May 11th, Sunday--Begins with plenty of rain; wind south-westerly,
changes to foggy weather. At night wind south-easterly with
frequent showers.

The Union had not long to wait until she was joined by her sister
ships, and all lay safely anchored near the landing place at the Upper
Cove. We may well believe that the arrival of such a multitude
produced a profound sensation among the dwellers at Portland Point,
then a mere hamlet.

Three hundred years have passed since Champlain sailed up this same
harbor and in honor of the day of its discovery, gave to St. John the
name it still retains, but in all these centuries the most notable
fleet that ever cast anchor in the port was the "Spring fleet" of
1783. The old iron guns of Fort Howe thundered out their salute as the
score of vessels came up the harbor, the flag of Britain streaming
from the masthead, and we know that Major Studholme gave the wearied
exiles a hearty welcome. The old soldier had held his post secure, in
spite of hostile savages and lawless marauders, and he was now
equally faithful in the discharge of his duty to his new comrades. He
did his best to cheer their drooping spirits and as speedily as
possible to settle them in habitations which they once more might call
their own.

There is a quiet spot in the parish of Studholme, on the banks of the
Kennebecasis, where the mortal remains of Gilfred Studholme lie. No
headstone marks his grave.

Little preparation had been made by the Government of Nova Scotia for
the reception of the Loyalists, and the season was cold and backward.
Anxious as were the masters of the transports to return speedily to
New York they were obliged to tarry some days. We learn from an old
newspaper that the ship "Camel," captain William Tinker, sailed from
St. John on her return voyage, the 29th of May, in company with eight
other transports, and that they left the new settlers "in good health
and spirits." Before the Loyalists could disembark, it was necessary
to clear away the brushwood around the landing place and to erect
tents and various kinds of shelter. The 18th of May saw them safely
landed. The day was Sunday, and it is said the hapless exiles found
consolation in a religious service held by the Rev. John Beardsley on
the site of the present Market Square.

If Abraham's fidelity to the Almighty caused him on his arrival in the
land he was to inherit, to erect an altar, it was equally fitting that
the fi