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""imiPiniippvMmmHHP 
 
VILLE-MARIE, 
 
 0«, 
 
 SKETCHES OFMONTREAL, 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 B7 
 
 ALFRED SANDHAM, 
 
 a,UTH0ROF"COIK8, TOKBSR, AND 1IEDAI.8 OPOAKADA ;"LtPB MKHnBBOF TRBnUUIXHATIO 
 
 AND ASTIQCARIAN SOCIKTY OK MO.NTRKAL, ANU CORRKSPONOIXU MBUBKB OP TUB 
 
 AMBBICAV KUII81IATI0 ANB ABCU^OL«OIOAL SOOIKTr OV HKW YOBK. 
 
 •WITH iTrrM:ER,oxJS Easro-RA. vrtTOQ 
 
 CUCRCHKS, PUBLIC BUK/D1NG8, STREET VIEWS, ANTIQUITIES, MAPS, 
 
 COSTUMES, kc, *c. 
 
 C «^i^s^ ^y^^^^-^-y^ 
 
 MONTREAL: 
 
 <1E0RQE BISHOP & CO., TUBLISHERS. 
 
 1870. 
 
 .►^'^*<<. 
 
 '( 
 
 V 
 
 H 
 
 ONlAHiW 
 

 204485 
 
 Entered according to Act of Parliament of Canada, in the year of our Lord, one 
 Thou!<and Eij(ht Hundred and Seventy, by Geohob Bisuop & Co., in the 
 Office of the Ucgietrar of the Dominion. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 \ 
 
 The want of a history such as the one now presented to the 
 public, has been so long felt, and so generally acknowledged, 
 that an apology for its issue is quite unnecessary. 
 
 Montreal being the largest, wealthiest, as well the most 
 populous city in the Dominion of Canada, it is desirable that 
 its citizens should be made acquainted with its progress, its 
 trade and commerce, aiid the many interesting events con- 
 nected with its history. Thirty years have elapsed since 
 the only authentic (now exceedingly rare and valuable) his- 
 tory was published, under the name of " Hocholaga Depicta." 
 Since that time many documents and records have been 
 discovered, and much has been written bearing upon its early 
 history, and subsequent progress. 
 
 I have tried, in the following pages, to bring the diversified 
 labors of many authors into a focus, to add no small amount 
 of original research, and, by so doing, tell a tale that all may 
 read of the growth of this beautiful northern city. The nar- 
 row limits of this work have necessarily prevented as full a 
 
IV 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 1 . » 
 
 description of many events as ^ght be desired, but no fact 
 which has an obvious relation to the progress of the citj, 
 has been knowingly omitted. Starting from the discovery of 
 America by Columbus, I shall pass on to the first visit of 
 Cartier, in 1535, to the Indian village of Hochelaga ; then to 
 founding of the city by M. de Maisonneuve, May, 1642 ; after 
 which I shall trace briefly, I trust not unattractively, the 
 subsequent history of the city down to the present day. 
 
 The illustrations are copies of original engravings in 
 my possession, and may therefore be relied on as correct. 
 The material for the whole work is the result of much labor, 
 and was collected with great care from the most authentic 
 and reliable sources. 
 
 r ' ' 
 
 Montreal, 18T0. 
 
 Alfred Sandhak. 
 
 If-] 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 From the departure of Columbus, 1492, to Cartier's arrival at Hochelaga, 
 1635— Christopher Columbus sails from Palos, 1492; Triumphant return; 
 8eoond voyage; Death; Sebastian Cabot sails from Bristol, 1497; Amerigo 
 Vespucci; Patent granted by Henry VIII.; John Verrazini sails, 1524; Ad- 
 miral Chabot; Jacques Cartier sails, 1534; Second voyage, 1635; Visits 
 Stadacona; Receives account of Ilochelaga; His arrival there, and welcome 
 from the natives 1 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 from Cartler'8 visit to Ilochelaga, 1686, to the founding of Quebec by Cham- 
 plain, 1608— Description of Ilochelaga; Visits the Mountain, which In 
 honor of the King he calls "Mount Royal"; Leaves Hochelaga and 
 descends the River ; Sufferings of his party ; Suspicions of treachery ; Seizes 
 Donnacona, and returns to France; Dissatisfaction of the French Monarch; 
 Second Expedition; Francois de la Rocquc; Cartier's reception; Passes 
 winter at Cap Rouge; Roberval repairs forts; America abandoned; De la 
 Roche; Fur-Trade; Pontgrave and Chauvin; Tadousac; Commandeur de ^ 
 Chaste; Champlain visits Hochelaga ; Quebec founded, 1608 8 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 From the fbunding of Quebec, 1608, to JIaissoneuve's departure for Montreal, 
 1641 ;— Champlain's excursion with the Indians ; De Mont's monopoly 
 withdrawn; Count de Soiesons; Site chosen at Hochelaga; Prince de 
 Cond^; Association of Merchants incorporated; Arrival of RocoUets in 
 Canada; Duke de Montmorenci ; Merchants deprived of their Charter, which 
 is transferred to DeCaen; Duke de Ventadour; Company of One Hundred 
 Associates; Champlain appointed Governor; Surrender of Quebec; Quebeo 
 restored to France; Death of Champlain; M. de Montmagny; Dauversi^re 
 and Olier form a company to plant a colony at Montreal; M. de Mais- 
 eoneuve chosen Governor; Mademoiselle de Mance; Departure of Mais- 
 eoneuve 14 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 From the arrival of Maisaonenve at Quebec, 1641, to the erection of Canada 
 into a Royal Government, 1663— Maissouejive arrives at Quebec ; Jealousies; 
 
Tl 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Wintpra at St MichnI; RmbnrkR for Montronl; Ilif) Arrival; KcMkIoiis 
 cprcmoiiios; rriicpptlH to orcct houi'cs and (ortiHcntionti: Khiod: MiiisKon- 
 puvo'h vow; Arrival of D'Aillplioiit ; P>{ictioii ul'IIoitpital of (irpy NuniiiTy ; 
 Bnttlpwitli tlip liiiiJaiiH; Tlio Soniinnry of !St. Sulplcp jiiirclinH* tlio Ixlniid; 
 MiirKiicritp IJi>urx«'oyH; SiilpidaiiH take poHHOcaiuii, and crpct a Honiiniiry ; 
 3Ia^sucr(> at .Montreal; Arrival of Troopn; Spniinary cnlarRcd, and titlioa 
 pxactpd; King'x Commissioner tmnt to (Canada; (ircat ICartlii|iiako; Com- 
 pany of AHKociatcxdopriTcd of their charter; Canada eroctwl Into a Koyal 
 Govprnmont 23 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 From the rrpctlon of Canada into a Koyal (Jovemmont, 1663, to the attack on 
 Quflipc, ItiitO— West India Company; Charter revoked; Itelijfieuse llospi- 
 taliers; Kn^li^h at Xew York; Fortification.' at Montreal; I)e la Harro; 
 Maniiii.i d)> Nonville; Meeting of dcpiitiei<: Le Itat; Miii-Hacro nt l..acliino; 
 UeCaliif'rc's scheme;* Do Froutenac; Attack on ISrltish settlements; 
 I'ropo^od attack on Houtrcal ; Siege of Quelxjc 33 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 From the attack on Qtiehec, IfiiK), to the xiirrender of Montreal, 1760— Mon- 
 treal iittncked liy Indiiins; Kxpedition a^ain.st the Mohawks; Kortitications 
 increased; Second attack by Indians; Treaty ot I'eace; Marf|iiis do Vau- 
 drpuil; Council of Wiir; Proposed invasion ot Canoda; Montreal threat- 
 ened; Ticiity of Utrecht; Stone fortilications erected; Appearance of tho 
 City in 1720; Fair at Montieal; Mannils do (ialissoniOre; Professor Kelm't. 
 visit to the City, 1749; Do la Jomiuiiire; Vaudreuil ; Famine; Quebec taken; 
 Surrender of Montreal ; Articles of capitulation ; I'opulation 41 
 
 CHAPTER Vir. 
 
 *From the surrender of Montreal, 1700. to the division of therrovinces, 1701; 
 Amherst tak- s p()s>e.ssion of Jlontreal; First I'roclamation ; Desi)atclie8; 
 Montreal in 1760; Military (iovernment established; Addri'ss to General 
 Gage; Frci ch grants to Montreal Institutions; Salaries of Town Officers; 
 New form I <■ Government ; First news])apcr in Canada; Outrage on Mr. 
 Walker; Great 11 res of 17G5 and 1768; .Jurisdiction of tlie .lustices of tho 
 Peace limited; Quebec Act; Bust of (ioorgo III. disfigured; American 
 Kcvolution; Kthan Allen's raid and capture; Montgomery takes Montreal; 
 American army withdrawn ; Constitutional Act, 1791 
 
 68 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 From tlic division of the Provinces, 1791, to the first passage of a steamer 
 on tho St. Lawrence. 1809— boundary of the city under tlic New Act ; 
 First Parliament ; Mail between (Jucboc and Montreal ; Address to Lord 
 Dorchester; Postal arrangements improved ; Grant for Gaols and Court 
 Houses ; Water Works Company ; Removal of old fortilications ; Fire in 
 Old Gaol ; Gaol Act ; Dinner at Montreal ; Orders issued for arrest of 
 editors ; Sentiments objected to ; Trinity House established ; Nelson's 
 Monument ; Montreal in 1806 ; First Steamer, "Accommodation," leaves 
 Montreal for Quebec ; Description of tUo Vessel 80 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 yU 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 From flret cxporimcnt in St<>um Navijrixtion, I8119, fo flip clo?o of thr ypar, 
 1826 — Mol.-oii iippllfs (or a iiioixipuly of !<toaiiibont frnffic; Ijitincli of tlie 
 " SwIftHuri- "; War of 1S12 ; I.ojnify of tfio Iiiliiiliitants ; KirHf lioBtili! 
 dcmoiixtrations; Arrival of American I'risoncrs nt Monfrpal: Militia 
 (iimmonod ; I'ri>po!«'(l attacli in 1S13; ClmtfatiBuay, &c.; (ionpral Ordorn; 
 Militia rlisbandotl; Iniprovi-inontH; Htrpot Lamps first crpctiul; Nl);lit Watch 
 organized; Lachlno Cnnal : Jlontroal Hank: The City in 1819; Uemark- 
 bI)1o I'lu'iionipnon ; Canal commenced; Census; DalliouHie-siiuare prespnted 
 to the City; Sclioolx (>stal)1lslicd : I'roposed union of the rrovincc; French 
 Cathedral; ropulation in 1825; Fire in (Quebec suburb 93 
 
 CHAl'TER X. 
 
 From the yoiirlS27, tothe close of the Rebellion. 1838— Seigniorial rights of 
 tljo Seminary of St. Snipice; Oflioial explanation; Act for Harbor improvo- 
 mentp; Incorporation Act; retition againnt Oovprnorc; Kiot ; Attack upon 
 the troops; Cholera; Proposed annexation of Montreal fo flio Upper I'ro- 
 vince; Election of 1834; Cholpra again visits tho City ; .Sipns of insurrection, 
 1887; First hostile demonstration at Montreal; Sir .lohn Colborne arrives; 
 Volunteers organized; Attack upon flip Cavalry; lixfensivp military pre- 
 parations; Murder of Col. Weir; Martial J,aw; Close of 1837; Second at- 
 tempt promptly repressed; I'unishment of leaders; I'ardon and return of 
 gome 107 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 From the union of the I'rovincps, 1840, to the close of the rroviiicial Kxliibi- 
 tion, 1860— Union Bill; Charter of incorporation renewed; Seat of Govern- 
 ment removed to Montreal; Klection Disturbances: ropiihitlon; Inundation 
 of 1848: Keid Wing of the (ieiieral Hospital erected; ( hri^leiiiii;; of Mon- 
 ster 1J"I1; Improvomonts; Kebellion Losses Bill; Assault on hord Klgiu; 
 Farliamenl House destroyed; Mass Meeting; i.ord KIgiii sustained; Des- 
 cription of I'arliament ISuildings; JJemoval of seat of (ioveninient ; Arrest 
 of Hiotors; Furtlier Disfui bailees; Cholera; Imports and Kxports; lUots 
 of 1850; Great Fires in Gritliiitowu and St. Lawrence Suburbs: Dreary 
 appearance of the City ; Preparations for au Exhibition; Troviiicial Exhi- 
 bition, its festivities and results II7 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 From the opening of tho St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railway, 1851, to the 
 opening of the Grand Trunk Railway to Brockville, 18r).5— ; Opening of St. 
 Lawreiiceand Atlantic Railway ; Mount Royal Cemetery Company formed ; 
 Removal of Corporation ofIices;l*ublic Buildings; First election of Mayor; 
 Great fire* in St. I'aul Street and St. Lawrence Suburbs; Census of 1852; 
 GavazziRiot; Opening of (irand Trunk Railway to Portland; Arrival of 
 tho " Ucnova"; Roman Catholic Cemetery opened ; Foundation of I'ier No. 
 1 of Victoria Bridge commenced ; Choera Statistics; Trade in 1864; Exhi- 
 bition; Visit of the Governor General; Goods sent to Paris; VisitofM.de 
 Belveze; Fall of Sebastopol; Rejoicings; Grand Trunk Railway opened to 
 Brockville 130 
 
TUl 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CnAPTER xiir. 
 
 From tho year 1850, to tho close of 1857— Acoldont at tho (iax Worki; Trade 
 In 1860; Kxploxion at Loiiguiiiiil; Arrival of Troop* from tlin Crimea: 
 Hunmidn Hall dcHtniytHi by tiro; Hallooii Axcenition; Water Workii tenti-d; 
 (■rand Trunk Kailway colcbralion ; BIc(flll UoIIoko Fund; C'hriitt Cliurch 
 burnt; rroKperity of the City; Inundation; Normal SchooN o|K>ned; 
 Foundation of Now Knglisli Cathodra) laid; Iturning of Stonnicr " Blon- 
 troal "; Arrival of dead; Fiinoral; M(><>tinK of American AKsociation foi 
 the advancement of .Science; Fxliibition; Capture of Delhi; Victoria 
 itridge; Mr. Mcliee nominated aH IrlHh repreitentative in rarliumcnt; 
 Trade Ueturns 140 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 From the formation of the Royal Canadian KoKiment, 1868, to the visit of the 
 Prince of Wulen, 1860 — (iovernment accept the ofler of a Canadian Regi- 
 ment; Atlantic Telegraph Cable Celebration; I'opulation in 1868; Uurning 
 of iiishop'H Church; Severity of the winter; New Wharves; Monument 
 at Point St. ('liarl)'H; Victoria Itridge completed; First steps taken for the 
 reception of the Prince of Wales; Crystal Palace erected ; City improTO- 
 ments; Ancient Foundation Plates; Viger Square ombellishecl ; Citizens' 
 Reception Fund ; Programme of Celebration ; Residence chosen for tho 
 Prince; Arrival in the City; Reception and Festivities; Departure ; Ex- 
 penditure , 161 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 I'li 
 
 From tho departure of the Prince of Wales, 1860, to close of the year 1884— 
 Present received by Corporation; Name of llaymarket-square changpd; 
 McTavish Castle and its Associations; Heaver Hall ; liiirnside; Trade and 
 Improvements, 1860; Census, 1861 ;(ireat Inundation; Hotel Dieu removed; 
 Prince Alfred visits Montreal ; ilurrica. e; City Horse Ruilwav commenced; 
 Tho ' Trent" excitement; Death of I'rince Albert; Military Festival; In- 
 auguration of Wm. Molson Hall; lmi)rovements in 1862; Marriage of the 
 Prince of Wales ; Norwegian War Vessel ; Provincial Exhibition ; Shakspere 
 Tercentenary; Knilway Accident at Relocil; Departure of " Gethuards": 
 Public buildings erected 160 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 IS! 
 
 From April, 1866, to close of the year 186!)— Flood; Fortilications; Assassina- 
 tion ol President Lincoln ; 16th Annual Exhibition ; Sir John Michel ; Fenian 
 Raid; Return of Vo'anteers; Ancient Relic; Hay Market removed; Distin- 
 guished Visitors; Trade and Improvements; Drill Sheds; Arrival of the 
 " Wolverine"; Dominion Day, 1867; Eleolion disturbances; French Cathe- 
 dral struck by lightning; Incendiary fires; Assassination of Hon. T. D. 
 McGee; Public Funeral; Arrival of the " Germany." Intense heat; Earth- 
 quake; Appearance of the city, 1863; Death of liishop Fulford; Events 
 of 1869; Visit of Prince Arthur 171 
 
 m 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 IX 
 
 PART II. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 llie Island of Mnntrrnl—Titlpti undor which it wa« held bjr the St. Sulpiclanx; 
 8oil;TurnpikcK; IhoCity ol MontrcHl; Improvpincnt«; 8«!ldityol it« public 
 boildingH; Advantagos poHhc.oH'd ; ropulation; Value of real eittato; Nt-w 
 liulldiiiKH; Fiiiancett; Trad<> and Commerce; Ilarhur ImprovcmeutJ); Kx- 
 ports and Jmportii; Manufactures 105 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Rapid projrross of Ocean Steam Communication ; First Regular lino o< .•teamerg; 
 Allan Line; Htatl.sticH; Kaihvayx; C'.iamplain and St. Ijiwr no j Railway; 
 Montreni and New York Railroad; GrandTr'.ink liailw .. Victor > llridge; 
 First idea of bridging the River; 1'lans prepared; Su , by Mr. Keef"r 
 Site of Uridgodelinitely settled; L/eccrlption of thi Bridge; I uikriptiuu at 
 rtl^•l1 le; Coat; Completion; Lachino Canal 213 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Municipal afliiirs ; Incorporation; First Corporation ;ChartP'' amended; rrescnt 
 Corporation; Mayors of the city since 1833; Police; Fire Department; 
 Water Works: Markets 227 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Churches— Roman Catholic; Episcopalian: Presbyterian ; Wesleyan Mc♦^.v 
 dist; Now Connexion Methodist; Itaptist: Congregationalist; Swed- 
 enburgian; French and German l*rote«taut; Jews; Unitarian 246 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Charitable, Huiiiane and Religious Institutions;— General Hospital; Grey 
 Nunnery; .St. Patrick's Orphan Asylum; Hotel Dleu; House of Industry; 
 Dispensaries ; Protestant Orphan Asylum; Ladies Benevolent Society; 
 Religious Societies ; Temperance Societies 289 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Educational Institutions— Seminary of St. Sulpico; McGill v'ollege; Normal 
 Schools; Convent of La Congregation do Notre-Dame; St. Mary's College; 
 British and Canadian Schools ; Royal Western School, &c 906 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Literary, Scientific and Art Associations— M-rcantile Library Association; 
 Mechanics' Institut«; Institut Canadien ; Mi-scellancous Libraries; Natural 
 History Society : Numismatic and Antiquarian Society; Geological Surrey; 
 Art Association; Society of Canadian Artists 325 
 
X CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Public Buildings, MonumcntP, Squares and Cemeteries— Jails; Cou-t Houses; 
 Post Office; Nelson's Monument; Vigor (Jardons; Victoria and other 
 Squares; Champ do Mars; Koinun Catliolic and Mount Koyal Cemeteries.. 336 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Miscellaneous Public Buildings, &c.— Banks; Custom House; Post Office; 
 Central Fire Station; Merchants Excliniigo; Corn Kxchangc: Koyal Insu- 
 rance Buildings; St. Patrick's Hall; St. James Club House; Warehouses; 
 Hotels ; Places of Amusements ; Newspapers, &c 336 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Coins, Tokens and Medals; Indian Remains and Relics; Curious Caverns; Con- 
 cluding Remarks 371 
 
 M 
 
 i 
 
AUTHOllITIKS CONSULTED IN THE COMPlLATfOK 09 
 THIS WORK. 
 
 Annual Registpr 
 America, History of 
 
 " I'roeress of 
 
 " Knglish in 
 
 " Voyages to, 1721 
 
 " Welds Travels In 
 
 " Jesiiitu in 
 
 " ■ Jlonroc's British North 
 American Atlas 
 
 " Ga»>tteer 
 British Colonies, Martin's 
 Cyclopocilia Hritannica 
 Canadian Hi.<tory, Summary of 
 
 " Magazine 
 
 " Courant 
 
 " Illustrated News 
 Canada, .Smith's 
 
 " Silliman's tour through 
 
 " Korland's Histoire du 
 
 " Statutes of Lower 
 
 " Gameau'8 
 
 " Christie's 
 
 " McMullln'8 
 
 " Hodgins 
 
 " Sansum's 
 
 " Conquest of 
 
 " (ieological Survey of 
 
 " Bouchctte's Topograpliy of 
 Dictionary, Biographical 
 Discovery, Annals of Maritime 
 Emigrants hand booit 
 England, Ivnights pictorial History of 
 Edits, Ordnances, &c. 
 Expedition against Quebec, Arnold's 
 France, History of 
 
 " ( nrtier's Voy«g(!S to New 
 rraji^nlso, La Cohiule 
 Geologist, Canadian Niturhiist and 
 Gazette, Monti eal 
 Hab'.table Globe, Conder'D 
 
 Uochclaga Dopicta 
 
 Herald Montreal, 1811 to 1869 
 
 Illustrated London News 
 
 " Frank Leslie'3 
 Journal of Education 
 Jt5suite3, Uelation des 
 Montreal in 1851 
 Military Occurrences 
 Merchants' Magazine 
 Monthly, New Dominion 
 McGill College and its founders 
 
 " " Calendur 
 
 Mance, Life of Mile. 
 New World, I'ioneers of France in the 
 Narrative, De Uoos, 1826 
 Observations, Charlevoix's voyages and 
 I'rovinco of Quebec, papers relating to, 
 
 1787 
 I'rince of Wales' tour 
 Keports, I'atterson trade 
 
 " Water works 
 
 " Fire department 
 
 " City Treasurer 
 
 " " Surveyor 
 
 " lleligious and otl'cr societies 
 
 " Department of I'ublic Work» 
 Records of City Churches 
 Travels, Lahontan's 
 
 " Kalm's 
 
 " Hall's 
 
 " lloriot's 
 
 " Lambert's 
 United States, Bancroft's 
 
 " Lord's 
 
 Ville Marie, Annuaire <ie 
 World, Trt'stler's habitable 
 Witness, Montreal, 1851 to 1869 
 War of 1812 • 
 Wolfe, Life of Major General 
 
ERRATA. 
 
 Page 121, for " principal inhabitant," read " principal inhabitants." 
 
 Page 125, foot note, f for <* now Commander," read " Father of {he 
 Commander." 
 
 Page 162, for " a return made of them," read " a return made by them.'' 
 
 Page 300, for " the building is in the form of an |," read " the form cf 
 an X." 
 
I] 
 
 JOHN LOVELL, taiNTKK. 
 
 !l 
 
 t 
 
VILLE MARIE : 
 
 OR, 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 From the departure of Columbus, 1492, to Cartier's arriral at Hochelaga, 1636— 
 Christopher Columbus sails from I'alos, 1192; Triumphant return; Second 
 voyage; Death; Sebastian Cabot sails flrom Bristol, 1497; Amerigo Vespucci; 
 Fatout granted by Henry VIII. ; John Verrazini sails, 1524 ; Admiral Chabot ; 
 Jacques Cartier sails, 15S4: Second voyage, 1636; Visits Stadacona; Receives 
 account of Uocbelaga; His arrival there, and welcome from the natives. 
 
 THE glory of having discovered America is almost univer- 
 sally ascribed to Columbus or Columbo, who was bom at 
 Genoa about the year 1435, and was the eldest of four chil- 
 dren. At an early age he evinced a decided inclination for 
 the sea, and his father encouraged this desire by giving him 
 an education best calculated to be useful to him should he 
 ultimately adopt the sea as his profession. A relative of 
 Christopher's commanded a fleet with which he had been 
 carrying on a warfare against the Venetians, and on one of the 
 vessels Christopher embarked, and learned not only the art 
 of navigation, but acquired habits of disciphne and eelf-com- 
 jnand, which afterwards served him in so good stead. He 
 continued in this service until the age of thirty, when he 
 married and went to the Island of Porto Santo. This island 
 was frequently visited by voyagers to and from Guinea, from 
 whom he received accounts which inflamed him with visions 
 of wonders yet to be revealed in the boundless wastes of the 
 
 B 
 
VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 r t. 
 
 
 
 i| 
 
 
 Atlantic. He made propositions to the Genoese to " circum- 
 navigate the earth," but they rejected him. After the death 
 of his wife in 1484, he again made proposals to the Senate, 
 and was again rejected. He now directed his eyes to other 
 European powers, among whom the two sovereigns of Spain, 
 Ferdinand and Isabella, seemed to deserve the preference. 
 
 After experiencing many rebuffs from those to whom he 
 presented his scheme, he finally succeeded in securing the 
 Queen's interest; and on the 30th of April, 1492, he 
 received his letters patent, conveying to him certain privileges 
 which he had demanded. In the beginning of August of the 
 same year he embarked from the port of Palos, in Spain, on 
 board the " Santa Maria," and accompanied by two other 
 vessels, named the " Pinta" and" Nina." 
 
 On Friday morning, the 12th of October, 1492, he nrst 
 beheld the New World, and the same day he planted the 
 royal standard upon the island of San Salvador. Leaving 
 this island he passed southward, and on the 28th he arrived 
 in sight of Cuba. After visiting several other islands, he set 
 sail, on the 4th January, 1493, from La Navidad, on his 
 return to Spain, and arrived at Palos on the 15th March, 
 1493, just seven months and twelve days after his departure. 
 
 He was received with demonstrations of great joy, and, on 
 his arrival at Barcelona, where the Spanish court was residing, 
 he met with a magnificent reception. 
 
 The triumphant return of Columbus was followed by orders 
 being at once given for the equipment of a fleet, to enable the 
 navigator to go in quest of more opulent countries, which he 
 still confidently expected to find. This second voyage was 
 succeeded by two others. On his return from the fourth 
 voyage, he was worn down by bodily infirmities, and finally 
 death relieved him of his sufferings on the 20th May, 1506. 
 He died in ignorance of the real grandeur of his discovery. 
 During his third voyage he landed on the coast of Parii!. 
 in South America. This was about the year 1500, which 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 8 
 
 leaves it an undisputed fact that while the brilliant discoveries 
 of Columbus led to the discovering of America, yet to 
 Sebastian Cabot belocgs the glory of having first landed in 
 the Western World. 
 
 Sebastian Cabot was the son of John Cabot, a Venetian mer- 
 chant, residing in England. Sebastian was bom in the year 
 1477, in Bristol. Henry VII. of England, perceiving the advan- 
 tages to bo gained by the discovery of a route to India, fitted 
 out an expedition at the suggestion of Cabot ; and a patent, 
 dated March 6th, 1496, was given to John Cabot, and his 
 three sons, Lewis, Sebastian and Saucius. Although this 
 patent was granted to John and his sons, there can be no 
 doubt that the success of the expedition was entirely owing to 
 the genius of Sebastian. 
 
 The expedition, consisting of the ship commanded by Se- 
 "bastian, and three smaller vessels, sailed from Bristol in the 
 early part of May, 1497, and on the 24th June, on St. John's 
 day, Newfoundland was discovered. Cabot returned to Eng- 
 land, and in 1498 he made a voyage to the coast of Labra- 
 dor. The results of the second voyage did not induce Henry 
 to equip another expedition. From Seyer's " Memoirs of 
 Bristol" welearnthatinl499,Cabot"with no extraordinary 
 preparations sett forth from Bristol, and made greate dis- 
 coveries." But the narrative of Cabot's life, for 15 years 
 subsequent to his second voyr.ge, is meagre and unsatisfactory. 
 On the invitation of Ferdinand, he went to Spain, but re- 
 turned, after the death of that monarch, to England, where 
 under Henry VIII. he received honorable employment. He 
 lived to a very advanced ago, and died in 1557. 
 
 But still another claimant for honor as " discoverer" appears 
 on the field. Amerigo Vespucci, who has given his name to 
 the Continent, was born at Florence on the 9th March, 1451. 
 He was descended from a family of some distinction, and was 
 educated for commercial life . But little is known of his history 
 until the year 1495, when Ferdinand gave him employment 
 
b 
 
 
 fi 
 
 ii 
 
 4 YILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 as a pilot. At the time of his appointment he was a clerk 
 or partner in the house of Berardi, a merchant of Seville, and 
 a contractor for the navy. On the 20th May, 1497, by his 
 own account, and in 1499 by that of others, he sailed from 
 Cadiz with four vessels, under the command of Alonzo de 
 Hogeda. After thirty-seven days' sailing he reached America, 
 coasted along the continent for several hundred leagues, and 
 returned to Spain on 15th October. Subsequently the King^ 
 of Portugal engaged his services and he made two more 
 voyages, in 1601 and 1503, under that monarch. In 1505 he 
 returned to Spain, and upon the death of Columbus he was- 
 appointed chief pilot. He died in 1512. 
 
 In the year 1502, Hugh Elliott and Thomas Ashurst, mer- 
 chants of Bristol, obtained a patent from Henry VIII. to 
 establish colonies in the countries discovered by Cabot. 
 
 It was not until the year 1523 that anything on an exten- 
 sive scale was undertaken respecting the New World. During 
 this year Frai^cis 1st of France, seeing the glory which Spain^ 
 and other nations, derived from the discovery of America, 
 held out every encouragement to his subjects to induce them 
 to engage in similar enterprises. " What," said he ; " shall 
 the Kings of Spain and Portugal divide all America between 
 them, without suffering me to take a share as their brother ? 
 I would fain see the article in Adam's will that bequeaths that 
 vast inheritance to them." 
 
 At this time, there was resident in France, a Florentine, 
 John Verazzani, an excellent seaman, who at once volun- 
 teered to undertake a voyage calculated to be alike honorable 
 and profitable to himself. On his accepting the commission, 
 the King ordered a vessel to be prepared for him, and he set 
 sail in 1524 ; but owing to severe storms encountered hj 
 him, he soon returned to port. The next year, he sailed again 
 in a vessel called the DolpJiin, and finally reached Florida* 
 He then ranged along the coast, from the 28th to the 50th 
 degree of N. Lat. and took a nominal possession of the country 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 5 
 
 ■which he called " New France." The accounts he brought to 
 France did not answer the King's expectations, and he was 
 ■ordered to pursue the same route the next year. Unfortu- 
 nately, however, he was murdered by the savages immediately 
 upon his landing on the continent. 
 
 No further attempts were made until ten years after, when 
 Admiral Chabot represented to the King of France the im- 
 portance and advantage that might arise from the establish- 
 ment of a colony in the New World, from which the Spaniards 
 had derived so much wealth. The King was pleased with 
 the suggestion and authorized the Admiral to secure a suitable 
 person to undertake the command of an expedition for the 
 purpose. 
 
 " The ancient town of St. Malo, in France, had been for 
 centuries a nursery of hardy seamen, and smong the most 
 eminent on its list stands the name of Jacques Cartier." This 
 celebrated navigator calls for special notice at our hands. He 
 it was who first explored the shores of Canada to any extent, 
 and he was the first European who visited the site of our now 
 beautiful city. 
 
 Admiral Chabot introduced Cartier to the King and recom- 
 mended him as a proper person for the service. On the 20th 
 April, 1534, he sailed " with two ships of three score tons 
 a-piece burthen, and sixty-one well appointed men in each." 
 He steered for Newfoundland, which he reached in twenty 
 days, passed through the straits of Belle Isle, and advanced 
 up the St. Lawrence, till he saw the shores of Anticosti. The 
 approach of winter caused him to return to France. In the 
 spring of 1535 he received a fresh commission, and three 
 vessels, named the Great ffermina, the Little Hermina, and 
 the Hermerillon, the largest about 120 tens, were placed at 
 his disposal. On the 16th May, the officers and sailors assem- 
 bled in the cathedral at St. Malo, where, after confession and 
 hearing mass, they received a parting blessing from the 
 Bishop, and, three days later, ( 19th May ) they set sail. 
 
6 
 
 YILLE marie; or, 
 
 After experiencing very stonny weather, during which the* 
 vessels were separated, they reached the coast of Newfound- 
 land on the 26th July. Proceeding along the north shore- 
 they came to " a goodly great gulf, full of islands, passages, 
 and entrances, towards what wind soever you please to bend.'* 
 The 10th of August will ever be memorable in the history of 
 Canada ; for it being the festival of St. Lawrence, Cartier 
 gave that name to the bay on which he was sailing, and it 
 was afterwards extended to the whole river. On the 16th he 
 reached Stadacona (now Quebec.) Here he landed and had. 
 several interviews with the Lord of the place, Donnacona by 
 name. Cartier was told that Stadacona was not the metro- 
 polis of the forest^state, but that honor belonged to a town, 
 far greater, which, the Indians stated, stood by the bank of 
 the river, many days' journey above, and known as " Hoche- 
 laga." Thither Cartier determined to go ; but when he made 
 known his decision to Donnacona, he met with considerable 
 opposition, and every possible means were taken to dissuade 
 him from his purpose, but without success. On the 19th 
 September he hoisted sail, and with his pinnace and two small, 
 boats departed on his journey up the river. On his passage 
 he was delighted with'the beauty of the scenery, and the na- 
 tives cheerfully 8upplied|hira with all that was necessary for his 
 company. On the 28th he reached Lake St. Peter, which 
 he describes as " a great wide lake, five or six leagues broad 
 and twelve long." At the head of the lake he was compelled 
 to cast anchor on account of the shoals ; and finding it im- 
 possible to proceed further with his vessel ( the ffermerillon) 
 he caused the boats to be made ready, and placing in them 
 ammunition and provision, he took with him, " Claudius of 
 Ponte Briand, cupbearer to the Lord Dauphin of France, 
 Charles of Pomeraye, John Govrin, John Powlet, and twenty- 
 eight mariners," and on the second of October, 1535, they 
 landed about six miles from the town, below the current St. 
 Mary. 
 
 i ' 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 7 
 
 Having gorgeously attired himself, he caused all his com- 
 pany to he set in order, and early on the next morning he set 
 out, accompanied hy three Indians, as guides, to visit the 
 town and the " habitations of those people, and a certain 
 mountain that is somewhat near the town." With him went 
 the gentlemen already named, and twenty mariners, the rest 
 being left to look after the boats. 
 
 " All along he found the way as well beaten and frequent- 
 ed as can be, the fairest and best country that could possibly 
 be seen, full of goodly great oaks, as any in the woods in 
 France, under which the ground was all covered with acorns." 
 
 After he had gone about four miles, he was met by one of 
 the chiefs of the city, accompanied by many of the natives, 
 who, as soon as he saw them, led them to a place where a 
 large fire had been made, and signified to them by signs that 
 they should stop and rest themselves, which they did. 
 
 After they had rested themselves, the chief began to make 
 a long speech, showing by his countenance and signs that 
 they were welcome. Cartier gave him two hatchets, a pair 
 of knives, and a cross, which he made him kiss, and then 
 put it about his neck. After this the chief led the way, and 
 when they had passed about a mile further they found 
 " goodly and large fields, full of such com as the country 
 yieldeth." 
 
 In the midst of those fields stood the village or town of 
 •' Hochelaga." When they came near the town they were 
 met by the Lord or King of the country, Agouhanna by 
 name, who was borne on the shoulders of several natives. 
 When the party were all seated, the natives brought in 
 diseased men, lame, blind and deaf, and laid them before 
 Cartier that he might touch them, for they thought that he 
 was a god who had descended from heaven to heal them. He 
 recited the Gospel of St. John, and prayed that God would 
 open their hearts, that they might receive His holy word and 
 be converted. 
 
8 
 
 TILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 CHAPTER ir. 
 
 From Cartler'a visit to IIochelaKa, 1535, to tlio founding of Quebec by Cliamplain, 
 1608— Description of ilocliclaga; Visits tlio Mountain, wliicli in lionor of tliu 
 King lie calls "Mount Koyal"; Leaves Hoclielaga and dei^conda the Uivor; 
 SufleringH uf liis party; Suspicions of trcaclicry; Quizes Donnacona, and returns 
 to France; Dissatisfaction of tlio French Monarch; Second Kxpcdltion; Fran- 
 cois de la Rocquo ; Cartior's reception ; Passes winter at Cap Kougo ; Roberval 
 repairs fortd ; America abandoned; Dc laUocho; Fur-Trade; I'ontgravo and 
 Cbauvln; Tadousac; Commandeur do Cbasto; Champlain visits llocholaga; 
 Quebec founded, j608. 
 
 AFTER these ceremonies were over, Cartier was conducted 
 into the town, which thus he describes : " It is placed 
 near, and as it were joined to a great mountain, very fertile on 
 the top, from which you may see very far. The town is round, 
 encompassed about with timber, with three rampires, one 
 within another, framed Hke a sharp spire, but laid across 
 above. The middle most of these is made and built in a direct 
 line, but perpendicular. The rampires are framed and fashion- 
 ed with pieces of timber, laid along the ground, very well and 
 cunningly joined after their fashion ; this enclosure is in height 
 about two rods ; it hath but one gate, or entry thereat, which 
 is shut with piles, stakes and bars ; over it, and also in many 
 parts of the wall, there be places to run along, and ladders to 
 get up, all full of stones, for the defence of it. 
 
 " There are in the town about fifty houses, each fifty paces 
 long, and fifteen or twenty broad, built all of wood, covered 
 over with the bark of the wood, as broad as any board, and 
 cunningly joined together. Within are many rooms, lodgings, 
 and chambers. In the midst of every one there is a great 
 court, in the middle whereof they make their fires. They live 
 in common together, then do the husbands, wives, and chil- 
 dren, each one, retire to their chambers. They have also in 
 

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MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
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 the tops of their houses, certain garrets, wherein they keep 
 their corn to make their bread. The people are given to no 
 other exercise, but only to husbandry and fishing for their 
 •existence." 
 
 The present inhabitants of the city of Montreal, while 
 viewing its great extent, and the splendor of its buildings, 
 will find it diflScult to realize a small settlement upon its site , 
 such as that just described ; but doubtless, those who resided 
 within its narrow enclosure, considered it an extensive settle- 
 ment, and a place of great importance. 
 
 Having seen all that he deemed worthy of notice in the 
 Tillage, Cartier expressed a wish to ascend the mountain, and 
 •was immediately conducted thither by the natives. From its 
 summit he discovered an immense extent of fine country, 
 interspersed with rivers, woods, hills, and islands, the sight 
 ■of which filled him with feelings of joy and gratification. In 
 honor of his king he gave to the elevation the name, which, 
 with small change, has since (xtendod to the city, " Mount 
 Eoyal." And truly the name was most appropriately chosen- 
 •From the summit, that noble prospect met his eye, which at 
 this day is the delight of tourists. But greatly changed is the 
 scene since the first white man — the Breton voyager, gazed 
 upon it. Now, to.ver, dome, and spire — white sail and glid- 
 ing steamer — the magnificent Victoria Bridge spanning the 
 river, all tend to give animation to the scene ; but then *' East, 
 West and South, the forest was overall, while the broad blufi 
 line of the great St. Lawrence gleamed amidst it all." Cartier 
 on his return to France described his visit to this mountain, 
 and recommended it as a favorable site for a settlement, but 
 lie did not live to ste his idea carried out. 
 
 On his return to the boats, he was accompanied by a large 
 number of the natives, who appeared to be anxious to have him 
 stay longer. He, however, embarked the same evening, and, 
 on the 4th October, he reached his pinnace, in which they 
 passed down the St. Lawrence, and rejoined ias company, 
 
i. 
 
 10 
 
 VILLB MARIE ; OR, 
 
 »l,3 
 
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 r 
 
 when Cartier again received a visit from Donnacona, which he 
 returned by visiting Stadacona. He was received with great 
 kindness by the natives, whom he describes as being exceed- 
 ingly docile, and their houses were well supplied with winter 
 stores. Cartier and his party suffered much during the winter 
 from want of proper food and clothing ; in addition to this, they 
 were nearly all attacked by the scurvy, of which many of them 
 died. The remainder soon recovered their health by the use 
 of a decoction of the spruce fir, which had been recommended 
 to them by the Indians. Towards the spring, Cartier became 
 suspicious of the Indians, and on his departure he seized 
 Donnacona, and some of the other natives, and took them with 
 him to France. 
 
 The French king was by no means satisfied with the result 
 of this voyage. He had expected to receive a rich return of 
 gold and silver, in place of which the only return was some 
 slight knowledge as to the extent of the new territory, and 
 a few captive Indians. It was some time before the repre- 
 sentations of Cartier, and the testimony of Donnacona, aided 
 by the good sense of some of the French court, had the eflFect 
 of inducing him to equip another expedition. Finally, he 
 decided to do so, and Francois de la Rocque, Lord of 
 Roberval, was placed in command, under the title of Viceroy 
 and Lieutenant of Canada ; Cartier was second in command,, 
 and bore tbe title of Captain-General. This expedition con- 
 sisted of seven vessels, two of which were equipped at 
 Roberval's own expense. As Roberval was not prepared to- 
 start at the time appoin' >d, " Cartier sailed on the 23rd May, 
 1541, with five vessels, and full power to make discoveries and 
 settlements in Canada. Roberval followed him in 1542, with 
 three vessels, having on board two hundred persons, male and 
 female." This expedition failed to accomplish much, and no 
 definite accounts are given about it. " It appears, however, 
 that Cartier was kindly received, and apparently welcomed 
 by the Indians ; but he was soon led to doubt their sincerity. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 11 
 
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 as he perceived that they were averse to any settlements being 
 made in the country." This was easily accounted for, by the 
 fact that they feared more of their tribe might be taken away 
 forcibly, as on the former visit, and more especially, as they 
 were informed that Donnacona was dead. Not liking the 
 aspect of affairs, and fearing some treachery on the part of the 
 natives, he moved farther up the River St. Lawrence, and laid 
 up three of his ships, and sent back the others, with letters, 
 to France. 
 
 He passed the winter at Cap Rouge, where he had erected 
 a fort; but, finding additional reasons to doubt the intentions 
 of the natives, he resolved to return to France. On his way 
 he fell in with Roberval, at St. John's, Newfoundland. Cartier 
 refused to return with him to Canada, and proceeded on his 
 voyage to France, where he died, shortly after his return. 
 
 Undiscouraged by the loss of the experienced Cartier, 
 Roberval prosecuted bis voyage up the St. Lawrence, as far 
 as Cap Rouge, where he disembarked. He repaired the 
 partially ruined forts, which Cartier had thrown up eighteen 
 months previous, and occupied them during the winter. He 
 administered justice strictly, and in some cases he may be said 
 to have been severe. " One of his company was hanged for 
 theft, and several others, for lesser crimes, were thrown into 
 irons, or pubhcly whipped." During the winter fifty of the 
 settlers died from the effects of scurvy. In the spring he 
 started to explore the Saguenay, but there are no records as 
 to his success ; and, immediately upon his return, he sailed 
 back to France. 
 
 In 1549, in company with his brother, he embarked once^ 
 more for the new world ; but the whole expedition perished 
 at sea. ^ • 
 
 America appears to have been abandoned for nearly half a 
 century from that date. The civil and religious wars of 
 France had occupied the whole attention of the governments, 
 and it was only at their close that Henry IV. f'ave authority 
 
I- ., I 
 
 12 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 II ii^ 
 
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 to Marquis de la Roche to form settlements in his American 
 possessions. This nobleman embarked, in 1598, with a large 
 number of settlers, some being convicts. He landed fifty 
 ■convicts at Sable Island to form a colony . Nothing further 
 is known of this expedition, save that having encountered 
 severe storms, he was compelled to return home, leaving the 
 unfortunate convicts to suffer upon the barren island, until 
 some were rescued, in 1605, when it was found that seven 
 years of privation had reduced their number to twelve. 
 These were taken to France, and w^re pardoned, and cared 
 for, by the king. 
 
 The fur trade of Canada had now begun to attract attention 
 from the merchants of France, several of whom had established 
 trading-posts at Tadousac. Being favorably inclined towards 
 these enterprises, Henry IV., in 1599, entered into a contract 
 with two merchants, or traders, Pontgrav^, of St. Male, and 
 Chauvin, of Rouen. They agreed to settle five hundred 
 emigrants in the colony, for which they were to receive, in 
 return, a monopoly of the fur trade. Chauvin was appointed 
 Lieutenant-Governor, and made two voyages, bringing out 
 about sixteen or twenty colonists. 
 
 At Tadousac, still stands a memorial of his visit, a house 
 built of stone and mortar, the first of the kind erected in 
 Canada. The voyages he made proved very profitable ; but 
 Hs death, in 1603, put an end to the scheme. 
 
 He was succeeded in the trade by Commandeur de 
 ■Chaste, Governor of Dieppe, the third Lieutenant-General, 
 who organised a company of merchants for the purpose 
 of carrying on a liberal trade with the Indians, and, at the 
 same time, to prosecute new discoveries. This gentleman did 
 much for the prosperity of the country ; and his name will 
 always be connected with its history, from the fact that from 
 him " Samuel Champlain," the founder of Quebec, received 
 lis first command in Canada. 
 
 Champlain was a native of Santonge, and had gained a 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 13 
 
 reputation, by several years' service in the West IndiCiS, as a 
 bold and sagacious officer. Pontgrav^ was also associated 
 with Champlain in this expedition. They sailed, in 1603, 
 for Tadousac, having received instructions to ascend the St. 
 Lawrence as far as possible. 
 
 These instructions were faithfully carried out by Cham- 
 plain, and they ascended the river until they passed Hoche- 
 laga, now almost deserted. Here, they found themselves 
 stopped by the Sault St. Louis, now known as Lachine rapids. 
 Having taken some observations of the country, Champlain 
 returned to France to make a report of the expedition ; but, 
 on his arrival in that country, he learned that De Chaste was 
 dead, and that a new patent had been given to a Monsieur de 
 Monts, appointing him governor of the territory lying between 
 the 40th and 46th degrees of north latitude, with the exclusive 
 privilege of trade upon the St. Lawrence. De Monts sailed 
 on the 7th March, 1604, wkh two vessels, one of which waa 
 under the command of Champlain. 
 
 They formed settlements at Sante Croix and Port Royal, 
 and took possession of Acadia. While these attempts were 
 being made, De Monts and his company, seeing the great 
 advantages to be derived by the establishment of a colony on 
 the St. Lawrence, sent one of their vessels, in 1608, to tho 
 River St. Lawrence, under the command of Champlain. 
 During his previous visit, in 1603, Champlain had marked out 
 a spot, above the Island of Orleans, as a suitable place for a 
 town. He, accordingly, at once repaired to this place, and on 
 the 3rd July, 1608, he laid the foundation of Quebec, where 
 he erected a stone house and some huts for his people, and 
 remained there during the winter. 
 
u 
 
 VILLE MARIE, OR, 
 
 . CHAPTER III. 
 
 , ii. 
 
 ' ■ 
 
 iFrom the foundingof Quebec, 1608, to Maissoneuvc's departure for Montreal, 1641 ; 
 — Champlnin's excursion with the Indians ; Do Mont's monopoly withdrawn; 
 Count do Soissons; Site chosen at Hochclaga; I'rince do Cond6 ; Associatioa 
 of Merchants incorporated; Arrival of Uccollots in Canada; Duke de Mont- 
 morenci ; Merchants deprived of their Charter, which is transferred to DeCaen ; 
 Duke de Veutadour ; Company of One Hundred Associates ; Champlain appoint- 
 ed Governor ; S urronder of Qiiobec ; Quebec restored to France ; Death of Cham- 
 plain; M. de Montmagny: I>auversi6re and Olier form a company to plants 
 colony at Montreal; M. do Maissoneuvo cliOKen Governor; Mademoiselle de 
 Mance ; Departure of Maissoneuve. 
 
 EARLY in the spring jf 1609 Champlain ascended the river, 
 and met with a band of Algonquin Indians. This tribe 
 occupied the territory extending along the north bank of the 
 St. Lawrence, as far as the Ottawa. The remainder of the 
 country was occupied by the Hurons, and Hochelaga was 
 their chief village. These two tribes were united for the 
 purpose of resisting the Iroquois, whose country lay on the 
 south side, along Lake Erie. This tribe was known, by the 
 'Eaglish, as the five nations; being made up of the Onondagas, 
 the Cayugas, the Senecas, the Mohawks, and the Oneidas, 
 who formed a confederacy for offensive and defensive purposes. 
 In order to escape the enmity of both parties, it 'became 
 necessary that the French should take sides with either the 
 one tribe or the other; and, naturally, Champlain chose the 
 one which was nearest to him. The Algonquins promised that 
 he should have a safe passage through their country, on 
 condition that he would assist them, if necessary, against 
 their enemies, the Iroquois. He was soon called upon to 
 fulfil his promise, and he accompanied them up the Richelieu ; 
 and upon the shores of Lake George they met the enemy, 
 who were easily defeated, owing to the fire-arms used by the 
 French. 
 
 ti :m 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 15 
 
 Champlain returned to Quebec, and there learned that the 
 King had withdrawn De Monta' monopoly of the trade. This 
 necessitated his visiting France, where he hoped to be able 
 to enlist the sympathy of some powerful person on behalf of 
 the colony. He had but little diflSculty in inducing the Count 
 de Soissons (who had been appointed viceroy) to delegate to 
 him authority to proceed Avith his efforts in the new world. 
 The count appointed Champlain as his lieutenant, who, in 
 1611, wishing to establish relations with the great Indian 
 communities of the interior, repaired to Hochelaga, where 
 he chose a site and cleared ground for the proposed trading- 
 post. The spot chosen was immediately above a sm^U stream 
 (which now forms Commissioners and Foundling Streets) 
 which entered the River St. Lawrence at Point a Calliere ; and, 
 " here, on the margin of the stream, he built a wall of bricks, 
 <^which he made from clay found on the spot), in order to test 
 the effects of the ice-shove," in the spring.* 
 
 On the death of Count de Soissons, the Prince de Conde, 
 who succeeded to the vice-royalty, continued Champlain as 
 lieutenant ; the Prince also procured letters of incorporation 
 for some merchants of France, who had formed themselves 
 into a company for the purpose of carrying on trade with New 
 France, as the country was now called. Champlain pressed 
 upon this company the necessity of sending out settlers, and 
 reminded them that the spiritual wants of the colony should 
 also be attended to. Towards providing for the latter, 
 Champlain succeeded in inducing four Recollets to accompany 
 him to this country, in 1612. The succeeding eight years 
 was occupied principally in excursions into the interior of the 
 country, and aiding his allies, the Hurons, against their 
 enemies, the Iroquois. During one of the engagements, 
 Champlain was twice wounded, and he and his allies were 
 forced to retreat. 
 
 * The Grey Nunnery hospital is built near this site. 
 
1 1 
 
 16 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 1 
 
 I' 
 
 11 " 
 
 
 In 1620, Duke de Montmorenci, Lord High Admiral,, 
 purchased the vice-royalty from Prince de Cond^, for the 
 sum of eleven thousand crowns. The duke having everj 
 confidence in Champlain, continued him as governor, and he- 
 brought out his family, and took up his residence at Quebec . 
 The company and the crown were alike indifferent to the 
 ■wants of the colony, and it was only by dint of great perse- 
 verance on Champlain's part that the plantation was kept in 
 existence : notwithstanding these efforts, the number of 
 colonists did not exceed sixty. In 1621, Montmorenci 
 deprived the " Merchants' Association" of their charter, and 
 transferred all the colonial trade to the Sieurs de Caen. 
 These gentlemen engaged actively in the fur trade, and seem 
 to have behaved in a very arbitrary manner, which finally led 
 to disagreement between Champlain and themselves. Added 
 to this dissatisfaction was the fact that the DeCaens, being 
 Huguenots, were not likely to further the interests of the 
 Catholic religion in Canada. In 1623, the DeCaens and the 
 old "Merchants Company" had formed a union; but, being 
 continually engaged in disputes as to their rights, the Duke 
 de Montmorenci, to relieve himself from trouble, disposed of 
 his vice-royalty to his nephew, the Duke de Ventadour, who 
 had entered holy orders, and whose sole object, in thus 
 purchasing it, was to use his influence towards the conversion 
 of the Indians. In 1625, he sent out three Jesuits, and added 
 two brothers to the RecoUets already in Canada. These 
 Jesuit fathers, L'AUemand, Masse, and Brebeuf, were men 
 of exemplary character and piety, and cheerfully undertook 
 the mission. 
 
 To end the disputes between DeCaen and the colonists, a 
 company was formed in France, under the direct auspices of 
 Cardinal Richelieu, and was known as the " Cents Associes,'* 
 or the company of " One Hundred Associates." 
 
 This company engaged to send out a large body]of trades- 
 men to Canada, and to supply all whom they settled in the 
 
 II 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 17 
 
 country, with lodging, food, clothing and implements, for 
 three years, after which they would allow each workman 
 sufficient 4and to support him, with grain necessary for seed. 
 The company also engaged to have six thousand Roman 
 Catholic Frenchmen settled in the countries included in their 
 charter, before the year 1643, and to each settlement they 
 were to maintain three priests, who were to be provided with 
 every article necessary for their personal comfort, as well aa 
 the expenses attending their ministerial labors, for fifteen 
 years, after which, cleared lands were to be granted by the 
 company, to the clergy, for maintaining the Catholic Church 
 in New France. 
 
 The prerogatives which the king reserved to himself, were, 
 the supremacy in matters of faith ; homage as sovereign of 
 the country ; with the acknowledgement of a crown of gold, 
 weighing eight marks, on each succession to the throne ; the 
 nomination of all commanders and officers of forts ; and the 
 appointment of officers of justice, whenever it became 
 necessary to establish courts of law. 
 
 The royal charter, conferred upon this company in April, 
 1627, granted to them and their successors, for ever, in 
 consideration of their engagements to the crown, the fort and 
 settlement at Quebec, all the territory of New France, 
 including Florida, &c. They were empowered to confer 
 titles of distinction, which, however, required, in the erection 
 of earldoms and baronies, the confirmation of the king or the 
 recommendation of Richelieu, who assumed the title of 
 " Superintendent-in-chief of the navigation and commerce of 
 New France." The company had also the exclusive right of 
 traffic in furs, and all other trade and commerce, for fifteen 
 years, with the exception of the right to fish for cod and 
 whales. Their capital consisted of one hundred thousand 
 crowns. 
 
 The vice-royalty was now suspended, and Champlain was 
 appointed governor of the colony, but Richelieu's scheme was 
 
 c 
 
i : 
 
 f '1 
 I 
 
 H 
 
 m 
 
 i rJ 
 
 I:; 
 
 18 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OB, 
 
 interrupted by the breaking out of a war between France and 
 England. In 1628, King Charles I., of England, gave a 
 commission to Sir David Kirk (a French cabinet refugee) to 
 conquer Canada. He destroyed some ships belonging to the 
 *' Company of One Hundred Associates," burned Tadousac, 
 and, saiUng up the St. Lawrence, summoned Quebec to 
 surrender ; but Champlain refused, and Kirk retired. In the 
 following year, Louis and Thomas Kirk, brothers of Sir David, 
 appeared with three ships before Quebec, and again demanded 
 its surrender. The destruction of the company's ships, by 
 Sir David, in 1628, had deprived Champlain of his regular 
 supply, and finding his ammunition and provisions well nigh 
 exhausted, he surrendered, upon honorable conditions, Quebec 
 and all Canada into the hands of the British, and then returned 
 to France. " The whole of the French settlements at this time 
 were small. The fort at Quebec was surrounded by a few 
 small houses, and the whole population did not exceed one 
 hundred persons, men, women and children, while at Montreal 
 there were only three or four small log houses." 
 
 By the treaty of St. Germain, (1632,) Canada was restored 
 to France in 1633, and the company became repossessed of 
 its rights. Champlain was re-appointed governor, and brought 
 out with him a number of respectable colonists. Along with 
 them came two more Jesuits. Schools were at once opened 
 at Quebec, by the Jesuits, and a son of the Marquis de 
 Gamache, R^ne de Rohault, who had joined the Jesuits, 
 ofifered six thousand crowns of gold as a donation towards 
 establishing a college or seminary. In the eax'ly part of 
 December, 1635, the foundation was laid. A few days after, 
 the colony suffered a severe loss in the death of Champlain, 
 2oth December, 1635. His remains were interred in the 
 settlement he had founded, and his name^ stands in the annals 
 of our country, as the man who gave success and permanence 
 to French colonization. '' He was a man of superior talents, 
 and of upright intentions ; he was active, enterprising and 
 
 !!,; 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 19 
 
 ■valiant, and possessed such a zeal for the propagation of 
 religion, that it was a common saying with him, ' that the 
 salvation of one soul was of more value than the conquest of 
 an empire.' " 
 
 On the death of Cham plain, M. de Montmagny was 
 appointed governor ; but such little attention was paid 
 to the wants of the colony, that its prosperity was 
 much retarded, the fur trade alone being conducted with 
 any spirit. But great vigor was manifested in religious 
 concerns, and several institutions were erected. In 1630 
 the Hotel Dieu at Quebec was founded by three nuns sent 
 out by the Duchess d'Aiguillon, and Madame de la Peltrie 
 brought out at her own charge another body of nuns, who 
 established the Ursuline convent. 
 
 The peopling and fortifying the Island of Montreal with a 
 view of repressing the incursions of the Iroquois, and the 
 conversion of the Indians, had occupied the entire attention of 
 the first missionaries, and, in 1640, the whole of this domain 
 -\vas ceded to a company for that purpose. 
 
 " Jerome le Royer de la Dauversiere, a collector of taxes 
 at La Fleche, in Anjou, and a young priest of Paris, Jean 
 Jacques Olier by name, having met each other, formed the 
 idea of establishing at Montreal three religious communities, 
 one of priests, to convert the Indians, one of nuns, to nurse 
 the sick, and one of nuns, to teach the children of the Indians 
 and of the colonists." 
 
 A rather romantic account is given as to the manner in 
 which these two persons became acquainted. 
 
 Dauversiere was an enthusiastic devotee, and one day while 
 at his devotions he heard a voice commanding him to become 
 the founder of a new order of hospital nuns, and to establish 
 on the island called Montreal, in Canada,an hospital or " Hotel 
 Dieu," to be conducted by these nuns. Dauversiere was 
 greatly perplexed. On the one hand, the voice from Heaven 
 
I 
 
 20 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 I ,i 
 
 '!: 
 
 i ' 
 
 ■ t 
 
 
 ( 
 
 !' ! 
 
 i 
 
 • i 
 ! 
 
 
 ' 1 
 
 ;i 
 
 
 '; 
 
 
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 } 
 
 1.. 
 
 1 
 
 1 1 
 
 must be obeyed ; on the other, he had a wife, six children and 
 a very moderate income. 
 
 There was at this titno, at Paris, a young priest, " Olier," 
 twenty-eight years of age, who, while he was praying in the 
 ancient church of St. Germain des Pris, thought he heard a 
 voice from Heaven telling him that he was to be a light to the 
 Gentiles. He was also told that he was to form a society of 
 priests, and establish them upon the island called Montreal, 
 in Canada, for the propagation of the true faith. 
 
 We are told that while he and Dauversiere wer,o totally 
 ignorant of Canadian geography, they suddenly found them- 
 selves in possession, they knew not how, of the most exact 
 details concerning Montreal, its size, shape, situation, soil, 
 climate and productions. 
 
 BauversiSre pondered the revelation he had received, and 
 the more he pondered the more he became convinced that the 
 call came from God. He therefore went to Paris, where he 
 was strengtnened in his conviction by another vision in which 
 he heard Christ ask the virgin, three times, '* Where can I 
 find a faithful servant ? " upon which the virgin took Dau- 
 versiere by the hand, saying, " See, Lord, here is that 
 faithful servant." Christ received him with a smile, and 
 promised him wisdom and strength to do his work. 
 
 From Paris he went to the Chateau of Menden, not far from 
 St. Cloud. Entering the gallery of an old castle, he saw a 
 priest approaching him. It was Olier. Although these men 
 had neither seen nor heard of each oihyr , yet, impelled by a 
 kind of inspiration, they knew each crhrr, even to the depths 
 of their hearts, and saluted each other by name like two 
 friends who had met after a long separation. 
 
 Dauversiere received communion at the hands of Olier, 
 after which they proceeded to discuss the plans revealed to 
 them. It was an easy matter to talk over those plans ; but> 
 in order to carry them out, they must first raise some money. 
 For this purpose, Olier laid the matter before some of his 
 
 i !t 
 
 It 
 
 la i 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 21 
 
 ■wcalthj penitents, while Dauversiere succeeded in securing 
 the Baron de Fancharap, a devout Christian, and a wealthy 
 man, who, considering the enterprise as one calculated to 
 further his spiritual interests, .vas eager to take part in it. 
 Shortly afterwards, three others were secured, and the six 
 together formed the germ of the ' ' Societo do Notre Dame 
 de Montreal." Among them they raised seventy-five thousand 
 livres. 
 
 Previous to this, the Island of Montreal had been granted 
 to M. de Lauzon, a former president of the Company of 
 One Hundred Associates, and his son possessed the exclusive 
 monopoly of the fishery on tlie St. Lawrence. After much 
 persuasion, Dauversiere and Fanchamp succeeded in securing 
 from him a transfer of his title to them ; and to make the 
 matter more secure, they obtained, in addition, a grant of the 
 island from its former owners, the " Associates." That 
 company, however, reserved the western extremity of the 
 island for themselves, as a site for a fort and stores. The 
 younger Lauzon also gave Dauversiere and his company the 
 right of fishery within two leagues of the shores of the island, 
 which favor they were to acknowledge by a yearly donation of 
 ten pounds of fish. These grants were afterwards confirmed 
 by the king, and thus Dauversiere and his companions became 
 '^' Lords of the Isle of Montreal." 
 
 They now proceeded to mature their plan, which was to 
 send out forty men to take possession of ^Montreal, intrench 
 themselves, and raise crops, after which they would build 
 houses for the priests, and convents for the nuns. 
 
 It was necessary that some competent person should be 
 secured who should take command of the expedition and act 
 as governor of the newly ac({uired isle. To fill this important 
 position, it was desirable that with the qualities of the states- 
 man should be added the courage of the soldier. One in 
 whom these were combined was found in the person of Paul 
 de Chomedey, Sieur de Maissoneuve, a devout christian, an 
 
;ii:i 
 
 22 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 ir 
 
 ■ ■ ' 
 
 illr 
 
 1 
 
 I J 
 
 i I 
 
 able statesman, and a valiant soldier. Maissoneuve at once 
 accepted the position, but many obstacles presented them- 
 selves to the company before they were enabled to furnish 
 him with the means required for founding the new colony . 
 Not the least of their troubles was the difficulty they met with 
 in procuring money. This difficulty so preyed upon the 
 minds of Dauversiere and Olier that they became very 
 defjpondent. They continued so for a length of time ; but 
 finally their faith in the enterprise became so strengthened 
 that they set to work in earnest, to complete their plans. 
 They were now successful. Many very wealthy ladies con- 
 tributed towards defraying the expense of the undertaking, 
 and also became members of the "Association of Montreal," 
 which had now increased to about forty-five persons, and 
 it was decided to postpone the establishment of a college 
 and seminary until the colony should be formed. The hos- 
 pital, however, was to be at once erected, as they felt assured 
 that it would be needed by the settlers. To superintend the 
 hospital, they secured the services of a young lady, thirty-four 
 years of age, Mademoiselle Mance, a descendant of an ancient 
 family of France. She accepted the appointment, and 
 although of delicate constitution, she was ready to face any 
 hardship, so that she might spread the cause of her church. 
 Once only did her courage fail her, and that upon the eve of 
 their departure when she had some misgivings as to the advis- 
 ability of her accompanying alone, to the forests, a troop of 
 soldiers. This difficulty was remc /ed by two of the men 
 refusing at the Ia-,t moment to eml ark unless their wives ac- 
 companied them, and by a young woman who volunteered 
 to accompany the party, and took passage in one of the vessels. 
 In February, 1641, the Associates, with Olier at their 
 head, assembled in the Church of Notre Dame at Paris, and 
 before the Altar of the Virgin " solemnly consecrated Mont- 
 real to the Holy Family, and to be called " Ville-Marie de 
 Montr ^aV^ 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 28 
 
 CHAPTER lY. 
 
 From the arrival of Maissoneuve at Quebec, 1641, to the erection of Canada into a 
 Koyal Government, 1663— Maissoneuve arrives at Quebec. Jealousies; Winters 
 at St. Michel; Embarks for Montreal; His Arrival; Religious ceremonies; 
 Proceeds to erect houses and fortifications : Flood ; Maissoneuve s vow ; Arrival 
 ofD'Aillebout; Erection of Hospital of Urey Nunnery; Battle with the Indians; 
 
 • The Seminary of St. Sulpice prrchase the Jsland; Marguerite Bourgeoys; Sul 
 picians take possession, and erect a Seminary ; Massacre at Montreal ; Arrival 
 of Troops; Seminary enlarged, and tithes exacted; King's Commissioner sent 
 to Canada ; Great Earthquake ; Company of Associates deprived of their charter ; 
 Canada erected into a loyal Government. 
 
 MAISSONEUVE with his party, forty-fiye in number, 
 reached Quebec too late to ascend the river. On their 
 arrival at that place they were received with jealousy and dis- 
 trust. The agents of the " Company of One Hundred As- 
 sociates " looked on them with suspicion, and Montmagny the 
 Governor, feared a rival in Maissoneuve. Every opposition 
 was thrown in their way, and Montmagny tried to persuade 
 Maissoneuve to exchange the Island of Montreal for that of 
 Orleans. But Maissoneuve was not to be deceived, and he 
 expressed his determination to found a colony at Montreal, 
 " even if every tree on the island were an Iroquois." 
 
 The party would have suffered severely diu-ing the winter 
 had it not been for the generosity of a gentleman named 
 Puiseaux, who lived at St. Michel, near Quebec, and who 
 made room for them all in his rough but <>xtensive dwelling. 
 
 During the winter Maissoneuve employed his men in 
 various labors for the future benefit of the colony, but prin- 
 cipally in building a boat in which to ascend the river. 
 While staying here they gained an unexpected addition to 
 their numbers in the person of Madame do la Peltrie, who 
 joined them, and took with her all the furniturs she had lent 
 the UrsuHnes. 
 
I 
 
 
 ! ! 
 
 1; 
 
 I'l 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 I- 1 
 
 24 
 
 ViLLE marie; or, 
 
 On the 8th of May, 1642, Maissoneuve embarked from 
 St. Michel, and " on the 17th May his little flotilla, a pinnace, 
 a flat-bottomed craft moved by sails, and two row-boats, 
 appx'oached Montreal, and all on board raised in unison a hymn 
 of praise. Montmagny was there to deliver the island, 
 on behalf of the ' Company of One Hundred Associates.' 
 Here, too, was Father Viraont, superior of the Missions. On 
 the following day they glided along the green and solitary 
 shores, now thronged with the life of a busy city, and landed 
 on the spot which Champlain, thirty-one years before, had 
 chosen as the fit site of a settlement. It was a tongue, or tri- 
 angle of land, formed by the junction of a rivulet with the 
 St. Lawrence. This rivulet was bordered by a meadow, and 
 beyond rose the forest with its vanguard of scattered trees. 
 Early spring flowers were bkuming in the young grass, and 
 the birds flitted among the boughs. 
 
 *' Maissoneuve sprang ashore and fell on his knees. His 
 followers imitated his example ; and all joined their voices in 
 songs of thanksgiving. Tents, baggage, arms and stores were 
 landed. An altar was raised on a pleasant place near at 
 hand ; and Mademoiselle Mance, with Madame de la Peitrie, 
 aided by her servant, Charlotte Barre, decorated it with a 
 taste which was the admiration of all beholders. Now all 
 the company gathered before the shrine. Here were the 
 ladies with their servant ; Montmagny, no willing spectator ; 
 and Maissoneuve, a warlike figure, erect and tall, his men 
 clustering around him — soldiers, sailors, artisans and laborers 
 — all alike soldiers at need. They kneeled in reverent 
 silence as the Host was raised aloft ; and when the rite was 
 over the priest turned and addressed rhem : You are a 
 grain of mustard seed that shall rise and grow until its 
 branches overshadow the land. You are few, but your work 
 is the work of God. His smile is on you, and your children 
 shall fill the land. 
 
 '• The afternoon waned ; the sun sanl* !>chind the western 
 
 III! 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 25 
 
 ¥ 
 
 V-i 
 
 forest, and twilight came on. Fire-flies were twinkling over 
 the darkened meadow. They caught them, tied them with 
 threads into shining festoons, and hung thorn before the altar. 
 Then they pitched their tents, lighted their fires, stationed 
 their guards, and lay down to rest. Such was the birth-night 
 of Montreal." 
 
 The following morning they proceeded to form their encamp- 
 ment, the first tree being felled by ^laissoneuve. They 
 worked with such energy that by the evening they erected a 
 strong palisade, and had covered their altar with a roof 
 formed of bark. ' 
 
 It was some considerable time after their arrival before their 
 enemies, the Indians, were made aware of it, and they 
 improved the time by building some substantial houses, 
 and in strengthening their fortifications. In this way they 
 passed the summer, and all seemed bright, when in the month 
 of December the river St. Lawrence rose rapidly and threat- 
 ened to destroy the result of their toil. The flood rose until 
 it filled the fort ditch and reached the foot of their fortifica- 
 tions ; but it then receded slowly, and they were safe. 
 
 While the water was rising, Maissoneuve made a vow that, 
 should the danger be averted, lie would cause a cross to bo 
 made, and tnodUI bear the same upon his shoulders and fix it 
 on the top vS the mountain. He now proceeded to fulfil his 
 vow, aiid in January, 1643, he set his men to work to clear 
 a road up the mountain. When this was completed they 
 formed a prooosj.lon, headed by one of the Jesuits, and fol- 
 lowed by Maissoneuve, " bearing a cross so heavy that he 
 could scarcely ascend the mountain." When they arrived 
 at the highest crest of the mount, the cross was erected, and 
 all knelt to worship before it. Mass was said, and the 
 sacrament was administered to Madame de la Peltrie. 
 
 The ■ ctivicy and zeal of Maissoneuve induced him to make 
 a voj&'^i' to France to obtain assistance for his settlement. 
 Though I.Kv diSioulties were great, he yet was enabled to 
 
26 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 i ! 
 
 : 
 
 induce 100 men to join his little establishment on the islands 
 Notwithstanding this addition to his force, the progress of the 
 colony was greatly retarded by the frequent attacks of the 
 Indians. 
 
 In 1647 a vessel arrived at Montreal under command of 
 M. d'Aillebout, who brought with him his wife, her sister, 
 and a reinforcement of 100 men. D'Aillebout brought the 
 news that Madame de Bullion (one of the Associates) had 
 made a donation of 42,0 ?0 livres towards erecting an hospital 
 on the island. There v . ■'" yet, but little need of such 
 an institution ; but, as the uoo ; would not allow the money 
 to be expended on any other o;.jv.vt, the colonists proceeded 
 at once to erect such a building. As the space within their 
 walls was too limited to permit of such an extensive building, 
 a site was chosen near the same, and when the edifice was 
 completed it was surrounded with strong palisades. 
 
 The building was 60 feet long, 24 feet wide, with a kitchen, 
 a room for Mademoiselle Mance (who took charge of the 
 hospital), others for the servants, and two large apartments 
 for patients. It was provided with furniture, linen, medicines, 
 and all necessaries. A small oratory, of stone, was built 
 adjoining it. The enclosure was four arpents in extent. 
 
 Their enemies the Indians, soon became a cause of great 
 trouble to the colonists, and it was dangerous to pass beyond 
 the palisades, as the Indians wonld ^ide for days, waiting to 
 assail any unfortunate straggler. Although Maissoneuve waa 
 brave as man coul I be, he knew that his company was no 
 match for the enem; , owing to their ignorance of the mode of 
 Indian warfare ; therefore he kept his men as near the fort 
 as possible. 
 
 They, however, failed to appreciate his care of them, and 
 imputed it to cowardice. This led him to determine that 
 such a feeling should not exist if he could possibly remove it. 
 He therefore ordered his men to prepare to attack tho 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 2T 
 
 Indians, at the same time signifying his intention to lead 
 them himself. 
 
 He sallied forth at the head of thirty men, leaving d'Aille- 
 bout with the balance to hold the fort. After they had 
 ■waded through the snow for some distance they were attacked 
 by the Iroquois, who killed three of his men and wounded 
 several others. Maissoneuve and his party held their ground 
 until their ammunition began to fail, and then he gave orders 
 to retreat, he himself remaining till the last. Thj men 
 struggled onward for some time facing the enemy, but finally 
 they broke the ranks and retreated in great disorder towards 
 the fort. Maissoneuve, with a pistol in each hand, held the 
 Indians in check for some time. They might have killed 
 him, but they wished to take him prisoner. Their chief 
 desiring this honor, rushed forward, but just as 'le was about 
 to grasp him, Maissoneuve fired, and he fell tl?ad. The 
 Indians, fearing that the body of their chief would fall into 
 the hands of the French, rushed forward to secure it, and 
 Maissoneuve passed safely within the fort. From that day 
 his men never dared to impute cowardice to him. 
 
 In 1644 the island was made over to the Sulpicians of 
 Paris, and was destined for the support of that religious 
 order. 
 
 During a visit to France, in 1653, Maissoneuve met with a 
 pious lady, named Marguerite Bourgeois, who was attached 
 to the " Sisters of the Congregation " of Troyes, as an 
 extem4, and who was most eager to partake in opening up the 
 religious work in the new colonies. She was about thirty-three 
 years of age when she volunteered to accompany Maissoneuve 
 to Canada, and she manifested he" devotion to what she 
 considered her duty by waiving her right to an inheritance,, 
 and giving all she possessed to the poor, after which she 
 embarked for the scene of her labors. 
 
 1.1 the year 1657 Abbd Quelus came over, with deputies 
 fron. the Seminary at Paris, to take possession of their estate,, 
 
11 
 
 <n 
 
 iiiili 
 
 '28 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 and to found the Seminary of St. Sulpice at Montreal, for 
 the conversion of the Indians. As soon as they had taken 
 possession of their property they established an hospital for 
 the sick, in which effort they were aided by the liberality of 
 several persons in France. In the same year, Marguerite 
 Bourgeois laid the foundation of the building for the " Sisters 
 of the Congregation." 
 
 In 1658 Viscount d'Argenson was appointed Governor of 
 Canada, but the day ho landed, the Iroquois murdered some 
 Algonquin Indians under the very guns of Quebec. The 
 Indians seemed determined to exterminate the French. In 
 addition to keeping Quebec in a state little short of actual 
 siege, they massacred a large number of the settlers at 
 Montreal. 
 
 D'Argenson having resigned, the Baron d' A vagnon was ap- 
 pointed as Governor (1661) ; and, on his arz'ival, visited the se- 
 veral settlements throughout the country. He was surprised to 
 find them in such a deplorable condition, and made such 
 repi'esentation to the king, as to the neglect of the " Company 
 of One Hundred Associates," that M. de Monts, the king's 
 commissioner, was ordered to visit Canada, and report on its 
 condition. At the same time four hundred more troops were 
 added to the Colonial garrison. The arrival of these troops 
 give life and confidence to the colonists, and relieved Mont- 
 treal from its dangers. 
 
 During this year the Seminary at Montreal was enlarged for 
 the purpose of providing a sufficient numbc of young men for 
 the priesthood, to supply new parishes with curds. For this 
 purpose letters patent were procured, and an order was issued 
 that tithes of all lands on the island should be paid to the 
 seminary. The tithe was fixed at " one-thirteenth of the 
 natural and artificial labor of the people." 
 
 The country was at this time visited by a great earth- 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 29 
 
 quake of which the following account is taken from records 
 kept by the Jesuits at Quebec. 
 
 " About half-past five in the evening of 5th February 
 a great noise was heard throughout all Canada, which terri- 
 fied the inhabitants so much that they ran out of their 
 houses. The roofs of the buildings were shaken with great 
 violence, and the houses appeared as if falling to the grounds 
 There were to be seen animals flying in every direction ; chil- 
 dren crying and screaming in the streets ; men and women 
 seized with affright, stood horror-struck with the dreadful 
 scene before them, unable to move, and ignorant where 
 to fly for refuge from the danger. Some threw themselves^ 
 upon their knees on the snow, crossing their breasts, and 
 calling on the saints to deliver them from the dangers by 
 which they were surrounded. Others passed the r .dt of the 
 dreadful night in prayer ; for the earthquake ceased not, but: 
 continued at short intervals, with a certain undulating impulse^ 
 resembling the waves of the ocean ; and the same sensations,, 
 or sickness at the stomach, was felt during the shocks, as is 
 experienced in a vessel at sea. 
 
 " The violence of the earthquake was greatest in the 
 forests, .'.here it appeared as if there was a battle raging 
 between the trees ; for not only their branches were destroyed, 
 but even their trunks are said to have been detached from 
 their places, and dashed against each other with great violence 
 and confusion — so much so that the Indians declared that all 
 the trees were drunk. The war also sfjemed to be carried on 
 between the mountains, some of which were torn from their 
 beds and thrown upon others, leaving immense chasms in 
 the places from whence they had issued, and the very tr(3e* 
 with which they were covered sunk down, leaving only their 
 tops above the surface of the earth ; others were completely 
 overturned, their branches buried in the ground, and the 
 roots only remaining above ground. During this wreck 
 
' 
 
 It :'i;f 
 
 ti 
 
 •80 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 of nature, the ice, upwards of six feet thick, was rent 
 and thrown up in large pieces, and from the openings, in 
 many parts, there issued thick clouds of smoke, or fountains 
 of dirt and sand, which spouted to a considerable height. 
 The springs were either choked up or impregnated with 
 sulphur ; many rivers were totally lost ; others were diverted 
 from their course, and their waters entirely corrupted. 
 Some of them became yellow, some red, and the St. Law- 
 rence appeared entirely white, as far down as Tadousac. 
 This extraordinary i}hcnomenon must astonish those who 
 know the size of the river, and the immense body of water 
 in various parts, which must have required such an abun- 
 dance of matter to whiten it. They write from Montreal, 
 that during the earthtyiake, they plainly saw the stakes of 
 the pallisades jump up as if they had been dancing ; and 
 that of two doors in the same room, one opened and the 
 other shut of their own accord ; that the chimneys and 
 tops of the houses bent like branches of trees agitated by 
 the wind ; that when they went to walk they felt the earth 
 following them, and rising at every step they took. 
 
 " From Three Rivers they write, that the first shock was the 
 most violent, and commenced with a noise resembling thun- 
 der. The houses were agitated in the same manner as the 
 tops of trees during a tempest, with a noise as if fire was 
 cracl -ing in the garrets. The shock lasted half an hour, oi 
 rather better, though its greatest force was probably not more 
 than a quarter of an hour ; and we believe there was not a 
 single shock which did not cause the earth to open more or 
 less. 
 
 "As for the rest, we have remarked, that though the earth- 
 quake continued almost without intermission, yet it was not 
 always of an equal violence. Sometimes it was like the 
 pitching of a large vessel which dragged heavily at her 
 anchors ; and it was this motion which occasioned many to 
 have a giddiness in their heads. At other times, the motion 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 31 
 
 ^^■a3 hurried and irregular, creating sudden jerks, some of 
 ■which were exceedingly violent ; but the most common was a 
 slight, tremulo'^s motion, which occurred frequently with Uttle 
 
 noise. 
 
 "At Tadousac the effect of the earthquake was not less 
 violent than in other places : and such a heavy shower of 
 volcanic ashes fell in that neighborhood, particularly in the 
 Eiver St. Lawrence, that the waters were as violently agitated 
 as during a tempest. Lower down, towards Point Alouettes, 
 an entire forest, of considerable extent, was loosened from 
 the shore, and slid into the St. Lawrence. 
 
 " There are three circumstances which rendered this earth- 
 quake remarkable ; the first, its duration, it having continued 
 from February to August. It is true the shocks were not 
 always equally violent. The second circumstance relates to 
 the extent of the earthquake. It was universal throughout 
 the whole of New France from Gasp^, at the mouth of the 
 St. Lawrence, to beyond Montreal, also in New England, 
 Acadia, and other places more remote. It must, therefore, 
 have extended more than 600 miles in length, and 300 in 
 breadth. Hence, 180,000 square miles of land were con- 
 vulsed in the same day, and at the same moment. The third 
 circumstance, which appears the most remarkable of all, 
 regards the extraordinary protection of Divine Providence, 
 which was extended to the inhabitants, for while large chasms 
 were opened in various places, and the whole face of the 
 country was convulsed, yet there was not a single life lost, 
 nor a single person harmed in any way." 
 
 The representations made by M. de Monts, the king's com- 
 missioner, as well as those of the Bishop of Quebec, determined 
 Louis XIV. to demand their charter from the " Company of 
 One Hundred Associates " and to place the colony in imme- 
 diate connexion with the crown. As the profits of the fur 
 trade had been much diminished by the hostihty of the 
 Iroquois, the Company readily surrendered its privileges. As 
 
I 
 
 82 
 
 VILLF MARIE : OR, 
 
 soon as the transfer was completed, d'Avagnon was recalled 
 and M. de Mezy was appointed governor for three years. 
 Canada was thus changed into a royal government, and a 
 council of state was nominated to co-operate with the gov- 
 ernor in the administration of affairs. This council consisted 
 of the Governor, the Bishop of Quebec, and the Intendant, 
 together with four others to bo named by them, one of whoiik 
 was to act as Attorney' -Geneiai, and another as clerk. 
 
 rti 
 
 ■111 
 11 
 
 i ' 
 
 U .: 
 
 I ' 
 
 i , 1 
 
 r!i 
 
 •4 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 33 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 From the erection of Canada into a Royal Goyernment, 1663, to the attack on Que- 
 bec, 1690 -Wo^t India Company; Charter revoked; Hsjll((Ieuie Hoapitaliers ; 
 Enf^lish at New Tork; FortiBcationi at Montreal; DolaBarrt; Uarquia do 
 Nonville; Meeting of deputies; Le Rat; Massacre at Laehine; DcCalliere's 
 scheme; De Frontenac; Attack on British settlements; Proposed attack on 
 Montreal ; Siege of Quebec. 
 
 CANADA had not been long re-united to the Crown when the 
 king, by an edict dated 28th of May ,1664, placed the coun- 
 try under the " West India Company." De Mezy was 
 recalled and Marquis de Tracy appointed Viceroy of Canada, 
 where he arrived in 1665. In 1675 the Crown again resumed 
 the government of Canada and the charter of the Company 
 was revoked, and on the 6th June an edict was issued 
 confirming the previous one of 1663. 
 
 On the 20th October, 1670, an Act was passed authorising 
 the establishment upon the Island of a society of " Reli- 
 gieuse Hospitallers," and in the month of May, 1671, "letters 
 patent were granted approving of the establishment^ of the 
 " Soeurs de la Congregation of Montreal." 
 
 In 1664 the EngUsh acquired possession of the Province of 
 New York, and being desirous of making as much as possible 
 out of their new acquisition, they sought and obtained a large 
 portion of the fur trade. Hitherto the whole of this trade 
 bad been centred in Montreal. 
 
 The success which attended the efforts of the English, in 
 attracting the trade to New York, led to much jealousy 
 between them and the French. To secure themselves in the 
 matter, the English managed after much trouble, to secure as 
 allies and friends, the powerful Iroquois, who proved of 
 great service in repelling the incursions of the French. 
 
 D 
 
I '.i 
 
 I I 
 
 1 ' 
 
 ill 
 
 1 : 
 
 1 1 
 
 li 
 
 
 
 84 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 As the French settlements increased in extent and power 
 they assumed offensive operations on the New England fron- 
 tier. The spirit of the British colonists was roused, and the 
 result was that both parties, aided by the Indians, carried on 
 a destructive warfare. To protect the settlement at Montreal 
 the Governor of the town, M. de Callieres, in the fall of 1684, 
 ordered all the inhabitants to cut down and bring in great 
 stakes, 16 ft. in length, to fortify the town. The inhabitants 
 worked so vigorously during the winter that all things were 
 ready by the spring of 1685, and six hundred men were at 
 once started to work in erecting a palisade around the town. 
 
 In 1682 M. de la Barre had been appointed Governor of 
 Canada, and he found that the colony was in a critical posi- 
 tion. The Iroquois were not only carrying the whole of the 
 furs from their own country to New York, but they were 
 even buying from the Indian allies of the French. Great 
 complaints were made, and when the state of affairs was 
 made known in France a detachment of 200 soldiers was 
 sent out with a letter from the King of France, signifying that 
 the King of England had given express orders to Governor 
 Dongan of New York, to keep up a good understanding with 
 the French in Canada. De la Barre then sent a message to 
 Dongan requesting him to prevent the Iroquois from interfer- 
 ing with the trade. Dongan paid no attention to thivS i-equest, 
 and shortly afterwards a party of Mohawks fell in with fourteen 
 French traders, and took from them all their merchandize. 
 
 Incensed with this conduct, de la Barre determined to 
 punish them, and therefore assembled an army of six hundred 
 Canadians, one hundred and thirty regulars and two hundred 
 Indians, and, putting himself at the head, left Quebec on the 
 9th July, 1684, and arrived at Montreal on the 21st of the 
 same month. Here he was joined by more troops and he 
 marched to Fort Frontenao, where he was detained six weeks. 
 In the meantime his troops suffered severely and many of 
 them died. The Iroquois finding themselves unequal to the 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 86 
 
 contest proposed terms of conciliation, which de la Barre 
 eagerly accepted. On his return to Quebec he found that 
 the king had sent out a large reinforcement of troops, with 
 orders that war should at once be declared against the Five 
 Nations. 
 
 De la Barre was replaced, in 1685, by Marquis de Nonville, 
 who, seeing the necessity of humbling the savages, laid plans 
 for building a fort at Niagara to intercept the communications 
 of the British with the Iroquois. Dongan remonstrated with de 
 Nonville, claiming the Iroquois as subjects of Britain, which 
 claim was at once denied. Several engagements took place 
 between the two parties, resulting in severe losses on both 
 sides. 
 
 De Nonville now proposed that the differences between 
 the French and Iroquois should be settled in a con crence to 
 be held at Quebec. To this the Indians assented, but when the 
 deputies arrived they were most basely seized, loaded with 
 irons, and were sent to France to work as galley slaves. The 
 Indians at once took up arms to revenge this outrage, and they 
 attacked Chambly, burnt several houses and took many of the 
 inhabitants as prisoners to Albany. Another party seized 
 several French soldiers near Cataraqui and kept them as 
 prisoners, in place of the chiefs taken to France. Finally de 
 Nonville made proposals of peace to the Five Nations, who 
 were persuaded by Dongan to send messengers to Canada to 
 treat with him. For this purpose a cessation of arms and a 
 mutual re-delivery of prisoners was agreed upon. 
 
 In 1687 twelve hundred of the Five Nations assembled at 
 Montreal and pressed their rights with great earnestness, and 
 the Governor declared his willingness to put an end to 
 the war if all his allies might be included in the peace, and if 
 the Mohawks and Senecas would send deputies to signify their 
 concurrence. These terms were at length agreed to, and a 
 treaty of peace was ratified. 
 
36 
 
 |VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 1 I 
 
 ■I III 
 
 ^■1 
 
 While these negotiations were going on, a chief of the 
 Huron tribe, " Le Eat " by name, arrived at Fort Frontenac 
 with a band of warriors. On hearing that there was prospect 
 of peace between the French and the Five Nations, that the 
 deputies were now on their route to Montreal, and that it 
 would be an insult to the French Governor ;if he should com- 
 mit any hostility against the Five Nations now about conclud- 
 ing peace, he became highly incensed at de Nonville for enter- 
 ing into any such negotiations without first consulting his 
 nation as one of the allies, and he resolved to pun'sh him for 
 his presumption. 
 
 He therefore left Fort Frontenac, and lay in wait for the 
 deputies, and when they came up he killed several and took 
 the rest prisoners. When one of them explained to him the 
 object of their journey, he feigned great surprise and told 
 them that he had attacked them by the express orders of de 
 Nonville. He then released the prisoners, except one, and 
 addressing the principal one he said: " Go, my brother, I untie 
 your hands and send you home again, though our nations be 
 at war, the French Governor has made us commit so black 
 a crime that I shall never be easy till the Five Nations have 
 taken revenge." 
 
 He ihen hastened to Mackhiaw where he presented 
 his prisoner to the French Commandant. whOj being ignorant 
 of the proposed treaty, immediately put him to death. Le 
 Rat then released an old Seneca Indian, whom he had made 
 prisoner, and told him to go and acquaint his nation that, 
 while the French were amusing them with negotiatioDS, they 
 were raurdering their countrymen. 
 
 This artifice snoceeded, and the Indian3,enraged at the sup- 
 posed treachery of the Fronch, at once called a council of 
 war and decided to attack Montreal pnd lay waste the 
 country. 
 
 " The winter and spring of lt)8f-89 had been passed in an 
 unusually tranquil rcanner, and the summer was pretty well 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 37 
 
 advanced, when vhe storm suddenly fell on the beautiful 
 Island of Montreal. During the night of the 5th of August 
 1400 Iroquois traversed the Lake St.Louis. and disembarked 
 silently on the upper part of the island. Before daybreak 
 next morning the invaders had taken their station at Lachine, 
 in platoons around every house within the radius of several 
 leagues. The inmates were buried in sleep — soon to be the 
 dreamless sleep that knows no waking, for many of 
 them. The Iroquois only waited for a signal from their leaders 
 to make the attack. It was given. In a short space 
 the doors and the windows of the dwelling were broken in ; 
 the sleepers dragged from their beds ; men, women and 
 children, all struggling in the hands of their butchers. 
 Such houses as the savages cannot force their way into, 
 they fire ; and as the flames reach the persons of those within, 
 intolerable pain drives them forth to meet death beyond 
 the threshold, from beings who know no pity. The fiend- 
 ish murderers forced parents to throw their children into 
 the flames. Two hundred persons were burnt alive ; others 
 died after prolonged torture. Many were reserved to 
 perish similarly at a future time. The fair island upon 
 which the sun shone brightly erewhile, was lighted up by 
 fires of woe ; houses, plantations, and crops were reduced to 
 ^ahes, while the ground reeked with blood up to a short league 
 from Montreal. The savages crossed to the opposite 
 shore, the desolation behind them being complete, and forth- 
 with the parish of La Chenie was wasted by fire, and many 
 •of its people massacred. The savages lost but three men in 
 the work of desolation." 
 
 A general consternation was spread thoughout the whole 
 colony. When de Nonville heard of it, he lost his self pos- 
 session entirely, and when applied to for men to follow and 
 punish the enemy he positively refused. A party of about 
 100 started out in face of his prohibition, but they were set 
 upon and killed, or dispersed. 
 
