IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 
 /. 
 
 o 
 
 
 w J. % 
 
 s,. %" 
 
 IP.r 
 
 y 
 
 
 1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 L25 
 
 »- Ilia 
 
 iSiJ 
 
 
 ■ 40 
 
 1.4 
 
 IIIM 
 1.6 
 
 -Z 
 
 <Pm A 
 
 Vi 
 
 .^o: 
 
 / 
 
 V 
 
 ' *j> »■»'* /■} 
 
 '/ 
 
 /A 
 
 Photographic 
 
 Sciences 
 Corporation 
 
 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, NY. 14580 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 

 &? 
 
 Vx 
 
 CIHM/ICMH 
 
 Microfiche 
 
 Series. 
 
 CIHM/ICMH 
 Collection de 
 microfiches. 
 
 Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut canadien de microreproductions historiques 
 
Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques 
 
 The Institute has attempted to obtain the best 
 original copy available for filming. Features of this 
 copy which may be bibliographically unique, 
 which may alter any of the images in the 
 reproduction, or which may significantly change 
 the usual method of filming, are checked below. 
 
 L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire 
 qu'il lui a 6t6 possible de se procurer. Les details 
 de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-§tre uniques du 
 point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier 
 une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une 
 modification dans la m^thode normale de filmage 
 sont indiqu^s ci-dessous. 
 
 □ 
 
 Coloured covers/ 
 Couverture de couleur 
 
 Covers damaged/ 
 Couverture endommag^e 
 
 Covers restored and/or laminated/ 
 Couverture restaur^e et/ou pellicul^e 
 
 D 
 D 
 D 
 
 Coloured pages/ 
 Pages de couleur 
 
 Pages damaged/ 
 Pages endommagees 
 
 Pages restored and/or laminated/ 
 Pages restaur^es ct/ou pellicul^es 
 
 D 
 
 Cover title missing/ 
 
 Le titre de couverture manque 
 
 X 
 
 Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ 
 Pages d^color^es, tachetees ou piquees 
 
 D 
 
 Coloured maps/ 
 
 Cartes g^ographiques en couleur 
 
 D 
 
 Pages detached/ 
 Pages detachees 
 
 D 
 
 Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ 
 Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) 
 
 X 
 
 Showthrough/ 
 Transparence 
 
 D 
 
 D 
 
 Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ 
 Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur 
 
 Bound with other material/ 
 Reli^ avec d'autres documents 
 
 
 Quality of print varies/ 
 Qualit^ in^gale de I'impression 
 
 Includes supplementary material/ 
 Comprend du materiel supplementaire 
 
 D 
 
 Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion 
 along interior margin/ 
 
 Lareliure serree peut causer de I'ombre ou de la 
 distortion 1^ long de la marge int^rieure 
 
 Blank leaves added during restoration may 
 appear within the text. Whenever possible, these 
 have been omitted from filming/ 
 II se peut que ccrtaines pages blanches ajout^es 
 lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, 
 mais, lorsque cela 6tait possible, ces pages n'ont 
 pas 6t6 film^es. 
 
 □ 
 
 Only edition available/ 
 Scule Edition disponible 
 
 Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata 
 slips., tissues, etc., have been refilmed to 
 ensure the best possible image/ 
 Les pages totalement ou partiellement 
 obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, 
 etc., ont 6t6 film6es d nouveau de facon S 
 obtenir la meilleure image possible. 
 
 D 
 
 Additional comments:/ 
 Commentaires suppl^mentaires; 
 
 This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ 
 
 Ce document est film^ au taux de reduction indiqu6 ci-dessous. 
 
 10X 
 
 
 
 
 14X 
 
 
 
 
 18X 
 
 
 
 22X 
 
 
 
 
 26X 
 
 
 
 
 30X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 y 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 12X 
 
 16X 
 
 20X 
 
 24X 
 
 28X 
 
 32X 
 
The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks 
 to the generosity of: 
 
 Library of the Public 
 Archives of Canada 
 
 L'exemplaire film6 fut reproduit grdce d la 
 gdndrositd de: 
 
 La biblioth^que des Archives 
 publiques du Canada 
 
 The images appearing here are the best quality 
 possible considering the condition an^ legibility 
 of the original copy and in keeping with the 
 filming contract specifications. 
 
 Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed 
 beginning with the front cover and ending on 
 the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- 
 sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All 
 other original copies are filmed beginning on the 
 first page with j printed or illustrated impres- 
 sion, and ending on the last page with a printed 
 or illustrated impression. 
 
 The last recorded frame on each microfiche 
 shall contain the symbol ^^ (meaning "CON- 
 TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), 
 whichever applies. 
 
 Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le 
 plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et 
 de la nettetd de l'exemplaire film6, et en 
 conformit6 avec les conditions du contrat de 
 filmage. 
 
 Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en 
 papier est imprim^e sont film6s en commenpant 
 par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la 
 dernidre page qui comporte une empreinte 
 d'impressinn ou d'illustration, soit par le second 
 plat, selon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires 
 originaux sont filmds en commengant par la 
 premidre page qui comporte une empreinte 
 d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par 
 la dernidre page qui comporte une telle 
 empreinte. 
 
 Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la 
 dernidre image de cheque rr'crofiche, seion le 
 cas: le symbole —♦► signifie "A SUIVRE ", le 
 symbole V signifie "F!N". 
 
 Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at 
 different reduction ratios. Those too large to be 
 entirely included in one exposure are filmed 
 beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to 
 right and top to bottom, as many frames as 
 required. The following diagrams illustrate the 
 method: 
 
 Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent gtre 
 film^s d des taux de reduction diffdrents. 
 Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Stre 
 reproduit en un seul cliche, it est filmd A partir 
 de Tangle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, 
 et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre 
 d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants 
 illustrent la mdthode. 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 

 L^i^ ' 
 
 .rV'^--*-^ 
 
 
 *^ 
 
 
 » 
 
■'P 
 
 \: j . i 
 
 rx^ 
 
 r o u R, 
 
 f :\ 
 
 TfiROUGIi 
 
 Upper and Lower Canada. 
 
 By a Citizen of the United States. 
 
 CONTAINING, 
 
 :;J ^yiewof the prefent State of Religion, Lea 
 ing. Commerce, Agriculture, Ccknizaticn, 
 Cuftcms and Manners, among the 
 French, and Indian 
 
 arn^ 
 
 SETTLEMENTS* 
 
 
 W<?^W.^^ -"f-r 
 
 P'lnUdat Litchfield, (accordwg to /M ofCoKgreJs) 
 
A 'y.^'-T' 
 
 
 \. 
 
¥' 
 
 Introdutiion. 
 
 *-^)J\^ 
 
 fK'^t^HE BifcGvery cf America^ has cpenei 
 §^ J' § ^ new Held for Improvement^ in the- 
 )i^L'<^yl commercial and lujy JFcrlJ, To le~ 
 ome intimately acquainted with the States and 
 Fr evinces cf North -America^ is an Employment 
 ivorlby the Attention cf the greatcfi Statefman 
 and hitmblejl Peafant, JVhile Travellers^on- 
 flantly prcjent to cur Vicw^ their accuratCy en- 
 
 ^tertaining^ and edify big Qbfervations in Europe^ 
 Afia^ and Africa^ we are net fully pojfejfed of 
 thcfcy which give us a Viev: of cur cwn Coun- 
 
 \tryy and the contiguous Provinces. 
 
 I The P.e- capitulation cf 7nany cf the following 
 %pifervatlom upon the Provinces of Canada, t% 
 iJndividualsj has led them tofugge.fi to the Au- 
 thor the Gratificaticn it woiddViford, to have- 
 \thefe prefented in a Volume. " . 
 
 /;; Obedience to their Wifioes, T have under- 
 \taken to prcfent fuch Remarks and L formation,, 
 'during my Travels through thefe Cctnitries, as. 
 may perhaps amufe.y if not edify.. 
 
i 
 
 Inlrodudion. 
 
 IVhiie Wars convulje foreign- Ccuntries, and 
 fiuuluating P clitics agitate the public Mir,d\ 
 zvhile 'uje are extending our commercial Ccnnec- 
 ticnSy forming Alliances^ and dra'-juing Intelli- 
 gence from every ^^iarter^ it is hoped that this 
 finall Work may contribute a Mite to increafe 
 cur Acquaintance zvith thoje^ who are now con- 
 TieSJed with us by Treaties^ as well as, a Simi-- 
 hrity cf Laws and Cuftoms, 
 
 Our former Intercourfe has been chiefly by 
 JFar-y but Peacey Commerce^ and Emigrations 
 are extending our Connc5lionSy and awake a 
 Solicitude for more particular Accounts^ tha'A 
 any one has yet det ailed, ^ 
 
 -V-. 
 
 
 A Tour J &c. 
 
 ■ 
 
1^ d -IfV^/H ^•^s\cXkXfe"^N'^\K^^'^'^^"^^ 
 
 nvec- 
 'itelli- 
 \t this 
 creoje 
 V con- 
 Simi- 
 
 efly by 
 rattens 
 
 )ake a 
 than 
 
 C. 
 
 A Tour, &c. 
 
 
 UR principal commi)nication from^ . 
 ^^^ Lower Canadn to the Scares, is by the 
 I way of Lake Champlain and St. Johns, by a 
 'V V ater conveyance from Skcenlborough, or 
 the roads throii9;h Vermont. - 
 
 ■■I 
 
 AdmilTion into the province of Lower Qi- 
 i.aJa, was fecured by the vificants u porting 
 
 .^ themfelves at the Ille of Noix. Th.eir names 
 are alfo taken at the cufconi-lioufe in St.. 
 Johns, and a paffport obtair.ed into that pro- 
 vince, in order to a proper introduftion, ei- 
 tiicr on bufinefs or amiifement. A fort, gar- 
 lifon, and magazine, are at St. Johns, The 
 trade is inconfiderable. Time and enterprife 
 may convert it into a place of didindion, as 
 ii" is at the extremity of the northern part of 
 
 Lake ChampLiin, where the v/aters of the 
 river Sorel, formed by th^ lakC; pafs mm> 
 |he river St, Laurence. 
 
 a.2. 
 
I 
 
 6 A TOUR, THROUGH' 
 
 The rapids not far from St. Johns are not 
 fogreat, as to impede all communication with 
 the lake and rivers. Rafts conftantly pafs at 
 the fcafons, when the waters are liigh -, but 
 boats are fo far impeded, that merchandize 
 is conveyed by land from St. Johns to Cham^. 
 blee, about nine miles. 
 
 . A regular ftage paffes from Stc Johns to 
 Montreal, by the way of Lapararie. In the 
 fpringof the year the roads are wet and heavy ; 
 but the excellent Canadian horfes, and dex- 
 terous drivers, conveyed us in good feafon 
 to the above village, which is oppofite to 
 Montreal. 
 
 The decline of day, and the expediency 
 of waiting for the boars, which (tt out in the 
 morning for the city, tempted us to amufe 
 ourfelves with a walk through the fettlement, 
 along the pleafant banks of the river. 
 
 The moft diftinguifhed obje6l is the parifh 
 church, fituated in a fmall open fquare, near 
 the centre. The curate refides near it : His 
 manfion i« the public property of the church, 
 and is fufficiently large and commodious. — 
 The church is fpacious and venerable, and 
 conftruftcd upon a fpecies of architefture 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 7 
 
 are not 
 )n with 
 pafs at 
 h ; but 
 lanclize 
 ChaniT- 
 
 ^hns to 
 In the 
 
 heavy ; 
 
 d dex- 
 feafon 
 
 )rite to 
 
 tdicncy 
 in the 
 amufe 
 
 ement, 
 
 e pari fn 
 e, near 
 t: His 
 church, 
 ious. — 
 le, and 
 tecture 
 
 
 which is not modern, but fo far reduced to 
 rule, as for a long rime to pleafc the eye, and 
 entertain the curious. It is ftrong and lofuy.. 
 preavy arches within, fupport the roof^ and 
 the ferious mind, cannot fail of being irn- 
 prefTed with devout fenfations, while paffing 
 through it. The chancel is well finiflied, and 
 decorated with carvings, ar.d the furniture 
 upon the altar: A number of hiftoric fcripture 
 paintings adorn tl*e walls. 
 
 Contiguous to the chapel, is alfo a female 
 academy, or country nunnery j v/here the 
 village girls are inflrufted by their own fex,. 
 and others are received as boarders. Befides 
 tliefe, there are about 100 houfes built of 
 ftone, or hewn timber, and chiefly made 
 white and plaftered with lime. 
 
 The whole country is flat; and except the 
 mountain of Montreal, at nine miles diflance, 
 the horizon only bounds the view. Tlie 
 illand, city, and mountain of Montreal, v/ith 
 a number of other iflands, variegate the ex- 
 tenfive fcene, weft and north, from Lapararie. 
 
 The conveyance from hence to Montreal, 
 is in flat- bottomed boats, which are managed 
 by the inhabitants v/ith* great dexterity. They" 
 
 ^M 
 
b 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 lit 
 
 , I. 
 
 pjifs the rapids fafcly ; and the diflance h for- 
 gotten, amidfl the hilarity and niufic of thefe 
 v;atcrmcn, and the villages on the fiiore we 
 lud leftj and that to which we approached. 
 
 This city is defended on the river fide by 
 an high wall, and entered by gates. The 
 whole prefents an handfome view of well 
 built houfes and churches. The ftreets are 
 regular and corrmnodious. The walls which 
 furround this place, are out of repair : Hiey 
 inclofe the public buildings and fquares, and 
 the nioft valuable part of the ftores and bu- 
 finefs. Extenfive fuburbs contain the labor- 
 ing people ; and v/hen united with the above 
 defcribed part of the city^ make it large and. 
 refpedtable. 
 
 At the head of the deeper and more navi- 
 gable waters of the river St. Laurence, and at 
 the confluence of the immenfe lakes, and large 
 rivers, north, weft and fouth-weft^ conneft- 
 ed w^ith a flouri(hing country, Montreal will 
 ever hold a confpicuous ftation among the 
 bufy towns of North-America. 
 
 The merchants who traffic v/ith the Indi- 
 ans, in the north-wePcern country, refidt* and 
 have their faftory here. This valuable bufi- 
 
 n 
 
 h 
 o 
 
 a: 
 
? i.^ for- 
 :)f thefe 
 lore we 
 ichcd. 
 
 fide by 
 
 The 
 
 >f v/ell 
 
 ets are 
 
 which 
 
 Thty 
 
 s, and 
 
 id bu- 
 
 labor- 
 
 above 
 
 ;e and. 
 
 navi- 
 and at 
 i large 
 ineft- 
 1 will 
 g the 
 
 Indi. 
 : and 
 bufi- 
 
 UPPER AND LOWER CAIVADA. c^ 
 
 ncfs imploys many artlils : It m^y he faid to 
 be the main-fprin^^ to the mercantile afiliirs 
 of thefe regions. Many European merchanjs 
 havd fettled here, and compofe part of the 
 agreeable focicty we meet with-* 
 
 The rapid and extenfive weftern fettle- 
 ,ments, fincc the la^l war, call for a large fup- 
 "^ply of merchandize ; which is paid for in 
 I wheat, lumber, and many other articles of 
 iproduce, with fome furs alfo. 
 
 Great attention is paid to religion by the 
 
 •Catholics. The parifh chuix:h, in the centre 
 
 cf this city, is a magnificent fabric, and is 
 
 built of ftone, in the form of a crofs. Its 
 
 elegant fteeple is covered with tin, and fur- 
 
 nifhed with three well-toned bells. A carving 
 
 of the crucifixion, as large as life, is placed- 
 
 overthe chancel, at the eaftend of the church. 
 
 The furniture and decorations of the chancel* 
 
 I are rich, and the hiiloric fcripturc paintings 
 
 I numerous, and well executed. In the galle • 
 
 »ry, at the weft end, is a good orgair. 
 
 I ^ The lacriftee, or veftry room, is large and 
 I richly flipplied with every thing that is ufed' 
 I in the fblemnities of their religion. The vefb- 
 I Hients of the priefts and ornaments of the altar,. 
 
M 
 
 w 
 
 I 
 
 ]' 
 
 !i 
 
 u 
 
 * 
 
 lO 
 
 A TOUR TMP.OUGH 
 
 arc fuptrb. This edifice afl^ords an extenfiv^c 
 field, for the curiofuy and inquiries^ of a 
 catholic or proteftant. 
 
 A large painting, which 13 intended to af- 
 ford an idea of rurffatorv, is huno; at'the rio;ht 
 fide of thecnterance into this biillJinnf : It ex- 
 liibits an an^relic bcino;, or the divine Saviour 
 defcending from an opening cloud, and with 
 a moft benign countenance, extending^ his 
 delivering arm to the dilbcfled, condemned, 
 and defponding fpirits, rcprefented in the 
 IjVv^er part of the pifture. This group are 
 drawn with a variety of countenances; fome 
 in all the diftortion of agony and defpair. — 
 Others, with the cheering lines of liope.— 
 Others, who have palled the leafon of con- 
 finement, are reaching forth their hands, to 
 accept a refcue, by the heavenly meirenger. 
 
 The defgn and execution, are ingenious. 
 The leiibn taught from this reprefentation, is 
 obedience to virtue's laws, that we rnay ef- 
 cape the place of torture, in a future world. 
 In this extenfive fabric, all the folemnities of 
 religion are celebrated, v/ith great pomp and 
 decorum. 
 
 
 Contiguous to it, and connected by a Ion 
 
 rv 
 
tenfiv^c 
 , of a 
 
 1 to af- 
 le rii2:ht 
 
 It ex- 
 5avloiir 
 id vvirK 
 ing_ his 
 emncd, 
 
 in the 
 mp are 
 ; fome 
 pair. — 
 ope— 
 )f con- 
 
 ds, to 
 
 cn2;cr. 
 
 enious. 
 
 ion, is 
 
 ay ef- 
 
 world. 
 
 .ties of 
 
 ■np and 
 
 along 
 
 UPFEPv AN D LOWER CANADA. 1 1 
 
 i covered walk, is tlie leminary or conftant re- 
 
 I fidcncc of the clergy. They eat at one com- 
 
 I nion table, and have their Icparate apart- 
 
 I rricnts for ftiidy and retirement, with a com- 
 
 !|mon library. 
 
 
 In the rear is a garden, arranged in regular 
 order, ftored with much good fruit, and af- 
 ifording a pleafing fpot for air and exercife. 
 
 A college of confiderable fize in another 
 fpart of the city> is under the care of the clergy. 
 liln it, young men are taught the learned lan- 
 guages, and many branches of literature.—- 
 ^Ilere is a library and good accommodations 
 for the ftudents. 
 
 The college, of the order of the Recollett 
 Friars, is out of repair ; — th^ fraternity is aU 
 moft aillblved, by the death of its mem- 
 ' bers i as none could be added to it, accord- 
 ing to ftipulatJons at the conqueft. Mafs is 
 conftantly celebrated in their chapel. 
 
 ^ The college of the diflblved order of Jc- 
 iuits, is converted into barracks for foldiers, 
 and a prifon. The chapel is repaired and 
 ''ecorated, for an Eng^.fh church. 
 
!! ; 
 
 Ht 
 
 'I 
 
 12 
 
 •A TOUR through 
 
 Large gardens are connedled with thefc 
 inftitutions, and take up a very important and 
 iifeful part of the city : They hovvcrver lub- 
 ferve the purpofes of health, while the fubiirbs 
 furnifli room for the abodes of the induftrious 
 and poor, and gardens for the citizens. 
 
 V; 
 
 Three nunneries are within the city. One, 
 is devoted to the education of females. Two, 
 are hofpitals for the fick, and afylums for tlie 
 poor. Both are well regulated and valuable -^j 
 inftitutions. They are fupported from the 
 early benefa-flions of their foufiders, who were 
 females, and other property owned by their 
 refpeftive communities, joined co their earn- 
 ings, from various fpecimens of ingenuity, 
 and induftry, which th'^y conftantly vend. 
 
 The nunnery in the city, which Is an hof- 
 pital, loft part of it funds in the late feizure 
 of the property of the monaftries in France. 
 Thefe w^omen, wifliing to preferve their fifter- 
 hood, and to perform, the accuftomed a£ls of' 
 charity to the fick and poor, fupply the de- 
 ficiency in their prefen: inconjcs, by making 
 up the articles of Indian drefs, fent by thf 
 merchants among the weftern tribes. Thii 
 is the chief afylum for the diftrefled. TIk 
 ■nuns have provided an apothecary's room, 
 
 n 
 o 
 
ch thefc 
 tant and 
 vcr fub- 
 : fubiirbi 
 iuftriom 
 
 UPPER AND LOWER CANADA, i j 
 
 which is well florcd with all neceflary medi- 
 cine, and the king's chief phyfician, direfts 
 the adminiftring of it, and conftantly vifits 
 the patients gratis. 
 
 nefs, 
 
 The buildings for courts and public bufi- 
 are not difcinguiflied for convenience 
 or tafte, while the edifices dedicated to reli- 
 gion and piety, do honor to their proprietors. 
 
