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Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est fllmd d partir de Tangle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d drolte, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'Images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants lllustrent la m6thode. ly errata sd to int ne pelure, igon d 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 % I THi-: IMPROVEMENT OF THE OTTAWA AND ITS DISTRICTS. aUEBEC: PRINTED BY WILLIAM NEILSON, NO. 19, MOUNTAIN STREET. 1841. ■«lp5.' ! THE IMPROVExMENT OF THE OTTAWA AND ITS DISTRICTS. Every Merchant in the Cities of Qiieljec and Montreal is deeply interested in the developement of the resources of this important part of Canada. The times appearing more propitious than they have done for some years past, a number of individuals interested in the Ottawa, met at Bytown, on the 22nd June last, and entered into resolu- tions respecting the improvement of that central river, and the settlement of its Districts. Application was, in consequence, made to the Governor Ge- neral for his consent to a renewal of the proposals to the Colonial Minister for the formation of a Joint Stock Company in Lon- don, for those important purposes. The application to His Excellency was favourably received, and has encouraged the idea of sending an Agent to England on the business, provided sufficient funds can be raised for the pur- pose. The obstacles or interruptions in the navigation of the Ottawa, and the want of good roads through the country, operate as bars to settlement, and the experience of the years which have passed since that section of the country became at all an object for settlement, gives little reason to expect any eflfectual aid from the Provincial Parliament, in removing them. An appeal to the Imperial I'arliament is equally hopeless — in those (lays of economy and retrenchment, it is in vain to expect that the Hritisli Government will en^ai^e in works of any mag- nitude in Canada, excej)ting for military purposes. We must, therefore, resort to that groat principle which has eft'ected so much in the aifairsof this world — the system of combination — in other words associations of individuals, bound together by the tie of a common pecuniary interest to accomj)lisha particular object. By what means have the many magnificciil and immensely use- ful improvements in England, been accomj)lished, but by this principle of combination as exemplified in Joint Stock Compa- nies. But here a questior jaturally arises, have we the means of forming these associatio.; s in the Colony ? All our experience goes to answer this question in the negative. The attempts that have been made to form or to work these companies in the Colo- ny have hitherto proved abortive, even tho' assisted, particularly in one case, by profuse grants from the Legislature. The cir- cumstances of the Colony are against them. The capital which is brought into the 'country by individuals or produced by in- dividual exertion, is absorbed by what must be done at every man's door, for his own comfort, nor can we expect that the mer- cantile bodies at Montreal and Quebec can assist to any great extent. It is not their object to invest their funds in undertak- ings of such slow returns as those produced by public works. In short, if the present generation is to see any great acceleration in the progress of the country on either side of the Ottawa, the aid of the British capitalist must be obtained, and it cannot be ex- pected in any other way than that in which it is afforded to use- ful undertakings in the mother country, viz: on the security of a charter granted by the Imperial Parliament. It was under these impressions that the expediency of sanc- tioning the formation of a Company in London for the improve- ment of the Ottawa, was urgently pressed on the attention of Government. It was strongly recommended by Lord Aylmer and Sir John Colborne, who were at that period our local Go- vernors, and also by the Earl of Durham, when our Governor General. It was approved of by the Colonial Minister, and 5 *> I I m i nothing prevented tlie Company, which was thou actiuilly form- ed, from going into operation, but the unfavourable state of politics in the Canadas. Tliat such an association can now be again organized, we have every reason to expect, that it will be gladly welcomed by the ijduibitants of those Districts, tiieir earnest and numerously signed memorials to Government on the subject sufficiently tes- tify, and that there will be no further delay on the part of Go- vernment, we would, considering the encouragement already held ont, confidently anticipate. Among the many benefits to be expected from the operations of a Company, the employment that would be thereby aft'orded to the emigrant, is not the least. It is not the mechanic merely who would benefit by them — the encreased capital which their operations would diftuse through the Agricultural Districts would enable the farmer to employ additional labourers to his own ad- vantage and to theirs. In this way the emigrant would serve his