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diff --git a/old/54554-0.txt b/old/54554-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 63bbc06..0000000 --- a/old/54554-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,30019 +0,0 @@ -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 54554 *** - - - HISTORY - OF THE - Settlement of Upper Canada, - (ONTARIO,) - WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO - THE BAY QUINTÉ. - - BY - - WM. CANNIFF, M.D., M.R.C.S.E., - - PROFESSOR OF SURGERY UNIVERSITY VICTORIA COLLEGE, AUTHOR OF THE - “PRINCIPLES OF SURGERY.” - - - - - TORONTO: - DUDLEY & BURNS, PRINTERS, VICTORIA HALL. - 1869. - - - - - TO - - THE HONORABLE - - SIR JOHN ALEXANDER MACDONALD, K.C.B., D.C.L., M.P., - - PREMIER OF THE DOMINION OF CANADA, - - THIS VOLUME IS BY PERMISSION RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, - - AS - - A RECOGNITION OF HIS ABILITIES AS A CANADIAN STATESMAN, AND AS A TRIBUTE - TO A LONG STANDING INHABITANT OF BAY QUINTÉ, WHO HAS GIVEN HIS TALENTS - AND ENERGIES TO LAY A SURE FOUNDATION FOR “A GREAT NORTHERN NATION.” - - BY HIS RESPECTFUL ADMIRER, - - WILLIAM CANNIFF. - - - - - PREFACE. - - -In the year 1861 a meeting was convened at the Education Office, -Toronto, with the view of establishing an Historical Society for Upper -Canada. The writer, as an Upper Canadian by birth, and deeply interested -in his country with respect to the past as well as the future, was -present. The result of that meeting was the appointment of a Committee -to frame a Constitution and By-Laws, and take the necessary steps to -organize the proposed Society, and to report three weeks thereafter. - -The Committee consisted of the Hon. Mr. Merritt, Rev. Dr. Ryerson, Col. -Jarvis, Mr. DeGrassi, Mr. Merritt, J. J. Hodgins, Dr. Canniff and Mr. -Coventry. For reasons unknown to the writer, this Committee never even -met. The following year the writer received a printed circular -respecting an “Historical Society of Upper Canada” which had been -established at St. Catharines, of which Col. John Clarke, of Port -Dalhousie, was President; Hon. Wm. H. Merritt, Vice-President, and -George Coventry, of Cobourg, Secretary. - - - “HONORARY MEMBERS.” - - “Chief Justice Sir John Beverley Robinson, Bart., - Colonel Jarvis, _Toronto_, - Doctor Canniff, _Toronto_, - Henry Eccles, Esq., Q.C., - William H. Kittson, Esq., _Hamilton_, - Henry Ruttan, Esq., _Cobourg_, - The Venerable Lord Bishop of Toronto, - Alfio DeGrassi, Esq., _Toronto_, - J. P. Merritt, _St. Catharines_, - Thomas C. Keefer, Esq., _Yorkville_, - Hon. George S. Boulton, _Cobourg_, - David, Burn, Esq., _Cobourg_.” - -At the request of this Society the writer undertook to prepare a Paper -upon the Settlement of the Bay Quinté. Having been induced to take up -his abode for a time at Belleville, near which he was born, the writer -availed himself of every opportunity he could create while engaged in -his professional duties, during a period of five years, to collect facts -pertaining to the subject. After some months of labor, he was advised by -friends, in whose judgment he had confidence, to write a History of the -Bay Quinté, for publication. - -Acting upon this advice, he continued, with increased energy, to collect -and elaborate material. In carrying out this object, he not only visited -different sections of the country and many individuals, but consulted -the libraries at Toronto and Ottawa, as well as availed himself of the -private libraries of kind friends, especially Canniff Haight, Esq., of -Picton. As the writer proceeded in his work, he found the subject -assuming more extended proportions than he had anticipated. He found -that, to write an account of the Settlement of the Bay Quinté, was to -pen a history of the settlement of the Province. Finally, he has been -induced to designate the work “A History of the Settlement of Upper -Canada.” - -The labor, time and thought which has been given to the subject need not -to be dwelt upon. Every effort has been made, consistent with -professional duties, upon which the writer’s family is dependent, to -sift a mass of promiscuous material which has come under investigation, -so that grains of truth alone might fill the measure which this volume -represents. - -Various sources of information have been duly indicated in the text; but -there are a large number of individuals, from whom information has been -obtained, whose names could not be recalled. - -This work has been one of love as well as labor; yet time and again the -writer would have relinquished it had it not been for the words of -encouragement, volunteered by his friends. - -The writer has explained the cause of his writing this volume. He now -presents it to the reader—to Canadians—to the world. He loves his -country so well, that he regrets an abler pen had not undertaken the -task, that justice might be more fully done to the worthy. - -Fault may be found because of repeated and earnest protests against the -attitude assumed by the United States: the comments made in respect to -their history: the contrast drawn upon the subject of LIBERTY and -FREEDOM. The writer offers no excuse. He has endeavored to adhere to -truth. It is true these pages have been written during a period of great -irritation to Canadians, from the hostile and aggressive spirit which -the United States have displayed towards us; but a record has been made -which, it is trusted, will stand the test of the closest examination. - -As to the work, apart from its historical character, no remark is -offered, except that the writer is perfectly conscious of errors and -imperfections. Time has not been allowed to polish; and while the pages -have been going through the press, other necessary duties have prevented -that close and undivided attention which the work demanded. But -subscribers to the volume were urgent in their requests to have the work -without further delays. The reader is referred to a page of _Errata_. - -A concluding chapter it has been found necessary to omit, in consequence -of the size already attained. In this it was intended to discuss the -future prospects of the Dominion. The writer has unbounded faith in the -Confederation scheme. Before this scheme was initiated, the writer, in a -lecture delivered to a Toronto audience, uttered these words. Pointing -out the elements which constitute the fabric of a great nation, he -remarked that he “loved to contemplate the future, when all the British -American Provinces would be consolidated into a grand whole; when, from -the summit of the Rocky Mountains, would be seen—to the East along the -magnificent lakes and river to the Atlantic, and down the western slopes -to the Pacific—the ceaseless industry of the Canadian beaver, and the -evergreen Maple Leaf overshadowing the peaceful homes of Canada.” The -prospects now are far brighter than when those words were spoken; and -notwithstanding the obstacles—an unpatriotic company of Englishmen, the -unscrupulous designs of covetous Americans, and the apathy of the -British Government—the belief is broad and strong that the dream of the -future will be realized. There is life in the tree whose seed was -planted eighty years ago, and as it has in the past continued to grow, -so it will in the future. - -In concluding these prefatory remarks, we desire to tender our thanks to -all who have assisted us directly or indirectly, by supplying -information, and by encouraging words. Particularly we thank those -gentlemen who gave their names as subscribers, some of them voluntarily, -years ago, before the work was fairly commenced; also the Hon. Lewis -Wallbridge, for procuring for us, when Speaker, copies of manuscript in -the Parliamentary Library, at Ottawa. - -Finally, we express our obligations to the Publishers and Printers. - - Toronto, 27th March, 1869. - - [_Copy Right secured._] - - - - - CONTENTS. - - - A SKETCH OF FRANCO-CANADIAN HISTORY. - - - CHAPTER I. - PAGE - - Antiquarianism—Records of the Early Nations—Tradition—The Press— - The Eastern World—The Western World—Importance of History— - Columbus—Colonization—Canada—America—Cartier—French Canadian - writers—Cartier’s first visit—Huguenots—Cartier’s second visit— - Jean Francois—Sir George E. Cartier—Establishment of the Fur - Trade—Champlain—Discovery of Lake Ontario—Bay of Quinté—Quebec - founded—First fighting with Indians—First taking of Quebec by - the British—Returned to France—The Recollets and Jesuits—Death - of Champlain—Foundation of Montreal—Emigration from France—The - Carignan Regiment—DeCourcelle—Proposal to found a Fort at Lake - Ontario—Frontenac—Fort at Cataraqui—La Salle—Fort at Niagara— - First vessel upon the Lakes—Its fate—Death of La Salle, the - first settler of Upper Canada—Founder of Louisiana—Discoverer of - the mouth of the Mississippi 1 - - - CHAPTER II. - - Cataraqui Fort strengthened—Kente Indians seized and carried - captive to France—Massacre of Lachine—Commencing struggle - between New England and New France—Siege of Quebec by Sir Wm. - Phipps—Destruction of Fort Cataraqui—Its re-erection—Treaty of - Ryswick—Death of Frontenac—Iroquois in England—Another attempt - to capture Quebec—Decline of French power—Population of Canada - and of New England—Continuation of the contest for the fur - trade—Taking of Fort Louisburg—Col. Washington, dishonorable - conduct—Inconsistency of Dr. Franklin—Commencement of seven - years’ war—Close of first year—Montcalm—His presentiment—Taking - of Fort Oswego—Of Fort William Henry—Fearful massacre—The state - of Canada—Wolfe appears—Taking of Frontenac—Duquesne—Apathy of - France—The Spring of 1759—Reduced state of Canada—Overthrow of - French power in America—The result—Union of elements—The capture - of Quebec—Wolfe—Death of Montcalm—Fort Niagara—Johnson—Effort to - retake Quebec—Wreck of the French army—Capitulation at Montreal— - Population—The first British Governor of Canada—The Canadians as - British subjects—The result of French enterprise—Rebellion 15 - - - DIVISION I. - - THE REBELLION OF 1776—THE THIRTEEN COLONIES. - - - CHAPTER III. - - First American rebellion—Independence—Traitors made heroes— - Loyalists driven away to found another colony—The responsibility - of rebelling—Treatment of the Loyalists—The several colonies—The - first Englishman in America—Receives £10—English colonization— - Virginia—Convicts—Extent of Virginia—First Governor—Virginians - not willing to rebel—Quota supplied to the rebel army—New York— - Hudson—The Dutch—New Netherlands—Price of New Amsterdam (New - York)—First Legislative Assembly—Not quick to rebel—Quota of - rebel troops—Gave many settlers to Upper Canada—New Jersey—Its - settlement—A battle ground—Gave rebel troops; also loyal troops— - Furnished settlers to Upper Canada—Massachusetts—Captain Smith— - New England Puritans—The “Mayflower”—First Governor—Cruel - treatment of Indians—Massachusetts takes the lead in rebelling— - Troops—Loyalists—New Hampshire—Troops—Delaware—Settlement—Quota - of rebel troops—Connecticut—Education—Troops—Roman Catholics— - Toleration—Rhode Island—Providence—Inconsistency of the - Puritans—Roger Williams—North Carolina—Inhabitants—South - Carolina—Many Loyalists—Pennsylvania—William Penn—Conduct toward - Indians—The people opposed to rebellion—Georgia—Oglethorpe— - Policy of New England—New England 32 - - - CHAPTER IV. - - American writers—Sabine—Loyalists had no time to waste— - Independence not sought at first—Adams—Franklin—Jay—Jefferson— - Washington—Madison—The British Government—Ingratitude of the - Colonists—Taxation—Smugglers—Crown officers—Persistence— - Superciliousness Contest between Old England and New England 41 - - - CHAPTER V. - - The signers of the Declaration of Independence—Their nativity— - Injustice of American writers for 80 years—Cast back - mis-statements—The Whigs had been U. E. Loyalists—Hancock— - Office-seekers—Malcontents stir up strife—What the fathers of - the Republic fought for—Rebel committees—Black mail—Otis, John - Adams, Warren, Washington, Henry, Franklin—What caused them to - rebel—What the American revolutionary heroes actually were— - Cruelty, during and after the war—No Freedom—The political - mistake of the rebels in alienating the loyalists—The - Consequence—Motives of the loyalists—False charges—Conscientious - Conservatives—Rebellion not warranted—Attachment to the old - flag—Loyalists driven away—_Suppressio veri_—Want of noble - spirit towards the South—Effects—Comparison between loyalists - and rebels—Education—Religion—The neutral—The professions 46 - - - CHAPTER VI. - - Republicanism—The lesson of the first rebellion—The late civil - war—The Loyalists; their losses and hardships—Ignored by - Americans—Unrecorded—The world kept in ignorance—American glory— - Englishmen—Question of Colonial treatment—The reason why Great - Britain failed to subdue the rebellion—Character of the rebel - bravery—The great result—Liberty in England and United States - contrasted—Slavery—The result to U. E. Loyalists—Burgoyne— - Mobocracy—Treatment from “Sons of Liberty”—Old men, women and - children—Instances of cruelty—Brutality—Rapacity—Torture—The - lower classes—“Swamp Law”—Fiendish cruelty—Worse than Butler’s - Rangers—Seward and the Fenians—Infamous falsification—Close of - the war—Recognition of independence by Great Britain—Crushed - hopes of the Loyalists—In New York—Their conduct—Evacuation day— - The position of the Loyalists—Confiscation—“Attainting”—Seizing - Estates—Paine—Commissioners at Paris—British Ministry—Loyalists’ - petition—King’s speech—Division of claimants—Six classes—The - number—Tardy justice—Noble conduct of South Carolina—Impostors— - Loyalists in Lower Canada—Proclamation—The soldiers’ families— - Journeyings—Meeting of families 52 - - - CHAPTER VII. - - A spirit of strife—The French war—British American troops—Former - comrades opposed—Number of U. E. Loyalists in the field—General - Burgoyne—Defeat—First reverse of British arms—The campaign— - Colonel St. Leger—Fort Stanwix—Colonel Baume—Battle of - Bennington—General Herkimer—Gates—Schuyler—Braemar Heights— - Saratoga—Surrender—The result upon the people—Sir John Johnson— - Sir William—Sketch—Indian Chief—Laced coat—Indian’s dream—It - comes to pass—Sir William dreams—It also comes to pass—Too hard - a dream—Sir John—Attempt to arrest—Escape—Starving—Royal greens— - Johnson’s losses—Living in Canada—Death—Principal Corps of - Royalists—King’s Rangers—Queen’s Rangers—Major Rogers—Simcoe—The - Rangers in Upper Canada—Disbanded—The Hessians 63 - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - Indian names—The Five Tribes—The Sixth—Confederation—Government— - Subdivisions—Origin—Hendrick—Death—Brant—Birth—Education— - Married—Teaching—Christianity—Brant elected Chief—Commissioned a - British Captain—Visits England—Returns—Leads his warriors to - battle—Efforts of Rebels to seduce Brant to their cause— - Attempted treachery of the Rebel Herkimer—Border warfare— - Wyoming—Attempt to blacken the character of Brant—His noble - conduct—Untruthful American History—The inhabitants of Wyoming— - The Rebels first to blame—Cherry Valley—Van Schaick—Bloody - orders—Terrible conduct of the Rebels, Helpless Indian families— - Further deeds of blood and rapine by the rebel Sullivan—A month - of horrible work—Attributes of cruelty more conspicuous in the - Rebels than in the Indians—The New Englander—Conduct toward the - Indians—Inconsistent—The “down trodden”—The Mohawks—Indian - agriculture—Broken faith with the Indians—Noble conduct of - Brant—After the war—His family—Death—Miss Molly—Indian usage—The - character of the Mohawk—The six Indians as Canadians—Fidelity to - the British—Receiving land—Bay Quinté—Grand River—Settling— - Captain Isaac, Captain John—At present—Mohawk Counsel 71 - - - CHAPTER IX. - - Individuals—Anderson—Bethune—Burwell—Butler—Canliff—Claus—Coffin— - Doune—Jarvis—Jones—McDonald—McGill—McGilles—Merrit—Munday— - Peters—Robinson—Singleton—Ross—McNab—Allen—Allison—Ashley—Bell— - Burritt—Casey—Carscallion—Church—Clark—Crawford—Dame—Daly— - Diamond 85 - - - CHAPTER X. - - Ferguson—Frazer—Gerollamy—Goldsmith—Harrison—Hudgins—Hicks—Howell— - Hover—Hogle—Ham—Herkimer—Holt—Jones—Johnson—Ketcheson—Loyst— - Myers—McArthur—Miller—Mordens—McDonald—McDonnell—McDonell— - Ostrom—Peterson 100 - - - CHAPTER XI. - - Rogers’ family—Ryerson—Redner—Sherwood—Taylor—Van Dusen— - Williamsburgh—Wright—Wilkins—Young—Officers who settled in - Niagara District 117 - - - DIVISION II. - - TRAVELING IN EARLY TIMES—ORIGINAL ROUTES. - - - CHAPTER XII. - - Indian paths—Portages—Original French routes—Mer de Canada— - Original names of St. Lawrence—Ontario—Huron—Route by Bay - Quinté—Old French maps—Original English routes—Four ways from - Atlantic to the Lakes—Mississippi—Potomac—Hudson—Indian name of - Erie—From New York to Ontario—The Hudson River—Mohawk—Wood - creek—Oneida Lake—Oswego River—The carrying places—West Canada - Creek—Black River—Oswegotchie—The navigation—Military highway— - Lower Canada—An historic route—The paths followed by the - Loyalists—Indian paths north of Lake Ontario—Crossing the Lake— - From Cape Vincent to the Bay Quinté—From Oswego by Duck Islands— - East Lake—Picton Bay—Coasting Ontario—Two ways to Huron—By Bay - Quinté and Trent; by Don River—Lake Simcoe—Point Traverse— - Loyalists—Travelling by the St. Lawrence—First road—Long - remembered event 129 - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - Indians traveled by foot or by canoe—Secreting canoes—Primeval - scenes—Hunting expeditions—War path—In 1812—Brock—A night at - Myers’ Creek—Important arrival—The North West Company—Their - canoes—Route—Grand Portage—The Voyageurs—The Batteaux—Size— - Ascending the rapids—Lachine—A dry dock—Loyalists by batteaux— - Durham boats—Difficulties—In 1788, time from Lachine to - Fredericksburgh—Waiting for batteaux—Extracts from a journal, - traveling in 1811—From Kingston to Montreal—The expenses—The - Schenectady boats—Trade between Albany and Cataraqui—The Durham - boat—Duncan—Description of flat-bottomed boat by “Murray”— - Statement of Finkle—Trading—Batteaux in 1812—Rate of traveling— - The change in fifty years—Time from Albany to Bay Quinté— - Instances—Loyalists traveling in winter—Route—Willsbury - wilderness—Tarrying at Cornwall—The “French Train”—Traveling - along north shore of Ontario—Indian path—Horseback—Individual - owners of batteaux—Around Bay Quinté—The Last regular batteaux— - In 1819—“Lines” from magazine 135 - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - The first Vessel—The French—La Salle—The Griffon—Vessels in 1770— - During the Rebellion—Building at Carleton Island—Captain - Andrews—The Ontario—Col. Burton—Loss of the Ontario—The - Sheehans—Hills—Givins’—Murney’s Point—Schooner ‘Speedy’—Mohawk— - Mississauga—Duke of Kent—Capt. Bouchette—Paxton—McKenzie— - Richardson—Earle Steele—Fortiche—The Governor Simcoe—Sloop - ‘Elizabeth’—First vessel built at York—Collins’ Report upon - Navigating the Lakes—Navy in Upper Canada, 1795—Rochfoucault— - Capt. Bouchette—Officers’ Pay—York, the centre of the Naval - Force—Gun Boats—The Loss of the “Speedy”—Reckoner—Dr. Strachan— - Solicitor-Gen. Gray—Canada took the lead in building Vessels— - First Canadian Merchant Vessel—The York—A Schooner on runners - round the Falls—Sending Coals to Newcastle—Upon Bay Quinté—The - Outskirts of Civilization—“The Prince Edward” built of Red - Cedar—In 1812—Schooner “Mary Ann”—1817—Capt. Matthews 147 - - - DIVISION III. - - THE LOYALISTS AS PIONEERS—THE ORIGINAL SURVEY. - - - CHAPTER XV. - - Major Gen. Holland—Surveying on Atlantic Coast—An adherent of the - Crown—Removal to Montreal—Death—Major Holland—Information from - “Maple Leaves”—Holland Farm—Taché—First Canadian Poem—Head - Quarters of Gen. Montgomery—Hospitality—Duke of Kent—Spencer - Grange—Holland Tree—Graves—Epitaphs—Surveyor Washington—County - Surveyor—Surveyors after the War—First Survey in Upper Canada— - Commenced in 1781—The Mode pursued—Information in Crown Lands - Department—The Nine Townships upon the St. Lawrence—At the close - of the War—Non-Professional Surveyors—Thomas Sherwood—Assisting - to Settle—Surveying around the Bay Quinté—Bongard— - Deputy-Surveyor Collins—First Survey at Frontenac—Town Reserve— - Size of Township—Mistakes—Kotte—Tuffy—Capt. Grass—Capt. Murney— - Surveying in Winter—Planting Posts—Result—Litigation—Losing - Land—A Newspaper Letter—Magistrates—Landholders—Their Sons’ - Lawyers—Alleged Filching—Speculators at Seat of Government—Grave - Charges—Width of Lots—Mode of Surveying—Number of Concessions— - Cross Roads—Surveyors Orders—Numbering the Lots—Surveying around - the Bay—The ten Townships—Their Lands—The Surveying Party—A - Singer—Statement of Gourlay 154 - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - The term Concession—First Concession of Land in Canada—The - Carignan Regiment—Seigniories—Disproportion of the sexes—Females - sent from France—Their appearance—Settling them—Marriage - allowance—The last seigniory—New Longeuil—Seigniory at - Frontenac—Grants to refugees—Officers and men—Scale of granting— - Free of expense—Squatting—Disbanded soldiers—Remote regions—A - wise and beneficent policy—Impostors—Very young officers— - Wholesale granting of land—Republicans coming over—Covetous— - False pretensions—Government had to discriminate—Rules and - regulations—Family lands—Bounty—Certificates—Selling claims—Rear - concessions—Transfer of location ticket—Land board—Tardiness in - obtaining titles to real estate—Transfer by bond—Jobbing—Sir Wm. - Pullency—Washington—Giving lands to favorites—Reserves—Evil - results—The Family Compact—Extract from Playter—Extract from - Lord Durham—From Gourlay—Recompense to Loyalists—Rations—Mode of - drawing land—Land agent—Broken front—Traitor Arnold—Tyendinaga 164 - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - Lines—Western Settlement, 1783—Population—Settlement upon St. - Lawrence and Bay—Number, 1784—Proclamation to Loyalists—Society - disturbed—Two kinds of Loyalists—St. Lawrence and Bay favorable - for settlement—Government provisions—State of the Loyalists— - Serving out rations—Clothes—Utensils for clearing and fencing— - The axe—Furniture—Attacking a last enemy—Tents—Waiting for their - lots—“Bees”—Size of dwellings—Mode of building—Exchanging work— - Bedsteads—Clearing—Fireing trees—Ignorance of pioneer life— - Disposing of the wood—No beast of burden—Logging—Determination— - All settlers on a common ground—Additional refugees—Advance— - Simcoe’s proclamation, 1792—Conditions of grants—The response— - Later settlers—Questionable Loyalists—Yankees longing for - Canada—Loyalty in 1812 181 - - - DIVISION IV. - - THE FIRST YEARS OF UPPER CANADA. - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - Father Picquet—Provision of Forts in Upper Canada just before - conquest—Frontenac—Milk—Brandy—Toronto—The several forts— - Detroit—British garrisons—Grasping rebels—Efforts to starve out - Loyalists in Canada—Worse treated than the Acadians—Efforts to - secure Fur Trade—The frontier forts—Americans’ conduct to - Indians—Result—Conduct of British Government—Rations for three - years—Grinding by hand—“Hominy blocks”—“Plumping mill”—The - women—Soldier farmers—The Hessians—Suffering—The “Scarce Year”— - Charge against the Commissariat officers—Famine—Cry for bread— - Instances of suffering—Starving children—No salt—Fish—Game— - Eating young grain—Begging bran—A common sorrow—Providential - escapes—Eating buds and leaves—Deaths—Primitive fishing—Catching - salmon—Going 125 miles to mill—Disconsolate families—1789— - Partial relief—First beef slaughtered in Upper Canada—First log - barn—A “Bee,” what they ate and drank—Tea introduced—Statements - of Sheriff Sherwood—Roger Bates—John Parrott—Col. Clark—Squirrel - swimming Niagara—Maple sugar—How it was made—Women assisting— - Made dishes of food—Pumpkin loaf—Extract from Rochefoucault— - 1795—Quality of grain raised—Quinté Bay—Cultivation—Corn - exported—The grain dealers—Price of flour—Pork—Profits of the - merchants 191 - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - Kingston Mills—Action of Government—The Millwright—Situation of - the first Mill—Why Selected—The Machinery—Put up by Loyalists—No - Toll—Only Mill for three years—Going to Mill, 1784—The Napanee - Mill—Commenced 1785—Robert Clarke—An old Book—“Appenea” Falls— - Price of certain articles—What Rum cost, and was used for—The - Mill opened 1787—Sergt.-Major Clarke in charge—Indian Corn—Small - Toll—Surveyor Collins in charge—Becomes the property of R. - Cartwright, 1792—Rebuilt—Origin of Napanee—Price of Butter, - 1788—Mills at Four Mile Creek, Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, and - Grand River—Mills on the St. Lawrence—The Stone Mills—Van - Alstine—Lake of the Mountain—1796—Natural Beauty, _versus_ - Utility—The Mill—Van Alstine’s Death—Wind Mill—Myer’s Mill—Mill - at Consecon 206 - - - CHAPTER XX. - - Clothing—Domestic and Farming Implements—Style of Dress eighty - years ago—Clothing of the Refuges—Disbanded Soldiers—No Fresh - Supply—Indian Garments of Skin—Deerskin Pants—Petticoats—Bed - Coverings—Cultivating Flax—Sheep—Home-made Clothes—Rude - Implements—Fulling—French Mode—Lindsay Woolsey—The - Spinning-wheel—Young men Selecting Wives—Bees—Marriage Portion— - Every Farmer his own Tanner and Shoemaker—Fashions—How odd hours - were spent—Home-made Shoes—What Blankets were made of—Primitive - Bedstead—Nakedness—Bridal Apparel—No Saddles—Kingston and - Newark—Little Money—Bartering—Merchants from Albany—Unable to - buy—Credit with Merchants—The Results—Itinerant Mechanics— - Americans—Become Canadians—An old Stone-mason—Wooden Dishes— - Making Spoons—Other Hardships—Indians Friendly—Effects of - Alcohol upon the Mississaugas—Groundless Panic—Drunken Indians— - Women, defending Themselves—An erroneous Statement about Indian - Massacre in “Dominion Monthly Magazine”—Statement of an Old - Settler, Sherwood—Wild Beasts—Few Fire-arms—Narrow Escapes— - Depredations at Night—Destroying Stock—An Act of Parliament—“A - traveller’s statement”—The Day of Small Things—Settlers - Contented—The Extent of their Ambition—Reward of Industry— - Population in 1808—Importations—Money—The Youth 211 - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - Sweat of the brow—No beast of burden—No stock—Except by a few— - Horses and oxen—From Lower Canada—York State—Late comers, - brought some—No fodder—First stock in Adolphustown—Incidents— - Cock and hens—“Tipler”—Cattle driving—First cow in Thurlow—First - house in Marysburgh—The first oxen—No market for butter and - cheese—Sheep—Rev. Mr. Stuart, as an Agriculturist—Horses at - Napanee—An offer for a yoke of steers 220 - - - CHAPTER XXII. - - Old channels of trade, and travel—Art and science—New channels—The - wilderness—Loyalists Travelling on foot, from Kingston to York— - Formation of roads—Act of parliament—1793—Its provisions—Crooked - roads—Foot-path—Bridle-path—King’s highway from Lower Canada— - When surveyed—Road from Kingston westward—Its course—Simcoe’s - military road—Dundas street—Asa Danforth—Contract with - government—Road from Kingston to Ancaster—Danforth road—1799— - Misunderstandings—Danforth’s pamphlets—Slow improvement—Cause— - Extract from Gourlay—Thomas Markland’s report—Ferries—1796—Acts - of parliament—Statute labor—Money grants—Commissioners—Midland - district—Distribution—The Cataraqui Bridge Company—The - petitioners—An act—The provisions—The plan of building—The - bridge—Toll—Completing the bridge—Improvements of roads—McAdam— - Declines a knighthood 224 - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - - Ode to Canada—Early events—First English child in America, 1587—In - New England—First French child, 1621—First in Upper Canada, - 1783—In Prince Edward—Adolphustown—Ameliasburgh—North of the - Rideau—Indian marriage ceremony—Difficulty among first settlers - to get clergymen—First marriage in America, 1608—First in New - England, 1621—First in Canada, 1621—Marriageable folks—No one to - tie the matrimonial knot—Only one clergyman—Officers marrying— - Magistrates empowered—Legislation, 1793—Its provision—Making - valid certain marriages—Further Legislation, 1798—In 1818—1821— - 1831—Clergymen of all denominations permitted to marry—Methodist - ministers—Marriage license, 1814—Five persons appointed to - issue—A noticeable matter—Statements of Bates—Mode of courting - in the woods—Newcastle wedding expeditions—Weapons of defence— - Ladies’ dresses—The lover’s “rig”—A wedding ring—Paying the - magistrate—A good corn basket—Going to weddings—“Bitters”—Old - folks stay at home—The dance, several nights—Marriage outfit— - Frontier life—Morals in Upper Canada—Absence of irregularities— - Exceptional instances—Unable to get married, Peter and Polly—A - singular witness—Rev. Mr. Stuart—Langhorn—McDowell—How to adorn - the bride—What she wore—A wedding in 1808—On horseback—The - guests—The wedding—The banquet—The game of forfeits—The night— - Second day wedding—The young folks on horseback—Terpischorean—An - elopement by canoe—The Squire—The chase—The lovers successful— - The Squires who married 232 - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - - Burying places—How selected—Family burying place—For the - neighborhood—The Dutch—Upon the Hudson—Bay Quinté—A sacred spot - to the Loyalists—Ashes to ashes—Primitive mode of burial—The - coffin—At the grave—The father’s remarks—Return to labor—French - Burying-place at Frontenac—Its site—U. E. Loyalists’ burying - place at Kingston—The “U. E. burying-ground,” Adolphustown— - Worthy sires of Canada’s sons—Decay—Neglect of illustrious dead— - Repair wanted—Oldest burying-ground in Prince Edward—Ross Place— - At East Lake—Upon the Rose farm—“The Dutch burying-ground”— - Second growth trees—In Sophiasburgh—Cronk farm—In Sidney—Rude - tomb stones—Burial-place of Captain Myers—Reflections—Dust to - dust—In Thurlow—“Taylor burying-ground”—The first person buried— - Lieut. Ferguson—An aged female—Her work done—Wheels stand still 243 - - - DIVISION V. - - THE EARLY CLERGYMEN AND CHURCHES. - - - CHAPTER XXV. - - French missionaries—First in 1615—Recollets—With Champlain— - Jesuits, in 1625—Valuable records—Bishopric of Quebec, 1674— - First Bishop of Canada, Laval—Rivalry—Power of Jesuits—Number of - missionaries—Their “relations”—First mission field; Bay Quinté - region—“Antient mission”—How founded—First missionaries—Kleus, - Abbe D’Urfé—La Salle to build a church—The ornaments and sacred - vessels—The site of the “Chappel” uncertain—Bald Bluff, Carrying - Place—Silver crosses—Mission at Georgian Bay—The “Christian - Islands”—Chapel at Michilmicinac, 1679—The natives attracted— - Subjects of the French King—Francois Picquet—La Presentation— - _Soegasti_—The most important mission—The object—Six Nations—The - missionary’s living—“Disagreeable expostulations”—Putting - stomach in order—Trout—Picquet’s mode of teaching Indians—The - same afterwards adopted by Rev. W. Case—Picquet’s success— - Picquet on a voyage—At Fort Toronto—Mississaugas’ request— - Picquet’s reply—A slander—At Niagara, Oswego—At Frontenac—Grand - reception—Return to La Presentation—Picquet in the last French - war—Returns to France—By Mississippi—“Apostles of Peace”— - Unseemly strife—Last of the Jesuits in Canada 249 - - - CHAPTER XXVI. - - First church in New York, 1633—First Dominie, Rev. Everardus - Bogardus—The Dutch, Huguenots, Pilgrims—Transporting ministers - and churches—First Rector of New York, Wm. Vesey—Henry Barclay, - 1746—First Catholic Bishop in America, 1789—Episcopalian Bishop, - 1796—Moral state of Pioneers in Canada—Religion—No ministers—No - striking immorality—Feared God and honored their King—The - Fathers of Upper Canada—Religious views—A hundred years ago— - “Carousing and Dancing”—Rev. Dr. John Ogilvie—First Protestant - clergyman in Canada—Chaplain, 1759, at Niagara—A Missionary - Successor of Dr. Barclay, New York—Death, 1774—Rev. John - Doughty—A Graduate ordained—At Peekskill—Schenectady—A Loyalist— - A Prisoner—To Canada—Chaplain—To England—Returns—Missionary - Resigns—Rev Dr. John Stuart—First clergyman to settle—His - memoir—The “Father of the U. C. Church”—Mission work—The five - nations—The Dutch—Rev. Mr. Freeman—Translator—Rev. Mr. Andrews— - Rev. Mr. Spencer Woodbridge, Howley—New England missionaries— - Rev. Dr. Whelock—The Indian converts—The London society—Rev. Mr. - Inglis—John Stuart selected missionary—A native of Pennsylvania— - Irish descent—A graduate, Phil. Coll.—Joins Church of England—To - England—Ordination—Holy Orders, 1770—Enters upon his work 255 - - - CHAPTER XXVII. - - At Fort Hunter—Mr. Stuart’s first sermon, Christmas—Officiates in - Indian tongue—Translates—The rebellion—Prayers for the King—The - Johnsons—Rebels attack his house—Plunder—Indignity—Church - desecrated—Used as a stable—A barrel of rum—Arrested—Ordered to - come before rebel commissioners—On Parole—Limits—Idle two years— - To Albany—Phil—Determines to remove to Canada—Not secure— - Exchanging—Security—Real estate forfeited—Route—Negroes—The - journey, three weeks—At St. John’s—Charge of Public School— - Chaplain—At the close of the war—Three Protestant Parishes— - Determines to settle at Cataraqui—Chaplain to Garrison— - Missionary—Bishop of Virginia, Dr. Griffith—Visits Mr. Stuart— - Invitation to Virginia declined—“Rivetted prejudices,” - satisfied—“The only refuge clergymen”—Path of duty—Visits the - settlements, 1784—Mohawks, Grand river—Reception of their old - pastor—First church—Mohawks, Bay of Quinté—Remains in Montreal a - year—Assistant—Removes to Cataraqui, 1785—His land—Number of - houses in Kingston—A short cut to Lake Huron—Fortunate in land— - 5000 settlers—Poor and happy—Industrious—Around his Parish, - 1788—Two hundred miles long—By batteau—Brant—New Oswego—Mohawk - village church, steeple, and bell—First in Upper Canada—Plate— - Organ—Furniture—Returns—At Niagara—Old parishioners—Tempted to - move—Comfortable, not rich—Declines a judgeship—New - Mecklenburgh—Appointed Chaplain to first House of Assembly— - Mohawk Mission—At Marysburgh—Degree of D.D.—Prosperity—Happy— - Decline of life—His duties—Illness, Death, 1811—His appearance— - “The little gentleman”—His manners—Honorable title—His children— - Rev. O’Kill Stuart 260 - - - CHAPTER XXVIII. - - A Missionary—Chaplain at Niagara—Pastors to the settlers—Chaplain - to Legislature—Visits Grand river—Officiates—A land speculator— - Receives a pension, £50—1823—Rev. Mr. Pollard—At Amherstburgh— - Mr. Langhorn—A missionary—Little education—Useful—Odd—On Bay - Quinté in Ernesttown—Builds a church—At Adolphustown—Preaches at - Hagerman’s—Another church—A diligent pastor—Pioneer preacher - around the bay—Christening—Marrying—Particular—His appointments— - Clerk’s Fees—Generosity—Present to bride—Faithful to sick calls— - Frozen feet—No stockings—Shoe buckles—Dress—Books—Peculiarities— - Fond of the water—Charitable—War of 1812—Determined to leave - Canada—Thinks it doomed—Singular notice—Returns to Europe—His - library—Present to Kingston—Twenty years in Canada—Extract from - Gazette—No one immediately to take his place—Rev. John Bethune— - Died 1815—Native of Scotland—U. E. Loyalists—Lost Property— - Chaplain to 84th Regiment—A Presbyterian—Second Legal Clergymen - in Upper Canada—Settled at Cornwall—Children—The Baptists—Wyner— - Turner—Holts Wiem—Baptists upon river Moira—First Chapel—How - built—Places of preaching—Hayden’s Corners—At East Lake—The - Lutherans—Rev. Schwerdfeger—Lutheran settlers—County Dundas— - First church east of Kingston—Rev. Mr. Myers lived in - Marysburgh—Marriage—His log church—Removes to St. Lawrence— - Resigns—To Philadelphia—Mr. Weant—Lives in Ernesttown—Removes to - Matilda—Not supported—Secretly joins the English church— - Re-ordained—His society ignorant—Suspicious—Preaching in shirt - sleeves—Mr. Myers’ return, by sleigh—Locking church door—The - thirty-nine articles—Compromise—Mr. Myers continues three years - a Lutheran—He secedes—The end of both Seceders—Rev. I. L. - Senderling—Rev. Herman Hayunga—Rev. Mr. Shorts—Last Lutheran - minister at Ernesttown, McCarty—Married 267 - - - CHAPTER XXIX. - - Bishop Strachan—A teacher—A preacher—A student—Holy Orders—A - Presbyterian—Becomes an Episcopalian—A supporter of the “Family - compact”—Sincere—His opinion of the people—Ignorant—Unprepared - for self-government—Strachan’s religious chart—He was deceived— - The Methodists—Anomalous connection—A fillibustering people— - Republicanism egotistical—Loyalty of the Methodists—American - ministers—Dr. Strachan’s position—His birth place—His education— - A.M., 1793—Studying Theology—Comes to Canada—A student of Dr. - Stuart’s—Ordained Deacon—A missionary at Cornwall—Rector at - York—Archdeacon—Bishop of Toronto—Coadjutor—Death—A public - burial—Rev. Mr. McDowell—First Presbyterian at Bay Quinté— - Invited by Van Alstine—On his way—At Brockville—Settles in a - second town—His circuit—A worthy minister—Fulfilling his - mission—Traveling on foot—To York—Marrying the people—His death— - His descendants—Places of preaching—A Calvinist—Invites - controversy—Mr. Coate accepts the challenge—The disputation— - Excitement—The result—Rev. Mr. Smart—Called by Mr. McDowell— - Pres. clergyman at Brockville—Fifty years—An earnest Christian—A - desire to write—“Observer”—A pioneer—A cause of regret—Not - extreme—Mr. Smart’s views on politics—The masses uneducated—The - “Family Compact”—Rise of responsible government—The Bidwells— - Credit to Dr. Strachan—Brock’s funeral sermon—Foundation of - Kingston gaol—Maitland—Demonstration—Sherwood’s statement 273 - - - CHAPTER XXX. - - The Quakers—Among the Settlers—From Penn—Duchess County—First - Meeting-house—David Sand—Elijah Hick—Visiting Canada—James - Noxen—A first settler—Their mode of worship—In Sophiasburg—The - meeting-house—Joseph Leavens—Hicksites—Traveling—Death, aged 92— - Extract, Picton Sun—The first preaching places—First English - church—In private houses—At Sandwich—The Indian church at the - bay—Ernesttown—First Methodist church—Preaching at Niagara—First - church in Kingston—At Waterloo—At Niagara—Churches at Kingston, - 1817—In Hallowell—Thurlow—Methodist meeting-houses, 1816—At - Montreal—Building chapels in olden times—Occupying the frame—The - old Methodist chapels—In Hallowell township—In the fifth town— - St. Lawrence—First English Church, Belleville—Mr. Campbell—First - time in the pulpit—How he got out—The old church superseded— - Church, front of Sidney—Rev. John Cochrane—Rev. Mr. Grier—First - Presbyterian Church in Belleville—Rev. Mr. Ketcham—First - Methodist Church in Belleville—Healey, Puffer—The site of the - church—A second one 279 - - - CHAPTER XXXI. - - The first Methodist Preachers—The army—Capt. Webb—Tuffey—George - Neal—Lyons—School-teacher—Exhorter—McCarty—Persecution—Bigotry— - Vagabonds—McCarty arrested—Trial—At Kingston—Banished—“A - martyr”—Doubtful—Losee, first Methodist missionary, 1790—A - minister—A loyalist—Where he first preached—“A curiosity”— - Earnest pioneer Methodist—Class-meetings—Suitable for all - classes—Losee’s class-meetings—Determines to build a - meeting-house—Built in Adolphustown—Its size—The subscribers— - Members, amount—Embury—Those who subscribed for first church in - New York—Same names—The centenary of Methodism—New York - Methodists driven away—American Methodist forgetful—Embury and - Heck refugees—Ashgrove—No credit given to British officers— - Embury’s brother—The rigging loft, N. Y.—Barbara Heck—Settling - in Augusta—First Methodist Church in America—Subscribers—“Lost - Chapters”—The Author’s silence—What is acknowledged—“Severe - threats”—Mr. Mann—To Nova Scotia—Mr. Wakely “admires piety”—Not - “loyalty”—Second chapel, N. Y.—Adolphustown subscribers—Conrad - VanDusen—Eliz. Roblin—Huff—Ruttan—The second Methodist chapel— - The subscribers—Commenced May, 1795—Carpenter’s wages—Members - Cataraqui Circuit—Going to Conference—Returns—Darias Dunham— - Physician—First quarterly meeting—Anecdotes—Bringing a “dish - cloth”—“Clean up”—The new made squire—Asses—Unclean spirits— - Losee discontinues preaching—Cause—Disappointment—Return to New - York—Dunham useful—Settles—Preachers travelling—Saddle-bags— - Methodism among loyalists—Camp-meetings—Where first held in - Canada—Worshipping in the woods—Breaking up—Killing the Devil— - First Canadian preacher—Journey from New York 285 - - - CHAPTER XXXIa. - - Henry Ryan—Ryanites—He comes to Canada—His associate, Case—At - Kingston—A singer—Preaching in the market-place—Their treatment— - In office—His circuit—1000 miles—What he received—Elder— - Superseded—Probable cause—A British subject—During the war of - 1812—President of Conference—“High-minded”—Useful—Acceptable to - the people—Desired independence by the Canadians—How he was - treated—His labors—Brave—Witty—“Fatherless children”—“Impudent - scoundrel”—Muscular—“Methodists’ bull”—“Magistrate’s goat”—Ryan - seeks separation—Breckenridge—Conduct of the American - Conference—Ryan’s agitation—Effect upon the Bishops—First Canada - Conference—At Hallowell—Desire for independence—Reasons, cogent— - Fruit of Ryan’s doings—The way the Conference treated Ryan— - Withdraws—No faith in the United States Conference—Ryan sincere— - “Canadian Wesleyans”—The motives of the United States Conference - questionable—The wrong done Ryan—Second Canada Conference—Case, - first Superintendent—Visit of Bishop Asbury—Account by Henry - Bœhm—Asbury an Englishman—During the rebellion—A Bishop—His - journey to Canada—Crossing the St. Lawrence—Traveling in Canada— - An upset—“A decent people”—His opinion of the country—The Bishop - ill—At Kingston—Bœhm at Embury’s—A field meeting—Riding all - night—Crossing to Sackett’s harbor—Nearly wrecked 295 - - - CHAPTER XXXII. - - McDonnell—First R. Catholic Bishop—A “Memorandum”—Birth-place—in - Spain—A priest—In Scotland—Glengary Fencibles—Ireland, 1798—To - Canada—Bishop—Death in Scotland—Body removed to Canada—Funeral - obsequies—Buried at Kingston—Had influence—Member of Canadian - Legislative Council—Pastoral visitations, 1806—A loyal man—A - pioneer in his church—The Bishop’s Address, 1836—Refuting - Mal-charges—Number of the R. C. clergy in 1804—From Lake - Superior to Lower Canada—Traveling horseback—Sometimes on foot— - Hardships—Not a politician—Expending private means—Faithful - services—Acknowledged—Roman Catholic U. E. Loyalists—First - church in Ernesttown—McDonnell at Belleville—Rev. M. Brennan— - First church in Belleville—What we have aimed at—The advantages - to the English Church—The Reserves—In Lower Canada—Dr. Mountain— - Number of English clergymen, 1793—A Bishop—Monopoly initiated— - Intolerance and exclusion swept away—An early habit at Divine - Service 303 - - - CHAPTER XXXIII. - - First Sabbath teaching—Hannah Bell, 1769—School established, 1781— - Raikes—Wesley—First in United States—First in Canada—Cattrick— - Moon—Common in 1824—First in Belleville—Turnbull—Cooper— - Marshall—Prizes, who won them—Mr. Turnbull’s death—Intemperance— - First temperance societies—Change of custom—Rum—Increasing - intemperance—The tastes of the pioneers—Temperance, not - teetotalism—First society in Canada—Drinks at raisings and bees— - Society at Hallowell 308 - - - CHAPTER XXXIV. - - The Six Nations—Faithful English Allies—Society for Propagation of - Gospel—First missionary to Iroquois—John Thomas, first convert— - Visit of Chiefs to England—Their names—Their portraits—Attention - to them—Asking for instructor—Queen Anne—Communion Service— - During the Rebellion—Burying the plate—Recovered—Division of the - articles—Sacrilege of the Rebels—Re-printing Prayer Book—Mr. - Stuart, missionary—The women and children—At Lachine—Attachment - to Mr. Stuart—Touching instance—Mr. Stuart’s Indian sister— - Church at Tyendinaga—School teacher to the Mohawk—John Bininger— - First teacher—The Bininger family—The Moravian Society—Count - Zinzendorf—Moravian church at New York—First minister, Abraham - Bininger—Friend of Embury—An old account book—John Bininger - journeying to Canada—Living at Bay Quinté—Removes to Mohawk - village—Missionary spirit—Abraham Bininger’s letters—The - directions—Children pleasing parents—“Galloping thoughts”— - Christianity—Canadian Moravian missionaries—Moravian loyalists— - What was sent from New York—“Best Treasure”—The “Dear Flock”— - David Zieshager at the Thames—J. Bininger acceptable to Mohawk— - Abraham Bininger desires to visit Canada—Death of Mrs. Bininger— - “Tender mother”—Bininger and Wesley—“Garitson”—“Losee”—“Dunon”— - Reconciled to Methodists—Pitying Losee—Losee leaving Canada— - Ceases to be teacher—Appointing a successor—William Bell—The - salary—The Mohawks don’t attend school—An improvement—The cattle - may not go in School-house—The school discontinued 312 - - - CHAPTER XXXV. - - The first Church at Tyendinaga grows old—A Council—Ask for - assistance—Gov. Bagot—Laying first stone of new Church—The - Inscription—The Ceremony—The new Church—Their Singing—The - surrounding Scenery—John Hall’s Tomb—Pagan Indians—Red Jacket— - His Speech—Reflection upon Christians—Indians had nothing to do - with murdering the Saviour 319 - - - CHAPTER XXXVI. - - Mississauga Indians—Father Picquet’s opinion—Remnant of a large - tribe—Their land—Sold to Government—Rev. Wm. Case—John Sunday—A - drunkard—Peter Jones—Baptising Indians—At a camp-meeting—Their - department—Extract from Playter—William Beaver—Conversions—Jacob - Peter—Severe upon white Christians—Their worship—The Father of - Canadian missions—Scheme to teach Indians—Grape Island—Leasing - Islands—The parties—“Dated at Belleville”—Constructing a - village—The lumber—How obtained—Encamping on Grape Island—The - method of instruction—The number—Agriculture—Their singing— - School house—The teacher—Instructions of women—Miss Barnes— - Property of Indians—Cost of improvements—A visit to Government— - Asking for land—“Big Island”—Other favors—Peter Jacobs at New - York—Extracts from Playter—Number of Indian converts, 1829—River - Credit Indians—Indians removed to Alnwick 323 - - - DIVISION VI. - - EARLY EDUCATION IN UPPER CANADA. - - - CHAPTER XXXVII. - - Education among the Loyalists—Effect of the war—No opportunity for - Education—A few Educated—At Bath—A common belief—What was - requisite for farming—Learning at home—The school teachers—Their - qualifications—Rev. Mr. Stuart as a teacher—Academy at Kingston— - First Canadian D.D.—Mr. Clark, Teacher, 1786—Donevan—Garrison - Schools—Cockerell—Myers—Blaney—Michael—Atkins—Kingston, 1795— - Lyons—Mrs. Cranahan—In Adolphustown—Morden—Faulkiner—The school - books—Evening schools—McDougall—O’Reiley—McCormick—Flogging— - Salisbury—James—Potter—Wright—Watkins—Gibson—Smith—Whelan— - Articles of Agreement—Recollections—Boarding round—American - teachers—School books—The letter Z 329 - - - CHAPTER XXXVIII. - - Mr. Stuart’s school—Simcoe—State Church and College—Grammar - schools—Hon. R. Hamilton—Chalmers—Strachan—Comes to Canada— - Educational history—Arrival at Kingston—The pupils—Fees—Removes - to Cornwall—Pupils follow—Strachan, a Canadian—Marries—Interview - with Bishop Strachan—His disappointment—A stranger—What he - forsook—300 pupils—Their success—Stay at Cornwall—Appointments - at York—A lecturer—At Kingston—Member of Legislative Council— - Politician—Clergy Reserves—Founds King’s College—The thirty-nine - articles—Monopoly swept away—Voluntaryism—Founds Trinity - College—Bishop Strachan in 1866—What he had accomplished—Those - he tutored—Setting up a high standard—“Reckoner”—Sincerity— - Legislation, 1797—Address to the King—Grammar Schools—Grant, - 1798—Board of Education—Endowment of King’s College—Its - constitution—Changes—Upper Canada College—Endowment—“A spirit of - improvement”—Gourlay—The second academy—At Ernesttown—The - trustees—Bidwell—Charges—Contradicted—Rival school—Bidwell’s - son—Conspicuous character—Bidwell’s death—Son removes to - Toronto—Academy building, a barrack—Literary spirit of Bath— - Never revived—York 334 - - - CHAPTER XXXIX. - - Extract from Cooper—Educational institutions—Kingston—Queen’s - College—Own’s Real Estate—Regiopolis College—Roman Catholic— - Grammar School—Attendance—School houses—Library—Separate School— - Private Schools—The Quaker School—William Penn—Upon the Hudson— - Near Bloomfield—Origin of school—Gurnay—His offer—Management of - school—The teaching—Mrs. Crombie’s school—Picton ladies’ - Academy—McMullen, proprietor—Teachers—Gentlemen’s department— - Popular—The art of printing—In America—Book publishing—First in - America—Books among the loyalists—Few—Passed around—Ferguson’s - books—The Bible—Libraries at Kingston and Bath—Legislation—In - Lower Canada—Reading room at Hallowell—Reserves for education— - Upper Canada in respect to education—Praiseworthy—Common School - system bill introduced 1841—Amended, 1846—Dr. Ryerson’s system— - Unsurpassed 341 - - - CHAPTER XL. - - First Newspapers, 1457—Year, 66—English Newspapers—In America—In - Canada—‘Gazette’—Founder—Papers in 1753—Quebec ‘Herald’—Montreal - ‘Gazette’—‘Le Temps’—Quebec ‘Mercury’—Canadian ‘Courant’—‘Royal - Gazette’—First in Newfoundland—‘U. C. Gazette’—First paper— - Subscribers—Upper Canada ‘Guardian’—Wilcox—Mr. Thorpe— - Opposition—Libel—Elected to Parliament—York Jail—Leader—In 1812— - Deserted—York ‘Gazette’—Kingston ‘Gazette’—Only Paper—News sixty - years ago—In Midland District—Rev. Mr. Miles—Pioneer of - Journalism—His Birthplace—Learns the printing business—Mower— - Montreal ‘Gazette’—Kendall—Partnership—To Kingston in 1810—The - printing office—Kingston ‘Gazette’—Mr. Miles sells out—The - concern purchased—Mr. Miles asked to be Editor—Their kindness— - Gratitude—Second Volume—Extract from ‘Gazette’—The Price— - Kingston ‘Chronicle’—Upper Canada ‘Herald’—‘Canadian Watchman’— - Mr. Miles at Prescott—Returns to Kingston—Enters the Ministry— - Loyal Subject—In 1812—On Duty—Archdeacon Stuart—Col. Cartwright— - Contributors to ‘Gazette’—Our Thanks—A Watch—Faithfulness—“A - Good Chance”—Subscribers at York—Kingston ‘Spectator’—‘Patriot’— - ‘Argus’—‘Commercial Advertizer’—‘British Whig’—‘Chronicle’ and - ‘News’—First Daily in Upper Canada—Paper Boxes—Brockville - ‘Recorder’—A Reform paper—McLeod—Grenville ‘Gazette’—Prescott - ‘Telegraph’—‘Christian Guardian’—Reform Journals 350 - - - CHAPTER XLI. - - First paper between Kingston and York—Hallowell “Free Press”—The - Editor—“Recluse”—Fruitless efforts—Proprietor—Wooden press—Of - iron—“Free Press,” independent—The “Traveller”—Press removed to - Cobourg—“Prince Edward Gazette”—“Picton Gazette”—“Picton Sun”— - “Picton Times”—“New Nation”—“Cobourg Star”—“Anglo-Canadian” at - Belleville—The Editor—Price—The “Phœnix”—Slicer—“Canadian - Wesleyan”—“Hastings Times”—The “Reformer”—The “Intelligencer”— - George Benjamin—The “Victoria Chronicle”—“Hastings Chronicle”— - Extract from Playter—“Colonial Advocate”—“Upper Canada Herald”— - “Barker’s Magazine”—“Victoria Magazine”—Joseph Wilson—Mrs. - Moodie—Sheriff Moodie—Pioneer in Canadian literature—Extract - from Morgan—“Literary Garland”—“Roughing it in the Bush”— - “Eclectic Magazine”—“Wilson’s Experiment”—“Wilson’s Canada - Casket”—The “Bee” at Napanee—“Emporium”—The “Standard”—The - “Reformer”—“North American”—“Ledger”—“Weekly Express”—“Christian - Casket”—“Trenton Advocate”—“British Ensign”—The “Canadian Gem”— - “Maple Leaf”—Papers in 1853—Canadian papers superior to - American—Death at Boston—Berczy—Canadian idioms—Accent—Good - English—Superstition—Home education—Fireside stories—Traditions 358 - - - DIVISION VII. - - THE TERRITORY OF UPPER CANADA—THE BAY QUINTÉ. - - - CHAPTER XLII. - - The Indians—Their origin—Pre-historic Canada—Indian relics— - Original inhabitants—Les Iroquois du nord—Original names— - Peninsula of Upper Canada—Champlain exploring—Ascends the - Ottawa—His route to Lake Nippissing—To Lake Huron—French river— - The country—Georgian Bay—Lake Simcoe—Down the Trent—A grand - trip—Bay Quinté and Lake Ontario discovered—War demonstration— - Wintering at the Bay—A contrast—Roundabout way—Erroneous - impressions 366 - - - CHAPTER XLIII. - - Name—Letter, “Daily News”—“Omega” Lines—The writer—Conjectures— - Five Bays—Indian origin—Kentes—Villages—_Les Couis_—Modes of - spelling—Canty—The occupants, 1783—Mississaugas—Origin—With the - Iroquois—The _Souter_—Mississaugas, dark—At Kingston—Bay Quinté— - Land bought—Reserves—Claim upon the islands—Wappoose Island— - Indian agent—Indians hunting—Up the Sagonaska—Making sugar— - Peaceable—To Kingston for presents 374 - - - CHAPTER XLIV. - - Appearance—Mouth of Bay—Length—The Peninsula of Prince Edward— - Width of Bay—Long Reach—Course of Bay—The High Shore—Division of - bay—Eastern, central, western—Taking a trip—Through the Reach—A - picture—A quiet spot—Lake on the mountain—A description—Montreal - Gazette—Beautiful view—Rhine, Hudson—Contrast—Classic ground—A - sketch—Birth place of celebrated Canadians—Hagerman—A leading - spirit—Sir J. A. McDonald—Reflections—A log house—Relics of the - past—Lesson of life—In the lower bay—Reminiscences—The front— - Cradle of the province—Shore of Marysburgh—In the Western Bay— - Cuthbertson—Up the bay—A battle ground—Devil’s Hill—In the - depths—Prosperity—Geological supposition—Head of bay—The past 383 - - - CHAPTER XLV. - - The “Big Bay”—Musketoe Bay—Mohawk Bay—Hay Bay—“Eastern Bay”—Site - of Ancient Kentes—The name—Old Families—An Accident, 1819— - Eighteen Drowned—Extract from Playter—Searching for the Bodies— - Burying the dead—Picton Bay—Appearance—The “Grand Bay”—Upper - Gap—Lower Gap—Kingston Bay—A Picture—Recollections—A Contract— - Ship Yards—Extract from Cooper—Inland Lakes 395 - - - CHAPTER XLVa. - - Islands—Possessed by Indians—The “Thousand Islands”—Carleton - Island—History of Island—During the rebellion—Wolfe Island—The - name—Howe Island—Old name—County of Ontario—Garden Island— - Horseshoe Island—Sir Jeffry Amherst—The size—Indian name— - “Tontine”—Johnson’s Island—The Island won—Present owner—First - settler—The three brothers—Small Islands—Hare Island—Nut Island— - Wappoose Island—Indian rendezvous—Captain John’s Island— - Bartering—Hunger Island—Big Island—First settlers—Huff’s Island— - Paul Huff—Grape Island—Hog Island—Smaller Islands—Mississauga - Island—A tradition—The carrying place—Its course—Original - survey—History—American prisoners—Col. Wilkins 402 - - - DIVISION VIII. - - THE FIRST TEN TOWNSHIPS IN THE MIDLAND DISTRICT. - - - CHAPTER XLVI. - - The French—Their policy—Trading posts—Cahiaque—Variations—Name of - river—Foundation of Fort Frontenac—A change—Site of old fort—La - Salle’s petition—A Seigniory—Governors visiting—War Expedition— - Fort destroyed—Rebuilt—Colonial wars—Taking of Fort Oswego— - Frontenac taken—End of French domination 410 - - - CHAPTER XLVII. - - Cooper’s Essay—Loyalists naming places—King’s Town—Queen’s Town— - Niagara—Spanish names—Cataraqui from 1759 to 1783—Desolation—The - rebellion—Station, Carleton Island—Settling—Refugees at New - York—Michael Grass—Prisoner at Cataraqui—From New York to - Canada—Captain Grass takes possession of first township—First - landholders—A letter by Captain Grass—Changes—Surveying forts - and harbors—Report to Lord Dorchester—Kingston, _versus_ - Carleton Island—The defenses—Troops—King’s township—First - settlers—“Plan of township No. 1”—First owners of town lots— - Names—Settlers upon the front—First inhabitants of Kingston—A - naval and military station—The Commodore—Living of old—Kingston - in _last century_—New fortifications 419 - - - CHAPTER XLVIII. - - The situation of Kingston—Under military influence—Monopolist— - Early history of legislation—In 1810—Gourlay’s statement—Police— - Modern Kingston—Lord Sydenham—Seat of government—Perambulating— - Surrounding country—Provisions—An appeal for Kingston as - capital—Barriefield—Pittsburgh—Building of small crafts—Famous— - Roads—Waterloo—Cemetery—Portsmouth—Kingston Mill—Little - Cataraqui—Collinsby—Quantity of land—Early and influential - inhabitants—Post masters—“Honorable men”—Deacon, Macaulay, - Cartwright, Markland, Cummings, Smiths, Kerby—Allen McLean, - first lawyer—A gardener—Sheriff McLean—“Chrys” Hagerman—Customs— - Sampson, shooting a smuggler—Hagerman, M.P.P.—Removes to Toronto 430 - - - CHAPTER XLIX. - - The second town—Ernest’s town—King George—His children—Settlers of - Ernesttown—Disbanded soldiers—Johnson’s regiment—Major Rogers’ - corps—The “Roll”—Number—By whom enlisted—An old book—Township - surveyed—Settling—Traveling—Living in tents—A change—Officers— - Names—Occupants of lots—Mill Creek—The descendants—Quality of - land—Village—The settlers in 1811—The main road—Incorporation of - Bath—Trading—Fairfield—The library—Bath by Gourlay—Bath of the - present—Bath _versus_ Napanee—In 1812—American Fleet—Wonderful - achievement—Safe distance from shore—Third township— - Fredericksburgh—After Duke of Sussex—Surveyed by Kotte—A promise - to the disbanded soldiers—Johnson—Fredericksburgh additional—A - dispute—Quantity of land—Extract from Mrs. Moodie—Reserve for - village—Second surveys 439 - - - CHAPTER L. - - The fourth township—Adolphustown—After Duke of Cambridge—Quantity - of Land—Survey—Major VanAlstine—Refugees—From New York—Time— - Voyage—Their Fare—Names—Arrived—Hagerman’s Point—In Tents—First - Settler—Town Plot—Death—The Burial—A Relic—Commissary—Dispute of - Surveyors—The Settlers—All things in common—An aged man—Golden - rule—Old map—Names—Islands—The township—Price of land—First - “town meeting”—Minutes—The Officers Record—Inhabitants, 1794—Up - to 1824—First Magistrates—Centre of Canada—Court Held in Barn—In - Methodist Chapel—“A Den of Thieves”—Court House erected— - Adolphustown Canadians—Members of Parliament—The Courts—Where - first held—Hagerman—Travelers tarrying at Adolphustown 448 - - - CHAPTER LI. - - Marysburgh—Origin—Once part of a Seigniory—Survey—Hessians—Old - map—The lots—Officers of the 84th Regt.—Original landowners— - Indian Point—McDonnell’s Cove—Grog Bay—“Accommodating Bay”— - “Gammon Point”—Black River—“Long Point”—Reserves—Course pursued - by the Surveyor—Number of Hessians—Their sufferings—Dark tales— - Discontented—Returning to Hesse—A suitable location—Not U. E. - Loyalists—Received land gratis—Family land—Their habits—Capt. - McDonnell—Squire Wright—Sergt. Harrison—The Smith’s—Grant to - Major VanAlstine—Beautiful Scenery—Smith’s bay—“The Rock”—Over a - precipice 458 - - - CHAPTER LII. - - Sixth township—Name—Survey—Convenient for settlement—First - settlers—A remote township—What was paid for lots—“Late - Loyalists”—Going to Mill—Geological formation—Along the fronts— - High shore—Grassy Point—Its history—Marsh front—Central place— - Stickney’s Hill—Foster’s Hill—Northport—Trade—James Cotter— - Gores—Demerestville—The name—“Sodom”—First records—Township - meetings—The Laws of the township—Divided into parishes—Town - clerk—Officers—The poor—The committee—Inhabitants, 1824—Fish - Lake—Seventh Township—The name—Survey by Kotte—At the Carrying - Place—Surveyor’s assistant—No early records—First settlers 465 - - - CHAPTER LIII. - - Prince Edward—The name—Rich land—Size of peninsula—Shape—Small - Lakes—Sand hills—The Ducks—Gibson’s rock—The past—First settler— - Col. Young—Prospecting—Discovery of East Lake—West Lake—Moving - in—Settlers in 1800—East Lake—Capt. Richardson—“Prince Edward - Division Bill”—Office seekers—Township of Hallowell—The name— - Formation of Township—First records 1798—The officers—The laws— - Magistrates—Picton—Its origin—Hallowell village—Dr. Austin—Gen. - Picton—His monument—Naming the villages—A contest—The Court - house—An offer—Enterprise—Proposed steamboat—Churches—Rev. Mr. - Macaulay—Rev. Mr. Fraser—Rev. Mr. Lalor 476 - - - CHAPTER LIV. - - Eighth Township—Sidney—Name—Survey—Settlement, 1787—Letter from - Ferguson—Trading—Barter—Potatoes—Building—Cows—No salt to spare— - First settlers—Myers—Re-surveying—James Farley—Town Clerk at - first meeting—William Ketcheson—Gilbert’s Cove—Coming to the - front—River Trent—Old names—Ferry—Bridge—Trenton—Its settlement— - Squire Bleeker 485 - - - CHAPTER LV. - - Ninth town—Thurlow—Name—When surveyed—Front—Indian burying ground— - Owner of first lots—Chisholm—Singleton—Myers—Ferguson—Indian - traders—To Kingston in batteau—Singleton’s death—Ferguson’s - death—Distress of the families—Settled, 1789—Ascending the - Moira—Taking possession of land—Fifth concession—John Taylor— - Founder of Belleville—Myers buying land—Settlers upon the front— - Municipal record—Town officers—1798—Succeeding years—Canifton, - its founder—Settling—The diet—Building mill—Road—River Moira— - Origin of name—Earl Moira—Indian name—Indian offering— - “Cabojunk”—Myers’ saw-mill—Place not attractive—First bridge—The - flouring-mill—Belleville—Indian village—Myers’ Creek—Formation - of village—First Inn—Permanent bridge—Bridge Street—In 1800— - Growth—A second mill—McNabb’s—Sad death—Captain McIntosh—Petrie— - Inhabitants, 1809—Dr. Spareham—Naming of Belleville—Bella Gore— - By Gore in council—Petition—Extract from Kingston Gazette— - Surveying reserve—Wilmot—Mistakes—Granting of lots—Conditions— - Board of Police—Extent of Belleville—Muddy streets—Inhabitants - in 1824—Court-house—First Court, Quarter Sessions—Belleville in - 1836 489 - - - CHAPTER LVI. - - Tenth township—Richmond—Origin—Quantity of land—Shores of Mohawk - Bay—Village on south shore—Original land holders—Names—Napanee— - The falls—The mill—Salmon River—Indian name—Source of Napanee - River—Its course—Colebrook—Simcoe Falls—Name—Clarke’s Mills— - Newburgh—Academy—The settlers—“Clarkville”—No records 503 - - - DIVISION IX. - - THE EARLY GOVERNMENT OF UPPER CANADA. - - - CHAPTER LVII. - - Military rule—Imperial Act, 1774—French Canada—Refugees—Military - Government in Upper Canada—New Districts—Lunenburgh— - Mecklenburgh—Nassau—Hesse—The Judges—Duncan—Cartwright—Hamilton— - Robertson—Court in Mecklenburgh—Civil Law—Judge Duncan—Judge - Cartwright—Punishment inflicted—First execution—New Constitution - of Quebec—1791, Quebec Bill passed—Inhabitants of Upper Canada 505 - - - CHAPTER LVIII. - - Simcoe—His arrival in Canada—Up the St. Lawrence—An old house—“Old - Breeches’ River”—Simcoe’s attendants—The old veterans—“Good old - cause”—“Content”—Toasting—Old officers—Executive Council of - Upper Canada—First entry—Simcoe inducted to office—Religious - ceremony—“The proceedings”—Those present—Oath of office— - Organization of Legislative Council—Assembly—Issuing writs for - elections—Members of Council—Simcoe’s difficulty—At Kingston— - Division of Province—The Governor’s officers—Rochfoucault upon - Simcoe—Simcoe’s surroundings—His wife—Opening Parliament in - 1795—Those present—Retinue—Dress—The nineteen counties—Simcoe’s - designs—Visit of the Queen’s father—At Kingston—Niagara—A war - dance 509 - - - CHAPTER LIX. - - General Hunter—Peter Russell—Francis Gore, 1806—Alex. Grant—Brock— - 1812—United States declare war—Prompt action—Parliament— - Proclamation—The issue—Second proclamation—General Hull—His - proclamation—Bombast and impertinence—The Indians—Proclamation - answered—Hull a prisoner—Michigan conquered—To Niagara—At - Queenston heights—“Push on York Volunteers”—Death of Brock— - McDonnell—War of 1812, the Americans—Extract from Merritt—What - Canadians did—Brock’s monument—General Sheaffe—General Drummond— - Invading the States—What Canada will do—Lord Sydenham—A tribute - by Dr. Ryerson—Union of the Provinces 517 - - - CHAPTER LX. - - Kingston—First capital—First act of government—Niagara—Selecting - the capital—Niagara in 1788—Carrying place—Landing place—Newark— - In 1795—Mr. Hamilton—The inhabitants—Little York—The Don—The - Harbor—Survey—De la Trenche—London—Inhabitants of the Don—Yonge - street, a military road—Governor at York—Castle Frank—York in - 1798—The Baldwins—In 1806—Buffalo—York, 1813—Taken by the - Americans—The Combatants—Toronto—“Muddy York”—A monument - required 526 - - - CHAPTER LXI. - - Parliament—Simcoe’s Proclamation—Nineteen counties formed—Names - and boundaries—First elections—Names of members—Officers of the - House—A Quaker member—Chaplain—Meeting of Parliament—The Throne, - a camp stool—Address—To both houses—Closing address—Acts passed— - Simcoe’s confidential letters—A contrast—A blending—2nd Session— - The Acts—Quarter Sessions—3rd, 4th, 5th Sessions—New division of - Province—1798—Modes of punishment—Burning the hand—Whipping— - Salaries of officers—Revenue first year—The members of - Parliament—Education—Offering for Parliament—A “Junius”—Early - administration of justice—“Heaven-born lawyers”—First - magistrates 533 - - - DIVISION X. - - THE EARLY MILITIA OF UPPER CANADA. - - - CHAPTER LXII. - - Militia Act, 1792—Simcoe—No faith in the Americans—His views— - Military Roads—Division of Districts—Military purposes—The - officers—Legislation—The expenses—Repeated Legislation— - Aggressive spirit—The Enrolment—Hastings Battalion—“Something - brewing”—List of Officers—Col. Ferguson—Col. Bell—Leeds Militia— - Officers’ clothing—The Midland District—Prince Edward—Training - Places 544 - - - CHAPTER LXIII. - - In 1812, around Bay Quinté—The declaration of war—The news at - Kingston—The call to arms—Hastings—Events at Kingston—In 1813— - Attack upon Sacket’s Harbor—Oswego—American fleet before - Kingston—Royal George—Kingston prepared—Chrysler’s farm—A - “Postscript”—Along the St. Lawrence—Ribaldry—The Commissary— - Capt. Wilkins—Quakers—Rate of pay—American prisoners—The - Wounded—Surgeons, Dougal, Meacham—Jonathan Phillips—Militiamen’s - reward—Militia orders—Parliamentary grants 551 - - - CHAPTER LXIV. - - The Six Nations in 1812—American animus—“Manifest Destiny”—Mohawk - Indians—A right to defend their homes—Inconsistency—American - savages—Extract from Playter—Brock’s proclamation—Indian - character, conduct, eloquence—Deserters in 1812—Few of them— - Court-martials—The attempts at conquest by the Americans—The - numbers—Result of war—Canadians saved the country—And can do so— - Fraternal kindness 564 - - - DIVISION XI. - - ADVANCE OF CIVILIZATION. - - - CHAPTER LXV. - - Canada’s first step in civilization—Slavery in America—By whom - introduced—False charge—Slavery in Canada—History—Imperial Acts— - Legislation in Canada—The several clauses—In Lower Canada— - Justice Osgood—Slavery at the Rebellion—Among the U. E. - Loyalists—Those who held slaves—Descendants of the slaves—“A - British slave”—“For sale”—“Indian slave”—Upper Canada’s Record— - Compared with the States—Liberty—Why the United States abolished - slavery—Honor to whom honor is due 569 - - - CHAPTER LXVI. - - Returns to the Pioneer—Bay Region—Garden of Canada—Clogs—False - views of settlers—Result—New blood—Good example—Anecdote—The - “Family Compact”—Partiality—Origin of the _Compact_—Their - conduct—The evil they did—A proposed Canadian Aristocracy—What - it would have led to—What may come—“Peter Funks” 580 - - - CHAPTER LXVII. - - Agriculture—Natural Products—Rice—Ginseng—Orchards—Plows—Reaping— - Flax—Legislation—Agricultural Society organized by Simcoe—A - Snuff Box—Fogies—Silver—Want of help—Midland District taking the - lead—Societies—Legislative help—Prince Edward—Pearl Ashes— - Factories—Tanneries—Breweries, Carding Machines—Paper—Lumber— - First vehicles—Sleighs—Waggons—Home-made—Roads—First Public - Conveyances—Stages—Fare—Building Greater—Sawing Mills introduced - by the Dutch—First Brick Building—Myers’ House—Its past history— - Furniture from Albany—Currency—Paper Money—Banks—First - Merchants—Barter—Pedlars—On the Bay 587 - - - CHAPTER LXVIII. - - Steam vessels—Crossing the Atlantic in 1791—First Steam Vessel— - Hudson—The second on the St. Lawrence—First across the Atlantic— - In Upper Canada—_Frontenac_—Built in Ernesttown—The Builders— - Finkle’s Point—Cost of Vessel—Dimensions—Launched—First Trip— - Captain McKenzie—‘_Walk-in-the-Water_’—_Queen Charlotte_—How - Built—Upon Bay Quinté—Capt. Dennis—First year—Death of Dennis— - Henry Gilderslieve—What he did—Other Steamboats—Canals—First in - Upper Canada—Welland Canal—Desjardin—Rideau—Its object—Col. By—A - proposed Canal—Railroads—The first in the world—Proposed Railway - from Kingston to Toronto, 1846—In Prince Edward District— - Increase of Population—Extract from Dr. Lillie—Comparison with - the United States—Favorable to Canada—False Cries—The French— - Midland District, 1818 599 - - - DIVISION XII. - - THE UNITED EMPIRE LOYALISTS—THE FATHERS OF UPPER CANADA. - - - CHAPTER LXIX. - - Definition—A division—Their principles—Our position—Ancestry— - Dutch—Puritans—Huguenots—New Rochelle—English writers—Talbot— - Falsehoods—Canadian and English ancestry—Howison—Maligner— - Gourlay’s reply—Palatines—Old names 616 - - - CHAPTER LXX. - - Character—Hospitality—At home—Fireside—Visitors—Bees—Raisings— - Easter Eggs—Dancing—Hovington House—Caste—Drinks—Horse-racing— - Boxing—Amusements—La Crosse—Duels—Patriotism—Annexation—Freedom— - Egotism—The Loyalists—Instances—Longevity—Climate of Canada—A - quotation—Long lived—The children—The present race—A - nationality—Comparison—“U. E. Loyalist”—Their Privileges—Order - of Council—Dissatisfaction 624 - - - CHAPTER LXXI. - - Notice of a Few—Booth—Brock—Burritt—Cotter—Cartwright—Conger—Cole— - Dempsey—Detlor—Fraser—Finkle—Fisher—Fairfield—Grass—Gamble— - Hagerman—Johnson’s—“Bill” Johnson—Macaulay—The Captive, - Christian Moore—Parliament—Morden—Roblins—Simon—Van Alstine— - Wallbridge—Chrysler—White—Wilkins—Stewart—Wilson—Metcalf—Jayne— - McIntosh—Bird—Gerow—Vankleek—Perry—Sir William Johnson’s - children 642 - - - APPENDIX. - - Roll of the 2nd Battalion King’s Royal Regiment 667 - - The Governors of Canada 670 - - Indian Goods 671 - - - - - ERRATA. - - - Page 29, 12th line from top, instead of “1859,” read “1759.” - - Page 80, 4th line from bottom, instead of “are equally,” read “were - equally.” - - Page 102, 16th line from bottom, instead of “removed to the town,” - read “to the fifth town.” - - Page 104, instead of “Hodgins,” read “Hudgins.” - - Page 104, 16th line from top, instead of “1859,” read “1809.” - - Page 130, 4th line, 2nd paragraph, instead of “South,” read “North.” - - Page 138, heading of page should be “Voyaging.” - - Page 192, bottom line, instead of “dispersed,” read “dispossessed.” - - Page 257, 19th line, “gloomy,” read “glowing.” - - Page 288, 19th line, “glowing a picture,” should have “of” - following. - - Page 293, instead of “Wesleyanism,” read “Wesleyans.” - - Page 371, 14th line, instead of “1815,” read “1615.” - - Page 437, 10th line from bottom, instead of “Lawer,” read “Lawyer.” - - Page 585, 15th line, after “Governor,” read _they were generally_. - - Page 596, 3rd line, after “often,” read _inferior_. - - - - - HISTORY - - OF - - THE SETTLEMENT OF UPPER CANADA, - - WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE BAY OF QUINTÉ. - - - - - INTRODUCTION. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - A SKETCH OF FRANCO-CANADIAN HISTORY. - - CONTENTS—Antiquarianism—Records of the Early Nations—Tradition—The - Press—The Eastern World—The Western World—Importance of History— - Columbus—Colonization—Canada—America—Cartier—French Canadian - writers—Cartier’s first visit—Huguenots—Cartier’s second visit— - Jean Francois—Sir George E. Cartier—Establishment of the Fur - Trade—Champlain—Discovery of Lake Ontario—Bay of Quinté—Quebec - founded—First fighting with Indians—First taking of Quebec by the - British—Returned to France—The Recollets and Jesuits—Death of - Champlain—Foundation of Montreal—Emigration from France—The - Carignan Regiment—DeCourcelle—Proposal to found a Fort at Lake - Ontario—Frontenac—Fort at Cataraqui—La Salle—Fort at Niagara—First - vessel upon the Lakes—Its fate—Death of La Salle, the first - settler of Upper Canada—Founder of Louisiana—Discoverer of the - mouth of the Mississippi. - - -There exists, as one characteristic of the nineteenth century, an -earnest desire on the part of many to recall, and, in mind, to live over -the days and years that are past; and many there are who occupy more or -less of their time in collecting the scattered relics of bygone days—in -searching among the faded records of departed years, to eagerly catch -the golden sands of facts which cling to legendary tales, and to -interpret the hieroglyphics which the footsteps of time have well-nigh -worn away. To this fact many a museum can bear ample testimony. The -antiquarian enjoys intense satisfaction in his labors of research, and -when he is rewarded by the discovery of something new, he is but -stimulated to renewed exertion. In the old world rich fields have been, -and are now being explored; and in the new laborers are not wanting. - -Since the days when man first trod the virgin soil of this globe, he has -ever been accustomed to preserve the more important events of his life, -and, by tradition, to hand them down to his children’s children; and -likewise has it been with communities and nations. Every people who are -known to have occupied a place upon the earth, have left some indication -of their origin, and the part they played in the world’s great drama. In -recent days, facts pertaining to nations and particular individuals are -preserved in all their amplitude, through the agency of the Press. But -in former centuries, only a few symbols, perhaps rudely cut in solid -stone, commemorated events of the most important kind. The historians of -Eastern nations have had to look far back into the misty past, to learn -the facts of their birth and infant days; while the dark days of -barbarism hang as a thick veil to obstruct the view. The middle ages, -like a destructive flood, swept away, to a great extent, the records -previously in existence. But out of the _debris_ has been exhumed many a -precious relic; and the stone and the marble thus obtained, have -supplied valuable material on which to base trustworthy history. - -In recording the events which belong to the Western world—this broad -American continent—the historian has far less of toil and research to -undergo. It is true the native Indian, who once proudly ruled the vast -extent of the new world, has a history yet undeveloped. An impenetrable -cloud obscures the facts appertaining to his advent upon this continent. -The nature of his origin is buried in the ocean of pre-historic time. -But in reference to the occupation of America by Europeans, the -subjugation and gradual extermination of the Indian, the life of the -pioneer, the struggles for political independence, the rapid growth and -development of nations; all these results, embraced within the space of -a few centuries, are freely accessible to the American historian. - -The importance of history cannot be questioned; the light it affords is -always valuable, and, if studied aright, will supply the student with -material by which he may qualify himself for any position in public -life. In the following chapters it is intended to draw attention more -particularly to the new world, and to examine a few pages in the history -of North America. - -In the absence of any data upon which to base statements relating to the -aborigines, we may say the history of the new world begins with the -memorable and enterprising adventures of Christopher Columbus, in 1492; -although there is evidence that America had been previously visited by -the people of Northern Europe, about the year 1000. The steady flow of -emigrants which commenced a century later, from the old world to the -new, of bold, energetic people, is a spectacle of grand import. - -Almost every nation of Europe has contributed to the colonization of -America. All, however, were not at first actuated by the same motives in -braving the perils of the deep—then far greater than at the present day— -and the dangers of the wilderness. The Spaniards were searching for the -precious gold. The English desired to acquire territory; the Dutch -sought to extend their commerce; and the French, it is said, were, at -first, intent only on converting the pagan Indians to Christianity.— -(Garneau.) Space will not permit to trace the course of events in -connection with the first settlements in America; the history of the -several colonies, the bloody Indian wars, the contentions between the -different colonizing people, the rebellions of the colonies and their -achievement of independence. We shall mainly confine ourselves to those -events which led to, and accompanied the settlement of Upper Canada. - -Canada, the coast of which was first discovered by John Cabot, in 1497, -is an honorable name, far more so than America. It has been a cause of -complaint with some that the United States should appropriate to their -exclusive use the name of America. But it is quite right they should -enjoy it. It is after a superficial impostor, Amerigo Vespucci, who -availed himself of the discoveries of Columbus, to vaunt himself into -renown. - -The word Canada is most probably derived from an Iroquois word, -signifying Cabin. It has been stated on the authority of a Castilian -tradition, that the word was of Spanish origin. The Spaniards, looking -after gold, ascended the St. Lawrence, but failing to find the precious -metal, exclaimed “Aca nada,” (Here is nothing.) The natives hearing the -land thus called, when Europeans again visited them, upon being asked -the name of their country, replied “Canada,” in imitation of the -Spaniards. Again, Father Hennepin asserts that the Spaniards, upon -leaving the land, gave it the appellation “El Cape di nada,” (Cape -nothing,) which in time became changed into Canada. But Charlevoix, in -his “Histoire de la Nouvelle France,” says that Canada is derived from -the Iroquois word “Kannata,” pronounced Canada, which signifies “love of -cabins.” Duponcion, in the “Transactions of the Philosophical Society of -Philadelphia,” founds his belief of the Indian origin of the name -Canada, on the fact that, in the translation of the Gospel by St. -Matthew into the Mohawk tongue, by Brant, the word Canada is always made -to signify a village. Taking the whole matter into consideration, there -appears the best of reasons to conclude that Canada, a name now properly -bestowed upon the Dominion, is of Indian origin, and signifies the -country of a people who are accustomed to live in villages or permanent -cabins, instead of in tents and constantly changing from one place to -another. - -The history of French Canada is one of unusual interest—from the time -Jacques Cartier, in 1534, with two vessels of less than 60 tons burden -each, and 122 men in all, entered for the first time the Gulf of St. -Lawrence—up to the present day. It was not until the first decade of the -17th century, nearly a hundred years after Cartier first landed, that -successful colonization by the French was accomplished. Nevertheless, -Canada has as early a place among the colonies of America as New -Netherlands or Virginia, which are the oldest States of the neighboring -Union. Virginia was planted in 1608; New Netherlands (now New York,) was -not settled until 1614. Prior to that, in 1609, Hudson had ascended the -river now bearing his name, as far as the present site of Albany; but at -the same time the intrepid Champlain was traversing the wilds of the -more northern part of the territory to the south of Lake Ontario. - -Although the history of New France is one of great interest, yet, in -this local history, space can only be allowed to glance at the course of -events in connection therewith. But French Canada is not in danger of -suffering for want of historians to pen the events of her life. Already -enthusiastic countrymen have done justice to the patriotism, valor and -ability of the Franco-Canadian race. And, at the present time, earnest -workers are in the field, searching among the records of the past, -stowed away in Paris, with the view of making known all that can be -learned of their sires. We find no fault with the intense love they bear -to their language, their laws, their religion, their institutions -generally. Such is characteristic of a high-spirited race; and, as -common Canadians we rejoice to have so devoted a people to lay with us -the foundation of our northern Dominion. - -It has already been said that Jacques Cartier first landed in Canada in -1534. At this time the pent up millions of Europe, lying in a state of -semi-bondage, were prepared to strike off the chains which had hitherto -bound them, both in mind and body, to the select ones, who claimed that -prerogative, as of Divine origin, and to avail themselves of the vast -territory which Columbus had recovered from oblivion. Then was the -future pregnant with events of the most startling nature—events fraught -with interests of the most colossal magnitude. While America was to open -up a new field for active labor, wherein all might pluck wealth, the art -of printing, so soon to be in active operation, was to emancipate the -mind, and cast broadly the seeds of universal liberty. Already was being -broken the fallow ground, in the rich soil of which was to germinate the -great truths of science. - -In May, 1535, Cartier set out on his second voyage to the New World, in -“La Grande Hermion,” a vessel of 110 tons, accompanied by two other -vessels of smaller size, with 110 men altogether. Reaching Labrador in -July, he on St. Laurence Day entered St. John’s River; and thus arose -the name of St. Lawrence, afterward applied to the mighty river now -bearing that name. Guided by two natives, Cartier ascended the St. -Lawrence as far as the Isle d’Orleans, where he was received by the -Indians in a friendly spirit. Cartier having determined to stay the -winter, moored his vessels in the St. Charles River, with the Indian -village of Stadaconé upon the heights above him. The same autumn he -ascended with a small party to visit Hochelaga, now Montreal. Here he -found a considerable village of fifty wooden dwellings, each fifty paces -long, and twelve and fifteen broad. This village was fortified. An aged -and withered chief accorded Cartier a distinguished reception; after -which Cartier ascended to the top of the mountain, to which he gave the -name Mont Real, or Royal Mount, a name subsequently given to the village -which has become the commercial capital of the Dominion, and which is -destined to rival even New York. - -Cartier’s stay in Canada during the winter was attended with much -distress, and the loss by death of twenty-six of his men; while most of -the rest were almost dying, being, it is related, saved by the medical -skill of the natives. In the Spring he returned to France, carrying with -him several Indians. It was five years later before another visit was -made to Canada, owing to the civil and religious wars existing in -France. It was the cruel laws enacted and put in force at this time in -France that expatriated so many noble Huguenots who were dispersed -throughout Great Britain, Ireland, and afterward America, the blood of -whom yet flows in the veins of many of the descendants of the loyal -refugees from the rebelling States of America. In the Summer of 1541 -Cartier again set sail for the St. Lawrence. He was to have been -accompanied by one Jean Francois de la Roque, a brave and faithful -servant of the king, to whom had been conceded the privilege of raising -a body of volunteers to form a permanent settlement upon the St. -Lawrence. But unforeseen difficulties prevented his sailing until the -following year. In the meantime Cartier, to whom had been given command, -with five ships, had, after a tedious passage, reached Canada, and -ascended to Quebec. The intending colonizers immediately went ashore and -commenced the work of clearing the land for cultivation. The winter was -passed in safety, but in the spring, tired of waiting for the Governor, -who ought to have followed him the year before, and discovering signs of -hostility on the part of the savages, he determined to return to France. -So he embarked all the men and set sail. Before he had reached the -Atlantic, however, he met la Roque, with some two hundred more -colonists, who desired Cartier to return, but he continued his course to -France. Jean Francois landed safely at Quebec. In the autumn he sent -home two vessels for provisions for the following year, while he -prepared to undergo the severity of the coming winter, a season that -brought severe trials, with the death of fifty of his men. The following -year he set out with seventy men to seek fresh discoveries up the river, -but he was unsuccessful. France, again immersed in war, paid no -attention to the request for succor in the New World, but ordered -Cartier to bring back the Governor, whose presence as a soldier was -desired. With him returned all the colonists. Thus the attempt to -establish a settlement upon the St. Lawrence failed, not, however, -through any want of courage, or ability on the part of Cartier, the -founder of Canada. The name thus immortalized and which disappeared from -the history of Canada for many years, again occupies a place. And, Sir -George Etienne Cartier, of to-day, although not a lineal descendant of -the first Cartier, holds a position of distinction; and, as one who has -assisted in effecting the Confederation of the provinces, his name will -ever stand identified, as his great predecessor and namesake, with the -history of our Canada. - -In 1549, Jean Francois a second time, set out for Canada with his -brother, and others, but they all perished on the way. This disaster -prevented any further immediate attempt at settlement in Canada. - -The commencement of the seventeenth century found France again in a -state suitable to encourage colonial enterprize, and she, in common with -other European nations was directing her attention to the yet unexplored -New World. At this time one Pont-Gravé, a merchant of St. Malo, -conceived the idea of establishing a fur trade between Canada and -France; and to this end he connected himself with one Chauvin, a person -of some influence at court, who succeeded in obtaining the appointment -of governor to Canada, with a monopoly of the peltry traffic. These two -adventurers, with a few men, set out for Canada, but arrived in a state -of destitution. Chauvin died, while the others were preserved alive by -the kindness of the natives. Chauvin was succeeded by De Chastes, -Governor of Dieppe; and Captain Samuel Champlain, who had distinguished -himself as a naval officer, was appointed to command an expedition about -to proceed to the New World. - -The name of Champlain is indelibly fixed upon the pages of Canadian -history. It was he who traversed trackless forests, ascended the most -rapid rivers, discovered the Lake of Ontario, by way of Bay Quinté, and -gave his name to another lake. It was in 1603 that Champlain set out -upon his voyage. He had but three small vessels, it is said, of no more -than twelve or fifteen tons burden. He ascended as far as Sault St. -Louis, and made careful observations. He prepared a chart, with which he -returned to France. The king was well pleased with his report, and De -Chaste having died, Governor de Monts succeeded him, to whom was -granted, exclusively, the fur trade in Canada. But their operations were -confined, at first, to Acadia, now Nova Scotia. In 1607 De Monts -abandoned Acadia and directed his attention to Canada. Obtaining from -the king a renewal of his privileges, he appointed Champlain his -lieutenant, whom he despatched with two vessels. The party arrived at -Stadaconé, on the 3rd of July. The party commenced clearing land where -the lower town of Quebec now stands, and erected cabins in which to -live. Having determined to make this the head-quarters of his -establishment, he proceeded to build a fort. Thus was founded the -ancient capital of Canada upon the Gibraltar of America. The powers -granted to Champlain were ample, whereby he was enabled to maintain -order and enforce law. During the well nigh one hundred years that had -passed away since Cartier attempted to colonize, great changes, it would -seem, had taken place among the Indians. Altogether different tribes -occupied the Laurentian valley; and the former Indian villages of -Stadoconé, and Hochelaga had been entirely destroyed, Champlain found -the Indians of this place, the Algonquins, at enmity with other tribes -to the west, the Iroquois. The Algonquins were glad to form an alliance -with him against their long standing enemy. It suited the purpose of -Champlain to thus ally himself; but the policy may well be questioned; -at all events it inaugurated a long course of warfare between the French -and the Iroquois, which only terminated when Canada became a British -dependency. He, no doubt, was ignorant of the great power and -superiority of the confederated five nations which formed the Iroquois -people. The first encounter between Champlain and the Indians took place -the 29th of July, 1609, by the lake which now bears his name, which had -been known by the Indians as Lake Corlar. The Iroquois, who had never -before seen the use of fire-arms, were naturally overwhelmed with -surprise at this new mode of warfare, by which three of their chiefs -were suddenly stricken to the earth; and they beat a hasty retreat, -leaving their camp to the pillage of the enemy. The following year -Champlain again set out with his Indian allies, and a second time drove -them from the well contested field by the use of fire-arms. It was on -this occasion he first met the Hurons, which were to become such fast -allies, until almost exterminated. But the time came when the Iroquois, -supplied with arms and trained to their use, by the Dutch, became better -able to cope with the French. In 1612 Count de Soissons succeeded De -Monts. Champlain, who was again engaged in war, was at the same time -endeavoring to advance the peltry traffic, a trade that had many -vicissitudes, owing to the changing opinions at home, and the uncertain -support of merchants. He commenced the erection of a fort at Montreal, -and formed an alliance with the Huron Indians. - -In the year 1615, the Iroquois were collected near the foot of Lake -Ontario, a body of water as yet unseen by Europeans. At the request of -the Indians, it has been said Champlain set out to attack them, after -having ascended the Ottawa. The course taken by him, and the disastrous -result are given in connection with the discovery of the Bay Quinté. The -year 1628 saw Canada, as well as the colony of Florida, pass under the -power of the “Company of the Hundred Partners.” The same year saw Quebec -in a state of great distress, the inhabitants almost starving, and a -fleet of British war vessels at the entrance of the St. Lawrence -demanding the surrender of the fort. War was then existing between -England and France, arising out of the intestine war of France, between -the Huguenots and the Catholics, which had resulted in the subjugation -of the former, many of whom had sought refuge in England and entered her -service. Two of the vessels now threatening French Canada were commanded -by Huguenots, one Captain Michel; the other David Kertk. The latter -demanded the surrender of Quebec, but Champlain concealed the great -straits to which he was reduced and bravely withstood the famine and -cold through the long winter, in the hopes of relief in the spring, -which was destined never to reach him. Instead of relief, the spring -brought three vessels of war, commanded by Kertk’s two brothers, Louis -and Thomas. The demand to surrender could no longer be refused, and upon -the 29th July, 1618, the English took possession of Quebec. Louis Kertk -became Governor, while Champlain accompanied Thomas Kertk to Europe. -Quebec remained in British possession until the treaty of -St-German-en-Laye, signed 29th March 1632, by which England renounced -all claims upon New France. - -Quebec was governed by Louis Kertk during the three years it was in -possession of England, and he returned it to the French, it was alleged, -a heap of ruins. On the ensuing year, the “Hundred Partners” resumed -their sway, and Champlain was re-appointed Governor, who came with much -pomp and took possession of Fort St. Louis with the beating of drums. -Hereafter emigration from France was accelerated. Even some of the -higher classes sought in Canada, repose from the troubles incident to -religious and domestic war, although Catholics. The Jesuits were now -superseding the order of Recollets, and were earnestly seeking to -convert the Hurons; and at the same to secure their trusty allegiance. -For two years prosperity continued to smile upon the province, and in -1635 the Jesuits laid the foundation stone of the College of Quebec. But -the same year took from New France its chief and its greatest friend. -Champlain died on Christmas day in Quebec, after “thirty years of -untiring efforts to establish and extend the French possessions in -America.” This great discoverer, and founder of Quebec left no children, -his wife remained in Canada four years, when she returned to France. - -Following the death of Champlain was the terrible onslaught by the -Iroquois upon the Hurons, whom they entirely destroyed as a nation, -leaving but a remnant under the protection of the French. In 1642 M. de -Maisonneuve laid the foundation of Montreal, the village consisting of a -few buildings with wooden palisades, was then called “Ville-Marie.” -Maisonneuve gathered here the converted Indians to teach them the art of -civilization. - -The successor to Champlain was M. de Chateaufort: but we cannot continue -to even sketch the history of the several Governors, and the successive -steps in Canadian development only so far as they bear upon our subject. - -In 1663 the population along the St. Lawrence numbered to between 2,000 -and 2,500. In 1665 the number was increased by emigration, and by the -arrival of the Carignan regiment, a veteran body of men who became -permanent settlers, and who aided much in controlling the Indians and -maintaining the power of the French. The same year live stock was -introduced, and horses for the first time were seen in Canada. About -this time commenced, in earnest, the struggle between England and France -for the supremacy of the fur trade. The viceroy, M. de Tracy, began to -erect regular forts upon the Richeleu. In 1671 there was a rendezvous of -Indian Chiefs at Sault St. Marie, and through the influence of Father -Allouez, the several tribes consented to become subjects of France. In -the same year M. de Courcelles, now Governor, in pursuance of the -attempt to govern the fur trade, conceived the idea of planting a fort -at the foot of Lake Ontario. But he left before the work had commenced, -and was succeeded by Louis de Buade, _Conte de_ Frontenac, after whom -the fort, subsequently erected, was called. - -As the founder of the first settlement in Upper Canada, whose name is -now so familiar, as belonging to a County, we may make space to say of -Frontenac, that he was a gentleman of good birth, and had gained great -distinction, having attained to the rank of Brigadier-General. He was -somewhat proud and haughty, but condescending to his inferiors. His -instructions from his master, the King, on coming to the Canada, were to -secure the aggrandizement of France. Emigration in large numbers from -France having been forbidden, he was to seek the increase of numbers in -New France by stimulating early marriages. And to this day, the rate of -increase by birth, among the French, is considerably greater than with -the Anglo-Saxon. - -He was to foster agriculture, the raising of stock, to increase the -fishing operations, and the trade abroad; and he was instructed to take -measures to construct a highway between Canada and Acadia, a plan which -is only now about to be accomplished in the Intercolonial Railroad. -Frontenac, likewise received very explicit instructions as to his -procedure towards the Jesuits and Recollects; and he was charged “to -administer justice with the strictest impartiality.” The Colony being at -peace, Frontenac’s principal difficulty was in dealing with the Church, -and he found it necessary to take high-handed steps to bring the Clergy -into subjection to the State. There had been for years a struggle with -respect to the liquor traffic among the Indians; the Bishops being -opposed to it, while the Governor favored it for the purpose of -furthering the trade in furs. The dissentions between parties became so -great, and representations to the home authorities became so frequent -and vexatious that Frontenac and the Intendant were both recalled in -1682. But during the incumbency of Frontenac, explorations had continued -in the west, and the fort at Cataraqui had been fully established; and -the Mississippi had been discovered by Pére Marquette and M. Joliet, in -1673. That same year Frontenac set out 29th of June, from Montreal, with -an expedition for Cataraqui, arriving there 12th July. There was at this -time one Robert Cavalier de la Salle, a native of Rouen, who had come to -Canada when a young man, full of a project for securing a road by a -northwestern passage to China. He was a man of ability and energy, but -without means. But he managed to obtain the favorable notice of Governor -Frontenac, who regarded him as a man after his own heart. - -In the time of de Courcelles he opened a trading post near Montreal, now -Lachine, so called from La Salle’s belief that a pathway to China would -be found thence across the Continent by the waters of the Ottawa or -Upper Lakes. The discovery of the Mississippi caused no little sensation -in Canada; and La Salle lost no time in asking permission and assistance -to continue the western explorations, declaring his belief that the -upper waters of the Mississippi would, if followed to their source, lead -to the Pacific Ocean. He consequently submitted a petition for a certain -grant of land at Cataraqui to the king, Louis X. (See under history of -Kingston.) - -Thus it seems that La Salle, a name greatly distinguished in connection -with the discovery of the mouth of the Mississippi, stands connected -very intimately with the foundation of Kingston. For him a Seigniory was -here erected, and from this point he went forth on his eventful voyage. -He was a man of much energy and lost no time in setting out. His boats -laden with goods, and likewise with material for constructing a -brigantine, and a fort, set sail for the Niagara River. The first steps -La Salle prepared to take was to erect a second fort at Niagara, and -then to build his vessel upon the waters of Lake Erie. - -The construction of the defensive work of the fort, however, suited not -the views of the Indians, so he satisfied himself with a palisaded -storehouse. In the winter the vessel was commenced, six miles above the -Falls. By the middle of summer it was ready to be launched, which was -done with a salute of cannon, and the chanting of a Te deum, amid great -rejoicing. There was also great demonstration among the Indians, who -designated the French “Otkou,” or “men of a contriving mind.” The vessel -was named _Griffon_, and on the 7th August, 1679, with seven guns, and -small arms, and loaded with goods she entered Lake Erie. A few day’s -sail and Detroit, or the strait was reached; and on the 23rd August, she -was cutting the waters of Lake Huron. In five days Michilmicinac was -gained; then the voyageur proceeded to the western shore of Michigan, -where he cast anchor. The wonder of the Aborigines, as they witnessed -this mounted craft, and heard the thunder tones of the cannon, may be -conceived. But this first vessel upon the western lakes, which had at -first so prosperous a voyage, was doomed to early destruction. Men of -enterprise and success invariably have to encounter enemies born of -incapacity and jealousy, who in the absence of the victim, may sow the -seeds of evil. La Salle had not a few of such enemies, it would seem, to -encounter. After his departure his creditors had seized his possessions, -and he, as soon as he heard of it, loaded the _Griffon_ with peltries -and despatched her for Niagara. But the _Griffon_ never reached Detroit, -the waters of Lake Huron swallowed her up, and all on board. La Salle -proceeded with thirty men to the lower end of Lake Michigan, and laid -the foundation of another fort. He then continued westward to the -Illinois River, and formed still another fort. But this chain of forts -thus established by La Salle, was not destined to accomplish the great -end aimed at. Among the opponents of La Salle, were not only those -jealous of his success, but likewise rival merchants, who were ill -pleased to see the fur trade monopolized by one; and then, there was the -growing trade by the English. These many obstacles and the loss of his -vessel with its cargo, and of a second one, in the Gulph of St. -Lawrence, about this time, valued at £22,000, had the effect of -seriously crippling him; yet his was a nature not easily overcome. -Leaving Father Hennepin to explore the Illinois River and the Upper -Mississippi, he set out March 2nd, 1680, for Montreal, accompanied by -four whites and an Indian guide. - -Two years later and the indomitable La Salle, nothing daunted, who had -compounded with his creditors, and suffered repeated disappointments, is -found traversing the forest, for the Mississippi, to descend that stream -to its mouth. He reached the Mississippi, 6th February, 1682. Descending -the stream he stopped at the mouth of the Ohio to erect a fort. He then -continued his easy course down the Father of rivers, and reached its -mouth on the 5th April, and took formal possession of the territory in -the name of the king, calling the place after him, Louisiana. The glory -thus won by La Salle, was not to be crowned with the success, -financially, that ought to have followed. At this juncture Governor -Frontenac, seemingly the only friend La Salle had, was called home to be -followed by M. de la Barre. A continuation of the persecutions and -misrepresentations of his conduct, led to the sequestration of Fort -Frontenac, as well as Fort St. Louis, and in the following year he was -called upon to defend himself at court, which he was able to do. The -result was an order to reinstate the founder of Louisiana on his return, -in Fort Frontenac, and to repair all damages which his property had -sustained in that locality. - -La Salle was graciously received by the king on account of his discovery -of the mouth of the Mississippi, and was commissioned to begin a -colonization of Louisiana. The same unfortunate luck continued to attend -him. He sailed July 24th, 1684, from La Rochelle with two ships of war -and two other vessels, having some 500 persons in all. The fleet was -commanded by M. de Beaujeu. Between the commander and La Salle, a -misunderstanding arose which ended in decided aversion. One of the ships -was captured by the Spaniards, and the others overpassed the mouth of -the Mississippi by many leagues. The commander instead of assisting to -carry out La Salle’s object, did all he could to thwart him. One of the -vessels was run upon the reefs and lost. Finally Beaujeu left La Salle -with his people upon a desert shore without provision, and put out to -sea. Although 120 leagues distant from the Mississippi, in Texas, La -Salle set some of his people to cultivate the land, and began to -construct a fort. But the craftsmen were deficient. The seed sown did -not grow, the savages became troublesome, and one evil after another -rapidly succeeded until his men were mostly all dead. As a last resort -La Salle determined to set out for Canada to proceed to France. It was -early spring and the indomitable discoverer found but slow progress; at -last some of those accompanying him, mutinied together and resorted to -force, during which La Salle was mortally wounded. Thus perished the -discoverer of the mouth of the Mississippi, the founder of Louisiana, as -well as the first land owner of Upper Canada. It is worthy of note here -how great was the territory of France in America at this time. It was a -vast region, embracing within its limits the Hudson’s Bay territory, -Acadia, Canada, a great part of Maine, portions of the States of Vermont -and New York, with the whole of the valley of the Mississippi. And a -great portion of this ought, to-day, to form part of Canada, some of -which would, were it not for the indifference, or stupidity of English -commissioners, and the contemptible trickery of Americans, such as the -act of concealing the fact of the existence of a certain map by Daniel -Webster, which would prove adverse to his pretentions. - -It has been deemed appropriate to follow La Salle in his steps, not -alone because he was the first settler in Upper Canada, who held land -property; but because we learn of the way in which the French, -originally struggling to gain a footing in the Lower St. Lawrence, -gradually extended westward, carrying in one hand the Cross, and with -the other, planting forts for the purpose of trade, and erecting such -defences as the uncertain character of the natives rendered necessary. -We learn how it came, that fort after fort, whose ruins may yet be -traced across the continent, were planted along a route which commenced -at the mouth of the mighty St. Lawrence, extended along the western -lakes, and then turning southward terminated at the mouth of the -majestic Mississippi. - - - - - INTRODUCTION. - - (CONTINUED.) - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - CONTENTS—Cataraqui fort strengthened—Kente Indians seized and - carried captive to France—Massacre of Lachine—Commencing struggle - between New England and New France—Siege of Quebec by Sir Wm. - Phipps—Destruction of Fort Cataraqui—Its re-erection—Treaty of - Ryswick—Death of Frontenac—Iroquois in England—Another attempt to - capture Quebec—Decline of French power—Population of Canada and of - New England—Continuation of the contest for the fur trade—Taking - of Fort Louisburg—Col. Washington, dishonorable conduct— - Inconsistency of Dr. Franklin—Commencement of seven years’ war— - Close of first year—Montcalm—His presentiment—Taking of Fort - Oswego—Of Fort William Henry—Fearful massacre—The state of Canada— - Wolfe appears—Taking of Frontenac—Duquesne—Apathy of France—The - spring of 1759—Reduced state of Canada—The overthrow of French - power in America—The result—Union of elements—The capture of - Quebec—Wolfe—Death of Montcalm—Fort Niagara—Johnson—Effort to - retake Quebec—Wreck of the French army—Capitulation at Montreal— - Population—The first British Governor of Canada—The Canadians as - British subjects—The result of French enterprise—Rebellion. - - -In 1685 Marquis DeNonville became Governor, and brought with him to -Canada 600 regular troops. The Iroquois had become allies of the -English, with whom they preferred to trade. DeNonville ascended to -Cataraqui with two thousand men. Arrived at Cataraqui, he tried, by -gentle means at first, to obtain certain terms from them, but the -Iroquois were insolent, being supported by the English traders. -DeNonville wrote to Paris for more troops, and, in the mean time, -proceeded to accumulate stores at Cataraqui, and to strengthen the fort -at Niagara. The King sent to Canada, in 1687, 800 soldiers, to assist in -subduing the Iroquois. DeNonville becoming bold, and in his increased -strength, pursued a course of trickery which has been branded by all -writers as anti-Christian, and more savage than anything pertaining to -the savages (so-called) of America. Pére Lamberville, a missionary among -the Iroquois, caused a certain number of chiefs to congregate at Fort -Frontenac, to confer with the governor, and when they were within the -precincts of the fort they were seized and carried captive in chains, -even to France, and there sent to the galleys. Draper says that these -were Indians of the tribes called Ganneyouses and Kentes, and that about -40 or 50 men, and 80 women and children were seized, who were forwarded -to France. The attitude of the Indians under such trying circumstances, -towards the missionary among them, stands out in prominent contrast to -the vile conduct of the French governor. The missionary, summoned by the -chief, was thus addressed: “We have every right to treat thee as our -foe, but we have not the inclination to do so. We know thy nature too -well; thine heart has had no share in causing the wrong that has been -done to us. We are not so unjust as to punish thee for a crime that thou -abhorrest as much as we.” Then the aged chief informed him that the -young men of the tribe might not feel so lenient, and that he must -leave, at the same time causing him to be conducted by a safe path from -their midst. - -For a time DeNonville somewhat curbed the Iroquois; but in the end he -failed completely to hold the ground which had previously been acquired. -For four years he continued to govern; matters continually growing -worse, until, in the spring of 1689, 1,400 Iroquois made an onslaught on -the island of Montreal. The inhabitants, in the depth of sleep, knew -nothing of their danger, until the fearful whoop and the bloody tomahawk -and scalping knife were already at work. The butchery was most fearful; -the cruelties to women and children most revolting. Besides those -instantly killed, 200 were burnt alive, and others died under prolonged -torture. This was called the massacre of Lachine. The governor was -paralyzed, and no step was taken to redress the great evil. - -It was under such circumstances that he was recalled, and superseded by -De Frontenac, who had again been requested to become governor. Frontenac -landed at Quebec on the 18th October, 1689, and was received with every -demonstration of joy. - -Frontenac entered upon his duties shortly before the renewal of -hostilities between England and France. All of Protestant Europe, -indeed, were enlisted in the war which had, to a great extent, arisen -from the cruel course pursued by France towards the Huguenots. -Frontenac, whose master foresaw the war, which was declared in the -following year, brought with him full instructions to prepare for a -vigorous warfare all along the frontier of New France, even to the -Hudson Bay territory. By this time the English settlements upon the -Atlantic coast had attained to no inconsiderable strength, and were -already engaging in trade by water, as well as with the Indians in -peltries; and already it had become a question of conquest by New -England or by New France. The present juncture seemed one favorable for -bold measures on the part of the Anglo-Americans. They had rapidly -advanced in material strength, while the French had rather declined, -owing to the want of immigration and to the frequent destructive -incursions of the Iroquois. The declaration of war between England and -France, in June, 1689, saw the colonists prepared to contest the ground -for supremacy, and monopoly of the fur trade. The French, -notwithstanding their limited numerical strength, hesitated not to enter -the field, and made up their want of numbers by superior and determined -bravery. Before De Frontenac had arrived, everything was going on badly -with the Canadians. M. DeNonville had, before his departure, instructed -Senor de Valreuve, commandant at Cataraqui, to blow up the fort, which -had been accordingly done; and the country abandoned to the Indians, who -now ranged the country, to the very entrance of Montreal. But Frontenac -determined to take bold and active measures to carry the war into the -enemies’ country, notwithstanding the odds against the French. Organized -plans of attack, at different points, were arranged, one of which, in -its carrying out, was quite as cruel and barbarous as the Lachine -massacre, which it was intended, as afterwards stated, it should -revenge. A party of French and Indians were led in the direction of -Albany. On their way, one night, about eleven o’clock, they attacked the -sleeping town of Schenectady, and put the defenceless inhabitants to the -sword. Those acts cannot be justified in Europeans, and show the fearful -spirit of barbarity which reigned in those early days of America. The -effect produced by the bands of raiders that swept over the British -colonies along the frontier, and here and there, into the very interior, -was salutary to the French interests, and the spring saw the French flag -much more respected by the Indians than it had lately been: yet the -Iroquois earnestly and boldly strove to carry death to the door of every -Canadian hamlet. The energetic measures adopted by Frontenac frustrated -all their attempts; yet it was unsafe for the husbandman to go to the -field, so that famine began to appear. The spring of 1691 saw, however, -instead of a repeated invasion of New England, extensive preparations in -the latter country to invade Canada. Sir William Phipps was preparing to -sail from Boston, with a squadron, to capture Quebec, and General -Winthrop, with forces from Connecticut and New York, was mustering his -militia, to invade by land. The latter marched to, and encamped upon, -the banks of Lake George, where he waited for the appearance of Phipps, -by the St. Lawrence; but, in the meantime, disease attacked his troops, -and he was obliged to retrace his steps to Albany. Scarcely had Winthrop -departed when the fleet under Phipps entered the waters of the St. -Lawrence, and ascended, to invest the City of Quebec, appearing in sight -on the 16th of October. Phipps demanded a surrender; but Frontenac, -although with an inferior garrison and but few troops, gave a spirited -refusal; and ultimately, before the close of the month, Phipps found it -expedient to retire. Thus terminated the first siege of Quebec. - -The ensuing four years presented one continuous scene of border warfare. -While hostilities in Europe were exhausting the resources of France, -Canada, under Frontenac, was more than holding its own. The British -Americans vainly tried again to besiege Quebec, making an attack by -land; but each attempt was attended with disaster. Frontenac, -recognizing the importance of Cataraqui as a place of defence, sent 700 -men to re-erect the fort. In this he was opposed by the Intendant, M. de -Champigny, and even by the home government; but he had the work -completed in 1695, before orders came to abstain from erecting it. -Frontenac had submitted a report giving the reasons why the fort should -exist, namely: in time of peace for trade, and to repair hatchets and -arms; and in time of war to afford a place of retreat, and to give -succor and provisions; also a place to organize expeditions against the -Iroquois, and to receive the sick and wounded on returning from -expeditions. On the other hand, De Champigny reported that the trade -would not be much in time of peace, as the Iroquois would prefer to deal -with the English, who would give more; that the Indian should carry the -beaver skin to the French, not the French go for it; that the fort was -out of the direct course of trade, some thirty or forty leagues; that -the force necessary to carry provisions would at any time be capable of -proceeding against the enemy. It would be better to take a more -southerly course from Montreal into the enemy’s country, while Cataraqui -is situated upon the opposite side of the lake; that it was an unfit -place for sick and wounded, being “very unhealthy, eighty-seven having -died there in one year, out of the hundred who composed the garrison.” -“The swamp poisons the garrison,” which is so situated that it affords -no protection except to the men within it, who might as well be in a -prison. He counselled that the fort should be abandoned, as it was -useless and expensive. Frontenac, however, having erected the fort, -garrisoned it with 48 soldiers. The expense of re-establishing the fort -and supplying the necessary provisions cost some £700. At this juncture -the French had entertained the idea of calling in the outposts along the -western lakes and upon the Mississippi, but it was represented that to -do so was to open the way for the exclusive trade of the Indians with -the English. But Frontenac advised no such measures. He, by his -determined bravery, succeeded in bringing the Iroquois to respect the -French name, and he often carried fire and death into their very -country. When the war terminated, the old boundaries of the Provinces -had been fully re-established, and honors were conferred upon the -governor by his royal master. In 1697 the war terminated by the treaty -of Ryswick, signed September 11, by which the French were to restore all -places taken from the British in America; and it was stipulated that a -commission should be appointed to determine the respective boundaries of -the Provinces. - -In the year 1698, on the 28th November, Count de Frontenac died, aged -77, much beloved by the Canadians, after having raised New France from a -low condition to a high state of material advancement. But against him -was too truly said that he encouraged the dreadful traffic of liquor -among the Indians, in order that advantageous trading, in which the -governor allowed himself to meddle, might be carried on. - -On 26th May, 1703, M. de Calliére, who had been the successor of -Frontenac, died, and the governor of Montreal, who was the Marquis de -Vaudreuil, was nominated as successor. - -This appointment, made at the instance of the colonists, was conferred -with hesitancy, the reason being that his Countess was a native-born -Canadian! Not only in that day but in later days, and under other -circumstances, we have seen the belief obtaining that natives of Canada -must, from the nature of their birth-place, lack those qualifications -for distinguished positions with which those from home are supposed to -be so eminently endowed. - -The British Colonists by this time began to entertain desires to conquer -Canada, and steps were taken to accomplish the taking of Quebec. Among -those who took an active part, by raising provincial troops, and in -visiting England to obtain assistance, was General Nicholson, whose -descendants to this day live in the vicinity of the Bay Quinté, and in -the Lower Provinces. In 1710 he visited England, in company with five -Iroquois chiefs, who were presented to Queen Anne, and who received -distinguished attention, being conveyed to the palace in royal coaches. -It was following this that the Queen presented those interesting pieces -of Communion plate to the five nations, part of which may be seen at -Tyendinagua, and part at the Grand River. A futile attempt was made by -Nicholson, with a fleet under Admiral Walker, in 1711, to take Quebec. -The whole enterprise not only failed but was attended with great -disaster. General Nicholson, with his army at Lake Champlain, had to -give up his desire to capture Montreal and Quebec. - -On March 30, 1713, was signed the treaty of Utrecht. In this treaty -abridgement of French territory in America was effected. Acadia, -Hudson’s Bay territory and Newfoundland were ceded to Britain. French -power was on the decline both in America, and Europe. Vainly the French -tried to regain what they had lost in Newfoundland and Acadia, by -founding an establishment at Cape Breton, and in the foundation of the -historic fort of Louisburg. - -In 1714 Governor Vaudreuil went to France, where he remained until -September, 1716. He then returned to Canada, and set about improving the -state of affairs generally. Quebec, at the present day such an -impregnable fortress, was not, in any respect, regularly fortified -before the beginning of this century. To the natural strength of the -place was first added artificial aid, in 1702. To this again were added, -in 1712, other defences, and in 1720, by the approval of the home -government, the fortification was systematically proceeded with. At this -time the colony was divided into three distinct governments, those of -Quebec, Three Rivers, and Montreal; and the whole was subdivided into -eighty-two parishes. The whole population was estimated at 25,000; -whilst at the same time the British colonies had 60,000 males able to -bear arms. The governor, aware of this, already began to fear a -successful invasion of Canada. - -M. de Vaudreuil died October 10, 1725, having been governor twenty-one -years. He was succeeded by the Marquis de Beauharnois, who arrived at -Quebec in 1726. The contest for the supremacy of the fur trade -continued. The British seeing the advantage of the line of forts held by -the French determined to erect a fort also, and selected the mouth of -the Oswego for its site. As an offset to this aggression on the part of -the British, against which the French vainly protested, the French fort -at the mouth of the Niagara was erected, with defences; and orders were -given that a stone fort should replace the one originally constructed of -wood, at Cataraqui. In 1731, Fort Frederick was also erected, at Crown -Point, on Lake Champlain. This year, Varrennes, Sieur de la Vérendrye, -urged by the governor, set about to discover a route to the Pacific -ocean; but he only reached the foot of the Rocky Mountains, being the -first white man to discover them. About this time the fort at Toronto -(Lake) is, for the first time, referred to. For more than a decade the -strife for the peltry traffic continued to be waged, yet without any -actual warfare. It was seen by all that peace could not continue, and -New England and New France were all the time anticipating the conflict. -In 1745 war broke out in Europe, and immediately extended to America. It -will be remembered that the French were dispossessed of Acadia, but had -subsequently erected a fort upon Cape Breton, Louisburg. From this naval -stronghold they were able to send privateers and men-of-war. The -English, in the meantime, seeing this evil, and that this was a -protection to the only entrance to French territory, determined to -possess it promptly, if it were possible. To carry out this project, -which originated with Governor Shirley, of Massachusetts, 4,000 militia, -levied in Mass., New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut, under Colonel -Pepperel, sailed from Boston in March. The attack upon this strong fort -was so well planned and carried out, that full success was the result. -Admiral Warren arrived with ships to give assistance, and captured a -French ship of 64 guns, with 560 soldiers and supplies. Already the -Anglo-Americans were beginning to display the energy (derived from an -energetic race) which was to overturn British domination in the Atlantic -States. But in the first place it was necessary that England should -extinguish French power. The brilliant nature of the attack and taking -of Fort Louisburg was recognized by the granting of baronetcies to -Governor Shirley and Colonel Pepperel. This success hastened the -determination to conquer Canada—a desire already existing in the hearts -of the Anglo-Americans; and Governor Shirley applied to the British -government for regulars and a fleet for that purpose. Meanwhile, a -fleet, with several thousand troops, sailed from France, with a view of -re-taking Cape Breton and Acadia; but tempest and disease destroyed the -force, until it was no longer able to invade. - -From the year 1745 border warfare continually blazed along the frontier. -The French, with their savage allies, carried the scalping-knife and the -torch into the British settlements, captured Fort Massachusetts and Fort -Bridgman, and gained other victories, and the luckless settlers had to -seek safety in the more largely-settled parts of the country. - -Again came temporary peace to the colonists. In 1748, upon the 7th of -October, the treaty was signed at Aix-la-Chapelles, by the terms of -which Cape Breton reverted to the French. This treaty was, however, but -a lull in the struggle in America, which was destined to end in -conquest. - -The French continued to strengthen their outposts. Detroit was -garrisoned, and forts of stone were built at Green Bay, Toronto, and La -Présentation. In 1756, Fort Duquesne, at Pittsburgh, was established. It -was in this year that Washington first came before the public as an -actor. He led a considerable force to the west, with the view of -destroying Fort Duquesne, and encountered a small body of French. The -man who subsequently became a hero by concurring events, as well as by -his own energy, did not, on this occasion—if we may credit history—act a -very honorable part. Informed of the camping ground of the enemy, he -marched all night, to attack them in the morning. Junonville, the -commander, when aware of the proximity of Washington, made known to him -by a trumpeter that he had a letter to deliver, and when Junonville had -begun to read his letter firing was suddenly re-commenced. The painters -of Washington’s character have tried to cover this stain; but unbiassed -recorders think he was by no means blameless. But Washington’s -humiliation rapidly followed this unmanly procedure. The main force of -the French, hearing of the massacre by Washington, advanced to revenge -it; and, attacking him in his own chosen position, succeeded, after ten -hours’ fighting with muskets alone, against cannon, in driving -Washington from his position, and compelled him to make an inglorious -retreat. - -At the beginning of 1755, England sent out additional soldiers and means -of war, and appointed General Braddock, who had distinguished himself as -a soldier, to act as military chief. - -At this time, “Dr. Franklin estimated the whole English provincials at a -total of 1,200,000; whilst the whole number of people in Canada, Cape -Breton, Louisiana, &c., was under 80,000 souls.”—(_Garneau._) At the -same time France was weak, by the presence of an indolent King, who -allowed himself and kingdom to be governed by a courtesan, Madame de -Pompadour. Religious dissensions and stagnation of trade, all -contributed to place France in but a poor position to engage in war. -Great Britain, on the contrary, was in all respects prosperous. At such -a favorable time it was that the Anglo-Americans urged the mother -country to carry on, with the utmost rigor, a war for the subjugation of -Canada. Franklin, as astute a politician as clever in science, was their -principal mouthpiece. He who, twenty-five years thereafter, repaired to -Paris, to arouse the public feeling of France and entire Europe against -Britain; the same who came to Canada to revolutionize it in 1776, was, -in 1754, the greatest promoter of the coming invasion of the French -possessions in North America. “There need never be permanent repose -expected for our thirteen colonies,” urged he, “so long as the French -are masters of Canada.” Thus was inaugurated what is known as the seven -years’ war. - -The respective combatants marshalled their forces for the conflict. The -French, nothing daunted, took energetic measures to repel the foe, and -strike blows here and there, as opportunity afforded. A force was sent -to take Fort Oswego from the English, while Johnson, a name to be -mentioned hereafter, was despatched to attack Fort Frederick. The first -great battle was fought in the Ohio valley, by General Braddock. Here -the French gained a signal victory, with but a few men, and utterly put -to rout their enemy. At Fort Edward, the French, under General Dieskau, -were less successful in an encounter with Johnson, the French commander -being taken prisoner. - -The close of the first year saw Forts Frederick, Niagara and Duquesne, -still in the hands of the French, while bands of savages and Canadians -traversed the British settlements, massacring and burning all before -them. - -The ensuing year witnessed more elaborate arrangements to continue the -war. France sent to Canada soldiers, provisions, war material and money; -and, also, the Marquis de Montcalm was selected to take charge of the -army. Montcalm had seen service, and with him came other officers -likewise experienced. - -Proceeding to Montreal, he conferred with the Governor, and it was -determined to form two principal camps, one at Ticonderoga, the other at -Frontenac, and a battalion was despatched to Niagara. - -The British, at the same time, made extensive preparations, both in the -colonies and at home, and the Earl of London was appointed -generalissimo. - -It is a remarkable fact that Montcalm had from the first a fatal -presentiment as to the issue of the war; yet he, all the same, took -every step that prudence and energy directed, to secure the success of -his army. There was also a coolness between him and the Governor, who -manifested a determination and energy worthy of him. It was determined -that fresh attempts should be made to possess Fort Oswego, and General -Montcalm arrived at Frontenac for that purpose on the 29th of July. Upon -the 11th August they reached Oswego and invested the Fort, which was -obliged to surrender on the 14th, the commander, Colonel Mercer, having -been killed. The Fort was razed to the ground. The Canadians then -withdrew to their homes carrying the prisoners of war, and the guns of -the Fort, and provisions with them. This was the principal event of this -year. The winter saw the Canadians suffer from famine and small-pox. -During the winter 1757–8, there was continued hostility, and in the -following year Montcalm succeeded in taking Fort William Henry, after a -siege of four days. Colonel Munroe commanded the Fort, and he trusted -for support to General Webb, who failed to afford it, but instead sent a -message to Munroe to retire, which note fell into the hands of Montcalm. -Munroe on the morning of the 9th, displayed his flag of truce. The -events of this capitulation have ever been held in remembrance, because -of the fearful massacre which the Indians made of the English, who had -surrendered, and who marched out without their arms, in full confidence -in the integrity of the victorious besiegers. Stern history has cast no -little blame upon Montcalm, for at least remissness of duty; and the pen -of historic fiction has found it a fruitful theme with which to weave a -story, and record thrilling events. - -The ensuing winter was one of great privation to the Canadians, the -harvest had failed; and everything began to look dark indeed for the -devoted French; yet four years of war had given all the advantage to -their arms. The continued ill-success of the British, caused them to -raise increased numbers of men, so that by numerical force they might -overwhelm the French. In the spring of 1758, 80,000 British combatants -were ready to march. While such was the condition and war-like spirit -which obtained upon the British side, a far different state of affairs -existed with the French. Success had so far attended the gallant feats -undertaken by them. All along the lengthened border the foe had been -defeated, or had gained but scant victory. Again, the Iroquois nation, -impressed with the success thus obtained by the French, and gratified to -have the Fort of Oswego, always unpleasant to them, destroyed, seemed -inclined to take sides with them, certainly did not favor the English. -But, when so much has been said the extent of French power in America -has been stated. Canada was no longer receiving support from France. The -colonists had been weakened by continual warfare and repeated -crop-failures. - -But undeterred by the dark clouds that continued to thicken, the -Canadians buckled on their armor to fight till the very last. Says -Montcalm to the Minister at home, “We shall fight and we shall bury -ourselves, if need be, under the ruins of the colony.” Again the tide of -war ebbed and flowed with fearful power. Carillon was made red with -British blood, as vain endeavors were made to capture that French strong -hold. Against Louisburg, Cape Breton, Carillon, Lake Champlain, and -Duquesne in the Ohio Valley, the English arrayed their fleets and -armies. In the attack now made upon Louisburg, for the first time -appears the name of Wolfe, who distinguished himself by scaling a rock, -with a hundred men, which had hitherto been regarded unaccessible. After -a spirited defence, the French surrendered the Fort, a perfect wreck, -July 26. About this time Cape Breton passed into British hands, and thus -was opened to the English, the Fort of Quebec. - -In the mean time the attack upon Fort Carillon by General Abercromby, -with a strong army, had proved a complete failure. The French, although -few, desperately met the repeated assaults made during half a day, and -Abercromby, cut up and ashamed, was forced to relinquish the matter. -This battle was fought July 8th, in which 3,600 men struggled -successfully for six hours against 15,000 picked soldiers. (_Garneau._) -De Lévis, who had been in command at Fort Frontenac, was called by -Montcalm to take part in the defence of Carillon. This left Fort -Frontenac comparatively weak, and Abercromby, having learned the fact, -despatched Colonel Bradstreet, who had taken an active part in the -battle, to capture the Fort. Bradstreet set out with 3,000 men, 11 guns -and mortars. The invading force reached its destination August 25. The -Fort had been left with 70 men under the command of M. de Noyan, -notwithstanding, the Fort was bravely defended for a time. “The victors -captured many cannons, quantities of small arms, boats of provisions and -nine newly armed barques,—part of the trophies brought from Oswego when -captured. After loading his barges to the waters-edge, Bradstreet -released his prisoners on parole, burnt the Fort, also seven of the -barks, and returned to his country.” (_Garneau._) This was a severe blow -to the struggling Canadians. The Governor had ordered the farmers from -the field, and all the savages he could command, to march to the -assistance of Fort Frontenac; but when the party reached Fort -Présentation, (Ogdensburg), it was learned that Frontenac was already -destroyed. To add to the misfortune of the French, the same autumn, -General Forbes, notwithstanding a part of his force had been previously -defeated, secured the destruction of Fort Duquesne on the Ohio. This -closed the engagements for the year 1748, and everything looked for the -French, most discouraging. The winter was spent by the English in -preparing for a still more determined continuation of the war; while the -French wasted their energies in domestic dissention. The Governor M. de -Vaudreuil and Montcalm ceased not to quarrel, and to charge each other -with incompetency, and even crimes. At the same time the means of the -country was absorbed by unpatriotic merchants, who availed themselves of -the circumstances of the country to amass fortunes by illegal traffic in -furs with the Indians. - -The Government at home, although informed by Montcalm that Canada would -be conquered if help were not sent, took no step to assist the devoted -Colonists, who, although disheartened were not disposed to surrender -allegiance to their native country, even when all but forsaken. The -spring of 1759 beheld them standing to their arms with calm -determination, awaiting the onset of the foe. The British as in previous -years prepared to invade Canada simultaneously at three different -points. There was no fortress in the Lower St. Lawrence to obstruct -their advance by water, so Quebec was the point at which, to the east, -the attack would be made. A corps of 10,000 men commanded by General -Wolfe, who we have seen, distinguished himself at the taking of -Louisburg, prepared to ascend the St. Lawrence to invest the capital. -Another force 12,000 strong under General Amherst, a name we shall have -to speak of hereafter, was to pass by Lake Champlain to descend the -Richeleu and to join Wolfe at Quebec. And a third force, under General -Prideaux, with savages under Sir William Johnson, were to possess Fort -Niagara, and then descend to the capture of Montreal. Opposed to the -numerous and well appointed armies of invasion, there was, according to -Garneau, all in all of Frenchmen, between the ages of 16 and 60, capable -of bearing arms, but a little over 15,000. In the early spring, one M. -de Corbiere, ascended with the view of rebuilding Fort Frontenac. 300 -men were also sent to repair and defend Niagara. But it soon was deemed -expedient to recall them and to concentrate their forces. Every man from -even the more remote parts, presented himself to the nearest place of -rendezvous. In the latter part of May, word came that the enemies’ ships -were coming. - -The events connected with the overthrow of French supremacy in Canada -cannot fail to impress the student of Canadian history. - -The capture of Quebec, and, as an inevitable result, the conquest of -Canada are events of great interest; but the space cannot be allowed -here to more than refer to the thrilling scenes of valor displayed by -the victors and the vanquished. As Canadians of British origin we -recognize the event as one not to be deplored, however Franco-Canadians -may regard the question. The conquest of Canada, was to add a new -element to that of the British American which was destined to grow, and -to act no mean part in respect to British interests in America, and we -believe, ultimately to completely amalgamate with a portion of the older -elements, and thus to beget a race, under Confederation, none the less -noble, none the less stable, and none the less glorious, than that race -(a prototype of this)—the Original Anglo-Saxon derived from the Norman, -who came to England with William the Conqueror, as well as the Saxon -elements. - -More than a hundred years have passed away since the fall of Quebec. The -centenary anniversary of the event has been celebrated with an amount of -enthusiasm which probably Quebec never witnessed before. Since the -American Revolution, when the French Canadians fought by the side of the -American Loyalist to defend Quebec, the former have ceased to be a -conquered people—Sequestrated from France, they have escaped all the -horrors which have since swept over that people, while they have -retained their language, religion, and laws. A hundred years has -eradicated or rather changed all the feelings which burned so fervently -in the French Canadian heart, except their love of Canada; and they have -joined heartily with the Anglo-Saxon to erect a joint monument which -commemorates at once the heroism of Wolfe, and the gallantry of -Montcalm. - -Although the forces invading under Wolfe, exceeded in number those who -defended the citadel, yet, the greatest heroism was displayed in its -taking. The British fleet of “20 ships of the line with frigates and -smaller war vessels,” and transports, reached the Isle of Orleans, June -25, where the land force disembarked and proceeded deliberately to -invest the stronghold, finding a more difficult task than had been -expected. Repeated attempts and assaults were made with the result of -showing Wolfe how strong was the position his youthful ardor would fain -secure. Not alone was he baffled thus, but a severe illness prostrated -him to death’s door, whose portals were so soon to be opened to him, by -another means. In his moments of discouragement he had written home in a -spirit not calculated to afford hope. The plan which resulted in -success, it is said was suggested by his three faithful Generals, -Monkton, Townshend and Murray. - -The night before the 13th of September, 1759, the day upon which Wolfe -was to win imperishable laurels, and to lay down his life, he felt a -presentiment that his end was near, and carefully arranged all his -worldly affairs. On the evening of the 12th he invited Captain John -Davis (afterwards Admiral, Earl St. Vincent), of the _Porcupine_ sloop -of war, to spend an hour or two on board the _Sutherland_. “Wolfe, in -the course of their conversation, said that he knew he should not -survive the morrow; and when they were about to separate, he took from -his bosom the picture of Louther and delivered it into the hands of his -friend, whom he requested, should his foreboding be fulfilled, to -restore the pledge to the lady on his arrival in England.” - -Having previously made disposition of his forces to prepare the way for -the final attack, and, as well in some instances, to deceive the enemy -as to his intentions, Wolfe finally, at one o’clock, upon the morning of -the 13th September, set out in flat bottomed boats to make his landing -at Fuller’s Cove, thereafter to be called after himself. The night was -dark, and other circumstances being favorable the landing was safely -effected, the heights ascended, and at the break of day Montcalm learned -with the utmost astonishment that the enemy was upon the heights of -Abraham in battle array. Montcalm hastened to drive away the venturesome -foe, but this was not to be accomplished; a few hours brought a -realization of his early presentiment. After a spirited struggle the -French were to be seen running, the announcement of which made Wolfe die -happy; and, Montcalm was wounded unto death. He died on the 14th. The -defeat of Montcalm secured the capture of Quebec, yet it was not until -the 18th September that the city surrendered, and French writers would -make it appear that even then it were not necessary. - -The command of the French army after the death of Montcalm devolved upon -Gen. de Lévis, who had been absent up the St. Lawrence. He returned to -Montreal only in time to hear of Montcalm’s defeat. He hastened to the -rescue of the beleaguered city, but he reached the vicinity, not until -Quebec had passed into the hands of the British. - -During the time these exciting scenes had been transpiring at Quebec, -Gen. Amherst had been confronting Boulamaque, upon the shores of Lake -Champlain; whom he had compelled to return, and to destroy Fort -Frederick and to retire to Isle Aux Nois. In the west, at Niagara Gen. -Prideaux and Sir Wm. Johnson had been successful in taking the Fort from -Pouchot. By this, Lake Ontario with its northern shore, as well as the -region of the Bay of Quinté came into the possession of the British. - -The expedition to capture Fort Niagara, taken at the urgent request of -the Governor of New York, was under the command of General Prideaux. The -attacking party landed at Four Mile Creek almost four miles east of the -Fort, on the 6th July, 1759. Fort Niagara was garrisoned by 486 men -according to Pouchot, the French commander, but according to English -statements 600. General Prideaux forces numbered, according to Capt. de -Lancy, 1,200, and 1,000 Indians, as said by Sir William Johnson. Pouchot -discovered their approach the following day. He despatched couriers to -Presque Isle, to Fort Machault, at the mouth of French Creek, Pa., and -to the commander of the Fort at the “Carrying Place” for assistance. -Reinforcements were sent, numbering about 600 French, and 100 Indians. -They resembled when passing down the rapids, “a floating island, so -black was the river with batteaux and canoes.” They landed a few miles -above the falls and proceeded to Lewiston and thence to relieve Pouchot. -In the mean time the siege had been pressed with vigor. Prideaux, the -English General, had been killed and the command had devolved on Sir W. -Johnson. The English learned of the approach of the reinforcements, and -Captain James de Lancy was despatched to a position in ambuscade above -the present site of Youngstown. The French discovering the English in -ambush, made an impetuous attack upon them, but the English withstood -the assault, and eventually turned the tide against the enemy, who were -put to flight, 200 being killed, and 100 taken prisoners. Pouchot -learned of the disaster about two o’clock; and, two hours after Sir W. -Johnson demanded a surrender. That same evening, or on the following -morning he complied; but he has stated that he would not have done so -had it not been for the mutiny of the Germans who formed a part of the -garrison. On the 26th the garrison left the fort to be transported to -New York. Thus was the power of the French broken in the west, and the -English became masters of the key to the Northwest. - -The following spring Gen. de Lévis determined to make an effort to -retake Quebec, and upon the 28th of April, the plains of Abraham were -again red with blood, and the British, under Gen. Murray, were compelled -to seek safety within the walls of the city, where they were besieged -until the 9th, when a British frigate arrived and gave succor. - -On the 14th July Gen. Murray, with a large sailing force, commenced the -ascent of the St. Lawrence. At the same time Gen. Amherst, with a -considerable force was commencing a descent from Oswego. The two were -thus advancing toward Montreal, each subduing on the way such forts and -garrisons as were deemed of sufficient importance. By the first of -September, the city of the Royal Mountain, containing the wreck of the -French army was encompassed on either hand. The Governor, upon the night -of the 6th, held a council of war, at which it was determined to -capitulate. The celebrated act was signed on the 8th September, 1760, -and the same day the English took possession of the city. Thus Canada -passed into the possession of the British. The terms of capitulation -were more favorable to the French than they had any reason to expect, -and those terms have ever been fulfilled. - -The Governor, Gen. de Lévis, the officers, and a large number of men, -women and children returned to France. At the time of the taking of -Montreal, there remained at Detroit some three or four hundred families. -This Fort and others around the lakes yet held by the French were -surrendered to Major Rogers, a person again to be spoken of. The -population according to the Governor, left of French origin, was 70,000. - -The Canadians who did not return to France repaired to their homes and -renewed their peaceful avocations. - -The first British Governor, Sir Jeffry Amherst, entered upon his -functions 1763. - -We have now very cursorily indeed, noticed the history of the French -Canadians up to the time they became British subjects. We have seen they -did not willingly become such; yet scarcely fifteen years were to pass -away before their loyalty to the British flag was to be tested; not -indeed to decide whether they should again become a part of France, -rather than remain British, but whether their condition as British -subjects was so intolerable that they should seek other protection of a -foreign origin. - -We shall see that although promises were held out of great political -advantage they preferred to remain as they were. There remained in the -hearts of the Canadian French, not so much a dislike to England as a -detestation to the New Englander. Hence it was that when the rebel -banner was unfurled in 1776, with the declaration of American -Independence upon it, no Canadian rallied around it. Although -commissioners from the rebel congress visited them with honied words and -fair promises, they received no friendly welcome. The Canadians regarded -their old enemies as enemies still, and they turned their backs upon the -revolting provinces and their faces toward old England for protection. -The commissioners to the Canadians, composed of Dr. Benj. Franklin, -Samuel Chase and Charles Carrol, with his brother, a Jesuit Priest were -appointed to this mission, on the 15th February, 1776. The same Franklin -who now offered the French “freedom,” had urged upon the British in 1753 -the expediency of reducing Canada!! - -For a century and a half France endeavored in vain to erect a power in -America; but shall we say that it was all in vain? - -The monument although broken, so far as France is concerned yet stands a -lasting memorial of French energy, of religious fervor, stern -determination, and indomitable valor. And, when the wave of revolution -passed over the thirteen British Colonies, the column was conspicuous -enough to be seen by refugees; the protection Canada offered was -sufficient for the homeless families of U. E. Loyalists. Canada was a -sacred spot, although French. It constituted a nucleus, around which -collected those who preferred order to rebellion. Those who had fought -as opponents at Duquesne, at Niagara, at Frontenac, at Tyconderoga, and -upon the Plains of Abraham, were joined together. The heel, which had -assisted to crush the Canadian French, now sought and found a resting -place among those who had been overcome. Thus was to be laid the -foundation of the Dominion of Canada, whose future is to be great. -Stretching from seaboard to seaboard, it is destined to become, ere it -has reached the present age of the United States, the Russia of America, -with the purest principles of government the world has ever known. - -We now approach the period of time when another element of discord was -to appear among the races which inhabited America. Bloody Indian wars -had in the past swept back and forth across the woody land. Rival -colonizers had resorted to strife, to extend territorial power. European -weapons had been transported to wage wars of extermination. Conquest and -subjugation of Indians and rivals had been witnessed; but now Rebellion, -a term that has received fresh significance in the late civil war in the -United States, was to be initiated. The British blood and money which -had been lavishly spent for the Anglo-Americans, had only prepared those -colonists to seek other advantages. The Indians held in subjection, the -French conquered, the mother country itself must now be coerced to give -full rein to the spoiled and wayward offspring. - - - - - DIVISION I. - THE REBELLION OF 1776—THE THIRTEEN COLONIES. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - CONTENTS—First American Rebellion—Independence—Traitors made Heroes— - Loyalists driven away to found another Colony—The responsibility - of rebelling—Treatment of the Loyalists—The several Colonies—The - first Englishman in America—Receives £10—English Colonization— - Virginia—Convicts—Extent of Virginia—First Governor—Virginians not - willing to rebel—Quota supplied to the rebel army—New York—Hudson— - The Dutch—New Netherlands—Price of New Amsterdam (New York)—First - Legislative Assembly—Not quick to rebel—Quota of rebel troops—Gave - many settlers to Upper Canada—New Jersey—Its settlement—A battle - ground—Gave rebel troops; also loyal troops—Furnished settlers to - Upper Canada—Massachusetts—Captain Smith—New England Puritans—The - “Mayflower”—First Governor—Cruel treatment of Indians— - Massachusetts takes the lead in rebelling—Troops—Loyalists—New - Hampshire—Troops—Delaware—Settlement—Quota of rebel troops— - Connecticut—Education—Troops—Roman Catholics—Toleration—Rhode - Island—Providence—Inconsistency of the Puritans—Roger Williams— - North Carolina—Inhabitants—South Carolina—Many loyalists— - Pennsylvania—William Penn—Conduct toward Indians—The people - opposed to rebellion—Georgia—Oglethorpe—Policy of England—New - England. - - -In the introductory chapters a brief sketch has been given of the -settlement of America. We now approach the important events which belong -to the first great American rebellion, which culminated in the -Declaration of Independence by the thirteen British American Colonies, -and terminated in the recognition of their independence by the parent -State. The rebellion had resulted in a revolution, and traitors were -made heroes! - -It forms a part of the present undertaking to record some of the facts -relative to the steps by which the now powerful United States were, as a -whole, ushered into the arena of nations, and by which a large class of -Americans, true to their British allegiance, were compelled to leave -their native country to found another colony in the northern wilderness. -To be justified in rebelling against the constituted authorities there -must be the most cogent reasons; to take up arms against the State—to -initiate a civil war, is assuming the most fearful consequences. - -To present even a brief account of the circumstances which led to the -settlement of Upper Canada, it becomes necessary to dwell for a time -upon the great rebellion of 1776, the result of which was adverse to -those Americans who adhered to the old flag under which they had been -born, had come to the new world, and had prospered; a rebellion which -was attended and followed by persecution and violence, imprisonment and -confiscation, banishment, and, too often, death; which caused a stream -of refugee loyalists to set in toward the wilderness of Canada. - -At the time of the rebellion of the English colonists in America, they -consisted of thirteen provinces. Massachusetts, with her colony of -Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, -Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South -Carolina, and Georgia. It may be well to briefly notice these several -states, and the part each took in the war for Independence. - -The first Englishman to set foot upon the continent of America was John -Cabot, who discovered Newfoundland, and probably the adjacent mainland, -June 4, 1497. The event is noticed in the Privy Purse expenditure thus: -“1497, Aug. 10—To hym that found the new Isle, £10,” which seems to have -been a grant for his services. - - - VIRGINIA. - -In the year 1578, Sir H. Gilbert endeavoured to establish a settlement -at the mouth of the Roanoke. Failing in his undertaking, his half -brother, Sir Walter Raleigh, made a similar effort the following year, -which likewise failed. It was Sir Walter Raleigh who gave the name to -Virginia, in honor of Elizabeth, the virgin Queen. A third and -successful effort was made to colonize in 1607–8, at Jamestown. This -dates the commencement of English colonization of America. Some time -later, America was looked upon as a country quite beyond the pale of -civilization, even as Botany Bay was at a still later period; and in the -year 1621, the British Government transported to Virginia 100 convicts. -But notwithstanding, “Virginia,” to use the words of Morse’s Geography, -“the birth-place of Washington, has given six Presidents to the Union.” - -The colony of Virginia was originally indefinite in its boundary; and, -judging from old maps, it would seem to have included all of North -America. But a map dated 1614 shows the more northern part as New -England. The first Governor of Virginia entered upon his duties in 1619. - -This State was by no means quick to sever the connection with the mother -country. Many of her sons stood up for the crown, and very many families -became refugees. Washington said of Virginia, in a letter, that “the -people of Virginia will come reluctantly into the idea of independence.” -But in time, by the specious representations of Washington and others, -the State produced a certain number of rebels. The quota demanded by the -rebel congress was 48,522. She supplied, in 1776, 6,181; and afterwards -20,491. - - - NEW YORK. - -In the year 1609 Hendrick Hudson, an Englishman, in the employ of -Holland, first explored the great river running through New York State, -which now bears his name. He, on behalf of the Dutch took possession of -the country. Settlement first took place in 1614, and by 1620, a -considerable colony was planted. The island of Manhatten, where now -stands New York City, was honestly purchased of the Indians for -twenty-four dollars. The village thus founded was called New Amsterdam, -and the colony was designated New Netherlands. - -Having been taken by the English in 1674, the name of the territory was -changed to New York, after James, Duke of York, brother to Charles II. -The first Legislative Assembly for this Province, met in New York, 17th -October, 1683, just one hundred years before Upper Canada began to be -settled. - -The State of New York was not among the foremost in rebelling. The Dutch -element which prevailed, was not given to change. Some of the most -exciting events and battles of the war were enacted in this State. Right -royally did the people take up arms against the rebels and drive -Washington from Manhatten. Battalions and regiments were repeatedly -raised and organized in this State. The valleys of the Mohawk and Hudson -became historic grounds. Here was witnessed the ignoble failure of -Burgoyne’s Campaign, which was the commencement of the decline of -British power; and the City of New York was the last ground of the -States occupied by British troops, until the war of 1813. New York -furnished troops for the rebel cause, in 1775, 2,075; in 1776, 3,629; -and subsequently 12,077. - -Of all the States, New York gave the largest number of pioneers to Upper -Canada. - - - NEW JERSEY. - -New Jersey was settled in 1620 by the Dutch and Swedes. Having been -taken by the English, it was given by Charles II. to the Duke of York. -Retaken by the Dutch in 1673, it was bought by Wm. Penn and his friends. -At one time it was divided into East Jersey and West Jersey, East Jersey -belonging to Penn. In 1702 the two Jersies were united under one -government, and received the name of _New Jersey_. - -Upon the grounds of this State were fought some of the most decisive -battles of the war. - -Of the Rebel troops Jersey supplied in 1676, 3,193. The quota required -afterwards was 11,396—of which she granted 7,534. But Jersey also gave a -large number of Royal troops. - -New Jersey furnished a good many settlers to Upper Canada, of whom one -of the most distinguished is the Ryerson family. Many of the settlers -along the bay retain interesting traditions of their Jersey ancestry. - - - MASSACHUSETTS. - -The territory of this State was originally discovered by the Cabots in -1497, and visited by Capt. John Smith in 1614, by whom it was said to -have been named New England. It consisted of the present States of -Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and -Massachusetts. In 1620, upon 22nd December, the Puritan Fathers landed -upon the Plymouth Rock, some 30 miles from Boston, and planted the first -of the New England States. The “Mayflower,” by which they had traversed -the Atlantic was only 180 tons burden. She sailed from Southampton with -102 emigrants. Half of this number died from cold and hardship the first -year. They selected for their first Elder one John Carner, who as chief -officer had great control. He has consequently been called the first -Governor of New England. The territory had been granted by James I. to -the “Plymouth Company.” Although the Puritans had left their homes -because they did not enjoy their rights, they forgot the Golden Rule in -their forest homes. They failed to remember that the Indian had rights. -The untutored native thought he had a right to the soil, and as the -Puritans, unlike Penn, were unwilling to recognize his rights, but -undertook to appropriate the territory, there ensued bloody Indian wars. -The Puritan revenged himself, and the native retaliated. So, for many -years border massacres were common and terrible. - -Massachusetts with the other New England States, took the lead in -rebellion, and by great pains succeeded in indoctrinating the midland -and Southern States. The first blood of the rebellion was shed in this -State, at Lexington and Bunker Hill. The State supplied troops in 1775, -16,444; in 1776, 13,372. The quota subsequently required was 52,728, of -which 38,091 was furnished. - -But Massachusetts had not a few true-hearted loyalists of whom a -considerable number became settlers in Upper Canada. At the evacuation -of Boston “1,100 retreated in a body with the Royal army. Altogether -there left Massachusetts at least 2,000 United Empire Loyalists.” The -Colony of Maine also had a good many adherents of the crown—(_Sabine._) - - - NEW HAMPSHIRE. - -This Province was first colonized by emigrants from Hampshire, England, -in 1623. Subsequently it was peopled by English from other parts, and by -Scotch. - -New Hampshire supplied in 1775, 2,824 troops; in 1776, 3,012. Her quota -was 10,194. Granted 6,653. We are at the same time assured by Sabine -that New Hampshire had many and powerful opponents of rebellion. - - - DELAWARE. - -Delaware was originally settled by Swedes and Finlanders in 1627. Became -a part of New Netherlands in 1655, and in 1664 fell to the English. It -was included in the grant of Wm. Penn in 1682. In 1701 it was erected -into a colony for legislative purposes. - -She supplied rebel troops in 1776, 609. Her quota fixed was 3,974. -Supplied 1,778. - - - CONNECTICUT. - -Connecticut was first occupied by emigrants in 1631. The Charter was -granted by Charles II., which continued in existence until 1818, when it -was superseded by the existing constitution. Connecticut “has uniformly -been a nursery of educated men of every class” for the Union. And, it -may be added, a number found their way to Upper Canada, as school -teachers, subsequent to the Revolution. And there was a certain number -of the people of Connecticut among the Loyalists. Sabine says a good -many. - -This State furnished for the rebel war in 1775, 4,507; in 1776, 6,390. -The quota fixed was 28,336, of which was given 21,142. - - - MARYLAND. - -Maryland was granted to the second Lord Baltimore, a Roman Catholic, by -Queen Mary, in 1632 or 4. He colonized the Province with a company of -Co-religionists of the higher class of English gentry. It was named -after the English Queen, Henrietta Maria. “In 1649, it was made, as has -been well said, ‘a land of sanctuary,’ by the toleration of all -religious denominations, but the Puritans, expelled from Virginia, made -great trouble in the Colony.” - -The State supplied troops in 1776, 637. Quota fixed by congress 26,608, -of which she supplied 13,275. - - - RHODE ISLAND. - -Massachusetts, planted by Puritans, who came to secure liberty of -conscience, would not allow certain individuals in their midst to enjoy -like religious liberty, and hence the foundation of Rhode Island. -Providence, its original name, was thus significantly called, because -here the Baptists, under Roger Williams (oppressed by the Puritans of -Plymouth), found a _providential_ asylum. This was in 1636. In how short -a time (16 years) had the oppressed learned to act oppressively! - -A charter was granted to Roger Williams in 1642. The government -continued to exist under this charter until 1842, a period of 200 years. - -Rhode Island gave troops to the number of 1,193 in 1775, and 798 in -1776. Quota demanded, 5,694; furnished 3,917. - - - NORTH CAROLINA. - -This colony was planted in 1653 by the older colony of Virginia. The -colony at first included both North and South Carolina, which continued -until 1693, when the south part was erected into a separate colony, -under the name of South Carolina. The inhabitants of North Carolina -consisted, in part, of refugees from England at the overthrow of the -Stuarts. These mainly remained loyal to the crown, and were destined to -again become refugees. At the commencement of the rebellion the people -of this colony were about equally divided between the adherents of the -crown, and the rebels. The loyalists were a devoted band. At the same -time, the rebels—at least some of them—took extreme steps. They formally -demanded a separation from Great Britain in May, 1775, fourteen months -before the 4th July declaration of 1776. The State provided, in 1776, -1,134 rebel troops. The quota asked for was 23,994, but only 6,129 was -granted. - - - SOUTH CAROLINA. - -South Carolina was first settled in 1670. - -“The great body of the people were emigrants from Switzerland, Germany, -France, Great Britain, and the northern colonies of America, and their -descendants, and were opposed to a separation from the mother country;” -yet South Carolina furnished troops for the rebellion, in 1776, to the -number of 2,069. Subsequently she gave 4,348; although her quota, as -fixed by Congress, was 16,932. - -In this colony were many who could not see the justice of a rebellion. -Yankee descendants may say they “bowed their necks to the yoke of -colonial vassalage,” but it was a wise spirit of conservatism which is -expressed in the desire to “look before you leap.” “Persons who had -refused to enlist under the whig banner, flocked to the royal standard -by hundreds.” “Sir Henry Clinton informed the British Government that -the whole State had submitted to the royal arms.” This general -attachment to the British crown made the rebels vindictive and -bloodthirsty, and they sought to drive away the loyal and peaceable by a -vengeful shedding of blood. Consequently, the tories retaliated, and -Chief Justice Marshall said, “the whigs seem determined to extirpate the -tories, and the tories the whigs; some thousands have fallen in this way -in this quarter.” “Being almost equally divided, reciprocal injuries had -gradually sharpened their resentment against each other, and had armed -neighbour against neighbour, until it became a war of extermination.” -Now, it is submitted that rebellion can hardly be justified when the -people are so equally divided. Sabine remarks that “after the fall of -Charleston, and until the peace, the tories were in the ascendant.” - - - PENNSYLVANIA. - -This splendid colony was granted to William Penn, the Quaker and -philanthropist, who was the son of Sir William Penn, an eminent English -admiral. Sir William held a claim against the British government for -£16,000; and, some time after his death, his son having his attention -directed to the new world, obtained, in lieu of that amount, the grant -of land now forming this State. The charter was granted by Charles II. -in 1681. Penn sought the new world to escape the persecutions inflicted -upon him at home. This he had brought upon himself, by freely expressing -his decided sectarian views, and by writings, disseminating the -teachings of George Fox, also by attacking the Established Church. He -was repeatedly imprisoned in the Tower, and even in Newgate for six -months. Penn, on procuring the grant of land, determined to make it “a -home for his co-religionists, where they might preach and practice their -convictions in unmolested peace.” To the territory he gave the name of -Sylvania; but afterwards King Charles insisted that Penn should be -prefixed, making it Pennsylvania. Penn sailed from England, with several -friends, in August, 1682. On reaching America he found that some Swedes -and Finns had settled along the banks of the Delaware. Although Penn had -a charter by which he could possess the land, yet, as an European, he -did not forget the original and rightful owners of the soil. Penn’s -conduct in this respect stands out in striking contrast to the course -pursued by the Puritans. It was on the 30th November, 1682, that William -Penn held his famous interview with the Indian tribes, when he effected -a straightforward treaty with them, never to be broken or disturbed, so -that he secured perpetual peace and respect. By this humane course with -the Indians, and by encouraging emigration of all classes, securing to -them the fullest liberty of conscience by a wise constitution, he -succeeded, with his co-religionists, in building up a most flourishing -colony. Subsequently the population was enlarged by numerous accessions -from Scotland and Germany. - - * * * * * - -The government of Pennsylvania was proprietary, and continued such until -the revolution swept away the charter, and made the children of William -Penn outcasts from the land they and their fathers had made fertile. At -the time of the revolution, John Penn, son of Richard Penn, who was the -grandson of William Penn, was the Governor of the colony. He, with the -masses of the people in the middle States, was opposed to the rebellion. -It is said there were thousands of loyalists in this State who desired -and offered to serve the crown, but whose services were lost through -bungling by those in office. Yet the State gave troops to the rebel -cause; 400 in 1775, and in the following year 5,519. The quota allotted -was 40,416; granted, 19,689. - - - GEORGIA. - -This was the last of the thirteen colonies established. The founder was -Oglethorpe, who effected a settlement in 1773, and who lived to see the -colony a State. The colonists landed at Charleston in January, 1733. - -When the rebellion broke out, this colony was “justly regarded as highly -loyal.” She refused to send delegates to the first rebel congress; “and -that she was represented in the second was owing to the zeal of a native -of Connecticut, Dr. Seymour Hall. It required time and labour to -organize a party of ‘liberty men’ to complete the Confederacy.” The -number of troops supplied in 1775 was 350; the quota was fixed at 3,974, -and there was supplied 2,328. - -The history of England between the periods when Virginia and Georgia, -the oldest and youngest of the colonies that rebelled, were founded, was -one of turmoil and strife, of religious contentions and civil war; and -the colonists cast off during this hundred years carried with them, -across the Atlantic, heartfelt bitterness, and many of them no little -passion for evil. Notwithstanding, we have seen that the Southern -States, with Pennsylvania and New York, did not seek to divide their -connection with the parent State. It was generally admitted that the -policy of England towards them “had been mild—perhaps liberal.” But, as -we have seen, New England, with a few malcontents in other states— -envious office-seekers, managed to disseminate the principles of -rebellion—principles that New England has quite forgotten in her -treatment of the South. - - - NEW ENGLAND. - -Of the aforementioned colonies, they all had received and had secured to -them by charter, from an indulgent mother country, governments of the -most liberal nature. Civil and religious liberty were fully enjoyed. -Says Mr. Sabine: “Virtually, republican charters; subject only to the -appointment of a governor on the part of the Crown. Every colony was, -practically, a State within itself; and it is a suggestive fact that the -very earliest assertion of legislative superiority on the part of the -mother country only operated negatively, by forbidding every colony to -make laws repugnant to those of England.” - -Certain of the British colonies were, together, called “New England,” -and since the Independence they are known as the New England States. -They consist of New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, -Connecticut, and Maine, which was then a colony of Massachusetts. This -region was granted by James I. to the Plymouth Company in 1606. It was -called North Virginia, but it was changed some years later, before it -was actually settled. It was the people of these States to whom the term -“Yankee” was originally applied; and now, in the United States, this -epithet is used solely in reference to these States; but in Canada and -England the word is applied very generally to all Americans. The origin -of the word Yankee is probably traceable to the Indian appellation -“_Yengee_,” for English, or _Anglais_, after the French. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - CONTENTS—American Writers—Sabine—Loyalists had no time to waste— - Independence not sought at first—Adams—Franklin—Jay—Jefferson— - Washington—Madison—The British Government—Ingratitude of the - Colonists—Taxation—Smugglers—Crown Officers—Persistence— - Superciliousness—Contest between Old England and New England. - - -It is most refreshing to one who has been accustomed to see American -school books, and even religious American tracts thickly strewn with the -most fulsome self-praise, and wordy accounts of British tyranny, and of -American purity and valor; to read the speeches, and listen to 4th of -July orators, who, with distorted history and hifalutin panegyrics, have -not ceased to wrap their country in a blazing sheet of glory. After -suffering all this, _ad nauseam_, it is most agreeable to read the -writings of one American author upon the subject of their Independence, -who can do some justice to the Loyalists. Reference is made to Lorenzo -Sabine, the author of “Royalists of the American Revolution.” -Considering the prejudices which exist throughout the United States -against every thing British, and the overweening vanity of the people in -respect to the success which crowned their efforts to dismember the -British Empire; it is a matter for grateful recognition that a native of -New England should take up his pen to write redeeming words on behalf of -the Loyalists whom they had been taught to stigmatize, to be read by his -fellow countrymen. Living upon the borders, beyond which he could see -the settled refugees working out their destiny, under adverse -circumstances, and laying the foundation of a nation, he took up his -pen, while the Upper Canadians were yet struggling with the forest, and -without time to gather up the records of their wrongs, their losses, -their persecutions, and more than all, the malicious charges against -them; and hurl them back at their traducers. On behalf of those who will -accept the writer as a representative of the United Empire Loyalists, he -thanks Lorenzo Sabine, for what he has said. He has said nothing but the -substantial truth in our favor, and in saying that, he has said very -much. In his prefatory remarks, after referring to their deficiency of -knowledge of the “Tories” he says, “The reason is obvious. Men who, like -the Loyalists, separate themselves from their friends and kindred, who -are driven from their homes, who surrender the hopes and expectations of -life, and who become outlaws, wanderers, and exiles,—such men leave few -memorials behind them. Their papers are scattered and lost, and their -very names pass from human recollections.” - -Before considering the question, whether the American colonies were -justified in taking an extreme step; it is most necessary to state that, -at the first there were but an insignificant number of the colonists who -held the belief that armed rebellion was demanded. Even among those who, -with no mild-toned language denounced the mother country for enacting -laws oppressive to the commerce and industry of the Americans, no one -was found to advocate separation; on the contrary to use the words of -Sabine “The denial that independence was the final object, was constant -and general.” To obtain concessions and preserve the connection with -England, was affirmed everywhere; and John Adams, years after the peace, -went further than this, for he said ‘_There was not a moment during the -Revolution, when I would not have given everything I possessed for a -restoration to the state of things before the contest began, provided we -could have had a sufficient security for its continuance_.’ Again, -Franklin’s testimony, a few days before the affair at Lexington, was, -that he had “more than once travelled from one end of the continent to -the other, and kept a variety of company, eating, drinking, and -conversing with them freely, and never _had heard in any conversation -from any person drunk or sober, the least expression of a wish for -separation, or a hint that such a thing would be advantageous to -America_.” Mr. Jay is quite as explicit. “During the course of my life -and until the second petition of Congress in 1775, _I never did hear an -American of any class, of any description, express a wish for the -independence of the colonies_. It has always, and still is, my opinion -and belief, that our country was prompted and impelled to independence -by _necessity_, and not by _choice_.” Says Mr. Jefferson, “What, -eastward of New York, might have been the dispositions toward England -before the commencement of hostilities, I know not, but _before that_ I -never heard a whisper of a disposition to separate from Great Britain, -_and after that_, _its possibility_ was contemplated with affliction by -all.” Washington, in 1774, sustained these declarations, and, in the -“Fairfax County Resolves” it was complained, that “_malevolent -falsehoods_” were propagated by the ministry to prejudice the mind of -the king; _particularly_ that there is an intention in the American -colonies to _set up for independent States_; and Washington expressed a -wish that the “dispute might be left to posterity to determine.” Mr. -Madison was not in public life until May, 1776, but he says, “It has -always been my impression, that a _re-establishment of the colonial -relations_ to the _parent country_, _as they were previous to the -controversy_, was the real object of _every_ class of the people, till -the despair of obtaining it.” - -The testimony of these Fathers of the Republic, cannot be impeached; -and, we must, therefore, seek for the cause of the rebellion in some -other place. We have seen how the British colonies were planted. In -connection with them, two leading influences may be discovered -constantly at work, one of a personal nature; the other referring to the -State. Individuals would not sever the ties of home-ship and brave the -wide ocean, to expose themselves to the varied dangers of the -wilderness, did they not have good reason to expect due returns. The -Government would not afford ships and means to send her sons to distant -shores, unless the colony would become serviceable to the parent State. -The British Government had enabled many a hardy son to lay the -foundation for substantial wealth. More than all, the colonies of -America had been assisted to put under their feet their French rival. -For their benefit the Crown expected, and undertook to enforce some -tribute. But the colonists would not recognize the right of the Crown to -tax them for their labor. For all the British Government had done for -the colonies, for all the money spent, she required that the colonists -should be taxed. Laws were enacted, and officers and revenue collectors -appointed to enforce the laws. It was required that these colonies -should not trade, without certain restrictions, with foreign nations; -but the merchants of Massachusetts, having tasted the sweets of -unrestricted trade, were unwilling to pay revenue to the Crown, although -trading under the protection of the British flag. And so it came that -when royal collectors of customs were sent out; when men of war coasted -the shores of Massachusetts to prevent smuggling, by Hancock and others, -there was no disposition to submit to Imperial taxation. For years the -law relating to revenue had been a dead letter almost, the smugglers -having used hush money. But at last Government determined to put down -illicit trade. It is true the colonies did not object without a special -plea, which was “no taxation without representation.” But the real -points at issue were, whether contraband commerce should continue and -increase, or the Crown receive the dues demanded by law. “Nine-tenths -probably, of all the tea, wine, fruit, sugar, and molasses, consumed in -the colonies were smuggled. To put this down was the determined purpose -of the ministry. The commanders of the ships of war on the American -station were accordingly commissioned as officers of the customs; and, -to quicken their zeal, they were to share in the proceeds of the -confiscations; the courts to decide upon the lawfulness of seizures, -were to be composed of a single judge, without a jury, whose emoluments -were to be derived from his own condemnations; the Governors of the -colonies and the military officers were to be rewarded for their -activity by swearing also, either in the property condemned, or in the -penalties annexed to the interdicted trade.” And was not the Crown -correct in enforcing laws intended for the public weal? Had hostile -fleets approached Boston harbour to invade, instead of smuggling crafts, -freighted with luxuries, would not the colonist have called loudly for -Imperial help to protect? But if the Government had the best of rights -to enforce the laws, it certainly displayed much want of judgment in the -mode adopted to carry out its demands. The foregoing, from Sabine, -recalls to us at once the cause why resistance was strenuously made. The -mode of paying their Crown officers was well calculated to kindle -feelings of the most determined opposition on the part of the illicit -traders, such as John Hancock, John Langdon, Samuel Adams, William -Whipple, George Clymer, Stephen Hopkins, Francis Louis, Philip -Livingston, Eldridge Gerry, Joseph Hewes, George Taylor, Roger Sherman, -Button Gurnett, and Robert Morris, all signers of the declaration of -independence,—all smugglers! - -And thus it came about. The Crown was determined to exact taxes, and -ignorant of the feelings of the colonists; and the colonists, grown rich -by unrestricted trade—by smuggling, entered into a contract, which was -only to end in dismemberment of the British Empire. Side issues were -raised, cries of oppression shouted, the love of liberty invoked and -epithets bandied; but they were only for effect, to inflame the public -mind, of which there was much wavering. Of course, there were other -things which assisted to ripen rebellion, at least were so represented, -that they added to the growing discontent. Colonies, when they have -become developed by age, and powerful by local circumstances, will -naturally lose the interest which animates the subject at home. It is in -the nature of things that the love of country should gradually change -from the old home to the new. The inhabitants of the colonies were in -many cases but descendants of European nations, who could not be -expected to retain the warmest attachment to the parent country. The -tide of war had changed the allegiance of many a one. The heterogeneous -whole could not be called English, and hence it was more easy to cast -aside the noble feeling called patriotism. Then there were jealousies of -the Crown officers, and everything undertaken by the home government, -having the appearance of change, was promptly suspected as being -intended to degrade them. The exclusiveness of the regular army and -superciliousness to the provincial troops, during the French war, caused -many a sting, and the thought of insult to the provincial officer -remained to rankle and fester in the mind of many a military aspirant. -The proposal to introduce Episcopal Bishops, to give precedence to the -Established Church, had its effect upon many, yet many of the -non-conformists were equally loyal. - -The contest was originally between New England and Old England. While -the Middle and Southern States were for peace, or moderate measures, the -north sedulously worked to stir up strife by disseminating specious -statements and spreading abroad partisan sentiments. Massachusetts took -the lead. Founded by Puritans, (who, themselves were the most intolerant -bigots and became the greatest persecutors America has seen,) these -States possessed the proper elements with which to kindle discontent. - -Thus we have learned that independence was not the primary object of -revolt, and we have seen that the leaders in rebellion were principally -New Englanders, and were actuated mainly by mercenary motives, unbounded -selfishness and bigotry. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - CONTENTS—The signers of the Declaration of Independence—Their - nativity—Injustice of American writers for 80 years—Cast back - mis-statements—The whigs had been U. E. Loyalists—Hancock— - Office-seekers—Malcontents stir up strife—What the fathers of the - Republic fought for—Rebel committees—Black mail—Otis, John Adams, - Warren, Washington, Henry, Franklin—What caused them to rebel—What - the American revolutionary heroes actually were—Cruelty, during - and after the war—No freedom—The political mistake of the rebels - in alienating the loyalists—The consequence—Motives of the - loyalists—False charges—Conscientious conservatives—Rebellion not - warranted—Attachment to the old flag—Loyalists driven away— - _Suppressio veri_—Want of noble spirit towards the South—Effects— - Comparison between loyalists and rebels—Education—Religion—The - neutral—The professions. - - -Of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence nine were -born in Massachusetts, seven in Virginia, six in Maryland, five in -Connecticut, four in New Jersey, four in Pennsylvania, four in South -Carolina, three in New York, three in Delaware, two in Rhode Island, one -in Maine, three in Ireland, two in England, two in Scotland, and one in -Wales. Of these twenty-one were attornies; ten merchants; four -physicians; three farmers; one clergyman; one printer; and ten men of -fortune. - - - THE MOTIVES. - -But let us more carefully consider the motives in connection with the -rebellion of ‘76. So assiduously have our fathers, the U. E. Loyalists, -been branded by most American writers as altogether base, that it -becomes us to cast back the mis-statements—to tear away the specious -covering of the American revolutionary heroes, and throw the sunlight of -truth upon their character, and dispel the false, foul stigma, which the -utterances of eighty years have essayed to fasten upon the noble band of -Loyalists. - -Up to 1776, the whigs as well as the tories were United Empire -Loyalists; and it was only when the king’s forces required taxes; when -the colonists were requested no longer to smuggle; when they could not -dispossess the tories of the power and emoluments of office—it was only -then that the Declaration of Independence was signed by those more -particularly interested. John Hancock, whose name stands first upon the -document, in such bold characters, had been a successful smuggler, -whereby he had acquired his millions, and no wonder he staked his -thousands on the issue. Evidence is not wanting to show that many of the -leaders of the rebellion, had they been holders of office, would have -been as true to the British Crown as were those whom they envied. Every -man who took part on the rebel side has been written a hero; but it is -asking too much to request us to believe that all the holders of office -were base, and lost to the feelings of natural independence and -patriotism; more especially when a large proportion of them were, -admittedly, educated and religious men; while, on the contrary, the -rebels alone were actuated by patriotism and the nobler feelings of -manhood. Apart from the merits or demerits of their cause, it must be -admitted that the circumstances of the times force upon us the thought -that a comparatively few needy office-seekers, or lookers-after other -favors from the Crown, not being able to obtain the loaves and fishes, -began to stir up strife. A few, possessed of sufficient education, by -the aid of the wealthy contraband traders, were enabled, by popular -sensational speeches and inflammatory pamphlets, to arouse the feelings -of the uneducated; and, finally, to create such a current of political -hatred to the Crown that it could not be stayed, and which swept away -the ties that naturally attached them to Great Britain. - -We may easily imagine the surprise which many experienced in after days, -when the war had ended and their independence was acknowledged, to find -themselves heroes, and their names commemorated as fathers of their -country; whereas they had fought only for money or plunder, or smuggled -goods, or because they had not office. In not a few cases it is such -whose names have served for the high-sounding fourth of July orators; -for the buncombe speechifier and the flippant editor, to base their -eulogistic memoriams. Undoubtedly there are a few entitled to the place -they occupy in the temple of fame; but the vast majority seem to have -been actuated by mercenary motives. We have authenticated cases where -prominent individuals took sides with the rebels because they were -disappointed in obtaining office; and innumerable instances where -wealthy persons were arrested, ostensibly on suspicion, and compelled to -pay large fines, and then set at liberty. No feudal tyrant of Europe in -the olden times enforced black mail from the traveller with less -compunction than rebel “committees” exacted money from wealthy -individuals who desired simply to remain neutral. - -It has been said that Otis, a name revered by the Americans, actually -avowed that he “would set Massachusetts in a flame, though he should -perish in the fire.” For what? Not because he wanted liberty, but -because his father was not appointed to a vacant judgeship! It is -alleged that John Adams was at a loss which side to take, and finally -became a rebel because he was refused a commission in the peace! It is -said that Joseph Warren was a broken-down man, and sought, amid the -turmoil of civic strife, to better his condition. And the immortal -Washington, it is related, and has never been successfully contradicted, -was soured against the mother county because he was not retained in the -British army in reward for his services in the French war. Again, -Richard Henry was disappointed in not receiving the office of stamp -distributor, which he solicited. Franklin was vexed because of -opposition to his great land projects and plans of settlement on the -Ohio. Indeed it is averred that mostly all the prominent whigs who sided -with the rebels were young men, with nothing to lose and everything to -gain by political changes and civil war. Thus it will be seen that the -so-called American revolutionary heroes have not altogether clean hands, -however much they may have been washed by their descendants. The -clothing placed upon them may conceal the dirt and dross and blood, but -they are indelibly there. - -It is not alone the motives which constituted the mainsprings of the -rebels’ action that we place in the balance, but their conduct towards -those who differed from them. Individual instances of cruelty we shall -have occasion to introduce; but it may here be said that it was the -tories who acted as the conservators of peace against a mobocracy, and -consequently were made to suffer great afflictions. It was because of -this they were forced away to live and die as aliens to the land of -their birth. The tories were Americans as well as the whigs; and when at -last Great Britain ceased to try to coerce the colonies, and their -independence was secured, then a nobler spirit should have obtained -among the conquerors, and no one, because he had conscientiously been a -conservative, should have been treated with opprobrium. It always -becomes the victorious to be generous; and we, with all respect to many -American friends, submit that, had patriotism alone actuated the -revolutionary party, the American loyalists would have been invited to -join with the whigs in erecting a mighty nation. Had _freedom_, indeed, -been the watchword then, as it has flauntingly been since, it would have -been conceded that the tory had a right to his opinion as well as the -whig to his. Do the Americans descant upon the wisdom and far-seeing -policy of those who signed the Declaration of Independence and framed -the constitution of the Union? Monroe, we doubt not, had a different -opinion when he begot the doctrine “America for the Americans.” Had the -U. E. Loyalists been treated honorably; had they been allowed but their -rights; had they not been driven away; then the name _British American_ -would forever have passed away; and instead of a belt of British -provinces on their north, to constitute a ceaseless cause of -misunderstanding with England, the star-spangled banner would, -doubtless, long ago, have peacefully floated over all our land. Looking -at the subject from this (an American) stand-point, we see that a -shortsighted policy—a vindictive feeling, a covetous desire for the -property of the tories—controlled the movements of the hour; and when -the terms of peace were signed the birthright of the American tory was -signed away, and he became forever an alien. But, as we shall see, he, -in consequence, became the founder of a Province which, like a rock, has -resisted, and ever will resist, the northward extension of the United -States. - - - MOTIVES OF THE LOYALISTS. - -Whatever may have been the incentives to rebellion, yielded to by those -who revolted, there cannot rest upon the mind of the honest reader of -unbiassed history a doubt as to the motives of the loyalists. The -home-spun eulogists of the United States revolutionary soldiers have -never ceased to dwell upon the principles which fired the breasts of the -patriots, and nerved their arms to deeds of daring and successful -warfare; all the time observing silence respecting the bravery of those -who, from the same walks of life, engaged in the strife as the -determined antagonists to rebellion. They have again and again charged -upon the “king’s men” that it was because they were servants of the -Crown and feeders at the government stall that loyalty was assumed and -fought for. But facts, when allowed to stand out uncovered by the cant -of liberatists, declare, in words that may not be gainsayed, that there -were a vast number who held no appointment under the Crown, yet who, -from first to last, were true—naturally true—to their king and country. -The great mass were essentially conservatives, called “tories.” They -held the opinion that to rebel was not only unnecessary but wrong. They -believed that the evils of which the colonists had just reason to -complain were not so great as to justify the extreme step taken by the -signers of the Declaration of Independence; that any injustice existing -was but temporary and would, when properly and calmly represented to the -home government, be remedied; that to convulse the colonies in war was -an unjustifiably harsh procedure; and, entertaining such a belief, it is -submitted that they were noble indeed in standing up for peace—for more -moderate measures. Moreover, not unlikely, many were impressed with the -view that the disaffected were laboring under an erroneous idea of -oppression; that the training incident to pioneer life, the previous -wars with the French Canadians, the constant contentions with the -Indians, had begotten false views of their rights, and made them too -quick to discover supposed wrongs. Candidly impressed with such -thoughts, they could not be otherwise than true to the natural instincts -of their heart, and refuse to take part, or acquiesce in throwing -overboard the government of England, and so become aliens to the flag -under which they were born and had lived, and for which they had fought. -Not many may cast aside their feelings of nationality; not many can -forget the land of their birth; not a large number will bury the -associations of a life-time without the most potent causes. And, -doubtless, the Anglo-American who faithfully adhered to the old flag -possessed all the ardor of a lofty patriotism. But the American writer -has forgotten all this. In the broad sunlight of national success he has -not discovered the sacred longings of the U. E. Loyalists for the Union -Jack. Looking at the events of ‘76 by the lurid glare of civil war, his -eyes are blinded to the fact that a noble band, possessing equal rights -with the rebels, loved England, notwithstanding all her faults, and for -that love sacrificed their all of worldly goods. The citizens of the -United States would prefer to have it said in history that the U. E. -Loyalists, in every instance, voluntarily left their homes during the -war, or at its close. The loyalists are thereby, no doubt, made to -appear more devotedly attached to the British Crown. But it is right to -have it distinctly stated that American writers mostly make themselves -guilty of _suppressio veri_. The latest instance of this is seen in a -report to the Hon. Hugh McCullough, Secretary of the Treasury, prepared -by E. H. Derby, Commissioner of the Treasury Department, dated January -1st, 1866, who, in remarking upon the British Colonial policy from 1776 -down to 1830, takes occasion to say that, “at first there was little -fellowship between the United States and the Provincialists, many of -whom were descended from the loyalists who _followed_ the British troops -from our shores.” The fact is, however, that many of them were driven -away. The tories were not loyal without sense; and when the fortune of -war had turned against them, they would, in great numbers, have made the -best of their changed condition, and have lived to become true citizens -of the new-born nation. But this was not to be. The loyalists were to be -made feel that they were outcasts. It is the same ignoble and -unstatesmanlike course which is now being pursued toward the subdued -South. They must needs be made to know they are rebels. It is a -shortsighted policy, even as the former was. The former led to the -establishment of a nation to their north, which will stand, even after -the Union lies in fragments; the latter fosters a feeling of alienation, -which will speak upon the first opportunity, in the thunder tones of -war. - -If a comparison is instituted between the rebels of 1776, and those who -were conservators of peace, the contrast is found to be very great. It -is charged against the loyalists that all office-holders were tories; -but is this more worthy of remark than the fact that many became rebels -because they could not obtain office. Nay, the latter is infinitely more -heinous in its nature. If we look at the two parties, with respect to -education and, it may be added, religion, it is found that the great -bulk of the educated and refined, the religious classes, especially the -clergy, the leading lawyers, the most prominent medical men, were all -loyalists. It was not because they were office-holders, it was because -they possessed a moral and elevated mind, educated to a correct -standard. Then, again, there was a large class of citizens who loved -retirement, and who begged to be allowed to remain neutral, but who were -actually compelled to take sides with the rebels or be driven away. - -The peaceably inclined, who looked for guidance to their spiritual -instructors, generally beheld them, if not actually advocating the -interests of the crown, at least setting an example against rebellion, -and they were thus strengthened in their feelings of loyalty, or -determination to remain neutral. The flame of patriotism was kept aglow -in many a heart by the earnest prayer of the gospel minister. Says -Sabine: “From what has now been said it is evident that a very -considerable proportion of the professional and editorial intelligence -and talents of the thirteen colonies was arrayed against the popular -movement.” Again: “a large number of the clergy were United Empire -Loyalists.” Also, “the giants of the law were nearly all loyalists.” The -physicians were mostly tories, but were, as a general thing, not -molested. “A few were banished; others became surgeons in the army.” - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - CONTENTS—Republicanism—The lesson of the first rebellion—The late - civil war—The Loyalists; their losses and hardships—Ignored by - Americans—Unrecorded—The world kept in ignorance—American glory— - Englishmen—Question of Colonial treatment—The reason why Great - Britain failed to subdue the rebellion—Character of the rebel - bravery—The great result—Liberty in England and United States - contrasted—Slavery—The result to U. E. Loyalists—Burgoyne— - Mobocracy—Treatment from “Sons of Liberty”—Old men, women and - children—Instances of cruelty—Brutality—Rapacity—Torture—The lower - classes—“Swamp Law”—Fiendish cruelty—Worse than Butler’s Rangers— - Seward and the Fenians—Infamous falsification—Close of the war— - Recognition of independence by Great Britain—Crushed hopes of the - Loyalists—In New York—Their conduct—Evacuation day—The position of - the Loyalists—Confiscation—“Attainting”—Seizing estates—Paine— - Commissioners at Paris—British Ministry—Loyalists’ petition—King’s - speech—Division of claimants—Six classes—The number—Tardy justice— - Noble conduct of South Carolina—Impostors—Loyalists in Lower - Canada—Proclamation—The soldiers’ families—Journeyings—Meeting of - families. - - - THE RESULT. - -Almost a hundred years have passed away since the war-cloud arose which -swept away thirteen of Britain’s colonies upon the uncertain and -tempest-tossed ocean of Republicanism. That storm is long since stilled, -as well as the hearts of those who took part therein. - -While the statesman and politician may, with advantage, study the lesson -then read, and which has been but lately annotated by the United States -civil war, by the determined subjection of eight millions of -Southerners, who desired freedom to establish a new government, let it -be our humble occupation to record some of the immediate individual -results of that great tempest, of which American writers, with but few -exceptions, have never spoken fairly. Writers among them are not wanting -to give lively pen pictures of their revolutionary heroes; not only -forgetting the sufferings of the loyalists—the devoted ones, who gave up -all—property, homes, friends, all the associations of a birth-place, -rather than bow the knee to Baal; but who have wilfully misrepresented -them; have charged them with crimes, at once atrocious and unfounded. -The sufferings, the losses, the hardships, incident to pioneer life, -with the noble purposes and undeviating loyalty of the British American -tories, have never been fully related—never engaged the pen of the -faithful historian. American writers, on the contrary, have recorded in -glowing colors the deeds and actions of the “fathers of the Republic.” -To this no objection; can be made; but may we not charge those -historians with uncharitableness, with unnecessary neglect of the claims -of the loyalists to pure motives, with ignoring their brave deeds, their -devoted sufferings, and with unduly ascribing to the “king’s men” -motives base and cruel. But the sufferings of the U. E. Loyalists are -unrecorded. The world has rarely been told that they were persecuted, -their homes pillaged, their persons maltreated, their valuables seized, -their houses made desolate, their real estate taken from them, without -legal proceedings. The world has been so flooded with the writings of -Americans, describing their own excellencies and eulogizing their own -cause, that no space has been found to do simple justice to the noble -ones who preferred British rule to the uncertain and untried. Indeed, so -strongly and for so long a time has the current been flowing to swell -the ocean of American glory, that hardly a voice or pen is found doing -service for the unfortunate loyalists, who chose to endure a little -rather than rush into the vortex of rebellious strife. Even Englishmen -have so long listened to one-sided statements, that no one of them can -be found to say a word for the old tory party of America. Hence it is -that the U. E. Loyalists are very imperfectly known; their history -unwritten, their tales of sorrow unattended to, their noble doings -unsung. Had there been a hand to guide a describing pen,—to picture the -doings, the sufferings, the self-denying heroism of the loyal party; to -recount the motives underlying all they did; and had there been ears as -willing to listen, and eyes to read, and hearts to receive the facts as -those of a contrary nature have obtained, then a far different -impression would have been made, and fixed upon the world. - -That the British Government was right or wise in its treatment of the -American colonies we now have every reason to doubt. At the same time, -that England might have subdued that rebellion, had she put forth her -undivided strength, there is but little reason to question. Had she not -been engaged in a formidable war with France; or even with that, had her -statesmen acquired a correct knowledge of America as to topography, and -as to the feelings and wishes of the people and their just complaints; -or had able generals been entrusted with the command of the armies, -instead of incompetent favorites; or had a little diplomacy been -practiced, and the ringleaders of the whig faction—often hungry -agitators—been conciliated by office; in either event the rebellion -might have been nipped in the bud, or easily overcome. The American -Republic owes its independence to the circumstances in which Great -Britain was then placed, and the incapacity of a few of the British -Generals, rather than to superior bravery, extraordinary military -talent, or any high-toned longing for liberty. No doubt many of the -rebelling party were brave; but it was often the bravery of the -guerilla, or the desperate adventurer. - -Of the great result—the recognition of the independence of the rebelling -provinces by the mother country—we design not to speak at length. It -will always remain a question, whether it would not have been better for -the States themselves, and the world at large, if they had remained a -part of the British Empire. That the evils of which they complained -would, in due time, have been removed, upon proper representation, there -is no substantial reason to doubt. That the principles of true freedom -would have advanced and spread quite as rapidly, and that, to-day, -liberty, in the broadest sense, would have reigned in the world fully as -triumphant, the whole history of England and the United States -sufficiently attest. It was many long years after Britain had struck off -the chains of slavery before the United States reached the same point; -and then only because it became a “military necessity.” Looking at the -two nations to-day, and judging by the utterances of the two respective -people, whether enunciated in the halls of legislature, by the head of -the nation, by the bar, in the pulpit, by the press, or from the -platform; or if we be guided by the public deeds of each, it is -submitted that the more genuine ring of the metal sounds from beneath -the wide-spreading banner of old England. - -The effect of the successful rebellion, to which it is intended to -refer, has reference to the United Empire Loyalists of America. And -first, the effect upon them during the war. - -The defeat of Burgoyne was the first event which immediately led to -severe disaster of the loyalists. This general, with more assurance than -foresight, and perhaps more courage than military skill, succeeded, not -only in leading his army to destruction, but in placing the friendly -inhabitants on his route in such a position that no mercy was -subsequently extended to them by the ruthless rebels. When he -surrendered, instead of securing for them immunity from any harm, he -entirely neglected their interests; notwithstanding they had supplied -his troops with provision. The relentless conduct of the rebels in arms -and the whig government was bloodthirsty and vindictive. Their hate -towards those who would not take sides with them, whether in arms for -the Crown or not, was barbarous. Persons suspected of sympathy with the -tories were subjects of continued molestation. Mobocracy reigned. -Vagabond bodies of men were sent abroad to range the country, to lay -waste and destroy the property of the loyalists, imprison the suspected, -and seize the goods of the unprotected. Tarring and feathering was of -common occurrence. Massachusetts especially gained a name for cruelty -far exceeding any which has been applied to the Indians, with all their -barbarism. There was a villainous band who called themselves the “Sons -of Liberty,” who carried fire and sword—not against an open enemy in the -light of day, but to peaceful firesides in the darkness of night. Their -victims were the old men, the women and children, and the defenceless. -Old men and children were driven to the woods for shelter, or placed in -a closed room, and, with chimney stopped, smoked to suffocation. Females -were subject to insult and the most fiendish treatment. Dwellings were -fired at night, and their occupants left houseless, and exposed to the -inclemency of the weather. - -Suspected persons were arrested and put to terrible torture, such as -attaching a rope to the neck and hauling the individual through the -water till insensible; or suspending him to a tree till life was almost -gone. This was frequently done with the object of extracting information -as to the whereabouts of a father or a brother, or as to the place where -money and valuables were concealed. The tales of cruelty the writer has -heard related concerning the treatment the loyal party were exposed to, -would harrow up the soul of any one possessing feelings of pity and -commiseration. - -The loyalists who immediately suffered, that is, while the war was in -progress, were many. Military forts were established here and there, to -which many fled precipitately from the several States. - -It is a matter of extreme astonishment how men who set up the standard -of revolt under the sacred name of liberty, could so far ignore the -principles of liberty in the treatment of innocent old men, women and -children, as we find stated by honest witnesses. The darkest tales of -savage dealing come to us from our fathers. Families, whose sole offence -consisted in being unwilling to rebel, and in being desirous to remain -faithfully neutral, were the objects of the rapacious prey of a brutal -soldiery. Their substance when not available for the rebel horde, was -scattered to the winds. Devouring fire was cast into peaceful homes. How -gross the hypocrisy, how base the motives that actuated very many of the -adventurers in rebellion. The most hellish means were adopted at times, -to force away persons of property, that the so-called “Sons of Liberty” -might enjoy their substance and homes. Attending these scenes of -desolation and refined cruelty, their imprisonments and torture, were -incidents of thrilling interest, of fearful suffering, of hairbreadth -escapes, of forlorn rescues. - -The lower classes of those who rebelled were men of bold and lawless -nature: whether we pass along the shores of New England, among the -fishermen, or travel thorough the woods of Maine and New Hampshire, and -become acquainted with woodmen of the forest, or as they were called -“Loggers and Sawyers.” The spirit that animated the merchants of Boston -and Salem, in their extended operations of smuggling, lived, also, in -the reckless fishermen and woodmen; and for years before the rebellion -really commenced they had been resisting, even by physical force, the -revenue officers, who were often expelled from the woods by what was -called “swamp law.” Men with such nature, finding that their lawlessness -had become popular, and that steps were being taken to resist the -government on a general plan, were not slow to act their part. One -result of the rebellion was a determined and systematic course of -retaliation upon those who had recognized the majesty of the law. A -continued and uncompromising persecution was entered upon toward them. - -No history can parallel the deeds of atrocity enacted by the villainous -“Liberty men.” Said an old lady, on the verge of the grave, and with -voice tremulous in remembrance of fiendish acts she had witnessed, “The -Rebels, on one occasion entered a house and stripped it of everything, -even the bed on which lay a woman on the point of confinement. But a -single sheet was left to cover the woman upon a winter’s night, who, -before morning became a mother.” In 1776, there arrived at Fort George, -in a starving state, Mrs. Nellis, Mrs. Secord, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Buck and -Mrs. Bonnar, with thirty-one children, whom the circumstances of the -rebellion had driven away. Talk about the cruelty of Indians and of Tory -oppression. The unprincipled rebels did well to try to hide their -ignominious deeds behind the fabrications respecting the doings of -Butler’s Rangers, and the noble-minded Brant. May we not cease to wonder -that the descendants of the rebels in the year 1866, endeavour to hound -on a pack of thieves and murderers to possess themselves of the homes -our fathers sought out for us. The self-applauding writers of the -revolutionary war, found it convenient to forget the doings of the “Sons -of Liberty” and of Sullivan, while they laid to the charge of Butler’s -Rangers and the Indians, acts of inhumanity (which we are informed on -good authority are unfounded, Butler having never abused woman or -child.) In the same manner, Secretary Seward found it desirable to -falsify dates, by saying the Fenians invaded Canada on the 6th of June, -that it might appear he had vindicated promptly their neutrality laws; -whereas they actually crossed, and engaged in battle, on the morning of -the 2nd. But as time will fully bring out the facts connected with the -first American rebellion, and place them face to face with one-sided -history, so will faithful history record the whole truth of the infamous -invasion of our country by a band of American citizens with United -States arms in their hands. Those deeds of blood, enacted by men under -the hypocritical cry of liberty have not been forgotten by the United -Empire Loyalists, but have been handed down to us, to place on record -against the cruel actors. - -Hostilities ceased 19th April, 1783, and on the 20th September, the -independence of the United States was acknowledged. - -The recognition of independence by Great Britain, was the death knell to -the cherished hopes of the loyalists. Many had escaped into the -provinces, and many were in the army, and not a few were in England. -Although the majority of them had been driven away, a few still remained -in those places, yet held by the British forces, as New York. “When the -news of peace became known, the city presented a scene of distress not -easily described. Adherents to the Crown, who were in the army, tore the -lapels from their coats and stamped them under their feet, and exclaimed -that they were ruined; others cried out they had sacrificed everything -to prove their loyalty, and were now left to shift for themselves, -without the friendship of their king or country. Previous to the -evacuation, and in September, upwards of 12,000 men, women, and -children, embarked at the city, at Long and Staten Islands, for Nova -Scotia and the Bahamas,” and for Canada. “Some of these victims to civil -war tried to make merry at their doom, by saying they were bound to a -lovely country, where there are nine months winter and three months cold -weather every year, while others, in their desperation tore down their -houses, and had they not been prevented, would have carried off the -bricks of which they were built.” The British had possessed New York -since 15th September, 1776, and on the 25th November, 1783, yielded it -up to the Americans. This is “Evacuation day.” - -When Cornwallis surrendered he vainly tried to obtain a promise of -protection for the Loyal Americans, who, in part, formed his army. -Failing in this, he sent an armed vessel away with a large number. - -At this time beside the many who had become refugees, there were some -loyalists scattered through the States. Many of these remained in the -now Independent States, and many of them would have returned, to become -faithful citizens under the new order of things, had they been allowed -so to do. But the young Republic knew not how to be magnanimous to those -whom the fortunes of war had left in great distress—whom they had -conquered, and the United Empire Loyalists were made aliens from their -native homes. Their property must be confiscated, and many being large -land owners, rich prizes were thus secured. While the conflict continued -to rage there was some excuse, but when war had ceased, and everything -had been accomplished that the most craving rebel could wish, it was a -ruthless, an ungenerous, nay, a base proceeding on the part of the -revolutionists, to force away their very brethren, often related by the -ties of consanguinity. But it was a spirit as unprincipled as this, -which instigated the rebellion, and which characterized the vast -majority of those who fought under the sacred name of liberty, and such -was the spirit of the conquerors. - -The successful rebels determined to possess themselves of the lands and -property of the loyalists, even in violation of treaty. The action of -Congress was sufficiently high-handed and wanting in generosity; but the -proceedings of the State Legislatures, with a few exceptions, were -execrable—characterized by ignoble and vindictive passion. - -The Legislatures of each state took early steps to punish the adherents -of Britain, to dispossess them of their property, and to banish them. -Massachusetts took the lead in dealing severely against the loyalists. A -rebel magistrates’ warrant was sufficient to banish one. Hundreds of -Massachusetts Loyalists were prohibited from returning on penalty of -imprisonment and even death. And the other States were active in -“attainting” and confiscating, often without the form of trial. Each -State carried on its function as a government, and trials ought to have -been granted, in common justice to every one. But the Whigs were -intolerant, hot-headed, malevolent, unforgiving. It has been said that -“if it be conceded that rebellion against England was right, then every -step necessary to success was justifiable.” If we grant all this there -remains the fact that after success had crowned rebellion, persecution -and confiscation continued. New York, on the 12th May, 1784, passed “An -act for the speedy sale of the confiscated and forfeited estates within -the States.” The powers consisted in the appointment of “commissioners -of forfeitures.” Among those who lost their land was one Davoe. He had -300 acres near New York, twenty miles, which was confiscated and given -to the notorious Tom Paine, the infidel, whose extreme liberal views -expressed in his work, “Common Sense,” made him the friend of -Washington, and revolutionists generally. Paine, after taking part in -the French Revolutions, came, in 1802, to his place in New York, where -he enjoyed the loyalists’ confiscated property until his death, 8th -June, 1809. - -In the terms of peace signed at Paris, there was no security effected -for the losses sustained by the American Loyalists. - -As Burgoyne at his inglorious surrender at Saratoga, thought not of the -innocent inhabitants of the Mohawk and Hudson, who had identified -themselves with the loyal cause, and supplied his troops with -provisions, and left them to the merciless “Sons of Liberty,” to be -despoiled of their all, and exposed to fearful cruelty, so at the last, -when the British Government relinquished the attempt to subdue -rebellion, the American Loyalists were of remote consideration. We can -gather now but the outlines of this great wrong done unto noble men. The -particulars are buried in the wreck of fortune, and of happiness, -respecting all worldly matters. The after life of the loyalists was of -too earnest a nature to allow time to place on record the sufferings, -and the wanderings of the disinherited. The lost cause did not stimulate -men to draw upon imagination, such as may be found in gaudy-hued -descriptions of American revolutionary heroes, male and female. But -there is sufficient of facts recorded, and engraven by the iron pen of -extreme anguish upon hearts, that were of flesh, to stamp the -persecutors with infamy, and mark the refugees, that clustered around -the border forts, and found homes at Sorel, Lachine, and Montreal, with -the highest attributes of patriotism and love of country. - -The conduct of the ministry, and the commissioners at Paris is open to -the severest censure. They left the claims of the loyalists to be -decided by the American Congress. We may allow them the credit of having -held the belief, that this body would be actuated by a feeling of -justice and right, but the error was a grave one, the wrong grievous and -hard to be endured. In pursuing this course, the British ministry did -not escape condemnation by members of Parliament, and a feeling of -sympathy was evoked that led to a tardy dispensing of justice. Lord -North said “that never were the honor, the principles, the policy of a -nation, so grossly abused as in the desertion of those men, who are now -exposed to every punishment that desertion and poverty can inflict, -because they were not rebels.” Mr. Sheridan “execrated the treatment of -those unfortunate men, who, without the least notice taken of their -civil and religious rights, were handed over as subjects to a power that -would not fail to take vengeance on them for their zeal and attachment -to the religion and government of the mother country,” “and he called it -a crime to deliver them over to confiscation, tyranny, resentment and -oppression.” Lord Loughborough said that “in ancient nor modern history -had there been so shameful a desertion of men who had sacrificed all to -their duty and to their reliance upon British faith.” Others, in terms -of equal severity, denounced the ministry in Parliament for their -neglect. The ministry admitted it all, but excused themselves by the -plea that “a part must be wounded, that the whole of the empire may not -perish”—that they “had but the alternative, either to accept the terms -proposed, or continue the war.” - -“A number of loyalists in England, came to the United States to claim -restitution of their estates, but their applications were unheeded,” -except to imprison, and banish them. - -The treaty of peace signed, without any provision for the suffering -loyalists, they at once took steps to petition the Imperial Parliament -for justice. “They organized an agency, and appointed a Committee, -composed of one delegate, or agent from each of the thirteen States, to -enlighten the British public.” “At the opening of Parliament the King, -in his speech from the throne, alluded to the ‘American sufferers’ and -trusted generous attention would be shewn to them.” An act was -consequently passed creating a “Board of Commissioners” to examine the -claims preferred. The claimants were divided into six classes. - -“_First Class._—Those who had rendered service to Great Britain.” - -“_Second Class._—Those who had borne arms for Great Britain.” - -“_Third Class._—Uniform Loyalists.” - -“_Fourth Class._—Loyal British subjects residents in Great Britain.” - -“_Fifth Class._—Loyalists who had taken oaths to the American States, -but afterward joined the British.” - -“_Sixth Class._—Loyalists who had borne arms for the American States, -and afterwards joined the British navy or army.” - -The claimants had to state in writing, and specifically the nature of -their losses. Great and unnecessary caution was observed by the Board. -The rigid rules of examinations caused much dissatisfaction and gave the -Board the name of “Inquisition.” - -The 26th of March, 1784, was the latest period for presenting claims, -which was allowed, and on or before that day, the number of claimants -was two thousand and sixty-three. A “second report which was made in -December of the same year, shows that one hundred and twenty-eight -additional cases had been disposed of.” In May and July 1865, one -hundred and twenty-two cases more were disposed of. In April 1786, one -hundred and forty more were attended to. The commissioners proceeded -with their investigations during the years 1786 and 1787. “Meantime” and -to her honor be it said “South Carolina had restored the estates of -several of her loyalists.” - -Years passed away before the commissioners had decided upon all the -claims, and great and loud was the complaint made by the claimants. The -press was invoked to secure a more prompt concession of justice, -pamphlets were published on their behalf, and one printed in 1788, five -years after the peace, contained the following: “It is well that this -delay of justice has produced the most melancholy and shocking events. A -number of the sufferers have been driven by it into insanity, and become -their own destroyers, leaving behind them their helpless widows and -orphans to subsist upon the cold charity of strangers. Others have been -sent to cultivate a wilderness for their subsistence, without having the -means, and compelled through want, to throw themselves on the mercy of -the American States, and the charity of their former friends, to support -the life which might have been made comfortable by the money long since -due from the British Government, and many others, with their families -are barely subsisting upon a temporary allowance from government, a mere -pittance when compared with the sum due them.” - -The total number of claimants was 5,072, of whom 924 withdrew or failed -to make good the claim. The sum of money allowed was £3,294,452. We have -seen there was, in addition, given to the widows and orphans, between -20,000 and 30,000 pounds. - -There is no doubt that a certain number of the claimants were impostors, -while many asked remuneration above what their losses had actually been, -and this caused the commissioners to examine more closely the claims -proffered. But it is submitted that they ought, in dealing with the -money already granted by a considerate Parliament, to have leaned on the -side of clemency. - -At the close of the contest there were a large number of Refugees in -Lower Canada, especially at Fort St. John, about twenty-nine miles from -Montreal. In the main these were American born, and principally from the -New England States; yet there were representatives from England, -Ireland, Scotland and Germany. Besides the Refugees, there were several -Provincial Corps, which were no longer to be retained in the service, -but to be disbanded. Of these there was the 84th, often called Johnson’s -regiment, this was 800 strong, mostly Dutch, from the Mohawk, and -Hudson, descendants of the old stock. This regiment consisted of two -corps, one under Major Jessup, stationed at St. John’s, and the other -under Rogers, a part of which at least, was stationed at Fort Oswego. -Jessup’s corps became the first pioneers upon the St. Lawrence, and -Rogers among the first along the Bay of Quinté. Both settled in 1784. -There were other troops stationed at St. John’s, and likewise not a few -who had discharged irregular, but important duties, as scouts, and in -other ways. - -It has been generally estimated that at the close of the struggle, and -as a result, there were distributed of American Loyalists upon the -shores of Canada, about 10,000. At the first, most of these were in -Lower Canada, but there were likewise a few at the frontier forts upon -the Upper waters, and a few detached squatters. Then, “there was not a -single tree cut from the (present) Lower Province line to Kingston, 150 -miles; and at Kingston there were but a few surrounding huts; and from -thence all around Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, with the exception of a -few Indian huts on some desolate spot of hunting ground, all was a dense -wilderness.” (Ex Sheriff Sherwood.) - -“A proclamation was issued,” says Croil in his history of Dundas, “that -all who wished to continue their allegiance to Britain, should peaceably -rendezvous at certain points on the frontiers. These were, Sackets -Harbour, Carleton Island, Oswego and Niagara, on the Upper Canada -confines; and Isle Aux Nois, on the borders of Lower Canada. Jessup’s -Corps was stationed at Isle Aux Nois, and late in the autumn of 1783, -the soldiers were joined by their wives and little ones, who had -wandered the weary way on foot, to Whitehall, through swamps and -forest,—beset with difficulties, dangers, and privations innumerable. -The soldiers met them there with boats, and conveyed them the rest of -their journey by water, through Lake Champlain. Imagination fails us -when we attempt to form an idea of the emotions that filled their -hearts, as families, that had formerly lived happily together, -surrounded with peace and plenty, and had been separated by the rude -hand of war, now met each other’s embrace, in circumstances of abject -poverty. A boisterous passage was before them, in open boats, exposed to -the rigors of the season—a dreary prospect of the coming winter, to be -spent in pent up barracks, and a certainty should they be spared, of -undergoing a lifetime of such hardships, toil and privation, as are -inseparable from the settlement of a new country.” As soon as the -journey was accomplished, the soldiers and their families, were embarked -in boats, sent down to Richelieu to Sorel, thence to Montreal, and on to -Cornwall, by the laborious and tedious route of the St. Lawrence. (See -settlement of Ernest town.) - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - CONTENTS—A spirit of strife—The French war—British American Troops— - Former comrades opposed—Number of U. E. Loyalists in the field— - General Burgoyne—Defeat—First reverse of British arms—The - campaign—Colonel St. Leger—Fort Stanwix—Colonel Baume—Battle of - Bennington—General Herkimer—Gates—Schuyler—Braemar Heights— - Saratoga—Surrender—The result upon the people—Sir John Johnson—Sir - William—Sketch—Indian Chief—Laced coat—Indian’s dream—It comes to - pass—Sir William dreams—It also comes to pass—Too hard a dream—Sir - John—Attempt to arrest—Escape—Starving—Royal Greens—Johnson’s - losses—Living in Canada—Death—Principal Corps of Royalists—King’s - Rangers—Queen’s Rangers—Major Rogers—Simcoe—The Rangers in Upper - Canada—Disbanded—The Hessians. - - -The seven years’ war between Canada and New England, in which a large -number of the Colonists were engaged, had created not a few officers of -military worth and talent, while a spirit of strife and contention had -been engendered among the people generally. The Colonial war, carried on -with so much determination, was stimulated, not so much by the English -nation at home as by New Englanders. It was they who were chiefly -interested in the overthrow of French power in Canada. While money and -men had been freely granted by the Imperial Government, the several -colonies had also freely contributed. They “furnished in that war quite -twenty-eight thousand men, in more than one of the campaigns, and every -year to the extent of their ability.” “On the ocean, full twelve -thousand seamen were enlisted in the Royal Navy and in the Colonial -Privateers.” In this manner had been formed a taste for military life, -which waited to be gratified, or sought for food. When, therefore, the -unsavory acts of England wounded the Colonial vanity, and demagogues -traversed the country to embitter the feelings of the mass against the -king, the hot-headed were not slow to advise an appeal to arms. At the -same time, the loyal in heart, the conservators of Imperial interest, -viewing with wonder and alarm the manifestation of fratricidal war—of -rebellion, felt it their duty to take up arms against the unprincipled -(and often dishonest) agitators, and endeavor to crush out the spirit of -revolt. And thus it came, that very many who had fought side by side at -Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Duquesne, Niagara, Oswego, Frontenac, -Montreal, and around Quebec, under a common flag, were now to be arrayed -in hostile bands. Not state against state, nor yet merely neighbor -against neighbor, but brother against brother, and father against son! -Civil war, of all wars, is the most terrible: in addition to the horrors -of the battle-field, there is an upheaving of the very foundation of -society. All the feelings of brotherhood, of Christian love, are -paralyzed, and the demon of destruction and cruelty is successfully -invoked. - -Behold, then, the British Americans divided into two parties; each -buckling on the armor to protect from the other, and sharpening the -weapons of warfare to encounter his kindred foe. The contest of 1776-‘83 -is most generally looked upon as one between the English and Americans; -but in reality it was, at first—so far as fighting went—between the -conservative and rebel Americans. In an address to the king, presented -by the loyalists in 1779, it is stated that the number of native -Americans in his service exceeded those enlisted by Congress. Another -address, in 1782, says that “there are more men in his Majesty’s -provincial regiments than there is in the continental service.” Sabine -says that “there were 25,000, at the lowest computation.” If such be the -case, the question may well be asked, how came it that the rebels -succeeded? Looking at the matter from our distant stand-point, through -the light of events we find recorded, there seems but one conclusion at -which we may arrive, namely, that the disaster to the British arms was -due—altogether due—to the incapacity of certain of the generals to whom -was intrusted the Imperial interests in America. - - - THE COMBATANTS—BURGOYNE. - -The most notable instance of mistaken generalship was that of Burgoyne. -His campaign in the summer of 1777, and the final overthrow of his army -and surrender at Saratoga, will engage our particular attention; -inasmuch as it was the first decided reverse to the British arms, and by -giving courage to the rebels, assisted much to further their cause. -Thereby their faith was strengthened, and the number of rebels increased -from no inconsiderable class, who waited to join the strongest party. -Again, the scene of this campaign was close to the borders of Canada, -and there followed a speedy escape of the first refugees from the Mohawk -valley and the Upper Hudson to the friendly shores of the St. Lawrence. - -A year had elapsed since the Declaration of Independence, and England -had sent troops to America, with the view of assisting the forces there -to subdue the malcontents. In the early part of July, Burgoyne set out -from Lower Canada with about 8,500 soldiers, 500 Indians, and 150 -Canadians, intending to traverse the country to Albany, possessing -himself of all rebel strongholds on the way, and thence descend along -the river Hudson, to New York, to form a junction with General Howe, -that city having been captured from the rebels the 15th September -previous. Passing by way of Lake Champlain, he encountered the enemy on -the 6th July, and captured Ticonderoga and Mount Independence, with 128 -cannon, several armed vessels, a quantity of baggage, ammunition and -provisions. “This easy conquest inflamed his imagination.” The first -step towards the defeat of his army was the unsuccessful attempt of -Colonel St. Leger, with 800 men, who ascended the St. Lawrence to -Oswego, and thence up the river, to take Fort Stanwix (Rome), intending -to descend the Mohawk and join Burgoyne with his main force, as he -entered the head of the valley of the Hudson. Colonel St. Leger arrived -at Fort Stanwix on the 3rd August, 1777. For a time he was the winner; -but for some reason, it is said that the Indians suddenly left him, and -his troops, seized with a panic, fled. In the meantime, General Burgoyne -was pursuing his way, having driven General Schuyler from Lake St. -George to the mouth of the Mohawk river. - -Burgoyne, flushed with this renewed success, after his late capture of -Ticonderoga and Mount Independence, vainly supposed he could advance -steadily down the Hudson. He sent a body of men, 500 strong, under -Colonel Baume, into the interior, eastward, with the view of encouraging -the inhabitants to continued loyalty, and of arresting the machinations -of the rebels. Near Bennington the rebels had an important post, with -magazines, and a large force under General Stark. Baume, ignorant of -their strength, rushed headlong against the enemy. Nothing daunted, he -led on his 500 brave men. For two hours he contended with the unequal -foe, when his troops were almost annihilated, and he fell from his -horse, mortally wounded. But few escaped to tell the tale. Meanwhile, -Burgoyne, apprised of the danger surrounding Baume, had sent assistance -under Colonel Breynan. Unfortunately, they had not much ammunition, and, -after fighting until all was exhausted, they had to flee. These three -reverses paved the way for the final overthrow of Burgoyne. He was still -marching forward, bent on reaching Albany, to accomplish the object of -the campaign—a juncture with the army of General Howe. But now in his -rear, to the west, instead of Colonel St. Leger descending the Mohawk, -was General Herkimer, who had dispersed St. Leger’s force; and to the -east was General Stark, flushed with his victories over Baume and -Breynan. Burgoyne met Gates at last on Braemar heights, and again, and -for the last time, led his troops on to victory, although the contest -was well sustained. General Schuyler had intrenched his forces at the -mouth of the Mohawk, and Burgoyne, having waited until his provision was -exhausted, at last resolved to make an assault. It was bravely made, but -without success; and before night-fall the army was retreating. Night, -instead of enabling them to regain their spirits and renew their ardor, -only brought the intelligence of the defeats previously sustained at -Stanwix and Bennington. This was the 7th October. Flight now was the -only possible chance for safety. The tents were left standing; his sick -and wounded forsaken. But the enemy now surrounded him; the places he -had taken were already re-taken; and upon the 10th of the month he found -himself helpless upon the fields of Saratoga, where he surrendered. The -whole of the men were sent to Boston and other places south, there to -languish in prison. - -Thus it came that the inhabitants in this section of the country came -under the power of the rebels, and those who had adhered to the loyal -side were mercilessly driven away at the point of the bayonet. The -writer has heard too many accounts of the extreme cruelty practised at -this time to doubt that such took place, or question the fiendish nature -of the acts practised by the successful rebels against, not foes in -arms, but the helpless. Many thus driven away (and these were the first -refugees who entered Canada) suffered great hardships all through the -winter. Most of the men entered the ranks subsequently, while not a few, -from their knowledge of the country, undertook the trying and -venturesome engagement of spies. The families gathered around the forts -upon the borders had to live upon the fare supplied by the commissariat -of the army. A large number were collected at Mishish; and the story -goes that a Frenchman, whose duty it was to deal out the supplies, did -so with much of bad conduct and cruel treatment. - - - SIR JOHN JOHNSON. - -Among the officers who served with General Burgoyne was Sir John -Johnson, who had been the first to suffer persecution, the first to -become a refugee, and who became a principal pioneer in Upper Canada. - -“His father, Sir William Johnson, was a native of Ireland, of whom it -was said, in 1755, that he had long resided upon the Mohawk river, in -the western part of New York, where he had acquired a considerable -estate, and was universally beloved, not only by the inhabitants but -also by the neighboring Indians, whose language he had learned and whose -affections he had gained, by his humanity and affability. This led to -his appointment as agent for Indian affairs, on the part of Great -Britain, and he was said to be ‘the soul of all their transactions with -the savages.’” - -Of Sir William’s talents and shrewdness in dealing with the likewise -shrewd Indian, the following is found in Sabine: “Allen relates that on -his receiving from England some finely-laced clothes, the Mohawk chief -became possessed with the desire of equalling the baronet in the -splendor of his apparel, and, with a demure face, pretended to have -dreamed that Sir William had presented him with a suit of the decorated -garments. As the solemn hint could not be mistaken or avoided, the -Indian monarch was gratified, and went away, highly pleased with the -success of his device. But alas for Hendrick’s shortsighted sagacity! In -a few days Sir William, in turn, had a dream, to the effect that the -chief had given him several thousand acres of land. ‘The land is yours,’ -said Hendrick, ‘but now, Sir William, I never dream with you again, you -dream too hard for me.’” - -At the breaking out of the revolutionary war, Sir John, who had -succeeded to his father’s title, appears, also, to have inherited his -influence with the Indians, and to have exerted that influence to the -utmost in favor of the Royal cause. By this means he rendered himself -particularly obnoxious to the continentals, as the Americans were then -called. Accordingly, in 1776, Colonel Dayton, with part of his regiment, -was sent to arrest him, and thus put it out of his power to do further -mischief. Receiving timely notice of this from his tory friends at -Albany, he hastily assembled a large number of his tenants and others, -and made preparations for a retreat, which he successfully accomplished. - -“Avoiding the route by Lake Champlain, from fear of falling into the -hands of the enemy, who were supposed to be assembled in that direction, -he struck deep into the woods, by way of the head waters of the Hudson, -and descended the Raquette river, to its confluence with the St. -Lawrence, and thence crossed over to Canada. Their provision failed soon -after they had left their homes. Weary and foot-sore, numbers of them -sank by the way, and had to be left behind, but were shortly afterwards -relieved by a party of Indians, who were sent from Caughnawaga in search -of them. After nineteen days of hardship, which have had few parallels -in our history, they reached Montreal. So hasty was their flight, that -the family papers were buried in the garden, and nothing taken with them -but such articles as were of prime necessity.” Soon after his arrival at -Montreal he was “commissioned a colonel, and raised two battalions of -loyalists, who bore the designation of the Royal Greens. From the time -of organizing this corps, he became one of the most active, and one of -the bitterest foes that the whigs encountered during the contest. So -true is it, as was said by the wise man of Israel, that ‘a brother -offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and their contentions -are like the bars of a castle.’ Sir John was in several regular and -fairly conducted battles. He invested Fort Stanwix in 1777, and defeated -the brave General Herkimer; and in 1780 was defeated himself by General -Van Rensselaer, at Fox’s Mills.” - -The result of his adherence to the Crown was, that his extensive family -estates upon the Mohawk were confiscated; but at the close of the war he -received large grants of land in various parts of Canada, beside a -considerable sum of money. He continued to be Superintendent of Indian -affairs, and resided in Montreal until his death, in 1822. - - - THE LOYAL COMBATANTS. - -The following are the principal corps and regiments of loyalists who -took part in the war against the rebels, and who were mainly Americans: - -“The King’s Rangers; the Royal Fencible Americans; the Queen’s Rangers; -the New York Volunteers; the King’s American regiment; the Prince of -Wales’ American Volunteers; the Maryland Loyalists; De Lancey’s -Battalions; the Second American regiment; the King’s Rangers, Carolina; -the South Carolina Royalists; the North Carolina Highland Regiment; the -King’s American Dragoons; the Loyal American Regiment; the American -Legion; the New Jersey Volunteers; the British Legion; the Loyal -Foresters; the Orange Rangers; the Pennsylvania Loyalists; the Guides -and Pioneers; the North Carolina Volunteers; the Georgia Loyalists; the -West Chester Volunteers. These corps were all commanded by colonels or -lieutenant-colonels; and as De Lancey’s battalions and the New Jersey -Volunteers consisted each of three battalions, there were twenty-eight. -To these, the Loyal New Englanders, the Associated Loyalists and -Wentworth’s Volunteers, remain to be added. Still further, Colonel -Archibald Hamilton, of New York, commanded at one period seventeen -companies of loyal Militia.” - -Respecting the officers and more prominent men of the corps, who settled -in Canada, we have succeeded in collecting the following account. - - - THE QUEEN’S RANGERS. - -This corps acted a very conspicuous part during the war. It was raised -by Major Robert Rogers, of New Hampshire, son of James Rogers. He had -served during the French war, with distinction, as commander of Rogers’ -Rangers, and was, “in 1776, appointed Governor of Michilimackinac. -During the early part of the rebellion he was in the revolting states, -probably acting as a spy, and was in correspondence with the rebel -Congress, and with Washington himself. He was imprisoned at New York, -but was released on parole, which, it is said, he broke (like General -Scott in 1812), and accepted the commission of colonel in the British -army, and proceeded to raise the corps mentioned.” About 1777 “he went -to England, and Simcoe succeeded him as commander of the Queen’s -Rangers.” - -Sabine, speaking of John Brown Lawrence, says he was imprisoned in the -Burlington gaol, New Jersey, and that “Lieut.-Colonel John G. Simcoe, -commander of the Queen’s Rangers, was a fellow-prisoner, and when -exchanged said, at parting, ‘I shall never forget your kindness.’ He did -not: and when appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada, he invited -Mr. Lawrence to settle there,” and, through the Governor, he acquired a -large tract of land. - -The Queen’s Rangers were disbanded in 1802, having been associated with -the events of the first government of Upper Canada, their colonel -(Simcoe) having been the first Governor. A detachment of this regiment -were stationed upon the banks of the Don, before there was a single -white inhabitant where now stands Toronto. - - - FERGUSON’S RANGERS. - -This corps formed a part of Burgoyne’s army at the time of surrendering, -and, “with other provincial prisoners, retired to Canada, by permission -of Gates.” - - - THE HESSIANS. - -The British Government, during the course of the war, procured some -foreign troops from one of the German Principalities upon the Rhine, -mostly from Hesse-Hamburg. This foreign legion was under the command of -General Baron de Reidesel, of their own country. It would seem from the -testimony of their descendants in Marysburgh, that the British -Government employed the men from the Government of the principality, and -that the men did not voluntarily enter the service, but were impressed. -These Hessians were drilled before leaving their country. They were -composed of infantry, artillery, and a rifle company, “Green Yongers.” -They were embarked for Canada, by way of Portsmouth, and reached Quebec -in time to join the British army, and meet the enemy at Stillwater. -Conrad Bongard, of Marysburgh, informs us that his father was one of the -company under General Reidesel. He was in the artillery, and accompanied -Burgoyne in his eventful campaign; was at the battle of Tyconderoga; -and, with the rest of the Hessian troops, was taken prisoner at -Saratoga. They were taken down to Virginia, and there retained as -prisoners of war for nearly two years. Being released on parole, many of -them, with their General, were conveyed back to Germany; but some of -them, having the alternative, preferred to remain in America, to share -with the loyalists in grants of land. (See Marysburgh, where the -Hessians settled). Conrad Bongard became the servant of Surveyor -Holland, and was with him as he proceeded up the St. Lawrence, to -survey. Bongard married a widow Carr, whose husband had been in the 24th -regiment of Royal Fusileers, and had died while the prisoners were -retained in Virginia. He eventually settled in the fifth township, where -he died, January, 1840, aged 89. His wife, Susan, died February, 1846, -aged 98. Both were members of the Lutheran church. Mrs. B. was a native -of Philadelphia. - -The wife of the General, Baroness de Reidesel, has left an interesting -record of the battles prior to Burgoyne’s surrender. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - CONTENTS—Indian Names—The Five Tribes—The Sixth—Confederation— - Government—Subdivisions—Origin—Hendrick—Death—Brant—Birth— - Education—Married—Teaching—Christianity—Brant elected Chief— - Commissioned a British Captain—Visits England—Returns—Leads his - warriors to battle—Efforts of Rebels to seduce Brant to their - cause—Attempted treachery of the Rebel Herchimer—Border warfare— - Wyoming—Attempt to blacken the character of Brant—His noble - conduct—Untruthful American History—The inhabitants of Wyoming—The - Rebels first to blame—Cherry Valley—Van Schaick—Bloody orders— - Terrible conduct of the Rebels, Helpless Indian families—Further - deeds of blood and rapine by the rebel Sullivan—A month of - horrible work—Attributes of cruelty more conspicuous in the Rebels - than in the Indians—The New Englander—Conduct toward the Indians— - Inconsistent—The “down trodden”—The Mohawks—Indian agriculture— - Broken faith with the Indians—Noble conduct of Brant—After the - war—His family—Death—Miss Molly—Indian usage—The character of the - Mohawk—The six Indians as Canadians—Fidelity to the British— - Receiving land—Bay Quinté—Grand River—Settling—Captain Isaac, - Captain John—At present—Mohawk Counsel. - - - THE SIX NATIONS. - -This once powerful Confederacy styled themselves Kan-ye-a-ke; also, they -sometimes called themselves _Aganuschioni_ or _Agnanuschioni_, which -signifies _united_ people. The French designated them Iroquois, from a -peculiar sound of their speech. The English knew them as the _Five -Nations_, and _Six Nations_, more generally by the latter term. The -original five tribes that formed the Confederacy, were the Mohawks, -Oneidas, Cayugas, Onondagas, and Senecas. Subsequently in 1712, the -Tuscaroras came from the south, North Carolina, and made the sixth -nation. But according to some authority, there were six nations before -the Tuscaroras joined them. However, we learn from several sources, that -up to 1712, the English, in speaking of them, referred to only five -nations. The Oneidas seem, at one time, to have been omitted, and the -Aucguagas inserted in their stead. The oldest members of the -confederation were the Mohawks, Onondagas, and Senecas. The union of -those three tribes took place prior to the occupation of America by the -Europeans. The time at which the confederation of the five nations was -formed is uncertain, but it is supposed to have been in the early part -of the sixteenth century. The league binding them together was rather of -a democratic nature. - -Each tribe was represented in the great council of the nation by one -principal sachem, with a number of associates. - -They were always deliberate in their councils, considerate in their -decisions, never infringing upon the rights of a minority, and dignified -in their utterances. They were noted, not only as warriors, but as well -for their agriculture, their laws, and their oratorical ability. - -Each tribe was subdivided into classes, and each of these had a device -or “totem,” namely, the tortoise, the bear, the wolf, the beaver, the -deer, the falcon, the plover, and the crane. - -They were for hundreds of years the terror of the various Indian tribes -peopling North America, and most of the time could at will, roam the -wide expanse between the Hudson Bay and the Carolinas. Other tribes, too -weak to oppose them, were from time to time completely exterminated. Of -these was the Erie tribe, which had entirely disappeared by the year -1653. Of those who stubbornly resisted the Six Nations, were the Hurons, -the Adirondacks, of the north, the Delawares, the Cherokees, and the -Mohicans. - -Smith, an historian of New York, says that in 1756 “Our Indians -universally concur in the claim of all the lands not sold to the -English, from the mouth of Sorel River, on the south side of Lakes Erie -and Ontario, on both sides of the Ohio, till it falls into the -Mississippi; and on the north side of those lakes, that whole territory -between the Outaouais River, and the Lake Huron, and even beyond the -straits between that and Lake Erie.” - -“When the Dutch began the settlement of New York, all the Indians on -Long Island, and the northern shore of the Sound, on the banks of the -Connecticut, Hudson, Delaware, and Susquehanna rivers, were in -subjection to the Five Nations,” and in 1756, “a little tribe, settled -at the Sugar-loaf Mountain, in Orange County, made a yearly payment of -about £20 to the Mohawks.” - -Among the traditions of this people is one that they had a supernatural -origin from the heart of a mountain, that they then migrated to the -west, where they lived for a time by the sea shore. Then, in time -returned to the country of the lakes. A country now passed into the -hands of the white man, who paid no just price. But the names of many -places yet indicate the history of the ancient owners of the soil. - -Among the Mohawks, in the beginning of the eighteenth century, was a -chief known as Old King Hendrick, or Soi-euga-rah-ta, renowned for -eloquence, bravery, and integrity. He was intimate with Sir William -Johnson, and it was between them that the amusing contention of dreams -occurred, that has been narrated. - -In 1755, a battle was fought at Lake George, between the French, under -Baron Dieskau, and the English, under Johnson, resulting in the defeat -of the French. The French and English were supported by their respective -allies. At this engagement Old King Hendrick, then seventy years old, -but still full of energy and courage, was killed. Strangely enough it -was at this battle that Brant, then only thirteen years old, first took -part with his tribe in the contest. The mantle of Soieugarahta fell upon -the youthful Thayendinagea. - -_Thayendinagea_, or _Joseph Brant_, was born upon the banks of the -Ohio, in the year 1742, while his tribe was on a visit to that -region. According to Stone, his biographer, he was the son of -“Tehowaghwengaraghkwin a full-blooded Mohawk, of the Wolf tribe.” - -After the battle at Lake George, Brant continued with his people under -Johnson till the close of that bloody war. At its close, about 1760, -Brant, with several other young Indians, was placed by Johnson at Moor -School, Lebanon, Connecticut. After acquiring some knowledge of the -rudiments of literature, he left the school to engage in active warfare -with the Pontiacs and Ottawas. In 1765, we find him married and settled -in his own house at the Mohawk Valley. It is said he was not married, -except in the Indian mode, until the winter of 1779, when at Niagara, -seeing a Miss Moore, a captive, married, he was also thus married by -Colonel John Butler, to a half-breed, the daughter of Colonel Croghan, -by an Indian woman. Here he spent a quiet and peaceful life for some -years, acting as interpreter in negotiations between his people and the -whites, and lending his aid to the efforts of the missionaries who were -engaged in the work of teaching and converting the Indians. - -“Those who visited his house, spoke in high terms of his kindness and -hospitality.” Sir William Johnson died in 1774, and was succeeded by his -son-in-law, Colonel George Johnson, as Indian agent, who appointed Brant -his Secretary. The same year Johnson had to flee from the Mohawk, -westward, to escape being captured by a band of rebels. He was -accompanied by Brant and the principal warriors of the tribe. The rebels -vainly tried to win the Indians to their side; but excepting a few -Senecas, they preferred their long tried friends. The regular successor -of Old King Hendrick, was “little Abraham.” It is said he was well -disposed to the Americans, probably through jealousy of Brant. At all -events, Brant, by universal consent became the principal chief. He -proceeded with the other chiefs, and a large body of Indian warriors to -Montreal, where he was commissioned as a captain in the British army. -“In the fall of 1775, he sailed for England to hold personal conference -with the officers of government. He was an object of much curiosity at -London, and attracted the attention of persons of high rank and great -celebrity.” Brant returned to America in the spring following, landed -near New York, and made his way through his enemy’s country to Canada. -He placed himself at the head of his warriors, and led them on to many a -victory. The first of which was at the battle of “the Cedars.” - -But the rebels did not cease endeavoring to seduce Brant to their cause. -In June, 1777, General Herkimer of the rebel militia approached Brant’s -head-quarters with a large force, ostensibly to treat on terms of -equality. Brant had reason to suspect treachery, and consequently would -not, for some time, meet Herkimer. After a week, however, he arranged to -see General Herkimer, but every precaution was taken against treachery, -and it appears that not without cause. Brant and Herkimer were old, and -had been intimate friends. Brant took with him a guard of about forty -warriors. It would seem that Herkimer’s intention was to try and -persuade Brant to come over to the rebels, and failing in this to have -Brant assassinated as he was retiring. Says an American writer, -Brownell, “We are sorry to record an instance of such unpardonable -treachery as Herkimer is said to have planned at this juncture. One of -his men, Joseph Waggoner, affirmed that the General privately exhorted -him to arrange matters so that Brant and his three principal associates -might be assassinated.” Well does it become the Americans to talk about -savage barbarity. Brant thwarted the intentions of his old friend by -keeping his forty warriors within call. During all of the repeated -attempts to get the Mohawks they never swerved, but reminded the rebels -of their old treaties with England, and the ill-treatment their people -had sustained at the hands of the colonists. - -The head-quarters of Brant was at Oghkwaga, Owego, upon the Susquehanna. -During the summer of 1777 while Burgoyne was advancing, the Mohawks -under Brant rendered important service. In the attempt to capture Fort -Stanwix, they took a prominent part. In the summer of 1778 the Indians, -with Butler’s Rangers were engaged principally in border warfare. It was -during this season that the affair at Wyoming took place, which event -has been so extravagantly made use of to blacken the character of the -Indians and vilify the “tories.” That Brant was not inhuman, but that he -was noble, let recent American writers testify. Brownell says: “many an -instance is recorded of his interference, even in the heat of conflict, -to stay the hand uplifted against the feeble and helpless.” - -It was in the latter part of June that a descent was planned upon the -settlements of Wyoming. Of this event, again we will let Brownell -speak:—“It has been a commonly received opinion that Brant was the Chief -under whom the Indian portion of the army was mustered, but it is now -believed that he had as little share in this campaign as in many other -scenes of blood long coupled with his name. There was no proof that he -was present at any of the scenes that we are about to relate.” - -“No portion of the whole history of the revolution has been so distorted -in the narration as that connected with the laying waste of the valley -of Wyoming. No two accounts seem to agree, and historians have striven -to out-do each other in the violence of their expressions of -indignation, at cruelties and horrors which existed only in their -imaginations, or which came to them embellished with all the -exaggeration incident to reports arising amid scenes of excitement and -bloodshed. - -Wyoming had, for many years, been the scene of the bitterest hostility -between the settlers under the Connecticut grant, and those from -Pennsylvania. Although these warlike operations were upon a small scale, -they were conducted with great vindictiveness and treachery. Blood was -frequently shed, and as either party obtained the ascendency, small -favor was shown to their opponents, who were generally driven from their -homes in hopeless destitution. We cannot go into a history of these -early transactions, and only mention them as explanatory of the feelings -of savage animosity which were exhibited between neighbors, and even -members of the same family, who had espoused opposite interests in the -revolutionary contest.” Such, be it noted, was the character of the -inhabitants of Wyoming valley, who have been so long held up as innocent -victims of Indian barbarity. By the above, we learn that prior to this, -there had been contentions between the loyalists and rebels. The party -who entered Wyoming to attack the Fort, were under Colonel John Butler, -and were composed of some 300 British regulars and refugees, and 500 -Indians. Now, it would seem that the depredation which was committed -after Colonel Zebulon Butler, the rebel leader, had been defeated, and -the Fort had capitulated, was to a great extent due to retaliatory steps -taken by the loyalists who previously had been forced away, and had seen -their homes committed to the flames. Such was the border warfare of -those days. It was not Indian savagery, it was a species of fighting -introduced by the “Sons of Liberty.” And if we condemn such mode of -fighting, let our condemnation rest first, and mainly upon those who -initiated it. Not upon the Indians, for they were led by white men—not -upon Brant, for he was not there—not so much upon the loyalists, for -they had been driven away from their homes; but let it be upon those who -introduced it. - -The rebels were not slow to seek retribution for their losses at -Wyoming. Aided by a party of Oneidas who lent themselves to the rebels, -“Colonel Wm. Butler with a Pennsylvania regiment, entered the towns of -Unadilla and Oghkwaga, and burned and destroyed the buildings, together -with large stores of provisions intended for winter use.” In turn, -Walter Butler led a party of 700, a large number being Indians under -Brant, to attack a fort at Cherry Valley which was “garrisoned by troops -under Colonel Ichabod Alden.” It will be seen that the Indians and -loyalists did not enter an unprotected place to burn and destroy. They -attacked a garrison of troops. But the Indians exasperated by the cruel -procedure at Oghkwaga, became ungovernable, and about fifty men, women -and children fell by the tomahawk. This was the retaliation which the -Indian had been taught to regard as justifiable for the wrongs which had -been inflicted upon his own tribe—his little ones; yet be it remembered, -and later American writers admit it, that the commanders, Butler and -Brant, did all they could to restrain the terrible doings of the -exasperated men. “Specific instances are reported in which the Mohawk -Chief interfered, and successfully, to avert the murderous tomahawk.” - -And now begins the bloody revenge which the rebels determined to inflict -upon the Indians, without respect to tribes. In April, 1779, Colonel Van -Schaick was despatched with a sufficient force for the purpose, with -instructions “to lay waste the whole of their towns, to destroy all -their cattle and property.” “The Colonel obeyed his orders to the -letter, and left nothing but blackened ruins behind him.” It was merely -a march of destruction, for the Indians were not there to oppose their -steps. The villages and property that were destroyed belonged to the -Onondagas, although they had not taken a decided stand with the loyalist -party. It was enough that they were Indians, and would not join the -rebels. But this was merely a prelude to what was preparing, in -pursuance of a resolution of the rebel congress. The infamous duty of -commanding this army of destruction, town destroyers the Indians called -them, was entrusted to General Sullivan, whose nature was adequate to -the requirements of the command. - -On the 22nd August, 1779, five thousand men were concentrated at Tioga, -upon the Susquehanna. The men were prepared for their uncivilized duty -by promises of the territory over which they were about to sow blood and -fire. The Indians had no adequate force to oppose their march westward -over the Six Nations territory. Brant with his warriors, with the -Butlers and Johnsons made a gallant resistance upon the banks of the -Chemung, near the present town of Elmira. But, after suffering -considerable loss, the vastly superior force compelled them to flee, and -there remained nothing to arrest the devastating rebel army, and during -the whole month of September they continued the work of despoliation. - -It has been the custom of almost all American historians to give the -Indians attributes of the most debasing character. At peace, unworthy -the advantages of civilization; at war, treacherous and ferociously -cruel. For this persistent and ungenerous procedure it is impossible to -conceive any cause, unless to supply an excuse for the steady course of -double-dealing the Americans have pursued toward the original owners of -the soil, and provide a covering for the oft-repeated treachery -practised toward the credulous Indian by the over-reaching New -Englander. To the Mohawk Nation particularly, since they proved true -allies of the British, have American writers found it agreeable to -bestow a character noted for blood and rapine. Nothing can be more -untrue than the character thus gratuitously portrayed, nothing more at -variance with the essential nature of the Indian, when free from -European intrigues, and the cursed fire-water. The aboriginal races of -North America are not by nature, blood-thirsty above Europeans. That -they are honest, just and true, capable of distinguishing between right -and wrong, with a due appreciation of well-kept faith, is well attested -by the conduct which has ever been observed by them toward, not alone -the Pennsylvanians, but every man found to be a Quaker. No instance can -be found recorded throughout the long bloody wars of the Indians, where -a hair of the head of a single man, woman or child of that denomination -was injured by the Indian; and thus because the upright Penn never -defrauded them. The Americans, while British colonists, with the -exception alluded to, made themselves obnoxious to almost all Indian -tribes. They never secured that hearty and faithful alliance that the -French did. There seemed to be something in the air, especially of the -New England States, which in a few generations blinded the eye, by which -the golden rule is to be observed. - -The Americans, who have ever set themselves up as the champions, _par -excellence_, of liberty, to whom the “down-trodden of the old world” -could look for sympathy, if not direct support, have signally failed to -observe those lofty principles at home toward the natives of the soil, -while they continued for eighty years to keep in chains the sable sons -of Africa. They have found it convenient and plausible to prate about -the political “tyranny of European despots;” but no nation of northern -Europe has shown such disregard for the rights of their people as the -United States have exhibited toward the original owners of the soil. -Avarice has quite outgrown every principle of liberty that germinated -ere they came to America. The frontier men, the land-jobber, the New -England merchant, as well as the Southern Planter, have alike ignored -true liberty in defrauding the Indian, in sending out slavers, and in -cruel treatment of the slave. Then can we wonder that the noble-minded -Indian, naturally true to his faith, should, when cheated, wronged,— -cruelly wronged, with the ferocity natural to his race, visit the -faithless with terrible retribution? - -The unbiassed records of the past, speak in tones that cannot be hushed, -of the more noble conduct of the natives, than of those who have sought -to exterminate them. The Mohawks, although brave warriors, fought not -for the mere love of it. They even at times strove to mediate between -the French and New Englanders. - -To the Mohawks, the American writer has especially bestowed a name -bloody and ignoble. And all because they listened not to their wily -attempts to seduce them to join the rebels, but preferred to ally -themselves with the British. No doubt the Indian had long before -discriminated between the rule of British officers, and the selfish -policy of local governments. And hence, we find, in every scrap of paper -relating to the Mohawks, unfounded accounts of savage doings. But -taking, as true, the darkest pages written by the Americans against the -Six Nations, they present no parallel to the deeds of brutal vengeance -enacted by the American army under Sullivan, when he traversed the -fruitful country, so long the home of the Iroquois. Says an American -writer: “When the army reached the Genesee Valley, all were surprised at -the cultivation exhibited, by wide fields of corn, gardens well stocked, -their cattle, houses, and other buildings, showing good design, with -mechanical skill, and every kind of vegetable that could be conceived. -Beautiful as was the scene in the eyes of the army, a few days changed -it to utter desolation; neither house, nor garden, grain, fruit tree, or -vegetable, was left unscathed.” - -Says Stone: “Forty Indian towns were destroyed. Corn gathered and -ungathered, to the amount of 160,000 bushels, shared the same fate; -their fruit trees were cut down; and the Indians were hunted like wild -beasts, till neither house, nor fruit tree, nor field of corn, nor -inhabitant, remained in the whole country.” And the poor Indian women, -and children, and old men, were thus left at the approaching winter to -seek support at the British garrisons. Truly the rebels of ‘76 were -brave and civilized! - -Thirteen years after, one of the chiefs said to Washington, “Even to -this day, when the name of the town-destroyer is heard, our women look -behind them and turn pale, and our children cling close to the necks of -their mother; our sachems and our warriors are men, who cannot be -afraid, but their hearts are grieved with the fears of our women and -children.” Thus the brave Sullivan, with his thousand rebels, made war -against old men, women and children, who were living in their rightful -homes. This was fighting for liberty! - -The blood of the Indian, as well as the slave, has risen up to reproach -the American, and it required much of fresh blood to wash away the -stains remaining from their deeds of cruelty and rapine, inflicted -during their revolutionary war, under the name of liberty. The soldiers -of Sullivan were stimulated in their evil work by promises of the land -they were sent to despoil; and the close of the war saw them return to -claim their promises, while the rightful owner was driven away. A -certain portion of the Six Nations having received pledges from the -United States Government for their welfare, remained to become subjects -of the new nation. But excepting Washington himself, and General -Schuyler, not one heeded their promises made to the Indian. The most -unjust proceedings were begun and ruthlessly carried on by individuals, -by companies, by legislators, by speculators, to steal every inch of -land that belonged by all that is right, to the Senecas. How unlike the -benignant and faithful conduct of the British Government in Canada. - -Brant continued during the war to harass the enemy in every possible -way, and in the following year, August, planned a terrible, but just -retaliation for the work of Sullivan’s horde. It was now the turn of the -rebels to have their houses, provisions and crops, despoiled. But all -the while “no barbarities were permitted upon the persons of defenceless -women and children, but a large number of them were borne away into -captivity.” Again, in October, Johnson and Brant, with Corn Planter, a -distinguished Seneca chief, invaded the Mohawk Valley. In this foray, -the same conduct was observed toward women and children. On one -occasion, Brant sent an Indian runner with an infant, that had been -unintentionally carried from its mother with some captives, to restore -it. Still, again the following year, the Indians under Brant, and the -Royalists under Major Ross, were found over-running their old homes -along the Mohawk and Schoharie. On this their last expedition, they were -met by the rebels in force under Colonel Willet, with some Oneida -warriors, and defeated them. Colonel Walter N. Butler, whom the rebels -have so often tried to malign, was shot and scalped by an Oneida Indian, -under the command of the rebel Willet. - -We learn by the foregoing that the Iroquois were not only brave as -warriors, but they had attained to a much higher position in the scale -of being than other tribes inhabiting America. They were not ignorant of -agriculture, nor indifferent to the blessings derived therefrom. The -rich uplands of the country lying to the north of the Alleghenies, were -made to contribute to their wants, as did the denizen of the forest. -They were equally at home, whether upon the war path, the trail of the -deer, or in the tilling of land. The plow of the Anglo-Saxon has not in -seventy years completely effaced the evidences of their agricultural -skill. And not less were their sachems noted for wisdom in council, and -for eloquence. Not only corn, but beans and other cereals were -cultivated, particularly by the Six Nations. Fruits and edibles, -introduced by the Europeans, were propagated by the natives, and when -the rebel Sullivan, in accordance with orders from Washington, swept -over their country, large orchards of excellent fruit, as well as fields -of grain, were met with and ruthlessly destroyed, as were the women and -children, with their peaceful homes. - -According to Rochefoucault, Brant’s manners were half European; he was -accompanied by two negro servants, and was, “in appearance, like an -Englishman.” Brant visited England in December 1785, and was treated -with great consideration. - -After the close of the war, Brant settled at Wellington Square, upon -land conferred by the Crown, where he lived after the English mode. He -died here 24th November, 1807. His wife, who never took to civilized -life, after her husband’s death, removed to the Grand River, and lived -in her wigwam. Some of her children remained in the “commodious -dwelling,” and others accompanied her to the life of the wigwam. -According to Weld, Brant had at one time thirty or forty negro slaves, -which he kept in the greatest subjection. He also says that Brant’s half -pay as a captain, and his presents yearly received, amounted to £500. - -His last days were made unhappy by a debased son, who, after threatening -his father’s life, was at last killed by him, in self defence, by a -short sword which Brant wore at his side. Respecting another of his -sons, the Kingston _Herald_, September 5th, 1832, says: - - “It is with unfeigned sorrow that we announce the death of CAPTAIN - JOHN BRANT, Chief of the Six Nations Indians. He died of Cholera, at - Brantford, on the 27th ult., after an illness of only six hours. Mr. - Brant was the son of the celebrated Indian Chief, whose memory was - unjustly assailed by Campbell the Poet, and for the vindication of - which the subject of this notice some years ago purposely visited - England. Possessing the education, feelings, and manners of a - gentleman, he was beloved by all who had the pleasure of his - acquaintance, and his death cannot fail to be deeply and very - generally regretted.” - -We have spoken of the intimacy that existed between the Mohawks and Sir -William Johnson, the Colonial Agent of England. This, be it remembered, -was more than a hundred years ago, and great changes have taken place in -the opinion of many with regard to certain irregularities of society. We -cannot excuse the conduct of Sir William, when he had lost his European -wife, in taking the sister of Brant, Miss Molly, without the form of -matrimonial alliance; but we must concede every allowance for the times -in which he lived. But while grave doubt may rest upon the moral -principle displayed by him, we see no just reason to reflect in any way -upon the Indian female. Miss Molly took up her abode with Sir William, -and lived with him as a faithful spouse until he died. However, this -must not be regarded as indicating depravity on the part of the -simple-minded native. It must be remembered that the Indian’s mode of -marrying consists of but little more than the young squaw leaving the -father’s wigwam, and repairing to that of her future husband, and there -is no reason to doubt that Miss Molly was ever other than a virtuous -woman. And this belief is corroborated by the fact that four daughters, -the issue of this alliance, were most respectably married. - -Of the Six Nations, this tribe always stood foremost as brave and -uncompromising adherents to the British Government, notwithstanding the -utmost endeavors of the rebels to win them to their side. It becomes, -consequently a duty, and a pleasing duty to refer more particularly to -this race, a remnant of which yet lives upon the shore of the bay. Among -the Mohawks are, however, remnants of some of the other tribes. - -The tribe is so-called, after the river, upon whose banks they so long -lived. They did not formerly acknowledge the title, but called -themselves by a name which interpreted, means “just such a people as we -ought to be.” This name is not known, unless it may be Agniers, a name -sometimes applied by the French. - -This tribe was the oldest and most important of the Six Nations, and -supplied the bravest warriors, and one of its chiefs was usually in -command of the united warriors of all the tribes. - -It must not be forgotten that the Mohawks, who came to Canada, and other -tribes of the Six Nations, were to all intents, United Empire Loyalists. -At the close of the struggle, we have seen elsewhere, that the -commissioners at Paris, in their unseemly haste to contract terms of -peace, forgot how much was due to the loyalists of America, and urged no -special terms to ameliorate the condition of the many who had fought and -lost all for the maintenance of British power. Likewise did they forget -the aboriginal natives who had equally suffered. The fact that these -Indians were not even referred to, gave Brant a just cause of complaint, -which he duly set forth in a memorial to the Imperial Government. But, -as the British Government and nation subsequently strove to relieve the -suffering condition of the refugees, so did they afford to the loyal -sons of the forest every possible facility to make themselves -comfortable. Indeed, the British officers in command, at the first, gave -a pledge that all that they lost should be restored. The promise thus -given by Sir Guy Carleton, was ratified by his successor, General -Haldimand, in 1779, Captain General and Commander-in-Chief in Canada, -and confirmed by Patent, under the Great Seal, January 14, 1793, issued -by Governor Simcoe. - -At the close of the war, a portion of the Mohawks were temporarily -residing on the American side of Niagara River, in the vicinity of the -old landing place above the Fort. The Senecas, who seem to have been at -this time more closely allied than other tribes to the Mohawks, offered -to them a tract of land within the territory of the United States. But -the Mohawks would not live in the United States. They declared they -would “sink or swim with England.” - -Brant proceeded to Montreal to confer with Sir John Johnson, General -Superintendent of Indian affairs. “The tract upon which the chief had -fixed his attention, was situated upon the Bay de Quinté.” General -Haldimand, in accordance with this wish, purchased a tract of land upon -the bay from the Mississaugas, and conveyed it to the Mohawks. -Subsequently, when Brant returned to Niagara, the Senecas expressed -their desire that their old and intimate friends, the Mohawks, should -live nearer to them than upon the Bay de Quinté. Brant convened a -council of the tribe to consider the matter, the result was, that he -went a second time to Quebec to solicit a tract of land less remote from -the Senecas. Haldimand granted this request, and the land, six miles -square, upon the Grand River was accordingly purchased from the -Mississaugas, and given to them, forty miles off from the Senecas. The -above facts are taken from Brant’s MS. and History. We may infer from -this fact, that the party who did come to the bay under Captain John, -felt less attachment to the Senecas than the other portion of the tribe. -The quantity of land on the bay originally granted was 92,700 acres; but -a portion has been surrendered. - -In the early part of the rebellion, the Mohawk families fled from their -valley with precipitation. They mostly went to Lachine, where they -remained three years. They then ascended the river in their canoes, and -probably stayed a winter at Cataraqui, the winter of 1783–4. The whole -tribe was under Brant. Second in command was Captain John, a cousin of -Brant, and his senior in years. - -In the spring, a portion of the tribe entered the Bay Quinté, and passed -up to the present township of Tyendinaga. The majority, led by Brant, -passed up along the south shore of Lake Ontario to Niagara. - - - THE MOHAWKS AS CANADIANS. - -Descendants of the bravest of all the brave Indian warriors of America, -we find them peaceable and in most respects imbibing the spirit of the -day. Ever since the party settled on the bay, they have manifested no -turbulent spirit, none of those wild attributes natural to the -wild-woods Indian, toward their white neighbors. Among themselves there -has been one occasion of disturbance. This arose from the quarrelsome -nature of one Captain Isaac Hill. This Chief, with his people, formed a -part of Brant’s company that settled on the Grand River. After a few -years, having disagreed with his nation, and become exceedingly -disagreeable from his officious and selfish conduct, he removed to the -bay, and united himself with Captain John’s party, which received him. -But he failed to live peaceably with them. Eventually the disagreement -resulted in a serious hostile engagement between the two branches, who -fought with tomahawks and knives. But one person was killed, a chief of -Captain John’s party, Powles Claus, who was stabbed in the abdomen. But -subsequently Captain Isaac Hill became a worthy inhabitant. His house -still standing, then considered large, was frequently open to the more -festive, across the Bay in Sophiasburgh. - -Out of the six hundred Indians, now living upon the Reserve, there is -only one with pure Indian blood. His name is David Smart. It has been -elsewhere stated, that the custom prevailed among the Mohawk nation, to -maintain the number of the tribe, by taking captive a sufficient number -to fill the vacancies caused by death of their people. The result was, -that these captives marrying with Indians, they gradually underwent a -change, and the original appearance of the Mohawk has lost its -characteristic features. The circumstances of the Indians during the -revolutionary war, and subsequently in settling in Canada, led to -frequent unions between the white men of different nationalities and the -Indian women. Therefore, at the present day there remains but little -more than a trace of the primal Indian who lorded it, a hundred years -ago, over no inconsiderable portion of the North American Continent. - -When visiting the Indians, on our way, we met some eight or ten sleighs -laden with them, returning from a funeral. We were much struck with the -appearance of solid, farmer-like comfort which their horses and -conveyances exhibited, as well as they themselves did in their half -Canadian dress. - -While drunkenness has prevailed among the older Indians, it is pleasing -to know that the younger ones are far more regular in their habits. For -this, much credit is due to the Christian oversight of their former and -present pastors. They have 1800 acres of land. They number 630, and are -increasing yearly. - -The seal of the Mohawk Counsel may be seen with the Rev. Mr. Anderson. -The armorial bearings consist of the wolf, the bear and the turtle. -These animals, in the order here given, indicate, not tribes, nor -families exactly, but rank. The wolf is the highest class, the bear next -in rank, and the turtle the lowest grade. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - CONTENTS—Individuals—Anderson—Bethune—Burwell—Butler—Canliff—Claus— - Coffin—Doune—Jarvis—Jones—McDonald—McGill—McGilles—Merrit—Munday— - Peters—Robinson—Singleton—Ross—McNab—Allen—Allison—Ashley—Bell— - Burritt—Casey—Carscallion—Church—Clark—Crawford—Dame—Daly—Diamond. - - - INDIVIDUAL COMBATANTS. - -The immediately following notices of the combatants who settled in Upper -Canada are extracted from Sabine. - -“At the beginning of the revolution, Samuel Anderson, of New York, went -to Canada. He soon entered the service of the Crown, and was a captain -under Sir John Johnson. In 1783 he settled near Cornwall, in Upper -Canada, and received half-pay. He held several civil offices: those of -Magistrate, Judge of a district court, and associate Justice of the -Court of King’s Bench, were among them. He continued to reside upon his -estate near Cornwall, in Upper Canada, until his decease in 1836, at the -age of one hundred and one. His property in New York was abandoned and -lost.” - -“Joseph Anderson, lieutenant in the King’s regiment, New York. At the -peace he retired to Canada. He died near Cornwall, Canada West, in 1853, -aged ninety. He drew half pay for a period of about seventy years. One -of the last survivors of the United Empire Loyalists.” - -“John Bethune, of North Carolina, chaplain in the Loyal Militia. Taken -prisoner in the battle at Cross Creek in 1776. Confined in Halifax gaol, -but ordered finally to Philadelphia. After his release, his continued -loyalty reduced him to great distress. He was appointed chaplain to the -84th regiment, and restored to comfort. At the peace he settled in Upper -Canada, and died at Williamstown in that colony, in 1815, in his -sixty-fifth year.” - -“James Burwell, of New Jersey, born at Rockaway, January 18, 1754. Our -loyalist enlisted in his Majesty’s service in the year 1776, at the age -of twenty-two, and served seven years, and was present at the battle of -Yorktown, when Lord Cornwallis surrendered, and was there slightly -wounded.” - -“Came to Upper Canada in the year 1796, too late to obtain the King’s -bounty of family land, but was placed on the United Empire list, and -received two hundred acres for himself and each of his children. He -removed to the Talbot settlement in the year 1810. He died in the County -of Elgin, Canada, July, 1853, aged ninety-nine years and five months.” - -“John Butler, of Tyron, now Montgomery county, New York. Before the war, -Colonel Butler was in close official connection with Sir William, Sir -John, and Colonel Guy Johnson, and followed their political fortunes. At -the breaking out of hostilities he commanded a regiment of New York -Militia, and entered at once into the military service of the Crown. -During the war his wife was taken prisoner, and exchanged for the wife -of the whig colonel, Campbell. Colonel John Butler was richly rewarded -for his services. Succeeding (in part) to the agency of Indian affairs, -long held by the Johnsons, he enjoyed, about the year 1796, a salary of -£500 stg. per annum, and a pension, as a military officer, of £200 more. -Previously, he had received a grant of 500 acres of land, and a similar -provision for his children. His home, after the war, was in Upper -Canada. He was attainted during the contest, and his property -confiscated. He lived, before the revolution, in the present town of -Mohawk.” - -“Joseph Canliff, in 1781 a lieutenant in the first battalion New Jersey -Volunteers.” This person is probably of the same lineage as the writer -of this work, great confusion often existing with regard to the spelling -of names in the early days of America. - -“Daniel Claus. He married a daughter of Sir William Johnson, and served -for a considerable time in the Indian Department of Canada, under his -brother-in-law, Colonel Guy Johnson.” - -“William Claus, Deputy Superintendent General of Indian affairs, was his -son.” - -Coffin—There were several of this name who took part in the war against -the rebellion. Of these, the following are connected with Canadian -history: - -“Sir Thomas Aston Coffin, baronet, of Boston, son of William Coffin. He -graduated at Harvard University in 1772. At one period of the rebellion -he was private secretary to Sir Guy Carleton. In 1804 he was Secretary -and Comptroller of Lower Canada.” Afterwards Commissary General in the -British army. - -“Nathaniel Coffin, of Boston. After the revolution he settled in Upper -Canada.” Served in the war of 1812. “For a number of years was -Adjutant-General of the Militia of Upper Canada. Died at Toronto in -1846, aged 80.” - -“John Coffin: was Assistant Commissary General in the British army, and -died at Quebec in 1837, aged 78.” - -“Doane, of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Of this family there were five -brothers, namely: Moses, Joseph, Israel, Abraham, Mahlon. They were men -of fine figures and address, elegant horsemen, great runners and -leapers, and excellent at stratagems and escapes. Their father was -respectable, and possessed a good estate. The sons themselves, prior to -the war, were men of reputation, and proposed to remain neutral: but, -harassed personally, their property sold by the whigs because they would -not submit to the exactions of the time, the above-mentioned determined -to wage a predatory warfare upon their persecutors, and to live in the -open air, as they best could do. This plan they executed, to the terror -of the country around, acting as spies to the royal army, and robbing -and plundering continually; yet they spared the weak, the poor and the -peaceful. They aimed at public property and at public men. Generally, -their expeditions were on horseback. Sometimes the five went together, -at others separately, with accomplices. Whoever of them was apprehended -broke jail; whoever of them was assailed escaped. In a word, such was -their course, that a reward of £300 was offered for the head of each. - -“Ultimately, three were slain. Moses, after a desperate fight, was shot -by his captor; and Abraham and Mahlon were hung at Philadelphia. - -“Joseph, before the revolution, taught school. During the war, while on -a marauding expedition, he was shot through the cheeks, fell from his -horse, and was taken prisoner. He was committed to jail to await his -trial, but escaped to New Jersey. A reward of $800 was offered for his -apprehension, but without success. He resumed his former employment in -New Jersey, and lived there, under an assumed name, nearly a year, but -finally fled to Canada. Several years after the peace he returned to -Pennsylvania, ‘a poor, degraded, broken-down old man,’ to claim a legacy -of about £40, which he was allowed to recover, and to depart. In his -youth he was distinguished for great physical activity.” - -The only separate mention of Israel is, that “in February, 1783, he was -in jail; that he appealed to the Council of Pennsylvania to be released, -on account of his own sufferings and the destitute condition of his -family, and that his petition was dismissed.” - -“Stephen Jarvis, in 1782 was a lieutenant of cavalry in the South -Carolina Royalists. He was in New Brunswick after the revolution, but -went to Upper Canada, and died at Toronto, at the residence of the Rev. -Dr. Phillips, 1840, aged eighty-four. During his service in the -revolution he was in several actions.” - -“William Jarvis, an officer of cavalry in the Queen’s Rangers. Wounded -at the siege of Yorktown. At the peace he settled in Upper Canada, and -became Secretary of that Province. He died at York in 1817. His widow, -Hannah, a daughter of the Rev. Dr. Peters, of Hebron, Connecticut, died -at Queenston, Upper Canada, 1845, aged eighty-three.” - -“David Jones was a captain in the royal service, and is supposed to -‘have married the beautiful and good Jane McCrea, whose cruel death, in -1777, by the Indians, is universally known and lamented.’ According to -Lossing, he lived in Canada to an old age, having never married. Jane -McCrea was the daughter of the Rev. James McCrea, of New Jersey, -loyalist.” - -“Jonathan Jones, of New York, brother of Jane McCrea’s lover. Late in -1776 he assisted in raising a company in Canada, and joined the British, -in garrison, at Crown Point. Later in the war he was a captain, and -served under General Frazer.” - -McDonald—There were a good many of this name who took part as -combatants, of whom several settled in Canada. - -Alexander McDonald was a major in a North Carolina regiment. “His wife -was the celebrated Flora McDonald, who was so true and so devoted to the -unfortunate Prince Charles Edward, the last Stuart, who sought the -throne of England. They had emigrated to North Carolina, and when the -rebellion broke out, he, with two sons, took up arms for the Crown.” - -Those who settled in Canada were “Donald McDonald, of New York. He -served under Sir John Johnson for seven years, and died at the Wolfe -Island, Upper Canada, in 1839, aged 97.” - -“Allan McDonald, of Tryon, New York,” was associated with Sir John -Johnson in 1776. “He died at Three Rivers, Lower Canada, in 1822, quite -aged.” - -“John McGill.—In 1782 he was an officer of infantry in the Queen’s -Rangers, and, at the close of the war, went to New Brunswick. He removed -to Upper Canada, and became a person of note. He died at Toronto, in -1834, at the age of eighty-three. At the time of his decease he was a -member of the Legislative Council of the Colony.” - -“Donald McGillis resided, at the beginning of the revolution, on the -Mohawk river, New York. Embracing the royal side in the contest, he -formed one of a ‘determined band of young men’ who attacked a whig post -and, in the face of a superior force, cut down the flag-staff, and tore -in strips the stars and stripes attached to it. Subsequently, he joined -a grenadier company, called the Royal Yorkers, and performed efficient -service throughout the war. He settled in Canada at the peace; and, -entering the British service again in 1812, was commissioned as a -captain in the Colonial corps, by Sir Isaac Brock. He died at River -Raisin, Canada, in 1844, aged eighty years.” - -“Thomas Merrit, of New York, in 1782 was cornet of cavalry in the -Queen’s Rangers. He settled in Upper Canada, and held the offices of -Sheriff of the District of Niagara and Surveyor of the King’s Forests. -He received half pay as a retired military officer. He died at St. -Catharines, May, 1842, aged eighty-two.” - -“Nathaniel Munday, in 1782 was an officer in the Queen’s Rangers. He was -in New Brunswick after the revolution, and received half pay; but left -that colony and, it is believed, went to Canada.” - -“John Peters, of Hebron, Connecticut; born in 1740. A most devoted -loyalist. He went to Canada finally, and raised a corps, called the -Queen’s Loyal Rangers, of which Lord Dorchester gave him command, with -the rank of lieutenant-colonel.” - -“Christopher Robinson, of Virginia, kinsman of Beverley. Entered William -and Mary College with his cousin Robert; escaped with him to New York, -and received a commission in the Loyal American regiment. Served at the -South, and was wounded. At the peace he went to Nova Scotia, and -received a grant of land at Wilmot. He soon removed to Canada, where -Governor Simcoe gave him the appointment of Deputy Surveyor-General of -Crown Lands. His salary, half pay, and an estate of two thousand acres, -placed him in circumstances of comfort. He was the father of several -children, some of whom were educated in the mother-country. He died in -Canada. His widow, Esther, daughter of Rev. John Sayre, of New -Brunswick, died in 1827. His son, Beverley Robinson, who was born in -1791, was appointed Attorney-General of Upper Canada in 1818; Chief -Justice in 1829; created a Baronet in 1854; and died in 1863.” - -“Singleton—A lieutenant in the ‘Royal Greens,’ was wounded in 1777, -during the investment of Fort Stanwix.” Probably Captain Singleton, who -settled in Thurlow, Upper Canada, was the same person. - -“Finley Ross, of New York, was a follower of Sir John Johnson to Canada -in 1776. After the revolution he served in Europe, and was at Minden and -Jena. He settled at Charlotteburgh, Upper Canada, where he died, in -1830, aged ninety.” - -“Allan McNab, a Lieutenant of cavalry in the Queen’s Rangers, under -Colonel Simcoe. During the war he received thirteen wounds. He -accompanied his commander to Upper Canada, then a dense, unpeopled -wilderness, where he settled. He was appointed Sergeant-at-arms of the -House of Assembly of that Province, and held the office many years. His -son, the late Sir Allan McNab, was a gentleman who filled many important -offices in Upper Canada.” - -The Hamilton _Spectator_, speaking of the death of Sir A. N. McNab, -says: “The Hon. Colonel Sir Allan Napier McNab, Bart., M.L.C., A. D. C., -was born at Niagara in the year 1798, of Scotch extraction,”—his -grandfather, Major Robert McNab, of the 22nd regiment, or Black Watch, -was Royal Forester in Scotland, and resided on a small property called -Dundurn, at the head of Loch Earn. His father entered the army in her -Majesty’s 7th regiment, and was subsequently promoted to a dragoon -regiment. He was attached to the staff of General Simcoe during the -revolutionary war; after its close he accompanied General Simcoe to this -country. When the Americans attacked Toronto, Sir Allan, then a boy at -school, was one of a number of boys selected as able to carry a musket; -and after the authorities surrendered the city, he retreated with the -army to Kingston, when through the instrumentality of Sir Roger Sheaffe, -a friend of his father’s, he was rated as mid-shipman on board Sir James -Yeo’s ship, and accompanied the expeditions to Sackett’s Harbor, -Genesee, and other places on the American side of the lake. Finding -promotions rather slow, he left the navy and joined the 100th regiment -under Colonel Murray, and was with them when they re-occupied the -Niagara frontier. He crossed with the advanced guard at the storming and -taking of Fort Niagara. For his conduct in this affair he was honored -with an ensigncy in the 49th regiment. He was with General Ryall at -Erie, and crossed the river with him when Black Rock and Buffalo were -burned, in retaliation for the destruction of Niagara, a few months -previous. After the termination of this campaign, Sir Allan joined his -regiment in Montreal, and shortly after marched with them to the attack -of Plattsburgh. On the morning of the attack he had the honor of -commanding the advanced guard at the Saranac Bridge. At the reduction of -the army in 1816 or 1817, he was placed on half-pay. - -It is impossible at this time to give anything like a history of the -disbanded soldiers who settled on the shores of the Bay and the St. -Lawrence. There could not be allowed the space necessary to do justice -to the character of each. But even if such were possible we are wanting -in the essential matter of information. We propose, however, to insert -the names of every one known to have been a loyal combatant, whether an -officer or private, with such statements relative to his history as we -possess. We shall not confine ourselves to this particular region of the -Province, but include those who settled at Niagara, and in Lower Canada. -And while we may not supply a complete account of any one, it is trusted -that the instalment will not be unacceptable to the descendants of those -to whom we refer. We shall arrange them alphabetically without reference -to rank or station. - -Captain Joseph Allen, formerly Captain Allen of New Jersey, held a -commission in the British Army at New York for some time during the war. -He owned extensive mill property, and was regarded as a very wealthy -person. All his possessions were confiscated, and he in 1783, found his -way, among other refugees, first to Sorel, where he stayed a winter, and -finally to Upper Canada. His family consisted of two sons, John and -Jonathan, and three daughters, Rachel, Ursula, and Elizabeth. Captain -Allen was one of the first settlers in Adolphustown, and his descendants -still live in the township, among whom are Parker Allen, Esq., J. D. -Watson, Esq., and David McWherter, Esq. Captain Allen had extensive -grants of land in Adolphustown, and in Marysburgh, and elsewhere; as -well as his children. Jonathan Allen, succeeded his father upon the -homestead, and was for many years an acceptable Justice of the Peace. -His brother, Joseph Allen, moved to Marysburgh, and was a Captain of -militia during the war of 1812. Captain Allen brought with him several -slaves, “who followed his fortunes with peculiar attachment, even after -their liberation.” - -We have seen that the rebellion led to the divisions of families. It was -so with the Allison family of Haverstraw, New York. There were seven -brothers; two sided with the rebels. One Benjamin, being a boy, was at -home, while the other four took part with loyalists. One settled in New -Brunswick, probably the Edward Allison Sabine speaks of, who had been -captain in De Lancey’s third battalion, and who received half-pay, and -after whom _Mount Allison_ is called. - -Joseph Allison was living at Haverstraw, New York. He was for a time -engaged in the navy yard at New York. At one time he and another entered -the rebel camp, and after remaining a few days availed themselves of a -dark night and carried off five excellent horses belonging to a troop of -cavalry. They were pursued and barely escaped. Allison took these horses -in return for the loss of his house and other property which the rebels -had ruthlessly burned. He was at the battle of White Plains, and had -narrow escapes, his comrade beside him was shot down, and his canteen -belt cut in two by a ball. As he could not carry the canteen, h$1 $2 -took time to empty that vessel of the rum which it contained. - -His neighbors at Haverstraw were exceedingly vindictive against him. -After several years, he visited there to see his aged mother, when a mob -attempted to tar and feather him, and he had to hide in the woods all -night. Allison came to Canada with Van Alstine, and drew lot 17, in -Adolphustown. A strong, healthy and vigorous man, he contributed no -little to the early settlement. Died upon his farm, aged eighty-eight. -His wife’s name was Mary Richmond, of a well-known Quaker family. His -descendants still occupy the old homestead, a most worthy family. -Benjamin Allison, the youngest, came to Adolphustown in 1795. - -William Ashley, sen., was born in the city of London, England, in the -year 1749, and joined the army at an early age. - -During the American Revolutionary war, he came out under General Howe, -serving in all his campaigns until the close of the struggle. He had two -brothers also in the army with him, one of whom returned to England, and -the other settled somewhere in the United States, the exact locality not -now being known. General J. M. Ashley, Republican member of Congress -from Ohio, is, so far as can be ascertained, a descendant of this -brother. - -After the termination of the war, William Ashley came to Canada, and -first settled in the township of Loborough, county of Frontenac, where -he married Margaret Buck, the daughter of a U. E. L., and one of the -first settlers in this part of Canada. He resided here until about 1790, -when he removed to Kingston, where he followed the employment of a -butcher, and was the first butcher in Kingston, a fact he often -mentioned in his old age. He built a house of red cedar logs, cut from -the spot, which continued to stand until 1858, when it was taken down -and a small brick building, the “Victoria Hotel,” built on the site. -When removed the logs were found in a perfectly sound condition, they -having been covered with clapboards many years ago, which preserved them -from the weather. - -This house stood on Brock street, near the corner of Bagot street. At -the time of its erection there were scarcely twenty residences in the -place, and that part of the city now lying west of the City Hall was -then covered with a dense forest of pine, cedar and ash. William Ashley -lived to see this pass away and a flourishing city spring up. He died in -1835, leaving a family of ten children—Margaret, Mary, Elizabeth, -William, John, James, Thomas, Henry, Adam and George: all of whom are -now dead excepting Thomas, who resides near Toronto. - -James also died in 1835, and Henry, who was the first gaoler in Picton, -died in 1836, at the early age of thirty-one. - -William Ashley, Jun., married Ann Gerollamy, daughter of an officer in -the British army, serving through the Revolutionary War, and acting as -Orderly in the war of 1812. He left Kingston in 1830, and resided until -1842 near the mouth of Black River, in the township of Marysburgh, and -then returned, and continued to reside there, teaching, and filling -various offices until his death, August 16, 1867. - -The _British Whig_ newspaper when recording his death, remarked, “Mr. -Ashley was one of our oldest citizens, and has lived to witness many -changes in his native place. He was born on the very spot where the -_British Whig_ office now stands.” The last sentence is a mistake, he -was not born in the city, but in the township of Loborough; although the -building containing the _British Whig_ office still belongs to the -‘Ashley property’ on Bagot Street. - -John Ashley was gaoler in Kingston for a number of years when the gaol -stood near the site of the present Post Office, and filled public -situations from the time he was nineteen years of age until his death in -1858. He was a prominent member of the County Council for nearly twenty -years, and was Colonel of the militia at the time of his death. - -Adam and George Ashley both died in 1847. - -William Bell—We shall have occasion to speak of William Bell in -different places in these pages. He was born August 12, 1758, in County -of Tyrone, Ireland. - -At the time of the Revolutionary War he was a sergeant in the 53rd -regiment of the line. Some time after the close of the war, he succeeded -in procuring his discharge from the service, at Lachine, and came to -Cataraqui, sometime in 1789. He was on intimate terms with John -Ferguson, and, we believe, related by marriage. It was at Ferguson’s -solicitation that Bell came to the Bay. We have before us an old account -book, by which we learn that Ferguson and Bell commenced trading on the -front of Sidney in the latter part of 1789. They remained here in -business until 1792. Subsequently Bell became school teacher to the -Mohawks, and seems to have done business there in the way of trading, in -1799. In 1803 we find him settled in Thurlow. Ferguson, who was living -at Kingston, had been appointed Colonel of the Hastings Militia, and -Bell was selected by him to assist in organizing the body. He was -commissioned captain in December 1798, Major in August 1800; and in 1809 -Lieutenant-Colonel. Colonel Bell was well known as a public man in -Thurlow. He was appointed to several offices—Magistrate, Coroner, and -finally Colonel of the Hastings Battalion. As magistrate he took an -active part in the doings of Thurlow and Belleville for many years. He -was also an active person in connection with the agricultural societies, -until a few years before his death, 1833. The papers left by Colonel -Bell have been of great service to us. His wife’s name was Rachel Hare, -who died 1853, aged eighty-one. - -Colonel Stephen Burritt took part in the war against the rebels, being -seven years in the army, in Roger’s Rangers. He settled upon the Rideau, -the 9th of April, 1793. In the same year was born Colonel E. Burritt, -who was the first child born of white parents north of the Rideau. This -interesting fact was given to the writer by Colonel E. Burritt in 1867. -Colonel Burritt is a cousin of the celebrated Learned Blacksmith. - -Willet Casey was born in Rhode Island. His father was killed in battle -during the war. At the close of the war he settled near Lake Champlain, -upon what he supposed to be British territory, but finding such was not -the case, and although he had made considerable clearing, he removed -again. Turning his steps toward Upper Canada with his aged mother and -wife, he reached in due time, the 4th township. The family, upon -arriving, found shelter in a blacksmith’s shop until a log hut could be -built. Three months afterwards the old mother died. Willet Casey had a -brother in a company of horsemen, who fought for the British. He -remained in the States and went South. It is probably the descendants of -this Casey, who took an active part in the late civil war in the United -States. - -The writer has seen the fine, erect old couple that came to Canada, when -on the verge of eighty, and two nobler specimens of nature’s nobility -could not be imagined. - -Luke Carscallian was an Irishman by birth, and had served in the British -army; he had retired and emigrated to the American colonies prior to the -rebellion. He desired to remain neutral, and take no part in the -contest. The rebels, however, said to him that inasmuch as he was -acquainted with military tactics he must come and assist them, or be -regarded as a King’s man. His reply was that he had fought for the king, -and he would do it again, consequently an order was issued to arrest -him; but when they came to take him he had secreted himself. The escape -was a hurried one, and all his possessions were at the mercy of the -rebels—land to the amount of 12,000 acres. They, disappointed in not -catching him, took his young and tender son, and threatened to hang him -if he would not reveal his father’s place of concealment. The brave -little fellow replied, hang away! and the cruel men under the name of -liberty carried out their threat, and three times was he suspended until -almost dead, yet he would not tell, and then when taken down one of the -monsters actually kicked him. - -Oliver Church was Lieutenant in the 84th regiment. He settled with the -many other half-pay officers, on the front of Fredericksburgh, three -miles west of Bath. He had three sons, and three daughters, who settled -upon the Bay, but are now dead except one daughter. Lieutenant Church -died in 1812, and his wife some years later. They were both very old -when they died. - -A grand-child of the old veteran, Mrs. H. of Belleville informs us that -she has often heard about her grandfather having to crush grain by hand, -and spending a week going to the Kingston mill. - -Robert Clark, late of the Township of Ernest town, in the County of -Addington, was born March 15, 1744 on Quaker Hill, Duchess County, -Province of New York. He learned the trade of carpenter and millwright, -of a Mr. Woolly. He left his family and joined the British standard in -the revolutionary war, was in General Burgoyne’s army, and was requested -by the General that he and other Provincial volunteers, should leave the -army and go to Canada, which place, he reached after some weeks of great -suffering and privation. The day after he left (October 17, 1777,) -General Burgoyne capitulated, and surrendered his arms to the American -Generals Gates and Arnold. Robert Clark subsequently served two years in -his Majesty’s Provincial Regiment, called the Loyal Rangers, commanded -by Major Edward Jessup, and in Captain Sabastian Jones’ company, and was -discharged on the 24th December, 1783. He owned two farms in Duchess -County, one of 100, the other of 150 acres, both of which were -confiscated. He was employed by the government in 1782–3 to erect the -Kingston mills, (then Cataraqui) preparatory to the settlement of the -loyalists in that section of Upper Canada, at which time his family, -consisting of his wife and three sons, arrived at Sorel in Lower Canada, -where they all were afflicted with the small pox, and being entirely -among strangers they were compelled to endure more than the usual amount -of suffering incident to that disease, their natural protector being at -a distance, and in the employ of the government, could not leave to -administer to their necessity. In 1784, his family joined him at the -mills, after having been separated by the vicissitudes of war for a -space of seven years. In 1785 he removed with his family to lot No. 74, -1st concession Ernest town, in which year he was again employed by -government to erect the Napanee mills. He was appointed Justice of the -Peace for the district of Mecklenburgh, in July 1788, and a captain in -the militia in 1809, and died 17th December, 1823. - -John C. Clark was married to Rachel Storer, and had a family of ten sons -and three daughters. - -Captain Crawford, of the Rogers corps, settled on lot No. 1 of -Fredericksburgh. Became a magistrate, and lived to be an old man, was -also colonel of militia. - -George Dame was the son of Theophilus Dame, evidently a veteran soldier, -from the copy of his will now before us. He gave to his “son, George -Dame, the one-half of my (his) real estate in Dover, England, to hold to -him forever,” also his wearing apparel, books, gold watch, gilt-headed -cane, horses, sleigh and harness, and one hundred dollars. He bequeathed -to his grandson, John Frederick Dame, his camp bedstead, and curtains -and valence for carriage of camp bedstead, and his silver-mounted -hanger. To his grandson Augustus Dame, his fusee, gorget, and small seal -skin trunk. To another grandson he left his double-barrelled pistol. By -reference to these items we learn that Theophilus Dame must have been a -British officer of some standing. - -His son, George Dame, followed in the footsteps of his father in -pursuing the profession of arms. We have before us a document, dated -1765, which declares that “Ensign George Dame of the 8th or King’s Own -Regiment of foot, was admitted burgess of the Burgh of Dumfries, with -liberty to him to exercise and enjoy the whole immunities and privileges -thereof, &c.” For some reason this commission in the 8th regiment was -relinquished; but ten years later we find he has a commission from -General Carleton, Major-General and Commander-in-chief of His Majesty’s -forces in the Province of Quebec, and upon the frontier thereof, -appointing him “Ensign in the Royal Regiment of Highland Emigrants -commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Allan McLean.” “Given under -my hand and seal at the Castle of Saint Lewis, in the city of Quebec, -21st of November, 1775.” In 1779 he received a commission from Frederick -Haldimand, Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief, &c., appointing him -“Captain in a corps of Rangers raised to serve with the Indians during -the rebellion, whereof John Butler, Esq., is Major Commandant”. - -After the close of the war, Captain Dame lived at Three Rivers, Lower -Canada, where we find him acting as Returning Officer in 1792, Mured -Clarke being Lieutenant Governor. He died at Three Rivers, April 16th, -1807. - -An official paper before us sets forth that “Guy, Lord Dorchester, -authorizes Frederick Dame, ‘by beat of drum or otherwise,’ forthwith to -raise from amongst the inhabitants of Upper and Lower Canada, as many -able-bodied men as will assist the completing of a company, to be -commanded by Captain Richard Wilkinson. This company to be mainly -provincial, and for the service of Canada, and to serve for the space of -three years, or during the war. This order shall continue in force for -twelve months.” Dated at the Castle of St. Lewis, Quebec, 21st June, -1796. This is signed “DORCHESTER.” - -The same year, bearing date the 17th December, is a commission from -Robert Prescott, Esq., Lieutenant-Governor, appointing Frederick Dame -ensign to the second battalion Royal Canadian Volunteers. - -In the year 1802 John Frederick Dame received his commission as Surveyor -of Lands in Upper and Lower Canada, from Robert Shore Milnes, -Lieutenant-Governor, upon the certificate of Joseph Bouchette, Esq., -Deputy Surveyor-General. Up to this time it would seem he had been -living at Three Rivers. - -Allan Dame, a son of the aforementioned, is now residing in Marysburgh, -not far from McDonald’s Cove. He is now in the neighborhood of sixty: -this is his native place. He is a fine specimen of an English Canadian -farmer; and well he may be, being a descendant of a worthy stock, of -English growth. He is married to the granddaughter of Colonel McDonald. - -Daly—P. K. Daly, Esq., of Thurlow, has kindly furnished us with the -following interesting account: - -Captain Peter Daly, my grandfather, was the son of Capt. Daly, of an -Irish regiment, that was stationed in New York for some years before the -outbreak of the old revolutionary war, but was called home to Ireland -before the commencement of hostilities; and finally fell a victim to -that cruel code of honor which obliged a man to fight a duel. - -At the earnest solicitation of a bachelor friend, of the name of Vroman, -he had been induced to leave his son Peter behind. Vroman resided upon -the banks of the Mohawk, where the city of Amsterdam now stands. He was -a man of considerable wealth, all of which he promised to bestow upon -his son, Peter Daly; a promise he would, in all probability, have kept, -had circumstances permitted; but he was prevented by the stern realities -of the times—those stern realities that tried men’s souls, and called -upon every man to declare himself. The subject of this sketch could not -dishonor the blood that flowed in his veins, and, although but 16 years -of age, he clung firmly to the old flag that, for “a thousand years had -braved the battle and the breeze.” He joined a company, and followed the -destiny of his flag along the shores of Lake Champlain, where, in one -night, he assisted in scaling three forts. He assisted in taking Fort -Tyconderoga, and gradually fought or worked his way into Canada. The war -closing, he, in company with other loyalists, came up the Bay of Quinté, -and subsequently married and settled in the second concession of Ernest -town, in the vicinity of the village of Bath, where, by cultivating his -farm, and by industry, he secured a comfortable living. - -He was remarked through life for his strictly honorable dealing, and his -adherence to “the old flag.” In religion he was a firm Presbyterian. -From his old protector, Vroman, he never heard anything definite. He -cared but little for the land that had driven him into exile, to dwell -among the wild beasts of the unbroken forest. - -It is supposed that Vroman, in his declining years, gave his property to -some other favorite. Be that as it may, Peter Daly saw none of it, but -came into this country naked, as it were; carved out of the forest his -own fortune, and left a numerous and respected family. There are now -only two of his sons living, Thomas and Charles, who live on the old -farm, near Bath. His eldest daughter, Mrs. Aikens, is still living, in -Sidney. My father, Philip, was the eldest. He died at Oak Shade, in -Ernest town, in 1861, in the 71st year of his age. David, the next son, -lived and died at Waterloo, near Kingston; and Lewis lived and died at -Storrington. The first wife of Asal Rockwell, of Ernest town was a -daughter of his. Jacob Shibly, Esq., ex M.P.P., married another -daughter; and the late Joshua Boatte another. Their descendants are -numerous. - -John Diamond was born in Albany, with several brothers. An elder brother -was drafted, but he tried to escape from a service that was distasteful -to him; was concealed for some time, and upon a sick bed. The visits of -the doctor led to suspicion, and the house was visited by rebels. -Although he had been placed in a bed, and the clothes so arranged that, -as was thought, his presence would not be detected, his breathing -betrayed him. They at once required his father to give a bond for -$1,200, that his son should not be removed while sick. He got well, and, -some time after, again sought to escape, but was caught, and handcuffed -to another. Being removed from one place to another, the two prisoners -managed to knock their guard on the head, and ran for life through the -woods, united together. One would sometimes run on one side of a -sapling, and the other on the opposite side. At night they managed to -rub their handcuffs off, and finally escaped to Canada. Of the other -brothers, two were carried off by the rebels, and never more heard of. -John was taken to the rebel army when old enough to do service; but he -also escaped to Canada, and enlisted in Rogers’ Battalion, with which he -did service until the close of the war, when he settled with the company -at Fredericksburgh. - -John Diamond married Miss Loyst, a native of Philadelphia, whose -ancestors were German. She acted no inferior part, for a woman, during -the exciting times of the rebellion. They married in Lower Canada. They -spent their first summer in Upper Canada, in clearing a little spot of -land, and in the fall got a little grain in the ground. They slept, -during the summer, under a tree, but erected a small hut before winter -set in. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - CONTENTS—Ferguson—Frazer—Gerollemy—Goldsmith—Harrison—Hudgins—Hicks— - Howell—Hover—Hogle—Ham—Herkimer—Holt—Jones—Johnson—Ketcheson— - Loyst—Myers—McArthur—Miller—Mordens—McDonald—McDonnell—McDonell— - Ostrom—Peterson. - - - INDIVIDUAL COMBATANTS—CONTINUED. - -Among the early and influential settlers upon the bay, was John -Ferguson. It has been our good fortune to come into possession of a good -many public and private letters penned by his hand, and invaluable -information has thus been obtained. The following letter will inform the -reader of the part he took in the service during the war. It is -addressed to Mr. Augustus Jones. - - KINGSTON, 22nd July, 1792. - - DEAR SIR.— - - Inclosed is my old application for the land on the carrying place, - which I send agreeable to your desire. I need not attempt to explain - it better, as you know so well what I want. I wish, if consistent, - that land, 200 acres, Mrs. Ferguson is entitled to, might be joined - to it. if I cannot get a grant of the carrying place, will you be so - good as to let me know what terms it may be had on. I have it in my - power to settle the place immediately, had I any security for it. I - am certain Mr. Hamilton will interest himself for me, but I am loth - to apply to him at present, as in all probability he has too much - business to think of besides. Should it be asked how and where I - served, I will mention the particulars. The 24th June, 1774, I was - appointed, and acted as barrack-master until 24th March, 1778, when - I was ordered to Carleton Island, being also commissary at the post. - Thirteenth April, 1782, I was appointed barrack-master of Ontario, - where I remained until ordered to Cataraqui in September, 1783, and - acted as barrack-master for both posts, until 24th June, 1785, when - I was obliged to relinquish it, having more business in the - commissary’s department than I could well manage, with the other - appointment, occasioned by the increase of loyalists settling in - this neighborhood. Twenty-fifth February, 1778, my father then being - commissary of Oswegotchie, delivered the stores to me, as he was - unable to do the duty himself. He died 13th March, following, when I - was appointed his successor. - - The 13th April, I was ordered to Carleton Island to assist Mr. - McLean in the transport business. In November, 1778, I was again - sent to Oswegotchie, where I remained commissary of the post until - 24th June, 1782, when I was sent to Ontario to take charge there, - from thence I was sent to this place, 24th September, 1783, where I - remained until a reformation took place in the commissary - department, and I was on the 24th June, 1787, served like a great - many others, sent about my business without any provision, after - having spent my best days in His Majesty’s service. - - You see I was eleven years barrack-master, and nine years a - commissary, I was also six years in the Commissary General’s office - at Montreal (a clerk,) during which time my father was permitted to - do my duty as barrack-master. I will write you again by next - opportunity. - - Your very humble servant, - (Signed) JOHN FERGUSON. - -Ensign Frazer, of the 84th regiment settled at the point of Ernest town. -Had three sons. His widow married Colonel Thompson. - -The Cornwall _Freeholder_, notices the death of Mr. Frazer, of St. -Andrew’s, C. W., the discoverer of Frazer river, and of Mrs. Frazer, who -departed this life a few hours afterwards. Mr. Frazer was one of the few -survivors of the find old “Northwesters,” and his name, as the first -explorer of the golden stream which bears it, will be remembered with -honor long after most of the provincial cotemporaries are forgotten. The -_Freeholder_ says: “Mr. Frazer was the youngest son of Mr. Simon Frazer, -who emigrated to the State of New York, in 1773. He purchased land near -Bennington; but upon the breaking out of the revolutionary war, he -attached himself to the royal cause, and served as captain, at the -battle of Bennington; where he was captured by the rebels. He died in -Albany jail, about thirteen months afterwards, his end being hastened by -the rigorous nature of the imprisonment. He was married to Isabella -Grant, daughter of Daldregan, and had issue, four sons and five -daughters. The widow, with her children, came to Canada after the peace -of 1783. Simon Frazer, the elder, the father of the object of this -notice, was the second son of William Frazer, the third of Kilbockie, -who, by his wife, Margaret, daughter of John McDonell, of Ardnabie, had -nine sons:—1st. William, the fourth of Kilbockie; 2nd. Simon, who came -to America, as we have seen; 3rd. John, who was captain in Wolf’s army, -shared in the honors of the capture of Quebec, and was subsequently, for -many years, Chief Justice of the Montreal district; 4th. Archibald, who -was Lieutenant in Frazer’s regiment, under General Wolfe, was afterwards -captain of the Glengarry Fencibles, and served in Ireland during the -rebellion in ‘98; 5th. Peter, a doctor of medicine, who died in Spain; -6th. Alexander, who served as captain in General Caird’s army, and died -in India; 7th. Donald, a Lieutenant in the army, who was killed in -battle in Germany; 8th. James, also a Lieutenant in the army, and one of -the sufferers in the Black Hole of Calcutta, in 1756; 9th. Roderick, who -died at sea.” - -Mr. J. B. Ashley, a native of Marysburgh, to whom much valuable -information we possess is due, says: “My great grandfather, James -Gerollamy, was but seventeen years of age when he joined General -Clinton’s army in 1779, and remained in the service until the virtual -close of the war in 1782, when he came from New York to Quebec, and -thence to Bath, where he settled, on what was until lately known, as the -“Hichcock Farm.”” He afterwards removed to the fifth town, and settled -on lot No. 11, 1st concession, lake side. He received from government -certain farming implements, the same as before mentioned. A part of them -coming into the hands of my father, Augustus Ashley, of Marysburgh. The -hatchet, I have often used when a young lad in my childish employments. -It is now lost. The share and coulter belonging to the plough, remain -among a collection of old iron in my father’s woodshed until the present -day. James Gerollamy, married Ann Dulmage, the daughter of Thomas -Dulmage, who came with him to Canada and settled near him at Bath, in -the second town, and subsequently moved to lot No. “D,” at the head of -South Bay, in the township of Marysburgh, where he died. The graves of -himself and wife being still under a large maple tree, close to the site -of his house. - -James Gerollamy, and his two sons, James and John, served through the -war of 1812, under General Provost, Brock and Drummond. The old man -holding the rank of Orderly, and his son James that of Lieutenant. The -latter received a grant of 1000 acres of land for services as a “spy,” -he was one of the number who planned the successful attempts upon -Oswego, Black Rock and Buffalo, and at the battle of Niagara, generally -known as “Lundy’s Lane.” He fought in the company or regiment known as -“Grenadiers,” which, in their manœuvering were compelled to run and -wallow over a field of corn with mud ankle deep. - -The whole family were remarkable for large size, being over six feet in -height, of great strength, and healthy, with robust constitutions. The -old gentleman was acknowledged the surest marksman in this section of -the country, and his “fusil,” was his constant companion. He died about -ten years ago, aged about ninety-five years, being in full possession of -his faculties until the last. I can well remember seeing him sauntering -through the garden, bent with his weight of years, and leaning on his -staff. - -Thomas Goldsmith, a native of Ulster Co., Montgomery town, New York. He -was engaged as a spy, and discharged important and successful duties, in -carrying information from Gen. Burgoyne to Lord Cornwallis, and -returning with despatches. He frequently passed the guards of the -Continental army, and often was subjected to a close search, but -succeeded in eluding detection. Goldsmith owned one thousand acres of -land, on which was a flouring mill with two run of stones. Also, a -sailing vessel launched, but not entirely finished, for the West India -trade. The boat was sacrificed. The produce of his farm was paid for in -Continental bills. The malleable iron of his mill was taken to make a -chain to put across the Hudson to stop boats. His neighbors, the rebels, -catching him one day from home, covered him and his horse and saddle, -with a coat of tar and feathers. After the close of the war, he was -compelled to part with his land to get away. It was sold for a mere -trifle. He came into Canada in 1786, bringing with him some cattle, most -of which died for want of something to eat. He was accompanied by David -Conger, and reached Kingston, June 24. Settled at first in the fourth -township; but soon after removed to Holliwell, where he received a grant -of 400 acres of land, 1st. con., lot 9. Here he lived and died, aged -ninety. - -Sergeant Harrison was a native of Ireland, and served for many years in -the fifty-third regiment. For some time during the revolutionary war, he -was in the Quartermaster’s store, and post office. He was altogether -twenty-eight years in the service. At the close of the war, he settled -in Marysburgh, with the first band, not connected with the Hessians, and -was probably under Wright in the commissary department for the -settlement. He settled on lot nine, east of the Rock. - -William Hudgins was born on a small island, known as Ginn’s Island, -lying about three and a half miles from the Virginia shore, in -Chesapeake bay, where his father, Lewis Hudgins, had a farm of two -hundred acres. He joined the Royal army with his younger brother Lewis, -in 1778, serving in the regiment known as the Queen’s Rangers, under -Lord Cornwallis; where he held the rank of sergeant, and his brother -that of corporal. At the battle of Yorktown, he was wounded and taken -prisoner, and his brother was killed. After his exchange he came to New -Brunswick, and settled about thirty miles above Frederickton, on the St. -John’s river, where he lived until 1809, when he removed to Canada. -First settling in Adolphustown, near what is known now as Cole’s Point. -He joined the incorporated militia during the war of 1812, serving under -Colonel McGill, and Colonel Shaw. He received the right to considerable -land; but after the capture of York, now Toronto, by the Americans in -1813, and the consequent destruction of property, the documents -pertaining to the same were burnt, and he could not, as a consequence, -get his grant. Immediately after the war of 1812, he removed to -Marysburg, where he remained until his death. - -The above information is received from Mr. William Hudgins, son of the -above mentioned William Hudgins, who is now an old man, he having served -with his father in the war of 1812. - -“It would have done you good to have heard the old gentleman, with his -silver locks flowing in the wind, whitened with the frosts of four-score -winters, as he descanted upon scenes and incidents in connection with -the war, through which he served, and to have witnessed his eye twinkle -with pride, when he referred to the loyalty of his honored parent.”— -(_Ashley._) - -Edward Hicks, who settled in Marysburgh, was placed in prison with his -father. His father was taken out and hanged before his window upon an -apple tree, (a piece of refined cruelty worthy a rebel cause). This -aroused Edward to a state of desperation, who with manacled hands, paced -his cell. To carry out his intention, he feigned illness, and frequently -required the guard to accompany him to the outer yard. At night fall he -went out accompanied by the guard. Watching the opportunity, he drew up -his hands and struck a furious blow upon the head of the soldier with -his handcuffs, which laid the man prostrate. Edward darted away to a -stream which ran near by, and across which was a mill-dam and a slide. -He rushed under this slide, and before a cry was raised, he concealed -himself under the sheet of water. He could hear the din and tumult, as -search was everywhere made through the night. Cold, wet, benumbed, -hungry and handcuffed, he remained in his hiding place until the -following night, thirty-six hours, when he crept out and escaped to the -woods. After nine days of fasting he reached the British army. Edward -Hicks did not forget the death of his father. He “fought the rebels in -nine battles afterward, and still owes them grudge.” - -Joseph, Joshua and Edward, belonged to Butler’s Rangers, and saw no -little service. They were from Philadelphia, and left considerable -property. They had granted them a large tract of land west of Niagara, -where sprung up Hicks’ settlement. Joseph Hicks afterwards settled on -lot six, Marysburgh, west of the Rock.—(_Ashley._) - -Edward Hicks is represented as having been a very powerful man, often -performing remarkable feats of strength, such as lifting barrels of -flour and pork to his shoulders, and such like. - -He went to Boston in 1778, in the character of a spy, and was detected -by the Americans, and taken prisoner. He represented himself as a young -man searching for his mother, who had removed to that section of the -country; but it is supposed that his captors considered him as rather -too smart looking a young man to be lost in any enterprise, he being of -fine build, standing good six feet, and possessing an intelligent -countenance, and at his trial, condemned him as a spy to be dealt with -accordingly.—(_Ashley._) - -John Howell, a son of Richard Howell, from Wales, was born in New Jersey -in 1753. When 24 years old he took up his residence at Johnstown, on the -Mohawk river. At the commencement of hostilities, in 1776, he joined Sir -John Johnson’s 2nd battalion, and was raised to the position of -serjeant-major. His name appears as such upon the battalion roll, now -before the writer. He remained in the army during the war, doing duty at -St. Johns, Coteau du lac, and at many other places. When his company was -disbanded at Oswego, in 1782, he came immediately to Kingston, and -thence to Fredericksburgh, where he settled upon his lot of 200 acres. -By adhering to the loyal cause, Sergeant Howell suffered serious loss in -real estate. The pleasant town of Rome now stands upon the land which -was his. His valuable property was not yielded up to the rapacious -rebels without a legal effort to recover possession. The case was in -court for many years, and Sergeant Howell spent $1,400 in vain efforts -to recover. No doubt it was pre-judged before he spent his money. An -event in Howell’s life during the war is not without a touching -interest. Before joining the regiment, he had courted and won the heart -of a fair lady at Johnstown. While stationed at Coteau du lac he -obtained permission during the winter, when hostilities were suspended, -to go to Johnstown to obtain his bride. Guided by seven Indians, he set -out to traverse a pathless wilderness, on snowshoes. The wedding trip -had its perils, and almost a fatal termination. On their return they -lost their way in the interminable woods, and soon found themselves -destitute of food. For days they were without anything to eat. One day -they shot a squirrel, which, divided among them, was hardly a taste to -each. The thongs of their shoes were roasted and eaten, to allay the -pangs of hunger. At last they succeeded in shooting a deer, which had -well nigh proved the death of some, from over-eating. Two of the men -were left behind, but they subsequently came in. - -Sergeant Howell’s loss as a loyalist was great; but, so far as could be, -it was made good by Government. He drew 1,200 acres of land as an -officer, and the same quantity for his family. At an early date after -his arrival at the Bay he was appointed Commissioner in the Peace; and -subsequently he was made Colonel of the Prince Edward Militia. - -Soon after settling in Fredericksburgh he built a windmill, probably the -first mill built by an individual in the Province. He afterwards sold it -to one Russell. The remains still mark the spot. - -He finally settled in Sophiasburgh, while it was yet considered by the -infant colony as the backwoods of the settlement. He was a man of -liberal education for the times, and was conversant with the Dutch and -French languages, and understood the Indian dialect. From his former -connection with the Johnson settlement upon the Mohawk, and his close -contiguity to the Mohawk Indians upon the Bay, he held a high place in -their regard. He often visited them; and their chiefs as often paid him -state visits. They often called upon him to settle their disputes, which -he never failed to do by his sternness and kindness combined. His -presence was sufficient to inspire awe amongst them when disposed to be -troublesome, which was increased by his long sword which he would hang -to his side. - -Henry Hover was quite a boy when the rebellion was progressing, being -about sixteen when the Declaration of Independence was signed. Living -along the Hudson, near New York, he went out one day for the cows, when -he was caught by some rebels and carried to Lancaster jail. After being -in prison for some time he was released, and permitted to go to New -York. He some time after, by some means, enlisted in Butler’s Rangers, -and set out, with four others (one his brother), to traverse the wide -country on foot, from New York to Fort Niagara, the head-quarters of the -company. Lying one night under the trees, they were suddenly attacked by -a scouting party of rebels, by being fired upon. One was killed, and the -rest taken prisoners. Henry Hover remained in prison, in chains, until -the close of the war, nearly two years. The hardships and cruelties he -endured were, indeed, terrible. When he was taken prisoner he had on a -pair of linen trowsers; no others were ever given him; and when he was -released these were hanging in shreds upon him. They had nothing to lie -upon but the cold brick floor, two persons being chained together. Years -after, a stranger called one day at Hover’s in Adolphustown. Hover not -being at home, the man wrote his name, “Greenway,” the man to whom Henry -had been chained for many a weary day and month in prison. Hover being -released at the close of the war, reported himself at Niagara, and was -discharged with the rest of his company. He received all his back pay, -while in jail, and a grant of land at St. Davids; but his father, Casper -Hover, a refugee, had settled in Adolphustown, having come in Major Van -Alstine’s corps. Henry wished to see his parents, from whom he had been -so long separated, and sought a chance to go down from the Niagara -frontier. He entered on board an old “hulk,” an old French vessel coming -down the lake, and so got to Kingston, which place he reached soon after -Van Alstine’s company had settled in the fourth Township. Henry set out -from Kingston on foot, along the bay, through the woods. In time he -arrived at the third township. He was misdirected across to Hay Bay. -Following its shores, he met Holland’s surveying party, who told him -that he was astray, and put him on the correct track. Henry Hover -determined to remain at the bay, and was included among the original -settlers under Van Alstine, drawing land like the rest, being the only -one who did not belong to that company. He sleeps from his warfare—from -his long life of well-spent industry, in the “old U. E. burying ground,” -at the front, in Adolphustown. - -Among those who fought the unequal battle of Bennington was Captain -Hogle, who was shot dead. He was a native of Vermont. He left a widow -and three sons, who were yet young. They were under the necessity of -leaving their valuable possessions and removing to Canada. They buried -plate in the garden, which was never regained. At the expiration of the -war they settled in Ernest town. - -David Hartman—was present at the battle of Bennington, and was shot -through the chest. Notwithstanding, he lived for many years. He settled -in Ernest town. - -John Ham, the founder of the Ham family of Canada, so well and so -favorably known in different sections of the Province. He was born near -Albany. His father was a native of Germany, although of English -parentage. John Ham was a soldier during the war, and in one of several -engagements, was wounded in the leg. The ball, lodging in the calf, was -cut out, and, at the request of the suffering but brave hero, was shot -back at the foe. He was one of the company who settled in Ernest town. -He had a family of ten children, eight of them being sons, namely: John, -Henry, Peter, George, Jacob, Philip, Benjamin, and Richard, all of whom -lived and died in Canada. - -The name of Herkimer is engraved upon the history of America, both in -the United States and in Canada. “Colonel Hanjost Herkimer, or John -Joost, was a son of Johan Jost Herkimer, one of the Palatines of the -German Flats, New York, and a brother of the rebel general, Nicholas -Herkimer. His property was confiscated. He went to Canada, and died -there before 1787.”—(_Sabine._) Prior to the war he had occupied several -public offices. He served as an officer in Butler’s Rangers. We find his -name inserted for lot 24 of Kingston, on which now stands part of the -city. His son Nicholas settled upon the Point now bearing the family -name. He married a Purdy, and had several children. His end was a sad -one, being murdered by a blacksmith, named Rogers, who escaped. A -daughter was married to Captain Sadlier, another to an officer in the -army, and a third to Mr. Wartman. - -The old family place in New York State is yet indicated by the name of -Herkimer County. - -William Johnson Holt was ensign in Ferguson’s Rangers. This corps formed -part of the army of Burgoyne at the time of his surrender, and, with -other provincial prisoners, retired to Canada, by permission of Gates. -The subject of this notice settled in Montreal, where he held the -lucrative office of Inspector of Pot and Pearl Ashes, and received half -pay for nearly fifty years. He died at Montreal, in 1826. By his first -wife (Ruah Stevens, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts), he was the father of -a large family of sons and daughters; by his second wife (Elizabeth -Cuyler) he left no issue. His sixth son, Charles Adolphus, alone has -surviving male children, of whom the eldest, Charles Gates Holt, is -(1864) a distinguished counsellor-at-law, and a gentleman of the highest -respectability, at Quebec. In February, 1864, he was appointed one of -“Her Majesty’s Counsel, learned in the law,” and thus entitled to wear -the “silk robe.” - -“John Jones, of Maine, captain in Rogers’ Rangers. Being of a dark -complexion, he was called ‘Mahogany Jones.’ Prior to the war he lived at -or near Pownalborough, and was Surveyor of the Plymouth Company. As the -troubles increased, the whigs accused him of secreting tea, and broke -open his store. Next, they fastened him to a long rope, and dragged him -through the water until he was nearly drowned. Finally, to put an end to -his exertions against the popular cause, he was committed to jail in -Boston. He escaped, went to Quebec in 1780, and received a commission in -the Rangers. In Maine, again, before the peace, he annoyed his personal -foes repeatedly. Among his feats was the capture of his ‘old enemy,’ -General Charles Cushing, of Pownalborough. Jones, immediately after the -peace, was at the Bay of Fundy, and interested in lands granted on that -island to loyalists. In 1784 he resumed his business as surveyor, on the -river St. Croix.—At length, ‘his toryism forgotten,’ he removed to the -Kennebec. He died at Augusta, Maine.” - -Captain William Johnson, of the King’s Royal regiment, afterwards -colonel of the Militia of Addington. Besides the celebrated Sir John -Johnson’s family, there were a large number of combatants and loyalists -of this name, and mostly all of them were conspicuous for their gallant -deeds in arms. Captain William Johnson settled some miles west of -Kingston, on the front. Left one child, a daughter, who married McCoy. -They removed to Toronto. It is said by Mr. Finkle that the first militia -mustered in Upper Canada was by Col. William Johnson, at Finkle’s -tavern. - -The name of Johnson has become somewhat famous in Canadian history. -James Johnson, an Irishman, was a soldier in Rogers’ Battalion. He came -to Upper Canada with the first settlers of Ernest town, and was captain -of the cattle-drivers that came at that time, or a year later. He got -his location ticket at Carleton Island. He had a family of seven sons -and six daughters. Six of the sons’ names were: Daniel, James, William, -Matthew, Jacob, Andrew. The last-mentioned supplies us with the above -information. He is now upwards of one hundred years of age.—(See U. E. -Loyalists). - -William Ketcheson, of Sidney, who was born September, 1782, at Bedford, -New York, says that his father, William Ketcheson, was a native of -England, and came to America with his grandfather, his father being -dead. They settled in South Carolina, and lived there until the -rebellion broke out. William Ketcheson, sen., was then about seventeen -years of age, and entered the British service as a dragoon, under Lord -Cornwallis. He served during the war; took part in many engagements, and -was wounded in the thigh. Shortly before the close of hostilities he was -married to Mary Bull, daughter of John Bull, a loyalist. After the peace -he went to Nova Scotia, and engaged in fishing for a while; lived in a -shanty at a rock-bound place, called Portoon. A fire ran over the place, -burning up mostly everything, and almost our informant, who was then -only about 18 months old. He and his mother were put on board a boat and -taken to New York. The father remained to settle his affairs at Nova -Scotia, and then came on into Canada, alone, in 1786. He worked a farm -on shares, in the third township, belonging to John Miller. Raked in the -grain; went for his family, and then subsequently worked Spence’s farm -on shares for many years. Finally moved to Sidney, in 1800, and settled -in the fifth concession. - -“John Waltermeyer a tory partisan leader. He was noted for enterprise -and daring, but not for cruelty or ferocity. In 1781, at the head of a -band of Tories, Indians, and Canadians, he attempted to carry off -General Schuyler, whose abode at that time was in the suburbs of Albany. -The party entered the dwelling, commenced packing up the plate, and a -search for the General. But that gentleman opened a window, and, as if -speaking to an armed force of his own, called out,—“Come on, my brave -fellows; surround the house, and secure the villains who are -plundering.” The happy stratagem caused Waltermeyer and his followers to -betake themselves to flight.” - -The foregoing statement is taken from Sabine; we shall now give -information derived from Captain Myer’s descendants, and others who knew -him well. It is without doubt correct. - -Captain Myer’s father and brother identified themselves with the rebel -party, and we have heard it stated that he was at first, a rebel also, -but not receiving promotion as he expected, forsook the cause, and upon -the offer of a captaincy in the British forces allied himself to them. -That this was the pure invention of his enemies is sufficiently plain. -At the beginning of the rebellion Captain Myers, with his father, was a -farmer in the vicinity of Albany, and could have had no reason for -promotion. As to the captaincy, we find that he did not receive it until -1782, when the war had virtually closed, as the following shows: - -Frederick Haldimand, Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief of the -Province of Quebec and territories depending thereon, &c., &c., &c. -General and Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty’s forces in said Province -and territories thereof, &c., &c., &c. - - TO JOHN WALTER MYERS, ESQ.: - - _By Virtue_ of the power and authority in me vested, I do hereby - constitute, appoint you to be _captain_ in the corps of Loyal - Rangers whereof Edward Jessup, Esq., is Major-Commandant. You are - therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of - _captain_ by exercising and well disciplining both the inferior - officers and soldiers of the corps, and I do hereby command them to - obey you as their _captain_, and you are to observe and follow such - orders and directions as you shall from time to time receive from me - your Major, Major-Commandant, or any other of your superior - officers, according to the rules and discipline of war. In pursuance - of the trust hereby reposed in you. _Given_ under my hand and seal - at Arms, at the Castle of _St. Louis, at Quebec_, this thirtieth day - of May, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, and in the - twenty-second year of the reign of our Sovereign, Lord George the - Third, by the Grace of God, Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, - Defender of the Faith, and so forth. - - (Signed) FRED. HALDIMAND. - - By His Excellency’s Command, - R. MATHEWS. - -It is true that during the war he made the attempt to take General -Schuyler a prisoner. He went with ten men to Albany for the purpose of -seizing the General, and carrying him away captive. On entering the yard -at night, they looked through the window and saw the object of the -expedition, but when they had entered the house he could no where be -found, although search was made from cellar to garret. But in the garret -were a number of puncheons turned up side down. Some of them were -examined, but not all. After the war had closed, the Governor called on -Myers and told him that had he turned over the other puncheons he would -have found him. A faithful female slave had placed him there. The men -with Myers had instruction to touch none of the Governor’s property, -after leaving the place, however, he found one of the men in possession -of a silver cup. This was sent back to the Governor afterward. - -During the war, Myers on one occasion, perhaps when he was returning -from his attempt to take Schuyler, was nearly starved to death. He had -with him a favorite dog, which became sick for want of food. He carried -the dog for days, not knowing but he would have to kill him for food. -But they all got safely out of it, and he retained the dog for many a -day, and on one occasion he showed him to Schuyler. After the war -Captain Myers enjoyed a pension of 5s. 6d. a day. He lived in Lower -Canada two years. A certificate of Masonry informs us that he was in -Quebec in 1780. He frequently carried despatches to New York, in the -first years of the war; upon one occasion he was in a friend’s house -when the rebels came up, he jumped out of the back window and ran to the -woods, he was seen, and persons on horseback came rapidly to the woods, -and tied their horses, to pursue him on foot, which they hastily did; -Myers had, however, hidden himself close by, and when they had fairly -entered the woods in pursuit of him, he jumped up and deliberately -selected the best horse, upon which he mounted, and so made an easy -escape to New York. - -He came up the bay at an early date, and it would seem squatted on the -front of the ninth town before it was surveyed. He then moved up to -Sidney where he lived until 1790, when he returned to the Moira River. - -Captain Myers was a bold man, with limited education, but honest, and, -like many others of the Dutch Loyalists, given to great hospitality. He -was a pioneer in mill building, in trading, and in sailing batteaux and -schooners, up and down the bay. - -Charles McArthur, a native of Scotland, came to America before the -rebellion, and settled upon the Mohawk Diver. Took part in the war, in -Burgoyne’s army. Lived for some time at Oswegotchie, when he removed to -head of the bay. There were living then west of the Trent River only the -following families: Peter Huffman, Donald McDonell, John Bleeker, Esq., -and John McArthur. A daughter of Charles McArthur still lives at -Belleville, having been born at Oswegotchie, now aged 78, (Mrs. Maybee.) - -Ensign Miller, of Jessup’s corps, was a native of Duchess County. He had -a brother an ensign, who lived and died at Montreal. Settled in -Fredericksburgh, adjacent Adolphustown; drew in all 2,000 acres of land, -in different places. Died 1805, aged forty-seven. Another brother came -to the Province the year after the U. E. list had closed. He was the -father of Rev. Gilbert Miller of Picton, and died at the age of ninety. -Mr. G. Miller informs us that two great uncles, named Ogden, were with -the British troops at the taking of Fort Frontenac. - -All of this name (Ogden) are supposed to be related. They were, it is -thought, of Welsh origin. One of that name settled upon the Delaware -River previous to the rebellion. It is not quite certain whether this -first Ogden died by the banks of the Delaware, or as is thought came to -the Bay Quinté. He had three sons, one of whom died before their -removal, leaving four sons. They, with their uncles, came at a very -early date to Hamilton, but the four nephews removed to the Bay Quinté -about 1790. Their names were James, John, Joseph and Richard. The -numerous body living around the bay of this name, have all sprung from -these four brothers. (Marshal R. Morden.) - -Mr. James Morden was a private in His Majesty’s Provincial Regiment, -King’s Royal of New York, Sir J. Johnson Commander. Discharged 1785 at -Montreal, at the age of twenty, having served three years. - -Colonel McDonald, as he was subsequently called, as an officer of -militia, served under Sir John Johnson. He was one of the first settlers -of the fifth township at the Bay Quinté. He landed first in the cove -bearing his name, near Mount Pleasant, 1784. We have stood upon the spot -where he first set foot upon the land, and pitched his tent. This cove -is marked upon some of the old maps as Grog Bay, but in reality, Grog -Bay was a small inlet from the cove. Colonel McDonald lived to be -eighty-five years old. He drew large quantities of land, besides -receiving many other favors from government. He left but one offspring, -a daughter, who married a native of France named Prinyea, whose -descendants are worthy inhabitants of the place. - -We find the following newspaper record: “Died on the 3rd October, 1815, -Sergeant Alexander McDonald, in his 78th year. This worthy veteran -enlisted in 1757 in the 78th or Frazer’s regiment, in which he served at -the taking of Louisburg and Quebec. In 1763 he was drafted into the -60th, and served in the active campaigns during the American war, under -the late General Provost, in Carolina and Georgia. In 1799 he was -drafted from the 60th into the 41st regiment, in which he served till -August 1811, when he was discharged, after a faithful service of -fifty-five years.” - -The Canadian _Courant_ spoke of J. McDonnell, as follows:—“The subject -of this memoir was born in Glengary, in the Highlands of Scotland, about -the year 1750. His father was principal tacksman on the estate. The -spirit of emigration prevailed very much in Scotland, and particularly -in the Highlands, a little before the commencement of the American war. -The father of Mr. R. McDonnell partaking of the feelings of his clan, -and anticipating many advantages in this new world, accompanied a -considerable emigration from Glengary estate, of which he was one of the -principal leaders. Mr. R. McDonnell landed at New York with his father, -and a number of the same name, in 1773, but the disputes between Great -Britain and the colonies having assumed a very serious appearance, it -was thought prudent to send him into Canada. Being designed for -commerce, he was placed in a counting house, but the war breaking out, -the spirit of his ancestors burst forth with an ardor which could not be -restrained. He joined the Royal Standard, and was immediately appointed -to an ensigncy, in the 84th regiment. In this subordinate situation he -did not fail to distinguish himself by his bravery and good conduct, and -on one singular and trying occasion he exhibited the greatest -intrepidity and coolness. He was advanced to the command of a company in -Butler’s Rangers. Many of your readers still remember that the services -required by this regiment were of the most arduous kind. They were sent -out on scouting parties, and employed in picking up intelligence, and in -harassing the back settlements of the enemy. As their marches lay -through pathless forests, they were frequently reduced to the greatest -necessities, nor had they even, while on service, any of those comforts -which are so common in regular camps. In the many expeditions and -contests in which this regiment was engaged, during the war, Captain -McDonnell bore a distinguished part, but the great hardships which he -had to surmount, undermined a constitution naturally excellent, and -entailed upon him a severe rheumatism which embittered the remaining -part of his life. - -During some time he acted as Pay-master of the regiment, and by his own -care and attention he found himself at the end of the war in the -possession of a small independence. This he considered equally the -property of his father, brothers and sisters as his own, and proved by -his generosity that his filial love and brotherly affection were equal -to his other virtues. In 1794 when it was thought proper to levy a -regiment in this country to remedy the great desertion which attended -regiments from Europe, he raised a company. - -“In 1795 he was promoted to the majority, and the regiment having been -divided into two battalions, he became Lieutenant-Colonel of the 2nd, in -1796. - -“He commanded at Niagara during the building of Fort George, and in 1802 -he again retired on half-pay, the Royal Canadian Regiments having been -most injudiciously reduced during the continuance of the ephemeral peace -of Amiens. While at Fort George he married Miss Yates, a lady from the -States, whose amiable and obliging manners gained the esteem of all who -had the honor of her acquaintance. By this lady, in whom the Colonel -enjoyed all that has to be wished in a companion and friend, he has a -son, a promising boy, who, it is to be hoped, will inherit the virtues -of his father. The Colonel’s active benevolence was known to all, and -experienced by many of his friends. - -“There was something so generous, so noble in his manner of doing a -kindness of this sort, as to give it a double value. - -“In 1807 he was appointed Pay-master to the 10th Royal Veteran -Battalion, a situation certainly far below his merits—but his -circumstances, which, owing to his generous disposition, were by no -means affluent, induced him to accept it. - -“He had been exceedingly infirm for many years, and perhaps the severe -climate at Quebec was too much for his weak constitution. Certain it is -that this city has been fatal to several respectable characters from the -Upper Province. He caught a severe cold in the beginning of November, -1809, accompanied with a violent cough and expectoration; he was not, -indeed, thought dangerously ill, till within a short time of his death, -but his feeble constitution could not support the cough, and he expired -on the twenty-first. - -“Such are the scanty materials which I have been able to collect -respecting the life of a most excellent officer and honorable man, who -became dearer to his friends and acquaintances the longer he was known -to them. - -“He was rather below the middle size, of a fair complexion, and in his -youth, uncommonly strong and active. For some time past his appearance -was totally altered; insomuch that those who had not seen him for many -years, could not recognize a single feature of the swift and intrepid -captain of the Rangers. - -“An acute disease made it frequently painful for him to move a limb, -even for days and weeks together, but though his body suffered, his mind -was active and benevolent, and his anxiety to promote the interests of -his friends ceased only with his life.” - -Among those who took part in the unequal engagement at Bennington, was -Alexander Nicholson, a Scotchman, who came to America shortly before the -war broke out. He enlisted as a private under Burgoyne; but before the -close of the war, received a commission. He was one of a company which -was all but annihilated at Bennington. He stood by his Colonel when that -officer was shot from his horse. Vainly trying to get him re-horsed, -that officer told him it was no use, that he had better flee. The day -being evidently lost, he proceeded to escape as best he could. With his -arm wounded, he managed to escape through a field of corn to the woods. -Coming to a river, he was arrested by an Indian upon the opposite bank, -who, mistaking him for a rebel, fired at him. The Indian being -undeceived, he forded the river. Making good his escape, he, with many -others, wandered for days, or rather for nights, hiding by day, as -scouts were ranging the woods to hunt out the tories. There were, -however, friends who assisted to conceal them, as well as to furnish -them with food. He often spoke of his sufferings at that fearful time; -lying upon the cold ground without covering, and sleeping, to wake with -the hair frozen to the bare ground. Subsequently Nicholson was attached -to Rogers corps. He settled in Fredericksburgh, at the close of -hostilities, and subsequently removed in 1809, to the township of -Thurlow. - -Ostrom was engaged to carry despatches through the enemy’s line. On one -occasion he had the despatch in a silver bullet, which he put in his -mouth. Having reason to believe he would be diligently examined, he took -it from his mouth as he would a quid of tobacco, threw it in the fire -and thus escaped. - -Nicholas Peterson, with his three sons, Nicholas, Paul and Christopher, -were living near New York, and took a part in the war. - -They assisted in fighting one of the most remarkable battles of the -revolution. It took place on the west side of the North River, opposite -the city of New York, when seventy-five British Militiamen resisted an -attack made by 5,500 rebels, for several hours. The British had a Block -House, made of logs, with a hollow excavation behind, and in this hollow -they loaded their guns, and would then step forward and discharge them -at the enemy. Only three of the British were slain; the rebels lost -many. These Petersons lost everything of any importance, when they left -New York. Some of their valuables they buried to preserve them from the -enemy, and the rest they left to their use. - -Nicholas and Paul settled on lots No. 12 and 13, in the first concession -of Adolphustown, south of Hay bay. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - CONTENTS—Rogers’ family—Ryerson—Redner—Sherwood—Taylor—Van Dusen— - Williamsburgh—Wright—Wilkins—Young—Officers who settled in Niagara - District. - - -Under Queen’s Rangers will be found some account of Major Rogers, -derived from Sabine. We here give further information, procured from -Robert D. Rogers, Esq., and Dr. Armstrong, of Rochester, New York, who -is a native of Fredericksburgh, and who, for many years, practised his -profession in Picton and Kingston. - -Robert D. Rogers, of Ashburnham, writes: “My grandfather, James Rogers, -settled first in Vermont, and had several large tracts of land there; -he, and his brothers were officers in the Queen’s Rangers, of which his -brother Robert was the chief officer; they were employed in the wars of -the French and Indians, until the taking of Quebec by the British, after -which the said Robert Rogers was ordered by General Amherst to proceed -westward and take possession of all the forts and places held by the -French, as far west as Detroit and Michilimackinac, which he did in the -fall of 1760; and he afterwards went to England, where he published a -journal kept by him during the French and Indian wars, and up to 1761, -which was published in London 1765. He also wrote another book, giving a -description of all the North American Colonies. My grandfather continued -to reside in Vermont, until the time of the revolution, when he joined -the British army, and after peace was proclaimed, settled near the East -Lake in Prince Edward. I have heard that he was buried in -Fredericksburgh, but do not know the place. My father represented Prince -Edward in the first Parliament of Upper Canada, of which he was a member -for twenty-six years.” - -From Dr. Armstrong, we learn that “Major Rogers was born in Londonderry, -New Hampshire, about the year 1728.” His wife was the daughter of the -Rev. David McGregor, pastor of the Presbyterian church, Londonderry, of -which his father, the Rev. James McGregor, formerly of Londonderry, -Ireland, was the founder, April 12, 1719. Major Rogers was the father of -three sons and three daughters. He removed with his family to Vermont, -where he had become the proprietor of a large tract of land. Here he -lived until the breaking out of the rebellion, (see Queen’s Rangers.) -After the conclusion of the war, Major Rogers, abandoning his property -in Vermont, much of which had been destroyed, his herds of cattle driven -off and appropriated to their own use by his neighbors, removed with his -family to Canada and settled in Fredericksburgh. That he had been there -previously and explored the country, and that he had taken with him a -corps of soldiers, is altogether probable, for I well remember to have -seen in my earliest boyhood, evidences of previous military strife, such -as numerous broken guns, swords, and other worn-out weapons. At -Fredericksburg, Major Rogers erected, as he had done before at -Londonderry, Vermont, the first frame house in the township. How long he -remained here I am unable to say, but probably several years. My own -birth-place, August 29, 1789, was in a little village one or two miles -below his residence, and as I was one of his legatees, he probably -remained there for some time after that event. I find no record of his -death, but it probably took place about the year 1792. He was buried in -Fredericksburgh, as were his widow and eldest daughter (my mother), -1793. His eldest son James, returned to Vermont and recovered a -considerable portion of the land in Londonderry. He afterward, in 1819, -removed with his family to Haldimand, where he died several years ago. -His second son, David McGregor, familiarly known also as “Major Rogers,” -remained in Canada up to the time of his death, about 1823. While quite -a young man, he was elected a member of the first Parliament of Upper -Canada. He then resided at Little Lake in the township of Hallowell. He -afterwards removed to Cramahe, where I found him in 1803, engaged as a -merchant, holding the office of clerk of the Peace, clerk of the -District Court, and Registrar of Deeds, besides being a member of -Parliament, and carrying on a farm. His name is pretty closely -identified with the early history of Upper Canada. He was a man of great -energy of character and sound judgment, was highly respected and -esteemed, and died greatly lamented. After remaining in Fredericksburgh -several years, the family of the late Major (James) Rogers removed to -the “Little Lake,” so called. This was the scene of my earliest -recollections. In the same neighborhood had resided Mr. Peters, and his -family. He was a native of New England, remained loyal to the Crown, -became an officer in the Queen’s Rangers, and was among the early -refugees to Canada. He afterwards became sheriff of Newcastle, having -removed from the Little Lake, first to the Carrying Place, and -afterwards to Cramahe, about the year 1804, where he died many years -ago. - -Joseph Ryerson, of New Jersey, one of the five hundred and fifty -volunteers who went to Charleston, South Carolina. For his good conduct -in bearing despatches one hundred and ninety-six miles into the -interior, he was promoted to a Lieutenancy in the Prince of Wales’ -Volunteers. Subsequently he was engaged in six battles, and once -wounded. At the peace he went to New Brunswick, thence to Canada, where -he settled and became a Colonel in the militia. In the war of 1812, he -and his three sons were in arms against the United States. He died near -Victoria, Upper Canada, in 1854, aged ninety-four, one of the last of -the “old United Empire Loyalists.”—(_Sabine._) - -One of Captain Ryerson’s old comrades, Peter Redner, of the bay, says, -he was “a man of daring intrepidity, and a great favorite in his -company.” He often related an instance when Captain Ryerson, commanding -a scouting party, for which peculiar service he was eminently fitted, -ventured to crawl up to a tent of American officers, and discovering one -standing in the door who saw him, he walked boldly up, thus lessening -suspicion, and drawing his bayonet immediately ran him through the body, -and escaped before his companions had sufficiently recovered from the -shock to give pursuit. He represented Captain Ryerson as being one of -the most determined men he ever knew, with the service of his country -uppermost in his mind, he often exposed himself to great danger to -accomplish his desires. - -Samuel Ryerson, of New Jersey, brother of Joseph, joined the Royal -Standard, and received a commission as captain in the Third Battalion of -New Jersey Volunteers; went to New Brunswick at the peace, thence to -Canada, where he settled. - -Peter Redner, a native of New Jersey, was connected with the service for -some time. He was in the same division as Captain Ryerson, and during -his subsequent life was always delighted to tell of the incidents in -connection with the several campaigns through which he passed, -especially such as related to “his friend Ryerson,” to whom he was much -attached. - -At the close of the war he went to Nova Scotia, where he drew land; but -not liking the place, he disposed of his land and came to Canada. He -purchased lot ninety-four in Ameliasburgh for a small consideration, -from William Fox, a United Empire Loyalist, of Pennsylvania, who had -drawn it.—(_Ashley._) - -Walter Ross—He arrived, an emigrant from Scotland, at Quebec, the night -before the fall of Montgomery. He, with others from the ship, -immediately took up arms, and assisted to repulse the enemy in a most -distinguished manner. He subsequently lived with Major Frazer, and -became so great a favorite that the Major assisted him to an ensigncy. -After the close of the war he married Miss Williams, of Ernest town, and -settled in Marysburgh, on the lake shore. - -The Ruttans were descendants of the Huguenots. Says Sheriff Ruttan: “My -grandfather emigrated to America about the time of Sir William Johnson, -Bart., in 1734, and settled at a town called New Rochelle, in -Westchester county, New York. This town, or tract of land, was purchased -in 1689, expressly for a Huguenot settlement, by Jacob Leister, -Commissioner of the Admiralty, under Governor Dongan of New York. It -soon increased, and in 1700 had a vast number of militia officers, loyal -to the backbone. To this settlement my grandfather repaired soon after -his arrival. My father and uncle Peter were born here about 1757, and -1759. Both entered the army in the 3rd battalion of Jersey volunteers, -one as Lieutenant, the other as Captain. This was about the year 1778. -In the year 1778, my uncle Peter accompanied Brant from New York to -Western Canada, on a tour of observation, being a great favorite, so -much so that he named his son Joseph Brant Ruttan, as a token of his -friendship. As a further token of his esteem, Brant, at parting, -presented him with a handsome brace of pistols, which he valued highly. -At his decease, they came into my possession. My father and uncle had -grants of 1200 acres of land each, at Adolphustown, in the Midland -District; this was in 1783 or 1784.” - -Sheriff Ruttan, when a child, met with a slight accident which probably -turned the current of his life from one of comparative obscurity to -notoriety. Henry Ruttan went out with his brother one spring morning to -tap trees for sugar making. Accidentally two of Henry’s fingers were -severed from his hand by an untoward stroke of the sharp axe. This loss -led his father to send him to school, as he could not perform manual -labor. Respecting his education, the reader is referred to the division -on “Early Education.” With the education obtained in Adolphustown, he -went to Kingston and was apprenticed with John Kerby, a successful -merchant. By industry as well as talent, Henry advanced to be a partner, -and was entrusted to open a store in the “new township” near Grafton, in -Newcastle. Subsequently, he distinguished himself as a soldier, in 1812, -then as a member of Parliament, as Speaker, and for a long time as -Sheriff. Latterly his name is associated with inventions for ventilation -of buildings and cars. - -Captain Schermerhorn was among the first settlers upon the bay Quinté. -Respecting the nature of his services during the war we have no record, -nor have we learned in what regiment he served; but most probably in -Johnson’s. The writer has in his possession a portion of an epaulet -which belonged to this officer. He drew large quantities of land in the -western part of the Province, as well as a lot in Fredericksburgh. He -died in 1788 when on a visit to Montreal to procure his half-pay. His -widow and eldest son died soon after. His youngest son, John, settled on -lot 95, 9th concession Ameliasburg.—(_J. B. Ashley._) - -“Colonel Spencer” was an officer in Roger’s Battalion, settled on lot 9, -1st concession Fredericksburgh additional. He died shortly after the -commencement of the war of 1812, having been Colonel of the militia, and -active in preparing to meet the foe. He was buried, with military -honors, upon his own farm. - -His brother Augustus was an ensign, and settled at East Lake, on -half-pay. His wife, Sarah Conger, lived to be ninety-four years old. - -In the former part of last century there were born three brothers, Seth, -Thomas, and Adiel Sherwood, in old Stratford, in the Province of -Connecticut. The three brothers removed, 1743, to New York State, five -miles north of Fort Edward, within a short distance of the spot where -Burgoyne surrendered. At the commencement of the rebellion, Seth and -Adiel identified themselves with the rebel party, becoming officers in -the army, while Thomas adhered to his Sovereign. It was probably after -the defeat of Burgoyne, when he proceeded to St. John, Lower Canada, and -was subsequently employed by the British Government on secret service in -the revolting State. His knowledge of the country enabled him to bring -from the territory of the enemy not a few who were desirous of serving -in the British army. In 1779 his family removed to St. Johns, and he -received an appointment as subaltern in Major Jessup’s corps. - -At the close of the war, Thomas Sherwood came with his corps to the St. -Lawrence, and became the first actual settler in the county of Leeds. He -was well known as an active public man, “he was ever ready to give -assistance and instructions to the new comers.” He also assisted in the -first survey of that part. He was among the first magistrates. He lived -on his farm forty-two years, and died, aged 81, in peace. - -Adiel Sherwood, from whom we receive the foregoing facts, was the son of -Thomas, and was born at the homestead in New York State, 16th May, 1779, -shortly before the family left for Canada. He says: “I remained with the -family at St. Johns until May, 1784, when we came in the very first -brigade of batteaux to the Upper Province, where my father pitched his -tent, about three miles below Brockville, so that I may say I saw the -first tree cut, and the first hill of corn and potatoes planted by an -actual settler.” Mr. Adiel Sherwood at an early date, 1796, was -appointed an ensign in the first regiment of Leeds Militia. He was -promoted from time to time until he became Colonel. He was commissioned -a Magistrate, Clerk of the Peace, Commissioner of Land Board, and -finally Sheriff for the district of Johnstown. He was connected with the -militia fifty years, when he retired on full rank. Was Treasurer of the -District twenty-five years, and Sheriff thirty-five. Mr. Sherwood still -lives, an active, genial, and Christian-minded gentleman, and we take -this occasion to express our feelings of gratitude for his assistance -and sympathy in this our undertaking. - -There were a good many of the name of Taylor among the loyalists -residing at Boston, New York, and New Jersey. They were all in the -higher walks of life, and some filled high public stations. One family, -consisting at the time of the rebellion, of a mother and three sons, has -a tragic and deeply interesting history. For many of the particulars I -am indebted to Sheriff George Taylor, of Belleville, a descendant of the -youngest of the brothers. - -Sheriff Taylor’s father was earned John, and was born upon the banks of -the Hudson, of Scotch parents. He was fourteen years old when the -rebellion broke out. His two brothers were officers in the British army, -and were employed in the hazardous duties of spies. The only knowledge -he has of his uncles, is that they were both caught at different times, -one upon one side of the Hudson and the other the opposite side; both -were convicted and executed by hanging, one upon the limb of an apple -tree, the other of an oak. John Taylor was at home with his mother upon -the farm, at Kinderhook. But one day he was carried off while from the -house, by a press gang, to Burgoyne’s army. He continued in the army for -seven years, until the end of the war, when he was discharged. During -this time he was in numerous engagements, and received three wounds at -least, one a sabre wound, and a ball wound in the arm. It is stated on -good authority, (Petrie) that he once carried a despatch from Quebec to -Nova Scotia, following the Bay of Fundy. His mother in the meantime was -ignorant of his whereabouts, and held the belief that he was dead, or -carried off by the Indians. At the expiration of the war he went to New -Brunswick by some means, subsequently he undertook to walk on snowshoes, -with three others, from St. Johns to Sorel, which he accomplished, while -the three others died on the way; he saved his life by killing and -eating his dog. He procured his discharge at Sorel. In 1783 he came up -the St. Lawrence to Cataraqui, and thence walked up the bay as far as -the mouth of the Moria River, accompanied by one William McMullen. -Ascending the Moria he chose the land, where is now the 4th concession -of Thurlow, the “Holstead farm.” He lived here a few months, but the -Indians drove him away, declaring the river belonged to them. He then -bought lot No. 5, at the front, of Captain Singleton, property which yet -bears his name. John Taylor married the daughter of a U. E. Loyalist by -the name of Russell. - -Two or three years after he came to Thurlow, he visited his old home at -Kinderhook, to see his mother, who knew not he was alive. She -accompanied him back to Canada, although hard on ninety years old. She -did not live long in her new home. - -Two intimate comrades of John Taylor in the army, were Merritt and -Soles, father of D. B. Soles, formerly of Belleville. - -Respecting the brothers of John Taylor, the following appeared in the -Hastings _Chronicle_ of Belleville, 13th November, 1861. - -“A SPY OF THE REVOLUTION.—In the year 1776, when Governor Clinton -resided in Albany, there came a stranger to his house one cold wintry -morning, soon after the family had breakfasted. He was welcomed by the -household, and hospitably entertained. A breakfast was ordered, and the -Governor, with his wife and daughter employed in knitting, was sitting -before the fire, and entered into conversation with him about the -affairs of the country, which naturally led to the enquiry of what was -his occupation. The caution and hesitancy with which the stranger spoke, -aroused the keen-sighted Clinton. He communicated his suspicion to his -wife and daughter, who closely watched his every word and action. -Unconscious of this, but finding that he had fallen among enemies, the -stranger was seen to take something from his pocket and swallow it. -Meantime Madam Clinton, with the ready tact of a woman of those -troublesome times, went quietly into the kitchen, and ordered hot coffee -to be immediately made, and added to it a strong dose of tartar emetic. -The stranger, delighted with the smoking beverage, partook freely of it, -and Mrs. Clinton soon had the satisfaction of seeing it produce the -desired result. From scripture out of his own mouth was he condemned. A -silver bullet appeared, which upon examination was unscrewed and found -to contain an important despatch from Burgoyne. He was tried, condemned -and executed, and the bullet is still preserved in the family.” - -“The foregoing article we clip from the Boston _Free Flag_ of the 2nd -November, 1861; this, there is reason to infer, is a special reference -to a relative of one of the oldest families in this part of Canada. John -Taylor in his life time, well known to the first inhabitants of -Belleville, had two brothers employed upon secret service for the -British Government during the American revolutionary war; their names -were Neil and Daniel. At different times they were each apprehended and -suffered the severe penalty of the law. A tradition of the Taylor family -of this place, agrees in all particulars with the above article, and -points to one of the Taylor brothers as the person therein alluded to.” - -Sabine says that “Daniel Taylor in 1777, was dispatched by Sir Henry -Clinton to Burgoyne, with intelligence of the capture of Fort -Montgomery, and was taken on his way by the whigs as a spy. Finding -himself in danger, he turned aside, took a small silver ball or bullet -from his pocket and swallowed it. The act was seen, and General George -Clinton, into whose hands he had fallen, ordered a severe dose of emetic -tartar to be administered, which caused him to discharge the bullet. On -being unscrewed, the silver bullet was found to contain a letter from -the one British General to the other, which ran as follows: - - FORT MONTGOMERY, October 2, 1777. - -_Nous voici_—and nothing between us but Gates. I sincerely hope this -little success of ours may facilitate your operations. In answer to your -letter of 28th of September, by C. C., I shall only say, I cannot -presume to order, or even advise, for reasons obvious. I heartily wish -you success. - - Faithfully yours, - - H. CLINTON. - - To General Burgoyne. - -Taylor was tried, convicted, and executed, shortly after his detection.” - -Conrad VanDusen was a native of Duchess County, N. Y., born 23rd April, -1751. His father was Robert VanDusen. At the commencement of the -rebellion he was in business as a tailor, in New York City. He served -during the whole of the war, seven years, in Butler’s Rangers. During -this time, his wife, who was also from Duchess County, formerly a Miss -Coon, carried on the tailoring business in New York, and succeeded in -saving fifty-three guineas. On leaving for Canada with VanAlstine, they -brought with them two large boxes of clothing. They also had some -jewelry. - -During the war VanDusen was sometimes employed upon secret service, and -upon one occasion was caught, and condemned to be hanged. Upon leaving -the room in which he had been tried, he managed to convey to a woman -present, whose earnest demeanor led him to believe she was friendly, a -gold ring, a keep-sake of his wife. By some means VanDusen escaped, -having concealed himself in a swamp under water, with his face only -above water, and in after years he was surprised and rejoiced to receive -by letter the identical ring, which had been sent to him by the woman -into whose hands he had so adroitly placed it. She had directed the -letter to Cataraqui. - -The close of the war found VanDusen at New York, and he joined -VanAlstine’s band of refugees, and settled in Adolphustown. Subsequently -he removed to Marysburgh, lot No. 9, where he died, aged seventy-six -years and seven months. He lies buried in the U. E. burying ground, -Adolphustown. - -Frederick Frank Williamsburgh, at the time of the war lived upon the -Susquehanna, and owned a thousand acres of land. He was a sickly man. -His family consisted of a son eleven years old, and three daughters. One -day he went some distance to a mill, taking his children with him, and -leaving his wife and mother at home. That day the rebels made a raid, -and he was taken prisoner from his children on the road; and coming to -his barn, it, with all his grain was burned up. His wife and old mother -sought safety in the woods, and the house was stripped of everything. -The children arriving home without their father, found no mother, or -grandmother, only the smoking ruins of the barn and the dismantled -house. Frightened almost to death, and expecting to be killed before -morning, they lay down on the floor. About midnight came a knock at the -door; after a time they summoned sufficient courage to ask who was -there, when it was found to be neighbor who had been hunted in the woods -for three days and who was almost starved. He was admitted, and having -slept for a short time, he proceeded to prepare a raft upon the river; -upon this he placed some flour he had concealed in the woods, and the -children, with himself, and floated down the river. But the morning -brought the enemy, and they were taken. The children were conveyed to a -place where they found their mother; but the father having been thrown -into a prison, in three months his weak constitution succumbed to the -cruelty of his prison house. - -The family found their way to Lower Canada, after a time, living upon -the rations dealt out from day to day from the commissariat department. -They, after a time, went to Montreal, and one son, when twelve year old, -enlisted. For a time he acted as tailor to the regiment, but -subsequently became a favorite with the Colonel and was promoted. The -descendants of this William Williamsburgh now live in Belleville. - -Sergeant Daniel Wright was born in the city of London, 1741. He was -sergeant in the 74th regiment. Sergeant Wright was present at the battle -before Quebec, when Montgomery was killed. He settled in Marysburgh in -1784. He was commissary officer for the fifth township, and was -subsequently appointed magistrate and then registrar, which office he -held for upwards of thirty years. Was Lieut. Colonel in the Prince -Edward Militia. “Old Squire Wright” was a man of education and -gentlemanly deportment, strictly religious, and noted for his urbanity; -he obtained the soubriquet of “Squire civil.” It is said he was never -known to smile. Unlike other retired officers, it is said, he did not -seek to acquire extensive tracts of land. Died April, 1828, aged -eighty-seven. - -The following is from the Kingston _Chronicle_: “Died at the Carrying -Place, 27th February, 1836, Robert Wilkins, Esq., in the ninety-fourth -year of his age. He entered the army at the early age of seventeen, in -the 17th Light Dragoons, then commanded by the late Colonel Hale. Soon -after he joined the regiment it was ordered to Scotland. There it did -not long remain; the “Whiteboy” conspiracy had been formed in Ireland. -From Ireland he sailed with the same distinguished regiment for the -British American Colonies, then raising the standard of revolt, landed -at Boston, and a few days after bore a conspicuous part in the battle of -Bunker’s Hill, on which occasion he had two horses shot under him. He -was present at most of the engagements in the northern colonies. At the -battle of White Plains, he was one of the forlorn hope, where he -received a severe contusion on the breast, and lost the thumb of his -right hand. After recovering from his wounds, he retired from the army, -and entered into mercantile pursuits in the city of New York. There he -carried on a prosperous business until peace was concluded; but when -that city was evacuated by the British troops (in 1783) he was too -strongly attached to his king to remain behind. He then accompanied them -to Shelburne, Nova Scotia. In the improvements of that luckless place, -he expended a large sum of money, but finding that the place would not -succeed, he left, and in 1789, returned to his native country, from -which, three years after, he was induced to follow Governor Simcoe to -this colony, just after it had received its constitution, and became a -distinct government. From that time he remained in Upper Canada, and -most of the time at this place. Of Christian doctrine and Christian -duty, he had a much deeper sense than was obvious to occasional -visitors. His hospitality was proverbial, and never under his roof was -the poor refused food or shelter. His remains were followed to the -church, and thence to the house appointed for all living, by not less -than 300 of his friends and neighbors.” - -For an account of the son of the above, see notices of U. E. Loyalists. - -Col. H. Young—His father was a native of Nottingham, England, and came -to New York when eighteen years old, and settled at Jamaica, Long -Island. He was a gunsmith by trade. Subsequently he removed to Husack, -northern New York. He had four sons, George, Henry, William, John, and -two daughters. His second son Henry, was born at Jamaica, 10th March, -1737. At the age of eighteen he joined the British army, as a volunteer. -He was present at the battle of Tyconderoga, under General Abercrombie. -He was also with the army under General Amherst, which went from Albany -to Montreal, to join the army from Quebec, under General Murray. -Continued in the army until 1761, when he returned home, married a Miss -Campman, and lived in peace until the rebellion broke out. He again -joined the British army as a private, and was at the battle of -Bennington, but he so distinguished himself that he was promoted to an -ensigncy in the King’s Royal Regiment, of New York. During the war he -took part in seventeen battles, but escaped with one wound in the hand. -In the year 1780, he was sent with Major Ross to Carleton Island. For -three years he was at this place, or Oswego. In 1783 he was discharged -on half pay, and received grants of land—3,000 acres, with the privilege -of selecting the place. Immediately after his release he set out, -sometime during the summer or autumn of 1783, to prospect for land. In a -small canoe, he, with a brother officer, named, it is said, McCarty, -proceeded up the bay Quinté, and into Picton bay to its head, thence to -East Lake. Having decided to take land here, he left his son during the -winter. In the following spring 1784, he brought his family from St. -Johns, where they had been staying. (See settlement of Prince Edward). -Colonel Young died at East Lake. 3rd December, 1820, aged eighty-three -years and nine months. - -Daniel Young was in the Engineer Department during the latter part of -the revolutionary war. He died at East Lake, 30th September, 1850, aged -eighty-five. - -Henry Young was Lieutenant of Militia in the war of 1812. Went to -Kingston on duty, where he died, latter part of December, 1812. - -Among the first settlers of the Upper Province, especially upon the St. -Lawrence, and who took part in the war, may be mentioned, Captain Thomas -Frazer, Captain William Frazer, Lieutenant Solomon Snider, Lieutenant -Gideon Adams, Captain Simon Covelle, Captain Drummond, Ensign Dulmage, -Ensign Sampson, Lieutenant Farrand, Captain Amberson, Lieutenant McLean, -Lieutenant James Campbell, Lieutenant Alexander Campbell, Sergeant -Benoni Wiltsie, Ensign E. Bolton, Captain Justus Sherwood, Captain John -Jones, Lieutenant James Breakenridge, of Roger’s corps. - -Colonel Clarke, of Dalhousie, gives a “list of half pay officers who -settled in the Niagara District after the rebellion of the colonies:” - -Colonel John Butler, originator of Butler’s Rangers, an Irishman, a -connection of Lord Osmore; Captain Andrew Brant, Butler’s Rangers; -Captain B. Fry, Captain P. Hare, Captain Thos. Butler, Captain Aaron -Brant, Captain P. Paulding, Captain John Ball, Captain P. Ball, Captain -P. Ten Brock, Lieutenant R. Clench, Lieutenant Wm. Brant, Lieutenant Wm. -Tweeny, Lieut. Jocal Swoos, Lieut. James Clements, Lieut. D. Swoos, all -of Butler’s Rangers; Captain James Brant, Indian Department; Captain H. -Nelles, Captain James Young, Captain Robert Nelles, Captain Joseph -Dockater, Captain C. Ryman, Lieut. J. Clement, Lieut. W. B. Shuhm, -Lieut. A. Chrysler, Lieut. S. Secord, Lieut. F. Stevens, Surgeon R. -Kerr, Commodore T. Merritt, father of the late Hon. W. H. Merritt, all -of the Indian Department. - - - - - DIVISION II. - TRAVELING IN EARLY TIMES—ORIGINAL ROUTES. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - CONTENTS—Indian paths—Portages—Original French routes—Mer de Canada— - Original names of St. Lawrence—Ontario—Huron—Route by Bay Quinté— - Old French maps—Original English routes—Four ways from Atlantic to - the Lakes—Mississippi—Potomac—Hudson—Indian name of Erie—From New - York to Ontario—The Hudson River—Mohawk—Wood creek—Oneida Lake— - Oswego River—The carrying places—West Canada Creek—Black River— - Oswegotchie—The navigation—Military highway—Lower Canada—An - historic route—The paths followed by the Loyalists—Indian paths - north of Lake Ontario—Crossing the Lake—From Cape Vincent to the - Bay Quinté—From Oswego by Duck Islands—East Lake—Picton Bay— - Coasting Ontario—Two ways to Huron—By Bay Quinté and Trent; by Don - River—Lake Simcoe—Point Traverse—Loyalists—Traveling by the St. - Lawrence—First road—Long remembered event. - - -Although the European found the American continent a vast unbroken -wilderness, yet the native Indians had well defined routes of travel. -Mainly, the long journeys made by them in their hunting excursions, and -when upon the war path, were by water up and down rivers, and along the -shores of lakes. And at certain places around rapids, and from one body -of water to another, their frequent journeyings created a well marked -path. These portages or carrying places may even yet, in many places be -traced, and are still known by such appellations. The arrival of the -European in America was followed by his penetrating, step by step, to -the further recesses of the north and west. The opening of the fur trade -with the Indians led to increased travel along some of the original -paths, and probably to the opening of new ones. While the French by the -waters of the Lower St. Lawrence, found it convenient to ascend by the -great streams, the English had to traverse the high lands which separate -the sources of the rivers which empty into the Atlantic, from those -which rise to flow to the lakes and rivers of fresh water to the north. - -The original routes of travel taken by the French were up the St. -Lawrence, at first called the “Grand River of Canada,” while the gulf is -marked Galpo di Canada O’S Larenzo. The water of the Atlantic, south of -the Chesapeake River to Newfoundland and the gulf, was known as the _Mer -de Canada_. From the seaboard the traveler sometimes, having ascended to -the mouth of the Sorel River, turned west to lake Champlain, and thence -into the western part of the present New York State, or continuing up -the St. Lawrence to its confluence with the Ottawa, or as it was -sometimes called Grand River, selected one or the other of these -majestic streams, by which to continue the journey westward. Following -the Ottawa, the way led to the north as far as Lake Nippissing, and -thence westward to the Georgian Bay. Sometimes the voyager would -continue to ascend the St. Lawrence to Lake Ontario, a portion of the -St. Lawrence sometimes called Cataraqui River, or the Iroquois River, -that is to say, the river which leads to Cataraqui, or the Iroquois -country. Lake Ontario was called by Champlain, Lake St. Louis, and -subsequently for a time it was known as Lake Frontenac. According to a -map observed in the French Imperial Library the Indian name of Ontario -was Skaniadono, 1688. - -From Lake Ontario to Lake Huron, at first named Mer Douce, and, then -after the Huron Indians, who were expelled from that region by the -Iroquois in 1650, a very common route was up the Bay Quinté, the River -Trent, Lake Simcoe, and to Georgian Bay. That this was a not unfrequent -way is well exhibited by the old French maps, which, prepared to -indicate the principal waterways to the traveler, had the waters of the -Bay and Trent, even to its source, made broad, so that the observer -might imagine that the bay and the river were one continuous bay of -navigable waters. As this route was adjacent to the territory of the -Iroquois nation, it was only when the French were at peace with them -that this course was taken, until the establishment of the fort at -Cataraqui. Again, the French occasionally followed the south shore of -Lake Ontario to the Niagara River and ascended it to Lake Erie, and thus -approached the far west. - -While the French with comparative ease, reached the vast inland seas, -the English by more difficult channels sought the advantages, which -intercourse with the lake Indians afforded. An early writer of American -history, Isaac Weld, says: “There are four principal channels for trade -between the ocean and the lakes. One by the Mississippi to Lake Erie, a -second by the Potomac and French Creek to Lake Erie. (Lake Erie was at -first called Okswego, and the territory to the south of Lake Erie was -sometimes called Ontario Nous.) A third by the Hudson, and a fourth by -the St. Lawrence.” A later writer says: “It is worthy of notice, that a -person may go from Quebec to New Orleans by water all the way except -about a mile from the source of Illinois River.” The last mentioned -route we have seen belonged to the French, and was the best to follow, -as well as the most direct to Europe. Of the other three, we have only -to speak of that by the Hudson. - -The distance from New York to Lake Ontario is laid down as being 500 -miles. From New York Bay to Albany, the Hudson is navigable, 180 miles. -Ten miles north of Albany the river divides into two branches. The -western branch is the Mohawk and leads to Rome, formerly Fort Stanwix. A -branch of the Mohawk, Wood Creek, leads toward Oneida Lake, which was -reached by a portage. A branch of Wood Creek was called Canada Creek, -and led toward Lake Champlain. From Oneida Lake, the larger lake, -Ontario, is reached by the Oswego River. Weld probably refers to this -route when he says that the distance over which boats had to be hauled -by land, (perhaps, from New York to Ontario) was altogether thirty -miles. This was no doubt the most speedy route by which to reach Upper -Canada from the Hudson. Frequent reference is made to it, in the -accounts of journeying, by the U. E. Loyalists, which have come under -notice. It was by far the most commonly traveled way, taken by those who -came into Canada after the close of the war. And, it is stated, 1796, -that the chief part of the trade between New York and the lake is by -this way. But sometimes, the traveler up the Mohawk, instead of turning -into Vilcrik, or Wood Creek, would continue to ascend the Mohawk, which -turned more toward the east; and then into a branch sometimes called, -1756, West Canada Creek, by which he was brought contiguous to the head -waters of the Black River, which empties into the lake at Sacket’s -Harbor. But the Black River was sometimes reached by ascending the -Hudson, above the mouth of the Mohawk, away eastward to the Mohegan -mountains, where the Hudson rises. Crossing these mountains he would -strike the Moose River, which is a tributary to the Black River. -Occasionally, instead of Moose River, the Oswegotchie was reached, and -followed to its mouth at La Présentation, the present town of -Ogdensburgh That this route was well known, is shown from the statement -of Weld, that, “It is said that both the Hudson and Oswegotchie River -are capable of being made navigable for light batteaux to where they -approach within a short distance, about four miles.” All of these -branches of the Hudson are interrupted by falls. - -Still another way was now and then taken, after having crossed the -Mohegans, namely, by Long Lake which feeds Racket River, that empties -into the St. Lawrence, at St. Regis, opposite Cornwall. Again, numerous -accounts have been furnished the writer, in which the traveler followed -the military highway to Lower Canada, by Whitehall, Lake Champlain, Fort -Ticonderoga, Plattsburgh, and then turning northward proceeded to -Cornwall. But this way was the common one to Lower Canada, and by the -Sorel. This historic route was no doubt long used by the Indians, before -the European trod it, and Champlain at an early period penetrated to the -lake, to which his name is forever attached. Along this road passed many -a military expedition; and during the wars between the colonies of -France and England, here ebbed and flowed the tide of strife. The -rebellion of 1776 witnessed Burgoyne with his army sweep by here -westward to meet his disastrous fate; and thereafter set in the stream -of refugees and loyalists, which ceased not to flow for many a year, -along this path. - -While the great majority of the loyalists who came to Canada, followed -one or other of the routes above mentioned, there were some who came -around by the Atlantic, and up the St. Lawrence. There were at least two -companies, one under the leadership of Captain Grass, and one under -Captain Van Alstine, who sailed from New York in ships under the -protection of a war vessel, shortly before the evacuation by the British -forces in 1783. - -Directing our attention to the territory north of Lake Ontario, and the -Upper St. Lawrence, we find some interesting facts relative to the -original Indian paths; sometimes, followed on hunting and fishing -expeditions, and sometimes in pursuit of an enemy. There is evidence -that the Mohawks, upon the southern shore of Lake Ontario, were -accustomed to pass across the waters, to the northern shores by -different routes. Thus, one was from Cape Vincent to Wolfe Island, and -thence along its shore to the west end, and then either to Cataraqui, or -up the Bay Quinté, or perhaps across to Amherst Island, where, it seems, -generally resided a Chief of considerable importance. A second route, -followed by them, in their frail bark canoes, was from a point of land -somewhat east of Oswego, called in later days Henderson’s Point, taking -in their way Stony Island, the Jallup Islands, and stretching across to -Yorkshire Island, and Duck Island, then to the Drake Islands, and -finally to Point Traverse. Following the shore around this point, -Wappoose Island was also reached; or, on the contrary, proceeding along -the shore westward they reached East Lake. From the northernmost point -of this lake they directed their steps, with canoes on their heads, -across the carrying place to the head of Picton Bay, a distance of a -little over four miles. It is interesting to notice that upon the old -maps, by the early French navigators, the above mentioned islands are -specified as “_au des Couis_;” while at the same time the Bay of Quinté -bears the name of _Couis_, showing unmistakably that the Mohawk Indians -passed by this way to the head waters of the bay and to the Trent River. -Herriot designates one of these islands, Isle de Quinté. Two maps in the -Imperial library of Paris, give these islands, above mentioned, the name -of Middle Islands, and the waters east of them are named Cataraqui Bay. -It is not at all unlikely that Champlain, when he first saw Lake -Ontario, emerged from the water of East lake. Again, instead of entering -the Bay Quinté with a view of passing up the River Moira, or Trent, they -would continue along the south shore of Prince Edward, past West Lake -and Consecon Lake, and proceed westward, sometimes to the river at Port -Hope, sometimes further west, even to the Don, and ascend some one of -the rivers to the head waters of the Trent or Lake Simcoe. The early -maps indicate Indian villages along at several points. Owing to the -dangerous coast along the south shore of Prince Edward, sometimes they -chose the longer and more tedious route through the Bay Quinté to its -head. That here was a common carrying place is well attested by the -statements of many. Indeed, at this point upon the shores of the lake -was an Indian village of importance. An old graveyard here, upon being -plowed, has yielded rich and important relics, showing that the Indians -were Christianized, and that valuable French gifts had been bestowed. - -It would seem from a letter of DeNonville, that there were two ways to -reach Lake Huron from Lake Ontario: one by the Bay Quinté and the Trent; -the other by the way of the Don River and Lake Simcoe, called by him -“Lake Taranto.” In the selection of routes they were guided by Indians. - -The route by the Trent and the Bay Quinté was for many a day regarded as -the most direct, and the best route to Lake Huron, even since the -settlement by Europeans. Its supposed importance was sufficient to lead -to the attempt to construct a canal with locks, to make it navigable. -Gourlay says, sometime after the war of 1812, that “in course of time it -may become an object of importance to connect Rice Lake by a canal with -Lake Ontario direct, instead of following the present canoe route by its -natural outlet into the Bay Quinté.” - -The Marquis DeNonville, in 1685, moved on the Five Nations with his -little army in canoes, in two divisions. On the 23rd June, one-half -proceeded on the south side from the fort Cataraqui, and the other on -the north side of the lake, and met near Oswego. Now, there can be no -doubt, that the latter party crossed the bay to Indian Point, passed -along its southern shore, then across the bay by Wappoose Island, and -then around, or crossing Point Traverse struck far into the lake, by the -islands which constituted the guides of this early Indian route. It may -be that this was so commonly traveled that the old name of Point -Traverse was thus derived. - -We have indicated the several routes followed by the Indians, the -French, the English, and finally by the Refugees, so far as relate to -the territory now comprising Upper Canada, that is by which it was -originally reached and settled. Beside, there were some who found their -way by land from the head waters of the Susquehanna to Lake Erie and -Niagara. But the vast majority of pioneers of Upper Canada entered by -the channels aforesaid. - -For many years, the only road from Lower Canada was by the St. Lawrence, -ascending wearily up the dangerous rapids in canoes and batteaux; and it -will be found that the lots in the first townships were surveyed narrow -in order to secure a water frontage to as many as possible, because -there was no other means of transit than by water. But those who settled -in the second concessions, a year or two later, were obliged to tread -the length of the long front lots, in order to reach the water. At the -same time the communication with Lower Canada, up and down the rapids, -was attended with many hazards and inconveniences. It consequently -became a matter of no little importance to have a road through the -settlements to Montreal, which might be traveled by horse, a King’s -highway from the eastern Provincial line. It was, however, some years -after the first settlement before this was secured. The original survey -for a road was made by one Ponair, assisted by one Kilborne. “The -opening” Sherwood says, “of this road from Lower Canada to Brockville -and thence to Cataraqui, a distance of 145 miles, was an event long -remembered by the pioneers. At the end of each mile was planted a red -cedar post with a mark upon it indicating the number of miles from the -Provincial line.”—(See First Years of Upper Canada—Construction of -Roads). - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - CONTENTS—Indians traveled by foot or by canoe—Secreting canoes— - Primeval scenes—Hunting expeditions—War path—In 1812—Brock—A night - at Myers’ Creek—Important arrival—The North West Company—Their - canoes—Route—Grand Portage—The Voyageurs—The Batteaux—Size— - Ascending the rapids—Lachine—A dry dock—Loyalists by batteaux— - Durham boats—Difficulties—In 1788, time from Lachine to - Fredericksburgh—Waiting for batteaux—Extracts from a journal, - travelling in 1811—From Kingston to Montreal—The expenses—The - Schenectady boats—Trade between Albany and Cataraqui—The Durham - boat—Duncan—Description of flat-bottomed boat by “Murray”— - Statement of Finkle—Trading—Batteaux in 1812—Rate of traveling—The - change in fifty years—Time from Albany to Bay Quinté—Instances— - Loyalists traveling in winter—Route—Willsbury wilderness—Tarrying - at Cornwall—The “French Train”—Traveling along north shore of - Ontario—Indian path—Horseback—Individual owners of batteaux—Around - Bay Quinté—The last regular batteaux—In 1819—“Lines” from - magazine. - - - TRAVELING BY CANOE. - -Having pointed out the several general routes by which the aborigines -and the first Europeans in America, were wont to traverse the country -from the seaboard to the far west, and indicated more particularly the -smaller paths of the Indians around the Bay Quinté and Lake Ontario, we -purpose glancing at the means by which they made their way through the -wilderness. - -The Native had but two modes of transporting himself from place to -place; namely, by foot and by the canoe. He was trained to make long -expeditions upon the war-path, or after prey. When his course lay along -a water way, he employed his birch canoe. This being light, he could -easily ascend rapids, and when necessary, lift it from the water, and -placing it, bottom upward, upon his head, carry it around the falls, or -over a portage with the greatest facility. When upon the chase, or about -to attack a foe, the canoe was so carefully secreted, that the passing -traveler would never detect its whereabouts. The French and English at -the first followed this Indian mode of traveling. From the graphic -descriptions which are given to us by the early writers of this Indian -mode of traveling in America, ere the sound of the axe had broken upon -the clear northern air, and while nature presented an unbroken garment -of green, it is not difficult to imagine that scenes of Indian canoe -traveling were in the extreme picturesque. It is not necessary to go -beyond the Bay Quinté, to find a place where all the natural beauty was -combined with the rude usages of the aboriginal inhabitant, to create a -picture of rare interest and attraction. In those primeval times there -was no regular passage made between one part of the country and another. -The Indian in his light canoe glided along here and there, as his fancy -led him, or the probability of obtaining fish or game dictated. At -certain seasons of the year there was a general movement, as they -started off on their hunting expeditions; and at other times the -warriors alone set out, when only intent upon surprising the hated foe. -On these occasions one canoe would silently and swiftly follow in the -wake of the other, until the place of debarkation was reached. For a -long time the birch canoe was the only mode of traveling, and when the -French came with their batteaux, the canoe continued for a long time the -principal means of transit. Even so late as the war of 1812, canoes were -employed, and many of the gallant ones who fought and conquered the -conceited and unscrupulous Yankee invader, found their way to the front -by the swift birch bark. Company after company of Red Coats were to be -seen plying the trim paddle as the canoe sped on its way. We have it on -good authority that Major General Brock, at the reception of the -intelligence, that the United States had declared war against Great -Britain, set out from Lower Canada in a birch canoe, and with a -companion and their boatman, journeyed all the way to York, followed by -a regiment of soldiers. Incidents of this passage are yet related by the -living. He reached Belleville, or as it was then called Myers’ Creek, -late one night, after having been traveling for some time without rest. -With his companion, he went ashore and sought a place to sleep. They -entered the public house of Captain Mc——, and after examining a room, -decided to sleep there the night. But the host, hearing an unusual -noise, rushed into the room demanding who was there. The General’s -companion, with the quickness, and in language somewhat characteristic -of the army of that time, told him he would kick him to h—ll in a -minute. Captain Mc—— somewhat disconcerted at the threat and tone of -authority walked out, and meeting the boatman, ask him who the parties -were. Upon being informed, he rushed away in a state of great alarm, not -daring to shew himself again to the General. The house is still -standing. - -The following notice is from the Kingston _Gazette_. - - “YORK, April 29, 1815.” - - “On Sunday evening last arrived in this town from Burlington, in a - birch canoe, Lieutenant General Sir George Murray Knight,” &c., &c. - - - BATTEAUX—SCHENECTADY BOATS—DURHAM BOATS. - -Gourley, speaking of Lachine, says that “from Lachine the canoes -employed by the North West Company in the fur trade take their -departure. Of all the numerous contrivances for transporting heavy -burthens by water, these vessels are perhaps the most extraordinary: -scarcely anything can be conceived so inadequate from the slightness of -their construction, to the purpose they are applied to, and to contend -against the impetuous torrent of the many rapids that must be passed -through in the course of a voyage. They seldom exceed thirty feet in -length, and six in breadth, diminishing to a sharp point at each end, -without distinction of head or stern; the frame is composed of small -pieces of some very light wood; it is then covered with the bark of the -birch tree, cut into convenient slips, that are rarely more than the -eighth of an inch in thickness; these are sewed together with threads -made from the twisted fibres of the roots of a particular tree, and -strengthened where necessary by narrow strips of the same materials -applied on the inside; the joints in the fragile planking are made -water-tight, by being covered with a species of gum that adheres very -firmly, and becomes perfectly hard. No ironwork of any description, not -even nails, are employed in building these slender vessels, which, when -complete, weigh only about five hundred weight each. On being prepared -for the voyage, they receive their lading, that for the convenience of -carrying across the portages is made up in packages of about -three-quarters of a hundred weight each, and amounts altogether to five -tons, or a little more, including provisions, and other necessaries for -the men, of whom from eight to ten are employed to each canoe; they -usually set out in brigades like the batteaux, and in the course of a -summer, upwards of fifty of these vessels are thus dispatched. They -proceed up the Grand, or Ottawa River, so far as the south-west branch, -by which, and a chain of small lakes, they reach Lake Nippissing; -through it, and down the French River into Lake Huron; along its -northern coast, up the narrows of St. Mary, into Lake Superior, and -then, by its northern side, to the Grand Portage, a distance of about -1,100 miles from the place of departure. The difficulties encountered in -this voyage are not easily conceived; the great number of rapids in the -rivers, the different portages from lake to lake, which vary from a few -yards to three miles or more in length, where the canoes must be -unladen, and with their contents carried to the next water, occasion a -succession of labors and fatigues of which but a poor estimation can be -formed by judging it from the ordinary occupations of other laboring -classes. From the Grand Portage, that is nine miles across, a -continuation of the same toils takes place in bark canoes of an inferior -size, through the chain of lakes and streams that run from the height of -land westward to the Lake of the Woods, Lake Winnipeg, and onwards to -more distant establishments of the company in the remote regions of the -north-west country. The men are robust, hardy, and resolute, capable of -enduring great extremes of fatigues and privation for a long time, with -a patience almost inexhaustible. In the large lakes they are frequently -daring enough to cross the deep bays, often a distance of several -leagues, in their canoes, to avoid lengthening the route by coasting -them; yet, notwithstanding all the risks and hardships attending their -employment, they prefer it to every other, and are very seldom induced -to relinquish it in favor of any more settled occupation. The few -dollars they receive as the compensation for so many privations and -dangers, are in general, dissipated with a most careless indifference to -future wants, and when at an end, they very contentedly renew the same -series of toils to obtain a fresh supply.” - -“The batteaux,” says Ex-Sheriff Sherwood, “by which the refugees -emigrated, were principally built at Lachine, nine miles from Montreal. -They were calculated to carry four or five families, with about two tons -weight. Twelve boats constituted a brigade, and each brigade had a -conductor, with five men in each boat, one of which steered. The duty of -the conductor was to give directions for the safe management of the -boats, to keep them together; and when they came to a rapid they left a -portion of the boats with one man in charge. The boats ascending were -doubly manned, and drawn by a rope fastened at the bow of the boat, -leaving four men in the boat with setting poles, thus the men walked -along the side of the river, sometimes in the water, or on the edge of -the bank, as circumstances occurred. If the tops of trees or brush were -in the way they would have to stop and cut them away. Having reached the -head of the rapid the boats were left with a man, and the others went -back for others,” and so they continued until all the rapids were -mounted. Lachine was the starting place, a place of some twenty dwelling -houses. Here Mr. Grant had a dry dock for batteaux. - -It was by these batteaux, that the refugees, and their families, as well -as the soldiers and their families passed from the shores of Lake -Champlain, from Sorel, and the St. Lawrence, where they had temporally -lived, to the Upper Province. It was also by these, or the Skenectady, -or the Durham boat, that the pioneers made their transit from Oswego. - -Thus it will be seen that to gain the northern shore of the St. Lawrence -and Lake Ontario, was a task of no easy nature, and the steps by which -they came were taken literally inch by inch, and were attended with -labor hard and venturesome. Records are not wanting of the severe -hardships endured by families on their way to their wooded lands. -Supplied with limited comforts, perhaps only the actual necessaries of -life, they advanced slowly by day along dangerous rapids, and at night -rested under the blue sky. But our fathers and mothers were made of -stern stuff, and all was borne with a noble heroism. - -This toilsome mode of traveling continued for many a year. John -Ferguson, writing in 1788, from Fredericksburgh to a friend in Lower -Canada, Lachine, says of his journey, “after a most tedious and -fatiguing journey I arrived here—nineteen days on the way—horrid roads— -sometimes for whole days up to the waist in water or mire.” But the -average time required to ascend the rapids with a brigade was from ten -to twelve days, and three or four to descend. - -One can hardly conceive of the toilsome hours formerly spent in passing -from Kingston, or the seventh and eighth townships of the bay to -Montreal, and back. Before setting out, the traveler would make -elaborate preparations for a journey of several weeks. There was no -regular traffic, and only an occasional batteaux, laden with simple -articles of merchandise, would start for the head waters of the bay. -Individuals would often wait, sometimes a long time, for these -opportunities, and then would work their passage, by taking a hand at -the oars. Even up to the present century, it was the custom. - -The following is a most interesting instance of batteaux traveling which -has been placed in our hands by the Rev. Mr. Miles. It gives one an -excellent idea of traveling at the beginning of the present century. “I -left Kingston on the 6th of April, 1811, but as the traveling _then_ was -not as it is _now_, I did not arrive in Montreal till the 15th. I will -just copy verbatim, the journal I kept on my passage. Durham boats were -scarce on the Canada side at that time, but it was thought if I could -get to the American shore, I would find one on its way to Montreal. -Well, I found a man in Kingston, just from Grindstone Island, who had -brought up some shingles and tar to sell, and he told me if I could get -to Briton’s Point, several miles down the river from Cape Vincent, and -to which place he would take me, that he thought I would find a Durham -boat there, and the following is my journal on that route. - -“Grindstone Island, April 11th, 1811.—Left Kingston yesterday, April -6th, at 3 p.m., in an open skiff, with R. Watson, a clerk in Dr. Jonas -Abbott’s store, and two hands belonging to the skiff—head wind—rowed -hard till about eight in the evening, when having blistered both hands, -and being very much fatigued, we drew our skiff on shore, and camped on -the shore of Long Island, about five miles above Grindstone Island—wind -strong from the north—very cold and without victuals or fire—feet wet— -slept some, walked some, and by daybreak was somewhat chilled. Strong -head wind. Stuck close to our dear lodgings till about eight, when the -wind abated, and we stuck to our oars till about eleven o’clock, when we -made Grindstone Island, weary, and very hungry—eat a hearty dish of -“sapon” and milk—rested about an hour—set off for Briton’s tavern on the -American shore, where we arrived about 4 p.m., the water being entirely -calm. Had not been on shore ten minutes, as good luck would have it, -before we engaged a passage for Cornwall in a Durham boat, and a breeze -coming up directly from the south, our American boats immediately -hoisted sail and proceeded about thirty miles, when the wind changed, -and we put into a bay on Grenadier Island, about nine in the evening—eat -some supper at a house owned by Mr. Baxter—spread a sail upon the floor, -and seven boatmen and four passengers camped down before the fire. In -the morning I felt my bones as though they had been lying on the soft -side of a hard rough floor. April 8, head wind still. Wished myself -either at Kingston or Montreal. April 9, still a head wind. Must take it -as it comes. Reading and writing the order of the day. At 7 p.m., -hoisted sail. At one a.m., arrived at a house on the Canada shore, and -slept on the floor till daylight. April 10, left for Ogdensburg, where -we arrived at 3 p.m. Found an old acquaintance and passed the afternoon -quite agreeably. April 11, had a good night’s rest. Still a head wind. -Found the printing office and composed types the greater part of the -day. April 12, still a head wind. April 13, left Ogdensburg and arrived -at Cornwall. April 14, left Cornwall and arrived at M’Gee’s, Lake St. -Francis. April 15, left M’Gee’s and arrived at Montreal about 8 p.m. -Traveling expenses from Kingston to Montreal $9.75.” - -With the later coming refugees was introduced another kind of flat -bottomed boat. It was generally small and rigged with an ungainly sail. -It was generally built at the Town of Schenectady, and hence the name. -Schenectady is a German word, and means _pine barren_. Families about to -come to Canada would build one or more to meet their requirements. There -was never a large number of this particular kind of boat. Those that -were to be seen, were upon the bay. - -With the opening up of trade between Albany and Upper Canada, was -introduced still another kind of vessel, which was adapted to the use of -merchants, engaged in the carrying trade. One of the earliest -traffickers from the Mohawk River to the lakes by the Durham boats was -Duncan, of Augusta, who was, as will be seen, one of the first -Legislative Councillors of Upper Canada. He finally removed to -Schenectady. It is said that he introduced the trade between the Mohawk -and Buffalo which led to the construction of the Erie Canal. - -A writer, speaking of the boats used by the Canadians, says, the largest -boats used by the Canadian boatmen is called the Durham boat, “used here -and in the rapids of the Mohawk. It is long, shallow, and nearly flat -bottomed. The chief instrument of steerage is a pole ten feet long, shod -with iron, and crossed at short intervals with small bars of wood like -the feet of a ladder; the men place themselves at the bow, two on each -side, thrust their poles into the channel, and grasping successively the -wooden bars, work their way toward the stern, thus pushing on the vessel -in that direction.” (Murray). - -Mr. Finkle remarks that “the first mode of conveyance for travelers from -Montreal to Kingston, after the settlement of Upper Canada, was by -Canadian batteaux laden with merchandize (at this time there was no -separate conveyance).” The return cargo consisted of barrels of flour, -peas, potash, north-west packs of furs, &c.; the men and conductors -employed in this business were Lower Canadians. This mode of conveyance -continued without interruption until 1809, when the Durham boats came -from the Mohawk River and embarked in the carrying trade only between -Montreal and Kingston. Being of commodious size, far above the batteaux, -they materially interfered with them and lessened the trade by the -batteaux. The men who managed the Durham boats came with them from the -Mohawk River, these boats were entirely manned by men from that country. - -The flat bottomed boat continued in use until some time after the war of -1812. Until the canal along the St. Lawrence was constructed it was the -only way by which merchandize could be transported to the Upper Province -through the rapids of the St. Lawrence. After the establishment of York -as the capital of Upper Canada, there sprung up naturally, a trade -between Kingston and the “muddy” capital, and regular batteaux -communication was, after a little, established. Once a week the solitary -boat left Kingston, and slowly made its way by oars, up the bay to the -Carrying Place over which it was hauled by Asa Weller, a tavern keeper, -upon low wheels or trucks drawn by oxen, and then continued its way -along the shore of Ontario, to its destination. These boats carried not -only merchandize but passengers. Beside the regular batteaux there were -occasionally others, owned by small merchants and pedlars. It was by the -flat bottomed boat and canoe that many of the troops ascended to the -head of the lake in 1812, and by which many of the 1000 prisoners taken -at Detroit were conveyed to Quebec. The rate of speed of the batteaux or -Durham boat, as well as the Skenectady boat, can be approximated from -the statement of “A traveller,” writing in 1835. He says, “the line of -boats which start from Albany to Skenectady, on their way to Upper -Canada, go two-and-a-half miles an hour, taking in stoppages—charging -one-and-a-half cents per mile, including board.” This mode of traveling -is preferred by large families and prudent settlers. - -The conveniences of traveling then, as well as the time required, are so -widely different from what we are accustomed to in this day, that we -have to pause and wonder at the change which even fifty and sixty years -have wrought. Even after Upper Canada had become somewhat settled, it -was a momentous matter for a family to set out from the Hudson for -Cataraqui, or the Bay Quinté, as they generally called the settlement in -those days. For instance, Mr. Lambert, of Sophiasburgh, who came in -1802, was six weeks on the way between Albany and the bay, coming by the -Mohawk and Oswego Rivers, and crossing from “Gravelly Point” to “Isle -Tanti.” We will give another instance:—Nicholas L., came from New Jersey -with seven sons and two daughters. It took a month to come. Having -reached Schenectady they waited to build a batteaux. This completed, -they stored away provisions to last them until Cataraqui was reached. -They also brought with them iron kettles, with which to make maple -sugar, and “a churn full of honey.” Mr. L., being a fanning mill maker, -he brought also a quantity of wire gauze. At Oswego, the fort there -being still held by the British, they were strictly questioned as to the -use intended to be made of the kettles and gauze. Satisfaction being -given on this point, the family continued their tedious journey along -the shore toward Kingston. Barely escaping being wrecked off Stony -Island, they at last reached the north shore. Three days more of weary -rowing up the bay, and Hay Bay was reached, where they settled. - -The loyalists not alone came in summer, by batteaux or the Schenectady -boat; but likewise in winter. They generally followed, as near as -possible, some one of the routes taken in summer. To undertake to -traverse a wilderness with no road, and guided only by rivers and -creeks, or blazed trees, was no common thing. Several families would -sometimes join together to form a train of sleighs. They would carry -with them their bedding, clothes, and the necessary provisions. We have -received interesting accounts of winter journeyings from Albany along -the Hudson, across to the Black River country, and to the St. Lawrence. -Sometimes the train would follow the “military road” along by Champlain, -St. George, and as far as Plattsburgh, and then turn north to the St. -Lawrence, by what was then called the Willsbury wilderness, and -“Chataguee” woods. At the beginning of the present century there was but -one tavern through all that vast forest, and this of the poorest -character. Indeed it is said that while provision might be procured for -the horses, none could be had for man. Those who thus entered Canada in -winter found it necessary to stay at Cornwall until spring. Two or more -of the men would walk along the St. Lawrence to the bay Quinté, and, at -the opening of navigation, having borrowed a batteaux descend to -Cornwall for the women, children, and articles brought with them. Often, -indeed generally unacquainted with the use of the boat, the passage up -and down the river was tedious and toilsome. While the families and -sleighs were transported in the batteaux the horses were taken along the -shore by the larger boys, if such there were among them. The “French -train” was occasionally employed in their winter travels. It consisted -of a long rude sleigh with several horses driven tandem style, this -allowed the passage among the trees to be made more easily. - -Many very interesting reminiscences are known of traveling along the bay -by the pioneers. A few are adduced. - - - TRAVELING TO YORK AND QUEENSTON. - -Travelers from Montreal to the west would come by a batteaux, or Durham -boat, to Kingston. Those who had business further west, says Finkle, -“were conveyed to Henry Finkle’s in Ernest town, where they commonly -stopped a few days. Thence they made their journey on horse back. A -white man conducted them to the River Trent, where resided Colonel -Bleecker who was at the head, and had control of all the Mississauga -Indians, and commanded the entire country from the Trent to Toronto. At -this place the traveler was furnished with a fresh horse and an Indian -guide to conduct him through an unsettled country, the road being little -better than a common Indian path, with all its windings. The road -continued in this state until about the year 1798. Sometimes the -traveler continued his way around the head of the lake on horse back to -Queenston, where resided Judge Hamilton. - -During the time the surveyors were laying out the townships of the bay, -batteaux occasionally passed up and down, supplying the staff with their -requirements, or perhaps with some one looking for a good tract of land. - -In 1790 a batteaux was owned by Mr. Lambert, of the eighth township, and -Mr. Ferguson, writing from Kingston to Mr. Bell, wished him to borrow -it, to come to Kingston. - -Among the first to use batteaux as a mode of traffic, was Captain Myers. -He sailed one up and down the bay to carry, not only his own freight, -but for the accommodation of others. He frequently went to Kingston, and -now and then to Montreal, the mode pursued, was to charge for freight -down, and then give the passenger a free passage back. This was followed -for many years, with great profit. The Captain was accustomed to make -the journey as pleasant as possible to the passengers. He always kept -his grog in his “caboose,” and would deal it out to all. There was no -doubt much of jollity and pleasant yarn-spinning, during the long -passages upon the tranquil waters of the bay. Captain Myers subsequently -owned a schooner.” - -A letter written 11th November, 1790, by John Ferguson, to Wm. Bell, of -Sidney, says, “As I suppose Mr. Lounsbury’s boat is idle, I would be -glad that you would endeavour to borrow or hire it and Sherrard’s son -and come down to the third township.” - -When persons had gone down the bay, and were expected to return upon a -certain night, there would often be a fire kindled on the shore to guide -them homeward. In dark nights this was really necessary. Many were the -expedients resorted to make short cuts. The feat of swimming horses over -the bay was now and then resorted to by the Wallbridges after they -settled in Ameliasburgh. Wishing to go to Kingston, they would go down -to the point where the bay is narrow, and swim the horses across to Ox -Point, and then ride to Kingston by a bridle path. It would now and then -happen at a late period, that a traveler passing to his place of -settlement would have a lumber waggon. This would be ferried across the -bay by placing it across two log canoes. Referring to swimming the bay -by a horse, a colored man, yet living within the neighbourhood of -Belleville, remembers when a boy, to have been put upon a horse, and -then to have obeyed orders to swim him across the bay. This occurred -near Belleville. - -Long after steamboats were started on the bay, the batteaux continued to -ply between Belleville and Montreal. The last to sail these was Fanning -and John Covert. In 1830, Fanning arrived at Montreal from Belleville so -early as to present his bills of laden upon the first of April. The -following business notice cannot fail to be interesting: - -“The subscribers having established a line of Durham Boats from this -place, propose forwarding from the different ports of the lake to that -of Montreal, on the following terms, viz.: - -“From York, Niagara, Queenston, and the head of the lake, for each -barrel of Flour delivered at the Port of Montreal, 5s. and 6d. - -“From Kingston, to the Port of Montreal, for each barrel of Flour, 4s. -and 6d. - -“From York, Niagara, Queenston, and the head of the lake, for each -barrel of Potash delivered at the Port of Montreal, 12s. and 6d. - -“From Kingston to the Port of Montreal, for each barrel of Potash, 10s. - -“From York, Niagara, Queenston, and the head of the lake, for each -barrel of Pork delivered at the Port of Montreal, 8s. and 3d. - -“From Kingston to the Port of Montreal, for each barrel of Pork, 6s. and -9d. - -“Merchandize will be transported by the same means from Lachine to -Kingston, at the rate of 5s. per cwt. - -“An elegant Passage Boat will also leave Kingston every tenth day for -Montreal, which will be fitted up in the most commodious manner and -prevent any delay to passengers leaving the upper part of the lake in -the Steam Boat _Frontenac_, it having been built for the purpose of -leaving this place immediately after her arrival. - -“These arrangements will take effect at the opening of the navigation, -and be continued during the season. - - “THOMAS MARKLAND. - “PETER SMITH. - “LAWRENCE HERKIMER. - “JOHN KERBY. - “WILLIAM MITCHELL. - -“Kingston, February, 1819.” - -Respecting the Canadian Batteaux, the following is from the Boston -_Weekly Magazine_ of an old date. - -“Lines written while at anchor in Kingston Harbour, Lake Ontario, on -hearing from several Canadian boats entering from the St. Lawrence—their -usual songs. - - Hark! o’er the lakes unruffled wave, - A distant solemn chant is sped; - Is it some requiem at the grave? - Some last kind honor to the dead? - ‘Tis silent all—again begin; - It is the wearied boatman’s lay, - That hails alike the rising sun, - And his last soft departing ray. - - Forth from yon island’s dusky side, - The train of batteaux now appear, - And onward as they slowly glide, - More loud their chorus greets the ear. - But, ah! the charm that distance gave, - When first in solemn sounds their song - Crept slowly o’er the limpid wave, - Is lost in notes full loud and strong. - - Row, brothers row, with songs of joy, - For now in view a port appears; - No rapids here our course annoy, - No hidden rocks excite our fears, - Be this sweet night to slumber given, - And when the morning lights the wave - We’ll give our matin songs to heav’n, - Our course to bless, our lives to save.” - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - CONTENTS—The first Vessel—The French—La Salle—The Griffon—Vessels in - 1770—During the Rebellion—Building at Carleton Island—Captain - Andrews—The Ontario—Col. Burton—Loss of the Ontario—The Sheehans— - Hills—Givins’—Murney’s Point—Schooner ‘Speedy’—Mohawk—Mississauga— - Duke of Kent—Capt. Bouchette—Paxton—McKenzie—Richardson—Earle - Steele—Fortiche—The Governor Simcoe—Sloop ‘Elizabeth’—First vessel - built at York—Collins’ Report upon Navigating the Lakes—Navy in - Upper Canada, 1795—Rochfoucault—Capt. Bouchette—Officers’ Pay— - York, the centre of the Naval Force—Gun Boats—The Loss of the - “Speedy”—Reckoner—Dr. Strachan—Solicitor-Gen. Gray—Canada took the - lead in building Vessels—First Canadian Merchant Vessel—The York—A - Schooner on runners around the Falls—Sending Coals to Newcastle— - Upon Bay Quinté—The Outskirts of Civilization—“The Prince Edward” - built of Red Cedar—in 1812—Schooner “Mary Ann”—1817—Capt. - Matthews. - - - THE FIRST SAILING VESSELS. - -The first vessels, with sails, which navigated the waters of the lakes, -were built by the French, to pursue their discoveries, and to carry on -the fur trade. The first sailing vessel launched upon the Lakes, was -built by LaSalle. He, with Father Hennepin and Chevalier de Tonti, set -sail from Cataraqui, on the 18th November, 1678, for the mouth of the -Niagara river, having on board his bark goods, and material for building -a brigantine on Lake Erie. During the winter the vessel was commenced, -six miles above the Falls, and was launched by the middle of summer, -amid great display and ceremony. The vessel was named “Griffon,” -according to Garneau; but Father Hennepin says “Cataraqui.” “She was a -kind of brigantine, not unlike a Dutch galliot, with a broad elevated -bow and stern, very flat in the bottom; she looked much larger than she -really was. She was of sixty tons burden. With the aid of tow-lines and -sails the Niagara river was, with difficulty, ascended; and on the 7th -August, 1679, the first vessel that ever sat upon the lakes, entered -Lake Erie.” The end of this vessel was a sad one. (See Introduction). - -We are indebted to the _Detroit Tribune_ for the following interesting -statements: - -“In 1766 four vessels plied upon Lake Erie. These were the “Gladwin,” -“Lady Charlotte,” “Victory,” and “Boston.” - -“The two latter laid up in the fall near Navy Island, above Niagara -Falls, and one of them was burned accidentally, November 30, of the same -year. A vessel called the “Brunswick,” owned and commanded by Captain -Alexander Grant, made her appearance on the lakes during the year 1767, -and was lost some time during the season following. Captain Grant was -the Commodore of the lakes for two or three years. In 1769 Sterling and -Porteous built a vessel at Detroit, called the “Enterprise,” Richard -Cornwall, of New York, being the carpenter. The boatmen, who went from -Schenectady with the rigging and stores for this vessel to Detroit, were -to have each £20, and ten gallons of rum. They were seventy days on Lake -Erie, and two of the number perished from hunger, and their bodies were -kept to decoy eagles and ravens. They returned to New York in February, -1760, by way of Pittsburgh, then called Fort Pitt. - -“In May, 1770, a vessel of seventy tons burthen was launched at Niagara, -called the “Charity.” The same year the Duke of Gloucester, Secretary -Townsend, Samuel Tutchet, Henry Baxter, and four others, formed a -company for mining copper on Lake Superior. In December they built at -Point Aux Pins, a barge, and laid the keel for a sloop of forty tons -burthen. Of the success of this enterprise we are not informed. -Subsequent to the above period very little was accomplished in the -construction of craft for lake navigation, and the few that came into -commission were used solely as traders, as were in fact, all those -previously named. A short time after, 1770, batteaux from Montreal and -Quebec, employed by the Hudson’s Bay Fur Company, made their annual -tours westward, gathering large quantities of furs, and returning -homeward in the fall. It has been stated that the first vessel built on -Lake Ontario was in 1749, but this, we have reason to believe, is not -correct.” - -During the Revolutionary War, the British Government built at Carleton -Island, a few vessels to carry troops and provisions from place to place -along the Lake, from Carleton Island to Niagara. The first Commissioner -at the Dock Yard was Commodore James Andrews, Lieutenant in the Royal -Navy. The “Ontario,” a war vessel of considerable importance, carrying -22 guns, was built at Carleton Island. This vessel was commanded by -Capt. Andrews. Some time between 1780 and 1783, as the “Ontario” was -proceeding from Niagara to Oswego with a detachment of the King’s Own -regiment, commanded by Colonel Burton, with other officers, a storm -arose at night, and the vessel was lost with all on board. Col. John -Clark, in his memoirs, whose father belonged to the 8th regiment, says -this event happened in 1780 or ‘81, in which belief he is supported by -Mr. Sheehan, a descendant of Capt. Andrews: but other authority has it -that the event took place in 1783. At all events, the occurrence -produced a melancholy effect, which long remained in the minds of those -acquainted with the circumstances. Captain Andrews left a widow, a son, -and two daughters. The son returned to Scotland, the daughters married -and settled in Canada. The Sheehans, Hills, and Givins are descendants -of Captain Andrews’ daughters, whose husbands had been in the army. - -After the settlement of Kingston, the Government built vessels at -Murney’s Point, and at Navy Point. Among the first built here was the -Schooner “Speedy,” and also the “Mohawk” and “Mississauga,” and “Duke of -Kent.” Among the first commanders of vessels, most of whom were of the -Royal Navy, were Capt. Bouchette, Capt. Paxton, Capt. McKenzie, Capt. -Richardson, Capt. Earle, Capt. Steele and Capt. Fortiche. - -“The first vessel built for trade upon Lake Ontario,” that is after -Upper Canada was settled, “may have been the ‘Governor Simcoe,’ for the -North West Company; after she was worn out and laid up, Judge -Cartwright, who was agent for the Company at Kingston, built another for -that Company, and one for himself, both built at the same time, side by -side, on Mississauga Point, at the mouth of Cataraqui Creek. Both were -launched on the same day; the one for the Company named “Governor -Simcoe,” and the other “Sloop Elizabeth.” These were built during my -stay with Judge Cartwright, in 1808. - -“The first, and only vessel for many years, built at York, was a small -schooner about forty-five tons. Built by two brothers named Kendrick.”