J. « NIAGARA One Hundred Years Ago. The Ancient Capital and its Vicinity. BY JANET CARNOCHAN. i PUBLISHED BY DIRECTION OF THE LUNDY'S LANE HISTORICAL SOCIETY. NIAGARA One Hundred Years Ago. The Ancient Capital and its Vicinity. BY JANET CARNOCHAN. Published by Direction of the Lundy's Lane Historical Society. Printed at thk Tribute Opficb, Welland, Ost. ■ f ^»r ^.^.: I ■ ' PREFACE. Of the cities and towns of Ontario, none possesses a history so ancient and interesting as the old T'own of Niagara, situated at the junction of Niagara River with Lake Ontario. The town is full of traditions of the past ; the ground on which it stands is saturated with history from the time of the first settlement of our country by* the United Empire Loyalists, in 1784. As the first seat of Government of Upper Canada, it was the scene of the establishment of British constitutional forms of Gov- ernment, and the place where met the first Parliament, whose enlightened legislation was made memorable for all future time by its justice, freedom and benevolence. In the fiery trials of an unjust aggressive war, which raged round for three years, Niagara was burnt to ashes — a memorable event which was followed by consequences that shortened the war and forced the conclusion of peace. The town rose again from its ashes as beautiful as ever. Its eventful history has never been formally recorded, although often sought after. To treat in full would need volumes. The followir j pages contain an outline — no more is. promised — of the great men and varied events that have made Niagara conspicuous in the history of Ontario. The present Centennial year seems appropriate for loving, faith- ful remembrance of the loyal old town, such as the writer of this — Miss Janet Carnochan of Niagara — dedicates to all Canadians. ■;,■•■•'. W. K. ■'■' , Niagara, Ont., June 10, 1892. , 4 ,■ THE ANCIENT CAPITAL AND ITS VICINITY, — OR— > Niag'ara One Hundped Years Ag^o. kT has frequently been remarked, by those who visit this historic ' ground, that nothwithstanding much apparent interest in the sub- ject, it is still very difficult to obtain much definite information regarding the many points of interest in our neighborhood. That some attempt should be made to bring together a few facts seemed desirable, and the Rev. Canon Bull, the respected President of the Lundy's Lane Historical Society, some time ago asked the present writer to attempt the task. This must prove the apology for the appearance of this imperfect sketch. That something of the kind had not been attempted years ago, and by an abler pen, is to be regretted, when some of the old pioneers were living, and could tell what they had seen, and done, and suffered ; but now, alas, none remain to tell the tale. Fortunately for the attempt now made is it that, for some years, the present writer, in the course of reading, has jotted down anything bearing on the subject, and now finds these memoranda a slight store of material from which to draw. ' ' ■■;<•'; \ This is indeed historic ground, and many heroic deeds were here performed. To present a consecutive history of these is not intended, but merely to give a few strands, which may be expanded and strength- ened, relating to Forts Niagara, Mississagua ana (ieorge, Butler's ■Barracks, Navy Hall, and the old town known by so many names. A place that can boast that in it was held the first Parliament for Upper Canada, that it was the scene of a battle, that in it was pub- lished the first paper in Upper Canada, that it contains almost the oldest church records in Ontario, that it was given to the flames by the red hand of war, that here resided two governors, who, if not possessed of the eloqucuce and literary skill of a Dufierin or a Lome, shewed such zeal, courage, wisdom and ability, in the trying houi of need as Simcoe and Brock ; all this, combined with the c[uiet beauty of lake and river, forest and plain, may surely justify us like St. Paul, who boasted that he was the inhabitant of "no mean city," in rejoic- ing that we have a heritage of which we may justly feel proud. FORT NIAGARA. The earliest record we have of the spot brings up the name of the chivalric La Salle, that man of iron, whose adventurous career has been so well described by Parkman, who at each period of his life when the full cup of success was about to be placed to his lips saw it dashed to the ground. No life more full of high courage, of startling vicissitudes, of weary journeys, has been recorded. For a century this fort was held by the French, and the fleur-de-lis floated high ; then, for nearly forty years, the meteor flag of Britain ; the fort was then peacefully given up by Jay's treaty, and the Stars and Stripes waved to the breeze for twenty years, till the fort was taken at the point of the bayonet by our forces in 1813, and the Union Jack again fluttered from the flag-staff for a year, till by the treaty of Ghent the star-spangled banner once mc:e floated, as it now does, after nearly eighty years. On 6th December; 1678, a small vessel of ten tons from Fort Frontenac entered Niagara river: the small company of sixteen men, headed by La Motte and Father Hennepin, chanted Te Deiim Lan- damus, after a stormy passage, and found a village of Seneca Indians. La Salle's vessel following, loaded with cordage, anchors, etc., brought from France for his scheme of Western exploration, was wrecked three miles west of Niagara, but the supplies were saved. We read that in constructing a stockade or palisaded storehouse the men used hot water to soften the frozen ground. The anchors and cables were saved from the wreck, and the small vessel was hauled to Lewiston, and lading, etc., carried twelve miles to Cayuga Creek, where the Griffin, the ftrst vessel made by the pale face, that sailed Lake Erie, was built. (See the "Shipyard of the Griffin,'' by Reming- ton of Buffalo, for the discussion as to the site of building operations.) The stockade at Fcrt Niagara was burnt in 1680, rebuilt by Denon- ville, of stone, the plan being to build a stone fort large enough for a garrison of 500 men. Col. Dongan of New York remonstrated against building this fort at Ouniagarah, as it was then spelt. The garrison of one hundred left by Denonville in 1687 perished by disease or was cut to pieces by the Senecas, all but ten men who escaped, and the fort was abandoned. A book of travels by Charlevoix mentions a block house here in 1721, and several French officers with three or four houses ; strengthened by four bastions, in 1726. In 1749 a stone fort, which was one of the chain of forts, in that magnificent plan of the Gallic mind, that was to extend to the Gulf of Mexico, and shut the English in to a narrow strip on the Atlantic seaboard. But another magnificent |)lan of conquest had been formed by Wm. Pitt, the carrying out of which was fortunately entrusted to strong and able hands. On ist July (ien. Prideaux, the British commander, attacked Fort Niagara with a force of 2000, and 1000 Indians. Reinforce- ments came to help the garrison ; the river it is said was black with boats which landed above the Falls, and thence to Lewiston by land, but were skilfully intercepted and defeated by Sir Wm. John- son, the second in command, and, hopeless of other help, the fort capitulated on 24th July, nearly two months before Wolfe took Quebec. Gen. Pouchol, the French General, marched out with the honors of war on 26th July, the soldiers laying down their arms on the shore of the lake. Gen. Prideaux had been killed on the 20th, and Sir Wm. Johnson says, in his diary, his body was buried in the chapel, with that of a relative of his own, Col. Johnson, "with great pomp," Sir William being chief