IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) / O {■/ 'V <• ^ 1.0 I.I IIM IIIM IIIIIM J. -10 llli 1.25 1^ III 2.2 1.6 % & /a /a el e. ^, ^fi ■% ,<% / 7 /A Photographic Sciences Corporation #:vt # <'" 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions Institut Canadian de microreproducticns historiquds 1980 Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibiiographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. L'Institut a microfilm6 le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 6x6 possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-§tre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui pervent modifiei une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la ntdthode normale de filmage sont indiqu^s ci-dessous. D D □ Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur Covers damaged/ Couverture endommag6e Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaurde et/ou pellicul^e Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque D D D . / V Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur Pages damaged/ Pages endommagdes Pages restored and/or laminated/ Pages restaur^es et/ot pellicul^es Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Pages d^color^es, tachet^es ou piquees □ Coloured maps/ Cartes g^ographiques en couleur □ Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) Pages detached/ Pages detachees Showthrough/ Transparence D D D n Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Reli^ avec d'autres documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La reliure serree peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long de la marge int^rieure Blank leaves added during restoration ma/ appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajout^es lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais, Icrsque cela 6tait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 6t6 filmdes. □ D D Quality of print varies/ Qualite in^gale de I'impression Incl ;des supplementary material/ Comprend du materiel supplementaire Only edition available/ Seule Edition disponible Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont 6t6 film6es d nouveau de facon d obtenir la meilleure image possible. D Additional comments:/ Commentaifv'^s suppl6mentaires; This item is filmed at the reduction latio checked below/ Ce document est film6 au taux de reduction indiqud ci-dessous. 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X SOX 12X 16X 20X 24X 28X 32X The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: National Library uf Canada L'exemplaire film6 fut reproduit grace d la g^nerosit^ de: BibliothSque nationale du Canada Tht. images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et de la nettet^ de l'exemplaire film6, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies aie filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverturf en papier est imprim^e sont film6s en commenoant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la dernidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, salon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont film^s en commenpant par la premiere page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol —^ (meaning "CON- TINUED "), or the symbol V (meaning "END "), whichever applies. Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beQinning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la dernidre image de chaque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole — ♦- signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbole V signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent etre film^s d des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour etre reproduit en un seul cliche, il est film^ i partir de Tangle sup^rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n^cessaire. Les diagrarrmes suivants illustrent la m6thode. 1 2 3 .32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 '^rsvf Mft>t.'Mt) MM MK .I'tTK M BIoaRAPHY OF THK HOI. ¥. H. MERRITT, M. P., w LINCOLN, DISTRICT OF NIAGARA, INCLDDIKO AH ACCOUHT Oy ITEIl ORIGIN, PROGRESS AND COMPIoETION OF SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PUBUC WORKS IN CANADA. COmriLKD PRINCIPAJXY PROM HU ORIGINAL DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE, -•<«^<^;o«- B'Z' J. 30. I^BRrtlXX. CT. CATHARINES: » 8. LliAVKNWOBTH, BOOK AND JOB PBIKTINQ B8TA3HSHMBMT. 1875. A/'ArA^/^/y/' ;t^(^ / Entered according to Act of Parliament of Canada, 1876, by J. P. Mekritt, in the Office of the Minister of Agriculture. h-^r- PREFA CE. It is not without many luisK'ivings tLat the fbllowini; pages are now Hubiuitted to the peojile ofCanadu. Althougli we cannot but hope that to the student of ^' our country's history, they nuiy in sonie respects be foutid inte- resting, and to the general public, entertaining, us an attempt to pourtray the numerous characters in which a public man, lising among his fellows, may find himself placed during his, role as an actor in connection with the events of hi time. Yet the position of the Biographer, as a near rela- tive, may, in many instances be coustrueu into that of an egotist, wliere nothing of the kind was intended. . For this reason, and to the beat of our ability in endeavouring to aink the individuality of relationship, we have sought only to place the cha- racter of our subject in the position, we have every reason to think, it should occupy, i. e., as a sincere and ardent lover of his country, and a statesman, as far as his limited abilities pern:itteii. As a country, the position of Canada is a peculiar one, with all the adjuncts of a great nation, with resources unbounded, and the necessary intelligence to use them, it cannot be denied that it has not kept pace with other sections of the same family on this continent, nor acquired the respect which after 100 years o^ endeavour, it should now command. We believe this to be no mere idle assertion, anil although it i.s not our pro- vince to investigate the cause, yet if .ve can in the following pages shew that there Avas one at least who loved his country and longed for its pros- perity, our work will not be in vain. That our subject during a long and eventful career, tried to place liis own country and its interests, always first in every consideration, will bo found amply illustrated within, and although iron! time honoured traditii)ns he loved Britain with a Briton's love, yet he loved Canada more, nor was his devotion a mere sentiment, as in no instance can we find that he ever was willing to place liis own land in a secondary position to any other ; liy a tiifling transposition of the sentence we might justly say with Macauley in his eulogy on the illustrious Pitt, that he loved Canada, "as an Athenian loved the city of the violet crown-— as a Roman loved the ' JJaxiina rerum Eoma: " // II. TLe liiuited space at our disposal disbarred us froui giving more than a synopsis of tho leading political and local events, with wliicL our subject was connected ; still we ti-ust that sutticient matter is given to incite the investigator to trace rtvents onward to their ond. Wo have copiously used the opinions ot" the press, and although at this date it may sefm strange that a local newspapei (the St. Catharines Juurnal) t'urnished most ot" the items, yet it must be remembered that in the times we write of, this paper did its duty as a public exponent, a task which has latterly fallen to the tlaily papers of the large cities. We have entered fully into the question of Public Works, not entirely because our siibject was engaged with tho,se of his time, but for the reason that in all matters honestly intended to foster and encourage trade, he found them the source of a nation's greatness. Such were the ideas of our subject, and it will be seen that in almost every instance of trouble, he was prepared with some resource to counteract any evils \/hich might fall on the laud through mistaken statesmanship, or ungenerous legislation. That errors may have crept in, and umbrage be expressed for many statements, we fully expect, and as ordinary mortals are hardly responsible, or expected to be perfect in these matters, we claim tlie benetit of the saying that to err is human. Fault may be found with the minuteness of some, and the apparent slightness of other matters. In this we are convinced that it will lequire the experience of another generation to fully appieciate the soundness of Mr. Merritt's views. In local matters we have been as particular as the circumstances would admit, and forebore bringing up issues at ajiy time unpleasant, but would ask the reader to mark well the change of public sentiment which actuated the friends of our subject in assisting him in those schemes, which benefitted not only his own locality but the country at large. This change is apparent in the appreciation in which his responsibility was held by the CJovei-nment in the early days of the Welland Canal, and the reverse in a similar enter- prise, the W. R. R., at a later date. To the critic we may state that no efforts have been made to rendei' the work attractive by sensationalism, or introduce the finer arts known to those who write for elfect. We have simply endeavoured to give the bio- graphy of a plain man, in as plain a manner as we could, and if we have succeeded in doing so our utmost expectations will be accomplished. We thankfully acknowledge the obligations we are undei' to numerous friends for their advice and assistance in compiling these pages. J. P. M. Sx. Catharinbs, 1876. iiore than a our subject iueiti-' the re copiously Weill strange most of the it; this paper ['alien to the the ejuestion iH'aKeFonniTient Turning the first . sod of Welland Tanal Speech Old Church — State of the Country Provincial Assesments 54. 65. 56. 57. 5*. (^0- 59. -61. 62. 63—67—68. 69-70. 71. 182o. Work progreflsini^ At Bar of House Report- Bishop StrHchaii -Opposition in Nia(,'ara To New York — Enlarged Canal »Stock taken St. Lawreics Route Surveyed At York for Amendment of Charter 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 1826. St. Catharines " Joi'RNAl " Started . . .. Honorable settlement of Merritt and Ingeisolls business Establisment of Mail routes Albany — Governors visit — Burlington Bay Canal .... Removal of residence St. Catharines Landmarks Report . . Rideau Canal commenced 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 1827. ,£25,000 granted %o Welland Canal Offices removed to St. Catharines " Feeder ' Grand River 85 86. 87 86. 1828. For England Accident on returning Proceedings Deep Cut disasters 89 to 109. no. 111. 112. Pao«. icy 50. 51. V2. 53. 64. 65. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60—61. 62. 63—67—68. 69-70. 71. T. 71. 72. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85 86. 87 86. 89 to 109. no. 111. 112. Politics — Land lisputes Fortifying Canada '.' Policy tending the trade DepartnrP of Govprnor Maitland Paoi. 113. 114. 116. 116 1829. Opposition from Radicals Visit and de.scription of Canal Oranthani Academy Oovernors vinit 'k for Railroad Great Western opposes ... Local enterprise for R. R. .... Tugs on St. Lawrence 284 285 286 287 288 1846. Railroads Canal enlargement ... 291- Great Western and Southern R. R. Controversey Refusal to extend Charter Disastroufi results prognosticated — change of Imperial Policy Retires from business — Reciprocity U. C. Municipal Bill ... " A.pplication for Government employment Great Western Railway ... 308 — 309 — 310 311 Fii-st Provincial Exhibition .. 289. -292. 293. 294. 295. 305. 306. 3U7. -312. 313. IZ. Page. 259. 260. 261. —263. 264. 265. 265. 1847. Urges Free Trade with U. S. Lord Elgin Arrives Intel colonial Railroad— Meeting for relief of Irish Famine. £le< ^ric Telegraph Trav'eliing rt ...... <)|)ening of Parliament Meeting in St. Catharines .... Fami 1 y affairs Reciprocity Correspondence Page 3U. 315. 316. 317. 318. 319. 330. 321. 322. -269- -272- 273- -276- 277- 278- 279. 280. 1848. L. J. Papineau Journey to Montreal Proceeding.s in Parliament Change of Ministry Letter to the Premier Home journey f iiossed Suspension Bridge in a basket Invited to Washington Death of Dr. Prendergast ... At Washington J. F. Crampton Too hasty about repining To Chicago-^ Called to Government Cause sof entering Governujent Services on lieciprocity Measure iveciprocity retarded by the then member Hostile threats by Conservative press They are in favor of our subject Extracts from Private Journal Detaling usual Offiical Routine D. B. Sullivans plan for Emigrants Letter home NoticBS passing down a schooner for Europe His measures on Loan Fund now taken up *' Journal " takes an opposing view Hinoks' plan of Finance Remarks on ditto and summary 323 324 325 326 .337—328 ...329 330 331 383—333 33i 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343. 344 S45_346 (I 347 1849. ^ Opening of Parliament Oovei-nors Speech Reciprocity resolution by Papineau " Journal " on act passed 6th March 34f 34& 349. 350. /.' 1 z. Letter or. proceedings in Parliament Tugs to bo built W. L. Mackenzie returns Caricatures published Parliament Hovse burnt Paob. 350 (< 350 .352. 1850. Meeting at St. Cathariaes, &c 353 Occupation after (^lose of Session 354 Visit of Family at Saratoga 355 Issue of Government Bills 358 To 'Vashington 360 Spea :s of Journey Home — •' " to Mayville 361 Halifax 362 Oovernor, U I OO II A I^H Y OK THL HON. \\\ H. MERRinV^M.P. -««}««0 i Wii.MAM llAMii.iON Mi:imrrr's ^'mndfulher, TboniaH Merritt, like th« i-oflt of his kiiiilrcil, rcsiiltvl upon a farm between BetlforJ and Ix)ng Island Sound, two miles fioiii ilir 'atter place, and called in these days "Mile End," from a mile sijuan.' uf land being j^ranted to an anceator of his, for survey- ing at an early date the ('ounty of Westchester, of -which it Ik the extreme limit south-east from New Ytirk State. Ileing the oldest of threeing dftstined for tlu medical profosaion, and was in due time transferred to llarvi:rd (.!ollege, the nearest institution for pursuing the higher studios of his intended cai'cer; but the troubles of the times soon put an end to all peaceful avocations, and following the military traditions of the fainily, (hia maternal gi-andfatlier having held a commisvion as Capt;vin under George II.. in the Conquest of Canada,) ho entered the Ropiment of .Simcoe's " Queen's Rangers," as a Coronet. In the moving of the division to the South in 1779, ho fell in love with and married Miss !Mai'y Hamilton, of South (Carolina. On the return of the division, they resided in New York, whore the corps were disbanded ; l)ut not choosing to make that place their homo, they went to St. John, N. 15., having lost their Invit-born before setting out on their joui'uey. A short stay in the cold climate of New I'runswiek forced thoui to try the Carolinas again, — not however till misfortune visitod them in the loss of another child. These troubles, with other ditUculties, decidcnl them on moving once more, v.hen they settled near the ohl family homestead on King Street in Bedford, where the birth of a son and daughter occurred, the former — the suViject of thi.s Memoir- being boin on the 3rd of July, 179.3. They there movcy thi> RojiiIiHtH protest inp ngainfli tlii> IJattln of Ii( y«Ml tlio fiiinily iiihirc, uml slin ;o th(» loyuli.sts )<• sooond son, •lenco, he wiis pxt oiliest Hon, ;,'iv(' IiIk (load ft (lie country 17.^3, (o thf ttlors of Now , (\])l. Punly, its. ThuH 1)0, orcod to loavo ion.i,di it might 10, giillaiitry of oiM its French )t receive! any loiiy, hut was )H in the end ig but fertile ; Ts fav()uriihh> on-itt to visit s reception l>y the country, the Province nionts of tho rendering the \vt through a 1 Now York, at Albany, a rt [)Oi"tago to The British of their goods ^ froo of duty to Niagira, whnro thoy arrivod Rafoly aft(u* a h -ig and tinwoino voyage. The lands of tho Niagara District having been all taken up by tho men of ihithu-'H llangors a force which had rcndereil most iinpoi-Uint HiTviccw to the (irown in ft)riiier frontier being settlod, Mr. Morritt, not wishing to croaa to tlie other side; of the lako to York, whom tho Hoat of Government had just boon ronioved, and wliere lie must roHido in order to take advantage of tho (loverninent grants, hn lii'wt purehiuted liot N(». I.'i, in tliM '1th Ooncession, but sliortly afterwards he removed to l/)t No. 20, in the .value Concc8.sion, a more (digiblo sj»oi, it being situate on the Twelve Mile Oeok. Horo, within a few miles of the base of tho moujiUiin, .iiul close by the bright waters of Old Ontario, on the ba.iks of the broad and delightful estuary of the "Twelve," surrounded l>y tho towering giants of tlie forest- - the oaks, the walnuts, and the lonlly pine.s W(>re the tirst eaily improssions of the new land conveyed to tho youthful mind of the suliject of this .Momoir. As i)reviously stated, the lifn and haljits of a pioneer is one which calls into full phiy at all times the entire janvers of both mind and body: t<> supj)lant the mighty monarchs of the virgin .soil for the more u.sefuJ'amJ necc8.sary grains and roots, rctjuired for the roceedings. An incident which Mr. Merritt n.sespeoially Sundays, v.ero well spc.'nt with his fellow-student", sons of tho Hon. Mr. Halt, of whose hospitable domicile ho entertained mmy pleasing recollections. Soon after this, his teacher, Mr. Cockerell, removed to Niagara, doubtess exjiecting a higher reuiuneralion for his .services, as that town was compara- tivt-ly large, and contained a number of government ollici.-ils. His father at that time was Sheriil' of tho District, and frequently in Niagara, so that the removal of the teacher was a pleasing change to them all. Here he finished his home education, xmder the -s?!r^s^ vsccrtaining ) the horror he mill, his and was in His father, )ing on this lid asaist at ras tho mill e route and Y the latter uont, as ho subsequent , and hero cal instruc- ;ent father, a fine pony, of tho Buy, side of tho lis practice, ch WiS not lorso," half ry and his ,0 tho cause t with his omicile ho a, doubtess compara- juently in U;n to them 11 of Mr. v.lio was a wlcdgo he uid useful Uirliugton of follows, ed a vast fund of variod ontcrtainmentB, so that time passed over very ploasantly. Aj> Bocioty incr 10 The country on the route was well sottlod ; and BaptLste tho driver waa rus communicativfi as drivers ufsually aro ; so tlio timo and distance flew past quickly till tlioy an lAod at the ancient city of Quolxx;. lUHiuixang his driver to return, he went down to the wharf and found his uncle, who gave hiru a cordial weloonie. Our youthful ti-avell(;r was soon in deep converse with his nowly-found relative, to whom he told all tho news of tho groat and new country in tho West, of the largo lakes, of tho Niagaia Falls, and particularly of his father and family at tlieir homestead on tho " Twelve." The lu-ight and intelligent youtli soon became a gi'eat favourite with his uncle, who, wliilst they remained in (Quebec, took him to s^e all tho wonders of that cpiaint old city, with its churches, hospitals, barnicks and fortifications, including tho aid Castle of St. Louis, and famoxis Plains of AViraham, where nearly 50 years before, the illustrious warriors of England and France, under Wolfe and AFontcalm, had struggled for the prize of half a continent. His romantic niind was delighted with his rambles around this historic jdace. Jle visited the ruins of the Old French Fvvt, of which scarcely a vestige remained. Strangers strolled round to examine the foundation walls, where occasionally might be found amongst the rubbish an old bottle or other drinking utensil, from- which perhaps the Boldiers of Ja Belle Fi-ance in days gone by had (puifTed their favourite wine. His uncle hml j)rocured him on his arrival a complete suit of sailor's clothes, so that Hamilton in liis uniform no doubt felt proud of the "Blue Jacket," which in tliose days of desperate naval engagements, was the pride of the British sailor. The vessel having completed her cargo, in a f(!w days all was ready, and they bade good-bye to Quebec with its pleasing memories, and were soon speeding down the noble river with a tine breeze and an ebb tide. Tho really tine scenery of the Lower St. Lawrence, with its towering capes, its lofty range of l.rfiurentian mountains, the numerous beautiful islands which dotted tlie surface of tiie broad river, the shoals of white pori'oi.