Item
Standard
Jan 21, 1836
The Editor of the Standard feels himself called on the pray the indulgence of his subscribers for a long absence from his post. Solicited to undertake an arduous and important exploration—one which was to ascertain a fact of the utmost moment to the Province—he was not unwilling to undertake it, but did not foresee the difficulties and delays which the nature of the service involved and he has therefore been much longer absent than he expected. After a walk over six hundred miles he now resumes the “wonted chair,” and hopes to prove that he has not been unmindful to collect much matter that may amuse and gratify his readers and which will be fond in future number of the Standard. [no mention in the Standard as to who the interim editor was]
The St. Andrews and Quebec Railroad
The exploring party dispatched by the Association from this Town on the 28th of October last, and conducted by Messrs. G. N. Smith [of the Standard] and C. R. Hatheway, returned to this place on the 14th instant, having accomplished the important task assigned to them, as we understanding much to the satisfaction of the Committee, and in a manner that promises to be gratifying to the public. When the Association receive the plans and report we have no doubt that everything in them relating to the contemplated magnificent undertaking will be published for general information as we know it is now looked for with much anxiety and interest.
Standard
Jan 28, 1836
Riot
On Monday last, William McNamara and others, were brought up before the Magistrates for riotous and disorderly conduct in the street on Saturday night the 23rd inst. After a long and tedious examination, which lasted from 11 am to 7 pm, William McNamara, John Fortune, and Peter McCrawley were bound over to keep the peace for 12 months, and fined two sureties in 20 pounds each and one surety of 40 pounds for their appearance at the next Court of Oyer and Terminer.
journalism
Standard
Feb 4, 1836
Deals
It is with no ordinary degree of pleasure, that we are informed of the high standing which Deals from this port have attained in the Liverpool market. To the question of the woods, there never did exist any objection; but the carelessness in sawing has until very lately operated most powerfully against cargoes sent from this country. If the millmen were aware of the heavy loss shippers experience by bad sawing, we are convinced that more care would be taken, and we trust if they will not be particular, that the Surveyors will do their duty and condemn to a second-quality character, all deals that do not come up to that of merchantable. We may here inform those interested, that if deals be not cut from half an inch to one inch longer than their nominal measure, say 20 feet 1 inch, 11 feet one inch, and so on, when received in Britain, will be cut down 1 foot. They are only received by the purchaser as 9 feet, 10 feet and so on, and the same with regard to the other dimensions, a very hairs breadth too thin, say 2 fifteenth-sixteenths of an inch, thick, is only received as 2 inches and a half, and 8 fifteen sixteenths of an inch broad, is only received as 8 inches and a half. Let any man take the trouble to calculate the loss that must result upon a cargo subject to this deduction, and he will be surprised; for he must recollect, that the shipper not only loses all that he from this carelessness exposed to, but the ship owner also loses his freight, no payment being made for more than the cargo amounts to, under the short-measure mode adopted in England. We would suppose for the sake of elucidation, a cargo of deals averaging 20 foot lengths, short half an inch—this will cause a loss of 10 per cent, a hairs-breadth too think take off half an inch or 15 and two thirds per cent, a hairs-breadth to narrow, averaging the breadth at 10 inches, will reduce them to 9 inches and a half or 5 per cent loss, making a total loss of 31 and two thirds per cent, or in round figures say one third part; and suppose further that a ship had on board 400,000 superficial feet, which might produce in England 2400 Sterling, if all were properly cut, by these not being so a deduction or rather a loss of 800 would be experienced by the shipper.
Standard
Feb 4/1836
Smallpox in Nfld. 500 deaths in 2,000 cases. People going about their business covered with pustules.
Standard
Feb 25/1836
The announcement of the formation of the St. Andrews/Quebec RR Assoc. has found its way into almost all the papers of the provinces, and many of the US. We are gratified to find this stupendous project treated with respectful consideration. . . .
Standard
Feb 25/1836
Ad for Getty’s Hotel, William and Water St.
