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ESQ., Dated the 4Tn February, 1852, WITH THE PAPERS CONNECTED THEBEWITH, ON THE ' iM REPOUT OF MAJOR ROBINSON, ON THE INTERCOLONIAL RAILWAY. _ OTTAWA: MINTED BY HUNTER, tlOSE & COMPANV. 1868. L E T T E R OF JOHN WILKINSON, ESQ., Dated the 4tii February, 1852, WITH THE PAPERS CONNECTED THEREWITH, ON THE REPORT OF MAJOR ROBINSON, ON THE INTERCOLONIAL RAILWAY. V"v,«».-.--,.-v-^ ^vintttf Dn ((^rDfetr oe m momt ot eowmom. ' ^^ ^ OTTAWA: -~ - PRINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE & COMPANY. 18G8. ■-'A&,' k, -f- S3 f /f GENERAL NOTICE OP A REPLY BY MAJOR ROBINSON, R.E., TO OBSERVATIONS BY Mil. WILKINSON ON HIS REPORT OF THE EXPLORATORY SURVEY FOR THE HALIFAX AND QUEBEC RAILWAY. Fredericton, 4th February, 1852. Sir, — Some time has elapsed since you communicated to mo by desire of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, a copy of a reply by Major Robinson, dated 30th March, 1849, to my observations 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 accompanied by some notice from mo, which at moments of leisure was in part prepared ; but duties which could not conveniently be interrupted, occasioned rjy intention to be deferred. Also the temporary discouragements which after- wards befel the design of the projected Railway, tended to deprive the subject of pressing interest. Having recently become awaro that the reply in question has been printed amou st 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 liable 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 unnecessarily hasty to permit the language employed to obscure the merits of the chief points at issue in the guise of a complicated, if Hot unseemly, personal controversy. A pvincipal statement relied upon by Major Robinson, was, as soon as possible after I 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 refer, agreeably to my original intention. The objectionable remarks and atatemonta 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 tortuously ascribes to me, views relative to gradients which I could only regard as absurd ; which I have at no tioie entertained, much lesj professed or advocated. He thereupon assumes the merit of differing from me in those views, and of convicting me, as he pretends, of at least doubt- ful competency. Upon this ooint I have entertained substantially the views which I believe to have been sanctioned by the best authorities, since the experiments on the Liverpool and Man- chester Railway conducted by the Chevalier De Pambour, and published by him in 1835-6 '^eubsequent experiments have somewhat differe'd in their results, but not essentially. Ja my report dated 3rd March, 1849, on the prelinjinary survey of ths proposed line of Railway between Saint John and Shediac, and printed in the Jrarnals of the House of Aasenibly, 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 to 49 may be "practicable" though "objectionable;" and looomotivo engines are daily ascending much steeper inolinations both in England and America, not always for " very short distances," but in the instance of the Liokey 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. I an. not aware whether this may be material or whether he may so consider it. My professional services are at the disposal of the Provincial Gov- ernment. He was pleased to apply for them, and they were granted under the circum- stances stated in the correspondence Noa. 1, 2 and 3, appended. The object, ho says, which I had to accomplish, was to find a practicable line through the country between the River Saint Lawrence and the Restigouche 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. 3 to the general Report. Jt was entirely unsuccess- "/til. The difficulties of the ground tiled, hy him loere too great to be surmounted." I am not aware of any statement in the Report adverted to, of entire failure, or of difliculties " too great to be surmounted." The facts remaining to be ascertained are too important, and the labor yet to be performed, in order to ascertain them, much too great, to warrant my assuming the responsibility of such a statement. As to the ascent of 1 in 49, of which ho 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," Lc consoles himself with the idea that it is " next to impraotioa- blc," with the fancied aggravation that "it is most probable there would he 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 counti-y under consideration, was perfectly unknown for railway pur- poses ; 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 obtained without a thorough examination of its whole face. Therefore, as far as the insufficient limits of one season would permit, the valleys ofi"ering favorable indications, were traversed ; every hill and every tree iikoly to afford the most ready and satisfactory information, were climbod ; numerous sketches of mountain rnnges and passes, with approximate triangulationa, partly by theodolite from the tops of the highest hills, or by compass more frequontly from the tops of the highest trees, were made, in order to obtain the bare 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 incum- bent oa me to state that the country has not been sufficiently explored ; that the facilities it affords are only partially know , and remain to be fully discovered. The whole area immediately in question, within the limits of which ibis desirable to seek for the most favorable ground that may be afforded, is about 2000 square miles. This is wholly uninhabited, but the larger pait h it for settlement. The materials of a sufficient exploratory knowledge of probably one half of that extent, were obtained in 1847. But the labor of obtaining that knowledge was, it must be admitted, greatly increased by Blajor 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 recomm^^nd to the Provincial Government, through the Surveyor General, the propriety of persevering, and of reducing into an available form for future use, the matesiab which at great ptblio cost, as well as arduous labour, had been acquired. This recommendation was approved. The correspondence Nos. 5, 6 and 7, appended, will be more f^lly explanatory. whole It is stated by MaJ r Robinson, as already quoted, that my exploration north ol the RestiROucIie, was to " comploto the exploration of a nrntral and dirrct route through New Brunswick to the Saint Lawrence." To assent to this form of statement would be to admit that a central and direct route from the southward as far us the Rcstigouchc, cither had been already explored or was in course of exploration. Neither was the case. The two routes explored southward of the Restigouche are both at an an^^le of considerable obli- quity to the direct or central route. That which Major RobinBon trontsas the direct route, is at some points from 30 to 40 miles to the westward of the direct uud 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 Petitcr iiao to the valley of the Trois Pistoles. It does not appear that any consecutive portion of tliis line has been examined; or that its suitableness for the object of the proposed Trunk Railway does not remain as much to be ascertained now, as before the late exploration began. It will be seen that 3uch 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 probable facility of crossing the main vallev 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. The line inclining to the westward of the direct Hno had been partially explored during the previous season, and another party was formed in 1847 to complete that explor- ation. A separate party was organized for the exploration of the ground northward of the Restigouohe, and assigned to my charge", under the instructions, 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 " practicahle" one from the Saint Ln,wrenco to the Rcstigouche 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 was added by Major Robinson to my instructions. The date of this document, it will be obser- ved, 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 Rcstigouche. I then relied upon the disposal of the whole of the party originally placed under my charge, and with the view to keep the same advantageously and umciently employed, I devised an arrangement suitable to the emergency, which I communicated to Major Robinson, and which arrange- ment included a deta"ehed and rapid exploration by myself with a smal' canoeing party, in order to discover in advance any favorable communication 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 Rcbinson had, under some hasty misconstruction of my proceedings, withdrawn in another direction more than half the party, and that he had intentionally withheld from me the barometers ; a proceeding of which T was informed only so late in the season as to deprive mc 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 mea^s of readily ascertaining altitudes as had been contemplated. Thrown upon my weakened resources iu this capricious and unexpected manner, it is scarcely surprising that the success of the exploration was jeopardised, and my efiforts, 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. Nob. 8 to 25. I did not permit this discouragement to repress ray endeavors to make the best use of the remainder of the season. My first exploration from the Saint Lawrence to the Resti- goucho River, satisfied me that the line, though not " easy," was " practicable," having only one objectionable gradient, which I believe might be avoided by farther exploration, even on the first route, and so I reported, as in Appendix No. 3 of the final Report of Major Robinson. But I was unwilling to be satisfied even with a merely practicable route, whilst I believed an unobjectionable one could bo found. 1 therefore made no attempt, for the present, to proceed southerly. 1 continued my efforts to complete as far as possible, not only the first route expbred, but also concurrently to trace another which promised luore favorably. l^cforc iIjo party could iiiako much progress in t'jo latter, the winter sot in with such decided severity as to oblige U3 to retreat. Tiircc routes were indeed partioH'/ explored, but not one of them completely, flust as far as these exploratory labours were incomplete, HO far were thoy unsuccessful. I will now advert to the summit between the valleys of the Miraniicni and Tobiquo Hivcrs. It is with no feeling of gratification that I return to this subject, in order to deal with the mis'ioncoption to which Major Robir.aon is still willing to adhere, as to tho main I'act that this summit has not been properly explored, and to show that ho is greatly mis- taken in his reiterated assertions to the contrary. At the same time, neither his self- dolusion or his crroucous assertions seem to derive ary extenuating graco or merit, from tho personal stylo in which tlie latter are conveyed. Unhappily for his case, he thus appeals to the authority of Mr. (Jraut : — *' In tho first season," ho says, '-this country was traversed by our parties, not only in " tho direction of the lino, but an expedition under Mr. Grant, a Surveyor and J)raftamau " also of great experience, and of tho Crown Land Office of Frcdericton, (to whose valuable " exertions and zeal, even to the risk of his life, tho service is deeply indebted,) was sent *'^ \i\> i\\QTQh\i{nQYdX\oy for the express puriwsc. of examininif that lony mountain rufi/c " ichich continues from the mouth of the Tobujue River until it Joins on to the hiyheU " mountains in the centre of Ncio Brunswick, the object hrimj exp/cssli/ to find the lowest and " most ftvoralile point at which theij could he passed." As far as authority may depend upon breadth of assertion, this leaves nothing to be desired. Major Kobinson then proceeds to r^akc statements and extracts, by which he seems to have porsuadcd himself that very great things were done towards the exploration of the summit under consideration. Unfortunately, however, I must repeat, that he lias shewn nothing of tho kind. Persons locally ignorant of the country may roceivjadiiferent impression I'rom those statements, and it may seem that they are confirmed by the extracts given from tlic unpublished llcport of Mr. Grant. But the " lilue Mountain" which Mr. Grant ascended, and from one of the summits of which ho made hi.s panoramic sketch, is near tlie 'J'obiquo Iliver, and not probably within twenty niiles at the noarcst distance of the dividing or geographical summit in question. He docs not say that ho visited or oven saw this summit vt any point. He docs indeed suggest that " one of the most important ^^ preliminary steps is that of ascerlainimj ih'i lowest points of transit across it, as the one ^'' easiest of access from hoth directions must become a fixed point, and to a greater or less " extent injtuenee both the direction and gradients oj the line on either side of it." Were Mr. Grant's undoubted " great experience, valuable exertions and zeal," so