-e.-J and flying tish, hail all attractiont} for our hero, which delighted him beyond measure. Whilst on tho voyage, he made himself acqjuiinted with the names of tho roi>os and the mysteries of sailing, and occasionally doing some writing for his uncle, who ent(^rtained him with descriptions of tho French settlements (in the shores which they passed. They cast anchor of!' the Island of Bie, and liere they spent a day iu enjoying themselves. All along the coast of Bimouski and Givape, it is wild and romantic, with mountainous sceneiy and sea fowl in abundance. l>eaving tho Island of Anticosti on their loft, and the groat Bay of Chaleurs on their right, they made into the open (Julf which aeparatod Nova Scotia from Cape Breton. Hero Mr. Merritt lirst experienced tho ■■I: 11 horrors of swi-sicknesa, which no doubt dlspelleay. a.s this was the most important foreign station that the British possessed, and wjia the cajutal of JJritish North America. As his uncle's ship wa:< about to sail for S. Croi.x under convoy of the frigate Lc Epervler, an event occurred which had a future influence on hb« whole life. Capt. Nickoll, whom his uncle brought from Quebec, had contracted the fatal ha])it of drinking to suoh excess that at times ho was not tnistworthy ; so that instead of Mr. Merritt accompanying his relative home to New Brunswick, his nncl,> determined that he should bo his 3Uj)or- cargo for the voyage, with full powers to carry out his instructions. The Lord t^heffieki had a general cargo of lumber, flour, itc, 8uiteressed for Her IVIajesty's service, and tivken away from thorn ; but through his uncle's influence they woi-o soon restored, and proceeded on their voyage. This voyage was in every sen-se a most unsucce.ssful one, as a suc- cession of Bovcrc gales caused the shi{) to spring a leak, so that they were compelled to part with theii- deck load of lumber, and to bear up for Charleston; but moderat- weather induced them to alter their course towards the Bermudas, a:id they arrived at the Island of St. (,Jcorg(!, after battling with the elements for over five weeks. On entering tho hail.'our, thoy wore nearly lost by mistaking the channel ; but a negro pilot, Conung on board, brought them safely in, where tliey anchored after a most i)eiilous voyage. 'ITic Caj)t!iin, Mr Laing, Mr. ^lerritt and Mr. Hamilton wont ashore, glad t.o bo safe on terra jirma ;i;;ain. Whilst they were seeing after the refitting of their vessel at St. (leorgn, one of those violent hurricaiices which aro so j)revalent in the Wtst Indies and aro usually so destructive to life and property, suddcidy arose, and such was tho violence of thf! storm that the .ship parted her (;abl(>s, and was drive:; on to u danger in the harbour, known as tho " Forks." Capt. Alwood reported his v.'ssel, and obtained a.=».>ii.stanci» in getting her off and mooring her at S'lcldon lc Oooirich's wharf, whort^ they prepand to^ uiilcaJ. A survey by the authoriti'^.'i w&.'i lield upon n 12 tho ship, when it was found that fho was so badly Ktraincd and damaged a.s to bo j>ronouiicod unseawoi thy, so that sho wjus dismantled and sold by auction ; ccrt,unly not a very favourablo beginning for our young supercargo, who 80 far liad rogularly kept a log-book of his voyago, and put tn every cloud of spray, and every dash of foam which t)io ship oncountei-s is inst^intly converted into solid ice. The perils of this const are at all timos very seiious, but (loubly bo in winter, when every rope and block is held by the iron gj'asj) of the Frost King, and tho crew so benumbed that exertion is no easy task. On ono occasion the vessel came ne.-ir beinji oaught in the fatal embi-aco of tho breakers which lash with awful g;-andeur upon this rugg(!d and rock-bound coast ; but by the ni -vcy of Providence, thoy .♦brtv.ately escaped shipwreck, and at length sigliti-il Partiiugo Island light -house, at tlio mouth of tho harbour of St. Joliii. Tho captain and Mr. Merritt got ashore, and obtaiuod a boat and crossed the river to St. John, where ho lost no time in hastening to his uncle's, and relating his adventure.^. Hia friends were all delighted to mo(!t him, an I show him everji-hing worth seeing in tlie country. During his stiiy hero, he continued his oducation at a good English school, which was well patronized. On tho 13th of March, his uncle sailed for E:gland, leaving him with the family during his al)sence. 8t. John w;is founded by tlie American Loyalists at the time of the Revolutionary War, and was a refuge for them — Mr. Merritfs gi-and- fathcr and uncles among the number. It stands on a rocky peninsula, at the mouth of the River St. John, contivincd houses built of wood, and had a largo and extensive commerce. Mr. Merritt's father, gi-andfathw. and part of his family emignitod here in 1783. I t f Ig 1 f 1 I 13 HtTo lio sturiifd r»ook keeping, and aho made furthpr (iflvaJKc;j in navigation, surveying, algebra and Ijiitin. On the Cth of June he entered college. Mr. Molxjud taught him trigonometry, and other sciences suited to an enquiiing mind. Kt. Joliji wiis a busy tov/n and a capital place for a young man to gain an insi^^lit into buaincsa. The fctir and bustle of a large seaport is always favoiirabii! for observing the many road.s there are to fame and fortune, by indnnti-y and j ier.se veifuioe. Mr. Merritt hud an ojipoilunity of being introduced into tho society of the ladies, who in tliat locality were fame, they were driven aahoro on Martha's Vineyard, an island lyin;,' off tVio ooast of Massachusetts. Hero they had to remain until they found a sniuU schooner, bound for New York, which freed them from their involuntary imprisonment. They reached " Shrogg's Neck " in Long Island Sound, where another detention occurred, so that he shipped on a small ' Bk>op which took him to the old homestead, then called liyram, now Port- chestcr, where ho remaine mercantile business, ho purcl.'ased teams, lior.ses, cattle, an 16 liiikoa, and nn ombargo waa put on thoir ciomniorco, which Icxl them to lUiticipati) that war mi'jht roacli tlioir peaceful honuvs. A Militia Act of 43 BOctionH waa piuaod on tho mooting of Parliamont on tlio IGth of March, 1808 ; and not too Hoon, as Hubsoriuent cvciit^s will show. Mr. Morritt ha^l roceiviHl a comii.Lssion of Ensign, and a T^ioutt^nancy just beforti tho war bn>ko out. War was announcini about tlio anniversary of tlio Battlo of BunJror'rt ITill, on tho 19th of Juno, and Mas known hero on tho 27th of tlio samo month. An cxproHs waH .sontto tho (Jovcrnorat York, who arrived at Nia- gara tho noxt «lay. "On the 29th" wiya Mr. Merritt, " I had tho honor of •' l>oing presontiid to him ; on tho 30th I had an order to repair to Chippawa " with 20 men, and place iny.st-lf under the commaml of Col. Clark, of tho •' 2nd liincoln Militia. Hero 1 found 20 more, over whom with my 20, I •' was phuicd in commaiul. We were moatly cnf,'aged in patrolling up tho •'banks of tho river, exp(>('ling an attack, eapocially on tho ni'^dit of tho 4th •■ of July." Tlu> IJufTalo (Jazcttf, itoticed COO Voluuteens on tho frontier at tho oommcucomot\t of tho war. On the ."Oth June, it .said: '* Iniminlijvtoly '•■ on a ropoi-t of a declaration of war, tho militia in tho neighbourhood of •' tho lines were ordered out. Tho ammunition and aniui dei)o.sitod at ■' Canandaigua wero dospatohod for ihcir use at 15!;>.ck Tvock." Tjio following oxtmct from Mr. Merritt'a printtMl journal of tho war, gives a vivid description of tho feeling during these stirring timoa : — " The flank companies, and all corps took a prido in doing their duty, which was v(*ry severe, i\.a wo were in momeulaiy exixH'tatioTi of an attack. Patrols were kept up with little intermission along tlie whole lino from Fort Cicorge to Fort Erie. Those olT duty wero on fatigue : notwithatanding which they im[)roved rapidly in their iliaciplino. IJatterios wero erected ou {>very eligible positii)n on i.\\» \i\w.». ^ Tho greatest jiossiblo cixortions were making for a vigorous roKisfcance, uiuhu" the eyo of our commander, wiio was continually on tho move, visiting ovcrv |M)st. This continued until tho 20th." IVFr. Moiritt has said that riiling along tlu^ Niagar.i lliver from CJhippawa to the ferry, lirst suggested tho idea of a canal to his mind ; and it is but rea.sonablo to stipposo that while on duty his thoughts and eyes would bo mainly towards the flowing river, on whose opposite bank wero mustere aTtrd hi»o any ol^oel•:^ or men, and Hir (Jeorgo Prevost being vinwiiiln;,', i,i liiv) iiii •. iLain state of aflairs, t<} risk any of hi.s forces above Kingston. Of his Attorney-rioneral ho ma lo a milit;iry Lieutenant, succwxled by his clerk, Kir tl. U. Robinson, also a militiaman, ami not of age ; another of his militjiry family Wivs R. Nicholl, Commissary (a merchant), and J. Clark, of tlu) -Ith Lincoln Militia ; T. Merritt, formerly Cornet in Simcoe's Rangers, his Commander of Cavalry, Tho g'j.utlemeu mentioned being all intimately known, it is not to bo wondered at that placed (US he was, a situation should bo given to a youth just turned 19, who had displayed some zeal for his country, and that he should receive a medal when tho .service was pei-foimoJ, t?i'> .same as the veteran Col. Proctor. Tlie cami)aign of Napoleon against Russia made the Government of the United States more compliant with the views of tiie democrats witii regard to tho expansion in America. The concpiest of Spanish America was for the preiient postponed. Tho arrival of the Wasp shxjp of war with tho s{x*cial onvoy, afforarxl the signal for commencing tho war, which was declared, as was noticed, on tho 17tli of June, 1812. A t;dent<;d writer in tho United Stiites lately, says, in his Biogx'aphy of President Harrison : — " Even before tho deolai-ation of war, Kentucky had " made railitaxy preparations for the expected campaign. Tho Governor " hiul organized ten regiments of volunteers, and Ohio had boon eciually •' active." Governor Meigs was requeated to call for troops to assemble at Dayton, Oliio, in April. Next month, throe regiments were assembled under Brigixdier-General Hull, of tho United States Army. On the Ist of June, the army commeaced its m uvli : it preceded the dejlavatioa of war, and 2D ii\ h W 18 ^ dayH was conHiiKirotl onoiigli for it to |>h».h from tlioOliin to ilic vulloys of t]i« Sfc, Tjawroiifp. The namo ito<'nnop, on tlio WaWasli. "Fn inarcliiiii,' tliioiigli a wildt rncss," saysHnll. " iiitMii(iral)Io •' for siiva,;,"' Imilmrity, it will Im^ imi)os.sil)lo to rcpiosH the feelings of indigna- '' tion, and wliich the spirit of an indignant people^ can no longer endure." At Urbana they wei-o joined Ity the 4tli Kcgiuient, stationed iIkmc. under )i triumphal arch decorated with the mottoes of TijipecaJioe, »t'c. I'as.sing tho •watershed, they leachcd Mnumeo near the close <>f the nmiitli. Hull's army, for fear of ainlmsh. desjate of example in similar e.\pcdi(i(ins through an Indian country, had left the Indian //■«//, and tiie season heing rainy, tliey wore diitaii'.ed on tlnMnaich. md liter-ally ''stu"k in tiie uind." which the Indians 1)\ their c.\[ierieiire tVoni tirne inuueinoriiil li:id leai-ucd to avoid. 'J'his circunistaiieo found him (tn his ai'rival at tho lake stripped of his hor.ses. wagijons, kc, tor want of wliich ln^ made use of a couple of seliooui'is lying at t.liM mouth of the river, and in crossing it, he was first made iic(|uainr,ed l>y a di'Sp.itcli, uilli the di'clarat ion ot' war. and notified to he on "his guard.'' IFpto this time (he expedition, tliough large, bore th" a,j)p,'araiie,,! of au Imlian invasion, and only to Hjip(!arances I'eaping the fruits of Harrison's vicioiy of the Ttli of Novendter la.st, on tlu' Wabash. This 0()idd n )w no more be maintained, ami the sule object of the camiiaign • -the compiest of (laiuida must now 'pe i)uldished. St. (icorge, the nnlitia offieei". ha\iug receivet. Ibx'hellc, of Andierstburgh. .After a week's delay, the (loneral crossed llie riv» r. and entrenched himsi'lf at Sandwich, nearly o]>posite ; front wliicli Ik' sent, out .si'\eral expeditions. f>ne of them reaching t<» Delaware. Colonel Proctor, who, a'cording to ^Morgan, lanl brought over the Ust Regiment a f(?w years previous, was not with the detachment opposite Detroit on the declaration of war, and the control of atTairs was thrown into the hands of the Militia-Colonel St. G'eorge, who froni the surprise or other real oV)stiiietions. oould not eommnnieate with the Governor until the SOtli. (E.VTHACT F1!0.M ]\Ilt. MEKltnV.S JoUItNAL.) " Infornnition arrived on that day (the 20th), which changed our front, and lessened tlin necessity of watchfuhu^ss here. I got leave to visit ray home on the ' TVelvo,' which was tho first leave of absence I had since the beginning of the war, although a number of tho Sedentary Militia had been allowed to go home and gather in their crops. On arriving, I found mine destroyed, except a small portion, which had been saved l)y an old iKjnsioner, under mother's directions. In fact, tho war had put an end to my future % I \ illIt>VS of tllH Ix'foro uiulor l|>|i('ciiii()(*, on " lIKMlKHablo 5s of iiidigna- iger onduro.'' \\('Vi\ miller n I 'as,' in;,' tlio Hull's iiijiiy, i (lirouvjli art ,' laiiiy. tlioy ." wliiitli iJic »'il to avoid, ilipcd «)f liis a ('(iui>l(i of III' was first 1(1 iiotitifd to I largo. l)oro i rcaj)iiii,' tlif tli»' Wabasli. Ii" canijiaigii lio Fiiilitiii 110 prevented veaolioil iiini ."itli of July, idniinund of I- CJenrral y opjjo.site ; cacliin!.'' to ■er the 41 .st lit oi)posite NviLs thrown surpriso or n-iior until 1 our front, o visit my d since the a had been bund mine l)ensiouer, n\y future 10 fiinniiicc openition.s, and I never workod u diiy at tlmt ocu'Upiition ag.tin. I had not arrived niany liour.s, when I was followed hy my fatlier and six men, with an order from (Jeneral Uroek to proceed to Delaware, alous; the llivor ThamoH without tlelay, and keep open the eonimunieation with Aiiiherst- hurjLj. Ho achlod, 'I am well pleased with your e.xertiou.^. and wish you to see more active .service.' I immediately piepai'(>\. IJostwick WHS there with the militia who had just assemliled. I li(;ard of Mr. Watson heing at Delaware with !<• or ] 'J un>u. I pushed cui with the design of surprising; him. A few miles hefui-e I arrived at the place, 1. fell in with Mr. Till'any, wlio appi'ised mo of his beinj,' at Allen's, with a nunil)er of men well ai'iiied ; likewise tliat the country would all Join him. I sent back to('ol. IJoslwick for a few of his men. 1 took po.ssessionofahou.se about six miles from Allen's, and called ourselves Yankees ; the peopio diseovercd their .sentiments to us, so I inado a dozen of them prisoners, detained all but one until the morning. AVlieii Col. jtostwick arrived, we took two of the party, moved un and .suriounded old Allen's hou.se, but Watson had made his escape; W(! took Allen ami the tN\o prisoners with us, and rt;tuiiiod to Oxford, i loft a .sergeant and four men there : heard of Major t'hambers. of the Ust Regiment ap])roacli : met him at Hurford, he did not retard my return to b'ort ({eorge with tht; jirlsonei's. (.)ii arriving, [ found that Oen. I>rock had sailed for Vork. I followed him in a boat, and reported niy.self. He was well jdea.sed with my proceedings, and .sent me back with a detachment of L*i-' men, I was too well satisiied with my command, to he long on the jourjiey. Major Chamber's \\as ar, O.xfoid, with •1(1 Keguhirs and lOO .^^iIitia"." On the road they woi-e detained by (.'ol. Talbot, and did not. reach Detroit until the day after the occupation was made. Jt is unueces.sary to detail the incidents of this action .so cnulitable to all engaged on our side. Mr. !Merritt remained here, foraging for the troops until the 7th of Sep- tember, when he returned to Niagara, which he reached in (nght ilays, they being in expectation of an attack on that frontier. Whilst at Detroit, he wrote a letter to his alhanced, detailing these events in full. Im the Trnflalo (hm'.lti' o{ Sejjtember the Sth, an account isgisen of the meetuig of the County of Niagara, at Dutl'alo, and of the appointment of a Committee of Safety. A import that Ci-and Island (the Indian reserve) had l^oen taken by the British, hrought out the Indians undei- I'ed Jacket, and from the same paper of the "J'.tth of Sejitember wt; extract: — " Aliout 140 warriors of the Seneca Nation from the Alleghany ilivei-, arrived in town la.st week, and are encamiied near, moi-e being expocteral Van llciuiillcr. (loiuuiil lliuck, witJj liiw iimncdiato rtall', li;i.:t(iiiiMl to tho soono of action, leaving tho availahlo icservcs at Niafjani to follow ; nmon;^ tho fiifit of th«'Ko to arrive wero tlio cavalry uiuler tho oonunniKl of Major Mor- ritt. To their surj>riKo and clu^jrin, they mot a lunnher of Kti'a!.'<,'lers from tho militia, who, when asked \vhy tiny were iM.'haviii:,' iu tin's manner, replied that they oidy followed tlio exanijilo of (ho r('p,adar.M, whom thoy hiul l)Oatou in Ihoir retreat, llninours weio now v.l.isjMred about of tho death of tho (ioneral, who had been reported only wounded. Tho following extract from Air. M(!rvitt'H printed jovirnal will explain Hubsei[uent events: — "TiiM nti'ii',';;l(;rs haviii,c; eoll<>eted at nurhain'.s, (tibout a ni'lo distant on tho Nia;^ara road), (ient-ral Sir It. II. Sheatl'e, havin;.,' a.'^Humed eonuuand, Major Menitt's dragoons wero ordei-nd to advance. The.se, with tho Indianii under Captains I'rant, Norton, and Keri', kept the onony on the heights which they Jiad flr.st oeenpied, and so allowed (len. Sheaflo to form in their vrtir. So near were the pickets stationed that whilst waiting for tho action to connnenee, I\!r. Merritt and the IT. S. oilker eommanding e.