IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I ■- IIIIIM M 2.2 12.0 1.8 1 1.25 1.4 1.6 M 6" - ► ^ /} signifie "A SUIVRE". le symbols V signifie "FIN". Maps, plates, charts, etc.. may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent £tre filmis A des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, 11 est film6 d partir de Tangle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche d droite. et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mithode. rrata to pelure, n A 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 ■ ^56 SE /^ y M I G R 1 T 1 N v/v)n.r. "^ .^ r79 O y - / SETTLEMENT ON WILD LAND. ^ C^-t. / / / '<- t'/yo ^. Y:^;. > U-JtZui C^' ►i/rl ROB. GOuRLA.y, EsQtr — y NOW ROBERT FLEMING GOURLAY. CUPAR-FIFE: PRINTED AT THE FIFE HERALD OFFICE, AND SOLD BY TULLIS AND OTHER BOOKSELLERS.^ Vrice Twopence. 1840. COLONIZATION. ':)' iP34 «0 MEH IXrANTED FOB SETTLEMENT I IS CANADA. Mr Gourlay has had land in Canada forty-two years, which is now most desirable for settlement, and which he is disposed to settle on a plan, he thinks, preferable to that of the Potter's Emigration Society. He wants fifty men, young and unencumbered, to go out next October ; and requests those inclined for the adventure to give in their names to Mr Whitehead, Fife Herald Office, Cupar ; or to himself, at Sunnyside Cottage, near Montrose. As soon as the required number is made up, he will appoint places and times for individuals meeting him to receive the fullest information as to all particulars. No one need apply whose moral character is not unexcep- tionable, and known for steady habits. Soon after the ahom admrtising hill was published, it he- came evident that the numerous applicants could not he satis- fisd orally, and some of them signified that they would gladly pay for a small pamphlet explanatory of my scheme of settle- nient. I have, therefore, reprinted certain articles, commented on the same, and said as much as will throw light on the subject, prevent misapprehension, and leave no cause for complaint. Any Jive men, inclining to go to Canada, on my terms, after reading this pamphlet, may communicate their purpose to me, and I shall answer any proper question. By and by, should a disposition he manifested for eittended information as to emigration and settlement abroad, gener ally , I may revive my prefects of 1828, and re-establish Societies, as, by me, first instituted. t> v r> Jx. £' Cj. lD A. two years, which he is ! to that of i, to go out le adventure !rald Office, ir Montrose, will appoint receive the lot unexcep- lished, it he' not he satis- would gladly erne of settle- vmmented on n the suhject, complaint, on my terms, their purpose I for emended ad,ymeralfyt lish Societies y R. F. G. POTTERS' EMIGRATION SOCIETY. PROSPECTUS. " The Operative Potters of Staffordshire offer to their fel- low- workmen of the United Kingdom, Twenty- Acre Farms and an efficient means of protecting the price of their labour, without resorting to ruinous and expensive * Strikes,* on the following conditions : — *« 1st, That each branch, in all its general proceedings, shall be governed by the parent society ; and, in all its local proceedings, by a code of laws in conformity with the legal- ised laws of the society. '' 2d, That each member, up to the time when he shall enter on his farm, shall pay sixpence per week, contribution ; every £1 Is. 6d. making up one share, and securing the right of " Ballot." ''3d, That for every £1 Is. 6d., paid individually or col- lectively into the funds of the society, an additional numeral shall be placed on the hallot-board; thus securing to every individual, an additional chance for every additional share. "4th, That every shareholder, apart from the ballot, shall have a right, by giving due notice to the parent society, of entering on his Twenty-Acre Farm, for which he shall pay, in the course of six years, the cost price of the land, or £5 10s. Od. ; in part payment of which cost price, his weekly contributions shall be devoted : — Thus ; a member, to claim his deeds and to become the freehold possessor of his land, having paid £l Is. 6d. in contributions, must pay a further sum, in the course of six years, of £4 8s. 6d., making £5 lUs. VU., Ul' tilC v;«as. Wliuc \Jt. xiio i,rt\^iivj dx^iCu. — •• — in the society, or contributions to the amount of £^ 3s. Od. •■"x i- would require, after allocation, a further sum of £3 7s. Od. ; —three shares, or contributions to the amount of £3 4s. 6d., a further sum of £2 Ss. 6d. ;— four shares, or contributions to the amount of £4 6s. Od., a further sum of i^l 48. Od.;— five shares, or contributions to the amount ot £5 7s. bd, a further sum of 2s. 6d. ; thus completing the purchase-money, and securing the deeds. ^ " 5th, That every member thus entermg on his tarm, ana not waiting the hazard of a ballot, shall have two years credit on the store of the colony for twelve months provi- sions. , , r *V, " 6th, That every balloted member shall have, Irom the society''s funds, the whole migrating expenses of himself and family defrayed from this country to his farm, a log-house erected, five acres broken up, and fenced, and two acres sown with Indian corn, three acres with wheat, and two years' credit for twelve months' provisions on the store ot the colony ; the whole expense thus gone to, to be returned in the course of ten years. „ , . « 7th, That, for all moneys advanced to balloted members by the parent society, the branches to which such members belong shall become responsible, until the said members en- ter personally on their farms, when the individuals alone shall become responsible. « 8ih, That all liabilities of allotted members may be dis- charged either in cash or wheat. " Thus, any member of the society, by the payment ot only Sixpence per week, and having drawn his chance in the ballot, may become possessed of an independent landed home in twelve months from his first payment; and, tailing the ballot (if a single man), may claim his land and passage in the course of eight years. Having paid up one share, a member at any moment, by paying his own migrating ex- penses, may enter on twenty acres of land, and have store- credit for two years. Laud cleared '.