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Un dea synboles suivants apparaltra sur la darnlAre image de cheque mi 'rofiche, seion le cas: le symbols -*> signifie 'A SUIVRE", le symbols V signifie "FIN". Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratioa. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right end top to bottom, as many framaa as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Lea cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre filmAa A das taux de ^Aduction diff Arents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul clichA, 11 est f iimA A partir de I'engle supArieur geuche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'imeges nAcessaire. Las diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. 'rata o lelure, I A 3 32X 1 2 3 1 2 3 (n 6 mmmimm jrsv; ■ GENERAL NOTICE OF A REPLY BY MAM ROBKSON, R. E. :■/•„-,.• DATED 30th MARCH, 1849, TO OBSERVATIONS BY MR. WILKINSON ON HIS "^^ •#- RIPORT OF Tl 5 ■*.) » « . I - FOR THE ' S-!' " HALIFAX AND aUEBEC RAILWAY. &-^ 'v>t>- ,; FREDERICTON: ^ ,i; 4 ,. S.MF8ON, PBINXEE TO THg 0«KEN'8 MOST EXCEtLBNT MAaESXT. _,' • 1852.^ ■^: ^-:;'*v;<""' .^#"*-"; ■>* ujp; ■V I ''.4"' ,:j. ' -i i li:! ^ ■■ «^iiiihm'^nnm^j^» *- GENERAL NOTICE OP A REPLY BY MAJOR ROBINSON, R. E. DATED 80th MARCH, 1849, To Observations by Mr. Wilkinson on his Report of the KXPiiORjLTORx svnvEijr FOR THE HALIFAX AND QUEBEC RAILWAY. Sir, FrederictoHj 4th February 1852. Some time has elapsed since you communicated to me by desire of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor a copy of a reply by Major Robinson, dated 30th March 1849, to my observa- tions on his Report on the exploratory survey of the Halifax and Quebec Railway. The copy referred to would have been returned without delay, had not its contents seemed to require that it should be accom- panied by some notice from me, which at moments of leisure was in part prepared ; but duties which could not conveniently be interrupted, occasioned my intention to be deferred. Also the temporary discouragements which afterwards befel the design of the projected Railway, tended to deprive the subject of pressing interest. Having recently become aware that the reply in question has been printed amongst the papers of the Imperial Parliament, and in consequence of renewed public interest in the subject, attracted attention, it seems proper that my silence should not be subject to misconstruction. It may in few words be some explanation to say, that I have entertained an anticipation yet undiminished, that events would show more clearly perhaps than any notice of mine, the insufficiency of the reply, and that it was unnecessary hastily to permit the language employed to obscure the merits of the chief points at issue in the guise of a complicated, if not un- seemly personal controversy. A principal statement relied upon by Major Robinson, was, as soon as possible after 1 was aware of it, contradicted by testimony appealed to by himself, and which is contained in documents filed in your office, to which public reference could be made when necessary, and to which I may now take occasion to rofer agreeably to my original intention. The objectionable remarks and statements of Major Robinson are too numerous to be severally noticed, but such as are material I will with one exception notice in their order. The exception to which I refer, is comprised in his remarks tending, not to answer my observations, but to question their competency. For this purpose he contemptuously ascribes to me, views relative to gradients which 1 could only regard as absurd ; which I have at no time entertained, much less professed or advocated. He there- upon assumes the merit of differing from nie in those views, and of convicting me, as he pretends, of at least doubtful competency. Upon this point I have entertained substantially the views which I believe to have been sanctioned by the best authorities, since the experiment on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway conducted by De Pambour, and published by hira in 1835-6, — subsequent experiments have somewhat differed in their results, but not essentially. In my report dated 3rd March 1849, on the preliminary survey of the proposed line of Railway between Saint John and Shediac, and printed in the Journals of the House of Assembly, is a short explanation of those views. It is perfectly consistent with what is there stated, because proved by experience, that an ascent of 1 in 49 may be " practi- cable " though " objectionable ;" and locomotive engines are daily ascending much steeper inclinations both in England and America, not always for " very short distances," but in the instance of the Lickey incline upon the Birmingham and Gloucester Railway, the distance is 2 miles 3.35 chains, upon an acclivity nearly 25 per cent, more severe. Major Robinson commences his reply by stating the position which I filled in the exploratory survey in 1847. 1 am not aware whether this may be material or whether he may so consider it. My professional services are at the disposal of the Provincial Government. He was pleased to apply for them, and they were granted under the circumstances stated in the correspondence Nos. 1, 2 and 3, appended. The object, he says, which I had to accomplish, was to find a practicable line through the country between the River Saint »'» I' 'W If. !•' ' (C Lawrence and the Restigouclie for about 70 miles, " and by so " doing, to complete the exploration of a central and direct route " through New Brunswick to the Saint Lawrence. The account " of this exploration is given in his Report, which forms Appendix " No. li to the general Report. It was entirely ujisuccessful. " The difficulties of the ground tried by him were too great to be •• surmotmted.** I am not aware of any statement in the Report adverted to, of entire failure, or of difFiculties *' too great to be surmounted." The facts remaining to be ascertained are too importuut, and the labour yet to be performed, in order to ascertain them, much too great, to warrant my assuming the responsibility of such a state- ment. As to the ascent of 1 in 49, of which he is so solicitous to shew his disapprobation, it is obviously not recommended, much less advocated by me. Unable to deny, however, that it is " practicable," he consoles himself with the idea that it is next to " impracticable," with the fancied aggravation that " it is most probable there toould be others of a similar nature." He says that " he should condemn such a line and look for another." He ought to have remembered that this was precisely what I did, as proved by the whole tenor of, my report, referred to by himself, as " Appendix No. 3." It was soon discovered after the exploration had commenced, that nearly the whole of the portion of the country under con- sideration, was perfectly unknown for Railway purposes ; and that the best existing maps did not give a correct idea, even of its system of valleys. That no satisfactory knowledge of its difficulties or facilities could be obtamed without a thorough examination of its whole face. Therefore, as far as the insufficient limits of one season would permit, the valleys offering favourable indications, were traversed ; every hill and every tree likely to afford the most ready and satisfactory information, were climbed ; numerous sketches of mountain ranges and passes, with approximate triangulation?, partly by theodolite from the tops of the highest hills, or by com- pass more frequently from the tops of the highest trees, were made in order to obtain the base extent of topographical knowledge, indispensable to a safe judgment as to the situation of the easiest avenues of the country. Upon such knowledge already obtained, and yet remaining to be acquired, it is incumbent on me to state that the country has not been sufficiently explored ; that the facilities it affords are only partially known, and remain to be fully discovered. Ji' 6 The whole area immediately in question, within the limits of which it is desirable to seek for the most favomable ground that may be afforded, is about 2000 square miles. This is wholly uninhabi- ted, but the larger part is fit for settlement. The materials of a Buflficient exploratory knowledge of probably one half of that extent, were obtained in 1847. But the labour of obtaining that knowledge was, it must be admitted, greatly increased by Major Robinson's anxiety to keep as far as possible from the frontier. He professed not to think it important to complete my exploration ; and ascribed only a negative interest to what had been done, which he desired should be disposed of in the shortest manner, and in the least possible time. It seemed right therefore, that I should recommend to the Provincial Government, through the Surveyor General, the propriety of persevering, and of reducing into an available form for future use, the materials which at great public cost, as well as arduous labour, had been acquired. This recom- mendation was approved. The correspondence Nos. 5, 6, and 7, appended, will be more fully explanatory. It is stated by Major Robinson as already quoted, that my exploration north of the Restigouche, was to " complete the " exploration of a central and direct route through New Brunswick " to the Saint Lawrence." To assent to this form of statement would be 10 admit that a central and direct route from the south- ward as far as the Restigouche, either had been already explored or was in course of exploration. Neither w .3 the case. The two routes explored southward of the Restigouche are both at an angle of considerable obliquity to the direct or central route. That which Major Robinson treats as the direct route, is at some points from 30 to 40 miles to the westward of the direct and central line. This will be apparent by the simple process of drawing upon a map of the country, a straight line from the Bend of the Petit- codiac to the valley of the Trois Pistoles. Tt does not appear that any consecutive portion of this line has been examined ; or that its suitableness for the object of the pro- posed Trunk Railway does not remain to be ascertained now, as before the late exploration began. Tt will be seen that such a straight line strikes, in a remarkable manner, the general course of the longest known branches of the Tobique River, suggesting thereby a route of the greatest proba- ble facility of crossing the main valley of that river. This route was urged by me upon the attention of Major Robinson, when the parties were organized for the exploration in June 1847, and not, as he mistakes, first mentioned in a letter dated in August. 