Item
Standard
Jan 17/1844
CC Agricultural Society meets at Driscoll's Hotel.
Standard
Jan 31/1844
Our harbour is frozen over completely, and persons have been passing over to the Island for three days. Indeed we might also state that the greatest part of the bay is one solid mass of ice—a circumstance which has not occurred for many years. [next issue notes Boston and New York harbours frozen solid as well]
Sporadic reports of yellow fever—not in St. Andrews though. West Indies, etc.
British ships capturing slavers at sea.
Standard
March 6, 1844
Died
At his residence in St. Andrews, on the 2nd inst. The Hon. James Allanshaw, in the 52nd year of his age, greatly regretted.
Mr. Allanshaw was a native of Berwick-upon-tweed, but a resident of this County for the last thirty years, and one of its most prominent Merchants, and Magistrates; and for many years a member of the Legislative Council of the Provinces. He was endowed, by nature, with a high order of intellect; maintained great independence of character; lived a life of usefulness, and died in the full possession of public confidence, and respect.
His remains have been conveyed to Digdeguash to be interred in the family vault, where the funeral takes place this day.
Standard
March 13, 1844
Diseased Potatoes
Potatoes have been affected in some sections, the past year, by a disease which is by some supposed to be an analogous to smut in wheat. "A Subscriber" from Monroe County, recommends that when potatoes which are thus affected, are planted, a compost should be applied to them to destroy the fungus. He says, "take salt, lime, and plaster, of each a bushel, and of ashes ten bushels—mix them together, and put a handful in each hill before covering. I would also put clear lime, and clear plaster on some hills. If any person raised potatoes last year that were not diseased, in the same section where others, were so, it would be useful to describe the mode of cultivation."
Standard
March 13, 1844
Gaol to Let. Capt. Law informs us that the Charlotte County Gaol is to let—for the second time this Winter—not an individual having been confined in it for some time—this speaks well for our County—long may it continue tenantless.
Standard
March 20, 1844
Steam!
On Tuesday morning, last, our old friend Capt. Mitchener, formerly of the Linnaeus, paid our inhabitants a visit in his new Steamer Frank, being her first trip for the season, on this route. This Steamer is larger, and faster than the Linnaeus, being 203 tons burthen, and her engine of 85 horsepower. She is in every sense a neat boat, the cabins, are airy, well fitted up, and clean, in a word, the accommodations are excellent—which with being commanded by a kind and attentive Captain (Mitchener) who is well known in this Community, will we trust, ensure her a remunerating patronage.
The Frank leaves Eastport for Calais every morning, touching here, and returned same evening to Eastport, for the present.
A meeting of all persons, friendly to the interests of the County, is requested at the Town Hall on Saturday next, the 23rd isn't. at 11 am for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of calling upon the connexions of the late Hon. James Allanshaw, for permission to place a memorial that will express their feelings over the tomb of a man, who by his independent and straightforward course of public conduct, has ensured for his memory, the warmest regard of a grateful community.
Standard
May 14, 1844
The Cunard Line
Three noble steamships of this line, the Hibernia for Boston, the Acadia for Liverpool, and the Unicorn for Quebec, sailed together on Saturday morning, at 6 o'clock. It was a grand sight and is an astonishing evidence of the rapidity of improvement. Who could have imagined six years go, that eight steamers, some of them the finest vessels in the world would have been at such an early period, afloat in the harbour of Halifax. Yet such was the fact on Friday. —Halifax Times, May 7
Large Ox
Mr. James Healy killed a fat ox this week, the beef of which weighed eleven hundred and sixty pounds, the rough tallow one hundred and five, and the hide one hundred and fifty—making the total weight 1415 lbs. the beef is for sale at his stall in the market and is of an excellent quality. Best this who can!
Standard
May 20, 1844
Died
On Sunday morning last, aged 48 years, Rose, wife of Mr. Lucien L. Copeland, leaving a sorrowing husband and son to lament their severe bereavement.
