Our Library

 

By Frederick Christian Würtele

 

[Published by the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec in Transactions, New Series, No. 19 (1889)]

 

In this paper I propose giving the history of our Library, rendered doubly interesting from its having absorbed two other libraries, whose vicissitudes I will also notice.

 

The Literary and Historical Society of Quebec was founded January 6th, 1824, by the influence and generous liberality of the Earl of Dalhousie, Governor General of British North America.

 

The purposes of the Society were thus declared in a circular to the public of Quebec : " To discover and rescue from the unsparing hand of time the records which yet remain of the earliest history of Canada. To preserve while in our power, such documents as may be found amid the dust of yet unexplored depositaries, and which may prove important to general history and to the particular history of this province." The numerous historical records published by the Society prove that the purposes above set forth have always been the chief aim of each successive Council.

 

In 1827 a similar society, called the "Society for promoting literature, science, arts and historical researches in Canada," was formed chiefly by French-Canadian gentlemen ; but under the auspices of Sir James Kempt, the Governor General, who was patron of both societies, a union was brought about on June 4th, 1829, and the name of the older society was retained. This increase of members and also funds, together with a liberal grant of .£250 from the Provincial Government in 1830, enabled the Library to be started, as well as the Museum, and a set of philosophical apparatus was purchased. The Society was incorporated by Act of Parliament, dated October 5th, 1831.

 

The meetings, at which papers were read, were, by invitation of the Governor General, held at the Castle St. Lewis, and it is probable that the Society had rooms in the Old Château till they were required by His Excellency after the Castle was destroyed by fire January 23rd, 1834 ; when by permission of the Government, apartments for the Library, now consisting of 360 volumes, were granted in the Union Hotel, at the corner of Fort Street, built in 1805, and then used for Government offices. This building, subsequently called St. George's Hotel, is now occupied and owned by Mr. D. Morgan. The corner stone was laid with great ceremony August 14th, 1805.

 

Subsequently, by the same permission, more suitable rooms[1] were obtained in the Parliament Buildings, to which the Library was moved.

 

The library had steadily increased both by purchases and donations of valuable works on all subjects, when in 1853 the Librarian reported 4,000 volumes on the shelves. Here the Society sustained its first calamity, when, at 3 o'clock a.m., of February 1st, 1854, the Parliament Buildings were destroyed by fire and the whole Museum was burnt ; fortunately, almost all the valuable manuscripts relating to the history of Canada were saved, together with a large portion of the Library, but the Society's minute books and private records were lost. The residue was placed in rooms rented in Mr. George Henderson's house, at the south-west corner of St. Ursule and St. Lewis streets, now the residence of Senator P. Pelletier.

 

The Government came to the Society's assistance with a grant of £250, which, enabled the Library to make a fresh start. As these rooms were not very suitable they were vacated and the Society, in April, 1858, removed the 2,500 volumes it possessed to others in the Union or St, George's Hotel, and occupied them for one year ; when, the Government requiring them, new quarters had to be found.

 

In June, 1859, the removal was made to the upper flat of the "Banque d'Epargne" buildings in St. John street. The Society remained there until 1862, when more eligible rooms were found in the Masonic Hall, St. Lewis street, but, while it was under discussion, the removal was decided for them in an abrupt and disastrous manner, for, at 10 o'clock, p.m., of October 25th, 1862, the buildings were burnt, and out of 4,000 volumes only 700 were saved, along with the manuscripts, but the Museum was totally destroyed.

 

An agreement, dated November 1st, was entered into with Morrin College, which occupied the Masonic Hall, and the remnants of the Society's belongings were gathered together and placed in rooms in that building. The agreement was for three years, subject to renewal at its expiration, by which the Society got free accommodation for its Library, Museum and Assistant-Secretary, but had to lay out annually the sum of £30 in books to be selected by the Governors of the College, said books to become the property of the College should the agreement not be renewed ; also that their Governors, Professors and students would have free use of the Library and Museum, subject to rules made by a Joint Committee. Separate catalogues of the books and specimens belonging to each institution were to be kept.

 

In 1864 a printed catalogue of the Library was issued and the number of volumes therein were 1,115.

 

In 1865 the agreement expired, but as the College authorities had only renewed their lease for one year, things were left in statu quo. In 1866 the College purchased the old Jail, corner of St. Anne street and Stanislaus Hill, and fitted it up. In June, 1868, the Society removed to the fine rooms they now occupy in that building, when a new agreement was entered into on March 5th, 1868, for 10 years, to date from 1st May, for the annual rental of $120 with-the following conditions :—" Should the Society receive at any time, during the lease, a grant from the Legislature of not less than $400 per annum, the annual rent would then be $200 instead of the former sum during the continuation of the grant. Also, that the Governors, Professors and students of Morrin College would have free use of the Library and Museum, the same as the associate members of the Society." In 1866 a considerable accession was made to the Library by the purchase of the whole of the books belonging to the Quebec Library Association for the sum of $500, which increased the number of volumes to 8,500.

 

Having related the vicissitudes of the Library to this point, we will leave it for a space and now take up the history of the Library thus purchased.

 

On January 7th, 1779, this advertisement appeared in the Quebec Gazette :—

 

"A subscription has been commenced for establishing a publick library for the city and district of Quebec. It has met with the approbation of His Excellency the Governor and of the Bishop, and it is hoped that the institution, so particularly useful in this country, will be generally en- couraged. A list of those who have already subscribed is" lodged at the Secretary's Office, where those who chuse it, may have an opportunity to add their names. The sub scribers are requested to attend at the Bishop's Palace, at 12 o'clock, the 15th instant, in order to chuse trustees for the Library."

