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NOVA SCOTIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY. |
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late French war. At this time Messrs. Huston and Winslow, a very worthy gentleman, too, now Paymaster General of the troops at Quebec, carried on Commissary trade. This Mr. Winslow being a most complete accomptant, more so than Mr. Huston, in his goodness reckons himself; from him Watson acquired much of his knowledge in business. He was honored with a very particular degree of attention from Major Monckton, who then commanded at Fort Cumberland. The Major would frequently have Watson with him, employ him in adjusting the books, and in transacting his business; this was also a means of improvement, and Watson was apt to learn and much susceptible of improvement, availed himself of every help and privilege that a good Providence afforded. Here, it is true, the range of observation was confined, and the objects scanty and inconsiderable, the flowers of life he passed away in a shade, but it was a friendly shade. Here the healthy plant took deep root and imb'd nothing but what tended to its nourishment, and not a little of this was supplied and improv'd. For here he had the company and example of men of sense and honor, virtue and religion, so that whatever secondary and adventitious help might be awaiting, yet he had the necessary and best help for laying a good foundation, and was in a situation far from being unfavorable while the character is a forming. In this situation he continued 11 or 12 years.
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It is an observation made by Plutarch — that as the small features about the eyes are the most expressive and do most to distinguish the complexion of the individual, so the little incidents of life are of great account in making up a judgment of a person's real character. In great actions persons may out-do themselves, but in little actions they act themselves. With this observation I shall introduce an instance or two of the manliness and capacity of young Watson:—
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Some time after the English forces had taken possession of Fort Cumberland and the French had retreated to the west side of the river, a number of English cattle had one day cross'd the river at low water and strolled on the French side. This, not observed on the English side till after the tide had begun to make, and then it it was much queried if it might be practicable to bring them back. None was forward to make the attempt, only Watson said he should go for one, and, indeed, they all stood back and let him go alone. He stripped, swam over the river-side and all got round the cattle
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