Thomas Bailie, Mr.Phair, and many other distinguished Irish gentlemen, the St.Patrick's Society of Fredericton at that time attained a high social position.

On St.Patrick's eve a yearly celebration also took place, the place of rendezvous being situated on Carleton street, adjoining the building now occupied as the post office.
Eloquent and patriotic speeches were the leading features of those meetings.

The following instance will serve to give an idea of the spirit which inspired those reunions.

On one occasion a member of this organization--a well-known citizen of Fredericton for many years--spoke as follows: "Mr.President and gentlemen, I wish to call your attention to a subject which should fire the heart of every Irishman.

Who was the gallant soldier, the true patriot, the hero who never once shrank from the fiercest of the fight, whose only glory was in his country's cause?
Who led his army conquering and to conquer, facing the foe with the calm and intrepid coolness of one who knew not the meaning of fear?
Who fought with fierce determination to conquer or die when surrounded by thousands of armed guerillas on the outskirts of Spain?
Who dared to face Napoleon?
Who dared to conquer the iron will of the Bourbon mandate?
Who but the proud 'hero of a hundred fights,'-- the Duke of Wellington! What country gave him birth ?" "Ireland!" was the answer, amid deafening shouts of applause which caused the building to shake beneath their feet.