James Robertson

Title: James Robertson

Scene: On Prince Edward Island on a warm summer’s eve on the 62^nd birthday of James Robertson.

Grandson: Hey Grandpa’ James Why did you move here to St. John’s Island anyway?

James: Well it’s a very long story. If yer willin’ ta here it.

Grandson: Please tell us the story!

James: Well ‘looks at grandson’s puppy dog eyes’ aw allright.

                It all start’ed when I came ‘ere ta Canada. I was young and happy. Me an’ me brother, Alex, we left home ta start a new life. We finally, af’er what fel’ li’ a lifetime we arrived in New York. Me an’ yer’ grand uncle star’ed a newspaper company called “The Royal American Gazette”. Those were the days. We runne’ tha’ gazette fer eight years until those stupid Patriots kicked us out when we refused ta suppor’ th’ revolution happenin’.

                So we moved from place ta place four times till the war was over. But we was loyalists so we kept on publishin’ our newpaper agains’ th’ war. When th’ war stopped we moved ta’Shelburne, Nova Scotia, you know, where yer uncle Paul lives, an’ we printed the gazette ‘til three years after me brother died. Then I moved here wit’ your lovely grandmother an’ stayed here until now.

                But now I think it’s time fer bed!

Grandson: Nooooo! Tell me more!

James: No, no. it’s getting’ late. Off ta bed with ya.

Grandson: Aawww.

Did Loyalists Get What They Deserve?

 

By: Daniel Beg

When we look into the history of the United States of America we see a lot of loyalty to the country. But at one point in history I ask if there was too much loyalty.

In 1763, the president declared war on the British to gain liberty and freedom from them. Before then the British treated the USA horribly. They put a tax on everything: tea, paper printed and more. But the Americans thought that they shouldn’t have to pay taxes to the British. So they started a war.

During this war there were two sides to the coin. Only some of the American population wanted to attack the British. These people were called Patriots. But over 70,000 of the population then didn’t want to attack, this side were called loyalists. The Patriots despised the loyalists and attacked them many times. Even people who tried to stay neutral were targeted, like Thomas Randolph who was stripped covered in tar and feathers and ridden around town until he decided to leave. These people were all either kicked out of the country or left because of how they were treated.

My question to you is: Do you think that the loyalists got what they deseved?

Dear Mother the war is beginning

March 8,1763
 
Mother I am sorry that this message is so short but it is my last before I am sent to the front lines. I love you dearly and hope that I make it out alive.
 
Love forever,
  Christopher Hadfeild

Dear Mother

February 6, 1763
 
Dear mother,
 
There has been some talk of the president declaring war on the British. I would not blame him if he did. Although war is not good in the Catholic Church the British are treating us rather horrid. Did you know that they put a tax on every paper that we print! I bet in Canada there is no such thing. I am so glad that the president is taking charge to gain liberty.
 
I am going to tell you that if there is a war then I will sign up to be drafted. This is my decision and nothing you do will change it. I want my name to go down in history as one of the valiant fighters of this godforsaken war.
 
Your son,
  Christopher Hadfeild

Some More Letters

Feb. 9, 1763

Dear Family,

The farm is going good. In this brisk weather the barn is not nearing its finishing point any faster than if I didn`t have hands. Although we are halfway finished.

The king is trying to assimilate the French that are still here. His majesty has closed the Ohio valley. This only made things worse. Now the French are mad. They’re not going to move to Quebec all of the good land is already taken. But to be true I hear that the colonists in Quebec aren’t too happy either. The British merchants are blaming Governor Murray for favouring the French. Now we all know that that’s almost a crime, but they’re like little babies trying to fight over who is loved more by their parents. Makes us British look immature and unruly.

John Cowsson

               

Dec. 9, 1774

Dear Family,

The French were enraged beyond belief. I thought that these British merchants were going to be the downfall of this whole colony. I was afraid that war will once again break out. But all of that has been resolved.

Now some other person named Carleton is recommending that we keep the French as happy as possible. He thinks that we could be allies if the thirteen colonies ever attacked Britain. So now there’s a treaty that states that all of the French aren’t going to be assimilated. So all is well that ends well.

John Cowsson

The First Letter

Dear family,

I’m happy to be in this new land. I like farming here, the land is very fertile. The one thing that’s bad about this place is the way here. And now I’m one of the settlers in an almost completely unexplored land. What an adventure!

I went into town today to buy myself a horse and some wood for my barnand paper so I can write to you. I spied a couple of young ladies that I may fancy. I’m in the market now, so to speak. I’m looking for some help to put up my barn and I told a couple people and they said they might be interested. For a price of course.

                But all of the things that are going on! The Indians here have already tried to rebel but they got cold and left for the winter. The King has issued a royal proclamation to “better organize our gained territories”. They’re going to make laws, and start a whole new government here. The king is taking the Indians’ land left right and center. I don’t think they’re happy about it. He said that he would put out land claims but he hasn’t lately. Weird what this world is coming to, no honesty whatsoever.

John Cowsson