“She won’t hurt you, She’s just alone. She’s just asking, Make my body whole.” ~ An excerpt from a poem by Doug Underhill

In the mid 1700s, The French Fort Cove, the place of the happenings concerning our tale, was a military fortification on the banks of the Miramichi River, between what are now known as the townships of Newcastle and Nordin, in the City of Miramichi, New Brunswick. The fort was established to defend against the British who were engaging the French in a campaign of eradication and expulsion, so as to secure the rich resources of the new land they had arrived in. Timber from towering trees to build masts for the ships were most sought after, as well as being crucial to construct dwellings and the ships themselves that would bring provisions and passage to many a seafaring traveler. The British, as well as the French colonisers, would fight for control of these lands which were, in reality, the lands of the First Nations Aboriginal Peoples, who had lived there for thousands of years before others arrived. It is estimated that 3,500 French Acadians fleeing the English aggression in neighbouring Nova Scotia stayed in the Miramichi area while preparing to make their way to safety, escaping to the neighbouring territory of Quebec. It would be here, that a young French Catholic nun would take upon herself the mission, to bring comfort to those who sought refuge and hope in this new unforgiving landscape.

Her name was Sister Marie Inconnus, and in addition to being a Catholic nun, she also was a teacher and nurse who came from France to Canada. This name ‘Marie Inconnus’, was a given name according to historian Harold W.J. Adams, who wrote of the Headless Nun in the Miramichi Leader, a local news publication. Adams claimed that “Inconnus”, being Latin for “Unknown”, and Marie, a common name taken by women committing to the religious order of the time, would be a befitting title. Others who claim to have seen her apparition since her ghastly murder, which saw her decapitated, her head dismembered from her body, simply call her, “The Headless Nun”.

Sister Marie would have been an integral aid and a saviour to the burdened people who were malnourished, fatigued and suffering from leprosy. Out of great compassion for her people, she traveled across the vast Atlantic Ocean to serve them in care and education as a trusted servant of the Church and their God. Responsibility of safeguarding the treasures of the faithful would be her lot to protect. Sister Marie would go on to agree to keep concealed, the valuables of her parishioners that she would later bury in a chest in the Cove, intent on preventing the invading forces from plundering it. This promise sealed her fate, as she would be brutally murdered before giving up the whereabouts of the treasures she buried. It can be easily imagined that these French Acadian colonisers endured great hardship in coming to this new world they claimed to have discovered. Those who were able to keep any, if few personal riches, chose to entrust them to Sister Marie who agreed to keep them until the danger had passed from the impending attack of the British who sought to destroy the colony. However, it was not the British she would need to fear as the story reveals.

The beheading of the young nun is said to have been perpetrated by sailors who had come to learn of the hidden treasure. Presumed mad from scurvy, the sailors, who sought anything of value, figured the bounty of the valuables would serve to be good barter to further their efforts of escaping to higher ground, far from the conflict of the war between two nations and perhaps using the bounty to remedy their life-threatening ailments. Intent upon getting out of harm’s way, they would commit a most heinous crime in their failed attempt to plunder the treasure. Another account is that of a lone madman who sprang from the woods, cutting her head off with a sword, leaving only her body. Left to the imagination, anything could be possible.

Sister Marie’s body was found by the Crow Brook which runs through the Cove, beside a small bridge. Shortly after, her remains were returned to France for burial. This being the case, the treasure was never found, nor was her head. It is said that her body returned in the form of a ghost that would search for her head, in addition to continuing to be the keeper of the hidden treasure. Those who search for the treasure and come across Sister Marie, are said to be followed by her tormented soul, who seems to be searching for their mercy or aid, perhaps so as to end her quest to be whole once more. Or could it be to locate the lost treasure? There are tales which defy explanation in regards to those who have encountered the spirit of Sister Marie. Perhaps she haunts those whom she feels are willing and able to help her find closure and the whereabouts of her head of course. It could be expected she would need it to find the treasure she had hidden so long ago!

As a young boy, upon hearing the story of The Headless Nun, it was decided to set out to find this Headless Ghost and her treasure! An adventure or two ensued during these explorations which lasted long hours, roving about and turning over each and every log, stone, and leaf my cohorts and I could find, in search of any sign that may lead us to this treasure we’ve heard so much about. We never found much in regard to gold, riches, heirlooms or even a plump nickel! What we did find was a love for nature in that Cove, and an appreciation of the rugged territory and determination these early settlers must have had to survive.

One afternoon while hiking about the Cove, a friend of mine found a remnant of old dark grey cloth wedged in the crook of a large tree. We thought, “Could it be ‘the Headless Nun’s cloak!?” It was indeed old, perhaps not 250 years old as the story would infer, considering the period during which Sister Marie would have been in the area, but nonetheless, it was mysterious. Just seconds later I would lose my footing, springing from one position quickly to another, when suddenly I was knee deep in quicksand! I began to sink quickly, and the friend who had accompanied me that day had to fish me out from the sinking pit using an extended limb from a tree. If not for quick thinking I believe I might have quicker become sand in time. I thought, “Wow! If this is where the treasure is, no one will ever find it!” Could it be possible I had come too close to this treasure?

On another occasion, while still roving about the hills and crags of the Cove, this time at night with two high school mates, we noticed on the opposite side a campfire, and a single figure moving in front of the flames. We thought the campfire would be inhabited by other youngsters out that night enjoying themselves, although when we arrived, we discovered a fellow asleep very close to the burning flames, so close in fact that the leather coat he was wearing was scorched, smouldering and looking almost melted. We awoke the stranger from his sleep by pulling him away from the intense heat of the direct flames. He seemed confused when we asked who he was with, and who it was that could be seen slowing walking by the fire. He said there was no one else and that he was alone. He then brushed himself off and staggered into the night. We deduced he must have just passed out too close to the fire perhaps. Later, I thought, had he in fact been moved there by someone…or something perhaps?

In the present day, one is able to visit the French Fort Cove in Miramichi, New Brunswick, which is now a provincial park where you can enjoy a guided tour, hiking, and other outdoor activities. But beware, take good care and measure! Should you be so bold as to go out looking for the famed ‘Headless Nun’, heed your head and better judgment in the light of the full moon alone, as it is said she may just follow you home!

Yours sincerely,
Mark Robert Allen Steeves
To learn more about the story of the Headless Nun, I would recommend reading author Doug Underhill’s, “Miramichi Tales Tall and True“, illustrated by Karen Wheaton, which has been an excellent resource and reference to call upon to gain an appreciation of the history and finer points of the time and place, as well as other stories related to the supernatural which have occurred in the area in the past. A recommended read to be sure!

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