mourner. It is an interesting fact that in the Servos burying ground may be seen the grave of the widow of • this same Col. Johnson, who, by the inscription, was buried almost half a century later, at the age of 104. Two streets of our town are named respectively after the generals in gammand, Prideaux and Johnson. While in the hands of the French, there stood in the centre of the Fort enclosure a cross eighteen feet high, with the inscription " Re^n., Vine, Imp., Chrs." In a footnote to one of the beautiful Canadian Idylls, our poet says, "the inter|:)retation of which inscrip- tion admits of as much ambiguity as a Delphic oracle," but in the ballad it is expressed Regnat, Vincit, Imperat, Christus. An extract from the Gen. Lee papers, published by the New York Historical Society, gives a picture couleur de rose of this spot^ two weeks after the fort was taken. " Gen. Lee to NVm. Bunbury,. Niagara, Aug. 9th, 1759," — after an allusion to the capture of the Fort : " The situation of this place and of the country around it are certainly most magnificent. It stands on Lake Ontario, at the mouth of Niagara river, eighteen miles from the Great Falls, the most stupendous cataract in the known world. Had I a throat of brass and a thousand tongues, I might attempt to describe it, but without them it certainly beggars all description. The country resembles Eckworth Park, if not surpasses it. For an immense space around it is filled with deer, bears, turkeys, raccoon, in short all game. The lake affords salmon and other excellent fish. But I am afraid you will think I am growing romantic, therefore shall only say it is such a paradise and such an acquisition to our nation that I would not sacrifice it to redeem the dominions of any one electoral province of Germany from the hands of the enemy." In Sir William Johnson's administration of Indian affairs we have many glimpses of Fort Niagara and of the places around. The common, now the Military reserve, on this side of the river, was an Indian encampment for Si> Nations to receive annual gifts and allow- ance from Commissioners for British Government. The Indians were proud that they were the allies not the subjects of the British king. From Fort Niagara, in 1763, marched troops to Fort Schlosser with stores — marched alas, only to meet their death. The larger party, which was sent to their relief, met the same fate. The plan conceived and carried out by Indians to massacre them at a particular spot, where a careless gu-'.rd would be at the mercy of a hidden foe, was only too successful. Only a few escaped to tell the tale of this plan, bold and skilful in formation, masterly in execution, gained, as so many Indian attacks, by secret and deadly ambuscade. The spot has since been called the Devil's Hole. On 26th June, 1764, Sir Wm. Johnson met at Fort Niagara over 2000 Indians from ail parts of the continent. Wigwams surrounded the fort for weeks while they waited for the Seneca Indians. At last peace was made, i8th July, Sir Wm. Johnson shewing his usual tact and firm- ness in dealing with these children of the forest, who respected the suc- cessful warrior and diplomatist. They gave up on this occasion four miles on each side of the river from Lake Erie to Ontario. In the time of the Revolutionary War this was a busy place, as several regi- ments of the regular army were statoined here. In 1783 commenced the general movement to the west side of the river, but this fort, with some others, was not to be given up till terms of treaty were carried out with regard to recompensing U. E. Loyalists, whose property had been confiscated. In 1792, when first Parliament was opened at Newark, troops were brought from Fort Niagara, which was still a British fort, to add to the pomp of the occasion. A guard of 26th Cameronians is mentioned, and the guns of the fort gave a salute at the hour of opening. In 1796, by terms of Ja^'s treaty, the British flag was lowered, stores were removed to Fort George and the stars and stripes were unfurled to the breeze. In the war of 181 2, when Fort George had been abandoned by the Americans after seven njonths' occupation, when the British troops marched in, a plan was speedily formed to take possession of Fort Niagara, and on i8th December, 181 3, four days after the conflagration of the town, a small force, consisting of portions of 100th and 41st Regiments, under command of Col. Murray, started from a point four miles up the river at ten at night, crossed over and landed at Youngstown, where was a detachment from the fort. A chosen body went forward, peeped in at window and surprised those on guard ; bayonets alone were used, for not a shot was fired on either side. In silence the force marched on to the fort, which was taken with considerable bloodshed — 300 prisoners, 3000 stands of arms and an immense quantity of stores captured. The commander, Leonard, returned in the morning only to find himself a prisoner. By the treaty of Ghent, the fort, after a year, was restored. In the life of Brock, Fort Niagara is described as being "a regular fortification, unlike other Canadian forts along that frontier, built of stone with breastworks and every lo necessary appendage, mounts between twenty and thirty pieces of ordinance, and contains a furnace for heating hot shot." A more gruesome tale than that of open and honorable warfare is, that in this stronghold was confined Morgan, the betrayer of the secrets of Masonry, and the building is still shewn from which it is said he was taken to be drowned in the waters of blue Ontario. In "Dead Sea Roses," perhaps the most beautiful of the Canadian "Idylls, the vicissitudes of this fortress are told. Space will only permit a short extract : i "Two p;rassy points, not promontories, front The calm blue lake. The river flows between Bearing in its full bosom every drop Of the wild flood that leaped the cataract. It rushes past the ancient fort that once With war and siege and deeds of daring wrought Into its rugged walls — a history Of heroes half forgotten, writ in dust. Two centuries deep lie the foundation stones La Salle placed there, on his adventurous quest. „ There came a day of change. The summer woods Were white with English tents, and sap and trench, Crept like a serpent to the battered walls. A generation more, Niagara's stream Scored in deep lines that severed kindred lands Of one made two, both from the heroic loins Of England's greatness. ' A generation passed. The sword was drawn again, and many fell. Then shook Niagara fort to topmost tower At dead of night. The wild alarum rose — The grey old ramparts rang with sudden cheer. Such cheers, as mark an English fight begun. Or. ended when 'lis won." U. E. LOYALISTS. We have no record of settlements on the Canadian side of the river previous to rjy;, but there are plans in Crown Land Depart- ment, July 29th, 1784, relating to the site of Navy Hall ; by ord?r of Haldimand, militia reservation was to Four Mile Creek for Butler's ;' Rangers. Again, that the land board met in 1789 and we find at different times the names of Augustus Jones, surveyor, father of late Rev. Peter Jones, missionary, 1787, 1791, and Philip Frey, D. W. Smith, 1794. In 1783 commenced the great influx of loyalist refugees, many of whom had come hundreds of miles through the wilderness. Many articles are still to be seen in the neighborhood that were thus brought with much pains and care and which have a later history of interest, having been perhaps buried in the earth to save from the Indians or other foes ; here a brass kettle (a valuable article in those days,) there an old fashioned chair, a few pieces of precious china or treasured silverware, which had a century before crossed the Atlantic. The history of the exile of the U. E. Loyalists, an exile without parallel in history, except perhaps the expatriation of the Huguenots in the time of Louis XIV., has never really been told as it deserves to be. Tens of thousands left homes of plenty and came to a wilder- ness, an unbroken forest! And why? A poem by Rev. Leroy Hooker answers this. Space only allows a brief extract : " But, dearer to their faithful hearts Than home, or gold, or lands, Were Britain's laws and Britain's crown And Britain's flag of long renown. And grip of British hands. They looked their last antl got them out Into the wilderness, The stern old wilderness — But then — 'twas British wilderness." And in Mr. Kirby's Hungry Year : . " They who loved The cause that had been lost — and kept their faith To England's Crown, and xcorntd an alien name, Passed into exile ; leaving all behind Except their honor. Not drooping like poor fugitives they came In exodus to our Canadian wilds. But full of heart and hope with heads erect, And fearless eyes, victorious in defeat. With thousand toils they forced their devious way Through the great wilderness of silent woods That gloomed o'er lake and stream, till higher rose • The northern star above the broad domain Of half a continent, still theirs to hold. Defend and keep forever as their own." Across Niagara River, says Bryce, came convoys of emigrant wagons, herds of cattle, and household goods. Stores were issued from the fort for two years, to those who were in need, and in 1 787-9-91, when the crops failed from drought, and rations were issued from the fort and Butler's Barracks, we read of a visit from H. R. H., the 12 Duke of Kent, when stores were being served out to the suffering farmers. He rode on horseback from Navy Hall to visit Niagara Falls. Dined at Mr. Hamilton's, and witnessed a war dance by Mohawks, headed by Brant. Col. John Butler was Indian Superintendent, and in 1784 a great Indian council was held at Niagara plains, where the Mississaguas met the Six Nation Indians. In a letter in the Mohawk language from Chief David Hill, 29th May, 1784, is mentioned that there was a feast and great smoking of the pipe of peace, when six miles on the bank of the Grand River was given to the Six Nation Indians. On the commons at Fort Mississagua were Indian wigwams, and bark canoes were drawn up on the shore. This place became a depot for the North West Fur Co., also goods of all kinds were shipped to the North West. In a manuscript I have seen of a British officer at Fort Niagara, 1789, it is said that when Indians came for Government stores mothers would keep their little children in for fear of them. In the famine of that year people went to the woods for roots, grains, etc., made tea of sassafras and hemlock. The "Hungry Year," one of the Canadian Idylls, by Wm. Kirby, F. R. C. S., describes sternly and pathetically the sufferings of these days thus : " For thousands came ere humlreils coukl be fed. The scanty harvests gleaned to their last ear Sufficed not yet. Men hungered for their !)read Before it grew, yet cheerful bore the hanl Coarse tare, and russet garl) of pioneers. The sun and moon alterna' , rose and set, Red, dry and fiery in a ramless sky, And month succeeded month of parching drouth. That ushered in the gaunt and hungry year, The hungry year whose name still haunts the land With memories of famine and of death. Corn failed and fruit and herb. A brazen sky Glowed hot and sullen through the pall of smoke That rose from burning forests far and near ; - Slowly the months rolled round on tiery wheels, - ' :^~^- The savage year relented not, nor shut Its glaring eye, till all things perished — food y For present and for future use were gone." FIRST PARLIAMENT When Upper Canada was by Constitutional Act of 1791, formed into a separate Government, Col. J. Graves Simcoe was made its first Governor. The settlement at this side was at first called West Niagara, then Loyal Village, Butlersbury, from the leader of the Rangers, whose name has been preserved in Butler's Barracks. Simco'^ called his capital Newark, and his first Parliament met here on tyth September, 1792. The wri*^s were issued in Kingston and the members sworn in there in July, the names being Wm. Osgood, Jas Baby, A. Grant, P. Russel, Robt. Hamilton, R. Cartwright, J. Monro. Among the members elected we find the names of A. Campbell, Nat. Pettit, Isaac Swayzie, Ephraim Jones, Hugh McDonnell, Jeremiah French, McComb, Rawling, Smith, Spencer, Voung, White, Booth ; Philip Dorland, a Quaker, could not take the oath, and vvas replaced by Peter Vanalstane. The speaker was McDonnell and the advisers were Small, Russel, Ridout, Jarvis, Smith, Chewitt, Talbot, Gray, Littlehales. The session lasted four weeks, seven members of the Legislative Assembly being present. It is one of the vexed questions, not yet settled, where the first sitting was held, each contestant scouting the statement of his opponent. Some claim for Navy Hall this honor, others the old Indian Council House, again the residence of Simcoe, the Court House built in the vicinity of the present buildings, and again, these first legislators are described as meeting under trees, with the lofty arch of heaven for their canopy. Now as there were five sessions of Parliament held here, it is quite possible that in each and all of these places may our pioneer legislators have met on some occasion, for generally these local traditions have some substratum of truth. Another statement is that the first meeting was in Fort Niagara. The manuscript before referred to affirms that the first meeting was "in a marquee tent near Council Chamber between Butler's Barracks and Navy Hali, a building on a hill near some cherry trees." Another account says, it met in a new house of Gov. Simcoe's above Navy Hall, but this must mean the session next year, for this residence was not then erected. There was much state at the opening. A guard of honor of the 26th Cameronians from Fort Niagara, a band of music and colors ; Butler's Rangers and Queen's 14 Rangers formed the military escort, and the guns of Fort Niagara gave a salute at the hour of opening. On 4th June, 1793, His Majesty's birthday, says the Upper Canada Gazette, published here, Gov. Simcoe held a levee at Navy Hall ; under the charge of the Royal Artillery the field pieces above Navy Hall and the guns of the garrison fired a salute. At one oclock the troops in the garrison and at Queenston fired three volleys. "In the evening a ball and elegant supper in the Council Chamber, most numerously attended." Of this ball another brief notice is extant. Three distinguished Americans were among the guests. Col. Pickering, Gen. Lincoln, Mr. Randolph, U. S. Com- missioners to Western Indians. In private journal of Gen. Lincoln : "The ball was attended by about twenty well dressed and handsome ladies and about three times that number of gentlemen. They danced from 7 to 11, when supper was served with very pretty taste. The music and dancing was good, and everything was conducted with propriety." In June. 1795, Simcoe entertained the Duke de Liancourt for eighteen days ; took him across to visit Fort Niagara, and dined with officers there. He says that thirty artillerymen and eight companies of the 5th Regt. formed the garrison. The meeting of Parliament . is thus described by him : " Draped in silk, Simcoe ente.ed the hall with his hat on his head, attended by his adjutant and two secretaries and a retinue of fifty men from the fort. Two members of the Legislative Council gave notice by their Speaker to the Assembly. Five members of the latter appeared at the bar, and the Governor