appreciated by Major llobinson as to gain for him the attention or consideration due to his very proper, disinterested and highly important suggestion ? Or is it indeed true that he has already been Kent up tho Tobiquo Valley "for the express purpose of examining that '' long mountainous ridge, the object being expressli/ to J'lnd the lowest and most J'avorablc ^' point at which it could l>c jnissed." When I was personally applied to in Ficdoricton by the late Captain Pipon at this period, for any information it might be in my power to afford him relating to his under- taking, he stated to mo generally his arrangements and proceedings. He was then (say in tho mouth of September) preparing to pass from the valley of the Miramichi to that of the Tobiquo, and thence to the Grand F-ilIs of the lliver Saint John, by the recently explored lino for a military road. To the best of my recollection, he expected to find Mr. Grant in tho valley of the Tobiquo, explorjpg the banks of the river, with a view to ascer- tainj the most favorable sites for crossing. Had he intended, either personally or by the assistance of Mr. Grant, to explore the dividing summit, I think he would have mentioned a matter so important. It was physically impossible, however, at that late period, to pay more than very slight attention to it without defeating his main object, that of a general recorinoisance of the country on the line of the proposed military road as far as the llestigouehc. jjivingas I have been for several years in friendly communication with Mr. Grant, it would be absurd in me to affect ignorance as to the main facts adverted to, and relating to which neither tho public interest or profcssiona! duty required r\ny mystery or concealinent. It was proper, however, under tho circumstances of the present controversy, that I should introduce such facts only as Mr. Grant might choose to state them as a matter of official ('< nth such explored, Qouiplctc, Tobiquo or to deal tlio main iiitly mirt- his Helt- irit, f'roiri he thus 3t only in )raftamau 3 valuablo was Bent aiii ruhjc ic higheU 'owest and Dp; to be which he xploration at bo liuH a different 3 extracts vhich Mr. sketch, is istaucc of ;d or even important as the OHG cr 01' less zeal," so ilue to his uo that he lininy that favorable )on at this his under- thcu (say to that of e recently ,0 find Mr. r to ascer- or by the mentioned od, to pay a general far as the :. rirant, it relating to )ucealnient. ,t I sliould f of ofiiuial courtesy, under sanction of the highcBt Provincial luthoiity. They aro accordingly so presented in the correspondonoo tiled in your oflicc, copies of which .ire hereunto annexed, Nos. 20 to 28. By this correspondence it will be seen, that with the permission of His Hxcelloncy the Lieutenant Governor, the following qucstionu were proposed to Mr, (Irant: — 1. Tc what extent ha.s the lino of tho dividing summit between tlio Tobiquo and the Miramicbi Hivcrs been examined 't 2. To what extent has Mr, Grant any personal knowledge of that summit '( 8. To what extent does t'lC summit iu question remain unknown '/ To which Mr. Grant replies — 1. 1 cannot say to what extent tho ridgo separating tho Tobiquo and Miramichi waters has been examined^ as it was done under Captain I'ipon'a own immediate supcrintendcuco. 2. I have no personal knowledge of tho summit in question, for tho reasons already stated. My instructions were to "examine the valley of ihc Tobique, arid to ascertain the " best Bridge sites along that river." 3. I believe no survey of it has been made, except to a limited extent, in tho neigh- bourhood of the point passed by Corporal J)umble, o*' tho It. S. and M., and his party, ia extending tho northward lino. Besides this very important, not to say conclusive testimony, as to the unknown char- acter of the central territory of Now Brunswick, it is necessary only to refer to the Parlia- mentary Map of tho explorations which have been made, iu order to perceive at a glance that there is a maximum breadth of at least seventy miles untouched by those explorations, and with respect to which Major llobinson must of necessity bo incompetent to offer information of any practical weight or value. With respect to the summit in question, it will appear on reference, that tho explorations made embrace only two points of that summit, scarcely two miles apart, leaving the most interesting portions of tho same, for n distance of at least fifty miles in a straight line, absolutely unknown. Whilst the map referred to is under notice, I may, perhaps, with propriety, point out the liberties which have been taken in tho I'cprcscntation of the country explored by mo between the ri^'ers Restij'oucho and Saint La^vrence. The discrepancies wi' be seen upon comparison of the sketch if the exploration of that country, with the reduce-! lopresentation of the same in the Parliamentary Map. That sketch accompanied my lleport, Appendix No. a, to Major Kobinson's final lloport. It is the most recent and authentic representation of the previously very littlo known ret'ion in question, derived from my personal observations and surveys, acquired at gr^^at paius, and compiled with as much care and scrupulous attention to accuracy, as the little time to which he restricted me would permL. It was also of intere it to the pending question of tho intercolonial boundary, that thero 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. lleturning to the summit under consideration, south of tho Tobiquo lliver, Major Pobinson reluctantly admits that " it is of course within the limits of possibility that thero " may exist some gap in this chain by which it could bo passed at a somewhat lower level, " but it is highly improbable that there should be, and that it should have been unknoicn to the " Indians, and undiscovered bi^ our exploring parties." In answer to my second question already referred to, Mr. Grant says, " 1 purposed "making an examination of such parts of the ridge as my own observations, as well as the " suggestions of the Indians, led mo to believe were most approachable from either side, to " what appeared the lowest summit levels. With this intention, 1 was in the act of making "a section survey from tbe Tobiquo River towards it, which Captain Pipon directed mo to " abandon, as he had himself for the time sufficiently exaniined it." From my own know- ledge, as already stated, it was physically 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 thie matter, are such as to invite criticism. a ^ ' lie dLsingcnuously imputed tu mc oa antloipation of failure of the party south of the Rettigouche, to find a *' practicable" line. Prticticabiiitj is a coiu[>rehenBif e and conven- ient term. My anticipation was that they would fail to find a Mne that could be recom- mended. The result of the exploration oa the line examined, as I refer, was creditable to thT parlies, but its adoption has not been recommended by Major Eobin&on, nor do I recoiiimend it. He says that 1 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 Green lliver. "he disingenuousness and falbcy, both of the charge of proposed intrusion south of the Restigouche, and of imputed failure north of that river, have been shown, by reference to documents and correspondecoe annexed. The winter did not find me embarrassed in the highlands at the head of Green lliver, nor withia twenty miles of them, nor am I accustomed to be embarrassed by higlilaods. The real embarrassment I experienced has been already explained, and is exhibited in detail ia the annexed correspondence. The statement that " large parties were'employed at great expense for two seasons on the central and direct line," has been disproved. It is obviously and inexcusably wrong. " Year after year," it is pretended, " explorations might be contiaued to be made, " and great expenses incurred, in the hope of finding a better line, or inr.proviog upon the "one ]<\tit found, and parties interested would si'U pay that every effort had not been " exhausted." The fallacy of this excuse is not mitigated by an improper insinuation, whether war- ranted or not : I believe it to be wholly unfouuded; The oaly interested parties whose interest can bo of overiuling iir.portance 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 fromttie source of tho River Saint John to the northwestern source of the Connecticut River, a distance of about 200 M^lea of most diflB- ci:lt ground, were discovered, not " yoar after yeur,'' but in about halfofoneysar, by the joint Commission for determining the " undary under the Treaty of Waahington. It is true that the task was accomplished ^ by extraordinary exertions and corresponding expenye, but those exertions and expense, included also the cutting out of the dividing ■'ummit along all its sinuosities, over high per ks and deep vavines, and over rocks and precipices, a width of clear 30 feet through a dense and uninhabited forest. But the principle, without tht more laborious details of this process, might bo followed in dis- covering the most favorable gap in tho dividing ridge between the Tobique and Miramiohi Rivers, with equal promptitude and an incomparably less numerical force than was necessary on the Boundary, and yet, for the object in view, with results equally conolusi^ \ Not necessarily the loioest but the most favorable point ia this riige should be discovered, as a governing point for the direction of the line, both north and south of the ridge. Withour, tliio preliminrry discovery it i» obvious that surveys of lines approaching in either direction, mifht, as it is probable thoy willprov") to be, labor thror-i away. In replying to that part of my observations on his report, in which I object to the only apparent grounds upon which he decides as to the coTnparative facility of two lines from the southern boundary of New Brunswick, northward to the Miramichi, Major Rob- inson affords no explanation. He refers to opiaions of intelligent gentlemen who have passed over, or who have seen the ground, tending to show that it is practicable, but which IS not the point involved in my objection. It is still unexplained how hs arrivos at a pre- fenenco tor a 'ine, the sections of which are, as he torms them, " not grades for tlie RaUway." The obvious and undenicd inference from the language of his Report is, that the sections which Lave been made, present gradients not to be recommended. The excuses are, that they are sections of • straight lines," and tnat " no attempt was made to contour tlie hills." Whereas it is just before asserted, that " the whole of this poition of the country is believed to be jrcnerally low andjlat, with occasional undulations." And Dr. Gesner's authority is now quoted to shew " that the whol"? country is remarkably level, and that upon an iverage, " its elevation abovo the sea will not eioeed 20 feet." Also the xurther authoiicy of Mr. Perley, that "there is scarcely a singlo hill of any luagnitudein jhe whole of this County, not rise. 9 outh of the Eiud conven- l be recom- ;reditable to n, nor do I i party, that barrassed in both of the ire north of lexed. The I River, nor lands. The 1 in detail ia two seasons inexcusably to be made, iog upon the lad not been vhether war- )artit»8 whoae 5 selected for responsibility rery gap and t John to the 3f most diffi- hsar, by the Qgton. It is orrespunding the dividing er rocks and St. But the owed in dis- nd Miramiohi roe tlian was ly conolu8i\ \ ye should be and south of eys of lines labor thrown object to the of two linos , Major Rob- en who have )le, but which ivos at a pre- he Railway.'' b the sections ises are, that our thehiUs," try is believed s authority is m an .verage, 101 icy of Mr. 'this Couniy, "(Kent) and the land, especially on the G-ulf Shore, is very low and level, [t 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 uorth, "and found it to be extremely level and favorable." Now it ivould seem to be strange that " straight lines" through such n, country as this should present sections '* not grades for the Railway " or that hills should require to bo " contoured,' where scarcely a hill exists. Notwithstanding the t- CO «» o O o o o o S ■«i4 ■*-* •«-i ■*^ o •«f II a 4> o n to vn •«(( « 1- « "rt .O Tt< CO M M <» CT Jt- oo «o •>* s e^ iH CO iH Ol I "- i CO CD 00 00 o CO J i *o m -*t «o (N «» CO o t3 c? or fO C4 e> CO »- y~l ^ Ci r- o •* o> ^H o «» CO »o »-^ ci" ef "-^ CO »- « cc OS " IM o> 8 «i Oi ei to t- OO Ol tenant way. w ■^ CO c^ c t- t> CQ >o o « M «» s M t- c» 1-H r-1 CO CO 1 CT F—* ^O* •o" o- CO «<< e^ at 5e» T!