The Bonny Grand

One of the all time Maritime Gothic stories took place in Margate PEI. Mary Tuplin, aged 17, was killed by Robert Tuplin, aged 19. The murder was precipitated by her pregnancy, which in 1887 was no small matter. The story was well known throughout the Maritimes. It is worth a bit of research and has a modern twist that would raise anyone’s eyebrows.

The Bonny Grand

Come meet me Mary Tuplin To stroll as lover’s do You in high boots and stockings And I in wing tipped shoes I’ve no bouquet of flowers But a pistol in my hand I’ve crossed the Sou’West River Aboard The Bonny Grand

Come sail with me Mary Tuplin Or shall I sail alone And tie around your middle This heavy anchor stone And slip you in the water To sleep on rock and sand And then to make the opposite shore Aboard The Bonny Grand

They’ll find your kerchief floating Beside the river bank And drag you from the water From that same spot you sank Then find the child within you That raised my murderous hand Then call for Robert Millman Aboard The Bonny Grand

They’ll hang me in the Springtime Beneath an April sky Where fifty dark eyed strangers Will come to watch me die And as the hang rope tightens And the pulse flies from my hand I’ll sail into the darkness Aboard The Bonny Grand

Come meet me Mary Tuplin It’s dark I cannot see I’ve slipped into the river The current’s taken me As from the murky bottom I upwards reach my hand Mary Tuplin sails away Aboard The Bonny Grand