied the Artillery Park Barracks, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel John Robinson. Our captain, McBeth, being the first to volun- teer, received the pass-word daily from the Gover- nor ; and our duty was to guard the garrison. Government House, and principal posts in the town. A ^^osse of United States officers, found in a lumber camp on the " Disputed Territory," were taken prisoners by Sheriff Winslow, of Carleton County, and conveyed, well guarded, on a sled to Fredericton. The House was in session, and I well remember seeing the sled, with the prisoners, driven to the door of the Parliament Buildings, and the rush of members from their seats to view them. Business requiring; my attention during the day, except at the daily morning parade, my turn of duty came at night. As full private at " sentry go " I took my beat, and the colder the weather, the brighter did my military ardor seem to burn, carrying me over difficulties to which others dur- ing the campaign succumbed. For the three JV£W BRUNSWICK LIFE. 89 months' service in garr'^'^n we received no pay, and rations only for a p">rtion of that time. The several regiments were conveyed to Canada on sleds, a company arriving and occupying the stone barracks and leaving at sunrise the follow- ing morning. The bloodless " Aroostook War " and the far- famed " Strickland's retreat " being now matter of historical and poetical record, I will not enlarge. Suffice it that the excitement brought out the best blood of our young men to enrol in the volunteer force and imparted a military spirit to the youth of that day, relighted to burn all the brighter in its recital to their children. OWN RESPONSIBILITY. My four years' term as apprentice having ex- pired, Mr. Gale desiring that I should remain with him for a year, I consented. My salary was to be c£30, with board and lodging. During my four years with Mr. Gale I had no vacations, and stipulated that before re-entering on work I should have a month's holidays. » I had been invited by two friends, young men studying French at Madawaska, to make them a visit, and this invitation I now gladly accepted. Cook Hammond, of Kingsclear, a young man (since well established at " Violet Brook," where he now lives with his family), furnished a horse. I ,^y£J 90 . SEVENTY YEARS OF hired a wagon and we set out on our journey. Reaching the Grand Falls, we employed a French- man, whose pirogue we entered to complete our Journey. It was the month of July and the weather being warm, I wore a wliite flannel jacket slightly embroidered. Groups of French were often seen on the banks of the river, the male portions of whom, after a few words in French spoken by Hammond, decamped instantly. The excitement of Papineau's rebellion had not yet subsided, and the announcement that I was a Government agent taking the census, to the French mind meant conscription and new " Acadian liorrors. " The simplicity and jollity of the people interest- ed me very much. The ovens for baking were foi led of clay on elevated platforms outside their dwellings, and of an oval or beehive shape. The loaves resembled huge knots sliced from a tree and the bread dark but sweet. At the hospitable residence of Col. Coombes we were made to feel quite at home, to which end the young ladies performed their part charmingly. Pushing on, we reached the house and beautiful farm of Simonette Hebert, where my friend, Charles Hartt (now a lawyer in New York) was staying. The settlement of the Boundary Question be- tween England and the United States by arbitra- tion gave to the latter, by a most unrighteous de- "\ ■ - NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 91 cision, this and other superior farming lands on the western side of the St. John River to an tent of 3,000,000 of acres. Simonette Hebert was one of the most respect- able and well-to-do farmers in Madawaska. Be- fore the division of the county, when jurors were .brought from that place to Woodstock, the court was frequently amused by the crier calling, " Simon-eat-a-bear ! " three times, as is the custom. The best way of obtaining a French education at that period was by residing for a time at Madawaska, where capable instructors were found from the Province of Quebec. The late Judge Wilmot and others thus obtained their knowledge of the French language. Hartt's tu^or was an Englishman named Turner, a good scholar, but sadly demoralized by periodical sprees. Making Simonette's for a time my head-quart- ers, Hartt and I sallied out daily with rod and gun to slay the innocent. A little above Hebert's, on the opposite side, the little Madawaska river entered the St. John. The only house then to be seen was a small log cabin on the lower side of the stream. A half mile above, on the St. John, lived Squire Rice, a magistrate, and a good sample of a witty Irishman. John Emmerson, an Irish Protestant, lived there also. He was a very worthy man, and from good habits and close attention to business accumulated considerable property. The beauti- ■ 92 SEVEKTY YEARS OF ful houses that embellish the rising village of Edmundston, erected by his sons, are evidence of a father's thrift. The glorious sunshine, the deep meadows, and beautiful wild flowers, after a long and close con- finement, seemed to me a very paradise, which passed all too swiftly away. At the close of two weeks thus pleasantly spent, Hartt accompanying me, we visited Joseph Hea, who resided at Paul Crocks, several miles below. His tutor was a Frenchman from Old France, named Joliette. The purity of the language as spoken by him was in marked contrast with the patois of the native. Our new residence, pro tern, was also on the western side of tlie St. John. The settlement here was more populous, and the Anglais visitors the centre of attraction. We were frequently invited to evening parti* s. I had taken with me an octave flute on which I had learned to play, but my pride oozed out from the ends of my fingers in the presence of twenty fiddlers all in a row. The voice and energetic motions of arms and legs, as time was beaten to the scraping of the bows, presented a phase in acoustics altogether novel. ^ ting on one occasion an invitation to Jerc ^ Gonieau's, directly opposite to Crocks, we paddled over early in the evening, and found a merry young company assembled, male and female. Having enjoyed the French novelties of song and NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 93 dance until a late hour, we started to return. Leaving tlie landing we paddled out from the shore. The night was intensely dark, — neither light nor star to guide our course. When near the centre of the river we found the canoe lifted as by a fiendish hand, and turned up- side down. We soon found ourselves scrambling for life among the branches of a floating tree. After many times sinking and rising among the smaller branches, we reached the trunk of the tree, which was a large one and sustained un nobly. We were also fortunate in finding our craft and a paddle entangled in the branches. Righting the canoe, she was soon bailed out, and we were once more afloat. Through the jealousy of one " May Rose," the doors were fastened, and wet and weary we clamb- ered through a window into the parlor. As if in proof of the old adage that " misfor- tunes seldom come single," a step or two only had been taken by Hea when his foot encountered a treacherous rope, placed by cunning hands, caus- ing his nose, — a good Roman one, — to be de- prived of a considerable portion of its epidermis. The mirth of Hartt was soon checked, for leaping, as he thought, into a bed of down, he found a bed of thistles. The period of my vacation having come to an end, with recruited health and bright visi iS of thf. future, I said, "adieu!" to friends old and 94 SEVENTY YEARS OF new, and turned my back upon scenes Arcadian for others more prosaic. The then central point of Madawaska was the chapel, around which clustered a few dwelling houses, with a single store. The village was on the eastern side of the river and was my first stopping place. I here saw P. C. Amireaux, a genial, intelligent Frenchman, well known in Fred eric ton. Our prow again touched the shore at the land- ing of Col. Coombes, which proved to be the end of my canoe journey homeward. The colonel was in command of tlie militia of that section above the Grand Falls ; a magistrate, therefore an authority in law among the French ; spoke the language like a native, and was a fair sample of the solid yeoman of his day in New Brunswick. He well sustained the character of hospitality, for which our people are noted, and in its early settlement often tested their resources. On arriving here I found that my seat in the wagon had been " spoken for " by a lady, the colonel's daughter, then living in Fredericton, and wife of Charles Beckwith. It was pro- posed that I should ride a beautiful and fast- pacing French pony, purchased for Major Magny, of the 36th Regiment. Accustomed to the saddle in my early morning rides to the shoot- ing grounds, I gladly accepted, and any re- grets or local rememberances of this one - hund - NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 95 red - and - fifty mile ride have long since been obliterated. RETURN TO FRHDERICTON AND BUSINESS. Re-entering the shop, I was now master of my ^ evenings. I joined a class of young men learning to dance. The same teacher, John Reid, had nn afternoon class of the elite aristocratic youths of the city. The "setting up " is a good deal like drill, and some of the dances are pleasing and teach graceful attitudes ; but the exposure to cold, late hours, and the dissipation associ?^ted with balls, leads one to suggest other channels affording more real and lasting pleasure. ^ I soon returned to my old plan of retiring and rising early, and continued it while I remained in Fredericton. In the spring. of 1839 T visited Woodstock to examine some druggist's stock, held by Dr. Charles Rice, which he kept in connection with his business as a physician. I arranged with him for the purchase, and expected to be in possession in August following. Immediately after my return, Mr. Gale took his departure for a tour through the United States, leaving me in cliarge of the business. During his absence an order was received for the regiment to leave at three days' notice. On the books were accounts against many of the officers, which, by working late and early, I sue- 96 SEVENTY YEARS OF ceeded in making up and collecting, while the claims of many others w nt by default. A thorough cleansing of the shop, re-labelling bottles, and the preparation of medicines in ad- vance of requirements, had long since, in view of a final good-by, been completed. I had now remained more than a month beyond tlie period of my engagement. Still Mr. Gale had not returned. The time was passing away in which I should have been making preparations for the payment of the stock purchased, and I remem- ber feeling deeply mortified at the delay. More than another month had passed away, when an arrival by the Woodstock stage, at four p. m., set me at liberty. Mr. Gale said he had stop- ped at Woodstock as he returned, thought it a poor place for me, and offered me employment for one or more years at an increased salary. I thought it idle talk, considering every moment precious, received from him the amourrt due me, with a promise of a letter of credit to Dr. Walker k Sons, wholesale druggists, St. John, and at seven p. m. left in the stean^er for that city. Cha^)ter ix. Commence Business in Woodstock. tFTEH a resi^ess night spent on tlie steamer, I found myself in the counting-room of Dr. Walker tk Sons, St. John. Having stated the object of my visit, also Mr. Gale's promise to send me a letter of credit, and showing my list of sun- dries the reply was : " We do not require a letter from Mr. Gale. If he had not found you trust- worthy he would not have left you so long in charge of his business." A staff was selected, which T joined in the loft, and by the following morning we had " coopered up " in thirty new fish-barrels my stock in trade. This precaution and expense I considered necessary as the sinking of a tow boat between Fredericton and Woodstock was not of unfrequent occurrence. On the evening of that day I arrived by steamer at Fredericton, made arrangements with Shaw & Brittain for the transportation of my goods to Woodstock at four shillings per barrel, and at seven p. m. was riding in a two-wheeled mail-cart e7t route for Woodstock. Three nights having nearly passed without sleep I was easily lured by the gentle goddess whilst Mi 98 SEVENTY YEARS OF riding on a firm piece of road. But wliat an awakening ! Suddenly I found myself going down a steep hill, buffeted by heavy leathern mail-bags, until brought to bay by granite boulders. The night, moreover, was dark and the rain fell in heavy showers. We were let down by the break- ing of a wheel. There being no house near for shelter, I awaited under a projecting rock the re- turn of the driver. H (now postmaster at Edmundston), lost no time, and at ten a. m., in the midst of a terrific shower, we arrived at the Woodstock Hotel. This house was kept by Mrs. Grover, a kind-hearted lady, under whose care I completed my bachelor life. After being refreshed, I examined the vacant stores of the village and rented one, formerly a bank office, owned by George F. Williams, an old acquaintance of my father. A carpenter was at once set to work, and on the fourth day after my arrival I stood behind the counter, not yet twenty- one years of age, and commenced tlie battle of life. To obtain an outfit and pay incidental expenses, my father (indorsed a note for £25, which T had cashed in the Bank of British North America at Fredericton, and which I paid at maturity. My first customer was a good-hearted Irishman, Peter Gallagher, well known in Carleton County. He used to say, long after, that 1 owed my success to the lucky penny lie gave me ; and to this man I ever felt kindly inclined. NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 99 The physicians then at Woodstock were Dr. Wylie, a veteran wlio liad seen service in the Brit- ish navy ; Drs. Rice, father and son, Americans ; and Botsford, a young M. D. from Glasgow Col- lege and a native of New Brunswick, who after- wards removed to the city of St. Jolin, where, as a successful practitioner and a useful member of so- ciety, he remained until the time of his decease. At the end of a year, finding my business in- creasing, I removed to more roomy quartctS, viz., the parlor of a house just vacated by Mr. Charles Connell, nearly opposite the corner now owned by myself and known as Apothecaries' Hall. The morals of the young men of Woodstock, at this time, were very loose ; and the tendency to improve was not increased by occasional visits of officers and other fast men from the garrison town of Houlton, United States. In the winter of 1841 I visited St. John, and purchased from A. R. Truro a number of volumes of books with which to commence a " Circulating Library. ' The perusal of these — many of them standard works — employed more profitable the time of some of the young people of that day. With increased facilties in space and position, I extended my business as rapidly as my abilities permitted. To medicines and a library were now added groceries, and I found an assistant neces- sary. I had now obtained the patronage of the officers and militia stationed at Woodstock, and 100 SEVENTY YEARS OF begat! to realize that T was really the proprietor of an estahlisiiinent. Desiring to avoid much of the company with which I was brought in contact at the hotel T tried to amuse myself in niorning and evening walks, witli "Sago" as my constant companion, or in my room adjoining the shop, witli books, music, etc. I soon, however, arrived at the conclusion "that it is not good for man to live alone." On the bank of the River St. John, on the op- posite side from Woodstock and on a beautiful flat of rich and well-cultivated intervale land, stood a comfortable farm-house, which, with a mile front- age of land on the river and extending three miles to the rear, was the property of an extensive lumberman and farmer, also a popular and estim- able man, John Shea. The first lot purchased at the early settlement of the country, on which the house referred to stands, was covered with valu- able timber, pine and birch, from the sale of which he made his payments ; and by tact and persevering industry added lot after lot on either side to the extent before named. In carrying on extensive lumber operations, he was a large pur- chaser of hay, grain, pork, and gave employment to many men and horses. Added to this was a genial disposition and an ever-open door to the traveller, which made his na'iie in the country a household word. To my knowledge, for many years strangers sat at his well furnished table al- iXEW HHUNSWICK LIFK. 101 most daily, from whom no payment was taken, and tlie patience of the female portion of tlie household under such circumstances must have been remarkable. My first formal visit to Mr. Shea's wa^ ' i com- pany with a Woodstock gentleman, by whom I was introduced, and was pleasantly received by members of the family. The eldest son, W. S., or familiarly " Sperry," I found to be a very plea- sant and intelligent young man. He had just re- turned from school at St. John. To his energy and capital, at a later date, after liis return from California, is largely due the establishing in Woodstock of the valuable and widely known nurseries of Sharp &l Shea. A bark canoe now became a necessary adjunct, as the ferry was not kept "at all hours." In old Mrs. Maloney's garden, a little flat near the water's edge (long since swept away), in her charge I felt my canoe, paddle and secret safe. MARRIAGE. Time went apace, and on the sixth day of January, one thousand eight hundred and forty- two I was married by the P^verend the Rector of Woodstock, S. D. Lee Street, to Sarah Ann Shea, eldest daughter of Mr. John Shea, of Northamp- ton, in the County of Carleton, and Province of New Brunswick. 102 SEVENTY YEARS OF The upper flat of a large two-story building, recently erected and owned by Mr. Shea, on King Street, Woodstock, was comfortabb/ furnished for us ; and there, young and inexperienced, we en- tered upon the duties and responsibilities of mar ried life. DEBATING CLUB. j\ debating club, composed of the best- read and most intelligent men of the place, assembled week- ly in the office of Louis Dibble, a lawyer, during the winter, of which by recjuest I became a mem- ber. Amongst its members were Louis Dibble, W. T. Wilmot, G. W. Cleary, W. H. Needham, L. P. Fisher, lawyers ; also, H. E. Dibble, customs; Richard English, merchant ; W. Q. Ketchum and Frederick Dibble, the last named being president. WOODSTOCK mechanics' INSTITUTE. A public hall being sadly wanted in Woodstock, I wrote upon a sheet of paper a heading, and went out one day to test by subscription public opinion on the matter. Dr. C. D. Rice, L. P. Fisher, James Grover, J. R. Tupper, R. A. Hay, Stephen Parsons, James Robertson, with myself, subscrib- ed ten pounds each , and smaller sums from others aggregating an amount which seemed to warrant our making a commencement. NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 103 From the early records of the institute interest- ing information is gathered as to the preliminary steps to the erection of the building, which for twelve years, or until the great fire of 1860, was a place of popular resort, and its platform he ^'>red by the leading statesmen of the day, professors of universities, orators, etc. Seveial public meetings were called, when, at a meeting held in Miss Drake's schoolroom (where Mrs. Chalmers' building now stands), on Thursday evening, the 11th of March, 1847, James Robert- son Esq., in the chair, the following resolutions were submitted and adopted : " Whereas, The increasing intelligence of the com- munity requires the adoption of means for the more fully developing the mental energies of its memhers and the more general diffusion of useful information ; and Whereas, The delivery of lectures upon liternry, liis- torical and scientific subjects will bist efiectuate these ob- jects, it io deemed expedient to form an association for lliut purpose. Therejore Resolved, That a society be formed in i\\\» place to be called the Woodstock Mechanics' Instilu'e, and that the same shall be governed by a president, viS SEVENTY YEARS OF land in fee simple at the present day will be r/hle to estimate the increase in value. The land from tiie late post office (Leighton's building) to river, bounded by King Street and boundary of mill privilege, was purchased by Richard English. Captain Smith was the owner of all this land, and in a lease given to William Walton of land on King Street the lessee is reijuired to keep a good and sulficient fence around it. A large two story house was erected by Richard Smith and occupied by himself and wii'^ ; later, Mrs. Morehouse. The house and field remained intact until 1860, and embraced the land from Cable House coi'ner to Dr. Connell's dwelling and thence to Chapel street. As the population of the county increased a struggle for precedence became bitter between the villages, — a triangular duel, to which every editor in the county and many correspondents added rufi; After the removal of Charles Perley kS. DeMill and others to the creek, the Lower «^orner dropped out of the fight. A correspondent addressing the Frederictou Head Quarters' in 1847, after a pre^imble, writes : I will show the existing disparity between the two named places, Hardscrabble, the shiretown, and Woodstock Village, and leave the decision to any person possessed of ordinary understanding as to FIELD AND RESIDENCE OF Mrs. M(JREH()USE, WOODSTOCK, 1860. 1890.— (1) Cable House Corner, (2) Town Hall. (3) Loanes' Factory. NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 129 where the public buildings ought to be placed. Tlie distance between these places is one and three-quarter miles. Woodstock. Banks 2 Insurance offices 2 /Clerk's office 1 Public ('ffict'S -I Registrar's office.. 1 1 Post office 1 Printing office 1 Attorneys offices (> Stores and shops.. 20 Mechanics 35 Hotels 3 Licensed taverns 7 Dwelling Houses 120 Population GOO Places of worship 4 Physicians 3 Schools 4 Flour mill 1 Carding mill 1 Fulling mill I Double saw mill 1 Ilardscrable. I 2 3 • • • 3 .30 150 The war of words came, in at least one instance, to blows, and many clever things in prose or poetry were written or said by the champions of eitlier party. We may judge that all shades of Color entered into the strife, from the following poetical effusion, sung to the tune of a then popular air, " Nancy Paul " : 130 SEVENTY YEARS OF «' Two darkies met the udder day Who lived in the suburbs of the town. One gera'ens name was Sambo Clay, De udder white folks called Jim Brown. Dar woolly heads dey put togedder, And rolled up de corners ob dar eyes, Like coons in a hollow tree in stormy wedder, In plantive notes dis chorus cry : Oh! Scrabblehard, dy glory's past, And disoblutions come at last ; In dis shiretown I nebber will stay Cause dar gwine to move de court house away." There being at this time no lock-up house at the Creek, the trouble and expense of conveying violators of tlie peace to the county jail may be imagined. Many of the settlers being disbanded soldiers, to whom the British Government had distributed axes, agricultural implements, a supply of food for two years, and an allowance in money for the erection of buildings, went earnestly to work, and many fine farms, the result of their labor, may now be seen on the St. John River in possession of their ciiildren. Others less persevering and less prudent, visited too frequently the lumber stores, where bills were soon run up, for tea, tobacco, prints and rum, large enough to swing the farm. One hundred per cent was the profit charged in those days, and to this more than to their own ex- travagance is attributed the result of their failure. It is trne that in some instances merchants NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 131 dealt harshly, if not dishonestly, with the struggl- ing settlers, and compelled them to surrender for a small amount of indebtedness their farms, and thus they accumulated property which in time be- came valuable, Tliis story has been told too often not to be be- lieved, that on it is still based in election times the cry of country vs. town. There is one point, however, that cannot be lost sight of, — the mer- chant had also difficulties to contend with : lie was compelled to buy on credit an eight months' stock, as the river was seldom traversed by tow-boats be- tween the months of November and July. He received from the farmers oats and pork, and from the operator lumber delivered on the bank of the river. At his expense and risk the lumber was rafted and run to St. John, where it ran the gauntlet of surveyors or middlemen. All cash ad- vanced was at a heavy rate of interest, and the price of lumber by combination or otherwise was fixed at St. John. St. John was the toe of the stocking into which everything ran, and there remained until it suited the supplier or purchaser. In the meantime twelve months had passed away, and often for a much longer time was the helpless country mer- chant suspended on tetder hooks. The large or pumpkin pine, as distinguished from the sapling or smaller pine of the present day, was for many years the staple of this 132 SEVENTY YEARS OF Province. Groves of this noble tree, towering above all the other trees of the forest, were found in tlie intervales or flatlands of tlie St. John and its tributaries. The lumbering firm of Peters k Wilmot, at the Tobique Rocks, transacted for many years the largest lumbering business on the St. John ; but this firm, like all otliers engaged i.; the business came finally to grief. Among the causes already named as making it uncertain was the large quantity of Jamaica rum consumed from the boss to the cook. Every lum- ber store was well supplied, and it was not an un- common thing for the crew of a camp to continue on a spree for a week at a time. Tlie merchant made a big thing on the rum, but a shortage on lumber, as other shortages at the present day from the same cause bring people out at the little end of the horn. The employment in woods or stream has no doubt produced a hardy and self reliant race of Bluenoses ; but much cannot be su-id for the morality of people necessarily absent from the restraining influence of home and fireside. THE FIRST BANK IN WOODSTOCK. The first bank established in Woodstock, 1836, was an agency of the Commercial, — J. M. Con- nell president, Oeorge F. Williams cashier. In NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 133 those days of heavy lumbering ti ansactions, the bank was a great convenience to the public. In 1846 the offices of the bank were in the upper story of a building on tlie site of one now occupied by Mr. Estey, harness maker, from whence an attempt was made to rob the bank by carrying off the iron safe with its contents. A hitch in the arrangement caused th.e safe to plunge and fall with a loud noise, and fixed itself in the wall and stairway. The robbers were compelled to decamp without any spoil, but not without leaving the marks of an old ofllender's work. After running a course of about thirty years, the agency succumbed to mismanagement. -T^ im^^'" (Ehajjtcr xi. Carleton County Militia. §HE threatened invasion of New Brunswick by the State of Maine having aroused the military spirit of our people, and under a proclama- tion made by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Gov- ernor, brought into existence a battalion for active service, a staff of officers was appointed thereto from the First Carleton Militia, as follows, viz. : STAFF. John Dibblee, Major; R. Woodward, Adjutant; J. R. Tiipper, Paymaster; LeBaron Botsford, Surgeon; Patrick Murphy, Quarter-Master, CAPTAINS. T. G. Cunliffe, James Ketchum, William McKenzie, C. M. Lauchlan, M. Giberson. LIEUTENANTS. R. Ketchum, J. A. C. Phillips, R. D. Beardsley, William McDonald, Henry Baird. ENSIGNS. C Wolhaupter, G. McKenzie, A. 0. Bull, Charles Upton, G. S Tompkins. With the exception of the volunteer companies, in the cities and towns of New Brunswick the NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 135 military force was merely nominal. Radiating from these centres the spirited and intelligent young men did good service in organizing corps in outlying districts, as circumstances or necessity required it, or acting as non-commissioned officers at the three days' annual muster of the militia. The musters afforded much amusement, and were viewed more as holidays than for the practical purposes of drill. An enterprising and ingenious officer in a rural district was said to have applied hay and straw to the pedals of a worthy yeoman to quicken and correct his movements in the goose step. The roll being called, an attempt was some- times made to move from column to line ; but woe to that officer wliose company marched by or through a pumpkin field. After the manner of the times, he was the best and most populac officer who treated to bread and cheese and produced the best-filled bucket. My first military duty in Carleton County was as a private in Captain R. Ketchum's company of militia, and my military experience in the capital and garrison town of New Brunswick suggested unfavorable comment — mental, of course. Before me is a well-preserved book, entitled '' Order Book of Captain Ketchum's Company Embodied Militia, Fredericton, January 2nd, 1813." The records in this book are interesting from a military or historical point of view, and 136 SEVENTY YEARS OF refer to the period of an exciting struggle for British supremacy in Canada, and the march from the garrison at Fredericton of the New Brunswick contingent, the gallant 104th Regiment. The book has passed through the hands of Captain (later Lieutenant-Colonel) Ketchum and Lieuten- ant-Colonel Dibblee into mine as commissioner of the First Carleton Militia, and contains the militia record of each, severally^ until the year 1866. From it I extract as follows: Fredericton, July 25th, 1843. The Commissioner-in-Chief has been pleased to make the following promotions, etc.: Rifle Company attached to First Battalion, Carleton County Militia: W. T. Wil- mot, Captain, vice Deraill, resigned ; Henry Halsell to be Ist Lieutenant, vice Ketchum, superseded; W. T. Baird to be 2ad Lieutenantj vice Halsell, promoted (Signed) George Shore, A. G. M. Dated July 25th, 1843. The senior officers of the rifle company knowing but little of their duty, I was requested to act as drill instructor. In a short time the company was recruited to the strength of thirty men. The other volunteer companies then in Wood- stock were a troop of cavalry and a battery of artillery. Ths above corps with the company of regulars stationed at Woodstock, and the Woodstock band, attracted, on the Queen's birthday and on other (X iVEw nnuiw^wiCK life. 137 public occasions, large numbers of people from the surrounding country and very often from the border town of Houlton. Our parade ground was the elevated level below the Meduxnakeag, called Chapel Hill. At this period, arms and accoutrements only were supplied to tlie volunteers. A distasteful dark green coat, swallow-tail, with pants, forage cap, and a stiff leather stock for the neck, were otfered and respectfully declined. The officers furnished their own uniforms and equipment com- plete, with occasional contributions towards those of the rank and tile, paid for the repair of arms, and supplied ammunition, medals and lunches on gala days. To be an officer was no sinecure, but the at- tempt made to keep alive a military spirit in the country was not altogether unsuccessful. A few years later when the penny-wise policy of the legislature permitted all military duty to fall into desuetude, the effect became apparent. The young people of both sexes in Carleton County, deprived of the social gatherings at the annual trainings and Queen's birthday celebrations, hied annually to Houlton, to join in the sports, listen to the fourth of July spread-eagle orations, and return more or less tinctured with American pro- clivities. Tliis thought of the display of our Yankee 'riends on the fourth may have been prominent in the minds of our Dominion states- 138 SEVENTY YEARS OF men when they selected as our natal day the Jirst of July. TOWN OF nOULTON, U. S. The residents of Houlton and officers of tlie garrison were frequent visitors to Woodstock, Beside the courtesies extended from and between the garrisons, social parties and dances were of frequent occurrence, and a waltz composed by Major McGruder, — a lion of the Mexican war, — Commandant of the Houlton garrison, was popu- lar on either side of the line. I well remember a grand military display at Fredericton in honor of a visit made by the great American General Scott to Sir John Harvey. These general officers were old antagonists and opposed to each other at the battles of Stony i.(A^A.(X,y S Creek and Sundy Lane in 1813 and '14, and the true spirit of the soldier was exhibited in the giv- ing and in the acceptance of Sir John's invitation to visit him at Fredericton. Houlton is situated about twelve miles west of Woodstock on the Meduxnakeag River, which runs through both of these towns. My first visit to this smart Yankee village was in the company of Parr Phillips, a young man I had met in Fred- ericton, then a clerk for his brother-in-law, G. E. Ketchum. He was a peculiarly pleasing young man, retiring in his manner^ and a good per- iy\> NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 139 former on several musical instruments. From Mount Desert, later Davis' Boulevard, on summer evenings the surrounding hills and valleys often echoed duets from our key bugles; or, for our own , amusement, \/ith flute and clarionette in more re- tired places. The first object of attraction for us in Houlton was the garrison. It was the hour of morning parade, and my first inspiration was to pull down the flag floating nearly over my head. As young soldiers, during the Aroostook war, we were look- ing for an opportunity of that kind, hence the inspiration. The young and iiandsome face of the French horn player was familiar to us. He was a de- serter from the regimental band at Fredericton. He was of a good family in England wliere he liad enlisted, and was by his friends placed in the special charge of the colonel of the regiment. Desertions were frequent from either side of the line. On a cold winter evening, a stage, or closely boxed up double sleigh, was observed, with a pair of horses attached, standing for some time in front of our house on George street, Fredericton. A neighbor of ours, John Russell, was the owner, and in charge. It was growing dark, when three men hurriedly entered the stage and it was driven rapidly away. After passing the government house, a pistol was placed to his head and he was told their aim was to reach Houlton and that he 140 SEVENTY YE A MS OF must drive for his life. Russell now saw that he was in the hands of deserters, and the game a desperate one. He appeared to comply, and as he approached Wheeler's, about twelve miles from Fredericton, he said his horses must have water. Driving to the door of the tavern he called loudly for water, and, as he expected, the night being very cold, his passengers, dis- guised in colored clothes, entered for a drink The moments were precious. He dexterously turned his horses' heads and stage homeward, and, aided by the darkness of the night and the potency of the liquor, delivered his charge to the guard at the barrack gate, Fredericton. Russell doubtless received a good reward for his loyalty and clever apprehension. I have frequently seen American deserters com- ing into Woodstock. On one occasion three men in uniform, carrying their rifles. Of all the commanding officers of regiments in Fredericton during my time, none was more noted than Colonel Eels, Rifle Brigade. He was a brusque, dp ring officer, leading his men through field or wood, and topping gayly, on a staunch brown hunting horse, fences or windfalls that came in his way. On occasions of this kind he was not choice in his epithets to delinquents, but was admired as a brave and gallant soldier. Accepting an invitation from the officers. Colonel Eels visited the garrison at Houlton. With a sol- \ NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. Ul dier's eye, he noted from the road on the summit of Park's Hill the defenceless condition of the barracks. A good dinner had been discussed and the best feeling pervaded the company. Some of the American officers were already under the table, when one of them asked the Britisher, jokingly, what would be his method of attack on that posi- tion. Eels replied instantly that he would " blow them to hades with bladders of Scotch snuff from the hill beyond." The garrison was situated on the high plateau of land to the right as you enter Houlton, and the barrack buildings were flimsy wooden affairs. The Hotel Hasey's and principal business stands in 1840 and later were a mile nearer to tlie boundary line than the present site of the town. The hotel and much land was owned by "Uncle Jimmy Houlton," the father of the place, a genial old gentleman, with whom I had many interesting conversations regarding the first settlement of the country. He haa many peculiarities, one in never using a negative. His refusal therefore was in the blandest style. The population was made up largely of people from New Brunswick, driven hither by misfortune or choice, and much of its trade was derived from British people residing on the border, or more dis- tant, where the duties saved would be an object. A good understanding has always existed be- tween the people of these border towns, and to X 142 SEVEN'TY YEARS OF tlie frequent social intercourse nicay in some meas- ure be attributed the smartness and business tact which has given to Woodstock and Carleton County ascendancy over many other portions of the Province. The principal business of the place was done by Sheppard Carey, «in extensive lumber merchant, controlling a large c^istrict oi territory in Maine. The witty, clever writer and brother-in-law of Carey's, Collins Whittaker, v/as also his book- keeper, and later United States consul at 8t. John. Holman Carey, a brother, was a clever original in many ways and a wit. He was well known in Woodstock and on the River St. John. Some strangers with swell titles booked their names at the Bangor House. Holman also booked his, with the appendage L. O. R. This new order of rank arrested the notice of one of the strar.gers, and was informed that it read " Lumbering- On - roostic." Being asked how cold it was, he said it was thirty below, but would liave been colder if the thermometer in Houlton had been longer. NEW STORE ON KINO STREET. The lower flat of the house occupied as my resi- dence being designed for two stores, and the prin- cipal part of the cash tradp being done on King street, I decided to finish one of these and occupy NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 143 it. Ha\ ing now ample room, I extended my busi- ness to garden and field seeds, agricultural imple- ments, etc., and iniproved tlie appearance and convenience of the interior of the shop by adding cases of drawers, soda font, with machinery for manufacturing soda water, marble counter, etc. In this shop was first suspended in Woodstock a /■ lamp for burning Albertine oil. Up to that time / fish oil only was burned in the large lamps. F.