^ 14 According to these returns, therefore, instead of the cost of " motive power" being even the bare working cost, it is a small and uncertain fraction of that amount, varying from a fourth to a thirteenth. Whilst in order to yield the dividends realized on these Railways, the gross revenue, instead of being the duplicate only, must bo estimated at from eight to thirty times the coat of " motive power." It is remarkable also, that the mean portion of the cost of motive power'io 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.G per cent. With whatever specu- lative views on this point Major Robinson may therefore labor to mislead himself, it is quite certain that well-known practical results on both sides of the Atlantic are not to blame for his error. In the table which I presented of the comparative cost of transportation from Quebec to the respective ports of Halifax, Saint John and Saint Andrews, I estimated the rate per ton to Halifax at £3 19s. 4d. sterling, because I believed this to be the lowest which could be safely stated for heavy freight. For the sake of competition \a certain articles of carriage, the charge might bo 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 22fl. 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 mot've power from Quebec to Halifax, then the total remunerative freight wculd be £6 2s. 2d. per ton. On the reverse supposition that 22s. is a remunerative freight, then 2s. and not lis. would bo the coat 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 jGS 19s. 4d. 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 toorkmg expenses. Therefore if onlyTs. 2d. per ton be the cost of motive power, no less than £2 Gs. 2d. per ton would still be necessary meroly to cover working expenses, and Major Robinson's estimate of 22s. per ton, so far from affording a profit, would not pay ono half of those expenses. At the same time, however low the cost of transportation to Halifax, and it is desirable that it should he as low as possible, it would not alter the fact that it would be higher than the cost of transportation to the Bay of Fundy, very nearly in proportion to the difference in distance. This difference, reckoning from the River du Loup, or from the nearest harbour 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 labor alike vain and tedious to show in detail the misapplied statistics and illusory deductions by which Major Robinson endeavors to sustain a position too evidently at variance with recognized data. I termed the ground work upon which he had built so magnificent an array of calculations an " oversight ;" but it was too hard to avail himself of au excusable fallibility ; he prefers, with an earnestness worthy of a better cause, to confirm himself in error. He assails my observations on the importance of a direct trunk line with judicious branches as " quite opposite to the results of RaiWay experience generally, and the opinions " of experienced engineers." " Branches," he says, " are looked upon as costly appendages " tu trunk lines." Nothing would of course be more easy than to make branches costly appendages to trunk lines, and much injudicious expenditure to this effect has no doubt been incurred in England ; there is at the same time nothing more clearly established than that the m\i/ traffic is the main source of revenue, and that the most effectual method of increasing this js by means of judicial branches. Major Robinson's asscrtious are opposed to views which m Ib( mf^ 16 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 evidencn which may be brought against them. I will quote a late authority, who expresses the com- mf^n sense of this subject : — " A principle of great importance to be kcjit in view is to shorten the distance as " much as possible between places to which adirect 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 advantages required ; besides which, "the adoption of a circuitous route instead of a straight line, has too often had the effect " of injuring the efficiency, if not the general safety of the line. "The numerous plans of Railways now before the public, proceed therefore chiefly on " the principle of a direct communication, and it is considered better for smaller towns to " have a branch directly to the larger ones, than that a Railway should perambulate a " country, and diverge for their accommodation, at one point at a tangent and at another by " a semi-circle from the straight line. ' A system of trunk and branch lines has been recommended by distinguished Engineers both in France and the United States. Major Robinson next refers to a Report which, in compliance with instructions com- municated to me through your predecessor, I addressed to Sir William Oolebrooke — "On some of the results of experience in the United States with regard to the use of wood "in the construction of Railways, and with reference to the construction of similar works " in the Province o^ 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 Iltica Railway, he quotes a document, the authority of which I acknowledge, in order to shew, as he thinks, that the structure of that Railway was " worn out, sunk and gone." Now if he had atten- tively examined the whole of the document from which he has so largely and somewhat irrelevantly quoted, he would have discovered that the supcrstructtirc 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 transport- ation, or the examination of a point for the examination of the whole range of highlands between the Tobiquo 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 superstructui as in Europe or America, which have not been lonewed 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 State Canal, with which it runs parallel, it has generally, if not always, paid ten per cent, upon its cost, besides a surplus sufficient for flie repair a7id (/radual reconstruction of the 7vorks, the superstructure excepted. With one or two exceptions, the shares stand at the highest premium in the list of American Railways. The selection of such an example, in order to condemn its original principfc of economy, is not peculiarly fortunate. Moreover, so far from the abolition of wood being a feature of the new superstructure adverted to, I have no doubt that the wood is still retained in one or other of the various forms now almost universally adopted; and that the main difference is in the weight and form ot the new iron rail, not very unlike, perhaps, the same construction which Major Robinson, in a momentary obliviousness of the evils of wood, has himself recommended for the Halifax and Quebec Railway, to wit : — " A rail of 651bs, per yard, supported upon longitudinal sleepers with cross ties, similar to the rail used upon the London and Croydon line; the wood to be prepared, &c." Another example to which I more particularly referred, was that of the Charleston and Augusta Railway. In a document of an official character, which has lately been pub- lished, being a communication by John C G. Kennedy, Commissioner of Census of the United States, to Jules Gontin, Minister of Public Works in Paris, in answer to inquires fcy the latter on the statistics of Railroads, the example just mentioned receives the follow- ing notioe :«— '.:■-■ CoMPAEATiVE Table of Distances for assumed systems of Railways in JSew Brunswick. I '" From Trois Pistoleg to Dalbousie, 176 to Bathurst 224 to Newcastle 270 to Shediac 353 to Edmundston. to Colebrooke to Woodstock .. to Saint Andrews toFrederioton... 272 to Saint John.., 341 to Amherst 380 to Halifax 504 Total extent of Branch Lines to complete the system Deduct extent of Branch Lines by circuitous route BY CIRCniTOnS ROUTE. Trunk line, miles. Branches, miles. 12 70 70+35 106+71 176+80 80 1U6 454 Total miles 176 224 282 353 70 105 176 256 ;i62 447 380 504 BT DIRBCT ROUTE. Tnink line, miles. 82 82 182 277 55 82 82 82 182 182 304 428 Branches, miles. Excess of Branch Lines in order to attain the several distances indioated in favor of direct route, but also saving 76 miles in the extent of Trunk Line... 85 85+84 60 5 16 30 30+71 101+80 40 102 528 454 74 Total milei 167 216 212 232 70 112 183 163 222 284 304 428 Difference in faror of direot route mile*. — 9 — 9 — 40 - n + 1 + 7 + 7 —180 — 16S — 76 — 76 It will be seen that the diflFerence in favor of a central line, by means of branches necessary to the system, are, for communication between Quebec and the principal Ports of New Brunswick, a.s follows : — Dalhousie 9 miles. Bathurst 9 « Newcastle '....!. 40 " Shediac ,».,.. ....4.,., '.*.".... 71 " W 17 jrnishing lipmenta. d States, nd costly r of anon. > country obtruded le. n arrives le it, the sat emin- 10 motiyea viaducts •ailway. sr to shew F the pro- properly oterested, rarements I believe 8 Pistoles 1 of Lake ?able and lid remaia in ISew Difiiarence In favor of direct route milef. — 9 — 8 — 40 — n + 7 + 7 + 7 — ITO -tfl8 -76 -78 branches il Ports of es. I FrederictoD 130 miles. ' ';. Saint John 103 " And for Halifax and all other places in Nova Scotia 70 " J ' The circuitous lino, therefore, so far from beinp really advantageous to any of the Provinces, would be seriously detrimental to all. Passenj^ers, mails and freight would require to be transported between Halifax and Quebec an unnecessary distance of 70 milcH, without any equivalent advantage. The open Harbour of Saint John, so important to the winter trade bothof Canadii and New Brunswick, would be available to the merchandise of the former only through 103 miles of unnecessary transportation, and an extra impost for railway charges more than equal to the whole freight across the Atlantic. This consideration alone would bo fatal to the circuitous line. It would compel these two Provinces to establish a more direct, economical, and of course a competing hoc, a Hue which would also shorten the distance to Halifax, and necessarily command the. transport- ation of through passengers, mails and freight, if not also the troops and military stores. For it is obvious that undor such circmstances the policy of exclusive Imperial aid or preference to the circuitous line couL not bo sustained. The readiest access to the nearest open harbour is also not less important to the winter trade of the ports of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence than to Quebec. All those ports from Miramiohi northward would be placed probably upwards of 40 miles more remote from Saint John by the circuitous line than by the necessary branches of the central line. The same ports even by the longer route would be upwards of 40 miles nearer to Saint John than to Halifax, but by the necessary branches of the shorter route this distance would bo increased to upwards of SO miles in favor of Saint John. The ports of the Bay of Chaleur would also not merely be nearer to Quebec by the central line, but the communication would be through the favorable and fertile valley of the Restigouche, probably every milo of which is tit for settlement. They would also obtain, by the shortest and easiest route, access to the valley of the Upper Saint John and the northern part of the State of Maine. By means of the central line and its necessary branches, the Port of Fredericton, being also the Seat of Government, would be placed in the most rapid and generally con- venient commuaication with all parts of the Province, and would be 130 miles nearer Quebec than by the circuitous line. The tide navigation of the River St. John would also be connected with the nearest harbour of the St. Lawrence by means of about 240 miles of railway, to the great conveaiencc of both the inland and coasting trade during the summer season. It is probable that the distance from the St. Lawrence to St. Andrews by a connection with a central trunk line adapted to the common convenience of all the Provinces, would be a few miles longer than if a line were made independently to that point. The table shews that the probable difference against St. Audrews, would be about seven milss, but with the advantage of joining the trunk line about 82 miles before reaching the Trois Pistoles, and probably one hundred miles before reaching the nearest harbour of the St. Lawrence. The shortest communication, exclusively through British territory, that can be made between the St. Lawrence and the winter navigation of the Atlanti .