FREDERICTON: ITS BUILDINGS, PUBLIC HOUSES, AMUSEMENTS, ETC
The year following the great fire was marked by great progress
throughout the Province. Farmers were again in homes which they had
built upon the site of those destroyed by the devouring element. Fields
once more showed signs of cultivation. With Sir Howard Douglas to
stimulate the prosperity of his people, progress was the watchword--the
general impulse.
Fredericton, like the phoenix, had arisen from its ashes; buildings
arose in rapid succession. Wooden houses of moderate pretensions lined
Queen and King streets, from Westmorland to Carleton street, the limit
of the burnt district.
Business was carried on by a few upright and enterprising merchants,
foremost of whom stood Rankine & Co., the leading firm of the city. This
establishment was situated on Queen street, between Northumberland and
Westmorland streets, in which was constantly pouring an unlimited source
of supplies for conducting the immense lumber trade established by this
firm, whose name shall be remembered while New Brunswick shall continue
to produce one stick of timber. Many farmers of that time yet have
occasion to refer to the generosity which characterized this long
established firm. Many yet bless the name of Rankine & Co.
The public buildings of our city were in keeping with the private
residences. No Barker House or Queen Hotel adorned our principal street
as now; no City Hall, Normal School, or Court House. On the present site
of the Barker House was a long two-story wooden building, designated as
Hooper's Hotel under the proprietorship of Mr. Hooper. This was the only
accommodation for public dinners, large parties, balls, etc In this
hotel the St. George Society annually celebrated their anniversary by a
grand dinner party where heart-stirring speeches, toasts and patriotic
songs, were the general order of programme, of which the following
verses are an example. They were composed in April 1828, and sung by one
of the members of this society at a public dinner that year, after the
toast of "Lord Aylmer and the Colonies." The idea was suggested to the
young law student by looking upon a map showing the territory explored
by the Cabots and called Cabotia. The writer will be readily recognized
as one of New Brunswick's most eloquent, gifted, and favored statesmen,
recently holding the highest position in the Province:--
When England bright,
With Freedom's light,
Shone forth in dazzling splendor,
She scorned to hold,
The more than gold,
From those who did befriend her;
At space she spurned,
With love she burned,
And straight across the ocean
Sent Freedom's rays,
T' illume their days
And quell their sons' commotion.
Hail, Britannia!
Thou loving, kind Britannia!
Ne'er failed to wield
Thy spear and shield.
To guard our soil, Britannia!
But rebels choose
For to refuse,
The boon thus kindly granted,
And with vile art,
In many a heart,
Black discord's seeds they planted;
Now civil war,
In bloody car,
Rode forth--and Desolation,
Extended wide,
Its horrid stride
For mock emancipation.
O Cabotia!
Old England's child Cabotia!
No rebel cloud[3]
Did e'er enshroud
Thy sacred soil, Cabotia!
The purple flood
Of traitors' blood
Sent vapors black to heaven,
And hid the blaze
Of Freedom's rays,
By a kind parent given;
But Liberty,
Quite loath to see,
America neglected,
Came to our land,
And with kind hand
Her temple here erected;
O Cabotia!
Them favored land, Cabotia!
While we have breath
We'll smile at death,
To guard thy soil, Cabotia!
When foreign foes
We did oppose,
Britannia stood our second,
And those we fought
Were dearly taught,
Without their host they reckoned;
And should they now,
With hostile prow,
But press, our lakes and rivers,
The Giant-stroke,
From British oak,
Would rend their keels to shivers.
And thou, Cabotia!
Old England's child Cabotia!
Would see thy race
In death's embrace
Before they'd yield Cabotia!
While Shamrock, Rose,
And Thistle grow,
So close together blended,
New Brunswick ne'er
Will need to fear,
But that she'll be befriended;
We need not quake,
For nought can break
The sacred ties that bind us,
And those, who'd spoil
Our hallowed soil,
True blue are sure to find us.
O Cabotia!
Our native land, Cabotia!
