CHAPTER III.

FIRE IN MIRAMICHI-CONTESTED ELECTION FOR THE COUNTY OF NORTHUMBERLAND-DECEIT ON THE PART OF ECCLESIASTICAL SUPERIORS-DECLINES ENTERING THE MINISTRY OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH -BIBLE EXPEDITION-REV. MR. DOLLARD, &c.

THE summer of 1825, was unusually warm in both hemispheres, particularly in America, where its effects were fatally visible in the prevalence of epidemical diseases. During July and August, extensive fires raged in different parts of Nova Scotia, especially in the Eastern division of the peninsula ; but the country being generally cleared for a considerable distance round the settlements and villages, very little injury was sustained. In MIRAMICHI, and throughout the northern parts of New Brunswick, the season had been unusually dry. Scarcely any rain had fallen, and considerable apprehensions had been entertained for the crops. Very extensive fires were observed in a north-westerly direction. Also along the south side of "Le Baie des Chaleurs"-in several parts of "the district of Gaspé" -on the Richibucto; and thence in a southerly direction towards Westmoreland.

From the first to the fifth of October, a season generally cool, an extraordinary and an unnatural heat prevailed. The protracted drought of the summer acting up on the aridity of the forests, had rendered them more than naturally combustible. Land clearing had been carried on extensively all the spring; and as this operation includes burning the trees and roots, the circumstances mentioned above, facilitated both the progress and dispersion of these fires, and produced the unusual heat. On the 6th and 7th, the condition of the people living along the valley of the Miramichi, became very alarming. In the rear of Newcastle-in the vicinity of Douglastown and Moorfields—and along the banks of the Bartibog, the fires were evidently approaching the line of settlements on the north side of the main river. On the south side of the river from below Nappan, thence upward in the rear of Nelson Town, up Cain's river-and along the whole of the southwest, the same menacing process was going on. Indeed, the whole country appeared to be encircled by a flaming zone, which, gradually contracting itself by the devastation it made, seemed as if it would converge into a point, as soon as nothing remained to be destroyed.

On Friday the 7th inst., about 9 o'clock, in the evening, and for some time previous, lengthened

and sullen roars-repeated crashing noises-and sounds like unto thunder, filled every one with terror. The people seemed to be perfectly stupified. Every body seemed to be alive to their danger; but no one seemed capable of warding it off. And about the time stated above, and suddenly, as it struck me," HUNDREDS OF FLAMES OF FIRE" simultaneously burst from the forests, and rushed out upon the settlements and then NEWCASTLE, DOUGLASTOWN, and the whole northern side of the river, extending from "the BARTIBOG," to "THE NAASHWAAK," a distance of more than one hundred miles in length, became enveloped in one immense sheet of flame, that eventually spread over some thousands of square miles.

I was at the time this " GREAT FIRE" occurred, residing within a mile of Newcastle; and my candid opinion is, that a greater calamity never befel any forest country; and that very few places in any country, of the same population, and of the same available resources, ever experienced a greater loss.

The following statement of lives lost, and property consumed, was exhibited by a local committee, organized for the management of all matters connected with this disaster.

That the stranger may form a faint idea of the desolation and misery no pen can describe, he must picture to himself a large and rapid river, thickly settled for one hundred miles, or more, on both sides of it. He must also fancy four thriving towns, two on each side of this river; and then reflect, that these towns and settlements were all composed of wooden houses, stores, stables, and barns; and that the arrival of the fall importations had stocked the warehouses and stores, with spirits, powder, and a variety of combustible articles, as well as with the necessary supplies for the approaching winter. He must then remember, that the cultivated, or settled part of the river, is but a long narrow strip, about a quarter of a mile wide, and lying between the river, and almost interminable forests, stretching along the very edge of its precincts; and all round it. Extending his conception, he will see these forests thickly expanding over more than 6,000 square miles, and absolutely parched into tinder by the protracted heat of a long summer, and by the large fires that had streamed through almost every part of them. Let him then animate the picture

by scattering countless tribes of wild animals; hundreds of domestic ones; and even thousands of men through the interior. Having done all this, he will have before him, a feeble description of the extent, features, and general circumstances of the country, which, on the night I have mentioned, was suddenly buried in fire.

Resting on the indulgence of those who have been kind enough to patronize this work, it may not be improper to state, that I was, at the time of the "GREAT FIRE," residing within a mile of Newcastle. If my opinion be entitled to any consideration, this is its candid expression.-A greater calamity, than the Fire, which happened in Miramichi, never befel any forest country, and has been rarely excelled in the annals of any other: and the general character of the scene was such, that all it required, to complete a picture of the GENERAL JudgMENT, was the blast of a TRUMPET, the voice of the ARCHANGEL, and the resurrection of the DEAD.

During my first three years residence in MIRAMICHI-that is from October, 1824, to October, 1827, I filled the office of chief clerk in a very respectable mercantile house. The business consisted chiefly in importing British, and West India goods and provisions, which were sold to the lumberers, from whom timber, deals, lathwood, &c., were received