\rhange;olvo to defend their .soil. And tho action has since been Uioked upon as the Bunker Hill of Canada. Major Merritt, holding the position of commandor of tho militia cavalry of Uppt'i- Caiiad.i, was deputed by CJen. Sheaffe to receive the Bword.i of tho ono'.ny, which was done by riding along the column and placing thorn on his saddhi-bow, making cpiito a largo load. Son\o of the.se weapons remain in the family to Uu; present day. Mr. Merritt remained with L..; troops palioliiug tho river dining the rest of the campaign, with the exception of a week's absence on tho L*Oth of November, to the Detroit frontier, on a confidential mi.ssion from (Jon. She^iftb to Col. Proctor, Tho only thing notublo during this expedition was tho crossing on tho ico of tho River Thames— the first of tho season. Mr. INIerritt was st^xtionod at Fort Erie during tho demonstrations of (Jen. Smith, of the 17. S. i-egular army, who, since tho defeat of Yau Rensallcr of tho militia had taken the command of tho frontier. During the winter of 1812-13, important changers were made in tho organization of the forces on tho Niagara frontier. Volunteer regimonts were fomied to serve during tho war, amongst whom Colonel Robin-sou and 1 > 21 noriil IJrock, »y out) of llu» » eiu'iny had Policial Van ti) tlm soene ; iiiuoii;^ tli(» f Major Mor- iti;.'<,'lcrH fi-om tlii.H iii:inner, . wlioiii tlioy ulumt of thii will pxplaiu lo dintrmt on 'il comrnimJ, It tli'j liidi-ina 1 thu lieifjliLs form in theii' tho action to ■hancfod Hhotu lio had been )\e battlo, in d Avith other tlie combat il. And tho la. ilitia cavalry 10 Hword.i of )lacing thom eso weapons niaintxl with ign, with tho tho Detroit 'roctor. Tho )n tho ico of stiitionotl at IT. S. rejifular a had taken made in tho ;er reginiontf \obin.sou and othrrs diHtin<,Miishn«l thfmvilvc.^. Tho militia w.^rc! .still liable to bo callvl for duty at any m:)in.''nr.. Tlio r)ilo\vin;.( j:jra;»hio lottfc, t/) thn fiami> party at l)>!troit, \\-ritliMi by .Mr. M<'rrilt at tliis timn, k.1u'\v.< prv-tty cloarly tli(! K.tato of all'aii-s, and i]\v ficlin;;^ of tlifi juvtjjlo in tlii.s Koction, on his niturn froMi Kiiigiton, w!iit!ii»r h > In 1 b u.i d •.^^^at ;h.i I for r.Mnfort;(Mn ntn : — "Nl,\f:.u-.A, K.O.nniry, IHI.'V '• I liavo not brcM a nioj'.th in tlio huiho placo siiir-o last .luno. I liavi' now rctiirui'.i from Kin;^Hln astonisliearte. Cieneral \Vinchcster and staff ntill remain (>pj>asite. W»! Hont over SOO jirisoners attain yesterday. All has l,(H)n very <[uieL here for somo time pa.st. I'lvery family have moved back, i.M anticij)atiou of a coming strug- ^'lo. So far, 1 have liad the jilea.suro of Feeing all our oxertioiss crowned V. itli Hucce:- !. 'i'hero are tvto families in ev(.'ry houhi> at tho 'Twelve,' and two families are occu]iying your former residence on the 'Ten.' All tho young men tVom that j>lace are in a picked company. Jame-i j)ittrick has distingui.she.l himself, .lames Turmsy liiiii been down. Most of threhensi\ c of im att;iek, tho en(!my having command of tlu^ lake. On tlu> L'Oth of Ajiril the militia were calliKl out, liaving benm reinforced I'V some of the Gleng.uTys, Newfoundlands and Kings. A week later the attack was made on York, a place comj)arativolf undefended, where tho I-:>giHlatiiro had but lati-ly iiri.sen, and wliero but three days previously the 1/oyal and Patriotic Society h.-id held a meeting tor the pur])oso of appropri:vting suraa of money to thost; who laul Xh^'h U-reft of friends in the tlefi.-noe of the c l''oiir .Mile (Vrck. < 'ol. Ilat\(«|niii'. ( 'ol. I lar\ cy and inyHplf rodo np and down (III' rivt-r diiriiiL; (In' ni_i,'li(, ainl .slrpt at. day. On (lio 'J.'idi (lie <>n(Miiy coin nicnccd ojn'rat ion.s liy (■aiiiioiiadiii;^ l'"or(, < ■coi';;c, wliicli (licy lairiicd. I''oi waii( of aiiiiiiiiiii( ion w c witc nnalijc (,, return (licir (lie. On tlio L'Ttli, at 4 in (lir morniii;,'. tlicy wi'ic discovcrctl iimlci- co\cr of a (liick fofj. 'Ilicy commcnccil (o land liy !• ,\. !\l. < *nr iii;litaiid left divisionn were obliged to fall hack on (lie reserve, wliieli, niiiiilierinj^ but H()(l men, wfire forced U> retire. " .After findiii!,' (lie boa(H commanded by ( 'onimodore Uarclay, avIio w Creek, witli (he li;,dit <'oni]i:iny of tlie Kim^'s, !in (,<) DeCew's, (o wliicli place (lie army bad retrea(ed. I.'einaiiiiiij,' all iiij,dit, I took (be party tbroii^di tlie wood,-i. ;irriviiiy tlierc iic\| morniiii,' at It o'clock on (be "jNtli May. "'riiis day (lie militia were distiandcd, and (be j!<>^'ulars marclcd to (Irini^by, on (be w av (o linrlin.i,'(on lleiirlds, Marly on (be 'JUtli I n>lnnied to (be 'I'wehe, a( Sliipmaii's, w bere (be iMiemy bad its advance j^iiardH. 1 remained at my fatber's until iiiidni,i,dit, wbeii I returned t.o(lrimHby toreport. ll«>re I w.'is ordereil (o remaiii witli (be troops and a few militia nntil drivcti off by (b(' cnem\, 'riieir appearance next day was witli a (la.i,' of (riioo. sliordy followed tiy a par(y wliose forco cansed me to retreat, (o Stony Creek, on (be ls( of Jnne, I )\irin;,j' (be next week we bud si'vcial skii niisbos, in wliicli ! lost .some of my men." As it is not our intention to enter upon a ;,'cncral bistory ol' (lie ,v,ir fnrtbei (bail is ncccss.ary to brieilv sbow llie events wliicli our Kiibjcct was eii'^a^cd ill. otbeiwije we could ,L;i\c a prominent place to tlic creditable ent^a^emcnt Jit Hrown>tow 11, on (be "Jlst of .liinuai y, an 1 at (be KImi- IJaisin, wlierc our troops niub'r Troctor i^aiiied a decisive victor\ over (be eiii'iuy. .\lso (be i,'Hllan( comluct of tlic liowcr Canailians in kcepiii;.; at bay an overwlielmin;L^ Con-o from (ho Cbamplain Distrid. Wo will (berefore I'ollow Mr. Merrit( through the remaiiiiii^' cvcnls of the war, iiy ;,'ivinf4 copious exdwts from his joiiMials and otber impoilaid documents r«'lalinif (o the Kiibje<'(. Ifow cvrr, v.H the i\'^\\\ at "Stony Creek '' was to a great extent (be (iirning point of this year's campaign, and i(s results most im]iortaiit upon the (ben present welfare of the Niagai'a frontier, wc consider (but our work would lie incom- plete without fliis vory important eiigagrinent. After tb<» icloivon the Hl«'e|i aee|i\iticH of tjiieenston Hci<,dit><, when flcir stiihlioiii \alour alone had tor a lime sav"d tlir rountiy fV'iin th- hoiiois of m iiivatlin;,' foe, anddiiv ■n li,ed< the tide of war over the Idui" water-* of thu iniehty slreaiii, ]i?cservin;,' lor iJritain, who.se. name they oidy know hv tradi- tion, a continent which in lat^- year.s has Ikmmi di^nitied hy a ro\al laurcftle, with the >,i^ni(ieant words of "the true North." No wondei- that tJiey muriiMireil ^t ilif order t i " j/o home if they eho.se," instt-.ad nf lii^htin;^ iJio eiieiiiN, ulcMi llies w c'intident, and felt well ahh- to li"a' liim as tlioy'd tjorie li^fire. Witli heart hnrninj^ feelings no dotdit. .Mr. .Merritt at tliis tini'i |icnned iho folhiwin;^ wonls in lii.s journal ; "I felt in a siid dilenirna- tlin "thouditof ahaiidiiniri'.' the I'onntiv. and leavin:; everythirc' that was near "and dear to nie, wa^ nio^t distres.'-.inL; ; Mtillinore .so, the iinhaiijiy .'■atuation "of iiiv faiiiilv, whom we left totally un|ii'ite.'te |. ,M y fatlcr kuowin;^ (.iif> " iieiills III' would he ! uhjc ;t to if Ic ieni;uiiei|, d"'eiiiiiiic ] to f.illo-.s t'j.' arniv, " I'oi' nil' tliere was no alternative, nr I slioiM c'ut.iinly hive remain" 1 heljind '•tojirotect my mother and sisters." ^ This was no solitary ca".c of devotion, as many mrlitinmeii in tho district followed the .anny. in their retreat ti 15 irliiiLttoii, laioyod np liy tlm liojK' that !i stand mi;,dit still he mad" witjiin iii.' limits of tie- .il | |)istrict. During this re'rcat, Mr. .M"r;itt with Ids (li'a'^o m-, k"|it ili" r : i of the I m . coveiTd, and hy his knowlodL!;e of tlm country was well informed of the whcrcahuuts of tin' advancing,' foe, aIthou;|,di tho duty was an ardi'.us oic, as the men were witliout rest or sleep for six or eij/htdavri. Wlicit .Mr. Merritt rca,ehei| llui lin^jton, a leHef was Kent to tl." r«Mir in !i is place ; here lie met hissister, Mr-. ( lordon. and h"r hushaiid. wJkj was ^tatiollod in Dinidas. and for a hiief .spae" wa.-, in ^.'ood i|>ia,rters. On the '»th and Citii of .liine, tic e lemy kept pressin;,' on, and drov« iti the pickets of till' rear ;;iiard as fai as Aikin.m's. On th" Gtii .Mi. Merritt diiHHl with Mr. (ojrdon, in l)undas, and on Jiis return to (juaitersat I»ur- Iin<,'ton, was ordereil to fall in with the m.iin liody at IJaniard's, wlirrc the troops were furmerobal)ility we .should have ri-tired without risking r.:i iic-tien, ius cur foieo was not one-third of tlieirs. Proctor and tho whoIf> v.pper countiy would l.avo fallen. " On our iinival at Davi.s's we heard a rejiort of a gr.n ficmi their picket ; the detachn'.cnt baUfnl, formed into s-ections, and tl.o loading was drawn from each gun. 'i'jie light ccmj.anies of the 4'Jth Ivings were in ad- vaiiCO ; (len Vincent and t.lail'at ihe 1 ead of the column in their rear. I wa.^ attached to l:iin for tho night. The enemy were (ucanqied on (Jagn's field.'f, in a very advnntageoua position ; 2,000 of their men wen; on the hill to tho right of ih.c road, and HOO in a lano on the loft, in advance of their artillei'v, v.-hi(;h was situated on a hill diiectly in front of the road that our troops i:Uist come ; their |/iokot.i nearly a h.alf mile in atlvance, also in tho woods. Tiieso \\{) madf; pridoncra, without giving alarm. On oui* entering the cle.i.uig we were fired on by tho sorond picket, who were more alert. 'Hie 500 on our k-ffc were t'lo first that were discovered. "(Jin. N'inciul oidered a charge, and our men set u]) a tremendous shout, whii Ii co;:tinuod iilong the whole line, and wa.'i the eaus ; of throwing the cneuiy into tlie grimtest disorder and conftision imaginably. Our two light ccnipanies of tho -IDth routed the 500 befoie the main binly liad time to com'> iqi. (V)ronet Ceorge was by my side, and told nu^ tho fight wa»s over, aiul the vietoiy ours. "I liapiieuef throwing y. Our two odv had timo 1 ho light wa.s 's «)f the main n.sing every t tiTincndou.'! 1 tho ()}»j)OHito not Colonel Pondorletho, with 30 men, rharg'-d and caj)t\ircHl their guns, we should havo been coiupletcly defe.iloJ. I iirVfr hoard no rapid a discharge of musketry; the hill wiiH a oontitiual Hiioot of lire. Ilowciver, after c.-ipturing their artil- lery and botii their general.s, they thought j)roper to retreat fi'oin tho field. At the app >araii;'e of d.'iylight we foUuwed tiiciir example, fearing that when they di.iCdv I ;-('d our force they would renew tho attack. ''After v,-o left tho field, t'ol. TIarvey desired me to return, and if poe- Bible find 'InJ. (Jen. Vincent, suppo.sed to bn either dead or wounded. Not thinking of the enemy, I was challengfHl l)y a sentry under old Ciago's hou.se. I was on tho point of surreudering, as my pistols wore both in my hol.stors," when I adopted the Ktriitagom of eiupiiring 'who plac('d out my pistol, which luade him drop his gun. At that moment a man without any gun ran down the hill ; T calley droves of Indians ami militia, who on hearing of the light gathered from all pai-ts. ]\tr. Merritt wan rejoiced to get back once inert' to tlie old homestead on the "Twelve," although luH outpost had only iinivcil at tli<' Twenty Mile Creek. The ordinary ex- citement of outpost duty seem.s to havo had a charm for him at this time, as he volunteered to keeptlie advance of the army, tMid in conse(pn'nco ran Hovcre risks of Ixang eitlier killed or nnule prisoner; in fact hi.s energy and activity, coupled with his intimates knowledge of the country, made him so obnoxious to the enemy that tlu'y sevrral times tried to eireet the capture of him and his Huiall pai ty, but without success. On tlio L'lth June, Col. lioastler and about G'JO of thi; eiiomy endeavoured to take them, but got caught at the r>eiver\\lK.le force, e.\i-ept six men who < scajied. Mr. Mi'rritt's jiarty formed the escort, who took tho jjrisoncrs to lujail ipiarters on the " Kuriy." The duty at tliis time v/as v.tv harra.ssing, as it included neaily every • tiling that outjto.sts are cngagcfl in. At one time f;'«'ling the lines of tho opposing force, or learning the when'abouts of their scouting jiartie.t ; and at ttthers, hunting the country fur forty i>r tifty miles round, after necnted spias ; KO that, taken on the whol<^ V(>ry little time was giv(>ii for rest or relaxation. The head (piaiters of the iirmy lijui now moved on to tlie "'I'welvo;" Oen. Vincent taking up Ids (juartersat Squire Adam.s' homchtead. On the '2'Mh, an ahirm came that the w hoh; Sfsites army wore ajrain .advaneiiii'. whioJi caused y.v. M. to bo sent off to ascertain the truth, which wan, that thoy h;ul never left tlieir entrenchment,s. On tho 1st of July, the advance wa-i puhhed on to St. David.^. On the 2nd, l>cing at the "Twelve," Mr. M. wa/» pr«v-ft«ted to Major (Ifti. Do IJottenburgh, who had arrived to tako comraamJ / 2G o( the mriiy, as well .'iH b( iiig I'rosidciit of tlio I'rovinco. Mr. M Sh.vb, " He liMiiirbt w it I him a mtv jjK'al iiaiiir, so we (^xportcil ho would do wiiiidciK. lit i'iu'i lin did iiotliiuf^. " 'Vhv. ',Wd wits his birth day — ho hoiii^' twenty years old which hia friondK at the "Twt'lvtt" i olohiated with a fuio dinner |ir«'|),vrod by liis uiothor. TliP ■•idvainc was thou .it tho Ei^lit Mile ( 'nHsk ; niid Mr. M. being sent witli a (Ing of trwee, was math' prisoner liy .i Majoi- Forsyth, who detftined him for a ft'w l.oniii, iind ueated him nnd liis piirty in a most rascally manner ; wliicli bt^ing ropresented to the States (ieneral, I >earlturn, dimniHed the Major. He was aftoiwards killed at « >dell Town, I^. (\, by u skirmi.shitig party. A number of Indians now arrived from the west, and were received by their dusky conipanion- with the rirmy, in grand Ktyle. On tho 6tli, Mr. M. wan scut down to CasKell ("horns, near Niagara, in company with Cnjitain Hamilton, Jaivis, MoKenny and Mall, to find .some mtHHeiiie which wrvs bmied there. \VliiIst on this expedition, thev had a slight skirmish >sitli some States dragoons, without any result. Next dav th<»y prv'cnreil a vaggon. hail tlie chest dug up and sent ofl". Whilst at breakfast, in Squire 1'. Hall's, a light commenced between the Indians \inder < 'ai>tain Norton ;ind < 'hief lUackbii'd, and about 'IdO of tho States Fnfantry. Into this tight .Mr. Merritt and his j'arty wom reluctantly drawn; but by their example. th(> indiamj liecame master of the field ; the enemy's loss 'icing .'">() in killed and taken ]>risoners. Mr. Merritt suy.s: " For this rocontro I was " montion(\l in geuerid (U'ders. and got inoi'tM-redil than I deseived, "as I was drawn into it against my will. ... I was rather flattered " by this mark of distinction, c(Uiscious the service had been well performed.' The Indians wero very troublesonn' in the neiifhbonrhood whore they encamped by the 'I'lii. am! Mr. Merrill removed to that station with the beat part of his troo|>. which kept them in c'.u'ck, and undei- better discipline. Tho Iiead (juarters were now removed to St. Davids, with tho army at the Four Mile Creek, i.nd the adv;uice a mile fiuther tm, in entrenched jio-sitions. po that the old ground was nearly all reg'dned. Whilst here, Mr. Meiritt says "he had very little to do exci'pt taking tea with the ladies." JTore he was taken sick for a few days, but soon recovered. On the 20th a troop of the llUh Light Dragoons arrived, and Mr. Meiiitt obtained perniis.siou to go to Montreal to bring u)) the long promised appointments for his troop, the men of which were by tliis time nearly naked. The saddles and bridles were in a bad state, nud the men wore made c(>mplete "post boys" of; still they did their duty in the mo.st patient nninnor, although they were often sadly abused anted. Me acknowledges th<' fiiendsbip of ^fajor Fulton upon this occaHion. Ife then proceeded on (« Montreal ; but his oi)iiiion of the Conimandei in- Chief was not quite so favcurabh" as foimerly : in fact he learned for the first time that there irtis a prejudice against the militia by military men, which was getting to be very annoying to the inhabitants. He found that he was a particular favourite when on ]iaiti«Milar ser vice, but ///'t< being over, he was forgotton. [n Montreal he waited on Sir it. ii. SheafVe, and ('apt. Koring, ids Aidecamp, who from old acquaijitaiice f^ake treateil him kindly and did every- thing in (heir power for him. He procured clothing for his men, but eould not get the other appoiiitnients, as they ha enemies — I retuined liiid landeil everything from the boats, one of which had a ijuantity of sptvie for the ConinuHsariat. We drew nji our forces at the mouth uftlie ('reek (consisting of 20 men with 12 muskets only.) "I sent expresses in all directions for the militia; the vessels (aine ojtposite to us aneen justified under tho citouiiistanpos, as tho duty was both onerous and fatigueing, and the i-ewai'd, nothing — hardly tho thanks of his superiors in tho regular army. IIowev<;r, his feelings arose with tho genond depression, and lie turned his v/holo attention to his trooj), which rapidly improved, both men and hoi-sos; in fact his deterniinution of rwoiving justice or leavir.g tlio Bervico proved of tho grwitfist advantage, as his men received eveiy allovt-anco that wius evt<>ndod t(» tlio I'Jth llogulars. He discai'ded tlu^ inipcrfect Iiorses in his troop, and like ji, pi'udcnt and Jiigncious olTioor, re funii^-bcd his stud at tho cxpouse of the enemy, by making an occasional furay where ItJiUit expected, and carrying off their berst Jiorscs. A geneml movement of the cnomy from tlio Niagara frontier down to Sackett's Harbour, or nither liower Canada, cause*! CJencral Do Hotton- burgh luid suite, with Col. Hru-vey, to go to Kingston. Tlioy were followed by the -19th and KiltJi Vviltigeurs, and GlengaiTy I/ght Infantry llegiments, which materially diminiilicd the strengtli of our force, and made many feel unexsy at tlio weak .state of tho army. Ccuftrid Yinceufc wa« left in command witJi part of the 100th ricgiracnt, King's Iluyal.", one; coiupauy of tho SOth and one or two comj)anie-i of tilen- garrys. Tlii.! small force ki'.pt (Jcnaral Hoott, with about l.UUO U. 8. regu- lars anil a good force of militia, closely bloc-kadovl within tlio prooincts of Fort (.Jen-go nu'l Niagara town. t)ri tin 7th of Septombor, ths-y made it:i attack on the outlying pickets I'n thofw.iiiiji rf.jul, wlio fuliowed anil drov o iIk-tii into the iMnnaon. On return'iii;.-', llicy found our forci", when a Icngthly skinuish occun-od, and (••cntinued witliout intermission until evening, when eacli ]>arty withdrew. Tho loss v. .13 IriHiiig. Ca>1. Murray, who commanded the rear guard, behaverritt got two days Iwivo of alwence, i 20 em, anothftr I found tlie wcro desert- in a moat niisinterpro- teen justified igueing, aud Dgular army. B turned IiIb and lioiuos; •vice provod CO tllUt WiUS orst'H in hia stud at the mt expoctod, ici" down to Do Itotton- 'ero followod r lleginientH, .le 111 liny foci I llogimont, iio>! of Glen- J. S. regu- iraoiricts of ;ig pickets rihou. On cunxid, antl withdrow. I, iKihnvcil court(Ml his JTt ^Ir. Coi-don, and family. Btorui, and sLer of Mr. gti, and tho of al)senc«, to go up to soe hor, cxjiocting to find lior a coi-jwo; but to bis nurpriso and pl-rasuro, c.n lii.