truction those monuments of early times that were fast becoming obliterated and lost sight of. In pursuits of this kind, however, there is a fascination that gains upon one. Many singular occurrences appeared in manuscript or print quite well authenticated, regarding which no tradition or discourse existed in this country, where they had taken place; and the letters of the French governors, including the journal of Villebon, gave the most vivid impression, in reading them, of the times and the people they described. The letters of Mascarene and Pichon were exceedingly interesting, (as well as the journal of Witherspoon, a British prisoner at Quebec in 1759, not introduced to notice in my work, as having little connection with our province.) Much of the matter I had necessarily to read through could not have been incorporated with this history without swelling its bulk beyond all reasonable dimensions; yet there was a charm in the perusal which I could but partially enjoy, being ever and anon reminded by the flight of Time, of the necessity of recurring to such passages as could be condensed into text, or might form useful appendices. The works of Charlevoix, Champlain, Denys and Lescarbot, on the discoveries and history of New France, would supply most agreeable studies for years, to those who wished to learn much of the natural history, geography and early events of this continent, particularly of these maritime provinces. I am glad to know that the government propose to publish a specimen volume of our earlier records and documents, as this will enable reading persons in general to estimate their value. I now take my leave, at all events for a season, (if not finally), of my readers, and it is right that I should express the gratitude I have felt at the kind and indulgent reception these pages have met with, and the flattering comments occasionally made upon them in the provincial newspapers. In an assiduous and absorbing labor of nearly seven years, most part of it employed in collecting, compressing and ranging materials, and latterly devoted to the rapid composition of the text to meet the emergency of the press, I have been stained by a conviction that my work would prove useful, and by the kind opinions of some friends in whose judgment I had fidence. every con BEAMISH MURDOCH. HALIFAX, N. S., 31st January, 1867. I have to offer thanks to messrs. Blackadar, editors of the Acadian Recorder, for their kindness in lending me complete files of that journal; also to Samuel Creed, esq., of the city Library; and to Willliam Howe, esq., barrister; Thomas Alexander Anderson, esq., Brunswick street; James Venables, esq., of the Legislative Library, and Clement H. Belcher, esq., for the loan of newspapers, &c. B. M. TABLE OF CONTENTS OF VOL. III. 1782. Appointments. Privateers taken. Assembly meets. Lunenburg pil- 1783. Arrival of Loyalists. Escheats of Lands. River St. John described. 1784. Further arrivals of Loyalists. Their discontent at St. John river. Expence of surveys. Escheats. Antigonishe. R. C. chapel built at Halifax. Nova Scotia divided. Province of New Brunswick established. Assembly meets 1785. Plot of pillage snd murder at Annapolis discovered. Commotions at Shelburne. Charter of city of St. John, N. B. Nantucket whalers propose to settle at Halifax. Assembly dissolved. Commissioners of loyalist claims. Sixth Return of whaling vessels. 1787. Prince William Henry's second visit. 1788. Riots at Halifax electon. Party divisions. Third visit of Prince Wil- 1789. Assembly meets. Proceedings against the judges. Scarcity of grain. 1790. Assembly meets. Debates on Halifax Poor house. Impeaches the judges. Contest of the two houses as to money bills. Instructions to suspend C CHAPTER VIII. Pp. 96-105. 1791. Assembly meets. of lieut. governor Parr. Removal of people of color to Sierra Leone. Death 1792. John Wentworth, lieutenant governor. Impeached judges acquitted by CHAPTER IX. Pp. 106-126. War with France. Nova Scotia Poll tax. CHAPTER X. Pp. 122-133. 1794. Prince Edward arrives at Halifax. Addresses to him. He reviews CHAPTER XI. Pp. 134-144. 1795. Theatricals. Assembly meets. French privateers rendezvous in the CHAPTER XII. Pp. 145-157. 1796. Assembly meets. Loyalty of French Acadians. King's birth day. CHAPTER XIII. Pp. 158-166. 1797. Severe weather. Maroons discontented. Transfer of office of secre- CHAPTER XIV. Pp. 167–176. 1798. French West India prisons. Assembly meets. Navy captains com- meets. CHAPTER XV. Pp. 177-185. 1799. Maroons dissatisfied. Star presented to Prince Edward. Assembly |