' !l i 
 
 
 
 '4 I" 
 
 8d 
 
 VILLE MAEIE; OB, 
 
 
 Chevalier de Callieres, Governor of Montreal, being convin 
 ced that the only way to secure tranquility to the country was^ 
 by humbling the Five Nations by a superior force, and as the 
 English at New York openly avowed alliance with them, it 
 became of the utmost importance that they too should be con- 
 quered. He, therefore, went to France and presented his 
 plan to the Government. His proposal was that he sho'ii'. 
 be placed in command of 1300 regular soldiers, and 300 Ca- 
 nadians, with which force he should march by Lake Champlain 
 under pretext of making war against the Five Nations, and 
 when arrived at their country he would assure them that he 
 wished to be at peace with them and only meant to attack the' 
 English. He then proposed to attack Albany, which had a 
 garrison of 150 men, after which he would attack New York 
 which had a garrison of but 400 men, thus the whole country 
 would be under the King of France. The French Govern- 
 ment did not think best to carry out the plan just at that 
 time, but waited for a more favorable opportunity to do 
 so. 
 
 For his incapacity, de Nonvilie was recalled, and the Gov- 
 ernment of Canada was intrusted for the second time to the 
 experienced hands of Count de Frontenac. He landed at 
 Quebec, at 8 p. m. on the 18th October, 1689, amidst the 
 heartiest demonstrations of joy. He brought with him the 
 Indian deputies whioh had been sent to France by de Non- 
 vilie, and was also accompaned by de Callieres who had been 
 appointed intendant. 
 
 Frontenac had hoped that the personal esteem in which he 
 had been held during his former administration would enable 
 him to make peace with the Indians. But he was disappointed, 
 and he determined at once to humble the Iroquois con^der- 
 acy. 
 
 The war between France and England furnished an 
 opportunity to the French Government to pursue the plan 
 suggested by de Callieres.|Three expeditions were organized 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 39 
 
 to invade the British settlements. The first left Montreal and 
 attacked Corlaer or Schenectady in New York, and burned 
 the forts and houses. The second destroyed a village called 
 Sementels or Salmon Falls in Nev? Hampshire. On their 
 return they fell in with the third party, and joining forces 
 they took the village of Kaskebe in Maine. The expedition, 
 which was organized at Montreal, consisted of 200 men, half 
 French and half Indian, and was under the command of De 
 St. Helene, a Canadian born officer. After this party had 
 taken Albany, the Mohawks determined to have revenge, and 
 immediately pursued them and cut off twenty-five of their 
 number, and followed the French almost to the gates of 
 Montreal. 
 
 The EngUsh now determined on reprisals and organized 
 two expeditions to invade Canada, one consisting of 800 
 Militia and 500 Indians under General Winthrop was to move 
 on Montreal, while a fleet of vessels under Sir William Phipps 
 was to proceed to capture Quebec. 
 
 In August, 1690, Frontenac being in Montreal providing for 
 the safety of the settlement, heard for the first time of this 
 design, and hs immediately summoned his Algonquin and 
 Huron allies to his assistance. The failure of supplies com- 
 pelled Winthrop to retreat with his army, and Frontenac was 
 enabled to throw all his force into Quebec for its defence. 
 
 Had the land force succeeded in reaching Montreal, and 
 thus compelled the Governor to remain there for its defence, 
 or had the fleet reached Quebec a few days sooner, it must 
 have fallen into the enemy's hands. But it was otherwise 
 ordained, for when the fleet reached that city on the oth 
 October, and demanded its surrender in the name of King 
 William, Phipps was answered by Frontenac, " I do not ac- 
 knowledge King William, and 1 will answer your summons by 
 the mouth of my cannon." An attack was made, but the 
 English were defeated and letircd in great confusion. On 
 hearing of this success, the King of France ordered a meflal 
 
I 'i 
 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 i 
 
 
 ' :i 
 
 i 
 
 40 
 
 YILLE MABIE; OR, 
 
 to be struck in commemoration of the event. Thus ended, in 
 disaster and defeat, a well planned scheme, which only 
 required energy and military discipline in its execution to be 
 successful. 
 
 H , ! . I 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 il 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 From the attack on Quebec, 1690, to the surrender of Montreal, 1760— Montreal 
 attacked by ludians; Expedition against tlie Mohawks; Fortifications 
 increased ; Second attack by Indians ; Treaty of Peace ; Marquis do Vaudreuil ; 
 Council of War; Proposed invasion of Canada ; Montreal threatened ; Treaty 
 of Utrecht; Stone fortifications erected; Appearance of the City in 1720; Fair 
 at Montreal; Ma'quis de Galissonidre; Professor Kelm's visit to the City, 
 1749 ; De la Jonqui^re ; Vaudreuil ; Famine ; Quebectaken ; Surrender of Mon. 
 treal; Articles of capitulation; Population. 
 
 IN 1691, a large body of Iroquois, assisted by the English, 
 ^ advanced along the Richelieu to attack Montreal, but they 
 "were repulsed by de Callieres. 
 
 In 1693, Frontenac gathered at Montreal an army consist- 
 ing of 700 men, regulars, militia and Indians, for the pur- 
 pose of marching into the country of the Mohawks and 
 punishing them. Major Schuyler of Albany started with 500 
 men to aid the Mohawks, and although Frontenac destroyed 
 some of the villages he was finally compelled to retreat, and 
 arrived at Montreal on the 17th of March, having suffered 
 much from fatigue and hunger. The English having threat- 
 ened to retaliate for the outrages committed by Frontenac, he 
 gave orders that the fortifications at Montreal should be 
 strengthened to repel any attack. 
 
 These precautions were not in vain, for in 1695 a band of 
 Indians landed on the island, and though parties of men had 
 been stationed in various parts to protect the inhabitants 
 then engaged with their harvesting, yet great havoc was 
 committed and several persons killed. 
 
 In the month of July, 1696, the Count started from Mon- 
 treal with about 1,500 men for the purpose of annihilating at 
 one blow their troublesome neighbors, the Five Nations. He 
 embarked at Lachine, and passed a considerable way into the 
 
42 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 M Ml 
 
 u 
 
 M 
 
 country, but met with no resistance, the Indians having 
 retired dreading the French cannon. Thinking that they 
 were entirely overawed he returned in August. He was, 
 however, mistaken, for having sent out a party to procure 
 provisions, they were attacked near Montreal, and routed with 
 considerable loss. The detachment sent out under de Callieres 
 to pursue the Indians was also routed. 
 
 In 1698 Frontenac died, and de Callieres was appointed 
 Governor. His place as Governor of Montreal being filled 
 by Marquis de Vaudreuil. 
 
 In 1700, a treaty of peace was completed at Montreal 
 between the deputies of the Five Nations and the French. 
 The deputies arrived in July, for the purpose (as they stated 
 in their peculiar manner) of " weeping for the French who- 
 had been slain in the war," and " to bury their hatchets, over 
 which should run a stream of water, in the earth." As they 
 entered the town they were saluted by the great guns of the 
 garrison, a fact which caused a Huron chief, who was stand- 
 ing by, to say that " fear makes the French show more 
 respect to their enemies, than love can make them show to 
 their friends." 
 
 Upon the death of de Callieres in 1703, Marquis de Vau> 
 dreuil became his successor, agreeable to a petition from the 
 inhabitants, with whom he was a great favorite. 
 
 Vaudreuil having learned that the English were endeavor- 
 ing to induce the Indians to break their treaty, he determined 
 to attack the New England settlements, and a council of war 
 was held at Montreal in the spring of 1708, and on the 26th 
 July of the same year, an expedition of 400 men, under com- 
 mand of M. de Chaillons and Hertel de Rouville, left Montreal 
 to attack the English. Part of the force consisted of Iroquois 
 and Huron Indians, who deserted soon after the expedition 
 started and so reduced the number that they were unable to 
 make any important captures. They, however, attacked a 
 small village and acted with such great cruelty towards the 
 
 
 > I 
 
 i ,'i 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 4» 
 
 unfortunate inhabitants, that the people of New England 
 called loudly for the capture of Canada as the only means of 
 safety from similar outrages. Colonel Vetch was commissioned 
 by Queen Anne to attempt the capture of Montreal and Quebec^ 
 and immediately on his arrival at New York, he commenced 
 preparation for invading Canada, by way of the Richelieu. But 
 Vaudreuil receiving intelligence of the danger, ordered De 
 Ramsay, Governor of Montreal, to proceed with a strong 
 detachment to Lake Champlain. He left on the 28th July, 
 1709. The French scouts brought the intelligence that the 
 enemy, 5000 strong, were on the march. The Indians refused 
 to advance further, and the army retreated to Montreal. The 
 alarm of the French was soon quieted by the news that the 
 English army had retired, and that the expected fleet had not 
 been sent to Canada, but had been ordered upon other 
 service. 
 
 In 1710 Montreal was again in danger. Britain had not yet 
 abandoned the idea of humbling the French power in America 
 and another plan was laid to capture Canada. A fleet was 
 to attack Quebec, while General Nicholson, with 4000 provin- 
 cial troops and 600 Indians, prepared to move upon Montreal. 
 The naval expedition failed through the cowardice of its com- 
 manders, thus compelling Nicholson to retreat. , r* 
 
 In the year 1713, by the Treaty of Utrecht, Acadia, New- 
 foundland and Hudson's Bay Territory, were ceded to England; 
 Canada, however, being retained by France. After this treaty 
 Canada enjoyed a long period of tranquility, in which her 
 resources were greatly developed. 
 
 Acting upon the principle that " in time of peace, prepara^ 
 tion should be made for war," the Governor of Montreal 
 strongly represented to the authorities in France the necessity 
 of renewing the fortifications of the town. The palisades 
 were now decayed, and would not prov3 of any service should 
 an attack be made. By an Act passed 15th May, 1716, 
 Sieur de Ramsay was authorized to build stone fortifications.- 
 
. J. 
 
 '•'i 
 
 i 
 
 'I I B u 
 
 
 i>; 'ii 
 
 iW 
 
 
 !' 
 
 IP 
 
 44 
 
 viLLE marie; 0^, 
 
 The cost of the fortifications, which were commenced in 1722, 
 "was about 300,000 livres, which amount was advanced by the 
 French king. One-half of this sum was to bo charged to his 
 Majesty's account, while the other half was to be paid by the 
 Seminary, or Seigneurs of the Isle, and the inhabitants. The 
 Seminary to repay yearly 2000 livres, and the citizens 4000, 
 until the amount was paid oft". The only persons exempted 
 from the payment of this tax were the officers of the army 
 and any others in the king's service. " This tax was cheer- 
 fully paid by the inhabitants, no example of refusal being ever 
 known." Of the appearance of the town in 1720, we have 
 a description given in an old work published at Paris, 1721. 
 " The town of Montreal has a very pleasing aspect, and is 
 besides, very conveniently situated. The streets are well laid 
 out, and the houses well built. The beauty of the country 
 around it, and of its prospects, inspires a certain cheerfulness 
 of which everybody is perfectly sensible. It is not fortified, 
 only a simple palis3.de, with bastions, and in a very indiflFerent 
 <;ondition, with a sorry redoubt, in a small spot, which serves 
 as a sort of out-work, and terminates in a gentle declivity, at 
 the end of which is a smi>ll square, which is all the defence it 
 has." 
 
 Monsieur De Vaudreuil died October 10th, 1725, and was 
 succeeded by Marquis de Beauharnois. 
 
 During his administration, an annual fair was established at 
 Montreal, to be held in the month of June, at which time the 
 Indians came from great distances to dispose of their stock of 
 furs. This fair was opened with religious ceremonies of the 
 most imposing character. It was necessary during the time 
 of holding the fair, to place guards in different parts of the 
 town, to preserve order among the Indians, and in the even- 
 ing the gates were closed against them. The greatest trouble 
 was experienced from the sale of intoxicating liquors to the 
 Indians, and we are told that through its influence much dis- 
 order was caused, and in " the streets might be seen the most 
 
 h <i 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 45 
 
 frightful spectacles, husbands and ^vives, fathers and children^ 
 tearing each other like furious wolves. The air often 
 resounds in the night with their howling, more horrible than 
 those which the wild beasts make in the woods." 
 
 Beauhamois was succeeded by Marquis de Galissoni^re, as 
 governor, and Baron de Longueuil was appointed Governor of 
 Montreal in 1747. Two years later, Montreal was visited by 
 the celebrated Swedish traveller. Professor Kalm, of the 
 University of Abo, who has given us a very full description 
 of the city, its people and its trade. During his stay he 
 was the guest of Galissoniere and Longueuil. He says: 
 " the city is well fortified, surrounded by a high and thick 
 wall. In front runs the river, while on the other sides is a 
 deep ditch, filled with water, which secures the inhabitants 
 against ail danger from sudden incursions of the enemy. It 
 cannot, however, stand a long siege, as on account of its 
 extent it would require a large garrison. There are several 
 churches and colleges. Some of the houses are btfilt of stone, 
 but most of them are timber, though very neatiy built. Each 
 of the better sort of houses has a door towards the street, with 
 a seat on each side of it, for amusement and recreation in the 
 evening. The gates of the town are numerous, there being 
 five on the river side. The governor-general when here, 
 resides in the castle, which is hired from the Vaudreuil family. 
 
 " Within the walls is a nunnery (Old Black Nunnery) and 
 without is half ^ one (present Grey Nunnery) for though the 
 latter is quite ready, it has not yet been confirmed by the 
 Pope. 
 
 " Every Friday is market day, when the country people 
 come to town with provisions, and those who want them must 
 supply themselves on that day, because it is the only market 
 day in the week. Numbers of Indians may then be seeu 
 trying to sell furs and bead-work. 
 

 i' I 
 
 46 VILLB MARIE, OR, 
 
 " The prices paid for skins is as follows : 
 
 Great and Middle sized Bear Sicios 5 livres. 
 
 Small " " 50 sola. 
 
 Lynx 25 " 
 
 Fox 35 '•• 
 
 Alartin 45 " 
 
 Wolves 40 " 
 
 Iloebuck 30 sous. 
 
 Otter S livres. 
 
 Racoons 6 " 
 
 Elks 10 " 
 
 Red Fox 3 " 
 
 Beaver 3 " 
 
 " The priests have a mill near the town, and receive one- 
 fourth of the grain brought to be ground. Of this the miller 
 receives one-third as his share, and by agreement with the 
 inhabitants, they are obliged to get all their corn ground at 
 this mill or at one of the other mills owned by the priests." 
 
 The same year, 1749, de Galissonidre resigned his position, 
 which was conferred upon Marquis de la Jon qui ^re, whose 
 only object seems to have been that of acquiring wealth, but 
 he was not fated to enjoy the riches he had hoarded up, as 
 he died at Quebec, in May, 1752, being succeeded by Mar- 
 <]Mis Duquesne, who was recalled in 17o5, to be replaced by 
 JVlarquis de Vaudreuil-Cavagnal. 
 
 During Duquesne's administration, extensive preparation^ 
 had been made by the British with the object of securing 
 the conquest of Canada. For the purpose of protecting 
 Montreal, the French troops were cantoned, for the winter 
 near tlie city. 
 
 The year's harvest had failed throughout the country, and 
 added to which some of the lands formerly cultivated had 
 been neglected, owing to their owners being under arms. 
 Provisions became scarce, while the prices were enormous, 
 and many of the poor perished from want. 
 
 Much of this suflfering was chargeable to the rapacity of 
 M. Bigot, the Intendant who had entered into league with 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 47 
 
 the " India Company " to enrich themselves, at the expense 
 of the government and people. The Company built large 
 stores at Quebec, from which goods had to be purchased at an 
 immense advance. At Montreal, Varin, the commissary, and 
 Mattel, the store keeper, had monopolized every thing. 
 They would not allow boats to go to the upper country with- 
 •out paying them such large sums that it soon ruined those 
 who attempted, and therefore the trade to the posts above the 
 town became confined to those two men, and the people were 
 ■compelled to purchase from a store similar to the one at 
 -Quebec, and which was known as " la Friponne " or the 
 " cheating house."* 
 
 De Vaudreuil did not commence his duties under very 
 favorable circumstances, and it was during his administration 
 that those events took place which led to the carrying out of 
 the preparation for finally destroying the power of France in 
 America. 
 
 The English determined to conquer Canada by simul- 
 taneously attacking Quebec, Fort Niagara, and the forts at 
 Ticonderoga, and Crown Point. To the army under Wolfe 
 and the fleet under Saunders was assigned the attack on 
 Quebec. To General Amherst, the Commander-in-chief in 
 America, the reduction of the forts at Crown Point and 
 Ticonderoga, and that of Niagara to General Prideaux, but 
 which afterwards devolved on Sir Wm. Johnson. 
 
 In June, 1759, the English fleet sailed up the St. Lawrence 
 and appeared before Quebec. The result of that expedition 
 need not be recorded in these pages. ' 
 
 When Quebec capitulated, the Governor was at Montreal, 
 where he determined to make his last stand against 
 the British. For this purpose he placed his troops in the 
 best possible position and endeavored to sustain their 
 •drooping courage. But all was of no avail. Finding himself 
 invested by the united forces of three British Generals, 
 
 * From this Friponne-street takes its name. 
 
■ 
 
 ii ■ 
 
 1 
 
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 f] 
 
 
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 48 
 
 viLLE mabie; or, 
 
 amounting to more than 16,000 men, he found resistance 
 useless, and on the 8th September, 1760, Montreal and aJI 
 the French fortresses in Canada were surrendered to Great 
 Britain. 
 
 The following are the articles under which Montreal 
 surrendered, and are highly honorable to de Vaudreuil, who 
 exacted to the utmost what he could possibly expect to obtain 
 for the people he had previously commanded : 
 
 ArticUs of the capitulation between his Excellency General Amherst, 
 commander-in-chief of his Britannic Majesty^s troops and forces 
 in North America, and his Excellency the Marquis de Vaudrein'I, 
 grand croix of the royal and military order of St, Lewis, governor 
 and lietiteriant general for the king in Canada. 
 
 Article 1. Twenty-four hours after the signing of the pre- 
 sent capitulation, the English general shall cause the troops 
 of his Britannic majesty to take possession of the gates of the 
 town of Montreal : and the English garrison shall not come 
 into the place, till after the French troops have evacuated it. 
 
 " The whole garrison of Montreal must lay down their 
 arms, and shall not serve during the present war. Immedi- 
 ately after the signing of flie present capitulation the king's 
 troops shall take possession of the gates, and shall post the 
 guards necessary to preserve good order in the town." 
 
 Article II. The troops, and the militia, who are in garrison 
 in the town of Montreal, shall go out with all the honors of war, 
 six pieces of cannon, and one mortar, which shall be put on 
 board the vessel, where the marquis de Vaudreuil shau embark, 
 with ten rounds for each piece. The same shall be granted 
 to the garrison of Trois Rivieres, as to the honors of war. 
 
 Article III. The troops and militia, who are in garrison 
 in the fort of Jacques Cartier, and in the island of St. Helen, 
 and other forts, shall be treated in the same manner, and 
 shall have the same honors ; and these troops shall go to 
 Montreal, or Trois Rivieres, or Quebec, to be there embarked 
 
n 
 
 on 
 
 i 8 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 49 
 
 for the first sea-port in France by the shortesi way. The 
 troops who are in our posts, situated on the frontiers, on the 
 side of Acadia, at Detroit, Michiiimakinac, and other posts, 
 shall enjoy the same honors, and be treated in the same 
 manner. 
 
 " All these troops arc not to serve during the present war, 
 and shall likewise lay down their arms. The rest is granted." 
 
 Article IV. The militia after being come out of the above 
 towLS, forts, and posts, shall return to their homes, without 
 being molested, on any pretence whatever, on account of 
 their having carried arms. 
 
 "Granted." 
 
 Article V. The troops, who keep the field, shall raise their 
 camp, and march, drums beating, with their arms, baggage, 
 and artillery, to join the Garrison at Montreal, and shall be 
 treated in every respect tho same. 
 
 " These troops, as well as the others, must lay down their 
 
 >> 
 
 arms. 
 
 Article VI. The subjects of his Britannic majesty, and of 
 his most Christian majesty, soldiers, militia, or seamen, who 
 shall have deserted, or left the service of their sovereign, and 
 carried arms in North America, shall be, on both sides, 
 pardoned for their crimes ; they shall be, respectively, 
 returned to their country ; if not, each shall remain where he 
 is, without being sought after or molested. 
 Refused." 
 
 Article VII. The magazines, the artillery, firelocks, sabres, 
 ammunition of war, and, in general, every thing that belongs 
 to his most Christian majesty, as well in the towns of Montreal 
 and Trois Rivieres, as in the forts and posts.mentioned in the 
 third article, shall be delivered up, according to exact inven- 
 tories, to the commissaries, who shall be appointed to receive 
 the same in the name of his Britannic majesty. Duplicates 
 of the said inventories shall be given to the Marquis de Vau- 
 dreuil. 
 
 m 
 
60 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR 
 
 " This is every thing that can be asked on this article." 
 
 Article VIII. The officers, soldiers, militia, seamen, and 
 even the Indians, detained on account of their wounds or 
 sickness, as well in the hospital as in private houses, shall 
 enjoy the privilege of the cartel, and be treated accordingly. 
 
 " The sick and the wounded shall be treated the same as 
 our own people." 
 
 Article IX. The English general shall engage to send 
 back to their own homes the Indians and Moraigans who 
 make part of his armies, immediately after the signing of the 
 present capitulation. And in the mean time, in order to 
 prevent all disorders on the parts of those who may not be 
 gone away, the said generals shall give safeguards to such 
 persons who shall desire them, as well in the town as in the 
 country. 
 
 •' The first part refused. There never have been any 
 cruelties committed b> the Indians of our army ; and good 
 order shall be preserved." 
 
 Article X. His Britannic majesty's general shall be 
 answerable for all disorders on the part of his troops, and 
 oblige them to pay the damages they may do, as well in the 
 towns as in country. 
 
 " Answered by the preceding article." 
 
 Article XI. The English general shall not oblige the 
 Marquis de Vaudreuil to leave the town of Montreal before 
 the and no person shall be lodged in his house 
 
 till he is gone. The chevalier Levis, commander of the land 
 forces, and of the colony troops, the engineers, officers of the 
 artillery and commissary of war, shall also remain at Montreal, 
 to the said day, and shall keep their lodgings there. The 
 same shall be observed with regard to M. Bigot, intendant, 
 the commissaries of the marines, and writers, whom the said 
 M. Bigot shall have occasion for, and no person shall be 
 lodged at the intendant's house before he shall be gone. 
 
 " The Marquis de Vaudreuil, and all these gentlemen, 
 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 51 
 
 shall be masters of their houses, and shall embark when the 
 king's ships shall be ready to sail for Europe, and all possible 
 conveniencies shall be granted them." 
 
 Article XII. The most convenient vessel that can be found, 
 shall be appointed to carry the ]\Iarquis de Vaudreuil, by the 
 straitest passage to the first sea-port in France. The 
 necessary accommodations shall be made for him, the Marquis 
 de Vaudreuil, M. de Rigaud, governor of Montreal, and 
 suite of this general. This vessel shall be properly victualled 
 at the expence of his Britannic majesty, and the Marquis de 
 Vaudreuil shall take with him his papers, without their being 
 examined ; and his equipage, plate, baggage, and also those 
 of his suite. 
 
 " Granted ; except the archives, which shall be necessary 
 for the government of the country." 
 
 Article XIII. If before, or after, the embarkation of the 
 Marquis de Vaudreuil, news of peace should arrive, and that, 
 by the treaty, Canada should remain to his most Christian 
 Majesty, the Marquis do Vaudreuil shall return to Quebec or 
 Montreal, everything shall return to its former state under 
 the dominion of his most Christian majesty, and the present 
 capitulation shall become null and of no effect. 
 
 " Whatever the king mav have done on this subject, shall 
 be obeyed." 
 
 Article XIV. Two ships shall be appointed to carry to 
 France le chevalier de Levis, tht- principal officers, and the 
 staff of the land forces, the engineers, officers of artillery, 
 and their suite. These vessels shall likewise be victualled, 
 and the. necessary accommodations provided in them. The 
 said officeis shall take with them their papers without being 
 examined, and also their equipages and baggage. Such of 
 the said officers r.s shall be married, shall have liberty to take 
 with them their wives and children, who shall be also 
 victualled. 
 
 " Granted, except that the Marquis de Vaudreuil, and all 
 
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 52 
 
 viLLB marie; or, 
 
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 the oflScers, of whatever rank they may be, shall faithfully 
 deliver up to us all the charts and plans of the country." 
 
 Article XV. A vessel shall also be appointed for the 
 passage of M. Bigot, the intendant, with his suite, in which 
 vessel the proper accommodations shall be made for him, and 
 the persons he shall take with him : He shall hkewise embark 
 with him his papers, which shall not be examined, his equi- 
 pages, plate, and baggage, and those of his suite. This 
 vessel shall also be victualled as before-mentioned. 
 
 " (iranted ; with the same reserve as in the preceding 
 article." 
 
 Article XVI. The English general shall also order the 
 necessary and most convenient vessels to carry to France M. 
 de Longueuil, governor of Trois Rivieres, the staff of the 
 colony, and the commissary of the marine : They shall embark 
 therein their families, servants, baggage, and equipages ; and 
 they shall be properly victualled during the passage, at the 
 expence of his Britannic majesty. 
 
 « Granted." 
 
 Article XVII. The oflBcers and soldiers, as well of the 
 land forces as of the colony, and also the marine officers and 
 seamen, who are in the colony, shall be likewise embarked 
 for France, and sufficient and convenient vessels shall be 
 appointed for them. The land and sea officers who shall be 
 married, shall take with them their families, and all of them 
 shall have liberty to embark their servants and baggage. 
 As to the soldiers and seamen, those who are married shall 
 take with them their wives and children, and all of them shall 
 embark their havre-sacks and baggage. These vessels shall 
 be properly and sufficiently victualled at the expence of hi» 
 Britannic majesty. 
 
 "Granted." 
 
 Article XVIII. The officers, soldiers, and all the followers 
 of the troops, who shall have their baggage in the field, may 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 68 
 
 «end for it before thay depart, without any hindrance or 
 molestation. " 
 
 " Granted." 
 
 Article XIX. An hospital ship shall be provided by the 
 English general, for such of the wounded and sick officers, 
 soldiers, and seamen, as shall be in a condition to be carried 
 i;o France, and shall likewise be victualled at the expence of 
 his Britannic majesty. 
 
 It shall be the same with regard to the other wounded and 
 sick officers, soldiers, and sailors, as soon as they shall be 
 recovered. They shall be at liberty to carry with them 
 their wives, children, servants, and baggage ; and the said 
 soldiers and sailors shall not be solicited nor forced to enter 
 into the service of his Britannic majesty. 
 
 " Granted." 
 
 Article XX. A commissary and one of the king's writers 
 shall be left to take care of the hospitals, and of whatever 
 may relate to the service of his most Christian majesty. 
 
 " Granted." 
 
 Article XXI. The English general shall also provide ships 
 for carrying to France the offices of the supreme council of 
 justice, police, admiralty, and all other officers, having com- 
 missions or brevets from his most Christian majesty, for them, 
 their families, servants, and equipages, as well as for the 
 'Other officers : And they shall likewise be victualled at the 
 expence of his Britannic majesty. They shall, however, be 
 at liberty to stay in the colony, if they think proper, to settle 
 their affairs, or to withdraw to France, whenever they think 
 fit. 
 
 " Granted : But if they have papers relating to the 
 government of the country, they are to be delivered to us." 
 
 Article XXIi. If there are any military officers, whose 
 affairs should require their presence in the colony till next 
 jear, they shall have liberty to stay in it, after having 
 
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 64 
 
 VILLE MARIE J OR, 
 
 obtained the permission of the Marquis de Vaudreuil for that 
 purpose, and without being reputed prisoners of war. 
 
 " All those whose private affairs shall require their stay in 
 he country, and who shall have the Marquis de Vaudreuil's 
 leave for so doing, shall be allowed to remain till their affairs 
 are settled." 
 
 Article XXIII. The commissary for the king's provisions, 
 shall be at liberty to stay in Canada till next year, in order 
 to be enabled to answer the debts he has contracted in the 
 colony, on account of what he has furnished ; but if he should 
 prefer to go to France this year, he shall be obliged to leave 
 till next year a person to transact his business. This private 
 person shall preserve, and have liberty to carry off all his 
 papers, without being inspected. His clerks shall have leave 
 to stay in the colony, or go to France ; and in this last case? 
 a passage and subsistence shall be allowed them on board the- 
 ships of his Britannic majesty, for them, their families, and 
 their baggage. 
 
 " Granted." 
 
 Article XXIV. The provisions, and other kind of stores 
 which shall be found in the magazines of the commissary, as 
 well in the town of jMontreal, and of Trois Rivieres, as in the 
 country, shall be preserved to him, the said provisions 
 belonging to him, and not to the king, and he shall be at 
 liberty to sell them to the French or English. 
 
 " Every thing that is actually in the magazines, destined 
 for the use of the troops, is to be delivered to the English 
 commissary for the king's forces." 
 
 Article XXV. A passage to France shall likewise be 
 granted on board of his Britannic majesty's ships, as well as 
 victuals, to such officers of the India company as shall be 
 willing to go thither, and they shall take with them their 
 families, servants, and baggage. The chief agent of the said 
 company, in case he should choose to go to France, shall be 
 allowed to leave such person as he shall think proper, till 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 55 
 
 next year, to settle the affairs of the said company, and to 
 recover such sums as are due to them. The said chief agent 
 shall keep possession of all the papers belonging to the said 
 company, and they shall not be liable to inspection. 
 
 " Granted." 
 
 Article XXVI. The said company shall be maintained in 
 the property of the Ecarlatines and Castors, which they may 
 have in the town of Montreal ; they shall not be touched 
 under any pretence whatever, and the necessary facilities 
 shall be given to the chief agent, to send this year his castors 
 to France, on board his Britannic majesty's ships, paying the 
 freight on the same footing as the English would pay it. 
 
 " Granted, with regard to what may belong to the company, 
 or to private persons ; but if his most Christian majesty has 
 any share in it, that must become the property of the king." 
 
 Article XXVII. The free exercise of the Catholic, 
 Apostolic, and Roman religion shall subsist entire ; in such 
 manner that all the states and people of the towns and coun- 
 tries, places and distant posts, shall continue to assemble in 
 the churches, and to frequent the sacraments as heretofore, 
 without being molested in any manner, directly or indirectly. 
 
 These people shall be obliged, by the English government, 
 to pay to the priests the tithes and all the taxes they were 
 used to pay, under the government of his most Christian 
 majesty. 
 
 '"' Granted, as to the free exercise of their religion. The 
 obligation of paying the tithes to the priests will depend on 
 the king's pleasure." 
 
 Article XXVIII. The chapter, priests, curates, and mis- 
 sionaries, shall continue with an entire liberty the exercise 
 and functions of their cures in the parishes of the towns 
 and countries. 
 
 "Granted." 
 
 Article XXIX. The grand vicars, named by the chapter 
 to administer to the diocese during the vacancy of the 
 
;f: 
 
 56 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 1^ " 
 
 li 'pi - ,.•. 
 
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 * 
 
 episcopal see, shall have liberty to dwell in the towns or 
 country parishes, as they shall think proper. They shall at 
 all times be free to visit in diflferent parishes of the diocese, 
 with the ordinary ceremonies, and exercise all the jurisdiction 
 they exercised under the French dominion. They shall enjoy 
 the same rights in case of death of the future bishop, of 
 which mention will be made in the following article." 
 
 " Granted ; except what regards the following article." 
 
 Article XXX. If, by the treaty of peace, Canada should 
 remain in the power of his Britannic majesty, his most 
 Christian majesty shall continue to name the bishop of the 
 colony, who shall always be of the Roman communion, and 
 under whose authority the people shall exercise the Roman 
 religion. 
 
 " Refused." 
 
 Article XXXI. The bishop shall, in case of need, establish 
 new parishes, and provide for the rebuilding of his cathedral 
 and his episcopal palace ; and, in the mean time, he shall have 
 the liberty to dwell in the town or parishes, as he shall judge 
 proper. He shall be at liberty to visit his diocese with the 
 ordinary ceremonies, and exercise all the jurisdiction which 
 his predecessor exercised under the ^ i-ench dominion, save 
 that an oath of fidelity, or a promise to do nothing contrary 
 to his Britannic majesty's service, may be required of him. 
 
 " This article is comprised under the foregoing." 
 
 Article XXXII. The communities of nans shall be pre- 
 served in their constitution and privileges. They shall 
 continue to observe their rules. They shall be exempted 
 from lodging any military, and it shall be forbid to trouble 
 them in their religious exercises, or to enter their monasteries : 
 Safeguards shall even be given them, if they desire them. 
 
 " Granted." 
 
 Article XXXIII. The preceding article shall likewise be 
 executed with regard to the communities of Jesuits and 
 recolets, and of the house of the priests of Saint Sulpice at 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 67 
 
 Montreal. This last, and the Jesuits, shall preserve their 
 right to nominate to certain curacies and missions, as here- 
 tofore. 
 
 " Refused, till the king's pleasure be known." 
 
 Article XXXIV. All the communities, and all the priests, 
 shall preserve their moveables, the property and revenues of 
 the seigniories, and other estates which they possess in the 
 colony, of what nature soever they may be. And the same 
 estates shall be preserved in their privileges, rights, honors, 
 and exemptions. 
 
 "^Granted." 
 
 Article XXXV. If the canons, priests, missionaries, the 
 priests of the ceremony of the foreign missions, and of St. 
 Sulpice, as well as the Jesuits, and the recolets, choose to go 
 to France, passage shall be granted them in his Britannic 
 m£yesty's ships : And they shall all have leave to sell, in 
 whole, or in part, the estates and moveables which they possess 
 in the colonies, either to the French, or to the English, with- 
 out the least hindrance or obstacle from the British government. 
 
 They may take with them, or send to France, the produce, 
 of Wi at nature soever it be, of the said goods sold, paying 
 the freight, as mentioned in the 26th article. And such of 
 the said priests who choose to go this year, shall be victualled 
 during the passage, at the expense of his Britannic majesty : 
 and shall take with them their baggage. 
 
 " They shall be masters to dispose of their estates, and to 
 send the produce thereof, as well as their persons, and all 
 that belongs to them, to France." 
 
 Article XXXVI. If, by the treaty of peace, Canada 
 remains to his Britannic majesty, all the French, Canadians, 
 Acadians, merchants, and other persons, who choose to retire 
 to France, shall have leave to do so, from the English general, 
 •who shall procure them a passage. And, nevertheless, if, 
 from this time to that decision, any French or Canadian 
 merchants, or other persons, shall desire to go to France, 
 

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 58 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 they shall likewise have leave from the English general. But 
 the one and the other shall take with them their families, 
 servants, and baggage. 
 
 " Granted." 
 
 Article XXXVII. The lords of manors, the military and 
 civil officers, the Canadians, as well in the town as in the- 
 country, the French settled or trading in the whole extent of 
 the colony of Canada, and all other persons whatsoever, shall 
 preserve the entire peaceable property and possession of their 
 goods, noble and ignoble, moveable and immoveable, mer- 
 chandizes, furs, and other effects, even their ships: they 
 shall not be touched, nor the least damage done to them, on 
 any pretence whatsoever. They shall have liberty to keep, 
 let, or sell them, as well to the French as to the English, to 
 take away the produce of them, in bills of exchange, furs, 
 specie, or other returns, whenever they shall judge proper tO' 
 go to France, paying their freight, as in the 26th article. 
 They shall also have the furs which are in the posts above, 
 and which belong to them, and may be on the way ta 
 Montreal. And for this purpose they shall have leave to 
 send this year, or the next, canoes, fitted out, to fetch such 
 of the said furs as shall have remained in those posts. 
 
 " Granted; as in the 26th article." 
 
 Article XXXVIII. All the people who have left Acadia,, 
 and who shall be found in Canada, including the frontiers of 
 Canada, on the side of Acadia, shall have the same treatment 
 as the Canadians, and shall enjoy the same privileges. 
 
 " The king is to dispose of his ancient subjects : In the- 
 mean time they shall enjoy the same privilege as the 
 Canadians." 
 
 Article XXXIX. None of the Canadians, Acadians, or 
 French, who are now in Canada, and on the frontiers of the 
 colony, on the side of Acadia, Detroit, Michilimakinac, and- 
 other places and posts of the countries above, the married 
 and unmarried soldiers, remaining in Canada, shall be carried 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 5i> 
 
 or transported into the English colonies, or to Old England, 
 and they shall not be troubled for having carried arms. 
 " Granted ; except with regard to the Acadians." 
 Article XL. The savages or Indian allies of his most 
 Christian majesty, shall be maintained in the lands they 
 inhabit, if they choose to remain there ; they shall not be 
 molested on any pretence whatsoever, for having carried 
 arms, and served his most Christian majesty. They shall 
 have, as well as the French, liberty of religion, and shall 
 keep their missionaries. The actual vicars general, and the 
 bishop, when the episcopal see shall be filled, shall have leave 
 to send them new missionaries when they shall judge it 
 necessary. 
 
 " Granted ; except the last article, which has been already 
 refused." 
 
 Article XLI. The French, Canadians, and Acadians, of 
 what state nnd condition soever, who shall remain in the 
 colony, shall not be forced to take arms against his most 
 Christian majesty or his allies, directly or indirectly, on any 
 occasion whatsoever. The British government shall only 
 require of them an exact neutrality. 
 
 " They become subjects of the king." 
 
 Article XLII. The French and Canadians shall continue 
 to be governed according to the custom of Paris, and the 
 laws and usages established for this country ; and they shall 
 not be subject to any other imposts than those which were 
 established under the French dominions. 
 
 " Answered by the preceding articles, and particularly by 
 the last." 
 
 Article XLIII. The papers of the government shall remain, 
 without exception, in the power of the Marquis de Vaudreuil^ 
 and shall go to France with him. These papers shall not 
 be examined on any pretence whatsoever. 
 
 Granted ; with the reserve already made." 
 
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 VILLE MARIE, OU, 
 
 
 
 Article XLIV. The papers of the intcndancy of the oflScers 
 of comptroller of the marine, of the ancient and new trea- 
 surers, of the king's magazines, of the office of the revenue, 
 and forces of St. Maurice, shall remain in the power of M. 
 Bigot, the intendant, and they shall be embarked for France 
 in the same vessel with him. These papers shall not be 
 examined. 
 
 " The same as to this article." 
 
 Article XLV. The registers, and other papers of the 
 supreme council of Quebec, of the provost, and admiralty of 
 the said city ; those of the royal jurisdictions of Trois Rivieres, 
 and of Montreal ; those of the seigneurial jurisdictions of the 
 colony ; the minutes of the acts of the notaries of the towns 
 and of the countries ; and in general, the acts, and other 
 papers that may serve to prove the estates and fortunes of 
 the citizens, shall remain in the colony, in the rolls of the 
 jurisdictions on which these papers depend. 
 
 " Granted." 
 
 Article XLVI. The inhabitants and merchants shall enjoy 
 all the privileges of trade, under the same favors and condi- 
 tions granted to the subjects of his Britannic majesty, as well 
 in the countries above as in the interior of the colony. 
 
 " Granted." 
 
 Article XLVII. The negroes and Panis of both sexes, 
 shall remain, in their quality of slaves, in the possession of 
 the French and Canadians to whom they belong : they shall 
 be at liberty to keep them in their service in the colony, or 
 to sell them ; and they may also continue to bring them up 
 in the Roman religion. 
 
 " Granted ; except those who shall have been made 
 prisoners." 
 
 Article XLVIII. The Marquis de Vaudreuil, the general 
 and staff officers of the land forces, the governors and staff 
 officers of the different places of the colony ; the military and 
 civil officers, and all other persons, who shall leave the colony, 
 
 h ^ 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 61 
 
 or who are already absent, shall have leave to name and 
 appoint attomies to act for them, and in their name, in the 
 administration of their effects, moveable and immoveable^ 
 until the peace. And if, by the treaty between the two- 
 crowns, Canada does not return under the French dominion, 
 these officers or other persons, or attomies for them, shall 
 have leave to sell their manors, houses and other estates, their 
 moveables, and effects, &c., to carry away or send to France, 
 the produce, either in bills of exchange, specie, fura, or other 
 returns, as is mentioned in the 37th article. 
 
 " Granted." 
 
 Article XLIX. The inhabitants and other persons who 
 shall have suffered any damage in their goods, moveable or 
 immoveable, which remained at Quebec, under t' -^ faith of 
 the capitulation of that city, may make their representations 
 to the British government, who shall render them due 
 justice, against the person to whom it shall belong. 
 
 "Granted." 
 
 Article L., and last. The present capitulation shall bo 
 
 inviolably executed in all its articles, and bona fide on both 
 
 sides, notwithstanding any infraction, and any other pretence 
 
 .with regard to the preceding capitulations, and without 
 
 making use of reprisals. 
 
 " Granted." 
 
 P. S. Article LI. The English general shall engage, in 
 case any Indians remain after the surrender of this town, to 
 prevent their coming into the towns ; and that they do not, in 
 any manner, insult the subjects of his most Christian majesty 
 
 " Care shall be taken that the Indians do not insult any of 
 the subjects of his most Christian majesty." 
 
 Article LII. The troops and other subjects of his most 
 Christian majesty, who are to go to France, shall be embarked, 
 at latest, fifteen days after the signing of the present capi- 
 tulation. 
 
 " Answered by the eleventh article." 
 
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 62 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 11 
 
 Article LIII. The troops and other subjects of his most 
 Christian majesty, -who are to go to France, shall remain 
 lodged ind encamped in the town of Montreal, and other 
 posts -which they now occupy, till they shall be embarked for 
 their departure : passports, however, shall be granted to those 
 who shall want them for the different places of the colony to 
 take care of their affairs. 
 
 " Granted." 
 
 Article LIV. All the officers and soldiers of the troops ia 
 the service of France, who are prisoners in New England, 
 and who were taken in Canada, shall be sent back, as soon as 
 possible, to France, where their ransom or exchange shall 
 be treated of, agreeable to the cartel ; and if any of these 
 officers have affairs in Canada, they shall have leave to come 
 there. 
 
 " Granted." 
 
 Article LV. As to the officers of the militia, and the Aca- 
 dians, who are prisoners in New England, they shall be sent 
 back to their countries. 
 
 " Granted ; except what regards the Acadians." 
 
 Done at Montreal, Sept. 8, 1760. 
 Vaudreuil. 
 
 Done in the camp before Montreal, the 8th of Sept., 1760. 
 
 Jeff. Amherst. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 CHAPTER Vn. 
 
 From the surrender of Montreal, 17*50. to the division of the I'rovinces, 1791— 
 Amherst takes poss-ession of Montreal; First Proclamation; Despatches; Mont- 
 real in 1760; Military Governniont established; Address to General (■. iii<?; 
 French grants to Montreal Institutions; Salaries of Town Oflicers ; Nev- .'M-.ni 
 of Government; First newspaper in Canada; Outrage on Mr. Walker; Great 
 flresof 1765and 1708; Jurisdiction of the Justices of the Peace limited; Quebec 
 Act; Bust of George III. disfigur,>d; American Revolution; Ethan Allen's raid 
 and capture ; Montgomery takes Montreal ; American army withdrawn ; Con- 
 stitdtional Act, 1791. 
 
 ri"^HE articles having been signed, the British troops proceeded 
 -L to take possession of the town, into which thej marched 
 in the following order ; 
 
 1st. A twelve pounder, with a flag, and a detachment of 
 the Royal Artillery, commanded by Colonel H'lldimand. 
 
 2nd. Grenadiers of the Line, commanded by Colonel 
 Massey. 
 
 3rd. The Light Infantry, under command of Colonel 
 Amherst. 
 
 Each of these parties was proceeded by a band, and the 
 eldest ensign in Amherst's army v,:'^ deputed to receive the 
 colors of the French regiments. 
 
 On the following day (9 S-'^ot/i Amnerst issued his general 
 order, the first public document ijsued in the name of Britain 
 over the newly acquired country : 
 
 " Camp before Montreal, 
 
 Sept. 9, 1760. 
 
 Parole, King George, and Canada. The general sees, 
 with infinite pleasure, the suciiess that has crowned the efforts 
 •of his Majesty's troops and faithful subjects in America. 
 
 The Marquis de Yaudrtuil has capitulated, the troops of 
 France in Canada have laid down their arm 3, and are not to 
 
 
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 H^l I 
 
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 iii;&; 
 
 
 64 
 
 \ILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 serve dviring the war; the whole country submits to the 
 dominion of Great Britain. The threo armies are entitled to 
 the general's thanks on this occasion ; and he assures them 
 that he will take the opportunity of acquainting his Majesty 
 with the zeal and bravery which has always been exerted by 
 the officers and soldiers of the regular and provincial troops, 
 and also by his faithful i.jdian allien. 
 
 The General is confident that when the troops are inform- 
 ed that the country is the king's, they will not disgrace 
 themselves by the least appearance of inhumanity, or by 
 unsoldierlike behavior, hi taking any plunder, more espe- 
 cially as the Canadians become now good subjects, and will feel 
 the good effect of his Majesty's protection. 
 
 (Signed,) Amherst.'* 
 
 It is but justice to say that the promise made in this pro- 
 claraaiion " that the king should be informed of the manner in 
 which the various officers had performed their duty," was 
 faithfully performed by the General, as the following extract 
 from his first despatches will clearly show : 
 
 " I should not do justice to General Murray and Colonel 
 Haviland if I did not assure you they have executed the 
 orders I gave them, to the utmost of my wishes. 1 must also 
 beg leave to say, I am obliged to Brigadier General Gage, 
 for the assistance he has given me, and 1 have taken the 
 liberty to give, in public orders, my assurances to the three 
 armies, that I would take the first opportunity of acquainting 
 you with the zeal and bravery which has always been exerted 
 by the officers and soldiers of the regular and provincial 
 troops ; as also by your Majesty's Indian allies. Sir William 
 Johnson has taken unwearied pains in keeping the Indians 
 within humane bounds ; and I have the pleasure to assure 
 you, that not a peasant, woman, or child, has been hurt by 
 them, or a house burnt since I entered the enemy's country." 
 
 A.t the time of its surrender, Montreal contained about 
 3,000 inhabitants. " It was of an oblong form, surrounded 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 65 
 
 by a wall, flanked wich eleven redoubts, wbich served in stead 
 of bastiong. 'The outer ditch was about eight feet deep, but 
 dry. It l.\ad also a fort or citadel,* the batteries of which 
 commanded the streets of the town from one end to the 
 other. Tlie town itself was divided into two parts, the 
 upper and the lower, in which last the merchants and men 
 of business resided. There, also, was the place of arms, the 
 royal magazine and the nimnery hospital. The upper town 
 contained the principal buildings, such as the Governoi''s 
 palace, the houses of the officers of the yilacc, the convent of 
 the Recollets, the Jesuits Church, the Free school, and the 
 Parish ('luu'ch. 
 
 " The llecollets were numerous, and their convent spa- 
 cious. The Parish Church was large and built of stone. Tho 
 house 0^" H'o Jesuits was magnificent, and their church well 
 built, tl '..'!, their seminary was small. The palace of the 
 Governor General was a large and fine building, and the 
 neighborhood of the city contained many elegant villas." 
 
 General Amherst's attention was first directeil toward the 
 preservation of public trancjuility. lie established a Military 
 Government, and divided the country inco three districts, 
 Quebec, Montreal and Three Rivers ; over the first he placed 
 General Murray, General Thomas Gage over the second, while 
 Colonel Burton took command of the third. 
 
 Within these districts he established Courts of Justice, 
 which were composed of militia officers of the country, who 
 decided cases brought before them in a summaiy manner, with 
 the right of appeal to the commanding officer of the district. 
 The order which constituted these courts was approved of 
 by the king, with the command that they should exist 
 until peace was restored, and civil government could be 
 established. 
 
 From various papers .and documents handed over by the 
 
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 * Dalhousio-square. 
 
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 French Commander to Amherst we learn some facts as to the 
 monies expended and grants made by the French Government 
 towards the support cf Military and Ecclesiastical rule in 
 Montreal. 
 
 Among the lands granted, we find 250,191 acres to the St. 
 Sulpicians : There were also 
 
 Yearly grants of monies to the Ilospitalliers.... 2000 livres. 
 
 Filles de la Congregation 3000 " 
 
 Total 5000 
 
 Expenses of the Gfil and Military Authorities. 
 
 Governor 3000 livres. 
 
 Pay of the Garrison 1300 '' 
 
 Lieutenant du Roi 2000 " 
 
 Town Major 1200 " 
 
 Lieutenant General, Civil , 450 " 
 
 Procureur du Roi 250 " 
 
 Total 8200 " 
 
 General Gage administered affairs in his district with .great 
 wisdom and liberality, so much so, that the French inh il)itant3 
 learned to look upon him as a protector, and the citizens of 
 Montreal, on the occasion of the death of George II., presented 
 to him the following address : — 
 
 " Address of the Officers of the Militia, and the Merchants 
 of Montreal, to General Gage, Governor of that place. 
 
 " Cruel destiny has cut short the gloiious days of a great 
 and magnanimous monarch. We are come to pour our grief 
 into the paternal bosom of your excellency ; the sole tribute 
 of gratitude of a people, who will never cease to exult in the 
 mildness and moderation of their new masters. The General 
 who conquered us, has treated us more like victors than 
 vanquished ; and has left us a precious pledge* by name and 
 deed of his goodness to ut What acknowledgment are we 
 not bound to make for so many favors ? They shall be for- 
 ever engraved on our hearts in indelible characters. 
 
 • Alluding to the Governor's name. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 67 
 
 m 
 
 " We entreat your excellency to continue to us the honor 
 of your protection, and Ave will endeavor to deserve it by our 
 zeal, and the earnest prayers wc shall offer up to the Almighty 
 Being for your health and preservation." 
 
 By the Treaty of Paris, in 1763, Canada was ceded to 
 Britain, and in October of the same year, George III., by 
 royal proclamation, virtually abolished the French laAvs, and 
 substituted those of England. In November, General Murray 
 ■was appointed Governor General, and Amherst returned to 
 England. 
 
 The Governor called together a new council, which was 
 invested, in common with himself, with executivo, legislative 
 and judiciary powers. This Council consisted of the two 
 Lieutenant-Governors at ^lontreal and Three Rivers ; the 
 Chief Justice, and eight prominent inhabitants ; but the fact 
 that only one French-Canadian found place in this council, 
 gave rise to some dissatisfaction. 
 
 In 1704, the Quebec Gazette, the first paper in Canada, 
 was published. The first number was printed on June 21st, 
 and was partly in French and partly in English.* 
 
 In this same year, Montreal was the scene of a most das- 
 tardly outrage committed upon a Justice of the Peace, named 
 Thomas Walker. 
 
 " Governor Murray had issued^ an order for lodging 
 the troops in private houses. The lodgings occupied 
 by a Captain Eraser, being vacant by his appointment 
 to be Paymaster "General of the troops, he having been 
 provided with quarters at the public expense, an officer. 
 Captain Payne, insisted on having those rooms in the name 
 and right of Captain Eraser. The lodgings, before Captain 
 Payne had taken possession of them, had, however, been 
 rented to another gentleman. 
 
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 *This paper still continues to be publiihud as a Tri-weekly, by Messrs. 
 Middleton and Dawson, 
 
 
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 VILLE MARIE,' OR, 
 
 " At a meeting of the Justices of the Peace, among vihnm 
 Tvas Mr. Walker, a warrant was issued, comnfiandinL^ Ca])tain 
 Payne to give up the lodgings. This he refused to do, and 
 he was arrested, and sent to prison. After a few days deten- 
 tion, he was set at liberty by onler of the Chief Justice of the 
 Province. Several pei-sons then resolved to puniah Mr. 
 Walker, who, it was thought, had been the principal promoter 
 of the warrant, and of Captain Payne's commitment to prison, 
 
 " On Thursday, December 6th, the plot was carried into 
 execution. At a quarter-past nine, at night, as Mr. and 
 Mrs. Walker were at supper, a sudden noise was heard at the 
 door. Mr. Walker upon hearing it, called out " cnfrez" 
 supposing it to be some Canadians coming to him on business. 
 Looking towards the door, Mrs. Walker saw a crowd of black 
 faces. Her exclamation of s^irprise caused her husband to 
 look round just as the ruffians entered, and as he r^se from 
 his seat he was struck with a sword, which nmde a wound five 
 inches long on the fore part of his head. He endeavored to 
 reach his bed-room, where his pistols were, but sunk down 
 exhausted from loss of blood. One of the p^rty endeavored to 
 throw him into the fire, but the terror of such a death gave him 
 fresh courage, and he prevented them carrying their plan into 
 execution. Another one of the party knelt down, and cut off 
 his right ear ; while a tliii'd one tried to cut his throat, but 
 Mr. W^alker prevented this by pressing hi.'=' head down close 
 to his shoulders, and protecting his neck with his hands. 
 
 "An alarm having been given, the assailants made off with- 
 out being recognized. In consequence of the outrage, the 
 city was thrown into the greatest possible alarm. The 
 inhabitants went armed in the streets, and whenever a 
 soldier entered a shop to purchase an article, he was closely 
 watched, to prevent any outrage being committed." 
 
 As soon as the news reached England, tlie king issued a 
 proclamation, offering a reward of £100 for the apprehension 
 
 \ 4 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 69 
 
 <!>f tlie assailants. In addition to this, the Canadian authori- 
 ties offered £200 and Mr. Walker £100. 
 
 Several parties were arrested on suspicion, but when the 
 Oourt met on 28th February, only one bill of indictment was 
 preferred, and that against Captain Disnoy of the 44th Rcgi. 
 ment. He was tried on the 11th March, hut was honorably 
 accpiitted. It being thought unlikely that the real offenders 
 would be discovered, further proceedings were stopped, and 
 in a short time public confidence was restored. 
 
 Tb** city had just commenced to reap the benefits of the 
 ret^.u of peace, when a most disastrous fire occurred and 
 destroyed about one-fourth of the buildings. The fire broke 
 out on Saturday, 18th May, 1765, in the house of a person 
 named Livingstone, on St. Paul-street, and was occasioned 
 by hot ashes being placed in the garret. There being no 
 engines, and a high wind prevailing at the time, the confla- 
 ^ration sped until it destroyed over one hundred houses, and 
 reduced more than 200 families to the greatest distress. 
 The fire was finally checked by pulling down part of the 
 Hospital of the Soeurs de la Congregation, on Notre Dame- 
 street, and some houses adjacent to it. The flames were so 
 fierce, that some houses built outside the walls, on the oppo- 
 site bank of the Rivulet St. Pierre, near the Grey Nunnery* 
 were consumed. 
 
 A large sum was collected in England towards relieving 
 the sufferers. Ilis Majesty, George III., headed the list 
 with X500. His Excellency, the Governor of the Province, 
 caused an account of the losses sustained, and the number of 
 families rendered houseless, to be prepared and transmitted 
 to England, and from it we learn the following particulars : 
 
 Value in Buildings .• £81,980 
 
 " Merchandise, 54,718 5 9 
 
 " Furniture and Apparel,. 25,261 12 6 
 
 « Cashj Plate, &e 4,814 3 
 
 £116,773 188. Qi. 
 
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 70 VILLE MARIE J OR, ' i 
 
 NUMBER OF FAMILIES BURNT OUT. 
 
 St. Francois Street, 54 
 
 St. Paul " 87 
 
 Marketplace (•) 2G 
 
 IIoiri)ital Street 1 
 
 St. Louis Street, 15 
 
 St. Eloi " 6 
 
 St. Sacrament Street, 6 
 
 St. Niciiohis " 1 
 
 St. Ann " 1 
 
 " " Suburbs, 10 
 
 Grey Sisters' Hospital, and houses near 8 
 
 Total, 1^15 
 
 The inhabitants were very thankful for the relief aff)rcle(l 
 them by the people of England, and set to work at once to 
 rebuild the houses, but they had scarcely completed this 
 ■when another fire broke out on the 11th April, 1768, at ten 
 o'clock in the evening. This fire commenced near the St. 
 LaAvrence Gatef in the house of a person named Tison, and 
 conthuied burning imtil five the next morning, encircly con- 
 suming one hundred houses, two churches and one school. 
 The inhabitants were thrown into great distress, which was 
 increased by the fact that many of their effects which 
 they had saved from the flames were stolen by their 
 neighbors. Again the people of the Mother Country res- 
 ponded to the appeals made by several benevolent gentle- 
 men, who printed pamphlets, and circulated them extensively 
 throughout England, and the people were aided to rebuild 
 their houses once more. 
 
 From a report made by General Murray, in 1765, it 
 appears that of the whole population of Canada, there were 
 but 500 Protestants, there being only 136 in the whole 
 district of Montreal, and these were merchants, officers, and 
 discharged soldiers. 
 
 (*) Now Custom-house-square. 
 
 (t) St. Lawrence Main-street and Fortification-lane. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 71 
 
 The citizens having sufforcd from the arbitrary coudiicfc 
 and extortions of tlie justices of the peace, made a complaint 
 to the Governor and council. The charges made having been 
 proven, orders wore at once given depriving them of their 
 jurisdiction in civil cases, and they were only permitted to 
 decide in criminal matters. 
 
 Nothing special connected with the history of the city 
 occurred, vmtil the passage of the Quebec Act, and other 
 political changes which led to dissatisfaction among some of 
 the inhabitants. 
 
 A bust of George III.* had been presented (by his 
 majesty) to the city and was placed in one of the public 
 squares. To the astonishment of the authorities they found 
 on the morning of the 1st May, 1775, that some evil disposed 
 person had painted it black, and suspended to its neck, a 
 string cf beads with a cross attached, in addition to which a 
 mitre had been placed upon its head, and immediately below 
 the bust Avas written in French, " This is the Pope of Canada 
 and the Sot of England." A reward of 100 guineas was 
 offered for the apprehension of the parties concerned in this 
 outrage, but they were never discovei-ed. 
 
 The American Revolution had now broken out, and one 
 of the first movements of the Congress was to issue orders 
 for the conquest of Canada. They had already captured 
 Ticonderaga and Crown Point and why should not Montreal 
 and Quebec fall into their hands ? Nothing seemed 
 impossible for men animated by the first successes before 
 experience had taught them the difficulties which attended 
 such an enterprise. 
 
 / The command of the army intended for this purpose was 
 given to General Montgomery, who with 3000 men besieged 
 and took the forts at Charably and St. John. Governor 
 Carlton (who was at Montreal) started for the relief of St. 
 
 • The head attached to a plaster bust may now be seen in the Library 
 Boom of the Natural History Society. 
 
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 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
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 John's, but he was mot at Longucnil by a party of Americans 
 who coinnellod him to rocross to Montreal. 
 
 The followin;f copy of an original letter in possession of the 
 author refers to this attack : 
 
 " LoNGQAUL, Sept ye 22nd, 1775, at 
 
 9 at niglit. 
 
 Col, Allyn in hast I arived at this plaoe this moment with 
 63 men and find a gang of Cannadions they hav news from 
 Morreall that they intend to attack us at this place this 
 night or as soon as posabel, the Canad"" expect it — Col. 
 Leviston hath just sent in an express hear and their is a 
 party to our assistons on their march from Shambole expected 
 this night. I am advised to send to you to send a party or 
 com as soon as ma be if not needed whare you now be. 
 
 Col. Warner is at Laporary with about 120 men. Sunder- 
 land hath just returned from Cockanawauga this day to us 
 for want of time. 
 
 I conclud My Self your sincear frend, 
 
 John Grant, Capt." 
 
 On the first eruption of the American troops into Canada 
 General Montgomery had detached Colonel Ethan Allen 
 with 150 men to attack Montreal. On the 24th October, he 
 crossed the River St. Lawrence, three miles below the city, 
 where he no sooner landed than his approach was announced 
 to General Carlton, who assembled thirty regulars' and about 
 two hundred militia of the town, and put them under the com- 
 mand of Major Garden, who early next day marched to Longue 
 Point, where the Americans had taken post, possessing them- 
 selves of several houses and barns. An action commenced 
 and lasted half-an-hour, when Allen gave way, and the 
 whole were taken prisoners. The English lost Major Carden, 
 Mr. Alexander Paterson, a prominent merchant of the city, 
 and two privates. Allen, with the captives, were sent to 
 Quebec in a schooner, and from thence they were conveyed 
 
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MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 T8 
 
 in the " Adamant " to England, and were lodged in 
 Pendenris castle. 
 
 Immediately upon the surrender of Fort St. John's, 
 
 Montgomery pushed on to Montreal. In the meantime 
 
 Governor Carlton assembled all his available for.'cs for the 
 
 purpose of repairing to the defence of Queliec, and had just 
 
 left Montreal when Montgomery appeared before tlio city. 
 
 The inhabitants assembled, and the following articles of 
 capitulation were drawn up and presented to Montgomery, 
 by a deputation of the most respectable citizens : 
 
 " Ist. That the citizens and inhabitants of Montreal, as well 
 individuals as religious orders and communities, without any 
 exception, shall be maintained in the free possession and 
 enjoyment of their rights, goods and effects, movable and 
 immovable, of what nature soever they may be. 
 
 *' 2nd. That the inhabitants, French and English, shall be 
 maintained in the free exercise of their religion. 
 
 " 3rd. That trade in general, as well within the province as 
 in the upper countries,and parts beyond the seas, shall be car- 
 ried on freely as heretofore, and passports shall bo granted 
 for that purpose. 
 
 " 4th. That passports shall be granted to those who may 
 want them for the different parts of this Province, or else- 
 where on their lawful affairs. 
 
 " 6th. That the citizens and inhabitants of the town and 
 suburbs of Montreal, shall not be compelled, on any pretence 
 whatsoever, to take up arms against the Mother Country, 
 nor to contribute in any manner towards carrying on war 
 against her. 
 
 " 6th. That the citizens and inhabitants of the town and 
 suburbs, or any other part of the country, who have taken 
 up arms for the defence of this Province, and are taken 
 prisoners, shall be set at liberty. 
 
 " 7th. That Courts of Justice shall be established for the 
 
74 
 
 viLLB marie; or, 
 
 t' 
 
 i 1 
 
 determination of property ; and that the judge of the said 
 Courts shiill be elected by the people. 
 
 " 8th. That the inhabitants of the town shall not be sub- 
 jected to lodge troops. 
 
 " 9th. That no inhabitant of the country, or savages, shall 
 be permitted to enter the town until the commandant shall 
 have taken possession and provided for the security thereof. 
 (Signed,) 
 
 John Porteous 
 Richard Huntley. 
 John Blake. 
 Edw. Wm. Gray. 
 James Finlay. 
 James McGill. 
 
 Pierre Panet. 
 Pierre Meziere. 
 St. George Dupre. 
 Louis Carignant. 
 Francois Malhoit. 
 Pierre Guy. " 
 
 To this Montgomery returned the following written answer : 
 
 " I do hereby certify that the above articles were presented 
 to me, to which I have given the following answers : 
 
 " The City of Montreal having neither ammunition, artillery, 
 troops nor provisions ; and having it not in their jower to 
 fulfil one article of the treaty, can claim no title to a capitu- 
 lation. 
 
 " The continental arms have a generous disdain of every act 
 of oppression and violence ; they are come for the express 
 purpose of giving liberty and security. The General, there- 
 fore, engages his honor to maintain in the peaceable enjoy- 
 ment of their property of every kind, the individual and 
 religious communities of the city of Montreal. 
 
 " The inhabitants, whether English, French, or others, shall 
 be maintained in the free exercise of their religion. 
 
 " The present unhappy contention between Great Britain 
 and her colonies, puts it out of his power to engage for a 
 freedom of trade to the Mother Countrj^ ; nor can he make 
 a general promise of passports. As far as it consists with 
 the safety of the troops and the public good, he shall be 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AXD PRESENT. 
 
 75 
 
 happy to promote commerce ; and for that purpose promises 
 to grant passports to the Upper Countries when required. 
 
 " The General hopes to see such a virtuous provincial con- 
 vention assembled, as will enter with zeal into every measure 
 that can contribute to set the civil and religious rights of this 
 and her sister colonies on a permanent foundation. He promises 
 for himself that he will not compel the inhabitants of the 
 town to take up arms against the Mother Country, or con- 
 tribute towards the expenses of carrying on the present war. 
 
 " The continental army came into this Province for its pro- 
 tection ; they therefore cannot consider its opposers as taking 
 up arms for its defence. 
 
 " It is not in the General's power to engage for the return 
 of prisoners. Motives of humanity will induce him to use 
 his interest for their return to their families, provided it can 
 be done without endangering the public safety. Speedy 
 measures shall be taken for establishing Courts of Justice upon 
 the most liberal plan, conformable to the British Constitution. 
 
 " The inhabitants shall not be burdened with troops, but 
 when necessity requires it ; of which necessity, the General 
 must be the judge. 
 
 " The inhabitants of the country, and savages, shall not enter 
 the town till the guards are posted. 
 
 " To-morrow morning, at nine o'clock, the continental troops 
 shall take possession of the Rccollet Gate. The proper 
 officers must attend with the keys of all public stores, upon 
 the Quarter-Master General, at nine o'clock, at the Recollet 
 Gate. 
 
 " This engagement is understood and declared to be binding 
 on any future commanding officer of the continental troops 
 that may succeed me in this district. 
 
 (Signed,) RICHARD MONTGOMERY, 
 
 Brigadier-General, Continental Army. 
 Montreal, 12th November, 1775." 
 
76 
 
 viLLE marib; or, 
 
 1 .1 
 
 The'!*- prolirainary proceedings having been settled as much 
 to the satisfaction of all parties as circumstances could admit, 
 Montgomery took possession of Montreal next day, at the 
 hour mentioned in the declaration. The first advantage 
 which he took of tlie event was to equip his troops with 
 clothing and other materials which he found in the king's 
 stores, of which they were very much in need. 
 
 Whatever may have been the nature of Montgomery's 
 reception within the walls of Montreal, he seems to have 
 been greeted, in the suburbs, in a manner greatly to his sat- 
 isfaction, as will be seen from the following translation from 
 the French language, of an address presented to him :* 
 
 "An Address prom tiie Inhabitants op the Three 
 Suburbs op Montreal, to Richard Montgomery, 
 Esq., Brigadier-General op the Continental 
 Forces. 
 
 " Sir, — The darkness in which we were buried is at last 
 dispelled : the sun darts his beams upon us. Our yoke is 
 broken. A glorious liberty, long wished for, has now arrived, 
 and which we will now enjoy, assuring our sister colonies, 
 represented by you, sir, of our real and unfeigned satisfaction 
 at our happy union. 
 
 " Though the citizens of Montreal have despised, and daily 
 do treat us with contempt, we declare that we abhor their 
 conduct towards our brethren and friends ; we say that the 
 articles of capitulation which they offered is a treaty between 
 two enemies, and not a contract or society of a fraternal 
 union. 
 
 " These same citizens always have and still do look upon us 
 as rebels. At the appellation we took no offence, having it 
 in common with our sister colonies. But in spite of them and 
 agreeable to our inclinations, we now openly enter into the 
 union and association, as we did in our hea^^'ts the moment the 
 address of the 26th October, 1774, was handed to us, and to 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 77 
 
 which, if we had dared, we would have sent an answer. 
 You are not i^orant, sir, that from that date silence was 
 even matter of suspicion, and whoever did dare think or 
 utter their thoughts might expect for recompense, prison, 
 irons, or at least the contempt and indignation of ths citizens. 
 
 " We now look upon them as conc^uered — not united. 
 Thoy call us ignorant, illiterate men. True it is, we seemed 
 such. Despotism had almost annihilated us ; hut how can 
 they protend to know or determine what we are ? Merit — 
 a man of parts — had no admission even to the ante-chamber. 
 But it is not necessary, we presume, to trouble your excel- 
 lency with a detail of the oppression which we have endured 
 or with an enumeration of the authors — a more favorable 
 time may come. 
 
 " However ignorant or rebellious we may seem to be, we 
 declare and humbly pray your excellency to communicate 
 our declaration to congress. We say, we declare that our 
 hearts ever did desire this union — that we received and 
 looked on the Union troops as our own — in a word, that wo 
 agree to the association which our sister colonies have offered 
 us — that we never thought of being admitted into a society, 
 and enjoying the advantages of such society, without contri- 
 buting to the expense and support thereof. If we are ignorant, 
 yet we are endowed with reason. The same laws — the same 
 prerogatives — proportionable contribution — a sincere union — 
 permanent society — such are our resolutions, and agreeable 
 to the address from ouv sister colonies. 
 
 " Signed in the three suburbs of Montreal, 15th Novem- 
 ber, 1775." 
 
 But Montgomery, far from deeming his visit to Montreal a 
 mere complimentary one, and one to which addresses like 
 this could effect but httle permanent satisfaction, began 
 to make the necessary preparations for proceeding down the 
 river, with the view of intercepting General Carleton, if 
 possible, and by that means putting a speedy and fortunate 
 
78 
 
 VILLE MARIE : OR, 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 Mil 
 
 termination to the Canadian war. Fortune, however, deter- 
 mined otherwise, and the governor arrived r.. .oly at Quchoc. 
 Montgomery now joined Arnold, and in his attack on that 
 city was killed. 
 
 Arnold, having been defeated in his attempt, retired before 
 the British forces, to Montreal. In the meantime the Ame- 
 rican congress had sent on reinforcements to enable their 
 army to retain a part of the country at least, and by the end 
 of May, 177G, the Americans were about 4,000 strong in the 
 district of Montreal. But even with this force (afterwards 
 increased) they were compelled to withdraw.* 
 
 On January 20th, 1783, was signed the treaty known as 
 • the " Treaty of Versailles," whereby the Independence of 
 the United States was recognised, thus bringing to a close 
 the long war between Britain and her colonies. By the 
 treaty, the boundaries of Canada were much curtailed, so that 
 Montreal is within a few leagues of the frontier. 
 
 In 1787, the first Presbyterian congregation had been 
 organized at Quebec," in a school-room adjoining the Jesuits' 
 Barracks, and three years after a congregation was organized 
 at Montreal, and the following year (1791) Rev. John Young 
 was appointed minister. Divine service was for that year 
 performed in the Recollet Chapel, by permission of the 
 fathers; but in 1792 the St. Gabriel Street Church was 
 erected. It is, therefore, the oldest Protestant Church in 
 Canada. 
 
 The dissimilarity of British and French habits, customs, 
 and notions of government now began to be felt ; and while 
 the inhabitants of Canada, east and west, were alike loyal to 
 the existing governments, still it was felt that agreeable 
 changes might be made. Accordingly, the Constitutional 
 
 • Two years later, the first newspaper printed in Montreal was pub- 
 lished (1778) and was called the ilfontreu^ Gazette. This paper isstill- 
 publiahed as a daily. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 79 
 
 Act of 1791 was introduced, and the Province was divided 
 into Upper and Lower Canada, each province being permitted 
 to hav3 its Legislative Council and Assembly. Tims, for the 
 fourth time in thirty-two years, the form of government was 
 changed. 
 
80 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 I ^ 
 
 From Uip illvision of the rrovinccB, 1701, to tho Brut pa»?npro of a stoarncr on tho 
 St. Lawri'lico, 1809— Houndary of tlin city uiidrr tlie Aow Act ; First I'arlia- 
 moiit ; Miiil bctwooii (iuobeo and 5IontrfaI ; Address to I^ord UnrclM'ster ; 
 I'ustnl nrrungcmcntA improved ; Orant for (iaols and Court IIouxoh ; Water 
 WorkH Compaiiy ; Kemuval of old fortltications j Firo in Old Gaol ; <iaol Act ; 
 Dinner at Montreal ; Order? it-sued lor arrest of editors ; Sentiments olijccted 
 to ; 'frinily IJouso estRbllslied ; Nelson's Monument ; Montreal in 1800 ; First 
 Steamer, "Accommodation," Icavcb Montreal for Quebec ; Description of the 
 Vessel. 
 
 By the proclamation of 7th May, 1792, the bounds of the 
 city and town of Montreal Averc fixed " to comprehend all that 
 tract ctr parcel of land bounded in front by the lliver St. 
 Lawrence, in the rear by a line parallel to the general course 
 of the fortification walls in the rear of said town, at the 
 distance of one hundred chains from the gate, commonly 
 called St. Lawrence Gate, (near St.Lawrence and Fortification- 
 lane,) and bounded on the easterly or lowermost side, by a line 
 running parallel to the general course of the fortification walls 
 on the easterly or lowermost side of the said town, at the 
 distance of one hundred chains from the gate towanls the 
 Quebec suburbs,commonly called the Quebec Gate, (near Dal- 
 housie-square,) and hi the Avesterly or uppermost side by a line 
 running parallel to the general course of the fortification walls 
 of the said town, at the distance of one hundred chains from 
 the gate towards the St. Anthony suburbs, commonly called the 
 RecoUet Gate, (Notre Dame and jSIcGill Streets,) and that 
 the said city and town of Montreal shall be divided into 
 two wards, to be called respectively the east and west wards. 
 The east ward shall comprehend all the easterly or lowermost 
 part of the said tract described, bounded on the west or 
 uppermost side by a Une running through the middle of the 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 81 
 
 main street of the St. Lawrence suburbs and continuation 
 thorcot", and through the middle of the streets called Congre- 
 gation-street and Notre Dame-strect, and along the middle 
 of the same westerly to the middle of St. Joseph-street, (now 
 St. Sulpice,) to the river ; and the west ward shall comprise 
 all the rest of the said tract or parcel of land within the limits 
 aforesaid." 
 
 On the 17th December, the first Parliament of Lower 
 Canada was convened at Quebec ; the west ward of Montreal 
 being represented by Messrs. James McGill, and J. B. Du- 
 rocher ; the east ward by Messrs. Joseph Frobisher and John 
 Richardson ; Messrs. Papineau and James Walke" : jprescnt 
 ing the county. 
 
 On the 20th of the same month, a notice appeared in the 
 Quebec Gazrtttiy announcing, for the first time, a mail once in 
 every fortnight, between Montreal and the neighboring states. 
 The mails between Montreal and Quebec, at this time, being 
 weekly. 
 
 In July, 179G, Lord Dorchester left Canada for England ; 
 but prior to his departure, the citizens of Montreal presented 
 to him the following address : 
 
 " The inhabitants of Montreal, penetrated with gratitude 
 for the happiness enjoyed by them under your lordship's 
 administration of the government of this Province, during a 
 great number of years, embrace the present opportunity of 
 your intended departure for Great Britain, to entreat you to 
 receive their humble acknowledgments and to accept their 
 most sincere wishes for a favorable passage, for your health 
 and prosperity, and for that of all your family. 
 
 "The prudence and moderation which distinguished your 
 conduct in this province, assured internal peace and tranquil- 
 ity, and in reflecting infinite honor on your lordship, have 
 fully justified the confidence reposed in you by our august 
 sovereign, and secured to you the afiections of the inhabitants. 
 
 " We beseech your lordship to carry our most ardent vows to 
 
 Q 
 
82 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 J) I 
 
 r ; 
 
 the foot of the throne, for the happiness of our gracious 
 monarch, to assure him of our attachment to his sacred per- 
 son, and to the happy government under which it is our glory 
 to live ; and wo fervently pray that his Majesty's approbation 
 may continue to distinguish and reward your virtues and your 
 merit." 
 
 Under the administration of Sir R. S. Milnes (who suc- 
 ceeded General Prescott, in 1799) the postal arrangements 
 of Canada were considerably improved, the United States mail 
 being made weekly ; but we may gain an idea of the means of 
 intercourse between the Lower and Upper Province, by the 
 following advertisement, which appeared in the Quebec Gazette 
 of 18th January, 1797 : 
 
 " A mail for the Upper Countries, comprehending Niagara 
 and Detroit, will be closed at this office, on Monday, 30th 
 instant, at four o'clock in the evening, to be forwarded from 
 Montreal by the annual winter express, on Thursday, 3rd 
 February next." 
 
 No provision had as yet been made towards securing a 
 uniformity to the streets, which were being rapidly built upon 
 in the outskirts of the town, nor had any suitable accom- 
 modation been provided for the sitting of the Courts of 
 Justice. The funds at the disposal of the Legislature were 
 not sufficiently large to justify them in authorizing the 
 erection of a jail and Court-house, but the British Govern- 
 ment, by a spontaneous offer to advance the necessary means, 
 by way of a loan, enabled them to carry out this much 
 needed improvement. By act of 3rd June, 1799, they 
 authorized the appointment of a surveyor, " who should draw 
 plans of the city and land adjacent, and that commodious 
 streets should be opened, and ground reserved for public 
 squares. 
 
 For these duties the surveyor was to receive X200 cur- 
 rency. On the same day an Act was passed, authorizing the 
 erection of a Court-house at Montreal, the cost not to exceed 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 83 
 
 ^5,000. In order to repay the amount loaned by th 
 Government, a tax was levied upon legal writs and other law 
 proceedings, and by these means the whole amount was in a 
 few years reimbursed. 
 
 Great inconvenience had been felt by the inhabitants of 
 the town from the scarcity of the water supply, the whole of 
 which had cither to be drawn from the river, or from the 
 town pumps in Place d'Armcs, Market-place (now Custom- 
 houge-s<iuare), Jesuits' Garden (near the Court-house), 
 and other parts. In addition to the inconvenience was the 
 necessity of procuring a more copious supply for use in case 
 of fire. To meet this want a company of merchants an 1 
 others was formed, for the purpose of laying lomi pipes &c. 
 Application was m ' o Parliament, and on April 8, 1801, 
 an Act wa? mssed, " constituting Joseph Frobi her, Job'' 
 Gray, Danioi Sutherland, Thos. Schieffclin and Thomus 
 SeAvell, and their heirs, executors, curators, &c., as a com- 
 * pany for supplying the city of Montreal with water. Such 
 company to be known by the name of the company of " Pro- 
 prietors of the Montreal Water Works." 
 
 They were authorized to erect buildings and lay down 
 pipes within the city, and were to raise £8,000 among them- 
 selves, but should this not prove sufficient for the work, they 
 were to raise a further sum of X 4,000 ; but no proprietor 
 was to hold more than sixteen shares in the first, and eight 
 in the second, and the first general meeting was to be held 
 at the " Montreal Coffee-house " on the third Wednesday 
 after the passing of the Act. The Act vested in the Company 
 the exclusive right for fifty years, but the main pipes were to 
 be laid before seven years. 
 
 The plan proposed by the Company was to supply the city 
 from a source in rear of the mountain, and with this in view 
 they expended large sums of money in laying down wooden 
 
mm 
 
 !> 
 
 i 
 
 
 84 
 
 VILLE MARIE J OR, 
 
 pipes.* But the supply of water was so scanty, and the 
 rude pipes so liable to leak or burst, that they failed to cairy 
 the plan into successful operation, and the charter was sub- 
 sequently sold to another Company. 
 
 A fresh proof was now given of the desire of the British 
 to respect the private rights of French citizens. The grounds- 
 upon which for the common safety, tlvo walls of the city had 
 been built, were for the most part private property, and had 
 been taken by the French Government without allowing any 
 indemnity to the owners, it being understood that if ever the 
 walls were demolished the ground should revert to the 
 rightful owners, or their legal representatives. 
 
 Accordingly, when" a petition was presented by the citizens 
 (in 1797), praying for the removal of the old walls surrounding 
 the city, it was favorably entertained, and in the session of 
 1801 an Act was passed for that purpose. While this was 
 done partly " for the convenience, salubrity and embellish- 
 ment of the city," yet the Government, in order to assure 
 justice to the original owners of the land, appointed commis- 
 sioners to attend to the matter, and they accomplished their 
 duties so eflfectually that all claims were settled to the satis- 
 faction of those concerned. 
 
 " The Act admitted the right of recovery and repossession 
 to all those whose claims, on examination by the Court of 
 King's Bench at Montreal, might be found good. The 
 following is the preamble : 
 
 " Whereas, in pursuance of an arret of his most Christian 
 Majesty, bearing date at Versailles, the 13th day of May, 
 1724, for the better defence of the city of Montreal, in this 
 Province, a stone wall and other fortifications of stone were 
 heretofore built and erected around the said city, partly on 
 land ceded to his most Christian Majesty by the ancient 
 
 » In 1808, while digging up Notro Dnmo-8tro(!t lor a new sower, these pipes 
 ■were taken up. They wore about 12 feet lung, and wore bound on cue end witU 
 kou, the other end being sharpensd and driven into its coauecting pipe. 
 
the 
 
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 tish 
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 !iad 
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 my 
 the 
 the 
 
 ins 
 ing 
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 is- 
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 on 
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 be 
 
 m 
 
 J, 
 lis 
 
 re 
 
 m 
 
 it 
 
 ii 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 85 
 
 company of New France, and partly on land the property 
 of divers individuals. And whereas, your Majesty, l)y 
 message through your Lieutenant-Governor, was, on the 21st 
 of March, 1797, graciously pleased to express your royal will 
 and pleasure, that the Legislature should deliberate on the 
 most expedient measures to be adopted for the improvement 
 and embellishment of the city of Montreal, and for the more 
 expeditious and effectual method of deciding all questions 
 that may arise on the subject of the repossession of the 
 ground now occupied by the old fortifications thereof ; and 
 whereas it is expedient to take down and remove the said 
 walls and fortifications yet standing, but in a ruinous condition, 
 and otherwise to provide for the improvement of the said 
 city of Montreal, by new squares and streets, to be laid out, 
 opened, and made upon the site of the said walls and fortifi- 
 cations, or lands adjacent; and, whereas, it is just and 
 reasonable that the land which the said walls and fortifications 
 now occupy, and which does not belong to his Majesty, should 
 be delivered up to the lawful proprietors thereof, their heirs 
 or assigns ; and whereas, also, the objects hereinbefore 
 recited require the aid and authority of the Provincial 
 Parliament : — Be it enacted," &c., &c. 
 
 The answer received from his Excellency Lieutenant-Gov- 
 ernor Prescott upon the subject was as follows : 
 
 " His Majesty having been graciously pleased to signify 
 his acquiescence to the petition of his good subjects of the 
 city of Montreal, praying to be permitted to repossess such 
 parts of the ground occupied by the fortification of that city 
 as shall not be deemed necessary for military or other public 
 purposes, the Lieutenant-Governor feels great satisfaction in 
 being authorized to communicate the King's pleasure to the 
 House of Assembly on that subject. 
 
 " It having been suggested that the ground occupied by 
 those fortifications was taken up on condition that the sev- 
 eral lots should revert to the original proprietors, or their 
 
 'ff 
 
 lUfeMMMMlll 
 
86 
 
 VILLB MARIE : OR, 
 
 I 19 
 
 ■ ■ % ^ 
 
 heirs or representatives, when the same shall be found no 
 longer necessary for public uses ; and as adverse claims may 
 possibly arise respecting such property, by which the relin- 
 quishment thereof, instead of being a public benefit, accord- 
 ing to his Majesty's gracious intentions, may, in giving 
 occasion to strife and litigation, become a source of public 
 detriment, the Lieutenant-Governor recommends to the As- 
 sembly to deliberate on the adoption of some expeditious and 
 effectual method of finally deciding all questions that may 
 arise on this subject. 
 
 " As the present appears to be a suitable occasion for the 
 considering of such improvements as may conduce to the 
 salubrity, convenience and embellishment of the -town, the 
 Lieutenant-Governor further recommends to the House the 
 consideration of providing additional powers in case they 
 should be found necessary for carrying these desirable objects 
 into execution. 
 
 " The commanding engineer will bo directed to lay before 
 the House a plan of the town and fortifications as soon as the 
 same can be prepared, and to give them the requisite infor- 
 mation relative to the reserves which it will be necessary to 
 make, on the part of the Crown, for public uses. 
 
 R. P." 
 
 Castle of St. Lewis, Quebec. 
 
 The settlement of claims required several years to com- 
 plete, and in the moan time the Act was continued imtil 
 finally the walls were entirely removed. 
 
 In the year 1808 a fire broke out near the building used 
 as a jail, and partially destroyed the same. The damage sus- 
 tained amounted to about £600, which amount was refunded 
 by the parliament to those who repaired it. The accommo- 
 dation furnished by the building was far too limited, and an 
 Act was passed in 1805 providing for the erefetion of jails in 
 Montreal and Quebec. To pay for the erection of these jails, 
 the Act known as the " Jail Act " imposed a duty of two 
 
 *'i 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 87 
 
 and a-half per cent, upon goods, wares and merchandise sold 
 at public auction ; a duty of two-pence per pound on Bohea 
 tea, four-pence per pound on Souchong, six-pence on Hjson, 
 and upon all other green teas four-pence ; and an additional 
 duty to those already existing of three-pence per gallon on all 
 spirits or other strong liquors ; three-pence on all wines, and 
 two-pence on molasses or syrups. 
 
 This measure was so distasteful to the commercial men 
 that they petitioned the King for the repeal of that 
 portion relating to the tax. The members for Montreal, John 
 Richardson and J. M. Mondelet for east ward, James Mc- 
 Gill and Louis Chaboilez for west ward, Benjamin Frobisher 
 and L. R. Portelance for the county, along with others, had 
 strenuously opposed the passage of the Act, and to testify 
 their approbation, the merchants of the city held a public 
 dinner at Dillon's Hotel (Place d'Armes) in the month of 
 March, 1805. On this occasion there were thirteen toasts 
 given. A report of the dinner appeared in the Montreal 
 Gazette of Monday, April 1st, and the Governor fancied 
 that some of those toasts were intended as reflections upon 
 himself. When the Parliament assembled in February, 1806, 
 Pierre Bedard, member for Northumberland, introduced a 
 motion which was carried, to the effect that the article in the 
 Gazette was a false, scandalous, and malicious libel, highly 
 and unjustly reflecting upon his Majesty's representative in 
 this Province, and on both Houses of the Provincial Par- 
 liament, and tended to lessen the affections of his Majesty's 
 subjects towards his Government in this Province. 
 
 A committee appointed to enquire as to the authors, 
 printers, &c., of this libel, reported that Edward Edwards, 
 Esq., was the printer, and that Isaac Todd, Esq., was the 
 chairman of the meeting at which the offensive toasts were 
 given. 
 
 An order was given to the Sergeant-at-arms to take those 
 gentlemen into custody, but when his deputy arrived at Mon- 
 
88 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 treal for the purpose cf executing the warrant, neither of the 
 parties could be found, and the matter was dropped. 
 
 The objectionable toasts were aa follows : 
 
 " 1st. The honorable members of the Legislative Council 
 who were friendly to constitutional taxation, as proposed by 
 our worthy members in the Legislative Assembly. 
 
 " 2nd. Our representatives in Provincial Parliament, who 
 proposed a constitutional and proper mode of taxation, for 
 building jails, and opposed a tax on commerce for that pur- 
 pose, as contrary to the sound practice of the parent state. 
 
 " 3rd. May our representatives be actuated by a patriotic 
 spirit for the good of the Province, as dependent on the Bri- 
 tish Empire, and be divested of local prejudices. 
 
 " 4. Prosperity to the agriculture and commerce of Canada, 
 and may they aid each other, as their true interest dictates, 
 by sharing a due proportion of advantages and burthens. 
 
 " 5. The city and county of Montreal, and the grand juries 
 of the District, who recommend local assessments for local 
 purposes. 
 
 " 6. May 1;he city of Montreal be enabled to support a 
 newspaper, though deprived of its natural and useful advan- 
 tages, apparently, for the benefit of an individual. 
 
 " 7. May the commercial interests of this Province have 
 due influence on the administration of its government." 
 
 How such sentiments as these could give ofience to the 
 Assembly, and be construed into a libel, is diflScult to conceive. 
 
 A petition was drawn up and forwarded to the king ask- 
 ing that a land tax should be substituted for the tax on teas, 
 &c., but the petition was not granted, and the gaols were 
 built by means of the duties imposed upon trade, the founda- 
 tions being laid in 1808. 
 
 During the session of 1805, an Act was passed, providing 
 for the " improvement of navigation between Quebec and 
 Montreal, and the establishment of the Trinity House," with 
 important powers relating to navigation on the St. Lawrence. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 89 
 
 Arrangements were also made whereby the mails from Mon- 
 treal for Upper Canada, should be despatched monthly. 
 
 In December, the news first reached Montreal of the vic- 
 tories of the British fleet at Trafalgar, and of the death of 
 Nelson. The evening of its arrival an assembly or ball was 
 being held at the Exchange Coffee house (ndar corner 
 of St. Paul and St. Peter streets). " After dancing the 
 company had descended to the supper-room, Mr. Samuel 
 Gerard, one of the stewards, presiding. While supper was being 
 proceeded with, a waiter brought in a packet of newspapers, 
 just received from New York, containing Admiral Colling- 
 wood's despatch of the battle of Trafalgar. 
 
 When the despatch was read, loud huzzas shook the build- 
 ing. But the news was clouded by the fall of the heroic 
 Nelson, and many present, particulai'ly ladies, were to be seen 
 shedding tears. Under the excitement of the moment, the 
 chairman proposed that a monument should be erected in the 
 city to the memory of Nelson, and that a subscription should 
 be at once opened to defray the cost. Ladies and gentlemen 
 pressed forward to set down their names, so that in a few 
 minutes a sufficient sum was subscribed, and a committee was 
 appointed to proceed at once towards carrying out the sug- 
 gestion. Such is the history of the origin of the pillar which 
 now graces (?) Jacques Cartier square. 
 
 The following description of the city at this period is taken 
 from Heriot Travels :— 
 
 " The streets are airy and regularly disposed, one of them 
 (St. Paul) extending nearly parallel to the river through 
 the entire length of the place ; they are of sufficient width, 
 ■being intersected at right angles by several smaller streets, 
 which descend from west to east. The upper street (Notre 
 Dame) is divided into two by the Roman Catholic Church. 
 
 " The habitations of the principal merchants are neat and 
 commodious, and their store-houses are spacious, and secured 
 against risk from fires ; being covered with sheet iron or 
 
90 
 
 VILLB MARIE ; OR, 
 
 m 
 
 tin. Without this precaution, as the roofs of the dwellings in 
 Canada are usually formed of boards, and sometimes with the 
 external addition of shingles, they would, in summer, become 
 highly combustible, and liable to ignition from a small spark 
 of fire. The houses, which are protected in the former 
 manner, will last, without need of repair, for a considerable 
 number of years. 
 
 " The town was enclosed by a stone fortification, which 
 having fallen into ruins, is now, in a great measure, levelled or 
 removed. 
 
 " Montreal is divided into the upper and lower towns, 
 although the level between them exceeds not twelve or 
 fifteen feet. In the former are the public markets held 
 twice in each week ; in the latter are churches, convents, &c. 
 
 " The general hospital (Grey Nunnery) stands on the 
 bank of the river, and is separated from the town by a small 
 rivulet. 
 
 " A natural wharf, very near to the town, is formed by the 
 depth of the stream and the sudden declivity of the bank. 
 The environs of the city are composed of four streets, extend- 
 ing in different directions, that of Quebec (St. Mary's) on the 
 north, St. Lawrence towards the west, and Recollet and 
 St. Antoine towards the south. In the latter is placed the 
 college, -which has been lately built. These, together with the 
 town, contain about 12,000 inhabitants. 
 
