Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-11-08
completely obliterated by time, and Others can

completely oblterated by time, and Others can
only be seen by removing the moss which has
grown over them. Some are brief, giving only
the name and date Of birth and death; others add
the titles and rank Of the departed, with, in some
instances. short history of their lives: while an
other perhaps will comprise quite sermon. The
following is an exact copy Of a stanza closing an
inscription on a stone at the head of a double
grave containing the remains Of husband and
wife:
Now Dear friends pray
cease your tears,
for here we rest till christ
Who in glorious appears
Majesty will come
To Sentence every one Their
doom
Fifty years ago this fail, the whole country on
the north side Of the river and bay, extending
from the same to Bay Chaleur, distance of forty
five miles and from the ocean to point seventy
or more miles up the river, completely dcvas-
tated by fire. every thing in its course being de-
stroyed. In some instances whole families per-
ished. What people that could, fed to the river
for safety where many were drowned. An eye
witness Of tie scene stated to the writer that he
saw hundreds OF people-men, women and children
-wading in the edge Of the river, where they
were obliged to stay whole day and night. They
were throwing water upon themselves and each
other for protection from the intense heat Of the
fire and the burning cinders that were being
driven upon them by the wind. Another eye
witness said that the first ntimation he had of
the fire was from horseman rushing through the
forest road at the highest speed and warning the
woodmcn TO 1y for their lives The courier had
scarcely passed, when the fire upon them.
They abandoned their teams, and had barely time
to escape through an opening short distance 10
the river. The rushing Of the wind the roaring
and cracking of the flames, the falling OF heavy
trees, the burning embers tlyng through the air,
together with the rush of thousands Of animals
and birds endeavorpg to make their escape, made
a scene which was both grand and terrible be-
yond description. Especially was this true of the
night scene. The imagination, he said, could not
conceive such grand, wild and terrible picture as
was realized that night
the queer customs and pecaliaiitles OF these
people are not few The majority of the inhabi-
tants of this part Of the country are of Scotch
descent, and their broad accent sounds queery
enough. The children sound like old-fashioned
grandfathers and grandmothers in their converse
ton. Such names Cameron, Graham, Mae
Donald, Roderick Macleod, and the like, are
common. There are also many people of Irish
and French descent.
There is lack of thoroughness and cultivation
manifest on every side. The land is not well
titled the buildings are rude and unsightly; and
domestic matters suffer for want of neatness and
good taste. In word, the people need educating.
Until q very recent Gate all educational matters
were in deporably low state; but new com
mon school system has lately been adopted, and
in consequence better state of affairs viii soon
follow.
Reform is sadly needed in the importance cause.
The country is cursed with rum and the mseries
which result from its use. Liquor is sold without
restriction and drunkenness ard its attending
vices follow like scourge, spreading Iuln ON
every hand. The "Maine Liquor Law would he
the salvation of this country Let any one who
believes that such law does no good IN the cause
of temperance but compare the two countries and
he will be convinced of It's effectiveness. 1t abol-
ished the general use Of alcoholic liquors in Maine,
and could such an event be brought about IN this
country it would be the greatest benefit that could
be conferred upon it. Temperance societies are at
work all through the country, and they are doing
good work, but they need the strong arm of a
rigorous law to assist them and thereby render
their efforts truly cffcctual.
Respectfully yours,