Diary of a Fils de la liberté
First Book
Tuesday, 13 March 1838. Important events which must hold a salient place in the history of Canada have just occurred. Civil war has burst in the British provinces of North America.
Later, I will give an account of these serious events, their causes and their probable consequences. Today, the author limits himself to a statement of some of the reasons which lead him to begin a diary of what has occurred in Canada since a few months, of what will occur from now on, with daily notes of his own actions, etc.
I have always noticed that men, satisfied with the knowledge they themselves have of the events which occur during their days, very often neglect the means of making these same events known to the men who must follow them in the career of life. And yet with what interest does man seek to know the smallest details of the past! With what pleasure an old man would read the story of his life, written by his own hand! And this old man's grandson read the story of his grandfather! How details, which appear so meticulous in time, are filled with interest when one sees them far in the past!
During my stay in Albany, I desired to read the history of the Irish Rebellion of 1798. After some research, I found in the Capitol's public library but a single work, by Thomas Moore, on such remarkable events in the political history of the unfortunate Ireland. And how this work is far from satisfying your curiosity! How a crowd of particularities, which today would be full of interest, are forever lost in oblivion! This circumstance did not little influence my determination.
Also, I do not see that, among the refugees, there is another who has undertaken this task. Moreover, there are few who can better join together the materials for such a work than myself. My own position during these events, that which my father held among the public men of my country, and consequently my contacts with a great number of the actors in these scenes, place me in the capacity to gather a crowd of details which, later, will be very interesting and could be used by the historian.
I do not know if ever this daily journal will see the light; but if it were the case, there would be many things to cut off from it, that it would not be advisable to put under the eyes of the public. I will write it for my parents, my friends and for myself; and later, with the necessary corrections, it could perhaps be displayed on the bookseller's shelves.
I will begin the diary with the recapitulation and relation of the events which my unfortunate fatherland has experienced since a few years, though I only started to write on loose leaves, on the road to the United States and, in this book, only today.
Since treason, weakness, or indifference, made Canada pass under English domination, this province was almost always badly governed: almost always its inhabitants have had complaints, prayers, protests to deposit at the foot of the throne, and almost every time these prayers and these complaints were pushed back with arrogance. Often, they only served to redouble the power's persecutions and injustices.
I will in a few words give a summary of the political history of the country since it had the misfortune to be ceded to England in 1763.
1760 - By the capitulation treaties of Montreal and Quebec, certain property, religion and government rights were guarantied to us, and, later, in 1774, were confirmed in a more extended manner, when the power of the tyrants staggered and when the colonies, today the United States, tore off the British standard from their ramparts and replaced it with nobler colours.
1773 - The previous year, in 1773, the Canadians had met in public assemblies, to ask for a constitutional legislature, tired as they were of the military regime which had ruled since the Cession.1
1774 - In consequence, the Act of the Imperial Parliament of 1774 declared the laws of the country into force and solemnly confirms the capitulation treaties. The Act establishes a Legislative Council at the same time.
1775 - In 1775, the Americans attacked England in her colony of Canada. They took Montreal and general Arnold marched on Quebec. On December 31, was given the final unfruitful assault during which general Montgomery was killed by a cannonball, as he was approaching one of the city's doors. The siege was lifted and the province evacuated.
1778 - In 1778, English pride having been softened by the bravery of and the success of the American people, the Parliament renounced forever the power to tax colonies and, consequently, to dispose of their taxes. England has proved lately that she is faithful to the words of treaties only when she has to deal with those who can scare her.
It was political then to buy the Canadians.
Fooled by these promises and these declarations, the Canadians remained tied to England. What may have further engaged them to take this party, is that the continual and bloody wars they had had with the Americans, under the French domination, created a lot of hatred and version between the inhabitants of the old colonies and those of Canada. It appears nevertheless that many among them helped the Americans of all their strength, during their invasion. The brave Ethan Allen, in his Memoirs, says that the majority of his people were Canadians, in the battle of Longue-Pointe, near Montreal, where he was made prisoner and with him several Canadians. They were all transported to England, stayed there for some time, and having been returned to Halifax, the Canadians took advantage of their sojourn in this town to break their irons and go back to their country and in the breast of their families. As for Ethan Allen and his American companions, they were transported to New York and suffered still more ills before they could escape the vengeance of their torturers.
A rich merchant of Montreal, Mr. Cazeau, experienced considerable losses because of the help he furnished the Americans; and last year, I believe, the Congress granted an indemnity to his heirs. May the name of this worth citizen, who wanted his fatherland free, be passed on to posterity! How many evils would have been avoided of all Canadians had thought as he did!