-i arrival lio found li<-r much better. On tho morniag of tho i)th, whou preparing to return, ho hear.l from Captain Ilcrtvliy that tho wholo urniy wuh on tho retreat to liurlington. It secniB that ( n the ('th (Jcncral Vincent licard of Pnwtor'H defeat, and fearing (Jenora! Harrison would follow up his victory on tho Thaniofi, and got po^.sossioii of Burlington Height^^, he destroyed all hi ; fitoroa, but left a large quantity of flour, part of which fell into the hand.s of tho enemy. Mr. IMerritt Wius a.'sloni.'died, and rodo back iv.\ Ikst as pos;jibh), 1f> find c 'orything in confusion, and tho men Bcattt^red in all directions; bo mot tbo advance guard at the Fifteen Mib Creek. His father detonninod to follow tho army ; but Ix-'ing very ill, after much persuasion ho con,sautod to remain at home. The trials of his family were very Hovore at tlii.s impor tant time, a" Mr. Mcixitt'ii Journal Khows:— - "There wa.s no help to bo had, for everything rnmair.od exposed in tho houF;o for tho liif t marauding party to plunder, whidi T v.as eertaiu vvou''.l be done. ■Nliria rctiinujd and slaye.i with iny iV.liicr, ij'.jtli'.'r and bi.st v at tho Forty Mile Creek, moi'o dead than alive. Caroline, her husband, and two children at IJurlingtoii, all sick, and myself on the way wheitivor fortune clioae to bear me. 8uch another scene I hope never to witness again. There wa.s not a dry cheek to b^^ hoen in [larting with the good people, as they were confident wo muat be off, this being tho second time." Mr. Mcrritt loft home at 10 o'clock at night, and marched as far aa Couse's in a heavy rain; ho breakfasted at Mr. Nellas's, with hia mother, who wiLS nearly out of her senses ; his invalid hiater he found fast recover- ing. Ifo arrived at IJurlington, and from there was sent to Dundas. Hero ho heard from Yin fatlier, to whom tho States troops under Col. Chapin had bohaved very well. A traitor named Wilcox had the management of tho civil olliccjj of the districts. Mr. Menitt and some of his friends would •xicasionally ride as far as tho Forty Mile Creek to see t'-e huiies, and wore nearly taken prisonoi-s one evening when returning. Cn the 10th or 12th of November ho was sent to Fort George with a flag of truce, and if po.ssiblo to find out tho strength of tho enemy, and ostalilish a correspondence, so that information could be got of their movements. On arriving at t}*.-) Fort, ho heard that his father had been mitde prisoner by tho traitor Wil- cox. This circumstance so enraged Mr. Merritttliat in his Journal ho tolls ua of "having taken many a long and weary ride, i:i the lonely hours of tho night, in hope of catching Wilcox and making an example of him, and all triutors," of whom it appears there were not a few i n the district. Ho was co.n • duct<>d blindfold to General Hanison's quart^>rs, and was treated with every attention by the States General, who sent across tho river for Mr. Merritt's father, and promised to send him homo in a day or two. A report having reached General Vincent that tho fleet on I>ake Erie was driven ashore at Point Albino, bo despatched Mr. Merritt across the / !| 80 country U> asceituin tlu; tnitli. ami tlcstroy tlir tlcft Hoonor than lot them fall into the liaiidHof the tuit'iny. After riding forsevenil days in niiserablo woathei , and over roads aluiust iinpasfyibU', )io found tho report to bo false. AVliilo hpie, he licard that the lU'ct on I/uke Ontario was in the samo predicament, whioh made hiiu hasten back, as the report if true, was far more important than tlie other. Wliilsi (111 the ret\irn l)aek a strange afl'air ooen rod, whereby he and C!or- onet jycKonny, his bosom friend, were near shootin,!,' each other in the dark- ness, they having mistalcen each othei' for one of the. enemy's pickets. Afr. Moritt icmained some tinn* in JJnndas, and believed that his leadei-.s had given up tht^ idea of retaking the countiy. The ohl town of Dnnda.-;, peacefully reposing at the lase of tlie mount;iin, was a pleasant jdaco to live in dining these stirring times, containing a nund>e)' of the oldest and most resp(H'table fan\ili»'H then settled in the district, whose hospitality wa.s proverbial, and whose liouses weic always ii|ieji to the loyal defentlers of the ooiintry. Jt is not to be wonthMt-il at that the oMicers s (Jooley, where, for tho evening, were gathered the bravo and the fair of the old di.strict. (»lad music, the dance, and haiii>y song of other days soon chased the short hours nway. No doubt luit that the oft-tohl tale was told again, and the pleasing iccollections of other days were again repeated, to atld t(.» the joys of the night -wdien suddeidy the harmony of the meeting was disturbed by the loud knock of an orderly dragoon, who came to summon the otKcers there assembled, from the tests of lov(*to the Hterner duties of war, as orders hatl been issued for the army once more to assume the aggre.ssive, and march immediately. The i)artiug good-by and the .secret .squeeze were .soon given. At midnight i\[r. Merritt and and hi « troop were on their way to the Forty Mile Cieek. where they an ived by day-break, taking several prison- ers. They soon pushed their outposts to the Twelve. Mr. Merritt procured 40 or .')0 sh'igha, and on the morning of the Dth proceeded to Ball's Mills, lomled a number of them with flour, and sent them back to the main body ; with the others, he pushed on to tlie Twelve, and brought oft" liis father who was ill, and several others?, heside.s what valuables he could from his house, as (he enemy in Ihei- retreat threatened to b\n'n the houses. On I .5 I lot them I nmer.iblo »oit to be n the samo lie, vras far le ami ( 'or- II the dark- le (its. his leadei-s uf Dimdas, it pUvco to oldest and litulity was icfeiidors of nart(!rcd at tho kindly cH)ine to the ihh^ anuise- [ii;o\irs of a sleigh-V)ells twistings ve by tho a large and e, for tho ict. (J lad lort hours le pleasing oys uf the jed by tho leers there orders had \ud inarch oou given, way to thi' sral prison- tt procured [all's Mills, |nain body ; liis father from his buses. Ou M informing (*ol. Murray of his exfiedition, li.« wu^ .>-o'. y a jiidiciuurt iUTani'ement of his small force, ho made the be.iiers of the Hag belitnn that the whole army waH advancing, and tho greatrr pai-t of it at tlie 'I'svr] vn, whereas the advance was only at the ''Twenty. .l>urii\g tho night lie di.sfoveicd by the glare, that the town of Niagara was on fire, whicli caused the whole foi-ce to niovf on. as tliey knew Iho (Miemv were in a hurry to gel out of tho counti'v. (V.l. .Muii'mt and jmrt of th'' I'.'t'a dragoons soon came up, and they iid\iitiied near the bnrning town. When a sad sight preaented itself, as tho following e.\tiact from his .Journal il'-scribes;. - ••Nothiiig but li -aps of coals, iind liic streets full ot tuiiuiuro tiuit liio inhabitants were t'<)rtunat(i enough to get out of their houses, met the eve in tdl directions. Mr. (Jordou's house, my old ijuarter.". wms the only one left standing. The garrison was aliandoneroceded to Fort F^ric, and nuule some prisonejs." Niagara was in ruins I Of the ouco stirring little town the hop<^ ajid pride of the surrounding settlers — little remaineatches. Colonel "Nlurray, however, entitled nu; uad my troop to a share of the prize money of tho place, for our services.'' After a sharp contest, Buffalo was eaj)tured and burnod, in retaliation for Niagara ; and our subject, though still coutined to tho house, had tlio pleasure of hearing that for the present the country was rid of all its ene- mies, (.roneral Druminond left for Kingston, with tho satisfaction of knowing that things "were nioro prosperous than when ho assumed command. Lieut. Ingorsoll and Coronet McKenny wore sent to Quebec with their priaonei's, Col. Chapin and Capt. Leonanl, Avho connnandotl Fort Niagara. And thus terminated the C'ampaign of 1813, vhich from every point of view retlects no discredit upon our aiius. Service in the Campaign of 1814. When Mr. Jlerritt recovered, tho army was in winter quartern, and everything was quiet along tho frontier. Repairing to Quooustou, whoro his troops -were (piartered, he found that they had l>een totally neglected. Aud there was no immeiliato occasion for tlieij- .servicea, ho obtained leuvo to change their quarter to the " Twelve," so tliut he could bo as near a.s possible to his command. Ho soon got everj'thing in good order, recruited more men, and found horses, so that when Ingersoll and McKcnny returned from Que- bec, at the end of February, they found a bettor state of affairs, and a eonff- donee, which had not been felt hitherto existijig amongst the army and peoi)le. He was then ordered to Fort Ueorgf^, and got stables up and th(^ men comfortably (juartered. On tho 1st of Juno he sent McKonny to Ix)ng Point ajid Burlington, to relieve Lieut. Ingersoll, whom ho sent up six weeks previously, with 16 men, to t^i patrol this section of tho country, as an attack was expected at that place, which might poLssbly enable tho onomy to i>enetrate as far ae Burlington. 33 On the tliiicl day of July Im arrived at Unit importnnt jioriod of life wlion youth is supjiosed to liavi; UHTiftMl into full iiiiudiood ; hui! in hoTior of liis iittiiiuiny inajority, his |niiMits at tlic' homcHttad on thf 'I'wclvc pii']iiirod n grand dinner, to wliich a 1,iil;<' nuiiil)(>r of frionds wrve invited. At four o'clock, when just sitting d(jwii to dine, a (hagoon ai rived in hot liaste, with iutelligenco that the enemy liad ian(h!d at Foit Erie. The anniverHary, it ia nefnUess to say, was eelelinitij' iiiililiii >'!' lltt* riiiialrv , I inliiiiiH, I'u , I lc iilnniiil lint next iiutnii|i).j iirici' t\ lii\r«l iiml rupiil ri.lf, liasiiin in;rtiiii|ii;.'.||nl llir jiuiiiicy (if iii'Mi'lv lull liuuitr •! mill's in iiiiii< ami omt liull' lioiii:. TIk' pr«'Hi>mv' (i!'Uii> iuvailiii'j; army wan iiumk .'.I'vir.-ty (',.li |,y |||,, |„'n|.l(>, oil tliirt nci-'asion t!iaii on tli > iircvi'His niics, as tiny serin (o liavc ailopli'd n ptilify ••(■ iiilimitlaliitu tnwaiils the iiilialiilanlM, wjil'li liisL was mIidvvii liy tlicir icI'iiMal to ijivf till' Ix'ilir i nl" ihc uiilit i.imru svho wcic Kiilclul. <'lii|p |tMwa, Id lliiMi- t'l ii'iitlH t't>i' (icn III liiuial : aii>i iiIim liy liu> MyattMnalic maiiin'i- il» wllicll (llKV |iluil'llM'<'(l till' piTlllr. rvctl (lie I'llii^ili s, (iffvi I'Vtiiili';- mn\ill.|(\ J'lxtiai't I'lom Mr. Mi'n-iK'.s .l>Miiiial "Tlio ('iiPtiiy's maraddiu^- pai-ty li.'nl iml. r';icli<'i| iIm- 'i'wcivc y«'t, t'nr lii'atiii;.,' a |mrty was llicrc, tlicy (iiuhiilily imaniiicil il wmihi lie, urNiimd I'mro, M> fur 111 ail\atiii. I'liiL «>l' tim ( ilciii^iiriv s jiirivcd iiiKJcr ( '.•(|>(aiii Kil;'.( lilil'oii, formerly of (lie l!)t li, wlio liad ko ^iilliUilly distiii:;iii.,Iied himself heretofore at Heaver h.iiii.i. thiili,. |,'»|li ||ii< l«i iteifimenl of liiililia were stationed nl flu Tea Mile ( 'reil;, I'.n.wn';, ; ili<' Itli IJe>;iiiieiil, a! Ilutt's; two others III the i'.eaver hams. 'I'lie miiiliir were dnilv .shir- misliiii:.; ami drivimj in Slates' |iarli'>>. wlio wei(« |pliiiideriii',' every house thev eoiih! !j;« t. al. ; tli<\ve\eii ]iliiiidei<'d women of every t him,' they juid. 'rii»> two last w,ii,'i,'oiis w«'re taken hy voiiii!,' li.ill, with a. party who were earryin^j; oif soft soap, after eleariie;- the house of evi'i\ thiii-^. The lie- wildered families were olilij^ed tohuvi- llieir homes ami plaeo (,liem;;elve,s under the proiertioii of the army." .\s on pi'ex ions oeeusioiis. M r. M<'rri( t had his full shai e ol' out post dul ' varied h_\ an oeeasioiial skirmish with the enemy. .Miinili ilO ol' the nio-t robust and deti-rmiiu' 1 men in the militiii, mostly olliceis, of uhoni our .suli- joet was one, \dliuileeied as a eoips of oht-ervation, under command of ('ant, FitzdiM'on, Part of their amnsemi'iit, was to haiiif on the skirts of the; ononiy, and ann.n thorn hy wveiy jiossiMe means. 'I'iiey spent a week at tlii.'i e\i'itin„' \\ or!:, and nsmil'y had live or six skiriuishe,, daily, hut willi- out any results wor;h mentioning;, unlil tlair party, froiii various <'aiises, wore nvliK'Oil to 11. wlien ihey aliaiidoned tiii.s mode of warfare I'orthe uKu-e roijuiiir duties of their corps. Mi', ^l. al.s) joined a similar juirly umlei- I'ol. l)runuiioud, of tlie lOltli tJei,iiin'nt, witli similar resulis. Whoii, n . oeiviiiL; intKlliijence of the eiu'iny movin;;- from C^iiieenston, (hey prepan^d for storner woik, as suhsequeiit events e\t:;id(d from Mr. *!.'« journal will v:.o plain : — " The army was put in motion at S o'eloek, and J arrived with part uf iiiv trooji lit l.uudy'K I-ane, at o o'clock, of July l!;")t!i, 181 I. Col. I'ier.sou with tlio Light Brigade ai living shortly after. We proceeded on as far as I'.ridiiewater. A ft-w drauoons weio sent on to the Falls to reconnoitre the camp at ('hi[ipawa. At S o'clock we I'ell hack on Luniiay's Lane, leaving- an advanced ])icket at 3Irs. Wilson'.s : hut at h o'clock tlie enemy •was uh- served advancing'. Shortly after, tlu'Vihove in onr advance ))ick{tK. Tlio mlitiii and Lii,'iit r.rii,':ijlj v.ero ordered to retreat, as thi; main aimy wero :»r» ill, \\\\" I ni'tl 111" jiiiirni-y (' |i('n|il(», (Imili'il IV luiwii liy III, ('liip • imiiniiT innsiililo. y««l, I'nr iiiu* I'ni'cn, ('(1 umltT iii;;in.-li<'il ifiiiirni <»r I!('s';iiiu-iil- •lily sliii;.('lv»'S poHl r tiio l.ut willi- ir (Ik- iiioro ily umlfr Wliou, i( - ren:\r(Ml foi" III will ex- 1, ii I'mt of )!. I'icrsoii a as fur as M.nllro llitl ii,', h'aviii;; .i\ was i>li- lk( ts. Thtj i my wcio Hcvcml niilc'n i'l (lie ••<'iir of '^Mt'i'iiHluii iiiii| St. JJiiviils. (uncial I >i hiiiiih.ikI III living', iiril< i'>'ri','iii'rvH iuhI itiiivtt| IImi (In.t fiif in till' wiiddw, two liuiiilnil yanlH in a(l\ utic»i ; two kix |i(aiii(lcrH \v«to pluccil iii'iir tli'^ < 'liiMi'Ii, nil MM fiiiidcuco. Tilt' St.li IJt<;,'iiii('nl, TiOO Htrniijf, with a ili'lalcliini'iit of tlio \hi Knyiil HciiIn, iIiiiI, iiiiiiiit'iil. itnivcd, mid wt'io |iiiK'f(l in tlio iciir I'l" IIh' j^iiiia ; my im-ii on tlic lij^lit, willi (hiiith Id jnin tlin lUtli (III iIh' Itt't, ill (.^iiifnistnu Ivund. 'I'lir I'iM'iiiy, on uii|irniicJiiii>( tlio lii'ld, fiic'l oil' (i» tliK ri'^dif and it'ft., rxiKni'l In i lii> lin- of l!i(( two field |(ii'r«'H, which did litilc «'xi'i'uli.iii, Amid (t a ;^n!lin^,' lire from tlw ( Jicir^'aiiyM iind militia, tlir («tiaiay adviMi''i>d n|i Id Hk^ ^iins ulinoHt nii|ii;r<'ri vrd, wIm ii a nioNt •^'iilliiiit r.MiHlaiii'i- was ma't" liy our ini'ii. 'I'li'" mlilliTy ihdii wcrt" fxpnwd to liolli our (ii'cand (lial of l.lic I'lii'iny ; al I iiLitli, tla-y were under (Ik- necfi-irtity of li'iivini; tlii'ir ;;iniM, wliii'li fur u inoaii'iit wrm in |ioKHi'HHioii of Lin- <'in'niy. Tin' nt . j^mL |ioN,;i',HHiMii <\' t||M road l«'',\vi-on tlif diii- •,'uo!iH and dm lint' in rriail,. Majta' (Jciii'ial lli.dl receiving,' a sf.tn-e waiinl in till' sliouldcr, wuh t.ikrii |iii.soniT, iflnriiiii;,' liy Ilit> road with ('.ipluin IjoriO'.,', A. I >.' '., Irsyth'.';, on luv \vav to ea|»- tivity, ! heard the liro reiiewi-d, as the Idth had just arrivcti, who drovfi tho enemy eonipletely off the held, leaviie.^ us victors. Tioops n-'ver eoiild liavo lieh;*ve,d with ,','reat"i' '•oolncss and hiavery than our.-,. Tir'V fom/ht aLTainst, live times tle-ir immh-rs ; the ;,'ii'ater part of the army waH six miloB in tlu) rear when tin- ii'tion commeiu'ed. We were.;. it that nii;ht tt) Si-hlosser, as prisoiir!?!, It i.'i mii.iinc ; Major < it iifral Kiall, wtaindetl. Captiun \jjy\nn.'. ^V^) were ji>iii.'d iu tin- inorninu' by Captain Ih'ov.ii, Lieut, ('iiue, ami Lamont, lOnsiirn Lever ami .M<>nt>^r,jnii>i'y, who v, ,re taken iu tin! last part of tin- aetioii - makiiiL,' in all, [',) oliiixrs and 1 I iJ privates taken piisim(»rs." "The ,t,'nMiter |):irt t)f t!ie oHieers uoro takiii l>v mistakiiif,' tlie enornv for friends, in Oonsetpif^net^ of the dai'kness <.f the ni^^dit. We whii- kept oiit all night arouml a tire ; tents tvmld not i)e jirovitltMl until ui'.xt morniji:.'. Wtt were all mueli fatiguetl ; many had bt-en for sevt-ral nights witliout sleep, AV(> were mareheil under a strong e.seurt to iJiiHitlo, 'J 1 miles, so that on our arrival we wciu comi)ietely woi'n out. '.flie oilictr who luid charge of us, £ 3Q cannot sj.oak iiuich in f;iV(>r of. We were sent to Pomeroy's Inn, whore we procured n good sujipor, and took a very coinfortablo nap on the tables." "Tlio following day tliov woro parol d for Greeid)iish, in tlio interior of Massacluisotts, and their yniird dismisj;!cd. Tt is not do»?niod necpssary to give tlio particuhuTi of the nuum.-'r in which o\n- suUjnc.. passed his time whilst a pri.HomM- of war, althonifji hi-i well-kejit journal is l)()th interesting and anuisin;f on that point, as the few extracts hero f,'iven will show : — "Aui'-iist 2Stli. If' avy rain all ilny ; spent the afternoon with Captain Daw.son ; party in tlie oveninLi ; heard many anecdotes, particularly of Mrs. Norton's aifairs. Croeic rosj very high, carried off the cotton manufactory at Adamstowu." ''■ 21)th. Took a long ride in lli:^. nioriiin<4 with Mr. Howe of the Navy ; visited Mr. Mills, the waggon niiiker ; crii'ket in the nfternoon ; received an answer to the letter I v.-rot:> to .Aiajor M^'lville, on the 27th. Mr. Foster bi-onght a report fi'om Pittsfi;;!!! of I/ord Hill havins^ taken possession of Washington ; to celebrate the ewut, v,e liad a dinner partv which lasted till 1-2 o'clock." " Wept. 0th. Took a long ride ; ])laye'l I)ilUards, and strolled ahout, read, and at last drowned my Ciur;i in tho ar;.is of Morpheus, &.C.. ikc." " 2:'ird. Wet, coM, i-ainy w;'ather ; wmt to chur!']i. Elilers Ler- law a)id JiOiieh h-^ld forth to a large congregation ; a nmnber of beautiful |!:irls there. This day two months I had tlic misfortune to be made prisoner, As tho foregoing is a BanijAo, f.hev>-ing how time was passed by all the otlicers, wo will conelmlo this chapter by staling that Mr. IMerritt was de- tained a prisoner of war for about eight months, wlien tho pnsoners got their froedoni by tho closing of tlie wa:-, an 1 he reached home about the end of March, 1815. We cannot clo.so this brief sketch of Llio war of 1812 without noticing the ini[>ortaut results which often spring from such causes, so that a race of peoi)le who in a measure felt only a temporary estrangement, should have by this act completed in eveiy respect a s.ijiaration which has now led to the establishment of distinct foi-ms of government tantamount to nationality ; B[)rnug from a common stock, and sp.;aklng the same language, yet liaving laws and traditions us wide apart as the old countries of Europe. Whatever might have been the feelings of the old U. E. Tories in Canada to their Wing opponents on the other side, of the line, the attemjit of the latter, in the v.ar of 1812, to complete the compao.st of the Northern part of tho continent, and absorb their old oppionents, aroustid a spirit of successful oj)position that led to a detining of Ijoundarles, v. hicli in a short time culmina- ted in the laying of the foundation for a new nation, which under proper guidance will eventually it is hoped take no unimportant position amongst the nations of the earth, and conclusively prove that however weak or un- prepared for a struggle a country may be, tho designs of an all-dispensing Providence cannot bo set aside, and that tho Croat Disjtoser of men and things may i)lace a limit to the ideas and actions of ti:e most aggressive. 