Note B — Chapter VI · NOVA SCOTIA.

The readers of Humphrey Clinker may recollect the astonishment of the Duke of Newcastle, the foolish Minister of George II., on hearing that Cape Breton was an island. The story as recorded is worth reproduction: “They [the Ministers] are so ignorant they scarce know a crab from a cauliflower, and then they are such dunces that there is no making them comprehend the plainest proposition. In the beginning of the war this poor, half-witted creature told me, in great fright, that thirty thousand French had marched from Acadia to Cape Breton. ‘Where did they find transports?’ said I. ‘Transports!’ cried he; ‘I tell you they marched by land.’ ‘By land to the Island of Cape Breton?’ ‘What! is Cape Breton an island?’ ‘Certainly.’ ‘Ha! are you sure of that?’ When I pointed it out in the map he examined it earnestly with his spectacles; then, taking me in his arms, ‘My dear C——!’ cried he, ‘you always bring us good news. Egad! I’ll go directly and tell the King that Cape Breton is an island.’”