 IS tor the C -j-j^^ market is well furnifhed with the pro- 
 valuable *^^^^ of the feafon, cheap, good, and in great 
 vaiiety. , - " , 
 
 One, 
 
 Two, 
 
 from the 
 jvho were 
 
 by their 
 eir earii- 
 igenuity, 
 
 vend. 
 
 s an hof- 
 e feizure 
 France, 
 leirfifter- 
 d ails oi 
 the de- 
 making 
 ,t by thcl 
 IS. Thy 
 
 Id. rh 
 
 's rooni' 
 
 The champ-dc-mars, or field of military 
 parade, is on the ramparts, near the north 
 gate. It is a pleafant walk, and at the hours 
 of bringing on, and relieving the guards, af- 
 fords a lively fcene. 
 
 From this city, wc have a view of the 
 
 Lountain, which is at a fmall diftance. It is 
 [fcended by a good road, which rifes gradu- 
 lly, and prefents a variety of interefting ob- 
 
 ?6ls, fuch as gardens, orchards, and country ; 
 
 :ats. — From the fummit, the eye beholds 
 
 lany lively landfcapes. 
 
 ^* 
 
H 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 The city and the iflands in the river, or 
 rather lake which furrounds the illand and 
 
 mountain of Montreal, and Ifle Jefu, unite in i 
 
 entertainino; the (isht in endlefs variety. This f 
 
 IS the magazine for fruit, in particular fc)r f 
 
 apples for the province. Thele are railed in | 
 
 abundance, are excellent in their quality, I 
 
 preferved with eafe, and fold at a moderate '' 
 price. 
 
 Several pariflies and parifl") churches are on 
 this Ifland. At La'chine is the landing place 
 from the upper countries ; rapids making any 
 further progrefs towards the city, by vvater, 
 very difficult: Boats are built at this place, 
 and loaded for the Indian and weflern traffic. 
 A canal is meditated, but not begun, in or- 
 der to remove the difficulties, which prevent 
 the loading at Montreal : — A convenient val- 
 ley prefenrs for this purpofe. The expence 
 would be amplv compenfated by the facility, 
 with which bufinefs would then be executed. 
 
 The private villas, country houfes, gar- ^| 
 dens, and highly cultivated mountain and ''| 
 ifland, intice the vifitor to fpend fome tiir.e 
 among the delightfome fcenes. The roads 
 are good in fummer and winter. The foil .i 
 is rich, and air exceedingly falubrious. 
 
 ill 
 
 lii 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 1 5 
 
 i^er, or 
 nd and 
 mite in 
 . This 
 jlar for 
 aifed in 
 qiicility, 
 odcrace 
 
 s are on 
 
 ig place 
 
 :ing any 
 
 f water, 
 
 |S place, 
 
 traffic. 
 
 in or- 
 
 jrevent 
 
 ent val- 
 
 xpence 
 
 iacility, 
 
 lecuted. 
 
 ^s, gar- 
 ain and 
 ne time 
 e roads 
 he iuil 
 Is, 
 
 A part of the army is fniticned in Montreal, 
 in barracks ereded for ihe foldiery, under 
 the French adminiftiation, and thole formed 
 lately in the college of the Jcfuits. 
 
 An happy harmony prevails among al! or- 
 ders of the inhabitants, which are compoled 
 of Englifh, French, Scotch and Jrifli. An 
 urbanity, hofpitality, and interefting gentility 
 of manners pervade moft claffes of people. 
 
 Since fettlements have been made in the 
 northern parts of Vermont, and its neigh- 
 bourhood, on ihe Canada fide of the line, an 
 ;extenfive traffic has been introducedin to this 
 city from thence. This will increafe with 
 the population, and for a long time be unri- 
 valled. In cafe of war, Montreal is expofed 
 to irivafions by land, fliould the States take < 
 a fliare in the conteft. ^ 
 
 Religion, appears to have its proper influ- 
 ence upon the inhabitants. Churches are 
 thronged: Peace takes place among pro- 
 feflbrs of every name. The clergy are well 
 fupplied. The Englilli priefls have their re- 
 wards from England, joined to an annual 
 filary paid by tlieir j)arlllioners. The catho-^ ,- 
 lie miniitqrs have certain rcnts,^ which ai:c 
 
mm 
 
 ■!»«■■■« 
 
 m^M 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 competent to their neccint'es. From their 
 wealth and good oSces, the poor and dil'- 
 treffed fin.l great relief* from want and woe. 
 'l"he clergy of all ranks are pious, police 
 men,- 
 
 •of good learning and abilities. 
 
 Sonie fchools are erefted under European 
 inflruftors. Their progrefs has not yet been 
 fuch> as to become diftifiguifhed feminaries, 
 in the city or its neighbourhood. Females 
 are generally taught in the nunneries, and by 
 an ordinance of the catholic church, boys and 
 girls arc not educated in the fame fchool. 
 
 Aftef an agreeable abode of a fortnight at 
 Montreal, we fet out for Quebec^ by the 
 way of William Henry, a town which receiv- 
 ed its name from a prince of England, who 
 vifited the provinces not many years fmce. 
 It is fituated at the eaflerly f>oint of land, 
 where the rivers Sorel and St. Laurence unite 
 their waters. The ground is advantageous 
 for formins; a town. It is laid out for the 
 purpofe, and a number of houfes ate erected, 
 rare of the army are quartered at William 
 Henry to guard the pais to and from the 
 country, by the way of the river. A.s fettle- 
 rnents increafe in Vermont, and f n the (biith 
 fide of Canada, near the St itcs, the town of 
 William Henry will increafe alio. The eafy 
 
 'V'' f 
 
 JA 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 17 
 
 \ their 
 
 d dir- 
 
 d woe. 
 police 
 
 iropean 
 et been 
 inariesj 
 ^'e males 
 and by 
 ►oys and 
 lool. 
 
 night at 
 by the 
 leceiv- 
 d, who 
 5 fmce. 
 f land, 
 ce unite 
 itageous 
 for the 
 Tectecl. 
 illiam 
 rMH the 
 Is iettle- 
 ibuth 
 ;own oi: 
 he eaf; 
 
 water conveyance down the river, impeded 
 only by the rapids above Chamblce, and the 
 fmall ftreams and mill feats upon them, will 
 tend to encourage every kind of iaduftry. 
 
 The Engliih church h the fecon i that has 
 been built in the province, — A fmall one had 
 P. been previoufiy erected on the oppofite fide 
 f)f the St. Laurence, rather as a monument oc 
 maufjleum for the dead, than a chapel for a. 
 numerous congregation. ^ ' ■ 
 
 A miniiler of the EngllHi church, a mam 
 of fortune, refides and officiates at William. 
 Hfihlenry, and among the troops at St.. Johns,, 
 
 The Catholics have a large f^one churchy 
 
 which is not far from the manfion of their 
 
 tninifter. In no parts of this province, do 
 
 . the Catholics appear negligent in providing 
 
 fcr the inllitutions and fuppoit of religion,. . 
 
 1 
 
 This town is about fortv miles below Mont- 
 l?eal. As Vv'e came hither by water, we were* 
 feonftantly amufed with a pleafant country:: 
 jillages are in view on both fides of the river; 
 Many of them are decorated with fpircs made 
 Iriiiiant by a covering of tin. 
 
 ] 
 
It' 
 
 i!iii 
 
 I 
 
 ■ It. 
 1 
 
 i8 
 
 A TOUR TWROucr-i 
 
 For their better accommodation with wa- 
 ter, the inhabitants build their houlcs near 
 the banks of ^he river, and the farms -are 
 confequently narrow in front, and their houi'es 
 not far from each other. Thefe are formcvi 
 of (tone or fquare timber ;-*—being made whiic 
 with lime, the contraft between them, and the 
 verdure of the trees and fields, caufes a pic- 
 ture like fcene. We in reality pafled one 
 continued village. 
 
 A decent, refpeftful affability of manner?, 
 prevails among the French peafantry; the 
 roads and houfes being near the margin of tiie 
 water, we frequently converfed with the inha- 
 bitants on the fhore* , 
 
 Our waterman were civil and attentive.— 
 We were often indulged by them, with a 
 French fong, and with gratification faw their 
 attention to their religion, as they pafled the 
 churches. Thefe they vifiied at the hours oi 
 devotion. 
 
 Having fpent fome days at William Henry, 
 we proceeded down the river ; but having 
 reached the center of the Lake of Sr. Peter; 
 a fouth wind caufed a dangerous fwell, an( 
 we landed at the river De Loup, from whence 
 
 a' 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 19 
 
 vith vva- 
 jics ncir 
 irnis "are 
 ir houfcs 
 I formed 
 ide while 
 , and the 
 ^s a pic- 
 iffed one 
 
 manner?, 
 try ; the 
 ra\ of tliC 
 the inha- 
 
 ntive.— 
 
 with a 
 
 faw their 
 
 affed the 
 
 : hours oi 
 
 n HenrV; 
 
 having 
 Ir. Peter 
 veil, anci 
 
 whence 
 
 we took carriages, and were conveyed to 
 Three Rivers. 
 
 The iflands formed at the mouth of the 
 river Sorel, extend from William Henry to 
 
 ; the Lake. They are flat, variegated by trees, 
 cultivated fields, and fmall farm houfes. Oui 
 pafiage in difierent direftions, among thefe 
 
 Siiflands, and the width of the Lakes, deprived 
 us of our former views of the country , but 
 thefe were exchanged for objects equally 
 
 'amufing, as the iflands afford a great variety. 
 
 The town called Three Rivers, is built 
 upon a rifing ground : The front towards the 
 river, is generally a high fleep bank of fand 
 and gravel. It is the only place of confe- 
 
 ; quence, as to trade, on the north fide of the 
 river St. Laurence, between Montreal and 
 Quebec. While the province was under the 
 adminiftration of the French, fome luperior 
 civil and military officers rcfided, at Three 
 
 'Rivers. A large parifh church, a nunnery 
 which is an hofpital, and place for female 
 education, are poffeffed by the Catholics. — 
 
 I The college crefted by the Jefljits, is now a 
 prifon, and place for public offices. . Its 
 chapel is improved, partly for civil courts 
 and a congregation of Proteftants of the Eng- 
 
20 
 
 TOUR THROUGH 
 
 1 
 
 m 
 
 lifli church. This union of religion and law, 
 under one roof, is uncomnriOn. The chancel 
 is circular, and converted into ver.y commo- 
 dious feats, forjudges, jurors, and other at- 
 tendants upon judicial proceedings. On the 
 fouih fide of the fame chapel is ereifted a 
 decent pulpit, reading defl^ and pews. 
 
 This town enjoys fome trade with the In- 
 dians, who often vifit it with their furs, belts, 
 and other manufaftures. The foil of the 
 neighbouring country is barren and fandy.— 
 About nine miles in its rear is a large fettle- 
 ment formed by a furnace, which is the chief 
 faftory for caft iron. From hence, the whole 
 northern country is furniHied with that im- 
 menfe fupply of ftoves, fo unlverfally ufed 
 in thofe provinces. European arcifts, diRin- 
 guifhed for their ingenuity, are employed as 
 fuperintendants and conductors of this exten- 
 five bufmefs. In every part, ability, and en- 
 terprize are difcovered, and a better regula- 
 ted factory need not be fought for in North- 
 America. 
 
 ' The mechanifm of the extenfive works,*— 
 the mode in which water is conveyed to the 
 various parts where it is wanted, caufe great 
 difpatch in bufmefs. 
 
 I 
 
 t 
 ] 
 
 in 
 
 nl 
 r; 
 
 1 
 
 ct 
 
 St 
 
 b) 
 
 pi 
 
 th 
 
and law, 1 
 " chancel 
 commo- 
 Dther at- 
 On the 
 ■rcfted a 
 
 1 the In- 
 
 rs, belts, 
 
 1 of the 
 
 fandy.— 
 
 ^e fettle- 
 
 the chief 
 
 he whole 
 
 that im- 
 
 ally ufed 
 
 , difl-in- 
 
 loyed as 
 
 s extcn- 
 
 and en- 
 
 regiila- 
 
 Norch- 
 
 ►rks,— 
 [i to the 
 fe great 
 
 UPPER AND LOWER CANADA, ii 
 
 The town ofThfee Rivers, obtained its name 
 Tom ics neiglibourhood to the river, which 
 
 as two iflands at its mouth, as it enters the 
 'ivtr S:. Laurence, and this forms the ap- 
 learance of three ilreams. 
 
 The central fitiiation of this town, be- 
 'fv/een the cities of Montreal and Quebec, has 
 ild Tiany to projuft the ereftion of a college 
 Ih it, for the inltruction, of young men. 
 
 ^^ An Englifh clergyman, and two Catholic 
 Ijiiniflers, re fide here up n hantifome ftipenJs 
 :^iled by their rtfpcftive ccmmuiiities. 
 
 Locations are made in the lands fcauh of 
 Three Rivers, on the oppofice fhore, and a 
 i^^mmunication between Canada and the 
 States, will fliortly be opened from thence, 
 by the way of the river Conneclicut. 
 
 4 
 
 The road from the river De Loup to thi^ 
 
 ace is good, and like the country already 
 
 fcribed, well fettled and well cultivated. 
 
 ^e pafled the late cantonments of thofe called 
 
 e loyal corps, during the late war, and the 
 
 Jhards on the point of the Lake of St, Peter, 
 
 ^here the waters afTume a narrower courfe, 
 
 d become part of the river St. Laurence. 
 
 t - \ . . ■ 
 
m 
 
 § 
 
 ft2 
 
 TOUR 
 
 TriROUGIT 
 
 A new fcenc opened no n onr arrival at 
 Qij^^bcc, the key iiino tiic , rovincc by vvdtcr, 
 ^ii-i the tliciitre of many miiicary opcr tions, 
 \vhcre the mcmbtrs of two European natif^ns 
 have riilcvl, and the inluilncants of the Stales 
 have dillingiulhed themftlvcs by ttieir valor.!^ 
 
 Unfavorable winds, and the impediments 
 of a tide, frequently detained us on our way 
 to this city, as the waters fl )W up the rivci 
 ao far a^ T- ree Rivers. — Tlds left Uo to at- 
 tend to its progrcfs, and to regulate our voyag 
 accordingly. 
 
 From Montreal to Quebec, wc have agair 
 found an almolt continued village. Gooi' 
 accommodations by night and day, and ealj 
 conveyances by land and water, all at a mo- 
 derate price^ 
 
 Religion appears truly venerable, not onh %^ 
 in its temples and other edifices, but in th; ^<^ 
 liofpitality, politenefs, and genteel deport- ^f 
 ment of mott of its profefTors. To the clergv 
 and other gentlemen of rank and information, 
 we have been indebted for many civilities.— 
 At Cape Santa and Point-au-Tremble, wc 
 were politely entertained, while the winds an(| 
 tide delayed our voyage. The firft of thefc 
 
 t 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 23 
 
 r rival \': 
 
 )V vvdHLi, 
 cr tions, 
 n rivitiori^ 
 lie Still* 
 ♦ir valor, 
 
 ledlmenti 
 our way 
 the rivu 
 
 uj to at- 
 
 ur voyay 
 
 lave a^air 
 
 Gooi 
 
 and t.\\] 
 
 at a 11)0- 
 
 not onl\ 
 |3iic in th: 
 1 deport- 
 ;he clerg; 
 )rmation 
 ilities.- 
 ible, n, 
 'inds and 
 of thefd 
 
 %i)l.]ges, is made confpicuous at a confi ler.ble 
 iilhnce, by a large church adorned with hve 
 ce[;lcb — ail covered with tin. 
 
 Tliis temple (lands on a rifing ground, and 
 as founded by three ladies of great eftatt — 
 |i is called the Church of the Three SiiterSj in 
 fonimemoration of diis their piety. It ranks 
 tfi fize with the Cathedral ot" Chiebec, and tliC 
 parilh church of Monircal. 
 
 P'.'int au-Tremble is eighteen miles from 
 Que bee. The late fufFrav>an ov aliillant bifh^.p, 
 C. ikd the coadjuc'-.r, rrfidied in this pari 111.— 
 I-^.^ v/as greatly eftecmed by Lord Dorchefier 
 di\d the court at C^iebec. Tr.roujj-h the in- 
 fluence of t!)is nobleivian, that v/ortny prelate 
 Was advanced to the Kpifcopal cljair. He 
 Attended Tord Dorcheirer on a voyage to 
 Enn;iand, and was formerly a Cath die mif- 
 fi< nary among the Indians at Penobfcot, in 
 the State of Mafiachufetts, and received a 
 flipend from the general court there fjr thofe 
 ftrxices. A fpecimrn of policy or liberality 
 ^f tliat tin^e, which is to be applauded, but 
 not eafily accounted for. This dignitary 
 " ned to a zealous attachment to his reli- 
 ;)Usprofeffion, the chriftian, genlcman, the 
 end of learning, ami patron of ufeful arts. 
 
ilill 
 
 m 
 
 1 
 
 :„ 
 
 !>;» 
 
 24 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 and men of merit. He died in Quebec, and 
 the curate of Longiiile, near Montreal, was 
 elected to the f^mc dignity. 
 
 The bifnops of the Catholic church, pro- 
 ferve the fuccefTion of epifcopal power with 
 great care, and no one is confccrared v/ithom 
 the approbation of the bifhop of Rome, and 
 the governor of Canada. 
 
 Thus preferving ihe dlfl:in(5lton of ec- 
 clefiaftical powders, the rights of patronage, 
 and the duties of allegiance, and removing 
 jealoufies and difcontents on all fides. 
 
 One bifnop only is neceflary, to deliver the 
 facerdotal power to another, and a fuffragan 
 18 always elefted upon the deceafe of either 
 of the two, that the diocefe may not be def* 
 titute of a fupcrior. The other biOiop re- 
 fides with the clergy in the feminary of Qne- 
 bec. His former palace is converted into, 
 land and other oftices, and irs chapel into 
 court or parliament houfe. The clergy teac 
 a number of young men in the feminary, anJ 
 are the principal inftrudlors through the pro- 
 vince. 
 
 It is a common pl^ce remark that the clcrgyl 
 
 il 
 
 I 111 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 
 
 ,"S f 
 
 bcc, and 
 real, was 
 
 'ch, pre-' 
 wer with 
 i v/ithoiit 
 
 onie. 
 
 and 
 
 1 of ec-l 
 
 latronage, 
 removingi 
 
 diver thcj 
 
 fuffragan 
 
 of eitherl 
 
 )t be delH 
 
 lop re- 
 T of Qne- 
 rteci into 
 pel into a 
 rgy teach 
 nary, anJ 
 
 the pro- 
 
 he ckrgh 
 
 e^ the church of Rome, v/ifh to keep the 
 people in i:.;]V)rance. This charge has given 
 juife ce in Canada. At the firit fcttlement 
 of ti js province, large refervations of lands 
 v/cre made, for the promotion of learning, 
 land commodious and excellent colleges were 
 :re6ted. Thefe were under the fuperintend- 
 mce of the fociety of Jefiiits. InPuuftors 
 vere placed and every needful endowment and 
 irrangeme^nt made for diiTeminating knowl- 
 :dge. But, upon furrendering of the pro- 
 ince to the BritiOi, after the conqueft,' thefe 
 :olIeges were converted into barracks and 
 irifons, both in Montreal and Quebec. The 
 funds are appropriated to other ufes a^ter the 
 leceafe of the longed liver of the fraternity. 
 
 All atten.pts to ereft fubftitutes for thefe, 
 
 [lave been abortive. The nation of England 
 
 las not made am.ends for the lofs, and the 
 
 Catholics have been defeated and chagrined, 
 
 '>— The Anglo-Americans who abode by the 
 
 ;^ritifli ilandard, and wifhed to provide for 
 
 |he education of their children in Canada, have 
 
 endeavoured to form academies and fchools 
 
 .fter the example of the States. The. Ca- 
 
 Ihoiic bifliop has been confulted, and he gave 
 
 liis opinion witliout referve, that the colleges 
 

 W I 
 
 ; ^l!l i 
 
 i 
 
 f ' 
 
 'I! 
 
 .n, jiiii 
 
 26 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 and property of the Jefuits ouglit to be rcf- 
 tored to their original iifes in promoting 
 knowledge; — that they were amply adequate 
 to every purpofe. He was a&ed to give a 
 ftatement of the prelent revenues of t!ie 
 clergy, with a hope, that a fund might be 
 raifed from thence for the purpofe. His 
 anfwer was, that the incomes of the clerp-\' 
 v/cre barely fufficient for their necelTitiesy-. 
 thatthefe depended upon certain parts of the 
 produces of the country, which were fre- 
 quently diminilhed by blaft, drought, and 
 unfruittlil feafons^, — that the clergy were con- 
 ftantly obliged to refign their dues to relieve 
 the poor, and thus neglefted exafting juftice 
 for themfelves. 
 