delivered a speech." Simcoe met his last Parliament at Newark on i6th May, 1796, which he prorogued on 3rd June, being ordered to West Indies. By the t.me of second session the new Government House was erected, standing nearly where our present Court House stands ; engineer's quarters were built about the position of Queen's hotel. Simcoe himself lived in Navy Hall in 1 792. When he built his new resi- dence on the hill above, it is said he constructed fish ponds supplied with water from a spring yet to be seen. If ■ SIMCOE. Governor Simcoe must have been a most energetic explorer of his new domains, for we have four excursions described on a map : (i) Route from Niagara to Detroit on foot and in canoes, February, 1793, taking five weeks; (2) Yoik to Thames, Detroit, Miamis, April, J794J (3) York to Kingston in open boat, December, 1794; (4) Niagara to Long Point, 1795, on foot, boats, portage, returned in September. All this shews that he spared no labor, and must in such weather and with the primitive means of conveyance, and the roads, or rather want of roads, of those days, have endured many hardships. We know too that in arranging for new settlers he was indefatigable and shewed great zeal and kindness in allotting them to their new homes, for to every man, woman and child two hundred acres of land were given, tents were put up for the new comers till better shelter could be provided. Our first Governor dispensed hospitality with such an open hand that the Indians gave him the name of " Deyonguhokrawen, one whose door is always open." When the Commissioners arrived at Queen- ston, he sent to them at once an invitation to be his guests during their stay in Canada. Brant, who held a high rank among the Indians, being absent, they waited over two months to meet him. The French Count, an exile during the time of the French Revolu- tion, received also a warm welcome from his traditional foe. Some of the acts of these primitive legislators were the introduc- tion of trial by jury, fixing the toll by millers, reward for killing wolves and bears, (ten and twenty shillings respectively,) arranging for gradual abolition of slavery, providing for gaols and court houses, also grammar schools, of which Niagara is the fourth established in the province, the seal having the words Niagara District Grammar School, estab- lished 1808. In 1796 Fort George received the flag, garrison, guns and stores from Fort Niagara. As the town had been named Newark by Simcoe and there was considerable illfeeling about his removal of the Government to York, we find that the name Niagara was resumed by act of Parliament in 1798. It has always seemed difficult to explain ,6 the statement in all our histories that Simcoe removed his capital on account of Niagara's frontier position, when he must have known of its frontier position when selected for the cap'tal. But it really had not a frontier position then, as Fort Niagara was not yet given up, and thus the capital was well defended, hut when by Jay's treaty the fort was surrendered and an alien flag flaunted in constant si;jht, the capital was removed. NAVY HALL. By report of travellers, we find there were in the town one hun- dred houses in 1792 ; in 1794 one hundred and fifty. Mr. Isaac Weld's travels in 1797 give an account of town and mention build- ings and trees. In the "Life and Times of Simcoe," by D. B. Read, Q. C, is given a picture taken by Mrs. Simcoe shewing Navy Hall then. There are supposed to have been four buildings, all of wood. One is mentioned as long and low ; there may be seen one filling this description, used afterwards in the memory of many living, as a barracks. There are two doors facing the river, on each the words, " 28 men," may be seen painted. This is believed to be one of the few buildings which escaped the conflagration in 1813. Mrs. Simcoe's sketch, made in 1794 from the deck of a government sloop lying at the mouth of the river, shows two buildings, one at right angles, the other parallel to . the river. The lady of our first Governor must have been possessed of considerable artistic skill, there being in existence many of her sketches of Canadian scenery. While Governor Simcoe no doubt planned Fort George and carried out many improvements, it is quite , '' certain that to Gen. Brock we owe much of the extensive earthworks thrown up. It is now difficult to trace the position of former build- ings, as the hand of time alters so soon the general appearance ; the moat is gradually filling up, and as the grounds, consisting of many acres, are under cultivation many depressions have almost disappear- ed, and of the buildings nothing remains but the ruins of one powder magazine ; and farther on, and quite out of sight from this ruin, another brick building of one room in tolerable preservation, with its walls covered with names. A little further up the river may be n traced the shape of the Half Moon Battery, and beyond runs a road along the bank, throuKh the the Oak (irove, called Lover's Lane, while the grove around has long been known by the name of Paradise. BROCK. ^ On the morning of 13th Oct., 181 2, heavy firing was heard, as Van Renssalaer with a force of 4r j was crossing from Lewiston. Brock, with a small force, (his men being scattered, it not being known at what place the attack would be made,) hastened to Queens- ton, but his death early in the day was avenged ere many hours. Rein- forcements arriving, the invading force was either captured or driven over the banks, 900 prisoners being taken, but the victory of Queens- ton Heights was a costly one, since Brock was slain. In reading his life we find many references to Fort George, in his letters, to this spot whence he rode in the early dawn of that October morning on his favorite horse. Nelson, to lay down his life in the service of his country and be carried back and buried here, amid the te.irs of his soldiers and the Indians, who loved aTid honored him, — whih from the opposite fort the enemy's guns paid their tribute of respect to the hero. The body lay in state at Government House, (a second at- tack being hourly expected,) and was buried on the i6th Oct., in the northeast bastion of the fort, one which had been constructed under his orders, but the body was afterwards removed to the scene of his glorious death on Queenston Heights. Round these earth-piled ramparts wander visitors, and still arrowheads are found, and buttons bearing the names of regiments stationed here. In the account of the funeral, among the pall-bearers of Gen. Brock and his adjutant McDonnell, we find the well-known names of Surgeon Muirhead, Lieuts. Jarvis and Ridout, Capt. Crooks. Mr. Dickson, Lieut. Robinson, Major Merritt, Lieut. Col. Clarke, Col. Butler, Col. Claus, Maj. Gen. SheafTe. At a general council of condolence, held at the Council House, 6th Nov., 1812, present, representatives from Six Nation Indians, Hurons, Chippawas, Potawatamies, in the address occur these words : *' Brothers — We, seeing your faces darkened with grief, your eyes dim with tears, your throats ftopped with the force of your affliction — with these strings of wampum we wipe away your tears — eight strings of white wampum. A large white belt over his grave, that it may receive no injury." In this grave at P'ort George the bodies lay for twelve years, till 13th Oct., i8?4, when they were re-interred, 5000 persons being present. Alike were seen the pictures(}ue dress of the Highlanders and the no less striking garb of the red men, the relatives of McDonell being in Highland costume, and young Brant from Grand river, with other chiefs, being in full Indian dress. The procession took three hours, including stoppages, to reach