Centenary Volume: 1824-1924

 

 

 

 

PREFACE BY THE PRESIDENT            

As president of the LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC in this year (1924) when we are celebrating the completion of a century of existence, it has fallen to me to write the preface to this Centenary Volume.

 

It is a grateful task to commemorate the good labours of past generations. The present officers and members of the Society well know that the real glory of the institution was the splendid pioneer historical work that was accomplished in the first fifty or sixty years after its foundation in 1824. It was in that earlier period that the ideas and intentions expressed in the three letters by Lord Dalhousie in 1823 — printed in this volume—were so extensively carried out by successive bands of capable and indefatigable workers. It was their essential task to gather the documents and other information throwing light upon different features of early Canadian history. In doing this they not only gathered and preserved many valuable sources but their activities also served to stimulate like research elsewhere.

 

Within the last forty or fifty years, however, the task of gathering historical data has been rightly taken over, and carried on with increasing assiduity, by the Archives departments or branches of the Dominion and Provincial Governments.

 

But if the LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC basks to-day in a reflected glory from the past, as far as historical research is concerned, it has functions at the present time of an important character. It is the custodian of many original documents which it freely places at the disposal of authorized persons, and from time to time the Society has published valuable material that might otherwise have failed to reach the hands of the general student. This has been possible by means of a special endowment to that end given by a former president, the late Dr. James Douglas of New York. Dr. Douglas also left other endowments (the total amounting to twenty thousand dollars)—Five thousand of which is held in trust, by the Governors of Morrin College, under deed of gift by Dr. Douglas, for special lectures, under the joint auspices of this Society and Morrin College, and enables them to provide a series of educational lectures during the Winter months, which are entirely free to the general public: another five thousand of the amount provides for the purchase of books on History, Geography, and Science exclusively. The Society's habitat is Morrin College, Quebec; the rooms occupied being supplied through the courtesy of the Governors of Morrin College, free of rental while this Society continues in its present efforts to spread enlightenment on educational matters of popular and scientific interest.

 

A monthly meeting of the Society is held on the second Wednesday, followed by a meeting of the Council; the election of members, the receiving Reports from the Treasurer and the Committees, and the discussion of general business affecting the Society constitute the chief work of these meetings. The minute books of fifty to sixty years ago, indicate that at the monthly meetings the great majority of the members attended, and "like great Anna, whom three realms obey, sometimes counsel took, and sometimes tea"—the accounts presented from time to time for refreshments, look formidable to us to-day.

 

The history of the Society since 1824 given in this volume, was compiled and edited by Dr. Henry levers, who is Chairman of the Publication Committee of the Society; he has gathered from various records the historical data comprised therein.

 

The section on Unique Quebec by Colonel William Wood was issued by the Society this year as a "separate" and was presented in that form to each member of the Royal Society of Canada and of the Canadian Historical Association.

 

To Dr A. G. Doughty, Dominion Archivist, we are indebted for matter contained in the "Dalhousie Papers", as well as other matter on interesting subjects of one hundred years ago relating to this Society, and also for The Duke of Wellington s Report on the defence of Canada from the Atlantic to the Great Lakes, etc., etc., etc.

 

J. C. SUTHERLAND

 

QUEBEC, August 20th 1924.

 

INTRODUCTION BY THE EDITOR

 

The first Section of the CENTENARY VOLUME OF THE LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC is issued to set forth the objects of the Society to record its Transactions both such as have been published and those yet awaiting publication: together with references to occurrences of especial interest, pertaining more particularly to Quebec.

 

Partly owing to the many histories of the Great War—both Naval and Military—that have been written, little allusion is made to the supreme effort put forth by Canada: yet Quebec and its environs played a most important part on both land and sea. When the great emergency arose the Military Camp at Valcartier sprang into existence almost in a night, and from our harbour, the transports bore away the legions of our Best. Levis became a hive of industry, building vessels both for England and for France, and the mammoth dry dock with its extensive workshops gave needed aid, to stem the tide of German atrocities and save the world from bondage.

 

The Society is indebted to Dr. A. G. Doughty, Dominion Archivist, Ottawa, for copies of letters and papers connected with Lord Dalhousie; Report of Duke of Wellington; Defence of Quebec; Royal Mail Schedule for 1824, and many other papers.

 

The Council of the Society decided last winter, to publish Unique Quebec, then being prepared by Col. Wm. Wood, and also to include it in the Centenary Volume:—it is given in full at end of book.

 

FOUNDATION OF THE LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC

 

The formation of this Society was conceived by the Earl of Dalhousie, Governor-General of British North America in the year 1823, as evidenced by the following letters written by him to :

 

The Hon. Wm. Smith, 27th April, 1823.

Mr. Vallières de St. Real, 27th April, 1823.

 

LETTER, Lord Dalhousie to the Hon. Wm. Smith.

 

QUEBEC, 27th April, 1823.

 

My dear Sir,

 

I have not lost sight of the conversation I had one day with you in last winter, on the subject of the early history of this Province, and the materials that are supposed to exist in the repositories of individuals or Public Institutions neglected and wasting. The History and language of the Indian tribes would form a principal branch of this interesting subject, and these are fast losing by neglect or decay. I should be highly gratified, could I induce you and the Chief Justice to join efforts with me in the formation of a Society, not entirely "Antiquarian" but Historical rather and Canadian.

 

Our first field may be narrow but I am sure we should soon be led into one of so wide a range as might prove of great utility to the Province.

 

In our good Bishop I rest confident of certain support; I have enlisted too Mr. Vallières, as Leader of our Canadian Bands, and if you with the Chief Justice shall join my standard, I shall feel bold to raise it, and propose the subject to the Public, or to such list of Individuals as we may form to begin upon.

 

I should be happy to see you any day before I go to Sorel. Meantime I remain. Very sincerely yours,

 

DALHOUSIE

 

LETTER, Lord Dalhousie to Mr. Vallières de St. Real, Speaker of the Assembly.

 

QUEBEC, 27th April, 1823. Dear Sir,

 

I return with many thanks the Grammar of the Micmac language which you sent me to look at some time ago, and I revert with pleasure to the conversation which I had with you during the Session of Assembly upon the subject of the Indian tribes generally in this Province. I then suggested, and you agreed with me, that it was very desirable that some plan should be adopted to search for, and preserve, all documents or tracts that related to the early history of the Country and of the Aborigenes in it. Several other gentlemen in Quebec have spoken to me on the same subject, and I am by that encouraged to think that with a very little exertion and public spirit some valuable information may be preserved, which if neglected at this period may be lost irrecoverably.

 

We find around us examples of Historical Societies in almost every civilised State. Why should not we attempt something of the same sort—In the first place amusing to ourselves individually, and likely to prove interesting to our Country when our time has passed away ? I am aware that this requires consideration and arrangement and I therefore merely throw out the suggestion with that view. In looking round the Society of Quebec I see no one so well qualified to take a lead in it as you are—your pursuits in life, your habit of study, your station in Society, all fix my first proposal of it upon you. If you think it likely to succeed, if you are inclined to make the trial even, and will converse it over with those whom you may think to be so inclined also, I beg to offer all the aid and encouragement that may be in my power, either as an individual, or as in public station.

 

Although I go up to Sorel next week, that need not hurry your enquiries, or decision on the matter. I shall be glad to hear from you at any time at your leisure.

 

I am, Dear Sir,

 

Yours truly,

 

DALHOUSIE

 

LETTER, Lord Dalhousie to the Hon. Wm. Smith.

 

QUEBEC, 7th May, 1823.

 

My dear Sir,

 

I am greatly encouraged by the hopes you give me in answer to my suggestions of the formation of an Historical Society. I have seen the Chief Justice and the Lord Bishop since I wrote you and I now venture to put on paper my ideas on the subject.

 

Taking it for granted that public improvement is greatly promoted by the various Societies established in England for almost every purpose that can be mentioned, I have seen with regret that in this Province we have none of these. Let us make an attempt; I think we may safely follow the footsteps of England in her public Institutions, however small and humble may be that attempt. My object would be to form a Society limited in numbers—I would say 24, but holding in view to augment, as well as to enlarge in scope, as we shall feel our strength and means to do so.

 

I would go no further at present than to name as a Committee those who have already been kind enough to approve my suggestion, and leave to their arrangement the names, and preliminary steps, so that when I come down here about the middle of next month, we may hold our first meeting in the Château St. Louis, and complete the formation of our Institution.

 

In the outset I would take as our principal object the early history of Canada, and particularly that which relates to the Indians—to collect all books, papers, deeds, or documents which are supposed to be still existing but neglected—the Language of the several Indian Natives, their ceremonies of Religion—of War or Peace—their habits and customs of Life—their dress—their state in our days, and the means by which their condition may be improved.

 

Though I would not look further at first, there can be no doubt that from a Society thus constituted, every object of national improvement may originate, and hereafter our meetings may embrace Literature, Science, Education, and all other sources from whence spring the happiness of Society.

 

We must for this gather some funds, by an annual contribution of 8 or 10 dollars, with a small sum as donation to commence upon. The services of our Officers must at first be gratuitous. Our hall of Meeting shall be in one of the rooms of the old Château, which shall be prepared at all times for the purpose, until a better can be found.

 

We should invite a correspondence with all the Seminaries and Institutions of the Province, and with such individuals as may approve our pursuit.

 

The Departments of Government of the Province will afford every assistance, and I can add the assurance of that which may be in my power.

 

With this hasty sketch I leave the rough material in the able hands of the Committee to shape and to polish into a work of public utility, and great advantage to our private Society. Believe me, My dear Sir,

 

Yours sincerely & faithfully,

 

DALHOUSIE

 

The Committee suggested by Lord Dalhousie, and approved, consisted of the following:—

 

The Lt. Governor

The Chief Justice

The Lord Bishop

The Speaker of the Assembly

Hon. Wm. Smith

 

CHARTER OF THE LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC

 

WILLIAM THE FOURTH, by the Grace of GOD, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith—To all to whom these presents shall come, or whom the same may concern—GREETING: Whereas an Association of divers of our loving subjects in the Province of Lower Canada, has been formed in the City of Quebec, in our said Province, under the name of the "LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEREC", for the prosecution of researches into the early history of Canada, for the recovering, procuring, and publishing, interesting documents and useful information, as the Natural, Civil and Literary History of British North America, and for the advancement of the Arts and Sciences in the said Province of Lower Canada, from which public benefit may be expected. And whereas it has been represented to us that the advantages to arise from the Association would be greatly increased and confirmed by the Incorporation of the Members thereof, and an humble application has been made to us that we would be graciously pleased to grant our Royal Charter of Incorporation for this purpose. Now KNOW YE—that being willing and desirous to afford encouragement to an Institution for objects so laudible and beneficial : We, of our especial grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, have willed, ordained, granted, and appointed, and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, do will, ordain, grant, and appoint, that George Earl of Dalhousie, Sir James Kempt, John Adams, Edmund William Romer Antrobus, Charles Ardouin, Thomas Cushing Aylwin, Frederick Baddely, Henry W. Bayfield, Francis Bell, Henry Blake, Edward Bowen, William Brent, Joseph Bouchette, Robert Shore Milnes Bouchette, Joseph Bouchette, junior, George Bourne, Judge Burton, Edward Burroughs, John Caldwell, Hugh Caldwell, Archibald Campbell, Charles Campbell, John Saxton Campbell, John Cannon, Edward Caron, John P. Cockburn, Andrew Wm. Cochran, Thomas Coffin, James Cuthbert, John Davidson, William H. A. Davies, Dominick Daly, Jerôme Demers, Edward Desbarats, Frederic Desbarats, Robert D'Estimauville, William Dudley Dupont, William Bowman Felton, John Charlton Fisher, John Fletcher, William Findly, James B. Forsyth, John Fraser, John Malcolm Fraser, François Xavier Garneau, Augustin Germain, Manly Gore, William Green, Louis Gugy, John Hale, James Hamilton, André Rémi Hamel, Joseph Hamel, Victor Hamel, Aaron Hart, James Harkness, William Henderson, Frederick Ingall, William Kemble, William Kelly, James Kerr, Pierre Laforce, Louis Lagueux, William Lampson, Pierre de Salles Laterrière, Thomas Lee, junior, Joseph Legaré, Henry Lemesurier, Thomas Lloyd, William Lyons, Frederick Maitland John McNider, William McKee, William King McCord, Roderick M Kenzie, John Langly Mills, Thomas Moore, Joseph Morrin, George J. Mountain, Henry Nixon, Charles Panet, Joseph Parent, Etienne Parent, Augustus Patton, Françoix Xavier Perrault, Joseph François Perrault, William Power, Francis Ward Primrose, William Price, Rémi Quirouet, William Rose, John Richardson, Randolph I. Routh, William Sax, Jonathan Sewell, Edmund Sewell, Robert S. M. Sewell, William Sheppard, Peter Sheppard, Joseph Skey, William J. Skewes, William Smith, James Smillie, William Stringer, Charles James Stewart, Lord Bishop of Quebec, James Stuart, David Stuart, Andrew Stuart, Joseph Signay, Robert Symes, Jean Thomas Taschereau, John Pyefinch Thirlwall, Henry Trinder, Joseph Rémi Vallières de St. Real, George Vanfelson, Norman Fitzgerald Uniacke, George Usborne, George A. Wanton, Gustavus Wicksteed, Daniel Wilkie, George Willing, Thomas William Willan, George Wurtele, and Jonathan Wurtele, and their successors for ever, to be elected in the manner hereinafter directed, shall be one body, politic and corporate, in deed and in name, by the name and style of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec; and that by the same name they shall have perpetual succession and a common seal; and that they and their successors, shall from time to time, have power to alter, renew or change such common seal at their will and pleasure and as shall be found convenient, and that by the same name, they and their successors, from time to time, and at all times hereafter, shall be able and capable to have, take, receive, purchase, acquire, hold, possess, and enjoy, to them and their successors, to and for the uses and purposes of the said Corporation, any messuages, lands, tenements and hereditaments of what nature, quality or kind soever, situate, lying and being within our said Province of Lower Canada, so as the same do not exceed in yearly value the sum of five hundred pounds sterling money of Great Britain, above all charges ; and also to take, receive, purchase, acquire have, hold, possess and enjoy, to and for the same uses and purposes, any goods, chattels, gifts or benefactions whatsoever. And we do hereby grant and declare, that the said Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, and their successors for ever, by the same name, shall and may be able and capable to sue in law, and to be sued, plead and to be impleaded, answer and be answered, in all or any Court or Courts of Record within our United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and our said Province of Lower Canada, and other our dominions, in all and singular actions, causes, pleas, suits, matters and demands whatsoever, in as large, ample and beneficial manner and form as any other body politic or corporate, or any other liege subjects, being persons able and capable in law, may or can sue, implead or answer, or be sued, impleaded, or answered, in any matter whatsoever. And for the accomplishment of the purposes aforesaid, we do grant, ordain and declare, that the said Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, and their successors for ever, shall, on the second Wednesday in January yearly and every year, meet at some convenient place to be appointed by the said Society, or the major part of them who shall be present at any General Meeting, between the hours of eight and twelve in the morning; and that they or the major part of such of them as shall then be present, shall choose one President, one or more Vice-Presidents, one or more Treasurer or Treasurers, one or more Secretary or Secretaries, and such other Officers and Servants as shall be thought expedient, to serve in the said offices during the year next ensuing, and if by reason of any cause, matter or thing, the Election so to be held and made on the second Wednesday in the month of January, yearly as aforesaid, should be prevented, or may not be had or made, we grant and ordain that in every such case it shall be competent to the said Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, and their successors, or the major part of such of them as may be present at a Meeting to be held as soon after as may be convenient, to proceed to and make Election of a President, Vice-President, or Vice-Presidents, Treasurer or Treasurers, Secretary or Secretaries, Officers and Servants, as aforesaid, and the Election so made shall be as valid and effectual as if they had been made on such second Wednesday in the month of January as aforesaid; and we do hereby grant and ordain that the Honorable Jonathan Sewell, our Chief Justice of our said Province, and a Member of our Executive and Legislative Councils of our said Province, shall be the first President of the said Society; and that the said President shall, within six months after the passing of the Charter, cause notice to be given to the several Members of the said Society herein before mentioned, to meet at such time and place as he shall appoint; and that they or the major part of such of them as shall then be present, shall proceed to the Election of one or more Vice-President or Vice-Presidents, one or more Treasurer or Treasurers, and one or more Secretary or Secretaries, and such other Officers and Servants as shall to them seem meet; which said Officers from the time of their Election to their respective offices, shall continue therein until the second Wednesday in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, and from thenceforth until others shall be chosen in their places in manner aforesaid. And we do further grant and ordain, that if at any time or times, it shall happen that any of the persons chosen to the said offices respectively, shall die, or be removed from the said offices, or resign the same during the period for which they shall have been respectively elected, then, and in every such case, it shall be lawful for the surviving and continuing President, or any one of the Vice-Presidents, to issue notice to the several Members of the said Corporation, to meet at the usual place at which the annual Meeting of the said Society shall be held, at such time as shall be specified in the said notice; and that the Members of the said Corporation who shall meet in pursuance of such notice, or the major part of them, shall and may choose an Officer or Officers, in the room and place of the person or persons who shall have died, or resigned, or have been removed as aforesaid, as to them shall seem meet. And we do further grant and ordain, that the said Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, and their successors, shall and may on the second Wednesday in every month, yearly and every year for ever hereafter, and oftener if occasion shall require, meet at some convenient place to be appointed for that purpose, to transact the business of the said Society; and shall and may at any meeting on such second Wednesday in the month, elect such persons to be Members of the said Corporation, as they or the major part of them present shall think expedient. Provided always, and our will and pleasure is, that no act done at any Meeting of the Society shall be valid and effectual unless the President, or one of the Vice-Presidents, and eight other Members of the said Society at least be present, and the major part of them do consent to and concur therein. And we do further will, and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, do grant and ordain, that the said Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, and their successors, or the major part of them who shall be present at the first and second Meetings of the said Society, or at any Meeting on the second Wednesday in the months of January, May and November in each and every year, and at no other Meetings of the said Society, shall have power and authority to frame and make Statutes, By-Laws, Rules and Orders, touching and concerning the good government of the said Corporation, and the income and property thereof, and any other matter or thing which to them may seem fit and expedient, for the more effectual attainment of the objects of the said Corporation, and the administration of its concerns, and also, from time to time, by new Statutes, By-Laws, Rules and Orders, as to them may seem meet. Provided always, that the said Statutes, By-Laws, Rules and Orders, shall not be repugnant to the Laws of our said Province of Lower Canada or to this our Charter. And provided also, that the said Statutes, By-Laws, Rules and Orders, shall be subject to the approbation of our Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or person administering the Government of our said Province for the time being; and shall forthwith after their adoption be transmitted for consideration; and in case he shall for us, or in our behalf, signify his disapprobation thereof, in writing, within one year after the same shall have been so as aforesaid made known to him, the same or such part thereof as shall be so disapproved, shall, from the time of the signification of such disapprobation to the President of the said Corporation, be utterly void and of no effect, but until such disapprobation be so signified, shall be and remain in full force and virtue. And we do hereby for us, our heirs and successors, charge and command that the said Statutes, By-Laws, Rules and Orders, so as aforesaid to be made by the said Literary and Historical Society, under and subject to the provisions as aforesaid, shall be strictly observed, kept and performed, from time to time and at all times, as therein and thereby may be required, under the penalty therein contained: And we will and by these presents for us our heirs and successors, do grant and declare that these our Letters Patent, or the enrolment of the exemplification thereof, shall and may be good, firm and valid, sufficient, and effectual in law, according to the true intent and meaning of the same, and shall be taken, construed and adjudged upon, in the most favorable and beneficial sense, and to the best advantage of the said Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, as well in our Courts of Record as elsewhere, and by all and singular the Judges, Justices, Officers, Members and others the subjects of us, our heirs and successors, any mis-recital, non-recital, omission, imperfection, defect, cause, matter or thing whatsoever, to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding.

 

ANNO DUODECIMO.

 

VICTORIA REGINA.

 

CAP. CLII.

 

An Act to amend the Charter of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec.

 

25TH APRIL, 1849.

 

WHEREAS in the Royal Charter of His late Majesty, King William the Fourth, incorporating the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, and bearing date the 5th day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-one, a proviso is inserted in the following words: "Provided always, and our will and pleasure is, that no act done at any Meeting of the Society shall be valid and effectual, unless the President or one of the Vice-Presidents and eight Members of the said Society at least be present, and the major part of them do consent to and concur therein;" And whereas the quorum established by the said proviso hath been found to be inconveniently large, and the said Society have petitioned that the Charter be amended in this particular, and the said quorum reduced in the manner hereinafter provided: Be it therefore enacted, by the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada, constituted and assembled by virtue of and under the authority of an Act passed in the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and intituled: An Act to re-unite the Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, and for the Government of Canada, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, that for and notwithstanding anything in the said proviso, or in any other part of the Charter cited in the preamble to this Act, each and every act done at any meeting of the said Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, shall be valid and effectual, provided the President or one of the Vice-Presidents of the said Society, and at least two other members thereof be present at such meeting, and the majority of them do consent and concur therein, and not otherwise.

 

HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY

 

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 and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1831. A very complete account of the proceedings of the Society from its inception in 1823 to the year 1888 by Frederick C. Wurtele was published by the Society in its "Transactions" 1887-1889 Volume No. 19.

 

The purposes of the Society were 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 depositories, 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; under the auspices of Sir James Kempt, the Governor General, who was Patron of both Societies, a union was brought unites with about on June 4th 1829, and the name of the older Society was retained. The LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC 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. Louis, and it is probable that the Society had rooms in the Old Chateau till they were required by His Excellency after the Castle was destroyed by fire January 23rd 1834; when by permission of the Government, apartments occupied for the Library were granted in the Union Hotel, then used for Government Offices. This building at Place d'Armes Square is now occupied and owned by Mr. Morgan.

 

Subsequently, by the same permission, more suitable rooms were obtained in the Parliament

Buildings. Buildings, to which the Library was moved.

 

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, St. Ursule and St. Lewis Streets.

 

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 Hotel were not very suitable they were vacated and the Society, in April 1858, removed the 2,500 volumes it possessed to the Union 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 "Banque d'Epargne" building in St. John Street, The Society remained there until 1862, when more eligible rooms were found in the Masonic Hall, St. Lewis Street; but the removal was decided for them in an abrupt and disastrous manner, for, on October 25th 1862, the buildings were burned and out of 4,000 volumes only 700 were saved, along with the manuscripts, but the contents of the Museum were destroyed.

 

An agreement, dated November 1st 1862 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.

 

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

 

In 1866 the Trustees of Morrin College purchased the old Jail, corner of St. Ann Street and Stanislas Hill. In June, 1868, the Society removed to the fine rooms they now occupy in Morrin College building.

 

Having related the vicissitudes of the Literary and Historical Society to this point, we will leave it for a space and take up the history of two of the absorbed Libraries:—The "Quebec Library" and The "Quebec Library Association";—there being no history available of "Society for promoting Literature, Science, Arts and Historical Researches in Canada" which was absorbed in 1829 by this Society.

