96 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

The troops of the Garrison were relieved during June by the arrival of a Company of the 42nd Black Watch, com- manded by Captain Rollo. Their landing attracted a large number of persons to the wharf, as they were dressed in full Highland costume, and marched to their quarters to the martial sound of the pibroch.

This year was made memorable by a gale of unusual violence from the east north-east accompanied by a heavy fall of rain. It commenced on the evening of the 3rd of October, and continued next day and night with great fury, wrecking some seventy odd fishing vessels on the rocks and sands of the North Shore of the Island. Among them were, “5sz far/e,” 14 men, “Mary Malian,” 12 men, and the “Lady Franklin,” I4 men; lost at Rustico, all within one mile of each other, not one of the forty men on board saved. Although the storm was so fierce, one vessel rode out the gale off Tracadie in about 15 fathoms of water.

The meeting of the Legislature in 185 2, and anniversary of Her Majesty’s birthday, passed OH with usual demonstrations. A detachment of the 72nd Highlanders arrived on the 11th of May, commanded by Capt. Rocke. Though a Highland Regiment this corps did not wear the kilt.

During the dry weather in May, the underbrush in the forests became ignited in various districts and as the fire was uncontrollable many barns, houses, and valuable property were destroyed: at St. Eleanors a dwelling house, outhouse and work shop were burnt; on Lot 47 a saw mill; at Montague a grist mill; at Monaghan Settlement two houses and two horses ; at Murray Harbor Road, a stable and valuable horse.

In July, H. M. S. Devastation (6 guns) arrived in port from the Gulf where she had been stationed for the protection of the fisheries against foreign encroachment, H. M. S. Bari/12k (6 guns) also arrived on the 12th August, having on board Admiral Seymour, the Commander-in—chief of the British North American Station. Admiral Seymour landed under a salute from George’s Battery and was received by a guard of honor under Captain Rocke. A number of foreign vessels were seized in the Gulf of St. Lawrence {or violation of the fishery convention, and condemned during the summer.

The official reports of the state of education at this period