—soil rich !— chmate good ! A Home in the West !— who'll follow ? " Apply, « William Evans, « General Agent, P.E.S., Shelton, Staff. Potteries." FARMS! FARMS!! FARMS FOR ALL!!! ' £3 7s. Od. ; f £3 4s. 6d., iontributions 1 48. Od. ;— £6 7s. 6d. a ;hase-inoney, lis farm, and e two years* onths' provi- ve, from the f himself and , a log-house id two acres ;at, and two the store of ) be returned ►ted members uch members members en- /iduals alone y s may be dis- ! payment of lis chance in jndent landed ; and, failing i and passage > one share, a nigrating ex- d have store- ich ! — climate Potteries." R ALL!!! EMIGRATION. Arbroath, 2d Novemler 1848. Joseph Hume, Esq;, MP. Sir, Aware of your entertaining friendly feelings towards the working-classes, and that you are ready to advise them in matters concerning their interests, I have ventured to ask your opinion regarding the legality of the " Potters' Joint Stock Emigration Society," a prospectus of which is enclosed, whether the climate of Wisconsin, as represented, is generally healthy, the soil rich, well watered, and fertile ? and whether, upon the whole, you would consider the scheme worthy the attention of those desiring to emigrate ? My reason for soliciting the favour of your reply to the above queries is, that a number of workmen here have resolved on becoming members of that society ; but in consequence of the system of balloting members in another society being declared illegal, they have thought it as well to delay until you have been consulted in the matter, as they assert that every reliance can be placed on the correctness and fidelity of your statement respecting it. Humbly trusting you will condescend to favour us with a reply, I have the honour to be, vour most obedient servant, J. FETTES. Bumbi/ Hall, Norfolk, 4th Nov., 1848. Sir, I have received your letter of the 2d instant, re- questing my opinion of a prospectus of the " Potters Emi- fjratlon Society." I have never heard of that society until the receipt of your letter, and consequently cannot give my opinion respecting it, farther than that I do not advise, in going to the United States, that emigrants should go out fettered to any particular place, as, on their arrival at New York, they would obtain better information of localities, where their talents and trade may be best brought to market ; and if each man, on his ar- rival there, has £5 or £6 in his pocket, to pay his expenses to the State and place he may select for his residence, he will find that the chief of the difficulties of an emigrant will have been overcome. I would adopt that course myself ; and seeing the pressure of population and of taxation in this country, and the little prospect there is of any efficient change here, I am a strong A 2i I! e advocate for emigration. But every man may not like a farmer's life, and, by going there free from such an agree- ment as the Potters' Society would bind you, a choice of States and of employment may be made on the spot. The States of ffisconsin and of Iowa are two ol the young- est States of the far west, and mnny of you may not incline to go so far, if you can suit yourselves in some of the nearer States. In 1837-8, I believe a great number of settlers left Canada and settled in Iowa and Wisconsin. Mr Robert Owen, now in London, has been in these States ; and if you would write to him, and ask him such questions as you please, I think he will give you full information ; and you may inform him that I advised you to write to him on the subject. , . If we could obtain letter government in our own colonies, I would advise all my countrymen to go there ; but until there is some change in that way, you will act prudently ia trying your lot in the United States. I hope we shall obtain reform in Parliament, by which many of the impediments to good government may be re- moved from the Colonies, which may then be a blessing, instead of being, as at present, a burden to the finances of this country. . , Wishing you all a good field, and fair pay for a fair day* worJcy I remain, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HUME. I TO THE EDITOR OP THE MONTROSE STANDARD. Sunnyside Cottage, Nw>. 28, 1848. Sir —A correspondence with Mr Hume, on the subject of Emigration, published in your paper, is now before me, re- sulting in a reference to Mr Owen. In the year 1822, 1 dedicated to Mr Hume a book " with a view to a grand system of Emigration." I remained in and about London seven years— every year having one or more petitions presented to Parliament, in hope of getting a Konrina on the subiect, but neither Mr Hume nor any other member would bring me before a committee. In the yeajr 1828, 1 spent six mpaths i% Fife estabhsmog not like a I an agree-' choice of )0t. the young- not incline the nearer left Canada lese States ; ii questions ation ; and 3 to him on ^n colonies, ; but until, rudently ia I ■s , by which may be re- ; a blessing, jj finances of ' a fair day* HUME. RD. 28, 1848. le subject of fore me, re- book " with remained in -ving one or of getting a Dr any other establi^hipg emigration societies, but found that those could not avail without connexion abroad. In order to that, I crossed the Atlantic, 1833; but, after 13 years' residence in New York, Ohio, Canada, and New England, had no success. While in New York, 1834, a letter of Mr Hume to Wra. Lyon M'Kenzie ai)peared in the newspapers, which