Chapter V (2)

On 17th August a fire broke out in the property of John Welner, soap-maker in Granville Street. Six tenements and the Ordnance laboratory were consumed; Welner and his wife, two aged persons, were burnt to death. The sum of L.140 was raised by subscription for the sufferers at the fire. The principal sufferers, however, declined to receive any aid, and a committee was appointed to examine the claims and distribute the fund.

Folger and Starbuck, the Quaker whalers, who settled at Dartmouth a year or two since, left Halifax this year, for Milford Haven, in Great Britain, where they expected to carry on their whale fishery with greater facilities than at Dartmouth.

Died at Halifax, on 27th September, 1792, Mrs. Hester Godfrey, aged 101 years.

The Grand Jury at Halifax, for 1792, were as follows, viz:--George Smith, foreman, Andrew Liddell, John Masters, Philip Marchington, Benjamin Mulberry Holmes, Rufus Fairbanks, Peter Smith, Michael Wallace, John Steeling, Richard Jacobs, John Kirby, Thomas Filles, Charles Hill, J. W. Schwartz, William Cochran, John Butler Dight,[57] Thomas Russell, Alexander Brymer, George Grant, William Williams and George Deblois.

[Footnote 57: John Butler Dight was the nephew and heir of the Hon. John Butler, one of the early councillors. Under the will of his uncle, he assumed the name of Butler only and was afterwards know as John Butler Butler. He first was engaged in keeping a shop in the town; having acquired a fortune by the death of his uncle, he became a member of council and obtained a situation in the Commissariat department, after which he was removed to the seat of war with the army under Lord Wellington and others. Being owner of a large property near Windsor, he came back to Halifax in about 1833, and died at Windsor. He was the father of Colonel Edward S. K. Butler of 35th regiment, who afterwards settled and died at Windsor.]

Several petitions were presented this year to the Governor and Council, from the merchants and others of Halifax, on the subject of trade regulations and the collection of debts. Among the signatures to these petitions, we find the names of James Forman & Co., James Moody, William Veitch, George Grant, Winkworth Allen, William Kidston, Samuel Rudolph, Benjamin M. Holmes, James and Alexander Kidston, Chas. Geddes, Wm. Forsyth & Co., Thomas Russell, Hall, Bremner & Bottomry, William Taylor, Burnes, Liddell & Co., P. Smith, Jonathan Masters, Williams & Lyons, Geo. Deblois, John Moody, and S. Hall & Co.

Again 1793: Brymer & Belcher, Forman & Grassie, John Steeling, Jonathan Tremain, P. Marchington, Andrew Liddell, George Sherlocke, Francis Stevens, Geo. Bell, Geo. Moren, Edward Butler, Nathan Hatfield, Thomas Watson, Peter McNab, Benjamin Salter, Frederick Major and John Brown.

The town Assemblies were held this winter in Mrs. Sutherland's rooms in Bedford Row, opposite the Commissary offices.

On Thursday evening, Dec. 20th, 1792, Governor and Mrs. Wentworth gave a grand ball. The decorations in the supper room were very elegant. The ladies sat down and the gentlemen waited on them. Among the decorations were the exact representations of Mr. Jonathan Tremain's new flour mill at Dartmouth, of the windmill on Halifax Common. A model of the red light house at Shelburne, and the tract of new road from Pictou, was delineated in the most ingenious and surprising manner, as was also the representation of our fisheries.

To all these inimitable ornaments, corresponding mottoes were attached, so that not only taste and elegance were conspicuous, but encouragement and genius were displayed. Such was the description of this affair as it appeared in the newspapers of the day.

Cochran's buildings were again on fire, 30th January, 1793, but the fire was extinguished without much damage.

War with France was announced by letters from the Secretary of State to the Governor, dated 9th February, 1793. Orders were also received to raise a provincial regiment. This regiment was to be called the Nova Scotia Fensibles; they were to be raised in Halifax, but were not to have half pay, and the Commissions were to be given to half pay officers. Young Haligonians were thus excluded. It was about the same time decided on embodying a part of the Militia force for the defence of the town. 1050 effective men were accordingly marched into the town from the country, who were to receive pay from the British Government while on duty. The Governor published his thanks to the militia on 2nd November, for the alacrity with which they obeyed his orders in marching to Halifax. By the month of May the number of men enlisted for the Nova Scotia regiment, amounted to 100, the enlistments were afterwards increased to 600 men.

Apprehensions appear to have been entertained of an attack on the town by the French fleet. Every precaution appears to have been taken by Governor Wentworth for the protection of the Capital. In his letter to the Secretary of State of 23rd July, the Governor says, "In twenty minutes I could put under the command of General Ogilvie, 900 militia men, and in a few hours a second battalion of 600, who reside in the neighbourhood of the town."

The Halifax Militia Artillery, commanded by Capt. J. Tremain was a most effective body of men. It had been this year formed and consisted of sixty freeholders of the town. The Town Regiment of Infantry was commanded by Col. John George Pyke. 550 men of the Town Militia assisted the Garrison in repairing and mounting the batteries on Citadel Hill and elsewhere. On the 2nd April, two French Prizes were brought into the harbour by H. M. Ship Alligator, with cargoes valued at L.40,000.

