The Settlers in Canada

6 hrs. 28 min.

Language Russian

Author Frederick Marryat

Narrator Alexander Sidorov

Description

In 1794, one family from England decided to leave for Canada to settle there. At one time, this territory was under French rule, but about three decades before the events described here, it passed to the British. The migration of that time barely resembled modern relocation: both the journey and life in the new place were tied to many risks. No steamers were yet running on turbulent rivers with rapids; large areas, especially in the north, were occupied by Indigenous tribes, and they could be encountered often even in the south. In addition, wild animals lived everywhere—some could be helpful, but most were dangerous. There were few Europeans, and the French predominated, who did not sympathize with the new authorities. Although over the years many English people had relocated to Canada and set up farms in different places, the best lands remained with the former French colonists. That’s why the new settlers most often had to move north or to the northern outskirts. These regions might be no worse—and sometimes even more fertile—than the south, but they were far too distant from Quebec, Montreal, and other population centers, so people there were left to fend for themselves and were practically without protection. That’s why moving the whole family from their home country to Canada required truly serious and compelling reasons. I’ll try to explain to the reader what they were…