 After deliberating on the fubjeft, the go- 
 vernor and the Englifli party relinquifiied 
 the drfio-n. Collee-es are not ere6led. Youn^^ 
 men arc fent into England and the States for 
 education. The clergy of the Romifli church 
 proceed to educate all who are placed under 
 their care, and fome Proteftant fchools are 
 taught in the towns of Montreal, William 
 Henry, Three Rivers, and Quebec. 
 
 This laft city is compofcd of two parts, 
 called the Upper and Lower town. The lat-| 
 
> be ref- 
 omotin.T; 
 
 o 
 
 adtrqu,ue 
 to give a 
 i of the 
 Tiight be 
 fe. His 
 e clergy, 
 ^(Tities, — 
 ,rts of the 
 vere fre- 
 ght, and 
 ^ere con- 
 to relieve 
 ng juilics 
 
 the go- 
 |inquifiied 
 Young 
 tates for 
 li church 
 cd under 
 hools are 
 Willi am :| 
 
 ^o parts, 
 The lar- 
 
 UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 27 
 
 ;:er is ere(5ced under a precipice, and upon 
 tlie beach on the banks of the river. It ia 
 connected with the upper town, by a windinj^ 
 ilreet, and a foot way up winding ftairs. In it 
 are the public and private fbores and wharves. 
 /rhe depth of the water, the height to whicli 
 it rifes, and the commodious beach formed 
 during the ebb of the tide, aflbrd many con- 
 veniences to facilitLite buiiuefs. One ftreet 
 of houfes, wich the above (lores and v/harves, 
 flcompole the principal partof the lower town. 
 
 t The upper town is built upon an eminence 
 which commands the country and river. The 
 fortifications are (Irong, the city is entered by 
 iiates, and muil reduced only by great military 
 force, regular fiege, and perlevering oppera- 
 lions. Every apparatus and provifion for its 
 flefence, are prepared and in readinefs, in 
 ;^reat quantities. Surprize, firatagem, and 
 Jtarvation, are fcarcely practicable, cfpecially- 
 i^hen the rigors of winter, are to be furmount- 
 |d by allailannts and beliegers. " 
 
 V/ithin the walls, are the chatteau or so- 
 Pernor's houlc, all public offices, the church- 
 es, feminary, Jefuits and RecoUetts coUe:- 
 jes, and two nunneries.. 
 
tS' It 
 
 i:i 
 
 iMi 
 
 ill 
 
 28 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 The chatteau is a laivi^e ilone bullJincr, with 
 n C(UTimodious fpot as a court yard, or place 
 of parade in front towards the town. Joine.l 
 to this, is a kn2:e dinino; or banquctdn-r hali : 
 On tiie iummit of an inacceinblc precipice in 
 front from this houfe and its gardens, we view 
 the country eaft> and foiith acrofs the river, 
 and the whole of the lower town. 
 
 Tlie mofl remarkable bulldino: in Q'ccbec, 
 IS the Cathedral church, v^^hich is large, and 
 attended by a numerous congregacion. It is 
 well adorned at the eaft end near the akar, 
 but doth not make the fame fplcndid appt^r- 
 ance, with the parifli church of Montreal. 
 
 The femlnary and former college of the Je- 
 fuits are large. Elegant chapels are joined 
 to each of them. The Recolletts college 
 and chapel have been demoliflied by fire, and 
 are in ruins. The nunneries are alfb large: 
 One is a place of female education., the other 
 is an hofpital:. A third is without the city> 
 and an hofpital. Thefe inRitutions, the pro- 
 perty of females, — the receptacle for the fick 
 and wounded, are conduced with great order 
 ajid economy. Hiim;m woes are alleviated by 
 them in a manner, that does honor to human 
 nature and religion. They contain large 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. -5 
 
 
 wit It 
 
 :>{' place! 
 Joinc.l 
 Uif hali : 
 ipice in 
 wc view 
 .e river, 
 
 ^ccbec,, 
 •gc, and 
 1. Il is 
 he aUar> 
 
 ^(* 
 
 ap{x:ar- 
 icreal. 
 
 fihe Je- 
 joined 
 college 
 ir€, and 
 :> large : 
 le other 
 he citv> 
 the pro- 
 the Tick 
 at order 
 iated by 
 ) human 
 n large 
 
 *.! 
 
 apartments for fick men, and fick women.. > 
 They arc the only alms houfes in the pro- 
 vince, and are fupported from the property 
 of the nuns. Thefe women are the nurfes 
 and attendants. Apothecaries* rooms, fup- 
 plied with medicine are in each, fupcrin- 
 tended by a nun. Tlr.s is her principal em- 
 ])]oyment. The hoipital rooms are conneft- 
 cd with the chapels, and by the opening of 
 folding doors the fick may atcend the devo- 
 tions. They are fcreened from public view- 
 by a curtain and lattice work. Great gra- 
 city and decorum are obferved through the 
 hole. On the fide oppofite to the apart- 
 ments of the fick, is the chapel of the nuns, 
 opened and. fecured in the fame manner. The 
 main chapel is acceffible to all vifitoi^s, as are 
 the churches through the province. Such fa- 
 cred refpect for religion, and fuch integrity 
 prevail, that the churches are open night and 
 day. The hand of facrilcge, has fcldom 
 deprived the temples of the fmillefl: article. 
 |Contiguous to each of the colleges and nun- 
 neries, are gardens which occupy a confidera;" 
 h\t part of Quebec. Many private gardens 
 £re alfo v/ithin the city. Perhaps no more 
 ground is taken up in thefe, than is ncceflary 
 to preferve the health. 
 
 '•?.^ 
 
 C2 
 
ill 
 
 llilllif 
 
 . i; 
 
 ;! 
 
 
 Illi 
 
 30 
 
 A TOUR, Tf^ROUGH 
 
 Fires have frequently ravaged the uppei* 
 and lower town^ and the fuburbs. 
 
 The moft memorable fpot contiguous to 
 Qu:^bcc, is Abraham's plain. This is an 
 cxcenfive flat ground aboin: a mile in widths 
 extending in a line with the fiver towards the 
 fouth-weft. Near the river the bank nfc] 
 fuddenly, and forms a precipice not eafily to 
 be afcended. On the north fide, this hii! 
 gradually defcends to the river St. Charles. 
 The neighbouring region then rifes in a gen- 
 tle flope, and we are entertained with a view| 
 of thtt pleafant country, farm houles, andp 
 villages, until the profped is loll in the dif-' 
 -tant hills and the horizon. On this plain! 
 Wolf fell. The fpot is fliewn, but it is not! 
 inarked by any monument to diftingmfh icl 
 •He landed at a place now called Wolf's cove,l 
 made by the river, covered by the circul J 
 form of the neighboring height or precipice.! 
 He afcended by an hollow way, which na-B 
 turc had formed by a fmall rivulet caufed bjB 
 rains from the water collefted on the plain.B 
 
 Nature had thus prepared a landing placcB 
 and a pafs from the beach, which was cover-B 
 ed from the view of the befieged, and gavS 
 an opportunity to furprize the enemy withiJ 
 the walls* I 
 
H 
 
 UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 3 1. 
 
 the upper 
 
 tignous tO! 
 
 rhis is ani 
 
 I in width,! 
 
 awards the^ 
 
 bank rilh^i 
 
 )C eafily to 
 
 ', this hill 
 
 t. Charles.! 
 
 s in a gea- 
 
 vith a viewl 
 
 jules, andl 
 
 in the dif- 
 
 this plain 
 
 tit it is noi 
 
 :ingHifh it, 
 
 olf 's cove, 
 
 le circulai 
 
 precipice. 
 
 which na- 
 
 caufed bj 
 
 the plain, 
 
 ding place 
 A^as cover 
 
 and gave 
 my withiii 
 
 The public road runs along this plain, and 
 is decorated with gentlemens* country feats 
 and fertile lields. 
 
 Beyond this cove is Powel place, the refi- 
 dence of the Proteftant bifliop. It is an ele- 
 gant houfe, and the farm and gardens are in 
 Englifli (lyle. 
 
 A large area in front, with irregular cluf- 
 ters of trees, a walk on the banks of the river, 
 and the defcent by fteps, lead the vifitor around 
 
 [a feat of Dhe greateft difcinftion in the neigh- 
 
 [bourhood. 
 
 I; In furveying Abraham's plain, we were 
 pointed to the places where Montgomery, 
 V/oofter and others quartered and carried 
 on their military operations. 
 
 The country around Qjiebec exhibits many 
 enchanting profpeds. The villjn^es and fet- 
 klements acrofs the St. Laurence, towards 
 .^point Levi and the States — the Ifle of Or- 
 "leans — the country towards the falls of Mont- 
 "niorency — ^^Dorchefcer bridge — and the nun- 
 nery without the city, give beauty to extenfive 
 --profpe(fts. The falls of Montmorency, at the 
 rdiltance of leven miles, tempted us to a ride 
 
II 
 
 iiiii.! 
 
 II 
 
 I 
 
 J2 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 through the French villages and firms cad of ^n 
 the city. |1j 
 
 This admired profpeft is made by a 
 fmall river, which defcends at lead two hun- 
 dred feet in one fheet of water. A bafon 
 bolow receives it, and it is conveyed from 
 thence a fmall diftance into the river St. Lau- 
 rence. We beheld the beauties of this place 
 from a fummer houfe, which General Haldi- 
 mand erefted over the river, to which wc 
 defcended by feveral flights of fteps, made of! 
 wood, by fome ingenious artifl:. The fummer 
 houfe is really hung over the river, and the 
 fall mud be from the above height, whenever 
 it gives way to the decays of time. The 
 varied tinges of the rainbow, f )rm.ed amidll 
 the water and vapors in a clear day, — the 
 dimi iifned ftature of the fiilicrmen belov/, 
 and the ingenuity of the artift, aflTorded us 
 much amufement.. 
 
 This houfe is elegant, but not large. It 
 
 is accommodated with all the offices needful 
 for a place of retreat for an hour or a night : 
 It is too coftly for a peafant and man of bu- 
 finefs, and is not fufficiendy commodious for 
 the permanent refidence of a gentleman of 
 leifure, rank, or fortune. Much tafte is dil- 
 
 SI 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 33 
 
 IS cad of BplayeJ, and feme conlidcrable expence has 
 been bcftowed in decoration. 
 
 le by a 
 wo hun- 
 A bafon 
 'ed from 
 St. Laii- 
 his place 
 il Haldi- 
 i^'hich wc 
 made of I 
 fummer 
 and the 
 /henever 
 e. The 
 d amidft 
 ay, — the 
 below, 
 brded us 
 
 ge.— -It^ 
 needfuli 
 a night: 
 of bu- 
 llous fori 
 eman of) 
 le is dil- 
 
 The Indian villi^ge of Lorette is vifited by 
 ;rangers, where iiiLcrcouiic: with civilized 
 ^lations, and the fiiperintendcnce of tiie Ca- 
 :holic clergy, exhibited the dcfcendents of 
 :he aboriginals of America in a well regulated 
 'tdementj pious, induilrious, and moral. 
 
 A chapel, parfon's houfe, and the ufual 
 Infiitutions of this countrv, for the benefit of 
 \ts inhabitants, are found in this place alfo. 
 
 Rcfering particular remai*ks upon the cuf- 
 >ms, manners, and peculiarities of this coun- 
 7 to the clofe of this work, we prpceed tQ, 
 ^ther parts of the provinces. 
 
 Upon leaving Quebec, we rcvifited fomft 
 If the country through which we paifed oa 
 |ur way thither. We found the river Sorel 
 
 be much narrower than the St. Laurence^t 
 id the margin equally well filled and deco- 
 ited with handfonie villages, ttirough a fer- 
 ile country. An uniformity of fafhion pre*', 
 [ails in their churches and houfes — but tlia 
 lariety of views is great. The narrowniefs. 
 rf the river prefented objefts on each fi4e> 
 
 we progreffed flowly againfb the flream. 
 
34 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 '''!•' 
 -!<iii! 
 
 Bcllevieii and the nc'uz.hbourins: mountain 
 exhibit an alluiing, noble profpcil. Thi 
 mountain rlies in a conical lonnj and ii con 
 fpicuous at a great did.mce. Apple an 
 other fruit trees fiouriih upon it, and it is no 
 inhabited except in a few places. ' 
 
 Chamblee Baf">n at the head of riavigi-acl'^n 
 is about one mile acrofs. Its form is circul ir, 
 and its banks inhabited. A church and vil- 
 Ja2;e on one fide, and an old (lone fortijicatiji. 
 on the other, and the entering of the waten 
 from Lake Champlani, down the rapids, give 
 variety to the objedls v/hich engrofled oui 
 attention. .The fort is fquare, inclofing a 
 barrack, and guarding the water convcyaijce 
 and entrance by land. 
 
 The rapids are feldom pafled except in the 
 fpring, and fome have proje3:ed a mode o( 
 clearing out the rocks. Time will, by fome 
 work of art, open an eify water communicar 
 tion between tiie river and lake. 
 
 . Very coftly and excellent mills are erefled 
 on the fide of thefe rapids. The carrying place 
 from hence to St. Johns is about eight miles. 
 •^ — The road is good, boats are often taken 
 acrols, and but little interruption to travellen 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CAIv'ADA. 3 5 
 
 :pJ;cs pl.ice bctv/cen Lake Clmmplain and 
 .)!iebcc. ' 
 
 Lower Canada appears upon examination, 
 fo enjoy a:, many of the bk {Tings of life, as 
 ire needful to m.dve mail happy. The go- 
 'tinment is milci and encrgetiv'\ The ancienc 
 I^Vench code, and the prcfent iyilem of Eng- 
 jini laws, are condufted in fuch a mode as to 
 (ecu re the citizens at large, in every valuable 
 light. A reprefentation, by the election of 
 he people in a provinciallegifiature, and the 
 irivilege of trial by jury, are efcabliflied by 
 he conilicudon. 
 
 The civil and military lift are maintained 
 Jy the Britilh nation, and the people pay few 
 ■r no taxes to defray the expenfes of govern* 
 :nt. Salaries are paid to the Englifli clergy, 
 hd to Ibme of the Catholic and Prefbycerian 
 ndnifters, by the crown. 
 
 The militia are officered by men elefled 
 frcmi among themfelves, and their refpe/dive 
 companies have alarm pofts aH'igned, and the 
 Ijplcers refidence is marked by a pole with an 
 evergreen top. In this mode, in all cafes of 
 diPcrels and danger, a refort is immediately 
 ||)intcd out, for the mhabitant and ftranger* 
 
 ^..r. 
 
I ill 
 
 rW 
 
 iil'l' 
 
 36 
 
 A lOUR THROUGH 
 
 To the fnith-eafl: of this pliice near tl:c 
 St.itcs, llcVcniCiUs are rapidly torniiiig v.it'iinl 
 the province. Hie letclers arc cliicMy from 
 tl'C loy.ilids of tlie hite army, and enngrantsl 
 fnnn New-England. Ah'eac'y lias cc^nfidera- 
 ble laiul been improved and brcuf.;ht intcj 
 culdvadon, and as thefe extend along the lines,) 
 and aJivance toward the river St. Laurence, 
 they will gready increale the profperity ot| 
 this province. 
 
 The hardy manners and indiiftry, the fuc- 
 ■cefsfiil mode of clearing lands, in which chel 
 northern colonifls excel, (.dve them manvl 
 advantages. They cukivate the older farmsl 
 through the ancient fettlements, among the 
 French inhabitants better, and landholders irj 
 general prefer fuch upon their eltates. 
 
 This province, affords as niany of the m 
 enjovments of life, and the people are 
 happy, peaceable, and profperous as in an| 
 part of North America. Few conquered 
 countries have been better protected or go 
 verned. Relii^^ion, while it reflrains the peo 
 pie within the bounds of morality, has a largj 
 fliare in teaching them to obey oovernmeni 
 The principles of liberty and religion, whicf 
 have placed all power in the hands of tfc 
 
'm mam! 
 
 UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 37 
 
 people, an.1 dedroyed m;\ny of the laws and 
 ciiltoms of countries governed by abfoliite 
 monarchs, and nobles and clergy with fupe- 
 rior powers, are gnidually extending: This 
 in confequence of the ufe and adminiflration of 
 the Englilh laws and their opinions, cuflonis, 
 manners and religion. 
 
 The monaftic orJ.ers dccreafe gradually 
 and few offer themfelves for admidion iiKo 
 the nunneries. The order of Friars and Je- 
 |fui.s were permitted to enjoy their eftates at 
 [the conqueft, but to enrol no more in their 
 fraternities. Thefe orders are therefore al- 
 imoft cxtind. • 
 
 An order called the grey nuns, are fchool 
 miftrefTes, who inftrucl the girls only in the 
 French and Indian villages. They are not 
 confined to the cloifter, and are very attentive 
 jto their pupils whom they early initiate into 
 [an -acquaintance with the cathechifms, fmallcr 
 *ituals, and the principles of religion. They 
 
 lave maid-fervants who attend their domef- 
 tic concerns, and the inflitutions may be con^ 
 fidered as well regulated boarding fchools. — 
 *te males who perform the more laborious part 
 
 f the economy of the nunneries, are called 
 
 t- 
 
38 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 )) J 
 
 ii!;;,,! 
 
 Lay Sifters, and have not taken the vow of: 
 fint^Ie life, 
 
 Proteltantifm has fnade but litde progrefs. 
 The univerfal toleration which is eftablilhed 
 by law, — ihe peaceable temper of* the go^ 
 vernors of the Catiiolic church,-^and the civil 
 and military charafters at the head of the 
 province, have preferved general harmony. 
 
 The Englifh bifliop in Qiiebec is a gentle- 
 man of great learning, eminently qualified for 
 his office. His moderation and discretion are 
 very acceptable to all parties. So little z^al 
 for profelyting from the Catholics has pre^- 
 vailed, that more have joined thefe from the 
 Proteftants than have been converts to the 
 Englifh church or the Prefoyterians. 
 
 Although a bifhop, prieft^ and deacon of- 
 ficiated in Quebec, yet an Englilh church has 
 not been erefted for the ufe of the Engl.lh con- 
 gregation, and divine fervlce is celebrated in 
 a Catholic chapel. The politenefs and hof- 
 pitality of the clergy wei'e difplayed in aj 
 manner »vhich demands our higheft acknowl- 
 edgments of gratitude. 
 
 fh 
 Our very geeteel reception by the aiTiflantH|tt 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA, 29 
 
 biihop of the Catholic church, opened a 
 fource for much information. Vv^c found 
 him eafy of accefs, affable^ and dignified in 
 his manners. He alfo performed the duties 
 of a parlfli prlefi: and received a reward not 
 fuperior to moft of that order. He frequent- 
 ly adminiftered medicine to the fick, having 
 been called in his m.iffions to ftudy the heaU 
 ing art. ; 
 
 By his letter we became acquainted with 
 the bifliop of Quebec, a much efteemed ec- 
 clefiaflic. in Quebec we met thefe dignita- 
 ries together ar the feminary, and dined with 
 the former at the chief juftice's, in company 
 with three of tne ckvgy of France, gentlemen 
 of diftinguilhed rank,, learning, and abilities* 
 
 The intcicourfe ?mong all defcriptions of 
 the heads of departments and communities is 
 filch, as difplay*^ great order and confidence 
 lair.ong each other, with a happy eiTed: upon, 
 jthe people and fubordinate ftations. 
 
 The common habit of a bifhop is a purple 
 IftufF, with a velvet collar and cuffs. A gold, 
 crofs about three inche*^ long is worn around: 
 his neck, and a broad filk fafh with gold 
 ItoiTels at the ends around his waift, Thi$^ 
 
i. 
 
 !fi 
 
 'l 
 il 
 
 
 H 
 
 ;ni! 
 
 Jilli.. 
 
 i;iN 
 
 iii^i^ 
 
 I S!ii:i 
 
 ill 
 
 I. 
 
 4^ 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 drefs is fitted to the body but fpreads in the 
 flcirt, reaching to the feet. It is cloied from 
 the neck to the bottom with a large number 
 of buttons. The habit of the inferior clergy 
 but ib fiiiiilar in its fafliion. 
 
 is black 
 
 K ',. 
 
 li. 
 