 " The markets of Montreal are more abundantly supplied 
 than those of Quebec, and articles are sold at a more reason- 
 able price, especially in winter, when the inhabitants of the 
 United States, who reside upon the borders of Canada, bring 
 for sale a part of the produce of their farms. Quantities of 
 fish in a frozen state are likewise conveyed thither in sleighs 
 .from Boston. 
 
 " At the breaking up of the river, the buildings of the 
 town, which are situated near its bank, are sometimes subject 
 
 i 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 91 
 
 to damage, by the accumulation of largo fragments of ice, 
 impelled by the rapidity of the current." 
 
 Up to this time the only mode of conveyance between IMon- 
 treal and Quebec, was by means of stages or batteaux, but 
 the time had come when superior accommodation was to be 
 provided. " John Molson, Esq., an enterprising and spirited 
 merchant of Montreal, now fitted out the first steamer that 
 ever ploughed the waters of the St. Lawrence. On the 3rd 
 November, 1809, the little craft got up steam, shot out into 
 the current, and, after a voyage of thirty-six hours' sailing, 
 arrived safely at Quebec, where the whole city crowded to 
 have a look at the nautical phenomenon." 
 
 The following extract from the "Quebec Mercury" chroni- 
 cles the arrival at Quebec ; 
 
 " On Saturday morning, at 8 o'clock, arrived here, from 
 Montreal, being her first trip, the steamboat " Accommoda- 
 tion," with ten passengers. This is the first vessel of the kind 
 that ever appeared in this harbor. She is continually crowded 
 with visitants. She left Montreal on Wednesday, at two 
 o'clock, 6o that her passage was sixty-six hours ; thirty 
 of which she was at anchor. She arrived at Three Rivers 
 in twenty-four hours. She has, at present, berths for twenty 
 passengers, which next year will be considerally augment- 
 ed. — No wind or tide can stop her. She has 75 feet keel, 
 and 85 feet on deck. The price for a passage up is nine 
 dollars, and eight down, the vessel supplying provisions. 
 The great advantage attending a vessel so constructed 
 is, that a passage may be calculated on to a degree of 
 certainty, in point of time ; which cannot be the case with 
 any vessel propelled by sail only. The steamboat receives 
 her impulse from an open, double-spoked, perpendicular 
 wheel, on each side, without any circular band or rim. To 
 the end of each double spoke is fixed a square board, which 
 enters the water, and by the rotatory motion of the wheels 
 acts like a paddle. The wheels are put and kept in motion 
 
 r s 
 
 ) I 
 
 ! I 
 
1 II 
 
 92 
 
 VILLB MARIE; 08^, 
 
 by steam, operating within the vessel. A mast is to be fixed 
 in her, for the purpose of using a sail when the wind is favor- 
 able, which will occasionally accelerate her head-way." 
 
 It is a fact worthy of record that the second steamer built 
 on this continent was launched at Montreal. Fulton's little 
 steamer first navigated the Hudson, then Molson's "Accom- 
 modation" cleaved the magnificent waters of the St. Lawrence. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 93 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 From first expcrimont In Stonin NaviRatlon, lf?09, to tlio clone of the 
 yoar, 1825 — Molsou appHt'K for a monopoly of stoamboat trallic ; Liiuncli 
 of the " Swiftsuro "; War of 1812; i.oyalty of tlio Iiiliabitanfa ; Klrot 
 hostllo ilcmoiiHtrations; Arrival of American I'risoners at .Montreal; Slilitia 
 siimmoni'd; I'ropotiod attack In 1813; ClmtcauKuay, &c. ; Oonerul Orders; 
 Militia disbanded; linprovemonts; .Street Lampa liriit erected; Niglit Watch 
 orf^anized; Lacliino Canal: Montreal Uaiik; Tlio City In 1819; Kemarkablo 
 riienomeuon; Canal commenced; Census; Dailiouslo squaro presented to tho 
 City; Scbools established; I'roposed union of the Province ; French Cathe- 
 dral ; Population In 1825 ; Fire In tiuebec suburb. 
 
 THIS first experiment in steam navigation having proved 
 successful, Mr. Molson determined to extend his opera- 
 tions, and accordingly the following advertisement appeared 
 in the " Montreal Gazette" of Nov. 26, 1810 : 
 
 " Public notice is hereby given, that John Molson, of the 
 city of Montreal, will apply to the Legislature of tho Pro- 
 vince, during its next session, for a law giving him the exclu- 
 sive right and privilege of constructing and navigating a steam- 
 boat or steamboats, or of causing a steamboat or steamboats 
 to be constructed and navigated within the limits of this Pro- 
 vince, for the space of fifteen years, to be computed from the 
 fiirst of May next." 
 
 He at once proceeded to build another vessel, which was 
 named the " Swiftsure. " 
 
 On Thursday, 20th August, 1812, about 300 persons assem- 
 bled at Logan's ship-yard, at St. Mary's current, to witness 
 the launch of this vessel. His Excellency the Governor-Gen- 
 eral, Lady and suite were present, and occupied a platform 
 which had been erected for their convenience. At the 
 moment the vessel was launched a salute of nineteen guns was 
 fired. The vessel was 130 feet keel and 24 feet beam. She 
 was completed and made her first trip on May the 4th, 1813, 
 
94 
 
 viLLE marie; or. 
 
 
 ' 
 
 doing good service during the war, hy conveying the troops 
 from Quebec to Montreal and other places. 
 
 Canada had for many years enjoyed tranquility, and was 
 making great progress and improvement, Avhen in June,1812, 
 the Congress of the United States declared war against Groat 
 Britain, and upon reception of the news in Canada, the inhabi- 
 tants at once cast aside any diflforcnces they might have 
 amongst themselves and made the most zealous display of 
 loyalty and devotion to the British Crown, none being more 
 ready to display their loyalty and willingness to uphold 
 British rule in America, than were the citizens of Mon- 
 treal. Men of all ranks volunteered their services to protect 
 their country, and while there were many in the United States 
 foolish enough to imagine that feelings of disloyalty existed 
 among the British subjects in Canada, yet when the trial 
 came, they were disappointed in finding them true to the 
 Government under which they had enjoyed so much pros- 
 perity. 
 
 On 12th July, 1812, the first hostile demonstration was 
 made, when General Hull crossed the frontier at Detroit and 
 fixed the American flag on Canadian soil, at the same time 
 issuing a proclamation inviting the inhabitants of Canada to 
 join his standard. This appeal to the people failed in its 
 effect, and he soon learned that in General Brock he was to 
 meet one suited in every way to punish him for his temerity 
 in thus venturing across the boundary line. After several 
 reverses he was finally compelled to surrender Detroit 
 (whither he had retired.) 
 
 Fortunate, indeed, was it for Canada that a general of such . 
 energy and decision as Brock, had been entrusted with the 
 defence of the Province. Had this decisive blow not been 
 struck, Canada must have passed into the hands of the United 
 States. 
 
 The effect produced on the Lower Province was great, 
 and the arrival at Montreal of General Hull and the Amori- 
 
V' 
 
 p ;; ■; > 
 
 
 NOTRE OAME STREET laO**. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 95 
 
 can regular troops did not fail to have a beneficial result. 
 The following account of his entry into the city is from the 
 Montreal Herald of Tuesday, Sept. 12th : 
 
 Montreal, Sept. 12th. 
 " Last Sunday evening the inhabitants of this city were 
 gratified with an exhibition equally novel and interesting. 
 
 " That General Hull should have entered our city so soon, 
 at the head of his troops, rather exceeded our expectations. 
 We were, however, happy to see him, and receive him with all 
 the honors due to his rank and importance as a public char- 
 acter. The following particulars relative to his journey and 
 reception at Montreal, may not be uninteresting to our 
 readers : — 
 
 " General Hull and suite, accompanied by about 25 ofBcera 
 and 350 soldiers, left Kingston under an escort of 130 men, 
 commanded by Major Heathcote of the Newfoundland regi- 
 ment. At Cornwall, the escort was met by Capt. Gray, of 
 the Quarter-Master General's department, who took charge 
 of the prisoners of Avar, and from thence proceeded with them 
 to Lachine, where they arrived about 2 o'clock on Sunday 
 afternoon. At Lachine, Captains Richardson and Ogilvie, 
 with their companies of Montreal militia, and a company of 
 the King's commanded by Capt. Blackmore, formed the 
 escort, till they were met by Col. Auldjo, with the remainder 
 of the flank companies of the militia, upon which Capt. 
 Blackmore's company fell out and presented arms, as the 
 General and line passed, and then returned to Lachine, 
 leaving the prisoners of war to be guai'ded by the militia 
 alone. The line of march then proceeded to the town in the 
 following order, viz. : 
 
 " 1st. Band of the King's regiment. 
 " 2nd. The first division of the escort. 
 " 3rd. General Hull in a carriage, accompanied by Captain 
 Gray. Captain Hull and Major Shakelton vcllowed in a 
 second, and some wounded officers occupied four others. 
 
 ■iBiwt a 
 
96 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 " 4tb. The American officers. 
 
 " 5th. The non-commissioned officers and soldiers. 
 
 " 6th. The second division of the escort. 
 
 " It unfortunately proved rather late in the evenirg for 
 the vast concourse of spectators assem.bled to experience the 
 gratification they so anxiously looked for. This inconvenience 
 was, however, in a great measure, remedied by the illumination 
 of the streets through which the line of march passed. When 
 they arrived at the Governor's House, the General was con- 
 ducted in and presented to his Excellency Sir George 
 Pre vest. He was received with the greatest politeness, and 
 invited to take up his residence there during his stay in 
 Montreal. The officers were quartered at Holmes' hotel, 
 and the soldiers were marched to the Quebec Barracks. 
 The General appears to be aboutsixty years of age, and bears 
 his misfortunes with a degree of resignation that but few meu 
 in similar circumstances are gifted with." 
 
 On the morning of the 8th September, the prisoners started 
 for Quebec under a guard of militia commanded by Major 
 Shakelton. Gen. Hull was exchanged at Montreal for thirty 
 British prisoners. 
 
 Although Montreal was not exposed to any direct attack 
 during the years 1812 — 13, the principal field of operation 
 being in Canada West, still there were times when its inhabi- 
 tants were alarmed by reports of intended invasions and 
 attack. On the morning of the 19th November the drums 
 were heard calling the militia to muster, as an attack was to 
 be made. The summons was speedily obeyed ; the men 
 turned out and at once marched to meet the foe. The alarm, 
 however, proved either to be a false one, or else the enemy 
 had prudently retired, for on the morning of the 28th the 
 militia returned from their *' pleasont trip," as it was named 
 by the papers of the day. 
 
 In 1813 a plan was formed to unite the American forces 
 for the purpose of attacking and reducing Montreal and 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 97 
 
 Quebec. This, however, was defeated by the brave resistance 
 made by the Canadian troops. At Chrysler's farm and 
 Chateauguay the expedition received checks which caused 
 its failure, and the Americans retired, leaving Montreal in 
 safety ; and on November 17th general orders were issued from 
 head-quarters, Lachine, disbanding the militia called out, and 
 expressing great satisfaction in acknowledging the cheerful 
 alacrity with which they had i:esponded to the call. 
 
 The Montreal volunteers wore to march from Lachine 
 at 10 o'clock on the morning of the 18th November. The 
 1st Batt. of Montreal militia at 8 o'clock on the morning of 
 Friday, 19th November ; the 2nd Batt. at 10 o'clock ; and 
 the 3rd Batt. at 12 o'clock, on the same day. 
 
 They were to remain embodied until the 24th, when a 
 corps of the line was to relieve them. Upon their discharge 
 they were to receive Is. 3d. currency for every five league's 
 they had travelled. 
 
 The companies from Three Rivers and adjacent country 
 were to assemble on the Champ de Mars on the 26th 
 November, there to pile arras, return accoutrements, and to 
 be discharged from further service. 
 
 During these exciting times the prices of provisions had 
 risen enormously ; the white loaf of bread (•! lb.) was sold at 
 Is. 6d., and brown (6 lb.). Is. 8d. 
 
 On the 24th December, 1814, peace was proclaimed, and 
 the inhabitants of the city once more betook themselves to 
 the more congenial pursuits of industry and commerce, which 
 soon told upon the prices heretofore charged, as we find in 
 May, 1815, the price of bread was reduced to lid. and Is., 
 for the respective weights named. 
 
 la July, 1815, the news was received of the victory at 
 Waterloo. A public meeting was called for the purpose of 
 appointing a committee to conduct a subscription in aid of 
 the widows and orphans of those who fell in the great battle. 
 This meeting was held at the Court-house, and subscriptions 
 
 i; 
 
 ■ 
 
 i' 
 
98 
 
 TILLE MARIE ; OK, 
 
 were at once handed in to the amount of .£2617 16g. 8d., 
 which amount was afterwards largely increased. 
 
 From authentic sources we learn that between the yeara 
 1805 and 1816 there were sixty-four stone houses erected 
 within the old gates. At the latter date there were forty-five • 
 wooden houses, of which four were erected by Government 
 during the American war. In 1814, seven stone and four 
 wooden houses were built ; in 1815, twenty-three of stone and 
 twenty-one of wood ; and in 1816, sixty stone and wooden 
 houses were in course of erection. 
 
 Up to the year 1815 no provision had been made for lighting 
 the town, although the matter had been suggested as early a& 
 1811. It was agreed that the cost would not be great, 
 from the fact that the lamps would only be required from the 
 1st of September to the end of November, and from 1st of 
 March to the end of May. Another forcible argument waa 
 that if the streets were properly lighted the ladies might be 
 induced to visit their friends much more frequently. 
 
 Nothing was done until November, 1815, when, by the 
 exertions of Mr. Samuel Dawson and other gentlemen, that 
 portion of St. Paul-street west of the old market (Custom- 
 house-square) was handsomely lighted by twenty-two lamps,* 
 fixed at fifty-four feet distance from each other. The novelty of 
 the thing had its effect, and hopes were entertained that other 
 citizens might go and do likewise. These hopes were soon 
 to be realised, for in Docem])er of the same year the inhabi- 
 tants of the east end of St. Paul-street, determined not to 
 be out-shone by their neighbors, started a subscription among 
 themselves, and soon collected sufficient to purchase lamps 
 and ligiit their portion of the street. Notre Dame-street 
 followed the bright example set, and a public meeting was 
 called to take into consideration the advisability of erecting 
 lamps on that street. The money was raised and the lamps 
 were at once put up. 
 
 • The coat of these lamps ready for use was $7 each. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 99 
 
 The darkness of the streets had rendered it an easy matter 
 for thieves and burglars to carry on their operations, which 
 they did most extensively, and almost every week robberies 
 (sometimes extensive ones) were perpetrated. To such an 
 extent had the merchants suffered from this cause, that on 
 August 16th, 1816, a meeting was held for the purpose of 
 establishing a night watch for tho town. It was decided to 
 petition Parliament upon the matter. This was done, and in 
 April, i818, an Act was passed providing for the establish- 
 ment of night watches, and the erection of street lamps. The 
 number of men appointed was twenty-four, their duties being to 
 attend to the trimming and lighting of the lamps, and to act as 
 guardians of the city. 
 
 The want of some more convenient mode of communication 
 with the west had long been felt, but when it was suggested 
 that a canal should be made from Montreal to Lachine, there 
 were those who deemed ^uch an undertaking as almost 
 Herculean. Those who had taken hold of the matter were 
 not to be deterred by the opposition they met with, but 
 presented the matter in so able a manner that in March, 1815, 
 the Parliament voted the sum of £25,000 for the carrying 
 out of the project. Surveys were made, but it was some 
 years before the work was proceeded with. We shall, how- 
 ever, have occasion in a future part of this work to enter 
 more fully into an account of its completion. 
 
 In 1817, the first bank in Canada was established at 
 Montreal by an association of merchants, and was named the 
 « Bank of Montreal." 
 
 A traveller who visited the city in 1819 thus describes it : 
 
 " The first impression of the city is very pleasing. In its 
 turrets and steeples glittering with tin ; in its thickly built 
 streets stretching about one-and-a-half miles along the river, 
 and rising gently from it ; in its environs ornamented with 
 country houses and green fields ; in the noble expanse of the 
 St. Lawrence sprinkled with islands; in its foaming and 
 
100 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 I: I 
 
 noisy rapid, and in the bold ridge of the mountain, which 
 forms a back-ground to the city ; we recognise all the features 
 necessary to a rich and magnificent landscape, and perceive 
 among these indications decisive proofs of a growing inland 
 emporium. 
 
 " We crossed the river in a canoe hollowed out of a single 
 log, and in landing we climbed a steep and slippery bank, and 
 found ourselves in one of the principal streets of the city. 
 
 " During our stay in the city we resided at the Mansion 
 House, a vast building of hewn stone, and kept by an 
 Englishman, v/!\o had transferred all that was desirable 
 in a London coffee-house, to his own establishment in 
 Montreal. We retired by the light of a candle to our room, 
 which had a low window overlooking a terrace thirty feet wide 
 and one hundred and forty-four feet long, which is the length 
 of the house. 
 
 " In the morning we witnessed a scene of considerable 
 activity, caused by the carts and horses which are driven 
 into the river as far as possible to obtain wood, &c., from the 
 boats, and as they go out so far, the body of the cart is some- 
 times under water, and the larger sticks are drawn out with 
 a rope. Carts with barrels attached are also used to supply 
 the city with Avater, and are very conveniently filled by thus 
 driving into the river. 
 
 "The margin of the river adjoining the city is at most 
 places lined with rafts and logs, intended both for fuel and 
 timber. 
 
 *' There are now seven steamers running between Quebec 
 and Montreal, viz : Malsham, Swiftsure, Lady Shorbrooke, 
 (the finest boat on the line) Quebec, Telegraph, Car of 
 Commerce and Caledonia. Passage -f 10 down and !|12 up. 
 
 " The streets of the city are narrow, except some of the 
 urw ones. The principal ones are St. Paul, which is the 
 I jtiinii; business street, near the river, and Notre Dame on 
 iiighc)' ground ; more quiet, more genteel, and better built. 
 

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 2 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 101 
 
 The latter street is twenty-five feet wide and three-quarters of 
 a mile long. Many of the houses are constructed of rough stone 
 coarsely pointed or daubed with mortar, and have certainly an 
 unsightly appearance. Many of the stores and dwellings 
 have iron plate doors and window shutters fortified by iron 
 frames, as a precaution against fire as well as robbery. 
 
 " There seems to have been an error in the location of the 
 city. It was meant to be at the . head of navigation, and it 
 is literally so. Ships of 500 tons can go up to the town, 
 though it is not usual for vessels of more than 150 tons to do 
 so. Vessels drawing fourteen feet can lie at market gate (Cus- 
 tom house). Unfortunately, however, the rapids at St. Mary 
 are so powerful that nothing but a very strong wind can force 
 a vessel up. Ships are sometimes detained for weeks, only 
 two miles from where thev are to dehver their frei^^ht. The 
 steamboats are sometimes compelled to procure the aid of 
 oxen to draw them up. 
 
 " The population is about 15,000. Montreal has a num- 
 ber of good public buildings besides the large Catholic and 
 English Cathedrals and other churches, there are the Court- 
 house, one hundred and forty-four feet long, the jail, banks, 
 and other buildings which do credit to the town." 
 
 During this year, a remarkable phenomenon occurred at 
 Montreal. On Sunday, 8th November, dense black clouds 
 were diffused over the atmosphere, and there fell a heavy 
 shower of rain, which, after it had been allowed for some 
 time to rest, was found to have deposited a substance, which, 
 to the eye, the taste, and the smell, resembled common soot. 
 During the morning, the sky occasionally displayed a slight 
 greenish tint, and the sun appeared of an unusually bright 
 pink color. Before evening, the weather cleared up, and 
 the next day was frosty. On Tuesday, a weighty vapor 
 descended from a thick stratum of clouds that seemed to 
 deepen in color and density. The superstitious were alarmed, 
 and even the thoughtless were struck with astonishment at 
 
 t 
 
102 
 
 viLLB marie; or. 
 
 111 
 
 an appearance for which no one could account. At sunrise 
 the clouds varied in color, sometimes assuming a greenish 
 blue, at others, a dark and almost pitchy black. The sun at 
 that time appeared of a dingy orange color, which at moments 
 varied to a blood red, and at others to a dark brown, with 
 but a slight degree of luminosity remaining. Towards noon, 
 the darkness was so great that it was found necessary to 
 have candles burning in the pubhc offices of the city. The 
 gloom alternately increased or diminished, according to the 
 ascendency of the wind, which, during the day, was very 
 changeable. The inhabitants indulged in many speculations 
 as to the cause of so unusual an appearance. Some thougiit 
 that a volcano had burst forth in some part of the Province 
 and that the smoke and vapor was now over the city. Some 
 quoted an old Indian prophecy to the effect that the Island 
 of Montreal was at some period to be destroyed by an earth- 
 quake, while the opposite shores were to remain unhurt. 
 Others supposed that some immense wood and prairies had 
 been set on fire, and that the ashes had been borne onward 
 by the wind which fanned the flames. Animals of every 
 kind were unusually restless, and uttered mournful sounds. 
 Towards 3 o'clock, a formidable body of clouds from the north- 
 east hurried over the town, and brought the obscurity to a 
 climax. One of the most vivid flashes of lightning was follow- 
 ed by a clap of thunder, that was echoed and reverberated 
 for some minutes. This was followed by others equally loud, 
 which, to the frightened citizens, felt like an earthquake, as it 
 shook the buildings, and the floors trembled beneath their 
 feet. Rain again fell, of the same sooty appearance as on 
 the preceding Sunday. A momentary brightness succeeded ; 
 but the clouds again collected, and at 4 o'clock it was nearly 
 as dark as ever. A flash of lightning was seen to strike the 
 summit of the steeple of the Roman Catholic Parish Church ; 
 it seemed to have touched the ball at the foot of the cross, 
 and continued playmg a short time around it, when it 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 103 
 
 descended to the earth by the rod. Suddenly the fire alarm 
 was sounded from every bell in the town, and the streets 
 resounded with the cry of Fire ! The sky was veiled in 
 gloom, the Place d'Armes was crowded, and continually 
 swelling by the people who poured from the adjacent streets ; 
 while, towering above the heads of the throng was to be seen 
 the steeple of the church, witli its ball blazing like a meteor, 
 and throwing out from the foot of the cross with which it wag 
 surmounted, a radiation of sparks rendered lurid by the sur- 
 rounding darkness. By great exertions the fire was 
 extinguished, but the iron cross fell on the pavement in 
 front of the church with a tremendous crash, and there broke 
 into many pieces. The rain which had fallen during the day 
 had deposited larger quantities of soot than on Sunday, and 
 as it flowed through the streets, it carried on its surface a 
 •dense foam resembhng soap-suds. 
 
 The range of this phenomenon was very extensive, having 
 been noticed from Quebec to Kingston, and in parts of the 
 United States. 
 
 On the 17th day of July, 1821, operations were com- 
 menced on the Lachine eanal, Hon. J. Richardson, chair- 
 man of the committee, having removed the first sod. That 
 gentleman, in a very able address, laid before the vast con- 
 course assembled the great benefits which must necessarily 
 attend the completion of the undertakmg. After the 
 ceremony was concluded, the whole company partook of a 
 repast. In the programme published, one of the attractions 
 of the dinner-table was announced as being " an ox roasted 
 whole," but this part of the entertainment had to be omitted, 
 owing to the heat of the weather, and other difficulties which 
 interfered with its being properly attended to. 
 
 A census taken this year by order of the authorities, 
 showed that the population was 18,767. 
 
 The inhabitants were now turning their attention towards 
 the improvement of the city, by securing ground in various lo- 
 
 
 HMMH 
 
 ■HHil 
 
104 
 
 VILLE MARIE : OR, 
 
 ¥ 
 
 calitles to be laid out as public 8f|uarcs. In this laudable under- 
 taking they received every encouragement from the Govern- 
 ment, and in 1821, His Excellency the Governor gave to the 
 town the piece of ground where formerly stood Citadel-hill 
 and the powder magazines. This scjuaro, in honor of the 
 donor, was called Dalhousie-S(iuare, a name which it still 
 retains. 
 
 Several benevolent citizens, seeing the manner in which 
 the education of the children of the Avorking classes was 
 being ncglocted, held a meeting in September for the purpose 
 of forming a school, to be called the " British and Canadian 
 School Society for educating the children of the laboring 
 classes." The school was at once established and opened on 
 Monday, October 7th, in the building formerly occupied by 
 the Montreal Hospital. 
 
 In the year 1822, a Bill was introduced into the 
 Imperial Parliament for the Union of the two Provinces. 
 Financial misunderstanding had arisen between them, 
 and it was thought that this would be the best means for 
 settling the difficulty. The British inhabitants were in favor 
 of such a scheme, but it was strongly opposed by the French 
 Canadian population, and public meetings were called by the 
 leaders of the opposition party. A meeting was held at Mon- 
 treal on 7th October, Messrs. Guy and Vigor presiding. Com- 
 mittees were appointed throughout the country to draw up 
 and obtain signatures to a petition against tho scheme, and 
 during the winter Messrs. John Nelson of Quebec and Louis 
 J. Papineau of Montreal, left for England wit'j T,a anti-union 
 petition signed by 60,000 persons. The introduction of this 
 bill gave rise to those feelings of dissatisfaction which existed 
 for many years afterwards, and which culminated in the 
 Rebellion of 1837-38. In the course of this work we shall 
 be called upon to record further instances of the ill-feeling 
 and animosity aroused by it. 
 
 During the absence of Lord Dalhou8ie,-who sailed for Eng- 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 105 
 
 land in 1824, the admlniatration of affairs devolved upon the 
 Lieutenant-Governor, Sir Franois N. Burton, who at onco 
 proceeded to visit the upper por^s of the Province. On his 
 arrival at Montreal, the citizens entertained hiin at a public 
 dinner, and before leaving the city he performed the core- 
 mony of laying the corner stone of the new French Cathedral 
 on Place d'Annes. 
 
 The population of the city at this time was 22,357, showing 
 the increase of 3590 in four years. 
 
 On the 7th Sei)tember, 1825, a fire broke out in an out- 
 house belonging to a cooper of the name of Diimaine. situated 
 in the rear of a house forming the corner of St. Mary and Cam- 
 peau-streets. The absence of any organized body of men at 
 the early stage of the fire led to very serious consequences. 
 The flames spread with great rapidity from house to house 
 and from street to street, until four sections of the Quebec 
 Suburbs became almost at the same moment one scene of 
 devastation and ruin, presenting a scene at once so awful and 
 sublime that no one could fully describe it. Had it not been 
 for the assistance rendered by the men of the 70th Regiment 
 then stationed in the city, the conflagration would have been 
 even more extensive. By the fire over eighty dwellings and out- 
 houses were consumed, leaving scarcely a wreck behind, 
 except the walls of some stone houses and the chimnies of 
 others. It was a providential circumstance that scarcely a 
 breath of wind stirred during the time of the fire, or the efforts 
 of the military would not have served to arrest the fury of 
 the flames. So rapidly did the fire make its way that many 
 of the inhabitants of the houses burned down were not aware 
 of the danger which surrounded them until the flames had 
 actually taken possession of their houses, and some of them 
 escaped with only the blankets in which they slept as a 
 covering. 
 
 During this year the merchants of the city directed their 
 attention towards the improvement of navigation between 
 
106 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 Queb jc and Montreal, and at a meeting held on the 26th Sep- 
 tember, a committee of nine persons was appointed to draft a 
 petition to the Provincial Parliament, asking that steps should 
 be taken to deepen the channel of the river, (particularly at 
 Lake St. Peter,) and thereby render it navigable throughout 
 the season for vessels of 250 ( ! ) tons, fully laden. 
 
 ' \i 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 107 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 From the year 1827, to the close of the Rebellion. 1?38— Seigniorial rights of the 
 Seminary of St. Sulpice; Official explanation; Act lor Harbor improvements; 
 Incorporation Act; Petition ngainsl Governors; Riot; Attaclc upon the troops; 
 Cholera; Proposed annexation of Montreal to the Upper I'roviuce; Election of 
 1834; Cholera agam visits the City; Signs of insurrection, 1837; First hostile 
 demonstration at Montreal ; Sir John Colbornc arrives ; Volunteers organized ; 
 Attack upon the Cavalry; Extensive military preparations; Murder of Col. 
 Weir; Martial J^Ew; Close of 1837; Second attempt promptly repressed ; Pun- 
 ishment of leaders, Pardon and return of some. 
 
 IN 1827 it was rumored that the Go'/emment intended 
 to possess itself of the right claimed by the ecclesiastics 
 of the Seminary, over the Seigniory and Island of Montreal, 
 allowing an annuity or fixed compensation to the society, in 
 lieu of the same. In answer to this rumour the Quebec Gaz- 
 ette, by authority, published the facts which led to the rumor, 
 which were ai follows : — 
 
 " That during the space of fifty years past the Crown law- 
 yers of CIreat Britain had advised his Majesty's Government 
 that the claim of the Seminary could not be sustained against 
 the paramount lights of his Majesty — on two grounds — as not 
 being themselves a lawful corporation, ci:d as holding origi- 
 nally from a society resident in u foreign country. 
 
 '^ That while the claims of his Majesty have never been 
 enforced ; neither have they boen relinquished. They have 
 merely remained in abeyance, nor is it likely that any steps 
 to establish them would even now have been taken, had not 
 such a course been imposed upon the Government by circum- 
 stances which render it imperative that the question should be 
 settled in whom lies the title to the seigniory of Montreal, n 
 the Seminary or in the Crown. Since the passing of the act 
 relating to the change of tenure of seigniorial to free and com- 
 
 assas 
 
 MMIMMIMiUI 
 
108 
 
 viLLE marie; ok, 
 
 mon soccage, several individuals have petitioned the Govern- 
 ment, praying a commutation of the tenure of property held 
 by them at Montreal, in conformity to the provisions of said 
 Acts. As these applications brought forward, in a tangible 
 shape, the question of the right of the Crown in the seigniory 
 of Montreal, it has been thought necessary to refer the 
 whole question to his Majesty's Government at home , 
 
 " Such are the facts on which the rumor is founded, and 
 we are authorized to say that the whole matter will be set- 
 tled with the utmost fairness, and that whatever may be the 
 result it is by no means designed to bar any claim Avhich the 
 Seminary may have on the good faith, justice or liberality of 
 his Majesty's Government, but these claims will be considered 
 with the most large and liberal regard. " 
 
 This question of right of vitle was not finally disposed of 
 until the year 1840. 
 
 In 1830, an Act was passed " providing for the improve- 
 ment and enlargement of the Harbor of Montreal," pursuant 
 to which the magnificent stone wharves which now so essen- 
 tially contribute to the convenience and adornment of our 
 splendid port were constructed, " according to a plan made 
 by Capt. Piper of the Royal Engineers," now deposited in 
 the office of the Provincial Secretary. 
 
 During the session of 1831, a bill was presented, and 
 reserved for the royal sanction, incorporating the cities of 
 Quebec and Montreal, and in the same year Montreal became 
 a port of entry. 
 
 The difficulty which had arisen regarding the proposed 
 union of the Pi'ovinces continued to increase, until, in 1828, dis- 
 content had reached such a pitch that 87,000 of the inhabi- 
 tants petitioned the King complaining of the conduct of the 
 Governor, who had (as they considered) acted in an arbi- 
 trary manner in several matters affecting their welfare. 
 Messrs. Vigor and Cuvillier were deputed to present this 
 petition. In the meantime acrimonious discussions took place 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 109 
 
 in the public papers, and much ill-feeling was engendered 
 thereby. 
 
 Each party being anxious to secure as much power in the 
 House as possible, the elections were scenes of strife and con- 
 fusion. In many of the districts riots took place, but nothing 
 of this kind occurred in Montreal until 1832, when a vacancy 
 Laving taken place in the representation of the west ward of 
 the city, two candidates presented themselves. One of them 
 was Dr. Tracey, editor of the Vindicator, and Mr. Bagg. 
 This election was a contest between the two parties into which 
 Montreal was divided — British and Canadian. It lasted for 
 tliree weeks, during which the hatred between the parties 
 increased. Tracey was only two or three a-head of his^ppo- 
 ncnt, and naturally there was the greatest excitement dis- 
 played on both sides. The civil authorities dreading lest a 
 sanguinary conflict should take place, ordered a small military 
 force to be kept in readiness. 
 
 A detachment of the 15th regiment of foot, (commanded by 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Mackintosh,) then in barracks, was told off 
 on the 21st of May, and in charge of Captain Temple marched 
 to the hustings. Lieutenant-Colonel Mackintosh accompanied 
 the party, and in conjunction with the magistrates spared no 
 effort? to induce the mob to disperse. The only reply made 
 was ft ph'.'wct' of bricks, stones, an I other missiles fired at the 
 trooi'a a.d special constables. Finding that remonstrance 
 was useless the word was given, and the troops fired. The 
 crowd iniU)'^,Iiacely dispersed, leaving on the ground three 
 dead and two severely wounded. 
 
 This event caused extraordinary excitement. An inquest 
 was held upon the victiuis, but without coming to a verdict ; 
 nine of the jurors agreeing to a verdict that they were " shot by 
 the military," under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Mackin- 
 torh, the other three wishing to add to the verdict,w^hout which 
 ll'tj 'v'jukl not concur in it,that they '"were shot during a riot." 
 Tii-; '.oronor, nevertheless, issued a warrant and Lieutenant 
 
 KB5SS& 
 
 mmm 
 
110 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 Colonel Mackintosh and Captain Temple were arrested. Their 
 arrest was declared illegal by the Judges, and they were dis- 
 charged. They were, however, subjected to much annoyance 
 and expense, but the matter was finally disposed of by the 
 Grand Jury, who rejected a bill of indictment for murder 
 which was laid before them. 
 
 Dr. Tracey secured his election by a majority of three, but 
 did not live to take his seat in the Assembly, being carried 
 off by Asiatic cholera, wh^ch made its first appearance in 
 * Canada during the summe; , 
 
 On the 8th June, a vess :!d the " Carricks," from 
 
 Dublin, arrived at Grosse Isle, v ' "'•S3 passengers on board, 
 59 having died during the passage. On the following day 
 the pestilence appeared in Quebec, and on the 10th it broke 
 out with great violence in Montreal. 
 
 On the 20th June, of 165 cases reported during the pre- 
 ceding twenty-four hours, 88 deaths had occurred, and of 137 
 cases during the following twenty-four hours, there were 77 
 deaths. 
 
 The following table of weekly returns of deaths by cholera 
 in Montreal, will show the extent to which it prevailed. 
 
 Week ending Deaths. 
 
 June 16 261 
 
 23 632 
 
 30 166 
 
 July 7 , 94 
 
 14 61 
 
 21 70 
 
 28 131 
 
 Aufl[. 4 136 
 
 11 101 
 
 18 79 
 
 25 68 
 
 Sept. 1 54 
 
 8 32 
 
 m '' '^ 
 
 ^ 22 6 
 
 Total 1904 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 Ill 
 
 The whole number of cases reported to the last date in the 
 table was 4420, so that about three out of seven of the cases 
 proved fatal. 
 
 During this year a public meeting was called at York 
 (Toronto) to take into consideration a proposed petition to be 
 presented to the House, asking that the Island of Montreal 
 should be annexed to the Upper Province, thereby providing 
 a seaport for Upper Canada. The meeting was held on the 
 17th October, the chair being occupied by Hon. W. Allan ; 
 and Hon, G. H. Markland, the Attomey-Geuural, and the 
 Solicitor-General, were appointed to prepare an address on 
 the subject. 
 
 The address was prepared, and the grounds on which they 
 based the proposed annexation scheme were that : " The 
 Lower Province had two seaports, while they had none." 
 That " the trade of Montreal was almost wholly dependent 
 upon Upper Canada, from the fact that that Province was 
 inhabited almost exclusively by British, who imported goods 
 from the Mother Country, while three-fourths of the population 
 of Lower Canada were French, and manufactured for them- 
 selves articles of domestic use." 
 
 That " instead of receiving directly the duties levied on 
 their own imports, they had to wmt the pleasure of the Lower 
 Canadian officials before the proportion was settled and paid 
 over." 
 
 They therefore asked that changes should be made in the 
 boundaries of the Provinces, so as to include Montreal in 
 Upper Canada. 
 
 The bills incorporatmg Montreal and Quebec, which in 
 1832 had been reserved for the royal pleasure, were now 
 sanctioned, and took effect in the spring of the year, when 
 Jacques Viger, Esq., was appointed Mayor of Montreal. 
 The Act of Incorporation was limited in its duration to the 
 1st May, 1836. 
 
 Dissatisfaction still continued to exist between the different 
 
 I 
 
 

 I 
 
 112 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 political parties in the country, and the elections were almost 
 invariably made scenes of riot and disturbance. It was 
 almost impossible for any man of British name or descent to 
 secure a return unless he was prepared to go with the ruling 
 party. At the election for the west ward in 1834, the 
 polls were closed before all the votes were taken, owing to 
 the violence of the mob, and the following proclamation was 
 issued : 
 
 " Proclamation. — li, being impossible to continue the elec- 
 tion of the west ward of the city of Montreal with security 
 to myself or the citizen electors, I think it my duty to 
 terminate the election, and I do proclaim duly elected to 
 represent in Provincial P irliament, the west ward of the city 
 of Montreal, the citizens Louis Papineau and Robert Nelson, 
 as having the majority o'' >tes f.,3 it appears by the poll-book 
 of the west ward of the city of Montreal. 
 (Signed,) 
 
 Charles Andre Lusignan, 
 
 Returning Officer." 
 
 During this year Montreal was again visited by the Asiatic 
 cholera, which raged with equal, if not greater, severity than 
 in 1832. 
 
 Passing over a period of three years of constant excitement 
 and confusion, we arrive at the memorable year 1837, when 
 we " enter upon the darkest passage in the annals of our 
 country." To trace the insurrections of 1837 and '38 to their 
 source, or to follow them in their progress, would be foreign 
 to this work ; we shall therefore briefly note the events which 
 took place in Montreal during those years. 
 
 As the autumn of '37 advanced, the signs of insurrection 
 in the Montreal district became more and more apparent. 
 Disturbances took place in the surrounding parishes, and 
 many British inhabitants were compelled to leave their homes 
 and with their families fly for refuge to the city. Societies 
 were formed with the design of overthrowing the Government. 
 
I 
 

MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 113 
 
 Among the most active of these was one called the " Sons of 
 Liberty,'' (les fila de la lihertS^. 
 
 In November a fracas occurred at Montreal, full particulars 
 of which we quote from the Montreal Herald, Nov. 6 : 
 
 " During the whole of Saturday last considerable excite- 
 ment existed in town, owing to a report that the ' Sons of 
 Liberty ' intended to parade the streets, and that there 
 would likely be a collision between them and tho ' Doric 
 Club ' (a loyal society). 
 
 " About 2 o'clock on Monday they began to muster in the 
 yard of Bonacina's tavern, in front of the American Presby- 
 terian Church, Great St. James-street. The muster attracted 
 the attention of some ' loyalists,' when all at once the party 
 inside the yard, about 250 in number, rushed out and attacked 
 those on the outside. 
 
 " The rebels chased their few opponents along St. James- 
 street, breaking the windows of known loyalists as they 
 passed along. 
 
 " At this point the Doric Club and others reinforced the 
 pursued, turning the tables on the enemy, who fled peU-mell 
 up the Main street, St. Lawrence Suburbs, where they were 
 pursued and conquered. The loyalists then marched through 
 the p'-incipal portion of the town and suburbs, seeking the 
 * Sons of Liberty,' but in vain ; they seemed to have 
 evaporated like ghosts into thin air. 
 
 " Early in the afternoon the Riot Act was read, and the 
 royal regiment ordered out to parade the streets, supported 
 by the artillery. 
 
 "About 6 o'clock the loyalists marched up Bonsecours-street, 
 and it was with great difficulty that they were restrained from 
 attacking Mr. Papineau's house, and during the night three 
 magistrates, with troops under their command, were stationed 
 at Stellars, Main-street, St. Lawrence Suburbs ; Boyd's, 
 
 ii 
 
 MMpf 
 
114 
 
 viLLE marie; 03, 
 
 Place d'Arraea ; and Russell's, Quebec Suburbs ; beside an 
 additional force at the main guard."* 
 
 Thus commenced the first act in the scenes about to bo 
 enacted throughout Lower Canada. Had it not been for the 
 prompt manner in which the magistrates acted in this matter 
 the immediate consequences would have been far more 
 serious. They had issued a proclamation calling upon the 
 citizens to refrain from any procession, displays or public 
 meetings, and in the event of their being disregarded, every 
 precaution had been made towards immediately nipping in 
 the bud anything calculated to disturb the peace. 
 
 In addition ' the troops already named, the Royal Mon- 
 treal Cavalry, under the command of Mr. David, acted as a 
 patrol for the city and suburbs, ahd a strong body of the 
 independent mechanics of GriflSntown patrolled the streets 
 well prepared for any emergency. Fortunately, however, 
 they were not required. 
 
 Bodies of armed men began to manifest themselves 
 occasionally in different quarters of the district of Montreal, 
 "whereupon Sir John Colborne removed from William Henry, 
 (Sorel) where he had been staying for the summer, and. on 
 the 9th of November he arrived at Monti-eal, and fixed his 
 head quarters for the winter. Volunteer corps of infan- 
 try, including riflemen, with artillery and cavalry, were 
 formed in the city, under the authority of the Governor. 
 The first application for sanction to form a volunteer force 
 for the protection of the city, was made by Hon. P. McGill, 
 on the 16th November. 
 
 On the same day warrants were issued for the arrest of 
 the leading " rebels," but several of them succeeded in 
 escaping from the town. During the evening a party of 18 
 men of the cavalry under Col. Ermatinger proceeded to St. 
 John's for the purpose of arresting two inhabitants of that 
 
 * Opposite Nelson's Monument. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 115 
 
 pUce. They succeeded in making the arrest, but on their 
 return they were attacked by the rebels, and several persona 
 were Avounded. Among the list of wounded we find the names 
 of Lieutenant Ermatinger, Mr. John Molson, and others 
 whose names are familiar to the present inhabitants of 
 Montreal, 
 
 The report of this, the first armed resistance to the laws, 
 caused a general rising on the part of the loyalists of 
 Montreal, and to quote the words of a city paper, " The city 
 was converted into a barrack," All the wards were armed, 
 and the organization of military companies was completed. 
 
 On the 22nd November, Lieut. Weir,of the 32nd regiment, 
 was sent by land from Montreal to Sorel, with despatches. 
 Having been disappointed in meeting Col. Gore, to whom the 
 despatches were addressed, ho started to join the troops now 
 on the march. At St. Denis he was made prisoner by the 
 rebels and was sent on to St. Charles, but was foully 
 murdered by his guard while on the road. 
 
 His remains were found in the Richelieu River, and were 
 brought to Montreal, where he was interred on the 8th Decem- 
 ber with great pomp and solemnity ; the commander of the 
 forces with his staff, the military of the garrison, and a vast 
 concourse of citizens attending. Never was there a greater 
 demonstration of public grief in the city than on this melan- 
 choly occasion. 
 
 On the 5th December, a proclamation was issued estab- 
 lishing martial law in the district of Montreal, also offering 
 rewards for the apprehension of the leaders of the rebellion. 
 Before the close of the navigation all the specie in the banks 
 was transferred to Quebec and deposited in the citadel for 
 safe keeping, while for the purpose of rendering Montreal 
 as secure as possible against any sudden attack, the princi- 
 pal entrances into the city were fortified by strong timber 
 and heavy gates with loop holes in the sides to command the 
 outer roads ; the smaller streets were also strongly barricaded, 
 
116 
 
 TILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 SO that there "were all the appearances of a town in expecta- 
 tion of a siege. The city, however, was not attacked, and 
 after a few engagements in different parts of the country, 
 between the rebels and regular troops and volunteers, the 
 former were overpowered, and the 26th February, 1838, was 
 observed as a day of general thanksgiving for the termination 
 of the rebellion and the return of peace. 
 
 A number of the rebels crossed into the United States, and 
 were at this time preparing for another insurrection, and a 
 rising took place in November, 1838, when an attack was 
 made upon LacoUe mill. This new rebellion was promptly 
 repressed in the short space of ten days. 
 
 On the 28th June, 1838, instructions were given that eight 
 persons then confined in the Montreal gaol, should be trans- 
 ported for life to the Bermudas, and in case of their returr 
 without leave, they were to suffer the penalty of death. On 
 the morning of the 7th July, they were placed in the steamer 
 *' Canada," ancuored at the foot of the current, opposite the 
 gaol, and were conveyed to Quebec, and from thence to 
 Bermuda, With a few exceptions, all who took part in the first 
 rebellion were didcharged from custody, but after the second 
 attempt the Government deemed it necessary to make some 
 example of the ring-leaders, and twelve of these misguided and 
 unfortunate men suffered the extreme penalty of the law 
 pursuant to sentences of the Court Martial. Many others 
 were transported. The latter were subseqiiently allowed 
 to return to their homes, and some have since filled respon- 
 sible positions both in political and civil life. 
 
■Ha 
 
t« ; 
 
 I 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 117 
 
 CHAPTER XI, 
 
 From the union of the Provinces, 1840, to the close of the Provincial Exhibition, 
 1860 — Union Bill; Charter of Incorporation renewed; Scot of Government 
 removed to Montreal; Election Disturbances; Population; Inundation of 1848; 
 Reid Wing of the General Hospital erected; Christening of Monster Bell; 
 Improvements; Bebellion Losses Bill; Assault on Lord Elgin; Parliament 
 House destroyed; Mass Meeting; Lord Elgin sustained; Description of Parlia- 
 ment liuildings; Removal of seat of Government; Arrest of Rioters; Further 
 Disturbances; Cholera; Imports and Exports; Riots of 1850; Great Fires in 
 Griffintown and St. Lawrence Suburbs; Dreary appearance of the City; Prepa- 
 rations for an Exhibition; Provincial Exhibition, its festivities and results. 
 
 ON July 23rd, 1840, a Bill for the union of the two 
 Provin'jcs was sanctioned by the Queen, but owing to a 
 suspended clause (relating to Municipalities) it did not come 
 into operation until February 10, 1841, when by proclama- 
 tion it vfas announced as law, and thus, as the proclamation 
 "stated, " the two Provinces, separated for half a century, are 
 again united." The same day Lord Sydenham was sworn in 
 as Governor General. 
 
 The charter of incorporation of the city (which had expired 
 during the years of the rebellion) was now revived, and Hon. 
 Peter McGill appointed as mayor. In 1844 the seat of govern- 
 ment was removed from Kingston to Montreal. JJuring the 
 elections for this year, the laborers engaged upon the Lachine 
 Canal, headed by some unprincipled men, committed many 
 acts of outrage. Troops wero stationed in various parts of 
 the city ; but notwithstanding a'.l the efforts made to preserve 
 peace, much damage was inflicted not only upon the person 
 of respectable citizens, but upon public and private property. 
 One young man (named Johnson) was killed, while many 
 others were attacked and severely beaten, and the Wesleyan 
 Chapel on Wellington-street was attacked and the windo>vs 
 completely destroyed. About 2,700 citizens attended John- 
 
 V 
 
118 
 
 • VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 son's funeral. Much bitter feeling was raised between the two 
 parties, which continued to exist for several years, the 
 polling booths during election times being the place gene- 
 rally chosen to vent their feelings upon each other. 
 
 During the year, one hundred and ninety-two vessels arrived 
 at the port of Montreal. 
 
 In January, 1847, Lord Elgin, the newly appoic'?"! 
 Governor-General, arrived at Montreal. 
 
 On Thursday, the 14th January, 1848, the waters of the 
 St. Lawrence commenced to rise, and continued to do so 
 until Monday, the 17th, by which time the streets and dwell- 
 ings in the lower parts of the city presented a piteous spec- 
 tacle, showing an almost unbroken sheet of water ; the 
 greater part of the streets being covered from two to six feet 
 in depth. The condition of the families was sad in the 
 extreme. In some houses the furniture was completely 
 destroyed. In parts of Griffintown the inhabitants had to 
 take refuge in the attics. The emigrant sheds at Point St. 
 Charles were all flooded, and a large number of the sick had 
 to be transported to places of safety. The flood continued 
 for three days, and then subsided. 
 
 On Sunday, the 18th June, an immense concourse of citi- 
 zens assembled at the French parish church, to witness the 
 ceremony of christening the monster bell to be placed in one 
 of the towers of the church. The eight godfathers and eight 
 godmothers were seated around the bell. The ceremony was 
 performed by the Bishop, assisted by the Superiors of the 
 Seminary. 
 
 Among the public buildings erected was the Reid wing of 
 the General Hospital, the St. Andrew's Church, Beaver Hall, 
 and the Protestant Orphan Asylum, on St. Catherine-street. 
 
 The Corporation was now turning its attention to many 
 schemes for local improvement, and, at a meeting held Friday, 
 25th August, the members voted £200 towards improvements 
 to be made in Yiger-square, and the Mayor was ordered to issue 
 
 I 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 119 
 
 
 bonds for the purchase of ground, and erection of new 
 reservoir at Cotd-iVBaroa ; at the same tirao the Road Com- 
 mittee was instructed to proceed with the proposed improve- 
 ments in Place d'Armes. This square had been purchased 
 in 1836, from the Seminary, and the tower of the old parish 
 church was to have been removed within eighteen months, 
 but the excitement connected with the disturbances of '87 
 and '38 had somewhat retarded the proposed improvements, 
 and nothing had been done until now, with the exception of 
 grading and paving a portion of the square. The population 
 of the citv at this time was 55,146. 
 
 During the session of Parliament in 1849, a Bill was 
 introduced and passed providing for the payment of losses 
 sustained during the Rebellion. The British inhabitants 
 were indignant that any such Bill should have been 
 introduced, and every means were taken to prevent its 
 passage through the House. When it had been passed, great 
 anxiety was manifested as to whether it would receive the 
 sanction of the Governor-General. On Wednesday, the 25th 
 April, a day which will be long noted in the annals of our 
 city. Lord Elgin proceeded to the Parliament House to sanc- 
 tion the new tariff, and other Acts. About five o'clock in the 
 afternoon ho sanctioned a number of Bills, and among them 
 was the objectionable Rebellion Bill. No sooner had the Bill 
 become law than the information was conveyed to the crowds 
 in Wiiiting outside of the building, and when His Excellency 
 appeared he was received with groans and pelted with stones 
 and eggs. The excitement was intense. Printed notices 
 were posted in various parts of the city, calling a mass meet- 
 ing to be held immediately on the Champ de Mars, and by 
 eight o'clock an immense number of persons had assembled, 
 when, after some strong resolutions had been passed, the cry 
 was raided " To the Parliament Buildings." 
 
 The House of Assembly was engaged in discussing the 
 Judicature Bill, when a loud shout gave the members warn- 
 
120 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 ing that a riot was fermenting outside. A number of stones 
 were now thrown through the windows, and in a ehort time 
 there were but few squares of glass left unbroken in the whole 
 range of the buildings. 
 
 By this time the members had all retreated, when about a 
 dozen persons entered the Assembly Hall, and one of them 
 boldly seated himself in the Speaker's chair, and muttered 
 something about dissolving the Parliament. The others then 
 commenced the work of demolishing all that came betore 
 them, sticks being thrown at the glass globee on the gasaliers 
 which were beyond their reach. 
 
 The cry of fire was now raised, and it was discovered that 
 the building had been fired by some of the mob. The fire 
 spread with great rapidity, and in half-an-hour the whole 
 building was wrapped in a sheet of flame. No attempt was 
 made to save the building, and the engines were only used 
 upon the surrounding property. By this fire the valuable 
 library, containing the archives and records of the colony for 
 over a century, was completely destroyed. The only article 
 saved was the mace belonging to the Lower House. The 
 party who saved the mace carried it to Donegani' s Hotel, and 
 delivered it to Sir Allan McNab. 
 
 The mob now proceeded to the residence of Mr. Lafontaine, 
 and set it on fire, but through the efibrts of some of the citi- 
 zens the flames were extinguished, but the whole of the furni- 
 ture and library was completely demolished. Several other 
 houses, occupied by obnoxious members of the ParUament, 
 were also destroyed. 
 
 It was feared that the Governor might suffer from the vio- 
 lence of the mob. He therefore left his residence at Monk- 
 lands arid remained in the city, under the protection of a body 
 of military. 
 
 On the 26th, Messrs. Mack, Heward, Ferris and others, 
 were arrested on the charge of arson, and were committed 
 for trial. A crowd of nearly 3000 persons accompanied them 
 to the jail, but no violence was shown. 
 
MONTKEAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 121 
 
 ., 
 
 On the 27th, a mass meeting of the principal inhahitant^ 
 was held on the Champ de Mars, at which the following 
 resolutions were passed : — 
 
 " 1. That this meeting views with extreme regret and pain 
 the present state of excitement of the public mind, and the 
 recent destruction of public and private property in this city, 
 and pledges itself to maintain public order by all means in its 
 power. 
 
 "2. That the assent of the Governor-General to the Bill for 
 the payment of rebellion losses, in the opinion of this meeting, 
 caused, although it cannot justify, the recent uncontrollable 
 outbreak of popular feeling. 
 
 " 3. That, while we have to complain of his Excellency 
 having allowed his advisers, with the right of his sanction, and 
 the influence of his Government, to introduce the Bill in ques- 
 tion, we have, in addition, to complain that he has violated a 
 fundamental law of our Provincial Constitution, by disobeying 
 the Royal mstruction to reserve all Bills of an unusual char- 
 acter. 
 
 " 4. That the Governor-General having been addressed in 
 a constitutional manner by the British inhabitants of the Pro- 
 vince, to withhold his assent from the said Bill, and their 
 prayers so expressed, having been treated with indifference 
 by him, it is our duty to petition the Queen to disallow the 
 said Bill, and recall the Governor. 
 
 " 5. That the following petition to Her Most Gracious 
 Majesty be adopted by this meeting : — 
 
 TO HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE QUEEN. 
 
 " The humble petition of the undersigned, your Majesty's 
 dutiful and loving subjects, residing in the Province of 
 Canada, 
 
 " Shaweth : That your Majesty's representative in this 
 Province, the Right Hon. the Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, 
 by giving the Royal assent to a Bill for compensating rebels 
 
122 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 for losses inflicted bj your Majesty's troops, and by others of 
 your loyal subjects, acting under the orders of your Majesty's 
 officers, hath seriously impaired your Majesty's Royal author- 
 ity, and endangered the peace and tranquility of the Province. 
 " That your petitioners feel most acutely the outrage thus 
 oDfered to your Majesty's Royal authority, and the insult to 
 themselves — an outrage and an insult, they believe, un- 
 exampled in the history of nations, and which strikes at the 
 foundations of allegiance and obedience, which are reciprocal 
 with Government and protection. 
 
 " And they humbly pray that your Majesty will graciously 
 be pleased to recall the said Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, 
 from the Government of this Province, which he can no longer 
 administer with safety to the state or honor to your Majesty ; 
 and that your Majesty will also disallow the said Bill, which is 
 an insult and a robbery to every man who, in the time of trial, 
 stood forth to defend your Majesty's crown and dignity. 
 " And your petitioners will ever pray, &c." 
 With a view to repressing further violence, a number of 
 persons were sworn in as special constables, but it unfortu- 
 nately proved that a number of these belonged to the French 
 party. This was the cause of dissatisfaction, and several col- 
 lisions occurred between them and the British inhabitants, in 
 one of which some persons were wounded. 
 
 On Saturday, 28th, the Legislative Assembly met in the 
 Bonsecours Hall, and presented an address to his Excellency 
 the Governor, assuring him of their cordial support in any 
 measure necessary to be taken for the preservation of the 
 peace, and pledging themselves to make good any expenses 
 which his Excellency might incur towards the accomplishment 
 of that object. 
 
 No further outbreaks took place, beyond the assemblage of 
 a large mob who gathered for the purpose of preventing the 
 landing of a deputation from Quebec, with an address to the 
 Governor. 
 
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MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 123 
 
 The Parliament Building destroyed during this riot, was 
 originally the St. Ann's market ; the interior of Avhich had 
 been remodelled for the accommodation of the Legislature. It 
 was 342 feet in length by 50 in width, the central portion 
 projecting four feet beyond the wings. It was constructed 
 of Montreal limestone, and though plain, its only ornaments 
 being a portico at either ends, presented an effective appear- 
 ance. 
 
 The ground floor was occupied in the centre by a spacious 
 public hall, from which extended corridors to the extremity of 
 each wing, leading to the offices of the various clerks to the 
 Council and Assembly. The central compartment of the upper 
 storey formed a lobby, with the apartments of the Sergeant- 
 at-arms, and refreshment rooms. The Chamber of the Legis- 
 lative Council was situated in the north wing ; it was very 
 commodious, and richly fitted up, and had a gilt canopied 
 throne, scarlet draperies, &c. 
 
 Immediately behind this chamber were the rooms of the 
 speaker and the clerks of the council, beyond which, at the 
 extremity of the building, was the council's library. 
 
 The south wing was almost entirely taken up with the 
 chamber of the Legislative Assembly. It was ninety feet in 
 length and forty-five in width, containing galleries capable of 
 seating five hundred persons, besides a reservation for ladies, 
 and the reporters of the press. 
 
 The chamber was furnished in good style. The speaker's 
 chair was of carved walnut, and had a splendid gilt clock 
 inserted in the top. The valuable library of the Assembly 
 was deposited in the third floor of the central building. The 
 mace was silver gilt, and cost £600 in 1846. It was seven 
 feet high, surmounted by a crown. 
 
 Among the pictures destroyed were portraits of Her 
 Majesty, George III., George IV., Sir George Prevost, 
 several ex-speakers of the colony, and one of Jacc]ues Cartier? 
 which was a copy of a picture presented by the Authorities 
 
 MH 
 
 1* 
 
 'i 
 
124 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 ). 
 
 of St. Male to the Historical Society of Quebec. Eleven 
 hundred volumes of records of the British House of Commons, 
 were also destroyed. 
 
 The persons arrested on charge of arson were subsequently 
 admitted to bail, and upon their trial taking place were 
 acquitted. 
 
 Some buildings, then recently erected by M. J. Hayes, Esq., 
 on Dalhousie-square, were leased for the use of the Legisla- 
 ture. The lease was but a temporary one, it being rumored that 
 the seat of Government was about to be removed from the 
 city, to be located in Quebec and Toronto for alternate periods 
 of four years each, and which idea was subsequently put into 
 force, the question being decided in the Legislative Assembly 
 by a majority of eight. 
 
 On the 15th August, by order of the Government, several 
 arrests were made of parties known to have been implicated 
 in those riots. No opposition was then made to the arrest, 
 but in the evening a mob attacked the house of Attorney- 
 General Lafontaine. In the course of the attack, shots were 
 fired by the military from the building, and a man named 
 Mason was killed. While the coroner's inquest on Mason 
 was sitting, and just as Mr. Lafontaine was on the point of 
 giving his evidence, the alarm of fire was raised, and it was 
 found that the hotel had been fired. The greatest confusion 
 prevailed, and Mr. Lafontaine was escorted to the Government 
 House in the centre of a square of troops with fixed bayonets. 
 
 A few days before this the " Donegani Hotel," the 
 finest in Canada, had been destroyed by fire, the work, it is 
 supposed, of an incendiary. 
 
 On Saturday, 10th August, the funeral of Mason took 
 place, the cortege being estimated to contain two thousand. 
 The scarfs of the pall-bearers were crimson, as were also the 
 decorations of the hearse. 
 
 Li the evening there was a collision on the wharf between 
 a crowd of young men and some mounted police, who had been 
 
 ' 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 125 
 
 brought from Laprairie to aid in keeping the peace.* This 
 corps was under the command of a person named " Fortin."t 
 During the summer the cholera had made its appearance, 
 and a large number died ; 180 interments being made in the 
 month of July. As in 1848, the disease was introduced into 
 the country on board vessels conveying emigrants from 
 Britain ; 32,628 emigrants arriving at the port of Montreal 
 during the summer. 
 
 The value of goods received at the port during this year 
 was £1,345,816 4s. 5d., of which £200,157 2s. 3d. were 
 for goods entered for Canada West. The exports were 
 £402,736 3s. 3d. ; twenty eight vessels of 43,703 tons, total 
 burthen, having anived. 
 
 The year 1850 was a particularly dark year in the history 
 of our city. Riots, extensive fires and a general depression 
 of trade, all tended to throw a gloom over its inhabitants. 
 
 At the civic elections in May, a disturbance took place in 
 which several persons were wounded. 
 
 This had scarcely been settled when a fire broke out on 
 Saturday afternoon, June 15th, in a carpenter's shop, situat- 
 ed at the corner of Nazareth and Gabriel (now Ottawa) 
 streets, and owned by Mr. McNevin. The conflagration 
 spread with great rapidity, and before it expended its fury, 
 about five hundred families were homeless. Several buildinjis 
 were blown up, in hopes that the fire would thus be stayed. 
 This, however, proved of but little avail. 
 
 By this fire two hundred and seven houses were burned. 
 Among the buildings destroyed, was the St. Stephen's Episco- 
 pal Church. The spire of this church was wood, covered with 
 shingles, which, while burning were carried by the wind to 
 
 \ 
 
 • Tills corps remained in the city for a couple of years after this, and 
 were continually subject to ridicule and attack, even from the small ooys, 
 among whom they were familiarly known as the " Prairie Hena. 
 
 t Now commander of the vessel " La Canadienne " for tbe protection 
 of the fisheries. 
 
126 
 
 viLLB marie; or, 
 
 a considerable distance, thus causing the fire to extend more 
 than it would probably have otherwise done. 
 
 The total amount of insurance upon the property destroyed 
 was X 23 ,750. A few days after the fire, a meeting of the 
 sufferers was called, and a petition was prepared asking for a 
 loan from the Provincial Parliament, to aid them to rebuild 
 their houses ; and also praying that an Atit should be passed 
 forbidding the erection of any more wooden buildings, or of 
 wooden covered roofs. 
 
 While the vast area ravaged by this fire was still encum. 
 bercd with ruins, an equally disastrous and extensive confla- 
 gration broke out in another part of the city. It commenced 
 at half-past ten on the morning of Friday, August 23rd, on 
 the premises of a Mr. Shei)herd, livery-stable keei)er, on 
 Craig-street. The fire aided by high breezes, raged with 
 fearful energy, and in half an hour had extended along 
 Craig-street to the Main-street of St. Lawrence Suburbs — up 
 that street, and St. Charles Borromec-street to Vitrc-street ; 
 both sides of these streets being destroyed. Over 150 houses 
 were burned. 
 
 The grciit scarcity of water at both these fires led to many 
 suggestions for the establishment of more extensive water 
 works for the city, and was the means of arousing the author- 
 ities to the importance not only of carrying out these sug- 
 gestions but of enacting laws for regulating the description 
 of buildings in future to be erected within the city limits. 
 
 The following perhaps somewhat exaggerated account of 
 the appearance of the city is taken from a Boston paper : 
 
 " Montreal wears a dismal aspect ; the population within 
 the past few years has decreased some thousands, and the 
 removal of the seat of government caused some 4,000 more 
 to leave. The streets look deserted ; buildings burned a year 
 ago, and Donegani's famous hotel are still in ruins. Every 
 third store seems to want an occupant, and empty houses 
 groan for tenants. The blackened walls of the Parliament 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 127 
 
 IIouso present an unseemly aspect, and the fate of Sodom and 
 Gomorrah appears to hang over the city, if we judge by cer- 
 tain sections. General apathy in trade, and every thing 
 che is ajtparent, and there is a lack of energy and enter- 
 pr.^e. The public buildings are fine, and the canal and 
 wha ■\'e3 are unequalled : but Avhilc government with a lavish 
 hand expends thousands in vast works, and the representa- 
 tives )f the Crown fatten on good salaries, the citizens poke 
 about in the dark, because the authorities and the gas com- 
 pany differ about $8,000 per year in supplying fifteen hun- 
 dred lamps." 
 
 The difficulties referred to in the latter part of this "dark " 
 picture were soon removed, and the city was again enlivened by 
 having its streets lighted at night. The statement that a general 
 apathy pervaded the people was a misrepresentation, for 
 when news was received that a grand international exhibition 
 was to be held in London, in 1851, and that the commis- 
 sioners desired Canada to be represented on that occasion, 
 no city in the Province was more active in bringing about 
 this desired object than was Montreal. A public meeting 
 was called, and it was decided to hold a provincial exhibition 
 during the fall, with a view to selecting articles to forward to 
 the " London Exliibition." 
 
 Arrangements for the exhibition having been completed, 
 it was opened in the Bonsecour Market Hall, on Thursday, 
 17th October. The whole of the upper portion of the build- 
 ing, including that now occupied as council chamber and city 
 offices, was used on this occasion. The northern hall was 
 occupied by the various trades and manufactures, while the 
 southern division was devoted to agricultural products and 
 machinery. 
 
 Every possible arrangement was made to ensure comfort 
 and p^ asure to the immense throngs who visited the city 
 during the week in which the exhibition was held. A regatta 
 
128 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 took place in the ri'^er opposite the city and was witnessed by 
 thoi;saiids. 
 
 On the opening day, a dinner was given by the mayor and 
 corporatioTi of the city, in the masoiiic hall, Dalhousie- 
 square, the mayor, E. R. Fabre, Esq., presiding. Several 
 distinguished strangers were present, and some excellent 
 speeches were made. 
 
 A grand ball was given on Friday evening, when ( ight hun- 
 dred joined in the gay scene, and the same evening a torch- 
 light procession came oiF under the management of the fire 
 brigade. All the fire companies, with their engines, hose-reels, 
 &c., drawn by horses richly caparisoned and decorated,formed 
 the procession. They had a most Imposing appearance, and 
 ■were attended and cheered by the immense numbers gathered 
 to view the novel spectacle. Every window and available 
 point of sight was ci'owded with spectators. 
 
 The -xciting festivities of these three days were closed by a 
 display of fire-works, which took place on the Island wharf on 
 Saturday evening. Fi'om 20,000 to 30,000 spectators lined 
 the wharves on this occasion. 
 
 Some idea of the interest taken may be formed from the 
 fact that nearly twenty thousand persons visited the exhibi- 
 tion. As a result of this enterprise, two hundred packages 
 were forwarded to London, and formed a very interesting 
 class of contributions to the " Great Exhibition of the Indus- 
 try of Jill Nations." 
 
 Montreal derived great benefit from this exhibition,»and 
 n impetus was given to the trade of the city, which tended 
 to rouse the hopes of those who had been depressed through 
 the events of the earlier part of the year. 
 
 While the arrangements for the exhibition were being 
 completed, an important event connected with the ecclesiastical 
 history of the city took place in England. The episcopal 
 diocese of Quebec had hitherto comprised the whole Lower 
 Province, but now the District of Montreal (as defined for 
 
 ' 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 129 
 
 judicial purposes) was erected into a separate diocese, and 
 Rev. Francis Fulford, late minister of Curzon chapel, 
 Mayfair, England, was appointed as Bishop. On Thursday, 
 25th Jnly , the consecration service took place at Westminscer 
 Abbej, and on September 15th he was enthroned at Montreal. 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
mfmmmmm 
 
 130 
 
 VILLI marie; OKy 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 FwBi the opening of the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railway, 1851, to the opmfng 
 of the Grand Trunk Railway to Brockville, 1865—; Opening of St. Lawrence 
 and Atlantic Railway ; Mount Royal Cemetery Company formed ; Removal of 
 Corporation offices; Public Buildings; First election of Mayor ; Great flrei in 
 St. I'aul Street and St. Lawrence Suburbs; Census of 1852; Gavazzi Riot, 
 Oi)ening of Grand Trunk Railway to Portland; Arrival of the " Genova"; 
 Roman Catholic Cemetery opened ; Foundation of Pier No. 1 of Victoria Bridge 
 commenced ; Cholera Statistics ; Trade in 1864 ; Exhibition ; Visit of the Gover- 
 nor General; Goods son* to Paris; Visit of M. deBelveze; Fall of Sebastopol; 
 Rejoicings; Grand Trunk Railway opened to Brockville. 
 
 i^l^HE most important event of 1851 was the opening of the 
 ■■- St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railway from Longueuil, 
 opposite Montreal,:" Richmond, Eastern Townships, a distance 
 of 96 miles. This was celebrated by a grand procession, ball 
 and dinner. Triumphal arches v/ere erected at various parts of 
 the city, the finest being that placed at the corner of St. James 
 and McGill-streets, and which was brillantly illuminated during 
 the evening. It bore emblems of commerce and railway 
 improvements. The Victoria-square, (then Haymarket and 
 Commissioners-square) was also decorated and illuminated. 
 
 The cemetery company was now formed, and in November 
 the first plot of ground for the " Mount Royal Cemetery" 
 was purchased from Dr. McCulloch. 
 
 Previous to this year the city hall and offices of the cor- 
 poration were situated on Notre Dame-street. The accom- 
 modation not proving sufficient, that portion of the Bonsecour 
 market, now occupied as corporation offices, was fitted up, and 
 the otlicr wing of the building was finished as an assembly or 
 concert room, and was named the " City Concert Hall." 
 
 Among the public edifices erected, were the Roman Catho- 
 lic Church on Visitation-street, and the Theatre Royal, C8te- 
 Btreet. 
 
■' H 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 131 
 
 The power of electing a person to fill the oflSce of mayor 
 had up to this time been vested in the city council, but a 
 change was now made whereby that officer was elected by 
 the people, and in 1852 the first election by suffrage took 
 place, when Charles Wilson, Esq., was re-elected to the office 
 which he had previously held. 
 
 During this year two disastrotS fires occurred, and 
 destroyed nearly twelve hundred buildings, rendering about 
 nine thousand persons houseless. The first of these fires 
 broke out on Sunday, June 7th, in a carpenter's shop on 
 St. Peter-street in rear of the old St. Andrew's Church, 
 nearly facing St. Sacrament-street. The fire spread from 
 the building in which it originated to the church, and 
 from thence crossed St. Peter-street, and burnt the whole 
 area comprised between St. Peter and St. Franqois Xavier- 
 street on the one hand, and from St. Sacrament to St. 
 Paul-street, on the other. It then passed over to Custom- 
 house-square, embracing in its fiery folds the whole northern 
 and southern fronts of St. Paul-street ; both sides of the little 
 lane known as Capital-street, and a row of commercial build- 
 ings on Commissioners-street. The French Cathedral and 
 the old Black Nunnery or Hotel Dieu, as well as the shipping 
 in port, Avere for a time threatened with destruction. Fortu- 
 nately this danger was arrested, and the fire at last got round 
 to the south-cast corner o^ St. Joseph (now St. Sulpice) street, 
 which it crossed, and enveloped both sides of St. Paul-street 
 in flames. The sight at this time was terrible, yet magnifi- 
 cent ; some thirty large buildings standing in three parallel 
 lines were in flames together, and amidst the roaring of the fire, 
 the crackling of the burning tim1)ers, and the falling of walls, 
 might be heard the shouts of the firemen and the ringing of 
 the alarm bells. Here and there might be seen the military 
 and citizens, engaged in removing the sick from the Hospital 
 of the Hotel Dieu, to a place of safety, while others were 
 engaged in searching for their families who had been separated 
 
132 
 
 VILLE marie; or, 
 
 in the terror and confusion of the scene. Fortunately the fire 
 did not extend beyond the limits above mentioned. The 
 amount of damage done was estimated at X 200,000. 
 
 Scarcely had the work of rebuilding this portion of the city 
 been commenced, than on Thursday, July 9th, another fire 
 broke out in a house on the east side of St. Lawrence Main- 
 street, along which it raged with great fury, extending north- 
 ward to Mignonne-street. At the corner of that street and 
 St. Dominique-street was a large wood yard, and an open 
 space around it, where it was hoped the flames would be stayed. 
 Unhappily the supply of water was very deficient, and as no 
 efibrt had been made to remove the wood, it soon took fire, 
 and the sparks flew in every direction. By great labor the 
 General Hospital was saved, but in the meantime everything 
 southward was burnt as if made of match-wood. The flames, 
 fanned by a very strong westerly wind, rushed from street to 
 street and from house to house like water pourmg down a 
 rapid. It crossed St. Constant-street in one broad sheet of 
 red flame many yards wide, about noon, and very shortly after 
 it attained the easterly limit of tha ward — St. Denis-street — 
 ' which was then built with few exceptions only on one side of 
 the street^ the exception being a few small houses at the lower 
 end, and the Roman Catholic Bishop's Palace and Church on 
 the corner of St. Catherine-street. On the western side of 
 the street were some very handsome stone houses, one block 
 known as Cornwall Terrace, being occupied principally by the 
 military offijers. Stone or wood, however, seemed now alike 
 to be feeble. The flames rolled on a quarter of a mile broad, 
 and speedily seized the whole line of buildings in the street. 
 It then passed along Craig-street, burning everything except 
 a block of stone buildings occupied as military ofllces. 
 
 iMeauwhile the flakes of fire had been conveyed by the 
 wind to a distance of half-a-mile, and had ignited a timber 
 yard and saw mills near the river side, which were entirely 
 destroyed. About five o'clock in the evening all seemed to be 
 
 dti 
 
 41 
 
t 
 
 M:k 
 
 ■..;{'■ 
 
 i 
 I 
 
 \ 
 I 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 183 
 
 over and the people were summing up the loss sustainerl, when 
 an alarm being given, it was discovered that some wooden 
 buildings in rear of Notre Dame-street were in flames, and 
 very speedily the Hay's house was on fire. 
 
 The " Hay's House " was an immense block of stone 
 buildings, of four storeys, with a theatre at the back, extend- 
 ing into Champ-de-Mars-street. On Notre Dame-street it 
 formed the corner of Dalhousie-square. From this point the 
 flames communicated with the houses directly opposite on 
 Notre Dame-street, and by 10 o'clock the whole of the build- 
 ings on the square were destroyed, and the flames had attacked 
 those on the corner of St. Mary-street, making a clean sweep 
 of everything eastward between the river and Lagauchoti(5re- 
 street, the latter of which was untouched throughout its 
 entire length to Papineau-road, Avith i!he exception of a house 
 or two in the centre, and a few houses at the corner of 
 Papineau-road. From Dalhousie-square to the gaol is a dis- 
 tance of more than half-a-mile, and through this space the fire 
 took the whole night to travel, and it was not till ten o'clock 
 the following (Friday) morning that it was checked at St 
 Mary's Foundiy. , 
 
 By this disastrous conflagration eleven hundred houses were 
 burned and about eight thousand persons rendered homeless. 
 The property destroyed amounted in the aggregate to <£200,- 
 000. Active measures were at once taken for the immediate 
 relief of the sufferers : the council voted a large amount for 
 the purpose, and a public meeting was called, at which a relief 
 committee was appointed. Temporary places of shelter were 
 provided in the Roman Catholic convents, the emigrant sheds 
 at Point St. Charles, and in tents supplied by the military 
 authorities. Several of the cities of the United States and 
 England as well as those in Canada subscribed liberally 
 towards aiding the unfortunate people to rebuild their 
 dwellings. Much of the loss was occasioned by the short 
 supply of water, owing to the fact that the reservoir at Cote- 
 
134 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 a-Barron had been been emptied for the purpose of laying 
 down larger service pipes throughout the city. 
 
 In rebuilding this portion of the city the law against the 
 erection of wooden buildings was strictly enforced, and the 
 result has been the erection of many first class buildings, 
 especially in the St. Lawrence suburbs, which now boasts of 
 some of the finest private mansions in the city, and is the 
 quarter chosen by the wealthy French Canadian citizens as 
 their favorite residence. 
 
 From the census taken this year we learn that the popu- 
 lation was 57,715. 
 
 In 1853, Gavazzi, a celebrated lecturer, formerly a Roman 
 Catholic priest, arrived in Canada, and lectured in diiferent 
 cities without disturbance, with the exception of Quebec, 
 whore he was attacked, and would probably have been killed 
 had it not been for the interference of some parties who 
 defended him. 
 
 It was announced that he would lecture at Montreal on 
 the 9th of June. On that evening, a large company 
 assembled in Zion Church to listen to him. Fearing lest a 
 similar attack to that in Quebec might be made, a number 
 of persons went armed for self protection. A body of 
 police were drawn up in front of the church, and a detach- 
 ment of the 26th Regiment (which had arrived a short time 
 before from Gibraltar) were kept in readiness. Toward 
 the middle of the lecture, a mob approached the church, 
 attacked the police, and finally entered the church. The 
 persons inside with their arms repelled the assailants twice, 
 and several were wounded- Eventually the rioters fled 
 t' the foot of the hill, and at this moment the military 
 [by orders of the mayor] approached and drew up between 
 the combatants in two divisions, facing outward. The mob 
 not thinking that the military ^vould fire upon them, came on 
 with yells and firing shots. Great tumult ensued. The 
 riot act was read by the mayor, and the order being given to 
 
 /a 
 
 ^ 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 135 
 
 /A 
 
 ^ 
 
 fire upon the crowd, the troops fired in succession and about 
 forty were killed or wounded. This sad event caused much 
 bitter feeling among the two religious sections of the city, 
 and every opportunity was taken for retaliation. To such an 
 extent was this carried that the men of the 26th Regiment 
 were often way-laid and beaten, and some person entered the 
 City Hall and destroyed an oil portrait of the mayor 
 (Charles Wilson) by -cutting out the head and shoulders. 
 Time which serves to wipe out many hard feelings has proved 
 itself sufficient to drown the recollections of this unfortunate 
 •aifair. 
 
 Let us pass on from this scene to one of a more joyous 
 and important character. That which tends to open up the 
 resources of a country or to provide means for more con- 
 venient access to neighboring cities or countries, is always 
 worthy of notice. Such an event, important in the history 
 of the country as well as of our city, was the opening of tlie 
 Grand Trunk Railway to Portland, which took place ou 
 Monday, 18th June, 1853. Following close upon this, was 
 the arrival in port of the " Crenova," the pioneer vessel of 
 our noble line of ocean steamships. These events were 
 celebrated by pubUc dinners and other joyous demonstra- 
 tions. 
 
 The Roman Catholic citizens being desirous of securing 
 a more suitable place in which to bury their dead, the 
 *' Fabrique " purchased from Dr. Beaubien 150 arpents of 
 land, at Cote St. Catherine, to be used as a cemetery, and 
 which was shortly afterwards consecrated. 
 
 On Saturday, July 22nd, the foundation of Pier No. 1, of 
 that greatest triumph of engineering skill, the Victoria 
 Bridge, was laid with great ceremony. 
 
 In 1854, many of the citizens were called to mourn the 
 loss of loved ones who were cut down by that fearful disease, 
 ^'Asiatic Cholera," which broke out June 24th, and raged 
 for about two months. The total number of deaths was 1,186. 
 
 t 
 
136 
 
 VILLE marie; OHf 
 
 The following table, compiled from the weekly returns macTo 
 in the different years, will show the result of the cholera in 
 1832, 1834, 1849 and 1854. The comparison is made by 
 weeks : 
 
 Ist. Week., 
 
 2nd. " . , 
 
 3rd. " . . 
 
 4th. " . . 
 
 6th. «' .. 
 
 6th. " . . 
 
 8th. " .. 
 
 9th. «' . . 
 
 10th. " .. 
 
 18th. '' .. 
 
 19th. " . . 
 
 20th. " . , 
 
 2l8t. " ., 
 
 22nd. «' . 
 
 1832. 
 ..261 
 ..632 
 ..166 
 .. 94 
 .. 61 
 .. 70 
 ..131 
 ..136 
 ..101 
 .. 79 
 .. 68 
 .. 54 
 .. 28 
 . . 14 
 
 1834. 
 
 78 
 
 148 
 
 220 
 
 200 
 
 157 
 
 69 
 
 41 
 
 00 
 
 1849. 
 
 23 1 
 
 47$ 
 156 
 159 
 
 64 
 
 32 
 
 13 
 
 00 
 
 1854. 
 396 
 
 278 
 167 
 159 
 12T 
 46 
 13 
 
 Total, 1,885 913 496 1,186 
 
 From this return it will be seen that the first visitation was 
 by much the most fatal of all. And the excess of the 
 severity of the disease is much increased, when we consider 
 the large augmentation of population between those years. 
 
 The following shows the per centage of deaths to populatioB 
 at each epidemic : 
 
 1831, about 1 in 15,^oi or 6,'o per cent. 
 1834, " 1 " 32,8o, " 3,''o " 
 1849, " 1 " 100 3o, " 1 « 
 
 1854, 
 
 50-7, 
 
 i^ 
 
 •At, 
 
 The dates of the commencement and end of the disease a& 
 nearly as can be ascertained from the reports were : 
 
 1832, commenced June 18th, ended September 15th. 
 1834, " July nth, " August 30th. 
 
 1849, " " l3t, <' " 18th. 
 
 1854, " June 24th, " " 28th. 
 
 The dates of greatest mortality were : 
 
 1832, June 19th 149 cases. 
 
 1834, July 26th, 49 " 
 
 1849, " 18th, 50 " 
 
 1854, " 18th, 50. 
 
 ^ 
 
 (£, 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 137 
 
 ■'^«.- 
 
 '*^*»o. 
 
 The Mount Royal Cemetery, which was consecrated Juno 
 16th, received as its first occupant Rev. Wra. Squires, 
 minister of Griffintown We.sleyan Church, who died of the 
 prevailing disease. 
 
 The trade of the city for 1854 was unsatisfactory and 
 unprofitable in nearly every department of commerce, owing 
 ■**''^^**'-.^ . to a number of circumstances which the most prudent could 
 not foresee. The war Avith Russia, the tightness in the 
 European and American money markets, the sad ravages 
 made by the cholera, and the late arrival of the spring fleet 
 with an immense excess of imy)orts, all tended to ca\isc a 
 depression in trade. Owing to the prevalence of cholera, 
 all American travel was stopped, and consequently the retail 
 houses found themselves with large stocks of goods and no 
 purchasers, and as a matter of course, the goods had to be 
 paid for before they were realized. The spring of 1855, 
 however, opened with much brighter prospects, and mercliants 
 were soon relieved from the embarrassing position in wliich 
 they had been placed. 
 
 In March, 1855, an Industrial Exhibition was held in the 
 City Concert-hall for the purpose of selecting articles to be 
 sent to the Paris Exhibition. It wa^ publicly inaugurated 
 by His Excellency, Sir Edmund Head, the Governor-General, 
 •who visited Montreal fo'- the first time (for that purpose) on 
 March 5th. This visit Avas celebrated in the most enthusias- 
 tic manner, and every possible effort was made to render his 
 visit agreeable. 
 
 The Exhibition continued for five days, and immense num- 
 bers of strangers thronged the city, eager to inspect works of 
 industry in various shapes, which the city and surrounding 
 country had presented, and all who visited the hall expressed 
 their great satisfaction with what they saw, and not a few won- 
 dered to see so many and such valuable specimens of native 
 industry gathered under one roof. 
 
 His Excellency expressed his entire satisfaction at the man^ 
 
 \ 
 
*1I^ 
 
 188 
 
 VILLB MARIE ; OR, 
 
 ner in whicli arrangements had been carried out, and " hig 
 pleasure at seeing spread before him all the means and 
 material requisite to develop the resources of the country, 
 and to give it a prominent place among the favored parts on 
 the face of the earth.." 
 
 From the articles exhibited at this time, a careful and 
 judicious selection was made and forwarded to Paris, under 
 the charge of Mr. Alfred Perry, whose able management, 
 supported by the excellent workmanship of the articles chosen, 
 did much towards securing for Canada a prominent place 
 and most favorable notice. 
 
 In July, Monsieur do Bclvcze, commander of the naval 
 divisions of France on the Newfoundland station, visited 
 Canada under special instructions from the French govern- 
 ment to obtain information for the extension of commercial 
 intercourse between the two countries. As soon as his pro- 
 posed visit was made known, the council decided upon tender- 
 ing to him the hospitalities of the city and giv ing him a public 
 reception. Arrangements were made and a deputation was sent 
 to Quebec, officially inviting him to accept the proflFered court- 
 esies. These were accepted, and on July 27th he arrived in 
 the city, where he remained several days, and in company 
 with the civic authorities visited and carefully examined the 
 city and its environs. 
 
 This visit was one of particular interest and forms an im- 
 portant epoch in the history of the country. The flag ship of 
 Commander de Belveze, was the first French ship which for 
 nearly a century had floated on the St. Lawrence, and as a 
 representative of the nation whose people first settled upon 
 the island, and whose soldiers were now fighting side by side 
 against a common enemy,* it was but proper that such a 
 cordial reception should be accorded him. 
 
 Following close upon this event came one of great im- 
 portance to us as a part of the British empire, viz., the fall of 
 
 • Russia. 
 
 !)' 
 
 r fft 
 
'•)^- 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 139 
 
 ■•<J>J> 
 
 Scbastopol. The joy felt at the reception of this news can 
 hardly be described, and for some time it appeared as if the 
 citizens were unable to fully demonstrate their feelings. The 
 same night on which the news was received, the city was 
 almost universally illuminated ; and when a meeting was 
 called to consider the most suitable manner in which to pub- 
 licly celebrate the victory, largo crowds assembled to testify 
 their eagerness to join in any scheme proposed. It was 
 decided that the city should be illuminated and that a torch- 
 light procession, with fireworks, should form part of the pro- 
 gramme. 
 
 For several days the inhabitants were engaged in making 
 the most extensive preparations for the occasion, and wlien the 
 night arrived, the city throughout its entire length and 
 breadth was brilliantly illuminated. To enter into any details 
 vrould take too much space and be of little service ; suffice it 
 to say that on the whole the celebration was creditable to the 
 city, and entirely commensurate with the glorious event which 
 it celebrated. So brilliant a display Montreal had never 
 before exhibited. 
 
 The closing event of the year was the opening of the Grand 
 Trunk Railway from Montreal to Brockville, which took place 
 on the 19th day of November. 
 
 i' 
 
 r fft 
 
140 
 
 . # 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 X 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 From llio year 1S5G. to tho clofe ofl857— Accidont at thn (Jas Works; Trado in 
 1856; Explosion at Loiigucuil; Arrival of Troops from tlio Crimoa; Hiiniside 
 Hall destroyed by fire; Balloon Ascension; Waicr Works te.-tod; (irand Trunk 
 Railway celebration ; McGill (iollof((' Fund; Christ Cliurcli Imnit; I'losporivy 
 of tho City; Inundation; Normal Scliools ojiened; Foundiilionof >"e\v Ei'glish 
 Cathedral laid; Burning of Steamer "Montreal"; Arrival of .lead; Kuneralj 
 lleoting of American Association for the a<lvantoment of Science; ICxliibition; 
 Capture of Dellii; Victoria Bridge; Mr. McGeo nominated as Irish represen- 
 tative in I'arliamcnt; Trado Ueturns. 
 
 AT 3 o'clock on the morning of Sunday, the Gth of April, 
 1856,the city was startled from its slumbers by a terri- 
 fic explosion, followed by the fire alarm. On proceeding to the 
 point indicated by the alarm, it was found that tho purifying 
 house at tho gas works in Dalhousie-stroet had blown up 
 and that several men were seriously injured. There having 
 been an escape of gas, some of the men went into the purify- 
 ing house to ascertain where the leakage was, and it is sup- 
 posed they took an open lamp. They had scarcely entered 
 when a terrific explosion followed. Tho building Avas torn 
 in pieces, a column of fire shot up towards the sky, t'.ien came 
 a hail of timbc'S, rafters and bricks. The destruction was 
 complete, from the foundation upwards not one brick rtnnained 
 upon another, and the roofing and beams were shattered to 
 atoms. A building directly opposite was also destroj-^cd, and 
 the windows and sashes in tho neighborhood were much 
 injured. 
 
 As a proof of the prosperity which marked tho city this 
 
 year, it is only necessary to glance at the rctuins made of 
 
 duties levied for the first three months of the year. The whole 
 
 amount levied in Canada was £140,700, and of this amount 
 
 jB44,644 was collected at the Port of Montreal, and that 
 
 i^li 
 
 t 
 
•;,##?! 
 
 X 
 
 .^b 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 141 
 
 while the increase on the quarter for all Canada was 
 ^4,700, that at Montreal was £IG,1G8; showing that the 
 trade of ^lontreal had greatly increased, while that of the 
 other parts of Provinces had very materially declined. 
 
 On the 11th June, a frightful calamity occurred at Lon 
 gueuil, caused by the ex[)losion of the boiler in the Grand. 
 Trunk ferry-boat, plying between that village and Mon- 
 treal, lly this dreadful disaster thirty-five liv.^'s were lost, and 
 a large number scalded and bruised. The freight shod at 
 Longueuil, belonging to the Grand Trunk Railway Company, 
 ■was used for the reception of the bodies as they were taken 
 from the river; and a more pitiable spectacle than that 
 building presented seldom falls to the lot of mortals to behold. 
 There tne bodies lay, of all ages and classes — from the strong 
 man and the aged matron, down to the little infant decked 
 out in its holiday clothes for a trip to town. IIow little had 
 any of them dreamt as they set forth that morni:i<i; or the 
 dreadful late which awaited them. From the evidence tukon 
 at the incpicst it was clearly proven that the accident was 
 attributable to the carelessness of the engineer. 
 
 Let us now turn from this sad scene and view another of a 
 raore pleasing nature. Early in the month of June it was 
 announced that the 3Dth Regiment, which had rendered val- 
 uable services during tii.. Crimean war, had been ordered to 
 proceed to Montreal and might be expected about the 1st 
 July. The ciri/ers in whose minds dwelt thoughts of the 
 hardships to whicn chose men had been so long subjected, 
 determined to accord them o most hearty reception upon their 
 arrival, and committees were appointed to carry out the sugges- 
 tion. The duties entrusted to them were most faithfidly per- 
 formed, and a more enthusiastic reception could scarcely be 
 given than that extended to those gallant troops on the 
 morning of Saturday, 28th June. 
 
 The steamers Jultn 3Iunn and Quebec brought up the 
 "whole regiment at once, and as the first neared the wharf, 
 
 \ 
 
142 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OB, 
 
 the thousands of citizens who thronged the quays, parapet 
 walls, and even the windows and roofs of the stores in the 
 vicinity greeted them with deafering cheers, while the vessels 
 in port and the P.Iontrcal Artillei'y saluted them with the 
 roar of cannon. To the cheering of the citizens, the soldiers 
 now responded with cheers such as only disciplined men can 
 give, chetrs which doubtless had often started their country's 
 foomen ; and as cheer responded to cheer, so did martial 
 music from the hands on shore to those ni the boat. 
 
 When the troops had landed and were drawn up in line 
 the mayor and corporation presented -i suitable address, 
 which was responded to by the commanding officer, after 
 whioh the national antiiem was played and enthusiastic 
 cheers given for the Queen. These preliminaries over the 
 troops and volunteer force of the city took up the line and 
 marciied through Commissioner-street, jMcGill-street, St. 
 James-street, the Place d'Anncs. Notre Dame-street, and 
 thence to the barracks. 
 
 The streets through which the procession passed were pro- 
 fusely decorated with bramex-s and evergreens, and four 
 triumphal arches had been erected. 
 