^escriptions to wliich I had been so long fiu jstomed, ceased with the departure of Dr. Botsford for St. John. A slight opposition was offered in the sale of medicines by Dr. Wood. Up to this period there was no resident dentist in Woodstock, and, having learned to extract teeth from Gale, the key and forceps were in al- most daily requisition and proved a considerable item in receipts. I invested £25 in a leasehold lot on Main street at a rental of £5 per annum. I also purchased from my father-in-law for .£200, and easy terms of payment, the upper part of his farm in North- ampton — my present home, " Willowell " — erected a house and barn and put a tenant on the farm. I also purchased a pair of young horses, and to the older children of our family "Charley" pnd " Sal " were for many years familiar names. \\ ith this team, on a comfortable sled, I made annual journeys for a number of years in the winter time Ui SEVENTY YEARS OF to Bangor or some of the towns in Maine for a load of clover and timothy seed. WOODSTOCK TO BANGOR ON SNOW. There being no railways, Houlton and all the sur- rounding country were supplied with freight hauled by teams from Bangor. The roads were, therefore, from mucii travel in the winter time, well-broken, and no more hospitable place could be conceived of than a tavern on the Houlton and Bangor road. After a journey of fifty miles to Rollins', you drive inside the spacious barn, where the reins are taken from you by an active hostler, who grooms, blankets and beds your horses thoroughly. I al ways found a tip at the outset on such occasions to be money well invested. On entering the house you are greeted by a roaring wood tire, your buffaloes (robes) are hung Up, and you lose no time in stripping and wash- ing, for you are likely one of a hungry crowd. The bell rings and you are led by the landlord to the supper room. E\'erything to satisfy a hungry man is here : ham and eggs, fowl, venison of moose or deer (found within a few hundred yards), pies, doughnuts, and tiie inevitable apple-sauce. Implements all brigiit and clean, and after a day's drive through the keen frosty air, a relish is found in food, to wliich you may have been a stranger. Supper over, we adjourn to the spacious room with NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 145 the big fire-place, — bar-room so called. Here, in an atmosphere of tobacco-smoke from the pipes of a score or less of teamsters, lumberers, or others like myself, is a good chance to study Yankee character. Some interesting recital of facts may cause you to linger for a time ; but the profanity, for which the Yankee teamster is proverbial, soon becomes offensive, and, after a look in the stable to see that oats are fed to your horses and that they are not tied too short to lie down, retire to sleep soundly. At four in the morning the house is astir, you breakfast by candle light, don your big coat and muffler, the familiar sound of the bell announces that your team is ready, and well wrapped in warm buffaloes, with a cheery word to your horses, they shoot off in the darkness. The keen air gives a "fillip" to their speed, and ere "Aurora" shoots forth in golden rays the glory of her coming, Jack Frost's tonsorial hand has chang- ed an ebony hirsuteness into grey. Returning from Milo by the " Piscataquis " on one occasion, I was compelled to tie my horses on a cold night outside of a hovel, sleep in an un- plastered room, through the openings of which the stars were seen, and the only food oflered was heavy buckwheat cakes, vernacular "plugs," and tea, without milk, sugar, molasses, butter, or any- thing else whatever. The people in the usual stop- ping place beyond were ill with fever, and T took my chance in a longer drive. 14G SEVENTY YEARS OF VISIT TO HALIFAX. From tritany years close confinement to business my health began to fail. At the suggestion of Dr. Walker, a kind old gentleman, I took the steamer for Windsor, Nova Scotia. I found on board Robert Ray, also his son Charles, afterwards Mayor of St. John. Ray senior was a person well krlown for his peculiarities, in particular by the negroes. I found him an intelligent and genial old gentleT^.an. The sea was rough, the night dark, and I lay in the berth, back and knees well braced to prevent iiiy rolling out. In a short time I felt a sickness indescribable and I clambered from the berth to the floor ; four grains of Antim. Tart, could not li/lve produced a better effect; the relief was im- mediate. The following morning, while waiting for the tide to go up to Windsor, we anchored off Cap'^ Blomidon, and I spent, with other passengers, a few hours visiting the farmhouses in Parrsboro. The following morning I visited the " plaster mines," and the premises f Judge Haliburton, alias " Sam Slick." Solicited by Mr. Ray, I took the coach at 10 a. m. for Halifax, of which city he had been a former resident. The naval yard, armory, and sail loft was visited (Ray was a sailmaker) ; also the house in the naval yard, occupied by the brave ^'EW BRUNSWICK LIFE, 147 Captain Brock of " Shannon " celebrity, and the lawn on which, whilst convalescing after the battle with the " Chesapeake " in Boston harbor, he was attacked by a savage l)ull and saved from severe injury or worse by the sentry. I also crossed in the ferryboat to Dartriouth and examined some of the solid and extensive masonry in that great but mistaken enterprise, the " Shubenacadie Canal." A road skirting a large sheet of water called the " Basin " afforded a delightful drive to the Haligonians, and near the shore was pointed out to me a ruin — a few columns only — of Grecian architecture, called the *' Prince's Lodge," at one time occupied by the father of Queen Victoria. . I had the pleasure of being present in the square at the morning parade of one or two British regi- ments stationed in Halifax, and purchased in the city a fine steel blade - - a rifle sword — which has been much admired. There being then no railway conveyance, I re- turned by coach to Windsor, thence across the country to Horton and Kentville. My travelling companions were a Mr. Binny, of Halifax, and his friend, a portly and jovial soutliern gentleman. Was visited here by two young men, W. A. Chip- man and Charles Starrit, formerly clerks in Wood- stock, and with whom I was well acquainted. They insisted on my accompanying tliem on the following day in a drive across and down the op- 148 SEVENTY YEARS OF posite side of the great marsh from Kentville, crossing agam at the dyke near Horton. This section of Nova Scotia is called the garden of Nova Scotia, and is truly one of the most produc- tive and beautiful places that I have ever seen. Pears and various kinds of fruit of fine quality are grown here, and in the old French orchards many of the trees resemble in size the trees of the forest. On Monday morning at three o'clock we again entered the coach, our number increased by one lady passenger. We arrived safely at Annapolis in the afternoon. The only person I knew there was a professor of the college, an old friend, the Rev. George McCauley, but time would not per- mit my making him a visit. Embarking, we steamed away for Digby and St. John. Having had but little sleep the two previous nights, I was soon wrapped in the arms of Morpheus, and before reaching St. John discovered that we had taken a number of cattle on board at Digby, but of which I was happily ignorant. Shortly after my return home I found my health very much improved, and was soon able to exoend my walks to tipper Woodstock, a distance of two miles. • ^ A DEEB HUNT, 1846. I often visited Lieutenant Wickham's quarters while stationed in Woodstock. He was a man of agreeable manner, temperate habits, good physique. J^E^V BRUNSWICK LIFE. lf?J and a lover of music, playing the cornet very well. Anxious to see something of the wild woods of America, and hearing of a place where deer might be found, we set off one bright morning, fully equipped, for tlie O'Donnell Settlement. Arriv- ing at one of the most remote houses (Dougherty's), the horse hoveled, and ourselves regaled with Mrs. Dougherty's fresh eggs and hot barley cake, we mounted our snowshoes, and each carrying on our backs from forty to sixty pounds of food and camp equippage, entered the woods. Our guide and escort was a young lad, Dougherty's son, and his dog. Descending from the high land to the Pocamon- shine, a tributary of Eel River, the bound of the wolf on its snowy level surface, showed plainly where poor puss met her fate, and tlie fragments — hair only — the fierceness of the onslaught. Pursuing our course down the stream until near nightfall, we prepared to camp for the night. Using our snowshoes for shovels, we dug a hole about six feet square and as many deep. As I chopped into logs the nearest birch tree, Wick- ham twitched with his comforter, and tumbled them Jnto our nest for the night's fuel. Seated on our narrow couch of fir boughs and blanket, generous slices of bread and bacon having been disposed of, we sip from our tin cups a hot in- fusion of the fragrant herb, and discuss the merits of winter camp, life in New Brunswick. thO SEVENTY YEARS OF It was a clear, cold, windy night in March, the branches of a projecting tree our only covering. From our slumbers, not the soundest, we were frequently aroused by the howling of the wolves, whose curiosity, we thought, might give practice to our revolvers before the morning light. While the stars wore yet twinkling, our fire, which had penetrated the swamp a foot or more below our level, was re-kindled, another attack was made upon the edibles, and we were ready for the tramp. A little farthei- down the stream, we observed on a mountain side a growth of birch and other browse-supplying trees, and proceeded to ascend. Snowshoeing on a steep hillside while a hot sun is shining upon it, causing the snow to load and melt upon your snowshoes, is a test of both the patience and physical endurance of the hunter. This was our experience for a short time, when heart and load were lightened by a discov- ery : we had struck a deer-yard ! The yard is a number of paths through the snow in a thick growth of hard wood, constantly traversed by ani- mals, from which they can reach the ipwer branches and obtain food during the winter. Observing our course from the most recent marks of the ani- mal, we throw off all encumbrance and start in pur- suit. Following the yelp of our small terrier is the bound of a fine buck. After an exciting chase, the beautiful creature takes from a firm footing its final leap into the deep, soft snow, where it NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 151 lies helpless and powerless. As we stood around the poor captive, its dark, lustrous eye spoke to me wliat I cannot forget, nor will I attempt to write. The extra garments, peeled off during the chase, being collected, and a double load for myself, which now was lightly borne, we turned toward the clearing, Wickham led off, adopting a con- venient method of carrying the buck : belly around his neck, with fore and hind legs extended in front and held by either hand. From its neck the blood dropped into his pocket, from which a handkerchief was occasionally taken to wipe his perspiring face. Before night we arrived safely at the cabin. Wickham, who had been leading, entered first. As the door opened, a prolonged howl from Mrs. Dougherty startled us, the only distinguishable word being "murther!" On entering, I immedi- ately discovered the cause of her alarm. Wick- ham's face was smeared with blood ! The effect was heightened by the ragged appearance of his Kossuth, through which I had that morning fired two minnie bullets, before leaving the. camp. A reviver, not of the ardent, but of good Congou, with solids, for which we had a relish, fortified us for the home stretch. With Wickham and our trophy on the upper side of the sleigh, the roads being sideling, I, of less avoirdupois, took the lower and the reins, and after a merry ride, reached Woodstock without mishap* Qlha^ter xii. Smuprgling. ^I^HE word boundary in a national sense is ^^ usually a synonym for smuggling. Forty years ago, twenty-five cents on a pound of tea, twenty-five cents a yard on silk, or one dollar on a cooking stove might have been taken as the measure of the loyalty of the inhabitants on either side of the line in the vicinity of Woodstock or Houlton. Forty-five years ago the article of tea could not be imported into the Province from the United St ites. It was contraband. The profits of forty cents a pound was a temptation not to be resisted, hence the mettle of Harry Dibble's well- known roan horse was often tested in an exciting chase. There were professional smugglers in those days, two Americans at Hardscrabble, and an old Hi- bernian on the Houlton road. No Russian sys- tem of espionage could be more perfect. The argus eye of the custom house officer failed many times to detect the concealed trophies of the bold smuggler, yet customs' sales were not unfrequent, and horses, wagons and contents were brought under the hammer. NEW JiRUNSWICK LIFE. 153 ROWDYISM. In the year 1837, and for many years later, the population of Woodst'^ /k was largely increased during the summer by idle, drunken and dis- orderly lumbermen. The civil force was often found inadequate to quell the riots of frequent occurrence on the streets ; hence a requisition was made by the magistracy of tlie county asking tiiat a company of soldiers be stationed at Wood- stock for the preservation of peace and tlie pro- tection of its inhabitants, ^^• An order having been issued- to the commander- in-chief, a company of regular troops from the regiment then stationed at Fredericton proceeded to Woodstock. The officers were '■ My, good fel- lows, and it cannot l)e said that Woodstock of that day was demoralized by the presence of troops. The officers were Captain Coate, Lieu- tenants Gore and Hazelen, and Doctor Irvine. Paddy Gore, familiarly, was an exceedingly clever fellow and a great favorite. As a wit and athlete, his peers were few in number, and, but for an enemy common to the British army, might have readied high distinction in the service. The offi- cers were sociable and friendly with the people, and an interchange of civilities with the officers of the garrison of Houlton was of frequent occur- rence. Tlie moral effect of the presence of the little garrison stayed for a time the brutality and 154 SEVENTY YEARS OF excess of the rougher element, but it had yet to be crushed. These were the dr-ys of whiskey galore. Many sold it ; nearly everybody drank it. But in the light of those days it was considered a harmless thipg, and but few persons stopped to consider whether it might not be the cause of much of the riot and wretchedness it has since been found to produce. Among the vendors some fifty years ago was one Tom Gray. A person might almost step upon the roof of his ohanty, situated at the west end of the now Van wart brick building. From this place two soldiers were pitched, badly mangled, into the street. It was on some public occasion, and there were many people in town. Water (now King) street was thronged, the rowdy element in the ascendant. Strong, lusty men, in red shirts, brandished clubs and axe-handles. The air was filled with shouting and disorder. Pres- ently a sub-division front of the soldiers, filling Water street from side to side, was seen advancing at the double with fixed bayonets. The crowd was not slow to discover that the red-coats meant business, and as leaves eddy and whirl before the thunder storm, so did the valiant (?) crowd dis- appear, rushing into front doors, cellar doors, and alley ways to escape the thrust of the bayonet. Pricking the building and front of stores occupied by Joshua Snow and Harrison & Jewitt (on the site of the Lynch building), the word " right ^^EW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 155 about " was given by Sergeant Tracey, the non- commissioned officer in command of the sub- division, wliich marched quietly to its quarters. The majesty of the law was asserted, but the end was not yet. As gold excites the cupidity of men and attracts them to the opposite ends of the earth, so other minds, peculiarly constituted, are attracted by the " pomp and circumstance of a glorious war." The concentration of troops at Woodstock, and the prospect of its being the headquarters of active military operations, should Maine insist upon her demand to advance her north-easterly boundary, brought to its principal hotel (Mrs. Grover's), among other newspaper correspondents, an officer of the British army, and late of the " Royal Irisli," He was a man of good physique, had seen a good deal of the world, was a clever writer, and made no effort to conceal his Irish proclivities. He was intensely Irish, therefore a wit and a good judge of poteen, or mountain dew. The rank and social condition of many officers of high position in the British army he had at his finger ends, and he was an authority on all mili- tary matters. He joined with the young men in everything, and his rendering of the code of honor Vc T"/7 . was sincerity itself. Words hastily spoken at the ^ card table, or under other exciting influences, were no palliation. The word " gentleman " could to his mind bear no pollution by distinction, and, 156 SEVENTY YEARS OF as the fruit of this teaching, there occurred two duels and other more disastrous results from the use of his favorite weapon, the pistol. The scene of their " affairs of honor " was a small lake, now visible as you approach the boundary line on \ w Houlton road, but at that time concealed by a dense forest. The tirst of these was "taken off" by an exceedinglv clever writer in the Woodstock Times. I meet persons every day who can recall the characters and principal actors in the scene, as Count Rpst-a-marki, Mustapha Mushface, Doctor Wiggle-spoke and others. The war er ^ed, uhe gallant dragoon returned to his now unincumbered estate, when married and ^^'X /c> with a happy family about him, he may sing with greater gusto the song of " Hoi^est Jack Dwyer of Stradbally Hall." i ORANGE RIOT OF 1847. History is an account of facts, particularly fticts respecting nations or states : a narrative of events in their choronological order, with their causes and effects. The events of life^ grand or simple, when recorded, ar"^ matters of historical importance, as illustrate" "^g the life, character and condition of n people at the period of their occur- rence. He who fails, from what cause soever, to give a truthful narrative is unworthy the name of an historian. NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 157 The population of Carleton County having been largely increased, and the Protestant element in the ascendant, watchful politicians were not slow to discover tl e necessity for a change of base. Several merchants of Woodstock, — Irishmen, — formerly pedlp*,rs, who had made house to house visitations in the country, had oonsiderable in- fluence, which, up to this time, had been exerted in support of one politir^al party. The boundary of the county, moreover, extended to the Province of Quebec, and embraced a large French popula- tion. The preponderance of Roman Catholics, therefore, from a political standpoint, made two things necessary, viz. : 1st. To separate the French from the English by dividing the county ; 2nd. To unite in one body the Protestant", by organizing orange lodges. This latter bold stroke of policy was not an experiment in the Province ; the astute politieans of York had already proved it a success. That riots and animosities would bo the result, or that former friends and supporters would be alienated, v.ore points quite secondary and not to be considered with possible defeat by adherence to the old regime. " When self the wavering balance holds, 'Tis seldom well adjusted." How to rule the Irish is up to this moment an enigma which no British Parliament has beer '■ le to solve. When Pitt said, " Let us diviac the 158 SEVENTY YEARS OF Irish ! " he splits in two parts a nation which, united, might have rent the Empire. The blow struck by a solid phalanx of expatriated Irishmen, breaking through Marlborough's line of battle at Blenheim, is but one example. In "field or lorum " all down through the centuries. Irishmen have taken a first place in the affairs of Grfat Britain. From peculiar characteristics they are both loved and feared, and when the above sent- ence was uttered by the far-seeing Pitt, he may, as a statesman, have but chosen the least of two evils. The worst use of power is its abuse, and this is an Irish failing. In Carleton County on election daya respectable men, natives of the country, were beaten and abused. From this and similar causes, Protestants became 'exasperated, and the way paved for the introduction of a new political era. One of the first to become an Orangeman was a well known resident of the town of Woodstock, by birth a Scotch Russian, a man of intelligence and good physique. A brother of the sitting member also joined the order and a charter having been obtained they proceeded to organize a lodge. The old country Orangemen rallied at the call, and with new recuits the number was increased to sixty or eighty. An announcement that the Orangemen would walk as a body in Woodstock on the approaching 12th of July, put the Irish Catholics of the town (X NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 159 and county on the qui vive. Tt soon became evi- dent 'hat a violent attempt would be made to crush this organization in the bud, and as the day ap- proached, many rumors were afloat as to the strength and eificiency in drill of the opposing force. A bright sun ushered in the morning of the 12th, presaging a day of intense heat. At an early hour the poggess i o n of Orangemen marched H\ \- - . ^ from their hall in Mallory Raymond's building ^ ' "" direct to a Baptist Church in Jacksontown, about ^' three miles distant. While attending this service, and absent from the town, a body of men, numbering about three hundred, many of them strangers from the United States, marched through the principal streets in good form, armed with guns, swords, scythes, pikes. From this body a detachment was sent to remove from a raft floating down the liver a yellow flag or handkerchief flying thereon, which was done. They were then marched to the upper end of the town, where they were placed in position along the crest of the hill, where the Orange Hall now stands, parallel with and about fifty yards distant from the liighway road. The commander was a Woodstock man, and in the ranks were several members of the Woodstock Rifle Company, among whom was a sergeant and the best shot in the company. 160 SEVENTY YEARS OF As the Orangemen were returning they were met on the road near Mr. Fisher's residence, halt- ed by the magistrates and the Riot Act read. The Act had just previous^ been read to the op- posing party. Three che^-rs being given for the Queen, they re-form and are ordered to advance. The Catholics, lying flat upon the ground, with muzzles pointing to the road, waited. In the meantime, the company of regulars stationed at Woodstock, under the command of Lieutenant Wickham, was ordered to take a posi- tion on the left front and at right angles with the line of the attacking party. The long-looked for moment has at Ir-st arrived. The hated Orangemen are covered with deadly weapons, and the air is rent by a volley from the hills. But the fire is not returned ; the party attacked is not permitted to carry arms. They appear to retreat, but are rushing to wagons in rear of the procession, where arms had been provided. Now, armed with muskets and bayonets, they make no pause to fire, but dash with irresistible energy up the slope, bayon«j!t some and capture many. The flight and pursuit is continued through bush and field towards the Houlton road ; those not taken prisoners, crossing over the Meduxnakic on a jam of jgs. The Regulars received no orders from the magis- ■ —1 1' Hlil|i—iiW— Wli^i— 1— ^— l'iT'7" ' '"• ..".:%asM... NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 161 trates to fire, tlierefore took no part in tlie fray ; but the moral effect of fifty loaded rifles, while en- couraging the attacked, must have made nervous and shaky the hands of the assailants. The casualities were several severely wounded on both sides ; none were found to have been killed. A large man, active in the fight from No. 11 Township, United States, was shot through the lungs and carried to a lodging house, from which, in woman's garb, he was stolen away by his friends from over the lines. An Orangeman shot through the thighs was im- mortalized in verse by a rustic bard, thus : "Brave Krnigan charged up the hill, And cried out 'No Surreude-r ! ' But Jim McCabe fired ofT his gun And shot the legs off Camber." These men, first and last named, were black- smiths, having well known smithies in Woodstock. Kerrigan was Irish, Camber a New Brunswicker. The remarks of the editor of a Woodstock paper on the occasion of the removal of the troops, in the October following the riot, read as follows : " It was with no small degree of regf t that we wit- nessed the departure on Tuesday morning last of Lieutenant Wickham and the detachment of the 33rd Regiment under his command. A finer body of men and more orderly and correct in their deportiT.eut "W^JjR never stationed in this garrison." 1C)2 SEVENTY YEARS OF On October the 16th before the troops left, the magistrates and other inhabitants of the town presented the officer in charge of the detachment with a very appreciative address, expressive of the value of the services rendered by the regiment to the community during the riot and throughout their stay in Woodstock ; to which a very cordial reply on behalf of himself and regiment was made by Lieutenant Wick ham. PROHIBITORY LIQUOR LAW. A prohibitory bill was passed by l ^ Provincial L<»gisk,ture of New Brunswick in 1855, for the sup- pression of the sale of intoxicating liquors. The legislation though wisely conceived was found to be in advance of public opinion. The immediate overthrow of S. L. Tilley and others then in power was the result. To educate and prepare public opinion Divisions of Sons of Temperance were organized in many parts of tlie Province. The first organized in Woodstock was named " Carleton Division," No. 1 9, enrolling a large number of members. A little later, I united with others as charter members of " Melancthon Division," No. 34, in which I spent many pleasant hours, and to which many poor un- fortunate inebriates were indebted for their deliv- ery from the all pervading destroyer. A large nu)iiber of men being employed at the iron NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 163 foundry, Upper Woodstock, the Melanothon Divi- sion was removed to that place, and in a short time received from that source large accessions. Besides discharging its duty faithfully as a benefit society, its members were the principal motors in the erection of the spacious building at Upper Woodstock for a scliool and public hall. Tlie more important work for the members of the Division seemed to be the reformation of tal- ented and influential men, whose example was producing a most damaging effect. To this end individual members and deputations exerted them- selves, and the result was a most valuable addition of intelligent and useful members, the balance of whose lives were devoted to the cause, and who died honored and respected in the community in which they lived. No great moral reform can be effected without ( exciting the ire of the vile and vicious. Temper- I ance men supporting the authorities in the en- forcement of the law, were met and overcome by ruffians, excited by drink, and individual property damaged or destroyed by fire to an extent that may never be known. In revenge and to punish an energetic marshal of the town, his workshop on Main Street was fired by a drunken tramp, and nearly all the business part of the town laid in ashes. At a later date, a fine block of brick buildings on King Street, including the " Renfrew House," 164 SEVENTY YEARS OF a large hotel, in which was invested the value of all I possessed, was destroyed by lire. A drunken vagrant was charged with firing a barn, which caused the destruction of the hotel and other valuable property. Thus, although not directly in contact with these unfortunate miscreants, I was made to feel the terrible power and influence that has so long cursed the earth. At this distant day, I recall with pleasant mem- ory evenings spent in the Division. Of the well- read and thinking members were A. K. S. Wet- more, A. N. Garden and L. P. Fisher, lawyers ; Judge Bedell, Richard Dibble, Joseph Harvey, sr., Samuel Watts and others ; and of intelligent me(ihanics and farmers, D. J. Day, Hugh Cow- perthwaite, H. Emery, A.. Broderick, Buxton, Black and others. There were also, connected with the iron foundry, David Munro and others. Many of the above named were clever debaters, and beside being an excellent training school for young speakers, the duties of the various offices in the Division, based on parliamentary practice, im- parted a confidence and manner useful in after life. Perhaps there is no society in which is pre- sented more varied phases of humanity than this. The tavern-keeper, drinker, and some time Bible-reader, was portrayed by tlie inimitable Black, with Irish pleasantry ; and Buxton, with Welsh accent, related his terrible periodical JV£W BRUNSWICK LIFE. 165 struggle with Satan, alias Appetite, before a sur- render. Some one has said, " let me write the ballads of a people and I care not who makes their laws." THE RUMSELLERS' MARCH was written by request, and embraced licensed and surreptitious sellers of the ardent in 1853. The shaft of ridicule often pierces more deeply than law or logic ; and the song, having become popular, had in this case the effect of closing up four of the illicit dens in Woodstock. Air, ''^ Blue Bonnets J' March, inarch, Urbin and Stave-in-son ! Why my lads don't you mt rch forward in order? March, march, rigiments of ragged boys. Rummies galore from the Cnek to the Cornrr. There's Pat at the alley, and further up Sally ; Then Michael, the Autocrat; Johnny, the daisy ; Mrs McGee sure will say " tisn't me, sur " Then Tom, by the Town Pump, and Martin, the lazy. March, march, Urbin and Stave-in-son ! Why my lads don't you march forward in order ? March, march, regiments of ragged boys. Rummies galore from the Creek to the Corner. Sir Oliver Crum-well, to water his rum- well, A lesson may learn at the " Royal Arcade." To give it the rale hue, the post-boy, when mail's due, Will look in the glass and it never can fade. March, march, Urbin and Stave-in-son! 166 SEVENTY YEARS OF March along gaily over the border. Hould up your head, Tim, he aisy there fighlin' Jim 1 Mind the step, Murphy; you're all in disorder! There's Henry More-cottage and Bills Ham-and pottage— The heroes of Maine law would form a battalion. But one more in rhymin' can be m^de to chime in, The boy with the short neck that rides the big stallion. March, march, Urbin and Stave-in-son! Why my lads don't you march forward in order? March up, you gummies, your doe-heads and dummies To the time of the blue-devils over the border. QTha^jUr xiii. Children and Amusements. YOUNG horse from the farm that we j,lled " Teddy " was now able to pull a sleigl), and with the two eldest children, George and Helen, a favorite route for a ride often taken in winter was over the river to the farm, thence to the foundry at the Upper Corner, and home. We enjoyed toboggan slides from the high bluff near the Methodist Cemetery towards the Catholic Chapel, there being then neither house nor fence to obstruct the passage. For open-air exercise in the summer, a paddle in a bark canoe around Bull's Island, with an occasional stop to fish, was often indulged in. Our children being musical, I purchased a piano, and with other musical instruments in the house and an ample supply of books and papers the evenings were very pleasantly spent, and I found home and with my family the happiest place in which to spend the little leisure time I enjoyed. As the younger boys became strong enough to carry a stick of wood, they joined the elder, and on Saturday evenings received their quota of pay. I well remember the little group of four, waiting Ai "iu ^:"-'>- IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 1.25 !f lilM IIM !" 1^ 2.2 if liS 1 2.0 118 1-4 IIIIII.6 V] <^ /2 7 c'; 4 i #// 7 <^v # <\^ :\ \ k ^"^Tv^ ^^\ '^6^ 1 2.S ! 