seemed reprehensible, and, to counteract its influence, I addressed one to Mr Hume. This displeased Mr M'Kenzie ; and, dur- ing the Canada rebellion, ho referred to it, which made mo speak lightly both of him and Mr Hume. After coming to reside here, where Mr Hume is ray im- mediate representative in Parliament, I entrusted him with a petition, but what came of it I know not, as he would neither acknowledge receipt, nor return it to me. Perhaps no one estimates Mr Ilumo's good qualities high^ tlian I do — his independence of party— his constancy at his post — his knowledge of parliamentary practice — his devotion to popular rights — his abhorrence of waste— his love of eco - nomy : but all this induces me the more to look after him in error ; and I would gladly stand up among his constituents to discover quid recte quid non. Last session, tlie Manchester reformers made Mr Hume their mouthpiece ; and, as I have not only been longer in the field, but suffered more in the cause than any of them, they may depend on what little aid I have to give ; but, were Parliament absolutely perfect, the condition of the working-classes can be little improved without emigration, and that may be established on a great scale, even as Parlia- ment now is. It may be thought, after my failures recounted above, that such a&sertion is absurd ; but, if your respectable town's-folks will honour me with a hearing, I shall show to the contrary. At all events, if you give a place to this letter in your paper, the matter may be tested. — Your obedt. servant, ROBERT F. GOURLAY. COMMEN TS. Soon after my letter to the Editor of the Montrose Stan- dard was published, I made inquiries as to the Potters' Emi- gration Society, and waited on Mr Fett«s, Arbroath, to learn of him what he knew of it, &c. He had received little satis- faction in aoswei* to » letter addressed to Mr Owen, as ad- 8 vised by Mr Hume, and he could not satisfy my inquiries L regarding the Society in question. By and by, I procured the Puospectus above exhibited, und I liave now before me, No. Gl, Vol IX., of the Pot- ters' Examiner and Emigrants* Advocatk, a periodical published for the express purpose of affording information to Emigrants, and advancing the Potters' scheme. I am glad to see such a work, for, although it ay not be all we could wish now, it may so far advance to what is desirable ; and there is really nothing so essential to the welfare of the working-classes as right ideas on the subject of emigration, and well authenticated accounts of experien- ces in the numerous settlements abroad. This I was fully aware of thirty years ago, and my steps towards a blessed consummation will be best understood after perusal of what is reprinted below — " Purposes op Emigration So- cieties," first published in 1828, &c. I have said that I had " no success*' in New York, Ohio, Canada, and New England. In New York I joined the Thistle Club, for opportunity of communicating my projects to Scotsmen there ; but there, all are so intent in the pursuit of wealth, that nothing purely benevolent can obtain lasting attention. In the city of Cleveland, Ohio, I became a member of the Lyceum ; was made an honorary member, with a view to correspondence, and had a special committee appointed to listen to and report on the subject of emigration ; but Cleveland was then the grand focus of sympathy for the con- quest of Canada, and that miserable brawl extinguished, for the time, all hope of good in that quarter. I shall, however, copy out a Prospectus submitted to the special committee and reported on, which, together with the The Purposes, will sufficiently show what I was aiming at. During a residence of nearly three years in New Eng- land, chiefly in the city of Boston, my acquaintance with the excellent people of that section of the Union became ex- tensive ; and, during three sessions of the General Court of Massachusetts, I was a fellow-boarder of many of the Legislators, — the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, some of the Council and Senate, and many of the State Represen- tatives. Each year I addressed these gentlemen in a printed pamphlet, to win their regard to my darling objects, and, in the last of these, gave extracts from former publications, ny inquiries i^e exhibited, »f the PoT- II periodical information le. t .ay not be to what is intial to the the subject of cxperien- I was fully rds a blessed usal of what lATION So- York, Ohio, I joined the ; my projects n the pursuit btain lasting a member of with a view ee appointed gration ; but ^ for the con- iguished, for lall, however, al committee E Purposes, 1 New Eng- ance with the [ became ex- eral Court of many of the vernor, some ite Repre'sen- in a printed )jects, and, in publications, 9 tven so far back as 1800, to satisfy them that my projects were not of a day, — that bettering the condition of the poor has been the grand object of my life. This last pamphlet was covered with black-polished paper and stamped with gold, the better to ensure respect, and to perpetuate the re- I membrance of my endeavours. Copies of all the three pamphlets were transmitted from Boston to Scotland, for perusal of members of my Emigration Societies, with many other publications — all to keep in mind that the chief o^ joct of my crossing the Atlantic, a second time, had not been forgot- ten — the bettering the condition of labourers. The subject of Colonization is so mighty that no indi- vidual couid mature a scheme simply by writing, nor has Government, up to this time, done any thing even approach- ing to what is right. On the contrary, all is confusion, waste, and misery, under the auspices of our Colonial De- partment. Time, however, the great Reformer, has been busy at work ; and mankind are now manifestly fulfilling the prophecy, that " knowledge will increase." Mighty means are approaching perfection — Steam Ship Navigation, Railways, and the Electric Telegraph ! While I resided at Boston, steam-ship after steam-ship was more and more improved. Now the Atlantic steamers are the admiration of the world. I said, five years ago, they would soon effect a safe passage in ten days ; and now they have nearly ensured this. Now, I receive newspapers published in Upper Canada as regularly as I do what are published in Edinburgh, 17 days after date. I said still more ; I said (see The Neptunian) that, ere long, there would be a departure daily of steam-ships from Boston and Liverpool. That comfortable passages would be had for 30 dollars, instead of, as now, for 125 dollars ; and, 1 say now, that working men may soon bring this about. At present, steam-ships are fitted up to accommodate only the wealthy classes. For their ease, much room is wasted ; for their gratification, all sorts of luxury is afforded. But dispense with superfluities, and five hundred instead of one hun- dred passengers may be comfortably accommodated. Think, then, of the blessed consequences. Emigration will be no longer a toil- -a frightful looking forward to uncertainties of all kinds. It will no longer be the last shift of the worth- less, but the choice of the young, the well informed, and most enterprising. It will be a pleasure, and the duties of the individual will redound to the comfort of all. The new 10 world will be peopled, not from the dregs of society, but from the elite of the old. Science will precede their pro- gress, and the desert will rejoice, and blossom as the rose. Any one may then leave the County of Fife ; be in Bos- ton the eleventh day from departure ; and, within a fortnight, bathe in the Ohio, the Mississippi, or Missouri. Vague opinions and advice, such as that afforded by Mr Hume, is often worse than none. Ignorant people come to conclusions on such ; get into error^ and dearly pay for it. Mr Hume believes that, in 1837-8, many people emigrated from Upper Canada into Wisconsin and Iowa. I shall state facts. Many, after rebellion fuled in accomplishing their de- sires in the Province, resolved to leave it and settle in Iowa. A wide extended association was formed ; and their expectations were wider still. They thought all could easily be accomplished. They had a bank, and even that, with all its money-making machinery, was to be moved off. So many men and so much money removed, what would become of poor Canada? Why, it would be, as at first, » howling wilderness ! So said the Iowa associates. Two deputations set off for Iowa, to explore and report. One of these deputations — Mr Peter Perry and three others —went by way of Cleveland, where I was then residing, first of June 1838. They called on me, and I dined with them. At dinner, they ordered a boitle of Madeira, and drank my health. I called for a bottle, and first proposed the health of the lady of a gentlemen present. Then, I bade them fill a bumper. ** Gentlemen," said I, " Queen Victoria ! her's, after all, is the best country. You may go and see Iowa, but, depend upon it, you will do best to remain in Upper Canada." I convoyed them, on the way, 80 miles. After a full inspection of the promised land, they returned home. An able and favourable report was published by Mr Perry, but not a man of them emigrated. Some three and twenty years ago, soon after the violent agitation of 1825 in Upper Canada, seeing that there was no end to error and absurdity in the Province, and little hope of inquiry in the Imperial Parliament, I formally asked Mr Hume to visit Canada, and take me with him for ascer- taining facts, but he, as formally, refused to comply with any one of my requests. How much better would it have been had Mr Hume then gone out to inquire than correspond mith MiVanrr\n nnlv in inflame iliP nnRslnns of PrOvinCials. aod tempt them on to mischief? How much better would 11 ociety, but their pro- the rose, be in Bos- i fortnight, led by Mr le come to pay for it. emigrated [ shall state [ig their de- d settle in ; and their jould easily at, with all So many become of 9, howling ind report. iree others siding, first with them. I drank my I the health ie them fill oria! her's, I see Iowa, n in Upper s. After a rned home. Mr Perry, the violent : there was , and little mally asked a for ascer- )ly with any ; have been correspond Provincialss jtter wowld it be, now, were Mr Hume to stick to some one great ob- ject, rather than waste his strength with daily nibblings ? Mr Hurip thinks that emigrants, on their arrival at New York, would obtain better information of localities, Alas ! at that very place there are swarms of deceivers ; and emi- grants are there especially in danger of being led to misery ; — perhaps to be located in some rocky, mountainous district, or to be made fast in a swamp. In Ohio, there are farms called /a«^ properties — some, fair to look at, but which, once paid for, cannot be resold. In the Potters' Examiner, now before me, I see that some of the Society's settlers are already backing out of Wisconsin, and complaining of being deceived. In short, after my experiences at home and abroad, I can see no safety for the million, but from the establishment of such a system as I point out in The Purposes and Prospectus below. Very possibly, such a system will not be completed in my time ; but, if these remarks lead to a good beginning, my life will not be in vain, fo- completion would redound to the world's advantage. In short. Upper Canada is the most desirable place on the Continent of America ; and, I say this after ample experi- ence in many of the States. Strange to say, this delightful region has first and last been only a scene of waste and misery. Who ever would do good there, was sure to be worried by worse than bears and wolves—whatever could be turned to profit %vas devoured by cormorants ; and here am I, out of house and hold for 32 years — the best of my life — only because I was zealous for advancing the prosperity of the Province, and making known how excellent a country it was by nature ! ! SCHEME OF SETTLEMENT. My lands are situated in the township of Dereham and district of Brock, about 50 miles west of Hamilton, and 20 north of Lake Erie. This township, and the adjoining one of Norwich, were surveyed upwards of fifty years ago, and sold in large blocks by Government, to realise money for opening a rbad from York, now Toronto, towards Kingston. The pur- chasers were wealthy individuals, who thought little of settling the land ; but Peter Lossing, from the State of New York ex- 2--=vricvi j.