 Time was given for the men to disencumber themselves of 
 their heavy knapsacks, after which they were escorted to the 
 city concert hall, in which room the banquet was to take 
 place. The hall was laid out for twelve hundred guests, and 
 the whole regiment, togccher with the volunteer companies, the 
 mayor, city council, and a number of invited guests, sat 
 down to a sumptuous repast. Addresses were made, loyal 
 sentiments given, and the greatest good feeling existed. 
 
 At the close of this entertainment, the volunteers accom- 
 panied the strangers once more to their quarters. The whole 
 arrangements were admirably plamicd, and reflected credit 
 upon the gentlemen charged with their execution. 
 
 I'uring tho month of February, Burnside Hall, connected 
 with the McGill College, was burnt, at which time Dr. Daw- 
 
 t 
 
 f 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 14S 
 
 'f 
 
 son's valuable museum ond philosophical appar..l:us were 
 d-^stroyed. The work of i-ebuilding this valuable adjunct ta 
 the college was at once proceeded with, so that in September 
 the present building was ready for the reception of the High 
 School department, and or October 7th, it was opened by 
 His Excellency the Governor-General (who had arrived in 
 the city the day previous.) 
 
 On Friday, the 10th October, the new water works were 
 tested, and fully realized the expectations form 3d. At 
 various parts of the city, hose were attached to the hydrants, 
 and the distance to which water was thrown proved satis- 
 fac*:ory. On Place d'Armes it was thrown as high as tha 
 middle of the central part of the French Cathedral, a height 
 of 110 feet. 
 
 The year 1856 was one of continued excitement. Scarcely 
 bad the reception of the 39th regiment ceased to be a subject 
 of interest when a public meeting of merchants and othor 
 citizens was called to take steps for celebrating the opening 
 of the Grand Trunk Railway between Montreal and Toronto. 
 A committee was appointed to take up subscriptions, and to 
 make arrangements. The matter was entered into with 
 characteristic spirit and energy, and about .£3,000 was 
 subscribed on the spot. The programme decided on com- 
 bined a procession, a banquet, an excuraion and a ball. 
 
 This event in the history of Montreal took place on 
 the 12th and 13th November. As those days approached, it 
 became evident that the city was going to be (in histrionic 
 parlance) a bumper. Immense trains of cars, loaded wiiu 
 passengers, continued to arrive, and when the eventful day 
 dawned, the city had a most extraordinary appearance. The 
 crowds of strangers pouring through the chief streets and 
 thoroughfares reminded one of Cheapside or the Strand. 
 Vehicles, too, of all kinds and descriptions, were in requisition 
 the Avhole time, so that the scene of animation and uitcrest 
 never flagged. 
 
 k' 
 
p 
 
 ««?■■ 
 
 144 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 On "Wednesday, the 13th, the trade procession mustered 
 in Commissioner (uoav Victoria) square. By ten o'clock all 
 "was in readiness, and at the sound of a bugle the order wa3 
 given for the procession to move. The immense j)i'ocession 
 passed through the principal streets of the city, which were 
 densely packed with spectators. After this the ban*- 
 quet took place at Point St. Charles. At the entrance 
 to the banquet-room the crush was immense, and when the 
 company of 4,000 were present, the room appeared like a 
 sea of heads. The deflorations of the room were all that 
 could be desired. Speeches were made by the Governor- 
 General and other distinguished visitors. After the banquet 
 a remarkably well got up and effective torch-light procession 
 went through the principal streets, and closed the first day of 
 celebration. 
 
 On the following morning many thousand visitors and 
 citizens wended their way towards the wharf, and about 9 
 o'clock several steamcfb started for the new wharf at Point St. 
 Charles. Having inspected the works at the Victoria Bridge, 
 a train of twenty-one cars, containing about 3,000 persons, 
 proceeded to view the new wheel-house of the water-works. 
 The party then returned to the city, and in the afternoon a 
 military review took place on Logan's farm. At 9 o'clock in 
 the evening a display of fire-works commenced on the Island 
 wharf. A promenade through the city during the evening 
 was an exciting affair, the streets and houses in every quarter 
 being brilliantly illuminated. Cannons roared, the gratified 
 spectators loudly cheered, and hats were Avaved by both 
 young and old. The ball, held the same evening was over- 
 crowded, many being unable to gain admission. Altogether, 
 it was a night long to be remembered in Montreal, and it 
 unmistakeably demonstrated the sympathies of the people o*^ 
 the city in the cause of industry, skill and enterprise. 
 
 The number of strangers conveyed to the city by railroads 
 and steamboats was about 15,000. 
 
 i 
 
J. 
 
 1 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 145 
 
 On the 6th Decenober a meeting of influential and leading 
 citizens was held in the Board of Trade room, to devise means 
 for placing McGill. College on a satisfactory basis. The posi- 
 tion then occupied by the College and its requirements were 
 clearly laid before the mooting. A subscription list was 
 opened and X 8,850 was at once subscribed. This amount 
 was subsequently greatly increased. 
 
 On the lOtli of the same month Christ Church in Notre 
 Dame-street was completely destroyed by fire. The confla- 
 gration commenced at half-past twelve at night, and every 
 thing combustible was destroyed in little more than two hours. 
 The appearance of the church, with its tall, well-proportioned 
 spire, as the whole was e '.wrapped in flames, was particularly 
 grand. With the destruction of this church closed the scenes 
 and events of the year worthy of being chronicled, but I 
 cannot refrain from quoting the words of a writer who, iu 
 reviewing the year 1856, says : 
 
 " There has been an intense energy manifested during the 
 year, and is still visible. The business streets are being 
 paved in the most substantial manner ; the avenues to the 
 city, and roads in the outskirts are graded and macadamized ; 
 handsome fountains have been erected, trees are being 
 planted out, rows of dwelling houses of an elegant and sul- 
 staiitial description are going up in various ijuarters, a num- 
 ber of stores and warehouses of the largest, most substantial, 
 and at the same time most elegant kind, are approaching 
 compleiion. The groat wharf for ocean steamships is 
 finished, as are the railway buildings at Point St. Charles. 
 Laborers, mechanics, manufacturers, merchants, in a M^ord, 
 all classes, are at work with all their might, and the results 
 make their appearance with almost magical celerity. Nor 
 in all this material advancement are the pulpit, the press, 
 the college, or the school neglected." 
 
 In February, 1857, Griflintown Avas again inundated. The 
 lower part of it was entirely submerged, and communication 
 
146 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OK, 
 
 between the different houses was maintained by small boats. 
 The condition of the residents in that locality was most pitia- 
 ble. While a few of them belonged to the middling classes, 
 the great proportion consisted of the very poor : the laborer 
 who had to earn his daily bread, and his family who rendered 
 all the aid they could to add to the common stock. Many 
 of the male population were carters, who found their horses 
 in from three to four feet of water on the morning of the 20th, 
 and in many cases their own sleeping apartments were also 
 flooded. 
 
 These periodical inundations had materially affected 
 the price of real estate in that part of the city, and although 
 many suggestions were made with a view to protecting the 
 locaUty from these floods, yet not much had as yet been 
 done. 
 
 Previous to this year the necessity of providing institutions 
 for the education of young persons of both sexes who might 
 desire to prepare themselves for positions as teachers, had 
 been decided upon, and on Tuesday, March 4th, the "Jacques 
 Cartier Normal School "* was opened with great eelat, Hon. 
 P. J. O- Chauveau, superintendent of education, presiding. 
 The Roman Catholic Bishop, the commander of the forces. Sir 
 William Eyre, the mayor and other gentlemen, addressed 
 the meeting. The principal speech of the occasion was 
 delivered by M. llenaud, who had been sent in 1837, by 
 M. Guizot, the Minister of Public Instruction in France, to 
 establish the first Normal School in Lower Canada. He 
 explained how his first attempt, owing to political troubles, had 
 proved a failure, after which he briefly reviewed the history of 
 Normal Schools. In the afternoon, the McGill Normal 
 School was inaugurated. Addresses were deUvered by the 
 Anglican Bishop, Professor Dawson, General Eyre and others. 
 The addresses were eloquent and effective, and a good impres. 
 sion was produced upon the minds of those present. 
 
 * la the old governueat bouse, Notre Dame-atreet. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 147 
 
 i 
 
 In May, the important ceremony of laying the foundation 
 stone of the new Christ Church Cathedral was performed by the 
 Lord Bishop of the Diocese, assisted by a great number of the 
 clergy, and in the presence of an immense concourse of peo- 
 ple. On the morning of Thursday, the 2lst (Ascension Day) 
 full service, with the Holy Communion, was celel)rated at 
 St. John's Chapel. In the afternoon, at 2 o'clock, a pro- 
 cession was formed, consisting of the Bishop and twonty-five 
 of the clergy in their robes, the children connected with the 
 schools belonging' to the church, the officers of the garrison, 
 staff officers, and officers of the 39th Regiment, and the mem- 
 bers of the congregation. They proceeded to the .site of the 
 new cathedral, where the ceremony was performed with usual 
 foru»i.lities, addresses being delivered by the Bishop, Rev. 
 Mr. Scott, Hon. Geo. Moffatt, Major Campbell and Col. 
 Munro. 
 
 On Saturday, June 28th, the utmost excitement prevailed 
 throughout the city caused by the news of an appalling 
 accident, the fearful results of which cast quite into the back- 
 ground the explosion at Longueuil. The steamer "Mon- 
 treal," owned by John Wilson, Esq., of Quebec, left that 
 city on the previous evening, having on board about five 
 hundred Scotch emigrants who had just arrived by the " John 
 McKenzie." Within an hour after leaving Quebec it was 
 discovered that the boat was on fire. In ten minutes after 
 the smoke was first observed, the flames burst out and filled 
 the saloon. The scene on board was most heart-rending. 
 Here were parents seeking their cliildren, and children 
 screaming for their parents, with terror and dismay upon their 
 faces . A rush was made for the boats, which were immediately 
 filled, and sank with the weight of those who crowded into 
 them. Men and women flung themselves from the burning 
 vessel only to meet a watery grave . An effort was made to 
 run the vessel to the shore, but she got aground in the attempt 
 to reach it, and stuck fast, as far off the shore as when the fire 
 
7W 
 
 US 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 broke out. The steamer " Napoleon " was near the "Mon- 
 treal " -when the fire broke out, and hex captain immediately 
 sent out boats to rescue the passengers and crew, and stayed 
 near till the ill-fated steamer was burnt to the water's edge. 
 On the arrival of the "Napoleon" at the wharf in Mon- 
 treal the excitement was intense. " On the deck of the 
 steamer, almost under foot, beneath the hot sun, but sheltered 
 from its rays by a sail, lay the bodies of some of the victims. 
 Twelve litile children, from the nursling baby up to the lad of 
 eight or nine years of age, lay huddled together — there a 
 young man and girl in the freshness of their youth, courage- 
 ous, hopeful adventurers into this western land of hope. 
 Two women, worn with the toil of the world — mothers, per-' 
 chance, and leaving their orphaned children to the charity of 
 strangers: these made up the list of the dead brought to 
 Montreal." 
 
 The acting mayor, the emigrant agent, and the charitable 
 committee of the St. Andrew's Society, with a number of 
 benevolent individufils, were on the spot to render assistance. 
 The St. Andi'cw's Society had made arrangements to receive 
 all who arrived in the city. The missionaries of the Young 
 Men's Christian Association rendered much valuable assist- 
 ance. This Association also provided hats and caps for the 
 male passengers who, on landing, were without any covering 
 on the head to protect them from the heat of the sun. In- 
 deed, the inhabitants of Montreal, never wanting in commis- 
 eration or providing of relief for affliction or distress, were 
 most active on this occasion, and through their acting chief 
 magistrate and other public functionaries did everything 
 possible to alleviate the weight of the calamity. The wound- 
 ed were conveyed to the hospital, and the Mount lloyal 
 Cemetery Company granted a lot of ground, free, to the St. 
 Andrew's Society, for the interment of the dead. For the 
 convenience of interment, two large graves were prepared 
 for the reception of the bodies ; one being seven feet by 
 
 I 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 149 
 
 nineteen, to contain ten bodies, and ':ho other, four by nine, 
 to contain five bodies. Everything having been arranged, 
 the bodies were gently lowered into their last resting place. 
 In that little spot lie all that was mortal of those unfortunate 
 strangers who, with high hopes and swelling hearts, came 
 amongst us to seek an asylum and a home ! IIow many 
 absent friends would have mourned around that spot ! 
 Although no extravagant grief was observed, yet a large 
 concourse of highly respectable persons testified, by their pre- 
 sence, their deep sympathy with the friends of the departed. 
 
 Among those present was a fine, blue-eyed boy, about 
 fourteen, named William Douglass. He was one of ten — 
 six brothers, mother, father, and an aunt — all of whom had 
 perished in the awful disaster. The tears which trickled 
 down the face of the youth was enough to move the stoutest 
 heart. With the funeral closed the sad scene as far as 
 regards our city, but the scene in Quebec was still more 
 solemn. While in Montreal there was but a small portion of 
 the dreadful accident visible, there were over two hundred 
 bodies interred in Quebec ; the total number of bodies 
 recovered from the wreck being tv/o hundred and fifty-three. 
 
 In August, 1857, Montreal was visited by the most dis- 
 tinguished company that ever met in the Provinces. On 
 Wednesday, 12th, the "American Association for the Ad- 
 vancement of Science " assembled in the Court-house, and 
 continued in session for one week. On Thursday evening, a 
 soiree was given by the Natural History Society, in the City 
 Concert Hall, and was numerously attended. On Saturday, 
 by invitation of the officers of the garrison, the party visited 
 St. Helen's Island. On the Monday following, a Conversa- 
 zione was given by the Directors, Faculty and Fellows of 
 McGill College, and was a magnificent affair. At the '^losing 
 meeting of the Association, addresses were given by Ex- 
 President Filmore, Professors Henry, Swallow, Ramsay, Cas- 
 well, and other celebrities. One of these speakers coagra- 
 
160 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 tulatccl the citizens in pos8e8sing such a city, and stated that 
 there was " a power stored up here upon the shores, which, 
 within less than one hundred years, will probably result in 
 making this city the greatest city in America. This im- 
 mense water power being directed to the manufactures which 
 might be established here, will make this one of the great 
 cities of the globe." 
 
 In September, the Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition 
 was held and was eminently successful. 
 
 At a meeting held in the Bonaventure Hall in December, 
 there was introduced, as a candidate for political honors, one 
 whose subseijuent services in behalf of the Provinces will 
 always command the admiration of its people, and whose 
 murder at Ottawa forms one of the darkest stains upon the 
 country's annals. The statesman and martyr, " D'Arcy 
 McGee," was nominated at a meeting presided over by Dr. 
 Howard. Mr. McGee accepted the nomination, expressed 
 his gratitude, and wished the people to take special note that 
 he did not desire to be considered a purely sectional candi- 
 date, but he would promise to strive to advance the general 
 interests of the city, a promise in which his subsequent 
 career proved his sincerity. 
 
 The annual trade returns for this year show an increase of 
 j£ 276,560 in the value of dutiable goods entered at the port. 
 The buildings erected reached the respectable number 
 of 376 ; of these St. Ann's Ward had 96 buildings for dwell- 
 ings and manufacturing purposes. From the table of assess- 
 ments for a series of years, it appeared that the total taxation 
 had increased in seven years from £24,698 to £51,432. 
 
 |i li it 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 Ul 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 From tho formation of the Uoyal Canadian KcKimcut, 1858, to tho visit of the Trince 
 ofWaloH, ISflf) — (iovernnicnt ucocpt tlic nfllT of a Canadian Ki'(?imi>nt ; Atlantic 
 Tt'leKraph Cable Colobration ; I'upulation in 18i)8 ; ISurning of Ulatiop's Church ; 
 Kcvnrity of tlio winter; Kew Wlinn'OH; Monument at I'oint St. Cliarles; 
 Victoria Itridge completed; First steps taken fortlio reception of the I'rince of 
 WaleH; Cry»tfl1 I'alaco erected ; City improvements; Ancient Foundation 
 riat(!9: VlKor Sqi are cnibellislied; Citizens' Heception Fund; I'rojjranmio of 
 Celebration; Kesidenco clio:>en for tlio I'rinco; Arrival iu the City ; lieocptioa 
 and Festivities; Ooparturo; Expenditure. 
 
 EARLY in the year 1858 it was announced that the 
 Imperial Government had accepted the offer made to 
 raise a regiment in Canada, to be called the " 100th Prince 
 of Wales Royal Canadian Regiment," Recruiting offices were 
 at once established in various parts of the Province. Montreal 
 furnished as its quota to this enterprise 110 young men. In 
 the month of April 500 men were gathered on St. Helen's 
 Island, where they were put through a course of drill, 
 previous to embarking for England, which they did in July. 
 On August 5th the first Atlantic telegraph cable was success • 
 fully laid, and upon the receipt of the intelligence at Montreal 
 it was decided to celebrate the occasion by having a trades' 
 torch-light procession, military parade, and a general illu- 
 mination, which took place on Wednesday, 1st September. 
 Everything went off as successfully and harmoniously as 
 could be desired. The procession was formed at 2 o'clock 
 on the Champ de Mars, and paraded the principal streets. 
 In the evening the city was almost universally illuminated. 
 The torch-light procession was a great success. It was more 
 than a mile in length, on the average of six abreast, and the 
 procession and spectators would not number less than 20,000. 
 The effect along the whole line of march was brilliant in the 
 
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 VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
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 extreme. The bonfire on the mountain was an object of much 
 attraction . 
 
 The population in 1858 was about 80,000 ; the number of 
 deaths durinj; the year being about 2,436. 
 
 On. Tuesday, 4th January, 1859, the Bishop's Church,* 
 St. Denis-street, was destroyed by fire. It was built on the 
 site of the church burned during the great conflagration 
 in 1852. The building was large, and cost 8120,000. 
 
 The early part of this season was the coldest on record in 
 Canada, the thermometer at Montreal registering 42*^ below 
 zero, and many persons, especially among the poor, were 
 severely frozen. 
 
 Many improvements were made this year upon the 
 wharves and harbor. A wharf for the accommodation of the 
 Montreal Ocean Steamship Company was commenced, and the 
 wharves opposite the barracks were completed, making in all 
 a great addition to the accommodation needed for the rapidly 
 increasing trade carried on at the port. 
 
 At a spot near the Victoria Bridge lie the remains of 
 upwards of 6,000 persons, emigrants, chiefly from Ireland, 
 who liicd shortly after their arrival in 1847, of that fatal 
 disease, the shipk fever. The city was rajjidly extend- 
 ing in the direction of this spot, and the probability is 
 that all knowledge of the "circumstance or of this place 
 of burial would soon have been lost sight of, had it not 
 been for the interposition of the workmen engaged in the 
 erection of the bridge, who caused an enormous stone, of an 
 irregular conical shape (taken from the bed of the river) to 
 be conveyed to the spot and erected upon a pedestal of 
 massive stone work, as a monument to preserve from dese- 
 cration the enclosed piece of ground around it. This 
 Herculean task was brought to a close on the 3rd November, 
 1859, and in presence of a largo number of persons there 
 
 !, .1 
 
 * This had only been » few months completed. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 153 
 
 assembled the ceremony of laying the stone was performed by 
 Rev. Canon Leach, LL. D. The stone bears the inscription : — 
 " To preserve from desecration the remains of 6,000 
 emigrants who died from ship fever in 1847 and 1848. 
 This monument is erected by the workmen of Messrs. Peto, 
 Brassey & Bctts, engaged in the construction of the Victoria 
 Bridge, A. D. 1858." 
 
 The great bridge upon which these workmen had been 
 engaged for so many yeai's, was now upon the verge of com- 
 pletion, and on Monday, 19th November, the trains com- 
 menced to depart from Point St. Charles instead of Lon- 
 gueuil. 
 
 The first step towards arrangements for the anticipated 
 festivities of the year 1800, was made by the Government 
 putting in the estimates of the year's expenses the sum of 
 $20,000 for the purposes of a great exhibition to be held in 
 the city during the proposed visit of the Prince of Wales on 
 the occasion of opening the bridge. 
 
 In March, the Board of Arts and Manufactures decided 
 upon the erection of a Crystal Palace, or permanent exhibi- 
 tion building, upon a plot of ground purchased by them on 
 St. Catherine-street. The contracts were at once given out, 
 and the work pushed forward vnth all possible despatch. 
 
 During the summer great improvements were made in the 
 appearance of the city. Dwelling houses were erected in every 
 part, many of them of very superior class. Trees were plant- 
 ed in many of the principal streets, and fountains were erected 
 in some of the public squares. The old jail which stood opposite 
 the Nelson's Monument was taken down and a fountain was 
 erected on its site. In tearing down this old building, the 
 workmen came upon the corner stone and its contents.* 
 
 * The land on which the building stood, as well as tbe Champ-de-Mnrs, 
 GoTernmcnt Garden, &c., formed part of the Jesuits estate. 
 
 iiii Wii -gii 
 
 ii(iTH»l*> 
 
154 
 
 viLLE mabie; or, 
 
 .j 
 
 The first plate iound boro the following inscription : - - 
 
 Anno I. H. S. !742. 
 
 Papa Benedicti, XIII,, 
 
 Reoe m'divico XV., 
 
 EP. Henr., M. Pomdriant. 
 
 Pro Reoe oar. de Bkauiiarnois. 
 
 , Praetore boidio Hocqcakt. 
 
 Rbsiuentiae fcsocs. JK8U. 
 
 Inciioati^ Ay. 1622. 
 
 Nunc CosriysATA! posivit prNOAiiEN- 
 
 TDM. 
 
 Clars Ds Ds Luds Noruand. 
 Scpu Semini Sdlpi. 
 
 VlVAItirS GENERALB3. 
 
 Si B. IVr. Episcopis. 
 
 The other plate was inscribed : 
 
 An-xo Domini 1808., 
 
 Geokoii Tertii Keols 48., 
 
 Pro Rkgk is Amkrua Britannica. 
 
 Jaco. IIexd. Craio O. B. Equitb. 
 
 Pkimum iicjcsce carceris lapidem posuerb. 
 
 Pkt. Lud. Panet, Isaac Ooden. 
 
 Pro Montis Ueoams jurisdictione curiae B. R. 
 
 honorabiles jubic <• 
 
 Mec Non et Josephus FROBish.<:R, Armioer. 
 
 Ad hoc ,«D1FIC1UM, .KDIFICANDUM PRiEPO-SITI. 
 IIlC, 0LI5J, IN KESIUENTIA P.P. SOCIETATIS JESU. 
 Ut TESTATCR INSCRIPTIO UN CPM HAG DEP03ITA. 
 
 Prius jedefioicm Diruenoa, reperta. 
 
 In addition to the improvements named, the city council 
 voted $2000 for the embellishment of Vigor-square. 
 
 On Tuesday, 2:lnd May, a public meeting was held to 
 make preparations for ths reception of the Prince of Wales. 
 
 I am not awHre as to what became of the first of these iaterestinj 
 relics, but the second is now in the museum of tho Natural History 
 Society, it having been given them with a collect'>)a of other articles by 
 the Mechanics' Institute, 
 
 ,r 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 155 
 
 .r 
 
 Hon. John Young was called to the chair, and resolutions 
 were passed making effective arrangements for the attain- 
 ment of the object in view. A committee was named to 
 obtain subscriptions to a fund styled " The Citizens' Recep- 
 tion Fund," and at a meeting of the city council, held early 
 in June, the sum of $10,000 was appropriated to celebrate 
 the occasion. The programme decided upon was : — 
 
 1st. —To erect five or six triumphal arches appropriately 
 decorated ; 
 
 2nd. — A steamboat excursion to meet the Prince on his 
 voyage up the river to Montreal ; 
 
 3rd. — The presentation of an address, by the mayor and 
 corporation, on the lauding of His Royal Highness ; 
 
 4th. — General illumination, torch-light procession, and 
 display of fireworks. 
 
 On Saturday, August 4th, the executive committee of 
 the Citizens' Reception Fund issued the following notice : 
 
 " His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales is expected to 
 arrive at Montreal, by the river, about noon on Friday, the 
 24th August instant. A steamboat excursion, organized by, 
 and under the direction of, the executive committee, will 
 leave the city, and proceed to meet Hi.^ Royal Highness, and 
 escort him to the landing place, at Bonsecours Pier, where, 
 after an address from the civic authorities, a grand proces- 
 sion of the national, Uterary, and other societies, will be 
 formed to accompany the Prince through the principal streets 
 of the city, to his residence, and in the evening there will 
 be a general illumination of the city. 
 
 "On Saturday, 25th. — The Prince will open the Exhibition 
 of the Board of Arts and Manufactures, and afterwards pro- 
 ceed to inaugurate the Victoria Bridge. In the evening 
 there will be a display of fireworks. 
 
 "On Monday, 27th. — His Royal Highness will hold a levee, 
 and receive addresses ; and in the evening attend a grand 
 ball in the buildmg erected expressly for these festivities. 
 
 mSStmmam 
 
i! 
 
 156 
 
 \ILLS marie; or, 
 
 "On Tuesday, 28th. — There will be an exhibition of Indian 
 games, and in the evening a grand musical festival. 
 
 "On Wednesday, 29th. — A military display, also a Regatta. 
 Early in the evening a competitive exhibition of fire 
 engines, to be followed by a torch-light procession and fire- 
 works. 
 
 "On Thursday, 30th. — His Royal Highness will m\ke an 
 excursion to the country and descend the rapids of the St. 
 Lawi-ence." 
 
 The work of preparation was now going on in every part of 
 the city. The triumphal arches wore being erected, and all 
 the public as well as most of the private buildings were pre- 
 pared for the illumination. Workmen in every department 
 were in great demand, and a sufficient number could scarcely 
 be obtained to fill the rapidly increasing orders. 
 
 The mansion secured for the use of the Prince during his 
 stay at Montreal was that of the Honorable John Rose, com- 
 missioner of public works, a magnificent residence, situated on 
 the lower plateau of the mountain, and standing in about three 
 acres of ground, which were beautifully decorated by orna- 
 mental trees, and parterres of flowers. 
 
 Friday ,the 24th August, was the day fixed for the Prince's 
 landing ; but, as at all other places on the Canadian tour, 
 the day was ushered in by a regular deluge of rain. It was 
 such a perfect storm of water that anything like an out-door 
 display became literally impossible. The Prince therefore 
 delayed his landing until the following day, which fortunately 
 proved fine, and he disembarked at nine o'clock in the morn- 
 ing, under a sur/crb pavilion erected for the occasion. 
 
 He was received by the mayor, in robes of state, with the 
 members of the council, magistrat/ss, clergy and heads of 
 societies in their regalia. The Prince accepted the address 
 presented to him, and when he had returned thanks the pro- 
 cession was formed. This procession was very long and grand, 
 and was headed by a small party of Caughnawaga Indians, in 
 
 ^ 
 
 If I i 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 157 
 
 .4. 
 I 
 
 full native costume. The most intense feeling of enthusiasm 
 and loyalty animated the people. They cheered with 
 deafening vehemence, and the bells of the city churches 
 rang out their merry peals, adding to the excitement of the 
 ■whole display. • 
 
 His Royal Highness was escorted to his residence, where 
 he remained but a short time, when he proceeded to finally 
 open and inaugurate the Industrial Exhibition. 
 
 The Prince arrived at the Crystal Palace at eleven o'clock, 
 when he made the circuit of the building, and inspected 
 some of its principal attractions. It was then declared 
 formally opened, and immediately after a general and rapid 
 rush was made by the people towards the Victoria Bridge, the 
 opening of which was to take place in about two hours. 
 
 The formal opening and inauguration of the Victoria 
 Bridge was, in colonial importance, the chief feature in the 
 Royal visit to Montreal, and the completion of this noble 
 structure deserved to be celebrated with all the state and pomp 
 which the presence of royalty could bestow. As an engineer- 
 ing triumph over natural difficulties of the most stupendous 
 kind it is not only without its e^ual in the world, but the 
 world offers nothing which may fairly be put in comparison 
 with it ; nothing which can be pointed to ?s evidencing more 
 determined perseverance in the face of almost hopeless obsta- 
 cles, more genius, or more consummate skill. 
 
 At two o'clock the Prince, with all his suite and officials, 
 arrived at the bridge. The ceremony of laying the last stone 
 was. soon accomplished, the Prince laying on the mortar, and 
 the mass of granite was slowly lowered into its place . He 
 then entered a beautiful cjir of state, specially prepared for 
 the occasion, and proceeded to the centre of the bridge, 
 where he was to drive the last rivet. The formality of com- 
 pleting the bridge was here gone through. Four rivets had 
 been left unfinished, and three were closed with iron bolts by 
 
158 
 
 viLLE marie; 09, 
 
 two workmen. The last, a silver rivet, was clinched hy the 
 Prince himself. The party then Dassed through to tiio other side 
 of the river, where Mr. Black i\\ in the name of the Grand 
 Trunk Railway Company, presented the Prince with a beau- 
 tiful gold medal, executed by Wyon, commemorative of the 
 occasion ; the suite receiving similar ones, but in silver. The 
 royal car then returned, and after partaking of lunch in one 
 of the large workshops the party retarned to the city, which 
 during the evening was brilliantly illuminated. To describe 
 the appearance of the city would be almost impossible. Every 
 one of the streets was a perfect blaze of liglit, and fireworks 
 were going off in every direction. During the evening the 
 Prince rode through the streets, and was most enthusiastically 
 received. 
 
 On Sunday the royal party attended divine service in the 
 Christ's Church Cathedral, His Lordship the late Bishop Ful- 
 ford officiating. To commemorate this visit His Royal High- 
 ness presented to the Cathedral a magnificent Bible , with an 
 -inscription in his own handwriting. 
 
 On Monday evening the grand ball took place in a magni- 
 ficently decorated pavillion erected expressly for the entertain- 
 ment. This building was erected in the large fields above 
 St. Catherine-street * and was of coUossal dimensions, being 
 nearly 300 feet in diameter. The interior was an immense 
 circle, with an orchestra in the centre. Three circles of 
 columns supported the roof in the space between the orchestra 
 and the outer wall. Every part of the building was decorated 
 with such taste and knowledge of effect that no portion cOuld 
 be selected for particular admiration. The ball was the 
 grand feature of the reception, between 4000 and 5000 being 
 present. The inside of the building presented an exquisitely 
 brilliant appearance. Crowds of elegantly dressed ladies 
 intermingled with officers of every service ; the fresh green 
 
 • Where Teel-strcet now intersects. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 159 
 
 leaves and flowers twining round the coHimns, made one rich 
 picture, which those wlio saw it can never forgot. The Prince 
 arrived at the building at ten in tlie evening and remained 
 until five in the morning. On the following day he went by 
 rail to Dickinson's Landing, returning by tlu; Rapids. 
 
 In the evening the Montreal Oratorio Society performed a 
 grand cantata, specially composed by M. Sabatier, in commem- 
 oration of the royal visit. On Wednesday morning there was 
 a brilliant review at Logan's farm, the Prince appearing in 
 his uniform as Colonel of the 100th or Prince of Wales lloyal 
 Canadian Regiment, and in the evening there was a fireman's 
 torch-light procession, each man carrying a torch or Roman 
 candle. Thursday was devoted to visiting St. llyacinthe and 
 Sherbrooke. At the latter place, to the great delight of the 
 inhabitants, the Prince restored one of their number, Lieu- 
 tenant Felton, to his command in the royal navy, from which 
 he had been arbitrarily dismissed nearly twenty years before. 
 On the night of his return from this trip, the Prince, with all 
 his suite, went to " the peoples ball," which was held in the 
 new ball-room. This was also the night chosen for a grand 
 display of fireworks at the foot of the mountain. These, like . 
 everything else that had been undertaken, were splendid, and 
 thousands of all classes assembled to witness them. On the 
 following morning his Royal Highness and suite, and all the 
 rank and fashion of Canada, who had come to or resided in 
 the city, took their departure for Ottawa, thus closing the 
 most eventful period in the history of the city — a period long 
 to be remembered by those who enjoyed the festivities of the 
 occasion- 
 
 From a report published by the Citizen's Reception Com- 
 mittee we learn that the total expenditure for the ball, . ball- 
 room building, festivals, excursions, &c., &c., amounted to 
 $43,031. This, of course, did not include any outlay upon 
 the decoration of public buildings, which cannot have been less 
 than from 10 to 20,000 more. 
 
^m 
 
 160 
 
 yiLLE marie; or 
 
 - 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 From the doparturo of the Princo of Wales, ISOO, to close of the yi-ar lSO-1 — Present 
 received by Coriiorution; Naino of llayrnai'k<'t-i«|iiur<> eliaiif;i'd; McTavish 
 Castle and its A^sooiations; Heaver llall; Hurnsido; Trade* and Itiiprovomcnts, 
 1800; Census, lHt)l;tireat Inundation; Hotel Uieu icniDVed; Prince Ali'rcd visits 
 Montreal; Hurricane; City llorso Huihvay commenced; The '• Trent " excite 
 nicnt; Death of Prince Albert; Military Festival; InaiiKuration of Wm. Molson 
 llall; Improvements in 18ii2; Mnrriaguof the Prince of U'ales; Korweginn War 
 Vessel; Provincial Kxhibltion ; Shaksi)cro Tercentenary ; Unilway Accident at 
 Bcloeil ; Ue])urturc of the " UuardH " ; Public buildings erected. 
 
 AT a special meeting of the City Council held on 3rd 
 October letters were read from the Governor-General 
 intimating that the Prince had presented engravings of her 
 Majesty the Queen, the Prince Consort, and the Prince of 
 Wales, as memorials of his visit, and as a slight acknowledg- 
 ment of the hearty welcome he had received. 
 
 At the same meeting a by-law was passed changing the 
 name of Commissioners and Ilaymarket-scjuare to Victoria- 
 square. 
 
 A traveller who visited Montreal in 1819 says : " I visited 
 the mountain, on the front of which is a beautiful cylinder of 
 limestone, standing on a pedestal, in all about 35 feet high, 
 erected to the memory of Simon McTavish, Esq., who died in 
 1805, and who was (in a sense) the founder of the North- 
 west Company. A little lower down is an unfinished edifice 
 of stone, erected by the same gentleman, which, had he lived 
 to complete it, Avould have been the most superb residence in 
 the vicinity of Montreal." 
 
 The building here referred to was taken down in the latter 
 part of December, 1860. Many and strange were the stories 
 told about the building by the more credulous portion of the 
 citizens, and still more strange those which travellers received 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 101 
 
 frnm the mouths of voluble cabmen, and were borne off to 
 their wonderin;^ countrymen, as among the weird stories com- 
 monly believed by the unsophisticated Montrealers. Tho 
 many versions of the death of the founder of tlie mansion, and 
 the stories connected tiierewith of strange noises, and the evil 
 spirits that at nightfall got into the workmen's tools, causing 
 the said tools to perform strange dances on tho floor, on 
 account of which impertinent interference the building was 
 stopped, were good stories to tell around the fireside in the 
 servants' hall, but soon lost all credence when one, in broad 
 daylight, entered the most unroraantic of ruins, and found 
 there was not a floor but the bare earth for the tools to dance 
 on. 
 
 The site of tho McTavish mansion (or tho " Haunted 
 House,") as it was familiarly called, is tho finest upon tho 
 mountain side. It was evidently tho owner's intention to 
 have made it a magnificent residence. The splendid slope 
 which spread out before the building (now almost entirely 
 occupied with residences) was to be a lawn, and the large 
 property extending behind (upon a portion of which now 
 stands the mansion of Hugh Allan, Esq.,) was to be the 
 domain of tho McTavisli clan for generations. The building 
 was of stone, and had a circular wing at either end. The 
 dining hall, occupying the whole of one of the wings, was 
 circular and arched overhead, and surrounded with many 
 windows. This old structure was mixed up with all the 
 earliest associations of natives of Montreal, and the thoughts 
 of its removal, although to make way for improvements, was 
 not unmingled with regret. One after another, the mansions 
 of tho old Nor' -westers had disappeared. Beaver-Hall, once 
 the seat of the " Frobishers," being of wood, was razed by 
 the flame in 1847. McTavish castle was now being removed, 
 and Burnside, the residence of the generous James McGill, 
 the merchant prince, was also destroyed. The name, how- 
 ever, of the latter, is not wiped out with the mansion he 
 
 M 
 
1G2 
 
 VILLE MAUIE ', OK, 
 
 reared, but in its place stands a huildin;^ devoted to ediuiating 
 the youth, and further up the mountain (and ahnost side by 
 side witii the residenee whieh stands upon clu' icinains 
 of the McTavish Castle) he leaves a nolder and inoir durable 
 monument than any [)alatial mansion, — a monument which, 
 instead of disappearing from among the people, and the place 
 of it knowing it no more for ever, is every year rootin;.' itself 
 more firmly in tlie aftections of the people, and we believe 
 that McGill College is destined to increase in magnitude and 
 usefulness whilst time lasts. ■ 
 
 The increasing trade of the city may be seen from the fact 
 that during this year Montreal imported dry goods to the 
 amount of ($.J,7J{r),S)09, the total amount for the whole of 
 Canada being $10,182,4;J9, whieh shows that Montreal alone 
 imi)ortcd over $1,000,000 in excess of the united imi)ortations 
 of the whole Province. The rmmber of houses erected duruig 
 the same period was 594. 
 
 The first event of in»portance in the year 18(jl was the 
 appointment in January of commissioners to take tiie census 
 of the city, and from a return made of them we learn that 
 the population was 91,109, thus placing Montreal as the tenth 
 in the list of North American cities. As it is interesting to 
 note the increase in the population of the city, we give the 
 
 following table : — 
 Years. 
 
 ^.- 
 
 Pupulalion. 
 
 Increase, 
 
 1800 
 1816 
 1825 
 1881 
 
 lasa 
 isei 
 
 0,000 
 
 77 p. 
 
 c. 
 
 in 1 G years, 
 
 44 p. 
 
 c. 
 
 in 9 " 
 
 25 p. 
 
 c. 
 
 in 6 " 
 
 Ill p. 
 
 c. 
 
 in 21 " 
 
 68 p. 
 
 c. 
 
 in 9 '• 
 
 10,000 
 22,000 
 27,297 
 57,719 
 91,169 
 
 The absolute increase per year was as follows : — 
 From 18'JO to 1816— le years — 431i per year 
 " 1816 to 1825— 9 " — 750 " 
 
 «• 1825 to 1831— 6 " — 882,,',,^ '• 
 «' 1831 to 1852— 21 " — laoOifo'^u «' 
 " 1852 to 186 1— 9 " —3650 «• 
 
by 
 iin9 
 ible 
 ich, 
 aco 
 self 
 I've 
 ind 
 
 
 net 
 the 
 of 
 me 
 jns 
 ing 
 
 ihc 
 ms 
 lat 
 ith 
 to 
 :he 
 
I 
 
 ;* 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 168 
 
 ID 
 
 Z 
 
 
 h 
 < 
 
 Q 
 
 Z 
 D 
 Z 
 
 H 
 < 
 UJ 
 
 q: 
 
 
 The area of the city was 3,200 =iuperficial acres, which gave 
 a population of 28^ to the acre. 
 
 The inhabitants of the lower parts of the city were accus- 
 tomed to tloodsjbut they were not prepared for such an exten- 
 sive inundation as that which visited them in the spring of this 
 year. About 7 o'clock on Sunday evening, April 14th, the 
 water rose so rapidly that the inhabitants were unable to remove 
 articles of fm-niture to a place of safety, aiid the congregations 
 of St. Stephen's Episcopal Chapel, on Dalhousie-street, and tiie 
 Ottawa-street Wesleyan Chapel found their places of worship 
 surrounded by from four to six feet of water, and no means 
 at hand whereby they might reach their homes. The water 
 rushed so violently down the streets that it was almost im[)os- 
 sible to maintain a footing while endeavoring to wade through 
 it. In order to obtain assistance for his congregation, Rev. 
 Mr. Ellegood, of St. Stephen's Church, waded in the dark 
 through about four feet of water until he reached St. Antoine- 
 street. He then procured the assistance of some policemen, 
 and a boat was obtained by which, ac about 1 o'clock a. m., the 
 congregation were taken away from the church, with a few 
 exceptions, who stayed all night. The trains from the west 
 and from Lachine wore unable to enter the city, and passen- 
 gers had to find their way to the city by Sherbrooke-streot. 
 The principal loss to the inhabitants was in live stock. 
 About 3 o'clock on Monday the pot ash inspection stores took 
 fire from the heating of a quantity of lime. While endeavor- 
 ing to quench the flames the firemen were standing or wading 
 waist-deep in water. The efforts of the brigade were unavail- 
 ing, and the building was entirely consumed. 
 
 The extent of the inundation may be conceived from the 
 fact that the river rose about twenty-four feet above its average 
 levol. The whole of St. Paul- street and up McGlll-street 
 to St. Maurice-street, and from thence to the limits of the 
 city, was entirely submerged, and boats ascended McGill- 
 
 street as far as St. Paul-street. To add to the sufferings of 
 
 fc-3iC3:sr.-_r.'i:^iii 
 
 mm— 
 
 i!i"||in r \ilsj — . — 
 
164 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 
 \ ' 
 
 \- i 
 
 H 
 
 the people, the thermometer sank rapidly, and a violent and 
 bitter snow-storm set in on Tuesday, and continued to rage 
 ■with great fury all night. Owing to the fact that in most 
 cases the fuel was entirely under water much extreme suffer- 
 ing was caused. Considering the rapidity with which the 
 waters rose, it is strange that no more than three lives were 
 lost. These were drowned by the upsetting of a boat, in 
 which they were endeavoring to reach the city. The flood 
 extended over one-fourth part of the city. 
 
 During the month of April the ancient pile of buildings on 
 St. Paul-street known as the Hotel Dieu, was removed and 
 replaced by a splendid block of buildings, for some time 
 known as Victoria barracks, now used as warehouses. 
 
 On the 13th June, Montreal was again honored by a visit 
 from a member of the Royal Family, Prince Alfred. In accor- 
 dance with her Majesty's request no formal reception was 
 given, yet he was cordially received by those in waiting, who 
 testified their pleasure by loud cheers as the carriage drove 
 from the wharf. 
 
 In July a hurricane passed over the city, and created much 
 havoc, tearing down fences and trees, levelling some sheds, 
 and comj)letely destroying the roofs of the Grand Trunk 
 Railway sheds at Point St. Charles. Tiie damage to property 
 was considerable, but the personal casualties were trifling. 
 During the same month two shocks of earthquake were felt. 
 These lasted for a few seconds, and were severe enough to 
 shake the dwellings, in some instances causing the inmates to 
 rush out into the streets. 
 
 The means of communication between the various parts of 
 the city were now greatly improved by the construction of the 
 City Railway, which was built for the Company during the 
 fall of the year. 
 
 The closing month of the year was one of great excitement. 
 The seizure* of Mason and Slidell, Confederate commissioners, 
 
 * Uu buiirU uf au Englisb ressol uamed tlte " Treut." 
 
 
 -ji.jm « 
 
 MM 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 165 
 
 I 
 
 led to difficulties between the United States and British 
 governments. The delivery of the prisoners was demanded by 
 the Imperial Government, and it was evident that war would 
 be the result of a refusal. With the inhabitants of Montreal 
 and all Canada there was a general desire that war should be 
 averted, but there prevailed entire unanimity of feeling and 
 determination among all classes that, in any event, Canada 
 should be defended by its own people. The inhabitants of 
 the city of Montreal (and other cities) liastened to form 
 themselves into military companies, and the papers of the 
 day wore filled with notices having prominent headings : 
 *' Stand to your arms," " Defence not defiance," and similar 
 mottoes. The streets of the city, particularly in the evening, 
 presented quite a military aspect. Mechanics, clerks, 
 tradesmen and merchants might be seen hastening to the 
 rendezvous of their several corps. Companies in almost 
 every arm of the service — cavalry, artillery, infantry and 
 riflemen were at once organized, and commenced to drill. 
 The young men, who had never experienced the hardships of 
 military lite were eager to enter into service, but veterans of 
 1812 shook their heads at the prospect of a repetition of that 
 sad time — war having few charms for those who have tried it. 
 To such an extent did the determination to defend the 
 hearths and homes of Canada extend, that mention is made of 
 a colonel of the sedentary militia, who, on mustering up his 
 men, found that, with the exception of four, all had joined the 
 active force. . ' 
 
 Large numbers of troops were despatched from England to 
 Canada, and everything betokened that trouble was expected. 
 The reinforcements sent to Montreal were so extensive that 
 the barrack accommodation was found totally insufficient. 
 Accordingly, the Molson college on St. Mary-street, the 
 Montreal college on College-street, and the stores erected on 
 the Hotel- Dieu property, St. Paul-street, were leased and at 
 once prepared for their reception. 
 
166 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 111: 
 
 , 
 
 .: ! 
 
 The enthusiasm of volunteering showed by the British 
 people when threatened with invasion by the first Napoleon, 
 or by the American people when their flag was shot down at 
 Fort Sumter, was not greater, we presume, than that showed 
 by the people of Montreal during the two weeks in which the 
 excitement lasted. 
 
 War, even in anticipation, is a fearful thing, and the new* 
 of the release of the prisoners referred to, and therefore of 
 peace, was hailed with pleasure. The news was received on 
 Saturday afternoon, December 28th, and on Sunday the 
 continuance of peace between Great Britain and the United 
 States was the subject of devout thanksgiving. 
 
 Although the probabilities of war had now disappeared, 
 still the companies organized continued to meet for drill, and 
 are now a permanent organization for the protection of the 
 country, and have proved themselves, when tested, as fully 
 able to meet the emergency. 
 
 While the city was in the midst of this excitement, an event 
 occurred which tended much to throw a sadness over its 
 inhabitants. On Tuesday, Dec. 24th, the news was spread 
 that the husband of our beloved Queen, and father of the 
 prince whom the citizens had so recently/ welcomed, had been 
 suddenly removed by death. It would not be within our 
 province to enlarge upon the noble qualities which had secured 
 for the Prince Consort the affections of the people ; suffice 
 it to say, their grief was shown in the universal solemnity 
 which pervaded the city, and in the drooping flags which 
 hung at half-mast on all the public buildings. A large meeting 
 was held at the City Concert Hall, and adopted an address 
 of condolence to Her Majesty, for which she returned her 
 thanks. 
 
 In the year 1862 a suggestion was made to provide a 
 festival or pv. jlic entertainment for the troops in garrison. 
 A subscription list was opened, and a committee appointed to 
 make the necessary arrangements. The Crystal Palace was 
 
 €^ 
 
 ■ - ■ ^ - ^i iy -v j -:.— M 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 167 
 
 ,. 
 
 
 flecured and handsomely decorated. Tables were erected 
 capal)le of seatin;; loOO men at once, and on tl»e afterno'ns 
 of the 0th, 7th and 8th May, the soldiers, of whom each day 
 there was a proportion of the regiments in gairison, 
 eat down to table, and gave practical proof that they 
 appreciated the entertainment set before them. The 
 chair was occupied on these occasions by his lordship the 
 An^dican Bishop, Hon. George Moffatt and Wm. Lunn, EscjS. 
 The entertainments were strictly on temperance principles, 
 and an idea of the preparation made may be gained trom the 
 fact that for the festival there was ordered 8,200 Ihs. of 
 sandwiches, 5,000 tarts, 3,700 lbs. cake, 50 barrels fruit, 
 besides tea and coffee of the best quality, and the sn|)ply 
 abundant. 
 
 In July the Governor-General Lord Monck paid his first 
 visit to the city, and was hospitably entertained l)y the corpo- 
 ration, who presented an address of welcome, and provided 
 every possible means towards rendering his visit agreeable. 
 
 On the 3rd August a public meeting was held in the 
 Merchants Exchange to take steps to raise a subscription in 
 aid of the destitute operatives in the manufacturing districts 
 of England. A large and influential committee was named 
 to collect subscriptions, andat the close of the meeting ^cS, 200 
 were subscribed. This amount was subse(|uently increased 
 to a total of about -$30,000, thus showing that the citizens of 
 Montreal are always ready to respond in a most liberal way 
 to any appeal made to their generosity. 
 
 An event interesting as an epoch, not only in the pro- 
 gressive advancement of McGill University, but in that of 
 Montreal in sound education and literary refinement, was 
 celebrated on the 1st October, when in presence of his 
 Excellency the Governor General, the •' William Molson 
 Hall" was publicly inaugurated. The occasion was one 
 that will long be looked back to with interest, and with 
 
168 
 
 viLLE marie; ok, 
 
 gratitude to the donor, by the thousands who shall in future 
 years occupy the well arranged and richly finished hall. 
 
 The year was marked by many improvements, such as the 
 extension of important streets, the completion of the New 
 Tail-race belonging to the Water Works, the construction of 
 an immense sewer on McGill-street, and the erection of 
 buildings for the Royal Insurance Company, and the first 
 Corn Exchange in Hospital-street. In addition to these the 
 wharves were extended downward towards the Military 
 Hospital, giving about 1400 feet additional accommodation. 
 The number of stores, dwellings and other buildings erected in 
 the city between 1st January and 3rd December, 1862, 
 yras 552. 
 
 On Wednesday, July 15th, 1863, the Norwegian corvette 
 " (Ernen,"* commanded by Baron J arlsberg, arrived at Mon- 
 treal. This visit was in compliance with an invitation 
 extended to the corauiander by the city council. On coming 
 opposite St. Helen's Island the corvette fired a salute of 21 
 guns, dipping, at the same time, her colors ; the salute being 
 responded to by a like number of guns. She anchored in 
 the stream opposite the city, and the committee of reception 
 put oflF from the wharf in two boats, and invited the 
 Captain and eight of his officers to meet the Mayor and 
 the leading citizens at 2 o'clock, to proceed with them to 
 view the public buildings, and other places of interest in the 
 city. In order to render the visit as agreeable as possible, 
 arrangements were made for a review of the troops ia 
 garrison, an excursion to Lachine and down the rapids, and 
 a public dinner. The vessel remained in port for three 
 days, and on his departure the commander expressed his 
 gratitude at the kind manner in which he had been received. 
 In the month of September the Provincial Exhibition was 
 held, and was attended by a large number of visitors. The 
 department of arts and industry was not equal to the Exhi- 
 
 * Tbo ttrnt Korwegian vessel that had visited tlie St. Lawrence. 
 
 ■ 
 
... 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PUESENT. 
 
 169 
 
 bition of 1860, but was superior to any one previous. A 
 grand Rifle Tournament took place in the same month, 
 commencing on the 16th and lasting over ten days. Volun- 
 teers flora all parts of Canada were in attendance, and the 
 match was opened by His Excellency Sir W. F. Williams. 
 The proceedings were closed by a grand dinner and the 
 presentation of prizes. The number of houses erected in 
 1868 was 786, being a larger number than any previous 
 vear. 
 
 In April, 1864, the Shakspere Tercentenary was cele- 
 brated in the Crystal Palace and was a brilliant affair. 
 
 On the morning of the 29th June the greatest excitement 
 prevailed in the city respecting an accident reported to have 
 taken i)lace upon the Grand Trunk Railway at Belteil, 
 during the previous night. Later in the day the report was 
 found to be correct, and the extent of the calamity was 
 even greater than was expected. A train of 11 cars, 
 having on board 354 German emigrants, had left the St. 
 Hilaire Station, en route for Montreal ; but the engineer, 
 neglecting to stop at the entrance of the bridge, as was 
 the usual custom, passed on, and the whole train was 
 preci[)itated through the draw bridge, which was open to 
 allow some vessels to pass. The result was fearful in the 
 extreme. The cars were literally broken to pieces, and 
 between the piers of the bridge lay the sunken vessels covered 
 with the wreck of the cars, amongst which were entangled 
 the bruised and mangled bodies of the unfortunate victims. 
 Every effort was made to rescue those still living, and to 
 recover the bodies of the dead. Large numbers of men 
 were despatched by the Conr\pany to the scene of the disaster, 
 and when the debris was removed it was found that about 
 90 had been killed and a very large number wounded. The 
 Hospitals and public institutions were opened for the recep- 
 tion of the sufferers, and the dead were brought to the city, 
 and buried in the Mount Royal and Roman Catholic 
 cemeteries. 
 
 "SSSSSSBSSSBBSS 
 
' •' I I ■! 
 
 170 
 
 VILLB MARIE ; OR, 
 
 The departure of the bri;^ade of Guards and other military 
 in September, was made an occasion to present addresses to 
 the several commanding oflScers, which were accepted and 
 replied to in grateful terms. 
 
 The appearance of the city was greatly improved during 
 the year, by the erection of many public buildings, which now 
 adorn its streets. No less than seven church edifices were 
 commenced, viz.. Trinity Church on Viger-stjuare, Church of 
 the Gesu, Bleury-street, three Wesleyan Churches, A.merican 
 Presbyterian Church and Knox Church, on Dorchester-street, 
 and Erskine Church, on St. Catherine-street. The Protestant 
 House of Industry and Refuge, Dorchester-street, and the 
 Molson Bank, St. James-street, complete the list of public 
 buildings, while in addition to these 1019 dwelling houses 
 were erected. • 
 
 >' 
 
 '■ t 
 
MONTRBAli, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 171 
 
 itj 
 
 # 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 » 
 From April, 1866, to cloop of the year 1809— Flood; FortificatJons; Assnsflnntinn of 
 I'roMidciit Lincoln; IStli Anniml Kxhil)itioii ; fSir.Iohn Mivlicl; I'cniiin Hnid; 
 l{<>turn of VoliintpiTH; Anc!(>nt Kelic: liny Markot rrmovi-d ; DUiinnublied 
 ViHitorK; Tiado and Improvonipnt*; Drill Slicdn; Arrival of tho " Wolverine"; 
 Dominion Day, 18*)7; Eloc'ion (listiirbanco!<; French Cafholral strnck by lij?ht- 
 ning; Incendiary firc.x; Assassination of Hon. T. D. McUce; Public Funeral; 
 Arrival of tho " Germany." Intense heat; Karthi|uuke; Appearance of the city, 
 1868; Death of Hi8hop Fulford; Events of 18G9; Visit of I'rince Arthur. 
 
 A NOTIIER of the floods to which the lower portions 
 ■^* of the city are so liable, took place in April, 18i)5, 
 and this time was only second in extent and damage to the 
 extraordinary inundation of 1861. The river commenced to 
 rise on Friday, Slst March, and continued to do so until Tues- 
 day, 4th April, on which day it gained its greatest altitude, 
 which was but one foot less than that attained in 18(31. 
 Fortunately the weather was mild, and the suffering was less 
 severe. The damage done to goods was not so great as in 
 the year named, owing to the flood having risen so gradually 
 that the inhabitants were enabled to remove their effects. 
 
 For many years the attention of the Government had been 
 called to the necessity there existed for the erection of fortifi- 
 cations to protect the city of Montreal in case of invasion by 
 any hostile force. Commissioners were appointed by the 
 Imperial authorities with instructions to survey and report upon 
 the best means to be adopted towards securing this end, and 
 in April, 1865, the plans arrived from England. The land 
 upon which these fortifications are to be erected was pur- 
 chased, but as yet nothing has been done towards putting 
 the plan into operation. It is proposed that the '.vorks shall 
 extend from a couple of miles below the city, on the opposite 
 shore of the St. Lawrence, to the foot of the Lachine Rapids, 
 
172 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 taking a curvelinoar form, with a radius of two miles from the 
 river. They will be surrounded with a wet ditch, and have 
 five bomb-proof forts, each containin;^ a small barrack and 
 arsenal. A sixth fort of superior size to be erected on St. 
 Helen's Island. The works are to be of stone, faced with 
 earth. As to the necessity which exists for the erection of 
 suclf costly works, there is great difference of opinion, both 
 in Canada and in England. As already stated, these works 
 have not been commenced, and it is doubtful whether the 
 scheme will ever be carried out. 
 
 The news of the assassination of President Lincoln, in 
 April of this year, threw a gloom over the city, and every 
 right minded person in the community felt satisfied at the 
 stand taken by the mayor and corporation, and the proclama- 
 tion, reijuesting the citizens to close their places of business at 
 12 o'clock on the day appointed for the tuneral, was univer- 
 sally obeyed. Appropriate religious services were held in the 
 American Presbyterian Church, and were largely attended. 
 As an additional mark of respect, immediately upon the 
 assembling of the City Council on the 19th, it was moved by 
 Alderman Grenier, seconded by Alderman Rodden, and 
 
 Mesolved: — "That in respect to the memory of the late 
 President of the United States, and sympathy with the people 
 in the great calamity that has befallen trtem, and also, as an 
 expression of the regret and horror felt at the crime perpetrat 
 ed upon the person of President Lincoln, this council do now 
 adjourn." , 
 
 This resolution was passed unanimously, and a copy of the 
 same was forwardod to the Hon. J. S. Potter, Consul General 
 of the United States in Canada. 
 
 Any stranger passing through the streets of the city upon 
 the day appointed for the funeral, would, from the general dis- 
 play of mourning badges, and the solemnity which pervaded, 
 be led to conclude that it was no mere matter of form which 
 led to these, but that true sympathy and grief was the moving 
 power. 
 
I 
 
 c 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 178 
 
 The 15th Annual Exhibition of Lower Canada was hoM in 
 September, and the entries in the various departments were 
 one-fourth greater than any previo\js year. 
 
 Ilis Excellency the Governor-General, having left Canada 
 for England, Sir John Michel was sworn in at Montreal, as 
 Administrator of Government in the absence of the Governor 
 General. Sir John took up his residence in the city, and 
 during his administration the Executive Council met iiero 
 twice in each month for the transaction of {)ublic business. 
 
 For some time during the latter part of the year the atten- 
 tion of the authorities had been directed towards the move- 
 ments of an organization existing principally in the United 
 States, and known as the " Fenian Brotherhood," whoso 
 design was the liberation of Ireland from British rule. At 
 its organization, and for a considerable time afterwards, little 
 attention was paid to threats made by its leaders, but when 
 they proceeded so far as to threaten the peace and safety of 
 the country, the authorities made preparation whereby they 
 might be able to repel any attack made. On Monday, 18th 
 March, 18G6, a company of the Prince of Wales Regiment 
 and the Battery of Artillery * were reviewed at 5 o'clock, 
 p. M., and at 9 the same evening they left for the frontier, 
 where an attack was threatened. Owing to the haste in 
 which these volunteers, as well as other ^Montreal companies 
 stationed throughout Canada, had been despatched from the 
 city, they were unprovided with many articles necessary for 
 their personal comfort, and many of them left families entirely 
 dependent upon the small pay to be received for their services. 
 The citizens determined to show their patriotism and loyalty 
 by making some provisions towards supplying these wants, 
 and at a public meeting held on 26th March, the large sum 
 of '$20,000 was at once subscribed for the purpose. This 
 amount was afterwards considerably augmented, and from 
 this fund an out-fit was procured for every volunteer requiring 
 
 * Both volunteers corps. 
 
r-7- 
 
 174 
 
 viLLE marie; ok, 
 
 it, and 50 cents per day (in uddition to tlic rci^ular pay) was 
 allowed to thoae who had families dependent upon them. 
 
 In addition to the volunteers then on duty the commandant 
 received instructions on 1st Junei to despatch four 
 more companies to the West immediately. The cause 
 of this order was the news received that a body of Feniana 
 hail actually crossed the border and were already at Fort 
 Erie. As mi^ht be expected this startlin<5 news created no 
 little excitement in the city. Neither fear nor dispondency, 
 however, had any share in the mingled feelings with which the 
 news was received and discussed. All classes seemed agreed 
 that such an unjustifiable invasion of the country should be 
 speedily repulsed, and that wherever opportunity occurred 
 punishment should be inflicted upon the men guilty of the 
 act. The alacrity and good will with which the volunteers 
 responded to the call to muster for departure for the frontier, 
 there, probably, speedily to encounter an enemy, was highly 
 encouraging and commendable, and had the eflFect of showing 
 the Fenian body that Montreal contained but few sym- 
 pathizers with their attack. The result of the raid at Fort 
 Erie is well known. The lawless invaxlers were repulsed, but 
 not without serious loss of valuable lives on the part of our 
 brave defenders. 
 
 On the evening of June 2nd, Nos. 3 and 8 batteries of 
 the Brigade of Montreal Garrison Artillery, under Captains 
 Brown and Hobbes ; a company of Prince of Wales Rifles, 
 under Ca[)tain Bond ; Victoria Rifles, Captain Bacon ; Royal 
 Light Infantry, Captain K. Campbell, and the Chasseurs 
 Canadiens, Captain Labelle, left by special train from Point 
 St. Charles for St. Johns and Isle aux Noix. The same 
 evening a strong reinforcement of regulars left for the same 
 stations, and on the 4th several additional companies of 
 volunteers were dispatched to Hemmingford and other places 
 along the frontier. 
 
 The scene of special interest in Lower Canada was the 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 176 
 
 township of St. Artnand, adjoininf^ the State of Vormont. 
 At a [ilace named Pigeon Hill an attack was made on .June 
 7th by a body of Fenians, but upon an advance being made 
 by the troopa and volunteers they retreated after a short 
 skirmish, but several of the party were taken prisoners by 
 the " Montreal Guides," and were brought to the city and 
 placed in the gaol. 
 
 In order to render as comfortable as possible the campaign 
 life of our volunteers, the Relief Fund Committee was active 
 in procuring everything necessary and forwarding it to the 
 various camps. Boxes of creature comforts, reading matter, 
 medicines, &c., were sent in large (juantities, and to insure 
 tl') prompt delivery of the same the grocers of the city 
 attended to the delivery at the railway stations of all parcels 
 sent by the Committee, and a number of delegates from the 
 Young Men's Christian Association loft the city daily for the 
 various camps, having in charge those articles as well as 
 letters, papers, and books with which the men might pass 
 their spare moments. • 
 
 Fortunately the necessity for the services of the volunteers 
 soon passed away, and on the 18th June the com[)anie8 
 arrived in the city from the front and were enthusiastically 
 received by the citizens, who cordially and unanimously 
 agreed that some more public reception or ovation should be 
 given. Accordingly, Saturday, June 23rd, was generally 
 observed as a holiday for the purpose of taking part in the 
 ceremony to take place in the afternoon of that day on the 
 Champ-de-Mars. At four o'clock the whole regular and 
 volunteer force was drawn up on the ground, with exception 
 of the artillery and cavalry, who formed in Craig-street, and 
 a few minutes after that hour Major-General Lindsay and 
 his staff drove along the line and inspected the several corps. 
 The troops then advanced in line towards the saluting 
 base, and the commanding officers having gathered round, 
 His Worship the Mayor read the address on behalf of the 
 
176 
 
 VILLB MARIE ; OR, 
 
 civic authorities, tendering to the troops " sincere expressions 
 of gratitude and thanks for their devotion, loyalty and 
 courage in the late emergency ; and bidding tliem all a heart- 
 felt welcome back to the city, and to their happy homes, 
 and beloved and expectant families." 
 
 The address was responded to by Major-General Lindsay, 
 after which he instructed Captain Healy to read a district 
 order lately issued, which order " acknowledged the services 
 rendered by the volunteers daring the late emergency, the 
 patriotic spirit displayed by both employers and employed, 
 and the zeal, aptitude, and endurance of the corps." The 
 proceedings were closed by three enthusiastic cheers for the 
 Queen, after which the volunteers returned to their several 
 armories and dismissed to return once more to their homes. 
 The address of welcome, with its attendant ceremonies, was 
 a graceful, and above all, a most highly deserved tribute to 
 both branches of the service, and more especially to the 
 volunteers, who whilst willing to become soldiers for a 
 season, yet counted it their highest honor and dearest 
 privilege to bo good, peaceable, and law-abiding citizens. 
 
 On July 4th, whilst workmen were excavating for the 
 foundation of the North British Insurance building, on the 
 corner of St. Fran^'ois Xavier and Hospital-streets, they 
 found a leaden plate, seven inches by six, and containing 
 the following inscription faintly cut on its surface : " Jean 
 Baptiste Rcpentigny a fondd cettc maison, le 29 Mai, I'an 
 1729. The plate bore also the impress of two coins. The 
 translation of the above inscription is that " Jean Baptiste 
 de Rcpentigny laid the foundation stone of this house on the 
 29th May, 1729." 
 
 In October the New Ilavmarket ou College-street was 
 opened and the old one closed, thus removing what had long 
 been considered a nuisance. 
 
 During the year Montreal Avas honoured by visits 
 from two celebrated American Generals, Sherman and 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 177 
 
 Major General Meade, men who had gained high po?i-ion3 
 in the military service of their country. Both these dis- 
 tinguished guests were hospitably received, and the pro- 
 ceedings on each occasion were marked by extreme 
 cordiality and kind interchange of feelings. 
 
 The trade of the port was probably never more active 
 than during the fall of this year. The wharves were covered 
 with merchandize and produce of all kinds, and were lit up 
 at nights, in order to allow of work going on continuously day 
 and night. During the summer there were erected 172 
 buildings, three new streets were opened, eight extended and 
 seven widened. 
 
 For several years the council and other authorities had 
 been considering the necessity which existed for some suit- 
 able building to be used as an armory and drill-shod by the 
 volunteers, and the recent events having so materially increased 
 the number of corps in the city the want was more than 
 ever felt. The question as to where the building should 
 be erected, the style and cost of the same, as well as the 
 proportion of expense to be borne by the city, seemed to be 
 one of difficulty, and it was not until May, 18(37, that the long 
 vexed ([uostion appeared to be settled, by the acceptance of 
 jlans iUinishcd by Messrs. Fowler & Roy, for a building to 
 be erected on Craig-street, in rear of the Charap-de-Mars. 
 
 Early in the month of June the attention of the citizens 
 wa? called to a public meeting to be held, for the pur[»ose of 
 considering the most appropriate manner in which to cele- 
 brate the inauguration of the New Dominion. As usual, 
 committees were appointed, money was subscribed, and on 
 Monday, July 1st, the new national holiday was celebrated 
 for the first time with all the aid which novelty and the finest of 
 weather could give it. The city wore quite a festive aspect, 
 the public buildings and principal streets being handsomely 
 ■decorated with flags. The ships in the harbor, including H. 
 M. S. Woluerine, (which arrived in May,) displayed a large 
 
 X - 
 
ns 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OE, 
 
 amount of bunting. The sunrise of the daj was heralded by 
 the noise of cannon, and the morning was occupied with a grand 
 review on Logan's Farm, in which the whole garrison, regulars 
 and volunteers, took part. In the afternoon a lacrosse match 
 was played on the cricket-ground. In the evening there was a 
 display of fireworks on the mountainside, for which the cor- 
 poration had voted $1,000. There was a large influx of visi- 
 tors from the country, and the celebratiwi waa pronounced to 
 have been, on the whole, satisfactory. 
 
 This, the national birtMay of Caitada, could not fail but 
 be one of interest to all its inhabitants, as it terminated 
 the colonial history of four provinces, directly dependent oa 
 Britain, and commenced the history of a nation relying, in a 
 great measure, on its own success. 
 
 During the city election in September some disturbances 
 took place at one or two polling places, and when, at 
 the close of the polls, it was reported that Mr. McGee 
 had gained a majority of votes over his opponent, Mr. 
 Devlin, an attack was made on the Mechanics' Hall, in 
 which was Mr. McGec's Central Committee room. The 
 windows were broken, and an attempt was made to enter the 
 building, but it was repulsed by thos^ inside ; several pistol 
 shots were fired but fortunately no persons were killed. 
 After some delay a body of cavalry and police reached the 
 ground, and the refractory rioters were dispersed. No 
 further damage was done, beyond breaking the windows of a 
 few private houses. 
 
 Some little uneasiness was caused, during the month of 
 Decembci , by the report that certain persons residing in the 
 city, along with others from me United States, intended to set 
 on fire warehouses and churches in various parts of thfe city 
 on Christmas-eve. To provide against any such emergency 
 the fire-stations and Water Works were guarded by the police, 
 on Christmas night, and a number of military were also held 
 in readiness. Fortunately, however, the report proved to be 
 false. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 179 
 
 In the earlj part of 1868 the mutterings of a new Fenian 
 excitement were again heard on our borders, and after an 
 interval of nearly two years of peace and quiet, we were 
 once more threatened by an invasion. As in the previous 
 case this report was the result of the unfriendly feelings exist- 
 ing between the United States and England. But, fortunately 
 for Canada, the resources of the brotherhood were not suffi- 
 cient to enable them to carry out their design; but while the 
 invasion of the country was abandoned, still the diabolical 
 spirit which animated many of its partizans made good its 
 foothold in the country, and, as in other places throaghout 
 the world, those who opposed the mad scheme were singled 
 out as victims, and a more distinguished victim could not 
 have been chosen than the Hon. Thomas D'Arcy McGee, a 
 representative of the city of Montreal in the Provincial Par- 
 liament, who was foully assassinated on the morning of April 
 7th,1868, while returning from the Parliament buildings to his 
 lodgings in Ottawa. 
 
 Mr. McGee was eminently gentle and benevolent as a man, 
 and would not knowingly harm any person, and the only cause 
 to be assigned for his murder was the eloquent manner in 
 which he denounced those whom he justly regarded as the 
 •worst enemies of his race and country. 
 
 The reception of the alarming news caused tlie greatest 
 excitement and indignation at the foul crime. It was the 
 theme of every conversation and the subject of every recurring 
 thought. All classes vied with each other in their reproba- 
 tion of the deed, and in their determination to do honor to the 
 deceased in the celebration of his funeral obsequies. A crowded 
 and most respectable meeting of citizens of all nation- 
 alities was held, and it was decided that the funeral should be 
 a public one, at the expense of the city. The city council 
 voted $1000 for the carrying out the purpose, and in addi- 
 tion offered a reward of $5000 for the discovery of the mur- 
 derer. At 5 o'clock on Wednesday, 8th April, the body 
 
180 
 
 VILLE MARIE : OR, 
 
 arrived from Ottawa, and was conveyed to the residence on 
 St. Catherine-street. The streets through which it passed 
 were lined by thousands of spectators. 
 
 The funeral, which took place on Monday ,13th, will be bag 
 remembered. The streets were covered with mourning flags 
 and festoons of black, giving the scene a striking and funereal 
 aspect, and those streets through which the procession was to 
 pass were lined on either sides by soldiers, regulai-s and vol- 
 unteers . 
 
 The funeral car was sixteen feet high, fifteen feet in length 
 and seven feet in breadth. On the body of the car were two 
 plinths or steps, covered with black velvet,the lower one oi'na- 
 mented with trefoil or shamrock, executed in silver, Wiile on 
 the upper one was inscribed the supplication, " Miserere, 
 Domine," and between these words, the date of his death, 
 " April 7th." The lower portion of the car was covered 
 with a curtain of black velvet, trimmed with silver, and bear- 
 ing on each side Mr. McGee's coat of arms — a shield with 
 a bear and three leopards' heads, black on a silver ground, 
 and the motto " fac et spera." On each side of the arms 
 was his crest, and beyond these again an Irish harp, in silver, 
 wreathed with shamrock, and still further to the right and 
 left, a Greek cross, also in silver, and over them the motto 
 " consummatis in brcvi explevit tempora multi." Above the 
 coffin rose a canopy supported by eight pillars. The canopy 
 was tent-shaped, made of black cloth, and surmounted by 
 four black plumes on each side and crowned in the centre by 
 a gilt cross. The car was drawn by six splendid gray horses 
 with plumes on their heads, and covered with housinofs 
 of black cloth trimmed with white satin, the housings bear- 
 ing the crest of the deceased, namely, an ostrich with a horse- 
 shoe in its mouth. 
 
 At 9 o'clock the procession was formed, and shortly after 
 the bells of the city began to toll at measured intervals, 
 minute guns being fired at the same time. The sad proces- 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 181 
 
 sion moved onwards, six deep, with slow step, and as it 
 approached each band stationed along the line, they took up 
 the " Dead March " from Saul. The funeral sermon was 
 preached in St. Patrick's Church by the Rev. Father O'Far- 
 reljwho took for his text the words from Ist Maccabees: "How 
 is the mighty man fallen that saved Israel." At the conclu- 
 sion of the sermon the procession was re-formed and proceeded 
 to the French Parish Church, by way of McGill and St. 
 James-street. On entering the latter street, the sight was 
 most impressive. Every window was filled as well as side- 
 walks, and the pictorial effect was there at its height, as the 
 funeral car slowly passed along. A few flags were carried 
 in the procession, but they were furled and wrapped in crape. 
 A large portion of those present wore crape, and none appear- 
 ed without a badge of some kind or other. 
 
 On the arrival at the Cathedral, the Roman Catholic 
 Bishop dehvered an address, after which the solemn service 
 for the dead was performed with all the pomp and magni- 
 ficence possible to provide. At half-past two the body was 
 borne from the church, and the funeral procession moved 
 through Craig-street, Radegonde-street, Union-avenue and 
 Sherbrooke-street to the Roman Catholic cemetery, where 
 the body was deposited in the family tomb, and in silence 
 and sadness, those who followed his remains to the grave 
 moved homeward, leaving him, as we may say, without any 
 fiction of poetry, " alone in his glory." 
 
 While these ceremonies were being performed the 
 authorities at Ottawa were actively engaged in seeking after 
 the assassin, and finally their efforts were successful, and a 
 person named " Whelan," on whom the strongest suspicion 
 was fixed, was arrested, and after a fair trial was found guilty 
 and suffered the extreme penalty of the law. 
 
 On Thursday, the 28th May, the largest vessel which had 
 ever reached the port arrived at the Steamship Wharf. This 
 was the " Germany," a new vessel of 3,250 tons, and 
 
182 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 forming one of the " Allan " line of steamers between 
 Montreal and Liverpool. 
 
 The summer of 1868 will be long remembered, for many 
 are the mourners over friends and relations who fell beneath 
 the excessive heat of July. On the 17th of that month ten 
 persons died from its effects. The thermometer for several 
 days ranged from 90 to 100 degrees in the shade, and great 
 suffering was caused thereby, not only to man, but a large 
 number of horses were fatally sunstruck while working on 
 the streets. 
 
 On the 28th of the month a sharp shock of an earth- 
 quake was felt. It was accompanied by a grating and 
 rumbling noise, something like a vessel slightly touching the 
 ground ; and a trembling movement caused doors and 
 windows to vibrate with considerable violence. It lasted 
 several seconds, but no damage was done. / 
 
 A traveller who visited the city during this year says : I 
 was much struck with the continued rapid growth of this 
 now great northern city. Built as it is, almost wholly of 
 stone, in the business portions and along the extensive and 
 massive quays which line the banks of the river, Montreal 
 makes a dignified, indeed an imposing effect. The beholder 
 for the first time, unless marvellously well up in his 
 geography, is surprised to find so large and so complete a 
 city. To stand at a street corner for ,a moment is to 
 see pass by the Indian woman wrapped in her heavy 
 blanket, the French habitant, Scotch, Irish, and Eng- 
 lish residents, and emigrants of all social conditions, the 
 " American " from the United States, ofiicers of the 
 British army in their different uniforms. Catholic Priests in 
 their robes, Sisters of Charity, groups of neat looking soldiers, 
 and the burly policeman, clad in a dark blue military 
 uniform. The buildings everywhere in course of erection 
 would dignify any city. There are none in the United 
 States which present finer specimens of street architecture 
 
MONTREAL, P4ST AND PRESENT. 
 
 183 
 
 than are found, not isolated here and there, but in long 
 blocks and throughout the entire city." 
 
 On Friday, September 11th, His Lordship Bishop Fulford, 
 the first Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Montreal, died at 
 his residence after a painful illness. 
 
 The winter of 1868-9 was remarkable for the great amount 
 of snow which fell, there being in some of the streets of the 
 city a depth of seven to nine feet. , 
 
 On the 1st of February, 1869, Sir John Young arrived in 
 the city, and the following day, at half-past ten, he proceeded 
 to the Court-house, where he was duly sworn in as Oovernor- 
 <Teneral, Hon. Mr. Justice Badgely administering the cus- 
 tomary oatL 
 
 A serious accident (providentially unattended by loss of 
 life) took place on the evening of the 8rd of February. The 
 St. Patrick's Hall, on Victoriorsquare, which had been but 
 recently completed, was leased that evening for a public ball 
 and concert. About twelve o'clock an alarm was raised that 
 the roof was giving way, and an immediate rush was made 
 for the several places of exit. Fortunately, in the erection 
 of the building, spacious means of egress had been provided, 
 and although nearly 2,000 persons were present, the hall was 
 cleared in a few minutes, and the last of the company had but 
 barely passed out, when, with a loud crash, the roof with its 
 immense mass of iron, timber and debris of all kinds, came 
 plunging into the hall below, some of the iron girders passing 
 completely through the two lower floors. At first it was sup- 
 posed that the accident had been caused by the weight of 
 snow upon the roof ; but it afterwards appeared that it was 
 by the action of frost upon the iron girders which supported 
 the roof. 
 
 On Friday, the 8th of October, Prince Arthur, third son of 
 H. M- Gracious Majesty,arrived in Montreal to join the P.C.O. 
 Rifles here stationed, he hoMing a lieutenant's commission 
 in this splendid regiment. The route of the Prince's progress 
 
184 
 
 TILLE marie; or, 
 
 from the landing at the Jacques Cartier Wharf, by Jacques 
 Cartier-square, Notre Dame-street, Place d'Armes, Great 
 St. James-street, Radegonde-street, Beaver Hall, &c., to his 
 chosen residence on Simpson-street, presented a most ani- 
 mated appearance. The day throughout was more than 
 usually fine, -with a bright sun, a clear sky and a lively breeze 
 to float the flags so profusely displayed, in honor of the Royal 
 visitor, about to become a resident of the city. The prepa- 
 rations for his fitting reception included the erection of several 
 very handsome arches along the line of march. 
 
 Though expected at twelve o'clock the Prince did not 
 arrive till two, the steamer " Magnet" having been detained 
 at Cornwall by the fog in the morning. The large crowd of 
 spectators lining the wharves and swarming about the vessels 
 in the harbor was but slightly diminished even when it 
 became generally known that a delay of two hours must take 
 place before the Prince's arrival ; and the little gatherings 
 along the route noticeable during the morning around some 
 favd^ite arch or gaily contrived festoon, continued to increase 
 in numbers as the day advanced. At a few minutes past two 
 o'clock the " Magnef'was seen steaming down the river above 
 the Victoria Bridge, and soon afterwards drew up at the wharf. 
 The Mayor, with General Windham, immediately went on 
 board, and the General introduced His Worship to the Prince, 
 after which Prince Arthur, the Mayor, General Windham, 
 and Colonel Elphinstone came ashore, and entered the pavilion 
 which had been erected on the wharf for the purpose of 
 enabling the Prince conveniently to receive and acknowledge 
 the address. 
 
 The Prince on entering the pavilion mounted the dais, and 
 the Mayor read the following address : — 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 186 
 
 To His Royal Highness Arthur William Patrick Albert: 
 May it please Your Royal Highness — 
 
 We, the Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of the City of 
 Montreal, most respectfully beg leave to approach your Royal 
 Highness, and in the name and on behalf of the people of 
 Montreal congratulate your Royal Highness upon your safe 
 arrival, and to extend to the son of our Beloved Sovereign a 
 most cordial welcome to our city. 
 
 -: The people of Montreal, upon hearing of your Royal High- 
 ness' intention to visit the city, looked forward with unmixed 
 pleasure to that event ; but they now experience increased 
 delight in the knowledge that your Royal Highness has been 
 pleased to select this city as your abode for a period which 
 they fear will only be too short. 
 
 We earnestly hope that the sojourn of your Royal High- 
 ness in Montreal may prove to be one of unalloyed happiness 
 and satisfaction; and, on behalf of the people, we pledge 
 ourselves that every exertion will be made to render it so. 
 
 We pray that your Royal Highness will accept the assur- 
 ance of our dutiful loyalty and attachment to the person and 
 crown of your Royal Highness' Mother, our beloved Sove- 
 
 reign. 
 
 WILLIAM WORKMAN, Mayor. 
 
 Charles Glackmeyer, City Clerk. " ' 
 
 City Hall, Montreal, 8th October, 1869. 
 
 After the Mayor had read the address in English, the City 
 Clerk read it in French, presenting it at its conclusion to His 
 Royal Highness. The Prince handed it to his Secretary, 
 and then proceeded to read the reply : 
 
186 
 
 VILLB MARIE ; OB, 
 
 To the Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of the City of 
 
 Montreal. 
 
 Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen :- 
 
 I thank you very sincerely for the warm expressions of 
 welcome, and the congratulations upon my safe arrival at 
 Montreal. 
 
 Many addresses have I received as loyal as the one you 
 have just read to me, but none to which I attach a higher 
 value. 
 
 Other communities have seen me, but as the passing visitor 
 of a few hours ; whereas, the people of Montreal cannot con- 
 sider me otherwise than as a resident, and their assurances of 
 welcome are, therefore, all the more appreciat-d. 
 
 Most anxious am I to consider Montreal, for the time 
 being, my " home," and to lose no opportunity of becoming 
 acquainted with its institutions, its people and its commerce ; 
 and from the kindly feeling and consideration shown towards 
 me throughout this Dominion, I feel confident that no exer- 
 tions are needed on your part to render most agreeable my 
 sojourn in this city. 
 
 That your loyalty is already well known to and duly appre- 
 ciated by Her Majesty needs no further assurance. The 
 selection of Montreal as my residence is a sufficient proof of 
 the confidence Her Majesty places in the devotion of the 
 citizens to her throne, her person, as well as to her family. 
 
 ARTHUR. 
 
 After the presentation of the address and the Prince's 
 reply, the Prince, with the Mayor, General Windham and 
 Colonel Elphinstone, then entered the carriage, and proceeded 
 to the Prince's residence.* Captain Muir's cavalry formed 
 
 * The Prince occupies the late residence of Hon. (now Sir) John Rose> 
 which was also the residence of the Prince of Wales duringiliis visit ia 
 1860. 
 
 i 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 187 
 
 the escort, and oflScers of the staff rode immediately in front 
 of the Prince's carriage. Throi'ghout the Hne of march the vast 
 crowds lustily cheered the Prince, and bouquets were show- 
 ered upon him by fair hands from open windows, all which 
 attentions he gracefully acknowledged. 
 
 The following (Saturday) morning the Prince, accompanied 
 by Col. Elphinstone, Lieut. Picard, and Mr. A. W. Ogilvie, 
 M.P.P., visited the Lacrosse grounds on Shorbrooke-street to 
 formally open the Lacrosse Tournament. At ten o'clock, pre- 
 ceded by the No. 1 Troop of Montreal Cavalry, under command 
 of Capt. Muir, His Royal Highness drove on to the ground, 
 and between two ranks of lacrosse players went to the platform 
 where he was received by the Committee, and presented with 
 an address, accompanied by a very handsome gold-mounted 
 lacrosse, and an elegantly bound copy of Mr. Beers' work 
 on the game. Prince Arthur briefly thanked the Committee, 
 and then proceeded to open the Tournament by tossing the 
 ball off his crosse into the field. He watched the games with 
 great interest for some time. A feature in the amusements of 
 the day was the '* war dance" by the Indians in full costume. 
 
 In the afternoon the Prince visited, the adjoining grounds 
 on which the athletic games were being contested. Escorted 
 by No. 1 Troop Montreal Cavalry, he drove on the grounds 
 and was received at the platform by the members of the Com- 
 mittee and others, the spectators cheering, and the band 
 playing the National Anthem. He manifested great interest 
 in the sport, and remained for about an hour. 
 
 His Royal Highness left Montreal on Monday, the eleventh, 
 for Ottawa, and returned during the following week ; and 
 while busily engaged in his official duties since that time he 
 has nevertheless found time to aid many important and 
 deserving charities by his patronage and pre'sence. 
 
 On Sunday morning, October 24, a fire broke out in St. 
 Andrew's Church, (Presbyterian,) on Beaver Hall Hill, 
 which proved to be the most destructive with which Mon- 
 
r 
 
 188 
 
 VILLE MfRIE; OB, 
 
 treal had been visited for a lon^ time. Tho fire originated 
 from some derangement in tho hot air apparatus for wanning 
 the Church. 
 
 The alarm was sounded between four and five o'clock in 
 tho morning, and a portion of the firemen, then on their way 
 home from extinguishing a fire in another quarter, imme- 
 diately rushed towards Beaver Hall Hill. As they approached 
 they saw thick black volumes of smoke issuing from and 
 enveloping the tall spire of St. Andrew's Church, with occa- 
 sional flashes of glaring flame leaping from the windown. The 
 hydrants were quickly tapped, hose laid, and branchmen 
 ready to play. An entrance was first made through the door 
 on Belmont-streot, and, going into the interior, the flames 
 were found to be raging in greatest volume in the western 
 corner, but they seemed to be pretty general over the whole 
 church. They had crept over pulpit and pew, up the tall and 
 slender pillars that supported gallery and roof, until, getting 
 among the furring, and into the close timbers of the roof, 
 there was no hope of saving the building. The firemen, 
 labored heroically, but only to subdue the flames and prevent 
 their spreading. As the morning advanced crowds of citizens 
 flocked to the scene of the conflagration. About six o'clock the 
 whole roof had become one mass of flame, the stained windows 
 were melted, and the falling of the spire was momentarily 
 looked for. It was evident that it could not stand long as it was 
 enveloped in flames, which shot fiercely up to the sky, as if 
 eager for more to destroy. The sight was indescribably grand. 
 The saddest feeling came over the spectator as he saw one of 
 the finest spires in the city now a tall column of flame. It was 
 two hundred feet hi^h : one hundred feet of stone, and the 
 upper hundred feet of wood and galvanized iron. The wind 
 soon began to shake the spire, and the indications were that 
 it would fall across LagauchetiSre-street. The spectators 
 were pressed back. Fears were entertained for the safety of 
 the houses on the south side of Lagauchetiere-street, and the 
 
0) 
 (0 
 CO 
 
 T 
 
 lU 
 UJ 
 K 
 
 h 
 (0 
 
 0) 
 
 111 
 < 
 
 (0 
 
 I- 
 < 
 u 
 
 (E 
 
 C3 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 189 
 
 residents made every preparation for the expected calamity. 
 After swaying and tottering some minutes the burning spire 
 came down with a tremendous crash. As it fell, it broke 
 near the middle, and the upper part came straight down, 
 the point striking on the side-walk about a foot outside the 
 stone wall surrounding the church. It fell across the street, 
 the base striking and sweeping away the porticos of the houses 
 opposite. The lower part of the wooden spire fell at the base 
 of the tower within the railing around the church. It was for- 
 tunate that it broke and fell as it did ; for if it had fallen on 
 the houses opposite on Lagauchetiere-street it would have 
 s:vept them down and added fresh fuel to the fire. 
 
 When the fii*e in the ruins was nearly extinguished, smoke 
 was observed issuing from the roof of the Clmrch of the 
 Messiah (Unitarian), situated immediately opposite. The 
 cinders and burning chips carried from St. Andrew's Church 
 had so heated the slate that the woodwork of the roof had 
 been set on fire, and had been burning for some time before 
 the fire was discovered, for when, about eight o'clock in the 
 morning, this new alarm was given, the firemen found the fire 
 very far advanced. They succeeded in partially extinguishing 
 the flames, but the roof soon fell in, doing considerable damage 
 to the interior of the Church. After the falling in of the roof, 
 the fire was immediately extinguished. 
 
 The total number of buildings erected in 1869 was con- 
 siderably below that of the previous year. In consequence 
 of the over-building in previous years, and especially as 
 regards dwelling-houses erected in 1808, a goo many houses 
 and stores wero unoccupied during the sumav* Most of 
 those, however, which were vacant during the summer rented 
 in the fall. 
 
 A striking feature in the progress of the city was the 
 number of buildings erected for educational and charitable 
 purposes. Indeed, each year seemed to have a peculiarity 
 in the character of its new buildings. In 18u8 the tendency 
 
190 
 
 VILLE MARIE t OR, 
 
 was in favor of dwelling-houses ; the year before it was 
 stores; and, before that again, the erection of churches and 
 religious edifices appeared mostly to employ the energies and 
 surplus capital of the citizens. The year 1869 was marked 
 by eCForts in an educational direction. The Gentlemen of the 
 Seminary nearly doubled the previously large accommodation 
 at the College above Sherbrooke-street. The Roman Catholic 
 Bishop put up a large school house in Lagauchetidre-atreet, 
 and the Catholic School Commissioners erected a school-house 
 on Ontario-street, and another in FuUum-street ; they also 
 erected a very spacious school on Alexander-street, opposite 
 St. Patrick's church. 
 
 A very large stone structure was erected on Visitation- 
 street, by the St. Vincent de Paul Society, for educational 
 and charitable uses: The extensive Asylum or Infant school 
 in St. Catherine-street, near Bleury, had its size doubled, a 
 neat chapel being added. All these and other minor effoi'ts 
 showing a good deal of vital energy in Montreal. 
 
 The new St. George's (Episcopal) church was also com- 
 menced. It is a fine specimen of architectural taste and 
 talent, and is another ornament added to the city. In fact, 
 many of the stores, private dwellings and other buildings of 
 this year are fully equal in style to almost any previously 
 built. In this respect, at least, there seemed to bo no falling 
 off; and, although the buildings were not so numerous, j^et, 
 in the aggregate, perhaps, as much money had been expended 
 in this direction as during former years, when the oflScial 
 returns indicated a larger total of new buildings. 
 
 The facilities afforded by the street railway has led to the 
 expansion of the population towards the city limits, and even 
 beyond them. It is difficult to mark the distinction between 
 the city and the villages of the outlying municipalities. 
 It is apparent that those villages must eventually form part 
 of the city, and it would be advantageous if some prepara- 
 tory arrangement were to be made for assimilating the build- 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 191 
 
 ing and sanitary laws of the municipalities to those of the 
 city. 
 
 Whilst the enterprise of private parties is successfully 
 employed in promoting the progress of Montreal, both as 
 regards einbellishment and educational interests, as well as 
 the comfort and convenience of its inhabitants, the city 
 authorities are not altogether neglectful of their duties, 
 and a good deal has been done in the way of drainage, and 
 other public improvements. ♦ " 
 
 This review of the advance made in 1869 closes the history 
 of our city from its earliest date, and, as regards the future, 
 we cannot but think that the progress of Montreal will be 
 equal to the growth which it has shown in the past. With 
 the opening of railroad communications to new districts, and 
 the development of the resources of the Dominion, Jiontreal 
 ■will derive a proportionate benefit. The trade and popula- 
 tion of the city has always shown a steady increase. It is 
 true that there have been occasional periods of comparative 
 stagnation, such as all trading communities are liable to ; but 
 the returning tide of business is sure to carry it to a 
 higher position than before, and to establish Montreal more 
 firmly as the great commercial centre of the country. The 
 shipping trade of the port largely increased in 1869 as com- 
 pared with that of several previous years. The total tonnage 
 was much in excess oi the tonnage in 1862, during which year 
 more shipping arrived than was ever known to do before. 
 
