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Etienne Parent (1802-1874)
After many years in journalism, Etienne Parent revived the newspaper Le Canadien with the motto “our language, our institutions, our laws” in 1831. He staunchly defended the ideals of the Patriotes in demanding responsible government. However, Parent was opposed to armed insurrection against the British Empire, fearing it would result in a bloodbath. Instead, he called for non-violent resistance.
Old Press
Parent's voice became scathing after the execution of 12 Patriotes in 1838, and he accused Britain of plotting the annihilation of French Canadians. Two days after this article he was accused of seditious schemings, arrested, and sent to the Quebec City Common Gaol. Parent continued to write articles from his cell, which were smuggled out through special pies brought by an accomplice. He was released after 4 months in prison, but the cold and poor conditions in the gaol were to leave him practically deaf for the rest of his life.
Old Press
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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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