Ville-Marie, or sketches of Montreal, past and present. ... With ... engravings, etc

Front matter

£ / fyiiycu/ccl 6> /..' Cootie , fytfc£J<s<*r^ MONTREAL VILLE-MARIE OR, SKETCHES OF MONTREAL PAST AND PRESENT. BT ALFRED SANDHAM, AUTHOR OP ** COINS, TOKENS, AND MEDALS OF CANADA ; " LIFE MEMBER OF THE NUMISMATIC AHD ANTIQUARIAN BOCIETY OF MONTREAL, AND CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN NUMISMATIC AND ARCHÆOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, AAriTIfr. NUMEROUS ElTŒR^VriSrQ-S OF CHURCHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, STREET VIEWS, ANTIQUITIES, MAPS , COSTUMES, &c, &c. MONTREAL: GEORGE BISHOP & CO., i'DBLISHERS. 1870. Entered according to Act of Parliament os Canada, In the year of our Lord, one Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy, by George Bishop & Co., in the Office of the Registrar of the Dominion.

Preface

. The want of a history such as the one now presented to the public, has been so long felt, and so generally acknowledged, that an apology for its issue is quite unnecessary. Montreal being the largest, wealthiest, as well the most populous city in the Dominion of Canada, it is desirable that its citizens should be made acquainted with its progress, its trade and commerce, and the many interesting events con nected with its history. Thirty years have elapsed since the only authentic (now exceedingly rare and valuable) his tory was published, under the name of " Hochelaga Depicta." Since that time many documents and records have been discovered, and much has been written bearing upon its early history, and subsequent progress. I have tried, in the following pages, to bring the diversified labors of many authors into a focus, to add no small amount of original research, and, by so doing, tell a tale that all may read of the growth of this beautiful northern city. The narrow limits of this work have necessarily prevented as full a

PREFACE.

. description of many events as might be desired, but no fact which has an obvious relation to the progress of the city, has been knowingly omitted. Starting from the discovery of America by Columbus, I shall pass on to the first visit of Cartier, in 1535, to the Indian village of Hochelaga ; then to founding of the city by M. de Maisonneuve, May, 1642 ; after which I shall trace briefly, I trust not unattractively, the subsequent history of the city down to the present day. The illustrations are copies of original engravings in my possession, and may therefore be relied on as correct. The material for the whole work is the result of much labor, and was collected with great care from the most authentic and reliable sources. Alfred Sandham. Montreal, 1870. CONTENTS.

Part I. Chapter

I. From the departure os Columbus, 1492, to Cartier's arrival at Hochelaga, 1535— Christopher Columbus sails from Palos, 1492; Triumphant return; Second voyage ; Death; Sebastian Cabot sails from Bristol, 1497; Amerigo Vespucci; Patent granted by Henry VIII.; John "Verrazini sails, 1524; Admiral Chabot; Jacques Cartier sails, 1534; Second voyage, 1535; Visits Stadacona ; Receives account of Hochelaga ; His arrival there, and welcome from the natives

Chapter II

From Carrier's visit to Hochelaga, 1535, to the sounding of Quebec by Champlain, 1608— Description of Hochelaga; Visits the Mountain, which in honor of the King he calls "Mount Royal"; Leaves Hochelaga and descends the River ; Sufferings of his party ; Suspicions of treachery ; Seizes Donnacona, and returns to France; Dissatisfaction of the French Monarch; Second Expedition; Franjois de la Rocque; Cartier's reception; Passes winter at Cap Rouge; Roberval repairs forts; America abandoned; De la Roche; Fur-Trade; Pontgrave and Chauvin; Tadousac; Commandeur de Chaste ; Champlain visits Hochelaga ; Quebec sounded, 1608 8

Chapter III

From the founding of Quebec, 1608, to Maissoneuve's departure for Montreal, 1641;— Champlain's excursion with the Indians; De Mont's monopoly withdrawn; Count de Soissons; Site chosen at Hochelaga; Prince de Cond£; Association of Merchants incorporated; Arrival of Recollets in Canada ; Duke de Montmorenci ; Merchants deprived of their Charter, which is transferred to DeCaen ; Duke de Ventadour ; Company of One Hundred Associates; Champlain appointed Governor; Surrender of Quebec ; Quebec restored to France; Death of Champlain; M. de Montmagny; Dauversiere and Olier form a company to plant a colony at Montreal; M. de Maiseoneuve chosen Governor; Mademoiselle de Mance; Departure of Maissoneuve

