forty years ago, in consequence of a quarrel between him and the British settlers, full of the most violent complaints against them. Let these matters be true or let them be false, why should they be brought forward now? It is evident that the Canadians wish to identify the character of the mercantile men of the present day with that of those who were here at the time General Murray wrote his letter. Let us suppose, (without, however, admitting the fact) that every thing General Murray said was true; that the English residents were at that time low bred and unprincipled, and that their conduct was such as might be expected from such people, both General Murray and the Canadians might feel it. It was a matter the Canadians had reason to regret and to complain of; but they might as well regret and complain of the conquest itself, for the one is a natural consequence of the other. What is the usual train of events upon a conquest? The old laws and regulations are overturned with the government that framed them. A military government at first takes place; its duration is in proportion to the nature, extent, and value of the colony.Respectable mercantile men look at the colony with an eye of suspicion; they will not leave places where they are already established, and which they know; they will not trust themselves, their families and property, in a country newly conquered, and which may soon revert to the parent state. Time alone can give confidence to mercantile men, and bring to a conquered country men of capital. Although they will not go themselves, however, they will risk part of their property, and put it in charge of those who may be inclined to try the experiment. Such men remain in the country at all risks, and they are joined by a number of the followers of the army who are known to be characters not the most respectable in the world. Such are always the mercantile men of newly conquered countries. One of the greatest evils of conquest is, that the ancient laws of the country being destroyed, and the new not understood and properly enforced, the evil-disposed, no longer feeling the restraints of law, break out into frequent excess, and are guilty of fraud and deceit; the bad shew themselves; the good become, in time, less good, from the influence of bad example. This principle operates equally upon the conquerors and conquered, and has been conspicuous in this country. It is ever to be regretted; but with conquest itself it must be endured. In process of time the two countries assimilate; mutual accommodation, mutual good offices, reconcile the people to each other. The military government gives place to civil government; and the equal and impartial distribution of justice by civil judges, keeps in check any attempts at injustice in the conduct of individuals; greater stability and security are given to property; the minds of men are at length brought into proper discipline by the regu lar operation of just and equitable laws.— Merchants of character and respectability, such as at present are to be found in this country, are attracted from different quarters, and grow. up in the country. Their capital gets into circulation, and by their knowledge and industry they supply the public wants, and infuse life and energy every where. Such is the progress of society in a con quered country. It is in the nature of things that it should be so. Why then should the Canadians, at this late period, rip up old sores, and attempt to attach to the present mercantile men of this country the character Murray gives of those who came here forty years ago? It is an unworthy, insidious kind of conduct, as distant from justice as from truth. Le Canadien seems to commence under the influence of a very bad spirit-amalignant spirit of party;—perhaps not unconnected with the views of that man whose victories and power are only equal led by his ambition, and his unquenchable hatred towards England. An idea is very generally entertained, both in Canada and in England, that the French, in their capitulations of Quebec and Montreal, stipulated for, and obtained the use of their own laws; and that we cannot now interfere in these matters. The first time I heard this idea started, was soon after my arrival in Canada. I had been reading the articles of capitulation, and the definitive treaty with France, ceding Canada; but they had left no such impression on my mind. I had recourse to them again, and remained convinced that no such con clusions could be drawn from them. The Canadians were allowed the free exercise of their religion; and private property, personal and real, with all their rights, were to be respected; but they are not allowed their ancient laws, or any share in the government. The only article in the capitulation of Quebec, which applies to this point, is the second, in which it is granted, "That "the inhabitants shall be maintained in the 66 possession of their houses, goods, effects, “and privileges."-In the capitulation of Montreal, the 27th article stipulates, "That the free exercise of the catholic, "apostolic, and Roman religion, shall sub"sist entire in such manner that all the 66 states, and people of the towns and coun"tries, places, and distant posts, shall con"tinue to assemble in the churches, and to frequent the sacraments as heretofore, "without being molested in any manner, "directly or indirectly. These people shall * Dated 18th September, 1759. |