 On our return from Quebec, we found 
 the bifhop at Point-au-Tremble, relebratip'> 
 the anniverlarv of his confecration, atter 'v.... 
 by the head of the Recolletts, three of the 
 clergy from France, and fome of the parifh 
 clergy from the city and neighbourhood. — 
 Perfeft eafe prevailed among all,' Towards 
 the evening; the bifhop accompanied us to 
 the banks of the river, attended by the head 
 of the Recolletts, a gen-tlema^i far advanced 
 in life> but retaining a fund of vivacity, and 
 a fprightly fancy and humour, which make 
 his company acceptable iii ail circles.. , 
 
 When the fun was near fetting the parifli- 
 bell rung, and the comp.iny taking off their 
 hacs, corverfation was fufpended and devo^ 
 tion engrofled a few minutes. This appeared 
 to be a fignal for prefenting devout thankf- 
 givings to the Father of mercies, and is ob-.. 
 ferved accordingly by the whole pariih and 
 Gountry^' . .v^, .. .i ., :. .V ,:,,;•. 
 
 isi 
 
^oracip--> 
 
 UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 41! 
 
 In the chapel a body of Inil^an men, wo- 
 men, and children were upon their knees, to- 
 tally abforbed in prefencing their evening 
 adorations. We pafiTed thern, apparently 
 without being noticed, and as tar as external 
 deportment authorized us to judge of the 
 employment of the heart, no fupplicantscoukl 
 be more fincerely devout. They were parr 
 of a tribe who were upon a vifit to the biihop 
 their former prieft, and were treated with^ 
 great tendernefs and kindncfs by liimfclf and 
 his family. 
 
 Tlie weather was pleafant and we had fcen 
 
 Irhem in their encamp'ment near the margin ot^ 
 
 the river. They had made their voyage in" 
 
 ' birch canoe, which was now their flicker 
 
 :,!■ the fun. The women v/ere bufy in 
 
 Imanufafluring articles for fa!e in birch bark, 
 
 which they decorate with the porcupine's 
 
 quill — Diligence and innocence marked their 
 
 [demeanor. Thefe temporary de.ences by 
 
 jtheir canoes are mi^de m^ore convenient, by 
 
 ^hc birch bark which they carry with i!icm; 
 
 jwhich anfwcrs as a floor to fleep upon, or as 
 
 :ents to ward off the wind and rain. The 
 
 >irch canoes are made of the bark of th^t 
 
 :rce and are of different dimicnfions. Thofe:. 
 
 D 2 ' ' ' 
 
4^ 
 
 A TOUR THROLTGH' 
 
 ufed in the North-wedern trade are larse :— -- 
 They are conftrufled for expeditious Liling, 
 •—are light, and eafily conveyed over porta- 
 ges or carrying places. Great attention mull 
 be paid to the motion at entering or while 
 within them, as the Imalleft accident will 
 t)vcrturn *-hem if this is not obferved. When 
 they are I ^erly loaded and bailaftcd, they 
 are fafe and pafs dangerous rapids without 
 difficulty or damage. 
 
 While the Canadian men have not gener- 
 ally the benefits of fchools^ and want colleges 
 and inftruftors, the women are well educated 
 in city and country nunneries. The urfuline 
 nuns teach in the cities and towns, and the 
 grey nuns in the country. 
 
 The country nunneries are large well built 
 houfes, with gardens and needful court yards 
 for fafcty, exercife and ornament. One of 
 thefe is to be found in every village. Girls 
 from a diftance are received as boarders, and 
 the village girls as day fcholars — They retire 
 at regular hours and ere removed at the plea- 
 fure of parents. Being contiguous to the 
 chapel of the neighbourhood, all attend de- 
 votions morning and evening. The cfFeft is 
 plcafing, as the women obtain good educa^ 
 
 mi 
 
TW 
 
 UPPER AND LOV/ER C ANADA. 43 
 
 tions in reading, writing, and many of the 
 ufeful and ornamtntal branches of induitry 
 which are peculiar to the (ex.. 
 
 Religion is venerated in every quarter — Its 
 temple-^, its humane, and benevolent inftitu- 
 tions — Its monuments and memorandums in 
 cities and countries are numerous. Hiftoric 
 paintings and pidures cover the walls, and 
 the croffes by the way conftantly lead the 
 mind to devout refleftions. It would be fo- 
 reign from the defign of this work to enter 
 upon a detail of the peculiarities in the opin- 
 ions and rites of the Catholic church, which 
 we call fupcilcitious. Many ingenious argu- 
 ments are given for their faith and mftitu- 
 tions. Proteftants when they ftriped the 
 churches of hiftoric fcripture paintings, de- 
 prived themfclves not only of the rich pro- 
 du6lions of eminent artifts, but of valuable 
 means for u")ftru(5l:ion.- The animated canvas^ 
 in Catholic countries, gives us more jufc and 
 lively ideas of the nativity, refurreclion, and 
 afcenfion of our Ix)rd, than can oe aflbrdtd 
 by the tongue or pen of the learned, nay, than, 
 by the language of fcripture itfelf. That the 
 painter has given us the fcene in reality is not 
 pretended, but as exaft a reprefentation of it 
 as human ingenuity can devife. To this cuf- 
 

 44 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 I, 
 
 
 torn of decorating churches it is to be attri- 
 buted, that Italy produced fo many eminent 
 painters, and became a fchool for men of that 
 profefTion.- The charge of idolatry, has been 
 carried in the opinion of fober Proteftants, 
 beyond all bounds of decency. The repre 
 fentation of the perfon or event is preferved 
 to inftru6l and folemnize. The mod power^ 
 ful arguments are ufed to deter the people 
 from praying to images or pictures. 
 
 While candor and charity lead us not to cen- 
 fure or condemn what : are not thoroughly 
 acquainted with, we fliould guard againft 
 thofe violences and convulfions, which would 
 make a prey of profefibrs of religion of any 
 kind to gratify fpleen,' bigotry, avarice, or 
 any hateful pafiion. Reformation is to be 
 effedled by wifdom, gentlenefs, patience, and 
 more exemplary piety. 
 
 Travelling in this province is eafy and 
 expeditious. A public mail-ftage runs from 
 St. Johns to Quebec : A calefcha, a fpecies 
 of chaife or chair drawn by one horfe, is ufed 
 by all clafTes of citizens. Thefe are to be 
 had at moft of the peafants houfes, and ob- 
 tained at pleafure in the cities. For a mo- 
 derate price travellers are conveyed in them- 
 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 45 
 
 fixty niilefx a day — As tiiC driver pafTes the 
 churche;. aiid oollcs, he checl^s Ci>e fpeed of 
 thr horfe ;ind itoDs fjv a minuce, and takinr^ 
 cirhis hat repeat, a iinall prayer, and replaces; 
 it upon hii> head and di i/'?s oix. Some have 
 profanely re ii lied and ridiculed this prcuflice; 
 but to be conducted as a llranger by attend*- 
 ancs, who conllantly pay their homao-e to the 
 Creator aad Preferver of nien, ijiuft confole 
 every confidcrate mind.. It is more com-? 
 iBcndable to encourage fuch devotions, than 
 to interrupL them and give necdkls offence,. 
 
 Water conveyances in fmall and large veft 
 fels are alfo conflanc betwi^en the cities of 
 Montreal and Qnebec. Whenever wind or 
 tide detc-^ined us. contrary to our inclination, 
 we found ready tranfportation by the peafants 
 on the land. 
 
 Water voyages arc peculiarly entertaining: 
 The expedition and convenience by whicb 
 they are conduced, lead many to prefer tiiis 
 mode. The canoes and flat bcittomed boata. 
 pals fafely and are managed v/nh dexterity-^: 
 To the orderly and refpeftiul deportment of 
 the boatmen in general, they joined a fcru- 
 pulous demeanor as they paflbd the churches 
 and monuments of religion. The w^term^ea 
 conftantly amufed us with their iinging in a 
 
46 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 jieai^'re which is harmonious, and animates 
 then, to greater dexterity and expedition. 
 
 The foregoing defcribes a fummers vifit 
 and tour. A winter is fcarcely Ids pleafanc; 
 The country is then covered with fnow— -the 
 waters* congealed, and pleafure and bufinefs 
 create an aftive ftdSon, The roads are good: 
 Fat horles and good (leighs,. called carioles, 
 are plenty. Dreiled in fur and prepared for 
 the climate, the cold and ftorm. makes but 
 little impreflion — They caufe but little com- 
 plaint by either night or day, and the houfes 
 being heated by ftoves a temperature is form- 
 ed to that degree, which caufes flowers to 
 appear in full bloom, and citron trees are to 
 be found which have not been injured by 
 froft for many years. . - " - 
 
 With a warm drefs, a bufl^aloe fkin over 
 our feet and lap, a fur cap, muff, mittens 
 and bulkins lined with fur, v/e vifited the 
 village of the Algonguin and Irrioquois In • 
 dians, about 40 miles from Montreal — This 
 is the refidence of the dcfcendants and rem- 
 nant of two tribes, who dwell in two ftreets 
 or fmall cantonments in houfes formed of 
 hewn timber clofed with lime. The diftance 
 between thefe cantonments is but a few rods. 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 47 
 
 In each is a fmall chapel of a regular form, 
 about fifteen feet fqiiire. Thefe edifices are 
 frequent in thefe provinces and chey are ini- 
 proved in the Cathf lie procefTionj, in villa- 
 ges, as a fubilitute for large churches in the 
 cities. Certain folemnities are attended iri 
 them on public feftivals. 
 
 The Indians appear to be totally converted 
 to chnftianity, and reduced to order under 
 the government. No attendants upon reli- 
 gious worfhip can be more punftual or rever- 
 ential, and the fino-ing; of their women is foft 
 and enchanting. The large chapel is deco- 
 rated with a number of excellent hiftoric rep- 
 refentations taken from facred fcripture. — ^ 
 The altar, veftry room, veftments of the 
 priefts, and the furniture at large ufed in this 
 temple, are exceeded by few of the French 
 churches. 
 
 M 
 
 The Indians do not confine their devotions 
 to the public afTembling in the church, but 
 are pun6lual in their morning and evening 
 ejaculations before and after their meals, and 
 in all cafes of difficulty and danger. 
 
 After the feafon of hunting expires, thtrfe 
 two tribes return to their village : — One of 
 
4^ 
 
 TOUR 
 
 THROUGH 
 
 Hi 
 
 i 
 
 ; 
 
 «' 
 
 
 them permits the wom^n and children to at- 
 tend them inco the foreil : — In the other, the 
 women abi ie at home. In fiinimer the land 
 is ciilriv^atevi, anvl bicad and many other ne- 
 ceiTarifs raifed for their conrumption during 
 the year. They have horfcs and other cattle, 
 and vehicles for v/inter travelling. The wo- 
 
 o 
 
 men are diligent in their domeilic conc:rns, 
 and manufafture belts, mockalons, and vari- 
 ous parts of the clothing of their familie-:.— 
 Furs and fkins are drelled -by thefe people, 
 and their whole time appears to be induftri- 
 oufly employed in the manufi6lures peculiar 
 to themfelves. A large fiirplus is fold to the 
 merchants in this villa^rc and Montreal. Tra- 
 ders are eftablifhed in all thefe fetrlements, 
 who enjoy a lucrative traffic and poffefs the 
 confidence of the Indians. ^ ; ■ •■ 
 
 The felicity and profperity which prevail, 
 afford ftrong arguments in fupport of the po- 
 licy of both the French and Englifli gov- 
 ernments, and the good effeftof the Catho- 
 lic religion. Thefe tribes are ufi^ful auxiiia- 
 ries in all confufions Vv'ith the weftern tribes, 
 ana are employed as ambafladors and runners. 
 
 * 
 
 ■' About forty miles above diis fettlement, 
 plantations are forraing an the Ottawais river 
 
 'i 
 
 
 V •■ 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 49 
 
 V 
 
 into -a region but little known until hue years. 
 A large country is now opening by water 
 upon this river, which will be the principal 
 channel of communication with the north- 
 weftern country. The neighbourhood of this 
 territory to Montreal, and the eafy commu- 
 cation by water to every part of the provin- 
 ces, make It very valuable. 
 
 At the mouth of this river is the Lake of 
 the two mountains, known by its vicinity to 
 two high hills, which are to be feen ai a con- 
 fiderable diftance. Many fertile iflands and 
 fmall ftreams are connefted with this Lake 
 and the river. 
 
 iii 
 
 Oppofite to this Indian village is a French 
 fettlement, to which we pafled thro' an avenue 
 of evergreens of about twelve feet in height, 
 placed in the ice, in regular order, equi- 
 diftant from each other. This is a common 
 praftice, and very neceflary, where roads are 
 expofed to be deftroyed by new fnows, or 
 the traveller may lofc his way in a ftorm. 
 
 A ftone fortification formerly defended the 
 entraice into the Lake and river at this place, 
 and fome of its remains are to be feen, conti- 
 
 D 
 
 
TJT9-Tr 
 
 SO 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 guous to tjie chapel and parifh hoiife. Thcfc 
 are ere6led on a point of land, where com 
 
 manding views prclent in every direftion . 
 
 Time may make this a place of importance, 
 and a large city may be formed where the 
 natives have refided unmolefted for many 
 years. A road is opened from Montreal in 
 the rear, and-' winter journey is made acrofs 
 the iflands and frozen waters in front. 
 
 The cuftoms and manners of the Indians, 
 have been very generally and accurately de^ 
 cribed by thofe who firfr vifited them, 
 what we call, their ruiie and favage ftate — An 
 intercourfe with thofe who have emigrated 
 from Europe, has changed the fcene in ferae 
 degree among the tribes in Canada. They 
 have aflumed the fhort furtout which is gen- 
 erally ufed by the peafantry. The children 
 are nurfcd upon a board, and the blanket i.s 
 retained by men, women and children, as the 
 outer garment in rain or cold. The Indian 
 (locking and mockafins, are well adapted to 
 the climate. The French peafanis wear a 
 (hoc of lained leather, confl:ru6ted in the 
 fame form, 
 
 * } 
 
 The French government, early countenance 
 matrimonial alliances with the natives, and a 
 
 Mill!?:"' V 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 5 1 
 
 great rimilarity of features and coniplexion 
 appear in all parts of the country, througli 
 which we have paffed. This aillnity is evi- 
 dent in both the French and Indian fettle- 
 ments, and men and women of thefe refpec- 
 live tribes and nations, live happily together 
 in domeftic and matrimonial llate. Their 
 progeny marry together, as children of one 
 common family. Was thi« virtuous and ra- 
 tional matrimonial alliance encouraged, by 
 the European emigrants into the American- 
 regions north and fouth, many confufions and 
 outrages would be prevented. 
 « 
 From this village we pafled through French 
 fettlements into the upper province, and the 
 towndiips poffeffed by the late loyal corps 
 and the adventurers from Europe and the 
 States. People of every language and nation^ 
 have came hither and formed profpering co- 
 lonies. Heaven has blefled their labors, in-- 
 dullry, and enterprize. Few have experi- 
 enced greater fuccefs. The nation of Eng- 
 land has foitered them with great care, and 
 beftowed rations of provifions, clothing,, 
 materials for houfe building, huibandry tools, 
 and continued the pay of the late officers and 
 foldiers for tliree years. Eaclx of the cmi- 
 
 ^'■i 
 
5^ 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 ^i| 
 
 grants alfo had a quantity of land beflowed 
 upon them. 
 
 In return for this bounty, the nation vends 
 her m inufaclures, and muft enjoy a lucrative 
 commerce with countries that are increafin^ 
 in wealth and numbers, whofe confumption of 
 foreign commodities will increafe in propor- 
 tion alfo. The advantages to the nation from 
 this juflice, policy, and mode of colonizing 
 will be immenfe. The country is fertile, weU 
 timbered and watered. Commodious locks 
 are formed near tlie rapids, which facilitate 
 tranfportaLion. The winter is peculiarly fa- 
 vorable for conveying the produce of the 
 country and commodities of the merchant to 
 market, as the roads are good^ the country 
 flat, and waters frozen. 
 
 At St. Regis on the f)uth fide of the river, 
 a number of Indians refide in a fmall town, 
 built of hewn timber, who are occupied in 
 hunting, fii'hing, farming, an J the manufac- 
 tures of their tribes. The m ){l diilinguillied 
 cbjecl ia this place is a very large Catholic 
 'jhurch, inferior to few in fize^ which has 
 been lately built by the Indians thcmfelves, 
 with a fmall adiftance from the clergy and 
 fume geuucmen of rank and fortune, Mcn^^ 
 
 
UPPER AND i:OW£R CAffAD A. 53 
 
 women, and children in this vill ige aGired the 
 mafons a'^d carpenters in procuring timber,, 
 ftone, and lime, and in every p.^flible pa"t of 
 the labour. 
 
 It is a work which does honour to their 
 2eal^ and is an ornament to a very pleafant 
 country, contiguous lO fertile i (lands, ana the 
 waters of the river St. Laurence.. Mountains, 
 towards the fouthweft are {(^en, v/hich are 
 in the Si:ate of New-York, and neighborhood 
 of Lake Champlain — Roads from hence, and 
 from an American plantation, making on the 
 fide of the States oppofite J ohnftown, or 
 Ofvxgatche, wdll expcviite the communica- 
 tion with Albanv and New- York, and Ih* rtcn. 
 the prefent route m^^re than one hundred 
 miles. The country is well calculated for 
 this purpofe. 
 
 The Britifh nation pay a falary to the Ca- 
 tholic minifter of St. Regis, and a preityte- 
 rian minifter on die oppofite fhore. At 
 Cornwall and Joh; down, they are about to 
 cre(5l and maintain churches and acad,emi|^3j 
 ai)4 a fum is afened for the purp(;>fe.. 
 
 ICingfton is- a confiderabk town in tlit L^p- 
 
 
 p 
 
 f« 
 
 41 
 
 Mi\ 
 
 - ^- J 
 
 D 2: 
 
i+ 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 per province. It is erefted near the old fort> 
 called Frontinac, part of which remains with 
 the barracks, and are improved by the gar- 
 rlfon which is (lationed there. Many large 
 houles, (lores, and Ibme convenient wharves 
 are built near the river or lake. Bf.nng at 
 the extremity of that inland fea> called the 
 Lake Ontario, and near the outlet from thence 
 which forms the river St. Laurence, this mud 
 be a town of confiderable importance. A 
 number of large vefiels are conltantly palling 
 from hence in every direftion acrofs the Lake, 
 and boats are arriving to, and paffmg from 
 hence and Montreal. The country is clear- 
 ing and cultivating. Numerous bays and 
 rivers arc conne6led with the Lake, and 
 wealth muft reward the induftry of a bufy, 
 enterprifing people. Wheat, lumber, cattle, 
 horfes, and pot-afhes, will compofe the prin- 
 cipal exports. The €onftant influx of inhabi- 
 tants will for a long time, confume the pro- 
 duce of the farmer, and fpare the trouble 
 of exportat.. .1. With the numbers that have 
 entered thefe regions, government has been, 
 cflablifhed, fimilar in its form to the conftitu- 
 tion of JEngland, and the other royal govern- 
 xnents. The civil, military, and ecclefiafti- 
 cal officers arc chiefly fupportedby the crown,. 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 55 
 
 and the LeglQature meets on the other fide 
 of the Lake. 
 
 An Englifh church is ere(5led, and a miA 
 fionary, who is the biihop*s commifTary, is in- 
 duced into the cure — He vifits the Mohawk 
 Indians, and has tranflated the gofpels and 
 liturgy into that language. 
 
 The objeft of the Britifh nation, is to peo- 
 ple and cultivate this country, and to make 
 it as perfeft a part of the empire as poffible. 
 Dreading revolutions, they are cautious in 
 receiving republicans from the States, and 
 wifh to encourage hufbandm j and labourers 
 only.— Clergymen, lawyers, phyficians, and 
 fchool-mafters from the States, are nor th^ 
 firft charafters who would be foftercd. Ma- 
 ny congregations would have been formed,, 
 and fchools opened, if the policy in this par- 
 tioitar had been diirerent. 
 
 An extenfive field is opened for men of 
 letters in every profeffion. Deftitute of col- 
 leges, academies and fchools, and confiding 
 in the qualifications of the clergy ordained by 
 the bifhops in the States, governor Simcoc 
 wifhed to have introduced fuch, but an aft of 
 the Britiili parliament difconcerted his defign. 
 
 ^1 
 
 1*11 
 
 ,■ i. 
 
 H 
 
J5 
 
 -1 », 
 
 4, TOUR THROUGH 
 
 ff 
 
 il! 
 
