IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) .V :^ ^ .<^ « 1.0 1.1 LilM 125 ■tt IM 12.2 m Hi ■" iM 112.0 u u liiilUiili^ — 6" Photographic uOBOOSS Carparatkn ^ ^. aSVMITMAMSTIIMT Wlltllfe,N.Y. 14SM (7f«)«rS-4S03 CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHIVI/ICIVIH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Instituta for Historical IMicrorapioductions / Inatitut Canadian da microraproductions liiatoriquat Tachnical and Bibliographic Notaa/Notas tachniquaa at bibiiographiquaa Tlia inatituta haa attamptad to obtain tha baat original copy available for filming. Faaturaa of thia copy which may ba bibliographically uniqua, which may aNar any of tha imagaa in tha raproductio.n, or which may aignificantly changa tha uaual mathod of filming, ara chackad balow. L'Inatitut a microfilm^ la maillaur axamplaira qu'il lui a 4t4 poaaibia da aa procurar. Laa details da cat axamplaira qui aont paut-Atra uniquaa du point da vua bibliographiqua. qui pauvant modif iar itn» imaga raproduita, ou qui pauvant axigar una modification dana la mithoda normala da filmaga aont indiquAa ci-daaaoua. 0Colourad covara/ Couvartura 6» couiaur □ Covara damagad/ Couvartura andommagte □ Covara raatorad end/or laminatad/ Couvartura raataurAa at/ou paliiculAa □ Covar titia miaaing/ La ^itra da couvartura manqua □ Coloured mapa/ Cartaa gtographiquas an couiaur □ Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) □ Coloured platea and/or illuatrationa/ Planchea at/ou iiiurtrationa en couleur □ Bound with other material/ ReliA avac d'autrea documenta S Tight oinding may cauae ahadowa or diatortion along interior margin/ Lareliure aerr6e peut cauaar de I'ombre ou de la diatortion la long de la marge IntArieure D D Blank leavea added during reatoration may appear within the text. Whenever poaaibia, theae have been omitted from filming/ II aa peut que certainea pagea blanchaa ajouttea lore d'une reatauration apparaiaaant dana la texte, mala, loraque cela Atait poaaibia. car pagea n'ont pea M filmAea. Additional commanta:/ Commentaires aupplAmentairea: r~| Coloured pagea/ D Pagea de couleur Pagea damaged/ Pagea andommagtea □ Pagea restored and/or laminated/ Pages reataurAea at/ou peiliculAea Pagea diacoiourad, atained or foxed/ Pages dAcolortea, tachaties ou piqutes □ Pages detached/ Pages dAtachtes Showthrough/ Transparence fyl Quality of print variea/ Quality indgale de i'impreaaion Inciudea aupplementary material/ Comprend du material auppMmantaire Only edition available/ Seule Mition diaponibia Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissuea, etc., have been ref limed to ensuro the best possible image/ Lea pages totalement ou partialiement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata. una pelure. etc., ont 4tA filmtoa A nouveau da fa^on h obtenir la meilleure image possible. This item is filmed at thd reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document eat filmA au taux de rMuction indlqu* ci-daaaoua. 10X 14X 18X 2ZX 2BX 30X ^ 12X 16X 20X 24X 28X 32X iMiiiin TIm copy fllmMl h«r« has Inmh r«produc«d thanks to tlw gMitroslty of: Library of tha Public Arohivoa of Canada L'axamplaira f llmA fut raproduit grica i la g4n«roait« da: La bibiiothAquo daa Archival pubiiquas du Canada Tha imagaa appaaring haia ara tha baat quality poaaibia eonaidaring tha condition and lagibility of tlw original copy and In kaaping with tha filming contract spacif ieationa. Original copiaa in printad papar covara ara filmad baglnning with tha front eovar and anding on tlia iaat paga with a printad or iiluatratad impraa- sion, or tlM back covar whan approprlata. All othar original copiaa ara filmad baglnning on tha first paga whh a printad or iiluatratad impraa- sion, and anding on tha last paga with a printad or illustratad imprassion. Laa imagaa sulvantaa ont M raproduitas nvac la plua grand soin, compta tanu da la condition at da la nattatiA da l'axamplaira film*, at an conformity avae las conditions du contrat da fiimaga. I.aa axamplalras originaux dont ia couvartura an papiar ast ImprimAa sont fiimte an eomman^am par la pramiar plat at an tarminant soit par ia damlAra paga qui comporta una amprainta d'imprassion ou d'iliustration, soit par la sacond plat, salon la cas. Tous las autras axampiairas originaux sont filmAs an commanpant par ia pramlAra paga qui comporta una antprainta d'imprassion ou d'iliustration at an tarminant par la darnlAra paga qui comporta una taila amprainta. Tha last racordad frama on aach mieroficha shall contain tha aymbd — ^> (moaning "CON- TINUED"), or tha symbol ▼ (moaning "END"), whichavar applias. Un daa symboias suhrants apparaftra sur la damlAra imaga da chaqua mieroficha, salon la caa: la symboia -^ signifia "A SUiVRE", la symbols ▼ signifia "FIN". IMaps, ptaitas, charts, ate. may ba filmad at diffarant raduction ratioa. Thosa too larga to ba antiraly included in ona axpoaura ara filmad baglnning bi tlia uppar iaft hand comar, iaft to right and top to bottom, as many framaa as raquirad. Tha following diagrams illustrata tha mathod: Las cartas, pianchss. tablaaux, ate. pauvant Atra filmte A das taux da reduction diff Grants. Lorsqua la document ast trap grand pour Atra raproduit an un saul clichi. 11 aat film* i partir da I'angta aup4riaur guucha. da gauclia A droita, at da iMut an l>aa, it pranant la nombra d'imagas nAcassaira. Las diagrammas suivants iliustrant la mAthoda. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 I^s ■^1 I ^ffS mi ^ -jj i^w!;^fp-p ^ CHRONICLES OF CANADA : BEING A RECORD, OF ROBERT GOURLAY, ESQUIRE^ NOW ROBERT FLEMING GOURLAY. ^«» Concerning the Convention and Gagging Law; 1818. MK. GOURLAY»S AREEST AND TRIAL, &c. &c. Stc. SECOND EDITION, ABRIDGED. .msmMmsmm. - Vi.IlMU[K!.:tV V- 27 Rue Bjrido, ' ■^^o-iT': '\Cy' CHRONICf ES OF CANADA . 1818. iFrixioiples and Proceedings of the Inhab. itanta of the District of Niagara, for addressing his Boyal Higlmess tiie Prince Begent, respecting claims of BtiffArers in War, Lands to Militiamen, •nd, the general benefit of Upper Can. ada. — Printed at the " Niaoaua tivKorAToa" Office — 1818.— Price, one thilUng, c'y. THE INHABITANTS OF UP- PER CANADA. , Ootharinet, A'iagara District, 5th juay, 1818. IFriends and Fellow Subjects ! WE lay before you the Princi- ples and Proceedings of tlie Feo- ile of this District, and example \6eing better than precept, we have WW only earnestly to entreat you to join in tJie cuuse. You will lire find tltat we have been oppo- ed, but opposition has strength- led us. It would swell too much this little Publication to give a list ' Subscribers ; but they will be found, week after week, in tlie Ni- igara Spectator, as room will ad- lit. l^hey already amount to upwards of nine hundred, and ire daily increasing. Menu have \oaitedfor the Address, which is ily this day prepared, and will s found below. ROBT. HAMILTON,^ Rcjy. esenta- WM. ROBERTSON, 1 tives for the CYRUS SUMNER, f District of JOHN CLARK, J Niagara. true copy. Wm. J. Kerr, Secretary. THE RESIDENT LAND OWN- ERS OF UPPER CANADA. Niagara f April 2nd, 1818. Gdntlemen — ^Your Parliament is bro- ken up — a second time broken up, from em- lo^ment of the most vital import to the honor and well be'ng of the Province ! ! — Good God ! what is to be tho end of all this ? For my own part, gentlemen, I had little hope of satisfaction from the sitting of Par- liament, after perusing the Administrator's speech from the throne ; and this little was entirely extinguished with the disgusting re- ply made to that speech, by your represen- tatives. That a man who had spent the best part of his life in Upper Canada^ — whose every interest and afiection rested here, should even read a speech, not only containing mean sentiments, but notifying a measure, provoking in the extreme to the feelinn;s of a large body of his suffering countrymen, was indeed heart-si ckeuing ; yet this was not all : What could wo expect — what sensation could swell in our breasts when we found men, employed and paid by these very sufferers, to guide t heir nflairs and watch over their interests, bowing down to kiss the rod of affliction, and in return for a most insulting offer, grunting a receipt in full for demands, equally just and well au- thenticated ? Gracious Heaven ! Did we, the oflspring of early civilization — the Hrst hope of ge- nuine liberty — the favored wards of Divine revelation, come to this new world, only to witness the degradation of our kind, and be humbled beneath the rude savage who ranges the desert woods ? Surely, British blood, when it haS ebbed to its lowest mark, will learn to flow again, and yet sustain on its rising tide, that generous — that noble — that manly spirit which first called forth applause trom the admiring world. It has been my fate to rest here oearlr two months, viewing at a ulstance, the scene of folly and confusioA-^by turns*seribus,9pd CHRONICLES OF CANADA. hj (urns jocular, that the lerious might not sink into the melancholy. 1 have advised — I have in duty oflered servires, but in vain : on went the t»port, till yesterday, when the cannon announced to us that the play was over ; and now we have (he second speech of the Administrator, who has appro- priately sunk down from the throne to the chair ! Gentlemen, the constitution of this prov- ince is in danger, and all the blessings of so- cial compact are running to waste. For three years the laws have been thwarted, and set aside by Executive power: for three sessions have your Legislature satin Assem- bly, and given sanction to the monstrou)? — the hideous abuse. A worthy catastrophe has closed tim farce of Government ; your Commons and your Peers have quarrelled, and the latter would assert that the consti- tutional charter of Canada may be trifled with. What is to be done ? Do you expect anything from a new C4ovcrnor ? — you will be disappointed. Do you expect anything from a new set of representatives? — here again you will be deceived. Your members of Assembly are now at home : compare their characters with those arou.id them, and you will find them equally honest — equally wise — equally independent. Now, that they are .returned to society, as private individuals, I should be the very last man to call in ques- tion (heir worth or their probi'y ; they are probably every way above pdr. It Is not the men, it is the system, which blasts every hope of good ; and, till the system is over- turned, it is in vain to expect anything of vftlue from duinge of representatives, or GoTcmors. U has been (he cant of time imn e^.norial^ to nake mystery of the art of Government. The folly of (he million, and the cunning of tho few in power, have equally strengthened the reigning belief; but it is false, deceitful aad ruinous. The people of every nation may, at any time, put down either domestic tyran- ny or abuse — they may, at any time, lay a vavf^ foundation for public pro^erity ; they hare only to bo honest, and, in their honesty, bold. In my last address to you, I said that the lirili&h constitution was *' that beautiful con- trivance by which the people, when perfectly virtuous, shall become all powerful." Did you mark these words? — did you weigh them ? — they arc as important as they arc true. We, of all men, have least to oppose U.I in correcting the errors of our constitu- tion. The Briiish constitution has provided for its otvn improvement in peace and quiet- ness: it has given us (he right of petition- ing the Prince or Parliament ; and this exer- cised m a \nopcr manner, is competent to satisfy every virtuous desire. My present purpose is not to dwell on the- ory ; but to recommend and set example in the practice of using this glorious privi- lege. As individuals we have aright to pe- ■ tition the Prince or Parliament of Britain ; and we have a right to meet for this purpo.se, in collective bodies. My propcsal now is, that a meetins; be forthwith held, in each or- ganized towaship throughout the province. I shall take npon me to name the duy for the meeting of the people ot this township of Niagara, and say, that on Monday next, the 13th inst., I shall be ready by 12 oVIock, noon, at Mr. James Rogers' Coffee House, to proceed to business, with whoever is iu-- clined to join me. The people of each township should, I conceive, at meeting, choose a representative and clerk. The representatives should assemble from the se- veral townsLips, withiaeach district, on an appointed day, to draw up a petition to the Prince Regent ; and which could, soon ailcr, be got signed by every well wisher to the cause. The district meetings should, without de- lay, hold conference Ly representatives, each respectively choosing one, to meet in a pro- vincial convention, and who should arrange the whole business — dispatch Commissioner to England, with the petitions, and hold cor- respondence with them, as well as with the Supreme Gotremment Two or three Cotn- lasiouers w :ost of carry ibly into effi sontribution [oina: out of sand pptitio would make charge. I » tions and paj township mc( the clerks, leventh, for mentii, and Treasurer, t( by the repre; Beyond mak ind clerks, tl neetinp;s the should be av( jte transacfi( jcrs, which s n the nearest ind week aCi Iiould he rc] rouM thus, TOWtll of th rs for the p.i notion .shouU 3 vicv/ or xvi'i declared- no wn. The ,';Ii!ip)i ith which it ious : to go 1 !nt, would bi ining the ca ; and no i take upon n •• this towns % may appo her township J ; seeing tli quence who c business commencci n of petit ubt or delay casioD, sitoi CHRONICLES OF CANADA. iiisMonecs hold cor- vritb the rec Coia- issioucrs would sufGce ; and the necessary Oftt of carrying the whole ably an.I rc5|>ect- bly into cflt'ct, would require but a trilling ontribution from each petitioner. It is nut oing out of bounds to reckon on ten tliou- aand petitioners ; and a dollar from each, ould make up u bum adequate for every barge. I should recommend the substrip- ions and payments to commence at the fir&t ownship meetings — the money to be paid to he clerks, who kIiouM keep in hand one^ leventh, for local ami incidental disbursc- |roentj, and pay over the remainder to a Treasurer, to be appointcsd in each district, y the representatives, at their first meeting. i3cyond making choice of representatives nd clerks, the less that is done at townsh.'p ieetinp;3 the belter ; debate, of all things, hould be avoided. Tlie clerks shou'd min • lite transactions, and keej) a list of subscri- ers, which should be iiimiodiately published 1 the nearest newspaper within the province, nd week after week, in tlie same manner, hould be reported additions. The public i-ould thus, at once, see the strength and owth of the cause, as well as have vouch- rs for the payment of cash. Every tran- ction should be plain, downright, and open view or inspection — every principle should declared — every proceeding be made own. The simplicity of all this, and the ease ith which it may be accomplij>hcd, is ob- ous : to go into more minute detail, at pre- nt, would be wasting time. No man, by ining the cau&c, can lose more than a dcl- ; and no responsibility is incurred. As take upon me to name the day of meeting "" this township of Niagara, so that mfet- may appoint days for the meetings of her townships, and for the district meet- ; ; seeing that it can be matter of no con- quence who settles such points, provided s business thereby, has a fair chance commencement, and that the whole sys- nn of petitioning may proceed without ubt or delay. No man, upon such solemn casioD, sliould say, '* I am greater than another, and will not be teen acting with him :" no one should say, « I am less, and therefore presume not to set myself forward." On such an occasion, and under such cir- cumstances as the present, every party and every personal prejudice, should be put down ; every eye .should be resolutely bent on the one thing needful- -a radical change of system in the government of Upper Canada. I address myself particularly to Landown- ers, because their interesis are most deeply involved ; but every man resident in Canada — every man who is a lover of peace — who desires to see their country independent of the United States — who desires to sec a worthy connexion maintained between this Province and Briti-in — every man, in f horl, who has a spark of sincerity or patriotitm ill his soul, has now sufficient cause to bestir himself. There v.