Standard
May 22, 1844
Concert—We beg leave to call attention to Messrs. Kendall's and Co's Advertisement in this day's paper. These Gentlemen purpose giving a concert of vocal and instrumental music, on Tuesday evening next, at the Town Hall, which we do not hesitate to pronounce a rich treat—the Messrs. Kendall's are justly celebrated for their performance on the instruments which they play. Mr. J. K. Kendall has long been admitted the best performer on the clarionette and Ophieleide, in the United States, and his brother Mr. Edward Kendall stands unrivalled as a bugle player—these gentlemen we have the pleasure of hearing—and can bear testimony to their great skill in execution and rich tones which they bring forth from those instruments alluded to. Mr. White, we observe by our American papers, is a most popular singer, and Mrs. Jones' execution on the Harp, it spoken highly of; not only in the United States, but in England. We learn that it is their intention to visit, the principal; town in this and the adjoining provinces where no doubt, they will be well patronized. We admire all lovers of music, to attend the concert, on Tuesday evening.
Standard
June 9/1844
2 gentlemen travel from Montreal to Boston in 38 hours, 43 minutes. 340 miles. "This may well be called 'through by daylight.'"
Hotel—SG Berwick Douglass. Formerly owned by Moses Vernon.
Standard
July 3, 1844
Thomas Wyer, chair of St. Andrews Chamber of Commerce, publishes address to Alexander Grant on his departure for England, deploring the recent change in Colonial Trade policy which has been so harmful to local commerce. Mr. Grant pens a respectful response. Nothing specific however on either end. Address to Grant from local merchants July 10, 1844.
Standard
July 3/1844
Our streets—"We observe that our new Commissioners are determined to mend our highways. Water Street is being nearly all gravelled, and the sidewalks are undergoing great improvements. We trust that some of the sidewalks and streets in the interior, however, which require some attention, will be looked after by our indefatigable Commissioner."
Address to Alexander Grant, Esquire
The following address was handed to Alexander Grant, Esq., by a Committee from the Chamber of Commerce on his departure for England. Mr. Grant was highly esteemed here as a Gentleman, and as the principal officer of the Customs, he at all times gave every facility to the interests of the trade, as far as consistent with his duty. We wish him, his amiable lady and family a pleasant passage.
St. Andrews, New Brunswick., 26th June, 1844
To Alexander Grant, Esquire
Collector of Her Majesty's Customs at the Port of St. Andrews, in New Brunswick
Sir,
The Chamber of Commerce of this Port, having learned that you are about to embark for England, and intend being absent for some time, on a visit to your friends in that country, cannot allow you to depart without expressing their high estimation of the faithful and zealous manner, in which during a period of upwards of twelve years [1832] you have performed the duties of your office, as Collector at this Port. We are fully satisfied that the Mercantile Community of this place have received from you during your residence among us, every facility and attention, consistent with your duty; and that you have on all occasions promoted the interest and welfare of the public.
The injury which the trade of this Port has sustained from the course of Colonial Policy recently adopted by the Mother Country, you from your official situation, are fully aware of, and therefore beg leave to solicit any aid which it may be in your power to bestow, while in England, in the furtherance of the object of a petition sometime since forwarded by this body to Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, a copy of which we take the liberty of handing to you, with our sincere wishes for a safe passage for yourself, amiable lady and family, and that you may soon return to take up your abode amongst us.
I have the honor to be Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce,
John McKean, Secretary, and Thomas Wyer, Chairman
To the Chairman of the Commerce of St. Andrews, New Brunswick:
Gentleman,
I beg to return my grateful thanks for the handsome manner in which you have conveyed your estimation of my official services during the period I have resided amongst you. I have received a copy of a memorial which has been already been sent to Her Majesty, and be assured I shall do all in my power to forward the views of your chamber by representing in the proper manner, the situation in which the Trade of this place is in under the present Laws.