 

The meeting was held, and the following notice occurs in the issue of the Quebec Gazette, of January 19th ;—

 

" Messrs. Grave, Mabane, Baby, Fargues and Monk having, at the meeting of the subscribers for the publick library, which was holden at the Bishop's Palace (pursuant to the notice in the Quebec Gazette, for that purpose given) on the 15th instant, been elected by ballot Trustees for two years,—Messrs. Eobert Lester and Arthur David son appointed Treasurer and Secretary; and several gentlemen of the District of Montreal having expressed their wishes that the plan should be extended to the Province at large : The public is hereby acquainted, that a subscription is now opened at the office of Edward William Gray, Esquire, at Montreal, on the following terms, viz: £5 on subscribing and the annual sum of £2 afterwards. The books will bêlent out to the subscribers according to regulations which are forming by the Trustees ; and the public may be assured that particular attention will be given that no books contrary to religion or good morals, will be permitted. Those who have any books, for which they have no immediate use, are requested to send a catalogue thereof, with the prices, edition and condition of them to Mr. Davidson, at the Secretary's Office, at Quebec; that is (if approved) the Trustees may inspect and purchase them for the use of the Library. The sub scribers in the District of Montreal are requested to pay their subscription money to Mr. Gray, and those in the District of Quebec to Mr.Lester, the Treasurer ; both which gentlemen are likewise authorized to receive donations from such persons as are desirous of encouraging so useful an institution.

 

By order of the Trustees,

 

A. DAVIDSON,

Secretary."

 

As short sketches of the several gentlemen from time to time mentioned in this paper may be interesting, they will be given as they occur.

 

The Bishop at whose palace these meetings were held was the seventh Bishop of Quebec, Mgr. Jean Olivier Briand, a native of the parish of Plerin, in the diocese of St. Brieue, in Brittany, France. He arrived at Quebec 17th August, 1741, as Secretary to Mgr de Pontbriand, at whose death he was chosen to be bishop of Quebec, 11th September, 1764. He went that year to England, to obtain the sanction of the King, and subsequently received his appointment by bull of Pope Clément XIII, dated 21st January, 1766, and was consecrated 16th March, at Paris, in the Chapel of Ste. Marie de Mercy, in the parish of Surenne, by Mgr Charles Gilbert Demry de Termont, Bishop of Blois, who was authorized by Mgr Christophe de Beaumont, Archbishop of Paris, to perform the ceremony. He returned to England, and sailing for Quebec arrived there 28th June that year, installing himself in his seat in the Seminary Chapel, temporarily used as Cathedral. In September, 1770, he chose for Coadjutor Rev. Louis Philippe Mariancheau D'Esglis, and made his solemn entry into the Cathedral on 16th March, 1774. On 20th November, 1784, he resigned his office and retired to the Seminary, where he died 25th June, 1794, aged 79 years and 5 months, and was buried on the 27th, in the Choir of the Cathedral, under the steps which lead to the Sanctuary at equal distancé from the two side doors.

 

Rev. Henri François Gravé de la Rive arrived in Quebec, 26th July, 1754, and became Vicar General and Superior of the Seminary of Quebec. He died at the Hôtel-Dieu 4th February, 1802, at the age of 71 years and eight months, and was buried in the Seminary Chapel.

 

Adam Mabane, born in Edinburgh, in 1734, studied Medicine at the University and took his degree of M.D. As it was difficult to establish a good practice in his native place, he obtained the appointment of Assistant Surgeon on a man-of-war. This life on board ship did not suit him, so on reaching London he applied for military employment. It was suggested that he should join General Amherst's Army in America, and he set out for New York, when finding that Lord Elibank had written on his behalf, to his son, Sir James Murray, at Quebec, he proceeded there and established a successful practice. Dr. Mabane, from his gentle manners and readiness to assist all classes of persons, was much esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. Besides medicine, he was an ardent student of history and literature, and from his extensive knowledge and aptitude was named Judga by the Governor Sir James Murray, in 1764, when the Régime Militaire in Canada was drawing to a close ; this office he most reluctantly accepted, and presided over the first civil Court held in Quebec. He understood the interpretation of the treaty and being familiar with both French and English law, he, from a sense of justice, essayed to sustain the rights of the people as well as the rights of the Crown; this gave offence „to some of those in power who thought he took the part of the French inhabitants too openly. Being a member of the Council he had continual disagreements with the Governor Guy Carleton, who at last dismissed him from the Council and annulled his judgeship. While filling so prominent a position in the Council, Judge Mabane did not abandon his profession, for we find him in 1766 Surgeon of the Garrison of Quebec. In 1769 he purchased the country seat called Samos, and changed its name to Woodfield, and resided there. It is now Woodfield Cemetery. One day, in December, 1791, he started as usual for town, in the face of a violent snow storm, and taking a path across the Plains of Abraham, he lost his way and after wandering about for a long time was found and taken home, almost speechless and chilled through. Inflammation,' of the lungs set in and he died 3rd January, 1792, at the age of 58.

 

His having been in opposition to Governor Carleton, did not lower him in the estimation of his successors, for he was a personal friend of Governor Haldimand, who often employed him on divers missions. He also was most intimate with General Reidesel, the Commandant of the Brunswick Legion, then serving in Canada.

 

François Baby was a Legislative Councillor, and in 1808 was Lieutenant Colonel of the Militia and held the position of Adjutant General.

 

Peter Fargues was an eminent Quebec merchant and died on 20th January, 1780.

 

James Monk was Chief Justice and member of the Legislative Council. At the death of the Duke of Richmond, in 1819, as senior Councillor, he assumed the Governorship till replaced by Sir Peregrine Maitland, the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada.

 

Robert Lester was a Quebec merchant, and represented the Lower Town in the first Provincial Parliament, in 1792 and also in 1801.

 

Arthur Davidson resided at Point Levi, and the hill known as Davidson's Hill was named after him.

 

Edward William Gray was Sheriff of Montreal.