Standard
Feb 25, 1836
In consequence of the untimely fate (see this day’s obituary) of Capt. Christie, on board of whose vessel our supply of paper was shipped, we have suffered the inconvenience of two blank weeks at a time when all eyes are turned to the accounts we should send them of the proceeding or our Provincial parliament. If it be asked why a sufficient supply was not laid in to meet any casualty, we have only to pore over our subscription list and ask our readers how many of them fee the responsibility of answering the question—those who are our debtors need not blush when hey condemn themselves merely as delinquents on the score of their subscriptions, if they do not take into account the consequence of such delinquency. Let them examine the expensive routine of the office—let them see the mass of matter regularly put in type, and by their thoughtless improvidence ordained to be as regularly thrown back, type by type, into the distinctive boxes, let them reflect that this matter was selected, for their information, from table fulls of exchange papers, after careful and fatiguing examination, with a due exercise of whatever talent heaven has given us
To hold as ‘twere the mirror up to nature
To give the very age and body of the time
Its form and pressure.
And if they have been previously uninformed of the onerous duties of a caterer for the public taste, they will obtain some idea of those labours which probably they fancifully thought were obviated by a sort of magic, or what is more likely, they never thought of at all. In reading over our numerous files we find that subjects of this kind form the only point on which all parties—aristocrat and democrat; royalist and republican; conservative and destructive; ultraist and radical, nay even the old “Whig and Tory, all agree!”
For ourselves we had always thought that Goldsmith’s enforcement of the proper exercise of language (in one of the number of “The Bie”) was philosophically correct; but we begin to think that the march of intellect has made wonderful discoveries to the contrary. We however venture to give it as our conviction, that every proprietor of a press has as proper a right to look for public support, in as far as he serves the public interests, as the members have whom the public send to preside over their general interests. Give that and we ask no more. Failing of that, we have to enter into such digressions from the heading of our Editorials, as the present, and to point out the cause of our now being forced to condense a long series of particulars into the following summary, viz: . . .
The announcement of the formation of the St. Andrews and Quebec Railroad Association has found its way into almost all the papers of the Provinces and many of the United States. We are gratified to find this stupendous project treated with respectful consideration; its merits freely investigated, and a conviction of the immense benefits its completion would secure, not only to the countries at its extremities, but to the rich and extensive territory through which it would pass, is very generally acknowledged.
Melancholy Observance
We are informed that while the schooner Rachael, of and from St. Andrews, was coming into this harbour on Wednesday morning last, the 20th inst., she suddenly broached to, when near Partridge island, and Capt. Christie, who was at the helm at the time, was thrown overboard and drowned. We understand he has left a wife and large family at St. Andrews to mourn their melancholy bereavement—Observer.
Standard
March 10, 1836
The temperance cause has extended its influence in St. Andrews, as is shewn by the lucid and gratifying Report of the last quarterly meeting, inserted in our first page. At that meeting Mr. Sampson delivered a harangue which, independently of its intrinsic value in a moral point of view, was considered a successful effort of eloquence delivered with admirable force and pathos. Mr. John Young also advocated the views and principles of the society; and several new names were enrolled among the audience members.
Standard
March 10/1836
250 miles south of St. Augustine to Cape Florida has been laid waste by fires set by Indians. Not a house standing. Reports of Indian wars with Creeks and in Texas.
Standard
March 10/1836
businesses in town: sail making - John Jarvis.
Tallow Candle making.
boot and shoemaking—Samuel Todd
Hardware and dry goods—James Street
Brick Kiln in Chamcook—John Wilson
Standard
March 10, 1836
The temperance cause has extended its influence in St. Andrews, as is shewn by the lucid and gratifying Report of the last quarterly meeting, inserted in our first page. At that meeting Mr. Sampson delivered a harangue which, independently of its intrinsic value in a moral point of view, was considered a successful effort of eloquence delivered with admirable force and pathos. Mr. John Young also advocated the views and principles of the society; and several new names were enrolled among the audience members.
Standard
March 17/1836
History of English railways. Large first page with small section on each.
Standard
March 31, 1836
Communication for the Standard
Mr. Editor,
By a short editorial article in your least paper, I was pleased to find you felt yourself called on to apologize for not giving your “views on a variety of mattes deeply interesting to the community at large and involving the future destinies of the province,” amongst which you particularize “the twenty nine resolutions of the House of Assembly, and the delegation to England.” You then, in rather an equivocal manner, caution the public against prejudice in examining “the actual state of our affairs.” I am not sure that a person would be warranted in entering the parlour of an acquaintance to lecture him on the course of such conduct as in his opinion is at variance with propriety, but as a public writer I think I am entitled to enter your paper and express such sentiments as are proper to be observed on the line which I think you have pursued. In the former case, the visitor might be unceremoniously bowed out the hall door, in the latter case you have the power of excluding me from your columns.