 When the bidiops of England were- per- 
 mitted to confecratc bifhops for the States, 
 a claufe was inferted, in the aft palTed by par- 
 liament for the purpofe, that nothing therein 
 contained fhould enable fuch " bidiops or 
 clergymen ordained by them, to exerclfe 
 their fiinftions, within the limits of the na- 
 tion/* This act was drawn by the arch- bi (hop 
 of Canterbury, and has been obftinately ad- 
 hered to. , , 
 
 While the States are open to the clergy 
 from England, and feme fince th^ peace and 
 the above law, have been received into our 
 parifhes ; the clergy born and ordained in the 
 States are excluded from the parifl^ies in the 
 provinces. ,., 
 
 Some of the latter, by reafon of our popu- 
 lar eledlions, have giyen way to thefe emi- 
 grants from Europe, to the diftrefs of thefe 
 American clergymen, and not for the greater 
 good of our flocks. By means of this law, 
 thefe new countries have been deftitute of 
 minifters, and lament their e^cp-^fure to the 
 inroads of miidelity and enthufufm. 
 
 Wife dignitaries and able ftatefmen on both 
 fides of the AtlAatici ch'*ifti^ minifters and 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 57 
 
 profcfTors agree, that the law is iUiberal, iin- 
 chrifLian and unequal. Much complaint and 
 clamour have arlfcn, but no remedy has been 
 provided. — In the provinces, they fay that 
 ckfgymen from Europe are not acquainted 
 ftifficiently with the cuftom , manners, and 
 habits of Americans, to ferve with them fuc- 
 cefsfully. In the States, it is agreed that this 
 lav/, and our unrcllrained mode of receiving 
 clergymen from the Brinitli nation, is not 
 confonant v/ith the opinions of our country 
 as to aliens, and the pradice of the Europe- 
 ans, in their refpeftive countrie:;, who retain 
 all places of influence, honor, and profit in 
 the hands of their own fons and citizens.— -^ 
 I'he unity of the chriilian church, in heart,, 
 faith aad devotion, is too far facrificed to State 
 p<olicy and Ecclefiaftical eftablilhments. This 
 law hiia certainly defeated the extending of 
 religion and learning in the provinces. 
 
 All the attornies in this province have not 
 been regularly bred to the profeiTion. Many 
 are admitted to die bar, becaufe they have 
 been adherents to the government, and re- 
 fide in pardcular neighbourhoods, where a, 
 praftitioner is wanted* The order of attornies 
 is not numerous in Canada. Men of diftin- 
 guifiied talents and acquirements arc in. the 
 
 r 
 
58 
 
 ' A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 ■profcffion, and juftice is well adminiftered.— . 
 Controvcrfies amomj' t!ie Catholics, are <?en- 
 craliy adjuiled by the clergy, and litigations 
 are not frequent. Penfion, place, and favor 
 are referved for the Englllh and Scotch ad- 
 venturers, and the fons of Oxford and Cam- 
 bridge. , . 
 
 ..'■■-■■' . • • 
 
 A taflre for literature, and defire after men- 
 tal and other improvements is prevalent, and 
 fcience will extend its happy cfFeds among 
 thele new fettlcments. 
 
 Mechanics of every kind are eflablifhed— 
 Ship builders and mill v/rights have produced 
 excellent fpecimens of their abilities. Mjft 
 of the mills which are erefted upon the larger 
 ftreams and mill feats, are the labors of inge- 
 nuity, and bring profit to the proprietors. 
 
 A water voyage throno;h thefe provinces 
 from Kingflon to Montreal is enchanting and 
 entertaining,— cheap and expeditious — while 
 much delay and many impediments, put the 
 pat'ence to the proof, in attempts to pafs into 
 the country againft the ftream. 
 
 New objecls prefent every moment to draw 
 the attention : The river, — the broader wa- 
 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 59 
 
 tcrs of the Lake of St. Francis, — the rapids 
 and iflands, are full of novelcy. 
 
 Among the firfl which attraft notice, is a 
 cliiiler called the Thoufand Iflands, where at 
 leafl that number are colleded together, not far 
 from Lake Ontario, of various forms and 
 fizes. Sometimes they are exhibited in a 
 regular line, and then furround us, where to 
 a (banger, no certain outlet appears. Thefe 
 iflands arc not inhabited except by birds and 
 wild animals. Filli are taken in abundance 
 in moft of the northern waters. 
 
 1i 
 
 tt 
 
 The rapids at the outlet of the Lake of 
 St. Francis, — below the cedars, — and at the 
 cafcade, are entertaining to the eye^, but caufe 
 the heart to tremble. Thefe the Indians en- 
 counter without damage or much anxiety: 
 No adventure appears to be more hazardous; 
 but the fkiliful Indian navigator conduced 
 us fafely through ail. To the Catholic priefts 
 we were indebted, for recommending fuch 
 for boatmen, as were temperate and faithful. 
 Upon our parting with our atcejidants, they 
 generally afkcd whether we were latisfied, 
 and they had fulfilled their engagements ? — • 
 This is a praftice among both French and 
 Indians, and renders travelling more plcafant, 
 
 m 
 
 
 
6o 
 
 A TOUR, THROUGH 
 
 
 where fuch perfons may be called to refp^nd 
 for infolence or diilionefty, and by habit arc 
 taught to be decent and refpectful to employ- 
 ers. — In no inftance did one of thofc who 
 cfcortcd nsj offend by their negled, indo- 
 lence, impertinent language, or intoxication: 
 And on our return, we were frequently afked, 
 whether our attendants had done their duty. 
 All travellers would with that a fimilar care 
 was univerlal. 
 
 ''■■''■'■> '»-'-''!.*■' • 
 
 ".■< ' . , ' ^ , ,-''■.■",,■' ■ - ' ' .' "' " I 
 
 ^ ' " • ' [^ ..■■-,.. I -■■. . 
 
 " The mutualattachmcnt of the clergy, and 
 their Indian parifliioners to each other, ap- 
 pears to be the refult of thofe reciprocal good 
 offices, which bind generous fouls together, 
 and of that particular attention which is paid 
 to the natives. Inftances of this kind are 
 often repeated. — A prieft, who had lived a 
 long time among the Indians, Vv^as about to 
 be removed to another cure — Intelligence 
 of this reached the Indians, who fent an aged 
 chief to him as a meffenger. Having deliv- 
 ered his errand, and ufed many arguments to 
 difFuade him from removing ; he afked for 
 an ancient, valuable belt, which had been 
 depofited with the priell for fafe cuftody, and 
 was the teftimonial of an alliance between the 
 natives and the adminiftration of that time : 
 When the belt was delivered, the chief ex- 
 
 .V 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 6y 
 
 rp:)nd 
 >it arc 
 ploy- 
 who 
 indc- 
 ition : 
 liked, 
 duty, 
 r care 
 
 .imining and recognizing it, fpread it around 
 tlie feet of the pried, and afked him whei'.her 
 lie could walk away from the affeftion and 
 bonds of union which that belt reminded him 
 cf? The belt was reliored to its cabinet, the 
 prrcfl remained, and the Indians were fatisfied. 
 
 In the church at Kingfton we faw an In- 
 dian woman, wlio fat in an honorable place 
 among the Englifli. She appeared very de- 
 vout during divine frrvice, and very atten- 
 tive to the /ermon. She was the relid: of the 
 late Sir WiJJiam Johnfton, fuperintendant of 
 Indian affairs, in the then province of New- 
 York, and mother of feveral children by him; 
 who are married to Englifhmen, and provid - 
 ^d for by the crown. She is the fifter to the 
 celebrated Gol. Brant, and has always been a 
 faithful and ufeful friend in Indian affairs, 
 while fhe refided in Johnfton hall, and fince 
 her removal to Upper Canada. 
 
 When Indian embafies arrived, flie was 
 fent for, dined at governor Simcoc's and was 
 treated with ref^eft by himfelf, his lady, and 
 fiimily. When treaties or purchafes w^rc 
 about to be made at Johnfton hall, ftie has 
 often perfuaded the obftinate chiefs into -a 
 
 F 
 
f>z 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 compliance with die propofals for peace, or 
 file of lands. She retains the habit of her 
 country women, and is a Protellant. — During 
 the life of Sir William, flie was atterxled with 
 fplendor and refpeft, and fince the war, re- 
 cieves a penfion and compenfation for loflts, 
 for herfelf and her children. . , 
 
 Soon after the arrival of the Proteftant 
 bifhop, he vifiied the diocefe, and on his 
 way accidentally pafled a party of Indians, 
 who recognized their former miffionary, the 
 prefent minifter of Kingflon, in compjiny 
 with the bifhop, and followed them to the 
 inn where they halted. The bidicp's atten- 
 tion was drawn to the affeftionate meeting 
 of the Indians, and their old friend. This 
 led the Indians to afk, who the bifliop was ? 
 Being informed, that he was the fpiritual 
 guide, who was fent by the Great Father 
 acrofs the water to preach the gofpel, and 
 regulate the concerns of religion, they foii- 
 cited the privilege of making a fpeech to him, 
 which was done accordingly through the in- 
 terpreter, in which they exprelfed their joy 
 and gratitude to God, and their earthly guides 
 who led him to this undertaking. The bifliop 
 m return, addreflcd them, and agreeable im« 
 
 i\.. 
 
UL PER AND LOWER CANADA. 63 
 
 prefllons were made on all fides, by fo fud- 
 den and unexpected an interview. ^ 
 
 The clergy of Montreal are proprietors of 
 an ellate, near the Algonquin and Iroquois 
 towns, and maintain the incumbent, whom 
 we found to be a fenfible, polii:^,- aIJ«ib!e and 
 hofpitable man. His affiftant was an accomr 
 pliflied young Ecclefiaftic, who had efcaped 
 from France fince the prefent wars^ and was 
 one of the priefts in Lyons. He retreated 
 by the way of Geneva into England, and 
 fince h!s arrival in Canada, has devoted him* 
 felf as a miflionary to the. fervice of the In- 
 dians.. He has learned their language, and 
 conftantly attends the duties of his funftioa 
 with great punftuality. Grntitude to his Al- 
 mighty deliverer appears to nave dicflatcd this 
 meafure : He was a youth of good talents and 
 education, adorned with many elegant en- 
 dowments, acquired amongit the literati of 
 of a polilhed city, in a once civilized coun- 
 try. His parents were cad into prifon, and 
 probably fell a facrifice to Jacobinifm and 
 Roberlpiere. . * . 
 
 sThe clergy of the church of Rome, are 
 early infpired with an ardent defirc to be lent 
 ©a diftaat milTions^ and to propagate the 
 
 ■fl'!!i 
 
 .,_^' 
 
 .n 
 
 #♦■ 
 
64 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 gofpcl in every part of the work). They fa- 
 crilicc eafc and affluence for thofc employ- 
 ments, with great zeal and alacrity. From 
 hence it is, that they have pLuited chriftiani- 
 ty, in the moft diltant piirts of the globe. 
 From their confequent fucceliful labors?, and 
 greater experience, they are in due time, ad- 
 vanced to die ftatijnof biihops and fuperiors. 
 
 They are appoinf^d to their various err- 
 ands by the biihop of the dioceie, and re- 
 moved at his difcretion, and upon the deceaie 
 of a pariih prieft, another is immediately 
 placed in the cure. Jf his admini(tration is 
 not acceptable, he is made the minifter of 
 fome other place. 
 
 Dlicords feldom break out with virulence 
 between the clergy and their parilhioners, 
 and great reverence is paid to the priellhood 
 zs an office of divine appointment. Aaron 
 when confecrared to the priellhood in the 
 church of Ifreal, was not more r'svered, than 
 the Catholic priefts are in all public per- 
 forma 
 
 ^ces. 
 
 Their robes are made in imitation of thofe 
 \ifed by the Jewilh priefts, and in commem- 
 oration of the garments worn by the Saviour 
 
 ;"^ 
 
 m 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 65 
 
 of men. Different prayers are connccleJ 
 with thefc vellments, and uled at the liiiie of 
 putting them on or taking them otF. , 
 
 So minutely are thefe devotions, and the 
 inftruvftion or moral conne'fted with them at- 
 tended to, that the glove or flipper, ufed at a 
 lifhop's confecration, arc not put on, without 
 praying, th it the pcrfon about to be elevated, 
 may be blcflcd, as Jacob was bltiled by his fa- 
 tJier, when he put on the hairy gloveS; and that 
 his feet may be fliod with the preparation of 
 tl.c gofpel of peace. 
 
 Polltenef;, prudence, liberality, and dif- 
 cretion lead the clergy of Canada, not to in- 
 troduce the fubjecl of religion precipitately, 
 betore men of other perfuafions. They enter 
 upon fuch themes with caution and gravity. 
 Carefully abftaining from them in public 
 places, which are not devutcd to religion. • 
 
 !l! 
 
 Inftances are often repeated of their refpec^t 
 to the Bridili government. V\'hen Prince 
 William Henry, was publicly received in 
 Montreal, many of tiiC clergy of the church 
 of Rom.e were prefent, and paid i)im the rei- 
 pcd of kneeling according to the ancient; 
 
 F 2 
 
 «i 
 
66 
 
 A TOUR. ruKOvatt 
 
 cuftoms cf EiiropiP*''The prince, however^ 
 politely reqaefted them to difpenle with that 
 ceremony, and was obeyed. 
 
 The Pi*oteftant bitliop, Defter Mountain, 
 arrived with the title giirch him in England 
 "of bifhop of Quebec. This was the titie alfo 
 t)f thb fuperior in the Catholic church, who 
 immediately direfted his ckrgy to addnels 
 him in future, by his furname. Such cordi- 
 ality is obferved, that when the late fUperin- 
 tcnding biiliop of the provinces (bifliop In- 
 glis) vifited Canada, he called upon the Ca- 
 tholic clergy, and was received by them with 
 'great r^sfpe^ft. Upon leaving the provirxr^ 
 he latnehted tlie d'efolate ilate of the Englifh 
 church, and in a farewell fcrmon preached in 
 Quebec^ . caufed the governor- general to wipe 
 the tear from his eye.. 
 
 The feafts,. faib, and different ceremonies 
 and proeeflions of the Catholic church are yec 
 obferved ; except, that by a late ordinance, 
 the people are not compelled to attend all 
 thoift which are appointed in the callendcr. 
 This difpenfation w^'^ obtained, ^through the 
 influence of theEngiiih and Proteftant party ; 
 fciJt it -iias !iot prevented the. aceoftomed ob- 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 67 
 
 (. 1 
 
 ■! t 
 
 ftrvance of thole feafons on the part of the 
 people. 
 
 The feftival of Corpus Chrifti, in comme- 
 moration of the infticution of the facramenc 
 of the Lord\s-Supper, is obferved as an high 
 day in mid-fiimmefj znd a fermon is preach- 
 ed on tranfubftantiatton. The great dignity 
 e( the holy Excharift^ which is daily celc- 
 brated, led the Catholic church to fet apart, 
 one day in the year, in which the prayers, 
 fclcfted fcripturcs, and fermons direfl the 
 attention more particularly to^that ordinance. 
 —They are not Clent on the theme at other 
 dines. On that day. the ftrcet^ are adorned 
 with branches from the trees, and proceflions 
 jafs from the churches. Th<i priefts appear; 
 dfo in tJveir moft fj)kndid robes,. 
 
 A gentfeman in QtJebec, bting in compa- 
 ny widi the late worthy Chief J wftice Smith, 
 who was born and edi3cai:ed in New- York, 
 and lived and c rd a Prelbyterian, called tht{c 
 proceflions '^ fooleries.*' The Chief jiiftic^ 
 with 'his acctisftom^ mildnefe ai=id good ienfir> 
 requefted th^ gentleman, to re-colleft what he 
 had faid? and to confider when thcfe things 
 c-alfcd * fooleries' wei^ adopted,. and whrai: was 
 their defign. Time they orisinated at ;i -ti'mc 
 
 \Wl 
 
 !'!' 
 
 ifir 
 
 H - 
 
63 
 
 TOUR 
 
 THROUGH 
 
 when chrlftlans lived among heathens, whofe 
 falfe worfhi'p was full of oilentation and fplen- 
 •dor; that the chriilian procefTions were ex- 
 hited in fuperior magnificence, and that fome 
 duty of piety and morality, or fome import- 
 ant fadl in the gofpel hiftory and the life of 
 our Lord, was commemorated in every part, 
 that our candor and moderation, were there- 
 fore to be exhibited, when we commented 
 upon the ufages of the Chatholic church. The 
 Chief Juftice at the fame time, ufed the mod 
 refpeftful language concerning the wifJom and 
 piety of the Englifh church, and extolled the 
 moderation and candor of the prefcnt bench 
 of bifliops in England. Whatever fpecimens 
 of bigotry, his hiftory of New- York, and 
 other writings might formerly be fuppofed to 
 exhibit, his demeanor in Canada, appears to 
 have been that of a friend to univerlal tolera- 
 tion, libercy, and forbearanctT, among pro- 
 f;:;flbrs of every kind. Had he lived to have 
 infpetSled his hiftory of New-York, it would 
 not have appeared in its prefent form. Cer- 
 tain .things there recorded have been invefti- 
 gated, and ought to be correded, becaufe 
 they are contraiy to known fails. 
 
 The houfes of Canada, are well calculated 
 for the purpofes of all feafons. Thofe of the 
 
 rich 
 furfac 
 good 
 roof. 
 
 cafe 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 69 
 
 « 
 
 rich have generaJly an half ftory beneath the 
 iurface of the earth, a fecond ftory is of a 
 good height, and a chird is formed in the 
 roof, which is fteep, that the fnow may not 
 remain long upon it. This middle Aovy is 
 divicied into three large rooms in front, and 
 thre« fmaller, with a kitchen in the rear. 
 
 Two ftoves ar ^ ^he kitchen fire warm thefc 
 apartments in fut -. a manner, that che inrier 
 doors are open night and day, during the 
 coldeft weather. A large ftove is uibally 
 placed in the center of one of thefe rooms, 
 which is at the 'entrance and end. This ftove 
 guards the other parts of the houfc fro4n th<J 
 intrufions of froft. The walls of the ho^Jifes 
 are thick, as ftone and lime are plenty. ^ 
 
 Th^ windows are clofed by folding fafhe'5, 
 hung upon hinges, which open the whole ia 
 cafe of neceffity, in fummen. 
 
 The art of improving the benefit of tlie 
 heat, communicated by the ftoves, confifts 
 chiefly, in making the pipes very large, of a; 
 diameter of fcvtn and eight inches. In the 
 court-houfe of Quebec, a ftove is fxed with 
 three perpendicular pipes, which comraiini- 
 cute with jcach €tb<:r : — After chc Imokt h^^ 
 
 I 
 
 J 
 
 m 
 
 
70 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 \kU 
 
 pafTcd through thefe, it is convcved acrofs the 
 hall. Fires have lb frequently taken place, 
 that a law now prevent the pipes from hdutx 
 conveyed out of the houfes, except through 
 a chimney. •• .. • . . .^ 
 
 Stoves are never iifed In the Catholic 
 churches, and a portable wood or tin Hove 
 is feldom f(^tn. The Englifli congregations 
 in Quebec, Montreal, William Henry, Three 
 Rivers, and Kingilon, have ftpves in their 
 chapels. , . , . . 
 
 Proteflant zeal, is perhaps not more cold, 
 than Catholic; but, after the celebration of 
 Mafs, Catholics may retire and not wait for 
 the fermon. Proteftanrs who are fuch advo- 
 cates for preaching, as to give up praying in 
 public, rather than part with the fermon, 
 cannot eadure the cold until the whole is 
 ended, and therefore, provide for the wann- 
 ing of their churches. But another reafon 
 is, that ftoves would deface the paintings and 
 ornaments of tj:e church, and expofe thefe 
 coftly edifices to be deftroyed by fire. 
 
 The mild and affable adminlftration of 
 Lord Dorchefter made him very dear to the 
 people of Canada^ and they take pleafurein 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 7 1 
 
 repeating anecdotes of his agreeable inter- 
 courfe with all orders. The head of the Re- 
 collettSj v/as a gentleman far advanced in 
 years. He retained great vivacity and a 
 fprigluly humour and fancy, which rendered 
 his company very acceptable in all circles.-— 
 The fevere v/eather increafing at the begin- 
 ning of winter. Lord Dorchefter informed this 
 father, v/ho had the dIre6lion of the church 
 in which the Englifli congregation afTembled, 
 that it was time to place the Itovc in the 
 chapel, as Lady Dorchefter had complained, 
 that the cold was difagrecble on the preceding 
 Sunday. I hoped, my Lord, replied the 
 fcither, that her ladyfhip^s devotions, would 
 have kept her warm this winter. 
 
 The common vehicle for conveying paf- 
 fengers in winter, is called a cariole, and is 
 conitrufted in a commodious fjrrn — Ic imi- 
 tates a chair or chaife without a top, and is 
 not unlike a calefche or fummer vehicle. The 
 ilcd cv runners which fupuort the cariol- 
 are made of plank, and elevate the machine 
 abgut eight inches. In front is a feat for the 
 driver, and the whole is defended by a work, 
 vdiich fife:; as a o-uarAacainft the fnow, which 
 IS colk(5ted by the machine, and impedes the 
 progrefs of the horfe. Another ufe of this 
 
 .^! 
 
 m 
 
 III 
 
 
 ■'■:', I 
 
 ii:;! 
 