— -(_Finkle._) - -The survey made by Deputy Surveyor-General Collins, at the request of -Lord Dorchester, in 1788, included an examination of the lakes and -harbors from Kingston to Michilmicinac. In reference to the lakes and -vessels, the Surveyor says:—“Vessels sailing on these waters being -seldom for any length of time out of sight of land, the navigation must -be considered chiefly as pilotage, to which the use of good natural -charts is essential and therefore much wanted. Gales of wind, or -squalls, rise suddenly upon the lakes, and from the confined state of -the waters, or want of sea-room, (as it is called), vessels may in some -degree be considered as upon a lee shore, and this seems to point out -the necessity for their being built on such a construction as will best -enable them to work to windward. Schooners should, perhaps, have the -preference, as being rather safer than sloops, they should be from 80 to -100 tons burthen on Lake Ontario, and 50 tons burthen on Lakes Erie and -Huron; but if not intended to communicate between these two lakes, they -may then be the same size as on Lake Ontario; and if this system is -approved there can be no necessity to deviate from it unless an enemy -should build vessels of greater magnitude or force; but as the intent of -bringing any such forward, at least the building of them can never -remain a secret, there may be always time to counteract such a design by -preparing to meet them at least on equal terms. It does not seem -advisable, nor do I know any reason to continue the practice of building -vessels flat bottomed, or to have very little draft of water, they are -always unsafe, and many of the accidents which have happened on the -lakes, have perhaps, in some degree been owing to that construction. On -the contrary, if they are built on proper principles for burthen as well -as sailing they will be safer, and will find sufficient depth of water -proportioned to any tonnage which can be requisite for them upon these -lakes.” - -Respecting the navy in Upper Canada, Rochfoucault writes in 1795: “The -Royal Navy is not very formidable in this place; six vessels compose the -whole naval force, two of which are small gun-boats, which we saw at -Niagara, and which are stationed at York.” Two small schooners of twelve -guns, viz., the “Onondaga,” in which we took our passage, and the -“Mohawk,” which is just finished; a small yacht of eighty tons, mounting -six guns as the two schooners, which has lately been taken into dock to -be repaired, form the rest of it. All these vessels are built of timber -fresh cut down, and not seasoned, and for this reason last never longer -than six or eight years. To preserve them, even to this time, requires a -thorough repair; they must be heaved down and caulked, which costs at -least from one thousand, to one thousand two hundred guineas. This is an -enormous price, and yet it is not so high as on Lake Erie, whither all -sorts of naval stores must be sent from Kingston, and where the price of -labor is still higher. The timbers of the Mississauga, which was built -three years ago, are almost all rotten. It is so easy to make provision -for ship-timber for many years to come, as this would require merely the -felling of it, and that too at no great distance from the place where it -is to be used, that it is difficult to account for this precaution not -having been adopted. Two gun-boats, which are destined by Governor -Simcoe to serve only in time of war, are at present on the stocks; but -the carpenters who work at them are but eight in number. The extent of -the dilapidations and embezzlements, committed at so great a distance -from the mother country, may be easily conceived. In the course of last -winter a judicial enquiry into a charge of this nature was instituted at -Kingston. The Commissioner of the navy and the principal ship-wright, it -was asserted, had clearly colluded against the King’s interest; but -interest and protection are as powerful in the new world as in the old: -for both the Commissioner and ship-wright continue in their places. - -“Captain Bouchette commands the naval force on Lake Ontario, and is at -the head of all the marine establishments, yet without the least power -in money matters. This gentleman possesses the confidence both of Lord -Dorchester and Governor Simcoe; he is a Canadian by birth, but entered -the British service when Canada fell into the power of England. - -“While Arnold and Montgomery were besieging Quebec, Lord Dorchester, -disguised as a Canadian, stole on board his ship into that city, on -which occasion he displayed much activity, intrepidity, and courage. It -is not at all a matter of surprise that Lord Dorchester should bear in -mind this eminent service. By all accounts he is altogether -incorruptible, and an officer who treats his inferiors with great -mildness and justice. - -“In regard to the pay of the Royal Marine force on Lake Ontario, a -captain has ten shillings a day, a lieutenant six, and a second -lieutenant three shillings and sixpence. The seamen’s wages are eight -dollars per month. The masters of merchantmen have twenty-five dollars, -and the sailors from nine to ten dollars a month. - -“Commander Bouchette is among those, who most strenuously oppose the -project of moving to York, the central point of the force on the lake; -but his family reside at Kingston, and his lands are situated near that -place. Such reasons are frequently of sufficient weight to determine -political opinions.” - -Again, says the same writer, “Governor Simcoe intends to make York the -centre of the naval force on Lake Ontario. Only four gunboats are at -present on this lake, two of which are constantly employed in -transporting merchandise; the other two, which alone are fit to carry -troops and guns, and have oars and sails, are lying under shelter until -an occasion occurs to convert them to their intended purpose. It is the -Governor’s intention to build ten smaller gunboats on Lake Ontario, and -ten on Lake Erie. The ship carpenters, who construct them, reside in the -United States, and return home every winter.” - -“On the 7th October, 1807, Mr. Justice Cochrane, Mr. Gray, the Solicitor -General, and Mr. Agnus McDonald, embarked at York, with several other -passengers in the _Speedy_, a government schooner, commanded by Captain -Paxton, for the purpose of going to Newcastle where the Assizes were to -be held on the 10th. The vessel was seen a few miles from her destined -port on the evening of the 8th. The wind commenced to blow, and the -schooner was never heard of more. There were pieces picked up on the -opposite shore. Mr. Cochrane was young in years, but not in piety.” The -above is extracted from the Kingston _Gazette_, written by “Reckoner,” -which was the name under which Dr. Strachan contributed to that paper. -Colonel Clark, of Dalhousie, says “I recollect the loss of the -_Speedy_,” and he remarks of Solicitor General Gray, that he was “a -noble character, noted for his sympathy on behalf of abolishing -slavery.” He says that there were upwards of twenty passengers; among -them he mentions Jacob Herkimer, a merchant of York. - -It will be seen that Canada took the lead in building the early vessels -upon the lakes. The first American ship that navigated Lake Erie, was -purchased from the British in 1796. She was called the _Detroit_. The -first vessel built by the Americans, for the lakes, was constructed in -1797. The first Canadian merchant vessel built upon Lake Ontario, was by -Francis Crooks, brother of the Hon. James Crooks. It was built to the -east of the present United States fort, at the mouth of the Niagara -river, in 1792, and was called the “York.” She was wrecked at Genesee -river. In 1800 a schooner of about 75 or 100 tons, was brought to -Clifton, and during the winter of 1801 she crossed by the portage road -on immense runners to Queenston, where she again found her native -element in the Niagara river. She was, in 1804, lost in bringing a cargo -to Niagara, with all on board.—(_Clark._) - -It is a curious fact that in the American war of 1812, the British -“Admiralty sent out the frame work, blocks, &c., of the Psyche frigate, -which could have been procured on the spot in the tenth of the time and -a twentieth part of the expense. At the same time there was furnished to -each ship of war on Lake Ontario, a full supply of water casks, with an -apparatus for distilling sea water,” forgetting the fact that the waters -of the lake were of the purest quality. - -Directing our attention to the waters of the bay Quinté, it is found -that until after 1812, but few sailing vessels entered the upper waters, -although found east of Picton Bay. Strange as it may appear at the -present day, there was a time when the head of Picton Bay, or Hay Bay, -was regarded as the head of the bay, and the very outskirts of -civilization, while going up the Long Reach, to the Mohawk tract was -looked upon like going to the Red River at the present day. The settlers -above were too few, and their requirements too limited for a sailing -vessel to ascend, unless occasionally to the Napanee mills. But as time -passed, sloops and schooners, as well as batteaux found employment along -the western townships. - -In the first year of the present century, there was built in the -township of Marysburgh, a short distance west of the Stone mills, a -schooner of some celebrity. It was built by Captain Murney, father of -the late Hon. Edward Murney, of Belleville. Captain Murney came to -Kingston in 1797, at the solicitation of Mr. Joseph Forsyth. It was -constructed for himself, and was made altogether of red cedar, a kind of -wood formerly very plentiful along the bay, and which possesses a most -agreeable odor, and is extremely durable. The vessel was named the -_Prince Edward_. John Clark, of Dalhousie, says of this vessel, that he -was on board the following year of her building, and that she was a -“staunch good ship, with an able captain.” Her size was sufficient to -allow 700 barrels of flour to be stowed beneath her hatches. She ran -upon Lake Ontario for many years, and made for her owner a small -fortune. She was in good condition in 1812, and was employed by -government as an armed vessel. A schooner called _Prince Edward_, -probably the same, Captain Young, was the first vessel to land at the -pier when erected at Wellington. - -The Kingston _Gazette_, April 12, 1817, says: “On Thursday, 20th inst. -at three o’clock p.m., arrived at Ernesttown, in the Bay of Quinté, the -schooner _Mary Ann_, Captain J. Mosier, in twenty hours from York, and -at this port yesterday afternoon with fourteen passengers, of whom -eleven were members of the Provincial Parliament. This is the seventh -voyage this vessel has made this season, to the great credit of her -master. The _Mary Ann_ sailed again in about half an hour for the Bay -Quinté.” - -One of the early vessels upon the bay was commanded by Matthews, father -of the rebel of 1836, who was executed. - - - - - DIVISION III. - THE LOYALISTS AS PIONEERS—THE ORIGINAL SURVEY. - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - - CONTENTS—Major Gen. Holland—Surveying on Atlantic Coast—An adherent - of the Crown—Removal to Montreal—Death—Major Holland—Information - from “Maple Leaves”—Holland Farm—Taché—First Canadian Poem—Head - Quarters of Gen. Montgomery—Hospitality—Duke of Kent—Spencer - Grange—Holland Tree—Graves—Epitaphs—Surveyor Washington—County - Surveyor—Surveyors after the War—First Survey in Upper Canada— - Commenced in 1781—The Mode pursued—Information in Crown Lands - Department—The Nine Townships upon the St. Lawrence—At the close - of the War—Non-Professional Surveyors—Thomas Sherwood—Assisting to - Settle—Surveying around the Bay Quinté—Bongard—Deputy-Surveyor - Collins—First Survey at Frontenac—Town Reserve—Size of Township— - Mistakes—Kotte—Tuffy—Capt. Grass—Capt. Murney—Surveying in Winter— - Planting Posts—Result—Litigation—Losing Land—A Newspaper Letter— - Magistrates—Landholders—Their Sons’ Lawyers—Alleged Filching— - Speculators at Seat of Government—Grave Charges—Width of Lots—Mode - of Surveying—Number of Concessions—Cross Roads—Surveyors Orders— - Numbering the Lots—Surveying around the Bay—The ten Townships— - Their Lands—The Surveying Party—A Singer—Statement of Gourlay. - - - THE FIRST SURVEYS IN UPPER CANADA. - -Among those who distinguished themselves at Louisburg and on the Plains -of Abraham under General Wolfe, was Major Samuel Holland. Sabine says, -he was “Surveyor-General of the Colonies north of Virginia.” In 1773 he -announced his intention to make Perth Amboy, near Jersey, his -head-quarters, and wrote to a gentleman there to inquire for houses to -accommodate himself and his assistants. He then completed the surveys as -far west as Boston. Proposed in 1774 to get round Cape Cod, and to New -London, and said it would be at best six years before he should be able -to finish his labors. In 1775, he wrote Lord Dartmouth that he was ready -to run the line between Massachusetts and New York. By a communication -laid before the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts in July, 1775, it -appears that he had loaned to Alex. Shepard, Jun., who was also a -surveyor, a plan or survey of Maine, which Shepard disliked to return, -fearing that it might be used in a manner prejudicial to the Whig cause, -as Holland was an adherent of the Crown, and then in New Jersey. -Congress recommended to Shepard to retain Holland’s plan. Major Holland -went to Lower Canada, where he resumed his duties of Surveyor-General, -in which capacity he served nearly fifty years. He died in 1801, and at -the time of his decease he was a member of the Executive and Legislative -Councils. - -It was under Surveyor Holland that the first surveys were made upon the -banks of the St. Lawrence and the Bay of Quinté. Major Holland was a -gentleman of education, and known for his social and amiable qualities. -We are indebted to the author of “Maple Leaves,” J. M. LeMoine, Esq., -for information respecting Surveyor Holland. Extending from the brow of -St. Foy heights along St. Louis Road at Quebec, was a piece of land of -200 acres which was known as the Holland Farm. This farm had belonged to -a rich merchant of Quebec, Mon. Jean Taché, who wrote the first Canadian -Poem, “Tableau de la Mer.” He was the ancestor of the late Sir E. Taché. -About the year 1740 he built upon an eminence a high peaked structure, -which, during the seige of Quebec, was the head quarters of Gen. -Montgomery. This place was bought by Gen. Holland in 1780, who lived -there in affluence for many years, subsequent to the close of the war, -1783. The _elite_ of Quebec were wont to resort here to enjoy his -hospitality, and in 1791, he entertained Edward, afterward Duke of Kent, -the father of our Queen. This place is now known as Spencer Grange; but -the old building has long since been removed to be replaced by the -present well-known mansion. From the St. Foy Road may be seen a fir tree -known as the Holland Tree. Under that tree are several graves, which -some years ago were inclosed with a substantial stone wall, with an iron -gate. But now only the foundation remains. Two of the graves had neat -marble slabs, with the names of Samuel Holland senior, and Samuel -Holland, junior. “Here rest Major Surveyor Holland, and his son, who was -killed in a duel at Montreal, by Major Ward of the 60th Regiment,” by a -shot from one of a brace of pistols presented to Major Holland by Gen. -Wolfe. This farm is now in possession of the military authorities. - -At the time of the rebellion the land of the thirteen Colonies was, in -many cases, still unsurveyed, or so imperfectly laid out that frequent -demands were made for the professional surveyor. In the very nature of -things pertaining to the settlement of America, there was a general -demand for surveyors. The country was constantly being opened up. Some -of the most prominent men of the day had been surveyors. Gen. Washington -commenced life as a country surveyor. In the war, both on the rebel and -British sides, were to be found professional surveyors engaged in -fighting. Consequently when the war terminated, there was no lack of -surveyors to carry on the work of surveying the wilderness of Upper -Canada. We have seen that Major Holland held the position of -Surveyor-General, and there was duly appointed a certain number of -deputies and assistants. - -Even while the war was in progress, steps seem to have been taken to -furnish the refugee Loyalists with new homes, upon the land still lying -in a state of nature. The land in Lower Canada being in the main held by -the French Canadians, it was deemed expedient to lay out along the -shores of the upper waters a range of lots for their use. In pursuance -of this, the first survey of land was made by order of Gen. Clarke, -Acting Governor, or Military Commander, in 1781. Naturally the survey -would commence at the extreme western point of French settlement. This -was on the north bank of Lake St. Francis, at the cove west of Pointe au -Bodet, in the limit between the Township of Lancaster, and the seigniory -of New Longueil. - -We have reason to believe that the surveyor at first laid out only a -single range of lots fronting upon the river. In the first place a front -line was established. This seems to have been done along the breadth of -several proposed townships. In doing this it was desirable to have as -little broken front as possible, while at the same time the frontage of -each lot remained unbroken by coves of the river or bay. We are informed -by the Crown Land Department that in some townships there could, in -recent days, be found no posts to indicate the front line, while the -side lines in the second concession were sufficiently marked. - -The original surveyor along the St. Lawrence evidently did not extend -his operations above Elizabethtown, which was called the ninth township, -being the ninth laid out from New Longueil. This is apparent from the -fact that while Elizabethtown was settled in 1781, the next township -above, that of Yonge, was not settled until two years later. The quality -of the land thence to Kingston was not such as would prove useful to the -poor settler, and therefore was allowed for a time to remain unsurveyed. -Hence it came that Cataraqui was the commencement of a second series of -townships distinguished by numbers only. These two distinct ranges of -townships, one upon the St. Lawrence numbering nine, and one upon the -Bay numbering ten, were, when necessary, distinguished apart by the -designation, the “first,” “second,” or “third” Township “upon the St. -Lawrence,” or “upon the Bay of Quinté,” as the case might be. - -It is impossible to say how far the work of surveying had progressed -from Lake St. Francis westward, before the close of the war; it is very -probable, however, that only a base line had been run, and some -temporary mark placed to indicate the corners of each township. Such, -indeed, is shown to be the case by the statement of Sheriff Sherwood, -who says that his father Thomas Sherwood, who had been a subaltern in -the 84th Reg., and who actually located on the first lot in the first -concession of Elizabethtown, “was often called upon to run the side -lines of the lots” for the settlers as they came one after another, and -“to shew them their land.” Mr. Sherwood was not a professional surveyor, -but “he had the instruments and practically knew well how to use them, -and he was ever ready to give his assistance and instructions to the new -comers.” - - - SURVEYING AROUND BAY QUINTÉ. - -In the year 1783, Major Holland, Surveyor-General of Canada, received -instructions from Sir Frederick Haldimand, Governor of the Province of -Quebec, to proceed on duty to Western Canada. Prior to this, we have -observed, there had been commenced a range of lots laid out at the -easternmost limits of what now forms Canada West, to the extent of nine -townships. Yet evidence is wanting that this range had been completed at -the period stated. Holland set out with a sufficient staff of assistants -and attachés, to simultaneously lay out several of the proposed -townships along the St. Lawrence, and the Bay of Quinté. The party -passed up the St. Lawrence, ascending the rapids in a brigade of -batteaux manned by French boatmen. Surveyor Holland had, as his personal -attendant, —— Bongard, who had been in the artillery under General -Reidezel, of the Foreign Legion. From the son of this person, now living -in Marysburgh, valuable information has been obtained, much of which has -been substantiated by legal documents, published in connection with the -law report of the trial respecting the Murney estate and the town of -Kingston. Mr. Bongard says that Holland, as he passed up, detailed a -deputy to each of the townships, stopping first at Oswegotchie, opposite -Prescott, and that he passed up as far as the fourth township upon Bay -Quinté, where he pitched his tent, and where he continued to hold his -head-quarters, receiving the reports of the various Deputy-Surveyors as -they were from time to time brought in. While it seems most probable -that Holland came to the Upper Province in 1783, it is possible that he -remained in Lower Canada until the spring of 1784, having deputed -Surveyor Collins to commence a survey westward from the fort at -Frontenac; or perhaps he visited that place with Collins whom he left to -carry on the work during this first year. - -Whether Surveyor-General Holland visited Fort Frontenac in the year -1783, or not, it was Deputy-Surveyor John Collins who made the first -survey of the first township, and of the original town plot of Kingston. -According to the sworn testimony of Gilbert Orser, who assisted Collins, -in the year 1783, as well as others, the township was surveyed first, -and the town plot afterward; although it appears that Holland’s -instructions were, first “to lay out proper reservations for the town -and fort, and then to proceed and lay out the township, six miles -square.” The lots were to contain each 200 acres, to be 25 in number, -each range. Mr. Collins placed a monument, it is averred, “at the -south-east angle of lot 25, from which a line was run northerly the -whole depth of the Township, six miles, where another stone monument was -placed, making a line of blazed trees throughout.” From this, it would -seem, he continued to survey the township, leaving the land for the -town, which he, no doubt, thought extensive enough, to be laid out into -town lots, and leaving 40 feet of land, which was to form a road between -the town and township. Respecting this line and lot 25, there has been a -great deal of litigation. As nearly as the facts can be gathered, the -following statement may be regarded as correct: - -After Collins had completed the survey of the township, and had even -made his returns, to the effect that it contained 25 lots, of 200 acres, -he was importuned, or ‘induced by the Commanding Officer at Fort -Frontenac,’ to make lot 25 contain only 100 acres, that more ground -might thereby be had for the proposed town. More than this, it seems -that there was some mistake in the said eastern side line, so as to -subsequently limit lot 25 to even less than 100 acres. And, Capt. -Michael Grass, when he took possession of this lot, in 1784, found that -this line was inaccurately run. Deputy-Surveyor Kotte was requested to -examine it; and finding there was an error, made representations to -Government, who sent persons to correct it. One Deputy-Surveyor Tuffy -was directed to re-survey the line, and he gave more land to lot 25. -However, there was yet some error, which was a source of great trouble. -Capt. Michael Grass sold this lot to Capt. Murney, who, subsequently -finding it did not contain the amount of land which the patent assumed, -applied legally for his rights. - -The surveying party, among whom were some of those who subsequently -settled in the township, and who must have belonged to Capt. Grass’ -company of refugees, returned to Sorel, where they spent the winter. At -least this is the testimony of one of the grand-children of Capt. Grass. -But if the surveying party did, this winter of 1783–4, retire from their -work to Lower Canada, it appears unlikely they did the following winter. -Indeed there are indications that surveying went on during the winter. -In laying out the Townships, special attention was given to make the -lots front squarely upon the Bay. In the winter the base line could be -more closely run by the water edge upon the ice, than in summer, through -the woods. We are informed, at the Crown Lands Department, that in some -townships no posts or other marks had at first been found in the -re-survey, although such were to be found in the 2nd concession. The -inference was, that the posts planted in winter by the water, had, in -the spring or summer been washed away, in the course of time. This, as -may be supposed, led in time to great confusion, and no little -litigation. For many years there was much trouble to establish the land -marks all along the front; and cases are not wanting where it has been -charged that fraudulent removals of posts were made. The straightforward -settler, while engaged in his daily and yearly round of toil, thought -not of the side lines of his farm, fully believing that a survey had -been definitely fixed by marks that could not be altered, and too often -when plenty and comfort had come, he was startled to find some one -claiming some of his cleared or uncleared land. Although conscious that -such and such were the boundaries of the land granted to him, it was not -so easy to prove that such was the case. The annoyances of these direct -and indirect attempts to disinherit, may easily be imagined. In this -connection, the following letter may be given as exemplifying the -feelings, if not the facts—perhaps both—which belonged to those days. It -appeared in the Kingston _Gazette_ in 1816, over the signature “A.” - -“SIR,—The situation of the old settlers in the Province of Upper Canada, -is truly deplorable. These people settled in the wilds of Canada, then -the Province of Quebec, under the surveys made by the acting -Surveyor-General. Landmarks being established for the guidance of their -improvements: no deeds were given them until the Parliament of Great -Britain altered the Quebec bill, arranged a new constitution, similar to -that they had lost during the rebellion, in the Province of New York, -from whence they chiefly came to settle at Frontenac, now Kingston. -After cultivating the country agreeably to those surveys for twenty -years or more, deeds are issued to cover those lots, drawn and -cultivated as above mentioned. The Surveyor-General, David William -Smith, Speaker of the House of Assembly, knowing that these deeds were -filled up by guess, the survey never having been made complete, wisely -provided an Act of the Legislature to prevent the deeds from moving the -old land-marks. This Act provides that when thirty freeholders apply to -the Magistrates in session they shall make an assessment and collect the -money to enable the Surveyor-General to erect monuments, in order to -preserve their ancient land-marks and boundaries. What is the reason -that this Act has not been complied with? Are the Magistrates all -landholders and their sons Lawyers? - -“An order from the Governor has lain in the Surveyor-General’s office -ever since the year 1801 for monuments to be erected in the Township of -Kingston, agreeable to the intention of that Act. Why will not the -Magistrates do their duty? The consequence is, that the licensed -Surveyor, John Ryder, is running new lines every day, and moving the -land-marks of the old settlers. People who have come into the country -from the States, marry into a family, and obtain a lot of wild land, get -John Ryder to move the land-marks, and instead of a wild lot, take by -force a fine house and barn and orchard, and a well cultured farm, and -turn the old Tory, (as he is called) out of his house, and all his labor -for thirty years. - -“These old settlers have suffered all that men could suffer; first in a -seven years’ rebellion in the revolutionized colonies; then came to a -remote wilderness, some hundred miles from any inhabitant—not a road, -not a cow, or an ox, or a horse to assist them; no bread during the -winter, they wintered first at Cataraqui. A little pease and pork was -all they could get until the ice gave way in the spring of 1785. - -“The King, as an acknowledgment and mark of his approbation for the -loyalty and sufferings of his faithful subjects, ordered lands to be -granted them free from expense, and marked each man’s name with the -letters U. E., with a grant annexed to each child as it became of age, -of two hundred acres of the waste lands of the crown. - -“Now these children cannot get these lands agreeably to the intention of -Government. They must sell their right to a set of speculators that -hover round the seat of Government, or never get located. Or if they -should have the fortune to get a location ticket, it is situated on -rocks, and lakes, and barren lands, where they are worth nothing at all; -the good lots being marked by the Surveyors, and located by those U. E. -rights they have so purchased. - -“Now, Sir, _was_ I a scholar, I might draw you a much better description -of this wickedness. But I have lived to see thirteen colonies, now -States of America, severed from the British empire by the -mal-administration of justice in the civil government of those colonies; -the people’s minds were soured to that degree that a few designing men -overthrew the Government.” - -“After the conquest of Canada, the king ordered a thousand acres of land -to be granted to each man. The land was granted; but the people to whom -it was granted were deprived by a set of speculators, from ever getting -a foot, unless they became tenants to those who, in a manner, had robbed -them of their rights.” - -While the lots were generally made twenty chains in width, a few of the -first townships were but nineteen, and consequently of greater depth to -make the 200 acres, and the concessions were proportionally wider. - -The base line being established, a second one, parallel thereto, was -made at a distance generally of a mile and a quarter, allowance being -made in addition, for a road. It is more than likely that in many -townships the second line, or concession, was not immediately run out. -The settlers could not easily traverse even a mile of woods, and for a -time accommodation was made only at the front. But within a year, in -most townships, the second row of lots had been surveyed and partially -occupied. At the front line was always an allowance for a road of sixty -feet, as well as at the second line for one of forty feet. The range of -lots between the front and the second lines as well as between the -second and third, and so on, was called a Concession, a term derived -from the French, having reference to their mode of conferring land in -the Lower Province, and peculiar to this country. Each concession was -divided into lots of 200 acres each, the dividing lines being at right -angles with the concession lines, and a quarter of a mile distant from -each other. At intervals of two or three miles, a strip of forty feet -between two lots was left, for a cross road. In Ameliasburgh it seems -that this was neglected. The number of concessions depended on -circumstances. Along the St. Lawrence, they numbered to even fifteen or -sixteen. Along the bay they were seven and eight. Adolphustown has only -four. The irregular course of the Bay Quinté, and the fronting of the -townships upon its waters, gave rise to great irregularity in the -interior lots, and produced a large number of Gores. This may be noticed -more especially in Sophiasburgh, and indeed throughout all of Prince -Edward district. - -Respecting the provision made for cross roads, Alex. Aitkins, who was -Deputy Surveyor of Midland district for many years, says under date, -1797, in respect to the township of Sophiasburgh, “Mr. Kotte’s orders -1785, were from Deputy Surveyor General, Mr. Collins, who was then at -Kingston, to lay off cross roads between every six lots as he had done -in the eastern part of the province, from township number one, now -Charlotteburgh, to township number eight Elizabethtown, and, of no -doubt, they would be found at the waters’ edge on the Bay Quinté.” - -By looking at the township maps of the bay, it will be seen that the -lots of the first three townships, are numbered from west to east, while -as we have seen, the townships were numbered from east to west. It is -inferred from this fact that the surveyor conducted his survey along the -front, planting posts to mark the division of lots, and leaving -allowance for roads, but did not complete the concessions until the -breadth of the townships had been determined, when it was done from west -to east, the lots being numbered accordingly. - -The surveyor continued to chain the front, upon the north shore of the -bay, until he reached the turn in the bay at the western point of -Adolphustown. This portion of territory was divided into four townships. - -The surveyor then crossed the bay and proceeded from the Upper Gap, to -lay out lots in an irregular manner upon the water, along the bay and -the lake to, and around Smith’s Bay, and along Black Creek; also upon -the east shore of Picton Bay. This constituted the fifth township. -Following the bay shore of Prince Edward peninsula from Picton Bay, -along the High Shore and around Green Point, another, the sixth -township, was laid out; the lots always fronting on the bay. Still -following the bay, the seventh township was created, the western -boundary of which brought the surveyor to the head of the bay, or -Carrying Place. - -Turning eastward along the north shore of the bay, the eighth township -was laid out. Likewise, the ninth township, which brought the surveyor -to a tract of land which had been reserved for, and given to the -faithful Mohawk Indians. Passing by the present township of Tyendinaga, -still another township was laid out fronting upon the Mohawk Bay, and -Napanee River. This constituted the tenth township, Richmond. Thus the -surveyors had made a complete circuit of the bay. These townships were, -for many a day, designated by the numeral prefix; even yet may be found -gray haired individuals who speak of them in no other way. Subsequently, -however, these townships had given to them respectively, the royal names -of Kingston, Ernest town, Fredericksburgh, Adolphustown, Marysburgh, -Ameliasburgh, Sophiasburgh; and the noble ones of Sidney, Thurlow, and -Richmond. - -There would at the present time, be nothing so interesting to the -settlers of the bay, than to read a diary of the events connected with -the original survey. Surveying the wilderness is weary work at any time; -but when the persons who take part in striking the lines and fixing the -boundaries, have constantly in mind that when their survey is completed, -they cannot return to civilization and the comforts of a home, but that -they have to remain to become citizens of the forest, they must -experience many a heart pang. Yet there seems to have been a -lightheartedness with most of them. The camp fire at night witnessed -many pleasant hours of jovial pass-time. Singing, storytelling, wiled -away agreeably many an hour. Accompanying Collins’ surveying party, was -one Purdy, who gained no little renown as a capital singer. - -We will close our remarks upon the original survey by giving the -statement of Gourlay. He says that “such was the haste to get land -surveyed and given away, that ignorant and careless men were employed to -measure it out, and such a mess did they make of their land measuring, -that one of the present surveyors informed me that in running new lines -over a great extent of the province, he found spare room for a whole -township in the midst of those laid out at an early period. It may -readily be conceived, upon consideration of this fact, what blundering -has been committed, and what mistakes stand for correction.” - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - CONTENTS—The term Concession—First Concession of Land in Canada—The - Carignan Regiment—Seigniories—Disproportion of the sexes—Females - sent from France—Their appearance—Settling them—Marriage - allowance—The last seigniory—New Longeuil—Seigniory at Frontenac— - Grants to Refugees—Officers and men—Scale of granting—Free of - expense—Squatting—Disbanded soldiers—Remote regions—A wise and - beneficent policy—Impostors—Very young officers—Wholesale granting - of land—Republicans coming over—Covetous—False pretensions— - Government had to discriminate—Rules and regulations—Family lands— - Bounty—Certificates—Selling claims—Rear concessions—Transfer of - location ticket—Land board—Tardiness in obtaining titles to real - estate—Transfer by bond—Jobbing—Sir Wm. Pullency—Washington—Giving - lands to favorites—Reserves—Evil results—The Family Compact— - Extract from Playter—Extract from Lord Durham—From Gourlay— - Recompense to Loyalists—Rations—Mode of drawing land—Land Agent— - Broken front—Traitor Arnold—Tyendinaga. - - - CONCESSION OF LANDS TO THE FRENCH. - -It has been stated that the term concession, as well as the system of -granting land to disbanded soldiers, was derived from the French. The -first concession of lands to soldiers took place in 1665, to the -Carignan Regiment, a name derived from a Prince of the house of Savoy, -which came to New France with the first Viceroy. It was a distinguished -corps in the French Infantry, having won renown on many a bloody field, -and carried death to many an Iroquois Indian. The Indians having sought -peace from the French, leave was granted to this regiment to permanently -settle in the New World. Titles to land was conferred according to rank, -and as well, sums of money to assist in the clearing of land. “The -officers, who were mostly noblesse obtained seigniories with their late -soldiers for vassals.” The settlement of this body of men increased the -disproportion between the males and females in Canada. The home -government considerately took steps to remedy this abnormal state of -things and despatched “several hundred from old France.” They “consisted -of tall, short, fair, brown, fat and lean.” These females were offered -to such of the men as had means to support a wife. In a few days they -were all disposed of. The Governor-General then distributed to the newly -married ones “oxen, cows, hogs, fowls, salted beef,” as well as money.— -(_Smith._) - -The original grants of land by the French Government under the feudal -system, was into seigniories. These were subdivided into parishes, -“whose extents were exactly defined by De Vandreuil and Bigon, September -1721.” For these grants of seignioral tenure, certain acts of fealty -were to be performed, pursuant to the custom of Paris. After the British -supremacy, grants of land were still made by government in Lower Canada. -The last seigniory was conferred by the French in April, 1734, to -Chevalier de Longeuil, and is known as New Longeuil. It constitutes the -western boundary of the Lower Province. - - - CONCESSION OF LANDS TO THE LOYALISTS. - -We have elsewhere seen that the first person, other than the natives, to -possess land in Upper Canada, was De la Salle, the discoverer of the -Mississippi River, to whom was granted a seigniory at Cataraqui, of four -leagues, including the fort, and the islands in front of the four -leagues of territory. Wolfe, Gage and Amherst Islands. - -At the close of the war in 1783, it was determined by government to -confer grants of land to the refugee loyalists in Canada, on the same -scale to officers and men as had been done after the conquest of Canada, -1763, with the exception that all loyalists under the rank of subaltern -were to receive 200 acres. The grants to the disbanded soldiers and -loyalists, were to be made free of every expense. - -In some of the townships, the settlers were squatting along the St. -Lawrence and Bay Quinté, until late in the summer and fall of 1784, -waiting to know the location of their lots. This might easily be, as -although the forest had been surveyed, the lots had not been numbered. -So, although the refugee soldier had his location ticket for a certain -lot, it was often a long tedious time before he could know its precise -situation. - -The front part of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth townships -upon the bay were definitely disposed of to disbanded soldiers and -refugees, formed into companies. But the lands, then considered more -remote, as along the north shore of Hay Bay, in the third and fourth -towns; in some parts of the fifth; and more particularly along the -shores of the western extremity of the bay, were at the service of any -one who might venture to settle. It was considered quite in the remote -part of the earth. Even the head of Picton Bay was considered a place -which would hardly be settled. The result was, that many of the choice -lots were taken up in the eighth and ninth towns, before they were -surveyed. - -The policy pursued by the British Government, in recognizing the -services of those who served in the British army against the rebels, and -in recompensing the losses sustained by those who adhered to the British -Crown in America, was most wise and beneficent. There were a few -deserving ones in suffering circumstances, who failed to get the bounty -so wisely granted. This sometimes was the result of the individual’s own -neglect, in not advancing his claims; sometimes the fault of an agent -who, too intent in getting for himself, forget those entrusted to his -care. While a small number thus remained without justice, there were on -the other hand, a large number who succeeded unworthily in obtaining -grants. It is no cause for wonder, that out of the large number who -composed the U. E. Loyalists, there would be found a certain number who -would not hesitate to so represent, or misrepresent their case, that an -undue reward would be accorded. Finding the government on the giving -hand, they scrupled not to take advantage of its parental kindness. In -later days we have seen the United States, when in the throes of a great -civil war, bleeding at every point of the body politic, by the -unprincipled contractors and others, who the most loudly proclaimed -their patriotism. In 1783, when a rebellion had proved successful, and -so had become a revolution, and the nation, from which a branch had been -struck off, was most anxious to repay those who had preferred loyalty to -personal aggrandizement, we may not wonder that there were some willing -to take all they could get. - -It is also related that certain officers of the regiments were in the -habit of putting each of their children, however young, upon the -strength of the regiment, with the view of securing him land, and hence -arose an expression the “Major won’t take his pap,” and “half pay -officers never die,” as the officer placed on half pay when a year old, -would long enjoy it. But it will be often found that this mode was -adopted by those in authority, as the most convenient to confer favors -upon the chief officers, although a very ridiculous one. - -For many a year no strict rules for discrimination, were observed in the -granting of lands in Canada, and the petitions which literally crowded -upon the government, were, in the main, promptly complied with. The time -came, however, when more care had to be observed, for not a few of those -who had actually rebelled, or had sympathized with the rebels, finding -less advantages from republicanism than had been promised, and with -chagrin, learning that those, whose homesteads and lands they had -assisted to confiscate, had wrought out new homes upon land, conferred -by a government more liberal, and of a nobler mind than the _parvenu_ -government, which had erected a new flag upon American soil, looked now -with longing, covetous eyes toward the northern country, which those -they had persecuted, had converted from a wilderness to comfortable -homes. The trials of the first settlement had been overcome. The -occasional visit of a Canadian pioneer to his old home in the States, -where he told the pleasing tale of success, notwithstanding their -cruelty, caused some to envy their hard earned comforts, and even led -some who had been the worst of rebels, to set out for Canada with a view -of asserting their loyalty and, thereby of procuring lands. Not a few of -such unworthy ones succeeded for a time in procuring lands. It therefore -became necessary, on the part of the government, to exact the most -searching examination of parties petitioning for land. No reference is -here made to those who came into the province in response to the -invitation proclaimed by Governor Simcoe; but to those who entered under -false colors, prior to the time of Upper Canada being set apart from -Lower Canada. - - _Extracts from the Rules and Regulations for the conduct of the Land - Office Department, dated Council Chamber, 17th February, 1789, for - the guidance of the Land Boards._ - -“4th. The safety and propriety of admitting the petitioner to become an -inhabitant of this Province being well ascertained to the satisfaction -of the Board, they shall administer to every such person the oaths of -fidelity and allegiance directed by law; after which the Board shall -give every such petitioner a certificate to the Surveyor General or any -person authorized to act as an Agent or Deputy Surveyor for the district -within the trust of that Board, expressing the ground of the -petitioner’s admission, and such Agent or Deputy Surveyor shall, within -two days after the presentment of the certificate, assign the petitioner -a single lot of about two hundred acres, describing the same with due -certainty and accuracy under his signature. But the said certificate -shall, nevertheless, have no effect if the petitioner shall not enter -upon the location, and begin the improvement and cultivation thereof -within one year from the date of such assignment, or if the petitioner -shall have had lands assigned to him before that time in any other part -of the Province. - -“7th. The respective Boards shall, on petition from the Loyalists -already settled in the Upper Districts for the allotment of lands under -the instructions to the Deputy Surveyor General of the 2nd of June, -1787, or under prior or other orders for assigning portions to their -families, examine into the grounds of such requests and claims, and -being well satisfied of the justice thereof, they shall grant -certificates for such further qualities of lands as the said -instructions and orders may warrant to the acting Surveyors of their -Districts respectively, to be by them made effectual in the manner -before mentioned, but to be void, nevertheless, if prior to the passing -the grant in form, it shall appear to the Government that such -additional locations have been obtained by fraud, and that of these the -Boards transmit to the office of the Governor’s Secretary, and to each -others, like reports and lists as hereinbefore, as to the other -locations directed. - -“8th. And to prevent individuals from monopolizing such spots as contain -mines, minerals, fossils, and conveniences for mills, and other similar -advantages of a common and public nature, to the prejudice of the -general interest of the settler, the Surveyor-General and his Agents or -Deputy Surveyors in the different districts, shall confine themselves in -the location to be made by them upon certificates of the respective -Boards, to such lands only as are fit for the common purpose of -husbandry; and they shall reserve all other spots aforementioned, -together with all such as may be fit and useful for ports and harbours, -or works of defence, or such as contain valuable timber for ships, -building or other purposes, conveniently situated for water carriage, in -the hands of the Crown, and they shall, without delay, give all -particular information to the Governor or Commander-in-Chief for the -time being, of all such spots as are hereinbefore directed to be -reserved to the Crown, that order may be taken respecting the same. And -the more effectually to prevent abuses and to put individuals on their -guard in this respect, any certificate of location given contrary to the -true intent and meaning of this regulation is hereby declared to be null -and void, and a special order of the Governor and Council made necessary -to pledge the faith of Government for granting of any such spots as are -directed to be reserved. - - - FAMILY LANDS AND ADDITIONAL BOUNTY. - - “Certificate of the Board appointed by His Excellency the Governor, - for the District of ——, in the Province of Quebec, under the rules - and regulations for the conduct of the Land Office Department. - - “Dated, Council Chamber, Quebec, 17th February, 1789. - - “The bearer ——, having on the —— day of ——, preferred to the Board a - Petition addressed to His Excellency the Governor in Council, for a - grant of —— acres of land in the Township of —— in the District of — - —. We have examined into his character and pretentions, and find - that he has received —— acres of land in the Township of ——, in the - District of ——, and that he settled on and has improved the same, - and that he is entitled to a further assignment of —— acres, —— in - conformity to the seventh articles of the rules and regulations - aforementioned. - - “Given at the Board at this —— day of ——, one thousand seven hundred - and ——. - - “To —— - - “Acting Surveyor for the District of ——. - - - CERTIFICATE OF THE ACTING SURVEYOR. - - “I assign to the bearer —— the lot No. —— in the Township of ——, in - the District of ——, containing —— acres, —— chains, which lands he - is hereby authorized to occupy and improve, and having improved the - same, he shall receive the same grant thereof, to him and his heirs - or devisee in due form on such terms as it shall please His Majesty - to ordain, and all persons are desired to take notice that this - assignment and all others of a similar nature are not transferable, - by purchase, donation or otherwise, on any pretence whatever, except - by an act under the signature of the Board for the District in which - the lands are situated, which is to be endorsed upon this - Certificate. - - “Given at ——, this —— day of ——, one thousand seven hundred and ——. - - “To —— - - “Acting Surveyor for the District of ——.” - -But there were many a one who drew land, and never even saw it. It was -quickly, thoughtlessly sometimes, sold for little or nothing. Sometimes -for a quart of rum. The right jolly old soldier would take no thought of -the morrow. A few did not retain their lands, because they were of -little value for agricultural purposes; but the majority because they -were situated in that remote region in the 4th or 5th concession of the -third town, or away up in the 2nd concession of sixth town, or a long -way up in the eighth town. Rear concessions of even the first and second -townships were looked upon doubtingly, as to whether the land was worth -having. Often the land would not be looked after. It not unfrequently -was the case that settlers upon the front who had drawn land also in the -rear townships, disposed of the latter, not from any indifference as to -its future value, but to obtain the immediate necessaries of life, as -articles of clothing, or stock, or perhaps food, or seed grain, and now -and then in later days to pay taxes. The certificates of the children, -entitling them to land when of age, were often disposed of. Even -officers found it convenient, or necessary to sell rear land to new -comers, for ready money. - -Thus it came to pass that a good many never took possession of the land -which a prudent Government had granted them. The statement has been made -that persons holding prominent positions at the time, and possessed of -prudent forethought, as to the value which would in the future attach to -certain lots, stood ready not only to accept offers to sell, but to -induce the ignorant and careless to dispose of their claims. -Consequently when patents were issued, several persons became patentees -of large tracts of land, which had been drawn by individual Loyalists, -whose names never appeared in the Crown Land Office. The transfer of a -certificate or “location ticket,” consisted in the seller writing his -name upon the back of the ticket. Occasionally a ticket would exchange -hands several times, so that at last when it was presented to obtain the -deed, it was difficult to determine who was the owner. The power to thus -transfer the certificates, was allowed for several years. But in time -Government discovered the abuses which had arisen out of it, and decided -that all patents should, thenceforward, be in the name of the person who -originally drew the land. Not unfrequently these certificates were lost. -The losers, upon claiming land, could not establish their rights; but -Government, to meet this misfortune, created a Land Board for each -Township, whose duty it was to examine and determine the claims of all -who presented them. - -The following extract of a letter will explain itself: - - “_For the Kingston Gazette, June 1st, 1816._” - - “It has long been a subject of deep regret in the minds of judicious - persons, that the inhabitants of this Province should be so - neglectful as they are in securing their titles of real estate. When - the country was first settled, the grants of land from the crown, on - account of the existing state of the Province, could not be - immediately issued. The settlers, however, drew their lots and went - into possession of them, receiving only tickets, or certificates, as - the evidence of their right to them. In the meantime, exchanges and - sales were made by transfers of the possession with bonds for - conveyances when the deeds should be obtained from the Crown Office. - - “This practice of transferring land by way of bond, being thus - introduced, was continued by force of usage, after the cause of its - introduction was removed. In too many instances it is still - continued, although, by the death of the parties, and the consequent - descent of estates to heirs under age, and other intervening - privations, many disappointments, failures, and defects of title, - are already experienced; and the evil consequences are becoming - still more serious, as lands rise in value, become more settled and - divided among assignees, devisees, &c. In a few years this custom, - more prevalent perhaps in this Province, than elsewhere, will prove - a fruitful source of litigation, unless the practice should be - discontinued.” - -In connection with free grants of land, and a certain degree of -indifference as to the value, there must necessarily arise more or less -speculation or land-jobbing. - -Sir William Pullency has been called the first land-jobber in Canada. In -1791, he bought up 1,500,000, at one shilling per acre, and soon after -sold 700,000 at an average of eight shillings per acre. But land-jobbing -is not peculiar to Canada, nor has its practice militated against the -public character of eminent men, either here or abroad. General -Washington was not only a Surveyor, but an extensive land-jobber, and -thereby increased immensely his private fortune. - -We have seen elsewhere, that a few private individuals were wont to buy -the location tickets of all who desired to part with them, or whom they -could induce to sell. In this way a few individuals came to own large -quantities of land, even from the first. Afterward, there was often -conferred by the authorities, quantities of land upon those connected -with influential persons, or upon favorites. Subsequently the mode of -reserving Crown and Clergy lands increased the evil. And it was an evil, -a serious drawback; not alone that, but favorites procured land without -any particular claim or right. The land thus held in reserve, being -distributed among the settled lots in the several townships, was waste -land, and a barrier to advancement. Each settler had to clear a road -across his lot; but the Government lots, and those held by -non-residents, remained without any road across them, except such paths -as the absolute requirements of the settlers had caused them to make. In -this way, the interests of the inhabitants were much retarded, and the -welfare of the Province seriously damaged. The existence of the Family -Compact prevented the removal of this evil, for many a year, while -favorites enjoyed choice advantages. In 1817, “The House of Assembly in -Upper Canada took into consideration the state of the Province, and -among other topics, the injury arising from the reserve lands of the -Crown and the Clergy.” In laying out the townships in later years, “The -Government reserved in the first concession, the 5th, 15th, and 20th -lots; and the Clergy the 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 22nd. In the second -concession, the Crown reserved the 4th, 11th, 21st, and 23rd; and the -Clergy, the 2nd, 9th, and 16th. And thus in every two concessions, the -Crown would have three lots in one, and four in the other, or seven in -all; and the Clergy the same; or 14 lots reserved in every 48, or nearly -one-third of the land in each concession, and in each township. The -object of the reservation was to increase the value of such land by the -improvements of the settlers around it. The object was selfish, as the -reserve lands injured all those who did them good. It was difficulty -enough to clear up the forests; but to leave so many lots in this forest -state, was a difficulty added by the Crown. To have one-third of a -concession uncleared and uncultivated, was an injury to the two-thirds -cleared and cultivated. Large patches of forest, interspersed with -cultivated land, obstructs the water courses, the air, and the light; -nurtured wild animals and vermin destructive to crops and domestic -creatures around a farm house; and especially, are injurious to roads -running through them, by preventing the wind and the sun from drying the -moisture. Besides, no taxes were paid by these wild lots for any public -improvements; only from cultivated lands. The Assembly, however, were -cut short in their work of complaint, by being suddenly prorogued by the -Governor, whose Council was entirely against such an investigation. Here -was the beginning of the Clergy Reserve agitation in the Provincial -Parliament, which continued for many years.”—(_Playter._) - -In this connection, the following extract from a report of Lord Durham, -will be found interesting: - -“By official returns which accompany this report, it appears that, out -of about 17,000,000 acres comprised within the surveyed districts of -Upper Canada, less than 1,600,000 acres are yet unappropriated, and this -amount includes 450,000 acres the reserve for roads, leaving less than -1,200,000 acres open to grant, and of this remnant 500,000 acres are -required to satisfy claims for grants founded on pledges by the -Government. In the opinion of Mr. Radenhurst, the really acting -Surveyor-General, the remaining 700,000 consist for the most, part of -land inferior in position or quality. It may almost be said, therefore, -that the whole of the public lands in Upper Canada have been alienated -by the Government. In Lower Canada, out of 6,169,963 acres in the -surveyed townships, nearly 4,000,000 acres have been granted or sold; -and there are unsatisfied but indisputable claims for grants to the -amount of about 500,000. In Nova Scotia nearly 6,000,000 acres of land -have been granted, and in the opinion of the Surveyor-General, only -about one-eighth of the land which remains to the Crown, or 300,000 -acres is available for the purposes of settlement. The whole of Prince -Edward’s Island, about 1,400,000 acres, was alienated in one day. In New -Brunswick 4,400,000 acres have been granted or sold, leaving to the -Crown about 11,000,000, of which 5,500,000 are considered fit for -immediate settlement. - -“Of the lands granted in Upper and Lower Canada, upwards of 3,000,000 -acres consist of ‘Clergy Reserves,’ being for the most part lots of 200 -acres each, scattered at regular intervals over the whole face of the -townships, and remaining, with few exceptions, entirely wild to this -day. The evils produced by the system of reserving land for the Clergy -have become notorious, even in this country; and a common opinion I -believe prevails here, not only that the system has been abandoned, but -that measures of remedy have been adopted. This opinion is incorrect in -both points. In respect of every new township in both Provinces reserves -are still made for the Clergy, just as before; and the Act of the -Imperial Parliament which permits the sale of the Clergy Reserves, -applies to only one-fourth of the quantity The select committee of the -House of Commons on the civil government of Canada reported in 1828, -that “these reserved lands, as they are at present distributed over the -country, retard more than any other circumstance the growth of the -colony, lying as they do in detached portions of each township, and -intervening between the occupations of actual settlers, who have no -means of cutting roads through the woods and morasses, which thus -separate them from their neighbours. This description is perfectly -applicable to the present state of things. In no perceptible degree has -the evil been remedied. - -“The system of Clergy Reserves was established by the act of 1791, -commonly called the Constitutional Act, which directed that, in respect -of all grants made by the Crown, a quantity equal to one-seventh of the -land so granted should be reserved for the clergy. A quantity equal to -one-seventh of all grants would be one-eighth of each township, or of -all the public land. Instead of this proportion, the practice has been, -ever since the act passed, and in the clearest violation of its -provisions, to set apart for the clergy in Upper Canada a seventh of all -the land, which is a quantity equal to a sixth of the land granted. -There have been appropriated for this purpose 300,000 acres, which -legally, it is manifest, belong to the public. And of the amount for -which Clergy Reserves have been sold in that Province, namely, £317,000 -(of which about £100,000 have been already received and invested in the -English funds,) the sum of about £45,000 should belong to the public. - -“In Lower Canada, the same violation of the law has taken place, with -this difference—that upon every sale of Crown and Clergy Reserves, a -fresh reserve for the Clergy has been made, equal to one-fifth of such -reserves. The result has been the appropriation for the clergy of -673,567 acres, instead of 446,000, being an excess of 227,559 acres, or -half as much again as they ought to have received. The Lower Canada fund -already produced by sales amounts to £50,000, of which, therefore, a -third, or about £16,000, belong to the public. If, without any reform of -this abuse, the whole of the unsold Clergy Reserves in both Provinces -should fetch the average price at which such lands have hitherto sold, -the public would be wronged to the amount of about £280,000; and the -reform of this abuse will produce a certain and almost immediate gain to -the public of £60,000. In referring, for further explanation of this -subject, to a paper in the appendix which has been drawn up by Mr. -Hanson, a member of the commission of inquiry which I appointed for the -colonies. I am desirous of stating my own conviction that the clergy -have had no part in this great misappropriation of the public property, -but that it has arisen entirely from heedless misconception, or some -other error, of the civil government of both Provinces.” - -“The great objection to reserves for the clergy is, that those for whom -the land is set apart never have attempted, and never could successfully -attempt, to cultivate or settle the property, and that, by special -appropriation, so much land is withheld from settlers, and kept in a -state of waste, to the serious injury of all settlers in its -neighborhood. But it would be a great mistake to suppose that this is -the only practice by which such injury has been, and still is, inflicted -on actual settlers. In the two Canadas, especially, the practice of -rewarding, or attempting to reward, public services by grants of public -land, has produced, and is still producing, a degree of injury to actual -settlers which it is difficult to conceive without having witnessed it. -The very principle of such grants is bad, inasmuch as, under any -circumstances, they must lead to an amount of appropriation beyond the -wants of the community, and greatly beyond the proprietor’s means of -cultivation and settlement. In both the Canadas, not only has this -principle been pursued with reckless profusion, but the local executive -governments have managed, by violating or evading the instructions which -they received from the Secretary of State, to add incalculably to the -mischiefs that would have arisen at all events. - -“In Upper Canada, 3,200,000 acres have been granted to “U. E. -Loyalists,” being refugees from the United States, who settled in the -province before 1787, and their children; 730,000 acres to Militia men; -450,000 acres to discharged Soldiers and Sailors; 225,000 acres to -Magistrates and Barristers; 136,000 acres to Executive Councillors, and -their families; 50,000 acres to five Legislative Councillors, and their -families; 36,900 acres to Clergymen, as private property; 264,000 to -persons contracting to make surveys; 92,526 acres to officers of the -Army and Navy; 500,000 acres for the endowment of schools; 48,520 acres -to Colonel Talbot; 12,000 acres to heirs of General Brock, and 12,000 -acres to Dr. Mountain, a former Bishop of Quebec; making altogether, -with the Clergy Reserves, nearly half of all the surveyed land in the -province. In Lower Canada, exclusively of grants to refugee loyalists, -as to the amount of which the Crown Lands’ Department could furnish me -with no information, 450,000 acres having been granted to Militiamen, to -Executive Councillors 72,000 acres, to Governor Milne, about 48,000 -acres, to Mr. Cushing and another, upwards of 100,000 acres (as a reward -for giving information in a case of high treason), to officers and -soldiers 200,000 acres, and to “leaders of townships” 1,457,209 acres, -making altogether, with the Clergy Reserves, rather more than half of -the surveyed lands originally at the disposal of the Crown. - -“In Upper Canada, a very small proportion (perhaps less than a tenth) of -all the land thus granted, has been even occupied by settlers, much less -reclaimed and cultivated. In Lower Canada, with the exception of a few -townships bordering on the American frontier, which have been -comparatively well settled, in despite of the proprietors, by American -squatters, it may be said that nineteen-twentieths of these grants are -still unsettled, and in a perfectly wild state. - -“No other result could have been expected in the case of those classes -of grantees whose station would preclude them from settling in the -wilderness, and whose means would enable them to avoid exertion for -giving immediate value to their grants; and unfortunately, the land -which was intended for persons of a poorer order, who might be expected -to improve it by their labor, has, for the most part, fallen into the -hands of land-jobbers of the class just mentioned, who have never -thought of settling in person, and who retain the land in its present -wild state, speculating upon its acquiring a value at some distant day, -when the demand for land shall have increased through the increase of -population. - -“In Upper Canada,” says Mr. Bolton, himself a great speculator and -holder of wild land, “the plan of granting large tracts of land to -gentlemen who have neither the muscular strength to go into the -wilderness, nor perhaps, the pecuniary means to improve their grants, -has been the means of a large part of the country remaining in a state -of wilderness. The system of granting land to the children of U. E. -Loyalists has not been productive of the benefits expected from it. A -very small proportion of the land granted to them has been occupied or -improved. A great proportion of such grants were to unmarried females, -who very readily disposed of them for a small consideration, frequently -from £2 to £5 for a grant of 200 acres. The grants made to young men -were also frequently sold for a very small consideration; they generally -had parents with whom they lived, and were therefore not disposed to -move to their grants of lands, but preferred remaining with their -families. I do not think one-tenth of the lands granted to U. E. -Loyalists has been occupied by the persons to whom they were granted, -and in a great proportion of cases not occupied at all.” Mr. Randenhurst -says, “the general price of these grants was from a gallon of rum up to -perhaps £6, so that while millions of acres were granted in this way, -the settlement of the Province was not advanced, nor the advantage of -the grantee secured in the manner that we may suppose to have been -contemplated by government.” He also mentions amongst extensive -purchasers of these grants, Mr. Hamilton, a member of the Legislative -Council, who bought about 100,000 acres. Chief Justices Emslie and -Powell, and Solicitor General Gray, who purchased from 20,800 to 50,000 -acres; and states that several members of the Executive and Legislative -Councils, as well as of the House of Assembly, were “very large -purchasers.” - -“In Lower Canada, the grants to “Leaders and Associates” were made by an -evasion of instructions which deserve a particular description. - -“By instructions to the Local Executive immediately after the passing of -the Constitutional Act, it was directed that “because great -inconveniences had theretofore arisen in many of the colonies in -America, from the granting excessive quantities of land to particular -persons who have never cultivated or settled the same, and have thereby -prevented others more industrious, from improving such lands; in order, -therefore, to prevent the like inconveniences in future, no farm-lot -should be granted to any person being master or mistress of a family in -any township to be laid out which should contain more than 200 acres.” -The instructions then invest the governor with a discretionary power to -grant additional quantities in certain cases, not exceeding 1,000 acres. -According to these instructions 200 acres should have been the general -amount, 1,200 the maximum, in special cases to be granted to any -individual. The greater part, however, of the land (1,457,200 acres) was -granted, in fact, to individuals at the rate of from 10,000 to 50,000 to -each person. The evasion of the regulations was managed as follows: A -petition, signed by from 10 to 40 or 50 persons, was presented to the -Executive Council, praying for a grant of 1,200 acres to each person, -and promising to settle the land so applied for. Such petitions were, I -am informed, always granted, the Council being perfectly aware that, -under a previous agreement between the applicants (of which the form was -prepared by the then Attorney General, and sold publicly by the law -stationers of Quebec), five-sixths of the land was to be conveyed to one -of them, termed leader, by whose means the grant was obtained. In most -cases the leader obtained the most of the land which had been nominally -applied for by fifty persons.” - -Upon this subject we further give as worthy of attention, although we -will not endorse all that is said, the remarks made by Mr. Robert -Gourlay in his “Statistical Account.” He says, “when we look back into -the history of old countries, and observe how landed property was first -established; how it was seized upon, pulled about, given away, and -divided in all sorts of ways, shapes, and quantities; how it was -bequeathed, burdened, entailed, and leased in a hundred forms; when we -consider how dark were the days of antiquity,—how grossly ignorant and -savage were our remote forefathers, we cannot be so much surprised at -finding ourselves heirs to confusion; and, that, in these old countries, -entanglement continues to be the order of the day. But when civilized -men were quietly and peaceably to enter into the occupancy of a new -region, where all could be adjusted by the square and compass; and when -order, from the beginning, could have prevented for ever all possibility -of doubt, and dispute, and disturbance; how deplorable is it to know, -that in less than a life-time, even the simplest affairs should get into -confusion! and so it is already in Upper Canada, to a lamentable degree. -Boundaries of land are doubtful and disputed: deeds have been mislaid, -lost, unfounded, forged: they have been passed again and again in review -before commissioners: they have been blotted and blurred: they have got -into the repositories of attornies and pettifogging lawyers; while -courts of justice are every day adding doubt to doubt, delay to delay, -and confusion to confusion; with costs, charges, cheating. - -“Things are not yet beyond the reach of amendment, even in the old -settlements. In the new, what a glorious task it is to devise plans for -lasting peace and prosperity!—to arrange in such a way, as to bar out a -world of turmoil in times to come! - -“The present very unprofitable and comfortless condition of Upper Canada -must be traced back to the first operations of Simcoe. With all his -honesty, and energy, and zeal for settling the Province, he had really -no sound views on the subject, and he was infinitely too lavish in -disposing of the land—infinitely too much hurried in all his -proceedings. In giving away land to individuals, no doubt, he thought he -would give these individuals an interest in the improvement of the -country,—an inducement to settle in it, and draw to it settlers; but he -did not consider the character and condition of most of his favorites; -many of them officers in the army, whose habits did not accord with -business, and less still with solitude and the wilderness; whose hearts -were in England, and whose wishes were intent on retirement thither. -Most of them did retire from Upper Canada, and considering, as was -really the case, their land grants of little value, forgot and neglected -them. This was attended with many bad consequences. Their lands became -bars to improvement; as owners they were not known; could not be heard -of; could not be applied to, or consulted with, about any measure for -public advantage. Their promises under the Governor’s hand, their land -board certificates, their deeds, were flung about and neglected. But -mischief greater than all this, arose, is, and will be, from the badness -of surveys. Such was the haste to get land given away, that ignorant and -careless men were employed to measure it out, and such a mess did they -make of their land-measuring, that one of the present surveyors informed -me, that in running new lines over a great extent of the Province, he -found spare room for a whole township in the midst of those laid out at -an early period. It may readily be conceived, upon consideration of this -fact, what blundering has been committed, and what mistakes stand for -correction. Boundary lines in the wilderness are marked by blazing, as -it is called, that is, chopping off with an axe, a little bark from such -trees as stand nearest to the line. Careless surveyors can readily be -supposed to depart wide of the truth with this blazing: their measuring -chains cannot run very straight, and their compass needles, where these -are called in aid, may be greatly diverted from the right direction by -ferruginous substances in the neighbourhood, as spoken of. In short, -numerous mistakes and errors of survey have been made and discovered: -much dispute has arisen therefrom; and I have been told infinite -mischief is still in store. It occurred to me, while in Canada, and it -was one of the objects which, had a commission come home, I meant to -have pressed on the notice of government, that a complete new survey and -map of the Province should be executed; and at the same time a book, -after the manner of Doomsday-book, written out and published, setting -forth all the original grants, and describing briefly but surely all -property both public and private. I would yet most seriously recommend -such to be set about. It might be expensive now, but would assuredly -save, in time to come, a pound for every penny of its cost.” - -We have seen elsewhere that, in the terms of peace made at Paris when -hostilities ceased, justice was not done to the American Loyalists. But -subsequently, when their claims became known to the British public, -there was uttered no uncertain sound, upon the floor of Parliament, -respecting the duty resting upon England towards the devoted but -distressed loyalists who had laid all upon the altar of patriotism; and -to the honor of England be said, every step was now taken to provide -some recompense for the United Empire Loyalists. It is true, the old -homes with their comforts and associations could not be restored; the -wilderness was to be their home, a quiet conscience their comfort, and -their associations those of the pioneer for many a day. But, what could -be done, was done by the Crown to render their circumstances tolerable. -Extensive grants of land were granted, not alone to the disbanded -soldier according to rank, but to every one who had become a refugee. -Three years supply of rations were allowed to all, as well as clothing; -and certain implements were furnished with which to clear the land and -prepare it for agriculture. The scale of granting lands was, to a field -officer 5000 acres, captain 3000, subaltern 2000, private 200. The -loyalists were ranked, with the disbanded soldiers, according to their -losses, and services rendered, having taken the usual oath of -allegiance; and all obtained their grants free of every expense. In -1798, complaints having been made to the Imperial Government respecting -the profuse manner of granting lands, royal instructions were given to -Gen. Hunter to limit the allowance to a quantity from 200 to 1,200. The -grants of land when large, were not to be in blocks; but few secured -more than 200 acres upon the front townships. The original mode of -granting lands, at least to the soldiers, was by lot. The process was -simple. The number of each lot, to be granted in each concession, was -written on a separate piece of paper, and all were placed in a hat and -well shaken, when each one to receive land, drew a piece of paper from -the hat. The number upon the paper was the number of his lot. He then -received a printed location ticket. In drawing lots, no one felt any -particular anxiety. They were yet unacquainted with the country, they -had not seen the land, and one number was as likely to prove as valuable -as another. - -It would seem that the Surveyor acted as Land Agent. Having surveyed the -lots, he prepared the ballot, and arranged the time and place for the -settlers to draw. It was no doubt this original mode of drawing by -lottery, which gave the provincial term _drawing_ land. We have the -testimony of Ex-Sheriff Sherwood, that the Surveyor discharged this -office. He recollects “Esquire Collins;” he was at his father’s house, -and his father assisted in the matter of drawing with those who had -assembled for the purpose. The Surveyor had a plan by him, and as each -drew his lot, his name was written immediately upon the map. Many of the -plans, with names upon them, may be seen in the Crown Land Department. -Some of the settlers upon the front acquired much more land than others -by reason of the “broken front.” It often happened that the base line, -running from one cove of the Bay to another, left between it and the -water a large strip of land. This “broken front” belonged to the -adjacent 200 acres, so that often the fortunate party possessed even 50 -or 100 acres extra. - -One of the noted individuals to whom land was granted in Upper Canada, -was Arnold the Traitor. 18,000 acres was given him, and £10,000. - -The tract of land now constituting the Township of Tyendinaga, having -been purchased from the Mississaugas, was deeded to the Mohawks. The -deed bears the date of 1804. The land is granted to “the chiefs, -warriors, people, women of the Six Nations.” The chief, at the time they -settled, was Capt. John Deserontyon. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - CONTENTS—Lines—Western Settlement, 1783—Population—Settlement upon - St. Lawrence and Bay—Number, 1784—Proclamation to Loyalists— - Society disturbed—Two kinds of Loyalists—St. Lawrence and Bay - favorable for Settlement—Government Provisions—State of the - Loyalists—Serving out Rations—Clothes—Utensils for clearing and - farming—The Axe—Furniture—Attacking a last enemy—Tents—Waiting for - their Lots—“Bees”—Size of dwellings—Mode of building—Exchanging - work—Bedsteads—Clearing—Fireing trees—Ignorance of Pioneer Life— - Disposing of the Wood—No beast of burden—Logging—Determination—All - Settlers on a common ground—Additional Refugees—Advance—Simcoe’s - Proclamation, 1792—Conditions of Grants—The Response—Later - Settlers—Questionable Loyalists—Yankees longing for Canada—Loyalty - in 1812. - - - THE SETTLEMENT OF UPPER CANADA. - - - “CANADA.” - - BY ALEXANDER M’LACHLAN. - - Land of mighty lake and forest! - Where the winter’s locks are hoarest; - Where the summer’s leaf is greenest; - And the winter’s bite the keenest; - Where the autumn’s leaf is searest. - And her parting smile the dearest; - Where the tempest rushes forth, - From his caverns of the north, - With the lightnings of his wrath. - Sweeping forests from his path; - Where the cataract stupendous - Lifteth up her voice tremendous; - Where uncultivated nature - Rears her pines of giant stature; - Sows her jagged hemlocks o’er, - Thick as bristles on the boar; - Plants the stately elm and oak - Firmly in the iron rock; - Where the crane her course is steering, - And the eagle is careering, - Where the gentle deer are bounding, - And the woodman’s axe resounding; - Land of mighty lake and river, - To our hearts thou’rt dear forever! - Thou art not a land of story; - Thou art not a land of glory; - No tradition, tale, nor song, - To thine ancient woods belong; - No long line of bards and sages - Looking to us down the ages; - No old heroes sweeping by, - In their warlike panoply; - Yet heroic deeds are done, - Where no battle’s lost or won— - In the cottage, in the woods, - In the lonely solitudes— - Pledges of affection given, - That will be redeemed in heaven. - -In 1783, when a regular survey and settlement of Western Canada -commenced, the inhabitants of the Lower Province extended westward, only -a few miles above Coteau du lac, upon the St. Lawrence, at Lake St. -Francis; but not a house was built within several miles of the division -line of the two Provinces, which is above Montreal, about 40 miles, on -the north shore. On the south side there was the Fort of Oswegotchie. -Besides the squatters around the military posts at Carleton Island, -Oswego, and Niagara, there were a few inhabitants at Detroit and -Sandwich, of French origin, where a settlement had sprung up in 1750. - -The entire population of all Canada at this time, has been estimated at -120,000, including both the French and English. Although refugees had -squatted here and there upon the frontier, near to the several military -posts, it was not until 1784 that the land, now surveyed into lots, was -actually bestowed upon the Loyalists; yet it was mainly disbanded -soldiers that received their “location tickets” in the year 1784. The -grants were made to the corps under Jessup, upon the St. Lawrence, and -under Rogers upon the Bay; and to Butler’s Rangers at Niagara, at the -same time, or very nearly. During the same season, a settlement was made -upon the Niagara frontier and at Amherstburgh, by the Loyalists who had -found refuge at the contiguous Forts. It is supposed that the number who -became settlers this year, 1784, in Upper Canada was about 10,000. Thus -the Province of Upper Canada was planted; thus the Refugees and -disbanded soldiers found themselves pioneers in the wilds of Canada. Was -it for this they had adhered to the Crown—had taken up arms—had -sacrificed their all? - -At the close of hostilities, a proclamation was issued to the Loyalists, -to rendezvous at Sacket’s Harbour, or Carleton Island, Oswego, Niagara, -and Isle aux Mois, the principal military posts upon the frontier. - -The tempest of war which had swept across the American Continent, -severing thirteen Colonies from the parent trunk, had roughly disturbed -the elements of society. It resulted that the cessation of hostilities -left a turbulent ocean, which required time to compose itself. There -were Loyalists who would not live under a flag alien to Britain. There -were those whose circumstances would have induced them to abide the evil -that had overtaken them in the dismemberment of the British Empire; but -the fierce passions of the successful rebels rendered a peaceful or safe -existence of the Loyalists among them impossible. Driven they were, away -from their old homes. There were those who had been double minded, or -without choice, ready to go with the successful party. Such wandered -here and there looking for the best opportunity to secure self -aggrandisement. It is of the first two classes we speak. - -Forced by cruel circumstances, to become pioneers in a wilderness, there -could not be found in America, a more favourable place whereupon to -settle than along the banks of the St. Lawrence, and around the -irregular shores of Bay Quinté, with its many indentations. They had to -convert the wood-covered land into homes. The trees had to be felled, -and the land prepared for grain, and the fruit of the soil to be -obtained for sustenance within three years, when Government provisions -would be discontinued. It can readily be understood that a water -communication to and from the central points of settlement, as well as -access to fishing waters, was most desirable. The smooth waters of the -upper St. Lawrence and the Bay Quinté constituted a highway of the most -valuable kind, for the only mode of travel was by the canoe, or -flat-bottomed batteau, which was supplied by the Government in limited -numbers; and in winter by rudely constructed hand-sleighs, along the icy -shores. - - - THE FIRST SETTLERS. - -The settlers of Upper Canada, up to 1790, may be divided into those who -were forced away from the States by persecution, during and after the -war; the disbanded troops; and a nobler class, who left the States, -being unwilling to live under other than British rule. - -To what extent were these pioneers fitted and prepared to enter upon the -truly formidable work of creating homes, and to secure the necessaries -of life for their families. But few of them possessed ought of worldly -goods, nearly all were depending upon the bounty of Government. In the -first place, they were supplied with rations; which consisted of flour, -pork, and a limited quantity of beef, a very little butter, and as -little salt. We find in Rev. Mr. Carroll’s “Past and Present” that -“their mode of serving out rations was rather peculiar.” “Their plan -was, to prevent the appearance of partiality, for the one who acted as -Commissary, either to turn his back, take one of the articles, and say, -‘who will have this?’ or else the provisions were weighed, or assorted, -and put into heaps, when the Commissary went around with a hat, and -received into it something which he would again recognize, as a button, -a knife, &c.; after which he took the articles out of the hat, as they -came uppermost, and placed one on each of the piles in rotation. Every -person then claimed the parcel on which he found the article which he -had thrown into the hat.” - -They were also supplied with “clothes for three years, or until they -were able to provide these articles for themselves. They consisted of -coarse cloth for trowsers and Indian blankets for coats, and of shoes; -beside, each received a quantity of seed grain to sow upon the newly -cleared land, with certain implements of husbandry. To each was allotted -an axe, a hoe, and a spade; a plough, and one cow, were allotted to two -families; a whip and cross-cut saw to every fourth family; and, even -boats were provided for their use, and placed at convenient points;” and -“that nothing might seem to be wanting, on the part of the Government, -even portable corn mills, consisting of steel plates, turned by hand -like a coffee-mill, were distributed among the settlers.” We have -learned they were also supplied with nails, hand-saws and other -materials for building. To every five families were given a “set of -tools,” such as chisels and augers, of various sizes, and -drawing-knives; also pick-axes, and sickles for reaping. But, -unfortunately, many of these implements were of inferior quality. The -axe, with which the burden of the work was to be done, was unlike the -light implement now in use, it was but a short-handled ship axe, -intended for quite a different use than chopping trees and clearing -land. Notwithstanding, these various implements, thoughtfully provided -by Government, how greatly must they have come short in meeting the -varied wants of the settler, in his isolated clearing, far separated -from places whereat things necessary could be procured. However, the old -soldier, with his camp experience, was enabled by the aid of his tools, -to make homely and rude articles of domestic use. And, in farming, he -constructed a rough, but serviceable plow, and harrow, and made handles -for his scythe. - -Thus provisioned and clothed, and thus armed with implements of -industry, the old soldiers advanced to the attack of a last enemy, the -wild woods. Unlike any previous warfare, was this lifetime struggle. -With location ticket in hand, they filed into the batteaux to ascend the -rapids. A certain number of batteaux joined together, generally about -twenty or twenty-five, formed a brigade, which was placed under the -command of a suitable officer; if not one who had in previous days, led -them against the foe. It is quite impossible to conceive of the emotions -which found a place in the breasts of the old veterans as they journeyed -along wearily from day to day, each one bringing them nearer to the spot -on which the tent was to be pitched for the last time. Eagerly, no -doubt, they scanned the thickly wooded shores as they passed along. -Curiously they examined the small settlement, clustering around -Cataraqui. And, it cannot be doubted, when they entered the waters of -the lovely Bay Quinté, the beauty of the scene created a feeling of joy -and reconciliation to their lot, in being thus cast upon a spot so rich -in natural beauty. These disbanded soldiers, at least each family, had a -canvass tent capable of accommodating, in a certain way, from eight to -ten persons. These were pitched upon the shore, at first in groups, -until each person had learned the situation of his lot, when he -immediately removed thereto. But there were by no means enough tents to -give cover to all, and many had only the friendly trees for protection. -The first steps taken were to clear a small space of trees, and erect a -place of habitation. We have seen what were the implements he had to -work with—the materials he must use to subdue the forest tree standing -before him. - -Here, at the very threshold of Upper Canadian history, was initiated the -“institution” of “bees.” “Each with his axe on his shoulder, turned out -to help the other,” in erecting a log shanty. Small and unpretending -indeed, were these humble tenements first built along the shores of the -bay. The size of each depended upon the number to occupy it. None were -larger than twenty by fifteen feet; and an old man tells me that his -father, who was a carpenter, built one fifteen feet long and ten feet -broad, with a slanting roof seven or eight feet in height. The -back-woodsman’s shanty, which may yet be seen in the outskirts of our -country, is the counterpart of those which were first built; but perhaps -many of our readers may never have seen one. “Round logs,” (generally of -basswood,) “roughly notched together at the corners, and piled one above -another, to the height of seven or eight feet, constituted the walls. -Openings for a door, and one small window” (always beside the door) -“designed for four lights of glass, 7 × 9, were cut out,” (Government -had supplied them with a little glass and putty); “the spaces between -the logs were chinked with small splinters, and carefully plastered -outside and inside, with clay for mortar. Smooth straight poles were -laid lengthways of the building, on the walls, to serve as supports of -the roof. This was composed ‘of strips of elm bark, four feet in length, -by two or three feet in width, in layers, overlapping each other, and -fastened to the poles by withs.’” (The roof was some times of black oak, -or swamp oak, bark,) “with a sufficient slope to the back, this formed a -roof which was proof against wind and weather. An ample hearth, made of -flat stones, was then laid out, and a fire back of field stone or small -boulders, rudely built, was carried up as high as the walls. Above this -the chimney was formed of round poles, notched together and plastered -with mud. The floor was of the same materials as the walls, only that -the logs were split in two, and flattened so as to make a tolerably even -surface. As no boards were to be had to make a door, until they could be -sawn out by the whip saw, a blanket suspended from the inside for some -time took its place. By and by four little pains of glass, were stuck -into a rough sash, and then the shanty was complete.”—(_Croil._) - -Furniture for the house was made by the old soldier; this was generally -of the roughest kind. They had the fashion of exchanging work, as well -as of having bees. Some of them had been mechanics in other days. A -carpenter was a valuable acquisition, and while others would assist him -to do his heavy work, he would in return do those little nicer jobs by -which the household comforts would be increased. No chests of drawers -were required; benches were made of split basswood, upon which to sit, -and tables were manufactured in the same style. The bedstead was -constructed at the end of the cabin, by taking poles of suitable size -and inserting the ends between the logs which formed the walls on either -side. These would be placed, before the cracks were filled in and -plastered. - - - CLEARING THE LAND. - -A log hut constructed, wherein to live; and such plain rough articles of -furniture as were really necessary provided, the next thing was to clear -the land, thickly covered with large trees and tangled brush. Many a -swing of the unhandy axe had to be made ere the trees could be felled, -and disposed of; and the ground made ready for the grain or root. - -A few years later, and the settler would, in the dry summer season, fire -the woods, so as to kill the trees. By the next year they would have -become dry, so that by setting fire again they would burn down. In this -way much labor was saved. But sometimes the fire would prove -unmanageable and threaten to destroy the little house and log barn, as -well as crops. Another mode of destroying the large trees, was to girdle -them—that is, to cut through the bark all around the tree, whereby it -was killed, so that the following year it would likewise burn down. - -A portion of the disbanded troops, as well as other loyalists, had been -bred to agricultural pursuits; and some of them, at least those who had -not been very long in arms, could the more readily adapt themselves to -their new circumstances, and resume their early occupation. The axe of -the woodsman was soon swung as vigorously along the shores of the well -wooded river and bay, as it had been in the forests years before, in the -backwoods of New England. - -It is no ordinary undertaking for one to enter the primeval forest, to -cut down the tough grained trees, whose boughs have long met the first -beams of the rising sun, and swayed in the tempest wind; to clear away -the thick underbrush, which impedes the step at every turn; to clear out -a tangled cedar swamp, no matter how hardy may be the axeman—how well -accustomed to the use of the implement. With the best mode of -proceeding, with an axe of excellent make, and keen edge; and, combined -with which, let every other circumstance be favorable; yet, it requires -a determined will, an iron frame and supple muscle, to undertake and -carry out the successful clearing of a farm. But, the refugees and -disbanded soldiers, who formed the pioneers of Upper Canada, enjoyed not -even ordinary advantages. Many of the old soldiers had not the slightest -knowledge of the duties of pioneer life, while others had but an -imperfect idea. Some scarcely knew how to fell a tree. Hardy and -determined they were; but they possessed not the implements requisite to -clear off the solid trees. We have seen that the axe furnished by -government was large and clumsy, and could be swung only with difficulty -and great labor, being nothing more than the ship axe then in use. Slow -and wearisome indeed, must have been the progress made by the -unaccustomed woodsman in the work of clearing, and of preparing the logs -for his hut, while he had, as on-lookers, too often a feeble wife and -hungry children. - -The ordinary course of clearing land is pretty well known. At the -present day the autumn and winter is the usual time, when the wood is -cut in sleigh lengths for home use, or made into cord wood for the -market. The brush is piled up into huge heaps, and in the following -season, when sufficiently dry, is burned up. Now, wood, except in the -remote parts, is very valuable, and for those who can part with it, it -brings a good income. But then, when the land was everywhere covered -with wood, the only thought was how to get rid of it. The great green -trees, after being cut down, had to lie until they had dried, or be cut -into pieces and removed. Time was necessary for the first. To accomplish -the second, involved labor with the unwieldy axe; and there were at -first, no beast of burden to haul the heavy logs. The arm of the pioneer -was the only motor power, and the trees had to be cut in short lengths, -that they might be carried. To overcome the more heavy work connected -with this, the settlers would have logging bees from place to place, and -by united strength subdue the otherwise obstinate forces. Mainly, the -trees were burned; the limbs and smaller portion first, and subsequently -the large trunk. The fire would consume all that was flammable, leaving -great black logs all over the ground. Then came “logging,” that is, -piling these black and half burned pieces into heaps, where, after a -longer time of drying, they might be consumed. A second, perhaps a third -time the pieces would have to be collected into “log heaps,” until -finally burned to ashes. It was by such means, that slowly the forest -along the St. Lawrence, and surrounding the Bay Quinté, as well in the -adjacent townships melted away before the daily work of the aggressive -settler. Although deprived of all those comforts, which most of them had -enjoyed in early life in the Hudson, and Mohawk valleys, and fruitful -fields of Pennsylvania, they toiled on determined to conquer—to make new -homes; and, for their children at least, to secure comforts. They rose -early, and toiled on all day, whether long or short, until night cast -its solemn pall over their rude quiet homes. The small clearing of a few -acres gradually widened, the sound of the axe was heard ringing all the -day, and the crash of the falling tree sent the startled wild beast to -the deeper recesses of the wild wood. The toilers were not all from the -same social rank, but now in the main, all found a common level; the -land allotted to the half pay officers was as thickly covered with wood. -A few possessed limited means, and were able to engage a help, to do -some of the work, but in a short time it was the same with all; men of -education, and who held high positions, rightly held the belief that it -was an honor to be a refugee farmer. - -At the close of the war a considerable number of the refugees found -safety in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. But a certain number, not -finding such prospects as they had hoped, resolved to try Canada. -Consequently, for five or six years after the peace, this class -continued slowly to flow, to swell the number of inhabitants of Upper -Canada. Some of them tarried, or remained in Lower Canada; but the -majority ascended the Bay Quinté, and settled the new townships at the -head of the bay; not a few would remain for a year or two in the -townships already settled, working farms on shares, or living out, until -the future home was selected. A good many of the first settlers in the -sixth, seventh, and eight townships, had previously lived for a while in -the fourth township. - -The advance of the settlements was along the bay, from Kingston township -and Ernest town, westward along both sides. When the settlers in the -first, second, third and fourth townships, had, to a certain extent -overcome the pioneers’ first difficulties, those in the sixth, seventh, -eight and ninth, were yet undergoing mostly all the same hardships and -trials. Far removed from Kingston, they could, with difficulty, procure -necessities, and consequently endured greater privation, and experienced -severer hardships; but in time these settlers also overcome, and ended -their days in comparative comfort. - -Gen. Simcoe, after he became the first Governor of Upper Canada in 1792, -held the opinion that there remained in the States a large number of -Loyalists, and conceived the idea of affording them an inducement to -again come under British rule, as they were British in heart. He, by -proclamation, invited them to free grants of the rich land of Upper -Canada, in the following words: - -“A PROCLAMATION, to such as are desirous to settle on lands of the -Crown, in the Province of UPPER CANADA, BY HIS EXCELLENCY JOHN GRAVES -SIMCOE, ESQUIRE, Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the said -Province, and Colonel commanding His Majesty’s Forces, &c., &c. Be it -known to all concerned that His Majesty, both by his royal commission -and instructions to the Governor, and in his absence, to the -Lieutenant-Governor of the said Province of Upper Canada, gives -authority or command to grant the lands of the Crown in the same by -patent under the great seal thereof. I do accordingly make known the -terms of grant and settlement to be:” &c. - -Without introducing the somewhat lengthy terms given under the heads, it -is sufficient to say that they were most liberal; in the meanwhile -reserving what was necessary to maintain the rights previously granted -to Loyalist settlers. No lot was to be granted of more than 200 acres, -except such as the Governor might otherwise desire, but no one was to -receive a quantity exceeding 1000 acres. Every one had to make it appear -that he, or she was in a condition to cultivate and improve the land, -and “beside taking the usual oaths, subscribe a declaration, viz: I, A. -B. do promise and declare that I will maintain and defend to the utmost -of my power, the authority of the king in his parliament as the supreme -legislature of this province.” These grants were free excepting the fees -of office, “in passing the patent and recording the same.” The -proclamation was dated 7th February, 1792, Thomas Talbot, acting -Secretary. - -It was obligatory on settlers to clear five acres of land, to build a -house, and to open a road across the front of his land, a quarter of a -mile. - -Whether Simcoe was right in his opinion, that many loyalists remained in -the States, ready to avail themselves of a judicious opportunity of -becoming citizens of British territory, may be questioned; that there -were some, cannot be doubted. Not a few responded to his invitation, and -entered the new province. The recall of Simcoe led to the abrogation of -the terms specified in the aforementioned proclamation, and some of the -new comers were doomed to disappointment. As may naturally be supposed, -these later comers were not altogether regarded with favor by the first -settlers, who now regarded themselves as lords of the soil. The old -staunch loyalists were disposed to look upon them as Yankees, who came -only to get the land. And it seems that such was often the case. We have -the impartial statement of Rochefoucault, that there were some who -“falsely profess an attachment to the British monarch, and curse the -Government of the Union for the mere purpose of getting possession of -lands.” Even at this early day, they set about taking possession of -Canada! Indeed, it was a cause of grievance in Walford township, -Johnstown district, that persons from the States entered the country, -petitioned for land, took the necessary oaths—perjured themselves, and -having obtained possession of the land resold it, pocketed the money, -and left to build up the glorious Union. - -But, while so much has to be said of some Americans, who took land in -Canada for mercenary motives, and committed fraud, it is pleasing to say -likewise, that a large number of settlers from the States, who came in -between 1794 and 1812, became worthy and loyal subjects of the Crown. -How far all of them were at first Britons in heart, may be questioned. -But the fact that the first settlers regarded them with doubtful eye, -and often charged them with being Yankees, led many, for very -peace-sake, to display their loyalty. But at last, when the war of 1812 -broke out, they exhibited unmistakeable attachment to the British Crown. -To their honor be it said, they were as active in defending their homes -as any class. The number who deserted from Canada, was quite -insignificant. As would be expected, the war of 1812 arrested the stream -of emigration from the States. The Government of Canada thereafter -discountenanced it, and instead, made some efforts to draw British -European emigrants. - - - - - DIVISION IV. - THE FIRST YEARS OF UPPER CANADA. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - CONTENTS—Father Picquet—Provision of Forts in Upper Canada just - before Conquest—Frontenac—Milk—Brandy—Toronto—The Several Forts— - Detroit—British Garrisons—Grasping Rebels—Efforts to Starve out - Loyalists in Canada—Worse Treated than the Acadians—Efforts to - Secure Fur Trade—The Frontier Forts—Americans Conduct to Indians— - Result—Conduct of British Government—Rations for Three Years— - Grinding by Hand—“Hominy Blocks”—“Plumping Mill”—The Women—Soldier - Farmers—The Hessians—Suffering—The “Scarce Year”—Charge against - the Commissariat Officers—Famine—Cry for Bread—Instances of - Suffering—Starving Children—No Salt—Fish—Game—Eating Young Grain— - Begging Bran—A Common Sorrow—Providential Escapes—Eating Buds and - Leaves—Deaths—Primitive Fishing—Catching Salmon—Going 125 miles to - mill—Disconsolate Families—1789—Partial Relief—First Beef - Slaughtered in Upper Canada—First Log Barn—A Bee, what they Ate - and Drank—Tea Introduced—Statements of Sheriff Sherwood—Roger - Bates—John Parrott—Col. Clark—Squirrelly Swimming Niagara—Maple - Sugar—How it was made—Women assisting—Made Dishes of Food—Pumpkin - Loaf—Extract from Rochefoucault—1795—Quality of Grain Raised— - Quinté Bay—Cultivation—Corn Exported—The Grain Dealers—Price of - Flour—Pork—Profits of the Merchants. - - - MODE OF PROCURING FOOD. - -We have seen with what spirit and determination the loyalists engaged in -the duties pertaining to pioneer life; how they became domiciled in the -wilderness and adapted themselves to their new and trying situation. -Thus, was laid the foundation of the Province of Upper Canada, now -Ontario. Upon this foundation was to be erected the superstructure. Let -us proceed to examine the circumstances of the first years of Upper -Canadian life. And first with respect to _food_. - -Father Picquet visited the Bay and Lake Ontario, from _La Présentation_— -Ogdensburgh, the year of the Conquest. He speaks of his visit to Fort -Frontenac, and remarks, “The bread and milk there, were bad; they had -not even brandy there to staunch a wound.” By which we learn that the -French garrison had a cow, although she gave indifferent milk; and that -even brandy for medicinal purposes could not be had. The missionary -proceeded to Fort Toronto which was situated upon Lake Simcoe, no doubt -ascending by the bay Quinté and Trent. Here he found “good bread and -good wine” and “everything requisite for trade” with the Indians. The -cession of Canada to the British by the French had been followed by a -withdrawal of troops from many of the forts, around which had clustered -a few hamlets, specks of civilization in a vast wilderness, and in most -places things had lapsed into their primal state. And, when rebellion -broke out in the Colonies of Britain, there were but a few posts whereat -were stationed any soldiers, or where clustered the white settlers. -There were a few French living at Detroit, and at Michilmicinac, and to -the north-east of Lake Huron. We have seen that during the war, refugees -found safety at the several military posts. The military rations were -served out to these loyal men in the same proportion as to the soldiers, -and when the war closed the garrisons continued to dispense the -necessaries of life to the settlers upon the north shores of the lake, -and St. Lawrence. - -For ten years, after the terms of peace was signed between England and -the Independent States, the forts of Oswego, Niagara, Detroit, and -Michilmicinac, with the garrison on Carleton Island, remained in the -possession of the British troops. To this the grasping Americans warmly -took exceptions. Although it would have been next to impossible to -supply these places with provisions for troops of their own, they -nevertheless wished to dispossess the Royal troops; we learn that the -object was to starve out the refugees who had found shelter upon the -borders, and who would be depending for years to these forts, for the -very necessaries of life. In this, their cruelty exceeded that practised -towards the Acadians. Having driven away the loyalists and dispossessed -them at home, they would have followed them to their new wilderness -home, there to cut off their supplies and leave them to perish. They -wished to obtain possession of the forts not only to glut their vengeful -feeling against the tories, but to secure the traffic carried on with -the Indians. Dreams of aggrandizement floated through their avaricious -minds. It was regarded an excellent stroke of policy to turn the current -of the fur trade from the St. Lawrence, and starve out by degrees the -refugees, and the French who would have none of _their_ “Liberty.” Hence -their desire to get possession of the frontier forts. But it was -destined that this valuable traffic should never come into the hands of -the United States; or rather it should be said, the Americans had -determined to pursue a course which would completely alienate the Indian -tribes from them. Under such circumstances no possession of the forts -could have turned the trade from its natural channel by the St. -Lawrence, across the continent to New York. - -The British Government never desired to stint the loyal refugees and the -disbanded soldiers. At the close of hostilities it was determined that -both alike, with their families, should receive while traveling, and for -a period of three years, such rations as are allowed daily to the -private soldier. And the Commissariat Department was instructed to make -the necessary provision to have transported to each township by batteau, -what should be requisite. Dépôts were established, in addition to the -different garrisons, in each township, to which some prominent and -trusted refugee of their number, generally a half pay officer, was -appointed as Commissary, and at which ample provisions of the specified -kind, as well as certain implements, it was ordered should be stored, to -be dealt out with regularity and fairness to each family, according to -the number of children. In some of the townships two batteaux were -provided to bring the provisions from Montreal. Besides the food thus -obtained, they were often enabled to freely supply themselves with game -of different kinds. The greatest trouble of all was to get the grain -supplied to them, ground into flour. According to Carroll and Croil, the -townships upon the St. Lawrence, were supplied with steel mills for -grinding grain; but no word of such indifferent convenience for the -settlers of the Bay, has by us been received; the settlers had to get -the grain crushed as best they could. Various modes were adopted to do -this; but in all cases the work was done by hand. Sometimes the grain -was crushed with an axe upon a flat stone. Many prepared a wooden -mortar, by cutting a block, of suitable length, about four feet, out of -the trunk of a large tree, oak or maple. Sometimes it was the stump of a -tree. In this a cavity was formed, generally by heating a piece of iron, -and placing it upon the end. In some quarters, a cannon ball from the -Garrison was used. By placing this, red hot, upon the wood, a hollow of -sufficient depth could be made. These mortars, sometimes called “Hominy -Blocks” and sometimes “Plumping Mill,” varied in size; sometimes holding -only a few quarts, sometimes a bushel, or even more. The pestle or -pounder, was made of the hardest wood, six or eight feet long, and eight -inches in diameter at the bottom end; the top sufficiently small to be -spanned by the hand. The pestle was sometimes called the stamper; and -the stump or block, with the pestle, was called the stump-mortar. -Generally, it was by the unaided hand that the grinding was done; but -after a time a sweep pole was arranged, similar to a well pole, and a -hard weighty substance being attached to the pole, much less strength -was required to crush the grain; at the same time a larger quantity -could be at once done. The work was generally done by two men. The grain -thus pounded was generally Indian Corn, and occasionally wild rice. To -crush wheat required much more labor, and a small mortar. The bran was -separated from the flour by a horse-hair sieve, one of which generally -served a whole community, as they were possessed only by a few. This -rude method continued for many years, especially in those townships -remote from the flouring mills. Frequently, an individual would possess -a large mortar, that would be used by a whole neighborhood. Mr. Diamond, -of Belleville, a native of Fredericksburg, remembers when a boy, to have -accompanied his father “to mill.” The mill was one of these larger -mortars which would contain a bushel of grain when being ground, but -which would hold, even measure, two bushels. The grain was crushed by a -sweep with a weight attached, of ten or twelve pounds. - -But grinding grain in this rude manner, was very frequently done by the -women; and was but one of the difficulties attending the production of -meal. It was a hard task to prepare for use the corn supplied by -Government; but when that supply was cut off, and the settler had but -his own raising, it became much worse. Elsewhere we have seen the -difficult process by which seed was planted, and the fruit of the soil -reaped, and then thrashed. It had been thought by the Government that -three years would suffice to give the settler ample time to reap -sufficient grain for their sustenance. In most cases, industry and a -right application of labor, enabled the farmer to accomplish what was -expected of him. But the habits which some of the soldiers had acquired -during the war, were highly detrimental to regular industry. When the -three years’ supplies were discontinued, many found themselves -unprepared to meet the requirements of their new condition. It is said -that some of them entertained the belief that “Old George,” as they -familiarly called the King, would continue to feed them, for an -indefinite period of time, upon the bread of idleness. The Hessians, who -had settled in the fifth township, who had no idea of pioneer life, were -great sufferers, and it is stated that some actually died of starvation. -Again, there was a considerable class who had not had time to prepare -the land, and reap the fruit of the soil, prior to the supplies being -stopped; or who could not procure seed grain. These were likewise placed -in the most distressing circumstances. The fearful suffering experienced -in consequence will be mentioned under the head of the “Scarce Year.” - -Notwithstanding, that Government supplied the settlers with provisions -for three years, and also with spring wheat, peas, corn, and potatoes -for seed, and took steps to furnish them, first with one mill at -Kingston, and then a second one at Napanee, at the expiration of the -three years, there were many unprepared. The mills were almost deserted, -and the hearts of the people were faint because there was no grain to -grind, and famine began to rest upon the struggling settlers, especially -along the Bay Quinté. It has already been said that with some of the -disbanded soldiers, there was some degree of negligence, or, a want of -due exertion to obtain home-raised grain before the Government supplies -were discontinued; also, that there was a certain number, who came with -their families two or three years after the first settlement, who were -not entitled to get Government rations, and who had not had time to -clear the land. Many of these brought provisions with them, but the long -distances traveled by them through a wilderness, allowed no large -quantity of stores to be transported. And within a few months, or a year -their store of food was exhausted. But the greatest evil of all it is -averred, was the failure on the part of the Commissary Department to -bring up from Lower Canada, the supplies which were required by those -yet in the service, and who rightly looked to that source for the bread -of life. And, it has been alleged that some who had charge of military -stores forgot this public duty, in their anxiety to secure abundant -supplies for their own families. And a spirit of cupidity has been laid -to the charge of one or two for retaining for private use the bread for -which so many were famishing. At this remote period it is impossible to -arrive at positive conclusions relative to the matter. We can only -examine the circumstances, and judge whether such a thing was likely. Of -course the Commissary officers, whose duty it had been to distribute -food in the several townships, would not be likely to disburse with a -hand so liberal, that they should themselves become destitute; yet the -fact that such had food, while others had none, would naturally create -an erroneous impression. But the famine was not limited to the Bay -region; although, being remote from Montreal, it was here the distress -was most grievously felt. Throughout Lower Canada the pinch of famine -was keenly experienced. Even there, in places, corn-meal was meted out -by the spoonful, wheat flour was unknown, while millet seed was ground -for a substitute. Still more, the opinion is given, that the accusation -against certain parties is contrary to the spirit which pervaded the -refugee settlers at that time. That they had laid up stores, and looked -indifferently upon the general suffering, is contrary to the known -character of the parties accused. In after days, as at the present time, -there were aroused petty jealousies, as one individual exceeded another -in prosperity. Family jars sometimes rise to feuds, and false surmises -grow into untruthful legends. - -The period of famine is even yet remembered by a few, whose memory -reaches back to the immediately succeeding years, and the descendants of -the sufferers, speak of that time with peculiar feelings, imbibed from -their parents; and many are the touching stories even yet related of -this sad first page in the history of Upper Canada, when from Lower -Canada to the outskirts of the settlement was heard the cry for _bread! -bread! bread!_ - -The year of the famine is spoken of sometimes as the “scarce year,” -sometimes as the “hungry year,” or the “hard summer.” The extreme -distress seems to have commenced in the year 1787. With some, it lasted -a part of a year, with others a year, and with others upwards of a year. -The height of the distress was during the spring and early summer of -1788. But plenty to all, did not come till the summer of 1789. The -writer has in his possession accounts of many instances of extreme -suffering, during the famine, and for years after, through the ten -townships. A few will here be given, as briefly as may be possible. - -One, who settled in the Sixth Township, (who was subsequently a Member -of Parliament for twenty years,) with wife and children, endured great -suffering. Their flour being exhausted he sent money to Quebec for some -more flour, but his money was sent back; there was none to be had. The -wife tried as an experiment to make bread out of some wheat bran, which -was bought at a dollar a bushel. She failed to make bread, but it was -eaten as a stir-about. Upon this, with Indian Cabbage, or “Cale,” “a -plant with a large leaf,” also wild potatoes or ground-nuts, the family -lived for many a week. In the spring they procured some potatoes to -plant, but the potatoe eye alone was planted, the other portion being -reserved for food. One of the daughters, in her extreme hunger digged up -for days, some of the potatoe rind and ate it. One day, her father -caught her at it, and seized hold of her arm to punish her, for -forgetting the requirements of the future, but he found her arms so -emaciated that his heart melted in pity for the starving child. Others -used to eat a plant called butternut, and another pig-weed. Children -would steal out at night with stolen potatoes, and roast them at the -burning log heap, and consider them a great treat. One individual has -left the record that she used to allay the pangs of hunger by eating a -little salt. But the majority of the settlers had no salt, and game and -fish, when it could be caught, was eaten without that condiment. Even at -a later date, salt was a scarce and dear article as the following will -show: “Sydney, 20th November, 1792—Received from Mr. John Ferguson, one -barrel of salt, for which I am to pay nine dollars.” (Signed), John -German. Often when fish or game was caught, it was forthwith roasted, -without waiting to go home to have it dressed. As spring advanced, and -the buds of the trees began to swell, they were gathered and eaten. -Roots were digged out of the ground; the bark of certain trees were -stripped off and consumed as food. One family lived for a fortnight on -beech leaves. Everything that was supposed to be capable of alleviating -the pangs of hunger, whether it yielded nutriment or not, was -unhesitatingly used; and in the fifth township some were killed by -eating poisonous roots. Beef bones were, in one neighbourhood, not only -boiled again and again, but actually carried from house to house, to -give a little taste to boiled bran, until there remained no taste in the -boiling water. In the fourth township, upon the sunny side of a hill, -was an early field of grain, and to this they came, from far and near, -to eat the milk-like heads of grain, so soon as they had sufficiently -grown, which were boiled and eaten. The daughter of the man who owned -the field, and gladly gave to all, still remains with us; then, she was -in the freshness of girlhood; now, she is in the autumn of a green old -age, nearly a hundred. She remembers to have seen them cutting the young -succulent grain, to use her own words “as thick as stumps.” This young -grain was a common dish, all along the Bay, until it became ripe. One -family lived several months solely on boiled oats. One day, a man came -to the door of a house in Adolphustown, with a bag, and a piece of -“calamink,” to exchange for flour. But the flour was low, and the future -doubtful, and none could be spared. The man turned away with tears of -anguish rolling down his face. The kind woman gave him a few pounds of -flour; he begged to be allowed to add some bran lying on the floor, -which was permitted, and he went his way. - -There were, scattered through the settlements, a few who never were -entirely out of provisions, but who had procured some from Lower Canada, -or Oswego. Many of these, even at the risk of future want, would give -away, day after day, to those who came to their door, often a long -distance, seeking for the very bread of life. A piece of bread was often -the only thing to give; but thus, many a life was saved. These poor -unfortunates, would offer various articles in exchange for flour or -food. Even their lands—all they had, were offered for a few pounds of -flour. But, with a few execrable exceptions, the last loaf was divided; -and when flour was sold, it was at a fair valuation. A common sorrow -knit them together in fraternal relationship. The names of some are -handed down, who employed others to work all day for their board, and -would give nothing for their famishing ones at home. One of them also, -sold eight bushels of potatoes for a valuable cow. In some instances, -families living remotely, forsook their houses and sought for food at -Kingston. One family in Thurlow, set out for Kingston, following the bay -shore on foot. Their only food was bran, which, being mixed with water, -was cooked by the way, by heating flat stones and baking thereupon. As -before stated, the settlers of the fifth township suffered fearfully, -and it is stated, that some of them actually died. Mr. Parrott says, -that he has heard it stated that persons starved to death. And the -extraordinary statement is found in the M.S. of the late Mr. Merritt, -that one old couple, too old to help themselves, and left alone, were -preserved providentially from starvation, by pigeons, which would -occasionally come and allow themselves to be caught. The fact is stated -by others, that pigeons were at times, during the first years of -settling, very plentiful, and were always exceedingly tame. Another -person remarks, that although there was generally plenty of pigeons, -wild fowl, fish and partridge, yet, they seemed to keep away when most -wanted. - -One family, four in number, subsisted on the small quantity of milk -given by a young cow, with leeks, buds of trees, and often leaves were -added to the milk. A barrel of bran served a good purpose for baking a -kind of cake, which made a change on special occasions. At one time, -Reed, of Thurlow, offered a three year old horse for 50 lbs of flour. -This family would, at one time actually have starved to death, had not a -deer been miraculously shot. They often carried grain, a little, it is -true, to the Napanee mills, following the river, and bay shores. And -when they had no grain, articles of domestic use were taken to exchange -for flour and meal. A woman used to carry a bushel and a half of wheat -ten miles to the Napanee mills, and then carry the flour back. - -Ex-Sheriff Ruttan says of his father’s family, with whom his uncle -lived, “We had the luxury of a cow which the family brought with them, -and had it not been for this domestic boon, all would have perished in -the year of scarcity. The crops had failed the year before, and the -winter that followed, was most inclement and severe. The snow was -unusually deep, so that the deer became an easy prey to their rapacious -enemies, the wolves, who fattened on their destruction, whilst men were -perishing for want. Five individuals, in different places, were found -dead, and one poor woman also, with a live infant at her breast; which -was cared for and protected.” “Two negroes were sent to Albany for corn, -who brought four bushels. This, with the milk of the cow dealt out day -by day in limited quantity, kept them alive till harvest.” “The -soldiers’ rations were reduced to one biscuit a day.” Referring to other -days after the famine he says: “Fish was plentiful”—the “fishing tackle -was on a primitive plan; something similar to the Indians, who fixed the -bait on part of the back bone of the pike, which would catch these finny -tribe quite as expeditiously as the best Limerick hook; but our supply -was from spearing by torchlight, which has been practiced by the Indian -from time immemorial; from whom we obtained a vast deal of practical -knowledge.” - -Roger Bates, near Cobourg, speaking of the first years of Upper Canada, -says that his grandfather’s family, living in Prince Edward for a while, -“adopted many ingenious contrivances of the Indians for procuring food. -Not the least simple and handy was a crotched pole, with which they -secured salmon in any quantity, the creeks being full of them.” He -removed to the township of Clarke, where he was the first white settler, -and for six months saw no white person. “For a long time he had to go to -Kingston, 125 miles, with his wheat to be ground. They had no other -conveyance than batteaux; the journey would sometimes occupy five or six -weeks. Of an evening they put in at some creek, and obtained their -salmon with ease, using a forked stick, which passed over the fish’s -back and held it fast. Sometimes they were so long gone for grist, in -consequence of bad weather, that the women would collect together and -have a good cry, thinking the batteaux had foundered. If their food ran -short, they had a dog that would, when told, hunt a deer and drive it -into the water, so that the young boys could shoot it.” - -The summer of 1789 brought relief to most of the settlers,—the heaviest -of the weight of woe was removed. But, for nearly a decade, they enjoyed -but few comforts, and were often without the necessaries of life. The -days of the toiling pioneers were numbering up rapidly, yet the wants of -all were not relieved. Those whose industry had enabled them to sow a -quantity of grain reaped a goodly reward. The soil was very fruitful, -and subsequently for two and three years, repeated crops were raised -from a single sowing. But flour alone, although necessary to sustain -life, could hardly satisfy the cravings of hunger with those who had -been accustomed to a different mode of living. It was a long way to -Montreal or Albany, from which to transport by hand, everything -required, even when it could be had, and the settler had something to -exchange for such articles; beside the journey of several weeks. Game, -occasionally to be had, was not available at all seasons, nor at all -times; although running wild, ammunition was scarce, and some had none. -We have stated that Government gave to every five families a musket and -forty-eight rounds of ammunition, with some powder and shot, also some -twine to make fishing nets. Beef, mutton, &c., were unknown for many a -day. Strangely enough, a circumstantial account of the first beef -slaughtered along the Bay, probably in Upper Canada, is supplied by one -who, now in her 90th year, bears a distinct recollection of the event. -It was at Adolphustown. A few settlers had imported oxen, to use in -clearing the land. One of a yoke, was killed by the falling of a tree. -The remaining animal, now useless, was purchased by a farmer upon the -Front, who converted it into beef. With the hospitality characteristic -of the times, the neighbors were invited to a grand entertainment; and -the neighborhood, be it remembered, extended for thirty or forty miles. -A treat it was, this taste of an article of diet, long unknown. - -The same person tells of the occasion when the first log barn was raised -in Adolphustown, it was during the scarce period. The “bee” which was -called, had to be entertained, in some way. But there were no -provisions. The old lady, then a girl, saw her mother for weeks previous -carefully putting away the eggs, which a few hens had contributed to -their comfort; upon the morning of the barn raising, they were brought -forth and found to amount to a pailful, well heaped. The most of the -better-to-do settlers always had rum, which was a far different article -from that sold now-a-days. With rum and eggs well beaten, and mixed with -all the milk that could be kept sweet from the last few milkings, this, -which was both food and drink was distributed to the members of the bee, -during the time of raising the barn. - -Tea, now considered an indispensable luxury by every family, was quite -beyond the reach of all, for a long time; because of its scarcity and -high price. Persons are yet living who remember when tea was first -brought into family use. Various substitutes for tea were used, among -these were hemlock and sassafras; there was also a plant gathered called -by them the tea plant. - -Sheriff Sherwood, in his most valuable memoirs, specially prepared for -the writer, remarks, “Many incidents and occurrences took place during -the early settlement which would, perhaps, at a future day be thought -incredible. I recollect seeing pigeons flying in such numbers that they -almost darkened the sky, and so low often as to be knocked down with -poles; I saw, where a near neighbor killed thirty at one shot; I almost -saw the shot, and saw the pigeons after they were shot.” Ducks were so -thick that when rising from a marsh “they made a noise like the roar of -heavy thunder.” “While many difficulties were encountered, yet we -realized many advantages, we were always supplied with venison, -partridge, and pigeon, and fish in abundance, no taxes to pay and plenty -of wood at our doors. Although deprived of many kinds of fruit, we had -the natural production of the country, strawberries, raspberries, -gooseberries, blackberries, and lots of red plums, and cranberries in -the various marshes all about the country, and I can assure you that -pumpkin and cranberries make an excellent substitute for apple pie.” Mr. -Sherwood refers to their dog “Tipler,” which was invaluable, in various -ways, in assisting to procure the food. He also speaks of “Providential” -assistance. “After the first year we raised wheat and Indian corn -sufficient for the year’s supply for the family; but then we had no -grist mill to grind it; we made out to get on with the Indian corn very -well by pounding it in the mortar, and made what we called samp, which -made coarse bread, and what the Dutch called sup-pawn; but let me tell -you how we made our mortar. We cut a log off a large tree, say two-and-a -half feet through and about six feet long, which we planted firm in the -ground, about four feet deep, then carefully burnt the centre of the top -and scraped it out clean, which gave us a large mortar. We generally -selected an iron-wood tree, from six to eight inches through, took the -bark off clean, made the handle to it of suitable length, this was our -pestle; and many a time have I pounded with it till the sweat ran down -merrily. But this pounding would not do for the wheat, and the -Government seeing the difficulty, built a mill back of Kingston, where -the inhabitants, for fifteen miles below Brockville had to get their -grinding done. In our neighborhood they got on very well in summer, by -joining two wooden canoes together. Three persons would unite, to carry -each a grist in their canoes, and would perform the journey in about a -week. But in winter this could not be done. After a few years, however, -when some had obtained horses, then a kind Providence furnished a road -on the ice for some years until a road was made passable for sleighs by -land. And it has not been practicable, indeed I may say possible, for -horses with loaded sleighs to go on the ice from Brockville to Kingston, -fifty years past.” - -Roger Bates says that “the woods were filled with deer, bears, wolves, -martins, squirrels, and rabbits.” No doubt, at first, before fire-arms -were feared by them, they were plentiful and very tame. Even wild geese, -it would seem, were often easily shot. But powder and shot were -expensive, and unless good execution could be made, the charge was -reserved. Mr. Sherwood gives a trustworthy account of the shooting of -thirty pigeons at one shot; and another account is furnished, of Jacob -Parliament, of Sophiasburgh, who killed and wounded at a single shot, -four wild geese and five ducks. These wild fowl not only afforded -luxurious and nutritious diet, but their feathers were saved, and in -time pillows and even beds were thus made. Mr. John Parrott, of Ernest -Town, descendant of Col. Jas. Parrott, says, “there were bears, wolves, -and deer in great abundance, and there were lynx, wild cats, beavers and -foxes in every directions; also martins, minks and weasels beyond -calculation.” In this connection, we may record a fact related by Col. -Clark, respecting the migration of squirrels in the early part of the -present century across the Niagara river, from the States. He says, “an -immense immigration of squirrels took place, and so numerous were they -that the people stood with sticks to destroy them, as they landed on the -British shore, which by many was considered a breach of good faith on -the part of John Bull, who is always ready to grant an asylum to -fugitives of whatever nation they may belong to.” - - - MAPLE SUGAR. - - “Soon the blue-birds and the bees - O’er the stubble will be winging; - So ‘tis time to tap the trees - And to set the axe a-ringing; - - Time to set the hut to rights, - Where the girls and boys together - Tend the furnace fire o’nights - In the rough and rainy weather; - - Time to hew and shape the trough, - And to punch the spile so hollow. - For the snow is thawing off - And the sugar-thaw must follow. - - Oh, the gladdest time of year - Is the merry sugar-making, - When the swallows first appear - And the sleepy buds are waking!” - -In the great wilderness were to be had, a few comforts and luxuries. -Sugar is not only a luxury, but is really a necessary article of food. -The properties of the sap of the maple was understood by the Indians, -and the French soon availed themselves of the means of making sugar. To -the present day, the French Canadians make it in considerable -quantities. At first, the settlers of Upper Canada did not generally -engage in making it; but, after a time a larger number did. The maple, -the monarch of the Canadian forest, whose leaf is the emblem of our -country, was a kind benefactor. In the spring, in the first days of -genial sunshine, active operations for sugar making were commenced. -Through the deep snow, the farmer and his sons would trudge, from tree -to tree, to tap them upon their sunny side. The “spile” would be -inserted to conduct the precious fluid into the trough of bass-wood, -which had been fashioned during the long winter evenings. A boiling -place would be arranged, with a long pole for a crane, upon which would -be strung the largest kettles that could be procured. At night, the sap -would be gathered from the troughs, a toilsome job, and put into -barrels. In the morning a curling smoke would rise from amidst the thick -woods, and the dry wood would crackle cheerily under the row of kettles, -all the sunny spring day; and night would show a rich dark syrup, -collected in one smaller kettle, for the more careful work of being -converted into sugar. Frequently the fire would be attended by the -women; and the men would come to gather the sap in the evening. In this -way many a family would be provided with abundant sugar, at all events -it had to serve them for the year, as they felt unable to purchase from -the merchant. In another place, we have related how a few made a -considerable quantity of sugar and sold it all, to pay for a farm, doing -without themselves. - -The absence of various articles of food, led the thoughtful housewife to -invent new made dishes. The nature of these would depend in part upon -the articles of food most abundant, and upon the habits peculiar to -their ancestry, whether English, Dutch or some other. The great desire -was, to make a common article as tasty as possible. And at harvest time, -as well as at bees, the faithful wife would endeavour to prepare -something extra to regale the tired ones. There was, for instance, the -“pumpkin loaf,” a common dish. It consisted of pumpkin and corn meal -made into a small loaf, and eaten with butter. Another dish which seems -to have been derived from the Dutch, was Pot Pie, which was always, and -is even yet in many places, made to feed the hands at bees and raisings, -and even was generally made to grace the board on a wedding occasion. We -cannot give the space, if we felt prepared to speak, of the several made -dishes commonly in use among the older Canadians of Upper Canada. Many -of them are truly excellent in taste and nutritious in quality. They are -often similar to, or very like the dishes in the New England and Midland -States. - -This subject will be concluded by giving a few extracts from -Rochefoucault who wrote of what he saw and learned in Canada in 1795, -and who may be regarded as quite correct. - -He says, “It is asserted” (by Simcoe) “that all Canada, produces not the -necessary corn for the consumption of its inhabitants, the troops are -supplied with flour from London, and with salt meat from Ireland.” But -Simcoe then thought that Canada was capable not alone of feeding her -inhabitants, but of becoming the granary of England, and receiving -commodities in Exchange. Speaking of Forty Mile Creek, he says: “Before -it empties itself into the lake, it turns a grist mill and two saw -mills, which belong to a Mr. Green, a loyalist of Jersey, who, six or -seven years ago, settled in this part of Upper Canada.” “Land newly -cleared yields here, the first year, twenty bushels of corn. They plough -the land after it has produced three or four crops, but not very deep. -The price of flour is twenty-two shillings per hundred weight, that of -wheat from seven to eight shillings per bushel. Laborers are scarce, and -are paid at the rate of six shillings a day. Wheat is generally sown -throughout all Upper Canada, but other sorts of grain are also -cultivated.” “Mr Green grinds the corn for all the military posts in -Upper Canada.” - -Approaching Kingston by water he remarks that “on the left is Quinté -Bay, the banks of which are said to be cultivated up to a considerable -extent. The eye dwells with pleasure once more on cultivated ground. The -country looks pleasant. The houses lie closer than in any of the new -settled parts of Upper Canada which we have hitherto traversed. The -variegated verdure of the cornfields embellishes and enriches the -prospect, charms the eye, and enchants the mind.” - -“This district not only produces the corn requisite for its own -consumption, but also exports yearly about 3 or 4000 bushels. This -grain, which, in winter, is conveyed down the river on sledges, is -bought by the merchants, who engage, on the arrival of the ships from -Europe, to pay its amount in such merchandise as the sellers may -require. The merchants buy this grain for government, which pays for it -in ready money, according to the market price at Montreal. The agent of -government causes part to be ground into flour, which he sends to the -different ports in Upper Canada, where it is wanted; and the surplus he -sends to England. The price of flour in Kingston is at present (12th -July, 1795) six dollars per barrel. The district of Kingston supplied, -last year, the other parts of Canada with large quantities of pease, the -culture of which, introduced but two years ago, proves very productive -and successful. In the course of last year, 1000 barrels of salt pork, -of 208 pounds each, were sent from Kingston to Quebec; its price was -eighteen dollars per barrel. The whole trade is carried on by merchants, -whose profits are the more considerable, as they fix the price of the -provisions which they receive from Europe, and sell without the least -competition.” Indeed, the profits of the dealers must have been immense. -They sold to the military authorities at a rate which would remunerate -them when the provisions came from England; and when the farmers of -Canada began to raise grain to sell, they bought it, or exchanged -merchandise for it, upon which they fixed the price, and continued to -sell the flour at the same price to the military authorities. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - CONTENTS—Kingston Mills—Action of Government—The Millwright— - Situation of the first Mill—Why Selected—The Machinery—Put up by - Loyalists—No Toll—Only Mill for three years—Going to Mill, 1784— - The Napanee Mill—Commenced 1785—Robert Clarke—An old Book— - “Appenea” Falls—Price of certain articles—What Rum cost, and was - used for—The Mill opened 1787—Sergt.-Major Clarke in charge—Indian - Corn—Small Toll—Surveyor Collins in charge—Becomes the Property of - R. Cartwright, 1792—Rebuilt—Origin of Napanee—Price of Butter, - 1788—Mills at Four Mile Creek, Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, and Grand - River—Mills on the St. Lawrence—The Stone Mills—Van Alstine—Lake - of the Mountain—1796—Natural Beauty, _versus_ Utility—The Mill—Van - Alstine’s Death—Wind Mill—Myer’s Mill—Mill at Consecon. - - - THE FIRST FLOURING MILLS. - -Government was not an indifferent spectator of the difficulty spoken of -as to the grinding of grain—the procuring of flour, and at an early day, -ordered means to meet the requirements of the pioneers. We have the -certain statement of John C. Clark, of Ernest town, now dead, written -ten years ago, that his father, Robert Clark, who was a millwright, “was -employed by Government, in 1782–3, to erect the Kingston Mills -preparatory to the settlement of the Loyalists in that section of Upper -Canada.” The place selected for erecting the mill, was upon the -Cataraqui River, seven miles north of the Fort, now the entrance of the -Rideau Canal, where are situated the first locks of that artificial -water way. When in a state of nature, the place must have been -strikingly beautiful; it is so at the present time, when the -achievements of art give variety of attraction. This situation, selected -for the first flouring mill, was central to the population strung along -the banks of the St. Lawrence, and Bay Quinté. Everything required for -the construction of the mill, was furnished by Government, such as the -mill stones, and the machinery. The rougher work, the walls of the -building, was done by men detailed for the purpose, from the company of -soldiers. The structure consisted of logs, or timber roughly squared, -and was erected, as well as the mill house, by the combined efforts of -the soldier settlers, collected for the purpose. All the settlers had -their grists ground without paying toll. The original building was -standing as late as 1836. - -For nearly three years, the Cataraqui Mill was the only one in Central -Canada. The settlers came from Cornwall in the east, and the most remote -settlement up the Bay. At the present day, when railroads and swiftly -running steamers assist so materially to annihilate space as it were, -and bring distant places into close relationship, it would be regarded a -matter of no little trouble and inconvenience, to carry grain from -Cornwall on the one hand, and Sidney on the other, to Kingston, and wait -to have it ground into flour; but how infinitely greater the difficulty, -when a trackless woods covered the intervening spaces, when the only -mode of carrying anything was upon the back, or in a canoe, or batteaux, -or upon a raft, in summer; and upon a hand-sleigh in winter, drawn -through deep snow, following the windings of the shore along many a -dismal mile. - -The increasing population around the Bay, caused the authorities to seek -a proper site for a second mill. The Napanee River, with its natural -falls, offered an advantageous place upon which to erect a second mill -for the settlers, upon the Bay. We have been fortunate, through the -kindness of Mr. P. Clark, of Collinsby, in being permitted to examine an -account book kept by Robert Clark, the millwright, of both the Kingston -and Napanee mills. By this, we learn that in the year 1785, Robert -Clark, who had completed the Kingston Mill, removed to the second -township, and, according to instructions received from Government, -proceeded to construct a mill upon the Napanee River, at the site of the -natural falls. In the absence of the full particulars relating to the -building of the Napanee Mills, the following cannot fail to be of -interest. In the account book aforementioned, the following references -to the building of the mill, are found recorded: - -“An accompt of articles bought for the use of the works, November 8.” -“To 4 Augers of different size, from Mr. Phillips, carpenters at -Catariqui, 13s, 8d. To 3 quires of Writing Paper, 5s. December 6, To 20 -lbs. of Nails, £1; December 22, To 6 Whip Saw Files, 3s. 9d.” Omitting -some items, and coming to March 23, 1786, we find “For Raising the Saw -Mill,” “2 gallons and 3 pints of Rum, 17s. 6d.” “April 20th, To 1 quart -of Rum, 2s.” On the “25th May, To 4 gallons and 1 quart of Rum, for -Raising the Grist Mill, at 7s. 6d.” The “26th, To 1 quart of Rum for the -People at work in the water at the Dam.” By this we learn the day upon -which the Napanee mill was erected. On the 20th July, Government is -again charged with “3 pints of Rum for raising the fender-post,” &c. On -the 27th, a pint was again required, but for what special purpose is not -mentioned. In December, 1786, we find “To making Bolt Cloth 15s.” “To -Clearing one acre and three-quarters of Land for a mill, at seven -dollars per acre, £3.” And we find that the iron or smith work for the -mill was done by David Palmer and Conly. From the fact that the bolting -cloth was not made until December, 1786, we may infer that the mill did -not commence operations until the beginning of 1787. The mill was a -great boon to the inhabitants around the Bay Quinté, not only because -they had a shorter distance to travel, but the amount of work pressing -upon the Kingston mill, made it very uncertain as to the time one would -have to wait, to get his gristing done. Consequently many came from the -Lower Bay, and the dwellers upon the South Bay in Marysburg, who -followed the shores around Indian Point and up the Bay Quinté. To those -living in Thurlow, Sidney, and at the Carrying Place, the mill was a -great blessing. - -The father of the late Col. John Clark, of Port Dalhousie, who had been -Sergeant Major in the 8th Regiment, and who had, from 1777, been clerk -and naval storekeeper at Carleton Island, removed to within three miles -of Napanee, the same year the mill was built, to take charge of the -works, in addition to his other duties. John Clark, who was then a small -boy, says in his memoirs; the grain principally brought to be ground, -was Indian corn; but as the clearances increased, wheat became more -plentiful. He also speaks of the great industry which characterized the -settlers. “A small toll was exacted to pay for the daily expenses of the -mill, but this was a mere trifle, considering the advantages the -settlers derived from loss of time in proceeding to Kingston.” From this -we infer that no toll was demanded at the Kingston mill. “When my -father,” continues Col. Clark, “was ordered to Niagara, the mill was -delivered up to surveyor Collins, under whose directions it was -continued in operation for many years, and then the mill site became the -property of the Hon. R. Cartwright of Kingston.” But, we find the -statement elsewhere made that the land was originally granted to Captain -McDonald of Marysburg, who sold it to Cartwright. - -Robert Clark, in his account book, says, “Commenced work for Mr. -Cartwright at the Napanee mills, the 28th August, 1792.” This was -probably the time when Cartwright became the owner. In the same year, -reference is made to timber, for the “new mill,” by which we learn that -Mr. Cartwright found it desirable to rebuild. The iron work for the new -mill came to £14. - -By the book, from which we have made extracts, we see that the name is -spelled in different ways, the first being Appenea. For many years the -name was spelled Apanee. It has been said that it was an Indian name, -signifying flour, and was given by the Mississaugas, from the existence -of the flouring mill. Napanee may signify flour, in the Indian language, -but the inference drawn cannot be correct, as we find the name Appenea -Falls given to the place in 1785, before the mill was commenced. - -Cartwright having rebuilt the mill put in one run of stone at first, -shortly after two, and then three. Robert Clark was the millwright, and -one Profect was in charge of the works. The mill seems to have been -constructed with some care, and Gourlay says, in 1817, that the Napanee -mill is the best in the Province. The old account book from which we -have gleaned, gives the price at which certain articles were vended. -Thus, we learn that in June, 1787, and July 1788, butter sold at Napanee -for 1s. per pound. - -Some time after the erection of the Kingston and Napanee mills, others -were erected in other parts of the Province; one at Four Mile Creek, one -at the Niagara Falls, one at Fort Erie, another at the Mohawk Village, -Grand River; and still later, one at Twelve Mile Creek. “In the year -1788, the first grist mill in Dundas was built by Messrs. Coons and -Shaver in Matilda. It contained but one run of stone, and had a saw mill -attached. It stood about a mile above the present village of Iroquois. -It could grind 100 bushels of wheat per day, and turned out good flour. -Soon after, another mill was built on a much larger scale, by John -Munroe, also in Matilda, which had three run of stone.” There was also a -gang of saws. The machinery was driven by the St. Lawrence waters. At a -still later period VanAlstine’s mill was erected, at the Lake on the -Mountain. - -The events connected with Captain, afterwards Major VanAlstine, as a -settler, are recorded in the settlement of Adolphustown. Directly -opposite the rich and sloping land on the north shore, on which he -settled, is a high prominent hill, which stands boldly up against the -bay. This “mountain” is famous on account of the lake upon its summit, a -particular account of which is given elsewhere. It is referred to here -in a practical sense. While, upon the hill-top is the work of nature, -presented in a striking manner; at its feet is the work of man, which, -particularly in the past, was of no little consequence to the well-being -of the settlers of the Bay. About the year 1796, the third flouring mill -of the bay was erected at this place by VanAlstine, to whom had been -granted a large tract of land. The surplus waters of the lake, in -primeval days, made their escape over the cliff, falling into the bay, -and forming, it must have been at times, a beautiful cascade. But, if -Captain VanAlstine had a taste for the beautiful in nature, he also had -a just appreciation of the wants of the people, and he proceeded to -utilize the falling water. A canal was cut down the mountain side, to -form a channel for the water to descend, and at the bottom was erected a -mill, the machinery of which was to be propelled by the descending -stream. From that day to this the work of grinding has been carried on. -However beautiful the lake above, and delightful the prospect, they -cannot exceed in interest the foundation of this mill. Imagination would -almost give words to the sound of the mill, which so peacefully clicks -the daily round of work. The down-rushing waters by the artificial -channel would seem to utter reminiscences of the past—regrets that they -may no longer tumble headlong over the hill-side to form a lovely -cascade; but the water-witch has been driven away by the spirit of -utilitarianism. This conspicuous hill has often been the point of hope, -the goal to which the farmer turned his little bark, containing, it is -true, but a few bushels of grain, yet so precious, and about which the -hungry ones in the little log house, thought so frequently, with bodies -long accustomed to suffer for the want of enough to eat. And, often this -mountain stood up as a guide to the settler, as he trudged along wearily -through the thick snow with a bag or two of grain upon a hand-sleigh. -Although not the very first mill, it dates back to the last century. - -The Kingston _Gazette_ of the 16th April, 1811, contains an -advertisement, signed by the executors of the deceased Major -VanAlstine’s will, namely, George W. Myers, Cornelius VanAlstine, and -Thomas Dorland, in which it is stated that the mill contains two run of -stone, one superfine and two common bolts. - -A windmill was built at a somewhat early period, by Sergeant Howell, -nearly opposite the Upper Gap, in Fredericksburgh. It was sold to one -Russell, who was an Engineer in Kingston, in the war of 1812. The -windmill was never much used, if at all. - -About the beginning of the century, 1802, Capt. Myers built a flouring -mill upon the Moira. (See Thurlow.) It seems to have been a good mill, -for persons came a long distance to get grinding done. For instance: -Isaiah Tubs, who lived at West Lake, would come, carrying a bag of grain -upon his back. - -In the year 1804, Mr. Wilkins says, a gristing mill was built at -Consecon, to the south of the Carrying Place. Consecon is an Indian -name, from Con-Cou, a pickerel. - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - - CONTENTS—Clothing—Domestic and Farming Implements—Style of Dress - eighty years ago—Clothing of the Refugees—Disbanded Soldiers—No - Fresh Supply—Indian Garments of Skin—Deerskin Pants—Petticoats—Bed - Coverings—Cultivating Flax—Sheep—Home-made Clothes—Rude - Implements—Fulling—French Mode—Lindsay Woolsey—The Spinning-wheel— - Industry—Young men Selecting Wives—Bees—Marriage Portion—Every - Farmer his own Tanner and Shoemaker—Fashions—How odd hours were - spent—Home-made Shoes—What Blankets were made of—Primitive - Bedstead—Nakedness—Bridal Apparel—No Saddles—Kingston and Newark— - Little Money—Bartering—Merchants from Albany—Unable to buy—Credit - with Merchants—The Results—Itinerant Mechanics—Americans—Become - Canadians—An old Stone-mason—Wooden Dishes—Making Spoons—Other - Hardships—Indians Friendly—Effects of Alcohol upon the - Mississaugas—Groundless Panic—Drunken Indians—Women, defending - Themselves—An erroneous Statement about Indian Massacre in - “Dominion Monthly Magazine”—Statement of an Old Settler, Sherwood— - Wild Beasts—Few Fire-arms—Narrow Escapes—Depredations at Night— - Destroying Stock—An Act of Parliament—“A Traveller’s” Statement— - The Day of Small Things—Settlers Contented—The Extent of their - Ambition—Reward of Industry—Population in 1808—Importations—Money— - The Youth. - - - CLOTHING—FURNITURE—DOMESTIC AND FARMING IMPLEMENTS. - -The style of clothing worn by the refugees and disbanded soldiers was -such as prevailed eighty years ago in England. A certain difference, no -doubt, existed between the English and the Colonists, yet mainly the -style was the same. Among the first settlers upon the bay were those who -had fetched with them, and wore, at least occasionally, garments of -fashionable cut and appointments. Tight knee-breeches and silver buckles -would decorate the bodies of some, who had in other days mixed in the -fashionable throng, perhaps luxuriated in the gay city of New York, -where the presence of British soldiers always gave life and gaiety. -Indeed some of the inhabitants had been commissioned officers in the -regular army. Dr. Dougall, who had been in the navy, and who had settled -in the sixth Township, is remembered as a wearer of “tights” and silver -buckles. Also, Major VanAlstine wore this elegant attire, and the -M’Leans, of Kingston. Those who left their homes hurriedly during the -course of the war, and fled to Lower Canada and the several British -Forts, brought only what was upon their backs. Those who came more -leisurely might have a little more; but the distance to travel on foot -would deter from undertaking to bring more than supplies of food. The -disbanded soldiers had no more than what belongs to a soldier’s kit, and -no doubt the close of the war left many of them with well worn garments. -A few years of exposure to the wear and tear of pioneer life would quite -destroy the best supplied wardrobe, however carefully husbanded, or -ingeniously mended by the anxious wife. To replace the clothing was far -from an easy matter to the settlers, many of whom had no money, -certainly no time for a long journey to Montreal or Albany. After a few -years, Kingston became a place of trade, but the supply of clothing was -scant and dear, placing it beyond the reach of mostly all. The result -was that the vast majority of the inhabitants had to look to the -production of their lands wherewith to cover the nakedness of their -families. Those living up the bay continued to want for clothing for a -longer time, being unable to exchange with the merchants of Kingston, -until peddlers began to visit the more remote settlers. - -The faded garments, patched until the original material could no longer -be distinguished, ultimately succumbed to the effects of time and labor. - -The Indians, who as a general thing were friendly and kind, when they -visited the settlement, gave to the settlers the idea of manufacturing -garments out of deer skin. They, now and then exchanged skins for -articles the settlers could part with, and taught them how to prepare -the fresh pelt so as to make it pliable. The process consisted in -removing the hair and then working the hide by hand with the brains of -some animal, until it was soft and white. Trowsers made of this material -were not only comfortable for winter, but very durable. A gentleman who -recently died in Sophiasburgh at an advanced age, remembered to have -worn a pair for twelve years, being repaired occasionally, and at the -end they were sold for two dollars and-a-half. Petticoats for women were -often made of the same material. Roger Bates says “My grandmother made -all sorts of useful dresses with these skins, which were most -comfortable for a country life, and for going through the bush, could -not be torn by the branches.” Also, moccasins were procured from the -buckskin, and some had enough deer-skin to make covering for beds. But -deer-skin was not sufficiently abundant to give covering to all, such as -it was; and, certain clothing was required, for which it was unfit. Thus -left to their own resources, the settlers commenced at an early period -to cultivate flax, and as soon as possible to procure sheep. For many -years almost every family made their various garments, for both sexes, -of the coarse linen made from the flax, and cloth from wool raised at -home and carded by hand. Preparing the flax for weaving, as well as -spinning were done by hand, with inferior implements rudely made. But in -later years, occasionally spinning wheels and looms were brought in by -settlers. There were no fulling mills to complete the fabric. Even the -mode adopted then, in Lower Canada, was not practised, which was as -follows: A meeting of young folks, similar to a bee, was held from house -to house, at which both sexes took part. The cloth to be fulled was -placed in large tubs, and bare-legged youths would step in and with much -amusement dance the fulling done. In Upper Canada, both high and low -were glad to be able to don the home-made linen, and the linsey-woolsey -petticoat. - - * * * * * - -“The growth of flax was much attended to as soon as lands were cleared -and put in order.” “Then spinning-wheels were all the go, and home-made -linen, the pride of all families, manufactured substantial articles that -would last a lifetime.” The young men of industry would look for the -spinning-wheel and loom before selecting a wife. “A young farmer would -often be astonished to find on his marriage that his fair partner had -got a good supply of linen for her marriage portion. I have known as -much as sixty yards spun and manufactured at one bee or gathering.”— -_Clark_. - -When the skins of sheep, and of calves and beef become available, every -farmer became his own tanner, and dressed his leather; and then his own -shoemaker. Fashions did not change, except as the continued practice of -making for an increasing family, gave the maker ability to make -something more like a boot than a moccasin. Rainy days, and the nights, -were spent in doing such kind of work, not by candle light, but by the -hearth fire. It was at the same time that an axe-helve, a wooden plow, a -reaping cradle, a wooden fork, &c., were made. But many a child, whose -grand-children are now occupying positions of wealth and influence, -stayed in the log cabin the winter through, because he had nothing with -which to protect his feet from the snow. The writer’s father was not a -shoemaker by trade; but he remembers when a boy to have worn shoes made -by him. They were not conspicuous for their beauty, but it was thought -by the wearer they would last forever; within his recollection there was -not a shoemaker in Thurlow. - - * * * * * - -Much ingenuity was displayed in making clothes and blankets. What was -called the “Kearsy” blanket was made at an early date; the writer has -seen the first one said to have been manufactured in Upper Canada, -certainly the first on the Bay Quinté. It is yet in use and belongs to -one, nearly one hundred years of age, who is the daughter of the maker, -whom we remember to have seen when a boy, who, although then in the sear -and yellow leaf, was as tall and erect as if untold hardships had not -crowned her life. Within fifteen miles of Belleville, across the Bay, -was a log cabin, the occupants of which had for their first blanket, one -made out of hair, picked out of the tanner’s vat, and a hemp-like weed -growing in the yard. The hair was first cleaned by whipping it; then it -was carded and worked up with the hemp, and then spun. It was afterward -doubled and twisted, and finally woven into a blanket. The individual -whose wife did this, and whose descendants are among the most wealthy -farmers, bought his farm for a horse. For many a day, they had no -furniture, not even a chair, and the bedstead was made out of two poles, -driven between the logs of the shanty; and basswood bark was twisted so -as to bind them substantially together. Clean straw upon this, was -really the only thing they had in the house. And so it was with very -many, the exceptions being, some half pay officers, who had brought a -table, or a chest of drawers. In 1790, the brother of an individual, -holding an important post in Kingston, was near the head of the bay, -staying at a house in a state of nakedness; in which condition his -brother writes, “he must remain until I am able to go up.” “I have -agreed to put him to trial with a carpenter to learn the trade,” he must -therefore have been a large boy. - -It was not until the close of the last century, that wearing articles, -other than those made out of flax and wool, were to be obtained. A -calico dress was a decided luxury. The petticoat, and short gown of -linen, was more common. A long chintz dress to go to meeting, was the -height of many a damsel’s ambition, or a grogran dress and short -petticoat. As years passed away, and a grown up daughter was about to be -married, efforts would be made to array the bride in fitting costume. -Often a dress, worn by the mother in other days, amid other scenes, -which had been laid carefully away, was brought forth to light, and made -by suitable alterations to do renewed service, although the white had -assumed a yellow cast, and had lost its lustre. - -As late as 1816, a farmer owning land in Sidney, and who died rich, made -in winter a journey to Kingston with flour, wearing nothing on his feet, -but a pair of shoes, and who had his trowsers strapped down to keep his -ankles warm. Leg boots took too much leather. It was many years before a -bridle and saddle were known, and then, but a few possessed such a -convenience. Bare-back, or on a deer skin was the primitive mode. - -After the erection of Upper Canada into a separate province, both -Kingston and Newark, where there were always troops, and where articles -of clothing were to be purchased from a few, who had gone into the -mercantile business, exhibited a degree of comfort and even gaiety in -dress. - -At the first there was but little money in circulation. But few of the -refugees, or disbanded soldiers had any when they entered the -wilderness. The government were constantly paying a certain sum to the -troops at Kingston and Newark, and likewise to the retired half pay -officers. The few who could command money, were placed in a position of -greater comfort, as soon as articles of provisions and merchandise, were -brought to the new settlement. Mainly, however, trading was carried on -by exchanging one commodity for another. Probably the first articles for -trade, was the ticket for grants of land in the back concessions, often -parted with so cheaply. The settlers required clothing, grain for -sowing, and stock; these wants in time, led to trade, two kinds of which -were introduced. One carried on by merchants established at Kingston, -the other by pedlars, Yankee pedlars, who would come from Albany with -their pack in a canoe or small batteau, and who plied their calling -along the bay shore from clearing to clearing. Both the merchant at -Kingston, who waited for his customers to come to him, and the pedlar -who sought customers, asked for their wares, only grain or any other -produce. But wheat was desired above all others. It was an event of no -little interest to the back woodsman’s family, when the pedlar’s canoe -or batteau came along, and halted before the log house, by the shore. -And, even when their circumstances would not permit them to buy, it was -a luxury to have a look at the things, which were so temptingly -displayed. The toil-worn farmer, with well patched trowsers, would turn -with an inward sigh from the piece of cloth, which although so much -wanted, could not be got. The wife looked longingly at those little -things, which would just suit baby. The grown up daughters gazed -wistfully, but hopelessly at the bright calico prints, more valuable, in -their eyes than the choicest silks are to their descendants to day. But -a calico dress was a thing not enjoyed, but by few, until it was bought -for the wedding dress. Frequently some articles of family use was -exchanged for goods, which were deemed of more use. The trade of -merchants at Kingston steadily increased; but not a cash business. A -credit system was initiated and carried on. Goods would be purchased -with an engagement to pay in wheat or potatoes, or something else, at a -certain time. Here and there along the bay were Indian fur traders. -They, also, began to exchange with the settlers. While this was a great -convenience, and gave immediate comfort to many a family, it, at the -same time, led to serious results with many. Disappointed in the return -of crops, or in some other way, the payment could not be made. -Promissory notes were given at interest; and, after a few years, suing -and seizing of stock was the result. Sometimes even the farm went to -satisfy the creditor. Unfortunately, there are too many such cases in -the records of the settlers of the bay. Not alone did pedlars come from -the States, to pick up the fruit of the industry, of those they had -driven away; but there were itinerant Yankee mechanics who would -occasionally come along, looking for a job. Carpenters, Masons, &c., -after a few years, found much to do. We would not speak disparagingly of -these Americans, because they served a good turn in erecting buildings, -as houses, barns, &c. They also introduced many valuable articles of -husbandry and domestic use. And finally, many of them forsook their -republican government, and permanently settled under the King, and -became the best of subjects. Even in the first decade of the present -century, mechanics would go up and down the bay seeking work. For -instance, there was one Travers, a stone mason, who found employment -along the bay, and even up the lake. Of this we are informed by one of -his apprentices who is now upwards of eighty years old. (We make place -in our Review to state that John W. Maybee, referred to, aged 88, died -7th February, 1869.) - -A hundred things enter into the list of what constitutes home comforts. -But spare, indeed, were the articles to be found upon the kitchen -shelves. Plain enough, was the spread table, at which the family -gathered morning, noon, and night. Many had but one or two dishes, often -of wood, rudely made out of basswood; and spoons of the same material. -Knives and forks in many families were unknown. A few families had -brought a very limited number of articles for eating, relics of other -days, but these were exceedingly scarce. The wooden spoon was the most -common table article with which to carry food to the mouth. By and by -the pedlar brought pewter spoons, and once in a while the settler -procured pewter and moulds and made spoons for himself. - - - VARIOUS HARDSHIPS. - -Apart from the suffering arising from want of food, and clothing to -wear, and furniture to make the house comfortable, there were others of -more or less magnitude. It would naturally be expected that one of the -first dangers in entering a wilderness, would be from the Indians, whose -territory was being occupied. But in the main this evil was not added to -their other distress. The considerate and just policy pursued by the -British Government, left the Indians no cause of complaint, and they did -not at any time assume an hostile attitude toward the infant colony. But -that curse of the human race,—baneful curse to the Indians, alcohol, -came with the white man; and, too often, the unscrupulous trader, and -merchant would, not only sell the fire water to them, but rely upon its -intoxicating qualities, to consummate more excellent bargains for furs. -The evil thus inflicted upon the Indian, returned in some cases, upon -innocent pioneers. The Indians under the influence of liquor are -particularly savage and ungovernable; prone to exhibit their wild -nature. Thirsting for the liquor, they would sometimes enter dwellings, -when they knew the men were absent, and endeavour to intimidate the -women to give them rum. A few instances of alarm and actual danger, come -to us, among the bay settlers. At one time particularly, there arose a -wide spread alarm, (long remembered as the “Indian alarms,”) that the -Indians were, upon some fixed night, when the men were away to Kingston -mills, going to massacre the settlers. This arose from some remarks, let -fall by a half drunken Indian. A few of the settlers, did actually leave -their homes, and sought protection in a more thickly settled locality, -while active steps were taken to defend their homes against the Indians. -Mrs. Dempsey, of seventh township, gathered up what she could, and with -her children crossed in a canoe to the eighth township. On another -occasion, when her husband was absent, several half drunken Indians came -to the house, and one stepping up to where she sat, trembling with fear, -and with her little ones nestling close to her, drew his knife, and -cutting a piece from the palm of his hand, held the bleeding wound -before her face, crying out “look, look, Indian no fraid.” Then he -brandished his knife in the most menacing manner. She hearing the sound -of a passing team, got up and slowly walked backwards to the door, -looking the savage bravely in the eye all the time. Her husband had -opportunely arrived, in time to save his family, which he did by a free -use of the horse-whip. On another occasion, Mrs. D. saved her life and -the children from drunken Indians, by rushing up a ladder with them, -into the garret, which could only be reached by a small opening through -the ceiling, and then hauling the ladder up. The Indians endeavoured to -assist each other up, and through the entrance, but she having a knife -succeeded by cutting their fingers, when they attempted to get up, in -keeping them back. These hostile attempts were exceptions, and always -the result of intoxication. - -Since writing the above, an article has been published in the _Dominion -Monthly Magazine_, in which it is stated that a family of settlers were -massacred by the Indians upon the banks of the St. Lawrence in 1795. -This statement is at variance with facts known to us, and with the -testimony of one who cannot be mistaken. His statement is as follows: - - BROCKVILLE, 13th April, 1868. - - MY DEAR SIR,— - - I am in receipt of your note of this date, adverting to the - statement of the massacre of a family in Upper Canada, by the - Indians in 1795. I noticed the same statement in some paper I have - lately read, and at the time I thought it to be a mistake in the - date, or an entire fabrication. I am not aware of the least - hostility shewn by the Indians to any of the U. E. Loyalists since - 1784, eleven years previous to date stated, and I do not believe a - syllable of it. - - Yours truly, - - ADIEL SHERWOOD. - -Although the native Indians did not, as a general thing, alarm the -settler, there were wild beasts that did. For years the wolf, and the -bear, and other ferocious animals were a source of terror and suffering. -These animals, unaccustomed to the sight of man, were at first -exceedingly tame. The settlers had but few fire-arms, and ammunition was -very scarce; and the beasts knew no terror of them. They would even by -day, come to the very door of the cabin, ready to seize the little -child, or the scanty stock of poultry, pigs, or sheep, or calves, or -salted provisions which had been left exposed, government stores, &c. -And at night they made the most hideous and incessant howls, until -morning. Many instances of their rapacity in robbing the scanty yard of -the settlers, and of hair breadth escapes of individuals from wolves and -bears, are mentioned. The destruction of stock by the wolf especially, -caused the government of Canada, at an early date, (1793,) to legislate, -with a view of gradually exterminating them; and an act was passed, -granting a premium of four dollars to every one who should bring a -wolf’s head to the proper officer; and two dollars for a bear’s. It was -withdrawn with regard to bears, in 1796. “A traveller,” writing in 1835, -remarks that in Kingston, resided a person who privately bred wolves to -obtain the reward. But whether such an enterprising citizen did actually -live in the good old town the writer saith not. Instances of narrow -escapes from the wild beasts are still remembered; for instance, Lewis -Daly, of Ernest town, was suddenly attacked by a bear within a mile of -home. He sprung up a small tree, which bending over, he was in momentary -danger of being reached. His cries brought help. - -In those early days, the settler, looked not for great things; schooled -by the hardships of civil war, and inured to want, and half starvation, -they asked not for riches. Enough to eat, and to be warmly clad, and -housed from the winter’s cold, was the great point to which they -stretched their longing hopes. Plenty in the future for the little ones, -and for themselves, when they had grown old, was the single purpose of -their toilsome life. A descendant of a first settler upon the front of -Sidney, tells of his grandmother whom he had heard say, that her great -ambition at first, was to raise vegetables, onions and other useful -articles in her garden bed; to have poultry then, about her. After years -she got the fowls; but a mink, in a single night killed them all. Then, -again, they had got a breeding sow, and one morning a bear walked out of -the woods, and with one hug destroyed all their hopes of future porkers. - -Gradually, as years passed away, comforts began to reward the patient -and industrious pioneers; acre after acre was brought under cultivation. -The log house received an addition, a little stock was procured, and the -future brightened up before them, and by the year 1808, the settlements -in Upper Canada were increasing in number, and spreading in every -direction. “The frontier of the country was fast filling up. Persons -were taking up land several miles from the water’s edge. Some had -ventured to take up land in the second tier of townships, in the midst -of the wilderness, and many miles from any habitation. The population -was now increased to about 70,000 souls. The importations was chiefly -liquors and groceries, which by the St. Lawrence and the United States, -brought a revenue of nearly £7,000. The bulk of the inhabitants -manufactured and wore their own clothing. The way of trade was mostly by -barter, as gold and silver were scarce, and there were no banks to issue -paper currency. Intemperance was very prevalent, and schools were -scarce. The youth were too fond of foolish amusements.”—(_Playter._) - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - CONTENTS—Sweat of the Brow—No Beast of Burden—No Stock—Except by a - Few—Horses and Oxen—From Lower Canada—York State—Later comers, - brought some—No Fodder—First Stock in Adolphustown—Incidents—Cock - and Hen—“Tipler”—Cattle Driving—First Cow in Thurlow—First House - in Marysburgh—The First Oxen—No Market for Butter and Cheese— - Sheep—Rev. Mr. Stuart, as an Agriculturist—Horses at Napanee—An - offer for a Yoke of Steers. - - - INTRODUCTION OF STOCK AND BEASTS OF BURDEN. - -We have seen that the refugees and disbanded soldiers who entered -Canada, brought but a limited number of implements, and those of an -imperfect nature. The most of them had no means of lessening labor, no -beasts of burden. All the work had to be done by the sturdy arm, and by -the sweat of the brow. For years, mostly all alike thus labored, and for -many years the increasing number continued to toil, being unable to -procure beasts of burden, or any stock. The distance to go for them was -too far, and the way too difficult to be undertaken easily. But, a -greater difficulty, an insurmountable reason was that they had not the -means to purchase, until years of struggling had extracted from the -ground, covered with stumps, produce to exchange for the much required -help, in the form of beasts of burden. Some of the half-pay officers, -and other persons, favored by those holding some situations in the -government, were enabled to get beasts of burden at first, or within a -year or two. There were a few old soldiers who had a little money, -received at being discharged; and again, some sold their location -tickets of a portion of their land, and thereby were enabled to make -purchase of cows or oxen. - -For beasts of burden, they, as a general thing, preferred oxen in -preference to horses, to work among the stumps with. Both oxen and -horses were brought from Lower Canada and York State. The later comers, -especially, fetched with them horses, oxen and cows from the latter -place. - -A few of the very first settlers, perhaps, brought one or more cows. We -find it stated that the disbanded soldiers had a cow allotted to every -two families; these must have been procured at Lower Canada, perhaps a -few by way of Oswego, where were stationed some troops. Sheriff Ruttan, -speaking of the famine, says: “We had the luxury of a cow which the -family brought with them.” Thomas Goldsmith came in 1786, and drove a -lot of cattle to the Bay: but he could not get enough for them to eat -and they, starved to death, excepting one heifer and a yoke of oxen. The -Petersons, who settled in the Fourth Town in 1785, and cleared a small -lot of land, went “the following year to Montreal and brought up some -horses and three cows, which comprised the principal stock then in the -Township.” - -After a few years, when the settlers had become somewhat established, -steps were taken more generally, to procure stock, so necessary to give -ordinary comfort to their families; while those who now entered the -country brought cows with them. Although the cows and oxen were procured -occasionally from Lower Canada; the most of them were obtained from the -States; but the horses were in the main at first, brought from Lower -Canada. Many incidents attending the long and devious journey through -the wilderness, are still told. Thomas Goldsmith, before mentioned, who -settled in Prince Edward, came into Canada by way of the Mohawk, Wood -Creek, Oneida Lake, and Oswego river, thence to Cataraqui. He undertook -to drive some cattle through the woods to Cape Vincent, piloted by a -friendly Indian, to swim them across the St. Lawrence. In this journey -he suffered almost every privation—hunger, fatigue, exposure. Resting -one night in the ordinary manner, with his head slightly raised, upon -the root of a tree, with no other covering than the tree’s branches, and -sleeping very soundly, after a day’s walking, he became benumbed from -exposure, and knew not of the rapidly descending rain, which had -actually covered his body when he awoke. Yet this man lived to be ninety -years old. Driving cattle through the woods was no easy matter, and dogs -were often employed for that purpose. Ex-Sheriff Sherwood, in his -valuable memorandum, relates an incident which throws light upon those -primitive days. After remarking how well he recollects the pleasure, he -and an elder brother experienced from a present made them of a cock and -hen, no common luxuries then, and with what care they watched over them, -he says: “let me tell you the tragic story of our little ‘Tipler,’ she -had become famed for driving cattle, and we thought much of her. Two -persons, one named Urehart, from the Bay Quinté, and the other Booth, -started to go through the woods to Fort Stanwix for cattle, and -prevailed upon my father to let them take poor little ‘Tipler.’ We saw -them safe across the river; but, sad to say, neither the men nor Tipler -were ever heard of after.” - -John Ferguson, writing from Sidney, in July 1791, says that he cannot -get horses for the farm until winter. - -In the summer of 1787, Elisha Miller and Col. Richey brought from -Saratoga County several cattle and horses. They were driven by way of -Black River, and swam the St. Lawrence at Gananoque. - -The Reeds, who settled in Thurlow, in 1789, had a cow, which afforded -the principal means of sustenance. This, with basswood leaves and other -greens, constituted their food for many a day. - -Mr. Harrison, now living in Marysburgh, tells of the first horse “below -the rock.” It was brought, and owned by Colonel McDonald. This, and -another were the only ones for many years. Afterward, oxen were brought -in, as well as cows, by drovers from Lower Canada. - -Rochfoucault says, 1795: “The cattle are not subject to contagious -distempers; they are numerous, without being remarkably fine. The finest -oxen are procured from Connecticut, at the price of seventy or eighty -dollars a yoke. Cows are brought, either from the State of New York, and -these are the finest; or from Lower Canada; the former costs twenty, and -the latter fifteen dollars. These are small in size, but, in the opinion -of the farmers, better milch cows, and are, for this reason, preferred. -There are no fine bulls in the country; and the generality of farmers -are not sensible of the advantages to be derived from cattle of a fine -breed. In the summer, the cattle are turned into the woods; in winter, -that is, six months together, they are fed on dry fodder. There is no -ready market at which a farmer can sell that part of his cheese and -butter which is not wanted for the use of the family. Of cheese and -butter, therefore, no more is made than the family need for their own -consumption.” “Sheep are more numerous here than in any part of the -United States, which we have hitherto traversed. They are either -procured from Lower Canada or the State of New York, and cost three -dollars a head. They thrive in this country, but are high-legged, and of -a very indifferent shape. Coarse wool, when cleaned, costs two shillings -a pound.” - -The above information was derived, the writer says, from Mr. Stuart, the -Curate of Kingston, “who cultivates, himself, seventy acres of land, a -part of 2,000 acres which had been granted him as a Loyalist. Without -being a very skilful farmer, he is perfectly acquainted with the details -of agriculture.” These statements refer no doubt, to the settlements of -the Bay. There is reference to horses, by Col. Clarke, whose father, -living at the Napanee Mills in 1788, had two favorite horses, Jolly and -Bonny. - -In an old account book, now before us, for which we are indebted to Mr. -P. C. Clarke, of Collinsby, and which belonged to his grandfather, -Robert Clarke, who built the Napanee Mills, we find the following entry. - - “Appenea Falls, 23rd November, 1785. - - “Acct. of work for Adam Bower with his horses. Dec. 3, To day’s - work, do., &c. He continued to work for sixty-two days with his - horses.” - -The following supplies valuable information: - - “Appanne Mills, 3rd Aug. 1788. - - “Messrs. Collins and Frobisher, Dr.” &c. (They must have been agents - for the Government). - - “Aug. 21st. To David Bradshaw, one day with his oxen, 6s. June 11. - To Samuel Browson, Jun’r., 2 days work with two yoke of oxen, at - 10s. March 28th. To 11½ days, Adam Arehart, with a span of horses, - at 6s. - - “1789. Oct. 1. To Asa Richard; 9 days work with a pair of horses and - a woman, at 9s.” - -There is a memorandum in Robert Clarke’s book, as follows: “Mr. Joseph -Crane got at Canada” (it will be remembered that the first settlers -spoke of the Lower Province as Canada) “a bay horse six years old. A -brown mare four years old. Second Township, 13th March, 1787.” - -The Dempsey’s drove in, 100 miles, some cattle in 1789 to Ameliasburgh. -He was offered 200 acres of land for a yoke of four-year-old steers, -which offer he refused. At another time he was offered 100 acres for a -cow. - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - - CONTENTS—Old Channels of Trade, and Travel—Art and Science—New - Channels—The Wilderness—Loyalists Traveling on Foot, from Kingston - to York—Formation of Roads—Act of Parliament—1793—Its Provisions— - Crooked Roads—Foot-path—Bridle-path—King’s Highway from Lower - Canada—When Surveyed—Road from Kingston Westward—Its Course— - Simcoe’s Military Road—Dundas Street—Asa Danforth—Contract with - Government—Road from Kingston to Ancaster—Danforth Road—1799— - Misunderstandings—Danforth’s Pamphlets—Slow Improvement—Cause— - Extract from Gourlay—Thomas Markland’s Report—Ferries—1796—Acts of - Parliament—Statute Labor—Money Grants—Commissioners—Midland - District—Distribution—The Cataraqui Bridge Company—The - Petitioners—An Act—The Provisions—The Plan of Building—The Bridge— - Toll—Completing the Bridge—Improvement of Roads—McAdam—Declines a - Knighthood. - - - THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS THROUGH THE WILDERNESS. - -The channels followed by the Europeans, as they penetrated the unknown -wilderness of America, were those indicated by the Indians, who had -themselves for centuries followed them, in their pursuit after the -chase, or when upon the war path. The great routes mentioned elsewhere, -are the natural ones, and no other could have been pursued. It was only -when art and science followed emigration to the new world that new -channels were opened up, and the canal and railroad superseded the old -devious ways along the windings of rivers. - -Prior to the visiting of Europeans, the Indian paths were more or less -trodden as the requirements of food and the existence of prey led the -hunter here or there, or the war cry led them to the deadly encounter. -But when the Europeans initiated trade by giving for furs the attractive -trinkets, and such articles as contributed to the Indian taste of -comfort and grandeur, then there were more regular and frequent -travelings from the sea-board to the far west. - -The occupation of Western Canada found the country in its primeval -state; a vast wilderness, and no roads. The only way of traveling from -one clearing to another was by the canoe and batteau, or by foot through -the trackless woods, guided by the banks of the bay, or a river, or the -blazing of the trees. For a long time not even a bridle-path existed, -had there been horses to ride upon. Even at a late date, journeys were -made on foot from Kingston to York along the lake shore. The formation -of roads was a very slow process. In the year 1793, an act was passed -“to Regulate the Laying out, Amending, and Keeping in Repair, the Public -Highways and Roads.” The roads were to be not less than thirty feet, nor -more than sixty wide. Each settler was under obligation to clear a road -across his lot; but there was the reserve lands for the Clergy and -Crown, which were not provided with roads. Any one traveling the older -settled districts will be struck with the devious character of the -highways. The configuration of the Bay Quinté, and the mode of laying -out the lots to secure a frontage upon the water, tended to cause this -irregularity. The settlements being apart, when a communication took -place between them the shortest cut would be taken, so far as hill, and -marsh, and creek would permit. The consequences were that many of the -roads were angular with the lots, or running zigzag. In later years, -some of these roads were closed up, but many remain to mark an original -foot-path. The banks of the bay and of creeks and rivers were naturally -followed, as sure guides, or perhaps as an Indian path. And thus -sometimes the road was made not direct, but roundabout. In the survey of -the concessions, provision was made for roads between the concessions, -and cross-roads were to be left between every fifth and sixth lots. - -Many of the main roads were at first marked by the blazing of the trees, -when made through the woods, after a while a foot-path could be seen, -and then boughs were trimmed off, that one might ride on horseback; and -in time the sleigh was driven, and finally a waggon road was made. - -Government was slack in giving funds to open up the country, and the -legislation, for many years, in reference to the subject, seemed as if -it was intended to do as little as possible, forgetting the fact that -“the first improvement of any country should be the making of good -roads.” But it soon became important to have a mail road between -Montreal and Kingston, and between Kingston and York, and then by way of -Dundas to the Thames, and to Niagara. Says Mr. A. Sheerwood, “I -recollect when the King’s highway was established from the Provincial -line to Kingston, the line was run by a surveyor named Ponair, with a -surveyor under his direction by the name of Joseph Kilborne. The -distance from the Provincial line to my father’s farm, three miles below -Brockville, was ninety-five miles, and from Brockville to the fort, this -side of Kingston, fifty miles; at the end of each mile was planted a red -cedar post, marked on it the number of miles from the Provincial line; -this line of road was made some years after the first settlement, but I -have forgotten the year.” The original mail road between Kingston and -York did not altogether follow the present line. At first, from -Kingston, the road followed the bay shore to Bath, and continued along -the shore to Adolphustown to Dorland’s Point, where was established a -ferry to communicate with Marysburg at the Lake of the Mountain; thence -the road followed the shore to the head of Picton Bay, and soon to -Bloomfold, Wellington, Consecon, by the Carrying Place, and continued to -closely follow the lake shore. Subsequently this great highway was -called the York Road when going towards York, and the Kingston Road when -going towards Kingston. - -Gen. Simcoe intended to have a grand military road from one end of the -Province to the other. This he lined out and gave it the name of Dundas -Street. But he left the Province before his intentions were carried out, -and but a small portion was then constructed; while settlers had located -here and there along the proposed road, and had cleared land and built -with the full expectation that the great thoroughfare would shortly be -opened up. But years passed away, before this was done. Piece after -piece was here and there made passable, until at last the road was made -through the length of the Province. - -The late Mr. Finkle of Ernest Town writes: “An American gentleman came -into Canada, 1798, by the name of Asa Danforth, and made a contract with -the Upper Canada Government, to open a road from Kingston through to -Ancaster, at the head of Lake Ontario, which road he completed. -Danforth’s home was at my father’s (Henry Finkle), before and after the -contract was taken. The work commenced in 1798, and was finished in -three years time.” This road passed through Prince Edward by Wellington. -Danforth “became dissatisfied with the government when the settlement -took place, and left Canada with a bitter feeling, so much so, that he, -some time after, sent to my father a package of pamphlets, he had -published to shew the injustice of the government transaction. He -desired they should be circulated through the country along the road. -However, the pamphlets were not distributed, and the fact never became -generally known.” For many years the main road was called the Danforth -Road. - -As time advanced, the road between York and Kingston was gradually -improved. The great hindrance to road making is sufficiently indicated -by the following, taken from Gourlay. It is the expression of a meeting -of yeomen, held at the village of Waterloo, Kingston, February 2, 1818, -Major John Everett in the chair. Among other things it is asserted that -what retards the progress is that “great quantities of land in the -fronts and public situations, that remain unimproved, by being given -very injudiciously to persons who do not want to settle on them, and -what is most shameful and injurious, no law is made to compel them to -make or work any public road; but this is to be done by industrious -people, who settle around. Such lands remain like a putrid carcass, an -injury and a nuisance to all around: at the same time, to the owners, -this land increases in value, without their being made to contribute -towards it, at other men’s expense. Our worthies, a few years ago, -passed an act, that required a poor man to work three days upon the -public roads, and these over-gorged landowners but twelve days, and -others, with twenty times as much property, doing no more. It would -excite surprise at Governor Gore’s signing such a bill, if it was not -known that the Parliament voted him £3,000, to buy a piece of plate.” - -Says Thomas Markland, in a General Report of Midland District: - -“The same cause which has surrounded Little York with a desert, creates -gloom and desolation about Kingston, otherwise most beautifully -situated; I mean the seizure and monopoly of the land by people in -office and favour. On the east side, particularly, you may travel miles -together without passing a human dwelling; the roads are accordingly -most abominable to the very gates of this, the largest town in the -Province; and its market is often supplied with vegetables from the -United States, where property is less hampered, and the exertions of -cultivators more free, accordingly.” - -In 1797, Parliament passed an Act, which was the first “for the -regulation of ferries.” - -In 1794, an Act was passed “to make further provisions respecting -Highways and Roads.” An Act was passed, 1798, respecting “Statute duties -on Highways and Roads.” In 1804 an Act was passed “granting £1,000 for -repairing, laying out new roads, and building bridges in the several -districts.” Again, in 1808 £1,600 was granted for the same purpose; and -again the same sum in the following year. In 1811, £3,450 was granted. -In 1812, an Act was passed “to prevent damage to travelers on the -highways of the Province.” All persons meeting sleighs or waggons to -turn out to the right, and give half the way. Two or more bells to be -attached to every sleigh. - -In 1812, it was found that “many roads were unnecessarily laid out;” to -remedy this, every one had to be confirmed by Justices of the Peace, and -if this were not done, the party who applied for the survey should pay -for the same. - -In 1814, £6,000 was granted for Highways and Bridges; and the year -following, “£20,500 to be appropriated,” and Commissioners were -appointed on the road, to receive £25 each. Again, the year after, -£21,000 was granted. - -In 1819, Parliament passed an “Act repealing and amending certain -portions of previous Acts,” by which a more elaborate provision was made -to secure statute labor. This was again amended in 1824. In 1826 was -enacted to grant £1,200 for making and repairing roads and bridges—Item: -“In aid of the Society for improving the Public Roads,” in a part of -Ernesttown and Kingston. In 1830, £13,650 was granted “for the -improvement of Roads and Bridges,” of which the Midland District -received £1,900, to be expended as follows, by contract after public -notice: “On the Montreal road, between the Town of Kingston, and the -limits of the County of Frontenac, the sum of fifty pounds. Joseph -Franklin, Elijah Beach, and James Atkinson to be Commissioners for -expending the same: On the road leading from the Town of Kingston, to -the Village of Waterloo, the sum of fifty pounds; and that Samuel -Askroyd, Horace Yeomans, and Benjamin Olcott, be Commissioners for -expending the same. On the leading road from Kingston to the Village of -Bath, the sum of one hundred pounds, and that Henry Lasher, Joseph Amy, -and Prentiss J. Fitch, be Commissioners for expending the same. On the -road leading from the Village of Waterloo to the Napanee Mills, the sum -of three hundred and fifty pounds; and that the Treasurer and Trustees -of the Kingston and Earnesttown Road Society be Commissioners for -expending the same. On the road leading from Loughborough to Waterloo, -the sum of fifty pounds; and that Samuel Aykroyd, John Campbell, and -Henry Wood be Commissioners for expending the same. On the road leading -from the fifth Concession of Portland to the third concession of the -Township of Kingston, fifty pounds; and that Jacob Shibly, Byron Spike, -and Thomas Sigsworth, be Commissioners for expending the same. On the -road leading from Bath to the Township of Camden, the sum of fifty -pounds; and that Ebenezer Perry, Benjamin Clarke, and John Perry, be -Commissioners for expending the same. On the road leading from Wessel’s -Ferry, in Sophiasburg, to Demorest’s Mill, the sum of one hundred -pounds; and that Abraham VanBlaricum, Daniel B. Way, and Guilliam -Demorest, be Commissioners for expending the same. On the road between -the widow M’Cready’s and the north-east of Chrysler’s Creek Bridge, in -the seventh concession of Thurlow, the sum of twenty-five pounds. On the -road in the township of Huntington, leading to the township of Madoc, -and surveyed by W. Ketcheson, in one-thousand eight hundred and -twenty-eight, seventy-five pounds, and that Jacob Jowngs, of Thurlow, -Garret Garritson, of Huntingdon, and James O’Hara, of Madoc, be -Commissioners for expending the same. On the road leading from the -Napanee Mills to Belleville, the sum of eight hundred pounds, and that -Allan McPherson, John Turnbull, William Post, David B. Soles, and John -Mabee, of Thurlow, be Commissioners for expending the same. On the road -leading from VanAlstine’s ferry to the Carrying Place, the sum of two -hundred pounds, and that Simeon Washburn, Esquire, Charles Biggar, -Esquire, and Jesse Henderson, be Commissioners for expending the same.” - -During the same session, “there being reason to believe there would not -be enough means on hand to meet the grant,” an Act was passed to raise -by loan £8000. The year after another Act was passed to raise by -debenture the sum of £40,000 more to be appropriated to the several -districts. The Midland district to receive £2,200. Among the -specifications, were “in the Indian woods” £200 for the bridge at the -mouth of the little Cataraqui, £50 “to assist in erecting new bridge -across Marsh Creek, near William Brickman’s, in Ameliasburgh,” £20. “To -erect a bridge across East Creek, at the east end of East Lake, £50.” -“On the road leading from Belleville to the Marmora Iron Works, £250.” - -On March, 25, 1828, there was passed an Act respecting “a road between -Ernesttown and the Gore of Fredericksburgh.” - -The Preamble says, “whereas, in consequence of a dispute having arisen -between the Justices of the Peace of Ernesttown and Fredericksburgh, -respecting the right of either party to take charge” of the road, and to -which party the right of repairing it belongs, “in consequence of which -dispute, the aforesaid road though much traveled from necessity, is -dangerous and difficult to travel, on account of being left, in a great -measure, for a long time past, without being mended,” &c. It was enacted -that the two townships should equally take charge and keep in repair the -said road, certain portions being allotted to each. - -In 1827 an act was passed to incorporate “The Cataraqui Bridge Company.” -Up to this time the communication between Kingston and the opposite -point of Frederick, was only by boat. The Act, or some portions of it -cannot but be interesting: “Whereas John H. Glover, John Marks, John -Macaulay, John Kerby, Christopher Alexander Hagerman, Michael Sproatt, -John P. Hawkins, Robert Moore, Charles Jones, Stephen Yarwood, Augustus -Barber, George Calls, Richard Williams, James B. Forsyth, George -McBeath, Adam Krieu, John S. Cartwright, Robert D. Cartwright, Alexander -Anderson, George O’Kill Stuart, Laughlin Currin, Donald McPherson, James -Jackalls, the younger, Francis Archibald Harper, John Cumming, James -Sampson, Elizabeth Herchmer, Catharine Markland, Anne Macaulay, John -Jenkins, and Edward Forsyth, have petitioned to be incorporated,” &c. -(This furnishes us with the names of the more prominent persons at that -time interested in Kingston). “And whereas, they have represented, by -their agents, that they have made arrangements with His Majesty’s -Government, in case the object above recited be carried into effect, for -the passage of Military and Naval stores, and of the officers and men -belonging and attached to the various Military and Naval departments, -for a certain consideration to be annually paid by the Government, and -that for the purpose of this incorporation, they have subscribed stock -to the amount of £6000.” - -The Act of Incorporation provided that “the said Company are authorized -and empowered, at their own cost and charges, to erect and build a good -and substantial bridge over the great river Cataraqui, near the town of -Kingston, from the present scow landing on the military reserve, -opposite to the north-east end of the continuation of Front Street to -the opposite shore on Point Frederick, at the present scow landing on -the Military Reserve, adjoining the western addition of the Township of -Pittsburgh, with convenient access thereto at both ends of the bridge, -to and from the adjacent highways, at present in use; that the said -bridge shall be at least twenty-five feet wide, and of sufficient -strength for artillery carriages,” &c., &c.; they shall also be at -liberty to build tollhouses, and toll-bars; Provided always, that there -be a draw-bridge not less than eighteen feet, in some part, for the -passage of all vessels, which bridge shall be opened at all hours -required without exacting toll, and a space for rafts between the piers, -forty feet. - -The amount of toll to be demanded from man and beast, and vehicle, was -fully specified in the Act. - -The Company was to be managed by five Directors, Stockholders to hold -office for one year from each last Monday in January. The bridge was to -be completed within three years. - -It was provided that no ferry should be allowed, nor other barge. - -The final clause enacted that after fifty years his Majesty might assume -the possession of the bridge, upon paying to the Company the full value -thereof, to be ascertained by three arbitrators. - -March 20, 1829, an Act was passed extending the time for completing the -bridge, two years from the passing of the Act. - -We have seen how the roads throughout Canada, were gradually -constructed. As time advanced steps were taken, sometimes however very -tardily, to place public thoroughfares in a more passable condition. We -believe the road from Kingston to Napanee, was the first to be -macadamized, which for many long years was the exception in an execrable -road, stretching between Kingston and York. The originator of -macadamized roads was John Loudoun McAdam. He was born in Scotland in -1756; emigrated to New York when a lad, and remained in that City -throughout the Revolution. Under the protection of the British troops, -he accumulated a considerable fortune, as agent for the sale of prizes. -At the close of the war he returned to his native land, with the loss of -nearly all his property. His system of making roads is too well known to -require description. The British Government gave him £10,000, and -tendered the honor of knighthood, which he declined, but which was -conferred on his son, James Nicholl McAdam. He died at Moffat, County of -Dumfries, in 1836, aged eighty years. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - - CONTENTS—Ode to Canada—Early events—First English child in America, - 1587—In New England—First French child, 1621—First in Upper - Canada, 1783—In Prince Edward—Adolphustown—Ameliasburgh—North of - the Rideau—Indian marriage ceremony—Difficulty among first - settlers to get clergymen—First marriage in America, 1608—First in - New England, 1621—First in Canada, 1620—Marriageable folks—No one - to tie the matrimonial knot—Only one clergyman—Officers marrying— - Magistrates empowered—Legislation, 1793—Its provision—Making valid - certain marriages—Further legislation, 1798—In 1818—1821—1831— - Clergymen of all denominations permitted to marry—Methodist - ministers—Marriage license, 1814—Five persons appointed to issue—A - noticeable matter—Statements of Bates—Mode of courting in the - woods—Newcastle wedding expeditions—Weapons of defence—Ladies’ - dresses—The lover’s “rig”—A wedding ring—Paying the magistrate—A - good corn basket—Going to weddings—“Bitters”—Old folks stay at - home—The dance, several nights—Marriage outfit—Frontier life— - Morals in Upper Canada—Absence of irregularities—Exceptional - instances—Unable to get married, Peter and Polly—A singular - witness—Rev. Mr. Stuart—Langhorn—McDowell—How to adorn the bride— - What she wore—A wedding in 1808—On horseback—The guests—The - wedding—The banquet—The game of forfeits—The night—Second day - wedding—The young folks on horseback—Terpischorean—An elopement by - Canoe—The Squire—The chase—The lovers successful—The Squires who - married. - - - “ODE TO CANADA.” - - Canada faithful! Canada fair! - Canada, beautiful, blooming and rare! - Canada, happiest land of the earth! - Hail to thee, Canada! land of my birth! - Land of fair freedom, where bought not and sold, - Are sinews and sorrows, for silver and gold! - Land of broad lakes, sweet valleys and plains! - Land where justice for rich and poor reigns! - Land of tall forests, famed rivers and rills! - Land of fair meadows, bold mountains and hills! - Land where a man is a man, though he toil! - Land where the tiller is lord of the soil! - Land where a people are happy and free— - Where is the land that is like unto thee? - Thou hast for the stranger that seeketh thy shore - A smile, and a cheer, and a welcome in store; - The needy, relief; and the weary repose; - A home for thy friends; and a grave for thy foes. - Thy nobles are those whose riches in store - Is the wealth of the soul, and the heart’s hidden lore; - They cringe to no master, they bow to no lord - Save Heaven’s, each night and each morning adored. - Land of swift rivers, sweet-gliding along! - Land of my pride, and land of my song! - Canada, prosperous! Canada, true! - Canada loyal, and virtuous, too! - Canada, happiest land of the earth! - Hail thee, forever, sweet land of my birth! - - - THE FIRST NATIVES OF UPPER CANADA. - -We turn from the sad pictures which have been truthfully, if imperfectly -done, which represent the darker side of the pioneer life of the -refugees, to others more pleasing. In those primitive times, events -which now seem trivial to a general public, were of general interest, -and the recollection cherished by a whole community. In the absence of -those stirring events which characterize the present, incidents of -comparative unimportance, became household words, and recollections. -Hence, it comes that posterity may, in some instances, know who were -first married in certain places in America, of the first birth, and who -first died. - -“The first child born of English parents in America, was a daughter of -Mrs. Dore, of Virginia, October 18, 1587.” “There is now standing in -Marshalfield, Cape Cod, a portion of a house built by Perigrine White, -the first male child born of English parents in New England.” According -to the testimony of the registrar of Quebec, the first white child born -in Canada, was upon the 24th October, 1621, which was christened the -same day by the name of Eustache, being the son of Abraham and Margaret -L’Anglois; Abraham was a Scotchman, named Martin Abraham. He was king’s -pilot, and married to Eustache. The plains of Abraham derive their name -from him. - -In the obituary notice of Rev. Mr. Pringle, a Methodist preacher, it is -stated that he was born in Prince Edward, in 1780, but this must be a -mistake. There is sufficient proof that the first settlement at Smith’s -Bay commenced in 1784, when the first part of Prince Edward became -settled. Perhaps, indeed, very likely, the first children born of -European parents, was the late Colonel John Clark, of Dalahousie, and an -elder brother and sister. His father, an Englishman, came to Quebec, -attached to the 8th regiment in 1768. From a sergeant-major, he was -appointed in 1776, clerk and naval store keeper at Carleton Island. -Here, Sarah and William Clark were born during the progress of the war. -Col. Clark says, “I was born at Frontenac, now Kingston, in 1783, and -was baptized by the Rev. Mr. Stuart.” - -The Rev. Mr. Pringle, before alluded to, was the first, or among the -first-born in Prince Edward. - -A son of Thomas Dorland, claimed to be the first white child born in the -fourth township; but the honor was disputed by Daniel Peterson. Mrs. Wm. -Ketcheson, now living in Sidney, daughter of Elizabeth Roblin, of -Adolphustown, was born there in 1784. She must have been one of the very -first, as the first settlers came that same year. On the 16th January -1785, Henry VanDusen was born in Adolphustown, being one of the first -natives. - -Upon the 26th April, 1868, was buried Mrs. Bush, she was the first -female born in Ameliasburgh. Mr. Bleeker, yet living at Trenton, was the -first male child born in Ameliasburgh. Mrs. Covert, was also one of the -first persons born in Ameliasburgh. - -The first person said to have been born in Toronto, was Mr. J. Cameron, -of Yonge Street, in 1798. - -The first child born of white parents north of the Rideau, was Colonel -E. Burritt, Burritt’s Rapids, a relative of Elihu Burritt. - - - MARRYING IN EARLY TIMES. - -The native Indians of America practiced no important ceremony in -connection with marrying. Certain steps had to be taken by the one who -might desire to have a certain female as his partner, and those -proceedings were always strictly attended to. But the final ceremony -consisted in little more than the affianced one, leaving the wigwam of -her father and repairing to that of her future lord and master. In many -cases the first settlers of America experienced some difficulty in -obtaining the services of a Christian minister to solemnize matrimony. -In French Canada there was not this difficulty, as from the first the -zealous missionary was ever beside the discoverer as he pressed on his -way. - -The first Christian marriage solemnized in America, took place in -Virginia in 1608, between John Loyden and Ann Burras. The first marriage -in New England was celebrated the 12th May, 1621, at Plymouth, between -Edward Waislow and Susannah White. The first marriage in the colony of -French Canada, was between Guillaume Couillard and Guillmet Hebert, July -1620. This is found in the first parish register, which was commenced -this year, 1620. - -Among the pioneers of Upper Canada, were persons of every class as to -age, from the tender infant at the breast, to the gray-headed man. There -were young men and young women, as well as the aged, and as hopes and -desires exist to-day in the breast of the young, so did they then. As -the gentle influence of love animates at the present time, so it did -then. But there was a serious drawback; the consummation of courtship -could not easily be realized. Throughout the vast length of the -settlements there were but few clergymen to celebrate matrimony, and -many sighing swains had to wait months, and even years of wearisome time -to have performed the matrimonial ceremony. At the first, when a -chaplain was attached to a regiment, he was called upon, but when the -settlers commenced to clear, there was no chaplain connected with the -regiment. Indeed, Mr. Stuart, of Kingston, was the only clergyman in all -Upper Canada for a few years. But the duties of the chaplain were -frequently attended to by an officer, especially at Niagara, and many of -the first marriages in the young colony were performed by a colonel, an -adjutant, or a surgeon. Subsequently, magistrates were appointed, who -were commissioned to tie the nuptial knot. - - * * * * * - -In the second session of the first Parliament, 1793, was passed “_An Act -to confirm and make valid certain marriages heretofore contracted in the -country now comprised within the Province of Canada, and to provide for -the future solemnization of marriage within the same._” - -“Whereas many marriages have been contracted in this Province at a time -when it was impossible to observe the forms prescribed by law for the -solemnization thereof, by reason that there was no Protestant parson or -minister duly ordained, residing in any part of the said Province, nor -any consecrated Protestant church or chapel within the same, and whereas -the parties having contracted such marriages, and their issue may -therefore be subjected to various disabilities, in order to quiet the -minds of such persons and to provide for the future solemnization of -marriage within this Province, be it enacted and declared by the King’s -Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the -Legislative Council and Assembly of the Province of Upper Canada, that -the marriage and marriages of all persons, not being under any canonical -disqualification to contract matrimony, that have been publicly -contracted before any magistrate or commanding officer of a post, or -adjutant, or surgeon of a regiment, acting as chaplain, or any other -person in any public office or employment, before the passing of this -Act, shall be confirmed and considered to all intents and purposes as -good and valid in law, and that the parties who have contracted such -marriages, and the issue thereof, may become severally entitled to all -the rights and benefits, and subject to all the obligations arising from -marriage and consanguinity, in as full and ample a manner as if the said -marriages had respectively been solemnized according to law. - -“And be it further enacted, that in order to enable those persons who -may be desirous of preserving the testimony of such marriage, and of the -birth of their children, it shall and may be lawful, at any time, within -three years from the passing of this Act, for any magistrate of the -district where any such parties as may have contracted matrimony as -aforesaid, shall reside, at the request of either of said parties, to -administer to each an oath that they were married on a certain day, and -that there is now living issue of the marriage.” This attestation to be -subscribed to by the parties and certified by the magistrate. The Clerk -of the Peace recorded these certificates in a register for the purpose, -which thereafter was considered sufficient evidence of such matters. - -It was further enacted, “That until there shall be five parsons or -ministers of the Church of England, doing duty in their respective -parishes in any one district,” persons “desirous of intermarrying with -each other, and neither of them living within the distance of eighteen -miles of any minister of the Church of England, may apply to any -neighbouring Justice of the Peace,” who should affix in some public -place, a notice, for which he should receive one shilling, and no more. -The purport of the notice was that A. B. and C. D. were desirous of -getting married, and there being no parson within eighteen miles, if any -person knew any just reason why they should not be married, should give -notice thereof to such magistrate. After which a form of the Church of -England was to be followed, but should a minister reside within eighteen -miles of either parties the marriage was null and void. - -It is related that these notices of marriage were often attached to -trees by the road side, and as it was considered desirable in those days -to keep intending marriages secret, not unfrequently the intending -parties would watch and remove the notice which had been put up. - -In the year 1798, an Act was passed to extend the provisions of the -first Act, which provided that “it shall be lawful for the minister of -any congregation or religious community of persons, professing to be -members of the Church of Scotland, or Lutherans, or Calvinists” to marry -according to the rights of such church, and it was necessary that one of -the persons to be married should have been a member of the particular -church six months before the marriage. The clergyman must have been -regularly ordained, and was to appear before six magistrates at quarter -sessions, with at least seven members of his congregation, to prove his -office, or take the oath of allegiance. And then, if the dignitaries -thought it expedient, they might grant him a certificate that he was a -settled minister, and therefore could marry, having published the -intended marriage upon three Sundays previous. - -In November, 1818, a brief act was passed to make valid the marriages of -those who may have neglected to preserve the testimony of their -marriage. - -In the year 1821, an act was passed “for the more certain punishment of -persons illegally solemnizing marriage, by which it was provided, that -if persons, legally qualified to marry, should do so without the -publication of banns, unless license be first had, should be guilty of a -misdemeanor.” - -There was no further legislation until 1831, when provision was again -made to confirm marriages contracted “before any justice of the peace, -magistrate, or commanding officer of a post, or minister and clergyman, -in a manner similar to the previous acts.” It was at this time enacted -that it should be lawful for ministers of the church of Scotland, -Lutherans, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Baptists, Independants, -Methodists, Menonists, Tunkers, or Moravians, to solemnize matrimony, -after having obtained certificates from the quarter sessions. According -to the act of 1798, only the church of Scotland, Lutherans, and -Calvinists, beside the English church, were permitted to marry persons. -So it will be seen by this act of 1831, important concessions were made -to different denominations. This act was by the Methodists, especially -regarded as a deserved recognition of the constantly increasing number -of that denomination. It certainly, at this time, seems remarkably -strange, that so obvious a right, was for so long a time withheld, not -alone from them, but other denominations. But the effort was strong, and -long continued to build up the church of England to the exclusion of all -others. - -The restriction upon the Methodist ministers was to them greater from -the fact, that for a long time they were members of a Conference -existing, where all denominations were alike endowed with the power to -perform the marriage ceremony. And it is recorded, that in a few -instances, the ministers stationed in Canada, either forgot the -illegality of marrying, or felt indisposed to submit to the unjust law, -and did actually marry some persons. Elder Ryan was one, and was -consequently banished; but was shortly pardoned by government, because -of his known loyalty. His son-in-law, Rev. S. B. Smith, was another; but -he defended himself at the trial and got free. Another was the Rev. Mr. -Sawyer, who at once, being accused, fled the country for a time. - -It appears that on the 31st May, 1814, government appointed five persons -to issue marriage licenses. One at Queenston, one at York, one at -Kingston, one at Williamsburgh, and one at Cornwall. John Cumming was -appointed for Kingston. Prior to this, licenses had been occasionally -issued, probably, however, only by application to government. Marrying -by license was so noticeable an event, that it was considered elegant to -state in the marriage notice, “married by license.” - -According to a letter in our possession, sometimes the issuer of license -would be without any, when he would give a certificate to the applicant, -by which the party could get married, and subsequently he would furnish -him with the license. - -Having given the legal and legislative facts relative to marrying in -early times, it may not be inappropriate to adduce some items of a -social nature. - -Roger Bates, of Newcastle, in his memoir at the parliament library, -speaks thus pleasantly and graphically in referring to his father’s -courtship and marriage, which took place at the commencement of the -present century. “The mode of courting in those days was a good deal of -the Indian fashion. The buxom daughter would run through the trees and -bushes, and pretend to get away from the lover; but somehow or other he -managed to catch her, gave her a kiss, and they soon got married, I -rather think by a magistrate. Time was too valuable to make a fuss about -such matters.” Whether this mode of courting was practiced elsewhere, -than in Newcastle, it may be doubted. Speaking of the weddings, and the -journey to get the knot tied, he says, “they generally furnished -themselves with tomahawks and implements to defend themselves, and to -camp out if required. The ladies had no white dresses to spoil, or fancy -bonnets. With deer skin petticoats, home-spun gowns, and perhaps -squirrel skin bonnet, they looked charming in the eyes of their lovers, -who were rigged out in similar materials.” Again, about the wedding -ring, which could not then be procured, he says, “I have heard my mother -say, that uncle Ferguson, a magistrate, rather than disappoint a happy -couple, who had walked twenty miles, made search throughout the house, -and luckily found a pair of old English skates, to which was attached a -ring, with this he proceeded with the ceremony, and fixing the ring on -the young woman’s finger, reminded her, that though a homely substitute, -she must continue to wear it, otherwise the ceremony would be dissolved. -That curious token was greatly cherished, and is still among the family -relics.” - -Mr. Sheriff Sherwood, speaking of his father, one of the first -magistrates appointed by Simcoe, says “he probably joined more -individuals together in the happy bonds of matrimony, than any other -person ever has, in the county of Leeds. I have often heard him mention -the circumstance of a young man asking him to marry him, but who said, I -cannot get the money to pay you, but I will make you a good wheat fan, -which he readily accepted, as it was an article much used at that time. -At another time an old man came on the same errand, and said to him, I -cannot get the money to pay you, but I will make you a good corn basket, -with oak splints, and so tight that I will warrant it to hold water, and -the old man punctually fulfilled his promise.” - -We have some interesting information from an old lady who settled in -Ameliasburgh, and who still lives. Getting married at the beginning of -the present century was a great event. The Carrying Place was the usual -place of resort. They placed in a lumber waggon, a number of chairs, and -each gallant was supposed to support his partner upon his knee, and thus -economise room. “Bitters” were indulged in, but no fighting allowed. If -one began that, he was put out. Keeping good natured was a point of duty -insisted upon. No old persons went to the wedding, but they joined in -the dance, when the youngsters got back. A wedding without a dance was -considered an insipid affair; and it was generally kept up two or three -successive nights at different places. Francis Weese’s was a half-way -house between McMan’s corners, (Rednerville), and the Carrying Place. -Weese was a distinguished player upon the fiddle, and the wedding -parties often stayed with him the first night. - -“A yoke of steers, a cow, three or four sheep, with a bed, table, two -dozen chairs, was regarded a very decent setting out for the bride. And -if the groom was heir to 50 or 100 acres of land, with a little cleared, -he was thought to have the worldly “gear,” to constitute a first-rate -match.” - -The history of frontier life; of the advance body of pioneers in the far -west, frequently exhibits great irregularity in morals; a non-observance -of God’s commandments. But the record of the first settlers of Upper -Canada is remarkably bright. When it is recollected that they were but -scattered settlements in a wilderness; far away from civilized life; -excluded from the world, and removed from the influence of the salutary -power of public opinions, it is a matter of wonder, that great and -frequent violation of God’s law, with regard to marrying did not take -place. But such was not the case, as a general thing; the holy bonds of -matrimony, were employed to bind man and woman together, whether through -the officer, the magistrate or the clergyman. For years there was but -few clergymen to marry, and also but few magistrates, and there were -secluded settlements where the clergyman or magistrate came not, and -from which the inhabitants could not go, perhaps for many miles to get -married. But a few, and they are very few instances, are recorded where -parties deviated from the righteous way. Upon the shore of the bay, in a -remote locality, about the year 1796, lived two individuals, whom we -will call respectively Peter and Polly. They were living in the same -family, she as a “help,” and he as a hired man upon the farm. This -couple had desired to enter the bonds of matrimony; but the ministers -and squires lived some distance off, and they could not get away to be -married, so they had to wait for the coming of one who would marry them; -they had to wait, it would seem for several years, in the mean time they -consoled themselves with genuine, and no doubt honest love. At last it -came to pass that a Squire visited that neighbourhood, and stopped at -the house where they lived. - -The family bethought them of the wishes of Peter and Polly; and that now -was the time to have the legal knot tied. So Polly was called from the -kitchen just as she was, and Peter from the field besmeared with sweat, -and clean dirt, and the two were made one. Among the witnesses of the -interesting ceremony, was a bright eyed boy who trotted unceremoniously -from the bride to the groom, calling them respectively “mozzer” and -“fadder.” The time came when this same boy was the owner of the land -whereon he had been born. This fact, from excellent authority, stands -out as an exception to a general rule, although there is not about it -that flagrant violation of moral principle which is too often seen at -the present day, under other circumstances which afford no excuse. - -The Rev. Mr. Stuart, living at Kingston, was not often called upon to -marry, by persons outside of that village, and persons rarely found time -to go all the way to him. When Mr. Langhorn came and opened a church at -Adolphustown, and Bath, a more central place was supplied, and he -consequently was often employed. But Mr. McDowell was the one who most -frequently was required to marry. Being a minister of the church of -Scotland, he enjoyed the privilege of marrying, and unlike Langhorn, he -would marry them at their homes. So when making his rounds through the -country, on his preaching excursions, he was frequently called upon to -officiate in this capacity. - -In the region of the Bay, were some who had in previous days, lived in -comfort, and had not wanted all that belonged to the well-to-do -inhabitants along the Hudson, and at New York. In some cases, these -families brought with them the fine clothes that had adorned their -bodies in former times. Not only was it difficult for them, in many -cases, to get some one to perform the marriage ceremony; but to the -female, especially, it was a grave matter how to adorn the bride with -that apparel which becomes the event. In those cases where rich clothes, -which had been used by parents, were stored away, they were brought -forth, and by a little alteration, made to do service; but by and by -these relics of better days were beyond their power to renovate, and -like others, they had, if married at all, to wear the garb mentioned by -Roger Bates, or some other plain article; a calico print, bought of a -pedlar, or a calamink, or linsey-woolsey petticoat, or a woolen drugget, -were no common luxuries in the wilderness home. An old lady who is still -living, tells us that she was married in 1807, and wore the -last-mentioned; and was thought very extravagant indeed. A venerable -lady, a native of the Bay, and now well-nigh eighty, remembers to have -attended a wedding about the year 1708, up the river Moira. She was -living with her uncle, Col. C. The wedding was one of some importance, -as both parties were well-to-do. There was but a path along the banks of -the river, and they went on horse back. At that time riding on horseback -was a common practice, not a single person merely, but in couples. It -was no unusual thing to see man and wife riding along together, also -brother and sister, and as well lovers. The guests to this wedding all -came on horse back, generally in pairs. They assembled early in the -forenoon, and the happy pair were soon united. The bride’s dress was -unusually grand, being of lawn; the two bridesmaids graced the occasion -by being dressed in muslin. She bears a distinct recollection of the -entertainment. The banquet was crowned with a majestic chicken pie, in a -pan capable of holding some twelve quarts; by roast goose, and with pies -and cakes of all sorts, in abundance. The bride’s father was the deacon -of a church, and did not allow dancing, but the afternoon and evening -were spent in joyous mirth and jovial “plays” in connection with which -forfeits were lost and redeemed. But, however much these plays may have -degenerated in recent days, they were then conducted with purity of -thought, and innocence of soul. The party did not break up the first -day. Half of the company repaired to the house of the groom’s father, -where beds were arranged for them. In the morning they went back to the -scene of the wedding, upon the banks of the river, which at this point -is particularly attractive. After breakfast, the young people, with the -newly married pair, set out for the front, to the mouth of the river. -They formed a joyous, and it must have been a picturesque cavalcade. -Each gentleman selected his fair partner, and having mounted his horse, -she was duly seated behind him. And thus they set out for their -destination. Pleasant, indeed, must have been the ride; striking the -scene, as they wended their way along the running water, and the bright -autumn sun shone upon them through the variegated leaves which clothed -the thickly standing trees. This night was spent at Myers’ Creek, in -following the notes of the fiddle with the nimble feet. This terminated -the wedding party. This is adduced as an illustration of marrying in -early times. Another will be briefly given: it was a case of elopement, -and occurred many years before the wedding above mentioned. A certain -Squire had been for many years in the enjoyment of wedded bliss. His -wife was the daughter of Capt. ——, a half-pay officer, an honest but -wayward Dutchman. The Squire’s wife died, and, in due time, he sought -the hand of another daughter of the Captain. But this the latter would -not listen to; he was determined they should not marry; because she was -his late wife’s sister. The worthy Squire could not see the force of the -objection, and the lady in question was likewise blinded by love. They -resolved to run away, or rather to paddle away, in a convenient canoe. -Clandestinely they set out upon the head waters of the bay, intending to -go to Kingston to obtain the services of a clergyman. But the Captain -learned the fact of their departure and started in pursuit with his -batteau and oarsmen. According to one account, the flying would-be -groomsman, who was paddling his own canoe, saw the angry parent coming, -and made haste to quicken his speed, but finding that they would be -overtaken, they landed upon an island in the bay, and hauled up the -canoe; and concealed it, with themselves, in a cavity upon the island; -and, after the Captain had passed, returned homeward and procured the -services of a Squire to marry them. But, according to another statement, -the lovers set out while the Captain was absent at Montreal, and arrived -at Kingston, unfortunately, as he was returning home. Seeing the Squire, -he had his suspicions aroused, and began to look about for his daughter. -She had, however, concealed herself by throwing an Indian blanket about -her person, and over her head, and by sitting down among some squaws. -The statement goes, that it was well the Captain did not find her, as he -would, as soon as not, have shot the Squire. The end of it was, they -were married, to live a long and happy domestic life. Although there may -be a little doubt as to the details of this early elopement on the bay, -there is no doubt that it took place in some such manner as described. - -Among the Squires upon the Bay, the following were the most frequently -called upon to marry: Young, of the Carrying Place; Bleeker, of the -Trent; Lazier, of Sophiasburgh. The magistrates residing nearer Kingston -and Adolphustown had less of this to do, as clergymen could there be -more easily obtained. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - - CONTENTS—Burying Places—How Selected—Family Burying Places—For the - Neighbourhood—The Dutch—Upon the Hudson—Bay Quinté—A Sacred Spot - to the Loyalists—Ashes to Ashes—Primitive Mode of Burial—The - Coffin—At the Grave—The Father’s Remarks—Return to Labor—French - Burying-place at Frontenac—Its Site—U. E. Loyalists’ Burying-place - at Kingston—The “U. E. Burying Ground,” Adolphustown—Worthy Sires - of Canada’s Sons—Decay—Neglect of Illustrious dead—Repair Wanted— - Oldest Burying Ground in Prince Edward—Ross Place—At East Lake— - Upon the Rose Farm—“The Dutch Burying Ground”—Second Growth Trees— - In Sophiasburgh—Cronk Farm—In Sidney—Rude Tomb Stones—Burial-place - of Capt. Myers—Reflections—Dust to Dust—In Thurlow—“Taylor Burying - Ground”—The First Person Buried—Lieut. Ferguson—An Aged Female—Her - Work Done—Wheels Stand Still. - - - THE EARLY BURYING PLACES UPON THE BAY QUINTÉ. - -“_Your fathers, where are they?_” - -Burying places in all the new settlements were, as a general thing, -selected by the family to which death might first come. This was true of -every part of America. Ere the forest had fallen before the hand of the -axeman, or while the roots and stumps of the trees yet thickly -encumbered the ground, before the scythe had been used to cut the first -products of the soil, the great reaper death passed by, and one and -another of the number were cut down. Some suitable place, under the -circumstances, was selected for the grave, and quietly the body was laid -away. In time, a neighbour would lose a member of the family, and the -body would be brought and laid beside the first buried. And so on, until -a certain circle would be found burying in a common place. But sometimes -families would prefer to have a private burial ground, some conspicuous -spot being selected upon the farm, where the ashes of the family might -be gathered together, as one after another passed away. The Dutch are -particularly attached to this custom. This may be seen even yet in those -old sections of New York State, where the Dutch originally settled, -especially at Hoboken, opposite New York City. Sacred spots were -appropriated by each family upon the farm, in which the family was -buried. The descendants of these Dutch who became such loyal subjects, -and suffering refugees who settled around the bay, followed the same -practice. These spots may be seen along the Hudson, and the Bay Quinté, -which may be regarded as the Hudson of Canada, and are indicated by the -drooping willow, or the locust or cypress. Some from whom reliable -information has been received, state that the spot selected on the Bay -Quinté was often that, where the family had first landed—where they had -rested on the bare earth, beneath the trees, until a hut could be -erected. This spot was chosen by the refugee himself as a suitable place -to take his last rest. Indeed, the devotion of the settler to the land -where he had wrought out his living, and secured a comfortable home, was -sometimes of an exalted character. One instance by way of illustration:— -There came to the shores of Hay Bay an heroic woman, a little rough -perhaps, but one whose soul had been bitterly tried during the conflict -between her king and the rebels. Her husband had been on many a -battle-field, and she had assisted on many an occasion to give comfort -to the British troops. The log hut was duly erected, and day after day -they went forth together to subdue the wilderness. In the sear and -yellow leaf, when competence had been secured and could be bequeathed to -their children, when the first log tenement had fallen to decay, she -caused her children to promise that her body should be laid upon the -spot where that old hut had stood. - -The mode of burial was often simple and touching, often there was no -clergyman of any denomination; no one to read a prayer over the dead for -the benefit of the living. Frequently, in the hush of suspended work, -through the quiet shades of the trees whose boughs sighed a requiem, -like as if angels whispered peace to the sad and tearful mourners who -silently, or with suppressed sobs, followed the coffin of the plainest -kind, often of rough construction, which contained the remains of a -loved one to the grave, in some spot selected. The rude coffin being -placed in the grave, those present would uncover, and the father, in sad -tones, would make a few remarks respecting the departed, offer a few -thoughts which the occasion suggested, and then the coffin was hidden -out of sight. The men would return to their labors, and the women to -their duties. - -We learn, on excellent authority, that the burial place for the French, -at Fort Frontenac, was where the barracks now stand near the bridge. But -not unlikely the French, when one died away from the fort at any -distance, committed the dead to the earth in Indian burial places. The -first burial place for the U. E. Loyalists in Kingston, was situated -where St. Paul’s Church now stands, on Queen Street, which was formerly -called Grove Street. - -No township is more rich in historic matters, pertaining to the U. E. -Loyalists than Adolphustown. Here settled a worthy band of refugees -whose lineage can be traced back to noble names in France, Germany and -Holland. Here was the birth-place of many of Canada’s more prominent and -worthy sons, and here repose the ashes of a large number of the devoted -pioneers. - -As the steamboat enters to the wharf at Adolphustown, the observer may -notice a short distance to the west, upon the summit of a ridge, a small -enclosure in which are a number of second growth trees, maple and oak. -He may even see indistinctly a few marble tombstones. If he walks to the -spot he will find that the fence is rough, broken, and falling down. -Casting his eye over the ground he sees the traces of numerous graves, -with a few marble head-stones, and a long iron enclosure within which -are buried the dead of the Casey family; with a marble slab to the head -of each. The ground generally is covered with the _debris_ of what once -formed enclosures of individual graves or family plots. When visited by -the writer, one grave, that of Hannah Vandusen, had growing out of its -bosom a large poplar tree, while the wooden fence around was falling and -resting against the tree. The writer gazed on these evidences, not alone -of decay but neglect, with great regret, and with a sigh. For here, -without any mark of their grave, lie many who were not only noble U. E. -Loyalists, but who were men of distinction, and the fathers of men well -known in Canadian History. Mr. Joseph B. Allison, accompanied us, and -pointed out the several spots where he had seen buried these illustrious -dead. - -In the north-west corner of the ground, with no trace even of a grave to -mark the spot, lies the old Major who commanded the company. Mr. Allison -was present, although a little boy at his burial. The event is fixed -upon his mind by the fact the militia turned out and buried him with -military honors. We stood on the spot overgrown with thorn trees, and -felt a pang that his name was thus forgotten, and his name almost -unknown. Close by is a neat marble headstone to a grave, upon which is -the following: “_Henry Hover, departed this life, August 23rd, 1842, -aged 79 years, 5 months and 17 days._” Noble man! Imprisonment with -chains for nearly two years, with many hardships during, and after the -war, did not make his life short, and we were thankful he had left -descendants who forgot not to mark his resting-place. For account of -this person see under “Royal Combatants.” - -The entrance gate to the ground is at the east side. To the right on -entering, a short distance off, is an oak tree. Between the gate and -tree was laid the body of Nicholas Hagerman. Sad to say, nothing -indicates the resting-place of the earliest lawyer of the Province, and -the father of Judge Hagerman. (See distinguished Loyalists). In the -middle of the ground rests the dead of the Casey family. The two old -couple whom we remember to have seen when a boy in their green old age, -lie here. “Willet Casey died aged 86. Jane, his wife, aged 93.” We would -say to all here buried, _Requiescat in pace_. But the very crumblings of -the enclosures which were put around the graves by sorrowing friends -when they died cry out against the neglected state of the ground. The -efforts which have repeatedly been made to put the place in repair ought -to be repeated, and a stone wall at least made to effectually inclose -the sacred dust. - -The oldest burying place, we believe, in Prince Edward, is some distance -from Indian Point, upon the Lake Shore, and east of the Rock, commonly -known as Ross’s Burying Ground. In this spot are buried some of the -first and most distinguished of the first settlers of Marysburgh. - -Another old burying place in Prince Edward is at East Lake, at the -commencement of the Carrying Place. Here may be found the graves of some -eighteen persons who made the first settlement of East Lake. The lot -upon which it is situated belonged to Mr. Dyse. It is no longer used, -but is partially in a ploughed field, and partially covered by a second -growth of trees. - -Upon the road along the south shore of Marysburg, a short distance west -of the Rock, upon the Rose farm, are to be seen the lingering remains of -the first church of this township. It was erected at an early date, and -was twenty-four feet square. Here Weant was wont to preach to his flock -of Lutherans, and here at times Langhorn from Bath also held forth. The -situation is pleasant, upon the brow of a comparatively steep hill, -overlooking a pleasant low-land, with the shining Ontario, and Long -Point stretching away into its waters; while to the right is the well -sheltered Wappoose Island. But another object attracts our attention. -Almost immediately fronting us upon a sand-hill close by the water’s -edge is to be seen “the old Dutch burying ground.” It is about -half-a-mile from the road, and we will descend the hill and take the -road through the fields along the fence, the way by which so many have -passed to their long home. The old graveyard is overshadowed by good -sized second growth pines, whose waving tops sigh not unharmoniously -over the ashes of the old Hessian and Dutch settlers. The adjacent shore -washed by the ever throbbing lake gives forth to day the gentlest -sounds. These old burying places remind one that Canada is ever growing -old. Here lie, not alone the early pioneers, but their grand-children; -and over the spot cleared are now good sized second growth trees. The -head boards are fallen in decay, the fence around the plots have -crumbled in the dust. - -The oldest burying place in Sophiasburgh is upon the Cronk farm east of -Northport. - -Nearly midway between Belleville and Trenton is situated the oldest -burying ground of Sidney. It is pleasantly located upon an eminence by -the bay shore, and affords a fine view of the bay, and opposite shore. -The visitor will be struck with the irregularity of the graves in the -place primarily used, as if the graves had been dug among the stumps. -Some of them are almost north and south. At the ends of mostly all are -placed stones, rough they are, but lasting, and have, in a large number -of cases, more permanently indicated the position of the graves. Upon -some of these rough stones are rudely cut the initials of the occupant -of the grave. In a great number of cases tablets painted on wood have -been placed to commemorate the individual deceased. But these are -totally obliterated, and the wood is falling to decay. Probably the -temporary mark of affectionate sorrowing was as lasting as the life of -the bereaved. We lingered among the graves here, and they are numerous. -We see the name Myers. And we know that old Capt. Myers was buried here, -after an eventful life. Around him also repose his old acquaintances and -friends—and enemies. They are gone with the primeval woods that covered -the slopes by the Bay Quinté—gone with the hopes and aspirations, and -prospects, and realizations that crowned their trying and eventful life— -gone so that their ashes can no longer be gathered, like the old batteau -which transported them thither—gone like their old log houses whose very -foundations have been plowed up—gone like their rude implements of -agriculture—gone by the slow and wearisome steps of time which marks the -pioneer’s life. - -It is gratifying to see that while the ground has been extended, a new -fence has been built, and elegant tombstones, 1868. - -The first place set apart in which to bury the dead, in the township of -Thurlow was the “Taylor Burying Ground.” It is situated in Belleville, -at the east of the mouth of the Moira, in view of the bay. The first -person committed to the earth here was Lieut. Ferguson, who had been -associated with Capt. Singleton. The second individual is supposed to -have been the mother of John Taylor. She had been brought to the place -by her son, her only son, two having been executed by the rebels during -the war, when almost ninety years of age. But her stay on earth had -almost ended; not long after, she was one day engaged in spinning flax, -and suddenly ceased her work, and told them to put away the wheel, as -she would spin no more. A few minutes after she ceased to live, and the -weary wheels of life stood still. For many years this ground was the -repository of the dead, about the mouth of Myers’ Creek. - - - - - DIVISION V. - THE EARLY CLERGYMEN AND CHURCHES. - - - - - CHAPTER XXV. - - CONTENTS—French Missionaries—First in 1615—Recollets—With Champlain— - Jesuits, in 1625—Valuable records—Bishopric of Quebec, 1674—First - Bishop of Canada, Laval—Rivalry—Power of Jesuits—Number of - Missionaries—Their “Relations”—First mission field; Bay Quinté - region—“Antient mission”—How founded—First missionaries—Kleus, - abbe D’Urfé—La Salle, to build a church—The ornaments and sacred - vessels—The site of the “Chappel,” uncertain—Bald Bluff, Carrying - Place—Silver crosses—Mission at Georgian Bay—The “Christian - Islands”—Chapel at Michilmicinac, 1679—The natives attracted— - Subjects of the French King—Francois Picquet—La Presentation— - _Soegasti_—The most important mission—The object—Six Nations—The - Missionary’s living—“Disagreeable expostulations”—Putting stomach - in order—Trout—Picquet’s mode of teaching Indians—The same - afterward adopted by Rev. W. Case—Picquet’s success—Picquet on a - voyage—At Fort Toronto—Mississaugas request—Picquet’s reply—A - slander—At Niagara, Oswego—At Frontenac—Grand reception—Return to - La Presentation—Picquet in the last French war—Returns to France— - By Mississippi—“Apostles of Peace”—Unseemly strife—Last of the - Jesuits in Canada. - - - THE FIRST FRENCH MISSIONARIES. - -In introducing this subject, we propose first to glance at the original -French Missionaries, and then at the first Protestant Missionaries and -clergymen, who labored in the Atlantic Provinces. - -The first missionaries of Christianity to America, came to Canada in the -year 1615. They were four in number, and belonged to the order of -Recollets, or Franciscans, of Spanish origin, a sect who attended to the -spiritual wants of the people without accepting any remuneration. Four -of these devoted men attended Champlain on his second visit to Canada in -1615. Three years later the Pope accorded the charge of missions in -Canada to the Recollets of Paris. In 1625 members of the society of -Jesus likewise entered the mission of America. Ignatius Loyola founded -the Jesuit society in 1521. These two orders of Roman Catholics, -especially the Jesuits, contributed much to the advancement of French -interests in Canada, and by their learning assisted greatly to elevate -the people. Side by side they traversed the vast wilderness of America, -with the intrepid explorers, and by their close observations, committed -to paper, they have left most valuable records of the country in its -primeval state; and the different tribes of savages that held possession -of the country. - -Canada was “constituted an apostolic vicariate,” by the Pope, in 1657; -and became an episcopal see, named the Bishopric of Quebec, about 1673. -The first bishop of Canada was Francis de Laval, of the distinguished -house of Montmorency. The rivalry which existed between the Jesuits and -the Recollets, led to the withdrawal from the country of the latter. But -they returned again about 1669. They were welcomed by the people, who -preferred their self-supporting principles to the Jesuits, under Laval, -who required sustentation from them, which was exacted by a system of -tithes. The Jesuits became a very powerful ecclesiastical body, and -commanded even sufficient political influence to secure the recall of -the Governor, who was obnoxious to them, in 1665. Yet the people did not -like them, in their usurpation of temporal power. The second bishop of -Canada was M. de Saint Vallier, who was elevated to that position in -1688. - -“Between the years 1635–1647, Canada was visited by eighteen Jesuit -missionaries.” It was due to these missionaries, who remained with, and -adapted themselves to the Indian tribes, that Canada held such a -position among the Aborigines. The relations of these missionaries are -of thrilling interest, and deserve the attention of all who desire to -become a student of history. - -When there were no more than sixty inhabitants at Quebec, in 1620, the -Recollets had begun to erect a convent and chapel upon the banks of the -St. Charles River. - -The Bay Quinté region may be regarded as the earliest mission field in -America. Of the four Missionaries who came with Champlain from France, -in 1615, one at least accompanied him in his journey up the Ottawa, -across to Georgian Bay, and down the Trent to the Bay. This was in July, -and Champlain was under the necessity of remaining in this region until -the following spring, in the meantime visiting several of the tribes all -along the north shore of Lake Ontario. During this period the zealous -Recollet earnestly labored to lay the foundation of Christianity among -the natives, and planted the “antient mission” spoken of by father -Picquet, 1751. We have positive statements to this effect. Probably when -Champlain returned to Montreal, in the spring of 1616, he was not -accompanied by the missionary; who stayed to establish the work he had -commenced. We find it stated that the earliest missionaries to this -region were M. Dolliere de Kleus, and Abbé D’Urfé, priests of the Saint -Sulpice Seminary. Picquet remarks that the ancient mission at the Bay -Quinté was established by Kleus and D’Urfé. - -In June, 1571, DeCourcelles, as we have seen, visited Lake Ontario, -coming directly up the St. Lawrence. On this occasion, it is recorded, -he sent messages from Cataraqui “to a few missionaries residing among -the Indians.” Two years later, when Frontenac came, with a view of -establishing a fort, we find it stated that as he approached Cataraqui, -he was met by a canoe with the “Abbé D’Urfé, and the Captains of the -Five Nations.” The following year, 1674, LaSalle, in his petition for -the grant of Fort Frontenac, and adjacent lands, proposed “to build a -church when there will be 100 persons, meanwhile to entertain one or two -of the Recollet Friars to perform divine service, and administer the -sacraments there.” In the reply to this petition by the King, it was -stipulated that LaSalle should “cause a church to be erected within six -years of his grant.” - -When Bradstreet, nearly a hundred years later, in 1751, captured Fort -Frontenac, the Commandant, M. de Moyan, obtained the promise from -Bradstreet, to “permit the ornaments and sacred vessels of the chappel -to be removed in the luggage of the Chaplain.” - -By the foregoing, we learn the interesting fact, that for 150 years -before the capture of Canada by the English, and nearly 170 before Upper -Canada was first settled, there existed at the Bay Quinté an active -mission of Roman Catholic Christianity. The exact location of the -“chappel” cannot be fixed; but there is every reason to suppose that it -was upon the shores of the Bay, at some distance westward from -Cataraqui, inasmuch as reference is made to the chapel as quite apart -from the Fort, at Cataraqui. - -From the nature of the relics found in the Indian burying ground, near -the Carrying Place, at Bald Bluff, by Weller’s Bay, it might even have -been situated there. Silver crosses, and other evidences of Roman -Catholic Christianity, have been found in this place. Father Picquet -remarks that the land was not good, but the quarter is beautiful. - -There seems every probability that not many years after the -establishment of the mission by the Bay Quinté, another was established -in the neighborhood of Lake Huron, or Georgian Bay. Upon the river Wye, -some six miles north of Penetanguishene, Pe-na-tang-que shine, so called -by the Indians upon first seeing the sand banks, meaning “see the sand -is falling,” was established a French fort, at an early date, the -foundation of which may yet be seen. It appears likely that at this -point, at the Christian Islands, (a significant name,) situated between -the Manitoulin Islands and the mainland; and also at Michilmicinac, were -commenced missionary labors by the Recollets and others. We find it -stated that in 1679 there was a chapel at Michilmicinac, which may refer -to the Christian Islands. Here LaSalle, on his way westward, stopped and -attended mass, with the celebrated Recollet, Pére Hennepin. - -The natives were strongly attached to these French missionaries. -Presents of porcelaine beads to make wampum, with a kind demeanor, soon -won many of them to become Roman Catholics; and the cross was set up in -their midst. And the time came when they were willing to acknowledge -themselves under the protection of, and subject to the French King. - -At the present site of Ogdensburgh, in the year 1748, “Francis Picquet, -Doctor of the Sarbonne, King’s Missionary, and Prefect Apostolic to -Canada,” began to found the mission of _La Presentation_. By the river -Oswegotchie, then called by the Indians _Soegasti_, he succeeded in -planting a mission, which became the most important in all Canada. The -object was to convert the Six Nations to Roman Catholic Christianity, -and thereby to win them from their connection with the English. M. -Picquet was a devoted man. “He received at that time neither allowance -nor presents. From the King he had but one half pound of pork a day, -which made the savages say, when they brought him a buck and some -partridges, “We doubt not, Father, but that there have been disagreeable -expostulations in your stomach, because you had nothing but pork to eat. -Here is something to put your affairs in order.” They sometimes brought -him trout weighing eighty pounds. - -In 1749, when French interests were declining in the new world, and when -every effort to secure the alliance of the Iroquois was devised, -Governor de Veudreuil sent the Rev. Abbe Picquet of the missionary house -at La Presentation, he being well and favorably known among the Five -Nations. The object was to draw within the bounds of La Presentation -many of the families, where they should not only be taught the Catholic -religion, but also the elements of husbandry. It was somewhat the same -idea as that which led the Rev. William Case, in later days, to -domesticate the Mississaugas on the Grape Island. L’Abbe Picquet was -successful in his mission, and in 1751, he had 396 heads of families -living at the place. Among these were the most distinguished and -influential families of the Iroquois. The settlement was divided into -three villages, and much taste and skill were displayed in the planning. -Great attractiveness characterized the place up to the conquest of -Canada. - -In the month of June, 1751, Father Picquet set out upon a voyage up to -Fort Frontenac, and thence up the Bay Quinté, and the River Trent to -Fort Toronto, and so on around Lake Ontario. He embarked in a King’s -canoe, accompanied by one bark, in which were five trusty savages. The -memoir of this trip is curious and edifying. - -Proceeding to Fort Toronto, by way of the Trent, then an important -trading post with the Indians, he found Mississaugas there who flocked -around him; they spoke first of the happiness their young people, the -women and children, would feel, if the King would be as good to them as -to the Iroquois, for whom he procured missionaries. They complained that -instead of building a church, they had constructed only a canteen for -them. Abbe Picquet did not allow them to finish, and answered them, that -they had been treated according to their fancy; that they had never -evinced the least zeal for religion; that their conduct was much opposed -to it;—that the Iroquois, on the contrary, had manifested their love for -Christianity, but as he had no order to attract them to his mission, he -avoided a more lengthy explanation,” (Paris Doc). This conduct on the -part of Abbe Picquet must be regarded as heartless in the extreme. Such -language ought not to come from the lips of a missionary. It shows that -the Iroquois, because of his relationship with the English, had souls of -far more importance than the Mississauga, whose character for peace -rendered him of minor importance. The reflection upon the character was -uncharitable; and, judging by the light supplied by later days, it was -untrue—shamefully untrue. That the Mississauga Indians acquired a taste -for the brandy vended to them by the French trader was certainly a fact; -but that did not indicate an unwillingness on their part, to become -Christians. Missionaries, of the present century, have succeeded in -raising the Mississauga, not alone from paganism, but from a degrading -love of spirituous liquors acquired of the French, to a distinguished -place among converted Indians. - -Abbe Picquet went from Fort Toronto, probably by the River Don, and -thence across the lake, to Fort Niagara, to negotiate with the Senecas. -Passing along the south shore, he visited the English fort at the mouth -of the River Oswego, called _Choueguen_. He also visited the River -Gascouchogou, (Genesee) and returned to Frontenac, where a grand -reception awaited him. “The Nippissings and Algonquins who were going to -war, drew up in a line of their own accord above Fort Frontenac, where -three standards were hoisted. They fired several volleys of musketry, -and cheered incessantly. They were answered in the same style from all -the little crafts of bark. M. de Verchere, and M. de la Valtrie, caused -the guns of the fort to be discharged at the same time, and the Indians, -transported with joy at the honors paid them, also kept up a continual -fire with shouts and exclamations which made every one rejoice. The -commandants and officers received our missionary at the landing. No -sooner had he landed than all the Algonquins and Nippissings of the lake -came to embrace him. Finally, when he returned to _La Presentation_, he -was received with that affection, that tenderness, which children would -experience in recovering a father whom they had lost.” Three years later -war was, for the last time, in progress between the French and English -in America. Father Picquet contributed much to stay the downfall of -French domination. He distinguished himself in all the principal -engagements, and by his presence animated the Indian converts to battle -for the French King. At last, finding all was lost, he retired on the -8th May, 1760. He ascended the Bay Quinté and Trent by Fort Toronto, and -passed on to Michilmicinac, and thence to the Mississippi; and then to -New Orleans, where he stayed twenty-two months. Died 15th July, 1781, -called the “Apostle of the Iroquois.” - -During the French domination in Canada, the dissentions between the -Recollets and Jesuits were almost incessant. Now the one was sustained -and patronized by the governor regnant, now the other, and many were the -struggles between Church and State. The closing days of French rule -witnessed scenes of unseemly strife between the clergy and the -governors. The last of the Jesuits in Canada, Father Casat, died in -1800, and the whole of their valuable possessions came to the -government. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI. - - CONTENTS—First Church in New York, 1633—First Dominie, Rev. - Everardus Bogardus—The Dutch, Huguenots, Pilgrims—Transporting - ministers and churches—First Rector of New York, Wm. Vesey—Henry - Barclay, 1746—First Catholic Bishop in America, 1789—Episcopalian - Bishop, 1796—Moral state of Pioneers in Canada—Religion—No - ministers—No striking immorality—Feared God and honored their - King—The Fathers of Upper Canada—Religious views—A hundred years - ago—“Carousing and Dancing”—Rev. Dr. John Ogilvie—First Protestant - Clergyman in Canada—Chaplain 1759, at Niagara—A Missionary— - Successor of Dr. Barclay, New York—Death, 1774—Rev. John Doughty—A - Graduate Ordained—At Peekskill—Schenectady—A Loyalist—A Prisoner— - To Canada—Chaplain—To England—Returns—Missionary—Resigns—Rev. Dr. - John Stuart—First Clergyman to settle—His Memoir—The “Father of - the U. C. Church”—Mission Work—The Five Nations—The Dutch—Rev. Mr. - Freeman—Translator—Rev. Mr. Andrews—Rev. Mr. Spencer Woodbridge, - Howley—New England Missionaries—Rev. Dr. Whelock—The Indian - Converts—The London Society—Rev. Mr. Inglis—John Stuart selected - missionary—A Native of Pennsylvania—Irish descent—A Graduate, - Phil. Coll.—Joins Church of England—To England—Ordination—Holy - Orders 1770—Enters upon his work. - - - THE FIRST PROTESTANT CLERGYMAN IN AMERICA. - -According to the Rev. J. B. Wakley, “The Reformed Dutch Church was the -first organized in New Amsterdam, (New York). This year, 1633, the first -church edifice was erected on this island, (Manhatten). It was built on -what is called Broad Street. It was a small frail wooden building. The -name of the first Dominie is preserved, the Rev. Everardus Bogardus. He -came over from Holland with the celebrated Wanter Van Twiller. The Dutch -and the Huguenots, as well as the Pilgrims, brought the church, the -school-master, and their Bibles with them. They erected a dwelling for -the Rev. Mr. Bogardus to reside in. This was the first parsonage built -on the island, if not in America. This first minister in New Amsterdam -met with a sad end. After spending some years in the new world, in -returning to his native land, he, with eighty-one others, was lost off -the coast of Wales. The Bogarts are probably descended from this pioneer -minister, he having left children behind him in America, or some near -connection. The first Rector of the Church of England in New York, was -the Rev. William Vesey, pastor of Trinity Church. The Rev. Dr. Henry -Barclay was the second Rector, who had previously been catechist for ten -years to the Mohawk Indians. He became Rector October 22, 1746.” He was -the father of the late Thomas Barclay, Consul-General of His British -Majesty in the United States, and grandfather of Mr. Anthony Barclay, -late British Consul at New York, who was under the necessity of -returning home during the Russian war, in consequence of the jealousy -and partiality of the American Government. - -We find it stated that Dr. Carroll, of Maryland, was the first Catholic -Bishop in America, 1789. - -Dr. Seabury, Bishop of Connecticut, was the first Episcopalian Bishop of -that State, he died in 1796. - -The circumstances of the settlers in Upper Canada were not such as would -conduce to a growth of religion and morality. Apart from the effect upon -them resulting from a civil war, and being driven away from home— -isolated in a wilderness, far removed from civilization; there were -circumstances inimical to the observance of religious duties. The -earnest contest for life, the daily struggle for food, and more -especially, the absence of ministers of the gospel, all combined to -create a feeling of indifference, if not a looseness of morals. In a few -instances, there was on the part of the settlers, a departure from that -strict virtue, which obtains at the present time, and in which they had -been trained. But on the whole, there was a close adherence, and a -severe determination to serve the God of their fathers. From many a log -cabin ascended the faithful prayer of the followers of Luther; of the -conscientious Episcopalian, and the zealous Methodist and Baptist. Yet, -for years, to some the word of life was not preached; and then but -rarely by the devoted missionary as he traveled his tedious round of the -wilderness. After ten years, the average of inhabitants to the square -miles, was only seven. This paucity of inhabitants, prevented regular -religious sermons by clergymen, as it did the formation of well taught -schools. This absence of educational and religious advantages, it might -be expected, would naturally lead to a demoralized state of society, but -such was not the case with the settlers of the ten townships. This -sparseness of population, arose in part, it must be mentioned, from the -system pursued by government, of reserving tracts of land, of granting -to the clergy, and to non-resident owners, all of which remained to -embarrass the separated settlers, and prevent advance of civilization, -by begetting ignorance and indifference to religion. - -When it is remembered how great had been the trials of the refugees -during the continuation of the war; when we call to mind the school of -training belonging to a camp life; and still more, when it is taken into -consideration to how great an extent the settlers were removed from the -salutary influences of civilized life, it at once strikes the thoughtful -mind as surprising, that the early colonist did not relapse into a state -of non-religion and gross immorality. But it is a remarkable fact that -the loyalists who planted Upper Canada, not only honored their King, but -feared God, and in a very eminent degree fulfilled the later commandment -to love one another. Certainly there were exceptions. Even yet are -remembered the names of a few who availed themselves of their neighbors’ -necessities to acquire property; and the story still floats down the -stream of time, that there were those who had plenty and to spare of -government stores, while the people were enduring the distress of the -“Hungry Year.” But even these reports lack confirmation, and even if -true, are the more conspicuous by their singularity. There is no -intention or desire to clothe the founders of Upper Canada with a -character to which they are not entitled, to suppress in any respect -facts that would tend to derogate the standing of the loyalists. This is -unnecessary to place them upon an elevated ground, but were it not, it -would be contrary to the writer’s feelings, and unfair to the reader. -There will be occasion to allude to a few instances, where gross evils -manifested themselves, yet after all, they are but the dark corners -which only serve to bring out the more glowing colors of the picture -presented. In arriving at a just estimate of their state of morals, it -is necessary to take into consideration, that many of the views held by -truly religious men a hundred years ago, differed widely from those held -by many to day. Reference is made to certain kinds of amusements then -unhesitatingly indulged in, which to-day are looked upon as inimical to -sound Christianity. One of these is the habit of using intoxicating -liquors. It was also charged against them, that they were “wofully -addicted to carousing and dancing.” - - - REV. JOHN OGILVIE, D.D. - -This divine was probably the first Protestant clergyman that ever -officiated in Canada. He did so in the capacity of chaplain to a British -Regiment in an expedition to Fort Niagara, in 1759, when that French -stronghold was surrendered. Dr. Ogilvie, was a native of New York, and a -graduate of Yale college. He was employed by the Society for the -Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, as a missionary with -success. In 1765 he succeeded the Rev. Dr. Barclay, as Rector of Trinity -Church, New York. He died in 1774. “A portrait of him is still preserved -in the vestry office of Trinity Church.” The next Protestant clergyman -we believe, was the Rev. John Doughty. - -“An Episcopal minister. He graduated at King’s College, New York, in -1770. He was ordained in England for the church at Peekskill, but was -soon transferred to Schenectady. In 1775, political troubles put an end -to divine service, and he suffered much at the hands of the popular -party. In 1777, he obtained leave to depart to Canada, (after having -been twice a prisoner,) where he became chaplain of the “King’s Royal -Regiment,” of New York. In 1781 he went to England; but returned to -Canada in 1784, and officiated as missionary at Sorel. He resigned his -connection with the society for the propagation of the gospel in foreign -parts, in 1803.”—(_Sabine._) - -The first clergyman to settle in Canada, and one of the refugee pioneers -at the first settlement of Kingston, was the Rev. John Stuart. We are -fortunate in having before us a transcript of the memoir of this -distinguished person. - - “_Memoirs of the Rev. John Stuart, D.D., father of the Upper Canada - Church. He opened the first academy at Cataraqui—Kingston 1786. - The last missionary to the Mohawks._” - -“The conversion and civilization of the American Indians, engaged the -attention of Europeans at an early date.” The Jesuits first gave -attention to the Mohawks, 1642, a few years later, Father Joynes laid -down his life on the Mohawk River. The first colonizers, the Dutch did -not give the subject much attention. “The government of New York, did -not make any effort to Christianize the five nations, further than to -pay, for some time a small salary to the clergyman, at Albany, to attend -to the wants of such Indians, as might apply to him.” The Rev. Mr. -Freeman, translated into the Mohawk language, the Church of England -Prayer Book, with some passages of the Old and New Testament. “In 1712 -Mr. Andrews was sent as a missionary to the Mohawk, by the society, for -propagating the gospel, and a church was built at the mouth of the -Schoharie creek, but that missionary soon abandoned the place. As he was -the first, so he was the last that resided among them for a great many -years. After that the only ministration was at Albany. In 1748, the Rev. -Mr. Spencer, Mr. Woodbridge and Howly, were sent successively by the -people of New England,” to this field of labor. - -The French war soon interrupted this, and not until 1761, was anything -more done, when the Rev. Dr. Wheelock, directed his attention to that -quarter, with missionaries, and schoolmasters. The testimony mainly of -all these mentioned, who labored among the Indians, is to the effect -that, although they were quick to learn, and would for a time live a -Christian life, they mostly all lapsed into their former savage state. -“The necessity of having missionaries of the Church of England, resident -among the Mohawks, was again brought before the society for promoting of -the gospel, a few years before the revolution, both by Sir William -Johnson, and the Rev. Mr. Inglis, of New York, the last of whom also -laid the subject before the government of England, in the form of a -memorial. In 1770 the society again consented to ordain a missionary for -the exclusive service of the Mohawks. John Stuart, who was selected for -this purpose, was born at Harrisburgh, in Pennsylvania, in 1730. The -family mansion in which he was born was still standing in 1836.” His -father, an Irishman, came to America in 1730. John Stuart had two -brothers who sided with the Americans. When he “graduated at the college -of Philadelphia, he made up his mind to join the communion of the Church -of England.” His father being a Presbyterian, this was extremely -distasteful to him. But his father finally consenting, he proceeded to -England for ordination, and received Holy Orders in 1770, and was -appointed missionary to the Mohawks at Fort Hunter. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVII. - - CONTENTS—At Fort Hunter—Mr. Stuart’s first sermon, Christmas— - Officiates in Indian tongue—Translates—The Rebellion—Prayers for - the King—The Johnsons—Rebels attack his house—Plunder—Indignity— - Church desecrated—Used as a stable—A barrel of rum—Arrested— - Ordered to come before Rebel Commissioners—On Parole—Limits—Idle - two years—To Albany—Phil—Determines to remove to Canada—Not - secure—Exchanging—Security—Real estate forfeited—Route—Negroes—The - journey, three weeks—At St. John’s—Charge of Public School— - Chaplain—At the close of the war—Three Protestant Parishes— - Determines to settle at Cataraqui—Chaplain to Garrison—Missionary— - Bishop of Virginia, Dr. Griffith—Visits Mr. Stuart—Invitation to - Virginia Declined—“Rivetted prejudices,” satisfied—“The only - refugee clergyman”—Path of duty—Visits the settlement, 1784— - Mohawks, Grand River—Reception of their old Pastor—First Church— - Mohawks, Bay of Quinté—Remains in Montreal a year—Assistant— - Removes to Cataraqui, 1785—His land—Number of houses in Kingston—A - short cut to Lake Huron—Fortunate in land—5000 settlers—Poor and - Happy—Industrious—Around his Parish, 1788—Two hundred miles long— - By Batteau—Brant—New Oswego—Mohawk Village church, steeple, and - bell—First in Upper Canada—Plate—Organ—Furniture—Returns—At - Niagara—Old Parishioners—Tempted to move—Comfortable not rich— - Declines a Judgeship—New Mecklenburgh—Appointed Chaplain to first - House of Assembly—Mohawk Mission—At Marysburgh—Degree of D.D.— - Prosperity—Happy—Decline of life—His duties—Illness, Death, 1811— - His appearance—“The little gentleman”—His manners—Honorable title— - His children—Rev. O’Kill Stuart. - - - MEMOIRS OF DR. STUART CONTINUED—“FATHER OF THE UPPER CANADA CHURCH.” - -Mr. Stuart immediately returned to America and proceeded to his mission, -preaching his first sermon to the Mohawks on Christmas of the same year, -1770. He preached regularly every Sunday after the service had been read -in Indian. In the afternoon he officiated in the Mohawk chapel to the -whites, mostly Dutch. “In 1774 he was able to read the liturgy, baptize -and marry in the Indian tongue, and converse tolerably well with them. -He subsequently, assisted by Brant, translated parts of the Bible. After -the commencement of the rebellion, until 1777, Mr. Stuart did not -experience any inconvenience,” although in other places the clergy had -been shamefully abused; he remained at Fort Hunter even after the -Declaration of Independence, and constantly performed divine service -without omitting prayers for the king. Mr. Stuart’s connection with the -Johnson family, and his relations to the Indians rendered him -particularly noxious to the Whigs. Although they had not proof of his -being active in aiding the British, everything was done to make his home -unbearable. “His house was attacked, his property plundered and every -indignity offered his person. His church was also plundered and turned -into a tavern, and in ridicule and contempt, a barrel of rum was placed -in the reading desk. The church was afterwards used as a stable, July, -1778. He was ordered by the Board to detect conspiracies, to leave his -home and repair forthwith with his family to Connecticut until his -exchange could be procured.” He was to leave within four days after -receiving the orders, or be committed to close confinement. “Mr. Stuart -appeared before the Commissioners two days after receiving the above -order, and declared his readiness to convince them that he had not -corresponded with the enemy, and that he was ready and willing to enter -into any engagement for the faithful performance of such duties as may -be enjoined him.” The Board took his parole, by which he was obligated -to abstain from doing anything against the Congress of the United -States, or for the British, and not to leave the limits of Schenectady -without permission of the Board. Soon after he writes there are only -three families of my congregation, the rest having joined the King’s -forces, nor had he preached for two years. In the Spring of 1780, the -Indians appeared in the county infuriated because of the conduct of -General Sullivan the previous year. Mr. Stuart had to abandon his house -and move to Albany. So imminent was the danger that the fleeing family -could see the houses about in flames, and hear the report of arms. At -Albany, Mr. Stuart received much civility from General Schuyler, and -obtained permission to visit Philadelphia. Having returned, he made up -his mind to emigrate to Canada, and communicated his resolution as -follows: “I arrived here eight days from the time I parted with you (at -Philadelphia) and found my family well, and after being sufficiently -affrighted, the enemy having been within twenty miles of this place, and -within one mile of my house in the country, considering the present -state of affairs in this part of the Province, I am fully persuaded that -I cannot possibly live here secure, either in regard to ourselves or -property during the ensuing season; this place is likely to be a -frontier, and will probably be burnt if the enemy can effect it. For -these and other weighty reasons, materially weighed, I have resolved, -with the approbation and consent of Mrs. Stuart, to emigrate to Canada, -and having made an application for an exchange, which I have reason to -believe will be granted.” - -Mr. Stuart applied by letter to Governor Clinton, to be exchanged, March -30, 1781. His application received prompt attention, and he was the same -day allowed permission on certain conditions, which are stated by Mr. -Stuart in a letter to Rev. Mr. White, of Philadelphia. The letter is -dated Schenectady, April 17, 1781. “Being considered as a prisoner of -war, and having forfeited my real estate, I have given £400 security to -return in exchange for myself, one prisoner out of four nominated by the -Governor, viz.: one Colonel, two Captains, and one Lieutenant, either of -which will be accepted in my stead; or if neither of the prisoners -aforesaid can be obtained, I am to return as a prisoner of war to -Albany, when required. My personal property I am permitted to sell or -carry with me, and I am to proceed under the protection of a public -flag, as soon as it will be safe and convenient for women and children -to travel that course. We are to proceed from here to Fort Arin in -waggons, and from thence in Batteaux.” The danger of the journey was -adverted to, and the probability of obtaining a chaplaincy in Sir -William Johnson’s 2nd Battalion of Royal Yorkers, which is nearly -complete on the establishment. “My negroes being personal property, I -take with me, one of which being a young man, and capable of bearing -arms. I have given £100 security to send back a white person in his -stead.” - -“Mr. Stewart set out with his family, consisting of his wife and three -small children, on his long and tedious journey, on the 19th of Sept., -1781, and arrived at St. Johns on the 9th of the following month, thus -accomplishing the journey in three weeks, which is now done in twelve or -fifteen hours. As there was no opening in Montreal, he took charge of a -public school, which, with his commission as Chaplain, gave him -support.” In a letter to Dr. White, dated Montreal, October 14, 1783, he -says: “I have no reason hitherto to dislike my change of climate; but, -as reduction must take place soon, my emoluments will be much -diminished, neither have I any flattering prospect of an eligible -situation in the way of my profession, as there are only three -protestant Parishes in this Province, the Pastors of which are -Frenchmen, and as likely to live as I am.” Soon after, Mr. Stuart -determined to settle at Cataraqui, where was a garrison, and to which a -good many loyalists had already proceeded. He was promised the -chaplaincy to the garrison, with a salary of one thousand dollars a -year, and he writes, “I can preserve the Indian mission in its -neighborhood, which, with other advantages, will afford a comfortable -subsistence, although I wish it laid in Maryland.” After the -acknowledged independence of the United States, and the separation of -the Episcopalian Church of America from the mother Church, Dr. Griffith, -the Bishop elect of Virginia, invited Mr. Stuart to settle in his -diocese; but Mr. Stuart declined. He writes, “The time has been when the -chance of obtaining a settlement in that part of Virginia would have -gratified my utmost desire; but, at my time of life, and with such -rivetted principles in favor of a Government totally different, ‘it is -impossible.’” Though Mr. Stuart did visit Philadelphia in 1786, he never -seems to have repented his removal to Canada. Yet the isolation in which -he sometimes found himself, would sometimes naturally call up memories -that could not fail to be painful. “I am,” he writes, “the only Refugee -Clergyman in this Province, &c.” As a relief from such thoughts, he -turned to the active duties of his calling. “I shall not regret,” said -he, “the disappointment and chagrin I have hitherto met with, if it -pleases God to make me the instrument of spreading the knowledge of His -Gospel amongst the heathen, and reclaiming only one lost sheep of the -house of Israel.” In this spirit he set out on the second of June, 1784, -to visit the new settlements on the St. Lawrence, Bay Quinté, and -Niagara Falls, where he arrived on the 18th of the same month. Already, -3,500 Loyalists had left Montreal that season for Upper Canada. His -reception by the Mohawks, ninety miles from the Falls, was very -affectionate, even the windows of the church in which he officiated were -crowded with those who were anxious to behold again their old Pastor, -from whom they had been so long separated. This church was the first -built in Upper Canada, and it must have been commenced immediately after -the Mohawks settled on the Grand River. He officiated also at Cataraqui, -where he found a garrison of three companies, about thirty good houses, -and some 1,500 souls who intended to settle higher up. He next proceeded -to the Bay of Quinté, where some more Mohawks had settled, and were busy -building houses and laying the foundation of their new village, named -Tyendinaga. Though Mr. Stuart had now received from the Society, whose -missionary he continued to be, discretionary powers to settle in any -part of Canada, he remained in Montreal another year, as assistant to -the Rev. Dr. DeLisle, Episcopal Clergyman of that town. He finally -removed to Cataraqui, in August, 1785. His share of the public land was -situated partly in Cataraqui, and partly at a place, which, in memory of -the dear old place on the Mohawk River, was now called New Johnstown. -Sometime in 1785, Mr. Stuart says, “I have two hundred acres within half -a mile of the garrison, a beautiful situation. The town increases fast; -there are already about fifty houses built in it, and some of them very -elegant. It is now the port of transport from Canada to Niagara. We have -now, just at the door, a ship, a scow, and a sloop, beside a number of -small crafts; and if the communication lately discovered from this place -by water, to Lake Huron and Michilmackinac proves as safe, and short as -we are made to believe, this will shortly be a place of considerable -trade.” Reference here must be made to the route up the Bay and River -Trent. “I have been fortunate in my locations of land, having 1,400 -acres at different places, in good situations, and of an excellent -quality, three farms of which I am improving, and have sowed this fall -with thirty bushels in them. The number of souls to westward of us is -more than 5,000, and we gain, daily, new recruits from the States. We -are a poor, happy people, industrious beyond example. Our gracious King -gives us land gratis, and furnishes provisions, clothing, and farming -utensils, &c., until next September, after which the generality of the -people will be able to live without his bounty.” The above must have -been written in 1785, as in May, 1786, he opened an academy. In the -summer of 1788, he went round his Parish, which was then above 200 miles -long. He thus describes his voyage on this occasion. “I embarked in a -batteau with six Indians, commanded by Capt. Brant, and coasted along -the north shore of Lake Ontario, about 200 miles from the head of the -lake; we went twenty-five miles by land, to New Oswego, the new Mohawk -village on the Grand River; these people were my former charge, and the -Society still styles me their Mohawk Vill. Missionary. I found them -conveniently situated on a beautiful river, where the soil is equal in -fertility to any I ever saw. Their village contains about 700 souls, and -consists of a great number of good houses, with an elegant church in the -centre; it has a handsome steeple and bell, and is well finished -within.” By this we learn, that not only was the first Protestant Church -built at the Grand River, but as well here was the first steeple to -contain a bell, which was the first to be heard in Upper Canada. Brant, -when in England, collected money for all this. With the above, they had -the service of plate, preserved from the rebels on the Mohawk; crimson -furniture for the pulpit, and “the Psalmody was accompanied by an -organ.” “This place was uninhabited four years ago.” “I returned by the -route of Niagara, and visited that settlement. They had, as yet, no -clergyman, and I preached to a very large audience. The increase of -population there was immense, and indeed I was so well pleased with that -country, where I found many of my old Parishioners, that I was strongly -tempted to remove my family to it. You may suppose it cost me a struggle -to refuse the unanimous and pressing invitation of a large settlement, -with the additional argument of a subscription, and other emoluments, -amounting to near £300, York currency, per annum more than I have here. -But, on mature reflection, I have determined to remain here. You will -suppose me to be very rich, or very disinterested; but, I assure you, -neither was the case. I have a comfortable house, a good farm here, and -an excellent school for my children, in a very healthy climate, and all -these I could not have expected had I removed to Niagara. But, that you -may be convinced that I do not intend to die rich, I have also declined -an honorable and lucrative appointment. Our new settlements have been -divided into four districts, of which this place is the capital of one, -called New Mecklenburgh, and Courts of Justice are to be immediately -opened. I had a commission sent me, as first Judge of the Court of -Common Pleas. But, for reasons which readily occur to you, I returned it -to Lord Dorchester, who left this place a few days ago.” - -In 1789, Mr. Stuart was appointed Bishop’s Commissionary for the -settlements from Point au Boudette to the western limits of the -Province, being the district now constituting Canada West. Though this -appointment added nothing to his emoluments, it increased considerably -his duties. At the meeting of the first Session of Parliament in 1792, -he was named Chaplain to the Upper House of Assembly, an appointment -which required for a time his presence at Niagara. He occasionally -visited and officiated for the Mohawk Village, at the Bay of Quinté. -But, notwithstanding the laudable exertions of the society, and the -partial indulgence of the British Government to this tribe, no -flattering accounts can be given either of their religious improvements, -or approach to civilization; on his return he usually stopped at Col. -McDonnell’s, Marysburgh, and preached in his house. In the year 1799, -the degree of D.D. was conferred on Mr. Stuart, by the University of -Pennsylvania, his Alma Mater, a complement he appreciated from his -native state. About the same time he received the appointment of -Chaplain to the Garrison of Kingston. “He had secured about 4000 acres -of valuable land to which he occasionally made additions.” In his -prosperity and wealth he exclaimed: “How mysterious are the ways of -Providence! How short-sighted we are! Some years ago I thought it a -great hardship to be banished into the wilderness, and would have -imagined myself completely happy, could I have exchanged it for a place -in the City of Philadelphia,—now the best wish we can form for our -dearest friends is to have them removed to us.” It must be remarked that -the above is taken from letters written to a friend in Philadelphia, and -no doubt, being private and social in their nature, there is often a -coloring favorable to the States which emanated from no love to that -country. “The remainder of Dr. Stuart’s life seems to have passed in the -routine of his duties, interrupted however by attacks of illness, to -which the increase of years, and the fatigue attendant on a mission in -so new a country, could not fail to subject him.” Dr. Stuart departed -this life on the 15th of August, 1811, in the seventy-first year of his -age, and was buried at Kingston, where he lives (says one of his -cotemporaries) in the heart of his friends. “He was about six feet four -inches in height, and from this circumstance, was known among his New -York friends as “the little gentleman.” His manners were quiet and -conciliating, and his character, such as led him rather to win more by -kindness and persuasion, than to awe and alarm them by the terrors of -authority. His sermons were composed in plain and nervous language, were -recommended by the affectionate manner of his delivery, and not -unfrequently found a way to the conscience of those who had long been -insensible to any real religious convictions. The honorable title of -Father of the Upper Canada Church, has been fitly bestowed on him, and -he deserves the name not more by his age and the length of his services, -than by the kind and paternal advice and encouragement, which he was -ever ready to give those younger than he on their first entrance on the -mission.” “By his wife, Jane O’Kill, of Philadelphia, who was born in -1752, he had five sons and three daughters.” All of his sons -subsequently occupied distinguished positions. His eldest son George -O’Kill, graduated at Cambridge, England, in 1801, entered Holy Orders, -and was appointed missionary at York, now Toronto, from whence he -returned on his father’s death to Kingston, where he became Archdeacon. -He died in 1862, at the age of eighty-six. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVIII. - - CONTENTS—A Missionary—Chaplain at Niagara—Pastor to the Settlers— - Chaplain to Legislature—Visits Grand River—Officiates—A Land - Speculator—Receives a pension, £50—1823—Rev. Mr. Pollard—At - Amherstburgh—Mr. Langhorn—A Missionary—Little Education—Useful— - Odd—On Bay Quinté In Ernesttown—Builds a Church—At Adolphustown— - Preaches at Hagerman’s—Another Church—A Diligent Pastor—Pioneer - Preacher around the Bay—Christening—Marrying—Particular—His - Appointments—Clerk’s Fees—Generosity—Present to Bride—Faithful to - Sick Calls—Frozen Feet—No Stockings—Shoe Buckles—Dress—Books— - Peculiarities—Fond of the Water—Charitable—War of 1812—Determined - to leave Canada—Thinks it doomed—Singular Notice—Returns to - Europe—His Library—Present to Kingston—Twenty Years in Canada— - Extract from Gazette—No One Immediately to take His Place—Rev. - John Bethune—Died 1815—Native of Scotland—U. E. Loyalists—Lost - Property—Chaplain to 84th Regiment—A Presbyterian—Second Legal - Clergyman in Upper Canada—Settled at Cornwall—Children—The - Baptists—Wyner—Turner—Holts Wiem—Baptists upon River Moira—First - Chapel—How Built—Places of Preaching—Hayden’s Corners—At East - Lake—The Lutherans—Rev. Schwerdfeger—Lutheran Settlers—County - Dundas—First Church East of Kingston—Rev. Mr. Myers lived in - Marysburgh—Marriage—His Log Church—Removes to St. Lawrence— - Resigns—To Philadelphia—Mr. Weant—Lives in Ernesttown—Removes to - Matilda—Not Supported—Secretly Joins the English Church— - Re-ordained—His Society Ignorant—Suspicion—Preaching in Shirt - Sleeves—Mr. Myers Returns, by Sleigh—Locking Church Door—The - Thirty-nine Articles—Compromise—Mr. Myers continues Three Years a - Lutheran—He Secedes—The End of both Seceders—Rev. I. L. - Senderling—Rev. Herman Hayunga—Rev. Mr. Shorts—Last Lutheran - Minister at Ernesttown, McCarty—Married. - - - THE FIRST EPISCOPALIANS, CONTINUED—PRESBYTERIANS, BAPTISTS, AND - LUTHERANS. - -The Rev. Robert Addison came as a missionary from the Society for -Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts, in 1790. He probably discharged -the duties of chaplain to the troops stationed at Niagara, and also was -Clergyman, and officiated as such, to the settlers. When the government -was formed at Niagara, in 1792, Mr. Addison, was appointed Chaplain. He -occasionally visited the Grand River Indians, officiating through an -interpreter, and baptizing and marrying. Col. Clark says, Mr. Addison -was a land speculator. In 1823, an act was passed by Parliament, -granting Mr. Addison a pension of £50 per annum during life, for service -rendered as Chaplain to the House of Assembly for thirty years. Another -Episcopalian Clergyman, who came to Canada about the same time, was the -Rev. Mr. Pollard, whose station was at Amherstburgh. - -A fourth Church of England Clergyman, and one with whom we must become -more familiar, was the Rev. Mr. Langhorn. According to the statement -made to us by the late Bishop Strachan, Mr. Langhorn was sent to Canada -as a missionary by a Society in London, called “The Bees,” or some such -name. He was a Welshman by birth, possessed of but little education or -talent, yet a truthful, zealous, and useful man. Odd in his manner, he -nevertheless worked faithfully among the settlers from Kingston to Hay -Bay. Upon arriving he took up his abode in Ernesttown, living at Hoyts, -the present site of Bath. Here he was instrumental in having, before -long time, erected an English Church. Soon after coming he visited -Adolphustown, and preached at Mr. Hagerman’s, where Mr. Stuart had -previously occasionally held service. Steps were at once taken to build -a church also at Adolphustown, and Mr. Langhorn came to hold service -regularly every second Sabbath. Mr. Langhorn was a diligent pastor in -his rounds among his flock, over an extensive tract with great -regularity, and once in a great while he went as far as the Carrying -Place, where it is said he preached the first of all the pioneer -ministers. He likewise occasionally visited Prince Edward, and preached -at Smith’s Bay, and at Congers, Picton Bay. He was very careful to have -all the children christened before they were eight days old, and never -failed to question the larger in the catechism. Marriage he would never -perform but in the church, and always before eleven in the morning. If -the parties to be joined failed to reach the church by the appointed -time, he would leave; and would refuse to marry them, no matter how far -they had come, generally on foot, or by canoe. Sometimes they were from -the remote townships, yet were sent away unmarried. After performing the -marriage ceremony, he would insist on receiving, it is said, three -coppers for his clerk. For himself he would take nothing, unless it was -to present it to the bride immediately. Seemingly he did not care for -money; and he would go in all kinds of weather when wanted to officiate, -or administer to the wants of the sick. One person tells us that he -remembers his coming to his father’s in winter, and that his feet were -frozen. No wonder, as Mr. Langhorn never wore stockings nor gloves in -the coldest weather. But his shoe buckles were broad and bright; and a -broad rimmed hat turned up at the sides covered his head. Upon his back -he generally carried in a bag some books for reading. We have referred -to his peculiarities; many extraordinary eccentricities are related of -him, both as a man and clergyman. He was very fond of the water, both in -summer and winter. “In summer,” (Playter says,) “he would, at times swim -from a cove on the main shore to a cove in the opposite island, three -miles apart, and in winter, he would cut a hole in the ice, and another -at some distance, and would dive down at one hole, and come up the -other. He had some eccentricities, but he seemed to be a good and -charitable man.” - -Mr. Langhorn, when the war of 1812 commenced, acquired the belief, it is -said, that Canada would be conquered by the United States, and so -determined to escape. The following somewhat singular “Notice” appeared -in the Kingston _Gazette_:—“Notice—To all whom it may concern,—That the -Rev. J. Langhorn, of Ernesttown, intends returning to Europe this -summer, if he can find a convenient opportunity; and all who have any -objections to make, are requested to acquaint him with them, and they -will much oblige their humble servant,—J. Langhorn,—Earnesttown, March, -1813.” The Rev. gentleman did go home, and some say that he was again -coming to Canada, and was shipwrecked. Before leaving Canada, he made a -valuable present to Kingston, as the following notice will show: - -“The Rev. Mr. Langhorn, of Ernesttown, who is about returning to -England, his native country, has presented a valuable collection of -books to the Social Library, established in this village. The directors -have expressed to him the thanks of the proprietors for his liberal -donation. Many of the volumes are very elegant, and, it is to be hoped, -will, for many years, remain a memorial of his liberality and -disposition to promote the diffusion of useful knowledge among a people, -with whom he has lived as an Episcopal Missionary more than twenty -years. During that period his acts of charity have been frequent and -numerous, and not confined to members of his own church; but extended to -indigent and meritorious persons of all denominations. Many who have -shared in his bounty, will have reason to recollect him with gratitude, -and to regret his removal from the country.”—(_Kingston Gazette_). - -After his departure, the churches where he had preached were vacant for -many a day; and, at last, the one in Adolphustown went to decay. - -There died, at Williamstown, U. C., 23rd September, 1815, the Rev. John -Bethune, in his 65th year. He was a native of Scotland. Came to America -before the rebellion, and was possessed of property, all of which he -lost, and was thereby reduced to great distress for the time being. The -foundation was then laid for the disease of which he died. During the -rebellion, he was appointed Chaplain to the 80th Regiment. At the close -of the war he settled in Canada. He left a widow and numerous family. - -Ex-Sheriff Sherwood, of Brockville, says that “the Rev. Mr. Bethune, a -Presbyterian Clergyman, was the second legalized Clergyman in the -country. He settled at an early period at Cornwall. He was father of the -Rev. John Bethune, now Dean of Montreal, (1866).” - - - BAPTISTS—WYNER, TURNER, HOLTS, WIEM. - -The first Ministers of this sect were Elders Wyner and Turner, a brother -of Gideon Turner, one of the first settlers of Thurlow. One, Elder -Holts, also preached around the Bay, but a love of brandy hindered him. -Yet he was an attractive preacher. This was probably about 1794. - -A considerable number of Baptists settled up the river Moira, in -Thurlow. The first chapel built here was for that denomination, in the -fifth concession. Its size was thirty feet square. But, prior to the -building of this, a dozen or so would meet for worship at the house of -Mr. Ross. The chapel was mainly built by each member going to the place -and working at the building, from time to time, until it was completed. - -Mr. Turner traveled through different sections, preaching wherever he -found his fellow communionists. He occasionally preached at Capt. -McIntosh’s, at Myer’s Creek, and now and then at the head of the Bay. -The Baptists were, probably, the first to preach at Sidney, and Thurlow. -Myer’s Creek was not a central place at which to collect the scattered -settlers until it became a village. Before that, the preaching place of -the Baptists, and afterwards of the Presbyterians and Methodists, was up -at Gilbert’s house, in Sidney, or at Col. Bell’s, in Thurlow. When the -village grew, services were held at Capt. McIntosh’s and Mr. Mitz’s, at -the mouth of the river, by different denominations, and still later, in -a small school house. Preaching also was held up the river, at Reed’s -and Hayden’s Corners. - -The first Baptist Minister that preached at East Lake, Hallowell, was -the Rev. Joseph Wiem. Not unlikely, he and Elder Wyner are the same. - - - THE LUTHERANS—SCHWERDFEGER, MYERS, WEANT. - -Among the early ministers of religion who attended to the spiritual -interests of the pioneers, were several of the Lutheran Church. Of this -denomination, there was a considerable number in the County of Dundas, -chiefly Dutch. There were also a community of them in Ernesttown, and -another in Marysburgh. The first church built in Upper Canada, east of -Kingston, perhaps the next after the one built at Tyendinaga, was -erected by the Lutherans. It was put up in 1790, named Zion’s Church, -and a Mr. Schwerdfeger, who resided near Albany, was invited to be their -Pastor. This invitation was gladly accepted, as he and his family had -suffered severe persecution from the victorious rebels. He died in 1803. - -At an early period, indeed it would seem probable before Mr. -Schwerdfeger came to Canada, although the time cannot be positively -fixed, the Rev. Mr. Myers, from Philadelphia, lived in Marysburgh and -preached to the Lutheran Germans of that Township. He married a daughter -of Mr. Henry Smith, one of the first settlers there, where stood his log -church, about twenty-four feet square, upon the brow of a hill -overlooking a lovely landscape. Mr. Myers removed to the St. Lawrence, -and “in 1804 became Pastor of the Lutheran churches there.” (History of -Dundas). He resigned in 1807, not being supported, and removed to -Pennsylvania. - -The second Lutheran clergyman to preach upon the Bay, was the Rev. Mr. -Weant. He lived a short distance below Bath, and went every four weeks -to preach at Smith’s Bay; and, in the meantime, preached to the -Lutherans of Ernesttown, where he built a log church, the first there. -In 1808, he received a call from the Lutherans of Matilda, “which he -accepted, and for some time preached acceptably, residing in the -parsonage.” He, too, seems to have been inadequately supported by the -people, and yielding to inducements, too tempting for most men to -resist, he, in 1811, secretly joined the Church of England, and was -re-ordained by Bishop Mountain, in Quebec. Upon his return, he pretended -still to be a Lutheran minister, and preached, as usual, in German -exclusively. Suspicions, however, soon arose that all was not right, for -he began to use the English Book of Common Prayer, and occasionally to -wear the surplice, practices which gave such offence to his former -friends, that they declared they would no longer go to hear a man who -proclaimed to them in his shirt sleeves. A few were persuaded by him to -join the Church of England. The majority remained faithful. In 1814, the -Lutherans again invited the Rev. Mr. Myers; upon his consenting to come, -they sent two sleighs, in the winter, to Pennsylvania, and brought him -and his family to Dundas. But Mr. Weant would not give up the parsonage -and glebe, and put a padlock on the church door, and forbade any one to -enter, unless acknowledging the thirty-nine articles of the Church of -England. A compromise resulted, and the Lutherans were permitted to use -the building once in two weeks. For three years, Mr. Myers continued his -ministrations as a Lutheran, in the meantime being in straitened -circumstances. In 1817, strangely enough, Mr. Myers also forsook the -Lutheran Church, and conformed to the Church of England. (Hist. of -Dundas.) The end of Mr. Weant and Mr. Myers, according to accounts, was -not, in either case satisfactory. The latter died suddenly from a fall, -it is said, while he was intoxicated, and the former was addicted to the -same habit of intemperance. - -The successor of Mr. Myers was the Rev. I. L. SENDERLING. He came in -1825, and stayed only a short time. - -In 1826, Rev. HERMAN HAYUNIGA became the Pastor; and succeeded, after -many years, in restoring to the church its former prosperity, -notwithstanding much that opposed him. He had a new church erected. His -successor was the Rev. Dendrick Shorts. - -The _Kingston Gazette_ contains a notice of perhaps the last Lutheran -Minister at Ernest town. “Married. In Ernesttown, 29th Jan, 1816, the -Rev. Wm. McCarty, Minister of the Lutheran congregation, to Miss -Clarissa Fralick.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXIX. - - CONTENTS—Bishop Strachan—A teacher—A preacher—A student—Holy Orders— - A Presbyterian—Becomes an Episcopalian—A supporter of the “Family - compact”—Sincere—His opinion of the people—Ignorant—Unprepared for - self-government—Strachan’s religious chart—He was deceived—The - Methodist—Anomalous connection—A fillibustering people— - Republicanism egotistical—Loyalty of Methodists—American - ministers—Dr. Strachan’s position—His birth place—His education—A. - M., 1793—Studying Theology—Comes to Canada—A student of Dr. - Stuarts—Ordained Deacon—A missionary at Cornwall—Rector at York— - Archdeacon—Bishop of Toronto—Coadjutor—Death—A public burial—Rev. - Mr. McDowell—First Presbyterian at Bay Quinté—Invited by - VanAlstine—On his way—At Brockville—Settles in second town—His - circuit—A worthy minister—Fulfilling his mission—Traveling on - foot—To York—Marrying the people—His death—His descendants—Places - of Preaching—A Calvinist—Invites controversy—Mr. Coate accepts the - challenge—The disputation—Excitement—The result—Rev. Mr. Smart— - Called by Mr. McDowell—Pres. clergyman at Brockville—Fifty years— - An earnest Christian—A desire to write—“Observer”—A pioneer—A - cause of regret—Not extreme—Mr. Smart’s views on politics—The - masses uneducated—The “Family Compact”—Rise of responsible - government—The Bidwells—Credit to Dr. Strachan—Brock’s funeral - sermon—Foundation of Kingston gaol—Maitland—Demonstration— - Sherwood’s statement. - - - BISHOP STRACHAN—REV. MR. MCDOWELL AND REV. MR. SMART. - -Having elsewhere spoken of this distinguished man as the first teacher -of Higher Education in Upper Canada, it is intended to give him a proper -place among the first who preached the Gospel. Dr. Strachan, who had -studied Divinity at Kingston, under the guidance of Mr. Stuart, took -Holy Orders while engaged in teaching at Cornwall. Although he had been -brought up in the Presbyterian faith, he deliberately connected himself -with the Church of England, as the church of his choice. - -From the first, Dr. Strachan took a decided stand in favor of the -exclusive power claimed by the government and the “Family Compact.” This -step was no doubt, deemed by him the very best to secure the interest of -the rising country, believing as he did, that the people generally were -unfitted by want of education to perform the duties of legislation and -self-government. His devotion to the government, led doubtless, in some -instances, to errors of judgment, and on a few occasions placed him in a -false position. Yet he was always seemingly conscientious. The course -pursued by him, in preparing, and sending to the Imperial Government a -religious chart, which subsequent investigation proved to be incorrect, -had, at the time, an unfortunate effect. But it is submitted, that it -has never been shewn, that Dr. Strachan was otherwise than deceived when -preparing the document. He made statements of a derogatory nature with -respect to the Methodist body; but can it be shewn that there was no -reason whatever for his statements. The history of the Methodists of -Canada, exhibits a loyalty above suspicion. But was there no ground on -which to place doubts respecting the propriety of any body of Canadians -receiving religious instruction from men who were subjects of another -country—a country which was ever threatening the province, and who had -basely invaded an unoffending people—a country that constantly -encouraged her citizens to penetrate the territory of contiguous powers -with the view of possessing it. While there is sufficient proof that the -Methodist ministers who came into the country were actuated by the very -highest motives, it cannot be denied that any one taught in the school -of republicanism, will carry with him wherever he goes, whether among -the courtly of Europe, the contented and happy Canadians, or the -blood-thirsty Mexicans, his belief in the immaculate principles of -republicanism. He cannot, even if he would, refrain from descanting upon -the superiority of his government over all others. The proclamation of -Gen. Hull, at Detroit, and of others, shews that the belief was -entertained in the States, that many Canadians were favorable to the -Americans. Whence could have arisen this belief? Not certainly from the -old U. E. Loyalists, who had been driven away from their native country? -Not surely by the English, Irish, or Scotch? Dr. Strachan, with the -government, could not close their eyes to these facts, and was it -unnatural to infer that American-sent Methodists had something to do -with it? - -Bishop Strachan was a man of education, and as such, he must be judged -in reference to his opinion that Methodists were unqualified to teach -religious truth, from their imperfect or deficient education. We say, -not that much book learning is absolutely essential to a successful -expounding of the plan of salvation, although it is always most -desirable. But having taken our pen to do justice to all of whom we have -to speak, we desire to place the reader so far as we can upon the stand -of view occupied by the distinguished Divine and Scholar. - -Dr. Strachan was born at Aberdeen, Scotland, 12th April, 1778. He was -educated at the Grammar School, and at King’s College, at that city, -where he took the degree of M. A., in 1793. He then removed to the -neighborhood of St. Andrews, and studied Theology, as a Presbyterian. As -stated elsewhere, he came to America in 1799, reaching Canada the last -day of the year. Disappointed in his expectations respecting an -appointment to establish a college, he became a school teacher in -Kingston, and at the same time a student of Divinity, under the guidance -and friendship of Dr. Stuart. He prosecuted his Theological studies -during the three years he was in Kingston, and in 1803, was ordained -Deacon, by Dr. Mountain, the first Protestant Bishop of Quebec. The -following year he was admitted to Holy Orders, and went as a missionary -to Cornwall. Here he continued nine years, attending diligently to his -duties as a minister, all over his widening parish; and also conducted a -Grammar School. In 1812 he received the appointment of Rector at York, -the capital, and in 1825 he was made Archdeacon. Enjoying political -appointments with these ecclesiastical, he finally, in 1839, was -elevated to be the first Bishop of Toronto. Dr. Strachan discharged the -duties of his high office with acceptability. In 1866 Archdeacon Bethune -was appointed as Coadjutor Bishop, the venerable prelate beginning to -feel that his time was almost done. He died 1st November, 1867, having -attained to his ninetieth year, and was accorded a public funeral. No -higher marks of esteem and veneration could have been exhibited than -were displayed by all classes at the death of this Canadian Divine. - -The most of the settlers from the Hudson, not Lutherans, were -Presbyterians, or of the Dutch Reformed Church. Mr. McDowell was the -first Presbyterian minister to visit the Bay. He came about 1800, -perhaps before; when yet there were but few clergymen in the province. -We have seen it stated that he was sent for by Major VanAlstine, who was -a Presbyterian. On his way he tarried a day in the neighborhood of -Brockville. Adiel Sherwood was then teaching school, in connection with -which he was holding a public exhibition. Mr. McDowell attended, and -here first took a part as a minister, by offering his first public -prayer in the country. He proceeded to Kingston, and settled in the -second township. But his circuit of travel and places of preaching -extended from Brockville to the head of Bay Quinté. The name of this -worthy individual is too little known by the inhabitants of the bay. No -man contributed more than he to fulfill the Divine mission “go preach;” -and at a time when great spiritual want was felt he came to the hardy -settlers. The spirit of Christianity was by him aroused to no little -extent, especially among those, who in their early days had been -accustomed to sit under the teachings of Presbyterianism. He traveled -far and near, in all kinds of weather, and at all seasons, sometimes in -the canoe or batteau, and sometimes on foot. On one occasion he walked -all the way from Bay Quinté to York, following the lake shore, and -swimming the rivers that could not be otherwise forded. He probably -married more persons while in the ministerial work than all the rest in -the ten townships around the bay. This arose from his being the only -minister legally qualified to solemnize matrimony, beside the clergymen -of the English Church, Mr. Stuart, of Kingston, and Langhorn, of -Fredericksburgh. Persons wishing to be married repaired to him from all -the region of the bay, or availed themselves of his stated ministerial -tours. The writer’s parents, then living in Adolphustown, were among -those married by him, the certificate of which now lies before him. Mr. -A. Sherwood thus speaks of him, “He lived to labor many years in the -service of his Master, and after an honorable and good old age he died -highly esteemed by his friends and much respected by all who knew him.” -Mr. McDowell had at least two sons and a daughter. The last is Mrs. -Carpenter, now living at Demorestville. One of his sons removed to New -York and there established a Magdalene Asylum. Mr. McDowell, used to -pass around the bay twice or three times a year. He was one of the -first, to preach at the extreme head of the bay, the Carrying Place, and -for that purpose occupied a barn. Another of his preaching places was in -Sophiasburgh, on the marsh front. He preached here four times a year. He -was a rigid Calvinist, and preaching one Sabbath at the beginning of the -present century in the Court House at Adolphustown, he offered to argue -with any one publicly the question of Calvinism. The Methodist minister -of the bay, the Rev. Samuel Coate, was urged by his society to accept -the challenge, and after a good deal of hesitation did so. So a day was -appointed for the discussion. The meeting took place at a convenient -place, three miles from Bath, in the Presbyterian church. The excitement -was great; the inhabitants coming even from Sidney and Thurlow. Mr. -McDowell spoke first, and occupied half a day. Then followed Mr. Coate. -After he had spoken two hours Mr. McDowell and his friends left; why, it -is not said. Mr. Coate continued speaking until night. We have the -statement of the Methodists, that Mr. Coate had the best of it, but we -never learned the belief of the other party. Mr. Coate’s sermon was -published by request, and thereafter, it is said Presbyterianism waned -in the locality. - -REV. MR. SMART,—This truly pious man, and evangelical minister, came to -Canada in 1811. He never actually lived within the precincts of the Bay; -but he was called to the wilderness of Upper Canada by the Rev. Mr. -McDowell, at least he was chiefly instrumental in bringing him out, even -before his student days were ended. For upwards of fifty years he -discharged the duties of Presbyterian clergyman at Brockville, the first -clergyman of any denomination within fifty miles. We shall ever remember -the kind genial person with whom we spent a few pleasant hours in the -evening of his eventful life, a life spent earnestly in the service of -his Master, and for the welfare of his family, for, to use his own -words, “In his day it was no easy matter to live and rear a family.” -This he said not complainingly, but because it hindered him from -indulging a desire he once felt to do something with his pen—to record, -as he was desired to do, the events connected with his early life in -Upper Canada, and his cotemporaries. At first he did contribute to the -_Kingston Gazette_, over the cognomen “Observer.” But other things -pressed upon him, and when repose came he fancied the fire of his early -days, for scribbling, had too far sunk. This is much to be regretted, -for as a close observer and upright man, and living in eventful times of -Canadian history, he was pre-eminently qualified to treat the subject. -Mr. Smart was always distinguished for moderate and well-considered -views upon Religion, Political Government and Education. He lived when -the battle commenced between the “Family Compact” and the people. While -he firmly set his face against the extreme stand taken by the Rev. Mr. -Strachan, he never identified himself with the party that opposed that -worker for, and with the Government. On this point, Mr. Smart makes -judicious remarks. In speaking of the rise and first days of the -Province, he says, “it was necessary the Government in Council should -create laws, and govern the people, inasmuch as the vast majority of the -inhabitants were unlettered, and unfit to occupy places which required -judgment and discrimination.” There were but few of the U. E. Loyalists -who possessed a complete education. He was personally acquainted with -many, especially along the St. Lawrence, and Bay of Quinté, and by no -means were all educated, or men of judgment; even the half-pay officers, -many of them, had but a limited education. Many of them were placed on -the list of officers, not because they had seen service, but as the most -certain way of compensating them for losses sustained in the Rebellion. -And there were few, if any, of them fitted by education for office, or -to serve in Parliament. Such being the case, the Governor and his -advisers were at the first necessarily impelled to rule the country. -Having once enjoyed the exclusive power, they became unwilling to share -it with the representatives of the people. But the time came when the -mass, having acquired some idea of Responsible Government, were no -longer to be kept in obscurity, and thence arose the war between the -Tory and the Radical. In all the contentions arising therefrom, Mr. -Smart held an intermediate position with the Bidwells and others. In -speaking of all this, Mr. Smart is particularly anxious to give credit -to Dr. Strachan for his honesty of purpose, saying that the Colony is -much indebted to him in many ways. - -Mr. Smart was called upon to preach the funeral sermon of Canada’s great -hero, General Brock. - -He also delivered an address on the occasion of laying the foundation -stone of the gaol in Kingston, in presence of the Governor, Peregrine -Maitland, who was down from York, on which occasion there was great -demonstration of Free Masons, and the farmers of the Bay. - -Mr. Sherwood thus speaks of Mr. Smart: “On his arrival, he for some -little time made his home at my house, he was then 23 years old, he has -now (1866) entered his 78th year, has retired from a public charge, and -is now residing quietly, and I trust comfortably, at Gananoque; and I -feel quite sure, all that know him throughout the whole Province, will -join with me, in wishing him long life and happiness, both here and -hereafter.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXX. - - -CONTENTS—The Quakers—Among the Settlers—From Penn.—Duchess County—First -Meeting-house—David Sand—Elijah Hick—Visiting Canada—James Noxen—A first -settler—Their mode of worship—In Sophiasburgh—The meeting-house—Joseph -Leavens—Hicksites—Traveling—Death, aged 92—Extract, Picton Sun—The first -preaching places—First English church—In private houses—At Sandwich—The -Indian church at the bay—Ernesttown—First Methodist church—Preaching at -Niagara—First church in Kingston—At Waterloo—At Niagara—Churches at -Kingston, 1817—In Hollowell—Thurlow—Methodist meeting-houses, 1816—At -Montreal—Building chapels in olden times—Occupying the frame—The old -Methodist chapels—In Hollowell township—In the fifth town—St. Lawrence— -First English Church, Belleville—Mr. Campbell—First time in the pulpit— -How he got out—The old church superseded—Church, front of Sidney—Rev. -John Cochrane—Rev. Mr. Grier—First Presbyterian Church in Belleville— -Rev. Mr. Ketcham—First Methodist Church in Belleville—Healey, Puffer—The -site of the church—A second one. - - - THE EARLY CLERGYMEN AND CHURCHES OF UPPER CANADA.—THE QUAKERS.—NOXEN, - LEAVENS, HICKS, SAND. - -Among the early settlers of the Bay were a goodly number of the Society -of Friends. Some of them were natives of Pennsylvania; but the majority -were from the Nine Partners, Duchess County, New York, where had existed -an extensive community of the followers of Fox. The first meeting-house -built by the Quakers in Canada was in Adolphustown upon the south shore -of Hay Bay, toward the close of last century. - -About 1790, two Quaker preachers of some note visited Canada, they were -David Sand and Elijah Hick. By appointment they held service in -Adolphustown; it is uncertain whether this was before or after the -building of the meeting-house. The first and principal preacher among -the Quakers was James Noxen, one of the first settlers of Adolphustown, -under whom the Society was organized. He subsequently in 1814 removed to -Sophiasburgh, where he died in 1842. - -The worship of the Quakers consists in essentially spiritual meditation -and earnest examination of the inmost soul, a quiet holding of the -balance, to weigh the actions and motives of everyday life. To the -proper discharge of these duties no place can be too quiet, too far -removed from the busy haunts of men. - -The sixth township, or Sophiasburg had among its settlers a good many of -this sect, which at first had meetings at Jacob Cronk’s, until the year -1825, when they erected a meeting-house upon the northern front of the -township. - -Two miles below the village of Northport, is situated a Friends’ -meeting-house. Here twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, congregate -few, or many of the adherents of this persuasion, to commune with their -God. The meeting-house, reposing upon the very verge of the shore, and -half shadowed by beautiful maples and evergreens, is a fit place in -which to submit oneself to strict self-examination. There is nothing -here to disturb the supreme quietude of the place, unless, the gentle -ripples of the water, or the more restless murmuring of the wave. - -JOSEPH LEAVENS “was an early settler of Canada, an emigrant from New -York,” he was for many years an esteemed preacher of the Hicksite branch -of Quakers, and was accustomed to travel from place to place, to talk to -his co-religionists. He had a place for preaching in a loft of his -brother’s store in Belleville. He was one of the first Quaker preachers -in Canada and travelled through all the townships at the Bay, and to -East Lake. - -“Died in the township of Hallowell, about the 24th of May, 1844, the -venerable Joseph Leavens, in the 92nd year of his age. He was amongst -the early settlers of the Canadian forest, and emigrated from New York -State, and probably was a native of Nine Partners District. He had long -been a Preacher in the Religious Society of Friends, and though not -possessed of more than one talent, yet it is believed that, as he -occupied that to his Maker’s glory, his reward will be as certain as -though he had received ten talents. He was a diligent reader in the -sacred volume. He was much beloved both by his neighbours and friends, -and it is desired that his gospel labours may be profitably remembered -by them and his relatives.”—(_Picton Sun._) - -In speaking of the individual clergymen who first came to the Province -we have referred to many of the first preaching places and churches: but -there remains to be added some further remarks. - -We have seen that the first church erected in Western Canada was at the -Mohawk settlement, Grand River, which was built the first year of their -habitation in that place—1785–6. Strange that the natives of the wood, -should take the lead in erecting places of worship. It was several years -later before even log meeting-houses were put up by the loyalists. For -many years the pioneer clergymen or preachers officiated in private -houses. Now the service would be at the house of one, to which a -considerable number could come from a circuit of ten or fifteen miles, -then it would be at the place of some settler whose larger log house -afforded a more commodious place of worship. - -A church was built at an early date at Sandwich, but the year, we know -not. The first church erected upon the Bay, the Rev. Mr. Smart thinks, -was at the Mohawk village, Tyendinaga. At an early period a log church -was built in Ernesttown by the Lutherans and another on South Bay; one -also for Mr. Langhorn to preach in, and then another in Adolphustown. -The first Methodist church was built in Adolphustown in 1792, and a -second one a month later in Ernesttown. - -The Rev. Mr. Addison, went to Niagara in 1792. When Governor Simcoe -lived in Navy Hall, the Council Chamber a building near the barracks it -was said, was used alternately by the English Church, and Church of -Rome. - -The first English Church was erected in Kingston in 1793, and up to 1810 -it was the only one. A Methodist church was built at a very early date -at Waterloo; it was never finished, but used for many years. The first -at Niagara, was in 1802. - -In November 28, 1817, there were in Kingston, “four churches or -meeting-houses, viz: 1 Episcopalian, 1 Roman Catholic and 2 Methodists; -there were 4 professional preachers, viz: 1 Episcopalian, 1 Presbyterian -and 2 Methodists. This enumeration does not include a chaplain to the -army, and one to the royal navy.” In Ernesttown there was one resident -professional preacher, a Methodist. - -In Sophiasburgh there were no churches; but the Quakers, Methodists and -Presbyterians had meetings at private houses. - -In Hollowell, says Eben. Washburne, “we have one Methodist, and one -Quaker meeting-house; preparations are making also for a Presbyterian -meeting-house. The former is attended by a circuit preacher every two -weeks; the latter by a Quaker every Sabbath.” - -In Thurlow, “the Gospel is dispensed almost every Sabbath of the year, -in different parts of the township, by itinerant preachers of the -Methodist and Baptist sects.” - -In 1816, there were eleven Methodist meeting-houses in Canada. These -were all of wood excepting one in Montreal, built in 1806, which was of -stone. “The mode of building chapels in the olden times was by joint -labor, and almost without the aid of money. The first step was for -scores of willing hands on a given day, to resort to the woods, and then -fell the trees, and square the timber; others, with oxen and horses, -drawing the hewed pieces and rafters to the appointed place. A second -step was to call all hands to frame the building, selecting the best -genius of the carpenter’s calling for superintendent. A third step was a -“bee” to raise the building; and the work for the first year was done. -The next year, the frame would be enclosed, with windows and doors, and -a rough floor laid loose. As soon as the meeting house was thus -advanced, it was immediately used for preaching, prayer meetings and -quarterly meetings. Some of the early chapels would be finished inside; -others, would be used for years in their rough, cold, and unfinished -state. The people were poor, had little or no money, but loved the -Gospel, and did what they could.” - -The oldest of the eleven chapels is the Adolphustown, on the south shore -of the Hay Bay, and on the old Bay of Quinté circuit. - -“The next for age is the chapel in the fourth concession of Ernesttown. -It was not erected here at first, but on the front of the township, lot -No. 27, and close to the Bay of Quinté. After some years, (some of the -principal Methodists moving to the fourth concession), the frame was -taken down, drawn to the present site, and put up again. It stands on -the public road, leading from Napanee to Kingston, and near the village -of Odessa. A roughcast school-house, now stands on the old site, east of -Bath. Some challenge the antiquity of the Ernesttown, with the -Adolphustown chapel; but both were commenced at about the same time, by -William Losee; the latter was first erected. As the traveler passes, he -may look on this old and useful meeting-house, still used for public -worship, and see a specimen of the architecture of the pious people -settled in the woods of Ernesttown seventy years ago. - -“About nine miles from Odessa toward Kingston is the village of -Waterloo, and on the top of a sand-hill, formerly covered with lofty -pines, is a well proportioned and good looking Wesleyan stone church. It -is on the site of an ancient frame meeting-house, decayed, and gone, -which bore an antiquity nearly as great as the other two chapels. The -meeting-house in the Township of Kingston was an unfinished building, a -mere outside, with rough planks for seats. - -“Two miles from the Town of Picton, and in the first concession of the -Township of Hollowell, is still to be seen one of the oldest Methodist -chapels in Upper Canada. The ground and the lumber were the gift of -Steven Conger. The first work was done in June, 1809. An account book, -now existing, shows the receipts and payments for the building. Some -paid subscriptions in money, some in wheat, some in teaming and work; -and one person paid one pound “by way of a turn.” The first trustees -were named Conger, Valleau, Vanblaricum, Dougal, German, Benson, Wilson, -and Vandusen. They are all dead, but children of some of them are still -living in the vicinity. The building is square, with pavilion roof, of -heavy frame timber, yet sound, having a school-house on one side, and a -mill on the other. Here is a burying ground attached, in which lie many -of the subscribers to, and first worshippers in, the chapel. It is still -used as a place of worship, and for a Sabbath school. These four chapels -were all in the old Bay of Quinté circuit. - -“In the fifth township east of Kingston is another relic of the times of -old, called the Elizabethtown chapel. It is now within the boundaries of -the village of Lyn, about eight miles from Brockville, and near the -river St. Lawrence. A chapel particularly remarkable for the assembling -of the Genesse conference in 1817, and the great revival of religion -which there commenced.” - -The first English Church erected west of Adolphustown, was at -Belleville. It was commenced in 1819, and finished the next year. The -Rev. Mr. Campbell was the first clergyman, and came to the place some -little time before the building was completed. An anecdote has been -related to us by one who saw the occurrence, which will serve to -illustrate the character of those days. Mr. Campbell one day entered the -church, when near its completion, and walked up a ladder and entered the -pulpit; immediately one of the workmen, named Smith, removed the ladder, -leaving the Rev. gentleman a prisoner; nor would they release him until -he had sent a messenger to his home for a certain beverage. This church -when erected was an ornament to the place, and is well remembered by -many, having been taken down in 1858, the present handsome structure -being completed. Mr. Campbell continued in charge until his death in -1835. During this time he caused to be erected a church at the front of -Sidney, midway between Belleville and the Trent, and he held services -there every second Sabbath, in the afternoon, for a time; but the -congregation was never large. Methodism seemed to take more hold of the -feelings of the people. Mr. Campbell’s successor was the Rev. John -Cochrane, who was pastor for three years, when the present incumbent, -the Rev. John Grier, who had been at the Carrying Place for some years, -took charge. - -The first Presbyterian clergyman of Belleville, was Mr. Ketcham, under -him the first church was built. - -The first Methodist church to be built in the western part of the Bay -country was at Belleville. It was probably about the beginning of this -century that the itinerant Methodist began to visit the head of the Bay -Quinté. They were accustomed to preach in private houses, and barns, -here and there along the front, and up the Moira River, and at Napanee. - -Healy and Puffer were accustomed to preach at Col. Bell’s, Thurlow. - -Belleville was laid out into lots in 1816; Mr. Ross applied to -government for one, as the society was disqualified from holding landed -property until 1828. The land was accordingly granted to him, and -recorded, January 7, 1819. A frame building was immediately commenced 50 -by 30 feet. Before it was inclosed, service was held within the frame. -The building was never completed. The pulpit was of rough boards, and -the seats were of similar material, placed upon blocks. In 1831, a -second chapel was commenced, and the old one removed. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXI. - - CONTENTS—The first Methodist Preachers—The army—Capt. Webb—Tuffey— - George Neal—Lyons—School-teacher—Exhorter—McCarty—Persecution— - Bigotry—Vagabonds—McCarty arrested—Trial—At Kingston—Banished—“A - martyr”—Doubtful—Losee, first Methodist missionary, 1790—A - minister—A loyalist—Where he first preached—“A curiosity”—Earnest - pioneer Methodist—Class-meetings—Suitable for all classes—Losee’s - class-meetings—Determines to build a meeting-house—Built in - Adolphustown—Its size—The subscribers—Members, amount—Embury—Those - who subscribed for first church in New York—Same names—The - centenary of Methodism—New York Methodists driven away—American - Methodist forgetful—Embury and Heck refugees—Ashgrove—No credit - given to British officers—Embury’s brother—The rigging loft, N. - Y.—Barbara Heck—Settling in Augusta—First Methodist Church in - America—Subscribers—“Lost Chapters”—The Author’s silence—What is - acknowledged—“Severe threats”—Mr. Mann—To Nova Scotia—Mr. Wakely - “admires piety”—not “loyalty”—Second chapel, N. Y.—Adolphustown - subscribers—Conrad VanDusen—Eliz. Roblin—Huff—Ruttan—The second - Methodist chapel—The subscribers—Commenced May, 1792—Carpenters’ - wages—Members, Cataraqui Circuit—Going to Conference—Returns— - Darias Dunham—Physician—First quarterly meeting—Anecdotes—Bringing - a “dish cloth”—“Clean up”—The new made squire—Asses—Unclean - spirits—Losee discontinues preaching—Cause—Disappointment—Return - to New York—Dunham useful—Settles—Preachers traveling—Saddle-bags— - Methodism among the loyalists—Camp-meetings—Where first held, in - Canada—Worshipping in the woods—Breaking up—Killing the Devil— - First Canadian preacher—Journey from New York. - - - THE FIRST WESLEYAN METHODISTS IN CANADA. - -The first Methodist Preachers both in Lower and Upper Canada were -connected with the British Army; also, the second one in America, who -was Capt. Webb. “In 1780, a Methodist Local Preacher, named Tuffey, a -Commissary of the 44th, came with his regiment to Quebec. He commenced -preaching soon after his arrival, and continued to do so at suitable -times, while he remained,” or until his regiment was disbanded in 1783. -The second Methodist Preacher in Canada was George Neal, an Irishman. -During the war he was Major of a cavalry regiment. He “crossed the -Niagara river at Queenston on the 7th October, 1786, to take possession -of an officer’s portion of land, and soon began to preach to the new -settlers on the Niagara river—his labours were not in vain.”—(Playter). - -“In 1788 a pious young man, called Lyons, an exhorter in the Methodist -Episcopal Church, came to Canada, and engaged in teaching school in -Adolphustown.” He collected the people together on the Sabbath, and -conducted religious services. “In the same year came James McCarty, an -Irishman, to Ernesttown.” He was a follower of Whitfield, but acted with -the Methodist, holding religious meetings. His preaching caused severe -persecution against him on the part of certain loyalists, who held the -doctrine that none could be true subjects who adhered not to the Church -of England; but to oppose the Church was to oppose the King. Advantage -was taken of this loyalty to try to prevent the introduction of any -other religious denominations. A law had been enacted by the Governor in -Council, that persons wandering about the country might be banished as -vagabonds. McCarty was arrested on a charge of vagabondism in -Adolphustown, and brought before a magistrate at VanDusen’s tavern, at -the front, who remanded him to Kingston. According to Playter, he was -preaching at Robert Perry’s when arrested; our informant is the Rev. C. -VanDusen, at whose father’s he was first arraigned. After being released -on bail, he was finally tried before Judge C., and was sentenced to be -banished, tradition says, upon an island in the St. Lawrence. At all -events he was placed in a batteau and taken away by French boatmen. -McCarty has obtained the name of _martyr_, but it is the belief of -unbiassed persons that he was not left upon the island, but was conveyed -to Montreal. - -William Losee was the first regular preacher of the Methodist -denomination in Canada. He first visited the country in 1790, preached a -few sermons along the Bay of Quinté and St. Lawrence, and returned with -a petition from the settlers to the Conference, to send him as a -preacher. In February, 1791 he again came, as an appointed minister from -the Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States. “Losee was a -loyalist, and knew some of the settlers in Adolphustown, before they -left the United States. He desired to see them and preach to them the -glad tidings of salvation. Had he been on the revolutionary side, the -warm loyalists would not have received him—rather would have driven him -from the country.”—(Playter). One of the first places at which he -preached, was at the house of John Carscallian, in Fredericksburgh. The -tavern of Conrad VanDusen, in Adolphustown, was another, and at Paul -Huff’s, on Hay Bay, another. “A Methodist Preacher was a curiosity in -those days, and all were anxious to see the phenomenon; some would even -ask how he looked, or what he was like! A peculiarity in Losee, too, -was, that he had but one arm to use, the other being withered.” A true -pioneer Methodist, he set earnestly to work to form class-meetings and -organize societies, and during the summer his circuit embraced the -settlements in the Township of Kingston, Ernesttown, Fredericksburgh, -Marysburgh, and even Sophiasburgh. Class-meetings form the corner stone -of Wesleyan Methodism. But little understood, often entirely -misunderstood by others than Methodists, they are generally regarded as -the abode of cant or of priestly control. No greater error could exist. -Rightly conducted they are invaluable as a means of training the -religious mind, and establishing it upon the Rock of Ages. It has been -said that they are only suitable for the uneducated; not so, they are -alike beneficial to the peasant and the noble, the clown and the -_littérateur_. Losee, in accordance with the principles of Methodism, at -once set to work to create classes, and on the Sabbath of February 20, -1792, in the 3rd concession of Adolphustown, at Paul Huff’s house, he -established the first regular class-meeting in Canada. The second class -was formed on the following Sabbath, in Ernesttown, four miles from -Bath. - -A third class was formed in March, at Samuel Detlor’s, three miles from -Napanee. The following year the congregation had so increased, which met -at Paul Huff’s house, that a determination was formed to erect a meeting -house. A paper was drawn up, in which was set forth the great blessing -of God in sending a minister to their wilderness home, that a -“Meeting-house or Church” is requisite. Then follows an agreement of the -subscribers to build a Church, under the direction of Losee; to be -thirty-six feet by thirty feet, two stories high, with a gallery. “Said -house to be built on the north-west corner of Paul Huff’s land, lot No. -18, third concession, Fourth Town;” and promising to pay the sums of -money annexed to their respective names. This interesting document, with -the names of subscribers, and the subscription of each, is to be found -in Playter’s History of Methodism, a work that ought to be in the hands -of every Canadian, no matter what his creed, because of the fund of -general knowledge upon Canada it contains. The total number of -subscribers was twenty-two; the amount subscribed was £108. Among the -names are those familiar to every inhabitant of the Bay, some known -throughout Canada. To one, especially, reference must be made, Andrew -Embury, a name of historic interest in connection with Methodism in -America. It is a remarkable fact, that this and other names are to be -found among those who planted Methodism in New York. The celebration of -the centenary of Methodism in America, in 1866, was marked by frequent -and glowing accounts of those who introduced Methodism into America. Too -much credit, too much honor could not be given to the Emburys, the Hecks -and others, which was quite correct. But no reference was made in the -United States, nor in Canada for that matter, to the dark days of the -infant Society in New York, when the cruel rebellion interrupted the -meetings in that place; and where persecution followed the retirement of -the British forces, 1783. It is a page of history in connection with -that body, which American writers of Methodism endeavor to wipe out, -when the very founders of the Church in America were made to flee from -their homes; and had all their property sacrificed. The names of Embury -and Heck; of whom so much was said, were among the refugees from rebel -oppression. No word has been said of the cause of the removal of these -persons to the wilderness of Canada. Barbara Heck, who enjoys the -everlasting honor of causing Philip Embury to begin Preaching, was -driven away from her Methodist home. Philip Embury was not likewise -treated, because death had sealed his eyes a year before the declaration -of independence, ere the demon of rebellion was evoked by the spirit of -radicalism, and unhallowed desire for neighbor’s goods; otherwise his -bones, the resting place of which they have given so glowing a picture -of, would likewise be sleeping in our midst, in the quiet shades of the -Canadian forest, as do those of Paul Heck, who died in 1788; and of his -wife, Barbara, who died in 1804. The remains of Philip Embury, instead -of being urned, as they were, in 1822, in Ash Grove, Washington County, -New York, after lying buried for fifty-seven years in the old burying -ground of Abraham Beninger, should have found a burying place on -Canadian soil, where rests his widow, the place to which his brother and -the Hecks were driven. We have listened to some of the American orators, -and read more of their speeches, and could not help noticing that they -forgot to mention that their impetuous rebellion drove away from them -the founders of Methodism; they forgot to give any credit to Capt. Webb, -who was the second Methodist preacher in America; forsooth, because he -was a British officer, and it would be unpleasant to associate such with -centenary orations in this their day of Anglophobia. - -Upon the north shore of Hay Bay, in Fredericksburgh, settled David -Embury, brother of Philip, who officiated as a Methodist Minister in New -York, in a Rigging Loft, on William St., about 1766. To do this he was -urged by Barbara Heck, wife of Paul Heck, both of whom were among the -first to settle on the St. Lawrence, in Augusta, in 1785. The first -Methodist Church erected in America, was in 1768, on John Street, New -York. Among the 250 subscribers, was the name of David Embury, the same -who settled on Hay Bay; he gave £2. Also, the name of Paul Heck, who -contributed £3 5s. Twenty-four years later, and among the twenty-two -subscribers to build the first Methodist meeting-house in Canada, again -appears the name of Embury—Andrew, son of David Embury. The author of -the “Lost Chapters of Methodism,” gives interesting accounts of the -formation of the Methodist Society in New York; but he is remarkably -silent in this instance, as others are, about the treatment they -received from the Americans; not a word to make it known that they were -driven into the wilds of Nova Scotia and Canada by a relentless people. -Yet, at the conclusion, he acknowledges this much: he says, “At the -conclusion of the Revolutionary war, severe threats having been thrown -out against the Loyalists who had taken refuge within the British lines, -Mr. Mann thought it his duty to embark, with a considerable number of -the Society, for the wilds of Nova Scotia.” Mr. Mann was a class leader, -and local preacher, and, during the war, at the request of the Trustees, -kept the chapel in John Street open, after the regular preacher had -left. “We see what became of a part of the Society, in John Street. Some -of them had been so loyal to their sovereign, they were afraid they -would suffer if they remained.” Of course they were, and had they not -sufficient reason from the “threats” which had been “thrown out.” Mr. -Wakely, the author, continues, “We can admire their piety without -endorsing their loyalty.” How kind. The second Methodist Church of New -York was built on the land of DeLancy, who had his immense property -confiscated. - -Of the subscribers to the chapel in Adolphustown, Conrad Van Dusen gave -the largest amount, £15. He had been a Tavern keeper on the front, and -was one of the first fruits of Losee’s missionary labors. “He lived a -little east of the Court House. Of him many pleasing and amusing -anecdotes are told; though a tavern-keeper, as well as a merchant, he -opened his house for the Gospel, and when that Gospel entered his heart, -he deliberately took his axe and cut down his sign posts.”—(_Playter._) - -The second largest contributor, was Elizabeth Roblin, who gave £12. She -was the widow of Philip Roblin, who died 1788. They had been among the -first settlers of Adolphustown. (See U. E. Loyalists.) Mrs. Roblin -afterwards became the wife of John Canniff, the founder of Canifton, and -her remains now rest on the hill in the old family burying ground, in -that village. She was the grand-parent of John P. Roblin, of Picton, “a -man who has served his country in several Parliaments of Upper Canada. -Her daughter Nancy, born in 1781, is the mother of a large branch of the -Ketcheson family in the County of Hastings.”—(_Playter._) She, with her -husband, still live in the fifth concession of Sidney, yet hale and -hearty, in the autumn of their genial, though toilsome, life. “The -subscription of the widow was liberal; indeed, the Roblins of the Bay of -Quinté have always been a hospitable and liberal minded people.” Paul -Huff and William Ruttan, each gave £10. The others gave smaller sums; -but, considering the date, it is noteworthy that so much was -contributed. - -The same month, it is said, Losee undertook to build a second Church in -Ernesttown, a short distance below Bath. The principal persons who aided -in building this meeting-house were James Parrot, John Lake, Robert -Clarke, Jacob Miller, and others. There is evidence in the account book -of Robert Clarke, who was a carpenter, that the chapel was commenced -May, 1792. He credits himself with then working twelve and a-half days; -and with working in October twelve and a-half days, at five shillings -and six-pence per day, which shows carpenter’s wages at that time. But -like a good hearted man, seeing the building fund not too full, he -reduced his wages to two shillings and nine-pence per day. His payment -to the chapel was £10. James Parrot received the subscriptions. The two -buildings were to be of the same size and form. As soon as these two -chapels were inclosed, the congregations sat on boards to hear the -preaching. They were the first Methodist Churches in Canada. At the end -of the year Mr. Losee had 165 members enrolled in the “Cataraqui -Circuit.” He set out on his long journey to attend conference at Albany. -Mr. Losee returned the following year, accompanied by Rev. Darius -Dunham. The latter took charge of the Bay of Quinté district—the -“Cataraqui Circuit,” while Losee went to the St. Lawrence to organize a -new society—this was called the “Oswegotchie” circuit. - -On Saturday, September 15, the first “Quarterly” meeting was held, in -Mr. Parrot’s barn, 1st Con., Ernesttown, to which many of the settlers -came from the six townships. Darius Dunham was a Physician by -profession. “He was a man of strong mind, zealous, firm in his -opinions.” “He labored well on the Cataraqui Circuit, and was in high -repute by the people.”—(_Playter._) - -Many anecdotes are told of Dunham. On account of his quick and blunt way -of speaking and rebuking evil doings, he acquired the name of “Scolding -Dunham.” Withal, he was witty, and he loved, it would seem, next to -Godliness, cleanliness, so he would, if at a house, where it were not -observed, according to his idea (and as there was only the one room, he -could see the whole process of preparing for the table,) he would tell -the housewife that the next time he came he would “bring a dish-cloth -along,” or perhaps, he would bluntly tell the woman to “clean up.” -Carroll relates the following story, yet often told and laughed at by -the old settlers of the Bay. “His reply to the newly appointed -magistrate’s bantering remarks, is widely reported. A new-made ‘Squire’ -rallied Dunham before some company, about riding so fine a horse, and -told him he was very unlike his humble Master, who was content to ride -an ass. The preacher responded with his usual imperturbable gravity, and -in his usual heavy and measured tones, that he agreed with him -perfectly, and that he would most assuredly imitate his Master in that -particular, but for the difficulty of finding the animal required—the -Government having made up all the asses into magistrates.” A person of -the author’s acquaintance, informed him that he saw an infidel, who was -a fallen Lutheran clergyman, endeavoring, one night while Dunham was -preaching, to turn the whole into ridicule. The preacher affected not to -notice him, but went on exalting the excellency of Christianity, and -showing the formidable opposition it had confronted and overcome; when, -all at once, he turned to where the scoffer sat, and fixing his eyes -upon him, the old gentleman continued: “Shall Christianity and her -votaries, after having passed through fire and water,” &c.—“after all -this, I say, shall the servants of God, at this time of day, allow -themselves to be frightened by the _braying of an ass_.” In those days -it was believed, by some at least, that unclean spirits and devils might -be cast out by the power of God through the faithful Christian, and -Dunham had the credit of having, on several occasions, cast out devils. - -Mr. Losee remained a preacher only two years, when he became mentally -unfit, having encountered a disappointment of a crushing nature. The -uncertainty of the cause of his discontinuing to preach, has been -dispelled by Playter, in the most touching language, “He was the subject -of that soft, yet powerful passion of our nature, which some account our -weakness, and others our greatest happiness. Piety and beauty were seen -connected in female form then as well as now, in this land of woods and -water, snows and burning heat. In the family of one of his hearers, and -in the vicinity of Napanee river, was a maid, of no little moral and -personal attraction. Soon his (Losee’s) attention was attracted; soon -the seed of love was planted in his bosom, and soon it germinated and -bore outward fruit. In the interim of suspense, as to whether he should -gain the person, another preacher came on the circuit, visits the same -dwelling, is attracted by the same fair object, and finds in his heart -the same passion. The two seek the same person. One is absent on the St. -Lawrence; the other frequents the blest habitation, never out of mind. -One, too, is deformed, the other a person of desirable appearance. -Jealousy crept in with love. But, at last, the preference was made, and -disappointment, like a thunderbolt, overset the mental balance of the -first itinerant minister in Canada.” He subsequently removed to New -York, where he continued to live for many years, and recovered his -mental health. He had purchased lots in Kingston, which he returned to -sell in 1816; at this time he was perfectly sound in mind, and was a -good man. He visited Adolphustown, and other places, preaching here and -there, and finally returned to New York. - -Mr. Dunham proved a useful man, especially among the settlers of -Marysburgh. He ultimately in the year 1800, retired from the ministry -and settled near Napanee, having married into the Detlor family. But he -continued to act as a local preacher. - -The early preachers often traveled from place to place on horseback -after a bridle-path had been made, with saddle-bags, containing oats in -one part, and a few articles of wearing apparel in another, perhaps a -religious book; thus the zealous preacher would travel mile after mile -through interminable forests. Indeed there are plenty to-day who have -done likewise. - -There is one fact connected with the early Methodist preachers, which -requires a passing notice. - -The settlers were all intensely loyal; yet when the Yankee Methodist -preacher came in their midst he was gladly received; it is true Losee -the first who came was a loyalist; but many who followed were Americans -and republicans. Although the Lutheran, Presbyterian, and English -churchmen had preceded the Methodists into Canada, neither seemed to -obtain that hold upon the hearts of the plain U. E. Loyalists, that the -Methodists did. The people of every denomination as well as those -belonging to none, flocked to hear them, and many stayed to become -followers. These Americans were always regarded with suspicion by -government, and serious doubts were entertained whether those who became -Methodists were loyal. But the war of 1812, exhibited in a thrilling -manner the old fire of attachment to their sovereign the King. There -seemed to be an adaptability between the Methodist mode of worship and -the plain old settlers, and for years there were many who left the -church of their fathers, and joined the more demonstrative society of -Wesleyans. Not only was this mode of ordinary worship followed by the -Methodist congenial, but especially the camp meeting engaged their -hearty attention. This mode of worshipping in the woods was first known -in Kentucky in 1801, and was initiated by two brothers named McGee, one -of whom was a Methodist, the other a Presbyterian. There are many who -regard the holding of camp-meetings as very questionable, even in the -past. Whatever may be said about the necessity of such meetings at the -present day, they were it is thought, highly appropriate in the infant -days of the country. At the first, and for many long years, there were -but few churches of any size. Then, the inhabitants had been buried as -it were in the primeval forests, left to meditate in its deep recesses, -far away from the busy haunts of men. No doubt the solemn repose, and -silent grandeur awoke in their minds feelings of awe, and of veneration, -just the same as one will feel when gazing along the naves of some old -grand cathedral, with its representations of trees and flowers. It is -not difficult to understand that the mind, trained by habit to -meditation in the woods, with its waving boughs telling of other times, -and of a mysterious future, would naturally find worshipping in the -woods, congenial to the soul,—find it a fit place for the higher -contemplation and worship of the great God. The first camp-meeting held -in Canada was in 1805, on the south shore of Hay Bay, near the chapel. -The meeting was attended by some from the distant townships, who went -down in batteaux. This was a great event to the settlers. Its -announcement, says Dr. Bangs, “beforehand excited great interest far and -near. Whole families prepared for a pilgrimage to the ground, -processions of waggons, and foot passengers wended along the highways.” -The ministers present were Case, Ryan, Pickett, Keeler, Madden and -Bangs. The meeting commenced on the 27th of September; the whole was -characterized by deep religious feeling as well as decided -demonstration, and the joy and comfort of believing, which ought always -to be present with the Christian, was generally experienced, while there -was an absence of that outside exhibition, too often seen in later -years, around the camps. We quote from Carroll respecting the ending of -this meeting. The account is from Dr. Bangs, “The time was at hand at -last for the conclusion of the meeting. The last night was the most -awfully impressive and yet most delightful scene my eyes ever beheld. -There was not a cloud in the sky. The stars studded the firmament, and -the glory of God filled the camp. All the neighbouring forest seemed -vocal with the echo of hymns. Turn our attention which way we would, we -heard the voice of prayer and praise. I will not attempt to describe the -parting scene, for it was indescribable. The preachers, about to -disperse to their distant fields of labor, hung upon each other’s necks, -weeping and yet rejoicing. Christians from remote settlements, who had -here formed holy friendships, which they expected would survive in -heaven, parted probably to meet no more on earth. As the hosts marched -off in different directions the songs of victory rolled along the -highways.” - -Apropos of Methodist camp-meetings, Carroll tells an anecdote -characteristic of the times, and as well of the honest Dutch. One of -these old settlers was speaking of a recent camp-meeting from which he -had just come said, “It was a poor, tet tull time, and no goot was tone, -till tat pig Petty (the Rev. Elias Pattie) come; but mit his pig fist, -he did kill te tuval so tet as a nit, and ten te work proke out.” The -Methodists of that day were fond of the demonstrative. - -In the year 1806, a native of Prince Edward district entered the -Methodist ministry. He was the first native Canadian preacher of any -denomination, his name was Andrew Pringle. - -The same year Thomas Whitehead was sent by the New York Conference. He -was six weeks on the road through the woods with his wife and six -children, “and during most of the time they subsisted on boiled wheat.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIa. - - CONTENTS—Henry Ryan—Ryanites—He comes to Canada—His associate, Case— - At Kingston—A Singer—Preaching in the Market-place—Their - treatment—In office—His circuit—1000 miles—What he received—Elder— - Superseded—Probable cause—A British subject—During the war of - 1812—President of Conference—“High-minded”—Useful—Acceptable to - the people—Desired independence by the Canadians—How he was - treated—His labors—Brave—Witty—“Fatherless children”—“Impudent - scoundrel”—Muscular—“Methodists’ Bull”—“Magistrate’s Goat”—Ryan - seeks separation—Breakenridge—Conduct of the American Conference— - Ryan’s agitation—Effect upon the Bishops—First Canada Conference— - At Hollowell—Desire for independence—Reasons, cogent—Fruit of - Ryan’s doings—The way the Conference treated Ryan—Withdraws—No - faith in the United States Conference—Ryan sincere—“Canadian - Wesleyans”—The motives of the United States Conference - questionable—The wrong done Ryan—Second Canada Conference—Case, - first Superintendent—Visit of Bishop Asbury—Account by Henry Bœhm— - Asbury an Englishman—During the rebellion—A Bishop—His journey to - Canada—Crossing the St. Lawrence—Traveling in Canada—An upset—“A - decent people”—His opinion of the country—The Bishop ill—At - Kingston—Bœhm at Embury’s—A field meeting—Riding all night— - Crossing to Sackett’s harbor—Nearly wrecked. - - - SOME ACCOUNT OF HENRY RYAN. - -A sketch of the early ministers who preached around the Bay Quinté, -would be incomplete without a somewhat extended notice of Elder Ryan, -after whom was called, a certain number of non-contented Methodists, -_Ryanites_. - -Henry Ryan, an Irishman, “of a bold energetic nature, with a powerful -voice,” commenced preaching in 1800. He was for five years stationed in -the States. In the year 1805, he, with the Rev. Wm. Case, was appointed -to the Bay Quinté circuit. It was they who arranged and conducted the -first camp meeting. Carroll, writing of that period, says, “there was no -society (of Methodists) then in the Town of Kingston, and its -inhabitants were very irreligious. The market house was the only chapel -of the Methodists, Case and his colleague (Ryan) made a bold push to -arouse the people. Sometimes they went together, Ryan was a powerful -singer too. They would ride into the town, put their horses at an inn, -lock arms, and go singing down the streets a stirring ode, beginning -with ‘Come let us march to Zion’s hill.’ By the time they had reached -the market-place, they usually had collected a large assembly. When -together, Ryan usually preached, and Case exhorted. Ryan’s stentorian -voice resounded through the town, and was heard across the adjacent -waters. They suffered no particular opposition excepting a little -annoyance from some of the baser sort, who sometimes tried to trip them -off the butcher’s block, which constituted their rostrum; set fire to -their hair, and then blew out their candle if it were in the night -season.” Proof was subsequently given that this preaching was not -without effect. - -Mr. Ryan continued ten years at the Bay Quinté, and then three years in -the west at Long Point and Niagara. In 1810, he was presiding Elder. His -duties, as such, was to visit every part of the Province, from Detroit -to Cornwall. “Allowing for his returns home, he traveled about 1000 -miles each quarter in the year, or 4000 miles a year. And what was the -worldly gain? The presiding Elder was allowed $80 for himself, $60 for -his wife, and what provisions he would need for his family. His entire -allowance might have been £60 a year. Such was the remuneration, and -such the labors, of the presiding Elder” of the Methodists fifty-three -years ago—(Playter). - -Henry Ryan continued a presiding Elder, for many years, in the whole of -Upper Canada, a few years in Lower Canada, and then when the Bay of -Quinté district was set apart by division, he was appointed Elder to it. -But in 1834, for some reason, Mr. Ryan was superseded in office. The -reason of this can only be guessed. He was an Irishman by birth, and -although sent to Canada by an American body, he seems to have been more -a British subject, a Canadian, than American. During the war of 1812, he -remained in Canada attending to his duties, with three other faithful -men, Rhodes, Whitehead, and Pringle. More than that, as presiding Elder, -he assumed the oversight of the preachers at the close of the first -year. Others had been stationed in Canada who were British subjects, but -they ceased before the war had closed, to discharge their duties. The -Americans feared to come, or, having come, were warned off by -proclamation. Those who continued in the ministerial field met under the -presidency of Ryan. In the year of the commencement of the war, the -conference was to have met at Niagara, in Upper Canada; but war was -declared by the United States a month previous, and instead of venturing -into the country where their fellow countrymen were about to carry the -midnight torch, they turned aside to another place to hold their -conference. “None of the brethren laboring on the Canada side went over. -It is probable, although we are not certain, that they met at the place -appointed, where some sort of deliberations would take place.” The Rev. -John Ryerson says Mr. Ryan “held a conference, and held three -conferences during the war, the principal business of which was -employing preachers, and appointing them to their different fields of -labor.” The Rev. Ezra Adams says, “the second conference was held at -Matilda,” and “in 1814, it was held at the Bay of Quinté, at Second or -Fourth Town”—Carroll. Mr. Ryan was impulsive and authoritative, at least -the ministers thought so, and the rule of “Harry Ryan” was called -“high-handed.” The end of it all was that, although he was useful and -liked by the people, his ministerial brethren in Canada did not like -him, and the conference seemed glad to supersede one, who no doubt -already manifested his desire that the Canadian Methodists should become -independent of the Americans. In view of the political state of affairs, -the objection felt by the government to have American preachers giving -religious instruction to Canadians,—in view of the course pursued by -Ryan during the war of 1812—in view of his whole career up to this time, -the belief is forced upon the mind that it was not only when Ryan had -been superseded that he began to agitate for a separation. His labors -during the war were severe and continuous, says a preacher of the times, -“He used to travel from Montreal to Sandwich, to accomplish which he -kept two horses in the Niagara district, and one for the upper part of -the Province, and another for the lower. As his income was very small, -he eked out the sum necessary to support his family by peddling a -manufacture of his own in his extensive journeys, and by hauling with -his double team in winter time, on his return from Lower Canada, loads -of Government stores or general merchandise. Mr. Ryan, by his loyalty, -gained the confidence and admiration of all friends of British -supremacy, and by his abundant and heroic labors, the affections of the -God-fearing part of the community.” Much more might be said in the same -vein, but probably enough has been said to establish his claim to the -sympathy of every Bay of Quinté inhabitant, where he so long labored and -where most of his subsequent followers lived. It may be added that he -was brave and witty, and had a ready answer for every bantering remark. -Some wicked fellows are said to have asked him if he had heard the news? -What news? Why, that the devil is dead. Then said he, looking around on -the company, he has left a great many fatherless children. On another -occasion, on entering a public house, a low fellow, knowing him to be, -from his costume, a minister, remarked aloud, placing his hand in his -pocket, “There comes a Methodist preacher; I must take care of my -money.” Ryan promptly said, “You are an impudent scoundrel.” “Take -care,” said the man, “I cannot swallow that.” “Then chew it till you -can,” was the fearless reply.—(Carroll). At camp meetings, when it came -to pass that individuals came to create disturbance, and when there was -no police to take care of rowdies, Mr. Ryan has been known to display -his muscular power by actually throwing the guilty individuals over the -enclosure to the camp ground. - -Mr. Ryan preached occasionally at Vandusens’ tavern in Adolphustown. -After one of his thundering sermons, a neighboring squire who was a -daily visitor at the tavern, and who had recently attempted to cut his -own throat, wrote upon the wall of the bar-room, “Elder Ryan, the -Methodist bull, preaches hell and damnation till the pulpit is full;” -whereupon some one wrote below it, “Bryan C——d, the magistrate goat, -barely escaped hell and damnation by cutting his throat.” - -Mr. Ryan, upon his return from the General Conference in 1844, commenced -an agitation for independence of the Canadian Methodists, and from Port -Hope Creek to the Ottawa, he continued to urge the necessity of such an -end. - -“While not much liked by the preachers, Ryan was very popular among the -people,” especially along the Bay Quinté. Captain Breakenridge, a local -preacher, living on the St. Lawrence, joined him, in holding -conventions, and in procuring largely signed petitions, praying for -separation. Ryan and Breakenridge, went to the General Conference, -bearing these petitions, and were not received. But these petitions were -the commencement of the separation, which it was quite time should take -place for the well being of both parties. Concessions were made—a Canada -conference was formed through the instrumentality of Elder Ryan; but -under the superintendency of the United States conference. This did not -satisfy Ryan, and his followers in the Bay Quinté circuit. Meetings were -held at which it was resolved they would “_break off_” from the American -Church without permission. For four months Ryan energetically appealed -to the people. To allay this the Bishop had to come and say to the -Canadians, that if they wished independence, the next general -conference, which would meet in 1828, would no doubt grant it. The -following year the first Canada conference was held at the village of -Hollowell, (Picton). It was opened on the 25th August. There were thirty -preachers present, and they continued in session five days. The -agitation initiated by Ryan, had done its work, “a general desire -existed, that the Canada body should become an independent body, not -later than the general conference of 1828,” and a memorial was prepared -to be submitted to that body. After requesting to be set apart an -independent body, the following reason, with others was given. “The -state of society requires it. The first settlers having claimed the -protection of His Britannic Majesty in the revolutionary war, were -driven from their former possessions to endure great hardships in a -remote wilderness. Time, however, and a friendly intercourse, had worn -down their asperity and prejudice, when the late unhappy war revived -their former feelings; affording what they considered, new and grievous -occasion for disgust against their invading neighbors. The prejudices -thus excited would probably subside if their ministry were to become -residents in this country, as would be the case in the event of becoming -a separate body.” The fact that government regarded with dislike the -connection was adverted to, also that they were not allowed to solemnize -matrimony. Such was the fruit of Elder Ryan’s proceedings, and to him -belongs great credit, however much his motives may have been impugned. -It has been acknowledged that he was disliked by the preachers, and this -dislike was manifested this year by sending him as a missionary to the -Indians. No wonder he was dissatisfied. Not because he was placed in a -humble position, after acting nearly a quarter of a century as presiding -Elder; but because of the animus of those who did it. And moreover, he -entertained the belief that the general conference did not intend to -give independence. The next year Ryan was placed among the superannuated -ministers, and thus remained two years; the next year 1827, he withdrew, -and resumed the agitation for independence. He had no faith in the -United States conference, the cry was raised, Loyal Methodism against -Republican Methodism. In this Ryan was countenanced by Government and -the English Church, and Playter says, Dr. Strachan sent him £50 to carry -on the work of separation. - -The whole previous life of Ryan, leads us to believe that he was sincere -and honest in his movements and statements, but it is said he was -greatly mistaken. The people generally said, wait till we see what the -general conference does. The preachers have said they will give us -independence, pause till we see. The result of the conference was as had -been promised; while already Ryan had separated, and, with a limited -number of followers, mostly along the bay and St. Lawrence, had formed a -new body with the name of _Canadian Wesleyan Methodist Church_. But it -will always remain a question whether the general conference would have -conceded the independence had it not been well known that Ryan would -take almost all if they were not made free. It is not an unknown thing -for a person who has worked for some public good to be robbed of the -credit in a surreptitious manner. Ryan was deceived, and his kind, -though impulsive nature resented the wrong done him. Though his name has -been placed under a shadow by those who were indebted to him, yet his -memory is even yet green and sweet in the hearts of some of the old -settlers. Well might Elder Ryan, select as his text at the time, “I have -raised up children and they have rebelled.” - -The general conference assembled at Pittsburgh, 1st May, 1828. The -memorial from the Canada conference was duly considered, and whatever -may have been the reasons, they granted in the most kindly spirit, the -decided request of the Canadian Methodists. Ryan, it is said when he -heard of it, “looked astonished, trembled and could scarcely utter a -word.” - -The second Canada conference met at Ernesttown, the 2nd October, 1828, -in Switzer’s chapel. “Bishop Hedding came for the last time, and -presided over the conference. No United States Bishop, no Bishop at all, -has ever presided since.” This year, Andrew Pringle, the first native -Methodist preacher, was placed on the superannuated list. After due -deliberation the conference resolved to organize into an independent -body, and adopted the discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as -the basis of their own. The Rev. Wm. Case was appointed General -Superintendent until the next conference. - -It is not possible, nor would it be proper to give a connected history -of Methodism, or any other religious denomination. But the aim of the -writer is to supply facts relative to those who have lived and acted a -part in connection with the early history of the bay, with such other -facts as will throw light upon the matter. With this object in view, we -will here introduce, in conclusion, a brief notice of the visit of -Bishop Asbury to Canada in 1811. The account is from the pen of the Rev. -Henry Bœhm, with remarks by Mr. Carroll. Reading this account, it called -to our mind the account given to us by Father Bœhm, in 1854, while -sojourning at Staten Island, New York, where we had the great pleasure -of frequently meeting him and of enjoying the hospitality of his genial -family. Mr. Bœhm was the traveling companion of Bishop Asbury when he -visited Canada. - -Bishop Asbury, the cotemporary of the Wesleys, being one whom Wesley -ordained to preach, he came to America in 1771, as a missionary, being -25 years old. Of all the English preachers in the revolting colonies, he -alone remained during the revolutionary war, and was under the necessity -of concealing himself in Delaware. Created a Bishop by Dr. Coke, in -1785, he continued for many years in the oversight of the Methodist -Church in America and in Canada. But although Methodism was planted in -Canada in 1792, it was not until the year mentioned that a Bishop found -his way to the remote settlements of Canada. Bishop Asbury, however, had -for years a desire to see Canada. Two years before he came he wrote, “I -shall see Canada before I die,” says Bœhm. - -“We had a severe time on our journey. We crossed Lake Champlain, and Mr. -Asbury preached in a bar-room in Plattsburgh. The roads through the -woods, over rocks, down gulleys, over stumps, and through the mud, were -indescribable. They were enough to jolt a hale bishop to death, let -alone a poor, infirm old man, near the grave. On entering the village -(of St. Regis) as Mr. Asbury was leading his horse across a bridge made -of poles, the animal got his foot between them, and sunk into the mud -and water. Away went the saddle-bags; the books and clothes were wet, -and the horse was fast. We got a pole under him to pry him out; at the -same time the horse made a leap, and came out safe and sound. We crossed -the St. Lawrence in romantic style. We hired four Indians to paddle us -over. They lashed three canoes together, and put our horses in them, -their fore feet in one canoe, their hind feet in another. It was a -singular load; three canoes, three passengers, the bishop, Smith and -myself, three horses and four Indians. They were to take us over for -three dollars. It was nearly three miles across to where we landed”—“did -not reach the other side till late in the evening.” The Indians claimed -another dollar, because three could not be easily divided between four, -this was “cheerfully paid.” “We arrived in Canada on July 1st, 1811, -landing at Cornwall, and about midnight reached the hospitable house of -Evan Roise, who hailed the bishop’s arrival with joy, and gave him and -his companions a welcome worthy of patriarchal times.” “We found it warm -in Canada, and the Bishop suffered greatly. Here Henry Ryan, Presiding -Elder of Upper Canada, met us. The next day Bishop Asbury preached, the -day after the Bishop preached again and there was a love-feast, and the -Lord’s Supper.” Proceeding up the River St. Lawrence, arrived at the -eastern line of Matilda, the Bishop rode in Brother Glassford’s close -carriage, which he called a ‘calash,’ and he inquired how they would get -out if it upset. He had hardly asked the question before over went the -carriage, and the venerable Bishop was upset, but fortunately no bones -were broken; the saplings alongside the road broke the fall. On Friday -the Bishop preached in Matilda chapel, in what was called the German -settlement. I followed, preaching in German. The Bishop was delighted -with the people, he wrote, “here is a decent loving people. I called -upon Father Dulmage, and Brother Heck.” We tarried over night with David -Breackenridge. He married and baptised a great many people, and attended -many funerals. In 1804 he preached the funeral sermon of Mrs. Heck, who -died suddenly, and it is said she claimed to be the person who stirred -Philip Embury to preach the Gospel. On Saturday we rode twelve miles -before breakfast to Father Boyce’s, where we attended Quarterly Meeting. -Bishop Asbury preached a thrilling sermon. “The Bishop greatly admired -the country through which we rode. He says ‘Our ride has brought us -through one of the finest countries I have seen. The timber is of noble -size; the cattle are well shaped, and well looking; the crops are -abundant on a most fruitful soil. Surely this is a land that God, the -Lord hath blessed.’” (Such was the testimony of one who had traveled all -over the United States, concerning a country eighty years younger than -the older States of the Union. Such the testimony respecting the -pioneers of the country who twenty-five years previous came thereto into -an unbroken wilderness—respecting the men the Americans had driven away -and stigmatized by the application of the most degrading names). “On -Monday we proceeded to Gananoque Falls, to Colonel Stone’s. Father -Asbury was very lame from inflammatory rheumatism. “He suffered like a -martyr. On Tuesday we visited Brother Elias Dulmage, a very kind family, -and Bishop Asbury preached in the first Town Church” (Kingston Church). -E. Dulmage, one of the Palatines, lived afterward a long time as -jail-keeper.”—(Carroll). The Bishop was so poorly he could not proceed -on his journey, and was obliged to lie up and rest. He remained at -Brother Dulmage’s, where he found a very kind home, and I went with -Henry Ryan to his Quarterly Meeting, in Fourth or Adolphustown, Bay of -Quinté. On Friday we rode to Brother John Embury, Hay Bay. He was a -nephew of Philip Embury, the Apostle of American Methodism. On the -Lord’s day we had a glorious love-feast, and at the Lord’s Supper He was -made known to us in the breaking of bread. In a beautiful grove, under -the shade of trees planted by God’s own hand, I preached to two thousand -people, John Reynold’s, afterward Bishop Reynolds, of Belleville, and -Henry Ryan exhorted. (Exhorting after sermon was a common practice among -the Methodists in those days). Mr. Bœhm had to return to Kingston the -same night, in order that the Bishop might get to the Conference to be -held in the States immediately. To do so they rode all night—35 miles. -“To our great joy we found Father Asbury better”—“he had sent around and -got a congregation to whom he preached in the chapel. He also met the -Society and baptized two children. We were in Canada just a fortnight. -The Bishop was treated everywhere as the angel of the churches. The -Bishop preached six times in Canada, besides numerous lectures which he -delivered to societies.” The Bishop and Mr. Bœhm set out on the Monday -for Sackett’s Harbour, in a small sail boat. There was a heavy storm, -and they were nearly wrecked. On the water all night without a cabin. -Spent a fearful night, and reached Sackett’s Harbour the next afternoon. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXII. - - CONTENTS—McDonnell—First R. Catholic Bishop—A “Memorandum”— - Birthplace—In Spain—A Priest—In Scotland—Glengary Fencibles— - Ireland, 1798—To Canada—Bishop—Death in Scotland—Body removed to - Canada—Funeral obsequies—Buried at Kingston—Had influence—Member - of Canadian Legislative Council—Pastoral visitations, 1806—A loyal - man—A Pioneer in his Church—The Bishop’s Address, 1836—Refuting - mal-charges—Number of the R. C. Clergy in 1804—From Lake Superior - to Lower Canada—Traveling horseback—Sometimes on foot—Hardships— - Not a Politician—Expending private means—Faithful services— - Acknowledged—Roman Catholic U. E. Loyalists—First Church in - Ernesttown—McDonnell at Belleville—Rev. M. Brennan—First Church in - Belleville—What we have aimed at—The advantages to the English - Church—The Reserves—In Lower Canada—Dr. Mountain—Number of English - Clergymen, 1793—A Bishop—Monopoly initiated—Intolerance and - Exclusion swept away—An early habit at Divine service. - - - THE ROMAN CATHOLICS—BISHOP MCDONNELL. - -We are much indebted to J. P. McDonnell, Esq., of Belleville, for a -“Memorandum of his grand-parent, the Rev. Alex McDonnell, first Bishop -of Upper Canada.” - -“He was born in the year 1760, in Glengary, in Scotland, educated for -the Priesthood at Valladolid College, in the Kingdom of Spain; for, at -this time no person professing the Roman Catholic faith could be allowed -to be educated in any part of the British empire. He was ordained Priest -before the year 1790. Then came back to Scotland, his native country, -and officiated as a Priest in Badenoch, a small district in North -Scotland, also in the city of Glasgow; afterwards joined, in 1798, the -Glengary Fencibles, then for duty in Ireland, under the command of Lord -McDonnell, of Glengary, who was Colonel of said Fencible Regiment. He -came to Canada in the year 1804; was consecrated first Bishop of Upper -Canada in the year 1822, titled as the Bishop of Kingston.” He died in -Dumfriesshire, a County bordering on England and Scotland, in the year -1840. His body was laid in St. Mary’s Church, Edinborough, until removed -to Canada, in 1862. His remains was taken from the cars at the station -at Lancaster, and carried to St. Raphael’s Cathedral; in which Church he -had spent some of his most useful days, administering the consolations -of his religion to his numerous co-religionists throughout the Province -of Upper Canada. His remains were escorted by thousands of people, of -all denominations, from St. Raphael’s Church to St. Andrew’s Church, and -thence to Cornwall depot, in order to convey his remains to Kingston, -the head of his See; where his remains now lie in the vaults of the -Cathedral of that ancient city, in which he, as Bishop, officiated for -years, a favorite of both Protestants and Catholics. I may here remark, -that no other man, either clergyman or lay, ever had more influence with -the Government, either Imperial or Colonial than Bishop McDonnell. In -fact he established the Catholic Church in Western Canada. All the lands -that the church now possesses were procured by his exertions. The Bishop -was a member of the Legislative Council for years in connection with the -Venerable Bishop Strachan, of Toronto. About the year 1806, he passed on -his way from Toronto, then York, to Kingston; celebrated mass at his -relation’s, Col. Archibald Chisholm, whose descendants are now living on -Lot. Nos. 8 and 9, 1st Con., Thurlow, adjoining the Town of Belleville— -carried his vestments on his back most of the way from Toronto to -Kingston; and he took passage in a birch canoe from his friend’s, Col. -Chisholm, to another relation, Col. McDonnell, (McDonald’s Cove,) on his -way to Kingston. - -“Although his religion was then proscribed by the British Government, -and he was compelled to go to a foreign country to be educated, no more -loyal man to the British Crown lived; no other man ever conduced more to -the upholding of British supremacy in North America than he, and helped -to consolidate the same.” - -We are also indebted to Mr. McDonnell for other valuable documents -concerning the Bishop, who may be regarded the father of his Church in -Upper Canada. At least, he was the pioneer of that denomination in the -Bay region. To a great extent, his history is the early history of his -Church. The worthy prelate will speak for himself, when at the advanced -age of seventy-four, and he spoke under circumstances which precluded -the possibility of any statement accidentally creeping in, which could -not be fully substantiated. - -Referring to an address of the House of Assembly, 1836, in which his -character had been aspersed, and his motives assailed, he, in a letter -to Sir Francis Bond Head, asks “the liberty of making some remarks on a -few passages” thereof, and, among other things, says, “As to the charges -brought against myself, I feel very little affected by them, having the -consolation to think that fifty years spent in the faithful discharge of -my duty to God and to my country, have established my character upon a -foundation too solid to be shaken by the malicious calumnies of two -notorious slanderers.” To the charge that he had neglected his spiritual -functions to devote his time and talents to politics, he, by plain -declaration, refutes their “malicious charge,” stating the following -facts, which relate to the country from the year he entered it, 1804. He -says, “There were then but two Catholic clergymen in the whole of Upper -Canada. One of these clergymen soon deserted his post; and the other -resided in the Township of Sandwich, in the Western District, and never -went beyond the limits of his mission; so that upon entering upon my -pastoral duties, I had the whole of the Province beside in charge, and -without any assistance for the space of ten years. During that period, I -had to travel over the country, from Lake Superior to the Province line -of Lower Canada, to the discharge of my pastoral functions, carrying the -sacred vestments sometimes on horseback, sometimes on my back, and -sometimes in Indian birch canoes, living with savages—without any other -shelter or comfort, but what their fires and their fares, and the -branches of the trees afforded; crossing the great lakes and rivers, and -even descending the rapids of the St. Lawrence in their dangerous and -wretched crafts. Nor were the hardships and privations which I endured -among the new settlers and emigrants less than what I had to encounter -among the savages themselves, in their miserable shanties; exposed on -all sides to the weather, and destitute of every comfort. In this way I -have been spending my time and my health year after year, since I have -been in Upper Canada, and not clinging to a seat in the Legislative -Council and devoting my time to political strife, as my accusers are -pleased to assert. The erection of five and thirty Churches and Chapels, -great and small, although many of them are in an unfinished state, built -by my exertion; and the zealous services of two and twenty clergymen, -the major part of whom have been educated at my own expense, afford a -substantial proof that I have not neglected my spiritual functions, or -the care of the souls under my charge; and if that be not sufficient, I -can produce satisfactory documents to prove that I have expended, since -I have been in this Province, no less than thirteen thousand pounds, of -my own private means, beside what I received from other quarters, in -building Churches, Chapels, Presbyteries, and School-houses, in rearing -young men for the Church, and in promoting general education. With a -full knowledge of those facts, established beyond the possibility of a -contradiction, my accusers can have but little regard for the truth, -when they tax me with neglecting my spiritual functions and the care of -souls. The framers of the address to His Excellency knew perfectly well -that I never had, or enjoyed, a situation, or place of profit or -emolument, except the salary which my sovereign was pleased to bestow -upon me, in reward of forty-two years faithful services to my country, -having been instrumental in getting two corps of my flock raised and -embodied in defence of their country in critical times, viz., the first -Glengary Fencible Regiment, was raised by my influence, as a Catholic -corps, during the Irish rebellion, whose dangers and fatigues I shared -in that distracted country, and contributed in no small degree to -repress the rapacity of the soldiers, and bring back the deluded people -to a sense of their duty to their sovereign and submission to the laws. -Ample and honorable testimonials of their services and my conduct may be -found in the Government office of Toronto. The second Glengary Fencible -Regiment raised in the Province, when the Government of the United -States of America invaded, and expected to make a conquest of Canada, -was planned by me, and partly raised by my influence. My zeal in the -service of my country, and my exertions in the defence of this Province, -were acknowledged by his late Majesty, through Lord Bathurst, then -Secretary of State for the Colonies. My salary was then increased, and a -seat was assigned for me in the Legislative Council, as a distinguished -mark of my sovereign’s favor, an honor I should consider it a disgrace -to resign, although I can hardly expect ever to sit in the Council, nor -do I believe that Lord Glenelg, who knows something of me, would expect -that I should show so much imbecility in my latter days, as to -relinquish a mark of honor conferred upon me by my sovereign, to gratify -the vindictive malice of a few unprincipled radicals. So far, however, -from repining at the cruel and continued persecutions of my enemies, I -pray God to give me patience to suffer, for justice sake, and to forgive -them their unjust and unmerited conduct towards me. I have the honor to -be Sir,—Your most obedient and very humble servant,—(Signed)—Alex. -McDonnell. To T. Joseph, Esq., Sec’y to His Excellency, Sir Francis Bond -Head, &c., &c., &c.” - -There were a number of Roman Catholics among the U. E. Loyalists. Among -them were the Chisholms on the front of Thurlow, to whose house Mr. -McDonnell came to preach as he made his annual round. I am told by an -old settler, that a very old Roman Catholic Church existed in Ernesttown -west, a short distance from Bath. Probably Mr. McDonnell travelled all -around the Bay, visiting members of his Church. There were several in -Marysburgh. He was the first to preach in Belleville, when it had become -a village. But the Rev Michael Brennan, who still lives, and is highly -respected by all classes, was the first priest located in Belleville; he -arrived in 1829. The frame of a building which had been erected for a -Freemason’s Lodge, was moved to the lot which had been received from -Government, and was converted into a Church. The present Church was -commenced in 1837, and completed in 1839. - -We have now adverted to the several early clergymen of the different -denominations in the young colony of Upper Canada, and have dwelt upon -those facts, and related those events, which appertain to the work we -have in hand. We have essayed to simply write the truth, without -reference to the interests of any denomination, either by false, or high -coloring, or suppression of facts. - -From what we have recorded, it is plain that the Church of England stood -the best chance of becoming the religion of Upper Canada. The seventh -part of the lands were reserved for the clergy, and it was determined to -erect an Ecclesiastical establishment in the Province. In Lower Canada -the Roman Catholics had been secured by Act of Imperial Parliament. In -Upper Canada it was resolved that the English Church should occupy a -similar position. The Rev. Dr. Jehoshaphat Mountain was sent out from -England in 1793, having been consecrated the first Bishop of Quebec, to -take charge of the English establishment in all Canada. There were then -in both Canadas five clergymen of the church. The monopoly thus -instituted continued for many years, and other denominations could not -even hold land upon which to build a place of worship. But time swept -all intolerance and exclusiveness away. In the year 1828, was passed “An -act for the Relief of Religious Societies” of the Province, by which it -was authorized “That whenever any religious congregation or society of -Presbyterians, Lutherans, Calvinists, Methodists, Congregationalists, -Independents, Anabaptists, Quakers, Menonists, Tunkers, or Moravians, -shall have an occasion to take a conveyance of land, it shall be lawful -for them to appoint trustees,” which body should hold perpetual -succession, &c. But it was also enacted that no one Society should hold -more than five acres. - -This subject will be concluded by the following, the writer of which we -fail to remember. It is within our own recollection when this habit -still existed: - -An early writer, a visitor to the Province of Canada, speaking about -religious denominations says, “The worshipping assemblies appear grave -and devout, except that in some of them it is customary for certain -persons to go out and come in frequently in time of service, to the -disturbance of others, and the interruption of that silence and -solemnity, which are enjoyed by politeness, no less than a sense of -religion. This indecorous practice prevails among several -denominations.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIII. - - CONTENTS—First Sabbath teaching—Hannah Bell, 1769—School - established, 1781—Raikes—Wesley—First in United States—First in - Canada—Cattrick, Moon—Common in 1824—First in Belleville—Turnbull— - Cooper—Marshall—Prizes, who won them—Mr. Turnbull’s death— - Intemperance—First Temperance Societies—Change of custom—Rum— - Increasing intemperance—The tastes of the Pioneers—Temperance, not - teetotalism—First Society in Canada—Drinks at Raising and Bees— - Society at Hollowell. - - - SABBATH SCHOOLS. - -The earliest attempt known to teach children upon the Sabbath was in -1769, made by a young lady, a Methodist, by the name of Hannah Bell, in -England, who was instrumental in training many children in the knowledge -of the Holy Scriptures. In 1781, while another Methodist young woman -(afterward the wife of the celebrated lay preacher, Samuel Bradburn) was -conversing in Gloucester with Robert Raikes, a benevolent citizen of -that town, and publisher of the _Gloucester Journal_, he pointed to -groups of neglected children in the street, and asked: “What can we do -for them?” She answered: “Let us teach them to read and take them to -church!” “He immediately proceeded to try the suggestion, and the -philanthropist and his female friend attended the first company of -Sunday-scholars to the church, exposed to the comments and laughter of -the populace as they passed along the street with their ragged -procession. Such was the origin of our present Sunday-school, an -institution which has perhaps done more for the church and the social -improvement of Protestant communities, than any other agency of modern -times, the pulpit excepted. Raikes, and his humble assistant, conducted -the experiment without ostentation. Not till November 3, 1783, did he -refer to it in his public journal. In 1784, he published in that paper -an account of his plan. This sketch immediately arrested the attention -of Wesley, who inserted the entire article in the January number of the -_American Magazine_ for 1785, and exhorted his people to adopt the new -institution.” - -In 1786, they were begun in the United States by the Methodist Bishop, -Francis Asbury, in Virginia. In 1790, the Methodist conference “resolved -on establishing Sunday-schools for poor children, white and black,” -since which time they have been in operation. - -The first notice found of a Sabbath-school in Upper Canada, is in June, -1817, when a Rev. Mr. Cattrick proposed at Kingston to organize one. A -communication from Wm. Moon, in the _Gazette_, expresses great pleasure -thereat, and Mr. Moon offers for the purpose his school-room, and -likewise his services. In 1824, Sunday-schools were common in the old -settlements, and were valued and encouraged by all classes of people. -Not only did private benevolence contribute to the schools, but the -Upper Canada Parliament granted £150, for the “use and encouragement of -Sunday-schools,” and of indigent and remote settlements, in the purchase -of books and tracts—(Playter). A Sabbath-school was established in -Belleville about 1826, by John Turnbull, Dr. Marshall, and Dr. Cooper -who taught in the school. Some religious society granted books and -tracts to schools. Four prizes were granted for good attendance and -behaviour, consisting of two Bibles and two Testaments. They were -awarded, the first to J. H. Meacham, who is now Postmaster of -Belleville; the second to his sister, Anna Meacham, the third to Matilda -McNabb, the fourth to Albert Taylor. While these pages are going through -the press, we receive the sad intelligence that John Turnbull, Esq., -last living of the three mentioned, has passed away at the beginning of -this new year, 1869, after a life of well-merited respect, and honor. -The writer feels he has lost a friend. - -INTEMPERANCE.—Total abstinence or teetotalism was unknown when Upper -Canada was first settled. The first temperance society ever organized -was at Moreau, Saratoga, County, New York, in 1808. - -To taste and drink a glass of wine or grog, was not regarded as a sin by -any one of that day. To the soldiers and sailors grog was dealt out as -regularly every day as rations. Rum was the liquor more generally used, -being imported from Jamaica, and infinitely purer than the rum sold -to-day. It has to be recorded that at a comparatively early date, -breweries and distilleries were erected, first in one township then in -another, so that after a few years the native liquor was much cheaper -than rum, and then followed the natural result—namely, increasing -intemperance. It is not difficult to understand that the old soldier -would like his regular glass of grog. In the long and tedious journeys -made by boat, when food perhaps was very limited in quantity, the -conveniently carried bottle would take its place, and extraordinary -labor and severe exposure would be endured by the agency of unnatural -stimulus. The absence of teetotal principles, the customs of the day; -want of food; frequent and severe trials and exposures, would lead even -the best of men to partake of spirituous liquors. As we see it to-day, -so it was then, abuse arose from moderate use, and those who had no -control over the appetite, or who loved to forget the bitterness of the -day by inebriation, would avail themselves of the opportunity to indulge -to excess. The mind naturally craves a stimulant. If this desire be not -fed by legitimate food, it is too likely to appropriate the unnatural. -The excitement of war had passed away; but had left in its wake the -seeds of longing in the breast of the old soldier. The educated man shut -out from the world, had but little to satisfy the usually active mind. -With some, the remembrance of old scenes—of old homesteads, and their -belongings, were forgotten in the stupefying cup. When all these facts -are considered, is there not abundant reason to wonder that intemperance -did not prevail more extensively. But it is a question after all, -whether the loyalists became more addicted to the cup after they -settled, than when at the old homes. Those who have charged the old -settlers with the vice of drinking, have forgotten to look at them in -comparison with other countries at that day, instead of the light set up -at a later period. - -But while the pioneers preserved themselves from unusual indulgence, it -is to be regretted that their children too often forsook the path of -soberness, and in losing their right minds, lost the old farm made -valuable by their fathers’ toil. It was often a repetition of what -occasionally occurred when the soldiers were disbanded. They would often -sell a location ticket, or two or three acres of land for a quart of -rum; the sons would sell the fruit of a father’s hard work of a life -time. - -One of the first temperance societies formed in Canada was in -Adolphustown, on the 4th January, 1830. On this occasion the Rev. Job -Deacon, of the Church of England, delivered an address, after which a -respectable majority and three out of five magistrates present, adopted -resolutions condemning the use of ardent spirits, and unitedly -determining not to use or furnish drink for raisings, bees, and harvest -work. At the same meeting a temperance society was formed and a -constitution adopted under the title of “The Adolphustown Union Sabbath -School Temperance Society.” They pledged themselves not to use ardent -spirits for one year. - -According to the Hollowell _Free Press_, a temperance society was formed -at Hollowell, in 1829; for it is announced that the “Second Anniversary” -will be held 3rd June, 1831. It is announced April 12, 1831, that a -temperance meeting will be held in the Methodist Chapel, when addresses -will be delivered by Dr. A. Austin. The officers elected for the ensuing -year are Asa Worden, Esq., M.P.P., President; Dr. Austin, Vice -President; P. V. Elmore, Secretary and Treasurer. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIV. - - CONTENTS—The Six Nations—Faithful English Allies—Society for the - Propagation of Gospel—First missionary to Iroquois—John Thomas, - first convert—Visit of Chiefs to England—Their names—Their - portraits—Attention to them—Asking for instructor—Queen Anne— - Communion Service—During the Rebellion—Burying the Plate— - Recovered—Division of the articles—Sacrilege of the Rebels— - Re-printing Prayer Book—Mr. Stuart, missionary—The women and - children—At Lachine—Attachment to Mr. Stuart—Touching instance—Mr. - Stuart’s Indian sister—Church at Tyendinaga—School teacher to the - Mohawk—John Bininger—First teacher—The Bininger family—The - Moravian Society—Count Zinzendorf—Moravian church at New York— - First minister, Abraham Bininger—Friend of Embury—An old account - book—John Bininger journeying to Canada—Living at Bay Quinté— - Removes to Mohawk village—Missionary spirit—Abraham Bininger’s - letters—The directions—Children pleasing parents—“Galloping - thoughts”—Christianity—Canadian Moravian missionaries—Moravian - loyalists—What was sent from New York—“Best Treasure”—The “Dear - Flock”—David Zieshager at the Thames—J. Bininger acceptable to - Mohawk—Abraham Bininger desires to visit Canada—Death of Mrs. - Bininger—“Tender mother”—Bininger and Wesley—“Garitson”—“Losee”— - “Dunon”—Reconciled to Methodists—Pitying Losee—Losee leaving - Canada—Ceases to be teacher—Appointing a successor—William Bell— - The salary—The Mohawks don’t attend school—An improvement—The - cattle may not go in school-house—The school discontinued. - - - THE SIX NATIONS—CONVERSION TO CHRISTIANITY. - -From the first occupation of New York by the English, the Six Nations -had almost always been their faithful allies. This devotion did not -remain unnoticed. Returns were made not only of a temporal nature, but -in respect to things spiritual. So early as 1702 the Society for the -Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, the next year after its -organization, sent a Missionary (Rev. Mr. Andrews) to the Mohawk Valley. -Under his direction in 1714, the Church of England Common Prayers was -translated into their tongue. The first convert to Christianity was -christened John Thomas, who died in 1727, aged 119. - -It is said the English in their determination to secure the alliance of -the Iroquois against the French prevailed upon certain chiefs to visit -the Court of Queen Anne, in 1710, thinking that the greatness and -splendour of England, would firmly fix their attachment. - -There were four of them who crossed the water, and who were treated with -distinction. Their names were “_Te Yee Neen Ho Ga Prow_, and _Sa Ga Yean -Qua Proh Ton_, of the Maquas; _Elow Oh Roam_, and _Oh Nee Yeath Ton No -Prow_, of the River Sachem.” Portraits were taken of these four kings -and placed in the British Museum. When presented to the Queen they made -an elaborate speech, in which they spoke of their desire to see their -“great Queen;” the long tedious French war in which they had taken a -part; they urged the necessity of reducing Canada, and closed by -expressing a wish that their “great Queen will be pleased to send over -some person to instruct” them in a knowledge of the Saviour. -Consequently the Queen caused to be sent to the Mohawk church just -erected among them, a valuable sacramental service of plate, and a -communion cloth. This royal gift was ever held in the most fervent -esteem by the tribe. The part taken by the noble Iroquois during the -cruel rebellion of 1776–83 is elsewhere detailed; but in this connection -is to be noticed an incident of a touching nature. The rebel commander -of a blood-thirsty gang, stimulated by promises of the land which they -were sent to despoil, came upon the tribe at an unexpected moment. The -valuable—the costly—the revered gift from the Queen was in danger of -being seized by the lawless horde which was approaching. Not forgetting -them—not unmindful of things sacred, some of the chief members of the -tribe decided to conceal them by burying them in the earth, which was -accordingly done, the plate being wrapped in the communion cloth. These -doubly valuable articles remained buried until the close of the war, -when they were recovered. The plate had suffered no injury, but the -cloth had been almost destroyed by the damp earth. These precious relics -were divided between those who settled upon the Grand River, and the -smaller branch that remained at the Bay. They are to this day used on -sacramental occasions. Upon each of the articles, sacred to memory, and -sacredly employed, is cut the following words: - -“The Gift of Her Majesty Queen Anne by the Grace of God of Great -Britain, France and Ireland, of Her Plantations in North America, Queen -of Her Indian Chappel of the Mohawk.” - -When the lawless rebels came into their settlement, they destroyed the -translated Prayer book. The Mohawks, apprehensive that it would be lost, -asked the Governor (Haldimand) to have an edition published. This was -granted by printing a limited number in 1780 at Quebec. In 1787 a third -edition was published in London, a copy of which before us, supplies -these facts. In connection with it there is also a translation of the -Gospel according to St. Mark by Brant. It is stated in the Preface that -a translation of some other parts of the New Testament may soon be -expected from Brant. But such never appeared. - -The missionary employed at the commencement of the rebellion, by the -Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, was the Rev. -John Stuart. In 1770, he was appointed to the Mission at Fort Hunter. He -soon prepared a Mohawk translation of the Gospel by Mark, an exposition -of the Church catechism, and a compendious History of the Bible. He was -undisturbed in his labors, until after the Declaration of Independence, -though “he constantly performed divine service without omitting prayers -for the King.” - -The women and children of the Indians when hurried away from their homes -repaired to Lachine, where they mostly remained until the end of the -war. The particulars of the history of their missionary is elsewhere -given. There was a sincere attachment between him and the tribe, an -instance of which is supplied by the conduct of a sister of Captain -Johns. Mrs. Stuart had an infant child which was deprived of its natural -food. The Indian woman weaned her own child that she might thereby be -able to supply the missionary’s child with food. This child was Charles -O’Kill Stuart. When he became the Venerable Archdeacon, he did not -forget the act of motherly kindness bestowed upon him. The faithful -breast upon which he had nestled, had long since closed its heaving by -death; but the daughter whom she had put away from the breast still -lived. Dr. Stuart visited the Indian woods every year, and invariably -went to see his sister, as he called her. - -Early steps were taken to have built a church in which they might -worship. The Rev. John Stuart had his home in Kingston, yet he often -visited the Indians. - -The first church was erected on Grand River by Brant in 1786, and as -nearly as we can learn the plain wooden building at the settlement upon -the Bay was, at the same time, or shortly after erected. - -The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, not only -employed the Rev. Mr. Stuart, as a missionary, to labor with the -Mohawks, but likewise set apart a sum of £30, as a salary to a teacher -to instruct the children of the Indians upon Bay Quinté. Mr. Stuart -lived at Kingston, however, and could but visit the Indian village -occasionally. But a catechist was employed by him to supply spiritual -instruction. Mr. Stuart also had the appointing of a school teacher. The -precise time when this school was opened, it is impossible to determine. -The first reference we find to it is in a letter, (one of many kindly -entrusted to us by Mrs. Bininger of Belleville) written by John -Bininger, then living in Adolphustown, to his father, the Rev. Abraham -Bininger of Camden, New York, Moravian missionary. The letter is dated -18th September, 1792, and says, “being at Kingston, I heard as it were -accidentally, that the Rev. Mr. John Stuart wanted, on behalf of the -society in England, to hire a teacher for the Mohawks up this bay, -accordingly, I made an offer of my services.” This may have been the -commencement of the school. Mr. Stuart, not long after, accepted the -offer, and John Bininger says he gave his employers notice that he -should leave them. We learn that he was at that time, or had been a -short time before, engaged as a book-keeper in Kingston. He was detained -for two months before his employers would release him, immediately after -which he removed to the Mohawk village. - -Before proceeding with the record of the Mohawk school, we shall ask the -reader to listen to a few of the facts in the history of the Bininger -family. - -The Moravian Society was founded by Count Zinzendorf. He visited New -York in 1741, and seven years later, 1748, a Moravian Church was -established in New York. The first or principal Moravian minister was -Abraham Bininger, a native of Switzerland, from the same town where the -immortal William Tell lived.—(Wakeley.) He was the intimate friend of -Embury and the other early Methodists in America. - -Of the sons of the Rev. A. Bininger we have only to notice John. Before -us is an old account book in which is found the following memorandum: -“1791, May 30th, Moved from Camden in Salem, Washington County; June -2nd, Arrived at St. John’s, Canada; June 8th, Arrived at Lachine for -Kingston; 24th, arrived at Kingston, Upper Canada; July 2nd, Arrived at -John Carscallian’s, Fredricksburgh, Bay Kanty; October 2nd, Moved from -Fredricksburgh to Adolphustown, 1792; November 13th, Moved from -Adolphustown to Mohawk Village.” A letter written by John Bininger to -his father, is in a fine distinct hand, and indicates both learning and -piety, and that he was actuated, in taking the situation of teacher to -the Mohawks, by a missionary spirit. His father wrote to him from time -to time; the letters are dated at Camden, and usually refer to family -affairs; but each has a large portion devoted to Christian advice, -simply and touchingly, and sometimes quaintly given. They are signed -Abraham and Martha. The first letter is addressed to “Caterockqua,” and -the request is made upon the corner of the letter to “please forward -this with care and speed,” “also to the care of Mr. John Carscallian, or -Lieutenant Carscallian.” The rest of the letters are addressed to -Adolphustown, and the Mohawk Village, “Bay Quinté.” - -In one letter he says “Remember children never please parents more than -when they are willing to be guided by them; self-guiding is always the -beginning of temptation, and next comes a fall that we must smart for -it; we are to work out our own salvation (not with high galloping -thoughts) but with fear and trembling.” In this way every letter beams -with pure and simple Christianity. After his children’s personal -well-being, he is concerned about the Moravian missionaries in Canada, -and also a considerable number of Moravian Loyalists who had settled -upon the Bay Quinté, after whom he frequently inquires. In one letter he -says “remember me to all my friends, in particular to old Mr. -Carscallian and wife.” One letter says, “We send you with Mr. McCabe a -lag. cheese, weight five pounds and three-quarters, about half-a-pint of -apple seed, from Urana’s saving. I also send you part of my best -treasure, the _Daily Word and Doctrinal Texts_, for the year 1792. The -collection of choice hymns and sixteen discourses of my very dear -friend, Count Zinzendorf.” He says, “I would heartily beg to make -Inquiry and friendship with the brethren among the Indians. They are -settled in the British lines, I don’t know the name of the place.” Again -he expresses a wish that he should inquire for the brethren’s -settlement, and “make a correspondence with them,” to think it his “duty -to assist them in the furtherance of the Gospel, both on account of -yourself and on account of your old father. If you can get any -intelligence pray let me know, I am often concerned in my mind for the -dear flock that believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. I think if any -gentleman in your parts can give information, it is the Reverend Mr. -Stuart, a minister of the Church of England, he is a gentleman that I -have great esteem for, I know he will give you all the intelligence he -possibly can.” Subsequently, 1794, he wishes his son to correspond with -the brethren at the river La Trenche (the Thames). As a result of this -request, we see a letter received from David Zeisherger, dated at River -Thames, 20th July, 1794, eighty miles from Detroit. - -John Bininger was acceptable to the Mohawks of the Bay, as an -instructor. His father writes 5th January, 1794, “It was a real -satisfaction to me to see Mr. Hekenalder in New York, and more so when I -heard the good character of the Indians of your place living among -them.” Writing February 23rd, he says, “was I able to undergo the -hardships, I would certainly join with you and tell the poor Indians of -God their Saviour, that would be the highest and happiest employ for -me.” In August, he says “I would have ventured the hardships of the -journey, but mother and Isaac wont approve of it, they think I am too -old and feeble. I know that if I was with you I should have more -contentment than I have here.” - -The last communication we have is dated February, 1804, in which the -good old Moravian says to his children, John and Phœbe, that their “dear -tender mother went happy to our dear Saviour;” at the funeral was so -many, he wondered how so many could collect. - -The Rev. Abraham Bininger was intimate with Wesley, whom he accompanied -to Virginia. He also was familiar with Philip Embury, and Mr. “Garitson” -who baptized his grand-child. The first two Methodist preachers in -Canada were well known to him. Several letters, back and forth, are “per -favor of Losee.” In one letter he says, “Don forget to remember my love -and regards to Mr. Dunon (Dunham) and Mr. Loese.” The postscript of -another letter says, “Isaac intends to send a young heifer, two pound of -tea, a gammon, and a pise of smokt beef. Mother sends her love to Dunon -and Mr. Loese.” A letter dated April 12th, 1792, says John Switzers’ son -“was baptized by Mr. Garitson. Mr. Garitson is well approved of in these -parts. I heartily wish, as much as I love him, that he were in your -parts. I am of late more reconciled to the Methodists than I was before, -I see they really are a blessing to many poor souls.” - -Writing 2nd August, 1794, he says “I heartily pity Mr. Losee for -withdrawing his hand, he is now to be treated with patience and -tenderness. I have sent last part of a discourse which I translated from -the brethren’s writing. I did it chiefly on account of Mr. Losee, if you -think proper send him a copy with a tender greet from me.” John -Bininger, writing January 12, 1795, remarks, Mr. Losee is just setting -out for the States. - -Mr. John Bininger ceased to be teacher to the Mohawks sometime in the -latter part of 1795, or first part of 1796. - -There are several letters before us, written by Mr. Stuart, in reference -to the appointment of a successor to Mr. Bininger, the first one is -directed to “Mr. William Bell, at the head of the Bay of Quinté,” and -dated at Kingston, September 26, 1796. He says “I received your letter -respecting the Mohawk school; I can give you no positive answer at -present: because I have agreed, conditionally with a school-master at -Montreal, that is, if he comes up, he is to have the school; I expect -daily to hear from him, although I do not think he will accept of the -employment. Some time ago Mr. Ferguson mentioned you as one who would -probably undertake that charge. I told Captain John that if the person -from Montreal disappointed me I would talk with you on the subject. The -salary is £30 sterling, with a house to live in, and some other -advantages which depend wholly on the pleasure of the Mohawks—but the -teacher must be a man, and not a woman, however well qualified.” The -teacher from Montreal did not come, and Mr. Bell was appointed. The -following seems to have been a copy of Mr. Bell’s first call for -payment, the half-yearly instalment. - -“Mohawk Village, Bay of Quinté, July 5, 1797—Exchange for £15 sterling. - -Sir,—At thirty days sight of this first of exchange, please to pay to -Mr. Robert McCauley, or order, the sum of fifteen pounds sterling, being -half-year’s salary, from the 15th day of November, 1796, to the 15th day -of May, 1797, due from the Society, without further advice, from, Sir, -&c., (Signed), William Bell, school-master to the Mohawks. To Calvert -Chapman, Esq., Treasurer to the Society for the Propagation of the -Gospel in Foreign Parts—Duke Street, Westminster.” - -The Mohawks, it seems, did not appreciate the advantages which the -establishment of a school among them was intended to afford, and Mr. -Stuart is found writing as follows: “Kingston, August 18, 1799—Sir,— -Unless the Mohawks will send such a number of their children to school -as will justify me in continuing a school-master, in duty to myself, as -acting for the Society, I shall be under the necessity of discontinuing -the payment of your salary after the expiration of the present year. -This information I think proper to give you, that you may govern -yourself accordingly. I am, Sir,” &c., (Signed), John Stuart. - -But writing again, March 16, 1800, Mr. Stuart says, “I am happy to hear -that the school is now furnished with a dozen or more scholars, and it -is expected you will be very strict in your discipline, and see that -prayers are read night and morning; that the children are taught the -Lord’s Prayer, and the Commandments—that children may not be sent home -even if their parents do not send wood at the stated times; that the -cattle may not be allowed to go into the school, but that it be kept -clean, and the wood belonging to it may not be used unless in school -hours.” - -Writing again, September 11, 1801, Mr. Stuart says, “I have waited with -patience to see whether the Mohawks would send their children more -regularly to school, but if the accounts I receive are true, the money -is expended to no purpose. I am told that there has not been a scholar -in school since last spring. And, as I never found that the fault was on -your side, I cannot, in conscience, allow the salary of the Society to -be paid for nothing. Therefore, unless Capt. John and the chief men of -the village will promise that the school shall be furnished with at -least six scholars, I must dismiss you from their service—as soon as you -receive this notification. I hope you will see the reasonableness of -this determination of mine, and you may show this letter to Capt. John -and the Mohawks, by which they will see that the continuance or -discontinuance of the school depends wholly on themselves.” - -The final letter upon the subject is dated “Kingston, 26th August, -1802,” and says, “I have not yet received any letter from the Society; -but, for the reasons I mentioned to you, I think it will be expedient to -let the Mohawk school cease, at least for some time. I therefore notify -you that after your present quarter is ended you will not expect a -continuance of the salary.” (Signed), “John Stuart.” “To William Bell, -school-master to the Mohawks, Bay of Quinté.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXV. - - CONTENTS—The first Church at Tyendinaga grows old—A Council—Ask for - Assistance—Gov. Bagot—Laying first stone of new Church—The - Inscription—The Ceremony—The new Church—Their Singing—The - surrounding Scenery—John Hall’s Tomb—Pagan Indians—Red Jacket—His - Speech—Reflection upon Christians—Indians had nothing to do with - murdering the Saviour. - - - BUILDING A NEW CHURCH. - -Their original edifice of wood, having served its purpose, and being in -a state of decay; it was deemed necessary to have erected a new and more -substantial building. They, consequently, held a Council, at which the -Chief made the following speech, after hearing all the ways and means -discussed—“If we attempt to build this church by ourselves, it will -never be done. Let us, therefore, ask our father, the Governor, to build -it for us, and it will be done at once.” Reference here was made, not to -the necessary funds, for they were to be derived from the sale of Indian -lands; but to the experience requisite to carry out the project. Sir -Charles Bagot, the Governor, was accordingly petitioned. “The first -stone was laid by S. P. Jarvis, Esq., Chief Superintendent of Indians in -Canada; and the Archdeacon of Kingston, the truly venerable G. O. -Stuart, conducted the usual service; which was preceded by a procession -of the Indians, who, singing a hymn, led the way from the wharf.” “The -following inscription was placed in this stone: - - TO - - THE GLORY OF GOD OUR SAVIOUR - - THE REMNANT OF THE TRIBE OF KAN-YE-AKE-HAKA, - - IN TOKEN OF THEIR PRESERVATION BY THE DIVINE MERCY - - THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, - - In the sixth year of Our Mother Queen Victoria: Sir Charles Theophilus - Metcalf, G.C.B., being Governor General of British North America; - - THE RIGHT REV. J. STRACHAN, D.D., AND LL.D., Being Bishop of Toronto: - - AND - THE REV. SALTERN GIVINS, BEING IN THE THIRTEENTH YEAR OF HIS INCUMBENCY. - - The old wooden fabric having answered its end, - - THIS CORNER STONE OF - - CHRIST’S CHURCH TYENDINAGA, - - WAS LAID - - In the presence of the Venerable George O’Kill Stuart, LL.D., Archdeacon - of Kingston; - By Samuel Peter Jarvis, Chief Superintendent of Indian Affairs in - Canada, assisted by various Members of the Church, - - ON TUESDAY MAY 30TH, A. D., 1843. - - &c., &c., &c. - -A hymn was sung by the Indians, and Indian children of the school. The -Rev. Wm. Macauley, of Picton, delivered an address, which was followed -by a prayer from the Rev. Mr. Deacon.”—(_Sir Richard Henry -Bonnycastle._) - -This edifice, with four lancet windows on each side, presents to the eye -a very pleasing appearance upon approaching it. While the interior may -not altogether appear so attractive, it is sufficiently interesting. -There is the elevated desk, and the more elevated pulpit; and upon the -wall, over the altar, are the ten commandments, in the Mohawk tongue. -Here is grandly united the Mother Church, and the devoted piety of the -once great Mohawk nation. Opposite the altar is a gallery, across the -end of the building, in which is an organ. Therefrom proceeds, Sunday -after Sunday, rich notes of tuneful melody, blending with the stout -voices of the singers. From this church ascends, have we not reason to -believe the adoration of hearts warmed into spiritual life by the pure -principles of Christianity. - -The view from the church upon the surrounding scenery is very pleasant, -and, in the quietness of a summer day, one may linger gazing and -meditating upon the past history of the race whose dead slumber hard by. -The visitor’s attention will be directed to a flat tomb, of blue stone, -inclosed by a low stone wall, overgrown with shrubs. Upon the face of -the tomb are the words: - -“This tomb, erected to the memory of John Hall, Ochechusleah, by the -Mohawks, in grateful remembrance of his Christian labors amongst them. -During thirty years, he served as a Mohawk Catechist, in this -settlement, under the Society for Propagating the Gospel, adorning the -doctrine of God, his Saviour, and enjoying the respect of all who knew -him. He died, generally regretted, June, 1848, aged 60 years.” This -stone also covers the remains of “Eloner, the exemplary wife of the -Catechist, who died in the Lord, May 7, 1840, aged 50.” - -While the Mohawks always manifested a desire to learn the truth, as -taught by Christians, there were some of the Six Nations who believed -not, and steadfastly turned their backs upon the missionaries of the -Cross. Among these stood prominent the Seneca chief Sagnoaha, or Red -Jacket, one well known as an eloquent Sachem in all the Councils of his -people. A Seneca council was held at Buffalo Creek, in May, 1811, when -Red Jacket answered the desire of a missionary that they should become -Christians, as follows:— - -“Brother!—We listened to the talk you delivered to us from the council -of black coats in New York. We have fully considered your talk, and the -offers you have made us. We now return our answer, which we wish you -also to understand. In making up our minds we have looked back to -remember what has been done in our days, and what our fathers have told -us was done in old times. - -“Brother!—Great numbers of black coats have been among the Indians. With -sweet voices and smiling faces, they offered to teach them the religion -of the white people. Our brethren in the East listened to them. They -turn from the religion of their fathers, and look up the religion of the -white people. What good has it done? Are they more friendly, one to -another, than we are? No, Brother! They are a divided people; we are -united. They quarrel about religion; we live in love and friendship. -Besides, they drink strong waters, and they have learned how to cheat -and how to practice all the other vices of the white people, without -imitating their virtues. Brother!