Accept my thanks for the expressions of kindness with which you have honored myself and family. I shall ever be mindful of the happy days I have spent amongst you and shall fee time heavy on my hands until I return to your Society.
I have the honor to be,
Gentlemen,
Your very obedient servant,
Alexander Grant
Standard
July 10/1844
G. F. Stickney opens clock and watch making business. Bldg. formerly occupied by James Hutchison.
Gunnison's St. Andrews-Boston Express, St. Andrews. Leaves Tuesday and Friday 5 pm. Boston M and Thursday 12 noon. Purchasing and forwarding of goods; paying bills. Agents T. Sime, St. Andrews; E. F. Noyes Eastport, J. R. Hall Boston.
Standard
July 17, 1844
Pleasure Excursion
The Steamer Frank will make a pleasure trip tomorrow, from Calais to Eastport, calling here, as usual. The Calais Band are to accompany the Steamer, and will enliven the passengers by playing some of their most favorite pieces, and every exertion will be made by her officers, to tender the excursion agreeable. The boat will remain for some time in Eastport—to allow the passengers to visit their friends and view the scenery. Fare only 3s 9d. We trust Mitchener will have a bumper.
Clock and Watch Making
G. F. Stickney, respectfully informs the inhabitants of St. Andrews and its vicinity that he has commenced the Clock and Watch Making business in the shop recently occupied by the late Mr. James Hutchinson, in Water Street, and offers for Sale, an assortment of the best hardware, cutlery, etc. Jewellery and compasses will be repaired at short notice.
St. Andrews, July 3rd, 1844
Standard
July 31, 1844
Circus—Messrs. Rockwell and Stone's Equestrian company, performed here on Monday last. There were upwards of seven hundred persons at each of the performances—these equestrians are not surpassed by any other establishment of the kind in the United States. The stud of horses is of the best description, the feats are good, and the Merriman's jokes are rich.
Standard
Aug 7, 1844
Fire
An alarm of fire was given on Monday night last, about 12 o'clock, which was found to proceed from an untenanted house on the race course—owned by the Rev. Dr. Alley. The House was completely destroyed in a few minutes.
Standard
Aug 14, 1844
Died
On the 20th ult. After a short illness, Elizabeth Hay, the beloved wife of Mr. George Boyd, in the 35th year of her age, leaving a disconsolate husband and 6 children to lament their severe bereavement. Mrs. Boyd was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, where she has left many friends to mourn their loss.
Standard
Aug 28/1844
Pleasure trips being "all the go," on the Saint John river, where large parties leave Fredericton and Saint John to visit the other place, stay overnight and return next day, why cannot citizens of St. Andrews "get up a pleasure trip to Saint John? Many persons no doubt who never think of visiting Saint John, would do so if such a trip was got up." Steamer Frank ready.
Standard
Aug 28, 1844
Notwithstanding the "dull times," there are more houses building here this summer, than has been built for many years past—a number of the old ones are being repaired, and painted, which makes a decided improvement in the appearance of the place.
Standard
Sept 4/1844
Pleasure Trip—Steamer Frank will leave St. Andrews next Friday on pleasure trip to Grand Manan, touching at Indian island, Eastport, returning same evening. "Persons desirous of passing a day pleasantly and enjoying a short trip by steam, cannot do better than embrace the present opportunity—as we learn every exertion has been made for the comfort, convenience and amusement of the passengers." Ad next page. Leave Friday morning 6 am, Indian island, Eastport, Lubec, Grand Manan. 5 shillings.
