North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1839-05-29
Du. CALVET'S MEMOIR.

~' 80 ~ - ~ CA'Ioths
Notwithstanding the extraordinary efforts Of the
British Government to suppress this work, a copy
(and perhaps the only one eItant,) has been pre-
served, and is now being translated for the columns
Of the NoRTH AHEEfcAK. We shall publish
copious extracts every week, that the American
people may become better acquainted with the
cruel policy Of Great Britain towards her Canadi-
an subjects, as early as the year 1850.
INTRODUCTION.
Mr.. Pierre Du Calvet held high rank
in the first class at Montreal. After the
conquest of Canada, he was entrusted by
General Murray with the important nego-
citation to bring back to their native land
the scattered and fugitive Acadans. His
success having wholly justified this mark
of confidence, he was elevated to the dig
nifty Of Justice Of the Peace which place he
held for many years without ever accept
ing any salary; but continued Judging
his fellow citizens, o, rather reconciling
one with the other; he thought so much
of the honor Of being Magistrate that he
paid Clerk for that purpose with his own
money. Under whatever form poverty
was discovered by him, he was never deaf
nor callous to the wants OF others, but on
the contrary his generosity and humanity
had no limits. Such kindness had but few
votaries, and in the end it created
many jealous enemies. Envy being eclip-
sed by virtue, became rritated and discharg-
ed its venom on Mr.. Calvet. With the
view to annoy him. his home was crowded
with troops, often in great numbers, with
out any compensation for his disbursements.
They went so far rs to assail him in his
own home; fire arms were discharged in
his dwelling house; an officer transformed
into judge now in Office, was the object
right or wrong ofgeneral suspicious; out
Of respect for the honor of the military bo-
dy, which ANONYMOUSLY exercised judi
cial authority for considerable time, oil
civil Judicial inquests were prohibited and
interdicted in the newspapers of Que
bee. The consequence was that the gale
ry in front of his house was broken to
pieces, his doors and shutters, although of
iron, were forced; and the injuries are to
this day unredressed, and himself exposed
to violence and oppression. Such were
the first scenes of persecution against Mr..
Du Calvet.
The fame Of civil war which in i775
spread over all the English Colonies, began
to extend it's fury to the Province Of Gu
bee. MIR. Du Calvet was holding place
Of distinction under the government: he
had inherited from his ancestors large
fortune, which had considerably increased
in his hands by his care land industry.
Gratitude, interest, his own inclinations,
the tenderest and the most powerful ties of
human life, every thing in word main
tanned his fidelity to his King; no one
would be traitor TO his own honor, his
welfare, his existence and to his own-self,
unless a prospect Of amelioratng his
own condition justifes reasonable at
temp,s; what advantages could all the
American States together offer to Mr.. Du
Calvet in compensation for the domestic
prosperity he enjoyed at homer During
all the troubles Of the war, he observed
that loyal conduct which becomes a man
whose fortunes are attached to the fate of
his Sovereign. Such decided fidelity was
to be rewarded by the Obstructive catastro-
ply which awaited him.
Peace was nearly re-estabished in Canada;
Mr.. Du Calvet was enjoying in the bosom
Of his family the tender fruits of public
tranquility, when on the 9th September,
1880, he was arrested suddenly by Capt.
Laws of the Saith Regt., his papers were
wrested from him in day time, and at night
his money was also taken; which has al
ways been kept as prize; he was escorted
to Quebec, and from thence dragged with
violence on board the Caneeaux, an armed
vessel then at anchor in the harbour; all
apparel which before that time belonged to
bed for human being, was taken a.