168 SEVENTY YEARS OF until I was disengaged, to give them their pay, and the s8,tisfaction they evinced on receiving it, and I ain still inclined to think this a correct course to pursue with children. It establishes early in life a principle of independence, that what they receive is the reward of industry, pos- session forbids the desire to obtain dishonestly, and for the time dissociated with vile urchins of the streets. I thank God that my children, now grown up to men and women's estate, possess habits of in- dustry, and have escaped the demoralizing in- fluence of a street education such as Woodstock afforded in their young days. As the boys grew older they enjoyed themselves in playing on musical instruments, which occa- sionally led them to provide amusement for others. On the occasion of a Catholic picnic on Bull's Island, the large crowd assembled were sur- prised and delighted to see the band of juveniles with flutes, drum and triangle marching down the flat. The pleasure to me was the greater, as the priest then in Woodstock and the general man- ager of the affair, the Rev. Thomas Connolly, now ^ icar-general in St. John, was a former Frederic- ton boy and an old schoolmate, and for whom I have always entertained the highest regard. Frcm this little effort the boys ever found a place in the warm hearts of their Irish friends, and when George and Willie, the two eldest, passed NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 1()9 away, although many years later, the circumstance was kindly remembered. A few years later, the boys' " fife and drum band," by the addition of a few others, became quite effective, was attached to my rifle company, and with it visited St. Andrews and was higlily complimented by tlie large crowd assembled to hear their performance in the square, and under the " curfew bell " of that ancient town. SCHOOLS OF WOODSTOCK AND RICHMOND. As a trustee of scliools it was my duty to visit semi-annually the schools in Woodstock and Rich- mond parislies. Associated with me in the work were Church of England ministers for the time stationed in the former place. A school-house at the mill (where now is Debec Junction) was reached by a circuitous route via Richmond Corner. Another at the Watson Set- tlement, and again at " Strong's " on the Medux- nakic. I name these distant points as traversing a large district of country, then mostly wilderness, some portions of the road being only grubbed out and impassable with a wagon. Of late years in travelling through Richmond, which now presents, in tlie district named, but few intervening blocks of woodland, are many fine houses and broad acres of cleared fields, and a tribute of respect, mentally at least, is called forth 170 SEVENTY YEARS OF for those brave pioneers whose energy and per- severance have in reality made the wilderness to blossom as the rose. A pleasant companion in this work was Charles H. Connell, son of the Hon. J. M. Connell, who through his father's political influence, was well and favorably known. He was the eldest of the fam- ily and was the first to fall, as did all of his brothers and sisters, with that dread disease — consumption. Among the early teachers in Woodstock were James McLaughlan and McCormack. Our elder children received their first instruction from Miss Mclndoe, thence transferred to Miss Drake and Miss Jacob. The Latin school in which George first became a pupil was taught by Michael Keiley, a com- panionable, well-read man, intensely Irish in man- ner and expression. Following him came James McCoy, whose first location was among his con- nections at Bairdsville. He was almost a self- educated man, but his high attainments as a mathematical scholar brought him under the notice of the professor of King's College, Freder- icton, and he was induced by Sheriff Winslow and others to establish himself at Upper Woodstock. Being also a hard student of the classics, he was, after a few years, offered the Grammar school at Woodstock, which he accepted and continued to teach for more <-han twenty years. All of our NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 171 boys are indebted to Mr. McCoy for the education they have received. He was ever a painstaking and devoted teacher^ and in many competitive provincial examinations his pupils won scholar- ships or high honors. As a trustee of the Gram- mar school and from many years personal acquaint- ance, I found him an estimable man. Requiescat in pace. MILL AND CONCRETE HOUSE, BRIGHTON. It is a fiction that because men are called by professional or mechanical names they are fully entitled to such, but we often learn by sad experi- ence the contrary. Tlie old world plan (a diploma or indenture of apprenticeship) is the best test of efficiency or service. The people of this country are often impo.sed upon by unscrupulous persons, whose knowledge is obtained at the expense of life or capital. An enterprise in the line of a mechanic, who is willing to invest his own money and labor therein, should be an earnest of its success. A stream about five miles above Woodstock, called Ackerson's Creek, was selected by two mill- wrights for the purpose of erecting a gristmill thereon. They presented to me the advantages that would accrue from a mill thus situated, and offered to take some machinery I had received from Dr. Wylie as my quota of expense in the erection, and return to me one-third of the profits. 172 SEVENTY YEARS OF Unable to sell the miterial, I entered into an agreement with them, dated April 29th, 1851, on conditions aforesaid. The work having proceeded for a time, these partners in succession became in- volved, and in order to secure what I had invested I was compelled to purchase their interest in the concern. I Iiad now on hand a serious under- taking, involvir.g a large expenditure. Had there been a sufficient supply of water, it would have proved, I have no doubt, a paying investment. From it I have learned the lesson that it is by far the safest for a man to confine himself to his own legitimate business, leaving that of which he knows but little to others. After much weariness of mind and body, the Brighton mill became a fixed fact, was in reality the best mill in the county, attracting people from long distances ; but the failure of a supply of water in the winter season, when most needed, prevented its proving a profitable investment. An efficient oat kiln and grinding apparatus were in operation in connection with the mill. From Tobique, and long distances, farmers brought their grain to the mill, and the Scotch and Irish from Richmond and elsewhere boasced of the oaten bannocks they enjoyed, so long looked for. For a store and dwelling house I erected at the mill a concrete building forty by twenty-two, one and a half story, with a stone cellar of the same yEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 173 dimensions. The cement of which the walls was built was made of one part lime to eight of sand and eight of large and small gravel stones. The mortar was mixed the day previous and when used was of a consistency to pour from a pail. Studding the height of the wall was used, to which the planks were screwed. These planks resting upon each other were screwed to the studding to receive the cement, the lowest being brought to the top each successive day. The studding remained in the wall. The wid.h of door and window frames was twelves inches — the thickness of the wall. The wall was raised one foot daily in fine weather. Part of the chim- ney was built in the same manner. A round log of wood, eight inches or the size of flue, was placed in an erect position, and around it a box sixteen by sixteen, to receive the cement. A stick through the top of the log was used to turn it around occasionally, also to raise it higher as the building of the chimney proceeded. On a good foundation a house of this descrip- tion should stand for ages. It bleaches to a good stone color and is in reality a thorough stone house on which the weather makes no impression. I am surprised tliat tiie success of this experiment has not induced others to adopt it. The failure of an attempt made in Woodstock by W. Ganong, who used St. John, while I used Becaguimac lime, may, however, explain. The latter is more like a « 174 SEVENTY YEARS OF cement, as the walls, so far as the composition is conce ned, are intact after a service of thirty-five years. NARROW ESCAPE FROM INSTANT DEAVH. I have now to record a serious accident which nearly cost me my life, the recollection of which is almost invariably accompanied with a shudder. I drove a pair of colts to the mill ; my third son, John, then a lad, was with me. I had on my feet a pair of Indian moccasins, and I attempted, as I had often before done, to walk from the platform of the mill to the dam on a single plank. The plank was covered with snow and was twenty- seven feet above the bottom of the dam. The ice of the winter in an oval form, with a light, recent snow, covered it. While walking on this, my at- tention was arrested by the colts starting, and in an instant I found myself passing through the air. I well knew the character of the ground beneath me, — ice and rocks. I closed my teeth tightly, and compressed my muscles to the greatest pos- sible tension, then waited for the shock ; it seemed a long time. I felt the blow, and, having my senses, thanked God for His wonderful preserva- tion. A hole but a few feet square, from which stones and gravel had been forced by the water from above, but now covered with ice, was the place into which I had fallen. All around it were boulders of rock. The day previous an attempt .YEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 175 had been made to break this ice with a handspike, which failed. I fell directly on my head, on the front of which the scalp was raised from the skull. I inserted my fingers and finding no fracture and not feeling sick, I thought it a miraculous deliver- ance from instant death. The break through the ice seemed just large enough to permit the passage of my body, as the flesh from my arms, which were pressed closely against my body, was stripped from the outside in places. I have no recollection of coming out of the water through the opening. The ice and snow on which I stood was soon covered with blood and water. I heard Aaron McLeod, the miller, coming towards me through the basement of the mill, exclaiming, " Oh ! my God ! he's killed ! " TRAPPING A HORSE THIEF. On leaving Woodstock early one morning for a drive to the mill, I observed the deputy sheriff sending off in different directions posses of men to intercept and capture a man who had stolen a horse and carriage and escaped from Calais, Me. He had been taken prisoner at the Grand Falls, but escaped by a daring leap from the high bank above the Falls, and evaded his pursuers. A re- ward of $20 was offered by Sheriff Winslow for his apprehension. When less than a mile from the mill and des- 176 SEVENTY YEARS OF cending a hollow in the old road, I observed a man, apparently a stranger, approaching in the distance. As I arose from the hollow, I just caught a glimpse of him as he disappeared behind Kimball's barn, which stood alone in a field and just beyond which was the steep river bank. He was a tall, smart looking fellow, well dressed, and carried a stout cane in his hand. His conduct excited my suspicion ! Was he the horse thief 1 A few minutes i-iter, I met on the road a well- set, round shouldered and good-natured man, and a constable, Lyman Shaw. I told him what T had seen, that I believed him to be the horse thief, and that he would get |20 for his apprehension, and advised him to go to the mouth of Cogsvvell Creek, the next stream below, hide in the alders, and catch him as he jumped the stream. He as- sented and I drove rapidly to the mouth of the next stream above, that he might not escape in that direction. Seeing nothing of him, I hurried through my business at the mill, and as I returned homeward, reflected on what might be the result of a magistrate even suggesting the seizure of a person, against whom no charge had been laid. Reaching Fred Phillips' place, I found, under a willow tree by the road-side, the constable with his man. Addressing the latter sharply, I said, " You are a man of too respectable an appearance to be guilty of what you are charged with." He replied, "it wan't me took the hoss and buggy; N£]V JiJiU.yJSWJCK LITE. Ill 'twas another fella told me to (hive it a- ways for him." I felt relieved, and directed Shaw to take the man over the river and deliver him safely to the sheriff, which he did. Shaw subsequently related to me tlie incidents of the capture as follows : " I hid in the bushes close by the })ath where it crosses the creek. I saw him coming down the shore, and laid low. Just as he jumped over the creek I sprang and grabbed him by the legs. He whacked me so hard on the back with a otick that I thought T would have to let him go ; but I jerked his legs out and got on top of him. He was pretty stift' to handle, but I kept him there till he promised to go along all right. I took a good hold of his collar and we walked down the road about a mile, where they were selling the mending of the roads. He said I'd be sorry for this, but I told him I'd risk it. When we got quite close to the crowd he said, ' Let go of liiy collar.' I let go and just stepped up to one of the men, when he took back tracks like a shot. I sung out, ' Horse-thief ! $20 re- ward !' and in a second the men were all strung out in chase. Grey, a tall, slim man, led off, and the race continued over level ground for about a mile. The stranger did not turn with the road near the bridge, but seemed to pitch down the steep hill towards the river. The men were close upon him, when he went out of sight. We searched the woods in all directions, and at last gave up the 178 SEVENTY YEARS OF liunt. We all sat down on a wind-fall on the hill side, and I was telling them about it, when one of the men stooped down and stuck the point of his jack-knife into a stick to whittle, when he saw a piece of cloth, which proved to be a part of his coat. There he was, right under the old log we were sitting on ! " Chapter xib. Tramp on the Old Indian Trail, New Bruns- wick and Maine. l§||gHE drug business is said to be an unhealthy <^||p one. If Ro, I must attribute, under P^c vid- ence, to early morning and occasional longer' ex- cursions in the pure open-air, the good measure o*' health I liave generally enjoyed. From my own experience there are many places I could point to in New Brunswick as an answer to the interrogative of the poet : " solitude ! where are the charms That sages bave seen in thj face ? " Toward the last of September, 1852, J. S. McBeth, deputy sheriff, myself and two Indians, Pete Loler and Loler Newell, embarked for the Eel River lakes. Passing tlie site of the historic ** Indian fort," we landed, and the Indians carry- ing the canoes, and a team we haa employed our camp equippage, we tramped about seven miles to the navigable waters of Eel River. Where we touched the stream, at that time a wilderness, a few logs were held in position by stakes, — the commencement of a dam and mill, now surrounded by the flourishing village of Benton. 180 SEVENTY YEARS OF Proceeding up the river to a point wliere a small tributary, tlie " Pokanionsljine," enters it, we camped for the niglit. Wlnile tlie tents were being pitclied, T cast my line and lured to its fate a beautiful river trout, weighing about two and a half pounds. In the early morning we were again in our canoes. The quiet beauty of the passing scenery was only interrupted by the darting of a salmon beneath, the wake of an unsuspecting niuskrat, or the castinet-like sound of the king-tisher. As we approach Denning's mill the stream becomes rocky and unnavigable for our canoes and a portage across the ox-bow, which is here formed, necessary. Again floating on merrily, by the more vigorous push of our guides, we approach the long-reach or outlet of the lake. On the left bank is here noticeable an extensive and peculiar formation of land, called in New Brunswick " horse-back." The reach entered, we have a long, unobstructed view, which widens as we advance. In the dis- tance numerous wild fowl were seen disporting in the placid water. With Mac's consent, I land and push my way up the stream, concealed by the thick growth of bushes on its right bank, called by the natives " Labrador." Judging the distance, I approached the brink, and was rewarded with a scene of natural beauty such as I had never beheld : ducks of ail sizes and names disporting themselves, many NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. ISI of tliein entirely new to uie. T was for a time fascinate*, with tlie graceful motions and beautiful plumage of the birds. The waving motion of the tall ruslies, tiie water-grass and pond lillies dis- turbed in sportive play, heightened the effect. More than once I looked over the barrels of \\\y " Mantou," and lowered it a^ ain to gaze. Two reports in rapid succession brouglit up the canoes ; and a little later another course was added to the viands of our evening meal. After paddling some distance, we enter the lake, pass a rocky point and select our camping ground. Supper over, Pete and I set oil' for a paddle up " Dead Creek," so called, from its sluggish flow. The objective point, a fording place where wild animals crossed the stream ; and, it being the mating season, to call and perchance shoot a moose or caribou. The night was clear, starlight, and cool for September. The stream is tortuous, and for a continuous width of fifty yards or more on either side covered with a thick growtli of " Labrador." Forest trees then form lines in solid mass, and the open space appears as if the Titans of the wood had been removed by tlie hands of mighty mowers. Having reached the ford or shallow place in this deep stream, Pete places to his mouth a straight, trumpet-shaped horn made of birch bark, the echoes of his call through which was heard in the far distance. Our canoe was placed touching 182 SEVENTY YEARS OF the shore, that the body of the animal against the sky-light might present a fair mark. Then fol- lowed patient waiting ; not a whisper and breath- ing almost inaudible. An hour passes ; Indian gives no sign. Another hour ! Is Indian dead ? A sensation of numbness from cold and inaction is creeping over me. A sound in my ears, — the evidence of intense stillness, — has become a roar- ing noise ; and yet no sign from moose or Indian. I had reached the point beyond which forbearance ceases to be a virtue, and dared to move. A sharp paddle warmed our blood, and we reached camp about midnight. I awoke about daylight, and aroused the camp by shooting from the tent door a brace of ducks. Breakfast over, we again visit " Dead Creek." I never tire in learning from tliese red brothers. The lesson of the previous evening was one in moral philosophy or patience exemplified. Approaching a sharp turn in the stream, a jerk of the canoe, caused by a quick motion of the body, puts you on the alert to cover and shoot before startling the game, — a disturbance of the water, which a practised eye only could discover, giving evidence of its presence. Approaching, for a second time, the ford, five miles distant from our camp, Pete exclaimed, with unusual vehemence, "Moose! sartin, moose!" I looked; could see nothing unusual, and asked his meaning. He saw from a distance that a large moose had crossed .YEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 183 during our absence. The soft mud in the stream, through which the animal pass 1, coated its body well up the sides, a portion of which was detached by the bushes tlirough which after crossing it forced its way. Relieved of the weiglit, the branches would spring back to tlieir original posi- tion. This the sharp eye of the Indian detected ; and from the height of the bushes, thus plainly marked, the animal was a large one. Before striking our tents, we explored the tine sheets of water called the " Eel i-li/er Lakes," be- yond which, by a portage road, the old Indian trail led to other lakes and streams, tributaries of the Penobscot River in Maine, United States. The weird-like screech of the loon, that came over the water during tlie night, and now heard in many directions, indicated an approaching storm and hastened our departure. All aboard ! and our prows homeward turned, with feathers not a few. Our paddle blades spring to the work, our programme being for that day " Pokamonshine and a basket of fish." The port age reached, our Indians vie with each other in a race from water to water. The trail is a crooked pathway through tlie woods, and windfalls or other obstructions are avoided or skipped over with wonderful dexterity. The bark canoe, in which is secured the pole and paddles, is turned by a graceful motion over the head, one of tlie centre bars resting on the 184 SEVENTY YEARS OF shoulders. With the liands it is kept in position, front slightly elevated. The movement is an easy trot, but much faster than a walk. The weight of the canoe is about eighty pounds, and its length eighteen feet. To save the time of another trip by the Indians, Mac and I carried the tent and balance of supplies. We soon found ourselves far behind in the race; tlie greater the speed, the greater the buoyancy of the inverted canoe, from increased atmospheric pressure ; hence quid nuiics are often left to wan- der, and wonder ! Being the younger of the two, I reached the water first, and pulled away with Pete for the fishing ground, where, alone in the bark, I • lan- aged to pull in some fine trout. Pete, meantime, had prepared supper, pitched the tent, and made all snug for the night. The ground on which we then camped, with a large section of country in that district, has since been covered with water, by the erection of the dam at Benton. On the following day we reached Woodstock without mishap, adding another to the many pleasing renuniscences of " rod and gun " on the lakes and rivero of New Brunswick. OPPOSITION IN BUSINESS. From the healthy condition, as a rule, and small population of the county, a living could not be obtained from the sales of medicines only. I NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 185 therefore varied niy btock as my ability to do so increased, to the full occupation of my time. My success, however, was attributed to the sale and profit on drugs; and the following persons, for a period more or less brief, were my competitors. A young Irishman, O'Flaherty, opened a shop in McCann's building, King street. A love of the ardent soon upset him, and his stay was short. Following O'Flaherty came Morton, supplied by W. 0. Smith, St. John ; he also collapsed after a short stay. His shop was in Lindsay's building over the bridge. Dr. n. Bridges was the next in order. Like those who preceded him, he knew but little of the preparation of medicines. He followed the mis- taken plan of many beginners, — underselling to gain customers. His professional and drug busi- ness was also short-lived, and he, too, disappeared. Again, W. H. Ferguson, of Fredericton. He learned the business from J. W. Brayley, who opened a shop in Woodstock and put him in charge. He was a prudent young man, of steady habits, and married shortly after coming to Wood- stock. His shop was on the front street, near Paxton Baird's present stand, and several things conspired to give him a share of my business. Firstly, — Being for several years the only drug- gist in the place, I never refused medicine because people had not the money . pay ; many of these would avoid entering wliere they might be asked 186 SEVENTY YEARS OF to pay. Secondly, — I had on more tlian one occa- sion, taken an active part in elections for repre- sentatives to the Provincial Legislature, whicli was made a personal matter, and the patronage transferred to a new comer. Thirdly, — The policy of the leading politicians of Woodstock at that time was to dwarf or destroy the energies or am- bition of any young man who might from educa- tion or popularity possibly become a rival for political honors. From these and other causes, Ferguson suc- ceeded moderately well. His ambition, however, led him to the practice of medicine. The business, originally Brayley's, had now become his own ; and he sold out to Dr. Stephen Smith, witli a view of studying medicine in Scotland, whither he went. Returning home a few years later, he received an accidental blow on ship board, which affected his brain, and he became partially deranged. He was staying at Greenbank, five miles below Wood- stock ; wandered into the woods and could not be found. The people of Woodstock were asked to join in the search. Tlie steamer " Carleton " was lying at the wharf, and early on a Sabbath morn- ing a number of men, among whom were many of my volunteers, embarked. Having reached the place where he was supposed to have entered the dense forest, I organized, as previously requested, the line of advance. The men were placed ^ElV BRUNSWICK LIFE. 187 twelve paces apart, and the movements regulated by buglers on either Hank. Having penetrated through brush or water for nearly a li.\lf mile, Ferguson was found under a tree, prostrate and helpless. He survived but a sliort time. He was a steady and inoffensive young man, and possessed a fair share of natural ability. A Dr. Brown having commenced the f)ractice of medicine in Woodstock, he also opened a drug shop. My brother Henry, who had learned the business with me, was employed to conduct it. The population of both town and county had now largely increased, and although the drug stores on the front street were more central and convenient for the public, I Ijad the continued custom of many old and true friends through all the changes. •o' FINANCIAL DISASTERS, 1854. The year 1854 proved most disastrous to tlie commercial interests of New Brunswick. A panic in the lumber business - — the staple of the country — brought to bankruptcy many of the oldest and best established houses in New Brunswick. Busi- ness of all kinds was most seriously affected, and in many cases suspended. Many of the farmers in Carleton County were also engaged in the lumbering business, and when pressed for payment on account of supplies were 188 SEVENTY YEARS OF compelled to mortgage their farms, or surrender them to creditors, wliidi in many cases was done. Add to this the invasion of Asiatic cliolera, its prostrating eftects upon tlie general health and trade of tiie country, and the year 1854 will be one long remembered by the people of New IJruns- wick. CHOLERA IN' WOODSTOCK. xVbout fifteen persons fell victims to cholera in the town of Woodstock, and eleven of this num- ber on King street, where we resided. People were dying all around us, and their cries were heard at all hours of the day or night. Those addicted to the ej:cessive use of intoxicants were the first to fall. Several families in our immedi- ate neighborhood removed from the town. I was aroused many times during the night to supply medicine for the sufferers. Nearly everyone at- tacked succumed to the disease. We lost a lovely child, about two years of age ; and were all more or less affected with the disease. One of the first victims was a tailor, Peter Melody, a man of dissipated habits. Dying sud- denly he was ccllined, but not buried. On the same upper flat lived an old man, McElroy, who had not been seen for some days. At a meeting of the Board of Health, held in the " Carleton House," two of the members, Michael McGuirk amd myself, were appointed a yE]V BRUNSWICK LIFE. l«y coinuiitf^e for the burial of A[elocly. We pro- ceeded at once to tlie house, near the corner of King and Main streets, north. Mac fortified him- self with brandy and water, and I placed in my mouth a piece of camphor. Ascending the stairs, we found the body and cotHn on a table, which had be'3n his work-board. Parsing along the hall a few steps, I opened a door to the right, where, partially covered with some tangled clothing and lying on the floor, was the old man McElroy, bearing evidence of a dying struggle. His knees were drawn up to his chin, and his hands clenched in the clothing. I stepped over the body and opened Ji door looking into the yard below to let in some fresb air, but the un- healthy odours arising therefrom compelled me to retreat as rapidly as possible. These bodies buried, a blacksmith and his wife, living at Thomas Collins', employed by the friends of the deceased to wash the bedding, were the next victims, and others rapidly followed. At that time the streets were very filthy. King street receiving the drainage of streets from the hill side north. The water was also very low in the Meduxnakic, and deposits therein were poison- ing the atmosphere. Westward and adjoining our residence lived James Phillips, a tailor, and his wife. The house was two story, his own property, and he was very comfortably situated. Leaving one morning for a 31 190 SEVENTY YEARS OF drive to the mill, I observed him sitting on iiis door-step playing with a dog, and in apparent good health. Returning in the evening, I heard his piteous cries, — he was in the grip of the monster. A journeyman saddler, Doherty, nobly risked his own life in his attendance upon the sufferers ; and many times in the night in answer to a loud knocking I met him at the door to learn of some new victim, and supply the needed wants. The last duties performed by Doherty were connected with the coffin containing Phillip's body, which was left at the bottom of the stairs for burial. No one could be found to convey it to the grave- yard, and it remained there until evening, when Parson Street and John Batloch, the latter with a horse and wagon, came for the burial in the evening. The people of the town were becoming reckless. King street in particular was avoided. Brandy was thought by many to be a preventative ; hence it was used freely by those who never used it before. A ball-alley on Connell's wharf was a place of popular resort by the young men. To this place I sent Obder Foster for assistance. He was met by men, hitherto sober and sponsible, with ribald jest and unseemly reply. He returned without help, and by an effort of the few persons present the coffin was placed on the wagon. KEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 191 As the small procession moved away, lighted by a torcli, I saw, peering through tlje blind of an upper window, the now lonely widow ; but, within twenty-four hours, her body was conveyed in the same manner to be laid by the side of her liusband. Eastward, adjoining the Carleton House, lived J. S. McBeth and his wife. They were good neiglibors, friendly people, and old-time acquaint- ances of my wife's family. Auntie Mac was a frequent visitor, and a great favorite with the children. In sickness, unremitting in attention ; and a covered dish, with Ann Huff the bearer, was sure to meet tlie capricious taste of the in- valid. Mrs. McBeth was a large, fleshy woman, and in dread of the cholera. Many had died and among the rest their nearest neighbor, Mrs. Trues- dell, whose death impressed her deeply. When attacked, my wife visited her, and as the virulence of the epidemic had in some measure subsided, her suffering was protracted. After her death, McBeth returned to Bridge water, Me., at which place he was a book-keeper for my brother, J. D. Baird. A few days later a messenger informed me that Mr. McBeth was dead, with a request to meet the funeral, which I did. The last sad rites were performed, too, at night ; and time has not effaced the gloom and anxiety which overshadowed reflecting minds dur- ing the existence of the terrible scourge in Wood- stock. 1!)L' SEVENTY YEARS OF Duty seemed to demand our presence in tlie town ; so we remained and made tlie best of it. (Jur food was of the simplest kind ; rice and nu- tritious ve^etal)les, easily digested. Our windows were raised a little, and in each a saucer contain- ing chloride of linje, renewed daily, was placed. A young man named Carman, wl«fe removing a sliutter from the window of John Leary's store, opposite to our residence, fell backward into tlie street ; and one of a Hock of geese crossing the street was seen to fall dead. I crossed the river one day, during the worst stage of the disease, to visit the farm and for change of ail-. Walking up Ihe other side, I was overtaken by William Hale, who invited me to ride on a two-wheeled cart, which I did, standing with him as we rode. I alighted at the gate lead- ing up to my house. In an instant I had lost my sight, r.peech, and tjie partial use of my limbs. The pressure upon my heart and a sense of suffo- cation were very distressing. I was conscious of my condition, and crept, feeling my way, towards the house. After a time relief came in a profuse perspiration ; my sight returned ; and I found myself prostrated, with scarcely sufficient strengtii to rise. AN OTTER HUNT. On a cold winter's day in the year 1855, whilst riding with a friend along the bank of the St. John iVEW IIRUXSWICK LIFE. \n River on tlie front of my own farm i»i Northamp- ton, the curious movements of a (hirk object ouc upon the river and some distance above us, ar- rested our attention. \t times in an erect pos- ture, about the height a small child ; again lying down and gliding swiftly over the smooth surface of the snow. This several times repeated led us to conclude that it was an otter. Tying the horse to a fence by the road-side, and each of us seizing a short stick or stake from the sled on which we had been riding, started in pursuit. It was our intention to intercept the animal before it reached the op- posite side of the river, in which direction it was moving ; but the snow being deep we only arrived in time to see it disappear over the summit of an almost perpendicular wall of drifted snow. By a round-about- way I came upon the trail, which I followed to a hole in the snow, where I heard the sound of running water. It was a brook running down the hill -side to the river. Following it in that direction there darted out, a short distance below, a large and beautiful otter. Seeing 8 approach, it returned to the brook. All my efforts to baffle its ascent proved unavail- ing, the deeD snow and brush affording it a com- plete protection. We continued the search for some time when I suggested getting his dog, which was a good hunter, to ferret it out. As we moved down the river in the direction ^i 194 SEVENTY YEARS OF of liis home, we saw wliot appeared in the distance like two dogs engaged in play, but on nearer ap proach it proved to our great surprise to be the dog we were seeking and the otter,, engaged in a fierce fight. Its long, sharp teeth and powerful iaws kept the dog at bay, while it instinctively drew nearer to an air-hole or open space in the river near by. S had to deal several heavy blows with his cudgel before life in the animal was extinct. We found later that the otter had been hunted by an Indian from a lake on the eastern side of the river, but on reaching descending land it had left its pursuer far ))ehind. (Chapter xli. The Calm Before the Storm. ^.'^g^FTER several years of continued and per- ^^^ severing effort, I was at last released from the strain on my business through tlie erection of tlie mill at Brighton, the purchase and improve- ment of property in Woodstock, including house, store, etc. To the main liouse I added by pur- cliase the Wiley property adjoining, and improved the buildings and freed them from all indebted- ness. With ample accommodations for store and business and dwelling for myself, with build '^'gs rented as stores bringing me in three hundred dollars a year, and with a good paying business, we supposed, at the end of eighteen years, the hardest struggle of our lives to be over and past. DESTRUCTION OF WOODSTOCK BY FIRE. On the evening of the 16th of April, 18G0, a meeting of the Bible Society was held in the Mechanics' Institute. I had returned at a late hour from the meeting and was not yet asleep, when we heard the alarm of fire, and saw the reflected light on the opposite buildings. We had 19G SEVENTY YEARS OF i\ tire department in the town, but had not had much drill upon a '' Perry " hand-engine, recently purchased. Being at the time chief fire-warden, I hastened to ^'.e tire. Under the direction of the captain, the suction-pipe of the engine was passed through the bridge, and, some twelve feet below, an opening in the ice for the purpose of reaching the water. It was found, when too late, that the water in the stream had fallen, and that the mouth of the suction-pipe had not been immersed. It was evident in a few moments that the tire was beyond control. It originated in a large three- story building on the corner of King and Main streets, owned by J. M. Connell. The lower fiat was occupied by Charles Connell as a store, and upper flats as printing and other offices. The en- trance from the street to the stairs above was never closed, and at the first landing were broken gaps in the plastering, into which paper or rubbish was swept or had fallen. Here the fire was first discovered, and whether caused by accident or de- sign may never be known. The building was soon enveloped in flames, which spread rapidly along King and Main streets. Having lost very precious time at my post of public service, I hastened home, and removed my family to a place of safety. Charles Beards- ley, Henry Dow and others rendered valuable service in removing the piano and some furniture ; but from kitchen, pantries, or attic — where was NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 107 most of our clotliing and many articles of value — nothing was saved. By this time volumes of flame and sparks were sweeping over and around the building. A few trips only of a sinf»^'^ wagon, drawn by hand, laden with light goods h\ shelves or eases, were made to Connell's whai-f. A valuable library of books, as also books and accounts, fixtures in shop and dwelling, furniture, pictures, soda machine, marble counters, etc., a stock of paint, value £100 sterling (just received from England and not opened), the spring supply of field and garden seeds, a ton or more of oat- meal from the mill for farmers in Richmond, to- gether with a large stock of agricultural imple- ments, drugs, medicines, dye-stutis and sundries, all were destroyed. To one of the marble slabs in the counter I attached more than an intrinsic value, as it had formed a part of the counter at which I had stood when a boy in Fredericton. Above the roar and din of the fire was heard at intervals the explosions of barrels of oil and burn- ing fluid, and these in the rear part of the build- ing in which we were working. Under a carpet spread over some articles of furniture on Connell's wliarf the family found shelter till davlight. Johnny, twelve years of age, guarded, stiletto in hand, from miserable thieves, the articles saved, but many things we knew to have been carried from house or shop were never found. 