so EOYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



others, invested large sums in real estate, near Quebec, in the early days 

 of the colony, after the conquest. 



The clever Seignior of Lauzon had from the first been deeply 

 impressed with the great possibilities which Canada, despite a severe 

 climate, ofl!ered for agricultural, manufacturing and industrial pursuits. 



Voltaire's sneer, at the '' 15,000 acres of snow," if it ever came 

 to the ears of the Major, evidently had no terror for him. Let us 

 proceed. 



A crisis in Canadian affairs was imminent in 1775; the colony had 

 to fight for its very existence. Major Caldwell was Just the man to 

 come to the front and buckle on his sword; his zeal, devotion, undoubt- 

 ed courage as Commander of the British Militia of Quebec during the 

 fierce assault and blockade by Montgomery and Arncld, are matters 

 of history. 



Caldwell had, in no small measure helped Guy Carleton in saving 

 Canada to Britain. Recognition and reward were in store for him; he 

 received and merited both. 



General Carleton selected Major Caldwell to be the bearer of the 

 despatches, announcing the defeat of the invaders in 1775-6. 



Caldwell warmly recommended by Guy Carleton and Col. Allan 

 McLean, landed in England amidst public rejoicings, on the 15th June, 

 1776. 



Imperial Eome had a laurel crown for the trusty messenger bring- 

 ing the news of a Roman victory. England, more practical, rewarded 

 Major Caldwell, the bearer of the glorious tidings, with a gift in hard 

 cash of £500 sterling, — the War Office made him a Lieutenant- 

 Colonel, whilst the King, later on, named him a Legislative-Councillor, 

 at Quebec. 



It is evident Caldwell's visit to London was far from being barren 

 of results, so far as he was concerned. His merit, intelligence, hand- 

 some perscn and happy addjess, secured to him some powerful friends, 

 amongst others William Pitt, the son of the great Lord Chatham. The 

 influence thus acquired, helped some ambitious plans he had previously 

 entertained. 



He applied to the Lords of Commerce, for a grant of the Quebec 

 and Levi ferry. They wrote on the 8th April, 1777, to Governor 

 Carleton, as to the propriety of granting a privilege, seemingly of con- 

 siderable magnitude. The ferry service in summer was effected by 

 canoes and " bateaux " who landed passengers and freight in the cul-de- 

 sac (the Champlain market now occupies the site). In winter, access 

 from Levi to the city, was had over the ice-bridge when it formed, and 

 in canoes, when it did not. 