Chapter IV

From the arrival of Maissoneuve at Quebec, 1641, to the erection of Canada into a Royal Government, 1663— Maissoneuve arrives at Quebec ; Jealousies ; VI CONTENTS. "Winters at St. Michel; Embarks for Montreal; His Arrival; Religious ceremonies; Proceeds to erect houses and fortifications: Flood; Maisson euve's vow; Arrival of D'Aillebout; Erection of Hospital of Grey Nunnery; Battle with the Indians; The Seminary of St. Sulpice purchase the Island; Marguerite Bourgeoys; Sulpicians take possession, and erect a Seminary; Massacre at Montreal; Arrival of Troops; Seminary enlarged, and tithes exacted; King's Commissioner sent to Canada; Great Earthquake; Com pany of Associates deprived of their charter; Canada erected into a Royal Government 23

Chapter V

From the erection of Canada into a Royal Government, 1663, to the attack on Quebec, 1690— West India Company; Charter revoked; Religieuse Hospitalers; English at New York; Fortifications at Montreal; De la Barre; Marquis de Nonville; Meeting of deputies; Le Rat; Massacre at Lachine; DeCalliere's scheme ; De Frontenac ; Attack on British settlements ; Proposed attack on Montreal ; Siege of Quebec 33

Chapter VI

From the attack on Quebec, 1690, to the surrender of Montreal, 1760— Montreal attacked by Indians; Expedition against the Mohawks; Fortifications increased; Second attack by Indians; Treaty ot Peace ; Marquis de Vaudreuil; Council of War; Proposed invasion of Canada; Montreal threatened; Treaty of Utrecht; Stone fortifications erected; Appearance of the City in 1720 ; Fair at Montreal ; Marquis de Galissoniere; Professor Keim's visit to the City, 1749 ; De la Jonquiere ; Vaudreuil ; Famine ; Quebec taken ; Surrender of Montreal; Articles of capitulation; Population 41

Chapter VII

From the surrender of Montreal, 1760, to the division of theProvinces, 1791; Amherst tak^s possession of Montreal; First Proclamation; Despatches; Montreal in 1760; Military Government established; Address to General Gage; French grants to Montreal Institutions; Salaries of Town Oflicers; New form of Government; First newspaper in Canada; Outrage on Mr. Walker; Great fires of 1765 and 1768; Jurisdiction of the Justices of the Peace limited; Quebec Act; Bust of George III. disfigured; American Revolution; Ethan Allen's raid and capture; Montgomery takes Montreal; American army withdrawn ; Constitutional Act, 1791. 63

Chapter VIII

From the division of the Provinces, 1791, to the first passage of a steamer on the St. Lawrence, 1809 — Boundary of the city under the New Act ; First Parliament ; Mail between Quebec and Montreal; Address to Lord Dorchester; Postal arrangements improved ; Grant for Gaols and Court Houses; Water Works Company ; Removal of old fortifications ; Fire in Old Gaol ; Gaol Act ; Dinner at Montreal ; Orders issued for arrest of editors ; Sentiments objected to ; Trinily House established ; Nelson's Monument ; Montreal in 1806 ; First Steamer, "Accommodation/' leaves Montreal for Quebec; Description of the Vessel BO CONTENTS. VII

Chapter IX

From first experiment in Steam Navigation, 1809, to the close of the year, 1825 — Molson applies for a monopoly ot steamboat traffic; Launch of the " Swiftsure "; War of 1812 ; Loyalty of the Inhabitants ; First hostile demonstrations; Arrival of American Prisoners at Montreal; Militia summoned; Proposed attack in 1813; Chateauguay, &c. ; General Orders; Militia disbanded; Improvements; Street Lamps firsterected; Night Watch organized; Lachine Canal: Montreal Bank; The City in 1819; Remarkable Phenomenon; Canal commenced; Census; Dalhousie-square presented to the City; Schools established; Proposed union of the Province; French Cathedral ; Population in 1825 ; Fire in Quebec suburb 93