Standard
Sept 11, 1844
Pleasure Excursion
The steamer Frank proceeded to Grand Manan on Friday last, with a large party from this place and Eastport. The day was exceedingly fine, and the sea smooth. The steamer remained at Grand Manan for some hours—and the parties had an opportunity of witnessing a review of the 3rd Battalion of Charlotte Militia, under command of Lieut. Col. Hon. H. Hatch; the troops went through a variety of field movements in a creditable style; after being dismissed the Col. with a large number of the visitors were entertained by Capt. Fisher, who had in the most hospitable manner, provided a sumptuous repast in his mansion. Many patriotic toasts were drunk, and the cheering made the welkin ring. Towards 3 o'clock the boat left the Island, on her return, and during the evening dancing commenced, which was kept up with great spirit until the steamer reached Eastport. The passengers landed here about 10 o'clock pm highly delighted with their trip to Grand Manan, which will long be remembered by them all. To those gentlemen who managed the whole affair great credit is due, as we learn everything passed off pleasantly, and without accident. The next trip we hope will be to visit Saint John, to be present at the "Regatta," which is to take place there on Tuesday the 11th inst., where no doubt there will be something with looking at. The Frederictonians intend visiting the city to see the sport, and we know of no means why the people from this County—together with their Eastport friends, could not do the same. Only try. Capt. Mitchener is ready.
Talk of turnips.
Standard
Sept 25/1844
"The City Belle; or, Six Months in the Country." Young invalid sent unwillingly to convalesce in country falls in love with it. Moral: Mother—"I have been a fool, and now I feel that 60 years of artificial life in a city were well exchanged, with all its pride and circumstance, for the true happiness which that dear girl has enjoyed during her six months in the country."
Standard
Oct. 2, 1844
Drowned. We are informed that a person named Wilson, and his son, a lad about 16 years of age, left this Town on Thursday last, in a small boat with a cow, for Robbinston, and when within a few rods of the shore, the cow upset the boat and melancholy to add, young Wilson met with a watery grave. The father succeeded in getting hold of the keel of the boat—from which he was taken in a very exhausted state by a schooner boat which towed the boat and the cow's carcass ashore. Thus, in an instant, this poor man was deprived of a son who was of great assistance to him, and that with a short distance of his house.
Standard
Oct 9/1844
Total abstinence Society meet in town hall.
Standard
Oct 16, 1844
Having lately visited St. Stephen, on business, we cannot refrain from making a remark or two upon the general appearance of that once flourishing village, as contrasted with that of Calais on the opposite side of the river. The business of St. Stephen, and indeed of the whole county, has been injuriously and to a great extent affected by the admission of lumber at a trifling duty from the neighboring republic, into the West India Market. This is a thrice told tale—but not on that account less true, or less to be deplored. The opportunity of a return freight gives the American vessel a decided advantage over the provincial vessels, to counterbalance which a high protective duty is absolutely necessary, particularly when the American tariff is so high as to amount to almost exclusion. This is a matter however, which rests with the home government, and complaint here is of little avail. But what we wish specially to notice in this article is, the additional evil inflicted upon us by an export duty on lumber. This has nearly given the finishing blow to the trade of St. Stephen and materially injured that of St. Andrews. The business of the former place is stagnant, —scarcely a vessel is to be seen at any time at the wharves,—while on the opposite side of the river the wharves are usually thronged with shipping; and an immense trade is carried on. Calais has in fact the trade on both sides of the river. Surely the house of Assembly when passing the export duty Act, could not have foreseen the evil consequences that have accrued from it in this county. Formerly when the stumpage Act was in force, some revenue from this source found its way into the provincial chest; but now the duty is lost. Nearly all the lumber is shipped on the American side, thus evading the duty and destroying the provincial trade, as the vessels are equipped and disbursed in a foreign port. The appearance of St. Stephen, therefore at present is gloomy enough, though the inhabitants by no means lack enterprise, public spirit, or capital. Ship-building and housebuilding are still carried on to a moderate extent, and with anything like a fair chance, this would soon become a flourishing place. We trust the House of Assembly at its next Session, will in some measure repair the injury done to this County, by abolishing the export duty on lumber.
Alarms of Fire
There have been two alarms of fire during the week—in consequence of some sparks which fell on Mr. Pheasant's house on the Market Wharf. In both instances the roof had caught but by a timely discovery the flames were got under.