198 SEVENTY YEARS OF Passing the Institute in search of our youngest cliild, — conveyed to the house of a friend at an early stage of the fire, — I observed a flaming cin- der strike the cupola. In an instant it was ablaze. I rallied a few men to remove the rifles, etc., of my company from the armory within ; and in a short time our " Mechanics' Institute," around which clustered so many pleasing associations, was a thing of the past. The morning of the 17th of xVpril broke cold, clear and windy. Tiie ice in the river was firm and smooth ; and, with her father's help, my wife and children passed over it to temporary (quarters at her brother's. From tlie Meduxnakic to the top of the hill near tlie English Church, including both sides of Main street and thence to the River Saint John, the fire had devoured everything combustible. This area embraced every business place in Wood- stock, and from its fortunate escape up to this time, the amounts insured were comparatively trifling. Part of a shoe -shop owned and occupied by Daniel Day — on the site of the new post office — was kindly offered me, whither, without delay, I removed my entire stock in trade, now, alas ! con- tained in a few small boxes. I ordered a stock of medicines and sundries ; and, bein;C' the first to re- open, George and I were busily employed, and a good business was done during the summer. yEW JUWXSWICK LIFE. 100 A dwelling house, owned by the Rev. Thomas Todd, was rented, to whicli we removed our etieets. A change of position so tiiorough and sweeping ; heavy bills to pay for stock, witliout the stock to realize from ; and tTie bald fact before you that the labor of eighteen years is lost and your fond- est hopes dashed in a minute, produce on the mind demoralizing effects which extraordinary ef- forts only can overcome. THI<: UKNFUEW IIOUSK. Encouraged by an otfer fi'om T. \V. Smitli to rent for three years an hotel at .''^320, .*^3()0 and $400 from the 1st May, 18(51, and after weighing the matter, I determined to embark in the enter- prise, and, if possible, carry it through and build an hotel and two stores. I had land affoi'ding ample room for all the buildings ; available lumber on the farm ; an income from the mill ; an almost unlimited credit ; but, above ail, \fdt that I could accomplish the work. The expected visit of the young Prince of Wales to New Brunswick under the cognomen of Baron Renfrew, suggested to me a popular name for the hotel. With an old and well-tried mechanic, Hezekiali Stoddard, I bargained to put up the frame of the main building, 52x40 feet, three stories; also an ell. 40x22, three stories. With James Morse, I 200 SEVENTY YEARS OF agreed for the erection of a bu. 0x30 feet, two stories. Tlie stone for the celhir walls — much of it slate in large slabs — I had <|uarried in Jacksontown. An important item in the structure was the stone columns and pavement for entrance, base for building, also sills and caps for windows. Saint Jolni was supposed to be the only place where these could be procured, and for that place I em- barked on tlie steamer. Whilst passing through the falls below Woodstock, a thought struck me that the great granite boulders in view would supply, and much nearer home, the stone required. Acting upon this, I selected, a few days later, a granite rock, 18x2") feet and about ten feet in height, on the highway road above tlie falls. The rock proved to be a good quality of coarse, grey granite, supplying not only what I required, but the wants of a majority of other builders, who adopted my plan. The columns of this stone, sup- porting the entrance to the hall of the " Renfrew House," were each twelve feet in length, by four- teen inches square. All that now remains to me of that fine building, is the stone on wljicli these columns rested, now at the enti'ance to my dwell- ing house in Northampton. The first day of May, 18G1, Mr. Smith was put in possession of the hotel, and "The Renfrew" was pronounced one of the most spacious, conveni- ent and comfortable hotels in the Province. In NEW li RUNS WICK J.IFE. 201 the sliort enjoyment of tliis property I felt what may be considered a pardonable pride. Tlie whole block, with adjoining blocks, was destroyed by tii'e in 18G7. The lire originated in a stable on an ad- joining property owned by a man named Johnson. THE COLD FRIDAY. The " cold Friday " occurred on the 8th of Fel)- ruary, 18G1. The shop was tlie only part of the building tlnishod, and the weather being intensely cold and scai'cely a person to be seen in the street, it was closed about four in the afternoon. The drift above Hayden's mill proved too deep for the mare, and I left her in Smith's stables for the night. Going home on foot, I faced a strong wind and stinging frost. Willie and Johnny had reached home from school, assisted by my brother Henry ; the former was badly frozen, a mask of ice falling from liis face when placed in cold water. DIPHTHERIA. While living at Mr. Todd's place after the tire this virulent and often fatal disease made its first appearance in Woodstock. The disease was treated for ulcerated sore throat, and the two persons first attacked succumbed at once. The second of these was a fine young man, Robert Campbell, a cabinet maker, and one of my riflemen. I was with him fit intervals during his suffering, and witnessed tlie 202 SEVENTY YEARS OF closing struggle. He was buried by the company with military honors. Contagion was not at this time suspected. George, leader of the boys' band at the funeral, was the next attacked. He complained of a vio- lent headache, and I gave him some aperient medi- cine, a bowl of hot sage tea, and sent liim to bed. He spent a most restless night and the fever in- creased until morning, when great beads of sweat .'ippeared on his forehead, and his agony was re- lieved. I discovered ulcerated patches about the uvula, which were cauterized by l>r. Smith, and he recovered. Other members of the family were also attacked, and under similar treatment restored. "TRENT AFFAIH." When the rebellion in the United States broke out the sympathies of the Province people were with the North, and some of our own brave volun- teers, who joined the Nothern Army, were wished God speed. One of my Prince of Wales' men, Sergeant Watson Honeywell, was killed in battle at Antietam, in 1862, while bravely carrying the colors at the front of his regiment. The sympathies of many were changed instantly on reading a letter over the signature of Cassius M. Clay, American Minister at Paris, to the effect that England dare not identify herself with the .V^Jr BRUNSWICK LIFE. '203 Southern cause. And the heroic zeal and spii-it of self abnegation, evinced by olHcers and men alike of the Southern anny, together with their isolated condition and the overwhelming force they had to contend against, gave a bent to many minds that even the horrors of slavery could not overcome. An overt act was now perpetrated which gave England no choice of action. Two Southern gentleman were seized and taken in November, 1861, by force from an English vessel, the "Trent," sailing under British colors, by United States officers of the "San Jacinto," a United States man-of-war, and conveyed to Boston, where they were incarcerated in a prison. xV demand made by the British Go^ ernment for the sui-render of these men, was replied to by the press and by the people of the United States that " Mason and Slidell will never be given up." The " Trent" atlair soon became the leading topic, and a powerful naval armament was ordered to sail to Halifax. Troops were under orders for America ; and with the news of these preparations in England came also the sad news of the death of Prince Albert the Good. A regiment of the line having been ordered to Woodstock from Halifax, and other regiments to pass through on their way to the Upper Provinces, with the high bounties offered for men to enlist in the American service by emissaries at Woodstock, led me to suspect that attempts would be made to tamper with the V 204 SEVENTY YFARS OF military en route,. Witli the view of defeating sucli object, I prepared a chart or map sliowing all the roads and by-roads leading to the American boundary ])etween Kel River and the Grand Falls ; also the points at which pickets might be placed to intercept deserters and their abettoi-s. This chart, \\\i\\ an explanatory letter, T addressed to the Governor of the Province, Hon. Arthur Gordon. Some little time elapsed, during which a regi- ment of the guards arrived, and, as I anticipated, a cute Yankee, with a fleet horse and a sleigh, ran one of these stalwart defenders over the line. Another was abducted at Florenceville. Very shortly after a gentleman entered my office and handed me a note from Governor Gordon, introducing the bearer. Colonel Crealock, who produced my letter, with the chart, and pro- ceeded to say that the suggestions therein would be carried out under my supervision, if I were pre- pared to act. The next morning I drove the colonel to Rich- mond Corner, where thr roads from Woodstock, via the Red Bridge, and the Maine Houlton road converge. Here the main road was established, and an armed patrol traversed night and day all roads leading to the United States. The guard was composed of my well disciplined and trusty Prince of Wales men, and some who attempted to run the blockade found behind the rifle and bayonet a stiff New Brunswick soldier. .\B\V liRUNSWJCK LIFE. '20:^ T was also authorized to appoint orticers and establish out-posts at othor places named in my letter, viz., Florenceville, Tobi(|ue and Grand Falls, and so w(;ll and faithfully was this post-duty dis- charged that not another man of the soldieis that passed through escaped, though many atteujpts were made. Captain Percy, who hud a general supers ision of the military as tiiey passed through Woodstock, reported to me at nine o'clock every night the state of the garrison present and absent. If any were absent at roll call a description of his person was given, and a search made until found. The troops, en, pnssanf, occupied Connell's Block, a iarge brick building, west of Main Street, near the bridge, which was well guarded. The con- tractor, J. R. Tupper, always had a relay of com- W^ ^ fortable sbeds and good horses, owned and driven by New Brunswick men, to carry forward in the morning tlie arrivals of the previous evening. The soldiers were warmly clad with good fur caps and sheepskin coats, and were picked corps of' the British army, — Grenadier Guards, Scots Fusiliers, London Rifles, Artillery and Transport Corps, etc. Lord Russell, a nobleman of high rank, command- ed these corps ; and the rank and file were of more than ordinary intelligence. The streets were occasionally enlivened with tlie music of a regimental band, and on one occasion by the bag-pipes and drums of the Highlanders. 206 SEVENTY YEARS OE Tlie clieery note of tlie key-l)ugle from an officer's sled could be hoard in the distance, as, early on frosty mornings, they tiled ofl' througli the drifted snow. A daily inspection of tlie main guard and out- lying pickets in llichmond, with reports from out- stations, and a sununary of all to head(iuarters, gave me anxious waking liour.s, and at times but fev/ for sleep. Colonel Crealock was a special agent sent by the British Government with the iirst body of troops to America in the "Trent affair." His a^ithority was but little, if any, inferior to the Governor's in certain lines. I met him several times while in command of out-^^st service on t'le American boundary , found him an exceedingly straightfor- ward and able officer, and was on more than one occasion honored with his confidence. Before Colonel Crealock left for England, T received a few lines from him in which was written, " I have reccommended you for a Lieut- enant Colonelcy." I received a letter from him also when he was at Gibraltar, enclosing his photo. He was the General Crealock recently in com- mand during the Zulu war in Africa. The trouble between the two countries was set- tled without actual warfare by the unconditional surrender of Mason and Slidell on 2nd of January, 1862. The United States government having previously declared they had not authorized or KEW Ji HUNS WICK LIFE. 207 sanctioned the act of Captain Wilkes in capturinj; tliem. For nil the work in connetrtion with the "post service," T rt^ceived nothing ; while the name of every other officer employed was on the roll receiv- ing pay, mine was not. The omission was my own, and for this reason : I sugg(^sted the estab- lishing of these posts ; felt the responsibility ; and .assumed that if acted upon and the issue proved successful, I would be rewarded. General Doyle was at that time Commander-in- Chief of the Lower Provinces, and at a dinner at Government House, T was introduced to him by the local Governor, Hon. Mr. Gordon. The gen- eral said, "Your name seems familiar." Mi". Gordon replied, " Captain Baird had command of the out -posts on the frontier during the Trent affair." The general addressing me said, " I hope that you were well paid for that service." I repli- ed, " I received a very nice letter from your Ex- cellency." He said, " Is that all 1 I'm very sorry. The expenses of the Trent affair are now closed ; but you should have sent in a good bill for that service." The sincerity of these officers is shx)wn, as ex- pressed in letters supporting my application for staff" appointment in the militia service of the Dominion at the Confederation of the Provinces. Returning from my first drive to Richmond, with Colonel Crealock, I gave George the lines to 208 SEVENTY YEARS OF drive home, and tliat was tJie last I ever saw of iny beautiful mare, " Nancy." Full of life, and moving liomeward, slie shied at a Hash of light passing McDonald's store ; a hook or eye, to which the cross-bar was attached, snapped suddenly, let- ting one end fall to the ground. Presently the other broke, and dragging George from the sleigh, she went off at high speed wiih the shafts. One of these broke off just behind her slioulder.«, and the continued blows from its sharp edge, as she galloped, broke the bone, and she fell never again to rise. The news was immediately brought to me, when 1 directed Mr. Jacques to make an examin- ation, and if the case was hopeless, to put her im- mediately out of pain, which he did. She was nearly i^ thorough-bred " Jolm O'Gaunt," raised by me ; a great favorite with the cliildren, and beauti- ful and gentle as a fawn. REMOVE TO FARM A'l' NOR'rilAMPTON. Having paid rent for two years, we decided to remove to the farm at Nortliampton. The nec- essary repairs upon the house having been made, a garden enclosed and cultivated, fruit and other trees having been planted, and a fountain supplied with water from highland behind the house, and a flower garden laid out , — we had all the surround ings for a pleasant home. Some Jersey stock, the first introduced into J NEIV B/iU.VSlVICK LIFE. 201) Carleton County, v,;is j^ui-cliased from the York Agricultural Society aiul from CIkukII ;r'.s lierd, Houlton, Jind placed oy tlu; farm. The farm was about a mile from the store and while the river was a serious obstacle, the exercise in the open air was more healthful than otherwise. Crossing througli and over the ice at certain sea- sons was often sufliciently exciting, and not unat- tended with danijjer. (Hha^tcr xbi. The Prince of Wales' Visit to Fredericton. ^^AVING received in 1849 my commission as i^iyi Captain of tl)e Woodstock Rifle Company, I reorganized tlie same, and although the Militia Law of New Brunswick had been for some years in abeyance our elForts were not relaxed, and at the celebration of the Fall of Sebastopol, in 1855, it was found to be the only efficient company in the Province. On the reorganization of the militia of the Province, about tlie year 1858, I received my quota of the new breach-loading rifles and a drill sergeant as instructor of the company. It was composed of the most active and intelligent young men of the place, and the opportunity was embraced to obtain the same degree of thoroughness in foundation drill and training as in the regular service. An invitation, — General Orders in those times were rai-e, as we had to pay all our own bills for clothings rations, transport, etc., — received in the summer of 1800, from the then A. G., Lieutenant- Colonel Hayne, to visit Fredericton as part of a Guard of llcjnor at the reception of the Prince of JVFW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 211 Wales, was accepted by the company and gave renewed zest to our efforts. In bayonet exercise, or light infantry or bugle drill, I considered the company as near perfect as possible; also, in company movements and the manual platoon exercises. Our uniform was a tunic and pants of Oxford grey cloth, with bead facing of scarlet (officers, silver), caps of same material and neat pattern. All were fresh and new. Thus equipped, and with the confidence tliat thorough preparation imparts, two officers and fifty men embarked in a tow - boat for head- quarters. The day previous I liad left Woodstock for Fredericton in my own wagon, and arranged for a camping ground within the barrack enclosure. Arriving at the Capital, I found tliat Major Carter, in command of the regiment, whom I had pre- viously met, had gone to St. John to return with the Prince and party. The camp was formed just within the barrack gate and near the shore, which gave us easy access to the boat, and rations therein prepared. The men had slept but little during the night of the journey, and the morning until noon was occupied in pitching the tents. Tlie Fredericton volunteers, under the new regime, having been organized a little earlier than the Woodstock, were clamoring for the right of the line, a position seniority would assign to me. The officers of the corps presented the matter, 212 SEVENTY YEARS OF asking my opinion. I replic' tliat if they could pioclucft a company of l)otter di'illod men fi'oin among the volunteers, I would waive my liglit to the position. Shortly after Captain (Judge) Wil- mot, then in command of a troop of Fredericton Volunteer Cavalry, accompanied hy an old i"i1le man ac(juaintance, Duncan jNIcPIuMson, entered our camp and invited us to an afternoon parade on the Flats. He urged this strongly as the easiest solution of the point above uk jted, and after con- sultation with my officers, Evans and Strickland, I consented. We marched from the barrack yard about \ p. m., with life and drum, and halted at tlu; lower end of the Flat, at the first bridge — the old-time ground for target practice. With a few encouraging words I left them, retir- ing with my buglei", Holland Snow, about a quarter of a mile up the Flat. The cavalry were mana>uvring near, and the rise of land verging the road was, for the whole distance along the Flat, covered with spectators. Ikly pivot-men were cornet blowers who knew every note and sound of the bugle, and the move- ments were performed with promptness and preci- sion. No movement in light infantry drill was omitted, and finally, as the company marched up the Flat in company line, it was greeted with cheers from red-coats and civilians alike. When within a few yards, I spoke the words: .YEW JUWNSWICK LIFE. i>13 "Halt!"' "Stand at Easo !" niul at tiiis di.tnut period, I can find no words to <'.\j)i'ess my tVclin;^-; on tliat occasion. I liavo not lost sight, ot" one ot' the fifty men then before nie, and have stood at the bedside of sonic; in sickness, and otlun's as they bade adieu to all that is eaithlv. We were soon surrounded by ollici'cs ni tlie army and other friends i-eceiving tlicir congratula- tions, among them my old friend Captain .Alarsli, of the Fredericton volunteers, who added, '-Your men will take the right to-moi-row.*" The following morning at U o'clock, the volun- teers assembled in the Bariack Scpiaic, \ i/. : — FncK-ricton Kitios — 2 C«>ni , Capts. Brjunun iiiui MjusIi. St. Mary's liitlrs — 1 Coiii|)any, {'a|t(. Mctiiliboii. Queen's County Kitles — 1 Company, Capr. Cilbirt. Portluiul Batter}', St. John — Capt. Kankino. And the Wood.stock Piitle Company. Our fellows astonished them with their precision in the bayonet exercise, which was n(?\v to the country corps. Re-assembled at 2 p. m., it being as yet unknown who should be in command, an otiicer of tiie regu- lars approached me on the parade, and, touching his hat, read from a telegram in his hand, received from Major Carte.*, that I was to take connnand of the "Guard of Honor" on that day for the reception of the Prince of Wales. At my recjue-st he made the announcement to the other olficers in command of corps, after which I proceeded to form riMliiM 214 SEVENTY YEARS OF a line and practice the movements we would be required to execute. At 3 p. m., headed by the Woodstock band, we marched to our position on tlie wharf at the old Gaynor Landing. The crowd assembled was im- mense. After waiting for some time the steamer was sighted, and shortly after the music of tlie Fredericton band reached our ears. The beautiful " Forest Queen," in her new dress of white, gay with colors, and a gayer throng of living beings, glided gracefully to our front. Major Carter was the first to land ; came quietly forward, and, in a few kind words sotto voce, com- plimented our line. Tliis was also done by the cor- respondent of the Illustrated London News, who was one of the suite. (See issue of August, 1860.) The Prince and party now landed under a salvo of artillery and salute from our line, and passing slowly along our front, the colors sweeping the ground at a royal salute, they proceeded to the carriage, which, having entered, moved off under an escort of cavalry to Government House. The following day a levee at Government House gave tlie officers a nearer view of the Prince. There was also a military display, .at the opening of a fountain, on grounds fronting Government House, a pleasing feature of which was the singing of the National Anthem by the Sabbath School children of the city. By special request of the Adjutant General, NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 215 Colonel Hayne, the Woodstock Rifles formed tlie Guard of Honor at a ball given by the citizens of Fredericton in honor of His Royal Highness, in the halls of the Legislative Assembly, where were present a good representation of the elite of New Brunswick. VISIT OF THE DUKE OP EDINBURGH TO WOODSTOCK. The announcement, in 1861, that the second son of our beloved Queen, Prince Alfred, would pass through Woodstock, en route for the Upper Prov- inces, was received with great satisfaction by our people. Accompanied by Lieutenant-Governor Manners-Sutton, and the commander-in-chief, Gen- eral Trollope, he arrived by steamer at 4 p. m., and was received by my riiie company and the Wood- stock band at the wharf with a royal salute — His Royal Highness was supposed to be travelling incog. The Prince, being the first member of the Royal Family that had visited Woodstock, there was much curiosity to see him, particularly among the ladies, and a large number of people from town and country, far and near, were assembled and occupied every available point near English's land- ing. As he walked along an old lady, scrutinizing him closely, remarked : " He don't look any better than some of our own boys." After being driven around the principal streets, the Prince and party returned to the steamer, •JIG SEVENTY YEARS OF which was at once moved to tlic Northampton side of tlie river, when 1 was summoned to visit His Koyal Highness on board. IJetoie leaving the steaiiKM", the Governor informed me that lie would telegiaj)h the date of his return from the Grand Falls, as lie wished the General to see my company. Woodstock, during the evening of the Prince's visit, was brilliantly illuminated, and the ellect heightened by transparencies, torch-light pi'oces- sions, etc., etc. The Prince was discovered, during the evening, moving (juietiy through the crowd. The steamer, with party on board, remained at the Noi'thampton shore during the night, and sailed for the Grand Falls at an early hour on the follow- ing morning. Late one evening, a few days after, I received a message from His Excellency, wlio had just arrived in Woodstock (the telegraph line not working), that they would see the company at eight o'clock the following morning. At 7.30 a. )n., every man was in his place. Shoitly after the Governor a . General ap- proached ; were saluted, and the drill commenced. Every movement was executed with rapidity and precision ; there was no failure. The General could scarcely be convinced that they were not discharged soldiers from the regular army, and said they were far in advance of any of the Nova Scotia volunteers. After a friendly good-bye, they at once embarked NF]V BJWXSWICK LIFE. 217 on the steamer for Fredericton, ;nid tlu^ company was juarclied to a position, wl.ere it was foiiiied in line, and a pliotograpli, standingat the "Present," taken l)y one of its members, Ed. Estai>i'ook. Sonic eo})ies of wliieli, enlarged and framed, I still have, and in which the features of ofKcers and men are easily distinguished. ST. ANDREWS RAILWAY SEIZED RY NAVVIES. In 1801, while the St. Andrews and Woodstock Railway was being built, and when completed as far as Richmond, several hundred navvies, in con- se(j[uence of their not being paid by the company, seized all the rolling stock and plant at that place, and threatened violence to any persons attempting to take possession. The facts were represented by the company to the Governor, the Hon. Mr. Gordon. I received a telegram from him to hold my rifle company in readiness for active service at a mo- ment's notice. The company was mustered in full strength ; sixty rounds of ball cartridge served to each man, and further orders awaited. His Excellency arrived by steamer on the fol- lowing day, and with him several companies of soldiers. He proceeded at once to Richmond, leav- ing the troops and volunteers at Woodstock, wliere he was able to make a satisfactory arrangement with the men, resulting in personal loss financially, 218 SEVENTY YEARS OF but infinitely more to his credit tlian tlio exercise of an authority causing bloodshed. This railway was the first built in this Province, and the line was surveyed over the New iiruns- wick territory to the Canadian boundary, and thence to Quebec. The originnl projectors of this line were St. Andrews men, Wilson and Hatch. I had heard their hopeful speeches at Woodstock during its inception, and was present at St. Andrews at the opening, but these worthy men had gone to their rest. THE governor's VISIT. (From the Woodstock Journal^ Sept. 4th, 18(;2.) On Tuesday, at 7 p. m., His Excellency Lieuten- ant-Governor Gordon arrived in this place in his own carriage, and took rooms at the Blanchard House. His Excellency was accompanied by Lieutenant-Colonel Crowder, inspecting otticer of militia for the western district, and by Captain Moody, aide-de-camp. A review of Captain Baird's rifle company took place at eleven o'clock, and occupied more than an hour. On His Excellency's arrival on the ground, accompanied by Colonel Crowder and Captain Moody, the company presented arms. This was followed by an inspection of the men, the company marched past in slow and quick time to music from the dryms and fifes of the juvenile musicians. .. ■ ■ ' ■ V -- • ■ /' ■ »• ■ ■ • • •, . • .'. :• ■ ■■■' ••. .... ..* .. - '.•^■/ '■''•*'^ .^^Ji gg l^^k ' '-i,-« '/-' • **' ^toSSfifiosH H mBKBkS^SOB^ IB S^H^ pS W..;--^:';k'-. tt9E3^^^[gy r ■,^jf ^^H^^^lr .''.^IB j^F VH^B^ w'fl^H ■/-"^.' ■ ^at*^-^ W ' ■ ^.-i . ^IH\ ' T dK >.''..' ^Bl 1 1. *^_ y ^^P si t w'3^ ' '^ "* ••.M H ■ ■' _iiflitj^^j Hi I^bV^ ''^'''r'' , • 4l||f T* ^^-CT H H^^l^^^. ^SH ^^IS^Bk''' . • ' -:vj^%p^ yj 'rV^P^hIs^'' ' .•■ ,-;.At^V/ y ^ Jt^W-' ■ /H' " .-., .•'.^■^./y "■S:|^|V, .■■•=■■ ^;'>;-i:. • * ■. ■ _ ^ .>^.^:V;'>.- -- ,.: "*'.'•*. ' . ! ' . •. . ; • , •■-, '^viVi . The Hon. ARTHUR HAMILTON GORD(JN. Lieutenant (tovernor op New Brunswick, 1861-67. NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 219 attaclied to the corps, after which tliey were put througli the manual and phitoon exercises, and a number of manceuvres of whicli civilians scarcely knew the names. All the officers of the company took command by turns. Then followed skirmish- ing to the sound of the bugle, and after that an inspection of tlie arms. His Excellency then addressed the company, observing that — "He had witnessed their perform- ances of the various exercises and evolutions through which they had been put with the great- est pleasure and great surprise for he had been altogether unprepared to find such proficiency in drill. It was particularly creditable to the officers, who must have been at great pains, and devoted much time and attention to the matter. He was glad to find, too, that all the officers of the com- pany showed themselves capable of taking com- mand and putting the men through tl)e drill. That was a point of the first importance — every officer should understand not only his own part, and his own duty, but should understand thoroughly and be able to perform, with readiness and accur- acy, the part of every other officer and of any private. Certainly, Captain Baird deserved high praise for the condition of the company. There was not in the Province an officer of militia more efficient than Capiain Baird, and probably very few his equal. He wished to impress upon them that all this was not mere play or amusement. It 220 SEVENTY YEARS OF was a pi'cparation for duties of: the most trying kind wliicli might be refjuired of the. . He liad recently inspected volunteer companies in other parts of the PI•o^ince- — sonje of tliem a long -^ay fi'om here on the Noi'thern shore — 1)Ul he ' . (i . t regarded them with the same interest that he regarded volunt/3ers in this disti-ict, for h jlt that their services might ne\er he re(juired. But with resj)ect to the men before him, and others in this distric;t, should any ditliculty ai'ise, as they might well fancy, they would have to l)ear the first brunt of the battle. And, should sucli an event unfor- tunately occur, each man would feel that upon his st(s-idiness and knowledge miglit depend the fate of all that was dear to him. In such an event, he felt sure, from wliat he had seen to-day, that they would so acquit themselves as to recommend them to the warmest approbation of their Sovereign, and to the heartiest gratitude of the country which they loved." His Excellency's manner, during the delivery of these I'emarks, was marked by much feeling and earnestness. Tlie review was followed by a levee at the Court House, after which His Excellency lunched, in company with a number of gentlemen, at the residence of the H<>n. Charles Connell. After the lunch he visited the grammar school, ilso Miss Jacobs' school, and at four o'clock proceed- ed to the iron foundry at Upper Woodstock, to observe the process of drawing ofi' the molten iron. NEW BRUNSWIG F LIFE. 'I'll A coiisiderablo iuiiiil)er of i^ontl(uiH;n, with a sprink- ling of tlio other sex, wen; pres(?iit. His Iv\cel- lency aj)pe,ared to rei^ard the operation with gieat interest and pleasure. After its conclusion lie made a visit to the iron mines at Jacksontown. PJtOMOTION. (Siti Wouk Militia C(»rrt'S[)()n(U'nce, ISOl-lHi;;'. ; page 1.) In tlie fall of iSfJiJthe Hon. ^\\\ (Jordon visited Woodstock. Jfe sent for me from tin; Cable; House and I i-('})orted ininiediately. Aftei- souk; flattering remaiks as to my services in the; past, His Excellency said, " I would ]ike to give you the connnand of tlie 1st Hattalion, Carleton County Militia ; but I fear it would be the means of break- ing up the tine volunteer company you '-onnnand." Having served nearly lifteen years as captain, I feit at the moment stung by the remark, and, ris- ing from the chair, said, " If merit is not the pass- port to promotion, may I ask your l^xcellency what is 1 " During the winter I received my commission as Lieutenant Colonel 1st Battalion Carleton County Militia, January 1st, 18G3, and as Deputy Quarter Master General for New Brunswick, June 8th, 1863. The oflicers who preceded me in the command of the 1st Carleton County militia were Lieutenant Colonels Richard Ketchum and John Dibblee. 222 SEVENTY YEARS OF They were good types of the old New Brunswick gentlemen : kind and courteous in their nicanner, and slow to mark or punish breaches of discipline. An Order Book before me, dated Fredericton, January 2nd, 1813, shews the officers above named as captain and lieutenant in a company of embodied militia, performing garrison duty in Fredericton at the same time with the gallant 104th Regiment. I might say that this order book is a poem in itself, and may, at some future time, be valued as containing interesting and important historic data, and tlie names of men whose heroic deeds will en- sure ^o them a warm place in the heart of every loyal Briton. Thus brigaded for a short time with regular troops, the (pota of officers and men, from a district later known as Carleton County, brought back with them such knowledge of military duty as enabled them to instruct in the simpler field movements of column and line. Immediately after my appointment I proceeded to reorganize the battalion. The greater number of tln^ officers in command of companies were past the middle age, and a new rifle and drill having been adopted I considered it important that intel- ligent young men should be trained to take their places. At the close of my first inspection of the batta- lion, in 1864, 1 invited young men of education and position to assemble at Connell's hall, also the officers of the battalion. After stating the case. NEW mUNSWICK LIFE. 223 the resignations of all the officers of the battalion excepting one were immediately handed in The following winter about sixty young men attended regularly once a week fron, all prrts of the distnct. The drill, under Sergeant Hewetson was thorough, con.mencing with balance step ex- tension motions, etc. From this large number I was enabled to make a good selection of company oftcers ; and it is son.ewhat remarkable that al though seventeen years have passed away the offi- cers then appointed are at this writing (188.3) in command of companies in the 67th Carle on L ght Infantry. *=> Chapter xlni. Military Commission and Camp of Instruction. f« .J, ^^Iji^. IllO C.'iiiip of li.struction ut Krederictou was ^^^ Olio of tlio rosults of tlio poculinr political position of tli(^ P)i-itish Noi-tli Amci-icaii l*i'()\iiicos durin<^ tlu; lobcUion in tin? United States. The iiDmenso resources of that nation : the masses of men, une.