 ..a\n-A » '.J', 
 
 -'"' -""-^ 
 
 JBHHHMHI 
 
72 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 invention is, to enable the driver mr^re rea- 
 diiy to raife the cariole over fuch obilruftions. 
 This form adapts it for making new roads in 
 Ihow over which it Aides, leaving a fmooth 
 track, while the fnow is made more com paft. 
 An inconvenience foon takes place in roads, 
 which are confcantly ufed. The fnow col- 
 Icfting in front, and the machine being lifted 
 over it, by the driver or the (trength of the 
 horfe, it foon intimates waves, and the mo- 
 tion becomes ve^y uneafy^ 
 
 Attempts have been made to lead the pca- 
 fantry, to adopt fome improvement in their 
 caiioles, in order to remedy this, but with- 
 out fuccefs. 
 
 ■ Carioles ufed by gentlemen of fortune, arc 
 conllruiled and decorated at confiderable 
 expence. They arc light, airy, and elegant* 
 The fur blankets ufed in them, and the fur 
 which is worn by the propnetors, exhibit 
 
 great tafte and wealth. 
 
 , The horfes are not harnelTed by the fide of 
 each other, but ti:aw in aline. I'his creates 
 an impediment to thnfe, v/ho pafs to and 
 from the States, and'Ganada in Vy'ir.ter. The 
 roads^ of neither are adapted to the vehicles 
 
UPPER AND LOWER C AT^ADA. 73 
 
 iifed and the mode, in which horlis draw 
 them, in the other. .; 
 
 A luxury is enjoyed very generally in icej 
 during the fummer, which is eafily preierved 
 in houfes of a very fiinple conftru6tion. Thefe 
 are fmall cellars, about twelve feet fquare, 
 formed in gardens, or on the north fide of 
 their houfes. They are fecured by hewn 
 nmber inftead of ftone, and covered witn 
 plank or flabs, which are flip ported by a pole 
 which refts on two ftandards. Upon theic 
 planks, earth is caft, and the whole covered 
 with green fods. Small byfhes, fuch as the 
 ro^e and goofe-bcrry, are fet in this layer of 
 earth, and trees are planted around the whole 
 to increafe the fhade. The ice is taken in 
 winter from the lakes and rivers, and caft 
 into thefe houfes, where it is broken into as 
 ftnall pieces as poffible, and <water poured in, 
 which is congealed^^ytjie froiJL| aad ibrm^^^ 
 folid mafs, * .* 
 
 
 5r 
 
 »• -i 
 
 n 
 
 To Proteftants the peculiarities of the 
 Catholic religion affords much amufement. 
 Burials are attended in the churches with 
 great pomp. During the celebration of the 
 
 
 i 
 
 im 
 
 
 ^T:. 
 
 9 
 
 
 .- .n w^ 
 
 ♦ 
 
 \ 
 
 
 m 
 
 s» '- ' * ; 
 
 * 
 
 
 
 
 > 
 
 
 J 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 SgS^i^^' 
 
y^ .A<(/^fTOUR THROUGH 
 
 J > 
 
 religious offices, the corpfe is placed upon a 
 ftage, which is afcended by fteps and fur- 
 rounded by candles. Thefe ftages are painted 
 black, and adorned with reprefentations of 
 fculls and bones. Aromatic gums are burned 
 in cenfers in honor of the dead, and to pre- 
 vent infeftion or offence from putridity. . 
 
 v»; 
 
 < ' 5 f . » i 
 
 >< 
 
 ^^^'Crofles (land in the burial places as well 
 as in the roads. Indeed they are feen in every 
 diredion through the country in places of 
 fepulture : Where cafualties, di/afters, or de- 
 livercnces have taken place, thefe are fixed 
 as monuments. They generally call the mind 
 to devout ejaculations. In the grave yard^ 
 in Montreal, are feveral marble monuments, 
 made with urns ftanding upon pedeftals, and 
 furrounded by iron rails. 
 
 .^>. 
 
 iV/' 
 
 •l.i 
 
 The monuments of religion reared for the 
 dead are decent, but thofe for the benefit of 
 the living, mull engrofs the unavoidable at- 
 tention of travellers. Such have been already 
 mentioned, in the defcription of the churches, 
 colleges and monafteries. The uncommon 
 privilege we were indulged with, in vifiting 
 three nunneries, will afford an opportunity to 
 gratify the curiofity of fuch, as have not tra« 
 Tcllcd into Catholic countries. >> - . « 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 75 
 
 Admittance into thefe is gained with great 
 difFjcuUy, only by the permit of the fuperior 
 of the church, or his vicar in the neighbour- 
 hood. Great neatnefs, order, convenience^ 
 and induftry are exhibited in all of them.-— » 
 The apartments are well finifhed and furnifh- 
 cd, and the v/alls are decorated with paintings 
 and piftures, drawn from hiftoric events re- 
 corded in facred fcripture. Portraits of the 
 foundrefles of the nunneries, and of the moft 
 pious nuns, who have died in thefe inftitu- 
 tions, are feen in their parlours ; — carvings 
 of the crucifixion, as large as life, are alfo 
 frequent. . . . * / r ^ r ^^ * ^ ,^^ 
 
 o •> r. 
 
 The cells of the nuns are fmall chambers, 
 about twelve feet fquare, containing a bed for 
 a fingle perfon, a bureau for clothing, a defk 
 where devotions are attended, and two chairs^ 
 A number of thefe chambers, with a window 
 in each, and furnifhed in the lame manner, 
 occupy the center of the buildings. 
 
 'n > - 
 
 V i - >■ t -, * !• 
 
 :r 
 
 The habit of the Urfalines is black, and that 
 of the order of St. Jofeph is white. They 
 are uniform in fafhion and quality, and are 
 not expenfive, while no emulation in drefs 
 can take place. The veil is black gauze, 
 and is placed before the face in their devQ-- 
 
 
 m 
 
 »»!». 
 
 i 
 
 
7^ 
 
 A TOUR THROJGH 
 
 tiors, in initation of the angels. The nuns 
 cat ac one common table, and during their 
 meals, a total filence is obfTved, while they 
 attend to one who reads aloud from a fnuU 
 pulpit, built for the purpofe. The Lady 
 Abbels inftructs them in their religious duties 
 every morning, and this employment, with 
 their devotions, takes up an hour. She has 
 an airiftant, who prefides in her abfence, and 
 a feparate dejfk or pew is built for them, which 
 k decorated with many ingeni. is carvings and 
 reprefentations of angels. Hofpital rooms 
 are alfo devoted to the fole ufes of the fick 
 nuns, that they may be attended more con- 
 veniently, and their manfion be preferved 
 from infectious diforders. Perfons of confi- 
 derabk diilinftion are taken to the nunneries, 
 when fick, and the late bifhop died in one 
 in Quebec. In that within- the city, we faw 
 a? citizen of Vermont, who was v/oimded, as 
 he was conveying a raft down the river St. 
 Laurence. No patient need be better at- 
 tended by the phyficians or nuns s and this 
 was done gratis. -i- /o u i' --^ ^ ""^ ^^ 
 
 '^»A gravity or fedatenefs, marks the coun- 
 tenances of the nuns, which fome have con- 
 ftrued into the gloom of difcontent. It ap- 
 pears to be no morcj, than the effeft of axon- 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CA^KDA. 77 
 
 ftant rcferve, which is oblervable, among 
 many other fefts of chriftians, increafed by 
 the fingular drefs of the head, which covers 
 the forehead,, and conceals part of the face. 
 They appeared fufficiendy cheerful, and ex- 
 preffcd the moll perfeft attachment to their 
 mode of living and retirement. One of them 
 obferved, that twenty years was, but as one 
 day, fo pleafantly did time pafs with them. 
 — She was born and educated in Bofton, in. 
 Maffachufetts., - ■ • 
 
 After fo circumffantial' a detail of the (late* 
 of thefe countries, and its religions and po- 
 licy, it may not be amifs to remark, that it 
 cannot be furprifing, that the natives who 
 receive the benefit of thefe regulations, who 
 are conftantly amongft them, and are early 
 taught their nature and^ defign, fliould be 
 converts to chriftianity, and live in peace and 
 friend fhip, with the dependants from the Eur- 
 ropeans.. 
 
 : » 
 
 'li 
 
 The Indians are numerous in the trading: 
 towns, after the feafon of hunting — and in ev- 
 ery place are fcrupuloufly obfervant of all the- 
 rites of the church. Several circumdances. 
 eonfpire to produce this effeftj^ — fuch as. 
 
 \ » 
 
 ii 
 
K -■Jf^.K'^t 
 
 78 
 
 A TOUR, THROUGK 
 
 ijt. Their marriages, which were encour- 
 aged, and took place between the natives and 
 original French fectlers. Thefe contrafts 
 are folemnized in the churches. 
 
 ^ tid. The reftraint caufcd by confedlan, ex- 
 perience has proved, that this cuflom de- 
 tefts crimes committed againft each other. 
 The miflionaries lead the offending party to 
 make reftitution to the injured. In this way, 
 they arc protefted in their property and pcr- 
 fons, from the fuperior power and art of Eu- 
 ropeans, 
 
 3d, The benevolent fervices of the prlefls 
 and nuns, who have taught the young fava- 
 ges the principles and rituals of religion, very 
 early in life. Thefe chaunt and rcfpond the 
 fervice, and obferve the ceremonies of bow- 
 ing, kneeling, and croffing themfelves,, with 
 great punftuality*^ ■ 
 
 4th. The frequent and fplendid proceffions,, 
 decorated temples and reprefentations to the 
 eye, by paintings and carvings. Thefe fav- 
 ages, habituated to the ufe of hieroglypliics,. 
 are thus in a degree, compenfated for the 
 want of a knowledge of letters, and the art 
 ©f printing. The hiftoric fcripture paintings 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 7f 
 
 in the Indian chapels, are excellent perform- 
 ances, and make ferious imprefliops, upon a 
 people ayerfe to ftudy. 
 
 Religion appears to have been an objeft of 
 the chief care of the firft and fucceeding inha- 
 bitants. Early refervations ^nd purchafes of 
 lands were devoted to the purpofes of piety 
 forever, and to fecure fo defirable an objeft^ 
 the clergy and miffionaries endured many 
 hardships, and fubmitted to the pains of po- 
 verty, while the lands were uncultivated.—- 
 They devoted their labours and incomes to 
 the qreding of churches and colleges very 
 early. Velliges of their economy and good 
 management arc conftant. The felf denials,, 
 pious benefiftions, and fuccefsful exertions 
 of the Catholic clergy to provide for the fer- 
 vice of God, and the fupport of chriflianity,, 
 exceed every Proteftant country in any other 
 northern ftate, colony, or province^, in North. 
 America. 
 
 ii 
 
 '1| 
 
 The prefent government has alfo in all their 
 locations of lands, reierved a due porporcion 
 for pious ufes. As few oppreffions and cla- 
 mours exift in fupport;ing religion, aspoflible^ 
 confident with the prefent ftate of human af- 
 fairs in bjoth the provinces* : . .. . ; i 
 
 |i;:=f 
 
 i^Mli 
 
 MiiiiHll 
 
to 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH! 
 
 " The furface of thefe provinces is flat, and 
 the foil good, being well wooded, and fur-, 
 nilh'sd with many ftreams, rivers, and lakes. 
 
 The river St. Laurence, cannot be exceed- 
 f d in the endlefs variety of objefts, which 
 are conneftcd witli it. It begins at the outlet 
 of th^ Lake Ontario, feven hundred niiles 
 from the fea, and is navigable for large vef- 
 feis 3,s far as Montreal,, which is five hundred 
 miles from the mouth, where it is ninety miles 
 wide. The tide flows as far as Three Rivers^ 
 eighty miles from Quebec. In its courfe, it 
 forms an endlefs variety of bays, iflands^ and: 
 harbors.. 
 
 • A general fertility prevails onitsfhores, a? 
 v/e advance into the country. It is evident 
 tiiat many of the iflands, have been formed 
 in the revolutions of the feafons, bv the al- 
 tered courfes of the river, by ihe lodging of 
 floating trees and fediment, which have col- 
 lefted together during the floods. The bed 
 of the river is left dry, in many places be- 
 low Quebec. Its bottom is chiefly compofed 
 of flat rocks in fuch places, and pilots are 
 obliged very carefully to keep the channeK 
 The conrtant current has worn away the bot- 
 tom and fhores fo far^ aat the water has fub^ 
 
IjPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 3% 
 
 fided below its ancient high wa,tei:mark, and 
 the lower town of QLcibec, is luid to be built 
 upon a bank, which was regulaiiy overiiowny 
 when the country was firft difcovered by the 
 Euiopeans^ 
 
 » it:' 
 
 xrt : ■ t% i.^ it .■ 
 
 . ,g-- 
 
 V»5^- ti..*-.; 
 
 The pencil only, can give a ftranger any jufl 
 idea,' of the entertaining water fccnes at the 
 rapids. The principal, are thofe of Richlieu 
 Montreal, La Chine, the Cafcade, Cedars 
 Coto~du-Lac, and tliofe above Cornwailj in 
 Upper Canada. . .- . vrvv.i'V:'^ lu^ t- • : ■■ \j 
 
 
 The Richlieu rapids, are paffed without 
 much difficulty. Thofe at Montreala prevent 
 all further progrefs in large veffels. The 
 iliore is fo bold and perj eridicular at this city, 
 that veffeL are loacied ar;d unJoa^ied aloBg 
 their fides, and v>'harves ajid piers are not 
 wanted. The current, however, and contra- 
 ry winds, make it necciHtry to warp veffels^ 
 with the help of men, to thcfe ftations. 
 
 At the Cafcade, is a rapid which is dan- 
 gerous, and a great natural cu^'iofiiy. We 
 paffed it with two xndians> in a bircu canoe, 
 upon the ridge of the wave made by i\n cur- 
 rent, when the fu^alleft error on the part of 
 fub' I our boax-mea would have plunged us into 4 
 
 
 V«3' 
 
pap 
 
 11 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 whirlpool fome feet below us. Advancing 
 near this place, the Indian in the ftern with 
 a fmile, pointing to the fhore, expreffed 
 that he wiilied we were on it — The linile 
 was returned to animate him : He gave the 
 fign, that no motion of the body muft: take 
 place. ' Laying afide his !iat, and croffing 
 himfelf, he fpoke to his companion in the 
 bow ', both redoubled their exertions, and in 
 a moment we pafTed all danger, and found 
 ourfelv^s gliding down with the current. — - 
 Curiofitv led us to land and view the dan- 
 gerojs place, where we had paffed unhurt* 
 
 Part of the Britifh army perifhed at this 
 place, by following the pilot's boat in front, 
 which from his (kill v/ent fafe, where /vind, 
 compafs, and deep water, are not all the re- 
 quifites for fuccefsfui navigation. A lock 
 and canal convey boats now, without rifquing 
 the dangers of the rapids. ; ii^ . > 
 
 The Jfles of Montreal and Orleans, are the 
 mod noted. The firft has been difcribed, 
 and is made remarkable, by its mountain, 
 which in Englifh, is the Roya! Mountain. 
 The fecond is near Quebec: — It contains fc« 
 Ycral villages, and is under high cultivation. 
 
 > " 
 
 ,>■ Ik'; 
 
 ■Mi 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADxV. 8 J 
 
 The rtie^dows and low lands, near the river 
 and lake, yield good crops of grafs. 
 
 The rivers which unite with the St» Lau- 
 rence) are the Ofwagatchie, Ottawas^ Sorel, 
 L' AfTumptionj St. Francois, and Three Ri^ 
 vers. The firft fetclcments were formed upon 
 the banks of the river and lakcs^ for the con- 
 venience of water. Few farms in the lower 
 province are cleared at any confidcrable dif- 
 tancc from thefe waters. Many mill feats 
 are upon thefe ftreams, and wind- mills arc 
 frequent near the fliores where the waters arc 
 fmooth. 
 
 • 
 
 The vegetation is rapid, and the fummer 
 feafon fliort. The ice melts gradually by the 
 influence of the warmer waters from the 
 fouthwcft. In winter it is fomctimcs fud- 
 denly broken in fome places for a few days, 
 and floating and crouding together by the 
 force of the current, and the confinement of 
 a narrower part of the river below, it is con- 
 gealed rogether : One of thefe coUedions of 
 ice, is formed oppofite Montreal, and a road 
 is cut through it with axes, before a palTagc 
 can be obtained to the fouth (hore. * - ^ 
 
 "• ,♦ 
 
 .'.=* .- » i ¥ 
 
 
 Bufincfs is conduced with facility, as re- 
 
 fcJPS5S'SSnli9raEinj5j(3teKI»rS«.i" 
 
 "fssijvBsn'' 
 
84 -Vr A TOUR THROUGH .-'' 
 
 gukr pofls pais into Canada, from the States, 
 and through the provinces, as fkr as Halifax, 
 
 :.' Newfpapers' are printed at Quebec, Mont- 
 real, and Newark, in Upper Canada. They 
 are carefully guarded againil every thing that 
 niayexcite dilcontents among the inhabitants, 
 or encourage aflaults upon religion and govern- 
 ment.- 'Books are feldom printed, as the 
 
 communication with England is conllant, and 
 all literary produ6lions are obtained early, at 
 
 ^ moderate price. No paper-mill has been 
 erefted, and that article is imported from 
 abroad. ^ '.-. . . 
 
 •J The climate is more congenial to cpmmercc 
 and agriculture, than is generally imagined. 
 Accelfible to the ocean, and velTels of heavy 
 burden coming up the St. Laurence, as far 
 as Montreal, great amends are made to thofe, 
 who do not refidc on the borders of the fea. 
 It is evident to every honeft man, that it mud 
 be the wiili of the people of the provinces, 
 to be at peace with the people of the States. 
 No fubftantial good could be gained, but 
 much might be lo(t by the conteft. No ad- 
 vantages could be derived to the States, as a 
 government, by a war with Canada. Indi- 
 viduals aduated by a thiifl for fpoil, and by 
 
I IF 
 
 UPPER AND LOV/ER CANADA. S5 
 
 a love of diford'^r, have foiisht to embroil 
 both, but hitherto without lucceis. It is a 
 well known fadt, and openly confeffed, that 
 the Biiclili nation does not derive a revenue 
 from thoil^ provinces, which is equal to the 
 fum, expefted by the crown in protecl.ing, 
 governing, and providing for its adherents. 
 
 When the Governor GefieraPs fpeech to the 
 Indians appeared, by which they were in dan^ 
 ger of being inftigated lo war, the wife and 
 good were pained. When the proclamation 
 of neutrality was feen, under the fignature of 
 Prefident Wafhington, an univerfal joy w^as 
 circulated- — Similar fenfations were e^thibited, 
 when the treaty of peace was ratified. While 
 thefc events took place, agents from the 
 French republic, were actively exciting the 
 people to infurred:ions, and the laws of the 
 province were violated by fmugglers. A late 
 trial has illucidated fa6ls, v/hich were well 
 known before. Men from the States, who 
 hud been received into the provinces as fub- 
 jefts, permitted, to eftablifh themfelves in 
 bufinefs, to repair their fortunes, and obtain 
 credit, were too aftive in attempts to deftroy 
 the government, to plunder public (lores, 
 and make ipoil of the treafures of the Catho- 
 lic church. H 
 
 
 '111 
 
86 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 Publications had been iffued through the 
 news-papers in Philadelphia, to found the 
 public opinion, as to a war w^ith Canada. — • 
 Every mifreprefentation, as to the (late of 
 the popular opinion was fought for, and great 
 encouragement was given by many in the 
 States, to fuch as were folicitous for convul- 
 lions. At this tin^, the peopk of Canada, 
 were not projefting trouble for the Stares, 
 but as far as pofTible, encouraging a friendly 
 intercourfe, and reciprocal good offices. 
 