Chapter X

From the year 1827, to the close of the Rebellion, 1838— Seigniorial rights of the Seminary of St. Sulpice; Official explanation; Act for Harbor improvements; Incorporation Act; Petition against Governors; Riot; Attack upon the troops; Cholera; Proposed annexation of Montreal to the Upper Province ; Election of 1834 ; Cholera again visits the City ; Signs of insurrection, 1837; First hostile demonstration at Montreal; Sir John Colborne arrives; Volunteers organized; Attack upon the Cavalry; Extensive military preparations; Murder of Col. Weir; Martial Law; Close of 1837; Second attempt promptly repressed; Punishment of leaders; Pardon and return of some 107

Chapter XI

From the union of the Provinces, 1840, to the close of the Provincial Exhibition, 1850 — Union Bill; Charter of Incorporation renewed; Seat of Government removed to Montreal ; Election Disturbances ; Population ; Inundation ofl848; Reid Wing of the General Hospital erected; Christening of Monster Bell; Improvements; Rebellion Losses Bill; Assault on Lord Elgin; Parliament House destroyed; Mass Meeting; Lord Elgin sustained; Description of Parliament Buildings; Removal of seat of Government; Arrest of Rioters; Further Disturbances; Cholera; Imports and Exports; Riots of 1850; Great Fires in Griffintown and St. Lawrence Suburbs; Drearyappearance of the City; Preparations for an Exhibition; Provincial Exhibition, its festivities and results 117

Chapter XII

From the opening of the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railway, 1851, to the opening of the Grand Trunk Railway to Brockville, 1855—; Opening of St. Lawreuce and Atlantic Railway ; Mount Royal Cemetery Company formed ; Removal of Corporation offices ; Public Buildings ; First election of Mayor ; Great tires in St. Paul Street and St. Lawrence Suburbs; Census of 1852; GavazziRiot; Opening of Grand Trunk Railway to Portland; Arrival of the " Genova" ; Roman Catholic Cemetery opened ; Foundation of Pier No. 1 of Victoria Bridge commenced; Cho'era Statistics; Trade in 1854; Exhibition ; Visit of the Governor General ; Goods sent to Paris ; Visit of M. de Belveze; Fall of Sebastopol; Rejoicings; Grand Trunk Railway opened to Brockville CONTENTS.

Chapter XIII

From the year 1856, to the close of 1857— Accident at the Gas Works; Trade in 1856; Explosion at Longueuil; Arrival of Troops from the Crimea; Burnside Hall destroyed by fire: Balloon Ascension; Water Works tested; Grand Trunk Railway celebration; McGili College Fund; Christ Church burnt; Prosperity of the City; Inundation; Normal Schools opened; Foundation of New English Cathedral laid; Burning of Steamer "Montreal "; Arrival of dead; Funeral; Meeting of American Association for the advancement of Science; Exhibition; Capture of Delhi; Victoria Bridge ; Mr. McGee nominated as Irish representative in Parliament ; Trade Returns 140

Chapter XIV

From the formation of the Royal Canadian Regiment, 1858, to the visit of the Prince of Wales, 1860 — Government accept the offer of a Canadian Regiment; Atlantic Telegraph Cable Celebration; Population in 1858; Burning of Bishop's Church; Severity ot the winter; New Wharves; Monument at Point St. Charles; Victoria Bridge completed; First steps taken for the reception of the Prince of Wales; Crystal Palace erected ; City improvements; Ancient Foundation Plates; Viger Square embellished; Citizens' Reception Fund ; Programme of Celebration ; Residence chosen for the Prince ; Arrival in the City ; Reception and Festivities ; Departure ; Expenditure 151

Chapter XV

From the departure of the Prince of Wales, 1860, to close of the year 1864 — Present received by Corporation; Name of Haymarket-square changed; McTavish Castle and its Associations; Beaver Hall ; Burnside; Trade and Improvements, 1860; Census, 1861; Great Inundation; Hotel Dieu removed; Prince Alfred visits Montreal ; Hurricane; City Horse Railway commenced; The ' Trent" excitement; Death of Prince Albert; Military Festival ; Inauguration of Wm. Molson Hall; Improvements in 1862; Marriage of the Prince of Wales ; Norwegian War Vessel ; Provincial Exhibition ; Shakspere Tercentenary; Railway Accident at Belœil; Departure of " Gethuards"; Public buildings erected 160

