[PREFACE]
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PREFACE.
(MY OWN STORY.)
"To him that hath shall be given; from that hath not shall be taken away even that which be hath."
The following narrative, strictly true in every particular, sets forth how the imbecile and incompetent officials who held office under the Provincial Government some fifty years ago, used the powers vested in them to make or mar the future of bona fide settlers, which resulted in two broken lives.
The actors in this drama of real life have all but myself passed away. I must beg my readers to acquit me of egotism or any desire to pose as a heroine or a martyr. Not being blessed with literary merit, all imperfections will be overlooked, as "My Own Story" is compiled from an old diary, not originally intended for publication.
For the authenticity of "My Own Story," there may still be found in the archives of the province the full correspondence. The result, partly owing to want of political influence, and partly to the then bankrupt state of the provincial exchequer, I need hardly tell my readers, ended in failure.
The only individual who was deeply concerned was the surveyor, who, at my husband's constant solicitation, was sent to cut a few lines, the only survey made. He, in his desire to serve us at the time of sale, as a forlorn hope, posted a Gazette, which we received a month after the calamity; but not the slightest notice from the authorities in office. We always felt a keen sense of gratitude for his desire to serve us.
A tribute to the memory of him who reigned for fifty years lord of my bosom's love, whose many virtues endeared him to those who best knew him, and whose sense of failure preyed heavily on a sensitive and refined nature, embittering the later years of a virtuous life.
"Adieu, adieu, my Native Land;
My Native Land, good night."
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