Now, sir, as I am a plain dealing sort of a subject, you may expect nothing from me but plain facts, and to give you a specimen, I must tell you that I cannot agree with the general drift of your politics; that is, the meager exhibition that you occasionally make of the doings at home, and the “few and far between” vituperations which appear in the Standard on our provincial affairs. After the indefinable absurdities of the Herald, and the uncompromising thorough toryism of the Courant, many people expect ed great things from the Standard, and am bound to say they have been disappointed. The truth is (and Mind, Mr. Editor, that I am not uninformed of public opinion) that you are by education, habits, and conviction, a Tory at heart—but by an erroneous estimate of prevailing prejudices, which you think it your interest to subserve, you sink your real character in assuming that fictitious one which perhaps you think will “bring grist to the mill.” Admitting this to be the truth, never was calculation more absurd, never was the prostration of talent more to be condemned. If it be a fact that you have been led astray by that most unsubstantial ignis fatuus—vulgar applause—the lease of experience and light of reason should now point out to you a better path. I now hasten to the original subject of this communication. . . .
Standard
April 7, 1836
Distressing Occurrences
We may safely assert that we never peruse our exchange files without meeting accounts of casualties to which “flesh is heir to” that seem only intended to lacerate the feelings without achieving any apparent advantages unless it may be shewn that the dreadful causes which lead to such miserable consequences, operate as salutary warnings to turn unfortunate wretches from “the errors of their ways.” The very frequent horrible deaths that occur by fire may be classed under the following distinctions: viz—I. these arising from unavoidable accident, as in the case of persons who lay themselves down in peace, and awake to the awful conviction that the domicile is enveloped in flames from which there is no possibility of escape. 2. Those which result from reading n bed with the curtains carelessly tucked up and a candle burning close to the pillow; the unwary reader no sooner drops asleep, then stretching himself into his usual posture, the curtains are shook down and the whole chamber is shortly in a blaze; 3. Those which occur so frequently from the combustibility of female apparel; 4. Those appalling cases which ensue in consequence of intoxication, and lastly, those instances of spontaneous combustion superinduced by habits of incessant intemperance.
There are very few of these cases in which blame does not attach, in a great measure, to the sufferer; in some of them the victims are the agents of their own destruction; so that while humanity shudders at the recital of such calamities, reason bids us search for the means of preventing them, as well as of relieving them when they occur. To enter on such an inquiry, however, is not our purpose at present; these preliminary remarks being suggested by a shocking casualty which befell a poor family in the county a few days ago.
Anthony McCann, an industrious settler in Pennfield, being short of hay, went into the woods to fell a birch tree for browse for his cattle, and left two little girls in his cot, the eldest nine, and the youngest four years old. His farm is in a remote situation and his wife was about on their humble affairs. On leaving he house, he took the precaution of reducing the fire to a hardwood back log, as the oldest child, was considered rather simple, being incapable of speech, and had often exhibited extraordinary passiveness under pain and accidents.The feelings of the agonized parent cannot be easily realized when he returned to the place of his wonted cabin and found it reduced to a heap of charred fragments, but his children, where were they? Behold! To bless his eyes, the younger responded to his wild cries, and emerged from the cattle hovel begrimed, and exhausted through fright and exertion. A number of hasty and abrupt interrogatories which would mar the child’s narration, we will avoid by the following recital, in which also we take the liberty of avoiding infantile curtailment of words. We crouched in close to it and a spark flew upon her frock. She stood up, and I did not see her till some smoke was hurting my eyes, and when I turned round I saw her on fire. Look where my fingers are burnt trying to put it out, but Jane stood and did nothing. I tried to take off her slip but I couldn’t and then run out and screamed and screamed but you couldn’t hear. Jane came and rolled herself in the snow and then ran into the bed. I asked her if it was out, and ran to look if you were coming, and was frightened for you and mother being away. I went back again and all the house was on fire! Jane was standing on the floor and her hair was burning up in blaze. I couldn’t not go in, it was so hot; and I ran about roaring and crying till I couldn’t hear myself, and then I ran into the hovel and covered myself up in the litter. I think I fell asleep, for I cannot recollect anything till I heard you now bawling out for Jane and me! Has ma come home?”
The sequel of this heart-rending affair we leave to the reader; but let him, and let all who possess a spark of humanity caution parents not to leave those jewels for whom they must account it a great day of retribution to be lost through their inhuman infatuated and culpable derelictions.
