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V KINGSTON: nUNXED AT TIIK EUITISII WIIU; OFflCK. 1811. r C -TW •fW rrr 'A i COMMUNICATIOXS, &<• At a meeting of the inliabitaiits ol'liytowu and its viciiiily, lioUl in Kirk's Hotel, on Tuesday, the 2r2d of Juno, 1841, called for the jnir- pose of taking into consideration the ste{)s which hnd been formerly taken for the formation of a Company to improve tho communication from Montreal to Lake Huron, by the way of the Ottawa Jlivcr, and for promoting the settlement of the country; also with the view of submitting the subject to the notice of His lOxcellency, the (lovernor General. When Daniel Fisher, Esq. of Bytov/n, being called to the Chair, and Dr. A. J. Christie appointed Secretary, Itobert Shirrefi" PjS(j. Fitzroy Harbor, opened the meeting by explaining the various pro- ceedings which had taken place on tlio subject, when the following Resolutions were moved and carried unanimously. Moved by Mr. 11. Siiiuur:i''F and seconded by Mr. Frashr, 1st. — That arrangements have been niado by a body of most re- spectable capitalists in England, to form a Comjiany with the view of improving the communication between Montreal and Lake Huron, by the way of the Ottawa, and of promoting the settlement of the adjoining country ; that for these important purposes a proposal was made to Government in a letter addressed to Mr. Secretary Rice, dated 24th June, 1S34, (see Appendix, No. 1,) signed by twenty seven Noblemen and Gentlemen, who, with others, we have every reason to believe, are still willing to engage in the undertaking. Moved by Mr. McIntosh and seconded by Mr. Suihreff, 2d. — That the proposal mentioned in the foregoing resolution was referred by tho Home Government to liord Aylmer and Sir John Colborne, and highly approved of by their Excellencies ; and al- tlioucrh in con.so(iuom:r of tlio dislurbod stale of public nfrairs soon after that period, tlio inoasiiro was [xistponod by ( Jovcnunont, and Bubsef|U(Milly tbc disaslioiir, events of lH37 and 1S3S, and tbo agita- tion of sev(;ral political rincslions have caused a delay in bringing the matter again under the notice of (Jovernment; yet the subject has never ceased to bo one of great interest to the people of both sides of the Otta\va. Moved i)y Mr. L.vN'ti and seconded by Dr. Ciiiustik, 2rd. — That wo have already, in common with the other inhabi- tants of this part of the country, expressed our views of this mea- sure ill four numerously signed momorials to (Jovernment ; and we would refer particularly to the resolutions agreed to at a meeting held at New J'^dinburgh, (see Appendix, No. G,) to a memorial founded thereon, addressed to His h^xcelicncy the Earl of Durham, (see Appendix, No. 7,) to his Lordship's favorable reply, (see Appen- dix, No. S,) aud a subsequent letter on the subject from Mr. BuUer, dated 21th October, ISriS, (see Appendix, No. 9,) in which we are encouraged to persevere in the attainment of the important object in view. Moved by Mr. V/. L.vxd and seconded by Mr. Scott, 4th. — That owing to the interruptions in the navigation of the Ottawa, the upper ])arts of that river are diflicult of access, particu- larly as it respects newly arrived emigrants, the settlements already formed there being chielly the arduous work of people inured to the woods, that in the prospect therefore of a large accession to the population of the Colony, the improvomont of the Ottawa is still more necessary. Moved by ^Ir. IjI'rki; and seconded by Mr. I'liUKixs, 5th. — That the people of this j)lacc and neighborhood are sub- jected to great inconvenience from the want of several public works, respecting which they have already made representations to Gcvern- ment, and which we doubt not would be among the first undertaken by the proposed Company. Moved by Mr. McTaggart and seconded by Mr. Kennedy, 6th. — That a Company combining in their operations asimultaneous improvement of the communications of this part of the country and the settlement of the waste lands, and by which British capital would bo brought to bear extensively on these objects, appears to us one of the most effectual means of accompli.shuig them. That besides the introduction and difl'usiou of capital, employment would be thereby 1 6 sub- )iks, ?ern- laken leous ^ and vould me of .*; esthe ereby 1 % .1 rilVordt'd to cmic^raiitfl on thoir artiviil, r\i.(l the opeiutu'; up a com niorcial inlcrcoursi; hotvvuon llio Ottawa 9hh\ lt Cdv the nso of iho mctnhers of tho Iiei4i:ilaluie, and others whrj take ati interest in the improvement of this [rdit of the country. Moved by Mr. iSTr,vi;.\.so\ and seconded by Dr. Cnui.sTii;, Sth — 'J'hat in order to I'urther this qreat and important nicasuro, Charles Shirrelf and liobert Shirrcil', I'^sipiires, he nominated to proceed to Kingston, to submit tlio subject to His Excellency, tho Governor General, together with the documents relating thereto. Moved by Mr. .Jov.vr and seconded by Mr. iji;c(.ATT, 9tii. — That a Committee be appointed for receiving subscriptions towards defroying the necessary expcnces in jiromoting tho object of this meeting, and to consider what further stops should he taken in the matter, and that the Committee be composed of the following gentlemen, (five to be a quorum,) with power to add to their num- ber. That Dr. A. .). Christie be Secretary and Convener, and James Stevenson, Esq. Treasurer: — Dr. Christie, Captain Uaker, Messrs. Fisher, Frascr O'Connor, Chitty, R. Wright, Stevenson, lilackburn, Egan, Day, Pinliey, D. M'Laren, J. Grierson, M'Intosh, George ]Juchanun, Patterson, Ste- wart, N. Sparks, M'Dougall, O'Neill, iiadford, Kerr, Thomas Read, Charles Shirielf, Rfjbcrt ^hir^e^', .fohn Robertson, M'Naughton, Perkins, Taylor, Mason, M'Millan, Lewis, Lyons, Tripp, Dickson, Barreille, Gregory, Aumond, Robert Lang, George liang, Bucham, William Thomson, and Charles Symnies. Moved by Mr. Inoms and seconded by Mr. Bi.asdv.ll, 10th. — That a copy of these Resolutions, signed by tho Chairman and Secretary of this meeting, be transmitted to His fixcellency, tho Governor General, and that His I'^xcellency be respectfully request- ed to take the same into his favorable consideration. Moved by Mr. SniRREi'F and seconded by Dr. CnntSTiE, llth. — That the thanks of this meeting be given to Daniel Fisher, Esquire, for his able conduct in the Chair. (Signed,) DANIEL ['TSHER, Chairman. A. .1. CHRISTH':, Secretary. i APPEIXDIX. No. 1. (corv.) 