 

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 General and of the Bishop, and it is hoped that the Institution, so particularly useful in this country, will be generally encouraged. 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 Quebec Library" was thus formed in 1779. Incorporated in 1845, and sold to the LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC in 1866.

 

The "Quebec Library Association" was formed in 1843, amalgamated with the Quebec Library in 1845, and absorbed by the LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC in 1865 together with the "Quebec Library".

 

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 remaining books were placed in rooms at 42 Ste. Anne street, and subsequently at 21 St. Famille street, which they occupied in 1864. The Association then moved to 13 St. John street, where the Library was carried on until 1866.

 

In 1866, the "Quebec Library Association" sold its Library to the LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC and on March 3rd 1868, the "Association" dissolved.     

The LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC had now absorbed three other Institutions of like aims, namely:

 

The "Society for promoting Literature, Science, Arts, and Historical Researches in Canada," formed in 1827 was united with the LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC in the year 1829.

 

The "Quebec Library" and the "Quebec Library Association", were purchased in 1866 by the LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC.

 

The LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC published their first Essay, given on 31st May, 1824 by Chief Justice Sewell, the following being a copy of its first three pages.

 

This article which is too long to insert at length, can be found in Vol. 1, of "Transactions" published by the Society.

 

 

(The Cover)

 

AN ESSAY ON THE JURIDICAL HISTORY OF FRANCE, so far as it relates to the Law

OF THE PROVINCE OF LOWER-CANADA

 

Read at a Special Meeting of THE LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC, the 31st day of May 1824.

 

By the Honorable J. SEWELL, Chief Justice of Lower-Canada.

 

 

To His EXCELLENCY THE RIGHT HONORABLE GEORGE, EARL OF DALHOUSIE, G.C.B. FOUNDER AND PATRON;

 

TO

 

HIS EXCELLENCY THE HONORABLE SIR FRANCIS BURTON, G.C.H., PRESIDENT;

 

AND TO

 

THE MEMBERS OF THE QUEBEC LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

 

THE FOLLOWING ESSAY, (Published at their Request,) IS MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, BY THEIR OBEDIENT SERVANT, J. SEWELL.

 

 

MY LORD AND GENTLEMEN,

APPOINTED to address a Society, distinguished, in its origin, by the rank and character of its noble Founder, and, in the first stage of its progress, by the respectability and talents of its numerous Members; whose high and meritorious purpose is, to extend more amply the advantages of Science and Literature to a remote, but rising portion of the Great Empire to which we belong, and the beneficial effects of its disinterested labours to future times, I am anxious to devote the period, in which I hope to be honored with your attention, to a subject which corresponding with the views of your Institution, and involving matter interesting to Science, may, in some degree, be worthy of your notice.

 

Confining myself, therefore, to the more immediate object of the Society—Historical Research —I shall offer to your consideration an Essay upon the Juridical History of France, antecedent to the erection of the Sovereign Council of Quebec, in the year 1663 ; the Law, as it was then administered in France, in the Tribunals of the Vicomté of Paris, being, in fact, the Common Law of the division of Canada which we now inhabit[1].

 

AT A MEETING of the Quebec Literary and Historical Society, holden at the Castle of Saint Lewis, in the city of Quebec, on Monday, the 31st day of May, 1824—It is ordered, that the best thanks of the Society be given to the Honourable the Chief Justice, for the Address and Essay respecting the early civil and ecclesiastical juridical History of France, which he has this day read before the Society—and that he be requested to furnish a copy thereof for publication.

 

Certified,

 

WM. GREEN,

 

Secretary.

 

Three volumes of Transactions were issued First in the years 1829, 1831, and 1837 respectively. In 1838 the first part of the 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 circumstances concerning a copy of it, is thus related by Francis Parkman, the Historian: "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.[2] 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 trust-worthy".

 

It was reprinted by the Society in 1876.

 

In 1840 the second part of this series[3] was published called "Collection de mémoires et de " relations sur l'histoire ancienne du 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[4] sur les opérations militaires de la Campagne en Canada en 1759, 8 p.

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

8. Histoire de Veau de vie en Canada, 29 p.

 

The first three mémoires are from manuscripts Manuscript obtained from the Archives of the Bureau de la Marine à Paris by Lord Durham in 1838 just before he left Europe to take charge of the Government of Canada and shortly after his arrival at Quebec presented them to the Society, along with two others leaving their publication to the discretion of the Council.

 

The third part of the series, called "Voyages 3rd series de découvertes au Canada entre les années 1534 et 1542 par Jacques-Cartier, le Sieur de Roberval. Jean Alphonse de Xaintonge, etc.—suivis de la description de Québec et de ses environs en 1608, et de divers extraits relativement au lieu de l'hivernement de Jacques Cartier en 1535-36, (avec gravures fac-similé) ré-imprimés sur d'anciennes relations, 130 p., 8-vo," was published in 1843. Champlain's voyages being copies of manuscripts in voyages the Royal Library at Paris, and from the Hackluyt collection of 1810, and the plans and maps were copied from a rare edition of Champlain's voyages published at Paris 1613.

 

The fourth volume of Transactions was published in 1855, followed in 1862 by the fifth. In 1863 the new series was commenced by part one, and continued to part 18 issued in 1886. At present the first three volumes are out of print and very rare. Three parts of the fourth volume are still in print, but the fourth part and appendix are unobtainable. The fifth volume and all of the new series are in print, except number five, of which not one copy remains.

 

The fourth part of first series Historical Documents was published in 1861, having been obtained by G. B. Faribault, Esq., from the Archives in the office of Marine in Paris in 1852 and presented to the Society; it is called Mémoires du Sieur de Ramsay, Commandant à Québec au sujet de la reddition de cette ville, le 18 septembre 1759.

 

The second series was published in 1866 and 1867 in separate brochures, as follows:

 

1. Extract from a manuscript journal relating to the siege of Quebec in 1759, kept by Colonel Malcolm Fraser.

2. Campaign of Louisbourg, 1750 to 1758.

3. Dialogue in Hades, between Generals Wolfe and Montcalm, a parallel of military errors, of which the French and English armies were guilty during the campaign of 1759.

4. The Campaign of 1760 in Canada.

5. The Invasion of Canada in 1775.

6. Journal of an Expedition up the River St. Lawrence in 1759.

 

 

The third series was published in 1871 in one volume and is composed of the following narratives:

1. Histoire de Montréal, 1640 à 1672.

2. Recueil de ce qui s'est passé en Canada au sujet de la guerre, tant les Anglais que les Iroquois, depuis l'année 1682.

3. Voyage d'Iberville. Journal du voyage fait par deux frégates du roi, La Badine et le Marin. Commencé dans l'année 1698.

4. Journal of the Siege of Quebec, 1760, by Siege of General James Murray.

5. Journal des opérations de l'armée Américaine lors de l'invasion du Canada en 1775-1776, par M. J. B. Badeau.

 

The fourth series was published in 1875, in one volume, consisting of the following manuscripts:

1. A Journal of the Expedition up the River St. Lawrence, 1759.

2. General orders in Wolfe's army during the expedition up the River St. Lawrence, 1759. order.

3. Journal du siège de Québec en 1759, par Jean Claude Panet.

4. Journal of the siege and blockade of Quebec by the American rebels, in autumn 1775 and winter 1776, attributed to Hugh Findlay.

 

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

 

The last manuscript printed to this date, is a detailed account of the vessels arriving at Quebec in the year 1793. It was extracted from the register of the Quebec Exchange and contributed for the publication in the Archives of the Literary and Historical Society by MacPherson LeMoyne, Seigneur of Crane Island, County of Montmagny.

 

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, Sr., a volunteer under General Wolfe, and afterwards overseer of Public Works.

 

Perrault L'Aîné's Correspondence, 1755 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., L.L.D., who was President of the Society in 1846, and presented by his daughter, Mrs. E. Burstall.

 

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. Le 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 report and maps. Also the Dominion Archives reports. And the valuable manuscripts following:

 

Original manuscript of Procédure Judiciaire, 1665 to 1759. (6 vols.)

Original manuscript of Matière de police et Voirie, 1683 to 1756. (1 vol.)

Original manuscript of Matière de police, 1695 to .1755. (1 vol.)

Original manuscript of Matière civile, 1682 to 1746. (2 vols.)

Manuscript copy of Cahier d'intendance, 1647 to 1725. (1 vol.)

Manuscript copy Registres des insinuations des cahiers d'intendance. (1 vol.)

Manuscript copy Table des ordonnances, &c., 1764 to 1775. (1 vol.)

Manuscript copy from the Archives of Paris, 1631 to 1763. (17 vols.)

Manuscript copy from the Archives of London, 1613 to 1779. (6 vols.)

Manuscript copy of Relations sur le Canada, 1682 to 1712. (2 vols.)

Manuscript copy of Voyages au Mississipi, 1698 to 1699. (1vol.)

Manuscript copy of Histoire de Montréal, 1640 to 1672. (1 vol.)

Manuscript copy of Sieges of Quebec, 1759 & 1776. (1 vol.)

 

Under authority of an Act intituled 49 and 50 Vict., sect. 3, par. 8 to 10, Cap. 98 passed in 1886 by the Legislature of the Province of Quebec, and the Statutes of the Province of Quebec 51 and 52 Vict., Cap. 1, page 12, Schedule B 58, these Volumes were taken over by the Provincial Secretary on the 19th of November 1888.

 

Of these there were 28 volumes of manuscript copy described in the catalogue of the Library of Parliament, dated 1858, and were at some time deposited with the Society. See also Report of QUEBEC LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 11th January, 1854, page 6. On page 1448 of this Catalogue the following paragraphs occur:

 

"La Législature provinciale ayant sur requête de la Société Littéraire et Historique de Québec, voté une somme de £300 pour obtenir des documents historiques, M. Faribault fut, en 1845, député à Albany, où il s'entendit avec les autorités de l'Etat de New York pour faire transcrire une volumineuse collection de manuscrits relatifs à l'histoire du Canada, que le Col. Brodhead avait été chargé de se procurer en Europe. De cette manière il obtint 17 volumes de documents tirés des Archives de Paris, et six autres volumes de bureau colonial à Londres.

 

"La première série se compose des 17 volumes transcrits à Albany, et qui se trouvent déposés dans la bibliothèque de la Société Littéraire et Historique de Québec."

 

These are described in detail in this Catalogue, on pages 1451 to 1498 inclusive. On pages 1622 to 1644 inclusive, are found the details of the 6 volumes copied from the Archives in the Colonial office in London, and deposited in the Library of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec.

 

At the foot of page 1448 is the following paragraph:

 

"Les quatre volumes de documents, mentionnés à la page 1616, et qui sont déposés dans la bibliothèque de la Société Littéraire et Historique de Québec, ont été transcrits à Paris par les soins de l'hon. L. J. Papineau." The following is the detail of these volumes mentioned on page 1613.

 

I. 1682-1712.—Relation de ce qui s'est passé en Canada, au sujet de la guerre, tant les Anglais que les Iroquois, depuis Vannée 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 Journals 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 Siege of by the American Bebels, in the autumn Quebec-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. Letters 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 are believed to have been published in Montreal.

 

The foregoing gives an abbreviated history of the Society up to the year 1887 ; a more complete account to that date is published in Volume No. 19 of the Transactions of the Society—(1887-1889) compiled by Fred C. Wurtele, Esq. The Minute Books of the Society prior to 1854 were burned in fire of February 1854.

 

The Library continued to increase;—the Catalogue issued in 1878, shows there were 8,974 volumes on the shelves, classification of which will be found in Transactions No. 19.

 

The estimated number of volumes in 1888 was about 15,000 and some 6,000 pamphlets.

 

The Catalogue published in 1878, together with Bulletins Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 published in 1900, 1904, 1906, 1921 and the Card Catalogue, indicate works of all sorts acquired by the Society up to the present date (1924).

 

Henceforward a synopsis of the proceedings of the Society from 1887 to the year 1924 is given, thus completing the Centenary of its existence, 1824-1924.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1887-89. Vol. 19 contains:—

 

The Annual Reports of Council etc.

 

The history of the Society to 1887 together with the following:

An article entitled "An Elementary Discussion of the "Nebular Hypothesis" by Wm A. Ashe, F.R.A.S.

 

"Champlain's Tomb" by Dr. J. M. Harper, M.A., F.E.I.S.

 

Documents discovered by Abbé Casgrain, dated 1649 and 1658.

 

Histoire Abrégée de l'Eglise Paroissiale de Québec. 1644-1771.

 

Notes sur le Château St. Louis (Incendié en 183à) et le Château Haldimand ou Vieux Château, Québec, prepared by Ernest Gagnon, 1875.

 

A classified Report of Works in the Library to 1887.

 

Quebec was supplied with electric power in 1885 developed at Montmorency Falls, about seven miles distant from the City. This being the first long distance transmission of electric power in the world, which was then supposed by experts to be impossible, owing to the great loss of electric current from wire of such a length. Quebec enterprise created a new interest in this amazing element which now reaches half across the world without wires.

 

 

TRANSACTIONS 1889-90. Vol. 20 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

An Article by Archibald Campbell, Esq. OH Steamship the steamship "Royal William", named after H.M. King William IV, the keel of which was laid in Quebec on 2nd September, 1830, by George Black, launched from Campbell's Shipyard at Wolfe's Cove, April 29th, 1831. The engines of 200 H.P. being installed by Bennett and Henderson at Montreal.

 

The "Royal William" made three trips between Quebec and Halifax, which were most successful. On her voyage to England The "Royal William" left Quebec 5th August, 1833, took on 300 tons of coal at Pictou, Nova Scotia,[5] left Pictou on 18th August, arriving at London twenty-five days later including detention at Cowes, where boilers were cleaned. During an entire week of the voyage the vessel steamed under the larboard engine alone; Captain McDougall holding on his way, even after the engineer reported the vessel about to sink, when the starboard engine had become disabled. That the "Royal William" steamed continuously during the entire voyage has been established by reports from the Captain and Officers, as evidenced by the affidavits of Joseph Wilson Henry, Esq., and William H. Baldwin, Esq., before Messrs. Fiset, Burroughs, and Campbell, Notaries at Quebec.

 

The Report of the Secretary of State of Canada to the Dominion Parliament for year ending 31st December 1894, contains a full and complete account of this epoch making steamer, showing how just are the claims made on her behalf and giving evidence which has assured her owners and builders the honours universally accorded to her as "the first steamer in the world to cross the Atlantic ocean continuously propelled by steam". A Memorial Tablet—copy of which is on page 52 — was placed in the corridor leading to the Library of Parliament at Ottawa during the Colonial Conference of 1894, in the presence of His Excellency The Earl of Aberdeen, Governor-General of Canada, together with the Colonial Delegates from British possessions in all quarters of the globe.

 

The Right Honourable the Earl of Jersey, P.C., G.C.M.G., representing the Government of Her Majesty; with Representatives of the Dominion of Canada; the Governments of New South Wales; Tasmania; South Australia; Victoria; Queensland; New Zealand; and The Cape of Good Hope, together with the Speakers of both Houses of the Dominion Parliament, the members of the Canadian Government, and members representing the Learned Societies of Canada and the public.

 

There were two gentlemen present who had been on board this steamer—Mr. G. W. Wickstead, Q.C., who had been a passenger on a voyage to Halifax, and his brother Major Horace A. Wick-steed who visited the "Royal William" on her arrival in the Thames after crossing the ocean.

 

This Government Report also contains a splendid picture of the model of this vessel; the Charter of the Company and List of Subscribers to its shares; also a Report of a Committee of the Honourable the Privy Council in which "the Minister recommends that he be authorized to convey to Captain F. C. Wurtele, Hon. Librarian of the LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC, the thanks of the Government of Canada, for his services in preparing— free of charge—a pamphlet in which evidence is collected establishing the fact that the "Royal William" was the first vessel to cross the Atlantic propelled by steam". Much of this Report was obtained from Mr. Campbell's article here mentioned—as published in Transactions Vol. 20 by this Society.

 

Among the shareholders the name of three members of the Cunard family appear; this may

History of the Society prove to have been the stimulus which eventually created the famous "Cunard Line" whose 20,000 ton steamer "Carmania" is this day (May 1st 1924) in Quebec loading on return trip to England, and whose Atlantic Liner the "Aquitania" logged sixteen knots in twenty-nine minutes on 19th November, 1923; this being at the rate of 33.1 knots per hour which is claimed as a record for a passenger steamer.

 

The LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC is in possession of the "Record Book" of George Black, the builder of the "Royal William", giving details of measurements of all the various requirements with great minuteness : some of them entered as one quarter inch, one half inch, and three quarters of an inch as occasion demanded, showing the great care taken by Black in construction.

 

This Book is entirely in his own hand writing —giving measures of hulls, masts, spars, angles, pitch of masts &c, of the many schooners, ships, and steam boats built by Black from 1819 to 13th July, 1833.

 

On one page the following is written:—“December 3rd 1829—This Book contains the dimensions of twenty four ships—the whole of this number I laid down and built myself, and a great many of the above were very fast sailing vessels, which will be known, and can be proved, by referring to their names.

 

"On this book I have spent many a leisure hour".

 

(Signed) GEORGE BLACK

 

The Book also gives the measurements in full detail of the "Royal William", and it is interesting to note the careful provision Black made in the design, to throw off too heavy seas from the paddle-wheels, which were placed well forward, protected by a fullness given the hull, yet preserving good sailing lines.

 

James Goudie was employed by Black in the building of many of his vessels.

 

On June 14th, 1854, Captain John McDougall of the steamship "Royal William" gave the Society five pamphlets relating to the "Royal Mail Steam Packet Company"; five copies of Inventories of Stores, Engines, &c. of the "Royal William", and a copy of a testimonial to himself:

 

On 4th October, 1854, Captain John McDougall presented this Society with an oil painting of the steamship "Royal William". Unfortunately this painting, and the papers given in June by Capt. McDougall are missing, doubtless having been lost in the fire of 1862.

 

A painting of the "Royal William" was purchased in England by Dr. James Douglas, and presented by him to the Society in 1908; it hangs in the principal room, directly under the original model of the vessel.

 

This original model was awarded a diploma at the Royal Naval Exhibition of Chelsea, England, held under Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Victoria and presided over by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII) in 1892. This model has been returned and placed in the Reading Room of the Society.

 

The Canadian Institute of Toronto established a Memorial Tablet in honour of the men associated with the building and sending to sea of the steamer "Royal William".

 

An Article by Fred C. Wurtele, Esq. on the "Cathedral of the Holy Trinity", Quebec, originally called "The Metropolitan Church of Quebec" —the corner stone of which was laid on the 11th of August, 1800—under which a document was placed bearing the inscription:

 

"Glory to God in the Highest"

 

The last stone being set on the 1st May 1804.

 

The building is erected on land formerly belonging to the Order of Recollets.

 

The Burial Register of the Duke of Richmond.

 

A Journal of Voyage of the "Brunswick Auxiliaries" in 1776[6], in two parts, by Chaplain Melsheimer; the first part was translated from the German, by Col. William Wood, who was then Hon. Secretary to the Council of the Society.

 

Index to Lectures, Papers, and Historical Authors Documents published by the Society and authors of the same ; also a List of the unpublished papers read before the Society—1829 to 1891—Compiled by Fred C. Wurtele, Esq.

 

Donations to Society.

 

Exchanges, List of Officers, &c.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1891. Vol. 21 contains:—

 

Annual Reports of Council, Librarian, &c.

 

Article by James Stevenson, Esq., entitled The Circulation of Army Bills, with some remarks on the War of 1812". This paper contains facsimiles of some of the paper currency dated 1813 and 1814.

 

Mr. James Stevenson delivered in 1874 a lecture on the "Card Money of Canada during the French Domination".

 

And a lecture on "The Currency of Canada after the Capitulation", by same author in 1876.

 

A letter from J. M. LeMoine, then President, warning against permitting the Society to become merely a circulating Library of light literature.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1892. Vol. 22 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Reference to the discontinuance of grant by the Provincial Government.

 

Reference to Diploma granted to this Society for Exhibit of Model of the steamship "Royal William" at the Royal Naval Exhibition, Chelsea, England.

 

Donations to Society, &c.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1893. Vol. 22 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Dr. James Douglas acted as delegate of this Dr. Society in Spain where festivities were being held celebrating the anniversary of the discovery of the New World.

 

Hon. Mr. Joly de Lotbinière read a paper on : "The Most Rapid and Economical Way of Growing Forest Trees" and exhibited specimens of black walnut and other trees grown at Point Platon.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1894. Vol. 22 contains:—

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Formation of Endowment Fund

 

SUBSCRIBERS to Endowment Fund:—Messrs. Frank Ross, John T. Ross, E.J. Price, R.R. Dobell, G. R. Renfrew, J. H. Holt, Gus. Stuart, Q.C., T. H. Dunn, Arch. Campbell, Logie Dunn, John Hamilton, Theophilus Oliver.

 

In November, 1894, Mr. E. A. Evans, C.E., submitted an encouraging report to Mr. H. J. Beemer, regarding feasibility of operating a street railway by electricity in Quebec City.

 

The general opinion was very pessimistic regarding the successful operating of Electric Cars in Quebec, owing to the heavy snow fall in the narrow streets, abrupt curves and severe grades encountered passing from the "Lower Town" level to the Upper Town—almost 315 feet.— Dalhousie St. (Fire Station, St. James St.) 19'.375 Grande Allée "St. Coeur de Marie Church" 334'.349.

 

All of which obstacles have been successfully overcome. — Outsiders did not understand Canadian snow conditions, which falling during cold weather is line and light—not wet-packing-snow which turns quickly into "slush"—but such as is easily swept away with the rotary brooms, or removed with the snow plows far from each side of the track—very different conditions from those contended with in places farther South, where the snow is a far more troublesome proposition, packing solidly when pushed upon by a "plow", rendering manual labor necessary for its removal.

 

Even yet, strangers do not realize the many virtues of our Canadian winter, and its snow, which falls in tiny crystals, each laying on the ground separate and distinct, and not packing as in a less cold climate—hence its charm for all who come to recognise the vast difference between the two conditions.

 

People have been surprised when told of the impossibility of making a "snow-ball" during the winter months, as the snow particles are too dry to adhere together, unless during a thaw, or from snow falling during the warm days of March.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1895. Vol. 22 contains:—

Annual Reports, &c.

 

A special subscription was made by Members to pay off accumulated debt:—Messrs. V. Boswell, J. Douglas, W. Hossack, G. R. Renfrew, P. Johnston, C. Tessier, W. Wood, P. B. Casgrain, Jas. Geggie.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1896. Vol. 22 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Lecture "The Vandals in Africa", Part I, by Mr. L. G. Holme.

 

Lecture "The Vandals in Africa", Part II, by Mr. L. G. Holme.

 

Lecture "Wit, Humour, and Scottish Humour" by Rev'd. Dr. Macrae.

 

Knighting of Sir James Lemoine.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1897. Vol. 22 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Promotion of Endowment Fund.

 

New arrangements for publishing Society's Transactions and Historical Documents.