7 The line inclining to the westward of the direct line had been partially explored during the previous season, and anotlier party was formed in 1847 to complete that exploration. A separate party was organized for the exploration of the ground northward of the Restigouche, and assigned to my charge, under the instruc- tions, copy appended, No. 4. It was then settled in compliance with my own desire, that in the event of my finding an easy line or even a *^ practicable " one from the Saint Lawrence to the Restigouche at the first attempt, I should then explore southward during the remainder of the season, for the proposed continuation of the route in that direction. With this object, the last clause «vas added by Major Robinson to my instructions. The date of this document, it will be observed, was the 10th June 1847. When I wrote the letter dated August 6th, referred to by Major Robinson, I had a prospect of promptly finding a " practicable " line to the Restigouche. I then relied upon the disposal of the whole of the party originally placed under my charge, and with a view to keep the same advantageously and efficiently employed, I devised an arrangement suitable to the emergency, which 1 com- municated to Major Robinson, and which arrangement included a detached and rapid exploration by myself with a small canoeing party, in order to discover in advance any favourable communica- tion which might exist between the right hand branch of the Tobique River and the valley of the Miramichi, as contemplated in the last clause of my instructions. I was at this time ignorant that Major Robinson had, under some hasty misconstruction of my proceedings, withdrawn in another direction more than half the party, and that he had inten- tionally withheld from me the barometers ; a proceeding of which I was informed only so late in the season as to deprive me of any reasonable hope of retrieving so great a disadvantage. I had only such instruments of my own as I had retained in my personal care, and the absence of the barometers in particular, deprived me of the means of readily ascertaining altitudes as had been contem- plated. Thrown upon my weakened resources in this capricious and unexpected manner, it is scarcely surprising that the success of the exploration was jeopardised, and my efforts, in a great measure, obstructed. As Major Robinson has chosen to refer to it, I annex the whole of the correspondence in relation to this unfortunate affair, Nos. 8 to 25. I did not permit this discouragement to repress my endeavours to make the best use of the remainder of the season. My first exploration from the Saint Lawrence to the Restigouche River, satisfied me that the line, though not " easy," was " practicable," having only one objectionable gradient, which I believe might be \ 8 avoided by farther exploration, even on tlie first route, and so I reported as in appendix No. 3 of the final Report of Major Robin- son. But I was unwilling to be satisfied even with a merely- practicable route, whilst 1 believed an unobjectionable one could be found. I therefore made no attempt, for the present, to proceed southerly. I continued my efli>rt8 to complete as far as possible, not only the first voute explored, but also concurrently to trace another which prom'sed more favourably. Before the party could make much progress in the latter, the winter set in with such decided severity as to oblige us to retreat. Three routes were indeed partially explored, but not one of them completely. Just so far as these exploratory labours were incom- plete, so far were they unsuccessful. I will now advert to the summit between the valleys of the Miramichi and Tobique River. It is with no feeling of gratifica- tion that I return to this subject, in order to deal with the miscon- ception to which Major Robinson is still willing to adhere, as to the main fast that this simirait has not been properly explored, and to shew that he is greatly mistaken in his reiterated assertions to the contrary. At the same time, neither his self-delusion or his erroneous assertions seem to derive any extenuating grace or merit, from the personal style in which the latter are conveyed. Unhappily for his case he thus appeals to the authority of Mr. Grant : — " In the first season," he says, "this country was traversed by our parties, not only in the direction of the line, but an expedi- tion under Mr. Grant, a Surveyor and Draftsman also of great experience, and of the Crown Land Office of Fredericton, (to whose valuable exertions and zeal, even to the risk of his life, the service is deeply indebted,) was sent up the Tobique Valley for the express purpose of examining that long mountain ridge which continues from the mouth of the Tobique River until it joins on to the highest mountains in the centre of New Bruns- wicky the object being expressly to find the lowest and most favourable point at which they could be passed " As far as authority may depend upon breadth of assertion, this leaves nothing to be desired. Major Robinson then proceeds to make statements and extracts, by which he seems to have persuaded himself that very great things were done towards the exploration of the summit under consideration. Unfortunately however, I must repeat, that he has shewn nothing of the kind. Persons locally i'norant of the country may receive a different impression from thi oe statements, and it may seem that they are confirmed by the extracts given from the unpublished Report of Mr. Grant. 9 Hut the " nine Mn a- II nied my Report, Appendix No. 3, to Major Robinson's final Report. It is the most recent and authentic representation of the previously very little known region in question, derived from my personal observations and surveys, acquired at great pains, and compiled with as much care and scrupulous attention to accuracy, as the little time to which he restricted me would permit. It was also of interest to the pending question of the inter- colonial boundary, that there should be neither suppression nor misrepresentation of known facts, especially by any one to whose fair and impartial consideration that question was in any manner referred. Returning to the summit under consideration, south of the Tobique River, Major Robinson reluctantly admits that " it is of *' course within the limits of possibility that there may exist some " gap in this chain by which it could be passed al somewhat lower " level, but it is highly improbable that there should be, and that " it should have been unknown to the Indians, and undiscovered " by our exploring parties." I» answer to my second question already referred to, Mr. Grant says, " I purposed making an examination of such parts of the " ridge as my own observations, as well as the suggestions of the *' Indians, led me to believe were most approachable from either " side, to what appeared the lowest summit levels. With this " intention, I was in the act of making a section survey fl^)m the *' Tobique River towards it, which Captain Pipon directed me to " abandon, as he had himself for the time sufficiently examined it." From my own knowledge, as already stated, it was phy.ically impracticable for Captain Pipon to have given more than a very small portion of his attention to this summit ; and in answer to my third question, Mr. Grant says, " I believe no survey of it has been made except to a limited extent." The unguarded statements, not to say unworthy insinuations, in which Major Robinson has permitted himself to indulge in relation to this matter, are such as to invite criticism. He disingenuously imputes to me an anticipation of failure of the party south of the Restigouche to find a " practicable " line. Practicability is a comprehensive and convenient term. My anti- cipatioa was that they would fail to find a line that could be recommended. The result of the exploration on the line examined, as I infer, was creditable to the parties, but its adoption has not been recommended by Major Robinson, nor do I recommend it. He says that I proposed to " intrude " upon the ground of. that party, that the failure was upon my own ground, and that the winter found me still embarrassed in the highlands at the head of •«i: \\ 1 ■ 'I ' iiMt Mi;, iH 12 Green River. The disingenuousness and fallacy, both of the charge of proposed intrusion south of the Re^tlgouche, and of imputed failure north of that river, have been shewn, by reference to documents and correspondence annexed. The winter did not find me embarrassed in the highlands at- the head of Green River, nor within twenty miles of them, nor am I accustomed to be em- barrassed by highlands. T>e real embarrassment 1 experienced has been already explained, and is exhibited in detail in the annexed correspondence. The statement that "large parties were employed at great expense for two seasons on the central and direct line," has been disposed of. It is obviously and inexcusably wrong. •' Year after year," it is pretended, " explorations might be con- •' tinned to be made, and great expenses incurred, in the hope of •' finding a better line, or improving upon the one last found, and •' parties interested would still say that every effort had not been " exhausted." The fallacy of this excuse is not mitigated by an improper insinuation, whether warranted or not ; I believe it to be wholly unfounded. The only interested parties whose interest can be of overruling importance in the determination of the line to be selected for construction, are those on whom must fall, whether directly or indirectly, the responsibility of the expenditure. To such parties it may be of utility to know that every gap and depression in the whole range of highlands from the source of the River Saint John to the northwesternmost source of the Connecticut River, a dis- tance of about 200 miles of most difficult ground, were discovered, not "year after year," but in about half of one i/ea?