 \ The Catholic religion had been aflauhed, 
 ind treafures devoted to pious ufes were feized 
 upon in France : — Armies, and the leaders in 
 the nev/ government, were dividing the pro- 
 perty of temples, religious houfes, and afyl- 
 ums for poverty and difeafc, and for the 
 young and defcacelefs 
 
 Reformation was the pretext: This flame 
 was begun in a great degree in the States, 
 and a few were ready to give it free courfe in 
 the provinces. The clergy from France at 
 this time took great pains with the Canadi^ 
 atis, to lead them to fubordination to go- 
 vernment, and to preferve themfelves from 
 mafiacres and deftruftion. They favv that 
 the Catholics were profcribed, and chat t!ic 
 
UPPER AND LOWER CANADA. 87 
 
 property devoted to religious ufcs was doom- 
 ed to fpoliucion. Hiltory can fcarcely aiford 
 a more diabolical defign. — Religion is pro- 
 teded by government, in the fame manner,, 
 as in the States. The people are fatisfied 
 with their religion : — It preferves order, and 
 no fubftitute was offered ; we had no right to 
 impofe another upon them. The revenues 
 of the clergy were not excefllve, and they 
 were benefaiftors to their flocks, — had pa- 
 tiently endured poverty and hardfhips, until 
 the lands were brought to their preient ftate 
 of cultivation. They protect their aged pa- 
 rents and other relations, maintain great hof- 
 pitality, and are the patrons of the people. 
 Such is their duty and intereft. So import- 
 ant have the parilh priefts been, (and xt\Y 
 others are now in Canada) in the efteem of 
 the Britifli government, that great tender- 
 nefs and refpe(5t have always been paid to 
 them. It is an incontrovertible fad, that 
 thofe perfons in the States, who wilhed to 
 pillage the clergy of Canada, have to the 
 utmoft of their power, injured th:i order of 
 clergy in their own neighbourhoods. They 
 do not fupport chriftianity, but are among 
 its inveterate foes. 
 
 The rancour againft the Catholics is moflE 
 
88 
 
 A TOUR THROUGH 
 
 feverc in thofe Scares, .^yherc they have few 
 or no ProieRant minillers.-r — The people of 
 the States are divided into parties about reJi- 
 gion, and are not at unity among themftlves 
 — Union, order, harmony, and profperity, 
 univerfally extend among the Catholics, in, 
 
 Canada. 
 
 :>■ I 
 
 It is well known, that the principles of li-. 
 berty and law, which give dignity and hap- 
 pineis to the States, are derived from the 
 maxims adopted in the government of Eng- 
 land. Thefe principles muft extend through 
 the provinces. Legiflatures elefted by the 
 the people, and trials by jury, put new pow- 
 ers intoithe hands of the Canadians. Civil 
 
 courts are regularly and frequently holden,— • 
 no taxes are levied, and no extortions made. 
 
 Madnefs, avaiice, bigotry,, and intolerance 
 alone, could wirti to carry war into Canada. 
 Commerce and colonization, under the ban- 
 ners of peace, will give happinefs, wealth, and 
 prolpcrity, to every pare of North-An)€rica,. 
 
 ^- 
 
 • + 
 
 
# 
 
 4 
 
 m 
 
'^-^ 
 
 ?] 
 
 Dat 
 
 ^-^^ 
 
•^■•4S"i|S-^-^-4i-4*-i^"*t^-^ {^■•^•^■^r^^^^-^-^-^ 
 
 LETTER 
 
 ?ROM A GENTLEMAN TO HIS FRIEND,' 
 
 Dacriptive of the Deferent Settlements, in thi. 
 
 Pravince of 
 
 UPPER CANADA. 
 
 •!|.-!H^-^^.A^fi.^. I^i^^^^}^^^,^^. 
 
IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 A 
 
 
 
 w., 
 
 / 
 
 
 v.. 
 
 
 1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 1.25 
 
 t^ IIM 
 I: i^ 
 
 1.4 
 
 IIM 
 1.6 
 
 '/] 
 
 <^ 
 
 /a 
 
 ^ 
 
 el 
 
 .^ 
 
 ^3 
 
 ^7 J' 
 
 %V 
 
 
 o 
 
 7 
 
 Photographic 
 
 Sciences 
 Corporation 
 
 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, N.Y. 14380 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 
^J 
 
 
 W.r 
 
7#/'l 
 
 I 
 
 w ' 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 THE valuable information contained in 
 the following Letter, and the very refpecta- 
 ble character of the Author, lead the writer 
 of the Tour, to fubjoin this alfo, that the 
 Volume may be mote ufeful to the public. 
 
^1 »0<'0<'<Q<>0>^'0<'^ ^^ >0>0«>0'>0^>C»0->tQ< 
 
 ALE T T E 11. 
 
 Nevz-York, iQth Nov. 1794^ 
 
 
 MY DEAR FRIEND., 
 
 jiC^^-^INCE I had the pleafurc of writing? 
 § ^ § to you from this city, in which 1 
 Yl^^M gave you a particular defcription of 
 the lands in this State, and in the State of 
 Pcnnfyivania, together with the mode of fet- 
 tlement, and the manner in which they arc 
 to be purchafed, I have made a tour through 
 the province of Upper Canada, and ifliall en- 
 deavour to give you a particular and impartial 
 account of that country, fo far as I have tra- 
 velled through it, with its laws, government, 
 and commercial advantasjes. In mv letter 
 from Albany, I mentioned that I went to that 
 city by water, from thence I proceeded to 
 Scheneftady, fifteen miks, by ftage. Sche- 
 neftady is a handfomely fituaced little town, 
 on the banks of the Mohawk river, inhabited 
 moftly by Low-Dutch ; but from the appear- 
 ance of the place, one would imagine it a 
 defe.rted village, the houfc§ bein^ generally 
 
54 
 
 A LETTER. 
 
 old, fmallj and moflly fhut up, but iurround- 
 cd by tiie fined flats of intervale land you 
 can pofTibly imagine, which continue to the 
 fource of that river. The defolate appear- 
 ance of this town was accounted for to rne, 
 by the current of Indian trade turning down 
 the river St. Laurence, fince the revolution. 
 It has, however, the profpecl of becoming a 
 flourifhing plac", ere long, by the vafl in- 
 creafe of the fettlements to the weft of it, the 
 
 produce of which muft centre there.- At 
 
 this place I took an open boat, nav'^ated by 
 three men, in which I paffed to Lake Ontario, 
 without any other interruption than two (hort 
 portages, one at the little falls of half a mile, 
 round which they are now cutting a canal ^ 
 the other of one mile, at Fort Stanwix, about 
 one hundred miles v/etl of Scheneftady; at 
 which place, we leave the Mohawk river, 
 aifri defcend the current to Ofwego, one hun- 
 dred miles more to the weft, where the Bri- 
 tifh hold a poft at the entrance of Lake Onta- 
 rio, commanded by a captain, from whom I 
 received every mark of civility and attention, 
 A cuitora-houfe officer i& alfo ftationcd there, 
 to prevent an illicit trade being carried on 
 between the United States and the Britifh 
 colonies. No merchandize in, nor furs out, 
 are pcrmitcd to pafs tbi^ poft, without a paff- 
 
A LETTER 
 
 9S 
 
 pert from the governor of Upper Canada ; 
 but fettlcrs n:ioving into that province to re- 
 fulf, are permitted indiicriminately to pafs 
 with all urenfils of hufbandry, houfehold fur- 
 niture, and {lores for their own confrmption. 
 
 The high prices which hatters' fur at 
 
 prefent command in the United States, is the 
 only inducement I conceive for fmuggling paft 
 that poft; for except a few articles imported 
 from the Eaft-Indies, I found the retail ("hops 
 at Kingfton and Niagara, felling as low, and 
 many articles, particularly woolens, lower 
 than in the city of Philadelphia. ' 
 
 * 
 
 From Ofwego, vcflels fail to Niagara, 
 Kingfton, and any other port on the Lake ; 
 but fettlers more frequently continue along 
 the fouth fliore of the Lake to Niagara, about 
 one hundred miles, in the fame open boats 
 which bring them hither, as they are generally 
 manned by themfelves. But finding a vefiel 
 here ready to fail for Kingfton, I difmified 
 my boatmen, and embarked in her for that 
 place, about twelve hours fail. 
 
 Kington is a new, but grovv^ing town, fit- 
 
 1 
 
 * This was ivnttcn prevhus to ike late Treaty* 
 
mna 
 
 S6 
 
 A LETTER. 
 
 uatc on the norrh-eaft corner of Lake On?a- 
 no, where that Lake empties itfelf, and forms 
 the river St. Laurence, the banks of which 
 are thick fettled down to Lake St. Francois, 
 where the provinces of Upper and Lower 
 Canada are divided. This river is navigable 
 for vcaFcIs of one hundred tons, and upwards, 
 to Orvregatche, fe venty miles below Kingfton j 
 but vefitls feldc m go down the river, as the 
 fort wliich is at Kingfton, ferves as a depofic 
 for all the public ftores, provifion, and mer- 
 chandize for the upper poits. 
 
 The laud immediately about Kingfton, is 
 covered by valuable quarries of lime- ftone, 
 and thro' all the fcttlements round it are plen- 
 ty of thin valuable ftones, which are con fid* 
 ered by the inhabitants rather as an acquifition 
 than detriment to their plantations. The 
 moft flouriftiing part of this fettlement is 
 round the Bay of Kenty, the foil of v/hich is 
 rich, eafy worked, and produces from, one 
 to three crops, without any other cultivation 
 than what is done by the iron tooth harrow, 
 and yields from twenty to thirty buftiels of 
 wheat to the acre ; — thofe lands are fome- 
 what heavy timbered, having vaft quantities 
 of the fugat maple, hickory and bafs wood, 
 and in fome places, white pines of a furprif- 
 
mmm^mmt- 
 
 f» 
 
 A L E T T E R. 
 
 /M 
 
 ing height; but where the latter grows, thc.^ 
 land is more fandy, and although it is warm, 
 fweet land, it is not fo ft ny as the maple or * 
 oak land. This Bay is 70 miles in length, 
 beginning about twenty miles fouthvveft from , 
 Kingfton, leaving a neck of land from two 
 zo twelve miles wide, between it and the 
 Lake, all of whi'-h is fettled, and round the 
 whole Bay fo thick fettled, that their im- 
 provements already meet, and form the ap- 
 pearance of a beautiful old fettled country. 
 This Bay and the creeks emptying into it,' 
 abound in great quantities of wild fowl, and 
 fifli of various kinds. , , ■: 
 
 -». I J 
 
 From Kingfton I proceeded to Niagat-a^ in 
 a fchooner of upwards of one hundred tons 
 burthen acrofs this little fea of frefti water; 
 a fea it may juftly be called, for we were a 
 great part of the time for three days out of 
 fight of the land ; though paffages have been 
 made in twenty hours 5 we enter the Niagara 
 river betv/een the fort and the town called 
 Newark, with a beautiful profpe6t of both. 
 
 •r -Ff. 
 
 The fort ftands in cJ commanding fituation, 
 on a point formed by the junction of the 
 river and lake, upon the eaft fide of the river, 
 and is a regular fortification, in good repair. 
 
 » and well garrifoned. 
 
 ISllll 
 
 pi 
 
5» 
 
 A LETTER. 
 
 
 The mouth of this river, afFonIs a fafe and 
 copious harbor, fufficiently large for half the 
 Britifli navy. 
 
 The town of Newark is fituate in lat. 43 
 north, on the wett banks of the river, ex- 
 tending along the Lake about a mile, enjoy- 
 ing in the fummer, the frelli breezes from 
 this little fca, in almoft every diredion, plen- 
 tifully fupplied with fi/h at all feafons of the 
 year. In the winter here are caught by feines, 
 quantities of white fifh, which feem to be 
 peculiar to that river; they are generally from 
 two to fix pounds weight, and are confider- 
 ed the bed: fifh in the lakes; befidcs, there 
 are fturgeon, bafs, and many other excellent 
 fifh, in great plenty; falmon are taken in all 
 the creeks round the Lake ; thefe varieties 
 of fifh are not only cfleemed a luxury, but a 
 great affiftance to new beginners in fupporting 
 their families, many laying in a half a dozen 
 barrels or more for their winters' ufe. 
 
 The land about the town of Newark for 
 many miles, though not fo good as the land 
 further back, is well inhabited each way up- 
 wards of fifty miles around. What gave 
 
 me a more particular knowledge of this fet- 
 tlemcntwas/oelng intimate with the Surveyor- 
 
:ing 
 
 for 
 
 A LETTER. 
 
 > V 
 
 SS 
 
 General, a gentleman of liberal education, 
 good information, and indefacigible in the 
 dudes of his office, by which means, he has 
 collcfted notes, from the different field -books 
 of his deputies, of the foil, timber, and 
 (Ireams, of all. that country -, and in fuch 
 j^arts as I went over, I found his notes vcv'f 
 CDrrccl, and by no means exaggerated. In 
 niany places there is little more for the far- 
 mer to do, tiian cut a fufficiency of timber to 
 fence his fields, girdle or ring the remainder, 
 and put in the harrow, for in few places only 
 13 it ncceffary to make ufe of the plough, till 
 the fecond or third crop, there being little or 
 no under brufh > yet in many places, there is 
 beautiful white pine, oak, and black-walnut 
 timber; fugar-wood which is alfo found here 
 in great plenty, mixed #lth beach; hickory, 
 and bal^ wood. v ,, 
 
 At Newark re fides the Governor, whofc 
 charaLler is well known in England, and is 
 dcfi^rvedly held here in high eftimation. — 
 Here are alfo moft of the principle officers of 
 government, befides many other gentlemen 
 of refpeftability, who form a very intelligent 
 and agreeable fbciety. y. , . ', .^ 
 
 ML 
 
 
 
 iSi 
 
 Befi^les Newark there are feveral important 
 
lOO 
 
 A L E T T E R. 
 
 ■ih 
 
 1) 
 
 fituations in this part of the province, which 
 bid fair to become places of conleqiience, the 
 moft diftinguiihed of which are, tlie landincr 
 places at each end of the portage, Fort Eric, 
 the liead of Lake Ontario, apd York, called 
 ly the natives^ Torento. 
 
 ^ The lower landing or Queenfton, is about 
 fevcnty miles up the river from Newark, 
 where the veffcJs ciifcharge their cargoes, 
 and take in furs colleded from three to one 
 th(>uraqd five hundred, miles back} there 
 liave I feen four veiTels of fixty and one 
 luindr,cd tons burden unloading at the fame 
 time, and fometimes not lefs than fixty wag- 
 gons loaded in a day, which loads,they carry 
 t-^ miics to the upper landing place or Chip-- 
 awa creek, three miles pad the great falls. — ■ 
 This portage is an increafing fource of wealth 
 to the farmers for many miles round, vvho 
 carry from tw-enty to thirty hundred weight, 
 for which they get one Ihilling and eight 
 pence N, York currency, per hundred weight, 
 and load back withfurs, &c. — From Chipav^a 
 the merchandize is tranfported in batteaux to 
 Fort Erie, a. diftance of eighteen miles, and 
 are fnipped there on board of veiTcls for De- 
 troit and Michilimakinac. — -Detroit, I was 
 told, v/as a pleafant country, though a low 
 
■4.5Biu<aKi'"«ie»l 
 
 A LETTER. 
 
 lOI 
 
 and marfliy foil, more noted for its fur trade 
 than its agriculture. 
 
 At the head of Lake Ontario, abcxit fifty" 
 miles weft from Newark a fmall town is laid 
 out and ftores are building, being a central 
 place between Newark, York and Detroit, . 
 from thence a road of twenty-two miles to 
 the o-rand river is cut out, and croiTes that 
 river about Fifty miles above its entrance into 
 Lake Erie, and continues in a fouthern direc- 
 tion to the river La Trenche, now called the 
 Thamesy which empties itfelf into Lake St. 
 Clair, about twenty miles above Detroit. Set- 
 tlements are making on this road, and along 
 the river Thames partial ones are made for 
 an extent of ^'•ighty or ninety miles in lengthi^ 
 — — On thefc two rivers are extenfive open 
 flats of land, equal to thofe of the Mohawk 
 river, on which may b:^ cut a fulHciency of 
 hay for many thoufand head of cattle, yearly j. 
 the lands on t?ii . road are fef an excellent 
 qualicv, and in many places light timbered, 
 in others covered wiih thrifty oak, black 
 v/alnu:, J^igar maple, beach and lindar. 
 
 Tork formerly TcreniOy is fituate on the" 
 
 tell harbjur round the Lake, onpofuc Nia-- 
 
 ! i'! 
 
 I 
 
 
lal 
 
 A hi t f E it^ 
 
 ^ara, and about for^y miles diftance acroft 
 the Lake, but round by land near one hun- 
 dred miles, alonr; the fhorc of which frreat 
 quantities of fifh arc caught ; a town is here 
 in great fowardnefs, and fhould the feat of go- 
 vernment be removed from Newark thence, 
 as is contemplated^ it will foon become a 
 llouriiliing place. — From this a road is cut. 
 out acrofs to Lake Simcoe, or tn^: Rice lakes 
 thirty-three miles, the outlet of which emp- 
 ties itfelf into Lake Huron, a diftance of forty- 
 five miles from Lake Simcoe, thirty- fix miles 
 in lengthy this rout affords an eafy commu- 
 nication with Michilimackinac. — From York 
 to that Lake, a tier of lots of two hundred 
 acres each, is laid out on each fide of this 
 road, called Dundas-Jireef, gi^anted on the 
 ^xprefs condition of building and improving 
 ©n them, within one year from the time they 
 are taken up; many of thefe are built upon 
 and occupied a 
 
 On th^ call fide and joining the rear of 
 thefe lots is a fettlement of near one hundred 
 G rman families, on an excellent tra6l of 
 land, much of v/hich is open, white oak 
 ivoods ; thefe Germans camie on this fummer, 
 furnifhed with every thing to make their fitu- 
 ation comfortable and enable them .0 iinpro.e 
 
A LETTER. 
 
 loj 
 
 their land to aJvanta-ge, and no doubt in a: 
 fhorc time mh make a fine Icttlcment ; they' 
 are iupported by a company who have I'^be- 
 rally fupplied them with teams, farming 
 irtL-nfils and provifions, fent them a clergy- 
 fnan of their own country, and are about to 
 build them mills^ a church, and a fchool- 
 houfe. 
 
 If thfs grnerous exarfipic was with equal fpi- 
 in followed by a few more companies, it would 
 add to the population of the country, more 
 
 rhan any other moi.le yet purfued. There 
 
 is ftill plenty of vacant lands of the beft kind, 
 and fuch as fhew a dlfpofition to fettle and 
 improve them, meet from the Governor every 
 encouragement they merit, who makes libe- 
 ral grants to all fuch as do aftually brin^*^ on 
 fcttlers, and prove themfelvesdcfirous of pro- 
 moting the intcreft of the country, the whole 
 of which is well adapted for raifing wheat, 
 Indian corn, and other fummer ^rain; flax 
 (where the land has borne a few other crops) 
 fucceeds remarkably well, and the face of 
 the country yields grafs in abundance ; hops 
 of a good quality grow here fpontaneoufly, 
 alfo a variety of wild fruits fuch as plumbs, 
 mulberry, blackberry, ftrawberry, rafpberry> 
 and grapes.-*-Orchards arc in great forward- 
 
 • I 
 
 pMi 
 
 % 
 
 \ 
 
 Ml: 
 
104 
 
 A LETTER. 
 
 •nef's, for die age of the fcttlemcnt, fjme of 
 which already bear fruit. Peaches, cher- 
 ries, and currents are plenty among all the 
 fjrfl. fettlers. — The farmers raife a great quan- 
 tity of pork, without any other expcnce than 
 a little Indian corn, for a few weeks previous 
 to killing, anci often kill their hogs out of 
 the woods, well fatted on nuts. In many 
 places fait fprings have been difcovered, and 
 iome of them already worked to fuch advan- 
 tage that in all probability that article, which 
 generally comes heavy in the interior part of 
 a country, may in a lliort time be afforded 
 Jicre as low as in many of the old fettled pla- 
 ces in the United States. — - — Many valuable 
 Iheams for v/ater works, run in every direc 
 tion through this country 5 and upon fome of 
 them are mill, built, which prove very lucra- 
 tive to the ov/ners, particularly law-mills^ 
 from the quantity of good timber and great 
 demand of boards, as more buildings are go- 
 ing on than carpenters and mafbns can be 
 found to finifli : Stones being fcarce, bricks 
 arc generally ufed in maibn work.. 
 
 This fettlement v/as begun by a few dif- 
 banded troops after the peace of 1783, and 
 being but little known by the people of the 
 United States,, who had imbibed an opinion. 
 
ALETTE R. 
 