-as a time when Israel was famish- ed with intense drought. Day after day, and week after week, the uncovered sun rose, only to frighten the nation, and open more wide the yawning fissures of the scorched earth : — there was yet, however, faith in Israel ; and the faith of a few , brought, at last, salvation to the expiring multitude. Let not the ancient record t« lost to these modern days ; let not the signs and figures of the material world be thrown aside, as vain emblems, illustrations, and manifestations of the will, the power and the goodness of God. He never deserts his creatures while they are true to themselves^ and faithful to him, while they honorably put to use the Divine gifts of rationality. The course to be pursued, by the people of this province, at the present juncture, is so clear, that he who runs may read : they have only to put trust in the success of their own vir- tuous endeavors ; and success will as surely follow as day succeeds to-night. Yes,wor- t'ly inhabitants of this township of Niagara, you may begin the necessary work with con- fidence. The little cloud which rose from the borizoD. at first no bigger than a man's CHRONICLES OF CANADA. hand, gradunlly expanded — mantled over the relentless face of a burning sky, and at last showered down rcrreshment on a thirsty land. The good which may result not only to this Province, but to the general cause of truth, should these proposals be cheerfully and alertly adopted, surpasses all calcula- tion. It would be needless for mc now to descant on the subject. If there is really no public spirit in the country, I have al- ready thro>Yn away too much of my time ; if there is, let it. now be shown ; for never was occasion more urgent. If the people of Canada do not now rouse themselves, they may indeed have plenty whereon to ex- ist ; but to that " righteousness which exalt- eth a nation,'* they will have no claim. The farmer may plod over his fields — the mer- chant may sit drowsy and dull, in his store : but the life, the vigor, the felicities of a prosperous and ha])py people, will not be seen in the land ; the superiorily of public management in the United States will bother all hope of competition : America will flour- ish, while Canada sinks into comparative de- cay ; and another war will not only bring with it waste and destruction, but i pressed \\\ pnti.d in,?! ond unwar ert (iourli owe to tl nnd to my lishing a s he had nei tenance. In inokii tenor of ir factions di breast. I tion of my to prevent tlie hcedk " one thing of f y.'tf m nada," trai extract fro empire, w meetings o "Ihct inpj placed and the cs the Pailiai tion, even doni, won that will ; tending nu people inl( which tliej presentati\ to introdu( overturn ment." An act land, in the meetings o individuals to assembh quickly dis of seditiou sentenced I shall CHRONICLES OF CANADA. •hall appear requisite, for furthering the good cause. Tho thniiks of the meeting were then unnllilnotl^iy voteil to David Socord, Esquire, for his public spirit in coininf? fonwnrd, on this orcnsion, and liberally fulfdling the du- ties of the (■iiuir. UAMD SLVUmD, Chairman. A true copy. .Ioiin lloss, Cleric, — — -♦»♦■ TO TTIK rUBLIC. It having bci;n .'.lutpd (o nic by some of my friends, that llu! public mind Wiis im- pressed uidi llu! idea of my linviiig partici- pated in, and winctioncd, llio recent inipropcr nnd unwarrantable publications of Mr. Rob- ert (lourluy, ] ccnceive it a duty wliicb I owe to the (iovcrnnient, to the province, nnd to myfclf, to dci laro, that, beyond pub- lishing a stalii-tical report of this province, lie had neither my approbation nor my coun- tenance. In mnking this doclaiatlon, T Irn: t that the tenor of w.y Ii!o ju. lilies my a?:'ertin<^', (bat factious di.'ctiiitcnt nijver ori^^inated in my breast. liavmg laid this much, in vindica- tion of my own lentimcnts, 1 ^llull, in order to prevent error in, and re; cue from distress tho hccdle^ri jrn^elytes of ]Mr. (Joiirlay's " one tiling needful — viz : a radical clian,",o of system in the govcrnn.ent of Upper Ca- nada," tranj^^cribc for tlieir informal icn, an extract from the common law of tlio ilrili^b empire, which bears ( n the joint of unlawful meetings o\ con ver.l ions, viz : " 1 he coii,-jtitu(ion of Circat Pritain hnv- ing placed the rep■.■c^O!ltation of the nation, and the cxpres-Hon of the national will, in the Parliami nt, no other meeting or conven- tion, even of every indi i luid in the ling- dom, would be ac( injielent organ to express that will ; and meetings of such a nature, tending meicly to f edition, and to delude the people into an imaginary atf^crtion of rights, which they had bciore delegated to their re- presentatives in lailiament, could only tend to introduce anarchy and confusion, and to overturn every settled principle of govern- ment." An act of Parliament was passed in Ire- land, in the year 1793, to prevent any such meetings or conventions ; and a few ignorant individuals, who, in the same year, had dared to assemble under that title in ii^cotland, were quickly dispersed, and their leaders convicted of seditious practices ; for which they were sentenced to transporkition. I shall conclude with recommending to nil, to weigh well how they attend to vision- ary enthusiasts. TIIOJVTAS CLARK. Niasura, Ajml 18, 1818. — — ♦'■■ rUHLIC NOTICE. In consequence of a handbill hiving this day appeared, signed by the Honorable Thomas C!i,auk, of the Lcgiidutive Coun- cil, in which an attempt is made to stigma- tize tlip<)inted by that meeting, recommend the; people of other town.'lii|>s, (where any Joiil t, may exi.'t, in conserpience of Mr. Claik's handbill,) to postpone lli(i election of their repre'entntiveH, until a future day of meeting is adveitiscd. (I'reat as the necessity is, for an instant a|)|ieal being made to the Supreme (lovern- nient, regarding the ^tate of IJpper Canada, the (ommittee would by no means press any nieamre until its legality is proved, and its propriety faiily ehiiibli.'-lied in the public niind. They pledge them: elves to f hew, in a few days, that they are not only right in what tliey have done, but that the Honorable 'I homas f'laik is giossly ipVtaken. (Signed for the Committee.) llOJiKLlT HAMILTON. Niagara, April 18, 1818. .._ .«.«^.. - — Till there is time for further proof, th<^ following will testify the strange inconsisten" cy of Mr. Clark : To Chrh rj Tomiyhip Meeting, \^th April, IS is, Ni(i,i:aru. Qitmistn.';, ]3(h April, 1818. Siu — You will Ik rewith receive two dol- lars — one of v^hirli is tlie subscription of the Hon. 'J honris Clark, for the purpose of dt- iraying the expenses of carrying a petition to the Piince Pegcnt, relative to the situa- tion of this province ; the other dollar for the same purpose, from your most obedient hum- ble servant, (Signed) W. G. HEPPITRNE. We certify, that we saw Mr. Clark give the dollar above mentioned, to Mr. Ilep- burne, for the purpos;e above aho specified. (Signed) THOS. DICKSON. JAMES KEFwBY. To the ivorthy Inhabitants of the District of Niagara. " Niagara, Ajrril 1\n, 1818. Gentlemen — The above placards have already spoken for themselves. It is now my duty not only to defend my character as an individual, but to maintain the grand coo- i CUnONICLES OF CANADA. HtUutional rin;lit of all DritUh stibjcctt — ttio right of lioliliiij; inoRliii^N for pctilioniiij the rrinco or pjrll;iim'nt. Thli ri;;lit n Li?;;iv lativti Coiiiii*illoi- lius ilnruil to <|iu>.ci'nti()i» would liavo risen to Uppi'i' Ciuiadf», without a clou'l ; hiiS it will yet liso, and shine more bright, Jriutu- pbant over the murky clnuJ. of lln! moi ninj. The history of Mr. Claik's unhappy pro- ccediii3,H, n;)il llie defi'nt;e of my own con- duct and prini'i|'!es, >.h:ill follow, nfler 1 Imve firat estiibli.^lied thi' wi-i^li i.-r matter of the law — our undeniable and, till now, un(|Jes- tioned, ri^lit of petitioning, and ot holding; public mtttings lor doing so. The ri!.>,ht of pcliiioning is one of the grand arlinles of the Bill 0. Kiglits solemnly p:issed into law, when the B;ilir,h people bad driven one So- vereign from I lie throne, and were aboiii to e:itablihh in it another more agreeable to their will. No act of Parliament i** half so sacred a's liiis — the second creat charter cf British li'Mf v. It emana ed purely foin the people uninlliicnced by ^ovel•eigll power, or unswayed by domineering aristocracy ; and the tcra wliidi gave it birlli, stands embla- xoned in history as our glorious lluvohit on. The Farliaiiieiit of Britain has never ques- tioned thii great right of the people, and ilie people ore in the constant habit of exercis- ing their right. The meeli'igs of last year, ill England, at some of which 20,000 people were collected together, were all held under this grand constitutional privilege, an. I not a question was made rei^arding their legality. The Parliament of Britain never attempied to suppress even the ISpa-fields meetings, which excited in the minds of some, the greatcs* alarm ; and 1, myself, was in the House ol Commons when Lr'rd Polkstono presented a petition from one of ihese meet- ings, on the evening of the very day on which it was held. What is all this which Mr. Clark has set before the people of Upper Canada, as a bugbear to frighten (hem out of the exercise of (heir most sacred rijili' '? What is this quo- tation from the statute 1-ook? what are these utories to us,. which coucern the Irish rebel- lion and (he conviction of iraitors? Is it |)Os&ible that Mr. Clark could seriously be- Uere that he could for an/ length of time impose, evrn upon the ignorant, or nppal tbt timid, wi h reeital.t otthii nature '( Can niiy man read the act of Parliiment, which' he Ins quoted, and not perceive, (hit it has< no eye »yhatevpr to pea'eable meetings. — 'J'hu act riearly Hpeeifie-, |hi^ «ort ol' meet- iiigs which it was framed to repre.^s — meet- ings '• tending merely (o •••udition, and to de- lude the people into an imaginary assertion of rights." in the nama of (>i>.l, I nsk, where is the synij)'iiii of stfdition to bo dis- covered in his province? Unless from (ho niDiith of the linn. Thomas Clark, I never heard a brcathin Upper Canada wiiich could, by (he remotest coiislruflion, be applied lo nnyUiing of (he kind. The pnro and ardent loyalty ol the pnople here, has been one .strong iidliicnee »villi me in exerting iiiyg«df towards improving the connexion of Canada with ihi' mother country ; and it excited in me pectdiir (ctdings of di>giist when 1 read ill (he newspapers, (hat surmises were on foot for barter ing i\way such pedple, like slaves to thi^ Utiiled Slate*. If lam guilty of sedition, w!iy does not the Hon. Thomas Clark do his duty and bring me (o (rial 1 — Mr. Clark Ltiew of i.iie Niagara mee(ing, ond of my being presi'ni (here, yet he suilers me t(i go at large to advise and attend other ineriiiii^s — nay, not only am 1 going at large and doing id! this, but 1 dare the higlie&t Magistrate in the province (o lay hands up- on me. 'J'liere is (Iiim no aliernative for Mr. Clark, but eillier to do his duly, and arrest me, or lo leave ine alone, and ihereiiy satisfy the world ili it lii' hi> l>.'ci\ w(d'ully im- posing on \\\i p^iblic by ai-ailing my condvict and principles — woiuliy and wantonly scan- dalizing the rights of the Canadian people. Doubling that the ignorant and timid might not be sullicientli' astoniiled with a qiiola- tiun of law, Mr. Clark seem< to expect that my '* headless |irosclyles'" will be certainly driven from their meetings, and appalled, for ever, by a reference lo an Irish act of Par- liament, and a hint, as to what befel the ig- norant in ycotland. In the year 1793, everybody knows, ilial rebellion was nearly bursting oul, both in (Ireat Britain and Ire- land ; anil everybody knows that soon after this, it did break out m the latter. I myself visited Ireland, in the midst of its fiercest rebellion, when 1 was allowed to land and pass along, only from being ''nown (o the commander of ihe King's troops. I had, thus, better opportunities than Mr. Clark, of being acquainted with the state of that coun- try, and the necessity for strong measures on the part of Government ; and I waa still bat- ter inrorni tbH hi(u.i(i< tended (hv chief o(ren( grounds he They wer meetings, \ cy, and h.i for can') in cutioii. \ con\ictcd transpor at this sort ? I I sworn an voca(e for anything t( on us, for, Clark will our food, (1 ther, in eh Almigh y ! Aller.th placard is i iuiulted by but furthrr on this pai that I colli rest inqiii' but my (bit calls Ion II From th it would s Clark, a", coa'nteii in son age, I I world. I dependant my statist! his advice printed at lion, shovvi to my " ri publicalior der hia pi to (he Go' self," by i sinualious may be, ar has ut(ere( terday, ho township, ; graced hii cedent. Stamford person win — that (he meant for — that he which I b: CHRONICLES OF CANADA. nppal th«l ( Can nt, nliich lit it has I 'ctii);i;s. — ol' meet* i!* — iiioet- nJ to (lu- llSiSITllOn , I nsk, to bo (til- iVoin tho I never lid) could, j>|)lieJ (0 in J urJint betui ono n.f iiiy8«'lf r Ciinaila L'xcited in Ml 1 read Were on 6])\e, like am gtiiltjr I. Tbotnai trial ?- 1 mcfting, L III' suiVui's tcnJ other ig tit large bu lii^liu&t hands up- native for duly, and nd I he re 1)/ wi'fully iin- ly conduut .only scan- :)ii people, iinul ini;^ht h a (piola- ixpoct that t! certainly ppalled, for ct of Par- ;fel the ig- car 1793, was nearly in and Ire- , soon after I myself its fiercest > land and own to the )s. I had, r. Clark, of ' that coun- neasures on 'aa still bet- ' ter informed linn he could posnibly be, of the Mlu.itioii of lhin3; but furth'rr iu't'ilt, sU iii 1 1 nay another wiird on tlii^ part ol" th^' s.i >je.:t. I only wi^h that I coull h iru st,.) an I let Mr. Clark rest inqiii.'t, an ii;' * kiii.inary entliu-i:x>ifs ;" but my (|jty, both lo niysL'lf an I ttii! public, calls Ion 11/ (w fui'llKT «;>{|)l:ui itioa. From til ! lii'st ;riiMrr.i,i!i of tli; placard, it would s'.'e:n a* if I w is dep-.-n I ml on Mr. Clark, ?". I tint, wil!nut tli.; a]iprobitian and couateinnse oi" lli!> vorv sell iini>oiti!it per- 8onai;e, I In I a ri^lil t) da nothing in >liis world. I lliily d iiy lb it [ am in any w.ty depend;int n,i')ii lii:ii, or lliat at any st;i'^e of my statistical in-| liii'x, I Inve been ruled by hisadviee or .ril'.niity. My first aJ.lre^s, printed at Yoik, was never, till its publica- tion, shown It) Mr. Cbrk ; and with respect to my " recent ini.iropiir and unwurranl ible publication," who could ever suppose "te un- der his pilrouiiije, who now does his '' rlut.}/ to the GovprninenI, the province and him- self," by protest in.^ a'^uinsl them ? The in- sinuations of the pi.u-anl, groundless as they may be, are y».'t nothing to what Mr. Cbrk has uttered in public, regarding me. Yes- terday, he attended the meeting of his own town!>hip, and thvre I am sorry to say, dis- graced himself, in a manner beyond all pre- cedent. Mr. Clark stood forward at the Stamford meeting, and declared that I was a person wholly without means of subsistence — that the dollar he gave Mr. Heburne, was meant for my private aid, as a poor ii.an — — that he hud lent me money, in Eugland, wbicb I bad squandered — that I bad not a foot of land bclongini; to me, in Upper Ca- nada ; and that my solo object in wh it I waa now about, w»^ lo get po<4ses., been involved ill a l.iw suit, on a qi!esli in which unluckily my f.ilher ha I inisconcoivt; I. he hid with- drawn from me his couiilt'iiance.nnd I was left to lb,' support of other iVien Is, i i prosecnling my suit. My Mtualioii beiuj; known to Mr. Clark, he volunteered to iii.! a loan of j£,)00 fjittlL' mori; than a year after this, my la- tli'i's atV-iirs becnmi; iiivi/lved. Till the age of seveiity-livf, ill! Iiul cairi fd on the most f•xll;ll^ive aj;riculliiial ojiLMMiions of any man in till! kiu^ loin ; an I lor iiite;i;rity, ns well ay perfect kiiiwlod^t: oi" !lu^itle«is, ranked in die wry hi^li.'si diss. Wlicn tlu ••xpoiure of alViirs too!c place, not only my lather and family wore contbiiiuli'd with the result, but the whole country w is so. It could bo ac- coiiiite.l for in no w;iy iuit from the natural deoay of age. My father hi I lost his memo- ry, aiil for several years In. I been tlie pr?y of all who hi(' liie vvickcdiiess to impose up- on him. Within a nion h after this, seeing that 1 could no loiij;er ex[»ect to return to my native con. .try, and keep up the rank wliidi f had from my infancy enjoyed, 1 ro"iolved ot <^Q\ni; abroad, and hid my m- teiition communicated to Mr. Clark. The fall of my forinae, increased the rancour of the person with whom I was at law. He would consent to no terms of settlement, and I had to remain more than a year fighting out thrr battle. My lawyers failed to carry my cauxe be'orc t he Assizes. 1 instantly pub- lished an addn>ss — had this address put into the hands of most eminent counsel, in London, with a .«uitable fee, and tlius obtained a con- fe.ssion that I was right. I then sued in Chancery, for a new trial, and carried my point, though opposed by five lawyers, who wasted several da^ s in pleading. My cauee 8 CHRONICLES OF CANADA. was a second time brought before a Jurj, and then 1 was finally vicloriouf>, recovering what I pled for with interest, and the costs of three suits. The moment all this was settled, T made arrangements for the conduct of my fanning concerns, and camo here to lookout for future operations ; and here I will come, with n)v family, as ^oou as all is settled at homo, which my friends arc now giving their aid to accomplish. Last Sep- tember, I satisfied Mr. Clark that a fair set- tlement of my fanning concerns wouhj leave me a reveroion in capilul, of several thou- sand pounds, after paying my dehts. My delayed departure from this country, how- ever, has greatly altered my hopes ol this ; bu', independent of my own personal capital, there is a provi.^ion for my wile and children, of J6280 per iiiinum, which my fate or con- duct cannot atlecl. !So far from being re- duced to have my wants here supplied by Mr. Clark's charity, he knows wull, that I have yet credit at home, as far as travelling expenses require, and that my bill to him, for j650 received last autumn was duly hon- ored. About two nion hs ago, I wi^lled to draw for a larger sum ; not the ylightest ob- jection was made to my credit, by Mr. Sireet. the partner of Mr. Clark ; but, as he was not lull ofcahh, he n: the people of Canada, for the utan- agement of t eir public mterests, is a worthy finish to Mr. Clark's declarations. 