 

_______________________________

 

The three following letters taken from the Haldimand collection, copies of which were kindly furnished by Douglas Brymner, Esq., Dominion Archivist, show that the Governor General Sir Frederick Haldimand was the originator of the Quebec Library, and that the books were selected and purchased in England, through his orders, by Richd. Cumberland, the dramatist. In the letter dated March 1st, 1779, to his friend General de Budé, who seems to have been one of the gentlemen in waiting on His Majesty King George III. Sir Frederick Haldimand, after relating the manner in which the citizens of Quebec amused themselves during the long winter, he thus continues.—" The few resources here, and the reason I have every day for perceiving that the ignorance of the people is one of the greatest obstacles that must be conquered to make them acquainted with their duties and their own interests, have given me the idea of establishing a public Library. I have led the Bishop and the Superior of the Seminary to see the advantage which would result from it. They have entered into my ideas and I have had a subscription opened, which they have signed with me, as have several priests, almost all the British merchants and several Canadians, and not to allow the zeal of these gentlemen to ; cool I have charged the directors of the Library to form a catalogue, which I send by this opportunity to Mr. Cumberland, of the Board of Trade, agent for this Province, with a credit of ,£500 sterling, and if he takes any trouble we may hope to receive the books for next winter. I am convinced of the advantage which will follow such an establishment, and it is desirable that it should be protected." [2]

 

Letter to Richard Cumberland, 2nd March. [3]

 

SIR,—" The ignorance of the natives of this colony having been, in my apprehension, the principal cause of their misbehaviour and attachment to interests evidently injurious to themselves, I have sought to encourage a subscription for a public library, which more are come into than could have been at first expected ; a pretty good sum has already been raised and when the scheme is sufficiently matured by experience, I hope it will greatly tend to promote a more perfect coalition of sentiments and union of interests between the old and new subjects of the Crown than has hitherto subsisted. The gentlemen chosen by the majority of subscribers to be directors of this infant establishment, well knowing your taste for letters wish you to take the trouble of purchasing the books they write for, of recommending such as you think will tend to forward the benefits expected from the Institution, and in short to assist them with your advice and support in the management of this business. Though the intention of setting up this Library is, I am persuaded, without any recommendation from me, very sufficient to recommend that establishment as well as the Directors of it to your notice, I could not refuse them the satisfaction of adding my request to theirs of assuring you I shall consider any favour conferred upon it as done to myself, and on all occasions endeavour to convince you of the great regard and esteem with which, &c, &c,"

 

I am, &c,

 

FREDERICK HALDIMAND.

___________

 

Quebec, 24th October, 1780.

SIR,—" I am favoured with your letter of 2nd May, and have received the books for the Library committed to your furtherance by Mr. Cumberland. I could have wished the French books had accompanied them, being more anxious for their arrival than for the English, which to prevent any jealousy, I shall not announce till the others arrive." [4]

 

I am, &c,

 

FRED. HALDIMAND.

___________

From these accounts the Institution seems to have begun well, but that bane of all these enterprises, "Arrears of subscriptions," already in these eight years made itself felt, which the following extracts from the "Quebec Herald,” will show :

[5] The meeting took place and is reported as follows :—

 

" The subscribers of the Quebec Library, at a meeting held the 2nd December, observed with regret, that the Library is in debt, and that some gentlemen have neglected the advantages of its institution, by yet with holding their promised support, although necessarily and frequently required to pay the arrears due, to sustain and promote the advantage of its institution. It was therefore resolved that Mr. Robert Lester, Treasurer, should send accounts to those who are yet in arrears to the Library, with request of payment, and that receipts should accompany the accounts when presented. And it is requested that those persons who do not pay such accounts should bring the amount of their respective dues to the Library at the annual meeting ; failing which, it will be necessary to pass such resolution as may support a collection of the sums outstanding. The subscribers are required to attend the annual meeting, on Saturday, the 20th instant, at 11 o'clock A.M., to examine the general account, elect Trustees and make such regulations as may be found" beneficial and necessary."

 

" Quebec Herald" of 29th December, 1788, viz :—

" At a meeting, on Saturday, 20th instant, after the election of Trustees and Treasurer, viz : James Monk, Hugh

 Findlay, William Grant, Peter Pan et, J. A. Panet, Esqs. Mr.Eobert Lester, Treasurer. It was proposed and resolved that in future the proprietors of the Library should pay annually the sum of twenty shillings, and other persons might become annual subscribers and have the use of the books of the Library (without a vote or direction in the Society),on paying thirty shillings at entrance for one year. That the annual subscribers should be approved by the Trustees of the Library before issuing the books, and should conform to the rules of the Society, one of which is, that some one of the proprietors shall recommend the annual subscriber, and be answerable for his conforming to the rules made for the preservation and free use of the books."

 

The editor of the Herald supplemented these resolutions by a short editorial, as follows :—“ A Society of gentlemen desirous to promote science and afford amusement and instruction, by the general use and benefit of an extensive collection of useful and entertaining books in the English and French languages, have, by voluntary subscription, raised the Quebec Library to 2,000 volumes. It must afford satisfaction to the members of that Society to find themselves now enabled to present an useful Library to the public. At present the terms of expense of having the use of such a collection of books are little above those of a newspaper. The benefit will not admit of comparison. The Library is preserved in the Bishop's palace and open three days in the week, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Any gentleman proposing to become an annual subscriber or a proprietor, by sending his name to Mr.Robert Lester, Treasurer, will receive an answer to his request. The proprietors have subscribed five guineas each to be admitted to hold an interest in the Society. And these subscriptions they have increased to raise the Library to the state in which it is now offered to the general use of the citizens and residents in Quebec."

 

In Lambert's Travels in 1806-7-8, published in 1814, he thus notices the Library, from which it seems that from want of energy in the management, the Library was not as useful to the citizens at large nor as successful as it should have been. No doubt new books were then both costly and difficult to obtain.—"The only public Library in Canada is kept at Quebec, in one of the apartments at the Bishop's palace. It is small and very indifferently supplied with new publications. The books circulate only in that city among those inhabitants who subscribe."