37 The reader who has patiently followed the course of this narrative, can liardiy fail to have romaiked the extraoidiuaiy activity and the energetic disposition which characterized our subject in eveiytiiini,' which ho atteni{)t- ed to accumplish. Few nieu seem to have appreciated 1 lie important valuo of time more than he did; hence, in a few days altei- the proclamation of peace, and his consequent liberation, we find him at the home of his atlian- cied Miss Catharine Pi-endergast, in Mayville, N. Y. Str.te. The marriage took jdacB on the 13th Cif March, 1815. So we may fairly state tliat he, at least, lost no time in exchanging the lionds of warfcr those of matrimony. The aimable young lady whom for the future becomes the sharer alike of his joya and troubles, was the daughter of Doctor Prendergast of Jfayville, N. Y., a gentleman of consideiable means, an influential member of the N. Y. Legislature, and an individual highly esteemed by all who know him. His father was a native of Waterfoid, Ireland, and a professional ship-builder. He came to St. Johns, Xewfound- land, in the early part of the la.st century, and carried o;i business there for a time ; from thence he moved to New York, and married Mahitable Wing, daughter of Jedediah Wing, of Duchess County, wheie the Doctor was born in 17G4. In 17GG he was charged with being implicated in some local re- bellion, and judged by the severe code of those day;;, he was sentenced to death, but was fviUy rej)rieved by his gracious Majesty, (Jrorge the Third. He then moved to Pittstown, near Bennington; from here a nuiiil>cr of people started to the South-West, with the intentidu df c. lionizing Tennesp.e. Amongst them was the Doctor, and others of his family. The climate of tlio South did not agree with their health, so he returned in the fiili of ISO.'), and decided on settling in Canada. In descending the mountaiu ii";irl)o- Cews, the light carriage used by the ohl peijile broke duwii, which caused them to locate in the vicinity, till near the breaking out of the war of 1812, wlum they returned to the States, and resided at Mayville. It Wiia during their stay in Canada that ]Mr. Aferritt tirst bvH'ame avquaintcd with the lady whom we havti now introduced as his wife. After spcudiug part of the honeymoon at the home of his bride, they Ic.do adieu to their affec- tionate parents, and came on to thcii- f-iture I'esidcncc on the " Twelve.'' The joui'uey was made on horseback, it being the most couveni(>nt mode of travelling in those days. They arrived at l»uHalo, whi,-Ii v.-as licing I'ebuilt, and crossing the river at I'dack Itock, were soon at the home of their old friends, where, it is needless to say, they received « hearty welcome. In a few months afterwards, Mr. Merritt having occaaion to visit hcnd (juarters at Quebec, in reference to some un.settled military ir.atti is. left his wife at her father's in Mayville, and returning to Niagaiv., he .sailed from that j)lace, ami arrived at the ancient ca|>ital on the (Ithof d;iiy. Having finished his bubiness, he left Quebec on the llth of the same iii"!itli, in a steamboat ciuwded with passengers, an ongst whom was his old friend Cul. Clarko. If i! '' Fi 38 This was about tlio time when stoani iiavij^ation v/as introduced upon our waters. A rfif9i'euco to his journal describes the trip to MdUtroal : — " Stopped to wood up at Tlirofi lUvors. We unfurtuiiatfdy ^^roundod 5it Sond. This boat makt-s the round trip, botwcn t^tuobce and Montreal in ;i weolc. There is iinothor boat on tiie line, making two iiassagesj a week. We could not arly all tin; merchandise in the countiy, Mr. Merritt ju'.igod that a first rate opportunity presented itself for a merchant to comnieiar- business. He accordingly purchased l*.') acres of land at oliiM!!;;in ( "orners," for which he paid .'?()L'5, and forthwith commenced to build a Luge house, pai't of which he intended for a dwelling, and the re- mainder for a .store ; and it being situated on the main road tVom Niagara, was in a g)od location, and became a pleasing addition to the risnig settle- ment. Afterwards it was converted into an hotel, known as the '* St. ('atharines House," an and profitable business. 39 From Qneon^ton lie op^ne 1 a corresnoiilenoe '.vitli IMes.vs. Tinvnsenvl it Co., of Oh%v>*.'0, ill rnfcroiice to tho price of patent salt, dflivornti at <,|\1'''0t.s- toii. From Niagara l)o wrotii t<> Mfssi-s. Vnn Winkle S: Co., telliiicj tlinii tliat he had opened tlio IjooIch mIiii'Ii he puvolmsed from theiii, for ^vliich he hoped to ]\n\- } a >'eady sal', so tliat in tlie i'iill ho niii^ht jiiw them another order. 'J'here w:)rc no books for sale in the country then ; so that to Mr. Merritt ])eli)ngs the credit of ln-ing the pioneer dissenmator of kninvled«i;e — in fact the iirst book-neller in this part of the Province. He also oi)enet> a land a'^'cncy. which was very mnch needed at that time. Wh"n in New Yoi'k he madi' tlie acipiaintance of IMr. Druce, n iri-aiul- son to Divid llamsay, who had been hft by will 1,400 acres of land, one lot of which was locate I four miles from York, uow ToroiiCo ; in tho.se tran.sactions there was a large correspondence. There being no paf,t-oliice at Queenston, communication with tlie States was very exjiensive. Mr. Merritt has left a memorandum which shews tln^ expense incurred in forwarding a letter to his correspondent in Xt-w York, viz: — " Ferry, and sundry other ex])enses ^•hich had to be borne before I could mail my lett aft.M-wards sold to Mv. lUitler. and he to Paul Shi|unan. hence the earl »- name of the settle- in(>nt, " Hliipnian's Corner's," ai.d Kt. Paul street naw. The ju-operty )>urchased by Mi-. Adams was part of the Hamilton estate, wliich was ultimately sold t(j dili'crcnt indi\i-.lu;ds. ( ):i the mill-site whicli Mr. Merritt was in treaty for, stood a small sawinill. almost worn out, bciii'' erected veais a''o by ^Ir. Thoinaa ^Merritt. Thomas Adams and ( 'aleb IMulkens. In about a month thi> bargain was concluded, and Mr. Merritt agreed to pay oil' the incumbrance to the Hamilton estate, and 61, '>()() to the then ju'oprietors. This purchase con.sisted of the mill privilege and about r»() acres of land. The document relating to the purchase is dated r\rarch -7, ISIG. Th> builder with whom ho oontracte I to er 'ct his store fail-d bv fore tinishing the job ; and it was ultimat lumboi' wliicli lio cut lin lo- Imilt the griHt mill. TJii.s f'ullv ocoiH)i<«d liis tiiiio until tlio fall, wlitm IiIh ht)Us(> waN in rondinoss forcccivi' MrH. MoniLt, wlio rctiinicd from Mayvilln, escortt'd liy li(>r fa(li(>r, Dr. I'lmdcrir'VHt. Willi tlio cxfi'ption of tlio actual uccossnrioH of lift', tlit'io i.s no aiticlo iiK^ro indis|)t>nuiil)le to innnhind than salt. It has hcon jooulaily rciiiarkod, that " wore it not ftr salt, pork and (lour, tho foroKts of Aincrini would still hn Hlandiiii^, and tlu^ land uns(>ttli' tho forctfoin;,' may ho. wo will not say ; hut it ran hardly he deniiMl that salt is a necossary ])arti('uhr.ly iiulis|u'n,sahlo to tho sctthMs in a new country, and a strady supply of thin ooiiiniodity is always a souivo of anxioty to a;irioulturali8tH and otliors at a distjiiuv from tho sealmard. Iji early days tho inhahitants of this district had to import thoir salt from tho cast, which, owinji; to tho iir perfect modo , of transportation, rendered that, article a costly commodity. It is known that wild animals will travel vast tracts of ciiuntry in search of this relish, and tli<< Indiiins always found thoir best door and other animals in tho vicinity of thoso briny rills, familiarly known as "salt licks," which aro occasionally to bo found in ditToront parts of tho country. Tn 17i).'^, CJovernor Simcoo folt tho want of havin-^ a homo supply so much that ho ostablished works on a small scale at one of those licks, in /pai't of the District now known as tho Townshiii of Louth. As the works iit dnoiuhii^a incroasinl, salt booauu) conijiarativt^ly cheap,, and these works were abandoned. But durini,' tho war of 181'J tho scarcity Mas HO <;i-.>at th.it each one was allowed to boil his own salt at the ({overn- nicnt works. Jt was worth from $H) to .i^lf) per bushel, and very .scarco at tlies(> enormous prices. One of these salt springs were on Mr. IVIoiritt's property, on tho Tw(>lvo. Anioni>;st his other undertakings h»> had tho spring cleaned up and propeily curbed; and in August, 18l(i, ho com- menced to manufacture salt by simply boiling tho water from the natural spring. Afterwards he increased the works, as thc! following extract from a letter written to Mrs. Merritt in May ville will shew :--" The lower .spring " I have takon in liaiul, and stopped out the fresh water entirely; and will "commeiico drilling through tho rock this week." h\ the saino letter h(> mentions tho withdrawal of his stock from tho (Jrand iJiver. the naval e.>tablislimont at that place being about to bo re- moved. TJie salt work.s soon became in a flourishing state. We find the follow- ing entry in his journal :— " Loaded 50 barrels of salt on schooner Industry^ for Poit Hope." kc. Mr. Merritt also built a pot-ashery. 8o that at this period it must bo evident to the reader that his time was fully occupie.1 with trade and im- provements. 41 AftfT the war of |S| 2, Sfvcnil nf iIk^ oflicfi-H who liad l.-cii •■ii;^H;;fMl therein scttleil nroiirul llii'^ plilco. ClmrltH lii;;<'isoll, one of ii family of nirly H<'ttlnd of IHID, and Mr. IngoiKoll r.'tiirnod to Oxford, iji proccsH of timo tho doiioioncy was all |)aid ; tho moiohantH with whom thoy «loalt testifying to tho honourable oharaotorH of MoHHrs. Menitt iV Ingi-rsoil. Mr. Morritt also OHtaliliHhod a distillory, whioh ho oariied on upon a Bmall soalo, it being imjxmsiiile with a limited ca[)itiil to do an oxtonsivo business the proceedH going to Hati.sfy for tho goods of tho iirin. In tho autumn of this year iMrs. Meiiitt was conllned with her first- born, which they nanuHl Thomas, after his grandfather. 1817. This year was noticeable for tho meiuis taUm to divert tho tide of emigration moving from tho Mritish islands to tho United States, towards Canada. The pi-ospect of a peiiiianent peace with tlu! State's, and tho fact of tho ISritish (iovcinmiojit oireringfree, pas.sagos, and a grant of land, induced many to leavo the country of their bii tli, and try for their fortunes in tlio "forests of Canada," as this (country was then considered. Among thesM was the famous Robert (iourlay, whose advent into tho colony was trumi)oted by a grand .scheme of peopleing the waste lands by his tfMiantry ami families in Scotland. Tho e\ent was f<'lebrfiti'd by demonstrations of tlie inhabitimtH. At one of th(i.S(!, (a ball lield at Sliipmaii's,) where ho was, ho was partner to Mrs. MfM-ritt at tho Urst H(it of country dances. The deferred payment of wai- lo.sses, by liarrowing the minds of the population, all'orded a most favouring c(jndition for operations. Ho soon set to work to sow the secsils of encpiiry, by calling jaiblic meet- ings to brood over imaginary wiongs. Jjusiness was neglected to listen to his speeches. Many happy homos were r«'nder(!d mis»;rable by the intro- duction of }»oliticH, which caused neglect and misfortune to ensue to those who might have been better occupied in attending to their farms and stock, iusteatl of endeavouring to realize visionai'V schemes which time and jierso" verance in their individual pursuits alone; could acicompli.sh. No doubt there were many things lemiss in the colony, among them the !-s, wLo iavariubly liavt! tlicir luiinis full at home, could ])vocuro a ri'incily, and least of all for an individual wiioso Lusineis;- wrui liuvl agonl, and whu oxpoi.-tod to draw hu';;^ tracts, wlicu tlicir war losses wore to l)e made out of lands. }Ia;>i»ily t!ipr« was wiKdom ononj'Li in tlie coiuitry to neo through th(! toii-adva;iocd scliPines of Mr. (.'ourlay, and^put ii check to thciii by sending hitii out ov" the country. Asa .statistitian. he has ilonv; a sorvico by giving us a true estimate of the country at the time. During th*- wet seiison, the new saw mill cut a large ending flour and aslies by schooner to Kingston. To thoso intimate witli Ijim in after life, some of the incidents that oc- enred in youth would iippear sti-ange and uncharacteristic ; but the change was produced by a mature ealcuhition. ( )!ie of these inoidcTits the author has often lusard him relate, to )»oint the moral of forbearance and the folly of contesting by force with the unreasonable and sui-ly ; — His raft of staves was in jeoparday dui-ing a storm ; and a limiberman not helping r.s ordered, angred liim so, tliat he raised a handspike towards him, which, dodging, the man closed ; and wore it not for one of the other hands knocking down his assailant, Mr. Meri'itt would probably have got the worst of it. Tn the summer of 18I(^ he went to Montreal on general business, but owing to the approa-'liing tinui^ial ci'isis referred to, cash was very .scarce, so that lie git a low priv- foi- his coinmoditi'^s, nnd tlie Vmsinei^s prospects appeared had. as tliis country was l)?innnin-r to fen] the etfects of the groat monetary crisis whidi wns about troubling England. This year 7\\r. I^Ierritt derided upon putting to use an idea wliich lie quietly conceived y^ais bof-ire, lint always kept j-rnminent in his active brain, end wliii-ji ultimately resulted in one of the niost gi^;'antic and im- portant j.ublic works on tlds contin"nt. A scarcity of v,-,ater foi' liis mill supply o^cur'^], and was a'we.vs uncertain iv, warm weather ; so he lielieved a rem''dy foi- t!iis could be fouml liy havin;^- a cojumunication with the Ohippawa iliver. Calmly weighing the stupendious re.sults wliich might yet accrue f.'om the a m . lie det'rmineil to make a rough survey of the ground. There V)eii;g no regrdar levelling instiii ncnt at hand, he borrowed a water level from iVlr. Becket. who k^nt a small mil! at the "Short Hills." With this instrujuent, and aceompanied by Mr. Keefer, I)e Cev,-, and other neighbours, they started on their tour of survt ying. They commenced at the south branch of the Twelve Mile Cj-eek, now Ai'dubim/fi, which is about 3') feet above its exit into l^ake Ontario — IVom thence they ran their line for a distance of two niiles, due south, to the Cliippawa; .and upon reckoning up tlie result of thiir .survey, they found that the dividing ridge or heiglit of laud was ab )ut thirty feet above the lovols. This was the 43 fli-.st survey of tho V/clland Cfinal ma-lo, and of tlio losults wliicli Imvo siiico traiis])ir(Hl, few uvo uiiM;'(juaiiitcil. It is, liowmti', ju-oixn- to state timt owing to tliH im|ieifc'i't inshMnuculs wiili vliidi tlicy couuiinttd llio Kurvev, tliey made a nii..take of 30 feet ; tho actual iieiglit \K'm^ afterwards provoil to he 60. In this simjile and apj)arently uDprolitablo act, vo have tlie best ilhistni- tion i)ossil>h> of tlio jjvedomiiiant seiilimeiit of Mr. Meri'itt's mind, that great residts may flow fi'oiii the most trivial ailairs. This survey, althouiili very defective, was sullicient to 7)im-e i/ic vicniiiain ; as it drew attention to tho question, and set jieoplo toconsitler and talk over the matter, more especially as Mr. IMerritt had ex})ressed his firm convietiou that the conneetion between the lakes could be cai'i-ied out by means of a canal. The long. ])ent-up, and treasuj-ed idea now burst foith, lehdinL^ vigour and will towaius its ac- cumplishment. IVIr. Merritt drew up a meuioiial to the Legislature, to which the names of all the influential settlers were attached, asking for an api)ro- priation to be made for a correct sur\-(>v. This lumourable bodv then con- sisted of twenty membeis, and on the question of the memorialists being ])ut, thirteen of them voted that the stim of ,£2,000 be given for a survey of the route, as well as that of the St. Lawrence. So it will be seen that the simple act of a few early settlers laid the foundations for the greatest water ways in the world. In interesting the Legislatuie, ^Ir. Merritt gained a grand point, and after his dei>arture, he left the plan and papers with Col. Burwell, who toek gi-eat interest in the idea. Sir IVregrino Maitland was then administrator of the Government, and having ti.xed his residence at Stamfoi'd, not far from the projected route, was a firm '"vieiul and sup])orter of the canal. For the present Mr. Merrilt was, hov/over. doomed to disappointment, as tho Government Engineer, M'r. Chewitt. siirv«nvd a route \'ov a canal I'O miles long, in a diflcrent part of the country, liy commencing at the Grand ItivcM", and passing through Caid)ro', Caistor, Gainsboro', and Clinton, iis asununit ; thenco descending towards the Twenty Jlile Creek, and proceeding westerly, Jiaralell with Lake (~)ntario, and terminating in r>urlington Bay. The whole afiair was as absurd as it w:is expen.^ive, and hap[iily l)ore no com- paiifion with Mr. I\territt'h route, wliich was only L\S miles Ion,-;. Nothing further was done by the (Government in IHIS, as the available funds were wasted upon Chewitt's ini|)racticable survey ; but llr. Merritt mana;4est mad.^ its way to N. Y. State as In st it could in sailing ve.^sels. This part of Canada. aUhou.;!. nsmg raj.idly, was yet in its infancy, and the time had not arrived to c^ om- 44 peto for tlio wostorii canying tnulo. Such wa« tho roport of tlin com- missioimrs wJio rci (timiK'iided tlm hiilijoot tu Ixs ljiou;j;Iit Imfoio tLo lloiae tlovci-amput, " trusting tiuit tlicy might IWI tlisposod to oju;ii tho n-suurcoa of tho country." Our suhjcct wtts iiulofatipvhli' and porHOvorviug, but there ih a limit to nil things : and hy having too nuu'h bu.siue.ss on haiid, tho tirm «if Morritt it IngcraoU b.H-anio ttMnpurary iiiHolvont. and was torminated by iNl r. Ingorsoll going out, as hcrotoforo ataUtil. Mislortuaos randy conio singly, as thoir favourite child Thoniiw, thoir first-born, was sraldod to doatli in tho bogiiiuiiig of tho yoar, and thoir little daughter was also laid in tho grave ero tho soason ended, so tJiat tho almost heart-brokou parents had thoir share of tho bitter cup, but were calm and resigned, auil meekly boweil to tiio ruling of an all-wiso Providence, although at tho time it wixa a sore trial, coupled as it was with tho deningemonts of their mercantile aHaii's, and the depi-eciatiou of business in general. At this time ho had a largo stock of lumber on hand, but could obtain no money for it. lu business, tliey had tmisted tho farmers largely, but could get no return from them till after tho harvest, and even then produce was so low as to bo unprotitable ; wheat being only worth from 40 to 50 cts. per bushel in tho C^ueenston market. However, being a man of determination, lie bore bravely up, and luckly at this time his Uncle Nehomiah from St.Johns, N.B., made his appearance and liberally helped him, so that he was enabled to save his jiroperty, and bring his atfairs into a better state. He gave his mill as collatei'al to one of his Montreal meivhants, for money due. On the fourth of February, 1820, his father, Thouias Mevrilt, resigned the shrievalty of tho district, which office he honourably held fur 17 years. The j)Osition of Sheriflf' is never a very desirable one, and in a country where but little money is .stirring and hard times seemed to be considered as a settled fact, the duties ))er- taiuing to tho office, are. to a sensitive mind annoying ; and I\Ir. Merritt beii^g a humane man, always felt a delicacy in j)usliing defaidtera, or in .