Among the events of the War was an expedition fitted out at Halifax to attack the Island of St. Pierre, in Newfoundland. It consisted of the Alligator and Hussar, men-of-war, with a body of troops under General Ogilvie. Before leaving, the two ships of war received permissions from the Governor and Council to press through the town and complete their crews. The place surrendered without fighting, and the Governor, M. Danseville, with several hundred prisoners and stores were brought to Halifax. They landed on the 20th of June. Governor Danseville was placed on parole, and resided at Dartmouth for many years in the house known as Brook House, now or lately the residence of the Hon. Michael Tobin, junr., about a couple of miles or more from Dartmouth town. The old gentleman displayed some taste in beautifying the grounds at Brook House. He built a fish pond and laid out walks among the beech and white birch groves near the house. The pond still remains, but the walks and most of the trees have long since disappeared. He remained a prisoner with an allowance from Government until the peace of 1814, when he returned to his own country a zealous royalist. Mr. Mizanseau was his aide-de-camp; he married a farmer's daughter in the South East Passage, and left a family who bear his name in that neighbourhood.

Governor Wentworth proposed to place the French prisoners who had been brought to Halifax from time to time, on an Island in the North West Arm, afterwards known as Melville Island, but the General preferred the Cornwallis [58]Barracks. The Island was not the property of the Government at this time, but hired by Governor Wentworth for this purpose of a prison. It afterwards became Admiralty property.

[Footnote 58: NOTE.--Uncertain as to where the Cornwallis Barracks were situated.]

A poll tax existed at this time. It had been imposed by Act of the Legislature in 1791. One shilling per head was imposed on all males above 21 years of age. The law also contained a tax on cattle, with an extra tax on certain trades and occupations. It was ostensibly for the purpose of reducing the provincial debt. It does not appear, however, to have been regularly collected in the town.

1794. On the 10th May, His Royal Highness Prince Edward arrived at Halifax in the Blanche Frigate, twelve days from St. Kitts. He landed immediately under a salute of 21 guns.

A levee took place on the 14th and an address was presented to him couched in the most fulsome and ridiculous language. On the 24th there was a garrison review under the command of General Ogilvie.

On the 22nd January, the following year, he set out by land for Quebec. He was at Boston on 5th February, where he remained 10 days and then embarked for the West Indies. It appears, however, that he was in Halifax on 25th February.

1794. This year a number of merchants of the town agreed to underwrite policies of insurance on vessels and goods, and appointed Benjamin Salter the broker, who, on the 10th May, advertised attendance every day during "change" hours at the "Coffee Rooms."

The town was again harassed by press gangs from Admiral Murray's ship. The Admiral had persuaded the Governor and Council to allow him twenty-four hours power over the inhabitants to man his fleet--though Capt. Home had been previously refused the privilege in January.

In December the Marine Society, which had been established by the merchants of Halifax several years previously, was re-modeled and extended in its operations. About this time a project had been formed by Governor Wentworth for uniting the waters of Halifax Harbor with the Bay of Fundy by a canal from the River Shubenacadie, and rendering the river navigable. Suggestions on the subject had been made to Governor Wentworth by persons whom he supposed competent to judge of the feasibility of the project, and was very sanguine of success in the work if not interrupted by hostilities. It does not appear, however, that any attempt was made this year towards effecting the object, but three years after (1797) the sum of L.250 was voted for a survey of the projected canal.

All public lands in the town were this year granted to trustees. A grant of part of the King's Stores for a fishmarket was made, also the Province Building ground and the Grand Parade. The old English burial ground opposite the present Government House on Pleasant Street had been originally set apart, in 1749, as a general burial place for the inhabitants of the town. It consisted of two acres and a quarter, but the title had not passed out of the Crown. It was this year granted to the Church Wardens and Vestry of St. Paul's Parish. They have been considered to hold it in trust for the original purpose for which it was dedicated. The old poor house burial ground was also included in this grant.

The French prisoners brought from St. Pierre and Miquelon, who had been lodged in the town with others who had been taken in prizes, were sent, in the month of July, to the Island of Guernsey.

We find Captain George of the Hussar receiving permission from the Council to fill up the complement of his men by impressment. In July following a similar application from Capt. Knowles of the ship Daedalus was refused. Admiral Murray, it appears, obtained another license in September to press through the town for seven days.

Commodore George informed the Governor that intelligence of the state of the defences of the town had been, or was likely to be, communicated by the French prisoners, through persons from the United States, to the French ambassador at Washington, and suggested an embargo on all vessels going to the United States for the present until he should receive intelligence from Admiral Murray. The Collector of the Customs at Halifax was accordingly ordered not to clear any vessels to the United States until further orders.

The following gentlemen were added to the Magistracy of the town: Michael Head, M. D., George Sherlock, Francis Green, J. M. F. Bulkeley, J. B. Dight, John Phillips, M. D., Johnathan Tremaine. James Clarke was Sheriff. Among the advertisements which appeared in the newspaper this and the previous year was a notice that sedan chairs would stand for hire in Barrington Street, also at the Court House, for the convenience of the public. The principal merchants and ship owners in the town between 1787 and 1795 were Geo. Bell, Hardware and Glass Store in Granville Street, near the town guard, then kept in the old house behind Masons' Hall; Peter Smith, Wines & Groceries; James Veitch, Groceries and General Store, shop opposite the wood yard; David Hall & Co. Dry Goods Store in Hollis Street, opposite old Government House; Charles Handesayde, Boot & Shoe Maker in Granville Street; Alex. and Robert Leslie, Dry Goods Store at the corner of Duke & Hollis Streets, near the Pontac; Lawrence Hartshorne, Hardware Store at corner of Granville Street, between the Market House and the Parade; Wm. Forsyth & Co., Importing Merchants; Linnard & Young, Tailors, in Marchington's Buildings, Upper Water Street; George DeBloise, General Dealer; John Butler Dight, Importing Merchant, and Winkworth Allen and the Messrs. Cochran. William Minns, Stationer, Benj. Salter, Importing Merchant, Chas. Geddis, Watch Maker & Jeweller, lower side the Parade; John Hill, Cutter, Hollis Street; Edmond Phelan, "Golden Ball" tavern, Hollis Street; Wm. Brindley, Wines, etc., Forman, Grassie & Co., Importing Merchants, store on the Long Wharf (late Copeland's); Hall, Bremner & Bottomley, Dry Goods, etc.

