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Earl of Dalhousie (1770-1838)
George Ramsay, the 9th Earl of Dalhousie, served as governor in chief of British North America from 1820-28. Conservative and authoritarian, he clashed with Canadien politicians like Louis-Joseph Papineau asking for responsible government: “They are truly in character Frenchmen,” wrote Dalhousie, “there is not a spark in them of British honour, or honesty, Loyalty or Patriotism – a half dozen of democratic attorneys lead by the nose a set of senseless ignorant fools.”
Coat of Arms of Lord Dalhousie
(LHSQ archives)
Because of such intransigence, Dalhousie was recalled to Britain. Dalhousie nevertheless contributed to the colony by patronizing social and cultural institutions in Canada.
One of these was the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, founded in 1824. Despite its imperial beginnings, the Society grew to represent a broad cultural and linguistic spectrum.
Coat of Arms of Lord Dalhousie
(LHSQ archives)
One of these was the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, founded in 1824. Despite its imperial beginnings, the Society grew to represent a broad cultural and linguistic spectrum.
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© 2009  Literary and Historical Society of Quebec All rights reservedPhoto: The Prison in 1830 (James Pattison Cockburn, ANC) Web Site: Jennifer Simard |
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