\ by the joint Commission for determining the Boundary under the Treaty of Washington. It is true that the task was accomplished only by extraordinary exertions and corresponding expense, but those exer- tions and expense included also the cutting out of the dividing summit along all its sinuosities, over high peaks and d^ep ravines, and over rocks and precipices, a width of clear 30 feet through a dense and uninhabited forest. But the principle, without the more laborious details of this process, might be followed in discovering the most favourable gap in the dividing ridge between the Tobique and Miramichi Rivers, with equal promptitude and an incompara- bly less numerical force than was necessary on the Boundary, and yet, for the object in view, with results equally conclusive. Not necessarily the lowest but the most favourable point in this ridge should be discovered, as a governing point for the direction of the line, both north and south of the ridge. Without this prelimi- nary discovery it is obvious, that surveys of lines approaching in 13 either direction, might, as it is probable they will prove to be, labour thrown away. In replying to that part of my observations on his Report, in which I object to the only apparent grounds upon wl.'ch he decides as to the comparative facility of two lines from the southern boun- dary of New Brunswick, northward to the Miramichi, Major Robinson affords no explanation. He refers to opinions of intelli- gent gentlemen who have passed over, or who have seen the ground, tending to shew that it is practicable, but which is not the point involved in my objection. It is still unexplained how he arrives at a preference for a line, the sections of which are, as he terms them, " not grades for the Railway." The obvious and undenied infer- ence from the language of his Report is, that the sections which have been made, present gradients not to be recommended. The excuses are, that they are sections of " straight lines," and that *' no attempt was made to contour the hills." Whereas it is just before asserted, that " the whole of this portion of the country is " believed to be generally low and flat, with occasional undula- tions." And Dr. Gesner's authority is now quoted to shew " that " the whole country is remarkably level, and that upon an average, •' its elevation above the sea will not exceed 20 feet." Also the further authority of Mr. Perley, that " there is scarcely a single hill of any magnitude in the whole of this County, (Kent) and the land, especially on the Gulf Shore, is very low and level. *' It may be described as the most level County in the Province." Major Robinson adds, that Captain Henderson and himself "both *' passed through it and traversed it from south to north, and found " it to be extremely level and favourable." Now it would seem to be strange that " straight lines " through such a country as this should present sections *' not grades for the Railway," or that hills should require to be " contoured " where scarcely a hill exists. Notwithstanding the evidence of these sections, Major Robinson holds out the expectation that '* with the exception of the imme- *' diate banks of the Saint Lawrence^ this will prove one of the *' easiest portions of the line." 1 termed this a gratuitous expec- tation, not with regard to mere "practicability," for this is a very indefinite term, but with regard to the degree of facility asserted. This still rests upon conjecture. There is no warrant for such expectation. If Major Robinson resolve in this case to place more reliance upon occular observation, however respectable, than upon instrumental test, to what fate does he consign the rest of his barometrical observations. They are at once offered to suspicion as mere waste paper. By way of illustration, I may refer to sections very carefully made with a spirit level on a portion of the identical ground in (( tc 14 H 'U question, during tlie last year, for the purpose of the Saint John and Shediac Pail way. It was only by minute and laborious exploration that easy gradients could be obtained, even by follow- ing the valleys. 1 should therefore not be justified in expecting, much less in leading others to expect, that such gradients can easily be found where the ridges are to be crossed. Of this ground Dr. Gesner also says, that it is "low and level." Though it may be so in a popular sense, which is most probably all that this gentle- man intended, 1 did not find it so in an engineering sense. The ridge intervening between Shediac and the Bend, attains a maxi- mum elevation of upwards of two hundred feet, with a minimum summit level of 143 feet. Corresponding results were obtained by Captain Crawlev of the Royal Engineers, assisted by Mr. Grant, in 1842. In his sailing directions for this coast, Captain Bayfield speaks of the shores of Kouchibouguac Bay as " exceedingly low ;" of those of Richibucto River as rising 80 to 100 feet ; those of the Buctouche about 200 feet; and of Shediac and vicinity about 150 feet. The last in the same ground, which by careful and repeated levelling, has been ascertained to have an elevation of upwards of 200 feet. It is of the same country which Major Robinson asserts, that Captain Henderson and himself traversed from south to north, and found " extremely level and favourable." I am not justified in assenting to this description. I may also observe, that whilst Major Robinson seems to deny, he does in fact only tortuously assent to the justice of my former strictures. With the same materials before him now, as he had then, he changes the terms of the proposition which suggested those strictures, and says that the facility of the ground in question is "perhaps only to be exceeded by the plateaus and terraces along the Saint Lawrence." He is quite aware that the " plateaus and terraces " referred to are very materially diflferent from the "immediate banks of the Saint Lawrence," and may, like the ground in question, present, as yet, untried obstacles, though possibly not of a serious character. If therefore he do not put forward this line upon borrowed merits, it stands as yet apon imaginary ones. I hope it may in reality prove "extremely level." Major Robinson is perplexed to understand how I could enume- rate the summits to be intersected by this portion of the line from the inspection of "any mere map," and undertakes in very exaggerated terms to describe how the maps of the interior of New Brunswick are constructed. My official duty and experience in 81 tl W I ij)ipim.*M;t8iH,» «J,'*'«'H'v. *' i.i>>'-?f r».'.»" v^>' 15 relation to this matter, enable me to estimate the value and authority of this description, which I can therefore regard with the indifference it merits. Unless the number of summits adverted to be misrepresented by his own sanction in the Parliamentary Map, it is evident from this document alone, that 1 have not overstated them. To add together tlie several rises of a line of Railway, in order to show the aggregate rise, is a matter of common routine, and is not introduced as a question of ingenuity or science. It is quite fair in this way, as an illustration of my argument, to estimate the probable aggregate rise of the portion of the line in question. It is not yet known, that from the Miramichi Valley to the southern summit of the Tobique, any " falls " may be necessary in order to aggravate the rise to that summit, though the unscientific course of exploration with which he is anxious to rest satisfied, does involve the grave objection of such intermediate falls. He affirms, that in contending for the central line, I can ^'■foresee " no impracticability in getting through or over two ranges of " highlands." I hope I am not obstinately insensible to the advantages of the central line, if it may prove eligible upon due examination, which he is so anxious to prevent. I also confess that I have no desire to adopt his method of " foreseeing " either impracticabilities or facilities, but prefer that the facts should be properly ascertained. He asserts that I do not "object to some of the heaviest gradients known in Railway practice." Happily this assertion, as I believe, rests only upon his own auth.>rity. He adds that I "/oresee" alarming cuttings and embankments through the most level district in New Brunswick. I disclaim his faculty of foresee- ing in such cases, and merely objected, as I continue to object, to such " expectations " as he recommends, in opposition to the evidence of his own sections, that heavy works may not be neces- sary in order to obtain easy gradients. With reference to the military question, illustrated by the supposed case of the relative security of a line of Railway through the centre of Great Britain, with branches to either coast, and a lii.c? which should follow the immediate coast of the Island, Major Robinson has no hesitation in deciding in favour of the latter, because as he thinks, in order to be equally secure, the branch lines of the other must be infinitely multiplied. Why multiply them beyond advisable intercommunication at or near their contact with the coast ? The climate of New Brunswick, he justly observes, would pro- tect the coast for half the year, but the interior is comparatively 16 i» I*' safe the whole year. The difference is between half safe and wholly safe. Major Robinson recommends the coast line, because it would protect and derive revenue from existing settlements on the Gulf Shore, forgetting that it would desert and be deserted by the interests and sympathies of all the other settlements of New l^runswick. He condemns a central line, because it would, as ho thinks, "turn its back" upon the gulf settlements ivithout equivalent advantages to others, whilst the truth is, it would turn its benefits, by means of judicious branches, equally and impartially upon all settlements alike. T'^ use his own wc The Legislature of Massachusetts requires from all the chartered Railway Companies of that State, to make annual returns of the cost, characteristics and general management, agreeably to a com- mon form. The result of this admirable regulation is to afford at a glance a comparative knowledge of the material points of pab!io 19 interest relating to each of these works. Major Robinson refers to these valuable Reports. The following table is prepared from some of these documents relating to five Railways, taken indiscriminately for the year 1847. It exhibits first, the proportion which the cost of " motive power " bears to the total workmg expenses ; and second, the proportion which it bears to the gross revenue, in order to produce the divi- dends specified. a.;: 20 ts ^r^ 1 513 "O 2 "3 83 8S ^1 ■^ * B S Worki ezpens • S a ^1 > « e •ss I B « 3 « S b S og S* o a S o 5. 