New Brunswick -- Description and travel; New Brunswick -- History
Consequently the seat of Government is at present in the most
eligible place for the general convenience of the inhabitants of the
Province at large, than any other situation that possibly could be
selected. Diverging as from a common centre, the distance of the routes
from Fredericton to the most important parts of the Province are nearly
equal, viz. to St. John is about eighty-five miles, passing four
counties in the distance; to St. Andrews, the frontier town, about
ninety miles; to Northumberland about the same distance; to Fort
Cumberland in Westmorland, about one hundred and forty miles; and to
Madawaska, the upper settlement on the great road to Canada, about the
same distance.
In time of war, its situation for a military depot is excellent, as
from the direction of the routes just mentioned, the different
accessible parts of the Province could be easier succoured from here
than any other station. And if reinforcements should have to pass
through the Province to Canada during the winter season. Fredericton
and the Great Falls would always, from their situation, be the natural
depots for troops, stores, &c. Neither if magazines were formed at this
place could there be more danger of their being surprised and taken,
than at any of the sea-ports; for it is nearly one hundred miles from
an enemy's frontier, and there must be a great want of vigilance if any
body of men, sufficient to make an impression, should be allowed to
approach without opposing effectual resistance, or at the worst, taking
such measures as should disappoint them.
The importance of good accommodations for troops marching to Canada, at
Fredericton, and the upper parts of the river St. John, was well
ascertained during the last war, and should not soon be lost sight of.
In short, as nature has given St. John and the other sea-ports
advantages that cannot be taken from them, so Fredericton, from its
central situation, possesses advantages peculiar to itself. Instead,
therefore, of indulging in such partial jealousies, every encouragement
should be given to such towns, as they contribute to the improvement of
the interior of a country from whence most of the resources that
support the sea-ports are drawn.
Fredericton is slowly increasing in buildings and improvements. It has
a considerable share in the lumber trade, for which it is well
situated. Ship-building has also lately been commenced, and will
probably be prosecuted to considerable extent as there are no want of
good situations for launching, and abundance of timber.
If the main streets in Fredericton had been laid out to follow the
windings of the river they would have formed an agreeable curve; the
squares could then have been kept uniform in width, and the main
streets could have continued without a jog, the whole length of the
town, which would be a great improvement to the looks of the place.
SAINT ANDREWS.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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