IN the year 1832 I
landed with my husband, J. W. Dunbar Moodie, in Canada. Mr. Moodie was
the youngest son of Major Moodie, of Mellsetter, in the Orkney Islands ;
he was a lieutenant in the 21st regiment of Fusileers, and had been
severely wounded in the night-attack upon Bergen-op-Zoom, in Holland.
Not being overgifted
with the good things of this world—the younger sons of old British
families seldom are—he had, after mature deliberation, determined to try
his fortunes in Canada, and settle upon the grant of 400 acres of land,
ceded by the Government to officers upon half-pay.
Emigration, in most
cases—and ours was no exception to the general rule—is a matter of
necessity, not of choice. It may, indeed, generally be regarded as an
act of duty performed at the expense of personal enjoyment, and at the
sacrifice of all those local attachments which stamp the scenes in which
our childhood grew in imperishable characters upon the heart.
Nor is it, until
adversity has pressed hard upon the wounded spirit of the sons and
daughters of old, but impoverished, families, that they can subdue their
proud and rebellious feelings, and submit to make the trial.
This was our case, and
our motive for emigrating to one of the British colonies can be summed
up in a few words.
The emigrant’s hope of
bettering his condition, and securing a sufficient competence to support
his family, to free himself from the slighting remarks, too often hurled
at the poor gentleman by the practical people of the world, which is
always galling to a proud man, but doubly scf, when he knows that the
want of wealth constitutes the sole difference between him and the more
favored offspring of the same parent stock.
In 1830 the tide of
emigration flowed westward, and Canada became the great land-mark for
the rich in hope and poor in purse. Public newspapers and private
letters teemed with the almost fabulous advantages to be derived from a
settlement in this highly favored region. Men, who had been doubtful of
supporting their families in comfort at home, thought that they had only
to land in Canada to realize a fortune. The infection became general.
Thousands and tens of thousands from the middle ranks of British
society, for the space of three or four years, landed upon these shores.
A large majority of these emigrants were officers of the army and navy,
with their families; a class perfectly unfitted, by their previous
habits and standing in society, for contending with the stern realities
of emigrant life in the baek-woods. A class formed mainly from the
younger scions of great families, naturally proud, and not only
accustomed to command, but to receive implicit obedience from the people
unuer them, are not men adapted to the hard toil of the woodman’s life.
Nor will such persons submit cheerfully to the saucy familiarity of
servants, who, republicans at heart, think themselves quite as good as
their employers.
Too many of these brave
and honest men took up their grants of wild land in remote and
unfavorable localities, far from churches, schools, and markets, and
fell an easy prey to the land speculators, that swarmed in every rising
village on the borders of civilization.
It was to warn such
settlers as these last mentioned, not to take up grants and pitch their
tents in the wilderness, and by so doing, reduce themselves and their
families to hopeless poverty, that my work “ Roughing it in the Bush”
was written.
I gave the experience
of the first seven years we passed in the woods, attempting to clear a
bush farm, as warning to others, and the number of persons who have
since told me, that my book “told the history” of their own life in the
woods, ought to be the best proof to every candid mind that I spoke the
truth. It is not by such feeble instuments as the above that Providence
works, when it seeks to reclaim the waste places of the earth, and make
them subservient to the wants and happiness of its creatures. The great
Father of the souls and bodie3 of men knows the arm which wholesome
labour from infancy has made strong, the nerve3 that have become iron by
patient endurance, and he chooses such to send forth into the forest to
hew out the rough paths for the advance of civilization.
These men become
wealthy and prosperous, and are the bones and sinews of a great and
rising country. Their labour is wealth, not exhaustion; it produce^
content, not home sickness and despair.
What the backwoods
of Canada are to the industrious and ever-to-be-honored sons of
honest poverty, and what they are to the refined and polished
gentleman, these sketches have endeavored to show.
The poor man is in
his native element; the poor gentleman totally unfitted, by his
previous habits and education, to be a hewer of the forest, and a
tiller of the soil. What money he brought out with him is lavishly
expended during the first two years, in paying for labour to clear
and fence lands, which, from his ignorance of agricultural pursuits,
will never make him the least profitable return, and barely find
coarse food for his family. Of clothing we say nothing. Bare feet
and rags are too common in the bush.
Now, had the same
means and the same labour been employed in the cultivation of a
leased farm, or one purchased for a few hundred dollars, near a
village, how different would have been the results, not only to the
settler, but it would have added greatly to the wealth and social
improvement of the country.
I am well aware that a
great, and, I must think, a most unjust prejudice has been felt against
my book in Canada, because I dared to give my opinion freely on a
subject which had engrossed a great deal of my attention; nor do I
believe that the account of our failure in the bush ever deterred a
single emigrant from coming to the country, as the only circulation it
over had in the colony, was chiefly through the volumes that often
formed a portion of their baggage. The many, who have condemned the work
without reading it, will be surprised to find that not one word has been
said to prejudice intending emigrants from making Canada their home.
Unless, indeed, they ascribe the regret expressed at having to leave my
native land, so natural in the painful home-sickness which, for several
months, preys upon the health and spirits of the dejected exile, to a
deep-rooted dislike to the country.
