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ROBERT GRANT -^:_^ ,j^'}i»mMKmft m *9p1^Himatk ■ liii i L jij .fai ikL l i.' v.>- ^ #^^ \ East River Sketches HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL WITH Reminiscences of Scottish Life BY REV. ROBERT GRANT -6i:V,. T^iJf^ /r Q^'Yy^ ^ — NEW GLASGOW, N. S. : S. M. Mackenzie, Publisher and Printeb, 1885. kly peopled, rus were dif- shall receive floated in my But I am cecuting it, I lowever, that ere, and have een Kirk and Irom, will not ,hat hath been een that each lolv war," and superior qalifi- :ed supeiiority Liver affords no le days of Abel o commit it to (test posterity. 3 devote special ingly, a Cornel - Excellent Gen- Men." In th.> Mere are speci vhile the dyin;' e up of histori departed great uld be cited i^ hout precedent I commence with the names of four clergymen, Rev. Dr* McGregor, Rev. Donald Allan Fraser, Rev. Angus McGilli- vray, and Rev. John McRae. It is true that none of these could claim the East River or any other part of Nova Scotia for his birthplace. But along its peaceful vales and fruitful hills, they all — some of them for many years — endured the summer's fieat and winter's cold. On mountain tors too, very "beautiful," in their day, "were the feet of those that published salvation." Each of the four possessed his praiseworthy traits, and they shall be considered in their order. DR. MCGREGOR. Already, much has been written in appreciation of the pre- eminent endowments and services of Dr. McGregor. And for me to attempt to follow up the subject may appear like carrying coal to Newcastle. But then, there is such a thing as acting Hamlet with Hamlet left out, and to leave out the name of Dr. McGregor in these sketches would be doing this. Besides, I am giving my own opinion of men and things, and not the opinion of others. These opinions were logically formed in 'life's morning march." They are also correct. But they shall appear in print for what they are worth. Of Dr. McGregor's early arrival in Pictou, his child-like hu- mility, his self-denying labours and powers of endurance, while promoting the best of causes, much has already been written. It will, however, take centuries to exhaust the theme. For, had it not been for the far-reaching influences of his 44 years ministrations, there would be no such East River, as now pre- sents itself to a stranger's eye. "Who called the righteous man from the East," and caused him to plant his habitation amidst the elms of Stellarton ? And what about that "fire of coal" in the old red brickhouse on a bleak December day 92 years ago 1 According to Dr, Patterson's history, it was Dr. Mc- Gregor, with the celebrated Michael Wallace, Lawrence Hart- shoiii, Charles Morris, James Stewart, Cottnam Yonge, Edward Mortimer, and Jaaies Fulton, as guests. Was that or was it not the first regular fire of native coal in Nova Scotia? And is it likely that these intelligent and influential men, on their return to their homes, would be silent as to what their eyes 8 EAST RIVER WORTHIES. liad seen that day, on the banks of the Eagt River ? When starvation stared Jacob in the face, word comes to him that there is corn in Egypt. This revived him, and afterwards led to important results. In like manner, some 70 years ago it was ascertained in England that there was a placed called Nova Scotia, that there was an abundance of coal in it, that it vvas to be found on the margin of a certain river, that it was accessible to ships of light tonnage, and that the "coal" of that land was good. A wealthy firm in London purchases the ground. To this epoch may be traced the history of the coal mining industry in the county of Pictou. And it would be rank infidelity to say that Dr. McGregor's experiments had no- thing to do with its origin. A cynic may sneer at my reason- ing. What man can to-day, survey the environs of the East River, or look with grateful admiration on the stately elms by which it is begirt and receive no inspiration from the remem- brance of the stern warrior who once lived there 1 For my part, the mere contemplation of the scene seldom fails to re- mind me of the "plains of Mamre," and the "oak which was by Shechem." It was her coal, and not her iron mines that made Pictou, and especially the East River what it la. 62 years ago there was as good a steamer as the Egerton made her daily trips be- tween New Glasgow and Pictou — her deck crowded with pas- sengers. Her name was the Richard Smith. The well known Captain George McKenzie acted as Cap tain. He was then in the prime of his manly youth. His slight lameness only imparted dignity to his every gesture. It is needless to say that that gesture would be all energy. But to juvenile beholders, it was quite a treat to see him, in those days issuing his orders in a voice that saw that every man was at his post. Through all his life, Capt. McKenzie unconscious- ly fulfilled the words of Shakespeare : "He wore a swashing and a martial outside." But, while Dr. McGregor is entitled to the credit of having done his share in originating the coal industry, and thus con- tributing to all the consequences resulting therefrom, it is as an evangelist that his name is to be specially remembered. That I th I f 'x EAST RIVER WORTHIES. 9 ] When him that rards led rs ago it ed called it, that it a,t it was gil" of that ihases the : the coal would be its had no- ny reason- £ the East ly elms by ;be remem- 1 For my "ails to re- lich was by Ae Pictou, J ago there ly trips be- with pas- 3d as Cap »uth. His [festure. It >rgy. But n, in those -y man was inconscious- of having thus con- it is as an jred. That shall be "through all generations." Scientists have affirmed that any sound once emitted shall continue to reverberate for- ever, throughout the regions of immensity. If this is true in the kingdom of nature, how much more so in the kingdom of grace. It is, therefore, a mistake to imagine that this devoted man's labours ceased to bring forth fruit at his death. It is 62 years, last March, since he departed this life. But, to day, there are those that are not ashamed to venerate the very ground that he is known to have trodden. It is thus the old Irish Mountain road from Churchville to Springville possesses a charm peculiar to itself, while "Drummond's Hill" becomes a very Parnassus. For over its highest peak once went the road from the Mines to what was then, the West Branch, but is now, subdivided into Hopewell, Lome, and Elgin. And, as one finds himself on that Alpine height, the rising town of Eureka, with the cyclopean furnace of Ferrona are lost sight of in the remembrance of hini who once used to scale its high' est summit on his way either to preach in the log church at Grant's Lake, or to address words of triumphant consolation to some afflicted family. The remains of that more than "Roman Road" can be seen there yet, and, if the proprietor wouM preserve it in its present state, it might, in future ages serve as a memorial of departed worth. I know there are those who will treat this train of reasoning with but meagre respect. W^hat would they say if I affirmed that the Son of Man once frequented these old but now deserted paths. I hereby, assert that He did so, in the person of his believing and faithful messenger, nnd in the persons of that Messenger's spiritual children. The gabble of all the wordlings on earth * won't prevent the "Angel of the Lord from encamping round f- about them that fear him." Neither will it refute the words of Hhe first of English poets : — ■ •(1 "Millions of spiritual creatures walk the earth Unseen, both when we wake, and when we sleep." Houseless and homeless, Jacob returns from his 2) years ex lie. His twin-brother, with a hilarious crew of "400 men are #n their way to meet him." They are "men of men the chief." Jl^s they continue their march, they have their jokes, and their 10 EAST RIVER WORTHIES. fun. The exile feels discouraged. "Within are fears. With- out there may be fightings." But the "Angel of the Lord met him." This would show him that he yet had friends. It would also cheer hiui on, while the tables were being turned on Esau and his rough associates. It is, therefore, not for mortal man to say how often or how seldom the solitary East River Evangelist, 90 years ago, or even tlie humblest of his converts, may have been benefitted by the ministrations of these celes- tial inhabitants. Is there any superstition in taking the word of God as we find it? For these, and kindred reasons, not only is " riie chamber whore the good man meots his fate, Privileged beyuixl the c mmon walk Of virtuoua life, (|uite ia the verge of heaven." But even the very ground on which his feet once stood may bo eutitled to special veneration. None but a vandal would drive his plowshare through that spot of earth in reference to ■which a voice from heaven once exclaimed, "Draw not nigli liither, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." Others can use their freedom, but, for my part, I shall ever maintain that to revere placets once frequented by eminent saints is a pa it of Bible Ciiristianity. Why do men visit the Mount of Olives, or the garden of Gethsemane ? xYlong the Lakes of Cape Bi-eton there are sights equally beautiful. But Christ often tiaveised the one. He passed through a midnight agony in the other. And this invests them both with an in- terest more endearing and more enduring than that attached to much vaunted Crystal Palaces. "Thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and fa\or the dust thereof," DR. ANGUS MCGILLIVHAY. Personally, and in social life, Mr. McGillivray was one of the most estimable of men. The "ornament of a meek and quiet spirit" was eminently his. Dr. Chalmers, Dr. McDonald, of Ferrintosh, and Mr. McGillivray were men of exactly the same size — the same height, broad shouldered, and deep chest- ed. Di . McDonald had even the same rotundity of counten- ance and floridity of complexion. it^ EAST RIVER WORTHIES. 11 For a period of about 40 years Mr. McGillivray was the minister of Springville congregation, then including all the West Branch. During all that time, he performed his pastoral duties with a fidelity that may, at the prtsentday, be consider- ed remarkable. At a time wiipn "well earned" vacations were unknown, except when sickness prevented (and that was not often) he never failed to preach his two sermons every Sab- bath. And whatever his people had to complain of, they couldn't say they didn't get good measure. In those days, two sermons, each an hour long, with a few minutes intermission, would be considered a very model, for brevity. When Mr. McGrillivary conira'^inced his ministerial labours everything was favorable. In his spiritual charge, he found "a people prepared for the Lord." From Churchville to Sun- ny Brae, from the Fish Pools to the West Branch Lake, every family, whether Kirk or Antiburgher, was a religious family. Under "smoky rafters" joy and gladness was found therein — thanksgiving and the voice of melody. Both by his teaching and example, Mr. McGillivray did much to foster the hallow- ed custom. In those days, Janr ily worship was no unmeaning form gone through with but sc^nt reference. Not only did the "Saint, the father, and the husband pray;" but he saw to it that he had the whole family before him, and, with a father's eye, he saw that every ear was attentive. In the psalm sung, the chapter read, and the prayer made, the vicissitudes of the day would be anticipated, and every worshipper would feel as if he himself was specially included. They would all then be- take themselves to their work with the conscious assurance that the blessing of heaven accomp'tnied their labours. To- day, singing at family worship is getting to be one of the "Lost Arts." But all the organs in the Dominion are but a poor substitute for it. "/S'iny to the Lord in joyful strains." But can this be done, when singing is dispensed with 1 Secret prayer was, especially during the earlier part of Mr. McGillivray's ministry, a favourite recreation. Pious emi- grants from Glenurquhart, Kilmorack, Sutherland and Ros- ^hire, imported the precious custom. Very often did hf ■WK'aHBarTTr illiiiiiiliirii dS& mmmtm ■^ 12i EAST RIVER WORTHIES. 'The ^nidnight air, Behpld the fervour of their prayer." Such is a reference to the state of religion on the East River 60 years ago. "Tl>e wilderness and the solitAry place was glad." Deserts "rejoiced and blossomed," the Sabbath was kept with much strictness. Anyone speaking, or attempting, on that day, to speak about worldly affairs, would find himself a marked man. All this, without the aid of any "Endeavour," except the endeavour to serve the Lord in the "beauties of holi- ness," sprang from the seraphic preaching of the word, as it would be : "By McGregor thundered Or by McCuUoch poured in gentle stream," 58 years ago, a man* whose word none would dispute, and who wns himself an eye witness of the scene, assured me that when Dr. McCulloch preached there would scarcely be a dry eye. And it was no wonder. For never did Napoleon sur- vey the whole field of battle with a mor^ comprehensive glance than would be depicted in Dr. McCulloch's countenance, as, in a way peculiarly his own, he wielded the "sword of the spirit/* and caused the keenness of its edge to be felt. Mr. McGilli- vray's veneration for this "Master of assemblies" knew no li- mit. And to his well known attachment, both to him and to Dr. McGrregor, he was partly indebted for his own success. Dr. McCulloch often occupied Mr. McGillivray's pulpit. No one would know he was to be there till they saw him hovering about the church Sabbath morning. But every one, when they saw him, would know that he would preach the English sermon. In his habits he was simple and unassuming as any child. The last time I heard him was in the old church at Robertson's mill, now Ohurchville. His text was "Lazarus is dead ; and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there." On Sacramental occasions, Mr. McGillivray would be assisted by a set of splendid men. There would be Dr. McCulloch, Dr. Roy, Rev. Mr. Trotter, Rev. Mr. Patrick, of Merigomish^ old Mr. Ross, West River, and that prince of preachers, Rev. John C. Sinclair. Their sermons would only have one fault *'She late John Fraser, Deacon. N EAST RIVER WORTHIES. 