\am|)led in modern history, tliat were assemhled to me<>t tiie emergency ; the ironclads and improved methods of destruction that wci-e brouijht into action, if not existence, during; the rebellion, led the statesmen of the Uritish i'^nipire seriously to consider the sentiments of the p<'ople and tlie defensive condition of the l*r()\ iiiccs. Canada, one of the bi-ightest jewels in tlu; J')iit ish Crowii, sounded on this test (juestion the first note of alarm. PFer refusal to make ai\ appropriation for the defence of the country, in the supjDit of a militia force, staggei-ed the belief of many iMiglish- men, who had hitlu^ito considered th«^ loyalty of the Canadians as unimpeachable, and e.xcited everywhere a feeling of anxiety as to the cause of this alienation. Tiie political parties, goveining the Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, were found to be so NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. l>i>.3 equally divided that Icji^islation on any important question was brought to a dead-lock ; and (|ues- tions afl'ecting tlie most vital interests of the coun- try niad(; subservient to the destruction of the opposite party. As a cure for the ills which wen; thus distiact- ing this line counti'y and (damping the })rogressive energies of tiie people, a hold schenn; was sug- gested, vi/. : The Conf«!deration of all the liritish North American Provinces. This scheme had the approval of the; Home Government; was heartily endorsed by the lead- ing stat(>smen of the Provinces, and as its lending features embraced a system of defences and the erection of an Intercolonial Pailway, the idea of its rejection at the polls was scarcely enteitained. New Ibunswick was the first to express an opinion and rejected Confederation. The Governments of the lemainiuL; Lower Piov- inces declined endangering their position by a similai' test ; but all seemed desirous of j>aliiating the circumstances, and endeasoi- to prove by some action on their part tliat annexation was not the other and only alternative. To establish tliis and nppease the Ifome C^ov- ernment two things were necessary. Firstly, a liberal a})propriation toward the defence of the Provinces ; secondly, the organizing and maintain- ing a militia force. To this end tlie Government of New Brunswick 226 SEVENTY YEARS OF pledged itscilf to an appropriation of .^20,000 for militia purposes for 1865 — increased by their suc- cessors to .^30,000 ; and the Commander-in-Chief assembled a commission to assist in devising some plan of operation, as follows : — MILITIA COMMISSION. (See Militia Report New Brunswick Militia, 1864, page 53.) At a meeting summoned by direction of His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, and held at Government House, Fredericton, on the 3rd Jan., 1865, and continued on the 4th and r)th January, the following otficers of the New Brunswick mili- tia were present : — His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief — Hon. Arthur Gordon. Lt.-Col. Thurgar— St. John City Rifles. " John H Gray— Queen's New Brunswick Rangers. « Hon. John Robertson — St. John City Lt. Infantry. «« Hon.L. A. Wilmot— 1st Battalion York Co. Militia. " Foster — New Brunswick Regiment of Artillery. « Baird, D. Q. G— 1st Battalion Carleton Co. Militia. « Otty— 3rd Battalion Kings Co. Militia. " D. Wetmore--2nd Battalion Charlotte Co. Militia. " R. W. Crookshunk — St. John Volunteer Battalion. Captain Simonds— Ist Battalion York Co. Militia. »* Saunder.s — New Brunswick Yeomanry Cavalry. Lt.-Col. T. Anderson, Adjutant General of Militia. Honorables Tilley, Waiters, and other members of the Provincial Government were present at the J^EW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 227 sessions of tlie commission, and the legislature contributed liberally for an appropriation for the special military service. The amount of information elicited in the discus- sion from officers of intelligence and long experi- ence in the militia service, together with tlie long military service of the A. G. M. in the regular army, contributed much to the establinhment and success of military camps in tliis Province, and later in the Dominion. Tlie commission, as one part of their conclu- sions, recommended a "Camp of Instruction." The conception of a camp of instruction " is due in a great measure," says His Excellency Governor Gordon, "to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Anderson, adjutant general of militia." It was a source of regret to many of that officer's friends that lie was not able to participate in its success. A thorough soldier, a capital drill instructor, and an admirable organizer, Colonel Anderson did splendid s^ rvice in New Brunswick. The militia law of New Bruns- wick, adopted as the result of the deliberations of the commission, was largely the wotk of Colonel Anderson, and after Confederation it elicited from the late Sir George Cartier, minister of militia of Canada, the remark, " that it was the best militia law in any of the Provinces." He had seen service in India in the 78th Highlanders, rendering very important service for a time in Russia and India ; he acted as interpretor to the G-ith Regiment for a / .JUW.<.«IBB|tlPB 228 SEVENTY YEARS OF time diiiin;^' tlu^ Tiuliaii mutiny, ,iik1 wlien retired from tliut duty returned again to tlie 78tli. lie succeeded Colonel Ci'owdei" as adjutant general of this Province in August, 1864. He was in com- mand of the force sent to the frontier, in 1800, to repel the threatened Fenian invasion, and hy his admiial)h^ soldierly (jualities did much to inspire tlie force with confidence of success. He was a good officer, tlioro'ghly understood his duty, and, whilst very pleasant and agreeable to those under his command and whilst exercising a strict dis- ci}>linc in camp, connnanded the respect of all. Th(i nearest approach, however, to actual wai-faie ■was on the night of the supposed attack by Fenians at about eleven o'clock, when Her Majesty's ship "Coidelia" beat to quarters, tlie sergeant-major (McKenzie) of the 8t. John Volunteer Battalion sounded the assembly call, and the whole force met at the place appointed, fully armed and ready for defence or attack. After waiting two hours for the approach of the enemy, it was found that the alarm was through the ship beating to quarters only. ]More of an alarm, possibly, to the force generally than to the officers commanding. After leaving New Brunswick Colonel Ander- son returned to England, and lived in retirement in Hevon until his death. The announcement of his death caused much regret among his many frieiids in this Province, and time has not obliter- ated the many kindly recollections entertained for »... .^•i»« -wW^, ^,|:,-v^-#^lpj^;|^^ COL. THOMAS ANDERSON, ADJT. GEN'L militia, N. B. NEW BIWNSWICK LIFE, 2-29 him by those wlio were privileged to be associated witli him during his ^-eriii of service in N. B. CAMP OF INSl'IJUCTIOX. Following out the recommendations of the com- mission, the military camp of instruction was held in Fredericton, July, IHGT). The (juotas, from the battalions that furnished volunteers, were marciied into barracks on the Oth and Gtii July, ISG'), and nund)ered nine hundred men. Thc! force was divi- ded into two battalions, called " The b'irst and Sec- ond Battalion, Service Militia," commanded respec- tively by Lieutenant-Colonel Wilmot and Lieuten- ant-Colonel Baiid. Each battalion was divided into seven companies, with a captain, lieutenant and ensign to each company. The commandant of the two battalions forming a brigade, was Lieutenant- Colonel Hallowes, captain in the 15tli Regiment, then in Fredericton; Major Willis, late of the L'')th Regiment, discharged the duties of Biigade Major, and Captain Moody, A. D. C. to His Excellency, acted as Quarter- Master General. The officers comprising the Staff of Battalions were asfuUows: First Battalion. Lieut.-Col. Wilmot, Commander. " Otty, (acting) Senior Major. Major Simonds, Junior Major. Second Battalion. Lieut.-Col. Baird, Commander. " Wetmore, (acting) Senior Major. " Hurd Peters, (acting) Junior Major. Captain C. W. Raymond, Adjutant. 230 SEVENTY YEARS OF The law coiitainod a provision for a draft sliould iiKMi not 1)0 found to volunteer to the number re- quired, but for this there was no necessity as volunteers were found in sufficient nunibei's, and generally a good class of men. Kings, Charlotte, and the river counties were well represented. Westmorland, Northumberland, and the more dis- tant counties had no representation. The barracks were well chosen. The exhibition building fur nished a convenient place for camping and drilling the volunteers. Its vast area afforded ample space for drilling a whole battalion, thereby preventing any lost time in wet weather. Its extensive gal- leries, and lofty, well-ventilated dome supplied comfortable berths for the repose of the men, and circulation of pure and healthy air. In short, the men pronounced it a gay place — its airy appear- ance and decorations lending a cheerfulness and buoyancy such as l)arracks never lent before. The ground tlooi', also, furnished space for the orderly room, quarter-master's store and reading room. The duties of the orderly room commenced at early dawn, and twelve o'clock at night often found the patient, orderly clerk with pen in hand. These apartments will not soon be forgotten by officers whose duty it was to sign papers, try pris- oners, etc. The reading room was evidently the institution of the building — books, magazines and papers were seized upon, and the contents de- voured with an avidity that marked well the intel- A'BIV JUiUXSWICK LIFE. 231 lectuality of our embryo soldiers ; but tlie drill- bool: appeared to be even more popular than these, and in the camp bore the sobri(jU(;t of the soldier's bible. The parade ground was a Hru! level piece of ground, extending from the exhibition building to the base of the high lands in the rear of the city, nearly a mile in circuit, and with space for niancruvring an army of five thousand men. In the distance, looking from the exhibition building, are some noble elms and other shadt; trees, and the camps of the commandant, officers, hospital tents, etc., etc., give the ground a military appearance, heightened by the shi-ill bugle note, or roll of drums from the wood beyond. At the lower end of the enclosure proper, was the l)rigade office ; nearer still the gymnasium. The uniform furnished by the government to the volunteers was a tunic of led flannel and blue cap of the same material ; the first battalion was distinguished by a blue facing, and the second by a yellow. The order of drill was from six to eight and from ten to twelve in the morning ; and from three to five in tiie afternoon ; and no volun- teer was permitted to leave the enclosure, except upon special business, until after five o'clock. From that hour until tattoo, nine in the evening, they could go where they pleased ; provided al- ways that they presented in passing tlie guaid a respectable appearance — boots blackened and uni- form ordei-ly. At half-past five in the morning 232 SEVENTY YEARS OF the dress bugle sounded, and before six o'clock the compaiiies were assembled in quarter distance col- umn, each man answering to liis name as called by the respective orderly sergeant. The com- panies were then proved by their captains, and at the command of a superior officer each battallion moved in fours into the park, where they were initiated into the mysteries of modern warfare. During the first week a marvellous change was observable in the appearance of the men ; and having attained to some proficiency in the founda- tion diill, the rifle is placed in his hands and he begins to feel himself a soldier. Having passed the ordeal of the goose step and manual, he feels that without the platoon he is yet at the mercy of an enemy. The explanation of the thirty motions in loading and firing appear to him interminable ; ))ut he goes in to win, and in a very few days, counting their time, at four the hammer comes down with remarkable precision. After two days' drilling in companies by the instructors of the 15th Regiment, or the most competent among the officers and non-commissioned officers of the volun- teers, the companies were formed into battalions under the immediate command of their colonels, and the upper and more interesting part of the duty connnenced. NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 233 IXSPECTIO\ BY GENERAL DOYLE. On the IStii of July the biigade was inspected by General Doyle. With him were also distin- guished visitors, the Marquis and Marchioness of Drogheda. Tlie brigade was formed in line with open ranks, and received His Excellency with a salute. Afterward, marched past in quick time and being formed in close column, facing outward, His Excellency proceeded to address the officers and men in language most complimentary on the astonishing progress made in drill, and the con- duct and bearing of officers and men under review. TllOOPING THE COLORS. On the 22nd of July was a grand review of the Volunteers and L5th Regiment, His Excellency the commander being received with a salue. The brigade formed two sides of a square, and with ordered arms looked anxiously to their front on the gallant 15th, who were now to show them what a well-officered and disciplined regiment car. do, and what they themselves had yet to learn before claiming in full the honorable title of soldiers in the service of Her Majesty. Trooping the colors is a mil' ary spectacle which one never tires in viewing, and o his occasion tlie slightest fault or defect M'as wanting to make the performance in any way imperfect. Next in 234 SEVENTY YEARS OF order caine tlio bayonet exercise by the ir)tl), Major Simoiids commanding. No weapon has ob- tained for old Enas not a little sur- prised to see the uniformed and soldierly appear- ance of the men, and of which he several times expressed his approval. After dinner, — provided by the Governor at the various hotels, and which the oflicers and men enjoyed heartily, — the battal'o was assembled for review. The towns-people l^.- ^ frient s of the sol- ^ 24G SEVENTY YEARS OF diers from all parts of the country were present in large numbers. The movements in line and column were execu- ted in such a manner as to elicit from His Excel- lency the highest praise for steadiness and soldierly conduct in the ranks, also for the spirit of loyalty manifested in a prompt response to the call to repel invaders from our land. By request I proceeded on the following day by coach with His Excellency and the deputy adjutant general, Lieutenant-Colonel Maunsell, to Florence- ville, for the inspection of the Home Guards of the 2nd Battallion Carleton Militia, under the com- mand of Lieutenant-Colonel J. R. Tupper. This, the last speech delivered by His Excellency in New Brunswick, did credit to his head aad heart. He referred in glowing terms to the brightness^ clear-headedness, versatility and hospitality of the New Brunswickers ; to the beautiful scenery and the many happy hours lie had spent in the forests, or on the lakes or rivers of New Brunswick. Returning immediately to Woodstock and the Cable House, I was honored by His Excellency with an introduction to his wife, the newly mar- ried Hon. Mrs. Gordon, who presented me with a photograpii of His Excellency. A few minutes later he was on board the steamer for Fredericton, where I bade adieu to a gentleman whom, what ever his political opponents might say, I found to be a friend and an honorable man. A^EW niWXSWICK LIFE. 247 (Frcim Militia Report, Nuw Brunswick, 1866 ) The Lieutenant Governor to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. Camp of Instruction, "» Torrylmrn, near St. Jolin, 2nd July, 1866. / Sir. — 1. I have the honor to enclose for your itjformation the copy of a General Order by which I have relieved from active service that portion of the militia force which had been under pay and performing permanent duty for the past three months. 2. The strength of this force has from time to time varied, but has g«'nerally been about 1,000, — a large num- ber to be withdrawn for so long a time from agricultural and industrial pursuits in so small a community, and whose absence was in many places seriously felt. ^. I have every reason to be entirely satisfied with the conduct of this force, and have to express my strong sense of their cheerful endurance under somewhat trying cir- cumstances. The utmost rcadim ss to come lorward in defence of the Province from attack was on all occasions evinced, and had I de('me New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island having been for some time freely discussed in tlie papers and several public meet- ings held, in which politicians advocated strongly the principles of union, the subject of a union of all the North American Provinces was broached, and finally, on this larger ground, the best talent of both political parties was arrayed for battle. As matters then stood the legislation of one Prov- ince was as hostile to another as to a foreign country. The Hon. S. L. Tilley, then Provincial Secre- tary of New Brunswick, visited "Woodstock. Charles Connell, C. Perley, and others were con- sulted, and a campaign organized to carry Carle- ton County for the larger scheme. Mass meetings were held at Florenceville, Richmond, and other places, at which, by request, I was one of the speakers. One of the strongest arguments against a gen- eral confederation, and which has since proved to 254 SEVENTY YEARS OF have had some weight, was the overpowering in- fluence of the Upper Provinces of Ontario and Quebec, which would make us subject to their will, or in the language used, " Hewers of wood and drawers of water." The Conservative party was then in power ; and the best evidence of statesmanship, in the framing of a constitution without a precedent to guide, is the little friction which over twenty years of operation has produced. The first effect of confederation was to remove some of the best and most talented men from our Provincial Legislature to Ottawa, and with a true desire to establish on a sound basis the new order of tilings the appointment of sucli men only to places of tru^ under the government as had given evidence of their fitness or ability to dis- charge the duties of the office. Up to the time of confederation, our military organizations were entirely voluntary. Neither officers or men received pay, and few if any drones were found in the ranks. Thirty years continued service should, I felt, give me a good claim to a staff appointment under tlie new regime. General Hastings Doyle was the commander-in- chief, with headquarters at Halifax. I met him at the Government House, Fredericton, and to him was submitted for review my reports on fron- tier post-service during the Trent affair. To the general I wrote, and received in reply a • NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 255 kind letter ; also an official letter that I might use at C)ttawa. He furthermore gave nie the address of tlio IFon. Arthur Gordon, our late governor, then in London, and advised n)e to address him on the subject of a staff appointment. I did so, and the promptness and matter of the reply were to nio a great and pleasant surprise. LETTER FROM GENERAL DOYLE. My Dear Sir: I have only lately returned to Halifax, and basten to explain to you why you have not received an earlier reply to your letter. The fact is I had left Paris, to which city it was for- warded, and the people of my hotel having unfortunately lost my address, my letters, and yours amongst their num- ber, all remained at my hotel, until by chance a friend of mine went there and claim« d and forwarded them to me, or they would have been there now. With regard to the request you make of me, all I can do (if that will be satisfactory to you), is to speak of you by hearsay, Mr. Gordon having, when I visited the camp near Frederictou, mentioned your name favorably to me. More 1 cannot do, as from your not having serA-ed under my imnudiate command I have had no oppoitunity of judging of your merits. I told you, when I had the pleasure of seeing you at Frederictou, that I was prepared to see that justice was done to you, and, if 1 had any patronage to distribute, must of course have been guided by reports of others which hatl reached me from other official quarters, but the militia having now passed from under my command, I can only report what I have actually seen ; and if you ^'V. <^o ^^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 If I.I 1.25 IIM 3.2 IIM 2.2 11= U illlll.6 <^^ o VI /a m 'r> d? / M v»:^". <^ .-/^ '^^ f=t? 256 SEVENTY YEARS OF would allow me to recommend as the best thing you can do to attain your end, it would be that you should write to Mr. Gordon, under whose immediate observation I believe you served, and get him to speak to your capa- bilities for staff employment. If not, I will of course state that when I visited the (;amp your name was men- tioned to me with others as a zealous and good ofiicer. I remain, dear sir. Yours truly, Hastings Doyle P. S. — I send an official letter in case you prefer mak- ing use of it instead of communicating with Mr. Gordon, who is at present in London, and any letter addressed to him at Sir John Shaw LeFevre, 8 Spring Gardens. Lon- don, will be sure to find him. H. D. GOVKKNMENT HoUCn, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 5th September, 18 08. Sir: I have much pleasure in stating that when I visited the camp at Fredericton with Mr. Gordon, then the Lieu- tenant-Governor and commander-in-chief of the militia of New Brunswick, His Excellency mentioned your name to me with those of other commanding officers of militia as a zealous and good officer, and one who had made him- self well acquainted with infantry regimental drill, and, had the militia continued under my command, I should have felt it my duty to take into consideration your claims, especially as your service in the militia appears to extend over a period of twenty-eight years, although I had myself no opportunity of judging of your capabili- ties as you had not served under my immediate orders. I have the honor to be, sir, Your obedient servant, (Signed) Hastings Doylk. Xi:]V BRUNSWICK LIFE. 257 LETTER FROM HON. AKTIIUU CJORDON. London, 18 Spring Gardens, S. \V . "^ September 7th, 1808. f jVFy Dear Sir : I Lave to-day received your letter of the 18th iilt , and I will not lose a post in sending you my reply, the tenor of which you will readily anticipate ; namely, that 1 have always regarded you as one of the best officers in the New Brunswick militia, and that it w^uld give me most sin- cere pleasure to learn that you had received an appoint- ment of importance in connection with the military force of the Dominion I think you especially well-suited for stall" employment, the qualities which in my mind distinguished you among other good ofiicers being an unusual power of combina- tion, extreme accuracy and precision, and a perfect mas- tery of details without allowing them to master you. You were also remarkable for coolness and clearness of the head, and for an entire indifference to display, both qualities not often found in the civic soldier. I cannot comprehend how any objections can be raised to you on the ground of seniority, as you were, I think, one of my first batch of lieutenant-colonels. But I think it only ffiir to state that it was altogether your merits which hindered your promotion, for I should have ap- pointed you to the command of your battalion at even an earlier date had I not found that by so doing I should break up the fine volunteer company of which you were the captain. You may make what use you please of this letter ; but I must in candor add that there is one ofiicer (Colonel Anderson) who has, I think, even more claims to a per- manent appointment than yourself; and that there are one or two ofiicers beside yourself wlio, if they asked for 17 '258 SEVENTY YEARS OF them (wliich they did not), would receive from me testa- nionials of nearly etjual strength. I remain, Youis very sincerely, (Signed) Arthur Gordon. P. S. — T should, I think, add that I know you to have made great personal sacrifice in impr<)ving the efficiency of the force under your command, and although this is not in itself a qualification for employment, it may, I think, cocteris paribus b^ takin fairly in consideration by the authorities. A. G. With the Honorable S. L. Tilley I had intimate business and social relations for many years. To Jiim I enclosed these letters, with my application for the office of Brigade Major for District No. 8. I was aware that numerous applications had been made, and the strongest local influence brought to bear for others. I therefore waited with anxiety the result. After a time I received a telegram from the Honorable S. L. Tilley, then a member of the Privy Council, asking my acceptance of the office of District Paymaster of Militia for District No. 8, the salary to be $600 per annum, with hotel and transport expenses paid when on duty ; the salary to increase in the ratio of increase of duties. As there seemed at the time to be no alternative, I accepted, and on the 19th Tftnuary, 1869, was gazetted. I had just completed the organization of the NE]V BRUXSWICK LIFE. 259 67th Battalion, Carleton Liglit Infantry, — a regi- ment I would have felt proud to command, — but which I was compelled reluctantly to resign, owing to my new appointment. I at once entered upon my duties as Paymaster of District No. 8, with my office in Woodstock. GEORGE. Until George, our eldest son, had arrived at the age of eighteen years, he was almost continuously at school, and during the winter season for some years longer he applied himself to the study of the higher branches of an English education and the classics. Previous to the fire of 1864, he en- tered the shop to learn the drug business. In the fall of 1864 he passed at Montreal a preliminary examination for medical student at McGill Col- lege, and possessed over many other studeuts the advantage of a practical knowledge of materia iiiedica. •\\ '*Vhile a large number of candidates were await- ing in the hall admission to the rooinc of the ex- aminers, the face of each one as he returned was closely scanned to learn his fate. When George's name was called there came a voice from the crowd, "Hurrah! for New Brunswick!" It was young Roberts, of Fredericton, — long since a sue- J^ *^ cessful practising physician. These cheering words E * wr ufferin's behalf, for the kind wishes for our future happiness, with which you have concluded your address." Then followed the presentation by Colonel Baird of the lady of the mayor, and several others, ladies and gentlemen, noticeable among these the presen- tation of Captain William Skillen, who was recog- nizr-d by tlie Countess, Iier brother and His Excel- lency, Captain Skillen having formerly lived on the estate of the family of the Countess in " Kil- lalee." Subsequently the Countess requested an NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 271 interview with Captain Skillen, and presented her ow and tlie Governor-General's photograph. The party left Woodstock the next morning intending to drive through to Grand Falls. WOODSTOCK FIRE ! THE BUSINESS PORTION OF THE TOWN IN ASHES ! Loss over $275,000. Lighty-five buildings destroyed l)y tire. An area of six acres burned over. (The above is the heading of a ^Voocl^tock papiT, May 17th, 1877.) About midnight on the 17th May, 1877, the church bell again rang out its ominous peal. The tiames rose quickly, and we saw at a glance the direction of the fire. John proceeded to get the horses, while I made all haste over the bridge on foot. Arriving at the Cable House, the flames were being driven across the street from Allan's corner, opposite ; and had, in the other direction, reached Lynch's store, a few doors from my place of bu.^.iness. Entering the shop, I found Mr. Holyoke — liis son was our clerk at that time — alone, placing articles of stock in large baskets prepared for this purpose. Friends coming in conveyed them to a place of safety. >72 SEVENTY YEARS OF il 1 1 There being no partition walls througli the attics of the whole block, the tire swept with great tury, bursting, with a huge volume of flame, the large window in the photograph saloon over our heads. Fierce gusts of wind opered and closed the doors violently. Showers of sparks and sheets of ilame threatened us as we went out and in, carrying such things as were readily seized and portable. As the fire spread, nearly every one was en- gaged in saving what they could of their own ; and it was almost impossible to obtain any assist- ance. The experience of previous tires prompted me to select tirst that which was most valuable and necessary. While crossi ig the platform from the door on King street, and bent forward carrying something in my hands, T seemed to be passing through a shower of something, I knew not what. A man came running towards me saying, " My God ! are you not killed!" A tall flue, some twelve or fif- teen feet above the roof, had at that moment fallen. The leaf of my hat was cut and my elbow- slightly injured by the falling brick. King street, from the bridge on the south side, and from McCoy's on the north to the river, es- caped destruction. My sister kindly offered me one side of a large store she occupied in the G rover building on King street ; and, the following morning, I lettered and NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. H'6 nailed to tlie door my name and occupation, to be read from a new stnnd-point. Losing no time, I arranged the stock saved to the best advantage, and ordered more, tlius continuing with but little interruption. For a time I controlled almost un- divided the business, the destruction of the other drug stores being (juite as complete as my own and were later in re-opening. Paxton having returned from Newfoundland, and all arranged satisfactorily with the insurance companies, I turned attention to rebuilding. Having purchased the freehold of the ground formerly held under lease, I decided to erect a brick building, two stories in height, to cover the ground on the corner of King and Main streets. The insurance received on stock and building destroyed was applied to the liquidation of debts^ which it nearly covered, and we commenced again with nearly a clean sheet. I say tue^ for a year or more previous to the lire, I had given my son, Henry Paxton, an equal i'lterest in the business. In November, 1878, I surrendered to him all my right and interest in the stock, together with the books and accounts connected with the drug business, and the management of the farm be- ing given to our third son, John D., I was in a great measure released from the care and respon- sibility wliich for nearly forty years had rested up me. These arrangements appear to me to have been Hi ifl II 1 1 !ii 274 SEVENTY YEARS OF made under providential direction, for scarcely liad they been completed when I received from headquarters, Ottawa, an official letter informing me that in future the duties of District Paymaster and District Storekeeper would be discharged by one officer, and inquiring whether I would accept the appointment, and proceed to St. John and re- main there. My relations with Lieutenant -Colonel Cunard while connected with the brigade of garrison artil- tery, Sfc. John, officially or otherwise, were always of the most friendly nature ; but when, for pur- poses of economy, the government had amalga- mated the offices as paymaster and senior officer, I felt compelled to accept. The change was not of my seeking or choice, as I would /ery much rather have remained in Woodstock, the difference in salary not compensating the increase of labor and cost of living, and the rupture of family and friendly associations. Having accepted the new position with dual duties, ample time was given to make arrange- ments before proceeding to St. John ; and during the interval I paid a visit to Ottawa. !