Addendum to Episode #13 – Gillespie Poem

For those who are interested in reading more poetry that directly concerns Scottish views on reforms in British North America in the immediate years after the 1837-1838 Rebellions, here is a short work by George William Gillespie. Titled ‘The Canadian Woodsman’s Farewell to his Log House’, this was published in 1843. As mentioned on the show, this ties in quite nicely with the subject matter, but was unfortunately cut due to time. Here it is in full for your reading pleasure. I would love to hear your thoughts about it!

N.B. The words are transcribed as they were written, so no there are no mistakes. It’s artistic flourish or linguistic changes!

The Canadian Woodsman’s Farewell to his Log House

Farewell! my wife and children dear,
Loved partners of my joys and woes;
My snug log-house, adieu, awhile,
Rear’d where the widening clearance shews;
My sturdy steeds, domestic cow,
Whose tinkling bell, when homeward bound,
Oft charm’d the stilly hour of eve, –
The bugle breathes a different sound.

It calls to quash wild discord’s din,
To quell rebellion late begun,
To save from foreign power and yoke
The soil our fathers’ valor won.
Be ours the task thence to repel
The inroads of these sons of spoil,
Our mustering word – integrity, –
And plaudits of our Parent Isle.
(1843)