Standard
April 14, 1836
Charlotte County Common Pleas
And General Sessions of the Peace, April 1836
The High Sheriff, Coroner, Magistrates and other gentlemen, preceded by a corps of Constables, escorted the senior Judge Thomas Wyer, Esq. from his residence to the Court House on Tuesday last, when the usual form of opening the court was gone through and the following Grand Jury was sworn in:
William Babcock, Foreman
Thomas Watt
John McCurdy
John Mowatt
James Boyd,
Thomas Sime
George N. Smith [nb]
Hugh Cavin
William Libby
Nininan Lindsay
William Thomson
William C. Scott
Albert Robinson
Hugh McCullum
Zadok Hawkins
John Boyd
John Mann, Jun.
Malcolm McFarlane
William Smart
Richard Sitson
Daniel Brown
His Worship the presiding Judge then addressed them nearly as follows:
Gentlemen of the Grand Jury,
In the absence of the senior Justice, Colonel McKay, it devolves on me to address you.
The law which has just been read to you, respecting Retailers of Liquors and Tavern keepers, you will particularly have in charge.
Any presentment that you may make to the Court, you will be particular to give the name of the witness, that the law may be put in force; you will likewise be particular in presenting those persons who allow liquors to be sold or drank in their house son the Lord’s day, commonly called Sunday, as well as those persons who keep a disorderly or improper house, by which, the peace of society is disturbed.
By your office, gentlemen, you are appointed guardians of the liberty and property of the community in general, a trust of great consequence and importance, to discharge which, it is not only necessary that you take notice and present all public wrongs and offenses, and that you also give enunciation and encouragement to every thing that is praiseworthy.
The public accounts that will be handed in to Court, shall be laid before you as the law directs, and the Court has no doubt but that you will give them that attention that the law contemplates, and the County expect of you.
There is but two persons confined in gaol for criminal offenses, to be tried by the Supreme Court, and one person for debt.
I am happy to congratulate you, gentlemen, on the spirit of enterprise and industry, that is now going on in this county and the Province at large; nothing can so much promise the interest of the community and the society in which we live, as the spirit of industry and sobriety; then, let us all, Gentlemen, profit by experience, and vie with each other in making the best use of our time, to improve the advantages which the blessings of the land and the sea hold out for our acceptance, and that thereby we may be a community justly famed for good order., and a regard to the law of our god, and our Country. The Clerk of the Court will give you the necessary papers; a constable will attend you, and you can go to your room when you please.
On his worship sitting down, the Grand Jury retired to their room and the business of the Court proceeded.
Should any thing of special interest be brought forward, we will endeavour to announce it.
The Fatted Ox
At the show of cattle on Tuesday last in competition for the Charlotte County Agricultural Society’s premium, an uncommonly fine animal was exhibited by Mr. Joseph Walton of Highland Hill in this County, for which he had adjudge the first prize. This very superior ox, when put up to stall fed on last Christmas day, girted 7 feet 2 inches, Mr. Alton then commenced giving him 3 pecks of potatoes per day, one half in the morning an the other at night, and 5 quarts of bran a day, with as much hay as he could eat. From the 15th of January he was allowed to go out for three hours towards the middle of the day, when he usually went to drink and roam about. Lat week he girted 7 feet 8 inches and a half and weighted 1932 lbs! He was killed yesterday.
Standard
April 14, 1836
There is but two persons confined in gaol for criminal offenses, to be tried by the Supreme Court, and one person for debt.
Standard
April 21, 1836
Report of the County Charlotte Grand Jury
April Sessions, 1836
. . .
The Grand Jury have made some remarks on the Gaoler’s account expressive of their surprise at the extraordinary nature of these charges to which they would particularly call the attention of the Court, particularly a charge of carrying bread from the baker to the prison, which actually amounts to more than the cost of the bread.
The Grand Jury on view of the Prison would remark that it appears sufficiently strong for any thing where strength alone is required, but on the principle that imprisonment should not be torture and death (which must ensue if Prisoners are put into the cells during winter), the Jury would remark that it appears totally unfit for the purpose for which it was intended to serve. There is a certain want of cleanliness about the Prison which should be immediately looked into by the authorities; heaps of soot and ashes are to be seen about the lobbies and small stores of the debtor’s rooms; the cellar is also very unfit for the purpose intended, the gaoler having lost great part of his vegetable during last winter.