apprenticeship and be fitted to become a settler without being exposed to those hardships which must always attend a direct transition from his native country to the backwoods of Canada. That such a Company would be advantageous to every land- holder, within the sphere of its operations, there can be no doubt, for they would open roads and form other means of conveyance to those tracts of land which from the want of such communica- tions are now unsaleable. As it regard' the Province generally, the Company would be the means of introducing and circulating a 5 1. ^^e capital which could not otherwise find its way into the country. Increased facilities would be afforded to the lumberers by opening new sources and new channels of conveyance for their supplies. In a mercantile point of view, improvements on the Ottawa must, as they proceed and increa-e the population in that direction, add to the trade of both Quebec and Montreal — a trade which must flow into these Cities, protected locally, from interference or interruption by any foreign rival, and it may be humbly submit- ted for the consideration of Government, that if a navigable com- munication were accomplished from Montreal to Lake Huron, I W fl in the direction of the Ottawa, it may prove to be the most im- portant military iiit»ii\vay in tlie whole l*rovince. Ikit we need not dwell on the many advanta<,res to be expected from the esta- blishment of an association of this kind on the Ottawa — there are few who will dispute them. The agitation of so many years has at length broken out and has been quenched, we hope for ever, in unsuccessful rebellion. The Lei^islative Union of the Provinces has been efl'ected, and a determination to encourage emigration to this Colony has been declared by the Imperial Parliament ; we trust, therefore, that the set time is now arrived for the adoption of this important measure, and for the realization of those hopes, which have been so long and so patiently entertained. Extracts from a Report on the Internal Commu- nications of Upper Canada, by Tliomas Roy, Civil Engineer. — Laid before the Board of Trade, Montreal, 6th September, 1836 ; — " We may remark on the line of communication in the dlrec- " tion of the Ottawa, that the country being imperfectly known, " it is difficult to fix precisely upon the proper location for a " Canal. The labours of Lieut. Walpole, of Mr. ShirrefF, of " Capts. Baddely and Carthen, have done much towards making " us acquainted with that interesting portion of the country, but *•■ before deciding upon what would or would not be the most " eligible line for a water communication, a far more minute in- " vestigation of the country from Lake Huron to the Rideau, " than any of these gentlemen had it in their power to make, " will be required. This they all agree in, that the elevations " are suitable, and that there would be no want of water at the " summit level. " This line is entirely within the Province. It passes through " and near the best lumber districts. It is also well known that " those sections of the country which lie to the northward of the ich of tlu' fiiic'st soil th '' Oak Illdj^cs, possess " tiiicnt. " By cuttiii}^ a C iial in this (Urcctloii, wc reach at orjce to " the centre of the great chain of Lakes, iim\ secure to Canada, '' l)eyond the possibility of rivals upon equal terms, the conimu- " nication between the upper Lakes and the Ocean. It would •' effectually open up our own Lake countries, bring those lovely *' gems, the Manitoulin Isles (at the head of Lake Huron,) into " a course of settlement, and introduce the northern shores of " Lake Huron, hitherto so shamefully neglected, into that notice " which they so well deserve. This line also passes through, " and into what will prove to be the richest mineral district in " this Province, or perhaps on this Continent. We shall not *' attempt to discuss its advantages in case of war. They are '" sufficiently obvious. If our neighbours take advantage of this *' Canal, (and they ought to be made welcome,) we bring their *' commerce into our own waters, and probably to our own " markets, 'i his route by the Ottawa to Lake Huron, viewed as " a Canadian work, has decided advantages in almost every re- " spect over the line by the St. Lawrence, and the whole energies " of the country ought to be put forth to have it fully investigated " and brought into notice. It ought truly to become a national « work." ! j COMMUNICATIONS Wllfl I'm; (.OVHIINMENT RESPECTING llli; losnsATSo^ or \ roMiuw KOH TnE : IMPROVEIVIENT OF THE NAVIGATION OF THE OTTAWA, ANU toil J'UOilOTINO lUE SETTLEMENT OF THAT PART OE TFIE COUNTRY. t : At a meeting of the inhabitants of Bytown and its vicinity, held in Kirk's Hotel, on Tuesday, the 22d June, 1841, called for the purpose of taking into consideration the steps which had been formerly taken for the information of a Company to im- prove the communication from Montreal to Lake Huron, by the way of the Ottawa River, and for promoting the settlement of the country; also with the view of submitting the subject to the notice of His Excellency the Governor General. When Daniel Fisher, Esquire, of Bytown, being called to the Chair, and Dr. A. J. Christie appointed Secretary, Robert Shirreif, Esquire, of Fitzroy Harbor, opened the meeting by explaining the various proceedings which had taken place on the subject, when the following Resolutions were moved and carried unanimously : Movod by Mr. R. Shiureff, and seconded by Mr. Fraser, 1st. — That arrangements have been made by a body of most rospoctal)le capitalists in EngUtnd, to form a Company with the view of improving the communication between Montreal and !