-, will terminate at or near St. Andrews. But it is yet unknown whether it may also be the most favorable, through the whole distance, for the transportation of freight. It would become of greatly increased importance, as an economical and necessarily a competing lino for Canadian freight, if a circuitous lino by the Gulf of St. Lawrence should bo adopted either from necessity or choice. t i. • i For the general convenience of New Brunswick, the Harbour of St. John is the most accessible, and by means of the central lino will be only about 21 miles more remote from the St. Lawrence than St. Andrews, but must always have great advantages as the centre of the Provincial trade and tho principal resort of shipping. Were a proposition now for the first time offered, that the intercourse between Hali- fax and Quebec should not pass through New Brunswick, except by the most circuitous route that could be made, it might justly be expected to be repugnant to both Nova bcotia and Canada. But it has, I trust, beeu shewn, that such a proposition would be at least 18 equally objeotionablo to New Brunswick, and that it is for the oommoa interest that the inter-communication should be as direct as the natural facilities of the country will permit. With reference to military considerations whioh may be involved, if the authority of Colonel Holloway, commanding the Royal Engineers in Canada, may be rej^rded as a guarantee, that the line explored for a military road under his direction in 1843-44, was sufficiently remote from the inland frontier, then the proposed central route of the trunk railw-y will be also unexcoptionablo. Its general course will be still more remote, and iti minimum distance from that frontier greater by several miles than that of the line recom- mended foi the military road. Its favorable position with reference to the maritime fron- tier is not in dispute. But these as well as my former remarks, are made " much less under any serious anticipations of the eventual importance of avoiding very widely either the inland frontier on the one hand, or thu sea coast on the other, than under a sense of the superior import- ance of constructing a trun'c line of Railway, which shall as much as possible bind together both colonial and national nterests, and by its intrinsic adaptation to the purpose, inde- pendently of any adventitious aid from GoTornmsnt, preclude for all time a reasonable motive for the project of a competing line." '■ ' ■■ , ,. , I have, &o., ;• (Signed,) J. WILKINSON. The Hon. J. R. Partelow, Prov. Secretary, &c., &o. &c. •> . ";;■ , APPENDIX. No. 1. 'r-r-; .V', • ..,5.-.. . (Copy.) Seoretaby's Office, 7th June 1847. Sir, — I am directed by His Excellency the Lieut. Governor, to apprise you that Major Robinson has applied to His Excellency for permission to avail himself of your asr- vices in assisting him in his exploration and survey of the proposed line of Railway from Halifax to Quebec, and that His Excellency having considered the important and urgent nature of that service, and that the work may be otherwise delayed, has been pleased to consent to your undertaking that employment with Major Robinson and Capt. Henderson, and thaC it shall be done without prejudice to your station and standing as compiler in the Crown Land Office. .:'---" ■'■■;..--.•>' ^ I have, Ac, ■^'^l-.n^ : '-;',.;.•• i/T .. ' (Signed,) John S. gAUNDBRS, John Wilkinson, Esq. No. 2. (Copy.) Fredericton, New Brunswick, 8th June, 1847. Sir, — I have the honor to enclose you the copy of a letter which I have received this day from Mr. Baillie, Surveyor General, conveying His Excellev cy Sir William Cole- brooke'a consent to your temporary employment in the xiailway exploration survey under my direction. ' ' \ I have, &c., . ; ^.^ . . (Signed,) Wm. Robinson, Mr. Wilkinson. ; _; ;^*2^.,^ i^: ;: Capt. Royal Engineers, Bt. Major^^^- -■■ " No. 3. '-'- , it.;. (Copy of enclosure referred to above.) (N page 383.) Crown Land Of hob, 8th June, 1847. Sir,— I have the honor to inform you that your letter of the 20th May, 1847, requeit- 19 0' it that the mntry will mihority of ^rdcd aa a 43-44, WBB r the trunk otc, and itn line reoom- itime frou- any serious md frontier ior import- nd together •pose, inde- i reasonable NSON. e 1847. He you that of your asr- lilway from and urgent ; pleased to Henderson, pilar in the «DKR8. 1847. sceived this Uiam Cole- rvoy under Major. 1847. 17, request- ing the services of Mr. Wilkinson upon the Railway exploration survey, has been submitted to His Excellency the Lieut. Governor, with Huch remarks as 1 deemed applicable to the ease. Although the particular duties in which Mr. Wilkinson has hitherto been engaged in this office must of necessity bo suspended by his removal, an event which may bo attended with much inconvenience both to myself and to the public, yet the highly important nature of the service now being performed by the parties under your command has been deemed an exigency sufficient to authorize the present removal of Mr. Wilkinson to the exploratory survey. His KxotjUency therefore being desirous to afford every possible facility for the con- tinuance of operations which in their result must bo of great and permanent advantage to^ this Province, has thought proper to assent to tho temporary employment of Mr. Wilkinson in the Railway exploration survey, and Mr. Wilkinson will accordingly oease on the 10th instant to receive his salary as an officer of this Department. I have, &c., (Signed,) Tiios, Baillie, Surveyor General. ', ' ' ' No. 4.'" (Copy.>.')r. ■' i> I. n THE SAINT LAWRENCE PARTY. w .._ :^v ; . ' Instructions /or Mr. Wilkinson. ' . , The Saint Lawrence party will consist of James Mulligan, Assistant Surveyor, Corporal M'Kcnaie and Private Campbell, of the Royal Sappers and Miners, and a party of laborers. Their object will bo to explore the best route for a lino of Railway between the Saint Lawrence and tho Restigouohc Rivers, commencing at some point between River du Loup and Trois Pistoles. In the first instance, the best general course of proceeding will be probably by the Aberaquash branch of the Trois Pistoles River to its source, thence across to the Rimouski River, and up its valley, and across to that of the Metamkedgewick River, followirp; the valley of the latter to the Restigoucho. This is suggested as the best possible course from an inspection of the Map; but Mr. Wilkinson will use his own judgment, and be guided entirely by what he deems the best route, when he is actually upon the ground. The portage at the head of Green River has been selected as a good point at which to form a depdt of provisions. * Mr. Ramsay has been sent to the Grand Falls to examine the state of the provisions there, and will receive orders from Mr. Wilkinson as to the quantity to be taken to this depdt, and the maaner of carrying it up that river. Another depot of provisions will be formed at as early a period as possible, at the mouth of the Metamkedgewick River, the orders for which, and tho quantity to be sent, will be given by Major Robinson. lir. Wilkinson, if be sees fit, may form any other depot at any place he considers advantageous on the Saint Lawrence side. ^ The barometers not having yet arrived from England, as expected by the steamer, the party mast in the first instance proceed to their ground without them. A copy of a letter addressed to Captain Pipoaby Mr. Airy is enclosed, it contains some remarks ci' the subject of the exploratory survey, which are recommended to Mr. Wilkin- son's attention. At the crossings of streams, notice must bo paid to bridge sites ; the lengths .ud heights to clear freshets, ice jams, &c., should be noted down. An account must bo kept of the nature of the ground, as soil good or bad for settlement, nature of timber, swamps, &o. Major Robinson will join the party as soon as he conveniently can with the barometers. If tho party are successful in finding an easy line or practicable one even to the Resti- gouche River, they will afterwards explore on southerly as far as the provisions and the season will permit them. Rut if unsuccessful, Mr. Wilkinson wi' try another lino back from the Restigouche to the Saint Lawrence. (Signed,) Wm. Robinson, FrederietOD) 10th June, 184T. Cc^t, Royal Engineers^ Bt. Major. 80 (Copy.) . .•, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 11th Doc, 1847. Sill, — I havo tho honor to forward, for your information and guidance, the copy of a letter addressed by nio to Mr. Baillio, Surveyor (icnorai of Now Brunswick, on thehubjoot of your returning to resume tho duties aseignod to you in his offioo, from and after the 1st January next. , . , ji . -i . . .] [ havo, &c., I > ,*, (Signed,) \Vm. Uobinhon. Capt. Royal Enyineen, Jit. Major. John Wilkinson, Esquire, Railway Exploration Purvey. ' v. 1 No. f). (Copy of enclosure referred to in No. 5.) Halifax, Nova Scotia, 11th Dec, 1847. Sill, — I have tho honor to acquaint you that after referring to and considering the tenor of your letter of tho 8th Juno last, conveying tho consent of His Excellency tnc Licutcniint Governor of New Brunswick, to tho temporary employment of Mr. Wilkinson of your Department, upon the duties of the exploratory survey for a lino of Railway from Huiilax tu Quebec ; and taking into consideration also tho present state and progress of that Hurvoy, with the great inoonvonicnco it would be to Mr. Wilkinson to remove to Halilhx in consequence of the establishment of tho office there, instead of at Fredorioton as heretufore, as well as the further inconvenience to yourself, and tho duties assigned to hiiu in yuur office, which his continual employment might cause, I foci it incumbent upon uic, in conseoucnce, not to retain his services, however valuable to us, for a longer period than is absolutely necessary. From and after tho Ist January next, Mr. Wilkinson will cease to be employed upon the Railway exploration survey, and ho will bo instructed to consider himself as again at your and His Excellency's disposal from that date. i beg to return you my best thanks for tho kindness with which you lont us his assistance at a time we were much in want of it. c '»; y . • I have, itc, ;'^ 1 ' •' (Signed,) Wm. Robinson, Vapt. Royal Engineers^ lit. Major. Thos. Baillie, Esquire, Surveyor General. ■■ No. 7. . i.-' .J>'^-..-:. --^ .-'K^' ..'?•' •■:(• (Copy.) . Fredericton, 31st December, 1847. Sir, — I beg leave ♦.' represent to you that, contrary to my expectation, I havo found the time which expires to-day, inadequate to enable me to complete the service on which 1 am engaged for Mswjor Robinson, and that a further time of probably not exceeding ten days will be necessary. In veturning therefore to my duties in your Department to-morrow, I am, before resuming the same, under tho aecessity of requesting an allowance of sufficient time to complete tho service mentioned. I also beg leave further to represent to you, that Major Robinson's view with regard to the country which has been the field of my exploration during the past summer and autumn, not being such as to require any detailed Report or Plan » f such exploration, a ,^hort general Report, with a small exploratory sketch, are all that, agreeably with his desire, will be prepared. It seems therefore to be an occasion upon which I may with propriety submit to the Provincial aqvernmentj iy}i§t,j)C| [n prdej to prevent t|?pji}^^st tgt^l \qsa of th^ jop^l| pf 21 1847. copy of a tlio hubjoot iter the Ist Major. much arduous labor on a very important part of this rroviooe hitherto comparatively un- known, it would not in their view bo desirable, without delay, to add to the records of your Department a detailed plan on a convenient scaio, and as accurate as the circumstances of a hurried and imperfect exploration would permit, with such observations us may appear to be necessary or useful. The time which this labor may require could not bo safely estimated beforehand. It ic probable that from four to six weeks' close application may bo sufficient. 1 have, &o., (Signed,) J. Wilkinhon. To the Hon. Thos. Baillio, Surveyor General. , 1847. ivloring the tellency tnc Wilkinson ilway from progress of remove to Prcdorioton assigned to iibent upon iger period iloyed upon 18 again at lent us his Major. , 1847. have found 5 on which seeding ten am, before int time to rith regard jimmer and sloration, a 1 his desire, mu to the ,e |"oi5;^|^ pf C0RRE8P0NDENCK No. 8 to 25. No. 8. To Major Robinson, R.E. Camp NEAR MOUTH ov Green RivKR, 22nd June, 1847. My Dear 8ir, — I find that I cannot make my visit to Green River so short as was at first thought of. Finding the stock of provisions, ?:&• A hunter by the name of Ellis, an Anuerican, who was with 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 Abawisquaph, than any other, having hunted upon it ooDHtautly for many years. 