 Upon the whole, then, the present and future prospects of 
 Montreal are very encouraging. What is chiefly required 
 is continued intelligent enterprise and perseverance in 
 developing the natural advantages with which the city is sur- 
 rounded. 
 
A7-IL3L.E MA-RIE 
 
 OB 
 
 MONTEEAL 
 
 PAST AND PEESENT. 
 
 PAET II. 
 
q: 
 
 UJ 
 
PART II. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The Island of Montreal— Titlos undor which it was hold by the St. Sulpicians ; 
 Soil; Turnpikes; The City ot Montreal ; Improvements; Solidity of its public 
 buildings; Advantages possessed r Population; Value of real estate; New 
 Buildings; Finanocs; Trade and Commerce ; Harbor Improvements ; b^xports 
 and Imports ; Manufactures. 
 
 THE Island of Montreal is of a triangular shape, 32 miles 
 long by lOJ broad, and liesat the confluence of the Ottawa 
 River and the River St, Lawrence. The Rividre des Prai- 
 ries, on the north-west side, separates it from Isle Jesus. The 
 whole Island was formerly the property of the Seminary of 
 St. Sulpice, the superiors of which, in rendering fealty and 
 homage, on the 3rd February, 1781, produced as their titles : 
 
 1st. — "A deed passed before the counsellor to the King at 
 Paris, bearing date 20th April, 1664, by which the Seminary 
 of St. Sulpicians, in that city, and other persons concerned with 
 them, granted to the Seminary in Canada, the lands and 
 Seigniory of Montreal ;" 
 
 2nd — " An arret of the Council of State of his most Chris- 
 tian Majesty, made at Versailles in the month of March, 1693, 
 by which the King agrees to and accepts the surrender made 
 to him by the ecclesiastics of the Seminary of St. Sulpicians, 
 at Paris, of all the property possessed by them in the Island 
 of Montreal;" and 
 
 3rd. — " Letters Patent, in form of an edict, issued by the 
 King of France in July, 1714, being a confirmation of all 
 titles to the lands granted to the ecclesiastics of the said So«- 
 
■=r 
 
 196 
 
 viLLE marie; ok, 
 
 I 'I 
 
 il ' 
 
 inary, at Paris, by letters patent, dated March, 1677, with 
 the right of alienation." 
 
 The Island is divided into several parishes, and with the 
 exception of the mountain, and one or two small ridges 
 exhibits a level surface. It is watered by several little 
 rivulets. 
 
 From the City, to the eastward, the shores of the Island are 
 from fifteen to twenty feet above the summer level of the 
 River St. Lawrence ; but in the opposite direction, towards 
 Lachine, they are low, and in some places are soft and 
 marshy. 
 
 The soil of the whole Island can scarcely be excelled in 
 any country, and is highly productive in grain of every spe- 
 cies, vegetables, and fruits of various kinds ; consequently 
 there is hardly any part of it but what is in the most flourishing 
 state of cultivation, and it may justly claim the pre-eminence 
 over any part of Lower Canada. So productive is the soil, 
 that the Island has been sometimes called " The garden of 
 Canada." 
 
 The turnpike roads upon the Island are the finest in the 
 Dominion, and are much frequented for pleasure driving, && 
 along their line are some romantic prospects, especially at a 
 point near the Tanneries village, where the road ascends 
 a steep hill and continues along the ridge for more than 
 three miles, commanding a beautiful view over the cultivated 
 fields below, the Lachine Canal, the lines of Railway, the 
 " Lachine Rapids " and the islands in the St. Lawrence, with 
 the Victoria Bridge spanning the river, while in the distance 
 is the varied woodland scenery on the opposite shores. 
 
 Upon this Island, Montreal, the second city in Canada in 
 political dignity but first in commercial importance, is situa- 
 ted in Latitude 45* 31' North, and Longitude 78° 35' 
 West. From the opposite shore of the St. Lawrence it has 
 a noble appearance, and in summer the surrounding scenery 
 is exceedingly beautiful. " Behind the city rises the moun- 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 197 
 
 tain, from which it originally took its name, not a conical 
 eminence, but a swelling semi-circular ridge with its concave 
 surface towards the city, and placed like a rampart behind the 
 city, as if to shield it in winter from the unkindly blast." A 
 dense forest covers the greater part of the mountain, except 
 where space has been cleared for several elegant mansions. 
 The city of the present day is far different to that of fifty or 
 even twenty years ago. The spirit of improvement has been in 
 most active and efficient operation, and at the present shows 
 no symptoms of languor or decline. A few years ago St. Paul, 
 Notre Dame,and other business streetSjWere narrow thorough- 
 fares, and were occupied by buildings which were plain in the 
 extreme, the iron doors and shutters, which were almost univer- 
 sal, giving the city a heavy, prison-like appearance ; but 
 these buildings were erected to meet dangers not dreaded in 
 the present day. The old land-marks which still remain 
 point us to a time when the inhabitants had to provide 
 against the assaults of enemies, or the torch of the incen- 
 diary ; or, still more distant, to the early wars between the 
 Indian tribes and the first settlers. These ancient buildings 
 are nearly all destroyed, and their site is now occupied by 
 palatial stores and dwellings in almost every conceivable style 
 «f architecture. Again we find that where a fow years ago 
 orchards and fields of grain were planted, is now cloaely^built 
 upon, and the streets which have been laid out in various 
 directions are being rapidly filled with elegant houses- 
 Montreal stands second to no city upon the continent for 
 the solidity and splendor of buildings erected for commercial 
 and other purposes, and in the extent of accommodation at the 
 immense wharves which line the river front and whicl. :'Pi<ear 
 to be built to last for ages. 
 
 " The remains of gigantic public works in connection with 
 the cities of the east are the standing theme of wonder with 
 travellers and historians. Great moles, breakwaters, aque- 
 ducts, canals, pyramids and immense edifices strikingly evince 
 
198 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 the enterprise, skill and wealth of those people, whoso very 
 names are lost in the obscurity of a;^cs. Modern architccturo 
 and engineering are much more superficial. IIow much, for 
 instance, of modern London, New York, or Chicago would 
 survive 20 or 30 centuries of desolation ? The wooden 
 wharves of the latter, which constrast so strangely with the 
 immense extent of the commerce carried on at them, would 
 notsurvive a hundred years of neglect. It is, however, worthy 
 of remark, that Montreal is rather following the ancients than 
 the moderns in respect to the solidity and extent of her pub- 
 lic works. The Victoria Bridge is the wonder of the world ; 
 the extensive wharves are not equalled in this continent and 
 by but four cities in Europe, and no where can finer or more 
 solid pubhc buildings be found. 
 
 " While we view with jridc the rapid progress made during 
 the past few years we remember that appearances point to a 
 still greater advancement in the future. Montreal possesses 
 advantages which no other Canadian city can boast of : " la 
 its situation, at the confluence of the two greatest rivers, the 
 St. Lawrence and Ottawa ; opposite the great natural high- 
 way of the Hudson and Champlain valley ; at the point whore 
 the St. Lawrence ceases to be navigable for ocean ships, and 
 where that great river, for the last time in its course to the 
 sea, affords a gigantic water power ; at the meeting point of 
 the two races that divide Canada, and in the centime of a fer- 
 tile plain nearly as large as all England ; in these we recog- 
 nize a guarantee for the future greatness of Montreal, not 
 based on the frail tenure of human legislation, but in the 
 unchanging decrees of the Eternal, as stamped on the world 
 He has made. 
 
 " We know, from the study of these indications, that were 
 Canada to be again a wilderness, and were a second Cartier 
 to explore it, he might wander over all the great regions of 
 Canada and the Yv'est, and leturning to our Mountain ridge^ 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 199 
 
 call it again Mount Royal and say that to this point the wealth 
 and trade of Canada must turn."* 
 
 The growth of the city lias been so rapid, that within the 
 past year the boundaries have been extended and the urea 
 thus added is now being rapidly built upon. The census, 
 taken in 1861, placed Montreal tenth in order of North 
 American cities as shown by the following table ; — 
 
 GlTIBS. 
 
 Pop. 
 
 GiTiia. 
 
 Pop, 
 
 New York 
 
 Philadelphia 
 
 Rrooklvn 
 
 814,277 
 368,034 
 273,425 
 214,037 
 177,902 
 
 New Orleans 
 
 St. Louis 
 
 Cincinnatti 
 
 Chicacro 
 
 170,766 
 162,779 
 160,060 
 109,420 
 
 Baltimore 
 
 Boston 
 
 Montreal 
 
 101,602 
 
 The census of 1851 showed the popui ition to be 57,715. 
 Comparing this with the above table, wo find an increase of 
 33,454 or 58 per cent, in ten years. It is believed that the 
 ratio of annual increase since 1861 is greater than it was be- 
 fore that date, but assuming the average yearly increase to 
 be only 6 per cent, the population in 1871 la likely to be about 
 180,000. The following figures will give a general idea as 
 to the increase : — 
 
 In 1760 the population was 3,000 
 
 K 
 
 1800 
 
 II 
 
 II 
 
 9,000 
 
 
 (1 
 
 1816 
 
 i< 
 
 II 
 
 16,000 
 
 
 ' C( 
 
 1825 
 
 II 
 
 II 
 
 22,000 
 
 
 II 
 
 J831 
 
 II 
 
 II 
 
 27,297 
 
 
 II 
 
 1851 
 
 II 
 
 II 
 
 57,715 
 
 
 (( 
 
 1856 
 
 II 
 
 <i 
 
 75,000 
 
 
 <l 
 
 1861 
 
 II 
 
 II 
 
 101,602 
 
 
 II 
 
 1870 
 
 II 
 
 II 
 
 170,000 
 
 at a very moder- 
 ate estimate. 
 
 •Address by Dr. Dawson, 1859. 
 
200 
 
 TILLE marie; or, 
 
 The aggregate values of real estate within the city limits, 
 as per assossment rolls of 10 years ending 1868, were : — 
 
 ■Hi 
 
 ^1 
 
 . 
 
 ABGK8BED VALUK. 
 
 Gross Rktehub oi' thb Citt 
 
 1869 
 
 $26,8 i 2,290 
 27,649,550 
 38,976,270 
 2P,857,480 
 34,832,930 
 36,573,028 
 37,931,000 
 39,889,700 
 43,796,400 
 45,259,520 
 
 $368,904 
 447,539 
 
 I860 
 
 1861 
 
 467,663 
 528,343 
 
 18S2 
 
 1863 
 
 570,099 
 
 1864 
 
 573,939 
 
 1865 
 
 593,494 
 621,834 
 
 1866 
 
 1807 
 
 705,679 
 
 1868 -. 
 
 812,300 
 
 
 
 The following properties, included in the above valuation, 
 are exempted from assessment : — 
 
 Government properties $1,097,800 
 
 Municipal properties 1,428,900 
 
 HencTolent properties 269,100 
 
 Nunneries 1,331,700 
 
 Roman Catholic Churches 868,500 
 
 Protestant Churches 875,500 
 
 Total $5,869,500 
 
 The foregoing table shows that the increase in value of real 
 estate in the city of Montreal in ten years was $18,447,230, 
 68'80 per cent.; while the increase in revenue was $443,396, 
 or 120 pel' cent. Montreal is now one of the most lightly 
 taxed cities of the Continent. 
 
 The number of new buildings erected each year is reported 
 as follows : — 
 
 lu 1856 543 In 1863 723 
 
 In 1857 376 
 
 In 1858 292 
 
 In 1869 342 
 
 In I860.... 694 
 
 In 1861 579 
 
 In 1862 652 
 
 In 1864 ],019 
 
 In 1865 315 
 
 In 1&66 219 
 
 In 1867 281 
 
 In 186t< 551 
 
 Total 6,386 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 201 
 
 Those erected in 1868 consisted of 4 churches and schools, 
 625 stores and dwellings, and 22 manufactories or work shops, 
 giving a total frontage of 18,404 feet. The material used in 
 their erection was stone or brick, but in some cases they were 
 wooden buildings covered with brick. The number of each 
 class was as follows : — stone 126 ; brick 247 ; wood and 
 brick 178. 
 
 The amount of money expended upon streets, drains, &c., 
 since the incorporation of the city in 1840, is as follows :— 
 
 In lS41-'42. . , $205,690 
 
 5S,904 
 61,016 
 59,727 
 24,097 
 41,925 
 26,950 
 14,054 
 10,631 
 12,238 
 20,235 
 19,456 
 
 In 1843. 
 In 1844. 
 In 1845. 
 In 1846. 
 In 1847, 
 In 1848. 
 In 1849. 
 In 1850. 
 In 1851. 
 In lfi52. 
 In 1853. 
 
 In 1854 129^464 
 
 In 1855 32,379 
 
 In 1856. 
 In 1857. 
 In 1858. 
 In 1859. 
 
 99,652 
 
 66,616 
 
 81,422 
 
 40,119 
 
 In 1860 121,005 
 
 103,034 
 
 108,550 
 
 164,105 
 
 222,624 
 
 17(i,M7 
 
 181,851 
 
 189,845 
 
 157,000 
 
 In 1861. 
 In 1862. 
 In 1863. 
 In 1864. 
 In 1865. 
 In 1866. 
 In 1867. 
 In 1868. 
 
 Total $2,429,345 
 
 The sums placed opposite the years 1867 and 1868, while 
 they represent the amounts expended upon streets, drains, 
 &c., do not include the very large sums laid out by the cor- 
 poration for widening streets, — the amount of outlay for that 
 purpose in 1868 being over 1250,000. 
 
 The finances of the city are at present in a very satisfactory 
 state. Until the appointment of the present city treasurer 
 (Mr. J. F. D. Black,) the accounts were not in the best pos- 
 sible shape ; but by the combined exertions of that gentleman 
 and the city auditor, they have been brought into admirable 
 order. The following figures are condensed from the report 
 for the financial year, ended 31st January, 1869 : — 
 
202 
 
 VILLE MABIE ; OK, 
 
 
 Abskts. 
 
 Water Works Property 83,250,851 
 
 Market Tropertioa 661,470 
 
 Road Department Property 490,093 
 
 Main Sewers 898,233 
 
 Drill Shed 99.744 
 
 Fire Department Property 69,925 
 
 Miscellaneous (including Sl,989 Sinking Fund) 46,391 
 
 Total, representing Funded Debt $5,010,707 
 
 Cash Accounts . 196,357 
 
 Arrears of Street and Draining Improvoraeiits 224,396 
 
 Claim againgt Grand Trunk Kailway, Alisoellaneous ) 
 
 - Debts, &o.... I 410,7' 
 
 - • • - ;. . .' ' .. • 831,476 
 
 Arrears— Assessments 162,307 
 
 Do. WaterAVorks 174,963 
 
 637,330 
 
 »6,485,513 
 Liabilities. 
 
 Funded Debt— Bonds (6 P.O.) 84,314,833 
 
 Stock (7 p.c.) 604,300 
 
 84,919,633 
 
 Floating Debt 237,764 
 
 Balance 1,328,126 
 
 86,486,513 
 Ebckiptb. 
 
 The receipts of the year wore fi?2,420,009, but as 81,257,972 of this was from the sale 
 
 of Bonds to replace maturing ones, and S203,775 from the realized Sinking Fund, wa 
 
 £et down the Keveuuo at §968,202, viz. :— 
 
 Assesi^ments 8248,492 
 
 Personal Taxes, Business Duty, &c 99,794 
 
 Licenses 5,431 
 
 8353,717 
 
 Arrears of the above 80,054 
 
 Water Works Kovenuo 223,237 
 
 Market do 58,928 
 
 Miscellaneous 56,.343 
 
 8778,289 
 To this should be added the following: — 
 
 Arrears from Street Improvements, Drains, &o 826,638 
 
 Special Assessments— Streets, &o 714,431 
 
 Open Accounts and Miscellaneous 88,904 
 
 179,973 
 
 Shewing a total Bevonuo of. $958,262 
 
 Exi'ENurruBK. 
 The total payments of they""\r were 82,410,505, but Sl,180,540 thereof was for re- 
 demption of debt, and 885,000 for a special deposit In the Bank of Montreal, leav- 
 ing 81,285,201 as the expenditure proper. This, it will oe noted, is some 8327,000 in 
 excess of the revenue ; but a groat deal of this is represented by new and necessary 
 property acquired, such as a new Water Works engine, and reservoir, 845,283; a 
 new city map, 810,050; 838,574 on account of a new Drill Shed; protection of aque- 
 duct, extension of water pipes, &c. ; 877,093. Some 8257,428 also appear as disburse- 
 ments for tho widening, &c., oi streets. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 203 
 
 Trade and Commerce. 
 
 From a very early stage of iraproveraent in the art of navi- 
 gation it must have become evident that water carriage was 
 that which presented the cheapest and most easy mode of 
 transporting merchandize from place to place. Accordingly, 
 with some exceptions, such as occur to all rules, we find that 
 greot cities have always arisen either upon convenient ports of 
 the sea, or upon large navigable rivers and inland waters. 
 Such being the case, it is no wonder that the spot on Avhich 
 Montreal now stands was early chosen for the foundation of a 
 commercial city. It is true that the commerce of Canada in 
 its early days was not such as to employ many hands. Peltry 
 was for a long period the only traffic to which importance was 
 attached, and the cargo of a few canoes, rich though they 
 were in value, required little labor for their transfer to the 
 hold of the European merchantman, and the market was 
 managed by a very few agents of the great houses in France. 
 Still, such as the trade was, Montreal presented a most 
 favoral)le site for carrying it on. Never was place for 
 shipment and transhipment more plainly indicated by natural 
 laws. From hence, more or less, navigable water courses, 
 spread out like a fan over hundreds of thousands of miles in 
 the interior, and permitted the canoe of the Indian trader to 
 penetrate in all directions, while, on the other hand, a broad 
 and safe river led to the great ocean. - ^ " 
 
 When the labors of the voyageur and native hunter gave 
 way before the steady toil of the agricultural settler, the ad- 
 vantages which had first prompted the selection of Montreal 
 were by no means diminished. The articles of export had 
 changed, but those by which they were followed could only 
 reach Europe by water and could be sent only thence by the 
 game means. 
 
 The St. Lawrence, however, with all its acknowledged 
 capacity, was not without its drawbacks. Foremost was the 
 
204 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 long winter which sealed its waters during six months of the 
 year, and next w^ere the dangers of a navigation of nearlj 
 nine hundred miles to the sea. The first could not be over 
 come^ but the enterprise of the people has to a great extent 
 done aAvay with the other. The principal difficulty met with 
 was at Lake St. Peter, over which (prior to 1851) only 
 vessels of light draught could pass, and come up to the wharves 
 of Montreal. 
 
 As early as 1831, the attention of the Legislature was 
 directed to the matter. For ten years it was discussed, and in 
 1841 the Board of Works was authorized by act to commence 
 operations. At the time they commenced operations there 
 were only 11 feet at low water on the Lake. Up to 1846, 
 some i^400,000 had been expended without important 
 results. 1 
 
 In June, 1851, the harbor commissioners of Montreal 
 commenced the work, by dredging a canal though the lake, 
 and on the 3rd Nover^ber of the same year the ship City of 
 Manchester passed down, drawing 14 feet of water, when the 
 depth on the flats was 12 feet, the dredged channel being 75 feet 
 wide. In 1853 the depth was increased to 16 feet 2 inches, and 
 the breadth to 150 feet. Each year has been marked by similar 
 improvements, and now vessels drawing 20 feet of water can 
 pass in safety. This important work has cost over one mil- 
 lion and a quarter of dollars, of which the Provincial Govern- 
 ment has paid $900,000, the remainder coming out of the 
 harbor revenues. The quantity of silt taken up and depo- 
 sited on the flats at over a mile from the dredged channel 
 was about 4,500,000 cubic yards. 
 
 Bouchette writes (in 1830): " The harbor of Montreal is 
 not very large, but always secure for shipping during the 
 time the navigation of the river is open. Vessels drawing 
 15 feet of water can lie close to the shore near the ma/ket 
 gate* to receive or discharge their cargoes. The 
 
 general 
 
 Opposite Custom -hODee-eqiiaxe. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 205 
 
 depth of water is from three to four and a-half fathoms, with 
 very good anchorage every where between the market gate 
 Island* and the shore. In the spring this island is nearly 
 submerged by the rising of the river ; but still it is always 
 useful in protecting ships anchored within it from the violent 
 currents of that period, and at other times serves as a con- 
 venient spot for repairing boats, water-casks, and performing 
 other indispensable works. Two small shoals lying oflF the 
 west end of it, at the entrance of the harbor, and the narrow- 
 ness of the deep water channel below it, generally make it 
 necessary to warp out large ships, and drop them down the 
 stream by kedge-anchors until they come abreast of the new 
 market-place f as the leading winds for bringing them out 
 cannot always be depended upon. At the east end of the 
 Island is a channel, of which small craft canal ways avail 
 themselves," ■ 
 
 At this time material improvemeuts were being contemplated, 
 and liberal legislative provision was made for that purpose. The 
 new wharves were commenced, since which date such exten- 
 sive additions have been made that the present wharfage 
 accommodation is 15,410 lineal feet, or nearly three miles. 
 An extent of 6,500 feet is in water from six to eight feet 
 deep, and is reserved for river craft ; the available wharfage 
 for sea-gomg vessels is 8,910 feet in extent, and affords berth- 
 room for 60 ships. When the wharf at Wind-mill Point is 
 completed, the accommodation for ocean vessels will be much 
 increased. 
 
 The number of vessels which arrived during 1868 was 478, 
 with an aggregate tonnage of 198,759 tons. The number of 
 sea-going vessels entered inward and outward was as fol- 
 Avs : — 
 
 * Where Island wharf now is. 
 t Jacques Cartier-square. 
 
206 
 
 VILLE MARIE 
 
 I'i.; 
 
 M 
 
 
 Inward. 
 
 Outward. 
 
 Vessels with cargoes , . ... 
 " in ballast 
 
 384 
 19 
 
 180,689 
 5,415 
 
 340 
 
 67 
 
 163,543 
 23,229 
 
 Total 
 
 403 
 
 186,104 
 
 407 
 
 186,772 
 
 British Vessels. 
 
 10 
 
 180,894 
 5,210 
 
 391 
 
 16 
 
 181,562 
 5,210 
 
 Foreign " 
 
 
 Total 
 
 403 
 
 186.104 
 
 407 
 
 186,772 
 
 
 The number of river craft in port during the year was 
 5,822, with an aggregate of 746,926 tons. The greatest 
 number in port at one time was 297, and that on the 22nd 
 June. The quantity of lumber landed during the season was 
 24,028,777 feet. 
 
 The progress of the export and import trade of Montreal, 
 since it was constituted a Port of Entry, is shown in the fol- 
 lowing table : — 
 
 r'l! 
 
 ' — 
 
 Ska-Ooino 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 Sea-uoino 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Value op 
 
 Value of 
 
 I 
 
 
 Value of 
 
 Value op 
 
 i 
 
 Vesskla. 
 
 
 
 N 
 
 Vessels. 
 
 
 
 
 
 ExPOKTB, 
 
 Imports. 
 
 1851 
 
 
 EXPOUTS. 
 
 Imports. 
 
 
 6 
 
 "A 
 
 133 
 
 Tonnage 
 
 d 
 'A 
 
 231 
 
 Tonnage 
 
 
 1883 
 
 30,769 
 
 1,691.360 
 
 S5 
 3,475,648 
 
 56,660 
 
 2,319,228 
 
 9.178,84 
 
 1834 89 
 
 20,269 
 
 800,076 
 
 2,234,544 
 
 1852 
 
 184 
 
 46,439 
 
 2,727,464 
 
 9,245.884 
 
 1836 I'lH 
 
 22,873 
 
 1,080,808 
 
 3,7a3,8lU 
 
 18u3 
 
 245' 59,500 
 
 2,983,044 
 
 14,014,788 . 
 
 183« 98 
 
 22,289 
 
 1,209,192 
 
 4,846,668 
 
 1854 
 
 253; 70,740 
 
 1,833,640 
 
 16.221,004 
 
 1837 91 
 
 22,668 
 
 989,916 
 
 3,375,704 
 
 IHbb 
 
 19y 
 
 48,139 
 
 1,91(1.844 
 
 12,372,580 
 
 1838 '» 
 
 14,441 
 
 872,079 
 
 2,601,168 1 
 
 1850 
 
 232 
 
 69,962 
 
 3,815,504 
 
 10,144,694 
 
 1839 110 
 
 24,.311 
 
 906,936 
 
 5,764,384 ! 
 
 185/ 
 
 209 
 
 65,712 
 
 2,917 340 
 
 l(i,84S,540 
 
 :'S40 137 
 
 31,2(i6 
 
 1,677,124 
 
 5,036.676 ' 
 
 1858 
 
 191 
 
 70,183 
 
 3,042,940 
 
 11.584,072 
 
 1841 iiti« 
 
 50,-277 
 
 2,737,772 
 
 5,603.248 
 
 1859 193 
 
 85,319 
 
 3,044,702 
 
 15,090,340 
 
 1842 172 
 
 43,15t5 
 
 1,714,644 
 
 8,075,840 
 
 18t;0 269 
 
 121,599 
 
 6,(120,715 
 
 15,479.453 
 
 1843 101 
 
 35,082 
 
 1,512,192 
 
 4,745,640 
 
 1861.574 
 
 261,793 
 
 10,415.738 
 
 10,814.161 
 
 1844 
 
 207 
 
 4!1,«36 
 
 2,992.076 
 
 9,902,124 
 
 1862 671 
 
 265,243 
 
 8,765,594 
 
 20„o29.893 
 
 1845 
 
 211) 
 
 51,^48 
 
 2,777,096 
 
 111,459,044 
 
 1863 
 
 604 
 
 209,224 
 
 7,667,799 
 
 18,841,886 
 
 184(i 
 
 219 
 
 60,r)(iti 
 
 2,617,220 
 
 9,215 Oi2 
 
 I86t 
 
 3V8 
 
 161,9)0 
 
 5,654,180 
 
 25.<)51,738 
 
 1847 
 
 234 
 
 63,381 
 
 3,363,668 
 
 8,253,080 
 
 1865 
 
 368 
 
 162,943 
 
 5,361,184 
 
 19,843,448 
 
 1848 
 
 ltj2 
 
 41,811 
 
 1,642.316 
 
 6,829,736 
 
 1866 
 
 516 
 
 205,776 
 
 7,28(i,S78 
 
 28.793.331 
 
 1849 
 
 144 
 
 37,425 
 
 1,936,692 
 
 6,749,036 
 
 180V ' 
 
 464 
 
 199,053 
 
 7,792,776 
 
 28,378,117 
 
 185<) 
 
 >211 
 
 46,166 
 
 1,744,772 
 
 7,174,780 
 
 1868' 
 
 478 
 
 198,759 
 
 7,483,954 
 
 22.019,197 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 1869 1 
 
 
 
 24.097,64.S 
 
 '■ ' ■:rlJmiSI^ 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 MANUFACTURES. 
 
 207 
 
 Montreal possesses advantages for manufacturing in an 
 eminent degree. There is within the city and its immediate 
 vicinity unlimited water power. Besides that furnished by the 
 Lachine Canal, the Lachine Rapids offer numerous mill sites 
 of which no use has as yet been made. In fact no city in the 
 world, probably, is more favorably situated for manufactur- 
 ing purposes than Montreal. Located on the river St. I^aw- 
 rence, near the foot of the Lachine Rapids, the whole volume 
 of water has a fall of nearly 40 feet within the space of a mile, 
 or about 43 feet within two miles, — which, it has been calcu- 
 lated, might be made available to the extent of four-and-a- 
 half millions of horses' power. 
 
 The Power at Present Employed. 
 
 The Lachine Canal. — The present enlarged canal was 
 opened for traffic in 1846. It extends from Lachine to the 
 city, a distance of eight-and-a-half miles, overcoming in its 
 course a fall of 42 feet, — there being two lift-locks, of 13 feet 
 each, at the lower end ; a third lock, a mile distant, at St. 
 Gabriel ; and a fourth, about two miles further off, at C8te 
 St. Paul, — each of these with a Hft of 8 feet. The width of 
 the canal at bottom is 80 feet ; slope of sides, 2 to 1 ; depth, 
 10 feet ; cross-sectional area, 1,000 square feet. 
 
 The water-power at these locks is calculated to be equal to 
 8,143 h. p., of which 5,124 h. p. is at present in use, afford- 
 ing employment to nearly 10,000 persons, and indirectly to 
 several thousands more. 
 
 Power at Basin No. 2. — Soon after the opening, several 
 of the Montreal merchants pointed out the propriety of apply- 
 ing the power the canal was capable of furnishing to manufac- 
 turing purposes ; and, accordingly, 19 hydraulic lots were laid 
 off on the south side of Basin No. 2, in close proximity to the 
 hai'bor, with an aggregate power equal to Qb run of stones, — 
 
208 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 »ll I 
 
 !:i 
 
 of which, 60 are in operation. The power here referred to 
 moves the machinery of the following establishments : — Three 
 flouring-mills, capable of grinding 1,250 barrels of flour per 
 day ; four elevators, with storage capacity for 540,000 bush- 
 els of grain and 34,000 barrels of flour ; besides a grain-dry- 
 ing establishment and elevator, with storage capacity for 
 60,000 bushels of grain. There are also, — one dry dock, 
 two graving-docks, three nail and spike factories, two rolling- 
 mills, one saw-mill, one oil, drug, and plaster mill, and one 
 machine-shop. When under full head-way, they are said to 
 consume 2,063 cubic feet of water per second ; representing 
 a power of about 3,563 horses, or 59 J h. p. for each run of 
 stones. The difference in level between the surface of the 
 water in Basin No. 2 and summer-level in the harbor is about 
 26 feet ; but this is not all practically available, owing to high 
 water in the river during the greater part of the year, and 
 partly to the fact, that some of the water-wheels are not 
 placed so as to command the entire power. The lowest 
 working-level would perhaps be 20 feet. With this uniform 
 fall and the same amount of water (2,053 cubic feet per 
 second), it is believed the motor would be increased to 4,653 
 horses, or a gain of 1,090 h. p., representing about 18 run 
 of stones additional, — this, too, without increasing the current 
 in the canal. - 
 
 Power at St. Gabriel iocA.- -The water-power at St. 
 Gabriel Lock was originally leased by the Government to a 
 Company, who constructed the requisite head and tail races, 
 sub-letting to various parties ; and there are at that point 21 
 manufacturing establishments, giving employment to mechan- 
 ics and others, whose dwellings constitute one of the most 
 flourishing suburbs of Montreal. The works referred to are 
 as follows : — Two flouring-mills and stores, capable of grind- 
 ing 310 barrels of flour per day, with storage capacity for 
 114,000 bushels of grain and 5,500 barrels of flour ; three 
 saw-mills, one dry dock, two foundries and finishing shops, 
 
 .ymnn^fgxK^nwmiimctnmme'v 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 209 
 
 one cotton factory, one machine shop, bolt and nut factory ; 
 one nail-factory, one rubber-factory, one woollen-factory, one 
 agricultural-implement and two furniture factories, one saw- 
 factory, one axe-factory, one cordage-factory and plaster-mill, 
 one tannery and glove-factory, and two door and sash factor- 
 ies. The power required for these operations is 1,061 h. p., 
 equal to about 88 run of stones, employing 1,248 cubic feet 
 of water per second. If all the surplus water passing through 
 the canal (that is 2,053 cubic tcet per second, before referred 
 to as used for the works at Basin No. 2) were brought into 
 operation at the St. Gabriel Lock, there would be an availa- 
 ble force equal to 1,745 h. p., or about 145 run of stones, 
 without augmenting the current in the canal. 
 
 Poiver at Cote St. Paul Lock. — Twenty hydrauhc lots 
 have been laid off at Cote St. Paul Lock, — the available 
 power being about equal to that at St. Gabriel ; only about 
 one-half of it, however, is in use. The works at this point 
 are : — Two flouring-mills, capable of grinding 460 barrels of 
 flour per day, with stores and elevators having storage capa- 
 city for 105,000 bushels of grain and 6,000 barrels of flour ; 
 one axe-factory, one shovel factory, one scythe-factory, one 
 nail-factory, an auger-factory, a door-factory, a sleigh-bell 
 factory, one large saw-mill, and one cooperage with saw-mill 
 attached. 
 
 Summary. — It appears from the foregoing statements that 
 the water-power in actual use is: — 
 
 In the City (Basin No. 2; 3,563 b. p. 
 
 At St. Gabriel 1,0(31 h. p, 
 
 At (Jote St. Paul about 500 h. p. 
 
 Total 5,124 
 
 But if the entire power on the Canal could be made ayail 
 able at the different points, the result would be : — 
 
 In the City (Badiii No. 2) 4,653 h. p. 
 
 At St. G.ibriel 1,745 li. p, 
 
 Cote St. Paul 1,745 b. p. 
 
 Total 8,143 h. p. 
 
 P 
 
210 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 11 
 
 Extensive as is the power on the Lachine Canal it appeare 
 but small when contrasted with the immense power, the utiliz- 
 ing of which is a leading feature in the projected " Montreal 
 Hydraulic and Dock Company." 
 
 There are two distinct features in the project of the pro- 
 posed Company: — 
 
 1st. Point St. Charles Dock Scheme. — Tho proposed 
 canal is to be 300 feet Avido on bottom, and 14 feet 
 deep. The water is calculated to move with a velocity of 
 about two miles an hour, — passing, near the present wheel- 
 house, a lock of 12 feet lift, and emptjnng into the contem- 
 plated system of docks, warehouses, and flouring-mills in the 
 harbor, 22 feet average above the summer level of the river; 
 the power thus furnished, including that at both points, 
 amounting to 50,018 h. p. This force would yield an aver- 
 age of 229 h. p. for each of 221 manufacturing establish- 
 ments, — suggesting a great extension of industrial enterprise, 
 and involving a large addition to the city. In referring to 
 this project in the Report of 1865, it was stated that calcula- 
 tions, endorsed by British engineers, had been made, from 
 which it appeared that the quantity of coal necessary to gen- 
 erate steam enough to work up to the capacity of the pro- 
 posed hydraulic docks, would be 8,287 tons per day, or 
 1,199,755 tons per annum ; and that this prodigious con- 
 sumption would require the employment of 2,000 ships, each 
 of 1,000 tons burthen, during each season of navigation. 
 
 2nd. A dam or canal. — Tho proposal is to dam the 
 unnavigable channel of the Lachine Rapids, and to apply a 
 portion of the vast power (calculated at 4,500,000 horse 
 power) rushing idly past Montreal, to all kinds of purposes 
 for which motive power is needed.' Should this scheme be 
 successfully carried out, great good must flow therefrom not 
 only to Montreal, but to the Dominion. 
 
 The principal works carried on within the city limits consist 
 of foundries, engine and boiler shops, ship yards, and marine 
 
 
 HMJ 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 211 
 
 works, saw mills, flour mills, woollen, india rubber, tobacco, 
 and rope factories, boot and shoo manufactories, sugar refi- 
 neries, glass works, and paint and drug mills. These works 
 furnish employment to over 20,000 men, independent of 
 the commercial men engaged in furnishing material from 
 abroad. 
 
 One particular branch of industry worthy of note is the 
 manufacture of boots and shoes, the extent of which will be 
 appreciated when it is stated that in Montreal (in 1808), 
 there were 20 factories, (five of them small establishments) 
 employing about 5,000 persons in the various departments, 
 — and it is estimated that the proportion of the population 
 dependent upon this branch of enterprise amounts to 15,000. 
 The improvements in machinery, introduced into the princi- 
 pal factories, now enable the larger firms to produce nearly 
 200 different kinds of boots and shoes. The maciiiuery in 
 use includes 250 sewing machines, 80 pegging machines, 30 
 closing machines, 15 sole sewing machines, 20 sole cutters, — 
 besides machinery for other portions of the work. 
 
 It is estimated that Montreal furnishes three-fourths of the 
 whole quantity produced in the Provinces of Ontario and 
 Quebec. Some of the largest establishments make 1000 
 to 1500 pairs per day, the a;igrcgate being 10,000 pairs ; 
 . the average actual production is 8000 pairs or about 2,400,- 
 000 pairs'made in the city each year. 
 
 The quantity of flour manufactured in the city during the 
 six years ending 18G8 were : 
 
 1863. 
 18G4. 
 
 ,294,141 Brls. 
 
 .335,827 " 
 
 1865.. 425,133 Bris. 
 1866. .260,151 " 
 
 1867.. 285,357 Brig. 
 1868.. 372,857 " 
 
 To pi'ovide for the reception and storage of the immense 
 quantities of grain and flour, annually received or manufac- 
 tured in the city, a largo number of extensive warehouses 
 have been erected, and it is calculated that at present there 
 exists in Montreal storage capacity for about one and a quar- 
 ter million bushels of grain and 500,000 barrels of flour. 
 
212 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR 
 
 (>' 
 
 An extensive business is done at the sugar refineries of 
 Messrs.Rcdpath and Molson. The former of these was the first 
 opened in Canada, and was set in operation in 1855. Its 
 large pile and tall chimney are visible a long way off from 
 the city. The principal building is of stone and brick, seven 
 storeys high, the whole of the floors comprising an area of 
 about 12,000 square yards. Besides this there arc brick 
 warehouses attached, affording storage for over 10,000 bar- 
 rels of sugar. 
 
 It cannot be expected that such a work as the present 
 will include even a passing notice of all the branches of man- 
 ufacturing industry carried on in Montreal ; the most cursory 
 notice of this would swell the work to several portly vol- 
 umes. Few instances of more rapid development of these 
 interests can be found, and Montreal may now fairly lay 
 claim to the character of a manufacturing as well as a com- 
 mercial city. 
 
 :1 . 
 
MONTKliAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 218 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Kapld progress of Ocean Steam Communication; First Regular lino of Steamers; 
 Allan Line; StatlsticH; ICaihvay^; C'liainplaiii and St. Lawrence Kallwuy; 
 Montreal and New York Railroad; GrandTnink I{ailway; Victoria IJrldgo; 
 First Idea of bridninp the River; I'laus prepared; Survey by Mr. Ivci'fcr; Sita 
 of Hridgedetinitely settled; Description of tlie Brid^jo; Inscription at eutrunoo; 
 Cost; Completion; Lachine Canal, 
 
 MUCH of the great increase of trade is attributable to 
 the facilities offered in the rapid progress of steam 
 communication with Europe. The first company to com- 
 mence running a regular line of steamers from Great Bri- 
 tain to Montreal was chartered on the 23rd May, 1853, 
 under the name of " The Canadian Steam Navigation Com- 
 pany," Messrs. Thomas Ryan, Luther H. Holton and J. B. 
 Greeushields of Montreal, being the Canadian partners. They 
 were authorized to raise .£250,000 stg. (with power to 
 increase) for the purchase and maintenance of steamships or 
 other vessels for the transport of passengers and merchan- 
 dize from the ports of Montreal or Quebec, and any other port 
 or place in Great Britain. The Canadian Government 
 granted them a subsidy of X 19,000 stg., per annum, for carry- 
 ing a fortnightly mail between Montreal and Liverpool, and 
 the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railway supplemented the 
 amount by .£4,000 stg., and the City of Portland by X 1,000, 
 on consideration of the steamers running to Portland during 
 the winter months. Although the regular trips were to com- 
 mence in 1854, the " Geneva," of 350 tons, was despatched 
 from Liverpool and arrived at Montreal on the 10th May, 
 
If 
 
 I'i 
 
 i 
 
 'U - 
 
 I v ;: 
 
 r 
 
 tt 
 
 I 
 
 I! 
 
 214 
 
 VILLE MARIE i OB, 
 
 1863. She was succeeded by the " Lady Eglinton " (335 
 tons), which made two trips. In the same year the " Sarah 
 Stiiids,'' formerly running from Liverpool to New York, was 
 sent from the former city to Montreal, consigned to Messrs. 
 Gillespie, Moifatt & Co., arriving in October. Li 1854, 
 the Company put the steamers " Charity," " Sarah Sands," 
 " Ottawa," and" Cleopatra " on the route. 
 
 In 1855, the British Government, boing very much in need 
 of vessels for the transport of troops and ammunitions of war 
 to the Crimea, thcso steamers were, "with the consent of the 
 Canadian Government (which consent was obtained by Mr. 
 Bellhouse, the agent of the line at Montreal), chartered for 
 that purpose, and no steamer came to the pore. The Com- 
 pany were, moreover, not satisfied with their experiment, nor 
 the Government with the manner in which the mail service 
 was conducted ; some of the steamers having had, in 1854, to 
 run into Halifax, and one into Portland. Indeed, their ves- 
 sels were not, either as regards size or speed, suitable for the 
 navigation of the St. Lawrence. The Company did indeed 
 build new and more powerful boats to be put on the route, but 
 considering ^19,000 stg. not a sufficient subsidy, demanded 
 an increase, which the Government declined to give. Mr. 
 Bellhouse strongly advised the Company to run the new ves- 
 sels for at least one year at the old rate, but a gentleman who 
 was sent out from England to co-operate with him was of a 
 different opinion, and without consulting the shareholders 
 signed away the charter, and thus terminated the existence 
 of the Canadian Steam Navigation Company. 
 
 Thereupon the well-known firm of Messrs. Edmonstone, 
 Allan & Co., (now Messrs. H. & A. Allan, of Montreal, 
 Messrs. Allan, Rae & Co., of Quebec, with branch firms in 
 Liverpool, Glasgow, and London,) tendered for and obtained 
 the Government contract for carrying the mails, at first fort- 
 nightly, and afterwards wecl.ly. Their steamers commenced 
 their regular trips in 1856, the following vessels being placed 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 215 
 
 Dntlie route : the " North-American," " Canadian," "Indian, 
 and *•' Anglo-Saxon." The first vessel, the " North-Araeri- 
 'Cau " arrived in Montreal on the 9th May, and they made 
 thirteen voyages during the season to Montreal and to Que. 
 bee. Besides these, two small steamers arrived in Montreal 
 from London, consigned to Messrs. Buchanan, Harris & Co., 
 the " Chester," of 441 tons, and the " Black Prince," 404 
 tons. 
 
 In 1857, the " Canadian " Avas lost on her first voyage. 
 This was the first of a sad series of losses which took place 
 during the seven succeeding years, and involved the des- 
 truction of nine splendid vessels, and such a lamentable loss of 
 life that for a considerable time public confidence was shaken 
 in the line, and it has only been restored by the success of 
 later years. The vessels lost were the " Canadian " (No. 1), 
 " Canadian " (No. 2), " Indian," " North Briton," " Hun- 
 garian," " Anglo-Saxon," " Bohemian," " Norwegiau " and 
 the " Java." 
 
 During the past few years several splendid steamers have 
 been added to the hne. There have also been two or three 
 other companies organized, some of which have since 
 retired. 
 
 In 1869, the Mail Line consisted of the " Nestorian," 
 " Damascus," " Peruvian," " Prussian," " Nova Scotian," 
 ^' Austrian," " Moravian," " North American," " Hiber- 
 nian," and as intermediates, " Germany," " Millbank," and 
 " European." The Allans' Cllasgow Line comprises the 
 " Ottawa," " St. David," " St. Andrew,' " St. Patrick," 
 and " Damascus." The " Dacia," 1,162 tons, the first 
 vessel of a new line called the " London New Line," 
 D. Shaw, Montreal, agent, arrived May 11th; she was hoc- 
 ceeded by the " Cleopatra," 786 tons, and the ^' Mcdway," 
 1,189 tons. From Halifax and Pictou the " Flamborough," 
 " Merritt," and " Her Majesty," made several trips, also 
 the " M. Stevenson," from the Moisie River. The tonnage 
 (Considerably eexceded that of 1868. 
 
 
5f :' Ji 
 
 ''■;! :i 
 
 I 
 
 216 
 
 viLLB marie; or^ 
 
 A summary of the preceding statements gives the 
 
 following ; 
 
 Yhars. 
 
 I m 
 
 1853. 
 1854- 
 1855. 
 1856. 
 1857. 
 1858. 
 1859. 
 1860. 
 1861. 
 1862. 
 1863. 
 1864. 
 18G5. 
 1866. 
 1867. 
 lb''8. 
 18C.1. 
 
 Different 
 
 Steamers. 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 12 
 
 13 
 
 15 
 
 15 
 
 14 
 
 16 
 
 21 
 
 25 
 
 23 
 
 24 
 
 Trips. 
 
 4 
 5 
 
 15 
 6 
 16 
 35 
 36 
 38 
 51 
 46 
 43 
 60 
 59 
 82 
 93 
 
 Tonnage 
 
 1,95] 
 4,052 
 
 15,701 
 5,275 
 19,064 
 43,886 
 44,298 
 51,033 
 61,177 
 54,356 
 55,480 
 75,463 
 69,595 
 77,622 
 96,88'; 
 
 FibstAhrjvaj. 
 IN Port. 
 
 May 10th. 
 June 2nd. 
 
 May 9th. 
 
 Mty 5th. 
 May 3rd. 
 May 2nd. 
 
 May Isi. 
 Mny 9th. 
 .May 6th. 
 May 3rd. 
 May 3rd. 
 May 4th. 
 .May 4ih. 
 April 30th. 
 
 i 
 
 We have thus far noticed the facilities possessed by Mon- 
 treal as regards river and ocean communication, Icy win- 
 ter, however, locks up these for some months, and, during this 
 season of the year, speedy communication with the various 
 sections of tlie Province, and an outlet to the ocean, was felt 
 to be an imperative necessity, and Canadian and British capi- 
 tal have supplied this important desideratum. 
 
 The first railway built in Canada, known as the Champlain 
 and St. Lawrence Railroad, for which the charter was 
 granted in 1831, was constructed from Laprairie to St. 
 Johns. The road was commenced in 1835, and was open for 
 trafific in the following year. The charter, authorizing an 
 extension from St. John's to Rouse's Point and a branch to St. 
 Lambert, was granted in 1851, and it was opened for traffic 
 throughout in 1852. Its total length was 49 miles, and the 
 cost of the road, stations, and equipment amounted to 
 
i;liij 
 
 
 m 
 
 f' ■' 
 
 111 
 
 
 Q 
 
 a 
 m 
 
 < 
 
 
 
 I- 
 
 
 
 > 
 
 lli 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 217 
 
 •11,524,780. The next road claiming notice is the Montreal 
 and New York Railroad, which comprises — The Lachine 
 division, extending from Montreal to Lachine, a distance of 
 8 miles. It was commenced in 1846 and opened for traffic 
 in 1847. From Lachine a steam ferry conveys passengers 
 to Caughnawaga, running directly across the St. Lawrence. 
 This is the only steam ferry in the Province of Quebec wliich 
 is open every day in the year. The crossing is made ;ii a 
 powerful steamer which has been built with a track on its 
 deck for the purpose of connecting the two divisions of the road. 
 The Caughnawaga division extends to the Province line, a 
 distance of about S^ miles. It was commenced in 1851, and 
 opened the following year. The total length of the road, 
 including the ferry, is 39 miles, and its cost was -f 952, 916.55. 
 At the Province line connection is made with the other lines 
 of railway leading to all parts of the United States. This 
 road is now leased to the Grand Trunk Railway. 
 
 In the fall of 1852 the Grand Trunk Railway scheme was 
 fairly launched mto existence, and embraced in its ramifical^'ons 
 the construction of a continuous line of railway from Trois 
 Pistoles, about 150 miles below Quebec, to Point Sarnia on 
 Lake Huron, a distance of upwards of 800 miles, and the 
 lease or purchase of the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad, 
 between Montreal and Portland. The fulfillment of all tliese 
 schemes now furnishes railway communication of about 1400 
 miles. 
 
 The imports at Montreal in 1868, via this railroad, 
 
 amounted in the aggregate to 158,843 tons, and the exports 
 
 were 129,132 tons. The head offices (in Canada) are located 
 
 in Montreal. 
 
 VICTORIA BRIDGE. 
 
 The year 1859 closed with the addition of an eighth won- 
 der to the world's museum, in the completion of the Victoria 
 Bridge. This important connecting link of the Canadian 
 Railway system was completed, and the far West put in im- 
 
li 
 
 218 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 i" 
 
 - :i 
 
 ■ 
 
 i 
 
 mediate connection with the Eastern seaboard. The difficul- 
 ties of nature in their most formidable typo were surmounted ; 
 the hopes of its projectors were realized, and the doubts 
 and fear of its friends dispelled. 
 
 When the Honorable John Young (whose name is inti- 
 mately associated with many schemes of usefulness) first con- 
 ceived the idea of bridging the St. Lawrence his project was 
 received with ridicule, and the scheme was set down by the 
 public as perfectly impossible. Bat, fortunately, that gen- 
 tleman was not -sasily daunted, and, finally, by his powerful 
 arguments in the newspapers, on '-Change, before the Railway 
 board, and public assemblies, he brought many to see the sub- 
 ject in its proper light. Orders Avere issued to Mr. Martin, 
 the chief engineer of the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railway, 
 to make the necessary surveys, plans and estimates of a suit- 
 able bridge for railway purposes. The plans proposed by 
 this gentleman was to cross Nuns' Island about a quarter of a 
 mile above the foot, and thence diagonally over the river to 
 the south shore, making an entire length over both channels 
 of about 11,540 feet. Several other plans were presented, 
 but were not thought appropriate. In 1851 the Grand 
 Trunk Railway Company was formed with a capital of 
 $60,000,000, and the firm of Jackson, Peto, Brassy & 
 Betts contracted to build the road. They immediately sent 
 to Canada, as chief engineer, Mr. A. M. Ross, who was des- 
 tined to be intimately connected with the work which consti- 
 tutes our city's boast. Previous to the formation of the 
 Orand Trunk Company a charter had been granted to 
 Messrs. Young, Gait, Holton and others with a view of con- 
 structing a road to Kingston, but this charter was surrendered 
 to the Grand Trunk, on condition that the construction of 
 a bridge across the St. Lawrence should be proceeded with. 
 On behalf of the old Company Mr. T. C.Keeferhad surveyed 
 and chosen a site for such a bridge. 
 
 In February, 1852, a most extensive and minute survey 
 
 ■rirflBMW?-!?* 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 219 
 
 was again made to ascertain whether any improvements could 
 be made. From this survey the present site was chosen, differ- 
 ing from the previous one in being at right angles with the 
 axis of the river, and about a half a mile higher up, or starting 
 from Point St. Charles a quarter of a mile above and resting 
 on the opposite shore three-quarters of a mile from the point 
 reached by the original line, and shortening the di^iKice 
 materially. This plan was approved of by Mr. Roas, and the 
 site of the bridge was definitely settled. , 
 
 The following is a brief description of the work as it now 
 stands. The bridge consists of 23 spans, 242 feet each, and 
 one in the centre, 330 feet, with an abutment, 290 feet long, 
 on each bank of the river. The piers which support the 
 bridge are 33 feet by 16 at the top, and increase to 92 by 
 22i at the foundation. The upper side of the piers are 
 formed like a wedge to act as ice breakers, and these are 
 dressed smooth, while the remaining sides of the pier are 
 left in their rough state. The two centre piers are 33 feet 
 by 24 at the top, and increase proportionately in dimonsions 
 as they approach the foundations. The courses of masonry 
 comprising the piers run from 8 feet 10 inches to 1 foot 6 
 inches, the individual stones of which range from 6 to 17 tons. 
 Those in the breakwater are fastened together by strong iron 
 cramps, 12 inches by 5^ inches thick, through which bolts, 
 1^ inches in diameter, and provided with a slit in the base for 
 the introduction of an iron wedge, are passed six inches into 
 the course below where the bolt reaches the bottom of the 
 hole prepared for it in the lower course, the wedge is forced 
 up into the slip, thus dividing the iron, and forcing it against 
 the sides of the cavity made for it, from whence it is impos- 
 sible ever to be withdrawn. The whole mass of the cut-water 
 is thus converted into one huge block. 
 
 An important feature in the character of the bridge is the 
 abutment at each end, and which give so massive an appear- 
 ance to the whole structure. They are 290 feet long by 92 
 
m 
 
 ' 
 
 220 
 
 VILLB MARIE: OR, 
 
 feet in width at the rock foundation, and carried up to a 
 height of 36 feet above summer water level. The tubes of 
 the bridge have a bearing of 8 feet on these abutments. At 
 the level of the tubes the dimensions are reduced to 242 feet 
 1 by 34 feet ; a parapet is then carried up on all sides to a height 
 (if 29 feet 3 inches, terminating in a heavy projecting cornice, 
 Mfiiii flat lintels, 16 feet in width, over the entrance, and, 
 being in the Egyptian style of architecture, the effect pro- 
 duced is grand^and impressive, conveying the idea of enor- 
 mous solidity and strength. 
 
 On the entrance lintel of those parapets, above the road- 
 way, the following inscription, in large letters, is cut into the 
 stone : — 
 
 ERECTED, A. D. MDCCCLIX. 
 
 ROBERT STEPHENSON and ALEX. M. ROSS, 
 
 ' ENGINEERS. ' • ' 
 
 The lintel over the tube entrance bears the following : 
 
 Built 
 
 BY 
 
 JAMES HODGES, 
 
 FOR 
 
 SIR SAMUEL MORTON PETO, BART., 
 
 Thomas Brassey and Edward Ladd Betts, 
 contractors. 
 
 The embankments as completed are 28 feet in width at 
 rail level. 
 
 The superstructure, designed by Mr. Robert Stephenson, 
 consists of 25 tubes of uniform width of 16 feet throughout, 
 for the accommodation of a single line of railway, but differ- 
 ing in height as they approach the centre. Thus the depth 
 of the tubes over tlie first two spans is 18 feet 6 inches, the 
 next two 19 feet, and so on, every coupled pair gaining an 
 additional 6 inches, to the centre one, which is 22 feet in 
 depth. 
 
 wmr. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 221 
 
 The tubes are composed entirely of wrought iron, in the 
 form of boiler plate, ranging from f^- to j^ of an inch in thick- 
 ness, with the joints and angles stiffened and strengthened by 
 the addition of tee and angle irons. 
 
 Windows are introduced into the sides of the tubes, and 
 serve to light up the inside. The tubes are covered wfth a 
 sloping angular roof composed of grooved and tongued boards, 
 covered with the best quality of tin. A footwalk, 2(3 inches 
 in width, extends along the top of the roof the whole length of 
 the tubes, for the convenience of the employees connected 
 with the work. 
 
 The estimated cost of the work was $7,000,000. This 
 was afterwards reduced to !^6, 500,000 including a bonus of 
 '$300,000 given the contractors for completing it one year in 
 advance of tlie time specified. 
 
 The following particulars of the bridge and the material 
 used in its construction cannot but prove interesting. 
 
 First stone of Pier No. 1 laid 20th July, 1854, 
 
 First passenger train passed 17th December, 1859. 
 
 Formally completed and opened by His Royal Highness 
 the Prince of Wales in J. 860. 
 
 Total length of Bridge, 9184 feet lineal. 
 
 No. of spans, 25 ; 24 of 212 feet ; one of 330 feet. 
 
 Height from the surface of the water to under side of centre 
 tube, 60 feet. , 
 
 Height from bed of river to top of centre tube, 108 feet. 
 
 Greatest depth of water, 22 teet. 
 
 General rapidity of current, seven miles an hour. 
 
 Cubic feet of masonry, 3,000,000. 
 
 Cubic feet of timber in temporary work, 2,250,000. 
 
 Cubic yards of clay used in puddling coffer dams, 146,000. 
 
 Tons of iron in tubes, 8,250. 
 
 Number of rivets, 2,500,000. 
 
 Acres of painting on tubes, one coat 30, or for the four 
 coats, 120 acres. 
 

 ii !!t 
 
 ifil s 
 
 222 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 Force employed upon the works in 1858, 3040 men, 6 
 steamboats and 72 barges. 
 
 When the bridge was completed the solidity of the work 
 was tested by placing a train of platform cars, 5-20 feet in 
 length, extending over two tubes, and loaded, almost to the 
 breaking limit of the cars, with large blocks of stone. To 
 move this enormous load three immense engines were 
 required ; yet beneath it all, when tlie train covered tlie first 
 tube the deflection in the centre amoimted to but I of an inch 
 proving conclusively that the work had been erected in a 
 most satisfactory and substantial manner. 
 
 LACIIINE CANAL. 
 
 Immediately above the city we encounter the first serious 
 rapids that bar the ascent of the river. They are known as 
 the St. Louis Rapids (Sault St. Louis), and the necessity of 
 surmounting them gave rise to the construction of the Lachine 
 Canal, which extends from the city of Montreal to the village 
 of Lachine. The following figures may not prove uninterest- 
 ing:— 
 
 Length of canal 8^ statute miles. 
 
 Number of locks o 
 
 Dimensions of locks . . 200 feet x 45 feet. 
 
 Total rise of lockage 443 feet. 
 
 -P- ,1 I. , -ii ) at2Locks. 16 " 
 
 Depth or water on sills, \ 
 
 ^ M at a " . 9 " 
 
 Breadth of canal at bottom 80 " 
 
 " " " " water surface . 120 " 
 
 The first step taken towards the accomplishment of this 
 work was in the year 1815, when the legislature passed a 
 bill granting its promoters a sum of money in aid of its con- 
 struction ; but nothing further was done till the year 1819, 
 when the above mentioned bill Avas repealed and another bill 
 was passed, incorporating a joint stock company, with a 
 capital of £150,000 (1600,000) in 3,000 shares. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 22$ 
 
 In tlie month of January, 1821, the corapany presented a 
 petition to the House, setting forth that tlicy liad scoured the 
 gervices of a civil engineer from England : that he iiad been 
 preparing surveys and plans for the canal from the time of 
 his arrival in the previous spring, and that not more than one- 
 half of the shares had been subscribed for. They prayed the 
 government to take stock in the undertaking. 
 
 This petition was referred to a committee, and the result 
 was the passage of a bill on the 2Gth of May, 1821, repealing 
 the Act under which tiie company had been organized, and 
 empowering the government to construct the Montreal and 
 Lachine Canal as a provincial Avoi'k. Commissioners were 
 therefore appointed to superintend and carry out tlio (iesign ; 
 and the plans and papers that had been pre{)ared by the first 
 company were transferred to the commission, together with 
 the services of Mr. Thomas Burnett, the engineer. On the 
 17th of July, 1821, ground was broken at Lachine. 
 
 The first projectors of the canal had intended to place the 
 terminus at the foot of the Current Ste. Mary, with a branch 
 running from the main line to a point in the river near the 
 present entrance ; but the prices asked for the land were, at 
 the time, considered so exorbitant that it was deemed 
 necessary to change the location. 
 
 The importance of continuing the canal to the loAver ter- 
 minus was, however, so apparent, that two years later, viz., 
 in 1828, an Act oi Parhament was obtained, directing that 
 measures should be taken to ascertain the value of the land 
 required. In obedience to this Act, the commission appointed 
 Messrs. Julius Quesnel and Thomas Philips to obtain the 
 required information. 
 
 These gentlemen rcpoi-tcd that the proposed extension 
 would pass through eighty-seven different properties ; that the 
 value of the land amounted to •ii'50,188, and the value of tho 
 houses to f 15,281 — making, in all, 165,472. They strongly 
 urged the purchase of the land, with a view to the future 
 
 'U 
 
224 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 IP 
 
 :ii. I 
 
 
 extension of tho canal, but this suggestion was not carried 
 out. 
 
 Tho canal, as then built, was 8 miles and 718 yards in 
 length, tho breadth at bottom 28 feet, at water surface 48 
 feet in earth and 3() in rock, with ') feet dopth of water. 
 There were 7 locks of cut stone, ICO feet long, 20 feet wide 
 in the clear, and of a depth f-iITicient for vessels drawing 4^ 
 feet of water. The canal was opened in August, 1824, from 
 Lachine to the outskirts of the city of Montreal, and in 1825 
 vessels were for the first time passed through. The total 
 expenditure on this work, from its commencement to the end 
 of 1820, was $438,404.15. The funds were furnished by 
 the government of Lower Canada, with the exception of 
 $40,000 contributed by the imperial government to secure 
 the free passage of Her Majesty's troops and stores. 
 
 On the 31st of December, 1839, Lieut.-Col. Philpotts, 
 acting under instructions from His Excellency the Earl of 
 Durham, reported on the canal navigation of the Canadas. 
 Between Montreal and Lachine, he proposed a new line of 
 canal, commencing at Leishman's Point, about half-a-mile 
 above the upper entrance of the present canal ; thence run- 
 ning in rear of the village of Lachine, crossing the road leading 
 to Montreal, a short distance froni the foot of the hill, and 
 touching the old canal at a point about four miles from 
 Lachine ; thence, running on the north side of the old canal, 
 on a line generally parallel with it until near Montreal, where 
 it fell into the old line. The estimated cost of this work was 
 il,57U,720. 
 
 In 1841, immediately after the union of the provinces, the 
 engineers of the Department of Public Works* made esti- 
 mates of all the works required on the canals, to accommodate 
 lake-going vessels, between Quebec and Lake Huron ; and, 
 after deliberating on the expediency of adopting a new loca- 
 
 •Tben called the Board of Works, 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 225 
 
 tion for tho Lachino Canal, they ultimately came to the 
 conclusion to retain the old one. 
 
 The enlargement was commenced in 1843, the dimensions 
 for which were 200 feet by 45 feet for tho locks, with 9 feet 
 water on the sills ; width of canal at bottom, 80 feet, and at 
 water surface, 120 feet ; length, as before, 8i miles ; number 
 of locks, five, and entire lockage, 44i feet. 
 
 It had often been suggested that the canals should be 
 deepened ; and in 1860 the chief engineer reported that the 
 cost of deepening the Lachine Canal to lOi feet of water on 
 the sills of the locks, and to 11 J feet in the levels between 
 them, would be $440,000. In the estimate was included 
 the cost of widening a rock-cutting of about J of a mile in 
 length, from 55 to 100 feet, near the upper end of the canal. 
 Tho widening of this part was executed in 1801 and 1802. 
 
 The following particulars cannot fail but prove interesting to 
 all readers, and will be found perfectly reliable, as they 
 are extracted from the General Report of the commission : — 
 The banks of the canal are formed of the material excavated 
 from the prism of the canal, and throughout their whole 
 extent are protected on the inside slopes with a dry rubble 
 wall. There are four basins, the walls of which are built of 
 dressed limestone laid in hydraulic mortar, and furnishing 
 over 10,000 lineal feet of docking, with wharf accommodation 
 exceeding 100,000 square feet. There are also extensive 
 basins, the banks of which are used as wharves for unloading 
 firewood and lumber. Connected with the canal are 5 
 extensive flour sheds, covering a superficial area of 77,538 
 feet. These sheds are built for the protection of flour and 
 other products, after being discharged from vessels navigating 
 the canal. 
 
 The total amount of money expended in the construction 
 of the canal, from the union of the provinces in 1840 to 1st 
 July, 1807, Avas 82,149,128. The average working expenses 
 of the same is about i$ll,000 annually, and a similar amount 
 
 Q 
 
 HI 
 
r^ ill 
 
 226 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OK, 
 
 is usually expended in repairs. The canal is crossed by 
 twenty-one wooden and one iron (railway) bridge. We 
 Lave already given some statistics* of the amount of business 
 done. In the year 1867 the amount of flour manufactured , 
 and grain elevated and stored at the mills and stores along 
 its banks was 261,801 barrels of flour manufactured, and 
 2,664,878 bushels of grain elevated and stored. 
 
 
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 * Sea Trade and Commerce, page 203, 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 227 
 
 CHAPTER in. 
 
 Municipal alTaira; Incorporation; First Corpuratinn; Charter nmcndod; Tresent 
 Corporation; Mayors ot the city since 183ii; I'olice; Firo Department; Water 
 Wcrlis : JIarkets. 
 
 CITY GOVERNMENT. 
 
 EROM the year 1796 up to the year 1833, the municipal 
 affairs of the city were administered by Justices of the 
 Peace, sitting in special sessions for that purpose. 
 
 In 1832 the city vras incorporated and was divided into 
 eight Avards, viz. : East, West, St. Ann's, St. Joseph, St. 
 Antoine, St. Lawrence, St. Louis and St. INIary ; each ward 
 electing two members. The first meeting of the Corpuratior> 
 was held on the fifth June, 1833, at which Jacques Vigor, 
 Esq., was elected Mayor, an office which he continued to hold 
 until the new Act of Incorporation in 1840. The first Corpo- 
 ration under the new Act was appointed by the Governor- 
 General, for a term of office to expire in December, 1842 ; 
 their successors being subject to election. As a matter of 
 interest we giv: ^ei. . ') with the names of the persons appointed : 
 
 Hon. Peter McGill — Mayor. 
 
 Jules Q'leirel, \ 
 Ada?; F- rie, 
 C. S. ivocier, 
 J. G. Mackenzie, 
 C.S.DeBleury, 
 J. M. Tobin, 
 Oliviev Bertlielot, 
 F. Brennan, 
 Hypolite Guy,* 
 
 John DouHgani, 
 Charles Tail,* 
 J. W . IJunscomb,* 
 Thomas Philip?, f 
 Colin Campbell, 
 Stanley Bagg, 
 Archibald Hume, 
 D. Handyjide,* 
 AVilliara Molson. 
 
 J. P. Sexton, city clerk, appointed Sept. ]2tb, 1840. 
 
 The persons opposite whose name is placed (f ) died before their term 
 of olbce expired and were replaced by Messrs. J. M. Desrivierea and Win. 
 Lunn. Those marked (*) resigned or declined to act, and Messrs 
 Joaeph Bouiret, John Redpath, J.imea Ferrier (now Hon.; aud John 
 Mathewson succeeded them in office. 
 
 i'.r 
 
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 4 
 
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 228 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
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 'The charter has at different times been remodelled, and 
 new provisions have been added to meet the requirements of 
 the growing city. The Corporation is now compooed of a 
 mayor, nine aldermen and eighteen councillors. The mayor 
 and councillors are elected by the people, and, to be qualified 
 for such election, must be possessed of real estate within the 
 city, af^'er deduction or payment of just debts, of the value of 
 $500 currency. They must also be natu^-al born or naturalized 
 citizens of Her Myjesty, and be of the full age of twenty-one 
 years. No minister or person in Holy Orders, judge or mem- 
 ber of the Executive Co mcil, nor any person in arrears to the 
 city revenue, or receiving any pecuniary allowance from its 
 funds, i? eligible for election. The mayor is elected annually, 
 and one councillor for each ward retires each year, but may 
 be re-elected. Aldermen are elected I)y the council from 
 among its members. The Corporation thus constituted has 
 power to appoint all officers necessary for the proper manage- 
 ment of civic affairs and the maintenance of peace within the 
 city limits. The Corporation is sub-divided into committees, 
 known as the Finance, Roads, Police, Fire, Water, Markets, 
 Light, City Hall, Licenses and Health Committees ; these 
 standing committees are appointed at the quarterly meeting 
 in March of each year, and consist of seven members each, 
 Their duties are to take charge of the several departments 
 from which the name of the committee is derived. 
 
 The present Members of the Corporation are : 
 
 William Workman, Esq., Mayor. 
 Aldeumen. 
 
 F. David, 
 
 N. Valois, 
 B. Buslit'D, 
 
 J. W. McGauvraa, 
 H. A. Nelson, 
 R. Taylor, 
 J. Ddiiti'c, 
 J. M ('Shane, 
 T. Wilson, 
 
 D. Miinro, 
 W. Rudden, 
 B. Devlin, 
 
 CoUNCILLOUg. 
 
 Henry Lyman, 
 R. Il.Rteplung, 
 T. -M. Thompson, 
 Geo. W. Stephens, 
 Vv'. Henderson, 
 Jcs. b^imard. 
 
 A. Bernard, 
 C. Alexander, 
 W. Masterraan. 
 
 Joel Leduc, 
 
 F. X. St. Charles, 
 
 P. Jordiin, 
 
 J. A. Plinguet, 
 
 W. F. Kay, 
 
 P. M. Christie. 
 
 \i i 
 
MONTEEAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 229 
 
 II 
 
 The following list gives the names of m-ivors of the city 
 since its first incorporation, 1833 : 
 
 1. Jacques Viger, 1833 to 1840. 
 
 2. Peter McGill, 1840 " 1842. 
 
 3. Joseph Bourette, 1843 " 1844. 
 
 4. James Ferrisi-, 1845 " 184G. 
 
 5. John E. Mills, . . . • . 1847, 
 
 Mr. Mills died in November an 1 was replaced by Mr. J. Bourrote 
 who held the ofiice for tue term aad was agaia elected for 1848. 
 
 6. E. R. Fabre, 18^0 " 1850. 
 
 7. Charles Wilson, 1?51, '52, and '53. 
 
 8. Wolfred Nelson, .... 1854 " 1855. 
 
 9. Henry Starnes, 185G " 18£V. 
 
 10. C. S. Rodier, 1858, '59, '60, '61. 
 
 11. J. L. Beaudry, 1862, '63, '64, '65. 
 
 12. Henry Starnes was again elected, but having been appointed a 
 member of the Legislative Council, William W( rliman succeeded him, 
 and still continues to hold the office. 
 
 POLICE. 
 
 Although Lue system of police is designated for the detec- 
 tion and punishment of offenders, its great and primary 
 object is the prevention of crime by restraining the vicious, 
 intimidating the reckless, and rendering punishment a cer- 
 tain consequence of crime. 
 
 These objects can only be attained by unremitting vigi- 
 lance and energy of action on the part of those engaged to 
 perform the important duties assigned by the law. The duty 
 of a poUceman is ceaseless. It is therefore necessary that 
 he should always act as if the good order of society depended 
 upon liis individual exertions, and the best proof of 'he effi- 
 ciency of police is not in the number of arrests made, but ia 
 the absence of crime. It is much to be regretted that the 
 men comprising the force in Montreal should receive such 
 small pay for their services. Indeed, the wonder is that 
 such an efficient force as now exists should be secured. 
 
 During the earlier years of the history of our city it was 
 customary to appoint, at stated periods, two or more per- 
 
 ■ mf-M 
 
 ■ W: 
 
 8S''i^ 
 
230 
 
 M, ■ ..I > t. 
 
 f \' 
 
 S Rii 
 
 I ,5 
 
 viLLE makie; or, 
 
 sons in each ward who should act as constables. These 
 were generally taken from among merchants, tradesmen and 
 others whose well-known character and acquirements fitted 
 them for the position. Thus we find in 1811 there wore 
 sixteen constables and five substitutes appointed. Of this 
 number four constables with three substitutes were for the 
 city, three constables and one substitute for St. Lawrence 
 suburbs, the same number for St. Joseph suburbs, and three 
 constables each to Quebec and St. Antoine suburbs. As the 
 city increased it became necessary to secure a regular staff of 
 policemen whose time should be entirely devoted to their 
 special work, and i^ccordingly an Act was passed providing 
 for the establishment of such a force. The working of this 
 department has from time to time been improved, until it 
 has reached its present efficiency. 
 
 The principal station is in Jacques Cartier-square, and in 
 addition to this there are other stations throughout the city. 
 
 i'lRE DEPARTMENT. 
 
 In the early days of the city's history the means at the dis- 
 posal of the inhabitants for extinguishing fires were of the most 
 meagre description. It was customary for the citizens to keep 
 one or more buckets in a convenient place, so that Avhen a fire 
 occurred they might be easily reached and made use of. It 
 necessarily followed that whenever a fire did occur, and gained 
 any headway, the people were utterly unable to check its 
 progress, and the destruction of large amounts of property 
 was the result. On the second of April, 1862, a bye-law was 
 passed " for the establishment of the Fire Department of the 
 City of ]Montreal," said bye-law to take effect upon the first 
 of May following. 
 
 The pi'o vision of this law was the substitution of a smaller 
 number of permanent firemen, constituting a body of civic 
 " Fire Police," for a much more numerous organization of 
 Volunteer Companies. The object aimed at being greater 
 promptness and increased eflSciency. 
 
 ^ f Ii 
 
 i ■? 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 231 
 
 To facilitate the working of this system and economize the 
 labor of the department, the city was divided into districts, 
 with arrangements for concerted action according to the exi- 
 gencies of the service. As it was feared that there might be 
 occasions when the Fire Police would prove inadequate, and 
 to provide for any such emergency, an auxiliary city fire 
 company was formed with a membership of three officers and 
 thirty-six men, divided into sections, and attached to the 
 permanent force. This company was formed of the material 
 of the former volunteer fire organization, thus making the 
 sv 3tem more efficient and at the same time affordin^i; dcserv- 
 ing men an opportunity to complete their term of service, 
 which legally exempted them from capitation tax, and jury 
 or special constabk services. 
 
 To render tuis department as complete and efficient as pos- 
 sible, negotiations were entered into for the erection of a fire 
 alarm telegraph, which was completed and went into opera- 
 tion on the 19th of January, 1862, and has worked to the 
 entire satisfaction of the department and the citizens gen- 
 erally. In May, 1867, the City Fire Company was dis- 
 charged and their place supplied by additional guardians added 
 to the permanent department. The department has been for 
 several years under the direction of Mr. Bertram, who enjoys 
 the confidence of all classes, and who, by his attention, has 
 shown himself worthy of the position assigned to bin.. 
 
 At present there are nine fire stations with thirty men, one 
 hose maker, one chie^and one assistant engineer, with thirteen 
 horses. The city 's divided into three fire districts, which 
 are worked singly or all together as found necessary by the 
 
 engmeer. 
 
 Disirict No. 1 — Comprehends all that part of the city 
 lying west of St. Denis and Bonsecours-street, and east of 
 Duke-street, Dupre-lane, Monique-street and McGill College- 
 avenue, to the city boundary. 
 
 
 It 
 
 \ n 
 
 M- 
 
 If. 
 
HM 
 
 232 
 
 viLLB marie; or, 
 
 District No. 2 — Comprehends all that part of the city west 
 of No. 1 District, to the city boundary. 
 
 District No. 3 — Comprehends all that part east of No. 1 
 District, to the city boundary. 
 
 These districts are protected by nine stations as follows : — 
 
 Station No. 1. — Corner Craig and Chenneville- 
 
 streets. 
 " " 2. — Court house-square. 
 " " 5. — St. Catherine-street. 
 «' " 6. — German-street. 
 
 Protect No. 1 District. 
 
 II If 3.— Wellington-street. 
 " " 4. — Chaboillez-square. 
 
 II 
 
 <i 
 
 (I 
 
 i( 
 
 9.— St. Gabriel Market. 
 
 7. — Dalhousie-gquare. 
 8. — Corner of Craig and Visitation- 
 streets. 
 
 No. 2 
 
 No. 3 
 
 These stations are supplied with hose and reels, and other 
 apparatus necessary to the work, in addition to which Nos. 5, 
 6, 8, and 9 are supplied with fire engines to use in case of 
 fire above the water level, or in localities to which the pipes 
 for water are not yet laid. Nos. 1, 2, 5 and 6 have four men 
 each ; 3, 4, 7 and 8, three men each ; and No. 9 has two. The 
 men composing the staff are young and active, the eldest 
 (exclusive of the chief and his assistant) being forty-five, 
 and the youngest twenty. 
 
 When a fire occurs, the alarm is communicated to all the 
 stations. The Fire-Police within the district indicated only turn 
 out upon the first alarm ; me force of the other districts, 
 however, hold themselves in readiness to proceed to the fire if 
 required. 
 
 Upon a second alarm in No. 1 District, west of St. Sulpice 
 and St. Urbain-streets, No. 2 District turns out to assist 
 No. 1 DistrK;*;. If the fire occur east of said line, No. 8 
 turns out. 
 
 Upon a second alarm in District No. 2, District No. 1, 
 west of St. Urbain-streets, turns out to their assistance. 
 
 Upon a second alarm in District No. 3, District No. 1, 
 
MONTKEAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 233 
 In 
 
 east of St. Sulpice and St. Urbain-streets, turns out 
 all cases, the whole turn out upon a third alarm. 
 
 On the first alarm all the men of those stations not called 
 out by a first alarm proceed to the place indicated by alarm 
 telegraph, (except the first guardian and one man in each 
 station, who remain to take the apparatus if required by a 
 second or third alarm), and assist those stations called upon 
 by the first alarm, using all diligence to arrive there, and also 
 giving all assistance in what may of them be required, whether 
 it be the apparatus of their own several stations or not, in the 
 various duties for which they are called. The men in the 
 several stations (except the first guardian) go alternately on 
 every alarm of fire. 
 
 SIGNALS. 
 
 signal-box 
 
 number is struck 
 
 For a First Alarm. — The 
 three times in succession. 
 
 For a Second Alarrii. — The number is repeated twice after 
 the first signals have been given. 
 
 For a Third Alarm. — The number is repeated once after 
 the first and second signals have been given. 
 
 When no more assistance is required, one blow is struck to 
 indicate the danger is over. 
 
 There are alarm boxes placed in different parts of the 
 city, the keys of which are deposited with respectable persons, 
 residing close by, and over each box is a conspicuous label 
 giving directions where to apply for it. 
 
 The following figures show the number of fires which 
 have occurred since 1858 : — 
 
 1853., 
 
 1854. 
 
 1855. 
 
 1856. 
 
 1857. 
 
 1858. 
 
 1859., 
 
 1860. 
 
 1861., 
 
 40 
 
 1862 
 
 59 
 
 1863 
 
 57 
 
 1864 
 
 85 
 
 1865 
 
 62 
 
 1866. 
 
 74 
 
 1867 
 
 81 
 
 1868 
 
 50 
 
 1869. 
 
 68 
 
 
 105 
 104 
 102 
 121 
 120 
 116 
 143 
 112 
 
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 234 
 
 VILLE MARIE.; OR, 
 
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 1805 $48,954 
 
 18G6 29,609 
 
 1867 70,499 
 
 1868 No returns. 
 
 1869 " 
 
 No reliable records are available to ascertain the amount 
 of property destroyed each year previous to 18(30, but the 
 following statement gives the figures since that date : — 
 
 I860 $77,127 
 
 1861 116,680 
 
 *1862 47,120 
 
 1863 45,936 
 
 1864.... 33,147 
 
 We believe the fire department of no city in America is as 
 economically managed as that of Montreal. Certainly, none 
 is more efficient ; therefore, to speak commercially, we have 
 the best article at the lowest price. This is due to the 
 perfection of discipline in the department, and the admi- 
 rable good working of the fire alarm telegraph. Strong, 
 indeed, must be the wind, inflammable the materials, 
 and nearly absolute the want of water, if a fire should gain 
 such a head as to become serious. 
 
 WATER WORKS. 
 
 1 
 
 Of the numerous public establishments by which Montroa 
 is adorned or benefited there is not one in which ber citizens 
 are more interested than the works by which the city is 
 supplied, even in its most remote quartei'S, with pure and 
 wholesome water. Of how much advantage the perpetual 
 supply of pure streams of water is to the health, comfort and 
 safety of such a city as this, it is not necessary to say here. 
 Accustomed to its use, the inhabitants of Montreal are not 
 sensible of the immense benefits they derive from it, until 
 they are deprived for a few days of it. Besides the increase 
 of comfort, the great exemption of the city from destructive 
 fires of late years may be attributed to the abundant supply 
 
 of water, the head of which is so great that it can be thrown 
 
 above the highest edifices. 
 
 In early times, the inhabitants obtained their principal 
 
 supplies of water by direct carriage from the rivsr. As, 
 
 * Fire alarm telegraph went into operation 19th January, 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 235 
 
 however, the town increased in size, access to the river 
 became more inconvenient, and the labor of carriage more 
 difficult for those who lived at a distance, recourse was there- 
 fore had to pumps which Avere erected in various parts of the 
 town. In an old plan in our possession, several of these 
 pumps are noted, viz., on Place d'Armcs, on Custom-house- 
 square (the Market-place) in Notre Dame-street, in front of 
 the Court-house, and in St. Jean Baptiste-street (near St. 
 Paul.) This state of things continurd until the town had 
 so increased that these appliances fo'' a water supply became 
 totally insufficient to meet the increasing demand. In 1801 
 (April 8th) an Act was passed constituting Joseph Frobisher, 
 John Gray, Daniel Sutherland, Thomas Scheifflcr, Stephen 
 Sewell, and their heirs, executors, curators, &c., as a com- 
 pany for supplying the City of Montreal with water, by the 
 name of the company of " Proprietors of the Montreal 
 Water Works." 
 
 This company was authorized to erect buildings, and lay 
 down water pipes within the city, for which purpose they were 
 to raise X 8,000 ; proprietors to hold not more than sixteen nor 
 less than one share each, but should this amount not prove 
 sufficient for the work they were further to raise <£4,000 
 more ; but no subscriber to the new stock was to hold more 
 than eight shares. This Act vested the exclusive right in 
 the company for fifty years, but the main pipes were to be 
 laid within seven years. 
 
 The first meeting of the Company was held within three 
 weeks after the passage of the Act, and steps were at once 
 taken to put the works in operation. The plan adopted 
 was to convey the water from a source in rear of the moun- 
 tain, through wooden pipes. The pipes were accordingly 
 laid, but owing to the scanty supply of water thus pro- 
 cured, and the liability of accident from bursting of the 
 pipes, the scheme proved very unprofitable, and in April, 
 1816, the works, Avith unexpired lease of thirty-five years, 
 were offered for sale. 
 
236 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
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 In 1819, a Company (at the head of which was Mr. 
 Thomas Porteous) purchased the works and took up the 
 wooden pipes, replacing them by four inch iron pipes which 
 lasted up to 1832. The works then passed into the hands 
 of another Company, under the direction of the late M. J. 
 Hays, Esq. This Company erected an engine house and other 
 works. The water was forced by a steam engine of fourteen 
 horse-power from the river up into two cisterns in the build- 
 ing, still standing in Notre Dame-street, and which held about 
 a quarter of a million of gallons. Of course with such limited 
 machinery, and the comparatively low level* of the cisterns, 
 but a small portion of the city was supplied, and those who were 
 above the level and who were without wells on their premises, 
 had still to be served by water carriers, from the river. 
 
 In 1847 the works were enlarged, more powerful engines 
 being built, and in 1849 a new reservoir was constructed 
 on St. Denis-street, above She rbrooke, upon a property then 
 belonging to A. M. Delisle, Esq. This new reservoir was 
 twenty-five feet higher than the one on Notre Dame-street, 
 and consisted of two divisions, each 150 feet by 120 at 
 the surface, with a depth of 20 feet, of which 10 feet was by 
 excavation below the level of the ground, the other by 
 building above it. The contents were calculated at 208,000 
 cubic feet of water in each tank ; or 1,000,000 gallons in 
 the whole. The sides were formed of rubble masonry, and 
 the pipes to convey the water through the city were imported 
 from Scotland. When this tank was completed the pipes were 
 laid through Griffintown, which up to this time had not been 
 supplied from the works. In speaking of this improvement 
 a city paper remarks : " The great altitude of this immense 
 cistern will enable the committee to supply water to the 
 upper storeys of almost every house in the town." 
 
 At a meeting of the council, held on May 12th, 1852, 
 "Alderman Atwater moved, seconded by Councillor Valois : — 
 
 • 27 feet above Notre Dame-street. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 m 
 
 " That the Water Works Committee be authorized to have a 
 survey, plans and estimates made for the purpose of introduc- 
 ing into the city, from Lower Lachine or elsewhere, an abun- 
 dant supply of water for all purposes, and that an appropria- 
 tion of <£2o0 be made to them for that purpose. 
 
 In accordance with this resolution, the committee, on the 
 5th June, engaged Thos. C. Kcefer, Esq., as the engineer, 
 and on the 9th of August ho was authorized to provide for 
 the supply of 5,000,000 gallons daily, with reservoirs, at an 
 elevation of 200 feet above the level of the harbor. 
 
 On the 14th December, tiic committee reported the esti- 
 mated cost at 0^150,000. Before proceeding with the work 
 it was decided vo call in some eminent consulting engineers, in 
 reference to the plans, and accordingly J. B. Jervis, Esq., 
 who constructed the Croton Aqueduct, and the lion. W. J. 
 McAlpine, State engineer of New York, were chosen for the 
 purpose. 
 
 Mr. Reefer's plans having met with the approval of these 
 gentlemen, tenders were received en the 27th April, and the 
 contract was awarded on the 29th. On the 20th May, ground 
 was broken at Gregory's farm. 
 
 The water is taken out of the River St. Lawrence, at a 
 point about one mile above the head of the Lachine Rapids, 
 where the level of the river is thirty-seven feet above the 
 summer level of Montreal harbor. 
 
 The water is conducted in an open channel, four and three- 
 quarter miles in length, to the Lachine Canal at Gregory's, 
 where the wheels and pumps are placed. From the pumps at 
 this place the water is forced through an iron main, 30 inches 
 in diameter, laid under the canal, turnpike, railway and all 
 the pubUc streets, into the reservoir upcn the side of the 
 mountain, at an elevation of two hundred feet above the 
 Harbor, being about one hundred and fifty feet above the 
 higher parts of Notre-Dame street. 
 
 In order to be prepared to meet with the winter difficulties, 
 
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 viLLE marie: or, 
 
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 which were sometimes so great as to materially interfere with 
 the supply of water, it was decided to erect new steam pump- 
 ing apparatus of sufficient capacity to pump daily into the 
 reservoir 3,000,000 of gallons of water in 24 hours. The 
 contract for this work was signed on the 11th of September, 
 1868. The cost of these improvements, according to the con- 
 tracts then awarded, was, for the machinery, 833,5C0,* and 
 for the building, $24,315. The increased supply renders it 
 necessary to enlarge the capacity of the reservoir, and this 
 work is now being carried on. 
 
 The number of houses, &c., supplied by the Works in 1869, 
 was : — 
 
 Dwellings. 16,787 
 
 Stores and offices 3,058 
 
 Hotels and taverns 471 
 
 Total 20,316 
 
 In addition to these, the water was supplied to 6,038 parties for 
 various purposes, such as baths, stabling, &c., and it was used 
 for steam engines to the extent of 700 horse-power. The 
 total cououmption during the same year was 1,716,976,123 
 imperial gallons. 
 
 Estimates for an extension of aqueduct have been received 
 by the Council. By one plan f it is proposed to take the 
 water from Lachinc (near the Parish Church) by means of 
 crib-work sunk in about 12 feet depth at low water. The 
 estimated cost of this extension is $200,000. Two other plans 
 have been presented by Mr. Lesage, superintendent of the 
 Works, the first being the enlargement of the present aqueduct, 
 
 •At a meeting of the Council in Feb., 1 870, a further sum of $8000 was 
 voted for the engine, as the builder claimed that it pumped daily 
 1,000,000 gallons more than contracted for. It has also been decided to 
 add another engine with capacity to pump 4,000,000 gallons daily. When 
 this is added, the wheels and engines combined will furnish 13,000,000 
 gallons of water daily. 
 
 tXhos. C. Keefer, Esq., G.E. 
 
 r 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 289 
 
 at a cost of $886,396 ; the other for a new aqueduct along- 
 side the present one at a cost of 81,039,901. By the first 
 plan, namely, the e;ctension of the aqueduct, it is estimated 
 that a daily supply of 20,000,000 would be secured, and Mr. 
 Lesage claims that the new aqueduct proposed by him will 
 furnish 35,000,000 gallons daily. 
 
 With reference to the supply of water for the city, an 
 analysis of the waters of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers 
 was made in 1854.* These waters were collected in tho 
 month of March, before the melting of the snow liad com- 
 menced ; that of the Ottawa was taken on the 9th March, at the 
 head of the Ste. Anne Lock, and was remarkably free from 
 any sediment or mechanical impurity. Its color was of a pale 
 amber-yellow, very distinct in layers of six inches. The water 
 of the St. Lawrence was collected on the 30th of March, on the 
 south side of the Point des Cascades, Vaudreuil. It was clear 
 and transparent, and, unlike the water of tho Ottawa, exhib- 
 ited no color when in layers of several inches in thickness. 
 
 The difference in the color of the waters of the two rivers 
 is very distinctly marked in front of the Island, a long dis- 
 tance below their junction ; but in the amber-colored waters 
 before the city, the current of the Ottawa has already become 
 mingled with a large proportion of the St. Lawrence water. 
 
 The comparison of the waters of the two rivers showed the 
 following differences. The waters of the Ottawa, containing 
 but little more than J of the solid matter of the St. Lawrence, 
 is impregnated with a much larger quantity of organic matters, 
 and contains a large proportion of alkalis uncombined with 
 sulphuric acid or chlorine. Of these bases, determined as 
 chlorids, the chlorid of potassium in the water of the Ottawa 
 forms 32 per cent., in that of the St. Lawrence only 10 per 
 cent. In the former the silica equals 34 per cent., and in 
 the latter 24 per cent., of the mineral matter. 
 
 • By Thos. Sterry Hunt, Esq. 
 
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 240 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 Both these great rivers flow through a series of lakes, in 
 yrhich the waters are enabled to deposit their suspended impu- 
 rities, and are thus rendered remarkably clear and transpa- 
 rent. 
 
 MARKETS. 
 
 The first regular fair or market of which we have any 
 account w?s vhe annual fair established about 1680 and held 
 ip Juno of eaih year, when the " savages that frequent the 
 great lakes oame down with prodigious quantities of beaver 
 skins, which they gave in exchange for arms, kettles, axes, 
 &c., upon which the merchants generally cleared 200 per 
 cent." The first market place, probably the place on which 
 the principal part of the business during the Indian fair was 
 transacted, was that now occupied by the Custom House and 
 Square. Down to the year 1770 the market-day was Friday, 
 when the country people came to town with provisions, and 
 those who wanted them had to supply themselves on that day 
 because " it was the only market day in the whole week." 
 
 The want of more extensive market accommodation was soon 
 experienced, and accordingly, on the 16th April, 1807, there 
 was passed " An Act for building a new market-house and for 
 removing part of the stalls on the old market-place." For the 
 purpose of carrying out this much needed improvement, the 
 trustees were authorized to borrow X2500. The site chosen 
 for the new market was that formerly occupied by che college 
 founded by Sieur Charron, and now known as Jat^ques Cartier- 
 square. 
 
 The trustees were unable at the time to raise the money 
 required for the erection of tae market, and in 1808 they 
 were empowered by Act of Parliament to erect forty tempo- 
 r?ry stalls on the new site. This Act, however, did not 
 supersede the former one, but they were empowered to 
 proceed with the building, as originally intended, whenever 
 they could borrow the sum required. 
 
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MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 241 
 
 The market was subsequently erected, and the whole of 
 the business was removed to it ; Tuesdays and Fridays of 
 each week being appointed as regular market-days. In- 
 creased accommodation was provided by the erection, in 1821, 
 of a wing to the building, 50 feet in length, and 3 feet higher 
 than the main building. This building was entirely of wood, 
 and continued to be used until after the erection of the 
 Bonsecours Market, when it was taken down and its site was 
 retained as a public square. 
 
 The number of markets at present within the city limits 
 is eight, viz. : — six for the sale of butchers' moat, vegetables, 
 fish, &c., one entirely devoted to the sale of hay and straw, 
 and one cattle market. Of these, four were erected in 18G1 , to 
 accommodate an increasing population. We shall now give 
 a short description of the buildings, and the amount of 
 business done. 
 