—If you wish us well, keep away; don’t -disturb us. Brother!—We do not worship the Great Spirit as the white -people do, but we believe that the forms of worship are indifferent to -the Great Spirit. It is the homage of sincere hearts that pleases him, -and we worship him in that manner.” “Brother! For these reasons we -cannot receive your offers. We have other things to do, and beg you will -make your minds easy, without troubling us, lest our heads should be too -much loaded, and by and by burst.” At another time, he is reported to -have said to one conversing with him upon the subject of Christianity, -that the Indians were not responsible for the death of Christ. -“Brother,” said he “if you white people murdered the Saviour, make it up -yourselves. We had nothing to do with it. If he had come among us, we -should have treated him better.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVI. - - CONTENTS—Mississauga Indians—Father Picquet’s opinion—Remnant of a - large tribe—Their Land—Sold to Government—Rev. Wm. Case—John - Sunday—A drunkard—Peter Jones—Baptising Indians—At a camp-meeting— - Their department—Extract from Playter—William Beaver—Conversions— - Jacob Peter—Severe upon white Christians—Their worship—The Father - of Canadian missions—Scheme to teach Indians—Grape Island—Leasing - islands—The parties—“Dated at Belleville”—Constructing a village— - The lumber—How obtained—Encamping on Grape Island—The method of - instruction—The number—Agriculture—Their singing—School house—The - teacher—Instructions of women—Miss Barnes—Property of Indians—Cost - of improvements—A visit to Government—Asking for land—“Big - Island”—Other favors—Peter Jacobs at New York—Extracts from - Playter—Number of Indian converts, 1829—River Credit Indians— - Indians removed to Alnwick. - - - THE MISSISSAUGA INDIANS—THEIR CONVERSION TO CHRISTIANITY. - -We have learned that the French missionary, Father Picquet did not -entertain a very high opinion, at least he professed not to, of the -moral character of the Mississaugas, and their susceptibility to the -influence of Christian religion. We will now see what was accomplished -by the agency of the Rev. William Case. We refer to that branch at -present called the Mississaugas of Alnwick, and formerly known as the -Mississaugas of the Bay of Quinté. They were the remnant of the powerful -tribe, which ceded a large tract in the Johnstown, Midland and Newcastle -districts to the Government. This block contained 2,748,000 acres, and -was surrendered in 1822, for an annuity of £642 10s. - -In 1825 the Rev. William Case visited the Bay. Among the first to come -under the influence of religion, from the preaching of the Methodists -was John Sunday. The writer has conversed with many, who remember Sunday -as a very filthy drunkard. Peter Jones and John Crane, Mohawks who had -been converted to Methodism at the Grand River, visited Belleville. -Peter Jones with simple eloquence, soon reached the hearts of the -Mississaugas. The writer’s father has heard Peter Jones preach to them -in Indian near the banks of the Moira, just by No. 1 school-house in -Belleville. In the spring of 1826 Case baptized 22 Indian converts, -while 50 more seemed under the influence of religion. In June, a -camp-meeting was held in Adolphustown, the Mississaugas attended. -Special accommodation was afforded them. Their arrival is thus -graphically given by Playter, and it supplies an excellent idea of -Indian character in connection with religion. - -A message came that the Mississauga fleet was in sight. A few repaired -to the shore to welcome and conduct the Indians to the ground. The bark -canoes contained men, women and children, with cooking utensils, -blankets, guns, spears, provisions, and bark for covering their wigwams. -The men took each a canoe reversed on his head, or the guns and spears; -each squaw a bundle of blankets or bark. The men marched first, the -women in the rear, and in file they moved to the encampment, headed by -two preachers. The congregation seeing the Indians passing through the -gate, and so equipped, was astonished. Reflecting on the former -condition and the present state of these natives of the woods, gratitude -and joy filled every bosom. God was praised for the salvation of the -heathen. After the natives had laid down the burdens, they all silently -prayed for the blessing of the Great Spirit, to the surprise and -increased delight of the pious whites. The Indians next built their -camp, in the oblong form, with poles, canoes, and bark. The adults -numbered 41, of whom 28 had given evidence of a converted state, and the -children were 17: in all 58. The natives had private meetings by -themselves, and the whites by themselves; but in preaching time, the -Indians sat on the right of the preaching stand. At the close of each -sermon, William Beaver, an Indian exhorter, translated the main points -for the Indians, the other Indian exhorters, Sunday, Moses, and Jacob -Peter spoke to their people on different occasions. Beaver’s first -exhortation was on Friday, and produced a great effect on the natives. - -On Sunday Beaver spoke to his people with great fluency. Upon being -asked what he had been saying, “I tell ‘em,” said he, “they must all -turn away from sin; that the Great Spirit will give ‘em new eyes to see, -new ears to hear good things; new heart to understand, and sing, and -pray; all new! I tell ‘em squaws, they must wash ‘em blankets clean, -must cook ‘em victuals clean, like white women; they must live in peace, -worship God, and love one another. Then,” with a natural motion of the -hand and arm, as if to level an uneven surface, he added, “The Good -Spirit make the ground all smooth before you.” - -“On Monday, the Lord’s supper was given to the Indians and the whites, -of the Indians 21 were also baptized, with ten of their children. The -whole number of the baptized in this tribe was now 43, 21 children. As -yet these Indians knew but one hymn, “O for a thousand tongues to sing, -my great Redeemer’s praise,” and one tune. This hymn they sung, over and -over, as if always new, and always good.” - -It has been the custom, of not alone the United States, but some in our -midst, to regard the Indians as altogether degraded below the whites in -intelligence, in natural honesty, and in appreciation of right and -wrong. At the camp-meeting above referred to, there was a convert by -name of Jacob Peter. He is described as “a sprightly youth of 18 years.” -At some subsequent date during the same year, the Indians held a -prayer-meeting at the village of Demorestville. Mr. Demorest being -present with other white inhabitants, to witness the Indian’s devotion, -requested Jacob to speak a little to them in English; which he thus did: - -“You white people have the Gospel a great many years. You have the Bible -too: suppose you read sometimes—but you very wicked. Suppose some very -good people: but great many wicked. You get drunk—you tell lies—you -break the Sabbath.” Then pointing to his brethren, he added, “But these -Indians, they hear the word only a little while—they can’t read the -Bible—but they become good right away. They no more get drunk—no more -tell lies—they keep the Sabbath day. To us Indians, seems very strange -that you have missionary so many years, and you so many rogues yet. The -Indians have missionary only a little while, and we all turn -Christians.” - -“The whites little expected so bold a reproof from a youth belonging to -a race which is generally despised.”—(Playter). - -Camp-meetings were peculiarly calculated to impress the Indians with -solemn thoughts. These children of the forest deemed the shade of trees -a fit and true place in which to worship the true God, just as seemed to -the first settlers who had for so long a time had their homes within the -quiet glades. And no more inconsiderate step could have been taken than -that pursued by Governor Maitland, who, at the instigation of others, -forbade the converted Indians at the River Credit to attend -camp-meetings. The conversion of the Mississaugas at Belleville, and the -Credit, soon became known to the other branches of the tribe scattered -throughout Canada, and in time the whole nation was under the influence -of Methodist teaching. Their change of life was as well marked as it has -been lasting. - -The Rev. William Case, “The father of Canadian Missions,” determined to -permanently settle the tribe, to teach them the quiet pursuits of -agriculture, and their children the rudiments of education, as well as -of Christian knowledge. To this end the plan was adopted, of leasing two -islands, situated in Big Bay, which belonged to the tribe, and establish -thereupon the converted Indians. The parties to whom the tribe granted -the lease for 999 years, for the nominal sum of five shillings, were -“John Reynolds, Benjamin Ketcheson, Penuel G. Selden, James Bickford, -and William Ross.” The Chiefs, Warriors, and Indians conferring the -lease, and who signed the indenture, were “John Sunday, William Beaver, -John Simpson, Nelson Snake, Mitchell Snake, Jacob Musguashcum, Joseph -Skunk, Paul Yawaseeng, Jacob Nawgnashcum, John Salt, Isaac Skunk, -William Ross, Patto Skunk, Jacob Sheepegang, James Snake.” It was -“signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of Tobias Bleaker, and -Peter Jones.” Dated Belleville, 16th October, 1826. The islands thus -leased were Huff’s Island, then known as “Logrim’s,” containing about -fifty acres, and Grape Island with eleven acres. - -Steps were promptly taken to carry out the object aimed at by the -projectors, and arrangements were made to construct a village upon Grape -Island. The lumber for the buildings was obtained by cutting hemlock saw -logs upon the rear part of Tyendinaga, by the river Moira, under the -direction of Surveyor Emerson, which were floated down to Jonas -Canniff’s saw mill, and there sawed into suitable pieces. These were -again floated down in small rafts to the island. During the ensuing -winter, the buildings not being as yet erected, a large number encamped -upon Grape Island, while the rest went hunting, as usual. Instructions -commenced immediately. Preachers visited them from time to time, and two -interpreters. William Beaver and Jacob Peter taught them the Lord’s -Prayer and Ten Commandments. In January the hunting party returned, and -“a meeting, lasting several days, was held in the chapel in Belleville, -to instruct them also.” “The tribe mustered about 130 souls, and the -Society embraced every adult, about ninety persons.” - -A branch of the tribe living in the rear of Kingston, forty in number, -came in May, the following Spring, and joined those at the island, and -became converts. In this month the buildings were commenced, and some -land ploughed and planted. The condition of the people was every day -improving. As many as 130 would assemble for worship. Their voices were -melodious, and delightful was the singing. A school and meeting-house -was built in July, 30 feet by 25 feet. William Smith was the first -school-teacher, having thirty scholars in the day school, and fifty in -the Sabbath school. The farming operations were under the -superintendence of R. Phelps. The girls and women were instructed in -knitting, sewing, making straw hats, and other work, by Miss E. Barnes. - -“The public property of the Indians comprised a yoke of oxen, three -cows, a set of farming tools, and material for houses, as lumber, nails -and glass,—contributions of the benevolent. The improvements of the year -were expected to cost £250, to be met by benevolence in the United -States and Canada. In October, the meeting-house was seated, in -connection with which was a room provided for a study and bed for the -teacher. The bodies of eleven log houses were put up; eight had shingled -roofs, and they were enclosed before winter.”—(Playter). - -Soon after, a deputation from Grape Island visited York, with a -deputation from Rice Lake, and the Credit Indians, to seek an audience -with the Government. A council was held with the Government officers on -the 30th January, 1828. The speeches were interpreted by Peter Jones. -John Sunday, after referring to their conversion, and having settled by -the Bay Quinté, said, “that when they considered the future welfare of -their children, they found that the island they claimed would not afford -them sufficient wood and pasture for any length of time, and that they -had now come to ask their great father, the governor, for a piece of -land lying near them.” “He then proceeded to ask the Government in what -situation Big Island was considered; whether or not it belonged to the -Indians? and, if it did, they asked their father to make those who had -settled on it without their consent, pay them a proper rent, as they had -hitherto turned them off with two bushels of potatoes for 200 acres of -land. In the last place, he asked permission of their great father to -cut some timber on the King’s land for their buildings.”—(Peter Jones). - -In April of this year, Mr. Case, with John Sunday and Peter Jacobs, -attended the anniversary of the Missionary Society in New York. The -manifestation of Christianity displayed by these sons of the forest -touched the hearts of the people present, and led to a considerable -augmentation of the contributions previously supplied by private -individuals. They visited other parts of the United States, and returned -to the bay, May 12, “accompanied by two pious ladies, Miss Barnes, and -Miss Hubbard.” “The ladies came with the benevolent design of assisting -the Indians in religion, industry, and education.” - -“In the tour Mr. Case received many presents of useful articles for the -Indians; and among the rest ticking for straw beds. This was divided -among twenty families, and made the first beds they ever slept upon.” -Among the conversions of this year, was an Indian woman, practising -witchcraft, as the people believe, and a Roman Catholic. - -The people were not only persevering in religious duties, but made -progress in industry. Mr. Case collected the Indians together one -evening, to show what they had manufactured in two weeks. They exhibited -172 axe handles, 6 scoop shovels, 57 ladles, 4 trays, 44 broom-handles, -415 brooms. “The Indians were highly commended for their industry, and -some rewards were bestowed to stimulate greater diligence.”—(Playter). - -According to the Annual Report of the Missionary Society of the -Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States, there were “two hundred -and twenty natives under the Christian instruction of one missionary, -one hundred and twenty of whom are regular communicants, and fifty -children are taught in the schools.” Lorenzo Dow visited Grape Island, -and writing July 29, 1829, says, “viewing the neatness and uniformity of -the village—the conduct of the children even in the streets—and not a -drunkard to be found in their borders. Surely what a lesson for the -whites!” - -The other communities of the Mississaugas that came under the religious -teaching of the Methodists are the River Credit Indians, the Rice Lake -Indians, and those at Schoogog, Simcoe, and the Thames River. - -When the Indians from the Bay Quinté, and from Kingston, left Grape -Island, they removed to Alnwick. A Report on Indian Affairs, of 1858, -says, “they have now a block of land of 2000 acres divided into 25 acre -farms.” - - - - - DIVISION VI - EARLY EDUCATION IN UPPER CANADA. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVII. - - CONTENTS—Education among the Loyalists—Effect of the War—No - opportunity for Education—A few Educated—At Bath—A common belief— - What was requisite for farming—Learning at home—The School - Teachers—Their qualifications—Rev. Mr. Stuart as a Teacher—Academy - at Kingston—First Canadian D.D.—Mr. Clark, Teacher, 1786—Donevan— - Garrison Schools—Cockerell—Myers—Blaney—Michael—Atkins—Kingston, - 1795—Lyons—Mrs. Cranahan—In Adolphustown—Morden—Faulkiner—The - School Books—Evening Schools—McDougall—O’Reiley—McCormick— - Flogging—Salisbury—James—Potter—Wright—Watkins—Gibson—Smith— - Whelan—Articles of Agreement—Recollections—Boarding round—American - Teachers—School Books—The Letter Z. - - - THE FIRST SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS. - -The majority of the refugees possessed but limited education. There were -a very small number whose education was even excellent; but the greater -portion of Loyalists from the revolting Colonies, had not enjoyed -opportunities for even a common education. The state of society, for -many years, precluded the teaching of youth. During the civil war, the -chances for learning had been exceedingly slender. Apart from this, -there did not exist, a hundred years ago, the same desire to acquire -learning which now prevails. The disbanded soldiers and refugees, even -some of the half-pay officers, were void of education, which, even in -the back woods, is a source of pure enjoyment. There was, however, an -English seminary at Quebec, and at Montreal, at which a few were -educated during the war; for instance, Clark, who was a naval -store-keeper at Carleton Island, had his children there at school. At -the village of Kingston, there were a certain number of educated -persons; but around the Bay there was not much to boast of. As their -habitations were sparse, it was difficult for a sufficient number to -unite to form good schools. Among the old, sturdy farmers, who -themselves had no learning, and who had got along without much, if any -learning, and had no books to read, there obtained a belief that it was -not only unnecessary, but likely to have a bad effect upon the young, -disqualifying them for the plain duties of husbandry. If one could read, -sign his own name, and cast interest, it was looked upon as quite -sufficient for a farmer. But gradually there sprung up an increased -desire to acquire education, and a willingness to supply the means -therefor. In most places, the children were gladly sent to school. And, -moreover, in some cases, elder persons, without learning, married to one -possessed of it, would spend their long winter evenings in learning from -a willing partner, by the flickering fire light. Says Ex-Sheriff Ruttan, -then living at Adolphustown, “As there were no schools at that period, -what knowledge I acquired was from my mother, who would, of an evening, -relate events of the American rebellion, and the happy lives people once -led under British laws and protection previous to the outbreak.” “In a -few years, as the neighborhood improved, school teaching was introduced -by a few individuals, whose individual infirmities prevented them from -hard manual labor.” We find it stated that the first school teachers -were discharged soldiers, and generally Irish. - -The Rev. John Stuart, subsequently. D.D., (See first clergyman) was the -first teacher in Upper Canada. So early as 1785, the year he settled at -Cataraqui, as he called the place, he says, in a letter written to an -old friend in the States, “The greatest inconvenience I feel here, is -there being no school for our boys; but, we are now applying to the -Legislature for assistance to erect an academy and have reason to expect -success; If I succeed in this, I shall die here contented.” “In May, -1786, he opened an academy at Kingston;” writing in 1788, he remarks, “I -have an excellent school for my children,” that is the children of -Kingston.—(Memoirs of Dr. Stuart). The degree of D.D., which was -conferred upon Mr. Stuart, in 1799, by his Alma Mater, at the University -of Pennsylvania, was the first University degree of any kind conferred -upon a Canadian, probably to any one of the present Dominion of Canada. - -While the Rev. Mr. Stuart was engaged with the first school in Kingston, -Mr. Clarke was likewise employed in teaching upon the shores of the Bay, -probably in Ernesttown or Fredericksburgh. “We learn from Major Clark, -now residing in Edwardsburgh, that his father taught the first regular -school in Dundas. He arrived with his family in Montreal, in the year -1786, and proceeded to the Bay Quinté. He remained two years at the Bay, -employed in teaching. In 1788, he came to Matilda, at the instance of -Captain Frazer, who, at his own expense, purchased a farm for him, at -the cost of one hundred dollars. A few of the neighbors assisted in the -erection of a school house, in which Mr. Clark taught for several years. -He was a native of Perthshire, Scotland.”—(_History of Dundas_). - -One of the first teachers at Kingston, was one Donevan. - -As a general thing, all the British garrisons had, what was called, a -garrison school, and many of the children at first derived the rudiments -of education from these; that is, those living convenient to the forts. -The teachers of these army schools, no doubt, were of questionable -fitness, probably possessing but a minimum of knowledge, next to actual -ignorance. However, there may have been exceptions. Possibly, where a -chaplain was attached to a garrison, he taught, or superintended. - -Col. Clark, of Dalhousie, says, “The first rudiments of my humble -education I acquired at the garrison school, at Old Fort, Niagara. When -we came to the British side of the river, I went to various schools. The -best among them was a Richard Cockerell, an Englishman, from the United -States, who left the country during the rebellion.” He also speaks of -D’Anovan of Kingston, as a teacher, and likewise Myers, Blaney, Mr. -Michael, Irish, and another, a Scotchman. This was before 1800. - -A memorandum by Robert Clark, of Napanee, says, “My boys commenced going -to school to Mr. Daniel Allen Atkins, 18th January, 1791.” - -Rochefoucault says, in 1795, speaking of Kingston, “In this district are -some schools, but they are few in number. The children are instructed in -reading and writing, and pay each a dollar a month. One of the masters, -superior to the rest, in point of knowledge, taught Latin; but he has -left the school, without being succeeded by another instructor of the -same learning.” - -“In the year 1788, a pious young man, called Lyons, an exhorter in the -Methodist Episcopal Church, came to Canada, and engaged in teaching a -school in Adolphustown,” “upon Hay Bay or fourth concession.”— -(_Playter._) Ex-Sheriff Ruttan tells us, that “At seven years of age, -(1799), he was one of those who patronized Mrs. Cranahan, who opened a -Sylvan Seminary for the young idea, (in Adolphustown); from thence, I -went to Jonathan Clark’s, and then tried Thomas Morden, lastly William -Faulkiner, a relative of the Hagermans. You may suppose that these -graduations to Parnassus, was carried into effect, because a large -amount of knowledge could be obtained. Not so; for Dilworth’s Spelling -Book, and the New Testament, were the only books possessed by these -academies. About five miles distant, was another teacher, whose name I -forget; after his day’s work was done in the bush, but particularly in -the winter, he was ready to receive his pupils. This evening school was -for those in search of knowledge. My two elder brothers availed -themselves of this opportunity, and always went on snow shoes, which -they deposited at the door.” It looks very much as if courting may have -been intimately associated with these nightly researches for knowledge. -Mr. Ruttan adds, “And exciting occasions sometimes happened by -moonlight, when the girls joined the cavalcade.” At this school as well, -the only books were Dilworth, and the Testament; unless it were the -girl’s “looks.” “Those primeval days I remember with great pleasure.” -“At fourteen, (1806), my education was finished.” We learn that at an -early period there was one McDougall, who taught school in a log house -upon the south shore of Hay Bay. Says Mr. Henry VanDusen, one of the -first natives of Upper Canada, “The first who exercised the prerogative -of the school room in Adolphustown were the two sons of Edward O’Reily, -and McCormick, both of whom are well remembered by all who were favored -with their instruction—from the unmerciful floggings received.” - -About the year 1803, one Salisbury taught school on the High Shore, -Sophiasburgh. The first teacher upon the Marsh Front, near Grassy Point, -was John James. At the mouth of Myers’ Creek, in 1807 or 8, James Potter -taught school; but, prior to that, a man by the name of Leslie taught. -About this time, there was also a Rev. Mr. Wright, a Presbyterian, who -taught school near Mrs. Simpson’s. He preached occasionally. In 1810, in -a little frame school house, near the present market, (Belleville,) -taught one John Watkins. One of the first school masters up the Moira, -fifth concession of Thurlow, was one Gibson. Mrs. Perry, born in -Ernesttown, remembers her first, and her principal school-teacher. His -name was Smith, and he taught in the second concession of Ernesttown in -1806. He had a large school, the children coming from all the -neighborhood, including the best families. - -During the war of 1812, Mr. Whelan taught at Kingston, in the public -school. The school house stood near the block house. It is stated, -January, 1817, that he had been a teacher for ten years. - -Before us, is a document, dated at Hollowell, Oct. 28, 1819. It is— -“Articles of agreement between R—— L——, of the one part, and we, the -undersigned, of the other part: that is to say: that R—— L—— doth engage -to keep a regular school, for the term of seven months from the first -day of November next, at the rate of two pounds ten shillings per month; -and he further doth agree to teach reading, writing, and arithmetic; to -keep regular hours, keep good order in school, as far as his abilities -will allow, see that the children go orderly from school to their -respective homes. And we, the undersigned, doth agree to pay R—— L—— the -sum above named of ten dollars per month for the time above mentioned; -and further, doth agree to find a comfortable house for the school, and -supply the same with wood fitted for the fire. And further, to wash, -mend, lodge, and victual him for the time of keeping said school. School -to be under charge and inspection of the following trustees: William -Clark, Peter Leavens, and Daniel Leavens.” - -To which is subjoined, quaintly, in Mr. L.’s hand writing: - -“It is to be understood that the said R—— L—— has performed his business -rightly till he is discharged,—(Signed) R—— L——.” - -Below are the names of the subscribers, and the number of scholars each -will send. - -The practice already referred to, of setting apart for school teachers -such members of the family as were physically incapable of doing hard -manual labor, without any regard to their natural or acquired -capabilities, was of Yankee origin, and continued in many places for -many years. The writer had, among his early teachers, one who boarded -round from family to family, whose sole qualification to teach consisted -in his lameness. This prostitution of a noble calling, had the effect of -preventing men of education for a long time, from engaging in the duties -of this profession. - -In different places, young men would engage for three or four months, in -winter, to teach school; but, with the return of spring, they would -return to the labor of the field and woods. After a while, young women -could be found who would teach in the concession school house all the -summer, to which the younger children would go. - -Some of the first school teachers were from the old country, and some -from the American States. The latter would naturally desire to have used -American school books, and, as they were the most conveniently procured, -they were introduced, and continued to be in use for many years. At -least, by some schools, Dr. Noah Webster’s spelling book was among the -first to be used; and the writer commenced his rudimentary education in -that book. It followed, from the presence of American teachers and -school books, that peculiarities of American spelling and pronunciation -were taught to the children of Canada. For instance, take the letter Z. -This letter of the English alphabet is, according to original authority -pronounced _zed_; but Webster taught that it had not a compound sound, -and should be pronounced _ze_. This matter was brought before the -public, by a letter over the signature of “Harris,” which appeared in -the _Kingston Herald_, in 1846. After adducing abundance of authority, -he concludes that “the instructor of youth, who, when engaged in -teaching the elements of the English language, direct them to call that -letter _ze_, instead of _zed_, are teaching them error.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVIII. - - CONTENTS—Mr. Stuart’s school—Simcoe—State Church and College—Grammar - Schools—Hon. R. Hamilton—Chalmers—Strachan—Comes to Canada— - Educational history—Arrival at Kingston—The pupils—Fees—Removes to - Cornwall—Pupils follow—Strachan, a Canadian—Marries—Interview with - Bishop Strachan—His disappointment—A stranger—What he forsook—300 - pupils—Their success—Stay at Cornwall—Appointments at York—A - lecturer—At Kingston—Member of Legislative Council—Politician— - Clergy Reserves—Founds King’s College—The thirty-nine articles— - Monopoly swept away—Voluntaryism—Founds Trinity College—Bishop - Strachan in 1866—What he had accomplished—Those he tutored—Setting - up a high standard—“Reckoner”—Sincerity—Legislation, 1797—Address - to the King—Grammar Schools—Grant, 1798—Board of Education— - Endowment Of King’s College—Its constitution—Changes—Upper Canada - College—Endowment—“A spirit of improvement”—Gourlay—The second - academy—At Ernesttown—The trustees—Bidwell—Charges—Contradicted— - Rival school—Bidwell’s son—Conspicuous character—Bidwell’s death— - Son removes to Toronto—Academy building, a barrack—Literary spirit - of Bath—Never revived—York. - - - HIGHER EDUCATION—FOUNDATION OF UNIVERSITIES—STRACHAN—BIDWELL. - -Up to the time that Upper Canada was set apart from the Province of -Quebec, as a distinct Province, and even until 1799, when Dr. Strachan -came to Kingston, the Rev. Mr. Stuart continued to be the only teacher -who imparted anything like a solid education. But his scholars consisted -mainly of boys not far advanced. No doubt many of them, however, -received from him the elements of a sound, and even classical education. - -Governor Simcoe, soon after assuming office, impressed with the -importance of higher education, even for an infant colony, took early -steps to procure from the mother-country a competent person to place at -the head of a College he had determined to establish in connection with -a State Church. His scheme of education to further that object, was to -establish a system of grammar schools, and a University as the head. - -The Hon. Robert Hamilton, of Queenston, had at this time a brother -living in Scotland, and it was through him that an offer was made first -to the celebrated Dr. Chalmers. But not desiring to come, although he -had not yet attained to his greatness, he mentioned the name of his -friend Strachan, to whom the offer was then made. Mr. Strachan decided -to come. Thus it was the veteran school-teacher, the divine, the founder -of Universities, who but recently passed away, was led to Canada to -become the occupant of one of the most conspicuous places in the -Province of Upper Canada. So intimately is the name of Dr. Strachan -associated with the history of education, as well as with the -Episcopalian Church, that it becomes necessary to supply here a somewhat -lengthened account of his educational history. He arrived at Kingston -the last day of the year, 1799, having sailed from Greenock the latter -part of August, and having been over four months on the way. But when -Strachan arrived, Simcoe had been recalled, and his scheme was at least, -in abeyance. - -Col. Clark says that “a school was established at Kingston, 1800, by the -Hon. R. Cartwright for his sons, having Mr. Strachan for teacher, who -had the privilege of taking ten additional scholars at £10 each per -annum.” Among these ten were the late Chief Justice Robinson, Chief -Justice Macaulay, the Hon. George Markland, Bishop Bethune, the -successor of Dr. Strachan; the Rev. W. Macaulay, Picton; Captain -England, Royal Engineers; Justice McLean, Col. John Clark, and the two -sons of Hamilton, James and Samuel. These, with four sons of Richard -Cartwright, formed Mr. Strachan’s first school for the higher branches -of education. - -Mr. Strachan continued to teach in Kingston for three years, when he -removed his school to Cornwall. - -All of his pupils at Kingston, except John Clark, of Niagara, followed -him to that place, and continued for years under his instruction. - -The high standard of education now set up by Mr. Strachan had a -beneficial effect. He trained here for usefulness and distinction, some -of the first men of the Province. In addition to those mentioned as -distinguished pupils, was Christopher Hagarman. Here Mr. Strachan, it -may be said, became a thorough Canadian, and began to identify himself -with the higher interests of the country. He shortly after married a -lady of Cornwall, Miss Woods, who lived to within a few years of the -Bishop’s death. - -Dr. Strachan, in conversation with the writer, referred to the time of -his coming to Canada with no little feeling. He evidently felt the -disappointment arising from the departure of Governor Simcoe very -keenly, which left him quite to his own resources in the new country, -far from his home which he had forsaken, in view of certain promises of -advancement, congenial to his taste. He was, to use his own words, “a -lonely stranger in a foreign land, without resources or a single -acquaintance.” But in coming to speak of his pupils, of which there had -been about 300, and whose course in life he had been permitted to see; -whose success he had been proud to note, he spoke of them with all the -kindness and regard of a parent. He dwelt upon the character and high -position to which so many had attained, especially the late Chief -Justice Robinson. Speaking of himself, he said his “early life was of -too busy a nature to allow him to keep a journal.” And we find it stated -that he had to support a mother and two sisters. - -Mr. Strachan continued at Cornwall nine years, teaching, when he removed -to York. The Government recognised his ability, and to increase the -sphere of his usefulness, and to establish a Provincial College, he was -requested to remove to the capital of Upper Canada, and had offered to -him every advantage, pecuniary and otherwise. In these early efforts to -establish higher education, says the Rev. Mr. Smart, whose testimony is -important, too much praise cannot be given to Dr. Strachan. - -Although Mr. Strachan had removed to Cornwall, Kingston was occasionally -favored by his presence as a public lecturer, as the following notice -which appeared in the _Gazette_, December, 1810, will show: - -“Mr. Strachan’s annual course of popular lectures on Natural Philosophy, -will commence on the second Monday in January, the course consisting of -thirty-six lectures, to be completed in two months. Tickets of -admission, four guineas; students taught at any of the District Schools -of Upper Canada, entitled to tickets for one guinea. This money to be -appropriated to the purchase of scientific books, for the use of those -who attend the lectures.” - -In 1818 Dr. Strachan was appointed a member of the Legislative Council, -and also of the Executive Council. In these positions he was a -consistent worker to secure the establishment of a State Church; and for -the twenty-two years he took part in the politics of Upper Canada he -ceased not to work for the cause, and the preservation of the Clergy -Reserves. Dr. Strachan never forgot the original purpose which brought -him to Canada, the foundation of Grammar Schools and a University. In -1827, after using the influence which his political position allowed him -to secure this object, he procured a royal charter for a University -which he named King’s College after his _Alma Mater_. This institution -was intended for the exclusive benefit of those who would subscribe to -the Thirty-nine Articles. For nearly twenty years this University -continued under the control of the Church of England. But the spirit -which obtained in the public mind of Canada was hostile to this -monopoly, and the time came when the University he had founded became -more truly a national one. Although at this time an old man, when it -might have been supposed he would yield to the adverse influence which -had overcome his college, he never thought of resting satisfied, but, in -direct opposition to the principle against voluntaryism, for which his -life had been so far spent, he set about laying the foundation of -another University, and the Trinity College of Toronto is a second -monument to his untiring energy and success; a monument which renders -another unnecessary to commemorate him. - -We penned the following remarks in 1866: This widely known worthy still -animates the church he has been mainly instrumental in erecting to a -high and ever influential position in Canada, and whose untiring -energies, guided by a brilliant intellect and a noble purpose, has made -him the parent of higher education in the Province. The result of his -doings—the traces of his vigorous mind, the repletion of his noble life -may be seen, not alone upon the page of Episcopalian Church History; but -in all the departments of Provincial life—in the halls of learning, in -the recorded charges from the Bench, by the mouth of those he educated; -in the speeches of many of Canada’s earliest and foremost statesmen. For -it was he tutored the mind of a McLean, a Hagerman, a Robinson, of the -Sherwoods, Jones, besides a large number of others who have acted a -conspicuous part in the history of the country. While the trees of the -forest yet overshadowed the muddy soil where Toronto now proudly rears -her graceful spires and domes, and while the wild duck found a safe -resting place in the bay, now thickly dotted with crafts of every size, -Dr. Strachan by pen, and by word of mouth, was setting up a high -standard of learning; and by worthy means, was stimulating the minds of -the future men of Canada to attain that high mark. Read the easy flowing -words that appeared in the Kingston _Gazette_, over “Reckoner,” and it -will strike one that if he took the _Spectator_ as a model, he -abundantly succeeded in imitating the immortal Addison. His school at -Cornwall was pre-eminently good, “he had the welfare of those committed -to him at heart, (says the Rev. Mr. Smart,) as well as the youth of the -country generally.” - -Five years after the erection of Upper Canada into a distinct Province, -1797, steps were taken by the two Houses of Parliament to establish -schools for the higher branches of learning. A joint address was -presented to His Majesty, Geo. III., asking that he “would be graciously -pleased to direct his Government in this Province, to appropriate a -certain portion of the waste lands of the Crown, as a fund for the -establishment and support of a respectable Grammar School in each -District thereof; and also a College, or University, for the instruction -of youth in the different branches of liberal knowledge.” The Imperial -Government replied, enquiring in what manner, and to what extent, “a -portion of the Crown lands might be appropriated and rendered productive -towards the formation of a fund for the above purposes.” The Executive -Council of Canada recommended “that an appropriation of 500,000 acres, -or ten townships, after deducting the Crown and Clergy sevenths, would -be a sufficient fund for the establishment and maintenance of the royal -foundation of four Grammar Schools and one University.” It was also -suggested, that the Grammar Schools be established at Cornwall, -Kingston, Newark (Niagara), and Sandwich, and the University at York. It -is not known what action was taken on this recommendation.—(Lillie). -But, in 1798, “a grant was made of 549,000 acres of land in different -parts of the Province, to carry out the design of the Grammar Schools -and University.” “Of the above land endowment, 190,573 acres were, up to -the year 1826, assigned to (or disposed of by) a public body, known as -the Board of Education, the proceeds having been applied to the support -of Common and Grammar Schools.” The residue of the grant, amounting to -358,427 acres, appears to have been regarded as properly constituting -that portion of the royal gift which had been intended for the support -of the contemplated University. - -Through the influence and exertion of Dr. Strachan, the University of -King’s College was established by Royal Charter of Incorporation, 15th -March, 1827, with an endowment of “225,000 acres of crown land, and -£1,000 for sixteen years.” The Council or Governors were to consist of -the Chancellor, President, and seven Professors or Graduates of the -institution. All were to be members of the Church of England. This -exclusive feature of the College continued to exist until 1843, when the -charter was modified whereby parties were eligible to hold office by a -declaration of their “belief in the authenticity and Divine -incorporation of the Old and New Testaments, and in the doctrine of the -Trinity.” Various changes were made by Legislative enactment until the -present institution became established, in 1853, when the faculties of -Law and Medicine were abolished, the name changed from King’s College to -University College, and the University and College made two distinct -institutions. - -The Royal Grammar School was merged into Upper Canada College in 1829, -and this institution was opened the following year. “In the years 1832, -1834, and 1835, it received endowments of land, amounting, in all, to -63,268 acres, irrespective of two valuable blocks in York—on one of -which the present College buildings stand.” “The College further -received an allowance from Government of £200 sterling, in 1830; £500 in -1831; and £1,000 sterling per annum since.” - - - ACADEMY AT ERNESTTOWN—BIDWELL. - -While to Dr. Strachan belongs the honor of establishing the first school -whereat a liberal education might be obtained the efforts and labors of -others must not be forgotten. Shortly after the commencement of the -present century, there arose, perhaps as a result of the teaching of -Strachan, a greater desire for advanced learning. Says a writer in 1811, -“A spirit of improvement is evidently spreading, the value of education, -as well as the want of it, is felt. Gentlemen of competent means appear -to be sensible of the importance of giving their children academical -learning, and ambitious to do it without sending them abroad for the -purpose. Among other indications of progress in literary ambition, I -cannot forbear referring to the academy lately erected in Ernesttown, by -the subscription of public-spirited inhabitants of that, and the -neighbouring townships, who appear to be convinced that the cultivation -of liberal arts and sciences is naturally connected with an improvement -of manners and morals, and a general melioration of the state of -society.” - -The academy above referred to was the second school of importance -established in Upper Canada. It was also situated upon the shores of the -Bay of Quinté. The following is from the _Kingston Gazette_: - -“ERNESTTOWN ACADEMY.—The subscribers hereby inform the friends of -learning that an Academical School, under the superintendence of an -experienced preceptor, is opened in Ernesttown, near the church, for the -instruction of youth in English reading, speaking, grammar and -composition, the learned languages, penmanship, arithmetic, geography, -and other branches of Liberal Education. Scholars attending from a -distance may be boarded in good families on reasonable terms, and for -fifteen shillings a year can have the use of a valuable library. School -Trustees: Robert McDowel, Benjamin Fairfield, William Fairfield, Solomon -Johns, William Wilcox, Samuel Neilson, George Baker.—Ernesttown, 11th -March, 1811.” - -The person selected for teacher was Mr. Barnabas Bidwell, who had a few -years previously come to Canada from the State of Massachusetts, where -he had been, according to a writer in the _Kingston Gazette_, -Attorney-General of that State. The same writer made charges of a -serious nature against Mr. Bidwell, as to the cause of his leaving his -country; but one of the above committee vindicated Mr. Bidwell’s -character; by asserting that although Mr. B. had been “unfortunate in -business, and became embarrassed, he was honest, and had left property -to pay his debts when he left—that he had been a tutor at the first -college in America—that he avoided politics and devoted himself to -literary pursuits.” It was about the commencement of the present -century, when Mr Bidwell came to Bath to live. - -Probably the academy at Bath was regarded somewhat as a rival to the -school existing at Cornwall. - -Barnabas Bidwell remained at Bath about eight years when he removed to -Kingston, with his son, Marshal Bidwell, who became a lawyer, and a very -conspicuous character in Canada. B. Bidwell died at Kingston, July 26, -1833, aged 70. His son removed to York in 1830, where he practised his -profession until the eventful year of 1837. - -The academy, at the commencement of the war of 1812, was in a prosperous -state, but very soon all was changed,—the school was broken up, and the -building converted into a barrack. The close of the war unfortunately -saw no return of the old state of things, the teacher was gone, and the -students scattered, “having resorted to other places of education, many -of them out of the province. The building is now, (1822), occupied as a -house of public worship, and a common school. It is to be hoped, -however, that the taste for literary improvement may be revived, and -this seminary be re-established.” But these hopes were never realized. -The literary glory of Bath had departed. The capital of York was now to -become a centre to which would gravitate the more learned, and where -would be established the seats of learning. The limited, though earnest -rivalry which had existed between Kingston and Bath, was to be on a more -important scale, between the ancient capital, Kingston, and the more -promising one of York. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIX. - - CONTENTS—Extract from Cooper—Educational institutions—Kingston— - Queen’s College—Own’s Real Estate—Regiopolis College—Roman - Catholic—Grammar School—Attendance—School houses—Library—Separate - Schools—Private Schools—The Quaker School—William Penn—Upon the - Hudson—Near Bloomfield—Origin of school—Gurnay—His offer— - Management of school—The teaching—Mrs. Crombie’s schools—Picton - Ladies’ Academy—McMullen, proprietor—Teachers—Gentlemen’s - department—Popular—The art of printing—In America—Book publishing— - First in America—Books among the loyalists—Few—Passed around— - Ferguson’s books—The Bible—Libraries at Kingston and Bath— - Legislation—In Lower Canada—Reading room at Hallowell—Reserves for - Education—Upper Canada in respect to education—Praiseworthy—Common - School System Bill introduced 1841—Amended, 1846—Dr. Ryerson’s - system—Unsurpassed. - - - HIGHER EDUCATION, CONTINUED. - -The subjoined statement we extract from Cooper, which was written in -1856. We have no doubt the last twelve years has been attended with a -steady increase in the importance of the Educational institutions of -Kingston. - -“EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.—There are in Kingston two colleges, Queen’s -College and Regiopolis; the County Grammar School, 11 Common Schools, 2 -separate R. C. Schools, one School connected with the Nunnery, or -Sisters of Charity, with numerous good private schools for boys, private -schools for girls, infant schools and other minor educational -establishments, such as evening schools, classes for teaching -continental languages, &c., in all between 20 and 30. - -“QUEEN’S COLLEGE.—Queen’s College is an educational institution of very -considerable importance, and from it have issued graduates in arts, -divinity and medicine, of no despicable attainments. It was incorporated -by Royal Charter in 1842, and is under the management of a Board of -Trustees and Senate. It has a Principal and four Professors in Arts and -Divinity, besides six Medical Professors. It confers Scholarships of the -aggregate value of £200, the highest being worth £12 10s. It numbers -during the present year, 47 medical students, 30 in Arts, 10 in -Divinity, connected with it is a Preparatory School, where great pains -are taken to prepare pupils for matriculation at the college. A good -library, containing some 3,000 volumes belongs to the College. A series -of meteorological observations are taken by the graduates, with the able -supervision of the Rev. Professor James Williamson, under whose -assiduous attention this branch of knowledge, so much neglected in -Canada has been carefully fostered. - -“This institution owns valuable real estate, and is aided by an annual -grant from the Legislature of £750, and £250 to the medical branch. - -“REGIOPOLIS COLLEGE is a Roman Catholic Seminary of learning; it has -three Professorships, the duties of which are discharged by Roman -Catholic clergymen. Beyond its own walls, and its own community, it is -little known as an educational institution. - -“THE COUNTY GRAMMAR SCHOOL is supported as those in other counties, that -is, by a grant from Government of £100 per annum, and the tuition fees -of pupils. It possessed formerly a small endowment; this for the present -has been consumed in creating a fund for the liquidation of some debt on -the school-house, a plain substantial building in a healthy and elevated -part of the town; it is under the control of a Board of Trustees, -appointed by the County Council, and is managed by a head-master and -under-master. It is one of the three Grammar Schools first established -in the Province, and created by Royal Charter—the other two being at -Cornwall and Niagara. - -“THE COMMON SCHOOLS are, as in other places, under the management of the -department of education, and the local control of a Board of Trustees, -and local Superintendent. There is a great want of proper and sufficient -school-houses, a want which it is anticipated will soon be supplied, the -Board having in contemplation, the immediate erection of proper -buildings. The free school system has been adopted here; the -difficulties usually attendant on its establishment have not been -altogether escaped—the public seeming loth to tax themselves to any -extent, for the purpose of general education. A marked increase in the -attendance at the city schools has taken place during the last two -years, and there are now taught as large a number of children in the -common schools of Kingston as in any other Canadian city, in proportion -to its population: the standard of education may or may not be as high -as in Toronto, Hamilton or Brockville, but if it is more elementary, it -is not less sound. In free public schools, such as now established, it -is perhaps as well not to aim at a higher standard than is here attained -to. When good school-houses are erected, it will doubtlessly be found -necessary to adopt the Central School system, on the model of that so -successfully carried out in Hamilton, Perth and St. Catharines, and -perhaps elsewhere. When such is the case the present schools will rank -high as primary schools, whilst the central schools will have to compete -with other similar institutions in the province, and will not likely be -behind them in character and value; these changes are in contemplation, -and will before long be carried into effect. The people of Kingston do -not fail to appreciate the benefits of sound education of its -inhabitants in elevating the position of a city. A public library, -containing some 2,000 volumes, has been established in connection with -the city schools. - -“THE ROMAN CATHOLIC SEPARATE SCHOOLS are under the management of a -separate Board of Trustees; they are supported as are the Common -Schools, by a Legislative grant, proportionate to the average attendance -of pupils, and by a rate settled by the Board, collected from all -rate-payers; in the case of the Separate Schools, from the parents of -pupils and supporters of the schools, who are exempt from all other -taxation for school purposes. The rate in their case is usually very -low. The wealthier supporters of the schools, with a praiseworthy zeal, -voluntarily contribute largely to the required fund. Among the private -schools are many excellent academies for both boys and girls, which -afford both ornamental acquirements and substantial, classical and -commercial education.” - -QUAKER SCHOOLS.—The noted and good William Penn founded a school for the -children of the Friends at an early date. Subsequently a Quaker Boarding -School was established upon the banks of the Hudson, near Poughkeepsie. - -Toward the latter part of 1841, a school for the children of the Quaker -denomination, was opened near the pleasant village of Bloomfield, about -4 miles from Picton. The origin of the school we believe, was pretty -much as follows: An English gentleman, John Joseph Gurney, brother to -Elizabeth Fry, a member of the Quaker Society, and we believe a -minister, was travelling in Canada, and discovering the wants of that -denomination, with respect to education, offered to bestow a certain -sum, (£500), on condition that another specified sum were raised, a -suitable place bought, and buildings prepared. His offer being accepted, -and at this juncture, Mr. Armstrong being desirous of selling his farm -of 100 acres, with a good brick house just completed, the present site -of the school was procured. In addition to the means thus obtained there -was also a limited sum held by the society, it is said a bequest, for -educational purposes. Additional buildings were erected, and the school -duly opened. The first teachers were Americans. The school was managed -by a committee chosen annually by the Society, until the latter part of -1865, when it was leased to Mr. W. Valentine, to whom we are partially -indebted for the foregoing facts. The school continues under the -supervision of a managing committee, appointed by the Society. Its -capacity does not extend further than to receive 30 pupils of each sex, -who are taught the usual branches of a good English education, and -sometimes the rudiments of the classics and the modern languages. - -In 1836, Mrs. Crombie and her sister Miss Bradshaw opened a “Female -Academy” in Picton, which promised to give “substantial and ornamental -accomplishments.” - -The Picton Ladies’ Academy was opened in December, 1847, by the Rev. D. -McMullen, as sole proprietor. It was continued by him until May, 1851, -when Miss Creighton rented the premises and took charge of the school. -It continued under her management nine months, when it finally was -closed. The first teachers were the late Mrs. N. F. English, and Miss -Eliza Austin. Afterwards Miss M. E. Adams was preceptress, and Miss -Ployle was teacher. - -A male department was established by Mr. McMullen, with the hope of -having it connected with the Grammar School. But this was not done. The -principal of the school was C. M. C. Cameron, now Dr. Cameron of Port -Hope, and a graduate of Victoria College. He was assisted by Mr. Samuel -W. Harding; the school existed but one year. Both of these schools were -well attended, and were deservedly popular. When closed it was generally -regarded as a public loss, by those most capable of judging. - - - UPPER CANADA ACADEMY—VICTORIA COLLEGE. - -We have accorded to Dr. Strachan a prominent and foremost position in -connection with the subject of higher education. We considered it a duty -as well as a pleasure, to thus honor one whose praise was in all the -land when he ceased to live. But the fountain of education opened by him -did not flow, shall we say, was not intended to flow to the masses. Dr. -Strachan’s educational establishment was rather created for a select -circle, for an expected Canadian aristocracy. It remained for others to -originate a stream of learning that should water the whole land, and -come within the reach of every Canadian family—that should give -intellectual life to the whole of the country, irrespective of creed or -origin. To the Wesleyan Methodists belongs the greater honor of -establishing an institution of higher learning, whose doors were opened -to all, and within which any one might obtain learning without -hindrance, no matter what his belief. While religious oversight was to -be extended, no peculiar dogma was to be enforced, no sectarian -principle was to be inculcated. - -In the month of August, 1830, when the Wesleyan Conference met upon the -Bay Quinté, the Rev. Wm. Case, being General Superintendent, and Rev. -James (now Dr.) Richardson, Secretary, and while Cobourg was yet -embraced within the Bay Quinté District, the following Resolution was -adopted by that body: - -“That a Committee of nine be chosen by ballot, consisting of three from -each District, to fix the location of the Seminary, according to some -general instructions to be given them by the Conference.” The committee -consisted of “J. Ryerson, T. Whitehead, S. Belton, David Wright, J. -Beatty, Wm. Ryerson, Thos. Madden, Wm. Brown, James Richardson.” - -The following Constitution for the Upper Canada Academy, was adopted: - -“1. That nine Trustees be appointed, three of whom shall go into office -annually. - -“2. That a Board of Visitors, consisting of five, be chosen annually by -the Conference. That these two bodies should jointly form a Board to -appoint the Principal and Teachers, and govern, and generally -superintend the institution.” - -The Conference, in the Pastoral Address, asked for the liberal support -of the members, in the establishment of the proposed Academy. A general -agent was appointed, and active steps taken to carry out the object. It -is noteworthy, that the call thus made to the farmers, many of whom were -yet struggling for the necessaries of life, was promptly and nobly -responded to. Agents continued to be appointed from year to year, and in -the Conference address of 1835, it is said, “We are happy to be able to -say that the buildings for the Upper Canada Academy are nearly -completed. We trust the Institution will soon be open for the reception -of pupils.” There had been delay “for want of funds.” Arrangements were -making to accommodate one hundred and seventy pupils, with board and -lodging. In 1836, it is found stated, that “the Conference and the -friends of general education, and of Wesleyan Methodists in Canada, have -at length, by their unremitting efforts, succeeded in preparing the -Upper Canada Academy for the reception of pupils, and we expect, in a -few days to see it in operation.” In 1837, we find that Matthew Ritchey, -A. M., was the Principal of the U. C. Academy. If we mistake not, the -Rev. Egerton Ryerson had previously been named to fill the office. At -all events, we have every reason to believe that this distinguished -Canadian educationist was chiefly instrumental in securing the -foundation of an abiding institution, probably, indeed, was the -originator of the scheme. He not only stimulated others to work; but -obtained from Government a grant, so often begrudged. He also, as a -representative to the British Conference, was the means of procuring a -donation of one hundred pounds’ worth of books, beside other -contributions. In 1840, the Rev. Mr. Ritchey ceased to be Principal. -During his time of service, it is stated, the Academy increasingly -progressed in efficiency and in increase of pupils. Mr. Ritchey’s -successor, in 1841, was the Rev. Jesse Hurlburt, A. B. Daniel C. -VanNorman was Professor of Mathematics, a post to which he had been -appointed a year previous. - -The year 1842 saw the Upper Canada Academy changed into the Victoria -College, by Provincial Legislative enactment, possessing the usual -powers and privileges of a University. The Rev. Egerton Ryerson was made -Principal; Jesse Hurlburt, A. M., and D. C. VanNorman, Professors; and -James Spencer, English Teacher. Dr. Ryerson continued Principal until -1845. In 1845, Alexander MacNab, A. M., was appointed Acting Principal, -and in 1847 he became Principal, and held the position until 1850. - -In 1851, the Rev. S. S. Nelles, A. M., was elected to the office which -he now continues to hold with so much credit and dignity, having been -instrumental in materially advancing the reputation of the previously -well known College. - - - BOOKS, LIBRARIES—PRINTING. - -The art of printing was not old when the colonies of France and Great -Britain were planted in America. The discovery of this art, with the -avenue which the discovery of America, opened for the pent up millions -of Europe, wrought out the most striking changes which ever marked the -history of the human race. It struck the final blow to the spirit of -feudalism, while America supplied an asylum for those who found not full -freedom of conscience and an opportunity to rise in the scale of human -existence. - -Book publishing being once introduced into England, rapidly became of -vast magnitude, and thus everywhere scattered the food essential for the -human mind. It was in the year 1639 that printing was introduced into -America; but it was sixty-two years before it became of any account, -during which time the business was mostly in Philadelphia. Altogether -there were but four presses in the country. The first book printed in -America was made in 1640. It was a reprint of the Psalm Book, and -afterwards passed through many editions, while it was reprinted in -England in eighteen editions, and twenty-two in Scotland, being seventy -in all. - -Whatever may have been the state of education in the British Colonies, -and the general desire to read books at the time of the rebellion, it is -quite certain that the hasty manner in which many left their homes, the -long distance to travel, and necessity of carrying quantities of -provision which took all the strength of the refugees, precluded the -possibility of carrying many, or any books to the wilderness of Canada. -Even after the peace the long distance to come, and the frequent -impoverished condition of the settler, allowed not the desire, if such -existed, to fetch books for instruction and mental enjoyment. However, -there were some brought by them, but mostly by the officers recently out -from the old country. During the first ten years the books among the -settlers were very few; but these few were circulated from one township -to another—from one person to another, who had the desire to, and could, -read. We have in our possession, a letter from John Ferguson to Mr. -Bell, who was then, 1789, at Kingston, in which the latter is requested -to tell Mr. Markland, that he, Mr. Ferguson, had sent him from the -Eighth Township, by the bearer, the History of France. The same person -writing from Fredericksburgh in 1791, desires to have sent from Sidney -to him, “some books, viz.: five volumes of the History of England, by -Horn, and the two volumes of Andrew’s History of France.” - -But while few, or no books of a secular nature, were brought by the -settler, a large number, true to their conscience, carried a copy of the -Bible, even many of the disbanded soldiers had one, especially the -Lutherans. These were often in the German, or Dutch language. Some of -these venerable and sacred relics we have seen; one in German, which -belonged to Bongard of Marysburgh. - -For many years Kingston took the lead in everything that pertains to -education. The history of the _Kingston Gazette_ shows that, not only -did the leading men of the place give the patronage necessary to -establish and maintain a newspaper, independent of Government support, -and give interest to the columns of the paper by contributions; but -there is evidence of early and successful efforts to form a public -library. Reference is made to the Social library established in this -village (Kingston) in 1813, when the Rev. Mr. Langhorn presented to it a -valuable collection of books, (see the first clergyman). This library -had probably been in existence for some years. Another library was -established at Bath prior to this time. Gourlay says, in 1811, “books -are procured in considerable numbers, social libraries are introduced in -various places.” And, no doubt, the High School at Cornwall, under Mr. -Strachan, had attached to it a select library. - -The _Kingston Gazette_ announces, August 1, 1815, that “A small -circulating library” has been opened at the _Gazette_ office, “on the -most reasonable terms.” - -In 1816, an act was passed “to appropriate a sum of money for providing -a library for the use of the Legislative Council and House of Assembly -of this Province.” The sum granted was £800 to purchase books and maps. - -While the growth of Upper Canada was attended by a corresponding -increase of private and public libraries, Lower Canada, there is reason -to believe, was maintaining the character it had acquired under its -original rulers, for educational privileges and individual efforts to -create centres of learning. - -We find the statement “that the library of F. Fleming, Esq., Montreal, -comprising 12,000 volumes, sold by auction, September 8, 1833, was the -largest ever offered for sale on the American continent.” - -In the _Hallowell Free Press_, 15th February, 1831, is the following: -“Library notice.”—“A meeting of the inhabitants of the village of -Hallowell is requested to-morrow evening, at Strikers’ Inn, at seven -o’clock, to take into consideration the propriety of establishing a -Reading-room in the village.” The next issue of the Journal says, “we -are glad to see our friends have established a reading-room.” - -“At an early period of British dominion in America, blocks of wild land -were set apart, to make provision, by a future day, for public -institutions. Since the revolution, the United States have followed out, -in part, this practice, by allotting lands for schools, and in Canada, -whole townships have been appropriated for the same purpose.” While this -forethought respecting schools indicated a proper desire to secure -educational interests, it must be observed that the reserves, like those -of the Crown and Clergy, very materially prevented the opening up of the -country by settlers, and kept apart the settlers, over a wide field, and -thus preventing advancement in civilization. - -Looking back at the history of legislation, relative to education, one -is struck with the fact that much, very much, was done by the young -colony of Upper Canada. The establishment of the Common Schools -especially, which first took place 1816, has been regarded as most wise, -and the grants of money most praiseworthy. - -The present Common School system of Upper Canada was introduced in 1841. -The Bill was brought forward by the Hon. S. B. Harrison. The fundamental -principle, being the allotment of money to each county, on condition of -its raising an equal amount by local assessment. This act was amended -and improved in 1843, by the Hon. Francis Hincks, and in 1846, by the -Hon. W. H. Draper. In 1849, the Hon. J. H. Cameron introduced an act, -establishing schools in cities and towns. In the year following, these -two acts were incorporated into one, with further improvements. - -The Common School system, as we find it to day, is, in a great measure, -the production of Dr. Ryerson’s long continued and intelligent labor. -Borrowing the machinery from the State of New York, and the mode of -support from Massachusetts, taking the Irish national school-books for -instruction, and making use of the Normal School system of Germany, he -has, by the addition of what was necessary, built up a system of Common -School education in the Province of Ontario, that cannot be surpassed, -if equalled, in the whole world. - - - - - CHAPTER XL. - - CONTENTS—First Newspapers, 1457—Year 66—English Newspapers—In - America—In Canada—‘Gazette’—Founder—Papers in 1753—Quebec - ‘Herald’—Montreal ‘Gazette’—‘Le Temps’—Quebec ‘Mercury’—Canadien - ‘Courant’—‘Royal Gazette’—First in Newfoundland—‘U. C. Gazette’— - First Paper—Subscribers—Upper Canada ‘Guardian’—Wilcox—Mr. Thorpe— - Opposition—Libel—Elected to Parliament—York Jail—Leader—In 1812— - Deserted—York ‘Gazette’—Kingston ‘Gazette’—Only Paper—News sixty - years ago—In Midland District—Rev. Mr. Miles—Pioneer of - Journalism—His Birthplace—Learns the Printing Business—Mower— - Montreal ‘Gazette’—Kendall—Partnership—To Kingston in 1810—The - Printing Office—Kingston ‘Gazette’—Mr. Miles sells out—The concern - purchased—Mr. Miles asked to be Editor—Their kindness—Gratitude— - Second Volume—Extract from ‘Gazette’—The Price—Kingston - ‘Chronicle’—Upper Canada ‘Herald’—‘Canadian Watchman’—Mr. Miles at - Prescott—Returns to Kingston—Enters the Ministry—Loyal Subject—In - 1812—On Duty—Archdeacon Stuart—Col. Cartwright—Contributors to - ‘Gazette’—Our Thanks—A Watch—Faithfulness—“A Good Chance”— - Subscribers at York—Kingston ‘Spectator’—‘Patriot’—‘Argus’— - ‘Commercial Advertizer’—‘British Whig’—‘Chronicle’ and ‘News’— - First Daily in Upper Canada—Paper Boxes—Brockville ‘Recorder’—A - Reform paper—McLeod—Grenville ‘Gazette’—Prescott ‘Telegraph’— - ‘Christian Guardian’—Reform Journals. - - - THE FIRST NEWSPAPERS IN THE WORLD. - -The first newspaper published in the world, says Galignani, bears the -name of Neuremberg, 1457. But according to Tacitus, newspapers, under -the name of _diurna_, circulated among the Romans so early as the year -66. The first English newspaper was issued in 1622, and the first French -in 1631. The first in America was the _Newsletter_, published at Boston, -1704. It was discontinued in 1776. The first published in New York, was -by Wm. Bradford, in 1773. In 1775, there were but thirty-seven in the -British colonies. By 1801, there were in the United States 203, and in -1810, 358. The first newspaper in Canada was the Quebec _Gazette_, first -issued in 1776. Although now upwards of a hundred years old, it -continues to live an active and useful life. The founder of it, Mr. -Brown, brought his press from Philadelphia in 1763. By his heirs it was -sold to Mr. Nelson, who left the establishment by his will to his -brother, the late Hon. John Wilson, long the experienced and able editor -of the paper. There were, in 1763, not more than twenty newspapers in -the breadth and length of the then American colonies; and the Quebec -_Gazette_ is the oldest in the British North American Provinces. For -nearly thirty years it remained without a competitor; but about 1788 the -Quebec _Herald_ was started, which had but a brief existence. About the -same time, the old Montreal _Gazette_ was established by one Mesplet, -and was published in French; but was soon discontinued until 1794. About -the same date _Le Temps_ newspaper was published at Quebec, in French -and English, and was of short life. The Quebec _Mercury_, published in -English, by Thomas Cary, commenced its career in 1804, and the -_Canadien_ followed it in 1806; but was stopped by the seizure of the -press by the Government, in 1810. The _Canadien Courant_ was founded at -Montreal about 1808. The _Royal Gazette_ and _Newfoundland Advertiser_, -the first newspaper in Newfoundland, appeared in 1707. The _Upper Canada -Gazette_ or _American Oracle_, the first paper in Upper Canada, was -established by Governor Simcoe, in 1793. It was first published on the -18th April, by Gideon Tiffany. Naturally its circulation was limited, as -the population was sparse, and communication difficult. It was supported -mainly by Government. Rochefoucault says, in 1795 it was “not taken by a -single person in Kingston. But the Quebec _Gazette_ was by two.” - -The second journal published in Upper Canada, was the _Upper Canada -Guardian_, in opposition to Government, at York, by Mr. Joseph Wilcox, -an Irishman, in 1807, whose history is not of the most satisfactory -nature. He had been a Sheriff in the Home District; but was displaced -for voting at an election for one Thorpe. Mr. Thorpe had been sent out -from England as one of the Justices of the King’s Bench. Notwithstanding -this position, he became a candidate for member of Parliament; but, -being opposed by the Government, he was defeated. Subsequently he was -recalled by the Secretary of State, at the request of Governor Gore. -Wilcox, having lost his office, commenced publishing the _Guardian_, and -was very bitter in his opposition to the Government. He was prosecuted -for libel, but was acquitted, and becoming popular, was elected to -Parliament. Having used language considered unbecoming or seditious, he -was arrested, and confined in York jail, a miserable log building, “in a -filthy cell fit for a pig.” Subsequently, he became the leader of the -opposition, and had a majority in the House; for a time becoming more -and more an object of Ministerial dislike. At the commencement of the -war of 1812, he gave up his paper, and shouldered his musket. He fought -at Queenston against the Americans; but afterward deserted, taking with -him a body of Canadian militia, and became a Colonel in the American -army. He was killed, finally, at Fort Erie, by a musket ball, when -planting a guard during the seige. - -Mr. Miles remarks that “When he came to Kingston, in 1810, there was but -one paper published in York, by the Government, called the _York -Gazette_, printed by Cameron and Bennet; and one at Newark, by Joseph -Wilcox.” These were the only papers then printed in Upper Canada; but -the one at Newark was discontinued in 1812, and the other was destroyed -when York was taken by the Americans, in April, 1813. The Kingston -_Gazette_ was the only paper then printed in Upper Canada, till 1816, -when the Government _Gazette_ was again commenced. The Rev. Mr. Carroll -says of the _York Gazette_, the number “for November 13, 1801, now lies -before the writer, a coarse, flimsy, two-leaved paper, of octavo size; -department of news is pretty large, but “news much older than their -ale.” On this, November 13, they have, wonderful to say! New York dates -so late as October the 23rd; Charleston, of October the 1st; -Philadelphia and Boston, of October the 19th; and a greater exploit -still, Halifax dates of Oct. 19, &c.” - -We are indebted to the Rev. Stephen Miles, of Camden East, for the facts -relating to the establishment of the first newspaper in the Midland -District, indeed the first between Montreal and York, at Kingston. Mr. -Miles is not only the sole pioneer of journalism in Upper Canada, now -living, but he is the faithful _parent of the fourth estate in the -province_, and probably the oldest journalist now living in America or -Europe. The history of such an one cannot but be interesting, while it -is especially appropriate to the work upon our hands. Mr. Miles, -although a native of Vermont, is of English and Welsh extraction. Born -October 19, 1789, he was brought up on the farm until 1805, when he was -placed as an apprentice to the printing business, at Windsor, Ver., in -the office of Nahum Mower. In the spring of 1807, Mr. Mower moved his -printing materials to Montreal, Lower Canada, to which place Mr. Miles -accompanied him. “At that time there was only one printing establishment -in Montreal, under the management of Mr. Edward Edwards, who was also -the Postmaster there; the paper printed was the _Montreal Gazette_, of -small demy-size, two columns on a page, one in French the other in -English. Mr. Mower commenced printing the _Canadian Courant_, in -Montreal, about the middle of May, 1807. Mr. Mower, says Mr. Miles, -giving me three months of my time, my apprenticeship expired on the 19th -July, 1810.” Not long after “I made arrangements in connection with an -excellent young man Charles Kendall, who had worked as a journeyman, to -go to Kingston, Upper Canada, and commence publishing a paper.” -Accordingly having purchased our material from Mr. Mower, we left -Montreal 1st September, 1810, in the old fashioned Canadian batteau (17 -in number) and arrived at a wharf in Kingston just the west side of -where the barracks now are, on the morning of the 13th. We took an -excellent breakfast at a tavern opposite, and at once set about to -procure a suitable room for a printing office. Upon the 25th September, -the first number of the _Kingston Gazette_, was published under the -names of “Mower and Kendall,” Mr. Miles not being of age. At this time -there were five papers in Lower Canada. The following March, Mr. Miles -sold out his share to Mr. Kendall, who finished the first volume. At the -close of the year, Mr. Kendall wishing to retire, disposed of the office -and contents “to the late Hon. Richard Cartwright, the Hon. Allen -McLean, Thomas Markland, Esq., Lawrence Herchimer, Esq., Peter Smith, -Esq., and John Kerby, Esq.” These gentlemen saw the necessity of having -a public journal in Kingston, and became the proprietors. They -immediately wrote to secure the services of Mr. Miles, to conduct the -office, and even desired him to take it off their hands. Mr. Miles -promptly came “expecting that the proprietors would wish to be -publishers as well, and that I should attend only to the mechanical -part, but it was their unanimous wish that I should take the whole -concern off their hands, continue to print the paper, and do the best I -could with it.” Mr. Miles speaks feelingly of the kindness of these -gentlemen who would accept no other terms than that he should take -possession and pay them when convenient, “and by God’s blessing all were -promptly paid.” These kind friends, says Mr. Miles, “have all passed -into the spirit world, and the prayer of my heart is, that God may -greatly bless their posterity.” “After some unavoidable delay, the -second volume of the Gazette was commenced by me, and printed and -published in my name, till December 31, 1818.” Before proceeding with -Mr. Miles’ history, as a journalist, we will copy from the volumes which -he has kindly placed at our service, such items as are appropriate. - -“KINGSTON, Tuesday, November 19, 1811.—The establishment of the Kingston -Gazette, being now in the possession of the subscriber, he takes the -earliest opportunity of re-commencing its publication, as he intends -that it shall be conducted in the same impartial manner as heretofore -practiced by his predecessors, he confidently expects and solicits the -patronage and support of its former patrons, and of the public in -general. He will not intrude upon the patience of his readers by making -a multiplicity of promises, but will merely observe that he asks the -patronage of the public no longer than he shall be deserving of it. -Former correspondents of the Gazette, and gentlemen of science -generally, are respectfully invited to favor us with their -communications.—(Signed)—S. Miles. - -“Printed and published by Stephen Miles, a few doors east of Walker’s -hotel. Price fifteen shillings per annum, five shillings in advance, -five shillings in six months, and five shillings at the end of year. -Exclusive of postage.” - -In the beginning of 1819, John Alexander Pringle, and John Macaulay, -Esquires, to whom Mr. Miles had sold his printing establishment, -commenced publishing the _Kingston Chronicle_, Mr. Miles having charge -of the mechanical part for nearly three years. - -In February or March, 1819, the _Upper Canada Herald_, owned and edited -by Hugh C. Thompson, Esq., was first issued. In 1822 Mr. Miles took -charge of the work of printing of this Journal, and continued in charge -until the spring of 1828. - -On the 15th of May, the same year, Mr. Miles commenced printing on his -own account the “_Kingston Gazette and Religious Advocate_,” in quarto -form, which he continued till August 6, 1830. Again, Mr. M. took charge -of printing for Ezra S. Ely, who commenced August 13, the _Canadian -Watchman_, and continued it for one year. In December 1831, Mr. Miles -moved to Prescott; and on the 3rd June, 1832, commenced printing the -first paper in that place, and continued till April 1833. In July he -disposed of his establishment and returned to Kingston, and engaged as -printer of the _Kingston Chronicle_, which was now published by -McFarlane & Co., with whom he remained till December, 1835. This ended -Mr. Miles’ career as a printer and publisher; and he then entered upon -the calling of a Wesleyan minister. - -Mr. Miles although a native of the States was a truly loyal subject, and -proved himself such during the war of 1812. The Gazette of May 5, 1813, -says “our attendance at _military_ duty prevented the publishing of the -Gazette yesterday.” This was the time when Kingston was threatened by -the Americans, and every man turned out as a volunteer. Mr. Miles tells -of the occasion, that he saw, among those shouldering the musket in the -market place, the late Arch Deacon Stuart. Mr. Miles belonged to Captain -Markland’s company. “Col. Cartwright seeing him, called him and desired -him to go to his office and he would be sent for when wanted.” The -principal contributors to the Gazette were Col. Cartwright, who wrote a -good deal, sometimes over Falkiner, Barnabas Bidwell, Christopher -Hagerman, generally Poetry, while a student with McLean, Solomon John, -who kept a book store; and particularly Rev. Mr. Strachan, over -_Reckoner_. - -We cannot leave Mr. Miles without expressing here our sincere thanks and -regard for the interest, trouble, and encouragement he has favored us -with, nor can we forgo recording the following. Says he, “the only watch -I ever owned I purchased in Montreal, on the 1st January 1810, price -$20. It has travelled with me in all my journeyings from that day to the -present time, and still keeps good time. It was made at Liverpool.” A -faithful man and a faithful watch; both for time, one for eternity. - -About the year 1816 the _Gazette_ had the following, under the caption -of “_A good chance_:” - -“A sober, honest, persevering man, would find it to his advantage to -undertake the circulation of the _Kingston Gazette_, weekly, on the -following route: say, to start from Kingston every Wednesday morning, go -through the village of Ernesttown, from thence to Adolphustown, and -cross either at Vanalstines or Baker’s Ferry, and so on through -Hallowell, &c., to the Carrying place; cross the River Trent, and return -to Kingston by the York post road. The advantages to be derived from an -undertaking of this kind, exclusive of the papers, we are persuaded -would be many; and any honest, persevering man, who could produce good -recommendations as to his sobriety, &c., and will give security for -punctual payment once a quarter, will make a good bargain by applying to -the publisher of the _Kingston Gazette_. There is not a doubt but that -four or five hundred papers might be distributed on this route to great -advantage.” We learn from another source, that at an early period there -was one Shubal Huff, who went around the Bay every fortnight, carrying -the _Kingston Gazette_ with other papers, pamphlets, &c., and also tea -and sugar. - -The following indicates the character of the times when the _Gazette_ -was established. It is a notice from the _Gazette_: - -“Subscribers to the _Kingston Gazette_, in the neighbourhood of York, -will please apply at the store of Q. St. George, where their papers will -be delivered once a fortnight. Payments made to him in grain, &c., will -be acceptable. He will also receive subscriptions.” (Signed), Mower & -Kendall. - -In addition to the papers already mentioned, there was the _Kingston -Spectator_, issued about 1830, and lasting three or four years. The -_Patriot_ was commenced in 1829, by T. Dalton. Subsequently there was -the _Argus_, _Commercial Advertiser_, and _Churchman_. The _British -Whig_ was started in 1832, by Dr. Barker, and is still published. _The -Chronicle and News_ began in 1830, is also still published. The _British -Whig_ was the first Daily published in Upper Canada. - -For many years the subscribers to the _Gazette_ and other papers were -indebted to footmen who traveled through the more thickly settled parts -of the settlement, which were generally along the front. But after a -time there were scattered along in the second or more remote -concessions, subscribers to whom the footman could not go. These -individuals would often place boxes upon the path followed by the -carrier, into which could be dropped the paper, and letters as well. -These boxes were attached to a tree and made water-tight, and the owner -would go for his paper at his convenience. - -One of the first newspapers in Upper Canada, east of Kingston, was the -_Recorder_. Says Adiel Sherwood, Esq., in a letter to the writer, it was -“the first and only paper of note, of early date in this district. It -was first got up in 1820 by one Beach, who continued but a short time -when he sold out to William Buel, Esq., and about 1848 Mr. Buel sold out -to the present proprietor and editor, D. Wylie, Esq. It was got up as -Reform paper, and has ever continued as such.” - -The following is extracted from an American paper: - -“In 1818, D. McLeod, a retired soldier,” who had fought at Badajoz, and -other places in the campaign under Wellington, and at Queenston, Upper -Canada, Chrysler’s Farm, Lundy’s Lane, and then under General Picton, at -Waterloo, “purchased a farm in Augusta, a few miles back of Prescott, -moved on it, and commenced the business of farming; not succeeding well -in his new avocation, he removed to Prescott and opened a classical -school, at which the late Preston King received his rudimentary Greek -lessons, and subsequently accepted the appointment of Clerk of the new -court of Commissioners, for the collection of debts. He purchased a -printing establishment and commenced the publication of a paper at -Prescott, called the _Grenville Gazette_, taking a decided stand against -the “Tory Compact” administration, and continued a zealous advocate of -reform until the insurrection broke out in December, 1837, when he was -forced to leave the country, when his press, type, and the various -paraphernalia of the printing office were seized by the Tories. A mob of -Tories visited his house, after he left the place, at midnight, to the -terror of his unprotected family, seized, and carried off his books, -letters, and other papers, and his elegant sword, as the trophies of -their midnight raid. He was chosen by the insurgents as their -major-general, and acted in that capacity during the continuance of the -insurrection. At this time large rewards were offered for his arrest on -each side of the line, on the Canadian side, for his rebellion against -that government; on the United States side for an alleged violation of -the Neutrality Laws,” in being supposed the leader of the party of men -who captured and burned the Canadian Steamer, “Sir Robert Peel,” Well’s -Island. - -McLeod settled in Cleveland, Ohio, and is yet alive, being upwards of -eighty-four years of age. The Cleveland _Herald_, from which we learn -the above, records the celebration of “General D. McLeod’s fiftieth -anniversary of his marriage.” - -The _Prescott Telegraph_, “The first number” said an exchange “published -by Messrs. Merrell & Miles, (1831) is now lying before us. From the -appearance of the first number, and the known ability of the -proprietors, we anticipate that the _Telegraph_ will be a valuable -acquisition to the best of newspapers in this Province, and also to the -principles of reform.” - -The _Christian Guardian_ was established in the year 1829. Rev. E. -Ryerson being the Editor. - -The following were so-called “Reform” papers: The _Colonial Advocate_, -by McKenzie, The _Canadian Watchman_, The _Brockville Recorder_, and The -_Hamilton Free Press_, &c. - - - - - CHAPTER XLI. - - CONTENTS—First paper between Kingston and York—Hallowell Free Press— - The Editor—“Recluse”—Fruitless efforts—Proprietor—Wooden press—Of - Iron—Free Press, Independent—The Traveller—Press removed to - Cobourg—Prince Edward Gazette—Picton Gazette—Picton Sun—Picton - Times—New Nation—Cobourg Star—Anglo-Canadian at Belleville—The - Editor—Price—The Phœnix—Slicer—Canadian Wesleyan—Hastings Times— - The Reformer—The Intelligencer—George Benjamin—The Victoria - Chronicle—Hastings Chronicle—Extract from Playter—Colonial - Advocate—Upper Canada Herald—Barker’s Magazine—Victoria Magazine— - Joseph Wilson—Mrs. Moodie—Sheriff Moodie—Pioneer in Canadian - literature—Extract from Morgan—Literary Garland—“Roughing it in - the bush”—Eclectic Magazine—Wilson’s experiment—Wilson’s Canada - Casket—The Bee at Napanee—Emporium—The Standard—The Reformer—North - America—Ledger—Weekly Express—Christian Casket—Trenton Advocate— - British Ensign—The Canadian Gem—Maple Leaf—Papers in 1853—Canadian - papers superior to Americans—Death at Boston—Berczy—Canadian - idioms—Accent—Good English—Superstition—Home education—Fireside - stories—Traditions. - - - NEWSPAPERS—CONTINUED. - -The first newspaper published between Kingston and York, was the -_Hallowell Free Press_, of demy size, the first number of which was -issued 28th December, 1830, by Joseph Wilson, Esq., now of Belleville; -W. A. Welles, Esq., editor, a gentleman from Utica, New York. Attempts -had been made at Cobourg, Port Hope, as well as at Hallowell, prior to -this, to establish papers, prospectus having been acknowledged by the -_Kingston Gazette_. A letter in the first number of the _Free Press_, -signed “Recluse,” says, “a number of attempts have been made to publish -a journal in this county, proposals circulated, subscriptions obtained -to a considerable amount, and the expectations of the public wrought up -to the highest degree, yet every attempt hitherto made, has proved -abortive, except the present; repeated imposition has, no doubt, had a -tendency to create in the public mind, a spirit of indifference and -apathy respecting newspapers.” - -Mr. Wilson had his press of wood, made by one Scripture, of Colborne. -Although a very indifferent affair, it was used for a year, when Mr. -Wilson procured an iron press from New York. Probably one of the first -iron printing presses in the Province. The _Free Press_ was continued -for five years. Mr. Welles was editor for a short time only. This -journal was evidently intended for the public weal. No one can read the -first issues of the paper without being convinced that the proprietor -was intent upon rendering service to the public. He allied himself to no -party: the contending political aspirants of the day, had equal access -to the columns of the _Press_, and could thereby challenge unbiased -attention. “_The Traveller, or Prince Edward Gazette_,” published every -Friday, by Cecil Mortimer, Editor and Proprietor, “John Silver, -Printer,” 12s. 6d., per annum, in advance. Commenced April, 1836, and -continued about four years, when the printing press was removed to -Cobourg. In 1840, the _Prince Edward Gazette_ appeared, J. Dornan, -Publisher. It was continued under this name by Rev. Mr. Playter. In -1847, and in 1849, Mr. Thomas Donnelly became Editor and Proprietor, -changing the name to the _Picton Gazette_, which name it still bears. -Mr. Donnelly was succeeded as editor in 1853, by Maurice Moore, and he -again by S. M. Conger, in 1856, who still continues to publish this old -and popular journal. The _Picton Sun_, established in 1841, by Mr. J. -Douglas, who was succeeded in 1845, by J. McDonald, and he again in -1849, by Mr. Striker, who removed it to Cobourg in 1853. The following -year Dr. Gillespie and R. Boyle commenced the _Picton Times_, which -still continues to be published by Mr. Boyle. The _North American_ -removed from Newburgh in 1861, published by McMullen Brothers. The _New -Nation_ succeeded it in 1865. - -The _Anglo Canadian_ was established in Belleville in February, 1831. It -was “printed and published by Alexander T. W. Williamson, Editor, and W. -A. Welles. Printed at four dollars per annum, payable in advance.” A -copy of this paper is before us, and is very respectable as to size and -quality, and is readable. This was the first journal published in -Belleville. The _Phœnix_ arose from the ashes of the _Anglo-Canadian_. -It was first issued in the early part of July, 1831, “published every -Tuesday by T. Slicer, Editor and Proprietor, at his office, Water -Street, Belleville, U. C., 20s. per annum—if sent by mail, 22s. 6d., -payable half-yearly.” A few copies before us resemble, in appearance, -its predecessor, the _Anglo-Canadian_. In one of the early copies is a -prospectus of the _Canadian Wesleyan_, the subscribers to the -announcement are “H. Ryan,” and “J. Jackson,” dated Hamilton, August, -1831.—(See first clergyman, H. Ryan). - -The last number of the _Phœnix_ issued July 3, 1832, and which was -“published by William A. Welles, for the Proprietors,” says, “As the -present number completes the year, it is intended to give the paper a -new name; which, though less classical, may be considered more -appropriate.” The name selected was the “_Hastings Times_,” No. 17, of -the _Times_ now before us, was published by Rollin C. Benedict, every -Saturday. - -“The _Reformer_” of Cobourg, published every Friday, J. Radcliff, -Editor, was first issued, June, 1832. - -“The _Intelligencer_, of Belleville,” was founded by George Benjamin, in -September, 1834, who continued its editor until 1848, when McKenzie -Bowell, Esq., now M. P., succeeded him, who remains the proprietor. Mr. -Benjamin was an Englishman, born 1799, and died 1864. He was a gentleman -of more than ordinary ability, a consistent politician, and a true -friend. He held the highest municipal offices, and was Member of -Parliament from 1856 to 1863. He had talent to adorn any position. - -The _Victoria Chronicle_ was founded in 1841, by S. M. Washburn and -Sutton, who had removed from Brockville. Sutton remained partner for two -years. In 1849 the establishment was purchased from Washburn by E. -Miles, Esq., who, with T. R. Mason, Esq., continues proprietor. The name -was changed many years ago from _Victoria_ to _Hastings Chronicle_. - -A Magazine of _cheap miscellany_ was issued monthly, by Seth Washburn, -&c., Belleville, 1847 & 8. - -Playter, writing of the year 1824, says, “books, periodicals, and -newspapers were scantily supplied to, and not much desired by the people -as yet, the country was not old enough to give much encouragement and -support to literature. Still, in the Methodist connection, the -_Magazine_, (Methodist) was tolerably well circulated, no less than -seventy subscribers were among the friends on the Bay of Quinté circuit -at once. Newspapers were on the increase; nineteen were now published in -Canada, and six of them twice a week. Quebec printed four, (of which one -was French); Stanstead one, Brockville one, Kingston two, York two, -Niagara one, Queenston one.” - -The _Colonial Advocate_ was issued in the latter part of 1824, by -William Lyon McKenzie. - -We have a copy of the _Upper Canada Herald_ before us, dated June 27, -1832, vol. xiv. which gives us the period at which it was started. - -_Barker’s Canadian Magazine_, published at Kingston, by Edward John -Barker, M. D., commenced May, 1846. - -——The _Victoria Magazine_, a monthly periodical, was issued first in -September, 1841, by Joseph Wilson, of Belleville, formerly of the -Hallowell _Free Press_. Like many a one subsequently commenced, the -_Magazine_ had but a brief existence. It continued just one year. - -The editors were Sheriff Moodie, and his accomplished wife, whose -writings have gained for her a European reputation of no ordinary -standing. Mrs. Moodie may be regarded as the pioneer of Canadian -literature, and, as a long standing inhabitant of the Bay, she claims a -brief notice in these pages, to give which affords the writer but a -meagre opportunity to express his own high estimation of, and gratitude -to a personal friend, whose kind words of encouragement has so -frequently been a stimulus to action, when his energies flagged in this -undertaking. - -Morgan, in his _Bibliotheca Canadensis_, a most useful compilation, -says: Mrs. Moodie is “well known in Canada and Great Britain for her -works, and as an extensive contributor to the periodical literature of -both countries. Born at Bungay, County of Suffolk, England, sixth -December, 1803. She is a member of the talented Strickland family, of -Beydon Hall, in the above County; four of her sisters, Elizabeth, Agnes, -(the best known), Jane, and Mrs. Trail, have each contributed to the -literature of the day. Both Mrs. Moodie and her sisters were educated by -their father, who is represented to have been a gentleman of education, -refined taste, and some wealth. Mrs. M. was only in her thirteenth year, -when her father died. As early as her fifteenth year, she began to write -for the press generally, for annuals and for periodicals, contributing -short poems and tales for children. About 1820, she produced her first -work of any pretension—a juvenile tale, which was well received by the -public and the press. In the following year she married Mr. Moodie, a -half-pay officer from the 21st Fusileers, and, in 1832, emigrated with -her husband, to Canada. They bought a farm near Port Hope, which, -however, they only held for a short time, removing to the back woods, -ten miles north of Peterborough, where they settled. There they remained -for a period of eight years, experiencing all the trials, mishaps and -troubles incident to early settlers, and which are so graphically -narrated and depicted by Mrs. M. in her “_Roughing it in the Bush_.” In -1839, Mr. Moodie was appointed Sheriff of Hastings, (an office from -which he retired a few years since,) and, with his wife, took up his -residence at Belleville, where they have since lived. During the -existence of the _Literary Garland_, (Montreal), Mrs. M. was the -principal contributor of fiction to its pages. For some years she edited -the _Victoria Magazine_, (Belleville). Her contributions to these and -other annuals, magazines, and newspapers, would fill many volumes.” - -The work for which Mrs. Moodie became more especially famous, was -“_Roughing it in the Bush_;” but other volumes are exceedingly -interesting, as “_Flora Lindsay_,” “_Mark Hurdlestone_,” “_Geoffry -Moreton_,” or the “_Faithless Guardian_,” and “_Life in the Clearings_.” - -“John Wedderburn Dunbar Moodie, formerly Lieutenant in the 21st Reg. of -Fusileers,” saw action in Holland, where he was wounded; he was a writer -for the _United Service Journal_, _Literary Garland_, (Montreal), and -author of “_Ten Years in Africa_,” and “_Scenes and Adventures as a -Soldier and Settler, during half a Century_.” - -The _Victoria Magazine_ was succeeded by the _Eclectic Magazine_, Joseph -Wilson being Editor and Proprietor. This monthly was also continued only -one year. Mr. Wilson now commenced a “family paper called _Wilson’s -Experiment_,” and soon after, in connection with it, _Wilson’s Canada -Casket_. These were issued alternately every two weeks, and were -continued for two years. They had a large circulation, as Mr. Wilson -avers, at the last about 6,000. The subscribers were not only in Canada, -but in the Lower Provinces. The journals were discontinued, not because -they did not pay; but in consequence of embarrassment from other causes. - -The _Bee_ was the first newspaper published in Napanee, in 1851, by the -Rev. G. D. Greenleaf, Editor and Proprietor. It was a small sheet, and -semi-political, at one dollar per year. It was printed on a press of the -owner’s own construction, and continued two years, when it was succeeded -by the _Emporium_, published by the same person, at the same office. It -was somewhat larger than the _Bee_, and was two dollars a year. Its -existence extended but little over a year. - -The _Standard_ was the third journal established at Napanee, 1853, by a -joint-stock company. It was in the interest of the Conservatives. Its -first editor was Dr. McLean, formerly of Kingston. Subsequently, the -paper came under the management of Alexander Campbell, Esq., and -continued for a few years. It then passed into the hands of Mr. A. -Henry. It is still published by Henry and Brother. - -The next paper, after the _Standard_, to be issued was the _Reformer_, -by Carman and Dunham. There have subsequently been published the _North -American_, _The Ledger_, and the _Weekly Express_. Besides the above, -there was published, in 1854, continuing for two years, _The Christian -Casket_, by E. A Dunham. - -Trenton first possessed a newspaper in 1854. It was published and edited -by Alexander Begg, and its name was the _Trenton Advocate_. The first -number was issued March 4, 1854. About a year, afterward, the paper -changed owners, and took the name of _British Ensign_. It was continued -about two years longer. - -We have before us several copies of _The Canadian Gem_ and _Family -Visitor_, published at Cobourg; and edited by Joseph H. Leonard, 1848. -It is very readable, and exhibits no little enterprise. Also, we have -_The Maple Leaf_; published at Montreal by R. W. Loy, 1853. Mr. Loy died -not long after its issue. This also contains many interesting articles -of a local and general nature. - -In 1853, 158 papers are mentioned in the _Canada Directory_, of which, -114 are issued in Upper Canada. At the present time the number has much -increased. Respecting the newspapers of Canada, Mr. Buckingham, who -visited Canada in 1840, says that they are generally superior to those -of the Provincial towns of the United States. - -The following cannot fail to be of interest: - -A Boston paper says, “Died—In the early part of the year 1813, Wm. -Berczy, Esq., aged 68; a distinguished inhabitant of the Province of -Upper Canada, and highly respected for his literary acquirements. In the -decease of this gentleman, society must sustain an irreparable loss, and -the republic of letters will have cause to mourn the death of a man, -eminent for genius and talent.” - -CANADIAN IDIOMS.—The loyalist settlers of Upper Canada were mainly of -American birth, and those speaking English, differed in no respect in -their mode of speech from those who remained in the States. Even to this -day there is some resemblance between native Upper Canadians and the -Americans of the Midland States; though there is not, to any extent, a -likeness to the Yankee of, the New England States. While the Yankee, and -to some extent, the whole of the American people have steadily diverged -from the pure English, both with respect to accent and idiom, as well as -in the meaning attached to certain words; in Canada this tendency has -been arrested by the presence of English gentlemen, often half-pay -officers, and their families, by the officers of the Army and Navy, and -as well by the school teachers, high and low, which were often from the -old country. The accent of Canadians, and their idioms to-day, are to a -certain extent peculiar, _sui generis_, which peculiarity is constantly -increasing, even as the British American is assuming in appearance a -distinct characteristic. Taking all classes of Canadians, it may be said -that for a people far removed from the source of pure English, that is -the Court, they have a very correct mode of speaking, the criticisms of -English travelers to the contrary, notwithstanding. As education becomes -more diffused among the masses there will ensue a very decided -improvement in the mode of speaking among Canadians. Listening to the -children at any school, composed of the children of Englishmen, -Scotchmen, Irishmen, Americans, and even of Germans, it is impossible to -detect any marked difference in their accent, or way of expressing -themselves. - -SUPERSTITION.—Although a few of the settlers had books to read, many had -none. And as there were no school teachers very many children grew up -without being able to read, or at most very little, and entirely unable -to write, unless it might be their name. The writer has been struck with -the difference between the composition and penmanship of many of the -settlers and that of their immediate children, the former being good, -the latter bad; while the parent could write a bold signature, and -express himself in writing a letter, intelligibly, the offspring either -could do nothing of the kind, or else made a very poor attempt. The -result of this was, that the mind, starved for want of mental food of a -wholesome nature, did not become inactive, but sought other kinds of -pabulum. They derived a certain amount of information from the legendary -tales told and retold of former days of happiness and plenty. Excluded -from the world of literature, and secluded in a forest of eternal -silence, except the tones uttered by the voice of nature, sometimes -whispering in the gentle murmurs of the sighing wind, and sometimes -thundering forth in the loudest voice,—shut up with nature they listened -to her words, and not educated to understand her meaning, they undertook -to interpret her speech, and oftentimes superstition of the deepest kind -took possession of their minds. This prevailed perhaps more especially -among the Dutch. Belief in ghosts, or “spooks” was a common thing, and -before the bright and flickering light of many a hearth fire, during the -winter nights, were told “stories” which lost nothing in their relating. -And along the Bay were many old houses, once the homes of the settler -which it was declared, was occasionally visited by the spirit of the -builder, who returned to discharge some duty which rested heavily upon -him in the spirit world, or who desired to reveal the place of -concealment of some hoarded gold which had been so safely buried in some -cranny nook. - -A company of neighbours spending the evening would take their turn in -telling of what they had seen or dreamed, or heard told; and at last -when the bright sparkling fire had sunk into subdued embers, the -consciousness of having to go home through the woods, or past a grave -yard, would arouse the talkers. Shuddering at the thought, with -imagination heightened by the conversation, they would set out on their -path. It was at such times that the spirit of some recently departed one -would be seen hovering over the grave, or floating away at the approach -of footsteps. Strange voices came from the midst of the darkness, and -unnatural lights flashed in the eyes of the midnight traveler. Should no -sound or sight present themselves on the way, there was still a chance -to experience much in dreams, when revelations of the gravest import -would be made, which only had to be repeated three nights in succession -to obtain the status of absolute certainty. - -The traditions and recitals made known to the children were sometimes, -not alone exaggerated, but untrue. The old soldier, or loyalist in his -great hatred to the rebels, would sometimes unduly blacken the character -of the fathers of the American Republic; for instance, the writer has -heard it several times, told as a fact, that Washington was the -illegitimate son of King George. - -By some means a belief obtained, that at a place called Devil’s Hill, at -the Indian Woods, was concealed in the earth, a quantity of money, and -parties used to actually go and dig for it. There was a huge rock here -which was supposed to cover the precious metal, and a “bee” was formed, -on one occasion to overturn it, but they found nothing to reward them -for their pains. - - - - - DIVISION VII. - THE TERRITORY OF UPPER CANADA—THE BAY QUINTÉ. - - - - - CHAPTER XLII. - - CONTENTS—The Indians—Their origin—Pre-historic Canada—Indian relics— - Original inhabitants—Les Iroquois du nord—Original names—Peninsula - of Upper Canada—Champlain exploring—Ascends the Ottawa—His route - to Lake Nippissing—To Lake Huron—French River—The country—Georgian - Bay—Lake Simcoe—Down the Trent—A grand trip—Bay Quinté, and Lake - Ontario discovered—War demonstration—Wintering at the Bay—A - contrast—Roundabout way—Erroneous impressions. - - - CHAMPLAIN’S DISCOVERY OF THE BAY QUINTÉ, AND LAKE ONTARIO. - -In this work but brief reference can be made to the general history of -the Indians. Perhaps it is hardly necessary to explain that the term -Indian, applied to the aborigines of America, took its origin from the -fact, that when the New World was discovered it was supposed to be a -part of the Indias (East Indias), the riches of which had led the -intrepid navigator to seek a more direct route thereto. And consequently -the natives were called Indians. - -It does not lie within the scope of this work to speak of the several -theories which have been given with respect to the origin of the -natives, nor to advance any particular view. It is sufficient to remark -that the character of the various tribes, their features, their -traditions, and customs, all indicate most unmistakably that Asia was -the original birthplace of the aborigines of America. Of course, -reference is made only to those Indians whose representatives occupied -the continent when discovered by Columbus, and not to those who had in -some long past day held possession, who have left here and there -indications of their rude character, and primitive mode of life, and who -were swept away by the more powerful and warlike invaders—the -predecessors of the aborigines of whom we now write. - -In our researches we have collected a good many Indian relics, of the -origin of which we have no record, and can only guess, while science -strives to explain. We offer no views of our own, but give the following -upon - - - PRE-HISTORIC CANADA. - -From the Manchester _Guardian_. “At a meeting of the Manchester -Anthropological society, on Monday, Mr. Plant made a communication upon -some curious relics which he exhibited, of a race of pre-historic men, -for which he was indebted to Mr. J. S. Wilson, of Perrytown, Canada -West. These objects were obtained from the soil of the lands which have -been cleared of the forests and brought into cultivation. It is only in -the spring, when the snow has disappeared, that these objects are found, -the winter snow acting like a riddle to the soil, and bringing to the -surface the pebbles and broken pieces of pottery, flint, weapons, &c. -The most interesting features connected with these relics is, that the -localities where they are so frequently found are situated on the high -level ground of ancient terraces, or beach lines, which may be traced at -about 600 ft. above the sea level, all around the great Canadian lakes, -or, in fact, all around the high lands of the River St. Lawrence basin. -There are three terraces at descending levels to the present shores of -the great lakes. The highest terrace is the most ancient, and the -evidences connected with this terrace all seem to point to the -conclusion that it belongs to an age very remote, when the area now -occupied by the great fresh-water lakes was filled by an inland bay, -connected by a wide strait with the Atlantic, and was subject to the -action of glacier ice from the land, as well as flows of icebergs from -the current flowing from the north-east. The high terraces are, -therefore, of marine origin, and the pre-historic objects found in them -are indicative of a race of men whose habits were consistent with the -physical features of the land and sea; a race of hardy fishers, living -upon the whale, the walrus, the shark, and marine sources of food, -together with the reindeer and Arctic animals. Since this remote time, -the whole of the land about the lakes has risen from 600 to 1,000 feet -above the sea, slowly and evenly through a great length of time, pausing -twice sufficiently long to form two lower terraces; and at present is -forming a fourth on the shore lines of the lakes. The pre-historic -objects consist of great quantities of earthenware of rude make, quartz -arrow heads, black stone adzes and hatchets, sharp splinters of bone -worked to a point, teeth drilled and bone needles, and bowls and stems -of smoking pipes about six inches long. These last are singular and most -interesting objects, and are solely confined to the North American -continent, proving that the habit of smoking some narcotic plant has -been indulged in by mankind from the most remote ages to which the -geologist assigns the relics of pre-historic man, the age which -immediately succeeded the glacial period.” - -All around the bay, as well as in other parts of Canada, may be found -here and there indications of an extinct people whose sepulchral remains -can be traced. Along the western portion particularly, are faint traces -of mounds or tumuli which have been found to contain not only human -remains; but objects of curiosity. For a more particular account of -these the reader is referred to an interesting paper in the _Canadian -Journal_ for September 1860, by T. C. Wallbridge, Esq., of Belleville. - - - THE ABORIGINES OF UPPER CANADA. - - “Dark as the frost-nipped leaves that strew the ground, - The Indian hunter here his shelter found; - Here cut his bow, and shaped his arrows true, - Here built his wigwam and his bark canoe, - Speared the quick salmon leaping up the fall, - And slew the deer without the rifle ball; - Here his young squaw her cradling tree would choose, - Singing her chant to hush her swart pappoose; - Here stain her quills, and string her trinkets rude, - And weave her warrior’s wampum in the wood. - - BRAINARD.” - -For many long years, perhaps centuries, before the white man saw the -pleasant shores of the Bay, the Indian war-whoop was often heard, and -the war dance performed along its borders. We know but little of those -primal days. We cannot estimate the cruelties of barbaric warfare, -natural to the aborigines, which have been enacted. We cannot count up -the number of Indian braves who have moved upon its wood-begirded -waters, as conquerors, or as captives, nor the woman and children -carried away from their kindred—nor yet the total of the bleeding scalps -which have hung at the girdle of the returning warriors, as they pursued -the devious trail. - -Early French travelers, generally Jesuits, have marked roughly the -territory, which embraces in its area, the land extending from the -Ottawa westward to Lake Huron, and from the St. Lawrence and Lake -Ontario, northward to the French River, and Lake Nippissing. This was -named the country of _Les Iroquois du Nord_, and, according to a map in -the Imperial French Library, the land north of Bay Quinté, was called in -1656, _Tout-hatar_, and the land west to Lake Huron, was named -_Conchradum_. There were, at the same time indicated at the eastern -borders, the “antient Hurons” and the “Outtawas” at the west, occupying -the peninsula of Upper Canada, the _Neutre Nation de truite_, and at the -mouth of the French river, _Mississagues_. It would seem at first, that -the inhabitants were a branch of the Iroquois, or Six Nation Indians. -But it may be that they had given to them the name Iroquois from their -peculiar mode of expression, like the Indian to the south of the lake;— -although not immediately connected. According to a map, examined by the -writer, in the Imperial library at Paris, all the land between the -Ottawa and Lake Huron was the Algonquins. A map by Champlain calls the -land north of the Bay Quinté, _Lien force cerfs_. The northern Iroquois -was divided into several tribes, each of which had a distinct name, and -lived in considerable communities, here and there. The old maps are -marked with sites of Indian villages, where, no doubt, they lived a -greater portion of their time; probably the families remained most of -the time, and also the males, except when away up the rivers to the -north, upon hunting expeditions. Among these tribes and villages was the -_Kentes_. Their village was situated at the east of Hay Bay, according -to some maps; according to others, it was placed upon the south shore of -Prince Edward, west of West Lake. Another tribe mentioned is -_Gaungouts_. And along the north shore of the Mohawk Bay near Napanee, -is marked an Indian village called _Gaunaroute_. Upon another map the -village here is called _Gameydocs_. Just above the Carrying Place, near -the harbour of Presqu Isle, is another village called _Ganaroske_, and a -second one designated _Gonetoust_. Some of the maps here alluded to, -bear date as late as 1703, while others are much earlier. - -The waters of the bay and the lake adjacent, were looked upon as -valuable for fishing, and the land as abundant in game. McMullen, in his -History of Canada, speaks thus of the bay region. Referring to the year -1692, he states, “the Aborigines and French ravaged the frontiers of -Massachusetts, and revenged upon its helpless borderers the injuries -suffered by the Canadians; detachments of troops swept the favorite -hunting grounds of the Iroquois along the beautiful Bay of Quinté; and -an expedition from Montreal did considerable injury to the Mohawks in -their own country.” - -The peninsula of Upper Canada was called, in 1686, _Saquinan_—(Paris -documents). The “Neutre Nation” was exterminated by the Iroquois prior -to 1650. - -It is an interesting fact that Champlain arrived at Lake Ontario, or -“fresh water sea,” as he called it, being the first European to gaze -upon its broad blue waters, by the way of the Bay of Quintè. This was in -1615. Prior to that he had penetrated by way of Sorel river, and the -lake which has been named after him, and explored some part of the -territory to the south of Ontario lake; but probably was not north of -the Mohigan mountains, at least he did not then discover Lake Ontario. -His principal object at this time was to create terror of the French -arms, on behalf of the Six Nation Indians. - -It was after a return from France, with a commission granting him -extensive powers in the peltry traffic, that Champlain, with the view of -protecting that trade, erected a fort on the site of Montreal. This done -he directed his attention to the country lying unexplored to the north. -Aware of Hudson’s discovery in the north, of the bay now bearing his -name, he was led to hope that by following the river Ottawa, of which -the Hurons gave him some information, to its upper waters, he would be -brought into close proximity if not actually to the bay, explored by -Hudson. He accordingly set out accompanied by one or more of the four -Recollet missionaries he had brought with him from France, and a -considerable force of Hurons, with the view of ascending the Ottawa to -its source. How far he penetrated into that rugged region, or how long a -time he expended, does not appear. But it would seem that failing in his -attempted discovery, he retraced his steps down the Upper Ottawa, until -he reached the mouth of the Mattawan river, which empties into the -Ottawa, and rises in the high lands to the west, approaching Lake -Nippissing. As nearly as can be learned, Champlain was here joined by -more warriors, who persuaded him to follow them and assist in a proposed -attack upon the Iroquois nation to the south of Lake Ontario. His course -was up the Mattawan river, through _la petite rivière_ to _lac du -Toulon_. Thence across to Trout Lake, Upper Trout Lake, and traversing -the high lands, from which the waters flow in opposite directions; some -into the valley of the Ottawa, and others towards the west, he descended -the river _La Vase_ into Lake Nippissing. Crossing this lake, he -descended the French river into the Georgian Bay. In passing it may be -observed that all the names, some of which are in French, and some in -English, have a special meaning, and were applied, at least some of -them, by the Indians. The Ottawa is so called not from the fact that the -territory through which it runs was the home of the Ottawa tribe, but, -because it was by its waters that they came to visit the French. The -Ottawa river, that is, the river by which the Ottawas came. On the other -hand the French river, which discharges into the Georgian Bay, was so -called by the Indians, because it was the river by which the French came -to their western domain. The length of French river is about 61 miles, -and is a chain of lakes, connected by short rapids. Lake Nippissing is -69 feet above Lake Huron. - -It is now 253 years since this voyage of discovery was made by -Champlain, guided by the Indians. The appearance then presented to the -intrepid navigator must have been exceedingly wild and beautiful, as he -passed along the unknown way. Now swiftly gliding in the birch canoe -upon the glassy waters of a lake, now dancing down the rapids, among -rugged rocks, and green-clad islands; and anon, threading the devious -path of a _portage_, beneath the lofty arches of the wilderness, making -the first European footprints upon the virgin soil. - -Deputy Surveyor-General Collins, writing to Lord Dorchester, by his -command, in 1788, speaking of the French river says: “The entrance is -composed of a considerable number of small islands and channels,” the -westernmost is the best navigable—about 250 feet wide, and has from two -to three fathoms depth of water. It is narrower a little way up, and at -about half a league from the entrance becomes exceedingly intricate, on -account of the small islands and channels, which are here so numerous in -every direction, and so much resembling each other in appearance, as to -make it extremely difficult without a guide to find the true navigable -channel, which, although deep in some places, is so narrow there is -scarce room for two canoes to pass each other. The bank in these -situations, is a steep rock, almost perpendicular, and there are very -strong currents or rapids. The term Souters, sometimes given to the -Missisauga Indians by the French, means to jump up and down, in -reference to their living upon this river, and being expert in -navigating its channels. “The country adjoining to, and near this, -(river) is a rocky desert, nothing growing but small scrubby bushes and -pine trees not thirty feet high—the same dreary prospect continues, I am -informed, all the way up to Lake Nippissing, which is recorded -twenty-five leagues.” He states that the coast from the mouth of the -river eastward is dangerous, for even canoes, although they may find -shelter among the islands which lie along most of the coast. It is -equally rocky and barren. Such was the nature of the way by which -Champlain was led. - -He now directed his course southward along the wild and irregular shore -of the Georgian Bay, through the myriad islands that give beauty to that -coast. Arrived at the mouth of the Severn river, he ascended that -devious stream, and entered Sparrow Lake. Thence he crossed to Lake -_Couchiching_, which, at its southern extremity approaches to Lake -Simcoe. Crossing the portage to this Lake, he ascended the River Talbot, -in a north-east direction, and by frequent portages reached Balsam Lake. -Then, through Cameron Lake, past Fenelon Falls, and into Sturgeon Lake. -So on, by Pigeon Lake, Buck Hare Lake, Deer Lake, into Salmon Trout -Lake. Turning south, by Clear Lake, he descended the Otanabee, or -_Pamoduscoteong_, past the present site of Peterborough, and entered -Rice Lake. Again turning east, he entered the head waters of the River -Trent. Around by Heely’s Falls, down by Campbellford, then, by -Chisholm’s Rapids, he arrived at the head of the Bay of Quinté, sometime -in July, 1615. - -Champlain took this route from the Ottawa, which had long before been -traveled by the Indians, at the request of the Indian warriors who -accompanied him, to make an attack upon their bitter enemy the Iroquois. - -At the present day it would be a grand trip to make, by the way pursued -by Champlain, when he visited the Bay region. But how wonderfully -magnificent must it all have been to the bold, but educated French -explorer of the primeval forest. - -Champlain crossed the Lake to a point not far from Oswego. Whether he -passed through the upper, or lower gap to the opposite side of the Lake, -and coasted the south shore; or whether he ascended Picton Bay and -crossed the Indian Carrying-place to East Lake, and thence into Ontario, -may be questioned. But in order to make an unexpected attack upon the -enemy, he had need to conceal his advance; hence it is reasonable to -suppose he would take the nearer route by Picton Bay, although it would -involve the crossing of the portage. This could scarcely be regarded as -a serious difficulty, as he had already passed many in the devious route -by the Ottawa. - -Strange enough, that a European should discover Lake Ontario by entering -the head waters of the Trent River, and sailing through the Bay of -Quinté. Strange enough that a warlike demonstration should be made by -this route, against a foe living upon the south shore of the Lake. - -Champlain, notwithstanding his caution, found his Indian foes prepared -to receive him, having well entrenched themselves, and he suffered a -serious defeat, being glad to secure a safe retreat in the Bay of Quinté -region, probably Prince Edward, after having himself received two -wounds. - -Failing in his efforts to obtain a guide to conduct him down the St. -Lawrence, to his fort at Montreal, Champlain was compelled to spend the -winter months, which were by this time approaching, in the vicinity of -the Bay of Quinté. Probably six or nine months were passed by him upon -the northern shores. He did not remain all the time at the Bay, as it is -stated he visited the neighbouring Indian nations, especially the -neutral nation which occupied the peninsula between Lakes Erie and -Huron, and the head of Ontario. We can readily imagine the wide -difference between a long winter thus spent in 1615–16, mid the wild -scenes of aboriginal life by the ice-locked waters, and one spent in -this latter part of the 19th century, with the highly cultivated land, -and advanced civilization. Then, the trees of the forest, in one -unbroken denseness, was the sole home of the savage, and wild beast, and -waved in solemn mournfulness over the wintry landscape; while few other -than nature’s sounds disturbed the stillness of the wilderness. Now, the -dark forest has disappeared and human habitations of comfort and luxury -thickly stud the land. The wild beasts, as well as the original owners -of the territory, have almost disappeared. The snow of the ice-covered -bays and streams no longer remain unbroken by human foot. Sleigh roads -thickly intersect the surface, and joyous shouts of the skater break -upon the light pure air, while the gingle of sleigh bells indicate the -overflowing stream of travelers. The strings of telegraphs sigh in the -wind, instead of the tall trees’ bough. The iron horse snorts along -through the snow hills, instead of the beast from his lair. Towns and -cities rest in peaceful security, where there were thick jungles of -cedar and furs. - -It was by this roundabout way that the Bay of Quinté was discovered; and -it was fifty years later when DeCourcelles, pursuing the Iroquois from -the Lower St. Lawrence ascended for the first time the river, direct -from Montreal to Lake Ontario. But during this time missionaries had -been at work among the Indians, upon the northern shores of the Lake— -(See early Missionaries). - -The impressions made upon the minds of these first explorers, respecting -the Bay, seem to have been very erroneous; at least they have left maps -not only rude, but incorrect. Thus, we find upon an old map intended to -represent Lake Ontario and the Bay, with the country north of the Lake, -the Bay is made to extend northward, at right angles with the Lake, for -some distance, and then, turning westward somewhat, its extremity is -brought very near to another bay, which empties into Georgian Bay. - - - - - CHAPTER XLIII. - - CONTENTS—Name—Letter, Daily News—“Omega” Lines—The writer— - Conjectures—Five Bays—Indian origin—Kentes—Villages—_Les Couis_— - Modes of spelling—Canty—The occupants, 1783—Mississaugas—Origin— - With the Iroquois—The _Souter_—Mississaugas, dark—At Kingston—Bay - Quinté—Land bought—Reserves—Claim upon the islands—Wappoose - Island—Indian agent—Indians hunting—Up the Sagonaska—Making sugar— - Peaceable—To Kingston for presents. - - - THE NAME OF BAY QUINTÉ—THE ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS OF UPPER CANADA IN - 1783. - -There appeared in the “Daily News” of Kingston, October 20, 1856, the -following letter and verses: - - “SIR,—I send you a few lines in connection with what I believe to be - an historical fact, though not generally known, even in the vicinity - of the bay. When the French first took possession of Canada, or - shortly after, they established posts at Frontenac, Niagara and - Detroit. - - In the fall following their establishment, the men under Col. - Quinté, who commanded at Niagara, were driven out by the Indians, - and pursued and harassed several days, when following the lake shore - to the west of the bay, they took the south shore of the bay and got - to the reach. The snow was falling and ice making on the bay, - without sufficient strength to carry them; when, nearly starved and - exhausted, they started back two or three miles to what is known as - Stickney’s Hill, where (an extremely cold night coming on) they - nearly all perished, including Quinté himself. Only two of the party - (the ice having become strong) reached Frontenac. Hence the name of - the bay.”—(Signed,)—“Omega.” - -This note was accompanied with the following lines: - - QUINTÉ. - - On the Bay of Quinté gliding, - O’er its smooth and tranquil breast, - Whilst the sun is fast declining - To its waters in the west; - “And the gorgeous leaves of autumn, - In their varied gold and green, - Adds fresh glory to such beauty - As the eye hath seldom seen. - Yet this Bay had once its terrors, - Ere the red men were subdued, - And the scene that’s now so lovely, - Was terrific, wild and rude, - When the gallant Quinté flying - From the savage of the west, - On the cheerless hills lay dying, - With fierce cold and hunger pressed: - And his bones were left unburied, - But his name won’t pass away, - While there’s beauty on thy hill-side, - Or thy waters gently play.” - - “STEAMER BAY OF QUINTÉ.” - -Mr. T. C. Wallbridge, to whom we are indebted for the foregoing, informs -us that upon the day this was written, a learned judge (Robinson) now -dead, was a passenger from Belleville to Kingston, and the inference was -that _he_ penned the lines, which must have been based upon what he -considered facts. The same tradition has been received also, from other -sources, and many living upon the bay, regard it as true. But it becomes -our duty to question the matter. In the first place unfortunately, for -the plausibility of the statement, the name of no such French officer -can be found. - -The nearest approach to the name of Quinté, held by any Frenchman known, -was that of Prince de Conti. This person was a particular friend of -Cavalier de la Salle, to whom was ceded the Seignory of Cataraqui. -“Chevalier de Tonti, went with him, proposing to share his fortunes,” in -western explorations. Now La Salle, named one of the islands near -Cataraqui, (Amherst,) after this officer, and even yet may be found -living, persons who call that island, “Isle Tanta.” Well, it might -reasonably be supposed that La Salle would wish to do honor to his -friend the Prince de Conti, and therefore named the bay after him. From -Conti, it might gradually change to Canta, or Quinté. Now, however -probable this may seem, it cannot be regarded as the origin of the name. - -Again, it has been supposed to be derived from the Latin Quintanus, or -Quinta,—the _fifth_ place,—having reference to five bays, namely, the -Lower Bay, Picton Bay, Hay Bay, the Reach, and Upper Bay; or, as some -aver, it refers to five Indian stations, formerly existing in the -vicinity of the bay. But, however much may be advanced in support of the -plausibility of these theories, we think a more certain origin is -perfectly intelligible. - -The word Quinté, as at present spelled and pronounced, when rightly -done, is undoubtedly a French one, being one of the few remaining -memorials of French possession; but its origin can be distinctly traced -to an Indian source. - -We have seen elsewhere that the country lying north of Lake Ontario was -called the “Country of the Northern Iroquois.” To the south of the lake -was the Iroquois country proper. Among the several nations which -composed the Iroquois Confederation, was the Seneques, or commonly -called Seneca. Wentworth Greenhalgh in the “London Documents,” writing -of a journey in May, 1677, from Albany to the Indians, westward, says -“the Seneques have four towns, viz: Canagora, Tiotohalton, Canoenada,” -(how like Canada), “and Keint-he—which contained about 24 houses, and -was well furnished with corn.” In connection with this we find a -statement made in the documentary History of New York, that some of the -tribes belonging to the Iroquois proper, separated from them, and -removed to the north of the lake. Now the Indian term, “Keint-he,” be it -remembered, was written by an English explorer, and of course was -spelled in accordance with the pronunciations of the Indians. Every one -knows that the letters of the alphabet have a different sound in the -French language. If therefore, a French writer were to write the English -term Keint-he, it is not unlikely he would spell it Kanta or Kente. -Examining the old French maps, made by some of the early travelers -through Canada, but bearing date subsequent to 1677, we find marked with -distinctness, an Indian village, sometimes in one place, sometimes -another, by the name of Kente. This may be seen on quite a number of -different maps, which we have examined in various libraries in Canada, -and in the Imperial Library in Paris. It is not always spelled Kente, -sometimes it is Kante, and upon one it is Kenti, and upon a map in the -Imperial Library, Paris, it is Kento. This Indian village has its -location upon most of the maps, at the eastern extremity of Hay Bay; but -upon a few it is placed at the south shore of the peninsula of Prince -Edward; upon one map it is put at South Bay; while in another Wappoose -island, is called Isle de Quinté. Hence it is inferred, that a branch of -the Seneca tribe separated from the main body, and removed to the north -of the lake, and settled probably first at South Bay, and afterward, or -at certain seasons visited at Hay Bay, to which, in time they gave their -name—that of Kente, according to the pronunciation of the French. It was -an easy matter to convert Kente into Quinté. In other words, we find -that _K_ and _Qu_ are used indifferently among early writers of New -France; for instance, Quebec is spelled by early writers, Kebec. The -origin of the word Quinté seems to be in this way perfectly clear. - -The Indian village of Kente was situated at the eastern extremity of Hay -Bay, and it seems plain that this was regarded as the head of the bay by -the French, and the waters leading to the village, was designated the -Bay Kente, or the Bay to the Kentes. The waters above the entrance to -Hay Bay were looked upon rather as the mouth of the River Trent; and as -quite another bay, to which was given a different name. This was a water -way from Lake Ontario to Lake Huron. Travelers passing along would at -times receive imperfect ideas respecting the names of the several bays -and lakes. Again, the early French explorers, and the Jesuits, in their -maps would frequently give the names, derived from the Indians, in -Latin, while later French travelers gave the names in French. The -consequence was that several different names were at times bestowed upon -the waters stretching between Lakes Huron and Ontario. - -One of the old French maps, and perhaps, it may have been prepared -before the Kentes had settled upon its shores, gives to the bay the name -“Bayedes Couis,” while several islands between the south shore of Lake -Ontario, and the north, are called “_au des Couis_,” as if indicating a -line of travel. There is one larger island, called _Les Couis_. - -The waters west of the Long Reach are, in several maps which have been -examined, named _Lac St. Lion_, and _Lionel_. But whether this name was -limited to the uppers waters of the bay, or applied to the Trent, with -Rice Lake, is doubtful, inasmuch as the maps represent the River Trent -as being very wide and seemingly navigable up to almost the river’s -source. Again, the name of _Quinto_ and _Quintio_ are found upon a few -maps, and are applied to Rice Lake. A map in the Imperial library, dated -1777, gives to Rice Lake, Quinto, and close by is the village of -_Tonnaonto_; and the Bay Quinté proper, is called Lake _Tento_. Another -map names it _Kentsio_. There is also a map which gives to Simcoe Lake, -the name of _Œntarion_ Lake, instead of Lake Taronto. From these -varieties of names, we discover an indistinct connection between the -words Kente and Toronto. Their origin and meaning it is impossible to -trace. Perhaps they were names used only for a short time. It is worthy -of remark, that upon an ancient map examined in the Imperial library, we -find Lake Erie called _Lac. Conty_. - -The word Quinté is in one or two places spelled Quintee, and also -Quintie. The most common mode of pronunciation was that used by the -loyalists. They spelled it generally Canty, or Kenty. Such they heard it -called by the French and Indians when they came here; and, unacquainted -with the French mode of spelling, they naturally rendered it according -to the English idea; and we have found it in letters written, by the -first settlers, mostly always spelled “Canty,” or “Cante,” and -occasionally “Canta.” The last of these approaches the nearest to the -correct way of pronouncing the name; and it is a cause for regret that -some years ago there arose the belief that it ought to be called -“Quinty.” We would request the inhabitants of the bay, to return to the -old fashioned, and correct pronunciation. - -The settlement upon the bay was sometimes identified with Cataraqui; -being known by the refugees, as well as by those who stayed in the -States, only by that name. Indeed, it may be said that all of Upper -Canada was, for a few years, designated by that name; the settlements at -Detroit and upon the Niagara, contiguous to the fort, being regarded as -merely military stations. For many years the name Canada, was limited to -the lower Provinces. After a few years the settlement along the bay came -to be generally called, both by the settlers, and those who knew them -abroad as that of the Bay “Canty.” The writer has in his possession a -letter dated from one of the townships upon the bay, in which reference -is made to Canada as a place quite distant and distinct from the British -settlements. - -Mr. Ferguson, in a letter dated at Sidney, 23rd July, 1791, to a person -at Kingston, says, “I’ll send you a memorandum of what you’ll want from -Canada,” and he further speaks about taking an Indian to Canada. By this -we learn that the new townships were regarded as quite apart from -Canada. - -Before proceeding to speak of the appearance of the bay, a space must be -given to speak more particularly of those Aborigines who occupied the -territory of the bay, and Upper Canada generally, at the time of the -revolutionary war, and from whom the British Government purchased the -land to bestow upon the U. E. Loyalists, namely, the Mississaugas. - -The meaning of the word Mississauga has reference to “many outlets,” or -a place of settlement by the “fork of a stream.” The first notice we -have found of this name is upon a map in the Imperial library, dated -1620. It is applied to a lake,—_L’Missauga_, or _Buade_. The location is -not far from the source of the Mississippi River, and there is a small -stream represented as running from this lake to empty into the -Mississippi, the lake is doubtless the Itasca Lake in Minnesota. The -Indians, then inhabiting that region, was the “Eastern Sioux.” There is -no doubt some identity as to origin and meaning, between Mississippi and -Mississauga. It will be remembered, we have in the north of Upper Canada -a River Mississippi as well as River Mississauga. The Mississauga -Indians first came into notice about the middle of last century, some -time before the rebellion. They were then living east of the Georgian -Bay upon the lake and the river, both of which have derived names from -this tribe. Capt. Anderson thinks they took the name from living by this -river, which has _many outlets_. It may be regarded as a question -whether the river gave a name to the tribe, or the tribe a name to the -river. - -The Mississaugas have been more generally regarded as a branch of the -Otchipewas. Father Charlevoix says, they are a branch of the Algonquins. - -Towards the end of the seventeenth century, the Iroquois had quite -overrun the territory formerly designated by the French “the country of -the Northern Iroquois,” and now constituting Upper Canada. As the Six -Nations retired to their territory upon the south of Lake Ontario, the -Chippewas, or Otchwas and the Mississaugas descended to the north shore -of Ontario, the St. Lawrence, and around Bay Quinté. The exact time at -which these tribes obtained possession of the land around the Bay, and -its Islands, and other parts of Canada, is uncertain. But, long before -the settlement of Upper Canada, they were the acknowledged owners of the -soil, and Great Britain purchased from them the right of ownership. The -first record we have of surrender of land, was by the Chippewas, in -1781, to Gov. St. Clair. The Mississaugas seem to have been a neutral -nation, at least, they never appear to have taken any part in the wars -between the French and English. But we find that at a great assembly of -chiefs and warriors, at Albany, in August 17, 1746, the chief speaker of -the Six Nations, informed the English Commissioners that they had taken -the Mississaugas as a seventh nation. There certainly seems to have been -a very friendly relationship between the Iroquois and Mississaugas. - -The Mississaugas were divided into several tribes, or rather, were -divided into several villages, which were scattered all along the St. -Lawrence, from the river Gananoque to the Bay Quinté, and Lake Ontario. -Thus, we find it recorded that “They were dispersed along Lake Ontario, -South of Frontenac.” This means Prince Edward particularly; but they -were as well settled in little villages at different points. Charlevoix -speaks of the Mississaugas as having a village at Niagara and upon Lake -St. Clair; most likely at the mouth of the Thames. They likewise had -villages along the upper waters of the Trent, and at the Don. Their -armorial bearing, or “totem” was the crane, crow, muskrat, and beaver. -The Kentes and Ganneyouses, two tribes of the Mississaugas, although -taking no part in the wars against the French, had practised upon them a -base act of treachery. In 1687, M. de Nonville, who was then Governor of -Canada, being at Frontenac, invited these two tribes to the fort to hold -a conference, and while there, seized forty or fifty men, with eighty -women and children, who were sent prisoners to France. - -The French called the Mississauga, while living in the west, the -_Souter_, or Jumpers, because of the numerous rapids in the river -Mississauga down which their canoes were wont to _jump_. - -The Mississaugas are of a darker hue than any other tribe in the -northern part of America. - -The uncertainty that attaches to the Mississaugas as to origin, and the -fact that they were not given to warfare; but seemed to be at peace with -all native tribes, causes us to think that possibly they may have sprung -from the dispersed “Neutral Nation.” - -At the time of the settlement of Upper Canada, the Mississaugas seem to -have been the principal, if not the sole aboriginal occupants of the -land. There are a great many “Mississauga Points” along the Bay, even at -the present day, and there was a greater number at the first, all of -which indicated the site of an Indian Village. At Cataraqui, just by the -old fort, and Tete du Pont, was a Mississauga point, so called from its -being the site of an Indian village. For years after the refugees -entered, the Indians continued to dwell here, at least during certain -periods of the year. The ground whereon a portion of the railway is -laid, used to be the scene of many an Indian dance, to the tune of other -music than the screaming of the iron horse, although no less -inharmonious. Peter Grass was wont to tell of these scenes, whereat -fearful orgies were witnessed by the lurid glare of their rude torches. -“At the time of the peace, in 1783, the Mississaugas ceded to the Crown -large tracts of land in the Johnstown, Midland and Newcastle -Districts.”—(Report). - -The whole of the land contiguous to the Bay was purchased from the -“Mississaugas of the Bay Quinté.” The Indians, in relinquishing their -claims to the land, had guaranteed to them certain stipulated payments -yearly, in presents. We find it stated that “every man received two -blankets, cloth for one coat and one pair of trowsers, two shirts, -several small articles, besides a gun, ammunition, kettles, and other -things.”—(Playter). - -“They claim, however, to have retained the following reserves.” -_Mississauga Point_, six miles below Belleville, about 1,200 acres; -_Grassy Point_—in Sophiasburgh—about 600 acres; _Cape Vesey_, in -Marysburgh, six miles east of Wappoose Island, 450 acres; _Bald Head_, -at Weller’s Bay, Ameliasburgh, 100 acres. “They also claim the islands -eastward from Presqu Isle to Gananoque, Nicholsons’ Island, in Lake -Ontario, 250 acres, near West Lake, Wellington; Weir’s or Tubb’s Island, -McDonald’s Island, and Sugar Island, in all about 1,000 acres. The -islands from Trenton to Kingston, and thence to Gananoque. Also, Green’s -Island, Timber Island, False Ducks, with others in Lake Ontario.” - -The Commissioners considered that the Indians had claims to compensation -for their lands. As for the islands, the following extract from a letter -from Sir John Johnson to the Military Secretary, dated Lachine, 9th -October, 1797, will show their right to the Islands. “No islands were -ceded to the Crown but Grenadier Island and the Islands between it and -Kingston; two of which were granted to me, with the lands at Gananoque, -by the Governor and Council, together with the Island of Tontine above -Kingston, at the entrance of Lake Ontario.” This was Amherst Island. - -The portion of the Mississaugas to which the land belonged, were those -subsequently known as the Bay Quinté, and the Kingston Indians. The same -that lived for a time at Grape Island, and who now reside at Alnwick. - -“The acceptance of the surrender of the Indians in 1856, by the -Government, is an acknowledgment that these islands had never been ceded -by them.” - -We thus learn that the Indian claims made to the islands and reserves in -Prince Edward, were allowed by the Government. But the Indians claimed -also that the treaty of cession, as they understood it when made, did -“not include, a portion of land bounded on the north by a line which -marks where the waters flow into the Ottawa River, and thence to the -south, some thirty miles, to the head waters of some streams which flow -towards the Lake, with a length of some sixty miles.” But this claim was -not considered as tenable. - -According to the testimony of the first settlers, Wappoose Island, at -the opening of Smith’s Bay, was the abode of the Indian Chief; at least, -he came here yearly to receive the rates from the settlers who had -squatted upon it. The Indians went from this to Kingston, to get their -presents, which they obtained from one Lyons, who it is said, was the -first Indian agent there. He lived a quarter of a mile from the Market -Place. - -From the several villages, placed by the water board, the Mississaugas -were accustomed to ascend up the rivers to the interior of the country -for game. Of the different rivers, the _Sagonaska_, (Moira), was, -perhaps, more generally selected. Stoco Lake was a favorite hunting and -fishing region, so named after a famous Mississauga Chief, Stougeong. -They had a lot reserved at the mouth of the river, and also lot number -four, in the second concession of Thurlow,—altogether 428 acres, which -was sold in 1816, for £107. They generally ascended about the last of -March, and returned the latter part of December. The writer can remember -to have seen their birch canoes, well laden, passing up and down the -river. Before the settlement of Belleville, they had their encampment on -the plains by the river’s mouth, but in later years they selected -grounds some way up the stream. At first the trading post, kept by -Chisholm, east of the river on the bay, was a point of attraction to -them. - -The Indians would make sugar in the spring, and bring it to the settlers -in small basswood bags, which they would exchange for different -articles. - -The Mississaugas being a race of naturally peaceful disposition, the -settlers never had any reason to fear them, even had the Canadian -Government, like the American, forgot to recognize the rights of the -natives, and owners of the soil. When under the influence of liquor they -might assume a mock heroic character to intimidate women and children, -in order to get something; but no attempt was ever made to disturb the -settlers along the Bay. - -Every year the Indians would go to Kingston to receive their presents, -annually given by Government; sometimes there would be a hundred canoes. - - - - - CHAPTER XLIV. - - CONTENTS—Appearance—Mouth of Bay—Length—The Peninsula of Prince - Edward—Width of Bay—Long Reach—Course of Bay—The High Shore— - Division of bay—Eastern, central, western—Taking a trip—Through - the Reach—A picture—A quiet spot—Lake on the mountain—A - description—Montreal Gazette—Beautiful view—Rhine, Hudson— - Contrast—Classic ground—A sketch—Birth place of celebrated - Canadians—Hagerman—A leading spirit—Sir J. A. McDonald— - Reflections—A log house—Relics of the past—Lesson of life—In the - lower bay—Reminiscences—The front—Cradle of the province—Shore of - Marysburgh—In the Western Bay—Cuthbertson—Up the bay—A battle - ground—Devil’s Hill—Stickney’s Hill—In the depths—Prosperity— - Geological supposition—Head of bay—The past. - - - BAY QUINTÉ CONTINUED—ITS APPEARANCE. - -Perhaps there is no sheet of water in Upper Canada possessed of greater -natural beauty than this arm of Lake Ontario. At the eastern extremity -of Ontario, where it merges into the St. Lawrence, with its 1692 -islands, on the northern shore, is found the entrance to the Bay Quinté. -In the early days of the settlement the name was limited to the waters -west of Indian Point, at the extremity of Prince Edward Peninsula. At -the present time the Bay Quinté is understood to include the sound -between Amherst Island, and Wolfe Island, upon the south, and the -mainland to the north. Our history is intended specially to embrace the -events connected with the settlement of this region. - -The bay, commencing where the St. Lawrence begins its mighty flow, -extends in an irregular manner inland to a distance of some 70 miles, -its western extremity approaching to within a short distance of the -lake; and thus creating a lengthy peninsula, varying in breadth, the -greatest being about 25 miles; but with a neck so narrow, that the -peninsula is almost an island. The width of the bay varies, averaging -about a mile; but in some places it is two miles. Not only is the bay -irregular in its direction; but there are many indentations, some -several miles in length, which increase the irregularity, and add beauty -and variety to the scenery. - -The course of the bay from the lower gap, is at first, for some 35 miles -almost due west. It then makes a turn toward the north, tending a little -to the east; while to the south is an indentation forming the Picton -Bay. This portion of the bay is called the Long Reach, and in its -length, presents some of the most striking beauties of the whole bay. -Extending to the south of the Reach is a lengthy indentation five or six -miles long, forming Hay Bay. At the northern extremity of the Long -Reach, is another small bay into which the Napanee River empties, called -the Mohawk Bay. Here the main body of water makes another turn, and -again, stretches almost directly westward, to the head of the bay. At a -distance of eight miles from Mohawk Bay there is a material widening of -the water. This portion is called Big Bay. The width does not appear so -great in consequence of the existence of islands, one of which, the Big -Island, stretches along the south shore even the whole length of Big -Bay. At the western limits of the wide part, the bay is very narrow by -reason of two opposite points, Mississauga and Ox Points, approaching to -within a half mile of each other. It is the opinion of geologists, that -the channel between these two points is of comparatively recent -formation, caused by a sinking of the land, and that the old channel was -through the marsh which divides Mississauga point from the peninsula. - -The High Shore, which forms so prominent a feature in the scenery of the -bay, and the highest summit of which is at the Lake on the Mountain, is -a remarkable formation. Commencing in Marysburgh, near the East Lake by -the shore of Lake Ontario, it follows the course of Smith’s Bay -eastward, down the shore to what is called “the Rock,” thence across the -peninsula to the bay and so follows the course of the bay upward, around -Picton Bay, and thence along the eastern front of Sophiasburgh to a -point opposite Hay Bay. Here the hill leaves the bay shore and takes a -westerly course, and stretches away toward the lake, to the south of the -Carrying Place. - -The Bay of Quinté may be divided into three portions—an eastern, a -western, and a central portion. The eastern and western portions, we -have seen, run east and west. The middle portion, connecting these two -together, is a reach of some twelve miles and mostly north and south, -from Picton Bay to Mohawk Bay. Undoubtedly the “Long Reach” possesses -the most attractive scenery, from the waters themselves, along the whole -sheet, from Kingston to the Carrying Place. To obtain some idea of the -scenery here presented, the reader is invited to accompany the writer, -in imagination, upon the steamer from Mill point, Tyendinaga, or the -Indian Woods, to Kingston. It is upon a bright morning in September. -Leaving the wharf at Mill Point, our boat makes a graceful sweep and -turns here prow down the bay toward the Reach. The power of the sun is -beginning to be felt, and the mist which has rested upon the waters is -gradually rising. After leaving the wharf a few minutes, an angle is -reached from which we can look up through the Big Bay almost to -Belleville, and, at the same time down the Reach, into Picton Bay. This -morning, on glancing upwards, a lovely view presents itself. The water -is like glass, from which the mist, here and there, is rising like a -sheet of the purest snow. Resting in the glassy bed are several -schooners, whose white sails and rigging are perfectly mirrored by the -unrippled surface of the water. Turning our gaze down through the Reach, -even a more beautiful sight is before us. From this stand point we seem -to be looking through, as it were, a telescope, at the distant shores of -Picton Bay. The sun’s rays have not yet reached the deep and narrow -channel, so that a thick covering of white mist hides the water, -excepting here and there, where its lovely blue may be seen, as it -reflects the azure sky. A vessel with snowy sails, seems to be resting -against the high shore, while its hull is half enshrouded in the fog. To -the right, over a point of low land, may be seen the top mast of another -vessel, which, in an indentation of the bay, is as if left upon the dry -land by a retiring flood. It has always seemed to the writer that this -is the most delightful and picturesque spot upon the bay, and he has -endeavored, in but an imperfect way, to draw to it the attention of -tourists, who may desire to see the more enchanting scenes connected -with the bay. Proceeding on our way down the Reach, the steamer stops at -Roblin’s wharf upon the right. Here, in a little dell, leading into a -peaceful valley pleasantly wooded, which leads up to the high shore, is -situated Mr. Roblin’s buildings. For a quiet place in which to live -during the summer, where one may forget the cold artificial world, it is -unequalled. To the right is the bold high shore, which protects from the -northern wind. Spread out before, is a beautiful landscape. There, is -another view of Adolphustown, with its many points, and corresponding -indentations, the home of peace and plenty. There, is the entrance to -Hay Bay, and more directly opposite, the elevated shore, well crowned -with trees, still clothed in green. - -We now continue our voyage close to the precipitous rocks which form the -shore, and presently we approach the mouth of Picton Bay. Here again is -obtained a varied and delightful prospect, ere we leave this “Grand -Bay,” as it was at first called. - -Issuing again from Picton Bay, our steamer glides along in the shadow of -the eastern shore, and approaches the Stone Mills, at the foot of the -lake on the mountain. The captain will wait until we have ascended, and -viewed the lake, and the magnificent prospect spread out around. But the -brief time allowed to accomplish the ascent affords no adequate chance -to take in the exceeding loveliness, and call to mind the historic -events connected with the country within view. So we shall detain the -tourist for a days’ inspection of the scene. - -The Lake of the Mountain is a curiosity of no mean order. The following, -taken from the Montreal _Gazette_, published in the summer of 1834, is -worthy the place we give it: - - “The Lake of the Mountain is one of the most remarkable objects in - the District of Prince Edward. This singular body of water is about - five miles distant from Hallowell, (Picton). It is situated on the - top of a lofty eminence, about one hundred and sixty feet above the - level of the Bay of Quinté. The manner in which it is bounded is - rather singular. In one direction it is only separated from the - waters of the Bay below by a ledge of limestone rock, about eighty - feet high, and by a precipitous embankment, which extends half way - around it. In every other direction it is skirted by a ridge which - rises to the height of 40 feet above the level of its surface. This - Lake is about five miles in circumference. Its waters are at present - applied to propel only a grist mill and a fulling machine. An - artificial canal has been cut, along which the water is conveyed to - the edge of the embankment, from whence it is conducted by a wooden - raceway to the mills, which are situated near the margin of the bay - below. The original outlet of the lake is at a few paces distance - from the raceway. At this place the surplus waters formerly escaped - through an orifice in the precipice I formerly mentioned, and after - dashing over the rocks below, ultimately found their passage into - the Bay. - - “When I first heard of this lake, the most incredible stories were - related to me concerning it. The gentleman who first directed my - attention to it, absolutely told me that it was supplied by a - subterraneous passage from Lake Erie, that there was no inlet in the - neighborhood, capable of affording it a supply, and lastly, that it - was unfathomable, or that its bottom was lower than that of the - adjoining part of the Bay of Quinté. Such information as this, - communicated by a well-informed Barrister, did not fail to excite my - curiosity, and I accordingly set out to examine it with feelings of - considerable anxiety. - - “What led to the absurd idea that this lake was supplied from Lake - Erie, I am at a loss to understand. It contains no springs, and the - banks of that part especially from which it is viewed by strangers, - being all so low that no inlet is visible, it might, perhaps, have - been thought impossible to account for its source by any other - means. The absurdity of the notion is, however, so glaring, that I - would not spend a single moment in exposing it, had it not taken - strong hold of the imagination of a great proportion of intelligent - people residing in this part of the country. - - “If the Lake of the Mountain were supplied from Lake Erie, its - waters should experience a corresponding rise and fall with those of - Lake Erie. This, however, they do not, for last year the waters of - Lake Erie were higher than usual, while those of the Lake of the - Mountain were very low. Again, this year, the waters of Lake Erie - were lower than usual, while those of the Lake of the Mountain are - very high. - - “Further, if the Lake of the Mountain were supplied from Lake Erie, - it should be altogether uninfluenced by any state of the weather in - its neighborhood. This, however, is not the case, for in wet weather - it becomes high, and in dry weather it becomes low. When I first - visited this lake, its waters were nearly upon a level with its - banks, and when I saw it some months afterwards, they were seven or - eight feet above them. This was after a continuance of dry weather. - - “From all this it is evident that Lake Erie does not furnish the - supply of the Lake of the Mountain, and that it must be looked for - in some other quarter. Being determined to discover from whence this - supply was derived, I proceeded along the east side of the lake for - about a mile, upon the top of the eminence which separates it from - the Bay of Quinté. I then entered the woods and began imperceptibly - to ascend, until I found, by again coming in site of the lake, that - I had reached an elevation of about forty feet above it. Continuing - to proceed for two or three miles, I descended, in the same - imperceptible manner, to the place from which I first set out. In - the course of this journey, I crossed no less than five different - water-courses, four of which were dry at the period of my first - visit, but all of which I have since seen pouring out very - considerable quantities of water. The fifth is a beautiful stream - flowing into the lake over successive ledges of limestone rock, - underneath the rich foliage of the trees by which it is overarched. - This stream affords the chief supply to the lake, and judging from - the appearance of its channel, it must be sometimes upwards of a - foot deep. In the spring and fall, when the greatest quantities of - water are discharged by it, I have distinctly heard the noise which - it makes at a distance of two miles, and on the opposite side of the - lake, as it dashes over the rocks. The whole of these rivulets - proceed from two extensive swamps. That from which the largest - arises is situated to the south west of the lake, and is about three - or four miles in circumference. - - “The depth of the lake next claimed my attention. Having procured a - sufficient length of line, I pushed out upon its waters in a small - scow. For a considerable distance we distinctly perceive the bottom, - which consists of dissolved, or rather corroded lime, so loose and - light that with little or no exertion one may push the whole length - of his oar into it. Continuing to look downwards upon the beautiful - white bottom as we sail along, we start instinctively upon finding - that we all at once lose sight of it, and that we gaze into a deep, - dark, frightful abyss, which is formed by the sudden appearance of a - precipitous ridge, running right across the lake. Nothing can exceed - the amazement—terror, I had almost called it—which some people - express on finding themselves surrounded by lofty, dark woods, and - floating upon the surface of water as black as ink, over an abyss - which they have been told is quite unfathomable. - - “After having sailed over the lake in every different direction, and - taken an immense number of soundings, I found its greatest depth to - be only ninety-one feet. The bay below I found to be eighty-two - feet. Now as the lake is about one hundred and sixty feet above the - level of the bay, it follows that the bottom of the lake is one - hundred and fifty-one feet higher than that of the bay. - - “Thus, then, it appears that the Lake of the Mountain does not - derive its supply from Lake Erie, that its source is to be found in - its immediate neighbourhood, that it is not unfathomable, and that - its bottom is not lower than that of the Bay of Quinté. - - “The Lake of the Mountain is however, an object of sufficient - interest, without adding to its wonders those of a subterraneous - communication with Lake Erie, and an unfathomable depth. There is, - for instance, the very singular manner in which it is separated from - the Bay of Quinté, by a wall of solid rock, and the extraordinary - form of its basin. The fine views, too, with which the mountain - abounds, ought to be sufficient to attract the attention of all - those whose minds are capable of enjoying the various forms in which - beauty may be contemplated. - - “Nothing can surpass the savage grandeur of the scene we look upon - from the summit of the limestone rock I have so often mentioned, nor - can a lovelier prospect be anywhere found than that which breaks - upon the view, on first reaching the top of the mountain. To the - north and west, we behold the Bay of Quinté, stretching far away - into the land, and dividing itself into many beautiful inlets. There - are too, the promising settlements and clearances all along the - coast, which can never fail to raise and exhilarate the spirits of - every one who wishes well to the destinies of his species. There is, - however, one view at this lake, which, above all others, I have most - delighted to enjoy. It is from the woods, upon the most elevated - part of the eminence which bounds the lake to the south. From this - we behold the deep dark waters of the lake beneath our feet, the bay - of an hundred arms, with its smiling coast, and far away we gaze - upon forest rising behind forest, until we are lost in the - interminable—the dreamy distance. - - “I have visited this place when the surrounding woods shone in all - the gorgeousness of summer sunshine. I have viewed it again by the - pale moonlight, when the splendour and magnificence of the scene - surpassed even what it exhibited when viewed by the broad light of - day. The lake below, and the distant bay, appeared like sheets of - molten silver, and every object was softened down by the mellow - light under which they were viewed. At first the sky was perfectly - cloudless, but, in the course of the evening, the scene gradually - underwent a change. On the one hand, the moon shone out with a - degree of splendour which no one can have any idea of, save they who - have beheld her chaste countenance peering above a Canadian forest. - On the other hand the thin, fleecy-looking clouds rapidly chased - each other up towards the zenith. As the evening advanced, gleams of - purple lightning at intervals streamed forth. At length one large - cloud which seemed to be the nucleus of the whole, shot from around - its margin successive flashes of pure white lightning, unaccompanied - by the slightest noise of thunder. As I gazed on the brilliant - spectacle before me, it seemed instantly to assume the shape and - form of the bust of some gigantic being. The longer I looked at it, - the brighter did the lightning blaze around it, and the more - forcibly was I impressed with the resemblance. It might have seemed - to a superstitious or highly imaginative mind, as if the great - Spirit of nature had deigned to reveal himself, amid the grandeur - and sublimity of a scene so congenial to his character. - -We would supplement this just tribute of praise, and interesting -statement; and we venture to say, after having viewed many lovely spots -in the old and new worlds, that we know of no lovelier panoramic view -than that to be obtained from the Lake of the Mountain, not even -excepting the far-famed Hudson, and the classic Rhine. Of course we -except the rich relics of the old feudal days, which so picturesquely -adorn the mountain tops along the swift running Rhine. But even here we -are not destitute of historic reminiscences. True, we have no embattled -towers, resting on rugged summits; no castle keeps, with mysterious -dungeons, upon whose walls may be traced the letters laboriously cut by -long retained captives; no crumbling walls and half-filled moats; no -magnificent ruins of graceful architecture. We possess no Tintern Abbey -by the quiet waters, to tell of the olden time; no gloomy cloisters -where comfortable monks did dwell; nor romantic cathedral whose antique -windows admitted but dim religious light. Still, there is something to -be said of the past, in connection with our country. From our position -here we may examine the classic ground of Upper Canada, and trace the -course of settlement followed by our fathers, the pioneers. - -At our feet is the bay, and seemingly so near, that one could toss a -stone into the clear blue water; and across, at the distance of a mile, -though apparently much nearer, lies the low rich land of Adolphustown. -To the right stretches, in almost a straight line, the waters of the -bay, along which may be seen the well settled shores even to Ernesttown, -and over which we get a view of the Upper Gap, where the waters of the -bay co-mingle with the more boisterous flood of Ontario. Upon this -bright autumn day the view is almost enchanting. The surface of the -waters of the several indentions, especially Hay Bay, as well as the -main channel, have imparted to them the bright blue of the sky, while -the fields of rich green and gold give variety to the scene. This rich -landscape spread out before us is really the classic ground of Upper -Canada. Within the compass of our view was for several years the western -limit of the settlement. We can see, where landed the refugee loyalists -to take possession of the land. Along that green and golden sloping -shore has slowly passed the batteaux laden with the settlers and their -limited household effects; there also has gone the Skenectady boat with -its ungainly soil, and toiling rowers. There, upon the rich land of -Fredericksburgh and Adolphustown, lived and died many of the fathers of -Canada. In the old homesteads, which there gradually arose, were born, -and spent their boyhood days, a host of sons, who, moving further west -up the bay and lake, planted the townships. From that spot sprang many -of Canada’s earliest public men, who passed their younger days among -these natural beauties which belong to the bay. Under our eye is the -birth-place of Judge Hagerman, Sheriff Ruttan, and others, who have left -a name upon the pages of Canadian history. There, upon the front of -Adolphustown stands the old Court House, where were held the first -Courts of Law of Upper Canada; there flourished the earliest lawyer of -the Province, Judge Hagerman’s father, and there pleaded McLean of -Kingston, in his robes and powdered wig. And, there yet stands the house -where lived the little boy, who, now a man, is the leading spirit in our -enlarged Canada. Upon this hill, and up and down its slopes, often -played this, the foremost man in British America, Sir John A. McDonald. -Those four townships, Kingston, Ernesttown, Fredericksburgh, and -Adolphustown, were the early homes of those who faithfully served their -country. How many thoughts are suggested as the student of history looks -abroad on this the first inhabited land of Western Canada. Many of the -present inhabitants here never heard of the noble ones, who have -struggled, and whose bones now decay in yon “U. E. burying ground,” just -across the water. - -Descending the mountain, we will continue our voyage toward Kingston. -The next stopping place is Adolphustown, the history of which is given -elsewhere. We have to cross the water, and as we approach the landing, -we may see the splendid farm where lived the leader of the original -settlers, Major VanAlstine. The village of Adolphustown, once one of the -most important places in Upper Canada, is now a quiet but pleasant spot, -especially during the summer days. - -Proceeding on our way, we may observe, just west of Coles’ Point, where -settled the very first person in Adolphustown, a small log house. It is -much larger than those which sparsely dotted the bay shore seventy years -ago. But it reminds one, of the first domiciles here erected. Divided -into two, one part having been first built, and the other, when a -growing family made it desirable, and means possible. This old log house -close by the shore is a lingering specimen of an almost extinct feature -of the bay. See here and there those tall poplar trees, brought in by -the early settlers from the Hudson valley, and planted in front of the -dwelling; many of them are yielding to the tooth of time. These trees -generally mark the spot where the settler erected his second home after -years of labor had prospered him. In many places they stand erect, but -with age stricken limbs, as faithful sentinels over the ashes of the old -homestead. Ashes indeed! For the crumbling chimney alone indicates where -was once the abode of the pioneer—of life’s cares and hopes, of doubt -and expectation—of all the ins and outs belonging to the home of the -pioneer. We have read to us the lesson of life; there, are the graves of -the brave old veterans and pioneers, and there, the dust of their -earthly dwellings. Ashes to ashes! Dust to dust! - -In the lower bay particularly have come to pass many events of varied -import, and fraught with thrilling interest. Here, in times anterior to -the French rule in Canada, did the native tribes come to hold their -councils, to make treaties, form alliances, or declare war. Here, at the -mouth of the Cataraqui; or along the shores toward the little Cataraqui, -the French first fixed their place of meeting, and trade with the -Indians who lived afar off in the west. Over these waters have -Champlain, the French Recollets, the first discoverers, La Salle, Father -Hennepin, Chevalier de Tonti, La Barre, Denonville, Conte de Frontenac -and others, passed time after time. Over the waters here floated the -English under Bradstreet, upon the 25th August, 1750, who, at the break -of day were to besiege Fort Frontenac, and to capture it. - -The close of the war in 1783, brought the disbanded soldiers and many a -refugee. Along the shores passed the whole of the Mohawk Indians on -their way to their lands. Here the Nation separated, a small party under -Captain John, passing up the Bay of Quinté, while the majority passed up -the south shore of the lake to the Grand River. For years after might -have been seen day after day, batteaux, singly, or in brigades, and at a -later date Skenectady boats, freighted with families old and young, and -with a few precious household effects, slowly and laboriously pulling -their way to their place of destined settlement. In the war of 1812, the -American fleet ventured in at the upper gap and passed along at a safe -distance from the field artillery that occupied the shore at Herchimer’s -Point. They were essaying to capture the Royal George; but this attempt -was as vain as that to overrun our province. Into these waters entered -the vessel of war, bearing the officers of Hull’s army from Detroit, -which they boastingly had declared would conquer Canada. From these -waters issued some of the first sailing vessels of Lake Ontario. Here -was likewise built the first steamboats upon the lake and bay, the -_Frontenac_ and _Charlotte_. - -Upon the shores of these pleasant waters was commenced the survey of the -ten townships around the bay. Here was the starting point of settlement. -Here, for many a year, was the central point of Upper Canada. Along from -Cataraqui up to Collin’s Bay was the great front of the infant -settlement. Going up the bay, even to Adolphustown, was regarded for -several years as going far into the backwoods. - -Along the north shore of the bay to Adolphustown, were enacted those -scenes which constituted the very first events of Upper Canadian -history. The front of Kingston township may, indeed be called the birth -place, and the front of Adolphustown the cradle, of the province. Every -farm along this shore has its history, which if written in the noble -spirit that animated the British American Loyalists, would command the -attention of the world. These quiet old homesteads now reposing upon the -gentle slopes in peace and plenty, tell not of the hardships of the old -soldiers and refugees, who, with ticket in hand entered to commence the -earnest work of clearing. Mainly, in the third and fourth townships, the -officers settled by the bay, while the rank and file took up lots in the -second and rear concessions. The first four townships are indeed, the -classic ground of Canada. - -Nor is the south shore of the bay, Marysburgh, devoid of interest in an -historic sense. Reserving for another place a full account of the first -settlement by the Hessians, we can but glance at the fact that a band of -men without any knowledge of the English language, and unacquainted with -the first principles of pioneer life, constituted the first settlers. -There, in McDonald’s Cove landed he, after whom the name is given; and -there, amid the woods and upon the bright waters, he passed his days. - -We commenced our trip and observations at Mill Point, and proceeded down -the bay. Let us return, and starting from the same place proceed to the -head of the bay, the Carrying Place. This part of the bay possesses less -of that picturesque beauty than is found in the part over which we have -passed; yet there is much to engage the attention of the tourist. - -Mill Point, although a name suggestive of enterprise and of the -existence of mills; cannot be regarded with approbation, and it is to be -hoped that some appropriate name, commemorating some past event or -person, connected with the place, will be bestowed upon it. It was for -many years known as “Culbertson’s wharf.” The proper name, however, was -Cuthbertson. It was from the son of a Scotch fur trader who became -connected with the Mohawks. He lived at Kingston for many years, leaving -when he died a natural son and daughter, by a daughter of Captain John. -After his death, she and the two children removed to the Mohawk village. -It was this son who first built the wharf here, and hence the original -name. - -Continuing our way up the bay, leaving to the east the pleasant inlet -stretching up to Napanee, the first thing to attract our attention is -the Parsonage and Indian Church, embowered in the beautiful forest -trees. The Parsonage first strikes our view, where resides the amiable -and worthy clergyman Mr. Anderson. In front of it is a solitary poplar -with the branches partially decayed. It marks the spot upon which the -tribe first landed, when they came to the place in 1784. Here they first -spread their tents. Somewhat to the east of this stood the first English -Church, the foundation of which can yet be traced. Near by sleeps the -remains of Captain John, the leader of the tribe, and likewise many -other warriors. - -A half mile to the west of the Church, is an eminence, which tradition -points to as the battle ground between the ancient Mississaugas and the -Hurons. Further westward is Devil’s Hill, so called because a drunken -Indian declared he there had seen, one night, his Satanic Majesty, and -chased him all night. Then comes Eagle Hill, once the abode of this -Imperial bird. To the south, first lies the low island, known as Captain -John’s, bought by Cuthbertson who built the wharf, from the -Mississaugas. Then comes the north front of Sophiasburg, rich in -agricultural beauty. The first eminence by the shore is Stickney’s Hill, -once the burying place of Indians, but erroneously supposed to be the -spot where a Col. Quinté, with his army, perished from hunger and cold. -In the depths of the waters over which our boat now glides, it has been -recorded, have been seen cannon and ammunition, and other warlike -material, which Col. Quinté vainly endeavored to take across on his way -to Fort Frontenac. But the truth is, if such material have been seen, -they were the contents of a military sleigh which, while passing up -through here in the winter of 1812–13, heavily laden, broke through the -thin ice. We now enter Northport, at the eastern side of Big Bay; and -the land, on every hand, tells of comfort and thrift, and quiet peace. -Next, the wider portion of the Bay, which has received the name of Big -Bay, is passed over. To the left is Big Island, and Grape Island, where -the Rev. Mr. Case endeavoured to civilize and Christianize a community -of Mississaugas. We now pass through the Narrows, and the spires of -Belleville Churches may be seen in the distance. From Big Bay to the -Carrying Place, there is great uniformity in the appearance of the land -on either side, excepting upon the south shore at about seven miles from -the head of the Bay. Here, where is the Village of Rednersville, is a -somewhat remarkable hill, which, commencing at this point, extends up -along the Bay toward the end. It is separated from the western extremity -of the High Shore by a valley, through which, at one time, the waters of -Ontario flowed; and, when this hill was an island. The rock of this hill -consists of shaly limestone, similar to that which forms the bed of the -Moira. We now approach the end of our voyage, and, as the steamer enters -the port at Trenton, we can see the basin which forms the end of the -bay, in which rests one Island known as Indian Island. Taking the Bay -Quinté in its whole extent, the events of the past belonging to this -quiet sheet of water, are of no ordinary interest. The tourist of -to-day, while he admires the beauty as he passes along, sees no trace of -the past. The placid water, no more reflects the trim and light canoe of -birch, no longer the clumsy, but staunch batteau, or Durham boat, nor -the Skenectady boat. No more is heard the oar of the Canadian voyageur, -keeping time by tuneful voices. - - - - - CHAPTER XLV. - - CONTENTS—The “Big Bay”—Musketoe Bay—Mohawk Bay—Hay Bay—“Eastern - Bay”—Site of Ancient Kentes—The Name—Old Families—An Accident, - 1819—Eighteen Drowned—Extract from Playter—Searching for the - Bodies—Burying the Dead—Picton Bay—Appearance—The “Grand Bay”— - Upper Gap—Lower Gap—Kingston Bay—A Picture—Recollections—A - Contrast—Ship Yards—Extract from Cooper—Inland Lakes. - - - THE SEVERAL BAYS. - -In looking at the main channel, we have mentioned several indentations, -which have, from their size, received distinct names. We will now -examine these more particularly. - -About twenty miles from the Carrying Place, and eight miles east of -Belleville, is _Big Bay_, meaning, originally the big part of the Bay. -As before stated, its size does not appear so well marked as it -otherwise would, from the existence of a large island which lies in the -south part of the Bay, and which is, seemingly a part of the main land. -To the north is a small bay, where the Salmon River empties. Between -Mississauga point, which forms the western boundary of Big Bay, and -Huff’s Island, is another inlet from Big Bay, which is called by the -inhabitants _Musketoe Bay_, or sometimes, erroneously, “Miscouter” Bay. -It is, mainly, but a marsh, in which the Muskrat finds a home, the wild -duck a safe retreat, and where myriads of musketoe may, in their season, -be found. This last mentioned fact explains the origin of the name. It -is stated that, before the adjacent land was cleared, the swarms of -insects was so thick as to actually cloud the air. - -At the junction of the western and middle portions of the Bay is the -_Mohawk Bay_. This name is derived from the residence here of the Mohawk -Indians, who came in 1784, and consequently is of no older date than the -settlement of Upper Canada. The original name was _Ganeious_. The Bay is -about five miles in length, and a mile wide at its mouth; it gradually -lessens until it forms the mouth of the Napanee river. In summer the -scenery along this Bay is very agreeable, and in some places really -beautiful. The second flouring mill having been built in 1785, Mohawk -Bay and the Napanee River were well known by early settlers, and along -these shores, now well cultivated fields, there have passed many a time -the batteau laden with grain, or the canoe with a bag of gristing; or -along the shore trudged the pioneer with a bushel of corn on his back, -or in winter hauled it upon a hand sleigh. - -HAY BAY.—From the entrance of Mohawk Bay southward, along the reach -about seven miles, is another inlet. This is _Hay Bay_, and, by far, the -largest of the several Bays. By looking at the map, it will be seen that -this indentation is somewhat divided into two almost equal portions by a -narrow channel; and that the eastern part is considerably broader than -the western. This narrow channel was originally called, according to an -old map of Fredericksburg, dated 1784, the “Long Reach,” and the east -end, the “Eastern Bay.” This was then regarded as the real end of the -Bay Quinté. The “North Channel,” leading to the Mohawk settlement, was -but little known, and not taken into consideration. It must be -remembered that the names originally given to the several portions of -the Bay were such as the circumstances of the settlers would be likely -to suggest. The soldiers who settled on the front of the third township -soon learned that in the rear was a Bay, by which they could reach the -back concessions. Some crossed the peninsula, while others reached their -lots by making a circuit of the Fourth Town shore. The distance to them -as they toiled in the batteaux, seemed a long stretch, and hence it was -called the “Long Reach,” while the wider portion, at the end of the Bay -was named Eastern Bay, or the most eastern bay. Here, as we have seen, -dwelt the ancient Kentes. The name of Hay Bay must have been given to -this sheet of water about 1786. In the absence of any certain knowledge -of the origin of the name, we have concluded that it was so called, out -of respect to his memory, after Lieut.-Governor Hay, who died at -Detroit, 29th August, 1785, “after twenty-nine years service.” This was -the year previous to the time of the first settlers locating here. The -name was, most likely, given by the Surveyor, who, in accordance with -the custom, named everything after some influential or prominent person, -or friend. While advancing this theory of the origin of the name, we -must not omit to mention, that when the country was opened up there was, -growing in some places upon the bay shore, wild hay. This may possibly -have given rise to the name; or the name may have been taken from Chief -Justice Hay. Hay Bay, although possessing no particular features of -beauty, has a charm peculiarly its own, as being the original Kente Bay. -It is not wanting in historic interest. Along its shores, now so -fertile, for long years existed abundant game; a fact well known to all -the neighboring tribes. Although no settler took up land here until -1786, there were among them individuals who took no unimportant part in -the war against rebellion. Upon the south shore lived and died some -families who acted more than ordinarily venturesome parts during the -contest, as the Huycks, Miss Loyst, who married a Diamond, and whose two -brothers were with Sir John Johnson at Hungry Bay. Here settled three -Embury’s, David on the north shore, who was brother of Philip Embury, -the first Methodist Preacher in America. On the south side lived Andrew, -and John Embury, and the first family of the Bogarts of Canada, -descendants of the first Moravian minister, to America. Also, here lived -Judge Fisher, Squire Beegle, James Knox, the first Quaker Preacher in -Canada. Upon the north bank, while the colony was yet in its infant -days, was committed, probably, the first act of suicide in the country. -An event even yet remembered by some. And, more than all, it was upon -these waters where occurred an accident, which filled the whole Bay -country with horror; and awakened emotions of the keenest sympathy, -which produced an impression throughout the whole Province, exceeded -only by the loss of the schooner “Speedy,” with all on board. - -The accident on Hay Bay took place on a Sunday morning, 20th August, -1819. On the south shore of the bay, in the Methodist meeting-house, was -this day a Quarterly Meeting. Quarterly meetings, in the early days of -the country, were always largely attended, persons coming from a -considerable distance. On this occasion there were present many from the -adjacent townships. Not a few came from the banks of the Napanee. Those -living to the north of the bay had to cross to the place of meeting by -boat. It was a bright sunny Sabbath morning, and already had many -crossed and were joining in the religious services, when there put off -from the north shore, a short distance from Casey’s Point, a boat load, -consisting of eighteen young men and women, most of whom lived along the -bay. They were all dressed in good and modest apparel as befitted the -day, and the house and worship of God. Buoyant with the cheerfulness of -youth, and the emotions of piety, they sang as they stepped into the -boat, and as they made progress to the other shore. The boat being -rather leaky, and so many, pressing it too near the water’s edge, the -water came in and increased fast, and they had no vessel to bail with. -Unhappily, the young men did not think of bailing with their clean hats, -or did not like to do so, until it was too late. The boat filled and -sank, when near the other shore, and these eighteen young men and women, -crying and shrieking, went down into the deep water. At the time of -crossing, there was a prayer meeting proceeding in the chapel. One of -those present was now engaged in prayer, and had just uttered the -petition that “it might be a day long to be remembered,” when a shriek -was heard, another, and another. The prayer was stopped, and some ran up -to the pulpit to look out, and saw the youths struggling in the water. -All ran to the shore, and some plunged in to render assistance. Eight -were taken to the shore. Ten bodies were yet in the water. A seine was -prepared, and so the bodies of these unhappy youths, a few hours ago so -blythe and cheerful were brought dripping to the land. One was not -recovered till the next morning. Two young men were drowned, and eight -young women. Two were of the German family, two Detlors, one Bogart, one -Roblin, one McCoy, one Clark, one Madden, and one Cole. The grief of the -families, so suddenly bereaved, gathered together on the shore, gazing -at the loved bodies, may be better imagined than described. The grief, -too, was shared by the large congregation assembled, and by the -minister. No public worship was attended to, but preparations for the -solemn funeral. - -Monday was a day of mourning. News of the disaster soon spread far, and -a great congregation was assembled. Nine coffins were laid in order -outside the chapel. One of the corpses was buried in another graveyard. -Mr. Puffer took for the text, Job xix. 25–27, “I know that my Redeemer -liveth,” &c. He stood at the door and tried to preach to those within -and without, but was so affected by the catastrophe, the weeping -congregation, and the coffined dead before him, that he confessed he -could not do justice to the subject, or the occasion. But he offered -consolation from the gospel to the stricken families mourning. Next, the -coffins of the youthful dead were opened, that friends and neighbours, -and young acquaintances, might take a last look and farewell. Six of the -graves were in rotation, and the coffins were placed in the same manner. -The others were near departed friends in other parts of the ground. -After the reading of the burial service, the graves, one after another, -received the dead, and then were closed up again, until the day when -“the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible.”— -(Playter). - -The writer has often heard his father relate the touching circumstances -here told. He was then at home, his father being a resident of the south -shore, and was an eye witness of the scene. His father’s steelyards were -used, the hooks being attached to a pole, to grapple for the bodies. - -PICTON BAY.—Where the eastern portion of the Bay Quinté and the Long -Reach unite, the waters are comparatively wide. This was at the first -called the _Grand Bay_. The south side of the Grand Bay forms the mouth -of Picton Bay, which stretches southward some five miles, and which has -at its head the town of Picton, after which the bay has been named. - -The view presented upon passing up this indentation of the Bay, and as -well in returning, and looking up the long reach, is one of the most -attractive perhaps in all Canada. As the tourist approaches the head of -the Bay he will be struck with the extraordinary beauty. To the left are -two picturesque buildings, one the Ontario College. Rising up -majestically at the very head of the Bay, is an almost precipitous -mountain, whose gray sides, and wood-crowned summit, gives a grand, -though sombre appearance. Nothing seems to be wanting but the crumbling -walls of an old castle to make the picture complete. - -When the refugees first came to the Bay, the inlet, now called Picton -Bay, was regarded with some degree of aversion. The high barren-looking -shores, covered with dwarf firs and cedars, offered no inducements to -the settler. During the first two or three years a party of three or -four ascended to the head of the Bay, but observing the thick cedars and -firs on either hand, and withal suffering much from the musketoes, they -returned and reported that no man could ever inhabit it, that it was fit -only for the musketoe. But before many years the Congers, the Johnsons, -Washburns and Steeles, had taken up their abode here. - -We have seen that this Bay constituted a part of an Indian route from -the west to the south shores of Ontario. - -To the east of “Grand Bay,” the peninsula of Adolphustown is indented by -two bays. - -Between the extremity of Prince Edward Peninsula and Amherst Island, -where Lake Ontario joins the Bay, at a point which formerly was regarded -as the mouth of the Bay of Quinté, is a space nearly a mile. This is -called the _Upper Gap_. Between the eastern end of Amherst and Grape -Island is the _Lower Gap_ which is something more than a mile wide. -Directly to the north of the east end of Amherst Island, upon the coast -of Ernesttown is an indentation where empties a small stream, this is -called _Collins’ Bay_, after Deputy Surveyor Collins. - -The only remaining bay of which we shall specially speak, is the -Kingston Bay. - -Perhaps no piece of water can be found in Western Canada possessed of -more natural beauty than the Bay of Kingston, during the season of -navigation by water. Whether one enters it from the Great Lake with its -rough swell, or the quiet waters of Quinté, or the bright St. Lawrence, -whose waters are beautiful with a thousand isles; or whether he gazes -from the curving shore at the City’s front; or from the Cataraqui -Bridge; or instead, takes his stand at the point of Frederick or Fort -Henry, there is spread out the same pleasing view; one upon which the -eye can long gaze with admiration. Encircled by a border of green clad -islands, with the massive city upon one side, the waters of the harbour -are peaceful and secure. The former beauties such as Champlain and -Frontenac looked upon, have passed away. There is less of the natural -beauty entering now into the view, but art has taken the place. The -barracks at the _Tête du Pont_, the buildings at Navy Yard, the strong -fort, the warlike martello towers, and the city of solid stone, give a -different, but yet a pleasing picture. Kingston Bay affords a safe place -for boating in summer, and in winter, its coating of ice is the theatre -of attraction for the joyous skater. - -Respecting the events which have come to pass by the Bay of Kingston in -the early history of the country, the reader is referred to the history -of Kingston. We will only add that the “ship-yards and marine railways -at Kingston, Garden Island, and Portsmouth, have launched on the inland -seas the greatest in number and largest of tonnage of Canadian vessels -in Canada West; Kingston being second only to Quebec in the extent of -its ship-building.” - -Here in 1814 was built the three decked ship of war “_Saint Lawrence_,” -at a cost of £500,000. The chief cause of this enormous cost was the -expense of transportation of stores and equipments from Montreal. In -1853, the aggregate tonnage of the vessels built at the ship-yard in -Kingston alone, apart from those built at Portsmouth and Garden Island, -amounted to 2,500 tons; the cost of these vessels was £26,000, of which -£14,000 was paid for labor. - -We will here introduce an interesting notice of the several lakes lying -north of the Bay in the adjacent townships, from Cooper. “Through the -whole tract of country lying north of the Township of Kingston, and in -these and the neighbouring counties, are a multitude of lakes of various -sizes, from that of a mere pond up to that of a lake twenty miles in -extent. The water of these lakes is extremely pure and clear, and they -are furnished with abundance of fish; they are mostly connected by -streams of water, and are navigable, and the streams are capable of -floating canoes or small boats. Through these lakes and streams are -annually floated immense quantities of lumber and timber, and in the -absence of the roads now in course of construction, they have been the -highway to the city from many a fine farm on their banks. Around them, -in some places, the land is much broken, rocky and waste, but between -such broken and rough tracts are lands of great richness and fertility, -and of the first quality. The scenery throughout this tract of country, -and in the neighbourhood of these lakes and rivers is extremely -picturesque, and in many places even grand, varied with rock, valley, -streamlets and wood. When as the country gets older, localities are -sought not only with regard to their flat unvaried richness of soil, but -with some consideration of their beauty of location and scenic charms; -there is little doubt that many a romantic glen here will have its -accompanying cottage, hamlet or mansion, and that many a pretty -homestead will be empowered among these woods and water-falls; even now, -many a good farm is being brought under cultivation in these parts. If -any surpass the rest in picturesque beauty, we should incline to give -the palm to Buck Lake and its vicinity. The neighbourhood of these lakes -abound in deer.” - - - - - CHAPTER XLVa. - - CONTENTS—Islands—Possessed by Indians—The “Thousand Islands”— - Carleton Island—History of Island—During the rebellion—Wolfe - Island—The name—Howe Island—Old name—County of Ontario—Garden - Island—Horseshoe Island—Sir Jeffry Amherst—The size—Indian name— - “Tontine”—Johnson’s Island—The Island won—Present owner—First - settler—The three brothers—Small Islands—Hare Island—Nut Island— - Wappoose Island—Indian rendezvous—Captain John’s Island—Bartering— - Hunger Island—Big Island—First settlers—Huff’s Island—Paul Huff— - Grape Island—Hog Island—Smaller Islands—Mississauga Island—A - tradition—The Carrying Place—Its course—Original survey—History— - American prisoners—Col. Wilkins. - - - THE ISLANDS OF BAY QUINTÉ. - -The reader who has kindly followed us thus far in examining the bay, and -its several coves, or indentations, is invited to accompany us once more -along its course, and note the several islands which stud its bosom. -They are not numerous; but the numerous points all along, as well as the -turns in the bay recompense any lack arising from the absence of -islands. - -When the Mississauga Indians ceded the land along the bay to the British -Government, they reserved certain points of land, and mostly all the -islands between the head of the bay and Gananoque. Those excepted were -Grenadier Island, and the small islands between it and Kingston, and -Amherst Island. - -The islands of the St. Lawrence are famed almost the world over, they -are called the “Thousand Islands.” But Howison says, that the -commissioners appointed to fix the limits between Canada and the United -States, counted the islands of the St. Lawrence and found there were -1692. The islands below Gananoque belonged to the Iroquois. - -CARLETON ISLAND.—The first island is Carleton Island, called by the -French the island of Chevreux, Goat’s Island; situated between the -American shore of the St. Lawrence, and Wolf Island. It was a military -and naval station during the American rebellion, at which government -vessels were built for navigating the lake, and possessed -fortifications. Its name is derived from Guy Carleton, Esq., “his -Majesty’s Captain-General and Governor-in-chief, and over his Majesty’s -province of Quebec, afterward Lord Dorchester.” This military post, as -we have seen, afforded a retreat for the refugees, who fled from the -Mohawk valley. Says the Rev. William Mcaulay, “Jay’s treaty of peace, as -it was called, in 1783, found Carleton Island occupied by the 84th -Regiment, a body of Highlanders levied in the Carolinas, and -subsequently adopted into the line.” Upon the erection of the northern -line of the United States, Carleton Island came within the boundary of -the State of New York. But it continued in common with other military -posts, in possession of the British, until 1796. Indeed, according to -the gentleman whose words we have quoted above, it remained in -possession of the British until 1812, when the Americans crossed and -seized a sergeant’s guard stationed there. It would seem that parties -entering Canada were required to procure a passport here. A copy of one, -extracted from the history of Dundas, is as follows, directed “To whom -concerned.” - -“Permit the boat going from this to pass to Kingston with their -provisions, family, clothing, bedding, household furniture, and farming -utensils, they having cleared out at this post, as appears by their -names in the margin. (John Loucks, two men, two women, three -children).”—Signed “C. McDonell, P. O.” - -Among the refugees here during the war was Mr. Mcaulay. In 1776, -Sergeant Major Clark, of the 8th, or King’s Own Regiment, was appointed -clerk and naval store keeper at Carleton Island, where he remained till -1790. This was father of the late Colonel Clark, of Dalhousie. For -further particulars of Carleton Island the reader is referred to the -history of Kingston. - -WOLFE ISLAND.—This is a considerable island, 25 miles long, stretching -along near the American shore, directly opposite Kingston. It contains -28,129 acres of good land. The name is found often spelled wolf, leading -us to infer that it is derived from the presence of that animal upon the -island at some time. But it is no doubt after General Wolfe, who fell at -Quebec. The original Indian name, as given in the document conferring a -seigniory at Cataraqui upon La Salle, including this and Amherst Island, -was _Ganounkouesnot_. The French called it the _Grande Island_, and -Simcoe in his proclamation 1792, directed it to be called Wolfe Island. -Mr. Detlor says that “it would seem the greater part of Wolfe Island was -granted to the heirs of Sir William Johnson, the clergy and Crown -reserves excepted.” - -We observe a notice in the _Kingston Gazette_, that Wolfe Island, with -Pittsburgh, was conjoined to Kingston for municipal purposes in 1812. - -HOWE ISLAND.—Is situated in the St. Lawrence, somewhat below Kingston, -it is a large, long island in front of the township of Pittsburgh, and -one part of it is almost conjoined to the mainland. It is a township by -itself, and contains about 8000 acres. It was called by the French, Isle -Cauchois; but was named by Simcoe, or his advisers, Howe Island. - -When Upper Canada was erected into a province, it was divided into -nineteen counties; the seventh of these consisted of Howe Island, Wolfe -Island, Amherst Island, Gage Island, with all the other islands between -the mouth of the Gananoque and the point of Marysburgh. They constituted -the county of Ontario. - -GARDEN ISLAND.—Upon the north of Wolfe Island, in Kingston Bay, is -_Garden Island_, containing some sixty-three acres. Near the western -extremity of Wolfe Island, is another small island, which received the -name of _Horseshoe Island_, and separated from the large island by a -narrow channel, which was named Batteau Channel, is _Gage Island_, after -Brig. General Gage, which was also sometimes called _Simcoe Island_. The -name given to it by the French was _Isle aux Foret_. It contains some -2164 acres of rich land. - -AMHERST ISLAND.—So called after “Sir Jeffrey Amherst, of the honourable -and military order of Bath, Colonel of the Third and Sixteenth Regiments -of Infantry, Lieutenant-General in the Army, and Commander-in-Chief of -all His Majesty’s Troops and Forces in North America.” This beautiful -island, stretching along opposite, and about a mile and a half from -Ernesttown, being some twelve miles in length, causes an extension of -the Bay Quinté to a corresponding distance. It contains about 14,015 -acres of very rich land. The channel separating it from Gage and Wolfe -Islands, forms the Lower Gap, and that which flows above, between it and -Marysburg, is the Upper Gap. - -In the time of LaSalle, the Indian name of this island was _Kaouenesgo_. -It formed a part of his Seigniory, and he, some time after his arrival -to build Fort Frontenac, 1678, named the island _Isle de Tonti_, after a -brave French officer, with one arm, who accompanied him. This name, -modified to “Isle Tanta,” clung to the island until recent years. Sir -John Johnson, to whom it was granted, with other land, at the close of -the war, 1783, in a letter to the Military Secretary, calls it the -“Island of Tontine.” This may have been a fancy name of the owner, as we -find no other reference to it. The present name was bestowed in 1792, -after Gen. Amherst, who acted so conspicuous a part in the wars. Upon -some old maps the Island is designated “Sir John Johnson’s Island.” We -find an indefinite statement that the island was claimed by the Mohawks, -and that they ceded their rights to Col. Crawford, who accompanied Sir -John, and who, in turn, transferred it to Johnson. But, as he and Brant -were on the most intimate terms, they could, no doubt, arrange any -difference between themselves. - -We do not see that there can be any objection to record a statement -which has been told for many long years by the inhabitants of the Bay, -that the Island was subsequently won by an aristocratic gambler, Lady B— -—, in England, at a game of cards, who afterwards disposed of it to the -present owner, Lord Mountcashel. - -Some of the farm lots have been, we believe, disposed of, but the island -is mostly held by tenants, under lease from the Earl. The oldest settler -upon the island was Lieutenant McGinnis, of Johnston’s Regiment. He -lived here in some comfort, having several slaves to do the work. - -Off the east end of Amherst Island, in the Bay, are three small islands, -called the _Three Brothers_, “famous for black bass fishing, and for -deep rolling sea.” - -Leaving the waters of the Lower Bay, and directing our course westward, -we find the Bay comparatively free of Islands. Here and there, all along -its course, may be seen small islands, close to the shore. These -received names, as a general thing, after the person who owned the -adjacent land. There are, however, a few more islands which need special -notice. - -Upon an old plan of Fredericksburgh, dated 1784, is to be seen in Hay -Bay, three islands; one near the north shore, at its eastern extremity, -is called _Hare Island_. To the south, at the eastern shore, are the -other two; the north one is called _Nut Island_; the more southern one -is _Wappoose Island_. This island, from its name, must have been the -place of residence of the principal chief of some Indian tribe, probably -the Kente Indians. Here, must have been a place of considerable -importance to the Indian—a rendezvous, whereat they met, and whereat the -chief held his simple, but dignified court. - -Opposite the Mohawk Church, in the Indian Village, just off Grassy -Point, of Sophiasburg, is a low island, containing fourteen acres. This -island originally belonged to the Mississaugas, as did most of the -islands in the Bay, until a comparatively recent date. John Cuthbertson, -a grandson of Capt. John, purchased the island from John Sunday, and -other Mississauga chiefs. The price paid was a cow and a yoke of steers. -A quit claim deed was received by Mr. Cuthbertson, which is yet to be -seen. This bargain led to some trouble with the Government, who held -that the Mississaugas had no right to sell their land except to -Government. However, finally, the receipt held by Cuthbertson was -allowed to be a legal document. This Island is known as Capt. John’s -Island. - -There are three small islands in Mohawk Bay, the largest of which is -called Hunger Island. It is situated a short distance from the mouth, -near the north shore, and contains about seven acres of land. - -Along the north shore of Sophiasburg is _Big Island_. As its name -implies, it is an island of considerable size, containing over 3,000 -acres of excellent land. The channel separating this long narrow island -from the mainland, especially at its east end is very narrow, and is -spanned by a short bridge, and may even be forded. Long grass abundantly -grows all though the channel, which, in summer, covers the water, and -seems to form the island and mainland into one. Here, is the constant -abode of the muskrat, and at certain seasons the resort of the wild -fowl. - -It is said that Samuel Peck and Samuel Shaw were the first settlers on -this island. The older inhabitants along the bay remember when this -island was thickly covered with wood of the most heavy description. It -was for many years, at the beginning of the present century, the scene -of lumbering operations. Winter after winter, large quantities were cut -down, and in the spring, rafted and conveyed to Montreal. - -The writer has heard it stated, this island was originally, when no -longer owned by the Indians, bestowed on one Hall, and that early maps -designate it Hall’s Island. - -Huff’s island is situated to the west of Big Island, and forms a part of -Ameliasburgh, from which it is separated by a marsh, and to which, at -one point it is connected by a low neck of land. To the north is -Mississauga Point. The island obtains its name from the first settler, -Solomon Huff, who settled there in 1825. Solomon Huff was the son of -Paul Huff, one of the original settlers of Adolphustown, who came from -Long Island, New York, with Van Alstine. The writer has conversed with -the wife of Solomon Huff when in her 91st year, who retained a vivid -recollection of the time of their settling, from the fact that when -crossing the ice to the island they broke through with their furniture. -At the time of their settlement their nearest neighbours were on one -hand at Demorestville and on the other at Walbridge’s, on the north -shore of Mississauga Point. - -Immediately to the east of Huff’s Island, is Grape Island. It received -the name it bears from the great quantities of wild grapes that at one -time grew spontaneously upon it. This island, now barren and treeless, -was at one time, the home of domesticated Indians. Even yet, may be -seen, the traces of the wooden cabins, where the Mississaugas lived -under the paternal care of the Rev. Mr. Case. - -Continuing westward from Big Bay, there are to be seen several small -islands close to the shore, the names accorded them are not beautiful, -but probably have in their origin something significant. Thus, there is -one called Hog Island, and opposite Belleville is another known as Cow -Island. An island west of the mouth of the Moira, is yet called Zwick’s -Island, after the person who once owned the adjoining land. This island -was, at one time, an Indian burying ground. - -We next come to the island upon which are extensive sawing mills, -commonly called Baker’s Island. It was formerly called Myers’ Island, -after Captain Myers, who lived adjacent thereto. He, for several years, -paid rent to the Indians for it. Telegraph Island is about four miles -above Belleville; and “Nigger” Island nine miles. - -The last island we have to notice, belonging to the bay, is Indian -Island, situated at the extremity of Bay Quinté, west of the mouth of -the Trent River. Upon a map, to be seen in the Crown Land’s Department, -this is designated Mississauga Island. It has also been called Fighting -Island. There is a tradition respecting this island, to which the -existence of human bones found there, seems to give some degree of -plausibility. It is even now related, that at an early date, a company -of Mohawks, who had crossed from the south side of the lake, were -encamped upon this island. A band of Mississaugas, learning the fact, -approached the island cautiously at night, took away their boats so they -could not escape, and then suddenly, with superior numbers, fell upon -the Mohawks, and killed and scalped them all. But the bones found there -may have been placed there for burial. - - - THE CARRYING PLACE. - -The distance between the head of bay Quinté, and the waters of Lake -Ontario, at the narrow part of the isthmus is about a mile and -three-quarters. By this narrow neck of land the peninsula of Prince -Edward is saved from being an island. This was called in the first -proclamation of Simcoe, “the isthmus of the Presqù isle de Quinté.” It -is from this source that the harbour on the lake west of the isthmus has -received the name Presqù isle. - -We have elsewhere spoken of the fact that a Carrying Place had existed -here from time immemorial. From the Indian villages, which at times were -located, now along the lake shores of the peninsula, and now upon the -bay, the Indians started forth, perhaps to ascend the Trent, or the -Moira, or to pass down the waters of the bay, or perhaps to coast along -the shore of the lake, westward to the mouth of some river. And, when -the French had possession of the country they found this a well marked -Indian path. The French had not occasion to cross it, as they either -ascended the Ottawa, the Trent, or if desirous of going to the head of -Lake Ontario, they passed along its south shore. But in the early years -of Upper Canada, this portage was frequently crossed by those passing -back and forth from the lower parts of Canada to the west. This was the -case particularly after the forts of Oswego and Niagara were handed over -to the United States in 1796. - -The original Indian Carrying Place can yet be traced. Its course is -indicated by a road which leads from water to water. The street is -consequently somewhat crooked, and is in some places wider than in -others. When the land was originally surveyed, this path was made the -base line of a row of lots on either side. The surveyor being ill and -entrusting the matter to an assistant; the Indian path was faithfully -followed. While this irregular dividing line between Ameliasburgh and -Murray may appear unseemly, it cannot be regretted that the old path is -thus indubitably known. Upon the Murray side of the road the fence is -comparatively straight, but upon the opposite side it is very devious. -This pretty nearly marks the old Indian path. While used as a Carrying -Place for batteaux, which were transported upon low wheels, the road was -no doubt, to a certain extent, straightened; yet mainly the old route -remained. - -The old days, when Weller used to haul the batteaux from water to water, -have left no memorial; and even more recent days when the first -steamboats invariably came to this place, have left but little to mark -their history. Here is the remains of the wharf and frame store house -where once was life and enterprise; but now all is in decay, and rural -solitude prevails. But there is beauty here, as well as interest. All -along the street between the head of the bay and Weller’s Bay of the -lake are buildings, consisting of private residences, and churches. The -tourist will find abundant food for thought at the Carrying Place; -whether he contemplates the far remote past ere the Indian was disturbed -in his native abode; or the days when the French Recollet Missionaries -followed the footsteps of those whom they sought to convert; or the time -when the pioneer surveyor and settler first trod the path; or whether he -reflects upon the many human beings who have come and gone on their way -of life, now going one way now another; or thought of the trader intent -on pressing his business into the very outskirts of the settlements; of -the soldiers—regulars, and militia, who pressed onward for the conflict, -to drive off the invading foe; or of the thousand prisoners carried -captive through the province, which they had boastingly came to conquer. -If the writer were there again, he would ponder, in addition to all -this, upon the sad, yet natural occurence, that, of all those who had -come and gone, the one who imparted much information to him, who came to -the Carrying Place long years ago, is now gone the way of all the earth. -The history of the place is inseparably associated with the life of the -Hon. Col. Wilkins, whose loss was expressed by the presence of many as -he was carried to his grave. - - - - - DIVISION VIII. - THE FIRST TEN TOWNSHIPS IN THE MIDLAND DISTRICT. - - - - - CHAPTER XLVI. - - CONTENTS—The French—Their policy—Trading posts—Cahiaque—Variations— - Name of River—Foundation of Fort Frontenac—A change—Site of old - fort—La Salle’s petition—A Seigniory—Governors visiting—War - Expedition—Fort destroyed—Rebuilt—Colonial Wars—Taking of Fort - Oswego—Frontenac taken—End of French domination. - - - HISTORY OF THE FRENCH OCCUPATION. - -It was the policy of the French, to penetrate, as far as possible, into -the interior of the country, and, by all possible means, secure the -peltry traffic with the Indians. The Recollets and the Jesuits, while -seeking to convert the Pagan Indian, endeavoured as well, to win him to -the interest of their country. As soon as practicable, trading posts -were established at convenient points, at which to buy furs of the -Indians. Not sure, even at the first, of the continued friendliness of -the natives, and subsequently exposed to tribes, who assumed a hostile -attitude, they proceeded to fortify their trading depots against sudden -attacks; not alone to secure this, but to maintain a constant menace to -those who might venture to assume such attitude. It was in carrying out -these designs, that M. de Courcelles, in 1670, ascended the St. -Lawrence, direct to Lake Ontario, from the mouth of the Ottawa, being -the first European to do so. Two years later, he convened a meeting at -the head of the St. Lawrence, of Indian chiefs of the region round -about, when, concealing his ulterior object, he gained permission to -erect a fort; but being immediately thereafter recalled to France, it -was left for his successor, Conte de Frontenac, to establish the fort. - -The first name which is found applied to the place, where the fort was -founded, is _Cahiaque_, or _Cadaroque_. It is an Indian name, and most -probably signifies “the strongest fort in the country.” This is inferred -from the following fact:—When certain of the chiefs of the Mohawks, were -in London, in 1710, desirous of doing honor to their host, where they -stayed, at King Street, Covent Garden, they called him _Cadaroque_, -meaning “the most powerful man in London.” Or, possibly, in using the -word, in connection with Frontenac, they may have referred to the strong -expedition which accompanied him. For many years the fort was known by -this name, or one derived from it. It must be remembered that this word, -with many others spoken by the Indians, was written by the French -according to the particular idea of the person hearing the -pronunciation. Hence it is that we find this word changed frequently as -into the following. Beside the two already mentioned are found -Catarcoui, Catarcouy, or Cataraccouy, Catarakvy, Catarakouy, Catarasky, -Cataracto, Cataracouy, Cadaraque, Cadarachqui, Kadaraghke, Kadaraghkie, -Kodakagkie, Cadarochque, Cadaacarochqua, Catarocoui, Cuadaraghque, -Crederoqua, Cataraqui. - -While the fort, or place of the fort, was thus known mostly by the -Indians, it was, according to Charlevoix, called by the French, the fort -of Lake St, Louis, the name then applied to Lake Ontario. Subsequently, -the fort was spoken of as the one built by Frontenac; and ultimately, it -came to be permanently designated _Fort Frontenac_. After the conquest, -and at the time of the revolution, the place was known in the rebel -colonies, as Cataraqui; and, in speaking of going to Upper Canada, they -would say to Cataraqui. The river between Ontario and Montreal, was -sometimes called Cariqui, or Iroquois. - -The following account of the foundation of the fort, is extracted from -Draper’s Brochure. He says “the expedition was a vast one for those -days, 120 canoes, 2 batteaux, and 400 men.” He then quotes from a -journal of Frontenac’s voyage, describing the entrance into the river -Cataraqui;—“12th, broke up camp very early in the morning, and having -proceeded till ten o’clock, halted three hours to rest and eat. On -approaching the first opening of the lake, the Count wished to proceed -with more order than had been already done, and in line of battle. He -accordingly arranged the whole fleet in this wise:— - -“Four squadrons, composing the vanguard, went in front and in one line. -The two batteaux followed next. After these came Count de Frontenac at -the head of all the canoes, of his guards, of his staff, and of the -volunteers attached to his person; having on his right, the squadron -from Three Rivers, and on his left, those of the Hurons and Algonquins. - -“Two other squadrons formed a third line, and composed the rear guard. - -“This order of sailing had not been adhered to for more than half a -league, when an Iroquois canoe was perceived coming with the Abbe -D’Ursé, who, having met the Indians above the River Katarakoui, -(Cataraqui) and having notified them of the Count’s arrival, they were -now advancing with the captains of the Five Nations. - -“They saluted the admiral, and paid their respects to him with evidence -of much joy and confidence, testifying to him the obligation they were -under to him for sparing them the trouble of going further, and for -receiving their submissions at the River Katarakoui, which is a very -suitable place to camp, as they were about signifying to him. - -“After Count Frontenac had replied to their civilities, they proceeded -him as guides, and conducted him as guides, and conducted him into a -bay, about a cannon shot from the entrance, which forms one of the most -beautiful and agreeable harbors in the world, capable of holding a -hundred of the largest ships, with sufficient water at the mouth, and in -the harbor, with mud bottom, and so sheltered from every wind, that a -cable is scarcely necessary for mooring.” “On the 13th of July, 1673, -the fort was commenced, and on the 19th, it was finished, and De -Frontenac left on the 27th for Montreal, having laid the foundation of -the future City of Kingston.” - -How different was the appearance then from that presented to-day. No -clearing, as yet, broke the woody shores. At this conference between -Frontenac and the Iroquois chiefs, the charms of nature only were -displayed. Where now stands the city of Kingston, was then a dense -forest. The gently curving shore, which now forms the front of the city, -with its line of piers, was undisturbed, except by the birch canoe. The -quiet Bay, within the Point, then more prominent than now, stretching up -with its low sand banks, and begirt with marshes, was then the safe -abode of the wild fowl and muskrat. Across the inlet of the bay, and -where now is the Navy Yard, the land was thickly covered with the -greenest foliage; as well as was the higher and more beautifully wooded -peninsula of Point Henry. And still beyond, to the south, the third -point, stretching out almost to the rugged little island, called Cadar -Island, increased the variety of the picture; and the two indentations -where now is Navy Bay, and the “Dead Man’s” Bay, at one time called -Hamilton’s Cove, added thereto. Then, turning toward the south, there -reposed the magnificently green, long island, now Wolfe Island, with -Gage Island in its front; and still extending the view around the Bay, -was to be seen the islands, now called Simcoe and Amherst, all richly -clothed with the garments of nature. One would wish to look upon a -faithful picture of this primeval appearance of Kingston Bay, before -even the French had planted a post or cleft a tree. However beautiful -Kingston of to-day may be regarded, with its graceful architecture, as -displayed in its public and private edifices; however grand the strong -fortifications, which silently utter words of warning to the passing -stranger whose nation covets our territory, while pretending to -depreciate it; however striking the combination which composes the -picture of Kingston and its harbor of to-day, they cannot exceed, as a -whole, in attractiveness, the prospect seen by Frontenac, of wood and -water so remarkably associated, and charmingly blended, ere the hand of -man had marred it. - -It was immediately after this conference, between Frontenac and the -chiefs, when he concealed the true designs he entertained, that the -erection of the first fort was proceeded with. Its site was upon the -point of land by the entrance of the bay, near the _Tete du Pont_, and -commanded the entrance to Cataraqui Creek. It seems, from the testimony -of early settlers of Kingston, that the fort was separated from Kingston -by a deep trench, so that the point was converted into an island, upon -which was built the original village of Cataraqui. In later years, this -ditch has been obliterated by the filling in of material, and, in like -manner, a portion of the bay, immediately north of the point has -disappeared. - -In the following year, LaSalle, who has been particularly referred to in -the introductory chapter, presented the following petition to King Louis -XIV. - -“The proposer, aware of the importance to the Colony of Canada, of the -establishment of Fort Frontenac, of which he was some time in command, -and desiring to employ his means and his life in the King’s service, and -for the augmentation of the country, offers to support it, at his -expense, and reimburse its cost, on the following conditions, to wit:— -That His Majesty be pleased to grant in Seigniory, to the proposer, the -said fort, four leagues of country along the border of Lake Frontenac, -the two islands in front, named Ganounkouesnot and Kaouenesgo, and the -interjacent islets, with the same rights and privileges obtained -hitherto by those who hold lands in the country in Seigniory, with the -right of fishing in Lake Frontenac and the adjoining rivers, to -facilitate the support of the people of said Fort, together with the -command of said place and of said lake, under the orders and authority -of His Majesty’s Governor, Lieutenant-General in the country; on which -condition, the proposer will be bound:—1st. To maintain the said Fort; -to place it in a better state of defence; to keep a garrison there, at -least as numerous as that of Montreal, and as many as fifteen to twenty -laborers, during the two first years, to clear and till the land; to -provide it with necessary arms, artillery and ammunition, and that so -long as the proposer will command there, in His Majesty’s name, and -until some other persons be authorized to settle above the Long Sault of -the River St. Lawrence, through which people pass to the said Fort, -without being charged with similar expense, or to contribute to that -which the proposer will be obliged to incur for the preservation of the -said Fort. - -“2nd. To repay Count de Frontenac, His Majesty’s Governor and -Lieutenant-General in Canada, the expense he incurred for the -establishment of said Fort, amounting to the sum of 12,000 to 13,000 -livres, as proved by the statements thereof prepared. - -“3rd. To make grants of land to all those willing to settle there, in -the manner usual in said country; to allow them the trade (_la traite_) -when their settlements will be in the condition required by the Edicts -and Regulations of the Sovereign Council of said country. 