Here the St. Andrews Society also gave their national celebration.  Last, but not least, came the St. Patrick Society.  The last named might, indeed, be called the Society.  Aided and encouraged by Colonel Minchin, Hon. Thomas Bailie, Mr. Phair, and many other distinguished Irish gentlemen, the St. Patrick’s Society of Fredericton at that time attained a high social position.  On St. Patrick’s eve a yearly celebration also took place, the place of rendezvous being situated on Carleton street, adjoining the building now occupied as the post office.  Eloquent and patriotic speeches were the leading features of those meetings.  The following instance will serve to give an idea of the spirit which inspired those reunions.  On one occasion a member of this organization—­a well-known citizen of Fredericton for many years—­spoke as follows:  “Mr. President and gentlemen, I wish to call your attention to a subject which should fire the heart of every Irishman.  Who was the gallant soldier, the true patriot, the hero who never once shrank from the fiercest of the fight, whose only glory was in his country’s cause?  Who led his army conquering and to conquer, facing the foe with the calm and intrepid coolness of one who knew not the meaning of fear?  Who fought with fierce determination to conquer or die when surrounded by thousands of armed guerillas on the outskirts of Spain?  Who dared to face Napoleon?  Who dared to conquer the iron will of the Bourbon mandate?  Who but the proud ’hero of a hundred fights,’—­the Duke of Wellington!  What country gave him birth?” “Ireland!” was the answer, amid deafening shouts of applause which caused the building to shake beneath their feet.  This is but one of the stories told of those meetings, showing the spirit of interest manifested.

To return to hotels.  On the site at present occupied by the Queen Hotel formerly stood the Market Inn, kept by Mr. Richard Staples.  This was a comfortable and convenient house, frequented by farmers as they came to the city to dispose of their produce.  In those days people settled principally near the St. John river and its numerous tributaries, with their lakes; therefore farmers generally used small boats for means of conveyance, waggons being looked upon as an extravagant luxury.  Another public house, kept by Mr. Robert Welch, and known as the Albion Hotel, also occupied a prominent position, being well furnished and affording comfort and good accommodation to the travelling public.  On Waterloo Row was situated the time-honored Royal Oak, kept by Miss Polly Van Horn, a name well known to those residing in the lower country districts.

Of other public institutions less may be said.  On the square now adorned by the imposing City Hall, with its memorable clock, formerly stood or rather squatted the old Tank House, serving rather in the capacity of use than ornament.  An old marketplace occupied the ground on which is now erected the County Court House.