^xjr. wiuu auuui lau yeur io\j\f, saw yiat tne soil was ex- cellent, purchased, at a low price, 15,000 acres, and, returning « 12 home, induced many of his neighbours to go into Canada along with him, by giving them lots of land at the price he paid for it. I first visited Norwich in 1817 ; was all night with Mr Lossing, who kindly shewed me into Dereham^then without a single settler, although all around was settling ; nor did settlement commence, in Dereham, till about fifteen years ago, although the very best land and every convenience was there. , ^ j . . Waters from the Township of Dereham run westward into the Thames ; and southward, by great Otter Creek, into Lake Erie. The Township is thus well elevated, and con- sequently more healthy. The south half of the Township contains the finest pine forest I ever savsr, trees upwards of 150 feet high. The north half, in which my lands are situated, has a growth of maples and beech, with some ash, elm, hickory, and basswood, averaging nearly 120 feet in height. An elm tree, on my land, and near my log-house, was, by my measurement, in 1841. sixteen feet round five feet above ground ; seemed to be nearly the same upwards, forty tee t ; and, at a mile's distance, was seen towering over the neigh- bouring trees ; say, in all, 130 feet in height. Had I not been driven out of Canada, 1819, all that region would doubtless have been cultivated like a gaf^e"' as any one who ever saw Deptford farm in Wilts, which I left for Canada, 1817, will readily imagine. It was the year 1840 before I again was in Dereham. There, I claimed my land, and gave names to the various lots, before many witnesses, Ceres, 200 acres ; Craigrothie, 200 acres ; Pratis, 200 acres ; Deptford farm, 20 acres; Wily, one acre; Niagara, 100 acres (a swamp) ; St Stephens, 100 acres (a swamp) ; Cold Bathfields, 200 acres (a valuable cedar swamp) J-^eing all places wherein, at different times, I had been ^^^ident. In 1 84 1 I cleared a small spot for a garden ; ^^^^^ ^^f "J^'k^^^^^^^^^^^ furnished ; lived in it some weeks, and then left for Kingston, where the first Parliament of United Canada was m session. There, the viilanv of my enemies in 1818 and 1 819 was com- pletely proved, and all, I thought, was well; but under the pesent system of Colonial government t^eje js no certamty ; and I was, at length, resolved to keep my distance till a bet- ter order of things was brought about. Indeed, I resolved very lately to sell my lands at any price and be done with Canada. . — ^ , ^^^ rp^^ pfionlft The recent commotions have ^^y^^f^'r* .;"" ^Vf" have met by delegate in convention at Kingston. After 13 nada along ce he paid night with bam— then 3 settling ; out fifteen anvenience stward into >eek, into , and con- Township ipwards of re situated, m, hickory, t. An elm as, by my feet above forty feet; the neigh- that region len, as any h I left for year 1840 !d my land, r witnesses, , 200 acres ; agara, 100 mp) ; Cold ; — being all nt. In 1841, se built and r Kingston, ; in session. [9 was com- t under the D certainty ; ;e till a bet- i, I resolved e done with Thp npnnlft r-~i — iton. After a lapse of thirty-one years, they have followed my ej^mple ; and, if they lay aside all little party feelings, act steadily like men for the complete reformation of Colonial government, I doubt not that all will yet go well. My organisation of Upper Canada, 1818, was more regu- lar than the present. The convention that met at York that year was composed of the most loyal men in the pro- vince. Their sole object was to send home an address to the Prince Regent, praying that Commissioners should be sent out to inquire into all the causes of evil. In conse- quence of my being arrested in two several districts and held to bail, as writer of a draft address, I advised the Con- vention to adjourn for six months, that my trials might be over, the people well informed of all circumstances, and the Provincial Parliament assembled, to countenance inquiry, and send home Commissioners for inquiry. But what did the Provincial Parliament do ? Met, after I was twice honourably acquitted on jury trial, and made a law to pre- vent meetings by delegate ! This done, I was ordered out of the province ; imprisoned eight months because of refusal, and, without other cause, banished for life, under pain of death should I return ; all which the Parliament of United Canada declared unanimously, 1841, to have been, ^^illegal^ unconstitutional^ and without the possibility of excuse or palliation" But here I am with a sentence of banishment still on record ! ! The year after my banishment, the monstrous Act, to pre- vent meeting of delegates, was repealed ; and, after that, the people had no right to rebel : I say ri^ht to rebel ; be- cause, while any people enjoy the right to meet by dele- gates, they may peaceably rectify every abuse ; and, when that right is taken away, rebellion is justifiable. The re- bellion of 1837 had no such excuse. It was criminal ; and, the more criminal, inasmuch as it was weak, and therefore unsuccessful. It is highly important that these points should be clearly seen and understood at this juncture ; because, if the British League, now organised in Canada, is well conducted, all may be for the best ; and British North America retained as an integral part of the Empire, of which now, more than ever, we have all the greatest reason to be proud. It 18 hope of this which haj induced me to attempt the settlement now proposed, and i shall proceed to explain. The greatest error in all settlements of wild land hitherto, ( "V * :|! 