'ft; s: I fiONuoNj '21tu Jl'NKj 1831. Sin, Two applications being iilready belore Jlis Maiesty's Government on the subject of colonizing lands on the Ottawa, one addressed to the Kight Honorable Lord Howick, on the 21}th iSeptember, 1832, by Mr. Robert Shirreti, and the other to Mr. Secretary Stanley, in the autumn of last year, signed by Mr. Ravenshaw, Mr. Salby, and Mi. Douglas, on behalf of themselves and others connected with the trade of London, and likewise a representation by Mr. Hamilton on behalf of the North American Coloniza- tion Association of Ireland, dated the 29th of November, 1833, we now jointly beg leave to bring the subject again under the notice of the Colonial Department, and to request your early and favorable consideration of it, so as to enable the united Company, proposed to be formed, to take prompt mea- sures properly to prepare in Upper Canada for the reception of laborers from the United Kingdom, and in particular from Ireland. The tract of country which we have in view to colonize, with the sanction of His Majesty's Government, is that which lies between the River Ottawa and Lake Huron to the south of Lake Nipissing, and in the rear of the pre- sent settlements in the Newcastle and Midland Districts, but separated from them by an extensive barren space. The precise boundaries are more parti- cularly pointed out in the paper and map which accompany this. Although the above tract appears to be extensive, yet it is ascertained that a great pro- portion of it is land unfit for cultivation, and much of the surface, water. We likewise respectfully submit that as the plan of emigration which we have in view is an extensive one, embracing the population both of Ireland and Scotland, as well as England, a proportionably large tract of land in Can- ada will be necessary to carry the proposed objects into effect. We shall again merely allude to the advantages likely to arise from the above mentioned ptart of Canada being occupied by a body of settlers closely connected with the Mother Country, and attached to its institutions, and ii lllicwise to the teiidi-ucy which these scUloincuts must have to estabHsh a direct co'nmuiiication between Montrciil and Lake Huron, by the way of the Ottciwa ; iimi to increase, not only the inl-rnal trade oi' the Canadas, but like- wise their commercial interceurse with those flounsliiug parts of the United ■Slates— the Michigair anJ North Western Territories. Sliould Government he i)Ior.scd hivorably to entertain this proposal, the pro- jected Company is intended to embr;icc tlie Irish As'-ociation already alluded to; the whole "to be conducted under tjie control of a Board of Directors iu London; consisting of a Governor, Deputy Governor, and ten Directors, with Jiranch Committees in Scotlanl and Ireland, to be formed of gentlemen of those countries iesj),'ctivoIy. It is intended to invite Sirtlosiah C. Coghill, Bart., George A. Hamilton, Thomas Popham Luscombe, Robert Rowe, and Thomas Wilson, Es(|uires, as a temporary Committee for Ireland, to assist in carrying into eii'ect the objects of this application. We beg in conclusion to request that you will favor a deputation from the undersigned with an interview, at whicli the plans and views may be submit- ted to you more iu detail ; and that you will have the goodness to address your reply to Mr. Ravenshaw, at the East India House. Wc have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble servants, (Signed,) Fitzwilliam, Clifden, II. Derry, Alexander Perceval, Robert L. Duudas, Henry F. Stephenson, W. t. Copeland, VVilliam Vcrner, R. A. Ferguson, A. Winstoir Barron, Jolni G. Raver.shaiv, Gosford, G. H. Burnett, George Hawthorne, To the Right Honorable Thomas Stking Rice, JSecretary of State, &c. &c. &c. (Signed,) Thomas Edgar, John Macdonald, Henry Wm. Hobhouse; J. Gordon Duft, Robert Chalouer, Neville Rcid, James Barnett, Henry Douglas, Robert Shirrefl, Charles McGarrel, John Whyte, Isaac Solly, Charles J. Barnett. isli a )f the like- nited pro- uded Nd. 2. To THK Right Honorable tiik Earl of Abekdeen, His MAJEST'v'i Principal .Seckexarv of State for the Chloxial Department. The Memorial of the Undersigned Merchants of Bytown in Upper Canada ; and others connected with the Trade of the Ottawa. Respectfully Sheweth: That your IViemorialists beiui^ at jircsent in tiwr Country, have learnt with concern, t!iat the troniih.s exislinsr in Lower (Janada have in- duced His Majesty's (Jovernment to wilhiiohi at present their sanction to the formation of a Company in London, for improving the Navigation of the Ot- tawa, and promoting the settlement of the waste land near it. That your Memorialists w^onld liiimbly t.