 The amount of business annually done in butchers' 
 meat in the several markets of Montreal is perhaps 
 much more extensive than most people are aware of. It 
 forms no inconsiderable feature in the city trade, and it is 
 the source of considerable annual revenue to the Corporation, 
 and deserving of more consideration and greater facilities in 
 some departments than has hitherto been extended it, 
 especially in the fish-market accommodation and the pro- 
 viding of a public slaughter-house for the butchers. 
 
 The most extensive market is that known as 
 
 BONSECOURS MARKET 
 
 a magnificent pile of cut stone buildings in the Grecian Doric 
 style of architecture, erected at a cost of about '"$200,000, 
 and equal, if not superior, to any building of the khid 
 in America. It yields an annual revenue * of $24,000, 
 
 • The figures givea for thia and other markets arc taken from the 
 report for 1868. 
 
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 242 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 against an expenditure of only S<3,700 ; leaving a surplus of 
 S*20,o00, — or efpial to ten per con', profit on the value. This 
 market contains f)8 ])utchers' stullii, all occupied. 
 
 The Farm Produce sold in this market, irrespective of 
 the habitants on the street, is estimated at $105,000 per 
 annum. 
 
 One-half of the upper portion of this huilding is occupied 
 by the offices of ■ Cor|ioration and the Council chamber. 
 The remaining portion was, until lately, used as a military 
 school. This building is the first to attract thn attention of 
 the tourist as he approaches the city from the river. It has 
 extensive frontage onthe river side, and is three storeys in 
 height, with a lofty dome ; the whole roof being covered with 
 bright tin. 
 
 ST. axn's market. 
 
 This building is erected on the site of that destroyed in 
 1847. The building then burned owed its origin to the pub- 
 lic spirit of several citizens owning property in the neighbor- 
 hood who furnished capital to the amount of nearly £15,000 
 in its erectioli. When it was leased to the government, a 
 wooden building was erected immediately in i-ear and extend- 
 ing towards the present fish-market. This continued to be 
 used for some years after the destruction of the main building. 
 The present market was erected in 1851, and is valued at 
 $582,400. It is of brick and is but one storey in height, with 
 the exception of the centre portion, which rises to a height of 
 two storey^ and is surmounted by a small tower. The market 
 yields a revenue of §10,684, against an expenditure of 
 $2,029, leaving a surplus of 88,055, or a fraction less than 
 ten per cent, annual profit to the city. This market contains 
 56 stalls. The farm produce annually sold at this market is 
 considerable, although not in proportion to the Bonsecours ; 
 about $150,000 is an approximate total value of this trade. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 248 
 
 ST. LAWRENCE MARKET, 
 
 situated on St. Lawrence Main-street, is one of the four mar- 
 kets erected in ISGl . This buihlin^ cost !5'23,900 and yichla 
 * a revenue of ."Jo, 299 against an annual expenditure of only 
 $l,o37 ; leaving a surplus of 83,702, or e(jual to lo J per cent, 
 profit to the corporation. There arc forty-five butchers' stalls in 
 this market, which are liberally patronized by the people of 
 this improving neighborhood. In farm produce the business 
 at present done is not extensive, altliDUgh the accommodation 
 is ample ; poultry and vegetables arc the staple of this branch, 
 and their annual value is about !?20,000. 
 
 ST. ANTOINE MARKET, 
 
 on Mountain-street, is another of the additional markets 
 erected in 1801. Its capitalized value is 842,017, with an 
 annual revenue of 81,1 B8, and an expenditure of 81,490, 
 leaving a surplus of 82,093, or six per cent, profit. This 
 market contains only forty butchers' stalls. 
 
 ST. GABRIEL MARKET, 
 
 at Point St. Charles, cost 830,820, and was erected in 1801, 
 ■with a cattle-market attached, which is the only business done 
 here of any note, and from which its revenue (81,780) is 
 almost exclusively drawn ; the butchers' retail market only 
 yields about 8400 of the above sum. There is accommoda- 
 tion lor a large trade, but the surrounding population is small. 
 The amount of farm produce sold here is also limited — about 
 12,000 worth. 
 
 PAPINEAU MARKET 
 
 on the square of the same name, was erected in 1801 to replace 
 the one destroyed by fire in 1852. The cost of this market is 
 placed at $12,492, and yields an annual revenue of $4,056, 
 
"I 
 
 244 
 
 ill 
 
 ' II 
 
 r>'. 
 
 VILLB MARIE ; OR, 
 
 against an expenditure of 11,789, which leaves a balance of 
 $3,267, or equal to 18i per cent, profit. This favorable state 
 of its finances arises from the fact of their being a " weighing 
 oflBce " attached, for hay and straw ; the fees from this source 
 alone yields two-thirds of the total revenue ; the market 
 proper is only partially occupied, the revenue from which falls 
 short of its proportion of expence. 
 
 The butchers' market contains 20 stalls, all let, but a few 
 of these do an irregular trade. 
 
 For farm produce there is extensive accommodation, but only 
 during the summer months produce and vegetables are sold 
 in a few stalls, and about $3,000 is the value of this branch. 
 
 The Corporation of Montreal receive annually a surplus 
 revenue over expenditure, from the four bona fide butchers' 
 markets, — Bonsecours, St. Ann's, St. Lawrence, and St. 
 Antoine — averaging $34,810, or ten per cent, gross profit on 
 $348,917, the estimated value of the buildings. 
 
 The grand total value of farm produce sold at the six mar- 
 kets, as enumerated in the above accounts, is -1525,000, and 
 of fish $193,000. 
 
 THE CATTLE-MARKET 
 
 is situated on Craig-street, near Viger-square, and, like all 
 the other markets, is built of brick. It is surrounded by 
 commodious sheds for the reception and sale of live stock. 
 
 A public Slaughter House, aside from its necessity in a 
 sanitary point of view, is very much wanted in the city, and 
 it is hoped that ere long such a place will be provided. A 
 small tax charged each head as fees would furnish a revenue 
 considerably in excess of any of the regular markets. 
 
 HAY-MARKET. 
 
 The hay-market formerly occupied a portion of the site 
 now known as Victoria-square, but was removed a few years 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 245 
 
 ago to a more commodious plot of ground formerly used as a 
 college garden, and bounded by College, Duke, Inspector and 
 William-streets. This site was atviuired from the <* Gentlemen 
 of the Seminary. " It is entirely surrounded by a massive 
 stone wall, 14 feet in height. There are six entrances, three 
 on William and three on CoUe^'c-street. 
 
246 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 r-ii 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Churches— Knmnn Catholic; Epl(icoi)alinn j I'rpsbytorinn ; Wesleynn Mothodist; 
 New (Dimfxiou Slothoilist ; Haj)list; CoiiKn-nBlioualist; Swecdenborgiaii; 
 FroiicU aud Ourniau rrutuntaut ; Juwg; L'nitariau. 
 
 S'^^ 
 
 I •:; 
 
 CHURCHES. 
 
 ^jj^HESE arc exceedingly numerous in Montreal. A chris- 
 -*^ tiau stranger, from whatever quarter he may come, will 
 scarcely fail to find a congregation worshipping according to 
 the doctrine and in the manner to which he has been accus- 
 tomed. With one or two exceptions, the early churches of 
 our city have been taken down to make way for warehouses 
 and other places of business. Within the last few years a 
 decided improvement has been effected in church architec- 
 ture, and Montreal can now boast of some of the largest and 
 most elegant churches upon this continent, and which are, in 
 more than one sense, an ornament to it. 
 
 The first chapel, or church, upon the Island was the tem- 
 porary structure erected by Maissonneuve and his compan- 
 ions in 1042. This structure was, by degrees, improved and 
 enlarged as the necessities of the population demanded, until 
 in 1673 the first stone church was erected. The different 
 religious denominations of Montreal may be arranged as 
 follows: — 
 
 ROMAN CATHOLIC. 
 
 Tliis society of christians has, (independent of those con- 
 nected with convents and other institutions), thirteen chur- 
 ches, viz. : 
 
 I 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 247 
 
 NOTKE DAME PARISH CHURCH. 
 
 The foundation of the first Church of Notre Damo was laid 
 in 1071. The ' lildiiig was 141 feet lon;^ by 9t wide, and 
 stood directly in the centre of Notre Dame-street, in front 
 of the present Catliedral. The principal entrance was at 
 the south end. On the south-west corner wa§ a tower sur- 
 mounted by a belfry. The church was low, built of roujrh stone 
 pointed with mortar, ami had a hi^^h pitched roof covered 
 with tin. It was a spacious buildin;^ and contained five 
 altars. At the f^rand altar was an immense wooden ima^'c 
 of our Saviour on the Cross. It was d'^dicated to iio Virgin 
 Mary. This church being found too small, in the y> r 1824, 
 the present magnificent cathedral was commenced, and it was 
 opened for public worship on Hio l.)th July, ' JO, higU ma- 
 being p'' i ."onned by the Bishop of Telmcdsc. The greater 
 part of the CanaiMan Roman (. itholio Clergy v ro present, 
 iis was also Sir James Ke>riiM , with the members ol' the Cor- 
 poration, and upwards of 8,000 persons. 
 
 The building is of the Gothic architectrre, and has no 
 superior on the continent of North America. The length of 
 the church from east to west is 225 feet 6 inches, and its 
 breadth from north to south is 134 feet inches. On St. 
 Sulpice-street the height from the street to the eaves is 01 
 feet. On the west front it has two towers 220 feet high. 
 The space between the towers is 73 feet by 120 feet in height. 
 The building will accommodate 10,000 persons. The east- 
 ern window at the high altar is 64 feet in height by 32 in 
 breadth ; it is separated by shafts into five compartments, 
 and sub-divided by muUions into 30 divisions. The portal 
 is formed by an arcade of three arches each 19 feet by 49 
 in height. From this arcade are the entrances to the church ; 
 and over the arcade are three niches, in which are placed 
 statutes. 
 
 In the south-west tower is pb.'^ed the largest bell in 
 America, weighing 29,400 lbs., while the other tower con- 
 
m^^^ 
 
 248 
 
 viLLE marie; 0?l, 
 
 tains a chime of bells. Admission may be gained to the 
 tower every day (except Sunday) during the summer ; and 
 from the summit the spectator has a delightful and extensive 
 view of the city, the river and surrounding country. 
 
 The architect and superintendent was Mr. McDonald ; 
 master builders, Messrs. Lamontagne and St. John ; masons, 
 Messrs. Redpath and MacKay ; plasterers, Messrs. Perry 
 and Wetherilt ; carpenter, Mr. Cox. 
 
 BONSECOURS CHURCH, ST. PAUL-STREET. 
 
 This was the first church built of stone in the Island of 
 Montreal, the Church of Notre Dame not being completed 
 when this was opened. The foundations were laid in 1658, 
 by Marguerite Bourgeois, who intended to establish a nunnery 
 here, but meeting with obstacles, she visited France, whence 
 she returned the following year and established the nunnery 
 on Notre Dame-sti*eet. In 1671, she again visited France 
 for the purpose of securing letters patent for the institution, 
 and she called upon Baron de Fancamp, one of the first pro- 
 pi'ietors of the Island, to aid her in the matter. The Baron 
 had in his possession a small image of the Virgin, said to be 
 endoAved with miraculous virtue, ar.d which had been preserved 
 and honored for at least a century. It was his desire that 
 this image should be removed to Montreal, and a chapel built 
 for its reception. Tliis Soour de Bourgeois undertook to per- 
 form, and on her return the inhabitants of Montreal entered 
 ■with great zeal into her design. Accordingly on the 29th 
 June, 1673, the principal stones of this edifice were laid 
 with great solemnity, and on August 15th, 1675, mass was 
 performed for the first time. In 1754 it was destroyed by 
 fire and was not rebuilt till 1771, when its re-erection was 
 resumed, and on 30th June, 1773, it Avas completed. 
 
 It now belongs to the Fabrique of the Parish, who pur- 
 chased it from the Sisters of the Congregation, many years 
 ago. Like many of the old church edifices of London it 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 249 
 
 stands surrounded by warehouses, and eve j a small strip of 
 ground some eight or ten feet in width, which extends along 
 its side is occupied by small stores. 
 
 CnURCII OF THE GESUj BLEURY-STREET. 
 
 The first Church built by the Jesuits stood upon part of 
 the site now occupied by the Court House. Immediately 
 adjoining the church was their college, which is described as 
 having been very small with large gardens attached. 
 
 At the conquest of Canada, all their property fell into the 
 hands of the British Government. 
 
 In 1851 they erected the spacious college now standing on 
 Bleury-street, and in December, 186B, a pastoral letter was 
 read in all the Catholic churches stating that " Monseigneur 
 the Bishop of Montreal having allowed the reverend Jesuit 
 Fathers to erect a church in connection with their college of 
 St. Mary, and a citizen having generously presented those 
 fathers with spacious grounds on which to raise that church, 
 which in course of time may become an ornament to the city, 
 all are invited to contribute according to their means, to this 
 good object." A meeting was held to initiate measures 
 towards the erection of this church, and a large amount was 
 subscribed, the list being headed by the Bishop. 
 
 The work of erection was at once proceeded with, and on 
 Sunday, 3rd December, 1865, the church was opened for the 
 first time to the public. The ceremony of consecration was 
 performed by the Administrator of the Diocese, Rev. Mr. 
 Treteau ; but was only a preliminary and simple form, which 
 was indispensable in order that the church might be used as a 
 place of worship. 
 
 It is 194 feet long, and 96 wide, but at the transept the 
 transversal nave is 144 feet long. The height of the two naves 
 js 75 feet. The style of architecture is the Round Roman 
 Arch . The interior is frescoed in the most elaborate style, 
 and is not surpassed for elegance by any church edifice in 
 
250 
 
 VILLE MAEIE ; OR, 
 
 
 Canada. It is intended at some future day to add towers 
 to the front, which when complete will make it one of the moat 
 promment buildings in the city. 
 
 
 • i 
 
 1:1 
 
 ii I 
 
 I! 
 
 II 
 
 Is*- 
 
 ST. Patrick's church. 
 
 The demolition of the Recollet Church,* an old landmark 
 in the history of Montreal, recalled the period when the 
 Catholics and Protestants alternately worshipped on Sunday 
 within its walls, and the elders of the present St. Gabriel- 
 street congregation, on one occasion, acknowledged the kind- 
 ness of the Recollet Fathers by presenting them, at the close 
 of last century, with " one box of candles, 50 lbs., at 8d. ; 
 and " one hhd. of Spanish wine, at XO Os. 5d." The 
 Recollet Church was built about the middle of the seventeenth 
 century by the monks of the order of Recollets, and, like 
 many parish churches throughout the country, was built 
 entirely of rubble and masonry. After the confiscation of their 
 estates by the British (jovernraent the building fell into 
 ruins, and the part facing on Notre Dame-street had to bo 
 taken down. In the early part of the present century the 
 Government exchanged the property! for St. Helen's Island, 
 then owned by Baron Grant, the proprietor of the adjacent 
 seigniory of Longueuil. Soon after this transfer the Baron 
 sold several lots on St. Peter and Notre Dame-streets, to 
 Hon. James Leslie. The church and schools were purchased 
 for <£4,500 by the Fabrique, and the rest was laid out in lots 
 and streets, one of which " Lemoine" street, was named after 
 the Baroness' family. 
 
 When the old French Parish Church was taken down in 1830 
 its cut stone front was transferred to the Recollet Church, the 
 galleries and interior decorations were at the same time given 
 
 • Taken down in 18G6. 
 
 t Which then extended from Notre Dame to Lemoine-streeta, and from 
 McGill to St. Peter-stieeta, and planted with venerable elms of great 
 magnitude. 
 
 Ill 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 251 
 
 to Bonsecour Church. The repairs and alterations being 
 completed, the church was used for many years by the Irish 
 Roman CathoUc citizens, who continued to worship in it until 
 they moved to the present edifice which stands upon an ele- 
 vated site in Alexander-street, fronting Lagauchetiore-street, 
 and is one of the most sticking objects visible on approaching 
 the city. It is built in the Gothic style of the fifteenth century. 
 The extreme length is 240 feet, the breadth 90 feet, and the 
 height of spire from the pavement is 225 feet. The interior 
 of the building is most elaborately decorated, and the altar 
 presents a gorgeous appearance. The church will seat about 
 5,000 persons. 
 
 The Irish citizens having spared no expense in adding to 
 the comfort and elegance of this, their national church, it 
 was therefore but natural that when (in 1866) it was 
 announced that the parish of Montreal was to be divided and 
 that by this division they would be deprived of many privi- 
 leges hitherto enjoyed by them, they should ao once protest 
 (or rather petition) that they should be left undisturbed in 
 their possession. Some prominent merabei'S of the Church 
 were appointed to wait upon His Holiness the Pope and 
 request his interfei'ence. Although the petition was not 
 granted, still, the conditions were made less irksome and 
 were softened by certain privileges being nccorded the Irish 
 members of the Church. 
 
 THE BISnOP'S CHURCH. 
 
 This is attached to and forms a wing of the Bishop's 
 palace, on the corner of Cemetery and Lagauchetiere-streets. 
 It has no architectural beauties, being a plain brick structure 
 with accommodation for about 800 persons. Some years ago 
 it was proposed to erect a magnificent Cathedral upon the 
 adjoining land, then used as the Roman Catholic Cemetery. 
 This Cathedral was to be a/ac simile of St. Peter's at Rome, 
 
252 
 
 TILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 and the extent and grandeur of the building was to surpass all 
 other ecclesiastical edifices in America. 
 
 The palace to which this church is attached is an immense 
 brick building, five storeys in height, and bnilt upon an emi- 
 nence which gives it a prominent and imposing appearance. 
 
 ' }'^ 
 
 S» 
 
 ST. JAMES' CnUIlCH. 
 
 A beautiful stone building in the early pointed style 
 of the 13th century erected upon the site of the former 
 Bishop's Church and Palace, corner St. Catherine and St. 
 Denis-streets, is arranged to seat about 2,500 persons. The 
 windows are filled with stained glass. 
 
 ST. Ann's church. ■, 
 
 On McCord-street, Griffintown, is a large and commodious 
 stone building, c nable of seating over 3,000 persons ; it is 
 a fine specimen of ecclesiastical architecture, and is the 
 most striking edifice in the quarter of the city in which it 
 is situated. In the centre of the building is a square tower 
 surmounted by a lofty cupola. The whole building is after 
 the plan of the far famed church of our Lady of Loretta. 
 
 ST. Peter's church, 
 
 Under the direction of " Les P^res Oblats," is a very 
 handsome edifice, situated on Visitation-street. It is built 
 entirely of cut stone in the Gothic style with seven stained glass 
 windows behind the altar ; the pillars in the interior are of 
 stone. It is built from a design by M. Bourgeau, and will 
 accommodate 2,500 persons. 
 
 NOTRE DAME DES ANQES CHURCH 
 
 is the building lately occupied by the congregation now worship- 
 ping in Erskine (Canada Presbyterian) Church. The build- 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 253 
 
 ing was purchased by the Sisters of the Congregation de 
 Notre Dame, and services are now held under their direction. 
 
 ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, 
 
 on Cemetery-street, is attached to the Orphan Asyhim of 
 the same name, and was built at the expense of 0. Berthelot, 
 Esq. It is of stone and surmounted by a neat spire covered 
 with bright tin. 
 
 ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHAPEL, 
 
 No. 62 FuUum-street, is under the surpervision of Rev. M. 
 Langlois, Parish Priest. 
 
 BT. BRIGIDB CHURCH, 
 
 Dorchester-street, near Papineau road, Revds A. Campion 
 and J. Archambault. 
 
 GENERAL HOSPITAL CHURCH. 
 
 This is connected with, and forms a part of, the Grey Nun- 
 nery, and is situated on Foundling-street. Of this building 
 as well as the 
 
 NOTRE DAME DE PITIE CHURCH, 
 
 on Notre Dame-street, entering through an archway directly 
 opposite St. Lambert street, and the 
 
 HOTEL DIEU CHURCH, 
 
 an extensive edifice at Cote h Barron, we shall have 
 occasion to speak in recording the history of the Religious 
 Institutions with which they are connected. 
 
 ST. Mary's current church 
 
 at Hochelaga, is a commodious building, but is not remark- 
 able for architectural beauty. 
 

 I 
 
 [ 
 
 t: 
 
 I i: 
 
 i; .jj. 
 
 i \ 
 
 254 
 
 VILLE marie; or, 
 
 CHURCH OF ENGLAND. 
 
 At the time Canada Avas coded to Groat Britain, many of the 
 soldiers when discharged preferred remaining in the country, 
 and otlier parties hoping to bettor tlieir condition came over 
 to Canada, so that in a few years a consideraljle number 
 of British were found among tlie settlers. Many of tliesc 
 were of the Episcopal persuasion and naturally desired to 
 worship God after the practice of the church in which they 
 were educated. The first Episcopal clergyman who officia- 
 ted in Canada was the Rev. Mr. Brooke, of Quebec, (about 
 1704^. Soon after three clergymen of Swiss extraction 
 were employed to labor among the French Canadians. One 
 of the three, Mr. M. Delisle, was the first Episcopal minister 
 stationed at Montrea'. At this time there was no church 
 erected, nor yet were the people sufficiently numerous or 
 wealthy to erect one. In their difficulty they applied to the 
 Recollet Fathers, who kindly granted them the use of their 
 church at such hours as the society did not require it. The 
 Congregation continued to increase until 1789, when Lord 
 Dorchester granted to them the use of the Old Jesuits' chapel, 
 which they fitted up, and divine service was performed in it 
 for the first time on Sunday, 20th December, 1789. 
 
 In 180o, a fire broke out in the building and so far injured 
 it as to render it useless. A meeting was at once called to 
 decide upon the best measures to adopt, and in the meantime 
 the Presbyterians granted them the use of the church in St. 
 Gabriel-street. The committee appointed, consisted of Dr. 
 Mountain, resident minister, Hon. James McGiil, Hon. Judge 
 Ogden, J. Frobisher, David Ross, Stephen Sewell, and J. A. 
 Gray, Escjs., who decided to liuild a new Church, and means 
 were a once taken towards securing funds for that purpose. 
 Two spots of ground were then at liberty ; one, the vacant 
 piece (still known as the Government Garden,) the other a 
 lot on Notre Dame-street on which the old French prison 
 
 4 
 
it 
 
liaaMMMfiMlIM 
 
 mmmmm 
 
 
 
 
 ! 
 
 f ^^ 
 
 it 
 
 I 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 255 
 
 originally stood.* The latter was preferred, being granted 
 for the purpose by the Lieutenant Governor, Sir R. S. Milne8 
 An addition was made to the lot by the purchase of a strip of 
 ground which ran along the rear of it so as to admit of access 
 from St. James-street. Plans were prepared and the contracts 
 were signed in January, 180"), and on the 21st June, the 
 foundation stone was laid by the Lord Bishop of Quebec. 
 On the plate inserted in the foundation stone was inscribed : 
 " Glory be to God." 
 
 " Of this sacred edifice, raised upon ground granted for 
 that purpose, by our jNIost Gracious Sovereign George III, by 
 the pious exertions of the Protestant inhabitants of this city, 
 and dedicated to the service of Almighty God according to 
 the establishment of the Church of England, this corner stone 
 was laid by Jacob, Lord Bishop of Quebec, on the 21st day 
 of Juno, in the year our Lord, 1805." 
 
 The funds obtained were not sufficient to complete the build- 
 ing, and only the walls and roof were finished. In 1808, 
 some merchants in England gave .£400, and in 1810 the 
 Imperial Parliament voted ^4,000 " towards finishing the 
 Protestant Parish Church in Montreal." The latter sum was 
 not received till 1812. The work of completion was then 
 proceeded with, and on the 9th of October, 1814, Divine 
 service was first performed in the new building. In 1810 an 
 organ, costing .£1,600, was placed in the church, the amount 
 being raised by subscription. 
 
 In 1819 side galleries were erected, to provide accomraoda" 
 tion necessary from the large number of applicants for seats. 
 Up to this time the church had neither steeple nor spire, both 
 of which were now added, together with a clock, donated by 
 John Shuter, Esq. 
 
 The church was 120 feet in length, by 80 in width, exclu- 
 sive of the recess for the altar, which was 12 feet in depth, by 
 
 •Crystal Block now occupies the site. 
 
1^ 
 
 i i 
 
 r P 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 i': 
 
 I 
 ■f. 
 
 256 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 40 in width. The windows were 14 feet in height and 7 feet 
 wide, being circular at top. The side walls were thirty feet 
 high. It was entered by three doors, corresponding with 
 the three passages which ran along the body of the church, 
 from the entrance to the altar at the end. The building was 
 about twenty feet from the street, and on the line of the street 
 was a low stone wall, surmounted by an iron railing, Avith three 
 ornamental iron gates. The front of the church was of the 
 Doric Order ; the tower was of stone, square and lofty, and 
 from the top of it, rose a spire of wood covered with tin ; the 
 height of the whole being two hundred and four feet. 
 
 The interior was simple, but neat. The pews were painted 
 white and trimmed with cherry wood. The walls were quite 
 plain, and between several of the windows were monumental 
 tablets to the memory of Hon. Richard Cartwright, Hon. John 
 Richardson, Rev. B. B. Stevens, Lieutenant Col. Gordon, 
 and others. 
 
 This building was destroyed by fire on December 10th, 1856. 
 The fire commenced at half-past twelve at night, and in two 
 hours the work of destruction was completed. The congregation 
 met in the Gosford Street Church until another edifice should 
 be secured. The site of the present building was purchased, 
 and the foundation stone was laid with great ceremony on 
 Thursday, 21st May, 1857. 
 
 The church, which is unquestionably the most beautiful 
 specimen of ecclesiastical architecture in Canada, was opened 
 for Divine service on Sunday, November 27, 1860. It was 
 designed by Mr. F. Wills, (formerly of Salisbury, England.) 
 It is of the cruciform plan and consists of a nave and aisles 
 112 feet long and 70 fjpet wide ; transepts 100 feet across the 
 tower, and 25 feet wide ; tower 29 feet square ; and choir, 
 -46 feet long and 28 feet wide, with aisles for organ chamber. 
 The spire, which is entirely of stone, rises to a height of 224 
 feet. Connected with the choir is the robing room and clerk's 
 room ; and half detached from this an octagonal building 
 containing the chapter house and diocesan library. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 257 
 
 Internally the nave, sixty-seven foot high, has an open roof, 
 the timbers of which are worked and carved. Two ranges of 
 columns and arches separate the nave from the aisles. The 
 capitals of these columns are carved and designed from 
 Canadian plants. The four end arches of the naves spring 
 from sculptured heads, representing the four Evange- 
 lists. 
 
 The ceiling of the choir is elaborately illuminated in blue 
 and Vermillion, and spangled witii golden stars. The wheel 
 window on St. Catharine -street front is in colored glass (the 
 gift of the scliool children) and also the four small windows 
 underneath representing the four major prophets (these are 
 the gift of lion. Geo. MofFatt) ; the whole of the windows in 
 the clerestory of the choir are in colored glass (the gift of the 
 clergy of the diocese). The altar window is of the most 
 chaste and elegant description, executed by Clayton & Bell 
 of London. The transept windows, and the windows in the 
 end of the aisles, are also of painted glass, and were given by 
 various members of the congregation. 
 
 The pews are all low, with carved ends, and without doers. 
 The stalls in each side of the choir are finely carved. 
 The reredos is laid with encaustic tiles, chocolate-colored 
 ground, with Jleur de Us in green. On one side of the altar 
 are the sidilia for the clergy, of exquisite workmanship. Three 
 arched canopies, on polished stone columns, support the seats. 
 At either sides are busts of the Queen and of the late Bishop 
 of the Diocese. Over the arches is carved, and the letters 
 illuminated, " Oh worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." 
 The font is a beautiful specimen of stone carving executed in 
 England. The organ is by Hill of London, and the clock 
 and bells are also of English manufacture. The edifice is 
 built of Montreal limestone, with dressing of stone imported 
 expressly from Caen in Normandy. The entrance porch on St. 
 Catharine-street is beautifuly carved. 
 
258 
 
 TILLE MARIE ; OK, 
 
 The Cathedral haa received many valuable presents, not 
 only from its own members, but from well wishers in England. 
 Frcm the latter was received a magnificent altar cloth, lectern, 
 and service books. Not the least interesting (a valuable gift and 
 one much prized by the members), is a beautifully bound IJiblo 
 presented by His Royal II ighness the Prince of Wales to com- 
 memorate his visit to the Cathedral in 18(50. 
 
 Owing to a debt resting upon the Church it was not con- 
 secrated until 18th Jinie, 18G7. The cost of the buildins: 
 was about £-iO,000 sterling. 
 
 TRINITY CIIURCir, 
 
 i !! 
 
 The first building occupied by this congregation stood 
 on St. Paul-street, immediately opposite the centre of the 
 Bonsecours Market. It was a neat stone edifice, 75 feet 
 deep by 44 feet front, seating about 750 persons, and was 
 built at the expense of Major Christie. As this part of 
 the city became more closely built for business purposes, it 
 was decided to remove to some more suitable locality ; accord- 
 ingly, in 1860, the St. John Church, Gosford-street, was 
 purchased, and was taken possession of on the 20th of May of 
 that year. The congregation continued to worship in that 
 building until early in the year 18G5, when they removed to 
 the present spacious edifice on the north-west corner of Viger- 
 square and St. Denis-slreet. 
 
 The church is in the early English Gothic style, and is built 
 entirely of Montreal stone; the ashlar work of random 
 coursed work showing the natural face of the stone ; the quoins 
 and moulded work being dressed. There is a nave, side 
 aisles, chancel, tower, and basement. The tower, which 
 faces on St. Denis-street, is surmounted by a spire, con- 
 structed of wood and covered with galvanized iron ; the total 
 height being 168 feet. The whole building is 167 feet in 
 length by 76 in breadth, including the tower and chancel. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 259 
 
 The nave, 100 feet by 40 ; side ai^ilcs, 12 foot wide. The 
 chaticcl consists of seven sides of a dodecagon, or twelve sidod 
 figure, and is 30 feet wide by 23 deep. It has five light lancot- 
 shapcd windows (stained glass), with tracoried heads, under- 
 neath which are the scats of the clergy. The ceilings of tho 
 chancel and nave are groined, with carved bosses at the inter- 
 section of tho moulded ribs. Those of the side aisles, over 
 tho galleries, arc plastered in panels, formed by the timbers of 
 the roof. Above the arches of the nave arc clero-story win- 
 dows, formed in tho roof, and having a very pretty cIToct both 
 inside and outside. The side windows, between which are 
 massive buttresses, have three lights with traceried hoada. 
 The raair entrance is through the tower, and there are two 
 side cnti, ices, which lead to the galleries and basement. In 
 the basement is a school-room 100 feet by O.j, and 14 feet 
 high. The church, which will contain 1,2.j0 persons, was 
 designed by Messrs. Lawford & Nelson, architects. 
 
 Rev. Canon Bancroft, D.D., and llev. J. P. Dumoulin, aro 
 tho present ministers. 
 
 ST. THOMAS' CHURCH, 
 
 on St. Mary-street, is a neat brick building, erected at the 
 sole expense of the late Thomas Molson, Esq. In front are 
 two towers : that on the north-east corner contains a superior 
 chime of bells, while in the other tower is a service bell, and 
 in front is an illuminated clock. The body of the building is 
 72 feet by 48, and 24 in height, above a high basement, in 
 which is a school-room. The stregt f*ront, including the tow- 
 ers, is 70 feet in length and 40 in height, forming five 
 compartments, two of which are tho towers. The principal 
 entrance is in tho centre compartment. Tho services were 
 for some years under the direction of a clergyman of the Lady 
 Huntingdon school, who was maintained by the founder of tho 
 church. It was afterwards closed, and continued unused for 
 
ilr I 
 
 260 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 a short time ; but, finally, the church and ground was given 
 to the Bishop, to be used by the regular Episcopal clergy. 
 It was thoroughly renovated by the Messrs. Molson, and on 
 Sunday, June 31, 1866, was again opened for divine worship, 
 His Lordship the late Bishop officiating. Rev. A. McLeod, 
 Incumbent. 
 
 CHURCH OF ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE, 
 
 BT, OATHAUINE-BTUEET. 
 
 The congregation worshipping in this church, originally 
 formed part of that connected Avith St. Stephen's Church, 
 Griffintown. In 18Go Messrs. Philips and Mackay gave the 
 site for the erection of the church. The former gentleman 
 also contributed liberally towards its erection, and the tower 
 was built at the expense of,$'8,000, by Mrs. Charles 
 Philips (as a memorial of a deceased brother). The found- 
 ation stone was laid on the 4th July, by his Lordship the 
 late Bishop. The architects were Messrs. Lawford & Nel- 
 son. The cost of the building was about ^20,000, Accord- 
 ing to its present design, it will seat 550, but finished as 
 contemplated it will accommodate 9C0 persons. 
 
 It is built in the Gothic style with dark Montreal stone, 
 hammer dressed ; the length is 115 feet, the width 45 feet, 
 and the height from floor to apex of the roof is 60 feet. 
 
 The present incumbent is Rev. Jacob EUegood, M.A., 
 formerly of St. Stephen's Church. 
 
 ST. George's church. 
 
 The building now used is situated on St. Joseph near McGill- 
 street. It is erected in the style of the 13th century, and is 
 surmounted by a square tower. The building is 150 feet in 
 length by 56 feet in width, and will seat about 1 ,500 persons. 
 The cost was £3,500. The congregation worshipping in this 
 church is one of the largest Episcopal congregations in the city, 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 261 
 
 and the Sabbath school is celebrated, not only for the num- 
 bers which attend, but for the admirable manner in which it is 
 conducted. As the accommodation in the church is not suffi- 
 cient to meet the wants of its members, a large and hand- 
 some building is now in course of erection on the property 
 recently acquired by them on St. Francois de Salle and Jan- 
 vier-streets. The Rev. Canon Bond, incumbent, is ably 
 assisted- in his ministration by Rev. Mr. Carmichael. 
 
 The young men of the church have recently erected a neat 
 brick Mission chapel on Workman-street, a part of the city 
 but recently opened up. 
 
 ST. Stephen's ciiuRcn, 
 On Dalhousie-strect, Griffintown, is designed after the same 
 style as St. George's, but is not so large. The ground plan 
 is 100 feet by 55 feet, and will seat about 1,200 persons. 
 During the great fire in 185.0, the church was entirely con- 
 sumed. At that time the building was surmounted by a lofty 
 wooden spire, but when the church was rebuilt, it was decided 
 not to restore that portion of the work, and the front was 
 finished with stone pinnacles. A few years ago another 
 fire broke out in the buiUl'mg and damaged it considerably. 
 The church-Avardens, in making repairs, took the opportunity 
 to considerably improve the interior, adding more pews and 
 otherwise providing for comfort and appearance. The windows 
 were also filled with stained glass. Re". W. B. Cun*an, 
 Incumbent. 
 
 ST. Luke's church 
 
 is erected on Dorchcstcr-strect, at the corner of Gain-street. 
 It is a neat and commodious stone edifice, and was erected 
 after the great conflagration of 1852. It was opened Sunday, 
 7th January, 1855, but was not consecrated until free of 
 debt in 18G1. It was subsequently enlarged and decorated 
 in 18H4, and' is now a very handsome and comfortable building, 
 attended by a large and increasing congregation. 
 
262 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 t 1 
 
 ST. JOUN THE EVANGELIST CHAPEL, 
 
 an unpretending brick building situated at the comer of 
 St. Urbain and Dorchester~streets, was erected in 18G0, 
 and opened March 10th, 1861. The interior of this chapel 
 is fitted up Avith all the convenience required for the 
 celebration of the church services, in the way observed by the 
 High Church or Ritualistic Party, of which the incumbent, 
 Rev. E. Wood, and his assistants, are staunch supporters. 
 A large congregation assembles every Sabbath and at 
 stated times during the week to take part in the several 
 services. 
 
 ST. MARY'S CHAPEL 
 
 is a small building erected many years ago, at the lower end 
 of the city, known as Hochelaga. Rev. J. Borthwick, min- 
 ister. 
 
 PRESBYTERIAN. \ 
 
 The first Presbyterian congregation in Canada was organ- 
 ized (1787) at Quebec, in a school-room attached to the 
 Jesuits' Barracks, under the direction of a Mr. Keith, the 
 school-master, who conducted the services. In 1790, a con- 
 gregation was organized in Montreal, and in 1791, Rev. John 
 Young was appointed minister. During that year divine service 
 was performed in the Recollct Church, but the congregation 
 could not but feel that an effort should be made towards pro- 
 curing a bi'lding for their own use. This effort was success- 
 ful, and they soon possessed the church known as 
 
 ST. GABRIEL-STREET CHURCH. 
 
 Thj ground on which it stands was purchased from Mr. 
 Hypolite Hertel, with the exception of 12 feet in breadth, 
 •which was granted by Goverraent from the Champ-de-Mars, 
 in 1792. The church was built the same year by Messrs. Teifer 
 & Mcintosh, masons. Its size is 60 feet by 48, and it will 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 263 
 
 seat about 700 persons. For many years a part of it was 
 assigned to the use of the troops, when any Scotch regiments 
 were stationed in Montreal.' It is a plain unassuming looking 
 structure, and stands back several feet from the street. It is 
 surmounted by a small steeple, which contains a bell said to be 
 the first Protestant bell sounded in Canada. 
 
 On opening the church, in 1792, the sermon was preached 
 by Rev. John Young of Schenectady, who was appointed 
 first minister, and remained with the congregation until 
 1802. The pulpit has since been occupied by some whoae 
 names will long be remembered in the city : Rev. J. 
 Somerville who ministered to the people for twenty years ; 
 Rev. Henry Esson ; Rev. E. Black (afterwards pastor 
 of St. Paul's Church) ; Rev. D. Inghs and Rev. A. F. 
 Kemp. The church has passed through many trying scenes, 
 but it has survived all, and at the present a goodly congre- 
 gation assembles within its walls and is ministered to by Rev. 
 Robert Campbell. 
 
 ST. Paul's church. 
 
 CORNKB DOBCHESTEtt AND ST. OENKVIEVK-9TKEET9. 
 
 This congregation originally formed part of that which 
 assembled in St. Gabriel-street Church. Several members of 
 that congregation having purchased a piece of ground in St 
 Helen-street (corner of RecoUet-street) they caused to be 
 erected thereon a Church 71 feet in length by 53 in widtii ; the 
 plans of which were furnished by Mr. John Wells. It wa^ a plain 
 but chaste building of cut stone ; in the centre of the front, 
 which was entirely Gothic, were two large octagonal biittresses, 
 and small scjuare ones at the end ; the buttresses terminated in 
 pinnacles ; the sides of the building were pierced by five large 
 windows on each side, 15 feet high by 5 wide. The interior of 
 the building was Grecian ; the whole expense, including pur- 
 chase of the ground, was <£-1000. The church was opened on 
 
264 
 
 TILLE MARIE : OB, 
 
 the 26th August, 1834, by Rev. Dr. Black, formerly of St. 
 Gabriel-street Church. The pastorate has been since filled 
 by Rev. Mr. McGill, and Rev. Mi*. Snodgrass (now piincipal 
 of Queen's University, Kingston). Rev. Dr. Jenkins is the 
 present minister. The building having become too small 
 for its increasing congregation, in addition to which was 
 the fact that its members resided principally in the 
 western part of the city, the trustees decided to sell 
 the church and erect another of a more modern and com- 
 modious style in a more convenient locality. Accordingly 
 a piece of land was purchased, and the present building was 
 erected. The old church was sold in 1867, and was taken down 
 to be replaced by warehouses, and in the meantime the con- 
 gregation met for worship in the Normal School (Belmont- 
 street). The new building was sufficiently advanced by 
 Sabbath, September 27th, 1868, to permit of its dedication for 
 divine worship. The church is seated for 1000 persons, but at 
 the opening service the number present was far in excess of 
 this ; the service was conducted by Rev. Dr. Jenkins, who 
 offered up a dedicatory prayer, presenting the building for the 
 worship of God, fervently thanking Ilim for having bi'ought 
 the work to so happy a conclusion, and praying for guidance, 
 protection and blessing to the worshippers who should 
 assemble within its walls. 
 
 The building is in the style known as the decorated Gothic, 
 modernized to meet the requirements of the Presbyterian 
 form of worship, and its general appearance is such as to do 
 credit to the city, and to entitle it to rank with the finest 
 church edifices. 
 
 ST. Andrew's, (church or Scotland), 
 
 BEATSa HALL HILL. 
 
 This congregation was formed in the year 1804, and 
 assca^bled for worship in a large private room> under the 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 265 
 
 pastoral care of Rev. Robert Easton. The first church was 
 situated on St. Peter-street, nearly opposite to the end of St. 
 Sacrament-strdet. It was commenced in 1805, and finished 
 in April, 1807, at a cost of about .£1,500. It was a plain 
 and substantial building of stone, 70 feet by 51 feet, comfort- 
 ably fitted up, and capable of containing with case 750 per- 
 sons. Rev. Mr. Easton and the original congregation belonged 
 to the Burgher secession in Scotland, and considered them- 
 selves to be in connection with the Associate Reformed Synod 
 in that country, but this connection was not formally acknow- 
 ledged by the Synod. Accordingly when, in 1824, Mr. Easton 
 resigned his charge in consequence of the infirmities of age, 
 the congregation resolved to procure a minister of the Church 
 of Scotland, and Rev. John Burns was called and became 
 the minister. He was succeeded in 1826 by Rev. Dr. 
 Mathieson.* The present ^building was erected during 
 the year 1850, and was opened for worship in January, 
 1851. It is built somewhat after the style of the celebrated 
 Salisbury Cathedral, and was designed by Mr. G. H. Smith. 
 It is built of Montreal stone, with a tower surmounted by a 
 spire Avhich rises to a height of 180 feet from the ground. 
 The entrances to the church by the tower, are from a flight 
 of steps, and a terrace on each side ; while at the upper end 
 (on Behnont-streot) is another entrance. The interior is 
 lofty and imposing, and the ceiling, which is spanned by open 
 timber work, painted to imitate oak, rises in the centre to a 
 height of 46 feet, and is in strict accordance with the style of 
 the building. The gallery fronts and the pulpit are of I'ich 
 Gothic work ; and the effect of the whole is heightened by the 
 light afforded by the stained glass windows. 
 
 The interior dimensions are 90 feet by 65 feet, including 
 the transept. It will accommodate 950 persons. Beneath 
 the church, are school and lecture rooms, upwards of 60 feet 
 
 • Died Feb. 1870. 
 
266 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 1 I: 
 
 ! it* 
 
 square and 16 feet high, which are entered hy an arched 
 door in the base of the tower. The beauty of the stylo of 
 this building, its admirable proportions, and the commanding 
 position which it occupies, make it an ornament to the city. * 
 
 ST. Matthew's, (church of Scotland), 
 
 POINT ST. CnAULES, 
 
 is a neat brick building, erected in 18G3, with accommoda- 
 tion for about 300 persons, and has a flourishing Sabbath- 
 school. Rev. Joshua Fraser, minister. 
 
 ERSKINE CHURCH, (CANADA PRESBYTERIAN), 
 
 COBNER ST. CATHARINE AND PEBL-BTREETS. 
 
 About the year 1830 some of the Scotch inhabitants of the 
 city, who had been connected with the Secession Church when 
 at home, made application, requesting that some ministers of 
 that communion should be sent out. 
 
 At length the United Associate Synod undertook a mis- 
 sion to Canada, and in 1832 sent out some missionaries. Of 
 this number the Rev. Mr. Robertson remained in Montreal, 
 where he intended to form a church, but he was suddenly cut 
 off by cholera shortly after his arrival. In 1833 Rev. Messrs. 
 Murray and Taylor were sent out, and directed to form a 
 church at Montreal, which they accomplished, and the latter 
 gentleman was invited to take charge, which request he com- 
 plied with, and still continues to fill the pastorate. At that time 
 the congregation met in Bruce's school-room on McGill-street, 
 but that soon became too small and the temporary use of the 
 American Presbyterian Church was requested and freely and 
 gratuitously granted, at such hours as it was not needed by 
 its own congregation. 
 
 • This building was destroyed by fii-e (Jet. 24th, 1869, but is now 
 being restored according to the original plan. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 267 
 
 A plot of land at the corner of Lagauchetiero anrl Chcnno- 
 ville-strcetswas secured, and a building was erected.* During 
 the process of its erection, the cholera again broke out, and the 
 want of funds occasioned the work to be hastily finished bcfo.'C 
 the building was raised to the height originally proposed. 
 The first intention was, however, carried out at a later 
 period, and the congregation continued to increase until, in 
 1866, it was thought advisable to secure a site in a more 
 suitable locality. Accordingly the present property was 
 purchased and the foundation stone of the new edifice was 
 laid. 
 
 The congregation continued to worship in the old building 
 until April 22, 1866, when the farewell service was conducted 
 by Dr. Taylor, who had for 36 years ministered to the spiri- 
 tual wants of the people. The meeting was one of great 
 solemnity, and many of the aged members of the church shed 
 tears as they passed for the last time from the portals of their 
 loved old church. 
 
 The foundation of the new church was laid on Saturday, 
 June 18, 1865. The building is 136 feet by 79 feet ; height 
 of side walls 46 feet ; from the ground to apex of the roof 
 82 feet. In front of the church, in the centre, is a tower 
 18 feet 6 inches square, surmounted by a spire, the height 
 of which from the ground to top is 196 feet. The walls are 
 of rough Montreal stone, in small courses, the sides of the 
 windows, doors, buttresses, tower, &c., being of cut stone. 
 The windows are pointed throughout with tracery heads. 
 There are three entrances in front, the centre one being 13 
 feet wide and 32 feet high. There are also two entrances in 
 rear of the church. The gallery is reached by four stair- 
 cases, one in each corner of the church, at their respective 
 entrances. It extends to throe sides and accommodates 
 440 persons. There is an arched recess at the end for 
 
 •At the time of its erection great complaint was made at its being 
 placed so far from the centre of the city. • 
 
 
I 
 
 1;' 
 
 11 
 
 t > 
 
 |i 
 
 ,1 
 
 f 
 
 I 
 it 
 
 268 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 the pulpit. The roof is open, showing the timbers, and is 
 externally a serai-choristory, and is covered Avith slate in 
 ornamental patterns. The building will accommodate about 
 1,300 persons. 
 
 The basement which extends under the entire building is 
 14 feet clear in height and is divided into school-room, 
 vestries, &c. The building was opened for divine service on 
 April 20, 1866. Dr. Taylor is assisted by Rev. J. M. Gibson. 
 
 COTTE-STREET CANADA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
 
 On the evening of the 6th January, 18-14:, a few friends, 
 connected at the time with various Presbyterian churches in 
 the city, met in the house of the late Mr. Orr. The names of 
 those present on that occasion were. Rev. Wm. Bethune 
 (Probationer), Messrs. Redpath, Orr, A. Ferguson, D.Fergu- 
 son, W. Macintosh, W. Hutchinson, James Morrison, E. 
 Mclver, A. McGonn, Alex. Frazer, and D. Frazer. 
 
 The meeting resolved itself into a committee for the 
 furtlierance of the cause of the Free Church in Montreal, and 
 in Canada. Dr. McNider, Messrs. Stevenson, Court and 
 Mackay were subsec^uently added to the committee. In 
 reply to a request from this committee, the late Dr. Burns 
 (then of Paisley, but at the time of his decease of Knox 
 College, Toronto), visited Canada. The interest excited by his 
 sermons and addresses was such that a large sum of money 
 was raised in Montreal for the buildini]; fund of the Free 
 Church of Scotland. In June, 1814, the Canadian Synod 
 separated into two at Kingston, one part adhering to the 
 established Church of Scotland, the other organizing them- 
 selves as the Presbyterian Church of Canada, commonly 
 called the Free Church. Four months before the Synod met 
 the committee above named sent to the Colonial Committee of 
 the Fre3 Church of Scotland an earnest application, craving 
 that a minister should be sent to Montreal to form a new 
 congregation. At the same time they secured the services 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 2G9 
 
 of Rev. W. C. Burns*, who for more than a year labored as 
 an Evangelist. 
 
 - In 1845, the Colonial Committee deputed the llov. John 
 Bonar to Montreal. For a short time he officiated in St. 
 Gabriel-street Church, then vacant by the absence of Rev. 
 Mr. Esson, at Toronto. Meantime he organized Bible classes, 
 which were largely attended, and began to meet with appli- 
 cants for membership in the proposed new congregation, at a 
 hired room on George-street. 
 
 In the month of March, 1845, a resolution passed the 
 committee to erect a temporary wooden cluu'ch. In three 
 weeks it Avas finished, at an outlay of $1,200, defrayed almost 
 entirely by the committee. Tliis building was erected on 
 Lagauchetiere-street, at the head of Cottd-street. It was 
 attended by a congregation of four to six hundred, under 
 the ministry of Messrs. Bonar, (Lambert), Arnot, (Glasgow), 
 and Somerville, (Glasgow), who were successively sent out 
 by the Colonial Committee. Immediately after the opening 
 of the temporary place of worship, office-bearers were regular- 
 ly appointed and the committee ceased to act. 
 
 In 1846, the present church was commenced, and in the 
 month of May, 1847, it was opened for service by Dr. 
 McGillvray, who officiated morning and evening, and Dr. 
 Wilkes, of Zion Church, preached in the afternoon. 
 
 The Church is plain but substantial, and is built of cut 
 stone. There are three entrances by Cottd-street, and the 
 building is surmounted by a lofty spire. The interior, which 
 is fitted up in a very neat and effective manner, will accom- 
 modate a congregation of one thousand. 
 
 Up to the year 1851 the church was supplied by deputies 
 Bent out by the Colonial Committee. On 20th July of this 
 year, the Rev. Donald Eraser, M.A., preached before the 
 congregation and received a call, which he accepted, and 
 
 m 
 
 "m 
 
 * Afterwards misaiouarj to China. 
 1868. 
 
 Died at Nieu-cliwaDg, 4tb April, 
 
l! 
 
 270 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 was inductctl into the pastoral charge by the Presbytery on 
 the evening of the 8th August. Mr. Fraser continued liis 
 labors as pastor with much acceptance and success for about 
 seven years, at the close of which lie received and accepted 
 a call from the Free Church of Inverness, Scotland. Upon 
 his removal the congregation was again supplied by deputies 
 from Scotland. 
 
 ' On the 80th January, 1801, the Rev. Donald 11. Mc Vicar 
 was inducted pastor, llis pastorate closed on the 13th 
 September, 18G8, he having been appointed by the Synod, 
 Professor of Theology in the Presbyterian College, Montreal. 
 The Church is at present without a pastor, but a call has 
 been given to Rev. Dr. Burns, of Chic;' go, a son of Dr. 
 Burns already named in connection with the Church. This 
 call having been accepted he will enter upon his duties in 
 May, 1870. 
 
 KNOX CHURCH. 
 
 I' 
 
 r* 
 
 r; * 
 
 CORMEU DORCBESTEIl AKO MANSFIELD STREETS. 
 
 This congregation is formed of the majority of that formerly 
 worshipping in St. Gabriel-street Church. At the time of 
 the disruption (1813) between the Church of Scotland and 
 the Free Church party, the St. Gabriel Church fell into the 
 hands of the latter, of which the majority of the congregation 
 became members. Two law suits (which continued until 1861) 
 was the consequence, the seceders holding the church, and 
 the Church of Scotland claiming it. At length, however, 
 (in 18G1) a compromise was effected, whereby the congrega- 
 tion consented to accept 1^5,800 and to resign all claims to 
 the church, and to vacate the same in November, 1868. An 
 Act was passed in Parliament confirming the compromise, and 
 the congregation accordingly purchased a site, on which the 
 present edifice was built. 
 
 This church is n the early English style of Gothic archi- 
 tecture, and consists of a nave, side aisles, and a pulpit recesa. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 271 
 
 The principal entrance ia through a large open porch, and 
 there arc two side entrances giving access to the galleries 
 and basement. The nave, arches and roof are su[iported 
 on light piers, which also carry the galleries, and those latter 
 are made to project octagonally between the piers. The 
 ceilings arc plastered, and the roof timbers formed so as to 
 divide them into panels. The ceiling over the pulpit recess 
 is groined, and forms, as it were, a sounding board for the 
 speaker. The pulpit is a spacious platform, having a hand- 
 some Gothic balustrade in front Avorkcd in black walnut 
 wood. Tiie windows arc fitted with glass of diaper pattern, 
 with a stained margin round the different compartments ; the 
 rose window over the south gallery is filled entirely with 
 stained glass. The pews on the ground floor are arranged on 
 a circular plan, and, with the galleries, afford accommodation 
 for 750 persons. The basement is large and lofty, well 
 lighted, and provided with two entrances at each end. It 
 consists of a large lecture room, vestry, minister's room, &c. 
 It is intended, at some future time, to add a tower and spire 
 at the west side. The church is built of Montreal stone ; the 
 ashlar work in small, even courses of natural faced stone, the 
 quoins, strings, &c., being dressed. The columns of the 
 porch are of similar stone, highly polished, producing very 
 much of the effect of Purbeck marble. The present minister 
 is Rev. Dr. Irvine, who was installed on Tuesday, February 
 6, 1866. 
 
 ST. JOSEPH-STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
 
 Is a neat and commodious brick building capable of 
 accommodating 800 persons. Since its erection in 1862 it 
 has been found necessary to enlarge it by adding a wing to 
 the rear of the building, giving it the form of a letter T- 
 Rev. A. Young, minister. 
 
272 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 AMERICAN PRESDYTERIAN CHURCH. 
 
 DOIICHEHTER^HTBKKT. 
 
 This congregation originally formed part of the St. An- 
 drew's Church, hut owing to some ditFerences of opinion as to 
 the government of the church, they formed themselves into a 
 society, with a name significant of their national origin, and 
 on the 24th Dcceraher, 1822, held a meeting for the purpose of 
 considering the huilding of a place of worship. This meeting 
 was presided over hy the late Mr. Jacob DeWitt. Zeal and 
 unanimity marked the proceedings of that meeting, and the 
 result was that in June, 1825, the cornerstone of the church 
 ■was laid. The site chosen was on the corner of St. James- 
 street and Victoria-S(piare. The first sermon was preached 
 within its walls on the 1st December, 1826, by the Rev. 
 Joseph Christmas, a man of rare personal qualities, of an 
 ardent and poetical temperament, and withal of fervent zeal 
 in his ministerial work, which was crowned with great suc- 
 cess, the membership of the church rising during his four 
 years pastorate from 30 to 274. He also founded, in 1828, 
 the first temperance society in Canada. Ill health compelled 
 him to resign his charge, and two years after his resignation 
 he died in the United States. He was succeeded by Rev. 
 George Perkins, who labored for nine and a-half years, when, 
 as in the case of his predecessor, his health gave way, and he 
 was succeeded, in 1839, by the Rev. Caleb Strong, a man 
 of fine character, a scholar aud c warm friend to all. After 
 seven years' labor he was succeeded by Rev. John McLeod, 
 during whose ministry of teu yo ars 164 members were added to 
 the church. Rev. J. B. Bonar then took charge, and continued 
 to minister to the congregation until January, 1869. They 
 occupied the building until 1866, when they removed to their 
 present elegant church, the corner stone of which was laid 
 April 27th, 1865. The building is an exact copy of Park 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AXD PRESENT. 
 
 273 
 
 Church in Brooklyn, New York, and has a massive appear- 
 ance, yet witliout any great pretension to architectural beauty, 
 no particular style being applied in the design. Its length 
 over all is 14-4 feet, and the width 8(3 feet. The ceiling is 
 forty-four feet from the floor. The front elevation, ou 
 Dorchester-street, has two towers, one at each angle, the 
 one on the south-west corner being finished with a sjdro 
 rising to a height of 200 feet above the street, the other 
 being finished sipiavc at about 80 feet high. The auditoruni 
 is 00 feet long by 70 feet wide, and will seat 1200 por.sous. 
 There is no basement, hence the lecture and school rooms arc 
 in the rear portion of the building, and arc each 1)0 feet by 
 30 feet wide. All the pewa on the ground floor have a 
 curved form, so that the minister can everywhere be seen 
 without the listener sitting in an uneasy posture. This 
 chui'ch was opened on June 2-ith, 180G. There is no settled 
 pastor at present. 
 
 WESLEYAN METHODIST. 
 
 Among the Protestant denominations the Wesleyan ]\Ietho- 
 dists stand second in number in the city of Montreal, tbey 
 having seven churches exclusive of smaller buildings where 
 services are regularly held. 
 
 The first Methodist meetings held in Canada were com- 
 menced among the soldiers stationed at Quebec, in 1780, by 
 a local preacher named Tufley, who belonged to the 41th 
 Regiment. 
 
 The first circuit was formed in Upper Canada, in 1791, 
 by Rev. Wm. Losee, a United Empire Loyalist, and in 1792 
 money was first subscribed for the erection of a meeting 
 house, or church, in Adolphustown, and another at Ernestown, 
 near Bath. From this time the growth of the Methodist 
 body has been rapidly increasing, and they now rank among 
 the most influential and wealthy of the Protestant denominar 
 tions. 
 
 i<i'i. 
 
 
 L!>! 
 
 mi 
 
 
 In t . 
 
m \ 
 
 2.1i 
 
 VILLE MAKIEj OR, 
 
 The first church occupied by them in Montreal was an St, 
 Joseph, (now St. Sulpice-street), and is still standing imme- 
 diately adjoining tlie Church of Noti-e Dame ; it is now occupied 
 by the Fabrique as offices. 
 
 This soon became too small, and a lot of ground was 
 purchased in St. James-street, corner of St. Francois Xavier- 
 street, (where now stands the Medical Hall), and a church 
 was erected thereon in 1821. 
 
 It was of the Grecian Doric order, and was built of cut 
 stone. In the interior, ga.Ueries were placed, and a fine organ 
 was shortly afterwards added. The Sabbath school was held 
 in the basement, Avhich was spacious and well arranged. The- 
 chapel seated about 1,000 persons, and the cost of erection 
 was about X 6,000. 
 
 Like the former, this in turn became too small, and land 
 was again purchased, and the building now known as the 
 
 i' i 
 
 f i 
 
 GREAT ST. JAMES, OR CENTRE CHURCH 
 
 was erected, and was opened on 27th July, 1845. It is an 
 elegant building in the Florid Gothic style, and is one of the 
 ornaments to the city. It is the largest Wesleyan Church in 
 Montreal, and with one or two exceptions the largest in 
 Canada. Its size is 111 by 73 feet, and it was erected at a 
 cost of about £13,000. The hitcrior is entirely surrounded 
 by large galleries, and will comfortably seat over 2,500 
 persons. The arrai^goment of the interior is unique and 
 beautiful. The puqnt especially, being a fine sjiecimen of 
 Gothic carved work, and is entirely of solid rosewood. Within 
 the altar rails is a finely carved font in white marble. The 
 pews are finished ii. white enamelled paint. Those on the 
 ground floor being lined with crimson damask, and those on 
 the gallery are grained in imitation of maple. On the 
 gallery behind the pulpit and immediately over the entrance 
 to the church is placed the organ which ia a most powerful 
 
 d]\: 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 275 
 
 instrument. It ia worked by water power, on the latest 
 improved system. The windows in front and rear of the 
 building, as well as those on the side below the galleries, 
 are filled with stained glass of the most elaborate design ; 
 several of these being memorial windows. Round the 
 walls are placed tablets in white marble, erected to the 
 memory of deceased ministers or prominent members of the 
 church. There are three entrances to the building in St. 
 James-street, and two on Fortification-lane in rear. Access 
 is also gained by all these doors to the spacious lecture room 
 of the church. Many of the most important meetings of the 
 various Protestant religious societies are held in this build- 
 ing; and upon the occasion of anniversary services, and 
 more particularly upon New Year's morning of each year, 
 Mhen the Sabbath school children of the ditferent AVesleyan 
 churches are assembled within its walls, the scene is one of 
 great interest, and is not easily forgotten by those privileged 
 to witness it. Rev. Geo. Douglas and J. B, Clarkson are the 
 chelating ministers. 
 
 GRIFFINTOWN, OR OTTAWA-STREET CHURCH. 
 
 The growing wants of the rapidly increasing population in 
 St. Ann's suburbs (as it wa3 then called), led to the erection, 
 in 1833, of a neat stone building, with a bascmout for a 
 Sabbath school. This uhapol, v/liich held about 450 persons, 
 stood on Wellington-street close to where Duke-street now 
 intersects. 
 
 During the time wl>ich it stood, it was the scene c. •^any 
 acts of outrage. On two or three occasions, during the riots 
 which were so common during elections, the windows were 
 completely destroyed, and on one occasion some soldiers 
 were in occupation, and the marks of the nails of their boots 
 were easily discerned upon the scats and backs of the pews, 
 up to the time of the destruction of the building by fire. 
 
276 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 f ■- ! 
 
 After the fire, and while their new church was being erected, 
 the congregation worshipped for a portion of the time in the St. 
 Stephen's Episcopal Church, and afterwards in the large 
 school-room, on Ann-street, near Wellington-street. The build- 
 ing is 00 feet by 85 feet, and is erected on the corner of 
 Ann and Ottawa-streets. It was opened for public worship 
 in 1846. 
 
 It was originally intended to have added a tower to the 
 west front of the building, but this idea has never been 
 carried out. Since its erection, many alterations and im- 
 provements have been made in the interior. Galleries have 
 been erected completely around the building, and an organ 
 (donated by the trustees of St. James Wesleyan Church) 
 has been placed * the west end of the gallery. The church 
 will seat about 1000 persons. 
 
 LAGAUCHETIERE-STREET CHURCH, 
 
 Wliich was opened in 1845, is situated at the corner of 
 Lagauchetiere and Durham-streets. It is a neat building of 
 the Grecian style of architecture, and the interior fittings 
 were taken from the old St. James-street Churcli. A Sabbath 
 school is held in the basement. The church has recently been 
 renovated and rendered more comfortable and commodious. 
 
 In the year 1804, a church extension movement was set on 
 foot, and a very lax'ge amount was subscribed by the members 
 of the denomination towards erecting churches in various 
 parts of the city. The result of this movement was the 
 erection of three fine church edifices and one smaller church 
 or school. These were built on Sherbrooke-street, Dorchester- 
 street, Wellington-street, Point St. Charles, and on Seigneur 
 near St. Joseph-stieet. The foundation stone of 
 
 SHERBROOKE-STREET CHURCH 
 
 was laid on Saturday, 3rd July, 1864, by A. W. Hood, 
 Esq., in presence of a large number of persons assembled. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 277 
 
 This church is of the early Gothic style. On the front is a 
 tower surmounted by a spire rising to a height of 120 feet ; 
 there are three entrances by th'3 front and one on the side. 
 
 A lofty basement extends uno.er the whole edifice, forming 
 school rooms, class rooms, &c. ; the church will seat 500. 
 The roof is an imitation clere-story in different colored 
 slates ; the building is entirely of Montreal stone, and was 
 designed by Mr. C. P. Thomas ; the cost being about X4,000. 
 It was opened for public worship on Sunday, May 21st, 
 1865, the morning service being conducted by Rev. Mr. 
 Elliott, that of the afternoon by Rev. Mr. Bland, and in the 
 evening by Rev. Mr. Gemley. 
 
 DORCIIESTER-STREET CHURCH. 
 
 The foundation stone of this building was laid on Saturday, 
 October Ist, 1864, by John Torrance, Esq. ; the style of archi- 
 tecture is English Gothic of the 13th century. The walls are 
 stone, the plain surface being natural faced work, while the 
 window and door jambs are of cut stone. The tower is in 
 the centre of the front, projecting boldly from the building, 
 and ia of stone up to the base of the spire, which is enriched 
 by pinnacles and canopies. The total height of tower and 
 ijpiio is 170 feet. The windows have pointed arches, with 
 toverged heads of different designs. There are four entrances, 
 ih<i principal one being a massive and lofty stone porch in 
 front of the tower, and has deeply recessed jambs with three 
 coiui'-iiS on each side, and richly moulded pointed arch with 
 gable. The interior of the church has a lobby extending 
 wholly across the front, and the pews are arranged on a plan 
 radiating from the pulpit. The roof is open nearly to the 
 apex, showing the Gothic arched timbers, which are finished 
 in oak, the arched principals springing from Ohio stone 
 triple columned corbels at the walls. The basement is lofty, 
 wholly above the ground, and is divided into lecture and class 
 

 1 
 
 i: 
 
 \ 
 
 ' :'i, 
 
 l! 
 
 *i 
 
 It 
 
 278 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 rooms. The building is 61 feet by 93 feet inside, and will 
 accommodate 800 persons. The cost was $24,000. 
 
 POINT ST. CHARLES CHURCH, 
 
 The corner stone of which was laid Monday, October 1st, 
 1864, by Hon. James Ferrier. The building is in the early 
 English style and is built of brick. It is 60 feet by 40, and 
 will accommodate about 450 persons. The building stands 
 ten feet back ^'-om the street, and has a tower surmounted by 
 a neat spire. " • was built to seat about 300 persons, but the 
 rapidly increasi ;regation soon required more accommo- 
 
 dation, and accordu. . 'y, in 1867, galleries were added for 
 that purpose. 
 
 ST. JOSEPH-STREET CHURCH. 
 
 A small brick school house was erected in 1864 on Seig- 
 neur-street, at the corner of St. Joseph-street, to accommodate 
 a flourishing Sabbath school which had been organized in that 
 neighborhood, and religious services fvere held in the same 
 place, but the congregation increased so rapidly that in 1869 
 it became necessary to provide further accommodation. The 
 school house was taken down and the present church was 
 erected on its site. The building is entirely of stone, and has 
 a spacious school room in the basement. The principal en- 
 trance is through a tower on the St. Joseph-street front. The 
 church will seat about 500. It is erected in the Gothic style 
 of architecture. 
 
 There are also two other Mission Churches or schools. One 
 situated on Desriviere-street, near St. Antoine-street, and the 
 other on the corner of St. Charles Borommde and Dorchester- 
 street. The former is a neat brick building, capable of seating 
 about 200 persons. During the week a free day school is 
 held in the same room. The building on Dorchester-street, 
 known as the " St. Lawrence School," is the oldest Wesleyan 
 Mission school in the city. It is built of wood, one storey in 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 279 
 
 height. The want of greater accommodation is much felt, and 
 it is proposed, at an early date, to erect a building in the 
 same neighborhood to be used as a church and school. This 
 circuit is under the supervision of the pastors of St. James- 
 street Church, while those of Dorchester-street Church take 
 charge of the Desrivieres Mission. 
 
 NEW CONNEXION METHODIST. 
 
 The members of this denomination have two neat brick 
 •churches within the city; that sit'infod on Panet-street, in 
 Quebec suburbs, was opened for worship on the 2nd of 
 August, 1857, and that on Duprd-lane, one year later, viz., 
 on September 26th, 1858. These buildings are known res- 
 pectively as Salem and Ebenezer chapels. 
 
 BAPTIST. 
 
 The first Baptist congregation in Canada, of which we 
 have any record, was one which was formed by the Rev. E. 
 Andrews, of Vermont, at Caldwell's Manor, Lower Canada, 
 in 1794. In the same year, churches were formed at Thurlow 
 and Prince Edward County, Upper Canada, and in 1804 one 
 was formed at Charlotteville. 
 
 The members of the denomination who took up their 
 residence in Montreal were naturally desirous of forming a 
 society agreeably to their own views ; but no opportunity of 
 doing this occurred till the year 1830, when Rev. John 
 Gilraour, of Aberdeen, Scotland, arrived, and took charge of 
 a number who had been attending the ministry of Mr. 
 Denhara, for some months, in 1829 and 1830. They had up 
 to this time worshipped in a small school-room, but they now, 
 with the aid of other Christian friends, resolved to build a 
 chapel for themselves. This was erected on St. Helen-street, 
 near the corner of RecoUet-street. It was commenced in the 
 spring of 1831, and finished and ready for public worship in 
 
280 
 
 TILLE marie; or, 
 
 September of the same year. The chapel was of cut stone, 
 and capable of seating about 400. The cost of its erection 
 was £1,200, including the land on which it was built. Many 
 additions and improvements were made to the building, and 
 finally, in 1860, it was sold, and a site on Beaver Hall was 
 purchased, upon which to erect the present edifice. From 
 the sale of the old until the opening of the new church, in 
 January, 1862, the congregation worshipped in Nordheimer'f* 
 Music Hall. The new building is in the early English Gothic 
 style, surmounted by a tower, and is built entirely of stone, 
 rock-faced with cut stone dressings, the roof being covered 
 with purple and green slate, in ornamental patterns. The 
 edifice is SJ feet wide by 80 deep, with a projection of ten 
 feet in front and eight feet in rear, and consists of two depart- 
 ments, the L o.in adience-i*oom or church, and the lecture 
 room or basement. The speaker's platform and the baptistry 
 are placed at the rear of the church. The main portion of 
 the building is 40 feet in height from the floor to the centre of 
 the vaulted building ; it is arranged with galleries to accom- 
 modate an audience of about 1,000. There are three 
 entrances, two in front and one on the east side of the 
 building. 
 
 The front and rear of the structure are adorned with 
 arge Avindows of stained glass, filled in with I'eligious emblems 
 and mottoes. The basement (14 feet high from floor to 
 floor), is divided into five apartments ; the principal one, 44 
 feet by 51 feet, is the lecture room, and will accommodate an 
 audience of 400 people ; the other apartments are used for 
 Infant classes and Bible classes. The cost of the whole, 
 excepting the stained glass windows, which are presents 
 from members of the church, was about $'60,000. The 
 building was designed and erected under the supervision of 
 Mr. A. B. Taft, architect, and forms a handsome addition to 
 the ai-chitectural adornments of Montreal. Rev. John Alex- 
 ander is the present pastor. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH, 
 
 POINT 6T. CnAHLES. 
 
 281 
 
 About the year 1853 a mission school was opened in a 
 private house at Point St. Charles, and so great was the 
 success attendant upon this effort that it became necessary to 
 secure some more suitable place of meeting. The building 
 occupied as a school having been destroyed by fire, the 
 present neat brick edifice -was erected at the expense of 
 T. James Claxton, Esq., a merchant of Montreal. It was 
 opened in August, 1866, and continued to exist as a mission 
 until the year 1868, when it was established as a church 
 under the name of the Second Baptist Church, and Rev. 
 Samuel Gales, who had for some time acted as missionary, 
 was continued as the pastor. 
 
 ST. CATHERINE-STREET BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
 In 1861 the First Baptist Church opened amission school 
 in the German Church, St. Dominique-street, which increased 
 so rapidly that in 1868 it became necessai'y to secure increased 
 accommodation. Mr. Claxton at his own expense erected a 
 building now known as " Russell Hall," so called in honor of 
 Major General Russell, C.B., commandant of tlie military 
 district of Montreal in 1868, and now Governor of Dover 
 Castle, who, while he was stationed in this city, took great 
 interest in all mission and other societies, but in none more so 
 than in this work. The foundation stone of the building was 
 laid by the General, in the presence of a large assemblage of 
 members of the church and the school childrer, and on Sun- 
 day, September 20th, 1868, it was opened for use. It is 
 situated on St. Catherine-street, a little east of St. Lawrence 
 Main-street, and is built of brick, with stone facings in 
 front, giving it an air of comfort and solidity. The front of 
 the building is two storeys, surmounted by a small tower. 
 
 
 m 
 
 
 ill 
 
 1 
 
 fit 
 
 m 
 
2'82 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 The building is 76 ft. x 40 ft., and is divided into five apart- 
 ments. In the front, on either side of the entrance, are 
 two rooms used as a Ubrary and a Bible-class room. The 
 central apartment is 40 ft. x 45 ft., and the ceiling is supported 
 by light iron columns, the whole being lighted by large win- 
 dows on each side. At the end of this are two rooms, one 
 used as an infant class room, with raised circular seats to ac- 
 commodate a hundred children; the other is used as a Pastor's 
 Bible-class room, and will hold seventy. The division between 
 these rooms and the central one are of glass, and the frames 
 are so arranged that they slide upwards and permit of their 
 being thrown open for use as one large hall. The cost of the 
 building was about 86,000. At the formation of ,the mis- 
 sion, in 18G1, there were eight teachers and twenty-eight 
 scholars, and at present it numbers forty teachers and three 
 hundred and forty-six scholars. In 1869 a church was formed 
 here, under the name of the St. Catherine-street Baptist 
 Church, and Rev. R. Cade was chosen as pastor . 
 
 FRENCH EVANGELICAL CHURCH, 
 
 CUAIQ STREET. 
 
 This church is the property of the French Canadian 
 Missionary Society, and is under their direction. It was 
 opened on Sunday, March 13th, 1864. It is a handsome 
 stone edifice, of the Gothic order, surmounted by a small 
 spire. The basement is used as a Sabbath-school and lecture 
 room. The church Avill seat about 300 persons. Attached 
 to the church, on Craig-street, is a building used as a reading 
 room and depository for French religious works, and on St. 
 Elizabeth-street is a neat stone residence]for the minister. 
 
 FRENCH PROTESTANT CHURCH, 
 
 Connected with the Church of Scotland, is built on Dor- 
 chester-street, near St. Urbain-street. It is a plain, neat 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 283 
 
 brick building, in Gothic style of architecture, and surmounted 
 by a small steeple. It will seat about 300 persons, and was 
 erected in 18G2. 
 
 CONGREGATIONAL, OR INDEPENDENTS. 
 
 This cause began in Montreal in 1831, when Rev. Richard 
 Miles, formerly a missionary in South Africa, arrived in the 
 city, and finding several members of this denomination with- 
 out a church or minister, he consented, at their request, to 
 form a church and congregation. He commenced his public 
 ministry in a school room on McGill-street, (known as Bruce's 
 school-room) on the ^first Sabbath in October, 1831. Soon 
 aftjr they secured a larger and more commodious room in the 
 Mansion House, (afterward Eagle Hotel) College-street, which 
 they fitted up to accommodate the increasing congregation. 
 On the 6th July, 1832, fifteen individuals, including the 
 minister, formed themselves into a Church of Christ, after 
 unanimously and solemnly adopting certain declarations as 
 the basis of their union and fellowship. Feeling the neces- 
 sity of a more permanent edifice for public worship, a piece 
 of ground was purchased on St. Maurice -street, near McGill- 
 street. The foundation stone was laid in July, 1834, and 
 the building was finished and opened in February, 1835. It 
 was a neat and well-finished structure, with a portico of the 
 Doric order, and appropriate iron railing in front. The inte- 
 rior was comfortable, and with the galleries, seated about 600 
 persons. In August of the same year Mr. Miles resigned 
 the pastoral charge, and in August, 1836, the present pastor, 
 Rev. Dr. Wilkes, of Edinburgh, arrived in Canada, and com- 
 menced his labor on the first Sunday in October, 1836. 
 
 This building was afterwards sold, and in 18-46 the present 
 church, known as Zion Church, was erected. The building 
 is of the Doric order of architecture, and will seat about 1300 
 persons. It was originally surmounted by a lofty (but not 
 
 m •' 
 
 

 
 I , ;, 
 
 284 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 handsome) wooflon spire. The building was enlarged in 18GG 
 to provide further church accommodation and also to accom- 
 modate tlie Congregational College established that year. In 
 the year 18(58 a fire occurred in the church and completely 
 destroyed the organ, roof and tower. During the time occu- 
 pied in repairing the damages the congregation met in tho 
 High School on Belmont-strect. The repairs were completed 
 and the congregation again met in the building in May, 1809. 
 In making these repairs many alterations and improvements 
 were made in the interior. The ceiling, instead of being flat 
 and plain as before, is now curved and ornamented. The 
 vhole interior has a light and elegant appearance, while the 
 J dicious use of stained glass gives it warmth and richness. 
 The spire has not been rebuilt. 
 
 The congregation of Zion Church has always been most 
 active in the establishment and support of city missions, and 
 now sustains a very efficient mission on Mountain-street. 
 This consists of an infants' school. Sabbath-school, and week- 
 
 night 
 
 services, which are held in a small building leased 
 
 and fitted up for the purpose, but it is highly probable that 
 ere long a suitable building will be erected for its use. 
 
 SECOND CONGREGATIOXAL CHURCH, 
 
 Corner of Amherst and Craig-street, was organized from a 
 mission effort carried on for many years by the congregation 
 of Zion Church and knoAvn as the Wolfe-street Mission. The 
 success which attended this mission led to the establishment 
 of a church, and the present neat brick building Avas erected 
 in 1868. 
 
 SWEDENBORGIANS. 
 
 This sect occupies a small but neat brick building known 
 as the " New Jerusalem Church," situated on Dorchester- 
 street at the corner of Hanover-street. It was erected in 
 1862. Rev. E. Gould, minister. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 ASSEMBLY OF CHRISTIANS. 
 
 285 
 
 A body of Christian Brethren worship in a building on the 
 corner of St. George-street and Fortification-lane, recently 
 leased by them and fitted up as a church. It is a plain brick 
 building, and is known as " St. George-street Hall," W. C. 
 Bayncs, Esq., Bursar of McGili College, ministers to the 
 Society. 
 
 ST. John's church — (german protestant.) 
 
 This Church was organized at a meeting of German Pro- 
 testants held in the foil of 1853, and Mr. Werner became 
 minister in 1854. The congregation was accommodated for 
 three years in Gosford-street Church, and when that building 
 was sold the St. Gabriel-street congregation kindly opened 
 its doors for them, but as it was found very inconvenient for 
 two congregations to worship in the same building, the 
 Germans decided to build. Through the kindness of Mrs. 
 Judge Aylwin a site was secured on reasonable terms and the 
 present neat edifice was erected at a cost of about -$7,000. 
 The corner stone of the building was laid on the 21st April, 
 1858. The building is erected solely with a view to comfort, 
 "without any display of architectural beauty either internally 
 or externally. It is situated in St. Dominique-street, imme- 
 diately in rear of the St. Lawrence Market. Rev. F. Schoppe 
 minister. 
 
 JEWS. 
 
 There are two synagogues in the city, one used by the 
 German and the other by the English speaking Jews. The 
 latter, Avhich is the oldest in the city, and also for some years 
 the only one in Conada, is situated on Chenneville-street aid 
 is a fine specimen of the Egyptian style of architecture. 
 The front is cut stone, and adorned with a portico with two 
 columns. The interior of the building is neat, the gallery 
 being supported by four pillars. The altar contains a beautiful 
 
 mi 
 
286 
 
 VILLE MARIE: OR, 
 
 iiU, j^i 
 
 mahogany ark, over which arc placed the ton commandments 
 m Hebrew characters, cut in marhle. The buihUng was 
 erected by private subscription. llev.'A. Do Sula, LL.D., 
 minister of the church, is also professor of Hebrew in McGill 
 college. 
 
 The German Jews, fcehng the want of a separate place of 
 worship, erected a neat and substantial building on St. 
 Constant-street, the foundation stone of which was laid 
 July 1*J, iSf)!). They still occupy the building, and are 
 ministered to by Rev. Mr. Cohen. 
 
 UNITARIAN. 
 
 The first Unitarian sermon preached in Montreal, (and 
 it is believed to be the first preached in Canada) was by the 
 Rev. David Hughes, formerly of Yeovil, England, on 
 Sunday afternoon, 20th .July, 1832, in Mr. Workman's 
 (Union) school-room, corner of St. Sacrament and St. 
 Nicholas-streets. Mr. Hughes preached twice after this in 
 the same place. He died of cholera at Coteau du Lac, jus 
 one month from the date of his first sermon. The services 
 held, led to the fitting up of a convenient room at the corner of 
 St. Joseph and St. Henry-streets, as a temporary chapel, with 
 sittings for about 150 persons, and on the 9th of September, 
 1832, Rev. jNIatthew Harding commenced his ministry and 
 continued until ihe spring of 1884. 
 
 In 1833 an effort was made towards the erection of a 
 permanent place of worship, and Messrs. T. S. Brown and 
 E. Cheney purchased the piece of land on the corner of 
 St. Peter and James-street (opposite the Mechanic's Insti-- 
 tute) ; but the cholera of 1832 swept oif many of the 
 supporters of the cause and led to the breaking up of the 
 Society, though for some time after services were read each 
 Sabbath in the chapel. The cholera of 183-1 and the 
 rebellion of 1837-8 completed the work, and the chapel was 
 closed. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 287 
 
 In the summer of 1841 some ladies dctcrmincil to make 
 an effort to revive the cause. Tlicy secured Mr. ]iruce'3 
 Bchool-room on McG ill-street (which room appears to have 
 been the meeting place of nearly every one of the early 
 congregations) and Rev. Mr. Ware of Cambridge, Mas3.» 
 was induced to come to Montreal and preach three Sundays. 
 Messrs. B. Workman, J. White, Gilbert, Dr. Gushing, 
 L. II. Ilolton and W. Ilcdgo were appointed as a committee 
 to secure a place of meeting and arrange fur permanent 
 services. In 1842 thoy rented a house (still standing) at 
 the corner of Fortificatiou-lane and Victoria (then llaynuirket) 
 square, the lower part of which was fitted up to seat 1'20 
 persons. The services up to this time had been conducted 
 by dift'ereut clergymen brought from various parts of the 
 country, but now an effort was made towards organizing a regu- 
 lar Unitarian Society. Letters were sent t the London, Eng- 
 land, and Boston, U .S., Association asking advice and aid. The 
 London Society made a grant of money, .£25, and books, ^15, 
 conditionally, provided the Montreal Society should select a 
 minister of their approval. The terms were accepted, and 
 a Sabbath school was opened on 3rd of October, under the 
 charge of Mr. B. Workman, with ten children. On Gth 
 November, Rev. Mr. Rowlinson (then officiating) performed 
 the first christening service, the child bchig the infant 
 daughter of William and Elizabeth Hedge. 
 
 Measures were now taken to secure a regular minister, 
 and after some communication with friends of the cause in 
 Ireland, a call was given to Rev. J. Cordner, who accepted 
 the call and arrived in Montreal on 4th November, 1843, and 
 on the following Sabbath he officiated for the first time. 
 The Society purchased a lot of ground on the corner of 
 Beaver-hall-hill and Lagauchetiere-streets and erected a 
 chapel, which was 58 feet long, 48 Avide, and capable of 
 seating 460 persons, and on the 8th of December, 1844, the 
 
 m 
 
 u ■ f 
 
 mi 
 
288 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 basement was opened for service and the Sacrament waa 
 administered to the members. The main body of the build- 
 ing Avas completed and opened on 11th May, 1845. So 
 rapidly did the congregation increase that il^ was decided to 
 pull down the building then occupied and erect on its site a 
 a more spacious and comfortable edifice. This was accord- 
 ingly done, and on 4th April, 1858, the congregation met 
 for the first time in the basement of the new building, and the 
 Lord's Supper Avas administered to ninety-flve communicants. 
 The ncAV building was called " the Cliurch of the Messiah." 
 The style of architecture adopted is the Byzantine, plain but 
 effective in character. The tower is 17 feet square, and 
 when complete will be about 120 feet high. A broad flight 
 of stone steps at the base of the tower leads to the eastern 
 entrance of the buildhig, which, however, is not used at 
 present, the entrance being on Beaver-hall side. Over this 
 door is a large rose window, and in the chancel a window of 
 a highly decorative character, both of Avhich are filled Avith 
 stained glass. Accommodation is afforded for over 800 
 persons. ' ' 
 
 I 1' 
 
 ii. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PttESENT, 
 
 289 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Charitab)e, Humaneund Religious Institutiovs;— Getieral Hospital; Oroy Kunncry:; 
 St. Tatriclc's Orplian Aaylum; Hotel Dieii; House of Industry; Dispensaries; 
 I'rotestant Orphan Asylum; Ladies BeaeTolcnt Society; lieligious Societies; 
 Temperance Societies. 
 
 CHARITABLE AND HUMANE INSTITUTIONS AND 
 
 SOCIETIES. 
 
 A 
 
 T the head of the public establishments for the relief of 
 misfortune and suffering stands the 
 
 a - 
 
 MONTREAL GENERAL HOSPITAL, 
 
 An institution, which, in respect to the Avisdom of its system 
 and excellence of its management, has no superior in the 
 Dominion. This institution owes its origin to the philanthropic 
 efforts of a number of ladies who, about the year 1815, formed 
 themselves into a society called the " Ladies' Benevolent So- 
 ciety." The great increase of emigration had brought to our 
 shores vast numbers of persons who were incapable of reaching 
 their destination, being overtaken by sickness on their passage, 
 or detained by poverty on their arrival, and unable to procure 
 either support or medical attendance from any funds of their 
 own. This Society was formed expressly for the relief of such 
 cases, who were sought outp.ud promptly relieved. The inhab- 
 itants entered so heartily into the scheme that, in 1818, a fund 
 of .£1200 was raised for the purposes of the Society, and a soup 
 kitchen was opened, where the ladies superintended the 
 distribution ; but more than this was needed, and the necessity 
 
 of providmg for the sick was prosentcd to the public. 
 
 u 
 
 
290 
 
 VILLE MARIE J OR, 
 
 The funds were not sufficient to pay for the service of medi- 
 cal gentlemen, but this difficulty was soon removed. A young 
 man ( a retired army surgeon), Dr. Blackwood by name, and 
 some other medical men volunteered to give their services, 
 provided a house could be obtained where the more pressing 
 cases could be relived. A small house, of ^our apartments, 
 was then hired, and was called the House ot Recovery. A 
 quantity of condemned barrack bedding was granted the 
 Governor, at the request of the then Deputy Comi^issary 
 General, Isaac Winslow Clark. This effiart, small as it was 
 and inadequate to meet the numerous cases presented, 
 became the germ of the noble institute that has performed so 
 much in aid of suffering and distress. 
 
 The work once began soon increased, and almo&t immediat(> 
 ly a plan was formed whereby the work might be more effec- 
 tively performed. A large house was taken on Craig-street, 
 and was fitted up with necessary articles of furniture, and an 
 additional quantity of bari-ack bedding was procured. The 
 building consisted of three wards, capable of receiving twenty- 
 four patients. A public meeting was held, a committee 
 appointed, a housekeeper and other attendants engaged, and 
 the medical department was placed under the direction of 
 four professional gentlemen, who attended monthly in rotation, 
 and one of them, as house surgeon, attended daily in case of 
 accident. On the 1st May, 1819, such patients as were in the 
 House of Recovery, together with the little property belonging 
 to that establishment, were removed to the new building, 
 which assumed the name of the Montreal General Hospital. 
 
 About this time, the piece of ground on which the present 
 edifice stands, then occupied as a nuisery, was offered for 
 sale, and with a liberality which deserves to be rccoi'ded, the 
 Hon. J. Richardson, Hon. Mr. McGillivray, and S. Gerard, 
 Esq., purchased the ground on their joint credit, and held it 
 in trust for the purpose of erecting an hospital thereon. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 291 
 
 The citizens determined to proceed with the erection 
 of a building, and early in January, 1821, the contract -was 
 signed. Hon. J. Richardson, Rev. J. (Dean) Bethune, 
 Dr. Robertson, John Molson, D. Ross, John Fry and A. 
 Shakel, Esqs., were appointed a committee to superintend the 
 work. The plans were furnished by Mr. Thomas Philips, and 
 on the 6th day of June, 1821, the foundation stone of the 
 building ( which now forms the centre portion) Avas laid with 
 Masonic honors, by the Right Worshipful Sir John Johnson, 
 Bart., Past Provincial Grand Master of Canada. 
 
 Upon a parchment placed in the cavity of the stone, was 
 inscribed an account of the circumstances which led to the erec- 
 tion of the building, the names of the directors, builders and 
 architect, with other details as to the plan, etc., of the Hospi- 
 tal, and along with which were deposited coins of the reign 
 of Queen Anne, William and Mary, George III. and George IV. 
 
 In less than a year the building was finished, and on the 
 1st May, 1822, it was opened for the reception of patients, 
 when the whole of the former inmates were removed into it. 
 During the session of parliament ^ in 1823, a charter of incor- 
 poration was granted and a sum of XBoO currency was voted 
 to defray the annual expenses of the hospital. The first 
 medical department consisted of Drs. Caldwell, Robertson, 
 Holmes, Leodel and Stephenson. During the first year the 
 number of patients admitted was 421, while 397 had been 
 treated as out-door patients, making a total of 818 persons 
 who, in sickness, were carefully attended to. The total cost 
 of the centra! building was X. 5,856 8s. 
 
 On the 18th day of May, 1831, the lion. John Richard- 
 son, the first president of the institution, died at the age of 76 
 years. His friends, desirous of erecting some monument to 
 his memory, at first decided to place a cenotaph in Christ 
 Chuich, but when the subscription lists were closed it was 
 found that the amount fur exceeded that rdiuired for the 
 
292 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 "work, and as the demands for admission to the hospital were 
 greater than its capacity, it was resolved to devote the money 
 thus acquired to the enlargement of the building by erecting 
 a wing to be called the Richardson wing. Accordingly, ou 
 the 16th September of the same year, the corner stone was 
 laid, and the building was completed and opened for the 
 reception of patients on the 7th December, 1832. 
 
 In 1848 the widow of the late Chief Justice Reid added 
 the wing now known as the Reid wing. This was erected as 
 a monument to the memory of her husband. 
 
 The prevalence, during several seasons, of that loathsome 
 disease, small pox, and other contagious diseases, led to the 
 erection. (_m 1867) of a detached building for the reception 
 of those suffering from such diseases. In this department the 
 unfortunate victims of these maladies obtain the care and 
 attention required by the serious nature of their complaints, 
 while at the same time the citizens generally are saved as 
 much as possible from exposure to infectious fevers. The 
 building contains two public wards, capable of accommodating 
 forty patients, and several private wards for persons whose 
 means may enable them to pay for the convenience and com- 
 fort of good nursing and visitation from their friends, when 
 suffering from this contagious disease. 
 
 The cost of the erection of this building was defrayed from 
 the permanent fund of the institution, with the exception of 
 the munificent sum of isioOOO contributed by Wm. Molson, 
 Esq. Many improvements have been made in the main build- 
 ing of the hospital since its erection, and in winter it is heated 
 by steam. 
 
 The expenditure for the year ending April 28, 1869, was 
 $22,029.20. The number of in-door patients treated in tho 
 wards during that time was 1508, being an increase of 91 
 over the preceding year; and 10,192 out-door patients received 
 medical advice and medicine during the same period, an 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 293 
 
 increase of 1773 over the number of the preceding year. It 
 is pleasing to note the large number discharged from the hos- 
 pital cured or relieved. Of the number of in-door patients 
 given 1279 were discharged, 127 died, and of these several 
 died within three days after admission. These persons were of 
 both sects, 648 being Roman CathoUcs, and 758 Protestants. 
 
 hGpital general ; or, grey nunnery, 
 
 P0UNDLIN0-8TEEET. 
 
