CHAPTER VI

THOMAS NAIRNE, SEIGNEUR OF MURRAY BAY

His education in Scotland.--His winning character.--He enters the army.--Malcolm Fraser's counsels to a young soldier.--Thomas Nairne's life at Gibraltar.--His desire to retire from the army.--His return to Canada in 1810-11.--His life at Quebec.--His summer at Murray Bay, 1811.--His resolve to remain in the Army.--Beginning of the War of 1812.--Captain Nairne on Lake Ontario.--Quebec Society and the proposed flight from danger to Murray Bay.--Anxiety at Murray Bay.--The progress of the War.--An American attack on Kingston.--Captain Nairne on the Niagara frontier.--Naval War on Lake Ontario.--Nairne's description of a naval engagement.--Sense of impending disaster at Murray Bay.--The American advance on Montreal by the St. Lawrence.--Nairne's regiment a part of the opposing British force.--The Battle of Crysler's Farm.--Nairne's death.--His body taken to Quebec.--The grief of the family at Murray Bay.--The funeral. 124