| Jane Ellice was married to Edward Ellice the Younger, Seigneur of Beauharnois, whose family was actively involved in the business world both in Upper and Lower Canada (Ontario and Quebec) during the first half of the 19th century. During the Patriots' rebellion of 1837-38, Mrs. Ellice and about 60 other Loyalists were held hostage in the Presbytery at Beauharnois. They were freed a week later by British troops. Of that moment, she wrote in her diary: "We thought that the rebels were coming to murder us... and I was trying to compose my mind when Mr. Parker pushed thro' the crowd & told us that we were safe." The National Archives' miniature collection includes close to 100 portraits, including some of prime ministers, members of the royal family, military leaders and other figures who made their mark in history. Watercolour on ivory
C-131638 |