1 ad- vised the people to pay this into the hands of Clerks and Treasurers ci osen by them- selves ; and I expressly stated, that, 1 woidd accept of no anpointment. That I might re- ceive benefits from the success of the cause, is somewhat encouraging ; it may recom- pence me for the time a»-d money 1 have spent, and such benefit the publi:; of Canada have certainly no right to grudge ; but it is as certain, that private emolument, neither fifNt nor last, has been ray spur in what I bare done. I never was covetaous of wealth ; but I have enjoyed the pleasure of thinking my efforts tended to the happiness of my fellow creatures ; and the hope that I may accomplish my purpose, of making this province a safe and honoiabhj retreat lor the poor of England, would sustain nie through a life time of persecution and scandal. — From the consideration of what is already said, the public will form some comparison between Mr Clark and tne, as to " unwar- rantable pu'jiications ;" but let us get on to complete exposure, before the final decision it given. It will be remembered, that <«onie weeks ngo I mentioned, that .since 1 had ad- di-cssed Mr. Clark, as a public character, at York, he had taken all in go d part, and written me several friendly letters. It was so, and meeting together for the first time, alter his return from York, at Mr. Thoma« Dickson's, on the lltli of this mrnth, we shook hands before several witiies.scs. The day preceding, I had heard ^Olnething of Mr. Clark's doins: at York, which I thought too serious to pass without notice, and 1 had then in my pocket a letter ca lling upon him for explanation. Uur accidental meet- ing, and shaking hands alt'^ red my intentions, ns to this, and 1 committed the letter to the flames, that there should be no retrospect af- ter the right hand of fellow-hip had been stretched out. On Saturday lu.st. about two o'c'ock, 1 bed occasion to call at the Printing OlFice, and found that Mr. Clark had just .sent in the manuscript of his placard. Up- on looking .'it it, I was cut to the heart. — I immediately w-oni to Air. W'm. Kerr, his luother-in-law — told him what I had seen, and bcised of him to go with me to the lion. Win. Dicksor.'s, where I thought Mr. Clark would be found. Thitlier we wont, but Mr Clark and Mr Dickson had gone to a meet- ing, at Alex. llo<>er's Hotel, and there we found them on our reiurn. I most oarnost- ly ent'eated Mr. Clark, on his own account, to withdraw his publication, but in vain : both he and Mr. Dickson were aiike immov- able ; and I found that the placard, which bears onl^ the signature of one, was, in fact, the joint production of tiie.»e two honorable gentlemen. Mr. Dickson had pruned Mr. Clark's asperities, and had searched out, from his law repository, tin notable quota- tion which now stands before us as a bug- bear. To conclude, I told the gentleman, that if they persisted m printing the placard, I should certainly, in return, think myself bound by no delicacy of exposure. Mr. Dickson declared, in that case, he would CKRONICLES OF CANADA. easure of I happiness )pc that I aking tbis at lor tlie n through candnl. — already omparison " uiiwar- get on to il decUion I )nic weeks had ad- aructer, at pait, and !. It was first time, Thoma* nrnth, we scs. The lething of I thouiiht ce, and I ) ihng upon ntal meet- intentions, tter to the respect af- had been . about two he Vrinting i had just ard. Up- le heart. — I. Kerr, his ad seen, and (he Hon. Mr. Clark ;nt,but Mr I to a meet- l there we )st carnost- wn account, it in vaio : like immov- card, which ^vas, in fact, o honorable pruned Mr. [irched out, ubie quota- as a bug" gentleman, the placard, hink myself •sure. Mr. , lie would •erer speak with me more — so the matter is BOW at issue, and to determine it, I proceed without scruple of dread. The propriety and fitness of every human action roust depend on circumstances. What, in one case would be very wrong, may, in another, be necessary and proper. My pub- lications, for the last two months, have rous- ed the passions of many unrcHecting peopis against mo, and many hare formed judg- ments cop"erning them, altogether errone- ous, owing to the partial views (aken of the subject. I am not conscious of a word ot mine being out of joint. My first addrosi was studiously labored to please; yet we we have seen the cohort of Augusta, with a judge, a priest, and a scribe, as leaders, come forward in a formal charge against it; not spur- red on by hasty passion,but after the mature cogitaticn of nearly four months. My se- cond address was of a very difl'ercnt nature. I did not expect that it was to gain at first, universal favor, though it had at least one hearty admirer. Alter carrying the Irst part of it to press, I called on the Hon. Wm Dickson, and read the manuscript, as far as it was then composed. Mr. D. was so pleased with it, that he immediately took me aside, and desired my acceptance ol a tleed for .^00 acres of land ; wliich I tliankcd him for sincerely, but refused. My after publications, week after week, sprung out of accidents of the moment, and each was called for in its appropriate charac- ter and dress. The letter to tlie Adminis- trator, never would have had existence, but for an accident of my not getting off the week before its appearance, along with the mail carrier, to York ; and the puhlication of Major Leonard, which caino forth in the same paper, calh^d for my remaining here still another wvek. Before tlii'. was printed, Mr. Clark's refusal to pn'sent my petition, came to hand, and in a few days more, his advice, that I should retreat from my post, by way of Sacket's Harbor. 1 n my letter to the Hon. Thomas Clark, there is a strange mixture of the serious and jocular. The last was clearly to retain him to me as a friend in private life, wlule I lashed him for the neglect of public duties, and his falling away from a trust, which he had most strong- ly induced me to repose in him. A refusal to present any petition, decently worded, would be provoking ; but had I time to set forth the disappointment I experienced on this occasion, the public would rather won- der how 1 could joke with Mr. Clark, than blame tee for the exposure of trifles, or the use of any language of severity. My wbole mind bad been bent, for seven months, on the consideration of the vast advantages which might he gained by a proper improve- ment of Upper Canada. The object of my first address had been accomplished so far, beyond my utmost expectations; but my expe- rience in the province had convmued mc, that I could not honestly use the Township Re- ports, to draw people ahroad, to a country where government was so scandalously admin- istered. No one spoke more openly against abuses, than Mr. Clark ; imlecJ he asked me, one dny before going to York, " if it would not j'-islify rebellion V and Mr. Dickson had,. about the same time, declared, at the mess, here, tliat if matters were not v^rdered bet- ter, he 2vould rnlher live under the Amer- ican than Brithh Govcnuuent. Though it was not very decorous for a Legislative Councillor to utter such a f-pecch, before British ofliccrs, or any where else, I shall, before all tiio world, back t!)is sentiment: — ct-rtainly, if thing.; are not to he altered for the fjetter, m Canada, the United States would be a more desirable place of residence. Although I am of tins opinion, yet I would not, for a moment, allow that Mr. Clark's question, ander any circumstances, could be answered in the nftirinative, whila the right of petitioiiing remai:i,s free to our exercise. Nay, I say more, such a question, even witiiout an an-vwcr, stands up against Mr. Clark's appeal to "the tenor of his life;" and manifests that" factious di-scontent " luis " oritriiiated in his breast." If Mr. (Jlark could put such a question tome, uhieh I solemnly afiirm before the Omnipresent (iod, that he did — if he could put such a quc'tion, without even an attempt at reform, lhrou;;h the peaceable exercise of our ri^lit of nelitionin"-, what languao;e was " un»varrar;table" lor ukj to use, towards him, who denied me the benefit of my con- stitutional right of petitioning, and who would not present a petition to the Legisla- ture of this province, wlnlc it was his houn- den duty to do so — a petition which was to lay the ground work of removing the evils of which he and Mr. Dickson so loudly complained — evils which 1 locked upon as completely barring every good which was in contemplation, from the success of my statistical labors 1 What are their notions of risht and wronsf, I am nltosreiher at a loss to discover. If one man only had ap- peared in this scene of confusion — if ons man had been the author of the placard stuck up before us, we might have settled I 10 CHRONICLES OP CANADA. ,our minds to rest with a verdict of insanity ; l)ut a conspiracy of mud men never, to my knowledge, was before heard of. i^illy ac- 'tions, and sh:illow rensoniiig, may be ex- pected from the rabble; but lo see such conduct, and t>U( b u production, rxi.siin;; in, and emanating Irom, llie lipitcd cimiumI of Councillors, is confounding and u)urvi.'ilau.s in the extreme. One part of l\Tr. Clark's placard has stir- red up doubt, I find, in more llian himself and fellow pla'-ard maker: I mean his quo- tation ot " a radical change of s\hli'm in the government of Upper C'aiiad.i." There are some people so nervous — t^o vtiy scn>i- live, that reason lias nothing to do Vvfiih their ac>ions and impuNes. A worthy Pro- fessor of iSl. Andiew's Coile;;c, sal one morning in his elbow chair, while hi?i wife reached the tea-kettle to tlie fire. A drop fell on the Professor's leg. He saw the fire and black bottom of the kettle at one glance. The associa ion of scaKling was instantly formed, and the impnlr^e was iire- •istible ; he leaped to the lloor in agony, and stormed at his wife for the pain be suf- fered. When he had siiffiiMenlly ventt'.l liis groans and spleen — •' >;ii down," said his patient partner in this world's misery, " sit down and hlers yourself, my dear; for the wate*- was but iLics moment drawn iVoin the well." The word government, may be variously applied : — to the frame of government — ho constitution ; or, to the mode of carry iag on the government — iho managomi'nt — the administration. In Britain, we never tliiiik of petitioning for a ciiange tif government, in the first sense — a cl!;ui;i,e of con tiiution. We are all pleased with the constiltition ; but roar loudly, and petition often ai;;iinst the goverment, taken in the latter sense — the management — the ad/.iini>trLition. To petition for a change of gcverninent, in Up- per Canad:>, is rpiite dilferent : here we may •afely petition for a chaMge of government, in every sense of tiie word. The govern- ment or ccnstitiMion of Upper Canada rests merely on the authority of a British act of Parliament; and all that is constituted thereby, is subject to repeal, by tlie same power which enacted it, as the words of our constiiuliona' slatnte expressly indicate. The constitution of Upper Canada is to con- tinue only " during the contitiuance of this act ;" and should we petition for a change o.f government here, we do nothing more than is done every day at home^ lor a re- fti or amendment of ao act of the British Parliament ; and though I had not at first contemplated the necessity, I now think it might be very proper to petition lor a fresh act, wtiieh would r>'ee us from such pests as Legisliilive Councillors, to boot: perhaps, too. we might pe ition for a throne, instead of a chair. If either the one hon. gentleman, or the oilier, had lieen as well inclined lo examine strictly my words, as they are zealous to bhuken my character, and prove me to be a fool and a rogue, they might have disco- vered, that these words did not go to the extent ijiat they in the spirit of illiberality, have inngined. I speak of " a change of system in the governm.'nt." What is in the goveininen!, cannot be the government : the win • in a bottle, is not the bottle. Through all my wiilings, it will be found that I spoke of Mio si/sfcnt, ; and sometimes I identified this s.stem, with that which ruled by " pa- tronage and favoritism." The system of patronage and favoritism, in the government ol' Upper Canada, 1 have long considered to be the great, bane of prosperity ; and without this is put down, all Legislators sent lo little York, Will come back better for themselves, but bringing with them nothing better for the country. Every one woii.lers at the inlluence of Dr. Strachan, a man of no ability ; of no experience in the world ; but they do not consider the nature of the tools which have been pu*. into his ha'ids. It requires no ear to play a hand- organ, and little strength to drive a horse in a mil! ; yet the one may give spirit to a dunce, anil the o^her may convert wheat in- to Hour. I question if Dr. Strachan has not run some liitle errand, or done some little favor, for every Honorable, and not Ilonoraide, that ever went up to liitle York to legislate. Such " small sweet courtesies" coflt the Doctor nothinj;, and are altogether fascinating to Councillors and members of Assembly. On the other hand, mark the Doctor's ire !! ! Look at me and tremble, every man who would have a slice of land — look at me and tremble, every man who would desire to get smoothly on, in Upper Canada. Perhaps the two Councillors who hate posted me as a pronioter of r edition, are not quite immaculate, even though " factious discontent never originated in their breasts" — perhaps they would rather sec the prov- ince go to ruin, than lose the game of pat- ronage and favouritism — perhaps " their deeds being evil," they would " love dark- ness rather than light." It is true, tUl CJHilONICLES OF CANADA. 11 Gorernor Gore ia gone, who made tlirm lionoural-Ie, and got for Mr. Clark the monopoly of mill seals, on the rapidsi of IS'iagiirn ; hut other Governors are coming oul, and Sir John Shcrbrnuke i> even in llie lower prounrp, now. .Since Mr. Dickson has no regard for my cliaracter and feelings, let us try how he will jstand iht; touch-More of truth. It came to my knowledge, hy perfect accident, ihnt amtmber of Assembly was hunting after Irnd, while the public bus- iness for whieh'he -Avas paid lo go to York, was siliaineinlly nej^lccted. Under exislmg circunisfanccs, ii was a duly to expose what was going on, and lo give a hint to the people, of ihe rial eauj-e of tleir Parliament cffecling no good purpose. Mr. Dickson hass-ince fold me, that he also A'as bu«y petitioning for hmd, while he was at York. Mr. Dick.-on hiwing some \ears ago, been employed as a lawyer, by Ihe Indian depart- ment, or otherwise for the Indians en Ihe Grand river, iiad a tiact of hind given him, consisting, 1 lelitve, of 6 OCO acres, by a Council of Indians, railed together under the influence of Cclonel Claus. A^ninst ihis transaction, some other Indinns |ro!es:ted, and Mr. Didcsm's title has hung in duiio. A\'hd(: .It Yoik, Mr. Dickson had a pelilion driiwn tip lo the Piince Eegenl to confiitn his title lo ihis land; and lo give weight lo the petition, Sir John fchetbrcoke was lo lavour Mr. Dickson with his support. Now, I ask tie | eop!e of this province to pause and r( fleet m this tmnsaciion. The IndiiH land is tluir ewn. by as sacird a title as rny in Canada. If Mr, Dickscn's claim lo lL<; land wjis fair, why ask the Prince Ilepenl lor wlal is not his? why draw in his Excollency the C( n.inander-in- Chief, lo go 10 the fountain of honor lor a favor, which cannot in honor bo bestowed ? — Here 1 leave lliis sulject to-day, lor I wisii the people lo pause. Canadians! rouse yourselves ! collective- ly and individually cojrie into action — save the province from ruin — yourselves from insult and liisgrace. Let a parly in every township, call at every house, and a<>k aid lo the cause of truth ; and let the scripture text be repealed to every man — ^* He that is not for us, is against us." Bouse yourselves, Canadians ! for villany is in arms against your peace iind prosperity : — rouse yourselves ! for all that was fought for, in war— all thai was hoped for, in peace, IS at stake : — rouse yourselves, Canadians ! ior constitutional right is ossailed. One boiil and geDerous eflbrt irill jet ictrieve your honor — will retain to you ihe reuowa of being honest men, and loyal subjects ; foir loyally must not sufl'er the consti ution to be invaded and Irod down. Let the Royal motto be our peculi:ir watch word:— let Canada, fiom honi-eforth, bear tliest. wordi on her shield — '• (ion and oun JIight." IIOBERT GOUllLAY. • SI. Calliarincx. -ilh Mo;/. 1840. This diiy, representatives (and clerks,) chosen by the inhabitants of the several townships ol Niagara district, for the pur- pos.e ol pe'ilioiiing the Prince Regent, on Ihe peneriil state of public nifairs now ex- isting in the province of Upfcr Canada, met here — Robert Ilnnillion, Kaq., lejircsentini; tlio towti- sbip i]., J.l'., Dr. CvnisSiuniitT, Ciipl. Uciirv 11 xoii, ^lliijor W'n:. J;cl,t'ita( n, Mr. J.lm Kcnneily, >';•. J.'iui lI(■^l!l'l^(>l1. Oi«. Kref. l/'liiilon. r!o. (iritii8l)y, do. Caislor A C.i»- [b<»i«,'. do, Oninslxiri) • tlo. ri'lliani. do. TlioroUI. i dc. rtiamf.iril. do. Willi. llgLl)T. d<'. iJttiiic. «!o. ("!i()\v!a:id. dr. irini.!)t'i>iti'.'ie, iiiil l.akt! isii!