the Heights, and the lengthened column winding slowly up the steep ascent was a striking and impressive spectacle. This monument having been partially destroyed, a meeting was held in July, 1840, to provide another. Eight thousand were present,, evidencing that the name of Brock was not forgotten. Another im- posing sight was seen on the banks of our beautiful river. Ten steam vessels from Toronto, Coboui^, Hamilton, and Kingston, arrived at Niagara at 10 o'clock and ascended the river, the banks lined with spectators, while was heard afar shouting from ship to shore, and shore to ship. A picturesque feature of this occasion was the presence of the famous 93rd Highlanders in the national dress. Travellers have vied with one another in describing the wonderful panorama of river, lake, and plain, which may be seen from this bold escarpment with the varied tints from brown to gold, from tender green to rich crimson, stretching below, while, far as the eye can reach, extends our noble lake, and on the verge of the horizon Toronto, our Queen City, may often be seen. The description given by the Duke of Argyle, and that by Charles Dickens, are perhaps the most striking. Brock's letters from Fort George contain some interesting items. Writing to Sir Geo. Prevost, April 22, 181 2, he speaks of preparing a temporary magazine for reception of spare powder at Fort George, and of excavation of the ditch for the proposed fortification of the spot on which the government house stands. The poet Thos. Moore says in a letter : "To Col. Brock of the 49ih, who commanded 19 at the fort, I am indebted for kindness during the fortnight I remained at Niagara." A visit to the Tuscarora Indians from this point is also mentioned by him. In a late i)aper is (juoted a sonnet written by the late Bishop Strachan in 1820, he having visited Fort (leorge in i8ig, which may be given as interesting to us from the subjeci as well as being the production of one who may be called that great Canadian ecclesiastical statesman : ^ *' Why calls this bastion forth the patriot's sijjh, Ami starts the tear frrnii licaiity's swelling; eye ? Within its t)reach intrepid Brock is laid. *' A tuml) according with the mighty dead, Whose soul, devoted to his country s cause, In deeds of glory sought her first applause. Enrolled with Abercrombie, Wolfe and Moore, No lapse of time his merits shall obscure ; Kresh shall they burn in each Canadian heart, And all their pure and living fires imjiart. A youthful friend rests by the hero's side, Their mutual love death sought not to divide. The muse that gives her Brock to deathless fame .Shall in the wreath entwine McDonnell's name." ■ Some interesting items may be gleaned from a statement dated Oct. 15th, 181 2, written by Lieut.-Col. Evans, 8th, King's Regt., on whom the command at Fort George devolved after Gen. Sheaffe left for Queenston on the 13th. He says : " There was a brisk cannon- ade from Fort Niagara on the town and fort, and the gaol and court house were soon wrapped in flames from hot shell. Other houses were soon seen to be on fire, and militiamen were sent round collecting all the water buckets from inhabitants, and great zeal and energy were shewn in putting out fires, great efforts being made at same time to cripple the enemy's guns, but this was not accomplished till many buildings were burnt to the ground, amongst them, besides gaol and court house, the chief engineer's quarters. The more im- portant ones, however. Royal Barracks, Block House (full of prisoners) King's stores, though repeatedly fired, were by great efforts saved." He then sent off 140 men of 41st and every other available man to Queenston, and was soon after told that the magazine was on fire ; in it were 800 barrels of powder. Capt. Vigoreux and many volunteers were soon on the roof and the fire extinguished — a daring deed. By means of a bend in the river a battery of the enemy had enfiladed the barracks, magazine and stores, the latter being partly consumed. NIAGARA TAKEN. But to return to the progress of events ; for six months no further attack was made, but after the taking of York, early in May, a large force, military and ndval, of 6000 crossed over under Chauncey and Dearborn, but did not attack the town till 26th May. The guns from Fort Niagara joined in the attack, the people in the town taking refuge in their cellars. A landing was made on Crooks's farm, 27th May, on what is now known as the Chautaucjua grounds. A small log house was some years ago pointed out to me, into which the wounded were carried, and which was described as having its floor swimming with blood. The battle raged till Vincent, finding his ammunition exhausted and having lost heavily from the much superior numbers, gave orders to blow up the fort and retreated to Queenston, thence to Burlington Heights. A tablet in St. Mark's, at the north door, is to four men, all belonging to the place, who, while repelling the attack were ordered to retreat, went back to spike the cannon in their charge ; just then the heavy fog lifted for a moment and they were all four shot down. For seven months the town was in the hands of the Americans, there being no one in it but old or disabled men, with women and children. St. Mark's church, which had been taken for the wounded after the battle of Queenston Heights, was now used as a barracks. Two flat tomb stones show the marks of the butchers' cleavers in cut- ting the meat served out to the soldiers. Through the graveyard may be seen depressions left by the rifle pits constructed. The American force soon found itself shut in a small area of about three miles, embracing the town and fort, while around was a cordon of British forces. An incident of this time is recorded by Mrs. Edgar, in the Ridout papers — one of that family being commis- sariat on the Niagara frontier : " Skirmishes were frequent; prisoners often taken; soldiers deserted from both sides." In a letter from St. Davids, 20th July, 1813: "Advanced to within one and a quarter miles of the town; fight in Ball's field. Royals, King's, and 700 In- 3t dians posted three miles from the the town." 24th Aug.: "Lieut. Col. O'Neil with thirty of his dragoons dashed into town ; scoured several streets and went as far as Presbyterian church. Col. Harvey called at old quarters and received a box with valuable articles he had left there. Hrisk fire from garden walls and houses, but we re- tired regularly and with order." Another incident of this period is related by Capt. W. H. Merritt, in his journal. "On 6th July a skirmish took place near Squire P. Hall's. A little boy, John Law, whose father had been dangerously wounded and made prisoner at Fort George on 27th May, and whose brother had been killed in the same action, and who was determined to revenge this loss, was missed from his home. Search being made he was found by his mother when the engagement was nearly over, on the field of battle, which he refused to leave, and was carried off in the arms of his mother by main force, she receiving a wound her- self. During this engagement the ladies were witnesses from the windows of the residences of J. and P. Ball." Finally, when on 13th Dec. the Americans determined to evacuate the fort, as the British were advancing, half an hour's warning was given the people that the town was to be given to the flames. Dr. Withrow tells of the wife of Councillor Dickson, lying ill in bed, car- ried out to the snow in the bedclothes, and lying watching in that bitter December night the destruction of her home with its valuable library. Many tell of vain efforts to save their homes, putting out the flames while the soldiers went round with torches setting on