64 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

and the crossing made to Cape Tormentine; this being by far the shortest sea voyage and was much preferred to the old route. According to the statistics, Island built vessels of 7,552 tons were registered this year at a value of £72,550. It was estimated that about 1,000 men were engaged in ship—building and as many more in getting out timber and preparing cargoes. During this period 99 vessels were employed thus in foreign trade, II in coasting, 67 in plying to the West Indies, and I4 carrying timber. 47,000 bushels potatoes, 11,000 bushels of oats and 700 bushels of wheat were exported during the year.

“Our attention, says the Regisler of February 26th, 1828, “ was attracted by the unwonted spectacle ofa flag waving over the dingy roof of the Jail. On enquiring the reason,” adds the editor, “we were not a little pleased to learn that it had just been emptied ofits last involuntary inmates, which had called forth this ebullition of gladness, and offer our congratulations to the country on the absence of transgression.”

On the morning of the 15th of March, Captain Andrew Pemberton, Rifle Brigade, Commandant of the Garrison, died. Captain Pemberton with his Regiment, the old 95th‘now the Rifle Brigade—had fought at Waterloo, where he was severely wounded. His remains were proceeded to the grave by a firing party of forty men commanded by Lieutenant Smith, and followed by the Governor, a number of militia officers and other

gentlemen.

The Legislature again met on the 20th. Salutes were fired and a guard of honor was in attendance in front of the Court

House.

The King’s birthday was celebrated on St. George’s day, the 23rd of April. At 12 o’clock a Royal Salute, accompanied by a feu-a’e-joz'e was fired at the garrison- A levee at the hour of 2 o’clock was held at Government House, followed by a dinner party during the evening.

In consequence of a recent arrival later in the month, Char- lottetown became wonder struck for the time being. Though not of royal descent, yet numerous parties crowded round, who gazed with admiration upon the object of their curiosity. Pent up in the back yard of a public inn taking his rest and grunting to his satisfaction, was this interesting visitor, who was generally known by the high sounding appellation of “Stewart’s Pig.”