« i;l' W.iiuHcel. Davi<| Tlioinnpon, F.aq., i]v. Wa'.ijllee!. John Clark, Esq., boin:( un;>'.!i;iiouslf called to the cluur, tie business of ihe day ccmini need, by Mr. Claik's re; ding over Mr. (icin lay's n(l'.lre>s lo ihe rc.wdent Land- Owners of I'pper Canmln, dutctl ii!nJ April, 1818. The rcc( inmend ilions and princi- ples contained in liie addi e.>;s, were declared to be those now generally ajiproved of, and as constiiiiting the basis of thi: present pro- ceedings. It was (lien moved and earned, that Mr. Conrlay shoni dislricl, and being sent for, accep'ed the oSv.e. William J. Kerr, Esq., was elecied Srcrctary ; and these gentlemen were desired to retire with TuwHiyhi]) Clerks, to arrange accounts, and commence a regular journal of transactions* It was then moved, that a draft of a pe- tition, previously prepared, fhonld be read — which being done, its general principles wer» approved of, and it was agreed further, that consideration, as to its style, &c., bt reftc« red to a coinmitteo of four. t hi m CHRONICLES OF CANADA. Moved, and unanvnousli/ carried, That M soon as the coininitlro aru sufTiciently sa- tufied with the wonlino; of the Petition, they' order it to hv. printed, with a view to ils lying before (lie puljliu one month, and aflording opportunity for anin)adrcr,sion or amendment, that finally if may be so drawn out as to pive the i^rcaicst possible degree of satisfaction to the people; of lliis (li.^trict. Moved, and Uiiaiiiiuousfy ca/ricd, 'J'imt the same commit fee do immeJiatcly publi>h, Ihrougiiout the province, the whole proceed- ings of the peopK> of ibis district of Nia- gara, up lo Ibis lime ; wnd take all necessary •teps towards proinolin^; liie objects in view. Moved, aiul unanimmidy can ird, That the gentlemen of the coiinnitfec advertise, Saturday, Gib June, at 2 o'clock, ai'ternoon, as a proper time for tiie |)p.op!o of other dis- tricts to hold townsbii) meetings throiii;bout the province, at all places where township meetings are u-.ually luflcl : 'Ibat Saturday, the 13lh of (be .same month, be iidvortijcd for the meelinfjs of town>!iip reproenla- livcs, at tlie head town of tlieir respective districts — there to cboo.se di>trict reprc^on- tatives, to i:s-iemble in the Provincial Con- vention. Moved, m/d uvcminiously carried. That Monday, Gth Jidy next, lie adverli^ed as the day of meelin,-; at YdiIc, of llic Provin- cial Convcnlio'; — iin rs' lo anpuiut a Com- niisnion to [(rocetd to Kn;;l.mJ, «itb the pe- titions to the Piinic Jlej;i:ri(, and bold con- ference, generally, on all mutters ibcn re- quiring alteiilion. Moved, and uuanimou^ily carried, Tint it is proper ibr (ac'.i di>tiiLt to semi to the Provincial Convonlion, r>'p;e^entalives in like number and proportion as they send members lo Parliamenl. Moved, and upa nnnouK/y carried, That it be recommended, that I be di.-tiict repre- •entalives for the VV'oiern, Lon.lon, Gore and Niagara di.if lie ts, do meet lo<.'ether, at Ancaster, on Friday, 3 J July— tht;re to tarry one or two da; s to consult and order, with regard lo any tbiii;r j„ these districts tliat may then be (iiseoveiod to be neglecied. Also, that the district repre^onlalivt(s for Ottawa, the Eastern, Jolinslown and Mid- land districts, do meet for the like purpose, on Wednesday the first ol July, at Earnest- town. The meeting proceeded (o chooe repre- sentatives for Niagara district — when Eobt. Hamilton, Esq., Doct. Cyrus Sumnkr, John Clark, Esq., J. P., and Maj. Wm. Robertson, were duly elected. It was then moved and carried, that these gentfe-^ men cons' itutn the cominitteo above men- tioncd. One of the representatives requesting to be allowed to read a paper to the meeting, the request was j» ran ted. The paper re- garded cci tain partial proceedings in Courts of Justice, and attributed the same to the present corrupt state of public affairs. The gentleman wi>hfd ihe meeting to take the same into consideration ; but the proposal was lost. — Ibis beinj declared not a meetino; • • • ol deliberation, as to private or particular grievances — but for the pure purpose of pe- tioiiing the Prince Regent generally, as to the state of the province. It was admitted that this, or other papers respecting public grieva; ces, might be given to district repre- sentatives, sealed up, and directed to be put into the hands of ihe Commissioners, that thtjy may make what use they pleased of Ihe same, lor the general good of the province. Moved, and unanimously agreed. That the thanks of the meeling be given to John Clark, Esq., for his impanial conduct in the chair. 'J'he meeling then adjourned till Monday, 8th June, at .St. Catharines, when the Peti- tion wi I be finally adopted, and measures taken for its sio;n:iliire, in ibe several town- ships of this district. JOHN CLAPJC, Chairman. Wm. J. Kerr, Secretary. Draft of an Address, proposed* for presentation to the Prince Kegont — submitted to the consideration of the people of Upper Canada, for animad- version and amendment. To Tiis Royal Highness, George, Pkknce of Wales, Regent of the United Kingdom of Great Britain AND Ireland, &c., &c'., &c. 2V/e hundile Address of Inhabitants of Upper Canada : May it please your Royal TJighness — The subjects of your Royal father, dwel- ling in Upper Canada, should need no words to give assurance of their loyalty, if the whole iruth had reached the Th. ,e of their Sovereign. His loving subjects have rea- son to believe, that the truth has not been told. CHRONICLES OF CANADA. )3 ! gentre- ve inea- esting to meeting, )apcr re- in Courts ne to the irs. The take the proposal inci;ting pariicular ).sc of pe- lly, as to admitted iitg public rict rcpre- {0 be put mers, that ised of tlie ! province. rccd, That en \o John duct in the II Monday, n the Peti- measurcs rcral town- airman. )ropose(l' 3 Prince to the )eop]e of animad- ent. , George, ^T OF THE T Britain ihitants of jess — ither, dwel- ?d no words alty, if the ,e of their ,5 have rea- ls not been During three years of war, Upper Ca- nada was exposed (o the ravages of a power- ful and inveterate foe. The Government of the Unith subjects should, every where, share equally your paternal i*- gard and affection. It was matter of much provocation to the people of this province, to see, even during the war, which afforded such striking proofs of iheir loyalty and valour, report* sent home, higlily rating the merit of regular troops, while the tribute due to Canadian levies, was unfuiily let down. Nay, tbt principles of the most loyal subjects here, were often stigmutiised by British officer*, ignorant ot human character, and still more so of circumstances which afl'ect it, in this part of the world. It was not so with tbe immortal Brock. He justly appreciated Canadian worth ; and his memory will hap- pily long cheribh, in ibe minds of the Cana- dian peo])le, a due regard for the genuine spirit of a British soldier, at once generotts and brave. The loyal inhabitants of Upper Canada would disdam to notice the misrepresenta- tions of individuals, so contrary to notonoui truth, if these had not obviously conspired, with other causes, to lessen the regard which should subsiit between British subjects, here and at home — to influence the conduct of Ministers towards the general interest of tbe province. The loyal subjects of his Majesty in Up- per Canada, suffered grievously, during tha war, in their property, and many were bereft of their all. A solemn investigation, o« I ! ti CMRONICLKS OF CANADA. thin aubjeet took place : ihe claims of suf« ferers vrere outhenticnted ; and there was eyerjr reason to expect that recompcnce would iinmediatcly follovr: yi>t nothing has follovrcd, but delay and ioiiiilt. Suroly, if there is among mankind a single pii.iciple of juitice, this is one, that the individuals of a nation ought not, partially, to hear the weight of public calamity — Mirely, individuals who have exposed their lives for Governmi>nt, should not be di^^gustcd with fmding Govern- ment regardless of those very principles which it is intended to su!erienccd the gifts er wars he reason and H»t aside : CHRONICLES OF CANADA. 15. out of this unhappy system ; and the ror/ lands of the Crown, the giving awuy of which, has created such mischief anil ini- quity, hare ultimately come to httio vahio from abuse. The poor .'iibjectsof his Mnjesly, driven from bomeiby di»tres.s,to whom poitions of land are granted, can now fmd in IIk^ grant no benefit; and loyalists of the United Empiio — the descendants of those ^vho saciificRd their all, in America, in behalf of \i\i\it\i rule — men whose names were ordcr«;d on record, for their virtuous adherence to your Royal father — the descendants of these men, find, now, no favour in their destiiKul rewards : nay, these rewards, when granted, have, in many cases, been rendered worse than nothing ; for the legal rights in the enjoyment of them have been held at DOUfrht : their land has been rendered ua- saleable, and, in some cases, only a source of distraction and care. Under this system of internal m.uinge- inent, and weakened from other evil infiu- ences, Upper Canada now pines in campa; a- tive decay : discontent and poverty are cx- erienced in a land supremely blessed with the gifts of nature : dread of arbitrary pow- !r wars here, against the free exercise of eason and manly sentiment : laws have been M»t iside : legislators have come into derision ; a;id contein;U from the mother coutry seems lar^t gathering strength to dis mite the peo- ple of Canada for their friends at home. Tho iinincdiate interference of your Roy" al I lighnc:»s, might do much to check exist- ing evils ; and might wholly remove those wiiich spring from the syj-.tem of patronage au J favouritism, in tlu; land granting depart- ment. Otlier evils, however, greatly retard •:■ .j,;i ;i ,,> or Governors. He would now qualify that assertion. The appoint- ment of the Duke of Richmond to be Go- vernor-in-Chief of the Canadas, was an au- spicious event. The Duke of Hicinnond was a rare character — one who had proved that Royalty iisolf could not make him stoop to indignity, and one who had nobly supported the rights of the peopio of luig- land. He had long ngo maintained, that every man who paid taxes should hive a vote in Parliamentary eiuction, and his opinion had been proudly quoted hy the lovers of rational reform, upon every occa- sion since, lu this connlry we had the fullest privileges as to the choice of repre- sentatives — the fullest sccuiity that taxation never coald be made oppressive to llie com- munity. We had nothing to expect from the Duke of Pvichmond as to this ; but his former conduct and declared opinions were quite cheering to onr hopes, of his heartily joining in every elfort for the public good ; and Sir Pere(jrine"Maitland, with such an example, and with such an adviser, wo might be well assured, will be forward in performing honorably and well, the high and important duties entrusted to him. As to a change ot representatives, there was, at this time, considerable hope. Men's minds were now roused to the full import- ance of having respectable ch.aracters in Assembly: they had seen the evil conse- quences from too much indifference as to this ; and, in fact, the Parliamentary cha- racter had fallen so low, that respectable inc|i had, for years, declined coming for- ward as candidates. Now, he was con* vinccd that men of solid worth and judg- ment would offer themselves, and that while all were alivo to public interc&ts, every voter would seriously think of the character he supported. There were now in Assem- bly, several men quite a disgrace to their situation. These men, he tlionght, would certainly not now be returned ; and such as were still in favor with their constituents, from uprightness of intention, (and there was a considerable proportion that he be- lieved to be worthy ,lionest men, such as per- haps could not be excelled,) that he was sure these men would resume their duticM, with increased energy and determination, to recover to the country that character and credit, which their remissness had unhappily tended to degrade and dissipate." These measures requiring time for reflec- tion, it was ini^ved by Mr. Washburn, and carried, that this meeting do adjourn till to- morrow, at 9 o'clock. .'( .V' " ' 21.sr/«/y, 1818. Which day, the permanent Committee of management being met, at Ancaster, pre- sent, Richard Ijeasley, Wm. Kerr, Win. Chisholm, John Clark, George Hamilton, and Roderick Drake, Esqrs. Resolved, 'y!\\9.\ they would best discharge the duties expected of them, by adopting the following address, and appending to it those of the Niagara and Midland distiicts. To His Royal Hijifliness, Goorgo, Prince of Wales, Regent of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, &■7*^f -J^iiJ May It please Your Rm/al itighness — In the name of thousands of the inha- bitarts of Upper Canada, it is my province to testify the dutiful and aflectionate regard which they bear to your Royal person and CilRONlCLE* OF CANADA. 19 for rcflec- ibiirn, and iin till lo- ■'I , ■ •'. r, 1818. Committee Goorgo, ^cnt of )f Great an Beas- u Cana- TO Kn- ighness — the inlm- y province ate regard >erson and dignity \ and, in ibe utmost sincerity, I may declare my confidcot belief, that llie lloyal S^coptrc i.«( not swayed over more loyal sub- jects tUan tliosio who dwell in this distant colony. I'uder peculiar circumstances of UilTicuIty, disappointment and dislross, thi'se loyal »uu- ji'cts hud resolved on M'nding home a ('oin- niission to lOuglaiid, liumbly to »Mitt'cat, be- fore the Throne of (heir ^oviTeign, the im- m"c!iulc ititcrf«;rcnco tflhe lloyal authority. Thu loyal sultj(.'(;(s, on further rollcction, have lU'terraincil on n change of measures, ( r, at lt'a>t, to delay the pxecutifm of what was at lir.'.t [iropobeil. ])ci'ply ilnpre^scil, however, with the vast importance of tlie suhjccl, as Will (o Ihotnsilvcs as to the general inI(Mcsts of the ]iri(ish empire, they have dceinoil il proper that ihoir intentions should ho ni;uh^ known to your Lloyal Hijjh- ness ; and, with tiiis view, I am desired to annex to ll.i'? adJress, drafts of two others, uhich were in preparation; and wiiich had so far rcreivtd the approbation of inhabitants of liie two most populous dis- tricts of tliis province. tShould your lloyal Highness condescend to peruse those docuincits, they will be found to contain strong asertions; but when invcsigation takes place, these assertions can be proved to be no less true ihan they arc strong. It is now the desire of the loyal subject?, on whose belialf 1 address your lloyal liigh- nes?, that (h.; Parliament of LTppop Canada shouUl be called together for Mie more spe- cial purpose of making inquiry into the slate oi this province, and for having a (.'ommi^sion appointed to go home with the result, ill such time as the same may be laid belorc the Imperial I'arliament, at an early period of its next ensuing session. Should Isuch desire be gratified, this most necessary linquiry will commence in the maniier most Icreditable to the Legislative authorities of |the province, and will afford the fullest sa- tisfaction to those whom I represent. Lest lit should not be bo determined; I am de- sired by my constituents, most biimbly to entreat that your Royal IliglinesA will keep in view the great ohjecls i>ct forth in the annexed drafts ; and, in (he event of a Com- miiision approaching the Throne from the body of His Majesty's loyal subjects in Tap- per Canada, (hut the lloyal ear may be turned lowardt them with such love and confulonM' as may be expected, by a people who have shed their blood, and sacrificed every worldly ccmrort, in the cause of iiri- tish sovereip^nty. Entreating your Knyal Highness graci- ously to n'.'cept every consideration of re- gard uliicli is due, by subjects to the .Son end Representative of tin ir sovereign. 