One must still remark that our fathers may have had reasons to hesitate to join the rebels, by the fear of not receiving enough support and relief from them. The Conquest of Canada does not appear to have been very popular, and Washington himself has always opposed it, either because he found American forces, which already had difficulty defending their vast borders, too weak, or because he believed, for the reasons already mentioned, the Canadians hostile to their former enemies. Maybe he thought that, when the new Republic would be stronger, it would always be time to think of this conquest.
At all events, the old colonies conquered their independence alone and Canada remained under yoke.
1784 - In 1784, the people petitioned England anew in order to obtain a Constitution, a true Constitution, different from that of 1774.
1786 - Papa was born on 7 October, at 1:45 PM.
1791 - During seven years, these petitions were neglected and it was only in 1791, when the French Revolution made England afraid for the conservation of her colonies, that the Imperial Parliament passed the Constitutional Act, dividing the province into Upper and Lower Canada, and granting us in small the "glorious" English Constitution. Accustomed to hear high praises on this English Constitution, our fathers believed they had received a great favour, them who had up to that point been ruled as a conquered people, or about. The illustrious Fox opposed of all his might the passing of the bill, as defective under more than one aspects, among others in the idea, that the government seemed to entertain, that it was possible, by means of a Legislative Council, to create an aristocracy and a House of Lords in America. Mr. Pitt pleaded in defence of the bill that "it was only a test and that, if the machine did not work well, it would be easy to modify it." With that answer, the bill passed.
We would perhaps have waited a long time for this Constitution, had it not been for the burst of the French revolution. England is always just when she is afraid.
1792 - My grand-father Papineau took an active part in the efforts of the Canadians to have a Constitution and, the year after, the elections over, he was made member of the first Provincial Parliament, which assembled shortly after the elections. The English give the name of speaker to the president of the representative body; but, as the literal translation (babillard or parleur) would not be a compliment, one then used the term "orateur" in French, and the first elevated to this place was Mr. Panet. I believe that his son is presently judge of the Court of the King's Bench, at Quebec. By the way, I will remark that, of all the members of the first Parliament, only two remain alive today, in 1838: Mr. Bonaventure Panet (not the speaker) and my grand-father, Joseph Papineau.
1794 - The establishment of today's courts of the King's Bench goes back to 1794. As of 1796, the Tory, or bureaucratic, oligarchic party, as you will want to call it, appeared in Canada
It first showed itself to be what it always been since, and was composed in principle of the Loyalists whom the American Revolution forced to seek refuge under the British bayonets and whom the government rewarded by vast land concessions, lucrative places and seats in the House of Lords in embryo. These former despots of the Americans now wanted to enslave the Canadians and take revenge on them for the well-deserved punishments they had received from their old victims. The Devil could never learn to correct himself.
1796 - They did all they could to abolish the use of the French language in the House of Assembly and to represent the province as in state of rebellion. Fortunately success did not crown their abominable intentions.
Under the French domination, the famous Order of the Jesuits had established in Quebec a superb and vast establishment for the education of Canadian youth and had richly endowed it. When the Order was abolished, the Jesuits still continued to teach sciences in their college. However, not being able to receive new members, their number fell gradually until finally the last Jesuit died, in 1800.
1800 - Then the government seized all their properties which, having been given from the beginning for the education of the youth, could not be employed differently.
Eh well! what does the government do? It converts the most beautiful college of Canada into barracks to lodge its troops! Since then, the Hose of Assembly never ceased, in the name of the country, to claim these properties; after much correspondence and evasive answers, the government, only two or three years ago, came to the conclusion to propose the House to return the Jesuits properties to their first purpose, if the House wanted to give the required funds to build barracks! The business stayed there, and the college of the Jesuits is used to lodge the men who cut our throats, and their properties are used to buy slaves for the government.
1809 - The year 1809 is remarkable by the arbitrary conduct of the governor, Sir James Henry Craig, of odious memory. Difficulties rose between him and the House of Assembly, about the eligibility of judges, and, the House not wanting to yield to the requirements of this proud despot, the Parliament was dissolved. The use, for the first time, of this prerogative of the Crown created a great sensation. Nevertheless, the people, without being frightened, prepared for the elections, well resolved to prove the tyrant that the House had the support of the people.