fire. Sometimes the fire would be put out by the owners, only to be lit again and again, the owners standing by to see the eventual destruc- tion of all they valued. A pathetic little story was told me lately, as narrated to my friend by her grandmother, whose husband was a prisoner at Fort Niagara. The family had friends in the country, who came in with sleighs and took to their home the family of little children, the mother and grand parents, one of whom had that day fallen and broken a hip bone. The hardships of that night in the snow proved fatal to one of the cliildren, and the mother refused to let it be buried * 22 till permission could be obtained through friends for the father to come and see his dead child. This being finally gained, the father, blind- folded, was brought through Fort Niagara and across the river and allowed to see performed the last rites to his child, and then returned a prisoner. Still in her possession are the old country chests which, with their valuable contents, were buried for safety in this time of alarm. How vividly was told of the store, with its rich piles of goods from Montreal, all given to the flames, and of the vain efforts to save it. The British forces marched in only to find smoking ruins, but the flight of the enemy had been so hurried that many of their tents were left standing, and a few buildings on the outskirts of the town were left uninjured. The people had taken refuge in barns in the country, but many were still standing around valued articles r,{ furni- ture in the street. FORT MISSISSAGUA. Of Fort Mississagua (the name is spelled in many ways) we know little in its early days. An act passed in 1S03 at York refers to the lighthouse at Mississagua Point at the entrance to the Niagara River, with reference to the tolls collected. In the "Gleaner," 1818, Gibraltar Point and Mississagua Point are referred to, and tonnage duties to defray expenses. That at York is spoken of as a gleam like a taper from want of proper reflector, yet duties are rigidly en- forced. Another account refers to the flagstaff". It is believed tjhat the earthworks were marked out previous to 1796, but the tower in the centre was constructed in 18 14, from the bricks in the ruins of the town. The traces of fire may still be plainly seen in the materials of its massive walls. Many families were scattered never to return, so that it was necessary to gather up the debris. Although the history of this fort is not so romantic as that of the stronghold opposite, nor of Fort George, if each particular brick in its walls could tell its tale what a record should we have of that December night, as well as of many incidents in the early days of Newark. , "The fragments of its walls and hearths were built Into that stern memorial of a deed , . Unchivalrous. " Here were quartered soldiers of the regular army during the •as ' following >ears. Many can recall the appearance of the brick tower with its cannons on the wall, and in the enclosure piles of cannon balls in the usual pyramidal form. Then, at the recall of troops to Britain, the fort was gradually allowed to fall into decay, and was an unwholesome and unpleasant buildmg to visit. Accidentally a fire occurred and all the woodwork was destroyed, and it was a ruin indeed. The strong palisades, worn away by the encroachment of the lake, or carried off for firewood, suggested to the writer the words of the following sonnet, which appeared in " The Week," "words which, now that the fort is in better repair, do not seem so appropriate. A small grant having been given by the Dominion Parliament a roof has been put on with dormer windows, from which a grand view of river, lake and plain, may be obtained, but it is to be regretted that in thus making it weatherproof the idea of a fort seems to have been lost sight of " Deserted, drear, and mouldering to decay, A square low tower stands grim and gray and lone From Newark's ruins built, its walls storm blown, When sword and flame alternate seized their prey. Ontario's waves in rage or idle play Sap palisade and fort with ceaseless moan. ■ Shall we historic relics see o'erthrown, And not a voice be raised to answer nay ? Four races here for empire sternly fought, And brightly gleamed the red man's council fire, The beacon lights the dancing wave and lea, Where brave LaSalle both fame and fortune sought. In fratricidal strife fell son and sire Where friends stretch hands across a narrow sea. " Near this spot was the old Blue House, remembered by some, used by government officials in the engineer department. On the military reserve near used to be encamped Missisaagua Indians, as mentioned by an early writer in time of Simcoe. butler's barracks. Southwest of the town lies what was known as Butler's Barracks. The buildings are all of wood ; one of logs, it is claimed, was in •existence before the war of 1812, and this and the Indian Council Chamber near, afterwards known as the Military Hospital, were left untouched. The site of the latter building can easily be identified by the trees which stood near it. This was used for divine service 24 '' either before St. Mark's was built or when unfit for use. An old lady not long deceased often told that in it she was baptized. It was afterwards used for volunteers on service, but was burnt down about ten years ago. Farther on, a row of cherry trees marks the boundary of what was called the " Colonel's," the residence of the Commander of the Royal Canadian Rifles. The alliterative name, Butler's Barracks, brings up a host of baleful memories. Here were quartered the Rangers under Capt. John Butler, who had fought at Ticon- deroga and Fort Niagara, having taken part with many others now here in the defence of the colonies from the French and Indians ; he was Deputy.Superintendent of Indians. He came here in 1775, and with his forces received grants of land. He died in \ 796, his name previous to this appearing in the records of both St. Mark's and St. Andrew's churches, and was buried on his farm in what is known as Butler's graveyard. The farm has since passed into the hands of strangers. The enclosure, with a few broken tombstones and a pro- faned vault, is about two miles from the town. Much obloquy has, it is believed unjustly, fallen upon the name of Butler, but gradually the mists of party feeling are being cleared away, and much so-called history is shown to be unreliable. FRENCH THORNS. Between the Barracks ind Navy Hall is an oak grove, skirted with hawthorns, to which is attached a legend. In the memory of some now living these trees were called the " French Thorns," and the story is that French officers stationed at Fort Niagara brought the slips from France, and thus we have in June such fragrant snow-white blossoms. The tradition has been woven into a ballad in one of the Canadian Idylls. It is matter of deep regret that these poems, com- memorating as they do so many stirring events of Canadian history^ can be nowhere bought in book form, having appeared in magazines, and in pamphlet form given to friends. Among them are " Dead Sea Roses," "The Hungry Year," " Pontiac," " Stony Creek ;" the ballad "Spina Christa," part of the " Queen's Birthday " appears in Lighthall's "Songs of the Great Dominion." The peculiar martial and musical ring charms the ear, while the tragic story appeals to the 25 heart. By any curious explorer the thorn trees the poet must have had in his mind's eye may be easily found, twisted and distorted as described. . " O fair in summer time it is Niagara's plain to see, Half-belted round with oaken woods and tjreen as grass can be, Its levels broad in sunshine lie, with flowerets gemmed and set. With daisy stars and