 In 1692 Louis XIV. granted letters patent to the Bishop 
 of Quebec, the Governor, and their successors, giving them 
 power to establish general hospitals and other institutions for 
 the relief of the sick and aged poor of the country. By per- 
 mission of the Bishop, and under special letters patent 
 granted thereunto, in 1692, M. Charron, a native of Nor- 
 mandy, and others, founded and endowed a general hospital 
 at Montreal. The gentlemen of the seminary encouraged 
 the work by making extensive grants of land, among which 
 was the ground on which this hospital now stands. The 
 objects of this institution were to provide an asylum for lame, 
 superannuated, and infirm persons, where they could be 
 lodged and fed ; and likewise a refuge for orphan children 
 where they could be employed in work suitable to their ages, 
 and receive such an education as would enable them to become 
 valuable members of the community. Under the manage- 
 ment of M. Charron, who was the first superior, the institu- 
 tion made rapid progress in prosperity and importance ; but 
 after his death his successor proved to be a man ill-qualified 
 to direct the affairs of the establishment, and the brotherhood 
 ■was reduced to two or three in number and the hospital 
 was deeply in debt. The whole estate was, therefore, 
 handed over to the seminary, who soon afterwards committed 
 it to the care of a society of ladies under the superinten- 
 dence of Madame Youville. This pious and devoted lady 
 
7 
 
 294 
 
 viLLE marie; obl, 
 
 nm 
 
 :|' 
 
 f 1 ^'1 
 
 was, at the age of 28, left the widow of a Canadian gentle- 
 man, M.Frangois de Youville by name. Although possessed 
 of dignity of person, an accomplished taste, and a competent 
 fortune, she retired from the world and devoted herself to 
 acts of charity and religious duties. Having been joined 
 by some other ladies, they formed a society in 1737 to unite 
 in works of charity, to live by their own industry, an^ place 
 their revenues in one common fund. Having procured a 
 bouse in the city they took with them six aged persons, for 
 whom they provided. They now bound themselves by vows as 
 religious recluses, Madame Youville being recognized as supe- 
 rior of the little community. These ladies accepted the 
 charge of the hospital in 1747, and in August of the same 
 year took possession of the building, taking with them nine 
 poor persons who had formerly been under their care, and 
 four others whom they found in their new residence. The 
 debts Avhich had been incurred by the previous body were 
 liquidated by Madame Youville from her own private funds, 
 on condition that she should be regularly appointed manager 
 of the institution. Accordingly, by letters patent, dated 3rd 
 of June, 1753, she was legally authorized to establish the 
 community and carry out her designs. Assisted by the gen- 
 erosity of the benevolent who came forward to aid the pious 
 undertaking, the hospital soon extended its benefits to persons 
 of all ages, and in a short time no less than one hundred per- 
 sons were receiving assistance and support. 
 
 In the year 1755 a further extension was made in the plans of 
 the hospital, by the admission of foundlings. This was caused 
 by a circumstance which presented itself one winter day to 
 Madame Youville as she was going into the town on business. 
 Passing by a stream (now covered by St. Ann's market and 
 Commissionei"s-street) yhe observed the body of an infant 
 with a poignard sticking in its throat, and one of its little 
 hands raised tlu'ough the ice. Her benevolent feelings were 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 295 
 
 dreadfully shocked, and after consulting with her associates, 
 they determined that to prevent as much as possible the 
 recurrence of such deeds they would extend their charity to 
 orphans and foundlings. In 1765 the greater part of the 
 building was destroyed by fire, but aide4 by donations from 
 charitable persons, the house was rebuilt on a more extensive 
 and commodious plan than before. Over the gateway, in the 
 wall which surrounds their principal institution, is a tablet 
 bearing this inscription : 
 
 H8pital G^n(jral des Socurs Grises, 
 
 Fondd en 1755. 
 
 Mon p(Sre et ma mdre m'ont abandonn<?, mais le Seigneur m'a 
 
 recueilli. Ps. 26. 
 
 Prior to the conquest a yearly allowance was made to the 
 hospital by the French, and the same >vaspaid for many years 
 after the colony became a British possession. Of the growth 
 of the institution we may form an idea from the fact that at 
 present it contains 139 nuns, (known as sisters of charity) 
 37 novices, and 500 inmates, while over 5,000 visits are made 
 annually to the sick and poor of the city, and from the dis- 
 pensary over 10,000 prescriptions are given to the poor, gratis, 
 during each year. In 1861 the sisters purchased a large pro- 
 perty forming part of the priests' farm and bounded on the south 
 by Dorchester-street, on the north by St. Catherine-street, 
 and extending from Guy- street westward for a proportionate 
 distance. On this they are now erecting an extensive hos- 
 pital and nunnery. In addition to their own establishment, 
 and the visits to the sick, i^ie sisters have under their charge 
 several other different benevolent institutions, viz. : 
 
 I r 
 
 ST. Joseph's asylum, 
 
 on Cemetery-street, for the reception of orphan boys and 
 girls, and which has about 250 inmates. 
 
ml 
 
 296 
 
 TILLE MARIE J OR, 
 
 ST. Patrick's orphan asylum, 
 
 situated near and connected with the St. Patrick's Church. 
 This instituti(m vras founded in 1 849 solely for the reception 
 of Irish orphans and aged persons, and it now contains over 
 200 inmates. In connection with this asylum is an infant 
 school, also taught by the sisters, and which has an atten- 
 dance of over 450 pupils. 
 
 K \i'' :i '! 
 
 NAZARETH ASYLUM FOR THE BLIND, AND INFANT SCHOOL, 
 
 is built on St. Catharine-street, near St. George-street, has 
 over 425 pupils, and a number of blind persons. 
 
 From these facts it is easy to see that the pious ladies who 
 compose this community have charged themselves with great 
 and responsible duties, but their zeal, industry, and active 
 benevolence enables them to extend assistance to all who 
 request it. 
 
 ASILE DE LA PROVIDENCE. 
 
 This Institution, which is under the direction of the sisters 
 of charity of the Providence convent, was founded in 1828. 
 The building occupied by it stands on St. Catharine-street, 
 corner of Labelle-street. The object of the institution is to 
 receive and care for aged and infirm women, orphans, &c. It 
 contains 80 nuns, 36 novices, and over 100 aged and infirm 
 persons. About 16,000 visits are made annually to the sick 
 and poor of the city ; 900 are nursed, and food given at the 
 asylum to over 6,000. During the year 1868 about 250 
 servant girls, out of place, were provided for. From the dis- 
 pensary over 11,000 prescriptions are given to the poor, 
 gratis, during the year, and 3,000 at their domiciles. The 
 sisters have also under their charge two schools with 600 
 pupils, also two hospitals and one asylum for deaf mutes. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 297 
 
 HOSPICE ST. ALEXIS, 
 
 situated on St. Denis-street and founded in 18-43, contains 
 eight nuns and eighty orphans. 
 
 HOSPICE ST. JOSEPH DE LA PROVIDENCE, 
 
 on Mignonne-street, was founded in 1843, and is devoted to 
 the reception and care of infirm and sick priests. 
 
 INSTITUTION DES SOURDES-MUETTES, 
 
 at Coteau Barron, upper St. Denis-street, was founded in 
 1851, and is an asykim for the reception and instruction of 
 deaf and dumb girls. This building, which is a neat stone 
 edifice surmounted by a cupola, was partially destroyed by 
 fire in 1865, but has since been repaired and considerably 
 improved. There are at present about ninety pupils, who are 
 taught French and English according to the desire of the 
 parents or guardians. Age of admission, ten years and 
 upwards. There is also connected with it an industrial school. 
 
 *n 
 
 HOTEL DIEXJ. 
 
 This was the first of the religious houses formed in Mon- 
 treal, having been commenced within two years after the first 
 occupation of the city. It was founded in 1644, by INIadame 
 de Bouilon, for the reception of the sick and diseased 
 poor of both sexes, and was situated on St. Paul street, 
 along which it extended 324 feet, and on St. Joseph, 
 (now St. Sulpice-street), it was 468 feet in depth. The 
 buildings consisted of an hospital, convent, and church. The 
 church stood upon St. Paul-street, and was of stone in the 
 Tuscan style, surmounted by a triangular pediment and cross. 
 Before the establishment of the Montreal General Hospital, 
 this was the only place to which the afflicted poor of the 
 city could be sent for relief It furnished for many years a 
 
298 
 
 viLLB marie; or, 
 
 I: M 
 
 refuge for the miserable, and lielp for the sick, to whose 
 comforts the sisters devoted themselves with the most praise- 
 worthy benevolence. The increasing demands for aid ren- 
 dered it necessary that more extensive premises should be 
 obtained, added to which was the fact that the neighborhood 
 was so thickly built up that it became necessary to remove 
 the hospital to a more open locality. To meet this the pre- 
 sent extensive premises on St. Famille-street were erected. 
 This is the most extensive religious edifice m America. It 
 is situated in a large open field at the head of the street 
 named, and contains the church, convent, and hospital. The 
 whole of the grounds are surrounded by a massive stone wall, 
 and the circumference of the enclosure is one and a-half 
 miles. The foundations of the buildings were laid by the 
 Roman Catholic Bishop on 1st July, 1859, and in January, 
 18G1, the bodies of the deceased sisters were removed with 
 great solemnities from their resting place, in the old chapel, 
 to the new building. The physicians of the institution are 
 the professors of the French school of medicine. There are 
 70 nuns in charge of the institution, which contains 17 old 
 men, 25 old women, 174 patients, 50 orphan boys, and 89 
 orphan girls. During the past year over 3,000 sick persons 
 were admitted to the hospital. 
 
 Before the conquest the Hotel Dieu was supplied with 
 medicine and other necessaries by the French Government ; 
 at present the funds are derived from rents of lands, charita- 
 ble bequests or donations, and an annual grant from Parlia- 
 ment. 
 
 PROTESTANT HOUSE OP INDUSTRY AND REFUGE, 
 
 DOR ClIKSTEU-STREET. 
 
 In May, 1808, a person named John Conrad Marsteller 
 died, and bequeathed all his real estate, consisting of two 
 lots of ground, two stone houses and other buildings situated 
 on St. Mary-street, towards erecting a House of Industry 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 299 
 
 in the city. The amount not being sufficient for the plan, in 
 1818 an Act was passed forming a corporation by tljc name 
 of the " Wardens of the House of Industry of Montreal," 
 said corporation to carry out the plan; to do which they 
 were authorized to purchase property and hold lands, not to 
 exceed £3,000 per year. They were to erect suitable 
 buildings, and appoint seven overseers of the poor, to whom all 
 cases of want were to be reported and in urgent cases they 
 were authorized to grant relief. These overseers were 
 required to visit the house each day between the hours of 10 
 and 2 o'clock for one week in rotation, and to report upon 
 the house and see that all was in proper order. There 
 appears to have been no regular steps taken towards the 
 appointment of these Wardens until 1827, when, by a 
 commission bearing date of 2nd April of that year, and 
 signed by Earl Dalhousie, Fran9ois Desrivieros, Saveuse 
 De Beaujeau, Samuel Gerard, Jean Bouthillicr, Horatio 
 Gates, Rend Kimber, Henry McKenzie and James Kimber, 
 were appointed Wardens of the House of Industry, Avith all 
 the powers, rights and privileges pertaining to the office, as 
 specified in the Act formerly passed. 
 
 In 1862 a meeting was called for the purpose of consider- 
 ing the necessity there existed for a Protestant House of 
 Refuge, and to take measures for establishing such, and on 
 the 12th May, 18o3, an Act of Incorporation Avas granted. 
 On the 22nd December of the same year, a night refuge 
 for homeless poor was opened in a small Avooden building on 
 Campeau-street, and continued in operation during the Avinter 
 months. No distinction Avas made between Protestant and 
 Catholic as to admittance. During the winter 4,047 persons 
 were admitted, of Avhom 2,363 were Roman Catholics. 
 Upwards of 4,000 meals were furnished to the inmates 
 during the same time. On the 8th of January, 1864, a 
 soup kitchen Avas opened in a building in Fortification-lane, 
 
 w •■ 
 
 
 If I 
 
 
 S '< 
 
 %i 
 
 [' 
 
 it 
 
Hi 
 
 800 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 from which about 6,000 quarts of soup were delivered 
 monthly. The smallest number of daily applicants was GO, 
 and the largest 114. 
 
 In the meantime a committee was appointed to secure a 
 site for a suitable building, and after a long search they 
 concluded to purchase the large lot on the corner of Dor- 
 chester and Bleury-streets, for which they paid the proprie- 
 tor, Mr. John Donegani, the sum of £3,750. Upon this 
 property a large brick building was erected, three storeys in 
 height with a high basement. The building is in the form 
 of anJJ . In the front building a portion of the basement is 
 used for the heating and other apparatus. On the first storey 
 is the Ladies' Industrial Department and the general offices 
 of the institution ; the second storey contains the Board rooms 
 and the dwelling for the Superintendent ; the third storey 
 being fitted up as dormitories. The first storey of the rear 
 building contains ofiBces, soup kitchen, large dining-room and 
 two reception rooms ; the second and third storeys contain 
 the dormitories. In the basement are the coal and wood 
 rooms, washing rooms and bath-rooms for male and female. 
 The cooking and washing is done by the aid of steam. 
 
 Every effort is made to provide means for the cleanliness 
 of the inmates, and the separation of the sexes. An exami- 
 nation of the building will show that in these particulars the 
 Board have been successful. Religious services in the Board 
 room, evei-y Sabbath afternoon, are conducted by the clergy- 
 men of the city in turn, and a medical officer has charge of 
 the health of the inmates. It is pleasing to know that, since 
 its opening out of the large number of inmates only s'xt c 
 deaths have occurred. From the report of t\ B .rd ot 
 Management for the past year we learn thai iiiber of 
 
 inmates during the year were, in summer 65, luter 120 ; 
 the number of night lodgings given was 8,30b. A.11 sual 
 visitors receive a meal in the morning and every evemi.g, and 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 801 
 
 as payment for breakfast they work at making kindling wood 
 for one or two hours. The manufacture of kintUing wood is 
 found the most suitable to the inmates, and profitable to the 
 institution. During the year 20,920 quarts of wholesome 
 soup were supplied to the poor families, principally during 
 he winter months. 
 
 During the year 1805 the missionaries of the different reli- 
 git.us societies formed themselves into a City Missionary 
 Relief Society, and were liberally aided by the citizens in 
 carrying on the work. The following year it was thought 
 advisable that aH assistance should flow through one channel, 
 and accordingly a United Board of Out-door Relief was 
 formed in connection with the institution. All applicants for 
 the first time are visited before relief is extended, except in 
 urgent cases. During the year past 3,140 cases were 
 selected, and 315 cords of wood distributed. Of this 150 
 cords were granted by the Irish Protestant Benevolent 
 Society. The number of families on the relief roll was 531. 
 It is creditable to the benevolence of the citizens to know 
 that while so much good has been done through this Board, 
 yet no money of the institution has been expended. All has 
 been the spontaneous gift of generous citizens. 
 
 The institution also possesses a farm,' which was left them by 
 the late Mr. Molson, upon which it is intended at some 
 future day to erect a building for permanent inmates. 
 
 The ladles' industrial department is under charge of a 
 committee of ladies, who, during the year, have given employ- 
 ment to 145 workers of all denominations, who received as 
 wages over 82,500 ; and it is gratifying to state that many 
 women who when first applying scarcely knew how to use a 
 needle have been taught, and now produce creditable work. 
 
 The cost of the land and buildings was about $35,000. 
 
 I 
 
 

 [jmiffi ^ . 
 
 
 
 ft 
 
 S^8''5 ^^^ VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 
 
 HH|S il MONTREAL PROTESTANT ORPHAN ASYLUM, 
 
 
 
 « V 4 
 
 ^ffilHnji BT. CATHARINE-BTREET. 
 
 
 
 ^ \ 
 
 H 111 j;| * Previous to the year 1820 there had been in existence a 
 
 
 
 »■* 
 
 niffii ^1 i society known as Female Benevolent Society, but in February 
 
 
 
 * u 
 
 H|lffi|i of that year it was dissolved and the officers of the institution 
 
 
 
 ." ■■ >,x 
 
 ra ilijil consigned their orphan ^^ro^i^^res, and their flourishing school. 
 
 
 
 .V 
 
 IB J 1 I'll to the en re and maintenance of th 3 Protestant Churches of 
 
 
 
 
 |h |||"i' the city. The Sector of ii'nglish Episcopal, and the minis- 
 
 
 
 
 IS lit i' **^^'^ ^^ ^^® ^^''^ Presbyterian churches, accepted the charge. 
 
 
 
 w. 
 
 ipqjlf if - j^ house was taken, and two rooms in it fitted up as school- 
 
 
 
 \ " i i 
 
 1 1 rooms, that the boys and girls might be taught separately. 
 
 
 
 
 1 11 , Children of all Protestant denominations were admitted into 
 
 
 
 , . * 4 
 
 1 II j the Asylum. For ten years after its establishment it was 
 
 
 
 
 1 m ' found necessary to receive both orphans and children whose 
 
 
 
 
 18 Hi'''' surviving parent was unable to provide for them ; but they 
 
 
 
 *' " *; 
 
 ifi 1 lil' 1 experienced much trouble from the improper interference of 
 
 |P . ™' "' the- parents, and frequently, after comfortable situations had 
 
 m,ma 1 ^^^^ provided for the children, the parents would insist on 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 . ■''•■• ■ 
 
 91111 removing them, to the injury of the Society who so placed 
 
 
 
 ■ 
 
 B; ,f|l«Jij them. Upon the ro-establishment of a Ladies' Benevolent 
 
 
 
 ' I. ' i 
 
 P :'' Society for the support of Avidows and fatherless children, 
 
 
 
 " -0 ^ 
 
 i the directresses limited the inmates of the Asylum to orphans 
 
 
 
 -- '" ■ 
 
 ' i solely. 
 
 
 
 ^ , "' 
 
 The buildings occupied by the Society on St. Antoine-street 
 
 
 
 
 j||« ( |, having become too small the present edifice was erected. It 
 1 *iW'"?'! is a neat stone building situated on St. Catharine-street, anJ. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 \j 
 
 •^ has pleasant grounds attached. 
 1 iliji Children are not suffered to leave the asylum before the age 
 
 
 
 " V ' 
 
 
 
 ■:'*^ 
 
 i 1 M of eight or nine 9 years, except in cases where they are adopted 
 
 
 
 . 
 
 '\ into respectable families, which frequently happens. When 
 
 
 
 •\ 
 
 j ^ any person selects a child either for adoption or as an 
 
 
 
 \ 
 
 1 apprentice, the utmost care is taken to provide against its 
 1 1 being exposed to any iil-treatment or want, and proof must 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 ■ 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 
[ 
 
 MOMTREALj PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 803 
 
 be given as to the respectability and religious character of 
 the person to whom the child is to be intrusted. The orphans 
 are instructed in the rudiments of a religious and useful 
 English education ; and the girls, in addition to needie-work, 
 are early taught to share in ah the domestic duties of the 
 establishment. 
 
 LADIES BENEVOLENT SOCITETY, 
 
 BERTHKLOT-STUEET. 
 
 A society having this name was formed in 1815. It was 
 dissolved in 1822 but was again instituted in the year 1832, 
 after the firat visitation of the cholera, and had for its object 
 the rehef of the widows and fatherless children left destitute 
 by that awful pestilence. The society now occupies a large 
 three-storey building on Berthelot-street. y 
 
 • DISPENSARIES. 
 
 These valuable institutions are intended to afford medical 
 assistance to the poor and needy. It is obvious that there 
 must be many, the situation of whose domestic affairs 
 prevents their entering an hospital, and whoso means are 
 insufficient to procure required medicine and advice. To 
 such, an institution like the Dispensary must prove a signal 
 blessing, and it cannot be doubted that much good is done 
 by its operation. Tlie object is to aid the indigent sick of 
 every description and in every disease. At these institutions 
 physicians are in attendance at certain hours to prescribe for 
 the applicants. In addition to the dispensaries attached to 
 the Hotel Dieu and Grey Nunuery already mentioned, there 
 are two others in operation. 
 
 THE MONTREAL DISPENSARY, 
 
 situated at 109 Fortification-lane, which is under the manage- 
 ment of a Committee of influential gentlemen, of which his 
 
^r 
 
 304 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 iin(::' 
 
 11 
 
 11 
 
 !i!ii;>i 
 
 Worship the Mayor is chairman, and seven medical gentlemen 
 compose the medical faculty. Attendance is given daily, and 
 large numbers avail themselves of the assistance thus afforded. 
 The institution is non-sectarian, all applicants being aUke 
 aided. 
 
 THE HOM(EOPATHIC DISPENSARY 
 
 is on Great St. James-street. It is open each day for one 
 hour, when advice and medicines are adm''- "stored gratis. 
 This is also under the direction of a committee and is sup- 
 ported by voluntary subscriptions. Dr. Wanless is medical 
 advirer. 
 
 Besides the institutions of which a brief account has been 
 given, there are in Montreal upAvards of 50 societies — for 
 even the names of which we have not room — which afford 
 to their members, or to strangers, assistance, relief, comfort 
 or protection. Many of these are uuder the direction of 
 ladies (one of which, since its organization in 1859, has 
 placed over 8,000 girls in respectable situations) but the 
 majority are mutual benefit associations of tradesmen 
 and mechanics for the support of each other in sickness 
 and infirmity. The joint stock is generally derived from 
 weekly or other payments of small sums by the members. 
 There are also among this number, societies for the relief of 
 poor of different nationalities. Such are the German, New 
 En^'land, Irish Protestant Benevolent, St. Patrick's, St. 
 George's and St. Andrew's Societies, the two latter of 
 which possess buildings in which deserving persons are 
 maintained permanently or until employment is procured. 
 
 TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES. 
 
 We find that like all other settlers in new countries, those 
 who first occupied the Island of Montreal made extensive 
 use of the well known powerful agent " spirituous liquors " 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 305 
 
 to aid them in their trade with the Indiana. Thus we find 
 from letters dated at Montreal in IGSi, that " the savages 
 bring in skins, and exchange them for powder, lead, brandy, 
 and other articles." The effect of such trade was soon 
 evident in the behavior of the Indians. A visitor to the 
 town thus describes scenes witnessed by him : — " The 
 village? in the neighborhood have produced bravo men, and 
 their fervor in religion was wonderful, before the avarice of 
 traders introduced brandy among them, which has occasioned 
 such disorder that in the streets of Montreal are often seen 
 the most frightful spectacles." 
 
 The first society in Montreal for the " Promotion of Tem- 
 perance " was organized the 9th June, 1828, at the sugges- 
 tion of Rov. Mr. Christmas of the American Presbyterian 
 Church ; the declaration being against the use of distilled 
 spirits only. On the 29th of November, 18ol, the " Young 
 Men's Temperance Society " was formed, and the two were 
 afterwards united. At a convention held in February, 1834, 
 an executive committee was appointed and continued to act 
 till the 22nd of October, 18o5, when the " Montreal Society 
 for the Promotion of Temperance " was formed. On the 
 1st September, 1837, the society was re-modelled on the 
 total abstinence principle alone, under the name of the 
 " Montreal Temperance Society," by which it is still known. 
 A large and interesting meeting is sustained by the Society 
 every Sabbath afternoon in St. Patrick's Ilall. 
 
 This society, however, is not alone in the good work, there 
 being about twenty temperance societies in the city, some of 
 which number their membership by hundreds. These societies 
 arc known by different names, such as Rechabitos ; Sons of 
 Temperance ; Good Templars ; Young Earnest Teetotallers ; 
 St. Patrick's Total Abstinence Society ; St. Ann's Tem- 
 perance Society, &c. i\Iany of the working men's bene- 
 volent associations also make temperance a condition of 
 membership. 
 
 Kl'IP 
 
 ^1 I 
 
 liv 
 
 V 
 
 n 
 
 1 it 
 

 30(J 
 
 TILLE MAEIE; OB, 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Educntionallnstitutions— Seminary of St. Siilpico; McGill Collepre ilNormal Schools; 
 Convent of La Congrogation de Notro-Damc; St. JIary's College; British and 
 Canadian Schools; Uoyal Western School, &c. 
 
 EDUCATIONAL. 
 
 Under the old French rSr/ime much attention was given 
 to the subject of pubHc instruction in Canada. The first 
 school in Canada was opened at Three Rivers in the year 
 1G16, by Father Pacifique Duplesis, a Franciscan. In 1618 
 there was another school opened at Tadousac, under Father 
 Joseph Lo Caron, of the same order. In 1632 the Jesuits 
 opened a school at Quebec, which became a great and 
 flourishing college. In 1657 the Seminory of St. Sulpice 
 was founded at Montreal by Abbe Quelus, and in 1663 
 Mgr. Do Laval founded the Seminary at Quebec. The 
 Franciscans had a good many elementary schools for boys, 
 and the Jesuits supported, out of their revenues, several lay 
 teachers, who were mostly old pupils of their college. The 
 two orders having been suppressed after the conquest, there 
 were for a long time scarcely any schools save the two 
 seminaries at Quebec and Montreal, the convents of the 
 Ursulines at Quebec and Three Rivers, and the schools of 
 the Congregation of Notre Dame, at some of the villages 
 throughout the country. Lord Dorchester, Governor of the 
 old Province of Quebec, appointed a commission in 1787 to 
 mquire into the subject of education. A report recommend- 
 ing tlie establishment of elementary schools was made, but 
 no further action was taken at the time. In 1801 the Royal 
 Institution for the Advancement of Learning was created, 
 but the Board being composed of men with whom the mass of 
 the people had no sympathy, and the teachers being, for the 
 
 ' ! 
 
 A i 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 307 
 
 most part, without any knowledge of the French language, 
 it was a ijomplete failure. It had only 37 schools and 1048 
 pupils after an existence of twenty years, reaching as a 
 maximum, about 80 schools and some 3,500 pupils. In 1824 
 an Act was passed providing for the establishment of elemen- 
 tary schools, one in each parish. In 1S29 an Act was 
 passed providing for the election of school trustees, the pay- 
 ment of teachers, and the erection of school -houses, under 
 certain conditions. Several wise enactments for collecting 
 statistics, distribution of prize-books, visiting schools, the 
 erection of a Normal School, &c., followed ; but the pro- 
 vision for the maintenance of the Common Schools havin<i 
 been allowed to fall through during the constitutional troubles 
 of 1837 and following years, the system, which had been 
 gradually developing itself, Avas destroyed. At the time this 
 calamity befel the Pro 'ince there were 1,600 schools in 
 operation wherein 40,000 children were taught. Most of 
 these schools had to be closed. 
 
 The Legislature of the United Provinces passed a law ia 
 1841 for the establishment and maintenance of pubHc 
 schools. It appropriated a sum of $200,000 for the support 
 of Common Schools, and provided for the appointment of a 
 superintendent of education for the whole Province. Hon, 
 Mr. Jamieson was the first incumbent of this office, but, to 
 meet the Avants of the two sections, Ilev. Mr. Murray and 
 Dr. Meillcur were also appointed superintendents. In 1851 
 a law was passed providing for the establishment of a Normal 
 School, and for the appointment of school inspectors. 
 Dr. Meillcur labored with great assiduity and perseverance 
 m the discharge of his diffioult duties, and the general prin- 
 ciples of the school system of the Province are due to him. 
 He resigned his position in 1855, and was succeeded by the 
 Hon. Pierre J. 0. Chauveau, who had represented the 
 County of Quebec in the House of Assembly for eleven years, 
 and had filled successively the offices of Solicitor-General 
 and Provincial Secretary. In 18(37, upon the establishment 
 
 I '-1 
 
Mi 
 r ,1 
 
 m 
 
 m:ii 
 
 arsi, 4 
 
 ij I'M !, 
 
 i 
 
 '!!*'~:'i! 
 
 308 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 of the present system of Government, Mr. Chauveau, being 
 called upon to form a Ministry, returned to public life, and 
 "was elected to both the Local and Dominion Parliaments by 
 his old constituency. He preferred retaining the control of 
 the Education Department, and accordingly chose the title of 
 Minister of Public Instruction. 
 
 The School Acts of 185G embody various reforms and 
 improvements recommended by Mr. Cliauveau. Among 
 these were the appointment of a Council of Public Instruc- 
 tion, the publication of a French and English Journal of 
 Education, the creation of three Normal Schools instead of 
 one, as also of a pension fund for teachers, and the placing 
 the disposal of all public grants for educational purposes in the 
 hands of the superintendent. 
 
 Montreal possesses many institutions in which instruction 
 may be obtained in every department of knowledge, from 
 the highest branches of science downward. Of these insti- 
 tutions the most ancient is the 
 
 SEMINARY OF ST. SULriCE, 
 
 which was founded about the year 1G57, by the Abbe Quclus, 
 who then arrived from France, commissioned by the Seminary 
 of St. Sulpice at Paris, to superintend the settlement and culti- 
 vation of their' property on the Island of Montreal, and also to 
 erect a seminary upon the plan of that at Paris. His 
 instructions were so well fulfilled that the establishment he 
 formed has existed until the present time, modified by many 
 and great improvements. 
 
 A portion of the building originally erected for this 
 institution still stands on the corner of Notre Dame and St. 
 Franqois Xavier-streets, and forms a striking contrast to the 
 magnificent buildings by which it is almost entirely surrounded ; 
 yet to the Antiquarian it is one of the principal points of 
 interest, being the oldest building now standing. We, however, 
 expect that its time-honored walls which have withstood 
 the summer sun and winter storms for now over 200 years, 
 
 u\lf- 
 
m 
 
 ■i'-i 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 309 
 
 it 
 
 will soon have to make way for more modem structures. 
 A change in this direction was made some years ago when 
 one of the wings was taken down and rebuilt in modem 
 style. The old building was the same shape as at present, 
 viz., forming three sides of a square, 132 feet by 90 feet deep, 
 and had attached spacious gardens and grounds, extending 
 342 on Notre Dame-sti-eet, and 444 on St. Francois Xavier 
 street. A portion of this garden v:as taken for a site on 
 which to erect the present cathedral, and a row of buildings 
 on St. Francois Xavier-street further curtailed its dimensions, 
 leaving the garden of but limited extent. What has been 
 retained is well laid out and cared for. 
 
 In addition to this building, the " Gentlemen of the 
 Seminary " had a largo farm situated at the foot of the 
 Mountain (and now intersected by Guy, Dorchester, St. 
 Catherine and Sherbrooke-streets.) This was laid out in 
 extensive gardens, orchards, &c., which were cultivated for 
 the benefit of the Seminary. The buildings on this farm 
 were commodious and substantial, and were surrounded by a 
 massive stone wall. The entrance gates were flanked by 
 two round towers (still standing.) This establishment, at 
 first known as the " Chateau des Seigneurs de Montreal" 
 and then as " La Maison des Pretres, " is now designated 
 the " Great Seminary." In early days, and indeed until 
 a few years past, this was the favourite summer resort 
 of the professors and pupils of the seminary and college 
 (College-street) and nothing better could have been adapted 
 for exercise and recreation from sedentary employment. 
 
 The increasing number of pupils at the old seminary 
 rendered it necessary to provide further accommodation, and 
 about the year 1814 the new college or Petit Seminaire was 
 erected in the then Recollet Suburbs, on the street now 
 known as College-street. This building cost X 10,000 It is 
 210 feet in length by 45 broad, having at each end a wing 
 that runs at right angles, 18G feet by 45 feet. 
 
 'J 
 
 »=!. 
 
310 
 
 ■VTLLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 The gentlemen of the Seminary finding that they 
 reqiiired still greater facilities for carrying on their educational 
 schemes determined to take down the old buildings on the 
 farm and erect on their site others of suflScient capacity for 
 the accommodation of all the students of the various city 
 establishments. The magnificent pile of cut stone buildings 
 now occupied by them is the result. This college is under 
 the direction of Rev. C. J. Delavigne, who is assisted in his 
 duties by one hundred and twenty-five Seminaires. The 
 edifice on College-street was leased to the Government to be 
 used as barracks, and was until lately used as such. 
 
 McGILL UNIVERSITY. 
 
 This, the most important educational institute in the Pro- 
 vince of Quebec, was founded by James McGill, Esq., a mer- 
 chant of Montreal, who died on the 19th December, 1813, at 
 the age of sixty-nine years. Not having any children, he had 
 determined to devote a large portion of his fortune to some 
 object of benevolence, connected Avith his adopted country ; 
 and in his last will, made two years bofore his decease, he set 
 apart his beautifully situated estate of Burnside, on tlie slope 
 of the Montreal Mountain, with a sum of £40,000, for the 
 foundation of a university, one of the colleges of which was to 
 be named the McGill College. The management of the 
 endowment Avas to be con6:led to a public board, then recently 
 established by Act of Parliament, and named the Royal 
 Institution for the Advancement of Learning, the function of 
 which was the management of all schools and institutions of 
 royal foundation and of estate or property devoted to educa- 
 tional uses, and the establishment of free schools throughout 
 the province. Mr. McGill's bequest was to take effect on 
 condition that there should be erected, within ten years, on 
 the estate of Burnside, " a university or college for the pur- 
 poses of education and the advancement of learning in this Pro- 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 811 
 
 vince, ■with a competent number of professors and teachers to 
 render such establishment effectual and useful for the pur- 
 poses intended." In the interim the property was loft in 
 the hands of four trustees.* 
 
 Unfortunately, the relatives of Mr. McGill's widow were 
 induced to dispute the validity of the will, and a protracted 
 litigation ensued, which was not terminated till 1835 ; though 
 in 1829 the landed property had been surrendered, and in 
 the same year the college was formally organized under a 
 royal charter which had been obtained in 1821, in anticipa- 
 tion of the issue of the dispute respecting the endowment. 
 Under the charter, the Governor of Lower Canada, the Lieu- 
 tenant Governor of Upper Canada, the Bishop of Quebec, 
 the Chief Justice of Upper Canada, and the principal, were 
 ex-officio governors of the College, and were to elect its 
 officers, and, in conjunction with the fellows, to constitute the 
 corporation of the university, for the framing of its statutes 
 and general management of its affairs. The Royal Listitution 
 was to retain a visitorial authority. 
 
 Under this constitution, the college entered on its existence 
 with much apparent vigor and promise of success. The 
 opening ceremony was held in Burnside House, the former 
 residence of the founder, and was largely attended. The 
 Faculty of Arts, as organized on this occasion, consisted of the 
 principal and two professors ; and on the day of the inaugu- 
 ration, an important addition was made to the university by 
 the union with it of the Montreal Medical Institute, as its 
 Faculty of Medicine. This institution had already four pro- 
 fessors, and an established reputation. 
 
 As might have been anticipated, from the fortunes of simi- 
 lar efforts elsewhere, the prospects of the young university 
 were soon overcast, and it had to struggle through a long 
 
 •Hon. James Richards, James Rcid, Esq., Rev. John Strachan and 
 James Dunlop, Esq. , ' , 
 
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 312 
 
 VILLE MARIE : OR, 
 
 period of difficulty and danger. Mr. McGill had given his 
 endowment under the expectation that, in accordance With 
 the provisions of an act passed several years before his 
 decease, and in the preparation of which he had a part, large 
 grants of public land would have been placed at the disposal 
 of the Royal Institution to supplement his bequest, as well a3 
 to pi-ovide for the general interest of education. This, how- 
 ever, the Legislature failed to do, nor has this failure ever been 
 remedied. In 1850, a number of gentlemen, resident in 
 Montreal, determined to aid in an endeavor to place it on a 
 better footing. As a strong antagonism had always existed 
 between the Royal Institution and the majority of the gover- 
 nors of the college, upon subjects essentially aifectingits pros- 
 perity, it was deemed advisable, as a first step, to reconstruct 
 the board of the former corporation. New appointments were 
 therefore made to the Royal Institution of persons selected on 
 the score of their interest in the cause of education. An elabor- 
 ate report vms made on the condition of the university, and the 
 course to be followed for its amelioration. A draft of a new 
 charter was prepared, which was finally adopted and executed 
 by Her Majesty in 1852 ; and thus the college was placed in 
 a position to be revived and to enter upon a new and useful 
 career. Authority was taken to sell such portions of the real 
 estate bequeathed by Mr. McGill as the governors might 
 deem advisable for a perpetual ground rent, with permission 
 to mortgage the college property in security for a loan to the 
 amount of il2,000. Application was also made to the Legis- 
 lature for pecuniary aid. The sum of ^5,200 was granted ; 
 $4,000 to be apphed towards the payment of the debts of the 
 college, and $1,200 to meet its annual outlay. In the year 
 1851, an urgent appeal was made to the Government setting 
 forth at length strong grounds of claim for liberal pecuniary 
 assistance, and showing that the university could not be 
 organized and maintained upon any proper footing of efficiency 
 unless a grant of at least $16,000 was made towards the 
 
 It : 
 
 •>-r;i?5lSjK^^*"E'1®«f«^-'^!^r 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 813 
 
 reduction of its debts, and $4,000 given annually to aid in 
 defraying its current expenditure. The result was partially 
 successful, but the sums received were quite inadequate to the 
 necessities of the institution. 
 
 In 1 856 (December) an appeal was made to the Protes- 
 tant population of Montreal, and was met, as such appeals 
 always have been by its loading citizens, in a spirit of ready 
 and unrestrained generosity. An Endowment Fund, amount- 
 ing to !^G0,000, was subscribed by a number of gentlemen, 
 not exceeding fifty. Of this sum -$20,000 were given by the 
 Messrs. Molson (the three brothers) for founding a Chair of 
 English Literature, the remainder was made upin sums vary- 
 ing from !i<2,000 to $600. In 1861 Mr. William Molson 
 signified his intention to complete the college buildings, which 
 then consisted of the main (xlifice and one wing. Mr. Molson's 
 first intention was to build a new wing, but he afterwards 
 determined to build not only the new wing, but also, the con- 
 necting corridors, and thus complete the range of buildings 
 according to the original plan. This work was at once pro- 
 ceeded with, and on Friday, October 18th, 1862, the William 
 Molson Hall was inaugurated.* Since that time several valu- 
 able donations have been made to the university, the follow- 
 ing being a summary of the same : 
 
 t ■ 
 
 BENEFACTORS OP THE UNIVERSITY. 
 
 Hon. James McGill, property estimated at the date 
 
 of the bequest in 1811 $120,000 
 
 Subscriptions from merchants in 1856 14,300 
 
 In 1861 the " William Molson Hall," being the west wing 
 of the McGill College Buildings, with the Museum Rooms, and 
 the Chemical Laboratory and Class Rooms, was erected 
 through the munificent donation of the founder whose name it 
 bears. 
 
 ^'1- 
 
 Sne page 145. 
 
T 
 
 814 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 ENDOWMENTS OP MEDALS. 
 
 In 18G0 the sum of <£200, presented to the collep^e by II. 
 R. II. the Prince of Wales, was applied to tlic foundation of 
 a gold medal, to bo called the " Prince of Wales Gold 
 Medal." 
 
 In 18G4 the " Anne Molson Gold Medal" was founded by 
 Mrs. John Molson, of Belmont Hall, Montreal, for an Honor 
 Course in Mathematics and Physical Science. 
 
 In the same year the " Shakespeare Gold Modal," for an 
 Honor Course, to comprise and include the works of Shake- 
 speare and the Literature of Englaml from his time to the 
 time of Addison, both inclusive, and such other accessory 
 subjects as the Corporation may from timo to appoint, — was 
 founded by citizens of Montreal, on occasion of the throe 
 hundredth anniversary of the birth of Shakespeare. 
 
 In the same year the " Logan Gold Medal," for an Honor 
 Course in Geology and Natural Science, was founded by Sir 
 William Edmund Logan, LL.D., F.R.S.,F.G.S., &c. 
 
 In 1805, the " Elizabeth Torrance Gold Medal" was 
 founded by John Torrance, Esq., of St. Antoine Hall, Mont- 
 real, in memory of the late i\Irs. John Torrance, for the best 
 student in the graduating class in Law, and more especially 
 for the highest proficiency in Roman Law. 
 
 In the same year, tlie " Holmes Gold Medal" was found- 
 ed by the Medical Faculty, as a memorial of the late Andrew 
 Holmes, Esq., M.D., LL.D., late Dean of the Faculty of 
 Medicine, to be given to the best student in the graduating 
 class in Medicine, who shall undergo a special examination in 
 all the branches, whether Primary or Final. 
 
 EXHIBITIONS AND SCHOLARSHIPS IN ARTS. 
 
 The " Jane Redpath Exhibition" of $100 annually, during 
 pleasure of the donor, was founded in 1868 by Mrs. Redpath 
 of Terrace Bank, Montreal. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 816 
 
 Tho Governors' Scholarship of 1100 to $120 annually, was 
 founded bj subscription of members of tho Board of Gover- 
 nors in 18G9. 
 
 In adilition to these, there has been about 8S000 donated 
 for miscellaneous purposes, such as the purchases of Philo- 
 sophical apparatus, collection of shells, and erection of a 
 fire-proof building for tho Carpenter collections. 
 
 The following colleges are affiliated with the University : 
 
 Morin College, Quebec. 
 
 St. Francis College, Richmond, P.Q. 
 
 Congregational College, Montreal. 
 
 Presbyterian College, Montreal. ** 
 
 The college is situated on Sherbrooke-street, and the struc- 
 ture consists of a main building, three storeys in height, with 
 two wings, connected therewith by corridors. Those build- 
 ings and corridors, which are built of Montreal limestone, con- 
 tain the class rooms of the Faculty of Arts, with its museum 
 and library, and the residences of the princiital, the profes- 
 sor in charge of the resident undergraduates, and the secre- 
 tary. The Hbrary contains over 6,000 volumes of standard 
 ■works. This number does not include the library of the Medi- 
 cal Faculty, which contains upwards of 4,000 volumes. The 
 museum contains a general collection of type specimens of 
 Zoology ; the Carpenter collection of shells, presented by 
 Dr. P. P. Carpenter to the University ; the Carpenter col- 
 lection of Mazatlan shells ; the Cooper collection of 2,400 
 Canadian insects; collections of Canadian fresh water and 
 land shells, also Botanical, Geological and Mineralogical 
 specimens. The philosophical apparatus is valued at 'ii!4000, 
 and the Chemical laboratory is furnished with all the necessary 
 appliances. 
 
 At the west end of the college buildings is situated the 
 observatory, the basement of which is devoted entirely to the 
 observations on Terrestrial Magnetism. Tho ground storey 
 and leads are devoted to Meteorological observations. The 
 
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316 
 
 VILLB MAaiB ; OR 
 
 Itii' 
 
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 transit tower is for the purpose of furnishing time to the city, 
 and to the ships in the harbor, and is connected by vlectric 
 telegraph with a " Time Ball" at the wharf. 
 
 The grounds which surround the main buildings have been 
 planted and laid out as walks, thus rendering them a favorite 
 resort for the residents in the neighborhood. It is much to 
 be regretted that the urgent demands of the work of the Uni- 
 versity have necessitated the gradual diminution of the 
 McGill estate, until the portion which remains is now much 
 smaller than the area which m.ost other Universities in this 
 country regartt as necessary to their future growth. It is 
 hoped that ciforts now being made will provide for the per- 
 manent preservation of the remaining grounds for public use 
 and recreation, along with all the requiinte space for future 
 buildings. 
 
 The University is under the direction of Principal J. W. 
 Dawson, LL.D.,F.R.S., F.G.S. 
 
 11 
 
 I 
 
 if I 
 
 
 HIGH SCHOOL OF MCGILL COLLEGE, 
 
 BURNSIDE HALL, COKNER DORCHKSTBU AND UNIVERSITY-STREET. 
 
 This school offers the higher kind of instruction and the 
 mental training which together constitute the foundation of 
 what is called a liberal education. As a department of the 
 University, it oifers a thorough preparation for the college 
 course. The complete course extends over a period of six or 
 seven years, but pupils are admitted for any portion of that 
 time into any form for which, upon examination, they are 
 found (jualified. The religious instruction is not sectarian, 
 and attendance upon it is required only from pupils who are 
 Protestants. 
 
 The school building is in a healthy and airy situation, and 
 has all the modern improvements whereby proper warmth and 
 ventilation are secured. A gymnasium and extensive play- 
 grounds are also attached. The school is under the direction 
 of Prof. H. Aspinwall Howe, M.A., assisted by nine masters. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 M'QILL NORMAL SCHOOL, 
 
 BELMONT-STREBr, 
 
 317 
 
 is affiliated to the University, under the control of the super- 
 intendent of education and the corporation of the University. 
 This institution is intended to |jive a thorough training to 
 teachers, especially for the Protestant population of tlie Pro- 
 vince of Quebec. This end is attained by instruction and 
 training in the Normal School itseli, pad by practice in the 
 Model Schools ; and the arrangements arc of such a charac- 
 ter as to afford the greatest possible facilities to students from 
 all parts of the Province. This school .lias been in operation 
 for over five years, and more than two hundred of those who 
 iiave taken its diplomas are usefully em{)loyed in various parts 
 of Canada, while the demand for teachers trained in the school 
 continues to increase as commissioners and trustees become 
 more fully aware of the difference between tiv.'p.od and 
 untrained teachers. Mors especially those who have taken 
 the model school and academy diplomas are much sought 
 after, and the demand for male teachers trained in the school 
 is much greater than can be supplied. The complete course 
 of study extends over three years, and the students are 
 graded as follows : — 
 
 1. Element..;-; School Class. — Studying for the Elemen- 
 tary S'^hcol .Diploma. 
 
 •■, 2. Model 3cnool Class.— Studying for the Model School 
 Diploma. 
 
 3. Academy Class. — Studying fjr the Academy Diploma. 
 Candidates for admission into (he Junior class are required 
 to pass an examination hi reading, writing, the elements of 
 grammar, arithmetic, and geograpliy. Admission in^ > the 
 higher classes requires a knowledge of the subjects of the pre- 
 vious one. All students must produce certificates of good 
 moral character from their clergyman, and also testimony 
 that they have attained the age of sixteen years. They are also 
 
 V] . I 
 
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 11 
 
 I'i 
 
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 U' 
 
 518 
 
 VILLE MARIE I OR, 
 
 1 '1 
 
 
 required to sign a pledge that they purpose to teach for 
 three years in some pubHc school in the Province of Quebec. 
 On comj)lying with all these conditions they are entitled to 
 free tuition, ^vith use of text books, and to bursaries in aid of 
 the board, not exceeding '^SC) per annum for those in the first 
 two classes, or <$80 in case of those in the Academy class, 
 shoi-ld they be successful in obtaining the diploma at the final 
 examination. 
 
 4 
 
 MODEL SCnOOL OP M'GILL NORMAL SCHOOL 
 
 can accommodate 300 pupils, and is always completely filled, 
 many persons being unable to obtain admission for their chil- 
 dren. The school is supplied with the best furniture and 
 apparatus, and conducted on the most modern method of 
 teaching, Pupils are received from the age of six and 
 upwards, and a thorough En.^lish education is given. The 
 fees are, for boys' and givls' model schools, 25 to 40 cents 
 per week ; primary scliool, 15 cents, payable weekly. 
 
 The buildings occupied by the Normal and jSIodel Schools 
 are built of stone, and are very commodious. They are situ- 
 ated in P>elmont- street, and were originally erected for the 
 High School. 
 
 JACQUEt; CARTIER NORMAL SCHOOL. 
 
 This school is under the control of the Superinten- 
 dent of Public Instruction for the Province of Quebec, and 
 is principally intended to give a thorough training to teachers, 
 especially for the Catholic population of the old districts of 
 St. Francis, Montreal, and Ottawa, of the city of Three 
 Rivers, and that part of the district of Three Rivers situated 
 at the west side of that city. The course of studies is divided 
 into three sessions of one year each. Each session is divided 
 into four equal terms, commencing on the 1st September, 
 15th November, Ist February, and 15tli April. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 819 
 
 of 
 
 The building occupied by this schoo], and generally known 
 as the " Old Covernmont House," is ?ituatecl a short distance 
 to the eastv ard of Jacques C artier-square, and upon the 
 south side of Notre Darac-strcet. In front it is 100 feet in 
 length, 51 in breadth, two storeys in hciglit, and is built of 
 stone ; in the rear it has a wing 136 feet long, 30 feet wide, 
 four storeys high, and built of brick. 
 
 The principal building, fronting on Notre Dame-street, 
 and formerly known as " Lo Vieux Chateau," was constructed 
 by Claude de Ramezay, Esq., Seigneur ot la Gesse, Bois- 
 flcurent and Moimoir, Knight of the Military Order of St. 
 Louis, formerly Governor of Three Rivers, afterwards Gov- 
 ernor of Montreal, father of J. Bte. Nicolas Koch de liamc- 
 zay, who signed the capitulation of Qucboc. 
 
 Toward 1704 M. de Ramezay, who had been appointed 
 Governor of Montreal the previous year, purchased the site, 
 upon wiiich he commenced the construction of the mansion 
 shortly afto-'vardfl. In 1721 it was visited by Charlevoix, 
 and in 1723 its situation was indicated in a plan now in 
 possession of the Sulpicians at Montreal. 
 
 After the death of M. de Ramezay, hi 1724, the Chateau 
 reuiained in possession of his heirs until 174;"), when it was 
 sold by them to the " Compaguie des Indes," who converted 
 it into their principal entrepot of fur traffic with the Indian 
 tribes of the country. Although this company had ceased to 
 exist towards 1750, the building bore the name until the 
 capitulation of Montreal, 8th September, 1700, after which 
 it was purchased by Mr. Grant, and, at a later period, by 
 ' the Government, prior to 27th April, 17G2. After the con 
 quest it was chosen as the uiTicial residence of the governors, 
 and Avas thus restored to its original use. i! 
 
 During the American Invasion, in 1775, it was occupied by 
 the American Brigadier-General Wooster, and in 1770 by his 
 successor, Benedict Arnold, who held a council there with 
 the illustrious Frankliu, the two Carroils and Mr. Chase. 
 
 UNtAHlU 
 
820 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 About the year 1784, it was repaired and improved by '.he 
 Baron St. L(j<;er, who made it his residence for some time, 
 after which it was occasionally occupied by the governors 
 who visited Montreal. 
 
 When the Special Council was established in Montreal, 
 from 1837 to 1841, and after the city became the permanent 
 seat of Government, from 1848 to the fall of 1841), this and 
 the adjacent buildings were used for the offices of the execu- 
 tive government ; from the fall of 1849 till the winter of 
 185G they were used as a. court house and county registrar's 
 office, during the construction of the new court house. 
 
 In the end of December, 1850, the " Vicux Chateau," 
 or front portion of the building, was taken possession of as 
 the head quarters of the Superintendent of Education for 
 Lower Canada, and continued to be used for that purpose 
 until 18'o8, when the whole premises Avere handed over for 
 the use of the Normal School which had previously occupied 
 the wings in *oar. 
 
 THE CONVENT OF LA CONGREGATION DE NOTRE DAMB 
 
 ■was founded by the celebrated Marguerite Bourgoys, who 
 commenced the undertaking in the year 1039 with some 
 young ladies she had brought from France. The buildings 
 originally extended 234 feet along Notre Dame and 433 feet 
 on St. Jean Baptistc-street. The Notre Dame-street front 
 ■was enclosed by a high stone wall, which was taken down 
 about 1835, and a range of cut-stone houses and shops erected. 
 The buildings in St. Jean Baptiste-street still stand, but the 
 old chapel was taken down a few years ago, and was replaced 
 by an elegant edifice of cut stone, entrance to which is 
 gained by an arched gateway on Noire Dame-street.* 
 
 The pious and benevolent foundre^d of this institution was 
 born at Troyes, in France, on the loth of April, 1G20, and 
 
 'Directly facing St. Lawrence Main-street. 
 
the 
 is 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 321 
 
 ■was brought to Canada in September, 1653, by M. jMaison- 
 ncuve, wlio had been visiting France. On her arrival in 
 this city she commenced those labors for the instruction of 
 young females both of Indian and French origin, which she 
 continued with much success for many years, and which, 
 amid many difficulties, enabled her to establish the nunnery 
 of the Congregation. Her design was approved of by the 
 Governor. Avho gave her the choice of any ground that was 
 then unoccupied. She selected the spot on which the Bon- 
 sccours Church now stands, and laid there the foundation of 
 a cnapel in the year 1(358 ; but the Abbe Quelus, who had 
 come out to establsh the Seminary of the Sul[iiciaiis, not 
 being acciuaintcl with her excellencies and looking upon her 
 design as an "nterference with his department and \)hu[, for- 
 bade her to proceed. Yielding instant obedience to him as 
 her superior, she desisied, and returned to France for tJie 
 purpose of obtaining the direction aiul authority of the Gov- 
 ernment. In this she succeeded, and met also with much 
 encouragement from the " Congregation," to Avhioh she 
 belonged, and other individuals in France. In 1050 she 
 returned to Ville Marie, (Montreal) bringing with her, for 
 iristruction in the proposed establishment, several young 
 females who had been entrusted to her care. On her return 
 she found that much of the timber and other matei' ds col- 
 lected for her chapel had been removed, or was rendered 
 useless ; she therefore sought for another spot on which to 
 execute her object. An otfer of some out-houses near the 
 place where the nunnery now stands induced her to conuncnce 
 her establishment there, and in subso(pient years other grants, 
 both of land and money, fresh arrivals of young females from 
 France, the countenance of the authorities both there and in 
 Canada, and lastly, the issuing of letters patent from the 
 King, placed the institution upon a soUd basis, and secured 
 at once both its permanency and its extension. The benevo- 
 lent foundress had the pleasure, for many years, of witncss- 
 
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 822 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 ing its growing prosperity and of contributing to that pros- 
 perity by her own unwearied exertions. At length, full of 
 days and honors, she died on the 12th of January, 1700, in 
 the 80th year of her age. 
 
 The black dress worn by the sisters of this congregation 
 has given to the establishment the name of the " Black Nun- 
 nery." Like other religious institutions requiring extensive 
 buildings and grounds for recreation, &c., the sisters of the 
 Congregation have removed their principal educational estab- 
 lishments to sites beyond the city hmits, and the rents received 
 from property held by them within the city furnish a consid- 
 erable addition to their income. 
 
 The number of establishments under the direction of the sis- 
 ters, in various parts of the city, is fifty-seven, with over 12,000 
 pupils. Of these schools, fourteen are at Montreal ; the two 
 principal being Ville Marie and Mount St. Mary. The building 
 occupied by the former was the residence of the Governor- 
 General, and known as Monklands. The estate was pur- 
 chased in 1853, and in the following year was opened as a 
 convent. 
 
 Mount St. Mary, on Guy-street, was originally erected by 
 the members of the Baptist denomination as a college, but 
 owing to financial difficulties it was sold in 1852 to the direc- 
 tors of the St. Patrick's Hospital. It subsequently passed 
 into the hands of the sisters of Notre Dame, by whom it was 
 opened ir 1860. In addition to these there are in the city 
 five academies and select day schools, with over 800 pupils, 
 and seven parochial schools having over 3,000 pupils, making 
 a total of over 4,000 students and pupils, including those 
 attending the principal convents. 
 
 !l 
 
 
 BRITISH AND CANADIAN SCHOOL, 
 
 CORNBR LAQAUCHKTIKRE AND C0TTK-STRKKT8. 
 
 Several benevolent citizens, seeing the manner in which 
 the education of the children of the working classes was being 
 
fTT^ '^ 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 828 
 
 neglected, held a meeting and instituted the British and 
 Canadian School Society on the 21st of September, 1822. 
 Its obiects were, first, to maintain a school on an extensive 
 scale to educate children ; secondly, to train up and qualify 
 young persons of both sexes to supply well-instructed teachers 
 for schools established on the British system. The success 
 ■which attended the early efforts of this society induced the 
 managers to adopt measures for erecting the present building. 
 The funds were obtained partly from voluntary contributions 
 ond partly from grants of the Provincial Legislature. The 
 foundation stone was laid on the 17th of October, 182G, and 
 the building was finished the following year. The building, 
 which is very neat and substantial, is built of cut stone. It 
 is of sufBcient magnitude to contain over 700 scholars. Dur- 
 ing the year in which it was opened the number of children 
 in attendance was 275. 
 
 This institution was kept up for many years, but owing to 
 the troubles of 1837-38 the number of Canadian children 
 attending was much diminished, and the establishment of 
 several other schools for their use has prevented their again 
 
 attending. 
 
 ST. Mary's college and faculty of law. 
 
 BLKURT-8TIIEET. 
 
 This college, which is under the direction of the Society of 
 Jesuits, was opened on the 20th September, 1848, and char- 
 tered on the 10th of November, 1852. Besides the Presi- 
 dent and Vice-President of the college there are twenty 
 professors and teachers. The course of studies is divided 
 into two distinct departments : the classical and the commer- 
 cial. 
 
 The classical course embraces the Greek, Latin, English, 
 and French languages, rhetoric, poetry, elocution, history, 
 geography, mythology, a complete course of mathematics, 
 chemistry, natural, intellectual, and moral philosophy. 
 
 %l \\ 
 
 
 m 
 
 ti 
 
324 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OU, 
 
 11! 
 
 I i 
 
 ;, 
 
 im 
 
 
 The commercial course, which is completed in three years, 
 comprises the Eiigl!"4i and French languages, English liter- 
 ature, elocution, history, geography, mythology, book-kcep- 
 'm<f, aritlimctic, mathematics, and natural philosophy, 
 ■ Besides the classical and commercial courses there are four 
 classes for younger students, in which they are taught spell- 
 ing, reading, writing, grammar, geography, history, and 
 arithmetic. The collegiate year commences on the first 
 Wednesday of September, and ends on the first Wednesday 
 of July. 
 
 The building occupied by the college is situated between 
 Alexander and Blcury-streets, facing on Dorchester-street, 
 and is an imposing and substantial pile of stone, four storeys in 
 height, and surmounted in the centre by a large dome. 
 
 There are in Montreal many other academies and semina- 
 ries besides those enumerated, in which classical and scien- 
 tific education are imparted, but the' limits of this work do 
 not enable us to give an account of them. We Avonkl, how- 
 ever, mention the Model School of the Colonial Church and 
 School Society on Bonaventure-street, the Royal Western 
 School, the schools connected with the Convent of the Sacred 
 Heart, the " Freres " or Christian Brothers' schools, having 
 over 4,000 pupils, and the Sch )ol of Medicine and Surgery. 
 There are others more limited in their sphere of operations, 
 but producing in their combined results the happiest effect 
 upon the character of the population. While in the large 
 majority of these institutions education can only be obtained by 
 the payment of fees, still the children of the poor arc not 
 neglected, and many free schools have been established, and 
 were it not so, the fees demanded in some of the schools 
 named are so very low that there are but few in the city 
 unable to pay, in some cases the payment being but one penny 
 per week 
 
i; ., .; 
 
 I 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 325 
 
 CHAPTER Vir. 
 
 LitcrRry, Stientiflc and Art Asaociations— jrorcantilo Library Asanciation; 
 Mucliaiiics' Iiistituto; Institiit Caimdit'ii : Jliscollaiicdus Ubrarii's; Natural 
 llistdiy Socii'ty; Nuniisinatic and Anliiniariau .Society; Cii.'oloj,'ical Survoy; 
 Art Association; Society of t'anadiau Artists. 
 
 LIBRAllIT^S. 
 
 rilllE first public library in the city (of wliich we have an 
 -L account) Avas the " Montreal Library," Avliich wiia 
 founded in 170G by a joint stock association of one humlred 
 and twenty shares, at fifty dollars cacli. Where it was located 
 during its earlier years is not record(Ml, but upon the removal 
 of the Wesloyau congregation, in 1821, from their chapel on 
 St. Sulpice-street, the library was placed in the upper part 
 of that building, where it contiimcd until May, 18o7, when 
 it was removed to the building of the Natural History 
 Society, then on Little St. James-street. In 1844 the 
 library was purchased by the Mercantile Libraiy Assuci.-'.Uou 
 for .£'200, in addition to Avhich the shareholders of the 
 library became life members of the Association without pay- 
 ment. The number of books transferred was 2,980. 
 
 On December 24th, 1810, an advertisement appeared in one 
 of the city papers headed " Lovers of Belles' Letters, " 
 stating that His Excellency Governor Craig had granted 
 permission, afc the request of some gentlemen of the city, 
 that a library should bo established under his patronage. It 
 ■was to be called the " Craig Li!)rary." To become a pro- 
 prietor in this library the sum of £G was to be paid at the 
 opening, and 20s. each year for expenses and increase of 
 books. Subscribers to pay 5s. per quarter. Tiie library 
 was opened in the spring of 1811, but no records are found 
 as to its success, or whether it ever gained any additions to 
 
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 326 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 its first stock of books. We shall therefore pass on to 
 describe those at present in existence. 
 
 ■ MERCANTILE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, 
 
 This institution was originated at a meeting held on the 
 27th November, 1840, at which Mr. (now Hon.) John 
 Young presided. In January, 1841, provisional directors 
 were appointed. A room in the old building (Methodist 
 Chapel) on St. Sulpice-street was leased, and the first board 
 of directors was elected at a meeting held in July of tliat 
 year. The membership was 180, which increased during the 
 year to 183 active, G5 merchant and IG honorary, in all 
 2(51 members, and the first animal report records oil 
 volumes in the library. In 1843 the Association moved to 
 rooms in the upper flat of the old St. Ann's Market, which 
 they had to abandon a few months afterward for the use of 
 the Government. During this year (9th December,) a 
 charter of incorporation was granted, now bye-laws Avero 
 adopted, and the seal of the Society was decided upon. 
 
 In 1844, the Association purchased the books belonging to 
 the Montreal Library upon terms already mentioned, which 
 increased the number of books in the library to 3,837. 
 
 In 1846, the library received several large additions, the 
 principal donation being 220 volumes of French works from 
 M. Hector Bossange, of Paris. From this year up to 1863 
 the Association experienced many of those vicissitudes which 
 attend such institutions. Some years great advances were 
 made, while others presented a gloomy aspect. The project 
 of a building for the Association had been repeatedly con- 
 sidered, but had not been deemed practicable. The Board 
 appointed in 1863 were the first to apply themselves ener- 
 getically to the project. At a meeting held 23rd November, 
 a committee was appointed to take such preliminary steps as 
 they might deem best adapted to accomplish the object in 
 . view. In December the committee reported favorably, and 
 
f 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 827 
 
 in accordance with their recommendation several gentlemen 
 were appointed to ascertain to what extent the merchants of 
 the city approved of the plan. A circular was issued, and 
 was promptly followed by a thorough canvass of the city, and 
 over iJiOiOOO was subscribed. 
 
 At a special meeting held 18th January, 1804, Hon. John 
 Young reported that Mr. Maclarcn and himself had purchased 
 the parcel of land extending from Bonaventure to St. Joseph- 
 street, which had been spoken of as a site, and whenever tho 
 Association required it, it could be had from them on prc- 
 ciselj the same terms, and for the same price as they paid 
 for it. It was at once determined to build on the site 
 mentioned. A building committee was appointed, and tho 
 work was so vigorously pressed forward that on May 1st) 
 1866, the Association took possession. 
 
 The frontage of the building is 54 feet, and from the 
 pavemont to the top of the cornice 58 feet. It is built of 
 Ohio sandstone above the basement course, which is of lime- 
 stone. The elevation presents a neat appearance, consisting 
 of three storeys of various designs. The general outline of 
 the building is that of an I, and consists of two main 
 portions, connected by a spacious hall going the entire height 
 of the structure, and from a wide staircase on one side of 
 the latter, access is given to the various rooms on each storey. 
 The entrance to this hall is in the centre of the fagade, and 
 is 13 feet wide. On each side of it is a shop, having good 
 cellar and accommodation, and in the rear portion arc rooms 
 intended for board and class rooms. The height of this storey 
 is 14 feet G inches. On the first floor is the reading room, 50 
 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 17 feet in height, with an entrance 
 from the front hall or landing. The library is in the rear 
 portion of the building, and is 48 feet by 28, and of the 
 same height as the reading room. Between these two rooms, 
 and separated from the mand the hall by a glazed partition, 
 is the librarian's oflfice. The top storey is devoted in front to 
 
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 a lecture room of thn same size, and over the reading room ; 
 while in the rear, over the library, is a well proportioned and 
 eflfectivcly lighted room used by the Art Association as a 
 school of design and picture gallery ; the height of this storey 
 is 17 feet. The lavatories and steam boilers are in the base- 
 ment storey, and the entire building is heated by steam on an 
 improved patent system. 
 
 The ground, on a portion of which this building is erected, 
 was purchased for the sum of •^14,000. The building and fur- 
 nishing cost .$23,989.48, and interest 81547.69, making a total 
 of 809,487.17, from which amount is to bo deducted 
 $10,080.00, for land sold to corporation and others, leaving 
 the cost of the property now belonging to the Association 
 829,1 9(3.57. 
 
 The number of volumes now in the library is 4,700. 
 
 The reading room is furnished with the latest papers and 
 periodicals of the day, the number of which is as follows : — 
 21 British, 14 United States, and 27 Canadian papers, with 
 14 periodicals. 
 
 !N umber of members now enroll about 720. 
 
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 mechanics' institute. 
 
 The Institute was founded in the year 1828, and was 
 incorporated by Act of Parliament in 1845. For several 
 years it occupied a building on St. James-streel, near the 
 site of the present building. In 1852 an effort was made to 
 secure a building, and land was purchased during the 
 same year. On 11th INIay, 1854, the foundation stono 
 was laid. The building is in the Itahan style of architec- 
 ture, and consists of three divisions ; the centre having 
 a portico with columns and rusticated pillars on lower 
 storey. The pillars and quoins are ornamented, and the 
 windows on St. James'-street have moulded cornices. On 
 each side of the portico on ground floor is a shop 80 feet by 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 829 
 
 24 feet. On the second storey is the reading room, library 
 and class rooms. Two staircases lead from this to the main 
 hall on the upper storey. The building was opened in May, 
 1855, and the whole week from the 21st to the 2Tth was 
 devoted to various meetings and amusements. In 18(j2, the 
 building Avas enlarged by an addition on St. Peter-street, and 
 alterations were made in the roof and the ceiling of the 
 main hall, which is now 80 feet by GO feet, with a platform 
 29 feet by 2G. The hull will seat comfortably 800 persona. 
 
 The library of the Institute contains 4,500 volumes, and 
 the reading room is supplied with 12 British, 9 United 
 States, and 19 Canadian papers, and 25 periodicals. The 
 membership is 528. The value of the property of the 
 Institute is 852,000. 
 
 During the winter months classes in mechanical drawing 
 and other branches are sustained by the Institute and are 
 well attended ; large numbers of the members availing 
 themselves of the valuable privileges thus afforded them. In 
 securing teachers for these classes every effort is made to 
 obtain the highest talent of the city for the respective 
 departments. 
 
 It is much to be regretted that this institute, in common 
 with all other Hterary institutions of the city, meets with but 
 little sympathy from the general public or even from persons 
 for whose advantage it is designed, and it conse([ucutly labors 
 under great difficulties, in most instances the income falling 
 far short of the amount required to meet working expenses. 
 
 INSTITUT CANADIEN, 
 
 NOTIIE DAME BTHEET. 
 
 This institution was founded in 1844, when the F rench 
 Canadians had not a single library in the city of Montreal, 
 nor a place where they could read or meet together. In 
 1852 it was incorporated, and in 1854 the building at 
 
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 VILLB MARIE ; OR, 
 
 
 present 03cupied and owned by it, was erected. It is of stone, 
 four storeys in height. The ground floor is used for stores ; 
 the reading room and library occupy the rear of the build- 
 ing on the second flat ; the front portion being used as 
 offices. The upper part is used as a lecture room, and 
 is well lighted and lofty. The cost of the building and land 
 was about $22,000. Great success attended the early 
 woi'kiiigs of the institution, and in 1857 there were 700 
 memb(3rs, but in 1858 an attempt having been made by the 
 clergy to influence its members to exclude any who 
 did not profess the Catholic religion and to exclude some 
 Protestant papers led to a disruption. A large majority of 
 the members refused to accede to the wishes of the clergy, 
 who then organized similar institutions which should be more 
 under their control. One hundred and fifty men have with- 
 drawn, the majority of whom joined the Institut Canadien 
 Fran^ais, Avhich receives an annual contribution towards its 
 support from the " gentlemen of the Seminary." 
 
 Since 1858 the Institution has labored under great 
 difficulties, arising from the determined opposition met with 
 from the parties named ; still, its members have succeeded in 
 maintaining the integrity of their constitution in regard to 
 their liberty of reading all public journals, and the equality 
 of creeds and origins. An appeal made to the public to 
 enable them to free the institution from debt was liberally 
 responded to by both the English and French-speaking 
 population, and it is confidently expected that ere long it 
 will be placed upon a safe financial basis. The library 
 contains 7,500 volumes, and the reading room is supplied 
 with 75 French and English journals. A most valuable 
 addition was made to the library a few years ago by 
 Prince Napoleon who presented books valued at $2,600. 
 These are elegantly bound, and comprise works on the arts, 
 sciences and general literature. In addition to these 
 the Emperor ' Napoleon has manifested his interest in the 
 
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 i-l 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 331 
 
 it 
 
 to 
 
 it 
 
 institution by presenting statuary, &c., valued at 81,000. 
 The members are justly proud of these Imperial presents, and 
 they are most jealously guarded, but at the same time are 
 freely exhibited to any who* may wish to inspect them. 
 
 There are several other public libraries in Montreal, 
 of which we can only give the names. They are as follows : — 
 Advocates' Library and Library of the Bar, founded 1827 ; 
 Canadian Mechanics' Institute, founded 1857 ; Grand Trunk 
 Reading Room and Library ; Institute Canadienne Fran^ais ; 
 (Euvre des Bons Livres, founded 18-44, and the Canadian 
 Mechanics' Institute. 
 
 There are also numerous libraries belonging to different 
 societies and churches, of which we have been unable to 
 obtain an account. 
 
 ARTS AND SCIENCES. 
 
 Foremost among the scientific institutions of the city 
 stands the 
 
 NATURAL nrSTORY SOCIETY, 
 
 which was organized in 1827 by a few gentlemen who 
 desired to unite themselves for the pursuit of t cientific know- 
 ledge. Anticipating but a small list of members, and 
 aware that at different times associations had been formed for 
 literary purposes, which had gradually been dissolved, the 
 founders of the society saw the necessity of a bond of union 
 independent of the personal character of the first members, — 
 a visible sign of the existence and utility of the institution, 
 and around which the members might at all times rfiUy. 
 With a view to afford this bond, to prevent the tendency to 
 dissolution, the promoters resolved to form a museum, an 
 institution which has proved to have groat power in calling 
 attention to scientific pursuits. But the mere collection 
 of the productions of nature would leave the design of the 
 Society imperfect without the possession of books that treat 
 of such subjects. In addition, therefore, to the possession of 
 
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332 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
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 a museum, it was one of the first objects of the Society to 
 secure a library of books on science in i^eneral. 
 
 The design met witli general approbation amongst those 
 who were most able to 3ui)port it. Numbers of gentlemen 
 enrolled their names as members of the Society, which 
 speedily assumed a form likely to render it both pcrmunent 
 and efficient, and this permanence was secured upon a solid 
 basis by an Act of Incorporation granted in 18;>2. 
 
 So readily were the early el!ljrts of the Society encouraged 
 that the rooms first occupi )d by the Society were soon found 
 too small, and in course of a few years they were enabled to 
 secure a large building on Little St. James-street * which 
 was fitted up for the museum and lil)rary. The building 
 also contained a lecture room, where lectures were for some 
 time delivered during the winter months by members of 
 the Society. This building soon became too small, and 
 the directors procured the site on which their present 
 building stands. This was erected in the year 1858. It is of 
 white brick, 45 feet on University -street and 90 feet on 
 Cathcart-street, and 50 feet high. The entrance is on 
 University-street. On the ground floor is the lecture room, 
 library, committee room and residence of the keeper. The 
 second storey, which is about CO feet in height, contains the 
 museum, which is surrounded by a gallery, and lighted by 
 skylights in centre of the ceiling. Around the sides of the 
 principal hall are cases containing birds, reptiles and quadru- 
 peds, while the centre is occupied by cases of mineralogi- 
 cal and geological specimens. On ascending to the galleries 
 we find, on the front portion, specimens of shell fish, corals, 
 &c., while the side galleries have cases containing shells, of 
 which a large collection of fine specimens are exhibited. 
 In addition to these the walls are hung with paintings, 
 Indian and other dresses, specimens of paper money, cases 
 of coins, medals, &c. 
 
 * Now occupied by the Caaadiari Mecbauica' laatitute. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 333 
 
 The principal attraction on tho galleries is the Fcrrior col. 
 lection of Egyptian and other antitjuities, coilected by lion. 
 James Fcrrier during a tour in the East, and presented by 
 him to the Society. 
 
 
 GEOLOGICAL SURVEYS MUSEUM. 
 
 Opposite tho west end of the Champ de Mars is a plain 
 cut stone edifice, three storeys high, (31 feet in length by 43 
 in depth, with a brick wing in rear /33 feet in length by 15 
 in depth. The property was purchased ]>y the Gov(M'nment 
 in 1817 from Hon. Peter Mc(iill, fur the sum of !i<20,000, 
 and in l8')-'-l rej^airs an<l alterations were made at an 
 expense of •'3«o,l)72.:io. When the scat of Government was 
 in Montreal, this building was occupied chiefly by the Crown 
 Land's department. 
 
 The Geological Survey of Canada was instituted by the 
 Provincial Government in 1843, and one of the duties 
 imposed upon the Survey was the formation of a provincial 
 museum, which should illustrate the geology and the mineral 
 resources of the country. This object has been constantly 
 kept in view, and since the building has been placed at the 
 disposal of the Survey the museum has gradually assmned 
 a value and importance which at the present timj render it 
 gecond to few on the continent for the special purposes to 
 which it is devoted. The museum is open daily from 10 A. 
 M. to 4 P.M., and is free to all. 
 
 NUMISMATIC AND ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY. 
 
 In the month of December, 18t}2, several gentlemen of 
 Montreal, desirous of cultivating the study of Numismatics, 
 — and judging the formation of a properly organized associa- 
 tion as the most efficacious means of attaining that end, 
 assembled and formed " The Numismatic Society of Mon- 
 treal." 
 
 
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834 
 
 YILLE marie; or, 
 
 On the formation of the Society, the attention of members 
 was directed to Numismaf '8 in general. It was not long, 
 however, before several nien.bers very naturally directed 
 their researches towards the coins of Canada. The compa- 
 ratively great variety, the artistic excellence of numerous 
 specimens, and divers curious incidents bearing on these 
 coins, furnished ample material for many interesting reflec- 
 tions and surmises. 
 
 In January, 1866, the name of the Society was changed 
 to that of the " Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Mon- 
 treal." 
 
 In addition to the study of Numismatic science, the mem- 
 bers now directed their attention to Antiquarian research, 
 and the result of the extended sphere of study has been to 
 largely increase the membership and the interest in the 
 Society. Since its organization, many very interesting and 
 able papers have been read, which it is hoped will be 
 published at some future day. 
 
 The Society's cabinet has been enriched by several valua- 
 ble donations of coins and medals, and the library contains 
 many works upon Numismatic and Antiquarian subjects. 
 
 An Act of Incorporation was procured during the last 
 session of the Quebec Legislature. 
 
 THE SOCIETY OF CANADIAN ARTISTS 
 
 was established >; 1868, and held its first exhibition in the 
 Mercantile Library Hall in the fall of the same year. All 
 subscribers to the Society are entitled to a chromo-lithograph 
 copy of some work of art chosen by the Society and executed 
 specially for it. Although comparatively young it bids fair 
 to take a prominent place among the Art Societies of the 
 Dominion. 
 
 ART ASSOCIATION OF MONTREAL. 
 
 On the 23rd April, 1860, Right Rev. F. Fulford, (the 
 late Bishop,) Rev. W. T. Leach, W. H. A. Davies, T. D. 
 
'fl 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 885 
 
 King and J. Leeming, Esquires, with others, were hy Act of 
 Incorporation constitutei as an Association for the encour- 
 agement of Fine Arts, by means of the establisliing of a 
 Gallery of Art, a School of Design and otherwise ; and, to 
 be known as the " Art Association of Montreal." 
 
 The society has done much towards the encouragement of 
 Fine Arts in the city. Its annual exhibitions are generally 
 well attended. A portion of the building of the Mercantile 
 Library Association has been leased by the society, and fitted 
 up as a picture gallery. 
 
 I 
 
836 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 ruhlic lUiildinK^. Monuments, .S<nmro8 and Cometcrios; Jalln; Court flonsos; Tost 
 Ollicc; Ni'Imoii'h .Mi)iiuini>iit; Vij?or Unnli-in; Victoria niul other 8iiuurod; 
 C'liuiiij) Uu Mum; Uumaii Catholic and Mount Uuyal Cuniutoriua. 
 
 JxVILS. 
 
 rpiIE jail used before the Conquest stood on the site now 
 J. occupied by the Crystal Block on Notre Datne-strcet. 
 When the British took possession of the city, the property 
 belonj^ing to the Jesuits on Notre Dame-street, where the pre- 
 sent Court-house stands, was confiscated and the buildings 
 thereon were occupied as a jail and court-house. These 
 buildings, however, were not at all suited for the purposes 
 for which they had been assigned, and we find in a present- 
 ment of the grand jury at the Court of King's Bench, held 
 2ud September, 1782, the following statement :— 
 
 " The jurors of our Lord the King, for the district of Mon- 
 treal, do present, that the Jesuits' College, or that part of it 
 which for many years past hath been appropriated and used 
 for the common jail for this district, is very insufficient for 
 the purposes of a civil prison, is in a ruinous condition, and 
 is becoming a nuisance to the public, and dangerous to the 
 health and lives, as well of the persons confined therein, as 
 to others, his Majesty's subjects. 
 
 "That it is insufficent for the purposes of a civil prison 
 will appear on considering that there are but three small 
 apartments, into which are put prisoners of both sexes, and 
 every denomination, whether for debt, l^reachesofthe peace, 
 or the most flagrant crimes ; and on the representation of 
 the sheriff of the district to their honors the Judges of the 
 Court of common pleas, of the insufficiency of this prison, 
 they have thought proper to order that executions should not 
 
7^^ 
 
 > 1 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 887 
 
 issue a^^ainst the persons of debtors who, by the laws of the 
 Province, may become subject to imprisonment." 
 
 In 1787, Lord Dorchester appointed a committee of the 
 Legislative Council " to investigate into the past adminis- 
 tration of justice in the Province of Quebec." Li a report 
 made by a committee of merchants of Montreal to this com- 
 mission, and dated 'ISrd June, 1787, we find the 8th Article 
 reads as follows : — 
 
 " The want of a proper jail for this district has long been 
 complained of, and at divers times has been represented by 
 dift'erent grand jurors, as well as at the Courts of Oyer and 
 Terminer, and in the inferior Courts of quarter sessions ; but 
 hitherto no remedy has been applied. The house, which at 
 present serves as a jail, consists of four very small rooms, in 
 which are frequently confined promiscuously persons of differ- 
 ent sexes, and for very different degrees of crime. The unfor- 
 tnnatc debtor cannot have a room to himself; nor can the 
 malefactor, when preparing for the other world, bo accommo- 
 dated with a place of retirement to deprecate the wrath of 
 the offended Deity. The insufficiency of the jail, in point of 
 security, occasions a guard of soldiers to be kept in the lower 
 part of it, and even with that precaution, many atrocious 
 offenders have escaped, insomuch, that the sheriff of the dis- 
 trict has refused to confine debtors, unless the prosecutor 
 agree to take upon himself the risk of an escape. The sit- 
 uation of this insufficient jail heightens the sufferings of the 
 persons whom the law dooms to imprisonment, offends every 
 passer-by in the warm season, and is a nuisance to the neigh- 
 borhood." 
 
 Those inconveniences were somewhat lessened by the remo- 
 val of the Courts to the new building erected for them. 
 
 In 1808 the old jail was partially destroyed by fire, and the 
 sura of ^615 13s. 2d. was paid for repairs, and during these 
 repairs the sheriff was authorized to lease a building in which 
 to place the prisoners. The old building was subsequently 
 
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888 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 replaced by another erected in 1808, in virtue of a Provin- 
 cial Statute, passed on the 25th March, ISC'"), by which the 
 8ura of £9000 was voted for the purpose. T!.!j oiiilding soon 
 became too small and in 1881 the present jail was commenced, 
 on ground purchased from the heirs of Sir John Johnson, 
 but was not taken possession of by the sheriff till 1880. From 
 183(5 until 12th May, 1838, the old jail was occupied as a house 
 of industry, but was then given up and was occupied by the 
 Government as barracks. The jjresont edifice was erected, 
 under the superintendency of Mr. Wells, architect, from 
 designs by Mr. Blacklock of Quebec. The jail is 240 feet 
 front and is three storeys high, with a lofty basement, the 
 centre of the building rising four storeys ; the wings in rear of 
 the building are of the same height as the main edifice and 
 are 82 feet in length. The building is surrounded by a high 
 wall, enclosing about five acres of land. The accommodation 
 afforded in this building is fast becoming too limited, and its 
 overcrowded state has been repeatedly protested against by 
 many grand juries. 
 
 The principal cause of this over crowded state, particularly 
 during winter months, is the large number of vagrants 
 committed from the Recorder's Court and the Police Courts 
 of the city. 
 
 The religious instruction of the prisoners is well attended 
 to, there being regular chaplains in charge, in addition to 
 which the Missionaries of the different religious societies visit 
 it at stated times. 
 
 COURT HOUSE. 
 
 As already stated, the building used (after the conquest,) 
 ae a Court House was a portion of the old Jesuit College. 
 On 3rd January, 1799, the sum of £5,000 was appropriated 
 by the Parliament for the erection of a new Court House, and 
 at the same time ground was granted by the Government 
 without any pecuniary indemnity. It was built in 1800, upon 
 
J 
 
 MONTREAL. PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 839 
 
 "part of the site occupied by the present Court House, and was 
 used hy the several Courts, of Justice until it was taken down 
 to be replaced by the present massive »iiuctnrc. 
 
 This buildin;; is after the Grecian style of architecture, 
 
 modified to suit the retjuirements of the Courts of law and 
 the vicissitudes of the climate, and, although divested of 
 some of the elegant ornamentation belon^^ing to this beautiful 
 style, is yet, in its unprctendin;^ and massive grandeur, second 
 to few buildings in the city. The most striking feature is its 
 large Ionic portico, and the bold projection of the pediment, 
 which gives the central portion of the principal front a very 
 noble a[)pearance. The front is divided in its Icr ; 'i inofive 
 compartments, the wings advancing somewhat loss than the 
 centre, so as to give the fa(;ade an artistic pr ainei re and t . 
 free the building from tha monotony wn.oli m.'^rkri. the 
 carl''^" ' iblic buildings of the city. Ample projn Mnns are 
 given to the entrances, vestibules- corridors. aii<l staircases, 
 while spacious halls of Justice and public offices aro laid out, 
 as well as ante-rooms and private chambers foi- the Judges and 
 chief oflScers of the Court. These offices are well lighted from 
 the sides. Besides capacious fire-proof vaults, the building 
 contains rooms for the Police, Criminal, Circuit, Superior and 
 Appeal Courts, advocates' rooms. Council room and Libiary, 
 offices for the Prothonotary, Sheriff and Registrar, and rooms 
 required for all other officers engaged in the administration of 
 justice. The total length of the building is 300 feet ; width 
 125 feet ; height 76 feet. It is built entirely of Montreal stone, 
 and the roof is covered with bright tin. Mr. J. Ostell, archi- 
 tect. Cost, $296,500.18. 
 
 recorder's court. 
 
 This Court is ably presided over by J. P. Sexton, Esq., 
 who is an officer of the Corporation of the city. It extends 
 its jurisdiction over all offences against the Civic laws 
 and regulations, and is under the direction of the Police Com- 
 
 ' ;'* 
 
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340 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OK, 
 
 '.H|f I 
 
 
 1 1 
 
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 mittee. The Court occupies a portion of a four-storey stone 
 building on Jacques Cartier-square, which, however, is much 
 too limited in its accommodations for the purposes required, 
 although during the past year considerable improvement has 
 been effected. The remaining portion of the building is used as 
 the principal police station and offices of the heads of the 
 department. 
 
 MONUMENTS. 
 
 Unlike many other cities in America, Montreal possesses 
 but one public monument, and the manner in which this is 
 neglected, and permitted to fiiU into ruii., is any thing but 
 creditable to the British inhabitants. 
 
 The first monument erected in Montreal was a marble bust 
 of King George (presented by him to the inhabitants). We 
 have already made mention * of the indignities offered 
 this bust in 1775. Although a reward of 100 guineas was 
 offered at the time, the perpetrators of the act Avere 
 never discovered. At what time this bust was removed we 
 have not been able to ascertain. That it met with some hard 
 usage is evident to all Avho examine the head now in the 
 Natural History Society's rooms. The next monument 
 erected was that still standing in Jacques Cartier-square, and 
 l^nown as 
 
 nelson's monument. .. 
 
 The monument is built of limestone, and the ornaments are 
 of a composition invented by Coade and Sealy, of London, and 
 were executed by them. The base, or pedestal, is square ; 
 six and a-half feet broad on each side and about 10 feet high. 
 Froui the top of this a circular shaft or column rises 50 feet 
 in height and 5 in diameter. It is of the Doric order, and 
 finished with mouldings. On the top of the pillar is a square 
 tablet, the whole surmounted with a statue of Nelson eight 
 
 • Page 71. 
 
 n^>\ 
 
 ^sm 
 

 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 341 
 
 feet in height. The likeness is well preserved and the attitude 
 judiciously chosen. The face is directed towards the west, and 
 looks as if intently watching the termination of some great 
 event. His left arm is resting upon the stump of a broken 
 mast, surrounded by tackle, blocks, etc., as they appear to 
 have fallen from the rigging. He is dressed in full uniform, 
 and decorated with the insignia of the various orders of nobility 
 conferred upon him. The statue is formed of the same arti- 
 ficial stone as the rest of the ornaments, which are emblema- 
 tical of the principal events in the professional life of the hero- 
 The principal ornaments are in panels on the four sides of 
 the pedestal. On the front or west side (Notre Dame-street) 
 there is on the plinth of the base a figure of a crocodile, emble- 
 matical of the battle of the Nile. The panel on this side is 
 -(or rather was) ornamented with cannon, anchors, and other 
 appropriate naval trophies, with a circular laurel wreatli, 
 which surrounds the following inscription : — 
 
 In memory of 
 The Right Honorable Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson, 
 
 Duke of Bronte, 
 Who terminated his career of naval glory in the memorable 
 Battle of Trafalgar, 
 On the 21st of October, 1805, . ' 
 
 After inculcating by signal 
 This sentiment, 
 ' Never to be forgotten by bis country: 
 
 " England expects every man will do his duty." 
 This monumental column was erected by the 
 Inhabitants of Montreal, 
 In the year 1808. 
 
 The opposite (east) panel contains a representation of the 
 
 interview between Lord Nelson and the Prince Regent of 
 
 Denmark, on the landing of the former after the engagement 
 
 off Copenhagen. The inscription is : 
 
 "The Right Honorable Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson, Duke of 
 Bronte, after having, on the 2nd of April,1801, with ten sail of the line and 
 two ships of 50 p;un8, taken and destroyed the Danish line, moored for 
 «the defeacc of Copenhagen, consisting of six sail of the line, eleven ship 
 
342 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 i 
 
 Ml ' 
 
 batteries, &c., supported by the Crown and otber batteries," displayed" 
 equal precision and fortitude in the subsequent negotiations and arrange- 
 ment with the Danish Government ; whereby the effusion of human blood 
 was spared, and the claims of his country established." 
 
 On the north side of the pedestal is a representation of the 
 
 battle of the Nile, with the following inscription : 
 
 "On the first and second days of August, 1798, Rear Admiral Si^ 
 Horatio Nelson, with a British fleet of twelve sail of the line, and a ship 
 of 50 guns, defeated in Aboukir Bay, a French fleet of thirteen sail of the 
 line, and four frigates, without the loss of a British ship.'' 
 
 The south side commemorates the battle of Trafalgar, and 
 also bears an inscription which reads as follows : 
 
 " On the 21st of October, 1805, the British fleet of twenty-seven sail of 
 the line, commanded by the Right Honorable Lord Viscount Nelson, Duke 
 of Bronte, attacked, off Trafalgar, the combined fleets of Prance and 
 Spain, of thirty-three sail of the line, commanded by Admirals Villeneuve 
 and Gravina, when the latter were defeated, with the ossof nineteen sail 
 of the line captured or destroyed. In this memorable action, his country 
 has to lament the loss of her greatest naval hero, but not a single ship." 
 
 The ground upon which the monument is erected was 
 granted for the purpose by the magistrates of the city. The 
 foundation stone was laid on the 17th August, 1809. In the 
 first cut stone at the east corner of the base is deposited a 
 plate of lead, bearing the following inscription: 
 
 " In memory of the Right Honorable Admirable Lord Viscount Nelson, 
 Duke of Bronte, who terminated his career of naval glory in the memo- 
 rable battle of Trafalgar, on the 2l3t of October, 1805. This monumental 
 pillar was erected, by a subscription of the inhabitants of Montreal, 
 whereof the Hon. Sir John Johnson, Knight and Baronet, the Hon. James 
 Honk, Chief Justice of Montreal, John Richardson, John Ogilvie, and 
 Louis Chaboillez, Esquires, were a committee appointed for carrying it 
 into execution, and the same was erected under the direction of William 
 Gillmore, stone-cutter and mason, from designs obtained from— Mitchell, 
 an architect in London, I7th August, 1809." 
 
 The monument was surrounded by a rough iron railing, the 
 whole being enclosed within a chain which was supported by 
 eight pieces of cannon furnished by Sir Gordon Drummond, 
 then commander of the forces in Canada. The cost was 
 £1,300. 
 
 Several years ago a subscription list was opened for the pur- 
 
V4 
 
 . -^i 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 343 
 
 pose of providing a fund for the renovation of those portions 
 destroyed by exposure to the weather and other causes, and 
 although a considerable amount has been procured, still, with 
 the exception of some slight repairs made prior to the visit of 
 the Prince of Wales in 1860, nothing has been done towards 
 the renewal or protection of the ornamental portions of the 
 monument.* 
 
 A movement made during the past few years towards 
 erecting a statue of Her Majesty the Queen has been 
 partially successful. The statue has been received by the 
 committee, and nov/ lies in the Crystal Palace, waiting fur- 
 ther arrangements. It has not been decided as yet where 
 the monument will be placed, but it is probable that one 
 of the public squares will be selected. 
 
 PUBLIC SQUARES AND GARDENS. 
 
 The principal one is situated on Craig and St. Denis- 
 streets and is known as Viger-square or garden. The site of 
 this garden was originally a swamp or marsh, and is marked 
 as such on an old plan of the city in 1758. A portion of the 
 site (after considerable improvement,) was used as a cattle 
 market, for which it was occupied for many years, when it was 
 decided to remove the market to a more suitable locality and 
 in its place to open a public garden or square. This was 
 accordingly done, and each succeeding year has witnessed 
 improvements and additions made, until the square has 
 acquired its present beautiful and pleasant aspect. It is 
 bounded by Craig, Dubord, St. Denis and St. Hubert-streets, 
 and contains three fountains, the largest one being in the cen- 
 tre of the garden. Close by this fountain is a neat conservatory 
 for the propagation of flowering roots, &c., for the decoration 
 of this, and other city squares. In addition to the three principal 
 fountains there arc others for drinking purposes in various 
 
 * The original design is now in the Natural History Society's Museum. 
 