1 have seen him and found im very iutelligcnt, and I 24 should judge also that be is reliable. His terms, however, are high ; 10s. per day as a guide. But as I shall not require him more than rbout a fortnight or three weeks, I have thought it better to engage him, (the price being what is usual for a guide.) and he may save me several days on my route. I return in the morning to Green River, at the head of which I hope to find myself 03 the .3rd or 4th of July, and at Trois Pistoles, about the 20th, if all be favorable. On striking the valley of the Trois Pistoles, a Railway cannot approach the tidewater withia several miles, but must continue from thence parallel with the shore of the St. Lawrence, upon -1 elevated plain or terrace, (being one of several such plains or terraces rising in .accession one above another,) for a long distance, say GO or 60 miles, gradually approach- ing nearer, and on I understand descending to the coast. I should infer from appearances that the point of intersection of the Trois Pistoles .Till not be at a loss eieration 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 th^TC be nothing illusory in these indications, you will rem ic how favorable a descent nature has prepared. With regard to the transportation of the Barometers, I am afraid that no other method than by a person on foot, and with great care, could ensure their safety across the Temis- couata Portage, which is excessively rough. In fact the whole of the post road from Fredericton onvvardd, will hardly permit of carriage conveyance. Two days before my arrival here, a Mr. Ramsay, of Restigouche, had got through the woods from Metapediac, coming out at the Grand Fourche of the Trois Pistoles, on the Temiscouata Portage, on a reconnoisance for the railway. He had with him an Indian guide, with three other ^jersons. I did not see him, but hear from those to whom he had been speaking, that he had been dissatisfied with his guide, h{>d 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 continue 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.E. About 2 miles above Third Falls, Green River, 6th July, 1847. My Dear Sir, — The 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 ihe falls, and by a constant drag with horses and men, have ascended about two miles farther. Seeing the great saving of time, provision and expense that would have arisen, could tbe boat have gone all the way, T could not feel satisfied without making the attempt, but the watnr proves already too low, and falling fast. I have therefore decided on le^^^tingher go back, and have sent for a party often canoe men, with five canoes. 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 has the provision delayed the intended surveying party, that I now see no prospect of our being ready before ^he 12th or 13th, so that it will be late in the month before we can be through to the Abawisquash. It takes 2J days to ascend from hence to our dep6t, and half a day 10 return. »At this timo the party had no Bar.meterg, and It wag ancertain whether they could bo obtained in iime to be useful at this point. 25 We have becu greatly lavorctl by the weather since the rain, but now more rain would be of great service. I intend all my letters so far, to reach you before you lei've FrederiOtoii, xi I hope they will. Believe me, . (Signed,) J. Wilkinson. •'Af.^'- No. 12. . '.■ ;r '■, .^ .; ';' To Major Robinson, R.E. i ■ • Camp, Little Falls, 14th July, 1847. Dear Silt,- After my note from Third Balls, Green River, you will not expcet to receive one dated so soon from henca, I told you our difficulty of getting up our main supply of provisions, and the arrangement I had made. We had, however, suiheieat 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 northwestward towards the Saint Lawrence. Wo camped at the last fork on the 9th. I made some preliminary explorations of the vicinity, ("^ur camp was about a mile und n half or two miles below the dep6t, near the portage on the N. E. branch. On the laorning of the 10th, I sent forward a part of the canoes to go as far as the water weald permit, with .some provision, up the N. 'W. branch, sanding the remainder of the crews to bring down the provisioa aud other things from the depot, in order to follow. In a short tiiue, the latter returned with the iutelligence that they had found almost everything wo had left there burnt up. This was a painful and disheartening circuiLstance. 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 explanation is the fact of some lucifer matches which were supposed to be spoiled by getting wet, having been left in the lid of a wooden box in the sua to dry. The day of our absence was exceedingly bright and hot, and in the evening a fresh breeze sprung up. These circumstances may 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 disappointment, I have altered my plan of exploration a little. I immediately 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 lef*^ by the tow-boat to our depot above, leaving with ilamsay a few hands to bush exploratory lines in both directions N. E. and N. W. until tho canoeing is done, wbeu he is to bush and chain northwestward to the extreme head of tho northwest branch. In the meantime, I am on my way to u..ike an exploration by canoe of the country between that point and whei^) I expect to fall in with some of Mulligan's work, and perhaps may see him. I have also ordered a new sup- ply of carrying straps, cord for the cradles, etc., which were amongst ^he articles burnt, to be sent up as soon as possible. The loss of provisions was four barrels of pork and five barrels biscuit, with some articles of minor importance. On the whole, I hope by this change of plan to redeem tho incon- venience occasioned by our loss, and that wc shall still have ample provision. I hope to bi; down here again in 12 or 14 days at furthest, when it ip probable 1 shall cither hear from or meet you. I should recommend that the JJaromctors bo not carried over the portage to River du Loup. They can be carried by canoe to the point where required, as I can explain when I see you. Believe me, &c., (Signed,) J. Wilkinson. 20 No. 13. To Mr. Wilkinson. Little Falls, MADA\fASKA, 2Gth July, 1847. My Deab Sir,- -I arrived here on Friday niglit I'rom the Grand Falls, and waS in hopes to have seen you. Mr. Emerson's clerk icforms me that you have proceeded up the River to the Temiscoiiata Lake and up the Tuladi, and were to return here shortly, i'^our letter of 22nd June, I received at Dalhousie. On learning from it that you intended to proceed across from (Ireen River to the head of the Abisquash, and being fearful in conse- quence that Corporal M'Kenzie would be at a loss with his party how to proceed, I requested Capt. Henderson, who ras going through the Kempt Road as far as the Metis, to go on to Trois Pistoles and see the party there. By a lett r from him, dated 11th July at River l a 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 Pistoles, apparently at a loss what to do ; that he had been to Quebec for provisions and canteens for Sergeant Mulligan's party, who were about some 12 miles out on a portage road towards the Abisquash, and that the party were expecting me daily. Capt. Henderson went out to see Sergeant Mulligan, but he had moved his camp and he failed in finding him. On his return he directed Corporal M'Kenzie to proceed up the Abisquash immediately. This is the last I have heard of that party. Your letter of the 28th June from River du Loup, and that of the Gth July from the head of Green River, I received at Fredericton on the 17th inst You.* letter of the i4th went to Fredericton, 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 happen. I only regret it as it prevented you going across the country to join the party there, who want some one to take charge ef and direct their movements. If you have not seen them and give them insiiructions 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 tliem immediately. 1 have some business to do at Quebec, which will prevent my joining them for an indefinite period. Believe me, &c., (Signed,) Wm. Robinson. li No. 14. To Major Robinson. Camp, Little Falls, 5th Aug., 1847, 7 a.m. My Dear Sir, — I regret that the post hour permits me to write you only a hurried 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 time 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 favorable route from the head of Green River to the valley of the Abawiequash, 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 hir. 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 Abawisquash. Corporal M'Kenzie seems to have been under some misappre- hension 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 eastward. Mulligan has levelled from the tide- water of the Saint Lawrence to a connection with my exploratory survey. The levels of I 27 11847. d waS in led up the ly. i'our tended to 1 ia conse- roceed, 1 he Metis, 11th July e 21st, I loss what Vlulligan's 1, and that camp and ced up the from the the i4th t of course you going and direct irsion, and 3h you to 1 have ite period. NSON. ! a.m. a hurried heretofore ice at the nate that I n of head atly for an valley of ty. They ir. two or ml, or for I from the I raisappre- employed I the tide- 9 levels of the latter will bo determined sufficiently near by triangulations, which the facilities of the country enabled mc to make. 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 Samt Lawrence to the valley of the Restigouche ? How desirable it is that wo should be sure of the most favorable and direct route that the coun- try will permit, in continuation towards the Bend of Petitcodiao? I hope you will approve of sending Mulligau and his whole force to Madawaeka, in order to join mo at some point, about which, in meantime, I would have directions prepared. I would at once come over and see you, 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. T<5tu's, and bring his men, tents, baggage, &c., this way. I should also be very glad to receive any instructions or Buggeations i'rom you at same time, or as soon as you cau write. Believe mo, &c,, (Signed,) J. Wilkinson. the dos- left own No. 15. To Maj.,r RoHmon, R.E. Camp, Littlk Falls, Cth August, 1847. My DtAR SiE, — I hope you would duly receive my note of yesterday, per mail. I had then no time to be very explanatory, bat before I again get out of reach, it is necessary 1 should be a little more so. 1 think it very probable, that before this time you have seen Sergeant Mulligan and party, and have heard from them an account of their prooeedingr , and also of the circumstances of our junction in the valley of the Abawisquash. I was afraid I aight keep you waiting at Little Falls, or would have descended valley ; but at the same time felt th?r. it would bo for the present unnecessary. The cription of it by Mulligan and (Jampbell, added to the levels which they had taken, 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 connected with my exploration, and they assured me that I saw a sample of the rest, down to the main stream of the Trois Pistoles ; or rather that the point at which I found them, was the least favor- able 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 (ireen Ilivcr to the Abawisquash, to be sufficient for the objects of an exploration ; the relative heights of sundry romarkable peaks seen from diflFerent points of the ground, as determined by triangulation, will afford the means of such a continuation o" levels from the tidewater of the Saipt Lawrence to the head of Green llivor, as will make the conveyance of the Barometers over that portiot of the route, dispensable for the present. Any material error will be checked by the bar jmetrical heights, commencing at the last fork ot Green Kiver, as I intend Mulligan should level back from thcuct to the most easterly point of my exploration. T will no;^ explain to you wliat movements I have in view at present, so that you may be under as little uncertainty about them as 1 can help, for I cannot foresee that I shall be able to adhere to them, as this must depend upon what 1 discover during my progress ; such has been the case since I commenced. First of all then, Mulligan is to level as I have said, up the North West Branch of Green Eiver, and thence to a stake at the inlet of a small lake, as I shall fully explain to him, desiq-^ating the most easterly point of my exploration. He will find his course already bushed^ chained and markup., perhaps, by Ramsay. I am supposing that another theod-^lite will now be at command, and that M'Kenzie will at the same time level in the opp te direction, or up the North Fi?st Branch of Green River — Ramsay and hig men bashing and phoiuing for him. Some part is perhaps already bushed and chained. At the bead of this stream J conjecture, frow appearances in that direction, will be 28 found low ground, leading into an opposite valley falling into the Restigoucho. Whether fiuch opposite valley may be that of Pseudo River, marked on the Maps, or some other, examination will shew. I place no very strong reliance upon the Maps. But if a favor- able opening and opposite valley be found, as I think probable, M'Kenzic will continue levelling down the Restigouche slope until he strike the exploratory north line levelled by Captain Broughton and Mr. Featherstonbaugh, at some point to bo identified. Here he may cease levelling, and make thence a compass survey down the valley to the main South West Branch. In the meantime Mulligan will be through bis section, if prosperous, and canoes will be ready to convey himself and party down the Grand Fork, and up the South West Branch* to a point which I hope to have selected by previous examination, and from which point he will survey and level southeasterly, according to such directions as I trust I shall have ready for him. Having seen these o^. .rations fairly commenced at the head of Green River, I propose to proceed with Campbell and the Barometers, across the portage to the Grand Fork