REPORT OF THE COUNCIL

OF THE

LITERARY

AND

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

OF

QUEBEC,

FOR 1859,

Submitted at the Annual Meeting, held on the 11th January, 1860.

WITH

OFFICERS, LIST OF MEMBERS, &c.

 

QUEBEC :

PRINTED AT THE MERCURY OFFICE,

1860.

 

REPORT OF THE COUNCIL

OF THE

LITERARY

AND

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

of

QUEBEC,

FOR 1859,

Submitted at the Annual Meeting, held on the 11th January, 1860.

 

QUEBEC :

PRINTED AT THE MERCURY OFFICE,

1860.

REPORT OF THE COUNCIL

OF THE

Literary & Historical Society of Quebec,

FOR 1859,

SUBMITTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING,

 

HELD ON THE 11TH OF JANUARY, 1860.

 

The Council of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec has, according to established custom, at the Anniversary Meeting appointed by Royal Charter, to present their Annual Report on the position and prospects of the Society.

 

At an early period in the past year, notice was received that the Society must give up the rooms, which they hail rented in Union Buildings for their periodical meetings and the safe custody of their valuable library., and other effects. The whole edifice was required for Government offices on the return of the Government from Toronto to Quebec, a purpose to which it had been applied during the previous period of four years. Thus the Society was compelled to undergo the trouble, inconvenience and expense of a second removal wtithin the limited space of twelve months. Through the excellent and judicious arrangements adopted by the President, aided by the exertions of the Recording Secretary, the removal was effected, with more ease and less trouble than could have been anticipated, to the apartments, now occupied by the Society in St. John's street.

 

Whether there be strict truth, in the proverb that "two removals are as bad as a fire," may be doubted; but certainly the Society has had the opportunity, within the compass of a few years of testing, to its full extent, the validity of the popular saying. By the conflagration of the Parliament Buildings on the Grand Butlery in 1854, the Society's splendid Museum, which had just been renovated and augmented at a great outlay, their numerous valuable collections and other effects were destroyed ; and the Society itself was obliged to take refuge, with a large portion, of its library fortunately saved, where it could best find adequate accommodation. As these apartments had a difficult and awkward access, it was judged advisable to take advantage of an offer of accommodation in Union Buildings, formerly known as Government House ; and accordingly the Society removed to that Central position. Scarcely, however, had the Society been six months            settled in its new quarters, when the president was notified that it would be requisite to give them up for the use of the Government. The apartments at present occupied are suitable enough in themselves, and conveniently central in their position ; the building, also is new and respectable in appearance. But the height, at which the apartments are situated, involves a difficulty of ascent, which may militate against the visits of the public, and the attendance of members. The kindred Societies in Toronto and Montreal,—the “Canadian Institute" in the former, and the "Natural History Society," in the latter,—were enabled, through assistance derived from Government, by local contributions and individual zeal, to undertake the construction of buildings of their own, especially adapted and suitable for their requisite purposes. The former of these also received considerable periodical aid from Government, while similar assistance was withheld from this Society. Indeed since the conflagration of the Parliament Buildings and the simultaneous destruction of its valuable property, the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec has received no compensation for its great losses on that occasion from the Government, nor indeed any help worth mentioning; and latterly the reduced Annual Parliamentary Grant has been altogether withheld.

 

In Montreal the laudable undertaking has been completed ; but in the Queen city of the West, the enterprise, though liberally encouraged, did not proceed beyond laying the foundation stone.

 

The Council deeply regrets to have to state that the annual allowance, which had been granted from the days of His Excellency the Earl of Dalhousie, the noble founder and patron of the Society, reduced as it had been, was altogether withdrawn during last year, from this the oldest incorporated Society of the kind in Canada. There is reason, therefore, to be thankful that, with these casualties, and all the struggles, which it has had to encounter, the Society still continues in an orderly and working condition.

 

It must not be forgotten that the present apartments were engaged by the President and Council, after careful search and inquiry, and at a time when (in consequence of the anticipated advent of Government) it was very difficult to find anything like adequate accommodation. Their central situation, the moderate rental, and several other reasons seemed to recommend them as peculiarly adapted for the general purposes of the Society.

 

A reasonable hope was entertained that, on the return of the Government to Quebec, several official gentlemen, formerly connected with the, Society, would rejoin its ranks. This expectation has, to a certain extent, been realised; and at the election, which takes place this day, we cannot doubt that names, heretofore familiar, will reappear on the list of Officers. More, perhaps, might be done in this respect ; and several prominent members of the Legislature, connected with literature and science in general, or with the local interests of Quebec in particular, might without difficulty be induced to add their names and influence towards the support and advancement of the Society and its important objects. During last year a movement was made in Quebec, with reference to the numerous divisions and subdivisions of the Societies and Institutions in the city, partaking of a literary or educational character ; and the question was mooted whether or not additional strength might be imparted to their resources and utility by a fusion of two or three of them together, and by a combination of their objects, where practically possible. The Members of this Society were willing to enter into the movement; and a Committee was appointed with power to correspond and confer with the Library Association or any other similar Institution with a view to promoting any probable scheme for amalgamation, and the extension of the Society's sphere of usefulness. The movement, so far as the Literal and Historical Society was concerned, proved abortive ; and such, in fact, was the general result, except in one instance, the very judicious amalgation of the Educational Union with the Mechanics' Institute.