It appears to the Grand Jury absolutely necessary that something be done in the way of a drain or sewer to carry off the filth accumulating bout such an establishment, and to save the monstrous expense of removing it in the manner in which it is now done, as well as to prevent the generating of dangerous diseases during the hot months of summer.
. . .
A. Jack, Foreman
Standard
June 9, 1836
Important News
St. Andrews and Quebec Rail Road
The Committee of St. A and Q RR Association have received by last mail from London, an official communication from the Hon. James Allanshaw and Adam Jack containing the important intelligence that the project of the above Railway has been most favorably received by His Majesty’s Government, so that we may now confidently congratulate the Country on its speedy commencement and ultimate success. The following copy of Sir George Grey’s letter to the Agents will be read with great interest as exhibiting the peculiar regard shewn by His Majesty for the prosperity of the North American Colonies, and the prompt attention paid by His Ministers to the reasonable desires of the people
Downing street, 23rd April, 1836
Gentlemen,
I am directed by Lord Glenelg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15 inst. With the petitions which accompanied it from new Brunswick and from lower
Canada, on the subject of the proposed Rail Road between Quebec and Saint Andrews.
Lord Glenelg desires me to state to you that he has laid the Petitions before the King, who was pleased to receive them very graciously and to command that immediate measures should be taken for ascertaining to what extent it would be possible for His Majesty to promote the Petitioners’ object, to which His Majesty attaches the highest importance.
I am gentlemen, Your most obedient servant,
George Grey
To J. Allanshaw and A. Jack
An arrival at St. John, six days later than the above communication, brings the further news that 10,000 pounds had been granted, from the Casual Revenue fund, to defray the expense of exploration, which is in accordance with the application for means made by the Agents. We may regard this donation as a pledge of future support to any extent, that may be required, and we trust, that this liberal act of the Government will be met by gratitude and respect on the part of these Provinces.
Standard
June 10, 1836
St. Andrews and Quebec Railroad
Rejoicings:
On Monday last, this town and neighbourhood presented as animated and interesting scene of rejoicing in consequence of the spontaneous determination of all ranks to dedicate it to a public expression of gratitude and gratulation for the happy consequences resulting from the incipient efforts of the Rail Road Association. The admirable situation of the town and harbour, and the acknowledge beauty of the surrounding scenery, were rendered picturesque and pleasing through the display of flags by the shipping and at prominent places of the town. The fineness of the weather contributed to the exhilaration of the occasion. An immense pile of combustibles was erected on the Barrack Hill, under the superintendence of Mr. Willard, to whom much praise is due for its peculiar effect; and others were displayed, on Chamcook Mountain and the adjoining hills.
In the evening the first point of assemblage was the Hill, when the Artillery company under Captain Berry, and the Rifles under Capt. Boyd, were drawn up to fire a feu de joie. One hundred and one rounds were fired by the Field pieces, and thirteen hundred by the small arms. The Frederick, Capt. Cahill; the Reliance, Capt. Beynon, and the Steamer Woodstock Capt. Smith, in the Harbour, each fired a Royal Salute. The immense bonfire meantime was lighted, and burned in a varying pyramid of intense luster. This large, bright flame on the peak of Chamcook, and the lesser firs on the further hills, presented a spectacle of beauty and grandeur that had a most picturesque effect. The displays on the Hill were succeeded by a brilliant illumination of the town, an exhibition of fireworks and the ascent of a balloon.
Several parties met on the occasion, of which that at Mr. Mann’s is the only one we can repot, where hilarity, loyalty, and good feeling were maintained and reluctantly severed at the early hour of 11.
When all classes meet on such joyous occasions, and when delighted feelings are apt to dispense with the strict hold of restraint, excesses and disorder are sometimes the consequence; but we can say in truth and in justice to the people at large that on this occasion the utmost order and propriety prevailed, and no case of inebriety or disturbance was anywhere witnessed. The prevailing sentiment was s deep sense of he gratitude due to the Governor, and especially to His Majesty for the paternal interest he takes in our prosperity, and of the generosity shewn in order his royal donation to be so applied that it may be ascertained what further munificence he can bestow upon us.