of the Restigoucho, down the same to the dep6t, and thence up the South AVest Branch, on both banks of which, making explorations as I proceed, in order to select some point which shall be a closing one for M'Kenzic, and a starting one for Mulligan. I shall then proceed to Grand Falls, in order to ascend the Tobique to its bead branches., Through the valley or one of these, I b^c to make a junction with Mulligan, perhaps by that of the Sisson Brancli, or at an_ /aic to satisfy myself as to the feasibility of a junction. Thence return- ing to the main stream, I hope to be able to ascend tbc right hand branch to its source, and to find a pass thence to the valley of either Clear Water or Rocky Brook, descending to the mil in valley of the South West Branch of Miramichi River. Many hindrances and disappointments may of course occur to retard me, and I may make ciiseoverics which will materially change my ideas of the country, but such is the general line of exploration which I think you will agree with me ought to be attempted in onJcr to feel assured whether nature may have denied all facilities to a direct line. It is very probable that Corporal Dumble will not only find a feasible line where ho is, but finish at an early period. If so, I should be glad if your arrangements and views would permit of his recommencing at Boiestown or vicinity, and exploring thence in the direction 1 have suggested, as he has already some knowledge of that part of the country. It will be desirable to have a little provision deposited at the Tobique valley, say one barrel pork and other things in proportion, for my party only, in ascending the Tobique River. if the above suggested arrangements all go on, I shall be out at the Grand Falls about the last v/cek in August, on my way to the Tobique, when I hope to have a chance of see- ing you tomewhere, at any rate that I shall be sure of finding letters from you at the Grand Falls. I am anxious to be on the most difficult part of the exploration about the time the flics take their leave. <^' ; i w .::^;;>i'7fi>i,M'-: v ,i'.i\''it;^o';''.-; Believe me, &c., ,;;,.., (Signed,) J. Wilkinson. P.S. — I hope you will be able to leave mo a nautical almanac for Mulligan to bring in from River du ]joup — I should also be glad of a good sextant and artificial horizon. The men I have with me have had a severe drag of it during our late expedition, and did their duty with great patience and cheerfulness. I wish to consult you about some small gratuity to tach in acknowledgment, should their conduct continue to bo good, for I ai\ afraid I shall be obliged to expect a great deal from thcai yet. 'Uy tin) " bouth West Branch" la intended tbat branch of the RostiROuchu llivor which continues to boar the name ot the RestiRoucho above its conflueaco ^iih the " Grand Fork" or Quatuwumkedgev^ick, tbougli it jH doubtful whcthtr tho latter do not ordinarily discharge the greater volume of wfttor. ^ 2d hcther other, favor- qdUduc cvelled Here -'.«■ ■r .i • , No. 16. "' 1^0 Major Rohinson, li.E. ' ' • ' ' ■ ' ^ Camp, Last FottK, GiiEEN 111 VEB, 25th August, 1817. : ' My Pear Sir, — Nearly three weeks h-vo now elapsed since I wrote to you from liittlo Falls, under uncertainty, however, whether Jiy letters would reach you at llivor du Loup, or have to follow you to Quebec. Having also at that time been absent from the party at the head of Green Iliver nearly a fortnight longer than 1 intended, without opportunity of knowing how they were going on, it was under some perplexity that I decided that it would be preferable to write to you fully, rather than follow you personally, at the risk ol" missing you after all, especially as I had acquainted myself exactly with the situatioa and proceedings of the party at Trois Pistoles. I hope, indeed have scarcely any doubt, you would receive my letters ; one sent by mail, and another by express, accompanied by instructions to Sergeant Mulligan in case of your absence. I am therefore becoming a little ur jasy t the non-arrival of the Trois Pistoles party at this place, as I supposed it would be practicable for them to be hero some days since. On leaving Little Falls I hastened to ascertain what llamsay had accomplished up here, and met him within half a day's journey of the Fork, returning from the end of his bushing for a distance of 25 miles; terminating, as I soon discovered from his doscriptiou, within about half a mile of the easterly extreme of my personal exploration. He dia not know, however, thai ho was so near my last mark, nor bad I any earlier opportunity than that of my own return, of com- municating to him any directions on the subject. It was my intention to reach him before his return, but unexpected delays prevented. From llamsay's description, the valley of the iNorth West Branch proved I'avorable all the way to its head ; but in descending from the mss leading to the valley of the middle branch of the Toledi, there was appearance of the fall being too great. I therefore sent for a further supply of provision, and returned with the party in order to examine the whole of the ground, and to complete the connection of the several explorations. I I'ound no obstacle except the descent from the pnss iu question. To the eye, indeed, in passing over it, and especially viewed as I saw it at £i.t,v, from au elevated position at a distance, it seemed so moderaLc and gradual as to give an impression of its practicability. Upon test- ing it, however, by the relative elevation of the ground at its summit and at its base, which the commanding view afforded by neighboring peaks enabled me approximately to deter- mine, I am afraid that iu must be avoided, ,-ad that we must abandon the Greou llivcr valley altogether. The steep part of the descent is for the Gr.'it three miles, which I should wish to bo levelled before a final judgment be formed; but I do not think it necessary to level any other part of the route thenco to the Abawisquash. There may be questions of detail to consider, but I think the inclinations at all other points are unexceptionable, many miles indeed are quite level. I also think it quite improbable thatitiny other pass, through the height of land to the valley of the St. Lawrence, can be found so favorable as that r.t the head of Lac dcs Isles, and that such change in the route as may be necessary to avoid the valley of Green River, would be most advisably sought for with a riVf to an approach to this pass if possible. From the general idea I have formed of the relative elevations of the valleys of the Toledi, Ilimouski and Restigouche, as compared with the valley of Greon River, 1 am inclined to believe that the three former only arc likely to afford the necessary facilities for our object,* though it will bo by a more circuitous route. The directness of the route by the valley of Green River, recommended as it seemed to bo by other favorable indications, gave it, however, a claim to bo first examined. I enclose a rough diagram to elucidate my observations, which perhaps would olhcr- wisc be obscure. In consequence of the difficulty, or at least apparent difSoulty which I have stated, it is now necessary that I should not leave this part of the ground as I at one time intended, without being satisfied that no difficulty is left behind either by the route wc have already examined, or by some other to be discovered. *K joping far from |ihe frontipr. 30 I send this out by a messenger both to Grand Falls and Little Falls, at one of which places I hope he will find lottors I'rom you, and perhaps may find you personally. I hope to have certain tidings about the Trois PistolcH party by his return ; but in the nioantimo am expecting them every hour. , Wc shall now go on with our explorations in the valley of the Rcstigoucho and llim- ouski, with a view to an improved route. Believe me, &c., (Signed,) J. Wilkinson. No. 17. ^ '""■ To Mr. Wilkinson. — {^Received Ith September.) RiVEa Du Lour, Ist August, 1817. My Djsaii Sir, — I have been down fo Trois Pistoles. I found Corporal M'Kcuzio there; he had coaic in for provisions. From him I learned the state of your party under Mulligan. They had progressed about nine miles beyond the Forks of tho Trois Pistoles. Sergeant Mulligan had, however, explored further on, and reports the valley of the Abawi.s- quash favorable for 15 or 20 miles, when it becomes unfavorable. 13y going to Quebec and waiting at Trois Pistoles until set to work by Captain Hen- derson, Corporal M'Kenzio has lost upwards of three weeks. From his account to me, they were at a loss what to do next. I wrote to Sergeant Mulligan, and have given him orders to cut on as fast as ho can in an easterly direction, following any valley and stream ho may find favorable, until he reaches tho Main liranch of the llimouski. Then to follow this stream up to its source and gain the summit level, or ridge dividing the waters flowing into tho Saint Lawrence from those running into the llestigouche. Upon this ridge to halt, and get up by hired Canadians a good stock of provisions before proceeding onwards to the llestigouche. liut I expect long before this point is attained, that you or myself will h?.ve been with tho party. I wish you to join them immediately, and pursue -the plan laid down as above, which is the same as that intended when at Fredericton, when the party started. On the Rimouski River, according to Arrowsmith's Map, there is a Fork formed by a stream running from the eastward, from Lake Follictj this stream heads with the source of the Metis. While tho main body are pushing on ironi the head of the Rimouski, I should like a rcconnoissanco to be made up this r.trcam. By a report of a Mr. Ramsay, of Dalhousie, who has been a good deal employed by Captain Henderson, there is a favorable line up tho Motapediae, r.nd by a stream named Metallics IJrook, as far as the head waters of the Metis. It will be desirable, therefore, to ascertain if this tributary of the Rimouski would afford a favorable junction with it. A depot of provisions at this Fork might be desirable, to support the onward party working south, and by hiring Canadians at Trois Pistoles, a good party of them would get up in a few days as much as would suffice the whole party. At the head of the Rimouski, the Green River dep6t could not be a long way ofi", and if Mr. Ramsay makes asmoke from some conspicuous point near it, he could be easily found, and the provisions then be made available. Enclosed is a list of provisions now in store at Tetu's, with the exception of some which were taken by Corporal M'Kcnzic. For his small party there is enough for three months, but when you join, it will bo necessary perhaps to get a further supply down from Quebec. If you should so consider it, write an order to Messrs. Gibb & Lane, 50, St. Peter Street, and thoj-^ will send you any amount you order. I proceed ou to Quebec to-morrow, and intend to purchase, if I can, thrc« Barom- eters !br this party, rather than risk the expense and breakage of bringing them from Halifax. Ill my directions to Mulligan, I told him to push on and not suffer chaining and level- ling with the Theodolite to delay his onward uiovcmoiits. The season is advancing, and we have a great deal of ground to get over. Wo will uiuUe a Barometer section of the TPute, ftfter it has been cut. ix Corporal Durable and party liavc finished their exploration south of the Tobiquc, and are now, I hope, advancing northward well on to the Rcstigouchc. Ho r.-ports favorably of his southern work, and of having fonnd some easy grades on the Gulquac. I have not heard of or from Captain Henderson, since liic lUh instant. It is probable T may go on from Quebec to Montreal, and pay u\y rcgpccts to the (Jovcruor General. It is rather uncertain therefore whoa I return to Trois ristoles. I am going to find my way to Quebec through the back scttlcmentB, for the purpose of examining the ground, and ascertaining the fact of the favorable terrace spokeu of. . , , Relieve me, &c., ' i. , . (Signed,) Wm. KonrNSON. No. 18. , . To Mr. Wilkinson. — (Received 7th September.') Quebec, 9th August, 1817. My Dear Sia, — I have just received your note of the 5th instant, from the Little Falls. You are; I am quite sure, doing what you think best, to work out the object wc have in view ; but in so doing, the party under Sergeant Mulligan arc receiving from you and me contrary orders. You have suggested and ordered them, if I understand you rightly, to give up where they are at present working, and to go round somewhere to the Madawaska River to join you. No lino that passes anywhere near the frontier will meet with toleration from me, until every othor lino tried proves abortive. Sergeant Mulligan and party must therefore continue to proceed according to the orders I gave them at Trois Pistoles, and I write to him to that effect by this post, which loaves early this afternoon. My intentions wore from the first, that you should have led and directed this party in person ; but under present circumstances I think it will bo better that you should now act independently of them, and as you have found a favorable line from the licad of the Green River to the Abisquash, have tlie goodness to extend your exploration southeasterly from there, and endeavor to join on to Corporal Dumble's exploration to the Tobique Valley. lie must be now some miles on the north side ol' that River, working onward from the ox-bow bend at the mouth of Gulquac, where his principal depot of provisions was established. I have succeeded in purchasing two Barometers hero, and hope to get a third from Montreal in the course of a few days, when I shall return with them to Trois Pistoles, and take them out to Sergeant Mulligan's party. You must therefore leave him entirely to me, with your own present party continue your exploration independently, bearing in mind that the frontier is to be kept at the greatest possible distance. I should like to have a sketch of your line, as explored from the head of Green River to the Abisquash. Believe me, &c., • . . . ^j.;igne^) w^, Robtnson. 