A BED-LETTER DAY IN THE AMALS OF QUEBEC. 



Bi-Centennial Anniversary of the Eepulse of 

 Phips before Quebec, 23rd October, 1690. 



Amidst the many thrilling scenes and dramatic inci- 

 dents chronicled in the annals of the five sieges at 

 Quebec— 1629 — 1690— 1759— 1760— 1775— there 

 are few calculated to create deeper emotion, than those 

 recalled by the week of peril and of dire alarm for the 

 beseiged extending from 16th to 23rd October, 1690. 



On Monday, the 16th October, 1690, Louis de Buade, 

 Comte de Palluau et Frontenac, had just held for one 

 year the reins as Governor-General of New France, at 

 Quebec. The anniversary of his return to Canada would 

 likely have called forth a festal display and public 

 rejoicings, as the mere presence of the intrepid veteran 

 was reckoned a tower of strength to the struggling 

 colony, sorely beset by merciless Indian foes ; but, on 

 that eventful morning, an astounding announcement 

 blanched many cheeks : a powerful hostile squadron 

 from New England, with decks crowded with troops, 

 had anchored abreast of the unprepared, ill-fortified city. 

 History depicts the fiery old Governor at the head of his 

 staff, anxiously scanning, from the lofty terrace of the 