Chapter XVI

From April, 1865, to close of the year 1869— Flood; Fortifications; Assassination ot President Lincoln ; 15th Annual Exhibition ; Sir John Michel ; Fenian Raid ; Return of Volunteers ; Ancient Relic ; Hay Market removed ; Distinguished Visitors; Trade and Improvements; Drill Sheds; Arrival of the " Wolverine"; Dominion Day, 1867; Eleclion disturbances; French Cathedral struck by lightning; In.endiary fires; Assassination of Hon. T. D. McGee; Public Fuueral; Arrival of the " Germany." Intense heat; Earthquake; Appearance of the city, 1868; Death of Bishop Fulford; Events of 1869 ; Visit of Prince Arthur CONTENTS. IX

Part II. Chapter

I. The Tsland of Montreal— Titles under which it was held by the St. Sulpicians; Soil ; Turnpikes ; The City ot Montreal ; Improvements ; Solidity o( its public buildings; Advantages possessed; Population; Value of real estate ; New Buildings; Finances; Trade and Commerce; Harbor Improvements; Exports and Imports ; Manufactures 195

CHAPTER II.

Rapid progress of Ocean Steam Communication ; First Regular line of Steamers ; Allan Line; Statistics; Railways; Champlain and St. Lawrence Railway ; Montreal and New York Railroad; Grand Trunk Railway; Victoria Bridge; First idea of bridging the River; Plans prepared ; Survey by Mr. Keefer; Site of Bridge definitely settled; Description of the Bridge ; Inscription at entrance ; Cost ; Completion ; Lachine Canal 213

CHAPTER III.

Municipal affairs ; Incorporation; First Corporation; Charter amended; Present Corporation; Mayors of the city since 1833; Police; Fire Department; Water Works ; Markets 227

CHAPTER IV.

Churches — Roman Catholic; Episcopalian; Presbyterian; Wesleyan Methodist; New Connexion Methodist; Baptist; Congregationalist; Swedenborgian ; French and German Protestant; Jews ; Unitarian ... 246

CHAPTER V.

Charitable, Humane and Religious Institutions; — General Hospital; Grey Nunnery; St. Patrick's Orphan Asylum; Hotel Dieu; House of Industry; Dispensaries ; Protestant Orphan Asylum ; Ladies Benevolent Society ; Religious Societies; Temperance Societies 289

CHAPTER VI.

Educational Institutions — Seminary of St. Sulpice; McGili College; Normal Schools; Convent of La Congregation de Notre-Dame; St. Mary's College; British and Canadian Schools; Royal Western School, &c 306

CHAPTER VII.

Literary, Scientific and Art Associations— Mercantile Library Association ; Mechanics' Institute; Institut Canadien ; Miscellaneous Libraries; Natural History Society ; Numismatic and Antiquarian Society ; Geological Survey ; Art Association ; Society of Canadian Artists CONTENTS. X 336

CHAPTER VIII.

Public Buildings, Monuments, Squares and Cemeteries— Jails; Court Houses; Post Office; Nelson's Monument; Viger Gardens; Victoria and other Squares; Champ de Mars; Roman Catholic and Mount Royal Cemeteries..

CHAPTER IX.

Miscellaneous Public Buildings, &c— Banks; Custom House; Post Office; Central Fire Station ; Merchants Exchange ; Corn Exchange; Royal Insurance Buildings; St. Patrick's Hall; St. James Club House; Warehouses; Hotels; Places of Amusements; Newspapers, &c 396

CHAPTER X.