Standard
Aug 4, 1836
Suspected Infanticide
On Sunday morning last, considerable sensation was excited here by the discovery of the body of an infant partially interred in the Grave-yard. It was partly covered with a small quantity of earth and gravel, upon which were placed a piece of board and a flat stone. An inquiry was promptly instituted on the spot by David Mowat, Coroner, and Mr. Justice Ker, when the following facts were elicited. The infant was the illegitimate offspring of a pensioner’s widow, named Cannon; it had been born on the previous Tuesday, and died in half an hour after. The unhappy mother, not wishing to spread her shame by an open funeral, procured three women to undertake the interment privately in the evening, who performed their task in the imperfect manner which led to the discovery. Proof was adduced that the child had not been murdered and that the birth had not been concealed, the circumstances therefore attending this case, are not amenable to the law.
Standard
Aug 11/1836
Article in Montreal Morning courier on St. Andrews/Quebec Railway. Summary of legislative and financial history to date, and impending border problems.
Standard
Aug 25/1836
From Portland Advertiser:
Britain as stolen the idea for a railway to Quebec from Maine. Rather paranoid. Sees an English conspiracy to deprive New England of is rightful trade. Certainly, Maine came up with the idea first, though the Standard had been advocating the idea of developing a railroad for the timber trade within the province.
Standard
Sept 8, 1836
An anonymous writer requests us to call the attention of the Magistrates to the disgraceful exhibition of a crazed woman occasionally loitering about the streets attended by troops of boys hooting and enraging her. It appears that she is drunkard and only comes forth in her stages of excitement. She has been several times committed to jail, but there is no authority for retaining her beyond the period due to her offense As she does not belong to this parish, perhaps some means might be adopted for banishing her.
On Tuesday the 16th August, as Mrs. Finlay was on her passage with two female children from this place to Calais, on board of a schooner, the eldest child a fine girl of nearly four years old, while paling on the deck unfortunately fell overboard in presence of her mother. Every exertion was made to save her, but without success, as after she sank the second time she could not again be discovered. The vessel was at anchor, but she was suddenly carried off by the strength of the stream. Should this meet the eye of any one who may have found the corpse, we are requested to say that it will be consolation to the anxious parents to receive any tidings of the remains of their child.
Monomania
This strange affliction we believe to be dependent both on the physical and mental conformation of men. A curious case occurred here lately. A tailor of the name of Samuel Smith, who is a quiet, industrious man, and ordinarily rational on every subject but one, fancies that he is surrounded by a gang of men who followed him from Baltimore after having robbed him. They are invisible to every one but himself and continually plague him with taunting expressions such as “wee Sammy, wee Sammy, cunning little Sam!” He hold dialogues with these attendants, in which he changes his voice to suit the different speaker who are supposed to answer, and frequently produces the most ludicrous and comic scenes, which he goes through with the most imperturbable gravity. He is sometimes under great distress lest they may succeed in their machinations to get him to go to sea with a view to raise a storm, which is the only means they are permitted to use for his destruction. He occasionally subjects himself to odd suffering for their dispersion, and enjoys great comfort when he thinks he succeeds, but these periods are short and his mind appears to be incapable of permanently divesting itself of those airy phantoms of its own creation.
On Friday last the 2nd inst., the daughter of a respectable widow in the parish of St. James, in this county, committed suicide. She was a young woman of sedate manners and unblemished character. She breakfasted with the family as usual and betrayed no kind of emotion on the morning of the melancholy deed; but having gone to the barn and stayed an uncommon length of time, it was entered and she was found suspended by the neck and quite dead. We have not heard anything of an inquest.
Standard
Oct 20, 1836
It has been remarked that Rats frequently repair to fields of grain for the purpose of procuring their food easily, and that one the approach of winter they return, with increased numbers, to their move comfortable domiciles in the barn, the stable or the cellar. This circumstance might be turned to advantage, if proper plains were taken to destroy the vermin before they leave the fields, and with a good terrier this might be effectually done. A dog of this species belonging to the Collector of Her Majesty’s Customs here, killed sixty five rates in a field here at here sets to. When it is recollected what injury rats doe to the foundations of buildings, and what waste they create of provender and of all kinds of vegetables, any mode which could be adopted to extirpate them, should be made generally known.
Drowned
William Lane, who has resided for sometime on the American side of the St. Croix, a few miles above Robbinston, left this place on Wednesday evening in a boat, along, to proceed home; but this morning he was found on the back shore of St. Andrews Island, and at a short distance from his boat which had evidently upset; as the evening was very dark and it was blowing a gale. A coroner’s inquest was held on the body of Lane this morning, and a verdict returned of “accidental death by drowning.”