1 have tlie high honor to subscribe, this lir,>t day of August, in the year one thoiri- sand eight hundred and eighteen. For mvself and others. The Committee, on consulting with re- gard to the address to Sir Peregrine Mait- land, found that the languaf,e may be al- tered to advantage, and resolved to meet at St. Catharine**, on Saturday, 1st August, that both this and the former may be en- grossed and signed. The Cominilleo further resolved that an AjypcncUx should be added to the publica- tion ( f the transactions of the (reneral Con- vention, containing the minutes of the Com- mittee, and of this Branch Convention, the Midland district aildrcss, minutes of district meetings, with the n:iines of all officers chosen at township meeimgs, that have not before been piildished. For the Committee, WM. J.KERR. St. Catharines, 1st August, 1818. This day the permanent Committee hav- ing met, at this place, present, Richard 20 CHRONICLES OF CANADA. BeMler, George Uaroilton, Rod«rick Drake, Wm. Kerr, aDd John Clark, Eiquires, the petition to Sic Peregrine Maitland being re- viewed and altered, the same wait engrossed and signed by Mr. Beaslej. The petition to the Prince Regent was also engrossed, signed, and ordered to bo transmitted to knftland, for presentation. It was tiien proposed and agreed to that Mr. liea!)ley should write to the lligbt Hon. Lord Erakioe, requettiog the faror of bis Lordship to present the petition to bia Royal Highness the IVincn Regent ; also, that Mr. HeasleyS letter, and nil transac tionn up to this time, be pnblished, in con* fonnity with the principles of the friends to enquiry. WM. KERR, • Secretary. % , ■ ' a .1 J ARKEST AND TRIAL OF MR. GOURLAY, Extrncted from Report of the Trials inintrd in a pamphlet at Kin^,- stortf immediatebj after his acquittal. WARRANT. The Kino v. Rodert Gouri.ay. UPl'iai CANADA. DiSTiucT. \ X CoDstabIc, or lo any other (.'on^tabli! ill tlit> town of Kingston, (I ukkt- IN(;: VV'iiKRCAS, information nnd complaint liatli heen niailo bufore ino, ('rbomas Mark- Iuik), i'^sqiiiro, one ol" iiis Miijesty's Justices of (he Pence, in and for thu said district,) on oath, that Robert (Jourlay, hitc of King- fston, in the said district, gentleman, at King- ston, in the s:iid district, on or about the first day of .lunc instant, unlawfully, mali- ciously and wickedly, did publish nnd utter n false, wicked and seditious lihci, slyled, '' Principles nnd Proceedings of the Inhabi- tants of ihc District of Niagara, for ad- dressing his Royal Highness the Prince Re- gent, respecting the claims of suft'erers in war, iaud:i to niililia men, and the general benefit of Upper Canada ; printed at the Niagara Upcctator ollicc, 1818; [irice, one hhilling, Halifax," intending thereby, the peace and common tranquility of our Lord the King, and this his province o( Upper Canada, to disquiet, molci>t and dis- turb, and to bring the tloverninent of our said Lord the King, in this his province, into great hatred, contempt and scandal, with all \\\ii faithful and liege subjects of the said province. These are, therefore, to charge and com- mand you to apprehend and arrest the said Robert Gourlay, if he shall be found with- in your bnilwick, nnd bring him before me, or some other of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace, to be dealt with as the law directs. Given under my hand and seal, this ele- venth diiy of June, one thousand eight hun- dred and eighteen, nt Kingston, in the Mid- land district. (Signed), THO'S MARKLAND, J,P. (L.S.) I do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of tbe original warrant. (Signed) ROBERT YOUNG, High Comtable. junonn r.MPAMNr.M.itD on tum tiiiai.. OLIVER THinODO, Foreman, 8AMUKL MERRILL, THOMAS SMITH, .TAMES MEAtJHER, LOOMISNOIITON, .IAMJ:s MctilOE, JCLIJAH TEN NY, ALEXANDini AVATSON, .losin'H RANsii.:n, .TOHN noWLINtJ. ANDREW DE NIK i:, (tEORGE OLIVER. Eiiractdl fiom Ihc Kingfton 6'('r'//<', vIm/.18,18]H. MR. (.'orRLAV'S TRIAL. On Saturday the ir)tii iiist., the case oftlie King V. Rdjcrt Gouilay, for publi>liing a seditious Libel, was tried before the Court of Assizes, now sitting in this town. The publication charged as libellous, was the Niagara petition to the I'rincc Regent. Jt being n cause of great cxpectntion, the Cou'.'t-Hoiise was thronged beyond what was ever known on any former occasion. The Solicitor General opened the prosecu- tion, and produced Stephen Miles, printer, as a witness, to prove the puolication of the pamphlet, which not being precisely proved, was admitted, by the defendant. Mr. (lourlay entered into a very full defence, which, wo understand, will probably be pub- lished, lie called John Clark, Esq., of Niagara, to prove his character and conduct, in that district, and that the petition charg- ed to bo a libel, nl though written by the defendant, was examined, approved and pub- lished, by a committee of the representa- tives of that district, with their names an- nexed to the publication. The defendant also called James Wilkie, Esq., Ordnance store-keeper, of Kingston, who testified that, from his earliest years, he had been well acquainted with Mr. Gourlny ; having been brought up in the same neighborhood, and served under bis command, as a command- ant of volunteers, in Fifeshire ; also, that : 22 CHRONICLES OF CANADA. Mr. GouHay's character, in his native coun- try, was fair and irreproachable, and his family and connoxions of the first respecta- bility. The Solicilor dcneral replied, at great length. Judy;e Campbell, who liv-l oxer.^Ised much patience and candor duriii;| the orgumenis, delivered a lonrnod and able charge to the Jury, who withdrew, and in .ibout haU-^n-hour rclurniMl into Coui t, with a verdict of NOT GUILTY. As soon as the verdict was delivered, an instantnnc- ods and general burst of applause, which continued for some minutes, marked the state of the public; feeling on this interest- in[( subject. Thus the vcrllct of a Jury, after a full and fair discussion in Court, has cslublished the right of uniting in a petition to tlu Prince Iltjgent, and using the reijuisite me£.ns of iorming such union ; and has re- futed the most extraordinary charge, thit a large proportion of the loyal inhabitants d this province Ir-.ve been guilty of a seditious libel, by Lbe circulating and adopting the petition in question. On Monday the 17th inst., a number of gentlemen gave Mr. Gourlay a dinner, at Aloore's Coffee House. At seven o'clock, the company, consisting of between 30 and 40, sat down to a table furnished in Mr. Moore's best style. Mr. T. Dal ton pre- sided, assisted by Mr. S. .Tohns, as Vice President. After the cloih v\-as removed, Mr. Dalton addressed himself to the com- p;iny nearly in these words: — " GeNTLEMEX, FeIXOW CoUNTIlYMEN ! — It is peculiarly gratifying to me, (as I am sure it is to every one present,) to witness the universal joy that hai been diffused, by the firmness and integrity of a Canadian J'lry, in protecting from the rude hand of spoilers, the best, the dearest, the hallowod right ot every British subject : it is a sure pledge, that English liberty wdl be perpe- tuated in Upper Canada. We are met to express to each other, in social harmony, our unbounded satisfaction at the happy es- capa of Mr. Gourlay, from the merciless fangs of low-minded pride, bolstered and propped by a " little brief authority." This event is of such immense iitiportance to every man in the coimtry, who has any, the least, regard for the inestimable blessings of our glorious constitution, that it would in- deed be wonderful did not your hearts this day overP.ow with mirth and hilarity." The following toasts were given from the Chair, and drank with shouts of applause. Between each toast, aa appropriate song was called for, and sung with true patriotic feeling, and mirthful glee. The King! His Royal Highncaa the Prince Regent —May his ears be opened to the petitions of his loyal stibjects, and Im hands ready to redriss their wrongs ! The Diikc of liichmvid, whose charac- ter in England and Ireland, affords a happy presage of his government in tliij country ! His Excetlencij Sir Peregrine Mait- Itind, Lieutonanl (Governor of tli's pro vine;; — May his administration justify the high expectations formed of it, by promoting an inquiry into the state of the province ! The constitutioiutl right of 2)ctitioning — Disappointment and disgrace to those vho would stifle it, by criminal prosecutions I R')t)ert Goxirlayl whose honorable ac- quittal we commemorate — iVIay his slander- ers, assailants and prosecutors blush for their abuse of him ! Mr. Gourlay rose and addressed the com- pany as follows : — " Gentlemen — I am a poor public speak- er, -yeX, were I really a good one, no lan- guage cotdd express my feelings on this occasion. As it concerns myself, individ- ually, I sincerely thank you for the honor dona me : no traveller, * pelted by the piti- less storm,* could ever have half the satisfac- tion from welcome to a hospitable retreat, as I now experience in your company ; but, gentlemen, when 1 consider that, with my deliverance, is connected that of the freedom of this cojntiy, and the most valuable public right of British suljects, I am most truly proud of this occasion— I sympathize with you, as fellow subjects — 1 rejoice with you as men ; and all personal suffering and abuse sinicsinto nothing: — under such circumstan- ces, charity to my enemies becomes an easy virtue. " Gentlemen — whatever may have been thought or whatever may have been said, I declare upon my honor, that no expression ever dropped from my pen tainted with malice ; and in no instance have I been the (irst to attack. An enthusiastic tegard for the cause which I espoused, while I was conscious of the best intentions, and had my eye fixed on the mighty good which might result, has often made tne severe with those who opposed it — perhaps imprtidently severe ; for it is often the best policy to answer mean and base reflections, with silence and con- tempt. Gentlemen — I confess to you, that in one or two Instances I have erred ; but error is human. Now, that the great ob- CHRONICLES OF CANADA. 23 jects in view are so well established, I sliall be most happy to have done with petty war- fare and party bickering : as soon as the ends of justice and the law are sufficiently satis- fled, I shall be most ready and willing to ex- change forgiveness with my enemies, in every (juarter." The Integrity of Judges, and the In- dependence of Juries, equally entitled to respect ! Ihe Liberty of the Press, the safeguard of civil liberty ! Impartiality, the first duty of a Mag- istrate — lleformution or removal from office, to those who sacrifice it, 'o per&oaal or party feelings ! Our tvorthy visitorsfrom other districts ! The following volunteers were given, from various parts of the table : — A straight jacket, instead of a silk gown, for the advocate of the new doctrine, that the inhabitants of this province may unite in a general petilion, but must not publicly pro- pose or communicate a petition to each other, for the purpose of forming such union, on pam of prosecution Tor it as a libeK whether true or false ! May the rights and privileges of a vir- . I tuous people ever be supported ! May those who have taken an active part in the measures adopted by tb? friends to enquiry, never regret what they have done ! The finger of scorn, pointed at thoso who, for want of rational arguments, attack thfcir opponents in th" streets, with cUibsand whips, and lists, and teeth, and nails ! The immortal Wellington, the glory of Great Britain, the pride of Ireland, and the admiration of the world ! May the matter contained in the pam- phlet denounced as noxious, by the Solicitor General, prove an antidote to corruption ! The evening was spent in social hilarity ; and before tiie company separated, this sen- timent was drank : '' Happy to meet, happy to part, and happy to meet again." ;v-^ '•'-■: :v-'^ ' i;i--:\ .. -Vv ' ' ■' *;»■< '■.-, :,'. -■. ,: I 1 . : i- iiV-' .■:■'■" 1,:. i'.'i'. j'» • ■~-r- r-4.» •*. <>fA-' .>«■■• ■ t; ;IS««jr 'S-l :ifi' Ir'.filW 'k-m 4- .■.•j;iit ' I J -Jf; v; I PARLIAMENT OF UPPER CANADA. Extracted from newspapers of the day. Monday, I2th Oct., 1818. At 2 o'clock this day, liis Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor proceeded in state, from the garrison to the Legislative Council chamber, where, being seated on the throne, his Excellency directed the Gentlemen Usher of the Blacl Rod, to demand the at- tendance of the House of Assembly, when his Excellency was pleased to open ihe ses- sion with the following SPEECH : HonorMe Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, and Gentlemen of the House of A&scnMij : The total want of funds to meet the ex- igencies of the state, has compelled me to call you together ejjrlior than the usual pe- riod ; but 1 hope it is at a season which interferes little with your convenience. I have to announce lo you, that no alter- ation has taken place in the indisposition of our venerable Sovereign. His Royal Highness the Prince Regent receives from Foreign Powers, the strongest assurances of their friendly disposition to the British empire, and of their earnest desire to preserve the genera! tranquility. The prospect of continued peace, is pe- culiarly auspicious to this country : your undivided attention will be given to its inter- ests ; you will inquire into its wants, and find remedies for its embarrassments. In the course ot your investigation you will, I doubt not, feel a just indignation at the attempts which have been made to ex- cite discontent, and to organize sedition. Should it appear to you, that a Convention of delegates cannot exist without danger to the Constitution, in framing a law of pre- vention, your dispassionate wisdom will be careful that it shall not unwarily trespass on that sacred right of the subject, to seek a redress of his grievances by petition. A treaty is on foot with our Indian neigh- bors, for the purchase of new territory, in- cluding certain tracts, which serve by their intervention, to disconnect our western set- tlements. It appears to me that no object can be of more intrinsic value to this colony, than an increased population ; nor any, on the ac- quirement of which, a small expenditure of revenue is likely to present the state with a greater return. Whether it would not be advisable to tender assistance in some etfec- tual manner, to those poor emigrants who may seek to become your countrymen, is a subject I recommend to your serious consid- eration. Your attention will be directed to certain laws which are expiring, and toothcis which have expired, that you may decide on the propriety of continuing the one, or reviving the other. To carry any laws which you may enact, for the comfort, safety or morality of the subject, or for the general benefit of the province, into full effect, you may depend on my hearty co-operation. Gentlemen of the House of Assembly : I shall direct the proper officer to lay be- fore you, the accounts of the receipts and expenditure of the provincial revenue, with an estimate of what may be required for the support of the civil Government. Honorable Goitlemen and Gentlemen : Convened as you now are for the great purpose of elevating your country by the wisdom of your councils,you feel each of you impressed with the responsibility and dignity which invests you ; you recollect the cele- brity of your proceedings ; these consider- ations, enlightened manners, and the benefi- cent influence of religion, will no doubt re- gulate the intercourse between your august assemblies. The following address of the Hon. the Legislative Council, was presented to his Excellency the Lieut. Governor, on Wed- nesday the 14th instant. To his Excellency Sir Peregrine Maitiand, Knight Commander of the most honorable Military Order of the Bath, Lieutenant- Governor of the Province of Upper Ca- nada, and Major-General commanding his Majesty's forces therein, &c. &c. Sic. emigran tiers of We which expired. We offer of feet the comfort or for CHRONICLES OF CANADA. 25 on the ac- nditure of te with a Id not b« ime effec- rants who yincn, is a )us consid- to certain liei s which de on the ^r reviving which you or morality benefit of nay depend \scmhly : to lay be- eceipts and vcnuo, with equired for nent. >itlcmen : )r the great intry by the each of you and dignity ct the cele- se consider- 1 the benefi- (jo doubt re- frour august le Hon. the ented to his >r, on Wed- ne Maitland, ost honorable , Lieutenant- f Upper Ca- commauding &c. &c. &c. Mat it please tour Excellbnct : We, his Majef ty's dutiful and loyal sub- jects, the Legislative Council of Upper Ca- nada, in Provincial Farliament assembled, beg leave to offer our thanks for your Speecli, at the opening of this session of the Legislature. We are happy to embrace tins opportuni- ty of congratulating your Excellency on your safe arrival to assume the duties of your exalted station amon»-st us. It is with regret that we learn from your Excellency, ihat no alleralion i.as takrn place in the indispoisilion of our venerable Sovereign. The strong assurances which his Eoyal Iliiihiiess the Prince Rejicnt has received, from Foreign Powers, of their friendly dis- position to ihe British empire, and oi" their earnest desire to preserve the general tran- quility, affords vis the hl|^Iiest salisfactinii ; convinced, with your l-^xcellency, that a continuance of peace will he peculiarly aus- picious to this province, to the interests of which we will bestow our utmost attention. We will inquire inio its wants, and endeavor to find out remedies for its enibarrassiiients AVe shall at all times feel a just indigna- tion at every attempt which may excite dis- content or organize sedition ; and if it shail appear to us that a convention of dclcj^ates cannot exist, without danger to the Consti- tution, in framing a law of prevention, we will he careful that it shall not unwarily trespass on the sacred right of the subject, to seek, by petition, a redress of his griev- ances. It affords us pleasure to learn, that there is a treaty on foot with our Indian neigh- bors, for the purchase of new territory, in- cluding certain tracts which serve by their intervention, to disconnect the western set- tlements of this province. We arc persuaded that no object can be of more intrinsic value to this colony, than an increased population ; and we will be ready to co-operate in such measures as may render assistance to the necessitous emigrants, who may seek to become set- tlers of this province. We will attend carefully, to the laws which are expiring, and to such as have expired. We thankfully receive your Excellency's offer of co-operation, to carry into full ef- fect the laws which may be enacted for the comfort, safety or morality of the subject, or for the general benefit of the province. To which bis Excellency was pleased to reply : Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council : I am much gratified by the sentiments you have been pleased to express : accept my thanks for vour address. On Monday the 19th inst., a committee of Mie House of Assembly presented ihe fol- lowing address to his Excellency : To his Excellency Sir Peregrine Maitland, Knight Commander of the Most Honor- able Military Order of the Bath, Lieut. Governor of the Province of Upper Ca- nada, and xMajor General commanding his Majesty's forces therein, ike. &,c. &c. May it please your Excellexcy, We, his Majesty's dutiful and loyal sub- jects, the Commons Ilonse of Assembly, in Provinciril Pariiamc t assembled, beg: to of- fcr to your Excellency our sincere congi .'ai- lations on your accession to the governm''nt of this Province, and to return thanks tor your iiio>t gracioiij speech from the throne, at ll;e opening ot (he i)resL'iit f-o.