'V'"' "' ■ t'':i • ' No. 19. '■?' 'vi ■'.:•■-. -"■-'•'- f - ' 'V i' ?• " To Major Robinson, R.E. Grand Falls, 11th September, 18-^7. My Dear Sir, — Whilst descending Green River on the 7th instant, I received your letters of 1st and 9th August. The man whom I had sent out with a letter for you, on the '25th August, and other business, did not return in duo time, which added to my continued uncertainty about Sergeant Mulligan and party, and the necessity I felt for additional men, induced me to come down. My messenger, it appears, had fallen sick, and after some delay had sent another man in his stead. With regard to your letter from Quebec of the 9th August, you will dome the justice to believe that it is witlj no little concern I discover that wc arc not acting in concert. On ^ -^m looking uguiu ut ^uur letter oi' tlic 2Gth July, which I ibuuJ you hud left I'ur mo at Little Falls, iind which 1 received there ' a the 4th August, I obacrvo that you Bay, that provided I had not already seen and givcu instructions to Sergeant Mulligan and party, during uiy late cxci'rsion, you wished luo to follow you ou to RiTcr duLoup for the purpose of going to them immediately, as you had some business to do at Quiibec which would prevent you from joining them for an indelinito period. • Now, it happened that I had scon Sergeant Mulligan and party, and had given them instructions, with the condition, however, as with all iuy instructions to them, that they were to be acted upon only ia the abacncc of instructions from you. The case, therefore, in which I was to follow you to llivcr du Loup, did not exist, and I had no motive to do so, except to see you personally, which I had very anxiously wished. 1 had been pushing through many diilicultics, early and late, in order to get back to Littlo Falls within the time 1 had estimated, for the purpose of meeting you there, and having a full personal consultation. It was thcrclui- no smal'. disappointment to mo to find myself too late to see you before you had gone on to lliver du Loup, and were probably on your way to Quebec. I had also the additional anxiety on my mind, of a party working at the hen d of Green River, nearly a fortnight lon';;er than I had intended, without personally directing them. Let mo now state, somovi-.at jriofly, what I had looked for as the result of a personal con- sultation Avith you at Little Falls. First of all, J. had evidence to satisfy you that Arrow- smith's Map, ou which oar consultations and arrangements in Fredericton had in some degree been founded, was quite wrong in sevcrf! material points, not wrong, perhaps, as a cop7, but because the original, the Unitjd States exparte Map, from which the copy ia made, is erroneous. My doubts were created by inquiries, after J"y arrival at Grand Falls, which made mo vory desirous of obtaining a general personal knowledge of the country intervening between the head of Green River and the Abawisquash, before attempting to lead the party beyond the valley of the latter. I therefore made tlic preliminary examin- ation which appeared so desirable. Tho result was, in my own unworthy judgment, to prove that the heads of the Toledi, the Abawisquash, and necessarily, at least the western branch of the Rimouski, have, on Arrowsmith's Map, merely a fanciful representation, not founded on correct knowledge ; that the most favorable communication with the valley oi the Abawisquash is al the head of Lac des Isles, and is not shown ou the Map at all, whilst what we conjectured at Fredericton, as barely probable, a series of valleys like that of the highest on North West Branch of Green River, erroneously marked en the Map as •' Second Fork," does in reality exist, and runs nearly parallel with the valleys of the Grand Fork of the Restigouche or Kedgewick and Rimouski, at a mean distance of perhaps ten or fifteen miles. Now, if my memory does not mislead me, I think it was understood in Fredericton, that according to their appearance on the Map, it was your opinion, and in which I entirely concurred, that the valleys of the Grand Fork of the Restigouche and Rimouski seemed to offer the only favorable route in coatinuation from the valley of the Abawisquash. That therefore this route was tho one most obviously suggested for exploration. But it waa also apparent, that if a parallel series of valleys like that which T have spoken of should happen to exist, and should afford favorable inclinations, it might prove to be the more desirable route, as cutting off a considerable distance. Upon this general understanding, I conceived your instructions to me on the subject to be founded. For you say, 'f Ir the first instance, the best general course of proceeding " will probably be by the Abawisquash Branch of the Trois Pistoles River to its source, " and thence across to the Rimouski River, and up its valley, and across to that of the *' iMatamkedgewick River, following the valley of the latter to the Restigouche. This is "suggested a^ the best probable course from an inspection of the Map, but Mr. Wilkinson " will use his own judgment, and bo guided entirely by what he deems the best route when " he is actually on the ground." I could not of course deem any route tho " best," until I had examined at least more than one. But you did not decidedly require us to ascertain the merits of several lines. You say, " If the party are successfulin finding an easy line, or a practicable one " even, to the Restigouche River, they will afterwards explore on southerly as far as their " provisions and the seasoa will permit them." 88 Now, throughout my proneeJings, I have kept in view those general instructions, which I doomed, as I am sure they were, founded on mutually clear and good understand- ing at Fredcricton. Having then made au examination of tho routo I have mentioned, appearing favorable as it did from tho valley of the Abawisquash, nearly to the valley of the llestigouchc ; having taken sufficient notes of it for a general report and exploratory sketch; and seeing no necessity for Sergeant Mulligan and party crossing with biiggam; and provision from tho Abawisquash, through a long distance of unbushod forest, to the head of Ureen lliver, whilst the journey might bo more promptly, easily, and economically performed by way of the Temiscouata Portage, and thenco by canoe by way of tho Mada- waska, Saint John and (ireen Rivers; could I have had tho opportunity of personally explaining to you at length all these oircumstancos, L think tho result must have been ut least a moro fortunate understanding. But 1 leave to yourself to judge what kind of instructions were most suitable I'or mo to give to Sergeant Mulligan, situated as I was, and as I have explained, at Little Kails, while you were so far out of tho way of personal consultation. T gave Sergeant Mulligan such instructions as under the circumstances seemed almost unavoidable, not knowing ho had any others from you, rather iuferring indeed from your letter of 20th July, that you should leave him to receive thorn from me. There could not, however, be any contrariety in my orders, for they were, expressly, to bo observed only in case he had no other orders from you, but which latter, now more than a month alter their date, 1 am informed he liad received. On the subject of instructions, perhaps, L ought to express my surprise that Corporal M'Kenzie should have deemed them so unsatisfactory, or obscure, as to bo at a loss what to do. I am quite sure that he was desirous to do the best he could, and that he must have been under some mistake. I sent instructions by Private Campbell, and afterwards by a messenger, addressed indeed ^.o Sergeant Mulligan, but intended for a'l, which I deemed more than sufficient to keep them fully and effectively employed from the time of their arrival at Trois Pistoles until I saw them o.t the 27th July. No part of the explora- tion Bouthwestward, which I had deemed very desirable and relied upon finding in progress, had been done. In the absence of any apparent motive, I inferred that Corporal M'Kenzie might have some private reason for his inactivity, which he wished to explain to yourself. I should prefer to add nothing more, but in order to prevent misconstruction, will say one word as to your rebuke for my supposed approach too near the frontier with my exploratory route. There is uo part of it as yet within 25 or 30 miles of tho frontier. It is generally 10 or 12 miles, or more, in a straight line to the eastward of the route explored by Captain Simmons, for a military road; and is, at the present point, farther from the frontier than a considerable portion of the route whic> I understand Corporal Dumble to bo exploring under your own direction. As the conSv. uence of my imputed indiscretion however, you now require me to leave the Trois Pistoles party entirely to yourself, and to continue my exploration independently, adding the injunction " that the frontier is to be kept at the greatest possible distance." I can hardly doubt that you are under some wrong impression about tho route I have examined, for if it be in your opinion too near the frontier, the continuation of the same by the route in progress of cxp! ^ration by Corporal Dumble i^ at least as objectionable. \ ■'''" But in acting independently, 1 cannot be wrong in going as far froni the frontier as you propose to go yourself in continuation from Trois Pistoles to the Uest^ouche ; and as the season is rapidly advancing, I have left directions with llamsay about going on with the further explorations yet to be made, in order more fully to ascertain the practicability of the route I have examined ; and will now form a sufficient canoeing pa.rfcy, in order to make what I have from the beginning intended, in unison with your own wishes, an exam- ination and sketch of the South West Branch of the Restigouchc or Charodi, and the Grand Fork or Kedgwick, to its head, if the state of the navigation will permit; and also, if practicable, to make portage, and descend by the Rimouski, precisely by the route you propose to examine, and thus shall hope effectually to oo-operato with you in accomplishing the object before the season prevent, and to save you besides much trouble and anxiety in forwarding provisions, as you propose, to the head of the Rimouski. 6 . 