 

 

Lectures given before the Society:—

"The Literature of Germany" by Professor Gunn.

 

"Poetry and Life", by Rev'd. Fred George Scott.

 

"The Water we Drink", by Professor McIntyre.

 

"The Battlefield of Lutzen", by Professor Gunn.

 

Shakespeare's HENRY IV. Part 1 by the Dean of Quebec.

 

 

Printed (Published) Papers:—

Histoire de la Conquête du Canada. Manuscrit inédit.

 

"A Diary of the Weather". Kept by Americans in Quebec, 1776.

 

"The Journal of Sergeant James Thompson", 1758-1830.

 

"Brigadier General R. Montgomery's Sword", 1775.

 

"How Order of "Gateau" became instituted".

 

"The New Canadian Patriotism", by Leigh R. Gregor, B.A., Ph.D.

 

 

List of subscribers to Endowment Fund

His EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR GENERAL

John Theodore Ross, 

Hon. E. J. PRICE,

His Grace Mgr. BEGIN, F.R.S.C.

G. R. RENFREW,  

J. H. HOLT,

T. H. DUNN, 

G. G. STUART,

John BREAKEY,

James KING,

S. J. SHAW, 

Hon. R. TURNER,

Jos. WHITEHEAD,          

Wm. SHAW,

Jos. LOUIS,  

Hon. P. GARNEAU,

Lady MEREDITH, 

E. C. FRY,

Edson FITCH,

Jas. MACNIDER,

D. H. GEGGIE,

Rev. Dean NORMAN,

G. C. HOSSACK,  

H. T. MACHIN,

L. C. WEBSTER,  

J. C. MORE.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1898. Vol. 23 contains:—

 

Annual Reports of Council, Librarian, and Treasurer for 1897.

 

Lectures given before the Society:—

"George Eliot", by Professor Sharp.

 

"The New Canadian Patriotism", by Professor Gregor.

 

La Fusion des Races, by Prof, de Kastner.

 

The Society was presented with the Ancient Statue of General Wolfe by C. F. Sise, Esq.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1899. Vol. 23 contains:—

 

Annual Report of Council and Librarian.

 

Legacy of $500 from Mrs. Geo. Renfrew.

 

Dr. James Douglas promises to add $500 to the $500 already donated.

 

Archibald Campbell donates $100.

 

New Life Members.—Hon. John Sharpies and Felix Carbray.

 

Hon. D. A. Ross, Attorney General, states in writing, that it was by inadvertence that nothing was granted the Society by the Government, and that the error will be remedied next session.

Lectures given before the Society:—

 

"Abelard and the Rise of the Universities", by Dr. Macrae.

 

"Joan of Arc", by Professor Gunn.

 

Appeal by the Society to preserve the Plains of Abraham as Historic Grounds.

 

A Memorial to Sir Wilfred Laurier that Historic Grounds be preserved to the public.

 

The following papers appear:—

Military Operations at Siege of Quebec, September, 1759, by Sir J. M. LeMoine.

 

Battle on Plains of Abraham(Won by Wolfe), 13th September, 1759 (in French) by P. B. Casgrain, Esq., with map showing Eastern part of Plains.

 

Portrait of Wolfe.

 

Portrait of Montcalm.

 

Cuts showing where Wolfe and his soldiers climbed the cliff to the Plains.

 

Print of Wolfe's Monument.

 

Print of Montcalm's Monument.

 

Second Battle on Plains of Abraham(Won by de Lévis), 28th April 1760. (in French) by P. B. Casgrain, Esq., with map showing Western part of Plains with positions occupied by French and English forces.

 

Portrait of General Murray.

 

Portrait of le Maréchal de Lévis.

 

Print of Monument Sainte Foye.

 

Letters from various sources advocating preserving the "Plains" as National Park.

 

Sir John William Dawson, Kt., C.M.G., F.R.S. F.R.S.C, late Principal of McGill University, Montreal, and the first President of the Royal Society of Canada, died on 18th November 1899.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1900. Vol. 24 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Leading part taken by Society to preserve the Plains of Abraham as a public possession.

 

A portion of the Plains of Abraham was purchased from Ladies of the Ursulines Convent for

$80,000. Area 84 arpents, 11 perches (French measure).

 

Paper by Geo. D. O'Farrell—"Lighthouses of the Province".

 

Papers            Paper by J. G. Scott—"Proposed Trans Canada Railway"? with map, 13th January, 1903.

 

Notes on "James Bay Territory" by Henry O'Sullivan, F.G.S.L.

 

Paper on "The Forests of Canada" by Henry Stewart.

 

Lectures given before the Society:—

"Tennyson—Poet and Teacher" by Professor Sidley.

 

"Rambles and Student Life in Germany" by Professor Gunn.

 

"A Prophet of Imperialism, Sir John Seely" by Dr. I. P. Whitney.

 

 

Cash Donations were received from:—Wm. Price, Esq., Archibald Campbell, Esq., Dr. James Douglas.

 

March 19th, the Society appoints Committee to place Historic Tablets.

 

Resolution of condolence on death of the Earl of "Dufferin and Ava", and reference was made to the fact that had it not been for the death of his eldest son, whose title Lord Dufferin felt it incumbent to assume, he would have chosen "Dufferin and Quebec" as his title, instead of "Dufferin and Ava".

 

TRANSACTIONS 1903. Vol. 25 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Legacy of $5,000 received from the late Mrs. J. F. Turnbull.

 

Donation of $500 received from Dr. James Douglas.

 

Donation of $500 received from Mr. Frank Ross.

 

Inscriptions for Historical Tablets composed by Col. William Wood, then President of the Society, were submitted.

 

Report of Historical Tablets Committee, was received.

 

Paper by Dr. James Douglas, L.L.D., Hon. President, was read:—

"Education in Quebec in the 17th Century" with pictures of the Jesuit College, Quebec-

built 1647-1666. Since used as Barracks. Demolished in 1877. City Hall built on

site in 1895. Organization of Seminary, with wood cut, also view of Laval University. (Modern) Letter of Bishop Laval creating Quebec Seminary, and Edict of King Louis confirming the same.

 

Attention was drawn to an Article in the Charter fixing the hours for meetings as 8 to 12

o'clock in the forenoon and that the approval of the Lieut. Governor as requisite to change the

same in conformity with the Charter.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1904. Vol. 26 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1905. Vol. 26 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Erection of Historic Tablets, and photographs of same.

 

The seventh series of Historical Documents contains material relating to events in 1775, being verbatim reprints in a volume prepared by F. C. Wurtele, entitled: "The Blockade of Quebec in 1775-76 by the American Revolutionists" (Les Bostonnais). The contents comprise: 1. Journal of Thomas Ainslie; 2. The Journal of an Unknown Diarist; 3. The Orderly Book of the British Militia at Quebec, 1775-6; and 4. The Nominal Roll of the French Canadian Militia serving at Quebec during the siege.

 

Suggestion was made by the Literary and Historical Society that "The Canadian Landmarks be formed.

 

Paper was read by Colonel Hubert Neilson entitled: "Slavery in Old Canada—Before and After the Conquest".

 

Earl Grey was elected Patron, and Lord Minto elected Honorary Member.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1906-07.

 

Vol. 27 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

The President, P. B. Casgrain, read Monograph before the Royal Society—sur Samos et la tentative manquêe de Bourgainville pour prêter main-forte à Montcalm à la journée du septembre, 1759.

 

A Reminder regarding the objects of the Historic Society, as defined in its Charter, was brought scientific before the members.

 

Thanks were conveyed to the Governors of Morrin College for their continued generosity; also to the Provincial Government for $200 given to aid in the publication of Original Documents of 1775-6.

 

Paper read by Dr. J. M. Harper "Between the Times of War, 1759-1812".

 

Paper read by Rev. Wylie C. Clark, B.A., B.D., entitled "The Early Presbyterianism of Quebec under Dr. Spark".

 

Lieutenant Governor Jetté was elected Honorary Member.

 

Publication of eighth series of Historical Documents (1906). This volume is a continuation of subject contained in seventh series; and a Bibliography of the Invasion of Canada, 1775-76.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1908. Vol. 28 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

This year's report is highly satisfactory in a financial way owing to the beneficence of Dr. James Douglas, who has given, apart from minor contributions, a sum of $500, annually for years past to be expended in the purchase of certain classes of books, and the publication of Historical Documents. Dr. Douglas has now commuted this annual contribution and conveyed to the Society, the sum of ten thousand dollars, in Trust, appointing as Trustees John Theodore Ross, Esq., and A. H. Cook, Esq., K.C., with full power to invest said fund, paying the dividends to the Society.

 

The generous legacy of $5,000 from the late Mrs. Turnbull in 1904 brought our funds to $8,000, so now the Society has an Endowment Fund of $18,000.

 

A Fac-simile of the Prayer Book of the celebrated Missionary Père Marquette, translated into the Indian language, has been reproduced and bound, and 250 copies presented to the Society by Dr. Douglas for distribution to Exchanges, Learned Societies, and prominent personages; the total issue being limited to 300 copies.

 

Dr. Douglas and Colonel Neilson represented this Society at a Meeting of the American Historical Association in Washington, D.C.   

 

TRANSACTIONS 1909. Vol. 28 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

A reception was tendered the International Council of Women, of whom one hundred passed council of through Quebec from the British Isles, Europe, and Australia, to attend the quadrennial meeting in Toronto. Our President was invited and attended the meeting.

 

Copies of the Fac-simile Prayer Book of Père Marquette, presented last year to the Society by Dr. Douglas, were distributed to Universities, distinguished individuals, and to learned Societies from which we have received exchanges.

 

A catalogue is being made of the Library of the late Judge Aylwin, which he presented to Morrin College.

 

Portraits of some Past Presidents were placed on the walls.

 

A paper was read by Captain J. G. Boulton, R.N., (retired) on Admiral Henry Wolsey Bayfield (with portrait). This article is of great interest, and published to preserve some records of the important work done for the Empire, and Canada in particular, by this most distinguished Hydrographic Surveyor, who has charted the coasts of the Great Lakes, the North and South Shores of the St. Lawrence, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Anticosti, Newfoundland, &c., and given soundings of their waters. Bayfield was appointed Admiralty Surveyor, June 17th 1817, and continued this work up to the 18th October, 1867, when he retired with the rank of full Admiral. He died in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, February 10th 1885, aged 90 years and 3 weeks. Bayfield made the Quebec Citadel his secondary meridian for longitude, keeping his chronometers rated for the local time.

 

Commander Bayfield states that on 21st September, 1834, on his way down from Montreal in the "Gulnare", "there is only ten feet of water over the flats of Lake St. Peter," and on 20th September, 1846, states: "Ban over the flats of Lake St. Peter in 8 feet of water".

 

On March 2nd 1830, Bayfield presented the Literary and Historical Society, of which he was a charter member, with geological specimens from below Quebec and from Anticosti.

 

During the winter of 1830 he read a paper before the Society on "The coral animals in the Gulf of St. Lawrence".

 

On 1st February 1832, he notes "The First Anniversary Dinner of the Literary and Historical Society was given to-day at which Lord Aylmer presided".

 

In February 1835 he supplied this Society with a trace copy of the St. Lawrence from Quebec to the Saguenay River; also latitude of Montreal and Three Rivers; these to make a base, for map of routes for exploring parties going north of the St. Lawrence; adding: "This map is for The Literary and Historical Society".

 

We now have the hydrographie history of the St. Lawrence from Jacques Cartier, followed by Champlain, Cook, Bayfield and the Admiralty publication called the "St-Lawrence Pilot", which describes the work done year by year; this year (1924) The Dominion Scientific Research Bureau have decided to send Professor Boyle to undertake scientific nautical Research work in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, north of Anticosti Island, Belle Isle Straits, and the Labrador Coast.

 

An Article by Dr. James Douglas, L.L.D., Hon. President of this Society, entitled: "The Steamship Unicorn", on the St. Lawrence Branch of the Cunard Company in 1840, and some Memoranda on "Early Trans-Atlantic Steamship Service", by Captain Walter Douglas—Commander of the "Unicorn"—who was father-in-law of Dr. James Douglas, who communicated this interesting subject. Captain Walter Douglas acquired his intimate knowledge of the Lower St. Lawrence as sailing Master to Captain Bayfield, in His Majesty's Surveying Ship "Gulnare". Owing to his acquaintance with the Gulf and River St. Lawrence, he was selected by Mr. Samuel Cunard to command the "Unicorn" which preceded the "Britannia", the first regular trans-Atlantic Liner of the Cunard fleet; also containing:—

 

A list of sailings of steamers to and from New York, 1838-39, and recording the time taken on voyages. The best time attained was 13 days 3 hours, by the S.S. "Great Western", Bristol to New York; and 12 days, 10 hours, by the S.S. "Liverpool", from New York to Liverpool.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1910. Vol. 29 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

Lectures delivered:—(Under the joint auspices of the Society and the Governors of Morrin

College).

 

"The Outlook for Imperial Unity" by Prof. S. B. Leacock.

 

"Two Centuries of Parliamentary Life" by Prof. J. L. Morrison.

 

"Socialism" by Prof. S. B. Leacock.

 

"Abraham Lincoln" by Prof. Dyde.

 

Portraits of several ex-Presidents have been added to the walls of the Society, and it is proposed to secure, as far as possible, the portraits of all past Presidents.

 

The large and valuable collection of books forming the "Aylwin Library" has been catalogued by F. C. Wurtele, Esq.

 

Resolution congratulating the Rev. A. T. Love B.A. on the Honorary Degree of D.D., about to be conferred on him by Queen's University Kingston, Ont.

 

Reception proposed to entertain Sir Archibald Douglas, retired Admiral of the British Fleet, and his cousin Dr. James Douglas, our highly esteemed Honorary President.

 

 

TRANSACTIONS 1911. Vol. 29 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Lectures delivered: (Under the joint auspices of the Society and the Governors of Morrin College).

 

"Canada a Nation" by Prof. S. B. Leacock.

 

"Mark Twain, the Tramp, the Wag, and the Sage" by Professor R. E. Welsh, M.A.

 

"Art and its Relation to Modern Life" by R. J. Wickenden.

 

"The Burden of Peace and Alternatives" by F. M. Hibbard, K.C.

 

The following portraits of ex-Presidents have been added to our collection:—John Langton, M.A Hon. D. A. Ross, E. A. Meredith, M.A., Daniel Wilkie, M.A., Hon. A. W. Cochrane, and James Stevenson, Esq.

 

Departure from Canada of the late Governor General of Canada, Earl Grey, who had always taken a keen interest in this Society during his term of office.

 

Earl Grey was also active in suggesting the embellishment of "The National Battle Fields Park", evidence of which endures in the "Outlook", overlooking the St. Lawrence River and appropriately named "Earl Grey Terrace"; together with a bronze tablet stating that he suggested this position.

 

A large number of books were presented to the Society both by Mrs. Andrew Thomson and Captain J. A. Benyon.

 

A Print Portrait of John Manners, Marquis of Granby who donated by Mr. P. E. Poulin.

 

Decided to publish "The Animal Sanctuaries in Labrador" by Colonel William Wood.           

 

TRANSACTIONS 1912. Vol. 29 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Feeling allusion was made to the loss sustained obituary. by deaths of:—Sir James Macpherson LeMoine, George M. Fairchild, S. S. Bennett, Stuart H. Dunn, and Major Morgan.

 

A Volume entitled Les Fêtes du troisième Centenaire de Québec—from Mr. G. H. Vandry, President of Committee that published same.

 

An Illuminated Resolution of Condolence was presented by Members of the Council to the family of the late Sir James Macpherson LeMoine at Spencer Grange.

 

A Committee composed of Colonel Wood, Colonel Lindsay, and Mr. John Hamilton were named, to undertake An Album to form an Architectural Record of Quebec's historic objects.

 

Photograph was received from Ottawa of the Model of Quebec City in 1800 as restored by the Rev. Father O'Leary.

 

A Monument to the eminent French Canadian Historian, F. X. Garneau, was unveiled on the 19th of October 1912.

 

1912—"The First French Language Congress" held at Quebec on 24th June, 1912 sent the following cablegram to His Majesty the King: "Assembled at Quebec the members of the First Congress of the French Language in Canada are happy to offer to His Majesty the homage of their respectful attachment to his person and of the undying loyalty which every subject of the French Language in Canada guarantees toward the British Crown."

 

The Congress also passed the following Resolution:

 

"The French Canadians are simply men who guard their rights and who say with pride "What we have we'll hold"—French Canadians were at home in Canada wherever the British Flag carries in its folds our sacred rights and the traces of our blood. We swear it faith and fidelity, but we demand in return the protection of our liberties."

 

TRANSACTIONS 1913. Vol. 29 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Lectures delivered :—{Under the joint auspices of the Society and the Governors of Morrin College).

 

"The Panama Canal" by Lt. Col. Greville Harston.

 

"Quebec A Century Ago", including a description of the Duberger relief plan of the City in 1800, by Rev. Father O'Leary.

 

The ninth series of Historical Documents are now passing through the press.

 

Major de Lotbinière Panet presented the Society the writing desk used by the late Sir George E. Cartier.

 

Feeling regret was expressed at the deaths of the following Members:—Messrs, E. E. Code; R. Harcourt Smith; H. M. Price; Col. J. Bell Forsyth; and Frank Holloway.

 

Edward Joseph Roy, L.B., Lit. Dr., F.R.S.C. Historian, Joint Archivist of Canada, ex-President Royal Society, died on 8th of May 1913.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1914. Vol. 29 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Reference made to three prominent members of the Society having gone to the seat of war with the 1st Canadian Contingent: The Rev. Canon F.G. Scott, Rev. Father O'Leary, (both Chaplains) and Lt. Col. David Watson, D.C.L.

 

The Society sent a number of books to Valcartier for this Contingent during mobilization for distribution by the Y.M.C.A.

 

Feeling reference made to the deaths of:— Right Rev. Bishop Dunn,—Bishop of Quebec, Hon. Peter S. G. Mackenzie, and William A. Marsh.

 

The Society received a copy of "All Afloat" from the author, Colonel William Wood.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1915. Vol. 29 contains:—

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Dr. James Douglas, the Hon. President of this Society, has conveyed the sum of ten thousand

dollars in Trust; and during the year of which this is a report, Dr. Douglas has bestowed on the Society, a further gift of five thousand dollars, the interest of which is to be spent on the purchase of books of the higher grade of Literature, History, Geography, and Science. The Trustees being John Theodore Ross, Esq., and A. H. Cook, Esq., K.C., both being Governors of Morrin College. A special deed being drawn for the administration of this second gift from one of the best friends the Society has ever had.

 

For References:—The Deed of Trust donating $10,000 dated 5th May 1908, drawn by W. Noble Campbell—Notary; The Deed donating $5,000, drawn by Cyrille Tessier—Notary, 2nd Feb. 1916.

 

The ninth series of Historical Documents contains:—

"Lady Durham's Journal".

 

Mémoires de M. le Chevalier de Johnstone.

The Chevalier de Johnstone was A.D.C., to Sir George Murray, Commander in Chief under Charles Edward in the war by him to recover the throne of his ancestors—1745.

 

Feeling reference was made to the deaths of, the following Members of the Council:—James Geggie, one of the most efficient of Treasurers.

 

Philéas Gagnon, who as a Bibliographer was of much benefit in the Council deliberations of this Society.

 

Resolution of Condolence sent to Madame Gagnon—also to the families of Associate Members who passed away during the year:—Messrs. Alexander Macadams, John H. Holt, J. J. Dunlop, W. W. Johnston.

 

TRANSACTIONS 1916. Vol. 29 contains:—

 

Annual Report of Council, Librarian, &c.

 

The Book Committee was empowered to give suitable books to invalided soldiers at the Khaki and Overseas Clubs, and at the Discharge Depot.

 

The accomodation and room space of the Society has been increased through the courtesy of the Governors' of Morrin College, who have also placed the "Aylwin Library under the supervision of this Society for the benefit of its members.

 

Inauguration of the Douglas Course of Lectures, is recorded.

 

The first lecture given being entitled: "Reptiles of the Past" by Professor J. Austin Bancroft.

 

Sincere sympathy is extended to the families of members who passed beyond during the year:— Colonel Irvine, Col. Arch. Hay, (Killed in France) Herbert O'Meara, A. Sturton, & Joseph Winfield.

 

The members who have gone to the front—or in training to go there:—

Lieut.-Colonel R. E. W. Turner, V.C.

Lieut.-Colonel David Watson, D.C.L.

Rev. Father O'Leary,

Rev. Canon F. G. Scott, D.C.L.

Sir Wm. Price,

Major George Gibsone,

Lieut. O. Learmonth,

Herbert McGreevy,

George Nichol.

 

A congratulatory address was presented to P. B. Casgrain, Esq., K.C., one of our ex-Presidents, on completing his ninetieth year.

 

Donations of books and pamphlets embracing amongst others:

"The Crusades of 1838" and "Review of Historical Publications relating to Canada" from Professor Wrong.

 

"Critical period, 1764-65", Illinois Historical Collections X, from P. B. Casgrain, Esq.

 

"New Régime, 1765-67", Illinois Historical Collections, XI, from P. B. Casgrain, Esq.

 

Armory and Lineages of Canada, 1915, from Herbert George Todd.

 

The Bryce Report, from the Dominion Government.

 

L'Enseignement Secondaire au Canada, from Laval University.

 

A list of Books purchased with Dr. Douglas' Special Grant in 1916.

 

 

TRANSACTIONS 1917. Vol. 29 contains:—

 

Annual Report of Council, Librarian, &c.

 

Resolution recording deep regret at the death of P. B. Casgrain, Esq., K.C., aged 90 years— who was a member of this Society for upwards of sixty years and one of its Past Presidents— as a tribute to his interest in the Society and its objects, especially matters relating to the history of Canada. Also recalling his active co-operation in the efforts made for preservation of The Plains of Abraham, as a National Memorial to the most far-reaching event of all Canadian History.

 

The Council expressed deep sympathy to his family in their bereavement.

 

The Historic Landmarks Association of Canada invite Representatives of this Society, to attend Annual Meeting at Ottawa.

 

 

1918

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Donation of old Military Relics and inventory of same, from family of the late H. M. Price, Esq., was thankfully acknowledged.

 

Dr. Harper read the Report he had submitted to the Royal Society at Ottawa.

 

Regulation of Publication Funds—according to Deed of Trust. Dr. Douglas' Donation.

 

Resolved that the proceeds of the Douglas Endowments of $15,000 be divided into thirds to form three classes—namely:—1st. The General Book Fund. 2nd. The Douglas Book Fund. 3rd. Publication Fund as defined in the original Deed.

 

Resolution affecting disposition of said Endowment Fund.

 

Colonel Neilson states that Mr. James Douglas had expressed a desire to become a member of this Society.

 

The Council unanimously decided that both Mr. James Douglas and Mr. Walter Douglas, sons of our generous deceased Honorary President Dr. James Douglas, be elected Honorary Members of this Society.

 

1919

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Resolution of regret at death of Major Frederick Lampson, a valued member of the Council for many years.