^sion. Wliile we regret to learn that no favora- ble change has taken place in the healin of our beloved Sovereign, we viuw with miuMi satisfaction iho happy prospect of continued peace and prosperity to his Majesty's sub- jects, in the assurance of the friendly dispo- sitions of Foreign Powers, received by his iloyal Highness the Prince Piegent. We feel that to no portion of his Alajesty's sub- jects can this prospect be n^ore auspicious, than to this infant colony ; and our most anxious wish is to co-operate with your Ex- cellency in improving tliis period of tran- quility, by every measure tiiat may tend to relieve the province fiom any temporary embarrassment, and to advance its general prosperity. We feel a just indianation at the s'stem- atic attempts that have been made to excite discontent, and organize sedition in this hap- py colony, while the usual and constitutional mode of appeal, for real or supposed griev- ances, has ever been op?n to the people of this province, never refused or even appealed to ; and deeply lament that the insidious de- signs of one factious individual, should have succeeded in drawing into the support of his vile machinations, so many honest men and loyal subjects to his Majesty. We remem- ber, that this tavored land was assigned to our fathers, as a retreat for suffering loyalty, 1 26 cnaomcLEs oi? canada. and not a sanctuary for sedition. In the course of our investij>ation, should it appear to this House, that a Convention of ileie- gates cannot exist without danger to the constitution, in framing- a law of prevention, we will carcfullv' diAtinguish between such Conventions and the lawful act of the sub- ject in piitilioning' for a redress of real or imaginary urievancos — :liat sacred right of every B^iti^ll sulijt.'ct, which we will ever hold inviolable. We perceivt;, m your Excellency's com- munication of the proposed purchase of new territory from the Indians, so important, and indeed so neccssaiy, to Ilia growth of our western settlements, a ihittcriiig pledge of your Exce!l(;ncy''s sincere desire to benefit the province ; and will give our best consid- eration to your J'lxcellency's rtcoinincnda- tiori, that some eiVectual assisliinc'! shall, if possible, ho extended to those poor emigrants who seek to become our countrymen. The laws that have expired, or aro about to expire, shall receive our attention ; and in reviving or continuing such of them as may be required, or devising new measures for the public good, we feel happy in relying upon your Excellency's aysurance of hearty co-operation. The investigation of the public accounts, wl.cn submitted to us, and the provisions for the support of the civil Covernment, for the current year, will necessarily engage our cares; an J impressed with a proper sense of the responsibility of our duties, and how im- portant it is that we should fi»'thfully dis- charge them, we trust we shall be actuated in all our deliberations, by a spirit most like- ly to load to a happy result. v. When his Excellency was pleased to make the following reply : Gentlemen of the HoHse of Assembly: I am much gratified by the sentiments you have been pleased to express, and I doubt not your wisdom will give them effi- cacy in the enactment ot salutary laws. -=§00 REPORT OF DEPUTATION. TO THE FRIENDS OF INQUIRY. Yo/k, 2ith October, 18 IS. Gentlemen — Having been honored witli yourappoiiiiment, as members of a commit- tee, with others, to alter the wording and stjio of the address to his Excellency Sir I'eregrinc Mailland, we conceive it proper |hat you should be made acquainted with the result of the deliberations of tlie committee, for which purpose we insert a copy of the address as amended. To his Exctdlency Sir Peregrine Mailland, K.C.B., Lieut. Governor of the province of Upper Canada, Major 'General com- manding his Majesty's lorces therein, &c. &c. The humble address of Richard Beaslcy, Esq. Chairman of the Upper Canadian Con- vention to Friends of Enquiry ; May it please Your Excellency — In my own name, and that of thousands of the inhabitants of this province, which you are destined to govern, I b«g leave to address your Excellency, dutifully and affec- tionately. V\'e would say, that the people of this province only want your confidence the more to deserve it. Surely a people who for three years with- stood every assault of an insidious, a daring and powerful enemy, merely for the mainte- nance of British sovereignty, need not dwell on expressions of loyalty, or be anxious about tests of respect for him who is sent to represent the Lloyal presence among them. On these subjects there can be but one un- divided sentanent ; and on the present occa- sion, that sentiment must be proudly elate with the additional consideration, that he who now comes to occupy the highest dig- nity among us, was tutored under the im- mortal Wellington, and has for his friend and adviser, a man no less dear to the lovers of rational liberty. Yes, Sir, we will be frank in confessing, that your near connexion with the Duke of Richmond, and arrival of that great man in these provinces, as Governor- in-Chief, generates in our breasts sensa- CHRONICLES 01? CANADA. m tions which no other fortune could have in- spired.* Upper Canada had, during the last twenty years, noany Governors ; but twenty years, with little exception, only gave experience of disappointment in llio administration of civil affairs. These twenty years had al- most extinguished in our breasts every hope of good, from the chan!;;c of Governors; but we now feel the influence of a latent spark ; we are now sanguine in looking for- ward to more cheering times, and to the pos- session of every advantage which the JJrilish constitution lias so liberally to bestow. The same hands from which you will receive this address, will present you with a printed de- tail of " Principles and Proceedings," which, (or some months past, have been agitating the public mind in this province. It will require hut a glance to be assured, that se- rious causes must exist, for such agitation ; and you will find that tlie most anxious de- sire of the great majority of those whom you have been sent to govern, is, that mquiry may be made into the state of this province, by which every real cause of agitation may cease. Your Excellency will find, from the Jour- nals of the Provincial Parliament, that the subject of inquiry has been repeatedly brought forward m the Commons House ol Assembly ; and you will find, on the same record, but too good reasons for despair of full success in that quarter. The Provin- cial Parliament is not, indeed, competent, with its best endeavors to inquire into every matter which retards the improvement of Upper Canada, nor has it authority to cor- rect every evil. Those who now address your Excellency, being aware of this, and worn out with disappointment, had resolved to send home a Commission, praying his lloyal Highness the Prince Regent to cause inquiry immediately to be made, that the Imperial Parliament might proceed to inter- fere upon information solemnly obtained. Circumstances induce (hem, now, to delay this measure, and entreat your Excellency summon, with convenient speed, the Pro- incial Parliament, that this grand measure, ig with the fate of Canada may yet origi- ate and proceed from the most desirable ource — from the regularly constituted re- resentation of the people. In little more than two months, the •An error was committoil all along — taking )i't\\s Duke of Riclitnond fur his prodecussur, tbe irgt leader of ParliaraeBtury reform. weighty labors of harvest wil' bo over, and should Parliament be in session before the end of September, every necessary step could be taken there, to prepare the way for inquiry in the Imperial Parliament, at an early stage of its next session. This is what we anxiously desire ; but if your Excellency shall see (it, the better to accomplish the desired object, to dissolve the present Commons Houjc of Assembly, and issue writs for assembling anew se: of repre- sentatives, we would more parliculiirly re- joieo, and be greatly more coiili.l.nt of .suc- cess. We must, v/itli shame, at-knowlcdge Ui your Excolloncy, tliattha inlnLiLantsof Up- per Caaatli have liitiicrto paid tOLi little re- gard to the cliaracter of those whom they have chosfMi to represent them in Parlia- ment. ]Sot only has this been the case, but, from an indilVcronce to the course of public ailairs, from a heedlessness of the people at large, to Parliamentary proceed- ings, the n)ost slovenly habits have been confirmed, and great irregularities wit- nessed. We shall not tire your Excellency with a recital, but of a few instances in point, nor shall we go back to quote the most shocking facts ; we shall only refer to a few transactions of the present Parliament. It has sat two sessions. At the opening of the first session, when matter of vital im- port lay for consideration — even just grounds for impeachment of th*;ir then (to- vernpr — day after day was occupied with a squabble about the conduct of an indivi- dual out of doors — a subject altogether below I be notice of a grave assembly. Rye and bye, the annual supply was voted, and put at the disposal of tlie Governor, who. by arbitrary acis, had thwarted Ihe laws of the land, and then, at an extraordinary late season, resolutions were brought forward, in (ho teeth ot the Governor's known senti- ments, and seemingly only to provoke hi;5 displeasure. The resolutions were excellent ; but they were wofully mistimed. The Governor, provoked, forgot himself— forgot that so- lemnity which, at home, is ever parlicularly regarded ; he went up to Parliament, with- out the appearance of state, without the ceremony of notice, or due ronsuUation, and hastily put a period to the session. The Parliament was again summoned in February last. It was expected that some degree of spirit would have been manifested, in shew of displeasure of insulted dignity. It was expected that the consideration of 28 CHRONICLES OF CANADA. resolutions, of high importance to the pub- lic weal, would be instantly resumed. The conduct of this session, however, fell even lower than before. An offer of recompense lor sufferers in war, uuluppily introduced into the Speech from the Throne, and only tending to distress the feelings of a large body ot people, was replied to, in most disgusting terms ol acquiesence, by the re prcspn til lives of these very people, while the able resolutions, brought forward at the close of the preceding session, were left neglected, as if in acknowledgment that Ihc Asscinlily had been deservedly chastised for their proihiction. A series of tiiiliog nica.snres fdled up the mnin portion of the se>sion ; the Legislative Council, no doubt encouraged by the futile and unbecoming conduct ol members of As- sembly, assumed rights which had long been denied even by Brilish Peers ; the annual supply was not even passed; and linaily, members stole otV houie, so as not to leave a House to hear the t>pcech of dismissal which the Administrator delivered, as if in con'empf, from the chair. The people iit large have at lust been roused to a just sense of all this trilling and indecency; tliey see tiieir property reduced a full half, from the mal-administration of good laws; they see prosperity completely checked ; tliey witness discontent and pov- erty under the most genial clime, and rooted in the most fertile soil ; they iear subjection to a foreign power, if war should again be waged ; tliey dread a separation from the mother coimtry, which they would most grievously lament \ they wish to make an eftort of recovery from all this disgrace and danger ; they entreat youi* instant and ear- nest aid to assist them. Permit me, sir, to subscribe, this first day of Augu-t. in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen. With every sentiment of respect, your Excellency's most obed-.ent humble servant, ^ = RICHARD BEASLEY. Having likewise been appointed members of a deputation to wait upon his Excellency : he Lieutenant-Goveinor with the same, on *iis arrival, we have to state, that that event was no sooner announced, than it was repor- ted that his Excellency intended to leave York immediately, on a visit to Port Tal- bot. His Excellency, however, delayed this visit, expecting the arrival of his Grace the Duke of Richmond, and before we could be aware of this new determination, his Ex- cellency had crossed over with his Grace to i view the Falls of Niagara ; and on bis return, proceeded immediately to Port Talbot. — Notwithstanding these delays, we were not displeased that his Excellency should have time to view and understand the state of the | countrv before we presented the address, which we had hoped would have taken place before the meeting of Parliament. But' here a number of unforseen delays frustrated I our wishes ; Mr. William Kerr, one of the deputation, being on the Grand Jury, wasj detained a week at Niagara ; and on his ar- rival at York, Mr. Bcaslcy had returned to i the district of Gore but the evening before,] to attend the Quarter Sessions, and another week elapsed before his return. This isl more to be regretted, as m the meantime I his Excellency the Lieut. Governor, iu his I speech, animadverted so severely upon thei ("onvention, as almost to preclude a hopc| that he would receive the arnor, in his y upon the lude a hope ress ; never- hini a mea ipon liis tSe copy of the isal, and re d be pleased ;iipon (lis Ex I- us, rcquest- l? We re- t with an ad- [)f a numerous !xje sty's loyal is Excellency ived he would constitutional ;liat he would iVerent town- li we replied onstitutional : He repeated is answer ; on id retired. — ious that his ne to amend n his part, wc g his attention follows : that you wil ed before his jrnor, for hi; ting very ma- portion of hi this province ERR, [AMILTON mj, York, I To bis Zlxcellencjr Sir Peregrine Maitland, K. C, B., Lieutenant-Governor of the province of Upper Canada, Major-Gede- ral commanding his Miijesty^s forces therein, &c. &c. &c. MAV it please your ExtiELLENCVl The undersigned, a deputation appointed by a numerous meeting of his Majesty's loyal subjects, from the diflferent districts within this province, to present lo your Ex-* cellency a most respectful address, humbly stating to your Excellency, os the represen- tative of his Majesty, the difficulties they labor under, and Requesting your Excellency's attention thereto, notwithstanding they have received your Excellency's determination to reject the same^ without even deigning to give it a perusal ', and although it may ap- pear highly mdecorous In them again to ad- dress your Excellency, on the same subject $ nevertheless^ being most Unwilling to state to their constituents the most ungracious recep- tion they have met with, hope that this will plead a sufficient excuse for again calling your Excellency's attention to a serious con- sideration of the character of ihose persods, styling themselves representatives of THE numerous MEETINGS THROUGHOUT THIS PROVINCE. Your Excellency, they trust, will find, on the most strict investigation, that their con- duct during the late war, was most exempla- ry — that the meeting of the Convention of Friends to Enquiry, although so severely animadverted upon in your Excellency's Speech from the Throne, and re-echoed bacic by one branch of the Legislature (the House of Commons,) as a systematic attempt to orgainize sedition, was held in the capital of this province, in the face of day, and in the most open manner — that all their pro- ceedings were immediately published — and that the resolutions then entered into and maturely deliberated upon, were their own act, uninfluenced by any person whatever — that they beg leave to differ from your Ex- cellency, as to the inconstitutionality ot their proceedings : they are confident that the intention of the meeting was upright and laudable, and they conceive them to have been perfectly constitutional, in as much as they are not aware of any act rendering such meetings unlawful Indeed, they mar infer, from your Excellency's address to the Legislature on that head, that their consti- tuents have met together, lawfully and con- Slitutionallf, for the pure purpose of petition' ing his Majesty's representative for a redress ofgrievances ', as othervlrise there could be no occasion to recommend the passing an act to declare unlawful such meetings ; which the undersigned consider their dearest and most sacred birth right, and an unalienable privilege secured to them by the virtue of their ancestors. RICHARD BEASLEY, WILLIAM J. KERR, GEORGE HAMILTON, York, Oct. 23, 1818. To Which We received his Secretary's note in reply : Government House, ) York, Oct. 23, 1818, 7 P. M. J Gentlemen — His Excellency the Lt. Governor being from home when I received your letter of this date, I have not till now had an opportunity of offering to him the paper it enclosed ; which I have now to re- turn, as his Excellency declines receiving it, for the reasons already stated. I have the honor to be, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant, GEORGE IHLLIER, Secretary. To W. J. Kerr and G. Hamilton, Esqrs. The above closes the conference ; and we trust you will perceive in our letter to his Excellency, our full sentina«nts on the occa- sion. WiB have only, therefore, to add, that we remain, with sentiments of respect, gentle- men, your most obedient servants, RICHARD BEASLEY, WILLIAM J. KERR, GEORGE HAMILTON. t;. - , ; J ; «; MT Dill Vlt/t Ofh • »-l«W/-)l.'