4th. To grant -them land for villages and tillage; to teach them trades, and induce -them to lead lives more conformable to ours, as the proposer had begun -to do with success, when he commanded there. 5th. To build a Church, -when there will be 100 persons; meanwhile, to entertain one or two -Recollet Friars, to perform Divine service, and administer the -sacraments there. 6th. His Majesty, accepting these proposals, is very -humbly supplicated to grant to the proposer letters of noblesse, in -consideration of the voyages and discoveries which he made in the -country at his expense, during the seven years he continually lived -there, the services he rendered in the country, and those he will -continue to render; and all the other letters necessary to serve him as -titles possessory to said Seigniory.” - -In the succeeding year this petition was granted, and a decree to that -effect was issued by the King on the 13th May, 1675, and a Patent of -Nobility issued to La Salle; and Fort Frontenac, with four leagues of -the adjacent country, was created a Seigniory of Canada, and LaSalle its -first Seignior. - -In the decree making the grant, it is specified that LaSalle shall -“induce the Indians to repair thither, give them settlements, and form -villages there in society with the French, to whom he shall give part of -said land to be cleared, all which shall be cleared and improved within -the time and space of twenty years. * * His Majesty wills that appeals -from the Judges (to be appointed by La Salle), be to the -Lieutenant-General of Quebec.” But, the subsequent chequered career and -early death of La Salle, probably prevented the carrying out of these -intentions. - -When La Salle set out on his western exploring expedition, he “left -Sieur de la Forest in charge of the fort.” As before stated, La Salle -had many enemies, and among them the Governor, M. de la Barre, “who -actually sequestered Fort Frontenac and took possession of it, -pretending that La Salle had abandoned it. This was in 1682.” - -The history of the French occupation of Cataraqui is marked by -occasional visits of the French Governor, and the presence of large and -small bodies of armed forces. In 1684 M. de la Barre, the successor of -Frontenac, tarried at Cataraqui two weeks with his convoy, which was -composed of 130 regular soldiers, 700 armed Canadians, 200 savages, and -a mixed body of several hundred from the west. It must have been a -picturesque sight, the encampment of this army. The veterans from France -in their uniform attire, the Canadians in their various hued garments, -and the Algonquins and Ottawas in their wild garb of paint and feathers -formed the components of a picture truly striking. A year or two later -and De Nonville, another Governor, was likewise found encamped here with -an army of 2000. At this time the original fort of wood was at its -greatest pitch of renown and glory. Here was kept stored within the -palisaded walls, arms, ammunition, and provision, beside furs. It was -while enjoying this considerable power that De Nonville committed the -act of treachery toward the Ganneyouses and Kentes Indians. But this act -was followed by an attack by the Indians, and the fort was in a state of -siege for the space of a month; “but was not taken.” Two years later, -however, finding it difficult to maintain this out-post so far from -Montreal, De Nonville ordered De Valrenne, the commander, to blow up the -fort, which was accordingly done, and “three barks on the lake were -scattered,” and “property to the extent of 20,000 crowns,” was -sacrificed. - -The fort thus destroyed was rebuilt by the orders of Frontenac, and in -1695 he sent 700 workmen for the purpose. (For the circumstances and the -opposition respecting this, see Introductory.) The fort being completed -it was garrisoned with 48 soldiers. “The expense of re-victualling and -re-establishing the fort, cost 12,000 livres, or between £600 and -£700.”—(Draper). - -Respecting the situation of the fort, a manuscript published in 1838, -under the direction of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, -says, “it was situated _at the bottom of a bay_, which a little river -flowing into Lake Ontario forms, close to the junction of Lake Ontario -and the River St. Lawrence. It consisted of four stone curtains, 120 -feet each, defended by four square bastions. The walls were defended by -neither ditches nor palisades. There was no terrace to sustain it on the -inside. A wooden gallery was built all round for communicating from one -bastion to another. The platforms of these bastions were mounted on -wooden piles, and the curtains were pierced for loopholes.” - -Father Charlevoix, writing in 1720, says of Fort Frontenac, “that it is -a square with four bastions built of stone, and the ground it occupies -is a quarter of a league in compass; its situation has something very -pleasant; the sides of the river present every way a landscape well -varied, and it is the same at the entrance of Lake Ontario.” - -Fort Frontenac now fully re-established on a stronger basis, continued -for many years to be an important post, with respect to trading, and -likewise offensive and defensive operations against the Indians, and -also the English. Here was deposited vast stores of provision, and -materials of a war-like nature for the use of other forts. - -In the first years of the 18th century, rivalry and jealousy between the -French and English Colonists, assumed a more determined form. Already -was gathering the fierce elements of Colonial war, which were to -culminate in the siege of Quebec, and spend its fury upon the Plains of -Abraham. We have seen that the two powers tried zealously, and often by -unscrupulous means to secure the alliance and aid of the savages, whose -love of war and desire to engage in the bloody attack, with the -allurements of promised presents, led them too often to scenes of blood -and rapine. The regions about Cataraqui were often the place of sudden -attack and cruel torture. The fort was an object of dread to the -Iroquois, of jealousy to the English, and with the view of breaking the -chain of forts, of which this was so important a one, the English set -about erecting one at Oswego. - -In 1754 the eventful seven years war began, and one of the first events -was the sending of a force of 4000 men and 12 guns by the French -Governor, to attack Fort Oswego. But when the force reached Cataraqui, -it was found necessary to recall a portion of them to Lower Canada, and -defer the attack. One battalion was ordered to Niagara, while one or two -battalions were encamped under the walls of Frontenac. The total force -of Canadians and savages in arms west of Cataraqui at this time was -1000. The following year, it is found stated that, on “June 26, 1756, -English vessels were seen across the Bay of Quinté, coming toward -Frontenac. The French gave chase, and captured a sloop.” - -July 29, 1757, witnessed the arrival at the fort of a considerable body, -and for days armed men continued to rendezvous here. The woods around -the fort were alive with soldiers. The attack upon Fort Oswego, -contemplated three years previous, was now about to be made. On the -evening of the 4th August, the party, of no small dimensions set out for -the attack. It consisted of 80 batteaux laden with artillery luggage and -provision, and canoes to carry the force of 3100 men. They started at -night, when the shades of darkness were gathering, and stealthily -directed their way, one boat after another, for the opposite shore. At -the approach of morning they came to a stop, where the thick woods met -the southern shore of the lake. The bushes were parted, and without -noise, the batteaux were, one by one, withdrawn from the water and -carefully covered with leaves, so that unless one passed directly by the -way, no indications could be observed of their existence. By the dawn of -day there was not a ripple upon the waters from the party, and the woods -were hushed, except by the denizens of the forest. All the day long the -party lay concealed. After night had fallen, re-embarkation took place, -slowly and calmly beneath the mild summer’s sky. For five days and -nights the same course was pursued, by which time they had reached the -neighbourhood of Fort Oswego, where reposed the English garrison, -unconscious of danger. The attack was so unexpected, and carried on with -so much spirit, that the garrison had to succumb before reinforcements -could be obtained, and the French returned to Fort Frontenac laden with -spoils. - -But the time was approaching when the glory of Fort Frontenac should -depart. At this time the building itself was beginning to decay. Sixty -years had told upon the walls, and a writer of 1758 says they “were not -good.” However, had the fortifications been never so strong, the course -of events would have all the same witnessed the final fall of this -stronghold. “In this year, the commandant at Fort Frontenac was a -Monsieur de Noyan, King’s Lieutenant for Three Rivers. He was an old -man, but brave as a lion.” We have seen that de Lévis having withdrawn, -the fort was left with but a few men, Garneau says seventy; but -Warburton, one hundred and twenty Frenchmen and forty Indians. Even with -this number it was but an easy success for Bradstreet, with his three -thousand men and eleven guns, to possess himself of a fort weakened by -age. Having descended the Oswego River, Colonel Bradstreet crossed to -the Upper Gap and approached Cataraqui along the shore, observing great -caution, and landed about a mile to the west of the fort, August 25, in -the evening. During the following night he cautiously approached the -place of attack, and upon the ground where now stands the market -buildings, he erected a battery. So silently was this done, and with -such despatch, that before the morning of 27th August, 1758, he had it -all completed. The morning light revealed to the French how imminent was -their danger. Dismayed, but not discouraged, the intrepid commander -ordered every man to his post; but a few shots from the English guns -showed to him how futile was resistance. Having signified his intention -to surrender, which was about seven o’clock in the morning, he became, -with his garrison, prisoner of war. The conquerors found in “the fort -sixty pieces of cannon, sixteen mortars, an immense supply of -provisions, stores and ammunitions, with all the shipping on the lake,” -also, “several vessels richly laden with furs, to the value, it is said -of 70,000 louis d’ors.” There was also a large quantity of merchandise -intended for the western forts, beside some of the booty which had been -brought thither after the capture of Oswego. Colonel Bradstreet had no -intention of holding the fort; but to destroy, which he accordingly did, -with the vessels. - -There was a feeble attempt to restore the fort in the fall, and “a small -detachment of troops and Canadians, under the command of the Chevalier -Benoit, was sent to Frontenac partly to protect merchandize and -ammunition passing up and down, and partly to rebuild the fort; and -subsequently the _Sieur de Cresse_, an assistant engineer, with Captain -Laforce, a sailor, were sent there to construct two new schooners, to -endeavor to maintain the supremacy on the lakes.” But the following year -the presence of Wolfe before Quebec, and Amherst at Carillon, rendered -the restoration of Frontenac an impossibility. The glory of Fort -Frontenac had forever departed. But the spirit of bravery again -appeared, in later days, in a people of another language, though, -nevertheless Canadians. In 1812–13 the Americans approached Kingston, -but the hostile and determined attitude assumed by the militia and -troops deterred them from attempting to touch the soil here, and when -they did attempt, both above and below, great indeed was the repulse and -discomfiture. - - - - - CHAPTER XLVII. - - CONTENTS—Cooper’s Essay—Loyalists naming places—King’s Town—Queen’s - Town—Niagara—Spanish names—Cataraqui from 1759 to 1783—Desolation— - The rebellion—Station, Carleton Island—Settling—Refugees at New - York—Michael Grass—Prisoner at Cataraqui—From New York to Canada— - Captain Grass takes possession of first township—First - landholders—A letter by Captain Grass—Changes—Surveying forts and - harbors—Report to Lord Dorchester—Kingston, _versus_ Carleton - Island—The defenses—Troops—King’s township—First settlers—“Plan of - township No. 1”—First owners of town lots—Names—Settlers upon the - front—First inhabitants of Kingston—A naval and military station— - The Commodore—Living of old—Kingston in _last century_—New - fortifications. - - - SETTLEMENT AT CATARAQUI BY THE LOYALISTS. - -It would be impossible to write of Kingston without traveling the ground -already taken by writers, especially in an admirable essay written by C. -W. Cooper, Barrister-at-law, being a prize essay published in 1856. We -shall accept very many of the statements therein contained except we -find trustworthy grounds for controverting them. Much, however, of the -subject matter we had laboriously collected before this pamphlet was -placed in our hands by our friend M. Sweetnam, Esq., P. O. Inspector. - -The practice of naming places, rivers, &c., after royal personages and -those occupying prominent places in the public service, naturally arose -from the intense loyalty which reigned in the bosoms of all who had -forsaken their old homes to settle under the old flag in the wilderness. -The pre-eminence of Kingston is indicated by the name, which seems to -have been given it at a very early date, as surveyor Collins uses that -name in 1788. This, the first township surveyed and settled, was named -_King’s_ township. Afterwards the town and township came to be called -Kingston. In this connection reference may be made to _Queenstown_ at -the head of navigation upon the Niagara River. Trade with the west along -Lake Erie was carried on, and boats were accustomed to pass up and down -on their way to and from Montreal. These boats had to be carried around -the Falls of Niagara. Already many of Butler’s Rangers and persons -connected with the Indian department, began to settle upon the Canadian -side of the Niagara. There was very shortly a collection of houses at -the point of landing, and the commencement of the portage, and nothing -was more natural than this, the second village formed by the United -Empire Loyalists, should receive the name of Queenstown, not unlikely -the name was bestowed by the Hon. R. Hamilton. - -As we proceed, it will be observed how general was the habit to give -names derived from Great Britain and Englishmen. The most notable -exception to this is to be found in connection with those places that -received names during the time of Sir Peregrine Maitland, who had a -fancy for bestowing Spanish names. - -During the time which elapsed between the evacuation of Frontenac, the -year after the destruction of the fort, in the autumn of 1759, until the -commencement of the American rebellion, and until its close, ruin and -desolation prevailed at Cataraqui. It is found intimated, but not on the -best authority, that there continued to live at this place a certain -number of French families and half-breed Indians. That such was the case -is quite possible, though, as yet, no positive proof is to be found. -But, at the most there was a few log huts around the ruins of the fort, -and upon the cleared ground adjacent thereto, or perhaps upon the site -of the ancient chapel of the Recollets. No doubt the Indians frequently -encamped in this vicinity, perhaps had a permanent village. The words of -Captain Grass, penned twenty-seven years later, may probably be accepted -as correct, that “scarse the vestige of a human habitation could be -found in the whole extent of the Bay of Quinté.” - -The rebellion led to the establishment of a military post at the Island -of Chevereux, or Goat Island, subsequently named Carleton Island. This -position was found more convenient than the site of old Fort of -Frontenac. After the defeat of General Burgoyne, at Saratoga, in 1778, -there were many refugees who sought protection at the several military -posts along the northern frontier of New York, that of Carleton Island -among the rest. Indeed, it is probable that to this place a large number -escaped, as being more safe than Oswego or Niagara. A communication was -with some regularity kept up between this place and Montreal, and also -the Fort of Niagara. By the army boats, refugees may have passed to -Montreal; but it would seem that a considerable number remained -domiciled at Carleton Island, eating the food supplied by government. Of -course, able bodied men would be at once enrolled into the companies, to -do military service; yet there would remain a certain number of males, -besides the women, who were incapacitated for military life. During the -continuation of the war, there is every reason to believe that -individuals, perhaps families, would cross to the old fort at Cataraqui, -to stay for a while, or even take up their abode. - -It may have been, that there were here some advantages in cultivating -the cleared land, which did not exist at Carleton Island. In the absence -of active duty, not unlikely the soldiers and officers would pass over -to fish or hunt, or perhaps to examine the land as to quality, and -facilities for settlement. Bongard says his father, who was with -Holland, said that a small village existed at Cataraqui. But it was not -until the close of the war 1783, that a systematic settlement commenced. -That settlers existed, during this year, at Cataraqui, there is no -doubt. It was sometimes referred to in Lower Canada as Seignory, No. 1. -Col. John Clark, whose father was in the Commissariat Department during -the war, says, that he was born at Cataraqui, in 1783, and was baptized -by the Rev. Mr. Stuart. The family must then have been living on the -mainland, as he speaks of another brother as being born on Carleton -Island. The probability is that at this date, there were a few families -living in the vicinity of the fort. - -At the close of the war, it was a question of considerable importance, -what can be done to ameliorate the condition of the loyalists? While the -commissioners, who completed the terms of peace at Paris, chose to sink -the interests and welfare of the loyalists in their unseemly haste to -complete the treaty, the officers commanding in America, everywhere felt -the deepest sympathy, and keenest compassion for the refugees. Among -these was the officer commanding at New York. At this juncture of -affairs, when they were undecided, whether to embark for Nova Scotia, or -Lower Canada, it came to the ears of the General, that one Michael -Grass, of New York, had been a prisoner of the French, before the -conquest at Cataraqui. He caused that person to appear before him, and -to report as to the character of the country, and the probabilities of -its being a suitable place for refugees to seek homes. Mr. Grass having -rendered a favorable report, the result was that he was commissioned -Captain, and placed at the head of a band of loyalists, staying at New -York. They were dispatched in King’s ships, under the care of a -man-of-war. - -Mr. Robert Everett Grass, of Sidney, the grandson of Captain Grass, -says, that the party of refugees set sail from New York in a fleet of -seven vessels, and after a long voyage of nine weeks, during which they -encountered a severe gale, lasting eight days, and nearly wrecking them, -they reached Sorel. This was probably in the early part of 1783. The men -of the party ascended the St. Lawrence in batteaux, and landed at the -mouth of Little Cataraqui Creek, thence proceeding westward, prospecting -as far as Collin’s Bay. Crossing to the west side of this little bay, -Captain Grass attempted to drive a stake in the ground, with the -intention of fixing a tent, or commencing a survey, whereupon he found -it rocky. Remarking that he had come too far to settle upon a rock, he -returned to the east of the cove, and took possession of the first -township of the Bay Quinté. There seems some reason to believe that, -when Grass arrived in Canada, and explained to the Government his -mission, that Surveyor General Holland, directed Deputy Surveyor Collins -to proceed with Captain Grass to Cataraqui, so that he might be guided -by him. If such was the case, the base line along the front of the first -township, must have been run before Captain Grass crossed to the west of -Collins Bay, and rejected the land lying to the west thereof. Captain -Grass, as well as the surveying party, returned to Sorel for the winter, -and, in the spring, they returned, accompanied by all of the families, -under Captain Grass. It was the summer of 1784 that the first township -was occupied. There was some dissatisfaction at the preference accorded -to Captain Grass by those who had been in Canada. His superior claim was -however acknowledged. At the same time, there appears to have been some -compromise, from the fact, that while Captain Grass himself obtained the -first lot adjoining to the reserve for the town, the second one, which -was by number, lot 24 was granted to the Rev. Mr. Stuart, and the next -to Mr. Herkimer, neither of whom had any connection with Captain Grass’ -company. - -The following extract of a letter written by Captain Grass, at a -subsequent period, reveals to us the appearance the place presented to -him, at the time of his settling. The old gentleman had some grievance -to make known to the public, respecting a road, and he commences his -communication thus:— - -“Seven and twenty years, Mr. Printer, have rolled away since my eyes, -for the second time, beheld the shores of Cataraqui. In that space of -time, how many changes have taken place in the little circle in which -fate had destined me to move! How many of the seats of my old associates -are now vacant! How few of these alas! to mourn with me the loss of the -companions of our sufferings, or to rejoice with me at the prosperous -condition of this our land of refuge! Yet will I not repine; they are -gone, I trust, to a better land, where He who causeth the wilderness to -smile and blossom as the rose, hath assigned to them a distinguished -place, as a reward for their humble imitation of his labors. Yes! seven -and twenty years ago, scarce the vestige of a human habitation could be -found in the whole extent of the Bay of Quinté. Not a settler had dared -to penetrate the vast forests that skirted its shores. Even on this -spot, now covered with stately edifices, were to be seen only the -bark-thatched wigwam of the savage, or the newly erected tent of the -hardy loyalists. Then, when the ear heard me, it blessed me for being -strong in my attachment to my sovereign, and high in the confidence of -my fellow-subjects, I led the loyal band, I pointed out to them the site -of their future metropolis, and gained for persecuted principles, a -sanctuary—for myself and followers a home.” “Kingston, 7 Dec. 1811.” -(Signed) “G.” - -On the 29th May, 1788, Lord Dorchester, the Governor of Canada, issued -instructions to John Collins, Surveyor, to make a survey of “forts, -harbours, &c., from Carleton Island to Michilmacinac.” His report was -found among the “Simcoe papers.” The report, dated Quebec, 6th Dec., -1788, says:— - -My Lord—“In obedience to your Lordship’s instructions, wherein is -specified, that doubts being entertained whether Carleton Island or -Kingston” (and this shows how early the royal name had been given to the -first township) “is the most eligible station for the King’s ships of -war to protect the navigation of Lake Ontario, and the upper part of the -river St. Lawrence, I am to make this particularly an object of my -attention, and report how far it may be necessary to occupy either, or -both, and what works I judge advisable for that purpose.” “With respect -to Kingston, and what is there called the harbour, and where the town is -laid out, is not the best, situation on this side for vessels, as it -lies rather open to the lake, and has not very good anchorage near the -entrance, so that they are obliged to run a good way up for shelter; the -most eligible situation is to the east.” After referring to the more -frequent directions of the wind, he concludes, that to get into the -lake, it is as easy from Kingston as from Carleton Island, but that the -latter affords the best shelter. “Having brought forward all the -material information and observations I have been able to make and -procure, and having duly weighed the several properties, both of -Kingston and Carleton Island, relative to naval purposes only,” he -concludes, “that the preference rather leans on the side of Carleton -Island. If the object was that of trade only, or regarded merely by the -transport of goods to Niagara, I do not see that Carleton Island has any -material advantage over Kingston; but, as a station for the King’s ships -of war, I am induced to think that Carleton Island is the best,” as it -possessed many natural advantages. Respecting Kingston, a fort and -out-works could be constructed to protect the harbour; but an enemy -might advance in the rear, and bombard the fort and the navy. “In regard -to the present condition of the works at this post, the whole is so far -in ruins as to be altogether defenceless, and incapable of being -repaired, the ditch which is in the rock, has never been sufficiently -excavated, the other works have been completed, but it strikes me they -were never capable of any serious defence, as well as from the bastions, -as well as the oblique manner in which their faces are seen from the -other works, but the whole could only be considered as a temporary -matter. The green logs with which the fort was built, could not be -expected to last long: the ground is favorable for a fort of greater -capacity and strength, but it is probable that such a system may have -been originally adopted for the works, at the place it might have been -thought adequate to its importance, to the number of troops designed for -its defence, and the strength it was likely an enemy would be able to -bring against it; and there ideas would again be brought into -consideration, if this post should be established, or any new system -adopted. Without, therefore, going, in this place, into a detail of -particular works, I will remark, that as the ground in front widens and -extends somewhat over the extremities of the work, particularly on the -right, precaution should be taken to strengthen those points towards the -field, to contract, in some degree, the advantage an enemy attacking -might have in the extent of his flanks. The barracks, although partly -dismantled, and in a very bad condition, may be still repaired.” - -From the foregoing, it may be inferred that the troops had all been -withdrawn from the head of the St. Lawrence, and that only a -Commissariat Department remained at Carlton Island. Probably, it was -only when Canada was erected into a distinct Province, that regular -troops again were stationed here, and then, it having been ascertained -that Carleton Island would belong to the United States, Kingston -superseded it. - -Although the “King’s Township” was mainly settled by the band of -Loyalists who came by way of the St. Lawrence, from New York, there were -several others who received grants of land here, a few of whom, no -doubt, reached Kingston at as early a date as 1783, and, as we have -seen, they may have visited the place, previous to that date. Among -these, was Col. Hanjost, or John Joost, or Joseph Herkimer, who had been -compelled to forsake his home at the German Flats, where his father -lived. Looking at “A Plan of Township No. 1,” (now Kingston), “in the -District of Mecklenburgh, surveyed in 1783, with the proprietor’s names -on the lots,” in the Crown Lands Department, the following may be -observed. Just by the grounds of the Fort, the water is called Cataraqui -Harbor. Across the mouth of the Bay, and between Points Frederick and -Henry, is Haldimand Cove. Beyond Point Henry, is Hamilton Cove. Passing -up the river, the first lot has upon it the name of Joseph and Mary -Brant. This lot was not numbered, however. (Capt. Brant came to the -place in 1785, and remained living there for a time). Still proceeding -along the west shore of the river, lot No. 1, has the name of Neil -McLean; No. 2, Henry Wales; No. 3, James Clark; No. 4, Capt. Crawford; -No. 5, Lieut. Brown; No. 6, Sovereign; No. 7, at first was granted to -Lawrence; this name is superseded by the name of Braton. To the west of -the road, is a block of land, of 700 acres, for “Capt. James McDonnell;” -but this name is erased, and Robert Macaulay written instead. Probably -Macaulay became the purchaser. To the east of the road, is another block -of land, for John Macaulay. The island in the mouth of the river, called -“Isle Aux Pére,” was granted to Neil McLean, “by order of General -Haldimand.” Turning to the south of the Fort, the first lot has the name -of Capt. Grass; the second from the Fort, Rev. Mr. Stuart; the third has -the names upon it of Lawrence Herkimer, Sam. Hilton, Capt. Jost Hartman; -the fourth, Francis Lozion, Rockland, James Brown, John Moshier; fifth, -Lieut. Ellerbeck; sixth, John Stuart, Lieut. Gallary, Lieut. Mower, -Charles Pauder; seventh, Capt. McGarrow; eighth, Lieutenant Atkinson; -ninth, Robert Vanalstine; tenth, Richard Moorman; eleventh, R. Gider: -this lot lies on the “Petite Cataraqui;” twelfth, Lieut. Kotte, -Surveyor, and afterward John Stuart; thirteenth, Capt. Grass, also Capt. -Everett; fourteenth, Grass; fifteenth, Capt. Harkman; sixteenth Nicholas -Herkimer. This brings us to Collins’ Bay, or, as the original name -appears “Ponegeg.” Continuing westward, among others, are to be seen the -names of Purdy, Capt. Wm. Johnson, Wm. Fairfield, Senr., Daniel Rose, -Matthias Rose, Robert Clark, James Clark, Sen., Sergt. John Taylor, -Capt. J. W. Myers, who has two lots; (these two last became the first -settlers in Sidney and Thurlow); Lieut. James Robins, Sergt. Williams, -Lieut. Best, Lieut. John Durenbury, and then there was a lot (No. 18) -for the “King’s saw mill,” subsequently Booth’s Mills. Of the foregoing, -it is uncertain how many became settlers. But the most of them seem to -have obtained these front lots, irrespective of Captain Grass. - -Of the other early settlers, the following are, doubtless, the principal -ones. For their names, I am partially indebted to Mr. G. H. Detlor, -himself the descendant of an Irish Palatine. “Wm. MacAulay, Thomas -Markland, John Kirby, John Cummings, Peter Smith, England, John -Ferguson, Lyons, Pousett, McDonnell, Boyman, Cook, Taylor, Smyth, -DeNyke, Murney, Cuthbertson, Alcott. The Rev. John Stuart, Hon. Richard -Cartwright, Allen McLean.” These did not probably come the first year, -but within the first two or three years. - -It is said that John Fralick or Freeligh, who had held a commission in -the army, was one of the first settlers in Kingston, and built the -fourth house erected. Other names given, as among the first inhabitants -of the village of Kingston, are John Forsyth, Joseph Forsyth, Anderson, -Punbee, Merrill, Stoughton, Gray, Hix, Cassady, Ashley, Burley, Stower, -Donald McDonald, James Richardson, Patrick Smith, John Steel, Ebenezer -Washburn. Early settlers on the front of the Township, beside those -before given, were Holmes, Day, Ferris, several Wartmans, and Graham. - -Before proceeding with the history of Kingston, it is desirable to -notice more particularly some events connected with the occupancy of -Kingston, as a Naval and Military station. We have seen that Surveyor -Collins gave the preference for Carleton Island. But Lord Dorchester -decided that Kingston was the most desirable place for purposes of -defense, and it is a striking fact that the views held by him have been, -to a certain extent, reiterated by Gen. Michel, in 1867. Both seemed to -hold the opinion that Canada, west of Kingston, was untenable against an -invading foe. When Simcoe assumed the Government of the newly formed -Upper Province, it was the declared desire of Lord Dorchester, that he -should select Kingston as the capital, and make it a well fortified -town. Already steps had been taken to establish a naval as well as a -military station. Haldimand’s Cove, between Point Frederick and Point -Henry, had been selected for the Naval depot, and here was a Dock Yard -and Stores, which were continued for many years. These were commenced -about 1789, and the same year barracks were built by soldiers, upon the -ruins of the old fort, which was the commencement of the Military -Station, and the head-quarters of the troops in Upper Canada, and the -residence of the Commander-in-Chief; also a staff of the Ordinance and -Engineer Departments was kept up. Cooper, writing 1856, says: “Of late -years, a general reduction has been made,—a small garrison only is now -kept, and the Artillery is wholly withdrawn.” (This was at the time of -the Crimean war). The establishment was, some dozen years ago, greatly -reduced, and is now wholly abandoned. In years past, however, the -officers and crew of Her Majesty’s ship Niagara, were regularly piped to -quarters in a handsome stone building in the Dock Yard, which was -manned, and the crew disciplined in complete man-o’-war fashion. In -these bygone days, Kingston was the residence of the Commodore in charge -of the Naval Department, who lived in a style which would have quite -outshone that of some of our economical Governors. Those connected with -this and other departments, followed the worthy Commodore’s example, and -as the population was not then great, the influence of that example -rendered the town, if not a very prosperous, certainly a very gay, and -seemingly happy one. Times have certainly changed since then, as far as -the expenditure of Imperial money is concerned. - -After Kingston had been selected as a military station, it naturally -grew more rapidly. The presence of the soldiers and of seamen, and their -expenditure of money, had the effect of starting into quicker life, the -infant town; but when Simcoe, in 1792, passed it by, and sought his -gubernatorial residence at Newark, it received a material check in its -growth. Being the largest collection of houses in Upper Canada, Kingston -had claims, irrespective of the existence of the two arms of the -service. During the first decade in the history of Upper Canada, -Kingston did not rise above a small village, although it was honoured, -sometimes, with the appellation of “city.” Rochefoucault says, 1795, -that Kingston “consists of about 120 or 30 houses. The ground in the -immediate vicinity of the city, rises with a gentle swell, and forms, -from the lake onwards, as it were, an amphitheatre of lands, cleared, -but not yet cultivated. None of the buildings are distinguished by a -more handsome appearance from the rest. The only structure, more -conspicuous than the others, and in front of which the English flag is -hoisted, is the barracks, a stone building surrounded with palisades. -All the houses stand on the northern bank of the bay, which stretches a -mile further into the country. On the southern bank are the buildings -belonging to the naval force, the wharfs, and the habitations of all the -persons, who belong to that department. The King’s ships lie at anchor -near those buildings, and consequently have a harbour and road separate -from the port for merchantmen.” - -“Kingston, considered as a town, is much inferior to Newark; the number -of houses is nearly equal in both. Kingston may contain a few more -buildings, but they are neither so large nor so good as at Newark. Many -of them are log houses, and those which consist of joiners’ work, are -badly constructed and painted. But few new houses are built. No -town-hall, no court-house, and no prison have hitherto been constructed. -The houses of two or three merchants are conveniently situated for -loading and unloading ships; but, in point of constructure, these are -not better than the rest. - -“Kingston seems better fitted for a trading town than Newark, were it -only for this reason, that the ships, which arrive at the latter place, -and are freighted for Lake Erie, pass by the former, to sail again up -the river as far as Queen’s Town, where the portage begins.” - -Cooper remarks that “Fort Frontenac existed for several years after the -conquest, the remains of the tower in the interior being removed in -1827. The present barracks were built, the officers’ quarters in 1821, -the men’s stone barracks in 1827, and the frame barracks in 1837. At the -commencement of the war in 1812, Point Henry, the site of the present -extensive military works, was covered with trees; in the following year -a rude fort of logs and embankment was thrown up. A year or two after -its erection two large and substantial stone towers were added to the -defences, they were lofty, square towers, rounded at the corners. These -remained until 1826 or 1828. Stone magazines, ordnance offices, and -armoury were built outside the fort during the years 1816, ‘17 and ‘18. -Extensive stone barracks, roofed with tin, were built between 1818 and -1820; one of these within the fort was 230 feet in length; another -building which stood where the advanced battery has since been built, -was 80 feet in length, and formed the officers’ quarters. - -“These barracks stood until 1841, when they were pulled down and the -material sold. Two large houses in Brock Street, and one in Barrack -Street, were built from the stone, which, it may be remarked in passing, -is not the ordinary blue limestone in general use, but a much whiter -material, apparently not so durable. The erection of the present fort -was commenced in 1832, several previous years having been spent in the -quarrying and preparing material. It was first occupied in 1836. On -Point Frederick the first works were a breastwork of logs and earth, -with traversing platforms for guns; within the breastwork was a block -house. These works were built during or just after the war; this block -house was burnt in the year 1820. There were also built, about the same -time, a block house surrounded with a strong stockade on the hill on -Princess Street, on the lot formerly owned by the late Mr. Jacob Ritter; -a small redan on Ordnance Street; a battery at Mississauga Point; a -block house near the present Marine Railway; one on Stuart’s or Murney’s -Point; another at Snake Island; one which stood until recently, near the -present new court house, with those now standing, one of them on the -hill to the east of the city, and the other at the west end of -Wellington Street. These block houses, excepting, of course, that on -Snake Island, were all connected by a strong stake fence, or stockade; -portions of which still exist, and formed a chain of defences -surrounding, what was then, the whole city.” - -From the first, it will be seen that the village of Kingston was to a -great extent indebted to the public service for its prosperity. Isaac -Wild, writing in 1796, says that from 60 to 100 men are quartered in the -barracks. - - - - - CHAPTER XLVIII. - - CONTENTS—The situation of Kingston—Under military influence— - Monopolist—Early history of legislation—In 1810—Gourlay’s - statement—Police—Modern Kingston—Lord Sydenham—Seat of government— - Perambulating—Surrounding country—Provisions—An appeal for - Kingston as capital—Barriefield—Pittsburgh—Building of small - crafts—Famous—Roads—Waterloo—Cemetery—Portsmouth—Kingston Mill— - Little Cataraqui—Collinsby—Quantity of land—Early and influential - inhabitants—Post masters—“Honorable men”—Deacon, Macaulay, - Cartwright, Markland, Cummings, Smiths, Kerby—Allen McLean, first - lawyer—A gardener—Sheriff McLean—“Chrys” Hagerman—Customs—Sampson, - shooting a smuggler—Hagerman, M.P.P.—Removes to Toronto. - - - THE FIRST TOWNSHIP—EVENTS IN ITS EARLY HISTORY. - -It must be admitted, the place did not possess from its geographical -situation the requisites for becoming a great city, although its -situation at the head of the St. Lawrence, would always secure for it a -certain degree of importance. There are evils incident to places, -depending upon the military and naval bodies, and these can be seen in -connection with the history of Kingston. Anything which drew away for a -time, to any extent, either arm of the service, had a damaging effect -upon the prosperity, and stagnation resulted in business. - -Early Kingston must be regarded as a town growing up in the back woods, -with a population governed and influenced more or less by the society of -officers and soldiers, and while the former gave dignity and tone to the -higher classes, the lower portion of society was correspondingly and for -evil, affected by the presence of the soldiers, with the numerous -groggeries, and low houses of entertainments, which particularly in -former days, were found to exist in connection with military -establishments. - -In the first years of Canada, speculation was common with a certain -class. Land claims could be purchased for a mere song. The holder of a -“location ticket,” would often part with his title for a few quarts of -rum, while many other holders were glad to sell for a few pounds of -ready money, or certain articles of stock. It came that in time, a -certain number of monopolists, living at Kingston, held land in the rear -concessions and neighboring townships. The Imperial money in Kingston -was often spent without contributing to the improvement of the adjacent -country. But the time came when the encircling settlers compelled a more -generous course of conduct. - -But, much obscurity rests upon the history of the first seven or ten -years of the village of Kingston. The effort has been made to gather up -the fragments pertaining thereto, and arrange them so as to form a -connected whole. - -Cooper says that “the town was laid out in 1793, being then confined to -what is now the eastern portion in the vicinity of the _Tête du Pont_ -barracks, and what was then known as the Cataraqui Common, lots 25, 24, -23, on which is situated the chief part of the city, were then farm lots -of 200 acres each, and uncleared.” - -According to the census roll in the office of the clerk of the peace -1794, the population of Cataraqui village was 345. It would seem that -the appearance of the village was not very pleasing. But the -surroundings had a certain wild beauty. The first buildings were of the -most inferior kind. Kingston now so beautiful in its fine buildings and -well appointed streets, had in its first days but the humblest of log -tenements, with the rude Indian wigwam for a neighbor. Instead of fair -broad streets, and a well ordered park, there was the Indian foot path, -and the thick tangled wood, with the stately pine. - -In 1793 an act was passed “to fix the times and places of holding the -courts of quarter sessions, within the several districts,” according to -which it was provided that the courts of the midland district should be -held in Kingston, in April and October of each year. This added somewhat -to the dignity of the place. Then in 1801, there was created an act to -empower commissioners of the peace, to establish a market at Kingston, -where might be exposed for sale “butchers’ meat, butter, eggs, poultry, -fish, and vegetables.” It was further enacted that all “rules and -regulations shall be published by causing a copy of them to be affixed -in the most public place in every township in the district, and at the -doors of the church and court house of the said town of Kingston, &c.” - -In 1810, Kingston was yet a small place. Mr. Miles who moved there at -the time says there was not a sidewalk or pavement, and he for a time -boarded in one of several log houses close by the market place, “where -was no lack of mud in the spring and fall, and it was no uncommon thing -for waggons to be pried out by fence rails just north of the market -place. Pine trees of the forest yet waved almost over the market place. -A thick wood covered Point Henry, and the ground, where now is erected -St. Andrew’s Church and parsonage. The limit of the town on the north -was at Store Street, now Princess, the last house being on the north -east side, Alcott’s old store, and on the west side where Mr. Meadows -now resides. The road, for it was then such only after passing, Alcott’s -turned to the right, and went a zigzag course northwards, till it -reached the second concession, now Waterloo road. This was a distance of -five miles from the foot of Store Street.” - -A resident writing to the _Kingston Gazette_, December 26, 1815, among -other things, says that the town of Kingston, “possessing so many -advantages, it is time that its inhabitants should adopt some plan of -improving and embellishing of it. The streets require very great -repairs, as in the rainy seasons it scarcely possible to move about -without being in mud to the ankles; from the breadth, they will admit of -very wide footpaths on both sides, which ought to be paved, at least in -every part of the town where the buildings are connected. Lamps are -required to light the streets in the dark of the moon. Trees should be -planted on each side. The streets should be kept free of lumber of every -kind, and piles of wood. A fire engine, with a certain number of -buckets, with a company of firemen should exist. But first the -legislature must form a code of laws, forming a complete police. To meet -expense, government might lay a rate upon every inhabitant householder -in proportion to value of property in house.” - -Another correspondent under the signature of Citizen, says, “January 27, -1816, that he approves of “A Residents” remarks, and in addition, he -suggests that the lower classes follow the example of the liberal spirit -manifested among heads of society in the previous summer in contributing -to the turnpiking of the streets, and paving the footpaths before their -own doors. They ought to imitate, though faintly, that noble and -generous example.” Besides this, among other things, Citizen speaks -against persons who work at their trades on Sunday, instead of going to -church. “Luther,” another correspondent says, there is the noise of -hammers and axes from sunrise to sunset, on Sundays. - -According to the _Kingston Gazette_, August 14, 1829, the census taken -that year shewed the population of the town to be 3528, but this did not -include the military. The number of inhabitants in 1836 was 6000. - -At the present time, 1867, Kingston is said to cover an area of 2930 -acres, while Toronto boasts of 5885 acres. - -R. Gourlay says, in 1816, that Kingston “is now progressing rapidly in -population and buildings, as well as in business. From 1811 to 1816 the -number of dwellings increased from 130 to 300; but it is estimated that -100 more will have been erected at the close of this year.” Much of this -prosperity was doubtless due to the war, causing so many troops to be -stationed there; at the same time business and general growth of the -City received an impetus which the close of the war failed entirely to -arrest. This year a bill passed Parliament “to regulate the police, -within the town of Kingston.” More ample provision was made in 1824. - -In 1821, a writer says, Kingston was the largest town in Upper Canada, -containing about 5000 inhabitants including the military. “The people -live in good style, but are not very hospitable; they are mostly in the -mercantile business.” The number of inhabitants is probably over -estimated, as in 1824 it is stated on good authority, that the -population amounts to 2336. “The buildings are of such an inferior -description as scarcely to be worthy of notice.” - - - MODERN KINGSTON. - -The events chronicled in this work are mainly those which came to pass -prior to 1830, and the history of the first township here recorded must -mainly be limited to those early days. It will not, however, be -inappropriate to glance, and it will be a mere glance at the Kingston of -modern days. The greatest event in connection with Kingston, was the -selection by Lord Sydenham, when the Upper and Lower Provinces were -united in 1840, into one, for the capital of United Canada. Its claim to -that honor as the most central city cannot be questioned. It may fairly -be questioned on the other hand whether it was a wise and judicious -policy, which caused Kingston to be forsaken, and the perambulatory -system to be substituted. Had the Seat of Government permanently rested -at Kingston, much expense to the country would have been saved, and at -the same time a great deal of heart bitterness stirred up by political -agitators, likewise prevented. But the hopes of Kingston as the capital -were shortlived, and with the death of Lord Sydenham, in 1842, resulting -from an accident, who had been mainly the cause of Kingston becoming the -capital, the brightest prospects of the oldest town in Upper Canada, -were buried. - -In 1845 Government was removed to Montreal. The motives according to -Cooper, which had much to do in determining the removal were not such as -are supposed to actuate statesmen. After rebutting the charge which it -seems had been made, that there was “no surrounding country calculated -to furnish marketable produce to a large non-producing population,” and -referring to the undoubted facts that the townships along the Bay of -Quinté were far more than adequate to meet all the gastronomists wants, -he concludes. “It may seem a small consideration when treating of so -important a branch of the subject, to take into account these -circumstances, but there is no ignoring the fact that the absence of -some of these minor luxuries had a serious effect on the minds, and -perhaps digestion of some of the officials of Her Majesty’s Provincial -Government, and some people at a distance are persuaded that Kingston is -a city built on a rock, surrounded with barren and stoney wilds, out of -which a bare existence is wrung by the occupants, and but a scanty -supply afforded to the City, and in deference to those thus -unenlightened, facts are dwelt on which may seem trivial to those in the -least acquainted with the neighborhood. Since 1845, when the Government -was removed to Montreal, this City has greatly increased in the number -of well built and commodious houses, which, with a well regulated and -well supplied market, tempting the most fastidious, would prevent even -the temporary inconveniences which in that year were felt. If any -families had to adopt double-bedded rooms, and to import their own -celery in those days, we can now assure them ‘_nous avous changes tout -cela_.’ In short we claim for a City central, indeed almost in the very -centre of the Province to be governed, proverbially healthy, -substantially built, strongly fortified, well lighted, thoroughly -drained, pleasantly situated, abundantly supplied, easy of access, the -focus of a net-work of good roads, the outlet of the produce of several -rich countries, provided with a good harbour, and enjoying many other -advantages, a pre-eminence among all Canadian Cities, as the permanent -Seat of the Government of the Province.” - -The existence of the Seat of Government at Kingston, although of short -duration, had a beneficial effect; many handsome buildings were erected -besides those used for the several Public Departments. “The Municipal -Legislature of the City was encouraged to make improvements in streets, -drainage, sidewalks, and otherwise, and to erect the present handsome -and expensive edifice, the City Hall and Market House, though not so -useful as it would have been had the Government remained here. The whole -building is occupied, and produces a revenue exceeding in amount the -interest on its cost. On the whole it may fairly be considered that the -City was improved by the temporary location of the Government here.” - -BARRIEFIELD.—The Cataraqui Bridge, which spans the great Cataraqui -River, connects Kingston with the Township of Pittsburgh, the origin of -which name is sufficiently well indicated. Close by, is the village of -Barriefield, “named after Commodore Barrie, who was head of the Naval -Department for many years.” “It forms a sort of suburb to the city, and -though not a place of much increase, has been long settled. It has an -elevated ground, and from it the visitor obtains a very favorable and -pleasing view of Kingston, with its harbors, forts and towers. At -Barriefield, are built the best small crafts, skiffs, and pleasure boats -in use throughout the Province. They are sent hence to all parts, and -their character and build are well known to the aquatic sportsman, and -amateur mariner. Not only in the Province, but abroad, these boats are -sought after, and in use, some of them being now afloat on the Lake of -Geneva. The Kingston, Pittsburgh, and Gananoque, and the Kingston and -Phillipsville Macadamized Roads run through this township, opening up -the township beyond, and affording to the settler a ready access to a -never-failing market. Within this township, are upwards of thirty-eight -miles of thoroughly macadamized roads, besides good country roads to and -between the concessions. That part of Pittsburgh where Barriefield -stands, and for about two miles eastward, was formerly part of the -township of Kingston. When the site of the Town of Kingston was first -selected, the spot where this village is situated was suggested, but was -overruled in favor of the present locality of Kingston, which certainly -offered greater advantages for the site of a city.” - -Kingston Township contains, not only the city of that name, but various -villages; “one of the nearest to that city is that of _Waterloo_, a very -pretty and neat little hamlet, about three miles from town. It contains -about 300 inhabitants, and has its Town Hall, Church, Stores, Inns, &c.” - -“In the neighborhood of this village, is the _Cataraqui Cemetery_, laid -out on a rising ground crowned by a grove of small pine trees. Much care -and skill in landscape gardening has been displayed in rendering the -ground picturesque and pleasing; a fine and extended view of the -surrounding country, and a pretty glimpse of the Bay is obtained from -the Cemetery grounds. This spot is not excelled in beauty and -appropriateness, by anything in the Province, and is compared by -travelers, who view it, to Greenwood Cemetery, in Brooklyn, N. Y. It -covers some sixty-five acres of land, and when ornamented by such -numerous and elegant monuments, as the living have erected to mark their -respect to the beloved dead in older places of sepulture, will be -unsurpassed by the oldest and most beautiful cemeteries known.” - -“_Portsmouth_ is another village, about equidistant from Kingston with -Waterloo, lying westward on the Lake shore; it was at one time, a very -bustling spot, and much enterprise was evinced in ship-building. It -suffered, for a time, from the withdrawal of the Seat of Government, and -the construction of the St. Lawrence canals, but has now recovered its -former prosperity, which promises to continue. The ship-building -business has revived, and is carried on with energy and success. In its -neighborhood are several handsome houses and villa-residences: the -surrounding country offering very inviting spots for building. It -contains about 350 inhabitants, and a large amount of rateable property, -and has an exceedingly neat unique little Church, in old English style, -with a belfry.” Portsmouth is now united to Kingston, by the erection of -buildings between them. - -Within the Township of Kingston, about five miles from the city, is the -old “Kingston Mill.” It is situated upon the Rideau Canal. The traveler, -as he passes along by train, over a tubular bridge, will be struck by -the beauty and grandeur of the scene. (For particulars, see “Early Years -of Upper Canada.”) - -Little Cataraqui is a stream of small dimensions, confined to the -township. In addition to the Little Cataraqui stream, there is running -across the township, the Collins Creek, so named after Surveyor Collins. -Not far from its source, in the north east part of the township, is a -small, pleasant lake, of the same name, while, at its mouth, is Collins’ -Bay. This is a beautiful inlet of the Bay Quinté, and forms a good -harbour. The place is known as Collinsby, and is situated about five -miles west of Kingston. - -The quantity of land in the township, is about 47,906. The soil is -principally clay upon a limestone foundation; but still there is much of -it capable of bearing good crops, to the careful and scientific farmer. - -Thomas Deacon, father of the present Post Master, was Post Master from -1800 to 1836, when his duties in the Commissariat Department obliged him -to resign that office. The Hon. John Macauley occupied the post from -1813 to 1836, when he resigned, and was succeeded by the present -incumbent, Robert Deacon. - -We will supplement the reference we have made to the leading men of -Kingston, by giving extracts from a communication we have, at the last -moment received, written by one who, now well advanced in life, spent -his earlier years of manhood in Kingston, when the first inhabitants -were in the afternoon of their life. - -The Hon. R. Cartwright, the pioneer merchant, and Judge of Mecklenburgh, -seems to have stood next in importance and influence to the Rev. Mr. -Stuart. “Among the prominent merchants were Thomas Markland, John -Cummings, Peter Smith, John Kirby, and John Macaulay.” They were “all -honorable men,” and “members of the English Church,” and of undeviating -loyalty. Mr. Markland left a son. John Cummings left no issue. He was a -man of “great energy; a magistrate, and filled other offices under the -Government.” Peter Smith was “highly respected, upright in all his -dealings, and free from any moral or political reproach.” “A fine -specimen of an English gentleman.” He “carried with him evidence that he -was no stranger to good dinners, and understood the qualities of good -wine.” He died at an advanced age, 1825, leaving a son and two -daughters. - -“John Kirby was another fine specimen of an Englishman. He loved good -wine and good dinners. Extremely affable, always in good humor, -universally respected. His highest ambition, in the evening of his days, -seemed to be the enjoyment of domestic tranquility, and a quiet home, -made happy to him by a wife of rare sense, intelligent, and possessed of -many amiable accomplishments.” The Hon. John Macaulay had a well -disciplined mind, possessed great energy of character, and was decided -in his political opinions no doubt, from conscientious motives. In his -business transactions “he was scrupulously exact.” “Extremely temperate -in his habits. Was one of those who passed through life without exposing -themselves to the obloquy of their political opponents.” Allen McLean, -Esq., the first Lawyer of Kingston; created such by an order in Council. -His “abilities were moderate,” and “his original education defective.” -“A man of considerable taste, modest, dignified in his deportment. For -many years, was the only legal adviser in the place. He was a faithful -representative in Parliament for many years. Was liberal in his -political opinions.” “As proof of his good taste, he was proprietor of -one of the best gardens in the Province. It covered one acre of ground, -and contained many choice fruit trees, such as apples, plums, pears, -peach, &c.,—all tastefully arranged, kept in prime order, and defended -from the wind by a high wall. He took an honest pride in showing his -garden to his friends who called upon him, and was not stinted in -distributing its luscious products.” Mr. McLean left one daughter, who -became the wife of John McLean, Esq., Sheriff of the Midland District. -Christopher Hagerman resided for many years in Kingston. Was, for many -years, Custom House Officer, and while so, one of his students (Mr. -Samson, afterwards of Belleville) detected a man, by the name of Lyons, -in the act of carrying smuggled goods, and ordered him to stop. On his -refusing to do so, Mr. S. discharged his pistol, which took effect, the -ball passing through the chest. Lyons rushed to his house, a few doors -off, and fell exhausted from loss of blood. Mr. Samson, frightened at -what he had done, hastened to summon two doctors, Drs. Armstrong and -Sampson. This occurred before daylight, on the morning of the 26th June, -1824. The life of Lyons was despaired of for many days; but, eventually, -he grew better, and gained a moderate degree of health. It is creditable -to Mr. Hagerman, that he cheerfully paid the medical attendants. Mr. -Hagerman represented Kingston in Parliament several years. He removed to -Toronto, a few years previous to the rebellion of 1836. - - - - - CHAPTER XLIX. - - CONTENTS—The second town—Ernest’s town—King George—His children— - Settlers of Ernesttown—Disbanded soldiers—Johnson’s regiment—Major - Rogers’ corps—The “Roll”—Number—By whom enlisted—An old book— - Township surveyed—Settling—Traveling—Living in tents—A change— - Officers—Names—Occupants of lots—Mill Creek—The descendants— - Quantity of land—Village—The settlers in 1811—The main road— - Incorporation of Bath—Trading—Fairfield—The library—Bath by - Gourlay—Bath of the present—Bath _versus_ Napanee—In 1812—American - Fleet—Wonderful achievement—Safe distance from shore—Third - township—Fredericksburgh—After Duke of Sussex—Surveyed by Kotte—A - promise to the disbanded soldiers—Johnson—Fredericksburgh - additional—A dispute—Quantity of land—Extract from Mrs. Moodie— - Reserve for village—Second surveys. - - - THE SECOND TOWNSHIP—ERNESTTOWN—BATH. - -The first township was named after His Majesty, the King’s Town, and all -of the other townships, both upon the St. Lawrence and Bay Quinté, -received names after distinguished loyalty, or some distinguished -nobleman, or general of Great Britain, then occupying a prominent -position. King George the Third, who died in 1820, aged eighty-two, -having reigned sixty years, had a family of fifteen children, whose -names were George, Frederick, William Henry, Charlotte Augusta Matilda, -Edward, Sophia Augusta, Elizabeth, Ernest Augustus, Augustus Frederick, -Adolphus Frederick, Mary, Sophia, Octavius, Alfred, Amelia. These royal -names were appropriated to the townships, towns, districts, &c. - -Ernesttown was so named after Ernest Augustus, the eighth child of the -King. - -The first township, we have seen, was chiefly granted to Captain Grass -and the band of loyalists who came from New York under his guidance, -notwithstanding some objection from Sir John Johnson, and the officers -of his regiment. The second township, however, and also the third, were -allotted to the 2nd battalion of the 84th regiment, commonly called Sir -John Johnson’s regiment, also the King’s New York Royal Rangers. The -regiment was generally designated, by the rebels, as the Royal Greens. -This body of men took a conspicuous part in the war—took a noble part, -although those who feared them, and were unequal to meet them in -successful combat, endeavoured to malign them. The history of this -regiment is referred to elsewhere, and as well that of the distinguished -founder. The writer has in his possession the “roll of the 2nd battalion -of the King’s Royal Rangers, New York,” containing the names of the -parties by whom each of the soldiers was enlisted, which will be found -in the appendix. - -By this it is learned that the whole number of the company was 477. That -Sir John Johnson enlisted 88, Major Ross 47, Captain Leahe 17, Guminall -38, Munrow 29, Anderson 1, Lieutenant Halbert 1, Captain McKay 95, -Morrison 30, Singleton 1, Major Gray 2, Captain Crawford 2, John -McDonell 2, Lieutenant Langan 30, Langhn 2, Lieutenant Wair 1, French 1, -C. McAlpine 1, Ensign Thompson 1, Lieutenant McKay 2, Sergeant Howell 2, -Tipple 1, Ensign Smith 3, and 69 by whom, it is not stated, they were -enlisted. This roll was afterwards a precious document, when it became -necessary to prove that one was truly a U. E. Loyalist. The book in -which this roll is found, seems to have been an account book kept by the -Adjutant, Fraser, and is dated at Oswego, 28th November, 1782. -Subsequently, it was used as an account book by “Captain Crawford’s -company.” We believe it was after his death that the book came into the -possession of Mr. Sills. It is an interesting relic of the past, and -ought to find a lodgement in some museum. - -Many of these disbanded soldiers were from the Mohawk valley and Upper -Hudson. The majority were from the old Johnston district, and not a few -of Dutch origin. These honest and industrious settlers are represented -to-day by wealthy and valuable citizens, whose names unmistakably -indicate the stock from which they have descended. - -This township was surveyed probably in 1784. It may be that a base line -was run in the fall of 1783. By looking at the map of this township, it -will be seen that the lots are marked, like those of Kingston, from west -to east, showing that the base line was run along the whole length, and -then subsequently the survey completed from the west. - -In the early spring of 1784, came the soldier settlers; the 1st -battalion, commonly called Jessup’s Corps, settled on the St. Lawrence, -in Edwardsburgh and Augusta, while the second, or Rogers’ Corps, passed -up to the Bay of Quinté. Respecting this regiment, the following will -prove appropriate, from the pen of the historian of the County of -Dundas. “At the close of the war, this regiment was stationed at the -Isle aux Noix, a fortified frontier post at the northern extremity of -Lake Champlain, which has been mentioned as an important fortress during -the old French war. Here they passed a whole year, and were employed in -adding to the already extensive fortifications of that island. While -they remained there thus employed, two Government surveyors, named -Steichmann and Tewit, were actively engaged surveying the County of -Dundas, for their future occupation. Late in the autumn of 1783, the -soldiers were joined by their wives and little ones, who had wandered -the weary way afoot, to Whitehall, through swamps and forest, beset with -difficulties, dangers, and privations, innumerable. The soldiers from -Isle aux Noix met them there, with boats, and conveyed them the rest of -their journey by water, through Lake Champlain. Imagination fails us -when we attempt to form an idea of the emotions that filled their -hearts, as families, that had formerly lived happily together, -surrounded with peace and plenty, and had been separated by the rude -hand of war, now met in each others embrace, in circumstances of abject -poverty. A boisterous passage was before them in open boats, exposed to -the rigors of the season—a dreary prospect of a coming winter, to be -spent in pent up barracks, and a certainty, should they be spared, of -undergoing a life-time of such hardship, toil, and privation, as are -inseparable from the settlement of a new country. As soon as the journey -was accomplished, the soldiers and their families, were embarked in -boats, sent down the Richelieu to Sorel, thence to Montreal, and on to -Cornwall, by the laborious and tedious route of the St. Lawrence. The -difficulty of dragging their boats up the rapids of this river was very -great; to us it is really quite inconceivable. Arrived at Cornwall, they -found there the Government Land Agent, and forthwith proceeded to draw -by lottery the lands that had been granted to them. On the 20th of June, -1784, the first settlers landed in the County of Dundas.” - -Not unlikely some of the 2nd battalion were stationed at Carleton Island -and Oswego, up to the time that settlement took place. We learn that -Captain Crawford’s company at least was at the latter place in 1782. -However, it seems clear that most of the battalion was in Lower Canada, -and came up with the first battalion. The survey was not yet completed, -and they pitched their tents along the shore, waiting until the work of -drawing lots was accomplished. In the meantime, they passed their days -as best they could; not knowing where their lot would be cast, they -could not proceed with the clearing of land. The writer has been told by -one who, passing up during this summer, saw the tents spread along the -shore, upon whose brink the primeval forest yet stood in all its native -beauty. Now, had they been stationed at Carleton Island or Oswego, it is -not likely they would have thus come before they could enter upon their -work of settling. - -The camp tents in use by these disbanded veterans were the same they had -occupied in their campaigning. How great the change to them. The alarm -of the coming foe, the thought of approaching battle, the cannon’s roar, -the rattle of small arms, no longer disturbed their dreams, nor sounded -upon their ears. The battle cloud had passed away, leaving but a wreck -of their worldly goods, and there was a great calm—the calm of the -desert wilderness, unbroken even by the sound of the pioneer’s axe—the -calm of a conscience quieted by the thought that all had been sacrificed -in a righteous cause. They had met and conquered many a foe; but the -fate of war had driven them to the desert wild, to encounter new fears, -to fight the battle of the pioneer. How they succeeded; how glorious the -victory, is written, not merely by our own feeble hand elsewhere—it is -indelibly inscribed upon the pages of the townships, by the tillers of -the soil. - -In this township as well as elsewhere, the officers seem to have had the -choice of lots upon the front, while the rank and file took possession -of the rear lots. Among the officers who settled on the front of -Ernesttown and Fredericksburgh, may be found the names of Lieut. Church, -Lieut. Spencer, Capts. Crawford and Thompson, Ensign Fraser, Capt. -Howard. According to John Collins Clark, son of Robert Clark, the first -lots were taken up in the following order, commencing at the easternmost -lot, No. 42: - -Lot 42 was first occupied by David Purdy; Joshua Booth, Esq., married to -a daughter of David Fraser, lived on Lot 40 or 41; Mr. Nicholas Lake, -Lot 39, but soon left it; Lot 38 was settled by Capt. Wm. Johnson; -William Fairfield, sen., Lot 37. He had twelve children, all of whom -lived to marry. Daniel Rose commenced a settlement on Lot 30, but in a -few years left, and removed to the third concession. Matthias Rose, -sen., settled on Lot 35, he died in his 90th year. Lot 34 and east half -of 33, were settled by Robert Clark, Esq. His wife was a Ketcham, they -had five sons and a daughter; he died at the age of 80 years. His eldest -son, Matthias, had twelve sons. West half of Lot 33 was occupied by John -Longwell. The east half of Lot 32 was first owned by John Sayer; the -west half by Simon Swarts. Lot 31 was school land, first occupied by -Michael Phipps and William Sole. East half of Lot 29, owned by a German -named Gedd, west half occupied by Daniel Fraser, Esq., though not the -first settler on that lot. Sebastian Hogle, John Lake, and John Caldwell -settled Lots 27 and 28, but soon removed back into the concessions. -James Parrot, Esq., a half-pay officer, settled Lot 26; he afterward -sold this lot to Adam Stanring, from the Mohawk River. The next -settlers, continuing westward, were Jacob Miller, Frederick Baker, -Wigant (Lutheran clergyman), John Mabee, Joseph Huff, a waggon maker, -Adam Peat, a tailor, Nicholas Amey, Simon Snider, David Williams, -generally called Sergeant Williams, a blacksmith, Joseph Losee, Lieut. -John Dusenbury. Lieut. Best soon left, and Dusenbury died. Lot 19, has -latterly been partially laid out into village lots, and a number of -buildings erected. Lot 18 was a Government mill lot. It was leased for -some years by Joshua Booth. From the number of mills subsequently -erected on the stream, that empties here, it obtained the name of “Mill -Creek.” Lot 17, settled by William Cottier which was afterward owned by -A. D. Foward. There were several occupants of the next lot; and the next -was settled by Brisco, and the next by Richard Robins. Then came one by -John George. Lot 11, now a part of Bath, was owned by George McGinnis, a -half-pay officer, who sold to Fairfield. No. 10, on which is situated -most of the village of Bath, was occupied by John Davy. No. 9 was owned -by James Johnson, father of the celebrated “Bill” Johnson, the traitor -of 1812. The next was settled by Jeptha Hamley, Esq. Westward lived -Matthias Rose, William Rose, Wilcox, Shibley, then Finkle, Brisco, -Huffman, Pruyn, Williams, Church, &c. As a general thing, the sons of -the first settlers, settled in the rear concessions. At the present -time, says Clark, there are not more than 10 or 12 of the farms on the -front owned by the descendants of the original settlers. - -The township of Ernesttown contains 68,644 acres, all of which is -excellent land with the least exception, so that the pioneers were not -the losers in having this township allotted to them instead of Kingston. -However, at that time the distance from Carleton Island and Cataraqui -seemed considerable. The land being good, and the settlers industrious, -as a general thing, the time was not long, when the township became the -best cultivated, and most wealthy, not alone around the Bay of Quinté -but in the whole of Western Canada. The richness of the soil, and lying -more immediately at the mouth of the Bay, contributed to its prosperity, -and a village before many years sprung up, which for a time rivalled -even Kingston itself, in respect to rapid increase of inhabitants, the -establishment of trade, building of ships, and from the presence of -gentlemen of refinement and education, and in the foundation of a -library and a seminary of higher education. - -Gourlay says, in 1811, that “the settlers are most of them practical -husbandmen. Their farms are well fenced, well tilled, and accommodated -with barns.” There are now above 2,300 inhabitants, a greater number -than are found in any other township in the Province. They have three -houses of public worship, one Episcopalian, one Presbyterian, and one -Methodist. In 1817, Ernesttown had “one parochial academy in the -village, and thirteen common schools over the township.” - -In some of the townships first surveyed, a plot was reserved at the -front, and subsequently laid out into town lots. Such was the case in -Ernesttown, seemingly. At all events a village sprung up at an early -period, on the front of the tenth lot. It was for a long time known as -the Village of Ernesttown; but in time, after the war of 1812, it -acquired the name of Bath, probably after the beautiful English town of -that name. The distance of Bath from Kingston is about eighteen miles, -and the road leading thereto was one of the first constructed in Upper -Canada, and the country there was regarded as the very centre of -civilization in the Province. For a long time the main road between -Kingston and York passed by Bath, even after it was no longer solely by -the way of Prince Edward and the Carrying Place. A branch of the main -road passed from this place to Napanee, and thence to Thurlow and -Sidney. Bath was regarded as a city in embryo. Its progress was onward, -until the war of 1812. Gourlay says of it in 1811, that “it promises to -be a place of considerable business.” But the war dealt a serious blow -to the place, from which it never recovered fully. The _Kingston -Gazette_, of 1816, remarks, to the effect, that the village is emerging -from its depression, and that it ought to be made a post town, and a -port of entry. In the summer of this year Samuel Purdy started a public -conveyance between Kingston and Bath. The following year the Steamer -_Frontenac_ and _Charlotte_ were commenced here. In 1818 a bill was -introduced into Parliament “to constitute the town of Bath—to provide -for laying out and surveying town lots and streets, and a market-place -therein, and regulating the police thereof.” - -The first person to engage in the trading business at Bath was Benjamin -Fairfield. - -Thus wrote Gourlay, of Bath, in 1811: “From the lake shore the ground -ascends about seventy rods, and thence slopes off in a gentle northern -descent. The ascent is divided into regular squares by five streets, -laid parallel with the shore; one of them being the lower branch of the -main road, and all of them crossed at right angles by streets running -northerly. One of these cross streets is continued through the -concession, and forms that branch of the main road which passes round -the Bay of Quinté. On the east side of this street, at the most elevated -point, stands the church, and on the opposite side is the academy, -overlooking the village, and commanding a variegated prospect of the -harbour, the sound, the adjacent island, the outlets into the open lake, -and the shores stretching eastward and westward, with a fine landscape -view of the country all around. The situation is healthy and delightful, -not surpassed perhaps in natural advantages by any in America. The -village is increasing in buildings, accommodations, inhabitants, and -business, and seems calculated to be the central point of a populous and -productive tract of country around it.” - -A stranger visiting Bath to-day, having read of its early and -enterprising days, will not unlikely feel a pang of disappointment. We -are sorry to say that the place presents a tumbling-down appearance. A -large brick building, built in 1809, to accommodate what was then the -largest Free Mason lodge in the province, has a large rent in it, as if -an enemy’s cannon ball had penetrated and shattered it. Prominently -situated it attracts great attention. The quietness of the place reminds -one of Goldsmith’s deserted village. Within our own recollection, ship -building was carried on here; but now nothing indicates the place of -busy enterprise; there is nothing but the plain unbroken beach, where -was constructed the first steamboats built in Upper Canada. The literary -spirit that led to the establishment of a library here at an early date, -we fear has departed—gone with the spirit of those who nobly conceived -the project—gone as lawyers Macaulay, Fairfield, and Ridwell, who here -entered upon promising careers of professional usefulness. The glory of -Bath has not ceased to depart; year after year it has lost some element -of importance to its existence. The rich country around for many years -poured into this charming village its ever increasing supplies. The -merchants of Bath exchanged goods for the produce, and became rich; but -now, Napanee, affording a greater variety of the necessaries and -luxuries for family use, draws a large majority of the well-to-do -yeomen, who there spend their money. Occasionally, a grain buyer may be -able to offer a little higher price here, yet the farmer takes his money -to spend in Napanee. Times, indeed, have changed since the denizens of -Bath regarded their village as a rival of Kingston; when enterprise -sought here a larger field in which to drive business, and men of -education adorned society, and gave refinement and superior advantages -to its people. Then Napanee was in the backwoods—a place regarded as we -do now the settlements upon the Hastings’ Road; and those who lived -there were removed from the centre of civilization. But now the iron -horse speeds along by the old York Road; and Bath of Canada, like its -great namesake at home, although still beautiful, is interesting, mainly -from its past associations. - -It was the citizens of Bath who first saw the American fleet in 1813 -approaching the shore. The early morning sun saw the inhabitants very -shortly aroused to action. The old veterans, who for so many years had -used the plow and the axe, anxiously enquired for their old weapons of -warfare. Mrs. Perry tells us that she distinctly remembers that the word -came to her father’s while they were at breakfast, that the enemy was -entering Bath. Her father, then fifty-eight, forsook his breakfast and -sought his gun. But before he and his sons reached the village, the -fleet had passed on toward Kingston. Three of his sons, hurried on to -Kingston. In like manner, all along the front, arose the men of -seventy-six, with their sons; and their arms flashed in the morning -sunlight. The enemy had won at Bath a great victory. They had stolen in -at the early dawn, when no foe was there, and actually had succeeded in -taking and burning the schooner _Benjamin Davy_. - - - THE THIRD TOWNSHIP—FREDERICKSBURGH. - -The early settlers sometimes called it the “Township of Frederick.” It -was called after Augustus Frederick, the Duke of Sussex, ninth child of -the king. - -According to the original plan of this township, preserved in the Crown -Lands’ Department, it was “surveyed in 1784 by James Pearly Lewis Kotte, -Henry Holland, and Samuel Tuffe.” - -The limits of the second township having been defined, the third was -also planned. Having fixed the base line, which formed a slight angle -with that of the second town, over the width of twenty-five lots, it was -at first, the intention to limit the township to this extent of -frontage; and the lots were consequently completed and numbered from -west to east, as had been done with the first two townships. But it -turned out that this would not meet the requirements of Sir John -Johnson’s disbanded soldiers, to whom the promise had been made that -they should be located in a township by themselves. The result was, that -the wishes of this corps’ were gratified, and the township was enlarged -to the extent of thirteen additional lots, which the map will show are -numbered from east to west, and which indicate that the lots were -completely surveyed before they were numbered. That portion of the third -town included in the portion first numbered, received the name of -“Fredericksburgh Original,” and that subsequently added, was called -“Fredericksburgh Additional.” The original intention of the surveyor, -was to have the latter portion form a part of the fourth township, which -would have effected a more equal division of the land; but the disbanded -soldiers did not wish to pass under the control of other officers, such -as held command of the settlers of the fourth township. Indeed, as will -be more particularly pointed out in connection with that township, -Adolphustown had well nigh been entirely consumed by the renewed -arrivals of Rogers’ men. There need be no wonder that the old soldiers -should thus desire to remain side by side under a common commander, in -the wilderness field, to fight the stern battle of pioneer life, and to -convert the wilderness into homesteads. The fact that numbers of each -battalion were unwilling to settle, except under their own officers, -reveals the spirit of the times: it tells us how much the settlement -partook of a military character, and the feeling of attachment which -existed between the officers and men, as well as among the rank and -file. It would not do that the same lots should be occupied as a part of -the fourth town under Captain VanAlstine; they must be severed from that -township, and united to Fredericksburgh, under the jurisdiction of their -old major. - -Fredericksburgh contains 40,215 acres of the very best quality of land. -The following is taken from Cooper’s Essay, by the pen of the talented -Mrs. Moodie. “We approach Fredericksburgh: this too is a pretty place, -on the north side of the bay; beautiful orchards and meadows skirt the -water, and fine bass-wood and willow-trees grow beside, or bend over the -waves. The green smooth meadows, out of which the black stumps rotted -long ago, show noble groups of hickory and butternut, and, sleek fat -cows are reposing beneath them, or standing midleg in the small creek, -that wanders through them, to pour its fairy tribute into the broad -bay.” In 1811, the township had “a large population, and many excellent -farms, an Episcopal Church (subsequently burnt), and a Lutheran -Meeting-house.”—(Gourlay). - -There was also a “reserve” for a village in this township at the front, -which, however, never grew into a village. - -In 1798, an act was passed, the object of which was to ascertain, and -establish the boundary lines between the townships by which -irregularities might be removed. In 1826, a special act was obtained “to -make provision for a survey of the first, second, and third, concessions -of Fredericksburgh, original, and the whole of Fredericksburgh, -additional.” It was enacted that the eastern boundary line of the said -township, otherwise known as the line between lots number twenty-five, -and the Gore, in the said second and third concessions, shall be, and -the same is hereby declared to be, the course or courses of the -respective division or side lines of lots or parcels lying in the -aforesaid tract of land; and all surveyors shall be, and are hereby, -required to run all such division or side lines of any of such lots or -parcels of land, which they may be called upon to survey, to correspond -with, and be parallel to, the aforesaid eastern boundary line. - - - - - CHAPTER L. - - CONTENTS—The Fourth Township—Adolphustown—After Duke of Cambridge— - Quantity of Land—Survey—Major VanAlstine—Refugees—From New York— - Time—Voyage—Their Fare—Names—Arrived—Hagerman’s Point—In Tents— - First Settler—Town Plot—Death—The Burial—A Relic—Commissary— - Dispute of Surveyors—The Settlers—All things in common—An Aged - Man—Golden Rule—Old Map—Names—Islands—The Township—Price of Land— - First “Town Meeting”—Minutes—The Officers Record—Inhabitants, - 1794—Up to 1824—First Magistrates—Centre of Canada—Court Held in - Barn—In Methodist Chapel—“A Den of Thieves”—Court House erected— - Adolphustown Canadians—Members of Parliament—The Courts—Where - first held—Hagerman—Travelers tarrying at Adolphustown. - - - SETTLEMENT OF ADOLPHUSTOWN. - -The Fourth Township westward from Fort Frontenac, was, some time after -its survey and settlement, named Adolphustown, after Adolphus, Duke of -Cambridge, the tenth son of King George III. The Township contains about -11,459 acres, and was surveyed in 1784, by Surveyor-General Holland. - -In the year 1783, a party of Loyalists sailed from the port of New York. -They were under the command of Capt. VanAlstine, with a fleet of seven -sail, and protected by the Brig “Hope,” of forty guns. Some of this band -had served in the army, in an irregular way, more had been in New York -as refugees. VanAlstine although commissioned to lead this company, it -would seem, had not been in the service—was not a military man, but a -prominent Loyalist of the Knickerbockers. But these refugees, in setting -out for the unknown wilderness, were provided with camp tents and -provision, to be continued for three years, and with such implements as -were given to the disbanded soldiers, as well as a batteau to every four -families, after arriving at their place of destination. The company were -mostly from the Counties of Rockland, Orange, and Ulster, on the east -side of the Hudson, and Westchester, Duchess, and Columbia, on the west. - -They sailed from New York on the 8th Sept. 1783, and arrived at Quebec, -8th Oct. Many were undecided whether to remain in the Lower Provinces, -or go on to Canada. The events of this voyage; this departure from old -homes, to penetrate the unknown north, are even yet held in remembrance -by their descendants. Thus, it is told, that after leaving New York a -few days, a shark was observed following the vessel, which created no -little consternation. It continued to follow for many days, until a -child had died and been consigned to the deep, after which it was no -longer seen. The Government rations with which they were supplied, -consisted, as the story has been told the writer, of “pork and peas for -breakfast; peas and pork for dinner; and for supper, one or the other.” -The party proceeded from Quebec thence to Sorel, where they spent the -winter. They inhabited their linen tents, which afforded but little -protection from the intense cold. While staying there, it was determined -to grant them a township on the Bay Quinté. The first Township had been -granted to Capt. Grass, the second and third were to be possessed by -Johnson’s Second Battalion; so VanAlstine’s corps were to have the next -township. Surveyor Holland was engaged in completing the survey, and -even then, had his tent pitched on the shore of the fourth township. The -party left Sorel 21st May, 1784, in a brigade of batteaux, and reached -the fourth township on the 16th June. The names of some of those who -composed this party, were: VanAlstine, Ruttan, Huycks, Velleau, Maybee, -Coles, Sherman, Ballis, three families of Petersons, Loyce, VanSkiver, -Philip and Thomas Dorland, Cornelius VanHorn, VanDusen, Hagerman, father -of the late Judge Hagerman, Angel Huff, Richard Beagle, John and Stephen -Roblin, Fitzgerald, Michael Stout, Capt. Joseph Allan, Hover, Owen -Ferguson, John Baker, Wm. Baker, German, Geo. Rutter, James Noxen, John -Casey, Benj. Clapp, Geo. Rutledge, David Barker, Owen Roblin. - -It is a curious fact, fully attested by the Allison’s, the Hover’s and -others, that as the batteaux slowly wended their way along the shore, -having passed the mark which indicated the boundary of the Third -Township, several of the passengers, gazing upon the woods, expressed a -wish to possess certain places, according to the fancy of each; and, -strangely enough, the Cole’s, the Hover’s, the Allison’s, the Ruttan’s, -and others, did actually come respectively into possession, by lot, in -accordance with their previously expressed wish. - -The company had reached the land whereon they were to work out their -future existence. The writer has driven upon the ice along the Bay, -following, it must have been, almost the way taken by this party, as -they landed. They passed along the present Adolphustown wharf, westward -nearly half a mile, and rounded a point known as Hagerman’s Point. Here -a small, but deep stream empties itself, having coursed along a small -valley, with sloping sides, in a westerly direction. They ascended this -creek for nearly a quarter of a mile; and proceeded to land upon its -south side. Between the creek and the bay is a pleasant eminence; it was -upon its slopes the settlers, under VanAlstine, pitched their tents. The -boats were hauled up; and among the trees, the white tents were duly -ranged. Thus housed, and thus far removed from the busy haunts of men, -this community continued to live for many days. Steps were taken at an -early day to draw lots for land. As so much of the township was washed -by the waters of the bay, there was not the same anxiety among the -settlers with respect to the decision of the ballot. Every one drew his -number, with one exception, and this was a notable one, as indicating -the noble feeling of brotherhood which lived in the breasts of the noble -band of refugees. The exception was not in favor of the person in -command, or a particular friend. Mr. Cole had expressed a liking for the -first lot, now known as Cole’s Point, and he, having a large family and -consequently more anxious to get on his land, and get settled for the -winter, and the land ready for the next summer, was immediately, by -universal consent, put in possession of the lot; and he even that year -raised some potatoes. - -In addition to the 200 acres granted to each of the company, there was a -town plot, consisting of 300 acres, regularly laid out into town lots of -one acre each, and one of these was granted to each of the settlers. -This plot thus surveyed, it was believed in time would become the site -of a town. - -While they were yet living in their tents one of their number died, a -child it is said by some. The dead was buried close by, under a tree. -When others came to die, they also were buried here, and thus was formed -the “U. E. Loyalist burying ground.” - -The second person buried in this place, while it was yet a woods, was -Casper Hover. Shortlived was his career as a pioneer. But a few months -had passed, and he had barely taken possession of his land when, one day -engaged in clearing off the land, he was struck by a falling limb and -killed. A blow so sudden was felt not alone by his own family, but by -all the settlers. Imagination cannot call up the heart-stirring scene of -this burial in the woods by his comrades. As there was yet no roads nor -path, not unlikely the body was conveyed by batteau from Hover’s farm to -the burying ground. The coffin must have been made of rough green -boards, split out of logs, or perhaps made with a whip saw. There was no -minister to discharge any rights belonging to the dead, or improve the -events for the spiritual welfare of the living. - -Casper Hover had for his wife Barbara Monk, a relative of Barbara Heck, -well known for her connection with early Methodism in the new world. -There remains now in possession of Joseph Allison, of Adolphustown, -whose wife was a Hover, a pewter platter which belonged to Barbara Monk. -It is a relic of no ordinary interest. Barbara Monk was a descendant of -the Palatines, and this platter was carried by her ancestors when they -were forced to leave the Palatinate. They took it with them to Ireland, -thence to New York, and finally it was brought by Barbara to -Adolphustown, with VanAlstine’s company. The writer has had the -satisfaction of examining this relic of former days. It is a round dish, -of solid metal, 16 inches broad, and weighing over five pounds. It bears -no signs of wearing out. This article of household usefulness is, or was -in the past, regarded as a township one, and was famous for its -associations with innumerable pot pies. For many a year when there was a -bee, or a raising, or a wedding, the pewter platter was engaged to do -service. - -The stores of provisions for the settlers in this township, were placed -under the care of VanAlstine himself; but it would appear, from the -statements of some, that Philip Dorland gave his assistance, and to some -extent, was responsible, acting under the instructions of a committee, -for the distribution to the families. Also, one Emery, was connected -with the department. - -It would seem that Surveyor General Holland, who surveyed the fourth -town, and Deputy Surveyor Collins, who surveyed third town, had some -trouble with respect to “Fredericksburgh additional.” The number of lots -composing the third township at first, was not enough to supply the -whole of the battalion; having been promised lots in the same township. -When it was seen that all could not be accommodated in the lots of third -township, it was determined to take a certain number from the fourth -township. To this Surveyor Holland consented, probably with the -concurrence of Major VanAlstine. But more of Rogers’ company continued -to come; and Collins wished to absorb the whole of the fourth town, to -accommodate them. In this he was, no doubt, supported by officers of the -battalion; Sir John Johnson among the rest. But Holland, in the interest -of the company, which had already settled in the fourth town, under -VanAlstine, objected. The statement comes to us that Holland and Collins -had well nigh fought a duel in connection with the matter. As Collins -was a deputy under Holland, there must have been some strong influence -supporting the former, which was probably through Sir John Johnson. But -Holland, having completed the survey of the side lines as he desired, -started precipitately to Quebec with his report. Collins hearing of -this, started after. Whatever may have been the contest at head -quarters, Holland’s report of the fourth township was received, and the -third township was limited to its present size. - -Mr. Joseph Allison, says, respecting the settlement, that “what was -one’s business was everybody’s business, they were all dependent on each -other.” Each concession was considered a neighbourhood, each being about -four miles in length. After the trees were felled and the brush burnt, -then came on the logging bees, and every man had to give an account of -himself, if he should be missing when notified. There were no -aristocrats, from Major VanAlstine down to the humblest individual. Each -had to do what he could. They were perfectly organized in this branch of -business, being divided into companies or squads of six; and each squad -had to take a regular “through” of about six or seven rods wide, piling -all the timber in their respective “throughs.” These logging bees were -always attended with much strife, all striving to be ahead; and as they -were always used to their rations of rum, they must, on these occasions, -have all they wanted. Then, in the evening, they must have their dance. -It was considered the privilege and duty of all the women in the -neighbourhood to attend and assist in cooking, as many of the settlers -were bachelors. Indeed, if there was a wedding, in one of the -concessions, all had a right to attend, belonging to the neighbourhood. -These pioneers of Adolphustown were a wonderfully hardy set of men, -possessed of great physical powers, although inured to hardships of a -very pressing kind. They lived to a great age; very few of them died -under eighty, and two of them lived to be over a hundred. John -Fitzgerald was the oldest man that came with VanAlstine, he died in -1806, aged 101; Daniel Cole was 106, when he died. The leading men of -the settlement were VanAlstine, Captain Peter Ruttan, Michael Stout, the -Dorlands, and Nicholas Hagerman. If any dispute or grievance arose, it -would be left to some one to settle, but they all, with very few -exceptions, tried to do as they would wish to be done by. - -“Joseph Allison was a whip-sawyer by trade, and assisted to saw the -first boards that were used in the buildings. He drew lot 17.” - -Examining an old map in the Crown Lands Department, certain names are -found written upon the Islands and Points of Adolplustown. The southern -extremity has upon it the name of Lieutenant Michael Vandervoort. The -adjacent island has Lieutenant Samuel Tuffee, and P. V. Dorland. -Proceeding around the point to the north, the first indentation of the -bay is named Bass Cove. The next point is for John Speers, and Humphrey -Waters—called on the map “Speers and Waters lot, 150 acres.” The next -cove is called Perch Cove, and the next point is for Lieutenant Samuel -Deane, 100 acres. Then comes Little Cove. The bay off these points is -called “Grand Bay,” northward to where Hay Bay commences, it is called -“The Forks,” while Hay Bay is designated “East Bay,” and up toward the -Mohawk Bay it has the name of “the North Channel;” Casey’s Point on the -north shore of Hay Bay is called Green Point, and the land there is -allotted to Philip and Owen Roblin. - -Beside those mentioned, as forming a part of VanAlstine’s company, there -were, among the first settlers of Adolplustown, and probably of -VanAlstine’s party: Angel, William and John Huff, Thomas Casey; and at a -later period came “Billy” Monroe, John Roblin, John and James Canniff, -Philip Flagler, Carnahan, Robert Short, Fisher, and Captain Allan. - -In some respects Major VanAlstine’s company were better off than the -soldier pioneers. Although they had to come a long distance by ship, and -ascend the St. Lawrence in small boats, which precluded the possibility -of bringing to the country many articles for family use; yet they could -fetch with them some things to contribute to family comfort, beside -clothing. - -The township being almost surrounded by water, and having many -indentations of the bay, there was thereby afforded the most -advantageous place for the settlers, whose only mode of traveling was by -boat. Every concession has communication with the bay. The township is -the smallest in the Province, containing but 11,459 acres. The land at -first, it is said, could be had for “one shilling an acre,” and half of -lot 15, of 100 acres, was sold for a “half joe”—£8.00. In contrast to -this, in 1817, there was “no land in the township which could be -procured for less than £4 an acre,” and few would sell at that price. -Although so well provided with a water way for travel, good roads were -early constructed. - -The following are the minutes of the first “Town meeting” held in -Adolphustown, on the 6th of March, 1793, for which we are indebted to -Mr. J. B. Allison. - -“The following persons were chosen to officiate in their respective -offices, the ensuing year, and also the regulations of the same.” - -“Ruben Bedell, Township Clerk; Paul Huff, and Philip Dorland, Overseers -of the Poor; Joseph Allison, and Garit Benson, Constables; Willet Casey, -Paul Huff, and John Huyck, Pound Keepers; Abraham Maybee, and Peter -Rutland, Fence Viewers.” - -“The height of fence to be 4 feet 8 inches. Water fence voted to be no -fence. Hogs running at large to have yokes on 18 by 24 inches. No pigs -to run until three months old. No stallion to run. Any person putting -fire to any bush or stubble, that does not his endeavour to hinder it -from doing damage, shall forfeit the sum of forty shillings.” - - (Signed) PHILIP DORLAND, T. C. - - * * * * * - -It is most likely that Philip Dorland was merely secretary for the -meeting. - -Ruben Bedell was successively elected town clerk for three years, when, -in 1795, Archibald Campbell was appointed, who served for four years. In -1800, Daniel Haight was appointed. In 1801, William Robins filled the -office, and continued to fill it for three years, when in 1804, Ruben -Bedell was again elected. The following year Bryan Crawford was -appointed; the next Daniel Haight, who continued four years; John -Stickney then filled the office three years, and Daniel Haight was again -appointed, 1813. - -There is in the Township Records, a Return of the inhabitants for 1794, -March, with the names of each family, and the number of members in each. -They are as follows: Ruben Bedell, 5; Paul Huff, 6; Solomon Huff, 10; -William Griffis, 5; Caspar VanDusen, 6; Nicholas Peterson, 8; Nicholas -Peterson, Sen., 3; Isaac Bern, 1; Thomas Jones, 4; Alexander Fisher, 10; -James McMasters, 8; James Stephenson, 1; Russel Pitman, 7; Joseph Clapp, -4; George Brooks, 6; John Halcom, 3; Martin Sherman, 3; Joseph Cornell, -5; Peter Valleau, 5; William Clark, 6; Joseph Clark, 1; Albert Cornell, -8; Peter Delrya, 4; John Huyck, 6; Alexander Campbell, 5; Buryer Huyck, -2; Albert Benson, 4; Gilbert Bogart, 2; Abraham Bogart, 3; Christopher -German, 5; William Casey, 6; Edward Barker, 3; David Kelly, 4; Battin -Harris, 8; John Canniff, 13; Nathaniel Solmes, 10; Peter Wanamaker, 4; -Garret Benson, 1; William Mara, 4; John Roblin, 3; John Elms, 3; John -Wood, 2; Peter Ruttan, Jun’r., 3; Owen Roblin, Jun’r., 2; Owen Roblin, -Sen’r., 8; Benjamin Clapp, 8; George Rutter, 7; Jacob Bullern, 6; -Cornelius VanHorn, 6; Robert Jones, 5; Paul Trumper, 8; William Hanah, -4; Michael Slate, 4; Peter Ruttan, Sen., 5; Denis Oscilage, 1; Joseph -Carahan, 8; Thomas Dorland, 6; Philip Dorland, 9; Willet Casey, 8; Peter -VanAlstine, 3; John VanCott, 7; David Brown, 3; Peter Sword, 2; William -Brock, 5; Nicholas Hagerman, 8; Cornelius Stouter, 3; Abraham Maybee, 7; -Henry Tice, 3; Thomas Wanamakers, 1; William Button, 5; Joseph Allison, -2; John Fitzgerald, 2; Matthew Steel, 5; Conrad Vandusen, 5; Henry -Hover, 3; Arion Ferguson, 2; Henry Redner, 4; Andrew Huffman, 4; Daniel -Cole, 11; Henry Davis, 5; James Noxen, 1.—Total 402. - -The total number of inhabitants in 1800, was 524, and in 1812, 575. The -returns are given, yearly, up to 1822, when the number was only 571. It -is observable that the number fluctuates from year to year. This was due -to the fact that families would come to the township, from the States, -remain a few years working a farm on shares, and then would move up the -Bay, to another township. - -Major VanAlstine, as the military commander, was the chief officer. But -there lives no account of dissensions and litigations, for many a year. -When the Government appointed Magistrates, probably not until after -Upper Canada was erected into a separate Province, VanAlstine was the -first to receive the commission. There were, likewise, appointed at the -same time, or soon after, several others, viz., Thomas Dorland, Nicholas -Hagerman, Ruttan, Sloat, and Fisher, afterwards Judge. It is said the -Magistrates did not always agree. Ruttan and VanAlstine had dissentions; -and VanAlstine claimed certain power, by virtue of his command over the -corps who peopled the township. Whereupon Ruttan, at the next meeting, -donned his suit of clothes, which he had worn as an officer of the -Regular Army, and declared no one was his superior, and, it is said, -gained his point. - -The time came, when Adolphustown was almost the Centre of Canada. It is -true, Kingston was the great point to which the military and naval -forces centred, and the circumstances of such gave that place a status -which it could not otherwise have obtained. But Adolphustown was really -the centre of the settlements in the central part of Canada—the Midland -District. So it came that the court was alternately held at the Fourth -Town and Kingston, being twice a year in each place. The first court in -this township, was held in the barn of Paul Huff, which served the -purpose very well in summer. The next occasion was in winter, and some -building had to be procured. Application was made for the Methodist -Chapel. Some objection was made, on the ground that a “house of prayer” -should not be made a “den of thieves,” referring to the criminals, not -to the lawyers. But the Chapel was readily granted for the second court -held in Adolphustown. It is said that a proposition was made, in due -form, that if the inhabitants of the Fourth Town would build a Court -House, the court should be held there twice a year. The offer was -accepted, and a subscription set on foot, which resulted in the erection -of a Court House. When the court ceased to be held, in accordance with -the agreement, the Court House reverted to the Township. - -The building of the Court House was followed by the growth of a village, -and among its population were those whose names became household words -in every Canadian home. It continued a place of importance for many a -year; and, even when the court ceased to be held, the village, by virtue -of its situation, and the standing of the township, continued for a long -time of no little repute. - -Adolphustown contributed, during the first years of Upper Canada, a good -many worthy individuals to the welfare of the country, indeed -Adolphustown look the lead for many years in political, as well as more -general matters relating to the country. The general elections, at one -time, resulted in the election of four natives of this township to -Parliament, viz: two Hagermans, Sam’l Casey, and Paul Peterson. Says -Joseph B. Allison, of Adolphustown, “Our township, though, perhaps, the -smallest in the Province, (if it were consolidated, it would not be more -than three miles and a half square,) has furnished as many statesmen and -judicial officers as any of the larger townships. From the humble abodes -of Adolphustown, have gone to the Legislative Halls of Canada, Thomas -Dorland, John Roblin, Christopher A. Hagerman, Paul Peterson, Dr. W. -Dorland, Willet Casey, Henry Ruttan, Samuel Casey, Dan’l Hagerman, David -Roblin, John P. Roblin, who represented the County of Prince for many -years. The Hon. John A. McDonald although not born here, spent his -juvenile years, and attended the common schools in Adolphustown. Now, we -challenge any township in the Province, that has not a city or town -connected with it, to turn out eleven members of Parliament, all of them -U. E. Loyalists.” - -Roblin, who settled in the third concession, was elected three times to -Parliament, in 1808, 1811, and 1812. At first, he sat for two years; -but, when sent the second time, he was expelled, because he was a -_local_ Methodist Preacher. His constituents re-elected him, and again -he was expelled, to be a third time elected; but he died before the -Parliament again met, on the last day of February, 1813, aged 44. - -It was in the year 1793, in the second Session of Parliament, that an -Act was passed “to fix the time and place for holding the Courts of -General Quarter Sessions of the Peace.” The Act provided “that the -Courts of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the Midland district -of this Province, shall commence and be holden in Adolphustown, on the -second Tuesday in the month of July, and on the second Tuesday in the -month of January; and in Kingston, on the second Tuesday in the month of -April, and on the second Tuesday in the month of October.” The other -places were Michilmackinac, Newark, New Johnstown, and Cornwall. In this -second year of Upper Canada, no mention is made of Toronto, nor yet of -York. Where now stands the splendid Osgoode Hall, with its chaste and -beautiful decorations; and, indeed, now exists the whole of Toronto, -with its unrivalled University building, its Colleges, its handsome -Churches and elegant mansions was then a tangled forest, and, except an -Indian path along the Don, marking a portage to Lake Simcoe and Fort -Toronto, there was no indication of human existence. Moreover, about -this time, upon the shores of Adolphustown was born Christopher -Hagerman, who was destined to adorn the bar and grace the bench; who saw -arise the Courts of Law, the organization of the Law Society, and -assisted to establish them at Toronto, where he spent his latter days, -and where now his ashes repose. - -Among those who first came to Adolphustown are some who had seen service -in an irregular way, as well as the refugees. The names of some of them -will be found among the loyal combatants and loyalists. - -For several years, the families that came from the States would stop at -the Fourth Township, where they would “work out,” or take a farm on -shares, or perhaps rent a farm, until they could find a suitable place -on which to permanently settle, in the back townships, such as -Sophiasburgh, Ameliasburgh, Sidney and Thurlow. The ordinary terms for -working a farm on shares was for the owner to furnish team, seed, &c., -and take one-half of the produce when gathered. - -Conrad VanDusen kept the first tavern west of Kingston, and at his house -travelers up and down the Bay would stop. Also, new comers to the Bay -would here first tarry, until decided where to settle. - - - - - CHAPTER LI. - - CONTENTS—Marysburgh—Origin—Once part of a Seigniory—Survey—Hessians— - Old map—The lots—Officers of 84th Regt.—Original landowners—Indian - Point—McDonnell’s Cove—Grog Bay—“Accommodating Bay”—“Gammon - Point”—Black River—“Long Point”—Reserves—Course pursued by the - Surveyor—Number of Hessians—Their sufferings—Dark tales— - Discontented—Returning to Hesse—A suitable location—Not U. E. - Loyalists—Received land gratis—Family land—Their habits—Capt. - McDonnell—Squire Wright—Sergt. Harrison—The Smith’s—Grant to Major - VanAlstine—Beautiful Scenery—Smith’s bay—“The Rock”—Over a - precipice. - - - THE FIFTH TOWNSHIP—MARYSBURGH. - -This township is so called after Mary, Duchess of Gloucester, eleventh -child of the King. - -It is more than likely that the extremity of Prince Edward Peninsula was -frequently visited during the French occupancy of Frontenac. Indeed, it -is quite probable that the Seigniory granted to La Salle included a -portion of the present township of Marysburgh. And no doubt, the -beautiful bay, long time called South Bay, that is the body of water -lying between Indian Point and Long Point, with Wappoose Island, was -often visited during the American rebellion. - -The original surveyor, Mr. Collins, having been instructed to lay out a -fifth township on the shores of the Bay, recognized the south shore as a -desirable place upon which to settle disbanded troops. The forked -peninsula, with the coves, and the Black River, supplied valuable -facilities for the intending pioneer. The surveying was commenced in -1784, and finished in ‘85 or ‘86. Referring to the loyal combatants, it -will be seen that the Foreign Legion composed of Hessians, and a few -Irish and Scotch, had offered, to such of them as desired to remain in -Canada, grants of land. It was the Fifth Township in which the -Government determined they should be located. Having been staying in -Lower Canada for a time, they ascended in batteaux in 1785, and, we -believe, under the care of Archibald McDonnell, proceeded to occupy the -township; while the surveying was still going on along the bay. Great -pains had been taken to secure a frontage upon the water either of the -Bay Quinté, the South Bay, or Black River. By referring to the oldest -map of the township in the Crown Lands Department, it is found that -while most of the land was allotted to the Hessians, a considerable -portion was taken up by commissioned and non-commissioned officers of -the 84th Regt. - -By looking at the map of Marysburgh, it will be seen that great -irregularity exists in the formation of the lots, and it will be -observed that great care has been taken to secure a frontage upon the -water to as many lots as possible. This was, as elsewhere shown, to -procure a water communication to the central points of the settlement; -and as well facilities for fishing, to the settlers. By maps preserved -in the Crown Land Department, it may be seen to whom was originally -granted certain parts of the township, from the names written thereupon. -The names of places are, as well, very suggestive. It would seem that -Collins, as well as others, engaged in laying out the townships, did not -forget to make claim to eligible lots, here and there, for himself. To -these he was doubtless entitled, and acted no unjust part. - -At the extremity of what is now called Indian Point, but formerly -designated Point Pleasant, was a considerable tract of land which was -not laid out into lots, but which has marked upon it, as the original -owner, Surveyor John Collins. Subsequently, Collins conveyed it to -Alexander Aitkins, a lawyer. Proceeding up the Bay of Quinté, we come to -a small cove, known now as McDonnell’s Cove; but maps exist upon which -this is called Grog Bay. In the absence of fact, it may not be well to -relate the traditionary origin of this name. It is sufficient to say -that it most likely arose from the habit, then far more common than now, -of visiting this place to fish, and drink grog. Adjacent to this bay was -a large block of land granted to Archibald McDonnell. Upon the south -shore of Point Pleasant the water, now Smith’s Bay, is marked -“Accommodating Bay.” When we remember the great necessity for each -settler to have access to the water, and the constant course pursued by -the surveyor to secure it; we have no difficulty in arriving at the -conclusion that this name arose from the increased facilities this -indentation of the lake supplied, in this respect. The point of land -stretching out between “Accommodating Bay” and Prince Edward Bay, and -Black River, a name due to the dark color of its water, which is north -of the furthermost point of the peninsula, is called “Gammon Point.” -This name was given, most likely from the fancied resemblance it bore to -a ham; the term gammon being the word commonly used by the old settlers -for ham. Looking at the hill from the south-west, it does bear such a -resemblance. - -The lots were surveyed with their front upon the north shore of the -Black River, and, then returning to the water, and continuing towards -the extremity of Prince Edward’s Bay, the lots were made to front upon -the water, making them angular with the others. At the very end of the -Bay, they are changed again, so as to have a front at right angles with -the others. There are four of these lots. The surveyor had now reached -the rock of “Long Point,” as it is called, at the present day. Here we -find, again, that the lots front to the north, upon Prince Edward’s Bay. -The surveyor next proceeded to survey the base line as far as Bluff -Point, and then returning, formed fifteen lots, which brought him to the -rear of those laid out at the head of the Bay. He then crossed over to -the Lake Shore, and commenced to survey westward. The point was then -named “Point Traverse,” from the fact, we fancy, that the surveyor -crossed here to continue his survey without laying out the extremity of -Long Point, which offered no inducements for the settlers. Upon Point -Traverse, was set apart a block of land, containing 2,500 acres, which -is marked “Military Lands.” Probably, with some idea of erecting here -some military post. These were afterwards conveyed to “Capt. Joseph -Allen.” Upon the same map, in the Crown Lands Department, we learn that -a block of land near Black River, was originally granted to James Brock, -Esq. To the west of the fifteen lots laid out at the neck of Point -Traverse, and fronting upon the Lake, was a reserve for the Clergy. This -seems to have been the extent of the first survey in this section. - -Returning to the Bay of Quinté, we find that at this time lots were laid -out along the shore westward, to within about two miles of the Lake on -the Mountain. The land thence not being attractive, it was not then -surveyed. Subsequently when laid out, the lots were placed at a slight -angle with those to the east, in order to front upon the Bay. Sixteen -lots brings us to the entrance of Picton Bay. Again a change is found to -take place, so that the lots may front upon the east shore of this bay. -Six lots reach to the head of the bay, which appears to have been the -termination for a time. But subsequently, the survey was continued, -being slightly altered, that the base line might follow the old Indian -Carrying Place. There were nine lots in this row. Turning to East Lake -and West Lake, it will be seen that the lots were arranged to front on -either side, as well as at the ends. The time at which these lots -mentioned were surveyed, is somewhat uncertain, but probably before -1786. - -It is impossible to state the exact number of Hessians who settled in -Marysburgh; but judging from accounts, and the names taken from the -Grantee’s list, it is surmised there were about forty. Unacquainted with -the English language, and unaccustomed to the profound solitude of the -forest, and the flittings of the dark-skinned Indian, often in a state -of semi-nudity, it is no reason for wonder, if the Hessians felt -otherwise than contented in their wilderness home. Although upon the -borders of a lovely bay, rich in valuable fish, they were ignorant of -the mode of catching them; and, when the Government supplies, which were -continued to them, as to the other settlers for three years, was -withdrawn; although this valuable article of diet was at their very -door, they were exposed to the terrors of actual starvation. Even during -the time that rations were to be given them, it is related they were -often in want. A dark tale of cupidity, and heartless carelessness on -the part of officials, to whom were entrusted the duty of furnishing the -necessary stores, has been told. How much of truth there may be in this -report, it is now impossible to say. When we remember the circumstances -of the times; the settlers scattered along hundreds of miles of -uncleared land, that the stores had to be transported from Montreal, and -Lachine by batteaux, and that, necessarily, many persons became -responsible for the transit, as well as the distribution, we need not be -surprised if there was now and then carelessness and neglect; and now -and then reprehensible appropriation of stores, which were intended by a -paternal Government for the mouths of the hungry. Many of the Hessian -settlers would gladly have escaped from all the terrors which -encompassed them; but it was now too late. As a general thing, they had -not the means of removing. But there were a few who managed to extricate -themselves, and who returned to the old country. One John Crogle went to -Kingston, mortgaged his farm for £6 to Rev. Mr. Stuart, and took his -departure for the fatherland; another mortgaged his lot to Captain Allan -and left, leaving his wife; and never returned. - -Probably no place in the country afforded a better location for these -foreigners who were entirely ignorant of the rugged duties of pioneer -life, and had but an imperfect conception of agricultural pursuits, and -moreover, were quite unable to speak the English language. It has been -said, indeed, that the Government exercised a thoughtful regard in -placing them, where a means of existence was at their very door, by the -catching of fish, beside what the soil might bring forth. But the fact -that they were of a different nationality—essentially a different people -from the loyalist settlers, militated against them. Many of the latter -were Dutch, and could speak little or no English; but the former could -understand Dutch no more than they could English, German was their -native tongue. The Hessians were not U. E. Loyalists, and they were -often made to feel this by not receiving for themselves and family the -same allowance of land, and by the behaviour manifested toward them by -the loyalists. The writer recollects the tone of disparagement toward -the “fifth towners,” by an old inhabitant of the fourth town. These -things combined to delay prosperity to the township, as a general thing. - -They received land gratis; but subsequently when the title deed was -given, a sum of £5 was demanded, being the amount of expense incurred at -the time of their enrolment into the service. This was protested against -upon the floor of the Parliament, but without avail. The quantity of -land each should receive was to depend upon the number of children. -Beside the allotment to each, at the time of settling, he was to receive -an additional fifty acres at the time each child attained the age of -twenty-one. This took the name of “Family Lands.” - -Although prosperity did not come to the township of Marysburgh as -quickly as to the first four townships, yet the time eventually arrived -when it partook of the general spirit of advancement. From several -sources we have the statement that the old soldiers were for many years -given to somewhat irregular habits; and that an important instrument in -effecting a reformation among them, was the Rev. Darius Dunham, the -first Methodist preacher to visit them. - -Beside those of the foreign legion who settled in this township, were -several officers, and non-commissioned officers of the 84th regiment, -and a few who had been in the regular army. The most important of these -was Captain Archibald McDonnell, who arrived at the township in 1784, -and landed in the cove, which now bears his name, and there on the shore -pitched his tent, until he had erected a log cabin. - -Then, there was “Squire” Wright, who was supreme in authority in the -township for many a day, even before he was appointed magistrate. He was -the Commissary Officer, and the old soldiers were wont to come to him, -to settle any differences that might arise among them. - -Sergeant Harrison was an early settler, he has a son still living now in -his 88th year; yet hale as a man of sixty-eight. He was born in St. -John’s, Lower Canada, and was five years old when he came with the -family to the place, an elder brother having preceded and erected a hut. -He tells us that the Hessians were to have three years’ provisions, but -for some reason only received two years. He remembers when blazed trees -alone marked the way, from one house to another; and then the bridle -path, which in time was widened into a road. The first horse brought to -the township is well remembered, it was owned by Colonel McDonnell. This -one, with another, were the only ones, for many a year, in the place. - -Among the first settlers were William Carson, Daniel McIntosh, and Henry -Smith, a German, who had several sons: John, William, Benjamin, Charles, -Barnit, and Ernest. Smith’s Bay is so called after Charles. - -Major VanAlstine had granted to him a large block of land in this -township. The original grant is now before us, and gives the information -that the quantity was 437 acres, consisting of lots number five and six -in the first concession. The document is dated “4th June, 1796,” signed -“J. G., S.” (John Greaves, Simcoe). “Peter Russell, Auditor General. -Registered, 17th June, William Jarvis, Registrar.” - -This lot of land included the high hill, with the lake at its summit, so -well known to excursionists. The Major at once proceeded to erect a mill -here, which proved a great convenience to the inhabitants of the -township. The lake was for a time called VanAlstine’s Lake. In 1811, -Major VanAlstine having died, the land, with 30 acres cleared, and a -dwelling-house, and another for the miller, and out-houses are found -offered for sale by the executors. - -We cannot leave the township of Marysburgh without commending the -beautiful scenery to those who may not have visited it, especially the -interior, and the shores of South Bay. A trip by carriage from Picton -across the rugged hill, which seems to encircle in an irregular manner, -the whole township, to the Black Creek, whose dark and narrow waters, -inclosed by muddy banks, contrast so markedly with the bright blue of -the bay into which it empties, hard by Gammon Point, is one that will -well repay any one making it. The irregularity of the roads makes the -drive none the less interesting. Approaching the bay, there is spread -out a view whose beauty we have never seen surpassed, and rarely -equalled either in the new world or the old. Having obtained a close -view of Prince Edward Bay, and observed the far-stretching Point -Traverse with the three prominent Bluffs; and still further away to the -south, the Ducks, and Timber Islands, the tourist should follow us -closely as may be the changing shore, that forms the head of Smith’s -Bay, to the north side, where another delightful prospect will lay -before him. - -About six miles east of Wappoose Island, is a bold point standing out -into the Lake. It presents a bold and precipitous front of about 100 -feet in height. It is now commonly designated the “Rock.” Formerly, it -was called “Cape Vesey Rock.” Here was a reserve for the Mississauga -Indians, of about 450 acres. This was not surrendered by the Indians -until 1835, although some time prior, a settler by the name of -Stevenson, had been in occupation. Some years ago, there was overhanging -the brow a mass of rock, which one day fell, with a thundering crash. -And the old inhabitants tell of a deer and an Indian huntsman, whose -bodies were found lying at the foot of the rock both having approached -the brink with such speed that, to turn aside was impossible, and both -bounded over the perpendicular rock to meet a common doom. - - - - - CHAPTER LII. - - CONTENTS—Sixth township—Name—Survey—Convenient for settlement—First - settlers—A remote township—What was paid for lots—“Late - Loyalists”—Going to Mill—Geological formation—Along the fronts— - High shore—Grassy Point—Its history—Marsh front—Central place— - Stickney’s Hill—Foster’s Hill—Northport—Trade—James Cotter—Gores— - Demerestville—The name—“Sodom”—First records—Township meetings—The - Laws of the township—Divided into parishes—Town clerk—Officers—The - poor—The committee—Inhabitants, 1824—Fish Lake—Seventh township— - The name—Survey by Kotte—At the Carrying Place—Surveyor’s - assistant—No early records—First settlers. - - - SIXTH TOWNSHIP—SOPHIASBURGH, NORTHPORT, DEMERESTVILLE. - -This township is named after Sophia, the twelfth child of King George -III. In the year 1785, Deputy Surveyor General Collins, who was then at -Kingston, instructed his assistant Louis Kotte, to lay out a sixth -township, commencing at the southern extremity of South (Picton) Bay, -and proceeding northward along the west coast of the Bay Quinté, the -lots to front upon the bay. These were measured along the high shore to -Green Point, forty-four lots. Following the bay, which at Green Point -turns westward, a row of lots were laid out to the head of the bay, -sixty-four lots of which were to form the northern front of the sixth -township. By referring to the map it will be observed that this township -was also a convenient place for a new settlement, having two sides of a -triangle upon the bay. The comparatively straight high shore; and the -equally even coast upon the north, enabled the surveyor to obtain a -uniformity which had been impossible in the fifth township, although -securing an extensive frontage for the settlers. About 1788, probably, -the first settlers of this township took up their land at the head of -Picton Bay, sometimes called Hallowell Bay. They were two Congers, -Peterson, Spencer, Henry Johnson; and at a later date came Barker and -Vandusen. - -Respecting this township generally, Mr. Price, who has kindly exerted -himself to procure facts, observes, “I find there is some difficulty in -getting information.” “The first settlers are all dead, with one or two -exceptions, and many of the farms on the north shore were bought from -the U. E. Loyalists who never lived on them.” The occupation of the -township generally, may be regarded as a later settlement. This rich, -and now, long settled place, was once considered as a remote settlement, -as Rawdon, Huntington, and Hungerford, were thirty years later. All, or -nearly all, who took up land here and became the pioneers, had at first -lived in one of the townships upon the lower part of the bay, most of -them in Adolphustown. Guilliam Demerest, John Parcels, and Roblin, were -among these. Some of the settlers drew land here; but many purchased, -and lots, now worth the highest price, were procured for a very small -sum, or for a horse, or cow, or a certain quantity of grain. Some of the -settlers had formerly lived in the Lower Province, or in New Brunswick -and Nova Scotia. Also, there was continually coming in, those who felt -no longer at home under the new form of government in the States, or who -were glad to escape persecution. These were not in time to secure land, -and were often called the “Late Loyalists”. Then, again, a few years -later, when the bitterness of spirit, which had led the rebels to commit -such serious acts of cruelty to the loyalists, had subsided, and a -degree of intercourse had commenced between the two; it came to pass -that many, who had not taken an active part on either side in the -contest, and who had friends in Canada, emigrated to the shores of the -bay, or, as they called Canada then, Cataraqui. For instance, the Cronks -and Ways, who were among the first settlers upon the Marsh front, as the -north shore was called, were but the precursors of several others of the -same name, who entered about the beginning of the present century. Some -of these were, no doubt, influenced by the proclamation issued by -Simcoe. Nathaniel Solmes was one of the older settlers. He came from -Duchess County in 1792, lived in Adolphustown two years, then settled on -lot No. 10, 1st concession. - -One of the first settlers upon the north front was John Parcels. He was -of Captain VanAlstine’s company, and settled in that township, where he -continued to live until 1809, when he removed to lot No. 24, where -Northport now stands. His wile having died in 1787, he married Mrs. -Parliament. Their first-born, named Richard, was the first, or one of -the first white children born in Sophiasburgh. Mrs. Parcel’s son, George -Parliament, says, in a memorandum, “I recollect having to go to Napanee -Mills, in company with my brother Jacob, a distance of nearly twenty -miles, to get our grinding done, we had our wheat on a hand-sleigh, as -the roads were not passable by any other mode of conveyance.” - -The land was often purchased at a very low price; for instance, lot No. -16, in the 1st concession, was purchased for a horse, harness, and gig. -A farm belonging to Matthew Cronk, was bought for a half barrel of -salmon. The Foster-place, where Benjamin Way, used to live, was sold for -an old horse. This is one of the best farms in Prince Edward, now, -perhaps valued at seven or eight thousand dollars. In 1793, Nicholas -Lazier paid $25 to Tobias Ryckman, for 200 acres. - -The geological formation of Sophiasburgh and Ameliasburgh, is not -without interest. That the mountain about Picton, and the high shore at -one time formed the shore of the bay, or perhaps, what is more likely, -stood up as an island in a lake, with much broader boundaries than Lake -Ontario now has, there is but little doubt. It will not be possible to -discuss such points to a great extent, at the same time, it will be well -to make a few observations as we proceed. It has been seen that this -township has two long fronts upon the bay. - -These join at what is known as Grassy Point. Commencing at the head of -Picton Bay, the reader is invited to follow the course of the bay, and -to observe the points of interest which may be found. No one can travel -by the road on the summit of the high shore, without been deeply -impressed with the beauty of the scenery. From this height, is an -extended view of the bay, stretching down toward Kingston, with the -rugged shore of Marysburgh on the right, and the lower and more -attractive lands of Adolphustown, and Fredericksburgh on the immediate -left, while beyond the Reach, lies the placid waters of Hay Bay. About -fifteen miles from Picton, the high shore recedes from the bay, and -turns to the west, stretching away almost to the waters of Ontario. From -this part of the coast, to Grassy Point, a distance of over nine miles, -the land is low; but the road is a pleasant one, until it turns to cross -to the north shore. Continuing along the south shore, although walking -in silence, and quite removed from human habitation, we are treading -upon ground, which, in the past, was a place of note. The following -notice respecting Grassy Point supplies information. - -“On Wednesday, the 27th of June, at the Court House, will be sold by -auction to the highest bidder, that beautiful property, consisting of -343 acres of excellent land, of which a large portion is cleared, -situated in one of the finest parts of the Bay of Quinté, being the -residue of a reserve for military purposes, and afterwards granted to -Sir John Harvey, on which there is a Ferry crossing to the Six Nation -Tract. In the neighborhood, there is an extensive settlement of -respectable farmers. The premises and the vicinity abound with game, and -the bay with fish of every description peculiar to Lake Ontario. It is -particularly suitable for grazing, and is within 40 miles of Kingston, -which is a never failing ready money market.” - -Sir John Harvey was afterward, for his services in the war of 1812, -appointed Governor of Nova Scotia. The land was sold to Samuel Cluse, -Civil Engineer, the person who surveyed the Welland and Rideau Canals. -He died at Ottawa some years ago, and left this property to his -daughter, Anna, now Mrs. Paul Peterson, who resides upon the place. The -agent who advertised the land for Sir John, as ‘excellent land,’ was -scarcely correct. Much of the land is rocky, with but few inches of -soil. Clumps of scraggy trees exist with patches of plain. But along the -shores are pleasant nooks, in which agreeable fishing may be found. The -Point is divided into two, by a small bay. The more eastern of the two -points is known as Grassy Point, and the other Green Point. The -intervening cove has been known as Louis Cove, from a Frenchman of that -name who long lived here. The land to the East of the cross roads, -between lots two and three, is useless, almost, for agricultural -purposes. - -Grassy Point, from its geographical position, naturally became a place -at which the early settlers, in passing up and down the Bay, made a -rest. At that time, but few trees were growing, the Point being a green -plain. Most likely, it had been the site of an Indian village. The first -settler here, who came at an early date, was Haunce Trumpour. His house -was well known to the pioneers; and the navigator, wearily toiling in -the batteau, gladly welcomed the appearance of his hospitable roof. -Passing around the extreme northerly point, off which is Capt. John’s -Island, we are upon the north shore, or marsh front, of Sophiasburgh. - -Grassy Point was not only a convenient place for resting, to those -passing along; but it likewise was regarded as the most central point at -which to hold township meetings. And here, the whole militia, which -comprised mostly all the male population of Prince Edward, even from the -extreme point of Marysburgh, were wont to meet, to have their annual -trainings. At these times, John Trumpour’s house became one of no little -importance. The training took place here so late as 1802. - -Proceeding on our way westward, the land becomes very much better. At -the northern termination of the cross-road before mentioned, is a ferry, -which has long existed. The first settler here, who established the -ferry, was Richard Davenport. It originated from the necessity of the -settlers of the Sixth Township, having to go to Napanee to mill. Many a -bushel of grain has been backed from this township to Napanee mills, and -the flour carried back. Mr. Paul Peterson now lives here. - -Proceeding on our course. As the land improves, it is no longer level, -but becomes uneven, and, on lot eight, is found a considerable eminence, -known as Stickney’s Hill, which stands closely against the Bay. This -hill has attracted no little attention, on account of the large number -of human bones which the plow has, year after year, turned to the -surface. Various stories have gained currency relative to the origin of -the bones; the most notable of which is, that here perished Col. Quinté, -with a number of men. (Respecting this, see History of Bay). The most -likely explanation is, that here, for years, the Indians living on -Grassy Point buried their dead. Upon this hill, in the burying ground of -the Solmes family, reposes the remains of Dr. Stickney, after whom the -place is named, and who was the first physician to practice in this -township. Since we visited this spot, but a few short months ago, -another pioneer has found here a resting place. A faithful Canadian, an -exemplary citizen, Richard Solmes, having lived to see the wilderness -truly blossom as the rose, full of years, has passed to the grave, -followed by a whole community of people, and mourned by a highly -esteemed family. - -West of Stickney’s Hill, the land gradually rises; and a few miles -gradually brings us to a higher eminence, called now, Foster’s Hill, -which is noticeable for many miles up and down the Bay. It was once, no -doubt, an island in the midst of a great lake. Being covered with wood, -adds, in summer, very much to the beauty and interest of the scenery. At -the summit of this prominent hill is a table land of rock covered with -but little soil. But very soon the soil increases in depth, and away, on -every hand, stretches a fertile land. Near the foot of the hill, and -upon the shore, where the land is pressed out into the bay, almost to -form a point, is situated the Friends’ Meeting House. No one acquainted -with the mode of worship practiced by this exceedingly conscientious -denomination, can help being impressed with the truly suitable locality -for deep spiritual communing. Two miles further westward, at the -commencement of the channel, between the mainland and the Big Island, -brings us to the pleasant village of _Northport_, so called from its -situation, upon the north shore of the township. The situation is -charming, and here may be seen the very essence of rural happiness. The -village, consisting of some 200 inhabitants, has two stores, but no -place where intoxicating liquors are sold. The trade is confined to the -inhabitants of the township, with an occasional customer from the -Mohawks, across the Bay. The view, looking westward, through Big Bay and -the Narrows, along the shore of Thurlow, to Belleville, is, upon a -lovely summer night, very pleasant to the gaze. - -The village of Northport was built partly on the property originally -owned by James Morden and Isaac Demill; James Morden having built first -here in 1791. The first merchant to commence business here was Orton -Hancock, in 1819. The first wharf built here was in 1829; but prior to -that Jacob Cronk had constructed one on his farm, lot twenty-one, -probably in the second year the Charlotte run. - -In addition to the names already given, of the first settlers of -Sophiasburgh, we may mention the following: three families of Ostrom’s, -the Short’s, Brown, the Cole’s, Barse, Abbott, Cronks, La Zier, Spencer, -Basker, Peck, De Mill, Fox, Spragg, Goslin, Trippen, Mowers. - -James Cotter was an early settler, became the first Justice of the -Peace, and, in 1813, was elected to Parliament, and served four years. - -The township having been surveyed so that the lots might front upon both -sides, there resulted a certain number of Gores, designated respectively -by the letters B C D and G. The first of these Gores settled was by -Philip Roblin, who was one of the first settlers of the township. - -DEMERESTVILLE.—This village, which is situated upon lots 38 and 39, of -the marsh front, is named after the original settler, Guillame Demerest. -The old settlers called him “Demeray”. He was a native of Duchess -County, N. Y., and was a boy during the rebellion. He was often engaged -in carrying provision to the British army. He continued to live in -Duchess County, until 1790, when he came to Canada. He failed to prove -his right as a U. E. Loyalist, and consequently “lost a fine grant of -land”. He died at Consecon, 1848, aged seventy-nine. The village sprung -up from the mills, which were here erected. It was, for many a day, -called Sodom. This name, it is stated, arose from the fact that when Mr. -Demerest’s first wife was on her death-bed, a ball was given in the -place, at which the inhabitants generally attended, and created some -little noise, whereupon she said they were “as bad as the inhabitants of -Sodom.” The village of Demerestville was incorporated in 1828. - -We copy the following from the first record of the township of -Sophiasburg, by which it will be seen that their mode of procedure was -unlike that observed by other townships. All of the townships were -acting by virtue of a common law, but seem to have given the law a -widely varying interpretation. - -“Passed, at Sophiasburg, at a regular town meeting, held on the 3 day of -March, 1800. - -“For the better ascertaining astrays, and knowing and describing horses -and neat cattle, sheep or swine. Be it understood by this town meeting, -that every inhabitant and householder shall, within six weeks from the -passing of this Act, have their mark and brands recorded, according to -law by the Town Clark. - -“And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that any astrays, -horses, neat cattle, sheep or swine, that shall be found on any open or -improved lands from the twentieth of November to the first of April -yearly, and every year the owner or owners of such improvement or -cleared lands shall give in their natural mark, or artificial marks, and -describe their age, as near as possible, to the Town Clark, who is -hereby ordered to record the same in a book, to be kept for that -purpose; for which such informer shall receive one shilling for each -horse or neat cattle; and sixpence for each sheep or swine. Provided -always, and be it so understood, that such astrays above mentioned, is -not one of his near neighbors, which shall be left to the Town Clark to -decide; and the Clark shall send word to the owner or owners, if he -knows them, by the mark or brands; and, if unknown to the Town Clark, he -is hereby ordered to advertise them in three different places in this -township; for which he shall be entitled to receive from the owner, or -owners, as followeth, viz: For sending word, or writing, or recording, -or informing any way, one shilling and threepence; if advertised, one -shilling and six-pence, for each horse or neat cattle; and for each -sheep or swine, six-pence per head. And be it further enacted by the -authority aforesaid, that if any inhabitant or householder who shall -leave any astrays, as above mentioned, on his or her cleared lands for -eight days, from the 20th day of November to the first of April, and -neglect to give notice thereof, as by the above Act mentioned, shall -loose the reward for finding, or feeding such astrays, and pay the owner -one shilling for each horse or neat cattle; and six-pence for each sheep -or swine. And be it further enacted, by the authority, that if no owner -or owners shall appear by the first Monday in April, to prove their -property, then, and in that case, the Town Clark shall advertise for -sale, all such astrays, in three townships, viz., Ameliasburg, -Sophiasburg, and Hallowell, for the space of twenty days, describing the -marks and brands, color and age, as near as possible; and if no owner or -owners shall appear and prove their property, then the Town Clark shall -proceed to the sale of such astrays, by appointing the day of sale, to -the highest bidder; and, after deducting the expenses, to be adjudged by -persons hereafter appointed by each parish, in this town, and the -overplus shall be delivered into the hands of a Treasurer, hereafter to -be appointed. - -“And be it observed—That all well regulated townships is divided into -parishes. Be it enacted, by the majority of votes, that this town shall -be divided into parishes, and described as followeth, that is to say: -That from lot No. 45, west of Green Point to lot No. 19, shall be a -parish by the name of St. John’s, and by the authority aforesaid, that -including No. 19, to No. 6, in the Crown Lands, west of Green Point, -shall be a parish by the name of St. Matthew. And be it further enacted, -by the authority aforesaid, That including the tenants on the Crown -Lands, and including lot No. 28, shall be a parish by the name of St. -Giles; and from Nicholas Wessel’s, to Hallowell, shall be a parish by -the name of Mount Pleasant. - -“Whereas, all the fines and forfeitures that may incur within our -limits, shall be appropriated to charitable uses; we, the inhabitants of -Sophiasburg, in our town meetings, on the 3d day of March, 1800, do -think it necessary to appoint our Treasurer, in this town, out of the -most respectable of its inhabitants, to be Treasurer to this town, to -receive all forfeitures and other sums of money that is, or shall be, -ordered to be appropriated to charitable uses; which Treasurer is hereby -ordered to serve in that connection during good behaviour, or till he -shall wish a successor. And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, -that we do appoint and nominate Peter Valleu, who is appointed -Treasurer, who is to keep a book and receive all the moneys coming into -his hands, and enter by who received, and for what fined; and when a -successor is appointed, he shall give up all the monies he has belonging -to said town, with the book and receipts, to the successor, and deliver -the same on oath, if required; and that each parish shall nominate one -good and respectable inhabitant, who together with the Overseer of the -Poor, shall be inspectors to inquire and see that all the fines and -forfeitures of this town is regularly received and delivered to said -Treasurer. And if any person who comes and proves of any astrays that -had been within one year and a day, then the Treasurer and those Parish -Inspectors, and the Overseers of the Poor, shall refund such moneys as -was delivered to the Treasurer, deducting two shillings on the pound for -its fees of said Treasurer. And be it enacted by the authority -aforesaid, that when there is any money in the hands of the Treasurer, -and a necessity to lay it out on the same charitable use—this body -corporate shall have the sole management and disposing of, who is to -receipt to the Treasurer for the same end, have recorded in his book, -and the use they had applied the same and the Treasurer, Overseers of -the Poor, and the Parish Inspector may hold meetings and adjourn the -same when and as often as they or the major part of them shall choose so -to do and shall be a body corporate to sue and be sued on anything that -may appertain to their several offices.” - -We find no further record until the year 1820, which is as follows: “An -Act passed at a town meeting, held at Sophiasburg, 3rd January, 1820, -for the relief of the poor in the township of Sophiasburg. - -“Report of the Committee on the subject. - -“We, the Committee appointed, who have the care of the poor of the said -township, have agreed to report that one half-penny on the pound, of -each man’s rateable property, be paid for the present year, and it is -seen of the Committee that when any person is agreed with to keep any of -the poor, that they endeavour to get them to take produce in payment for -defraying said poor. Signed on behalf of the Committee, - - JAMES NOXEN, _Chairman_. - -Sophiasburg, 3rd January, 1820. - -“Passed at a regular town meeting, held at Sophiasburg, 1st January, -1821. - -“The report of the Committee to the care of the poor for the present -year is, that one farthing on the pound, of each man’s rateable -property, will be sufficient for the present year. - -“By order of the Committee. - - (Signed) JAMES NOXEN, _Chairman_.” - -The following year, a somewhat similar report is found, signed by Tobias -Ryckman, Chairman. - -It is not until the year 1822 that any record is found of the -appointment of officers, that is, the Township Constables, Assessors, -Collectors, &c. - -“At a regular town meeting, held at Sophiasburg, at the house of John -Goslins, on the first January, 1822, the following officers were chosen -and elected”: “Town Clark, John Shorts; Lewis Ketchum, David Birdett, -Sylvenus Doxy, Constables; Thomas D. Apleby, John Shorts, Assessors; -Sylvenus Day, Collector,” &c. - -John Shorts was successively elected until 1826, when Thomas D. Appleby -was appointed. We find a note appended to the report of this year as -follows: “Our laws at present be as they will. We have them long, and -keep them still.” - -The next year, 1827, the town meeting was held at the inn of John -Goslin, and John Smith was elected Town Clerk. A note says “Farmers Town -Laws, as heretofore—Hogs not to run at large in Demerest Vill.” John -Smith was Town Clerk until 1832. This year S. W. Randell was elected. - -It is found stated that in 1824 there were 1796 inhabitants, and in -1825, there were 1793. - -In some respects, it would be found interesting to notice the township -to a later period; but we have already devoted as much space to this -town as we had intended. - -Within this township is Fish Lake, situated a short distance east of -Demerestville, it was so named from the countless numbers of fish which -inhabited its waters when discovered, which was in the year of the -famine, or “scarce year.” The food thus supplied saved, it is said, many -from suffering and death. - - - AMELIASBURGH. - -This township took its name from the fifteenth child, and seventh -daughter of the King. She died in November, 1811, aged 27 years. Upon -the oldest chart of this township, to be found in the Crown Lands -Department, is the following note: “The front of this township is a -continuation of Lieut. Kotte’s survey from Green Point to the head of -the Bay of Quinté, whose orders were in 1785, to have cross roads -between every six lots.” This note was most probably, made in -consequence of there being an absence of three cross roads, when the -settlement of the county made them necessary. - -Coming to the Carrying Place, or portage, from the head of Bay Quinté to -Weller’s Bay, it will be seen that a row of lots somewhat smaller in -size, is formed on either side of the road. But while the road seems to -have a straight course upon the map, by visiting the place, one will -observe that the course is not altogether direct. We have it from one, -who, no doubt knew, that the surveyor’s assistant, a mulatto by the name -of Smith, was told to lay out a double row of lots; both to front upon -the Indian path, which instructions were literally carried out, whereas -it was intended they should be straight. The lots upon the west side of -the road extended to the small marshy creek. This row of lots, numbering -twelve, originally forming a part of Ameliasburgh, now belong to Murray, -the Carrying Place being the dividing line between the two townships. - -We have been unable to find any early record of Ameliasburgh. - -According to information furnished us by Mr. Ashley and others, the -first family that settled in this township was George Angel Weese, with -three sons, John, Henry and Francis, natives of Duchess County; they -came here in 1787. The second settler was Thomas Dempsey, who came in -1789. (See U. E. Loyalists). Among the other settlers were Bonters, -Sagers, Bleekers and Coverts. - -The names of other early settlers of Ameliasburgh are mentioned -elsewhere, and are among the first patentees. Among them was Elijah -Wallbridge, a native of Duchess County. He came to Canada in 1804, and -purchased on Mississauga Point, of one Smith, 1200 acres of land, all of -which, we believe, is still retained in the family. Two years later his -family came by French train in winter. - -William Anderson, sen., who is still living, aged 88 years, a native of -Ireland, emigrated to America with his parents in 1793. He came to -Canada in 1803. In 1806 he settled on Mississauga Point, having married -Miss Polly Way, a descendant of the U. E. Loyalists. - - - - - CHAPTER LIII. - - CONTENTS—Prince Edward—The name—Rich land—Size of peninsula—Shape— - Small Lakes—Sand hills—The Ducks—Gibson’s rock—The past—First - settler—Col. Young—Prospecting—Discovery of East Lake—West Lake— - Moving in—Settlers in 1800—East Lake—Capt. Richardson—“Prince - Edward Division Bill”—Office seekers—Township of Hallowell—The - name—Formation of Township—First Records 1798—The officers—The - laws—Magistrates—Picton—Its origin—Hallowell village—Dr. Austin— - Gen. Picton—His monument—Naming the villages—A contest—The - Court-house—An offer—Enterprise—Proposed steamboat—Churches—Rev. - Mr. Macaulay—Rev. Mr. Fraser—Rev. Mr. Lalor. - - - PENINSULA OF PRINCE EDWARD. - -The name of this district is derived from Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, -the father of our Queen, who visited Canada at an early date (see under -Early Government). - -The peninsula is a rich and beautiful tract of land stretching away from -the main land, to be washed on the one hand by the quiet waters of the -bay, and on the other by the more turbulent waves of Ontario. It is some -seventy miles in length, and varying in breadth from two to twenty -miles. The neck of land, or isthmus which separates the head waters of -the bay from Lake Ontario, is something less than a mile-and-a-half -across. It is known as the Carrying place. - -Prince Edward district is irregular in outline, on both the lake and bay -sides. Along the lake coast there are numerous bays extending inward, -two or three being of considerable size. The larger ones are Weller’s -bay, Consecon Lake, West Lake, and East Lake. In places, the shore is -rendered exceedingly picturesque, by the presence of irregular and -beautifully white sand-hills. They have been gradually formed by well -washed sand which the waves have carried shoreward, so that the wind -might, in the lapse of time, deposit it heap upon heap. The mariners -regard this coast with justifiable concern, at the extreme southerly -portion, off Long Point, in the vicinity of the Ducks, where many a -vessel has come to grief. - -The geological formation of the peninsula is of considerable interest; -and the observant student of this interesting science, may trace many -steps which indicates the geological history. - -In a valley, upon the second concession road of Ameliasburgh, may be -seen a huge mass of rock, known as Gibson’s rock, whose history carries -us back, far into the remote past, when the continent of America was -covered by a vast ocean, and when massive icebergs, cast loose from -their native place in the frozen north, carried with their icy scales -huge rocks from the north land coast. Then, carried southward by wind or -tide, and reaching water of a milder temperature, the ice became melted, -and the rocks were deposited in the depths of the ocean. When the -continent of America was upheaved, and the waters departed to their -present limits, this huge body of stone, unlike the stone forming the -geological bed of this region, was found fast fixed to the soil, ever to -form a part of it. - -In the whole of Upper Canada, there is not, perhaps, any section so full -of historic interest, excepting Frontenac, as Prince Edward. We have -seen that the forked peninsula was well known by the Aborigines, and -that they were accustomed to cross from the south side of the lake to -Point Traverse. It was always a favorite hunting and fishing ground, -where abundant supplies were obtained. And, not unlikely, some portion -of Indian Point belonged to the Seigniory, granted to La Salle. -Moreover, the two points stretching far into the lake, became early -locations for the refugees and disbanded soldiers. - -In the history of Marysburgh, reference has been made to the early -settlement of the point east of Picton Bay, which commenced in 1784. But -it appears by the statement of John C. Young, that his grandfather, -Colonel Henry Young, made the first settlement in the summer, or fall of -1783. For an account of this half-pay officer, the reader is referred to -the Royal combatants of the rebellion of 1776. - -With a brother officer, Young left Cataraqui, or, Carleton Island, in a -canoe, and ascended what was then called (perhaps first by these -parties), the South Bay, now Picton Bay. They landed at the commencement -of the Indian Carrying Place, subsequently, for some time known as -Hovington’s Landing, after the individual who here built a convenient -house. They left their canoe here, and set out southward. We have been -told that they intended to seek the bay now known as Smith’s Bay; but, -according to his descendant it would seem they had no particular point -in view, desiring only to examine the land. Following, no doubt, the old -Indian path, they came out at the north corner of East Lake, a point -afterward called the Indian Landing, which name it still retains. -Following the east shore of this lake to the south corner, they were -surprised to hear the roaring of Lake Ontario, having thought they were -following the shore of an inland lake. They crossed the strip of land -covered with cedar, spruce, and balsam, and taking off their shoes, -waded from the beautiful sand-beach across the outlet of the lake to the -opposite point, and proceeded along the west side to the north corner of -the lake, to where David McDonald now lives, having entirely walked -around East Lake. They here constructed a hut, of cedar bushes, in which -to stay the night. The following morning they set out in a north-west -direction, and came to West Lake, following the east side, they reached -the sand-beach. Traversing this, they arrived at the point where -Wellington now stands. Here they stayed the night. The next day they -continued on around the north side of West Lake through the woods, and -the same evening regained their canoe. They observed plenty of deer and -other game, and fish, the former of which Ensign Young’s wife -subsequently assisted him to hunt. The succeeding day they returned to -Carleton Island. Mr. Young, from this rich land over which he walked, -selected the west side of East Lake for his future abode. His eldest son -Daniel, who had belonged to the Engineers, was at Carleton Island, -having been with his father during his stay at Fort Oswego. His second -son, Henry, was at St. John’s with the rest of the family. He sent a -message for him to come up. This must have been in July or August. In -September, the father and two sons, having procured a large canoe, -loaded it with provisions, and other necessaries, and ascended to the -Indian Carrying Place, Hovington’s Landing. They carried their -provisions across, and constructed another boat with which they conveyed -their things to the point selected for settling, about three miles. Here -they proceeded to build a log shanty. Sometime after, the father left, -leaving behind his two sons, to winter alone in this out-of-the-way -place. They were the first settlers in Prince Edward County. Mr. Young -descended to St. John’s, where his family still remained, and stayed the -winter. - -In the spring he came up the St. Lawrence with his family as far as -Fredericksburgh, where he left his daughters while he went to see how -his sons fared, and had passed the winter. He found them all well; and -remained the summer with them, during which they built a more commodious -log house. In October, he returned to Fredericksburgh for his daughters, -who accompanied him to the wilderness home. These four daughters, -Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine and Sarah, subsequently married Henry -Zuveldt, Jonathan Ferguson, William Dyre, and John Miller. They all -lived to be upwards of eighty years. - -On the first day of January 1800, the settlement at East Lake, in the -township of Hallowell, consisted of the following families, in the -following order, commencing at Silas Hills, at the head of East Lake, -near the place now known as the Cherry Valley, and proceeding around the -north side of lake, viz:—“Colonel John Peters and family, half-pay -officer; Major Rogers and family, do; David Friar, Mr. Friar, U. E. L.; -Roswell Ferguson, do; Elisha Miller, do; Blasdall Tailor; Caleb -Elsworth, Lieut. Heny Young, half-pay officer; Henry Young, Jun., -U.E.L.; Augustus Spencer, half-pay officer; George Wait, U. E. L.; -Benjamin Wait, do; William Dyre, do; George Elsworth.” - -“_List of settlers on the south side of the lake._—Henry Zuveldt, -(Zufelt) U. E. L.; Johnathan Ferguson, Sen., U. E. L.; Johnathan -Ferguson, Jun., do; Anthony Badgley, do; John Miller, do; Farnton -Ferguson, do; William Blakely, do; Sampson Striker, do; Barret Dyer, do; -Daniel Baldwin, John Ogden, U. E. L.; Richard Ogden, do; Solomon -Spafford, Joseph McCartney, Joseph Lane, William Ensley, Col. Owen -Richards, U. E. L.; James Clapp, do; Charles Ferguson.” - -“At this time there were no settlers in the second concessions neither -side of the lake.”—(Rev. G. Miller.) - -East Lake is about five miles long and one and a half wide. It was for a -time called Little Lake. West Lake is about fifteen miles in -circumference. - -Prince Edward was one of the original nineteen counties of Upper Canada, -established by the proclamation of Simcoe in 1792. By this proclamation, -we learn that the Peninsula was called by the French “Presque isle de -Quinté.” Originally it was divided into the three townships of -Marysburgh, Sophiasburgh, and Ameliasburgh. Subsequently the townships -of Hallowell and Hillier, were formed, and in later days the township of -Athol. - -In 1831, an act was passed to erect the county into a district, “so soon -as the Governor shall be satisfied that a good and sufficient gaol and -court house has been erected therein, when a proclamation should -announce the formation of the new district.” The act specified that the -“gaol and court house should be erected in the village of Picton, upon a -certain block of land, containing two and a half acres, granted, or -intended to be granted and conveyed to Asa Worden, Simeon Washburn, and -James Dougal, Esquires, agreeably to a resolution adopted at a public -meeting in May, 1826,” unless a majority of Justices of the Peace of the -Midland District should declare the site ineligible. - -We find the following respecting the division of Prince Edward. “Pro. -Parliament,” “Prince Edward division bill.” Mr. Roblin moved the -adoption of the Preamble in a few remarks, stating its (the Peninsula) -geographical position, the population being 10,000, the remoteness of -the inhabitants from the location of the District Court House and Gaol, -at Kingston, the earnest desire of the people for separation. Mr. Samson -moved, as an amendment, that the village should have a member when it -contained 1,000 souls. The debate upon the bill, resulted in one of -those fierce encounters that was then not unfrequent between William -Lyon McKenzie, and the Solicitor General, afterwards Chief Justice -Robinson. - -If we may credit the _Free Press_, there were plenty of applicants for -office in the newly erected district, there being no less than sixteen -seeking the office of Sheriff. - - - HALLOWELL. - -We find in Sabine, that “Benjamin Hallowell, of Boston, Commissioner of -the Customs in 1774, while passing through Cambridge in his chaise, was -pursued toward Boston by about one hundred and sixty men on horseback, -at full gallop. In July, 1776, he sailed for England. While at Halifax, -he said, in a letter, “If I can be of the least service to either army -or navy, I will stay in America until this rebellion is subdued.” It -appears from another letter that he frequently tendered himself to the -Commander-in-Chief without success. In the autumn of 1796, Mr. Hallowell -came to Boston. He was accompanied by his daughter, Mrs. Elmsley, and by -her husband, who had just been appointed Chief Justice of Upper Canada. -He died at York, Upper Canada, in 1799, aged seventy-five, and was the -last survivor of the Board of Commissioners. The British Government -granted him lands in Manchester, and two other towns in Nova Scotia, -_and a township in Upper Canada, which bears his name_. He was a large -proprietor of lands on the Kennebec, Maine, prior to the revolution; but -proscribed and banished in 1778, and included in the Conspiracy Act a -year later, his entire estate was confiscated. His country residence at -Jamaica Plain, was used as a hospital by the Whig Army during the seige -of Boston; and his pleasure grounds were converted into a place of -burial for the soldiers who died.” - -We are unable to learn whether any part of the township of Hallowell was -granted to Benjamin Hallowell, or not, but, it is not at all unlikely, -that at first he did hold some portion of the land. At all events, there -seems every reason to believe that the name was derived from him. On -July 3, 1797, an act was passed, whereby it was provided “that a -township shall be struck off from the southern-most parts of the -townships of Marysburgh and Sophiasburgh.” The reason set forth was, -that “the inhabitants of the townships experience many difficulties from -the uncommon length of the said townships.” The Governor was by -proclamation, “to declare the name of such township before the first day -of August next.” Mr. Hallowell’s brother-in-law, Mr. Elmsley, had -recently been appointed Chief Justice, and doubtless the distinguished -position Mr. Hallowell had held, led to the naming of the new township -to commemorate his loyalty. - -Surveyor Gen. William Smith, was the person employed to lay out the new -township. - -The first record of this township is as follows: “The annual meeting of -the inhabitants of the township of Hallowell, held on Monday, the fifth -day of March, 1798, held by virtue of an act of the legislature of the -Province of Upper Canada, before Augustus Spencer, and John Stinson, -Jun., two of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace, the following persons -were chosen town officers for the ensuing year:” Bazel Ferguson, Town -Clerk; Caleb Elsworth, and Peter D. Conger, Assessors; James Blakely, -and Thomas Goldsmith, Town or Church Wardens; Benjamin Wail, John -Miller, Owen Richards, Henry Zufelt, Ichabod Boweman, Aaron White, Carey -Spencer and George Baker, Overseers of Highways and Fence Viewers; -Daniel Young, and Isaac Bedal, Pound Keepers; Samson Striker, Henry -Johnson, Samuel Williams, and Isaac Garret, Constables. - -At the first township meeting, “it was enacted that no fence is to be -lawful in the township under the height of four feet eight inches high, -sufficiently made.” Horses, horned cattle, hogs, sheep, were to be -permitted to run at large with certain exceptions. “It is enacted that -if any freeholder shall suffer any Canadian thistle to go to seed on his -farm, he shall forfeit and pay the sum of twenty shillings.” A law was -also passed, that if any one set fire to any rubbish or brush, whereby -his neighbors property was endangered, without previously making two of -his neighbors acquainted, he should pay a fine of forty shillings, to be -expended for the benefit of the highways. Bazel Ferguson, who seems to -have discharged his duty as Town Clerk, recording the proceedings in a -neat legible hand, was successfully elected to that office for ten -years. In 1810, James R. Armstrong was appointed, and again the -following year. The next following, Arra Ferguson was elected, who -continued in office three years, when Simeon Washburn received the -appointment, and remained in office two years, when Arra Ferguson was -again selected, and continued for three years. Robert Scott was Town -Clerk two years, and then again followed Arra Ferguson for eight years. -William Barker then was appointed. - -The three Justices of the Peace, before whom the annual meeting -continued for many years to be held, were John Peters, Augustus Spencer, -and John Stinson, doubtless the first magistrates in the township. In -the year 1815, we notice as “present” at the annual meeting, Stephen -Conger, Barret Dyer, Ebenezer Washburn, Justices of the Peace. - -The town meeting was held in the year 1801, “at the house of Richardson -and Elsworth,” “near Hallowell Bridge;” likewise the following year. In -1803 the meeting was held “at the house of Thomas Richardson.” The -following year 1805, it is “the house of the late Thomas Richardson.” In -1806, the meeting was “at the dwelling house of Thomas Eyre.” In 1807 it -is “the Inn of Thomas Eyre.” Here the annual meeting was successively -held for many years. - - - HILLIER. - -In the year 1823 there was an act passed for the division of the -township of Ameliasburgh, in consequence of the inconvenience of the -inhabitants to meet on public occasions. The dividing line was -established between the fourth and fifth concessions. The act went into -force on the first of January, 1824. The Lieutenant-Governor at that -time was Sir Peregrine Maitland, who had for his secretary, Major -Hillier. There is no doubt the new township was called after Major -Hillier. - - - PICTON. - -At the beginning of the present century the ground on which the town of -Picton now stands, was covered with a dense forest of pine and hemlock, -while in the low land existed a thick and tangled cedar swamp. A bridge -of very inferior construction was erected across the creek about the -time of the war of 1812, it was on the road between Kingston and York, -and was called for a long time Hallowell Bridge. Thus we find in an -advertisement, in the _Kingston Gazette_, 1815, that “Richard G. Clute -sold goods and groceries at Hallowell Bridge.” - -The first settlers of Picton are said to have been Ebenezer Washburn, -Henry Johnson, Abraham Barker, Harry Ferguson, James Dougal, Cary -Spencer, Congers, Peterson, Richard Hare, Captain Richardson. - -Among the early settlers of Picton were Dr. Armstrong, elsewhere spoken -of, and Dr. Andrew Austin. The latter was a native of Vermont, and a -doctor of medicine of the University of New York. He came to Picton in -1822, having obtained his license to practice in Canada. Remained -practicing his profession, very much respected, until his death in 1849. - -Some time after the war of 1812, the Rev. William Macaulay, bestowed the -name of Picton upon a small collection of houses situated at the south -side of the stream which empties into the head of Picton Bay, in the -township of Marysburgh. The name was given in memory of the celebrated -British General who had recently fallen upon the field of Waterloo. At a -late visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, we felt no little pleasure with a -touch of sadness in gazing upon the memorial which has been erected to -commemorate a nation’s appreciation of military worth. We transcribe the -following:— - -“Erected by the public expense, to Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Picton, -K.C.B., who, after distinguishing himself in the victories of Buzaco, -Fuentes de Onor, Cindaet Rodrigo, Badajoz, Victoria, the Pyrenees, -Orthes, and Toulouse, terminated his long and glorious military service -in the ever memorable battle of Waterloo; to the splendid success of -which his genius and valour eminently contributed,” &c. - -Prior to the naming of this collection of buildings, the village upon -the west of the stream, upon the first lots in Sophiasburgh, was known -as Hallowell. The Rev. Mr. Macaulay with the enthusiastic loyalty, -characteristic of his family, desired that both places should be known -as one village, under the distinguished name of Picton. The citizens of -Hallowell Village, however, were opposed to any other name than -Hallowell, and we find in a map published in 1836, the names of Picton -and Hallowell respectively applied to the two places. But when the whole -was incorporated by Act of Parliament, Mr. Macaulay had sufficient -influence, we are informed, to secure the name of Picton for the -corporation; yet we have the town of Hallowell spoken of in 1837. The -growth of Picton was not particularly rapid. At a meeting held at Eyre’s -Inn, Feb. 14, 1818, over which Ebenezer Washburn, Esq., presided, it was -stated that there was in the township of Hallowell, which included -Picton, but two brick houses, one carding and fulling-mill, one -Methodist chapel, now known as the old chapel at Congers, one Quaker -meeting house; and that preparations were being made to build a church, -that is for the Episcopalians. Orchards, it was stated were beginning to -be planted. - -There seems to have been no little antagonism between the villages of -Picton and Hallowell. While an effort was earnestly made to make the -east side, the heart of the community, the inhabitants of Hallowell -strove to fix the central point upon the west side. When Prince Edward -was erected into a district, in 1831, and it became necessary to erect a -jail and court house, it became a warm question as to the site of the -building. The Hallowell _Free Press_ became the channel of a sharp -discussion. - -In the Press of June 21, 1831, is a letter signed, “A farmer of -Sophiasburgh,” one paragraph of which says, “Among all these advantages -pointed out in the most striking colours, I have discerned none so great -as the $200 so liberally offered by Mr. Macaulay, which $200 must -otherwise be paid by the rateable inhabitants of the county.” - -The year 1831 seems to have been an important one to the inhabitants, -not only of Picton, but the peninsula. Enterprise was the order of the -day, and improvements of a public character were in various ways -proposed. The _Free Press_ of 5th July, says, under the heading “Another -Steamboat,” “We understand that a number of the enterprising inhabitants -of this village, have it in contemplation to build a steamboat to ply -between this place and Prescott, to perform their trips in a week. A -number of merchants and capitalists have offered to take stock. We are -of opinion that a boat built and owned by the inhabitants of this -county, would be not only useful to the inhabitants of the Peninsula, -but profitable to the stockholders. We would suggest to them the -propriety of having the channel in the bay at the lower end of the -village cleared, so as to allow steamboats to pass up as far as the -bridge.” - -The present English Church, standing on Church Street, was the first -built in Picton. It was erected by the Rev. Wm. Macaulay, aided by a -partial loan in 1825. Mr. Macaulay was the first minister; he came to -the parish after seven years of officiating at Cobourg, and has remained -as Rector ever since. The Roman Catholic chapel, now standing on Church -Street, was the first erected, in 1828 or 9, the land having been given -for that purpose by Mr. Macaulay. The new stone church was built in -1839. Rev. Mr. Frazer was first minister, in 1828; Rev. Mr. Brennan, -occasionally from 1832 to 1836; the Rev. Mr. Lalor from 1836 to the -present time. - - - - - CHAPTER LIV. - - CONTENTS—Eighth Township—Sidney—Name—Survey—Settlement, 1787—Letter - from Ferguson—Trading—Barter—Potatoes—Building—Cows—No salt to - spare—First settlers—Myers—Re-surveying—James Farley—Town Clerk at - first meeting—William Ketcheson—Gilbert’s Cove—Coming to the front - River Trent—Old names—Ferry—Bridge—Trenton—Its settlement—Squire - Bleeker. - - - THE EIGHTH TOWNSHIP—SIDNEY—ITS SETTLEMENT. - -No Royal name being available for this township, the noble one of SIDNEY -was conferred. The name is derived from Lord Sidney, who, at the time of -the Revolutionary War, was His Majesty’s Secretary for the Colonial -Department. - -A map in the Crown Lands Department, has written upon it “Sidney, in the -District of Mecklenburgh, was surveyed in 1787, by Louis Kotte.” This -was probably written by Kotte himself. It is most probable that the -first lots only were then laid out. While Kotte was the chief surveyor -to whom was entrusted the duty, it is gathered from different sources -that he was not present to superintend the work. Mr. William Ketcheson, -of the fifth concession, who came with his father to the place, in 1800, -says that one McDonald was the surveyor, and laid out the land as far -back as the 5th concession, when he died. - -While the townships fronting upon the two shores of the Bay were being -surveyed in the western portion, not a few were on the look out for a -good location. These parties consisted of all classes, but it appears -most likely that the majority of those who had the first choice were -individuals connected with the surveyors, and who had influence with -them. The officers, naturally, enjoyed greater privileges, and some of -them sought suitable spots with the view of trading with the Indians, or -streams of water to supply power for sawing and flouring-mills. - -As illustrative of those times we will make use of a letter lying before -us, written at that time. - -In the year 1789, John Ferguson and Wm. Bell opened a store in the -Eighth Township. It appears with the view of trading with the Indians, -and such of the settlers as could pay for the goods they might buy. A -letter written by Ferguson, in 1790, from Kingston, to his partner, -says: “As to again taking up goods for trade, had I money I would not -think it worth while—notwithstanding all I said and begged of you, you -nevertheless have let the white people have almost everything we had. -When do you think they will pay for it?” By the foregoing we may learn -the difficulties attending mercantile pursuits, as well as the procuring -of the common necessaries of life. It was no doubt a matter of first -importance to Ferguson to see that the goods brought a return. It was no -hard-heartedness that caused him to find fault; for in the same letter -he says, “Forsyth is arrived, and I know not how I’ll pay him.” On the -other hand, Mr. Bell, with his little stock of goods upon the Bay Shore, -in the distant Eighth Township, is applied to by the needy settlers for -necessaries. They have no money; it is an article almost unknown among -them, but they want this and that, and who could refuse? Ferguson -afterward says, “You must oblige every one to pay you in wheat, or -otherwise I will want bread before winter is over—if they will not take -3s. 9d. for wheat, make them pay in money immediately, or else send me -down their accounts, and I’ll summon every one of them. Let your half -bushel be examined before Squire Gilbert. Do not spare a potatoe to any -one soul. I hope to get a barrel of pork here, but do not trust to -that.” - -In the same letter Mr. Ferguson says, “If convenient, I could wish -you’ld get cut and brought home, as many logs as would build a house the -width of the one we have, and 14 feet long. Let them be small and handy— -we have plenty of small pine handy—and it soon can be put up when I get -home. If Johnson will saw ten logs about 14 feet long, for us, into inch -boards, and find himself. He shall have the loan of the saw from the -time he finishes them until the 15th day of April next.” “The cows must -be sent up. I do not know how the calf will be kept. I have bought two -pairs of ducks which I’ll take up, and also some fowls if I can get -them.” “Spare no salt to any one, as none is to be had here, but at a -very dear rate.” “The Indian prints goes up, which will spoil the trade -this season, as after this the Indians cannot want clothing until the -spring.” “Rum I must endeavour to take up, as without that nothing can -be had.” - -The late Mr. Bleeker, of Belleville, tells us that among the very first -settlers upon the front of Sidney, were Chrysler, Ostrom and Gilbert. - -The interesting history we give elsewhere, of Capt. Myers, as a loyalist -and pioneer, shows that he was one of the first inhabitants of Sidney. A -pioneer in the construction of mills upon the River Moira, he had -previously built in 1794 or ‘5, a sawing mill upon a small uncertain -stream which empties into the Bay a few miles east of Trenton. - -We have seen that the survey took place in 1787. It is questionable, -however, whether more than the first concession was at this time laid -out. There is some reason to believe that Louis Kotte did not attend -very closely to his duties, but left the surveying to an incompetent -assistant. Probably he thought it did not matter whether the side lines -were correct or not, in a remote township so far removed from -civilization, as Sidney. At all events, in later days, it was found -necessary to re-survey the township, which was done by Atkins. - -The first settlers, most likely, came in 1787, yet it may be that one or -two had previously squatted by the Bay Shore. We do not find in the -Crown Lands Department any map with the names of grantees upon the -different lots, such as exist in connection with other townships. - -No doubt that in Sidney, as in other places, many lots were drawn, and -subsequently disposed of before the patents were issued, so that the -original owner cannot be traced. By the close of last century the -township was pretty well settled. An early settler who has recently -passed away, and who leaves highly respectable descendants, was James -Farley. He came in 1799. - -The first township meeting was held the following year at Gilbert’s -Cove, and James Farley was chosen Town Clerk; but Surveyor Smith was -present and did the writing on that occasion. Another early settler, the -first one in the back concessions was Wm. Ketcheson. Reference is made -to him elsewhere. His son, now almost 90 years of age, remembers full -well the days of their coming, and settling. The 400 acres of land was -bought of Martin Hambly, who lived by the Napanee River, at one dollar -per acre, in 1800. Gilbert’s Cove was the place of landing, which was -for many years a central spot. Here the batteaux unloaded their -contents, and the provision was stored. William Ketcheson, my informer, -says, “he used to come every Saturday during the season, through the -trackless woods, some seven-and-a-half miles, and carry upon his back -provisions of pork, peas and flour, sufficient to serve three of them -for a week.” After a while they would come to the Front by the way of -the River Moira. To do this they constructed a scow which was kept near -the present village of Smithville, in which they crossed the river. - -In the western part of the township is the River Trent, which empties -into the Bay, somewhat to the west of the boundary line between Sidney -and Murray. This river possesses no little interest as one of the -original routes of Indian and French travelers; and as the way by which -Champlain entered the Bay, and discovered Lake Ontario. The Indian name -we find upon an old map was _Ganaraske_. Upon many ancient maps the bay -and river are very imperfectly distinguished. It is named Quintio -occasionally. - -The Trent being a stream of considerable size, it formed a barrier to -journeying up and down, from Kingston to York. A ferry was established -here about the beginning of the present century, by the Bleekers, after -which the main road between Kingston and York gradually became fixed to -the north of the Bay, instead of by Prince Edward. - -The construction of a bridge across the Trent, which took place in 1834, -was a great benefit. It was 750 feet long and 32 broad. It was for many -years “the best bridge in Upper Canada.” The _Hastings Times_, of -Belleville, has an advertisement for tenders by the Commissioners, &c., -C. Wilkins, Reuben White, and James G. Bethune, dated River Trent, 9th -March, 1833. - -At the mouth of the Trent there naturally sprung up a village. Up to -1808 the site of the village was a dense cedar swamp. Two years before -A. H. Myers had removed from Belleville and erected a mill about a mile -from the mouth of the river, first a saw mill, afterward a flouring -mill. Excepting the mills, and a very narrow road, the place was a -perfect wilderness. The land upon the west side, where the village -stands, originally belonged to “old Squire” Bleeker. The portion of land -between the river and Sidney was held by Dr. Strachan. The first lot in -Sidney was owned by Judge Smith. - -Old Squire Bleeker was probably the very first settler between the Trent -and the Carrying Place. He was a trader with the Indians, and was -probably Indian Agent. At all events he was a man of considerable -authority among them. - - - - - CHAPTER LV. - - CONTENTS—Ninth town—Thurlow—Name—When surveyed—Front—Indian burying - ground—Owner of first lots—Chisholm—Singleton—Myers—Ferguson— - Indian traders—To Kingston in batteau—Singleton’s death—Ferguson’s - death—Distress of the families—Settled, 1789—Ascending the Moira— - Taking possession of land—Fifth concession—John Taylor—Founder of - Belleville—Myers buying land—Settlers upon the front—Municipal - record—Town officers—1798—Succeeding years—Canifton, its founder— - Settling—The diet—Building mill—Road—River Moira—Origin of name— - Earl Moira—Indian name—Indian offering—“Cabojunk”—Myers’ saw-mill— - Place not attractive—First bridge—The flouring-mill—Belleville— - Indian village—Myers’ Creek—Formation of village—First inn— - Permanent Bridge Street—In 1800—Growth—A second mill—McNabb’s—Sad - death—Captain McIntosh—Petrie—Inhabitants, 1809—Dr. Spareham— - Naming of Belleville—Bella Gore—By Gore in council—Petition— - Extract from Kingston Gazette—Surveying reserve—Wilmot—Mistakes— - Granting of lots—Conditions—Board of Police—Extent of Belleville— - Muddy streets—Inhabitants in 1824—Court-house—First Court, Quarter - Sessions—Belleville in 1836. - - - THE NINTH TOWN—THURLOW. - -The oldest map in the Crown Lands Department, states that this township -was surveyed in 1787, by Louis Kotte; perhaps only the front concession. -By this map, we learn that at the mouth of the river had been, probably -on Zwick’s Island, an Indian burying ground; and a lot is reserved for -the Indians, for a burying ground. The map informs us that lot No. 1, in -both the first and second concessions, was at first given to John -Chisholm. Lot No. 2, in first and second concession, to David -Vanderheyden; No. 3, to Alexander Chisholm; No. 4, the reserve for the -“Indian burying ground;” Nos. 5 and 6, to Captain John Singleton. These -are the only names which appear upon the map; but it is likely that lot -No. 7, was granted at first to Captain Myers. The late George Bleeker, -Esq., told the writer that Captain Myers having stayed in Lower Canada -three years, came and settled upon lot 7, where he built a hut and lived -for a year, before going to Sidney. This was probably in 1787, when the -surveying was proceeding. Thus it was that Captain Myers, who afterward -gave a name to the river and place, was the first squatter. About this -time, Captain Singleton, who had been a first settler in Ernesttown, -came to Thurlow with a brother officer, Lieutenant Ferguson, both having -recently married and settled upon lot No. 6. Their object in coming was -to carry on a fur trade with the Indians, who regularly descended the -River Sagonoska to barter, and subsequently to get their presents. The -single log house which was first built, was shortly added to, by a -second compartment, into which was stored furs and goods for barter. The -life of these first settlers of Thurlow was a brief one, and the -termination a sad one. Both had just married, and with their faithful -servant, Johnson, and his wife, they hoped for a future as bright as the -wood and water which so beautifully surrounded them. It mattered not to -them that no human habitation existed nearer than the Mohawk settlement, -and the Napanee River. Many trips with the batteau were necessary to -obtain a complete outfit for Indian trading, and ample provisions had to -be laid up, with stores of rum. These articles were procured at -Kingston. Singleton had rented his farm in the second town; but reserved -a room, where he might stop on his way up and down. In September, 1789, -Captain Singleton, his wife, child, some eight months old, with -Lieutenant Ferguson, his wife, and the servants, Johnson and wife, set -out for Kingston and Ernesttown in a batteau. The women were to visit in -Ernesttown, while the men proceeded to Kingston to purchase flour and -other articles. Not long after starting, Singleton was taken ill. They -stopped at Captain John’s, at the Mohawk settlement, and Indian -medicines were given him; but he continued to grow worse, and when he -reached his home, in Ernesttown, he was dangerously ill. A doctor from -Kingston was procured; but Captain Singleton died nine days after, from -what seems to have been a malignant fever. His faithful servant, -Johnson, contracted the disease and also died. Thus, Lieutenant Ferguson -was left with three women and a child, away from home, which could only -be reached after much toil. Captain Singleton was spoken of as a -“pleasing gentleman, and beloved by all who knew him.” His infant son -grew to man’s estate, and became one of the first settlers of Brighton, -where his widow, now far advanced in years, and descendants reside. - -Lieutenant Ferguson went to Kingston, exchanged his load of furs for a -barrel of flour, then very dear, and other articles, and returned with -his charge to Thurlow. But Ferguson’s days were also numbered; and, in -three months’ time, he died, and there were left in the depth of winter, -alone, upon the front of Thurlow, three widowed women, and an infant; -with but little to eat, beside the barrel of flour; which, before long, -was to be the only article of food, and used by cup-fulls to make spare -cakes. - -Lieutenant Ferguson, the associate of the first settler in the township, -was at first a refugee from the Mohawk valley in New York, and latterly -served, probably in Johnson’s regiment. He had lived a short time at -Sorel before coming to Thurlow. His body was buried upon a pleasant -elevation, between their house and the plains to the east of the river. -The first one of the loyalists to die in Thurlow, his body was the first -to be interred in the “Taylor burying ground.” - -In the spring of 1789, a party of about fifty, reached the bay. They -were all refugee loyalists, and most of them had been since the close of -the war in the States, looking up their families, and arranging to take -them “to Cataraqui.” This party settled in Sidney and Thurlow. Those who -settled in Thurlow, finding no land available at the front, prepared to -ascend the river. Among them were John Taylor, William Reed, with four -sons, John, William, Samuel, and Solomon; Richard Smith, Cavelry, Robert -Wright, John Longwell, Sherard, Zedie Thrasher, Asa Turner, Stephen and -Laurence Badgley, Solomon Hazleton, Archibald McKenzie, McMichael, -William Cook, and Russell Pitman. The party reached the mouth of the -river late in the day, and pitched their tent among some cedar shrubs -upon the east bank of the river, just by the site of the upper bridge. -The following day, they followed the bank of the river, searching for -indications of good land The surveyor had not yet laid out any but the -front lots; but the pioneers had been assured that any land they should -choose to occupy, would be granted them. When they reached the point -where now is the fifth concession, they felt that they had reached their -destination, and proceeded to take possession of such land as struck -their fancy. William Reed, and his four sons, possessed themselves of -600 acres in a block, through which the river wound its way. The land -here was unmistakably good; and four generations have now reaped the -fruit of the soil, while two generations lie buried there. But the first -years of pioneer life with those first settlers of the fifth concession, -were years of great hardship and want (see First years of Upper Canada). -They all went to Napanee at first to mill. Sometimes took articles to -exchange for flour. - -John Taylor settled in the fifth concession, where he remained a year, -when he came down to the mouth of the river. A sketch of this old -soldier is elsewhere given. Among the settlers who came in, a few years -later, were Richard Canniff, and Robert Thompson. - -In some respects, the settlers of these townships, at the western -extremity of the bay, suffered in a peculiar manner. They were far -removed from Kingston, and from the necessaries of life to be procured -there. And they were settling after the period when Government allowed -provisions. - -The name of Captain Myers must ever stand identified with the early -history of Thurlow. He cannot be regarded as the founder of Belleville; -yet he was the first to give a name to the village at the mouth of the -river. Captain Myers saw service during the revolutionary war (see Royal -Combatants). At the close of hostilities, having tarried for a time at -Lower Canada, he came to the bay, and squatted at first upon the front -of Thurlow. He first became a settler upon the front of Sidney, a few -miles east of the Trent River. Being a man of enterprise, and with -forethought, he did not content himself with clearing a farm and -cultivating its soil. He saw the wants of the settlers, that they -required sawed lumber, and greater conveniences for grinding grain. -Hence he is found, even before 1790, erecting a sawing mill upon a small -stream on his land in Sidney. The waterpower was very inefficient, and -he looked about for a more suitable place. The waters of the Moira -presented the inducements he sought. A bargain was effected with John -Taylor for the rear half of lot No. 5, which embraced a portion of the -stream, affording the desired mill-site. It was, most probably, in the -year 1790, that Captain Myers came to Thurlow, and built his log hut -upon the banks of the river, a few rods above the present mill-dam. -Within a year, the first dam erected upon the river was finished, and a -log saw mill built upon the east bank. - -The late Colonel Wilkins, of the Carrying Place, says, that when he came -to the bay, in 1792, Myers had his mill built, the one farthest west, -until they came to where is now Port Hope. - -The following are the names of those who settled upon the front, as -supplied by the late G. Bleeker, Esq. Commencing at lot No. 1, the first -settler was John Chisholm; No. 2, Coon Frederick; No. 3, Crawford, the -lot having been drawn by A. Chisholm. Coming to No. 7, it was settled -upon by A. Thompson, who sold the right to Schofield; No. 8, by Arch. -Chisholm; No. 9, by Samuel Sherwood, who was an Indian trader. Then -Fairman, William Johnson, Edward Carscallion, J. Carscallion, Fairman, -Biddell. - -There is no record of the first municipal transaction. Most likely, no -record was kept. The following, however, takes us back a long way:— - -“At the annual town meeting, for the township of Thurlow, held the fifth -day of March, 1798, whereat the following persons were chosen town -officers, viz., John McIntosh, Town Clerk, John Chisholm and William -Reid, Assessors; Joseph Walker, Collector; Samuel B. Gilbert, John Reed, -William Johnson, Path-masters; John Cook and Daniel Lawrence, Town -Wardens; John Taylor, Pound-keeper; John Fairman, Constable.” - -John McIntosh, remembered as Capt. McIntosh, was Town Clerk for three -years, and was succeeded by Jabez Davis. The following year, the -occupant was Caleb Benedict. The year succeeding, Roswell Leavens was -appointed, and continued to hold the office for three years, when John -Frederick was chosen, who held the place two years, when John McIntosh -was again selected; he held it two years. Then John Thompson was -appointed, who held it one year. The next year it was Roswell Leavens; -the next, John Frederick; the next, R. Leavens, who continued -uninterruptedly in office for twelve years, up to the year 1826. During -that time very many changes are observed in the names of those holding -the other municipal offices in the Township. The Town Clerk, in the year -1826, was Daniel Canniff, who held it two years; the next was James -McDonnell, who filled the post seven years. In 1835, D. B. Sole was -appointed, who held it two years. The year ensuing, Dr. Hayden was -appointed. It would seem that during the year following, Dr. H. escaped -as a rebel, while his wife refused to hand over the township records. - -CANIFTON.—Up to the year 1806, the way from Myers’ mill up the river to -where stands Corby’s mill, a distance of four miles, was unbroken by a -single clearing. There was but a poor waggon road, which had been cut by -the two individuals who alone could afford the comfort of a waggon. But -in that year another settler was added to Thurlow, and a third waggon to -the community. John Canniff, having bought some 800 acres of land from -one McDougall, and one Carle, in the third concession, commenced the -work of clearing upon the present site of the village of Canifton. John -Canniff was a U. E. Loyalist, and was born at Bedford, in the County of -Westchester, in the present State of New York, in the year 1757. There -is no reliable statement handed down as to the part he took in the war -against the rebellion. That he took an active part is believed by those -most capable of judging. The name of Lieut. Candiff appears among the -officers of a New Jersey regiment, which is thought to have been one of -the family. John Canniff was a refugee at the close of the war in New -Brunswick, where he remained a few years. He then came to Canada, in -1788, and first settled in Adolphustown, where he lived until his -removal to Thurlow. He had witnessed and experienced the suffering of -the year of the famine. And it is known that he actually saved one -family from death by starvation. Before bringing his family to Thurlow, -in 1807, he had cleared a considerable piece of land, on the east side -of the river, around the present site of the bridge; built a mill-dam, a -saw-mill, and a frame house, which stood a short distance above the site -of the Methodist Church. Although this took place near the end of the -first decade of the present century, yet the settlement was attended by -no little hardship. The necessaries of life were not always to be had, -and it is authentically related, that for a time pea bread constituted -the principle article of diet, while a fish, now and then caught, was a -great luxury. - -About the year 1812, Canniff erected a flouring-mill, having for -mill-stones those made on the spot, out of hard granite; the man who -made them yet lives. These relics of the past may yet be seen. But in -two years he procured a pair of Burr stones from the Trent. - -In the year 18—, Mr. Canniff removed to the front of Thurlow, and lived -upon lot number eight, where he continued to dwell until his death, 21st -Feb., 1843. He was in his 87th year when he died. His remains are buried -near the front of the Episcopal Church, in Belleville. He was a great -uncle to the writer. - -Up to the year 1715, there was but one small house in Canifton, beside -that occupied by Mr. Canniff, this was occupied by a cooper, named -Ockerman. - -For four years after John Canniff settled upon the river, there was an -unbroken wood between his place and Myers’ mill, while but a rough road -existed, which followed the river’s bank. In the spring of 1811, James -Canniff, the writer’s father, commenced to clear land, midway between -Myers’ mill and John Canniff’s. At this time, the road remained almost -impassable, for the half-dozen waggons, owned in the township. Some -years later, the road was somewhat straightened and improved; but -although now, and for a long time, so great a thoroughfare, the road -continued to be, for many years, the most execrable. - -THE RIVER MOIRA.—This river is named after the Right Hon. the Earl of -_Moira_, afterward Marquis of _Hastings_, and previously, when a -soldier, serving in the American war, known as Lord _Rawdon_. At his -death the title became extinct. His body was buried in his native town -in Ireland. While in America, he formed a strong attachment to Brant. - -The Moira takes its rise in the township of Tudor, and in its windings -to the Bay Quinté, passes through the townships of Madoc, Marmora, -Rawdon, Huntingdon, Hungerford, Tyendinaga, and Thurlow. It was well -known, and yearly ascended by the Indians for the excellent hunting -which it afforded. They called it _Sagonasko_, which name may be found -on the first maps issued by the surveyor. It was sometimes spelled -_Saganashcocon_. - -The Indians, when about to pass up on their hunting expeditions, leaving -many of the women and children in wigwams upon the plains near its -mouth, would make an offering to their pagan god, of tobacco, which was -dropped upon the east shore, near its mouth, just below the site of the -first bridge. A thank offering was repeated upon their return.—(B. -Flint). - -When the first mill dam was erected by Capt. Myers, the obstruction was -called by them _Cabojunk_. - -When the land was surveyed, the Government reserved at the mouth of the -river 200 acres, ostensibly, for an Indian burying ground. But the place -of burying was upon Zwick’s Island, in the Bay, near the river’s mouth. - -Upon the old maps, this river is called Singleton’s River, after Capt. -Singleton. - -About the year 1790, Capt. Myers settled upon the river, and erected a -dam and log saw mill. It consequently took the name of Myers’ Creek, -which it retained, until after the war of 1812, and by some, to within -the writer’s recollection, thirty years ago. The writer remembers to -have seen the Indians, in their birch canoes, ascending and descending -the river. The fact that the word Moira has some resembling sound to -that of Myers, has led some to suppose that the latter name became -gradually changed into the former. But the fact is as stated above. - -The appearance of the place, presented to the first adventurers in -pursuit of land on which to settle, was not attractive. It was a barren -plain with a cedar swamp covering the shores on either side. - -There were, however, on the east side, at the mouth, some tall and good -sized oaks, indicating deep soil, while the land around was rock; this -land, like the two islands upon which mills are built, was rich, and had -been made from the washings of the river’s sides for centuries, and -carried down from the back country. - -The first bridge upon the Moira, was a floating structure, and was -placed quite at the mouth of the river, with the view of escaping the -current; but it was soon carried off. The bridge was built about 1800; -prior to which time there had been a ferry for foot passengers, when the -stream was not fordable. At certain seasons, crossings could take place -almost anywhere. The first spring freshet carried away the bridge. In -the winter of 1802, according to Mrs. Harris, who then lived in the -place, a more substantial structure was commenced; but again it was -carried off by ice breaking over Myers’ dam. Possibly, this may be the -first one. The first permanent bridge must have been completed in 1806 -or 7. - -The excellent water power was first employed by Capt. Myers, and the -second person to use it was the Reeds, at the place where is now -situated Corby’s mill. The benefit of a flouring mill to the Reeds will -be understood when it is known that they had previously, to carry on -their back the grist to the Napanee mills, a distance of some forty -miles, and thus occupying four days. - - - BELLEVILLE. - -The early _voyageurs_, passing along in their birch canoes, bound for -the far west, by the way of the River Trent to Lake Simcoe, were never -attracted to the low, thick woods, which bordered the river, called by -the Indians _Sagonoska_. It is true, there was generally an Indian -village upon the plains situated to the east of the river’s mouth. But -the collection of rude tents offered no special invitation. While the -French, it would seem, never ascended the river; the Indians of the -Mississauga tribe inhabited the region, and mostly always had a village -upon the bay shore. As we have seen, the Government, at the time of -surveying, reserved lot number four, which included the river and the -plains, for the Indians. About 1789 or 90, Captain Myers, having -purchased a part of lot number five, of John Taylor, for $100, -endeavored to obtain a lease of the Indian lot for a long period of -years; and he subsequently claimed the lot, averring that it had been -leased him for ninety-nine years. This claim of Capt. Myers, it has been -stated, led to the name which so long obtained, Myers’ Creek. But the -claim was never recognized by Government, although there is some reason -to think that the Indians did actually bargain it away. The settlement -upon the river, by Captain Myers, very soon came to be known as Captain -Myers’, and the inhabitants up and down the bay, spoke of the -settlement, as well as of the river, as Myers’ Creek. But, at the same -time, Myers’ mill and house were quite remote from the first collection -of houses at the mouth of the river. Apart from the water privileges, -there was nothing to attract to the place, and, until the beginning of -the present century, there was not even a hut at the mouth of the river. -If public meetings were held, they were up the front, or back near the -fifth concession, afterward known as Hayden’s Corners. - -The village began to form upon the east bank of the river, a little -distance below Dundas street, and, for many years, it did not extend -further north than that street. The first place of habitation so far as -can be learned, was a log house, built and occupied by Asa Wallbridge, a -trader, who was well known by the early settlers. Then came John -Simpson, in the year 1798, and constructed a log hut, 20 × 12. This -house, the first public house in Thurlow, was for many years known from -Kingston to York, as a place of public entertainment. Within its rough -walls rested many an important traveler, and here, in later days, -convened the men of dignity and office, to discuss matters of great -import concerning the village. Here met, in jovial companionship, the -inhabitants of the village at night. Around this rude public house -centered the crowd upon training days, or when the race course was a -point of attraction. For many years, the heart of the village was at the -corner of Dundas street. At this place was the ferry, and afterwards the -first bridge. - -John Simpson, who was Sergt.