 

The publication—"New York Nation" being found very anti-British and pro-German during the War, and still antagonistic to everything connected with the British Empire, was ordered discontinued.

 

Letter from "Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada" asking assistance of this Society" regarding sites having historic interest from a National standpoint.

 

Resolution of Condolence on tragic accident causing the death of our former President, Dr. J.M. Harper, M.A., F.E.I.S.

 

The thanks of the Society were tendered to. Mr. McLennan and Mr. Emmanuel for Books donated.

 

Portrait of Dr. James Douglas received from Mrs. Douglas and placed in a prominent position in the Library, and the thanks of the Society for same were sent to Mrs. Douglas.

 

Thanks of the Society are tendered to Mrs. Dr. Harper for the portrait of the late ex-President, Dr. J. M. Harper.

 

The thanks of the Society were tendered to Sir David Watson, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.C.L., Legion of Honour, for the valuable souvenirs he brought from the War and presented to the Society—The large profile Plaster Cast of "Vimy Ridge", being the original Model used in planning attack by Canadian 4th Division, is especially valuable.

 

1920—REFERENCES

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Mr. E. T. D. Chambers was authorized to represent this Society at the Committee on Study of Civic Advancement.

 

The Council deemed it a fitting occasion to extend a welcome to Lieut.-General Sir Richard Turner, V.C., K.C.B., K.C.M.G., D.S.O., Legion of Honour, and to Major-General Sir David Watson, K.C.B.,C.M.G., D.C.L., Legion of Honour, Lieut-Col. (Rev.) Canon Scott, Lieut-Col. (Rev. Father) O'Leary, Major H. McGreevy, and Capt. Percy Turcotte, Members of the Society, who together with their brother Canadians at the front, contributed their famous part towards winning the Great War.

 

At the General Meeting held on this date it was moved, duly seconded and carried that the motion be put to the General Meeting in January next that the Annual Dues for Associate Members be increased from four dollars to five dollars—this motion is made to accord with the provisions of the Charter.

 

Mr. J. F. Dumontier presented a valuable book entitled: Directions de la Navigation pour l'île de Terre-Neuve et la Côte du Labrador.

 

1921

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Notice of motion "to increase Annual Subscription to $5.00" was read at Annual Meeting.

 

Lectures delivered:—(Under the joint auspices of the Society and the Governors of Morrin College).

"Ancient and Modern Conception of the Universe" by Dean Adams.

 

"The Earl of Dalhousie" by Colonel Fraser.

 

The President suggested that efforts be made to complete our collection of portraits of Past Presidents, there being about ten still to be obtained.

 

The President was requested to represent this Society at the Annual meeting of the Royal Society in Ottawa.

 

Old prints of old Montreal Buildings from Mrs. Learmonth were thankfully accepted.

 

Resignation of Lt. Col., the Rev. Father O'Leary from the Presidency of this Society owing to ill health, was regretfully accepted.

 

 

1922

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Resolution of Condolence was sent to the family of our late Treasurer, Mr. J. M. Johnston.

 

Mr. S. S. Oliver agreed to act as Treasurer-pro-tem.

 

Mr. F. O. Judge appointed Hon. Treasurer.

 

Permission granted to Mr. Pierre Georges, Archivist of the Province of Quebec, to examine, quote, and photograph the archives of this Society for use in the Index to all the Archives relating to this Province.

 

A communication was read from "The Historic Landmarks Association of Canada" desiring this Society to express its views regarding its broadening its activities, and change of title, to "The Historical Association of Canada". Application was made to the Lieut. Governor requesting his approval to alteration in By-Laws (as required by our Charter) changing Annual Subscription from four dollars to five dollars for Associate Members.

 

It was decided to publish as a "Transaction" An Archival Index to the original documents of Archival Importance, prepared by Col. William Wood.

 

The Meeting passed a Resolution of Condolence, and the Secretary was requested to convey to Colonel Wood the sympathy of the Society in his recent great loss in the death of his mother —Mrs. Irvine.

 

The following Resolution was passed at a Special Meeting held on the 26th July, 1922:—

 

Moved by Dr. Love, John Theodore Ross, Condo-Esq., and A. H. Cook, Esq., K.C. Seconded by D. D. O'Meara, Esq., President, Col. Neilson, and Col. Wood "That the Society desires to express its warmest sympathy with the family of the late Mrs. James Douglas in their recent bereavement, which also calls to remembrance the great loss the Society sustained in the passing away of the late Dr. Douglas".

 

A copy of the above Resolution was sent to Mr. Walter Douglas, New York, on 2nd August, 1922.

 

It was moved, seconded, and adopted that the Annual Subscription of Associate Members be raised from four dollars to five dollars.

 

A book, tabulating additions to Library, and other data, was published—compiled by Col. Wm. Wood.

 

 

1923

 

Annual Reports, &c.

 

Photographs of the painting of steam-ship "Royal William" and of the Model of said steam-ship were sent by this Society as a gift to the Royal United Service Institution, London England.

 

The Rev. W. H. Stevens is appointed Hon. Treasurer, to replace Mr. F. O. Judge, resigned.

 

Invitation to have Society represented at a Mass to be celebrated by the St. Jean Baptiste Society of Limoilou was accepted: Mr. Cyrille Tessier agreed to represent the Society.

 

Decided that the Library shall be closed between the hours of six and eight P.M. during the months of June, July, and August.

 

Decided that Ladies shall pay the full subscription fee after being duly elected.

 

Gift from Mr. George Gale of Picture Photographs of the Plans of the old City Gates, was thankfully received.

 

An invitation to send Delegate to Annual Meeting of the Royal Society of Canada at Ottawa was received, and it was Resolved that Mr. J. C. Sutherland be appointed to represent this Society at Ottawa at this year's Annual Meeting.

 

Mr. Sutherland, who represented this Society at the Annual Meeting of the Royal Society of Canada, stated that he had submitted our Report, and gave a short account of what had transpired at the Meeting.

 

An invitation was read from the Parkman Centennial Committee: Col. Wood suggested that Mr. Sutherland might attend the Meeting; which suggestion was approved.

 

Mr. Veasey reported that one hundred books had been chosen and were ready to be sent to the Labrador Coast with the Compliments of the Society.

 

Index to the Archival Publications of the LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC, 1824-1924, by Col. Wm. Wood, has been received. This work is most carefully compiled, embracing Historical Documents, Transactions, &c, &c, to correspond exactly with the Card Index of the Quebec Provincial Archives—Each entry is made complete in itself with references to subjects and to persons. A list of Documents now belonging to this Society is also appended.

 

The Society has received 1st and 2nd Volumes of Commemorative Monuments of the Province men of Quebec compiled by the Provincial Archivist— Mons. Pierre-Georges Roy.

 

1924

 

The Annual Meeting of the LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC was held in their rooms at Morrin College on the 9th of January. In the absence of the President, the Chair was taken by the Rev. Dr. Love, B.A., D.D. Vice-President; the members present included Messrs. Cyrille Tessier, John Theodore Ross, William Clint, J. C. Sutherland, Frank Glass, A. Robertson, Godfrey Rhodes, Judge Gibsone, Col. Wm, Wood, Rev. W. H. Stevens, Dr. George Ahern Dr. Henry levers.

 

The Secretary submitted the report of the Council which alluded to the year just closed— 1923—as ending the one hundredth anniversary of the formation of the Society, and that arrangements are being made for the publication of a Centenary Volume setting forth its history.

 

Quite recently copies have been received of the original letters written by Lord Dalhousie, then Governor-General of Canada, proposing the formation of this Society in 1823.

 

The Society continues its affiliation with "The Royal Society of Canada" and with "The Canadian Historical Society" and was represented by J. C. Sutherland at the last annual meetings of those Societies in Ottawa.

 

The Treasurer's Report was found satisfactory —the membership has now reached 250—a net increase of 24 during the year.

 

The Librarian states in his Report that there are approximately 20,000 volumes in our Library, and 10,000 in the Aylwin Library—making a total of about 30,000 volumes to which our members have access.

 

Attention is drawn to the fact that the amount available for the purchase of new books is limited, not only in amount but also in the classes of books that can be purchased under the restrictions imposed by Deeds conveying our Endowment Fund; there is barely sufficient to meet all demands, even with the increased subscription, as adopted at the last Annual Meeting.

 

The election of Officers then took place resulting as follows:—

President: Mr. J. C. SUTHERLAND,

Vice-Presidents: —Mr. John Theodore Ross, Mr. A. H. COOK, K.C., Rev. Dr. LOVE, B.A., D.D., and Judge Geo. F. GIBSONE

Hon. Librarian: Rev. T. B. McCORKINDALE,

Hon. Treasurer: Rev. W. H. STEVENS,

Hon. Secretary to the Council: Mr. Wm. CLINT,

Hon. Recording Secretary: Mr. A. ROBERTSON,

Hon. Corresponding Secretary: Col. Crawford LINDSAY,

Hon. Curator of Apparatus: Mr. Frank GLASS,

Hon. Curator of Museum: Dr. Henry IEVERS.

Additional Members of the Council —Mr. Arthur VEASEY, Mr. Stuart S. OLIVER, Dr. George AHERN, and Mr. F. MCLENNAN.

 

 

LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC

FOUNDED IN 1824

 

Incorporated by Royal Charter, 1831

 

Patron:

HIS EXCELLENCY, THE RIGHT HON. THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF CANADA

 

Vice-Patron:

HIS HONOR THE LIEUT.-GOVERNOR, PROVINCE OF QUEREC.

 

Honorary Members:

The EARL OF ABERDEEN.

The MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNE, G.C.M.G.

John Miller GRANT, Esq., London.

Rev. Charles ROGERS, LL.D., F.S.A., Scotland.

Sir Gilbert PARKER, D.C.L., M.P., London.

Sydney ROBJOHNS, Esq., F.R.H.S., Scotland.

John READE, F.R.S.C, Montreal.

James ASHBURY, Esq., England.

Henry PHILIPS, Jr., Philadelphia.

Arthur G. BRADLEY, Esq., Northampton, England.

Arthur G. DOUGHTY, C.M.G., Litt. D., F.R.H.S., England, F.R.S.C, Ottawa.

Wm. C. LANE, Harvard University, Cambridge, U.S.

Lt.-Col. George T. DENISON, F.R.S.C, Ottawa.

 

Officers and Council for 1924.

President: J. C. SUTHERLAND, Esq.

Vice-Presidents: A. H. COOK, Esq., K.C. John Theodore Ross, Esq., Rev. Dr. LOVE, B.A., D.D., Hon. Judge G. F. GIBSONE.

Treasurer: Rev. W. H. STEVENS.

Recording Secretary: A. ROBERTSON, Esq., K.C.

Corresponding Sect'ry: Lt-Col. Crawford LINDSAY.

Council Secretary: Wm. CLINT, Esq.

Librarian: Rev. T. B. McCORKINDALE

Curator of Museum: Henry IEVERS, Esq.

Curator of Apparatus: Frank GLASS, Esq.

Additional Members of Council: George AHERN, M.D., Stuart OLIVER, Esq.,

Arthur VEASEY, Esq., Francis MCLENNAN, Esq.

Assistant Librarian: Mr. John W. STRACHAN.

 

Past Presidents ex-officio:

Cyrille TESSIER, Esq.

Col. Wm. WOOD, D.C.L., F.R.S.C.

G. W. PARMELEE, Esq., D.C.L., L.L.D.

John HAMILTON, Esq., D.C.L.

Col. H. NEILSON.

E. T. D. CHAMBERS, Esq.

Lieut-Col. Rev. Father O'LEARY.

D. D. O'MEARA, Esq.

 

The Governors of Morrin College.

Rev'd A. T. LOVE, B.A., D.D.

Rev'd A. Dawson MATHESON, M.A., B.D.

A. H. COOK, Esq., K.C.

Archibald LAURIE, Esq., K.C.

A. ROBERTSON, Esq., K.C.

John Theodore Ross, Esq., B.A.

S. S. OLIVER, Esq.

John McDougall WILSON, Esq.

Gordon A. Ross, Esq.

Guy H. SIMPSON, Esq.

 

Secretary of Joint Committee:

A. ROBERTSON, Esq., K.C.

 

Joint Committee with Morrin College for Lectures:

Convener:—Col. Wm. WOOD. A. ROBERTSON, Esq., Dr. PARMELEE, and Rev. W. H. STEVENS.

 

Finance Committee:

Convener:—Rev. W. H. STEVENS.

A. VEASEY, Esq., Frank GLASS, Esq., A. ROBERTSON, Esq., K.C, A. H. COOK, Esq., K.C.

 

Book and Periodical Committee:

Convener:—Rev. T. B. McCORKINDALE.

A. ROBERTSON, Esq., K.C, Col. Wm. WOOD, S. S. OLIVER, Esq., A. VEASEY, Esq., Rev. W. H. STEVENS, Dr. Geo. AHERN, Henry IEVERS, Esq.

 

Publication Committee:

Convener:—Henry IEVERS, Esq. Rev.

T. B. McCORKINDALE, Cyrille TESSIER, Esq., Col. Wm. WOOD, E. T. D. CHAMBERS, Esq.

 

Corresponding Members:

ANDERSON, W. P., Lt.-Col., Ottawa.

BARTHOLOMEW, J. G., F.R.G.S., London.

BROCK, R. A., Richmond, Virginia, U.S.

BAILEY, Dr. L. W., F.R.S.C., Fredericton, N.B.

CHURCH, F. W., M.D., Boston.

D'ABBADIE, Antoine, Membre de l'Institut de France, Paris.

DENHAM, Edward, New Bedford, Mass., U.S.

DESECHELLES, Desmazieres, St. Malo, France.

D'URBAN, W. S. M., England.

DEPEYSTER, Gen. J. Watts, Tivoli, N.Y., U.S.

DANSEREAU, Arthur, Montreal.

FILIPPI, le Comte Waldemar, Paris.

GANONG, W. F., M.A., Cambridge, Mass., U.S.

GRAHAM, Lt.-Col. U.S.A., Chicago, U.S.

GERIN, E., Three Rivers, P.Q.

GRAZILLIER, L'Abbé, Saintes, France.

HUGET-LATOUR, Major, Montreal.

JACK, D. Russell, St. John, N.B.

LEFEBVRE DE BELLEFEUILLE, E., Montreal.

LE GARDEUR DE TILLEY, le Comte Hypolite, Chantreau, près Saintes, France.

LIGHTHALL, W. D., M.A., B.C.L., F.R.S.C, Montreal.

MADRAZO, Don Pedro de, Secretary General of the Royal Academy of History, Madrid, Spain.

PROVENCHER, Colonel N., Montreal.

RAYMOND, Revd. W. D., St. John, N.B.

ROBERTS, Charles G. D., M.A., F.R.S.C., New York, U.S.

SCOTT, C. Percy, M.A., Windsor, N.S.

SIMMONDS, Peter Lund, London, England.

STONE, W. L., Mt. Vernon, N.Y., U.S.

SULTE, Benjamin, F.R.S.C., Ottawa. (With Portrait)

WYNNE, Thomas H., Richmond, Va., U.S.

WILSON, Gen. James Grant, N.Y., U.S.

WINSHIP, Geo. Parker, Providence, R.I., U.S.A.

 

Presidents of The Literary and Historical Society of Quebec.

* Star Indicates, with Portrait.

 

1824 - Sir N. F. BURTON, Lt-Governor.

1828 - Hon. Mr. REID, Chief Justice.

1829 - Lieut. Frederick BADDELEY, R.N.

1830-31 - Hon. J. SEWELL, Chief Justice *

1832 - Hon. Andrew STUART, K.C.

1833-34 - Hon. W. SHEPPARD. *

1835 - Joseph SKEY, M.D.

1836 - Rev. Daniel WILKIE, L.L.D. *

1837-38 - Hon. Andrew STUART, K.C.

1839-40 - Wm. KELLY, M.D., R.N.

1841 - Hon. Wm. SHEPPARD. *

1842 - Hon. A. W. COCHRANE. *

1843 - Hon. Wm. SHEPPARD. *

1844 - G. B. FARIBAULT, Esq. *

1845 - Hon. A. W. COCHRANE. *

1846 - John C. FISHER, Esq., L.L.D.

1847 - Hon. Wm. SHEPPARD. *

1848 - Hon. A. W. COCHRANE. *

1849-54 - G. B. FARIBAULT, Esq. *

1855 - E. A. MEREDITH, Esq., M.A. *

1856-57 - W. ANDREW, Esq., M.A.

1858-59 - G. B. FARIBAULT, Esq. *

1860-61 - E. A. MEREDITH, Esq., M.A. *

1862-65 - John LANGTON, Esq., M.A. *

1866-67 - Com. E. D. ASHE, R.N., F.R.A.S.*

1868 - Hon. P. J. O. CHAUVEAU, L.L.D.

1869 - Prof. James DOUGLAS. *

1870 - Dr. W. J. ANDERSON. *

1871 - J. M. LEMOINE, Esq. *

1872 - Dr. W. J. ANDERSON. *

1873 - Com. E. D. ASHE, R.N., F.R.S.C*

1874-75 - Prof. James DOUGLAS. *

1876-78 - James STEVENSON, Esq. *

1879-82 - J. M. LEMOINE, Esq., F.R.S.C. *

1883-84 - Hon. D. A. Ross, Q.C. *

1885-91 - G. STEWART, D.C.L., F.R.S.C, F.R.G.S. *

1892-93 - Cyrille TESSIER, Esq. *

1894-95 - Archibald CAMPBELL, Esq. *

1896-97 - Rev. R. W. NORMAN, D.D., Dean of Quebec.

1898-99 - P. B. Casgrain, Esq. *

1900-01 - Wm. WOOD, Esq., D.C.L., F.R.S.C

1902-03 - Sir James LEMOINE, D.C.L., F.R.S.C. *

1904-05 - Wm. WOOD, Esq., D.C.L., F.R.S.C.

1906-07 - P. B. CASGRAIN, Esq. *

1908-09 - Dr. G. W. PARMELEE, L.L.D.

1910-11 - John HAMILTON, M.A., D.C.L. *

1912-13 - Col. H. NEILSON.

1914 - Mr. Justice McCORKILL.

1915-16 - Dr. J.M. HARPER, M.A., F.E.I.S. *

1917-18 - Dr. G. W. PARMELEE, L.L.D.

1919-20 - E. T. D. CHAMBERS, Esq.

1921 - Lt-Col. the Rev. Father O'LEARY.

1922-23 - D. D. O'MEARA, Esq.

1924 - J. C. SUTHERLAND, Esq.

* Indicates—with Portrait.

 

Honorary Librarians—1830-1924.

1830 - Dr. John WHITELAW, (1st on record).

1831 - Dr. Joseph MORRIN.

1832 - Rev. Daniel WILKIE, L.L.D.

1833 - Hon. Henry BLACK, C.B.

1834 - George Okill STUART, Q.C.

1835 - Rev. D. WILKIE, L.L.D.

1836 - George Barthelemy FARIBAULT.

1837-38 - Rev. D. WILKIE, L.L.D.

1839 - Hon. F. W. PRIMROSE.

1840 - Augustus SEWELL.

1841-43 - Daniel WILKIE, M.A. (Nephew of Rev. Daniel Wilkie, L.L.D.)

1844-45 - George FUTVOYE, Q.C, Ph.D.

1846-48 - Louis SLEEPER.

1849-51 - Daniel WILKIE, M.A.

1852-55 - Edward Taylor FLETCHER.

1856-59 - Daniel WILKIE, M.A.

1860 - George FUTVOYE, Q.C., Ph.D.

1861-62 - Samuel STURTON.

1863-64 - Rev. James DOUGLAS.

1865 - James M. LEMOYNE.

1866 - John Wilson COOK.

1867-68 - Rev. James DOUGLAS.

1869-70 - A. FAUCHER DE ST. MAURICE.

1871 - Rev. James DOUGLAS.

1872 - A. FAUCHER DE ST. MAURICE.

1873 - Rev. James DOUGLAS.

1874 - Major W. A. HOLWELL.

1875-1881 - Roderick MCLEOD.

1882-1906 - Frederick C. WURTELE.

1907-1918 - E. T. D. CHAMBERS.

1919-1923 - J. C. SUTHERLAND.

1924 - Rev. T. B. McCORKINDALE.

 

List of Associate Members of the LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC.

ADDIE, Col. 

AHERN, Arthur

AHERN, Dr. George.

AHERN, G. A.       

ANDREWS, J. B.   

ANDERSON, C. J.   

ANDERSON, Miss   

ARMSTRONG, Miss W.    

ATKINSON, Mrs. H.          

ATKINSON, Mrs. D.          

AYLWIN, Mrs. T. C.

 

BAILEY, L. W

BAILLAIRGÉ, Mrs. C.

BANK OF MONTREAL (Quebec Staff)

BARNES, Rev. J. H.

BARROW, Mrs. S.

BAXTER, A. G.

BEATTY, Marlowe

BEAUDRY, Mrs. J.

BECKETT, Lieut.-Col.

BELL, Col.

BELLEAU, Mrs. A. F.

BENNETT, W. S.

BENOIT, R. A.

BISHOP, E. A.

BILLET, J. G.

BLAIR, H. C.

BOSWELL, St. George

BOSWELL, A. W.

BOSWELL, C. E. Allan

BOULTON, A. R. M.

BOYCE, J. G.

BRADLEY, R. A.

BRADLEY, T. C.

BREAKEY, George

BRISSETTE, E. A.

BRODIE, T. L.

BROWN, W. H.

BROWN, Miss E.

BURKE, Miss

BURSTALL, J. F.

BURSTALL, Miss

BURY, Count de

 

CANNON, L. A.

CARREL, F., Hon.

CARTER, W. LeM., M.D

CARTER, Miss

CASGRAIN, Madame

CHAMBERS, E. T. D.

CHAMPION, W. S.

CLARE, George

CLARKE, Col.

CLARK, Miss

CLINT, Wm.

COLE, Thornton

COLLEY, A. W.

COMMERCE, BANK OF (Quebec Staff)

COOK, A. H.

COURCHESNE, H.

CREAM, R. F.

 

DALE, Miss H.

DATHAN, Capt.

DAVY, W. H.

DAW, Joseph

DELAGRAVE, Chas.

DENIS, T. C.

DICK, Arthur

DOBELL, W. M.

DOBELL, Alfred

DOYLE, Miss I.

DRIVER, Carl

DUBOIS, M.

DUFFETT, Miss

DUMONTIER, J. F.

DUNN, Miss

 

EVANS, E. A.

EVANS, Lorenzo

ENRIGHT, Miss

 

FALKENBERG, Mrs.

FARQUHARSON, Rev. Dr

FINNISS, Mrs.

FITZPATRICK, Arthur

FITZPATRICK, Sir Chas.

FITZPATRICK, Miss

FOTHERGILL, Rev. M.

FRASER, Miss

 

GARNEAU, Sir George

GIBAUT, Miss

GIBSONE, Judge, G. F.

GLASS, Frank

GOOD, W. P.

GOODDAY, W.

GOWEN, Mrs.

GRAHAM, A.

 

HAMILTON, John, D.C.L

HANDSOMBODY, F. T.

HASTINGS, Dr.

HEAKES, Col.

HEALEY, Miss

HOARE, E. A.

HOLLIDAY, M.

HOLLOW AY, Miss

HOLT, Mrs. J. H.

HOME, W. A.

HOME, Miss

HUNT, Miss

HUOT, Madame

HYDE, A.

 

IEVERS, Henry

IRVINE, E.

 

JACKSON, C. H.

JACQUES, A.

JAMIESON, Col.

JEWELL, David

JOHNSTON, Dr.

JOLY DE LOTBINIERE, Madame

JONES, Rev. C.

JOSEPH, M.

JUDGE, E. H.

 

LAIRD, John

LAMPSON, Fred. (Est. of)

LAPOINTE, Hon. E.

LAPOINTE, Miss E.

LAURIE, Wm.

LAURIE, Peter

LAURIE, Alexander

LAW, C. T.

LAW, Percy

LEITCH, Mrs. E.

LEMESURIER, Miss E.

LEMOINE, Gaspard

LEONARD, Miss

LIEBICH, C. P.

LINDSAY, Lieut.-Col. C

LINDSAY, Ronald

LOWER, Wm.

MACPHERSON, Col. W.

M. MACQUEEN, Capt.

MARSH, Mrs. W.

MAXWELL, Cecil

McBURNEY, C.

MCCARTHY, W. A.

McCORKINDALE, Rev. T. B.

MCGREEVY, Herbert

MCLENNAN, Francis

MCLIMONT, J. C.

MCNAUGHTON, Miss

MCNICHOL, Miss J.

MEDLEY, T.

MEREDITH, R.

MICHAEL, Mrs. L. W.

MILESKE, Miss

MITCHELL, George

MITCHELL, H. J.

MOIR, Gavin

MOONEY, Dr. M.

MUNGALL, W.

MURPHY, Chas.

 

NEILSON, Lieut.-Col. H.

NEILSON, Ivan H.

NEILSON, N. R.

NESBITT, Mrs.

 

O'LEARY, Rev. Father.

OLIVER, G. L.

OLIVER, Stuart S.

O'MEARA, D. D.

O'MEARA, Col.

O'NEILL, Capt.

OWEN, P. G.

 

PABKE, W. H.

PARMELEE, G. W.

PAXMAN, W. G. L.

PAXMAN, W. E.

PEACOCK, T. R.

PENNINGTON, D. H.

PENTLAND, C. A.

PETRY, Major W. H.

PFEIFFER, A. E.

PIGOT, C. J.

POPE, Edwin

POPE, Miss L.

PORTEOUS, C. M.

POWER, Mrs. C. G.

POWNALL, G. H.

PRICE, Sir Wm.

PRICE, Henry

PRICE, A. J.

PROWER, Mrs.

 

RAMSEY, G. B.

RAY, Lieut. Col., W. J.

REED, Hayter

REED, Wm.

RHODES, F.

RHODES, Godfrey

RITCHIE, John

RORERTSON, A.

ROBINSON, Miss J.

ROGERS, Miss

ROSS, F. W.

ROSS, J. T.

ROSS, E. E.

ROSS, Waverley

ROSS, Mrs. A. D.

RUDDICK, M.

RUSSELL, Alexander

RUSSELL, W. R.

 

SCOTT, D. S.

SCOTT, Rev. F. G.

SCOTT, J. G.

SCOTT, George E.

SEIFERT, Charles

SEWELL, Mrs. Colin

SEWELL, Mrs. Trevor

SEWELL, E. D.

SHARPLES, Lieut. Col.

SHARPLES, Mrs, H. H.

SHAW, Mrs. C. H.

SHAW, Wm.

SHEE, Dr. P. O.

SHREVE, Very Rev. Dean

SIMPSON, E. E.

SMITH, F. W.

SMITH, A. H. C.

SMITH, Miss C.

SMYTH, Capt. R. L.

STANTON, Col. F. M.

STAVELEY, E. R.

STAVELEY, H.

STEVENS, A. E.

STEVENS, Rev. W. H.

STRANG, Ross

STRANG, Mrs. Allan

STUART, Major

STUART, Miss A.

SUTCLIFFE, MISS

SUTHERLAND, J. D.

SUTHERLAND, J. C.

 

TESSIER, Cyrille

TESSIER, Judge

THOM, J. S.

THOMSON, G. H.

THOMSON, H. S.

THOMSON, John

THORN, Mrs. F.

THORN, Mrs. M. R.

TREMAINE, Miss

TRIGGE, A. St. L.

TURNER, E. E.

TURNER, Sir Richard

 

VANFELSON, A. B.

VEASEY, Arthur

VOHL, Lieut.-Col.

 

WALKER, Miss

WELCH, A. J.

WENTWORTH, Rev. F. H

WHITEHEAD, A. B.

WILDE, S. J.

WILLIAMS, J. Benson

WILLIAMS, Right, Rev. L., Lord Bishop of Quebec.

WILLIS, Henry

WlGGS, W. H.

WINN, Miss

WRIGHT, W. H.

WOOD, Lieut-Col. Wm.

 

YOUNG, Herman

YOUNG, Miss M.

 

ZINCK, W. C.

 

SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

 

CONTRIBUTED BY MR. J. C. SUTHERLAND

 

It is interesting to know that, in addition to many popularisations of Science published by the Society throughout the first century of its existence, there were issued also, in the early years and later, some valuable scientific reports which represented original investigations. During the first decade the Society published some of the first geological reports of Canada; before, indeed, the establishment of the Geological Survey of Canada. These early reports were those of Captain (later Major-General) F. H. Baddeley, R.E. and of Captain (later Admiral) H. W. Bayfield, both of whom were Charter Members of this Society. In 1829 Captain Baddeley's reports on "The Geology of a Portion of the Labrador Coast" and on "The Geognosy of a Part of the Saguenay Country" were published. Then in 1831 followed his "Essay on the Localities of the Metallic Minerals of the Canadas", and in 1835 "A Geological Sketch of the most South-Eastern Portion of Lower Canada". Captain Bayfield's "Outlines of the Geology of Lake Superior" were published by the Society in 1829, his "Remarks on Coral Animals in the Gulf of St. Lawrence" in 1831 and his "Meteorological Journal kept at Lake Superior in 1824" in 1833. Though Geology in the modern sense was then in its infancy—Sir Charles Lyell almost at the same moment launching the first volume of his epoch-making "Principles of Geology"—these early reports had decided merits, and at least served the useful purpose of awakening interest in the geological exploration of Canada.

 

The Society was also to be associated with Canadian Geology shortly afterwards in another way, the establishment of the Geological Survey of Canada having been helped by a resolution that this Society passed in 1841. Unfortunately the original cannot be found, all the Minute Books before 1854 having been lost, but Mr. Wyatt Malcolm, Chief of the Division of Geological Information, Ottawa, has kindly furnished the following statement, extracted from Scobie's Canadian Almanac for 1851:

 

"In July 1841, in the first United Parliament, a petition from the Natural History Society of Montreal, praying for aid to carry out a systematic geological survey of the Province, was presented by Mr. B. Holmes. It was referred to a select committee consisting of Messrs. Holmes, Neilson, Quesnel, Merrit and the Hon. Mr. Killaly, but it was not reported on. A similar petition was presented by Mr. Black, from the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, which was read. The Government took up the matter, and on the motion of the Hon. S. B. Harrison, the sum of £1500 sterling for the purposes of a survey was introduced into the estimates".

 

As that first United Parliament of Canada, not only in 1841 but for several years afterwards, considered that all the geology of Canada could be investigated with that grant of £1500, the need of petitions from learned Societies of Montreal and Quebec at that time is evident. Fuller details of the origin of the Geological Survey of Canada are to be found, of course, in the "Life of Sir William Logan" by Dr. B. J. Harrington, and a footnote on pages 122-125 of the same work contains Sir William Logan's appreciation of the original determinations of Baddeley and Bayfield, both Charter Members of this Society.

 

In later decades there were other important original papers on Geology. First of all may be mentioned two by James Douglas, jr. This was Dr. James Douglas, whose benefactions to the

Society have practically enabled it to live. In 1864 the Society published his report on "The Gold Fields of Canada" and in 1871 his "Notes on the Copper Deposits at Harvey Hill". In 1864 also there was published a report by Dr. W. J. Anderson on the "Gold Fields of Nova Scotia". Lieutenant (later Commander) E. D. Ashe, R.N., F.R.A.S., a former President of this Society, contributed various original papers among which may be mentioned "The Late Eclipse: Journal of a Voyage from New York to Labrador" (1861), "Latitude of the Quebec Observatory".

 

Lieutenant Ashe, R.N., was in charge of the first Observatory in Quebec which was situated inside the Citadel walls in 1852.

 

A letter from Lieut. Ashe, R.N. was read to the Society, together with a copy of his letter to the Governor-General requesting establishment of an Astronomical Observatory at Quebec.

 

On the 20th of February the Society passed the following resolution:—That the Society concurs in the views of Mr. Ashe on the advantages which would result to the Province from the establishment of an Astronomical Observatory at Quebec, and that a Memorial be addressed forthwith to His Excellency Sir Edmund Head on the subject:—And Messrs. Campbell and Bowen were requested to prepare said Memorial.

 

The Society received a letter from the Governor-General's Secretary 13th December 1854, reporting the substance of a despatch received from the Secretary of State for the Colonies in reply to an application of the LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC for a part of the Commissariat premises in the city with a view to the erection thereon of a Museum and an Observatory.

 

The Board of Ordnance report—"that adverting to the fact that Quebec is henceforward to be the Head Quarters of Her Majesty's troops in Canada, it would not be advisable to part with any portion of the ground there, now in possession of the Ordnance". (Vide Letter Book).

 

The present Astronomical Observatory was erected on Plains of Abraham (now Battlefields Park,) in 1874. The instruments being transferred from the old observatory in the Citadel; Commander E. D. Ashe, R.N. who was President of this Society 1866-67 and 1873, continuing in charge.

 

Mr. W. A. Ashe, succeeded his father—Commander Ashe—as Director at the Quebec Observatory in 1886.

 

Mr. W. A. Ashe, Director of the Quebec Observatory died in December, 1893.

 

Mr. Arthur Smith, CE., P.L.S. was appointed Director in charge of the Quebec Astronomical

 

Observatory in 1894, succeeding the late Mr. W. A. Ashe. The Time Gun is fired daily at noon from signals given by the Observatory—and during the season of navigation, the Time Ball at the Citadel is dropped at one o'clock to enable navigators to adjust their chronometers.

 

Two Entomological papers in 1864 and one in 1865, by Mr. W. Couper, were published. Two of the papers dealt with Coleoptera and Diptera found at Quebec and other parts of Lower Canada. Various Meteorological papers from 1825 to 1837, by W. Kelly, M.D., R.N., were published by the Society. In 1855 there was a paper on meteorological observations taken at Quebec during the winter of 1853-54 by Lieut. R. A. Noble, F.R.A.S.

 

Botany and Natural History in general received much attention. A former President, Hon. W. Sheppard of Woodfield, contributed "Observations on the American Plants described by Charlevoix" (1829); "Notes on some of the Plants of Lower Canada" (1831) ; "Notes on some of the Plants of Canada" (1832); and other papers in 1835 and 1843, while Mrs. Sheppard contributed a paper on "The Recent Shells which characterise Quebec and its environs" (1829) and "Notes on some of the Canadian Song Birds" (1835). Later, in 1861, 1862 and 1863, Mr. Samuel Sturton contributed two papers on Botany and one on the "Danger Arising from the Substitution of Benzole for Turpentine in Paint". At this same period Mr. John Langton, M.A., contributed various papers—one being "On the age of Timber Trees and the Prospects of a continuous supply of timber in Canada" (1862), which might contain hints for today not only in respect to timber but also pulp-wood! In 1866 Mr. Langton wrote "On the measurements of heads in Ethnological Investigations" and in 1873 on "Early French Settlements in America". In 1866 Sir James Lemoine wrote "On the Birds of Canada", as well as on literary subjects in other years.

 

The Index of the publications of the Society which was prepared by the late Fred. C. Wurtele in 1891, and published in that year, is indeed rich in its proofs of the intellectual activity of the LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEREC, and the foregoing synopsis is merely intended to indicate this fact.

 

HISTORIC TABLETS IN QUEBEC CITY

1613—COUILLARD'S HOUSE. Quebec Seminary Yard:—"Here stood the house of Guillaume Couillard, employé of the Company of the Hundred Associates, who arrived in Quebec in 1613 and who died on the 4th of March, 1663".

 

1615—FIRST CHAPEL IN QUEREC. Little Champlain Street and Sous-le-Fort Street:—"The approximate site of the first chapel erected in Quebec by Champlain in 1615. It was destroyed by fire during the occupation of Quebec by the Kirkes from 1629 to 1632".

 

1620—FORT ST. LOUIS. Dufferin Terrace:— "Here stood the Fort and Chateau St. Louis. The Fort was erected in the year 1620 ; within its walls the founder of Quebec died on December 25th 1635. The Chateau was the residence of Governors of Canada. Begun by the Chevalier de Montmagny, reconstructed by Count de Frontenac, enlarged by Sir James Craig. This building was destroyed by fire on the 23rd of January, 1834".

 

1633—CHURCH OF NOTRE DAME. Mountain Hill—at Gate to Cardinal Palace:—"Here was erected, in 1633, the Church of Notre-Dame de Recouvrance under the direction and in fulfilment of a vow of Samuel de Champlain, first Governor of New France. Restored and enlarged in 1634. It was destroyed by fire on the 14th of June, 1640".

 

1635—JESUITS' COLLEGE. Front of City Hall: —"On this site stood the Jesuits' College, founded in 1635. Destroyed by fire in 1640, rebuilt in 1647, considerably enlarged in 1725. It was occupied partly by British troops and public offices, from 1759 to 1776; as a barrack from 1776 to 1871, and finally demolished in 1877. The church attached to it, which extended towards Ste. Anne street, was erected in 1666 and demolished in 1807".

 

1639—RESIDENCE OF V. M. MARIE DE L'INCARNATION. In Lower Town—Notre-Dame des Victoires Church:—"On this site stood in 1639 a house belonging to Noel Juchereau des Chatelets, which was the first residence of the Venerable Mother de l'Incarnation and of the Ursuline Nuns in Quebec".

 

1640—RESIDENCE OF JESUIT FATHERS. Near English Cathedral, at the Corner of Garden and Ste. Anne streets:—"On this ground stood the trading house of the Company of the Hundred Associates. It served as a parish church after the burning down of Notre-Dame de Recouvrance on the 14th of June, 1640, and also served as a place of residence for the Jesuit Fathers from 1640 to 1657".

 

1644 — RESIDENCE OF MONSEIGNEUR DE LAVAL. Beside the Ursuline Chapel on Donnacona street:—"On this site stood the house of Madame de la Peltrie. It was built in 1644, and within it resided for two years (1659-1661) Monseigneur de Laval, first Bishop of Quebec. It was replaced by the present day-school of the Ursulines in 1836".

 

1650—RECOLLETS CHURCH. On the northeast corner of the Court House, Place d'Armes:— "This ground, which formerly extended to the east, and was occupied by the Seneschal's Court about the year 1650, became in 1681 the property of the Recollets, who erected on it a church and monastery which were destroyed by fire in 1796. The old Court House built at the beginning of the 19th century was also destroyed by fire in 1873. The present edifice taking the place shortly afterwards. The adjoining Anglican Cathedral occupies part of the grounds once held by the Recollets".

 

1668—TALON'S BREWERY. Palace Hill on Boswells Brewery:—"On this site the Intendant

Talon erected a brewery in 1668 which was converted into a Palace for the Intendants by M. de Meulles in 1686. This building was destroyed by fire in 1713, reconstructed by M. Bégon; it was again damaged by fire in 1726, restored by M. Dupuys in 1727 ; and it was finally destroyed during the siege of Quebec in 1775".

 

1681—RESIDENCE OF CHARLES AUBERT DE LA CHESNAYE. On the Chinic Hardware Co's. store at the foot of Mountain Hill:—"Here stood in 1681 the dwelling house of Charles Aubert de la Chesnaye, one of the most prominent merchants of Quebec in the seventeenth century, the ancestor of the de Gaspé family".

 

1687—FIRST GRAVEYARD. Half way down Mountain Hill on fortification wall:—"Within this enclosure was located the first graveyard of Quebec, where interments were made from the early days of the Colony up to 1687".

 

1688—NOTRE-DAME DES VICTOIRES CHURCH. Lower Town:—"This church was erected in 1688, under the name of L'Enfant Jésus, on the site of the old "King's Store", took the name of "Notre-Dame de la Victoire" in 1690, and of "Notre-Dame des Victoires" in 1711. The square in front of the church was used as the market place of Quebec during the French Regime and around it stood the residences of the principal merchants of that time. In the centre of the square in 1686, the Intendant Champigny erected a bronze bust of Louis XIV".

 

1775—MONTGOMERY DEFEATED. On the cliff above Champlain street, near Marine and Fisheries:—"Here stood the Undaunted Fifty safeguarding Canada, defeating Montgomery at the Près-de-Ville barricade on the last day of 1775; Guy Carleton commanding at Quebec".

 

1776—MONTGOMERY'S BURIAL PLACE. On the left side of Citadel Hill, 50 yards from St. Louis street:—"In this place was buried, on the 4th of January, 1776, along with his two aides-de-camp, McPherson and Cheesman, and certain of his soldiers, Richard Montgomery, the American General who was killed during the attack on Quebec on the 31st of December, 1775. In 1818 his remains were exhumed and removed to the precincts of St. Paul's Church, New York".

 

1784—CHATEAU HALDIMAND. By the baggage office of the Château Frontenac, (St. Louis street) :—"Here stood the Chateau Haldimand, or Vieux Chateau, occupying part of the outworks of the Fort St. Louis. Begun in 1784, completed in 1787. This edifice was displaced by the erection of the present Chateau Frontenac in 1892".

 

1791—RESIDENCE DUKE OF KENT. On the front of the "Kent House" east corner of St. Louis and Haldimand streets:—"This building was the residence of the Duke of Kent, father of Queen Victoria, during his stay in Quebec, from 1791 to 1794".

 

1690 — FORTIFIED WINDMILL. Mont-Carmel street:—"On this height, called Mont-Carmel, there stood in 1690 a stone windmill whereon was mounted a battery of three guns, and which served for a redoubt during the siege of Quebec by Phipps. It was called 'le Cavalier du Moulin' ".

 

1691—PALACE GATE. On the wall of the Dominion Arsenal, Palace Hill: — "Here stood Palace, or St. Nicholas Gate, built in 1691, restored successively in 1720 and 1790 ; it was rebuilt from 1823 to 1832, and finally demolished in 1874".

 

1692—CONVENT-NUNS OF THE CONGREGATION. Corner of St. Peter street and Mountain Hill:—"On this site stood the convent of the Nuns of the Congregation, established by Sister Bourgeoys in 1692, and occupied by the said religious community up to 1842, when it removed to St. Roch".

 

1746—FIRST CUSTOMS HOUSE. On the Marine Department Building, Champlain street:—"In 1746, Louis XV, King of France, took possession of this area of ground in order to establish a new shipyard for the building of his vessels. Here stood the first Custom House erected by the British Government in Quebec after the cession".

 

1758—MONTCALM'S RESIDENCE. 51 Rampart street, (previous residence of Sir Lomer Gouin, Premier of Quebec Province) :—"On this site stood the house where Montcalm resided during the years of 1758 and 1759".

 

1775—ARNOLD DEFEATED. On the Molsons' Bank Building, Lower Town—St. James street, between St. Peter and Sault-au-Matelot streets:— "Here stood her old and new defenders uniting, guarding, saving Canada, defeating Arnold at the Sault-au-Matelot barricade on the last day of 1775 ; Guy Carleton commanding at Quebec".

 

1797-—PRESCOTT GATE. On the new portion of the City Post Office, Mountain Hill (Tablet removed during construction of Post Office):— "Prescott Gate built in 1797; rebuilt, 1815; torn down, 1871-72".

 

1806—FIRST FRENCH NEWSPAPER. On No. 22, Ferland street:—"Here was established, in 1806, "Le Canadien", the first French newspaper published in Quebec".

 

1866—RESIDENCE F.-X. GARNEAU. Corner of St. Flavien and Couillard streets, (No. 14 St. Flavien):—"In this house François-Xavier Garneau, the historian of Canada, lived for several years and here he died on the 3rd February, 1866".

 

HISTORIC TABLETS YET TO BE PLACED

THE POWDER MAGAZINE.

THE HURON FORT.

THE TREASURY.

HOTEL DES BARONS.

CHURCH AND MONASTERY OF RECOLLETS.

D'ARNOUR HOUSE WHERE MONTCALM DIED.

OLD PRINTING SITE QUEBEC GAZETTE

HOUSE WHERE HON. WM. SMITH DIED.

HOUSE OF LOUIS HÉBERT.

FIRST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF MGR. DE ST. VALLIER

HOPE GATE.

BUST OF LOUIS XIV.

HOUSE OCCUPIED BY CHAMPLAIN.

CHAPEL IN HOUSE OCCUPIED BY CHAMPLAIN.

HERE WAS ARNOLD WOUNDED.

FIRST CONVENT AND CHURCH OF RÉCOLLETS.

ST. JOHN'S CHAPEL.

ST. JOHN'S GATE.

FIRST CHAPEL IN SAINT ROCH.

CEMETRY OF GENERAL HOSPITAL—FRENCH AND ENGLISH SOLDIERS 1759-60. DOLLARD.

 

COMMEMORATIVE MONUMENTS IN QUEBEC CITY

 

WOLFE and MONTCALM - Governor's Garden

CHAMPLAIN - Dufferin Terrace

LAVAL - Post Office Place

CARDINAL TASCHEREAU - Front of Basilica

HÉBERT, Louis - Side of City Hall

MARIE ROLLET and Children - Side of City Hall    

CARTIER, Georges-Etienne. Laval – Montmorency Park

HEROES BOER WAR - Esplanade Grounds

GARNEAU, F.-X - Outside Louis Gate

SHORT-WALLICK - Opposite Drill Hall

FRONTENAC - Parliament Grounds

ELGIN – Parliament Grounds

DE SALARERRY - Parliament Grounds        

MONTCALM - Parliament Grounds

WOLFE - Parliament Grounds

LEVIS - Parliament Grounds

TALON - Parliament Grounds

DORCHESTER - Parliament Grounds

MERCIER - Parliament Grounds

LA FONTAINE - Parliament Grounds

BALDWIN - Parliament Grounds

DE LA VÉRENDRYE - Parliament Grounds

PÉRE MARQUETTE - Parliament Grounds

PÈRE DE BRÉBŒUF - Parliament Grounds

BOUCHER DE GROSROIS - Parliament Grounds

HALTE DANS LA FORET - Parliament Grounds

LE PÉCHEUR à la Nigonge - Parliament Grounds

MONTCALM - Park Montcalm

HOPE - Spencer Grange

GARNE AU - Belmont Cemetery

B AINES - Mount Hermon Cem.