\p;< ss their great regret measure so earnestly desired hy the ' -'. whole poijulation of that important part of ._^' ; the asilation in another I'rovince of ques- ''- Canada, should-tl«» be retarded hy tions in which they are not in the smallest degree interested. that 8 lart oi ques- That the Agricultural settlers and other Inhabitants, near the Ottawa, are at present laboring under the greatest inconvenience from the formidable impe- diments on the Navigation of that River and the want of good Roads, which the operations of the proposed Company would tend greatly to remedy. That the persons engaged in the Lnmhcr Trade so extensively carried on near the Ottawa, have at present to sutler great delay and loss of property, in descending the River with their Rafts, and that the obstruction of the diftlsrent rapids, by which that delay and loss is occasioned, might in a great measure be removed by a Company having sufticicnt capital at theii disposal. That your Memorialists have not tlie snu-Uest reason to suppose that a Com- pany of such a nature, as the one projected, couid be the occasion of the least discontent lo any party whatever Jji Canada. That other parts of British America are receiving extensive benefit from Joint Stock Companies formed in the Mother Country, and that from the re- moteness of the Ottawa, from the several situations where these Companies are established, the inhabitants of that part of the country derive no advan- tage from them. On the contrary the efforts made by these associations to direct Emigrants to their own lands and neighborhor J, must prevent many per- sons selling on the Ottawa, who might otherwise do so. That it has been prohftWy known in Canada for some time past, that the es- tablishment of a Company in London for the important purposes above men- tioned has been comphfted^, and that there has not been the slightest opposition to it from any party. That the people of the Ottawa presented Addresses to the Governors rff Lower and Upper Canada, strongly praying their Exccllencie:; to recommend B 10 the foimation of the proposci] London Company, to His Majesty's Governments And their Excellencies hav^ been pleased to return the most favorable answers to these A'hlress.'s; the ('i^af>pointment occasioned to the inhabitants of the Ottawa distiicts, will he very irreat, should the Company not go into operation this summer; osjvcially on llio reason given, for the delay has not arisen amongrt tlieniselvcs, but in auolhcr and remote part of Canada. Your ?,r:Mnoiiali>ts ('o not think it necessary to go at length, into the impor- tance of the objects which would be' fmbracrd by an Ottawa Company, but they may he permitted tooLseive, that ttie settlement of the waste lands near that River is now almost at a stand, for want of the aid of such an association Thnt t'.ie operations of the Company would very much incre se i. e commerce of Montreal mUu Quebec, and Ibat the iii»est efiect of these operations in open- iii'^ a conimnnication with Lake Huron, in the direction of the Ottawa, would add greatly to the means of defending the Canadas in the event of a war with the United States, and have a mcst beneficial effect on the prosperity of these Provinces. Respeclfnlly requesting your Lordship's favorable consideration of the above. Your itemorialists have tlio honor to be, your Lordship's, Most obedient humble servants. (Signed,) Pollock Gilmour&Co., Merchants, Montreal, Quebec, and Glasgow. Hector Russell, " (Jlasgow ?.nd Montreal, VVm. Cormack, « Quebec, Montreal, and Toronto- A. Lauiie, « « « « C. J. Dunlop, Paitnor of the House of Billingham & Dunlop, Montreal. Wm. Stewart, IMerchant, Bytown, U. C. John Fowler, '< Montieal. Alexander Thomson, " " John (ireenshields, Jr. Merchant Montreal. James Miller, " " Robert Weir, Jr. " « William M'lntosh, Montreal, and Ottawa River. James Scott & Co. Merchants, Montreal, and Glasgow. William Smith & Co. " Gorden Shedden & Co. " David M'Kinlay, " James Mui^son, *' James Pinkerton, Senr. " Robert Rodger & Co. " Gillespie, Stuart & Co. " John Reid, & Co. <■' April 2, i«ae: Glasgow and Montreal , " and Quebec. •; and Upper Canada. I I J. ■a. m. :i 11 No. 3. 4 4 .1 'I bor- To His Excellency Sir John Colborne, K. C. B. LiKvfKXAM Govhrnor OF THE Province of Uitiui C'axada, &c. &c. &,c. May it please Your ExccUemy, We the inhabitants of that section of the Canafbs, boi deringon the Ottawa and in its neijhiioihoi d, L-olin?; the grest disndv: ntac, we labor under fiorri want of necessary improvempnts in the naviirf.lion of that river, and sensible at the satnetini? of the a!:sohU' want of mccr.s in this Country, for such an importunt object; have loa.nt with t!ie t^irpntest setisfac- tion, that a Joint Slocis ("ompany is iion' or:j;naizin;'; in Crer.t Britain and Ireland, of sufficient ma2:nilu'le, aiid wilh am]il,' inf'irnce and funds, to carry this essential measure to'an e\l'n! whlclimn-t ensure success to the under- taking, and produce great benelit to the Colciiy. Your i Kcellency must be aware tliat aUhou5.h th.? Ottawa is one of the finest and lara;''st rivers on tiio Continent of America, on i rnr.s through the very heart of Canada ; j'et, from o'lvious caus?s, very litt'e settlement has as yet taken place upon it. It is situated r.t a (;i<^tance I'lom the seats of both the k ' Governinents, and has not, hilhorto, excited the same interest which the lands in their nei?;]il'.orhood have done — consequently little or nothins; has been attempted towards the reinova! of tlic obstructions iii itsnavi<;ation,nor in the improvement of roads, kc. in its Districts — and had it not been for the encouraieuiunt inven to farniinir 1 y the ready m?rket created by the timber cutters, tiie Ottawa would liave run t]uou.;h a wilder- ness to this day. The Establishments of the Canada CoiTinnny and of the Dritish American Land Company, althoudi no doubt, benencial, are, l;owev':'r, operating cs additional bars to the soltlement of this part of the country. The upper parts of Canada beyond Toronto, must receive great advantage from the exertions of the Canada Company ; and so must t'le East-vn Townships in Lower Canada from those of the Pritish Am 'viccn Land Comjiany — but the di^iiict of the country through which the Ottawa runs is so veiy distant and distinct from the operations of both t!iese Compi'nies, that so far from receiving benefit from them, they are