The Rise of Canada, from Barbarism to Wealth and Civilisation. Volume 1Roger, Charles
History
The Rise of Canada, from Barbarism to Wealth and Civilisation. Volume 1
Roger, Charles
Canada -- History
A battle ensued, and
two French vessels fell into the hands of the British, the remainder of
the French ships escaping under cover of a fog. Quebec was reached
without further molestation, and Governor De Vaudreuil de Cavagnac was
installed. All Canada was, on his arrival, in arms. Every parish was a
garrison, commanded by a captain, whose authority was not only
acknowledged, but rigidly sustained. Agriculture was, consequently,
entirely neglected. Provisions were scarce; the price of food was
enormously high; and the fur trade was rapidly declining.
Notwithstanding this, the Intendant, Bigot, shipped off large
quantities of wheat to the West Indies, on his own account. The Marquis
de Vaudreuil de Cavagnac sanctioned the avaricious exactions and
dealings of Bigot. Practices the most dishonest and demoralizing were
winked at or excused. The Governors positively enriched themselves on
the miseries of the governed. A high standard value was given to grain
in store. It was studiously reported that the farmers were hoarding up
their stocks, and prejudice was so excited against them, that it was no
difficult matter to confiscate their corn, on pretence that it was
absolutely necessary for the city and the troops. De Cavagnac and Bigot
bought cheaply and sold extravagantly dear. As the Russian officials
cheat the Russian government, so did the French officials cheat both
the people and the government of France. But it was little wonder. The
Governor had only a salary of L272 sterling, out of which he was
expected to clothe, maintain, and pay a guard for himself, consisting
of two sergeants and twenty-five soldiers, furnishing them with firing
in winter, and other necessary articles. A Governor was compelled to
trade to be on a pecuniary level with the merchant.
[3] Now called Pittsburg, and the chief manufacturing town in the
United States.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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