!»Kr ,Jf ,'J . ,' f PARLIAMENT OF UPPFR CANADA. Wcdnesdaif, 2\st Octolter, Mr. .lonns moved, that the House do now resolve itscll' into a cominittoe of the whole, to take inlo con!.id«ratiou thnt part of his Kxci'llency's !;pi'cch, at the prosenl session, >vhich rchilis to l!ic moeliiig of dchij^atcs in Convenlioii. (^anied. TIairschy, 0.0.(1 Octohcr. 'i'ho House went inlo coniniiilee, to take into '.•on>ii.leralioii that part of his I'^xcellen- cy's speech, at the opening of tlie present session, whiih relates lo llie meeting of del- cgate> in Conveiiiion. j\lr. iJinniiani iTjioilod, that the commit- tee had agreed lo some resohilions, which he was directo.l lo '.nhiiiit, for (he adoption of the lloUftC, which were received and adopted, nan. con., as iollows: l.st. Kesolvk!) — That the rii;hls of the people (*f tliis province, individinlly, or col- lectiu'ly, to petition our graeimis .'Sovereign, for the redress of finy public or private •iriovancp, is thoir bir'iirijitjt as British sub- jocis, preserved to them hy tha' free ccn- sliliilion which they liave received, and wliit'h, by the generous exertions of our mother C)untiy,has, through an arduous con- test, been unimp.iiied. 2nd. Ri:soLVKD — That the Commons JIouHC of Asseinlily are the only cointitu- tioual representatives of the people of this province. 3rd. ili;sc)].vi:n — T'hat the electing, as- sembling, sitting and proceedings of certain persons calling iIu'iumjIvos representatives, or delegates, from tlie Uiireient districts of this province, and met in gf n;;|:il Convention, at i'ork,for the purpose of deliberatinr; upon ijiatlers of public, concern, is highly deroga- tory and repugnant to the spirit of the con- stitution of tliis province, and tends greatly to disUirb the public trantpiility. 4lh. FvKSOLVKD — That while this com- mittee regret, that some subjects of his Majesty, whose allegiance and fidelity arc above suspicion, have been deluded by the unwearied and persevering attempts of (ho factious, to lend their countenances to mea- Rures so disgraceful, they cannot admit that their example should give a sanction to pro- ceedings manifestly dangerous to the peace and security ol the province ; pibccedingi which, it is painful and humiliating to observe, have drawn upon this loyal province, the at- tention of other countries, and of our sister province, and even of our parent s iite, as to a colony impatient of its aili-giauce, and.iin- gratcfui for the fostering care that has cher- ished its infancy, looking anxiously to the period of its strength, as to the inonicnl of its revolt. r)th. Rr.soLVED — T'hat to repel at once so foul an imputation ; to undeceive the misguided ; to stifle the hopes of the disturb- ers of public peace, and to give to our pa- rent s ate and lo the world, the best grounded assurance, that the inhabitants of this prov- ince know how to prize their happiness in belonging to the most exalted nation upon earth, and desire no more than the secure possession of thatjutt liberty, which her own more immediate children enjoy, it is the opinion of this committee, that some such Legislative provisions should be enacted, (as the wisdom of the Imperial Parliament has found it proper to provide, to meet similar occafions.) which may hereafter put it out of the power of any designing persons to organize discontent, and degrade the charac- ter of the province. ()th. Rksot.ved — That these rosohitions be communicated to the hon. the Legislative Council. P/7-.srn/— Messrs. Burwell, IM'iMartin. Van Koughnett, Camoron, Durand, Crjs- ler, Nelles, Howard, Hatt, .foncs, Cotter, .Swavze, Kr.rnlam — 13. Walncaday, Oct. 28. j\Ir. .Tones obtained leave to bring in^ a bill to ])revent certain meetings in this pro- vince, whicli was read the lirst time. Saturday, Oct. 31. The bill to prevent certain meetings in this province, being read the third time — i^.lr. \'an Koughnett moved, that it do now pass, and that it be entitled, '' An act to prevent certain meetings witliin this province ;" upon which the House divided, and the Yeas and Nays taken, as follows: — Yeas, Messrs. iSwayze, Frascr, Cotter, Clench, Hatt, Van Koughnett, Durand, Burnbam, Cameron, Robinson, Howard, CHRONICLES OF CANADA. 31 I Jones, Nelles — 13. — Nays, Mr. Casey — rarried in the nflirmative, by a majority of 12, andtlie bill Mgned. _ ™ - :it:i\ [An act for preventing certain Meetings with- in tiiis province. Whkrkas, the election or nppointmont I of Assemblies, purporting; to represent the Ipeopki, or any description of the people, liinder pretence of deliberating on matters lul' public concern, or of preparing or pre- Isonting petitions, compliiints, remonstrances liuid declarations, and oth'ir addresses, to tlie iKing, or to both or eitlu House of Parlia- Inient, for alteration of matters established Iby law, or redress of alleged grievances in Icliurch or :ncy gave the Pvoyal atsijnt lo the bills men- tioned below, and closed the session with the following Speech : Jloiinrahle Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, and Gentlemen of the House of Assembly : It docs not appear that any alteration has ccurred in tke state of his Majesty's in- isposition. You have aflbrded seasonable aid to the constitution, by your bill entitled " An net for j)rei'rntinff certain meetings within this province.^' It is a subject for deep regret, that the constitution should have stood in need of such aid ; hut let us hope that the good disposition of his Majesty's subjects will put an early period lo this uu- hajipy necessity. If any portion of the people of this pro- vince be indeed aggrieved, they are well aware tli;it a dutiiul petition, proceeding from themselves, would fmd easy access to the foot of his iMnjosty's t hrone. Gentlemen of the House of Assembly: 1 thnnk you, in the name of h!s Majesty, for the supplies yon have granted for tlw! service of tiie current and the ensuing year. In future, I hope to rilieve you from tiio annual dcmuiut fur llie ,'iijiport of the b'ur- veyor ( Jeneral's department. You have added to the c haracter of the province, by the unanimous expression of stnlimcnts which are highly worthy of the eidiglitened reprcscnl;ilives of a \rt?, and generous psjople. 1 could not refuse my- self the pleasure of trnnsmitling your reso- lutions to his Majesty's d'overnment, well convinced that they would prove grateful to the Pioyal personage who pirsiilos over it ; and corifuleDt that tliev will bo received with afi'octionate approbation, by every de- scription of your fellow subjects in the njolher counliy. llonoruhh Gentlemen, and Gentlemeti : There are a few objects ot general import- ance, which, had the public mind been tran- (juil, I should have brought before you, early in (he session. Of these I shall men- tion one, which appears to me to require, in a peculiar degree, your calm and deliberate consideration: I mean the providing ot a remedy for the unerpial pressure of the road laws. By olli'riug, at present, this subject to your notice, I hope to benefit by the at- l<'nlion you will be pleased to bestow upon it durinii the recess. .. i .■-■J After which, the honorable the Speaker of the Legislative Council aimounced that the Parliament was prorogued to the 2d of January next. i ^ » • ;i ::i / I 'CI -'l REVIEW. llcrc was an end to tlie enquiry into the state of the province, and here was con- firmed a system of despotism, wliich nothing but insurrection caused to be put down. Now that twenty-four years have elapsed since these occurrences : now that another system has been establislied ; and now that matters can be judged of cahnly and dis- passionately, it is well to review the whole, 80 as to determine where was truth, where falsehood and error, for the benefit of fu- turity. Up to the year 1818, therr^ had been no instance, I believe, of any thing akin to se- dition being known in Lower Canada ; and the war had weeded from the upper pro- vince, every individual who was seditious. They had either gone quietly off, or openly taken up arms; and the members of Con- vention were absolutely the elite of the most loyal part of the population. T, Robert Gourlw, who advised that Convention, now Robert Fleming Gour- lay, challenge scrutiny into its every trans- action : and I assert, that not one word in the above record affords evidence of sedi- tion, but the contrary. Nevertheless, a Lieutenant-Governor no sooner arrives in the province than he (by advice, no doubt of his Council and the Colonial department,) declares war against this Convention — a Convention which had resolved, " the better to denote the purity of its object, as well as distinguish it from Conventions formed to control and command public affairs," " that it should be denominated * The Upper Canadian Convention of Friends to Enquiry.' " He refuses to see the depu- tation — three Magistrates — and anon, we find him justified in this most illiberal and ancourteous conduct, by assertions and in- t'nuations of the Assembly, base in the ex- treme, false and malignant. On these wc find an act passed, to deprive the people o( their right to meet by delegation — the only mode of transacting any kind of public bu siness, peaceably and effectually : and we find the Lieutenant (lovernor, in his closing speech, telling ParltamoU, that it has " afforded seasonable aid to the Constitu- tion," by " An act for preventing certain meetings," and telling gentlemen of the House of Assembly, that they have " added to the citaracter of the province, by the unanimous expression of sentiments, highly worthy of the enlightened representatives of a free and generous people." Further, expressing pleasure in transmitting their re- solutions to his Majesty's - Government, " well convinced, that they would prove grateful to the Royal personage" ! ! Thus fortified, what does this Lieutenant! Governor do ? He first puts out of thel Commission of the Peace, all Magistratesl throughout the province, who had beenl friendly to my measures, except such ml chose to sign a mean recantation of theirj principles ; and after an order was received! from home, to grant lands to militiamen, fon their services in war, he takes upon himselj to deny this grant to those who were meuil bers of the Convention. From them il was withheld for seven years, and not yield] ed till the House of Assembly took up tliej subject, passed a series of resolutions, ani| addressed his Excellency thereon. To complete this record, I extract, be| low, from the Journals of the Assembly the resolutions, with the votes on amendj ment : also, the Assembly's address to hii Majesty, and the Lieutenant Governor'] reply, pledging himself to transmit thj same. CHKONICLES OF CANADA. /, COMMONS HOUSE or ASSEMBLY. January lU^, 1826. Agreeably to the order of the duy, the Iloune went into committee, on the state of the province. Mr. Scollick was called to the chair. The House resumed. Mr. Scollick reported, that the committee bad ogrcc J to a series of resolutions, which be was directed to submit for the adoption of the House, and asked i'>avc to sit again to-morrow. Tho roporl was ordered to bo received, and leave was granted accordingly. The first resolution was then read, as fol- lows : Resolved, That many who were con- ipicuous during the late war, for their firm Itaclimcnt to his Majesty, and for their eal and loyalty in the defence of this pro- ince, were connected with the Convention f 1818, formed by the people, to seek, by ctition to the throne, for tho redress of rievances. In amendment, Mr. Attorney General, conded by Mr. C. Jones, moves, that after ihe word " resolved," in the original reso- lution, the remaining words be expun;rounde(l presentee claim of mised bi ruiik ill t TO Till Most Gn Wc,y I jects, the Provincia humbly feelings o t lit an ill the I inent, reign. We many wh war, lor I jesty, anc 1 defence with the tlie peo Throne, ! that the most gra meritorio some pel their con although lawful part the We ft that we piitriotisi the inteo tiiem as fve canni the with! !>oi]s, the pf their I CHRONICLES OK CANADA. 35 Hamilton, llotnor, Leflurty, Matthews, IVtc- I Mride, Verrr, PInyter, Randal, llolnli, Thoinpton, T..oni.sun, Wilkinkon, and Wil- son— 'iO. N(ii/s — Messn. Attorney GencrnI, Burn- ham, Uurk", Cameron, Crysler, Gordon, C. Jones, D. Jones, J. Jones, JNlcDonell, Morris, Scolliuk, N'iinl'w.oughnet and WnU'i -14. Tlio quoslioi' was carried in tlio alBrma- livo, by a majority of six, and it was Resolved, That an humble adJre.sa, (;roimded on the t'oregoinu; resolutions, be presented to bis iNIajcHty, representing the claim of such persona to receive the pro- mised bounty in land, according to L!ome persons entitled to it, on account ot their connexion with the said Convention ; I although they never have been tried by any lawful or constitutional tribunal, for the part I hey acted. We further beg leave humbly to represent, I that we are fully satisfied of the loyalty and patriotism of such persons, and the purity of (he mteotion of the people who appointed them as delegates to such Convention, tvhile we cannot otherwise than painfully regard the withholding Irom such meritorious per- sons, the promised and well earned bounty pf tbeir sovereign, on account of their ex- ertions to procure redress of public griev- anccH, as implying a kerious and unmerited imputation, which not only afl'ects them and their posterity, bui aUo the p«oj)lc who ap« pointed thorn. Nor do wc less feet, most gracious Sove- reign, 'that the withdrawing the gracious promise given Irom the Throne, on ituch a (•round, by the Provmcial (Government, be- speaks a system, the direct tendency and consequence of which is, the prevention of the free expression of public opinion against public grievances, however great, and tho sacrifice of those who exert themselves for their redress. Permit us, therefore, most gracious So- vereign, humbly to represent the expediency and justice of conlirming to all such per- sons, tho )lative Councillor addresses the public, to generate groundless suspicions, cause false alarms, and countenance absurd doctrines. The good sense of the people speedily sets this aside, and measures are proceeded with. Delegates from all the townships of the district meet, transact business, agree to reso- lutions, and appoint a committee of managc- raeot. The committee causes a pamphlet to be published. I am arrested for this, to be tried ; and delegates meet in Convention, when J advise delay till after my trial ; — till "^ter Parliament meets, and till the people are better informed. I am tried, and honorably acquitted : the legality of all established ; and at a public dinner there is rejoicinsr. and confident ex- pectation, that all will now proceed peace- ably and well. Parliament being met, the Lieutenant Governor points to sedition, which no where exists; and proposes a law lo circumscribe publii; liberiy. The Legis-lalive Council is wary in reply ; but rftpresentatives of the people become ready tools of oppression, and smitten with * ifidigJtation,'' draw a bill of indictment against their constituents. A deputation from the Convention begs to be heard, on the part of the people ; but courtesy is disregarded : and three gentle- men— Magistrates, and distinguish'-d for loy- alty — are spurned from the presence of the Governor. Finally, an act is passed, at once libelling the people and depriving them of means to appeal to the sovereign power, — an act so shameful, that the same Parliament repealed it, March 7, 1820, as " inexpedient.^^ In fact, by that time it bad aecomplishcd its end. I was banished, and worse than mur- dered, under its deadly shade. The resolutions, preparatory to this vil- lanous act, are too loathsome to be dwelt on ; but it is well to expose the lying pretence, that the Imperial Parliament bad, " to meet similar occasionJi" resorted to *' some such legislation.''^ The Imperial Parliament ttmONlCLES OF CANADA. Sf Meter did any thing so base, aithoHgb the Iri.