effectually preventing the increas:^ of its population— so that the formation of th'-se companies makes one for this part of the country more and more indispunsahla ; while its distance from the situation of the other Companies, would prevent any inconvenient interference. We humbly hope that the above observations will meet Your Excellency's favorable attention, and we would express our conliden' e, from our conviction of Your Excellency's uniform wish to promote the jirospeiFty of every part of the Colony ; that, if the matter be referred to Your Kxceliency, you will give the formation of such a Company, every enrnuragemrnt and facility ; so that it may enter as speedily as may be on operations, which may soon place Ca- nada in a most commanding position ; by putting her in the exclusive posses- i^f if 12 non of the shortest outlet to the Ocean fiom those gigantic Lakes in the inte- ♦ior, which are suvroiinded by a vast extent of country capable, from its fertility, of supporting many millions of inhabitants, and where settlement is now makinc most rapid progress ; particularly in the Michigan and North West territories ; to which, if an opening, by the Ottawa, to Lake Huron, be accomplished, Montreal will be the nearest market by many hundred miles. It may be remarked that the stupendous advantages which must he derived from a navigable communication with Lake Huron in the, direction of the Ot- tawa, could never by any possibility, be taken from Canada ; for by no exertions in any other direction could a communication be made, so short, or so safe. It would alrobe guarded completely by its natural situation, from all interference of our neighbors, for through the wholi extent of the line, it would be at such a distance from the frontier, tliat it wo aid never give access to any other, than our own markets and seaports of Montreal and Quebec. We hope we are not taking too much liberty in humbly requesting tnat this address to Your Excellency may be transmitted to His Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies. We have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, &c. Bytown, 19th September, 183L [Signed by 447 ot the Inhabitants of the Districts bordering on the Ottawa.! i ■V 'ft- Amswer from His Excellency Sir Jo^m Coi.borne, Lieutenant Go- vernor OF Upper Canaua. Government House, > Toronto, 5th November, 1834. j SIR, The address relative to the improvement of the navigation of the Ottawa, forwarded with your letter of the Kith ultimo has been laid before the Lieut. Governor, and I am desired by His Excellency, to request tha', you will ac- quaint the Inhabitants of the Bathuist and Ottawa Distiicts, by whom you have been deputed to transmit it, that he shall have great satisfaction in being enabled to submit for the consideiation of His Majesty's Government any scheme, which has in view the important object of settling the fertile tracts between the Ottawa and Lake Huron, and rendering the Lakes in that quarter available for a direct commercial intercourse with Lake Huron. His Excellency will not fail to transmit your address to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. I have the honor to be, &c. WM. ROWAN. To Charles Shirreff, Esq. 18 An Address of the same tenor having bedn presented to Lord Aylmer, Governor General, Hia Excellency was pleased to return the following Answer. I Castle of St. Lewis, ) Quebec, 5th November, l**l. J / SIR, With reference to the address which has been recently placed by you in the hands of the Governor in Chief, from a large and respectable body of the Inhabitants of that section of the Canadas bordering on the Ottawa River, and in its neighborhood, stating the great disadvantages they labor under from want of necessary improvements in the navigation of that River, and express their satisfaction at having learnt that a Joint Stock Company is now organizing in Great Britain and Ireland of sufficient magnitude and with ample influence and funds to carry this essential mesusure to an extent which must ensure success, I have been directed by His Excellency to requ^;st that you will have the good- ness to acquaint the Parties by whom that address has been signed, that the improvement of the navigation of the River Ottawa is an object which has enMged much of his attention, and that they may confidently rely on his best endeavors in the promotion of it. His Excellency trusts that this general assurance on his part will be deemed a sufficient answer to their aadress under existing circumstances. Should the subject of it be referred to him by His Majesty's Government, (which from the tenor of the address it would appear there maybe grounds to expect) he will not fail to give it all the consideration which its great importance demands. In the meanwhile His Excellency will lose no time in transmitting their address to the Secretary of State for the Colonial Department, in compliance, with the desire therein expressed. I have the honor to be, &c. H. CRAIG, Civil Secretary^ To Charles Shiureff, Esq, 14 No. 4. MEMORIAL TO EARL GOSFORD. To His Kxr.!;i,t,KNcv tuk Right HoNORAnr.E Earl Gosford, Governor IN CiiiKr AND His MajksTv's Commissioned to Canada, &c. &c. &c. The Memorial of tlie undTsi rned Inhabitants of the Districts of Lower nni Upj)'.'r Cana la, siluattul on and near the Ottawa, and others connect- ed with and inli.'restw'd ia the trade of thj.t River. Rkspkctkum.y .Shewktii : That a Company ^ith ample means and influonce has been formed in London, for im[trovin:';th,! nivigation of the River Ottawa and promoliiii^ lint Hcttlemcnt of that iinpoitix.it put of t!