•; IWA, V. icinity, called icli had to im- ton, by ement 3Ject to died to Robert ing by ace on veA and RASER, of most ■vith the al and Lake Huron, by the way of the Ottawa, and of promotinjj; tlio settlement of the adjoinin*^ country; that for these important purposes a proposal was made to the Government in a letter addressed to Mr. Secretary llice, dated •24th June, 1834, (see Aj)prndix, Xo. 1,) signed by twenty-seven Noblemen and Cien- tlemen, who, with others, we have every reason to believe, are still willinii: to eui^-aiice in the undertakino-. ■0"fc)" Moved by Mr. McIntosh, and seconded by Mr. Siiirrgff, 2(1. — That the proposal mentioned in the foregoin<<^ resolution was referred by the Home Government to Lord Aylmer and Sir John Colborne, and highly approved of by their Excel- lencies ; and although in consequence of the disturbed state of public alTairs soon after that period, the measure was postponed by Go\ irnment, and subsequently the disastrous events of 1807 and 1838, and the agitation of several political questions have caused a delay in bringing the matter again under the notice of Government; yet the subject has never ceased to be one of great interest to the people of both sides of the Ottawa. Moved by Mr. Lang, and seconded by Dr. Christie. 3(1. — That we have already, in common with the other inhabitants of this part of the country, expressed our views of this measure in four numerously signed memorials to Govern- ment ; and we would refer particularly to the Resolutions agreed to at a meeting held at new Edinburgh, (see Appendix No. C,) to a liicmorial founded thereon, addressed to His Excel- lency the Earl of Durham, (see Appendix, No. 7,) to his Lord- ship's favorable reply, (see Appendix. No. 8,) and a subsequent letter on the subject from Mr. BuUer, dated 24th October, 1838, (see Appendix, No. 9,) in which we are encouraged to persevere in the attainment of the important object in view. Moved by Mr. W. Lang, and seconded by Mr. Scott, 4th. — That owing to the interruptions in the navigation of the Ottawa, the upper parts of that river are difficult of access, particularly as it respects newly arrived emigrants, the settle- ments already formed there being cliiefly the arduous work of people inured to the woods, that in the prospect, therefore, of a 10 large accession to the population of the Colony, the improve- ment of the Ottawa is still more necessary. Moved by Mr. Burke, and seconded by Mr. Perkins, 5th. — That the people of this place and neighbourhood are subjected to great inconvenience from the want of sevei^il public works, respecting which they have already made repre- sentations to Government, and which we doubt not would be among the first undertaken by the proposed Company. Moved, by Mr. McTaggart, and seconded by Mr. Kennedy, 6th — That a Company combining in their operations a si- multaneous improvement of the communications of this part of the country and the settlement of the waste lands, and by which British capital would be brought to bear extensively on these objects, appears to us one of the most effectual means of accom- plishing them. That besides the introduction and diffusion of capital, employment would be thereby afforded to emigrants on their arrival, and the opening up a commercial intercourse be- tween the Ottawa and Lake Huron, be greatly facilitated. Moved by Mr. Chitty, and seconded by Mr. Hunton, 7th. — That the memorials to the Provincial Government already mentioned, and other communications which have taken place on the subject, be printed in the form of a pamphlet for the use of the members of the Legislature, and others who take an interest in the improvement of this part of the country. Moved, by Mr. Stevenson, and seconded by Dr. Christie. 8th. — That in order to further this great and important mea- sure, Charles Shirreff and Robert Shirreff, Esquires, be nomi- nated to proceed to Kingston, to submit the subject to His Excellency, the Governor General, together with the documents relating thereto. Moved by Mr. Joynt, and seconded by Mr. Leggat, 9th. — That a Committee be appointed for receiving subscrip- tions towards defraying the necessary expenses in promoting the object of this meeting, and to consider what further steps 11 mprove- lood are sever.il ? repre- ould be ENNEDY, )ns a si- 8 part of >v which on these f accom- 'usion of ;rants on lurse be- jd. ON, ernment ve taken phlet for vho take ry. HRISTIE. mt mea- )e nomi- to His •cuments should be taken in the matter, and that the Committee he com- posed of the following gentlemen, (five to be a