«h Parliament did; and .soon after sold its own existence, through tho agency of a man wlio put a period to bis own. The act was unconstitutional, as all acts are, which mock common sense, and coun- teract the grand principles of liberty. It would have justified rebellion ; which never can be justified, so long ns the people are permitted f.o meet |ieaceably, by delegate, for I lie expression of opinion, and carrying out lawful objects. The repeal of this act, left the people of Canada without excuse, in taking up arms against the Government : and asking tor a Convention, as McKenzie did, when Sir Francis B. Head sent him a flag of truce, was among the silly doings of his low and blackguard outbreak. The people had then a right to meet in Convention, unasked for ; but, unfortunately, they had no leader — no one to guide them in wisdom's ways — " in paths of peace." The Home Government does not prevent Chartists from meeting, by delegate, in Con- vention. Even their mob meetings are not checked, when peaceable. The mob meet- ing, at Thorold, three years ago — culled a "Durham Meeting" — was lawful, %vith its flags and absurd resolutions : nor did Sir Greorge Arthur refusjc an audience and reply to its three deputies, though not one of them was in tht Commission of the Peace: in fact, courtesy is cheap, and always expedi- ent. The mob meeting— a/ww Durham meet- ing — on Yonge street, was most wrongfully opposed by the SheriS': and its bloody re- cord will long mark the spirit of the Compact, now, happily, humbled in the dust. In short, to meet in any place, at any time, and in any number, is a right of man acknowledged, acted on, and never interfer- ed with, when peace is not endangered, at home. To submit to delegation, is a duty of man — because no business can be matur- ed by a multitude ; and when delegates are chosen, there is a beginning of order, a hope of good, and the best opportunity for calm discussion, and sound conclusion. In TSngland, county meetings are called by the Sheriff", on requisition. He presides, verifies resolutions and petitions, which are received by the Sovereign or Parliament, as regular proceedings, demanding respect — not in courtesy, but in right. Proceedings of mob meetings, are received only in courtesy; and proceedings — resolutions or petitions — of regularly appointed dclegatei, are more worthy oi being courteously receiv- ed, as the actors can better be identified — better be conversed or corresponded wit i. Meetings of delegates, may be called a Convention, a Congress, or a Conference : it matters not what the name is. Such meetings may either be regularly constituted under the law of the land, for certain ends, as, in the United States, Conventions are regularly appointed, frorA time to time, to draw up and amend State constitutions : or, they may be constituted, at pleasure, by any set of men, simply to express their ttrilt, or efTect any lawful purpose. Between these kinds of meetings, there is a clear distinC' tion ; and in the United States, where Con- ventions arc constantly holding, there i& never either doubt or danger from confound' ing the one with the other. Conventions, in the United States, are the safely valves by which the ignorance and vehemence of that country are kept from doing harm ; and in the course of time, experience, yet much wanted there, will mature all for good. I being banished, and the gagging law re- pealed, there was a general election, 1820, the result of which was thus reported, in British newspapers, " We learn thai the late election for members of Parliament for Upper Canada, has terminated in the almost unanimous choice of persons who are political friends of Mr. Gourlay. It would appear from this, that the popular voice is against the administra- tion."* If this was true, how easy was it for my political friends to follow up the object of the Convention, and invite a commission of Enquiry from England. I felt confident that they would ; and after redeeming; my pledge, by printing a volume of Statistics, put to press in London, a second volume, preparatory to enquiry, without which J saw this volume would prove but a will-o'-the- wisp. Alas ! on " the tenth day of Sep- tember, eighteen hundred and twenty one,^^f I had reason to regret my confi- dence ; and from that day, all was ruin and wretchedness, with my work, mysell", and the province. My "political friends" proved good for nothing but confirming despotism ; and it was not till after another election that they had spirit even to move for the land *See general IntroduclioB to Stalistical Ac- count of Upper Canarla, page Lix. tSee page 560, vc;! 9, Slatistic.-il Account of Upper Canada. isil 3i CHRONICLES OF CANADA. unjustly withheld from those who were mem- bers of the Convention, as recorded above. * 'I These last recorded documents complete the case for judgment ; and 1 would mvoke the gravest consideration to what Ibllows. Let it be premised, that the Attorney- General is not to be viewed merely as an in- dividual, but as the mouth piece of the local Government, and, in all probability, writer of Sir Peregrine Maitland's speeches, first and last exhibited. The first resolution of the Assembly, 1826, is assailed, through rac, whose "^wvVi- ciples and plans^^ the Attorney General declares " hostiJe to the Govcrnmcpf,'^ &c. He maintains a tissue of falsehood prejudicial to my character, after his myrmidons had twice faded, in Courts of Justice, to prove aught against me ; and after my character and conduct, both at home and abroad, had been fully vindicated — first on the warrant, al-'Ove copied out, and again on a false war- rant, shamelessly acted on : after, too, he himsett had pleaded against me, while palpa- bly enfeebled with crutl inprisonment, which imprisonment the Fnited rarliament has unanimously fouiid " illegal, unconstiuutional, and without excuse or palliation." Nor is he discomfitted by one vote of the Assembly, and after members of Convention are acquitteu of crime — members who had " never been tried by any lawful or consti- tutional tribunal whatever," but, voting for the amendment on the third resolution, he remains steadfast in malignity, establishing only one truth, that " Robert Gourlay was the principal instigator of the Convention " — a truth which Robert Gourlay is ever proud to acknowledge. Members of Convention, my " political frieuds," unscithed by three amendments, scandalizing me and decency, iiave yet to run the gauntlet, pertinacioubly opposed by the Attorney General and his tail. Finally, the Assembly " begs leave hum- bly to approach" his Majesty. Humbly approach, indeed ! praying for land unjustly withheld ten years, after the lapse of six, wherein my " political friends" should have stood up manfully assertin;; their rights, those of the people, and mine, most of all, trodden down — stood up to re-organize the Conven- tion, or stop supplies till an address to the Throne was carried,home by Commission- ers — not sent home by a Lieutenant Gover- nor, who could misreprestnt every fact, and disguise every feature. But what was the iunnediate consequence of their humble approach, through him ? — a denial of the " principle" asserted by the Assembly, and an openly declared confirma' tion of despotism ! We here sec the Lieutenant Governor, not admitting " serious and uumcrited impu- tation," affecting not only " them and their posterity, but also the people who appointed them" — not admittmg " a system, the direct tendency of which is the prevention of the free expression of opinion ;" but the con- trary. We sec a declared purpose, to hold members of Convention up to his Majesty as objects of pity, and jileaders for pardon — individuals who " were, for a time, so far im- posed upon as to become promoters of the Convention." We see a declared practice — " readiness to discriminate whenever, upon application of the party, satisfactory circum- stances have enabled" the Lieutenant Gov ernor — to do what 1 — grant favors, when the 2>(i^''ty became sufficiently humble and sycophantic to do his bidding, on all occa- sions, regardless of duty, principle, or truth. He then goes on to say that he will " solicit the attention of his Majesty to the resolutions of the House of As'^embly, and the act of the Legislature, passed when the occurrences to which they refer, were re- cent ;" and, to be sure, nothing could be better than these resolutions and that act, to confirm his Majesty in error. I character- ised them before ; but now that they are a second time ,jut to use, after the lapse of eight years, it is worth while, disgusting as the tabk may be, to expose more clearly their craft, their fallacy, and their falsehood. The objects of the Convention were very simple — to obtain land for mditiamen, pay- met for losses in war, and inquiry into abuses, particularly what related to the dis- posal of wild land. The Convention was composed, as already said, of the elite of the most loyal population ; and there were only two of them who proved recreant, when met to send home a Commission, with petitions, to the Prince Pi.egent. All that was to be done, would have been accomplish- ed in one. day, hut for the annoyance of these two individuals — the grossest part of whose acting, it was determined, for the sake of decency, should not be published in the transactions, although I have still by ine a newspaper publication, which may be seen if called for, as a sample of grossness. The writer of it, who was supplanted by his con- stituents afterwards, confessed, that he ob- tained a grant of land from Government, for sequence him ?— d by the confirma- overnor, ed impu- and their appointed the direct 311 of the the con- e, to hold Majesty pardon — so far im- Rrs of the J practice ever, upon ry circiun- nant Gov irors, when umble and all occa- e, or truth, at he will esty to the embly, and d when the ', were re- ; could be that Oct, to character- they are a he lapse of sgusting as are cl«arly r falsehooa. n were very iamen, pay- nquiry into to the dis- •ention was he elite of there were reant,wbpn ssion, with . All that accomplish- noyance of lest part of for the sake jhed in the II by ine a ay be seen ness. The by his con- hat he ob- :rnnient, for CimONICLES oF CANADA. 09 what he did. This was so outrageous, that nothing but madness could iiiul apology ; and sure enough the individual died, after years of confinement, in a mad house. The other individual, being a lawyer, managed loss grossly, but more deceitfully ; and finally finished his career in the United Stales, still worse circumstanced. With all their faults, however, these men were loyal ; and one had displayed the utmost courage in defence of the country, during war. It will be seen, by the published tj-ansac- tions, that one effort of these two, was to get the Convention to yield up its business of sending home petitions to the House ol Assembly ; and Mr. Jonas Jones, with others, had, at township meetings, endeavor- ed to make believe, that the Tlouse of As- sembly only, had such right. It was highly important, for the liberty of the subject, to maintain the contrary ; and it will be seen, that the Convention did maintain this princi- ple, althoug'.i it expressed hope and aflbrded op""ortu >r,tliatthe Assembly might render actiiic u;i .1 't unnecessary, by doing the business. The Assembly's resolutions, first and last, go to extinguish the people's right, and to substitute its taill, in lieu thereof. Nay, its resolutions, and addresses thereon, are so worded as to make appear, that the Conven- tion was seditiously and treasonably arrogat- ing rights and powers, which belonged only to the Assembly — a position false and dan- gerous in the extreme ; and to be sure, the Assembly and Lieutenant Governor in con- cert, play at hocus pocus so adroitly, as to confirm all they want as true, in the eyes of the Sovereign, so us to obtain the Sover- eign's authority lor extinction of the people's most essential right — that of direct petition* ing. The concluding paragraph of the Reply, exhibits a master piece of deception and impudence. As if there was a want of positive evidence, that the people's most es- sential right had been taken away by an un- constitutional act, attention is drawn to " implication ;" and, in the very act of strangling liberty " a recommendation to Irnvc it free and unrestrained^'* is held out as " given from the Throne, and carefidly observed by the Legislature ! /'> I question if ever before there was such a sample of bartfaced, recorded villany. All, too, from beginning to end of the Reply, contradicting in the most express terms, every item of the Assembly's Ad- dress. But Parliament was being pro- rogued ; there was no opportunity left for re- monstrance ; and before next meeting, the loyal militiamen, who had been so long and grossly wronged, sat down contented with their dirty acres. Thank God, I have lived till the present day, to publish these Chronicles, and to pro- test against the whole — not for myself — not for Canada — not for time ; but for all, and for eternity : yes, it is by such records only thai truth can finally triumph, and salvation be obtained. FINALLY CONCLUDED. Ceres, (Lot 3, 4th con.) Dereham, November 2, 1857. Last June, boarding in the same house with Mr. J^hn Young, chief clerk in Ar- mour's book r>re, he told me that, for years back, a parcel *(' pamphlets published by me, 184:2, had lain in the warehouse uncalled for. They proved to be " Chronicles of Canada," 4-9 copies, of which I had lost sight, and which then came opportunely to hand, as I was able to give away upwards of 30 copies to members ot the Legislature. Above, all important matter is copied out, as will be witnessed by gentlemen possessing the original; and, I will say, that more im- portant matter for reflection never was laid before the Canadian public. When the present constitution was given to Canada, by the British Parliament, many thought all was right : so thought not I ; f 40 CHRONICLES OF CANADA. but, it was in vain to set up opposition, •\- pcrience only could manifest the truth ; and he is blind indeed who has not occular de- monstration of it now. It has been hinted to me that I should offer as a Candidate at next general election, for a seat m parlia- ment, and I take opportunity to say that I would not sit in such, savc but to move for a Convention in order to drawing up a new Constitution, urgently called for. Having seen eigh'y summers and being at present in poor health, I am fit for no great exertion ; but, I am here in my own house ready to advise ; and first, I may b« conversed with by Inhabitants of Dereham : then, of the adjoining municipalities of Norwich, Ingersoll, and Woodstock. Their friendly manifestations for me last ses- sion of parliament was gratifying; and, should they heartily enter into my views of a Convention, that may be in session by next Christtsas. ROB. F. GOURLAY. >,.i ■,; ; ; ;/,,)/■::. \ ^;-; uJl«- f r . h' •- 1 I u- . -i- ^ S ^ ^rtS ^ MAN IS A RECORDING ANIMAL ; and this indeed Is the best definition of him. Inferior animals eoramonicate, by Toice and signal, over space ; but, through time, have no medium of intefhffence, and from generation to generation remain the same. They are indeed the beasts that perish ; but man is the aspirant to exeelleice and the candidate for immortalitj. His spirit, though cradled in weakness and surrounded with difficulty, is destined to gain the ascendant and to triumph over every il!, -to enjoy a rational millenium on earth and at last to hold converse with Heaven. Such has been my fate, during the last twenty-one years, that I should not even know myself, but for records ; — should not dis- tinctly remember where I have been, how employed, who with, and of what thinking ; — should never be able to correct my errors or accomplish vaj undertakings. Persuaded of this, I began, many years ago, to preserve my papers; and, ia 1826, to print them, regularif classed, lettered and numbered, for after reference. — what is contained within this ccver^ is a continuation ; and, should I live to have peace and freedom, these documents, however worth> less by themselves, and di ijointed as at present, may enable me to mature projects of mightiest moment to humanity. Even at present my records are consolatory. They are tht due to reflection on past life ; and this reflection gives assurance that the chain of causes and efiects proceeds from Almighty power : gives assurance that there is a Providence — a Disposer of Events — a Superior Intelligence, whose ways are not as our ways; — who can guide us through darkness into light, and over rugged paths to tranquility. It is nearly twenty-nine years since I engaged in the service of laborers. For this I was maltreated at home : for this, I went to England and was persecuted th^re : this kindled my zeal in Can- ada ; and for this I was banished ; in the gloomiest stage of exist- ence, this was ever in view ; and this made years of imprisonment pass swiftly away ; this has deprived me of all property, separated me from my children, and left me alone in the world, bdt, my records give assurance, that every misfortune has heed only a step towards good ; and, that up to the present moment, all is for the best. I believe, indeed, that no other train of events could have piepared me to assert, with growing confidence, what no othet man has thought of or dared to do, that, " without altering a single statute, changing a single institution, or interfering with property, the whole system of the Poor laws and rates may be dispisu»:d with in twenty years, while the National debt Fr»y be paid ofi*, within fifty years, from sales of colonial lands.*' ROBT. GOURLAY. 3, Bridge Streut, Leith, Nov. 26, 1829. iiiiiiiiiiiii