>e country, with a view also of ultimately opening a eojninanicaton in that direction, to Lake Huron. That addresses by a niim'^roiis '.im) respectable body of the Inhabitants of the Districts neartlK* Ollavva, have been ahc"a;ly presented to their Excellen- cies the (iovtMiiors ofth • provinC"S of Lower and tljiper Canada, earnestly re- questina; their reco;irnendiition to the Home Govornnient, to sanction the said Company, and that hot!) their Kxceilerici^s have expressed themselves favora- ble to the measure, and hive transmitted t'nese addresses to His Majesty's Se- cretary of State for the Colonies. That aIthou'j;h it has been publicly known that such a Company was for- mini^, and expected to u;o into ininiedi tte operation, yet no opposition nor ob- jection has been made to it. l?ut on the contrary the immense importance of the undertakin,"; has been universiilly acknowicilged, r.nd it lias been hailed as one of the greatest improvements that could h;i contemplated in Canada. That under thesii circumstances your Memorialists have heard with deep re- gret, that His Maje.sty'.s (iovernment have hositatjc! to allow the Company to commence its operations immediately, and they would humbly beg leave to state, thatsfiein;; nr)t!iin'i is asked of His M.ijesty's (rovernment, but a grant of waste lands, ai a v;! hie to be paid in improving the navigation of the River Ottawa, and a^ iinli! that is done, these lands must remain useless and inaccos- sible, they would earnestly hope t'nat the politicnl discussions in another and distant part of the piovince, will not induce His Majesty's Government to re- ject the means now olf'ied to accomplish the measure so essential towards the settlement of this inland and central section of the country. That much pains have been taken in En'i;]aud and Ireland to form this asso- ciation and which is iiowii\ a state sutticicntiy oraianized for immediate ope- ration. Rut as many of its members are engaGjed in pursuits more directly interesting to themselves, there is great dan^a^r if further delays take place, that the whole scheme may oe broken up, and thus His Majesty's Government may lose an opportunity which may never occur again ; of accomplishing without any burden on the public nurse, a work not only of great magnitude but of in- liaite consequence to the Uritish Mercantile interests, for it will give unrivalled t I. t 'it' 5J Id tontiol over a great portion ot" the central iraile of this contiiiLiit by bringing Montreal nearer to the cjreat North Western Lakes by many hundred miles, than any sea port in the UuiteJ States. Othei great advantages may also bn stated that will arise from the underta- king such as opouins^ iin iininodiate field for settlement, tlironiih the heart of the country, by which it will be strenL'tiifiied and thrown into a more substan- tial shape, the chief pojiulaiioii being hitherto along the frontier. A military highway would likewise be Armed by this communication, in the direction of th;; Ottawa, to Ihi; in*"rior of the continent, giving also rea- dy and safe navigable access to the arsenal of Penotanguishine. The facilities which this Company would give to the lumber trade, by the proposed improve ments, should also be noticed. It is a traJ.c of the greatest consequence to this country, timber being the chief export, r.nd it is of no less importance to Great Britain, as a means of keeping her from being dependant on the Baltic for that necessary aiticle. The chid" seat of this trade is the Ottawa, and the impedi- ments in the navigation at the falls and ra])ids, have occasioned hitherto much loss both of lives and property. And it niay be slated that serious disturbances have taken place among the numerous laborers in the higher parts of the River which cannot he easily quelled, in consequence of their distance from the set- tlements and the civil power, all which inconveniences would very soon be re- moved by the operation of this Company, which is ready to pour into the heart of the country, a steady population;to iuiprove it for their accommodation. For these important reasons your Memorialists earnestly hope that your Ex- cellency will see it good to recommend to His Majosty's Government not to delay any longer their sanction to a measure which must tend so much to the prosperity and tranquility of this countrj', and they would humbly request that this Memorial as on former occasions, may be transmitted to His Majesty's Se- cretary of State for the Colonies. Your Memorialists have the honor to he, Vr'ith the greatest resjiect. Your Excellency's Most obedient humble servants. Signed by 1246 land holilers and others, in the neighborhood of the Ottawa/ October, 1835. 16 N6. 5. C0ftR*SP0NDENCE OF ChARLES ShIRUEFF, EsQ. WITH STEPHEN WaLCOTT< AND T. F. Elliot, Esquires. (COPY.) Quebec, 22d October, 1835. SiRi Circumstances having led H>s Majesty's Governtnent to delay making final arrangements with the Company which has been formed in London for improving the navigation of the Ottawa, the Inhabitants of the Districts bordering upon that river have authorised me to present to the Go- vemor*in-Chief the Memorial which accompanies this letter. I beg leavei therefore to trouble you with it, and I would earnestly and humbly solicit His Excellency's favorahle attention to it. There are to the Memorial twelve hundred and torty-six signatures, not only of the most respectable inhabitants oi those Districts, but including also a considerable number of names of the first respectability in Montreal and Quebec, for the objects contemplated arc not merely of deep interest to thos» who reside near the Ottawa, but arc considered of great importance to the country at large. I have the honor to be, lespectfully, Sir, Stephen Walcott, Esq. Secretary, &c. &c. &c. Quebec. Your most obedient Servant, (Signed,) C; SHIRREFF- I .i. .•3' •iSjf,,- (COPY,) LCOTT^ 35. rmed Hhe Go- eave FHis .not also and 10S9 the .SiH, QuKBW , 4X11 Nt)Vi;MUt:«, lti3,j. Al-BION IIoTKL. His E\cellen''y t'lc Covcriior in Cliicf liaviivr si^Miilied his intention of suSmitlin':; to tlie Royal ('oiTiinissioiicis t!ii' i\K;moiial 1 huvf. Iia I t'l'! iionor of pn's^'ntiiij;. rcs|) •din:'; tiit; iinprovi'mciits in the navigation of th-- Ottawa, am! as the sjason will soon obli-re in'.