quorum,) with power to add to their number: that Dr. A. J. Christie be Secretary and Convener, and James Stevenson, Esquire, Trea- surer: — Dr. Christie, Captain Baker, Messrs. Fisher, Frascr, O'Con- nor, Chitty, R. Wright, Stevenson, Blackburn, Egan, Day, Pinhey, D. M'Laren, J. Grierson, M'Intosli, George Buchanan, Patterson, Stewart, N. Sparks, M'Dougall, O'Neil, Radford, Kerr, Thos. Read, Chas. Shirreff, John Robertson, Robert Shir- reff, M'Naughton, Perkins, Taylor, Mason, M'Millan, Lewis, Lyons, Tripp, Dickson, Barreille, Gregory, Aumond, Robert Lang, George Lang, Bucham, William Thomson and Charles Symmes. Moved by Mr. Ingljs, and seconded by Mr. Blasdell, 10th. — That a copy of these Resolutions, signed by the Chairman and Secretary of this meeting, be transmitted to His Excellency, the Governor General, and that His Excellency be respectfully requested to take the same into his favorable consideration. Moved by Mr. Shirreff, and seconded by Dr. Christie, 11th. — That the thanks of this meeting be given to Daniel Fisher, Esquire, for his able conduct in the Chair. (Signed,) DANIEL FISHER, Chairman. A. J. CHRISTIE, Secretary. < '11 I-;!! subscript romoting ler steps APPENDIX. No. I. London, 24th June, 1834. Sir, Two applications being already before His Majesty's Government on the subject of colonizing lands on the Ottawa, one addressed to the Right Honorable Lord Howick, on the 29th September, 1832, by Mr. Robert Shirreff, and the other to Mr. Secretary Stanley, in the autumn of last year, signed by Mr. llavenshaw, Mr. Solly and Mr. Douglas, on behalf of themselves and others connected with the trade of London, and likewise a representation by Mr. Hamilton, on behalf of the North American Colonization Association of Ireland, dated the 29th of November, 1833, we now jointly beg leave to bring the subject again under the notice of the Colonial Department, and to request your early and favorable consideration of it, so as to enable the united Company, proposed to be formed, to take prompt measures properly to prepare in Upper Canada, for the reception of laborers from the United Kingdom, and in particu- lar from Ireland. The tract of country which we have in view to colonize, with the sanction of His Majesty's Government, is that which lies between the River Ottawa and Lake Huron, to the scJuth of Lake i^ipissing, and in the rear of the present settlements in the Newcastle and Midland Districts, but separated from them by an extensive barren space. Tiie precise boundaries are more particularly |)ointed out in the paper and map which accompany this. Although the above tract appears to be extensive, yet it is ascertained that a great proportion of it is land unlit for cultivation, and much of the surface, water. We likewise respectfully submit that as the plan of emigra- tion whicli we have in view is an extensive one, embracing the population both of Ireland and Scotland, as well as England, a proportionably large tract of land in Canada will be necessary to carry the proposed objects into effect. 13 834. ajesty's Jttawa, on the e other ^ned by ihalf of on, and of the Lted the ing the nt, and so as to to take for the Darticu- with ich lies ()uth of lents in m them re more umpany yet it nlit for emigra- ;ing the land, a icessary We shall again merely allude to the advantages likely to arise from the above-mentioned part of Canada being occupied by a body of settlers closely connected with the Mother Country, and attached to its institutions, and likewise to the tendency which these settlements must have to establish a direct commu- nication between Montreal and Lake Huron, by the way of the Ottawa; and to increase, not only the internal trade of the Canadas, but likewise their commercial intercourse with those flourishing parts of the United States — the Michigan and North Western Territories. Should Government be pleased favorably to entertain this proposal, the projected Company is intended to embrace the Irish Association already alluded to; the whole to be conducted under the control of a Board of Directors in London ; consisting of a Governor, Deputy Governor, and ten Directors, with Branch Committees in Scotland and Ireland, to be formed of gentle- men of those countries respectively. It is intended io invite Sir Josiah C. Coghill, Bart., George A. Hamilton, Thomas Popham Luscombe, Robert Howe, and Thomas Wilson, Es- quires, as a temporary Committee for Ireland, to assist in carrying into effect the objects of this application. We beg in conclusion to request that you will favor a Depu- tation from the undersigned with an interview, at which the plans and views may be submitted to you more in detail ; and that you will have the goodness to address your reply to Mr, Ravenshaw, at the East India House. We have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble servants. (Signed,^ FitzAvilliam, (Signed,) Clifden, R. Deny. Alexander Perceval, Robert L. l)n. Jii?, Henry F. Stephenson, W. T. Copeliuid, William Verner, R. F. Fer^n^Dii, A. Wiiis^toir Bairon, Jolin G. Raveiishau', Goslord, G. H. Barnett, George Hawthorne, To the Right Honorable THOMAS SPRING