Читать книгу Broken Barrier - Grace Helen Mowat - Страница 3

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Although the scene of this story starts in New York and Staten Island, it eventually moves to Canada and the Province of New Brunswick. The plot deals with the descendants of the United Empire Loyalists.

Little is known of these people who fled from the rebellious colonies after the American Revolution. These loyal exiles endured untold hardships for the sake of King and country and the British flag. Their lands were confiscated by the victorious rebels. They were driven from their comfortable homes, insulted, tortured, and thrown into filthy prisons.

At the close of the war they were finally transported to the bleak wooded shores of the Bay of Fundy and given grants of land from which the French had been previously expelled. This territory had been the old Acadia during the French period and now comprises the three Maritime Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

Between thirty and forty thousand came in this strange migration. They were not the usual type of adventurers and traders that one associates with the settlement of a new land. They were the flower of the old Colonial life. Refined and cultured people accustomed to comfort, and even luxury, when living in their old homes. They brought with them their servants and all their household possessions that could be stowed away in the little sailing ships that the British government provided for their transportation. On their arrival these possessions were crowded into small log huts until more suitable dwellings could be erected.

The courage with which the Loyalists overcame their difficulties, cleared the land, started farming and lumbering, and eventually developed trade and commerce, makes a romantic page in history which has often been overlooked by historians.

George III has been severely criticized by historians; but he won the love and respect of the Loyalists. To them he was always “the dear old King”. He appreciated their loyalty and wept for their adversity. He insisted that they should receive recompense for their lost property, likewise food, building materials, and farming equipment, till they were established in the new land.

When they went to him in England with petitions and grievances he received them personally at Windsor Castle, giving what help and encouragement he could. There are old churches throughout the Maritimes that have beautiful communion plate inscribed as the gift of George III.

The descendants of the Loyalists have penetrated into every part of Canada and have contributed much towards its growth and development. Without this influx of loyal British stock Canada today might still be a French colony under British rule.

Today you may still find, along the peaceful rivers of New Brunswick and the fertile valleys of Nova Scotia, old farm homes remote and lonely, where they will show you with pride beautiful pieces of old mahogany and silver brought by their Loyalist ancestors. The older people will converse with you in the speech of a bygone day and the graceful phrases reminiscent of the eighteenth century. This way of life is slowly changing. The old houses are passing into other hands. The present generation, with the radio and automobile, find themselves more in contact with the outside world, but there are still a few of the old homes remaining and a traveller through this country cannot fail to feel the atmosphere of courage and loyalty that still lingers like the scent of faded rose leaves.

D. L. MacLAREN,

Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick.