A flooded serenade

Inundation – The Montreal Gazette Apr. 9, 1827

On Wednesday afternoon, the water of the little river rose so high as to overflow its banks, very considerably in Griffintown, so that passing to and fro was entirely impossible. Some young men, we are informed, that evening engaged a batteau and sailed through many of the streets, and by the aid of bugles, violins, flutes, fifes, clarionets and other musical instruments, serenaded the beauties of that quarter of the city. The water has since fallen about ten feet. We are informed it has done considerable damage to many of the poor inhabitants along its banks.