 Ji 
 
 t- i 
 
 I ! 
 
344 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 '!l:;-= 
 
 li;-;--: 
 
 parts of the garden. The grounds are beautifully laid out, and 
 the utmost care and great discrimination has been disi)layed 
 in the choice of trees and shrubs, which are plentifully culti- 
 vated. During the summer a military band plays two or three 
 evenings in each week, upon a platform erected for the pur- 
 pose, and the numerous walks and avenues are then crowded 
 with citizens who throng the garden to spend a pleasant hour. 
 The garden is surrounded with a wooden picket fence, with 
 exception of St. Denis-street front, on which a neat iron 
 railing has been erected. 
 
 PLACE d'armes. 
 
 The old parish church formerly stood upon a portion of this 
 square. In 18315 tho ground was purchased by the city from 
 the gentlemen of the Seminary, to whom it belonged, and it 
 was agreed by them that within eighteen months the old tower 
 and belfry (which had been left standing) should be removed. 
 The rebellion of 1887-38 fully occupied the attention of the 
 authorities, and nothing was done with the ground acquired 
 for some years. It was then paved with wooden blocks and 
 continued as an open square. The square was subse- 
 quently enclosed with a neat iron railing on a stone founda- 
 tion, a fountain was erected in the centre, and handsome 
 entrance gates were erected at the four corners The 
 stone posts on either side of the gates are surmounted 
 by a shield with the arms of the city cut in stone. 
 Although the square is but small, yet it forms a pleasant 
 resort in the summer months, when the trees are clothed with 
 green and the grape vines and flowers carefully cultivated 
 and trained, afford pleasing recollections of the country to 
 the passers-by. Seats are placed round the fountain and 
 beneath the trees, and on warm summer days the poor 
 invalid may be seen enjoying the music of the falling waters 
 and the odors of the flowers. It has been suggested that the 
 proposed monument to her Majesty the Queen should be 
 
 placed in this square. 
 
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 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 VICTORIA-SQUARE. 
 
 S45 
 
 This was formerly known as Commissioners-square, and 
 ■was then devoid of any ornament, and so neglected 
 that it tended much to mar the appearance of that part 
 of the city in which it is situated. In the centre of the 
 square stood a fire engine house (the Union,) which was 
 removed about the time of the visit of the Prince of Wales. 
 The name of the square was changed by the City Council at 
 a meeting held shortly after the departure of the Prince 
 (1860). It is neatly laid out, the centre being occupied by 
 a large fountain. This being but a comparatively new square, 
 the trees are as yet but small and consequently the rural 
 appearance is not so complete as in others. It is hoped that 
 the square will be enlarged by the addition of the space 
 immediately behind, and separated from it by Craig-street. 
 
 BEAVER HALL-SQUARE, 
 
 at the head of a hill (or street) of the same name, is a small 
 plot of ground enclosed by a wooden railing and planted with 
 trees only. From the upper end of the square commences 
 a street known as Phillips Place, which leads to 
 
 PHILLIPS SQUARE, 
 
 a more extensive and better laid out square than the one 
 just named. It is arranged somewhat similar to Victoria- 
 square, and is favorite resort for nurses and children. 
 
 RICHMOND-SQUARE 
 
 is situated near the oxtreme end of St. Antoine-street, which 
 passes through the middle, dividing it into two small squares, 
 which are surrounded by neat iron railings. In the centre 
 of each enclosure is a small fountain. 
 
 CUSTOM-HOUSE-SQUARE 
 
 is a small enclosure (with a fountain in the centre) directly 
 
 
 I It 
 
846 
 
 VILLB MARIE; OR, 
 
 in front of the building from which it takes its name. The 
 site occupied by the square and the Custom-house was used 
 as a market-place before the Conquest, and continued to be 
 used as such until the year 1807. 
 
 DALHOUSIE-SQUARE. 
 
 This square was known for many years as Citadel Hill, from 
 the fact that its site was once a hill or artificial elevation 
 upon which was built a small fort or citadel. In the summer 
 of 1821 the Governor General (Earl Dalhousie) presented 
 the site to the City, and it was then named Dalhousie-square. 
 It is not enclosed, nor yet has it any ornamentation what- 
 ever, with the exception of a small strip on the west side of 
 Notre Dame-street, which is cultivated under the direction 
 of the officers of the Artillery, whose quarters are on that 
 side of the square. 
 
 JACQUES C ARTIER-SQUARE, 
 
 On the upper end of which stands the Nelson monument 
 was originally occupied by the building erected by M. 
 Charron, and occupied by the Freres Charron. The build- 
 ing was destroyed by fire, and in 1808, by virtue of 
 an Act of Parliament, some temporary stalls were built upon 
 the site and a few years after a market was erected. This 
 was taken down when the Bonsecours Market was completed, 
 and the site was retained as a square. In 1867 it was 
 paved with the Nicholson pavement. 
 
 At the lower end of St. Mary-street are two squares 
 known as Papineau and Parthenais-square, also one in St. 
 Joseph-street, named Chaboillez-square. These are not 
 enclosed, and are merely open spaces retained by the corpora- 
 tion with the intention at some future day of having them 
 transformed into gardens, like those already named. 
 
 In addition to these squares there is a large piece of 
 ground directly in rear of the Court House, known as the 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 34T 
 
 CHAMPS DE MARS. 
 
 This spot belongs to the Imperial Government, and is held 
 by them as a parade, or drill ground for the use of the 
 troops. It was originally but a small piece of ground 
 situated in one of the bastions of the old town wall, but 
 after the walls were removed it was enlarged to its present 
 dimensions, 240 yards long by 120 wide. It is kept in. 
 most excellent order, and perfectly level. On the embank- 
 ment next to Notre Dame-streeta range of stairs extends the 
 whole length of the parade, for the accommodation of the 
 citizens during public reviews. Along the upper part of 
 the stairs is a broad terrace which serves as an agreeable 
 promenade. Craig-street, about 20 feet below the level of 
 the parade, is reached by stairs at regular intervals, leading 
 to the different streets which here commence. 
 
 CEMETERIES. 
 
 It was customary with the Indian tribes Avho occupied the 
 Island of Montreal, (as well as other tribes throughout North 
 America) to bury their dead temporarily within the limits of 
 their villages, and indeed within their dwellings, and once in 
 every ten years the remains were carefully collected and 
 removed to one general burial place. Traces of such burials 
 have been discovered on the site of Hochelaga.* 
 
 The burial ground used by the first settlers was near the 
 pointknown as Point a Callidre. The cemetery was afterwards 
 attached to the French Cathedral, and occupied the space 
 where the present cathedral stands, as well as a portion of the 
 Place d' Armes, extending down St. James-street, and Notre- 
 Dame. As this part of the town became more valuable 
 for building purposes, the Fabrique appropriated for a ceme- 
 tery the large plot of ground in the St. Antoine suburbs 
 — now almost entirely sold as building lots, and several 
 
 • Chapter X. Page 384. 
 
348 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 streets have been opened through it. In 1853 thoFabri(iue pur- 
 chased from Dr. Beaubien at Cote St. Catharine one hundred 
 and fifty arpentsof land, and laid the same out as a cemetery. 
 This is known as the Roman Catholic Cemetery. It is neatly 
 laid out and contains several handsome tombs and monuments. 
 Among the latter, the most prominent is that erected to the 
 memory of the French Canadians who fell during the 
 Rebellion of 1837-38. It is of octagonal form, GO feet high 
 and 60 feet in circumference at the base. Below it and 
 running to the centre of the foundation are four vaults. The 
 pedestal is formed of four large panels highly polished and 
 bearing the several inscriptions. The whole is built of 
 Montreal stone. 
 
 The area of the cemetery has been considerably increased 
 by the addition of land purchased since 1853, and although 
 the landscape scenery is not so beautiful as in the adjoining 
 Protestant cemetery, yet it is well worthy of a visit. 
 
 MOUNT ROYAL CEMETERY. 
 
 The first Protestant burial ground was situated near 
 where St. James and St. Peter-streets now intersect. A 
 powder magazine stood close by, and the entrance to the 
 ground was through a gateway leading from a lane, com- 
 municating from Notre Dame-street, near the magazine. 
 This plot of land was about 100 feet square, and, of course, 
 soon became entirely occupied, and the Protestant inhabi- 
 tants, still feeling the necessity of having a separate place in 
 which to " bury their dead," purchased a piece of land on 
 Dorchester-street, in 1799. 
 
 At a meeting held at the Court House on the 21st of 
 June in that year, Messrs. E. W. Gray, Isaac W. Clark, 
 Arthur Davidson, John Russell and William Hunter, were 
 chosen trustees, " to receive a deed of the burying ground 
 in trust for the Protestant inhabitants of Montreal and 
 vicinity, and during their lives to make rules and regulations 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 349 
 
 for the good order thereof; and in a vacancy of the trustees, 
 the remaining incrabcrs to elect others." On 15th Juno, 
 1811, an order was published by J. Reid, Clerk of the 
 Peace, notifying all persons who had friends buried in the 
 old burying ground to remove, or cause them to bo 
 removed, before the 7th July, to the new ground, after which 
 date the magistrates would take measures to remove bodies 
 which might remain, so that the property might be given up 
 to the proprietors. The original cost of the ground was 
 £550. 
 
 In 1816, land was purchased on Papineau-road at a cost 
 of X500, and was known as the New Burial Ground. In 
 1824, a considerable addition was made to the old cemetery 
 by the purchase of the ground along the street at a cost of 
 £1,000. 
 
 The epidemics of 1832 and '34, and the regular burials of 
 each year, soon filled these cemeteries, and it became evident 
 that steps should be taken towards securing land outside of. 
 the city limits where the dead should be permitted to lie 
 undisturbed in future years, and where no jarring sounds 
 should fall upon the ears of those who visit their last resting 
 place. 
 
 That it was customary in ancient times to bury the dead 
 outside the city walls the Bible bears witness even as far 
 back as in the early chapters of the Book of Genesis, where 
 it is recorded that Abraham bought the field of Macpelah 
 " and the cave that was therein, and all the trees that were 
 in the field, and that were in all the borders round about." 
 Here we find a rural cemetery in a green field bordered with 
 trees, in which the venerable patriarch buried his wife nearly 
 4,000 years ago, yet we find that our citizens with all improve- 
 ments made, were (up to 1854) thrusting their dead together 
 in thousands, even in the very centre of the city. 
 
 In 1850 the question of a new cemetery was first raised. 
 A company was organized, and on the 27th March held its 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 : 
 
360 
 
 VILLB MARIE ; OR, 
 
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 first meeting, when it was decided at once to procure the land 
 necessary for the proposed cemetery, and in April of tlie 
 same year advertisements appeared for tenders of " suitable 
 ground within three miles of the city." The first land, con- 
 sisting of 50 acres, was purchased, and at a suhsofjuent 
 tlato the company secured an extensive parcel of ground 
 adjoining. 
 
 The cemetery was consecrated in 1854. To provide for 
 the reception of the bodies of those who die in the winter 
 months two very extensive vaults have been erected at con- 
 siderable expense. The approach to the cemetery is by a 
 winding and rather precipitous carriage way, passing through 
 which may be seen many of the wild beauties of nature, and 
 from several points on the road there are beautiful views to 
 be had in every direction. The road, which is kept in the 
 finest condition, is planted on each side with trees. The 
 gateway at the entrance is a beautiful structure of cut stone, 
 with iron gates. These gates and the building immediately 
 within the same, erected for the use of the superintendent, 
 cost about $10,000. From the main entrance avenues 
 diverge towards different parts of the cemetery, that on the 
 right leading to the winter vaults. In passing through the 
 grounds the visitor sees many little nooks under the over- 
 hanging foliage of trees and shrubs, which grow in all their 
 natural wildness, and whose deep shadows spread a refresh- 
 ing coolness around, and invite him to rest on the garden 
 seats which are placed in different parts. 
 
 On the highest summit in the cemetery are built the family 
 vaults of the Molson family, which are said to be the most 
 extensive and costly private vaults on the continent. Looking 
 from this eminence the eye ranges over a most enchant- 
 ing picture of rural scenery ; in the distance rises a 
 part of Mount Royal, clothed with its primeval forest, while 
 immediately below lies the most finished and beautiful portion 
 of the cemetery, with its costly granite monuments or more 
 
^1 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PHESKNT. 
 
 851 
 
 humble marble and atone tablets gleaming among the foliage 
 and flowers. While this ground does not possess many of 
 the natural advantages mot within some American cemeteries, 
 such as lakes or streams of running water, still, those which do 
 exist are made available in every possible way to add beauty 
 to the scene. 
 
 This is but a glance at some of the sccnerv and beauties 
 of Mount Royal. The eye of taste will find much to observe 
 that has not been mentioned, and in nearly all parts of tiie 
 cemetery objects and views will attract and delight. Time, 
 too, must create much that will add to the attraction of the 
 place. But, even now, it needs only a visit to see and feel 
 that *ho spot in its natural and artificial beauty and fitness 
 is ni. surpassed by any other rural cemetery within the 
 Dominion. 
 
 It is to be regretted that when the Roman Catholic 
 
 cemetery Avas closed some steps were not taken to secure 
 
 the whole plot and turn it into a public park. It is sincerely' 
 
 to be hoped that yet some portion of the old Protestant burial 
 
 ground may be secured, and the grounds planted with trees 
 
 and flowers, so that they may become sweet breathing places, 
 
 like our public squares, and amid the brick walls of the city, 
 
 call up images of the distant country. No busy builder nor 
 
 mercenary speculator should be permitted to rear a wall 
 
 within those sacred enclosures nor disturb the birds, tliat would 
 
 make music in the ears of those who visit the spot, as they 
 
 flew in and out of the trees which might wave above these 
 
 old households of the dead. 
 
 Let us not sow these places with salt, nor strew them with 
 lime, to destroy every trace of what they really are — spots 
 sanctified by tears and prayers, and the bodies of onr brother 
 men, but if necessity demands it, remove the remains tenderly 
 to other places of sepulture, and make gardens over the 
 graves of those who are left undisturbed — spots above which 
 the blue sky might be seen ; amid which we could obtain 
 
 IM 
 
 
352 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 Hi 
 
 Pi: 
 
 til 
 
 
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 I ■'.; 
 
 m^ 
 
 glimpses of the face of heaven, while musing over the memory ' 
 of those who have long since entered the gates of the 
 " golden city." Let not these old burial grounds be closed 
 with no more reverence than if wo were shutting up a com- 
 mon sewer ; let not the remaing be removed in the revolting 
 manner witnessed during the last few years, but let us 
 remember that the mute and inoffensive dead cannot defend 
 themselves. 
 
 It is AvcU that sentence has been pronounced against 
 city graveyards, and that they are now closed, and beau- 
 tiful cemeteries have been opened, around which we sco 
 the wide unwalled country, where we have so often walked 
 and talked with those who now " sleep their long sleep," and 
 while gazing over the landscape, they seem to accompany us, 
 and to live again in our thoughts ; or we stand as it were, in 
 a great picture gallery, surrounded with portraits of the 
 dead ; not a single object rising up to shock our feelings — 
 the open country beyond — the trees around — the flowers 
 that cover the graves by which Aye stand — cause us to contem- 
 plate death kindly, and instead of becoming hideous, he is 
 but a gentle porter who sits patiently without the gates of 
 heaven, to welcome all who are prepared to enter. 
 
■pTi 
 
 JiONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT, 
 
 353 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 ■ii I 
 
 Miscellineongrnblic Buildings, &c.— Banks; Custom House; Post Office; Central 
 Fire Station; Mcrcliants Exchange; Corn Exchange; Royal Insurance Build- 
 ing; St. Patrick's Hall; St. James Club House; Warehouses; Hotels; 
 Places of Arausement; Newspapers, &c. 
 
 BANK OF MONTREAL. 
 
 THIS Bank was organized by a company of Merchants in 
 1817, and is consequently the oldest banking house in 
 Canada. At the time it received its charter the capital was 
 £250,000. In 1837 the charter was renewed, the capital 
 being increased to X 500^000. Its present capital is £1,500,- 
 000. The building first occupied by the bank was destroyed 
 by fire in 1820.'" The directors then erected (at a cost 
 of £11,000) the building now occupied by the Banque du 
 Peuple, in which they remained until the present building 
 was C!>mpleted. This is the finest public building in the city, 
 and is not excelled by any banking institution in America. 
 It is built in the Corinthian style of architecture, and has a 
 frontage on St. James-street of over 100 feet and extends to 
 Fortifica:ion lane in the rear. The main building stands 
 back from the street about twenty feet. The entrance is by 
 a portico suftported by immense columns of cut stone. These 
 are surmounted by a pediment. When the building was 
 first erected the roof was formed as an immense dome, but 
 the timbers having become decayed, it was removed some 
 years since, the walls being raised about ten feet, and finish- 
 ed with a number of small pinnacles- This afforded more 
 room in the interior, but detracted considerable from the 
 appearance of the building. 
 
354 
 
 VILLE MARIE: OR, 
 
 i.i 
 
 . 4 
 
 The sculpture on the pediment is fifty-two feet long and 
 weighs over twenty-five tons, there being twenty different 
 pieces. The figures are collossal — eight feet in height for a 
 human figure — and are placed at an elevation of fifty feet from 
 the ground. The arms of the bank, with the motto " Concor- 
 dia Salus, " forms the centre of the group. On each side, 
 vis-d-vis, is seated a North American Indian. One of these 
 is a perfect illustration of the poet's conception : " When 
 wild in woods the noble savage ran." The other has made 
 some progress and points his finger to the fruits of civilization 
 beside him, by way of enforcing the argument he is maintain- 
 ing with his swarthy brother. The other two figures are 
 a settler and sailor on either side, the former, with a calumet 
 or pipe of peace in his hand, reclining upon logs, and sur- 
 rountled by the implements and emblems of industry, the spade, 
 the plough, the locomotive engine, literature and music 
 putting in a modest appearance in the distance, in the shape 
 of a book and a lyre. The settler is the voij^y type of a back- 
 woods man, of stalwart frame, rough and ready ; and the 
 sailor, on the other side, is not less effective as a specimen of 
 the British tar. He is pulling at a rope, and is appropriately 
 encompassed by the emblems of commerce. The whole 
 sculpture is cut in Binny stone, and its light hue brings it into 
 fine relief when placed against the dark blue tinge of the 
 Montreal stone. The work was executed by Mr. John Steell, 
 R.S.A., Her Majesty's sculptor in Scotland. 
 
 Cotmected with this bank is a Savings' Branch the busi- 
 ness of which is carried on in a small building adjoining the 
 one just described, and connected with it by fire-proof pas- 
 
 sages. 
 
 CITY BANK 
 
 Was opened on the 1st November, 1833, with a capital of 
 £200,000, and was chartered in April, 18o8. It occupied, 
 for many years, the building (now used by Messrs. Greene 
 and Sous), on St. Paul-street, near McGill-street. They 
 
I 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 855 
 
 of 
 |c(l, 
 
 subsequent^ removed to their new building on Place d' Armes. 
 This is plain but substantial stone building of the Doric order. 
 It is three storeys in height, the centre portion of the building 
 beinsj form of two rows of stone columns between the lower of 
 which is the entrance to the banking offices. The present 
 capital of the bank is 81,200,000. W. Workman Esq., Mayor 
 of the city, is the President. 
 
 BANQUE DU PEOPLE. 
 
 This bank was opened on 11th July, 1835, in a building ou 
 St. Francois Xarier-street, near St. Sacrament-street. Upon 
 the removal of the Bank of Montreal, the directors purchased 
 from that institution, the building vacated by them. This 
 building is situated on St. James-street, near St. Fran9oi3 
 Xavier-street. It is a large and plain building of cut stone, 
 and is three storeys in height. The entrance is by a portico on 
 St. James-street. Above the window of the lower store v are 
 four compartments, in which are placed emblems representing 
 agriculture, manufactures, arts and commerce, executed in 
 bas-relief. This building cost about $44,000. The capital 
 of the bank is 82,000,000. 
 
 MOLSON'S BANK. 
 
 For some years the business of this bank was carried on in 
 a building adjoining that now occupied. The accommo- 
 dation furnished not proving sufficient, the present edifice 
 was erected. It is built entirely of Ohio sandstone, and 
 is three storey in height with a lofty basement. The 
 style is that known as the Italian and is highly orna- 
 mented. On the two upper storeys of the front on St. 
 James-street, are richly carved wreaths of flowers, fruit, &c. 
 The main entrance on the same street is through a portico 
 supported by highly polished columns of Scotch granite. 
 Similar columns of smaller dimensions are placed above these, 
 and extend to the third storey. The front is surmontcd by a 
 richly carved shield bearing the arms of the Molson familv, 
 
 ill 
 
356 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 I i 
 
 
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 and supported by two female figures, the whole being executed 
 in sandstone. The building is finished with a Mansard 
 roof surrounded by fancy iron railing. The banking room 
 occupies the ground floor. The second storey is used as offices, 
 and the third storey is used by the Board of Arts as a school 
 of design. Wm. Molson Esq. , President. Capital $1,000,000. 
 
 BANK OF BRITISH NORTH AMERICA. 
 
 The head office of this bank is in London, England. It 
 was established in 1836, and was incorporated by Royal 
 Charter in 1840. The paid-up capital is .£1,000,000 ster- 
 ling. 
 
 The building now occupied by the Montreal branch was 
 erected for its use. It is of the composite style of architecture, 
 and is built entirely of cut stone. While not remarkable for 
 any great boldness in design it cannot fail to attract attention 
 for its solidity. The banking room occupies the whole of the 
 ground floor, and is very spacious and light in appearance. 
 The upper part of the building is occupied as offices for the 
 several departments. 
 
 mechanics' BANK. 
 
 This bank occupies a building formerly used by the Mol- 
 son's Bank, on St. James-street. It is a plain, three-storey 
 brick building, covered with cement and painted to imitate 
 brown free-stone. The ground floor is used as the banking 
 room and the remainder of the building is leased as offices. 
 
 ONTARIO BANK 
 
 was erected in 1863. It is situated on Place d'Armes, 
 and is in the Italian style of architecture, chaste and simple 
 in its features. Itis built entirely of Montreal limestone, and 
 is four storeys high. The ground floor is devoted to the busi- 
 ness of the bank, and the remainder is used as a residence 
 for the manager. The arched entrance, to the bank and houses 
 with their masked key stones are bold and massive, and pro- 
 
■V ■ 
 
 i 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 857 
 
 jecting wreaths of myrtle leaves are introduced between the 
 wmdows. The frontage of the building is fifty feet ; the 
 depth seventy feet ; height from footpath to cornice sixty-two 
 feet. The banking room is thirty-six feet by thirty-one, and 
 seventeen feet high, and is lighted by three Venetian win- 
 dows. The roof is surmounted by an ornamental iron rail- 
 
 ing. 
 
 The present capital is $2,000,000. 
 
 MERCHANTS' BANK. 
 
 Forming the corner of Place d'Armes and Notre Dame- 
 street, and having a frontage on the former of thirty-five feet 
 six inches, and on the latter of seventy-two feet six inches, is 
 the Merchants' Bank. This building has been erected in the 
 most substantial manner, no reasonable expense being spared 
 to render both the exterior and interior commensurate with 
 the importance and durability of such an institution as a bank 
 should be. 
 
 The height from the street to the top of the cornice is sixty- 
 seven feet. The upper members of the cornice are of galvanized 
 iron, sanded and painted to match the Ohio stone. The roof, 
 also, is covered with the same metal, with rolls. 
 
 The main entrance is on the semi-circular corner forming 
 the angle of the Place d'Armes and Notre Dame-steet. This 
 doorway gives access to the vestibule of the banking room, a 
 very handsome apartment, thirty-eight feet by thirty-two feet, 
 and eighteen feet in height. This room is decorated possibly 
 more than any other banking room in Canada, the walls being 
 paneled in scagliola, in imitation of various marbles, having 
 Parian cement mouldings dividing the several panels from each 
 other. The ceiling is frescoed in the best style, and the whole 
 of the flooring of entrances, of which there are two, and the 
 space devoted to the public, is laid in tiles of very handsome 
 design. The fittings up of the bank, such as the counters, desks, 
 etc., are of mahogany, being rich and substantial, and are sur- 
 mounted with a light brass trelis work with ornamental stan- 
 
358 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 dards. Adjoining the bank room is the cashier's room and the 
 fire and burglar proof safes. On the left of the cashier's room, 
 fronting on and entered from Notre Damc-street, is the " Sav- 
 ings Bank Department," a room thirty feet by fourteen feet. 
 This room is decorated and finished internally in the same 
 style as the larger banking room. 
 
 The upper portion of the building is leased as oflBces and 
 studios. 
 
 CITY AND DISTRICT SAVINGS BANK. 
 
 This building is situated at the corner of the Place d'Armes 
 and St. James-street. It presents two facades of considerable 
 importance, that in St. James-street beiny seventp feet in 
 length, and that on Place d'Armes fifty-three feet ; the total 
 height from pavement to balustrade being fifty-two feet. The 
 ground storey is a Doric composition, the second storey is 
 treated in the Ionic style ; tlie third l)eing formed by pilasters 
 covered with lions' heads, holding rings to which are attached 
 branches of flowers and fruit. The building is occupied by 
 the Liverpool and London Assurance Company, and the City 
 and District Savings Bank. It is entirely of Montreal hme- 
 stone, and was erected in 1858. 
 
 In addition to those described the following Banks have 
 their head offices or branches in the city. 
 
 HEAD OFFICES. 
 
 Banque Jacques Cartier Capital $1,000,000. 
 
 AGENCIES. ' 
 
 Bank of Toronto Capital 12,000,000. 
 
 Banque Nationale (Quebec) Capital §1,000,000. 
 
 Quebec Bank (established 1818). . ..Capital 63,000,000. 
 
 CUSTOM HOUSE. 
 
 This is a cut stone building, two storeys in height, of the 
 Tuscan order, measuring sixty-four feet by forty-nine feet, and 
 stands in the centre of a square, which formed part of the old 
 
•T""' 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 359 
 
 market, between Commissioners and St. Paul-streets, upon 
 each of which it presents a front surmounted by a triangular 
 pediment. 
 
 Its main entrance is provided with a portico, supported by 
 columns of cut stone, and commands a view of the harbor, from 
 which it is separated by Commissioners-street, and the line of 
 cut stone wharfing, which leads to the wooden docks, situa- 
 ted between its base and the margin of the St. Lawrence. 
 The edifice was commenced in 1836 and completed in 1838, 
 at a cost of $18,000. The site it occupies embraces an area 
 of 9,938 feet. This building has become so delapidated as 
 to present a most unsightly appearance. It is also much too 
 limited in its accommodation. The Government has therefore 
 purchased the extensive block of buildings known as the Royal 
 Insurance Buildings, of which they will take possession on 
 1st May, 1870. 
 
 POST OFFICE. 
 
 This is situated on a lot of ground contaming 8,136 square 
 feet, and bounded by Great St. James, St. Fran<^ois Xavier 
 and Notre-Dame streets. The edifice was designed by Mr. 
 Wills, and built by Messrs. Orr & Andrews. It comprises a 
 basement and three storeys, with a portico and pediment on 
 Great St. James street ; it is of coursed cut-stone masonry, 
 measures 100 feet in length and fifty-six feet in breadth, and is 
 covered by a flat roof. Its construction was commenced in 
 1853 and completed in 1855, at a cost of 842,938.18. Some 
 improvements Avere made to the building in 1858 and 1860, 
 at an expense of $3,037.97, beyond which no further outlay 
 has been incurred. The accommodation is exceedingly defi- 
 cient, and it is a source of great surprise that such a building 
 should be permitted to be used as a post-office for the prin- 
 cipal city of the Dominion. 
 
 Before this building was erected the post-office occupied a 
 house on Notre-Dame street, in rear of the present building. 
 Prior to that it was situated on Great St. James-street, nearly 
 oppQsite the Bank of British North America. 
 
 ^Ki 
 
 IM 
 
 IM 
 
860 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 If 
 
 I.' 
 
 CENTRAL FIRE STATION 
 
 is situated at the corner of Craig and Chenneville-streets. It 
 is three storeys in height, with a cutstone front of fifty feet on 
 the former and 100 feet of brick with stone dressing on the 
 latter. There are three entrances on Craig-street, one leading 
 to the residence of the Chief Engineer of the Fire Depart- 
 ment, one to the various offices and room of the deputies, while 
 that in the centre furnishes a passage for the hose, reels, 
 &c. Over the doors and windows are bold projecting mould- 
 ings, and a massive cornice runs along the eaves, from which 
 rises in the middle a pediment which is decorated with the 
 city arms and the words " central fire station," and sur- 
 mounted with a flag staff. The whole presents a handsome and 
 substantial appearance. The ground floor contains four com- 
 partments, the middle one being divided by sliding doors. 
 In the foremost of these divisions stand the reels and hook 
 and ladder wagons, convenient for immediate access to the 
 streets. Down one side of the back division stretches a hose- 
 washing trough, fifty-one feet long, at one end of which is a 
 hydrant for testing the strength of the hose. At the other end 
 of the trough is a tower fifty feet high, in which the hose is hung 
 to dry after having been washed and tested. Near this tower 
 are stalls for the horses. On the same floor is a workshop and a 
 room for the watchman to sit during the night. The second 
 storey contains a dwelling for the chief of the department and 
 for the guardian. The building also contains a spacious hall for 
 the Firemen's Benevolent Society, and for pubUc meetings and 
 festivals. The whole interior arrangements are of the most 
 comfortable and convenient character. The building is the 
 propevty of the city corporation, and is valued at $18,000. 
 
 merchants' EXCHANGE. 
 
 In speaking of this building we have recalled to our 
 mind the poUtical state of the country under the Frendt domi- 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 361 
 
 nation, when the Government meddled so unirersally in all 
 concerns, and feared so much anything like spontaneous and 
 united action on the part of its subjects, that even a meeting 
 of merchants on' change was held to be unlawful until especial 
 permission had been humbly applied for and graciously granted. 
 In the Arrets of the French King dated at Paris, May 11, 
 1717, we find the following: — . 
 
 " On the petition presented to the King by the merchants 
 of the cities of Quebec and Montreal in New France, con- 
 taining : that trade being the principal means by which the 
 colony can be sustained and augmented it is impossible that 
 the merchants can ever flourish as long as they have not the 
 liberty to assemble in a convenient place to treat mutually of 
 their business ; that the meetings of merchants have appeared 
 to be requisite for the utility of commerce in all the cities of 
 France, and that if His Majesty will grant them the same grace, 
 they hope that the measures they will take for the trade will 
 render it in a short time flourishing ; they therefore beseech His 
 Majesty to permit them to assemble every day in a suitable 
 place in each of the said cities of Quebec and Montreal — to 
 all which His Majesty having had regard ; having seen the 
 said petition ; heard the report and considered the whole. His 
 Majesty being in his council, with the advice of Monsieur the 
 Duke of Orleans, Regent, has permitted and permits the said 
 merchants to assemble every day in a suitable place in the 
 cities of Quebec and Montreal, there to treat of their com- 
 mercial affairs, &c." 
 
 Until within the last twelve years there was no building 
 specially set apart as an exchange. In 1858 a building was 
 erected upon the site occupied by the present exchange. It 
 was destroyed by fire on Christmas morning, 1865. It has 
 been replaced by the present building, which is fully equal to 
 the requirements of the day. It is situated on St. Sacrament- 
 street, and is three storeys high with basement and finished 
 attics. The ground floor is divided into large double offices 
 
 i 
 
 't a 
 
362 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 with safes. On the second floor is the reading room, sixty feet 
 by thirty-two feet, extending from front to rear, with offices for 
 the secretary, and two other double offices. The third and 
 fourth are occupied as offices, a portion of the hitter being used 
 as a residence for the keeper. The building is heated with 
 steam. The facades are cut stone, the principal one, facing on 
 St. Sacrament-street, being in the Italian style, with the main 
 entrance in the centre. 
 
 CORN EXCHANGE. 
 
 The building occupied as the Corn Exchange forms the 
 corner of St. Sacrament, St. John and St. Alexis-streets. It 
 is three storeys in height, the upper storey being e(i[ual in 
 height to the two lower ones. The lower storey and a portion of 
 the second is of dressed Montreal stone. The upper portion 
 of the buildin"! is of red brick with stone dressing. The two 
 lower storeys are leased for offices, &c. The upper flat is 
 fitted up as a spacious and elegant hall for the transaction of 
 business ; and is frescoed in a simple yet effective style. The 
 room is well lighted with lofty windows on three sides. 
 Adjoining this room is the secretary's office and Board rooms. 
 
 , ,, • it' ' ' 
 ST. Patrick's hall. 
 
 
 j# 
 
 ism 
 
 m 
 
 For many years the St. Patrick's Society had been 
 endeavoring to collect funds to build^ a St. Patrick's Hall, 
 where all Catholic societies might find a home. 
 
 To erect a building which Avould prove an ornament to the 
 city, and a credit to the Irish citizens, required a lai'ge amount 
 of money, and it was not until the year 1866 that the pro- 
 moters of the plan could see their way clearly to present the 
 question to the public. On Monday, January 8th, a meeting 
 was held in order to obtain the co-operation of the Irish 
 Catholics of the city with the St. Patrick's Society in the 
 erection of the proposed hall. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 863 
 
 At this meeting the chairman, Mr. B. Devlin, announced 
 that mattcra had so far advanced that he, as president of the 
 St. Patrick's Society, had purchased the site on the corner of 
 Victoria-square, extending from Craig-street to Fortification- 
 lane, having a frontage of 140 feet and a depth of 100 
 feet. 
 
 A provisional board of directors waa appointed by the 
 meeting, and a stock book was then opened, and $48,290 stock 
 taken by 149 subscribers. The stock was rapidly taken 
 up, and on March 18th, 1867, the foundation stone was laid 
 by Rev. Father Dowd, who delivered an eloquent uddress 
 on the occasion. In the cavity of the corner stone, were 
 placed two hermetically sealed jars containing copies of the 
 city papers and other documents, with a number of l^ritish 
 and Canadian coins of the present reign. The brass plate 
 which covered the jars bore the following inscription : 
 
 " This plate commemorates the laying of the corner stone 
 of the St. Patrick's Hall, Montreal, by the Rev. P. Dowd, 
 chief pastor of St. Patrick's Church, on March 18th, 18(37, in 
 the 80th year of the reign of Her Most Gracious jNIajesty 
 Queen Victoria, The Right Honorable Charles Stanly, Vis- 
 count Monck, Baron Monck of Bally trammon in Ireland, 
 Governor General of British America, Lieutenant General, 
 Sir John Mitchell, Bart., K. C. B., Commander of the Forces, 
 Administrator of the Government of Canada, Henry Starnes, 
 Esq., Mayor of Montroal." 
 
 The names of the directors, with those of the architect, 
 builder, &c., were also inscribed. 
 
 The building has a frontage of 140 feet on Victoria-square, 
 and 100 feet on Craig-street and Fortification-lane. The 
 height from the street level to the cornice is 72 feet, and to 
 the apex of the roof 92 feet. The style of architecture is an 
 adaptation of the Norman, suitable to the modern requirements 
 of the present day as regards shops and show rooms, library and 
 reading rooms, and concert hall. The details are assimulated 
 
 I 
 
804 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 
 r 
 
 h 
 
 
 ■■'i 
 
 3 
 
 m 
 
 to tliosc still to bo found in certain portions of Ireland among 
 the ruins of the monastarics and chapels distributed through- 
 out that interesting and beautiful island. 
 
 On the ground floor are eight first-class stores. On the 
 Second storey arc four spacious showrooms, and a largo hall 
 with committee rooms, &c. The grand hall occupies the whole 
 of the third storey. When first completed this hall was 13-i 
 feet long by 94 wide, and 4(J feet high to the centre of the 
 ceiling. The platform was 52 feet by 25 deep, and was at the 
 end next to Fortification-lane, while facing it, on the Cra.g- 
 street end, was an orchestra gallery of similar dimensions. 
 The hall was completed and had been used but a short time 
 when the accident occurred of which we have given an 
 account.* The directors at once proceeded with the repairs, 
 substituting wooden girders for the iron ones previously 
 used, and at the same time several alterations were made in the 
 hall towards improving the acoustic qualities. For this pur- 
 pose a false ceiling made of cotton stretched on thin boards 
 has been substituted for the former plaster one. The stage has 
 also been removed to the opposite end. The building is erected 
 in the most substantial manner, of Montreal limestone, and is 
 three storeys in height, the upper storey being equal in height 
 to the two lower ones. It is heated throughout by steam. 
 
 ST. JAMES CLUB HOUSE 
 
 Forms the corner of Dorchester and University-streets, 
 having a frontage on the toni'Or of sixty-eight feet, and sixty- 
 two feet on the latter. The bii.jc to a height of seven feet from 
 the footpath is execute; u in Montreal limestone, rough-faced 
 ashlar, with dressed moulding and angles. The superstruc- 
 ture is in red brick, with Ohio stone cornices and window 
 dressings ; the entraace, bay windows and balconies being 
 built entirely of the latter material. 
 
 'Page 183. 
 
!.1^ 
 
 i-,\ 
 
 ) 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 865 
 
 The building is surmounted by a massive cornice, from 
 which rises a curved mansard roof, covered with metal. An 
 ornamental iron railing surrounds the four sides of the flat 
 portions of the roof, from which place extensive views of the 
 city can be obtained. The ground or principal floor, which is 
 seventeen feet high, is entered from Dorchester-street by a 
 flight of steps leading into the vestibule, (on either side of which 
 are the porter's and hat and cloak rooms) giving access to the 
 hall and main staircase. On the right is the coffee room, a 
 spacious handsome apartment, forty feet by twenty-five feet. 
 On the left hand side is the morning room and library, twenty- 
 nine ftet by tweuty-tvf feet. Adjoining this room is a waiting 
 room for strangers desirous of seeing members of the club, and 
 in rear is the stranger's dining-room, thirty-five feet by 
 eighteen feet. 
 
 By a handsome staircase, which cons'sts of a centre flight 
 eight feet wide, and two side flights, each six feet wide, access 
 is obtained to a spacious upper hall twenty- two feet wide, on 
 the left of which is the drawing-room, a handsome apartment, 
 forty feet by twenty-one feet, and sixteen feet high. On the 
 right is the house dining room and a small billiard room. 
 Between these rooms and over the main entrance are the card 
 rooms. On the upper storey is the principal billiard room, 
 forty-two feet long by thirty feet wide and eighteen feet in 
 height, with a domed veiling and lighted from a large lantern 
 light in addition to four windows in the sides. The remaining 
 portions of the building are used for the accommof'atii, . of the 
 servants, bath room, Idtchea, store rooms, &c. 
 
 The cost of the whole, including the ground, was about 
 $35,000. 
 
 In the account we have given of various public and pri- 
 vate buildings completed and in progress in tho city, we 
 have omitted describing some that are eciually deserving of 
 
 i 
 
 1 1 
 
 i ■ 
 
 1 1 
 
 j 
 
 
 i 
 1 
 
 i ^ 
 
866 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 
 notice with those mentioned ; but we trust we have said 
 
 enough to show our readers that Montreal is not behind her 
 
 sister cities of the Continent in commercial and other public 
 
 edifices.* 
 
 HOTELS. 
 
 There are several first-class hotels in the citj, the princi- 
 pal one 3 being the 
 
 ST. LAWRENCE HALL. 
 
 A popular hotel situated on Great St. James-street. The 
 building is of stone, four storeys in height, and extends to 
 Fortification-lane in rear. This lane is crossed by a bridge 
 which leads to an extensive brick building, five storeys in 
 height, exteni^ing toCraig-street. During visits of the Governor 
 of the Dominion or other eminent personages, this hotel is the 
 one in which accommodation is always secured, and on the 
 occasion of the visit of the Prince of Wales accommodation 
 for his suite was here provided. 
 
 OTTAWA HOTEL 
 
 w. i1 
 
 I . L 
 
 f 
 
 r 
 
 A large and handsome stone building extends from Great 
 St. James-street to Notre Dame-street. The principal front 
 is on the former street, and is five storeys in height. This is 
 an exceedingly popular house, and for elegance and comfort 
 equals the St. Lawrence Hall. 
 
 ST. JAMES HOTEL ' 
 
 has been but recently opened, but the pleasant and airy 
 position of the building, with convenience of access to the 
 boats, railway and public offices, must certainly command for 
 it a fair shai'o of patronage. It occupies a building more 
 familiarly known as Bonaventure Building, situated on the 
 
 • Illustrations of four of tlio most protniaent Commarcial Buildings aro 
 given vi?!., of Royal Insurance Buildings, on Custom house square; 
 Albert buildings on Victoria square ; Dominion buildings in McGill-street 
 an'l Caverhill's block in St. Peter-street. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 367 
 
 south-east side of Victoria-square. It has a frontage of 60 
 feet on the west side, 90 on the south-east side and 60 feet 
 on Bonaventure-street, makinf; a total frontage of 210 feet. 
 It is 80 feet high, consisting of five stories, having a neat iron 
 raiUng round the roof, from which a m'r'gnificent view is 
 presented of the whole city and surrounding country. On 
 the roof, and facing the square, is an illuminated clock. 
 
 In addition to these the Montreal House, on Custom house- 
 square, Albion Hotel, on McGill-street, and the American . 
 House, St. Joseph-street, are worthy of notice. There are 
 several other hotels which furnish comfortable accommodation 
 for travellers, and where the charges vary to suit all parties. 
 
 PLACES OF AMUSExMENT. 
 
 Theatrical amusements are not so popular in Montreal as 
 in the United States : nor, indeed have they been as success- 
 ful as in some other places in the Dominion, and there is but 
 one Theatre in the city, known as the 
 
 THEATRE ROYAL. 
 
 The first building erected specially for theatrical pcrform- 
 rnces stood on a portion of the site now occupied by 
 the fionsecours-market, and was built in 1825 by subscrij)- 
 uoii. The building was neat in appearance, and in front was 
 a j^ovtico of the Doi-ic order. The cost was about £6000. 
 
 When the Hay's house was erected, a portion of the build- 
 ing ^vu8 fitted up as a theatre, but the whole of the scenery 
 and stage dresses were destroyed with the building during the 
 fire of 1851. During the same year the present building 
 was erected. It is situated on Uott(j-street, and is built 
 entirely of brick. The entrance to the galleries is by 
 wide stairs through a portico on Cotte-street. There are two 
 galleries, the lower one being used as a dress circle. The 
 '7uildirg will accommodate about 1500 persons. The present 
 lessee is Mr. J. W. Buckland. 
 
 :m 
 
 I'. 
 
 I ' Jl 
 
368 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 VICTORIA SKATING RINK, 
 
 I 'i. 
 
 : ii 
 
 I t ' 
 
 • <i 
 
 'A 
 
 DRUMMOND-STREBT. 
 
 The monotony of winter life in Montreal is greatly relieved 
 by the many clubs and societies formed for the pursuit of such 
 pleasures and exercises as can only be secured during that 
 season. Among the most popular of these recreations is that 
 of skating. While the river St. Lawrence with its covering 
 of ice fun shes sufficient room for all who may desire to 
 practice tht ' ^ill the severe snow storms often prevents 
 its being prat. ' in exposed places. To provide against 
 this there have been ot late years several private rinks erected, 
 the principal one being that known as the Victoria Rink. 
 
 The building is of brick and is 250 feet long by 100 broad. 
 It is covered by a semi-circular arch-hke roof, fifty feet high 
 in the centre, constructed to give an apparent lightness 
 of effect, combined with great strength. The space used for 
 skating is surrounded by a promenade raised about a foot 
 above the level of the ice. The front portion of the building 
 is two storeys in height and contains on the lower floor com. 
 modious dressing and cloak rooms and offices, while the upper 
 part provides a residence for the superintendent. At the 
 extreme end of the building is a gallery. At night the build, 
 ing is weU lighted by gas with colored glass lamps. When 
 many hundred persons appear upon the ice and, with every 
 variety of costume, pass through all the graceful figures that 
 skaters delight in, the scene presented to the spectator is 
 dazzling in the extreme. In summer the building is occa- 
 sionally used for horticultural exhibitions and concerts. 
 
 GYMNASIUMS. 
 
 There are two gymnasiums in the city, one being situated 
 on University-street near Dorchester, and connected with 
 the McGill CoUeijie. It is a neat and commodious brick 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 369 
 
 building. The other on the corner of Mansfield and 
 Victoria-street, is built of stone. These are supplied with all 
 the requisites of first class gymnasiums, and are well patro- 
 nized by the young men of the city. 
 
 In addition to the amusements named there are several 
 lacrosse, cricket, curling and snow-shoe clubs. The two former 
 possess extensive grounds where during the summer months 
 exhibitions of skill are given. These are always well attended, 
 and much interest is taken by the merchant? jf the city in the 
 several clubs, encouragement being given to the young men 
 in their pursuit after healthy recreation. 
 
 NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS. 
 
 
 13 
 
 ta- 
 
 jd 
 
 Ith 
 
 jk 
 
 The first newspaper published in Montreal was the 
 " Gazette." It was first printed in 1778, and is now published 
 by a joint stock company known as the Montreal Printing and 
 Publishing Company. 
 
 There are at present printed in Montreal ten daily news- 
 papers., viz: — Gazette, Herald, Witness, News, Telegraph, 
 Star, Le Nouveau Monde, Le Pays, La Minerve and L'Ordre. 
 At each of the offices where the above papers are printed, 
 with exception of the Telegraph, there are published 
 weekly, semi-weekly or tri-weekly papers, containing the 
 principal articles in the daily papers without the advertise- 
 ments. 
 
 Besides the daily papers the following newspapers and 
 periodicals are published in the city ; 
 
 Fortnightly : — " Canadian Messenger " 
 
 Weekly : — Church Observer, Transcript, Trade Review, 
 True Witness, L'Aurore, Canada Scotsman, Illustrated 
 Canadian News, and L'Opinion Publique. 
 
 Monthly ;— Canada Medical Journal, Canadian Agricultu- 
 rist, Juvenile Presbyterian, La Revue Canadienne, L'Echo 
 de la France, L'Echo du Cabinet de Lecture Paroissial, Lowe 
 
870 
 
 VILLE MARIE; 05, 
 
 'I ■:«■■; 
 
 ^ i 
 
 m 
 
 m 
 
 Canada Jurist, NeAv Dominion Monthly, The Presbyterian, 
 and Revue Agricole. 
 
 Quarterly : — Lower Canada Law Journal, and Canadian 
 Naturalist and Geologist. 
 
 Each of the publications we have named has its editor, and 
 those requiring such assistance have sub-editors, and all give 
 employment to a large staff of contributors, translators, 
 reporters and compositors. In addition to the regular repor- 
 ter whose duty is to attend important meetings, police offices, 
 &c., a great mass of news of minor importance is obtained 
 from casual reporters, who, scattered over the city are ever 
 on the look-out for anything which may afford them materials 
 for a p:a>, graph, and it has been said that a man who falls 
 and breaks a leg or arm is sure to find by his side two persons 
 ready v't sy^ Dathy : — the young doctor eager to secure 
 him as a patieiit, and the casual reporter, who makes the most 
 anxious enquiries as to his name, address, family and connec- 
 tions, that he may publish the fullest particulars in the daily 
 papers. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AJfD PRESENT. 
 
 371 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Coins, Tokens and Medals; Indian Remains and Uelics; Curious Caverns; Conclud- 
 ing liemarlcs. 
 
 TOKENS AND MEDALS. 
 
 Upwards of three-fourths of the tokens and medals of the 
 Provinces of Ontario and Quebec have been issued from 
 Montreal, and in several instances the dies have also been 
 prepared in the city. The tokens consist of three principal 
 varieties, viz., bank issues (among whi ii we class the tokens 
 known as the " un sou " series ;) tradesmen's tokens and 
 checks. In addition to these are a few varieties, the his- 
 tory of which is unknown. Several of these are extremely 
 rare, indeed, in some instances, no specimens are known 
 to exist in the city. We shall take the tokens accorling to the 
 classification just named. 
 
 I 
 
 BANK TOKENS. 
 
 1. Obv. A habitant or French Canadian farmer, standing 
 with a whip in his right hand and the left extended. " Province 
 du Bas Canada deux sous." Rev. Arms of City of Montreal 
 " Bank token one penny 1837." In the scroll proceeding 
 from each side of the garter in Arms, in sunk letters, " Bank 
 of Montreal.' 
 
 There are three other varieties of this penny token, on 
 which the name of the City Bank, Banque du Peuple or 
 Quebec Bank, appear on the scroll, instead of Bank of 
 Montreal, otherwise they entirely correspond. There are also 
 half-pennies of these varieties. 
 
372 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 I- 
 
 2. Obv. Front view of Bank of Montreal, now occupied by 
 Banquc du Peuple. " Province of Canada Bank of Montreal." 
 Rev. same as No. 1, but with City Bank in scroll. This 
 coin is very rare. There are but one or two specimens bearing 
 this date (1837) known to exist. All the other tokens bearing 
 the same view of the building are dated 1842. 
 
 3. Obv. Front and side view of same building as No. 2. 
 " Bank of Montreal. 1838." Rev. same as No. 2, but name 
 of Bank on scroll in raised letters, and no date. Edge 
 plain. 
 
 There is also another variety bearing date 1839, and 
 in addition there are the corresponding half-pennies of the 
 same dates. These four coins are very rare, those of 1838 
 particularly so. A specimen of No. 3, supposed to be the 
 only one in the city, was sold in March, 1868, for $10, the 
 agent who purchased having authority to pay $20 for it. 
 
 4. Obv. Same as No. 2 : Rev. Same as No. 1 date 1842 ; 
 Of this variety there is also a half-penny and pennies and 
 half-pennies of the same type, bearing date 1844. 
 
 5. Obv. Bouquet consisting of roses, thistles, shamrocks 
 and wheat " agriculture and commerce * Bas-Canada * " 
 Rev. Wreath with nine leaves to right and eight to left ; 
 between each leaf a small sprig with berry similar to holly. 
 " Un sou" within wreath. " Token Montreal." 
 
 There are about forty varieties of these tokens, the difference 
 consisting in the arrangement of the flowers which compose the 
 bouquet or in the number of leaves in the wreath on the 
 reverse. 
 
 6. Obv. Same as No. 5. Rev. Wreath of twenty laurel leaves 
 to left, and thirty leaves to right, connected by a double bow. 
 Stems of wreath touch letters " n " and " e " in Montreal. 
 " Un sou," in centre. " Bank token Montreal." Edge milled. 
 
 7. Obv. Same as No. 6. Rev. Similar wreath to No. 6, 
 but having twenty-one leaves to left and twenty-five to right ; 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 873 
 
 « 
 
 double bow. Stems of wreath do not extend so far downwards, 
 and are much lighter. " Bank of Montreal token." 
 
 8. Obv. Similar to No. 5. Rev. Heavy wreath of 24 
 maple leaves, connected by a double bow ; ribbons entwined 
 round ends of wreath, top leaves of which touch each other. 
 In centre of wreath in very bold letters " un sou.'' Inscription, 
 
 Banque du Peuple. Montreal." Very thick coin and milled 
 edge. 
 
 9. Obv. Similar to No. 5. " * Trade and Agriculture * 
 Lower Canada." Rev. Wreath composed of twenty-one 
 laurel leaves to left, and twenty-seven long slender leaves to 
 right, bound by a double bow to right and left, two short 
 ribbons below. In centre of wreath " un sou." Inscription, 
 " Bank of Montreal token." Edge plain. 
 
 10. Obv. Similar to No. 5. Rev. Wreath of five maple 
 leaves, two on right, and left turned upwards, that on top 
 inclined downwards to left ; in centre, " un sou." Outside of 
 wreath, to right a small head wearing a Swiss liberty cap ; 
 to left a large five-pointed star. " Banque du Peuple Montreal." 
 Milled edge. ^ 
 
 This token is what is commonly known as the Rebellion 
 token. It is supposed to have been issued in 1837, the liber- 
 ty cap and star having reference to the struggle then going 
 on. Scarce in good condition. 
 
 11. Obv. Bouquet. Rose, thistle, shamrock, and head of 
 wheat, to right and left. " * Trade and agricultiire * Lower 
 Canada." Between the inscription are two large five-pointed 
 stars. Rev. Wreath composed of eleven laurel leaves and four 
 sprigs, to left ; and fifteen long slender leaves as in No. 9, to 
 right. Wreath bound by two very large open bows, twisted 
 like a rope to right and left, with two ends hanging down- 
 wards over front of wreath. In centre of wreath, "i penny " 
 Inscription, " Bank token Montreal." Edge plain. Very 
 rare. 
 
 12. Obv. Bouquet entirely diflferent iu form from any other 
 
874 
 
 viLLE marie; ok, 
 
 specimen, the flowers being very delicate. " Agriculture and 
 commerce Bas Canada." Rev. Open wreath with very slender 
 stems, and eighteen leaves, with sprigs between. No bow but 
 a small ribbon over the front of wreath. No dot over " o " in 
 sou. Stems of wreath almost touch letters " n " and " e " 
 in Montreal. 
 
 The dies for this coin were found in the cellar of an old 
 building on Notre-Dame street, occupied by Dr. Picault, and 
 are now in the Cabinet of the Numismatic and Antiquarian 
 Society of Montreal. They are well executed, but not deeply 
 cut, and are much larger than the usual Un Sou specimens, 
 wb'ch probably is the reason they have never been used. No 
 coi s have ever been met with, struck from these dies, with 
 the exception of four or five proofs in lead, and about twelve in 
 copper. 
 
 These tokens, No. 5 to 12, with their several types furnish 
 over fifty different varieties, and are generally known as the 
 " un sou " series. The inscription on several specimens prove 
 them to have been bank issues, but there are others which are 
 doubtful. It is, however, a generally admitted fact that they 
 were all issued in Montreal. 
 
 tradesmen's tokens. •' 
 
 1. Obv. " Francis Mullins & Son importers of ship chan- 
 dlery &c Montreal." Rev. Ship in full sail to right. " Com- 
 merce token." Milled edge. 
 
 2. Obv. Two maple leaves crossed. *' Commerce Bas 
 Canada." Rev. Within a wreath, " un sou Jh. Roy Montreal.'* 
 Scarce in good condition. 
 
 3. Obv. Within a circle, a cask ; above, " brewers ;" 
 below, " distillers &c., &c." On either sides, '* un sou.'* 
 Without the circle, " Ths and Wm. Molson Montreal." Rev. 
 Within a circle. Distillery Apparatus, &c. " Cash paid for 
 all sorts of grain 1837." Milled edge. Scarce. 
 
 4. Obv. An anvil, with hammer and tongs, between a 
 scyth blade and a vice ; above it two blades crossed. Rev. 
 " T. S. Brown and Co., importers of hardwares Montreal." 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 375 
 
 5. Obv. A ship under sail to right. Rev. Within a circle 
 of cordage, " R. W. Owen, Montreal Ropery." Edge engrail, 
 ed. Very rare. 
 
 No specimen of this coin has been met with in the city. 
 
 6. Obv. Within a beaded circle. Head of Victoria to left, 
 laureated. Inscription, " Dominion of Canada Province of 
 Quebec." Rev. Within a beaded circle, in five lines, " Use 
 Devins' Vegetable Worm Pastilles July Ist, 1867." Outside 
 of circle, "Devins and Bolton druggists, Montreal." 
 
 No specimen of this token has as yet been issued. They 
 were ordered (by the firm whose name they bear,) from Bir- 
 mingham, but upon their arrival in Canada, were seized by 
 the authorities : the New Currency Act forbidding the man- 
 ufacture or importation of coins or tokens. The token is 
 well executed, and is the same size as the Canada cent, and 
 would doubtless pass through a number of hands as such, 
 without the mistake being discovered. 
 
 7. Obv. Head of Victoria to left : " R. Sharpley jeweller and 
 watchmaker Notre Dame Street Montreal." Rev. In nine lines. 
 " Importer of silver-ware, clocks, gasaliers, bronzes, cabinet- 
 ware, glass-ware, &c., &c., &c." This token is about the 
 size of the English farthing and is struck in brass. 
 
 I 
 
 RAILWAY AND TOLL CHECKS. 
 
 1. Obv. Locomotive. " Montreal and Lachine railroad 
 Company." Rev, Beaver beside water, trunk of tree with 
 two branches in background, " Third class." These checks 
 have a round hole in the centre. 
 
 When these tickets or checks were issued, the Railroad 
 connected the city of Montreal and the village of Lp a e, 
 distant nine miles, and the passengers consisted uuitdy 
 of Indians and squaws from Caughnawaga, ( on the 
 opposite side of the St. Lawrence, ) and the men employed 
 upon the canal then building. It became necessary to secure 
 something more lasting than the ordinary ticket, and accord- 
 
376 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 I' 
 
 ; f! 
 
 jngly a largo supply of these were procured from Birmingham, 
 anil the conductor carried them strung upon a piece of wire. 
 They are becoming scarce, as the balance remaining in the 
 hands of the Champlain and St. Lawrence Railway Com[)any 
 were melted at St. Lamberts, in September, 1802, thus 
 leaving a comparatively small number in circulation. 
 
 2. Obv. Wreath in half circle. " Personne.'* Rev. " De 
 I'isle de Montreal ft Repentiguy on Lachesnaye." 
 
 3. Obv. Same as No. 2. Rev. " De Repentiguy i\ I'isle 
 de Montr<;al on Lachesnaye." 
 
 4. Obv. Same as No. 2. Rev. " De Lachesnaye h I'isle 
 de Montr<;al on Repentiguy." 
 
 5. Obv. " Cheval." Scroll above and below. Rev. Same 
 as No. 2. s 
 
 6. Obv. Same as No. 5. Rev. Same as No. 3. 
 
 7. Obv. Same as No. 5. Rev. Same as No. 4. 
 
 8. Obv. " Caleche." Above and below a rose -with three 
 leaves on either side. Rev. Same as No. 2. 
 
 9. Obv. Same as No. 8. Rev. Same as No. 3. 
 
 10. Obv. Same as No. 8. Rev. Same as No. 4. 
 
 11. Obv. " Charrette." Above and below two sprigs of 
 laurel with a bow. Rev. Same ae No. 2. 
 
 12. Obv. Same as No. 11. Rev. Same as No. 3. 
 
 13. Obv. Same as No. 11. Rev. Same as No. 4. Clip- 
 ped. 
 
 Nos. 2 to 13, inclusive, were used as Toll Checks for cross- 
 ing the bridge, known as the Porteous Bridge, which was 
 erected in 1808, to connect the Island of Montreal with the 
 main land. These checks are very rare, a good specimen 
 commanding from $1 to $3. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 
 
 1. Obv. Coarsely executed head to right, " Vexator Cana- 
 din sis." Rev. Rude figvire of woman dancing, " Renunter 
 viscape 1811." 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 377 
 
 2. Obv. Same as No. 1. "Vexator Canadicnsis." Rev. 
 Sanio as No. 1. 
 
 3. Obv. Same as No. 1. " Vexator Canadiensis 1811." 
 Rev. Same as No. 1. " Reuunillus viscapo." 
 
 There are two other varieties of this coin, the diflFerenco 
 consisting in the mode of spelling, or in punctuation. These 
 politico-satirical tokens were issued during the administration 
 of Sir James Craig. 
 
 4. Obv. Bust of Duke of Wellington to left, laureated. 
 Within a circle, " half-penny token 1810." Rev. Ship under 
 sail to right. Within circle, " Montreal." 
 
 MEDALS. 
 
 Montreal is particularly rich in medals, there being no less 
 than twenty. Of these ten are awarded by educational and 
 art institutes, three are exhibition medals md the balance are 
 commemorative of important events iu the history of the 
 city. 
 
 EDUCATIONAL MEDALS. 
 
 The first eight medals are those issued from the McGill 
 University. 
 
 1. Obv. Head of Prince of Wales to right " Albertus 
 Edvardus artium liberalium fautor Canada visa D. 1860." 
 Rev. Arms of the College, on right side of which is a branch 
 of oak with acorns ; on left a branch of maple ; above 
 '' Universitas McGill ; " below " Monte Regio." 
 
 In 1860, the sum of £200, presented to the College by 
 H. R. H. the Prince of Wales, was applied to the foundation 
 of this Gold Medal, to be called the " Prince of Wales Gold 
 Medal," for an honor course in Logic and Mental and Moral 
 Philosophy. 
 
 2. Obv. God of Labor engaged in tilling the ground ; 
 above " Vere novo terra colenda est." In exergue " Grand- 
 escunt aucta labore." Rev. A wreath of laurel, between the 
 
S78 
 
 VILLE MARIE; OR, 
 
 top leaves of which are the arms of the College, with motto. 
 Inside of wreath, " Henricus | Chapman j Donavit." On 
 outside " Universitas Colegii McGill * Monte Regio * * * " 
 In 1861, the Chapman gold medal was founded by Henry 
 Chapman, Esq. , of Montreal, for an honor course in the Clas- 
 sicnl Languages and Literature. 
 
 3. Obv. Head of Newton to left. At back of head, 
 " Newton." Round outer edge, " Scientis. matheiiiaticis. et. 
 physicis. feliciter> exultis." Rev. A wreath of laurels, be- 
 tween the top leaves of which appear the Molson arras (a 
 shield bearing six crescents) ; in centre, in four lines," Anna 
 Molson, Donavit, 1864." Outside of wreath, above, " Uni- 
 versitas McGill Monte Regio." Below, between two five- 
 pointed stars, the motto of the College, " In domino confide.*' 
 
 In 1864, the " Anne Molson Gold ^ledal" was founded by 
 Mvs. John Molson, of Belmont Hall, Montreal, for an honor 
 course in Mathematics and Physical Science. 
 
 4. Obv. Bust of Shakespere to left, " Shakspere 1564- 
 1616." Rev. An ornamented shield, having on top the Arms 
 of the College with motto, at bottom a ribbon extending 
 across and inscribed " For English Literature." In centre^ 
 " Shakspere Tercentenary 1864." At corners of shield are 
 scrolls. On outer circle, " McGill College, Montreal. 
 
 The '* Shakespere Gold Medal," for an honor course, to 
 comprise and include the works of Shakespere, and the Litera- 
 ture of England from his time to the time of Addison, both 
 inclusive, and such other accessory subjects as the Corporation 
 may from time to time appoint, — was founded by citizens of 
 Montreal, on occasion of the three hundredth Anniversary'' of 
 the birth of Shakespere. 
 
 6. Obv. Head of Sir William Logan to left ; " Gulielmus 
 E. Logan : Eques." Rev. Wreath of maple leaves, between 
 tops of which are the College Arms. A ribbon below the 
 shield bears the n^.otto, " In domino confide." Within the 
 wreath, in four lines, " Universitas, McGili, Monte Regio." 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 379 
 
 Without the wreath and completely round the medal. " : Ad 
 Geologiam : et : Scientias : Naturales : Excolendas : Gul : E. 
 Logan : Eq., D. 1864." 
 
 The " Logan Gold Medal," for an honor course in Geology 
 and Natural Sciences, ^Yas founded in 1804 by Sir William 
 Edmund Logan, LL.D., F.R.S., F.G.S., &c. 
 
 6. Obv. Full face bust of Justinian crowned, and wearing 
 Roman toga. To right of bust, an ancient roll inscribed, 
 " Pan I Dec | Tae | ; to left, a globe surmounted by a cross; 
 " Justinianus." Rev. Arms of College at top. From upper 
 parts of shield a ribbon extends completely round the medal ; 
 inside of this ribbon are two palm branches which extend 
 upAvards and nearly touch the bottom of the shield. Within 
 the wreath in ten lines, " Universitas | McGill | *** | Pre- 
 mium I in I Facultate | Juris | *** | ** | * " On the ribbon, 
 " Ad : Norn : Elizabeth : Torrance : Perpetuand : Marit : 
 Joannes : Torrance : Inst ; 1864." 
 
 In 1865, the " Elizabeth Torrance Gold Medal " was 
 founded by John Torrance, Esq., of St. Antoine Hall, Mont- 
 real, in memory of the late Mrs. John Torrance, for the best 
 student in the graduating class in Law, and more especially 
 for the highest proficiency in Roman Law. 
 
 7. Obv. Head of Hippocrates to left; " innoKPATHS" 
 Rev. A wreath of laurels, between the top leaves of which 
 are the Arms of the College, below is a ribbon extending 
 across and connecting tops of wreath, inscribed " Universitas 
 McGill Monte Regio." In centre of wreath, 4n three lines, 
 " Facultas | Medicinae | Donavit | " Outside of wreath in 
 circle, " In Memoriam AadriX5 F. Holmes M.D. L.L.D." 
 
 The ■' Holmes Gold Medal" was founded by the Medical 
 Faculty, in 1865, as a memorial of the late Andrew Holmes, 
 Esquire, M.D., LL.D.,late Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, 
 to be given to the best student in the graduating class in 
 Medicine, who shall undergo a special examination in ai) the 
 branches, whether Primary or Final. 
 
380 
 
 YILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 In event of their being no candidate for any medal, or of 
 none of the candidates fulfilling the required conditions, the 
 medal is withheld, and the proceeds of its endowment for the 
 year is devoted to prizes in the subject for which the medal 
 was intended. 
 
 The following medal was founded by D. "Oavidson, Esq., 
 and is given as a prize to scholars of the High School of 
 Montreal, connected with the McGill College : 
 
 8. Obv. Minerva's Head. " Nil Sine Magno Lahore." 
 Rev. Wreath of laurel, with Arms of McGill College at top. 
 In centre in six lines " Hoc Premium | Ingenii Bene Culte 
 
 I Rcgise Scholse | Montis Regalis | Donavit D. Davidson | 
 Tulet." 
 
 9. Obv. Bust of Prince of Wales to left. Below the bust 
 in small letters, " Caqude F. Graveur de S. M. I'Erapereur." 
 Rev. In eleven lines/' EduardusAlbertus | Princeps Cambrise 
 
 I Provinciam Canadensera | Fausta Prsesentia Honoratam | 
 Perlus Trans | in Unaquaque Normali Schola | Premium in 
 Singolos Annos | Munifice Instituit, A.D., MDCCCLX. | in 
 
 Scholse I Mer et Cons | A.D. 18 ... . j 
 
 This medal was founded by the Prince of Wales to com- 
 memorate his visit to Canada, and is presented to students of 
 the Normal Schools. 
 
 MEDALS OF ART AND SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATIONS. 
 
 1. Obv. Arms of the Board of Arts. " Lr. Canada Board 
 of Arts and Manufactures. Chambre des Arts et Manufac- 
 tures Bas-Canada." Rev. A wreath of maple leaves, between 
 tops of which is a Prince of Wales feather, with motto, " Ich 
 Dien." In centre of wreath in eight lines, " Exhibition of | 
 Canadian Industry | Opening of | Victoria Bridge | By H. 
 R.H. I Prince of Wales | Montreal | 18G0." 
 
 2. Obv. Same as on No. 1. Rev. Wreath of maple leaves, 
 within which is inscribed in a circle, " Lower Canada Provin- 
 
 I 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 381 
 
 cial Exhibition." In centre, in two lines, " Honoris [ Causa," 
 with space below to insert a name. 
 
 These two medals Avere engraved by J. S. Wyon of London, 
 for the Lower Canada Board of Arts. No. 2 is the medal 
 awarded at the regular exhibitions of the Society. It is in 
 bronze and silver. Exhibitors awarded a prize of $5 and 
 upwards, have the option of taking a bronze medal, and for 
 ^10 and upwards, a silver one. 
 
 3. Obv. A pointed shield in three parts, the upper half 
 having a landscape with cattle ; dividing this from the two 
 lower compartments is a ribbon inscribed " Pratique avec 
 Science." In the lower right division, a field with agricultu- 
 ral implements ; to left a field with trees in distance and 
 machine for removing stumps in foreground. Above upper 
 corners of the shield are cornucopias with grain hanging down 
 each side of shield. On top, in centre, a beaver with maple 
 leaf behind it. " Chambre d' Agriculture du Bas Canada 
 cv66q en 1852." Rev. Fame blowing a trumpet, which is 
 held by the right hand, while the left is extended and holds 
 two wreaths of laurel. Above " Exposition Provinciale 
 Agricole." 
 
 This is the prize medal of the Board of Agriculture for the 
 Province of Quebec. 
 
 4. Obv. Arms of Natural History Society of Montreal — 
 an owl perched upon the branch of a tree, and holding in its 
 beak a small sprig. " Motto, " Tandem fit Surculus Arbor." 
 Rev. Within a beaded circle a garter inscribed, " Palmauique 
 Meruit Ferat ; " inside of garter, " Prize Medal ; " outside 
 of circle, '^ Natural History Society Montreal." 
 
 * 5. Obv. Seal of the Society " Numismatic and Archjcological 
 Society Montreal." Rev. Wreath of maple and oak leaves, 
 within which is inscribed, " Instituted 1862, Incorporated, 
 1870." Below the Wreath " Saiulham's Series No. 1.'' 
 The dies for this medal were prepared for the autlior 
 by W. Scott, late of Glasgow. Only forty specimens struck 
 in white metal and two on silver. 
 
382 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 COMMEMORATIVE AND OTHER MEDALS. 
 
 M 
 
 m 
 
 1. Obv. A laureated male figure, reclining with right arm 
 on the prow of a Roman galley, the left holding a rudder ; in 
 background, a Roman standard, with wreath of laurel encirc- 
 ling the name of " Amherst," the whole surmounted by a 
 lion ; below in exergue, a shield, bow, battle-axe and quiver 
 of arrows. " Conqvest of Canada compleated." Rev. A fe- 
 male seated weeping under a pine tree ; before her, a shield, 
 battle-axe and sword ; behind, an eagle seated on a rock ; in 
 exergue, " soc. promoting arts and commerce ; " above the 
 figure, " Montreal taken MDCCLX." 
 
 2. Obv. A full face bust of the Prince of Wales in uniform, 
 as colonel of the 100th Canadian Regiment. " H. R, H. the 
 Prince of Wales." Immediately below the bust, " born 9 
 Nov. ISil." Rev. A wreath of laurel leaves, joined by a 
 Prince of Wales feather with motto, " Ich Dien." In centre 
 of wreath in eight lineb, " to | commemorate | the visit of | 
 Albert Edward | Prince of Wales | to | Canada | 1860." 
 
 3. Obv. Same as No. 2. Rev. A view of Victoria Bridge. 
 " Victoria Bridge Montreal, opened by the Prmce of Wales 
 I860." . - . i 
 
 4. Obv. In centre, extending entirely across the face of the 
 medal, is a view of Victoria Bridge, with Mount Royal in the 
 distance, a raft of lumber, and steamer in foreground. 
 Below, " the Victoria Bridge, Montreal, | the greatest work 
 of engineering skill | in the world, | publicly inaugurated | 
 and opened in j 1860, | Grand Trunk Railway of Canada." 
 Above the bridge, arms, as follows : in centre. Arms of the 
 City of Montreal, surmounted by a beaver, an Indian on 
 each side, the whole supported by a lion to left, and unicorn 
 to right, seated on scrolls, with Rose, Thistle, &c., by side. 
 Ribbons inscribed, " Ross, Stephenson." Above the Arms, 
 •' the Victoria Bridge Medal." Rev. On top. Royal Arms 
 cf England ; to right and left, small circular shields with 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 3C3 
 
 sprigs of rose and thistle ; that to right having a bust in 
 uniform, and inscribed, " Prince Albert ; " that to the left, 
 crowned bust, " Queen Victoria." At the bottom, a similar 
 shield upon a Prince of Wales feather, the tops of feather 
 showing above the shield, and the ribbon with inscription 
 " Ich Dien," below. To right of shield, a beaver ; to left a 
 sprig of shamrock. On this shield, a full face bust in uniform. 
 " Prince of Wales." In centre, in fourteen lines " the Victoria 
 Bridge j consists of 23 spans | 242 feet each | and 1 in 
 centre 330 feet I with a long abutment | on each bank of 
 the river | the tubes are iron | 22 feet high, 16 feet wide | 
 and weigh 6,000 tons | supported on 24 piers | containing 
 250,000 tons of stone | measuring 3,000,000 cubic feet | 
 extreme length 2 miles | cost $5,000,000." 
 
 This medal is comuionly known as the " Hoffhung" medal, 
 from the fact that the dies were prepared to the order of 
 Mr. A. Hoffnung of Montreal, by whom it was designed. 
 It was struck in white metal, bronze, silver and gold. There 
 is another variety of this medal, the only difference being in 
 the cost of the bridge, which is placed at " $7,000,000." 
 
 5. Obv. Head ^ the Prince to left. "Albert Edward 
 Prince of Wales." Rev. In centre, a large Prince of Wales 
 feather, partially surrounded by a wreath of maple leaves over 
 which is laid a ribbon inscribed. " Welcome | welcome | wel- 
 come." Inscription, " visited Canada and inaugurated the 
 Victoria Bridge 1860." 
 
 This beautiful medal was executed for the Grand Trunk 
 Railway Company of Canada, and being very sparingly dis- 
 tributed, is consequently extremely scarce. At the opening of 
 the Bridge a copy in gold was given to the Prince of Wales, 
 and each member of his staff received one in .silver. 
 
 6. Obv. Draped bust of Trevithick, to left. " Grand Trunk 
 Railway Company of Canada." Immediately behind the bust, 
 in two lines, appears the name " Richard | Trevithick." Rev. 
 
384 
 
 viLLE marie; or, 
 
 hi 
 
 If- 
 
 I.I ? . 
 
 Il 
 
 Six ornamented oblong shields. The centre one being blank, 
 the others are inscribed as follows : " Presented bj the | 
 
 Directors | to | | fo^* I general eflBciency 
 
 and good conduct during the year." Behind the shields 
 appear the English Union Jack and American Flag. The 
 ■whole surrounded by a wreath of maple leaves, with five stars 
 above and three below. On edge of medal in sunk letters, 
 " F. H. Trevithick Loco. Superint." 
 
 INDIAN REMAINS AND RELICS. 
 
 In the month of November, 18G0, some workmen ■who 
 were engaged in excavating near Mansfield-street, in the 
 sandy ridge of a terrace, immediately north of Sherbrooke- 
 street, exumed two skeletons, and with them, or near them, 
 ■were found jaw bones of the beaver, and of a dog, with a 
 fragment of an earthen vessel and of a hollow cylinder of 
 red clay. The skeletons were in a sitting, or crouching 
 posture, as was the mode of burial with certain early Indian 
 tribes. 
 
 Principal Dawson carefully examined these relics and pre- 
 pared a discourse which he delivered before the Natural 
 History Society on Monday, November, 19, 18G0, from 
 which we take the following facts : — 
 
 " The first of the two skeletons found was that of an aged 
 female, the teeth being worn, and the bones small. The 
 other was judged to be that of a man, from the size of the 
 bones. Both skulls had the receding forehead, the high 
 cheek bones, and the heavy jaws of the Indian race ; both 
 belonged to what are called the long-headed Indian tribes, 
 which inhabited the eastern parts of America, and were 
 supposed to have come from Europe. The Indians of the 
 west are called short-headed, and doubtless came from Asia, 
 whore similar short-headed tribes reside. 
 
 " The bones had been soft when found in the ground, but 
 hardened when exposed to the air ; and the fact that only 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 S85 
 
 the earthy portion remained, and that there was no trace of 
 hair, or any tissue, or anything in which the bodies had been 
 wrapped, indicated considerable age. The position in which 
 these skeletons were found was that of the heathen mode of 
 burial, namely, sitting with the elbows on the knees, and the 
 head supported by the hands. This showed that they had 
 been buried before the Indians of Lower Canada were 
 christianized. 
 
 " There had been, so far as h* (Dr. Dawson) could learn, 
 in all nine skeletons found in the partial excavations of sand 
 already made, but the workmen had buried several of fchem 
 in the clay deposits which underlies the sand : and he would 
 take the opportunity of correcting the mistake of some future 
 geologist, who, finding these remains in clay of the Pliocene 
 period, might triumphantly proclaim that there had been 
 men on the earth long before the Mosaic history commenced. 
 He had little doubt that several mistakes of a similar kind 
 had already occurred. ♦ 
 
 " These remains, together with great quantities of ashes, 
 pottery, bones of animals, &c., had all been found within a 
 radius of about 300 feet, which seemed too small for the site 
 of a " considerable village " such as Hochelaga was des- 
 cribed to be ; but farther explorations might enlarge this 
 area. 
 
 " The site where these were found corresponds better with 
 Jacques Cartier's description of Hochelaga than any other. 
 From the account of his visit to the village, we learn that 
 he landed somewhere about the foot of the current, and 
 marched two leagues, passing through an oak forest to open 
 fields, in which Indian corn, &c., were cultivated, and in the 
 midst of which stood the village. There was a stream on 
 each side of the village, and the mountain rose behind it. 
 As many of Cartier's estimates of distance are found to be 
 exaggerated, it is probable that his two leagues are just 
 about the distance between the foot of the current and the 
 
 AA 
 
am 
 
 886 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 I 
 
 11; 
 
 place where these remains were found. There are two 
 rivulets bounding this site, which must, in old times, have 
 abounded in beaver ; and it appeared from the bones found, 
 that this animal had constituted a large portion of the food 
 of Ijhe Indians. The mountain rose behind it, and altogether 
 there is no other site that so well fulfilled the conditions of 
 Cartier's description. The oak wood must have been on the 
 sandy ridge, about the level of Sherbrooke-street, and there 
 was no soil light enough fof Indian culture in the vicinity 
 except these sandy knolls. He, therefore, thought it highly 
 probable that the site of Hochelaga had at last been 
 discovered. 
 
 " The small number of skeletons found in this site is no 
 reason for supposing that the place could not have been a 
 populous village, for the Indians had a solemn religious 
 ceremony every ten years, for the purpose of taking up the 
 bones of all their friends who had died in that period, and 
 conveying them to the burial place of their tribe, which was 
 often si a great distance. He could not, therefore, expect 
 more bodies to be buried in, or near a village, than had died 
 between tho last decennial ceremony and the final destruction 
 or abandonment of the village. Neither was the finding of 
 skeletons in a place any argument against its having been 
 occupied as a village, as it was well known that Indians 
 buried their dead near their cabins, and in winter even under 
 the earth floors. 
 
 " The village of Hochelaga was visited by Cartier in 
 September, 1535, and some time between that date and 
 1608, when Champlain reached the Island of Montreal, its 
 inhabitants, who were Algonquins, were driven off by the 
 Hurons and Iroquois, who had been pressing upon them from 
 the West. There was no village or even native inhabitant 
 here in Champlain's time ; and when the Jesuits established 
 themselves on the Island, the Algonquins told them that it 
 had belonged to their forefathers, but they had been driven 
 
wm 
 
 MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 387 
 
 off by the Iroquois, and their descendants had never re-occii- 
 pied it for fear of the incursions of those formidable enemies, 
 who dwelt on the south shore of the St. Lawrence. There 
 is, therefore, no record of any Indian village at or near the 
 spot in question since the time of Jacques Cartier. 
 
 " The rolics were found chiefly in holes about a foot in 
 diameter, and two or three feet deep, which had evidently 
 been used as ovens, as they were more or less filled with 
 ashes. Of these holes a great number had been found. The 
 fragments of pottery, most of which had formed parts of 
 cooking utensils, are all ornamented with marks, more or less 
 artistic, some of them apparently made by the thumb nail, 
 others with a square stamp, which gave the appearance of 
 net-work ; others with a round, cup-like stamp, interspersed 
 with small punctures and lines made by a sharp instrument 
 like a bodkin. Two fragments of iron had been found near 
 the surface, which might either be portions of what Jacques 
 Cartier gave to the natives, or buried in the earth at some 
 subsequent date." 
 
 This lecture was illustrated by the exhibition of the relics 
 named, and by others previously discovered. Among the 
 articles was an instrument made of bone, found among the 
 remains, which exactly fitted the marks on some of the 
 pottery, the large end having been fashioned like a cup, 
 and the small end artificially tapered to a point. There were 
 also several knives and chisels of sharpened bone, in tolcraMe 
 preservation, and some singular counters which are supposed 
 to have been used in play, the Indians being inveterate 
 gamblers. The most interesting relics were tobacco-pipes, 
 handsomely fashioned in the shape of lotus flowers, with the 
 hole through the stem perfectly preserved. 
 
 The relics here referred to, along with many other articles 
 connected with the early history of our city, are now deposited 
 in the museum of the Natural History Society, and it is to 
 be hoped that all who may be possessed of Indian remains or 
 
888 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OB, 
 
 
 other antiquities of the Island, or who may have any know- 
 lodge of interesting facts concerning the past, may contribute 
 thorn to that Society, as helps towards the study of the early 
 history of Montreal. 
 
 At a subsequent meeting of the Society, held September, 
 1861, Dr. Dawson exhibited some curious relics of Indian 
 manufacture: — A little bead made of a shell found in the St. 
 Lawrence, with a hole through it to string it, confirmed 
 Cartier's account that " the Indians made strings of beads 
 of shells found in the river, which served the purposes of 
 currency." There were also some beads made of pottery, in 
 the same form. A stone hammer, or axe, was very perfect, 
 and so sharp that soft wood might be cut with it ; several 
 spear heads, bodkins, needles, and other implements of bone, 
 and a great variety of heads and stems of tobacco-pipes, 
 some of them showing considerable artistic skill in pottery, 
 and all of them blackened by long-continued use. Culinary 
 vessels of pottery were also exhibited, and stones used for 
 pounding or grinding corn by the hand. In speaking upon 
 the subject Dr. Dawson said: " It is not likely that anything 
 farther would be discovered concerning the site of Hoche- 
 laga, but it was remarkable how well the actual remains 
 found had agreed with and corroborated the account left of 
 it by Jacques Cartier." 
 
 CURIOUS CAVERN. 
 
 In August, 1862, while the workmen engaged in the erec- 
 tion of Mr. Allan's residence, were digging in rear of the 
 house, they discovered a deep fissure in the limestone rock. 
 A horse, on passing over it, having displaced the surface earth 
 to some depth by one of its feet, curiosity led the workmen to 
 remove the soil to the surface of the rock. Here a large 
 aperture was found of about five feet in length, by about two 
 and a-half feet in breadth. On excavating further, an open- 
 ing was discovered on the north side, which was followed for 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 389 
 
 about ten feet ; in height it waa about two and arhalf feet, dim- 
 inishing as it recedes. While working here, the foot of the 
 workman went down into a further aperture beneath. This, 
 too, waa followed to the depth of about fifteen feet from the 
 surface of the earth, and was found to narrow gradually as it 
 descended. At the lowest point reached a rod of about ten feet 
 long could be thrust down its whole length into the soft yield- 
 ing earth without reaching the bottom. The west side of this 
 cavern is quite perpendicular, while the east side is shelv- 
 ing. The entrance is at the top of one of the rocky mounds 
 which frequently occur in this part of the mountain. The 
 mound forms what is known to geologists as an anticlinal, or 
 ai'ch of stratified rock. Its interior has by some cause or 
 other been hollowed into the form of an inverted cone. Before 
 the surface of the rock was covered with the overlying soil, 
 the cavern would have been quite open, and may possibly 
 have been known to the early inhabitants of the country. It 
 contained nothing but soft loose earth, and stones. There 
 is no reason^ to suppose that it was formed by the hand of man, 
 on the contrary it bore the marks of having had its origin at 
 the upheaving of the mountain, and to have been caused by 
 the immense lateral pressure, to which the limestone strata 
 was then subjected. To the curious there is not much inter- 
 est to be attached to it, but to the geologist it is interesting 
 as an illustration of phenomena commonly found in stratified 
 rocks in the vicinity of mountain masses of intruded rock. 
 
 CAVE AT THE 
 
 c3te 
 
 ST. MICHEL. 
 
 This cave exists on the border of a limestone ridge, running 
 in a N.E. and S.W. direction, which skirts a number of farms 
 back of the main road atCotc St. Michel- Its dimensions are 
 not very great, being some twenty-five yards or more in depth, 
 ■with a width of three or four yards. The latter varies a good 
 deal, and is somewhat irregular, but the roof is considerably 
 wider than the floor. Formerly, the opening was situated 
 
890 
 
 VILLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 between the roots of a tree, which is yet standing in the 
 vicinity ; but some years ago, the earth was slightly cut away, 
 exposing the surface of the rock, and greatly enlarging the 
 means of access. From the outside, the limestone has a very 
 rusty and weather-worn appearance, and is of a shaly texture. 
 The whole surface is filled with the fossil shells and corals 
 peculiar to the Trenton limestone. The entrance is about four 
 feet high, by six feet in width. Some twenty feet from the 
 entrance, within tlic cave, is a small well or fissure in the 
 rock filled with water. Standing by this well, the room 
 is about thirteen feet high by eight in width. The walls jut 
 out irregularly on either side, but give an average width of 
 eight feet. The ceiling is also of limestone rock, and coated 
 over with stalactic carbonate of lime, from which hang a few 
 small stalactites. In the sides of the chamV or are numerous 
 deep fissures, hardly large enough to admit an arm, and lined 
 with the same mineral. 
 
 In these fissures can be seen very perfectly the formation 
 of stalactites and stalagmites, the former meeting the latter 
 half-way. Some of the stalactites are of a beautiful needle- 
 like shape, and about four or five inches long. It is affirmed 
 by the people in the neighborhood that no bottom had been 
 found to the well within the cave ; but Mr. H. G. Venner, who 
 visited it in 1804, found that it was about twenty to thirty 
 feet deep. It is a difficult depth to measure, as it runs down 
 very irregularly and at angles. The water is clear, and very 
 cold, and has a strange greasy touch. It is surprising to see 
 its transparency, when it has this thick oily touch, and it yet 
 remains to determine whether this well is fed by springs or 
 by the drippings from the roof of the cavern. Tn- ^n rhe 
 well we push on, and after ascending a few feet. co two 
 
 passages, one leading to the right, the other to I. ft. T^o 
 entrance to the one on the right is about two feet square, ud 
 leads into a small room or passage running into the rock. 
 This passage is about thirty feet long, and two or three broad, 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 391 
 
 ending in a narrow fissure which seems to run deep into tho 
 limestone. This fissure is too small to enter witii any com- 
 fort, bu' it widens a few feet further on. The passage which 
 turns to the left of the first room is two feet high and six feet 
 wiu.^ ; but on entering we find ourselves in a small room, about 
 eight ^eet high, and six wide. At its extremity another fis- 
 sure n '3 down into tho rock, and looks as if it had at ono 
 time bcx-u a large passage. Indeed, so shaly and loose aro 
 these rocks, that by the action of water and the frosts, this 
 cave may be, ere long, entirely blocked up. The habitants 
 state that it was at ono time much larger than it is now. 
 
 The cave was accidently discovered about the year 1828, 
 by a party of habitants going out hunting. The dog belong- 
 ing to the party commenced to scratch at tho spot which 
 forms the entrance of the cave, and suddenly disappeared ; 
 ho had fallen into it, and his cries brought the hunters to the 
 hole in the ground ; the opening was enlarged and the party 
 entered the cave for the first time. 
 
 The route which must be followed to reach tho cave is 
 along the Papineau-road, continuing till the road of the Goto 
 de la Visitation is reached ; this must be followed till tho 
 chemin de ligne is reached, which partly traverses the Island. 
 Half-way up this ligne is the Cote St. Michel, and on turning 
 into the road St. Michel in a N.E. direction for about a half-a 
 mile, is the farm on which the cave is found. 
 
 Although of small dimensions the discovery of the cave 
 was at the time looked upon as something very wonderful, and 
 it adds another to the many objects of interest which already 
 abound in the vicinity of Montreal. 
 
 CONCLUDING REMARKS. 
 
 The past few years have been distinguished by an exten- 
 sion of improvements and accommodation, unprecedented in 
 any former period. Indeed the. extension of the main 
 thoroughfares of the city, together with other actual and pro- 
 
^■•^ 
 
 va 
 
 T 
 
 892 
 
 VTLLE MARIE ; OR, 
 
 u 
 
 jected improvements, have kept pace "with the increased 
 population and opulence of its inhabitants. Our veaders are 
 aware that various Acts of Parliament were progressively 
 passed, and action has at different times been taken by the 
 authorities, which are calculated to substantiate such altera- 
 tions in the interior and exterior relations of the city and its 
 suburbsi as might be judged nec( ssary, expedient and orna- 
 mental. Man^' importune improvements have accordingly 
 been effected ; others are in a state of progressive accomplish- 
 ment, and some still remain to be entered upon. In confir- 
 mation of this, we would point to the numerous squares which 
 have been opened, the widening of such streets as St. James, 
 Notre Dame and others. The immense masses of buildings, 
 public and private, which have since been erected in various 
 parts, and which are still increasing ; the newly-created 
 neighborhood of Point St. Charles, and St. Jean Baptiste 
 Village, while the district extending towards the Tanneries 
 des Rollaiids is now almost united with the city. 
 
 The boundaries of the city proper have been so extended 
 that regions heretofore regarded as swamps and quagmires of 
 an apparently irreclaimable character, are now the sites of 
 elegant mansions and blocks of cc jafortable dwellings of small- 
 er dimensions. 
 
 The advance is not alone in material extension or increas- 
 ed area ; for a tour through the city reve als a degree of 
 taste in the exterior structure, and of elegance in the inter'or 
 arrangement and decoration, that indicate a corresponding 
 advance in refinement and taste. 
 
 The buildings erected for mercantile purposes are likewisxj 
 indicative of progress in another direction, viz , in commercial 
 importance and wealth. In dimensions, architectural beauty, 
 and costliness, they are scarcely surpassed by those of the 
 largest cities in the United States. 
 
 We have now passed through the principal incidents which 
 form the history of our community. What we have gathered 
 may be useful hereafter to those who toil in the same field. 
 
MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 393 
 
 When we look back over a space of two hundred and 
 twenty-eight years, and compare our present situation, sur- 
 rounded by all the beauties of civilissation and intelligence, 
 with the cheerless prospect which awaited the European set- 
 tlers whose voices first startled the stillness of the forest, or 
 if we look back but one hundred and ten years to the time 
 when a second form of Government was inaugurated, and peo- 
 ple of a different language entered into possession of the 
 country, or if we take a nearer point of comparison and view 
 our city as it appeared but fifty years ago, and estimate the 
 proud pre-eminence overall those periods which we now enjoy, 
 in our civil relations, and in the means of social iiappiness, 
 our hearts should swell with gratitude to the Author of all 
 good, that these high privileges are granted to us ; and 
 we should resolve that we will, individually, and as a com- 
 munity, strive to sustain the purity and moral tone of ou.^ insti- 
 tutions, and leave them unimpaired to posterity. 
 
 TH". ESU. 
 
 81)