papers in the box. The old gentleman, in whose possession they were
found, is very old and eccentric, and by no effort or persuasion could
the writer induce him to part company with the documents, but for a
short time. But although the task of procuring them was extremely
difficult, and that of deciphering them afterwards was both difficult
and tedious, still the satisfaction of having rescued from decay and
destruction, what seems so interesting, is satisfaction sufficient for
the writer.

That portion of the documents relating the events in connection with the
first and second settlement of an English officer and his family, during
the last century, in a district which is now said to be one of the most
beautiful portions of Canada, is most instructive and interesting,
although at times, while deciphering it, the writer felt his blood
quicken in its pulsations, and tears forcing their way to the surface.

A few years previous to this English officers first attempt at
settlement in Nova Scotia, he came out to Quebec with his regiment. The
remaining portion of this introductory chapter will narrate some events
in connection with the early life of the officer, his coming to Quebec
with his regiment, his short stay there, and his return to his native
country:--

On board the transport _Pitt_, in the year 1765, at Cork, embarked
Captain Godfrey with his regiment, the 52nd foot, for Quebec, North
America.

On the passage the _Pitt_ was wrecked in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where
Captain Godfrey with his regiment suffered many hardships.