^ to r 'turn lioint', I niii.it be;^ leave liuml)ly (o ro(iui'st an early opjiorttinity of statins to tlie Board, more fiiliy anl,|)iiti(Milarly tiiaii may a|i])' sir in the Memorial, the important benefits whicli mu.s!. t(!su!t from the uiulciti.kin;j. It may ho noticed tliat this is not ap'tilion morcly fVo-n p-^rsons associated forth" purpc'",' of a l.md spcnulatini hut it i.s an earnost applicatiou I'lom a hir>':f! and resp ■i:ta'do holy of the i.ih ifiitants of a very extensive District, who look foivv.U'd to tli'j operations of iais Company as the great moans of promoting its S'iiltlomint and prosperity. As th'j rnattei was referred to the local Governors and approved of by them, we do not know any circumstance which can hav? rctanied the arrangement?, but a wisli on the jiait of tlie iNIinister lor Colonial affairs to receive a repo;t from tlie Co!nmis.>ioMers befoie closing linally with the Company, I would huuihly th 'refer J ventmo to su!)mit, l!i,:t an early consiileration of the subject, may hf of cs3?nlial cons:'(]ueiice, not only to prevent the loss of another season, but to save the scheme altogether from bein^^ broken up, which if it should unfortunately happen, I am jicrsuaded would become a matter of regret to the Commissioners themselves when made fully aware of its importanceT 1 have the honor to be, rcsp'^ctfnlly, Sir, T. F. ELi.ior, Esq. kc. &c. &c. Quebec. Vdur most obedient ServHnt, (Signed,) C. SHIRREFF. Quebec, 14th Novembkk, 1835. Sir, In answer to your letter of the 4th instant, requesting an interview on the proposal to form an Association for holdin':^ lands on the Ot- tawa, and for improvino; the mvi ration of that River, I am directed by the Commissinneis to acquaint you that they have perused the petition which you have borne to Quebec, and have adverted to the former communications on the same subject, of which copies are deposited in the Records of this Govern- ment, but that the duty of the Ominissioners being primarily to enquire into c 18 grievances which have been tlie subject of public complaint, they do not ieet memsf'lvps at liberty to turn their attention from the matters with which thev are at present occupied to a consideration of the plan for a Company whicn you have submitted. ( have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient humble Servant, THOS. FREDK. ELLIOT, C. Shirreff, Esq- Albion Hotel. (COPY.) Su, Quebec, 16th November, 1835. It is by no means my intention in acknowledging the receipt of your favor of 14th instant, to press any further at present on the Commissioners, the consideration of the plan which has been submitted for a Company to improve the navigation of the Ottawa. I can only hope for the reasons given in the Memoiiai that the Commissioners will be able, at an early day, to take up the subject. I am desirous, however, to endeavour before leaving Quebec, to meet the objection which has been hinted of the Ministry entertaining fears that another Company miirht interfere too much with those already formed. It was one of the first steps in this business to obtain and transmit home the sense upon it, of almost the whole of the principal Merchants in Montreal, whose experience and local knowledge of the country led them to state ai their opinion, that three points or situations for Land Companies could not be better chosen, and so far from dreadin"; the interference of a Company on the Ottawa, many of those who sii;ned the pa^jcr which was then transmitted, were stockholders in the other Companies. It is surely obvious that such Companies planted judiciously throughout the country must be the most expeditious means of increasing both capital and population. But if the )>lan be confined to the two Companies already formed, it would be a hurtlul monopoly. It would in a manner shut up every other corner of the country, for tlie inducements which such Associations can hold out, will always lead the bulk of the emigiation their way. I humbly think, therefore, that as the system h;is been commenced it ought injustice to other parts of the country to be carried on, and we have the experience of our neighbors to prove it is a good one for a new countiy. Those Companies will fortheir own interest lose no time in opening roads and providing other facili- ties for their settlers, and thus the general improvement and settlement of the country would be ar^ eleiated much more than if the Innds remained in th« 19 hands of tlovernmenl. We have only to look at the prpseni operations of the British American Land Company to prove this fact. I be» leave to close those observations by an extract from the address pre- nented in September, 18T1, to the (Jovernor in Chief and also to the Lieuten- ant Governor of Upper Canada: — . "The Establishmfnts of th'^ Canada Company and of the British American liand Company, althou-'h no dinibt, benctic iiii. arc, hovvover, operating as additional bars to the settlement of this part of the countiy. Tlie upper parts of Canada beyond Toronto, mu>t r<'ceivi' ^rer.t ai'vaiitage from the exertions of the Canada Company ; and .so must the East tii Townships in Lower Canada from thos'.i of the Rritish Am 'lican Land Company — but the distiict of the country ihrou.!;h wliich the Ottawa luiis is so veiy distant und distinct from the operations oll>olt> thes? Como.inies. tliat so far from receivin;; benefit from them, they are eH'ttn illy pr •ventin.'; tlm in:reasi; of its population — so that the formation of th"se compaiiii's mak's one for t!iis part of the country more and more iniispensable ; wliile its distance from the situation of the other Companies, would prevent any inconvenient interference." The question in short may be reduced to this simple statement, must that important section of tlie country containinuc one of t!i • fmest and largest rivers in North America, remain a wihlerncss, and the people who have setthd in it, continue to liibor under every disadvantas^e, or will iJovernment sanction the application of the means which are now fully provideii for removinij the ob- structions to the increase of its population, auJ for acrijleratinf?: and ultimately accomplishini.; a communication, which a sin;;Ie riance at the nii.p of this continent will shew, must, belore many years elapse pour into Canada an increase of trade and prosperity far beyond all present calculation. 