 

Hugh Findlay served under Benjamin Franklin, the first English Deputy Postmaster General for the then British American provinces, from 1750 to 1774, when he resigned. Findlay was then appointed Deputy Postmaster General for Canada, from 1774 to 1800, and was a member of the Legislative Council.

 

William Grant, of St. Rochs, after whom Grant street was named, was Receiver General of the Province, in 1770, and afterwards was member for the Upper Town of Quebec, during the first two Parliaments, from 1792 to his death, in 1805.

 

Jean Antoine Panet was a member of the first Parliament, in 1792, and chosen Speaker of the House, which position he held for 22 years. In 1814 he was called to the Upper House, and just before the close of the Session, in 1815, a notice of motion was given, resolving that at the next session it would take into consideration the granting of a pecuniary compensation to him for his long and meritorious services as Speaker of the House. Panet died before this good resolution was carried out, but on 11th March, 1817, his widow was granted an annuity of ,£300.

 

The Library had been removed from the Bishop's palace, and in 1822 it occupied rooms in the new building of the Quebec Fire Assurance Company, in St. Peter street, in the Lower Town. In that year there were 4000 volumes on the shelves.

 

The Library had continued in the even tenor of its ways for 61 years, when the Trustees found that it required more power than was possessed to enforce the payment of subscriptions. Therefore an act of incorporation was applied for and obtained by special Council at Government House in Montreal, on June 26th, 1840. This Act was intituled an " Ordinance to incorporate the Quebec Library, 4th Victoria, Cap. 50, viz :— Whereas it hath been represented to His Excellency the Governor General of this Province, by the Reverend Daniel Wilkie, Doctor of Laws, William Walker, Henry Jessop, William Bristow, and Robert Hunter Gairdner, Esquires, Trustees of the Quebec Library and others, holding shares as proprietors therein, that the said Library was established at the City of Quebec, in the year 1719, and has been in active operation ever since, that the management thereof is vested in Trustees appointed annually by a majority of votes, but that from the want of power in the said Trustees to compel payment of the sums of money due to the said Library, great inconvenience and loss are sustained ; that it would tend greatly to the advantage, instruction and improvement of the inhabitants of Quebec and its vicinity, that the said institution should be incorporated and it is expedient to accede to the prayer of the said Trustees, subject to its provisions and enactment hereinafter made and contained. Be it therefore ordained and enacted by His Excellency the Governor of the Province of Lower Canada, by and with the advice and consent of the special Council for the affairs of this province, constituted and assembled by virtue and under the authority of an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, passed the first year of the reign of Her present Majesty, &c, &c, &c. That there is hereby constituted and established at the City of Quebec aforesaid, a body politic and corporate, under the name of the Trustees of the Quebec Library. Which corporation shall, until the first Tuesday of the month of April, in the year 1841, consist of the Trustees hereinbefore mentioned, and shall thereafter consist of five of the proprietors of the said Library, to be elected annually, on the first Tuesday in April of each and every year, by a majority of votes of proprietors of said Library, not in arrears of subscription, present at the meeting to be called .by the Trustees for the time being, for the purpose of such election, by an advertisement inserted during two weeks in some newspaper published in the said City of Quebec, specifying the day, hour, place and object of each meeting, and such corporation shall have perpetual succession. It shall in law be capable of suing and being sued, Sue, &c, of purchasing, holding and conveying any estate, real or personal, for the use of said Library, provided such real or personal estate at any one time held by said corporation shall not together exceed the value of £3,000. Shall have a common seal, &c, &c. May establish rules and regulations, and impose fines and penalties. The Library is vested in the Corporation. The shares of the proprietors neglecting to pay their subscriptions for three years and upwards to be sold by auction,

 

&c, &c This ordinance to be a public one and made permanent."

 

Henry Jessop was appointed first Collector of Customs, at Montreal, in 1831, when it was created a port of entry. In 1832, he was named comptroller, which office was abolished the following year. In February, 1833, Mr. Ferrier, the Collector at Quebec, died and Mr. Jessop was promoted to the vacancy, which position he held till the Customs were transferred to the Canadian Government, when he retired and returned to England. He was a prominent member of the English Cathedral, where for many years he held the position of Church Warden. He was greatly esteemed in the community, and the following incident on his leaving Quebec, speaks for itself. On Thursday morning, 8th May, 1851, Mr. Jessop attended by invitation at the Bishop's residence, to meet certain members of the Congregation. Hon. W. Walker, H. Lemesurier, K. Wainwright, J. B. Forsyth, Bevs. Dr. Mackie and A. W. Mountain, who formed the Committee for procuring a testimonial to show the regard and respect for him on his departure from the country. His Lordship, in a short address, explained that as the testimonial could not arrive in time from London before his departure, it would be ready for him on his arrival there, in the meantime he handed him an engraving of it. It was an elaborate silver inkstand with the following inscription on it :— Presented to Henry Jessop, late Collector of H. M. Customs at Quebec, upon his leaving Canada, by a number of friends who desire by this parting token, as well to testify their general esteem of his character, as, in particular to manifest their sense of his zealous and efficient services as Church Warden, for a series of years, of the parish of Quebec ; and for his generous example and unwearied personal exertions in support of charities and benevolent institutions of the place."

 

At the Easter meeting, it was moved by Hon. W. Walker and seconded by H. S. Scott, Esq.:—

 

 That the special and cordial acknowledgement of this vestry as representing the Cathedral Congregation, are due and are hereby offered to Mr. Jessop upon the occasion of his approaching departure from the country, for his indefatigable and most efficient attention to the interests of the Church in every branch of the duties which have devolved upon him during his occupation for many successive years of the office of Church Warden in charge of the pew rents."

