Canoes passing Caughnawaga, 29 August 1860

In August 1860, Prince Albert Edward was transported up the St Lawrence River by birch-bark canoe. His escort comprised 100 Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) in boats, who sang as they accompanied the prince. Each canoe was painted and decorated with flags at the bow and stern. Here, the prince’s vessel can be seen at the head of the procession with the Royal Standard flying at the bow. Seated with him was the Colonial Secretary, the Duke of Newcastle, who accompanied him throughout the tour. Large crowds lined the banks at Caughnawaga (Kahnawake) to watch the royal procession pass the village ‘in great style and at a rapid pace’.