1 have the honor to be, resi)cctfully, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, Thomas Fredk. Elmot, Esq. Secretary to the Royal Commissioners, &c. &c. &c. Quebec. (Signed,) C. SHIRREFF, 80 No. 6. rURLlC MEKTING AT NEW EDINDURGH. At a Meetiii!? held at New PMin'nir.';!i. lor llin iniipnsL' of consiilering the best means of I'urlhering the lanlablo views ot' llm (iovenun^'iit, in tlim 'ii, capltiilists, and merchants in En.Hand, fi)r forming thifmselvcs into a Company to open np a communica- tion from Lake Huron to the S^'u, by the Ottawa Rivor, and upon surh tcims as were likely to be advant.i'j;.-'<)us to this seciion of tli; country. The oil^va made by the proposed Company to t'le Colo ;ial Secretary were so much akin to the pream'ole of the Ciiief Coinmis.sioner's warrant, that it iiris been thonG;ht advisable to draw his attention to the proceedings of the year lb;}5, as regards the proposal. The inhabitants borilerin;!; upon the Ottawa and Its neighborhood, sent a petition to Lord Ayhner, and one to Sic John Colborn.^, sii^ned by 447 names, craving; that their Kvc'llrMicifS would investiu;,ite into the merits of the pro- posal made by the fiOndon (.'oniiiaiiy, and if they found it to b.; of such im- mense advantage to the country as di-seriijed, that tbeir ivKcellencies would recommend it to the favorable consideration of the Home tiovcrnment. These petitions were, it seems, ver}' favoriibly received, as appears from the replies from their Excellencies : — Lord Aylmer in acknowledgina; the petition siys—'' He requests that the parties who sij^ned the petition be informed that the impi-ovement of the River Ottawa is an object which has enj^atwd much of his altentioii, and that they ma}' confidently rely on his best endeavours in tlie piomotion of it; and should the subject be referred to him by His Majesty's Government, that he will not fail to give it all the consideration its importance demands." Sir John Colbornc sa}'s, in acknow!edirin2; the petition — '• That he will have great satisfiction in being enabled to su!)mit, for the consideration of His Majesty's Government, any scheme which basin view the important object of settling the fertile tracts l)etween tiie Ottawa and Lake Huron, and rendering the Lakes in that quarter available for a direct intercourse with J^ake Huron." The Hon. T. Spring Rice and Lord (ilenelg viewed the matter in a very favorable point of view. Both said it was a " question onhj oftiino,^^ giving the partifs to understand that the formation of a Company in London, at that time, would be strongly opposed by the party in Canada who were averse to the introduction of British capital and JSritish population. The time seems now come for stirring up the question, and I leave it to the meeting to propose such resolutions as they may deem proper. ;. L>1 Piopospil l)y Mr. McTaggait, secouiicJ by Mr. J. ,Sti:Vcnjton, Junr. Tlpsolved— 'I'lint Ihp mot'lin>? nspj'ctfully cull upon Ihcir iminber, Tlioina.i McKay, KscjuiiT, to piociire lor tlicni a copy of the 1{« poii cit' iho h'uiviyuis who were up|K»iiitp(l liy tlic Govfrnnu'iit to Niirvcy iiiul Kcpoit upon Uie piac- ticahility of openint^ tip u uuvi^alioii hum l^uki' lluioii lu jMoiiticul by the Kiver Ottawa. Proposed by Jamis Slnvenson and sccoaJpa. Proposed by B. Billings, Esq. J. P. seconded by Mv. Scott, Resolved — That our resj)f'ct?d meinber, Thomas McKay, Esq. with the following gentlemen form a deputation to wait upon His Excellency, and to hand him a copy of the pro:eo(Iiii.'\s of tliis meeting witli the map and com- parative remaiks, on the {jrojected communication with Lake Huron: — R. Lang, Esq. J. P., A, M'-Doncl! , J. P. and J. Stevenson. Proposed by William Lang, Eiq. seconded by Mr. Durie. Resolved — That a copy of these Resolutions be made out and forwarded to Charles Buller, Esq. Commissioner of Inquiry for Ciown Lands and Emigra- ■ tion, with a view of drawim; liis ati'^ntion to the importance of furthering the views of the proposed Comp my. and that Pradish BilUngs, Esq. J. P. be add- ed to the deputation to wait on His Excellencv. (Signed,) THCilMAS McKAY, Chairman. ROBERT LANG, Secretary. New Edinburgh, I6th July, 1838. No. 7. MEMORIAL TO LORD DURHAM. Improvement of tiir Ottawa, and Watkii Communication between THAT RiVEP. AND LaKE Hl'RON. On Thursday the 30th ult. a Deputation from a Meeting recently held at New Edinburgh, on the Ottawa, waited on His Excellency the Governor Gentialj and presented the following Address. May it Please Youu Kvceli.kncv. The Improvement of the Navigation of the River Ottawa, and opening a communication by that river to Lake Huron, having been long considered measures of vital importance in a Commercial, Agricultural, and Po- litical point of view, not only to Canada, but to the Mother Coinitry, repeated applications on the subject have been made to the (Governors of the Colony ; and also for the attainment of these objects an attempt wa^ made to form a company in London, which was so far in train in the year 1S35, (composed of men of the first respectability and influence.) as to require only the sanction of Government to