Trifles From My Portfolio; Or, Recollections Of Scenes And Small Adventures - Vol. Ii by Surgeon Walter Henry

Author:Surgeon Walter Henry [Henry, Surgeon Walter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780857066527
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Oakpast
Published: 2011-08-25T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XIX. — ARRIVAL OF LORD GOSFORD.—MR. ROEBUCK.—ELEVATION OF MR. BEDARD TO THE BENCH.—HOSPITALITIES AND CONVIVIALITIES OF THE CHATEAU.

“Why, my Master, kind soul, said the Corporal, hasn’t the heart to hurt a fly.”

STERNE.

Lord Aylmer was succeeded in the Government of British America, by the Earl of Gosford, an Irish nobleman of great worth and popularity. Lord Gosford was, besides, chief Commissioner of a Board appointed by the King, to inquire into the alleged grievances in the Canadas. The other Commissioners were Sir Charles Grey, a retired Indian Chief Justice—a talented and most gentlemanly man—and Sir George Gipps, a clever officer of Engineers; with their Secretary, Mr. Frederick Elliott, a young Diplomatist of promise.

From the circumstances of the new Governor having retired early from the ball given to Lord Aylmer, to which he and the other Commissioners had been invited, and of having declined accompanying his Lordship to the wharf when he embarked for England; evidently from an apprehension that his politics might be identified, in limine, with those of his predecessor; observing persons predicted a total change of policy—and they were right. As to the early departure from the ball, it was decorous and proper; but most people believed that the civility of escorting Lord and Lady Aylmer to the wharf, could scarcely have any political misconstruction, and would, only be deemed a mere compliment; and moreover was what Lord Gosford owed Lord Aylmer, who had personally received himself there on his first arrival. There were, to be sure, placards posted in Quebec at the time, calling on Lord Aylmer's friends to muster strong and escort him to the wharf; and I have no doubt but that these public notices, which ought to have been disregarded, did in fact deter the new Governor from paying this parting civility, and thus induced him to act contrary to his own kindly nature. His Excellency was herein badly advised by the Engineer Commissioner.

The benevolence of disposition and warm honest Irish heart with which the Earl of Gosford was richly endowed by nature, soon shewed themselves in the most affable demeanour towards all classes, and in the exercise of a most liberal hospitality. There was a most fascinating bonhomie about him in society, which was quite unostentatious and unpretending, and calculated to make all his acquaintances personal friends and well-wishers. Yet was there much to be desired by those that loved him, on the points of dignity and discrimination. He diminished the value of his attentions by their undistinguishing diffusion. And when I observed this good man “coining his cheek to smiles,” from innate benignity, in a crowded ball-room, full of very miscellaneous company—many of whom

“Wondered how the d—l they got there,”

and going his rounds shaking hands heartily with six or seven. hundred people, I could not help feeling some commiseration for the probable condition of the good-natured muscles of his right arm and shoulder on waking next morning.

The Provincial Parliament met in November, when the Governor opened the Session by an unusually long speech.

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