■nforcing the sentence of the court, where, from the state of society then prevailing, eacli neighbour knew of tho other's troubles. Complaints of delay in forcing executions, reached head quarters, and tlien reverted back on him as the cause — so that wo are not surprised that tho Sheriff, sooner, than continue in office at this time, sought to be relieved of tlie duties thereof, and felt j)leased, after a respectal)le career, to retire into private life, still retaining his appointment of Commissioner of Woods and Forests, and his half pay which he received for consiilerable military service in " Simcoe's Rangeis," during the Revolutionary War. He was considered by all who knew him as an honourable, biavo, and determined officer. And having always taken a deep interest in his son's prosi)erity, he now disfjosed of his homestead, a fine property of 200 acres, for the bum of §0,000, out of which V 46 lid lihorally aasistoil our siil»joct to canml his ()}tlij,'atinnH ami r(»n»'W his former strn','i;l<\ Tlio purohastu", Mr. Job Northrop, hotter known as tht> "Commodoro," wuh a groat afiiuisition to tho iM'iLjhl)oiirhooil. aud his Kcttliiii; horo was thn prolixin to othfMS roniini^, so that in a short tinio a niiinlior of rcspactahlo ami wealthy sottliM's c'athcnMl in, who all lived on tho inont friondly tonns with naoh otlan*. A Dr. Ilowi^;on spont tho winter of I'^ID-'JO hero, and ke|>t his oOieo at Paul Shipnian's Hotel. Ho appeared to have boon a njan of Inoan^, and piai-tised hnt littlo at his [)i'of»'SHi')n, Hpomlinp; mo.st of his tini(* in visitinfj nionml tho noiyhhouihood, whero Ids Kooioty was much approciatod. On returning to Knudan! praotico of his jirofession. One little incident connoetfid with ^Ir. IMorritt's family, from whom ho I'cctuved unhounded hospitality, lie does not rcdate ; and as the doctor's hook is prol)al)ly out of print ami his visit f(a';;otten liy this time, we take th(^ liberty of referring to it. In April, an excursiijii to sou a theatrical j)er- formance at Niagara, was improvised. 'I'he party consisted of JNli.ss ISIorritt, Misii r.aker, and tho doctor. Tho turn-cait was a ))urely lural one. Di-essrd in Spring attiro, with white jiants of une.xceptional blanchetrio, lie drove up to Mr. Merritt's house. Tho vehiclo consisted of a ono lioryo waggon, impoited froin tho Eastovu States, and which Isad probably donegotjd soi-vice, for tho Fraus and IMyhneers in their first emigration from the Moliawk Valley after the lievolution. Having but oiie seat, a chaii- had to b'; juit in foi- tho doctor, whoso first essay showed that tho safety of tho ladies dojtended more on tlio gentleness of the horse tlian the skill of the drivijr. Things went on smoothly until their i-etniai, when an extra "I'ut" in tho last mile of tlio swamp caused a separation of the vehicle, leaving tho driver and ladies in the road, and considerably dimming the lustre of tho doctor's snowy unmentionables, and dotraciting from his skill as a navigator. l''ortunately no sei-ious injurv hajipenod to the party, who walked on to tho "Ton," when; all was adjusted, aud they arrixed home in safety, enjoying a hearty laugh at the iloctor's mishap, and added anotlier item to the day's amnsmienfs. On the opening of navigation, Mi: ISrerritt slii]iped 300 baiTols of llour to (ieorge Davis, directing that the proceeds should bo handed over to Forsyth, Pachardson, tt Co., so that by steaily pei'S(;vprance, ho ultimately overcame all tho ditllcultics. The greater part of this year lie was engaged in boring the middle salt spring, so as to establish his manufacture of that article on a profitable basis. At last ho succeeded, and having ei*ected a building, coppers for boiling the water wei'e obtained, and a salt comjtany afterwards formed, so as to find more capital. Dr. Chase, lately arrived from the States, took a prominent part in the concern, and being a good chemist, m % ' [ 40 tlirv stidii \\('\•^^ alilc to immiIih'i- m Imtti'f Mi'ticli', wliirli, Cor !i liiii" rcliii'iUMl. m.^ wli.'ii lir.st lidili'd, afiiir pnilil ; luitpvciitutilly it Iiiid t.> Ixi iilpiiml(,iu'(l, hh tln-y c'OuM iii)t siiccesHt'iiUy ^oiiijicto \vi(li (!u' ljii;4f iiiiiiuifiict(»ri"M nf llit) IJiiitivl Stttt(>H, will) »-.'.iioit<'il <;r('!it (|U!iii(ilii'-t to Ciiimtla, iiiul hoM it very clu(a|>. P('<)]>1(^ lit tliis Morioil liiul in; ciiiiso to j^'iinnldd (Hi iif'ouiit of trixiitioii. Ily tlio Astiossiiioiit li(»li fortlioTownsIiipordiaiiMiiiiii, wli( rrlii "Sliipiiiaii'.s (.'oruors" was sitimlctl, 2'.)'i ixn-s^jris woiv asscsnivl for property to tlio valiio of.t'NS. 1. L'., and fur Mciiil.cr of rarliaiM.-iit, .17. I"-!. •'''., niakiiig in all, in cuvroiicy, Sii^L'. 72. which is only «!?l i^ ■* for each hoiisfholdri-. So that alth()ii;;h produce was low in prii'c, wliil p(>opl(; were tliriviii",'. Flour Hcnt to Montreal sold for $') 7r>, from which deduct $1 20 for exixnisos, would ntiil leave $i .'»(» for the market pi'ice at that time. On till) IsL of .luue in thi.s year, another son was !>oni. and tho ,i,'rief ouca«ioncd by the less of the previous childitMi was <.,'i"eat!y le.SHoned hy tlio prnseiie(» of this one, whom they named Jododiali, after a kind lioarted 5,'randfal.aei-, dedediah rrundcr.j.is.t. The titore, wliieh was cKwed since l\I.i'. lnger.suir.s dcpiii tiirc, was a^cain oponed, and Dr. C'haso opened a and energetic man, now .seennnl broken, and tlie tlioughtH of hotter (hiys dispelled the sorrows of tlio past, and instilled new lifo and energy into his aotions, so that hope, tho fountain of all .joyH, was again lirmly lixed in his mind, and he became as it wore a new man. Crime was scarcely known in the disti'ictat this period. Pvaroly had tlio mngir,tratos to deal with iuiything more .serious than potty assaults. Tho pfople fi'lt Hoouro in their dwidlings, snd vt-ry few took the precaution of bolting or barring their doors .-it night, llnrmony an«'rs<(l. Tlici.! wcif many iMulIioiHm^ wlm uk t. two or liirro limes a wiH'I; at t'lirli otiicr's Luiim's. TImtc whs ii liuildinpc < ri'ittd iiciii- pint of .Mi\ Mcnitt's |ii(iii«M-ty for thost? wlio bcloii/ifd to tlic! Kstalilislicd Cliun-lj, and si parcel of p'-mnd adjniniuLf fur u Imiyiiij; plari'. I'm- many yi'ars tli(! iJtvd. Mr. AddiHOM of Nia^/arn, wlio (nine frofu Kn^dand in (lovt^nior Simcnc's tiuu!, was till- only flcrj^jyinaii of tlir ( 'Inirrdi (.f Kji;,dand in llm ,\iR;;ara l)iHtri(.t. lie ilid duty at tjuicuston, Sl.ipman'it, ami tlm '• Koity." 'i'lit! IJcvd. ycntlrninii I'iiptizfid Ml'. Mfrrilt and lii.s (ddi'i' (•lnldr''n, and ri';,'i,'.lercd tJie samo in tlio n'>,'i.stry wliicli i.s .slill pir.scrvcd in tlr.; Niaj^aia ('luiirli. Still, it must not Im a.ssumcollevo reluctantly, to decline the invitation. Shortly aftei-. wirds the doctor, Ix-int,' in New ^'ork, neojotiatetl some hills for Mr. Merritt, and with the .proceeds, {)urchased for ivady cash, a hu'i^^e i<)ttIoiisin<'NH man ; and tJi<^ Halt WKiks licini; in "]>oiiitii»n, Mr. M. \vi?<)ti' to Iuh frit-nd Mr. VV. Kerr, of Wi'ilin'^tnn Si|iiar(', who liad niarriod into tlio Jlra-nt family, anil was a mcnnher of Parlianu-nt, ri-lativt^ t<» tlu) lionnty wliiidi was nmlcihtoud lo l)(> ofld to Y(»rk, in Koliniary, IKlil, tli(> lionsn bi.'in,'^ thru in Kessioii. Ifr cnconntcnd a fearful snowstorm on tlio journey, ami on liis arrival jtn'stnitt'd liis memorial tlirou;,'li .Mr. Kimi- ; Kut owin^' to a ilcliatc tlu'n .ijoinj,' on iijum the marria^'e art, it was docidt'd to postpone matters for tlio proHcsnt. Duiinj,' his stay in Y»)i'k a petition was presented to tlio Homo Covoni- nient askin:,' fnr a half pay ;,Tant to tlio olli<'ers of tlio incorpivatcd militia who had di;«Mi miiiiod rm itH fii-Kt Rnrvt-v in 1H()I>, nftor Mth Cathiiiiiio Huiiiilton, tlio wnrtliy consort of l!uli««rt Ifiiiiiilton, lately (IncoiiHod. Y«!t, th« naniH wuh nimly or <'V(;r uh»mI until Idr. Morritt fnt^^nvi into l)UHinoHH oxtouMivoly ; as in a Ifitter dattiil, " Ht. OathaiinoH, May 2Uh, IHin," ho writ»w; --"TIk! villaf,'o will iijit(» saint whoso nanio it lioarH. Tim iiiillH must do rrodit to its Kaiiit wJio in n\\\\ on t-artli.' Wo think his lir.st !«ii:sin<«KH leltor, datod St. ('atliarinoH, wuh uftor this tinm. 1)S'J2. Aftor tiio UHunl ('hristinas foHtivitioB, Mrs. Mr-rritt, with h«»r riiild, paid thoir wintor's visit tiiotl, wh««t» (hno!(,m»l Hulijoi't liAtl Hjjaiii onpigvd IiiH Hllciilion. 'V\u\ AutuiiMt <>r (lit< )('nr Imil Icrii \iiuimiiilly ImistcK uh, ii mhm )Hi« n ot honvv KtuniiH Mowing f(ir ixmly tlirm^ wooks, Ikhii llio souili wr^l. Stiuio v<\sH«(». l''o!lniiiit('ly, tlio vrsHil won(l\«'n'(l Uio Hloini. and lUiiTod, J.liongli in ii I'jtltnid condition. i'lii.H \v;i.s a gn>ut roliof not only to liim, Imt to llio wliolo ms; balls, parlii'N, ulri-^li rides, soi 'in 1 visit innj. luikfV ^liootin^, A'O. Ii\ lact it stvHood as if (lii> aniMcnl day:*of tho \'nIo i)n, with a \N;uin wilccnK' to all coniriw. and a Kindly tlioui;Iit towanls his pcvn'Of n(>ij\lil)onf. A _u;iv»nd dinner wjin "'jTcn l>y ( 'nninuKlnn' N'Mlliiop, |,> wlvioli alliiionds were invitmi. Ilarnnmy and i'otd \\ill pnvailrd ll,ri'n;^li out.. 'I'he silk, tin' poor, and nnfortunati' wi-ic Kii>klao v.l»o couM plead tlislres.^. 'Ihe little Clmreli v .is adoitu'd, liavinj^ re- ceived a piv.uMit from tlio nishop towards its afeoni|ilislinnnl. Hnwinesa wtws fair, altlioni^li nioiu'y wa^^ \ ery'" ^■^aree, .md Imrtev Iho »tV<>ptotl nu'dinni i>f eoniineree. A ureal ne takin-f I •">.()IH) h.arrels. .\ consideraMe anionnl, of wheat was pnrcli;n-ed I'V Imvers I'roin the States, wliiili assisteil (o.snpply the nmcli netnled circnlatini» nuvlinin. 'i'lie sleif^liinii; was ^oc.il, and a laigo amonnt of out. door work done. On a Snntlay nn>rniM,L,', jii.st at the elo.se of tho winter, tin- little t'lmreli was ahno^t hi rned dt>wn, ' 'vini; cai-',dit nn t'l' asi'il time l>i'''(,rc ti*^ service coinn.ciuuHl. IW greal. oxeitions, tho small coni;rej,'ation, who wer« just gathering, m'aiuiged to Siwe it., wliich was fortuhate, a.s it answered tln> pnrjKisc until a new omi wji-s hiiilt. At this time, Mr. Mcrritt presented the Mt•tho(^i^t.'^ villi a lot (.fLionnd en which tliey could hnild, for the n.'^o of their congregation. Diir;i\g tho winter, on hif« return from ChatiiutpH'. wlnro one of his chih^ren had broken a leg, he thus writos: - •'Saturday , Ul'nd VoU., I8'j.'t. " As 1 paase:! i"!ridgowater on my ride from lUack Kock, thinking of rell'fi (!.tnal, brought up the idea again." Whatever may have been liis tbo«£ht.i during tie S;t»irday of that lonely 61 wintor'a li'l'' nloiij^ Uio bmikH of tlm Niiij^iini Itiver, lliiH Ih hII wd know : V«iico, lio, |>rrli(i|tH, forowiw the fu(>ir(* iifiCdiiiiiliHhtiicnt of IiJh d«'ni^'ri. IIi"t nii'iMoiiiii nhilo of lh(< coiinLiy jh coiniKiicd wilh Kimiliu* HoctionH in llio SialoM, wo aro nol » llio hu'k of iMioi'^^y (whiliitod I lit(iii;;hoMt. iho land; and |i('i'lia|iH UHk wlioliiof no lii;,di«'i' a'*iiiiaiion(i Ihan IIuiko of a, viila;.;o iiKicliunt Khoiild nof; |i() williin liiH icarli. AitlioiiLdi a. modcial-o |ir'()H|ioril.y W!i;i felt, in hin in'i^dilioin iiociil, yol, laiididiy H|ii!il. iiit', lliiiifjjH wit(>i» iM \y.\\ M|)irilH niii>'<< inv ntnin liom ( 'liii(nui|ih' I think twnci mi>ii' HO 111 ii>v \\\'i\ I \vrili> niiu'li, iniil I'liiiilov m\'ll mirununllv \n UOM10 (liinjjB, \n\{ slill I't'ol II v.iiil " " I lia\«< (he i'!\tn]» imn li -iI.I.m.I pi (.-i-l m i .•iini.i nf llii> ullii'i'., wliciij I k<><';> :\ ijooil (iiv. lUiil wnl.-dll '.I oi lit 1' M I'hiM |i|:\ri\ w liirli ;tt'li'r\\ iiiil'. luvami' cli(> ('iniiil < MVii'<<. wnn \\ Ikmi' Mr. M»M'li(( till! Iu< I'tnulC IminiIIi'hm. :vI)iI « Km s-lhlftti-'l m( (Iii> I'lli-K nl' (Im> ]v>»rliiMr. to tlio lolf i>l' tlii> liiill, wiiii'li wn.i ('('ii\i i Inl itHn n dmiii^ inom wluMi tl»o j»lui<.> l(Oi'iui\i' !U» l\ol*>l '|'l\(> l\nnMi>. lnMii", \M>11 Kiiowii itH n liivi'in, stood on ll\o \\\aA 1o;>i1im>j; to NijicKru. iiml tlio mill I'Mciny tin' t^diocnHlnii rv>:»il, i>l" \\ lui'li SliipniiniN \\:\n {\\o iMiniM' nii llu' npjiniilr tiiil»>, lurtluM ilnwii NvrtH tli<» r|.«mo, ami in v^'iw. llii> lilMo t'lnir.'li hIu'miU Mpokcn ol In ono \ h;n<' tmnpiKod tho ron.j thton.jh th.> vilhii-o Mr Aihllnnn |M'Oj»i'hi>(J li»!'l >i' Iii\ih'Im nl" (hiur. Vho \\\'\\\\ h:<\i> not l>(><»n iitlo on.> lnnir. ii:i\ of ni!,jht. wh^n the wnlof nt'i'vow 'rh<>sj«lt "-OfUs arc thnm; Ix'tlci than omt tloo.i Milr:i n< »"■ I per |i;iin'l. 'V\\o liistiUiM-v lUiikin;; iiH jjiiUons pcM il,\\ In hM' to !\i\o iUi iih'rt o|" lhi> iinpro\ i-miinli* Mlri'iulv nindr m tlin Mlh»'*<\ \\ (^ nu'jht nnMition >v linn^rll' ainl llmno in hiH (MUplovnirnt. vi/ : (iwcllin^ hotiso, (.niMil l;ons<> nclininin;, t'oopofH* lion.s<> !»\i«l sl(op, l>lK^■k^»nlitI^•^ honso anil sliop, wall woiks, aiilistill<'v\ . and a nninluM (ilothrr slrni-tnri'H, NUt'h iUS Ivuns. stHl»loH, shorf;i r. olork ('hailos. hirod nuiit ; tJiUson, sorvH)\t . .lossio, and .lohji th* Indian . hosidi'H (Mnployin;.r uhont Ttt) |MM"sons on his ditVoront outc'rprisws. Am<>n!;ljiH many on:;paij^'inonts. he in'x.'i lost sii,,di( of his dailmij projool tho canal Roforvinj; to Ids joiirnal for tho no\i Sunday, wi- tnid il wrillrn in a jkvuliarly solemn tono. and coniliidiiii; as follows "M«T 1 ohviviMvMlio truth. I piny most (ii'\i)tcdly that my Ihoiij^hlM n».>iv Ix* ol\rtsti' and jn<)u;«, and that our lloaxiMily Kalhcr will ondosv mo with wLsdom." Ajpun. at'tor r<»onninjj to Iiis family aflairK "O Ixwl ! my ho.irt ovortlow.-< with ijratitndo whou ! rodtvton (In'poaoo of mind and h.ippiniv^s I onj<\v by liaTimi; .so worthy a i-onsort. (alluding to Mr. Williams, uiinistor. l.atoly diM-ca-sod.^ M.ay 1 rofmiu IVom ovorgixiiig an imfavoumldo opinion of a follow mortal lioroaftor." In ln« lottor. tho tollowinij Sunday, aft«)inj/. Ill ii'iilily, WHH (lio (fiiiiiriPiirpHieiil of til" ''Himl, u|tli<>ii|{li Ml, M»>iriU rnloiH in \i mh f/i!iiiiy «vil, hihI do no*, dwrll on tlio |iiililic ^ood. r Mill, and lio|in will lif, wine moiij^li rvi-i h> I»m nvtmo Ui piiMii' iMi«>1iii>/M. Iliivn iiMVor ytii b«'»»ii iiiiy ^ood miw froni (li'in. WV /niri', /loirri'i'r, tli'lrriniin'il iiii. Ituvinij llw {jrounil. Hiirri i/nl , ami i/itliiv/ ihr lioiiih /niiti I'vrni fn'rumi firliii/ on thv rnnlv, i(r " And ufl.i'r r<'voilin;Mii the luinilv imd iiiiHin»H?i diflinilticK w lncli Imd |i|i>viuiih| V diM'l'liMl lilH 111 lout inn Cioin lliui oliiint, lie MuyH ; " My mind i'l h<» wliully nc'riiincd, iimif with lMinin''hM Hiid worldly iiiiitt.riM, iImiii divini^; iiiid I Ihimi^ miiIiIiiiio kIimh tliiil dritw iih nt'iii out Mak«'i, irt oxrliidrd I piiiy, IriHiii" will I'CMHordfd irif in ^lln«ti||l«^, |o iiMviifj ifioi'i Htiirdy (,o LliKiii iiiidllml I iiifiy r«'"'ivi' I ln' ono lliinjj; ii«M'd('iil W*i ' iirifiot |MiHHilily. in lliin lioiildi-Knint' woiM, ciijoy ||m< lili'MHiii/'M ^.^ivn m-., v.illiout t',\|)<>i ifMiriii^ mi;il'orliinr " (til llii> '.''id iiC Ajiiil, Ik wiilif", Hiiyiii^, ■ Unit lie luiji In, in in Ni{if(»iiii fur H wi>o!< " In. Ill llic Vlli, In llic liitli W'liilsf lnMc, 11 !• iil.j/ii|dion wu- t>|u>ni'i|, Iji jili'd liy Ml 'I'lioniiiH ("hi k, for tin- |mii |#osc of iiii..( (lie I'l i;.,liiriii Ktiitn .(ftl.r rond.s, (ind j.'fin lidly, dim^i' «ttld»j wcntlicr, wn liiifl liiin ul Mimk IhiIit, in ronrinino \\illi a Mr 'I il>! d*, .i civil (•ii/^inri'f, who wah iIm'Ii mii v'^yiii',' u loiiln lor u cu,;!,! iiionnd lli<' I'uIIh, nil till' SliitcM mkIi", (.If wlinli II rli'iiifi Ind liri-n |;il,rl\ ;i|ijiii''.d for, irom (.lui lii'l^iHliidifo. Mr. Tililcls (oiild not Icii^n IiIh cii^iirriiif nt iiidil \\ic Ttli of May, wlirii, (Inn, in <'oiii|i|iny v.itli Mr Miriilt, l;«* went ovrr liiK tout*', iiiid iiiTiiii^i'd III)- |tioii lias Ix-im n|ifiicd liiif al Hi- la^t mcihoiih. foi ()/»■ |njrpf'COin« iiavii^'iililc foi' lioiitH. Wi' iiir li.'ipjiy to Hfc (lie nainiK of our most n+j^X'c- lubli^ and inlliiiMitial inlialiilaiils at the licad of liio list, and (ruHt it will U) libwnilly HU|»|ioi-t*'d. 'I'lii* nilmcripdon |iiij>t'i- viil la-W-ft with MrCrcKiks, It is olivioiis a lioat uavigiitiun would lie iinuiiMliatidy idietU'd U'wt'«n [jike 54 Krin and l,jil<(» ()i\tari(>, i>\(v»pt Mm piU'h of tlio niounlnin, wliidi run I'o oasily ascoiidiMl or doHCcnilcd l>y iiu'aiiH of railwavH, at a Hni:ill cnik-mmv In a month or so, wo liopr (o pnhlisli (Iio irport, of (lio rni;ini>.M« on (liis in tort^stino; sul)j<>ct." 'I'lio lioats m11ii<1(>(1 of li;j;lit ilr.uiylit,. Tlio /uif/ranr, wh'wU coasted tlu> lako, and willi wliii'Ii passajfos were inside l>y (lie rapids, on tlio St. l,a\vrt>nniU. by the oM l''i< neli (raderH, at I/Owiston, a l)iiniln>d years previoiiH. I li;\< he w;is entirely nnpossessed with (he idea of speculation, or a desiro to enhaneo tho vaino of his own property, will he seen fiDni the followinu; Ie(ter written to (he Hon. W. nieUson, a( NinLTaia, ami dated ir)th of May in (lii:» year, n'la(ive to his jiroiualy. lots 17 and IS. "^o^l have talion hack the lands of other p(, and have oflen'd it (o (liein at nun-h less than tlH> oiinnal price. I hiivw paid to (ho osl vl ' nearly ."?4,()0(), for property not. wortli the half of it. I will relin quisl; (he land, two hoii.si»s, a liaiii and shed 1 have bniK, and pay yon the ball . -e of the interest ttc." t'u the ISth of May, he drew np a menuM-ial to Sir Peregrine Maitland, on the finhject, whon>in hi^ shewnd his Excellency the many advanta;j;ea his nnite possa><8ed over the one heniofore mentioned as havini; heen siirv(>yed by Mr. C^liewitt. The (Jovonu)r was then livini,' at. Stamford Park, and i\1r. Merritt handed his miMiiorial to Col. Cotlin, the Secretary, accoinpaniod with a slioi-t ex|>lanatory note, wherein he says : " I'aii'losed, ! |d.ici> in your hands a i'oni;h ontline t>f tln^ proposed canal, from the month of the Twelvt* Milt> Creek to tlii^ I'iver Wclland, which will ofleot The juncliitn of I.;ikes Miie and Ontario i>y boat navigation. ilavin^i; been r(>pi'at(>dly ovt>r ev(>ry t'oot of ground on tlii> proposed rout<\ I shall l»t) linpjn', at any time, to have fnrlher oommunioatiun with yonr Kxcellonry, on this very important .snbjoct," On the iMth oC May. l.e aisi) viote to his old friend and eoni])anioa in arms, Sir John Harvey, who was commander of the forces at Qnehoc, stating his object and plans, and callini^his attention, in a military point of ■view, to the fact, that in case o\' another war with the I'nited States, tho facilities it W()uld alford f'or the transjiortation of troopa and mnnitions of war, between tho Lakes, and endin«]j as follows : " ()ur commissioners wonld never survey or level tho ronte, alh>;:jing it wad too near the frontier, — oonsonuently wo wore ol'iged to em])loy on© oui"selve3, and endeavonr by similar exertions on onr [)art, to prevent the States people fi»>m taking all the frontier for themselves. T can bring every ])art of this r )ute forcibly to yonr recollection. It commei\ces 1t> mil«^s >ip the Chippewa, passes Do (\>w's, (the honse we retreated toon th(> first night after wo weru beaten from Fort Oeorge,) and terminates at the Twelve Mil« Ci-eek, (the placo our boats landed generally, during the war.) Tiiako Jitiy iiraclinil hkc (if (lie rimnl iiiojcctnd hy liiiiiRtdf «h «'V«'|i(h in tli« war Hliownd (liul. tJiw fi('(ni|iiil,ii,»ti df our noil \>y thu foo waH alvvnyn u Hoiirro of iiiorti rofil iiiiKasiii 'hh to IJkmm tliiin to oi/rHclvcH. 