Between '95 and '99. James Romans, Boot & Shoe Maker, corner of Duke & Granville Streets; Wm. Dickie, Dry Goods, Phebe Moody, Dry Goods, Matthew Richardson, General Store, Robert Chrisley, Dry Goods, John McMasters, Dry Goods, Edward King, Livery Stable, John Kidston, General Dealer.

In 1798 the firm of L. Hartshorne & Co. was changed to Hartshorne & Boggs.

Moody & Tidmarsh, Dry Goods, Thos. Wallace, Dry Goods, etc., opposite wood yard; J. Hemmington, Grocer, near the Navy Yard; Lyon & Butler, General Dealers, Saml. Leddiet, Soap Boiler from Liverpool, kept the London Porter House above the Grand Parade; Philip Garrell, Tailor, Fraser, Thom & Co., Importing Merchants, Marchington's Wharf; Robert Scaiff, successor to Wm. & Thos. Williams, Hardware, Jewellery, etc., Forsyth, Smith & Co., Importing Merchants, James Leaver, Lower Water Street, Dry Goods, David Seabury, Auctioneer, Joseph Davis, Dry Goods, Michael Head, Apothecary, Saml. Hart, Dry Goods, D. Marshall and D. Fraser, both Importing Merchants, Wm. Annand, Groceries, etc., Saml. Greenwood, Mast Maker, Ed. Bartlett, Dry Goods, Marchington's Wharf; Jacob Miller & Son and Philis, Boyd & Philis, Importing Merchants, Tremain & Boggs, opposite the fuel yard, Hardware, etc., Thomas Roby, Merchant, Granville Street, Brymer & Belcher, John Grant, Wm. Forsyth & Co., Jonathan Tremain, Merchants, James Moody, Grocery & General Store keeper, Hollis Street, Michael Wallace, Wines, Groceries, etc. C. C. Hall & Co. appear to have been the leading dry goods shop keepers; their store was in Marchington's buildings near the Ordnance. Charles Hill, Auctioneer, James Forbes, Wine, Groceries, etc., Water Street, near Fairbanks' Wharf. Andrew Gallagher kept the British Tavern opposite Marchington's Wharf. Sabatier, Stewart & Co., General Merchants; their firm was dissolved in 1790. William Millett, Auctioneer, King & Stoe, Shop-keeper, No. 6 Marchington's buildings, near the British Tavern; Thomas Russel, shop-keeper, store near the Coffee House; Alex. Morrison, Bookseller, Thos. Donaldson, Confectioner, Etter & Tidmarsh, corner of the Parade, British Merchandise, D. Curry & Co., Dry Goods, James Frame, Cabinet Maker, Jonathan & John Tremain, Hardware, etc., David Rudolph, near the Golden Ball, Dry Goods & Groceries, Richd. Woodroffe, Furrier, near the South Barracks.

1795. At the request of Prince Edward, the men of the Militia were employed on the fortifications in the neighborhood of the town during the summer. At this time the French prisoners in the town became very riotous; they were ordered to be removed to a place of confinement and none to be permitted at large. Several French prizes were brought in during the summer by Capts. Cochran and Beresford, of the Hussar and the Thetis, Sloops-of-War. An armed Snow named the Earl of Moira was kept by the Provincial Government for the protection of the coast. The most stirring event of the year was the arrival of the Hussar and Thetis after a long cruise bringing with them two French ships-of-war which they had captured; part of the enemy's squadron bound from the West Indies to Virginia.

Several Halifax ship masters lost their vessels and were made prisoners by French privateers in 1795. The names of Capts. Jacobs, Lloyd, Ewing and John Pryor appear among them. They suffered much hard usage at Guadaloupe where they were detained. A project for building a bridge across the Narrows was contemplated about this time. A petition was presented to the House of Assembly dated 11th March, 1796, from a number of persons praying for an Act to authorize the building of a bridge across the Narrows.

Between January, 1795, and January, 1796, the Halifax markets appear to have been well supplied. The newspapers of the day mention that 786 head of fat cattle, 30 cows and calves, besides sheep and swine had been brought into the town.

1796. St. George's day was celebrated with much festivity by the English Society. They had a dinner in the evening at which Governor Wentworth and Prince Edward were present. Among the decorations were sixty variegated lamps. Genl. Ogilvie and Chief Justice Strange were among the guests. The Prince arrived and departed under a royal salute and, during the dinner, sat under a canopy of white satin and gold lace.

During the spring of 1796 Halifax suffered from a scarcity of provisions. The inhabitants were indebted to Messrs. Hartshorne and Tremain, whose mills at Dartmouth enabled them, through the summer, to obtain flour at a reduced price and to afford a sufficient supply for the fishery.

The 4th June, old King George's birthday, was celebrated this year with the usual ceremonies. There was a levee and a review of the troops, and Sir John Wentworth entertained the Prince and a number of the principal inhabitants at a Ball, when the old Government House was brilliantly illuminated. There was a dinner the same afternoon among the merchants at the British Tavern, Marchington's buildings.

St. Patrick's day, this year, was also celebrated by a levee at the Government House and a dinner at Gallagher's hotel. The society sat down to dinner at five o'clock. His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Governor Sir John Wentworth, several members of Council, the Speaker and a number of members of the House of Assembly attended. The Prince and the Governor retired early, but the society kept up their festivities to a late hour.

