76 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

In the year 1837, a “ Ladies’ Benevolent Society,” under the patronage of Lady Harvey, of Charlottetown, became organized during the winter; having for its object pecuniary relief of the poor and needy. At the first Bazaar for the sale of fancy and useful articles, held in the Barracks, the sum of £72 was realized and disbursed as follows :—

Pecuniary Relief to 45 families - — - - - £22 cos. 0d.

Firewood, Oatmeal, etc., - - - - - - r4 3 o

Blankets and Clothing supplied to 19 women and 69 children 35 17 0 £72 9 o

On the 24th of January, 1837, the Assembly met midst military pomp and deafening sounds of cannon; and at the prorogation, during April, the same military display was observed. Upon this occasion His Excellency wore the full dress of a major—general of the army, be having recently obtained that rank, having gallantly acquitted himselfduring the late American war, at the battle of Stony Creek in 1813. A small British force having been attacked by a superior number of the enemy, when a severe contest ensued, which lasted for some time, but the British soldiers at length won the struggle and the enemy retreated from off the field, leaving some prisoners in the hands of the victors.

Major General Sir John Harvey had been appointed Governor of New Brunswick. His successor, Colonel Sir Charles A. FitzRoy, arrived from London on the 6th June, and landed on King’s Wharf, receiving such military honors as were due his rank.

The story of an English orphan who had lost her father when only nine months old will doubtless be regarded with interest. Though fatherless, she was nevertheless fortunate in the maternal care which she received under her parental roof, being educated in a kind judicious manner; blessed with affluence she reached her nineteenth year, although being secluded from all social society except that of her tutor, spiritual adviser and a doting mother. Yet this young child was destined to mark an important event in the history of our own times. Early on the morning of the 24th May, this year, the national banner, adorned with the Cross of St. George, the Saltier of St. Andrew and that of St. Patrick, was hoisted upon the flag-staff of the garrison, where it waved until the hour 0 sunset. Meanwhile, at 12 o’clock, noon, the citizens were