3 2 S a « s t 9 s s ft Si O W M *« <• W ^ «• M •« «• o> t-- 00 00 00 i; ?; 8 s^ .7 o< e 00 e o S 3 S 2 S S3 ^ 2 ^ S (0 m Tf 04 t^ 3 S 2 3 3 g; ^ 3 9 $ ^ m t' eo « S S § S R 0> -J JJ" © » gj s « s s « • it s 00 -- CO o F« m '^ '^ Vh M W »« gj ©» ^ (N ^ m eo o> -- (N S 9 S3 S; S i ^' ^ 9 2i 81 5 3 2 gi (M ^ CO 8 9 1 (14 M (Q ;3 S =3 ft S 3 3 3 3 I (^ (^ 1^ P4 ^ . (O s CO 4' 91 According to these returns therefore, instead of the cost of " motive pov«rer " being even the bare working cost, it is a sntail and uncertain fraction of that amount, varying from a fourth to a thirteenth. Whilst in order to yield the dividends rcnlixed on these Railways, the gross revenue, instcBd of being the duplicate only, must be estimated at from eight to thirty times the cost of " motive power." It is remarkable also, that the mean proportion of the cost of motive power to the whole revenue of the foregoing five Railways, which are of the narrow gauge, is nearly the same as that arrived at by the Gauge Committee, as already referred to, for the London and Birmingham Railway. In one case it is 8.9 per cent., and in the other 8.6 per cent. With whatever speculative views on this point Major Robinson may therefore labour to mislead himself, it is quite certain that well known practical results oa both sides of the Atlantic are not to blame for his error. In the table which I presented of the comparative cost of trans- portation from Quebec to the respective ports of Halifax, Saint John and Saint Andrews, I estimated the rate per ton to Halifax at £3 19 4 sterling, because I believed this to be the lowest which could be safely stated for heavy freights. For the sake of competition in certain articles of carriage, the charge might be made indefinitely low, but at a corresponding sacrifice, which must be recovered by heavier charges on other articles. My estimate was more than three times Major Robinson's fanciful duplicate of the cost of " motive power," or 22s. per ton. Adhering, however, to a mean of practical results in Massachusetts, as well as in England, we are not warranted in stating the ordinary cost of motive power at more than 9 per cent, of a remunerative freight. I say a " mean," because it will be seen how variable an element this is. At this rate, assuming lis. to be the cost of motive power from Quebec to Halifax, then the total remunerative freight would be £6 2 2 per ton. On the reverse supposition that 22s, is a remunerative freight, then 2s. and not Us. would be the cost of motive power. It is not necessary to dwell upon the too evident absurdity of these results* The proportion chargeable to " motive power " in my estimate would be for £3 19 4 at 9 per cent., equal to about 7s. 2d. per ton, or in reality 36 per cent, lower than Major Robinson assumes for the same head of expenditure. By the foregoing table it is also shewn that the average cost of motive power is about 15} per cent, of the net working expenses. n Therefore if only Ta. 2d. per ton be the cost of motive power, no less than £2 6 2 per ton would still be necessary merely to cover working expenses, and Major Robinson's estimate of 228. per ton, 80 far from affording a profit, would not pay one half of those expenses. At the same time, however low the cost of transpor- tation to Halifax, and it in desirous that it should be as low as possible^ it would nut alter the fact that it would be higher than the cost of transportation to the Bay of Fundjr, very nearly in proportion to the difference in distance ; this difference, reckoning from the River Du Loup, or from the nearest haboiir of the Saint Lawrence, would be not far from 100 per cent., and even by the shorter or direct line, probably as much as 60 per cent, against Halifax. It would be a labour alike vain and tedious to show in detail the misapplied statistics and illusory deductions by which Major Robinson endeavours to sustain a position too evidently at variance with recognized data. I termed the groundwork upon which he had built so magnificent an array of calculations an '* oversight ;" but it was too hard to avail himself of an excusable fallibility ; he E refers with an earnestness worthy of a better cause to confirm imself in error. He assails my observations on the importance of a direct trunk line with judicious branches as " quite opposite to the results of '* Railway experience generally, and the opinions of experienced " engineers." " Branches " he says " are looked upon as costly " appendages to trunk lines." Nothing would of course be more easy than to make branches costly appendages to trunk lines, and much injudicious expendi- ture to this effect has no doubt been incurred in England ; there is at the same time nothing more clearly established than that the way traffic is the main source of revenue, and that ths roost effectual method of increasing this is by means of judicious branches. Major Robinson's assertions are opposed to views which I believe to have been sustained in Parliament during late discussions on the merits of proposed new lines. Such assertions are not worthy of refutation by the abundant evidence which may be brought against them. I will quote a late authority, who expresses the common sense of this subject. '*A principle of great importance to be kept in view is to shorten ** the distance as much as possible between places to which a " direct communication is required. The result of experience in " Railway formation, has already shown that circuitous routes, ** not only increase much the expense, but do not afford the advan- *< tages required ; besides which, the adoption of a circuitous route I 23 ** instpad of a Htraiglit line, liiis too often hud tlie ofleut of injuring " the I'fTiciency, if not the generul Bufcty of the line. " The numerous plans of Uuilwavs now before the ;^Mblic, pro- •♦ ceed therefore chiefly on the principle of a direct communication, '* and it is considered better for smaller towns to have u brunch " directly to the larger ones, thai, that a Rruilway should peram- " biilate a country, and diverge for their accommodution, at ono " point a at tangent an J at another by a semi-circle from the *' straight line." A system of trunk and branch lines lias been reconunended by distinguished Engineers both in France and the United States. Maior Robinson next refers to a Report which, in compliance with instructions communicated to nie through your predecessor, I addressed to Sir William Colobrooke — •• On some of the results of experience in the United States " with regard to the use of wood in the constructio.i of Railways, ** and with reference to the construction of similar works in the " Province of New Brunswick." An attack, which appears to have been aimed at this document in his Report, he now avowedly repeats, and by means of the same misconstruction. With regard to one of the examples to which I referred, the Syracuse and Utica Railway, he quotes a document, the authority of which I acknov/ledge, in order to shew, as he thinks, that the structure of that Railway was " worn out, sunk and gone." Now if he had attentively examined the whole of the document from which he has so largely and somewhat irrelevently quoted, he would have discovered that the superslructure only was intended, and that in taking the superstructure for the whole Railway, he has committed nearly as great a mistake, as in taking the cost of •' motive power" for the whole cost of transportation, or the examination of a point, for the examination of the whole range of highlands between the Tobique and Miramichi Rivers. The superstructure of the Railway in question, consisting of the light flat iron rail upon longitudinal bearings or rails of timber, had through eight or nine years use, become worn out, or unsuited to a traffic greatly increased beyond the capacity of the original design. There are, perhaps, few Railway superstructures in Europe or America, which have not been renewed in less time, whatever the plan of construction. Notwithstanding the legal prohibition by which this road has been restricted from the conveyance of freight in competition with the tSlate Canal, with which it runs parallel, it has generally, if m I ;: ;'V ■ 24 not always, paid ten per cent, upon its cost, besides a surplus suf- ficient/or the repair and gradual reconstruction of the works, the superstructure excepted. With one or two exceptions, the shares stand at the highest premium in the h'st of American Railways. The selection of such an example in order to condemn its original principle of economy, is not peculiarly fortunate. Moreover, so far from the abolition of wood being a feature of the new super- stiucture adverted to, I Iiave no doubt that the wood is still retamed in one or other of the various forms now almost universally adopted ; and that the main difference is in the weight and form of the new iron rail, not very unlike, perhaps, the same construction which IVIajor Robinson, in a moment of obliviousness of the evils of wood, has himself recommended ft. the Halifax and Quebec Railway, to wit :— '* A rail of 65fi>s. per yard, supported upon longitudinal " sleepers with cross ties, similar to the rail used upon «he London " and Croydon line, the wood to be prepared, &c.'* After other observations with reference to the same subject, Major Robinson arrives at the conclug''on that the piinciple of the timber viaduct, or as he chooses to style it, the " trestle bridge principle," is bad, and to be avoided. Practical Engineers of great eminence do not arrive at the same conclusion ; and even in England, in absence of the motives peculiar to the circumstances of a forest country, there are instances of timber viaducts essentially on the trestle principle, daily sustaining multitudes of passengers by Railway. It is, I trust, unnecessary to recapitulate what has already been stated, in order to shew that the interior of this Province has not be-^n sufficiently explored for the line of the proposed inter-colonial Railway. I will advert only to the motives which exist for pro- perly completing the labour which has been commenced. In order to exhibit at one view the general advantages to all the Provinces interested, the following Table of approximate dis- tances has been pr pared. When the measurements may be accu- rately made, differences will be found ; but I'or general comparison, T believe that the distances stated are sufficiently accurate. They are taken from the Trois Pistoles River, a point which will probably be common to all lines passing eastward of Lake Tamiscouta. In order to give the whole distance between each place in the Table and the City of Quebec, 131 miles should be added, but the com- parative difference would remain the same*^ ,.! 