On July 21st, vessels arrived in the harbor with five hundred Maroon negroes from Jamaica. The Maroons were the descendants of a number of African slaves, who, when Jamaica was conquered from the Spaniards, took refuge in the Island. They continued in a state of insubordination, but occasionally made treaties with the English. At this time they were in open hostility, but had been conquered, and it was arranged that a number of them should be sent as settlers to Canada. They put into Halifax on their way. They were under the superintendence of Colonel Quarrell of Jamaica, who had letters from the Governor of Jamaica to Sir John Wentworth. Prince Edward was commander of the garrison at the time, and on inspecting the people was so much pleased with the athletic proportions of the young mulatto men that he proposed to detain them to work on the fortifications of the town, which were then in progress under his direction. The French squadron under Admiral Richery was then off the coast, and it was expected that he would visit Halifax. The fortifications at the mouth of the harbor having fallen into decay were under repair, but, not sufficiently forward to afford protection in case of an attack. The proposal was accepted by the Maroons; some were accordingly accommodated with sheds, and others placed in barns and such places of shelter as could be found in the town for their temporary accommodation. A number were sent to work on Citadel Hill, and one of the bastions there was called the Maroon Battery. The assent of the Secretary of State having been obtained for their settlement in Nova Scotia, land was assigned them in the Township of Preston. Col. Quarrell did not like the treatment they received. Many of the Maroons were permitted to come to town and seek work among the inhabitants. It was about this time that Sir John Wentworth proposed, as has been before mentioned, to open communication between Halifax and the River Shubenacadie which was to be performed by Maroon labor. This was the first proposal to be met with in reference to the Shubenacadie Canal which, in after years caused so much loss and suffering by its failure. Differences arose between Col. Quarrell and the Governor, the Maroons refused to work, and discontent increased. Sir John and Prince Edward had a project of forming them into a corps of militia, and bestowed militia commissions on several of the young men among the Maroons, and two of their leading men, Montagu and Johnson, were appointed Colonels. Jarret, Bailey, Mayers and others were made Majors and Captains, which gratified their vanity.

The winter of 1796-7 was very severe, the want of provisions was felt, and the scarcity of flour threatened a famine in the town. The expenses of supplying these people had hitherto been borne by the Jamaica Government. Land had been purchased at Preston and the large building known as Maroon Hall, afterwards the property of Lieut. Katzmann, was erected as a residence for the superintendent. Some difficulties arose with the Jamaica Legislature. Quarrell left Halifax in the spring of 1797, leaving the Maroons discontented and refractory. It was finally arranged that they should be sent to Sierra Leone. Eight years previously a number of negroes had been sent there from Halifax. The Maroons were to be united with them in the hope that the union would be a check on the turbulent conduct of the Nova Scotia colony, which at that time had been the source of some trouble to the Sierra Leone Company. They were accordingly embarked in the autumn of 1800, and arrived on the coast of Africa in October.

Sir John Wentworth had received intelligence in September which led him to apprehend some attempt on Halifax by the French forces now in Newfoundland. At the close of the year the harbor defences were brought into good condition, and capable of affording a tolerable defence in case of invasion. Two press warrants were issued this year by the Council; one on 31st January to Admiral Murray for twenty-four hours in the town, and another in October to Admiral Vandiput for two months through the province.

On the night of the 21st March a fire broke out in the range of houses opposite St. Paul's Church, in Barrington Street, which consumed the property of Dr. Greaves. The trees around the Church escaped uninjured.

The sudden death of James Michael Freke Bulkeley, the Secretary of the province, on the 12th November, threw a gloom over the community. He was a young man of pleasing address and highly esteemed. He had been for some time member for the county, which he held in conjunction with that of Provincial Secretary. He had succeeded his father, Richard Bulkeley, in the office but a short time before his death.

In November, the fleet, under Vice Admiral Vandiput, sailed from Halifax on a cruise. It consisted of the Resolution, 74, bearing the Admiral's flag, Capt. Ledmore; Assistance, 50 guns, Capt. Mowatt; Andromeda, 32 guns, Capt. Taylor; Ceres, 32, Capt. Otway; Lynx, 18, Capt. Hall, and the Hunter, 18, Capt. Tucker.

1797. During this summer the town was enlivened by the presence of four or five hundred embodied militia who did garrison duty. Several battalions were enrolled in the country with the intention of their being removed to Halifax for the protection of the town in the absence of the regular troops. They were, however, not required, and were discharged in the latter part of October by order of the Governor.

At this time Dr. Robert Stanser was rector of St. Paul's, Dr. Archibald Gray, minister of St. Matthew's, at the corner, Mr. Michael Bernard Houseal, missionary to the Germans and minister of St. George's, north suburbs. Chief Justice Strange resigned this year and was succeeded in the office by Mr. Sampson Salter Blowers, who remained Chief Justice until 1835, when he was succeeded by Sir Brenton Halliburton. Chief Justice Blowers died in 1842, at the age of 100 years. His monument is in the south-east corner of the east aisle of St. Paul's. He built the house at the corner of Barrington and Blowers Streets, lately occupied by Mr. Romans as a hotel, and known as the Waverley House, where he resided for about thirty-five years.

Mr. Shaw was Sheriff of Halifax this year; he was succeeded by Lewis M. Wilkins, afterwards a Judge of the Supreme Court, and father of the late Judge Wilkins of that Court.