Coins, Tokens and Medals; Indian Remains and Relics; Curious Caverns; Concluding Remarks 37T AUTHORITIES CONSULTED IN THE COMPILATION OF THIS WORK. Annual Register Hochelaga Depicta America, History of Herald Montreal, 1811 to 1869 Illustrated London News Progress of English in Frank Leslie's Journal of Education Jesuites, Relation des Montreal in 1851 Voyages to, 1721 Welds Travels in Jesuits in Military Occurrences Merchants' Magazine Monthly, New Dominion " Monroe's British North American Atlas Gazetteer British Colonies, Martin's Cyclopædia Britannica McGili College and its founders Calendar Canadian History, Summary of Mance, Life of Mile. Magazine Courant New World, Pioneers of France in the Narrative, De Roos, 1826 " Illustrated News Canada, Smith's Observations, Cbarlevoix's voyages and Province of Quebec, papers relating to Silliman's tour through Ferland's Histoire du 1787 Prince of Wales' tour Reports, Patterson trade Statutes of Lower Garneau's Christie's McMullin'a Water works Fire department City Treasurer Hodgins Sansum's Surveyor Religious and other societies Conquest of " Department of Public Works Records of City Churches Geological Survey of " Bouchette's Topography of Dictionary, Biographical Discovery, Annals of Maritime Travels, Lahontan's Kalm's Hall's Emigrants hand book Heriot'a England, Knights pictorial History of Edits, Ordnances, &c. Lambert's United States, Bancroft's Expedition against Quebec, Arnold's France, History of Lord's Ville Marie, Annuaire de World, Trestler's habitable Witness, Montreal, 1851 to 1869 War of 1812 -**■ Cartier's Voyages to New Franc-iise, La Colonie Geologist, Canadian Naturalist and Gazette, Montreal Wolfe, Life of Major General Habitable Globe, Cohder's ERRATA.

Page 121, for " principal inhabitant," read " principal inhabitants.'' Page 125, foot note, f for M now Commander," read " Father of the Commander." Page 162, for " a return made of them," read " a return made by them.'' Page 300, for " the building is in the form of an |," read " the form of an X." JOHN LOVELL, PRINTER. : OR, MONTREAL, PAST AND PRESENT.

Chapter I

From the departure os Columbu6, 1492, to Cartier's arrival at Hochelaga, 1535— Christopher Columbus 6ails from Palos, 1492; Triumphant return; Second voyage; Death; Sebastian Cabot sails from Bristol, 1497; Amerigo Vespucci; Patent granted by Henry VIII. ; John Verrazini sails, 1524 ; Admiral Chabot ; Jacques Cartier sails, 1534; Second voyage, 1535; Visits Stadacona ; Receives account of Hochelaga ; His arrival there, and welcome from the natives. THE glory of having discovered America is almost universally ascribed to Columbus or Columbo, who was born at Genoa about the year 1435, and was the eldest of four children. At an early age he evinced a decided inclination for the sea, and his father encouraged this desire by giving him an education best calculated to be useful to him should he ultimately adopt the sea as his profession.

A relative of Christopher's commanded a fleet with which he had been carrying on a warfare against the Venetians, and on one of the vessels Christopher embarked, and learned not only the art of navigation, but acquired habits of discipline and self-com mand, which afterwards served him in so good stead. He continued in this service until the age of thirty, when he married and went to the Island of Porto Santo. This island was frequently visited by voyagers to and from Guinea, from whom he received accounts which inflamed him with visions of wonders yet to be revealed in the boundless wastes of the B ; OR, 2 Atlantic. He made propositions to the Genoese to " circum navigate the earth," but they rejected him. After the death of his wife in 1484, he again made proposals to the Senate, and was again rejected.

He now directed his eyes to other European powers, among whom the two sovereigns of Spain, Eerdinand and Isabella, seemed to deserve the preference. After experiencing many rebuffs from those to whom he presented his scheme, he finally succeeded in securing the Queen's interest; and on the 30th of April, 1492, he received his letters patent, conveying to him certain privileges which he had demanded. In the beginning of August of the same year he embarked from the port of Palos, in Spain, on board the " Santa Maria," and accompanied by two other vessels, named the " Pinta" and" Nina." On Friday morning, the 12th of October, 1492, he first beheld the New World, and the same day he planted the royal standard upon the island of San Salvador. Leaving this island he passed southward, and on the 28th he arrived in sight of Cuba.

After visiting several other islands, he set sail, on :the 4th January, 1493, from La Navidad, on his return to Spain, and arrived at Palos on the loth March, 1493, just seven months and twelve days after his departure. He was received with demonstrations of great joy, and, on his arrival at Barcelona, where the Spanish court was residing, he met with a magnificent reception. The triumphant return of Columbus was followed by orders being at once given for the equipment of a fleet, to enable the navigator to go in quest of more opulent countries, which he still confidently expected to find. This second voyage was succeeded by two others. On his return from the fourth voyage, he was worn down by bodily infirmities, and finally death relieved him of his sufferings on the 20th May, 1506. He died in ignorance of the real grandeur of his discovery.