red as Mars, the tiny sanguinet. ' Hard by the sheltering grove of oak, he set the holy thorn — Where still it grows — Contorted, twisted, writhing, as with human pain to tell." The trees are of two varieties, called by the children early and late " haws," and give as much pleasure in October with the rich scarlet fruit as early in the season with their snowy blossoms. DOCKYARD. Many vessels were built at the dockyard here, where hundreds of workmen were employed, and the launching of a ship was a favorite sight. In 1795 the French Count mentioned before tells of six vessels, gun boats and schooners, two of them on the stocks. The Navy on the lake was really a branch of the Royal Navy. The first Canadian merchant vessel was built here in 1792 ; the York, of 75 tons, in 1800. At the Dockyard of the town were built the Gore, Queen, Admiral, Porcupine, Eclipse, City of Toronto (the first of that name was launched on New Year's day, 1840,) Traveller, Transit, Chief Justice Robinson, Arabian, Canada, America, Peerless, Zimmerman, and City of Toronto (second.) On an old warehouse may still be seen certain names which are often a source of wonderment toennuied travellers waiting for a boat or train, and who exercise their ingenuity and imaginative powers in explain- ing these Cabalistic signs, which refer to the period of Niagara's palmy days when many vessels called here, this being a distributing point. Space was kept in the warehouses for the lading of different vessels, whose names appear in faded letters : Great Britain, Cobourg, William IV., St. George, United Kingdom, Commodore Barrie. ... , ., • At this wharf landed Gen. Drummond at daybreak, July 25th, 1814, in H. M. ship the Netley, with 800 men, having left York on Sunday evening. He marched his force to Lundy's Lane, and fought 26 after that march till midnight, maintaining possession of the field after the most sanguniary and closely contested battle of the war, FIRST UPPER CANADA PAPERS. Much curious light on the manner of life in those days may be gained by a few quotations from the early papers. The first news- paper published in Upper Canada was the "Upper Canada Gazette" of Newark, the first number, April i8th, 1793. In 1798 it is dated West Niagara, and in 1799 was removed to York, and the same year the " Canada Constellation " was started in Niagara, but expired in one year, as did the " Herald," suspended in 1802. In 181 7 appeared the "Cileaner," by Mr, Heron, Since then the "Reporter," "Spectator," "Chronicle," "Mail." Dr.Scaddinginhis "Torontoof Old," where much curious information has been industriously gathered together, mentions as a remarkable fact that the " imposing stone" used in printing t\te "Constellation" by Tiffany in 17 99, was used in the office of the "Niagara Mail" as late as 1870. Extracts from these early papers are often amusing, and throw much light on the manners of those primitive times, often clearing up some disputed historical point. In the first number, 15x91^ inches, $3 per year, by Louis Roy, is mentioned that a brewery is to be started, $1 per bushel being offered for barley. "May 30th, 10 guineas reward offered for Government grindstone, it having been stolen from King's Wharf, Navy Hall." Although there had been an act against slavery, it had only provided for the gradual emancipation, and we find advertisements frequently referring to slaves, as in 1797 : " Wanted to purchase, a negro girl from 7 to 12, of good disposition, W, & J. Crooks, West Niagara." 1802 : "For sale, a negro man, Isaac, has had smallpox." In the "Gleaner," pub- lished every Thursday, price $4 : " Arrived from York, Mary Anne, with passengers, Dec. 17th, 1817," "Dec, 18th, sailed for York, with cyder and passengers," " Jan, 24th, sailed with cyder and apples," We see from this that even then fruit was an export to Toronto. Books advertised for sale are standard works and high priced : " Scott's Lady of the Lake, ;^i, 8s, Burns' works, 4 vols., ^^, 6s, 6d. Watts' works, 9 vols., j£t, ios. Hogg's "Queen's Wake," ^i, 2s, 6d." "January i6th, disagreeable and melancholy news of the death of the amiable Princess Charlotte of Wales." "Married, at the house of Thos. Racey, on 17th inst., by Rev. Ur. Addison, Lieut. C. C. Alexander, R. E., to the amiable Miss Jane Racey." The following notice of a marriage is very different from the mono- tony of the present records : " Married, at Voungstown, by E. Duty, Esq., Mr. Thos. McQuarls to Miss Ann Snure, both of Niag- ara, U. C. " Not all the dangers of the deep, Nor evening blasts that blow, Can make the lover's passions sleep Or proffered vows forgo ; But they with joy before the altar kneel, Secure each bliss and every promise seal. " ' "Melancholy accident. Ferry boat from Fort Niagara, crossing, became entangled in the ice ; two men drowned in spite of Royal Engineers and guard of 70th Regt. on the beach. A heavy fall of snow, bank of ice, surf, &c." "2nd April, 18 18 — Opening of naviga- gation. Mary Anne sailed for Grimsby with load of flour for Pres- cott. Saw mill of Mr. Servos, Four Mile Creek, destroyed by fire, 30th March. Schooner Mayflower to sail for Kingston ist May. The master and owner has invented a machine to propel the vessel at the rate of three miles per hour. Arrived, schooner Hector with lumber. Steain vessel Frontenac, May 14th. Death of Peter Secord in Talbot road, in his 103rd year — longevity ascribed to remarkable temperance — one of first settlers. He killed four wolves last year and walked twenty miles to make affidavit to obtain wolf bounty. Advertisement of J as. Crooks, Postmaster, for carrying mail from York to Niagara once or twice a week. New gaol and court house, but set in that swamp." This is now the Western Home of Miss Rye, who has done so much philanthropic work in providing homes for destitute children. A letter complaining of parents listening to the complaints of their children against teacher. Another from Scotch- man, complaining of insulting remarks to his countrymen. St. Andrew's day celebrated at Queenston, Robt. Hamilton in the chair ; President in Highland garb ; dinner at Mr. Pointer's tavern ; some toasts were : " Weel turned daffin," " Memory of Gen. Brock," 28 ** Memory of Robbie Burns," " May Sons of Caledonia ne'er feel want nor want feeling." Niagara was still the military headquarters in 1826, as in a Toronto paper, June loth, it is stated 70th Reut. Highlanders arrived at York from Niagara, EARLY CHURCHES — ST. MARK'S AND ST. ANDREW'S. This sketch would be still more incomplete than it is were no reference made to the churches, with two of the oldest records in the province. The present writer, in a paper read before the Canadian Institute, has told part of the stoiy, and at the risk of repetition a few items must be given. The record of St. Mark's dates from 1792. In that century there have been but three incumbents. The first, the Rev. Robt Addison, sent out by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, who ministered to the country around for many miles. The register, as kept by him, has many quaint remarks, and tells a history of the population of that time, Indians, negroes who were slaves, high P2nglish officials; U. E. Loyalists, waifs and strays from all lands. His library, now in possession of the church, has many books dear to the bibliopolist. The next incumbent, who had also been curate to Rev. R. Addison, was Rev. T. Creen, a graduate of Gla.sgow University, in whose time of thirty-one years the "hurch was enlarged and improved. It had been burnt with the rest of the town, only the walls remain- ing, and was rebuilt, jQ(>oo being granted by S. P. G. for that pur- pose. A fine water color drawing of the