My father was then a law student; he was however presented as candidate for the Chambly riding, which then bore an English name which, for the moment, escapes my memory.2 The poll was held at the village of Longueuil, the county town. The owner of the barony by this name, Mr. Grant3, became, with his name, his age and his influence on his tenants, the antagonist of an young man, who had for himself no recommendations other than the services his father had rendered the country. In spite of that, after a warmly disputed election, my father was elected. A few years ago, while visiting old papers in the attic of our house, I found a song published during the election and where “the beardless one” is not spared. It is reported that Miss Grant traversed the country by horse, to bring voters in favour of his father4.
The Parliament having been convened shortly after the elections, my father took his seat in House. Thus started his public career, in a time of great difficulties between the people and the government.
1810 - As one was to expect, from the result of the elections, the new Parliament took the same position as the preceding one, and the governor, on his side, continued to dissatisfy the legislature and the people. Meanwhile, the province, through its representatives, offered to take care of its civil government's expenses. The difficulties with the governor continued and he launched a new dissolution of the Parliament. A few days afterwards, a company of soldiers transported itself, by higher orders, to the printing works of the only newspaper in the interests of the people then published in Canada. They seized the press and the printing types and I do not know even if they did not destroy them. This newspaper was entitled: Le Canadien. Going through its pages, it is easy to make an idea for oneself of what was then freedom of the press in Canada: today this newspaper would pass for being very moderate. Following this outrage came the arrests of the editor5, the owners, etc., of Le Canadien and several other citizens and members of Parliament, for high treason. Among these honourable citizens, figured the honourable and honoured Mr. Bédard, one of the first men of the opposition. They were all thrown in irons.
It is at the time of this crisis, I believe, in 1809 or 1810, and after the entry of dad in the House, that my grandfather withdrew from public affairs.
1811 - The following year, in 1811, Craig the tyrant was recalled and left the province in the middle of the people's curses. Sir George Prévost succeeded him.
1812 - In 1812, the United States declared the war on Great Britain. This power then needed the assistance of the Canadians; and the compliments and the caresses and the promises poored in abundance; it was like an oasis in the desert. The Canadians, too trustful, fell into the trap. And while the Tories were buying vacations to leave the province, or offered to garrison the towns, the Canadians prepared themselves to walk to the border to defend it against the enemy's attacks. With the little English troops there were in Canada, England was going to lose this province had it not been for the courage and the zeal of the Canadians. The militia battalions were soon incorporated. And the House, which had assembled after new elections, contributed generously to the expenses of the war. Several members of the legislature and the Bar which, by their condition, were free from service, nevertheless walked as volunteers. Dad was among them and a commission of captain. He was stationed a whole winter at Lachine and had, I believe, as lieutenant, the honourable Frédérick-Auguste Quesnel, of Montreal.
The following anecdote appeared some time ago in a Vermont newspaper. I asked dad if it were true, he says to me: “Yes, about so”. When Hull, the American general, was made prisoner and brought to Montreal, dad and his company escorted him part of the way to downtown. Along the way, he treated him with all the regards which his situation required. While approaching the city, a company of regular joined the escort and led the prisoners by the streets, by playing the air: “Yankee Doodle, etc.” in order to insult them. Dad with the other Canadian officers and soldiers were made so indignant at this conduct that they broke rank and gave up the escort, not wanting to take part in such a degrading act. The following day, at the parade, they were reprimands and some told them that, if they had been regulars instead of militiamen, they would have been severely punished.
1813 - On October 27, 1813, the American army was defeated at Châteauguay by a body of voltigeurs and Canadian militias, under the command of lieutenant-colonel Charles de Salaberry. There is no doubt that this battle does much honour to the Canadians, if the reports are true that they were only 300, and the Americans 8,0006. It is nevertheless due justice to say that the Americans attributed their defeat to treason, and a board of inquiry was appointed to examine the conduct of the commander, general Hampton7. I am unaware of the result of these proceedings.
It is certain that the various attacks on two Canadas were in general badly directed and one knows that the war was unpopular in the Souther States and that the party opposed to the government sought to block all its steps.
1814 - In 1814, there were engagements in various places in Upper Canada. The Canadian militias which were there have always distinguished themselves.
Sir George Prevost attacked Plattsburgh by land, while the English fleet attacked that of the Americans Lake Champlain. The English fleet was taken, and the governor with the remainder of his troops returned to Canada8. On December 24th of the same year, peace was signed at Gand.
Sir George Prevost, who had always shown himself the friend of the Canadians, became the object of their enemies' calumnies, and went to die of sorrow in England. His full-length portrait was engraved in London and, after his death, his only daughter sent a copy of it to dad and several others of his friends. Before leaving Montreal, I did not forget to tear off from vandalism the portrait of the best governor that we ever had. I place it in safety, where the hands of tyrants, red from the blood of our brothers, cannot reach it.