 

Chiefly owing to the want of a fixed and settled abode, much more so than to the with-holding of Government assistance, the restoration of the Society's once famous Museum remains in abeyance ; but there are materials sufficient on hand to form a respectable commencement, and several very generous promises of contributions have already been made as encouragements towards this desirable object. The arrival and settlement in this city of Mr. William Cooper, from Upper Canada, an emeritus Corresponding Member of the Society of several years' standing, and a celebrated practical Naturalist, might be regarded as affording a favorable opportunity of setting about this undertaking in an effective manner.

 

The specimens of Natural History, and various curiosities saved from the fatal conflagration, together with the handsome cabinet of Italian minerals, &c,, recently presented to the Society by Henry Atkinson, Esq., would form a very respectable nucleus. The main object necessary is to secure suitable apartments.

 

Stated Evening Meetings for the reading of papers on scientific and literary topics have been resumed this season ; and several interesting subjects have already been brought forward and discussed at these social reunions.

 

The admission of ladies, and the introduction of Coffee after the reading of the papers, have imported a novel and agreeable feature lo the stated periodical meetings ; and occasionally lively discussions have been got up on the subjects' more immediately submitted by the lecturers to the attention of members present. The Council considers that the public-usefulness of the Society might be much extended in this way ; and that with more capacious rooms a series of sectional, instructive and interesting reunions might be afforded by the Society to a wider extended portion of the respectable classes in Quebec. The rooms have been well lighted and comfortably heated at the evening meetings ; and, on more than one occasion, between thirty and forty visitors have been present.

 

Among the papers read at the recommencement of the Stated Meetings, one by Mr. Sturton, Associate Member, on “The Polarity of Matter," another by Lieut. Ashe, Vice-President, on "The Gyroscape” (repeated by request) and a third by Edmund Meredith, L L.I), on "Words and phrases, an index to national character and habits of thought," are up to this period entitled to be mentioned. Before this Report can be published other Papers will doubtlessly have been read, according to promises already made. It has been proposed that the Members of Legislature should be formally invited to attend these Stated Meetings ; and thereby perhaps some attention may be excited to the claims of the Society on public support and Legislative patronage.

 

During the latter part of the year, some ten or twelve gentlemen have been elected Associate Members of the Society, or rather have rejoined on their return to Quebec. Were things in a proper training, and in a better organised position, many more would beyond doubt be glad to be enrolled under our banners, and several more old friends would be happy to return. In former years the Society numbered in its ranks many of the most respectable members of the Mercantile community, who, even if they could not attend the meetings of the Society or personally promote its special objects, considered themselves in a manner obliged to lend their name and influence lo a local Institution of such a nature ; and, by their annual subscriptions, to contribute to its vitality. We regret to find that, of late, several of these names have been suffered, from want of due vigilance aid attention, to fall off from the list of Actual Members. At the commencement of the year, intelligence reached this city, that Robert Symes, Esq., latterly a Life Member, and formerly (for many years) Treasurer of the Literary and Historical Society, departed this life much regretted as a very active and useful member of the social community in general, and of this Society in particular. Appropriate resolutions were passed on the announcement of the melancholy event, expressive of sympathetic regret, and most deservedly complimentary to the memory of the deceased. The Society still retains many interesting contributions made by Mr. Symes to the Museum, part of his own ornaments when he was initiated as an Indian Chief, as well as several Indian and Canadian antiquities of national interest.

 

With regard to the financial condition of the Society, the Treasurer will, according to custom, present his Annual States ment ; and although our funds may not be in so flourishing a condition as might be desirable, still it is consolatory as well as creditable that, in these times of depression, the Society has been able, not only to keep its head above water, but to keep out of debt and to pay its way. We must, however, regret the want of funds requisite to carry out one of the principal objects of the Society, the publication of original documents connected with the History of Canada. It is now a long time since any help has been received from Government for the purpose, although the numerous publications of the Society of this kind entitled it to national gratitude and support. At the present moment the Historical Documents Committee have peculiar cause to regret the empty state of their exchequer ; in as much as our respected President, Mr. Faribault has in his possession two manuscripts, copied from the Archives in Paris, on points of Canadian History, of the highest importance, which he wishes to see published under the auspices of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec. One of these manuscripts, most beautifully transcribed from the Original by a Serjeant in the Imperial Guard at Paris, has reference to the surrender of Quebec, and contains a plain matter of fact vindication of the Chevalier DeRamezay, who, it appears, in immediately surrendering the city, acted under the express orders of his senior in command.

 

The Council has much gratification in referring to the successful exertions of Lieut. Ashe R. N., in ascertaining the correct site of several of the principal cities in the northern part of this Continent, by simultaneous observations and electrical intercommunication. The results obtained were highly satisfactory and have already been productive of beneficial effects.