During his third voyage he landed on the coast of Paria in South America. This was about the year 1500, which leaves it an undisputed fact that while the brilliant discoveries of Columbus led to the discovering of America, yet to Sebastian Cabot belongs the glory of having first landed in the Western World. Sebastian Cabot was the son of John Cabot, a Venetian merchant, residing in England. Sebastian was born in the year 1477,inBristol. Henry VII. of England, perceiving the advantages to be gained by the discovery of a route to India, fitted out an expedition at the suggestion of Cabot ; and a patent, dated March 5th, 1496, was given to John Cabot, and his three sons, Lewis, Sebastian and Saucius. Although this patent was granted to John and his sons, there can be no doubt that the success of the expedition was entirely owing to the genius of Sebastian.

The expedition, consisting of the ship commanded by Se bastian, and three smaller vessels, sailed from Bristol in the early part of May, 1497, and on the 21th June, on St. John's day, Newfoundland was discovered. Cabot returned to Eng land, and in 1198 he made a voyage to the coast of Labra dor. The results of the second voyage did not induce Henry to equip another expedition. From Seyer's " Memoirs of Bristol." we learn that in 1499, Cabot "with no extraordinary preparations sett forth from Bristol, and made greate dis coveries." But the narrative of Cabot's life, for 15 years subsequent to his second voyage, is meagre and unsatisfactory. On the invitation of Ferdinand, he went to Spain, but re turned, after the death of that monarch, to England, where under Henry VIII. he received honorable employment.

He lived to a very advanced age, and died in 1557. But still another claimant for honor as " discoverer" appears on the field. Amerigo Vespucci, who has given his name to the Continent, was born at Florence on the 9th March, 1451. He was descended from a family of some distinction, and was educated for commercial life. But little is known of his history until the year 1495, when Ferdinand gave him employment ; OR, as a pilot. At the time of his appointment he was a clerk or partner in the house of Berardi, a merchant of Seville, and a contractor for the navy. On the 20th May, 1497, by his own account, and in 1499 by that of others, he sailed from Cadiz with four vessels, under the command of Alonzo de Hogeda. After thirty-seven days' sailing he reached America, coasted along the continent for several hundred leagues, and returned to Spain on 15th October.

Subsequently the King of Portugal engaged his services and he made two more voyages, in 1501 and 1503, under that monarch. In 1505 he returned to Spain, and upon the death of Columbus he was appointed chief pilot. He died in 1512. In the year 1502, Hugh Elliott and Thomas Ashurst, merchants of Bristol, obtained a patent from Henry VIII. to establish colonies in the countries discovered by Cabot. It was not until the year 1523 that anything on an extensive scale was undertaken respecting the New World. During this year Francis 1st of France, seeing the glory which Spain, and other nations, derived from the discovery of America, held out every encouragement to his subjects to induce them to engage in similar enterprises. " What," said he ; ft shall the Kings of Spain and Portugal divide all America between them, without suffering me to take a share as their brother ?

I would fain see the article in Adam's will that bequeaths that vast inheritance to them." At this time, there was resident in France, a Florentine, John Verazzani, an excellent seaman, who at once volun teered to undertake a voyage calculated to be alike honorable and profitable to himself. On his accepting the commission, the King ordered a vessel to be prepared for him, and he set sail in 1524 ; but owing to severe storms encountered by him, he soon returned to port. The next year, he sailed again in a vessel called the Dolphin, and finally reached Florida- He then ranged along the coast, from the 28th to the 50th degree of N. Lat. and took a nominal possession of the country which he called " New France." The accounts he brought to France did not answer the King's expectations, and he was ordered to pursue the same route the next year.