1815 - Nothing remarkable occurred in 1815, except maybe that the House laid charges against the judges.
1816 - And, in the course of the year 1816, the province had successively two governors: Sir Gordon Drummond and John Coape Sherbrooke.
1817 - Since a Constitution was granted to Canada, the House of Assembly in Lower Canada only had two speakers. In 1817, after Mr. Panet's death at a very advanced age, dad was named orateur.
1818 - In 1818 only, England answered the offer of the province to take care of its own expenses. Since that time, the country pays to sustain its civil government and must have the absolute control of the Treasury. Later, we will see how this right was unworthily trampled under foot and the difficulties which that occasioned.
1819 - In 1819, the governor, the duke of Richmond, died at Quebec as a result of a mad fox's bite.
It is this same year that I was born9 on the 26 of July, patronal celebraton (Saint Anne) of mémé Bruneau. She was my godmother and pépé Papineau, my godfather.
1820 - 1820 marks the beginning of the administration of the tyrant, Lord George of Dalhousie, of odious memory. (He is still alive.)10
1822 - In 1822, the famous project of the union of the two Canadian provinces appeared, invented by guilty intriguers, and submitted for adoption by the Imperial Parliament, the whole time without the knowledge of the people. In the person of Sir James Macintosh11, the country found a skilful and powerful defender. This really noble man came about to persuade the Parliament to wait before passing the bill that the opinion of the colonists be known.
1823 - When the news of this attempt reached Canada, the country expressed its astonishment and its indignation about this bill. One immediately adopted measures, and John Neilson, esquire, and dad left for England, as the country's agents.
Mémé Bruneau took me along to spend the winter with her, in Chambly. I remember very well the difficulties that we met on the crossing of Montreal to Longueuil. The ice was bad and often our drivers were obliged to extend from poles and paddles to pass above it and carried me in their arms. I was then 4 years old.
1824 - Dad and his colleague succeeded in having the Union bill rejected. Dad then passed to France where he remained a few weeks. Mr. Neilson returned immediately in Canada. While passing in Montreal, he came to see us. I was by chance close to the door when he entered. I recognized him at once, though I had seen him only once, and already several months ago. I ran to tell mom that “the Mister who had left with dad had arrived”. Some time after, one morning, before we were raised up, one knocked on the door. One opened the door and it was dad! He had arrived late, the evening before, in Longueuil: the night was rainy and obscure, consequently nobody wanted to cross him, and he was forced to sleep there. Impatient to see him family again, after one year of absence, he had crossed au point du jour.
This year, the legislature passed new a education bill. The difficulties continued between the governor and the Houes, concerning finances. The imperial Parliament passed the famous “Canada Trade Act”, thus violating the rights of the people, in legislating on the interior affairs of the country.
1825 - In 1825, the governor being away from the province, I do not know for which reason, sir Francis Burton replaced him pro tempore. His administration was equitable and appears it more so, when one compares it to that of Dalhousie. Unfortunately, the latter soon returned to take back his place, and the difficulties continued.
It is that year that Mgr Joseph-Octave Mgr Plessis died, the bishop of Quebec. He had been holding the episcopal see of this diocese for many years and was one of the most distinguished bishops whom Canada had. I remember perfectly the circumstances of his death. It was him who married my parents.
According to the general census of that year, the population of Lower Canada was of 423,630 souls.
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Fifth Book
Sixth Book
Seventh Book
Author's notes
1. Ten-years period (from the capitulation in 1763 up to 1774) which was terrible. Military despotism, martial law. Time of great sufferings and of the most vile injustices, of which only a few are still well-known today for lack of historians. And it is also one of the main reasons which committed me to write this diary.
2. Kent. It is only in 1829 that the current names and divisions for the counties took place.
3. Baron Grant is still alive and, I believe, resides in Upper Canada.
4. Miss Grant, currently Mrs. the widow of Montenach, resides at Montreal. It was singular to see a young and pretty girl transformed into such an ardent political partisan.
5. The editor was a Mr. Roy, who died a few years ago. He is the first French Master I had, while I was at reverend Esson's school, in Montreal, in 1829.
6. The events of this memorable day are detailed at length in the Topographie du Canada by Bouchette.
7. This general Hampton died in the United States two or three years ago.
8. Chancellor Walworth, who was aide de camp of the American general, told me several anecdotes on this day.
9. In Montreal, in the Bonsecours House.
10. April 28, 1838: The Albany Argus of yesterday announced his death, known by the last arrivals from Europe.
11. He died for several years ago.