14 has been placing few and feeble bands on extended tracts. I will bave none but efficient bands, and place these c lose ton^etber. I have sent to Canada for estimates for ten log- houses, one for each hundred acres. Each of the log-houses is to be, within walls, 32 feet long by 18 feet wide; the floor, two feet above the surface of the ground j with a cellar of 18 by U feet, 4 feet under it. There are to be two bed-rooms, 12 feet by 7, and a pantry 8 by 4 feet, besides the living-room, with a floored s^rret over all. FLAN OF THE LOG-HOUSE. No 1. Living-room; 2 and 3, bed-rooms; 4, pantry; S, chimney fl^ pd; 6, ^wi stair- 7. cellar stair, hatched over; 8, outer door; 9. "TJish each log-house to be occupied by five men, one of them newly married. The married man and his wife to hav" one bf the bed-rooms ; the other bed-room for girls,- sislers of the men, from ten to thirteen years of age The unmlrried men to roost in the garret. I wish the who e of Se to be well known to each other before they leave heir naive place, and to be well informed beforehand of their destinvr I wish them to be well educated s to carry Bibles wUhtLm for the best advice and direction , Shakspere s davs for knowledge of the world ; and the works of Robert S^?ns, to keep thei? hearts ever warm in the remembrance "^Tol'adfof 30 men I shall give twenty acres, and at the end of three years, I would advise letting one o» «... m..., the marred man having the first refusal, have the who ea^ afarm, at a fair priced for less than a hundred acres is too 15 led tracts, these close or ten log- log-houses wide ; the ith a cellar are to be by 4 feet, ir all. », chimney fire outer door; 9» men, one of his wife to a for girls, — of age. The the whole of »y leave their land of their carry Bibles 1 Shakspere's rks of Robert remembrance 3s, and at the ~ ^f ♦Vi/» mnn. the whole as d acres is too little for a farm in Canada. I shall require no payment but for the cost of the log-house, till the end of three years — the occupiers paying the Government taxes, which are very light, each year. The log-house, its situation and plan, are considerations of great importance seldom attended to. If possible, a situation somewhat elevated should be chosen — so elevated that water may not stagnate near it ; nor in the cellar ; and a cellar is very necessary in a Canadian dwelling, for stowage of meat, vegetables, potatoes, cabbages, &c. ; at once to be easily come at, and secure from frost. In my plan, the cellar being beneath the bed-rooms, &c., renders these parts of the house more dry and healthy ; while that part of the house near the fire is thereby heated ; and more free from any risk of conflagration, having no boarded floor. In due time, most settlers erect comfortable houses ; but it is of consequence, at the beginning, to have a comfortable log-house, and chiefly for security against ague, which, then, is the settler's most frequent assailant. Probably half the disease, and most of the failure of settlers, is caused by ill situated and badly constructed log-houses. I have mentioned October as the time of departure from Scotland : and that is the best time on every consideration. Most emigrants go off in spring and by way of Quebec. Six weeks are generally wasted on the passage ; and, in many cases, unheard of miseries ensue. The settlers are seldom at rest on their land, even though secured before- hand, till the month June ; then, the heat is excessive, mus- quitoes are innumerable ; and, to emigrants, vexatious in the extreme. In many cases, fever is induced, and despon- dency follows. All this is avoided by going out in October; for, then, the wer.t^Kr is most favourable at sea, and the Indian summer, lasting ten days or a fortnight towards the beginning of November, is truly delightful. The whole of November is generally mild, and winter does not generally set in till towards Christmas. The months of January and February are pleasant and invigorating ; then, labour in the woods has little interruption ; and, during March, abundance of sugar can be made from maple trees, which, on my land, abound. During April and May, the land cleared can be put under crop, and all fear of want is dissipated for ever with the month of August. I take it for «^ranted, all alono", that mv settlers have been thrifty at home and have provided monicd means, not only 16 for expenses by tie way, but for maintenance during ten months. Any not so provided, I would advise to slay where they are and improve their habits. I would advise each to have a good Sunday's suit of clothes, and two suits of coarser stuff for daily wear, with good bed and bedding. I intend cutting down the white cedars, which thickly cover 200 acrej, at my own cost, for sale ; and this will give work to many hands. I intend draining other 200 acres, which will also give employment to many— those most will- ing and able for such work. It will be my duty to have the log-houses ready for recep- tion of the settlers ; but they must find their way out ; and, I would only recommend them going by New York, Oswego, and Hamilton. I have land good for clearing and settlement only for SO men ; and I have said that 50 men are wanted. I shall have log-houses