Roger Davis, Loyalist

'True

ehind them, on the slopes that rose from the city, through the lifting mist of the morning, many could distinguish the outlines of the farms they had cleared by long and patient toil. The white of their comfortable homes stood out sharply against the grey ground about them and the green forest behind. In the makin

ey were sailing away. And while they looked back with interest, I could not see on the many faces about me a single evidence of pain at the going. Many of the men were old, and must begin in the new land, where they had begun here fifty years ago; but, as was fitting in the pioneers of a new way for many thousands of their countrymen who were to follow them durin

y weary months of restraint in the besieged city, all tended to render us unexpectedly happy. Social distinctions vanished. One in our loyalty, we resolved to be one in everything. My mother moved about among the farmer women from the c

fter sailing we entered Halifax har

rd him say partly to himself. 'The whole B

gh bold bluff rose sheer from the water to a great height; on the right the land lay much lower. Directly in front lay the harbour. It ran away to the north for full six or seven miles, by two or three in

. 'Neither Boston harbour nor any others on the w

taff on the top of a great mound some distance in front and to the left, a feeling of proud satisfaction came in upon me. The feeling of my new responsibility seemed to pres

had solemnly pledged myself to serve, no matter where we went or what happened, then for a time in the great happiness that came upon me, I forgot that I was but a boy of not yet seventeen, landing in a strange country with the responsibil

forward in silence-break out sweetly, but in a low voice, into an old familiar hymn. The spirit of the word

r help in

for years

from the s

eterna

n on the crowded deck was singing. Other ships caught it. Just as we drew to the landing-place the

r help in

for years

guard while

eterna

people's emotions. Tears that had refused to flow

ard, and in simple but beautiful language offered up a prayer of thanks for deliverance from the dee

uch-happy in the consciousness of having done right, strong in faith for the future, like our ancient ancestors the Pilgrim Fathers, with both songs and prayers on o

comfortable. For those of the Loyalists who had no means, both food and shelter were provided by the Government. With the assistance of Doctor Canfield, I was able to secure a temporary lo

arns, and warehouses for homes. Good food was not always easily obtained. Many who had been accustomed only to finely carpet

ree and light-hearted. Few spoke of the country we had left. There were many entertainments. The Governor, the army officers, the members of the council, and the more wealthy citizens opened their home

ound where flew the flag. The warmth of the beautiful spring air was everywhere about us. The grass had sprung green on the hillslopes, the brook

e loyal have refused the oath of allegiance to the King. A few have openly declared for the enemy. Two nights ago a cargo of hay being shipped from here to New York for the King's cavalry was burned. Worst of a

auties of the spring evening had no more cha

or fears,' Duncan said. 'Halifax ma

omething be d

n the St. John may yet be kept loyal. He has a

I said, 'if the Gov

reacherous; ther

must go, if I may be of servic

and many other farmers, who have been into the country for several miles, say that it is absolutely unfit for c

the slope. Had I been ri

orary home, I heard my mother and

now, and our money is half spent already. What are we to do when it is gone? A

, your name, and social standing. To accept this position means

hat. But how can there be any disgrace in doing honest work? I am strong

Canada. But in this, as in most other cases, necessity won. My proud-spirited mother was finally overborne in her opposition to my sister's proposal. Before we slept that

ext morning by an early

of the officers who is to go to St. John with Lieutenant-Governor Hughs to attem

aid eagerl