So far from this being
the case, my love for the country has steadily increased, from year to
year, and my attachment to Canada is now so strong, that I cannot
imagine any inducement, short of absolute necessity, which could induce
me to leave the colony, where, as a wife and mother, some of the
happiest years of my life have been spent.
Contrasting the first
years of my life in the bush, with Canada as she now is, my mind is
filled with wonder and gratitude at the rapid strides she has made
towards the fulfilment of a great and glorious destiny.
What important, events
have been brought to pass within the narrow circle of less than forty
years! What a difference since now and then. The country is the same
only in name. Its aspect is wholly changed. The rough has become smooth,
the crooked has been made straight, the forests have been converted into
fruitful fields, the rude log cabin of the woodsman has been replaced by
the handsome, well appointed homestead, and large populous cities have
pushed the small clap-boarded village into the shade.
The solitary stroke of
the axe, that once broke the uniform silence of the vast woods, is only
heard in remote districts, and is superseded by the thundering tread of
the iron horse, and the ceaseless panting of the steam engine in our saw
mills and factories.
Canada is no longer a
child, sleeping in the arms of nature, dependent for her very existence
on the fostering care of her illustrious mother. She has outstepped
infancy, and is in the full enjoyment of a strong and vigorous youth.
What may not we hope for her maturity ere another forty summers have
glided down the stream of time. Already she holds in her hand the crown
of one of the mightiest empires that the world has seen, or is yet to
see.
Look at her vast
resources—her fine healthy climate— her fruitful soil—the inexhaustible
wealth of her pine forests—the untold treasures hidden in her unexplored
mines. What other country possesses such an internal navigation for
transporting its products from distant Manitoba to the sea, and from
thence to every port in the world!
If an excellent
Government, defended by wise laws, a loyal people, and a free Church can
make people happy and proud of their country, surely we have every
reason to rejoice in our new Dominion.
When we first came to
the country it was a mere struggle for bread to the many, while all the
offices of emolument and power were held by a favored few. The
PUBLIC SCHOOL
country was rent to
pieces by political factions, and a fierce hostility existed between the
native born Canadians —the first pioneers of the forest—and the British
emigrants, who looked upon each other as mutual enemies who were seeking
to appropriate the larger share of the new country.
Those who had settled
down in the woods, were happily unconscious that these quarrels
threatened to destroy the peace of the colony.
The insurrection of
1837 came upon them like a thunder clap; they could hardly believe such
an incredible tale. Intensely loyal, the emigrant officers rose to a man
to defend the British flag, and chastise the rebels and their rash
leader.
In their zeal to uphold
British authority, they made no excuse for the wrongs that the dominant
party had heaped upon a clever and high-spirited man. To them he was a
traitor; and as such, a public enemy. Yet the blow struck by that
injured man, weak as it was, without money, arms, or the necessary
munitions of war, and defeated and broken in its first effort, gave
freedom to Canada, and laid the foundation of the excellent constitution
that we now enjoy. It drew the attention of the Home Government to the
many abuses then practised in the colony; and made them aware of its
vast importance in a political point of view; and ultimately led to all
our great national improvements.
The settlement of the
long vexed clergy reserves question, and the establishment of common
schools, was a great boon to the colony. The opening up of new
townships, the making of roads, the establishment of municipal councils
in all the old districts, leaving to the citizens the free choice of
their own members in the council for the management of their affairs,
followed in rapid succession.
These changes of course
took some years to accomplish, and led to others equally important. The
Provincial Exhibitions have done much to improve the agricultural
interests, and have led to better and more productive methods of
cultivation, than were formerly practised in the Province. The farmer
gradually became a wealthy and intelligent land owner, proud of his
improved flocks and herds, of his fine horses, and handsome homestead.
He was able to send his sons to college and his daughters to boarding
school, and not uncommonly became an honorable member of the Legislative
Council.
While the sons of poor
gentlemen have generally lost caste, and sunk into useless sots, the
children of these honest tillers of the soil have steadily risen to the
highest class; and have given to Canada some of her best and wisest
legislators.
Men who rest satisfied
with the mere accident of birth for their claims to distinction, without
energy and industry to maintain their position in society, are sadly at
discount in a country, which amply rewards the worker, but leaves the
indolent loafer to die in indigence and obscurity.
Honest poverty is
encouraged, not despised, in Canada.
Few of her prosperous
men have risen from obscurity to affluence without going through the
mill, and therefore have a fellow-feeling for those who are struggling
to gain the first rung on the ladder.
Men are allowed in this
country a freedom enjoyed by few of the more polished countries in
Europe; freedom in religion, politics, and speech; freedom to select
their own friends and to visit with whom they please, without consulting
the Mrs. Grundys of society; and they can lead a more independent social
life than in the mother country, because less restricted by the
conventional prejudices that govern older communities.
Few people who have
lived many years in Canada, and return to England to spend the remainder
of their days, accomplish the fact. They almost invariably come back,
and why? They feel more independent and happier here; they have no idea
what a blessed country it is to live in until they go back and realize
the want of social freedom. I have heard this from so many educated
people, persons of taste and refinement, that I cannot doubt the truth
of their statements.
