— 43 — 



dissentions and jealousy exist between the French 

 regulars and the Canadian militia. We can trust our 

 leaders ; but, my dear notary, rest assured that those 

 who have plundered our treasury will find means to 

 effectually conceal their rascality. If there is not 

 treachery, there will certainly be lukewarmness dis- 

 played, in the defence of the country. I warn you of 

 the fact." 



" At that moment the arrival of a messenger from 

 Quebec interrupted the conversation." 



" Here is a letter for you, reverend sir. I am also 

 the bearer of two other letters for the priests of the 

 neighboring parishes." 



" ' Thank you my friend,' replied M. Duburon — ad- 

 ding, ' Have you seen your brother since he has joined 

 the regiment in Quebec ? " 



" ' Oh yes, sir, and I can tell you that he is not afraid 

 to meet an Englishman, even should he resemble Old 

 Nick himself. Our boys are in high spirits there, and 

 they say that if they meet any more of the kilties, 

 Scotch Highlanders, such as they met at Carillon, they 

 will lead them a dance. My brother, pointing towards 

 the earthworks near the Falls of Montmorency, said : 

 " 'Look there ; if the English presume to attack us, with 

 these works to protect us, we will give them the d — 1 

 to eat." 



" The cur4 having glanced over the letter, read out 

 aloud the contents, thus : 



" ' Sir, — The English fleet is coming up the St Law- 

 rence. Agreable to the plan decided on by the governor 

 general, you and your parishioners will take to the 

 woods, with whatever you can carry away of the church 

 property. You will use your influence over your people 

 to make them remain in their hiding-places so long as 

 the English are in the vicinity of Quebec. May the 

 Almighty soon deliver us from such unpleasant 

 neighbors, &c. 



" ( tH. M., Bishop of Quebec' 



