An Early 'Specimen of Canadian Poetry'

Type of resource
Author/collaborator
Title
An Early 'Specimen of Canadian Poetry'
Abstract
According to the author, "an 'Elegy to the Memory of Doctor Jones,' published in The Montreal Gazette on January 13, 1806, is the first poem in English to be described on publication as 'Canadian Poetry'." Dr. Robert Jones died in Montreal on December 15, 1805. The published elegy is signed "S.G." The author believes S.G. could be one of three Montrealers: Samuel Gerrard (1767-1857), a prominent merchant with military, legal, and political connections; Samuel Gale Sr. (1747-1826), a British-born American Loyalist and private secretary to Governor Robert Prescott; or Samuel Gale Jr. (1783-1865), a Montreal lawyer. The author believes that Samuel Gale Jr. is the most likely author of the elegy.
Publication
Canadian Poetry: Studies, Documents, Reviews
Volume
Vol. 26
Pages
70-74
Date
Spring/Summer 1990
Language
en
URL
Citation
Bentley, D. M. R. “An Early ‘Specimen of Canadian Poetry.’” Canadian Poetry: Studies, Documents, Reviews Vol. 26 (Spring/Summer 1990): 70–74. http://www.canadianpoetry.ca/cpjrn/vol26/bentley2.htm.
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