Prince Edward, who was Commandant of the garrison, appears to have patronized almost all the public entertainments in the town. He dined with the national societies, and honored the balls given by Governor Wentworth with his presence. His manners were affable, and he was, in consequence, quite popular with all classes in the town. He was very much affected by the sudden death of Lieutenant Charles Thomas of his own regiment, the 7th Fusiliers, who was accidentally shot by a brother officer while on a hunting expedition in August of this year. Lieut. Thomas was the son of Nathaniel Ray Thomas, a magistrate and collector of the customs of Windsor, and a cousin of Governor Wentworth. He was a favourite and protege of Prince Edward, who attended his funeral and erected a monument at his own expense over his grave.

On the 23rd November, this year, H. M. Ship La Tribune, Capt. Baker, was lost in coming into the harbor. The following authentic account of this disaster is from the newspaper of the day:

"La Tribune was one of the finest frigates in His Majesty's
service, mounted 44 guns and had been lately captured by Captain
Williams in the Unicorn frigate. She was commanded by Captain S.
Barker, and sailed from Torbay the 22nd September, as convoy to
the Quebec and Newfoundland fleets. In Lat. 49 deg. 14' Long. 17
deg. 29' she fell in with and spoke His Majesty's ship
Experiment from this place, out 12 days. She lost sight of all
her convoy October 19th, in Lat. 46 deg. 16' Long. 32 deg. 11'.
On Thursday morning last, they discovered this Harbour about 8
o'clock. The wind being E. S. E. they approached it very fast,
when Captain Barker proposed to the master that they should lay
the ship to till they could obtain a pilot; the master replied,
'he had beat a 44 gun ship into the harbour--that he had been
frequently here and that there was no occasion for a pilot, as
the wind was fair.' Confiding in these assurances Captain Barker
went below and was for a time employed in arranging some papers
he wished to take on shore with him. The master in the meantime
taking upon himself the pilotage of the ship, and placing great
dependence upon the judgment of a negro man by the name of John
Casey, (who had formerly belonged here) whom he had placed
forward to con the ship. About 12 o'clock the ship had
approached so near the Thrum Cap Shoals, that the master became
alarmed and sent for Mr. Galvin the master's mate, who was sick
below. On his coming on deck he heard the man in the chains sing
out 'by the mark five,' the black man forward at the same time
singing out 'steady.' Galvin got on one of the carronades to
observe the situation of the ship, the master in much agitation
at the same time taking the wheel from the man who was steering
with an intent to wear ship, but before this could be effected
or Galvin able to give an opinion, she struck. Captain Barker
instantly came on deck and reproached the master with having
lost the ship. Seeing Galvin also on deck, he addressed him and
said (as he knew he had formerly sailed out of this harbour)
that he was much surprised that he could stand by and see the
master run the ship on shore. Galvin informed the Captain he had
not been on deck long enough to give an opinion. Signals of
distress were instantly made and answered by the military posts
and the ships in the harbour. Boats from all the military posts,
from His Majesty's ships and from the Dockyard, proceeded to the
relief of La Tribune. The military boats and one of the boats
from the Dockyard, with Mr. Rackum, boatswain of the Ordinary,
reached the ship; but the other boats, though making the
greatest exertions, were not able, the wind being so much
against them, to get on board. The ship was immediately
lightened by throwing all her guns, except one retained for
signals, overboard, and every other heavy article, so that at
about half-past eight o'clock in the evening the ship began to
heave and about nine she got off from the shoals. She had before
at about five or six o'clock lost her rudder, and on examination
it was now found that she had seven feet of water in the hold.
The chain pumps were immediately manned and such exertions made
that they seemed to gain on the leaks, and by advice of Mr.
Rackum the Captain ordered to let go the best bower anchor. This
was done but it did not bring her up. The Captain then ordered
them to cut the cable, and the jib and fore topmast stay sail
were hoisted to steer by. All this time the violent gale, which
had come on from the south east, kept increasing and carrying
them to the western shore. In a short time the small bower
anchor was let go, at which time they found themselves in about
thirteen fathoms water. The mizzen mast was then cut away. It
was now about ten o'clock, the water gaining fast on the ship,
little hope remained of saving the ship or their lives. At this
critical period Lieut. Campbell quitted the ship. Lieut. Nooth
was taken into the boat out of one of the ports. Lieut. James of
the Royal Nova Scotia Regiment, not being to be found was so
unfortunate as to remain, and to the great distress of his
worthy parents and friends shared the general fate. From the
period when Lieut. Campbell quitted the ship all hopes of safety
had vanished, the ship was sinking fast, the storm was
increasing with redoubled violence, the rocky shore to which
they were approaching resounding with the tremendous noise of
the billows which rolled toward it, presented nothing to those
who might survive the sinking of the ship, but the expectation
of a more painful death from being dashed against those
tremendous precipices, which even in the calmest day it is
almost impossible to ascend.

Dunlap, one of the survivors, informs us that at about
half-past ten, as nearly as he could conjecture, one of the
men who had been below came to him on the forecastle and told
him the ship was sinking; in a few minutes after, the ship
took a lurch as a boat will do when nearly filled with water
and going down; immediately on which Dunlap began to ascend
the fore shroud, and at the same moment casting his eyes
towards the quarter deck saw Capt. Barker standing by the
gangway and looking into the water, and directly after heard
him call for the jolly-boat. At the same time he saw the
Lieutenant of Marines running towards the taffrail, he
supposed to look for the jolly-boat, as she had previously
been let down with four men in her--but instantly the ship
took a second lurch and sank to the bottom; after which
neither the captain nor any other of the officers was seen.
The scene, sufficiently distressing before, became now
peculiarly awful--more than 240 men, besides several women and
children were floating on the waves making their last efforts
to preserve their existence. Dunlap, whom we have before
mentioned, gained the fore top. Mr. Galvin, the master's mate,
after incredible difficulty, got into the main top--he was
below when the ship sank, directing the men at the chain pump.
He was washed up the hatchway, thrown into the waist and from
thence into the water, and his feet as he plunged, struck a
rock. On ascending, he swam to gain the main shrouds when he
was suddenly seized hold of by three men--he was now afraid he
was lost. To disengage himself from them he made a dive into
the water which induced them to quit their hold. On rising
again he swam to the shrouds and arrived at the main top and
seated himself on an arm-chest which was lashed to the mast.

