Our Intellectual Strength and Weakness / A Short Historical and Critical Review of Literature, Art and Education in Canada

by John George Bourinot

[45a] Page 27.—Major Richardson was born at Niagara Falls in 1797, and educated at Amherstburg, U.C., where some of the scenes of "Wacousta" are laid. He served in the war of 1812, in the West Indies and in Spain, where he belonged to the British legion. He came back to Canada in 1838, and was for years connected with the press. He wrote a number of novels and short histories of Canadian events, but they are now all forgotten. His historical narrative is not generally trustworthy, while his later romances never even came up to the merit of "Wacousta." He died in obscurity some time after 1854—I cannot find the exact year—in the United States, where he attempted to continue a career of literature.

MARMETTE.

[46] Page 27.—Mr. Joseph Marmette, F.R.S.C., is the author of several works of fiction, viz.:

"François de Bienville. Roman historique." 1^ere ed., Québec, 1870; 2^e ed., Montréal, 1882.

"L'Intendant Bigot. Roman historique." Montréal, 1872.

"Le Chevalier de Mornac. Roman historique." Montréal, 1873.

"La Fiancée du Rebelle. Roman historique." Published in 'La Revue Canadienne,' Montreal, 1875.

DE GASPÉ'S WORKS.

[47] Page 27.—"Les Anciens Canadiens." By Philippe Aubert de Gaspé. Quebec, 1863, 8vo.

Several translations have appeared since 1863. That by Prof. Roberts (New York, Appleton & Co., 1890) omits the notes and addenda, which, if not interesting to the general reader, have much value for the historical student. Sulte's "Histoire des Canadiens," vol. vi., contains a portrait of the old French Canadian novelist. He also wrote "Mémoires" (Ottawa, 1886, 8vo.), which have also much historic value on account of their fidelity and simplicity of narrative.