For thee we'll drain
Our every vein,
Old England's Child Cabotia!
[Footnote 3: Long before the Canadian Rebellion.]
Here the St. Andrews Society also gave their national celebration. Last,
but not least, came the St. Patrick Society. The last named might,
indeed, be called _the_ Society. Aided and encouraged by Colonel
Minchin, Hon. Thomas Bailie, Mr. Phair, and many other distinguished
Irish gentlemen, the St. Patrick's Society of Fredericton at that time
attained a high social position. On St. Patrick's eve a yearly
celebration also took place, the place of rendezvous being situated on
Carleton street, adjoining the building now occupied as the post office.
Eloquent and patriotic speeches were the leading features of those
meetings. The following instance will serve to give an idea of the
spirit which inspired those reunions. On one occasion a member of this
organization--a well-known citizen of Fredericton for many years--spoke
as follows: "Mr. President and gentlemen, I wish to call your attention
to a subject which should fire the heart of every Irishman. Who was the
gallant soldier, the true patriot, the hero who never once shrank from
the fiercest of the fight, whose only glory was in his country's cause?
Who led his army conquering and to conquer, facing the foe with the calm
and intrepid coolness of one who knew not the meaning of fear? Who fought
with fierce determination to conquer or die when surrounded by thousands
of armed guerillas on the outskirts of Spain? Who dared to face Napoleon?
Who dared to conquer the iron will of the Bourbon mandate? Who but the
proud 'hero of a hundred fights,'--the Duke of Wellington! What country
gave him birth?" "Ireland!" was the answer, amid deafening shouts of
applause which caused the building to shake beneath their feet. This is
but one of the stories told of those meetings, showing the spirit of
interest manifested.
To return to hotels. On the site at present occupied by the Queen Hotel
formerly stood the Market Inn, kept by Mr. Richard Staples. This was a
comfortable and convenient house, frequented by farmers as they came to
the city to dispose of their produce. In those days people settled
principally near the St. John river and its numerous tributaries, with
their lakes; therefore farmers generally used small boats for means of
conveyance, waggons being looked upon as an extravagant
luxury. Another public house, kept by Mr. Robert Welch, and known as the
Albion Hotel, also occupied a prominent position, being well furnished
and affording comfort and good accommodation to the travelling public. On
Waterloo Row was situated the time-honored Royal Oak, kept by Miss Polly
Van Horn, a name well known to those residing in the lower country
districts.
Of other public institutions less may be said. On the square now adorned
by the imposing City Hall, with its memorable clock, formerly stood or
rather squatted the old Tank House, serving rather in the capacity of
use than ornament. An old marketplace occupied the ground on which is
now erected the County Court House.
It would be impossible to enter into details regarding every building;
we merely cite a few facts to give a general idea of the situation of
Fredericton at that time.
Before leaving these matters we must not omit mention of a quiet social
organization then known as the Philharmonic Society. It was composed of
a number of young gentlemen, members of the most influential families of
the city. Wallace, band-master of H. M. 52nd regiment, took an active
part in instructing these youths, who, within a short period, had
acquired such proficiency as to enable them to give a series of
entertainments in Hooper's Hotel. These consisted of selections
displaying musical skill, ability and taste.
Conspicuous among the members of the Philharmonic Society was a young
student named Vivian Yorke, afterwards a member of the legal profession;
in later years, his burning eloquence had power to thrill the eager
audience attendant upon his appearance. As a lover of music, the young
scholar had from his childhood won a reputation beyond his years, while
his association with the organization had given it a stimulus worthy
such encouragement. Vivian Yorke had won high position within the social
circle as well. His genial disposition, frank, manly bearing, dignified
form and handsome face were sufficient passports irrespective of his
other claims to distinction. It is almost needless to add, that Mr.
Yorke stood high in the estimation of the band-master, who arranged
several airs especially adapted to a number of patriotic songs composed
by his talented pupil. In succeeding chapters we will allude to the
rising career of Mr. Yorke as the occasion demands.