Standard
Nov 10, 1836
An uninvited visitor
Last week as the Ship Feliza of Bristol, Capt. Saunders was lying alongside of Rait’s wharf, all the crew snoozing in the forecastle, save the watch on deck who were spinning the usual yarns a stranger was observed to slip on board, and with great gravity but little ceremony, descend directly into the cabin. The Captain being on shore, the black steward was called to wait on the visitor—he ran down with alacrity to proffer his services, when to his consternation he beheld a huge bear seated on a locker, calmly surveying the comfortable accommodations around him, with which indeed he appeared to be mightily satisfied. After a short pause the steward became reassured and ventured to present his keys to the grisly stranger, but this act of courtesy not being conformable to bearish etiquette, Bruin returned such a salute of the paw as drove the steward from his August presence. The alarm being given, the crew ran to inspect the new shipmate, but he maintained a sullen silence and resolutely held possession of his quarters, as if waiting to enter into articles with the commander. When Capt. Saunders arrived on board he was apprized of the impertinent intrusion of his grim majesty, and cautiously descended to the cabin, but Bruin, with the peculiar tact for which some bears are famed, shrewdly suspecting he had got into the wrong box, took on opportunity of slipping quickly into the hold, wisely considering it a fitter arena for the display of his burly maneuvers. The Captain highly approved of this movement, and has confirmed Mr. Bruin in his new possessions with the additional appendages of a handsome muzzle and chain. We understand that greater honours await the intruder, as Capt. Saunders intends to present him to the Zoological Garden, on his arrival at Bristol.
[in this issue or the one previous, on the Charlotte County Agricultural Society or Charlotte County Bank, reference is made to John McLachlan as board member. Cf. Charlotte Gazette]
Standard
Nov 17, 1836
We have to call serious attention to a gross violation of propriety, and which indeed we should consider amenable to the law. Whoever thinks fit to open a drain from his cellar, immediately cuts our upside paths, and even across the streets, without taking the proper precaution of placing boards or barricades to prevent people from falling into them. Every one must recollect several unseemly ridges lately intersecting the streets to the great annoyance of every passenger and of particular danger to persons in carriages. A drain of this kind was left open from Saturday till Monday last, and Saturday evening being very dark, a gentlemen fell into it, and suffered a severe contusion on his face, but considered himself fortunate in escaping far greater danger. We trust that this matter will be looked into and proper steps taken to prevent the recurrence of so flagrant an abuse.
Standard
Nov 24, 1836
Died
On the 19th inst. In the 36th year of his age, Mr. John Maloney, branch Pilot of this Port. He has left a disconsolate widow and four small children to lament their loss.
November 22, 1836
All Saints Burials
John Maloney. “Buried on St. Andrews Island”
35 years
[his stone is in the Island cemetery. See “Navy Island” Folder]
Standard
Nov. 24/1836
Progress of roads and ships in New Brunswick, and St. Andrews. Good on development of communication lines within province. .
Progress of the Province
In our number preceding the last we introduced the subject of roads, intending to argue that the improvement of the means of communication is a true test of the general condition of a new country, and we now resume the task proposed.
We must contest that there is a . . . in our personal knowledge of the history of the road management subsequent to the year 1830, up to which time former notices referred; we shall therefore enter on the state of our present highway contrasted with their condition ten or twelve years ago.
We have already mentioned that it was a judicious measure to place the seat of government as near the center as possible, because, as it was the heart from which the life blood of the Country should ensure, it was properly considered that thither should reciprocating veins flow from the provincial extremities, and a convenient and wholesome circulation be kept up: whereas had it been placed on the sea board . . . . And yet from that center, ten years ago, there was not one carriage road in a tolerable state of repair, to any point of the province. From Fredericton to Canada, the mail was carried in every variety of form that ingenuity could suggest, and we believe the journey occupied a fortnight. From Head Quarters to Miramichi there was an occasional cow path, a military blaze across the portage, almost perpendicular? to the river, and bewildering tracks through the intervals. The road to Halifax by the Washadernoak and Sussex ? could only be partly travelled on horseback and from Westmoreland to the east of the Province there was no road at all. A road had been opened from Fredericton to St. Andrews, but its absolute impracticability made it to be avoided, and it has long ago been abandoned. Communication from the seat of Government to Saint John was principally carried on by Sloops until the "odious monopoly" of the Steam boat" was introduced, and on winter stages could sometimes for a passage on the ice. From Saint John to Westmorland there was no proper road, and through Sussex Vale and Petitcodiac it had to be undertaken at persona risk and enormous expense. There was no road from the city to St. Andrews, but a tortuous path over heaths and hills and in some places so indistinct as almost to puzzle the eye of the Indian. These we believe were all the means of communication that this province could boast of ten year ago, for the crossroads were—we may say still are so inconsiderable as scarcely to deserve notice.