DES BRAVES - Ste. Foye Road

QUEEN VICTORIA - Victoria Park

CARTIER-BRÉROEUF - Near River St. Charles

MARTIN, Abraham - C. P. B. SS. Wharf

 

A Monument to Jacques Cartier is to be erected in Quebec during autumn of 1924. This is to be a replica of the statue in St. Malo, France, the birth place of Jacques Cartier, by the famous French sculptor Georges Bareau.

 

The Memorial "Cross of Sacrifice" is placed at proposed entrance to the National Battlefields Park just outside St. Louis Gate. The joint inscription, on either side of cross to read:—

 

TO THE CITIZENS OF QUEBEC WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR

 

A NOS MORTS DE LA GRANDE GUERRE

 

With the dates 1914-1918 in front of Cross.

 

 

FIRST MASS ON ISLAND OF MONTREAL

 

A document has just been found after over three hundred years, registering the fact of a Mass having been held on the Island of Montreal in 1615, stating Champlain was present, shortly after his leaving Quebec.

 

A news report from Montreal, dated 7th May, 1924 states the following:—

 

Document enclosed in Earthen Jar discovered by Gardeners in cavity of Elm Tree at Sault-aux-Recollets 1924

 

Montreal, May 7—While grafting an elm tree in the grounds of the Sisters of Mercy at Sault-aux-Récollets recently, two gardeners discovered in a cavity of the tree an earthen jar in which was a document covered with indecipherable writing. It was handed to a chemist who treated the paper and brought out the writing which was found to be an account of the first Mass celebrated on the Island of Montreal in the year 1615. The words were as follows:

 

"In the presence of Father Jamay and of Champlain a Mass of Actions of grace at which were present seven Frenchmen, twelve "Cri" children, six Algonquins, chanted and spoken by Father Le Caron, Recollet Father, Charles Lavoisier (or Lavoidin), Bodiaroka, Jean Lebeuf".

 

Here follow four other lines which are indecipherable and which probably contained the names of witnesses. It also appears that Jean Lebeuf was the writer of the manuscript.

 

In Abbé Laverdière's "History of Canada" the following account is given of this Mass : "Champlain was forced to come down the river from Quebec to arrange details to be carried out during his absence. He again met at Rivière des Prairies, Father Le Caron, who chanted a solemn Mass on the 23rd or 24th June, 1615, in the presence of a large number of savages".

 

The elm tree in which the discovery was made is computed to be 340 years old. Its diameter a few feet from the ground is about five feet and its height about 125 feet.

 

This document is apparently authenticated by Champlain's letters to His Majesty King Louis XIII of France in 1615 as recorded by l'Abbé C. H. Laverdière, M.A., Professor of History, Laval University, Quebec, Vol. 2, p. 16, taken from the letters published in Paris in 1619.

 

THE QUEBEC BRIDGE

 

Built by the St. Lawrence Bridge Company in 1917 is of the cantilever type and is notable not only as having the longest, and by far the heaviest single span yet built, but also for being the first to use, in an important structure, the "K" system of web bracing.

 

Owing to the hoisting tackle breaking, the suspended central span fell on the 11th of September, 1916.

 

The new central span was securely connected into position—(150 feet above high tide) on the 20th of September, 1917, completing this giant structure.

 

The first railway train passed over the Bridge on the 17th of October, 1917.

 

The Bridge was open for regular train service on the 3rd of December, 1917.

 

The length of Bridge is 2,830 feet.

The length between piers is 1,800 feet.

The length of central suspension span is 640 feet.

The length from North Pier to shore 515' is 1,030 feet.

The length from South Pier to shore 515' is 1,030 feet.

 

Total weight of metal structure - 66,480 tons

Total weight of central span - 5,510 tons

 

Total cost of metal structure - $14,500,000

Total cost of Bridge - $25,000,000

 

COLD STORAGE WAREHOUSE

OF

QUEBEC HARBOUR COMMISSION

 

Was commenced in November, 1923—Contracted to be ready to operate in the Autumn of 1924.

 

Located on St. James street and Dalhousie street to deep water berths, so placed that fish &c. may be landed from boats almost at the door.

 

Warehouse - 127 ft. x 106 ft. 5 stories high.

Fish Storage House – 60 ft. x 40 ft. 2 stories high.

Power Plant - 60 ft. x 40 ft. 2 stories high.

 

With provision for 4 additional stories through out as required.

 

One half of building is insulated and piped for cold storage, the other half to be likewise insulated when required; this portion meanwhile used for general storage not requiring refrigeration.

 

Temperatures on three floors to be 29° Fahr.

Fish storage one floor to be 15° Fahr.

Fish storage one floor to be Zero Fahr.

Capable of reducing to 10° below Zero Fahr.

 

The cool rooms are supplied with humidifiers and air washing machine capable of renewing air in rooms in 15 minutes.

 

The cool rooms are capable of storing approximately 850,000 pounds of fish. Poultry, game, meats, eggs, &c., can also be stored.

 

General storage space 329,000 cubic feet.

Cold storage space 249,000 cubic feet.

Total of 578,000 cubic feet.

 

All the machinery and equipment are made in Canada.

 

QUEBEC HARBOUR COMMISSION

Frontage

 

Steamship berths in Wet Dock - 3,000 Frontage feet

Steamship berths in Tidal Harbour - 2,000 Frontage feet

Steamship berths in Breakwater - 2,200 Frontage feet

Steamship berths in Pointe-à-Carcy Wharves - 1,400 Frontage feet

Steamship berths in River St. Charles Basin  - 3,750 Frontage feet

Total - 12,350 Frontage feet.

 

Depth of water at low tide Wet Dock - 25 to 26 feet

Depth of water at Tidal Harbour – 24 to 30 feet

Depth of water at Breakwater over - 40 feet

Depth of water at Pt-à-Carcy Ocean berth – 40 feet

Depth of water at River St. Charles - 35 feet

 

Grain Elevator capacity - 2,000,000 bushels.

Grain Elevator loading capacity - 60,000 bushels per hour.

 

A modern Bunkering Plant for coal was constructed in 1923.

 

Fuel Oil Pipe Line has supplied vessels with 275 tons or 66,275 gallons per hour.

 

Railway connections accessable to all railroads.

 

Sixteen miles of R.R. track on docks to handle freight.

 

GRAVING DOCKS

 

There are two graving docks, one 600 feet long by 62 feet wide at entrance—and one of 1,150 feet long by 120 feet wide at entrance, capable of taking the largest vessels afloat; with workshops alongside, capable of executing all required repairs to any sized vessel.

 

DIVERSION OF WATER

 

The diversion of water from Lake Michigan for the so called "Sanitary Canal" for Chicago was protested against by Canada in 1912.

 

The United States Secretary of War, Mr. Stimson found "against the right of Chicago to take the water from the Great Lakes and divert it to the Gulf of Mexico in order to carry on sanitary and water-power operations". The District Court of the United States later upheld this dictum of their Government—An appeal was entered against these findings by parties interested in Chicago's action.

 

Six of the American States bordering on the Great Lakes—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, also opposed any further diversion of the water from the Great Lakes, which carry the greatest water borne commerce in the world, the traffic being upwards of one hundred and twenty million tons annually.

 

A SOURCE OF MUCH HISTORIC DATA

 

The last issue of the "Quebec Gazette", founded on the 21st of June 1764, appeared on the 24th of April 1924, and is now combined with the Quebec Chronicle since the 1st of May 1924.

 

While the "Quebec Gazette" was the second oldest newspaper in Canada as regards a first issue, it was the oldest in the Dominion,—if not in the World—that has been continuously published for such a length of time as reached at the date of its last issue, almost one hundred and sixty years. It was originally published as a Weekly in both English and French in parallel lines, and was the Official Paper up to 1818. In 1838 the "Quebec Gazette" became a daily paper, being published three days in English and three days in French alternately.

 

It again became a weekly in 1874, being published in English only, under the auspices of the "Quebec Chronicle".

 

The first issue of the united paper is dated May 1st 1924 appearing as the "Quebec Chronicle" and "Quebec Gazette".

 

The "Gazette" published in 1789 the founding of

 

THE FIRST AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY IN CANADA

 

The "Agriculture Society in the District of Quebec" was formed on the 6th day of January 1789 under a suggestion of His Excellency the Right Honorable Guy, Lord Dorchester, Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty's Provinces on the Continent of North America; who became its Patron and most active supporter.

 

The Secretary of the first meeting announced that Lord Dorchester had desired that the Directors chosen consist of eight English and eight Canadian gentlemen, who were to meet and frame Rules and Regulations to govern the Society; also inviting the members of the Legislature and others interested to join the Society.

 

Attention was drawn to the great importance of importing improved seed for the farmers, the same to be distributed as ordered by the Directors.

 

It was ordered that the best seed of wheat, oats, barley, rye, tares, hempseed, peas, potatoes, cattle cabbage and cattle carrots be purchased in London, where seeds of various kinds specially grown in England, Scotland, Norway, Poland and Hungary could be secured: and these to be shipped in two fast vessels in order to insure the safe and speedy arrival of seed in time for planting, in case of accident to either vessel.

 

 

The First Officers of this Society. - 1789

 

His Excellency GUY, Lord Dorchester—Patron and President.

Brigadier General HOPE—Lieut.-Governor—Vice President.

All the Council and the Canadian Bishop

 

First Council of Directors

The Rev. Mr. BÉDARD

The Rev. Philip TOOSEY

The Hon. le Comte DUPRE         

The Hon. Henry CALDWELL

The Hon. Charles DELANAUDIERE

The Hon. Hugh FINLAY

A. BERTHELOT           

George DAVIDSON

Louis DUNIE

David LYNDE

G. E. TASCHEREAU

Kenelm CHANDLER

A. J. Duchesnay

Thomas SCOTT

J. M. de SALABERRY

J. Mervin NOOTH

 

Seven of whom may at any time proceed to business

Treasurer—John LEES

Secretary —Hugh FINLAY

 

The names of the original subscribers were also published, comprising 83 of (evidently) the most prominent French and English persons in Quebec.

 

The Society immediately proceeded to investigate the disease called "smut" which was causing great loss to all grain crops in Canada at that time, and the Society experimented with various means of combating this evil.

 

"The experiments of Messrs. de Salaberry, Thomas Aylwin and J. B. Couillard were reported as successful in controlling the plague of "smut", the means employed were published, and Circulars in French and English were sent to every Curé in all the Parishes for the benefit of the farmers.

 

"In April 1790 two oxen were exhibited, each weighing over one thousand pounds—these were bred from two small Canadian cows by a bull imported by the Society from England, showing the advantage of good sires to improve Canadian beef."

 

From the foregoing testimony it is seen, that the British Administration lost no time, or opportunity, in securing important benefits to the Canadian farmer.

 

 

On the 17th of April 1790 Lord Dorchester caused to be published "An Ordinance for the preservation of ancient French Records, to more fully protect those who held property under titles acquired prior to the Conquest".

 

The following is an extract from an Address made to the Grand Jury in Quebec on the 3rd of November 1789—which reads in part as follows:

 

"Canada was conquered—but conquered into liberty, and engrafted into such a Constitution as the French admire.

 

"Happy Canadians! to be a sharer on the purchase, without contributing to the inestimable price England paid for the uncomparable Political Fabric, enjoyed by no other people, in any country, of any age. The lesson taught to this mixed Province is to melt down ancient discords into mutual love and with united hands to improve and defend the felicity we possess".

 

This Address, given nearly one hundred and thirty years ago, must have yielded more generous fruit by now, had the two languages been more generally understood by both French and English.

 

An extract from an Article written in Paris (soon after the French Revolution) appeared in the "Quebec Gazette" of 18th February 1790— "The study of the English language in France is one of those collateral circumstances which tend to disseminate just ideas respecting liberty in France: Reynal—a French author of great distinction and a zealous advocate for general liberty—in speaking of the English language says;—May English be learned by all Nations that aspire not to be slaves—they will then dare to think and act for themselves. It is not a language of only words but of ideas, they—the English—are the first who ever made use of the expression THE MAJESTY OF THE PEOPLE, and that alone is sufficient to consecrate a language".

 

The English should also study French, to enable each of us to fully understand the feelings of our French fellow members of the British Empire —who, with us, have every reason to be proud of the past, which enables us each to respect the other as a necessary part of the Whole.

 

The evidence of over one hundred and thirty years ago shows the cordial feelings of good expressed in deeds as well as words, which should stimulate both English and French Canadians to endeavour to understand and appreciate each other more thoroughly, much to the benefit of every soul that makes this fair Canada a home, and truly learn, and act upon, the lesson contained in the Address delivered in 1789, by which means the English and the French of Canada may become a truly United People.

 

WELLINGTON'S REPORT ON THE DEFENCE OF CANADA

 

LONDON, March 1st, 1819.

 

My dear Lord,

 

I have perused with attention the dispatches from the Duke of Richmond upon the Defences of Canada and the papers upon that subject sent me from your office which I now return; and having given them every attention in my power and endeavoured to make myself acquainted with the nature of the Military operations which can be carried on in that country, I am about to communicate to your Lordship my opinion upon the Plans of Defence for those Provinces.

 

I concur entirely with the Duke of Richmond that the points of most importance in the two Provinces are Quebec, Montreal and Kingston.

 

In respect to Quebec itself I would recommend the purchase of Mr. Fergusson's ground, and the adoption of every measure in the power of Government to obtain the removal of the houses already close to the Works.

 

As far as I can learn the Siege of Quebec would be impracticable in a late Season of the year if those houses were removed, I would likewise recommend the construction of the Citadel as proposed. An entrenched Camp would like wise be useful on the Heights of Abraham now occupied by the Martillo Towers, but if its flanks cannot be well secured so that the communication with the Tower cannot be interrupted I would recommend that the Camp should only be traced out and that it should be executed afterwards while the enemy should be on the advance.

 

The work of this kind cannot be considered perfect in itself, nor can its defects be kept secret from the power likely to attack it, and it is as well that he should not have the advantage of framing his plan and forming his means of attack with an exact fore knowledge of the system of Defence to be opposed to him, and of all its defects.

 

For this reason, as well as to avoid immediate expense, I would recommend the construction of the works of the entrenched camp to be delayed, although I consider an entrenched camp upon the heights of Abraham useful, and even necessary considering the kind of Troops which may be assembled for the defence of Quebec.

 

Connected with the Defence of Quebec I shall next proceed to consider those of the River Richelieu which appears the only line of advance of an enemy on Quebec, at least it is the only one contemplated by the Duke of Richmond, and the Officers who have written upon that subject.

 

I entirely concur with the Duke in thinking it desirable that the Works upon the Isle aux Noix should be reformed and put in a respectable state of defence.

 

I particularly approve of the scheme of making the work within the Island complete and not to consider the River as the Ditch. I should prefer the Work however if it occupied a larger proportion of the Island particularly to the Northward and Westward. I should not think it necessary to give more than a demi revetment to the Scarp.

 

The counterscarp should be rivetted in order to admit Galleries, for a reverse fire for the defence of the ditch. I would recommend that the covert way should be palisaded with palisades each made of an entire Tree placed about three inches asunder so that Musquetry can be fired from behind them, and firmly fixed in the ground but unconnected with each other.

 

However dexterous the American soldiers may be in the use of an axe they would not easily cut down these Palisades.

 

This defence with a demi revetment although infinitely less expensive would thus answer in such situations all the purposes of a complete revetment in Masonry. These Palisades might be kept in store and there would be no occasion to place them till War should be expected.

 

I would recommend that the Fort should occupy the whole, or nearly the whole of the Isle aux Noix and that those Works looking to the N. W. should have Ordnance sufficiently heavy to be able to command the entrance of the South River.

 

Indeed it would be advisable to occup as an outwork of the Isle aux Noix a small Island which is at the mouth of that River, as it appears to be navigable from a point only Miles from Misiskoni Bay, which communicates with Lake Champlain and if an enemy could use this communication he would turn the Isle aux Noix.

 

The Forts of St. John and Chambly should be kept in a state of efficient repair and everything should be done to impede the navigation of the Richelieu River by the Enemy.

 

This River remaining in our possession it appears difficult if not impossible in the existing state of the country between the Richelieu, the St. Lawrence and the American Province of Maine for an enemy to penetrate through it with an Army of sufficient strength, its supplies and the necessary Military equipments to be able to make an attack upon Quebec.

 

The next point for consideration is Montreal and I entirely concur with the Duke of Richmond in the opinion that it would be expedient to destroy all the Works, and to sell all the Magazines, Military Buildings &c. at that place and place them upon the Island of St. Helens. This Island should be fortified as above recommended for the Isle aux Noix.

 

In reference to the Defence of the Island of St. Helens I would recommend the occupation of the small Island of St. Regis below Cornwall at the extreme of Lake St. François in the River St. Lawrence. This may be considered as an outpost of Montreal which will besides have the effect of protecting the Navigation of Lake St. François &c., &c.

 

I do not think it would be necessary to do anything upon the River Chateau Gay although the Americans used it as a line of attack upon Montreal last War. But they were easily repulsed.

 

Before I proceed to the consideration of Kingston and of the Defences of the Province of Upper Canada it is proper that I should advert to the communications with that Province.

 

I consider that by the St. Lawrence above St. Regis, and by the Lake Ontario, the River Niagara, the Lake Erie, the River Detroit, Lake St. Clair, the river St. Clair and Lake Huron to be impracticable in time of War. An enemy has only to place a few heavy Batteries closed in, at almost any points of the River in order to prevent our use of the Navigation. We may likewise prevent his using it; but it is absolutely necessary to us, and is not so to him.

 

This observation applies only to the Rivers; but in respect to the Lakes it must be observed that our use of each of them must depend upon the Naval superiority upon it, and as everything which can enable us to acquire and maintain such Naval superiority must come from England and then by a difficult River Navigation of nearly 300 miles to Kingston and 1200 to Lake Huron, whereas the enemy have all they require upon the spot; it can scarcely be believed that we shall be able to acquire and maintain that Naval Superiority.

 

The pains that Sir E. Owen has taken to survey these Lakes and Rivers, and to point out the Plans at which loaded boats and vessels might take shelter, and might receive protection from Works and Troops, then the difficulty, may be the impossibility of executing such a system. Works must be constructed, armed and manned at every point of the Lakes and after all the Officers and Men within might and would have the mortification of seeing valuable cargoes carried off by a single gun boat to which they should not be able to afford protection. But not only is the use of these Rivers and Lakes as a communication impracticable in time of War, but even if it were or could be made practicable I should not recommend it, as it is the longest, the most inconvenient and expensive and the most liable to accidents and contingencies.

 

I would recommend then first that the Canal from Montreal to La Chine, should be completed, so as to take boats of the largest size.

 

Secondly, That the Navigation of the River Ottawa should be made practicable to the junction of the River Rideau with the former.

 

Thirdly, that the Navigation of the River Rideau should be made practicable, and easy to the junction with the Irish Creek and thence if possible through the different Lakes to Kingston.

 

There is besides I believe a line which leads up the Rideau River towards the Head of Lake Simcoe, and into Lake Simcoe by what is called the Black River, this line ought to be examined and completed if practicable either by Canal or Railway. All these lines of Navigation ought to be rendered if possible so perfect as that a Steam Vessel might be used to tow the loaded Boats. Trackways should be made on which the Troops might march.

If the Navigation could not be completed between the Head of the Irish Creek which runs into the Rideau River and Huntley's Bridge on the waters which fall into Lake Ontario I would recommend that a good Railway should be constructed, on the carriages of which loaded Boats might be taken from the one to the other.

 

The point of the greatest importance after Montreal is certainly Kingston. It is the connecting point between the Upper and Lower Province. It contains the Dock Yard on Lake Ontario, and is the most populous Town in the Province, and at the same time so situated in relation to Sackett's Harbour as to be liable at all times to be attacked.

 

It must then be secured in some degree by Works but without having more knowledge of the detail of the ground, and of the positions of the several Islands than I can acquire from the descriptions and plans transmitted which I have perused and examined, it is impossible for me to say what ought to be done.

 

As the attack must be made however by a combined Naval and Military operation I would recommend the occupation with closed works, sufficiently armed of Snake Island, Cedar Island and Garden Island. Those on the spot would best be able to determine how far this system ought to be carried and whether there ought to be a Work on Cataragui Point and one on Simcoe Island. None of these Works need be very capacious or require more than 150 men to garrison them, but they must be well provided with Artillery of the largest description and there must be a good Fort at Point Henry or elsewhere on the Mainland as a keep to these Outworks.

 

I confess that I very much doubt that we shall ever be able to maintain even an equality of Naval Force upon the Lake Ontario and that being the case I recommend that we should look for our communications forward to the improvements of the Inland Navigation from Kingston by the Bay of Querté and the Rice Lake, to Lake Simcoe and thence to Lake Huron even if it should be found that a water communication can be established from the head of the Rideau by the Black River into Lake Simcoe.

 

It is impossible to form a judgment from the very defective details which I have perused and the confused Maps and Charts which accompany them how far such a Navigation can be ensured.

 

It is very obvious however that the object of a Military communication can be ensured by the assistance of Railways for the necessary Portages.

 

If the communication with Lake Simcoe were once established, whether by the Rice Lake or direct from the Head of the Rideau I would recommend you to remove the capital of the Province from York to Kingston if that Town should not be too far removed from the centre of the Province, or if it is I would then fix the capital of the Province either higher up the Trent River or between the Head of the Trent and the Head of Hollands River.

 

If it should be impossible to remove the Capital, and, York should still be the place it must be fortified; otherwise from the probable Naval superiority of the enemy on the Lake Ontario, it will be impossible to prevent that Town from falling into his hands as often as it may suit him to visit it whether in Winter or Summer. How this Town is to be fortified it is impossible for me to say without knowing more of the ground than I do at present.

 

The next point for consideration is the Niagara Frontier. It is my opinion that this Frontier cannot be defended by Fort George or Fort Erie or even by the possession of Fort Niagara. Both Fort George and Fort Erie fell last War without one day's defence and notwithstanding that Fort Niagara was in our possession from the Winter of 1813 General Brown remained on the left of the River Niagara from the month of July to November 1814 and in possession of Fort Erié.

 

The Niagara Frontier can be maintained and defended only by a superior Army, and this superior Army can only be maintained by the means which can be conveyed to that distant Frontier.

 

It is obvious that we cannot rely upon the enjoyment of the Navigation of Lake Ontario.

 

In my opinion then we ought to look to that of La Grande Riviere which falls into Lake Erié; we ought to endeavour to connect the Navigation of that River with that of Hollands River which falls into Lake Simcoe, with that of the River Thames and with that of the River Chippewa by good Railways if the tributary streams should not allow of doing it by water. By these means we should be able to maintain an Army on the Niagara Frontier notwithstanding that the enemy should be in possession of the Navigation of Lake Ontario.

 

We should likewise be enabled to concentrate our Naval means in small craft upon Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario upon whichever of the three we might think fit and thus be enabled to be superior to the enemy on one of the three notwithstanding that our operations on Shore and the Defence of the country could be entirely independent of such superiority.