 

William Bristow was born at Birmingham, England, 25th December, 1808. He came to Canada and became head clerk with .Messrs. Gillespie, Findlay & Co., and at Mr.

 

Findlay`s death, had the management of the business for two years. He took great interest in politics and began his connection with Canadian journalism in 1836, by contributing to a paper called the Union. In 1841 he contributed a series of letters to the Gazette, on Responsible Government. When the Free Trade Association of Montreal established the Economist, in 1846, he was one of its leading contributors. In 1849, when the public mind was excited over the Rebellion Losses Bill and the Parliament Buildings at Montreal were burnt, Mr. Bristow was invited to take the editorial chair of the Pilot, from which Mr. Hincks had retired, and was connected with it at different intervals till its extinction, in 1854. Shortly after the general election of 1854, in which he unsuccessfully sought to represent Montreal, he established the Argus, which only lived four years, after which he for two years was editor of the Transcript, this closed his connection with the press of Canada. He delivered two lectures, one on a free trade subject, and the other, during the annexation furore in 1849, and from the able manner in which he handled that subject, annexation, was strongly eulogized by the London Times and other British periodicals. He occupied various positions of trust and importance in the province ; in 183T was Secretary of the Constitutional Association at Quebec. In 1848 he was a member of a Committee to inquire into the conduct and management of the Provincial Penitentiary, and in 1862 was a member of the Financial and Departmental Commission. He was chairman of the Classes of Arts of the Q. and L. Hist. Society in 1838, and Recording Secretary from 1839 to 1843.

 

Robert Hunter Gairdner, nephew of William Findlay, was a Quebec lawyer, at one time partner of Sir Andrew Stuart. Mr. Gairdner was a member of this society and held the office of Recording Secretary in 1834-35. He was appointed judge of Insolvency at Quebec, subsequently judge of the District of St. Francis, and resided at Sherbrooke where he died.

 

Hon. "William Walker came to Canada in 1816, and was a respected merchant of Montreal and subsequently of Quebec, and was a member of the Legislative Council. He died here 18th May, 1863, at age of 73.

 

So much for the old Quebec Library ; but another institution arose ; evidently the public were not satisfied with the management or perhaps may have desired to assist the old library in some manner, for a public meeting was called and held at Payne's hotel, St. Ursule street, now the residence of Dr. Lemieux, on Tuesday, December 12th, 1843, which drew up a prospectus for a Library in the English and French languages, to be called the Quebec Library Association. The new Library succeeded, books were purchased and a number of the proprietors of the Quebec Library joined the Association. In April, 1844, the Association occupied rooms in the Chien d'Or or old Post Office, also called the Free Masons' Hall, but applied for and obtained better quarters in the Parliament Buildings, to which they moved in May, and that same year made an arrangement with the Trustees of the Quebec Library, whereby the books of the latter were leased for one year and removed to the rooms of the Association. Finally the Quebec Library amalgamated with the Quebec Library Association on certain conditions, one of which was that the proprietors on making over their shares became life members of the Association which was incorporated by Act of Parliament, March 17th, 1845.

 

I may here say that in January, 1844, an attempt was made to amalgamate all the literary societies of Quebec, but for some reason it did not succeed. The societies who sent delegates to the meeting called at Payne's hotel, were the Literary and Historical, Quebec Library, Mechanics' Institute, Library Association, La Société des études scientifiques et littéraires ; the Quebec Garrison Library-was also invited.

 

On June 17th, 1847, a petition by Archibald Campbell and the proprietors of the Quebec Library was presented to Parliament, praying for the repeal of the Ordinance 4 Victoria, chapter 20, incorporating the Trustees of said Library, which was passed on July 23rd. 1847, and the old Quebec Library passed out of existence.

 

Archibald Campbell was a native of Quebec, to which his parents removed soon after the American revolution. He studied his profession under the late Jacques Voyer, and was admitted notary public for the province, 6th June, 1812. Mr. Campbell was appointed His Majesty's Notary. This office was conferred by special commission 18th May, 1821, during the governorship of Lord Dalhousie, in acknowledgment of valuable services rendered to the Imperial authorities. He was also doyen of the Board of Notaries of Quebec, and was held in the greatest esteem by his professional confrères. But it was in his capacity of Commissioner for wrecked and destitute seatnén that the generous qualities of his heart were most prominent. In him the shipmaster could rely on a considerate friend and councillor. He was for many years President of the Harmonic Society, and it was through his exertions that the Music Hall was built. Mr. Campbell was Treasurer of the Quebec Literary and Historical Society in 1830 and 1831, and one of its Vice-Presidents in 1842 and also in 1850 to 1853. He died at his seigniory of Bic 16th July, 1862, aged 72, and rests at Mount Hermon.

 

On February 12th, 1854, the Parliament Buildings were destroyed by fire and a good portion of the books of the Quebec Library Association were burnt. The remnants were placed in rooms at 42 St. Ann street, and subsequently at 21 Famille street, which they occupied in 1864. The Association then rnoved to 13 St. John street, where the Library was carried on till 1866. Through bad management the Association was not financially a success ; however a catalogue was made by J. Thompson Harrower, Esq., and printed in 1865 by subscription. It contained 6990 volumes, classified as follows :—4326 volumes of biography, travels, &c, 1217 novels and 1447 volumes of French Literature. The reading room was kept well supplied with all the chief Canadian, as well as a good number of English and foreign newspapers. Also all the leading magazines and reviews were found on the table.

 

In 1866, the Association sold the Library for $500 to the Quebec Literary and Historical Society, and on March 3rd, 1868, the Association dissolved, and after paying their debts found that they possessed a balance of =£12. 2s. 2d. which was equally divided between Robert Rogers, the Superintendent, and Miss Meiklejohn, the Librarian.

