An excellent group of manuscript material concerning General Sir Charles Trollope’s time as British Commander in Quebec in the late 1850s, including a hand-drawn map of Old Quebec, the historic and cultural heart of Quebec City, and the birthplace of French North America.
Trollope (1808-1888) was in Canada early in his career during the Aroostock War of 1839 with the 36th Regiment. He then served with distinction in the Ionian Islands and the Crimean War in the 1850s before returning to Canada as a Major General where he served as British Commander in Quebec and spent three years as Commander-in-Chief of British forces in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The map depicts the old city situated at the confluence of the St Charles and St Lawrence rivers, with the suburbs of St John as the western boundary. The citadel on the banks for the St Lawrence is labelled in detail, as are the surrounding buildings, churches and market places, streets, plus other fortifications. Named buildings include the French Cathedral, Seminary Garden, House of Assembly and Chateau St Louis, Palace Gate Barracks (now Quebec City Hall), Governor’s Garden, Durham Platform and the Place D’Armes and Chateau St Louis (now site of Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac).
It’s entirely appropriate that such a map would be produced for Trollope who was then commander. The accompanying, smaller map appears to show mooted improvements to the garrison accommodation. The latter is signed C. de Montmorancy, he may also have been responsible for the larger map.
It seems evident from Trollope’s involvement in the Quebec Driving Club that he took a real interest in the city. Indeed, the esteem in which he was held is evident in the vellum scroll presented to Trollope on his departure to Nova Scotia. It reads in part: “To Major General Charles Trollope … being informed that you are on the eve of leaving for Halifax … the urbanity which has characterized you Official intercourse with the Civil authorities and the readiness you evinced on all occasions to aid them in maintaining the Laws command our warmest acknowledgements.” The document is signed by thirty-six of Quebec’s grateful magistrates, including E. Dagal, John Ross, F H Paradis etc.
Provenance: by descent through the Trollope family, then the UK trade.