13 — they would not be long enough. They were masters in the art of preaching, and we would all only wish that they w^ould continue their speech as long as Paul did at Troas. If they had, they would not want for hearers. This was the "Golden age" for pulpit eloquence on the Bast River, when each of these accomplished actors either did his best, or "half his strength he put not forth." May 28, 1892. P. S. It is Dp. McCulloch, of Pictou Academy fame, author of Popery Condemned, William and Melville, &c., &c., that is so frequently quoted in this paper. By the bye, doesn't it look as if the the East River was des- tined to have a dynasty of Sinclairs? I III. To thee, loved Nith, thy gladsome plains, Where late with careless thought I rang'd, Tho' prest with care, and sunk in woe, To thee, I bring a heart unchanged.— 5um«. REV. DONALD ALLAN ERASER. About the year 182u, Mr. Fraser preached his first sermon •on East River, in an old vacant building belonging to Angus Chisholm (Innkeeper), and situate where New Glasgow now stands. The rush to hear him was immense. Both Kirk and Antiburgher flocked to hear him. For some time he contirued his ministrations up and down the river, as well as in other parts of the county. He even lived on the East River, boarding with that most inveterate of all Antiburghers — Deacon Duncan Caropron, whose house was within a few rods of where St. Paul's Church now is. He was much de- tested by the Kirk fo k. But he would speak very kindly of Mr. Fraser. On one occjision, he did so to myself. Of Mr. Eraser's status as a preacher, in those days, I know nothing, and, I shall, therefore, limit myself to the following Reminis- cences. For these I am indebted to personal knowledge. 1. It was a snowy time in mid winter, 1838 — the time of Rev. Kenneth John McKenzie's and Dickson's election. The hustings were in Metcalfe's stoie, somewhere near where ^# V***^*** «•**"*•■'*« »•"■*' rsj^p u EAST UIVER WORTHIES. Thos. Eraser o inourn." The poet said it beautifully, but falsely. "0 death, the poor man's friend, The kindest and the beat." " Ah, no, Jesus of Nazareth is the poor man's friend, the "kindest and the best." When Joseph made himself known to his brethren, it was, "I am Joseph whotn ye sold into £(/ypt." Ah, but this was most unkind. How different from our friend. He won't say, T am Jesus whom ye crucilied, etc. It was oasy to see how exalted a conception the venerable man had, as to the nature of true friendship. Here is another quotation : "I speak advisedly, I fear the world's favors more than its frowns." He said something to the effect that a true friend would not "shake" hands with a stranger." Perhaps he little thought that, in less than 24 hours he would have an oppor- tunity to reduce the maxim to practice. But so it was. That Sabbath night he put up at Rev. Dr. Alexander McGillirray's. Monday morning Rev. Mr. McRae made his appearance. Of course he came to see Mr. Fraser. But he had seen Mr. Fra- ser for the last time some years ago. In the winter of 1839- 40, Mr. Fraser had, over his own name, published one of his manly letters in the Nova Scotian, and, without having the fear of Mr. McRae before his eyes, he spoke favorably of Mr. Howe, the Youngs, etc., and wished them God speed in their exertions to obtain Responsible Government. If he did, there soon appeared in the Halifax Times, a bitter anonymous at- tack on Mr. Fraser. For this he blamed Mr. McRae, and, for this reason, he declined the honor of an interview that Mon- day morning — he "practised what he preached." 4. About this time there was a public meeting in St. John's. The object of the meeting was to adopt measures to found a college, in which the youth of Newfoundland could obtain the benefit of a university education. The Lieutenant ^m 18 EAST RIVER WORTHIES. Governor, Sir John Harvey, was chairman. There wore ad- dresses by members of the learned professions. A certain lawyer in his speech, spoke snoeringly of Scottish Universities, Edinburgli, Glasgow, St. Andrew's, and Aberdeen ; Scottish literati, all over, were an inferior race. To such an address Mr. Fraser felt it his duty to reply. Ills sp< ech was published in the Halifax Guardian of the day. Tliis is a quotation : "I come now to speak of the modest proposal which requires that none but a graduate either of Queen's College, Dublin, or the University of Oxford, be eligible to a professorship in this contemplated institution, and the still more modest compari- son, in which the learned gentleman introduced the name of Dr. Chalmers as "a solitary eagle among the sparrows of Scotland." What ! are there no eagles in Scotland ? Are there no eugles in the hmd where Allan Ramsay lived, and Burns the Ayrshire peasant ? What ! are there no eagles in the land of a Leslie, a Forbes and a Playfair, and a greater than Playfair — Playtaij's master, I mean the celebrated Dr. Campbell, of Aberdeen ? Whatlaie there no eagles in the land that cradled Broughan)'s genius, and from which the mighty mind of Sir Walter Scott shed its rays over the length and breadth of the civilized world world ? There are eagles in Scotland, let me tell the learned gentleman, chirping in their wild and rocky eyries, which it would be dangerous for jackdaws to encounter, even though clothed in all the legislative wisdom and sanctity of Minerva's bird." It is 48 years last winter since I read that speech. But, on my youthful mind, this passage produced an impression that has, hitherto, been indelible — it seemed such a masterpiece. 5th. I am not the only one that was captivated by Mr. Fraser's nobility of look and manner. During his last sick- ness he was frequently visited by a Methodist clergyman, and the fact that this clergyman occupied a charge in such a place as St. John's is sufficient guarantee for his respectability. The following were words used by him, I read them also in the Guardian 48 years ago. "It was an unspeakable privilege to be permitted to approach him. Excruciating as were the suf- ferings he endured, no trac:S of mourning were to be seen — no cloud overcast the serenity of that noble countenance. He REV. JOIiy MACRAE. Mr. McRae oanie to Pictou in 1827, and from that time till 1844-45, was the laboriqus pastor of the Kirk congre{;;ation of the East and West Branch. He was a man of superior men- tal powers and great bodily activity. He wielded the pen of a ready writer. I hoard him preach twice. He had a clear, shrill voice, spoke with great distinctness, and could be heard at a great distance. He would stop in the middle of his ger^ mon to take a pinch of snutf, and then tinish oti' with an ani- mation and energy unknown before. AVith this exception, he scarcely used any gestuie in the pulpit ; but he was allowed to be an edifying preacher, and exceedingly able. July 23rd, 1892. , EAST RIVER DEBATING SOCIETIES. IV. Ever since public speaking began to be practiced as an Art, and learning l)egan to flourish, there have been debating so- cieties, under one name or another. In bible times, there were the schools of the prophets. Greece had her lyceuras, her Academic groves. And, even in the Olympic games, feats of Oratory and Eloquence constituted a part of the programme. In Scotland, these associations assumed the name of Mechanics' Institutes. In Edinburgh was the famous Speculative Society when Brougham, Jeffrey and Horner were striplings, and where they took their first lessons in Oratory. Halifax had !! EAST RIVER WORTHIES 19 said, "It matters little, now, whether I have been faithful or not. I place all my«best righteousness together on the one side, and my sins on the other, and walk between I hem into the arnis of my Saviour." But splendid as was the appearance Mr. Eraser made in the pulpit, his appropriate sphere was the British House of Com- mons, Had his lot been cast there, Peel would have' been a boy in comparison. The redoubtable "Knight of Kerry'' would also have found his match." a m^ I ■■•MMMfMH 20 EAST RIVER DEBATING SOCIETIES. once a flourishing Mechanics' Institute. So had Pictou. At the former George R. Young, Joseph Howe, Andrew McKin- lay were frequent lecturers, as were J. W. Dawson, J. D. B. Fraser, Mr. Fogo, and Rev. Mr. Trotter, and Rev. Dr. Smith, Stewiacke, and many others, at the latter. The poet Burns, too before he was out of his teens, got up his debating society at Tarbolton, at one of the meetings of which the hapless Dr. Horn- book made such an offensive display of his attainments as to draw on himself the immortal castigation contained in "Death and Dr. Hornbook." The first Debating Society on the East River, that I had any personal knowledge' of, was at Bridgeville, 58 years ago. It met weekly in the house of Mr. Peter Grant — unoleto the pre- sent young Grants of Bridgeville. My impression is that this was after Mr. Grant had emigrated to Canada, and that the house was unoccupied at the time. It was a two story house, I think it is standing yet. Senator Holmes took a leading part in conducting the meetings of this Society. He had re- cently bought the Holmes farm at Springville, and was living there. But, when I think of it, up to this date, there was no Springville. The name had no existence. It was the good old James Fraser — Donald Fraser, Geologist's father — that about this time, bestowed on the place the name of Spring ville. Some of your readers are familiar with that beautiful stream that glides so sweetly by the residence of Mrs. Donald Allan, and James Holmes, Esq. It is a perennial stream. There are other streams in the vicinity, and from these the place derived its name, 'x'hese waters are exquisitely sweet and refreshing. Even an editor might be benefitted by the taste of them. Of the Bridgeville Debating Society, Senator (the then only squire) Holmes was the main spring. For this his education and natural abilities qualified him. He was then a young man full of activity, physical and mental. During all his life he was distinguished for his social qualities. I was about 15, and one night, went (4 miles) to hear a debate. I made a speech, and got myself well laughed at for my pains. It was for a homely argument I used to prove that enjoyment is better than hope. Either the next winter or that following they EAST RIVER DEBATING SOCIETIES. 21 held their debates in the Red Schoolhouse; Here again Mr. Holmes, took B leading part, assisted by a native of the place whose originality and intelligence made liim the life and soul not only of Springville, but every adjacent settlement. This- was John Fraser, Oatach. He and Mr. Holmes were often antagonists in debate^ This was the first Debating Society in Springville. During the winter of 18S7-38, there was a strong Debating Society in New Glasgow. The following were active members, and took a leading part in the debates, P. G. McGregor, Robt. McGregor, Capt. Thomas Graham, Senr., his brother Wm. Graham, Kenneth Forbes, Wm. Chisholra, Saddler, Isaac Matheson, Mr. Milne, the Brewer, y some member. Mr. P. Cr. McGregor gave one on the Useful Arts, and Mr. Isaac Matheson on Political Economy. The writer gave one on the East River. At the close of this latter performance, Mr. Kenneth Forbes gets up and says "that was the best lecture ever deliveied in this house." For this, he was instantly brought to task. And, considering who had preceded me, in the same capacity, it was no wonder if he would be made to do penance for his indiscretion. Feihaps some reader would like to know how a greonliorn of 20 would wi'ite about the East River tifty-four years ago. If so, here is a sample. "As the traveller approaches New Glasgow, the incessant rattling of raih-oad cats, with their appendages produce deaf- ening convictions of the present prosperity and future import- ance of this interesting place. But he is now at New Glas- gow. It is situated on the eastern bank of the river, and con- nected with the opposite side by a well constructed wooden bridge. The village, a few years ago, consisted of a few scat- tered buildings. But, owing to the enterprises of its inhabit- ants, it has rapidly increased in size and coilimercial import- ance. For the most part, the buildings were constructed of wood. A goodly proportion are of stone, and they afford specimens of workmanship that cannot easily be surpassed. For some distance up the river, the country presents the ap- pearance of a long extended vale, intersected by well cultivat- ed farms, and densely stttled habitations. Here, the traveller can find two things which to contemplate. Here is the grand- eur of mountain scenery to the east, with a vast extent of monotonous forest land terminating the view to the west. If his mind is so constituted as to take pleasure in contemplating the works of art, he can survey the Albion Mines with all their surroundings. He can see there how the ingenuity of man, by mechanical contrivances, has concerted plans, and erected superstructures by means of which commerce is con ducted on a superior 'scale, A minute description of these ap- pliances would be difficult. The works are there, and any one can see and examine them for himself. He can also notice what vast sums of money were expended (around Mount Run- dell) in cuUivating small pieces of land. The taste and slimpt t; 1 EAST RIVER DEBATING SOCIETIES. 