In this year the House of Assembly was opened by a warm debate upon the
College Bill, which received stout resistance from all dissenting
bodies. The episcopalians sought aid from the Archbishop of Canterbury
and the Bishop of Nova Scotia. But the judgment of Sir Howard was equal
to the occasion. His measures were such as must ultimately accomplish
the desired end.
The 52nd Regiment, as yet stationed in Fredericton, still maintained
their unbounded popularity, entertained their many friends at princely
dinners, gave an unlimited number of balls, parties and festive
gatherings. The race course still continued to be the daily resort for
the distinguished horsemen. Races were a favorite pastime. Cricket and
foot-ball had now become quite common. On the old square situated
between York street and Wilmot's alley the youths of the city daily
assembled to practise these sports, while the military occupied a space
within their own ground. The inhabitants also enjoyed the music
furnished by the 52nd band, which almost daily performed in the
officers' square.
A large and imposing structure was now being erected upon the exact site
where the former Government House stood. The present building, owing to
its greater proportions, consequently covered more ground. The model was
a handsome residence in the island of Jamaica; the plans were drawn up
by a celebrated architect, who had formerly been acquainted with Sir
Howard Douglas, under whose direct supervision the entire building was
constructed.
As, for some time, New Brunswick was ruled by a military governor,
Government House was so arranged that a military and civil staff could
each occupy a separate wing of the building, while the main body was
allotted to the family. It was well for the Province that Sir Howard
Douglas was then at hand. The handsome and substantial edifice remains a
lasting monument of grateful remembrance.
While public affairs are thus engrossing the attention of the country at
large, the family of Sir Howard are now quietly enjoying their temporary
home in the lower part of the town. Lady Douglas, beloved by all, is
assisting and cheering His Excellency with all the energy of her nature.
The young ladies are happy in their varied labors of love.
Lady Rosamond has not yet turned her thoughts homeward, save to quiet
the rebellious thoughts that rise with occasional and twofold
bitterness; she has the heavy trial before her; she drives away the
mocking realities of the future. Vain are the hours wasted in useless
repining. When Lady Rosamond made the disclosure to her companion, Mary
Douglas, receiving the full and deep sympathy of true friendship, had
she fully relieved her mind of its entire burden--its crushing weight?
Ah, no! there was hidden deep in the most remote corner of Lady
Rosamond's heart a secret which she would never reveal. Time would bring
its changes. Her ladyship would return to her native home, and, amidst
its gay scenes, pass a lifetime of seeming happiness; and the secret
will burn its impress in characters of flame.
One evening Lady Douglas remained in her own apartments somewhat longer
than her custom. Had prying eyes been active the cause might be assigned
to the entrance of Lady Rosamond, who had joined her ladyship nearly an
hour previous. On seeing the agitated face of the pale but beautiful
girl her ladyship experienced a pang of deep remorse. She felt her
strength deserting her, yet the task was to be accomplished.
"Rosamond, my darling," said the gentle lady, "I have received a letter
from Lady Bereford, who, judging from the tone of the writing, seems to
have some anxiety on your behalf."
This revelation afforded momentary relief to the high-born girl, who
was, indeed, a lovely picture, reclining on a cushion at the feet of
Lady Douglas. A shade of sadness rested upon her face, giving her the
expression of a Madonna--a study for Raphael.
"Lady Bereford intimates, in touching terms, that I am to exercise a
careful surveillance upon your girlish fancies," continued her ladyship,
with slight sarcasm in her tone.
"Rosamond, my darling," cried she, by way of apostrophe, "I have every
reason to place in you full confidence. I cannot see any ground for such
intimation."
"Your ladyship is right," returned Lady Rosamond, throwing her arms
around the neck of Lady Douglas, giving full vent to the feelings which
almost overwhelmed her, adding, between tears and sobs: "I have always
obeyed my father's wishes and will not shrink from my duty now. Gerald
Bereford is worthy of a nobler wife than I dare ever hope to be. He has
indeed conferred on me a distinguished honor, and I must try to make
amends with all the gratitude of which I am capable."