'K f-^-.^ i.. 25 IS I .9^ H 1 A o» ? t^ »>• t« ^ s 5e 5i S^g • ^^ 8S«J 1 1 1 1 + + + 1 1 1 1 H • 3 & -^ 2 S i s g i s i 1 1 H D O ^ Eh |i S 3S + 3 •o •ft S + 1 1 1 1 i?l u pa SB © o tf PQ r^ t-l »XA*^ § ' 60 1 n S3 CI 00 § S S ^ s s 1 1 • « • • a : • £ ra • H a 1 1— t s « i a s ^ % 1 i - i *» C Pi H s 5§ * 1 •M s . 04 t-l ^ i!! ^4 s s s o o H •^8 ^1 i + + ^<4 i K 1 m r-4 ^H OS 13 .g « 1: 1 1-3 u (O •"f O w 8 • • « :3 15 ^a « Q v.d ' a a^ 1 1"^ > o« 5,** J|li 35 loam from Mr. Emerson of Little FuUsi, that M. Felix Totu of Trois Pistoles, is tlio most suitable person there, in whose cure to deposit our provisions, &c. Tlie order Tor provisions is through Mr. Emerson, whose agents in Quebeo, (Jibb and Lane, nre in constant communication by coasting vessels with Trois Pistoles. Wo have had wet and dull weather almost all the time since I left home, this day week. The main river and all tho streams arc consequently quite high. But those who ought to understand the navigation of Green River say tba* it is not too high for canoes. I take up as much of our baggage and provisions as seven canoes can safely carry, and proceed in the morning myself in one of them. I have agreed with Joseph Tl>ibideau to take up all the remainder in a tow-boat as far as the third fall, and farther if practicable — but I expect that it will prove necessary to transfer it to canoes for the remainder of the distance. The price is high, 10s. for 200 lbs. but on calculation I fmd that it would cost moro by canoes ; besides taking more time and consuming so much of the provision during its conveyance. 7 leave three or four men behind in charge of the residue of the E revision, &c., and to assist Thibideau in the management of the oat and in crossing a portage on the way. This boat is not yet quite ready and the river is too high for towing, but he says if it continue fair the river will be low enough by the time he is pre- pared to start. It may afterwards take him four or five days to reach the third fall. It will then take at least as much longer to get the load conveyed in canoes from thence to the depot, so that even all things being favourable I shall scarcelv he able to com- mence my route from the depot sooner than the 6th or 7th of July. I shall then discharge such men as I do not want ; leave two or three to complete the depot, put the canoes in order, clear out the portage to the Restigouche, and remain in chargo till our return. The distance to the settlements on the St. Law; (.'nee by the proposed route being then upwards of 50 miles, we shall scarcely be able to cut our way and look at the country in less than a fortnight to three weeks according to circumstJinces, by which time July may be nearly gone, making, say at least a fort- night laferfor our arrival than I named to Sergeant Mulligan, under an erroneous idea about the facility of ascending Green River and establishing our depot. I shall therefore write to Sergeant Mul- ligan that when he has explored the extreme northeasterly source of the Abawisquash, he will bush and blaze very distinctly a line north 62° east by compass for two or three miles, and also in the opposite direction south 62° west for five or six miles, and that if he should cross heaths or savannas without trees or bushes he will leave whitened stakes at short distances ; or if a lake intervene. 36 he will bush and blaze along shore. Also that ho will distinctly innrk his distance un a tree or stake at every 10 chains with red chalk, from tho point of beginning in either direction, and that from one point of beginning, he will bush out ond blaze a distinct path to the nearest navigable part of the Abawisquash. I shall mark my course in the some manner, especially as I approach the head of the Abawisquash ; he will detect my track ir I hove passed first, as I shall discover his, if he should be first; and thus our passing one another will be prevented. Mulligan should not however go farther than the head of the Abowis- quash, and after he has marked the cross lines I have mentioned he should return to Trois Pistoles, as I shall continue my way whether I discover his lines or not, though it is very desirable that my exploratory course should be thus connected. Thanks to the cold and wet weather, the flies are yet very mer- ciful. Hoping shortly to see you, Believe me, &c. (Signed) J. Wilkinson. P. S. — Now that the depot at the Grand Falls is cleared out, it may be necessary to have there a further supply to depend upon for some of the parties, within ten or eleven weeks from this time. It is a question whether such supply could be more economically and promptly placed there from Fredericton or Quebec. I think the probability is in favour of the latter. If so, Mr. Emerson is in practice of the whole routine of the purchase and trans|)ortation, and offers to attend to it. I leave the matter to your preference as you may pass this way ; I think there ought not to be less than two thousand rations at Grand Falls before the end of September. This however will depend upon the quantity which may be depo- sited at the mouth of the Grand Fourche of the Restigouche. I shall have about sufficient for three months at least at the head of Green River, independently of the St. Lawrence depot. Dumble may perhaps depend upon the Grand Falls sfjould he fall short. — I omitted to mention that he promptly obtained a tow-boat at the Tobique, and ascended the day after he arrived there. I will desire Mulligan to send, addressed to you at River du Loup, a copy of my memoranduna of instructions sent by M'Kenzie, with a report of what he has done, in case he should arrive before any of the party are out to meet you. 1 87 No. 9. To Major Robinson, R. E. Camp near mouth of Green RiveVj 23d June, 1847. Mr DEAR Sir, Having written you fully yesterday ns encloscul, iindor the im- pression that we should bo oft' this morning, I have litilo more to add, than that we are lo-day kept here by a heavy ruin storm, which has all the appearance of being of long continuance. This is tho more discouraging, as five additional hands have just joined us, making in all, twenty mouths dependent on our provision, with the River rising instead of falling. Hut we must do our best. In passing through Fredericton, I would recommend you to supply yourself with a few pounds in small change. There is scarcely any in circulation here. The English Shilling passes tip here for Is. 3d., and in Fredericton for only Is. S^d. Delieve me, &c. (Signed) J. Wilkinson. No. 10. To Major Robinson, R. E. River du Loup, 28tkJune, 1847.. Mv DEAR Sir, The day after I last wrote to you turried out most favorably for the ascent of Green River, though the water was quite high and still rising, which would make progress more tedious. The wet weather had also prevented the caulking and preparing of the tow- boat. These causes of delay made the probable period of the party being quite ready to proceed from the head of Green River, sufficiently distant for me to go over to Trois Pistoles and see that all was right there, and return again without in reality losing any lime. Therefore on the morning of Thursday last, (24th,) after I had seen the party fairly on the march at an early hour, I set off for this place, where I learnt that M'Kenzie had gone to Quebec in order to procure and forward the provisions and other neces- saries, whilst Sergeants Mulligan and Campbell had gone to Trois Pistoles. On reaching Trois Pistoles, I was informed by M. Tetu that Mulligan had obtained a temporary supply of provisions and a few cooking utensils, and had gone into the woods by a road leading to his starting place, in order to explore the valley of the Abawisquash, or Boisbouscache as it is termed by the French. f dl :.|l»il 38 He had taken with him besides Campbell, two New Brunswick men, and two CanRdian guides whom M. Telu had recommended. From ikiformaiion obtained from M. Tetu and other sources, it would seem that the Abawisquash and the wh ' of the River Trois Pistoles are erroneously represented on the United Stales exparte Map. I have also reason to anticipate that other streams may differ from the same authority. The line of the dividing ridge has most probably been laid down wiih care, but it now seems doubtful whether equal regard has been paid to the general accuracy of the stredms. A hunter by the name of Ellis, an American, who was wiih the United States exparte Surveyors, (Professor Renwick's party,) has been strongly recommended by Mr. Jones, Mr. Emerson, and others, as a person more thoroughly acquainted with the whole of the ground from the head of Green River to the Abawisquash, than any other, having hunted upon it constantly for many years. I have seen him and found him very intelligent, and I should judge also that he is reliable. Hi; terms, however, are high ; 10s. per day as a guide. But as I shpll not require him more than about a fortnight or three weeks, I ha.e thought it better to engage him, (the price being what is usual for a guide,) and he may save me several days on ray route. I return in the morning to Grsen River, at the head of which I hope to find myself on the 3d or 4tlj of July, and at Trois Pistoles, about the 20lh, if all be favorable. On striking the valley of the Trois Pistoles, o Railway cannot approach the tidewater within several miles, but must continue from thence parallel with the shore of the Saint Lawrv-nce, upon an elevated plain or terrace, (being one of several such plains or terraces rising in succession one above another,) for a long distance, say 50 or 60 miles, gradually approaching nearer, and as I understand descending to the coast. I should infer from appearances that the point of intersection of the Trois Pistoles will not be at a less elevation than 500 or 600 feet above the sea. At any rate I have desired Mulligan to survey and level along the road from the tidewater to the Abawisquash, in order to ascertain this point.