23 uousuess displayed about some of the private residences, mark this as a place where high life in all its grandeur, is studiously cultivated. (This was written in the days of Turtin, Joseph Smith, Neil McKay, and David Dickson, &c., when there was no such place as Mount Run-^lell on this side of Government House, Halifax.) As the traveller proceeds up the river, he enters a region the scenery of which is considerably diversified by hill and dale, until the emotions of admiration subside into those of peace and tranquility. Tiie region he has now enter- ed differs froQi that which he has left in its external aspect, while the people inhabiting it differ from the former in many of their manners and customs. He is now in Churchville. The road for two miles conducts him along a plain bounded by Irish Mountain on the east, and an upland tract of gentle elevation on the west. The inhabitants live in mutual har- mony, and by frugal industry, enjoy all the comforts of life. In the centre of the settlement, and in close proximity to Robertson's Mill, is Cimrchvilie Meeting House, more distin- guished for simplicity than grandeur. Of tlie scenery nothing in particular cnn be said, except that, during summer when the" sun shoots full perfection," it is attractive and beautiful. The rugged summit of Irish Mountain forms an agreeable contrast to that gentle sheet of water that ripples along its base — Forbes' Lake. For about two miles more the road leads through a woodland tract. Here, the works of nature, unal- loyed by those of art, afford fresh matter for reflection abrupt- ly emerging fiora this sylvan scene, the hills and vales of Spring* ville appear in view. Here, landscape wide, iu all its majesty and grace, Presents itself, in rudeness sweet, before the face, Here, rugged cliflFs and sunny plains, in beautous foliage clad. Rejoice the mind, and mingle pleasing thoughts with sad Here Springvillc's pure tran8par3nt streams Or Limebrook's hollow murm'ring roar. In accents sweet conspire t'impart A solemn air to the surrounding shore. These hills, alas, by nature's touch are rudely decked, And on the strangers mind no thoughts of int'rest can reflect . But 8till,your|lofty steeps have often borne me in myyouthful joys' Therefore I love you ; and me your mem'ry ever will rejoice' In fertilicy of soil the East River will compare favourably 24 EAST RIVER DEBATING SOCIETIES, with any part of Nova Scbtid. But in niin^ral resources it ial^ unequalled. During the summer months, its hills are "a place^ for the herds to lie down, and its valleys are covered with corn." At this season, Pictou Harbor is truly "an haveh of ships," coming from the ends of the earth to waft cargoes of our coa^ to supply the furnaces and dwellings of many lands with fuel.' ' Springville and Churchville alone have lime enough to supply^*' British North America.* Last summer, at the former of thes^' places, by three individuals — David McLean, James Fraser, and James Graiit, therp were manufactured and conveyed to"* the Albion Minep, 3000 bushels of this article of commerce. This they did besides cultivating their extensive farms, and raising abundant crops therefrom. Last spring, (1836), the quantity of square timber sent down the river, amounted to 2500 tons. And it was quite a sight to see the athletic sons of Sunny Brae — Chisholms, Kennedies, Thomsons, McDon- alds, Mclntoshes, &c., as they streamed this vast quantity fighting and surmounting the rapids of the "Black Teeth." Around Bridgeville, there have always been found specimens of iron ore of a superior quality. This, at no distant period, will also contribute to the prosperity of this favored place." Now, reader, the above was written before Graham Fraser was born. "Duncan Penny" was the sole inhabitant of Fer- rona. Eureka was then an uncultivated waste. There might be here and there, a tree "where the great owl would make her nest," but that was all. In the winter of 1842-45, there was another Debating So- ciety at Bridgeville. This time they met in the house of Mr. Robert Creelman. It was at the end of the bi idge, and is there yet. I attended once as a spectator. I come now to speak of a society the name and fame of which eclipsed all that were either before or after it — tho Springville Literary Society. It was late in December, 1843. As previously stated, I then taught school in the "Red School- house." One evening, after school hourP, 3 or 4 of us happened to be together around the stove. The party consisted of Hector McKenzie, afterwards postmaster at Stellarton, Dr. McKay, John Fraser, Catach, and the teacher. Before we separated, *Thi8 was written In 1836. EAST RIVER DEBATING SOCIETIES. 25 a new era began to dawn. That winter, there was to be a series of fortnightly lectures. Erery alternate week we were to have a debate. Mr. McKenzie, especially, entered into the project with all the "perfervidum ingenium" of his nature. Throughout the entire community, the affair took like wild fire. And, during the remainder of that winter, the Red Schoolhouse was a lively place. Every night, let it storm or shinr, the place was crowded. They would be there from Sunny Brae, the Middle River, Hopewell, Churchville, Big Brook, McLellans Brook, and places that had no brooks. The course was inaugurated by a lecture on Palestine, by Rev. Hugh Dunbar. This was followed by others on Geography, Education, Astronomy, Atmospheric Air, ttc. But the great source of attraction was the debates. There were about half a dozen members whose reading, versatility, and gifts of speech would excite admiration. Such were Hector McKenzie, Rob- ert Creelman, Jas. McGregor McKay, Jam ef? Grant, and others. But the principal attraction centred in a series of finished or- ations delivered with all the composure of a practiced debater by a young member who had, hitherto, been a perfect stranger to the art of public speaking. He was the youngest of a num- erous and well known family, at Upper Hopewell. Neither did "fortune smile deceitful on his birth." Every time he spoke, it sounded as if Edujund Burke or Pitt had risen fiom the dead. "He epoke reservVUy but he spoke with force, Nor could one wora be changed but for a worse." That young man was the Rev. Alexander MeLean, of New Glasgow. It is an attested fact that Lord Brougham could speak some words distinctly when he was eight months old» So one of his biographers remarked that he commenced speak- ing at the age of eight months, and that he continued to speak all the rest of his life. At the date referred to, Mr. McLean was of a maturer age. But, as far as is known to me, his pub- lic utterances have, ever since, been distinguished for that ornateness, propriety and finish that, then, astonished us all. "Fit words attended on his weighty sense, And mild persuasions fiow'd in eloquence." i > 26 EAST RIVER DEBATING SOCIETIES. Senator Holmes was the most of this term, absent in Hali- fax. But the young Holmes all attended, and gave us a help- ')and. ing EAST RIVER MERCHANDISING. .|:"^i I About a hundred years after the death of Noah — that Chris- topher Columbus of the Antediluvians — Abraham buys a piece of land and pays for it in "money current with the merchant." The profession is thus of ancient origin. In the days of Lot "they bought, they sold." And ever since, merchandising and merchants have occupied a conspicuous position in the history of our race. This useful class have alas, in all lands, been noted for craft and dishonesty, resorting to every petty scheme to increase their store. "He is a merchant, the balances of deceit are in his hand, ho loveth to oppress." The same fact is often leferred to by the ancient classics. Horace, who lived about 50 years before tlie days of Christ, often speaks of it. In T>ible tinies, and as an emporium of trade, ancient Tyre must have been unrivalled.. Can anything be more splendid than the description given by Ezekiel of her commercial mag- niiicence. When reading i';, one feels as if he saw, and heard her uuiriners with tunefu^ shouts, handling their ropes, and furling or unfurling sail?-, and as if his ears were stunned by the barbarous jargon in her crowded markets. "They of the house of I ogaiuiah ti-aded in thy fairs, with horses and horse- men, and mu'.es. The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee, and thou wast replenished, and made very glorious in the midst of the seas." Such is the glory to which worldly prosperity ex- alts a people. But in the history of this godless city there was a peiiod when things were on as small a scale as small could be, when her coasts were as destitute of inhabitants as were the shores of the East River on the day that Columbus landed on the island of San Salvador. As to the histoiy of merchandising on the East River, its commencement was where New Glasgow is, about the begin- ning of this century, by Mr. Carmichael. As almost every i\ EAST IlIVEU MERCHANDISING. 27 in Hali- is a help- liat Chris- lya a piece merchant." ays of Lot dising and .he history mds, been ,tty scheme lalances of 5 same fact ), who lived Elks of it. icient Tyre i-e splendid lercial mag- and heard ropes, and stunned by They of the s and horse- of thee, and the midst of 'osperity ex- ;y there was small could s as were the us landed on one knows, his store was opposite the Ottawa house. His was the principal store all his life. Jiut about the same period, or very soon after, Alex. Grant, miller, became a trader. Mr. Carmichael's name, as a merchant prince, has ever been a house- hold word. But, among all your readers, there is scarcely one that knows the extent to which this Alex. Grant "sought goodly pearls," and dispersed them abroad, "unvexed with all the cares of gain." Bearing on this subject, I shall mention two incidents. 1. One some occasion, there was a chest of tea for sale,and Mr. Carmichael wished to be a purchaser. But he thought it too much of a risk for him to buy the whole chest. And he. wanted Mr. Grant (who was my father) to go shares with him I had this from the late Deacon Robertson, of Chuichville, who may have been an eye witness of the transaction. It must have occurred at the very commencement of Mr, Carmichael's commercial career. And, to me, it is sufficient evidence that, by this time, this Alex. Grant had already embarked in the same calling. I. The following incident I had from Mr. Carmichael liim- self not long before his death. I record it as an instance of Mr. Grant's well known generosity. It also goes to show that. Carmichael The vessel with him merchandising was no idle form. Mr. had chartered a vessel to load her with timber, was waiting in Pictou harbor for her cargo. Mr. Carmicliael said he had not a stick of timber on hand. He had some up the river, but it could not be got down. Said he, "your father had his timber all down at New Glasgow. There was enough of it to load the vessel. He told me to take it. I did so, and thus got the vessel loaded. Had it not been for this oblige- ment I would have been completely ruined." These were Mr. Carmichael's words. In New Gla-gow, as already stated, Mr, Cariiichael was the principal merchant to the last. Mr. Grant's place of business was 10 miles up the river. It was his custom to go on to Halifax once or twice ever year with what spare money -he might be possessed of amounting at times to 2,000 dollars. This would be laid out in the purchase of goods. These would be sent round by water to Pictou. But how they could be 28 EAST RIVER MERCHANDISING. conveyed up the river, when roads wore so bad, is more than I know. But conveyed up the river they were. And there they were sold. But, as his books show, some of his customers be- longed to New (llaBgow, and even to the counties of Guysboro and Colchester. The name of Rev. Dr. McGregor appeals among the numl»er. As far back as 1815 the following items are charged to him : 2 straw bonnets for the servant girls, 56 bs, sugar ; 4 lbs tea. In 1819, 8 quires writing paper bought t oie time. The account of another rev. gentleman com mences thus : 1825, May 19, To 2 gallons rum, " July 7, " 2 gallons rnm " Aug. 9, " 6 quarts rum. This was no Kirk clergyman. For a livelihood Mr. Grant did not depend on the sale of his goods, but on the proceeds of the best of grist mills, which he owned conjointly with his brothei- Robert, and a many acred farm, always kept in the highest state of cultivation. He could thus afford and did afford to be indulgent with his customers. From what I know of his far reaching philanthropy — wjiich was proverbial — it was not to make money he submitted to the drudgery of storekeeping, but because the goods were needed n a place so recently inhabited. There consisted, besides groceries of all kinds, of hardware, crockery, riding saddles, l)ridles, leather,etc. I find one blacksmith —it was big John Fal- coner — charged with 2 tons, 16 cwt. iron. As other stores in- creased in number, he gradually retired from business. But he kept flour for sale to the last. The year 1816 was the hardest year Pictou ever saw. The preceding summer there was a plague of mice that completely destroyed the grain crop. Neither did the potato crop escape their ravages. And this summer famine and starvation stared people in the face. At last, in part, to ward off the threat- ened ruin, Mr. Grant mounts his horse and starts for Halifax, and purchased 1000 dollars worth of flour. On his way home in June the road was frozen so hard as to carry his horse. The "heaven was bras^, and the earth iron." The flour comes round by water. Late on a Saturday evening it is all put into a barn at New Glasgow, belonging to Mr. Carmichael, and EAST RIVER MERCHANDISING. 