 

I am perfectly aware however that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to reconcile the inhabitants of the country to this system, that they will not believe they are to be defended unless they have visible means of defence on the spot, and that people of that description are not unlikely to connect themselves with an enemy to whose mercy they may think they are abandoned and that to prevent these inconveniences it may be necessary to maintain a Fort on the Niagara Frontier. If this should be the case I would as far as I can judge of the localities recommend a position on the River Chippewa in preference to either Fort Erié or Fort George.

The next point for consideration is a station upon Lake Huron and upon the whole I prefer Penetangathem with its communication with Lake Simcoe.

 

The result of all these measures would be to give us a secure line of communication from Quebec to Lake Huron of less than 500 miles even passing by Kingston, but less than 400 direct by the Rideau and Black River instead of 1200 miles, and affording better means of defending and maintaining the Niagara Frontier.

 

The system of defence which I would recommend is as follows:

 

I suppose the Army disposable in the Field to consist of 10,000 Men Cavalry Infantry of the Line and Artillery besides 1000 Troops of the Line in Garrison at Quebec; 500 at Montreal, 500 in the Garrisons on the Richelieu, 500 in Kingston, 500 on the Niagara and in Pentengathem, besides the Militia which may be destined for each Post.

 

I take this to be about the Force which was in Canada when the last War broke out.

 

I would divide this number into two Corps each consisting of 5000 Men then complete with its Field Artillery and Equipments.

 

Each of these Corps would of course be joined by the Militia not in Garrison of the Districts which would be the scene of its operations.

 

I would place the left of these Corps on the Irish Creek which falls into the Rideau River. From thence it could reach Montreal in four days and the Frontier of the Richelieu, and the Isle aux Noix in two more or Quebec in three supposing the Navigation to be made as perfect as I believe it may.

 

On the other hand it would reach Kingston in two or three days and Lake Simcoe in ten or twelve more from Kingston or in six or eight if the communication can be established by the Rideau and Black River.

 

The Right Corps consisting of 5000 Men with the Militia of the District in which it should carry on its operations should be posted on the communication between the Head of Hollands River which runs into Lake Simcoe and the Head of the Grand River which runs into Lake Erié.

 

If required at York it could arrive by the Trent in two or three days, if at Kingston it could arrive in six or eight days, if on the Niagara Frontier it could arrive by the Grand River and the Chippewa in from five to eight days according to the extent to which the former can be rendered navigable.

 

According to this system the Magazines and Stores of the Army and their points of retreat and safety will be far removed from the Frontier, from the line of Defence and from the scene of operations at the same time that every point will be in greater security than it was in the Last War.

 

The ordinary communications will cost half the present expense, and a War in that country will with greater success not cost half what the last did.

 

As far as I can judge of the operations of any future War in these countries, from what took place in the last War I should say that an American Corps of strength and efficiency to contend with a Corps consisting of 5000 Regular Troops, and 3000 Militia and Indians, which is what I suppose these Corps would consist of would not be readily formed, and that if such a Force could be collected and put in operation its own size would distress it, and oblige it to retire from the country without effecting anything.

 

In the last War the Corps which penetrated further into the country was that which defeated General Proctor on the Thames near the Moravian Town. But this Corps which did not consist of more than 3000 Men did not quit the River Thames and did not advance above twenty miles from Lake St. Clair suffered extremely from want of provisions.

 

None of the others on either side excepting small plundering parties were ever five miles from their boats or from their respective Frontier.

 

In considering this system I have laid aside as altogether impracticable the notion of attacking the United States on this Frontier. I have never yet seen any Plan of attack upon that Power which was at all likely to answer the purpose ; but I am certain that an attack could not succeed made from this Frontier in which we are frozen up for five months of the year, and on which the enemy have and must continue to have the Naval superiority.

 

I have the honor to be &c.,

 

WELLINGTON.

 

 

ADDRESS

 

TO HIS EXCELLENCY GEORGE EARL Of DALHOUSIE, G.C.B., Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over the Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, &c.

 

The Quebec Literary and Historical Society apprised of Your Excellency's intention to embark immediately for Great Britain, begs leave to approach Your Excellency and to express the unfeigned attachment and respectful esteem which the members of this Society individually and collectively entertain for Your Excellency, its Patron and Founder.

 

To an ardent zeal to promote the best interests of these Provinces under your Excellency's more immediate protection and of British America in general; to a desire to cherish and call forth the rising energies of the Inhabitants of these valuable Colonies, to rescue from oblivion and to collect into one Focus all that relates to the early history and the natural productions of the Canadas; to trace the language and the origin of the several Tribes of Indians heretofore and yet inhabiting the vast continent of America, to your Excellency's love for polite Literature, combined with the Arts and Sciences this yet infant Society more immediately owes its origin: And from the highly munificent donation which your Excellency has bestowed upon it, and your promise to bring this Institution under the favorable notice of His Majesty The King, to the end that he may be graciously pleased to sanction the name which it has assumed or to confer upon it, the honor of some more appropriate appellation, its future progress and importance are secured; and the sense of your Excellency's continued protection, will form the strongest incitement to perseverance on the part of the Society in the laudable objects for which it was instituted.

 

The Society trusting that the absence of your Excellency and amiable Countess from this Province will be but of short duration, and most anxiously desirous for your return to it, has to add its fervent wishes for your safe and prosperous voyage and a happy meeting with your kindred and friends in your Native Land.

 

Signed by Order of the Society,

FRANCIS BURTON,

Chairman.

QUEBEC,

31 May, 1824.

 

LETTERS OF LORD DALHOUSIE

 

LETTER, Lord Dalhousie to Earl Bathurst.

 

Castle of St. Lewis,

QUEBEC,

27th October 1820.

 

My Lord,

I feel it my duty to bring under your Lordship's consideration the situation of the Governor of this Province in regard to his accommodation in House or place of residence, and I beg your Lordship to believe that my motives for so doing are solely of a public nature, little caring personally how or where I am lodged.

 

As Governor the Province provides the Castle of St. Lewis as the residence in Quebec, and a Government House at Montreal,—here I have no reason to complain except that I am altogether at the good will of the House of Assembly to allow of any repairs; at Montreal the Government House has long been uninhabitable. In Summer the great heat makes it impossible to remain in this House, or in Quebec at all, I must seek a shade somewhere, and there is not a possibility of hiring a place fit for a family. The Governors have usually retired to Wm. Henry on the King's Seigniory of Sorel, but that is so small that tents must be pitched for the accommodation of all the servants, and now it is in so wretched a state as to be nearly tottering and must be expensively repaired. I take the opportunity therefore before going into that expense, to suggest that there are many powerful reasons to urge that a Military Quarter should be provided for the Commander of the Forces in this part of H.M. Dominions, it would therefore place His Majesty's Representative out of the reach of an Assembly disposed to be unaccommodating, it would enable him to maintain in the country that dignity and hospitality, which are expected in his station. It would place him at Sorel on the most proper post in a Military point of view, where the attack is most practicable, where the Army can be most easily assembled, and directed, most abundantly provided and where the daily steam boats and post from Quebec and Montreal, enable him to do the public business without delay, or inconvenience, even to individuals.

 

The present House at Sorel is a Field Officers' Quarter only. It did not allow me to ask the neighbouring gentlemen to visit me. It has no room for an Aide de Camp, none for my servants, no stable for my horses. It is placed upon a narrow reserved Lot of 150 yards in breadth, and upon right and left the land is occupied and cannot be got were it even worth the purchase. There is adjoining the Town of Wm. Henry a Domain of 300 acres reserved for the Crown, in every way calculated as a situation for the General Quarters. I would therefore my Lord earnestly solicit your Lordship's recommendation to the Lords of H.M. Treasury that I may be permitted to cause a convenient house to be built there with small stabling, and out houses. From the best calculation I can make of the probable expense I do not think it would exceed £5,000, and that sum would be found in the estimates already approved for 1819 & 1820, in which I find many works either largely estimated, or not immediately so necessary to be executed.

 

It is needless for me perhaps to state to your Lordship, as an additional argument on this subject that in the mean way in which I was forced to live this Summer, I felt the station degraded, and am convinced that the diminished rank which the Governor is thus necessarily reduced to tends greatly to lower him in the opinion of the Canadian people.

 

I have &c.

 

DALHOUSIE.

 

LETTER, Lord Dalhousie to Sir James Kempt.

 

Castle of St. Lewis,

QUEBEC, 3rd January 1821.

 

My dear Sir James,

 

I regret much to hear the reports from Halifax that you have already felt the severity of the cold, and I fear therefore that the after part of Winter will tell harder still upon you. We have it now very intense indeed 30 below 0, but inside the Chateau we are warm and comfortable.

 

I have felt nothing myself, but we have had a great deal of sickness in the house, and I am sorry to say I feel so uneasy about my young friend Schomberg Kerr, that I am going to pack him off directly to New York and home—he has been thin, and weak, and out of tune since September without any decided complaint, and now looks like a Ghost.

 

Our Parliamentary proceedings have been nearly at a standstill during the holidays, and the good temper of all parties appears to gain strength as our acquaintance grows. I have given the Speaker, an ex officio seat in the Executive Council, not to flatter or to coax that House, but from a conviction that he ought to know the intentions of Government as a Privy Counsellor—that the Governor ought to consult him on public measures —and that the Public should know that I am acting a frank, fair, and candid part with them, free from intrigue and free from guile. I think it a measure that will lead to unanimity in Council, and confidence in it which does not exist at present.

 

Will you do me the favour to ask Jeffray, what became of the boxes of stuffed birds I left in his care for England. My best compliments to him—as also to Judge Stewart, Halliburton, Wallace &c, &c.

 

Yours &c, &c.

 

DALHOUSIE

 

LETTER, Lord Dalhousie to The Right Hon. Earl Bathurst, K.G.

 

QUEBEC, 28th August 1821.

 

My Lord,

I beg leave to transmit to your Lordship the copy of a letter from the Chief Engineer in these Provinces accompanied by a sketch of the City of Quebec, the suburbs Works &c. and setting forth the necessity of purchasing on the part of Government, certain premises contiguous to, and which interfere with, the advanced defences of the place.

 

A reference to the plan—No copy of this plan in the Military Secretary's office—will point out to your Lordship the situation and extent of the premises in question, a part of which you will perceive would of necessity be occupied by field works should it be required to connect the Towers in the event of any attack upon the Town.

 

In the dispatch which was addressed to your Lordship by the late Commander of the Forces on the 11th August 1818, His Grace represented the necessity of Government becoming possessed of the ground laid out for Suburbs near to Cape Diamond, in order to prevent the erection of buildings too close to the works in that direction. This purchase has been made under the authority of Lords of the Treasury as communicated in your Lordship's dispatch of 25th May 1819 and will effectually prevent the inconvenience that was to be apprehended from its falling into the hands of individuals.

 

As the same objection obtains with respect to the ground now under consideration, though somewhat further removed from the body of the place, I beg leave to express my entire concurrence in the opinion of Lt. Col. Durnford as to the propriety of our obtaining possession of the premises.

 

If the purchase be made immediately the whole may probably be had for about four thousand pounds—any delay in the transaction will greatly enhance the price, as the proprietors are making arrangements for conceding part of the premises in building lots. I therefore beg leave to recommend very strongly, that I should be authorised to purchase for Government such part of the ground marked green on the plan as may be likely to interfere with the defences of Quebec.

 

I have &c,

 

DALHOUSIE,

Commander of the Forces.

 

LETTER, Lord Dalhousie to Earl Bathurst.

 

QUEBEC, 12th July 1822.

 

My Lord,

Pursuant to the authority conveyed in your Lordship's letter of 31st December last for purchasing certain premises which I had represented in my dispatch of 28th August 1821 to be necessary for Government to be possessed of, with a view to the defences of this place, I have the honor to acquaint your Lordship that of the lots marked green on the plan which accompanied my letter I have caused those lying between the Towers and in front of the Fortifications to be purchased for which the sum of seven thousand and twenty six pounds nine shillings Sterling has been paid by the Commissary General. The ground thus acquired contains in the whole about sixty five acres.

 

Independant of the foregoing purchase the Commanding Engineer has strongly urged the expediency of obtaining certain other small lots immediately at the foot of the glacis of the Citadel now constructing but as the demands of the proprietors appear to me altogether unreasonable I have declined acceding to the proposal. The situation of these lots does not render their immediate acquisition indispensable, although the regular slope of the glacis may meet with some interruption from the want of room sufficient to extend it in that direction.

 

I trust your Lordship will approve of what I have done on this occasion, in which I have been altogether governed by a consideration of the ultimate advantage that Government will derive from having this ground disposable which will at any time bring a price equal to that now paid for it.

 

I have &c.,

 

DALHOUSIE,

Commander of the Forces.

 

LETTER, Col. Durnford to Col. Darling.

 

Royal Engineer's Office.

 

QUEBEC, 16th Decr., 1824.

 

Sir,

Observing preparations are making to build several valuable dwelling houses, and that a considerable quantity of mining is already executed, adjacent to the Government Boundary on the North and West fronts of the New Works at the junction of St. Ursule and St. Denis Streets, which circumstances I consider highly detrimental to the Defences, and now prevent a determination being made on the necessary slopes to be given either to the Parapet or Glacis ; I think it my indispensable duty to request you to introduce the subject to the consideration of His Excellency the Major General Commanding the Forces.

 

I have the honor to forward a plan, shewing the fronts of the new Fortification, especially affected by the circumstances above alluded to, and the various lots of land, that in my opinion require to be immediately procured by Arbitration, for Government purposes.

 

It cannot be expected that such property will ever be lower in value than at the present period, but when built upon and the streets regularly extended must become enormously enhanced.

 

I have drawn the proposed acquisition of premises at the very nearest limit it is practicable to construct the Glacis, and which will only preserve the approaches clear to view, about one hundred yards from the body of the work.

 

I trust His Excellency will either sanction immediate steps to be taken to procure the extent of ground and buildings in question for Government, or that he will be pleased to address the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, and the Master General, and the Honorable Board of Ordnance upon the subject.

 

His Lordship the Commander of the Forces being now in England affords a very favorable opportunity of referring the matter home, should there be any doubt on the propriety of effecting the object, without such references.

 

With the approval of His Excellency I propose submitting copies of this report, and plan to General Mann the Inspector General of Fortifications.

 

I have &c., &c., &c.,

 

E. W. DURNFORD,

 

Comg. Royal Engineer, Canada.

 

MEMORANDUM shewing the supposed value of the Lots of Ground &c. required for Government Service near the Citadel, with the Proprietors' names.

 

Major Van Cortlandt's property as it now stands - £ 3,500.

Hon. Judge Sewell's property,—only a part at the south end, containing about 13,284 ft. at 2/—per sq. ft - £1,328. 8.

Mr. Clapham's property & House at the south end - £2,500.

Hon. Mr. Smith's only a part of his property at south end, containing about 6050 ft. at 2/—per square foot - £605.

Hon. Mr. Irvine's property only the part at the south end containing about 17,550 ft. at 2/—per sq. foot - £1,755.

Mr. John Cannon's property containing about 9375 feet at 2/—per sq. foot. - £937.10.

Mr. Joseph Petitclaire's property and a two storey new House - £1,800.

Mr. Gabriel Petitclaire's property forming two lots - £1,400.

Mr. Charles Petitclaire's property—one lot - £700.

Mr. Pierre Le Vasseur's property—one lot - £700.

Mr. Pierre Marson's property—one lot. - £700.

Currency - £15,925.18.0

Army Sterling - £14,788, 6.8¾

 

Amounting to Fifteen thousand, nine hundred and twenty five pounds eighteen shillings Currency— or, Fourteen thousand seven hundred and eighty eight pounds six shillings and eight pence, three farthings Army Sterling.

 

E. W. DURNFORD, Lt. Colonel,

Comg. R. Eng.

 

LETTER, The Earl of Dalhousie to Sir James Kempt.

 

QUEBEC, 22nd November 1827.

Thursday.

 

My dear Sir James,

In the hurry of business I catch at a leisure moment to-day, on the arrival of the Halifax Mail, to tell you that we are stuck fast on the threshold of business. On Tuesday the Parliament met, yesterday they presented Papineau as Speaker and in usual form was refused by me. The Commons were desired to return and choose another person and present him to-morrow (Friday) at 2 p.m. On return to their House, they passed a resolution that The King's approbation was not at all necessary and confirmed their own choice. To-day the House meets and intends to pass some violent resolutions, but to-morrow at 2 p.m. I shall direct the Chief Justice to declare the Parliament prorogued, before the Speaker elect is permitted to announce the persistance of the Commons in their choice.

 

My Precedents for proceeding are taken from Hatsell 1727, on the Speech of Sir — Onslow, and from the Proceedings under Sir John Wentworth at Halifax in 1806,—Also from Massachusetts in 1720, and from Charles 2nd, 1678. My Executive and Legislative Councils are unanimous in cordial support of these measures, as also the Chief Justice, Attorney and Solicitor General and here the matter shall go home to be decided by Superior Powers.

 

Nothing can be said on all this, but that Papineau commands the whole Canadian Representatives and that the Individual members, whether from ignorance or party feeling, have wholly resigned themselves to the will and bidding of the seditious Demagogue. Here I sincerely hope will be an end of Parliament in this Province, until the Imperial Parliament shall re-consider and compare the Speeches of Pitt and Fox with the experience we now have of 36 years of practice.

 

Last week I laid the foundation of a very magnificent column to the memory of Wolfe and Montcalm, and I enclose you a copy of the ceremony for the sake of Dr. Mills' prayer, which has been highly admired. The Column will stand eminently conspicuous over the river, seen by every vessel that approaches the harbour, about 65 feet on a precipice of at least 300, and backed by some lofty trees and shrubbery—the situation will add prodigiously to the Monument. Public subscription has been very liberal and promise more.—I hope to finish my work, and with it all my labours here in June next.

 

With my kindest compliments and regards to all around you, the Chief Justice, Wallace &c, &c, &c.

 

Believe me, Ever yours most sincerely,

 

DALHOUSIE.

 

P.S.—It has just been determined by the Chief Justice and Attorney General to prorogue the Parliament this evening by Proclamation or Writ under the Seal.

 

LETTER, Lord Dalhousie to Earl Bathurst.

 

LONDON, 11th May 1825.

 

My Lord,

Before I left Quebec I was entrusted with a duty which I have not as yet ventured to perform from a feeling that other matters of public concern were entitled to my more immediate attention. As these have now been all brought under your Lordship's consideration, I beg you will permit me to lay the enclosed printed paper before you —it contains the Rules of a Society formed last year in Canada, and states very shortly the objects in view.

 

It gives me great pleasure to assure your Lordship that the proposal to form this Society was received by men of the highest respectability in all parts of the Canadas, with a warmth of feeling that gave perfect confidence in its future success, and I have not the smallest doubt but that it will in time prove to be a most useful Institution.

 

At the first General Meeting I was deputed to solicit the high honour of His Majesty's Patronage. I am afraid I should not be justified by form in taking such a step, and I therefore beg leave to place the request in your Lordship's protection to obtain for us that Gracious mark of His Majesty's approbation.

 

At that General Meeting there was but one point upon which any difference of opinion was expressed and that was as to the style and name of the Society. Some members wished that it should be styled "The Quebec Literary and Historical Society" ; others, that it should be more general "The Literary and Historical Society of Canada" but that point was reserved to be decided by such title as His Majesty shall be pleased to give to it.

 

I shall be happy to give your Lordship any further information which you may desire upon it; at present I will only express my most ardent desire to promote the views of this Society from the conviction that it will tend to advance sentiments of cordiality, feelings of public spirit, and a general co-operation of the best informed men in the Canadas, thus spreading a most beneficial influence over every source which can lead to the happiness and prosperity of the Country entrusted to my care.

 

I have the honour &c., &c.

 

DALHOUSIE.

 

DALHOUSIE PAPERS FROM DOMINION ARCHIVIST, OTTAWA

 

ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIC

 

In calling the attention of the Public to the "Literary and Historical Society of Quebec", we are relieved from the task of exordium on the general utility of such Institutions. That is so universally established, that every civilised State, with which we are acquainted has hastened to plant the Tree of knowledge in its own sod, and has invited the enlightened portion of its people to co-operate in fostering its growth to maturity.

 

Endeavouring to give to Literature in this Province a corporate character and representation, by the formation of a Literary and Historical Society at the seat of Government, it behooves us, shortly, to place before the Public the objects we seek to attain the certainties which serve to encourage our perseverance, and the advantages which we ardently anticipate from the prosperity of this Institution.

 

"The Literary and Historical Society of Quebec" owes its origin to the patriotic feeling and anxiety for the honor, welfare and interest of the Province, which characterise the present Governor in Chief. The Committee, animated by a similar spirit, and anxious to accomplish the same patriotic views have already proposed for the approbation of the Public at large, such means and regulations as appeared to them best calculated to carry into effect the purposes of the Society, and to guard the intentions of its Founder and Patron from misapprehension and abuse.

 

Although it is intended that this Society shall hereafter embrace every object of Literary interest and inquiry—it has been considered expedient at present, and during its infancy, to confine our researches to the investigation of points of History, immediately connected with the Canadas. To procure and furnish the complete annals of the country may never be in our power; but we are persuaded it will soon be found within our reach to illustrate the most remarkable epochs of our history, and to place in strong relief their most interesting and singular details. It is conceived that the early History of Canada abounds in materials, full of striking descriptions and romantic situations. The very circumstance of civilisation transplanted from the old world, superseding the indigenous barbarism of the natives, and yet remaining long enough in contact with it to acquire even some degree of respect for the rude Tribes it subdued or converted, seems to present a strange and remarkable contrast, capable of exciting the utmost curiosity and interest.

 

The first and particular objects, therefore, of this Society will naturally be.—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 depositories; and which may prove important to general history, and to the particular history of this Province—documents valuable as regards the present and the future, and perhaps, still more interesting to our Inhabitants, as respects the decaying Indian Tribes, than any other object of enquiry.

 

The next and more general objects of this Society will be—To promote every means of discovering, collecting and procuring whatever information may throw light on the early Natural, Civil and Literary History of the British Provinces in North America. To further, by assistance from our funds when practicable, the translation and in some cases the publication of valuable Manuscripts, or scarce books, relating thereto, which may be discovered in any private or public collection: and, to encourage and reward such discoveries by every means in our power.

 

The objects which remain to be stated, are—To read at the general meetings of the society such papers on the subject above mentioned, as shall have been communicated by Members, and previously approved of by the Committee of management; and to make from these papers such a selection as it may hereafter become expedient to print as "The Transactions of the Society".

 

We are greatly encouraged in our undertaking by the belief, nay, almost by the certainty, that there does yet exist a mass of manuscript and printed documents, scattered through the country, in the possession of various religious bodies and of private persons, or thrown aside, utterly useless and uncared for, in the chests of Public offices. We cannot entertain a doubt, but such religious bodies and individuals will cheerfully contribute their assistance towards promoting the objects of this Society, by affording such documents for examination, and if necessary, for transcript.