Let us now turn to the present state of our highways and to the accommodations to be found from the St. Croix to the Restigouche and from Camouraska to St. John. Formerly there was not the smallest essay at anything like a Hotel on the roads, but at every stage there was a log hut dignified by the name of Tavern, because its bar was generally surrounded by noisy loungers busily occupied in chewing tobacco and swilling potations of execrable rum. Should one of these cabanes be furnished with a boarded floor, an arrival was always distinguished by the application of the mop and scrubbing brush; until the apartment was rendered as uncomfortable as it could possibly be made. Every meal was served up with tea, and the deafening biz-biz of the frying pan uniformly gave notice of eggs and bacon—the unvaried dish of every table. Those who remained for the night had to select the smoothest board, the luxury of a bed never being a matter of any consideration.
The communication between Saint John and Fredericton in summer is by means of three steamboats, and sloops by the river, and Bradley's post wagon by the Nerepsis Road; in winter by numerous Stages both on the ice and by the road. Larry Stivers and Austin have established a line between these important points, departing from each place three times a week. Stages were run last winter to Woodstock, and we understand that conveyance may be now had much higher up the river. The Stagecoach Company of Saint John afford great convenience to those travelling to Nova Scotia or the Eastern part of this province, passing through the beautiful scenery through Sussex Vale, to the ? of Petitcodiac a traveller may proceed to Nova Scotia or turn off the Miramichi and even Bathurst by public conveyances. From Miramichi the Swims run stages to Fredericton, and in the winter session the same route is accommodated by numerous vehicles. From Saint John to St. Andrews there is a land conveyance summer and winter, and for most part of the year, Steamboats ply three times a week. The old road between St. Andrews and Head Quarters is nearly all grown up, and the intended [railroad] line, we hope, will this winter receive due consideration in the public appropriations by the House of Assembly. Great alterations and improvements have been made in the line from St. Andrews to Saint John, and its completion will no doubt be speedily accomplished under its present supervisor. From St. Andrews to St. Stephen, a constant communication is maintained most part of the year by the Steamers and Armstrong's packet and in winter by Sleighs. It may now be seen what immense improvements have been made in the mode on conveyance throughout the province within a few years, and we trust that this evidence of internal prosperity will duly appreciated and cherished by those who possess the power of directing or controlling it. We shall endeavour to follow up this subject by some reflection and thoughts on the management and formation of our public thoroughfares.
Martin Van Buren
8th President of the United States
(March 4, 1837 to March 3, 1841)
Nicknames: "The Little Magician"; "The Red Fox of KinderhookKinderhook "
Born: December 5, 1782, in Kinderhook, New YorkKinderhook, New York
Died: July 24, 1862, in Kinderhook, New York
LG: Sir John Harvey (1778-1852) Born in England. Appointed 1 May 1837 at age 59 until 26 April 1841.
Standard
Dec 1, 1836
St. Andrews Day in St. Andrews
Lively account
Standard
Dec 15, 1836
Launches
We are in arrears, from some involuntary cause, in our announcement of the launch of two superior vessels built in this County. The first, a frigate built Ship of 580 old and 689 new tonnage, built a Brandy Cove in this Parish by J. N. M. Brewer and Mr. J. Briggs, for Messrs. Cannon, Miller, and Co., of Liverpool. She is named the Alexander Grant, after the Collector of H. M. Customs of this Port. It is well known that Mr. Brewer’s vessels have raised and sustained the character of the naval architecture of this Country. The other is a fine ship of 480 tons register, built at the Ledge, St. Stephen, by Mr. O. Hinds for William Porter, of St. Stephen. Those who recollect the Sir John ? constructed b the same builder for our enterprising friend Mr. Porter, will not require any encomium from us on the professional abilities of Mr. Hinds. The name of this vessel is the Joseph Porter.