29 Mr. G. wends his way to hi« home up the river. The proba- bility is that, Sabbath day, he would travel many a mile to hear Dr. McGregor preach. But very early INIouday morning he went down to New Glasgow. When lie got there, the barn was surrounded by a crowd of men from many a mile round. The most of flour dealers would ask intending purchasers as to their ability to pay. There were no such incjuiries that morn- ing. On the contrary, if any one had been so unwise as to say he had the money, he would bo told at once that he could get flour elsewhere. For, during a long life, he scarcely ever sold flour to those that had the money to pay for it. When flour was scarce, and the demand urgent, he never did it. "There was a man, and some did think him mad. The more he gavo, the more he had." — John Banyan. At last the door is opened, and there is one mighty rush. Everyone seizes a barrel. They thi'ew themselves flat on their faces on the barrel, and held on to it with both hands. There was nothing said about price or pay. Now, reader, I ask you, would every flour dealer be so indulgent 1 I know the young Downies of New Glasgow have acquired a lasting reputation for their generosity to the indigent. But this is an instance that would test even their liberality. Dr. Patterson, in his history of Pictou, says that it was with difliculty Mr. Grant preserved a barrel for himself. But this was not so. He didn't try to keep one for himself. If he wanted one, he knew he could get it from Mr. Carmiehael, or anyone else that kept flour for sale. Not so with the destitute crowd surrounding that barn on a June morning in 1816. About this time William McDonald, J. Fred. McDonald's (custom house) grandfather, engaged in mercantile pursuits. His dwelling house stands yet at the upper end of the town, near the end of the Merigomish Road. Here also was his store, and it was a store that was much frequented. Mr. Mc- Donald traded extensively. By the summer of 1828, there were, at least, four additional stores in New Glasgow. 1. Hugh Fraser, Drummond — a brother of Squire Fra- ser's. I think the Windsor Hotel covers the site of this store. t^^i: iHtt ; 30 EAST lUVEK MEIICHANDISINO. At all events, it stood between the bank of the river and the Ottawa Ifouso. 2. Alexander Fraser'a (Red Alek). His dwelling house was at the lower end of the whurf, on the Rivera bank. And here, at this time, he sold his goods. . 3. Squire Fraser's. it was about this time he, on a small scale commenced his mercantile career, in a little wooden l)uilding on the site at present occupied by a structure com- posed of solid m.isonry, and here he made a fortune. 4. Either in 1826 or '27 James McGregor rented a house belonging to the already mentioned Alex. Orant. It was sit- uated on the site now occupied by the Ottawa House. Mr. ArcCtregor rented the whole building. A room fronting the street he used as a store, and the rest as dwelling place. Here he did business for years. And if any of his children wish to see the place where their father commenced that career of which he was so bright an ornament, they can easily gratify their wish. Tt is still to the fore, and occupied by Mr. Muir. Mr. Grant, when preparing to build the Ottawa House in 1839, moved the old house back to the rear of the lot. Some years after this he sold it to a Mr. William Turnbull. At the death of the latter it, no doubt, belonged to his widow, the present Mrs. Muir, who can show the room used by Mr. Mc- Gregor as a store. What convinces me that it was either 1826 or '27 Mr. Mc- Gregor commenced merchandising is this. The great fire in London was in 1666, The burning of Moscow was in 1812. But in 1825, and much nearer home, was a fire that, for awful grandeur excelled both that of London and Moscow put to- gether — the "Fire of Miramichi." And well do I remember Mr. McGregor, the following summer, being a night at my father's. He came up to rent the old house just spoken of. It was in the month of July. In the morning, while his horse was grazing peacefully in the field, I, at the age of seven, was all attention, as two of the most intelligent of men dis- cussed one subject after another. Mr. McGregor had been in Miramichi the time of the tire And his account of the dread- ful conflagration, and of the difficulty with which he and others escaped with their lives, when the whole place for 20 or 30 EAST RIVER MERCIIANniSINO. 31 miles round was an ocean of flames, was graphic in the extreme — not unworthy of being placed beside Virgil's description of the burning of Troy. The palace of Deiphobus in smoking {lames ascends Hecalegon burns next, and catches on its friends. I think it was a little earlier than the last date mentioned, that Alex. Fraser, D. C. Fraser's father, kept goods for sale. To distinguish him from other Frasers, he even went by ♦he name of "Alasdair Ceannaiche" — Alexander the Merchant. He kept his goods for sale about 14 miles up the river, about a mile below St. Paul's church. Whether he ever did business in New Glasgow I cannot say. One thing I do know, how- ever, he owned a lot, and built a house there. That house was standing in 1834, and for a good many years after. My im- pression is that the Windsor hotel now covers the ground it occupied. In 1828, there \/as a store opened, which, in magnificence, eclipsed anything that had, hitherto, been on the East lliver. Whatever was the name by which it was designated in New Glasgow, it was known in the surrounding districts by the name of the "Mines Store" or the "Big Store." I think the building is standing yet at the end of the bridge at Stellarton. And it was in reality a big store — big on account of the wealth at the back of it — the mining company — big on account of the immense piles of goods on those shelves behind an endless range of counters — big on account of the crowds of customers, and the amount sold — big on account of troops of miners that used to congregate around it after 6 o'clock, with»faces the color of Ethiopians — but specially big from the size of the fists that would, at times be flourished in fierce pugilistic encounters on the esplanade in front, thus relieving the monotony of life, and furnish abundant material for remark for many a mile up and down the East River. These were the days of Big John Fal- coner, Joe Calvrey, Tom Mac and Martin Boyle. It was about this time, too, or not long after, that B. L. Kirkpatrick commenced his mercantile career on the East River, first in the capacity of a pedler selling his goods from house to house. About 1830 ho set up regular storekeeping, :" f- I 32 EAST RIVER MERCHANDISING. ^1 doing a more extensive business than, perhaps, any merchant in New Glasgow. He erected a store on the confines between Springville and Bridgeville, where he merchandised for years till he moved to New Glasgow. Here he added shipbuilding to merchandising. He was naturally endowed with very su- perior business talents, and splendid intelligence. He died in New Glasgow. By 1842, John Cameron, Jolin IMcKenzie, Roderick Mc- Gregor, J. F. McDonald, and Hugh Fraser, Miller, flourished as influential merchants. My memory does not serve me as to the exact time Mr. Frasej-, postmaster, commenced. But he merchandised for years, either on the site now occupied by the post office oi* in close proximity to it. Other names, such as Adam Carr, Mr. Metcalfe, etc., have unintentionally been oniitted. All these are entitled to the credit of laying the foundation of New Glasgow, and rendering its name famous. It is also due to them to assert that the good?? they kept for sale were of a superior quality — British manufacture. At that time, one would not have to pay a dollar and more for a pocket handkerchief that wasn't worth carrying home. Is there a store in New Glasgow where one can get a vest pat- tern? It was otherwise in the days of the Carmichaels, the John McKenzies, a id the Squire Frasers. Of country mercuant.s, in more recent times, tho principal were Mr. John Forbes, at Bi idgeville, and Squire McDonald, at Springville. About the year 1833, Colin McKay, (Colin Fox Brook) bought a lot in Hopewell, and set up store keeping. For a year or two, he was the only "Merchant Prince" in that famed locality. And my impression is that he was the first. The following explanation is due to the memory of two East River worthies- -it is true that up to the commencement of the Temperance Reformation Alexander Grant kept rum for sale. So did almost every other merchant. Jas. Mc- Gregor, did at New Glasgow, and Mr. Matheson at the West River — men "whose praise is in all the churches." As for Mr. Grant, as soon a:i the use of ardent spirits began to be denounc- ed from the pulpit as an e\il, and when, in 1832, the first Temperance Society was formed in Mr. McGillivray's congre- gation he imported, and he sold no more of it. As to the ven- «ll»«l liilfcTiil >» EAST RIVER MERCHANDISING. 33 erable clergyman that bought 5i gallons in four months, the probability is that he never tasted a drop of it. He had a small salary, and a large farm that was hard to cultivate, and a great amount of work was done by what was called frolics. On such occasions men would not work without their "glass." That would be the way the rum went. In addition to all this^ at that time, Jamaica rum was not the poisonous stuff what goes by that name now, is, and it was considered as one of the necessaries of life — far more so than either sugar or tea. On a visit from Dr. McGregor or any other gentleman, house- keepers would feel small enough if the decanter wasn't on the table; and none more relished a glass of its contents than the Dr. himself. REMINISCENSES. 1. When about the nge of 12, a friend in Springville sent me down to Mr. Jas. MarGregor's for half a gallon of rum. Mr. McGregor was in the store. On telling him my errand, there was a roar of laughter by a lot of boys who happened to be present. It was at my bad English. For, "On his lips there hung The accent of the mountain tongue." However, Mr. McGregor vt'ith his own hands, and with his accustomed accuracy, measured the desired quantity of the precious liquid, and I started for home — the yell of laughter ringing in my ears. 2. About the year 1831, Mr. Carmichael was loading a vessel with live cattle for Miramichi. He bought a cow from my father. The brute was to be delivered at New Glasgow by a certain day. At the appointed time, there was a stout rope tied around her horns. * But she became utterly unman- agable. My impression is that she would baffle all the men in Springville. She was got half way to Springville bridge, when things came to a crisis. After a consultation held, my father sent one of the men to bring a favorite horse. This is done. The next step was to tie the rope that held the contrary brute to that horse's tail and to tie it so short that her head — horns and all — was close up to the horse's heels. When le*^^ go, she began carrying on as formerly. But a clip or two from the '^:^H^i (t , ' •: 'h 34 EAST RIVER MERCHANDISING. ^ ?i horse s hind foot soon sobered her. The next part of the pro- gramme was to put the future historian of the East River, then about 13, on that horse's back. This simply meant a 10 mile ride with a wicked cow attached to the horse's tail — a berth that no compiler of history would relish. But the best of fathers and one of the wisest of men wished it to be done, and that was enough. To pass "thus accoutered, " through Churchville and Irish town was no joke. What a mark for the jeers of all the youngsters. But, horror of hor- rors, to have to parade the streets of New Glasgow. How- ever, without meeting with any disaster. Prospect Farm ap- peal s in sight, and it is passed by without danger, and the Potter's bridge is left behind. But Provost street did seem, tlitit day, to be unmercifully long. The wharf is at last reach- ed, and the unruly animal is hoisted on board. This was the first time I saw Wm. Graham, and "Billy Ogg," dressed in regular sailors' garb, they were conspicuously active among the vessels crew. After the lapse of 60 years, I often think of this adventure — of the wisdom that contrived it, and the success that accompanied it. Could all the men in Springville tie such a knot to-day ? 3. In 1831, Mr. James McGregor wished to take the eld- est of his children to some famous medical spring, either at Shubenacadie or Wilmot. He wrote to my father to ascer- tain whether he would let him have the use of his gig for the journey. I read that letter. And I have read and written many a letter since. But anything to match that letter, of Mr. McGregors I never wrote, and I never read. For depth and propriety, and as a piece of composition, ic was a mas- terpiece, to be equalled only by an obituary the same hand penned to commemorate the worth* of a lifelong friend — the late Deacon Hugh McKay, of lliverton. It was published in the Missionary Record, and it was also a masterpiece. In a day or two Mr. Roderick McGregor comes up on horseback for the gig. It was a warm day in July- He was in his shirt sleeves, and wore a pair of pants of blue superfine broad cloth. Would any of your readers think that, so late as 1831, a leading merchant of New Glasgow would have to send 10" mile for a conveyance for a two or three days journey. Or is EAST RIVER MERCHANDISING. 