 

Having recorded the decease and interment of the Old Quebec Library and the Quebec Library Association, the narrative of the Library of the Quebec Literary and Historical Society will now be resumed.

 

As before stated, the increase it received in books now made the number up to 8,500 volumes.

 

The Library continued to increase, and by the catalogue of 1870, which was printed and issued in 1873, there were found to be 8,974 volumes on the shelves, classified as follows :—

 

Mathematics, 314 volumes.

Natural and Physical Sciences, 328 volumes.

Natural and Physical History of animals, 215 volumes.

Natural History of America, 64 volumes.

Natural and Physical History of man, 28 volumes.

Engineering and useful arts, 138 volumes.

Fine Arts, 70 volumes.

Domestic Economy, 10 volumes.

Encyclopedias, 96 volumes.

Geography and Travels, 819            volumes.

History, 375 volumes.

Modern History, 1311 volumes.

American History and Antiquities, 18 volumes.

Canadian History, 602 volumes.

Biography, 657 volumes.

Political Economy and Social Science, 371 volumes.

Language, 176 volumes.

Greek and Roman Literature, 115 volumes.

Modern Literature, 1376 volumes.

Catalogues of Books, 24 volumes.

Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics, 315 volumes.

Theology, 349 volumes.

Polygraphy, 399 volumes.

 

The estimated number of volumes at present (in 1888) is about 15,000 and some 6,000 pamphlets. As the Society had always received a grant of $750 from the Government, a good many valuable works were annually added to the Library, but in 1883 the Government taking an extremely economical turn, cut down the grant 20 per cent, thus making it $562.50 and in the following year abolished it altogether. This Society was not the only one thus treated. This loss has stopped all extensive purchases of new books, but by careful management the Society will gradually recuperate and the Library improve by new accessions

 

A kindred institution was founded in London in 1831, named the Rôyal United Service Institution and one of the first measures passed at its second anniversary meeting was that :—

 

"In order to guarantee as far as possible the permanent existence of the Institution, it is resolved to invest in public securities all life subscriptions and any surplus above the necessary expenses of the establishment."

 

The result is that at present that Institution has some (£20,000 stg. invested. I do not for a moment compare the two institutions, but simply quote this to show with what little foresight our Society was begun ; had such a resolution been made and acted upon in years gone by, this Society would now have been independent and not crippled by the abolishing of the annual Government grant.

 

As soon as the Society was firmly established in 1829 it began publishing the Transactions and Historical Documents which I will now describe. The first three volumes of Transactions were issued in the years 1829, 1831 and 1837 respectively. In 1838 the first part of first series of Historical Documents appeared, called "Mémoires sur le Canada depuis 1749 jusqu'à 1760." This manuscript was communicated to the Society by Colonel Christie, the author was supposed to have been M. de Vauclain, a naval officer in the French service in 1759. The following remarkable circumstance concerning a copy of it, is thus related by Francis Parkman, the historian [6] " The remarkable anonymous work printed by the Historical Society of Quebec, under the title Mémoires sur le Canada depuis 1749 jusqu'à 1760,' is full of curious matter concerning Bigot and his associates, which squares well with other evidence. A manuscript which seems to be the original draft of this valuable document was preserved at the Bastille, and, with other papers, was thrown into the street when that castle was destroyed. They were gathered up, and afterwards bought by a Russian named Dubrowski, who carried them to St. Petersburg. Lord Dufferin, when Minister there, procured a copy of the manuscript in question, which is now in the keeping of Abbé H. Verreau at Montreal, to whose kindness I owe the opportunity of examining it. In substance it differs little from the printed work, though the language and the arrangement often vary from it. The author, whoever he may have been, was deeply versed in Canadian affairs of the time, and though often caustic, is generally trustworthy."

 

It was reprinted by the Society in 1876.

 

In 1840 the second part of this series was published, called -"collection de mémoires et de relations sur l'histoire ancienne de Canada d'après des manuscrits récemment obtenus des archives et bureaux publics en France." (Huit mémoires reliés en 1 vol. in 8-vo) viz. :—

 

1." Mémoire sur l'état présent du Canada, attribué à M. Talon," 7 p.

 

2." Mémoire sur le Canada (1736), attribué à M. Hocquart," 14 p.

 

3." Considérations sur l'état présent du Canada (1758)," 29 p.

 

4." Histoire du Canada par M. l'abbé de Belmont," 36 p.

 

5." Relation du siège de Québec en 1759 par une religieuse de l'Hôpital Général de Québec," 24 p.

 

6." Jugement impartial sur les opérations militaires de la Campagne en Canada en 1759," 8 p.

 

7." .Réflexions sommaires sur le commerce qui s'est fait en Canada," 8 p.

 

8." Histoire de l'eau de vie en Canada," 29 p.

[7]

 

The fifth series was published in 1877 and contains documents relating to the war of 1812.

 

The last manuscript printed is a detailed account of the vessels arrived at Quebec in the year 1793. It was extracted from the register of the Quebec Exchange and contributed for publication in the Archives of the Literary and Historical Society by MacPherson LeMoyne, Seigneur of Crane Island, County of Montmagny, P. Q. And it was found among the papers of the late Chief Justice Sewell, and presented to the Exchange in 1863 by his son, Rev. E. W. Sewell.

 

Besides these published documents the Society possesses a number of manuscripts both original and copies ; among which are a number of mémoires, letters, diaries, &c, ranging from 1758 to 1830, by the late James Thomson, St., a volunteer under General Wolfe, and afterwards overseer of Public Works.

 

" Perrault L'Ainé's Correspondence, 1775 to 1772."

 

" Histoire de l'Eglise Paroissiale de Québec et procès-verbaux, 1771."

 

"Warrants of Lands, &c, 1764 to 1767."

 

" Mémoire sur le Canada, 1760 to 1764."

 

" Minutes of the Agricultural Society of Quebec, 1789."