* Should there be nothing illrsory in these indications, you will remark how favorable a descen* nature has prepared. With regard to the transportation of the Barometers, I am afraid that no other method than by a p.^rcon on foot, and with great care, could ensure their safety across the Tamiscouia Portage, which is •At this time tlie party had no barometers, and it was uncertain whether they could b? obtained in time U) be useful &t this point. 39 excessively rough. In fact the whole of the post road from Fte- dericton onwards, will hardly permit of carriage conveyance. Two days before my arrival here, a Mr. B'.msay, of Resti- gouche, had got through the woods from Meiapediac, coming out at the Grand Fourche of the Trois Pistoles, on the Tamiscouta Portage, on a reconnoisance for the Railway. He had with him an Indian guide, with three other persons. I did not see him, but hear from those to whom he had been speaking, tiiat he had been dissatisfied with his guide, had got confused, and was for two days without provision. He returned immediately by way of the Metis. Believe me, &c. (Signed) J. Wilkinson. P. S. — As it might happen that Lynch would be too far out of the way to reach you immediately on your arrival, should he con- tinue with me, I have therefore desired him to make himself useful with Mulligan for a few days, or until I get through the woods. No. 11. To Major Robinson, R. £. Jlbout 2 miles above Third Falls^ Green River^ 6th July J 1847. Mr DEAR Sir, '^he navigation of the river has been tolerable up to the third falls. We attempted to take the tow boat higher. After a great effort, we got on through the falls, and by a constant diag with horses and men, have ascended about two miles farther. Seeing the great saving of time, provision and expense that would have arisen, corjld the boat have gone all the way, I could not feel satis- fied vvithout making the attempt, but the water proves already too low, and falling fast. I have therefore decided on letting her go back, and have sent for a party of 10 canoe men, with 5 csnoes. After what we shall take up, it will require about four journeys of the expected canoes to take the remainder. They will also be required for a few days as a carrying party. In meantime so much ha? the provision delayed the intended surveying party, that I now see no prospect of our being ready before the 12th or 13th, so . that it will be late in the month before we can b^ through to the Abawisquash. It takes 2| days to ascend from hence to our depot, and half a day to return. We have been greatly favoured by the weather since the rain, 5ut now more rain would be of great service. w 40 . I intend all my letters so far, to reach you before you leave Fre- derlcton, as I hope they will. Believe me, &c. (Signed) J. Wilkinson. No. 12. To Major Robinson, R. E. Camp, Little Falls, 14th July, 1847. Dear Sir, ^ After my note from Third Falls, Green River, you will not expect to receive one dated so soon from hence. I told you our difficulty of getting up our main supply of provisions, and the ar- rangement I had made. We had, however, sufficient already at our intended depot, added to what we could take up with us in our canoes, to enable us to make the intended exploration northward towards the Saint Lawrence. We camped at the last Fork on the 9th. I made some preliminary explorations of the vicinity. Our camp was about a mile and a half or two miles below^ the depot, near the portage on the N. E. branch. On the morning of the 10th, I sent forward a part of the canoes to go as far as the water would per- mit, with some j ^ovision up the N. W. bianch, sending the remain- der I .. the crews to bring down the provision and other things from the depot, in order to follow. In a short time, the latter returned with the intelligence that they had found almost everything we had left there burnt up. This was a pitinfnl and disheartening circum- stance. I have no reason to suppose that the fire originated in any carelessness on the part of any one. The fire which the men had used for cooking, they say was put out with water before their leaving the place. I had also observed that it was not near the place where the provision was left. The most probable explana- tion is the fact of some lucifer matches which were supposed to be spoiled by getting wet, having been lef<: in the lid of a wooden box in the sun to dry. The day of our absence was exceedingly bright and hot, and in the evening a fresh breeze sprung up. These circumstances r.iay account for the disaster. I can as yet discover no others that are adequate. I have desired Ramsay particularly to examine the place and report. Under this disap- pointment, I have altered my plan of exploration a little. I imme- diately sent back all the canoes to join the others expected from below, in order to transport the main stock of provision as fast as the low state of the water will permit, from the point where it was left by the tow-boat to our depot above, leaving with Ramsay a few '■ ' »* 41 hands to bush exploratory lines in both directions N. E. and N. W. until the canoeing is done, when he is to bush and chain north- westward to the extreme head of the northwest branch. In the meantime, I am on my way to make ?n exploration by canoe of the country between that point and where I expect to fall in with some of Mulligan's work, and perhaps may see him. I have also ordered a new supply of carrying straps, corf' for the cradles, &c., which were amoi.g^t the articles burnt, to be sent up as soon as possible. The loss of provisions was 4 barrels of pork and 5 barrels bis- cuit, with some articles of minor importance. On the whole, I hope by this change of plan to redeem the inconvenience occa- sioned by our loss, and that we shall still have ample provision. I hope to be down here again in 12 or 14 days at furthest, when it is probable I sliall either hear from or meet you. 1 should re- commend that the barometers be not carried over the portage to River du Loup. They can be carried by canoe to the point where required, as 1 can explain when I see you. Believe me, &c. (Signed) J. Wilkinson. No. 13. To Mr. Wilkinson. Little Falls J Madawaska, 26th July^ 1847. My Dear Sir, I arrived here on Friday night from the Grand Falls, and was in hopes to have seen you. Mr. Emerson's clerk informs me that you have proceeded up the River to the Temiscouta Lake and up the Tuladi, and were to return here shortly. Your letter of 22d June, I received at Daihousie. On learning from it that you in- tended 10 proceed across from Green River to the head of the Abis'^^'j.if''), and being fearful in consequence that Corporal M'Ken- zie ')u' 1 be at a loss with his party how to proceed, I requesied Cap » vinderson, who was going through the Kempt Road as far as tL. M' is, to go on to Trois Pistoles and see the party there. By a Irjiior Aom him, dated 1 1th July at River du Loup, which I received at the mouth of the Tobique River on the 21st, I learned that he found Corporal M'Kenzie at the Trois x*istoles, apparently at a loss what to do; that he had been to Quebec for provisions and cantf^ens for Sergeant Mulligan's party, who were about sorhe 12 miles out on a portage road towards the Abisquash, ?,nd that the pauy were expecting me daily. Oapt. Henderson went out to see Sergeant Mulligan, but he had i»o id his camp and he failed in finding him. On his return he 6 N 42 directed Corporal M'Kenzie to proceed up the Abisquash imme- diately. This is the last I have heard of that party. Your letter of the 28th June from River du Loup, and that of the 6lh July from the head of Green River, I received at Frede- ricton on the 17th inst. Your letter of the 14th went to Frederic- ton, and has reached me this morning. I am sorry to learn of the accident by which so much provision was lost, but of course it could not be helped, accidents will hap- pen. I only regret it as it prevented you going across the country to join the party there, who want some one to take charge of and direct their movements. If you have not seen them and given them instructions on your present excursion, and I hardly suppose you can, for they were to go in an opposite direction, I wish you to follow me on to River du Loup for the purpose of going to them immediately. I have some business to do at Quphec, which will prevent my joining them for an indefinite period Tlelieve me, &c. (Signt Wm. Robinson. No. 14. To Major Robinson, Camp, Little Falls, bth »iug. 1847, 7 a. w. My Dear Sir, I regret that the post hour permits me to write you only a hur- ried and short note. The Courier is now detained whilst I am writing. His hour heretofore was about 10. I arrived here quite late last evening, found no one in attendance at the Post Office, and had to wait for some lime before I got my letters. It is unfortunate that I should not have been in time to meet you. Exceedingly tedious navigation of head streams, the chief cause of my delay. I have found and surveyed quite sufficiently for an exploratory survey, a most favourable route from the head of Green River to the valley of the Abawisquash, when I was just in time to meet Sergeant Mulligan and party. They have done well, and I gave Sergeant Mulligan directions which would occupy him two or three days to carry out, when he would immediately return to wait your arrival, or for intelligence from you, employing himself meanwhile in exploring southwest, and from the valley of the Aba- wisquash. Corporal M'Kenzle seems to have been under some apprehension when he saw Capt. Henderson. With regard to the Barometers, I think they would now be most usefully employed at the heads of Green River, and thence east- ^^m 43 ward. Mulligan has levelled from the tidewater of the Saint Lawrence to a connection with my exploratory survey. The levels of the latter will be determined sufficiently near by triangu- lations, which the facilities of the country enabled me to mrke. But what would it avail that we have found, and shall be able to