Standard
Nov 6/1844
Much about guano as fertilizer last few months. Vessels arriving in port loaded with it.
Standard
Nov 13, 1844
There have been a lot of complaints by correspondents over the last few months about untoward salaries and charges for County employees. Mr. Boyd has taken it upon himself to respond several times.
Standard
Nov 27, 1844
Sailors Wanted
In consequence of a number of new ships, building in this County. Over 100 Sailors will be required. The wages lately given are $10 per month to England.
Launched at the Ledge, on Saturday, the 16th inst., a beautifully modeled and strong built ship called the Conqueror, of 1004 tons. The vessel is built of Hacmatac and is pronounced by good judges to be one of the best ships ever built in this province. She is owned by William Porter, of St. Stephen, and is intended for the cotton trade. We wish her enterprising owner success.
Standard
Dec 4/1844
Annual gas consumption in London 3 trillion cubic feet, produced by 250,000 caldrons of coals.
Reiterating the complaint of «hard times» will do nothing to remedy the evil. We frequently hear, too frequently, that our commerce is reduced, our resources are exhausted, and that all our efforts are useless to prevent the universal decay of business in our community. The fact is inactivity and want of enterprise are the principal causes of our commercial depression and if we content ourselves with lamenting the hard times, and doing nothing for our own assistance, it will be a long time before such a course will occasion any decided improvement of the state of things. We can hardly expect others to make arrangements for our advantage, and heap wealth and prosperity upon us, while we look indifferently on, and neither whip the horses, or put a shoulder to the wheel. We must find something to do, and do it with all our might, if we ever expect to see our little community in its once flourishing state.
We are glad, however, that the spirit of enterprise is fairly beginning to manifest itself, and much credit is due to those who have taken an active part in directing its impulse, We allude particularly in the proposed erection in St. Andrews of a Steam Mill. Active measures are now in operation to proceed with the laudable undertaking, which must be a great benefit in the place, even if it should not pay more than the interest of the money expended. In the first outlay of capital here, employment to a number of labourers will be afforded, and subsequently there will be continual employment for others, beside those who will be employed in procuring logs, etc., for the mill. We have not now time to estimate all the probable advantages that will accrue from the enterprise, but we sincerely hope that it will handsomely remunerate the spirited proprietors for their capital invested, as well as prove a benefit to the public generally; and that it will serve as an introduction in further and more extended operations in a similar way for a similar purpose.
Standard
Dec 18, 1844
Our Port looks brisker this winter than it has done, for some time past—in consequence of the number of square-rigged vessels which have arrived in the harbour during the last week or two. Vessels are still in demand, and freights for Great Britain are good.
Standard
Dec 25, 1844
James Boyd, anticipating upcoming elections, submits a long article opposing the current system of high duties on exports.
Standard
Dec 25, 1844
Contract for a Frame of a Steam Mill.
We beg leave to call attention to the advertisement in this day's impression, offering a contract for a frame of a "Steam Mill," about to be erected in this Town. The object of the projectors of this undertaking is solely to increase the trade of the town and country; and the furnishing of cargoes at all seasons of the year, for the shipping belonging to the port. An engine of 40 horsepower has been contracted for, with Messrs. Barlow and Co. of Saint John, which is to answer for both, a saw, and flour Mill; the first of which is expected to be in operation in June next. The advantages likely to accrue to this community, and in the country around, from the introduction of steam power, for the manufacture of lumber, the grinding of corn, etc., if prudently managed at the commencement, is scarcely to be estimated, and it is not too much to hope, that brighter prospects are before us, that the incoming year will prove a new era in the history of our town—the splendid locality of which is not surpassed in British America. Should our reasonable expectations be realized—in which so many feel a lively interest, the promoters of this undertaking will richly merit the reward of their enterprise, and the gratitude of their fellow townsmen. We wish them every success. [sounds like first steam powered engines not on boats