Forty years has
accomplished as great a change in the habits and tastes of the Canadian
people, as it has in the architecture of their fine cities, and the
appearance of the country. A young Canadian gentleman is as well
educated as any of his compeers across the big water, and contrasts very
favourably with them. Social and unaffected, he puts on no airs of
offensive superiority, but meets a stranger with the courtesy and
frankness best calculated to shorten the distance between them, and to
make Ins guest feel perfectly at homo.
Few countries possess a
more beautiful female population. The women are elegant in their tastes,
graceful in their manners, and naturally kind and affectionate in their
dispositions. ’Good housekeepers, sociable neighbours, and lively and
active in speech and movement; they are capital companions, and make
excellent wives and mothers. Of course there must be exceptions to every
rule; but cases of divorce, or desertion of their homes, are so rare an
occurrence, that it speaks volumes for their domestic worth. Numbers of
British officers have chosen their wives in Canada, and I never heard
that they had cause to repent of their choice.
In common with our
American neighbours, we find that the worst members of our community are
not Canadian born, but importations from other countries.
The Dominion and Local
Governments are now doing much to open up the resources of Canada, by
the Intercolonial and projected Pacific Railways, and other Public
Works, which, in time, will make a vast tract of land available for
cultivation, and furnish homes for multitudes of the starving
populations of Europe.
And age in, the
Government of the flourishing Province of Ontario,—of which the Hon. J.
Sandfield Macdonald is premier—has done wonders during the last four
years by means of its Immigration policy, which has been most
successfully carried out by the Hon. John Carling, the Commissioner, and
greatly tended to the development of the country. By this policy liberal
provision is made for free grants of land to actual settlers, for
general education, and for the encouragement of the industrial Arts and
Agriculture; by the construction of public roads, and the improvement of
tho internal navigable waters of the Province; and by the assistance now
given to an economical system of railways connecting these interior
waters with the leading railroads and ports on the frontier ; and not
only are free grants of land given in the districts extending from the
eastern to the western extremity of the Province, but one of the best of
the new townships has been selected in which the Government is now
making roads, and upon each lot is clearing five acres and erecting
thereon a small house, which will be granted to heads of families, who,
by six annual instalments, will be required to pay back to the
Government the cost of these improvements—not exceeding $200, or £40
sterling—when a free patent (or deed) of the land will be given, without
any charge whatever, under a protective Homestead Act. This wise and
liberal policy would have astonished the Colonial Legislature of 1832;
but will, no doubt, speedily give to the Province a noble and
progressive back country, and add much to its strength and prosperity.
Our busy factories and
foundries—our copper, silver and plumbago mines—our salt and
petroleum—the increasing exports of native produce—speak volumes for the
prosperity of the Dominion, and for the government of those who are at
the head of affairs. It only requires the loyal co-operation of an
intelligent and enlightened people, to render this beautiful and free
country the greatest and the happiest upon the face of the earth.
When we contrast forest
life in Canada forty years ago, with the present state of the country,
my book will not be without interest and significance. 'We may truly
say, old things have passed away, all things have become new.
What an advance in the
arts and sciences, and in the literature of the country has been made
during the last few years. Canada can boast of many good and even
distinguished authors, and the love of books and book-lore is daily
increasing.
Institutes and literary
associations for the encouragement of learning are now to be found in
all the cities and large towns in the Dominion. We are no longer
dependent upon the States for the reproduction of the works of
celebrated authors; our own publishers, both in Toronto and Montreal,
are furnishing our handsome book stores with volumes that rival, in
cheapness and typographical excellence, the best issues from the large
printing establishments in America. We have no lack of native talent or
books, or of intelligent readers to appreciate them.
Our print shops are
full of the well-executed designs of native artists. And the grand
scenery of our lakes and forests, transferred to canvas, adorns the
homes of our wealthy citizens.
We must not omit in
this slight sketch to refer to the number of fine public buildings,
which meet us at every turn, most of which have been designed and
executed by native architects. Montreal can point to her Victoria
Bridge, and challenge the world to produce its equal. This prodigy of
mechanical skill should be a sufficient inducement to strangers from
other lands to visit our shores, and though designed by the son of the
immortal George Stephenson, it was Canadian hands that helped him to
execute his great project—to raise that glorious monument to his fame,
which, we hope, will outlast a thousand years.
Our new Houses of
Parliament, our churches, banks public halls, asylums for the insane,
the blind, and the deaf and dumb, are buildings which must attract the
attention of every intelligent traveller; and when we consider the few
brief years that have elapsed since the Upper Province was reclaimed
from the wilderness, our progress in mechanical arts, and all the
comforts which pertain to modern civilization, is unprecedented in the
history of older nations.
If the Canadian people
will honestly unite in carrying out measures proposed by the Government,
for the good of the country, irrespective of self-interest and party
prejudices, they must, before the close of the present century, become a
great and prosperous people, bearing their own flag, and enjoying their
own nationality. May the blessing of God rest upon Canada and the
Canadian people!
Susanna Moodie.
Belleville, 1871 |