35 '■'fe it likely that Mr. McGregor would do it if he could accommo- date himself nearer home. MORE EAST RIVER WORTHIES. VI. Gigantic mental powers, when associated with correspond- ing bodily strength, is a something that has never failed to excite admiration, and when infinite wisdom has condescended to make mention of some of this class by name, and even to specify some of their achievements, it canliot be amiss forme to make a few observations on such a subject. The Bible gives a min- ute account of the combat between David and Goliath, and Moses' fight with the Egyptian. It tells also of the man who "slew a lion in the midst of a pit in a time of snow." But what is it to be a mighty man? Of course there is, as a rule, superior bodily strength — the ability, on an emergency, to perform prodigies of valor. There must, however, be some- thing more — there must be a mighty mind. Were I so tall that I could reach from pole to pole, Or grasp creation in a span, 1 must be measured by my mind, The mind's the standard of the man. To be entitled to the epithet mighty one must be possessed of a soul not to be discouraged by any diflaculty, not to be ap- plied by any danger. "What he greatly thinks he nobly dares." In every age and in every community, men of this stamp have, like poets, orators and philosophers, been few in number. At no period, do they seem to have been as numer- ous as in the days of David. In addition to the "thirty and seven" specified by name, there were of the Gadites "men of might, and men of war tit for the battle, whose faces were like the faces of lions." But at the siege of Troy, there was only one Ajax, and one Hector. Among the millions of Scotland, there was onlv one Wallace and one Bruce, one Knox and one •Burns. In England there was only one Shakespeare, and one Milton. So, in Germany, there was only one Luther. These, i' '1 if 36 MORE EAST RIVER WORTHIES. I 1 .1 I however, were all "mighty men," "men of renown." But what was it that made them so 1 It was that invisible, mysterious something within us called mind — that principle in man that thinks, acts, and is the source of his conduct — that principle which, when sanctified by grace, makes some of the sons of men only "a little lower than tlie angels.'' But, kind reader, "exalt thine head, and lift thine eyes," and overleaping time and space, direct yonr vision beyond the hill Mizar. Who "is this tliat cometh from Edom, travelling in the greatness of his strength — mighty to save." There is a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idu- mea. The unicorns are coming down, and the bullocks with the bulls, and tlie whole land is being soaked with blood." But "what mighty man or mighty God" is that that stands undismayed in the midst of the dreadful scene. "Strong bulls of Bashan" have beset him round, and there is none to help. This was he who Burst the iron gates of death, And tore the bars away. A Wallace and a Bruce did nobly "stem tyrannic pride," they saved their country. But their achievements, and the sufferings they endured were nothing when compared with Him who "trod the winepress alone," and accomplished man's deliverance. Let this meek and lowly One ever be our beau ideal of a mighty man. And it is because Alex. McKay, St. Mary's ; Deacon McKay, Riverton, and James. Fraser, Inn- keeper, New Glasgow, in addition to their matchless bodily strength, possessed so many of those traits of childlike humility because they were harmless and peaceful, I have singled them out as East River mighty men. They were men who would ever be "lambkins in peace, but lions in war." And this has ever been a characteristic of true greatness. "Meek, affable, and mild. Sir Isaac was And such was Boyle and Locke." But T must specify some of the things that these men did to entitle them to the pre eminence ascribed to them. 1. Alex. McKay. On one occasion when residing at Riv- 1. MORE EAST RIVER WORTHIES. 37 erton, he and his brother the Deacon, then a mere boy of 1 4, were working; quietly in the field planting potatoes. While thus employed, there came two men from the West River a place that has ever been proverbial for able men. They told McKay that they came to give him a beating. The boy got scared and ran hom^ to tell that there were two men in the field going to kill his brother. But there was no harm done. The brother told his visitors that if it was to beat him they came,the sooner they would clear out the better. They took the advice given — they beat a hasty retreat. The Deacon is my authority for this incident. 2. On another occasion, there was to be a muster at the Middle River, and McKay received a challenge to be there to meet the McCoulls and the Blaikies of the Green Hill. He told me of this adventure himsrlf. I asked him if he went. He said hv"^ did. I asked him if he was'nt afraid to go alone. He replied, "In these days, I feared no man, though he were as big as a mountain." I asked him if these men, the McCoulls and the Blaikies were there. He said they were. Did they see you ? He said they did. Did they meddle with you ? He said they did not. I wondered at this, and asked him how he could account for it, if he thought it would be because they were afraid of him. Said he, "I don't know but that they would be a little afraid too." And there was no more about it. McKay accepted of the challenge. He kept his ground for a whole day. In the evening he returns to his peaceful home, with thoughts of peace and good will for all men. 3 Another time, he is in the woods looking for a cow and a calf that had strayed away. He gets a blink of what he thought was the calf. He gave it chase. The race continued among thick woods and over windfalls till he overtook it. When he got hold of it, it raised the most dreadful bawl. He then thought it was a moose calf. And, fearing the old moose would be on the scene, he, with the rapidity of thought, takes the handkerchief off his neck, ties its four feet, and climbs up into the nearest tree. But no moose came. The noisy cap- tive turned out to be a young carribou. This is a true ac- count of the catching of the carribou^ I had it from his own lips. ■\ m mm jiBi wmm d,.i 38 MORE EAST RIVER WORTHIES. 4. Another time McKay and and his brother, the Deacon, went to butcher a cow. It was a very ferocious animal. They got her into a building, the walls of which were standing. But it had no roof on. They then went in, and shut the door. If they did, the maddened animal made one spring, clear over the wall, and made off for the woods. If she did, McKay made after her, to head her back. But she turned on him to head him back. She made for him with lowered horns. Now, any other man would have got out of the enraged animal's way. But McKay stood his ground. He took hold of her, and, be- fore the Deacon could get to his assistance lie butchered her on the spot. Not many years ago, on mentioning this adven- ture to the late Mr. Robert McCoull, a very competent judge of such things, and on asking him if it would not take a man out of a hundred to do what McKay did to that cow, he re- plied that 'perhaps twelve men could not have done it. But about McKay there was something altogether different from ordinary mortals — something inexplicable. In stature he was not superior to hundreds around him — much smaller sized man than the Deacon. The secret of his matchless su- peilurity consisted in that nobility of m nd, that heroism that actuated and animated his whole being. In the words of Homer, "what he greatly thought he nobly dared." Of old Alex. McLean (ban) Irish Mountain, it used to be said that such was his swiftness of foot, that, in an open field, he could catch a sheep. Even that was what few could do. But what was it to catching a carribou — the swiftest of all swiftfooted animals ? In McKay's hands, all kinds of horned cattle — from the fiercest of bulls downwards were as helpless as so many pups. To give the reader anything like a just conception of this extraordinary man is a difficult task. "His ways," were not the ways of other men, nor his thoughts as their thoughts. With a rather large face, and large hands, not tall but broad shouldered and stalwart, and somewhat colossal in his build. In the pathless forest, in which he delighted to roam, as if he would shun the abodes of men, he could "dwell in the wilder- ness, and sleep in the wood." In his own house, he was scarcely ever known to speak a cross word to wife or children. MORE EAST RIVER WORTHIES. 39 Amon^ his associates, for his equals did not exist, while all stood in awe of his matchless prowess, his childlike humility and playfulness made him a favoritt with all. There was only one thing he could not stand — bragging and 'boasting. He would not take this even if it came from the son of Thetis. And had he been in the days of Saul, the mouth of a certain gentleman from Gath would have been shut without the aid ot David's sling. Dr. McGregor, Dr. McCulloch and Old Mr. Ross of the West River were well acquainted with him, and that they esteem«a him is evident from the following inci- dents, 1. Over 80 years ago, McKay had sold a pair of oxen to an East River man, who was working at Halifax. McKay, knowing that he was working for money, went to Halifax thinking he n ight get his pay. But he got nothii^. Conse- quently, before he got back to Pictou he had an empty pocket. At Truro he fell in with the three apostles just mentioned. McGregor,Ross and McCulloch. On their way home they put up at an Inn at Salmon River, where they were to have din- ner. While this was being got ready, Mr. Ross and McKay happened to meet out about the door, when the following dia- logue occurred. McKay addressing Mr. Ross — "Ah, the like of this never happened me." Ross— "What is it ?" McKay— "I haven't money enough to pay for my dinner." Mr. Ross — "Is that all? I am as bad off as yourself, for I haven't a penny." In a little while, Mr. Ross comes along, and back foremost, walks up to McKay, with a silver dollar peeping from be- tween his fingers. From this incident the following things are self-evident. 1. If McKay was without money, so was Mr. Ross. 2. Mr. Ross must have borrowed that dollar, either from Dr. McCulloch or Dr. McGregor — probably from the latter, for he would always have money. 3. It also indi- cates not only Mr. Ross's generosity, but that he was above doing anything small. A much smaller sum would have paid for the dinner. 4. It also shows the respect these superior men had for McKay. And there is a charm about the boyish I; ..I i -i' P f ? 40 MORE EAST RIVER WORTHIES. jocular mode in which the favour was conferred. There was something Martin Luther like about it. Sometime after, Mc- Kay met Mr. Ross on the intervale between Irish Town and Stellarton, and returm^d the dollar. AVhen Dr. McGregor went to Halifax to get married, from among the thousands of Pictou, he selected this Alex. McKay for his "best man." Another evidence of the esteem in wWch the latter was held. I knew this McKay intimately — having spent days and nights with him in his house at St. Mary's, having sat with him for hours in an Indian wigwam, having walked along the road with hmi for miles, and conversed with him about men and things having seen him in all kinds of company. I sat at his bedside and conversed with him for hours, two days be- fore his death in September, 1866, but no matter whether in the company of well dressed, well educated minister.^, or in that of the untutored denizen of the forest, Hke Sh-ikespeare's Ajax, he always was a man "per se" — he "stood by himself." Among these he ever bore himself with the same reserved but dignified mien. If his words would be fev\r, they were the off- spring of a colossal thought. In the company of clerical mag- nates, he maintained the same superiority that Burns did among the literati of Edinburgh. It is very doubtful if mor- tal man ever heard Alex. McKay, of St. Mary's, speak a word either out of place or out of taste, and, were I to speak of "men that I have met," I could mention names that would outshine even Mr. Longley's, Howe's, Blake's, Henry Ward Beecher's, etc. But I never met with McKay's superior in all that constitutes true greatness. There is one feat of his that I omitted mentioning. The late Jas. McGregor, Esq., is my authority. It was this. At the raising of a barn somewhere near the bank of the East River, at a time when there was a big freshet, there was a man got into the river. McKay was fixing the ridge pole into its place. But when he heard the cry, he ran down the ribs, made one spring from the plate,and had the drowning man safe on dry land. Allowing this to have been an ordinary 14 feet post barn, what a leap was that? It would be fifteen or sixteen feet. He lived to the age of 97. But he was never known to be MORE EAST RIVER WORTHIES. 