From the observations of Mr. Galvin from the main-top and Mr.
Dunlap in the fore-top, it appears that near one hundred
persons were for a considerable time hanging to the shrouds,
the tops and other parts of the wreck; but from the extreme
length of the night and the ferocity of the storm nature
became exhausted, and they kept at all periods of the night
dropping off and disappearing. The cries and groans of the
unhappy sufferers, from the bruises many of them had received
and as their hopes of deliverance began to fail them, were
continued through the night; though as morning appeared from
the few that then survived they became feeble indeed. The
whole number saved from the wreck amounted to eight persons
and several of them so exhausted as to be indifferent whether
they were taken off or not. Mr. Galvin mentions that about
twelve o'clock the mainmast gave way; at that time he supposes
there were on the main-top and on the shrouds upwards of forty
persons. By the fall of the mast the whole were again plunged
into the water, and of that number only nine besides himself
regained the top. The top rested upon the main yard, and the
whole remained fast to the ship by some of the rigging. Of the
ten persons who regained the main-top four only were alive
when morning appeared. Ten were at that time alive on the
fore-top, but three of them had got so exhausted and had
become so unable to help themselves that before any relief
came they were finally washed away; three others perished, and
four only were also finally left alive in the fore-top. The
place where the ship went down was only about three times her
length to the southward of the entrance into Herring Cove. The
people came down in the night to the point opposite to which
the ship sunk and kept large fires, and were so near as to
converse with the people in the wreck.

The first exertion that was made for their relief was by a
boy, thirteen years old, from Herring Cove, who ventured off
in a small skiff by himself about eleven o'clock the next day;
and this truly deserving young lad with great exertions and at
extreme risk to himself ventured to approach the wreck and
backed in his little boat so near to the fore-top as to take
off two of the men, for the boat could not with safely hold
any more; and here a trait of generous magnanimity occurred
which deserves to be noticed. Dunlap and Munroe had,
throughout this disastrous night providentially preserved
their strength and spirits beyond their unfortunate
companions, and had endeavoured to cheer and encourage them as
they found their spirits sinking; they were now both of them
able to have stepped into the boat and put an end to their own
sufferings, but their other two companions, though alive, were
unable to help themselves. They lay exhausted on the top,
wished not to be disturbed, and seemed desirous to perish as
they lay. These generous fellows hesitated not a moment to
remain themselves on the wreck and to save, though against
their will, their unfortunate companions. They lifted them up
and by the greatest exertions got them into the little skiff,
and the manly boy rowed them triumphantly to the Cove and
instantly had them conveyed to a comfortable habitation. After
shaming, by his example, older persons who had larger boats,
he put off again in his little skiff, but with all his efforts
he could not then approach the wreck. His example, however,
was soon followed by the men in the Tribune's jolly-boat and
by some of the boats of the Cove, and by their joint exertions
the eight men were preserved, who, with four that escaped in
the jolly-boat make the whole number of survivors of this fine
ship's company.

Some have been disposed to blame Capt. Barker as exhibiting
too much obstinacy in not abandoning the ship and preserving
his crew, as a violent storm was evidently approaching, but on
examining the men who have survived we find (though other
officers in the same situation might have formed a different
judgment) that the conduct of Capt. Barker was throughout the
trying scene completely cool and collected. Though from the
manner in which the ship had been run ashore, no blame could
attach to him, yet he could not reconcile it to himself to
lose so fine a ship without making every exertion to save her.
Having by the greatest efforts considerably lightened her, he
had reason to suppose she might get off before high water. She
made no water while she lay aground, there was therefore great
hopes, if she could not that night have been got up the
harbour that she might with safety have been brought to anchor
and have rode out the gale. When she finally got off,
universal joy was diffused throughout the ship--every man
thought the object of their joint efforts was attained--but
the rapid manner in which the water poured into her, soon
damped their joy and plunged them into despair. Had the ship
been finally saved by the great exertions which were made to
effect it, every man would have praised Capt. Barker, and,
notwithstanding those exertions failed, we think we may justly
say, in the language of Mr. Addison,

"'Tis not in mortals to command success
Barker did more; he did deserve it"

To his memory therefore and that of his brave
fellow-sufferers, the commiseration of their countrymen is
justly due. From every generous heart they will receive that
commiseration; and while the mind runs over the whole trying
scene the tears which must involuntarily flow will embalm
their memory.

Having closed the general scene, we think it will not be
unacceptable to our readers if we notice the conduct of some
individuals. A quartermaster belonging to the ship, by the
name of McGregor, had his wife on board; they were a
respectable couple and greatly attached to each other.
McGregor from his affectionate solicitations for her safety,
endeavoured to persuade her, while the ship lay on the shoals,
to go ashore in one of the boats which came off from the
Island, as his mind would be more at ease, could he put her in
a place of safety. To his solicitations she replied, 'that she
never would abandon him; if it was his lot to perish, she
wished not to survive him.' Finding it in vain to urge her
further, he desisted from the attempt and she afterwards
shared the common fate. A considerable time after the ship had
foundered a man was discovered swimming towards the wreck. On
his approaching near it was found to be McGregor; he informed
his comrades who were hanging by the wreck, that he had swam
towards the shore; that he had ventured as far as he could
with safety into the surf, and found if he went further he
should be dashed to pieces, and he cautioned them all to avoid
making a like attempt, but if possible to hold by the wreck.
He himself gained the main shrouds and remained there till the
mast gave way, and then met the same fate as his unfortunate
consort, whose death he was continually deploring while on the
shrouds.

