Alfred Perry

“ They fought the fire inch by inch until they beat it back to its original centre in the Parliament buildings. The surrounding buildings had been drenched with water, but not one drop had been thrown on the burning House. Nor would it have been safe for any one to attempt it. At twelve o'clock the fire was over and the bugle sounded for the troops to fall in, the mob had dispersed and the firemen had packed and returned to their stations. It was now past one o'clock, and drenched and fatigued I left the scene, accompanied by a few friends. ”

“ Away they went across Place d'Armes, down Notre Dame, and then dashed into the enclosure in front of the Government House, the gates of which were then closed and Lord Elgin, without his hat, rushed up the steps with the agility of an athlete. ”

“ Meanwhile Parliament had assembled in the Bonsecours market and measures were taken to arm some of the friends of the ministry. This, as Moffatt, McNab, Prince, Sherwood and others said, was only adding fuel to the fire, but it was done. And our friends outside went on arming also. A feverish uncertainty pervaded all classes of people. In order to lessen the excitement the Hon. Mr. Moffatt was authorized by the Government to come to the prison and offer all the prisoners, except Perry le diable, as the French Canadians used to call me, their liberty. ”

“ Ermatinger, headed by a few troops, came to the rescue and the now gathering crowd, in front of the Government House, feared that the Governor-General might escape under the increased military protection. Notre Dame street was barricaded in anticipation of his return by that route. Timber was taken from a house in course of construction, at the corner of St. Gabriel and Notre Dame. The street was made impassable for a carriage. The mob now assembled near the Government House, and the soldiers were forcing the people back to Nelson's Monument. ”

“ The mob refused to go back. They marched behind the escort, cheering as they went along. It was now eight o'clock and we were at Dalhousie Square, then the headquarters of the military. Here the cheering from the people caused the horse to rear. Then the escort fell back a little as the horse pranced and threatened to run away. In an instant the mob broke through the open ranks of the soldiers and I soon found myself in the midst of my friends. The troops could not act as there was no magistrate present. I then got on top of the cab and appealed to the people to be quiet. ”

“ The sergeant was disarmed and I grabbed the mace, and was retreating from the chamber when Courtney claimed the mace as loot. Just then a stone which came through the window struck Courtney under the ear and that settled the question. The mob had now complete possession of the House and the members, despairing of help from the military authorities, were endeavoring to escape. Blake showed his activity by sliding down the metal spout attached to the building on the McGill street end. The field was now clear. We had driven the members from the House and our work was, so far, accomplished. ”

“ Then the cavalry closed up at each side and the rear of the carriage and the stones and bricks began to pop off the sides, back and front of the carriage, while the horses pranced, the coachman applied the whip and amidst a shower of missiles Lord Elgin and his escort succeeded in getting through the mob, while the horses were put to the gallop as they dragged the broken and almost wrecked carriage at their heels. ”

“ Once the burners were displaced the gas continued to burn, melting the tubes while the fire gradually kept running up to the ceiling and gradually disappeared burning in the loft. The Queen's picture had escaped injury. It was very large, with heavy, massive frame and of great weight. A stalwart Scotchman, dressed in plaid, and with a Scotch bonnet on his head, entered the main entrance as I was descending the stairs. He rushed passed me and used no choice language at our having abandoned the picture of Her Majesty to the flames. ”

“ Antoine and Mountain streets and away to Monklands. This headlong flight only added fuel to the flames. All along the route taken by Lord Elgin the people saw with astonishment the furious rate at which his horses were being hurried, and the crowds along St. James street and McGill street soon surged into masses as they moved along the way. The streets were nearly choked by the people who thronged them, but, as yet, there appeared to be no definite plan of action, no decision, no head. But at six o'clock a vent was found for the egress of the multitude. a cab was driven down St. ”