41 sick, liis eldest daughter told me so. The crowning ornament of his life was his piety. His every gesture, as well as speech and accent, was devout. With him also "the ruling passion" — pluck or heroism — "was strong in death." The near approach of "the last enemy" disturbed not his equanimity. The day he died, a female friend came to see him. He asked hei* if she would do him the last favour he would ask in this world. She said she would, well, replied he, I want you to fix up my bed thoroughly. This is done, he then lay gently down, stretched himself at his full length, and breathed his last. "O Death, where is thy sting." Squire Frase?, of New Glasgow, and Senator Holmes both knew this McKay — they knew him in "his glorious youthful prim^," and were they living, they would more than confirm all that is, in this sketch, said in his praise. Even Dr. jMc- Gre.^or has been known to assert that "his match never walk- ed Pictou ground." That mentioned by Dr. Patterson in His- tory of Pictou, is not the only instance in which ferocious bulls have been krow to roar helpless in his grasp. Rev. James McGregor McKay is his youngest son. 2. Deacon McKay, Riverton. Histoiians relate that a famous Athenian received the name of Plato from the large ness of his shoulders, and that the life of Pythagoras and his pupils was once saved by the strength of an athlete named Milo. When the pillar supporting the roof gave way, the lat- ter supported the whole weight of the building on his should- ers. Tried by this standard. Deacon McKay would, by the size of his shoulders, and his great bodily strength, be at once the Plato and the Milo of the East River, Of a swarthy complexion, and taller and bigger every way than his brother Alex, he was the very personification' of muscular power so that it was said of him, that, like a certain bible hero, "his strength was not known." Of this, the following examples may serve as illustrations. 1. When the Deacon was 22, there came to Pictou town a professed wrestler from the United States. His name was William Allan. He put up at Lorraine's hotel, and sent forth his challenge to any bluenose within 20 miles, for a trial of strength and skill. In the prosecution of his calling, the fr,- r ■i MiaaHi mm 42 MOllE EAST laVEU WOllTHIES. i[ best wrestlers about town and the West River lay prostrate on tlie floor. In these extremities, after consultaticn held, the future Deacon is waited on l)y a delegation, at his house at Kiveiton. Everyone knew his niatchless strength. J»ut would lie try the Yankee ? All they wanted of him was to go down to Pictou, and see the champion and form his own opinion. Tf he thought he wouldn't be able for him, they wished him not to try. He consented to go, and on nn appointed day he went, and all ihe East River with him. He found Allan in his room, sitting in f»ont of a blazing lire. Having taken a good look at h'v.u there, he went out and told his friends he had his mind made up to try him. It was mi*m»W'«*-i';,iaf-., mmm ■Ml /j '*• 44 MORE EAST HIVEU WORTHIES. The liorsos tliey found where they had left thein. But the sad- dles were gone. His brother insisted on going to tell Mr. Smith. The Deacon wanted him not to. Hut he went, the meantime, while he was gone, the Deacon walked up crowd of miners who stood at no great distance otf, wai In g the scene, and, no doubt, having a hearty laugh at the exj^ .nse of the two countrymen, said he to then), "come, wiiat have you ones done with these saddles V Tiiey answeied "give us a treat, and then we will talk to you about saddles." He told them they would never get a treat from him, that they took the wrong way with him for that. To this they replied that they would hurl him into that pit (there was a coal pit handy) if he didn't keep (juiec. "No," said the Deacon, "I defy any three of you to do that." Now, reader, if either Joe Calvrey, Tom Mack, or Martin Boyle was among the crowd, that was a great challenge. It used to be said that the Deacon gave them Hve minutes to get the saddles. But it did not occur to nie to befo' ns ask him about the truth of this. At all events, brother came back the saddles were on the hoi-ses. 4. Another time he and some men were in the woods witn a pair of horses, hauling logs. But, at the foot of a hill, one of the horses refused to diaw. After spending some time to no purpose, with the stubborn animal, he sings out to them, "Take him out of that." This was done. He then took hold of the double Whipple tree, and pulled against the other horse till the log was at the top of the hill. Finlay Cameron, Esq., of Riv- erton, was an eye witness of this affair. Such was the Deacon physically. There might be, and there were differences of opinion, as to the athletic powers of Mc- Coulls and McLeans. But Liberals and Tories, McCoulls, Mc- Kenzies, and Big Evans, all united in ascribing to him the palm of superiority. "At kirk or market, mill or smiddie" his swarthy face, toweling stature, and jovial company ever made him a favorite. But it was in general society, in the company of his brethren in the ministry, but especially in his own house, that he appeared to advantage. God "knew Abraham that he will connnand his children, and his house- hold after him." In this respect he was a perfect model — a model of which a numerous offspring are a living illustration. A MOKE EAST lllVEH WOUTHlES. 45 He had a peculiar tact in "innkin*,' himself all things to all men." When conversing with that prince of scholars Rev. Thf»mns Tiotter, his want of a coli(jge education did not appear. Rev. Dr. Sedgewick knew hitn well, and ho saick. that he was a man that made it an honor for any one to be connected with him. As for Rev. AJr. Walker, he next to idolized him. In him was verified the inspired saying, A good man's footsteps, by the Lord are ordered aright, And, hi tlie way w herein he walks, He greatly doth delight. He's ever merciful and lends His seed is itlebt therefore. 3. Contemporary with the Deacon, and of a kindred spirit; fully as tall, and with the same "Atlantean shoulders" — the very personification of bodily strength — was James Fraser, Inn Keeper. The only occasion on which I knew him to have pre- eminently distinjL'uished himself was at the big election of 1S30. The opposite par^ y took possession of the hustings ; and for a whole day would ot allow any of Fraser's friends to vote. In this posture of atfu ■«, Mr. ( armichael mastered the able bodied of the East Eiver men from New Glasgow to Riidgeville ; got them on board of the steamer, Richard Smith, and landed them at the wharf at Picrou. There they were joined by the West River and Green Hill men. Mr. Carinichael, being a Militia Officer, drew up histnen in martial array, and niarched at their head to the scene of contlict,and a severe one it w^as. Mr. Fraser and his brother (Simon Basin) stood side by side in the front I'ank. TheConservatives fought asHighlandershave ever fouglit. They never fought lictter at a Pictou election thf^n they did that day. There we e broken sticks, and there were broken heads, But the hustings were cleared. And up and down the river, the talk then, mmh for many a day after, was that Mr. Fraser greatly distinLriiished himself on the occasion, that to his prowess, assisted by his valiant brother, the success of the out- set was indebted. But he did not retire from the field un- scathed ; one of the opposite party with a stick aimed a deadly blow at him that would have killed any common man. As it was, it inflicted a severe wound on his head, and AFr. Car- inichael would have been roughly handled only that he had too HflHiB^^^M^MiHai ^ I 46 REMINISCENCES OF SCOTTISH LIFE, many friends in the battle. However, the vengeance that would not be inflicted on his person was wreaked on some portions of his dress, in particular. In tho^e days no gentleman was well dressed ifnless he sported a *'f illed" shirt. This constituted a pait of Mr. Carmichael's garb that day. But, ii. the melee, tl)e offensive appendage disappeared. One Malcolm — up near the West Branch lake — got it into his fell grasp. I cmnot tell ■what the said Malcolm iiimself thought of the feat ; but T have heard a friend of his assert that to be able to disengage that frill Irom its fastenings proved that he had the strength of a horse. EEMINISCENCES OF SCOTTISH LIFE, OR THAT I HAVE MET." VII. 'MEN DR. JOHN BROWX, OF EDINBURGH. Bound for Greenock, Captain McKenzie, Master, William Dand first mate, the Sesostris weighed anchor in Pictou Har- bor on the 12th of July, 1845. There were four cabin passen- gers, the Cptain's wife, the Cipt-iin's brother, John McKen- zie and his wife, and the writer of these linef«. By dark we were opposite Malignant Cove, and by 2 o'clock the next day At the entrance of the Strait of Canso. The Strait was crowd- ed with sailing vessels sf all sizes. I counted 45 at one time, but there were many more that I could not see on account of the windings of this famous channel. This was previous to confederation. Thursday morning, August 7th, aft«r a sick- ening passage of twenty-six days our hearts were gladdened by the welcome sight of land. It was the mountains of that dreadful Ireland. The north west coast of that unhappy land, as we approached, appeared bold, rocky and precipitous — nothing to be seen in the distance, but "Hills on hills, and Alps on Alps arise." Oh, how I shuddered at the thought of being landed among them. From such a contingency : "My soul with inward horror shrunk And trembled at the thought," 'iM OR "MEN THAT I HAVE MET. 47 i In the evening the lighthouse of Tory IsUmd twinkled from afar and this boded no good. Next morning we were opposite Belfast. By this time the hills of dear Scotland could be seen on the left. It is separated from Ireland by a channel of no great breadth. But what a dillerence between the two. In the former, in every poor man's cottage, and "under smoky rafters," God is worshipped in songs of praise. In every hut in the latter there are "morning, noon, and night," schemes laid, and plans contrived to promote rap?ne, murder, and rob- bery. Never did the religion of Jesus making "lions and beasts of savage name put on the nature oi; the lamb," appear so precious in my estimation as on that morning. The Scot- tish Highlands, in the days of John Knox, were inhabited by a race fully as ferocious and lawless as the Irish. But they have been christianised, "but they are washed, but they are sanctifi- ed, but they are justified in the name of the Lord Jesas, and by the spirit of our God." And all this has actually been done years before Gladstone and his Home Rule were heard of. The bleshed work will also go on and prosper, and bring forth fruit when Gladstone who one bright morning, with- out any divine assistance; undertook to make "the Ethiopians change their skin and the leopards their spots." A nice "guide, philosopher and friend" he is. It took him thirty-nine years to find out that toryism is wrong. He wrote volumes in de- fence of the connection between church and state. Now he is ready to do away with that connection. Ten years ago he had the Irish leaders in jails. To-day these same leaders are his darling pets. If this is not inconsistency I do not know what is. Of course Ireland has its grievances. If so let them be redressed. This can be done any day without home rule. None ought to know better than Gladstone that no human legislation will ever pacify Ireland. Let him christianise it, and then he will find that they can get along without his Home Rule. I have been led into this digression by the remembrance of what Ireland was in 1845, and the horrid impressions produced on seeing its gloomy mountains, as we sailed along within a few miles of them. The idea of being landed among the Zulus of Africa would be little less terrible. Daniel O'Connell was m p . Ill I ■ m Ml 48 REMINISCENCES OF SCOTTISH LIFE, im. busy at his monster meetings, shoutin 1 that tlift son of John Brown, of Whitburn, and the grandson of "Brown of Haddington," one too inheriting the piety of all his ancestors, would have Sam Slick at his fingers' ends 1 But it was the same with Professor Eadie, of Glasgow. 