'I'lioro vvnK iilso lUioMirr Kl.iiinilfiiil. in tlio matter, iih Uio V,v\i' (Inniil was fiiHt approaoliin;^ ilH ronrm; tioiiwil.il liio |,ak<', Ko tliat a fivoiualdi- opporl unity would iirc^Hciil, it^olf to pxporifiircd conlraftorH and woiknuii wlio W(»idd lio tlicn out, of oinjdny n)"iil, to coniM in iiii 1 iindorlako wurkn on oiii' canal, iia a Hul)HO(jiiMnt inn/or of Mr. MtMritt's niwntioiiH, At lliis liiiio LIm! (•Iicc^rin;^ nowH (to miitiy, wlu) liad waitod lonj^ anil |ta.tii)nlJy,) was lii'iini, lJiat> tlin Utinoivcr f lonnrai Jiad powcnn from I/)rd l'>atliurnt to draw lor X'r from Mr. Merritt, and is the, fiist hearing,' Ids si;,'nature, dated oth of July; and after ,','oinfj; over the arguments in favour of tho route t]irou;.h the 1'welve Mih* Creek, ho Miys : " Wo aio confiih nt no private coTiipany can complete a canal on any other I'out'-, the same method, viz: a private snrvany we aro now endeavouring to form, will join you. Until tliis is done, do not prejudice our exertions, dd po.«isess the means, not only of shipment, but of converting his produce into a fit state for uee. Mesjiis. Clark ii. Street's mill at the Falls, from Long I'oint, on the shorefl of 67 l>ako Erio, rouinl to Dundaw. fit tho iipppr end of I.ako <)nt.aii<>, (and hr nii^ht }iiiV(« cxU'iidcd it to an illiinitiililf distiinop tlicncr,) is t!ic cnly mill |K)BH«)H8ing laciliticH to carry on a iinircliarital)le bnsintKB. " ]Io lets tlio Canadian public know, liowovor, " If a snfficient dc^o*^ of jniblic spirit should not bt; found in tlie two Provinces, to conijiiete so great and noble an object, others will be appealetl to." Wliilo writing bin scliemo to Governors and Commanders, he correapondw with his old business agent in Montreal, to whicli this is the answer : " I ai.i most happy indeed to learn that the canal from the " Twelve " to Chippewa, as laid down l)y you, is at length likfdy to take eire(!t so soon. The undertaking is trifling indeed compared with tlie results, wliich, in my opinion, may be looked for from suidi a work. I have^very littl»( doubt that such a scheme would meet with liberal support in the way of taking up stock from the inhabitants here — and 1 shall certainly feel gratified in lending it every assistance in my power. (jEOROE Davis." On the 4th of July a practical meeting was held at St. Catharines, and a petition was drawn up for pre.sentatioii to tho Legislatuie, for an act to form a ('on)j)any with i)owerH to cut and build a canalj after Mr. Merritt's projection. On the 17th of July, Mr. Merritt was instructed to visit Lockport, and examine tho works on the Krie Canal, and obtain information, Ac. In his diary at this time, he expre.'-Res his admiratimi of the energy of the jieople iu pushing this great work ahead, ami almost enthusiastically exclaims ; " An enterprising people can efVect wonders ! " llio following extracts relating to his journey and general impresHions will also be found interesting: — "18th July to '27th, no stir in fjewiston, or appearam^e of business. "19th. — lj<'l"t, for Jiockport. A.s rough a road as can well be travelled; i)roke a waggon bolt. Jjockport bids fair to become! a large and llourishing city. Tho e.-mal pi-ogresses as fast as it can, from tho slow progress of blasting the rock. Mr. Roberts, the head engineer, gave me a<'ertiliicateof etiiciency for Mr. Tib'.)its. Observe no intemperance, and much cordiality, directions given in a mild unassuming manner. " Ixjft for lloohestor in stage; arrived at 1 o'clock. "Monday tJlst entered on board Montezuma packut, made a minute sur- vey of freight Itoat, »l'c. "Tharo is no impediment whatever in our plan ; the com-.se of this canal and all f have CLnvorsed with confirms me iu this opinion ; an advantage will be derived for l.egining early, as many of the contractxjra being out of work will have all theii' trxjls on haml and prepared to commence immediately; the boats on this ininal will be ready to pass over, and with the lciA.st enter- prise we will do tho greatest part of tho buainess. Tho St. liawronce is the natural outlet for iheir staple produce; every merchant in (Jenesee County now send their ashes to Montreal, itc. Mrmo.- " See Mr. Tibbits, or head engineer, about jiice per yard for excavating, ttc." 58 Tl»o ciroular ulliiilt'I to was ordcrod to hi> sent to ;ihiiost <>vorv jhmhoii of inlliu'iirc ill tho I'rov iiicf, aii'l to every Post-inn.stPr, witli Mi. Tildtit's rojKji t on tho ciuml. Sulisciiptiou lists were also Kent, with an appeal b&Hod <»n patriotic trroiiiids, re<|uestiii^ tlie |)arlieH (o he.eoine ai^'eiits townnls the enter Jirisrt. 'J'hey wero iil^o went to l,(jwer ( 'aiiiida ; and notices (n Mr. (leori^n Davis, of Montreal, as being the aj:jont for that Provinee. So. we lind that durinjif this period, he had written llie ononnonsly l:irj,'e ii\imher of oii'- thou amid hitters on the suhjeet of th(> e.in.il. .\iid, as various articles from his pen appear from tinn^ (o time in Tin' (r'/raiirr, with tlu^ circulars and fitlier niattcis alUided (o, all slunv (hat the pi'oject was then fully committed to tho pul>lic attention and crilicism. After his i-etiiiii from visitiii',' the works on the Krie Canal, and attcndiiifj for a time to hi.s private all'air.s. we iitid him visitin,i; Niagaia, tlie county KCat and local capital, on legal Itusim^ss, on or about th>' 10th of September, and tlie usual advertising notices in reference to the eaiial rcappeai-s in 77ie (ll'dinr. lie then lca\es f>i' ^'ork. for tlie purpoNe, wp pre.>^iimi\ of att<'nding to the time honoured custom of "lobbying" (ho (raiial bill through tho House ; as, pn viously, we find that he was very anxious, and not without some misgivings as to tho action of the A8.semiily on the bill. Four days after the opening of ParliauKint, Mrs. Morritt wrltoH, IfHh November ; "11 set out ti-day f->r York, on the canal business. Jle is de birous to do all he possibly can, Ac." On tho 1 Itii of November, 1S'J3, the Parlinment oponoil. and the Ciover- nor. Sir P. MrJtland, in his speeeh, told the House that many important measures rclativ;> to internal imimivenn'nts would be brought forward, tto. (hi th« U»th day of January, 1824, the Act j.assed. incorporalitig Messrs. (iPorge Keet'er, Thomas Merritt. (Jeorgo Adams, William Chisholin, Joseph Stnitli, Pan! Sli'pma!i, ]iA\\\ l">ecew. William Hamilton MeiaiH, and others, as a c ompa'iy Lobe known as liie •' \\'ella'id Canal (Vimpany," with a capital of /!i/7;/ ilioiisawl poioi Is, divide;! into shares of £1.!. 10 each, Ac. Very little op|>osition was ollered to the bill, as UKist intelligent men now saw the noi'essity of somo bettei- means of communication across the ponin sula ; anil the luci 1 mannei' in which our subject explained his project con- viuced most men of its prac ii-abilitv. On the 1st of January, 1 S24, in a long letter to the editor of 7Vw Ol^nner, he notices the pa.ssago of tli' bill through b(jth Houses, and ends by comj)li- inenting Niagara harbour f.ir a terminus. On the llth of iFanuary, h« writes to Doctor Proadorgast : "There are some important measures taking jtlace in this country, in which T am likely to be an actor ; ami am tlierefoie anxioua to see you, to profit by your advice, Ac." 1 5tb de- Aii'l nft'r cift.iiliiij; liis idpMS on tin- "u>\ piinsuasion ; an tho Kccrct lay in the fa pipvcrty of thn npp<^r country, aftt>r tho tryin;,' linancial crisis thoy had undcr^jono. I'Vw in the I.owcr Provinco had bulllciont surplus funds to invest in what nii;j;lit |)Ossildy 1)(> an un]irofif,aMo hpi'cuhitinn. Mr. Merritt was well awjiro of these t!iin;,'s, iirid theicforo in- Kteftd of iinniodiately invitin;^ capitalists to cnnio forward, he puhlished tb« comprehensive article alreedy noticed, minutely descrihiiij^ tin; wliolo ftOkir, its prospects, difriculticH Ac; in fataiirt themselves in their various localities to obtain sub- scril)ers for tho slock. A rosolutioji was also passed, author i/in;.,' Mr. M(m-- ritt to proceed to Lower Canada, and induce tie int'^rests of Montreal and Quebec to oo operate. The meetinj^ sejtarat('ars he has lieen writing a hjiiL,' jiiece in the (Ih-.tmr about the eana'. and will soon have to jjo ami attend putilic mRetin.(s, et-. There is talk of sendiu'^' him U) tho I e;rislature ne.xt s(!ssion. All the talk is about the canal. I have wiitten this h'tter while a Canal Commissioner was talkim^ to nio ; for we were both in a hurry, ho expectim,' Ifanulton's comint;, and I expf)ct injj the post, lie is just in fro?n Nia^rara. where he says the people are encpiirini,' ' if this route was practicable.' Oh, says he, ' Ye mu.st subscribe liberally, it will be the making of your country.' They say ' Yos, if you vnll/iWh it to Niagara."' On tho 8th of Ft^bruary, Mr. Merritt and family exporionoed a moat melancholy and lieart-rending shock. Mrs. Clordon, liis eldest sister, and her daughter, aj^ed l.'> years, in company with a Miss Stephens, were cnxw- ' t m i llUIW CO ing in tho f»,'i* man, whuiii (hov t'onvryi'il to tin- shorr ; ami alllioiiL;li mndi- cul assistaniv^ waH proniptly iit luind, Mi'h. (!. f>x|)in>d, throu^li cold and itx- liAiiHtion, Imt tlic man rocovi'iod. Ilrr hody was convoytMl to St. (-allia lincK, for intfiiniMit in the family Imrial iilac««. SIio waH i'. Ii«r .'Knly felt, not only l)y Ium' disconsolatn IniHliand, who wiw diiv«Mi almo.st to dislraction, Imt by tlic Nnudl c'onim>inity who Indd hor in liij;h ostrom for hor many nobh* i|ualilicalionH. StM)n aftorwardH ourhnltjtvt went to York, on liiK way to Qnol«H\ Thcire ho met with his first cnfonraponnMit l>y the lloi\. ,1. 11, iMinn, llet-fivor ttonernl, proniising to take stoi-k in tho canal, and also aj^'iooinj^ t<» aciHipt the |>r«'sid«>noy of tho nt'w comiiany. I'l-oniiscH won- also nuuhs liy Mi". Ito- I'inson, aftorwanls ("hit'f J uslioc, and many others of inllvH-ni'tv llo thon UK)V(\d t>jistward l>y stago, stopping; at every plaee and calling on th<^ leading nuMi, explaining his project, leaving his hooks iin«si"8. Ilagannan, Markland it MeAnley.and also with Commodore Harry; In (Jananoqne he sn.v the McDonalds, who had large mill.H ihvro ; in Proii- rott he left circnhtrs with rwlhi I'lint, K»i\.; from tlntnco hi> travelled in a Ktjige sleigh to Cornwall, and afteiwards in a carioh^ to Montreal a long and dreary journey, rendered worse by beiii;; don(^ in mid-winter ; and yet ho had really not received an actual subscription on tho route. Althongii promises were })lenty, thev all acted with cantion. In Montreal, lu! stop})od ftt the Kxcliange Motel, and innno>liately called a !m'eting of the morchaniM, pave lK>oks and papers to Messrs. Uat^'s & Davis, who underlt>uk to cunviuw tho city. Oiiriug the whole of this journey ho was very careful to keep Ids friends adriiJed of his proceedings One of his letters to Mr.«. Merritt, written from Quebec, the furthest point «»f his niLssion, is here iuserted, und will afford a fauiple of idl the rest : "Quebec, March 14, 1824. " T cannot say T am any nearer the day of dcp:irture than before ; by what I pee, it appears necessary I should remain until 1 get all the stock taken up that is to be exjtected from this place. They will do nothing after I leave, and it would bo rather foreign to leave tlie business half done, now I am on the sp«jt, 1 have the satisfaction to say that I will succeed in my object, although it is ►low. hard work: everybody wishes the undertaking well, but when it coiuea to the needfull, they keep their hands from paper. The business was tuken up f)I wnniilv 1»,V "'.V "I'l riictnl, llio I |oii»iral»lo .Iiuihm Irvm , lin i«tlni only (^'ctitloim'n lliiil I lifivc yil. iiirl with, tliiil lias HU|i|i()rlrc| mr in llm liiiMinit.'iH hh tlii'jr mii^lit to li.ivo dune." "W II. MiKIUTT." On ilio 4tli of M;irrli lio nnivml lil TliroM IJivwiM, ami llii'iico to (.^nolmo. MiTi> Ihi wiiH i'oc* tidln tis "lii« iitt,illio\i.Hi(i H}'ain, wlirv hindln«HH ; aino promising' to hrin;,' Inn H(lnnic lifloKi ilc ll-imo ao- (lioritica, nH 11 is I'^ctdlrncy was very favoiiraljly iniprcHud willi Mr. Mor ritt'H idnaH. Utrn Im> ;4ot a fiioular |r tin; liciicdt of tlio.so Canadians who did not ninlcrsland our laiijj;ua;,'<', liopin;^ to int(!r^^Kt tht'ni nnioji;; tlu^ rwt in thn opening oi a wator pa,sKaf,'n to th«* Frumdi ('una diali SI ttlonientH op|)OHit«i Dotroit. Ilo then Inft for Montreal, wlnwo ii<^ foniiii \*-\\ ]ittl<> had tpi-cn dunr' in his alisonctv On tlif 2(1111 In- returned Ity way of New WurV State, callin;,' at Troy for i\w pnrpoH • of Kccin;^ |)o Witt (Minton. thn ori^dnatoi' of tho MridCanrtl. Thc! pxpt-nsfw of tho ronnd triji am ro about y\M). JlMoon sidorcd the journey a ,sui!<'c.ssful one, as he lu-d <^ni ,^5(),()()0 Huljsorihwl towards tlio work; and now felt so .san;,'uine of ultimate success, that he in. s^^rt^'d an advertisement in tho paper, s^atinj,' that Mr. Clowes, the Kngino(2 (irAiid Kivnr inoluiiod. Iti ronniutntiii^ on tlioso piuomHlingH, The dUaiirr of May 2'Jntl khvh ; ** This ia an it ou^lit to \m." Oil till! iJtli of Juiit), a inoctiti^ of tlio DiroctoiN \vii,s Iwld in Slii|iinaii'N Ilotv^l, St. CjitliiirinPs, when (l('(ir;,'o Kcrl'iT, of 'riiorolil. was t'lpclod I'nmi- doiit, iuHti'sid of tlio Hon. il. II. Diiiiii, wlio.so dutittH iit |ii'('8<>iit a.s lici^piviM- (■(UUTul did not jicnnit liiin to dt-voto tlio ntvtvs.smy tinu* to tin< pniti'ipriho. In.hdy, tlio Mossix Clowes, from a new niiivey,jL,'iivo in llicir ii-port of tlif^ routo, and probaldi! cxpondittiro. Land owncr.s alon^ tlio lino wen- appoulod to for frco j^iants of tlio land n)(|uired, as was tlio »!a.so on llm I'liio (;anal. In August, tliof^iMitual olprtion occupiod tlioir attontion livci candidates Wini; in tlio fiold for Lincoln. Col. Jolm Clmk, of I,ontli, icccivod tlio inoHt votes for Ids Uidiii;^, lio being niuro rcspcctod and popui.ii tlmn nnv of tho others. An (m;i of tjcncral hopo and |irospi'rily .si i«iiin| to iiuvo lio;^'ni\, and tlio nuccHsitics of coniiniMvo rcj^aincd ; ns Ili(« nH)sL evident sij^us i>f activity was witncsseil on t>very hand. 'I'lie count ly w;is rapidly elemiiii; up -new hou.ses liein^ linilt, new di'-tric's op.'iicil for s"MI leini-iil,. 300 vessf.-Is had IrfL Quebec for JJritish and forei;;?i ports; and in this y<'iu- tlu; larj;est vessel in the world was succo.s,sfulIy l,niii(lieil in tiiat city her diinonaioiis beiivir .*{()(> ft. lonj,', fiO ft. wide, I'D ft. deep. ;uid drawing '20 ft. of water when loaded. She was iiained C^nhiiiihuK, ami was cap«liIo of carrying i<,(lOO (mis of timber. X few Kiiglish Members of rHilianient vihited the i-onntry this year, on ft tonr of observation. They wore- Mr. Wortley, Hon. Mr. Stanley, and Mr. Dennison— -alHnfluential men in Kngland. Mr. Morritt was kept busy with the salt and other works, as well ;is Hr. Chase, in tho store. Somo of Lis friends had wished him to oiler him.self for Parliament, but ho respectfully ileclined, thinking lie had enough on his hands at that tinu* to keep liim occupied. A .stiiamer wa.s building it Black Rock in anticipation of wulir comniuni cation v.ith the lower lakes. In family aiTair.s lie iiionlio:is hisciliildri n as urow Ing. Mr. (rordoii had ercci,ed a nice iiionuuieut to t,ho iiiomor} oi" Lis Jute wifii and daughter, and Miss Stephens. So far, all a]>i>Iicalions t'oi- t.he lu'ces^arv cnpilal to imiM the canal was made only to tho Canadian people, but as we have seen that the money of- fered at homo boro but a small proportion towards the amount refjuirod, a mooting of the Canal Bo;ird was convened on tho 0th of S'^jilember, and it was doomed advisable to exteud th«ir operations to wealthier commuuities outside. Under these circumstances an appropriation was made, and Mr. Morritt was rofiuested to go to New V'ork, then as now tho great money coutro of Amerie^a. If e left on the 17th and arrived there on the 24th, having made what was then consivleroil a lomarkably . YiiteH, Kh(|., in tli« prcijrct, 'I'liiit ;,'|)(nif tlm ciinsc, imiiK'diiitfly tiikinir ' up 1?'5(), ()()(» woitli i»r tlin Htdck, us well iiH Mr. AM'icd llovoy, who took $10,0(10 worth. Tho editor of tlio Xitin Yurh Spvclator, ihm un inlhicniiai ni^whjuipnr, »ftrr calling attention to Mr. Mrrritt'» iiroHcnt'o tht-ri', noliring reports from Canadiiin iiapcTS for tlio paHtycur, A'c, HayH; " 'I'ho phmsanfl piH)ti'cH we have at Icn^'th Hfrn. .*rin,OnO whm Hiil>H('ril't«(l in this city nn Satnrday last. We (ton;;ralulatn o\ir iViend.s in that conntry on tho prospect of iMiprovonientH liefoie them, 'i'lie whole Hcheme or projnet iip|>ears well di'si','n()i|, and Ii.-im he.en carriecl on with a dcpi'c i»f fn< ij/y ipiitn iinusn.'d in that ^country, and we sincerely wi.sh it may lio cariicd on witli the name spirit until oompleted." Also notices tlu! nioetin;; to Ikj Ik Id at I'tii-a (Hi thp L'Olh, and ll>M luster (lU \\w 'J;5rd, ile. After what ho ealls .v " iiinst .sni-'eensrul minHJon {.%y heyinl his «'Xpec- talion.s," li-' nlniiiijd on the l.Sth (if October, Cuming by way of Clia'.aufpm, where Mrs, Merritt was staying dnriii;^ her eonlirienn^nt. Owing to this, and having to meet with coritriictors. tV\, he was delayod longer than ho ex- pectisd, and dtM(ply rogrotteii not being honir ii. titno to fussist in the removal of the remains of thf^ heroii^ Jirock U) the moiuiment croetod on tiueonston Ifeights, by and at theexpeusp of a grateful ))eoj»lo. On the ir)th of Novend)er, cimtr.icts were taken by resjionsildo men for comph'ting the canal from the I'hippewa to tho eiitcanec? of the Twelvo Milo ('reek ; and ou tho .'{0th day of Novemlier, IN.M, an interesting gathering ef about *J00 persons, took place at a flat near the head of one of the branche.'i of the " Twelve," for the jiurposc of witnessing the important < ( rcumny of " 'I'lirning the first sod of the WeUand Canal." The ojit>rations were under the directions of Mr. Hall, and Mr. Clowes the engineer. •Mr. Mertitt niade tl'o following speech on the occasion, which liettrr explains the nianagenieia of the enterprise than any matter at our ili.spo.sul r "Having l)een appointed an agent by the President and Diroctor.H of tho VV'clland (..'anal Company to manage tlm affairs for the time being, they have honored nie with nn opiiurtnnity of acldrerfiing yon at this time, and J as.snre you that nothing could atiurd me great':- satisfaction, was J not con.sciou.s, from want of ability, and not being ii tho habit of public speaking, I sJiall fall far short of (hiing common Justice to the occasion. We an; a.sscmblcd here this day for tho [)urpose of removing the tir.st ei>rth from a canal which will, with the least, and !)