RICE, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c. Thomas Edgar, John Macdonald, Henry VV'ni. Hobhouse, J. Gordon DiitF, Robert ClinloncM, Neville Reid, James Barnett, Henry Douglas, Robert Sliiireir, Charles iMcGariel, John Wbyte, Isaac Solly, Charles J. Barnett. I: ! :ii u II. TO HIS EXCELLENCY SIR JOHN COLBORNE, K. C. B., LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF THE PROVINCE OF UPPER CANADA, &C. &C., &C. May it please Your Excellency^ We the inhabitants of that section of the Canadas, bordering on the Ottawa, and in its neighbourhood, feeling the great disadvantage we hibor under from want of necessary im- provements in the navigation of that river, and sensible at the same time of the absolute want of means in this country, for such an important object; have learnt with the greatest satis- faction, that a Joint Stock Company is now organizing in Great Britain and Ireland, of sufficient magnitude, and with ample influence and funds to carry this essential measure to an extent which must ensure success to the undertaking, and produce great benefit to the colony. Your Excellency must be aware that although the Ottawa is one of the finest and largest rivers on the Continent of America, and runs through the very heart of Canada; yet, from obvious causes, very little settlement has yet taken place upon it. It is situated at a distance from the seats of both the local Govern- ments, and has not, hitherto, excited the same interest which the lands in their neighbourhood have done — consequently little or nothing has been attempted towards the removal of the ob- structions in its navigation, nor in the improvement of roads, &c., in its Districts — and had it not been for the encouragement given to farming by the ready market created by the timber cutters, the Ottawa would have run through a wilderness to this day. The Establishments of the Canada Company and of the Bri- tish American Land Company, although no doubt, beneficial, are, however, operating as additional bars to the settlements of this part of the country. The upper parts of Canada beyond Toronto, must receive great advantage from the exertions of the Canada Company ; and so must the Eastern Townships in Lower Canada from those of the British American Land Com- pany — but the District of the country through which the Ottawa runs is so very distant and distinct from the operations of both these Companies, that so far from receiving benefit from them, they are effectually preventing the increase of its population — so that the formation of these Companies makes one for this part of the country more and more indispensable; while its distance from the situation of the other Companies, would pre- vent any inconvenient interference. li TENANT /aiiJidas, ing the ary irii- e at the try, for it satis- n Great I ample 1 extent ce great ttawa is Lmeriea, obvious t. It is jrovern- t which ly little the ob- ids, &c., igement timber ness to ;he Bri- ll eficial, lents of beyond tions of ihips in d Com- Ottawa of both n them, ation — •or this hile its lid pre- We humbly hope that the above observations will meet Your Excellency's favorable attention, and we would express our con- fidence, from our own conviction, of Your Excellency's uniform wish to promote the prosperity of every part of the colony ; that, if the matter be referred to Your Excellency, you will give the formation of such a Company every encouragement and facility; so that it may enter as speedily as may be on ope- rations, which may soon place Canada in a most commanding position, by putting her in the exclusive possession of the short- est outlet to the Ocean from those gigantic Lakes in the interior, which are surrounded by a vast extent of country capable, from its fertility, of supporting many millions of inhabitants, and where settlement is now making most rapid progress; particu- larly in the Michigan and North Western Territories ; to which, if an opening, by the Ottawa to Lake Huron be accomplished, Montreal will be the nearest market by many hundred miles. It may be remarked that the stupendous advantages which must be derived from a navigable communication with Lake Huron in the direction of the Ottawa, could never, by any pos- sibility, be taken from Canada; for by no exertions in any other direction could a communication be made, so short or so safe. It would also be guarded completely by its natural situation, from all interference of our neighbors, for through the whole extent of the line, it would be at such a distance from the frontier, that it could never give access to any other, than our own markets and seaports of Montreal and Quebec. We hope we are not taking too much liberty in humbly requesting that this address to Your Excellency may be trans- mitted to His Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colouies. We have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, &c. Bytotvn, I9th September ^ 1834. [Signed by 447 of the Inhabitants of the Districts bordering on the Ottawa.] Government House, Toronto, bth JSovember, 1834. Sir, The address relative to the improvement of the naviga- tion of the