submit a plan of a good route from the valley of the Saint Law- rence to the valley of the Resligouche? How desirable it is that wc should be sure of the most favorable and direct route that the country will permit, in continuation towards the Bend of Petit- codiac ? I hope you will approve of sending Mulligan and his whole force to Madawaska, in order to join me at some point, about which, in meantime, I would have directions prepared. I would at once come over and see yoit, and talk the matter over, but it is doubtful whether before this you would not have gone to Quebec, and my journey would be lost. I will therefore send with this, directions to Mulligan, agreeably to the above suggestions, desiring him to leave everything in a secure and good state at M. Tetu's, and bring his men, tents, baggage, &c., this way. I should also be very glad to receive any instructions or suggestions from you at same time, or as soon as you can write. Believe me, &c. (Signed) J. Wilkinson. No. 15. To Major Robinson, R. E. Campi Little Falls^ 6th August, 1847. My Dear Sir, I hope you would duly receive my note of yesterday, per mail. I had then no time to be very explanatory, but before I again get out of reach, it is necesi^ary I should be a little more so. I think it very probable, that before this time you have seen Sergeant Mulligan and party, and have heard from them an account of their proceedings, and also of the circumstances of our junction in the valley of the Abawisquash. I was afraid I might keep you waiting at Little Falls, or would have descended the valley; but at the same time felt that it would be for the present unnecessary. The description of it by Mulligan and Campbell, added to the levels which they had taken, left no anxiety on my mind as to the practicability of this portion of the route. I made a personal examination of that part of the valley con- nected with my own exploration, and they assured me that I saw i I' 44 a sample of the rest, down to the main stream of the Trois Pis- toles; or rather that the point at which I found them, was the least favorable which they had passed. I have already informed you (yesterday) that I deem the survey that I have made from the vicinity of the northwesterly head of Green River to the Abawisquash, to be sufficient for the objects of an exploration, the relative heights of sundry remarkable peaks seen from different points of the ground, as determined by triangu- lation, will afford the means of such a continuation of levels from the tidewater of the Saint Lawrence to the head of Green River, as will make the conveyance of the Barometers over that portion of the route, dispensable for the present. Any material error will be checked by the Barometrical heights, commencing at the last Fork of Green River, as I intend Mulligan should level back from thence to the most easterly point of my exploration. I will now explain to you what movements I have in view at present, so that you may be under as little uncertainty about them as I can help, for I cannot foresee that I shall be able to adhere to them, as this must depend upon what I discover during my pro- gress; such has been the case since I commenced. First of all then, Mulligan is to level as I have said, up to the North West Branch of Green River, and thence to a stake at the inlet to a small Lake, as I shall fully explain to him, designating the most easterly point of my exploration. He will find his course already bushed, chained, and marked, perhaps, by Ramsay. I am supposing that another Theodolite will now be at command, and that M'Kenzie will at the same time level in the opposite direction, or up the North East Branch cf Green River — Ramsay and his men bushing and chaining for him. Some part is perhaps already bushed and chained. . At the head of this stream I conjecture, from appearances in that direction, will be found low ground, leading into an opposite valley falling into the Restigouche. Whether such opposite valley may be that of Pseudo River, marked on the Maps, or some othei*, examination will shew. I place no very strong reliance upon the Maps. But if a favorable opening and opposite valley be found, as I think probable, M'Kenzie will continue levelling down the Restigouche slope until he strike the exploratory North line levelled by Captain Broughton and Mr. Featherstonhaugh, at some point to be identified. Here be may cease levelling, and make thence a compass survey down the valley to the main South West Branch. In the meantime Mulligan -vill be through his section, if prosperous, and canoes will be ready to convey himself and party -»ll^|ii c. Ramsay is exploring both these, and making a connection of tho for- mer down the supposed Pseudo to the point a. 56 This exploration will be done probably in the course of next week, after which he is to explore another valley of the North Wcs* Branch, with a view to a more favoufftble escape thence, either by way of the Rimoiiski, or a nioro northerly valley of the Toledi. lam anxious to have time after reaching the head of the Kedgwick to examine all his work, and then return by which- ever pass he finds lowest and most favourable from the North Eajst Branch of Green River to the Charodi. No. 20. To Major Robinson, R. E. Waga7i Portage, SOth Sept. 1847. My Dear Sir, An unexpected opportunity has occurred of my writing to yoii again, though in doubt how to direct, and whether my letter may reach you. I had commenced my exploration of the South West Brnnch of the Restigouche, (or Charodi) from the Wagan towards its head, when a severe case of sickness of one of my best and most useful hands sadly embarrassed me. My party Avas already weak enough, and I had relied a good deal upon the local information of the sick man in my intended exploration of the Quatawamkedgevvick or Great Fork, to its head, whence if possible as I said befr^*''*, at least to make a connection with the head of the Rimouski, if I could not descend it. I succeeded, however, in exploring by canoe nearly 20 miles up the South West Branch, making long returns nightly to my camp, in order to give the sick man the benefit of as much quiet and rest as the circumstances would permit. By going to the labour and delay of further cutting out, I could have ascended the stream apparenily some miles higher. But I deemed myself within about 10 or 12 miles from the south westerly point of our exploration of the North East Branch of Green River, a diagram of which I sent you, and intend as soon as I can to complete this connection and to make further lateral explorations by land. When quite ready to proceed down stream, and up the Quatawamkedge- wick, the sick man had been getting so much worse, that there appeared rather a probability of his dying in camp 'lan of his getting better. 57 The poor fellow notwithstanding, was as generously regard- less of his suffering in his present state, as he was unsparing of his great physical strength and ability in the service when well. 1 met with him accidentally in ascending the Toledi, and engaged him for his local knowledge of that River and its branches. ^Tis name is Charles M'Kinnon. He has proved a most useful and efficient man. When he appeared to think, as there was great reason to fear, that he was dying, he was anxious not to retard my movements for an hour, but assured me he was ready whenever I was to go on. As it was prac- ticable, however, to get him within reach of medical assistance and proper attention, though at a sacrifice of perhaps 4 or 5 days of time, when every hour is very valuable, it seemed in- cumbent upon me to send him back to Little Falls, where Dr. Pant resided, and where he was most desirous to go. I have therefore returned to this point, in order to send back two men and a canoe in charge of M'Kinnon,* as they can go from hence to the settlement if all be well, without camping. They are to bring back an additional man. In meantime, as this is an interesting point, I can advantageously employ my- self in further exploring and viewing the neighbourhood until the men return, when I intend to proceed immediately to the Fork, in order to ascend the '^^uatawamkedgewick. But the season is now far advanced, and :iny preparations were unavoidably imperfect, that I no longer hope to reach the source of that stream, much less to descend the Rimouski. For the same reason there is no prospect of my getting east- ward of the Restigouche, though my work will necessarily be connected with Corporal Dumble's, provided he emerge any where on the right bank of the South West Branch, or touch any part of the exploratory North Line. It is necessary to complete the interior explorations at which I left Ramsay engaged, as soon as possible, in order to avoid being entangled by the season. I shall most probably be so situated as to descend by way of Green River to Grand Falls, when the season may oblige me to discharge the men, unless I find there other directions from you. I observe there are some names on my engagement list, the dates of commencement belonging to which you may have occasion for, as the men are in "Sergeant Mulligan's party. I therefore send you a memorandum of them ; and also of an advance of £1 to George Lynch. ' Who died shortly afterwards. 