a youthful and handsome officer of Virginia
riflemen aged 27 years, a friend of Governor Dinwiddie, born in Glasgow in
1727—had been allowed the range of the fortress, on parole. His
good looks, his education, smartness (we use the word advisedly)
and misfortunes seem to have created much sympathy for the captive, but
canny Scot. A warm welcome awaits him in many houses—the French ladies
even plead his cause; le beau capitaine is asked out; no
entertainment at last is considered complete, without Captain—later on
Major Robert Stobo The other two are; Lieutenant Stevenson, of Rogers
Rangers another Virginia corps, and a Leith carpenter of the name of
Clarke. Stobo, after more attempts than one, eluded the French sentries,
and still more dangerous foes to the peace of mind of a handsome
bachelor—the ladies of Quebec. He broke his parole and deserted. He
will re-appear on the scene, the advisor of General Wolfe as to the best
landing place round Quebec: ["He pointed out," say the Memoirs, the place
to land, where after. wards they did, and were successful."—(Page 70.)]
doubtless you wish to hear more about the adventurous Scot.
A plan of escape between him,
Stevenson and Clarke was carried out on 1st May, 1759. "Major Stobo met
the fugitives under a wind-mill, probably the old windmill on the grounds
of the General Hospital Convent. Having stolen a birch canoe, the party
paddled it all night, and, after incredible fatigue and danger, they
passed Isle-aux-Coudres, Kamouraska, and landed below this spot, shooting
two Indians in self-defence, whom Clarke buried after having scalped them,
saying to the Major; " Good sir, by your permission, these same two
scalps, when I come to New York, will sell for twenty-four good pounds;
with this I’ll be right merry, and my wife right beau." They then murdered
the Indians faithful dog, because he howled, and buried him with his