'J he first time I met this accomplished scholar, said he, "So you are from the country of Sam Slick." Hethen mentioned how and where he fell in with thatpopi lar woik. It was in Switzerland. One day as he was walking along the streets of one of its cities he stood at a bookstore and noticed the "Clock Maker" in the window, and went in and bought it. I ask your readers who would have thought of finding Sam Slick for sale in Switzerland ? This is more than can be said of most bookstores in Nova Scotia. Professor Eadie was sliocked at Sam Slick's profanity. He said he wasn't a fit man to be a judge. Not long after this Doctor Brown invited the "minister from the Highlands" to breakfast, after which, that eminent divine, for two years, breakfasted with the Doctor once every month, but never without being invited. This was an unspeakable privi- lege — a privilege extended to me only because being from a "far country," I was a "stranger within their gates." "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers." The hour for this meal was 8 o'clock. First he had family worship with his household seated around. He always sung and read the chapter himself. What a lovely singer — as accomplished in this as in everything else, far more so than the famous Dr. Chalmers. The latter didn't sing at family worship, neither did he read a whole chapter, only a few verses in a business like manner, as if every moment of time was precious. And it was preeminently so with Cijalmers. But Dr. Brown would read the whole of the chap- ter. And that was the reading, perhaps none better in all the world. He was as hard a student as Chalmers. But he did not bother himself with so many things as Chalmers did. In addition to his duties as Principal and Professor in the Free College, the latter wrote for reviews, squabbled every now and then with government, had the care of all the Free Church on his shoulders, and conducted an endless correspondence with persons in every part of the world. He had "too many irons in the fire." Dr. Brown acted a wiser part. He was, conse- quently, master of his own time. It was a standing rule with OR "MEN THAT I HAVE MET. 55 him, after Ijieakfast, to devote the time till 10 o'clock to con- versation with any person tiiat might be present. It was next to impossible not to feel at home in his company, or for one to rid himself of the impression that he was in the presence of a great man. Breakfast over, if it was winter, he would draw his chair up to the tire and invite the. "Highland" divine to do the same. He was ready then to converse about anything, no matter what. He had been personally acquainted with some of our ministers in Nova Scotia — such as Dr. Thomas INfc- Culloch and Mr. Trotter, and would inquire about them. One morning one of his elbows seemed to be itchy, and, though one of the handsomest and accomplished of men, he would scratch himself like any common person. There were positively men on the East River that could scratch themselvesjust as well as he could. His appearance, manner and delivery in the pulpit were splendid in the extreme, not at all unlike Attorney Gen- eral Johnston at his best, about the same in stature, the same flowing locks, the same penetrating eye, and the same classic style, and overwhelming earnestness. All the Browns — his father of Whitburn, his uncle of Inverkeithing, and his giand- father of Haddington, were .born orators. Lord Brougham heard Ebenezer Brown, Inverkeitiiing, preach on one occasion, and he was greatly pleased with him. And he said it was a great treat to him. An aged United Presbyterian minister in Scotland (Rev. James Ellis) told me this in his own house. Next chapter I will tell what Dr. Chalm- ers said al)out these Browns, in the last speech he ever deliv- ered. It was in Dr. Brown's pulpit. I was present. That church is seated for 1800. In the aisles there is standing room for 500 more, and the same in the lobby. All these were crammed and there would be, at least, 500 more crowded around the door. I never took down a word of that mighty speech. But there was such a charm in what he said about these Browns that I never forgot it. You know they were Antiburgher ministers, while Chalmers belonged to the Kiik, and was the ablest minister Scotland produced since John Knox's time. I do think it ought to be interesting to your readers to know how such a divine could speak about two min- isters of the detested seceders. Well, I will give it in Chalmers' WK It K ^K ^^^H'' ■ H in .--mJSSSSSSST'^' 66 REMINISCENCES OF SCO'ITISH LIFE, I I very words. But tliis, af well as a clescription of Dr. Clmlni- e»'s' personal appearance, his eloquence, how he appeared amon C.J I MM*!' 5« REMINISCENCES OF SCOTTISH LIFE, I 3. The apoech. He spoke for half an hour, and no more, about tho "Eminent Men" that had graced and adorned the liter.uy circles of Edinburgh at the commencement of this cen- tury. Ho Haid some beautiful things about the "eloquence of a Dougald Stewai t," and the "worth of a Playfair." He made some reference to his own parliamentary career, trusting that, as a rule, he had ever- been enabled to do justice to his oppon- ents, finishing with a fervid eulogiuni-on the British constitu- tion. He said it was the best system of government the world had ever seen. This was a theme on which this veteran had a right to speak. For it was one that he had studied to some purpose. He was even the author of a book entitled "A His- tor-y of the British Constitution." The British constitution? What food for thought does the vei'y mention of that word present? It is the growth of ages, and, as depicted in the pages of I)e Lome, it is the palladium of the British Empire. Owing to the stability of the marvellous fabric, the "Mar*iner-s of England" can do what those of ancient Tyre never did. As they ply their dangerous calling, as they think of an Anson, a Blake and a Nelson, they can join in the refrain. Britannia needs no bulM'arks, No towers along the steep, Her march is o'er the niountaln wave, Her home is on the deep. If I ever did my b'st to master a l)Ook, is was when, in the winter of 1839 40, I did my best to master "De Lome on the British Constitution." It is a work of sterling merit. The S. G. W. Archibalds the Howes, the Johnstones, an*^' ♦^^•^ ^'^ ings of bye-goi e days wer-e d «ply versed in the st Yes these sons of Nova S^Dtia consumed so a the prosecution of this and kindred studie x.u ior this, the "colleges and schools" of Nova Scoti. , in tho days, turned out scholars. Some of these scholars became f atesmen. They graced our legislative halls. Let any one accustomed to witness feats of eloquence in the days of the statesmen spoken of, visit these same legslative halls to-dav, and he may be well excused should he think of the words, "Where is the L^rd God of E' jah." But to retur'n f rom this digression. Nov. 3, 1845, Lord John Russell was presented, in Edin- OK "MEN' THAT I HAVE MET. 59 buigh with the freodoin of the city, the day foUowing happen- inj? to be in the vicinity of the "Iloyal institution" whom did I see ))Ut the same distinguished individual descending the steps that led to the entiance of that gorgeous edifice, ho was accompanied by some ladies, on landing on the pavement they separated, he then crossed to the other side of the street, and walked along alone at a very si.) w pace ; being separated from him only by the breadth of the street which was not crowded, I made the most of the opportunity to have one moie good look at him, as, with short and measured steps, he proceeded along Prince's street. He was plainly, but neatly dressed. On his well shaped head was an ordinary beaver hat. He wore a top coat, but it was not buttoned, on his small but neatly shaped feet, were a pair of ordinary tine boots. There is one passage in Holy Writ that is descriptive of the appearance he then made. The words refened to were thundered by Moses in the hearing of assembled myriads, and tkey are these. "The ten- der and delicate woman among you would not adventure to set the sole of her foot on the ground for delicateness and tender- ness," itc. Any one could notice that he was absorbed in thought Isaac Watts commenced one of his heaven inspired hymns with the words, •*My thoughts on dreadful subjects roll, Damnation and the dead." And there is reason to believe that, on that very day, the thoughts of this rival statesman boded no good for Sir Robert Peel's government. At all events in a few weeks, there was a change of government, and this was owing to the effect pro- duced by the publisliing of a small piece of writing that would'nt more than fill half a column of the Eastern Chronicle. It was the famous "Edinburgh Manifesto," written at this very time, and dated at "Douglas Hotel," Edinburgh. Up to that time, the "National Policy" of Sir Robert Peel had been Protection, that Edinburgh Douglas Hotel Manifesto made a free trader of him, it broke up his government, it made a liberal of Glad- stone, a man of Disraeli, and a statesman ol Lord George Ben- tick, it also restored the Whigs to office. "Behold how great a f 60 llEMINISCENCES OF SCOTTISH LIFE, i ■V. '> ii S- matter a little fire kindleth." Does it not look as if that word "Douglas" must be invested with something of evil omen for a. certain class of politicians. In the history of nations, there are periods in which a manifesto, a bombshell, or a thunder- bolt may be synonymous terms, and, if the present Dominion government were wise, they would get that dreadful Methodist minister rmuzzled, of course I refer to Rev. Dr. Douglas. Lord John Russell used but few gestures. During the de- livery of his speech on that November day, he would some- times open his mouth as wide as ever he could. This would be at the commencement of a sentence. It was a gesture that was, at that time, new to me. But I was not a year in Edin- burgh when I found that it was customary with some of the first orators in England to do the same thing. It was spec- ially so with George Thouison, the celebrated antislavery ora- tor. With respect to this George Thomson, it was no trouble for him to speak for hours in the Music Hall, Edinburgh, and it crowded to the door. And, among the students of that fav- ored city, the talk was that Lord Brougham said that he con- sidered this same George Thomson the first orator in England. Seeing and hearing these two "masters of assemblies" helpedr to give me an insight into the following passages of Seiipture. "Hear, for I will speak of excellent things ; and the opening of my lips shall be right things," Prov. 8 : 6. And seeing the multitudes, he went up int« a mountain ; and when he was set, his disciples came unto him ; and he opeyied his mouth, and taught them, saying. Matt. r>, 1, L n. ■■•-A. IX. DR. CHALMERS. 1. The year 1845 was a stermy one in the politics of Nova Sco- tia. This was the time when Mr. Howe, in a speech in th& house of assembly, threatened to hire a blackman to horsewhip Lord Falkland on the streets of Halifax. This itself raised a tempest in the house, in the press, and all over the province^. With a majority of one, Mr. Johnston was Premier. J^ut with this slender support he conducted the government for foun OR "ME>f THAT I HAVE MET. 61 years. Mr. Howe, the Youngs, the Uniackes, Doyles, and Huntingtons were all in their prime, and occupied seats in parliament. But Mr. Johnston fought them all single handed and kept them at hay until the general election of 1847 left him in a niinority. Neither was it fairweather at this time in flome of the congregations of tlie East River. Especially in James Church had there been, for some time, "murmurs loud and deep" which ultimately culminated in the formation of Primitive Church congregation in the said year of 1845. But "the spring came around," and, by the time the "bud v^as on the tree," my arrangements for visiting Scotland were completed. But there were lions in the "way." One of these was the risk of crossing the Atlantic. I knew that it took Paul six months, oad Ulysses ten yeai's, to cross the Mediter- ranean, and that it near cost them their lives. Consequently, for weeks, my i.naginatio;i conjured every kind of ship wreck and disaster. How, with affrighted eyes, I saw the wide extended deep, In all its horrors rise. Nor was this all. My home at Springville, with all its vi- cinity, was endeared to me by a thousand ties. Scarcely a blade of grass along its hills but I was acquainted with. Even the birds that sang in its woods were favorites. This was the golden age of Springville when it was inhabited by a race of men and women that would be an ornament on the mountains of Israel in the pahDJest days of David or Solomon — Abraham would have recognized them as iit associates. In addition co my own namesakes, thore were Erasers, McLeans, McKenzies, Holmes, McPhies and Mclntoshs to mention whose names is to pronounce their euloL'V. iSFy veneration and love for these- worthies were unbouudt^ti. And the idea of being separated from them for years, perhaps for ever, was not pleasant. Ac- cordingly, one morning, influenced, in part, by devotional feelings, I rose long before day, and repaired to a neighboring wood in front of my father's dwelling. I wanted, perhaps for the last time, to know what it was to hear the birds salute the early dawn. And I was well rewarded. Just nt the peep of day, there was a distant note, answered in a few seconds by I 3Irown of KJinbur^h, to be afflicted Ijy no more cruel fiepai'ations." "There ever l)aHk in uncreated rays, No more t > sigh, or slied the hitter tears, Togothui' hymn nt; their Crti;i'x)r'd pniine, In Hiteli society, yet still inore i^ht aim, but one of them tired. The bullet only grazed its bick, enraging the bear without disabling him, and with an awfiil growl, he makes for his assailants, but as the ferocious brute v.as rushing out of his den, vithout a moment's Iiesitation Fiivquliar caught him by the ears, and throwing hin>self on thi' .shaggy monstei-, pinned his snout to the ground: and ncxcr 'etting go his hold, held him till the owner of ihe oxen, dispatched him with the pitchfork. REFLKCTIOXS. It is now near 100 years since the date of this bear story. These weie in truth the days of the "forest primeval." Up and v»iB3Ia»0MS ■^ 'Wmm'fr^: 78 AN EAST RIVER BEAR STORY. down the East Ri . , from India Cross point to Sunny Brae, and the West Branch Lake every house would be a log house. But even then the "wilderness and the solitary place were made glad." The npostle of Pictou had, for eight years "done the work of an evangelist.'' Under the shadow of the "mur- muring pines and the hemlocks," there was the voice of melody. But, Mr. Editor, perhaps neither yourself nor your readers will credit my bear story. All right, Farquhar Falconer's youngest son, aged over 80 years, is still living at Stellarton. His house adjoins Sharon Church manse, he can tell you wheth- er it is true or not. And the probability is that my old friend and schoolfellow, Mr. William McDonald, of Hopewell, knows something about it. So will Finlay Cameron, Esq., at Riverton, and if you won't believe them, you will surely believe Rev. Alexander Falconer, of Prince Street church, Pictou; Farquhar Falconer was his grandfather. Mr. W^illiam Smith Fraser's version of this bear story in the Eastern Chronicle is slightly different from mine, but my information was received from Farquhar Falconer's only sur- viving son, and I went x,o see him twice about it, once about twenty years ago, and again two years ago. In Mr. Fraser's '. ory interesting communication there is one statement that must be corrected. "Rev. Robert Grant," never in this world, wrote about big John Falconer as one of the East River worthies, he simply mentioned his name incidentally as a victim of "rum and domestic infelicities." Big John's, pro- per place would be among East River pugilists. There, he would be a very "Tipton Slasher." One reminiscence of him I had from "Big Evan" McLean. Big Evan had it from the "Big Deacon." In the early days of the Ease River, there was a field day at the West River — a muster. Fair, or something, and all in a peaceful way, the East, West River, and Green Hill men had various trials of strength, with feats of agility, as leaping, throwing the stone, etc. In these performances, the EAst River men had the best of it. Then, wlien all was over, Big John, without saying a word, began to strip, coat and vest were laid by themselves, stitch by stitch, and rolling up his shirt sleeves to the shoulders, he, with the voice of a stentor. [1^ AN EAST RIVER BEAR STORY. 