|! Arriving at Montreal, I found my daughter, Helen, with her husband, then a medical student of McGill College, whom I persuaded to accom- pany me to Ottawa, at which place an Agricul- tural Fair was being held, and they might not again have so good a chance to see the Capital. \ KEW Ji BUNS WICK LIFE. 27:^ We left ISTontreal in the evening and arrived at Ottawa exrly the next morning. We obtained after many difficulties lodging and a breakfast ; then proceeded by coach to the fair, — the distance to the agricultural grounds was over four miles. I liad seen in New Brunswick quite as good exhibitions of stock or produce, but the air of aristocracy was wanting. The Governor - General and Princess, gentlemen mounted on English thoroughbreds in jockey or hunting cos- tume, English coaches with postillion, and wear- ers of foreign styles and accent, made up the difference. Returning, we came down the Rideau Canal in a steamer, several of which were plying. Stepping on the deck of one when there was scarcely stand- ing room, I feared a disaster, and at the last moment we stepped off on the wharf. Finding another, we again embarked, and had not pro- ceeded very far when we passed the first steamer stuck in the mud, and were thankful for our de- liverance. This being my third visit to Ottawa in a period of some ten years, I saw vast changes as to the improvement in the Parliament and Departmental Buildings and grv^unds and the extension of the city. The Parliament Buildings are situnted on a high cliff overlooking the Ottawa Rivei and the Chaudiere Falls in the near distance. ^ The mills at these Falls have all the improved /. I I h 270 SEVENTY YEAliS OF appliances for the manufacture of lumber ; some of the largest piyie logs I had r^er seen were at these mills. Immense piles of sawed lumber re- sembled in the distance blocks of buildings, form- ing as it were a village of no inconsiderable size. I also witnessed here the manufacture of pails Kj and matches, and was struck with the celerity and accuracy of movement which practice had given the petite manipulators. On one occasion I walked across the river op- posite the city on the ice to see Arthur Ilankin and wife, from Woodstock, there comfortably and pleasantly situated, and imagined I was crossing at Woodstock, so close was the similarity of in- tervale and buildings opposite. In pasrinp^ by a small grove of pine trees I observed, well-envel- oped in blankets, a band of Indians, whom I afterwards learned were Chippewas, discussing their frugal meal. On the occasion of my two previous visits I liad entered my name on the books at " Rideau Hall," — once in Lord Dufferin's time, at the request of his private secretary, an old military friend of mine, Captain H. Moody. In the address presented to Lord and Lady Dufferin at Woodstock reference was made, — and the only instance in the Province, — to their daughter, the recent " young Canadian born," which seemed to touch them deeply, and, as remarked by Captain Moody, was the cause of a kindly regard for the people of our town. NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 'Ill The view of the surrounding country and ex- quisitely dressed grounds as seen from tlie dome of the Parliament Building is magnificv^nt. Can- adians may well be proud of these piles, eitl- " for situation, extent, beauty of architectural design, or finish within and without. On two occasions I found the Parliament in session, and heard some of tlie debating talent — Sir John Macdonald, George Brown, and others. I had the honor also of being shown through the Senate chamber by Colonel the Honorable John H. Gray, of St. John, now a judge in British Columbia, meeting tliere several persons I knew from New Brunswick. QUEBEC. Leaving Ottawa for home, we returned by train to Montreal. On our journey down we found on board Mr. T. H. Hall und wife, whose kind- ness since our arrival at St. John I have pleasure in acknowledging. Having spent a pleasant S^.bbath at Montreal, I left on Monday morning by train for Quebec. Arriving safely after a tedious ride, and crossing from Levis on the steamer, cabby drove me through the narrow walled streets of the ancient city to the Union Hotel, kept by a genial Irish landlord. Rising early the following morning, I walked 278 SEVENTY YEARS OF through a portion of the city, and visited the Dufferin Terrace and the monument to Montcalm and Wolfe near by. Seeing a soldier in uniform hastening towards the Citadel, I followed him, passing through the gate and wall, thirty or forty feet thick, unchal- lenged. Forming a part of the wall on the inside were guard-rooms, from one of which a sergeant issued, and I at once requested that a guide might be sent to conduct me through the works. In a few moments a soldier presented himself cap-a-pif and saluting. I followed him over the parade- ground by the platform near a wall where brnin was cutting some antics ; passed by masses of shot in piles, dismantled cannon, the building occupied occasionally by distinguished visitors, etc., etc., to the "Flag Staff Battery," the highest point in the defensive works of the city. While inspecting the Citadel and surroundings, the officers and men o^ "A" Battery were assembl- ing for inspection and monthly payment on the parade ground within and opposite to the entrance before named. Dismissing my guide who had pointed out to me on the parade an officer whose uniform was familiar, I approached him, and soon found myself taken in brotherly charge by Lieutentant Colonel Forrest, D. P. and D. S. of No 7 District. The battery was well equipped in men, horses, and guns ; the uniform and trappings in excellent yEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 279 condition ; and the discipline apparently as severe as in the regular service. With Lieutenant Colonel Forrest, I visited his office and the club room ; the shortness of my stay preventing my accepting hospitalities generously offered. I proceeded at once to the examination of the chief points of interest in and about the city, — Laval College, the interior of some French chapels, where fine pictures were exhibited, and Wolfe's monument I did leisurely and alone. I made in a memo book a rough sketcli of Wolfe's monument, while reading thereon the inscription : — " Here ditti Wolfe, Septnnber the 13tl), 1759." I tried to peer into the far past, and, by a spirit of incantation, reproduce the scene, which, on that spot, surrounded the dying hero ! The name of Wolfe must ever remain associated with Quebec, — the key or military pivot of the Dominion, — to whose indomitable energy and wonderful powers of combination, supported by the valor of British troops, we are indebted for the possession of a fortress called from its strength and position the Gibraltar of America. In the afternoon my Irish cab-driver presented himself, and in a two-wheeled vehicle started for two dollars and fifty cents worth of driving, which embraced the city and Montmorency Falls. The face of the rock, which the American Gen- II' ^'•t 280 SEVENTY YEARS OF eral Montgomery attempted to scale in an attack on tlie city, was the first point of interest examin- ed. Driving rapidly through one of the streets, a sudden jerk threatening dislocation of the neck, brought the horse suddenly to a halt in front of a low wooden building, the driver exclaming, "There's where tlu^y waked Montgomery, sir!" Words painted over the shingles announced the same fact, but it was the fate alone of the mis- guided officer that made the unpretentious build- ing famous. As we descended to the Lower Town, tlie localities of recent riots were pointed out, and scenes of frequent bloody frays between the pop- ulace and authorities aescribed with ricli Irish fervor. Leaving the city, we descend the St. Lawrence en route for Montmorency Falls. The river which forms this magnificent cataract rises in the " Lac des Neiges." It precipitates its vast volume of water over a perpendicular precipice 240 feet in height, nearly 100 feet more than that of Niagara. Immense clouds of spray rise from the bottom in curling vapors and present an inconceivably beautiful variety of prismatic colors. The late Duke of Kent resided in a house close to the Falls, which commands a beautiful view of one of the most picturesque scenes in America. Almost a continuous line of cottages, with small garden patches, line either side of the road, and wmmmmm KEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 281 tlu; air was impregnated with the odor of onions, which tlie buxom female habitants, S'juatted on the ground, were busily gathering. Several toll-bars during the journey forcibly re- minded the passenger of ancient barriers whicli are happily unknown to provincials elsewhere in the Dominion. The tolling of bells in Quebec seemed to be un- ceasing, and I was informed that from a chapel belfry near the hotel the death of every Catholic l)y night or by day was thus proclaimed. Left Quebec on the morning of October 1st, 1879, for home. While crossing the St. Lawrence in the steamer to Point Levis, I heard my name called, and found near me a Frenchman named Rousseau, who had lived for several years in Woodstock. He worked as a machinist for R. Attay, and fitted' up for Louis Coombes the first ferry-boat to cross the river at Woodstock, and erected for himself a saw-mill at Bull's Creek. He was an ingenious and intelligent man, and I was pleased to meet him. Chii^jter XXX. Remove to St. John. J^^ETURNING to Woodstock, tlie order was •i^^p received directing me t / attend ut the Store Department in St. John, to take over on the 15th of October instant tlie duties of storekeeper. Tiie D. A. G., Lieutenant Colonel Maunsell, was the medium of transfer of stores, which were examined in my presence and handed over to my care and keeping. The apartments in Store Building occupied as a residence were retained by Lieutenant Colonel Cunard until nearly a month later, which period I spent in private lodgings. About the first of November I returned to AVoodstock, where preparation had been made for our removal, and a day or two later we found our- selves on the train, i. e., self, wife, niece, and grandson, together with our effects. Several mem- bers of the family and friends accompanied us to the Junction, where we parted, — turning our backs on a home of many joys and sorrows, and a town, where forty years previous, as a young man, I went to seek my fortune. Arriving at Gibson, all was safely transferred NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 2.s;5 to tlie steamer " David Weston," wliere the cap- tain made us as comfortable as possible. The fol- lowing morning, November 5th, we sailed in a snow storm for St. John, and before si.x: in the evening were in possession of our new (juarters. •e prison-like appearance of the building produc- ed no prepossessing effect upon my wife, albeit the " Brown stone front " was offered as a consolinij influence. PERSONAL. (From the St. John Telegraph.) Of Lieutenant Colonel Baird, who has arrived in St. John to take up his residence here, to dis- charge the united duties of Paymaster and Military Storekeeper, the Woodstock Sentinel says : — " Los- ing Colonel Baird, this county loses a resident of forty years, lie hav'^^gcome to Woodstock in 1839, when the town was yet in its comparative infancy, so that he hps been closely identified with its changes, advances and reverses. Mr. Baird was always fond of and endeavored to encourage in others a fondness for manly sports, and constantly did what he could to cultivate a patriotic and military spirit. His present position in the military department he has fully earned by his efforts in the way indicated. In organizations as in agitations, having for their object the mental, social and political advancement of the commun- ity and the physical improvement of the town ■ Hi 284 SEVENTY YEARS OF he was for many years an active and leading spirit, and his labors in these respects can only be appreciated by those whose living liere has been contemporaneous with his. Our personal associations with Lieutenant Colonel Baird have for many years been so intimate that it is witli deep regret we part with him as an every day friond and neighbor, and we feel assured that ours is a general feeling among at all events the older and longer residents of the town and country, and if the younger and more recent members of the community do not fully participate in this regret, it is only because from the very nature of things they cannot realize how much all are indebted to him. St. John receives, from us an estimable and valuable acquisition, and we sincerely trust that in their present home Colonel and Mrs. Baird may find in new friends and fresh means of usefulness sources of happiness compensating them for those from which they are severed here." In St. John I found many friends and many pleasant social ties were formed. On settling down to work there I became a member of the Mechanics' Institute. I also received the lionor of election to honorary membership in the Natural History Society of St. John. I found the lectures of these societies, particularly the latter, exceed- ingly interesting and instructive. The learned and justly popular president of the society, Dr. Bots- ford, I knew as a resident of Fredericton and later lit XFW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 285 of Woodstock, which was his first Held of practice as an M. D. T also took an active part in the work of the temperance reform. We attended the ser- vices and Sabbath school in Queen Square Meth- odist Church ere I became a teacher of a young ladies' Bible class, and found it a service of much profit. SPARKS FROM A CAMP YlYiE. Sussex Brioade Camp, ") October, 1882. / The staff consisted of — Lieut. -Col. Taylor, D. A. G., Commandant ; Lieut.-Col. Crewe Read, Brigade Major ; Lieut. -Col. Baird, Paymaster; Major Freeland (P.E.L), Ass't Bri. Major. T quote from a review of the camp the following as touching the inspecting officer : " The camp at Sussex unmistakably revealed the benefits which General Luard is doing to the force. From the first to the last everything was done with the ob- ject of passing a creditable inspection." For many evenings at this camp a huge wind- fall, — one of the denizens of the forest, — afforded the staff and other officers of the camp light and warmth. The gentlemanly and courteous Brigade Major, Crewe Read, from a well-stocked fund of anecdote and wit, caused many to linger until a J80 SEVENTY YEARS OF late hour, while discussions on themes of military ;ind political import were engaged in by others ; and as a result some of the thoughts are crystalized as follows : — Canvass, at this season of the year, is too much of the refrigerator kind to cause one's thoughts to ramble freely outside the regulation blanket or the genial company surrounding the camp-fire. Blue- nose boys never feel more at home than when engaged in camp duty. It has been the highest ambition of the country lad to attain to the age and position of an axe hand in a lumber camp for the winter, and the transition is an easy one to camp-life militaire. The traditions of the country all lead our youth in that direction. Their fore- fathers having endured the hardships of " flood and field" in battling for their country's rights, were well fitted to endure the blast of a J^ew Brunswick winter, or a struggle for a foothold with the native red man, the wolf or the bear. The variety of employments in which the youth of the country engage give full play to the pow- ers, mental or physical, and, as an officer of high rank once said, addressing six feet of a New Brunswick man, produce a beau ideal of a soldier : Ready in resource, patient under difficulties, and possessing a spirit of bravery which the 104th Regiment alone has had an opportunity to exhibit. KE]V BRUNSWICK LIFE. 287 the yeomanry of New Brunswick might well be expected to take a front place at our country's call. The aptitude for drill, either as mounted or dismounted troops, and an erect bearing on the field, have caused favorable remark from General officers accustomed to reviewing the rank and file of English, Irish or Scotch recruits. With such material for soldiers, then, — and we believe the men, natives of the other Provinces of the Dominion, are but little if any inferior to the New Bruns wickers, — what should be the duty of the gover.iment with regard to maintaining an etiective force in the Dominion ? The cry of " no danger !" from friends, politicians and others has acted as a brake upon the wheel of government military reform, and is even now threatening to extinguish the spark of loyalty in the country which the military spirit of the people has kept alive. The first condition of the existence of a thoroughly equipped militia force, embracing all arms of the service in the Dominion, would be its necessity, which I shall endeavor to show exists. II. The United States is generally acknowledged to be the great and apparently overwhelming Power with which Canadians on this continent may soon- er or later have to battle for existence. The Uni- ted States is but in its infancy compared with other nations of the earth. It has passed through 288 SEVENTY YEARS OF ^'ut one phase of testing stability. It lias yet to ^^ass through its internecine struggles, the national test Jipplied by the historian Macauley, before ])e- ing established or consolidated on a sound national basis. In other words it has its Scotland, its Wales and its Ireland to win before being in accord with the great family of nations. English- men visiting the United States are overwhelmed with its greatness, and often commit themselves to print before recovering from their astonishment. We have nothing to fear from the native Ameri- cans. They are by blood, language and religion our own, and in the great struggle it may be our fortune to sustain their cause. Having built the great cities on the Atlantic coast and valley of the Mississippi, they are following their red brethren, — a second wave of humanity, moving westward. Moreover, from the aversion of American women to nursing children, the native element is said posi- tively to be on the decline. The increase of the foreign element in the United States is rapid and continued, and the bid of politicians during oft re- peated elections for foreign national support, is unconsciously giving a prominence to parties whose rivalry for the ascendancy may in the near future shake the country from centre to circumference. The civic government of New York, New Or- leans, Chicago or St. Louis, are indices for the future, the Sabbath desecration in any of which would grieve the spirit of the Puritan fathers. j)J'E\V BRUNSWICK LIFE. 289 The sifting process has driven to tlie western borders many desperadoes whor.e artistic achieve- ments in murders or railway robberies cast in the sliade the most accomplished Italian banditti. Tliese statements are not overdriawn. Cow boys and other organized bands of ruffians ride into towns, plundering and murdering the inhabitants, while the law seems powerless to inflict punish- ment. The union of these discordant elements, under two or more leaders, will sooner or later produce anarchy and revolution, the end of which no man can forsee. Prophesying thus may be considered presumption, but nations are as surely punished as individuals for their sins. If we are still feeling in Ireland the result of a spirit of lawlessness, let loose during the so-called "Southern Rebellion," how would this Dominion stand affected, should those scenes and deeds of horror be transferred to our own borders ? Returning to England after his imprisonment in Kars, nearly the first words uttered by Sir Fen wick Williams were, " Woe be unto that country which in time of peace does not prepare for war." Having now referred to the quality of our men as soldiers, and a possible contingency of their be- ing employed, I will offer some suggestions as to who should lead them. '200 SEVENTY YEARS OF iir. England, now the first naval and military power •on the earth, has had many commanders of armies, but few generals. The genius of an inferior offi- cer, or the dogged obstinacy of her soldiers, has often turned defeat into -victory. Her greatest generals have been those who best understood the instincts of the people against whom they were warring. " The courage and genius of Clive," says Hume, " converted an association of traders into a large and magnificent empire." This writer or clerk, one of the captives taken by La Bour- dannas at Madras, decided the fate of India at Plassey, in tiie defeat of the Nabob's aruiy of 50,000 men and forty pieces of cannon, with an army of 1,000 Europeans and 3,000 Sepoys, with eight field pieces and two howitzers. Marlborough, son of a country clergyman, and page at the Court of Charles II., serving as a lieu- tenant in an English auxiliary force, in the reign •of Louis XIV., under Turenne and Vauban, be- came so well versed in the tactics of those able French officers as to place Blenheim at the head of the list of English victories, and release his country from the condition of vassalage to a French monarch. In 1758 the war waged in all quarters of the Avorld, but the chief success of the year was achieved in Cana4a, where the plan of campaign *, "«i NEW BRUXSWICK LIFE. 291 was sketched out by Pitt himself. His phiii of invasion was by three separate divisions, to unite at Quebec. In the appointment of commanders, ignoring claims of seniority, as well as those of aristocratic and parliamentary interest, Pitt was guided by merit alone ; and this was the secret of the success with which our armies were at this period attended. The gallant Wolfe, wiio had previously attracted the notice of the great states- man, was one of the chosen, and ascended the St. Lawrence with an army of 8,000 men. A return to the system of making merit the passport to promotion has, in the person of Sir Garnet Wolsely, done much to retrieve the tar- nished honor of our arms. In generalship, the Crimean War was a failure ; Alma, Balaklava and Inkermann being all battles of soldiers. Of the defeats which England has suffered through the incompetency of generals, none is more marked than that of " Sackett's Har- bor," Sir George Provost in command, and in which battle our own 104th Regiment bore a con- spicuous part. The rivalry which exists naturally between peo- ple in the same condition of life sharpens the de- sire to obtain a knowledge which gives superiority. The tribal wars of this and other countries are examples ; and end only in a survival of the fittest. The condition of climatic and geographical obstructions are patent to the natives, and become 292 SEVENTY YEARS OF their best b.'^rriers when assailed hy others not to the manor born. An infantry company skirnushing with pre- cision of movement on skates would be a sight for the cockney on the Serpentine. Yet some of our readers have struck oft" left and right to the sound of the bugle, in the clear frosty air of a winter'stmorning. A chief surveyor, not a native, straying a little from his party, became lost in the woods on the Tobique ]liver, and was, several days after, accidentally discovered on the Wapska- hegan in a perishing condition. Two royal engi- neers, being driven through New Brunswick, saw a nativ^e woman with a large, back log on end, moving it diametrically to its destination. Her peculiar condition and employment attracted their notice, and with the best intentions they ordered the driver to stop, and went to her assistance. Alarmed at their approach, she let the log fall and reti'eated into the house. One officer at each end now tried to lift it, but failed ; and were com- pelled to admit that of the trio the woman was the best engineer. IV. The spirit of the men of New Brunswick in a military point of view cannot be considered mer- cenary. At the time of the border troubles with Maine, 1837-38, there existed corps of artillery, NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. -JOa cavalry and infantry, drilled and uniformed at their own expense, and for pliysicjue could scarcely be excelled in any country. The promptness of these corps in volunteering for active service was warmly eulogized by the then governor. Sir John Harvey. A knowledge of one's own country and that immediately beyond is important for stragetic purposes, and has been already referred to. In the late Franco-Prussian war the topographical maps of French territory, previously submitted by Prussian officers, forming «a network of roads and railways, proved an important factor in the suc- cesses that attended the German invaders. The purchase system, wliich for so long a period obtained in the British army, was a costly drain of blood and treasure upon the nation. The senior commanding officer, fit or unfit, led the army to battle, and it became a military proverb, " that the first year or two of the war would be to the English disastrous." When they came dowu to the middle strata, or hard pan, the solid sense and pluck of the nation asserted its supremacy. The career of that veteran soldier, Sir Colin Campbell, is an illustration. In 1808, as a lad, an ensign in the Gth Foot, he saw the turning of a tide in human affiiirs — the opening of a mighty strife between column and line; saw the first of Napoleon's reverses, and the fame of Sir Arthur Wellesley beginning to dawn over Europe. With 204 SEVENTY YEARS OF Moore at Corunna ; at Barossa ; in tlie Ameiican war of 1812-14; the Chinese war of 1842; nt Cliilliawalla (see Kingshike, Volume I., page 524), — "after serving with all this glory for some forty- four years, he came back to England. But between liim and the Queen there stood a dense crowd of families : men, women and children, extending farther than the eye could reach, and armed with strange precedents, which made it out to be right that people who h?\d seen no service should be vested with high command, and that Sir Colin Campbell should only be a colonel." Upon the breaking oat of the war witli Russia, Sir Colin was appointed to tlie command, not of a division, but a brigade ; and it was not until June, 1854, that liis rank in the army became higher than that of a colonel. The opportunities now afforded by the Dominion Government to young men for obtaining a knowl- edge of military science in military schools of gun- nery, and as officers in the British army, will, we trust, soon present scores of Canadians (lualiffed to ffll any position, even that of major-general. The officer holding this distinguislied position it may be wisdom for the British Government to appoint or approve, although it would be hard to give any very good reason for this, as Canadians occupying high positions have not proved recreant to their trust, although some of them the most trying, as at Kars and Lucknow. Before extinguishing the last sparks of this NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. i>9r> camp fire, I would suggest tli.it pljius of attack and defence, submitted by the general and stall", should be made a study fo' the otHcers at camps, with a view to intelligent action on the Held ; and further, that a system of rapid transport and prompt connection by railway or steamboat shouK be inaugurated to and from given points, the ne- cessity of troops 'wlien and where required, being as important in a choice of position as a knowl edge of drill for its defence. I trust that an abler pen may continue tiiis theme until the claims of Canadians are reco<;- nized, and the same opportunity given to distin- guish themselves 'n the field as In tiie forum, leaving open to them the highest military posi- tions in their own land. UKBELLJOX OF flALF IJIlKIiDS IN THE NOirril WEST. "When the Dominion of Canada pureh ised from the Hudson Bay Company the large district kn^wn as the North Western Territory, it assumed the responsibility of assimilating or civilizing the vari- ous tribes of Indians embraced within its limits. Since the year 1670, when a charter was granted to the Hudson Bay Company, frequent intermar- riajres between the clerks or servants of the com- pany in charge of factories or trading stations scattered over a large district of country and the native women have taken place. These were chiefly of Scotch and French origin ; and as an 296 SEVENTY YEARS OF evidence of the truth of Lord Nelson's assertion that the dominant feeling between an Englishman and Frenchman is hate, so the French half breeds were the prominent leaders of the rebellion. The wholesale destruction of animal life — their former means of subsistence — and the absorption and appropriation of land they believed by right and possession to be their own, to the simple minds of these children of the forest seemed a deep and grievous wrong. Mutterings, too far off to fall distinctly on the political ear, had been frequently heard, and had tlie warnings of certain missionaries received the attention tliey deserved or an earnest desire on the part of the government been evinced to re- dress existing grievances, the calamity of civil war might liave been averted. If the tactics of either of tlie MacDougalls, father or son, had been adopted, there would have been fewer tears shed for brave men killed ; a round million of dollars in the treasury ; and a victory to boast of, not by force of arms, but by the higher force, which deals gently, honorably, nobly, with the weaker race we may chance to govern. Not a man of the tribes subject to the teaching of these reverend gentlemen was found in rebellion. With reference to the seeds of unother rebellion now being sown, it is the duty of the government and people, to whoin is en- trusted the laying of the foundations of this new NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 297 Dominion, to see that they are establislied upon moral principles. He is unvvortliy tlie name of statesman or )ion- est man who will permit, sanction, or endorse the existence of an evil which, while it may advance his own party interests, degrades and destroys the instruments in trust formed for a higher purpose. There seems to be but one feeling representing the intelligence of tin's wide Dominion that spirituous liquors should by legal enactment be strictly, and under severe penalty for violation, excluded from the North West Territory. The pure, bracing and vitalizing air requires no stimulus to keep in full play the vigor and forces of animal life in this country, and the least indulgence often causes men to cross the faint line into lunacy, riot and bloodshed. True Canadians were everywhere prompt in responding to tlie call for service in the North West. Such of the batteries or school corps as reached the front actjuitted themselves nobly ; and the harrassing marches throufjh slush and mud tested their soldierly qualities, and imparted to their commanders the confidence wliich ensures success. If there were any refractory commanders with which the minister had to deal, they were not Englisli or true Canadians ; but another illu.stra- tion of the old adage that " blood is tliicker than water." The fate of "Custer," like the incubus of 298 SEVENTY YEARS OF a nightmare, anchored the force before Batoche ; but the dash of brave men, some of vvliom were dropped at each evening fusilade of Kiel's sharp- shooters, routed the enemy from cover and closed the war. On the morning of the l(Sth of May, I880, tlie Infantry School Corps, numbering ninety-six, officers and men, and a company of the 71st Battalion, under the command of Captain Howe, numbering forty-two, officers and men, marched, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Maun- sell, from Fredericton, fti route for the camping ground at Sussex, preparatory to the force tliere assembling being ordered to the Northwest. The company from the G7th Battalion, under Captain Baker, arrived at St. John at G.30 in the evening. Previous to the G2nd Battalion being ordered to the front, an inspection of the corps was made in the drill shed at St. John, where hundreds of prominent citizens, their wives and daughters, assembled to witness the inspection of the Fusi- liers. The whole battalion was present in full dress. uniform, with brass and relief bands. Ani- mated and patriotic speeches were made by the Deputy Adjutant-General, Senator Boyd, Judge Tuck, J. V. Ellis and otliers. NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 299 BRKiADE ORDERS. Camp Sussex, May 18th, 7 p. m. Reyiniental Orders hy LiPAitenant-Colonel Mannsplh D. A. 6'., commanding. In accordance with orders received from head- (juarters, a battalion is formed for active service in the North West, composed of companies from New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, with the following staff: — Chaplain, Rev. G. G. Roberts. Adjutant, Captain McLean, 62nd Battalion. Quartermaster, Major Devlin, 62nd Battalion. Paymaster, Major McCully, 73rd Battalion. Sergeant-Major, Sergeant Mcivenzie, I. S. C. Quartermaster-Sergeant, Sergeant Daniel, I. S. C. Assistant-Sergeant Major or Staff Instructor, Sergeant Billman, I. S. C. Instructor's Stafl*, Billman and Sloane, I. S. C. Orderly Room Clerk, Sergeant Mayne, I. S. C. Paymaster's Clerk, Sergeant Taylor, 62nd Batt. Asst. Orderly Room Clerk, Sergt. Shea, I. S. C. Company Officers, OJnd Fusiliers. A Company — Captain Godard, Lieuts, Gregory, Godard. B Company — Captain Sturdee, Lieuts. Fraser, Ruel. :^0 SEVENTY YEARS OF C Company — Captain Hegan, Lieuts. Thomp- son, Lordly. G Company — Captain Edwards, Lieuts. Church- ill, McMillan. G7th Battalion — Captain Baker, Lieuts. Carman, Brown. 71st Battalion — Captain Howe, Lieuts. Loggie, Johnson. 74th battalion — Captain Harper, Lieuts. Mc- Fee, Wedderburn, 8th Cavalry. Infantry School Corps — Captain, Major Gordon ; Adjutant, Lieutenant Young ; Surgeon, T. Clowes Brown ; Lieutenants, Hanning, Russell. Two companies of the Halifax Battalion, Major Walsh commanding, arrived at Saskatchewan — landing May 12th. The battle of Batoche was fought on the 13th May ; Riel taken prisoner, and the rebellion ended. The force in camp at Sussex was to be dis- banded, and T received a note from Lieutenant- Colonel Maunsell to proceed to camp without de- lay for tlie payment of the troops there. I at once went to Sussex, examined the rolls with the assistance of Lieutenant-Colonel Cully, and issued checjues in payment, and the following morning the troops marched out of camp and returned to their homes. iYE]V BRUNSWICK LIFE. 301 OUR DOMINION ARMY. In times of peace tliere is no service for wliich grants are so grudgingly made as tlie militia ser- vice. It is, therefore, all the more important tliat there should be a judicious expenditure ; the maxi- mum of good for the minimum of cost. It is a debatable question whether the expendi- ture of $45,000 per annum on an Infantry School Corps is a paying investment. Is it an improve- ment upon tlie schools of military instruction which obtained in this Province for a time under competent drill sergeants? The country is sup- posed to have at the end of three years one hun- dred trained men at a cost of $1,350 per man, ready for any emergency ; and in addition the knowledge that may have been obtained by such officers of the militia force as may have availed themselves of the instruction afforded by the schools. In view of the federation of the British colonies the following may not be out of place : Wlien Sir Leonard Tilley was provincial secretary in New Brunswick, there was submitted for consideration a scheme similar in some respects to that recently adopted in the establishment of military schools. The loss sustained by the British government from desertion, and the expenditure for apprehension and prevention of desertion, suggested the enlist- ment of our men for military service in British 302 SEVENIY YEARS OF America. Each Province was to organize and otticer a regiment for three years' service from provincials. Those making the higher marks to be promoted and continued for a second or third term until the rank of liutenant-colonel had been reached ; tlie officers and men when discharged to receive according to merit and position appoint- ments in tlie militia. The garrisons, pay, food, arms, and clothing for the permanent force to be provided by the British government. It is estimated that every British soldier landed in a colony is a cost to the government of .£100 sterling. A regiment, therefore, of 1,000 men landed in New Brunswick would have cost the government £100,000. Had the suggestion, which 1 had the honor to submit, been acted upon, the cost of transport alone would have given ti. large margin ; and, the distribution of provincial regi- ments triennially throughout the militia, an avail- able force ready for any emergency. There might be some plan devised to retain in the country a large number of cadets receiving certificates of attendance at the schools. In some cases the allowance received has been applied to carry them out of the country. Sturdy young yeomen, who have property in the country, make undoubtedly the best citizens and soldiers ; and from this class, where it is possible, a selection should be made. ^0 beer or intoxicating liquid of any description NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 30:i should be sold or permitted within the barrack enclosure ; the recruit should be fdnrafcd to feel that he is something more than a mere machine. NEW BRUNSWICK RECUMKNT OF CAVALUV. Iie(ji 2)at7'iae que Fidclis. The 8th Princess Louise, or New Brunswick Regiment of Cav^alry, iscomposed chietiy of Kings county men, and has been for many years, consid- ered from a militia standpoint, an efficient force. Lieutenant-Colonel Saunders, a gentleman of leisure and means, was for many years the commander, and, ably supported by Majors Mark ham and Otty, the corps attained to a fair degree of efficiency. Kings being an agricultural county, men and liorses were readily obtained, and troops formed within reasonable distances. From the infre- quency of musters, either regimental or troop, a good knowledge of cavalry exercise cannot be expected. The steadiness of movement at inspec- tions is, therefore, all the more remarkable as exhibiting the intelligence of both the rider and his steed. It would be money judiciously expended to send to troop or company headcjuarters for three months of each year competent drill instructors. Not only the officers and such of the men as could attend would be benefitted, but a military spirit would be imparted to the youth admitted as visitor, and a 304 SEVENTY YEARS OF iioine or national spirit aroused so necessary to the well being of the Xew Dominion. The loyalty and ambition of the present com- mander, Lieutenant-Colonel Domville, to make the 8tli Cavalry an effective force is never questioned, and should occasion arise to bring together in one place all tlie arms of the service, New Brunswick will have no cause to be ashamed of her soldiers. FIELD BATTERIES. The two Held batteries in the 8th Military Dis- trict are placed at opposite sides of the Pi'ovince, Newcastle and Woodstock. Lieutenant-Colonel Call and Major Dibblee are good commanders and energetic men, else this important branch of the service would not have been so long and so well sustained. It is a tine sight to see a field battery, or regiment of cavalry or infantry sweep by when fully equipped ; but few pause to consider the cost to +he commander of reducing all the discordant eli^ments of a volunteer force to that point of order and implicit obedience. The value of this arm of the service cannot be over estimated. The work done by our brave New Brunswick men with their guns at Batoche paved the way for the brilliant and final charge of their brothers in arms, and together will form a red-letter page in the history of the Dominion. The names of NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE, 305 Peters and Drury stund prominent as good soldiers in this tlieir first l)a|)tisin of fire. Lieutenant-Colonel Call generally secures men of good physique for his battery ; while the horses of Carleton county cannot be excelled. BRKJIITOX KN(;iNEERS. In the event of the Dominion forces being called into active service numerous ready-made corps of engineers would be found in New Brunswick. Under the direction of an energetic and skilled ofHcer, costly appliances for transport, pontoons, etc., could be improvised, saving exjjense, valuable time, and adding nmch to the comfort of troops during a march. Major Vince is an excellent oflicer, jealous of the good conduct of his men, and when plans are submitted for field operations he is ably seconded l)y th.e genius and activity dis- played in the work, I have several times seen a bridge thrown across a stream, over which troops four deep have marched in safety, the timber of which a few hours pre\ ious had been standing in the forest. In the instances referred to, the axe, the auger, and the spade were deftly handled by Major Vince's men, and any section ordered for the duty could apply intelligent labor. The ad- vanced class of teachers distributed through our rural districts, are sending out young men possess- ing a fair knowledge of mathematics. Hence their 20 30G SEVENTY YEARS OF aptitude in discerning the point aimed at, and alacrity in executing constructive works perform- ed by engineer corps. Sir Garnet Wolseley was not slow to discover the peculiar trait in the native Canadian, from whose book the navigators of the ancient Nile have learned a useful lesson. Major Vince volun- teered tlie services of the Brighton Engineers for Egypt, or other foreign active service, if required. CITY CORPS — ARTILLERY, X. B. B. G., ST. JOHN. Tlie St. John Artillery Corps, as individual bat- teries or a brigade, have always been a presentable force, eitlier in point of numbers or efficiency in drill. The true spirit of the soldier was more observable previous to confederation, when all the expenses of volunteer corps were borne by the officers and men. But this was not all ; they had frequently to bear the taunts and sneers of the less cliivalrous but more grasping and money mak- ing portions of the community. Growing out of this system, may yet be found many officers in different sections of the Province still honored as rendering etiective service in their day. But many have passed away, only to meet at the General Assembly. Among these may be mentioned of recent date Lieutenant Colonel S. K. Foster of St. John, and Lieutenant Colonel Hunter Peteis of Carleton. I knew them for iV^ir BRUNSWICK LIFE. 307 iiiany years as personal tViends, zealous officers and popular coinmai ders. Lieutenant Colonel Lester Peters was also an excellent otKcer in this branch of the service ; and many of his brother olficers regretted his early retirement. It is very difficult to select from tiie floating population of a city like St. John men who may be relied upon to complete their term of service. Hence an officer must endure the interminable A B C, or foundation drill of recuits, to keep his roll intact. To this end, the drill shed, before in- spection, is in nightly requisition and the clear voice of the instructor heard at very late hours. The artillery practice of the St. John and other batteries seaward from Fort Duflerin have earned favorable comment from the inspecting olficers ; and, with rified cannon, should give a good account of an enemy's ships attempting to enter the harbor. The present commander. Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong, is an energetic and painstaking officer, and the New Brunswick Brigade of Garrison Artillery, which he has just succeeded in organiz- ing, is an honor to New Brunswick. CITY CORPS — 62nd battalion. Semper Paratus. The veteran commander of this fine corps, Lieutenant Colonel Blaine, is a sample of the energy and perseverance of the old time command- 308 SEVENTY YEARS OF °irs of New Brunswick corps. Semper Parntnx is not simply the motto of the corps, but its impress would be stamped on every olKcer by tlieir com- mander. This regiment liad the honor of being called to the front at the threatened Fenian invasion, and went ! They also marched out from tludr drill sheds under peculiar but pleasing circumstances for the North West. New ]]runswickers are proverbially loyal, and should the necessit}' arise, if properly led, will le- peat the story of their fathers, the old 104th. The marcii out of the 62nd, with its tine regi- mental band, is always a pleasing sight. It has, as General Grant said, when asked for his opinion of a British regiment, the swing of victory ! Tiie danjaging effect produced by the constant changing of men is still more felt when members of the band leave that branch. The finely strung ne of musicians producing delightful harmony eeming paradox to the discord occasionally jd need and demands the exercise of an oft- abused virtue by the commander. The St. John Ilitle Company, attached to the G2nd, is a fine company, in charge of Captain Hartt, a painstaking olticer and crack shot. A tliorougi' ' nowledge of light infantry or bugle di'ill, in which some of our rifle companies have Vxien expert, would make this fine company still more effective. A'^EW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 309 COUNTRY COUPS. The l)ackl.)oiie of every army is composed of the solid yeomanry of the country, because of tlieir numl)er, powers of endurance, and the fields and hearths they represent. The men form- ing the greater part of the force of this Dominion are intelligent men ; not mere machines. They have had the advantage of education ; and but few rolls bear other than bona fide signatures of the English speaking volunteers. The shortness of the season for farm v/ork, and the varied employments in which they engage, in wood, field or river, give activity in motion and quickness of comprehension, — the peculiar attri- butes of good soldiers. From an experience of over forty years, as a commander of such men, I have always found that the officer who knew his duty and did it was respected. The man in the ranks who knows more than his officer is a dangerous man. To appoint officers from tiie old country, of any rank, over these native-born soldiers, would be, in active service, to court disaster, as they could know nothing of the character of the country or the genius of its people. At Balaklava, when in a terrible wincT the tents of the British officers were blown into the sea, a New Brunswick officer suc- ceeded in holding his tent, not waiting for his ser- vant, and was the first under cover. 310 SEVENTY YEARS OF i'i II As a police force to aid the civil authorities in the suppression of riots, the protection of property by Ives, and their presence to check incipient rowdyism, the company of rural corps, stationed at the ba 'ion headquarters, — generally the princip.'il t>. vvi of the county, — should })e placed on a moi'^ eilicient footing, i. c, some compensation allow'(!d xur extra drill or services out of the ordin- ary course. If a money consideration were not availa')le, a distinguishing mark might be given to such fj^mpany as had attained to the highest de- gree of proficiency. In frontier towns, like St. Andrews, where there is no military organization, or towns where the pop'dation is rapidly increasing, as Moncton, independent conipanies of riHes might be authoriz- ed, t« "ining regimental corps or attached as the case may be. A company of rifles, well drilled men, was sustained in the town of Woodstock for more than twenty years, and during that period vas ordered out on several occasions on active service. In these days of communism, and the l)anding of men under various guises, whose object is dis- order and strife, all intelligent and right minded men should give timely aid and support in ('stab- lishing loy.'il organizations for the suppression of these enemies to peace and good government. "To be forewarned is to be forearmed." c-'rTT.xr.tz.'W^.-r-ji ^'^ a; s Q^hiiptcr xxii. Work in St. John. ^•|lfE lire wliicli destroyed the greatei' part of the city on tlie 20th June, 1877, extended its ravages to the barracks, which was cotnpU'tely destroyed, and the large stone building containing military stores was gutted and contents consumed. The store building had been niad<5 fit for occu- pancy, but the brick ruins of th(^ guard house, armorers' forge, dchris from retaining walls, \aults of garrison, and under-pinning of gun-sheds still lay in unsightly heaps, or covered the grounds in all directions. Th(! sanitary state of the old ruins compelled me in self-defence to a necessary expenditn (^ for alterations, and as every vestige of outbuilding and fence had been swept away, I erected necessary buildings and fence at a : )st of .$150. I had been led to believe that the amount obtained by sale of debris, brick, stone, etc., woula be 'allowed for these necessary arrangements. Tins, however, was not permitted. But I had the security that my office was during good behavior, so that 1 would have the enjoyment of their use for life. When, at the confederation of the British Prov- ■■ 312 SEVENTY YEARS OF fH. f^('t^( -Til r^t -aT incoft", T applied for stfifl' (J+*}^H»*»«t hs brigade major, 1 was I'cquested by a member of the privy council, .Sir Leonard Tilley, to accept as a personal favor the office of paymaster, at a salary of .^GOO, to be increased as the duties increased, which would be a permanent appointment, while the office of brigade major, to which a higiier salary was attached, might be done away witii. It was not then .stated to me, nor did I lear7i until some time after, that the acceptance of either office had been left by tJie Privy Conncil at my own option. How these assurances have been carried out this narrative shows. The lirst increase of duty was, "annual drill and camp." When " camps of instruction" were authorized throughout the Do- minion the district paymaster for the special ser- vice, under general orders issued annually, received an allowance of fifty dollars per month, covering two and in a few instances four months. This wa:> continued until V^y a change of government Mr. Jones, of Halifax, was {appointed Minister of Militia, when the allowance was cut off. From this time forward pay of rank only was allowed for this service and for the number of days actu- ally in camp. With the establishment of " cavalry and infantiy schools," the dutit\s of paymaster were largely increased, — in District No. 8 by one-half. Visiting Ottawa, when 8ir Leonard was Minister of Finance, I stated in liis office that paymasters in the upper provinces were in receipt of allowance i\EW BRUXSWTCK LIFE. 313 witlilield from me. In reply to which Sir Leonard said, "I shall insist on your being placed on as good a footing as any other paymaster in the Dominion." Notwithstanding, vhile paymasters of military schools in Ontario and Quebec have been receiv ing regularly an allowance of $200 per annum as payment for that service, the cl.aim of the pay- master of District No. 8, for the disbursement of $45,000 annually to the Infantry School Corps of New BrunvSwick, has not been authorized by the Minister of Militia. The auiount named is fully equal to that paid to other schools, and why an exception should be made in favor of the upper provinces is not easy to comprehend. To these increased duties was further added the audit monthly of the bank account, which em- braced all moneys issued by cheque on militia account, amounting annually to aljout $80,000. The mon'liiy returns of the store department, requiring several days of close writing and many words being placed in a small compass, I began to feel after five years, work of this kind its bad effect upon my eyes. The department at Ottawa had been many times solicited to furnish forms with printed lieadings, as used in the regular ser- vice, but they came too late to prevent irreparable injury to my sight. When tirst attacked I was threatened M'ith loss of sight in both my eyes, and asked to be retired with an allowance, which was refused. Why a man whose life may be placed in 314 SEVENTY YEARS OF jeopardy by general order at any moment for the defence of his country has not the same intrinsic value as tlie civil servant enjoying a comfortable home, lias yet to be explained. The loyalty of the people of this country was doubtless taken into account when pay for militia service was being considered, else oiiicers would have been placed on a par with persons employed in the civil service, who not only receive much higher salaries, but for whom an annual and res- pectable provision is made on retirement. After several months' severe treatment by Dr. Coleman, to whom I feel grateful for constant and skilful professional attention, the progress of in- jury received was checked, ard the nerve-powei* in one of my eyes fairly restored. In the meantime an allowance was given for a clerk, who made, out the store returns only, — the paymaster's work I managed to get through with myself, and in this way everything seemed to progress satisfactorily for a period of two years more. By instructions received from the director of stores, I made quarterly inspections of all the forts, batteries, magazines and militia properties situated within the military District No. 8. This involved qu.arterly visits to Fredericton, Forts Howe and Dutferin, Partridge Island, Red Head Battery ; also, Dorchester Batteiy and the drill shed at St. John, with an occasional visit to Fort Tipperary at St. Andrews. Full reports of the KEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 315 condition of all tlies ^^ Dperties were required to be made (quarterly, and repairs or erections were frequently ordered under my supervision. Semi-annual inspections of the store department were made by tlie deputy adjutant general of the time and another officer, and to the credit of a faithful servant of the country, the foreman of the store department, James Emison, be it said, that not only during a period of fifty years as caretaker in the Imperial and Dominion service, had no chari^e been made against him, but on the con- trary the fine condition of everything in charge was pointed to as a model for others in the depart- ment. In the discharge of my duty as paymaster, dur- ing a period of twenty years under several minis- ters, I have no reason to think that at any time these duties were not performed in a manner satis- factory to all concerned. With the deputy minis- ter, Lieuten nt-Colonel Panet, and the director of stores, Lieutenant-Colonel Macpherson, T have recent evidence in my possession of the kir Uy feelinjj' that has ever existed between us. lio stores of any description have had to be accoun'^ed for, nor any explanation regarding the misappro- priation of one cent of the public money during the whole period of my service. The accountant, Mr. O'Meara, I ever found to be a courteous and painstaking officer, and in the death of Major Grant of the store brancli, I felt that I had lost a personal friend. nio SEVENTY YEARS OF RETIREMENT. "The long and faithful services !" I had heard so many times iterated, and the promises of men wjjo had the power to improve my condition, led me to hope that some change would take place for the better. But I liad yet something to learn of the true inwardness of politicians, to whom the word tuuDi is a mere abstraction. I had now been pursuing for some time the " even tenor of my way," without a ruffle to dis- turb the enjoyment of the approaching Christmas season, and as efficiently as ever performing the duties of my ollice. Returning with my wife from an afternoon visit to our daughter at Fairville, we met a friend on King street wjio said, " Have you seen tlie OJohf, ? It is said that you are to be retired and your oliice given to another person." Information of so grave a nature received : i this way, was certainly a shock for which we were not prepared. No dissatisfaction had ever been ex- pressed at headquarters as to the manner of the discliarge of my duty, and I felt there must be some mistake. I was aware that a brisk canvass was going on in the city for the election of members to the Dominion Parliament. Dr. Barker was a candi- date, and had also the patronage of the city. I had known the doctor for many 3'ears, and would see him and get an explanation. I asked the NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 317 doctor if it were true that to effect some object in this election I was to be officially decapitated ? He replied, that lie supposed that ivas what a soldier was made for. In this reply was a confession of cool and delib- erate treachery. I felt at once that I was to be victimized, and awaited the course of events. I had certainly seen in a St. John paper, a few days previous, that at a conservative caucus held on the previous evening it had been said openly that, "Something must be done for Armstrong" ; but it never occurred to me tliat there was a plotting for my removal. A few days later the receipt of the following official letter removed every doubt : — [Copy.] 14,9G0. Department of Militia and Defence, Ottawa, 31st December, 1886. Sir : I am directed by the Minister of Militia and Defence to inform you that an order in council has passed appointing Major Andrew Armstrong, of the New Biuns- wick Brigade Garrison Artillery, to the position of Pay- master and Superintendent of Militia Stores for District No. 8, and to request that you will be good enough to arranjre with that gentlemen for the transfer of books, etc. The minister considering your long and faithful services has made an exception to the rule and recommended the council the granting to you of two years' salary ($1,400) as a gratuity, which recomniendatiun has been approved of I expect to yet a letter from you stating when Major 318 SEVENTY YEARS OF Avmstron,':, will be ready to take uj) the charge of the office. I am also writing to that gentleman to-day on that 8ul>ject. I li.iAc the honor to be, sir, Your obedient servant, EucjENE Panet, Lieut. -Colonel, Deputy Minister of Militia and Defence. This letter confirmed wliat I liad heard on the street. A proceeding so summary, endorsed by my chief, cut olf any hope of appeal. Had it been Sir George Cartier, or soine other Minister of Mili- tia under whose regime I had served, I could have hoped for a demand being made to sliow cause why an old public servant, against wliom no charge had ever been preferred, should be tlms summarily dismissed ; but "a new king had arisen who knew not Josepli," and cared not. Tlie condition or circumstances of the faitliful officer or his family in spite of service rendered and still being given, of sacrifices made for patty and country, of promises oft repeated, — all these things are of minor consideration to the candidate for a prospective seat in the House of Commons, or in the government or on the woolsack, for him- self, though he is your professed friend. Without even a semi-official intimation of what was in- tended, left first to learn it from a friend on the street, then from the columns of the daily paper, and practically turned on the street in midwinter. Such a course is surely not the best calculated to encourage faithful service to one's country. NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 319 Some lionorablo man may be at tliis moment in a ^ovei'Minont otlice in the discharge of responsible duties, receiving a salary barely sufficient to main- tain Ijis family respectably, yet his otHce may be the subj(»ct of a treacherous negotiation to advance not the interests of his country but tlie personal or party political intlu< ice of some man or men. Tlio following extract from a letter received from a gentleman in St. Jolm, after the election, seemed to be also the expression of public opinion : "The only qualification for his successor was the active membership of a society whose influence the government candidate hoped to get, and who had by running an election in which, though defeated, tlie party was anxious to put out of the way, — and th'is, for a local political exigency a militia officer of fifty years' service is turned out of his office in midwinter without justification whatever to oiXvA' for it, save and only that his office is wanted by another man. Tiie government, largely through the intervention of manipulators in this election and for political reasons fearing the loss of votes, has made an additional grant of $100 per annum to the salary of your successor." The election was not however won, even though such means were used to secure a majority, and the government candidate was left in a minority of votes to ponder the uncertainty of position in the public service. 320 SEVEN! Y YEARS OF Tlie following; is from tho St. John Tclpfjrapli, of February 12tl), 1887 : FIFTY YEAUS' SEUVICE. The Honorable Milifaij Career of Litnt. -Colonel William T. Baird^ late District Paymaster and Superintendent of Stores. The Canada Gazette, for February oth, cout.'iined tlie following announccuieiit ; MILITIA CKNKHAIi OHDERS. JHstrict Staf. Major A. J. Armstrong, from the N. B. B G. ArtiHory, has heen appointed paymaster and 8Ui)erintendent of stores for military District No. 8, from Ist February, 1887, vice Lieutenant-Colonel William T. Baird, who has been permitted to retire retaining his rank of lieutenant- colonel. In these formal and simple terms is chronicled the clo^e of the active military career of an effi- cient officer and honorable gentleman. Few men — in New Brunswick at any rate — can count as many years of continuous service as he can, and none other perhaps has done so much towards bringing our militia forces to a liigh degree of per- fection. It was fifty years ngo when Colonel Baird's career began by his volunteering as a member of the Fredericton Rifles, and he saw his first service during the boundary line troubles and lYEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 321 in the so-called Canadian rebellion. Three years after, in 1841, he aided in organizing a rifle com- pany in Woodstock, and was commissioned lieu- tenant. During the Orange riot at Woodstock, in 1847, he commanded the guard for the defence of the town. In 1849, he was made, by general order, captain commanding the Woodstock com- pany, and his performance of the duties so well justified the choice that to-day every old resident of Woodstock remembers the proficiency and activity of Captain Baird's men. Tlie year 1859 saw the company ordered out by the Lieutenant-Governor to suppress the railway riots, — and they were sup- pressed. In 1860 and 1861, Captain Baird's ser- vice was of a more peaceful and pleasing nature,, for in the former year he commanded the guard of honor to the Prince of Wales at Fredericton, and in the latter the guard to Prince Alfred at Wood- stock. The four years following, however, brought him sterner business. In 1862, he organized and commanded the post service on the frontier for the prevention of desertion in connection with the " Trent" affair. The posts were located at Wood- stock, Florenceville, Tobique and Grand Falls, and iiere he was occupied for three months. On the first of January, 1863, he received the merited honor of being gazetted lieutenant-colonel, — and June 8th of the same year, he was gazetted deputy quartermaster general, in which capacity he went with the company assembled in 1865, under orders 21 322 SEVENTY YEARS OF of Colonel Anderson, commanding on the frontier, to proceed to ot. Andrews to repel the Fenian force. In 1865, by a general order. Colonel Baird was placed in command of the G2nd Battalion service militia, twenty-six days in camp at Fredericton. The brigade was composed of the 15th Regiment under command of Colonel Cole; the 1st Battalion commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Wilmot, and the 2nd Battalion by Lieutenant-Colonel Baird. It was inspected July 8th, 18G5, by General Doyle, who bore strong testimony to the discipline of the camp. In 186G, Colonel Laird again proved his efficiency as an officer by organizing and command- ing a battalion 400 strong, which was detailed for frontier service at the time of the Fenian raid. It was inspected by the governor, Hon. Arthur Gordon, and Lieutenant-Colonel Maunsell. In 1868, Colonel Baird organized the 67th Battalion •Carleton Light Infantry. During the same year he commanded at the guard of honor to ""nnce Arthur at Woodstock. In 1869, Colonel Baird was appointed paymaster of Military District, No. 8, and in 1879 was made district storekeeper in this city. Now, after the fifty years of faithful service set forth above, Lieutenant-Colonel Baird has been retired on a gratuity of two years' pay — the paltry sum of $1,400. NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 323 In reply to notice of removal dated Slst Decem- ber, the following was respectfully submitted to the Deputy Minister : — St. John, N. B., January G, 1887. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 14,960, dated December 3l8t, informing me that Major Armstrong had been appointed in my plt»ce, and requesting that I will arrange with that gentleman for the transfer of books, etc. I am also informed that an order in council has been approved granting me a gratuity of two years' salary, $1,400, A letter is also expected from me stating when Major Armstrong will be ready to take up the charge of his office. In reply, 1 have the houor to stale that this information was a shock to me, because unexpected, and without plan or prospect for a future living or employment. If my salary were not supplemented by allowances each year from district camps, I could not have subsisted, and have now bills in arrears for actual necessaries of life. It was, therefore, impossible to Jay by anything from my salary with a view to future possibilities. The minister, consid- ering my « long and faithful service, ' has been pleased to recommend a gratuity of two years' pay, $1,400. It is just possible that ministers and council may not know the work and responsibility of the office of pay- master, which I have had the honor to hold since confed- eration of the British Provinces, and beg to submit the work of the year 1886, viz., cheques received for services and amounts, as follows : — 324 SEVENTY YEARS OF General service $17,210 78 A Company, Infantry Scliool 45,300 00 Annual drill 19,633 36 $82,144 14 This does not include the amount paid to troops at Sussex ordered to the Northwest. The disbursement of this amount, computed at the ordinary rate allowed by banks or on commercial account, would larf,ely exceed the amount received as a salary. I have herein made no reference to the various duties of superintendent of storers, for i -i duty my predecessor received $700 per annum, and which duty I have per- formed for the last seven years. I have presented through you, as Deputy of Ministers several petitions and requests, asking that the amount of $200 per annum, received by paymasters of infantry school corps in the upper provinces, be allowed to me as pay- master of the Infantry School Corps at Fredericton, which duty I have performed for the past three years, but with- out avail. The notice may involve a removal of my family at an inclement season of the year, from rooms on which money and labor have recently been expended by me to make them comfortable lor the winter. There have been erec- tions and improvements made at my expense on the grounds, the cost of which will be submitted in detail ; also, for rent or cost of office furniture, all of which I have supplied, and on which I have paid taxes and insurance during the past seven years. (See claim for desk, $37.) In view of the facts herein stated, I have earnestly to request that you will submit for the favorable considera- tion of the Honorable the Minister of Militia and Defence the following, viz. : JVEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 325 I. Increase of gratuity to $2,000 00 II. Allowance as Paymaster Infantry School Corps, three years' service, at $200 600 00 III. Payment for value of improvements 110 37 Also, cost or rent of office desk 37 00 IV. Permission to occupy dwelling apartments in Store Building and use of fuel until the spring opens, — my wife being an invalid. V. Continuance of salary or subsistence until the first of May, or time of removal from St. John. VI. Expenses of removal from St. John to Woodstock, from'whence I came, and the cost of removal hither, — which was paid by me. VII. Permission to retire with my rank. My services as a volunteer commenced in 1837-38, and has been continuous until the present time. (See public records and General Orders.) I have the honor to be, sir, Your most obedient servant, W. T. Baird, Lieutenant-Colonel, D. P. and S. of S. LlEUTEXANT-COLONEL PaNKT, Deputy Minister of Militia and Defence, Ottawa. In addition to the foregoing claims was one for twenty-four days' service from the first of Febru- ary — the date of my release as Paymaster and Superintendent of Stores, — authorised as follows, by telegraph : Dated Ottawa, Ont., February 2, 1887. To Paymastti , St. John : Major Armstrong has been notified to assume duties of District Paymaster from first instant. Please complete 326 SEVENTY YEARS OF payments of services up to thirty-first ultimo, as per credit provided, and notice forwarded to you by mail. J. MacPhebson, Lieutenant-Colonel, Actine; Deputy M. of M. and D. The above telegram was confirmed by official letter rereived later. Note in the address, ^^ Late D. Paymaster of St. John" : Department of Militia and Defence, (Account Branch), Ottawa, Ist February, 1887. . Lt.-Col. W. T. Baird, Late D. Paymaster, St. John, N. B. Sir: Major A. J, Armstrong having boen notified to assume the duties of Paymaster of Military District, No. 8, from the 1st inst, you will please complete the payments of the services up to 31st ultimo, as provided by credits notified to you in the ordinary printed forms or notices and authorities forwarded to you by mail up to that date. Having completed these payments you will please hand over to Major A. J. Armstrong all cash, books, ledgers, cheque books, and public papers you hold in connection with the office of paymaster of the district. You will please forward the usual accounts and vouch- ers up to the 31st ultimo, and send a statement on Form No 42, showing the balance of your accounts at the bank, and giving the number, date, to whom payable, and amount of each cheque unpaid by the bank at the date of rendering such account. You will please then refund by separate deposit receipts the balance at credit of each account as shown by your ledger. (Signed) J. Macphehs©n, Lieutenant-Colonel, Acting Deputy Minister M. and D. NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 327 My services as paymaster having ceased on the 1st February, also the customary montlily allow- ance, here was plainly an authority from the gov- ernment to perform a service for which I would be entitled to receive pay of rank, and so said a staff officer, to whom at the time I submitted the authority ; but this, with all other claims for services rendered, have up to this time not been paid by the authorities at Ottawa, alth'>ugh some at least have been admitted correct and just. The validity of at least some of these claims is substan- tiated by the following letter from His Honor Sir Leonard Tilley : Government House, Fredericton, February 18th, 1888. } My dear Sir Adolph: Colonel Baird writes me that he is about to make some claims upon your department for extra services rendered and money expended on buildings at St. John, during his residence there, and asks me to say a word to you in favor of his application. He has sent me a synopsis of his claims, and to me some of them seem quite reasonable. Of the others I am not in a position to express an opinion ; but I would ask for his application the most favorable consideration that can be given it. He needs every dollar that can fairly be given him. Knowing your appreciation of the services of the men who have devoted their lives to the perfecting of our militia service, I have every confidence that you will take a liberal view of hi^ ?;a8e. I feel strongly for Colonel Baird, because I have an inti- mate knowledge of the great sacrifices he made in main- 328 SEVENTY YEARS OF taining our militia force before Confederation, when government did but little to reimburse the active officers for work performed. Under all the adverse circumstances with which our officers had thus to contend, he was always active, giving his time and his money in the interest of his service. In fact, he and a few others were mainly in- strumental in the reorganization of our militia after it had been permitted to die out. It is my appreciation of his valual)le services then rendered that mokes me feel anxious for a generous consideration of his present claims. I know you gave liim on retiring two years' salary ; but with that Iiis means are limited, and he finds it hard to get along. Yours sincerely, (Signed) S. L. Tillev. Sir Adoi.ph Caron, Minister of Militia, Ottawa. On the first clay of Marcli, 1887, wearied with packing and preparation for the journey home, the mercury at zero, we left tlie apartments occu- pied by us in the store building, St. John, and the service of a goverinnent iwofessedly conserving the best interests of the country. Various attempts having been made through in- fluential men to impress favorably the Minister of Militia regarding my claims. The Minister of Marine and Fisheries liaving expressed himself favorably during the election canvass in St. John as to the payment of at least one of the claims, viz., " For improvements on store grounds," and also having given an explicit assurance if found just the other claims would be paid ; that they KEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 329 would be liberally and generously dealt witli, and would be all right, I addressed to that gentleman, as a representative of this Province in the Domin ion, a letter as follows : Woodstock, N. B., June 15, 1888. My dear Sir : Before the last session of Parliament, I made up a full statement of my claims against the government, which, supported by letters from Sir Leonard Tilley and others, were, I believe, submitted to the Minister of Militia by Mr. Hale, the representative of this county. I cannot see that any objection should be made to my claim for transport expenses to and from my post of duty when acting under orders. 8ee Regulations and Orders for the Militia of Canada, 1883, par. 141. 142: "When any ofificer of the District Staff is relieved from duty or is transferred to another station," etc. 142. « On reporting for duty, etc., beside actual personal transport and hotel expenses en route, an allowance is provided for transport of luggage, 1,000 poimds, and a sum of money equal to tivo months' pay to cover all other personal claims and expenses incident to his removal.^^ The Staff of a District is composed of the following offi- cers, viz., Deputy Adjutant General, Brigade Major, Pay- master and Superintendent of Stores. These are statutory provisions approved by the Governor-in-Council, Decem- ber 17th, 1883. With the claims referred to was submitted a statement by Mr. Fairweather, an architect in St. John, of the value of a building, fence and other improvements erected and paid for by me on the government grounds adjoining the store building in St. John, which valuation was made in the year 1887. The building, etc., is now used by and in l)ossession of my successor. Major Armstrong, from whom, 330 SEVENTY YEARS OF nor from any other person, have I received anything a& payment for the expenditure. I certainly had no authority to make these improve- ments, but they were a necessity, as everything had been swept from the premises in the great fire of St. John ; and had I been permitted to remain in occupation and dis- charge my duty as paymaster, etc., as promised when I first accepted the office at Confederation, « to be held dur- ing good behavior or ability to discharge the duty," the claim in all probability would never have been presented. I cannot remove those improvements, and am slow to believe that the government will determine to appropriate for the public service personal property, the cost or value of which I now so much need. I was instructed to remain and complete the work of the year during the month of February, for which service I have received nothing. There being no gas on the premises, my claim for light and fuel for kindling coal fires in the public service is a just one. For three years as paymaster of the Infantry School at Fredericton, I disbursed all moneys paid on that account. Other paymasters received $200 per annum,, while in New Brunswick the paymaster received nil. These claims are fair and honest. I now earnestly and respectfully request that you will examine them in the office of the Minister of Militia, or I will send you copies, and give me your opinion and rea- sons if any, why moneys expended by me in the public service, when acting under authority, should not be re- funded and payment for services rendered authorised. I am, sincerely yours, W. T. Baird, Lieutenant-Colduel. Hon. G. E. Foster, Minister of Finance, Ottawa. To this was received only the usual brief, eva- 2^EW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 331 sive, polite acknowledgment of receipt. Up to tiie present time the results are about as satisfactory as when that note was received. The claims still remain unsettled. I I \ i Chitptec xxiii. Squa-took Lakes, Upper St. J^hn, N. B. FTER sundry assurances given by the cautious "iEjjf^ Deputy Minister of Militia, Lieut.