Dunlap relates another instance which occurred, which though
it may appear ludicrous after the distressing scenes we have
noticed, is so descriptive of that cool thoughtlessness of
danger which so often distinguishes our British tars that it
would be inexcusable to omit it. Daniel Munroe, one of the
survivors had as well as Dunlap got into the fore-top. After a
while he disappeared and it was concluded that he had been
washed away with many others; after an absence from the top of
about two hours, he suddenly popped his head up through the
lubber hole to the surprise of Dunlap, who enquired where he
had been; he said he had been cruising about for a better
berth; and it appeared that, after swimming about the wreck
for a considerable time, he had returned to the fore shrouds,
and crawled in on the cat-harpins and had actually been to
sleep there more than an hour, and he said he was and really
appeared to be greatly refreshed.

Mr. Brennan of the Dockyard, who had gone aboard with Mr.
Rackum, after the sinking of the ship, had got on the maintop
and remained there till the mainmast gave way and was never
after seen.

While noticing the immediate disasters of the ship, we
forebore to mention the fate of one of the boats which had
gone from George's Island. About nine o'clock as the ship went
off, the boat got under the ship's bow and was upset; by this
circumstance a part of the men, consisting of two sergeants
and four privates of the Royal Nova Scotia Regiment were
unfortunately drowned; the remainder were taken up by the boat
belonging to the Eastern Battery. Too much praise cannot be
given to the men who manned these boats, and particularly to
Sergt. Bourke, and the boat's crew who persevered in following
the ship, and finally brought off Lieuts. Campbell and Nooth
of the Royal Fusiliers.

Great praise is also due to the dock-yard boat which carried
Mr. Rackum on board. They followed the ship at a short
distance till she foundered, and with extreme difficulty at
length reached Herring Cove. We are sorry to mention that Mr.
Rackum, whose exertions on board La Tribune to preserve the
ship were gratefully acknowledged, perished with the unhappy
ship's company.

Having mentioned all the disastrous circumstances which have
attended this distressing scene, it is with pleasure we now
notice the attention which has been paid to the widows and
children of the unfortunate sufferers. His Royal Highness
Prince Edward with that uniform generosity which has
distinguished his Royal Highness during his residence in this
province, directed immediate provision to be made for the
bereaved families, and there is reason to hope through his
Royal Highness' representations, that provision will be made
as permanent as their sufferings. Actions like these dignify
even kings and add splendour to the highest rank.

Besides the attention shown by his Royal Highness a liberal
subscription has been made by the garrison and gentlemen of
the town for the widows of the soldiers who were drowned and
for the men who manned the boats.

There is another instance of generosity, which the occasion
seems to require, and it seems to be the earnest wish of the
men who were saved from the wreck; it is that some reward may
be bestowed on the boy who first came off to them. They
attribute in a great measure their deliverance to him, and
they mention with the warmest gratitude, not only his
exertions to save them from the wreck, but his kind and
hospitable attention to relieve them after they had reached
the Cove. Surely if a subscription were set on foot there is
not a man in the country who would not give something to
reward and encourage so young an instance of humane and heroic
magnanimity.

Mr. Club, the master of La Tribune, was master of the Active,
frigate when she was run ashore on the Island of Anticosti.

Mr. Fennel, first lieutenant, and Mr. Galvin, the master's
mate, were both formerly prisoners at Guadeloupe with Colonel
Wetherall, and were all for a considerable time chained by the
legs together. Lieut. Fennell declared to Lieut. Campbell that
his only motive in coming out in La Tribune was to have the
pleasure of seeing Colonel Wetherall; and such appears to have
been the attachment of Galvin to Lieut. Fennel that, though he
speaks with becoming feeling of the fate of the ship's
company, the loss of Lieut. Fennell seems peculiarly to affect
him. On enquiring of him if he saw Lieut. Fennell after the
ship sunk, he replied, he did not, for if he had, though he
was himself in a place of apparent security, he would again
have risked his life to preserve him, and would have effected
it or perished with him. A similar attachment to each other
appears among the men who have survived the wreck, and these
circumstances unite to prove that the virtues which render
human beings the most pleasing are those they are taught in
the trying school of adversity.

* * * * *

List of the officers lost in La Tribune:--Captain, Scory
Barker; First Lieutenant, Thomas Fennel; Second do., Thomas
Clarke; Third do., Thomas Sheirp; Master, James Clubb;
Lieutenant Marines, James Cregg; Surgeon, ---- Jones; Purser,
---- Stanford; Carpenter, James Jurd; Boatswain, John
Franklin; Master's Mate, William Stacey; Midshipmen, John
Dennington, Charles Belcher, John Clowdsley, William Crofton,
---- Nops; Captain's Clerk, William Foley; Surgeon's Mate,
James Mulquinney; Gunner, William Thomas.

List of officers and men saved from La Tribune:--John Galvin,
Master's Mate; Seamen, Abraham Wanhill, James Crawford, Robert
Parker, Daniel Monroe, E. Knowles, Richard Best, James Green,
Henry Husley, Chris. Dowling, Robert Dunlap and John White.

* * * * *

We have been favored with the following extract of General
Orders dated Halifax, November 26, 1797:

Lieutenant General, His Royal Highness Prince Edward thinks it
his duty to return his particular thanks to Lieutenants
Haliburton, Campbell and Nooth of the Royal Fusiliers, also to
the several non-commissioned officers and privates of the
Royal Nova Scotia Regiment, who manned the boats sent to give
assistance on Thursday last to His Majesty's frigate Tribune,
unfortunately wrecked by getting on shore at the mouth of this
harbour.