 

The Council is naturally reminded, in connection with this subject, and in alluding to the labors of the energetic vice, president, that few places on the surface of the earth possess such advantages for scientific observations as the site and climate of Quebec. Is it too much to hope that the day is not far distant, when a Public Observatory, suitably fitted up, shall be seen crowning the adjoining heights, presided over as the present very inadequate Observatory in the Citadel now is, by the same active member of the Society ? The subject cannot be too earnestly urged by those who are interested in the progress of science.

 

In conclusion, the Council would recommend perseverance in petitioning the Legislature for support, and in setting the claims of the Society before Government and the Houses of Parliament, notwithstanding the discouraging failure of the application and representations made during the past year. The claims, which such a Society has to the countenance and assistance of the Provincial Government, cannot be reasonably ignored ; and when the grants which were made to the kindred Societies in Montreal and Toronto, are taken into consideration, it certainly does appear unfair and inconsistent to withhold similar aid from the Literary and Historical

Society of this City, the oldest Incorporated Institution of the kind in the Province.

 

WILLIAM ANDREW, M. A.,

1st Vice-President,

E.B.FARIBAULT,

President.

 

LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

LIST OF MEMBERS, 1860.

 

Patron.

His Excellency Sir EDMUND HEAD, Bart., Governor General, &c. &c.

 

Honorary Members.

 

SIR DAVID BREWSTER,

COLONEL LEFROY, R. A.

SIR JOHN HERSCHEL,

N. GOULD, NATURALIST.

SIR W. LOGAN, PROVINCIAL GEOLOGIST,

STERRY HUNT, ASSISTANT GEOLOGIST.

 

Ordinary Members

 

The Right Reverend the LORD BISHOP OF QUEBEC.

The Honorable HENRY BLACK, D.C.L.

ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL, Esq.

 

Life Members.

 

THOMAS GLOVER, Esq.

 

Associate Members.

 

His Grace the Archbishop of Quebec,

Andrew. W, M A

Ashe. Lieut E D, R N

Anderson, W Hedley,

Burstall, Henry

Beswick, George

Burroughs, Ed

Borlase, G H

Buchanan, A C

Bowen, N H

Bingham, W St Maur

Brackenbury, H, R E

Cassells, Robt

Cameron, Hon Malcolm

Campbell, W Darling

Cary, George T.

Couper, W.

Douglas, George M, M D

Dean, James, Jr

Desbarats, Geo.

Dunbar, J

DeMontmorency, Lt, R E.

Faribault. G B

Fletcher, E T.

Forsyth, James Bell

Futvoye, Geo

Glackemeyer, Edouard

Gowen, Hammond

Griffin, W. H.

Harington, T D

Hall, Geo Benton

Harrison, R. Moorsoni

Herring, W

Henderson, W

Irvine. George

Joly, H G

Jones, C W

Killaly, Hamilton H

LeMesurier, H

Langton, J., M A

Meredith, E. A., LL. D.

MacDonald, Honble. J. A.

Montizambert, C N

Middleton, R

Melony, T C, R A

O'Leary, J M

Panet, Chas, M P P

Pope, R

Price, William

Russell, R H,MDE

Ryan Edward

Ross, Donbar, M P P

Spragge, Wm

Shordebe.W

Sinclair, P

Scott, Henry S

Steele, Henry E

Storton, S

Thompson, D C

Wallace. Alex

Wilkie, Daniel

Wicksteed, G W

 

Corresponding Members

 

Bury, the Rt Hon. Viscount, London.

Baird, Spencer T., Smithsonian Institute, Washington,

Bourne, F. Orland, New York,

Brackenbury H , R. E.,

Campell, Major, St. Hilaire,

Chauveau, the Hon. P. J. O., Montreal

Cherriman, Professor, Toronto University,

DeSola, Revd, A., Montreal,

Davies, W. H. A., Montreal,

D'Urban, W, S. M , Montreal,

Graham, Lt Col., U.S. A, Chicago,

Henderson, W., Frampton,

Hamilton, P. S, Halifax, N. S.,

Kingston, G. T. Profressor, Upper Canada College, Kingston,

Latour H. Montreal,

Noble, Capt., R. A., F.R.S. Woolwich

Russell, J. P , M. D. E. Toronto,

Roche A. R. Toronto,

Renwlcke. Jas. New York,

Sewell, Wm., New York,

Sheppard, the Honble, W. Wendover, C.E.

LITERARY AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

List of Officers—1860.

President—E. A. MEREDITH, LL. D.

Vice-Presidents: Lieut. Ashe, R. N., E. T. Fletcher, J. Langton, M. A., Dr R.H. Russell,

Treasurer: J. Dunbar,

Council Secretary: N. H. Bowen,

Corresponding Secretary:  W. D.Campbell,

Recording Secretary: G. T. Cary,

Librarian: Geo. Futvoye,

Curator of Apparatus: S. Sturton,

Curator of Museum: W. S. Bingham.

 

Historical Document Committee.—The President and Corresponding Secretary, ex officio, G. B. Faribault, W. Andrew, C. N. Montizambert, P. Sinclair, Esqrs.