-Colonel Panet, that tlie public service would not be per- mitted to suffer in consequence of my absence, I gladly closed my desks, and, leaving the warlike stores in charge of the old and faithful foreman and caretaker, Emison, entered one line morning Dan's coach for the New Brunswick train. The delights of a school boy in his holiday enjoyment is approached in the "leave of absence" from the desk of routine of duty by the government official. The pure air of wood or lake, the sense of liberty and freedom from the daily cares and responsible duties that may devolve upon him are enjoyed as phases of a new existence. A few days spent at the old farm and home near Woodstock, my wife and I leave for a brief visit to Bairdsville, my early wilderness home. Arriving at the station, directly opposite, an old friend and well-known lumberman on the St. John River, William Kilburn, kindly fixed his canoe and set us over. Reaching the h'-ghway by an old and steep road from the river, the creek, lake, and once familiar spots present themselves. yUW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 333 Among the comfortable and neatly painted build- ings composing the residence of Henry Baird, Esq., I spied one diminutive, unpainted and retiring from view, as if unfit to associate with its more modern and artistic brothers. But to me it was the loveliest of all. Within its rude walls I had slept the sleep of youthful innocence and content- ment ; it liad been to me a palatial residence ; it had been the home of a dear mother, and it had sheltered us from wintry storm and blast. The visit was one of mixed joy and sadness — memory was busy with the past. But the wonder- ful progress which stamped every object was a cause of rejoicing. Instead of a small patch of clearing, the whole farm, a mile in depth, was de- nuded of trees and under goow cultivation ; an excellent turnpike road, a church, a school-house, well dressed people, fine horses and carriages and die whistle of the railway, exhibited a moral and material development I had never expected to wit- ness in that section of the county. On Monday, August 10th, 1885, Paxton having arrived by train, we join him at Kilburn's, and continue the journey to Tobique, whera we meet our Indian guides, Steve Loler and John Thomas, with their barks. All aboard ! We pass swiftly through the pleasantly situated village and over fine table land to the Restook. Above the Tobique and Restook rivers, — important tributaries of the St. John, — the main river becomes narrower, with ;334 SEVENTY YEARS OF higher banks and lofty hills or mountains in the near distance. Passing the " Ranger" Settlement, an old settle- ment composed of disbanded British soldiers, — and Salmon River, on which is a new Danish settle- ment, — we reach Rapid deFemme, at which place is located the salmon hatchery, one of the most useful institutions established by the Dominion government. After an exchange of passengers at Grand Falls, we proceed to Edmundston, where we » arrive at half-past eight. The platform at the station was too high to make a step down, and a leap in the dark must always be at somebody's risk. In this case Paxton touched bottom, minus a portion of epidermis from ii lower limb. Inexcusable thouglitlessness ; in this case a sloven loaded with iron crossing the path- way, often causes us to shin what we should shun. Leaving the guides to remove their canoes to the shore and pitch the tents, I cross the Little Madawaska River to "Rabin's Hotel." Finding several official letters which demanded attention, the Indians are despatched at early morn, to be joined by us later, with wagon containing all neces- sary supplies for our journey. For some distance above Edmundston, from the road which skirts the Little Madawaska River, towering hills of curious form arise, at the base of which cosy residences of town officials nestle. For the greater part of the distance to the Temisoouata Lake, this beautiful NFJV BRUNSWICK LIFE. 335 river winds its way througli farms gently receding on either bank or through the primeval forest, which claims every inch to the water's edge. The driver, pausing for a few moments at the iron post which marks the boundary between New Brunswick and Quebec, I deposit for a third time, through a de- fective opening, tlie date and names of the party, which, if ever read or by whom, none can tell. About one in the afternoon we arrived at Big 'Creek where our stores were dumped, and we awaited in a friendly shade the arrival of the In- dians. The beautiful barks soon rounded a bushy point near us, and all being transported to the opposite side of tlie river, preparation was made for dinner. O'Brien, with his son and two liorses, soon after put in an appearance and commenced preparation for our conveyance to Mud Lake. With the facility and genius of a native, O'Brien constructed two sleds or extensions of the ordinary winter sleds, on which small poles, longer than the canoes, with grass pillows, forming a spring bed, were placed to carry our barks and camp equipage. To the uninitiated I may say that all the tools required for general purposes in the woods are an axe and an augur. The material for construction is everywhere present. While at dinner a brisk shower drenched every- thing ; and the repeated baptisms from the thick leafy bushes as we proceeded were, we fear, not in all cases accidental. An attempt to leap with a 336 SEVENTY YEARS OF pole over mud holes was for a time attempted ; but after a few slips wo accepted tlv^ inevitable and trudged on through thick and thin. We reached the camping ground at Mud Lake, a dis- tance of four miles, about dark. A rousing lire was soon kindled, and the bushes adjoining were ornamented witli saturated linen or woollen gar- ments. We were fortunate in obtaining two of the most expert canoe-raen and intelligent guides on the St. John. Whether making a tent comfortable or a meal palatable they cannot be excelled. Any directions were altogether unnecessary. On the contrary, wants of even a trifling nature were anticipated. Their knowledge of the haunts of the finest "finny" was to us invaluable. Refreshed and sufiering no inconvenience from the delays and tramp of the day previous, we entered our canoes, which had been prepared for us in Beardley's, alias Mud, Lake. A slab of cedar against which to recline, a seamless bag filled with fine wild hay for a cushion, floating on a silver lake in a tight canoe, and a trusty red-skin behind you at the helm, — is a position that cannot be fully appreciated until once enjoyed. The dam at the outlet of the lake being reached and passed, we arrive at the second dam, when the Indians make a halt to shoe the canoes, — the low condition of the water making this necessary to protect them while being dragged over the stony beach. M ^EW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 337 Leaving us on a smooth grassy plot they enter enter tlie woods. Tlie sound of the axes are cheer- ing, and in an hour they return, each drawing after him three pieces or strips of cedar sixteen or eighteen feet in length, five inches in width, and about three-quarters of an inch in thickness. A strip of the tough cedar bark is passed through the upper edge, and over the top of each piece of shoeing a bow, centre and stern, reaching up the sides and being tied to the cross bars inside of the canoe. The straps or harness, for drawing the canoe, are also made of the rough cedar bark, and attached to the first bar, thence over the shoulder and breast. The scrape of the previous day and sundry grim- aces, drew attention to Paxton's injured limb, now seriously inflamed from the wet and muddy tramp. But John, the medicine man, was equal to the occasion. Superior skill and medicine were both available. Bathed, and dried with the soft fleshy leaf of the maple within reach, he caused to drop upon the wound fir balsam pressed from the fresh bark. Over this was dusted the light ash from cedar bark, which formed a perfect dressing, and remained until the wound was perfectly healed. Dinner being speedily prepared, a few trout we had just taken gave zest to the meal. After a heavy drag of three miles we reached the alders, which quite met in the now very narrow stream, and through which we fought our way. No fencer, 2S 338 SEVENTY YEARS OF however skilled, could have done this a la mode. They were to the right, left, and in front. Now taking off a hat, now a smart slap, or scooping from the canoe a portion of its contents. Poles or jaddles were useless — pulling, pushing, lifcing, or twisting of the thickly interwoven bushes was the manner of our proceeding. At five in the afternoon we cut the wither, leav- ing our shoe appendage behind, and shot out into the clear, cold, beautiful river, Squa-took. A spurt, aided by a swift current, brought us to good fishing ground at the entrance to the lake. Speckled beauties, a pound and over, rose eveyy time to our flies, and as we reeled up from the last throw a look into the basket dispelled all doubt of success. Entering the lake at night-fall, we pull for the left shore, where, behind a barrier of massive trees and other drift on a level spot, our tents are soon pitched. Time hangs heavily on the hands of a hungry man, — but sometimes it pays to wait. Reader, I must confess my inability to describe the enjoyment, mentally and physically, of that evening's repast. Seated on a cushion ; by your side a firkin, from the top of which arises in curl- ing fumes the aroma o^ pure mocha, with sugar and condensed milk to taste ; a plate with a pound trout beautifully browned ; another with a flour pancake light and fluffy, well buttered and heavily <)oated with finely scraped maple sugar ; a mealy, V,^. ...J«.,» KFW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 339 smoking poimne de terre with pork gravy ; and an appetite such a day's work only can give ! What gourmand's palate could refuse or what poetic genius express the ecstatic enjoyment of that moment. Ihe adventures of the day having been dis- cussed, the warriors sit in the light of the camp tire smoking the calumet of peace. " Every leaf is at rest, and we hear not a sound." But, hark ! A splashing on the smooth lake near by ! We in- stinctively reach for our rifles. Has some denizen of the forest been attracted by the light and now rushing to his doom ? But the spell is broken, The sound of a human voici falls upon our ears, and two men emerge into the light. A Philadel- phian, camping on the opposite side of the lake, tenders a greeting. He is a good shot, and his object the large game — moose, caribou or bears which abound in these wilds. He was a pleasant, gamy fellow, and adds one point in the retros- pection. At early morning we are again afloat, and the ^ umber of fine fish "out of ^7ater" considerably increased Taking all in all, this, — the reach of water approaching the first lake in our descent, bounded by a large area of wild meadow and cov- ered with pond lilies, excerjting a channel through the water, — was the most oeautiful and best fish- ' "g gro^i.nd discovered in the route. The water is t ..ceed ngly cold, coming from the deep recesses of 340 SEVENTY YEARS OF the forest and mountain shades, where ice or snow may be found the greater part of the year. The name, Squa-took, is Indian, signifying "last one" of the series of live lakes commencing at the Tem- iscouala. Breakfast over and all snugly packed, we launch our barks and continued our journey. A stiffish breeze has sprung up, and we encounter rough water as we pass from headland to headland. A large and fine fish, called " Tuladie," are taken at certain seasons in those lakes, sometimes by trawl- ing, which, in this day's sail w^e tried, but failed to catch. HaWng accomplished five miles, — the lake is eight or nine miles in length, — we land, on a smooth rock in a shady cove, for dinner. This despatched, we pull on for the outlet, where there are some good places for fishing, but the roughness of the water prevented an attempt. Rounding a point a romantic scene was pre- sented to our view. A beautiful quiet harbor, an old camping ground, with smooth grassy plots and poles of tents still in. At the narrowest place of egress, poles were standing in the water and re- mains of fish traps erected by the French, when barrels of fine fish are citen secured. In the descent of the stream which we have now entered are many falls or rapids, which re- quire skilled men to navigate safely. With won- derful acuteness the Indian discovers in a ripple KEJV BRUKSWICK LIFE. 341 or bulge a hidden danger, and by instantaneous action averts the destruction of his frail craft. To prevent abrasion or brooming, the end of the pole is pointed with steel or iron. In this passage we narrowly escaped what might have been a serious accident. The end of my Indian's pole became fixed in a fissure of a rock in the bottom of the stream. In swift water, if shallow, he could jump out and hold the canoe until the pole was extracted; but the water w,is deep and swift. If there were no boulders in front of us, he could have let lier run until shallow water was reached. The third and only remaining alternative was successful. \Vith almost superhuman strength and skill, lie broke and twisted the pole clear from the part fixed in the crevice without apparently checking the speed of the canoe, and planted it in time to prevent a smash-up on a dangerous rock we were approaching. Recent marks of moose and caribou passing over muddy or soft places on the shore were fre- quently seen ; and in one instance was floating a' branch the berries from which had been recently plucked by a Vjear. Later we ascend the "Jam," around which the canoes, etc., were carried, and in a short time another halt was made to chop and clear a passage through more drift. These jams are formed by the standing of trees and other drift in shallow places ; and irom con- tinued contributions caused by thf^ uudermining 342 SEVENIY YEARS OF of banks or slides during the spring freshets, be- come formidable obstructions to navigation. As night was approaching, we pushed on vigor- ously and reached Little Squa-took, the second lake. A black and heavily charged cloud, travel- ling in a parallel line on our left, began to pour out streams of liquid fire upon the earth and belch forth a fearful cannonade. Our objective point was an island on Avhich to camp for the night. The sullen stillness of the past hour was now broken by sudden gusts, dashing the spray and threatening to overwhelm our gallant barks in the lake which we had now entered. Reaching the island in safety the tents were pitched with all speed and stores protected with cover. After a few moments of perfect stillness, we seemed to be suddenly enveloped in a darkness that might be felt. Then the batteries of heaven seemed to open over our heads ; vivid flashes of lightning illuminated the mountain, "Squa-took," towering high above us on the mainland ; then a deluge of rain that seemed to occupy space and make breathing diflicult. A fracture of the tent poles, from the extrenie tension of the cords, was threatened and immediately relieved. In keeping with the terrors of the night and during a lul' lu the storm would be heard the weird cry or screech of the loon. Committing our- selves and absent dear ones to Ilim whose " voice is in the clouds," we slept to awake refreshed and XEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 343 to examine, like Robinson Crusoe, the curiosities of the ishmd. Our rubber blankets, etc., had been spread over a mass of fruit and foliage, — blue- berries of a size and quality such as we had never before seen. The island is a mass of rock ; the few trees on which aflbrd but little shelter. The Squa-took mountain is lofty and in form bears some resemblance to that mountain of ilesh, "Jumbo."' I have been told that from its summit a view of 150 miles may be obtained. A long tramp tlirough wet bushes prevented our attempt- ing an ascent. While at breakfast the flock of loons that had made night hideous sailed by. 8tevj saluted them with a breech-loader, but not having adjusted the sight the bullet missed its mark. At ten in the morning, with a clearing sky, our barks are again afloat, and after a pleasant sail enter another of the rivers which unite the chain of lakes. We had a smooth flow of current, and scenery that the ladies would call "just lovely." The peculiar a.pper ranee of some foliage led us to examine it, and we found the white willow, which, under cultivation, attains to a large size. We also found clam sliells four and five inches in length. About noon we entered the fisherman's el dorado, the famed Horton branch. We passed through a grove of Balm of Gilead trees of enor- mous size, the tops from either side completely shading the river and filling the air with perfume. 344 SEVENTY YEARS OF Spaces here and there through masses of pond lilies resembled artistic walks in a flower garden, or again carry you to some fairy bower of flowers or wild grasses that strew the shore. The song of a melodious divinity alone was wanting to cause one to linger forever in this wilderness of beauty. The land or singing birds that frequent the haunts of men in this country were not seen in this region, and the crane, wild-duck or king-fisher but rarely We arrived at our camping ground near the "Big Jam" at two in the afternoon. Our tents had just been pitched and a fire lighted, when a thunder shower passed over, making uncomfortable, an hour later, the passage through the bushes and tall brakes. A bend in the river gave easier access from this point to the head of tlie Jam, which was a half-mile in length. The portage being easier on the opposite side, our Indians first crossed over, taking chips out of the slippery timber here and there with their axes to make sure footing when they carried their canoes. Following the Indians, we find it neces- sary to pick our steps. Tlie rushing of the water and the many open spaces into which a mis-step would cast you demanded constant watchfulness. Passing the first jam, we proceed but a short distance, when we reach another but smaller ob- struction. Tliis also passed, v/e have reached the objective point, the ultima thule of our liopes and KEW BliUNSWICK LIFE. 345 desires. Several casts are made, but no response. Night is approaching. In an attempt to reach a promising cove my flies became entangled in over- hanging bushes. The canoe is wheeled about for Steve to extricate them. On looking down, he cried out, " Oh, my ! I never see such big fish. Tousands ! tousands!" I said, "Drive them out with your pole !" He did so, and in a moment tlie water seemed to be alive. Trout weighing one and two pounds were taken from the hooks as rapidly as possible. Our lines and rods were sometimes tested by too heavy and active fish. While we could see the flies on the water the sport was continued. I never saw anything like it be- fore. The water was splashed as if by a young duck, several flsh running at once to seize the flies. With increasing darkness, looms up in our imagination the passage over the " Big Jam," which, however, is accomplished in safety ; and reaching our resting place, sit down, happy but hungry, and await with satisfaction further de- velopments. August 15th. — At half-past four we aroused the Indians and sallied forth. A half-hour later we were sv/itcliing over tlie water which seemed alive with flsh tlie previous evening, but without getting a rise. Ascending the stream, we entered the mouth of a creek, and were rewarded by seeing a flne school of trout, three of which Steve soon had in the canoe, by a pnece of pork wliicli he used for 346 SEVENTY YEARS OF bait. Trying the plan of the previous evening, three gamy fish about two pounds each, — making thirty in all at tliis place, — were added to my basket ; Paxton about the same number. Perfectly satisfied that the reputation of the fish and fishermen had been fully sustained at Horton Branch, we returned to camp for breakfast, and to reload our canoes for the journey homeward. Several inscriptions quite readable, in pencil, noted visitors of years past. Our names were added on a fresh blaze made for the purpose on a tree ad- joining our tent. At 9.20 in the morning we turn our prows for the Toledi. The sail down is charm- ing with foliage — .ilmost uninterrupted — to the water's edge. At one in the afternoon we touched the shore on Little Toledi Lake for dinner. For many miles above the water was nearly level with the surface of the land. We here found a slight elevation, where were growing hazel-nuts, cranberries and wild gooseberries. In less than five minutes, with split cedar and birch bark, a fire is blazing around the frying pan, which soon emits a fragrant odor, and from bacon though it be, most inviting to the appetite. Asking after dinner who gives us all good things, Steve replied, " Heseolup," Milecite for God. At 2. 20 we re-enter our canoes, and with a clear sky and westerly wind paddle along the Little Toledi Lake. Mountains skirting the Big Toledi NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. Ul Lake are directly before us in tlie distance. All this part of the country having l^een overrun by fire, tall, dry trees stand thickly among the second growth. On tlie top of one of these, Steve pointed out the nest of a large fish hawk, six feet in cir- cumference, made of roots, sticks and grass. At 4.30 in the afternoon we ran the rapids. The water being very low, the canoes were passed over the worst pitch by line and hand. Paxton trie'l a fly at the foot of the falls, but there was no response, and without further delay we resumed our journey. At 5.45 having passed all the rapids safely, we entered the Temiscouata, passing inward along its eastern shore. It ap- peared to us like an inland sea, and white caps were quite visible in the distance. A long rolling swell made the sailing more pleasant than other- wise. At seven in the evening we reached the point of land opposite a cheerful village, and a large chapel came in view as we entered the lake. Our tents were soon pitched, and we read in the smooth waterworn pavement many familiar n-imes of New Brunswick, some of whom have since ob- tained a local distinction of soldier or statesman. The night being cold, our sleep was a disturbed one. A five o'clock the clear loud tone of the chapel bell, a mile distant, ushered in the Sabbath morn. After breakfasting, " we folded our tents and silently stole away." The sound of the Notre 348 SEVENTY YEARS OF Dame or lake; cliapel bell, softened by the distance, pursued us for many miles. Our reflections on this morning and under the circumstances would naturally be solemnized in a review of the past week, — the scenes of wild grandeur through which we had passed, the wonderful works of the Creator, and his protecting care over us through many perils. Passing a large raft of cedai* (in route for Edmundston, we again entered the little Mada- waska lliver, making nearly a complete circuit of one hundred miles. A few miles below the " Degele " our guides land under the friendly shade of a Balm of Gilead for the midday meal. In a cool spring near the landing were two bright tins, and following a path we were led through a meadow to the house of a habitan. A pleasant and sturdy " madame " was engaged in the toilet of a nearly nude (/arcon, while four others stood by like steps in the family ladder. Retiring to the tins at the shore, she added a bowl of milk to the boiling coffee, and to our surprise a neighbor- ing Frenchman arrived with a plump poulet nicely roasted. Dinner disposed of and again afloat, we pass a fine farm owned by Mr. Hickson, of the Grand Trunk Railway. This farm had been our head- quarters two years previous, and Birch River our fishing ground, where some fine trout were taken. We arrived safely at Edmundston at six in the ma XEW BRUNSWICK LIFE 340 evening, August IGtli, 188') — the round trip of the lakes having been made in six days. After tea and a hasty toilet at Babin's, where my valise had been left, I listened with pleasure, and, I trust profit, to a sermon in tlie Episcopal Church, by the Rev. Mr. Armstrong, to a small but select congregation, from some of whom I received after the service — the reverend gentleman included, — a friendly greeting. THE SEA ! THE SEA ! From the upper windows of our residence in the store building, we had an uninterrupted view of the harbor from Navy Island to Red Head Bat- tery ; also, of Partridge Island, Fort Dufferin, the Beacon light, and the buoys marking the course of the Bay channel. During a heavy blow from the south the breaking of the sea over the huge bould- ers forming the Breakwater was a magnificent sight. Very near to us, at the Ballast Wharf, huge swells would mount to a height of thirty or forty feet, dashing as many more over the railway track and falling into the slip. We experienced while in that building many terrific gales of wind. One vessel was swept over the rocks and high on the shore just below the Hospital, another wreck occurred in Courtenay Bay, but without loss of life in either case. After the erection of the Exhibition Building, IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 1.25 ■ so "^ 12.5 2.2 1 40 11.8 1-4 IIIIII.6 V] 7] >> ^1 ^ o^ ^^i> %' 1 ^ A 350 SEVENTY YEARS OF the weird Eolian chords produced by the whistl- ing of the wind through the halyards of the flag staffs, with the heavy roll of ocean on Courtenay or Carleton shores, impressed one with the majestic force and sublimity of the ocean's waves, height- ened by a sense of comparative immunity from tiieir effects. The entrance of large ships under full sail was of almost daily occurrence ; yet from a sight of which one never tires. Sometimes following the sinuosities of the channel, — stately, unguided, as if imbued with life ; again, with lieavy hawser at- tached to the puffing, plunging, gallant little tug, which often disappeared, but as often rose again from the trough of the huge wave, pluckily to pur- sue its course. I have seen in the harbor at one time eight or nine staunchly built iron steamers, loading with timber, chiefly for European ports. The lurch or lop-sided ness of some of the heavily deck-laden timber ships would seem to make one fear for their safety in a storm, but it is supposed that the load is shifted to balance after sailing. Coast- ers, or small sailing vessels, are continually passing in and out of the harbor, and the value of short or sawn lumber carried by them must be immense. I saw the plank drawn for the last time from the wharf at St. John on board the "Cedar Grove," and the last words uttered were, " Boy, did you bring that three gallons of brandy on board?'' Alas ! " Cedar Grove ! " KEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 351 FORT LA TOUR. Under instructions received from the Director of Stores, I visited Carleton to ascertain the position of and report upon certain hind claimed by the Dominion Government. To this end I ex- amined the position of Old Fort or "Fort La Tour.'' Mr. Harding, of Carleton, kindly accompanied me, by whom I was introduced to Mr. Belyea, for seventy-tliree years a resident of the fort. He re- membered it as " Fort Frederick," enclosed by a palisade, and of hearing the bugle call and drilling of the detachment in charge. He showed me the outline of earthwork and embrasures, the elevation and slope of which is yet in many places well defined. When abandoned as a fort, several persons squatted thereon, building houses which they oc- cupied for many years. The British Government ordered their removal ; they resisted by legal defence ; but finally compromised by paying the government £1000, when possession was given and boundaries established by iron pins or stakes. These were placed under what is known as the " Keleher " survey, some of which are yet visible. I examined the plan, which gives the names and allotments, also the amounts paid. The land sought for, and which I subsequently found, proved to be an elevated position in Carle- ton, "Blue Rock." It embraces a full square, a 352 SEVENTY YEARS OF plan and measurement of which were made by me and duly forwarded to the Department. Fort La Tour occupies the point of land in Carleton direct- ly opposite Navy Island, and commanded the mouth of the St. John River. Chaptn* xxib. Return to Woodstock. ^PN leaving St. John for Woodstock I found I "^^ was leaving many friends behind, and not the least gratifying token received was from the Sun- day School with which I had been so pleasantly associated. The following is from the columns of a local paper : PRKSKNTATION. During his residence in St. John, Colonel Baird taught A large class of young ladies in the Queen Square Metho- dist Church, by the members of which, as well as by the whole school, he was held in high esteem. On his depar- ture to return to Woodstock he was presented with a flat- tering address, accompanied by a neatly executed group of the young ladies of his class, photographed by Notman, in St. John, but enlarged to 24 x 28 and finipLed at Mon- treal. The frame is heavily gilt of floral design, with in- terior border of plush. The colonel may well feel proud of this beautiful souvenir, as well as of the complimentary address. Returning to Woodstock after an absence of eight years many changes were noticeable, showing a marked improvement in the extension of the town, the character of the buildings, and the in- crease and prosperity of its inhabitants. The up- 33 354 SEVENTY YEARS OF por part of the town, which only a few years pre- vious had been destroyed by fire, had been rebuilt, and many recent erections exhibited good taste in the adopt'on of a modern and improved style of architecture. Situated upon a river which Lord Dufferin spoke of as " the noblest river to be found between the St. Lawrence and the Mississippi," and in the cen- tre of a district called the garden of New Bruns- wick, — Woodstock presents more than ordinary attractions to the tourist or lover of what is beau- tiful in nature. From the hill-top beyond the rivt^ and opposite to the town a view mty be ob- tained which for scope, richness and variety of scenery is scarcely excelled in any country. Ex- cellent carriage roads radiate in every direction from tlie town, affording inviting drives into the country. Through Jacksontown one has a choice of level roads, by farms and houses presenting a well cultivated and populous district. From points on the highway road through Rich- mond to Houlton may be seen, northward, " Mars' Hill," and westward " Mount Katahdin," with in- tervening spaces of wilderness or cltiarings, cover- ing a distance of more than 100 miles. A favorite drive is for five miles along the bank of the St. John below Woodstock. It is for that distance almost a dead level. Tlie old elms, the receding natural terraces, and the beautiful and comfortable homes recall the scenes of an early conquest of J^EW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 355 mind over matter by the first loyalist occupiers, to whom all around was a rude wilderness. From the highway road to the Upper Corner, or through Northampton on the opposite side of the river, are visible many extensive orchards and nurseries, which, for quality and variety of fruit, enjoy a more than provincial fame. Its inhabitants are probably as pushing and energetic as those of any other town in the Province, and its history, in spite of numerous disastrous fires, has been one of steady progress. In 1847 the town of Woodstock contained 600 inhabitants. There were then 120 dwelling houses. In 1857 the population was 1581, with 215 inhab- ited houses. In 1881 the population was over 3,000. Courts of Session governed the town and county previous to its incorporation. The magistrates gathered from all parts of tiie county, sometimes with interests differing from the town. It was thought the town could best look after and man- age its own business, and an Act of Incorporation was obtained. The first election for mayor and councillors took place May 12th, 1856. There were three candi- dates for the office of mayor, viz., Messrs. L. P. Fisher, James Robertson and George W. Cleary. The trial of strength, however, was between the two first named, consequently Mr. Cleary only re- ceived a few votes, Mr. Fisher, the mayor-elect, 356 SEVENTY YEARS OF receiving 146 votes, Mr. Robertson 126. The fol- lowing were elected councillors : Ward 1 — William T. Baird, 61 ; Hugh McLean, 53. Ward 2— Wm. F. Dibblee, 50 ; W. W. Hammond, 48. Ward 3 —John Bradley, 42 ; Edward Smith, 26. In 1854 the first telegraph line was built to Woodstock. Mr. Torney, from Quebec, visited the town, and a public meeting was held in the Institute and stock subscribed for. Later on he visited Fredericton, where the stock list was in- creased, and the line, — one of the earliest built in New Brunswick, — was opened to Woodstock. In 1868 the railway from St. Andrews was built into Woodstock, and in October, 1871, the line of the Western Extension was extended to Vance- boro, giving railway connection with the United States. The opening of this line was made the occasion for a large gathering of people from the United States and Lower Provinces. Ge.itlemen occupying high positions, civil and military, on either side of the line, were present. Represent- ing the United States were General Grant, its President, the Postmaster General and George W. Loring ; the Dominion of Canada by Lord Lisgar, Governor-General, L. A. Wilmot, Governor of New Brunswick, and Sir S. I^. Tilley. The reputation of the gentlemen named as orators was well sus- tained in words of kindly greeting and in picturing the future of the two great countries, now joined not only by bands of iron but by the stronger and v^^^H NEW BRUNSWICK LIFE. 357 more imperishable bond of commercial and social intercourse, which make enlightened nations great and glorious. Ladies and gentlemen to the num- ber of a thousand or more enjoyed hugely the sumptuous dinner prepared for them, and left for their homes impressed with the cordial good feel- ing which marked the whole proceeding. The railway to Fort Fairfield in Maine was open- ed in 1875. The warmest interest was manifested by the people on both sides of the "Line," and this dovetailing of the two nations along the boundary may prove too strong to be broken by any political faction. In 1876-77 the first bridge was built across the river at Woodstock by the New Brunswick Rail- way Company, connecting the railways on the east and west sides of the river ; giving also as a part of the railway bridge the first bridge for horse and foot passengers between the Grand Falls and St. John. The first train crossed the bridge April 4th, 1877. To a business man, the length and frequency of the trains passing over the roads, is a sure indication of the extent of its trade as a distributing centre. Its business establishments are proof of its energy and business push. Good hotels and livery stables, with every necessary appliance for convenience and comfort, are found in the town. The electric lights meet you everywhere as you enter the town ; and a substantial iron bridge across the Meduxnakic 358 SEVEN2Y YEARS OF gives evidence of the wisdom of an enlightened legislature. The rebiilding of Woodstock after a nearly total destruction by fire on two or three occasions; the contribution by its inhabitants of $40,000, to make it the terminus of the first railway projected in the Province ; and the erection of a complete system of water works for its use and protection should give its people a name and fame worthy of record in the future annals of this country. As the settlement of the country progresses, discoveries are being made of valuable minerals. Silver, gold and iron ore of superior quality ex- ist in great abundance. From its natural ad- vantages of position, the fertility of its soil, the value of its forests and minerals, its facilities for travel by rail and river, and the energy of its people, there is every reason to expect a bright and prosperous future for the district of which it is the centre. (^sy^'' ERRATA. On page 4, Ist line, for "French" read "Trench" " 4, 19th " (i "Cowan" " " Gowan." " 11, 4th " (i "sisters" " " sister." " 15, 12th " (< "at" " on." " 52, 23rd " (1 "Craig" " Coffin." " 99, last " li "militia" " "military." "104, 17th " (( "seen" "scene." "121, 4th " (( "Tyler" " Fyler." <« 1 "XR 7fK o«i A 19 i-V\ linrio ff\ii» '*r^/-k (i t( (( (< <' (< (( (( (( read " Commander." " 138, 17thline,for "Sundy'8"read "Lundy's." "146, last " ""naval" " "navy." "153, 11th " " "to" " "by" the commander. "155,27th " ""sincerity"" "severity." "156,14th " ""when" " "where." "159, 9th " " "possession" read "proces- sion." "205,18th " ""sheds" " "sleds." "216, 2d " " "when" " "where." "312,1st " ""department" read "ap- pointment."