Valrennes, De. L Commander of Fort Frontenac, 223; repels attack of Schuyler, 232. F Commandant at Fort Frontenac, 233; tries to cut off retreat of Peter Schuyler at Chambly, 313.
Van Buren, Martin (1782-1862). Eighth president of the United States. Index: Mc Anxious to avoid war with Britain, 423; issues neutrality proclamation, 444; annoyed at Mackenzie, 445; pardons Mackenzie, 458; his political death-blow, 472. WT Sends Winfield Scott to settle Aroostook War, 135. Bib.: Cyc. Am. Biog.
Vancouver. D Hudson's Bay Company vessel, 183.
Vancouver, George (1758-1798). Entered British navy, 1771; sailed in the Resolution with Captain Cook on his second voyage, 1772-1775, and in the Discovery on his third voyage, 1776-1780. Lieutenant on the Martin, 1780; and served in the West Indies with Rodney, taking part in the battle of 1782. Appointed to the Europe, 1784; and to the Courageux, 1790, and promoted commander. In 1791 sent out in command of the Discovery, to survey the coast from lat. 30° N. to Cook's River, and to carry out the terms of the Nootka Convention. Through differences of opinion with the Spanish representative, Quadra, the latter part of his instructions could not be carried out, but the survey of the North-West Coast was carried out with such zeal and accuracy as to make it a permanent and very important addition to geographical knowledge. Returned to England in 1795, and spent the rest of his life preparing his journals for publication. Index: D Outline of his voyages to North-West Coast, 17; his skill, courage, and endurance, 19; search for North-West Passage, 19; meets Quadra at Nootka, 33; makes thorough exploration of entire Pacific coast from San Francisco to Bering Sea, 1792-1794, 34; finally leaves North-West Coast, Oct. 16, 1794, 15; meets Galiano and Valdez at Point Gray, 35. MS Mackenzie hears of, from Coast Indians, 85; his ships on the Pacific coast at time of Mackenzie's journey, 86. Bib.: Works: Voyage of Discovery to the North Pacific Ocean, 1790-1795. See also Bancroft, History of North-West Coast; Begg, History of British Columbia; Laut, Vikings of the Pacific; Meany, Vancouver's Discovery of Puget Sound; Dict. Nat. Biog.
Vancouver Island. The largest island on the west coast of North America. Named after Captain George Vancouver, who explored this coast in the years 1792-1794. The island was first named Quadra and Vancouver in honour of the two naval officers who met at Nootka in 1792 to carry out the provisions of the Nootka Convention. The first authentic landing on the coast of the island is that of Captain James Cook in 1787. Captain James Hanna landed at Nootka in 1785; and Captain John Meares in 1788. From this time trading and exploring expeditions spent more or less time at Nootka. In 1843 the Hudson's Bay Company made their first establishment on the island, Fort Victoria, at first known as Camosun. The island remained under the control of the Company until 1849, when it became a crown colony. Representative government was introduced, 1856; and in 1866 the island and mainland were united under one government. Index: D Organic existence since 1849, 1; first named Quadra and Vancouver Island by Vancouver, 35; only nominal possession at end of eighteenth century, 62; handed over to Hudson's Bay Company, Jan. 13, 1849, 194; terms of grant, 194; colonization and the Company, 194-195; first settler, 196; other arrivals, 197; population in 1853, 198; quarrels between Company and settlers, 198-199; recommendation of committee on Hudson's Bay Company, 1857, 201-202; history of early settlement, 203; first governor, Richard Blanshard, 1849, 203; relations with Company, 203-204; succeeded by James Douglas, 205; Hudson's Bay Company secures renewal of grant, 1854, 207; establishment of representative government, 1856, 208-210; meeting of first Legislature, 210-211; governor's inaugural speech, 211-215; Company's rights acquired by crown, 229; road-building, 249; early legislation, 271; Clergy Reserves, 273-274; history of legislation, 274; railway built, 327. Bib.: Begg, History of British Columbia; Bancroft, History of British Columbia; Macdonald, British Columbia and Vancouver's Island; MacFie, Vancouver Island and British Columbia. See also British Columbia.
Van Egmond, Anthony. Commander of the Upper Canadian rebels in 1837; a native of Holland; had been a colonel in Napoleon's army, and had seen much active service. In 1819 emigrated with his family to America, settling first in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, where he had a farm and a store. In 1827 moved to Upper Canada, and rented a farm near Waterloo; in 1832 possessed a mill at Egmondville, near Seaforth, and a farm within five miles. Invited by William Lyon Mackenzie to command the forces of the insurgents. In this capacity took part in the fight on Dec. 7, 1837, with the Loyalist troops, near Montgomery's tavern, on Yonge Street, Toronto, when the rebels were badly defeated. Later captured, and placed in jail; afterwards removed to the hospital, but died early in 1838 from disease and exposure. Index: Mc Commander-in-chief of the rebels, 1837, 360; arrives late, 376; indorses Mackenzie's plans, 376; in charge at Montgomery's farm, 379; captured, 382; dies in prison, 382. Bib.: Dent, Upper Canadian Rebellion; Read, Rebellion of 1837.
Vanelly. Ch Merchant, compensation awarded to, for goods seized, 221.
Vanfelson, Judge. E Member of Seigniorial Court, 187.
Van Horne, Major. American officer. Index: Bk Force of, dispersed by Tecumseh's Indians, 237.
Van Horne, Sir William Cornelius (1843- ). Born in Will County, Illinois. Educated at the common schools. In 1857 entered the railway service as telegraph operator on the Illinois Central Railway. After serving in various capacities on railways in the United States, and rising rapidly through all the grades, appointed in 1881 general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway; and since that date the vast extension and financial success of the railway has been due largely to his energy and resourcefulness. Became vice-president, 1884; president, 1888; chairman of the board of directors, 1899-1910. In 1894 created K.C.M.G. Index: Md Made president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, 1888, 238. Bib.: Morgan, Can. Men; Canadian Who's Who.