Picturesque Quebec : a sequel to Quebec past and presentLe Moine, J. M. (James MacPherson), Sir
History
Picturesque Quebec : a sequel to Quebec past and present
Le Moine, J. M. (James MacPherson), Sir
Québec (Québec) -- Description and travel; Québec (Québec) -- Suburbs
"Yesterday, seventh night, being the anniversary of the victory
obtained over the Rebels in their attack upon this City in the year
1775, a most elegant Ball and Supper were given at Menut's Tavern by
the Gentlemen who served in the Garrison during that Memorable Winter.
The Company, consisting of upwards of two hundred and thirty Ladies
and Gentlemen, made a grand and brilliant appearance, and nothing but
mirth and good humour reigned all night long. About half-past six, His
Excellency, Sir Guy Carleton, Knight of the Bath, our worthy Governor
and Successful General, dressed in the militia uniform, (which added
lustre to the Ribbon and Star) as were also all the gentlemen of that
corps who served under him during the siege, entered the assembly room
accompanied by Lady Maria, &c., &c., and the Ball was soon opened by
her Ladyship and the Honorable Henry Caldwell, Lieutenant Colonel
Commandant of the British Militia. The dancing continued until half-
past twelve, when the Ladies were conducted into the supper room,
where Mr. Menut exhibited fresh proofs of that superior excellence in
the _culinary_ art he so justly claims above his Peers.... The
company in general broke up about four in the morning, highly
satisfied with their entertainment and in perfect good humour with one
another. May that disposition prevail until the next and every
succeeding 31st of December, and may each return of that glorious day
(the event of which was not only the preservation of this garrison;
but of the whole Province) be commemorated with the same spirit and
unanimity in grateful remembrance of our happy deliverance from the
snares of the enemy, and with grateful acknowledgements of those
blessings of peace and tranquility of Government and Laws we now enjoy
in consequence of that day's success."
The _Gazette_ of the following year carefully chronicles the gathering
of the Veterans of 1775.--"Thursday last being the anniversary of the
31st December, a Day which will be ever famous in the annals of this
country for the defeat of Faction and Rebellion, the same was observed
with the utmost festivity In the evening a ball and cold Collation was
given by the gentlemen who composed the Garrison in the winter of
1775, to His Excellency and a numerous and brilliant assembly of
Ladies and Gentlemen, the satisfaction every one felt in Commemorating
so Glorious an event, strongly appeared by the joy which was visible
in every contenance."
In 1790, according to the _Quebec Herald_, the annual dinner was
held at the _Merchant's Coffee House_, by about 30 survivors of
the Veterans, who agreed to meet twice a year, instead of once, their
joviality apparently increasing with their age.
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