 

We are also encouraged by the benefits to be derived from the innumerable Institutions of a similar nature in other countries, which have gone before us. We have the advantage of many Institutions of Learning already existing among us, of many men in the number of our citizens who are entitled to be called Learned; and above all, we have the powerful, the irresistible stimulus of an ardent and patriotic desire to imitate in this Colony the glorious example of the mother country.

 

The beneficial effects to be rationally anticipated from the prosperity of such a Society require no exaggerated description. It must strike every one that our objects are most desirable in themselves, inasmuch as they combine propagation of knowledge with the gratification of laudable curiosity; and the Augustan Poet who has so well extolled the union of the useful with the agreeable could not have contemplated any pursuit in which these qualities are more essentially combined than in Literature and History.

 

Whether we regard the prosperity of this Institution in a National or in a Literary point of view, its advantages are equally apparent, and most come home to every bosom. It will raise us in the moral and intellectual scale of nations. It will cherish our noblest feelings of honor and patriotism, by showing that the more men become acquainted with the history of their country, the more they prize and respect both their country and themselves. In a Literary point of view, it is fair to expect that the formation of this Society will introduce a lasting bond of union and correspondence between men, eminent for rank, erudition, and genius, from one extremity of the British Provinces to the other.

 

With these views, then we invite men of Learning and Taste to join us, and conclude by soliciting the assistance and co-operation of a liberal and enlightened Public, in the prosecution of a cause which may, in so many ways, conduce to the advancement of historical knowledge, and consequently, to the honor and ornament of this Province.

 

1824.

 

OFFICERS OF THE LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF QUEBEC

for the current year

 

FOUNDER AND PATRON,

His Excellency, the Rt. Honble.

GEORGE, EARL OF DALHOUSIE, G.C.B.,

&c., &c., &c.

 

PRESIDENT :

His Excellency the Honble.

Sir FRANCIS NATHANIEL BURTON, K.C.G.

 

VICE-PRESIDENTS :

The Honble. The Chief Justice

VALLIERES DE ST. REAL, Esqr.

 

RECORDING SECRETARY

WILLIAM GREEN, Esqr.

 

TREASURER AND CORRESPONDING SECRETARY:

JOHN CHARLTON FISHER, Esqr. LL.D.

 

 

CEREMONY ON LAYING THE FIRST STONE OF WOLFE'S AND MONTCALM'S PILLAR

 

15, NOVEMBER 1827

 

When we termed the ceremony of laying the first stone of this Monument an interesting and imposing scene, we only expressed the feeling universally acknowledged to prevail in the minds of the spectators. That seventy years should have nearly elapsed, without this well merited tribute to the success and military virtue of these two Heroes being paid to them by Posterity in this Province, must be attributed to the circumstances of a gradually rising Colony, whose attention to embellishment and the Arts can only be expected after years of prosperity, peace, and the accumulation of riches. Rome had been long victorious, before its heroes and patriots had leisure to adorn its Forum, with those edifices, whose magnificent remains are now the admiration of every beholder. Pericles, having enriched his country by years of prosperous administration, civil and military, betook himself to the embellishment of his native City. The family De Medici, did not excel in Arts, nor contribute to the classic riches of Florence, until a long course of commercial enterprise and success had elevated them from Merchants to the rank of Princes. So it has been in all ages, that the Arts, as well as the Laws, have been silent during periods of war or commotion, nor has their voice been listened to, but under circumstances, when the human mind, withdrawn from the turmoil of active collision, has sought repose in the charming studies which elegant ease alone enables men to pursue with steadiness and effect. Even among our immediate neighbors, the people of the United States, it is only within very few years that any public tribute, or classical memorial, has been thought of, to testify the common admiration of the world, directed to the memory of Washington. The chisel of Canova, and the hand of Chantrey have only still more lately been employed on a national work of this kind. Indeed, there seems to be something of morbid feeling, in this propensity of mankind to neglect public tokens of gratitude to great men.

 

Qui sui memores alias fecêre merendo.

 

During the age which witnessed their deeds, and benefitted most by their services. It is the consciousness of this fact, which has directed the views of illustrious men more to the certainty of posthumous fame, than to present celebrity and popular applause. And this feeling is part of the divine inspiration, that immortal spirit, which more or less is the animating principle of great souls; but which the grosser impressions of mankind, in the main envious and detracting, have derogated by calling ambition. Rewards, therefore, of a purely classical nature have generally been conferred by posterity; and the experience of ages has demonstrated, that as there is nothing more honorable to the age which confers them, so there is nothing more lasting than the Fame, perpetuated by these monuments. Well, indeed, did the Poet feel this truth, and it must be given in his own language to have its full effect, when he prophetically enumerated,

 

Incisa notis marmora publicis,

Per quæ spiritus et vita redit bonis

Post mortem Ducibus.

 

On this occasion, the presence of Mr. Thompson, the venerable companion in arms of Wolfe, was a connecting link between the age which witnessed his glory, and that which now erects a Monument to his Fame—while one here remained who fought with him, that age was not quite extinct—the next has taken charge of the deposit, and pledged itself to its sacred keeping by the ceremony which we have now to detail.

 

The Garrison was formed in double line facing inwards, their right reaching to the foot of the Glacis, as has been before stated, and their left near the Chateau Guard House. The Masonic Procession, with Claude Denechau Esq. Right Worshipful Grand Master, at their head, the Officers comprising the Grand Lodge in full masonic costume, the Merchants and Freres du Canada, the Sussex and the St. Andrew's Lodges, reached the Chateau, preceded by the Band of the 66th Regiment; and entering the lower Garden through the Chateau Yard, lined each side of the principal walk, through which the Countess of Dalhousie, attended by Lady Noel Hill, Mrs. Sewell, Mrs. Gore and other Ladies, reached the platform of the Battery. In the meantime His Excellency the Governor in Chief, attended by the Chief Justice, the Lord Bishop, the Committee, and the Staff, entered the Garden by the Gate, having passed through the avenue of Troops from the Chateau, receiving the usual honours His Excellency, having first conducted Lady Dalhousie to a station more convenient for witnessing the ceremony, placed himself in front of the Stone, and in a clear and audible tone, spoke as follows:

 

"Gentlemen of the Committee, we are assembled upon an occasion most interesting to this country—if possible more so to this city—We are met to lay the Foundation of a Column in honor of two illustrious men, whose deeds and whose fall have immortalized their own names and placed Quebec in the rank of cities famous in the history of the world.

 

Before, however, we touch the first stone, let us implore the blessing of Almighty God upon our intended work".

 

The Revd. Dr. Mills, Chaplain to the Forces, then offered up the following prayer.

 

PRAYER

O Almighty Lord of Heaven and Earth! without whose blessing no work of man can prosper, look down, we beseech Thee, with an eye of favour upon this our undertaking. We know, O Lord! that, unless Thou buildest the fabric, their labour is but lost that built it; and therefore we humbly pray, that this Column, which we are about to erect in honour of those distinguished Warriors, whose names it is destined to bear, may transmit their Fame to distant ages, uninjured by flood or by flame, unseathed by the Thunder's rending bolt, or the mining shock of the Earthquake. May no assault of foreign foe, no dangerous division within our walls, loosen one stone from the structure; but may it long—long rear its head in simple majesty, the brightest gem and ornament of our city.

 

It hath pleased Thee, O Lord! in thy good Providence, in a great degree to tranquillize the world; there is a great calm in the Universe: Thou hast said to the desolating tide of human Warfare —"Peace, be still; hitherto shalt thou come, but no further, and here shall thy proud waves be stayed!" We pray, O Lord! most humbly and heartily do we pray,—that this happy state of things may continue and abound more and more, till—every source of discord dried up—every jarring interest harmonised—the heavenly influence of the glorious Gospel—that Charter of Love and Mercy to the whole human race—be universally "Peace on earth, good will toward men", which ushered in the Nativity of the Saviour, find a ready echo in every bosom; and the blessed time at length arrive, when the sword shall be turned into the plow-share, and the spear into the pruning hook—when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. But of this hour—now seen afar off only in indistinct vision, knoweth no man: In the meantime O Lord! the wrath of man shall praise Thee, while the reminder of wrath it is—and will be—thy province to restrain.

 

Meanwhile also, O Lord! we humbly hope and trust, that we are not forbidden to pray, even amidst all the pomp and glitter of military parade, by which we are surrounded, in behalf of these our Brethren—with an anxious concern for their honour as Soldiers, while we feel for their salvation as Men—that the great Examples of the illustrious dead, whom we this day hold out as patterns for their imitation, may now and ever be regarded by them with an ardent desire to emulate their worth. Yes! Soldiers, Friends, and Brethren we implore the God of Armies, that should the battle once more be set in array against you, you may—each of you—buckle on your harness, in humble—yet well-grounded—confidence in the Divine protection with no terrors of an evil conscience to appal you in the hour of peril—no besetting sin to unnerve your arm, and render it powerless in the conflict. Thus prepared—thus strengthened with might by the spirit in the inner man—should you fall, my Brethren! you will fall in glory; you will look forward, with the eye of faith, beyond the grave, to a brighter crown—a fairer wreath, than Monarchs can bestow ; and this Faith, triumphant over death and all its agonies, will enable you, more than anything else, to evince, even amidst the severest struggles of expiring Nature, the same heroic Resignation, the same loyal devotedness to your King, and glowing attachment to your Country which blazed forth—like the Sun's last flash before its setting—with such unextinguishable lustre, in the breasts of these departed Warriors.

 

Grant, O Lord ! of Thine infinite Mercy grant, that such, wherever duty calls them, may be the genuine feelings of British Soldiers; that their Patriotism, their Loyalty and their Valour, may be founded upon Religion as the best and surest basis : and with these feelings deeply rooted in our own breasts, let us pray for our Country—all great and glorious as she is—assured that they that love her shall prosper. Peace be within her walls and plenteousness within her palaces. For our brethren and companions' sakes, we will wish her prosperity. And seeking—and not seeking only, but striving to do her good and to advance her glory by every means in our power, do Thou, O God! prosper the work of our hands upon us: O prosper Thou our handywork! Amen and Amen".

 

Captain Melnuish, R.E. then deposited gold, silver and copper coins of the present reign, in a cavity prepared in the foundation stone, over which a plate with the following inscription, by the Rev. Dr. Mills, was firmly rivetted.

 

Hunc Lapidem

Monumenti in Memoriam

Virorum Illustrium

WOLFE ET MONTCALM

Fundamentum

P. C.

Georgius Comes De Dalhousie,

Tn Septentrionalis Americse Partibus

Ad Britannos Pertinentibus

Summam Rerum Administrans;

Opus Per Multos Annos Prse termissum,

(Quid Duci Egregio Convenientius ?)

Auctoritate Promovens, Exemplo Stimulans,

Munificentiâ Fovens.

Die Novembris XVâ.

A. S. MDCCCXXVII

Georgio IV Britanniarum Rege.

 

The ceremony finished, as we stated on Thursday, with a feu de joie from the Garrison, after which the Garrison presented Arms, the Band playing the National Air. Three British Cheers then rent the air, given by the Troops and spectators to the memory of British Valour, and French Gallantry. The Troops on their return to their Barracks passed the Commander in Chief in review order, which concluded the ceremonies of the day.

 

WOLFE

The following is Smollett's character of General Wolfe: at the present moment its re-perusal may be interesting to our Readers.

 

"The death of General Wolfe was a national loss, universally lamented. He inherited from nature an animating fervor of sentiment, an intuitive perception, an extensive capacity, and a passion for glory, which stimulated him to acquire every species of military knowledge that study could comprehend, that actual service could illustrate and confirm. This noble warmth of disposition seldom fails to call forth and unfold the liberal virtues of the soul. Brave, above all estimation of danger, he was also generous, gentle, complacent, and humane; the pattern of the officer, the darling of the soldier: there was a sublimity in his genius which soared above the pitch of ordinary minds; and had his faculties been exercised to their full extent by opportunity and action, had his judgment been fully matured by age and experience, he would without doubt have rivalled in reputation the most celebrated captains of antiquity".

 

WOLFE'S TACTICS

 

(By the Editor)

 

An important historical letter, written by Wolfe to Monckton—his second in command—, dealing with his operations at Quebec in 1759, was auctioned at London, on July 14th 1924. The letter shows Wolfe's masterly grasp of detail, his high courage, and sense of responsibility when deciding on where he was to attack Quebec.

 

The letter was written a few days before the "Battle of the Plains", and was the last letter written by Wolfe ; closing with the following words[7] :

 

"I had the honour to inform you today, that it is my duty to attack the French Army to the best of my knowledge and abilities; I have fixed upon the spot ("Taelon") where we can act with most force, and are most likely to succeed:—if I am mistaken, I am sorry for it, and must be answerable to his Majesty and the publick for the consequences"

 

Wolfe's letter to Monckton indicates that when he had found a possible point of attack near Quebec where he was able to concentrate most force, at a point where he had no reason to believe the French had any knowledge of, he decided to act promptly. It seems proven that Montcalm also had recognized this place as most dangerous, and with his military knowledge and acumen had placed his well disciplined French soldiers, to guard against Wolfe reaching the upper level, by scaling the Cliff at the only feasible place near Quebec, and which these two great Generals knew to be the weakest point in the defence of Quebec:—better, it may be presumed—than it is possible to determine now; even when standing on the actual Battle-field—as time has so changed the entire surroundings, from what they were, over one hundred and fifty years before, that one cannot judge as clearly today, as those two opposing Commanders had judged, both of whom regarded "the Plains" near Quebec, as the place where the destiny of Canada would be decided.

 

When we recall, that the entire district surrounding Quebec was in those days, covered with dense forest, with only two poor roads cut through the woods, and that the French forces were in control of all the Quebec shore, from the Montmorency river at the East, to Pointe aux Trembles —twenty-five miles to the West of Quebec,—with French troops there and at Montreal, with his great antagonist Montcalm in the strong-hold of Quebec. Can we deem it wise for any Commander —under such circumstances—to endeavour to establish his forces at Pointe aux Trembles, (where even small boats cannot reach the shore, except when the tide is high, and where the beach is strewn with immense boulders—plainly visible to this day—which render the passage extremely dangerous, even during daylight.) Placing his army between the enemy forces, subject to simultaneous attack on both sides hemmed in with heavy woods, the Jacques-Cartier river, and the St-Lawrence:—away from any support from the Fleet, he surely would be in a most hazardous position, and very possibly have been defeated.

 

Wolfe's Tactics, in having the vessels, carrying his troops and guns, sail up the river as if going to Pointe aux Trembles, evidently deceived the French Governor,—Vaudreuil, who ordered the withdrawal of the trained French troops, that were specially placed by Montcalm to guard the Cliff, thus leaving the ascent to the heights undefended by trained men, and before Montcalm could retrieve the error made by Vaudreuil, Wolfe had reached the Plains, with men and guns, and Quebec—the Key to Canada, was won by British Arms, in the "Battle of the Plains".

 

It should not be necessary to detract from the honour, or fame of either of these eminent men, in the attempt to exalt the other:—let us more worthily, continue to honour and esteem the Brave Dead, to whose memory a joint—monument has been erected at Quebec, to ever recall the friendship existing between the two great Nations, represented in the past by two such worthy and unsullied men: Wolfe and Montcalm!

 

The following is an extract, from the address by Lord Dalhousie, on laying the foundation of the "Joint-Monument" erected to the memory of Wolfe and Montcalm, on the 15th of November 1827:

 

"Gentlemen of the Committee, we are assembled on an occasion most interesting to this Country, and if possible, even more interesting to this City:—We are met to lay the foundation of a column in honour of two illustrious men, whose deeds and whose fall, have immortalized their own names, and placed Quebec in the rank of Cities famous in the history of the world".

 

The following is an extract from a letter, dated 22nd November 1827 to Sir James Kempt, from Lord Dalhousie:

 

"Last week I laid the foundation of a very magnificent Column, to the memory of Wolfe and Montcalm, and I enclose you a copy of the Ceremony…The Column will stand eminently conspicuous over the river, seen by every vessel that approaches the harbour, about 65 feet high, on a precipice of at least 300 feet, backed by some trees and shrubbery:—the situation will add prodigiously to the Monument".

 

NEWSPAPER CUTTING

The Star and Commercial Advertiser

Saturday, 10th May, 1828

 

 

ANECDOTE OF WOLFE'S ARMY

 

Landing at Louisbourg, and incidents previous thereto, as related by one of the Grenadier Company of Fraser 's Highlanders who was a Volunteer in that service.

 

Our Regiment, which was only just formed, rendez-voued at Cork, there to embark for service, somewhere in North America. We did not know where. The transport our Company was embarked in was called the "Martello", a beautiful new ship, this was her first voyage. The Captain did not know her trim, and the first few days after our sailing, she would run away from the Commodore in no time, in spite of our shortning sail, and for this high offence, which the Captain could not help, we had frequently a shot fired after us, to make the ship keep under the wing of the Commodore,—this, however, did no further mischief than subject the Captain to a fine of 6/8d. for each shot. One day we had a fine stiff breeze, and our ship actually outsailed the whole of the Fleet, although only under bare poles,—When the Commodore saw this, he found that it was no fault of the Captain's and he made him pay no more 6/8ds for shot. The ship was so tight that she did not require pumping the whole of the voyage, which was a lucky circumstance indeed. We at last discovered the Commodore's signal for the whole of the Fleet to heave to, and when we had done this as cleverly as we could, the next signal was for Commanding Officers of Corps to go on board the Commodore's ship.—This was to make known our destination, and to receive orders accordingly. We were not long without knowing that we were bound to Halifax, as good luck would have it, the Fleet all arrived safe. Soon after we had cast our anchor, the Captain was anxious to try the lightness of our ship, and gave orders to have her pumped, the men had much difficulty in getting the pumps to draw, and when at last the water came, it was as black as my bonnet, and produced such a stench, that it would soon have poisoned all the men on board,—it happened that instead of pumping out, they were obliged to pump in, to prevent the Troops getting sick. When we arrived at Halifax, we learned our Commander in Chief General Wolfe was there, busily employed drilling away the men, and making them fight sham battles at a place round the town called Deptford where the ground is flat. We were not long lying at Halifax when we received orders to set sail for the River St. Lawrence and in a few days we came to anchor opposite the Harbour of Louisbourg, which we knew it was our business to try and take. When all the troops were got into the flat bottomed boats that the General had provided at Halifax, and which we brought along with us, we presently after saw the signal from the General's barge which was between us and the land, to push off towards shore,—now as our Grenadier Company was very strong, we were so closely packed together, that there was only room to stand up excepting in the back part of the boat where the Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers contrived to sit down on the stern sheets, and this left no room for rowing, but we were taken in tow by a boat from a 74 and commanded by a Lieutenant whose name I could never get at-all this time the French were peppering us from a six Gun Battery on the heights with canister shot, arid musket balls fired from 24 pounders!— they came whistling about our ears nothing could be like it, and as our ships of War kept up a fire upon the Batteries to cover our landing, there was a terrible hullabaloo! one 24 pound shot did us a great deal of mischief; it passed under my hams and killed Sergeant McKenzie who was sitting as close to my left as he could squeeze, and it carried away the basket of his broad-sword which, along with the shot, passed through Lieutenant Cuthbert who was on McKenzie's left, and tore his body into shivers, and also cut off both the legs of one of the two fellows that held the tiller of the boat, who lost an astonishing quantity of blood and died with the tiller grasped tight in his hand!— after doing all this mischief, the shot stuck fast in the stern-post—although this shot did not touch me, yet all over the hams of my thighs and the calves of my legs were affected, and became as black as my hat, and for some weeks I suffered a good deal of pain, but that was nothing, what affected me most was the loss of my Captain, poor fellow, who was my best friend, and for whose sake I volunteered to come away from Scotland— Captain Baillie!—he was also in the boat, on the side opposite to me, and as he merely leaned over his head in a gentle manner upon the shoulder of the man next to him, I had no idea that he had been touched, but merely that it was to avoid the shot that was coming so thick upon us, and so thought the other man also, but he was struck mortally and expired without the least struggle! Whilst we were in this sad predicament I had my eye on the boat that was towing us, anxious that she should get us forward as fast as possible when I observed a fellow fumbling some time at the painter of our boat, without my knowing what he was at, but at last he takes a clasp-knife out of his pocket, and cut the rope, and away the boat went, leaving us as a mark for the French Batteries to fire at—this, I suppose was because they were losing their own men also—as good luck would have it, our situation was soon noticed by one of our Frigates, from which two boats were sent to our relief, and into which we embarked and had no sooner left our flat-bottomed vessel than she sank down to the gunnel, which was caused by the men withdrawing their plaids from out of the shot holes into which they had thrust them whenever we were struck between wind and water— the weight of the shot that stuck in her, also helped a good deal to sink her—in this state she was towed alongside the Frigate, and I understood was hoisted aboard and taken home to England as a great curiosity, for she was completely riddled with shot holes, and yet nearly a bucketful of musket balls and other small shot was taken out of her—had there been any other Troops than Highlanders in our situation, they must have gone to the bottom, for want of such a ready means of plugging up the shot holes as we carried about us in our plaids. One poor fellow suffered exceeding great pain which distressed us all, he was the right hand man of the Company, he received a shot in the thigh, which immediately swelled up to the highness of his body, the idea was that the shot was poisoned, the poor devil bawl'd out the whole time that the boat was towing towards the Frigate, and when they were going to put him in the slings to hoist him on board his agony was so great, that he expired on the gunnel of the boat! Well, as I was relating to you about the landing, we were put into fresh boats and under the covering-fire of our ships of War, we at last got landed on the west side of the Town, although we were nearly swamp'd in the surf and we had to wait a considerable time, until some axe-men were got to cut a passage for us through the abattis that lined the beach for about three miles long, to oppose our landing. With a great deal of difficulty we got to the top of the rock, and on our way to join the main Army, we came to the Battery that did us so much mischief, but it was deserted, there was only one man found, and he had his head carried away, yet he held firm hold of a lighted lint-stock which one of our Highlanders tried in vain to force out of his grasp. Our Fleet, as it seemed to me from the high shore made a noble appearance, and looked as if the bowsprit of every one was made fast to the stern of the next to it, they stretched across the whole Harbour.

 

NOTE:—This is the style, phrase, and very words of old Thompson in Quebec now in his 90th year; he was a Sergeant in Fraser's Highlanders under Wolfe, and has recounted to me many such stories, with astonishing recollection and accuracy of detail.

 

"D"

 

May 1828.

 

THE LARGEST VESSEL IN THE WORLD

 

Built in Quebec in 1824. "On the 21st day of July 1824, the four masted vessel Columbus, was launched from the Ship-yard at the Island of Orleans—in the Harbour of Quebec—and said to be the largest ship ever built—(at that date). The Columbus measured 301 feet 6 inches in length, and 50 feet 7 inches in width; with a depth of 29 feet 4 inches.

 

This vessel is to have a crew of ninety men, and is expected to carry 9,000 tons of freight. The largest vessel in the English Navy was then said, to have a keel measurement of about 210 feet.