79 bantered any man within five miles round. But none accepted the challenge. Said Bi^ Evan to the deacon, "Now, deacon, what would you have done if some one had taken John Falcon- er up, and licked him ?" "T believe 1 would have taken his place," replied the ruling eld«r, Mr. Eraser makes no reference to Peter Ross teaching in Hopewell in the years 1825 26 27, but he did, T attended his school. The schoolhouse was in the corner opposite Gunn's. The floor consisted of lound poles laid close together. At this time the late Mr. John Gray met with the following adventure. Mr. Gray, then a young man of much activity, was the owner of a lightfooted red mare, a first rate traveller. The bridge at Gray's (then Squire Eraser's) mills, had a gate right in the centre. One day Mr. Gray came along with the same red mare, and to save the labour of dismounting, he pulled the gate towards him with his hand. But in going through, the gate came in contact with the highspirited animal's ribs. Tnis made it spring forward with a rush, closing the gate and pitch- ing man and home into the river. Were this to happen to-day, what a windfall it would be to those in Hopewell who write notices for the Eastern Chronicle, XIII. MORE EAST RIVER WORTHIES. REV. ALEXANDER MACGILLIVRAY, D. D. With this gem of a man, and model minister, my persona acquaintance was very limited. This meagre sketch, must, therefore, consist of two or three reminiscences, and what I knew of him from common report. 1. Dr. McGiilivray came out from Scotland in 1834, and on a lovely day in the summer of that year, the Kirk held their annual communion in St. Andrew's Church, New Glas- gow — not the present commodious structure, but the original old-fashioned building that at first had been built, and used as a church somewhere on Eraser's Mountain. Six years before this time, Big John Falconer and Red John Falconer had \ f so MORE EAST lllVEl' WORTHIES. 4t moved it from its windy ominence on that mountain top to New Glasgow. There it stood — "thither the tribes went up to the hill of God" for years. Tlieie Rev. Donald Fraser j^ro- clainied the tidings of salvation. And my impi-ession is that it was in this same ehutch liev. Dr. Burns, of Paisley, preach- ed in May, 1H44. It was liis iirst visit to America. He came in the capacity of a delegate fiom the Free Church. I came all the way from Springville that clay to heai- him. His text was "Awake, swoid, against my shephei'd." But in 1834 I first saw and felt my need of a Saviour. Tiiat summer, with me, "old things were passed away, and a new world begun." There was a complete revolution, one of the effects of which was an insatiabla desire for knowledge and the treasures of true seliolnrship. At that time licv. John Campbell, after- wardt; of St. Mary's, taught in New Glasgow. I went to his school for two months. Indeed Mr. Campbell had something to do with this. He more than once asked my father to send me. xVt last the latter gave his consent, boarding me with Mr. Campbell himself at James Eraser's, Innkeeper. This was the way I happened t(j be in New Glasgow, the time of the com- munion in St. Andrew's Church. Saturday, not having the fear of some of the antiliurgher deacons before my eyes, I went to hear a sermon by a Kirk uiinister. This was the only time I ever heard llev. Alexander McGillivray preach. He was newlv arrived in Nova Scotia. But if I heard him then I did not see him. The chuich was so crowded I stood at the door. The preacher's voice was strong. But mine was the desire to be benefitted, not to criticise. While in this posture, there was a passage of Scripture came home to me with powei . The words are these : "Blessed is the man that heareth me, watch- ing daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors." These words did not come from the pulpit. But upon me, they had the effect of a special message from on high. And while re- flecting on the blessed promis.-, and experiencing the good of it^ "I envied not the happiest swaiu That ever trocle the Arcadian plain." 2. It is now midsummer, 185.5. The Kirk Synod meets in H.il fax, and happening to be in the capital myself, I looked in MOliE EAST lUVER WORTHIES. 81 Tie eveniiijfi; to witness their pi-ocerclin,t:P. There agfiin, was Di". McGiliivray, lie was speaking' wh.-ii I went in. The sub- ject of his address was Foreign Mission^. He spoke in hiuda- toiy terms of that piince of missionaries, Mr. Geddie. He said lie iiad lately i-ead one of his letters, and that it wjis the most eloquent production he had ever read. Said he, "it brought me to my knees." As a young antitturghei- preachei-, it was soothing to my feelings to h« ar a veneral)le Kiik minis- ter that had himself jjraduatfd at a Scottish university speak so favorably of one who had lieen educated at the Pictou Aca- demy. Others spoke, but who they were, or what they said, I have no recollection. This was wlu-n Sebastopol was bring besieged. The battles of the Alma, Balaclava and Tnk.:;rman had been fought. And fuur years later in April, 1859, 3. There was a funeral ac the head of M.Lellan's Brook — that of John McGregor, a member r. Roy's church. Mc- Gregor's wife was my niece. So, though the distance was con- siderable, and the roads at their wo?".Ht, I went to that funeral. The service was conducted by Dr. Boy, but Dr. McCiillivray also honored the occasion with his presence, and as the deceas ed did not belong to his chuich, I thought it in the least dfgiee good of him to be there at ail. And T said so to hinjst> ^^A Hiotographic Sdences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. MS80 (716) 872-4503 ^ ^I^- ^.4^^' s • ! c^ ^ 86 ANOTHER EAST RIVER BEAR STORY. f there it would remain till it would rot. So they went to work and chopped the tree down. "Hush a by baby on the tree-top, When the wind blows the cradle will rock, But when the wind ceases the cradle will fall. And down comes the baby cradle and all." It was thus with the hapless bear cub. It was now break- fast time, and all hands made for hc.ie, the writer for his boarding place at Jas. Eraser's, Innkeeper. But in due time we were all in our places in the old church at Irishtown, to hear Dr. Roy preach two of his best sermons. REFLKCnONS. 1. What fine men these Fraser brothers were? John, Thomas and Hugh (elder) were all that I remember as being present at the slaughter of the bearubs. 2. There were markesmen in those days. Could there be a better hit than that aimed at the little paw ? William Tell himself couldn't have done better. 3. Is that hemlock stump to the fore yet. 4. Is the writer the only one now living of those .'lio wit- nessed the killing of those bears 5. 1834, sixty years ago. This was the very time that the Asiatic cholera raged with fatal violence in Halifax. Mr. Fraser, Innkeeper's brother John, fell a victim to it. Well do I rememfeer the day he heard of his brother's death. His sor- row was too great to find relief in tears, but every groan he uttered was like the upheaving of an -^tna. Even at the distance of GO^jears, New Glasgow with its seven stores, Mr. Oarinichael's, ^ Squire Fraser's and [lis brother Hugh's Adam Carr's, Alex Fraser's, Jas. McGreg- or's and William McDonald's — was a stirring place. There was only one church, St. Andrew's, and on all the East River, only three churches from the Loading Ground to Sunny Brae and the W^est Branch Lake, theio were only three miiiisters, Ilev'ds. Angus McGillivray, John Mcllae and David Roy. At the rate nunisters are now flocking into it from all quar- ters, there will soon be that many in New Glasgow. pyu SPiUNGVlLLE. XV. HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 87 SPRINGVILLE. Dear reader, it is now three years since the first of these sketches appeared, and, at the rate I am getting on with them the millenium will be on us before they are completed. Some of you know this picturesque Springville is my native place, and there was a time when that well watered district was really picturesque. But that was in those halcyon days when such men as old Alex Grant, miller, his brother Robert, James Grant, dyer. Senator Holmes, Duncan McPhie, James Ian Ruaidgh, his son John, David McLean, and a few more of a kindred spirit were at the head of affairs. In the presence of these master minds, the untutored and ill-bred upstart would hide his "diminished head," and merit would meet with its due reward, while "all iniquity" would have to "stop her mouth." Tlie consequence was that a high tone of morals pervaded the whole community. Who has not heard or read of "Picturesque Canada V Bat 1 say picturesque Sprinyville. Did Canada ever produce a man that could tell a story with old Tailor Mcintosh 1 Abraham himself, if he had him in his house cailoring for a week, would be amused at his funny jukes — they would be so harmless and so truthful that, if t^he "father of the faithful" had a laugh in him, it would come out. Fifty years ago, thei'e was another gentleman who shall be nameless, but iu his own line he passed for something in Springville. It is true that he did not add much to the ma- terial wealth of the place. If not, he, "as poor yet making many rich," did something to put others on the pathway both of wealth and fame. Our late premier, Hon. S. H. Holmes, Hon. Angus McQueen, of New Brunswick, Rev. James Mc- Gregor McKay, Rev. J. D. McGillivray, and Rev. James Mc- Lean, are specimens of iiis handiwork. It was this same gen- tleman that originated and did more than his share in keeping agoing the Springville Literary Society of "happy memory.'* It is true that the Eastern Chiconicle held up our Society 88 H IST( )RICAL SKETCHES'. to ridicule but not with impunity. We gave As good as we got. One John Fraser, if not the very first, was one of Jie first settlers in Springville. To distini^'uish him frou) others of the same clan, he went by the name of Ian Kuaidgh — R( 1 John. He landed in Halifax two yeais after the arrival of the Ship Hector — 120 years ngo, and settled on that farm now occupied by the Holmes, Hh l)uilt the first frame house in Springville. Tt is standing and occnpit-d yet — the same house that Senator Holmes alwnys lixed in, fd'ter he bought l^raser's farm, about 62 yeais ago, and in wliicli lie ended his days. In my ju\enile (lays it seeniMl to be a \ery big house. Now, it looks quite small, lemiuditig one of the "low roof^'d house c f Socrates." There is negative pi'oof that this Ian Ruaidgh must have been a man of some worth. Though born and brougli'; up in the immediate vicinity, I ne\er iieard his name mentioned with disrespiect. With his three sons, James, Donald and William, I was wt^ll acquainted, and they were men of peace and sobriety, rather above the comnion standard for intelligence. Of '.he dauuhters, one was married to Simon Fraser, Basin : she was the mother of Thomas Fraser, Foreman, and, consequently, the- grandmother of your Iron King, Graham Fraser. They were married by Dr. M-.Gregor, and in the doctor's house, in the midst of a ti-emendous snow storm. Another daughter, the mother of Mr, Fraser, postmastei', was mariied to a Fraser at McLellan's Mountain. The histoi-y of X\\y other two i:i un- known to me. Of the sons, Donald and AVilliam were decent inofi'ensive men, above the medium size, Donald was sedate and peaceful, William somew hat jovial and ofi' handed ; but James, always called James Ian Kuaidgh, was somewhat of a character. Too timid to be of much prominence in any com- munity, he was, notwithstandifig this timic'ity, a man of some note iu the annals of the place of many springs. By no means deficient in mental power, he ranked high fo.- knowledge and intelligence. Neither 'vas he destitute of public spirit. He was a reader, and what he vead he i-emendiered. Much of his knowledge was derived from conversation. He met once with a man that had fought at Waterloo, from him he Itemed how the Belgian regiments turned their backs and iied in the thick- SIMirN(iVILl.li.