-Major of the Militia when first organized, -died shortly after coming to Myers’ Creek; but his widow, Margaret, -continued the hostess for many years. She endeavored to keep pace with -the wants of the growing village, and made one improvement after -another, and finally had built the frame structure now converted into -the agreeable residence of the Hon. Lewis Wallbridge. About the year -1800, a second inn was opened in the village, the descendant of this is -the present Railroad House. - -When it became necessary to build a bridge across the river, about -1806–7, the question of site was one of no little consideration. It -seemed the most natural that it should be erected on Dundas Street, -which was the great mail road between Kingston and York; and those -living in the heart of the village could see no reason in having it -placed elsewhere. But a majority of those having a voice in the matter, -looked at the question in a more practical light; and rightly thought a -bridge would cost less where the river was the narrowest, while it -should not be too far for convenience. The result was that it was built -on the site of the present lower bridge, and so gave to the street the -name of Bridge Street. - -Retracing our steps to the beginning of the present century, we present -the statement of Mr. William Ketcheson, who settled in Sidney, and also -of James Farley, both of whom say that there was not then even a village -at the mouth of the river, there being but two or three shanties, among -them Simpson’s tavern, at the rude bar of which the sole drink was a -home brewed beer, which, however, possessed intoxicating properties. -Another building was an ash house, owned by Asa Wallbridge. - -During the first years of the present century, the place grew to the -importance of a village, whose inhabitants, with those of the adjacent -farmers, made up nearly a hundred persons. Important additions had been -made, and enterprise was at work. Two noble and loyal Scotchmen had come -to the place several years before, and purchased lot number three, and -had built a second mill dam and mills. These were Simon and James -McNabb. They subsequently took an active part in everything relating to -the village. James McNabb became Collector of Customs, and the first -Post-Master and Registrar, and both were officers in the militia. The -melancholy death of James McNabb, is hardly yet forgotten. During the -rebellion of 1836, there was an alarm in Belleville, and Capt. McNabb, -while running through an unlighted hall, was fatally wounded by a -careless militiaman, who was trailing his musket with bayonet fixed. - -Capt. McIntosh was an early settler in Belleville, as well as a pioneer -with sailing vessels. He built the first frame store house at -Belleville, which was taken down in 1867. The house he built is still -standing, a quaint edifice, at the lower extremity of front street. -Within its walls rested General Brock, when on his way westward, at the -commencement of the war of 1812; also General Gore, after the close of -the war. Capt. McIntosh met an untimely death by drowning while -attempting to swim from his schooner, which was wind-bound off Ox Point, -to the shore, 23rd Sept, 1815. - -In the year 1809, Alexander Oliphant Petrie, came to live at Myers’ -Creek. He found the following persons living in Belleville at that time. -Commencing at the lowest part; there first lived Capt. John McIntosh, -who kept a store; John Johnson, a saddler; Dr. Sparehan; John Thompson, -who had been a soldier in the King’s Rangers; Peter Holmes, a carpenter, -who had also been in the Rangers; Mrs. Margaret Simpson, inn-keeper; -Roswell Leavens, a blacksmith; John Simons; one Ames, a cooper; Hugh -Cunningham, store-keeper, at Mrs. Simpson’s; Simon McNabb, who lived -across the river; Ockerman, a cooper; Benj. Stone, a sawyer; Wm. Maybee, -and Abraham Stimers. In the neighborhood of the village lived John -Taylor; James Harris, a hatter, and Capt. Myers. The only road was along -the river, while foot paths led to the different dwellings. Respecting -Dr. Spareham, there is the following notice in the Kingston _Gazette_: -“Died, Friday 20th, 1813, Dr. Thomas Spareham, at Kingston; aged about -88. He was one of the first settlers in the country.” - -The McNabbs had a flouring-mill, and there was a small cloth factory on -the west side of the river, at Myers’ dam. Harris had a small shop on -the bank of the river; and just below the present market, back from the -river, stood a little frame school house, where taught one John Watkins. -About the year 1810, Mr. Everitt, from Kingston, erected a fine building -for a hotel, outside of the village, near Coleman’s, formerly McNabb’s -mills. This was near the Victoria buildings. - -The naming of Belleville took place in 1816. The circumstances attending -it were as follows: There met one evening at Mrs. Simpson’s tavern, -Captain McMichael, the two McNabbs, Wallbridge, R. Leavens, and S. -Nicholson. These gentlemen, at the suggestion, it is said, of Captain -McMichael, determined to invite Lieutenant-Governor Gore, to name the -newly surveyed town. The request was complied with, by calling it after -his wife _Bella_. In reference to this, we find in the _Kingston -Gazette_, Aug. 24, 1816, the following: “The Lieutenant-Governor, in -council, has been pleased to give the new town (formerly known by the -name of “Myers’ Creek”) at the River Moira, the name of “BELLEVILLE,” by -the request and petition of a great number of the inhabitants of that -town and the township of Thurlow.” In the issue of 7th September, the -_Gazette_ remarks, “We mentioned in our paper of the 24th ult., that the -new town at the River Moira, was now called “Belleville,” &c. We were -under the impression, from the very pleasant situation of that town that -its name was derived from the French; but we have since been informed -that it has been given the name of Bellville, in honor of lady Gore at -the request of the inhabitants.” We have it also, on the authority of -Mr. Petrie, who could not be ignorant of the facts, that the name is -after Lady Bella Gore. It will be observed that the name was originally -spelled Bellville, instead of Belleville, as at the present time. In all -letters and public documents where the town was mentioned, we find it -spelled Bellville for many years. The writer will now, quote himself -from another work. “The same year (1816) the Government instructed -surveyor Wilmot to lay out the 200 acres of Indian reserve, lot number -four, into town lots of half an acre each. It cannot be recorded that -Mr. Wilmot discharged his duty to his credit or the advantage of the -town. In the first place he made the serious mistake (it has been -questioned whether it was a mistake) of placing the line between Sidney -and Thurlow, upwards of sixty feet to the east of that marked by the -original survey. The consequence was, that the line between lots numbers -three and four (at the front) instead of being mainly in the river, -where it ought to have been, was established where now is Front Street, -and thereby, a valuable strip of land belonging to the Reserve, was -added to private property on the western side of the river; while the -owner of lot number five, Mr. Taylor, was a loser to a corresponding -extent. Another mistake was the very few cross streets laid out, the -inconvenience of which is felt daily by many; although some new ones -have been opened latterly. A third error was the respect he made to a -hotel which stood a little to the east of where now stands the Victoria -buildings. This hotel had been erected on the ground, where the street, -in surveying, happened to come. The result is the unseemly turn in its -course at Pinnacle Street. While the hotel gave a name to the street, -the name commemorates the cause of its ugliness. The town lots were -disposed of by Government to petitioners, true subjects of His Majesty, -on a payment of a fee of thirty dollars. No one could obtain more than a -single lot. Seven plots were reserved: one for a hospital, one where -stands the Catholic Church, the Grammar School, the English Church, -also, the Parsonage house, the old Market Square, and the Jail.” - -The lots were granted to applicants upon presenting a petition signed by -two citizens, to Government. The grantee was obligated to build, in a -given time, a house, one story and a half high, and 18 × 30 feet. - -Belleville is the oldest town in Upper Canada. At the time it was named, -where now stands Cobourg, were but three houses. In 1816 the _Kingston -Gazette_ says, “A Post Office is now established in the new and -flourishing town of Bellville, S. McNabb. Esq., Post Master.” - -In the year 1834, a petition was submitted by the inhabitants of -Belleville to Parliament, the result of which was “An act to establish a -Board of Police in the town of Belleville, passed 6th March, 1834.” - -It would seem that the act passed did not come into operation, for in -1836, an act was passed repealing the former one. This latter act was in -many respects the same, but making further provisions. The same year the -town record begins. The boundaries were, “commencing at the limits -between lots number five and six, in the first concession, so as a line -at right angles will run on the northerly side of Wonnacott’s bridge, -thence south seventy-four degrees, west to the limits between lots -numbers two and three, thence sixteen degrees east to the Bay of Quinté, -thence easterly following the winding of the bay to the limits between -lots numbers five and six aforesaid; thence north sixteen degrees, west -to the place of beginning, together with the island and the harbour.” -There were two wards, each of which elected two members of the Board of -Police, and the fourth selected a fifth. The body then selected one of -themselves for President. Those elected the first year were, Wm. McCarty -and Asa Yeomans, for first ward; Zenas Dafoe, and Wm. Connor for second -ward; Billa Flint was elected the fifth member, and was also chosen -President; Geo. Benjamin to be clerk to the Board. - -Up to this time there had been no sidewalks, and at the same time there -was no drainage. The consequence was, that in the rainy season the -streets were almost impassible, quite as bad as those of Muddy York are -said to have been. The first pavement was laid in 1836, the stones of -which were taken from the river. - -It is impossible to say definitely what was the number of inhabitants at -any one period. These were, however, in 1818, according to Talbot, about -150; about 500 in 1824; 700 in 1829, and in 1836 more than 1,000. But -McMullen, writing in 1824, says that between Kingston and York, there -are two or three very small villages, the largest of which is -Belleville, containing about one hundred and fifty inhabitants. - -After this the town increased more rapidly in size and importance. Steps -were taken to have built a Court House and Jail, as the nearest place of -confinement of prisoners was at Kingston; and, in 1838, just at the -close of the rebellion, the present building was finished. - -The first court of Quarter Sessions held at the Court House in -Belleville, was November, 1839, Benjamin Dougall presided; Edmund -Murney, Clerk of the Peace; J. W. D. Moodie, Sheriff. The principal -business of the court was to organize, and take the oaths of office. The -second court was held in March, 1840, in the Court House; there were the -same officers, except that W. H. Ponton was Clerk of the Peace. - -A writer in the _Intelligencer_, in 1836, says, Belleville is said to -contain about 1,800 inhabitants. There is an English and Scotch Church, -a Roman Catholic and Methodist Chapel, also a congregation of Episcopal -Methodists, and one of American Presbyterians; 25 merchants’ shops, 2 -Apothecaries and Druggists’, 12 huxters’ and grocery shops, 9 taverns, 3 -breweries, 3 butchers’, 2 flouring mills, 4 saw, and 2 fulling and -carding mills, 1 pail factory, 7 blacksmiths’ shops, 3 tanneries, and -mechanics of almost every description. In Front Street there are a -number of spacious brick, stone, and frame buildings; being the most -central part of the town for business. The town has recently being -called East and West Belleville; separated by the river Moira. The -latter has been laid out in town lots by the present owners; and the -streets and lines defined. On Coleman Street there are already erected a -handsome brick and other stone and frame buildings; a Trip-Hammer Forge -and Axe manufactory carried on by Mr. Proctor, celebrated for making the -best axes in the province. A saw mill in operation and a flouring mill -for four run of stone now erecting, and another for six run in -contemplation of being built next summer by our enterprising townsman, -Mr. Flint. A cabinet-maker, blacksmith’s shop, and a tavern, together -with a variety of lots unsold, some of which are calculated for -hydraulic purposes; and for which there are abundance of materials for -stone buildings. The same street leads to the extensive wharfs and store -houses belonging to Mr. Billa Flint. - - - - - CHAPTER LVI. - - CONTENTS—Tenth township—Richmond—Origin—Quantity of land—Shores of - Mohawk Bay—Village on south shore—Original land holders—Names— - Napanee—The falls—The mill—Salmon River—Indian name—Source of - Napanee River—Its course—Colebrook—Simcoe Falls—Name—Clarke’s - Mills—Newburgh—Academy—The settlers—“Clarkville”—No records. - - - THE TENTH TOWNSHIP—RICHMOND. - -This township is called after the Duke of Richmond, and contains about -50,000 acres. - -At an early period, the shores of the Mohawk Bay were occupied by -settlers. At first, upon the Fredericksburgh side, and shortly after -upon the north shore. The facilities for erecting a flouring-mill at the -falls, upon the river which empties into the Mohawk Bay, attracted the -attention of Government so early as 1785, in which year the first mill -was erected. The existence of this mill caused something of a village to -spring up on the south shore. About the same time, the land upon the -north shore of the bay and river, was taken up by the loyalists. We can -find nothing to indicate the year in which this township was originally -surveyed; but it was most probably done in the latter part of 1785, or -in the spring of 1786, after the front of Thurlow had been surveyed. -Upon the old chart of this township in the Crown Lands Department, may -be seen the names of certain officers, as claimants of land near the -mouth of the river. The names are in the main, now unknown, and it seems -that the land passed into other hands. The second and third concessions -seem to have been settled at a comparatively early date. We believe that -some of the first settlers on Mohawk Bay, were, Alexander Nicholson, -Woodcock, Peterson, Campbell, Richardson, Detlors. - -_Napanee_, a name given to the river, and to the town upon its banks, is -of Indian origin. Originally it was Appanee, which signifies, in the -Mississauga language, flour, or the river where they make flour. This -designation, it has been supposed, arose from the existence of the -flouring-mill, built here at an early date (see first days of Upper -Canada). The place was first visited by loyalists, in 1784. The beauty -of the scenery, the waters of the river, tumbling over the rocks, down a -distance of thirty feet, and sweeping down through a muddy bed, and -widening into Mohawk Bay, and the surrounding hills clothed in nature’s -rugged habiliments, would naturally attract the settler. Then, when -Government placed a mill, at which the settlers could get their grain -ground, a consideration of great importance, the land in the vicinity -would be eagerly sought, upon which to settle. And, it can readily be -inferred, that the more valuable lots in the township of Richmond were, -at an early date, appropriated and settled upon. - -Running across the back part of this township, from east to west, and -continuing across the township of Tyendinagua, is the Salmon River. It -takes its rise in Crow Lake, in the Township of Kenebec. It empties into -the Bay Quinté, at the border line between this township and Thurlow. -Near its mouth is the Village of Shannonville. The Indian name of the -Salmon River was _Gosippa_. - -The Napanee River, of which we have spoken, takes its rise in the -townships of Hinchinbroke, Bedford, Loughborough, Portland, which are -thickly strewn with beautiful lakes and streams, all connected so as to -form a sort of net work. The Napanee then crosses the front part of -Camden, and pursues its way along, forming the southern boundary of -Richmond, to empty into the Mohawk Bay. Along the course of the stream -are several villages, all possessed of more or less beauty. There is the -village of Colebrook, having upward of 300 inhabitants; Simcoe Falls -comes next, beautiful and picturesque, with some 250 of population. The -village is named after the Falls, which are some forty feet high. The -name is derived from Governor Simcoe, who at one time owned here 1000 -acres of land. Four miles further down the stream is the pleasant -village of Clark’s Mills, after a family name of which we have elsewhere -spoken, as a distinguished U. E. Loyalist. Continuing down the river we -come to Newburgh, a village picturesquely situated, and of considerable -importance. Beside its grist-mills, saw-mills, factories, machine shop, -foundry, and other machinery worked by the water; Newburgh has a very -respectable academy. Perhaps there is no stream in Canada which -possesses the same number of mill privileges as the Napanee. There are -numerous rapids and several falls along its course, and the banks on -either side are often strikingly beautiful. The original settlers along -the stream were mostly the children of loyalists. - -NAPANEE.—The settlement of Napanee is pretty fully given in the chapter -upon the first flouring-mills. We there have stated that Sergeant Major -Clark of the 84th regiment, was ordered to Napanee to act as -superintendent of the works in connection with the building of the mill; -second flouring-mill in Upper Canada. The mill was situated upon the -Fredericksburgh side of the river. Upon an early map of the township, by -P. V. Elmore, a village is marked here by the name of Clark ville. - -Napanee was incorporated in the year 1854. - -We regret our inability to procure the township record of Richmond. - - - - - DIVISION IX. - THE EARLY GOVERNMENT OF UPPER CANADA. - - - - - CHAPTER LVII. - - CONTENTS—Military rule—Imperial Act, 1774—French Canada—Refugees— - Military Government in Upper Canada—New Districts—Lunenburgh— - Mecklenburgh—Nassau—Hesse—The Judges—Duncan—Cartwright—Hamilton— - Robertson—Court in Mecklenburgh—Civil Law—Judge Duncan—Judge - Cartwright—Punishment inflicted—First execution—New Constitution - of Quebec—1791, Quebec Bill passed—Inhabitants of Upper Canada. - - - UPPER CANADA FROM 1783 TO 1792—THE GOVERNMENT, MILITARY AND CIVIL. - -For three years after the conquest the Province of Quebec was governed -by military laws, but in 1774, the British Government introduced a Bill, -conferring civil rights upon the Canadian French, with a governing -council of not more than 23, nor less than 17. The laws, religion and -language were secured to the Province, as before the conquest, so that -in most respects, excepting the presence of an English Governor, Canada -remained a French Colony. The timely concessions of the British -Government, and the natural antipathy felt by the Canadians to the New -Englanders, prevented in a most positive way, any desire or intention, -on the part of the Canadians, to take sides with the revolting British -Provinces. When the loyalist refugees began to pick their way into -Canada they found themselves as it were in a foreign country. A colony -it is true, under the government of an English Governor, but -nevertheless consisting of a people entirely dissimilar to themselves. -While the war continued the presence of a large number of British troops -made the country seem less foreign in its character; but the close of -the war, and the disbanding of many of the companies, and withdrawal of -others, left the unhappy refugees in a society to them altogether -unnatural. It was under such circumstances that steps were taken to -survey land upon the upper waters, to which the loyalists might go. The -plan pursued by Government was, not to extend the operation of the laws -belonging to Lower Canada, and therefore French and unnatural, to the -settlements in Upper Canada; but to marshal the pioneer in bands under -officers, with the necessary appointments, to secure order, protect -interests, and administer justice. The first settlers of Upper Canada, -then came in military order, by word of command, and were directed to -the point where each should find the land allotted him, and meet his -wilderness foe. - -All alike were governed by military law, until 1788. Says the historian -of Dundas, “It was decided by Government that the first settlers should -live under MARTIAL LAW, till such times as it should be rescinded, and -replaced by competent courts of justice. But by martial law was meant -only, that the English laws, having by the settlement of this part of -Canada, been introduced, should be its laws for the present, and that -these laws, which very few knew, should be martially executed by the -Captain in command, having the superintendence of the particular -locality.” - -Upon the 24th July, 1788, Lord Dorchester issued a proclamation, dated -at the Castle of St. Louis, Quebec, forming a certain number of new -districts in the Province of Quebec. Upper Canada was formed into four -districts, viz.: _Lunenburgh_, which extended from the borders of Lower -Canada “to the River Gananoque, now called Thames;” _Mecklenburgh_, -which included the settlement from Gananoque to the Trent River; -_Nassau_, extending from the Trent to Long Point on Lake Erie; _Hesse_, -which embraced the remaining parts of Western Canada, including Detroit. -The division was based upon the number of settlers rather than the -extent of territory. - -To each of these districts was appointed a Judge, a Sheriff, &c. The -Judge seems to have been clothed with almost absolute power. He -dispensed justice according to his own understanding or interpretation -of the law, and a Sheriff or Constable stood ready to carry out the -decision, which in his wisdom, he might arrive at. These four courts of -Common Pleas constituted it seems the whole machinery of the law in -Upper Canada, after the people ceased to be under military jurisdiction. -It may have been, however, probably was, that appeal could be made -against the Judge’s decision, to the Governor and Council. There were no -other magistrates, and no lawyers in those primitive happy days. - -Of the four Judges appointed to the districts, positive knowledge can be -obtained but of three; these are Richard Duncan, Judge of Lunenburgh, -Richard Cartwright, Judge of Mecklenburgh, and Robert Hamilton, Judge of -Nassau. Not unlikely, William Robertson, of Detroit, was Judge of Hesse. -This opinion is ventured from the fact that this gentleman was the most -successful and prominent man in that locality; the same as Duncan, -Cartwright, and Hamilton were in theirs. - -Respecting the Judgeship of _Mecklenburgh_, the Rev. Mr. Stuart writes, -1788, that “our new settlements have been lately divided into four -districts, of which this place (Kingston,) is the Capital of one called -_New_ Mecklenburgh. I had a commission sent me as first Judge of the -Court of Common Pleas, which I returned to Lord Dorchester, who left a -few days ago.” The office thus refused was subsequently filled by Mr. -Richard Cartwright. In a letter before us, written by John Ferguson, -dated 29th December, 1788, it is stated that “our Courts are opened, but -they have done nothing particular, but I suppose will in a few days.” -This was the commencement of other than martial law at the Bay of -Quinté. 1788 then, is the year in which civil law began to be -administered. This was considered a boon by the British Americans, who -objected quite as much to military law, when the individual might not by -education, be qualified to dispense judgment and justice, as they did to -the French laws of Lower Canada. Indeed the loyalists of Lower Canada -complained very much that they had lost the protection of British laws. -And probably many were induced to ascend to Upper Canada where the -British law was in operation. At the same time Upper Canada remained a -part of the Province of Quebec. - -Reference is made in the History of Dundas, to Judge Duncan, of -Lunenburgh as follows: “As a soldier he was generous and humane.” The -Court sat at Mariatown, of which he was the founder. He “seemed to have -monopolized every office. A storekeeper, and holding a Captain’s rank, -he dealt out law, dry goods and groceries alternately.” The court room -was at the place of Richard Loucks, who kept a store and tavern, about a -mile below the present eastern limits of the County of Dundas. The name -of the Sheriff was Munro, probably John Munro, who was subsequently -called to the Legislative Council. - -With respect to Judge Cartwright, the reader is referred to individual -U. E. Loyalists for a notice of his history. The fact that he was -selected as the Judge after the office was refused by Mr. Stuart, shows -that he was a man of influence, education and wealth, and persons are -now living who remember him as a “big man,” along the Bay. From all that -we can learn, it is most probable that Judge Cartwright held his court -at Finkle’s tavern, Ernesttown. It is stated that he convicted the first -man that was hanged in Canada. The crime charged against him for which -he was executed was watch stealing. The article was found upon him, and -although he declared he had bought it of a pedlar, yet, as he could not -prove it, he was adjudged guilty of the crime, and sentenced to be -hanged. Dr. Connor, of Ernesttown, stood up in court and appealed -against the decision of the Judge, but he was hissed down, and the law -took its course. The man was hanged, and subsequently the pedlar from -whom the watch had been purchased came along and corroborated the dying -words of the unfortunate man. - -The most common punishment inflicted upon those convicted of high -offences, was that of banishment for a certain number of years, or for -life, to the United States, “a sentence next to that of death, felt to -be the most severe that could be inflicted.” “Minor offences were atoned -for in the pillory. For a long time there stood one such primitive -instrument of punishment, at Richard Louck’s Inn, the centre of law and -Justice for the Lunenburgh District.” (History of Dundas). - -The first person executed at Niagara was in 1801, a woman by name of -Loudon, who was convicted of poisoning her husband, at Grimsby. - -The difference between the French and British in Canada, as to religion, -language and laws, was so great that, although efforts were earnestly -made to unite the two races, the divergence of views continued to -increase. And the result was, that a Bill was introduced into the -Imperial Parliament, by the Government, which duly became law. - -On Friday, 4th March, 1791 Mr. Chancellor Pitt moved, “that His -Majesty’s message concerning the New Constitution for Quebec might be -read. It was read accordingly.” - -“GEORGE R.—His Majesty thinks it proper to acquaint the Commons, that it -appears to His Majesty, that it would be for the benefit of His -Majesty’s subjects in the Province of Quebec, that the same should be -divided into separate provinces, to be called the Province of Upper -Canada and the Province of Lower Canada; and that it is accordingly his -Majesty’s intention so to divide the same, whenever His Majesty shall be -enabled by Act of Parliament to establish the necessary regulations for -the government of the said Provinces. His Majesty therefore recommends -this object to the consideration of this House,” &c., &c. The discussion -which arose in connection with the passage of this Bill was of unusual -interest, and produced that historic scene between Burke and Fox, during -which “tears trickled down the cheeks” of the latter, as “he strove in -vain to give utterance to feelings that dignified and exalted his -nature.” The Bill passed its third reading on the 18th May. - -At this time there were distributed along the St. Lawrence, the Bay of -Quinté, Niagara frontier, Amherstburgh, with the French settlement on -the Thames, and the Indians at Grand River, about 20,000 souls, or -double the number, who came at the first as refugees, and disbanded -soldiers. - -For a list of the Governors of Upper Canada see Appendix. - - - - - CHAPTER LVIII. - - CONTENTS—Simcoe—His arrival in Canada—Up the St. Lawrence—An old - house—“Old Breeches’ River”—Simcoe’s attendants—The old veterans— - “Good old cause”—“Content”—Toasting—Old officers—Executive Council - of Upper Canada—First entry—Simcoe inducted to office—Religious - ceremony—“The proceedings”—Those present—Oath of office— - Organization of Legislative Council—Assembly—Issuing writs for - elections—Members of Council—Simcoe’s difficulty—At Kingston— - Division of Province—The Governor’s officers—Rochfoucault upon - Simcoe—Simcoe’s surroundings—His wife—Opening Parliament in 1795— - Those present—Retinue—Dress—The nineteen counties—Simcoe’s - designs—Visit of the Queen’s father—At Kingston—Niagara—A war - dance. - - - ORGANIZATION OF THE UPPER CANADA GOVERNMENT BY SIMCOE, 1792. - -Colonel John Graves Simcoe, the pioneer Governor of Upper Canada, and -the Lieutenant-Governor under Lord Dorchester, entered upon the duties -of his office, July 8, 1792. - -His arrival in Canada was signalled by much rejoicing, as he passed -along in a fleet of bark canoes from Lower Canada, by the St. Lawrence. -A writer, in 1846, relates some interesting facts respecting this -passage. He speaks of one house then remaining in Johnstown, which -remained in all its original proportions. “It is built in the Dutch -style, with sharp-pointed roof, and curious gables.” This house was -framed of oak of the finest growth; and, considering that it has been -drawn from lot to lot, until it has traveled almost the entire extent of -the bay, (at Johnston) within the last half century, it certainly is a -remarkable edifice. It is now a hostelrié, as it has always been, and no -sign of repentance can be yet seen in its huge sign-board, exhibited at -the top of a taper pine, on which some cunning disciple of Michael -Angelo, hath depicted a tolerably sized square, and a pair of -exquisitely expansive compass, striding classically, in imitation of the -Collosus of Rhodes, with the staring capitals of “_Live and let live_— -St. John’s Hall—_Peace and plenty to all mankind_”—thrown in as a sort -of relief to the compass, and as a sweet inducement to the weary and -dust-begrimmed traveler to walk in, and make himself as comfortable as -the little peculiarities of the lazy-eyed landlord, and the singular -temperament of the land-lady, will allow. - -“This house is Governor Simcoe’s house. In it John Graves Simcoe, the -first Governor of the U. E. Loyalists, himself a hearty, brave old -colonel, who fought in the cause of these men, held his levee, on his -first arrival in Upper Canada. Time hallows all. Young Canada has her -antiquities—although she may be more prone to look forward to the future -with hope, than back on the past with regret. Yet the house in which -John Graves Simcoe reposed himself, and cast his martial eye over the -gracefully curving bay, the sparkling river, and the dilapidated -fortifications of the old French fort, built during the French -ascendancy; on the point and islands below, may still be an object of -interest to more than those who reside in the vicinity, in a Province, -which owes so much of its present prosperity to the good commencement -made by one possessed of his historic heroism, humanity, and noble -self-denial in the cause of an exiled race. The house stood on a point -of land formed by the bay, and a small stream which passes from the -north westward, called formerly by the French, “Riviere de la Vielle -Culotte,” which being translated, probably means “Old Breeches’ River.” -Governor Simcoe had, but a short half-hour previously, taken his -departure for Niagara, in one of the large bark canoes with which the -passage on the St. Lawrence, and along the shore of the lakes, was then -generally made. A brigade of smaller canoes and boats followed him, -conveying his suite, and a few soldiers; and never since the year 1756, -when Montcalm led his army upward to the attack of Oswego, had the -swelling bosom of the wild forest river borne so glad a sight as on that -sparkling morning. - -“The old piece of ordnance, obtained from the island fort below, had -ceased to belch forth its thunders from the clay bank; whereon, fort -want of trunnions it had been deposited. The gentry of the surrounding -country, collected together for the occasion, and looking spruce, though -weather-beaten, in their low-tasselled boots, their queer old -broad-skirted military coats, and looped chapeaux, with faded feathers -fluttering in the wind, had retired to the inn, and were toasting in -parting goblets, the “good old cause for ever,” previously to betaking -themselves to their woodland path homeward, or embarking in their canoes -to reach their destinations by water, above or below. - -“Now I am content—content, I say, and can go home to reflect on this -proud day. Our Governor—the man of all others—has come at last—mine eye -hath seen it—drink to him gentlemen—he will do the rest for us,”—cried -Colonel Tom Fraser, his face flushed and fiery, and his stout frame -drawn up to its full height at the head of the table. - -“We do—we do!” vociferated young Kingsmill, emptying his glass, and -stamping to express joy. “Bonhomme” Tom Fraser then got on his legs, and -shouted a brawny young soldier’s echo to the toast of his relative. - -The mild, placid countenance of Dr. Solomon Jones, was lighted up by the -occasion, and he arose also, and responded to the toast, recounting some -of the services performed by the newly appointed Lieutenant-Governor in -the late war. - -Captain Elijah Bottum, a large portly person, having at his side a -formidable basket-hilted claymore, then addressed them in brief military -phrase, and gave one of the old war slogans. Major Jessup followed in -the same strain, and proposed a sentiment which was received with -vociferous cheers by the younger portion of the company. Captain -Dulmage, Captain Campbell, Pay-master Jones, Commissary Jones, Captain -Gid. Adams, Lieutenant Samuel Adams, Ephraim Webster, Captain Markle, -Captain Grant, and numerous other captains and officers, managed to make -themselves heard on the joyful occasion, until finally the meeting broke -up, and the company separated not to meet again until the next fourth -day of June, in the following year. - -The first entry in the journals of the Executive Council of Upper -Canada, gives an account of the induction of Colonel Simcoe into the -gubernatorial office at Kingston. The event was made one of solemnity -and religious observance, the proceedings taking place on a Sunday, in -the old church of wood, which stood opposite the market-place. We quote -an extract from the proceedings of the Executive Council. - - Kingston, July 8, 1792. - -“His Excellency John Graves Simcoe, Esq., Lieutenant-Governor of the -Province of Upper Canada, colonel, commanding the forces in the said -Province, &c., &c., having appointed the Protestant church, as a -suitable place for the reading and publishing of his Majesty’s -commissions, he accordingly repaired thither, attended by the Hon. -William Osgoode, Chief Justice; the Hon. James Baby, the Hon. Peter -Russell, together with the Magistrates and principal inhabitants, when -the said commission appointing his Excellency (Grey) Lord Dorchester, -Captain-General and Governor-in-chief, &c., &c., of Upper and Lower -Canada, and also the commission appointing the said John Graves Simcoe, -Governor of the Province of Upper Canada, were solemnly read and -published.” - -The oaths of office were then administered to his Excellency. According -to the Royal instructions to Governor Simcoe, he was to have five -individuals to form the first Executive Council. The five named were -William Osgoode, William Robertson, James Baby, Alexander Grant, and -Peter Russell, Esqs. The next day, Monday, Osgoode, Baby, and Russell -were sworn into office, as Executive Councillors. Robertson was not then -in the Province; Grant was sworn in a few days after. - -Upon the 17th of July, a meeting of the council was held at the -Government House, at Kingston, when the first steps were taken to -organize a Legislative Council, and assembly writs were issued, -summoning the gentlemen who were to form the first Legislative Council. -These were, in addition to those forming the Executive Council, Richard -Duncan, Robert Hamilton, Richard Cartwright, Junr., John Munro, and we -believe, Thomas Fraser. These constituted the Legislative Council. - -Two of the nine, it would seem, never took upon themselves the duties of -the high place thus allotted them. One was Richard Duncan, who lived at -Mariatown, County of Dundas. He was a captain, and had, in 1788, been -appointed Judge of the Lunenburgh district. When Upper Canada became a -separate province, Judge Duncan, as well as Cartwright, Judge of -Mecklenburgh, were appointed Legislative Councillors. Duncan was a man -of extensive business, and highly respected; but “some transactions in -connection with banking business, were so imprudent,” that “he left the -country somewhat abruptly for the United States,” and “never dared to -return,” (Croil). This unfortunate affair, whatever its nature may have -been, probably occurred about the time of the above mentioned -appointment, as he shortly after removed to Schenectady, New York, where -he continued to live until his death. The other was Mr. Robertson, a -resident of Sandwich, where he had become a successful merchant. He -never took his seat in the council, the reason of which does not appear. - -It is stated that, according to the despatches of Simcoe to the Imperial -Government, he found no little difficulty in obtaining suitable persons -to fill the offices of the Executive and Legislative Council, who would -absent themselves from home for the purpose. - -The Executive Council continued to hold meetings at Kingston up to the -21st July, when Simcoe proceeded westward, and determined to make the -village at the mouth of Niagara River, his capital. - -Upon the same day that the Governor and Council issued summonses to the -gentlemen of the Legislative Council, the 16th July, a proclamation was -likewise issued, forming the Province into Counties, and specifying the -number of representatives to be elected by the people to constitute the -Legislative Assembly. And these proclamations were speedily conveyed and -posted in every settlement. - -The following were the officers connected with the Governor while at -Newark. “Military Sec. Major Littlehales; Provincial Aide-de-Camp, -Thomas Talbot; Solicitor General, Mr. Gray; Clerk of Executive Council, -Mr. Small; Civil Secretary, William Jarvis; Receiver General, Peter -Russell; Surveyor General, D. W. Smith; Assistant Surveyor General, -Thomas Ridout and William Chewitt.” The Council Chamber was a building -near to Butler’s barracks on the hill, where the Episcopal and Catholic -Churches assembled occasionally, and alternately. The first meeting of -the Executive at Newark, was held on the 29th September. Ten days after -this was the opening of Parliament. Peter Clark was appointed Clerk of -the Legislative Council; John G. Law, Usher of the Black Rod. The -superintendent of the Indian department, was Colonel John Butler, of -Butler’s Rangers of the Revolutionary war. - -John White, the first Attorney-General of Upper Canada, came to the -country, accompanied by Thomas Ward, in 1792. - -The Duke de la Rochefoucault, Linancourt, a French nobleman, traveling -in America, in 1795, visited Governor Simcoe, and remarks in his -writings that “Upper Canada is a new country, or rather a country yet to -be formed. It was probably for this reason General Simcoe accepted the -government of it. He was fully aware of the advantages which his native -land might derive from such a colony, if it attained perfection; and -imagined that means might be found adequate to this purpose. This hope -was the only incitement which could impel a man of independent fortune, -to leave the large and beautiful estates he possesses in England, and to -bury himself in a wilderness, among bears and savages. Ambition, at -least, appears not to have been his motive; as a man, in Gen. Simcoe’s -situation, is furnished with abundant means of distinguishing himself by -useful activity, without removing to a great distance from his native -country. But, whatever have been his motives, his design has been -attended with consequences highly beneficial. The plan conceived by -General Simcoe for peopling and improving Upper Canada, seems, as far as -he has communicated to us, extremely wise and well arranged.” The same -writer says, that Simcoe had a hearty hatred against the United States, -that he had been a zealous promoter of the war, in which he took a very -active part. “In his private life Governor Simcoe is simple, plain, and -obliging. He inhabits a small miserable wooden house, which formerly was -occupied by the Commissaries. His guard consists of four soldiers, who -every morning come from the fort, and return thither in the evening. He -lives in a noble and hospitable manner, without pride. Mrs. Simcoe is a -lady of thirty-six years of age. She is bashful, and speaks little, but -she is a woman of sense, handsome and amiable, and fulfils all the -duties of a mother and wife with the most scrupulous exactness. The -performance of the latter she carries so far as to act the part of -Secretary to her husband. Her talents for drawing, the practice of which -she confines to maps and plans, to enable her to be extremely useful to -the Governor.” “The Governor is colonel of a regiment of Queen’s -Rangers, stationed in the Province. His servants are privates of this -regiment which is stationed elsewhere.” - -“During our residence at Navy Hall, the Session of the Legislature of -Upper Canada was opened. (This was 1795). The Governor had deferred it -till that time, on account of the expected arrival of a Chief Justice -from England, and from a hope that he should be able to acquaint the -members with the particulars of the treaty with the United States. But -the harvest has now begun, which in a higher degree than elsewhere -engages, in Canada, the public attention. Two members of the Legislative -Council were present instead of seven; no Chief Justice appeared who was -to act as Speaker; instead of sixteen members of the Assembly only five -attended. The law requires a greater number of members for each House, -to discuss and determine upon any business, but within two days a year -will have expired since the last Session. The Governor has therefore -thought it right to open the Session. The whole retinue of the Governor -consisted in a guard of fifty men of the garrison of the fort. Dressed -in silk, he entered the Hall with his hat on his head, attended by the -Adjutant and two Secretaries. The two members of the Legislative Council -gave, by their Speaker, notice of it to the Assembly. Five members of -the latter having appeared at the bar, the Governor delivered a speech,” -&c. - -When Simcoe undertook the administration of the newly established -Province, a proclamation was issued which divided the Province into -nineteen counties. In the creation of this division, Simcoe had a view -to military organization. Rochefaucault says, “The maxims of government -professed by Gen. Simcoe are very liberal and fair; he detests all -arbitrary and military government, without the walls of the fort; and -desires liberty in its utmost latitude, so far as is consistent with the -constitution and law of the land. He is, therefore, by no means -ambitious of investing all power and authority in his own hands; but -consents to the Lieutenants, whom he nominates for each county the right -of appointing the Justices of the Peace, and Officers of the Militia.” - -“A Justice of the Peace could assign, in the King’s name, 200 acres of -land to every settler, whom he knew to be worthy, and the surveyor of -the district was to point out to the settler the land allotted him.”— -(Rogers). Simcoe desired to populate the Province as speedily as -possible, no doubt he felt anxious the United States should not get too -far ahead. The schemes conceived by him for the settlement, government, -and defence of the Province, have received the approval of most men -capable of judging. But he remained not to carry out the plan intended. -In 1796, shortly after the close of the first session of the second -Parliament, he was instructed by the Imperial authorities to repair to -St. Domingo, to assume the same duties; and the Hon. Peter Russell, -President of the Council, was delegated to discharge the duties -belonging to the office of Governor, and he enjoyed all the emoluments -and perquisites arising therefrom. - -During the occupancy of Simcoe, an event came to pass which may be here -appropriately referred to. It was a visit to Upper Canada of the Duke of -Kent, father of our much loved Queen. Prince Edward was stationed at -Quebec with his regiment, having arrived a short time before the -division of the Province of Quebec, and consequently before Simcoe came. -Desiring to see the Upper Province, he set out in a _calash_, drawn by a -French pony, accompanied by his suite. At Montreal he took a batteau, -manned with Frenchmen, for Kingston. At Oswegotchie, “the royal party -was met by a pleasure barge from Kingston, manned by seamen and -military, accompanied by Peter Clark, of the Naval Department at -Kingston.” From thence they were speedily rowed to Kingston, where the -King’s schooner, the ‘Mohawk,’ Commodore Bouchette, commander, was in -waiting to receive him. The Prince went on board, and after a tedious -passage, safely reached Newark, where he was received by the firing of -guns. As soon as horses and saddles could be mustered, the royal party -wended their way by a narrow river road on the high banks of the Niagara -river to the Falls. The only tavern, or place of accommodation, was a -log hut for travelers to refresh themselves. There, the party alighted, -and, after partaking of such refreshments as the house afforded, -followed an Indian path through the woods to the Table Rock. There was a -rude Indian ladder by which to descend to the rocks below, 160 feet. -This consisted of a long pine tree with the branches cut off, leaving -length enough at the trunk to place the foot upon, and hold on by the -hands, in ascending or descending. (This Indian ladder continued in use -several years later, when it was superseded by a ladder furnished from -money, given by a lady from Boston to the guide). Our illustrious -traveler availed himself of this rude mode of descent. The Prince and -party lunched at the Hon. Mr. Hamilton’s on their way back. In the -evening, the Prince was amused by a war dance by the Mohawks, headed by -Brant himself. The next day, the Prince re-embarked, and proceeded to -Quebec. There is a tradition in Marysburgh that he stopped on his way -down in Smith’s Bay, to admire the beauty of that place. - - - - - CHAPTER LIX. - - CONTENTS—General Hunter—Peter Russell—Francis Gore, 1806—Alex. - Grant—Brock—1812—United States declare war—Prompt action— - Parliament—Proclamation—The issue—Second proclamation—General - Hull—His proclamation—Bombast and impertinence—The Indians— - Proclamation answered—Hull a prisoner—Michigan conquered—To - Niagara—At Queenston heights—“Push on York Volunteers”—Death of - Brock—McDonnell—War of 1812, the Americans—Extract from Merritt— - What Canadians did—Brock’s monument—General Sheaffe—General - Drummond—Invading the States—What Canada will do—Lord Sydenham—A - tribute by Dr. Ryerson—Union of the Provinces. - - - THE GOVERNORS OF UPPER CANADA, FROM SIMCOE TO LORD SYDENHAM. - -Lieutenant General Peter Hunter, who had been Colonel of the 24th -Regiment stationed at Newark, was the second Governor for Upper Canada; -his accession to office was on the 17th August, 1799. During the two -previous years, Hon. Peter Russell had been President. He continued to -hold the position until his death, which took place at Quebec, 21st -August, 1865. His age was sixty-nine. - -The third Governor of Upper Canada was His Excellency Francis Gore, who -assumed the gubernatorial functions on the 25th August, 1806. In the -interim between this period and the death of Hunter, the Hon. Alexander -Grant having been President. The reign of Gore was one of ease. No -conflicting parties as yet disturbed the political arena of the -Province. Year after year he convened Parliament, which enacted laws for -the growing requirements of the colony, with a degree of harmony not -subsequently present. In 1811, he resigned, when _Sir Isaac Brock_ -became _President_, upon the 30th September. Although but the President, -and not a Lieutenant-Governor, he requires some notice. - -GENERAL BROCK.—In the year 1812, in June, the United States declared war -against Great Britain, ostensibly, on the question of the right of -England to take her seamen from American vessels to which they had -deserted; but, in reality, the object of the war was to acquire Canada, -and as England was engaged with an European war, it was deemed a -favorable opportunity by President Madison, to subjugate the people whom -they had once dispossessed of their inheritance. The declaration of war -was quickly made known to General Brock, even sooner than the enemy -thought possible, who promptly took necessary steps to secure the -defence of the Province, against the dastardly intentions of the -invader. On the 20th June, he issued orders to Captain Roberts, at St. -Joseph, which issued in the capture of Fort Michilmacinac, with seventy -men, beside valuable cargoes of furs. On the 28th July, he met the -Parliament at York, which continued in session eight days, and sent -forth a proclamation to the people, with these concluding remarks: “We -are engaged in an awful and eventful contest. By unanimity in our -councils, and by vigor in our operations, we may teach the enemy this -lesson, that a country defended by freeman, enthusiastically devoted to -the cause of their King and constitution, can never be conquered.” -Remarkable words! How true the sentiments. And so, animated by this -belief, strong in the consciousness of right, indignant at an -unprincipled foe, he went on his way showing to all an example of -“vigor,” and displaying the bravery which freemen alone know how to -practice, until in the hour of victory, death overtook him on Queenston -Heights. The address of General Brock was supplemented by one from the -Legislative Assembly, and no excuse need be offered for introducing it -here _in extenso_. It ought to be read by every Canadian, and the truths -it contains made known to the rising generation, that they may know the -history of the fathers of those who support Fenianism. Know how -unscrupulous the neighbours we have upon our southern borders, have ever -been. - -“Already have we the joy to remark, that the spirit of loyalty has burst -forth in all its ancient splendour. The militia in all parts of the -Province have volunteered their services with acclamation, and displayed -a degree of energy worthy the British name. - -“They do not forget the blessings and privileges which they enjoy under -the protection and fostering care of the British Empire, whose -government is only felt in this country by acts of the purest justice -and most pleasing and efficacious benevolence. When men are called upon -to defend everything they call precious, their wives and children, their -friends and professions, they ought to be inspired with the noblest -resolutions, and they will not be easily frightened by menaces, or -conquered by force. And, beholding as we do, the flame of patriotism, -burning from the one end of the Canadas to the other, we cannot but -entertain the most pleasing anticipations. Our enemies have indeed said -that they can subdue this country by proclamation; but it is our part to -prove to them, that they are sadly mistaken; that the population is -determinedly hostile, and that the few who might be otherwise inclined, -will find it their safety to be faithful. Innumerable attempts will be -made, by falsehood, to detach you from your allegiance, for our enemies, -in imitation of their European master, trust more to treachery than to -force, and they will, no doubt, make use of many of those lies, which -unfortunately, for the virtuous part of those States, and the peace and -happiness of the world, had too much success during the American -rebellion; they will tell you that they are come to give you freedom, -yes, the base slaves of the most contemptible faction that ever -distracted the affairs of any nation,—the minions of the very sycophants -who lick the dust from the feet of Bounaparte, will tell you that they -are come to communicate the blessing of liberty to this Province; but -you have only to look at your situation to put such hypocrites to -confusion. Trusting more to treachery than open hostility, our enemies -have already spread their emmissaries through the country to seduce our -fellow-subjects from their allegiance, by promises as false as the -principles on which they are founded. A law has therefore been enacted -for the speedy detection of such emmissaries, and for their condign -punishment on conviction. Remember when you go forth to the combat, that -you fight, not for yourselves alone, but for the whole world. You are -defeating the most formidable conspiracy against the civilization of man -that ever was contrived. Persevere as you have begun, in your strict -obedience to the laws, and your attention to military discipline; deem -no sacrifice too costly, which secures the enjoyment of our happy -constitution; follow, with your countrymen in Britain, the paths of -virtue, and like them, you shall triumph over all your unprincipled -foes.” - -This address was followed by a second one from General Brock, on the -22nd July, 1812, in which he reviewed an address which had been issued -by the American General, who had invited the Canadians to seek -voluntarily, the protection of his government; also the threat to show -no quarter if the Indians appeared in the ranks; Brock eloquently -defended their right to defend their homes against an invading foe. - -General Brock having prorogued Parliament, pushed on to the scene of -Hull’s invasion, where he had issued a proclamation to the Canadians -characterised by absurdity, falsehood, and Yankee brag. Indeed, it seems -quite impossible for any American General to indite, an address or -proclamation, without exposing himself to ridicule. Having already -collected an army at Detroit, General Hull, the commanding officer, -crossed over to Sandwich on the Canadian side, and issued the following -modest address to the - -“INHABITANTS OF CANADA.”—“After thirty years of peace and prosperity, -the United States have been driven to arms. The injuries and -aggressions, the insults and indignities of Great Britain, have once -more left them no alternative but namely, resistance or unconditional -submission. The army under my command has invaded your country, and the -standard of Union now waves over the territory of Canada. To the -peaceable and unoffending inhabitants it brings neither danger nor -difficulty. I come to find enemies, not to make them. I come to protect, -not to injure you. Separated by an immense ocean, and an extensive -wilderness, from Great Britain, you have no participation in her -councils, nor interest in her conduct. You have felt the tyranny, you -have seen her injustice, but I do not ask you to avenge the one or -redress the other. The United States are sufficiently powerful to afford -you every security consistent with their rights, and your expectations. -I tender you the invaluable blessings of civil, political, and religious -liberty, and their necessary result, individual and general prosperity; -that liberty which gave decision to our councils, and energy to our -conduct, in our struggle for independence, and which conducted us safely -and triumphantly through the stormy period of the Revolution. That -liberty which has raised us to an elevated rank among nations of the -world, and which has afforded us a greater measure of peace and -security, of wealth and improvement, than ever fell to the lot of any -people. In the name of my country, and by the authority of my country, -and by the authority of my government, I promise protection to your -persons, property, and rights. Remain at your homes, pursue your -peaceful and customary avocations; raise not your hands against your -brethren; many of your fathers fought for the freedom and independence -we now enjoy. Being children, therefore, of the same family with us, and -heirs of the same heritage, the arrival of my army of friends must be -hailed by you with a cordial welcome. You will be emancipated from -tyranny and oppression, and restored to the dignified station of free -men. Had I any doubt of eventual success, I might ask your assistance, -but I do not. I come prepared for every contingency, I have a force -which will look down all opposition—and that force is but the vanguard -of a much greater. If contrary to your own interests, and the just -expectation of my country, you will be considered and treated as -enemies, the horrors and calamities of war will stalk before you. If the -barbarous and savage policy of Great Britain be pursued, and the savages -are let loose to murder our citizens, and butcher our women and -children, this war will be a war of extermination. The first stroke of -the tomahawk, the first attempt with the scalping knife, will be the -signal of one indiscriminate scene of desolation. No white man found -fighting by the side of an Indian, will be taken prisoner; instant -destruction will be his lot. If the dictates of reason, duty, justice, -and humanity, cannot prevent the employment of a force which respects no -right, and knows no wrongs, it will be prevented by a severe and -relentless system of retaliation. I doubt not your courage and firmness; -I will not doubt your attachment to liberty. If you tender your services -voluntarily, they will be accepted readily. The United States offer you -peace, liberty, and security. Your choice lies between these and war, -slavery, and destruction. Choose then, but choose wisely; and may he who -knows the justice of our cause, and who holds in his hands the fate of -nations, guide you to a result the most compatible with your rights and -interests, your peace and prosperity.” - -But it was not long till the same Gen. Hull was a prisoner among them, -and in his journey from Detroit to Quebec he had abundant opportunity of -seeing not only the loyalty of the Canadians, but that they knew how to -treat a conquered foe with consideration—that without crying it out they -could grant every “protection” to their ancient foe, notwithstanding the -cruel treatment they had sustained when made exiles. - -On the 18th July, with the intrepidity characteristic of the British -officer, Brock crossed the Detroit, advanced upon the town with his -brave militia and handful of regular troops, and demanded of Gen. Hull -the surrender of the place, following up the demand with preparations to -assault; but soon the white flag appeared, and Gen. Hull, so brave in -writing proclamations, with the whole American army, became prisoners of -war. They were conveyed to Quebec in parties, some going by vessels of -war from York to Kingston, some in small boats along the shore and -across the Carrying Place, by the Bay of Quinté. Most of them were -confined in hulks in the St. Lawrence, at Quebec, where they remained -until exchanged. Gen. Brock after this brilliant conquest of Detroit, -which included the whole of Michigan, lost no time in hastening to the -Niagara frontier, where another army was threatening to invade. - -Upon the 12th October the Americans were preparing to cross from -Lewiston to Queenston. Gen. Brock was at Fort George, Niagara, and -hearing the cannon’s sound, hurried to the field of battle. He placed -himself at the head of the troops, and triumphantly led them up the -heights of Queenston, against the enemy, who had obtained a footing -there; but with the deep river between them and safety, the enemy -rallied for a time in a struggle for life, and Brock’s men, inferior in -number, retired, until his reinforcements had come, for which he would -not previously wait. Then again he essayed to lead them on, but his hour -had come, and while his cheering voice was ringing out “Push on York -Volunteers,” a musket ball struck him down. But the spirit of the brave -General was infused into every Canadian. As soon as Gen. Sheaffe had -arrived they advanced to conquer the polluters of Canadian soil. Again -the whole American army became prisoners of war, and had the privilege -of marching the length of the Province to Quebec, and Gen. Scott among -the rest, who was favored with a passage down the Bay of Quinté. - -Gen. Brock’s Aide-de-Camp, McDonnell also fell, mortally wounded. Brock -was buried in a bastion of Fort George, but subsequently his remains -found a resting place upon the heights where he fell, and where now -rises the monument to his memory. This illustrious Chief was much -beloved by the Canadians, and he was held in great veneration. To him—to -the energetic and heroic Brock is due to a great extent the subsequent -success by which the enemy, ever boasting, was kept at bay, so that when -peace was sought by the United States, after three years of war, because -England, no longer at war at home, was about to deal heavy blows, there -was not a foot of Canadian territory in the enemy’s possession. - -Of Gen. Brock the Hon. William H. Merrit, in 1853, speaks as follows: - -“It will be in the recollection of many now present, that in the -commencement of the war of 1812, only one regiment of British troops, -the 48th, was left to defend Upper Canada, from Kingston to -Michilimackinac, a distance of one thousand miles, and during the whole -campaign, only two companies of the 48th could be spared on this -frontier. Although this fact is one of the most striking events -connected with that war, it has never yet been brought prominently -before the public; yet it clearly proves that the defence of Canada, -then rested with its inhabitants. We find that though they consisted -principally of the old U. E. Loyalists and their descendants, the native -Indians who had been dispossessed of their possessions in the United -States, and their descendants, together with residents from the United -States—emigration from the Mother Country not having been commenced to -any extent,—a population thus composed, not exceeding in Upper Canada, -at most 90,000, without troops, without munitions of war, without -resources, and without the least expectation of any timely aid from the -mother country, with a few troops, unable to contend against a powerful -nation, numbering about 8,000,000, with munitions of war, and resources -without limit, within a comparative short distance from maritime cities, -also numerous forces at command, of which they were not slow of -apprising us, in the proclamations circulated from time to time,—it was -under those circumstances that the character and ability of Sir Isaac -Brock were brought to light. Well knowing on whom he had to depend for -the defence of the country, he directed his personal attention to the -clothing, arms, equipment, mess, and personal comfort of the militia, -and took every opportunity of gaining the good will of the Indians.” - -The estimation in which General Brock was held by the people of the -Province, was duly evinced by Parliament in passing an act, 14th March, -1815, “to provide for the erection of a monument to the memory of the -late president, Major General Sir Isaac Brock.” The value of his wisdom, -his councils, his energy, his wise plans, as well as his bravery, and -the effects thereof, are fully set forth in the preamble. It was -resolved to grant £1,000 for the purpose referred to, and erect the -monument at Queenston Heights. Thomas Dickson, Thomas Clark, and Robert -Nichol, Esquires, were appointed commissioners to carry out the act. In -January, 1826, an act was passed granting £600 more “to complete the -monument on a scale which appears to the commissioners worthy of the -object.” - -_Major General Sheaffe_, became President, 20th October, 1812, and -continued in office until January 19, 1813, when Major General de -Rottenburgh assumed the office, and remained until December 12, of the -same year. At this date - -_Lieutenant General Sir Gordon Drummond_ was inducted as President. It -was immediately after this that the infamous American General McClure, -set fire to Newark when unprotected, burning 150 houses, and leaving 400 -women and children homeless in the middle of December. This act of -villany was fully avenged by General Drummond. Having occupied Fort -George, a night attack was made upon Fort Niagara, with brilliant -success. Then, the burning of Newark was remembered, and from Lewiston -to Buffalo the frontier was laid waste, including those two towns. In -this connection, we would remark, that in the event of another war with -the United States, it would be no doubt the policy of Canada to make -frequent disastrous raids into the States, wherever the opportunity -presented. The Americans may as well understand that destruction of -property will not be all on one side. - -These brief sketches of the first Lieutenant-Governors of Upper Canada, -will be finished by alluding to one who devised the scheme of uniting -the two Canadas, who successfully accomplished that noble design, and -became the first Governor of United Canada. He fixed the capital at -Kingston, as the most central place suitable for both Provinces, indeed, -it is generally understood, that it was a part of the plan when the -union was made, that Kingston should become the permanent seat of -government. “It virtually formed part of the contract between the -respective provinces.” But with the death of Lord Sydenham, also died -the opportunity of Kingston remaining the capital of Canada. - -Lord Sydenham died at Kingston, in September, 1841, and was buried -beneath St. George’s Church. Says Dr. Ryerson, in an affecting letter -communicated to the public at that time: “Unlike the close of the -session of legislature, which was ever held in either Province of -Canada, the termination of the late session will produce throughout -Canada the opposite feelings of grateful joy, and melancholy grief. The -same post which conveys to the people of Canada, the tidings of the -harmonious and happy conclusion of a session unprecedented in the -productiveness of comprehensive and valuable measures for the general -improvement and social and intellectual elevation of the province, -conveys to them the appalling announcement that death has terminated the -earthly career of the noble mind which conceived those improvements and -originated those institutions which will form a golden era in the annals -of Canadian history, by laying the foundation of Canadian prosperity and -greatness. While blessings are multiplied us, the agent of those -blessings is removed from us, and our country is, at the same moment, -thrilled with joy and consternation—and on the same day vocal with -thanksgiving and clothed in sackcloth; luminous with hope and involved -in mourning. Thus do the strokes of Providential chastisement accompany -the out-beamings of Providential munificence; and the brightest picture -of human life is shaded with disappointment, suffering, and bereavement. -It is in heaven only that death is unknown, that pain is never felt, and -tears are never shed. - -“Lord Sydenham belongs essentially to Canada. His nobility was fairly -earned in her service; the ripest fruits of his experience and -acquirements are embodied in her institutions; his warmest and latest -sympathies are blended with her interests; his mortal remains repose, by -choice, among her dead; and his name is indelibly inscribed in the -affectionate esteem and grateful recollections of her inhabitants. - -“It is not easy to determine which is most worthy of admiration, the -comprehensiveness and grandeur of Lord Sydenham’s plans, the skill with -which he overcame the obstacles that opposed their accomplishment, or -the quenchless ardor and ceaseless industry with which he pursued them. -To lay the foundations of public liberty, and at the same time to -strengthen the prerogative; to promote vast public improvements, and not -increase the public burdens; to promote a comprehensive system of -education upon Christian principles, without interfering with religious -scruples; to promote the influence and security of the government by -teaching the people to govern themselves; to destroy party faction by -promoting the general good; to invest a bankrupt country with both -credit and resources, are conceptions and achievements which render Lord -Sydenham the first benefactor of Canada, and place him in the first rank -of statesmen. His Lordship found a country divided, he left it united; -he found it prostrate and paralytic, he left it erect and vigorous; he -found it mantled with despair, he left it blooming with hope. Lord -Sydenham has done more in two years to strengthen and consolidate -British power in Canada by his matchless industry, and truly liberal -conservative policy, than have been done during the ten previous years -by the increase of a standing army, and the erection of military -fortifications. His Lordship has solved the difficult problem, that a -people may be colonists and yet be free; and, in the solution of that -problem, he has gained a triumph less imposing, but not less sublime and -scarcely less important, than the victory of Waterloo; he has saved -millions to England, and secured the affections of Canada. - -“In the way of accomplishing these splendid results, the most formidable -obstacles oppose themselves. At the foundation of these lay the hitherto -defective theory, and worse than defective system of Colonial -Government; a system destitute of the safety-valve of responsibility, of -the attributes of freedom, and of the essential materials of executive -power; a system which was despotic from its weakness, and arbitrary from -its pretences to representation; a system inefficient in the hands of -good men, and withering in the hands of mistaken or bad men.” - - - - - CHAPTER LX. - - CONTENTS—Kingston—First capital—First act of government—Niagara— - Selecting the capital—Niagara in 1788—Carrying Place—Landing - Place—Newark—In 1795—Mr. Hamilton—The inhabitants—Little York—The - Don—The Harbor—Survey—De la Trenche—London—Inhabitants of the Don— - Yonge Street, a military road—Governor at York—Castle Frank—York - in 1798—The Baldwins—In 1806—Buffalo—York, 1813—Taken by the - Americans—The Combatants—Toronto—“Muddy York”—A monument required. - - - THE CAPITALS OF UPPER CANADA. - -The site of the old Fort Frontenac, the first township to be surveyed, -and the place whereon to form the first village in Western Canada, was -in reality the first capital of Upper Canada. Here the first Governor -was inducted solemnly upon a Sabbath to his office; here he formed his -first cabinet, the Executive Council; here he selected the gentlemen to -form his first Legislative Council; here he issued his proclamations -forming the province into counties and arranging the representation. -Although the first Parliament did not meet here, the first acts of -government were here performed, and public documents were dated at “the -Government House, Kingston, 1792.” - -We have elsewhere spoken of Niagara River and the early French Fort here -erected, and its capture by the English. We have learned that the place -was garrisoned by troops during the rebellion, and that many refugees -here found a safe retreat. - -Lord Dorchester desired Simcoe to make Kingston the capital of the new -province. But he was unwilling to do so until he had informed himself of -the advantages which other places might offer. It seems that he became -impressed with the belief that the seat of government should be placed -in the peninsula of Upper Canada, and finally determined to fix it at -the mouth of the River Niagara, notwithstanding the recommendation of -Dorchester, the wishes of Bouchette, the Commodore of the Navy, and the -urgent requests of the Kingston merchants. - -Collins in his report 1788, speaks of Navy Hall, near Niagara; that the -buildings of Navy Hall, are for the most part in exceeding bad repair, -and the wharf is in ruins. Of the Ranger’s Barracks one pile has been so -far dismantled as to be past re-establishing, one end indeed, might -perhaps, with some fitting up, be made to serve for some time as a -blacksmith’s shop to the Indian Department, which they say is much -wanted; the other pile is capable of being repaired, and might also -answer for a temporary accommodation, (at least in part) this same -department, their storehouses, &c., on the Niagara side as already -observed being in absolute ruin and not repairable; the fitting up of -this pile of buildings would cost about £35. The storehouse at the -landing place, which is of round log work, is mostly rotten, and -altogether in exceeding bad repair, and should be rebuilt; the dwelling -house is much out of repair. The ways, wharf, cradle, and capstan, want -some repair, which may be done for about £20, all the picketing and -small platforms in the angles of Fort Schlosser, are rotten and in a -tottering state, part of the wharf has been washed away, and the -remainder cannot last long. The barracks and store houses are not in -much better condition, they have been kept standing by the temporary -repairs which have been annually performed, merely to keep the weather -out. - -“From Niagara to the landing place, below the Falls, is about seven -miles and a quarter, there is a tolerable good road, but the -merchandise, store, &c., are carried up the river in batteaux or -vessels, there being sufficient depth of water all the way up, and also -alongside the wharf to unload, beyond this place the current becomes too -strong to proceed any further by water without great difficulty, boats, -indeed, but not vessels, go about half a mile higher, but no advantage -can be obtained from it as the shore then becomes impracticable, being a -precipice of loose rock about three times as high as where the present -landing is. From the wharf at the landing, goods are drawn up the side -of the bank about fifty feet high upon ways, on easy slope by a capstan -fixed at the top; from this place there is a waggon road of seven miles -to Fort Schlosser, a mile and a half above the Falls, where the goods -are again put into boats and carried up eighteen miles to Fort Erie, -from whence they are conveyed in vessels across Lake Erie to Detroit. - -“I think a better situation for a landing place might be chosen below -the present one, about half a mile distant by land, and three-quarters -by water. The bank of the river here is not half the height of the -other; the water is sufficiently deep at a short distance from the shore -for vessels to unload; and by raising a wharf and lowering some of the -bank for a road, the labor and delay of hauling goods up by ways, as is -the present practice, and would be avoided; it would also be much more -convenient and expeditious for vessels to come up to, as the worst part -of the navigation would be avoided, which in passing round a point -between this place and the landing. The length of road to be made from -this proposed landing place, will be about half a mile, but it is mostly -good ground and will not require much expense. The real length of land -carriage, however, to Fort Schlosser, will not be increased, or at most -more than 100 or 150 yards.” - -The original British fort at Niagara was upon the east side of the mouth -of the Niagara River, upon the present site of the American Fort. By a -treaty entered into in 1794, Great Britain was to vacate this fort, with -others situated to the south of the lakes, namely, Oswego, Detroit, -Miami, and Michilmacinac, which was done in 1796. Upon the west side of -the river, upon a point known as Mississauga Point, had sprung up a -small village. This, it is said, was the largest collection of houses -after Kingston when Governor Simcoe arrived, and here he decided to make -his residence, and the permanent capital of the new province. He lived -“in a small frame house, half a mile from the village.” To this place he -gave the name of _Newark_. There was up the river, at the end of -navigation, and at the commencement of the portage around the falls to -Lake Erie, a small village which had arisen from the course of travel -upwards to the western lakes. The boats which left Kingston, on their -way westward, were here unloaded. And this place had taken the name of -Queen’s Town, a name which it retains to the present day. Rochefoucault -says, in 1795, “The different buildings, constructed three years ago, -consist of a tolerable inn, two or three good storehouses, some small -horses, a blockhouse of stone, covered with iron, and barracks. Mr. -Hamilton, an opulent merchant, who is concerned in the whole inland -trade in this part of America, possesses in Queen’s Town, a very fine -house, built in the English style; he has also a farm, a distillery, and -a tan-yard. The portage was formerly on the other side of the river; but -as this, by virtue of the treaty, falls under American Dominion, -government has removed it hither.” The same writer, speaking of Newark -says, “About a hundred houses, mostly very fine structures, have already -been erected, but the progress of building will probably be arrested by -the intended removal of the seat of government. The majority of the -inhabitants, especially the richest of them, share in the -administration; and consequently will remove to whatever place the -government may be transferred. In point of size and elegance, the house -of Colonel Smith, of the 5th Regiment, is much distinguished from the -rest, being constructed, embellished, and painted in the best style.” - -YORK.—Governor Simcoe was thoroughly English; unlike Governor Maitland, -who gave foreign names in his time, he was intent upon erecting another -England in America. One new England had alienated itself, and he -determined another should arise in its place, and hence he gave to his -new capital the name of York. The present New York had been named York, -after James Duke of York, brother to Charles the II. The term new being -prefixed to distinguish it from old York of England. To distinguish the -new capital of Canada from both of the others he designated it _Little -York_. - -As soon as Simcoe learned that the Niagara fort was to be delivered to -the United States, he saw the necessity of removing the capital, as it -would never do to have it under the guns of a foreign government. The -extreme dislike with which he saw the fort pass into the Republic’s -hands no doubt led to the haste with which he set about the removal of -the Seat of Government. After examining several points upon the upper -lakes, and Lake Ontario, he selected the present site of the City of -Toronto, back of which was a fort of the same name, or rather Taranto. -Upon this spot, which then had for inhabitants but two families of -Mississauga Indians, Governor Simcoe immediately quartered one division -of his old regiment, the Queen’s Rangers, which came the 1st July, 1793. -The same summer Bouchette, of the Royal Navy, surveyed the harbour or -bay. - -The harbour of Toronto was first examined, by Deputy Surveyor Collins, -in 1788, when he made a survey of all of the waters of the Upper Lakes, -and the several forts, by instructions from Lord Dorchester. In his -report he says, “The breadth at the entrance is about half a mile, but -the navigable channel for vessels is only about 500 yards, having from -three to four fathoms water, the north of the main shore the whole -length of the harbour, is a clay bank from 12 to 20 feet high, and -rising gradually behind, apparently good land and fit for settlements. -The water is rather shallow near the shore. The shoalness of the north -shore as before remarked, is also disadvantageous as to creating wharfs, -quays, &c. In regard to this place as a military post, I do not see any -striking features to recommend it in that view, but the best situation -to occupy for the purpose of protecting the settlement and harbour -would, I conceive, be on the point A, near the entrance thereof.” - -Subsequently however, Simcoe relinquished the intention of making York -the Capital, and determined to erect one at a central point in the -peninsula lying between Lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron. He selected a -site upon the river De la Trenche, which he named the Thames, and, to -the intended Capital he gave the name of London. He also gave the name -to the town of Chatham, a place intended by him, in carrying out his -plan of forming a navy, for a navy yard, which he intended to have -communicate with a route between Lake Huron and Lake Ontario. In the -mean time he kept troops to work, to cut a military road to the Thames, -which he called Dundas Street after the Home Minister. At the same time -he “intended York the centre of the naval force on Lake Ontario.” In -1795 there had not been more than twelve houses built in York, which -stood on the bay near the Don. This year the land was surveyed into -lots. “The inhabitants” says Rochefoucault do not possess the fairest -character, to which Gourlay adds, in spite, “Nor have they yet mended -it.” The River Don was an old Indian route to the waters of Simcoe Lake -and the Huron. The portage to a Lake, subsequently named after the -Governor, was thirty miles. The barracks, where Simcoe’s regiment was -stationed, was two miles from the Don, the present site of the old -barracks. At that time, in a circumference of 150 miles, the Mississauga -Indians were the only neighbours of York. - -The desire of Simcoe to fix the capital at London was overruled by Lord -Dorchester, who, although a true friend of Canada, seemed to oppose -Simcoe. Having decided upon Toronto as the capital, Simcoe proceeded to -have constructed a military road from the waters of Lake Ontario to Lake -Simcoe. This road is now Yonge Street. From 1794 the Governor resided at -York, part of which time was in his camp tent, until his departure. - -Governor Simcoe caused to be built at York, upon the Don River, about -three miles up, on a beautiful eminence, a somewhat large frame -building, which he named after his son, Castle Frank. This building was -standing in 1829. - -By the kind favor of Mrs. Murney, relict of the late Hon. E. Murney, of -Belleville, and her most estimable parent, Mrs. Breckenridge, sister of -the late Hon. Robert Baldwin, we are able to give some particular notice -of the appearance of York at a later date. Mrs. Breckenridge’s father, -with his family of three sons and four daughters, arrived from Ireland -after innumerable delays and losses, dangers, and escapes by sea and -land, at York in 1798. They found it composed of about a dozen houses, -“a dreary dismal place, not even possessing the characteristics of a -village. There was no church, school-house, nor in fact any of the -ordinary signs of civilization, being in fact a mere settlement. There -was not even a Methodist chapel, nor does she remember more than one -shop. There was no inn; and those travelers who had no friends to go to, -pitched a tent and lived in that so long as they remained. My -grandfather and his family had done so during their journey. The -Government House and the garrison lay about a mile from York, with a -thick wood between. After remaining a few days at York, the family -proceeded to take possession of a farm in the township of Clarke. They -traveled in an open batteau, when night came pitching their tent on the -shore of the lake.” The following year Mrs. Breckenridge, then a young -girl, accompanied her father and sister to New York, whither the latter -was going to be married to Mr. Morgan, grandfather of Gen. Dix, the -United States Minister to France. She returned in 1806, and found many -changes and improvements—“where cities now stand, there was then only -woods,” for instance, at Buffalo, where she passed a night, was a -solitary inn with a swinging sign. But York was mostly changed, there -was a church, a jail, a light-house building, and many nice houses, and -the woods between the garrison and town were fast disappearing. Governor -Gore was then there. - -On the 27th April, 1813, 2,700 Americans landed a little west of -Toronto. Two companies of the 8th, or King’s Own, with some Indians, one -company being the grenadiers, the other being the 3rd company, under -Capt. J. H. Eustace, both being led by Capt. McNeale, were sent to -oppose the landing. The portable magazine of the advance battery was -accidentally blown up killing some twenty of the grenadiers, Capt. -McNeale, was also killed. This accident led to Sir R. H. Sheaffe’s -retreat, and the destruction of the magazines. The total loss was 97, -including two officers and four non-commissioned officers. “The force -engaged, including the two companies of the 8th, consisted of one -company of Newfoundland Fencibles, one company of Glengarry Light -Infantry, a detachment of Royal Artillery, Militia, Volunteers, and -Indians—in all about 600 men. Among the volunteers was the present -highly esteemed Chief Justice of Upper Canada, Sir J. B. Robinson, and -Sir Allan McNab.” The gallantry of these two gentlemen was most -conspicuous. The unequal contest continued for 4 hours. The month -following the remnant of the 8th was nearly annihilated at the attack -upon Sackett’s Harbour. The above facts and eulogium upon two -distinguished Canadians are derived from Edward Hincks, who was Lieut., -and who was present in charge of a two gun battery, and “Another of the -surviving officers of the 8th regiment,” published in London in 1860, -upon the discovery of human remains near the old fort at Toronto, which -proved to be some of the grenadiers who were killed by the explosion of -their magazine. - -The name of York continued to belong to the capital till 1834, when it -received the more appropriate name of Toronto, an Indian word we are -told, which signifies “trees growing out of the water,” referring to the -low level shore, with the trees at the waters edge. For many years -before the name was changed; from the vast quantity of mud which made -the streets almost unpassable, the place obtained the designation of -“Muddy York.” - -In 1820 a Parliament House was built near the site of the present County -Jail, at the front of the present Parliament Street; this building was -burned down in 1824. - -In 1830 an address was carried by the House, to be presented to the -Governor, “to remove the Seat of Government from York to a place of -security,” but no action was taken in the matter. - -The wisdom in the choice of selecting this situation upon which to found -a capital for Upper Canada cannot be questioned. The proof is found in -the handsome and richly circumstanced City of Toronto. Should not -Toronto, now again the Capital of Ontario, the seat of learning, of -magnificent Universities, the home of refinement, the abode of wealth, -erect a monument to the memory of its founder, the illustrious first -Governor of the Colony? - - - - - CHAPTER LXI. - - CONTENTS—Parliament—Simcoe’s Proclamation—Nineteen counties formed— - Names, and boundaries—First elections—Names of members—Officers of - the House—A Quaker member—Chaplain—Meeting of Parliament—The - Throne, a camp stool—Address—To both houses—Closing address—Acts - passed—Simcoe’s confidential letters—A contrast—A blending—2nd - Session The Acts—Quarter Sessions—3rd, 4th, 5th Sessions—New - division of Province—1798—Modes of punishment—Burning the hand— - Whipping—Salaries of officers—Revenue first year—The members of - Parliament—Education—Offering for Parliament—A “Junius”—Early - administration of justice—“Heaven-born lawyers”—First magistrates. - - - THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. - -Upon the 16th July, 1792, Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe issued a -proclamation in the name of the King, having for its object the -organization of a Legislative Assembly composed of persons, to be -elected by the people, of which there should be sixteen, and dividing -the province into counties. It was as follows: - -“Know ye, that our trusty and well-beloved John Graves Simcoe, Esquire, -our Lieutenant-Governor of our Province of Upper Canada, hath, and by -this our proclamation doth, divide the said Province of Upper Canada -into counties, and hath and doth appoint and declare the number of -representatives of them, and each of them, to be as hereinafter limited, -named, declared, and appointed,” &c. - -Nineteen counties were formed, namely: “Glengary, Stormont, Dundas, -Grenville, Leeds, Frontenac, Ontario, Addington, Lenox, Prince Edward, -Hastings, Northumberland, Durham, York, Lincoln, Norfolk, Suffolk, -Essex, Kent.” - -For the purpose of representation in Parliament, the following -arrangements were made: Glengary was divided into two ridings, each -riding to send a representative to the Legislative Assembly; Stormont, -to send one member; likewise Dundas and Grenville each to have a -representative; Leeds and Frontenac together, to send one -representative; Ontario and Addington to send one representative; Prince -Edward, together with the late township of Adolphus, in the County of -Lenox, to send one member; Lenox (except Adolphustown) with the Counties -of Hastings and Northumberland, to elect one member; Durham and York, -and the first riding of Lincoln, to be represented by one member; the -second riding of Lincoln to have one member; the third riding of Lincoln -to have one member; the fourth riding of Lincoln, and the County of -Norfolk, to have one member; Suffolk and Essex to have one member; the -County of Kent, which included all the west not Indian territories, to -the Hudson’s Bay, to have two members. The proclamation was dated -Government House, Kingston, 16th July, 1792, William Jarvis, Secretary. - -The elections must have followed hard after the issuing of the -proclamation, as Parliament met on the 17th of September following. They -probably took place in August. Simcoe writing in November, to the -Secretary of State for the Colonies, speaks of the elections in these -words:—“On my passage from Montreal to Kingston, I understood that the -general spirit of the country was against the election of half-pay -officers into the Assembly, and that the prejudice ran in favour of men -of a low order, who kept but one table, that is, who dined in common -with their servants.” - -The names of those first elected to Parliament were John McDonnell, who -was elected Speaker; Joshua Booth; Mr. Baby; Alexander Campbell; Philip -Dorland, (but being a Quaker, he would not be sworn and did not take his -seat, and Peter VanAlstine was elected in his place); Jeremiah French; -Ephraim Jones; William Mocomb; Hugh McDonnell; Benjamin Pawling; -Nathaniel Pettit; David William Smith; Hazleton Spencer; Isaac Swazy; —— -Young; John White—16. Simcoe, in a despatch, spoke of the last -mentioned:—“It was by good fortune that the temporary residence I made -at Kingston created sufficient influence to enable us to bring the -Attorney General White, into the House. - -The oaths to the members were administered by the Governor’s Civil -Secretary, William Jarvis, Esq., who was also the first registrar of the -Province. McDonnell, the member for Glengary, was unanimously elected to -the speakers chair. Angus McDonnell was clerk to the Assembly; George -Law, Sergeant-at-arms. In the matter of Philip Dorland, of Adolphustown, -a Quaker, who refused to take the oaths, a resolution was unanimously -passed by the House, that he was incompetent to sit and vote in -Parliament unless he took the necessary oath, and consequently a writ -was issued for a new election. - -A chaplain, the Rev. Mr. Addison, was elected to the House of Assembly, -and he, on the day of prorogation, preached a sermon to them before they -were summoned to meet the Governor in the Legislative Council Chambers. -Mr. Addison continued a chaplain for thirty years, and was then granted -a yearly pension of £50. - -This first Upper Canadian Parliament assembled at Newark, now Niagara, -on the 18th September, and was prorogued 15th October following. The -circumstances of this infant legislation were well fitting the new-born -colony. The Governor himself was a soldier by profession. Most of the -members elect had been inured to the life of the camp, though -subsequently to the settling of the wilderness, and they could, with no -ordinary interest, and with appropriate intelligence, direct themselves -to the work of legislation. The first Parliament of Upper Canada met in -no stately hall; the proceedings must have borne some resemblance to a -court-martial. The collective wisdom of Upper Canada assembled in a -camp-tent on the plains of Niagara. On the 18th September, the Governor, -with his Secretary, and probably adjutant, took his seat, not upon the -throne, but a campstool, and delivered the following address: - - HONORABLE GENTLEMEN, &C.—I have summoned you together under the - authority of an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain, passed last - year, which has established the British constitution, and all the - forms which secure and maintain it in this distant country. - - “The wisdom and beneficence of our most Gracious Sovereign and the - British Parliament, have been eminently proved, not only in - importing to us the same for government, but also in securing the - benefit, by the many provisions that guard this memorable act. So - that the blessing of your invaluable constitution, thus protected - and amplified, we may hope will be extended to the remotest - posterity. The great and momentous trusts and duties which have been - committed to the representatives of this Province, in a degree - infinitely beyond whatever, till this period, distinguished any - other colony, have originated from the British nation, upon a just - consideration of the energy and hazard with which its inhabitants - have so conspicuously supported and defended the British - constitution. - - “It is from the same patriotism, now called upon to exercise with - due deliberation and foresight, the offices of civil administration - that your fellow-subjects, of the British Empire, expect the - foundation of that mien of industry, and wealth of commerce and - power, which may last through all succeeding ages. - - “The natural advantages of the Province of Upper Canada are inferior - to none on this side of the Atlantic; there can be no separate - interest through its whole extent. The British form of government - has prepared the way for its speedy colonization; and, I trust, that - your fostering care will improve the favourable situation; and that - a numerous and agricultural people will speedily take possession of - the soil and climate, which, under the British laws, and the - munificence with which His Majesty has granted the lands of the - Crown, offer such manifest and peculiar encouragement.” - -The session was closed the 15th October. The Governor delivered the -closing speech. - - “HONORABLE GENTLEMAN, &C.—It is with very great satisfaction that I - have considered the acts which you have found it expedient to frame, - and to which, in consequence of the power delegated to me, I have - this day given my assent, that they shall become laws of the - Province of Upper Canada. - - “As the division which His Majesty, in his wisdom, thought proper to - make of the late Province of Quebec, obviated all inconveniences, - and laid the foundation for an establishment of the English laws in - the Province, it is natural to presume, that you would seize the - first opportunity to impart that benefit to your fellow-subjects; - and by the act to establish trials by jury, and by that which makes - the English law the rule of decision, in all matters of controversy, - relative to property and civil rights, you have fully justified the - public expectation. Your other acts seem calculated to promote the - general welfare and commerce of the Province, &c. - - “HONORABLE GENTLEMEN, AND GENTLEMEN.—I cannot dismiss you without - earnestly desiring you to promote, by precept and example, among - your respective counties, the regular habits of piety and morality, - the rarest foundations of all private and public felicity; and, at - this juncture, I particularly recommend to you to explain, that this - Province is singularly blest, not with a _mutilated constitution_, - but with a constitution which has stood the test of experience, and - is the very image and transcript of that of Great Britain, by which - she has long established and secured to her subjects, as much - freedom and happiness as is possible to be enjoyed, under the - subordination necessary to civilized society.” - -The modest and matter-of-fact Parliament passed eight Acts at this the -first session. Chapter I., An Act to Repeal certain parts of an Act, -passed in the fourteenth year of His Majesty’s Reign, entitled, “An Act -for making more sufficient provisions for the Government for the -Province of Quebec, in North America, and to introduce the English Law -as the rule of decision in all matters of controversy relative to -Property and Civil Rights.” Chapter II., “An Act to establish Trials by -Jury.” Chapter III., “An Act to establish the Winchester Measure, and a -Standard for other Weights and Measures.” Chapter IV., “An Act to -Abolish the Summary Proceedings of the Court of Common Pleas in actions -under Ten Pounds Sterling.” Chapter V., “An Act to prevent Accidents by -Fire.” Chapter VI., “An Act for the more easy and speedy Recovery of -Small Debts.” Chapter VII., “An Act to Regulate the Toll to be taken in -Mills, not more than one-twelfth for Grinding and Bolting.” Chapter -VIII., “An Act for Building a Gaol and Court-house in every District -within the Province, and for altering the names of the said Districts. -The District of Lunenburgh to be henceforth called the Eastern District; -Mecklenburgh, the Midland District; Nassau, the Home District; Hesse, -the Western District.” - -Thus was the new-born colony, whose germ had been planted in the -wilderness eight years previous, ushered into life, and thus the -functions thereof were commenced. - -Simcoe, it would seem, wrote frequent despatches to the Colonial -Secretary; and in one he gives his opinion of this first meeting of the -representative body of Upper Canada: “At this first meeting they were -active and zealous for particular measures, according to the promises -they had made, or the instructions they had received. Many bills were -accordingly framed, which required only a little time to evince their -impropriety or futility. Having offices to create and salaries to -bestow, they were rather too liberal of their patronage, and pledged -their credit to £174 annually to different officers. The Legislative -Council made no engagements, but, of course, their expenses must be -equal. The sum of £348 was, therefore, the first item.” “Upon the whole, -I have no reason to be dissatisfied with the disposition and conduct of -the Assembly, considering that it is composed of persons of not any -restrictive method, and unacquainted with power. I hope that by treating -them with temper and moderation, they may become a beneficial -establishment to the Province.” McMullen says, by way of contrast, that -“the Upper Canadian Parliament, with its “home-spun” members, took five -weeks to do what had taken the Lower Canadian Seigniors seven months to -accomplish.” - -How great the change wrought by seventy-five years! As the log hut in -the wilderness has been superseded by the elegant mansion, handsome -villa, with thriving towns and cities, so has the tented capital of -Newark been forgotten in surveying the magnificent proportions of the -buildings at Ottawa; and the camp stool, and nature’s carpet of green, -in the elegant halls. And as the Legislature, whose infant days were -passed within the sound of the majestic Niagara, where its waters are -precipitated over a stupendous fall, and sweep on to fill a mighty lake, -has, after numerous mutations, and many uncertainties, found a safe home -upon the rugged cliffs overlooking the Ottawa, where still may be heard -the swelling sound of falling waters, as they rush down the Chaudiere; -so may the confederated Provinces forming the New Dominion, after many -changes, and frequent political uncertainties—hope alternating with -fear, not alone meet in formal union,—not as incompatible elements of an -unwise and unequal connection, but as one people; even as the waters of -the great Ottawa, mighty in itself, meet and unite with the farther -coming St. Lawrence, and, commingling, form the grand stream of the -Lower Lawrence, upon whose bosom the proudest ships rest, and which is a -highway of trade, unsurpassed in the world. - -The _second session_ of the parliament of Upper Canada, was opened at -Newark, 31st May, 1793; prorogued 9th July, following. At this sessions -were passed thirteen bills, most of which were important and useful -measures. The first was “for the better regulation of the Militia;” the -second, respecting the appointment of town officers; the third, having -respect to assessments and rates, and payment of assembly-men; the -fourth, about highways; the fifth, concerning marriage; sixth, of courts -of Quarter Sessions within the several districts; the seventh, a most -important one—an everlasting one of honor, “to prevent the further -introduction of slaves,” and to limit the time of servitude of those in -slavery; the eighth, respecting courts of Probate; ninth, to establish -regulations about duties between Upper and Lower Canada; tenth, for -paying salaries of officers of Legislative Council and Assembly; -eleventh, to encourage the destruction of wolves and bears; twelfth, -returning officers of the several counties; thirteenth, also about -officers, and taxing wine and spirituous liquors. - -The places fixed for the holding of Quarter Sessions were Cornwall, New -Johnson, Kingston, Adolphustown, Newark, and Michilmacinac. For the -Midland District, it was enacted that they should “commence and be -holden in Adolphustown, on the second Tuesday in the month of July, and -on the second Tuesday in the month of January; and in Kingston on the -second Tuesday in the month of April, and on the second Tuesday in the -month of October.” - -The _third session_ of the 1st parliament met at Newark, on the 2nd -June, 1794, and prorogued 9th July following. At this session there was -a continuation of that wholesome legislation which had characterized the -two previous sessions. Twelve acts were passed. - -The _fourth session_ was at Newark, commencing 6th July, 1895, when four -acts were added. It was prorogued 10th August, following. - -A _fifth session_ of first parliament met at Newark, 16th May, 1796, and -was prorogued 3rd June following. Seven acts were passed. This was the -last meeting of parliament under the governorship of Simcoe. - -The second parliament opened at York, 16th May, 1797, under the -presidency of the Hon. Peter Russell. It was prorogued 3rd July, -following. Eighteen measures passed. - -Second session under Hon. P. Russell, met at York, 5th June, 1798, -prorogued 5th July. Passed eight bills. Among these bills was one “to -ascertain and establish the boundary lines of the different townships of -the province.” Stone or other durable monuments to be set up, to mark -the corners of lots; and any person wilfully defacing or removing such, -to “be adjudged guilty of felony, and to suffer death without the -benefit of the clergy.” Another important act, which the growing -province demanded, was “for the better division of the province,” into -townships, counties and districts. According to this, there were formed -eight districts, with twenty-three counties, and one hundred and -fifty-eight townships. The districts were the Eastern, Johnson, Midland, -Newcastle, Home, Niagara, London, and Western. The Midland district, -with which we have more particularly to do, “was composed of four -counties, with land in their rear to the northern limits of the -province.” The first county was Frontenac. In this we have Kingston, as -well as the townships Pittsburgh, Loughborough, Portland, Hinchinbroke, -Bedford, and Wolfe Island. The second county, the incorporated counties -of Lenox and Addington; consisted of the townships of Ernesttown, -Fredericksburgh, Adolphustown, Richmond, Camden, Amherst Island, -Sheffield. The third county, Hastings; contained Sydney, Thurlow, Mohawk -land, Tyendinaga, Hungerford, Huntingdon, and Rawdon. The fourth, Prince -Edward, had Marysburgh, Hallowell, Sophiasburgh, and Ameliasburgh. - -The third session met at Newark, 12th June, 1799, and was prorogued 29th -of the same month; five acts having been passed. - -The fourth session met at York, 2nd June, 1800, prorogued 4th July, -under Lieutenant-General Hunter. Six acts were passed, the first of -which was “for the further introduction of the criminal law of England, -and for the more effectual punishment of certain offenders.” The third -clause is as follows: “That whereas the punishment of burning in the -hand, when any person is convicted of felony within the benefit of -clergy, is often disregarded and ineffectual, and sometimes may fix a -lasting mark of disgrace and infamy on offenders, who might otherwise -become good subjects and profitable members of the community; be it -therefore enacted by the authority aforesaid, that from, and after the -passing of this act, when any person shall be lawfully convicted of any -felony, within the benefit of clergy, for which he or she is liable by -law to be burned or marked in the hand, it shall, and may be lawful for -the court before which any person so convicted, or any court holden for -the same place with the like authority, if such court shall think fit, -instead of such burning or marking, to impose upon such offender such a -moderate pecuniary fine as to the court in its discretion shall seem -meet; or otherwise it shall be lawful, instead of such burning or -marking, in any of the cases aforesaid, except in the case of -manslaughter, to order and judge, that such offender shall be once or -oftener, but not more than three times, either publicly or privately -whipped; such private whipping to be inflicted in the presence of not -less than two persons, besides the offender and the officer who inflicts -the same, and in case of female offenders, in the presence of females -only; and such fine or whipping so imposed or inflicted, instead of such -burning or marking, shall have the like effects and consequences to the -party on whom the same, or either shall be imposed or inflicted, with -respect to the discharge from the same or other felonies, or any -restitution to his or her estates, capacities, and credits, as if he or -she had been burned or marked as aforesaid.” - -In 1801 the salaries of the officers of the parliament stood thus; per -annum. - -Clerk of Legislative Council, £145. Usher of the Black Rod, £50. Master -in Chancery, attending the Legislative Council, £50. Chaplain of the -Legislative Council, £50. Door-keeper of ditto £20. Speaker of the House -of Assembly, £200. Clerk of ditto, £125. Sergeant-at-Arms, £50. Chaplain -of the House of Assembly, £50. Door-keeper of ditto, £20. Copying -Clerks, £50. Total, £805. - -The first tax raised by statute in the province, was to pay the members, -who received $2 per day. - -The revenue of the whole province the first year was £900. - -Elsewhere the fact has been stated that many of the settlers were devoid -of a liberal education; while the stern duties of pioneer life precluded -the possibility of any mental culture whatever. At the same time -competent school teachers for the young were not to be had. With a -population made up of such material, the question might be asked with -becoming seriousness, “Where are we to get our representative men to -carry out responsible government as accorded to the young province of -Upper Canada?” Many of the first Assembly men were not possessed of book -learning, and all along the list of those who have been M.P.P.’s, up to -the present, may be found very many who were limited in their education. -Yet, the first members convened in the tent, on the green slopes of -Niagara, discharged their duty with much decorum and despatch. - -It would be an interesting chapter to introduce some account of the -first members of Parliament, and the political contests in the early -days of Upper Canada. In the absence of complete information, we give -such items relating thereto as have come under notice. We have already -given the names of those elected to the first Parliament. - -Among the early members was James Wilson, of Prince Edward, he was first -elected in 1808, or 9, and remained a member for some twenty-four years. -Simeon Washburn, was also a member for a time. Allen McLean, in a notice -dated Kingston, 18th May, 1812, says “To the independent electors of the -County of Frontenac. Having had the honor of representing you at three -successive Parliaments, I again make you a tender of my services, and -beg leave to solicit your votes and interest at the ensuing election.” - -Amos Ansley, Esq., says, in an address, dated at Kingston, May 20, 1812: -“To the Electors of the County of Frontenac. Having had the honor to -represent this County in the first foundation of its happy constitution, -I again make you a tender of my services, and beg leave to solicit your -votes and interest, &c.” James Cotter, of Sophiasburg, was elected to -Parliament in 1813, and served four years. - -A man of sterling integrity, and good common sense may make a useful -Member, if he be not egotistical. In recording the early events of the -Bay, we must not hesitate to mention an incident which, at the time, -created no little comment with the public, but brought chagrin to an M. -P. P. A member, who shall be nameless, whose early advantages for -education had been extremely limited, but with any amount of -self-confidence, was, on one occasion, sarcastically, but humorously, -brought to task in the Kingston _Herald_, by an anonymous writer. The -member replied, and in so doing, “copied verbatim, nearly the whole of -the first part of Sir William Draper’s letter to Junius, dated Jan. 26, -1769, in defence of his friend Lord Granby, over his own signature. -Macaulay, a young lawyer of Bath, noticed the plagiarism, and exposed -the M. P. P.,” which we believe, resulted in the political demise of -that individual. - - - THE EARLY ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE. - -For two years, Upper Canada, after becoming a distinct Province, was -without any lawyers. But, in 1794, such a number of Acts were found upon -the statute books, that it was necessary to create some to interpret, -not mystify the law. It was provided that his “Majesty should appoint -not more than sixteen, whom he should deem, from their probity, -education, and condition of life, best qualified to receive the license -to practice law.” This appointment of lawyers by the Executive, gave -rise to an expression of derision in after days, of “heaven-born -lawyers.” - -The first lawyer appointed in Johnson District, was Samuel Sherwood, who -had studied law two or three years with lawyer Walker, of Montreal. -Jacob Farand, was the first lawyer in the Eastern District. Allen -McLean, the first lawyer for Kingston, and Mr. Hagerman, the first for -the Bay Quinté.—(See U. E. Loyalists). James Clarke was appointed for -Niagara District; also, William Dickson, of Niagara, and Angus McDonald -for Cornwall. - -After the formation of Upper Canada into a Province, a number of -magistrates were appointed to each District, to form a Court of Quarter -Sessions. The four gentlemen who had been the judges of Lunenburgh, -Mecklenburgh, Nassau, and Hesse, respectively, no longer had so -extensive a jurisdiction. We have no further information of Robertson, -in this respect, and Duncan left the Province. But Cartwright and -Hamilton continued to fill the same positions, as chairmen of the -Quarter Sessions, in their respective Districts. After the death of -Cartwright, in the Midland District, Colonel Thompson was appointed to -the office, and his successor was Alex. Fisher, of Adolphustown. John -Ferguson was also Judge of the District Court. - -Among the first appointments for magistrates, was Thomas Sherwood, of -Leeds. Also, Dr. Solomon Jones, who was afterward Judge of the District -Court. - -Charles Stuart, Esq., was, for many years, Sheriff of the Midland -District; he died while yet young, in 1816. The first Sheriff of Niagara -District, was Alex. McDonnell; the next was Barrack-master Clark, and -afterwards Thomas Merritt was appointed. - -Among the first, probably the first, magistrates appointed in Thurlow, -were Col. Wm. Bell, Col. Hazelton, and James McNabb. Most likely Bell -had the commission before the others. Bell generally held his Court of -Requests at Mrs. Simpson’s Inn. On 19th April, 1822, it was held at the -house of John Taylor. - - - - - DIVISION X. - THE EARLY MILITIA OF UPPER CANADA. - - - - - CHAPTER LXII. - - CONTENTS—Militia Act, 1792—Simcoe—No faith in the Americans—His - views—Military Roads—Division of Districts—Military purposes—The - officers—Legislation—The expenses—Repeated Legislation—Aggressive - spirit—The Enrolment—Hastings Battalion—“Something brewing”—List - of Officers—Col. Ferguson—Col. Bell—Leeds Militia—Officers’ - Clothing—The Midland District—Prince Edward—Training Places. - - - THE MILITIA. - -Any magisterial power that the military commanders of the first settlers -may have possessed was lost by the proclamation of Lord Dorchester, in -1788, forming Upper Canada into districts, and appointing to each a -staff of civil officers. From this period until 1792, after the meeting -of the second session of the First Parliament, the military organization -was a dead matter, although there must have been in force some law -relating to such, inasmuch as the first Act passed at this Session was -“for the _better_ regulation of the Militia in this Province.” - -Governor Simcoe was a man of a military turn of mind. He had taken an -active part against the American rebels, and he continued to entertain -strong feelings of hostility to the American cause, believing not in the -integrity of their professed principles. In many respects he was a well -chosen person to take charge of a people who had been under a military -rule, and who shared his antipathy to the republican people. Not only -did Simcoe conceive schemes of settling the forests, and improving it, -but also for securing the country against attack, likewise of drawing -into the country many who he believed remained in the States because -they could not help themselves, and to whom the Republican form of -government was exceedingly distasteful. Simcoe never felt any doubt -about his ability to defend the Province against the Americans, and he -even had vague ideas that he might concentrate a force of sufficient -strength upon Upper Canada soil, to enable him to invade the States, -with a good prospect of success. Imbued with these views, and animated -by such feelings and desires, he lost no time in taking the necessary -steps to organize and train the Militia, and to establish a Naval force -for the Lakes. The regular soldiers under his immediate command were put -at work to cut roads, one from Lake Ontario to the Thames, which was -called the Dundas road, the other from Lake Ontario to the Lake Simcoe, -which has received the name of Yonge Street. - -The four districts of Upper Canada were subdivided into counties. This -division was, according to Rochfoucault, who visited Simcoe, and -procured his information from him, “into counties is purely military, -and relates merely to the enlisting, completing and assembling of the -Militia. The counties are about twelve in number. The Militia of each -county are assembled and commanded by a Lieutenant; they must be divided -into regiments and companies. They assemble once a year in each county, -and are inspected by the Captains of the different companies, at least -twice a year. Every male inhabitant is considered a militia man from the -age of sixteen to fifty. He is fined four dollars if he does not enlist -at the proper time; and officers, both commissioned and -non-commissioned, who do not join their regiments at the time the -militia is assembled, pay a fine, the former of eight dollars, and the -latter of two. An officer who, in case of insurrection, or an attack, -who should not repair to his assigned post, would be punished with a -pecuniary penalty of £50, and a petty officer with a fine of £20. A -militia man who sells either the whole, or a part of his arms, -ammunition or accoutrements, is fined £5, and in default of payment, -imprisoned for two months. The Quakers, Baptists, and Tunkers, pay, in -time of peace, twenty shillings a year; and during a war of -insurrection, five pounds sterling for their exemption from military -service. Out of these fines and ransoms the Adjutant-General of the -Militia receives his pay, and the remainder is at the Governor’s -disposal. This is nearly the substance of the first act of the -legislative body of Upper Canada, passed in 1793.” - -The following year an additional Act passed, relative to the Militia, -the chief regulations of which tended to improve and define more -accurately the internal form of the regiments, battalions and companies, -and to render the assembling of detachments more easy and expeditious. -This Act determines, that, in time of war, the obligation to carry arms -in defence of the country shall not cease before the age of sixty, and -that, of consequence, Quakers and others who enjoy exemption from -military service, shall pay for their immunity up to that age. It also -obliges the militia to serve on board of ships and vessels, to act as -cavalry, and to extend their service beyond the Province, on condition, -however, that the same men be not bound to serve more than six months -successively. The exemptions from military service are confined to the -officers of justice, and other public functionaries, whose number is -very small. The whole militia is estimated at nine thousand men. All the -expenses of the civil and military administration of Upper and Lower -Canada are defrayed by England. The expense, including money and -presents to the Indians, “amounts for Upper Canada to one hundred -thousand pounds.” - -In all the measures introduced by Simcoe and passed into law by -Parliament, can be discovered a military mind actively at work. The -arrangements by which he endeavored to settle the country—to secure it -against invasion—to keep alive a spirit of military ardor—to keep aglow -the flame of patriotism, a love for the mother country, were eminently -judicious and commendable. There is no doubt that the military spirit of -Simcoe was pleasing to the old soldier-farmers, and in them he found -willing and zealous abettors of his military schemes. Had it not been -for the short-sighted policy of Lord Dorchester, who, it is averred, -became envious of his Lieutenant-Governor, and tried to thwart the -designs, and had he not succeeded in having him re-called before time -allowed for carrying out those designs, there can be no doubt that Upper -Canada would have advanced more rapidly than she subsequently did -advance, and would have far surpassed any State in the Union. - -In 1797, an act for still further regulation of the militia was passed; -but the nature of it does not appear in the statutes. - -There was also passed an “Act for the better securing the province -against the King’s enemies.” - -In 1801, there was still further legislation, and again in 1808, when -there was “an act to explain, amend, and reduce to one act of Parliament -the several laws now in being for the raising and training of the -militia.” And a suitable salary was to be allowed to the -Adjutant-General. Legislation at this time was deemed necessary, because -of the aggressive spirit manifested by the United States. The game of -conquest was already begun by the selfish statesmen of America, and even -foul means were being adopted to subvert British power on the continent. -The year prior, Lower Canada had taken steps under Mr. Dunn, to protect -themselves against a wily enemy. General Brock was earnestly engaged in -perfecting the defences of Quebec. In 1809 an act was passed respecting -billeting Her Majesty’s troops, and the Provincial Militia, and -furnishing them on the march, and impressing horses, carriages, oxen, -boats, &c. - -Respecting the enrolment of the militia in accordance with the acts -first and subsequently passed, comparatively little can be said by the -writer. The earliest, and indeed the only account of an official nature -to be obtained, refers to the organization of the Hastings’ Militia. -Through the kindness of Mr. Sager, of the front of Thurlow, grandson of -the late Colonel William Bell, we have had placed in our possession, a -portion of the papers left by Colonel Bell, of an official and -semi-official character. In a communication dated at Kingston, 29th -November, 1798, John Ferguson, of that place, writes to Mr. William -Bell, of the Mohawk village as follows: “Having been appointed -Lieutenant of the County of Hastings, and being ordered to enrol the -militia without delay, I must request you will immediately proceed with -the enclosed notices, and cause them to be put up as directed. This is -the beginning of your duty, as I have recommended you to be Adjutant, as -well as captain of a company, and I have the satisfaction of telling you -that the President has assured me he will approve of my appointments.” -In a separate communication, Lieutenant Ferguson authorizes Captain Bell -“to give notice to the inhabitants of the county to attend a meeting of -Lieutenancy on Saturday, the 8th December next, at ten o’clock, at the -house occupied by David Harris, on lot 34, in the first concession of -Sidney, for the purpose of enrolment.” - -It would seem that the second in command of the Hastings battalion, was -Major A. Chisholm. - -Ferguson, writing 22nd February, 1799, says, “It appears from the -President’s letter, that there is something brewing to the westward.” - -On the 25th February, 1799, Ferguson writes to Adjutant Bell, to require -the officers commanding companies “to cause the volunteers and drafts in -their respective companies to assemble, with such arms as they may have, -at the house of Ferguson, on the point of Sidney, lot 23, to be made -acquainted with the purport of a letter received from the Hon. Peter -Russell, President.” - -Colonel Ferguson writing again on February 26, to Captain Bell, informs -him that the President has been pleased to approve of the appointments -made, and that he must meet him at Sidney, 5th of March, to receive his -commission. On the 1st March, he further writes thus, “there is some -appearance of the militia being embodied next spring, and that Captain -Bell is appointed to take command of the detachment should such an event -take place.” - -In a communication dated, 10th March, 1799, Colonel Ferguson refers -Captain Bell to an inclosure from President Russell, giving directions -as to teaching the volunteers and drafts, “who are to assemble at -Wallbridge’s every other Saturday,” for platoon exercise, &c. - -“List of officers of the Hastings Militia, as approved of by His Honor, -the President, with the dates of their commission.” - -“John Ferguson, Lieutenant of County; date of commission, 1798. The -following officers were commissioned in December following:—Major -Alexander Chisholm, Captain Wm. Bell, Captain Samuel Sherwood, Captain -George W. Myers, Captain Lieutenant Matthias Marsh, Lieutenant Gilbert -Harris, Lieutenant John Stuart, Lieutenant John Chisholm, Lieutenant -John Fairman, sen., Lieutenant L. W. Myers, Ensigns David Simmons, Jacob -W. Myers, Alexander Chisholm, Robert Fairman, Samuel B. Gilbert, -Adjutant William Bell, Quarter-Master, John McIntosh.” - -At the commencement of the war of 1812, John Ferguson, of Kingston, was -Colonel; William Bell, of Thurlow, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Alexander -Chisholm, Simon McNabb, S. B. Gilbert, Jacob W. Myers, L. W. Myers, -David Simmons, Gilbert Harris, John McIntosh, were Captains of 1st -Regiment Hastings Militia. John Thompson who had been a soldier in the -King’s Rangers, was Major. - -In May, 1810, a notice was posted in Hastings to “all persons of the -battalion having in their possession arms and accoutrements belonging to -Her Majesty, to bring them in good order on the 4th of June, and they -will be furnished with powder and ball to shoot at a mark.” - -We are informed by Mr. Adiel Sherwood, that James Breakenridge, who had -been an officer in Rogers’ corps, was appointed the first Lieutenant of -the County of Leeds under Simcoe, with authority to organize the body -and appoint the officers. Mr. Sherwood received his first commission as -Ensign, from him, to the first regiment of Leeds Militia in 1796. He was -shortly after commissioned a Lieutenant, which he remained until 1808, -when he was made Captain. - -OFFICERS’ CLOTHING.—No sooner had the officers received their -commissions than the matter of military clothing came into -consideration, and steps were promptly taken to obtain suitable outfits, -in the way of scarlet coats, swords, and so forth. Reading the letters -which have come under notice, one is struck with the fact of men putting -themselves to trouble to procure costly uniform, when very many of them -could scarcely collect money enough to meet their wants. At that time -money was scarce and bartering was the ordinary mode of proceedings -between the farmer and dealer. The merchants of Kingston did not find it -necessary to keep material for officers’ dress, and consequently it had -to be procured at Montreal. The officers without money and unknown, in -Montreal, could scarcely expect to get credit there. It was under such -circumstances that Colonel Ferguson, the Lieutenant of the County of -Hastings, undertook to assist the officers under him. Concerted action -on their part was necessary, that all the coats might be alike, and -moreover, they might expect to have them supplied at a cheaper rate. The -following will now become intelligible: - -“We, the following officers of Militia of the County of Hastings, having -agreed to have uniform clothing, do empower John Ferguson, Samuel -Sherwood, Matthias Marsh, and John McIntosh, to agree with any person to -furnish the materials, and we will pay for it as agreed upon by the -above persons—the uniform to be red coats with blue facings; long yellow -buttons and white lining with shoulder-straps—the Light Infantry to have -short coats with wings. Thurlow, 7th October, 1800.” (Signed)—John -Ferguson, William Bell, John Chisholm, Daniel Rose, John McIntosh, David -Simmons, John Fairman, Junr., Samuel Sherwood, Matthias Marsh. - -A few days later Colonel Ferguson supplies a memorandum to Major Bell, -recommending James Dawson, Kingston, as the person to be employed to -make the coats, the material, or at least the cloth, to be bought at Mr. -Cumming’s. Ferguson also suggests that each person give his note of hand -for the sum until paid, from which it seems evident that he wished to be -free from personal responsibility. Three months later, and no steps had -been taken except by Ferguson, who, it appears, applied at Montreal for -his coat. He writes, “I have received my coat pattern from Montreal,” -and the cost of cloth and trimmings amounted to £4 7s. 7d., and “the -common price of making a regimental coat” was £1 3s. 4d., the epaulets -ready-made were £3 each. In another place, Colonel Ferguson says, “if -any of those gentlemen wish to have a coat from Montreal, and will put -into my hands sixteen bushels of wheat, as a part payment, I will send -for them, and they will surely find their profit in it”. - -The following were among the first Militia officers connected with the -force in the Midland District. - -Thomas Dorland, one of the first settlers of Adolphustown, was the first -captain commissioned in the township. He commanded a company in 1812, at -Kingston. His company partook of the loyal spirit which actuated the -captain, who indignantly said of the Americans, “they drove us from our -homes once and now come after us.” Captain Dorland was much liked, as an -officer, by his men. - -Captain Trumpour, who commanded a company of horse, was generally -estimated as a commander. - -Christopher Hagerman, a native of Adolphustown, arose by promotion from -an Ensign, to be Aide-de-Camp. The following is from the _Kingston -Gazette_:—“Head Quarters, Upper Canada, York, 15th December, 1813. -District General order. The Lieutenant-General commanding and President, -has been pleased to appoint Christopher Hagerman, Esq., to be Provincial -Aide-de-Camp to his Honor, and to enter the Provincial Rank of -Lieutenant Colonel on Mr. Hagerman.” - -Major Spencer, who had been Colonel in Major Rogers’ regiment during the -Revolutionary war, died at the breaking out of the war of 1812, and was -buried in Fredericksburgh on his own place with military honors, he was -succeeded by Captain Thompson. Crawford was Colonel of a regiment of -Militia. - -The following were officers in Ernesttown: Lieutenant Colonel James -Parrot, Captain Joshua Booth, C. Fralick, Noris Briscoe, Peter Daly, -Robert Clark, Sheldon Hawley. Lieutenants: Davis Hamby, Henry Day, John -Richards, Daniel Fraser, Robert Worlet. Ensigns: Isaac Fraser, David -Lockwood, Daniel Simmons, Abraham Amey, Solomon Johns, John Thorp, Senr. - -Major Young, formerly ensign in Sir John Johnson’s regiment, was an -officer in the Prince Edward Militia for some time. He was at Kingston -in 1812, and died while on duty. Captain McDonnell of Marysburgh, was -also on duty at Kingston at that time. Captain Young, of the Carrying -Place, was likewise there, as well as his Ensign, W. H. Wallbridge, who -became Captain in 1831, Owen Richards being the Colonel. Lieutenant -Richard Howard, of Sophiasburgh, died March 1, 1814. Dengin Conger held -a commission in the first battalion of the Prince Edward Militia during -twenty-four years, fourteen of which he was Captain. William Ketcheson, -of Sidney, was commissioned Ensign in 1804; Lieutenant in 1812: Captain -toward the close of the war, served nine months at Kingston. Coleman, of -Belleville, was Captain of Provincial Light Dragoons. - -The Militia of Adolphustown, Fredericksburgh, Ernesttown, and probably -of Kingston, were accustomed to meet on Finkle’s Place, below the wind -mill, before the war, 1812. Strange as it may now seem, the place for -training of the Prince Edward Militia was, for many years, at Grassy -Point, in the Sixth Town. All the way, not only from the extreme point -of Marysburgh, but from Amherst Island, and from the western part of -Ameliasburgh, the sparsely settled inhabitants were wont to come, by -anything but even roads, to this point for their stated training. They -met at this place until the year 1800, after which they all met at -Hallowell, Picton. Those from Ameliasburgh required two days to reach -the training place. Some years later a second place was allowed. - - - - - CHAPTER LXIII. - - CONTENTS—In 1812, around Bay Quinté—The declaration of war—The news - at Kingston—The call to arms—Hastings—Events of Kingston—In 1813— - Attack upon Sacket’s Harbour—Oswego—American Fleet before - Kingston—Royal George—Kingston prepared—Chrysler’s farm—A - “Postscript”—Along the St. Lawrence—Ribaldry—The Commissary—Capt. - Wilkins—Quakers—Rate of pay—American prisoners—The wounded— - Surgeons, Dougal, Meacham—Jonathan Philips—Militiamen’s reward— - Militia orders—Parliamentary grants. - - - THE WAR OF 1812. - -The call to arms was promptly and loyally responded to by the -inhabitants of the Midland District, including the militia of -Northumberland. The old veterans of former days, who had for so many -years been engaged in the peaceful occupation of farming, were aroused -to a high degree of indignation that their old enemies, who had driven -them away from old homes, should now threaten them in their hard earned -new ones. No wonder that these old sturdy loyalists and their sons -quickly obeyed the call to come in defense of their homes. To a certain -extent the Bay region was free from immediate danger. Excepting at -Kingston the inhabitants were not alarmed by the trumpet blast. There -was not here enacted such stirring events as transpired at Detroit, upon -the Niagara frontier, and below upon the St. Lawrence. Nevertheless -there was diligent preparation made for any contingency that might come -with the tide of war. The several regiments of militia called out, were -taken to Kingston and prepared for service whether it might be offensive -or defensive. Kingston being a naval station and having a dock-yard as -well as a military depot; and at the same time situated within a short -distance of the enemies’ territory, it was necessary that it should be -well garrisoned, and the surrounding country constantly watched. And -here the raw militia man was drilled for service, while they were ready -to defend the place. - -The news of the declaration of war reached Kingston by a private letter -to Mr. Forsyth, from the States, and an hour and a half afterwards, says -one who was there, a letter having been conveyed to Col. Benson, the -drum beat to arms, and couriers were on their way with all haste to warn -out the militia along the Bay and in Northumberland. The belief was -entertained that Kingston would be a place of attack at once, and the -flank companies were ordered there immediately. - -Upon the 27th June, 1812, John Ferguson, Colonel commanding 1st regiment -Hastings Militia, wrote from Kingston, to Lieut.-Colonel William Bell, -of Thurlow, “to cause the volunteers of the battalion who already -offered their services, to hold themselves in readiness for actual -service, and to apply to the Quartermaster for such arms as are in his -possession, to be used by the volunteers until others were got from -Kingston. Capt. John McIntosh to take command, the other Captain will be -J. W. Myers. Notice to be given at once, be it night or day, to meet on -the Plains—and be drilled by the Sergt.-Major.” Col. Bell received the -letter at sunset on the 29th, by the hands of John Weaver. A postscript -to the letter says “War is declared by the United States against Great -Britain.” - -The militia of Hastings were hurried to Kingston, but after a few weeks -when it was seen that Kingston would not be immediately attacked, they -were ordered home. The next year the Northumberland Militia was ordered -to York, and soon saw service. - -In connection with Kingston were two events which may be alluded to, one -was a hostile demonstration against Sacket’s Harbour, which had for its -object principally the destruction of a man-of-war, there building; the -other was an attempt, on the part of the Americans, to destroy the -British frigate, Royal George, lying at Kingston. - -It was in May, 1813, that Sir George Prevost and Sir James L. Yeo, -arrived at Kingston, where were Capt. Barclay Pring and Furnis, -preparing for service the few vessels stationed there; among them one -lately launched, the Sir George Prevost of 30 guns, greeted them with a -salute from the vessels. The American fleet was at the head of the lake, -bombarding Fort George. Under these circumstances it was resolved to -make an attack upon Sackets Harbour, About 1000 men were embarked on -board the Wolfe of 24 guns, the Royal George of 24 guns, the Earl of -Moira, of 18 guns, and four armed schooners each carrying from 10 to 12 -guns, with a number of batteaux, so that no time might be lost in the -debarkation. Two gun-boats were placed in readiness as a landing escort. -The boats were under the direction of Capt. Mulcaster, of the Royal -Navy, and the landing under the immediate superintendence of Sir George -Prevost and Sir James Yeo. The following account is from A. O. Petrie, -Esq., of Belleville, who was present as a volunteer, being then clerk to -Capt. Gray, Assistant Quartermaster-General. So quickly was the -expedition arranged that Petrie had no knowledge of it until about to -start. By permission of Capt. Gray, Mr. Petrie formed one of the party, -who, although forgetting to procure a red coat, did not forget his gun. -“Was in a batteau with Capt. Gray the greater part of the night, which -was crowded with men. Capt. Gray told Petrie that the object of the -expedition was to burn the ship there building, and told him he might -have a hand in it, Petrie said he would be there as soon as any one. -They landed about four o’clock in the morning, and Mr. Petrie carried -Capt. Gray on his back to the shore through the water. But before they -had landed the Americans fired upon them; they were soon relieved -however, by the gun-boat. They then advanced and was not far from the -ship when the bugle sounded the retreat. When he regained the boat he -found that his friend Capt. Gray had been killed.” - -There is abundant evidence that the retreat was unnecessary, that the -enemy were fleeing; but one of those fearful mistakes occurred by which -the British and Canadian troops lost a victory which had been won. This -expedition exhibited the bravery of the militia men in the fullest -degree, and had the mind of Prevost remained unclouded, due reward would -have been secured. But the precipitate retreat of the Americans was -misunderstood by Prevost, he thought it a trap set. Says a writer, “It -was true that Fort Tomkins was about to fall into British hands. Already -the officers in charge of Navy Point, agreeably to orders, and supposing -the fort to be lost, had set on fire the naval magazine, containing all -the stores captured at York. The hospital and barracks were illuminating -the lake by their grand conflagration, and the frigate on the stocks had -been set on fire only to be extinguished when Prevost’s mind became -unsettled as to the ulterior design of the enemy. In the very moment of -fully accomplishing the purpose of the expedition, he ordered a retreat, -and the troops reached Kingston in safety.” - -But, the following year an expedition left Kingston on the 4th May, -which arrived at Oswego on the following day, and took the fort; but the -stores had been removed. - -About five miles from Kingston lies what is called Herkimer’s Point. It -was thought a thing not improbable that the Americans might land upon -this point and endeavor to enter Kingston. Here was a telegraph signal, -and two cannon had been planted there; afterward one, a very good one -was removed, lest it should fall into the hands of the enemy. From this -point a fair view of the Upper Gap was to be had. At last, one morning, -the Yankee fleet composed of some 14 sail, large and small, appeared off -the Upper Gap. A shot it is said was fired from the old windmill by some -militia men there, which was replied to. A schooner, the Simcoe was -chased, but escaped by running over a bar between some islands at -Herkimer’s Point. She received several shots, and subsequently sank when -she had reached Kingston. The inhabitants along the coast were ordered -into the interior with all their stock. The fleet passed along not far -from the shore, and the field artillery moved along at an equal pace, -and a firing was kept up between them. The writer’s father was present -on the occasion. He was Sergt. in Capt. Dorland’s Company from -Adolphustown, and was this morning on duty with his Company at -Herkimer’s Point. He was standing a short distance from the shore. The -brass artillery sent a ball through one of the enemy’s vessels, he saw -her haul off from the rest. The fleet fired back, and he saw the first -ball from them as it passed near him. The Governor’s horse being held by -a negro near by, while the Governor stood a little off, squatted to the -earth and the ball passed over his back, the ball then struck the top -rail of the fence, near by him, and went bounding and plowing up the -ground. All this he remembers distinctly. The artillery and troops -marched along opposite the fleet on their way to Kingston, and were -there paraded in a concealed spot behind the jail. It was a general -expectation that the enemy would attempt to land, and he fully -anticipated going into action. He could see the balls flying over the -buildings. - -It was a natural expectation that the enemy would endeavour to possess -themselves of Kingston with its garrison and naval depot, and dock yard. -Every necessary step was taken to frustrate any designs that might be -entertained by the Americans against the place. In the Gazette of Oct. -9, 1813, is the following: - -“By all accounts we understand that the Americans are on the eve of -attacking this place. It is our province to observe that their -intentions have become completely anticipated, and every necessary -preparation has been made to give them a warm reception. We are happy to -announce the arrival of Lieutenant-Colonel Drummond, with the first -detachment of the 104th Regiment, from Burlington Heights. This regiment -the 49th, and the corps of the Voltigeurs, may be expected here in the -course of to-day or to-morrow. These three gallant regiments, together -with our brave militia, who are pouring in from all quarters, and have -already assembled in considerable numbers, will be a sufficient -reinforcement, and with our present respectable garrison will be able to -repel any force which the enemy may bring against us. We are glad to -observe that every piece of artillery is most advantageously placed, and -we must really congratulate our fellow citizens on the formidable -appearance of every defensible portion in the vicinity of this town. It -has been the general rumor for a few days past that six or seven of our -small vessels have been taken on their way from the head of the lake to -this place and sent into Sackets; which rumor we fear is too true.” - -The woods around Kingston, and upon Point Henry, were all cut down to -prevent a surprise. The enemy, however, did not attack Kingston, but -landed lower down the St. Lawrence. With what result the following -notice will show, _Kingston Gazette_, Saturday, November, 13, 1813. - - “POSTSCRIPT—HIGHLY IMPORTANT.” - - “The following important intelligence was received in town this - morning by express.” - - CHRYSLERS, 11th November. - - The enemy attacked us this morning, suppose from 3 to 4,000 men in - number, and has been completely repulsed and defeated, with a very - considerable loss, a number of prisoners, and one General taken by - us; the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 4 or 5,000. Ours has - been severe. The Americans were commanded by Generals Lears and - Boyd. - - (Signed) WILLIAM MORRISON, - Lieutenant Colonel 89th Regiment. - - _Kingston Gazette_, Saturday, Nov. 20, 1813. - - We are assured on good authority, that the loss of the enemy in the - late action at Williamsburgh, exceeded 1,000 in killed, wounded, - prisoners and deserters; their flight was precipitate during the - remainder of the day and night after the action; on the morning of - the 12th they regained their own shore in the greatest confusion, - and in momentary expectation of being attacked. Several officers of - distinction were killed and wounded. Major General Covender was - dangerously wounded, and is since dead; Lieutenant-Colonel Preston, - noted for his ridiculous and insulting proclamation at Fort Erie, - inviting the inhabitants of Upper Canada to place themselves under - his protection, was dangerously wounded. One six-pounder field piece - was taken on the charge, and about 120 prisoners, 350 or 400 stand - of arms were collected on and near the field of action. - - “The Militia of Cornwall and the neighbouring townships have come - forward in the most spirited and loyal manner, and are daily joining - the troops, shewing a spirit worthy of their ancestors, and a noble - example to their countrymen. We sincerely hope it will be followed, - and if the inhabitants of Upper Canada are true to themselves, they - can have no reason to fear all the efforts of the enemy.” Thus ended - the attack which had been made with the usual boastful spirit. - According to an American writer in the _New York Herald_, at that - time, the American Commander-in-Chief was “a contemptible wretch,” - guilty of “low ribaldry,” a drunkard, having to take “two drinks of - hot rum to enable him to go through the operation of shaving,” and - finally as given to singing - - “I am now a going to Canada, - And there I will get money— - And there I’ll kiss the pretty squaws - They are as sweet as honey.” - -Not alone did the Midland district supply its quota of men for the -incorporated militia; but the rich soil along the borders of the bay -gave abundantly to the commissariat department. During the first year of -the war, there was a time when the troops at Kingston had no more than a -week’s provision. Under these circumstances the Commandant enquired of -Colonel Cartwright if he knew of any one who could be depended upon to -raise the required supplies which were known to exist in the district. -Cartwright informed him that the required person could at once be -obtained in the person of Captain Robert Wilkins. Captain Wilkins, who -had raised a company in the beginning of the war, was accordingly sent -for, and instructed to prepare to undertake, as chief commissary, the -duty. He asked for written instructions and authority that he might not -be hindered in his work—that Militia Colonels, and sub-officers should -yield to his demands for men to act as batteaux men, or do any other -required duty to impress conveyances, &c. He was asked if he would be -ready to set out in a day or two. The reply was, I will start in half an -hour. “The devil you will,” said the Commandant, “so much the better,” -and Captain Wilkins quickly wrote his resignation as Captain to the -company, settled his hotel bill, and was on his way up the bay toward -Picton. Arrived there, he called upon Mr. Cummings, and desired him to -act as agent, which request was acceded to. He then pushed on to the -head of the bay, at the Carrying Place, and established an agency there, -afterwards his head-quarters. Proceeding to Myers’ Creek, he procured as -agent the services of Simon McNabb. - -In the vicinity of Picton, were a considerable number of Quakers, who, -although not wanting in loyalty, would, not only, not take up arms, but -conscientiously would not sell the produce of their farms and take in -payment government bills, or “shin plasters,” then in circulation. Of -course, they could, without scruples, sell their grain to any one -without asking questions, for gold or silver but to take ephemeral paper -born of war, and its circulation recognizing a state of war, was another -thing. They absolutely refused to take it. Colonel Wilkins believing in -their sincerity, at once wrote to the Commandant at Kingston, for a -certain sum of gold, which was promptly forwarded. Thus the granaries of -the rich section of the county in Prince Edward were opened. But Wilkins -had not waited for the gold; on his own responsibility he had bought the -grain promising to pay them as they required, and Mr. Cummings had been -diligently carrying out his orders. - -Commissary Wilkins had other difficulties to contend with. In some -sections there was a disposition to hold the produce until prices were -better, although pork, for instance, was fetching $14 a barrel. They -wished to get $20. The result of this was a “half martial law,” by which -provisions, wherever found, could be taken at a fair valuation. But -Colonel Wilkins says that this had rarely to be done. By kind -persuasion, showing the people that their duty should lead them to be -satisfied with a fair price, he succeeded in getting all the supplies of -provision he wanted. - -The duties devolving upon him were numerous and onerous. He had to -supervise the batteaux carrying provisions up and down the bay from a -distance, and often would have to give orders for 3 or 400 men to be -collected to propel the batteaux, or assist to transport articles across -the Carrying Place. - -The rate of pay given to an officer, acting as pilot, or conductor to -batteaux, was 10s. per day. Privates impressed to carry or assist -received 2s. 6d., with rations; but supplied themselves with blankets. -They were paid immediately their work was done, by Wilkins. We have -before us a requisition sent by Wilkins to Colonel Bell in April, 1814, -for 40 privates, and officer to manage the King’s batteaux, as there was -a quantity of provisions to be conveyed to Queenston Heights. - -Although the foe found no footing, and made no attempt to land along the -bay, the inhabitants had the opportunity of seeing not a few of their -would be conquerors, as they passed as prisoners of war on their way to -Quebec. Many of the 1000 taken at Detroit had to march along the road -the whole length of the Province. Some were taken in batteaux, and -others were conveyed in vessels down the lake as far as Kingston. Many -of those who walked went by the way of the Prince Edward Peninsula, by -Wellington and Picton, crossing the bay at the Stone Mills, others went -by way of Napanee, and thence to Kingston. One way was as convenient as -the other, as there was no bridge across the River Trent. Persons are -now living along the routes who recollect the crest-fallen appearance of -these prisoners; the more so, because the people whom they had come to -invade, and dispossess, shewed them acts of kindness, and gave them food -to eat. One old lady, so old that she remembers the Revolutionary War in -1783, says she told them she had given the British troops all she had to -eat, as they passed up to conquer them, and she now as gladly gave food -to them. Those brought in batteaux were transported across the Carrying -Place into the bay. No doubt they appreciated the beauty of the scenery -along the route, and had their appetite affected for the land they -coveted. - -On the morning of August 29, 1812, there arrived at Kingston, His -Majesty’s ships Royal George, Earl of Moira, and Prince Regent, with 400 -prisoners, and General Hull. - -The most of the prisoners taken at the Niagara frontier were carried in -batteaux, and by the bay, Colonel Scott among the rest. - -At a later date, arrived the American prisoners, General Chandler and -Waider, captured at Stoney Creek. And again, “Arrived at this place -yesterday, March 1st, 1813, on their way to Quebec, whither they will -proceed to-day, Brigadier-General James Winchester, Colonel William -Lewis, and Major George Madison, attached to the American army, captured -by General Proctor on the River Rafine.” We copy the following: - -“Quebec, November 2nd. On Friday and Saturday were escorted by a -detachment of Major Bell’s Cavalry, from their quarters, at Bauport, to -the new gaol, twenty-three American officers, and on the latter day were -also taken from the prison ships, and escorted by a detachment of the -103rd regiment to the same prison, a like number of non-commissioned -officers, making in all forty-six conformable to the General Orders of -the 27th October.” - -But other sights than prisoners of war were presented during the -conflict. Owing to the exposed state of the Province in the west, after -the taking of York, a large number of the wounded were removed from the -Niagara region to Kingston, sometimes by ships, sometimes by batteau. -Many of those wounded at Lundy’s Lane were taken by schooner to York, -and thence by batteau down the lake shore, across the Carrying Place, -and along the bay. Among them was Sheriff Ruttan, who was left at his -father’s house, to the kind care of his family. In this connection it -may be observed that Surgeon Dougall, of Prince Edward Militia, served -nine months at Kingston, and Dr. Meacham, of Belleville, also served -during the most of the war. - -We will here give an extract from an obituary notice taken from the -_Hastings Chronicle_. - - “A VETERAN OF 1812.—Of the Provincial troops, the Glengary regiment - of Infantry took perhaps the most active part.” At the age of - fifteen, Jonathan Phillips enlisted in this corps, then being raised - throughout Canada. The urgent necessity for recruits inducing the - authorities to accept youths even of that tender age. The story will - best be told, as nearly as may be, in the veteran’s own words:—“I - was born in Duchess County, State of New York, in the year 1796; my - father came from Devonshire, England, and my mother from Edinburgh, - Scotland. In 1809, my parents removed to Canada and settled in - Fredericksburgh, County of Lennox and Addington. In January, 1812, I - was working for Mr. Chapman, in Fredericksburgh, getting out square - pine, oak, and staves; whilst thus employed, Captain Judkins, - formerly of the 104th Regiment of the Line, asked me to enlist, and - I joined the Glengary’s, and in a few days after was sent to - Kingston with about twenty other recruits from Fredericksburgh, - Richmond, and Ernesttown. We remained in Kingston till navigation - opened, when the recruits assembled at that place, about 200 in all, - descended the St. Lawrence in batteaux to Three Rivers, where we - received uniforms, arms, and accoutrements, and commenced to learn - our drill. The corps now numbered about 800. - - Towards autumn we were ordered to Quebec, in charge of about 1000 - prisoners from General Hull’s army, captured in the west. We - remained at Quebec a month or six weeks. In October, 1812, we were - ordered to the west, (the season is recalled from the recollection - that as they marched from Quebec the farmers were busy cutting wheat - on the hillsides, and the snow was falling at the time). The march - was by the North Shore road to Montreal. Here we remained all - winter, expecting the Americans to attack that city. In the month of - March, before the sleighing was gone, the regiment was ordered to - Kingston, taking with them several pieces of cannon, which were - drawn by oxen. The men marched. The cattle that drew the cannon and - baggage, were slaughtered at Kingston for provisions. We remained a - month at Kingston, and then passed up the Bay of Quinté to the - Carrying Place in batteaux. The baggage and batteaux were - transported across the Isthmus into Lake Ontario, and we re-embarked - for York. On our arrival at York we were forwarded with all despatch - to Burlington Bay. We first met the Yankees at Stoney Creek, and - then pushed on towards Fort George. We halted at the village of St - Davids, and encamped at the cross-roads. The Yankees held Fort - George; when they discovered we were so near them they retreated - upon Black Creek. We followed them up, and had a battle with them at - Lundy’s Lane, on 25th July, 1813. In this affair I was in the - advance guard, or reconnoitering party. The enemy retreated upon - Fort Erie, and we pursued them and had several skirmishes with them. - They blew up the fort, and evacuated Canada. In the fall of the year - we marched back to York; there we embarked in batteaux and came to - the Carrying Place—thence we crossed into the Bay of Quinté, and - thence to Kingston. From Kingston we marched to Adolphustowm Court - House, and were billeted upon the farmers in that vicinity during - the ensuing winter. There were from eight to ten men in each house. - Whilst here we assembled every day at the Court House, at ten a.m., - for drill—we were at least 800 strong. - - On the 23rd March, 1814, all the three years’ men were paraded at - the Court House, paid off and discharged. Each man so discharged - drew 100 acres of land in Upper Canada, farming utensils, and a - year’s provisions. The provisions were distributed every three - months, at Robert Charles Wilkins’ store, at the Carrying Place.” - - From the time of his discharge till his decease, Phillips resided in - the County of Hastings, pursuing the usual occupation of the first - settlers of this county. For many years he followed “lumbering” in - winter, and farming in the summer seasons, but being trustworthy, - intelligent, and of a kindly disposition, his services were - frequently sought after for various purposes. Several years ago, the - farm which he drew for his military service, and which, for many - years, afforded him a home and a support, he sold for the sum of - $1,900, thus enjoying in his old age the well earned reward of the - loyalty and courage of his youth. He died at his home, in the second - concession, Rawdon, on the 15th February, 1868. - - - THE MILITIAMAN’S REWARD. - -General Brock, on his way to Detroit, assembled the Legislature, and -amongst other Acts, one was passed for the organization of a battalion -of “Incorporated Militia,” a body distinct from the Sedentary Militia. -It was an inducement held out for action; and to properly fitted -persons, to raise companies and regiments for service during the war. -According to Ruttan, any one enlisting five persons was entitled to an -Ensigncy; ten, a Lieutenancy; twenty, a Captaincy; fifty, a Major; and -forty a Lieutenant-Colonel. Subsequently, in 1814 and 15, the -Legislature “voted the supplies necessary to fill up the incorporated -regiments to 800 men. A service of plate, and a pension of £20 per annum -for the wounded, or for the widows of the killed, as well as an address -to His Majesty for an allowance of 100 acres of land for each man, -whether belonging to the regiment of flank companies or the Sedentary -Militia.” - -No truly patriotic and brave man will seek, or demand a promise of -reward for defending, or fighting for the interests of his country. He -requires no more than what comes from a consciousness of his duty done, -and his country’s honor maintained; the land of his birth, or choice, -preserved from the desecration of an invader’s foot. But when the deadly -conflict has incapacitated the brave one for the ordinary avocations of -life, and he is left, perhaps, with a family, unable to secure life’s -comforts; or when the torch of war—of the unchristian men, such as -President Madison, and his cold-blooded servant, Colonel McClure, at -Niagara,—leaves the homes of helpless women in ashes; or with wilful -wantonness destroys for the mere pleasure of gratifying a worse than -heathenish disposition, then the tried veteran has a right to be -rewarded in a substantial manner. The Government of Canada, as well as -that of Great Britain, has never been found remiss in affording suitable -rewards to those who were truly and knowingly worthy. - -The smoke of war in 1815 had barely cleared away, after the Americans -had sought and obtained a peace, to them ignoble, ere the Canadian -Government took steps to secure a just reward to all worthy men. And to -this end the following general order appeared in the _Kingston Gazette_, -17th July, 1815, having reference to settlers. - - “Military Secretary’s Office, Kingston. - - “Each soldier to receive 100 acres of land; officers entitled in the - first instance to 200. To receive provisions for themselves and - families for one year, that is those who had last or, who might - require it on new land. Implements of husbandry, and tools to be - supplied in sufficient quantities, and other comforts according to - necessity to cultivate land. The land thus taken cannot be sold - until after three year’s cultivation. Supt. Alex. McDonnell, and - Angus McDonnell, of Glengary Fencibles, to take charge of the - settlers.” The same date was issued as follows: - - “Acting Military Secretary, William Gibson, issued a notice at - Kingston, 29th July, 1815, proclaiming that Boards to examine claims - for losses met with during the American war, should meet during - August and September, at Amherstburgh, Fort George, York, Kingston, - and Fort Wellington. - - “All discharged soldiers, applying for lands are to give in their - names to Edward Jones, late of the 9th Regiment, now residing in the - old Barrack Square.” (Signed)—F. P. ROBINSON, _Secretary_, July 31. - - Again is found—“Lieutenant Governor’s Office, York, Dec. 10, 1816. - - “His Excellency, the Lieutenant-Governor has been pleased to appoint - Surgeon Anthony Marshall, of Kingston, to examine and grant - certificates of disability to Militiamen disabled from wounds - received on service in defence of the Province during the late war.” - (Signed)—EDWARD MCMAHON, _Assistant Secretary_. - - Among the Militia General Orders issued from the Adjutant General’s - office, appeared the following: - - “His Excellency, Sir FREDERICK P. ROBINSON, Major-General - Commanding, and Provincial Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of - Upper Canada, has great satisfaction in publishing to the Militia of - that Province, the following extract of a letter from Earl Bathurst, - one of His Majesty’s Secretaries of State; addressed to His - Excellency Sir Gordon Drummond, dated Downing-street, 13th June, - 1815. - - “I should have felt that I was acting unjustly towards you and the - officers and men under your command, if I had forborne bringing - under the notice of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, the great - meritorious exertions, so long and so successfully made by them for - the preservation of the Upper Province. I am commanded to assure - you, that His Royal Highness has contemplated your efforts with the - highest satisfaction, not more on account of the skill and valor - uniformly displayed by His Majesty’s Troops, in presence of the - enemy, than of the patience with which the privations incident to - the peculiar nature of the service were supported and finally - overcome.” - - “You will not fail to convey to the Troops under your Command, the - strongest expression of His Royal Highness’s approbation, and to - accept for yourself and the army under your orders, that testimony - which His Royal Highness is so anxious to bear, to the great service - which you have rendered to your country.” - - “Nor is His Royal Highness insensible to the merits of the - inhabitants of Upper Canada, or to the great assistance which the - Militia of the Province afforded during the whole of the war. His - Royal Highness trusts that you will express to them in adequate - terms, the high sense which he entertains of their services, as - having mainly contributed to the immediate preservation of the - Province, and its future security.” N. COFFIN, _Adjutant General of - Militia_. - -In 1815 the Legislature granted £6,000, stg. £5,883 6s. 8d. to be -applied as follows:—To the officers, non-commissioned officers, and -privates of the incorporated militia, six months’ pay, £4,594 15s. 2d. -To the officers and non-commissioned officers of the line attached to -the incorporated militia, the well pay of their respective ranks in the -said corps, £1,000. To the officers and non-commissioned officers, and -privates of the incorporated militia artillery, six months’ pay, £288 -11s. 6d. To the speaker of the House of Assembly, to purchase a sword to -be presented to Colonel Robinson, late of the incorporated militia, 100 -guineas. - - - - - CHAPTER LXIV. - - CONTENTS—The Six Nations in 1812—American Animus—“Manifest Destiny”— - Mohawk Indians—A right to defend their homes—Inconsistency— - American Savages—Extract from Playter—Brock’s proclamation—Indian - character, conduct, eloquence—Deserters in 1812—Few of them— - Court-martials—The attempts at conquest by the Americans—The - numbers—Result of war—Canadians saved the country—And can do so— - Fraternal kindness. - - - THE SIX NATIONS AS CANADIANS IN 1812. - -Maintaining their wonted hostile attitude to the Mohawks, and continuing -to charge, upon the British and Canadian Governments, an uncivilized -procedure, the Americans have attempted to create a belief that we waged -not a warfare according to civilized ideas. Civilization consists, in -the minds of Americans, in just those views, theories, beliefs, and -proceedings, which belong to the Great United States, and nothing can -emanate from their government that is not in strict accordance with -civilization,—their civilization. It so happens that one of their -beliefs is that destiny manifestly intends that they shall possess all -of North America. In 1812, a pretext was formed under the question of -the right to search American vessels for deserters from British service, -to declare war against England. This was regarded by Madison and the -Government at Washington, a fitting opportunity to make the already -cherished attempt to obtain the British Provinces. It was not in -accordance with their ideas of liberty and civilization, to give the -slightest heed to the wishes of the loyalists whom they had, years -before, forced away, and who had already done much to convert the -wilderness into a noble Province; the British subjects who had emigrated -to America, and preferred the yet infant colony of Canada, to the more -advanced, but distasteful, United States. And still more, the Mohawk -Indians, whom they had so cruelly treated, who had found homes under a -benign and fatherly government, were not only disregarded, but their -very right to defend their homes was denied by the very civilized -government which longed to get Canada. And hence we find attempts made -to cast obloquy, upon the Canadians, in connection with the war of 1812. -The people who strove, but vainly, to enlist the Mohawks in their -service in 1776, with wonderful inconsistency, in 1812, issue -proclamations that no quarter will be given to Indians, nor the -Canadians who were found fighting side by side. Yet, in the same war -they had all the Indians they could get to assist in their invasion of a -peaceful Province, who actually assisted in the hellish work of plunder -in the Niagara region. The Senecas took sides with them. The Indians who -had found a home in Canada, had a right to defend their country, and -willingly did they march to the field. They rendered important service -at Detroit when the immortal Brock hurled back the braggart foe, took -General Hull and his army prisoners, and conquered the territory of -Michigan. They likewise did good service at Queenston Heights. - -A few instances occurred where individual Indians did lapse into the -warfare nature had implanted into their breasts. But let it be -distinctly and emphatically stated that they were exceptions. “But the -savage conduct of the white United States troops, was worse than the -employment of savages. In civilized wars, or the wars of Christian -people with each other, (alas! that Christians and war should be -associated!) the usual rule is to harm only those who aim to harm, and -to pass by the peaceable and unarmed. Considering, too, that the -Canadian people were not enemies, but had always friendly dispositions -towards the United States, that the war was merely for remote and -abstract questions, that the British Canadians never set the example, -that marauding was not the rule of the British officers and armies (as -evinced before the world in the wars with Bonaparte),—the United States -Government selecting the province as a battle field, should have treated -the inhabitants without arms as mere spectators of the conflict. Shame -on President Madison, and his cabinet of Christian “(?)” gentlemen, for -ordering their General, McClure (under the name and seal of John -Armstrong, Secretary of War), to burn up the Town of Niagara, and turn -400 women and children into the snow and icy streets, on a December day -of a rigid Canadian winter! Had the cruelty been accomplished by a tribe -of Indians, no astonishment would have been felt; but for Christians -thus to treat Christians, and for people of the same ancestry, to show -such barbarity, shows that the bad passions of the human heart are the -same in the civilized as in the savage. The war might have been carried -on, so that friendship might soon be resumed; but the dreadful -aggravation, left in the bosoms of the Canadian settlers, such hatred as -remains to the present day. The writer has even heard women say, on the -banks of the St. Lawrence, that if the Americans ever invaded Canada -again, they would shoulder muskets with their husbands. The democracy of -the United States, like the democracy of the French Revolution, -proffered liberty with the left hand, and scattered the fire-brands of -savage war with the right.”—(Playtor.) - -The invading general having issued a proclamation, declaring that -Canadians found fighting beside the Indians should have no quarter. -Major-General Brock, in an address, issued to the Canadians at Fort -George, July 22nd, 1812, referring to this matter, says:— - -“Be not dismayed at the unjustifiable threat of the Commander of the -enemy’s forces to refuse quarter, should an Indian appear in the ranks. - -“The brave bands of the Aborigines which inhabit this colony were like -His Majesty’s other subjects punished for their zeal and fidelity, by -the loss of their possessions in the late colonies, and rewarded by His -Majesty with lands of superior value in the Province. The faith of the -British Government has never yet been violated by the Indians, who feel -that the soil they inherit is to them and their prosperity, protected -from the base arts so frequently devised to over-reach their simplicity. - -“By what new principle are they to be prohibited from defending their -property? If their warfare from being different to that of the white -people, be more terrific than that of the enemy, let him retrace his -steps, they seek him not, and cannot expect to find women and children -in an invading army. - -“But they are men, and have equal rights with all other men to defend -themselves and their property when invaded, more especially when they -find in the enemy’s camp a ferocious and mortal foe, using the same -warfare which the American commander affects to reprobate.” - -“This inconsistent and unjustifiable threat of refusing quarter, for -such a cause as being found in arms with a brother sufferer, in defense -of invaded rights, must be exercised with the certain assurance of -retaliation, not only in the limited operations of war in this part of -the King’s dominion, but in every quarter of the globe; for the national -character of Britain is not less distinguished for humanity than strict -retributive justice, which will consider the execution of this inhuman -threat as deliberate murder, for which every subject of the offending -power must make expiation.”—(Signed, Isaac Brock.) - -In concluding this subject, we will quote the language of one who rose -to sublime eloquence in connection with another event. - -Seeing the on-coming moment of the extinction among the Americans—vainly -resisting the inevitable fate, but still lofty and noble. Thus spoke a -Seneca chief:—“Who is it causes this river to rise in the high -mountains, and to empty itself in the ocean? Who is it that causes to -blow the loud winds of winter, and that calms them again in summer? Who -is it that rears up the shade of those lofty forests, and blasts them -with the quick lightning at his pleasure? The same spirit, who gave you -a country on the other side of the waters, gave this land to us, and we -will defend it.” - -We would fail in our whole task did we not refer to one more topic; that -concerning Deserters. There were, during the time of war, a few -instances of desertion. There is every reason to believe, that the wily -Americans sent emissaries into the country with the object of tampering -with the Canadians. The following, while having a local reference, will -explain the steps taken by Government to meet the requirements of the -day in this respect: - -President’s Office, Upper Canada, Kingston, 24th March, 1814. - -His Honor the President has been pleased to appoint by commission, -bearing this date, the under-mentioned gentlemen to be commissioners, -for carrying into effect the provisions of an Act passed in the last -session of the Legislature of this Province, entitled “An Act to empower -His Majesty, for a limited time, to secure and detain such persons as -His Majesty shall suspect of treasonable adherence to the enemy, in the -several districts of this Province respectively:—For _Midland District_— -The Hon. K. Cartwright, Alexander McDonell, Alexander Fisher, Thomas -Dorland, Timothy Thompson, Thomas Markland, Peter Smith, John Cumming, -James McNabb, Ebenezer Washburn, Robert C. Wilkins, James Young, William -Crawford.” - -In every war there will be some desertions, and during the war of 1812, -there were found a few, and a few indeed, who were base enough to desert -from the ranks of the Canadian Militia. - -The several attempts at conquest of Canada were:— - - 1st Invasion Gen. Hull at Sandwich with 3,000 men. - - 2nd Invasion Gen. VanRansler at Wodworth with 2,000 men. - - 3rd Invasion Gen. Smyth at Fort Erie with 3,000 men. - - 4th Invasion Gen. Pike at York with 2,500 men. - - 5th Invasion Gen. Dearborne at Fort George with 3,000 men. - - 6th Invasion Gen. Winchester, for at Chryslers Farm with 3,000 men. - Montreal, - - 7th Invasion Gen. Hampden at Chateauguay R. with 8,000 men. - - 8th Invasion Gen. Brown at Fort Erie with 5,000 men. - - 9th Invasion Gen. Brown at Lundy’s Lane with 5,000 men. - - 10th Invasion Gen. Izzard at Fort Erie with 8,000 men. - - 11th Invasion Gen. Wilkinson at Lacate Mills with 2,500 men. - - ——————— - - Total number of men 45,000. - -“The foregoing is an aggregate of the attempt to invade Canada by the -United States forces when they sued for peace; and, when such was -proclaimed, they did not find themselves in possession of one inch of -Canadian Territory.”—(Clark.) - -This glorious result was due, in a great measure, to the loyalty and -bravery of the Canadian Militia. The first year, the Militia alone saved -the Province. - -The close of the war left no unpleasant remembrance. Called to arms for -the most noble purpose, that of defending their homes, they discharged -their duty bravely, but without unnecessary violence. There were no acts -of cruelty to be laid to their charge. It was only the unprincipled foe -that could be guilty of deeds of barbaric darkness. It remained for the -American General Harrison to burn, contrary to the rules of civilized -warfare, a peaceful village, and for General McClure to apply the torch -to the building which protected the wounded men, women, and children, -from the piercing cold of a December night, an outrage only equalled by -their firing on a British flag of truce, under General Ross, before the -capital Washington. These acts of villany met a just retribution. The -former by destroying the frontier settlements from Lewiston to Buffalo, -the latter by the destruction of the Capital. Canadians—Britons can deal -out just retribution, as well as they can defend their homes. And the -Americans ought to know, and remember, that no acts of cowardly villany -toward us will for ever go unpunished. They incited rebellion among us -in 1837–8. They have encouraged Fenianism, and assisted them as a people -to invade our territory, and kill our young men. For this will come a -day of judgment. It may not be this century, but it will come. Let but -one more attempt be made to secure a footing on our soil, and the -Americans will learn that Canadians can, and will, retaliate. The hardy -honest Canadian goaded to seek justice, will play the raider also. Ours -is a frontier, over which they may come and do much mischief; but -their’s is equally lengthy, and exposed. A sheet of flame will burst -along their frontier as well as ours, the destruction will not be all -one side. - -During the Crimean war, the Canadians took great pleasure in giving -contributions for the relief of the soldiers, wives and children. But -this was only returning a like kindness displayed by England at the time -of the invasion and rapine in 1812. The wanton destruction of Canadian -homes brought much distress. By the _Kingston Gazette_ of 5th December, -1813, we see “that the total sum subscribed in the City of London for -the relief of the sufferers in Canada (which has come to our knowledge), -amounts to £10,419 10s. 0d.” And the same year “The General Assembly of -Nova Scotia gave to the distressed of Upper Canada £2,500.” An act of -fraternal kindness that Canadians have been ready to return during the -last year. - - - - - DIVISION XI. - ADVANCE OF CIVILIZATION. - - - - - CHAPTER LXV. - - CONTENTS—Canada’s first step in civilization—Slavery in America—By - whom introduced—False charge—Slavery in Canada—History—Imperial - Acts—Legislation in Canada—The several clauses—In Lower Canada— - Justice Osgood—Slavery at the Rebellion—Among the U. E. Loyalists— - Those who held slaves—Descendants of the slaves—“A British slave”— - “For sale”—“Indian slave”—Upper Canada’s Record—Compared with the - States—Liberty—Why the United States abolished slavery—Honor to - whom honor is due. - - - SLAVERY. - -We devote a chapter to the subject of slavery, which may be -appropriately noticed under _advance of civilization_. There can be no -greater indication of a truly civilized people than a successful attempt -to emancipate those in bondage. In this respect Upper Canada was very -far in advance of the United States, and even of England herself. - -The Americans have not unfrequently essayed to fasten the ignominy of -this domestic institution upon the British nation, by asserting that it -was the English that first brought slaves to the American continent. -Supposing this to be true, it was the most pitiable attempt at excuse -for continuing the accursed thing, after Britain had spent millions to -abolish slavery in all her broad realm, that can possibly be imagined. -But it is all untrue that slaves were first brought by the English. It -was the Dutch, who found sale for them in Virginia. This was in 1620. -“Shortly after the New England States adopted the ‘institution,’ the -colonists and merchants introducing and controlling the whole trade, -Massachusetts leading the way.” And with all the cry, for ever echoing -in the North against the South, because of slavery; it was the Yankee -owners of ships, sent out from Northern ports to engage in the -world-condemned crime of the slave trade, that kept alive the worst -feature of American slavery, until the celebrated military necessity of -Lincoln, emancipated the Southern slaves. - -The present generation of Canadians are almost ignorant of the fact that -the “institution” of slavery once existed in Canada, both Lower and -Upper. The proud and pleasing appellation, which Canada enjoyed for so -many years, of a safe asylum for slaves, who had effected their escape -from the United States, is in most cases alone known to have belonged to -us. But the record of our young country is so honorable upon the -question of slavery, that the fact that slaves did once breathe among -us, casts no stigma upon the maple leaf, no single stain upon her virgin -garments. The fact is, slavery could not live in Canada; much less grow. -The leading principles which guided the settlers of the country were of -too noble a nature to accept the monstrous system of human bondage as an -appendage of the Colony. They felt the truthfulness of the words, not -long before uttered by John Wesley, that slavery was the “sum of all -villainies,” and knew they would be villains of the deepest dye to -encourage it. - -The history of slavery from the time Joseph was sold by his brothers -into Egypt, by which it may be inferred that persons were already held -in bondage, up to the present, is of no little interest; but it forms no -part of our task to give even a sketch of it, except in relation to its -existence in Canada. - -In the year 1732, an Act was passed in the Imperial Parliament “for the -more easy recovery of debts in His Majesty’s plantations and colonies in -America,” by which “lands, houses, negroes, and other hereditaments and -real estate, shall be liable to be taken by due process of law for any -indebtedness.” - -Another Imperial Act having reference to slavery in Canada, was passed -so late as 1790. The Act is intituled “An Act for encouraging new -settlers in His Majesty’s colonies and plantations in America.” Among -other things it is provided that if any persons shall come to the West -India Islands or the Province of Quebec, from United States, with the -view of settling, it shall be lawful for such, having obtained a license -from the Governor, to import among other things “any negroes” he may -possess. Such was the law in all Canada when Upper Canada was erected -into a distinct Province. - -The first Session of Parliament in Upper Canada was naturally and -necessarily occupied in arranging the machinery requisite for the -government of the body public. The second Session witnessed legislation -to secure defence of the country by organizing a militia body; and also -upon two most important subjects having reference to moral principles, -viz.: concerning marriages, and - -“_An Act to prevent the further introduction of slaves, and to limit the -term of contract for servitude within this Province._” - -“Whereas it is unjust that a people who enjoy freedom by law, should -encourage the introduction of slaves, and whereas it is highly expedient -to abolish slavery in this Province, so far as the same may gradually be -done without violating private property; be it enacted by the King’s -Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the -Legislative Council and Assembly of the Province of Upper Canada,” &c. -It is enacted “that from and after the passing of this Act, so much of a -certain Act of the Parliament of Great Britain, entitled “An Act for -encouraging new settlers,” &c., as may enable the Governor or -Lieutenant-Governor of this Province, heretofore parcel of His Majesty’s -Province of Quebec, to grant a license for importing into the same, any -negro or negroes, shall be, and the same is hereby repealed; and that -from and after the passing of this Act, it shall not be lawful for the -Governor to grant a license for the importation of any negro or other -person to be subjected to the condition of a slave, or to a bounden -involuntary service for life, in any part of this Province, nor shall -any negro, or other person who shall come, or be brought into the -Province after the passing of this Act, be subject to the condition of a -slave, or to such service as aforesaid, within this Province, nor shall -any voluntary contract of service or indentures that may be entered into -by any parties within this Province, after the passing of this Act, be -binding upon them or either of them for a longer term than a term of -nine years.” - -The second clause provided that the owners of slaves, at the time within -the Province, should be secured in their property and contracts already -made should not be affected. But in the third clause it is declared that - -“In order to prevent the continuation of slavery within this Province, -be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that immediately from and -after the passing of this Act, every child that shall be born of a negro -mother, or other woman subjected to such service as aforesaid, shall -abide and remain with the master or mistress in whose service the mother -shall be living at the time of such child’s birth, (unless such mother -and child shall leave such service, by and with the consent of such -master or mistress) and such master or mistress shall, and is hereby -required to give proper nourishment and clothing to such child or -children, and shall and may put such child or children to work, when he, -she, or they shall be able so to do, and shall and may retain him or her -in their service until every such child shall have obtained the age of -25 years, at which time shall be entitled to demand his or her discharge -from, and shall be discharged by such master or mistress, from any -further service. And to the end that the age of such child or children -may be more easily ascertained, the master or mistress of the mother -thereof, shall, and is hereby required, to cause the day of the birth of -every such child as shall be born of a negro or other mother, subjected -to the condition of a slave, in their service, as aforesaid, to be -registered within three months after its birth, by the clerk of the -parish, township or place wherein such master or mistress reside, which -clerk shall be authorized to demand and receive the sum of one shilling -for registering the same. And in case any master or mistress shall -refuse or neglect to cause such register to be made within the time -aforesaid, and shall be convicted thereof, either on his or her -confession, or by the oath of one or more credible witnesses before any -justice of the peace, he or she shall for such offence forfeit and pay -the sum of £5 to the public stock of the district. - -“And be it further enacted, that in case any master or mistress shall -detain any such child born in their service, after the passing of this -Act, under any pretence whatever, after such servant shall have attained -the age of 25 years, except by virtue of a contract of service or -indentures duly and voluntarily executed, after such discharge as -aforesaid, it shall be for such servant to apply for a discharge to any -justice of the peace,” and the party accused may be summoned to show -cause why the servant is not discharged. The master failing to prove the -servant under age, the justice is to discharge the same, and it was -“provided always that in case any issue shall be born of such children -during their infant servitude or after, such issue shall be entitled to -all the rights and privileges of free-born subjects.” - -“And be it further enacted, that whenever any master or mistress shall -liberate or release any person subject to the condition of a slave from -their service, they shall at the same time give good and sufficient -security to the church or town wardens of the parish or township where -they live, that the person so released by them shall not become -chargeable to the same, or any other parish or township.” This act which -reflects so much glory upon the Upper Canadian Legislators, was passed -July 9, 1793. We thought our readers would prefer to see the act -complete than any synopsis we might prepare. - -To Robert Gray, then Solicitor-General, is Upper Canada primarily -indebted for the above act. He was an earnest friend of the African -race. He was lost in the schooner _Speedy_, on Lake Ontario. - -SLAVERY IN LOWER CANADA.—According to Garneau, in the year 1689, it was -proposed to introduce negroes to the colony of France. But it was -thought the climate would prove unsuitable. That slavery was, not long -after introduced, seems certain, and that it “was legally recognized in -Canada, is plain, from an ordinance of intendant Hocquart, dated 1736, -regulating the manner of emancipating slaves in Canada.”—(Bell.) - -There are extant several royal declarations respecting slaves in the -colony, bearing dates, 1721, 1742, and 1745. At the Conquest there were -slaves in the province; and slavery “then increased for an instant, only -to disappear forever.” Slavery having continued to exist in Canada until -the first decade of the present century. By a stipulation in the treaty -of Montreal, the colonists were “to be allowed to retain their slaves.” -Says Bell in Garneau’s history, “Sir L. H. Lafontaine in 1859, -investigated this matter,” (respecting the existence of slaves in French -Canada), and from the published reports of his enquiries, it appears -that in 1799–1800, the citizens of Montreal presented requisitions to -Parliament, tending to cause the Legislature to vindicate the rights of -masters over their slaves. The applicants invoked in favor of their -demand, an ordinance rendered by Jacques Roudat, 9th intendant, dated -April 13, 1709, which edict was, they urged, in force when the -definitive treaty of peace was signed, and by consequence formed part -and parcel of the laws, usages, and customs, of Canada, recognized by -the Act of Quebec. The bills, on the subject, were introduced, in 1800, -1801, and 1803; but none of them passed. Since that time no Local -Legislation sanctioned this matter; and if the act of the Imperial -Parliament of 1797, had the effect of abolishing slavery in the British -plantations, these would, of course, include Canada. “But,” says Bell, -“the act in question could have no such effect. It only enacted, that -negroes could not be taken in execution as chattels, for the debts of -their masters, as had previously been the case in His Majesty’s American -Colonies.” It appears tolerably certain from the foregoing, that slaves -were introduced by the French into Canada, about the beginning of the -18th century, and that at least in 1709 it was a recognized institution, -by virtue of an edict issued by the intendant. And, when the country was -conquered by Great Britain, the colonists were “allowed to retain their -slaves.” In 1784, when Upper Canada was first settled, the number of -slaves in Lower Canada according to census was 304. - -When Upper Canada, in 1793, took the lead in the whole of Britain’s vast -domain in legislating against slavery, Lower Canada continued to regard -it without disfavour; and, even in Montreal, endeavoured to fix the -chains of bondage more firmly upon the negro. But what the Provincial -Legislature did not, although presented with the example set by Upper -Canada, was done in a different way by Chief Justice Osgood, who in -1803, at Montreal, declared slavery inconsistent with the laws of the -country, and gave freedom to the persons in that condition. And when the -British Act of Emancipation was passed, in 1833, setting free the slaves -in all parts of the Empire, there was no slaves in Canada, Upper or -Lower. Thirty years previous had the evil been crushed in Lower Canada, -and forty years before Upper Canada had declared that it was “highly -expedient to abolish slavery,” and had enacted laws to secure its -abolition. - -At the time of the rebellion of 1776–83, slavery was not limited to the -Southern States. - -There were a good many held by the old Knickerbocker families, both -amongst the loyalists and rebels. When the families both of English and -Dutch nationality, came as refugees to Canada, there accompanied them a -number of slaves. In many cases these slaves came of their own accord, -would not be separated from their masters, with whom they always lived; -upon whose land they had been born. Indeed, the attachment between these -faithful blacks and their owners was frequently of the most enduring -nature, and, as we shall see, in some cases, although made free, they -would not leave their old places as domestics. - -The Rev. Mr. Stuart in his memoir, says, in speaking of his removal to -Canada; “My negroes, being personal property, I take with me, one of -which being a young man, and capable of bearing arms, I have to give -£100 security to send back a white prisoner in his stead.” Capt. Joseph -Allan brought with him from New Jersey, after the war had ended, to -Upper Canada, three slaves—Tom, Sam and Sal. The two men, some years -after, ran away to Lower Canada. Their owner pursued them to Montreal, -and searched for them for ten days; but failed to get them. He sold the -female, Sal, with her child, to Silas Hill. This boy was afterwards sold -to Abram Barker, who kept him until he became twenty-one, when he became -free. Freedom did not suit him, as he became a worthless fellow. Major -VanAlstine had slaves, whom he treated with patriarchal kindness, and -who lived in great comfort in the old-fashioned Dutch cellar kitchen, in -his home, in Fourth Town. The Bogarts and John Huyck also had slaves. -Capt. Myers had slaves; one, Black Bet, would never leave him, but -continued until his death, under the care of her old master. - -Cartwright, Herkimer, and Everitt, each was the owner of slaves. And -Powles Claus, of the Mohawk settlement, had two slaves. - -Col. Clark speaks, in his memoirs of his mother’s death, in 1789, and of -the funeral, when the negro Joe drove the favorite horses, Jolly and -Bonny, before the sleigh, painted black. Again, Col. C. says: “After the -Declaration of Independence, drovers used to come in with droves of -horses, cattle, sheep and negroes, for the use of the troops, forts, and -settlers in Canada, and my father purchased his four negroes, three -males and one female, named Sue.” In 1812, she gladly returned to our -family, having become old and decrepit. She died in our house at -Fifteen-mile Creek, in 1814. - -Sheriff Ruttan says, “My uncle brought two negro servants with him, who -were very faithful, hard working fellows.” During the year of famine, -they were sent from Adolphustown to Albany, “for four bushels of Indian -corn; a dreadful hazardous journey through the forest, with no road, and -the snow very deep. They executed this mission, and returned in safety.” - -These slaves were generally faithful, good natured, and occasionally -mischievous. It was the custom, in the first years of Canada, to place -the ovens in the yard upon stakes, and they could be lifted off them. It -is related that sometimes they would carry off slyly, the oven when -filled with good things. - -Sheriff Sherwood says: “In answer to your letter of yesterday, as -regards slaves, I only recollect two or three which settled in the -District of Johnstown; one in particular, named Cæsar Congo, owned by -Captain Justus Sherwood, who came with his family in the same brigade of -boats that my father and family did, and located about two miles above -Prescott. They were the very first actual settlers. Well I remember -Cæsar Congo, then a stout, strong young man, and who often took the late -Justice Sherwood, of Toronto, and myself on his back to assist us along, -while the boats were drawn up the rapids. Cæsar was sold to a half-pay -officer named Bottom, who settled about six miles above Prescott, who, -after a year’s service, gave Cæsar his freedom. Cæsar, soon after -married suitably, and by his industry obtained a snug little place in -the town of Brockville, where he lived many years, and died.” - -Daniel Jones, father of Sir Daniel Jones, of Brockville, had a female -slave, and there were a few others residing in the district of which I -have no personal knowledge. - -Squire Bleeker, of the Trent, had a slave called Ham. Abraham Cronk, of -Sophiasburgh, bought a female slave from Mrs. Simpson, of Myers’ Creek, -for $300. After a time, she returned to Mrs. Simpson, with whom she -lived till her death. This female had a daughter, who grew up to be an -unusually “smart girl.” - -Nicholas Lazier had slaves. One, named Sal, was noted for her attachment -to Methodism, and would go long distances to attend meetings. As a -female slave, Black Betty was one of the first congregation, to which -the first Methodist preacher in America preached at New York, so this -woman was one of the first Methodists at the Bay, and in Upper Canada. -John Cronk and she were the only Methodists in the Township for a long -time. - -Pryne, who lived a short distance above Bath, had two slaves. Col. -Thompson also had some, and Lieut. McGinness, of Amherst Isle, likewise -possessed them. Capt. Trumpour, of Adolphustown, had two negroes. -Leavens, of Belleville, bought a female slave of Wallbridge, for $100. A -son of hers was purchased by Captain McIntosh. - -The Hon. Peter Russell, when Receiver-General, had a man and his wife as -slaves, with their son and two daughters. - -Samuel Sherwood, writing to a person at Kingston, from Thurlow, in Oct. -1793, says, “My negro boy, and Canadian boy have absented themselves -last night without leave. I send Jim and two Indians in pursuit of them. -I beg, if you can give any assistance, you will do me that service. -McLean’s black woman is my boy’s mother, he may call to see her.” - -We have before us the copy of an assignment made in 1824, by Eli Keeler, -of Haldimand, Newcastle, to William Bell, of Thurlow, of a Mulatto boy, -Tom, in which it is set forth, that the said boy has time unexpired to -serve as the child of a female slave, namely, ten years, from the 29th -Feb. 1824, according to the laws of the Province; for the sum of $75. -Probably, this was the last slave in Canada whose service closed, 1835. - -There are, at the present time, a good many of the descendants of the -early Canadian slaves. Some of them have done badly, others again have -made themselves respectable and happy. The Mink family are descended -from an old slave that belonged to William Herkimer. - -When made free, they, in many instances, preferred to remain in -connection with their old masters, and even to this day, their children -manifest a predilection for the name of their father’s master. In and -about Belleville, may yet be found such as spoken of. Most, or all of -these are descendants of “Black Bess” who, at different times, was in -possession of the Wallbridge’s, Leaven’s, and McLellan. - -In the _Ottawa Citizen_ of 1867, appeared the following: - -A BRITISH SLAVE.—An old negro appeared at the Court of Assize yesterday, -in a case of Morris vs. Hennerson. He is 101 years of age, and was -formerly a slave in Upper Canada, before the abolition of slavery in the -British possessions. He fought through the American war in 1812, on the -side of the British; was at the battles of Chippewa and Lundy’s Lane, -and was wounded at Sacket’s Harbour. He is in full possession of all his -faculties. He was born in New York State in 1766, and was the slave of a -U. E. Loyalist, who brought him to Canada. He was brought to this city -to prove the death of a person in 1803, and another in 1804. - -It would seem odd enough at the present day to see the following -advertisements in a Canadian journal. This appeared in the _Gazette_, -Newark: - -“FOR SALE.—A negro slave, 18 years of age, stout and healthy, has had -the small pox, and is capable of service, either in house or out door. -The terms will be made easy to the purchaser; and cash or new lands -received in payment. Enquire of the Printer. - -“Niagara, November 28th, 1802.” - - “INDIAN SLAVE.—All persons are forbidden harboring, employing, or - concealing my Indian slave, called Sal, as I am determined to - prosecute any offender, to the utmost extremity of the law; and - persons who may suffer her to remain on their premises for the space - of half an hour, without my written consent, will be taken as - offending, and dealt with according to law. - - (Signed) CHARLES FIELDS. - - Niagara, August 28th, 1802.” - -“FOR SALE.—The negro man and woman, the property of Mrs. (widow) -Clement. They have been bred to the business of a farm; will be sold on -highly advantageous terms, for cash or lands. Apply to Mrs. Clement. -Niagara, January 9th, 1802.” - -We have seen that the record of Upper Canada with respect to the subject -of human bondage is particularly bright and honorable. This Province, in -its very infancy, took the lead in severing the fetters which a dark and -penurious age had rivetted upon the bodies of the African. This blackest -curse of the world, which the power of England assisted to create, and -which her offspring, the United States, continued to perpetuate for so -many years, was put aside by the young Province at the first; while, but -a few years later, a Canadian Judge, of Lower Canada, declared slavery -to be inconsistent with the laws of Canada. These are facts of which -every Canadian may well be proud. It was no “military necessity” which -caused the abolition of slavery in Canada. It was a question of right, -which the Canadian Parliament experienced no difficulty in solving. How -grand the spectacle! How noble the conduct, setting an example to the -world! In striking contrast, behold the United States. Flaunting their -flag of liberty before the gaze of the world, they cried “All men are -born free and equal, with the right to pursue that course which will -lead to happiness;” yet notwithstanding these principles, enunciated -with so much boldness, and, year after year, proclaimed by wordy fourth -of July orators; they continued, not only to hold slaves, but made the -bonds tighter until oceans of blood had been shed, and the Union was -almost destroyed—when it could not be saved with slavery, as Lincoln had -declared he would wish to save it; when it became necessary to strike a -blow, which the northern legions had been unable to deal the Southern -Confederacy, then, and not until then, were the slaves declared to be -free. Lincoln said he would save the Union with slavery, if he could, -failing this, then he would enlist the African slave to assist in saving -the Union, by giving them liberty. The Southern blacks owe their liberty -to-day, to the almost superhuman courage of the people with whom they -lived, who held them in bondage, not, it is true, because their masters -wished to liberate them; but because they were unable to successfully -combat the perfect flood of men that was poured against their northern -borders, and which infested their sea-board with an unbroken circle of -armed vessels, shutting them out from all means of carrying on the -unequal combat. It was this heroic attitude that made it necessary for -Lincoln to issue the famous proclamation. Let the freedman thank the -exigency which made necessary the step which broke the back of the -Confederacy, and thereby gave efficiency to the proclamation. It cannot -be doubted that the great body of abolitionists were from the -commencement of the war, anxious to secure the abolition of slavery; but -they were impotent, their councils to the President were unheeded, their -desires disregarded. The great mass of the Northerners had no sympathy -with the poor slave, they only cared for the Union; and many of them -were even dissatisfied that Lincoln should resort to the plan of freeing -them in order to save the Union. It is abundantly easy, now to declare -that, from the first the Washington Government was determined to abolish -slavery—that, from the first, it was a war for, and against the life of -that institution; but reading the events of the war, carefully scanning -each page of its history, examining each line, studying every word; -looking with an unbiassed eye upon the whole gigantic drama, it is -submitted there is no reason for believing that the _nation_ desired to -free the slave at all; but, always excepting the Abolitionist, submitted -to the necessity of setting the negro free, rather than sacrifice the -Union, or, rather than be conquered by the South. - -All honor then, to the U. E. Loyalists, in Parliament assembled, at the -young capital of Newark—the representatives of the devoted band of -refugees, who had been made such by rebels, who pretended to fight for -“liberty,” who placed on record their interpretation of the word -Freedom; that it meant not liberty to a certain class; but to all, -irrespective of color. All honor to the noble Judge, who had the probity -and moral courage to enunciate a doctrine that at once made every -supposed slave in Lower Canada conscious of being a free man. This noble -beginning in the Canadas was followed by events no less interesting. -They became the asylum of the slave, who were not only sought after by -their Southern masters, but who were chased to the very borders by -Northerners themselves. - - - - - CHAPTER LXVI. - - CONTENTS—Returns to the Pioneer—Bay Region—Garden of Canada—Clogs— - False views of settlers—Result—New blood—Good example—Anecdote—The - “Family Compact”—Partiality—Origin of the _Compact_—Their conduct— - The evil they did—A proposed Canadian Aristocracy—What it would - have led to—What may come—“Peter Funks.” - - - THE OBSTACLES TO ADVANCEMENT. - -In the section devoted to the first years of Upper Canada there has much -been said having reference to the growth and prosperity of the Province, -and advance of civilization, but something remains to be told which -requires particular notice, and without which our sketch would not be -complete. - -The privations endured, and hardships overcome by the pioneers, tended -to make them careful and prudent, and no doubt led to the more permanent -prosperity of their children. As years wore away, comforts began to -reward their toil and patience. Acre after acre was brought under -cultivation; the log house received an addition, not large, but so as to -supply a second room, which a growing family of boys and girls seriously -demanded. Stock began to accumulate, and the future brightened up before -them. In considering the rate and degree of advancement, it must be -remembered that many of the first settlers were disbanded soldiers, and -understood as little about agriculture as about clearing the land. -“Though in most instances, a man of intelligence, the U. E. Loyalist -introduced but a primitive system of agriculture; and the facilities of -acquiring lands in the western part of the Province, has in a measure -prevented that admixture among them of the more scientific and educated -agriculturist from the old countries, which has helped to improve other -parts of Canada. It has been only of late years, and since the general -establishment of agricultural societies, that the real capacities of the -Midland District has begun to be developed, and improvements introduced, -which have resulted in making, even in the neighbourhood of Kingston, -where the soil was looked upon as comparatively unproductive, some of -the best and handsomest farms that can be seen in the Province.”— -(Cooper). - -The region about the Bay because of its central position, received the -name of Midland District. This district embraced, and at the beginning -of the present century was regarded as the most important and -influential part of Canada. But times have changed. Upper Canada has -grown to be the largest and wealthiest province in British America, and -although improvements around the Bay have continued to increase, yet -westward the bulk of the immigrants have found a home, so that this -section no longer holds so important a position. Nevertheless, as in -former years, so now, the Bay country may be regarded as the garden of -Western Canada. Long since the wilderness has become a fruitful field, -and the fertile land has returned to the toiler a full reward. To the -tourist passing along the Bay the appearance of the lands is exceedingly -beautiful, especially in the days of summer; in June when all things are -clothed in the richest green, and some weeks later when the golden hues -of harvest have gathered over the fields of grain. The substantial -residences of the farmers tell of prosperity and advancement. The old -log house around which clustered so many associations, made dear by the -circumstances of pioneer life, has been superseded by the more -pretending frame building, and this again has been removed to be -followed by elegant, and often stately edifices. The work of improvement -and of beautifying has gone on from year to year, and now the -inhabitants of the Bay are in most cases living in affluence. But while -we mark the advancement, it must not be forgotten that it ought to have -been greater. While we give all credit to the soldier farmer, for -achieving so much, it must be related that there were certain -landholders who were as clogs to the wheel of progress, who displayed, -not that enterprize, at an early day, which they ought to have done. Had -the greedy few who hoarded up land, and grasped for more, and still -more; who stood ready to buy up the land of every unfortunate one -compelled to sell—had such made themselves acquainted with the -improvements in the agriculture of the day; had they, instead of leaving -the hard workers to make roads across their lands, opened them up and -provided a passible way; had they endeavored to make their land -productive, and by example to show the struggling farmers a better way, -and how to increase and advance; then, instead of merely the prosperity -which now exists, there would have been great wealth. The broad acres -are old enough, the landscape charming enough, the ground productive -enough, and had the proper spirit been abroad among the class mentioned, -those who aspired to be landed aristocrats then, the Bay Quinté might -have presented, not alone a beauty rivaling that of the Hudson, but also -the palatial mansions which adorn its shores. No more suitable spot in -the wide world can be found for ornamental residences, and it is to be -hoped that many with capital and taste, will very shortly proceed to set -examples, for the wealthy farmers in some degree, to imitate. It may be -said it were better the farmers and their children should have humble -ideas, and the fact may be adduced that not a few of the descendants of -the first settlers have, by their excesses in dress, and by trying to -imitate the habits of the dwellers of towns and cities, laid the -foundation of their ruin, by getting into the books of the merchant, and -ultimately becoming helpless in his hands, so that the fathers heritage -passed away to the stranger. But it is forgotten that such was -principally the case with those who, suddenly becoming well to do, -thought, if they desired to associate with the aristocracy, they must -dress in finer clothing, and have clean hands; that their daughters must -cease spinning, and the wife no longer do housework, that it was a -disgrace to be seen working. It was such feelings and views which -creeping in, paved the way for the downfall of many a one, who had begun -to get on in the world; whereas, had gentlemen by birth and education, -and there were such among the first settlers, given their time to actual -improvement, had shewn that they considered it honorable to work with -their hands. Had they carried their refinement into the more rural parts -and shewn that agriculture and gentility may go together, and that -education is as important for the agriculturist as for any other, both -in enabling him to till the soil with success, and in providing him with -those superior means of enjoyment which a wise Providence desires us to -possess, a most valuable service would have been rendered. It was -because the farmer thought he must dress as they did in the city, in -order to associate with them, and that labor was not honorable, that -ruin came to many a household, and the names of the first owner of farms -are not now there; who laid low the forest in the infancy of the -country. There is no forgetfulness that those blamed had once been -wealthy and occupied high positions in the old colonies, and owned broad -acres. It was perhaps natural that such persons, exiled in the -wilderness, and struggling with the stern realities of their existence, -should aim to regain a position of similar power and affluence, and were -determined that, although they might not see the return of those -independent days, their children should; so they continued to bend every -energy to secure it. But alas! how rarely was the dream realized! How -few of the limited number who first ruled the country—how few of the -Family Compact are now in the higher circle of independence. - -Respecting the more common settler, it was to be expected that now and -then one would fail to advance—would fall behind in the onward march of -the country. The wonder is great that so few of the old soldiers made -shipwreck of the liberal grants bestowed by a motherly government. “The -sons of some of those men who have hewn out a home in the primitive -forest, have, in some cases, through bad management or bad conduct, -suffered their possessions to pass to the stranger: the speculating -merchant has grasped their all under a mortgage, and indolence or -dissipation has completed the ruin.”—(Cooper). “These evils, however, -are rapidly curing themselves or producing an equivalent or greater -amount of good—the idle and shiftless sells out to the practical and -industrious farmer, who introduces among his neighbours the latest -improvements in agricultural skill, and implements of husbandry; new -systems of drainage, new stock, or improved breeds occupy the attention -and employ the capital of the father of a family, whilst his wife and -daughters, though well able to compete with the gayest and grandest, -readily forego, when necessary, the imported and costly silks sported by -the family of a less enterprising neighbour, and set an example of -neatness, taste and appropriateness, in attire.” - -Cooper, in his essay, relates the following: He says, “The ideas of -enterprize and modern progress entertained by some, may be illustrated -by the following anecdote: When a new road was proposed leading through -some of the best portions of the counties (of Frontenac, Lennox and -Addington), opening up others, and affording many and great advantages, -the benefits of which in short were apparent to all, and the only -question involved was how to raise the money, a very wealthy landholder, -who had amassed his thousands in the City of Kingston, and part of whose -possessions lay on the route, replied to an application to take stock, -that the effect of the road would be to enable people to steal his -timber, and he declined to subscribe! It is presumed that railroads and -electric telegraphs were not in fashion when this gentleman made his -money.” It was a feeling indulged by many similar to what this person -had, that from the first, assisted to retard the judicious development -of the young country. - -Reference has been made to the “Family Compact.” In speaking of Bishop -Strachan, the statement is made that he was honest in his convictions -that Church and State would best serve the interest of Canada, that in -the uneducated state of the people, Government should reside altogether -or principally in the hands of the Governor and Executive Council. But -while the honesty of the late Bishop is thus freely admitted, it must at -the same time be acknowledged that those in authority were not -disinterested dispensers of the good things which always exist in -connection with a Government; and which particularly were provided for -the loyalist settlers of Upper Canada by the British Government. For -instance, it is averred by McMullen, and sharply reiterated by Gourlay, -that “the provisions, clothing, and farming utensils, granted by the -British Government for the benefit of the poor loyalists, were in many -cases handed over to favorites, in others allowed to become useless from -negligence in the public stores.” - -It was not alone provisions, clothing, and farming utensils that were -enjoyed by the favorites. Lands—choice lands, were to be had by them, by -the choosing. Settlements in Upper Canada commenced at several points, -in each settlement were a few leading men, half-pay officers, or those -who had held important positions during the Revolutionary war, with a -good sprinkling of personal friends and relatives. At the capital, those -were in excess. These leading men throughout the Province were in the -most cases closely united by consanguinity and marriage; and soon became -even more closely identified in interest—forming a strong political -body, which derived its life-blood from the Executive. Its members -surrounded the gubernatorial throne, and had the ear of the Governor, -they formed his Councillors, and managed to become his friends; and as -such secured abundantly of the bounties. It was not enough that large -blocks of land should be held in reserve for the Crown, the Clergy, and -for the Indians, which last was right; but choice bits of land were -granted to members of this strong family, compacted together, to help -one another, and the land was left uncultivated, unimproved, until the -energies of the pioneers around had made it more valuable. - -With the departure of Simcoe commenced the manipulations of this -_family_. That Governor had invited by proclamation, persons from the -United States, who might wish to become Canadians, and promised them -grants of land. But he was re-called, and his promises were not attended -to, although many came to the Province on their strength. Government -ignored them, and it is stated, with abundant show of plausibility, that -the reason was; that the growing family might have the more land to -choose from, and to leave for their children; and with some, that they -might live in England upon the rents derived from Canada, and so “men of -capital and enterprise, who had come into the Province furnished with -cattle and implements to commence the settlement of townships,” were -disappointed. Some of these persons, who desired to live under the -British flag, returned to the States to become truly republicans, others -remained to form an element in the party which was in time to rise in -opposition to the Family Compact. Such, in brief was the origin of the -_Family Compact_. They aspired not alone, to possess the best tracts of -land; but to fill every post of honor and emolument, to hold the reins -of Government exclusively, and to constitute a select circle of -nobility, to act the part of Lords over vassals; and to this end desired -to possess extensive lands upon which, and around which should grow the -belongings to estated gentlemen. When eight schools were granted certain -sums of money, and the teachers were nominated by the Governor, they -were generally half-pay officers. For a long time they had everything -pretty much their own way. If any dissented from them, he was accused of -disloyalty. Did an honest farmer question their honesty, he was pointed -out as one to be suspected—as seditious, and as one of the King’s -enemies, against whom it was thought necessary to legislate. Nor did the -House of Assembly, in any respect, for a long time, interfere with the -growth and prosperity of the Family Compact, for, generally speaking, a -member of the _family_ managed to get elected. The charge is not made -that all of the members of the early Parliaments were of the Compact; -but they were more or less under their influence. - -A history of the Family Compact, would be a history of the political -life of Canada for many years, including the rebellion of 1837–8. The -attempt has not been made to cast unnecessary reproach upon the old tory -party of Upper Canada. As one brought up a conservative, the writer is -free to admit all mistakes committed by the party in early times—to -acknowledge that too much exclusiveness existed among those, forming the -leaders of the party, and occasionally a disregard of justice. And it is -freely admitted, that great mistakes were made by them, mistakes from -the effects of which the country has not yet recovered. But then, they -were but mistakes, and who does not make them. - -It may, then, be said, that in some respects the Family Compact retarded -the advance of civilization. An aristocracy, or nobility cannot thrive -in a new country and will certainly fail, and in its efforts to live be -a drawback on improvements. In the debate in the Imperial Parliament -upon the constitution of Canada, Mr. Pitt expresses his desire to have -established in Canada, an hereditary nobility. While never endorsing the -extreme views of Gourlay, it is thought he spake the truth when he said -that “nothing could have so exposed the absurdity, as actual trial and -consequent ridicule. By this day we should have witnessed many a -pleasant farce. We should have seen, perhaps, the Duke of Ontario -leading in a cart of hay, my Lord Erie pitching, and Sir Peter Superior, -making the rick; or perhaps, his Grace might now have been figuring as a -petty-fogging lawyer, his Lordship as a pedlar, and, Sir Knight, as a -poor parson, starving on 5,000 acres of Clergy Reserves.” - -If we allowed ourselves to speak of the future of our country, with -respect to this question, we should hesitate to say that the idea of -Pitt cannot be carried out. The repulsiveness of Republicanism is to -Canadians so great that we almost entertain the belief that our Dominion -may ultimately develope into a _nation_ with a constitutional monarchy, -with all its surroundings. It would certainly be infinitely preferable -to the “Model Republic.” - -In strong contrast to the Family Compact, yet likewise obstructionists -in the work of advancement, we now mention another class. - -We have said that not a few came to Canada from the States to trade with -the Canadians, to do work, and that some took up lands, and that of all -these a good many became true subjects of the realm, showing their -attachment by taking up arms in 1812. But while this fact is recognized, -it cannot be forgotten, that Canada was often, is even to-day, plagued -with a certain class, styled oftentimes speculators; but who are in -reality of the Peter Funk order. The class to whom reference is made, is -recognized by the honest Americans themselves. The _New York Tribune_, -after the close of the Southern war, in speaking of the South, says -thus: “We hear that many of the blacks, thoroughly distrusting their old -masters, place all confidence in the Yankees, who have recently come -among them, and will work for these on almost any terms. We regret this; -for while many of these Yankees will justify their confidence, others -will grossly abuse it. New England produces many of the best specimens -of the human race, and along with these, some of the very meanest beings -that ever stood on two legs—cunning, rapacious, hypocritical, ever ready -to skin a flint with a borrowed knife, and make (for others) soup out of -the peelings. This class soon became too well known at home—“run out,” -as the phrase is—when they wandered all over the earth, snuffling and -swindling, to the injury of the land that bore them and cast them out. -Now let it generally be presumed by the ignorant blacks of the South, -that a Yankee, because a Yankee, is necessarily their friend, and this -unclean brood will overspread the South like locusts, starting schools -and prayer-meetings at every cross-road, getting hold of abandoned or -confiscated plantations, and hiring laborers right and left, cutting -timber here, frying out tar and turpentine there, and growing corn, -cotton, rice, and sugar, which they will have sold at the earliest day -and run away with the proceeds, leaving the negroes in rags and -foodless, with winter just coming on.” - -It is unnecessary to say, that civilization was never much advanced by -this class, many specimens of which, time after time, have visited -Canada. - - - - - CHAPTER LXVII. - - CONTENTS—Agriculture—Natural Products—Rice—Ginseng—Orchards—Plows— - Reaping—Flax—Legislation—Agricultural Society organized by Simcoe— - A Snuff Box—Fogies—Silver—Want of help—Midland District taking the - lead—Societies—Legislative help—Prince Edward—Pearl Ashes— - Factories—Tanneries—Breweries, Carding Machines—Paper—Lumber—First - vehicles—Sleighs—Waggons—Home-made—Roads—First Public Conveyances— - Stages—Fare—Building Greater—Sawing Mills introduced by the Dutch— - First Brick Building—Myers’ House—Its past history—Furniture from - Albany—Currency—Paper Money—Banks—First Merchants—Barter—Pedlars— - On the Bay. - - - AGRICULTURAL MATTERS—PRODUCTS. - -While the dense forest everywhere yet covered the earth, the shores of -the Bay yielded some natural productions. The wild plum was plentiful in -some places, a fruit which, although in its natural state somewhat sour, -has, under cultivation, much improved in size as well as quality; and -constitutes to this day a valuable luxury; at the same time, it is -exceedingly healthy. In some places also, at the proper seasons, was the -delicious cranberries. These were often brought by the Indians, and -exchanged for some article of the settlers. In some parts of the Bay, -there grew wild rice, which was much prized by the Indians, and which -was often used by the settlers. It is spoken of as an excellent article -of diet, and when boiled with meat, very tasty as well. The grain is -much smaller than the imported article; not unfrequently, the Indians -would collect the grain and sell it to the settlers. - -In the year 1716, a Jesuit discovered in the forests of Canada, the -Ginseng plant, which grew also in China, where it was in much demand -because of certain supposed virtues to which, however, it rightly has no -claim. It is of the _genus Panax_. It “became a means of enriching the -colony for a time, by its exportation to China. A pound weight of it -worth two francs at Quebec, sold at Canton for twenty-five francs. Its -price ultimately rose to eighty francs per pound. One year, there was -sent thither, ginseng yielding a return of 500,000 francs. The high -price it obtained set everybody at work to find it. The plant was not in -proper condition till August or September; but with purblind avidity, -the seekers gathered it in May. The fresh plants ought to have been -slowly dried in the shade; the gatherers, anxious to get returns, dried -them in ovens. They then became worthless in Chinese estimation; and the -trade in it ceased almost as suddenly as it began.”