“_Upon this evidence the Jury went out of Court and in about an
hour returned with their Verdict Not Guilty--In justice to them
and to Major Disney I must declare that I am perfectly satisfied
with the Verdict._
“_Mr. Walker’s violence of temper and an inclination to find
People of rank in the Army concerned in this affair, has made
him a Dupe to the artifices of a Villian whose story could not
have gained credit but in a mind that came too much prejudiced
to receive it, the unhappy consequence of it I fear will be that
by mistaking the real objects of his Resentments the public will
be disappointed in the satisfaction of seeing them brought to
justice._
“_I should inform Your Lordship that the G. Jury inflamed with
Mr. Walker’s charge against them are preparing to bring in
several actions for words and have presented both him and Mrs.
Walker for Perjury--I have endeavoured to put a stop to both and
I hope I shall succeed._
“_I have the honour to be_
“_My Lord_
“_Yr. Lordship’s most obedt & humble servant_,
“_W. Hey_.”
The report of the trial was printed by Brown and Gilmour at
Quebec, it being the second book that appeared in Canada. The
first book published is generally believed to be “Catechisme du
Diocese de Sens Imprimé a Quebec chez, (Brown and Gilmour).” Brown
and Gilmour were the printers of the first journal “The Quebec
Gazette” published on June 21, 1764. It was printed with columns
of English and French and was issued weekly.
Walker was afterward removed on the consideration of the Council
from the commission of the peace at Montreal because of his
seditionary tendencies and of the frequent accusations of his
insolent and overbearing temper which made it impossible for
his brother magistrates to associate with him. General Murray
reluctantly consented if for no other reasons than his enemies
would otherwise see vindictiveness in his actions.
On the 27th of March, 1766, Walker, who had powerful friends
in England, was ordered by His Majesty to be restored to the
magistracy. On the same day an order from the privy council
was issued by the governor of Michillimackinac and Detroit to
give him effectual assistance in his business pursuits. At
the same time stringent orders were given for the discovery
of the perpetrators of the outrage on him. The government
offered a reward of two hundred pounds, and of a free pardon
and a discharge from the army to any person informing. Montreal
inhabitants offered another three hundred pounds. But there was
nothing done.
Between the actual outrage and the final acquittal of Captain
Disney, Walker had been a thorn in the flesh to Murray. His
dismissal from the bench made him no friend of the Governor and
he boasted afterwards that he had influenced Murray’s recall.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account