for all, and for the 20 men to whom I cannot give land, I shall have work ; or, if they choose, they may work for others, though living in my log-houses. My main object is to point out how all may be best taken care of, before they leave home, and my individual interest in the matter is proportionately very small. It is to begin a new system of emigration and settlement on wild lands, that I am taking all this trouble ; and, could I have the countenance of Government in my endeavours, very glorious results would follow certainly. By my plan, not a day will be lost ; for, immediately, there is work at hand in the woods ; and, by the end of three years, the men who give up their 20 acre properties, will have no difficulty in any way. They will be, by that time, complete axe men ; and well skilled in all the customs of the country. If they want land, they will find plenty to pur- chase, and have good opportunities for selection. If they dislike Canada, they may then leave it ; but I doubt not most will remain and be prosperous — independent of all care through the remainder of life. By my plan, each little community of five men, a wife and four girls, will be strong and efficient from the outset. Should sickness invade the dwelling, there will be abundant aid and sympathy. The girls will have the protection of brothers ; be exposed to no risk, to no vice ; and, by the *»nfl of tlirpp vpnrs will hp wftll trained in all the industrial habits of the country. They may, if they choose, return to Scotland ; and if they remain they will be sure of husbands. Huzza for the lassies of Scotland ! the best in the world. 17 during ten )stay Mr here vise each to wo suits of bedding, lieh thickly his will give ' 200 acres, ;e most will- ly for recep- y out ; and, >rk, Oswego, only for SO I shall have >m I cannot le, they may . My main Lcn care of, erest in the begin a new lands, that I countenance ious results immediately, end of three >perties, will jy that time, istoms of the 3nty to pur- Dn. If they I doubt not indent of all n, a wife and the outset, be abundant protection of and, by the he industrial ise, return to of husbands, tie world- PURPOSES OF EMIGRATION SOCIETIES, UNION AND AGENCY. To the Emigration Union of Ceres^ Scoonle, Kennoway, CultSf and Largo. You asked me to write out for publication, a Report of the Purposes of our Institution, and nothing was more wanted ; seeing that great mistakes prevail as to these. It has been thought that our fund was collecting to fit out emigrants for Canada, than which nothing could be more absurd ; and, because of this abs-irdity, many have withheld contributions. I have repeatedly said, that we may, by and by, aid emi- grants by means of a Savings' Bank ; but this scheme must have years to mature it, and is wholly distinct from what we now propose to put in action. It is also proper to state, that our Societies arc altogether different from what, of late years, have been forming in the West of Scotland. These are communities consisting of families intending themselves to emigrate, and who thus associate, the better to economise for common interests. Having informed themselves as to their destined asylum, clubbed their monied means, chartered vessels, and laid in stores for the voyage, they chaunt their note of departure, and are off, like swallows in autumn, never again perhaps to be identified in union. Theirs is a prudent, but narrow and temporary project. Ours is boundless, contemplates the good of the public at large, looks forward to centuries, and over the whole earth for objects and enterprise. We behold, on the map of the world, British America, still more extensive than the United States, New Holland, twenty times larger than Britain, the Cape, New Zealand, and countless Islands throughout the South Sea and Pacific, in- habited but by beasts and savages : We call to mind the first great law of God to man : — " Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it ;" we consider how this can be best accomplished, and feel assured that, with concert and good arrangement, the happiest consequences may ensue. Our first object is to establish a correspondence with parts abroad, by which emigrants, their friends and con- nexions, may have the earliest and best intelligence of all that concerns them. 18 It is but too well known, that multitudes have been, and aro still, seduced by selfish speculators to remove into regions of misery ; and that, even where the government lent its aid with liberal views, disappointment, waste, and wretchedness have followed, solely from ignorance and mismanagement. Our correspondence will guard against every thing of the kind. We shall ascertain where the labourer can earn the highest wages with most comfort ; and disclaiming all con- cern with governments, either in church or state, shall pro- nounce that the best country for emigrants. We know that, in the flourishing settlements abroad, an agricultural labourer can earn treble pay to what he can do here : we know that even in the worst times, a young man can, at home, by saving, in three, two, or even one year, have sufficient means to carry him abroad : we know that were a million of people to proceed to the colonies annually for hundreds of years, there might still be employment and un- diminished remuneration ; we know that every comfort can now be obtained there as well as here : we know that per- sons and property are secure there ; and we say confidently that it is the labourer's own iiiult if he remains at home ; either to want himself, or bring want on the community at large : — we know, in short, that God is just, and will surely help him who is willing to help himself, while time and op- portunity are afforded. With a society in every parish, a union of every five parishes, a county and national