340 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.

' able; and however much the members who com- posed it might have differed in their views and opi- nions in regard to the political affairs of the colony, they did not allow either to interfere with public amusements or private hospitality. Indeed, the polite- ness and attention with which respectable strangers were received, became proverbial.

During the course of Governor Smith’s long admi- nistration, those social and kindly feelings which ren~ der society delightful, and which are necessary to make a residence in any place agreeable, unhappily weakened and languished in the same ratio as the number of respectable residents diminished. Some of the leading people left the colony in disgust; others by their deaths left blanks, at that period not readily to be filled up.

The last American war gave animation and vigour to society; and the loyalty of the inhabitants, under many unpleasant circumstances of misrule and over- bearing government, manifested particularly on some of the review days at Charlotte Town, was remark- ably conspicuous. Several companies of militia went to great expense in finding handsome uniforms; and they also took great pride in acquiring a mastery in military exercises. The artillery company, the cavalry company, and some of the light companies, became remarkably alert in going through their movements and exercises. An act of seeming caprice, however, on the part of the governor, which removed their favourite officers, and the order for placing Captain

Barrington of the regulars under arrest, apparently 3