[137] St. Ours street reminds the student of history of that brave French brigadier who on the glorious battle-field of the 13th September, 1759, shed his blood to uphold the lost cause of France.
[138] Dambourgès street perpetuates the name of the intrepid Lieutenant (afterwards Colonel) Dambourgès, who, on the 31st December, 1775, in the Sault au Matelot engagement, helped so zealously to uphold the flag of Old England.
[139] Hon. William Grant had wedded, at Montreal, on the 11th September, 1770, the widow of the third Baron de Longueuil, who had expired in 1755. Hon Wm. Grant's decease is thus mentioned in the Quebec Mercury, on the 7th October, 1805:—"Died, on Saturday, of an inflammation in his bowels, after a short illness, William Grant, Esq., of St. Roch. He came to this country shortly after the conquest; (about 1763). Under the old constitution (prior to 1774) he was many years a Privy and Legislative Councillor. Under the present one, he was three times elected a representative to the House of Assembly for the Upper Town of Quebec. He also, at different periods, filled several other important stations in the Province, in all which he manifested ability, assiduity and activity. He embarked in speculative enterprise at an early age, whence his life may be truly said to have been a life of distinguished usefulness. His possessions are extensive and valuable". On a portion of the lot acquired and still occupied by Mr. Prudent Vallée, from the heirs of the late Peter Brébaut, on the 4th May, 1833, by deed, before L. T. McPherson, Esq., N. P., there remains still the massive ruins of what in the early part of the century was a stately stone dwelling, with vaulted rooms in the basement. The edifice faced towards St. Vallier street, and was surrounded by a high wall, with an iron gate on the St. Vallier street side, and an iron porte-cochère, enclosing what was once no doubt a blooming garden; it is now densely built over, since the great fire of 1845 swept over the locality like a tornado. This ostentations mansion is described in Mr. Vallée's deed as the "Manor House," and we are led to believe that here for many a long day flourished the enterprising and wealthy "Seignior of St. Roch," the Hon. Wm. Grant, Receiver-General of His Majesty's rents, with Madame La Baronne de Longueuil, his respected spouse. The Grant estate, by a patent from Sir James Craig, dated 11th March, 1811, subsequently included what is now a most populous portion of St. Roch, styled "La Vacherie," because the city cows were daily brought to these moist lands adjoining the St. Charles. However, this opulent family had another manor, built by the Baronne very shortly after her marriage with Mr. Grant, in 1770, on the lovely Island of St. Hélène, opposite to Montreal. She had also erected, opposite to Molson's brewery, a banal mill to grind the corn garnered in the neighborhood. The St. Hélène manor was probably the country seat during the summer mouths, and the St. Vallier street mansion la maison de ville of its busy and successful master, who died in 1805, ten years after his noble lady, who had expired on the 25th February, 1795.
[140] This gentleman (Mr. William Henderson) was for many years Secretary of the Quebec Fire Assurance Company. I believe he is still living, and that he resides at Frampton, in the County of Dorchester, P.Q.
[141] Renaud & Brown's Mills at present.
[142] Report No. 3 of Commissioners of the Harbour of Quebec.
[142] Queen's Birthday, Brochure, 1880.
[144] QUEBEC PAST AND PRESENT, p. 353.
[145] QUEBEC AS IT WAS AND AS IT IS.—Chas. Roger, 1864.