CHAPTER X.

MARGARET GODFREY ARRIVES IN NOVA SCOTIA.—­DEATH OF THE YOUNG LION OF THE WOODS.

In the month of August, 1784, Margaret Godfrey once again arrived in Nova Scotia.  This time she came alone, her husband being too ill to accompany her.  She left her English home and came out to Nova Scotia to secure a personal interview with Governor Parr, and do all in her power to get back the property on the St. John River; or if not, then she would endeavor to secure some compensation for it, through the instrumentality of the governor.  She remained at Halifax a few weeks, and then left for the St. John River.  She did not appear satisfied with her visit to the governor.  She could get no promise from him that the estate at Grimross Neck would be restored to her husband, or that any compensation would be granted in its stead.  Nothing seems to have been done in her interest, and she left Halifax deeply disappointed in her mission.

Trouble had recently arisen between the people settled at the mouth of the St. John and the authorities at Halifax.  Instead of one Province she was informed that there were now two Provinces.  She determined to cross over to Parrtown, and see what she could accomplish by visiting the estate personally.  With the letter from Sydney to Governor Parr, she took a certificate of survey, which read as follows: 

This may certify, that by the desire of Captain ——­, I have laid nine hundred acres of land on the Peninsular or place called Grimross Neck, in the Township of Gage, on the River St. John, beginning at the Portage and running down the river about two miles and a quarter to a maple tree marked, thence running S.W. till it meets Grimross Creek, thence up the said Creek to the Portage, thence crossing the Portage to the first mentioned bounds.

  ISRAEL PERLEY,
  Dept.  Surveyor.

  Gagetown, Jany. 31st, 1771._

Mrs. Godfrey finding that nothing could be accomplished by her visit up the river, returned to the settlement at its mouth.  The place of settlement had undergone a great change since the year 1770, when she first came to Fort Frederick with her husband.

She remained at Parrtown a few weeks, in order if possible to gather further information respecting the property at Grimross Neck, and to consult with some of the leading inhabitants, as to what course they would advise her to pursue.  She was most kindly entertained by the people of the place.

One fine morning, while walking about the settlement, she accidently met a fine looking young Indian girl.  The young squaw, whose black eyes shone in the bright sunshine as polished jet, put out her small brown hand and said in quite good English, “Please mam, won’t you give me something for sick husband?”

Margaret thought the dusky beauty looked rather young to be married, but she said to her, “And where does your husband live?”