Saying this the brave girl tried to force a smile, which, from its
superficial nature, cost a great effort, adding:
"Your ladyship will have nothing to fear; my father's wishes are mine."
From the spirit of determination, which left an impress on the beautiful
features of Lady Rosamond, Lady Douglas apprehended no need of
interference. She knew that Lady Rosamond would fulfil her father's
wishes. She was aware that the affectionate daughter would return his
confidence, even at the greatest sacrifice a woman can make. The noble
nature of Lady Douglas felt deep sympathy for her gentle relative--a
vague uneasiness filled her mind. Some moments later when Lady Rosamond
appeared in a rich and elegant dinner costume not a trace of emotion was
visible. Its recent effects had entirely disappeared. Lady Douglas had
found an opportunity to form an estimate of the strength of character
which sustained the apparently gentle and passive maiden.
At the dinner table of Government House everyone seemed to vie in good
humored gaiety and flow of spirited, animating conversation. Each tried
to please. All clouds of despondency vanished upon this occasion. Sir
Howard always set the example. Pressing cares of state, perplexing
questions, and endless grievances, took speedy and ignominous flight
when he entered the family circle. All was unrestrained pleasure and
genial delight on this evening. Lady Rosamond was seated beside the gay
and attractive secretary, who was endeavoring to engage his companion as
an ally against the more formidable onset of Captain Douglas. She did
fairly surprise the latter by the earnestness of her replies, her
forcible expressions, and the weighty arguments upheld by superior
judgment. Lieutenant Trevelyan, as he converses with Lady Douglas,
betrays no outward feeling. He shows no preference for Lady Rosamond,
being more frequently the companion and attendant of Mary Douglas, who,
in trusting friendship, reposes in her young friend a happy confidence.
Despite this assumed ease on the part of Guy Trevelyan, the keen
interest hitherto exhibited by Mr. Howe has lost none of its freshness.
The charm still lingers. All hope has not fled, though the light is in
the uncertain future. In Lady Rosamond the well concerted plans of the
secretary find no compromise. Dreading an exposure of her weakness she
has thrown around her a formidable barrier which the most deadly shafts
cannot penetrate. In the possession of this defence she can withstand
the united efforts of a lengthy siege. Upon all those operations she can
look grimly on and bid defiance. Mr. Howe felt this as he tried to force
an entrance to the heart of this lovely maiden to wrest from her, if
possible, a secret that would give a hopeful assurance to his projects.
An incident shortly afterwards occurred which forever banished those
thoughts from his mind, leaving no further room for doubt; still the
fact cannot be overlooked, that the spirit which pervaded the private
secretary of Sir Howard Douglas, was fraught with generosity and true
manliness.
One evening as Captain Douglas and the latter were indulging in a quiet
chat the conversation turned upon Lady Rosamond.
"She is indeed possessed of remarkable strength of character, which is
the more surprising from the natural timidity and gentleness of her
disposition," remarked Captain Douglas.
"I have greatly admired her of late, and have, on more than one occasion
tried to study the depths of her nature," returned Mr. Howe, with sudden
earnestness. He was bent upon disclosing further plans to his friend
when the latter exclaimed:
"By jove! Gerald Bereford is a lucky fellow, to win the Lady Rosamond as
his future bride."
A look of startled surprise betrayed the excited feelings of Mr. Howe,
leading Captain Douglas to remark:
"Look here, old chap, one would be apt to imagine that _you_ were deeply
smitten were they now to get a glimpse of your face."
Mr. Howe smiled.
"Yes," continued Charles Douglas, "her ladyship is to marry her cousin,
Gerald Bereford, shortly after her arrival in England."
This was certainly a new aspect of affairs. Mr. Howe now viewed the
matter in another light, yet he could not heartily respond. Vainly he
strove to banish these thoughts, silently murmuring "poor Trevelyan!"