union, we shall be able to concentrate information, and deal it out in the cheapest terms. Whoever intends to emigrate shall have from us the best advice as to every foreign country — times and terms of sailing, land to be sold and let, places of employment, employers, &c. &c. &c. Whoever desires to know how and where any emigrant has settled, may also be satisfied. We shall have weekly- despatches from all quarters, and discover the minutest par- ticular as to the circumstances of all, even in the remotest corner of the earth, — if alive or dead, — in want or prosperity, married or single. Property to the amount of millions has undoubtedly been lost to this country, from ignorance of facts and circumstances. We shall hold up a light for re- covery of such property ; and the poorest man may, by in- spection of our books, be able to claim and recover what belongs to him. ^ ROBERT GOURLAY. ) been, and into regions t lent its aid wretchedness nagement. thing of the lan earn the ng all con- j, shall pro- abroad, an ; he can do young man e year, have that were a mnually for ;nt and un- somfort can v that per- confidently 5 at home ; Timunity at [ will surely ne and op- every five be able to le cheapest from us the and terms uployment, y emigrant ave weekly mutest par- he remotest prosperity, lillions has ^norance of ght for re- lay, by in- cover what JRLAY. If^ EMIGRATION SOCIETIES. (PROSPECTUS.) C Extracted from a pamphlet printed by me at Cleveland, 1838J OHIO PHILANTHROPIC ASSOCIATION. Ist. This Association shall have head- quarters at Cleve- land. 2d. The Mayor, Council, Magistrates, and resident Clergy shall, ex officio^ be members, together with all other respectable persons who shall subscribe the constitution, rules, and regu- lations. 3d. No money payment shall be required, but a Treasurer shall be appointed to receive and account for voluntary con- tributions, bequests, &c. 4th. Having benevolent objects only in view, this associa- tion shall meet every Sunday morning by 9 o'clock, for per- formance of duties, — adjourn for church service, and again meet at 5 o'clock, to remain till 9, or till all duties are per- formed. 5th. That any stranger, or person in distress, having applied for advice or assistance on Sunday morning, shall, on declar- ing to what sect, moral or religious, he or she belongs, be conducted to the place of meeting of such sect, by a mem- ber of the same ; — after service, be introduced to the officiat- ing minister, for spiritual aid, fellowship, &c. — his or her name, place of nativity, &c., being first made known to the association, and registered j testimonials of character, if any, &c., produced, &c. 6th. That an office shall be open, every other day of the week, with a person attending to receive and converse with any one applying for at' e or assistance ; and if necessary, the person in attendance shall call a meeting of the managing committeee [specially appointed for such purposes], which shall meet by 5 o'clock the evening of the same day, fully to consider every case submitted. 7th. That this association shall procure Lecturers— Clergy- men and others— who shall every Sunday evening discourse on subjects of practical benevolence, ever keeping in view the grand Christian precept, " Love thy neighbour as thyielfi* That it shall also make and promote inquiry as to modes of 20 1 ?i* m communicating the greatest happiness to the greatest num- ber. 8th. That this association shall endeavour to institute a branch-association in every county of the State ; which shall severally institute an association in every Township of the respective counties. 9th. That the Township association shall report and cor- respond with the county associations ; and the county as- sociations with this Ohio Philanthropic Association. 10th. That this association shall report and correspond with an association at New York, which shall report and correspond with an association at Liverpool. 1 1 th. That the association at New York shall receive re- ports and other communications not only from this associa- tion, but from similar institutions throughout America,-— all of which reports, &c., shall be condensed, and arranged for publication in a printed Journal, to be issued weekly, as a newspaper, the same to be regularly despatched to Liver- pool, &c. 12th. That the association at Liverpool shall receive re- ports, &c. from all parts of Great Britain, Ireland, &c. from institutions similar to those of America, to be condensed, and arranged for publication, as above, in a weekly news- paper ; and this despatched regularly to New York, &c. 13th. That it shall be a prime object of these institutions to guard against the emigration of improper persons from Europe, and, on the other hand, to facilitate the emigration and settlement of all others, by publishing the best advice as to every foreign country, times and terms of sailing, places of employment, employers, &c. &c. It is hoped, that by mere arrangement and concert, to- gether with the due and proper use of Sunday, never for- getting that "ffood may be done on the Sabbathy* and that " The Sabbath rvas made for man^ not man for the Sabbath,** — that a vast amount of good may be effected ; that the re- dundant population of Europe may be speedily drawn off: that the poor laws may be dispensed with : and " the desert be made to rejoice and blossom at the rose** Respectfully submitted by ROB. F. GOURLAY. latest num- institutc a which shall ship of the rt and cor- county as- CIATION. correspond report and receive re- lis associa- America,— d arranged weekly, as I to Liver- receive re- i, &c. from condensed, ekly news- )rk, &c. institutions jrsons from emigration st advice as ling, places joncert, to- never for- ," and that le Sabbath;' that the re- drawn off: ^Uhe desert JRLAY. '1 -x ^