Ottawa, forwarded with your letter of the 16th ultimo, has been laid before the Lieutenant Governor, and I am desired * I t .11 II 16 by His Excellency, to request that you will acquaint the Inha- bitants of tlie Batliurst and Ottawa Districts, by whom you have been deputed to transmit it, that he shall have great satisfaction in being able to transmit for the consideration of His Majesty's Government, any scheme, wiiich has in view the important object of settling the fertile tracts between the Ottawa and Lake Huron, and rendering the lakes in that quarter available for a direct commercial intercourse with Lake Huron. His Excellency will not fail to transmit your address to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. I have the honor to be, &c. Wm. rowan. To Charles Shirreff, Esq. V 'lli An address of the same tenor having been presented to Lord Aylmer, Governor General, His Excellency was pleased to return the following answer : Castle of St. Lewis, Quebec, 5th November, 1834. Sir, "With reference to the address which has been recently placed by you in the hands of the Governor in Chief, from a large and respectable body of the inhabitants of that section of the Canadas bordering on the Ottawa River, and in its neighbourhood, stating the great disadvantages they labor under from want of necessary improvements in the navigation of that river, and expressing their satisfaction at having learnt that a Joint Stock Company is now organizing in Great Britain and Ireland. of sufficient magnitude, and with ample influence and funds to carry this essential measure to an extent which must ensure success, I have been directed by His Excellency to request that you will have the goodness to acquaint the parties by whom that address has been signed, that the improvement of the navigation of the River Ottawa is an object which has engaged much of his attention, and that they may confidently rely on his best endeavours in the promotion of it. His Excel- lency trusts that this general assurance on his part will be deemed a sufficient answer to their address, under existing circumstances. Should the subject be referred to him by His I e Inlia- 911 have sfaction iijesty's iportant d Lake ible for I to the 17 Majesty's Government, (which from the tenor of the address it would appear there may be grounds to expect,) he will not fail to give it all the consideration which its great importance demands. In the meanwhile His Excellency will lose no time in trans- mitting their address to the Secretary of State for the Colonial Department, in compliance with the desire therein expressed. I have the honor to be, &c. ^AN. H. CRAIG, Civil Secretary. To Charles Shirreff, Esq. to Lord jased to 1834. recently from a section in its »r under of that that a ain and nee and ch must ency to parties )vement lich has fidently Ex eel- will be existing by His No. III. TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARL OF ABERDEEN, HIS MA- JESTY'S TRINCIPAL SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIAL DEPARTMENT. The Memorial of the undersigfoed Merchants of Bytown io Upper Canada ; and others connected with the Trade of the Ottawa, Respectfully sheweth: That your Memorialists being at present in this country, have learnt with concern, that the troubles existing in Lower Canada have induced His Majesty's Government to withhold at present their sanction to the formation of a Company in Lon- don, for improving the navigation of the Ottawa, and promoting the settlement of the waste land near it. That your Memorialists would humbly express their great regret — that a measure so earnestly desired by the whole popu- lation of that important part of Canada, should thus be retarded by the agitation in another Province, of questions in which they are not in the smallest degree interested. That the agricultural settlers and other inhabitants, near the Ottawa, are at present labouring under the greatest inconven- ience from the formidable impediments to the navigation of that river, and the want of good roads, which the operations of the proposed Company would tend greatly to remedy. 18 That the persons engaged in the lumber trade, so extensively carried on near the Ottawa, have at present to suffer great delay and loss of property, in descending the river with their rafts, and that the obstruction of the different rapids, by which that delay and loss is occasioned, might in a great measure be re- moved by a Company having sufficient capital at their disposal. That your Memorialists have not the smallest reason to sup- pose that a Company of such a nature, as the one projected, could be the occasion of the least discontent to any party what- ever in Canada. That other parts of British America are receiving extensive benefit from Joint Stock Companies formed in the Mother Country, and that from the remoteness of the Ottawa, from the several situations where these Companies are established, the inhabitants of that part of the country derive no advantage from them. On the contrary the efforts made by these associations to direct Emigrants to their own lands and neighbourhood, must