 

" Memoirs and letters presented by J. M. LeMoine, Esq., in 1882, being manuscripts, letters, essays, &c, by J. C. Fisher, Esq., LL.D., who was president of the society in 1846, and presented by his daughter, Mrs. E. Burstall.

 

* 6 vols, original manuscript of Procédure Judiciaire, 1665 to 1759.

 

* 1 vol. original manuscript of Matière de police et Voierie, 1683-1756.

 

* 1 vol. original manuscript of Matière de police, 1695 to 1755.

 

* 2 vols, original manuscript of Matière civile, 1682 to 1746.

 

* 1 vol. manuscript copy of Cahier d'intendance, 1647 to 1725.

 

* 1 Arol. manuscript copy Registres des insinuations des cahiers d'intendance. "

 

* 1 vol. manuscript copy Table des ordonnances, &c, 1764 to 1775.

 

* 17 vols, manuscript copy from the Archives of Paris, 1631 to 1763

 

* 6 vols, manuscript copy from the Archives of London 1613 to 1779.[8]

 

* 2 vols, manuscript copy of Relations sur le Canada, 1682 to 1712.

 

* 1 vol. manuscript copy of Voyages au Mississippi, 1698 to 1699.

 

* 1 vol. manuscript copy of Histoire de Montréal, 1610 to 1672.

 

* 1 vol. manuscript copy of Sieges of Quebec, 1759 and 1776.

 

1 vol. Ship registers, Quebec, 1779.

 

2 vols, miscellaneous notes, &c, &c, by J. Jamieson.

 

All these contain material for more historical documents, should the society see fit to publish them.

 

The library also contains many rare and valuable works such as Baron Masères collections. The original copies of the Moniteur de Paris, 1791 to 1803. Almost a complete set of the Quebec Gazette, 1764 to 1873. Also nearly a complete set of Quebec Mercury, 1805 to 1863. Quebec Herald, 1788 to 1790. Canadien, 1806 to 1810. Berean, 1844 to 1849. Quebec Chronicle, 1848 to date.

 

Exchanges are made with the chief societies of Great Britain, India, New Zealand, Spain, Norway and United States, whose transactions, proceedings and collections contain much valuable information, both historical, geographical, biographical, geological and scientific. The Dominion Government sends regularly all the Blue Books and Sessional Papers, as also do the several Provincial Governments. The Society likewise has a complete set of the Canadian Geological survey reports and maps. Also the Dominion Archives reports.

 

The following magazines, reviews and newspapers are found on the tables, the greater part of which are afterwards bound up and placed on the shelves, viz :—

 

19th Century,

All the Year Round,

Art Journal, London,

Athenaeum,

Atlantic,

Auk,

Bizarre Notes and Queries,

Blackwood's Magazine,

Canada Official Gazette,

Canadian Antiquarian,

Century,

Chambers' Journal,

Contemporary,

Cornhill Magazine,

Edinburgh Review,

Fortnightly,

Grip,

Harper's Monthly,

Illustrated London News,

London Graphic,

London Mail,

London Quarterly,

MacMillan's Magazine,

Magazine of American History,

Medical & Surgical Journal, Canada,

Musical Times, London,

North American Review,

Notes and Queries,

Pall Mall Gazette,

Pennsylvania Magazine of History,

Popular Science Monthly,

Public Opinion,

Punch,

Quebec Morning Chronicle,

Quebec Official Gazette,

Revue Canadienne,

Revue des Deux Mondes,

Saturday Review,

Scientific American Supplement,

Scientific American,

Spectator,

Statesman's Year Book,

Week,

Westminster,

Whitaker's Almanac,

 

JOURNALS AND PUBLICATIONS OF SOCIETIES.

 

Academy of Arts and Sciences, New York,

American Geographical Society,

Archaeological Survey of India,

Boston Society Natural History,

Dominion and Provincial Parliamentary Reports, &c.

Essex Institute,

Franklyn Institute,

Genealogical Society

Geological Survey of Canada,

Geological Survey of India,

Geological Survey of United States,

Institut Canadien, Quebec,

N. Scotia Institute Natural Science,

Natural History Society, Montreal,

New Brunswick Natural History Society,

New England Historical and Society,

New Zealand Institute,

Real Academia de La Historia, Madrid,

Royal Artillery Institute,

Royal Colonial Institute

Royal Historical Society, London,

Royal Irish Academy,

Royal Society, Canada,

Royal Society, Edinburgh,

Royal United Service Institute,

Smithsonian Institute,

Wisconsin State Historical Society,

Wyoming Historical and Genealogical Society,

 

The Librarian being a member of the council is elected annually and the office an honorary one, it may be interesting to record the names of the librarians and say a few words about those who joined the great majority, and of some who have left the city.

 

The first Librarian on record is Dr. John Whitelaw, in 1830. He was born at Bothwell, in Scotland, in 1714, and came to Quebec to be assistant in the grammar school of Revd. Dr. Wilkie ; he studied medicine in the city and subsequently completed his studies in Edinburgh. At one time he attended Dr. James Douglas through a severe illness, watching by him night and day, who in gratitude took him into partnership in his extensive practice. Although Dr. Whitelaw was much liked in Quebec, he always had a desire to settle in Western Canada, whither he went and established himself for sometime in Brockville, Kingston and also Toronto, but hearing that the Upper Canada grammar school was to be opened at Niagara, he applied for and obtained the position of head master. Although a successful physician his chief study was chemistry.

 

He married Miss Francis Thomson, daughter of the late Mr. James Thomson, overseer of works for the city of Quebec, in the department of Royal Engineers. He died at Niagara, and was buried there 31st January, 1853.

