CHAPTER IV.

Colonel F. W. DesBarres, successor to General Fanning—His character as a Governor—Succeeded by Charles Douglas Smith—His character as dis- «played in his opening address—Proelamation of immunity from Pro- prietory conditions—Oppressive measures in regard to Quitrents—John chGregor, Shei'ifl—Public meetings called in the Counties—Tyranny of the Governor exposed—Arrival of Colonel Ready, and departure of Smith.

afr ' ’ FN July, 1805, Colonel Joseph F. W. DesBarres arrived

.[ in the island for the purpose of succeeding Governor fig Fanning. He was a man well advanced in life, and had held for some time the position of Lieutenant-Governor of Cape Breton, when that island was a separate province. ‘His administ‘ation was notable for the occurrence of" three important events, namely, the official announcement to the assembly that the act of 1803, which was intended to invest in the Crown the lands on which arrears had not been paid, was disallowed; the passing of the important resolutions of the assembly, to which reference has been already made, condemning the disallowance as grossly unjust, and in direct opposition to a settled and declared imperial policy; and the declaration of war by the United States against Great 'Britain. Colonel DesBarres is said to have been a man of cultivated mind, who, during his administration, strictly adhered to the official line of duty ; and if he did not origi- nate, during the eight years he was in office, any measure which could be regarded as of striking public utility, he gave no evidence of a selfish or tyrannical disposition, which is more than could be affirmed of his successor, Charles ”Douglas Smith,-—-a brother of Sir Sydney Smith,—-—who