prevent many persons settling on the Ottawa, who might other- wise do so. That it has been publicly known in Canada for some time past, that the establishment of a Company in London for the purposes above mentioned has been contemplated, and that there has not been the slightest opposition to it from any party. That the people of the Ottawa presented addresses to the Governors of Lower and L^pper Canada, strongly praying their Excellencies to recommend the formation of the proposed Lon- don Company, to His Majesty's Government. And their Ex- cellencies having been pleased to return the most favorable answers to these Addresses, the disappointment occasioned to the Ottawa Districts will be very great, should the Company not go into operation this summer ; especially on the reason given for the delay, has not arisen amongst themselves, but in another remote part of Canada. Your Memorialists do not think it necessary to go at length, into the importance of the objects which would be embraced by an Ottawa Company, but they may be permitted to observe, that the settlement of the waste lands near that river is now almost at a stand, for want of the aid of such an association. That the operations of the Company would very much increase the commerce of Montreal and Quebec, and that the ultimate effect of these operations in opening a communication with Lake Huron, in the direction of the Ottawa, would add greatly 19 jnsively It delay ir rafts, ich that ! be re- lisposal. to sup- ojectedi y what- £tensive Mother rom the lied, the ge from tciations )d, must t other- ne time for the nd that y party. to the ng their d Lon- leir Ex- ivorable oned to ompany reason but in length, aced by observe, is now Dciation. increase ultimate on with greatly to the means of defending the Canadas in the event of a war with the United States, and have a most beneficial etfect on the prosperity of these Provinces. Respectfully requesting your Lordship's favorable conside- ration of the above, Your Memorialists have the honor to be. Your Lordship's Most obedient humble servants. CSigned,) Polloclf, Gilinour& Co., MercliantSjMont- leal, Quebec and Glasgow. Hector Russell, Merchants, Glasgow and Montreal. William Cormack, Merchants, Quebec, Montreal and Toronto. A. Laurie, Merchants, Quebec, Montreal and Toronto. C. J. Dunlop, Partner of the House of Billingham & Dunlop, Montreal. Wm. Stewart, Merchant, By town, U. C. John Fowler, " Montreal. Alexander Thomson, Mercht , Montreal. John Greenshields, jr. " " James Miller, " " Robert Weir, jr. " *' Snd April, 1835. William M'Intosh, Merchants, Montreal and Ottawa River. James Scott & Co. Glasgow. William Smith & Co. Gordon, Sliedden & Co. David M'Kinlay, James Murison, Montreal. James Pinkerton, senr. Montieal. Robert Roger & Co. Quebec. Gillespie, Stuart & Co. John Reid, & Co. Upper Canada. (C " and •< cc << Glasgow and " and " and Montreal. " and No. IV. MEMORIAL TO EARL GOSFORD. TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE RIGHT HONORABLE EARL OF GOSFORD, GOVERNOR IN CHIEF, AND HIS MAJESTY'S COMMISSIONER TO CANADA, &c., &c,, &c. The Memorial of the undersinfned Inhabitants of the Districts of Loiver and Upper Canada, situated on and near the Ottawa, and others connected with and interested in the trade of that river, Respectfully Sheweth : That a Company with ample means and influence has been formed in London, for improving the navigation of the River Ottawa, and promoting the settlement of that important part of the country, with a view also of ultimately opening a communication in that direction, to Lake Huron. . I 20 Tliat addresses hy u numerous and respectahlc body of the luhahitants of the Districts near the Ottawa, have l)ecii already presented to tiieir Excellencies the Governors of the Provinces of Lower and Upper Canada, earnestly requestinj:^ their recom- mendation to the Home Government, to sanction the said Company, and that both their IvKcellencies have expressed themselves favorable to the measure, and have traiismitted these addresses to His Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies. Tliat althou'rh it has been publicly known that such a Com- pany was forming, and expected to ^o into immediate operation, yet no opposition nor objection has been made to it. 15ut on the contrary the immense importance of the undertaking- has been universally acknowledged, and it has been hailed as one of the greatest improvements that could be contemplated ill Canada. That under these circumstances your Memorialists have heard with deep regret, that His Majesty's Government have hesi- tated to allow the Company to commence its operations imme- diately, and they would humbly beg leave to state, that seeing nothing is asked of His Majesty's Government, but a grant of waste lands, at a value to be paid in im])roving the navigation of the River Ottawa, and as until that is done, these lands must remain useless and inaccessible, they would earnestly hope that the political discussions in another and distant part of the Pro- vince, will not induce His Majesty's Government to reject the means now offered to accomplish a measure