 

1831. Joseph Morrin, MD. Dr. Morrin was a native of Dumfrieshire, in Scotland, and came to Canada with his parents at an early age, was educated at the school of Dr. Wilkie. He studied medicine, and after completing his studies at London and Edinburgh, when scarcely of age, began to practise in Quebec, where he gradually rose to the highest eminence in the profession. He, with two of his confreres, Drs. Douglas and Fremont, had the honor of establishing the Beauport Lunatic Asylum. He took a lively interest in public affairs, was appointed magistrate, and elected to the city council. Twice he presided over this city as mayor, to the universal satisfaction of the citizens. A short time previous to his death, which occurred 29th August, 1861, he placed in the hands of Rev. Dr. Cook and other trustees a large sum of money for the erection of a Protestant college in Quebec, under the charge of St. Andrews Church, of which he was a member. The trustees purchased the old jail and transformed it into this commodious and useful building. Morrin College has flourished and takes a good position among the collegiate institutions of Canada.

 

In 1832 the office was held by Rev. Daniel Wilkie, LL.D. He was born at Tolcross, in Scotland, in 1777. In 1794 he attended the University of Glasgow, and as it was his intention to become a minister of the Church of Scotland, he entered Divinity Hall in 1797, where in 1803 he won honors taking 1st prize, a silver medal, for an essay on Socinian Controversy. Emigrating to Canada in 1803, he was, the following year, licensed by the presbytery of Montreal to preach. He chose Quebec as his residence, and for forty years conducted most successfully the best school in the city. Taking an active part in every association for the advancement of literature, science and art, he joined this society and presided over its destinies in 1836. The society is indebted to him for several papers. The following are to be found in the transactions : "Length and space," and one " On the theory of parallel lines, being an attempt to demonstrate the 12th "Axiom of Euclid." Also, "A few observations on the importance of aiming at the establishment of some general system of education in Canada." Part of a paper on " Comparative view of the more striking qualities of the French and English languages," was printed but not completed ; perhaps something happened to the manuscript. He was editor of the Quebec Star, newspaper, during the three years of its existence. At the foundation of the Quebec High School, in 1843, he was appointed Eector, but advancing age compelled him. to retire from active life before the end of the year. The remainder of his life was spent in retirement and he died 10th May, 1851.

 

1833. Henry Black. Hon. Henry Black, C. B,, was born in Quebec, and was a pupil of Dr. Wilkie. He studied for the bar, and on the suspension of the constitution of Lower Canada was named Special Counsel, and upon the Union of the Provinces he represented the city in the first Parliament. Mr. Black was subsequently appointed Judge Surrogate of the Court of Vice Admiralty, and as a reward for his valuable public services was created, by Her Majesty, Companion of the Bath. He was made a Doctor of Law by Harvard University, and was also one of our Vice Presidents in 1840. He died 16th August, 1873, aged 73.

 

1834.            George Okill Stuart. Mr. Stuart was born at Toronto, 12th October, 1807, and was the son of the late Dr. Stuart, who was for many years Archdeacon at Kingston. He was educated at Kingston and Quebec, and studied law with his uncle, Mr. James Stuart, and was called to the bar in 1830 ; four years later he entered into partnership with his uncle, which lasted till Sir James was made Chief Justice, in 1838. Mr. Stuart was elected Mayor of Quebec in 1846 and was mainly instrumental in obtaining the water supply from Lake St. Charles. On his retiring from office in 1850, the citizens presented him with a testimonial showing their appreciation of his services. In 1852, he represented the city in Parliament, and also in 1857.

 

The two volumes of Admiralty reports published by him in 1858 and 1875, as far as maritime law in regard to the trade and navigation of the river St. Lawrence was concerned, were pronounced in Europe and the United States as undisputable authority.

 

At the death of Judge Black, Mr. Stuart was appointed Judge of the Admiralty Court, 27th October, 1873, which position he held till his death, which occurred 5th March, 1884.

 

1835, Revd. D. Wilkie.

 

I. 1682-1712.—Relation de ce qui s'est passé en Canada, au sujet de la guerre, tant les Anglais que les Iroquois, depuis l'année 1682.

 

II. 1695-1696.—Relation de ce qui s'est passé de plus remarquable en Canada, depuis le départ des vaisseaux en 1695, jusqu'au commencement de l'année 1696.

 

III. 1698 et 1699.—Journal d'un voyage fait au Mississippi en 1698 et 1699, par MM. Iberville et de Surgères.

 

IV. 1640-1672.—Histoire de Montréal, de 1640 à 1672, par M. Dollier de Casson.

 

V. 1759-1776.—An account of the siege of Quebec, in 1759 and 1775-76, in 1 volume.

List of documents contained in this volume :—

 

1. Manuscript Journal of the military operations before Quebec in 1759, kept by Colonel Malcolm Fraser, then a lieutenant in the 78th Regiment, or Fraser's Highlanders.

 

2. Journal précis de ce qui s'est passé au siège de Québec en 1759, rédigé par M. Jean Claude Panet, ancien notaire de Québec.

 

3. Le témoin oculaire de la guerre des Bostonnais durant les années 1775 et 1776, par M. Simon Sanguinet, avocat du barreau de Montréal.

 

4. Journal contenant le récit de l'invasion du Canada par les Américains en 1775-76, rédigé par M. Jean-Bte. Badeaux, ancien notaire de la ville des Trois-Rivières.

 

5. Journal of the siege and blockade of Quebec by the American Rebels, in the autumn of 1775 and winter of 1776, kept by Hugh Finlay, Postmaster General.

6. Journal tenu pendant le siège du fort St. Jean, en 1776, par M. Antoine Foucher, ancien notaire de Montréal.

 

7.  Letter from Colonel Henry Caldwell, to General Murray, dated 15th June, 1776, containing an account of the siege of Quebec by the Americans, during the winter of 1775-76.

 

All of the above five volumes have been published by our society with the exception of Vol. II and parts 3 and 6 of Vol. V, which I believe have been published in Montreal.

 

Quebec, 31st Dec, 1888.