84 T will forward this by mail, under cover, to M. T<5tu, doHiriog him to forward it to you by ezprcsn, if no other communioatioa exist. Holiovo me, &o., (Signed,) J. Wilkinson. P.S. — I enclose a sketch of tlio rivera and tributaries, by John Ellis, the hunter. He promised, indeed agreed in writing, to join mo in July, but I have not scon him since. His sketch is greatly out of proportion, as ho is conscious, but gives un idea ot what streams exist, and of their approximate relative position. It affords uo idea of distances however, except where actually marked. The navigation of head streams i.s so uncertain, that w'th necosHa'ily imperfect prepare ation, and so little time for my object, I may be defeated out wilt try my utmost. r enclose also a rough diagram explanatory of what has further been done, and is now in progiess at the North East Branch of (Srecn River. I surveyed from the dopdt to the point a, and fouud a considerable stream extending a long distance to the north. The passage by Moose Valley is difficult, though 1 am not prepared to say impracticable. It would be so to the point a, but there i.s a possibility of a favorable escape round Central Peak, to a more southerly valley, perhaps that of the main Charodi. There are, however, two other much lower and more favorable looking passes in the situations marked b and r. llamsay is exploring both these, and making a connection of the former down the supposed Pseudo to the point a. This exploration will be done probably in the course of next week, after which he is to explore another valley of the North West Branch, with a view to a more favorable escape thence, either by way of the Rimouski, or a more northerly valley of the Toledi. I am anxious to have time after reaching the head of the Kedgwick, to examine all his work, and then return by whichever pass he finds lowest and most favorable from tho North West Branch of Green Kiver to tho Charodi. h SI ii h t ii a V t( a r t E r a I t No. 20. To Major Rolimon, R.E. Wagan Portage, 30th Sept., 1847. My Dear Sir, — An unexpected opportunity has occurred of my writing to you again, though in doubt how to direct, and whether my letter may reach you. I had commenced my exploration of the South West Branch of tho Ilestigouohe, (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 was already weak enough, and I had relied a good deal unon tho local information of the sick man in my intended exploration of the Quatawamkedgcv^ick, or Great Fork, to its head, whence '."possible as I said before, at least to make a conncation with the head of the Rimop-'h; .f I could not descend it. I succeeded, however, in exploring by canoe nearly 2o - ,iles up the South West Branch, making long returns nightly to my camp, in order to give the sick man ihe benefit of as much quiet and rest as the circumstance.: would permit. By going to the labor and delay of further cutting out, I could nave ascended the stream apparently somo 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 1 sent you, and intend as soon as I can to complete this connection and to make further lateial explorations by laud. When quite ready to proceed down stream, and up the Quatawamkedgewick, the sick man had been getting 80 much worse, that there appeared rather a probability of his dying in camn than of hi8 getting better. i- »u The poor fellow notwithstanding, was as generously regardless of his suffering in his present state, as he was unsparing of his great physical strength and ability in the service when we 1. I met with him accidentally in ascending the Toledi, and engaged him for hiB local knowledge of that river and its brnnchen. His 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 8fi it to aa hour, but aHsurod nin ho waa ready whunovor I was to go on. An it wad praoticable, however, to get him within reach of medical aRRiHtanoc and proper attention, though at a saorifico of perhaps four or five dayH of time, when every hour iH very valuable, it scorned inoumbont upon mo to send him back to Little Falls, where Dr. I'ant resided, and where ho was most desirous to ^o. I have therefore returned to this point in order to send back two men and a canoe in ohargo of M'Kinnon,* as they can go from hence to the settlement if all bo well, without camping. They are to bring buck an additional man. In meantime, as this is an intcrcHting point, I can advantageously employ myself in further exploring and viewing the neighborhood until the men return, when I intended to proceed immediately to the Fork in order to ascend the Quatawamkcdgowick. But the season is now so far advanced, and my preparations were unavoidably so imperfect, that I no longer hop to reach the source of that stream, much less to descend the Rim '/Uski. For tho samo reason there is no prospect of my getting Houthcastward of the Kcstigouchc, though my work will necessarily bo connected with Corporal Dumblc's, provided ho emerge anywhere on ihe right bank of tho South West Branch, or touch any part of tho exploratory North Line. It is necessary to complete tho interior explorations at which I loft Ramsay engaged as soon as possible, in order to avoid being entangled by the season. I shall most probably bo so situated as to descend by way of (Irccn River to Grand Falls, when the scoson may oblige mo to dischargo the men, unless I find there other directions from you. I observe there arc some names on my engagement list, the dates of oommcnocment belonging to which you may have occasion for, as tho 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. I hope you arc suficring no inconvenienco from ho much wet weather, and that jour exploration is going on prosperously, though not so rapidly as you will of course be anxious to see it. Bclicvo me, &c., .,, , (Signed,) J.Wilkinson, . r . : ' No.$L "'''^ • To Major Robinson, R.E. QUATAWAMKEDGEWICK & GrEEN RiVER PoBTAOE, ,i,r. , . : ,i-: , , . • 16th October, 1847. My Dear Sir,— After I had passed you on the 12th, I regretted much that I d'd not entreat you to camp within speaking distance for the night, as I had a great deal to say to you, more than was convenient 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 lino of exploration which I have kept in view all the season, an(? shall very reluctantly leave the ground without passing over it. I think there is yet time, without the season prove unusually unfavorable. You will, I think, have much tho same idea of tho Quatawamkcdgowick as I have. That tho inclination of the valley is no doubt within a favorable 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 incli- nations within favorable limits, and I am iwt prepared to say they cannot he so brought, it will also be most probably at a very objectionable amount of expense. Hence, the explor- ation of another route, as long as it may remain possible to find one suflficiontly exempt Irom 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 tho present season, I hope you will think the effort worthy of being made, even at some 8»wjrifioe and inconvenience. What I propose is to commence my exploration of tho head of the Reatigouche, through lateral valleys oC the Green River, with the valley of the Squatuck. If 1 h&d not a very favorable expectation of the result, I should not of course make the proposition, •Wbv 4i«l ibortly (»ft?rT»r4»t especially at a time vihon tho advanced state of the season is a strong inducement to abandon the idea. Now, it will greatly expedite our labors, and render it much more satisfactory, if you would permit your stationary Barometer, if you have one, to remain unt'l our return to Grand Falls, aod alsoof courso to allow a Sapper to pass with two ot>icr Barometers over our line. In order to save tedious description, which after all might ho obscure — whilst the men are carrying over the portage, I have prepared the enclosed diagram to explain my meaning. The dotted red lino is the proposed route. After getting into the valley of the Squatuck, we know that the inclination is highly favorable, and if I do not mistake there is also abundance 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, arc by this time only things of recollection under more agreeable circumstances. Believe me, &c., (Signed,) J. Wilkinson. ■' You will remark that Corpora' Bumble's line is very direct with our Green River route and intended descent of the principal branch of the Restigouche, which I find the Indians call the Coon-a-mitck. ,i<, October ITth. Whilst writing the foregoing, I had not seen Ramsay, whom I found out of the way. I now learn from him, that there are no Barometers here, and also, that besides some of the provisions being out of the way, we have not the number of carrying bags or canoes which I had been counting. The efficiency of the party is therefore not what I had expected, but we must do the best we can. The same canoe which brings out this, will also bring down M'Kenzic and Campbell, who I hear will be ready and waiting for this opportunity, but I have not scon them. As there are no roads upon which we can rely upon for our return, ?nd to have to leave apy one to bush their way out, would entail a much greater expense and loss of time than either incurred by canoe. I may therefore, perhaprf, with tht; return of the canoe now descending, find it necessary to have another brought in, and also a small additional supply of sugar, the stock of which I find is dispro- portioned 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 relieves ub. ,;• , No. 9'? ^ \:, 'i i- Majrr Robinson, R.E. - • ' , Camp NEAR 3rd Falls, GnEEN River, 6th November, 1847. My Dear Sir, — I was disappointed at the return of my messcn;!;er of the IHth 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 infer?? from what you had said to him. Wo have survoyed from the North East Branch of Gropu River, down another prin- cipal Branch, to the intersection of Captain Simmons' explored route, and thence up another Branch to the farthest part of my exploration of the Restigouche. We have returned so far, where I am discharging six of the men, and intend proceeding with the rest, 18, by the route which I mentioned, to the Squatuok, 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 wc should be favored by the weather. I hope to *Not M'Kinnoa before mentioned. m be at Grand Falls on or before the 20th : shall I sec you there, or where, or how shall I direct to you ? Believe me, &c., '*''■**- ^''' (Signed,) J.Wilkinson. No. 23. To Mr. Wilkinson. — {Received laic in November.') Little Falls, 26th October, 1847. My Dear Sib, — I am going to Trois Pistoles for the purpose of discharging and paying off the men remaining with Sergeant Mullig<»nj and settling accounts with Messrs. T^tu and Scaton. I hope to hear, before my return, of ycur doing the same with cveri/ 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 laborers' wages. Mr. Ramsay must be allowed some eight or tan 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 27t7i November.) Little Falls, 26th October, 1847. Dear Sib, — You will find a note from' me at the Grand Fails, 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, (Sigaed,) Wm. Robinson. ( Vide Nos. 5, 6 and 7.) No. 25. h .!}■ To Major Robinson, R.E. Fredericton, 31st December, 1847. My Dear Sir, — The 31st December has arrived, when, contrary to my expectation, I find my Report for you yet unprepared. The sketch I have completed only thl:" morning, having been unable to devote to it less time without making a very unsatisfactory and distorted representation of the lines explored. A rough approximation is all that, under ihe circumstances, can be pretended. The time will, of course, make no difference with regard to my connection with the Exploratory Commission ; but I am no*; the less anxious that you should not be disappointed, and hope to have every thing out of my hancls, say within ten days, I hope less than this time. . , Believe mc, &c., ' ■ ' ' . (Signed,) J. Wilkinson. ■i.i',)^U.r.y>- ^'- ; No. 26. (Copy.) Fredericton, 19th June, 1849. Sir, — Having occasion, in the course of some remarks which it seems proper that I should submit to H's Excellency the Lieutenant 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, 1 am dcsikous that he may, with His Excel- lency's permission, furnish replies to the following questions: — 1. To what extent has the line of tie dividing summit between the Tobique and Miiiimiohi Rivers b^on e:(amined ? 38 2. To yrhtib extent has Mr. Grant any pcrconal 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, Prov. Secretary, &c., &c., &c. No. 27. (Copy.) Secretary's Ofiic£, Fredericton, 24th July, 1849. Sir, — Your communication of the 19th Juno 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. ^artblow, John Wilkinson, Esq., Civil Engineer, Fredericton. No. 28. (Copy.) Fredericton, 19th July, 1849. Sir,— I regret that having received your favor, enclosing Mr. Wilkinson's queries, while absent in a distant part of the country on duty, has caused me to overlook making an early reply. The answers will be found written in Mr. Wilkinson's own communication, which I now beg leave to return to you enclosed. I have, &c., (Signed,) John Grant. To the Hon. J. R. Partelow, &c., &c., &c. Answer to l»t Question. — I cannot say to what extent the ridge separating the Tobique and Miramichi waters has been examined, as it was done under Captain Pir;//:) own immediate superintendence. 2nd. I have no personal knowledge of the summit in question, for the rru: . ts>Hy stated. My instructions were to " examine the valley of the Tohique, and ascevtaui 'u: .;.t " bridge sites along that River." I nevertheless propo,scd making an examination Oi .,a'!h 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 mc to abandon, as he had himself for the time suflSciertly examined it, while he, at the same time, desired me to five my attention to the country on the northwest side of the Tobique River. 3rd. I believe no survey of it has been made, except to a limited extent in the neighborhood of the point passed by Corporal Dumblc of the R. S. and M., and his party, in extending the northward line. (Signed,) Joiiw GRANT. it? iKINSON. HON, ly, 1849. arded to Mr. , by direction y thereto for RTBLOW, ly, 1849. on's queries, look making on, which I Grant. ; the IVbique Pir own %■:■:■ ^' oa-ly ition Ok v^i^h Indians, led e the lowest rej from the c had himself to {''vo my xtent in the ind his party, Grant.