Unfortu nately, however, he was murdered by the savages immediately upon his landing on the continent. No further attempts were made until ten years after, when Admiral Chabot represented to the King of France the im portance and advantage that might arise from the establishment of a colony in the New World, from which the Spaniards had derived so much wealth. The King was pleased with the suggestion and authorized the Admiral to secure a suitable person to undertake the command of an expedition for the purpose. " The ancient town of St. Malo, in France, had been for centuries a nursery of hardy seamen, and among the most eminent on its list stands the name of Jacques Cartier." This celebrated navigator calls for special notice at our hands- He it was who first explored the shores of Canada to any extent, and he was the first European who visited the site of our now beautiful city.

Admiral Chabot introduced Cartier to the King and recom mended him as a proper person for the service. On the 20th April, 1534, he sailed " with two ships of three score tons a-piece burthen, and sixty-one well appointed men in each." He steered for Newfoundland, which he reached in twenty days, passed through the straits of Belle Isle, and advanced up the St. Lawrence, till he saw the shores of Anticosti. The approach of winter caused him to return to France. In the spring of 1535 he received a fresh commission, and three vessels, named the Great Hermina, the Little Hermina, and the Hermerillon, the largest about 120 tons, were placed at his disposal. On the 16th May, the officers and sailors assembled in the cathedral at St. Malo, where, after confession and hearing mass, they received a parting blessing from the Bishop, and, three days later, (19th May) they set sail.

OR, After experiencing very stormy weather, during which the vessels were separated, they reached the coast of Newfound land on the 26th July. Proceeding along the north shore they came to " a goodly great gulf, full of islands, passages, and entrances, towards what wind soever you please to bend." The 10th of August will ever be memorable in the history of Canada ; for it being the festival of St. Lawrence, Cartier gave that name to the bay on which he was sailing, and it was afterwards extended to the whole river. On the 16th he reached Stadacona (now Quebec.) Here he landed and had several interviews with the Lord of the place, Donnacona by name. Cartier was told that Stadacona was not the metro polis of the forest state, but that honor belonged to a town, far greater, which, the Indians stated, stood by the bank of the river, many days' journey above, and known as " Hoche laga."

Thither Cartier determined to go ; but when he made known his decision to Donnacona, he met with considerable opposition, and every possible means were taken to dissuade him from his purpose, but without success. On the 19th September hejioisted sail, and with his pinnace and two small boats depar td on his journey up the river. On his passage he was delig ited with the beauty of the scenery, and the natives cheerfully supplied him with all that was necessary for his company. On the 28th he reached Lake St. Peter, which he describes as " a great wide lake, five or six leagues broad and twelve long." At the head of the lake he was compelled to cast anchor on account of the shoals ; and finding it im possible to proceed further with his vessel ( the Hermerillon) he caused the boats to be made ready, and placing in them ammunition and provision, he took with him, " Claudius of Ponte Briand, cupbearer to the Lord Dauphin of France, Charles of Pomeraye, John Govrin, John Powlet, and twenty eight mariners," and on the second of October, 1535, they landed about six miles from the town, below the current St. Mary.

Having gorgeously attired himself, he caused all his com pany to be set in order, and early on the next morning he set out, accompanied by three Indians, as guides, to visit the town and the " habitations of those people, and a certain mountain that is somewhat near the town." With him went the gentlemen already named, and twenty mariners, the rest being left to look after the boats. " All along he found the way as well beaten and frequent ed as can be, the fairest and best country that could possibly be seen, full of goodly great oaks, as any in the woods in France, under which the ground was all covered with acorns." After he had gone about four miles, he was met by one of the chiefs of the city, accompanied by many of the natives, who, as soon as he saw them, led them to a place where a large fire had been made, and signified to them by signs that they should stop and rest themselves, which they did.

After they had rested themselves, the chief began to make a long speech, showing by his countenance and signs that they were welcome. Cartier gave him two hatchets, a pair of knives, and a cross, which he made him kiss, and then put it about his neck. After this the chief led the way, and when they had passed about a mile further they found " goodly and large fields, full of such corn as the country yieldeth." In the midst of those fields stood the village or town of " Hochelaga." When they came near the town they were met by the Lord or King of the country, Agouhanna by name, who was borne on the shoulders of several natives. When the party were all seated, the natives brought in diseased men, lame, blind and deaf, and laid them before Cartier that he might touch them, for they thought that he was a god who had descended from heaven to heal them. He recited the Gospel of St. John, and prayed that God would open their hearts, that they might receive His holy word and be converted. ; OR,