 105 
 
 that it was entirely under contronl of the 
 fnilitary, few emigrants Dent their courfe this 
 way, till they were convinced of the civil 
 government, being well eftablillied, and upoa 
 a conftitution happily adapted to the minds 
 of the people, fince which numbers of refpec- 
 table inhabitants have coniC in from the dif- 
 ferent States. Some of wliom have come in 
 their waggons quite from North Carolina, buc 
 as there is a fpace of country, for about 7a 
 miles, bctv/een Niagara and the Genefee coun- 
 try, where the road§ are not fuificicntly opea 
 for waggons, they transport them from the- 
 mouth of the river t^o Niagara in boats.— rr 
 However, this abftrudion will probably be 
 ibcn removed, when it v/iH be a picafant- 
 jaunt to get into a carriage at Niagara, and^ 
 drive to this city, which may be effedtei 
 without difficulty,, in aboijt tw^o weeLs, par- 
 ticularly by (Itighs in winter. — The mode of 
 feet-lcment generdly purfued here, and whicb 
 ftems bcft calculated to fave expcnce, is by 
 two, three or more men coming on in the 
 fammer, who throw up a log houfe each, put 
 in a field of wheat, and return for their fami- 
 lies,, which they bring on the following fpring,. 
 by the rout before dtfcribed paft Oiwego» i£ 
 by water;, but fuch as come by land, brings 
 their families as f^r as the mouth, of Geuefeer 
 
 II" 
 
:I06 
 
 A LETTER. 
 
 
 river, there take boar, and fend their emit 
 by land. This country from the reduelion 
 till the year 1790, was included in the pro- 
 vince of Quebec, and from the year 1774, 
 i'nt civil adminllration was vefted in a Go- 
 vernor and LegiOative Council, n that time 
 beft adapted to the ideas of the people, who 
 were moft entirely French, and from preju- 
 dice, preferred that form of government, be- 
 ing mofl analogous to what they had been- 
 accuftomed to prior to the conqutft of Can- 
 ada, but at the concliifion of the late diirca- 
 tions between Great-Britain and Amcricay 
 Upper Canada, then called the back, pofts, 
 was held out as an affylum to thofe who had 
 adhered to the unity of the Britiili empire, 
 and who generally came under tht denoinin- 
 ation of loyalifts. — From the peace to the 
 year 1790, government delegated to land 
 boards the power of graadng lands to any 
 applicants^ if men of morality and fobrltty. 
 
 In the year 179a, the wifdom of the BritiUi 
 government, was eminently evinced in divi- 
 ding that large couiitry, into two feparate 
 govei:nmsnts, and granting to each a confti- 
 tution, on the moft liberal and diflnterefted 
 principles, a conftitution for freedom and the 
 rights gf man, perhaps unequalled in the 
 
A LETTER. 
 
 107 
 
 hiftoric page, with all 'the advantages, enjoy- 
 
 |ecl by the Britilh colonies in America pre-^ 
 
 vious to the revolution, and with many addi- ' 
 
 tions, the Britifh parliament having renounced 
 
 j forever the right of taxation. — Here no man's 
 
 [property for any caufe whatever, is taxed, 
 
 direftly or indireCVIy ; the Britifh government 
 
 moft generoufly paying for even the furvey- 
 
 ing of lands, and the whole fupport of the 
 
 civil eflablifhment. ^ . 
 
 U' 
 
 11 
 
 You will naturally wonder, how with all 
 thefe advantages this country has hitherto ef- 
 caped the notice and keen obfervations of 
 Land Specijlators, and the eulogiums of Pam- 
 phleteers, too frequently the hired and ufe- 
 ful affiftants of the former chk of men, but 
 this rhave found is accounted for on the bcft 
 lof principles. The Indians being undoubtedly 
 the original proprietors of th^ foil, and it 
 even has and continues to be policy of the 
 [Britifh government to extiriguilli their right, 
 by fair and equitable purchafes. Large pur- 
 diafes of this kind has been made from time 
 to time by government, as the population of* 
 the country required, and as yet there is not 
 a fingle inftance of diflfatisfaflion on the part 
 of the Indians ; having thus liberally paid 
 them for their ^aads, very advantageous terms 
 
 n 
 
 't 
 
 
 .'M 
 
 I 
 
 
 ill!; 
 I 
 
^1 
 
 1) 
 
 i ! 
 
 ■" 1 
 
 loS 
 
 A^L E T T E r: 
 
 are held out to aftual fectlers, (the only ciafs 
 which at firft can enrich any country) who 
 get a grant of two hundred acres each. Flow- 
 ever tor the encouragement of men, com- 
 manding the means of improving on a larger 
 Icale, by proper application they get a hand- 
 fome additional quantity. By this means the 
 fubftantial farmer becomes the inhabitant, and 
 large ♦■rafts to the detriment of any country, 
 never lie wafte. 
 
 '\ " ' , • . - ' 
 
 Had I not refolved on examining minutely, 
 and judging for myfelf, I fhould never have 
 become acquainted with a country, which for 
 richnefs of foil, agriculture and trade, in faft 
 every thing that will conduce to make an in- 
 duflrious man happy, yielding to none I have 
 as yet {cen. 
 
 Niagara IS at prefent the temporary feat of 
 government, confiding of a governor, a le- 
 giflative council, and houfe of affembly cho- 
 fen by the people; here annually in the 
 month of May, they meet for the purpofe 
 of legiflation. — Members of the affembly arc 
 chofen for four years, and have already fat 
 three feflions. — In this time they have made 
 many wholelome and neceflary laws.— Week- 
 ly courts, called courts of requeft, are held 
 
 
A LETTER. 
 
 Id/ 
 
 Y Ciaifs 
 ) who 
 Flow^ 
 
 CO 111- 
 
 larger 
 hand- 
 ns the 
 t, and 
 untry, 
 
 utely, 
 r have 
 ch for 
 in faft 
 an in- 
 I have 
 
 "eat of 
 a le- 
 ' cho- 
 n the 
 irpofe 
 >]y arc 
 dy fat 
 made 
 Veek- 
 r heid 
 
 
 throughout the province, by two juftices of 
 the peace, who have cognizance of all debts 
 under half a Joe ; there aYe alio diftrldl courts 
 every three months, in which a judge pre- 
 fides, and gives trial by a jury of twelve men, 
 in fums not exceeding twenty- four pounds Y. 
 currency^whofe judgment is unappealable, and 
 all fums above that, are tried by a jury before 
 the chief juftice and two aff:ciai:e judges, whcr 
 make an annual circuit through the province ;' 
 from them is an appeal to the governor and 
 council.- — —The people have it fully in their 
 pov/er to regulate all local matters which' 
 refpeft their feveral towns, fuch as conlla-^ 
 bles, path-mafters, and other town pfFicers,? 
 in the fame manner as formerly in the other^ 
 colonies, now United States of America. ' ■ > 
 The militia in the feveral diftrifts have an 
 annual meeting, and all males from the age 
 of fi:xteen to forty-five are muftcred, except 
 th\j Friends, Tunkers, and Menonifts, and 
 thofe of tliat religious defcription, who are 
 Exempted from bearing arms. In {hort> Sir, 
 it would fwell a letter m too great a bulk, ta 
 give a more minute account of the local laws 
 that have been already made for the public 
 good, fuffice it to fay, that with refpefl to 
 that government and its laws, its adminiftra- 
 tion is . conducted with every wifli and attentj 
 
 ! ... 
 
 lih 
 
 m 
 
ii-o 
 
 \ 
 
 A^ L E T T E R. 
 
 tion to render the fituation of thofe who may 
 fettie under it comfortable and happy, berng 
 neither land tax, quit-rent, or any other tax 
 whatever, excepting the county rates, to be 
 paid by the freeholders, for the regulation of 
 their internal police, . 
 
 The noble river St. Lairrence fupplies this 
 country for an extent of two thoufand miles, 
 "with commercial advantages inferior to none 
 on this fide of the atlafttic.—— Conceive to 
 yourfelf veffels of fix hundred tons burthen, 
 unloading all kinds of Britifli goods at the 
 port of Montreal, five hundred miles from 
 the fea, and again receiving in return, furs 
 from the interior parts of the country, as. far 
 as the Miflifippi is known to the weftward, 
 and the waters emptying into Lake Superior 
 from the northward. — This town, when the 
 banks of the difi^erent lakes and rivers are 
 fettled by hufbandmen, which is at no diftant 
 period, mufl: have a vaft increafc of trade, for 
 without doubt all Britifii manufadures, thro* 
 thefe vaft water communications, will come 
 much cheaper, through the whole courfe of 
 its windings, than can be afforded from any 
 other quarter. Goods on importation being 
 liable to no duty, which will undoubtedly 
 give this country a vaft advantage over the 
 
 ,-» 
 
A LETTER. 
 
 Ill 
 
 n^w fettlemenrs that I dcfcribed in my for- 
 mer letters ', indeed nature points out this 
 place as tlie emporium of trade for the people 
 inhabiting both fides of thefe lakes and rivers 
 emptying into them as far as they extend to 
 the weft. From Montreal, hats called by 
 the Canadians batteaux, containing twenty- 
 five barrels bulk, are worked by four men to 
 Kingfton, adiftanceofnigh two hundredmiles 
 up the river in the courfe of fix or eight 
 days, and agaia return in three, loaded with 
 furs, pot-afli, and other produce of the coun- 
 try.- Veflels, generally fchooners, receive 
 
 the goods ^t Kingfton, and convey them in a 
 fhort time, to the landing or Queenflon, be- 
 low the great falls of Niagara, Here the 
 portage gives employment to a number of 
 teams in tranfporting them to Chipawa, as 
 before described ;-r-they are again received at 
 Fort Erie in veffels of the fame burthen as 
 formerly, which navigate all Lake Erie, Hu- 
 ron, and Michigan. The expences incurred 
 during all this rout are comparatively trifling, 
 as you will obfeive there is but one portage,, 
 and that onfy ten miles in the courfe of this 
 communication. And when one refie£ls on 
 the temperate climate, rich foil, and othet 
 natural advantages of this interior country,, 
 jrou anticipate a great population i.n a fliQitt 
 
 iii 
 
 ]'■■■ 
 
 
-£I^ 
 
 A L E T T E R. 
 
 1 
 ■ 
 
 time. The ftrcights of Niagara, from its 
 
 peculiar ficuation, being the channel througl\ 
 which all the /^odiice of the vafb country 
 above muft pals, is looked forward to as a 
 place of the firft confequence, and where a 
 farmer will at all times find a market for 
 his produce, the tranfport being eafy from 
 thence to the Atlantic. -3/^ — Here have I fcen 
 ^ith amazement that rai"ned cataract, which 
 exceeds every defcription I have ever heard 
 ef it, but it would be idle in me to pretend to 
 giv you an idea of it — It ftrikes the eye with 
 more grandeur and fublimity than the pen can 
 •convey. —^-Amongft many other natural curi- 
 -ofitics, a fpring about two miles above thefe 
 falls, attrafts the attention of the curious,— 
 emitting a gas, or inflammable air, which, 
 ^'hen confined in a pipe, and^a Same applied 
 ^to it, will boil the water of a tea-kettle in 15 
 minutes:-- — Whctther this may hereafter be 
 applied by machinery to ufeful purpofcs, time 
 win determine, . - T.i4 
 
 Mr- 
 
 *. ■'',• 
 
 C It was lately dilcovered in clearing av/ay 
 and burning the brulh under the bank of the 
 ^river, to ere6l a mill, and was obf^rved after 
 the brufh was confumed to burn for days to- 
 gether, to the great aftonilliment pf the in- 
 ihabitanrs* -^- ^ ^ *^-^^ 
 
 ^Ai***<.' 
 
 .A'^ v^ -* ■*- ~^> 
 
# LETT E U, 
 
 IT J 
 
 About 300 miles weft of this is Fort De- 
 troit, fituate on the eaft fide of the ftreiglits,. 
 between Lake Erie and Huron^ around which, 
 a French fettlement was eftablilhed before the 
 redudlion of the province, but attending more 
 to the Indian trade than agriculture, made but 
 little progrefs as farmers. The EnglilTi fct- 
 tiements lately begun on the oppoiite Ihore 
 are already in a higher ftatc of cultivation; 
 however, the French have fine orchards, from 
 which Niagara is at prefent fupplied with 
 cyder and apples.- About one hundred miles 
 weft from Detroit lies a valuable country on 
 the "Abaters emptying' into the Miflifippi, now 
 unhappily contefted by the United States and 
 the natives of the foiL r^. -.^•i. 
 
 ilU 
 
 To the northward of Detroit, about three 
 hundred and fifty miles, lies Fort Michili- 
 mackinac, on an ifland between Lake Huron 
 and Michigan, is about five miles round, and 
 an entire bed c" 
 
 g> 
 
 :apable 
 
 tion, but moft remarkable for being the ge- 
 neral depot and grand rendezvous of ail the 
 Indian traders^ y/ho meet in the month of 
 June from every quarter, deliver their furs 
 and receive their outfits for the enfuingyear. 
 — Spanifh fettlements many miles down the 
 MifTifippi are fupplied with Britilli gpods^ 
 
 Kj 
 
114 
 
 A L E T T E R^ 
 
 through this channel, to much greater ad- 
 vantage than from New-Orleans, where the 
 rapids of the MifTifippi oppofe almoft unfur- 
 rhountable difficulties in afcending it, • 
 
 •* — 
 
 This fort, the forts of Detroit, Niagara, 
 and Ofwego, fell within the United States, 
 when the lines of feparation were drawn, at 
 the treaty of peace, in the year 1783 : Fore 
 ■ Miami, which was built by the Britifli lately, 
 is alfo within thofe lines. Previous to that 
 peace, ftores of depofit had been occupied at 
 the foot of the Miami rapids, where the Fort 
 now ftands, and the" annual prefents to the 
 Indians, which they have long been in the 
 habits of receiving from the Britifli govern* 
 ment, were there iflfued. This place was 
 prudently chofen for that purpofe, in order 
 to prevent th^^ Indians from coming through 
 the fettlement, crouding about and mixing 
 with the troops at Detroit, where the too 
 frequent ufe of fpiritous liquors would have 
 occafioned numerous quarrels and accidentsj 
 which might have terminated fatal to that 
 friendly intercourfe and good underftanding 
 which has ever prevailed between the Englilh 
 and the natives of America. - -t. 
 
 \ ? 
 
 Hitherto have I faid little refpetfling the 
 
A LETTER. 
 
 ii'5 
 
 aborigines of this country : — Various are the 
 opinions entertained by different people, and 
 different hiftorians have riiked conjedlures how 
 this continent was originally peopled ^ their- 
 own ideas of it are not Iffs curious than ex- 
 traordinary. They do not believe, nor have 
 they the imalleft vcftige of traditional me-, 
 iTiorial to induce them to believe, but that 
 th"y are a diftinft race of men from the whites, 
 fome of the mod intelligent amongft them 
 will at thiij day relate in detail the natural and 
 original hiftory of themfelves and the conti^ 
 nent they live upon. They fully believe in 
 a good and evil fpirit, and in a future ftatc 
 of rewards and punifhments, and haVe ceruin 
 times in the year for their particular modes of 
 worfliip, when they more generally endeavor 
 to appeafe and avert the V/rath of the bad, 
 than invoke the Good Spirit, to which, how- 
 ever, after favorable crops, a good hunt, or 
 fuccefs in war, they in a fervent manner, rec- 
 tum thanks. — They fay that the face of the 
 globe was firft covered with one great water, 
 in which the turtle was the principal inhabi- 
 tant. That the Great Spirit caufed this tur- 
 tle to grow to fuch a fiz,e that the waters 
 could no longer float it, and in confequence, 
 it became ftationary, continuing to grow 
 until the mofs and rubbifli colleding on his 
 
 I, 
 
 
 ill 
 
 Mi 
 
 I 
 
w 
 
 a- 
 
 :• -? 
 
 w 
 
 ij6 
 
 A LETTER, 
 
 back, became a foil, and fliot forth Iierbrr, 
 bufhcs, anc^ at length trees, and now forms 
 this great ifl::nd (as they term if) upon which 
 they were created a diftinft race of men, and 
 jth.it the Great Spirit made, after them, every 
 kind of beafls and birds of the foreft, for their 
 food and ufe, (from the firfl: twelve of which 
 they took the names of thcirr twelve tribes) 
 and that thefe are as diiFcrenc in- their kind, 
 from thofe given by the Great Spirit to the 
 v^hite people, for their ufe, as they are them- 
 
 felrcs from us. That they encreafed in 
 
 ftrength and numbers, till the white people 
 came amongft them, and introduced their 
 Irabits, with the ufe of ftrong drink, to which 
 they juftly impute their degeneracy^-, ^ -. 
 
 *•'■ ' ' '' 
 
 When the teellng minJ reflects on the for- 
 mer fituation of thefe credulous people; the 
 various deception praAifed on them under the 
 the mafl< of friendship, the artlefs, and faith- 
 ful attachment they bear to the wliite people 
 where they are treated with, upon feeming 
 principles of juftice and candor, it rauft truly 
 fympathize vvith them in their prefent glqoaiy 
 *VO&^f?ts, 
 
 
 . t\-- 4. 
 
 :•;;}.-' 
 
 This people who were two centuries ago- 
 jpoQeffed of the. whpk of this vaft continent. 
 
A L E T T E R. 
 
 J^7 
 
 afTording thorn fpontaneoufly every comfI'>rt 
 of life, wiihouc nvah in the ei\]oyf;ient of ir^ 
 now driven back (Icp by ftep, Co the laft fpoc 
 of their fertile foil, and that conteftcd. Con- 
 tefted by the very people whom they have 
 been led to confiJer, as tfieir brothers, fa- 
 thers and proteflors. — Prejudice from educa- 
 tion, habit, and particular fituations in life 
 ■may warp the minds of the beft of men, but 
 a virtuous and penetrating mind, will always 
 fftimate in a proper degree, the relation and 
 ties they have a claim to on us, if it is only from 
 ourfuperior cultivation of miind and manners. 
 Would it not therefore argue a greater degree 
 of virtue, and redound more to the honor of 
 humanity, for Chrif{ian§, bordering on the 
 remains of their country, to turn their atten- 
 tion to the civilization of thefe people, than 
 to endeavour by art and arms to extirpate 
 them from the face of the country, which 
 they conceive to have been given by the 
 Great Spirit to them alone. It is idle to fay 
 that people of their quick ideas, and lively 
 imagination, arc incapable of civilization, 
 for where education, and a proper attention 
 to their morals has been beftowed, there are 
 proofs to the contrary. -—Inftance Jos. Brant 
 a full blooded Indian, who having received 
 an ^arly edueation, though refiding (till witl\ 
 
 i 
 
trS 
 
 A L E T T E Rr. 
 
 the Indians, is much the gentleman, eafy ii^ 
 his manners^ mild and friendly in his diipo- 
 fition, regular and methodical in his whole 
 dep^rtUientv and has by hi^ good examples, 
 brought many of his nation irito a regular fyf- 
 tem of hufbandry, aiid a decent way of living 
 in their feniilies^ , . ;: - •^^''; l--^^ 
 
 \;^ Thus have I now as <^eneral]y made you 
 acquainted wi^h this great country, as cor- 
 redly as, my (hort flay in it would admit of: 
 but I cannot conclude this without giving 
 you a piece of information equally new to 
 every body here as to me. - ^ r -^' 
 
 . For many years pad adventurers have at- 
 tempted without fuccefs to crofs to the Pa- 
 cific Ocean. The honor of this arduous tafk; 
 was left to a Mr. Alexander Mac Kenzie, a 
 partner in the north-well fur company, who 
 lately returned by the way of the lakes, hav- 
 ing fully accomplifhed the objqft of his un^ 
 dertaking in the courfe of iwo years, by tra- 
 verfing the continent of America to the north- 
 ward of weft, over vaft mountains covered 
 with ice, which obliged him to make new 
 €anoes, wherever he had the waters in his 
 favour. On his arrival on this coaft, ftvtn 
 wcck^ fail from Canton in China, and 2 de- 
 
A L E T T E R. 
 
 119 
 
 gTees to the north of Nootka Sound, he found 
 the Indians vvithout nre-aiin-, but furniihcd 
 with fome clothing and ornaments, princi- 
 pally Spanifh manufadlure. The Indians 
 accompanying him were not underllood by 
 thofe on that coafl, and appeared to be per- 
 fedl ftrangers to one another. It was with 
 difficulty he could reconcile them to him as a 
 white man, on account, as he underilood, of 
 fome injury given them by people of his co- 
 lour a few days before that time. Thefe are 
 luppofed to have been the Americans from 
 the port of New-York, who had touched 
 there in their trade with China. 
 
 »r; 
 
 v< 
 
 Lve at- 
 !ie Pa- 
 us talk: * 
 izie, a 
 ', who 
 , hav- 
 lis un^ 
 by tra- 
 north- 
 overed 
 :e new 
 in his 
 kvtii 
 1 2 de- 
 
 After remaining a few days and making 
 the neceflary obfervations, he returned and 
 bro't dlomy :vith him fome valuable fkins of the 
 fea otter, and other natural curiofities, pe- 
 culiar to that coaft; but as the gentleman 
 himfelf has it in idea to go rooii to London, 
 I have little doubt but he will meet with the 
 reward due to his exertions, and give to the 
 world an account of the wild and uninhabited 
 tracfl he traverlcu. • .-.v 
 
 1- 
 
 VV" "• 
 
 w 
 
 © ^ ! 
 
 M^r- , 
 
 FINIS. ^ 
 
 1 
 
 . ^ , '■'- 
 
 * 
 
 - 
 
 ■