so essential, towards the settlement of this inland and central section of the country. That much pains have been taken in England and Ireland to form this association and which is now in a state sufficiently organized for immediate operation. But as many of its mem- bers are engaged in pursuits more directly interesting to them- selves, there is great danger if further delays take place, that the whole scheme may be broken up, and thus His Majesty's Government may lose an opportunity which may never occur again, of accomplishing without any burden on the public purse, a work not only of great magnitude, but of infinite con- sequence to the British Mercantile interests, for it will give unrivalled control over a great portion of the central trade of this continent, by bringing Montreal nearer to the great North Western Lakes by many hundred miles, than any sea-port in the United States. !;! l-lu^ 21 of the Ircady (viiices ret'om- le Siiid pressed d these ioiiies. I Coin- •ration, But on .i\5 It was one of the first steps in this business to obtain and transmit home the sense upon it, of almost the whole of the prin- cipal Merchants in Montreal, whose experience and local know- ledge of the country led them to state, as their opinion, that three points or situations for Land Companies could not be better chosen, and so far from dreading the interference of a Company on the Ottawa, many of those who signed the paper which was then transmitted, were stockholders in the other Companies. It is surely obvious that such Companies, planted judiciously throughout the country, must be the most expeditious means of increasing both capital and population. But if the plan be con- fined to the two Companies already formed, it would be a hurtful monopoly. It would in a manner shut up every other corner of the country, for the inducements which such Associations can hold out, will always lead the bulk of the emigration their way. I humbly think, therefore, that as the system has been com- menced it ought in justice to other parts of the country be car- ried on, and we have the experience of our neighbours to prove it is a good one for a new country. Those Companies will, for their own interest, lose no time in opening roads and providing other facilities for their settlers, and thus the general improve- ment and settlement of the country would be accelerated much more than if the lands remained in the hands of Government. — We have only to look at the present operations of the British American Land Company to prove this fact. I beg leave to close these observations by an extract from the address presented in September, 1834, to the Governor in Chief, and also to the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada : — " The Establishments of the Canada Company and of the British American Land Company, although no doubt, beneficial, are, however, operating as additional bars to the settlement of this part of the country. The upper parts of Canada, beyond Toronto, must receive great advantage from the exertions of the Canada Company ; and so must the Eastern Townships in Lower Canada from those of the British American Land Company — but the district of the country through which the Ottawa runs is so very distant and distinct from the operations of both these Com- panies, that so far from receiving benefit from them, they are effectually preventing the increase of its population — so that the formation of these Companies makes one for this part of the country more and more indispensable ; while its distance from ■11'' . ■' -i ^il 26 the situation of the other Companies, would prevent any incon- venient interference." The question, in short, may be reduced to this simple state- ment, must that important section of the country containing one of the finest and largest rivers in North America, remain a wil- derness, and the people who have settled in it, continue to labor under every disadvantage, or will Government sanction the ap- plication of the means which are now fully provided for remov- ing the obstructions to the increase of its population, and for accelerating and ultimately accomplishing a communication, which a single glance at the map of this continent will shew, must, before many years elapse pour into Canada an increase of trade and prosperity far beyond all present calculation. I have the honor to be, respectfully, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant, (Signed,) C. SHIRREFF. Thomas Fredk. Elliot, Esq. Secretary to the Royal Commissioners, &c. &c. &c. Quebec. No. 6. PUBLIC MEETING AT NEW EDINBURGH. At a Meeting held at New Edinburgh, for the purpose of con- sidering the best means of furthering the laudable views of the Government, in the enquiry to be made by Charles Buller, Esquire, Chief Commissioner for Crown Lands and Emigration. Thomas McKay, Esq., M. P. P., was called to the Chair, and Robert Lang, Esq., appointed Secretary. Mr. McKay explained the nature of the Meeting, as follows : A few years ago a proposal was made by influential noblemen, capitalists, and merchants in England, for forming themselves ■i.lu.. ^t,'.t.->fcfc.<NJ i«iia»t