His Royal Highness most sincerely laments the loss of Lieut.
James and two non-commissioned officers with four privates of
the Royal N. S. Regiment, who were unfortunately drowned in
executing the first of all duties, that of giving succor to
brother officers and men in distress.

His Royal Highness directs that the Commissary-General will
serve free rations to the widows of the non-commissioned
officers and privates lost, as follows:--

To the wife of Sergt. Baker, and two children, two rations.

To Sergt. Mullen's wife, one ration.

To the wife of John Bush and two children, two rations.

* * * * *

Tuesday last the body of Lieut. James was found and brought up
to town to his disconsolate parents--and Wednesday was
interred with military honors."

Michael Wallace was appointed Treasurer of the Province in October of this year on the resignation of Benning Wentworth. Mr. Wallace remained treasurer until 1827 or 1828, when he was succeeded by his son. Mr. Wallace administered the government as senior councillor several times during the absence of the Governor, Sir James Kempt.

The old playhouse lot in Argyle Street was granted, about this time, to James Putnam, from whom it came into possession of the trustees of the Acadian School. The grant from the Crown of part of the King's Stores for a fishmarket, before referred to, was, on 29th August, signed by the Governor and the Prince as commander in chief of the troops. This is what was called the new fishmarket. The old market had formerly been private property, and the rents of stalls at this time were received by Mr. Cochran, but it was subject to town regulations. Commissioners were about the same time appointed to purchase land and to erect buildings for the accommodation of the Legislature and Courts of Justice as soon as peace should occur and the price of labor should be lower. The Act formerly passed for erecting buildings for this purpose on the "lower parade" was repealed, and that of 1797 was amended in 1799 and the Commissioners were directed to purchase land in the south suburbs, and build a Government House.

The winter of 1797-8 was again very severe. The heavy falls of snow rendered the road from Halifax to Windsor impassable. The Prince ordered the troops to clear the road between the town and his residence on the Basin. The supply of fat cattle from the country for the troops was retarded for a long time by the state of the roads.

It was proposed to raise a fund in the town to be at the disposal of Government for the purposes of war. The inhabitants subscribed a sum approaching L.4000 towards this fund; the officers of the Royal Nova Scotia Fencible Regiment, L.200. The boys of the Grammar School contributed about L.24, and the regiment in garrison and the officers in the public departments, including the contributions of the Nova Scotia Regiment, amounted to L.2097. Much enthusiasm on the subject prevailed, and great loyalty was displayed by the people.

A general fast was proclaimed on 21st May, which was kept at Halifax with much solemnity.

A commission was issued in July to William Forsyth, Andrew Belcher, William Cochran, Lawrence Hartshorne, Charles Hill, Richard Kidston, John Bremner, William Sabatier and Michael Wallace, as directors for the Shubenacadie Canal. A survey and report was made by this committee which was printed and published.

There were several regular traders at this time between Halifax and Boston. The principal and most regular one was the Schooner Nancy, Captain Tufton.

In the month of January, 1798, a boat arrived in the harbor with Capt. Wyatt and several passengers of the Brig Princess Amelia, bound to Halifax, which had been wrecked on the south side of Sable Island on 9th November. The wreck had been reported by an American schooner, who saw signals of distress on the Island. Sir John Wentworth immediately sent a vessel to the Island with clothing and provisions for the relief of the sufferers. Capt. Wyatt equipped his long boat and, having got over to the north side of the Island, embarked with four of his crew and Lieut. Cochran of the Fusiliers, one of the passengers, intending to seek relief. He arrived safe in one of the harbors to the eastward of Halifax, where he obtained a pilot who brought him to Halifax. Capt. Parker, who had charge of the vessel sent to the Island, brought off the remainder of the crew and passengers in safety.

1798. On the 8th August, this year, Prince Edward received an injury by a fall from his horse while riding on one of the streets in the town. The horse broke through a defective wooden bridge over one of the street gutters. The horse rolled over him hurting one of his legs; it did not, however, prevent him from attending to his military duties. He was recommended by the physicians to go to England for further advice. An address subscribed by about four hundred of the inhabitants was presented to him on his departure, which took place on the 21st October, when he embarked in H. M. Ship Topaz, Captain Church. The House of Assembly had previously voted five hundred guineas to purchase a star of the order of the Garter to be presented to His Royal Highness.

Among the events of the year was the arrival in the harbor, in November, of the United States Squadron, consisting of the Sloop-of-War Herald, Capt. Stevens, and the Pickering, Capt. Chapman, with the Brig Commerce, Capt. Childs. Salutes were exchanged, and the captains landed and paid their respects to the Governor, Admiral and General, and were hospitably entertained. The United States was at this time at war with France.

On the 25th November news of Nelson's victory at the Nile arrived in Halifax. The town was illuminated in the evening. Salutes were fired and other demonstrations of joy occurred throughout the day. A number of prizes were brought into the port during this autumn.

Mr. James Stewart, afterwards Solicitor-General, was this year elected without opposition for the county.

On the 25th September a tremendous hurricane visited Halifax and continued through part of the night. Nearly all the wharves in the town were swept away, and most of the shipping in the harbor damaged. The tide rose to an unprecedented height, overflowed Water Street and did much damage to property. The water came up to the old market house where the city brick building now stands. The market wharf and King's wharf were partially destroyed, and the market slip or public landing swept away. The loss of property in the town, including the shipping, was estimated at above L.100,000.