8 ; I 58 I hope you are suffering no inconvenience from so much wet weather, and that your exploration is going on prosperously, though not so rapidly as you will of course be anxious to see it. Believe me, &c. (Signed) J. Wilkinson. No. 21. To Major Robinson, R. E. (luatawamkedgewick &f Green River Portage, 16th October, 1847. My Dear Sir, After I had passed you on the 12th, I regretted much that I did not entreat you to camp within speaking distance for the night, as I had a great deal to say to you, more than was con- venient to say in the middle of the river. As to the principal matter however I must be brief. It is with regard to another short line of exploration which I have kept in view all the season, and shall very reluctantly leave the ground without passing over it. I think there is yet time, with- out the season prove unusually unfavourable. You will, I think, have much the same idea of the Quata- wamkedgewick as I have. That the inclination of the valley is no doubt within a favourable limit, but that it can be made available only by very expensive rock cutting, embanking and bridging through a great part of its extent. If such corrections can be made on the other routes explored, as to bring the inclinations within favourable limits, and I am not prepared to say they cannot be so brought, it will also be, most probably, at a very objectionable amount of expense. Hence, the exploration of another route, as long as it may remain possible to find one sufficiently exempt from such difficulties, will be necessary before the construction of the work can be advisably commenced. Whilst, therefore, there remains a strong probability that we can find such a route during the short remaining part of the present season, I hope you will think the effort worthy of being made, even at some sacrifice and inconvenience. What I propose is to commence my exploration of the head of the Restigouche, through lateral valleys of the Green River, with the valley of the Squatuck. If I had not a very favourable expectation of the result, I should not of course make the ) 59 \i proposition, especially at a time when the advanced state of the season is a strong inducement to abandon the idea. Now, it will greatly expedite our labours, and render it much more satisfactory, if you would permit your stationary Barometer, if you have one, to remain until our return to Grand Falls, and also of course to allow a Sapper to pass with two other Barometers over our line. I [In order to save tedious description, which after all might be obscure — whilst the men are carrying over the portage, I have prepared the enclosed diagram to explain my meaning. The dotted red line is the proposed route. After getting into the valley of the Squatuck, we know that the inclination is highly favourable, and if I do not mistake there is also abun- dance of flat margin ; hence, to the Abawisquash is already explored. I send out this by express, in order to intercept you before leaving the Grand Falls. I hope you had a safe journey at least, but can hardly think you would have a very pleasant one. The snow storms, hard frosts, the Wagan and its portage, I hope, however, are by this time only things of recollection under more agreeable circumstances. Believe me, &c. (Signed) J. Wilkinson. You will remark that Corporal Dumble's line is very direct with our Green River route and intended descent of the principle branch of the Restigouche, which I find the Indians call the Coon-a-mitchk. October 17 th. Whilst writing the foregoing, I had not seen Ramsay, whom I found out of the way. I now Ibarn from him, that there are no Barometers here, and also, that besides some of the pro- visions being out of the way, we have not the number of car- rying bags or canoes upon which I had been counting. The efficiency of the party is therefore "ot what I had expected, but we must do the best we can. The same canoe which brings out this, will also bring down M'Kenzie and Campbell who I hear will be ready and waiting for this opportunity, but I have not seen them. As there are no roads upon which we can rely upon for one return, and to have to leave any one to bush their way out, would entail a much greater e^^pense and loss of time than either incurred by canoe. I may there- fore, perhaps, with the return of the canoe now descending, fi 60 find it necessary to have another brought in, and also a small additional supply of sugar, the stock of which I find is dispro- tioned to the other provisions remaining. The sick man* is so far well as to be able to work again, and instead of further adding to our embarrassment greatly relieved us. No. 22. To Major Robinson, R. E. Camp near 3rd Falls, Green River, Qth November 1847. My Dear Sir, I was disappointed at the return of my messenger of the 16th ult., to receive no tidings of your safe arrival, but hoped that it occurred shortly afterwards, though I have since had no opportunity of hearing. I do not know what may be your address, as I forgot to ask you and only suppose it probable that it may be River du Loup from what Ramsay infers from what you had said to him. We have surveyed from the North East Branch of Green River, down another principal Branch, to the intersection of Captain Simmon's explored route, and thence up another Branch to the farthest part of any exploration of the Restigouche. We have returned so far, where I am discharg- ing 6 of the men, and mtend proceeding with the rest, 18, by the route which I mentioned, to the Squatuck, if the weather will permit, but the snow is now falling fast, and something will depend upon the result, as our provisions remaining are barely sufficient, even if we should be favoured by the weather. I hope to be at Grand Falls on or before the 20th, shall I see you there, or where, or how shall I direct to you ? (Signed) Believe me, ice. J. Wilkinson. ^Not M'Kinnon before mentioned. 61 No. 23. To Mr. Wilkinson. — [Received late in November.] Little Falls, 26M October, 1847. My Dear Sir, I am going on to Trois Pistoles for the purpose of discharging and paying off the men remaining writh Sergeant Mulligan, and settling accounts with Messrs. Tetu and Seaton. I hope to hear, before my return, of your doing the same with every man of your parties. Your employment of so many men, without first consulting me, will cause me some pecuniary embarrassment, but I believe there will be funds enough lodged at the Bank of Fredericton to meet the demand for the labourer's wages. Mr. Ramsay must be allowed some eight or ten days to give in his books and papers in the best order he can. Yours truly, (Signed) Wm. Robinson. No. 24. To Mr. Wilkinson. — [Received 27th November.] Ldttle Falls, 26ih October, 1847. Dear Sir, You will find a Note from me at the Grand Falls requesting you to pay off immediately every man of your parties, except Mr. Ramsay, who must have a few days allowed him to give in his books properly. Yours truly, (Signed) Wm. Robinson. Vide Nos. 5, 6 & 7. No. 25. To Major Robinson, R. E. Fredericton, Slst December, 1847. My Dear Sir, The Slst December has arrived, when, contrary to my expectation, I find my Report for you yet unprepared. The sketch I have compiled only this morning, having been able to I' \ 62 devote to it less time without making a very distorted and unsatisfactory representation of the lines explored. A rough approximation is all that, under the circumstances, can be pretended. The time will, of course, make no difference with regard to my connection with the Exploratory Commission ; but I am not the less anxious that you should not be disap- pointed, and hope to have every thing out of my hands, say within ten days, I hope less than this time. Believe me, &c. * (Signed) J. Wilkinson. No. 26. Sir, (Copy) Fredcricton, 19th June, 1849. Having occasion, in the course of some remarks which it seems proper that I should submit to His Excellency the Lieu- tenant Governor, to refer to the authority of Mr. Grant, of the Crown Land Department, relative to the topography of a part of the interior of the Province of New Brunswick, I am desirous that he may, with His Excellency's permission, furnish replies to the following questions : — 1. To what extent has the line of the dividing summit between the Tobique and Miramichi Rivers been examined ? 2. To what extent has Mr. Grant any personal knowledge of that summit? 3. To what extent does the summit in question remain unknown ? I have, &,c. (Signed) J. Wilkinson. To the Hon. J. R. Partelow, Pruv. Secrptarv, &c. &c. &c. No. 27. (Copy) Secretary's Office, Fredericton, Sir, 2UhJulyy 1849. Your communication of the 19th June last was immediately forwarded to Mr. Grant, who was above the Grand Falls at the time, and I have now the honor, by direction of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, to transmit a copy of his reply thereto for your information. I have, &.C. (Signed) J. R. Partelow. Joha Wilkinson, Esq., Civil Engineer, Fredericton. m dt. 68 (Copy) No. 28. Fredericton, 19th July, 1849. Sir, I regret that having received your favour, enclosing Mr. Wilkinson's queries, while absent in a distant part of the country on duty, has caused nic to overlook making an earlier reply. The ansvtrers will be found written in Mr. V/lIhinson's own communication, which I now beg leave to return to you enclosed. I have, Sec, John Grant. To the Hon. J. R. Partelow, &c. &c. &c. Answer to 1st question. — I cannot say to what extent the ridge separating the Tobique and Miramichi waters has been examined, as it was done under Captain Pipon's own imme- diate superintendence. 2nd. I have no personal knowledge of the summit in question for the reason already stated. My instructions were to "t'x- " amine the valley of the Tobique, and ascertain the best " bridge sites along that River^ I nevertheless proposed making an examination of such parts of the ridge as my own observations, as well as the suggestions of the Indians, led me to believe was most approachable from cither side, to what appeared to be the lowest summit levels. With this intention I was in the act of making a section survey from the Tobique River, towards it, which Captain Pipon directed me to abandon, as he had himself for the time sufficiently examined it, while he, at the same time, desired me to give my attention to the country on the northwest side of the Tobique River. 3rd. ! believe no survey of it has been made, except to a limited extent in the neigbourhood of the point passed by Corporal Dumble of the R. S. and M., and his party, in cx" tending the northward line. (Signed) John Grant* * •■ # i Ni .f'/i ' I I , ■ , ' 'M.I ".' ERRATA. Page 4, lino 12, for •'contemptuously'' read «' tortaowly." •♦ •« •♦ I'J, for "eiperinient" read «• exp«rinientf«," 7 from bottom, for •• bo«e" read •• bare." 10 from bottom, after " remain" insert •' as much." 15, for '• River" read " Rivers." 2, for •• sketches" read " sketch." 2 from bottom, after •* state" insert " them." " 12, •• 12, for " dicposed of" read " disproved." 1, erase "last" and after "year" insert "1848." 8, alter " thera" for [ , 1 insert [ . ] and for " unless" "Unless." J 9, alter " influence" for [ ; ] Jnwrt [ , ] • ,-7 " 5, " " 6, " " 8, " " 14, " .. 17," «< (« *« insert •« 21, " 22, for "freights" rend "freight." (5, for " desirous" read " desirable.'* 13, for ••though" read ••therefore." " 26, " ,^-* ^■1 «-. ^ > . -,-i,_f- »f - ■ ■ ■ .' ■ ■ ■ ,.t,' I il >t i'