—(Garneau.) But, -according to other authority, the trouble consisted in the actual -destruction of the plant, from gathering it too early in the season, -whereby the plant was killed, which seems a more likely thing. Some of -the settlers of the Bay had knowledge of the value of the plant in -Chinese estimation, as the following letter will show. It is addressed -to Mr. Wm. Bell, of Thurlow, who was subsequently known as Col. Bell. -“Fredericksburgh, 16th July, 1799. Sir—I have taken the liberty of -enclosing to you an advertisement, as you will see—Respecting Ginseng -roots, having in view to get all I can—and, thinking the Indians would -be likely to collect considerable of a quantity, will thank you to -acquaint them of it, or any of the white people you may see; and set up -the advertisement in the most public place about you.—And oblige, Your -very humble servant, Eben’r Washburn.” - -Another letter, dated Aug. 27, 1799, says “I have to acknowledge the -attention you have paid to mine of prior date, in respect of Ginseng. I -will thank you to keep the refusal of the 500 lbs. you mention, if -possible, and collect more if you can.” Mr. Washburn says that he is -about to set out for Montreal; and it was, most likely, to see what -market he could make of the article in question. - -One of the first considerations, after the settler had attained -comparative comfort, at least secured what was requisite for life, was -the planting of fruit trees. No doubt, the thoughts often reverted back -to the old orchards which had been left behind, and although the -pioneer, in the afternoon of life, could not expect to derive any -personal return for planting orchards, he was anxious to leave them to -his children. This same spirit—this regard for offspring, constituted a -marked feature in the U. E. Loyalists. The earliest reference to apple -trees we find, is in a letter, dated “Sydney, 22rd July, 1791,” from -John Ferguson, to William Bell, Kingston, requesting the latter to bring -some to Sidney. - -The implements of husbandry, like the utensils for household use, were, -for a considerable time, of the rudest description. Among the articles -granted by government, were but few to use in the tilling of land and -the reaping of crops. Here and there was one who had come at a later -date, who had fetched with them articles more essential for farm use; -but the great majority had not such things as hoes, plows, pitch-forks, -scythes, &c. Many of these were made by the settlers, and were of the -rudest order, although generally strong enough, and therefore cumbersome -enough. It was many years before these home-made implements were -substituted by others made abroad. Gourlay informs us, writing, 1817, -that most of the farmers made their own plows and harrows. The iron of -the plow costing from nine to twelve dollars. - -As the thickly covered ground, with stumps, materially interfered with -the sowing of grain; so with gathering the products. For several years, -they had only in use the sickle; but, in time, the Yankee pedlar brought -in the scythe, which ultimately took the place of the sickle. - -It has been observed, in connection with the “clothing” of the early -settlers, that they turned their attention to the growing of flax, and -that it was made to afford comfortable and durable habiliments for both -sexes. There was, as well, early attention given to the cultivation of -hemp, “in pursuance of two several addresses of the House of Commons.” -In 1804, £1,000 was granted, and Commissioners appointed, to carry into -effect the object thereof, cultivation and exportation. The following -year, £45 was granted for the purchase of hemp seed. Another Act was -passed in 1808, to encourage its cultivation and exportation. Again, -there was legislation in 1810, and in 1812, when £1,000 was granted for -the purchase, sale and exportation of hemp, purchase of seed, and for -bounties. In 1822, it was enacted that £300 be appropriated to purchase -machinery for dressing hemp, that the machinery should be imported free, -the place for erection to be selected by the Governor, £50 was to be -applied annually to keep it in repair. But, notwithstanding all this -legislation, and substantial encouragement, the cultivation of hemp did -not succeed. The object seems to have been to supply hemp for the -British market, which derived it from Russia. But labor being cheaper in -that country than in Canada, there was no chance for success. Gourlay -says “This absurdity we must not wholly rest on the shoulders of the -simple Canadians. They were simple indeed, to be voting away the public -money; but it was a patriotic measure, and blindness may be allowable in -matters so elevated and pure. No doubt they were spurred on by our home -ministers, who should have known better. The failure produced more -beneficial effects than would have waited on success.” - -Gov. Simcoe, who had the interest of the Province so much at heart, gave -his patronage to, if indeed he did not inspire the organization of the -first Agricultural Society, at Newark. Col. Clark, of Dalhousie says “I -have a perfect remembrance of the first Agricultural Society patronized -by Governor Simcoe, who subscribed his ten guineas a year cheerfully. My -father was a member, and the monthly dinners were given by the members -during the season, with the great silver snuff-box ornamented with the -horn of plenty on its lid.” The Col. remarks that this snuff-box was the -property of the society, and was taken care of by the one who was next -to furnish the dinner; and goes on to lament that it is lost, hoping it -may be found, “that it may remain as an heir-loom to tell posterity at -what an early period the progress of Agriculture was followed up and -which has led to its present high state of perfection.” Thus we see that -in Niagara District, at the very commencement of the Government of Upper -Canada, attention was given, even by the Governor, to agricultural -matters. Although the settlers upon the Niagara frontier, established -agricultural societies at an earlier date than any found in the Midland -Districts, it may be presumed that it was in a great measure due to the -impetus given to the settlement by the presence of the seat of -Government, and the influence exerted by the Governor. And, although -steps may not have been taken to secure their establishment along the -Bay Quinté, yet, even so early as the beginning of the last decade of -the last century, individuals were to be found who sought to introduce -improvements in agriculture, and everything that would advance the art. -At the same time it must be admitted that a vast number were content to -follow in the footsteps of their fathers so long as food and enough were -yielded by the soil. The land was plentiful, and productive. The course -of events was even as a steady stream. The old men satisfied with the -abundance of to-day, and drawing a contrast between the present and the -past, when starvation was at the door, and in the cupboard, were quite -content with the primitive system of agriculture, which his soldier -father had adopted. He saw no other mode of tilling the soil, and with -no reason sought not a change, so no innovations by scientific -agriculturalists disturbed the quiet repose of many of the steady going -plodders. Their sons rarely went abroad to learn the ways of others; and -often what did come to their ears was regarded with great suspicion. -They wanted no new-fangled notions. Hence, the farms were not fully -cultivated for many a day, parts remaining in a waste state for want of -drain. But the establishment of agricultural associations and the -occasional coming of a new man upon an old farm gradually, and -frequently very gradually, dispelled the old man’s ideas. - -The townships most contiguous to the town of Kingston, naturally were -the first to experience prosperity, and gradually the adjacent townships -also became productive, and means were created to transport the produce -to the market. - -We are told by Mrs. P——, daughter of John Ham, of Ernesttown, now -upwards of seventy, that she remembers one occasion, about the beginning -of the present century, that her father coming from Kingston, after -selling produce, had a bag of silver dollars, as much as she could lift— -$900. By this we learn that his farm was productive, his labor well -directed, and that hard cash was paid for his produce by the Kingston -merchants. It shows, moreover, that this was over and above the cost of -what was required of merchandize by him for his family using. - -One serious drawback with the farmers often was the want of assistants. -If a farmer had not a son old enough to help, he was in great trouble -oftentimes to secure the necessary help. Frenchmen were frequently -employed, yet they could not be fully depended upon to remain during the -whole season. At harvest time, when large wages would be offered, the -hired man would often, without hesitation, leave his employer to go to -another who would give for a while, larger wages. In the absence of men, -the wife and daughters took hold of the fork, cradle, and rake. - -If we may credit the statements of writers who had passed through Canada -in the beginning of the present century, the Midland District took the -lead in agricultural and social progress. Mr. Talbot, whose opinion of -the Canadians, as to their intelligence, education, morals, and -religion, was anything but flattering, made a pedestrian tour from the -west to Montreal, in 1823. He says of the inhabitants of Sidney, -Thurlow, and Richmond, that they possessed more wealth than any other -people in the Province. But Mr. Talbot passed only along the Kingston -Road by Napanee, and saw not the townships of the lower part of the bay, -or he would have seen even a more advanced state of prosperity and -agricultural wealth. - -The first formation of agricultural societies was initiated by an Act of -Parliament, passed March 6, 1830. The object of this Act was to give -encouragement to organize associations in the several districts, “For -the purpose of importing live stock, grain, grass, seeds, useful -implements, or whatever else might conduce to the improvement of -agriculture.” It was enacted that each society, having had subscribed to -it £50, should, upon petitioning the Governor, receive the sum of £100. -This Act was to remain in force four years. - -This Act was promptly responded to by the inhabitant of the Midland -District. So early as the 27th April following, a meeting of the -inhabitants of the district was held at the Court House, Kingston, H. C. -Thompson, Esq., Chairman, and H. Smyth, Esq., Secretary, and “A form of -a constitution for an Agricultural Society was read and submitted to the -meeting for approval.” The following day, the adjourned meeting adopted -a constitution for the Midland District Agricultural Society. The -officers were to be a President, five Vice-Presidents, thirty Directors, -a Treasurer, and a Secretary—One Vice-President, and six Directors to be -elected from each of the five counties in the district. John McCaulay, -Esq., was elected President; David J. Smith, Esq., Treasurer, and H. C. -Thompson, Esq., Secretary of the Society. It was “_Resolved_” by the -Society, “that Isaac Fraser, Esq., of Addington; Allan McPherson, Esq., -of Lennox; Asa Worden, Esq., of Prince Edward; and William Bell, Esq., -of Hastings, be requested to call meetings in their respective -counties,” and make returns as to whom had been elected for -Vice-Presidents and Directors. The Vice-President for the County of -Frontenac was John Marks, Esq. - -In the _Hallowell Free Press_ of May 31, 1831, we find that the “Annual -Meeting of the Prince Edward Agricultural Association, was held at -Striker’s Inn, in Hallowell, on the 26th instant. The following officers -were chosen for the following year:—Stephen Miles, President; James -Colter, William Cunningham, and Paul Clapp, Vice-Presidents; S. P. -McPherson, Secretary; B. Dougall, Assistant Secretary; David Smith, -Treasurer.” The Government having offered a bounty of £100 to every -society which could raise £50; the Prince Edward Society raised the -necessary amount. But judging from a communication, which subsequently -appeared in the _Press_, the townships of Hallowell and Hillier, raised -the most of the amount, £46; Marysburgh, Sophiasburgh, and Ameliasburgh, -paying only £4. - -In a General Report of Midland District, 1817, it is stated that “the -assess roll gives about 3,600 horses above two years; 100 oxen above -four years; 6,185 milch cows; 1,654 head of young cattle above two -years.” - -The first great obstacle to agriculture in Upper Canada was the thickly -standing trees, many of which were large and hard in substance. For the -first years, with every one, destruction of the trees was the only -consideration, not even the ashes were thought of. But after a time, -their value for the manufacture of pot and pearl ashes was recognized. -In July, 1801, an Act was passed to appoint Inspectors of flour, and pot -and pearl ashes, in order to establish the credit of those articles in -foreign markets, the fee for examining to be threepence per barrel of -flour, and one shilling for every cask of pot ash. - -The following appears in the _Kingston Gazette_, April 19, 1817, after -stating that “a Pearl and Pot Barley Factory is to be established in -Ernesttown. It is said this is the first establishment of the kind we -recollect to have heard of in Upper Canada, we have seen some of the -barley, and think it equal to that imported. Such domestic manufactories -ought to be encouraged by the community.” - - - AGRICULTURE—FACTORIES—MERCHANTS. - -The first Brewery and Distillery established in Upper Canada, was built -by John Finkle, of Ernesttown, on his own place. He also kept, for many -years the only tavern between Kingston and York. Mr. Finkle also built -the first Masonic Lodge of Upper Canada, at his own expense, upon the -town plot of Fredericksburgh. - -It is stated in Gourlay, that in 1817, there was in Kingston township “a -machine for carding wool, at the rate of nine-pence per pound.” In -Ernesttown “there were two carding, and one fulling machines. One barley -hulling mill, together with a blast furnace. Carding is nine-pence -half-penny per pound, and fulling six-pence per yard.” In Sophiasburgh -there was one carding machine. In Hallowell, there was one carding, and -one fulling machine. Thurlow had two carding machines, and two fulling -mills. In the whole Midland District, there were twenty-four grist-mills -and forty saw-mills. - -John Morden, who came to the bay about 1790, “was a man well known in -his day, being a manufacturer of general household goods, as chairs, -spinning-wheels, flax-dressers, weaver’s apparatus, and other things. In -the house of mostly every descendant of a Quinté settler, may be found -some of his work, especially those who occupy the homesteads.” - -As an indication of the desire of Government to encourage home -manufactures, we find that Parliament, in 1826, granted £125 as a -premium to the first “who should set up a manufactory of paper,” and -bring it into successful operation. - -The valuable timber that thickly covered the ground, was, at the first, -indiscriminately destroyed, scarcely thinking of saving the ashes; but, -in a few years, the majestic pine, oak, elm, and other trees of the -forest were sought after by the lumber merchant. For many years, -lumbering was carried on in the Bay Quinté, and rafted to Montreal, and -was a source of no little profit. - -The wilderness was trackless, and of course some time elapsed before -vehicles of any kind could be used, except in winter, after the bays and -rivers had frozen. Rude sleighs, made by inferior tools, were the first -made. At first hand-sleighs; and then heavier ones, to be used with oxen -and horses. But as the beasts of burden were scarce, there was but one -here and there, who had occasion to make a vehicle of any kind, except -what could be hauled by hand. The sleighs were often used in summer to -haul in grain and hay from the field. Some constructed a sort of waggon -by sawing a hard-wood tree, of suitable size across, making four pieces -about a foot in length. Holes having been bored through the centre of -the blocks, they constituted the wheels of the waggon. The axle-tree of -hard-wood was then fashioned to suit the wheels, and in this way a -rough, but serviceable vehicle was made, which proved of great use, -especially in hauling grain and hay to the place of stacking. The -account of one is given which would carry as much as 150 sheaves. - -As years elapsed, and roads were cut and made passable, waggons were -introduced. One of the first waggons brought into the Province was, it -is said, by Jacob Cronk, of Sophiasburgh. It came from Duchess County, -New York. The second one was brought by James Way. Possibly this is not -true, but at least they were the first introduced into that township. - -The first public conveyance by land between Kingston and Montreal, was -made by Dickenson. He called on Judge Cartwright to consult him about -opening a line of stage travel. Consequently, in 1808, a line was -established. It ran all the year round, though not so regularly in -summer as in winter. “Lumber gentlemen from Quebec traveled through by -the stage.”—(Finkle.) - -It was not until the war of 1812, that a line of stages was commenced -between Kingston and York. By an advertisement in the _Kingston -Gazette_, it is learned that in June, 1817, “A stage was commenced -running from Kingston to York, leaving Kingston every Monday morning at -six o’clock, and York every Thursday morning, same hour.” “Persons -wishing for a passage will call at Mr. David Brown’s Inn, Kingston, -where the stage-books will be kept. From twenty to twenty-eight pounds -baggage will be allowed to each passenger, over this they must be -charged for. All baggage sent by the stage will be forwarded with care, -and delivered with punctuality, and all favors acknowledged by the -public’s humble servant. (Signed), Samuel Purdy, Kingston, January 23, -1817. N.B. Stage fare, eighteen dollars.” - -The same year, Lieutenant Hull, traveling in Canada, writes that there -is a stage waggon from Montreal to Prescott, which carries the mail. -From thence to Kingston the mail is carried on horseback. The stage -waggon, he remarks, is the roughest conveyance on either side of the -Atlantic. - -The first buildings were of logs, generally put up in their natural -rough state; now and then, as the Government mill at Kingston, the logs -were squared. There was only one way of procuring sawed lumber, and that -was by the whip saw. But few of the settlers thought of spending the -time and labor necessary to obtain what was not strictly necessary. -Houses, barns, saw-mills, flouring-mills, even breweries and -still-houses were all alike constructed of logs. Indeed, many a one had -no barn for years; stacking his grain, and thrashing upon the ground, -made smooth and hard. When, however, sawing-mills began to spring up -here and there, sawed lumber became a more common article, and after -several years, individuals, better off than others, began to put up -framed buildings, both houses and barns, and so forth. Sawing-mills were -introduced originally into America by the Dutch, and it was their -descendants who introduced them into Canada. But it was slowly done. It -required no little capital to procure even the small amount of machinery -which was then used, and to have it brought so long a distance. Then, -millwrights were not plentiful, and often inferior in skill. Indeed -there was nothing at hand by which to erect sawing-mills, until after -many years. In the meantime, the whip saw enabled them to construct -something like a door for the house and log barn; and rough sort of -furniture was made for the house. But toward the close of the last -century, sawing-mills became somewhat numerous. The demand for lumber -was foreseen, and those who had a water privilege set about to get up a -mill. Following the saw-mill came the grist-mill, which, though more -needed than the former, because of its greater expense, was not built -until a later period. It was about the first of 1800, that frame -buildings began to appear in the first, second, and third townships -particularly, to take the place of the log hut. Mr. George Finkle, of -Ernesttown, says, his father Henry Finkle, who, during the war, had -learned the use of carpenter’s tools, in the Engineer Department, built, -with his whip saw and cross-cut saw, the first frame house in the -country. He also built the first school-house, and a dwelling house for -the teacher on his own premises. Likewise, the first wharf along the -bay. - -We have made somewhat extensive enquiries, and believe we are correct in -stating that the oldest brick building in Upper Canada is situated upon -the brow of the hill at Belleville. We also entertain the belief that it -was the first, certainly one of the very first brick buildings put up in -the Province. It is known as Myers’ House, having been built by Captain -Myers about the year 1794. This quaint edifice, upon which the tooth of -time is eating so peacefully, standing upon the brink of the hill was, -when new, of most imposing appearance; and, no doubt, stood up grandly, -overlooking the winding river, and the thickly set cedars at its base. -The bricks were made in Sidney _at the Myers Place_, five miles east of -Trenton. Captain Myers was a man of great hospitality, which was shared -in by his estimable spouse, whose short stature and genial face is -remembered by some yet living. They served visitors at the brick house -always with an excellent board. Here, many a distinguished traveler -between Kingston and York, Dr. Strachan among the number, found a -welcome. Not less so was it with the farmers round about, who came long -distances to get grists ground; all such were invited to the table and -supplied with a bed until the grist was ground. The furniture for the -house was procured at Albany. - -In June, 1796, an Act was passed “for the better Regulation of certain -Coins current in the Province;” and it was enacted that the British -guinea, the Johannes of Portugal, the moidore of Portugal, the American -eagle, the British crown, the British shilling, the Spanish milled -dollar, the Spanish pistareen, the French crown, and several other -French pieces; the American dollar, should pass as legal tender at -certain specified value. - -The punishment for tendering “a counterfeit, knowingly,” of any of the -gold or silver coins of Great Britain, Portugal, the United States, -Spain, or France, was to suffer one year’s imprisonment, and be set in -and upon the pillory for the space of one hour, in some conspicuous -place, and upon a second conviction, he should be adjudged guilty of -felony without benefit of clergy. - -The first paper money issued in America, was by the Anglo-Americans in -1689, to pay the troops under Sir William Phipps, when he returned from -the unsuccessful seige of Quebec. The value ranged from ten pounds to -two shillings. - -During the war of 1812, in 1813, an Act was passed “to facilitate the -circulation within the Province, of Army Bills, issued by the authority -of the Lower Province.” It was to continue one year unless peace was -declared. - -The first Legislation in Upper Canada, with respect to banks, was in -1819, when the Bank of Kingston, or, as it was subsequently called -Pretended Bank of Upper Canada, was incorporated; but, this was -“forfeited by non-user,” although the institution was in operation, -under the title of “the President, Directors, and Company of the Bank of -Upper Canada.” Legislation was made in 1823, to settle the affairs of -the “pretended bank.” The commissioners were George Herkimer, Markland, -John Kirby, and John Macaulay. Repeated Acts were necessary before the -affairs of this company were fully settled. - -In 1819, was also passed an Act to “form the Company of the Bank of -Upper Canada.” It was reserved for the assent of His Majesty, which was -given and made known by proclamation in 1821. Among the names of those -who petitioned for the Act of Incorporation, are those of Allan, -Baldwin, Legge, Jackson, Ridout, Boulton, Robinson, Macaulay, Cameron, -and Anderson. This bank, the failure of which so recently occurred, was, -in its time, of great benefit to the Province, and it deserved a better -fate. - -A necessary attendant of civilization is a sufficient supply of such -merchandize as is requisite to give comfort, and even luxuries. The long -distance of the first settlers of Upper Canada from the marts of -commerce, with a barrier of forest, and the swift rapids of the St. -Lawrence, kept out for many a day, many comforts, and all luxuries. But -in time, persons engaged in the mercantile business, and articles of -various kinds began to find their way into the wilderness-bound colony. -The first merchants of the Province were engaged in the fur trade; but, -as time passed away, they found customers among the settlers, who bought -their produce, and, in return, brought to them goods. - -Among the first, and the principal merchants of Upper Canada were -Duncan, of Matilda; Cartwright, of Kingston; Hamilton, of Queenstown; -and Robertson, of Sandwich. These gentlemen, we have seen, occupied -conspicuous positions, and amassed no little wealth; unless we except -Duncan, who removed. The Hon. Robert Hamilton, it is said, died, leaving -an estate worth £200,000. - -Colonel Clarke, of Dalhousie, speaks of his brothers Peter and James, -who “turned merchants, having been supplied with an assortment of goods -from Montreal. In 1790, they went into the Indian trade at Kingston, -which had a great communication with the back lakes.” - -We also learn that Mr. Macaulay carried on business first at Carleton -Island, and afterward at Kingston, with no little profit. One of the -oldest settlers in Kingston was Joseph Forsyth. He became one of the -first merchants in Kingston, and for many years conducted a lucrative -business with the Indians and settlers. He “ever maintained the -character of an upright and reputable merchant.” He died 20th September, -1813, aged fifty-three. - -A bartering trade commenced between the settlers in the township of -Kingston, and the nearer townships, and some persons at Carleton Island; -gradually the field of operation was transferred to Kingston. Many of -the loyalists, who were constantly arriving, procured food and a few -other things at these places. - -In 1817, there were in the Township of Kingston sixty-seven stores and -shops, this includes the different denominations of shops kept by -mechanics. In the whole of Midland District there were about -eighty-eight merchants’ shops: twenty-four storehouses. Mr. Gourlay -says, at this time, that Kingston is the third place in the Canadas, -Quebec and Montreal being first. - -When want no longer rested upon the inhabitants, they began to look even -for comforts and luxuries. They were supplied now and then with -articles, both those essential to living, and those which may be called -comforts and luxuries, by itinerant merchants. These pedlars were -generally from the States, and often managed to drive bargains in which -the settler received not a fair return for the grain or other article he -parted with. But some of the pedlars were honest, and ultimately became -settlers and good loyal subjects. One of the first, probably the first, -to visit the western extremity of the bay, was one Asa Walbridge, an old -bachelor, somewhat eccentric, and withal shrewd, he not only turned an -honest penny, but contributed very much to the welfare and comfort of -the settlers. His head-quarters, when ashore, were at the mouth of -Myers’ Creek, where he was the first to erect a log house. It was he -brought in many of the first fruit trees, which have rendered many of -the old farms more valuable. He brought in the seeds from the States, -and planted numbers here and there, often from motives of kindness -alone. We have been told that all the old orchards in Prince Edward came -from his planting. Some of the merchants in Kingston entrusted goods to -local storekeepers by whom the settlers were also supplied with articles -of different kinds. - -Dr. Armstrong says, I ought not to omit the name of James Cummings, -Esq., merchant, of the Port of Hallowell, now Picton. He was a man of -sterling integrity, upright and just in all his dealings. He was greatly -respected and esteemed, and died in the midst of his manhood, greatly -lamented, about the year 1818. He was a younger brother of the late John -Cummings, of Kingston. - - - - - CHAPTER LXVIII. - - CONTENTS—Steam vessels—Crossing the Atlantic in 1791—First Steam - Vessel—Hudson—The second on the St. Lawrence—First across the - Atlantic—In Upper Canada—_Frontenac_—Built in Ernesttown—The - Builders—Finkle’s Point—Cost of Vessel—Dimensions—Launched—First - Trip—Captain McKenzie—_Walk-in-the-Water_—_Queen Charlotte_—How - Built—Upon Bay Quinté—Capt. Dennis—First year—Death of Dennis— - Henry Gilderslieve—What he did—Other Steamboats—Canals—First in - Upper Canada—Welland Canal—Desjardin—Rideau—Its object—Col. By—A - proposed Canal—Railroads—The first in the world—Proposed Railway - from Kingston to Toronto, 1846—In Prince Edward District—Increase - of Population—Extract from Dr. Lillie—Comparison with the United - States—Favorable to Canada—False Cries—The French—Midland - District, 1818. - - - THE FIRST STEAM VESSELS—CANALS, RAILWAYS. - -We have already, under “Traveling in early Times,” spoken of the first -vessels that floated upon the waters of the western world, and we design -now to speak of those which advancing civilization brought, to a certain -extent, to supersede the original boats used by the Indians and first -European colonisers. At the present day Europe is brought into close -relationship with us by the swiftly running steamer, while the two -continents hold daily intercourse by means of the telegraph; yet, not a -century ago, it required many months for the slow-sailing ship to -traverse the breadth of the Atlantic. In 1789, mails with England was -only twice a year. At the time Simcoe came to Canada, in 1791, there -were only those merchant ships that made altogether eleven voyages in -the year. “A Traveler,” writes, that “regular packets across the -Atlantic, first sailed in 1764. The Liverpool Packet Line began running -in 1818.” - -The river Hudson, named after the navigator of that name, who ascended -this splendid stream, called, by the native Indians, “The great River of -Mountains,” in 1609, has the honor of being the place whereon floated -the first steamboat that existed in the world. The boat was launched in -the year 1807, being named ‘Clermont.’ It was of 150 tons burden. The -engine was procured from Birmingham. Robert Fulton, of New York, though -not the originator of steam power, was the first in America who directed -it to the propelling of boats. Fulton, the pioneer in boats by steam, -lived not long enough to see accomplished the grand end of propelling -boats thus across the Atlantic. He died in 1815. The second steamboat -built in America, was launched at Montreal, 3rd Nov., 1809, built by -John Molson. It was called _Accommodation_, and plied between Montreal -and Quebec. At the first trip it carried ten passengers from Montreal to -Quebec, taking thirty-six hours. The whole city of Quebec came out to -see her enter the harbor. The fare was eight dollars down, and nine up. - -It is found stated that the first steamboat from America to England, was -in 1819; and the first steamboat built in Great Britain was in 1812, by -Henry Bell, of Glasgow. But the following is found in the Portland -_Advertiser_:—“The first steamship which made the voyage, under steam -throughout, across the Atlantic, was the _Royal William_, in 1833. This -vessel was of 180 horse-power, and 1,000 tons burden, and built at a -place called Three Rivers, on the St. Lawrence, in Canada. The voyage -was made from Picton, Nova Scotia to Cowes, Isle of Wight.” - -The first steamboat on Lake Ontario, the _Frontenac_, was built upon the -shores of the Bay, at Finkle’s Point, Ernesttown, eighteen miles from -Kingston, and within the corporation of Bath. She was commenced in -October, 1815, and launched the following season. The three years of war -had caused many changes in Upper Canada. On the whole, it may be said -that the war materially benefitted the Province. After peace, things did -not relapse into their former state. A spirit of enterprise was abroad, -especially in the mercantile community. The leading men of Kingston -conceived the idea of forming a company to build a steamboat, to ply on -Lake Ontario, and the navigable waters of the St. Lawrence. A company -was consequently formed, composed of individuals belonging to Kingston, -Niagara, Queenston, York, and Prescott. The shareholders of Kingston -were Joseph Forsyth, Yeomans, Marsh, Lawrence Herkimer, John Kirby, -Capt. Murney, William Mitchell, and, in fact, all of the principal men -except the Cartwright family. Advertisements were issued for tenders to -construct the boat. The advertisement was responded to by two parties; a -Scotchman, by the name of Bruce, from Montreal, and Henry Teabout, from -Sacket’s Harbor. Bruce was several days at Kingston before the other -person arrived, and he supposed he would get the contract. Mr. Finkle -says Teabout came with a letter from Hooker and Crane to Johns and -Finkle, informing them who Teabout was, and asking them to favor him -with their influence in procuring the contract. The letter was shown to -Mr. Kirby, of Kingston, who was one of the committee of the company. Mr. -Kirby assured Finkle and Johns, that notwithstanding the prejudice which -existed on account of the war, the tender of Teabout should receive -every justice. No other tender being made, the committee met and -decided, by a small majority, to accept Teabout’s. All those who voted -for Bruce “were either Scotch or of Scottish descent.” Teabout having -received the contract, at once, with Finkle, set about to find a place -to build. After two day’s examination of the coast, he selected Finkle’s -Point, in consequence of the gravelly nature of the shore, as thereby -would be obviated the delay which frequently followed rains, where soils -would not quickly dry. “The next consideration was to advance £5,000 to -go to New York and procure a ship carpenter and other necessaries to -commence operations. Accordingly, we (Johns and Finkle) became security, -with the understanding that so soon as the boat should be so far -advanced as to be considered worth the security, our bond would be -returned. So satisfactorily did the work progress, that the bond was -shortly handed to us by the Treasurer, who was William Mitchell. Here I -will digress a short time. During the war of 1812, David Eckford, the -Master ship-builder, of New York, was sent to Sacket’s Harbour, to take -charge of the ship building at that place, and brought with him his -carpenters. Among them were three young men, Henry Teabout, James -Chapman and William Smith. The last was born on Staten Island, the other -two in New York. Teabout and Smith served their time with Eckford. -Chapman was a block turner. At the close of the war, these three formed -a co-partnership, and Teabout, in contracting for building the -_Frontenac_, was acting for the company. Before building the steamboat, -they had built for themselves at Sacket’s Harbour, the _Kingston_, the -only craft plying between Sacket’s and Kingston, and a fine schooner for -the Lake, called the _Woolsley_. Chapman was in charge of the -_Kingston_, and was doing a more than ordinary profitable business. -Bruce’s friends wished to do something for him, and had him appointed, -at a guinea a day, to inspect the timber (of the Frontenac). His study -was to delay the building of the boat; there was a constant contest -between him and Teabout.”—(Finkle). The contract price of the wood work -was £7,000. When the boat was almost ready for the machinery, the -contractor’s funds were expended. The engine cost £7,000. Before the -vessel was completed, the cost reached nearly the sum of £20,000. - -The Kingston _Gazette_ informs us that “On Saturday, the 7th of -September, 1816, the steamboat _Frontenac_ was launched at the village -of Ernesttown. A numerous concourse of people assembled on the occasion. -But, in consequence of an approaching shower, a part of the spectators -withdrew before the launch actually took place. The boat moved slowly -from her place, and descended with majestic sweep into her proper -element. The length of her keel is 150 feet; her deck, 170 feet; (the -tonnage was about 700). Her proportions strike the eye very agreeably; -and good judges have pronounced this to be the best piece of naval -architecture of the kind yet produced in America. It reflects honor upon -Messrs. Trebout and Chapman, the contractors, and their workmen; and -also upon the proprietors, the greater part of whom are among the most -respectable merchants and other inhabitants of the County of Frontenac, -from which the name is derived. The machinery for this valuable boat was -imported from England, and is said to be of an excellent structure. It -is expected that she will be finished and ready for use in a few weeks. -Steam navigation having succeeded to admiration in various rivers, the -application of it to the waters of the Lakes is an interesting -experiment. Every friend to public improvements must wish it all the -success which is due to a spirit of useful enterprise.” The _Gazette_ -adds: “A steamboat was lately launched at Sacket’s Harbor. The opposite -side of the Lake, which not long ago vied with each other in the -building of ships of war, seem now to be equally emulous of commercial -superiority.” Gourlay says the boat at Sacket’s Harbor was on a smaller -scale, and less expensive. “She, the _Frontenac_, was estimated to cost -£14,000; before she commenced her watery walk, her cost exceeded -£20,000.”—(Finkle). “The deck was 170 feet long and thirty-two feet -wide, draws only eight feet when loaded. Two paddle-wheels, with about -forty feet circumference; answers slowly to the helm.”—(Howison). - -The Kingston _Gazette_, of May 24, 1817, says, “Yesterday afternoon the -steamboat left Mr. Kirby’s wharf for the dock at Point Frederick. We are -sorry to hear, that through some accident, the machinery of one of the -wheels has been considerably damaged, notwithstanding which, however, -she moved with majestic grandeur against a strong wind. We understand -she has gone to the dock, it being a more convenient place for putting -in a suction pipe.” The same paper, of May 31, 1817, further says, “The -steamboat _Frontenac_, after having completed the necessary work at the -Naval Yard, left this port yesterday morning, for the purpose of taking -in wood at the Bay Quinté. A fresh breeze was blowing into the harbor, -against which she proceeded swiftly and steadily, to the admiration of a -great number of spectators. We congratulate the managers and proprietors -of this elegant boat, upon the prospects she affords of facilitating the -navigation of Lake Ontario, by furnishing an expeditious and _certain -mode_ of conveyance to its various ports.” “June 7th, 1817. The -_Frontenac_ left this port on Thursday (5th,) on her first trip for the -head of the Lake.” She was commanded by Capt. James McKenzie, of the -Royal Navy, the first trip she made, who continued in command until she -was no longer seaworthy. The Purser was A. G. Petrie, of Belleville, now -far advanced in years. The _Frontenac_ made the trip up and down the -Lake and River, to Prescott, once a week. Whether she went further west -than York, at first, is uncertain. Capt. Jas. McKenzie “came to Canada -with the first division of the Royal Navy, sent from England to serve on -the Lakes during the war of 1812. At the conclusion of the war, he -returned to England, and was placed on half pay; but his active habits -led him to consider and study the powers of the steam engine, and he -soon became acquainted with its complicated machinery. In 1816, he -returned to Kingston, and assisted in fitting up the _Frontenac_, which -he commanded till she was worn out. Since, he has commanded the -_Alciope_ on this Lake, and at the time of his death, (27th August, -1832, aged 50), was engaged in the construction of two other steamboats; -one at the head of the Lake, and one at Lake Simcoe; and was, on most -occasions, consulted respecting the management of steamboats, so that he -may justly be called the father of steam navigation in Upper Canada—his -death may be considered a great loss to society and to the country.” - -The first steamboat built to ply on Lake Erie was “Walk-in-the-Water,” -built at Buffalo at the same time the “Frontenac” was built, and -commenced her watery walk about the same time. - -Respecting the _Kingston_, built at Sacket’s Harbor, we find it stated -she was intended to ply between Lewiston and Ogdensburgh, but after a -trial of a few months the undertaking was found to be either -unprofitable or too much for the powers of the vessel to accomplish, and -she afterwards employed ten days in making the round trip of 600 miles. -She was 100 feet long and 24 feet wide, measuring 246 tons. The wheels -were about 11 feet in diameter, and the capacity of the engine 21 horse -power. - -Almost immediately after the _Frontenac_ was launched a second steamboat -was commenced. The material which had been collected while building the -_Frontenac_ had not all been used, and went far in the construction of -the “Queen Charlotte,” which was destined to be the pioneer steamer upon -the Bay Quinté and River St. Lawrence, in its upper waters. She was -built by shares of £50 each. Johns and Finkle had nine shares. She was -built, (Gilderslieve being the principal shipwright,) launched, and -commenced running in the early part of 1818. The engine was furnished by -Brothers Wards of Montreal, being made at their foundry. She was not -long launched before she was ready to run. She made trips twice a week -from Wilkins’ wharf, at the Carrying Place, to Prescott. She was -commanded a few of the first trips by an old veteran captain named -Richardson, who lived then near Picton, and afterward to the close of -the season, by a young man named Mosier. Of the number of passengers on -the first trip we have no knowledge, but suppose them to be few, for -Belleville, then the largest place above Kingston, was a mere hamlet— -Trent, Hallowell, Adolphustown and Bath were the only stopping places -from the head of the Bay to Kingston. They were regulated in their -course, the first summer by frequently heaving the lead, an old -man-of-war’s-man being on board for the purpose. (Collins reported in -1788 that vessels drawing only from eight to ten feet of water can go -into the Bay Quinté). For two seasons she was commanded by Capt. Dennis; -Mr. Gilderslieve was purser the second and third seasons; and the fourth -commenced his captaincy, which lasted as long as the boat was seaworthy, -a period of nearly twenty years; he was, at the building, a master -shipwright, and became a stockholder. - -Says Mrs. Carroll, “of the fare from place to place I have no knowledge, -but from the head of the bay to Kingston, the first season it was five -dollars, meals included.” - -The good old Charlotte was a very acceptable improvement in the -navigation of the Bay. A few of the owners of sailing crafts, perhaps, -suffered for a time; but the settlers regarded her as an unmixed -blessing. During the first years she was so accommodating as to stop any -where to pick up a passenger from a small boat, or let one off. - -The old inhabitants of to-day speak of her with words of kindness. But -the _Queen Charlotte_ has passed away. The last remembered of her was -her hull rotting away in the Cataraqui Bay above the bridge. - -The steamer did not prove remunerative to the stockholders until -Gilderslieve became the commander. Of the second Captain, we produce the -subjoined from a Toronto daily of 1867: - - DEATH OF MR. DENNIS.—“We observe with much regret the death of - Joseph Dennis, Esq., of Weston, and with it the severance of another - link connecting us with the early history of this country. Mr. - Dennis was born in New Brunswick in 1789, his father, the late John - Dennis, having settled there after being driven out of the United - States as a U. E. Loyalist. The family removed to Canada some three - years later, Mr. John Dennis receiving a grant of land for his - services and losses as a Loyalist. This land was selected on the - Humber river, and on it he then settled and lived, till having been - appointed Superintendent of the dock-yard, he removed to Kingston. - - “Our recently deceased friend, Mr. Joseph Dennis, was brought up in - the dock-yard to a thorough knowledge of ship-building, which - occupation, however, he soon exchanged for a more congenial one—that - of sailing. Owning a vessel on the lake at the outbreak of the - American war of 1812, he placed himself and his vessel at the - disposal of the Government, and was attached to the Provincial - Marine. In one of the actions on Lake Ontario he lost his vessel, - was captured, and retained a prisoner in the hands of the enemy for - some fifteen months. He subsequently commanded, we believe, the - first steamer on the waters of Lake Ontario, the _Princess - Charlotte_, which plied, as regularly as could be expected from a - steamer of fifty years back, between the Bay of Quinté, Kingston, - and Prescott. For the last six and thirty years Mr. Dennis had - retired from active pursuits, retaining, till within the last year, - remarkable vigour, which, however, he taxed but little excepting to - indulge his taste in fishing, of which he was an enthusiastic - disciple. A man of genial and happy temperament, of unbending - integrity, of simple tastes and methodical habits, he was a type of - man fast passing out of this country.” - -The successor of the “Charlotte” was built by John G. Parker, called the -“Kingston” commanded for a time by John Grass. She did not prove so -serviceable as the “Charlotte.” Then followed the “Sir James Kemp,” -which was built also at Finkle’s Point. - -A history of the first steamboats of the bay would be incomplete without -particular reference to one individual, whose name is even yet -associated with one of the steamboats which ply up and down the Bay. - -Henry Gilderslieve came into Canada about a month before the Frontenac -was launched, in August, 1816. He was the son of a ship-builder, who -owned yards on the Connecticut river, and built vessels for the New York -market. Being a skilful shipwright he assisted to finish off the -Frontenac, and then as master ship-builder, assisted at the Charlotte. -During this time Mr. Gilderslieve himself built a packet named the -Minerva. In building this vessel he brought to his assistance the -knowledge he had acquired in his father’s yard. The result was, that -when she was taken to Kingston to receive her fittings out, Capt. Murney -examined her inside and out, and particularly her mould, which exceeded -anything he had seen, and declared her to be the best craft that ever -floated in the harbour of Kingston, which afterward she proved herself -to be, when plying two years as a packet between Toronto and Niagara.— -(Finkle). - -At a later date Mr. Gilderslieve superintended the building of the “Sir -James Kemp,” at Finkle’s Point. This was the last built there, after -which Mr. Gilderslieve commenced building at Kingston. Here were -constructed the Barry, a lake boat, with two engines, which in its third -year of running collided with the schooner Kingston, at night, and -immediately sank, the passengers only being saved; the _Prince of -Wales_, the _New Era_, and the _Bay of Quinté_. Thus it will be seen -that Mr. Gilderslieve’s name is associated with most of the steamers -which have plowed the waters of the Bay, first as a skilful shipwright, -then commander and shareholder, and finally as a successful proprietor -of a ship-yard, and owner of vessels. Says one who knew him long: “Of -Mr. Gilderslieve’s business habits there are numerous evidences, for -years it seemed that everything he touched turned to gold, hence the -wealth he left behind him, and I can say, that during the many years I -knew him, I never heard a want of honest integrity laid to his charge, -he died in the fall of, I think, 1851, of cholera, much lamented and -greatly missed.” - -The following we clip from a paper of 1842: - -“In 1821 the new steamboat _Prince Edward_, built at Garden Island, and -intended for the Bay of Quinté route, made her trial trip to Bath and -back last week in three hours. She is beautifully finished, but being -rather _crank_ in the water, it will probably be necessary to give her -false sides. - -“The new steamboat _Prince of Wales_, built at the marine railway by Mr. -Shea, and intended for the Bay, was also tried last week, and performed -well. She has the engine of the _Sir James Kempt_.” - -CANALS.—The mighty water way from the Atlantic to the head water of the -western lakes is interrupted in its course by numerous rapids down -rock-strewed channels, and by the Falls of Niagara. These natural -obstacles to navigation had to be overcome by artificial means, before -the water road could become a highway. This has already been done for -vessels of a certain tonnage, by constructing the St. Lawrence Canals— -the Lachine Canal, Beauharnois, and Cornwall, which were completed in -1847; and the Welland Canal, across the Niagara District, to Lake Erie. -The distance from this Lake to Montreal, is 367 miles. The total fall in -this way, is 564 feet. - -After the war of 1812, seeing the importance of inland navigation, -beyond the easy reach of an enemy, the country was explored with the -view of securing navigation between Montreal and Kingston. It was -proposed to open a “new route up the Ottawa to the mouth of the Rideau, -and up that river near to its head waters, thence by a short portage to -Kingston Mill river, and down that stream to Kingston;” but the want of -means for a time delayed the work, although, at the time mentioned, -advertisements were made for estimates. - -The Welland Canal Company was incorporated in 1824, by Act of -Parliament. The projector and the most earnest worker securing this -important work, was the late William Hamilton Merritt. - -The first canal cut in Canada, was that between Burlington Bay and Lake -Ontario. An Act to provide for this was passed in March, 1813. - -In 1826, the Desjardin Canal Company was incorporated by Act of -Parliament, in accordance with the petition of Peter Desjardin, and -others, to make a canal between Burlington Bay and the village of -“Coats’ Paradise.” - -“At Kingston is the outlet of that stupendous work, the Rideau Canal, an -immense military highway, connecting the Ottawa and St. Lawrence Rivers. -The locks on this canal are amongst the grandest structures of the same -nature in the world. The undertaking was commenced and carried out by -the Imperial Government at an immense expenditure, chiefly for military -purposes, as affording a safe channel for the conveyance of stores, -arms, &c., when the frontiers might be exposed, and partly with a -commercial view of avoiding the rapids of the St. Lawrence, at that time -considered insurmountable, in the transit from the sea-board. This canal -cost upwards of £1,000,000 sterling. Its construction was expected to -have great influence on the welfare of Kingston, and for some time such -influence was doubtlessly beneficially felt, as it was necessary to -trans-ship at that port as well the products of the west in their -carriage to the seaboard, as the merchandize for Western Canada in its -transportation westward, and to forward them by other crafts through the -canal, or up the lake, thus creating a large source of labor, outlay and -gain, and employment to numerous forwarders, agents, and workmen in the -transhipment. The improved navigation of the St. Lawrence, by the -construction of the St. Lawrence Canals, and the discovery of other and -better channels than were known, to a great extent abolished that source -of life and activity on the wharfs and in the harbours of the city.” - -“The canal was intended for the passage of barges, both down and up -between Kingston and Bytown. Steamers, however, were soon made available -in guiding barges down the rapids, which came with return cargoes up the -canal. Now steam-tugs tow, through the course afforded by the St. -Lawrence Canals, both schooners and barges up as well as down the -stream, and where schooners are used, no transhipment necessarily takes -place at Kingston. Of late, it has been found profitable to employ -barges in the navigation of the St. Lawrence, or it has been found -profitable for schooners to confine their trip to the open lake, which, -with the facilities for the transhipment of grain afforded by an -extensive steam elevator, has caused a renewed life in that branch of -business.” - -“This important work unites, as we have stated, the waters of the St. -Lawrence, with those of the Ottawa. It commences at Kingston, and -pursues a north-eastern direction through a chain of lakes, with most of -which it becomes identified in its course, until it intersects Rideau -River, continuing its route along the banks, and sometimes in the bed of -the river; it enters the Ottawa at Bytown, (now the City of Ottawa) in -north latitude 45° 23”—Length from Kingston to Bytown, including the -navigable courses, 126 miles, with 46 locks, each 33 feet wide, and 134 -long. Ascent from Kingston to the Summit Pond by 15 locks, 162 feet. -Descent from the Summit Pond to the Ottawa by 32 locks, 283 feet; total -lockage, 455 feet, depression of the Ottawa below Lake Ontario, at -Kingston 141 feet; general course, north, north-east. It was commenced -in 1826, when the Duke of Wellington was in office, and it is understood -that that great General had a voice in the designing of this mighty -structure, which is not unworthy of his genius. Sir James Carmichael -Smith, of the Engineer’s Department, is said to have originated the idea -of its construction. It was carried out under the superintendence of -Colonel By, and the town at its junction with the Ottawa, was named -after him. That name has since been changed, when Bytown was made a -city. It was the only testimonial to his energy and skill, which -deserved from the Province some better acknowledgment. This great work, -together with the extensive lands along its line of route, held by the -Imperial Government, have lately been transferred to the Province, and -there is no doubt that its resources and revenue will be made the most -of for the general benefit of the country. Already the local trade along -its course is fast increasing, with the improvements and growth of the -settlements in the neighborhood of the Ottawa. The transport of iron ore -from the same section of the country to Kingston, also adds largely to -it. “Along the courses of the stream are valuable water privileges.”— -(Hooper.) - -A vague story obtains, among some persons, that when the treaty of peace -between the United States and England took place in 1815, the former -agreed to pay £1,000,000, which the Duke of Wellington applied to this -purpose. - -Below is given a document, the importance of which is unquestioned, -whether we consider the interests of those living along the bay, or the -welfare of the whole Province. - - - REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE MURRAY CANAL. - - “The Select Committee appointed to enquire into the expediency of - constructing a Canal to connect the head waters of the Bay of Quinté - with Lake Ontario, usually called the “Murray Canal,” and also to - enquire and report whether any money or lands are applicable to that - purpose, and if so, what may be the amount or value thereof, beg - leave to report: - - “That it appears a grant of land was made for the above purpose as - early as the year 1796, and that said grant, which was then - ascertained to contain some six thousand acres, was afterwards - repeatedly acknowledged and confirmed; - - “That a reservation of sixty-four acres has been made between - Presqu’isle Harbour and Bay of Quinté, on which said Canal was - intended to be constructed; - - “That the value of the original reservation of six thousand acres - was estimated by the Crown Lands Department, in 1839, at three - pounds per acre, or eighteen thousand pounds currency; - - “That the construction of said Canal, in addition to the important - commercial advantages which would be bestowed on the inhabitants of - the counties adjacent to the Bay of Quinté, and the trade and - navigation of the country generally, would afford most important - facilities for the safe transport of men and munitions in time of - war; - - “That your Committee obtained the evidence of Colonel McDougal, - Adjutant General of Militia, which is appended to this Report; - - “That besides providing an admirable harbour of some seventy or - eighty miles in length, capable of being made almost impregnable - against attack, the great natural facilities for ship-building and - for obtaining supplies of timber, would enable the Bay of Quinté to - be used to great advantage for the repair or construction of ships - of war; - - “That on reference to the Journals of the Legislative Assembly of - 1845, Your Committee found the record of a letter dated 7th January, - 1840, signed by R. B. Sullivan, then Commissioner of Crown Lands, - which was furnished as a report on the whole question of the Murray - Canal, for the information of the House, in reply to an Address to - His Excellency, under date 17th January, 1845. - - “Your Committee have deemed it expedient to quote fully from this - Report for the information of Your Honorable House. - - “_1st. Extract._—The suggestion of constructing the Canal by a grant - of money instead of the appropriation of Crown Lands to that object, - was adopted by the Legislative in an Address of the 16th February, - 1838, to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, on the subject, - with the trust that in the estimation of amount to be granted in - lieu of the reservation, due regard may be had to the increased - value to which these lands may have attained. His Excellency, by - answer of 26th February, was pleased to concur with the Address. - - “_Extract No. 2._—I would respectfully recommend to His Excellency - to fix upon some specific sum which may be charged upon the Crown - Reserve, and made payable out of its first disposable proceeds - toward the completion of the Canal, and which, upon the cession of - the Crown Revenue to the Legislature, will be considered a payment - for which the faith of the Government is pledged and provided for in - any Bill which may be passed for the granting a civil list in return - for the cession of the Revenue. - - “That Your Committee examined a work, composed in the year 1826, by - Major General Sir James Carmichael-Smyth, Baronet, entitled, _Precis - of the Wars in Canada from 1755 to the Treaty of Ghent in 1814_, the - said work having been published for the first time in 1862, by Sir - James Carmichael, Baronet, son of the author. That this work - contains the following statements, which may fairly be quoted in - favor of the construction of this Canal. - - “In the dedication of this work to His Grace the Duke of Wellington, - the author makes the following remarks:— - - “The events of these wars afford, in my opinion, a demonstration as - clear as that of any proposition in _Euclid_, of the impossibility - (under Divine Providence) of these Provinces ever being wrested from - under Her Majesty’s authority by the Government of the United - States, provided we avail ourselves of the military precautions in - our power to adopt, by establishing those communications and - occupying those points which posterity will one day learn with, if - possible, increased respect for Your Grace’s great name, were - principally suggested by Your Grace.” - -At page 202 he writes as follows:— - - “Our Harbour and Naval Establishment at Kingston are very good - indeed, and infinitely beyond what the Americans possess at Sacket’s - Harbour. There cannot be a finer basin in the world than the Bay of - Quinté. When Rideau Canal is completed there will be great - facilities for forwarding stores to Kingston.” - -At page 203:— - - “In the event of the Americans having the temporary command of the - Lake (Ontario), York (now Toronto) would be useful for the - protection of small craft and coasting vessels sailing from the Bay - of Quinté with supplies for the Niagara Frontier.” - - In a Report published by the Board of Trade of the City of Montreal, - for the year 1865, under the heading of “Improvement of Inland - Navigation,” Your Committee have found the following: - - “AN IMPORTANT CUT-OFF.—It was long ago proposed to connect Lake - Ontario with the Western extremity of the Bay Quinté, by a short - Canal. The land required for such a purpose is reserved by the - Government. The distance to be cut through is less than two miles; - some additional dredging being, of course, required in the Bay and - Lake to perfect the communication. As no lockage is requisite, the - expense of the work would be small, while the advantage would be - great. - - “When it is remembered that the stretch between Presqu’isle Harbor - and Kingston is the most hazardous on Lake Ontario, the advantages - to be derived from such a cut-off will be evident, especially in the - fall, when stormy weather is most prevalent. Had that little Canal - existed last year, a number of marine disasters might have been - avoided. Any one who examines the map may see at once how important - the Bay of Quinté would thus become in the event of hostilities on - the Lake.” - - “That under these circumstances Your Committee would recommend that - a Survey be made of the neck of land lying between Lake Ontario and - the Bay of Quinté, and also of the Harbours of Presqu’isle and - Weller’s Bay, for the purpose of ascertaining the cost and - feasibility of said Canal, and that the Survey should be commenced - with the least possible delay. - - Respectfully submitted, JAMES L. BIGGAR, _Chairman_.” - - * * * * * - - APPENDIX.—COMMITTEE ROOM, Tuesday, 24th July, 1866. - - Colonel MACDOUGALL attended, and was examined as follows: - - By the Hon. Mr. _Holton_: - - Be pleased to state to the Committee your views of the importance, - in a military point of view, of connecting the waters of Lake - Ontario and the Bay of Quinté by a Canal, navigable for vessels of - the largest class in use on Lake Ontario?—I am aware that the - Defense Commission sent to Canada in 1862, to report on the general - defenses of the Province, strongly recommend the formation of a - Naval Station in the Bay of Quinté. The natural features of that bay - render it, in my opinion, admirably adapted for such purpose. In the - event of the Naval Station being formed in the Bay of Quinté, it - would be of great importance to have a short and secure entrance - direct from Lake Ontario to the head waters of the bay. This is - especially the case in view of the fact that the stretch between - Presqu’isle Harbour and Kingston is the most dangerous and difficult - on the Lake. Judging by the map, and in ignorance of local - peculiarities, it appears to me that the best means of obtaining - such a short and secure communication as is above referred to, would - be by cutting a Canal between the head waters of the Bay Quinté and - Weller Bay. The mouth of the Canal would be covered and protected by - the perfectly land-locked harbour of Weller Bay, the entrance to - which, from Lake Ontario, is susceptible of being very easily - defended against a hostile flotilla. If the case is considered of - Canadian vessels running before a superior naval force of the enemy - from the general direction of Toronto, it is obvious that if the - first were obliged to weather the peninsula of Prince Edward, in - certain winds they would run serious risks of being driven ashore or - captured before they could make the entrance to the Bay of Quinté, - whereas the same vessels, with the same wind as would expose them to - destruction in the first supposed case, could enter the harbour of - Weller Bay under full sail, and reach the head of Bay of Quinté - without molestation. Even though it may not be in contemplation to - establish a regular Naval Station in the Bay of Quinté, that bay - would, in the case of war, afford an admirable harbour of refuge, - which would be made perfectly secure in a military, or rather naval - sense. Again, in case of war, the proposed Canal would supply the - means of far safer communication by water, without the sacrifice of - time between Kingston and Toronto, than could be afforded by the - open Lake. - -In the Hallowell _Free Press_, of February 1, 1831, is a communication -from “A country lad,” who says, “there are several new roads required, -but the one of most essential benefit to the inhabitants would be that -which would lead from Wellington Village, Hillier, across the peninsula -to Belleville. But, while improvements of this description are in -contemplation, it must not be forgotten that the period is not far -distant when the East Lake in Hallowell must be cleared out, and a canal -suitable for the passage of the Lake Ontario steamboats, cut from thence -to Hallowell Village. Such an improvement as this, would, in our -opinion, not only lessen the distance from Kingston to York, and make -the navigation less dangerous, but would afford a safe and commodious -harbour.” - -RAILWAYS.—At the present day Canada, in addition to the unsurpassed -water ways through her vast extent, has the greatest number of miles of -railway according to inhabitants in any part of the world. In 1832, the -Liverpool and Manchester Railroad was completed, which was “the great -precursor of all railroads.” Fourteen years later, 1846, a movement was -initiated at Kingston to build a road from Wolfe Island, through -Kingston to Toronto, and a survey was ordered to be made. A part of the -“Report of the Preliminary Survey of Wolfe Island, Kingston and Toronto -Railroad,” is now before us, signed by James Cull and Thomas Gore, Civil -Engineers. In addition the engineering results of the Preliminary -Survey, they give in an appendix, the grounds upon which they form their -opinion as to the probable cost and revenue. It would be interesting to -give their statements in full did space allow. - -“_Another scheme._—The Picton _Sun_ is advocating the building of a -railroad, running through the County of Prince Edward, and terminating -at Long Point, whence freight and passengers could be shipped to the -United States.” - - - THE INCREASE OF POPULATION. - -It is a common belief among the Americans, a belief which is shared in -by the few Annexationists living in Canada, that increase of population, -productiveness of the soil, and general advance of civilization, are -very much greater in the several States of the Union than in Canada. -Nothing can be farther from the truth. Upper Canada especially, has -quite outstripped, even the most prosperous of all the original States -of the Union. A comparison of the statistics of the two countries shows -this to be undoubtedly the case. The following paragraph, taken from a -valuable little work by Dr. Lillie, affords some idea of the relative -progress of the two countries. - -He says, “The rate at which Canada West is growing, and has been for the -last twenty or thirty years, equals, if it does not more than equal the -growth of the very best of the Western States. It will be seen from the -United States census, that the three States of Ohio, Michigan, and -Illinois, contained in 1830, 1,126,851. In 1850, they contained 355,000, -a little over 320 per cent. in twenty years. Canada West contained in -1830, 210,473, in 1749, it contained 791,000, which is over 375 per -cent. of the same period of twenty years. So that increase in the three -choice States was 55 per cent. less than that of Canada West during the -same time.” - -And with respect to the products of the two countries, there is found -the same proportion in favor of Canada. So also with regard to vessels, -“in proportion to population the tonnage of Canada more than equals that -of the United States.” And if we look at the various internal -improvements as to canals, railroads, we find that Canada stands -pre-eminent in these things. - -Yet, in the face of these facts we can find persons to say, and so -believe that Canada is behind the States in enterprise. - -If we regard Lower Canada, it is found that the growth of population is -vastly greater than the States of Vermont and Maine, lying along her -border. Taking Canada as a whole, it is seen “that as compared with the -States, which in 1850 had a population as great as her own, the decimal -rate of increase was greater than in any of those States, with one -solitary exception. - -“That in nine years to their ten, she lessened by two the number of -States which in 1850 had a population exceeding hers. - -“That she maintained a decimal rate of increase greater than that of the -whole United States, not including the Western States and Territories, -but including California and the other States and Territories on the -Pacific. - -“That Upper Canada maintained a decimal rate of increase greater by -one-half than that of the whole United States and Territories—more than -double that of all the United States, excluding the Western States—and -only falling short of the increase in the Western States and Territories -by 7 per cent. - -“That in nine years to their ten, she passed four States of the Union, -which in 1850, had a population exceeding hers, leaving at the date of -the last census only five States which exceeded her in population. - -The population of French Canada at the time of the revolution, did not -much exceed 70,000. Since that time the increase of population in Lower -Canada has been steady; not from immigration, so much as from early -marriages. In the year 1783, there were by enumeration 113,000. In 1831, -the French had increased 400,000. As we have said this was due to their -social habits. - -The loyalists and soldiers that settled in Western Canada in 1783–4–5, -were estimated at 10,000. It has been stated that when Canada was -divided into two Provinces in 1791, the inhabitants had increased to -50,000; but this is doubted by some. It is said that the number did not -exceed 12,000. McMullen puts it at 20,000. The increase of population up -to the time of the war of 1812, was by no means rapid, at that time they -numbered about 70,000; 1822, 130,000; in 1837, 396,000. The number of -inhabitants in 1852 was somewhere about 500,000. - -Coming to the Midland Districts, the townships around the bay, it is -found that here advancement was greater than elsewhere for many years. - -Robert Gourlay sought information from the several townships of the -Province in 1817, in response it is stated, among other things, that -“the number of inhabited houses now is about 550; population about -2,850. This enumeration includes the town of Kingston, which contains -450 houses, and 2,250 souls. Thomas Markland says, 26th November, 1818, -“The reports from this district (Midland) being few in proportion and -several of these irregular, I cannot give an exact estimate of the -population, but the following will not be far wrong:—Kingston, -Ernesttown, Adolphustown, and Thurlow, contain 7,083. Fredericksburgh, -Marysburgh, Hallowell, Ameliasburgh, and Sidney, 5,340. Pittsburgh, with -Wolfe Island, Loborough, Portland, Camden, Richmond, and Rawdon, will -not average above 300 each, a total of 1,800. In Huntington, I heard -only of five settlers—say 24. Total white population 14,855; Indians -200. Total number of houses in Midland district was 900 Thomas Markland. -A report before me made in October 1826, by John Portt, says the total -number of white inhabitants of Tyendinagua is 27. - - - - - DIVISION XII. - THE UNITED EMPIRE LOYALISTS—THE FATHERS OF UPPER CANADA. - - - - - CHAPTER LXIX. - - CONTENTS—Definition—A division—Their principles—Our position— - Ancestry—Dutch—Puritans—Huguenots—New Rochelle—English writers— - Talbot—Falsehoods—Canadian and English ancestry—Howison—Maligner— - Gourlay’s reply—Palatines—Old names. - - - ANCESTRY OF THE U. E. LOYALISTS. - -Under this designation allusion is made to all who left, or were -compelled to leave, the revolting colonies, and Independent States, and -who sought a home in the wilderness of Canada. There is, however, a -class which will be specially referred to, who, in subsequent years, -were placed upon the “U. E. list,” and who, by virtue thereof, secured -important privileges to themselves and family. - -The United Empire Loyalist, was one who advocated, or wished to have -maintained, the _unity of the British empire_, who felt as much a Briton -in the colony of America, as if he were in old England; who desired to -perpetuate British rule in America; not blindly believing that no -imperfections could exist in such rule, but desiring to seek reform in a -conservative spirit. This class, we have seen, became, as the tide of -rebellion gained strength and violence, exceedingly obnoxious to those -in rebellion against their King and country. It will be convenient to -divide them into three classes, viz., (1.) Those who were forced to -leave during the contest, many of whom took part in the war; (2.) Those -who were driven away after the war, because they were known or suspected -to have sympathy with the loyalist party, and (3.) Those who would not -remain in the Republic, who voluntarily forsook the land of their birth -or adoption, and removed to a country which acknowledged the sovereignty -of the King of England. Many of this noble class relinquished -comfortable homes, rather than live under an alien flag; they preferred, -above all measure, to enter a wilderness and hew out a new home. They -would live anywhere, endure any toil, undergo any privation, so long as -they were in the King’s dominion, and the good old flag waved over their -head, and their families. It was oft declared that their bones should -lie on the King’s soil. These sentiments are taken, not from the -imagination, but from the accumulated testimony of those who have -supplied statements of family history. Elsewhere it has been shewn how -cruel were the persecutions made against the “tories,” how relentless -the spirit of vengefulness. All this, it may be said by some, should be -forgotten,—buried in the past, with the whigs and tories, both of whom -committed errors and outrages. Under certain circumstances this would be -the proper course—the course indicated by the great Ruler; but, -regarding the United States in the light derived from the statesmen, -orators, and the press, it cannot for a moment be allowed. Until the -descendants of those who successfully rebelled in 1776, cease to vilify -our fathers; until they can find other subject matter for their fourth -of July orations, than foul abuse of our country; until they can produce -school-books which are not stained by unjust and dishonest -representations; and books of a religious nature which are not marred by -unchristian, not to say untruthful, statements respecting Britain and -her colonies. Until the “Great Republic” can rise above the petty course -of perpetuating old feuds, we cannot—we whose fathers suffered, cannot -be required to shut our mouths, and thereby seemingly acquiesce in their -uncharitable and malignant charges against the U. E. Loyalists. -Washington was a rebel as much as Jefferson Davis, and history will -accord to the latter a character as honorable and distinguished as the -former. Washington succeeded against a power that put not forth the -gigantic efforts which the United States did to subjugate the States -over which Jefferson Davis presided. By the events of the civil war in -the United States, we, the descendants of those who occupied the same -relative position in the American Revolution, feel it right to be -guided. - -The most of the loyalists were Americans by birth. Their feelings of -attachment to the realm, preponderated over the attachments which bound -them to the homes of their childhood and maturer years. The great -majority of those who settled Upper Canada were from the Provinces of -New York, Pennsylvania, and the New England States. New York, originally -a Dutch colony, had many loyal sons. Indeed this state was dragged into -the rebellion. It follows that a goodly number of the settlers around -the bay were of Dutch extraction, and possessed all the honesty and -industry peculiar to that people. The U. E. list, and the larger list of -refugees, include a large number of names unmistakably Dutch. But there -came from this state as well, many a true son of England, Ireland, and -Scotland, with a sprinkling of the Huguenots, and the Germans, the last -of whom began to emigrate to America in 1710. Many of the settlers of -Upper Canada may point with pride to their Dutch forefathers. Many -Canadians have an equal right also to boast of their Puritan fathers. -They more especially may point to the justice-loving ones who came to -America with honest William Penn, whose son was also a refugee from the -State his father founded, not by taking forceable possession, but by -_buying_ the land from the Indians. - -Among the devoted band of firm adherents to the British Crown were not a -few of the descendants of the Huguenots, whose fathers had been -expatriated by the King of France, because they were Protestants, and -who had found safe homes in England. So early as 1686, a number of -Huguenots found their way to America. And from time to time, accessions -were made to the number by emigration. They mostly settled in -Westchester County, New York, in 1689, where a tract of land was -purchased for them by Jacob Leisler, of the Admiralty, and there founded -a town called New Rochelle, after Rochelle in France, noted for the -stand its inhabitants took against Roman Catholicism. In 1700, New -Rochelle had become quite a place, and here was found, when the -rebellion had commenced, “a vast number of Militia officers loyal to the -backbone.”—(Ruttan). - -The ancestry of the U. E. Loyalists has been called in question, not by -the rebels alone, but by British subjects. The few instances constitute, -fortunately, but exceptions to a general rule. Travelers from Great -Britain have repeatedly, perhaps we may say persistently, displayed an -astonishing amount of ignorance of the people of Canada and its society. -Allowance can be made for a certain amount of egotism, but downright -bias is unworthy a high-minded writer. Incapable of examining any -subject, except from a stand point exclusively English, they have found -no difficulty in attributing the most unworthy and even scandalous -causes to a state of society to them unusual, and seemingly abnormal. -Perhaps no writer has so disgraced himself, in writing about Canada, as -Talbot. Certainly no one more ignobly essayed to injure Canadian -reputation in Great Britain than he. “Mr. Talbot has stated in his book -that most of the Canadians are descended from private soldiers or -settlers, or the illegitimate offspring of some gentlemen, or his -servant.” The writer had no scruples in publishing a falsehood. Full -well he knew how noble had been the conduct of the U. E. Loyalists as a -class; who relinquished property, homes,—everything for a cause dear to -their heart. Private soldiers indeed! They thought it no disgrace to -enter the ranks to help to suppress an unrighteous rebellion. And the -descendants of the private soldiers feel it an honor to claim them for -sires. Mr. Talbot, we are informed, came to Canada to speculate in -lands; and his record does not justify him in casting a stigma upon the -fathers of Canada. Could we accept a slanderous statement as true, yet -the question might be raised:—Is not their origin as good as many of the -great houses of Great Britain would be found, were we enabled to trace -back their pedigree. Probably, at the present time, and perhaps at no -time, did more than a few read the pages of Mr. Talbot’s production. But -lest there might come a time when the false statements should be -reiterated, we felt it our duty to thus advert to the subject. - -Another writer, to whom it may be well to refer, is one Dr. John -Howison, who wrote _Sketches of Upper Canada_. His knowledge of Canada -was pretty much confined to the Niagara district. Hear what the great -(?) man said of the inhabitants. “They are still the untutored -incorrigible beings that they probably were, when the ruffian remnant of -a disbanded regiment, or the outlawed refuse of some European nation, -they sought refuge in the wilds of Upper Canada, aware that they would -neither find means of subsistence, nor be countenanced in any civilized -country. Their original depravity has been confirmed and increased by -the circumstances in which they are now placed.” This is a pleasant -picture that the accomplished doctor draws of our forefathers. The very -flagrancy of the falsehood has rendered the above statement as harmless -as the doctor’s reputation is unknown. It is but too common a story for -a stupid Englishman, with no other ideas than those derived from supreme -egotism, to pass through our country, and after merely glancing at the -outside of everything, proceed to give an account of the people of -Canada. But this Howison was either guilty of drawing his views from -Yankee sources, or of giving vent to some spiteful feeling. Robert -Gourlay, who was no tory, referring to the above statement, speaks in -this way:—“It is not true, it is not fair, it is not discreet. The first -settlers of Upper Canada, in my opinion, were wrong headed men as to -politics; but they were far from being bad-hearted men, and anything but -“the ruffian remnant of a disbanded regiment.” They were soldiers who -had done their duty: who had regarded with reverence their oath of -allegiance; who had risked their lives a hundred times over in support -of their principles; who had sacrificed all which the world in general -holds dear, to maintain their loyalty and honor. They were anything but -the “outlawed refuse of some European nation.” They adhered to the laws -of Britain; and for the laws of Britain they bled. They did not “seek -refuge in the wilds of Upper Canada, aware they would neither find means -of subsistence, nor be countenanced in any civilized country.” It is a -libel on the British Government to say they sought refuge, and a libel -on common sense to say that men, who resolved to earn their bread by -labour, under the worst circumstances in the world, could not find means -of subsistence anywhere else. The whole passage is untrue, is shameful, -and Dr. Howison should apologize for it in the public prints of this -country. These very farmers whom he scandalizes so cruelly, stood up for -British Government most noble during the late war, (1812), many of them -lost their all at that time (in Niagara District), and to many of them -the British Government is now deeply indebted. The mass of first -settlers in Upper Canada were true men, and to this day there is a -peculiar cast of goodness in their natures, which distinguishes them -from their neighbours in the United States. There were among them -ruffians of the very worst description. His Majesty’s ministers needed -spies, and horse stealers, and liars, and perjured villains; and America -furnished such characters, just as England can furnish an Oliver and an -Edward. Why should a whole people be slandered because of a few? Dr. -Howison wrote in Canada only to trifle, and now we see the consummation, -we see a book very well written; very readable as a romance—the tale of -a weak man; but as it affects men, worse than trifling—scandalous. To -say all the ill he could of Canada, and no good of it is unfair—is -deceitful—after all, in his parting exclamations, he “spoke about the -happy shores of Canada.” The refined Dr. Howison, it would seem, -remembered “many civilities” from the Canadians; but because he could -not appreciate the nobility of nature when crowned by the rough -circumstances of pioneer life, he must needs write a libel. No doubt his -mind was influenced by Yankee tales of Butlers’ Rangers, and perhaps his -exquisite sensibility was wounded, forsooth, because a Canadian would -not touch his hat to him.” Robert Gourlay was a friend to Canada, a -friend to humanity; he was not always right; but he was far more correct -while in Canada than those who persecuted him. He was a patient and -close observer, and made himself thoroughly acquainted with Canada, and -his statement in reply to Howison’s utterances are fully satisfying. -What was true of the settlers at Niagara, must remain true of the whole -class of U. E. Loyalists. Notwithstanding the many adverse -circumstances—the earnest contest for life, the daily struggle for food, -their isolation from the influences of civilized life, the absence of -regular ministers of the gospel, notwithstanding all, the old soldiers -constituted a band of pioneers infinitely better than those who form the -outer belt of settlers, at the present day, in the Western States. - -As intimated, not a few of the U. E. Loyalists were descendants of those -who had likewise been driven, by persecution, from their homes. There -were not only the children of the noble old Huguenots, but a good many -German Irishmen, called Palatines. They originally came from the -Palatinate of the Rhine, once the possession of the House of Palatine. -The Palatines were Protestants, and during the seventeenth century, were -exposed to the most cruel barbarities. They fled in thousands to the -friendly camp of the Duke of Marlborough, when commander of the allied -armies. In 1709, Queen Anne sent a fleet to Rotterdam for the distressed -Palatines, and carried about 7,000 to England. Of these, 3,000 were sent -to New York, but finally found homes in Pennsylvania, among the Quakers. -The names of some of these are before us, and it may be seen they are -familiar ones, although some of them are somewhat altered. - -Frantz Lucas, Deitrich Klein, Conrad Frederick, Ludwig, Henrich Newkirk, -Keiser, John Mortan, Casper Hartwig, Christoper Warner, Hermanus -Hoffman, Rudolph Neff, Schmidt, Schumacher, Lenhard, John Peter Zenger, -Philip Muller, Schaffer, Peter Wagner, Straule, Henrich Man, Eberhard, -Kremer, Franke Ross, Peter Becker, Christian Meyer, Godfry Fidler, -Weller, George Mathias, Christo, Hagedom, Fink, John William Dill, -Bernard, Conradt, Bellinger. - -“Of those who remained, five hundred families removed to Ireland, and -settled, principally, in the County of Limerick.” Among their names we -find, Baker, Barham, Barrabier, Bennoser, Bethel, Bowen, Bowman, -Bovinezer, Brethower, Cole, Coach, Corneil, Cronsberry, Dobe, Dulmage, -Embury, Fizzle, Grunse, Grier, Heck, Hoffman, Hifle, Heavener, Ozier, -(probably Lazier of our day), Lawrence, Lowes, Rhineheart, Rose, -Rodenbucher, Ruckle, Switzer, Sparling, Stack, St. John, St. Ledger, -Strongle, Sleeper, Shoemaker, Shier, Smeltzer, Shoultace, Shavewise, -Tesby, (probably Detlor of our day), Tettler, Urshelbaugh, Williams, and -Young. - -A certain number of the Palatines settled at the German Flats, many of -whom, being Loyalists, were obliged to leave; and become pioneers in -Canada. Likewise, were there many from other parts of the State, and -from Pennsylvania. - -In the early history of New York State, may be found many names, -generally Dutch-like, closely resembling those of the first settlers of -Western Canada. - -In a letter, dated “Albany, 30 July, 1689,” we find the names of Capt. -Bleeker and D. Myers. - -At a convention at Albany, Oct. 24, 1669, was present, among others, -Gert Ryerse, Jan Jense Bleeker. - -“Proposals made to ye people, Albany, ye 5 day of November, 1689, by 40 -inhabitants,” among which is Jacob Vanden Bogaert. - -“At a meeting, at Albany, 28th March, 1690,” were present, Gert Ryersen, -John Pietersen, Hendrick Hedgeman, (Hagerman). - -At a meeting in Albany, after the massacre of Schenectady, February 9, -1690, to arrange for defending against the French and Indians, and to -bury the dead; there were, among 60 others present, D. Wessels, Rector, -J. Bleecker, Ald. Ryckman, Ens. Bennet. - -In the list of those killed at Schenectady, are several of the Vroomans, -Symon, Skemerhoorn. “Taken prisoners at Skinnechtady, and carried to -Canada ye 9th day of February, 1689/90.” “John Wemp, sonne of Myndt & 2 -negroes, and 26 others.” - -In a list of officers in the Province of New York, 1693, members of -Council—are found Phillips, Brock, Lawrence, Young, Marshall, Shaw, -Evetts, (probably Everit), Handcock, Dirck Wessels, Recorder at Albany; -Beekman, Howell, Barker, Platt, Whitehead, Harrison, Hageman, Strycker, -Willet. Among the militia officers, N. Yorrk, 1700, we find Booth, -Moore, Wheler, Hubbs, Kechum, Frederick, Daniel Wright; Robert Coles; -Lake, Hegemen, Evert, Bogardus, Hosbrooke, Rose. - -List of inhabitants in County of Orange, 1702, we find—Geritssen, -(Garrison), Reynerssen, (Ryerson), Ceniff, Mieyer, (Meyer,) Weller, -Coeper, Merritt. - -Freeholders of the city and county of Albany, 1720, Williams, Van Alen, -Holland, Collins, Van Dyke, several Bleeker’s; Cornelius Boarghaert, -Vandusen, Meebe, Weemp, (Wemp), Trueax, Van Valkenburgh, Huyck, -Gardimer, Dingmans, VanAlstine, Coonradt, Ham, Luyke, Deeker, -Esselstine, Fritts, Quackenboes, (Quackenbush), Van Rensalaer. - -In the war of the Indians, at the battle of Point Pleasant, 1774, there -was killed, among others, Ensign Candiff. - -The following we take from the _Schenectady Evening Star_: - - VALLEY OF THE MOHAWK IN OLDEN TIMES.—_Schoharie_—_The Vroomans_.— - When the Schoharie settlements were invaded by the British, under - Colonel Butler, in the year 1789, the following persons, among - others, were murdered by the Indians: Tunis Vrooman, his wife and - son, and on this occasion Ephraim Vrooman and his two sons, - Bartholomew, Josias and John Vrooman, Bartholomew Vrooman, Jr., and - his wife and son Jacob, were taken prisoners. The wife and daughter - of Ephraim Vrooman was killed by an Indian named Seth Hendrick. Mr. - E. Vrooman, while on his way to Canada, whither he was carried in - captivity, was under the immediate charge of Seth Hendrick, who - treated him with much kindness. There were two or three Indians who - accompanied Seth. These before they arrived at their destination, - grew tired of their prisoner, and proposed to despatch him. Mr. - Vrooman overheard the conversation, which was conducted in a - whisper, and repeated it to Hendrick. Hendrick assured him in the - most positive manner, that “not a hair of his head should be - touched,” and gave his companions a severe reprimand for their - ungenerous conspiracy. After the termination of the Revolutionary - contest, Hendrick paid Mr. Vrooman a visit, and apologised for his - conduct during the war, in the strong, metaphorical language of his - nation: “The tomahawk,” said he, “is used only in war; in time of - peace it is buried; it cuts down the sturdy oak as well as the - tender vine; but I (laying his hand on Mr. Vrooman’s shoulder) saved - the oak.” - - “EVA’S KILL.—The creek which runs through the village of Cranesville - has, for the last ninety years, been known as Eva’s Kill, or creek. - It owes this name to the circumstance of a woman named Eva being - murdered near its banks. In the year 1755 Mrs. Van Alstine, from - Canojoharie, traveled through this place on her way to this city to - visit her parents. She was on horseback, and had her daughter with - her, a child about four years of age. A party of French and Indians - had just arrived from Canada, and were prowling about with murderous - designs on the defenceless inhabitants of the Mohawk Valley. Espying - Mrs. Van Alstine, they marked her for their prey. They pounced upon, - wounded and scalped her, left her as they supposed, dead on the - margin of the creek which bears her name. Her daughter they took to - Canada. After they had departed, Mrs. Van Alstine partially - recovered, and mustered strength enough to crawl to the river, on - the opposite shore of which she saw some men standing, to whom she - beckoned. She feared to speak lest she should be overheard by her - enemies who were still in the neighborhood. These men came over - cautiously, and conveyed her safely to her agonized parents. She - lingered nine or ten days in a state of extreme suffering, when she - gave up the ghost. Her daughter’s life was spared, and she, in time, - was restored to her friends.” - -In 1750–60, are found the names of Jordan, Dunham, Grant, Harkamer, -Spenser, Peterson, Wilson, Church, Devenport, Kemp, Gibson. - -Census of New York, about 1703. Amongst others, Vanhorn, Larrance, -Loukes, Vandewater, White, Hams, Wessels, Wm. Taylor, Johnston, Vesey, -Bogert, Oastrom, Waldron, Davis, Marshall, Clapp. - -_Census of Long Island, 1673._—Jacobs, Carman, Symonds, Beedel, Allen, -Williams, Valentyn, Ellesson, (probably Allison), Osborne, Hobbs, -Soddard, Ellison, Foster, Mott, Applebe, Persell, Truax, Hoyt. - -_The Roll of those who have taken the oath of allegiance, September, -1687_: Peter Stryker, native of the Province; Cornelis Pertise, -(Peterson), native; Beakman, native; Gerrit Dorlant, native; Joseph -Hagemen, (Hagerman), 37 years; Adrien Ryerse, 41 years. Living in -Breucklyn (Brooklyn): Covert, native; Bogaert, 35 years; Jan Fredericks, -35 years; Pieter Corson native; Caspere, (Casper); Jacobus Vande Water, -(Vandewater), native; Dirck Janse Waertman, (Wartman), 40 years; Van -Clief, De Witt, Loyse, Waldron, Willensen, Badgely, Culver, Jessop, -Rogers, Diamond, Erle, Butler, Johnes (Jones), Whiting; Arnold, -Washbourn, Way, Harton, Booth, Bradly, Goldsmith, Giles, Baily, Osmond, -Carey, Case, Miller, Garitson. - - - - - CHAPTER LXX. - - CONTENTS—Character—Hospitality—At home—Fireside—Visitors—Bees— - Raisings—Easter Eggs—Dancing—Hovington House—Caste—Drinks— - Horse-racing—Boxing—Amusements—La Crosse—Duels—Patriotism— - Annexation—Freedom—Egotism—The Loyalists—Instances—Longevity— - Climate of Canada—A quotation—Long lived—The children—The present - race—A nationality Comparison—“U. E. Loyalist”—Their Privileges— - Order of Council—Dissatisfaction. - - - CHARACTER, CUSTOMS, AMUSEMENTS, PATRIOTISM, AGE AND DESCENDANTS OF THE - U. E. LOYALISTS. - -When we compare the motives which actuated all classes of those who -adhered to the Crown with the rebels in their various grades, we feel to -exult and express sincere thankfulness that the fathers of Upper Canada -were honest, devoted, loyal, truthful, law-abiding, and actuated by the -higher motives which spring from religion. The habits of the loyalists -were simple, and comparatively free from immorality. Their love of order -and adherence to law is noteworthy. No people in the world have been -characterised by so firm and devoted adherence to the established laws -than the U. E. Loyalists. Never deprived of that freedom which ennobles -the man, they always abominated that monstrous offshoot of republican -liberty which teaches a man to take the law in his own hands. In later -years in Canada some strife has been witnessed between parties who have -introduced their national feuds from the old country. But those who -fought in the revolutionary war, and who mainly assisted to drive back -the invading foe in 1812, have always been peace-loving citizens. Lynch -Law, (a term derived from a man of that name living in South Carolina, -who constituted himself the arbiter between any contestants, and to -their satisfaction) has always been held in utter detestation. - -The settlers were always hospitable. The circumstances of their life, in -which they so often were cast upon the care and attention of others, -made each experience the deep feeling of gladness to have a visitor, -which belongs to a sense of kindness received. In this they differed -widely from the people of the more Northern States. Strangers were never -turned away, and a clergyman, no matter of what denomination, was -received “right gladly.” The Rev. Mr. Smart says that he was often up -the Bay in his early days of ministerial labor, and he was ever treated -by the inhabitants of all classes, with great hospitality. And after a -few years had worn away, carrying with them the burden of many heart -sorrows, there came an occasional opportunity to exchange friendly -hospitality. Visiting indeed became a regular “institution,” to borrow a -Yankee phrase. Near neighbours would of an evening call in, uninvited, -to spend the evening, and talk over the times, present, past and coming. -Sometimes visits were made to friends a long distance off, going by -canoe or batteau, or perchance on horseback, by a bridle-path, with -saddle-bags containing oats for the horse. But the winter visits were -characterised more especially by genial hospitality. On such occasions -the hostess brought forth things new and old. Choice viands, carefully -stored away, were brought to the light. The first fruits of the soil -were lavishly spread upon the unassuming board. The famine of 1787–8, -and the subsequent lack of the necessaries of life, and the total -absence of luxuries for many a year, had the effect of intensifying the -value that might naturally be placed upon plenty and luxury. To be truly -entertaining to guests, was to set before them a feast of good things. -Hence it came in the later years of the country that the table of the -well-to-do farmer always groaned with substantials and delicacies. On -those occasions the old soldier recounted his deeds of warfare, and -hairbreadth escapes, and his struggles in the wilderness. The blazing -hearth became the centre of attractive conversation, and lit up the -hardy faces of the pioneers, and the milder countenances of their wives -and daughters, while in the back ground might be seen the bright eyes of -the children, listening to the tales that were told. The younger ones -had been ordered off to bed, but they lie wakeful in their bunks, which -were in the same room, to catch the ever flowing talk. The conversation -at these times did not always relate to those matters above stated, it -often took a mysterious turn, and ghosts became the subject of their -evening’s talk. The above is not from imagination, but in substance from -the lips of more than one, who remembers to have occupied the little -bunk and listened upon many an evening to the conversations. - -Family visiting was a common mode of exchanging civilities. It was -necessary because of the widely separated houses. The evenings were -times of the most pleasing reunions. Every log house possessed a large -Dutch fireplace, into which was placed a back log of immense size, while -upon the hand irons, or, as at first, large square stones was heaped -light dry wood which sent forth a cheerful blaze. By the light thus made -there would be in the fall and winter carried on various household -duties, each family was to a great extent dependent upon themselves for -almost everything required upon a farm, or about a farm-house. The wife -would be busy carding, or making clothes of home-made linen, or of -cloth. The daughters would be employed in mending or darning. The farmer -would be engaged in making or repairing harness, or boots, or “fixing” -an implement of husbandry, while the son would be fashioning an -axe-helve, or an ox-yoke, or whittling a whip handle. The simple meal, -though of a homely fare, was satisfying, for their taste was not -pampered by unnecessary luxuries when alone. But when company came -everything was changed. The work was put aside, and they set themselves -out to make their visitors enjoy themselves. They would encircle the -wide and glowing fire, and indulge in the most amiable talk. There was -no spirit of envy in their midst, but a quiet content and thankfulness -that the wilderness was beginning to blossom. The triumphs of the past -would be duly recounted, and the future looked forward to with highest -hopes. Plans would be canvassed and laid for the children, while apples, -cider and nuts would receive due attention by all. At these meetings -were often the young folks—marriageable daughters and sons who had been -preparing to go on the other farm, or back hundred acres where a log -house was partially erected; before long the company would be divided -into two distinct groups, the old and the young. Sometimes matters would -be managed that the older ones would meet at one house and the young at -another, by which means a more pleasing state of things was created. But -courting, or sparking as it was termed, was generally done upon Sunday -evening. The day of rest was the only one when the love-sick swain could -get away. And even the most exemplary Christians regarded “going to see -the girls” on a Sunday night as quite allowable. Then, this practice -favored the desire, so prevalent, to keep secret the intention of any -two to get married. - -Visits were made without invitations. To wait for an invitation was -quite contrary to the primitive views of the settlers. The visit must be -a voluntary action. Even to give a hint to one to make a visit by -parties not related was considered as beneath proper respect. It was a -species of independence. “I don’t want one to come to my house if he -don’t want to,” the phase went in that way. But there were occasions -when invitations were sent out, and that was when some help was -required; and to persons not familiar with the habits, it will seem -strange that it was considered a compliment to get an invitation, and a -slight to be neglected. These invitations were to be present at bees, -and help to do work. At the first these bees were common, to put up the -log houses, and get a little clearing done, by a certain time. But -afterwards, though less frequent, they were of a more pretentious -nature. Raising Bees were in time, indications of prosperity. A frame -barn or house showed that the farmer was progressing, and in accordance -with the general expectation, treated “the hands” with the best he had. -Then there were, beside the raising bees, the clearing bees, logging -bees, and stone bees, and husking bees, and in later times apple bees; -and there was the women’s bee for quilting. All these meetings were of a -more or less hilarious order. The work was done, and done with a will; -it was a sort of duty—a matter of principle that either the work should -be done, or a proper effort made to that end. For many years spirituous -liquors were dealt out, or set freely before the men, but in time, some, -seeing the evil of drinking, and sometimes fearful of accidents, -determined to discontinue the custom. Whether drinking was indulged in -or not, all were treated to a glorious supper, generally of pot-pie and -cakes, and pies of pumpkin and apple. The women folks of course, -required assistance, and the neighbours would come to help, so that at -night there would be collected a goodly number of both sexes. Husking -bees and apple bees took place at night, but they did not last so long -that no time was allowed for amusement. And then commenced the play and -the dance. At first these unions and plays were exceedingly harmless and -indulged in with the utmost artlessness. The young of both sexes were -well known to each other, and it was more like a family gathering than -aught else. But now fortunately these bees and kissing-plays are no -longer in vogue. They were natural enough in the days of primitive -pioneer life; but with increasing inhabitants and the addition of people -of other countries, they became unnatural. - -The breaking up of winter brought to a termination for a time, all the -social festivities. In connection with sugar making was here and there a -jovial meeting to “sugar off.” - -Aside from the Sabbath there were but few holidays; and, with many, -Christmas was imperfectly observed. Easter was remembered principally -because of the feast of eggs on Sunday. At first, when hens were scarce, -it was not every family that had eggs on that day, or had enough. So it -came to pass that eggs would be preserved beforehand, not by the natural -provider however. The boys regarded it as their prerogative to hide the -eggs for some time before, and even when it was unnecessary, large -numbers would be safely secreted by the young ones. This was generally -done by the youngest, old enough; and he was to so hide them that no one -could find them. The honor was lost if the eggs were found. The Easter -morning consequently was one of anticipation, to see however many eggs -had been preserved. - -An old settler of Ameliasburgh discourses of Bees in this wise: “Bees -were great institutions in those days, every settler was licensed to -make two or three each year, provided he furnished a good “pot pie,” and -plenty of grog, and never made any objections to his guests fighting. -Fighting might take place at any stage, but more generally occurred -after work was done, before and after supper.” - -Dancing seems to have been particularly attractive to almost all. Almost -every neighbourhood or concession had its fiddler, the only kind of -instrumental music of the times. The fiddler was generally an old -soldier, who had acquired some knowledge of the art of playing during -his time of service. - -A kind correspondent, (Morden), has supplied us pleasing information, -obtained from an old resident of Sophiasburgh. This person came from -Adolphustown, when a girl of fifteen, in the first year of the present -century. We quote:—“She tells many funny stories of balls and private -“sprees” that they used to have over in the Indian woods, at Capt. -Isaac’s (Hill), an Indian chief, who had a large house, which is still -occupied, and which appears to have been the scene of numberless “hops,” -&c. They could have a civil dance at Captain Isaac’s, and it would not -cost much. The Sixth Town youngsters seem to have delighted in -patronizing his house.” This young woman married and became, with her -husband, a pioneer of Ameliasburgh, in 1805. It seems that these new -settlers of the Seventh Town considered themselves somewhat superior to -the inhabitants generally, and would not join in their “frolickings,” -but would occasionally visit Sophiasburgh for the purpose of having a -“spree.” This feeling of caste was a marked feature in the several -townships at an early date. - -The Hovington House, situated about sixty rods above the bridge at -Picton, was a place of no little fame. It was built by one Hovington who -came with VanAlstine. It was a long narrow edifice forty or fifty feet -deep, and about twenty feet broad, and not very high. It was divided -into two portions by a log partition, the ends of which projected -without. This public house was especially for the benefit of the -settlers at East Lake, in their journeyings back and forth across the -Carrying Place. To use the language of our informant, “it was a great -place to dance and frolic.” At stated times the bay settlers would come -even from forty miles distance, Fredericksburgh on the east, and the -Carrying Place and Sidney on the west. But now the foundation of the old -building which so often resounded to the sounds of mirth, the fiddle, -and the tripping feet, can scarcely be traced. - -As a general thing, the hard pinching circumstances of the new country -brought all to a common level, excepting a few Government officials. But -in certain localities there existed a feeling of superciliousness, not -very deep, but yet it was there. The places, and the inhabitants -thereof, in time, became noted as being “big feeling” or stylish. For -instance, the denizens of Kingston regarded the settlers up the bay as -somewhat behind them; while the people of the Fourth Town spoke -disparagingly of the Fifth Towners. By the settlers of the Sixth and -Seventh Towns, the citizens of Sidney and Thurlow were looked upon as -stylish. But the wheel of fortune turned with many a one. - -Amusement, and diversions of different kinds, when properly used, are -not only allowable, but even salutary to man’s physical and mental -state; but if uncontrolled by reason; if irrational from want of -education, they may easily run into excess and immorality. To the -educated man, who is cast away from all that can supply food for his -mind, there is a terrible danger of seeking unholy and even vicious -sources to allay the constant longing after mental food. There is -likewise a danger of such seeking artificial excitement. To such the -evil of intemperance too often comes with overwhelming waves steadily -and certainly flowing. The first settlers of Upper Canada, when their -circumstances are taken into consideration, and the usages of the times, -it must be said, were not particularly addicted to the evil of -intemperance. In after years, this evil did certainly increase; but at -the first, although almost everyone had liquor of some kind in the -house, yet the great majority were guiltless of excess. In those early -days, teetotalism and temperance societies were unknown; but it must be -here mentioned that the first temperance society organized in Canada, -was in Adolphustown. The drinking usages of the day among all classes -led to the erection of distilleries and breweries at an early period. -There was also an extensive traffic in rum, and it is known that many a -one made himself rich by selling to buyers along the bay, and across the -Carrying Place up the lake, even as far as York. - -Perhaps the most common out-of-door amusement was horse-racing, after -horses became more general among the settlers. It was looked upon as -dancing was by all, as amusement of the most unobjectionable character, -and it is said of a certain reverend individual, that he was accustomed -to run horses on his way home after preaching. Probably this was true, -as the same person became a reprobate. On the occasion of the annual -training of the Militia, which took place for many a year, the 4th June, -(and this comes within the writer’s recollection) there was, at the -different training places, more or less of horse racing. These races -were made, not by horses trained specially for the purpose, but by such -animals as were in daily use by the farmers, some of which, although -ungainly in looks, and in indifferent condition, could get over the -ground in a remarkably short time. - -Kingston and Newark being military stations, were, from the presence of -officers, who were always gentlemen by birth, more dignified in the ways -of amusement. Not but gentlemen existed through the country, but not in -sufficient numbers to regulate the modes of pleasure, and give tone to -society. The officers were very fond of horse-racing, and would -frequently spend field days, especially the King’s Birthday in testing -the mettle of their steeds. At these there would generally be a great -entertainment by the ladies who, says Colonel Clarke, would be -gorgeously clad in “brilliant dresses, with threads of silver forming -the motto, _God save the King_.” - -A kind of amusement common at the close of the last century, and the -beginning of the present, in America, and to a certain extent in Canada, -was that of boxing—boxing that too often amounted to brutal fighting. -There were a certain number in every township who availed themselves of -training days to show their athletic qualifications. Gourlay says, 1817, -that “pugilism, which once prevailed, is now declining.” And at the -present day, happily, it is confined to those of a brutish disposition. -It is only the lowest who find amusement in engaging in, or witnessing -pugilistic encounters. - -As Upper Canada was, in a limited sense, an offshoot of Lower Canada, so -but a few of the peculiarities of Lower Canada were introduced to the -Upper. One was that of _Charivariing_, which means a great noise with -petty music. It was introduced from France. The custom is now almost -obsolete among us, but time was when it was quite common. It generally -was indulged in at second marriages, or when an unequal match and -marriage took place; when a young girl married an old man for instance, -or if either party were unpopular. The night of the wedding, instead of -being passed in joyous in-door pleasures by the wedded ones, was made -hideous by a crowd of masked persons, who with guns, tin-pans, pails, -horns, horse-fiddles, and everything else that could be made to produce -a discordant noise, disturbed the night until silenced by a treat, or -money. Sometimes those meetings resulted in serious consequences to one -or more of the party, by the bridegroom resorting to loaded fire-arms. - -Sometimes the native Indians contributed to the general amusement, upon -days when there was a public gathering. Now and then they engaged alone -in certain sports which would be witnessed by the whites. Playing ball— -bandy-ball, lacrosse, foot-races, and the war-dance, were occasionally -engaged in. The present fashionable game of lacrosse is of Indian -origin, and may well be remembered by every Canadian, and even American. -After the conquest of Canada, when the Great Ottawa chief Pontiac had -effected an alliance of all the western and northern tribes, to destroy -the frontier forts of the British. There were several forts, originally -French, along the upper lakes; two notably, one at Detroit, the other at -Michilmacinac. Smaller forts had been attacked and taken, in most cases -by treachery and Indian cunning. These two forts remained untaken. -Pontiac devised the plan of pretending to wish for peace. With the -ostensible intention of holding a council to make peace, the chiefs were -to enter the forts; while the Indians, engaged in ball-playing along the -ramparts, were to amuse those within the ramparts. The squaws were to be -present, seemingly as spectators, but in reality to hold under their -blankets, rifles, the ends of which had been cut off for concealment. At -a given signal, the ball was to be knocked over the outer defence, and -the Indians were to rush in as if to get it; but seizing their rifles -from the women who had placed themselves conveniently, they were to rush -in to slaughter the unsuspecting inmates. At Michilmacinac this proved -successful, and the whole garrison was massacred, and Detroit barely -escaped the same fate. - -DUELING.—At the time when fierce encounters took place between organized -forces in America, which resulted in the independence of the United -States, and the settlement of Upper Canada, the practise of duelling -obtained among the higher classes. Happily, this heinous crime, an -outrage against humanity, is no longer tolerated where British laws and -British principles of justice and freedom have force. But such was not -the case seventy years ago. The early history of Canada witnessed a few -personal engagements of honor. The first duel was between Peter Clark, -Chief Clerk of the Legislative Council, and Captain Sutherland of the -25th regiment. The meeting took place at Kingston, and Mr. Clark fell -fatally wounded. This occurred in the winter of 1795. - -On the 22nd July, 1817, a duel was fought between S. P. Jarvis, Esq., -and Mr. John Ridout. The latter received a wound in the chest and died -in about an hour. - - “DUEL.—On Friday the 11th inst., Alexander McMillan, Esquire, and - Alexander Thom, Esquire, met in a field on the Brockville Road, to - decide an affair of honor—the former attended by Mr. Radenhurst, and - the latter by Mr. Cumming. After exchanging shots, the seconds - interfered, and on mutual explanations being made, the matter - terminated amicably. Doctor Thom received a contusion on the leg.” - -One of the latest instances in which a duel was fought in Upper Canada, -occurred some forty years ago. The event resulted in the death of one of -the combatants, the other, who was tried for his life, has now for some -years adorned the bench of the Province. - -PATRIOTISM.—In no country upon the face of the Globe, and at no period -in the history of any country, has appeared a higher or purer order of -patriotism, than is written upon the pages of the history of British -America. British connection is to mostly every son of the land dearer -even than life itself. At least it has been so in respect to those of -whom we write, the U. E. Loyalists. Co-equal with the love they have to -the British Crown, is the hearty aversion they bear to Republicanism. -Neither the overtures of annexation, nor the direct and indirect -attempts to coerce, has produced a momentary wavering on the part of the -descendants of the ancient stock. Americans in our midst have vainly -tried to inoculate the minds of the people with the principles of -Republican Government; but the Canadian mind was too free, the body -politic too healthy, the system too strong to imbibe any lasting feeling -of desire to change the tried for the untried. The few annexationists -who have, from time to time, existed, were but the fungoid offshoot of a -healthy plant. From the time Franklin and his coadjutors vainly essayed -to draw the French Canadian into their rebellious cause, until the -present there has been a frequently manifested desire, on the part of -the United States, to force us into the union. The contemptible -duplicity of Webster, who concealed from Ashburton the existence of a -second map, whereby he tricked Canada, Yankee like, out of a valuable -portion of territory along the Atlantic coast, with a view of cutting us -off from the ocean. The declaration of war in 1812, and the repeated but -unsuccessful invasions of our Province. The proclamations issued to -Canadians, by the would be conquerors, Hull, Wilkinson, and others. -Their sympathy and aid to turbulent spirits in 1836–7. The attempts at -bullying England when she was at war with Russia. The organization of -the Fenian association, with the publicly avowed purpose of seizing some -portion of our Province. The abrogation of the Reciprocity Treaty, the -object of which was proclaimed by Consul Potter—all along the eighty -years’ history of the United States, is to be seen a disreputable -attempt, by all possible means, to bully a weaker neighbor. All this -does not become a great and honorable nation, a nation so extensive, -whose people are so loud-tongued upon the principles of liberty—Liberty! -The name with the United States is only synonymous with their -government. They cannot discover that a people should be free to choose -their own form of government, always excepting those who rebelled in -1776. Oh yes! we have liberty to choose; but then we must choose in -accordance with Yankee ideas of liberty. Egotistic to the heart’s core, -they cannot understand how we entertain views dissimilar to their own. -How applicable the words of the immortal Burns:— - - “O wad some power the giftie gie us, - To see oursels as others see us: - It wad frae monie a blunder free us - An’ foolish notion.” - -Without detracting from the well-known loyalty of the other sections of -the Province, it may be safely said that the inhabitants of the Bay -Quinté and St. Lawrence, and Niagara, have proved themselves devotedly -attached to British institutions. The U. E. Loyalists have been as a -barrier of rock, against which the waves of Republicanism have dashed in -vain. It has been the refugee-settlers and their descendants, who -prevented the Province from being engulfed in its dark waters. In 1812, -in ‘37, and at all times, their loyalty has never wavered. It has been -elsewhere stated, that settlers from the States came in at a later date. -Those were found likewise truly loyal. Says McMullen, speaking of the -war of 1812, “But comparatively few Canadians joined the American -standard in the war, and throughout which none were more gallant in -rolling back the tide of unprincipled avarice than the emigrant from New -England and New York, who aside from the U. E. Loyalist, had settled in -the country.” There were a few renegades who forsook the country, not so -much to join the enemy as because they had no soul to fight. In this -connection it will be desirable to refer to one notable case; that of -“Bill Johnson.” - -The following will sufficiently shew how intense were the feelings of -loyalty many years ago. The writer’s father was present at a meeting, -which was conducted by a minister lately from the United States, and who -was unaccustomed to pray for the King. The good man thought only of his -allegiance to the King of Kings, and omitted, in the extemporaneous -prayer, to pray for the King of England. Whereupon Mr. T. arose and -requested the preacher either to pray for his Majesty, or leave his -territories. The minister did not again forget so manifest a duty. In -this connection, we cannot forbear inserting another instance of -Canadian loyalty, which exhibited itself not long ago in the loyal city -of Toronto. - - “CANADIAN LOYALTY.—A very extraordinary manifestation of feeling - took place on Thursday night last in Toronto, at the closing meeting - of the Sabbath School Convention. A gentleman from New York - delivered a parting address, on behalf of the American visitors who - had attended the Convention; at the conclusion of which he referred - to our Queen as a “model woman,” and said that from the fulness of - his heart he could say, ‘Long live Her Majesty Queen Victoria!’ When - he gave expression to this sentiment there was such an outburst of - enthusiastic loyalty that every one seemed carried completely away. - The immense audience immediately commenced such a cheering, and - clapping of hands, as is seldom seen, and kept it up till there was - an accidental “change of exercise.” Under the powerful excitement of - the moment, a gentleman near the platform commenced singing “God - Save the Queen,” when the entire audience rose to their feet and - joined in singing it through. That was singing with a will! Several - persons were quite overpowered, and even wept freely. It was simply - an unpremeditated expression of the warm devotion of the Canadian - heart to the best Queen that ever sat on the British throne.” - -LONGEVITY.—The climate of Canada, even of Ontario, is by some considered -very severe. The months of unpleasant weather which intervene between -summer and winter, and again between winter and summer; and the snowy -months of winter itself are not, it must be admitted, so agreeable as in -other climates. And, occasionally, even the summer itself is -comparatively cold. For instance, in 1817, snow fell at Kingston in the -month of June. But, notwithstanding the occasional severity, and the -general unpleasantness, (although all do not so consider it) the climate -of Canada seems conducive to longevity. Both in Upper and Lower Canada, -among the French and English may be found a great many instances of -wonderfully extended age. There is a school of naturalists, who -entertain the belief that the races of men are strictly indigenous; that -if removed from the land of their birth, they will degenerate, and -unless intermixed with constantly flowing recruits, will ultimately die -out. They assert that the European races transplanted to America are -doomed to degeneration and death so soon as emigration shall cease to -maintain the vitality brought by the original settlers. To this view we -have ventured to give very positive dissent, and have supported this -position in another place with the following language: “In Canada are to -be seen quite remote descendants of the most prominent people of Europe, -the British and French, and, I am prepared to assert, with no marked -signs of physical degeneration, the French of Lower Canada, even under -many adverse circumstances, have fully maintained their ancient bodily -vigor, and can compare favorably with the present inhabitants of old -France, while their number has increased.” Yet their ancestors, many of -them, emigrated two hundred years ago; and, since the colony became a -part of Britain, no replenishment has been received from the old stock. - -“Turning to Upper Canada, we find a fact no less important, and quite as -antagonistic to the theory. In consequence of the American Revolutionary -war, some twenty-five or thirty thousand United Empire Loyalists were -forced, or induced, to seek a home in the Canadian wilderness. Many of -these were descendants of those who had first peopled New Holland. A -large number settled along the St. Lawrence and the Bay of Quinté. In -the main, indeed, almost altogether, until very recently, these old -settlers have intermarried. The great-grandchildren of those American -pioneers now live on the old homestead, and are found scattered over the -whole Province. And although I have no positive data upon which to base -my assertion; yet, from careful observation, I have no hesitation in -declaring that in physical development, in slight mortality among the -children, in length of life, in powers of endurance, not to say in -bravery and patriotism, they cannot be excelled by any class of -emigrants.”—(Principles of Surgery). - -Since the above was written, we have become more intimately acquainted -with regard to the longevity, both among the French and Anglo-Canadians; -and the opinion then expressed has been greatly strengthened. Respecting -the latter class, personal observation has aided us. In our frequent -visits to different parts, made during the last few years, we have -enjoyed the opportunity of conversing with many persons who had much -over-ran the period allotted to man; and others who had exceeded their -three score years and ten. Some of them have been spectators of the very -scenes of the settlement of the country, and retain a vivid recollection -of the events attending that trying period. Venerable, with hairs -blossoming for the grave, and chastened by the long endured fire of -affliction, they are happy in their old age. They connect the present -with the past, and remind us how great the heritage they have secured to -us from a vast, untrodden wilderness. Notwithstanding the toils, the -privations in early life, ere the tender child had merged into the -adult, when the food was limited, and often inferior in quality, they -yet have had iron constitutions that in the earnest contingency of life -served them well. Of course, the plain and regular habits of the -settlers, with plenty of out-door exercise, assisted to promote long -life, and give them a hardy nature. We have knowledge of a vast number -who attained to a great age. Of those who lived to an old age, “A -Traveler,” writing in 1835 says of Upper Canada, “I often met the -venerable in years.” - -The children and grand-children of the early settlers live, in many -cases, to as great an age as their fathers. - - DESCENDANTS.—While there were some among the first settlers of - European birth, the majority were of American birth, and possessed - the characteristics of the colonists of that day. But, separated - from the people and the scenes intimate to them in their youth, and - living in the profound shades of the interminable wilderness, they - gradually lost many of their characteristic features and habits, and - acquired others instead. - -The Canadian immigrant, be he English, Irish, or Scotch, or even German -or French, will, as time gives lines to his face, and gray hair to his -head, insensibly lose many of the peculiarities of his race, and in the -end sensibly approximate to the character and appearance of the people -among whom he has settled. The children of the emigrant, no matter what -pains the parents may take to preserve in their children what belongs to -their own native country, will grow up quite unlike the parents. So much -is this the case that any one on entering a mixed school, high or low, -or by noticing the children at play, as he passes along the street, -whose parents are both natives and foreigners, would find it quite -impossible to point out one from the other, whether the child was of -Canadian parentage, or whether its parents were of another country. The -fact at which it is desired to get is that emigrants to Canada, no -matter how heterogeneous, are gradually moulded into a whole more or -less homogenous. That this is observable somewhat in the emigrant -himself, but decidedly so in the children. The fact being admitted that -a transformation is slowly but certainly effected, it may be inquired by -what influence it is accomplished. It cannot be due solely, to the -climate, nor to dress, nor diet, nor the original habits of the people, -although each has its influence. Must we not search for a more powerful -cause of peculiarity as a people, in some other channel. A natural one -seemingly presents itself. The growth of a nation, as the growth of a -tree will be modified by its own intrinsic vitality, and at the same -time by external circumstances. Upper Canada was planted by British -heroes of the American Revolution. It arose out of that revolution. The -first settlers were U. E. Loyalists. The majority of the original -settlers were natives of America, and brought up in one or other of the -provinces that rebelled. They were Americans in all respects, as much as -those who took sides with the rebels, yet to-day the descendants of the -U. E. Loyalists are as unlike the descendants of the rebels, as each is -unlike a full blooded Englishman. The pure Yankee and the Canadian of -the first water may trace their ancestors to a common parentage, and -have the same name. As Canadians we are not afraid to institute a -comparison between ourselves and the natives of New England or New York, -or Pennsylvania. Let the comparison refer to any question whatever, -either of the body or mind, of society or of government. The external -influences which have operated have been elsewhere indicated. The -circumstances of the U. E. Loyalists as settlers in a wilderness, were -widely different from those of the States after the Independence was -secured. Incessant toil and privations, without opportunities for -acquiring education, on the one hand; on the other there was all the -advantages of civilization. And so it continued for nearly half a -century. It is to be desired that we had statistics to show the -difference as to longevity, and general health. Suffice it to say that -scientific men are debating the cause of gradual decline among the New -Englanders, while Upper Canada overflows with native population. Another -influence of an external nature, which must not be omitted as operating -upon the loyalists, is that derived from the emigrants from Great -Britain and the officers from the army and navy, and other gentlemen who -became part of the first settlers. That they had a wholesome effect -cannot be doubted, and gave a healthy tone to the provincial mind. From -these internal and external influences the Upper Canadian has been -developed into an individual singular in some respects, but yet -constituting a middle link between the Englishman, and the “Englishman -intensified,” as the American has been called. - -The difference in the character between the British American and those -who have lived under Republican Government is a striking commentary upon -the effects of social and political institutions. Canadians may not have -excelled in making wooden nutmegs, and basswood hams; but they have -succeeded in converting a wilderness into a splendid Province. And -although eighty years behind in commencing the race with those who -robbed them of their homes, they have even now caught up in many -respects, and to-day a young State with great breadth and resources -presents itself at the threshold of nations. It has for a population a -stable people. Canada has no long list of cruel charges against her for -aggression. Her escutcheon is clean as the northern snow against which -she rests, from the stains of blood—blood of the Indian, the African, -the Mexican, or of a neighbor. - -After all, notwithstanding this bright record of loyalty on the part of -settlers and their descendants, yet the Bay of Quinté inhabitants were -not permitted to receive the heir to the Crown of England, to support -which, their sires suffered so much. They spilled their blood, they -suffered starvation; and yet by the advice of one who held in higher -consideration the Roman Catholic Church, than the grand-children of the -U. E. Loyalists. The Prince of Wales passed up and down the bay without -landing. They waited with burning enthusiasm to receive the Prince, but -he passed and repassed without gratifying their desire. Notwithstanding -this there were some who followed him to Toronto, determined to pay -their respect to the Prince, notwithstanding the Duke of Newcastle. - -“THE U. E. LIST.”—It will be remembered that a certain number of -Americans who had remained in the States, were induced to remove to -Canada by a proclamation issued by Simcoe; many of these were always -loyalists in heart, some had become tired of republicanism, and others -were attracted by the offer of lands, free grants of which were offered -upon paying fees of office, some $30. By this means a new element was -added to the Province. At the same time the first settlers were to be -placed in a position to which the newcomers, however loyal, could never -attain. - -Distinct from the general class is here meant those whose names were -entered upon a list ordered to be prepared by Government. “To put a mark -of honor,” as it was expressed in the orders of Council, “upon the -families who had adhered to the unity of the empire and joined the royal -standard in America, before the treaty of separation in the year 1783, -to the end that their posterity might be discriminated from the then -future settlers. From the initials of two emphatic words, the unity of -the empire, it was styled the “U. E. List,” and they, whose names were -entered on it, were distinguished as the U. E. Loyalists, a distinction -of some consequence, for, in addition to the promise of such loyalty by -themselves, it was declared that their children, as well as those born -hereafter, as those already born, should, upon arriving at the age of -twenty-one years, and females upon their marriage within that age, be -entitled to grants of 200 acres each, free from all expense.” Upon -arriving at age, the descendant petitioned the Governor, stating the -facts upon oath, and accompanied with the affidavit of one person. The -order was issued, and land in one of the newer townships was duly -allotted and the patent issued free of cost. - -The following is the order of Council referring to the grants of land to -the U. E. Loyalists: - - “QUEBEC, Monday, 9th Nov. 1789.” - Present, LORD DORCHESTER and thirteen Councillors. - - “His Lordship intimated to the Council, that it remained a question - upon the regulations for the disposition of the waste lands of the - Crown, whether the board constituted for that purpose, were - authorized to make locations to the sons of loyalists, on their - arriving to full age, and that it was his wish to put a mark of - honor upon the families who had adhered to the unity of the empire, - and joined the Royal standard in America, before the treaty of - separation in the year 1783.” - - “The Council concurring with his Lordship, it is accordingly - ordered, that the several land boards take course for preserving a - registry of the names of all persons falling under the description - aforementioned, to the end that their posterity may be discriminated - from future settlers, in the parish registers, and rolls of the - militia of their respective districts, and other public remembrances - of the Province, as proper objects, by their persevering in the - fidelity and conduct so honorable to their ancestors, for - distinguished benefits and privileges.” - - “And it is also ordered that the said land boards may, in every such - case, provide not only for the sons of the loyalists, as they arrive - at full age, but for their daughters also, of that age, or on their - marriage, assigning to each a lot of 200 acres, more or less, - provided, nevertheless, that they respectfully comply with the - general regulations, and that it shall satisfactorily appear that - there has been no default in the due cultivation and improvement of - the lands already assigned to the head of the family of which they - are members.” - -In the first days of the Upper Canadian Militia, instructions were given -to the Captains in each battalion that in the roll of members, all of -the U. E. Loyalists enrolled should have the capitals U. E. affixed to -their names. - -After the war of 1812, it became necessary for the applicant to present -a certificate from a Clerk of the Peace that he retained his loyalty. -The following is the order of the Executive Council: - - YORK, 27th June, 1816. - - “Public notice is hereby given by order of His Excellency Governor - in Council, that no petition from sons and daughters of U. E. - Loyalists will be hereafter received without a certificate from the - Magistrate in Quarter Sessions, signed by the chairman and Clerk of - the Peace, that the parent retained his loyalty during the late war, - and was under no suspicion of aiding or assisting the enemy. And if - a son then of age, that he also was loyal during the late war, and - did his duty in defense of the Province. And if a daughter of an U. - E. L. married, that her husband was loyal, and did his duty in - defense of the Province.” (Signed) JOHN SMALL, Clerk of the - Executive Council. - -The steps taken by Government to prevent persons not actually upon the -U. E. List from enjoying the peculiar privileges operated sometimes -against the U. E. Loyalists unpleasantly, which led to some agitation, -as the following will show: - -In the year 1832, a meeting was held at Bath. Referring to this meeting -the Kingston _Herald_, of April 4, says: - -The alleged injustice of the Government with regard to the sons and -daughters of U. E. Loyalists has been a fruitful source of complaint by -the grievance-mongers. At the late Bath meeting Mr. PERRY offered the -following amendment to a resolution, which was negatived by a large -majority, - -“Resolved, That a free grant of 200 acres of the waste lands of the -Crown, by His Majesty the King, to the U. E. Loyalists and their sons -and daughters, was intended as a mark of His Majesty’s Royal munificence -towards those who had shown a devotedness to His Majesty’s person and -government during the sanguinary struggle at the late American -Revolution, and that the settlement duty required of late to be -performed by the above description of persons and others equally -entitled to gratuitous grants, and also their not being allowed the -privilege of locating in any, or all townships surveyed and open for -location, appears to this meeting to be unjust, and ought therefore to -be abolished.” - - - - - CHAPTER LXXI. - - CONTENTS—Notice of a Few—Booth—Brock—Burritt—Cotter—Cartwright— - Conger—Cole—Dempsey—Detlor—Fraser—Finkle—Fisher—Fairfield—Grass— - Gamble Hagerman—Johnson’s—“Bill” Johnson—Macaulay—The Captive, - Christian Moore—Parliament—Morden—Roblins—Simon—Van Alstine— - Wallbridge—Chrysler—White—Wilkins—Stewart—Wilson—Metcalf—Jayne— - McIntosh—Bird—Gerow—Vankleek—Perry—Sir William Johnson’s children. - - - INDIVIDUAL NOTICES—CONCLUSION. - -The noble band of Loyalists have now almost all passed away. Their -bodies have long since been laid in the grave; their children also have -almost all departed, and the grand-children are getting old. Their last -resting places—resting from war, famine, and toil—are to be found upon -beautiful eminences, overlooking the blue waters of the Bay and River -and Lake. All along their shores may be seen the quiet burying-places of -those who cleared the land and met the terrible realities of a pioneer -life. - -The present work cannot embrace a history of the many noble ones, -deserving attention, who laid the foundation of the brightest colony of -Great Britain. Yet it would be incomplete without giving the names of a -few representative persons. They are such as we have been able to -procure, and while there are others, not referred to, well worthy of a -place in history, these are no less worthy. We have, under “The -Combatants,” referred to others of the first settlers, and would gladly -have introduced the names of all, could they have been obtained. - -BOOTH—“DIED—At Ernesttown, on Saturday, Oct. 31, 1813, very suddenly, -Joshua Booth, Esq., aged 54 years. He was one of the oldest settlers in -that place, and ever retained the character of a respectable citizen. -Left a widow and ten children.” - -THE BROCK FAMILY.—William Brock was a native of Scotland; born in 1715. -Was taken by a press-gang when eighteen, and forced upon a man-of-war. -Served in the navy several years, when he was taken prisoner by the -French. Afterward was exchanged at Boston. Being set at liberty from the -service, he settled at Fishkill, New York, where he married, and became -the father of a large family, two sons, Philip and John, by the first -wife; and eight children by a second, named William, Ruth, Naomi, -Isabel, Deborah, Catherine, Samuel, Garret, and Lucretia. In -consequence, of the rebellion, he became a refugee, and, at the close, -settled in Adolphustown; lived for a short time near the Court House, -upon his town lot, two of his neighbors gave him theirs, and he -continued to live upon the three acres for some time. He drew land near -the Lake on the Mountain, and in the west, to which his sons went when -they grew old enough. One of them was Captain of Militia during the war -of 1812. He received at that time a letter from Gen. Brock, who claimed -relationship; the letter was written a few days before Gen. Brock fell. -This letter still exists. The youngest of the children married -Watterberry, and still lives, (1867) aged 82, with her daughter, Mrs. -Morden, Ameliasburgh. - -CARTWRIGHT.—One of the most noted of the refugees who settled at -Kingston, was Richard Cartwright. He was a native of Albany, and was -forced to leave his home because of his loyalty. He found an asylum with -others at Carleton Island, or Fort Niagara. Some time after the -conclusion of the war he was in partnership with Robert, afterward -Honorable Hamilton, at Niagara. But sometime about 1790, he settled in -Kingston, where, as a merchant he acquired extensive property. The -Government mills at Napanee came into his possession. Those who remember -his business capacity, say it was very great. He was a man of “liberal -education and highly esteemed. Suffered at last calmly and patiently, -and died at Montreal, 27th July, 1815, aged fifty years.” - -The estimation in which this gentleman was held is sufficiently attested -by the following, which we take from the _Kingston Gazette_: - - YORK, March 13, 1816. - - A new township in the rear of Darlington, in the district of - Newcastle, has been surveyed, and is now open for the location of - the U. E. Loyalists and military claimants. We understand that His - Excellency, the Lieutenant-Governor to testify in the most public - manner the high sense which he entertained of the merit and services - of the late Honorable Richard Cartwright, has been pleased to honor - this township with the name of CARTWRIGHT, a name ever to be - remembered in Canada with gratitude and respect. Dignified with a - seat in the Legislative Council, and also with a high appointment in - the militia of the Province, Mr. Cartwright discharged the duties - incident to those situations, with skill, fidelity, and attention. - Animated with the purest principle of loyalty, and with an ardent - zeal for the preservation of that noble constitution which we enjoy, - he dedicated, when even struggling under great bodily infirmity, the - remains of a well spent life to the service of his country. Nor was - he less perspicuous for his exemplary behaviour in private life; - obliging to his equals—kind to his friends—affectionate to his - family, he passed through life, eminently distinguished for virtuous - and dignified propriety of conduct, uniformly maintaining the - exalted character of a true patriot, and of a great man. - -He was a good type of the old school, a tall, robust man, with a stern -countenance, and a high mind. He had sustained the loss of one eye, but -the remaining one was sharp and piercing. As the first Judge of -Mecklenburgh, he discharged his duties with great firmness, amounting, -it is said, often to severity. As an officer of the militia, a position -he held in 1812, he was a strict disciplinarian, and often forgot that -the militiamen were respectable farmers. Mr. Cartwright left two sons, -the late John S. Cartwright, and the Rev. Robert Cartwright. It is -unnecessary to say that the descendants of Judge Cartwright are among -the most respectable, influential and wealthy, living in the Midland -District. - -MR. JAMES COTTER, was by profession, a farmer, residing in Sophiasburgh -in good circumstances. He was universally respected; decided, and well -informed in political matters; and as a proof of the public confidence -was elected M.P.P. In Parliament he served his constituents faithfully, -and maintained a reputation for consistency and uprightness. In 1819, -when party spirit animated the two political parties, he became a -candidate for re-election, but after a close contest was defeated by -James Wilson, Esq. - -CONGER.—“At West Lake, Hallowell, on the 27th May, 1825, died Dengine -Conger, in the 60th year of his age. He held a commission in the First -Battalion of the Prince Edward Militia, during twenty-three years. He -resided in Hallowell forty years, and lived a very exemplary life, and -died regretted by all who knew him.” - -COLE.—In the history of Adolphustown, reference is made to Daniel Cole, -the very first settler in that township. The writer in the summer of -1866, took dinner with John Cole, of Ameliasburgh, son of Daniel. John -was then in his 92nd year. He has since, 1867, passed away. Born in -Albany before the rebellion, he, with his family during the war, found -their way as loyalists to the city of New York, where they remained -until the leaving of VanAlstine’s company. The old man could remember -many of the events of that exciting period, being, when they came to -Canada, about ten years old. The brigade of batteaux from Sorel, was -under the supervision of Collins, he says: “Old Mother Cook kept tavern -in Kingston, in a low flat hut, with two rooms.” There were four or five -houses altogether in the place. Landed in fourth township in June. Saw -no clearings or buildings all the way up from Kingston, nor tents; a -complete wilderness. Remembers an early settler in second township, -named Cornelius Sharp, from the fact that he injured his knee, and that -Dr. Dougall desired to amputate; but his father cured it. His mother’s -name was Sophia de Long, from Albany. She lost property. A hogshead of -spirits was brought up from New York. The settlers were called together -every morning and supplied with a little on account of the new climate. -His father had been a spy and carried despatches in a thin steel box, -which was placed between the soles of the boot. Before resorting to this -mode he had been caught, and sentenced to be hanged immediately. The -rope was around his neck, and the end thrown over the limb of a tree, -when he suddenly gave a spring from their grasp, and ran, while shot -after shot was leveled at his flying figure; but he escaped, “God -Almighty would not let the balls hit him.” Remembers the Indians when -first came, were frequently about, would come in and look at the dinner -table; but refused to eat bread at first; afterward would, and then -brought game to them in abundance at times. Remembers landing at -Adolphustown, he hauled the boat to a block oak tree, which overhung the -water, his father built a wharf here afterwards. It was in the -afternoon. They all went ashore. There were three tents of linen put up. -His father brought a scythe with him, with which they cut marsh hay, or -flags. This was used to cover the houses, and they kept out the rain -well. - -His father’s family consisted of twelve persons, two died at Sorel. The -settlers used to meet every Sunday to hear the Bible read, generally by -Ferguson; sometimes had prayer. Remembers, Quarter Sessions met at his -father’s, Cartwright was Judge. The Grand Jury would go to the stable to -converse. Says he once saved Chrys. Hagerman’s life, who was bleeding at -nose, after Drs. Dougall and Dunham had failed. His father lived to be -105, his sister died last year, aged 101. Remembers the man that was -convicted of stealing a watch, and hanged. Has seen the gallows on -Gallows Point, Captain Grass’ farm. The gallows remained there a dozen -years. The man it turned out, was innocent. - -DIED.—“On Friday the 5th of August, at his residence in Adolphustown, -Mr. Daniel Cole, at the very advanced age of 105 years, 1 month and 12 -days. He was a native of Long Island, N. Y., and the oldest settler in -this township; he was respected and beloved by all who knew him—having -long performed his duty as a loyal subject, a faithful friend, a kind -husband, an indulgent parent, and an obliging neighbor. Born in the -fifth year of the reign of George II, he lived under four Sovereigns, -and saw many changes both in the land of his birth, and this of his -adoption. He has beheld the horrors of war, and has tasted of the -blessings of peace; he has seen that which was once a wilderness, -“blossom and flourish like the rose,” where formerly was nothing to be -seen but the dark shadow of the lofty pine, oak, and maple, here and -there broken by the thin blue vapor curling above the Indian wigwam, he -has seen comfortable dwellings arise; out of the superabundance of -nature man has supplied his necessity. Beneath the untiring efforts of -human industry, the dark woods have disappeared and waiving fields of -grain have taken their place. Where once was seen nought but the light -birch bark canoe of the “son of the forest,” he has beheld the stately -steamboats sweep majestically along—where formerly resounded the savage -howl of the panther, the wolf and bear, he has seen towns and villages -spring up, as it were by magic; in fact the very face of the country -seems changed since he first sat down upwards of 52 years ago, as a -settler on the place where he died. - -“But after all he saw, he too is gone, his venerable age could not save -him, for we are told “the old must die.” The friends of his early days -were all gone before him; he was becoming “a stranger among men,” -generations had arisen and passed away, still he remained like a -patriarch of old, unbroken by the weight of years. After witnessing the -fifth generation, he died universally lamented by all his acquaintances, -leaving behind him 8 children; 75 grandchildren, 172 great-grandchildren -and 13 great-grandchildren’s children; in all 268 descendants.” - - Adolphustown, August 9, 1836. T. D. - -DEMPSEY.—“Mark Dempsey was sent out by the British Government as -Secretary to General Schuyler. Married about 1746 to Miss Carroll. -Thomas, their youngest son, was born in New Jersey, 9th January, 1762. -His father died while he was young, and he was left in a part of the -country which was held by the rebels, when he had attained to an age to -be drafted, Thomas Dempsey did not like to fight in the rebel ranks, and -consequently escaped and joined the loyalists. Was in the service when -New York was evacuated. Married 1782 to Mary Lawson, whose father, Peter -was imprisoned by the rebels, and his property all plundered and -confiscated. Came to Canada by Oswego, 1788, accompanied by his wife and -her parents. Tarried at Napanee till 1789, when they came to -Ameliasburgh, and settled on lot 91, which had been purchased from John -Finkle. Dempsey’s worldly effects then consisted of a cow, which they -brought with them, seven bushels of potatoes, and a French crown, and a -half acre of wheat which Finkle had sowed. They drew land in Cramahe. -During the first years they were in great distress. A tablespoonful of -flour, with milk boiled, or grain shelled by hand, formed their daily -meals. Their clothing consisted of blankets obtained of the Indians for -the women, and buckskin pants and shirts for the men. Dempsey was the -second settler in the township, Weese having settled two years before. -Margaret Dempsey, born October 24, 1790, was the third child born in the -township.” - -DETLORS.—The Detlors are of the Palatine stock. Says G. H. Detlor, Esq., -of the Customs Department, Kingston: - -My grandfather, John V. Detlor, emigrated with my grandmother from -Ireland, to New York; directly after his marriage in the City of New -York, they removed to the town of Camden, where they resided with their -family—and at the close of the Rebellion (having joined the Royal -standard)—he with two or three of his sons and sons-in-law came to -Canada, and finally located on lands in the Township of Fredericksburgh, -Lot No. 21, 6th concession, where he and his sons lived and died. My -father removed to the town of York (now City of Toronto), in 1802, and -at the invasion of that place by the Americans, in April, 1813, my -father lost his life in defense of the place. There is now but one of my -grandfather’s children living, an aunt of mine, Mrs. Anne Dulmage, -resides in the village of Sydenham, Township of Loughboro’, County of -Frontenac. - -They sacrificed their lands, and suffered great privations. The Detlors -have ever been universally esteemed, not alone in the Midland District, -but in all parts of Canada, and have been found worthy occupants of many -responsible positions. - -ISAAC FRASER.—“Among the prominent men who resided in Ernesttown, near -the Bay of Quinté, was Isaac Fraser, Esq., for many years M.P.P. for the -Counties of Lennox and Addington. Mr. Fraser was a man of great decision -of character, and during the active part of his life, probably wielded a -great influence, and his opinions always commanded great respect. In his -political opinions, he was identified with the Conservative or Tory -party; and when he arrived at a conclusion on any particular point, he -adhered to it with all the tenacity which a clear conviction of its -justice could inspire. With him there was no wavering, no vacillation. -He was always reliable, and his friends always knew where to find him. -There is no doubt, he acted from conscientious motives, and from a clear -conviction of duty; and, so far as I know, no man ever charged him with -acting corruptly. In his religious views, Mr. Fraser sympathized with -the Presbyterians, and, if I mistake not, was a member of the church -organized, and watched over by the late Rev. Robert McDowall, of -Fredericksburgh.” - -FINKLE.—The late Geo. Finkle, of Ernesttown, says, “My grandfather, Dr. -Geo. Finkle, left Germany when a young man; and bought two estates, one -at Great, and one at Little Nine Partners. In adhering to the British, -he had all his estates, which were valuable at Nine Partners, Duchess -Co., confiscated to the Rebel Government. My father, Henry, made his way -to Quebec shortly after the war began, being sixteen years old. Entered -the Engineer’s Department, where he learned the use of carpenter’s -tools. In settling, this knowledge was of great use to him, and he -became the builder of the first framed building in Upper Canada. His -wife was a sister of Capt. John Bleeker. He settled on the front of -Ernesttown, lot six.” Finkle’s Point is well known. - -The First court held in Upper Canada, it is said, was at Finkle’s house, -which being larger than any at Kingston, or elsewhere on the Bay, -afforded the most convenience. Mr. Finkle records the trial of a negro -for stealing a loaf of bread, who, being found guilty, received -thirty-nine lashes. The basswood tree, to which he was tied, is still -standing; Mr. Finkle had slaves and was the first to give them freedom. -One of the brothers, of which there were three, John, George, and Henry, -served seven years in Johnson’s regiment. - -Mr. Finkle wrote us, Dec. 11, 1865; he says, “Being in my 74th year, and -in impaired health, I am unable to write more.” The kind man soon -thereafter was called away, at a good old age, like his father and -grandfather. - -Geo. Finkle, son of Henry, had three sons, Gordon William, Roland -Robinson, and Henry. The Finkle’s, as we have seen elsewhere, were -actively engaged in the construction of the first steamboats the -‘Frontenac’ and ‘Charlotte,’ having had an interest in the ‘Charlotte,’ -and his eldest son, Gordon, is now one of the oldest captains upon the -Bay, being attached to the steamer ‘Bay Quinté.’ The old place granted -to the grandfather, still belongs to the family, Roland R. still -residing there, and the youngest, Henry, is Postmaster at Bath. - -FISHER.—Judge Alexander Fisher, a name well known in the Midland -District, was a native of Perthshire, Scotland, from whence his parents, -with a numerous family, emigrated to New York, then a British province. -At the time of the rebellion they had accumulated a considerable amount -of both real and personal property; but at the defeat of Burgoyne, near -the place of whose defeat they lived, the Fisher family, who would not -abandon their loyalty, left their all, and endured great hardships in -finding their way to Montreal. Alexander was subsequently employed in -the Commissariat, under McLean, at Carleton Island; while his -twin-brother obtained the charge of the High School at Montreal, which -situation he held until his death, in the year 1819. At the close of the -war the family obtained their grants of land as U. E. Loyalists. - -Alex. Fisher was appointed the first District Judge and Chairman of -Quarter Sessions for the Midland District, to the last of which he was -elected by his brother magistrates. He was also for many years a Captain -of Militia, which post he held during the war of 1812. The family took -up their abode in Adolphustown, upon the shores of Hay Bay. A sister of -Judge Fisher was married to Mr. Hagerman, and another to Mr. Stocker, -who, for a time, lived on the front of Sidney. He was related, by -marriage, to McDonnell, of Marysburgh. His parents lived with him at the -farm in Adolphustown. They were buried here in the family vault, with a -brother, and the Judge’s only son. - -Judge Fisher was short in stature, and somewhat stout, with a prominent -nose. He was, as a judge, and as a private individual, universally -esteemed. “He was a man of great discernment, and moral honesty governed -his decisions.”—(Allison.) He died in the year 1830, and was buried in -the family vault. As an evidence of the high esteem in which he was -held, there was scarcely a lawyer or magistrate in the whole District, -from the Carrying Place to Gananoque, who did not attend his funeral, -together with a great concourse of the settlers throughout the counties. - -FAIRFIELD.—The Kingston _Gazette_ tells the following: - -“DIED.—At his house, in Ernesttown, on the 7th Feb. 1816, in the 47th -year of his age, W. Fairfield. His funeral was attended by a numerous -circle of relatives, friends and neighbors. He left a widow and seven -children. The first link that was broken in a family chain of twelve -brothers and three sisters, all married at years of maturity. His death -was a loss to the district, as well as to his family. He was one of the -commissioners for expending the public money on the roads. Formerly a -member of the Provincial Parliament; many years in the commission of the -Peace. As a magistrate and a man, he was characterized by intelligence, -impartiality, independence of mind and liberality of sentiments.” - -GRASS.—Captain Michael Grass, the first settler of Kingston township, -was a native of Germany. The period of his emigration to America is -unknown. He was a saddler and harness-maker by trade, and for years -plied his trade in Philadelphia. It would seem that he removed from -Philadelphia to New York, for his son Peter was born in this city in -1770. According to the statement of his grandson who often heard the -facts from his father, Peter Grass, soon after the commencement of the -rebellion, Michael Grass was taken prisoner by the Indians, who were -staying at Cataraqui. In this he is probably mistaken. We learn from -another source that it was during the previous French war, which is more -likely to be correct. It would seem that Grass and two other prisoners -were not confined in the fort, but held in durance by a tribe of -Indians, who permitted them to hunt, fish, &c. They made an effort to -escape, but were caught and brought back. Again they attempted, carrying -with them provisions, which they had managed to collect, sufficient to -last them a week. But it was nine weeks before they reached an English -settlement, one having died by the way from hunger and exposure. It was -the knowledge which Grass had acquired of the territory at Cataraqui, -while a prisoner, which led to his appointment to the leadership of a -band of refugees at the close of the war.—(See settlement of Kingston.) - -It does not appear that Captain Grass occupied any office in the army -during the war. His captaincy commenced upon his leaving New York with -the seven vessels for Canada. By virtue of his captaincy, he was -entitled to draw 3000 acres. Beside lot twenty-five in Kingston, he drew -in fourth concession of Sidney nearly 2000 acres in one block. - -Captain Grass had three sons, Peter, John, and Daniel, and three -daughters. Daniel, some years after, went sailing and was never heard -from. Peter and John settled in the Second Town and became the fathers -respectively of families. The land drawn by the captain, and the 600 -acres by each of his children, has proved a lasting source of wealth and -comfort to his descendants. - -Captain Grass naturally took a leading part at least during the first -years of the settlement at Kingston. He was possessed of some education, -and was a man of excellent character, with a strict sense of honor. -Although opportunities presented themselves to accumulate property at -the expense of others, he refused to avail himself of all such. He was -appointed a magistrate at an early period, and as such performed many of -the first marriages in Kingston. In religion, he was an adherent to the -Church of England. Probably he had been brought up a Lutheran. His old -“Dutch” Bible still is read by an old German in Ernesttown; but it seems -a pity that although none of the Grass family can read its time worn -pages, it should be allowed to remain in other hands than the -descendants of the old captain. - -In connection, it may be mentioned that some time before the war, a poor -German, a baker by trade, came to New York. Michael Grass assisted him -into business, and even gave him a suit of clothes. When the refugees -came to Canada, this baker accompanied them. He settled in Quebec, where -he amassed eventually great wealth, and the P—— family are not unknown -to the public. - -GAMBLE.—The subjoined somewhat lengthy notice is taken from the _Toronto -Colonist_:—“Dr. Gamble and family were for many years residing at -Kingston, and he was intimately associated with the first days of Upper -Canada, as a Province, while his offspring as will be seen, form no -indifferent element of the society of the Province,” we therefore insert -the notice _in extenso_. “Isabella Elizabeth Gamble, the third daughter -of Dr. Joseph Clark and Elizabeth Alleyne, was born at Stratford, in -Connecticut—then a colony of Great Britain—on the 24th October, 1767. In -the year 1776, her father, faithful to his allegiance, repaired to the -British army in New York, to which place his family followed him. At the -peace of 1783, Dr. Clark removed with his family to New Brunswick (then -known as the Province of Acadia) and took up his residence at -Mangerville. There his daughter, the subject of this memoir, then in her -seventeenth year, was married on the 18th of May, 1884, to Dr. John -Gamble, the eldest son of William Gamble and Leah Tyrer, of Duross, near -Enniskillen, Ireland. Mr. Gamble was born in 1755, studied physic and -surgery at Edinburgh; emigrated to the British colony in 1779, and -landed in New York in September of that year. Immediately on his -arrival, he entered the King’s service as Assistant-Surgeon to the -General Hospital; subsequently he was attached to the “Old Queen’s -Rangers,” and for some time did duty with that regiment as surgeon. At -the peace of 1783, he, with other American Loyalists, went to New -Brunswick. After his marriage Dr. Gamble practised his profession at St. -John’s, and resided in New Brunswick until 1793, when having been -appointed Assistant-Surgeon to the late regiment of Queen’s Rangers, by -General Simcoe, then Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada, he joined his -regiment at Niagara, where it was then quartered, having left his wife -and five daughters at Mangerville. Mrs. Gamble continued to reside with -her father until 1798, when her husband, having in the meantime, been -promoted to the surgeoncy of his regiment; she, with her five daughters, -the eldest then but thirteen years of age, accompanied by her father and -a sister (afterwards married to the Hon. Samuel Smith), ascended the -river St. John in a bark canoe, crossed the portage by Temi conata to -the Rivierie du Loup, came up the St. Lawrence, and joined Dr. Gamble -then with his regiment in garrison at York. - -“In 1802, the Queen’s Rangers were disbanded, and Mrs. Gamble -accompanied her husband and family to Kingston, where he practised his -profession until his death, in the fifty-sixth year of his age, on the -1st December, 1811. She remained in Kingston till the year 1820, when -with the portion of her family then at home, she removed to Toronto, and -there remained surrounded by her offspring until her death on the 9th -March, 1859. - -“Mrs. Gamble had thirteen children, nine daughters and four sons; -Isabella, the eldest, married to Robert Charles Home, Esq., -Assistant-Surgeon, Glengary Light Infantry; Mary Ann, married to Colonel -Sinclair, Royal Artillery; Sarah Hannah Boyes, to James Geddes, Esq., -Assistant-Surgeon, Medical Staff; Leah Tyrer, to the Hon. William Allen; -Catharine, who died unmarried; Jane, married to Benjamin Whitney, Esq.; -Rachel Crookshank, to Sir James Buchannan Macaulay; Magdaline, to Thomas -William Birchall, Esq.; and Mary Ann unmarried; John William, of -Vaughan, William, of Milton, Etobicoke; Clarks, of Toronto, and Joseph -who died in infancy; of these thirteen, six only survive, but Mrs. -Gamble’s descendants have already reached the large number of 204, and -some of her children’s children are now upwards of thirty years of age. - -“The remarkable longevity of a large number of the American Loyalist -emigrants who came to the British Provinces after the American -Revolution, has been noticed by the Lord Bishop of New Brunswick, as a -striking instance of the fulfilment of the promise contained in the -fifth commandment, embracing, as that commandment unquestionably does, -the duty of obedience to civil rulers. Mrs. Gamble may well be counted -among that number, having, in October last, entered upon her -ninety-second year.”—_Colonist._ - -Among the company of refugees which followed VanAlstine’s lead to -Canada, was Nicholas Hagerman. - -He settled in the village of Adolphustown, almost in front of the U. E. -burying ground. The point of land here between the Bay and the Creek is -still known as Hagerman’s Point. The whole of the land except the -burying ground was cleared by Hagerman. His house was situated a short -distance west of the road leading from the wharf up to the village. It -was built near the water’s edge. The short period which has elapsed -since that building was erected has not only consigned the builder to a -grave almost unknown, and the building to the destructive tooth of time, -but the very land on which the house stood, where he and his family -daily passed in and out, is now washed away by the ceaseless waves of -the bay. - -Mr. Hagerman was a man of some education, and it is said had studied law -before leaving New York. At all events he became one of the first -appointed lawyers in Upper Canada, probably at the time McLean, of -Kingston, was appointed. He continued to live and practice law in -Adolphustown until his death. “He was the first lawyer to plead at these -Courts. He was a self-made man.”—Allison. - -The writer’s parents lived at, and near the village of Adolphustown when -young; they knew the Hagerman’s well, and for many a day and year -attended school with Nicholas Hagerman’s children. There were at least -two brothers, David and Christopher, and two daughters, Betsy and Maria. -Daniel was a sedate person, but “Chris.” was a saucy boy. They were both -elected to Parliament at the same time, but Daniel died before the -meeting of Parliament. Christopher studied law with his father at first, -was a pupil of Dr. Strachan’s, and completed his legal studies in -McLean’s office in Kingston. The father and son were sometimes employed -by opposing clients; at one time in Kingston, the son won the suit, much -to the annoyance of the father. The father exclaimed, “have I raised a -son to put out my eyes.” “No”, replied the son, “to open them father.” -At the commencement of the war in 1812, Christopher went as Lieutenant -with a Company from Adolphustown to Kingston. Shortly after he was -chosen Aide-de-Camp to the Governor General. Thenceforth his way to -preferment was steady. At the close of the war he was appointed -Collector of Customs at Kingston. The _Gazette_ of 5th September, 1815, -says that Christopher Alexander Hagerman, Esq., Barrister-at-Law, was -appointed to His Majesty’s Council in and for the Province of Upper -Canada. - -On the 26th March, 1817, he was married to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of -James Macaulay, Esq., Kingston. - -JOHNSONS.—Henry Johnson was born at New Jersey, 1757, where he lived -till the rebellion, when he removed to Poughkeepsie. In June, 1788, -being a loyalist, he came with his brother Andrew to Canada, enduring -many privations and hardships. He settled in Hallowell, where he lived -until his death, which took place 28th May, 1829, being in his 73rd -year. “He was noted for his hospitality—charitable to the poor without -ostentation, a pious Christian. For the last five years he suffered -much.” - -ANDREW JOHNSON.—Among the combatants, we have given the name of James -Johnson; here we design to give a place to some account of his two sons, -Andrew and William, or “Bill,” as he was commonly called, a name yet -remembered by many. - -Perhaps there is not now living a more interesting historic character -than Andrew Johnson, residing in the vicinity of Belleville. A native of -New York State, Gainesborough, he came in with his father at the first -settlement of Upper Canada. He was an eye witness of the first days of -Ernesttown, and Kingston. At the beginning of the present century he was -known as an unusually rapid walker. Andrew was engaged in carrying the -mail from Kingston to York. Mr. Stuart was his employer. His route was -by the Bay shore to Adolphustown, across the Bay, at the Stone Mills, by -Picton and Wellington, to the Carrying Place; and thence along the Lake -shore, fording streams as best he could, often upon a fallen tree, or by -swimming. He would spend five hours in York and then start back. These -trips were generally made once a fortnight. He subsequently lived at -Bath for forty years, where he kept a tavern, and strangely enough, as -he avers, he never drank liquor in his life. - -His father’s log house was used by Rev. Mr. Stuart to preach in for -three years, before the frame building was erected on the hill, which -would hold thirty or forty persons. It was a story and a-half high. -Andrew Johnson is now upwards of a hundred. Although his memory is -somewhat defective, he retains a great deal of bodily vigor; and eats -and sleeps well. He rarely converses unless spoken to. He is a man of -somewhat low stature, small frame, with spare limbs. Mr. Lockwood, who -has known him a long time, says, “He was remarkably quick in his -movements.” During the war, the two started to walk from Prescott to -Kingston, but Lockwood says that Johnson could walk three miles to his -one. His brother, “Bill,” had a fast horse, which could outrun anything. -Andrew offered to bet a hundred dollars that he could travel to York -quicker than the horse. Of course there was but an imperfect path, with -no bridges. His offer was not accepted. Andrew was a loyal soldier in -1812, and belonged to the same companies as his brother. The old man is -yet very quick in his movements, retaining that peculiar swinging gait -by which he formerly so rapidly traveled long distances. His days are -passing away in a quiet dream, tenderly cared for by his son, with his -wife. - -BILL JOHNSON.—William Johnson, brother of the foregoing, was one of six -sons of James Johnson, born in Ernesttown. His youthful days were spent -in the vicinity of what is now the village of Bath. About the time of -the commencement of the war of 1812, he was engaged in Kingston, in -trading, and had a store of general merchandize. When the first draft -for men was made, Johnson was one of the conscripts. For a very short -time, he did service, and then procured his brother (not Andrew) as a -substitute. There was not at this time any doubt of his loyalty. It was -natural he should desire to attend to his business in Kingston, which at -this time was lucrative. And there does not appear that he employed his -brother in other than good faith. But some time after his brother -entered the service, he deserted to the United States’ shore. Even now -it does not appear that the authorities of Kingston suspected his -loyalty, for they desired that he should take his place in the ranks -which his brother had forsaken. This, however, “Bill” would not do. The -result was that a file of soldiers commanded by Sergeant Lockwood, (our -principal informant) was sent to arrest Johnson, by order of the -captain, Matthew Clark of Ernesttown. - -Upon the approach of the soldiers, Johnson shouted to Sergeant Lockwood, -who had been his life long playmate, “I know what you are after; but you -won’t get me yet,” and immediately shut the door and turned the key. -Lockwood, without hesitation, raised his musket, and with the butt -knocked the door open, in time to see Bill escaping by the back door. A -close chase ensued into a back enclosure, and Lockwood succeeded in -catching him by the leg as he was passing through a window. Johnson then -submitted, and was conveyed a prisoner to the guard house within the -jail. After being confined for sometime he escaped by breaking the jail; -probably aided by sympathizers, for a good many thought he was badly -treated. - -Whatever may have been Johnson’s feelings towards the British Government -before, he now became a most determined enemy of his native country. He -vowed he should “be a thorn in Great Britain’s side;” and his goods and -some property at Bath, a few town lots, being confiscated, he declared -he would get back all he lost. The foregoing occurence took place -sometime during the fall of 1812. It would appear that Bill Johnson set -to work in a systematic manner to carry out his threats. - -Being well acquainted with the country and people, and, withal, a bold, -determined and fearless man, he did not hesitate to visit the Canadian -shore, and was even seen at Bath in day light. He built several small -boats, light and trim, and he would at times unhesitatingly voyage upon -the broad lake in bold undertakings. His operations consisted in -privateering, in inducing American sympathizers to accompany him to the -States, and in acting as a spy. During the war there were frequently -boat loads of goods, consisting of liquors and other valuable articles -passing up the bay, and across the Carrying Place, thence to York. On -one occasion Thomas Parker, who was engaged in the business, left -Kingston with a batteau laden with valuables for York. Johnson, who -watched such events, saw Parker depart. While the latter made his way up -the bay, Johnson proceeded in his craft around by the lake, and awaited -Parker off Presqu’isle. In due time the batteau was seized by Johnson -and his comrades, and taken to the other side. Parker being landed on -Point Traverse, off Marysburgh. - -Another exploit was the seizure of Government despatches near Brighton. -A company of Dragoons, Captain Stinson, were on duty to carry despatches -between the River Trent and Smith’s Creek, Port Hope. On a certain -occasion when a dragoon, by the name of Gardner, was pursuing his way -with despatches, he was suddenly seized by Johnson, who deliberately -took him with his horse to the lake shore, where he shot the horse, -placed the despatch bag in his boat, and then permitted the man to find -his way on foot through the woods to report himself to his captain. - -“Bill Johnson still lives at French Creek upon the American shore of the -St. Lawrence. He was an active participant in the events of 1837, and it -is supposed had much to do in recruiting for the army of sympathizers.” -There is so much of fiction to be found respecting him in connection -with that time, that it is difficult to say what part he did take. It -has been generally supposed that he was one of the few who escaped from -the Windmill, but while, no doubt, he was engaged at the time, there is -nothing to rest a decided statement upon. We suspect that “Bill,” in his -later days, was given to boasting a little, and took pleasure in -catering to the taste of his Yankee friends, in relating what he and his -daughter Kate did, (in imagination.) - -MACAULAY, “the father of the Honorable John, and the Rev. William -Macaulay, settled during the Revolutionary war on Carleton Island, then -a British station and fortification, where he supplied the commissariat -and garrison, and carried on business. In 1794, Mr. Macaulay removed to -Kingston, where he amassed considerable property. When he removed to -Kingston, he had rafted over from Carleton Island his log dwelling -house, and placed it where it now stands at the corner of Princess and -Ontario Streets. It has since been clap-boarded over and added to, and -having been kept painted and in good repair is still a very habitable -building.”—(Cooper.) - -Mr. Macaulay had come to New York shortly before the commencement of the -Colonial troubles, and as a loyalist had his house pillaged and burnt, -by the rebels, and became a refugee at the military post at Carleton -Island. About 1785, he settled at Kingston, where he married, and -remained until his death, in September, 1800, being fifty-six years old. -He was at no time connected with the service, but engaged his time in -commercial business, and was on most intimate terms with those in -authority, being a particular friend of the Duke of Albano. His sons -continued his business and in time were called to occupy honorable and -responsible situations under Government, as Legislative Councilor, -Surveyor General, Provincial Secretary, Inspector General, Chaplain to -Legislative Assembly, and Commissioners on various important matters. - - - THE CAPTIVE CHRISTIAN MOORE. - -Upon the 19th March, 1867, the writer was privileged, through the -kindness of the Rev. Mr. Anderson, to visit an individual who, of all -others, possesses historic interest. About half a mile north of the -Indian Church upon the old York road, Tyendinaga, lives Christian Moore. -Beside the stove, in a low Indian chair, sat a woman whose shrunken and -bent appearance made her appear no larger than a girl of sixteen. But -the face, with its parchment-like skin—the deeply wrinkled features, -bespoke the burden of many winters. Yet, the eye still flashed looks of -intelligence, as the face was upturned from her hands on which she -almost incessantly rested her head, as if the shoulders had wearied in -their long life duty. Christian is about a hundred years old, during -eighty of which she has remained a captive with the Mohawks. Although a -white woman, she knows not a word of English. Long, long years ago, in -becoming the wife of an Indian, and the mother of Indians, she became to -all purposes one of themselves. She is a living relic of the American -Revolution, as well as of the customs of the Mohawk Indians a hundred -years ago. - -In the first days of the rebellion, in an encounter between the Indians -and a party of rebels in the Mohawk valley, one of the Indians, by the -name of Green, was killed. The custom among the several tribes, or -families, when one of their number had been lost in war, was to take the -first captive they could, and adopt him or her, into the tribe, to keep -up the number. A party of Indians, under John Green, a chief and brother -of the one killed, called in after days Captain Green, in the course of -their foray, caught a little girl about ten years of age. That little -girl is the old person of whom we are speaking. The old woman yet -recollects the fact that her father’s family, on the approach of the -Indians, made haste to escape; she by accident was left alone or behind. -She remembers to have been running along the road, when she was taken. -She says there were a good many Indians. After this there is a blank in -her memory, until the period of the Indians leaving their homes to -escape. This was the time when they buried their Communion Plate. -Christian says she was carried upon an Indian’s back, as they fled to -Lachine. She recollects that they were staying three years at Lachine, -when the tribe set out to take possession of the land which Government -was to give them. It was about a year from the time they started from -Lachine, until they, under Brant, reached their destination, the Grand -River. Captain Green was with this party, and stayed with them at Grand -River for six years, when, becoming dissatisfied, he, with his family, -came to the Bay Quinté. Christian remembers all this. She was living -with Captain Green’s sister. They came in a batteau, down the north -shore of the lake, and crossed at the Carrying Place at the head of the -bay. - -Christian in time became the wife of an Indian, by the name of Anthony -Smart, who, she says, has been dead now thirty-eight years. They had but -one child, a daughter, who was married to Abram Maricle. They had three -children, one being a son, Christian’s daughter has been dead many -years, but the old lady now is surrounded by grand-children to the third -generation. - -Some time after the close of the Revolution, a person by the name of -Moore, came with his family to Canada, and settled at Napanee. By some -means he learned that there was a white woman among the Mohawks, and he -visited them to see if it might be his long lost daughter. Such proved -to be the case. He was Christian’s father. She remembers the occasion, -(it was about forty-five years ago,) her father was then a very old man. -Of course, there was no resemblance between the woman in Indian garb -before him, and his little girl of ten years. But there was a mark upon -her arm, the result of a burn by which he was enabled to recognize his -own flesh and blood. The scar, upon the left forearm, can yet be -distinctly seen. Painful, indeed, must have been the feelings of the -parent, to know she was his daughter, and yet knew not a syllable of her -mother tongue. The natural channel by which parental and filial -affection might have flowed was sealed. She says, she has a sister now -living back of Napanee. She asked her father if she had been christened, -and he informed her she had been. Upon our asking her the question, if -she ever went to school, she says, “No;” that she was “always working -hard.” Asking her the question, if she did not think she had lived a -long while, she replied, “I don’t think I’ll live very long.” The Rev. -Mr. Anderson informs us that she has ever maintained the character of a -true Christian, and is always happy to partake of the Holy Communion, -Christian’s great-grandson, himself a father, acted as interpreter. - -It is possible that this woman, who belonged to another century, may -live yet several years. There is much of vigor in her movements and -conversation. Although shrivelled and bent almost double with age, her -body seems to be well nourished, and her arms possess considerable -thickness. She always enjoyed good health, and now eats and sleeps in -the most comfortable manner. - -We are informed by a recent letter from Rev. Mr. Anderson, 1869, that -the old woman continues quite well, and works in the garden in summer. - -PARLIAMENT.—Mrs. Morden, of Sophiasburgh, was born upon the banks of the -Hudson, forty miles from its mouth. Her birthday stretches back -ninety-eight years. She came into Canada with her father, George -Parliament, who was of German parentage, born upon the sea; and like the -ocean, he was through out his brief life tossed up and down with -scarcely a day of calm and sunshine. The family reached the Fourth Town, -and only six weeks after her father’s eyes were closed in death. Mrs. -Morden has a distinct recollection of the rebellion. Her father was -staunchly loyal, and she has heard him repeatedly declare that he would -lay his bones in the King’s domains. During the war he was imprisoned -twice, at Goshen and Poughkeepsie. She was thirteen years old when they -came to Canada, and remembers the many weary days of travel by Oneida -Lake. Her father walked and drove the cattle all day, her mother would -sit up till late at night over the camp-kettle preparing food for the -party to use the following day, so that there would be no delay on the -way. Having crossed from the States, the Skenectady boats landed at -Little Catariqui. The father was down below on the St. Lawrence swimming -the cattle across the stream. They found their flour was nearly done. -She, with a little sister, went along the shore to the village of -Kingston to buy flour, she had only enough money to buy a quarter of a -hundred of second flour, which she carried from McAulay’s store to the -hungry company at the Little Catariqui, where they were wind-bound. She -remembers the appearance of the shores as they journeyed along; the rude -log cabins in the small clearings. The family of eleven children settled -upon the north shore of Hay Bay. The eldest boy was nineteen years old. -They now thought that they, in common with other settlers, would be -permitted to work out a peaceful and happy future, but the arrow of -death was already in the bended bow. The mournful occasion can hardly be -appreciated, the father of eleven children in the wilderness suddenly -cut down. Each of the neighbours had quite enough to do to care for his -own family. All these terrible facts are fresh in the mind of the -venerable lady. The events of later years are faded from her memory, but -those are too deeply engraven upon her mind, by the pen of sorrow, to be -erased while life lasts and mind sits enthroned. The subsequent events -connected with the family for a time are no less distressing. They had -one cow, the milk of which supplied them with their principal food. Fish -was occasionally caught. But they often had to seek herbs and greens. -For weeks they were in the greatest distress for the very necessaries of -life. All of the family who were old enough went out to work. The -following spring, and the subsequent ones, her mother made sugar, not to -use in the family, “oh! no, that was too great a luxury.” It was all -carried and sold for flour. Mrs. Morden remembers it, for she carried -much of the sap. She subsequently worked out, until after several years -she found a kind supporter. Mrs. Morden, whom the writer saw nearly four -years ago, (1865), was then, although so old, yet vigorous and -sprightly, with a kindly face, and even a sharp eye. Of all the persons -it has been our privilege to converse with, there are only a few who -gave such clear and appropriate testimony, and afforded so much -satisfaction. She confined her remarks strictly to the questions, and we -learned much in a short hour. She spoke feelingly; and with Christian -nobleness said she, “I have lived a long time and had many blessings, -thanks be to God.” Thus spoke the lips of one whose youth had been spent -in another century. - -ROBLINS.—The Roblin family is extensively and favorably known in Upper -Canada, especially in the bay region. They, although numerous, have -sprung from a common ancestry. Originally of English or Welsh nativity; -at the commencement of the rebellion they were found dwelling in New -York, and New Jersey. As a result of the Revolution, four branches of -the Roblin family came into Canada, two of whom, John and Stephen, were -brothers. - -John Roblin lived in New Jersey, he took no part in the contest, but his -sympathies were doubtless with the loyalists. One day, he was sitting in -the door-way, when a scouting party fired upon the house as they -approached. Some fourteen shots were fired. This was done without any -warning, the house being inhabited by a private family. John Roblin was -wounded in the knee. The party entered the house and completely -ransacked it, searching for valuables; not satisfied with what they -found, they demanded where the money was; John’s brother, Stephen, was -suspended by his thumbs to a tree with the view of forcing him to tell -where the moneys was concealed. John, although wounded, was stripped -almost naked. The ruffians, who did all this under the name of -“Liberty,” destroyed what they could not carry; and flour, furniture, -everything in fact, was strewn about and broken. One of the party put -his bayoneted musket to the breast of Mrs. Roblin, and dared her to call -George her king. She fearlessly replied, he once was, why not now. The -demon was pulling the trigger, when a more human comrade knocked the -weapon aside. The rebels were near by under Washington, and this was a -regular detailed foraging party. John Roblin was afterward placed in the -rebel hospital, but the doctor was unnecessarily cruel, and so -maltreated him, that he became a life-long cripple. The family came into -the rebel camp, and Mrs. Roblin complained to General Washington of the -conduct of his men. He had her look among the men, and promised to -punish any she said had been among the party. But of course they kept -out of the way. - -The Roblins settled originally in Adolphustown, John Roblin died, and -his widow, with the family, removed to Sophiasburgh, where she bought -100 acres of land for $25, and paid for it by weaving. She likewise cut -down trees and made her hut. - -Roblin, who settled in the third concession of Fourth Town, became a -member of Parliament. - -SIMON.—John Simon was born in Massachusetts, joined the Royal Standard -when the rebellion commenced. At the close of the war, he settled at -first near Montreal. He soon removed to Cataraqui, and finally to the -Township of Flamborough West, County Westmeath, where he lived till his -death. He had three sons, Titus, John, Walter. A daughter married -Detlor, another James McNabb, one Dr. Meacham, one Thompson, the last -three lived at Belleville. One of the sons, Titus, we believe, -distinguished himself in 1812, at the battle of Lundy’s Lane. He had -been Commissary at Kingston, and moved to Toronto. - -MAJOR VANALSTINE.—The life of this man we have been unable to trace in -full; but sufficient remains known to supply the requisites for a short -sketch. He must have come from the vicinity of Albany, for he was -decidedly Dutch, and spoke the English language very imperfectly. He was -a stout, robust man, with a dark complexion, not one of military -bearing; and most likely, until the rebellion, had nothing to do with -military matters. Among the first to settle in Adolphustown, he well -knew the hardships of pioneer life. During the course of the rebellion -he had suffered many privations. Naturally a kind-hearted man, he for -many years afforded to the new comers much comfort and material aid. His -house was ever open to the passing stranger—to the old soldier, to poor -refugees. He was known to everybody in the whole settlement of the Bay. -No matter who came, he would order up from his cellar kitchen—the old -Dutch style—his negro servants—slaves he had brought in with him, and -set before the traveler the necessary refreshments. The son of one who -knew him well, says he was hospitable to a fault. His religion was -Lutheran, and the Government granted him a pension for distinguished -service. - -THE WALLBRIDGE FAMILY.—Are of English descent, and were among the first -settlers of America. There were several families of the name existing in -America at the breaking out of the rebellion, one of which had been -residents of Bennington, and were known as the Bennington Wallbridge’s. -The rebellion led, as in many other instances, to a division among the -sons; some sided with the rebels, others remained loyal. Elijah -Wallbridge took part with the loyalists. His children never heard him -speaking of the part he took; but it is learned through another source -that he was one of a party who on one occasion made a gallant attack -upon a military prison, and relieved the prisoners. His old musket may -yet be seen. It is in possession of the Hon. Lewis Wallbridge. At the -close of the war, he desired, like many other loyalists, to remain in -the States, and indeed did for a time, but the spirit of intolerance was -manifested toward him, so that he determined to settle in Canada. He -consequently, at the beginning of the present century, came to the Bay -and purchased the tract of land held in Ameliasburgh by the family. - -Elijah Wallbridge married the daughter of a U. E. Loyalist, Capt. Robert -Everett, of Kingston. Mr. Wallbridge, in making his visits to the front -of Ernesttown, found it convenient to cross the Bay from Mississauga -Point to Ox Point, and as a canoe was not available he often disrobed -himself, tied his clothes in a bundle and managed to swim across, -holding the bundle of clothes above the water. - -WHITE.—The Cobourg _Star_ recorded the death of Mrs. White of White’s -Mills, aged 82 years, as follows: - -“Another old and respectable inhabitant has paid the debt of nature, -whose memory will long be cherished by survivors.” In 1792 Mrs. White -was living with her family, the Chryslers, at the homestead, Sidney, -near Belleville, but removed after her marriage with Mr. White, to -Cobourg, in the neighborhood of which she has remained ever since, -beloved by her family and greatly respected by all the settlers around. -Although she often remarked, they had to undergo many privations, yet -they were the happiest days of her existence. She feared the present -generation was launching out too much into the fashion of the world, to -conduce to solid happiness. - -The Chryslers were U. E. Loyalists, and among the first who made Upper -Canada their home after the Revolution. Sorel at that period was a -government station, and here in 1802, Mrs. White, then Catherine -Chrysler, was born. In 1784, their house was unfortunately burned down, -when the General made them a liberal grant of lands in Sidney, near -Belleville. This was the first settlement in that locality, which was -soon followed by many others, so that a neighborhood was soon formed as -helpmates to one another. A few years afterward, Mr. White, being a -lumber merchant, located in the neighborhood; an intimacy soon sprang up -between the parties, which ended in a family union. Clergymen were -scarce in those days, but Rev. Robert McDowell, of the reformed Dutch -Church, who kept a horse and traveled through the wilderness, tendered -his services. By that worthy pioneer, Mr. and Mrs. White were happily -united in country simplicity. These primeval days were often referred to -as affording more solid happiness than modern finery and ostentation. -May the present generation never lose sight of those good old times. She -fulfilled the declaration of that discerner of the human heart, Solomon, -who says: “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not -the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her -husband also, and he praiseth her.” - -WILKINS.—Col. Charles Wilkins, although not one of the old U. E. -Loyalists, yet having come to Canada at an early date, and taken an -active part in matters pertaining to the welfare of the country, -respecting military matters, and especially in the history of the Bay, -this work would not be complete without a special notice of this very -worthy gentleman. The writer had the privilege of visiting him at his -home, the Carrying Place, in the summer of 1866, and procured many -valuable facts, which were imparted with a kindly courtesy. The winters -of 83 years had left their impress upon the tall and once erect figure. -But notwithstanding the wear and tear of life, with many cares, and the -intractable disease which steadily advanced, his face beamed with a -pleasant smile, while he recounted many events with which he had had to -do. While relating matters of a general nature, he was most unwilling to -speak of his own services, and the diffidence and humbleness of manner, -with which he referred to himself was remarkable. We have made reference -to Col. Wilkins elsewhere, and will here allude to some events in his -life. - -He came to Canada with his father in 1792, aged 10 years. At an early -period he took up his abode at the Carrying Place and engaged in -business; was married in 1804 to Miss Mary, daughter of Charles Smith, -of Port Hope, who died in 1847. Elsewhere has been mentioned the part he -took in the war of 1812, for which he received an official recognition. -Mr. Wilkins had for several days, the late General Scott of the American -army, when a prisoner in Canada. Mr. Wilkins’ kindness to him was -remembered in later years. In the trouble of 1836–8, the Government -called upon Mr. W. to take command of the militia. He was appointed to -many posts of honor and duty, and in 1840 was called to the Legislative -Council. Mr. Wilkins was always exceedingly popular, not because he -sought popularity, but because of his naturally kind and gentlemanly -deportment to all classes, and his many sterling qualities. The very -high estimation in which he was held was fully evidenced on the occasion -of his death in 1867, when old friends came long distances in unpleasant -weather, to see his remains deposited in their last earthly resting -place. - -STEWART.—A traveler writing in 1835, says of Canada, “I often met the -venerable in years,” and “on March 8, 1833, died Mrs. J. Stewart, near -St. David’s, Niagara District, aged 109 years; her husband died a few -years since at the age of 96, leaving children, now living, aged 80, and -grand-children at 60.” “Last year a woman by the name of _Metcalf_, -residing near the capital of Upper Canada, bore a child when past her -sixtieth year.” - -Among obituary notices we find the following: “At Hope Village, East -Guilliamsbury, in 1829, much and generally regretted, _John Wilson, -Esq._, a native of the Province of New Jersey, aged 90 years, 14 days.” - -DEATH OF A PIONEER OF LONDON TOWNSHIP.—We have to record the decease of -Mr. Joseph Jayne, which took place at his residence in London Township, -7th concession, lot 32, on Wednesday last, the 10th inst., at the -advanced age of nearly 101 years. He was born on Long Island, N. Y., on -June 13, 1764, some years before the State of New York had ceased to be -a British Province. Deceased was revered and held in esteem by a large -circle of friends, for whose entertainment he was ever fond of -recounting his adventures in the revolutionary period, and who deeply -regret his loss.—_London Free Press._ - - MCINTOSH.—“On the 25th February last at his residence in Marysburgh, - in the 93rd year of his age, respected by all his acquaintances, Mr. - Donald McIntosh, who came to America in the 42nd Royal Highlanders, - and arrived the day before the battle of Bunker’s Hill, and was in - that engagement. He was subsequently in the 84th, and was at Quebec, - when Montgomery made his unsuccessful attempt on that stronghold, - and during last war, was a Lieutenant in the 1st Regt. of Prince - Edward Militia.” - - BIRD.—“At his residence in Marysburgh, Mr. Henry Bird, in the 90th - year of his age. He appeared to be in good health till a few moments - before the vital spark took its flight; he was well respected; he - came to Canada in the 54th Regt.” - - GEROW.—“At Ameliasburgh, in the County of Prince Edward, on - Wednesday, the 19th inst., Mary Gerow, aged 80 years. Deceased was - one of the first settlers on the borders of the Bay of Quinté, where - the greater part of her long life has been spent.” - - VANKLEECK.—“In Madoc, on Monday, the 9th of October, Simeon - Vankleeck, Esq., in his 98th year, after a short illness, almost - entirely free from pain. Old age seemed to claim its rights, and the - system quietly gave way. Mr. Vankleeck was one of the earliest - pioneers of this part of the country, having resided in Madoc - forty-one years. He was well and favourably known throughout the - county, and his immediate acquaintance bear testimony to his energy - and firmness, which mingled at the same time with a kindness and - suavity that won their hearts. His old age was remarkable for genial - good temper and activity of mind and body. In his 94th year, he - presided at a political meeting held by the Hon. Sidney Smith, at - Hazzard’s Corners, to which place he walked from his son’s - residence, a distance of seven miles. In politics he was noted for - his strong conservative feeling—the side he chose when a young man— - and adhered to it through his whole life, believing it to be, as he - stated in his later years, the “Loyal Side.”” - - The deceased was a descendant of a branch of the Vankleeck family, - whose loyalty to the British Crown caused them to leave their - ancient home in Duchess County, New York, during the American - Revolution, and to settle in the wilds of Canada. He was several - years connected with the British army during the Revolution. He - leaves several sons, two of whom reside in this township.—_Mercury._ - - PERRY.—Died at Ernesttown, the 12th of January instant, Jemima - Perry, wife of Robert Perry, Senr., and sister of the late Ebenezer - Washburn, Esq., of Hallowell, in the 76th year of her age. Her - remains were interred on the 14th, with every mark of real but - unostentatious grief and respect. - - “In the beginning of last November, she was seized with a - distressing asthmatic affectation, which finally terminated her - life, and which she endured with Christian patience and resignation - to the will of heaven. - - “Mrs. Perry was born in the Province of Massachusetts, and came with - her husband and family into this Province among its first settlers. - - “She has left an aged partner, with whom she lived in conjugal union - and affection fifty-eight years: seven children; a numerous train of - grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a large circle of friends - and acquaintances. Her loss is extensively felt. In the various - relations of life, as a wife, a mother, a sister, a neighbour, and a - member of civil and Christian society, her exemplary conduct - entitled her to the esteem of all who knew her.” - -“OLD MAN.—Old John Baker, residing at Cornwall, Ontario, was born in -1766, at Quebec. His mother was a slave, and he was brought by his -master, Colonel Grey, at one time Solicitor-General for Upper Canada. -Baker enlisted in the 104th regiment, and served at Waterloo, Lundy’s -Lane, Fort Erie, and Sackett’s Harbor. He is a little rheumatic, and is -lame from a wound in the leg, received in action; but his intellect is -as fresh and clear as when a boy. He draws a pension of one shilling -sterling a day, and seems good for some years yet,” 1869. - -In conclusion we may mention the descendants of Sir William Johnson, by -Miss Molly, a sister of Joseph Brant. She came to Kingston at an early -date, having probably been in Lower Canada during the war, where she -lived until her death in 1804 or 5. One of her daughters married Captain -Farley, of the 16th Regiment, another Lieutenant Lemoine, of the 24th -Regiment; a third John Ferguson, of the Indian Department; a fourth -Captain Earle, of the Provincial Navy, and another to Doctor Kerr, an -eminent surgeon, who settled in Niagara. - - - - - APPENDIX. - - - ROLL OF THE 2ND BATTALION KING’S ROYAL REGIMENT, NEW YORK, 28TH FEB., - 1784. - - Jacob Weegar - Alexander Clark - Alexander Platto - Jacob Cobman - Jonas Simmons - James Rankins - Jonas Larranary - Richard Albery - Gabriel Brefsea - Christopher Brefsea - Bankes, John, Jr - Bankes, John, Sen - Brant, Franc - Baxter, Lawrence - Benedict, Benjamin - Coons, Jacob - Coons, David - Campbell, Matthews - Connrad, William - Coolcraft, Christian - Cook, Seth - Catchcatch, Christian - Drihell, Cornelius - Dewitt, Garton - Dyckman, Martines - Foster, Moses - Hopkinson, John - Haines, Barrast - Haines, Frederick - Haines, John - Haines, David - Hoyle, John - Hoyle, Peter - House, John - Huffman, Jacob - Henerham, Andrew - Hill, Timothy - Mordon, John - Morrison, James - Wher, John - Phillips, Michael - Phillips, Peter - Pember, Phillip - Priest, Jacob - Redding, Francis - Friar, Samuel - File, John - Franklin, John - Fend, Andrew - Gates, Thomas - Hart, Zachariah - Howell, Warren - Johnson, Henry - Rahall, John - Loukes, Jacob - Millross, Andrew - McCarty, William - Matthews, Pompey - Middelton, Ruben - Northrup, Eson - Reynold, William - Scot, Daniel - Shaw, William - Sholtes, John - Snartfager, Frederick - Sipperly, Phillip - Smith, Stephen - Smith, Jacob - Cornell, Patner - Shilliner, Christian - Wallan, Samuel - Wirst, John - Young, Daniel - Defororest, Abraham - Willoughby, William - William, Albert - Young, Peter - Young, Stephen - Deal, Peter - Bernus, Gother - Fletcher, John - Lount, John - Michael Roughnett - Alexander Grant - George Christie - John Bondish - David Lishsamblin - Peter Zenith - Nicholas Schyler - Atherson, Charles - Magle, Gottip - Badernach, John - Ross, Alexander - John Casscallion - Cornelius Pitcher - Peter Deal - John Litcher - Alexander McDougall - Luke Carscallion - John Berrn - George Sullivan - James V. Alstine - Berron, John - Huben, Peter - Barnhart, David - Cole, John - Calden, John - Coons, Simon - Coons, Peter - Cronkhite, John - Conelius, John - Curtis, John - Dych, Nicholas - Dych, Henry - Deal, Adam - Detlor, Valentine - Detlor, Jacob - Emerish, Henry - French, Andrew - Finkle, George - Cameron, Alexander - Cameron, Angus - Cameron, Donald - Davis, Peter - Earner, Peter - Eearhart, Simon - Eaverson, John - Foy, John - Fory, Daniel - Farlinger, John - Fike, Peter - Fairchild, Benjamin - Faish, Christian - Goose, Frederick - Hugh, John - Randal, Joseph - Snider, Jacob - Snider, Lidwich - Sills, John - Sills, Lawrence - Sills, George - Smith, Michael - Smith, Phillip - Swathager, John - Vszie, Joseph - Baltingal, Jacob - Baltingal, Samuel - Rauley, Jacob - Plant, Peter - Rollin, Thomas - Clark, Hugh - Chrisholm, Donald - Sutter, Isaac - Thomson, Thomas - Thom, William - Christie, George - Beedehee, John - Samuel Ashley - James McPherson - George Barnhart - George Dagetger - George Prest - George Fitzpatrick - James Titchert - Peter Young - Cain Young - Clute, John - Cooper, Thomas - Cook, Silas - Coomb, John - Coomb, Barnard - Donser, John - Dire, John - Davis, Henery - Dogstader, Adam - Dengandre, Garrett - Dogstader, Pompey - Edgar, John - Foy, Francis - Gilbert Luke - Thomas Graham - Grant, Peter - Gold, Edward - Gallingher, George - Heming, Henry - Hawley, Jacob - Helmer, Adam - Helse, Frederick - Hugh, Henry - Hendrick, Peter - Harbinger, John - Tarhoson, David - Kough, Peter - Kreem, John - Bailer, William - Bell, Johnson - Beitte Barnard - Barnhart, Nicholas - Barnhart, Jacob - Barnhart, John - Brown, Nicholas - Burch, Jacob - Brown, James - Christian, John - Christian, Simion - Cameron, William - Medagh, John - Myers, John - Cugh, George - Culman, Frederick - Parsons, John - Rood, Mitchell - Ramsay, Adam - Sulivan, Cornelius - Shirley, John - Shellop, Henry - Winter, Jacob - Winter, Henry - Wilson, James - Kough, James - Connor, Christian - Wilinger, Michael - Smith, Jacob - Eamer, Phillip - Hawdord, Edward - Mure, John - John Miller - Fossern, Daniel - Latoch, Halburt - Elijah Sarrabe - George Murraoff - Luke Bourteal - Toil Hurd - Samuel Suckey - John Saver - John Teague - Barnhart, Charles - Beramy, William - Boner, Gasper - Boner, Adam - Bender, Samuel - Cox, Alexander - Crander, Anthony - John Crander - Crander, William - Cadman, William - Cadman, George - Coundouse, George - Dow, Thomas - Delong, John - Evans, Tony - Landras, Samuel - Logest, Andrew - Hamilton, Thomas - Henning, Andrew - House, Coonroot - Hedlar, Adam - Johnson, John - Hellen, John - Himmerly, Andrew - Ylline, - Law, Samuel - Heller, Henry - Noon, William - Battingal, Jacob - French, Albert - Flamsbury, William - Howard, William - Harding, Richard - Jones, Thomas - Johnson, William - Jones, John - Roughnet, John - Rentner, George - Knight, Benjamin - Koughnet, John - Lonhey, George - Lonhey, Henry - Lonhes, Abraham - Savanay, Alexander - Sambert, David - Sawyer, William - Loft, David - McGowen, Stephen - Murdoff, James - Murdoff, George - Moss, Simon - Critchert, Bartholomew - Rogers, John - Rambaugh, Jacob - Rambaugh, John - Rambaugh, Andrew - Rambaugh, William - Shellop, Christian - Smith, Daniel - Shuk, Christian - Tute, John - Kemdy, Robert - Church, Oliver - Hillinger, Abraham - Laryo, Matthew - Erwiny, Robert - Schnars, Frederick - John Howell - Francis Hoyb - Richard Cotter - Matthew Farrent - Jothan Hart - Joseph Clement - Henry Davis - John Windaker - Brant, John - Borven, William, Senr - Baker, Henry - Borven, William, Junr. - Bush, Henry - Cameron, Archibald - Dodger, Thomas - McDonnell, John, Senr. - McDonnell, John, Junr. - McDonnell, Roderick - McDonald, Ronald - McPherson, Laughlin - Matthew, Jacob - Naramore, Esau - Penn, Matthew - Prentice, Daniel - Prichell, John - Phillips, Jacob - Porker, Isaac - Ross, Thomas, Senr. - Ross, Thomas, Junr. - Ross, John - Roaf, John - Ryan, Dennis - Rowland, Jervis - Tingorac, John - Starring, Jacob - Severn, Peter - Servus, Phillip - Smith, John - Hart, Nathaniel - Sherman, William - Tuniver, William - Valentine, Alexander - Warmly, Jacob - Cook, Robert - Rierman, Henry - Schilles, Henry - Henry Deal - John Servin - Andrew Embury - Thomas Clark - William Nicholson - John Dogstider - Allen Chrisholm - John Dervitt - Arginsinger, John - Bartley, Muherd - Bartley, Isaac - Chrisholm, Duncan - Cain, John - Coon, Jacob - Campbell, John - Cain, Barney - Cook, Joseph - Farling, John - Hough, George - Hight, Mathew - Johnson, Prince - Peacock, John - Kenton, John - Delorm, John - Donevan, Herener - Evans, Bolton - Eglon, Leonard - Estwood, John - Flanagan, James - Gardiner, John - Horon, Peter - Horon, Jacob - Hubbert, Jubilee - Hegle, John - Koughnet, William - Koliph, Henry - Toyer, David - Toyer, Richard - Martin, Robert - Murphy, Patrick - McGran, Owen - McGran, Dennis - McDonnell, Daniel - Nellinger, Abraham - Phillips, Elijah - Rapole, George - Shaver, Adam - Sample, Hugh - Street, Daniel - Staly, Tobias - Stering, George - Truax, Isaac - Turnburny, John - Woodcock, Abraham - Woodcock, Peter - Welsh, Morris - Argussiger, Phillip - Wilson, James - Thomas Cavan - John McIntyre - John Ham - Abiah Christie - Donald McPherson - John Tower - Peter Winter - John Lambert - Albert Edward - Ball, Samuel - Crawford, William - Crumwell, Nicholas - Santnere, Jacob - Witts, Henry - Witts, John - McCardy, Jacob - Mirile, Jacob - Minse, John - Crawford, Bryan - Clark, Jacob - Clark, Adam - Clark, John - Chrisholm, Hugh - Faber, David - Fitzgerald, William - Furny, Rodolph - Furny, Adam - Gilbert, Nathaniel - Graham, William - Grant, Peter - Helmer, John - Horon, Joseph - Howard, Christian - Towar, Canrobert - Tarranay, Isaac - Tarranay, Abraham - Matthew, Nicholas - McKay, Stephen - McTaggart, James - McDonald, Duncan - Mitchell, John - McIntyre, Duncan - McLennon, John - Oxbury, John - Phillip, John - Rote, George - Reyers, William - Robertson, Daniel - Shaver, James - Smith, William - Smith, Peter - Sweeney, Daniel - Stewart, John - Teagin, Jacob - Vandregoo, Phillip - Abstric, Lambert - Wright, John - Walroda, Jacob - Wood, James - Wood, William - Weegar, Thomas - West, John - Toursset, Benjamin - Tealy, Adam - Deprender, George - - - THE GOVERNORS OF UPPER CANADA. - -Subjoined is a list of the Governors, Presidents, and Administrators of -Upper Canada, until the Union of the Provinces in 1841:— - - NAMES. TITLES. TIME OF ACCESSION. - - - Col. John Graves Simcoe Lieutenant-Governor July 8, 1792. - - Hon. Peter Russell President July 21, 1796. - - Lieut.-Gen. Peter Hunter Lieutenant-Governor August 17, 1799. - - Hon. Alexander Grant President Septr. 11, 1805. - - His Excellency Francis Gore Lieutenant-Governor August 25, 1806. - - Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock President Septr. 30, 1811. - - Maj.-Gen. Sir R. Halesheaff, President October, 20, 1812. - Bart - - Maj.-Gen. F. Baron de President June 19, 1813. - Rottenburgh - - Lieut.-Gen. Sir Gordon Provincial Decr. 13, 1813. - Drummond, G.C.B. Lieut.-Governor - - Lieut.-Gen. Sir George Murray, Provincial April 25, 1815. - Bt. Lieut.-Governor - - Maj.-Gen. Sir Frederick Phipps Provincial July 1, 1815. - Robinson, K.C.B. Lieut.-Governor - - His Excellency Francis Gore Lieutenant-Governor Septr. 25, 1815. - - Hon. Samuel Smith Administrator June 11, 1817. - - Maj.-Gen. Sir Peregrine Lieutenant-Governor August 13, 1818. - Maitland, K.C.B. - - Hon. Samuel Smith Administrator March 8, 1820. - - Maj.-Gen. Sir P. Maitland, Lieutenant-Governor June 30, 1820. - K.C.B. - - Maj.-Gen. Sir John Colborne, Lieutenant-Governor Novr. 5, 1828. - K.C.B. - - Maj. Sir Francis Bond Head, Lieutenant-Governor Jany. 25, 1836. - K.C.B. - - Maj.-Gen. Sir John Colborne, Administrator Feby. 27, 1838. - K.C.B. - - Maj.-Gen. Sir George Arthur, Lieutenant-Governor March 23, 1838. - K.C.B. H.G.O. - - Baron Sydenham and Toronto, Governor General October, 1839. - Lower Canada - - Baron Sydenham and Toronto, Governor General Feby. 10, 1841. - United Canada - - - THE ABORIGINES OF NORTH AMERICA. - THE MISSISSAUGA. - -The following Report, sent by Col. Bell, of Thurlow, to John Ferguson, -Superintendent for Indian Affairs, Kingston, dated 3rd May, 1815, -supplies a tolerably correct idea of the articles furnished by -Government to the Indians:— - - “Account of Indian goods, on the 7th March, 1815, remaining in store - in the barn of Lieut.-Col. William Bell, at Thurlow, and forwarded - on the 10th, 11th and 20th of the said month of March to the store - of Captain W. McIntosh, at the mouth of the river Moira, viz:— - - 12 Bales Cloths, - 9 Bales Cloths, - 7 Bales Cloths, - 1 Bales Calicoes, - 1 Bales Scotch Sheetings, - 1 Bales Spotted Black Swanskin, - 2 Bales Serges, - 2 Bales Common Grey Coats, - 11 Bales Caddises, - 5 Packs Deer Skins, - 11 Bales Moltons, - 6 Cases Saddles and Bridles, - 1 Cases Pistols, - 25 Cases Chiefs’ and Common Guns, - 5 Casks Tobacco, - 20 Cases Shot and Ball, - 7 Cases Tomahawks, - 4 Cases Spears, &c., - 3 Bags Beef Saws, - 22 Bales 3-feet Blankets, - 27 Bales 2½-feet do., - 7 Bales 2-feet do.” - - “N.B.—The above Packages have been delivered into the Store of - Captain John McIntosh, at the mouth of the river Moira, and his - receipt taken for them and delivered to you at Kingston, and also - the book in which all the marks and numbers were entered.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES - - - 1. Changed all ‘Quinte’ to ‘Quinté’ as the latter was the dominant - spelling. - 2. Added ‘CHAPTER XXXIa.’ table heading on p. xx. - 3. Added ‘CHAPTER XLVa.’ table heading on p. xxiv. - 4. Made corrections as indicated in ERRATA on p. xxxii. - 5. Switched ‘CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION.’ to ‘INTRODUCTION. CHAPTER I.’ on - p. 1 to agree with Chapter II arrangement. - 6. Changed ‘comfort’ to ‘comfort, and’ on p. 241. - 7. Changed ‘clergyman, and’ to ‘clergyman, and I’ on p. 264. - 8. Changed ‘CHAPTER XXXI’ to ‘CHAPTER XXXIa’ on p. 295. - 9. Changed ‘CHAPTER XLI.’ to ‘CHAPTER XLII.’ on p. 366. -10. Changed ‘adzes and hatches’ to ‘adzes and hatchets’ on p. 367. -11. Changed 'above ail' to 'above all' on p. 388. -12. Changed ‘One’ to ‘One of’ on p. 398. -13. Changed ‘CHAPTER XLV’ to ‘CHAPTER XLVa’ on p. 402. -14. Changed ‘English languish’ to ‘English language’ on p. 461. -15. Silently corrected typographical errors. -16. Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed. -17. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 54554 *** |