church in 1834, before the additions were made and when there was a spire, is in possession of a resident. The present incumbent. Rev. Archdeacon McMurray, has been fifty years in the ministry, thirty-five of them having been spent in this charge. The many tablets on the walls form a history in themselves. St. Andrew's has not so romantic a history, but dates from 1 794, as shewn in a curious old volume of thick yellowish paper, giving most of the business transactions of the congregation from that date, the money subscribed for first church, size of windows, timbers, etc., throwing curious light on prices in those days of rope, glass, rum, work. This frame building was totally destroyed by the fire, ;^400 being allowed by Government as compensation. There was a school house in connection with the congregation, and here they worshipped till 1832, when the present church was erected. The record touches at many points the history of Canada in War of 181 2, Rebellion, Clergy Reserve agitation, etc., there being petitions to the Queen, Governor General, etc., demanding rights as British subjects. One letter from Rev. Dr. McGill, afterwards of Montreal, speaks of the hardship of his not being able to perform the marriage ceremony till special legislation could be obtained. The Rev. Dr. Mowatt, now of Queen's University, was also a minister of this church. LAURA SECORD. Another interesting incident connected with this neighborhood is that of the brave deed of Laura Secord, in walking from her home at Queenston to warn FitzGibbon at Beaver Dams of a projected attack of the enemy. In danger of meeting Indians, marauders, wild beasts or the enemy, she walked nineteen miles on a hot June day, and when the attack came, through her timely warning, the enemy surrendered to a force half its size. This has been woven by Mrs. Curzon into a fine ballad, and also into dramatic form. It has also been sung by Miss Machar, Reade, Dr. Jakeway. Many other romantic incidents might be narrated that have happened in the neighborhood, but this paper has already stretched far beyond the limits intended. Fourteen stories written for a prize competition lately by young people of the town gave incidents *' pathetic and grave and grotesque." The sad story of the loss of seven young men in the yacht Foam at the entrance to the river, the drowning of six soldiers with their captain from the fort, the pathetic story of the two boys from Toronto who tossed about in the icy April atmosphere of Lake Ontario from Torontc; to Niagara, and who were found on our shore frozen stiff and stark and cold ; of an Indian lacrosse match held here, the humorous story, " Just For Fun," of the fire in Fort Mississagua, the story of "That Stone," of • 30 an historic house, and many others, shew that we are rich in historic lore, could it only be gathered and published. To develop a true love of country in our young people is a worthy task, and our coun- try owes a debt of gratitude to the Lundy's Lane Historical Society for what it has done in this respect. A country whose sons have done and dared and suffered so much to repel aggression, to maintain its own form of government through a century, may well feel proud of its record as a Province, and that it has done its share in our Dominion, thus sung by a writer to me unknown : " Canada I Mapleland, land of great mountains, Lakeland and riverland, land 'twixt the seas — (irant us, (Jod, hearts that are large as our heritage, Spirits as free as the breeze. Grant us Thy fear, that we walk in humility, Fear that is reverent, not fear that is base. Grant to us righteousness, wisdom, prosperity, Peace, if unstained by disgrace. Grant us Thy love, and the love of our country. Grant us Thy strength, for our strength's in Thy name ; Shield us from danger, from every adversity. Shield us, oh Father, from shame. Last born of nations ! The offsjiring of freedom. Heir to wide prairies, thick forests, red gold — God grant us wisdom to value our birthright, Courage to guard what we hold." FORT GEORGE'S LONELY SYCAMORE.* A REMINISCENCE OF NIAGARA. The story of a tree that rears Its form o'er an historic plain, The sifjhts it sees, the sounds it hears, That story's gay or sad refrain. O lone tree on the rampart's height ! What hast thou seen, what canst thou tell, Of peaceful watch or desperate fight, O lonely, lonely sentinel ? But tell nie first, what sweet, fair sight, Extending far and wide before. Thou seesi from thy vant.ige height, O lonely, lonely sycamore. Afar, the lake spreads like a sea, And near, the river, broad, blue, deep, Its waters flowing silently, \s resting from their frantic leap. Lor distant far, the mountain crowned With column pointing to the sky, While all forgot the humbler mound, Where other heroes mouldering lie. A skirt of oak in nearer view. And hawthorn, white with fragrant bloom. And tall sweet-briar, wet with dew. Wild flowers with many a nodding plume. Beneath the hill the children bring Their little cups, and eager press To drink the water at the spring. Where grows the lender water-cress. In front, a plain of changing hue. In winter white, now bare and brown. Or grassy green, with herds in view, And to the west, the quiet town. Beyond, the fort and beacon light, Old Mississagua's square grey tower. On either side church spires rise bright, O'er stately home or humble bower. Beneath, the crumbling ruins old. Where first our hero Brock was laid. With funeral pomp in death-sleep cold. And tears were shed and mourning iitade For him, who, with the morning sun. Went from these walls, erect and brave ; The evening saw hii victory won, A hero's fame — a soldier's grave. *There stands a fine large sycamore in full view at Fort George. Its branches, waving to and fro, seem to speak of the memories of former years. 33 Here, where the bank falls sheer and sleep, The Half- Moon Battery may be traced, Alike commanding shore and deep, A scar of war not yet effaced. A path o'er-arched with trees we Rain, Nor did it all their dreams suftice To call that path the " Lover's Lane," The prove around was " Paradise." Nay, call it not their i)arlial pride, Where can ye find a spot so fair ? Italian suns have scarce supplied Such sky, such stream, such beauty rare. Tell us the sounds that come to thee. Borne by the breezes as they fly, The shout of schoolboy wild set free. The sportsman's gun, or plover's cry. Or lover's fondly-whispereil vows, The roar of puns in mimic strife, The rustlinp of the forest bouphs, Or varying sounds of human life, The bugle's call, so clear and sweet, From neighboring fort by breezes blown, (lay laupiiler when pic-nickers meet, Or on the lieech the wave's wild moan. The quiet dip of idler's oar. The sweetly solemn .Sabbath bell, The distant cataract's softened roar, All these, oh, lonely sentinel. Or will thou tell of nations four. Alternate owning this fair spot ? Th(iU knowest much historic lore, Then tell thy tale ; refuse us not. Or is it far beyond thy ken When Indian wigwams here were seen. And red men roamed o'er fell and fen, And trail or war-path followed keen ? Didst see the brave La Salle pass on To seek the Mississippi's wave ? And how, ere Abram's heights were won. Von fort was won — won many a grave, Ere gallallt Frenchmen yielded here To Britain's power their heritage, Johnson, the red man's friend held dear. Thou saw'st successful warfare wage. The loyal refugees here press. Leaving their lands, their homes, their all. Deep in the solemn wilderness. To hew new homes at duty's call. 33 Ami here our country's fathers met In hunible legislative hnll ; ^ Hut soon arose day darker yet, When foeman held these ramparts all. Then came a day of fear and drea