commence its operations ; and although the ministry have uni- formly expressed their approbation of the measure, and their sense of its impor- tance, yet political changes, and the state of political affairs in this country, have hitherto thrown obstacles in its wav. 23 Your Memorialists aie encouragtnl to address your Lordship on the subjecfy from the impression, that it is the wish of your Lordship to apply the power with which your Lordship is invpstfd, in the most benslicial way for the Co- lony, and beinsf persuaded that there ig not pf^rhajis another object, to which your Lordship's attention can be directed, that would have a more practical eftl'ct, in pioinotin'j; emigration, and t^e settlement of a most important section of the Country. These considerations have led to the meeting from whence the resolutions accompanying this address ha-o emanated. Your Lordship's Memorialists are confident (notwithstanding the delay which has taken place,) that if your Loniship should, alter the investigatioa you may consider necessary, recommL-nd the measure to Government, a compa- ny can still be formed of sullicient means and inlluence, to carry through the undertaking. Instead of troubling your Lordship with a recapitulation of the reasons for- merly urged in favor oi" the measures — if it be not taking too much liberty, your Memorialists beg leave to refer to the Address persentad to their Excellencies Lord Aylmer, and Sir John Colborne, a coj:y of which accompanies this. — Their favorable replies are embodied in the re^iolutions of the meeting. An Address to the same effect was presented to the Earl of Gosford, signed by about twelve hundred individuals. All which is humbly submittad to your Excellency's favorable consideration. (Signed,) by T. McKay, M. P. P., and 1224 others. No. 8. REPLY. To this Address His Excellency was pleased to return the following answer:^— I have attontiv"ly examined the projected measure for improving the navigation of the River Ottavva, and opening a communication bv that River to Lake Huron, which you wish that I should recommend to the Imperial Government. Convinced of tiic importance of the objects contemplated by you, and in- deed deeply impressed with the necessity, with a view to the ultimate successof my mission, of encouraging the emigration of peopK- from Britain to this part of Her Majesty's dominions, ond thi^ investment of British capital in Colonial im- £rovements,sothattha vast and naturally feitilc territory intersected by the St. awrance and its tributaries, may no longer pr;'seni a lamentable contrast with adjoining states, as repects production, iulvancement and prosperity ; I should have at once complied with your wish, if it had not appeared to me, on full re- flection, that your objects may be more purely and satisfactorily attained by some little delay in the pursuit of them. You are aware that I have issued Commissions of Inquiry in all the Colonics comprised under my general government, for the purpose of framing a general measure with respect to the disposal of Crown Lands : a measure of which the 24 whole aim, scope, and tenor will be the jiioinotion of Brilisli emigration, and the improvement of these colonie.^ byflttractiii^r to them a portion of the super- abundant capital of Britain. From the cnquiiics already made, I am satisfied that such a policy may be adopted with crieat beuplit to the IV'lother Cor;.try and infinite advantai^e to these colonies. I intend that the [dan founded on that policy, which I cont'mplate'recommerdin?, should be matured in time to form part of the political arraniremenls for the future ';;ovrrnmcnt of llieso colonies, which it is my duty tosu^ijest to the Imjjeriil Lcirislalure. With this inten- tion, I am unwilling to eutertnin at present any i)arlirular scheiue involving a disposal of Crown Lando. liut as 1 also propose ali'otdin!!; to Her Majesty's subjects in these colonies an opportunity of hecomini!; fully acquainted with the general measures for the future disposal of Crown Lands, which 1 may deter- mine on recomiuendinc;: as t believe that your project may, without any alter- ation of its leadina; principles, be so modified in the details as to asjree with that general measure, whereby you would become entitled to my strenuous "upport, and the most favorable considertion of Her IMajesty's (jovernment; and, finally, since 1 shall be happy, as soon as possible after you sliall have be- come acquain.ed with the <;eneral measure contemplatrd by me, (o concert with you the best means of so recoinmendini^ your ])roject, it appears to me desirable that all further communication on the subject should be postponed until after the General Ccmmission of Crown Laiuls and Emigration shall have made their Report. In proposina; this delay, 1 have no other aim, as respects your great scheme, than its eatliest and most complete success. . No. 9. Casti.e or ,Sr. I.kwis, ) OCTOBEK 2iTJIj W«J8. ^ Sir: I am commanded by His Excellency the Govenior Gene- ral, to express his regret that in consequence of his sudden departure from this country for England, it will be impossible that he should concert with 'gentle- men interested in the proposed water communication between Lake Huron and the Ottawa, any measure for carrying that object into effi'Ct. The subject, howe- ver is of so great importance to ilie'Coiniuercial and Agricultural interests of the two Canadas, that His Excellency sincerely hopes it will not be allowed to drop, and should the parties most deeply interesti^d in the matter, see fit to to employ an agent in England to urge their wishes upon the notice of Her Majesty's Government, they may rely upon His Excellency's b:st exertions in promoting tlu-ir views. I have the honor to be, [Sir, Your obedient humble servant, (Signed,) CHAKLES BULLER. Charles Shirrefi, Esq.. &c. Sic. &c.