>' the shortest distance, connect the greatest extent of inland waters, in the whole world; and it gives mo peculiar ])!easuro to find the line of this canal has Vieen located in this neighborhood, the inhab- itants of which have turned out on nil occasions with a zeal and alacrity worthy of the undertaking. Their homes have been open at all times, and i,> t wiM'o ;iwiiro ns<* would lie u Hiillicictit iii 6i iJicir jH>itiial o\o!tio;iH we an< ^Tciitly iiKlobUid for i(,H Hpoody noiritiionco inonl,. ^'oll iirn now. i^cntloiucii, jilioiil icM-oivini.; (lie jiiwl, and woll rrmril.od rewinds for your liin»* .'ind lin.s|iilalit y. Tliti lirs(, !it(,(iin|it lliHl was tiimlo to lovdl iluH routo wius in |H|,H. A nuHitin^ was liold at. tlio Horivnr Divtns, a |da.ii diawM out., and a pclilion Hciit to tlio li<<;^i;daluro, pMjUf.sliug tlmj would KiMid all oii;,nii(vr to ft,\|p|oin tin* I'outo. Ilsadvaiila;j;('.s wtMd not at that linio fully roni|iroli(Mid(Ml, and our r(U|un.st was not atttwidiMJ to. In ISIS tli(> L«Vr,''^lii'"'''' i'l'l"'*^!"'"''*'"''' "■"'"" <>' "i'»H('y tocxpioro tluM'ountry hctwccn liakoH lOrio and ( >idaiio. ('oniini.ssioiuTH wi^ro a|>|ioint(Ml, to wliom w»> a|i|ili('d, stilt iu;j; tlio natural a;nitude of the iindertakiiii; ; we were Hensilije that the jicr.sonal inliireHt of the capita!, ami taliMit of tlu^ ii to (^x[>eet from them, which tlio result fully proved. Kvery attempt li.'is hreii mad(> to ijet thi.s |)roj ct taken ii]> hy ahle h.iiids, hut not one individual in the pf(uin(H> of extensive capital, or in any hii^h ollicial stat.ioii li.i.> I'.lveii it. til.' hM.-.t assistanre. e\v',eptiii,!4 tlm lion, dolm II. |)unn. He came forward at an early day, and haa i;iv(Mi us his steady and w.irmest support. At I he same time we wore conscious it' disinteresied eapilalist.s le simple fact ( <* would lie a du.-*(Miient. t"or them to endiark in it. We thcrolore deterniiiied to depend on otiiors no lo!iif«r, Imt apply our own slmulder.s to the wheel, and not ahout it in ^ood earnest. A siih.scription j>ap -r was m;;dc out at the April ■U'ssioii, I'^^J.'J, a small sum of money raised, an enj^ie^i-r employed, and a roport of the saiiio laid before the puMic mi tin lOlh of May. An Act of incorpuniti(Ui was olttaincd at the next sittini,' of the l.e^'islature in Kehrii.iry IS'JI. Suhscriptions were made at Quebiic and this place in May followinij to the amount of near '$5t),t)(ll). It waBo-.ir intention at that tiino to follow it up imm(>dialely. and commence the work at this point in Juno hust. However, as some gentlemen in this Di.stricl, who where wholly itiiH informed ro.sp»>etitii( th-- situation of the route, thou.ht proper to write be low, stiiliiii; the whole scheme to be entirely visionarv, and w(»uld most pn biibly result in a total loss to t.lip siiliHcrilierH, we wore under the nooossity I uispendimj; ojierations until survey.s and reports w«(ro obtained by diller lilt OKgineers; which have already been published, and have given |iorfoct satiafacti./ii. We tlimi sent to New York and obtained the aid rerpiired to cover tii>', tirst estimates, and h.ive iiov/ )>iit this part of thi? line under caiitract, as was the original design. Wo have had diiricuUies and prejiidice.s to contend with, but not as many as were apprehended ; and taking every tliiii!,' into ■.•"nsiderati(m, wo have commenced as soon as could reasonably be expeotoil. A report having been roeently circulated that the stockholderH in t^>uebec refuse to juiy the amount of their subscriptions, we })eg leave to read an extract of .a p.iper rccived from the ('oiu'.tittee in (Jueliec, through our agents, ]\Ios.sra. Irvine, McNougi t ik (Jo., mldreHsod to the President, (Jworge Keefer l']s<). ;- - " Sir, at a general meeting of the Sl.()ckhi^,t aati' VVfilliunl (!;miil ( !i)iri(>;iny, hh woll m in 111") (vvtiiMinical cxiK'ndilin'c of (In- fiiii'ls coiiliflcl t,(» (hfir diiifti'tn, }i)iv« withdr.iwii (in! i" ;l i iit.ions lirr< t,(>|i)r<- (liniixfit' ihm-cs ;iU'v. 'I'ln; lt\vtH-Uir% ncdd not tuilrrt.i'ii juid dmlit Ht in a \V(nl; wliicii no malcriidly conci'rn.s n'l. Wo liopo an'I trust cvorj !ariM"r aim inlialii(ant w ii Inn (lie iiiflm-nft' of (liin (wiiuil will iiiakn thr 111 f.lvcM int'irnstiid in tin* nndrrtakiii'.^, liy Hulxrihiii;,' for rn.ire or h'ss idiarv.i. It will 1)'. a |ti!i'uliai' r,;iliKfac(ion In yon, onn ;riid all, I > ;,*o lo vonr own 11 ills ami iii;(cliiin\., has (aken fti.ek (o the vain"'- of $:;J0,()00, Mr. Alfn>d llovey S|(),000. 'I'licse <,'eiit|emen have in) inlt-re.-t in tin; countrr wh.itover ; Init havo (iiken il for no o'Jier ohjeet (.haii the retii/iis (Iny ai» hi'ie.iller to receivo. ( !ent hnien this rinial, from it* p'-enlcn arid most fj ivonv.i l.)le : ituatioti, will he the unMiis of < lejttiu'' within ilndf, oi \,\ its owr erootion, ii .i,'rea(,(!r ainonut of Iranspoiliition th;ni will puy the intenjit i>f the (capital (^xjcnded, over and ahov() t!ie tian.sit it v. ill liiav.- fr' m I/ik.» Mrie, an I tli« proiit o: I ts hvdraulio .situation. It is w(dl known (o von tlij,t (he hanks ol the lliv. r Well.ind and the (irand lliver a'oonnd with an r.imohi iiie.'ihan.stihio KUpply of pino (imher, now nsele.'iss, whieh v/ill he (loat^-d down tfi our ostaltlishmentf;, converted into lumher. ami ( ran; ported to (l.o enlnincc! of the .\n:rii<-an caiiid .it Ton-wiiiida, where i;, mu.^t ever find a i'on.-.tant iuid (Iv d emand, as their hoi'd* ers n:>.' (iestidiU- < .f tl le artiele Tlieie are likewise imiiortant i|uari ies of the |ture.»t wldte (.'ypMim, or planter, on the hordtuaof the (! land Kiv(>r, whieli will soon l)eeomeupif)(i!alile i.rtieln of eomniereo. Staves i-aii he conveyed from ihenee to l-!tke Ontario for $'j or ."$!< pi r KjOO. All tin- piDdiicf; from the mo;:t remot<- (ownnhipK of that river and N\(ist of it, wliitdi now ijoe.s to iiurlin;r(<.n, will come throueh tl IiM Ciinnl he traiihi t of th loso articles, and many more too numerous to mention, will ho created hy its eiTctioJi, hcsides thousands of hairels of llour, width will 1)0 d.vawM frtun the sill roundin<; ei.untry to it.s mills. Uy • nti'iin;^ tlio ili<( losnul cNiwIii'iif, \>y Uio rrotl.ioii of (hic Idrlc willi ii ('mir fool lift. lit. l''<)r(, l''ii'iii Of W'jtl.rrloo, iiinl iiiiiUiii;; ii low |)iilli on iJio Nin;.;!iiii or (Uiippawii riviMM, wliii'li cnii I'O !u'i'om|iliNlnMl al ii mikiII cniicmso, vcmioIh can Im> towoil ol" any hurl lion froiii liiiko I'liio l,o I, nko Ontario. 'I'liin prniMila it< wholly (ir»!!lil,ii!u of a situation lor livois, llial. can ('\<'n l>o considcird nior^ rantili', l.lio r.ills ol" Nia;,'ai;i o\0(>pl.otl. 'i'iiis canal having,' llio Niii,L(aiii lor its Av'ilcr at (Im roiniui^nciMiionl, will aflon'; Lin- 1 "st ami iniwi iniincrouH Hit- nations for niachiiiory, \villiii\ lln> .satno (liMlMiiro in America; wet. ordry, -vviinii »»r colli, we always liavo tlic sann* almndanl aiii>aili'rna(cly mad" use of wit lion t any dctiiiiMMit. I(» lraiis|iorlal.on, until its torminatioM in Kidvc ( )nlario. 'llic very idea, of tlioso conteiii|ilalcd improvements lias a tendency to evliilni.ite onr spirits. Instead of icmaiii iiiij in tliis dull, siipiiu) slate, in wlii<'li we have Ik en for yiais jiast, we will tninijlo in the linstle and aelivo scones of hiisinesH; onr coniinoditieH will ho eiih;uiC(>d in value, and a u;eneral tide of prospei-'ly will lie witnessed on the whole liin» .and sniroiMidin^ <'onntry. In ^;horl, /gentlemen, \v<* are sitnated Ml a C(mniry tavoured with (>vi^ry advaiitai,'(>, hitli in .soil, (ilimntcMUul Hiliift- tion : ils n soni'cs only remain to he Know n to draw men of capital anion^^st ns; and we trust, now impro\cnients ha\<' <"(ininienced, it. will iiurease, and thai wi> may w ilu. ss tiie same spirit of ent.ei'prise here, wliitili onr niij,diluniiH, the .American:, possess in so eminent a ilegree. \\'<> have now slated tjio local advan(;ij;>s of this canal, and tlio rea.sonahle expectation we havo to think it will hccoiivo a jirotitahle siuM-ulatioii to the shaicholderH. You may think wi» are ha/.ardini( a hold assertion ; Imt I vot for one liiVielh port of the mom-y, and \\ill reajt e(|ual if nut superior advantages hy the Welland. This canal is tli(>commenoemeiit of a simi- lar un»h rtakirit;; it isthe nmst important link i»i that cliain of communica- ti<>n we hope to see ctlectcd within t!u\'e years. \V<' renuive the onlj natural harrier of importance- tho Falls of Ni«i,'ara. The rajdds lietwc.-*etl of the Couiuioui! ; Uiey »r« Kreet ie ourm tllH of u only ts -who slftiur* com- 67 ^nd if w»' do iiut. firnl cxerlioii lunotii^ llicm, \v1i«t<' iiri' W(i (o l(pw nio II iiiciiHtiii' (.lial liiiM |>;l^'^.^•ll (lijil. Imily lor (lio iin|irnv« iii< iil of llif coniidy, and yoii will (iiid it Iiiih icccivcd tlio coik ui icik c !'ii (lovrnior of New York who first rocoiniin'inlcd llic ICi i;oon Ix'^^in tii< lice and lin a gciu-nil liomfit, to tlio wliol(! coniitiy aliovo ns. All tli*! |irodii(:i' from tlio Amtriiun Hido will Ix! cariicd down tlio St. Lnwronro, foi' wt! will Jiavo nearly the name advantages in tiannit iih heretofore. It will lie, the mejuis of tho moio e.loi-e ly unitint,' the intcircHts of tla^two I'rovineeM and ino'easiii",' this charaeter and repiitatinn of I r(;onntiy ahroail 'i'lie hireeLoih iia\ c rea;ion to lje|i(v«r th«y hav(» heen fortunate in ohtainin^ contractoiH every way quulified for the' nnderlakiii;,' ; and it is to he hoped in your future elioii:e you will Kilei^t men of inle;^iity and perseveranei*, wiio will eariy on the work as !-a|'idly a,H under existinj^ circnm.stant'eM it has eoinnHiiei d, that, tiny may command the piTlcct. eiiiifidcnci! of the eonlracloiH, and lie .so fdrtimute, im t.o oftain contractorH wild will he entitled to the conlidenee of th'ir meii. In t.hat. ouHP ovory lirancli will harmonize, and thoie will he no dillicndty in complot iii;^ the all important underta.kin;^. 'fh.it it may has(! a Hpeedy and smicf.iiH- ful torniination, is tlu; most ardent vvi.sh of the Wtilland (Janal Oomjiany." Mr. llall then dolivorod into tho hands of (J'to. Keefer, KHtp, l*r(fHid»jnt of th« Hoard of DiroctorH, a Kj)a ide;t day. Aft> i re.solutiims, meeting ailjourned r.jitil l.st l\'.'eni!)er, when a manager was appointed, iiml niuiM stock taken." 8th December. Another, in MJiich was < ..r lished the grant of right of T. »iy uf hind ('U tlic route. Doc'mbe.r 11th.- The Cfetucr'.v commetita were of the opinion that all vofr aft<>r tlie coiiimiincoinent of tho cai';il, Mr. Mt i rilt romaiiiod Jihout lioiiif, fre(iiiciit!y visiting tlio woiks at Alhiiiburi^h. Mi-s. MiM-ritt luul tho cliildniii did uot anivo from ChatiiiKiun in December, so that they wcro not all together aijaii\ at CLri.stmns. lli.s ftiixiety was relieved by having diapo.sed of half cf tho suit workn to an Knglislnnan named Clowsi, wlio undertook the .superintendence, which f;et,hiif» at libcriy to inu'suo lii.s avocation on (lie canal, as that woik henccl'c ith would re(juii'e his attention during it.s progress. At this period of our history, it may not be unprofitable, after the lapso of half a century, to revert lack to other important evcntt;, and in a brief way enrpiiro into tho moral wcliare of the people whom we arenow writing about, particularly that portion of their history relating to (.'hurcJi matters. 'i'lie general observations made by Do(;tor (.'annilf in hi.-! " Settlement of Upper Canada," is as aj)plicablo to tho peoi)le of this district as to any other. "The circumstances of tho settlers in Upper Canada worn not such as would conduce to the growtlj of n^ligion and morality. A j)art fioni the ed'ect uix)n them resulting from aeixil wai", anndod to this old document, and amounts varying from £20. 10.fi, N. Y. currency, which was given by ^fnjor Ditterick, intersporsinl v.'ith £10. from Mr. John Hainer, and £12 from Mr. J. Dackhoi.se, to t!i') snrill Bum of l);.'.— in all, j^/,v7./J subsoribnd — is oiiered for it.« aceomp'.ii-hmo t Tho original document is headed " Ap[)ointment to tho Church at 3'. Catharines, with their respective sums next to their name»." No hint ia given why this name is used, furtlier than tho fact that Cutharino Hutter, the wife of their revered leader, had died tl^ree yraia before — 1793. .A plan of tho church acet^npanies the document, shewing it to lave had one doscn liouble pows, 7 ft. .\ i, surroundo'! Vv an ahsle A ft. wide, wlach en- cii-sed 8 single pews, 15.3 ^ '^ht * *^ ^ gallory ou three hide* — and without 70 Etee[)lo or belfry. The building bein^ the modpst size of 30 ft. x 34, and ligJitod by. moans of four circular topped v/indowH. Oil tho 24fch of Jiinnary, I7iJ8, wo find that thoy got a doed for four acres of land from Mr. R. Hamilton, and that in tho year IHIO, Mr Ditterick and T. Adams, oar|)ont(Ma, havo an account for making fo.ir circular windows -also bills for lumbor, &c., amounting to £'^0, N. Y. currency, by I^KW(!ll Ma^hows. On tho 25th of March, 18(1, wo find Chisholm and Morritfc credited with £25.10.7, and afterwards, Thomas Mcrritt, father cf our subject, with tho hand.somo sum of £■>■>. Again, wo find: — "At a meeting of the trustees of tho (Uuuch of St. Catharines, called by request of the inhabitants, on Saturday, 3rd July, 1819, signed by W. 11. Mei-ritt, E.sq., Secretary, tho following trustees were present, viz : — George Adams, Jacob Ditterick, Thomas Mcrritt, and Paul Shipnuvn. The following resolutions are adopted: Tliat tho trustees are requested and authorized to fence tho buiying ground and me before l left home with power to act as I thought proper. I havo consecpiently cluingod the whoio scheme or system of our canal. Tho stoekholdecs in New York writ* constantly to keep in view sloop navigation." liri. "TUK CoMMISSIoNKUS \lM'()INTi:i> BY Till'. floVKUNMKNT fnr intoilial iir. provcmciits, laid cut asovnn foot ciiiiiil from (liiiiul llivi r to lUiiIiiiglou, una my f^oat aim luts Ikhmi to turn tlicir attontiou to thin ixuticular routo for hlooj» navi-^ation." " Ah tltoy do not understand, or soarcr-ly liav<^ an idea of oannllng, it in fihRoIi'.tcly nc(H.'ssary I sJiould remain at tlio ell)o\v of tlK) meml)er9 until tho husinctis is coniplftcHl." " r mot tliem all lii-ro, suhmittod my plaiiH, and t'lioy liavo given their ontiro approliation. 'I'hc only thing that romains to l»c done, is to got tlw a-H oxt^wided, and a loan." " My arguments are, liy making a sloop n:i\ igat ion largo enough to admit any v(^«sel on l.aho Mrie, wo will draw tlio transit to New York through our camil ; a.i a \ cs-scl can sail from any point on I^iko Krio to Obwogo, at onoo." "'Hion comes tho oomparixon of o])posit<' sides of tho IFousc. They aro both classically educat.'id, with extraordinary talent, and display more of tho elegancies of language than I ever heard." Among his frit tula in high places at York, none took a warmer interest and did all lio co-.ild to assist aiid cncoui-age him, t])an Dr. Straohan, tlieii a moaiber of the rx'gi..lativo Council ; not alone with his valuable pat'-onage, but giving him the advantages of his extensive! and matunnl exptaien ;. Wo see tlio first iTport drawn up during the long detention at Vovk, under the Doctor's eye take« a :nore comprelicnsive view of tlio enlarged naTig;\tion, than any heretofore. The following is extractt-d from a pamphlet for the interest of tho iBtoftkLoliIen.. in 1(S52: bill 14fJ oft tJje J on t who Twel 7.1 " An ablo Report, which wiw published l)y order of Iho I'cajfl of Dircfton^, at tho clow of tho yoiir, is iivpniiil-iil lioreto, in ordnrto I'liow that tho comprehensive views tiioi\ rnt<;rtaii)(Ml, arc now roulizcd, as v.cil tin tiio ruiason why tho private Stock was not Lhon Kuliscrihcd, and tho great lots tlm Sharoholdcis wort! HulijocLod tu iu ooiiscijuonco. Tlio present Ijord Bishop of Toronto, Dr. Straclmii, who v.afj then a iricni' ber of tb« Iie;ri8lative Oounoil, took a warm interest in tliis nuv;niliL'eut undert;iking, from tlie fust, and did all that wim in his power to lUi^isL and omxjurai^e thoso wlio wcro labourin.( f> r its iiccomplii.hiueut. As early as 1823, when the work was iu its infancy, bitterly opposed by Home, and distrusttid and thouj^ht liditly of I)y otliers, ho ilrov/ np a [uvpcK' setting forth the inostirnablo advantages it nnist jiroduce to tho coni- morcc and a'^-iculttiro of tho country, and urging its acconii)lishmcnt by every rfToi-t, and at whatever cot,t. Tho Directors, purlaking those sentiments •vik] opinions, wore liappy to introduce, with his permission, his elo(punit ap- peal int<^) their lleport ; and tho paper I liavo last referred to, with tlie ex- ception of such passage^s as relatort, ininn"cal to tho Twelve i-outo, was got up to Ikj circulated among}.t all the Ehardi eiders. : .J 74 44 pora(>nB rnproBOiiting 170 shares, on which £18. la. hail h«en paid, principally from Niagura, withiiruw thoiriiainoR liotweou 1 1th May and 12th July, in coriHetjiienco of the alteration of tho routo ; 10 from othor cauuea, rr presenting 43 Hhares. .)uno Stii. A lottor from Mr. Morritt, on IiIh rnttirn from Nnw York, on lK>ani Htoamcr l/lica, to Dr. J. I'rci.Mlergast, dolaila the concurring ovenUi. •' [ am ploased to have tho satisfaction to acquaint you, that I havo BUCceo(lof conimencenient should he, in my opinion, above Prescott, anil up that to Petit nation, or else froua Johnstown." H. J. UOUI.TOH. It will 1)0 Hoen from the foregoing that Mr. Mcrritt looked on this great undertaking in a different way from many of his intimate friend.s. llis wa« no potty schenio intended only to benefit a particular locality, llis broad and expansive views penetrated beyond his own profit ; as he well and truly reasoned that the noble St. Jiawrence, then, it might be .said, flowing alrao.st idly into the ocean, was not phiced there by the Clreat Maker for niftro ornament, but would eventually, become tributary to the powers of clover men, and be the broad pathway to bear thegohlen products of the great Weat to the millions of toilers, whoso voices were raised in Europe for tho cry of cheap bread. Could thoi?o merchants in MOntreal but .see tho results whicJi hia idea brought about, and the change whicli they wrought on their suc- eessors, what a wondei-ful picture would be presented to their imagination ; to behold a mere trading town gradually assume gigantic proportions, its streets lined with stately warehouses, and its docks become tho pride of » country, noble merchant-men and floating .steam palaces thronging its har- bour, ready to carry to the ends of the earth the great staples so bounti- fully bestowed by nature on the boundless acres of the far we.st. It is not our intention at present to enter into Mr. Merritt's connectioa with the improvement of the St. liawrence, sutlice to say that he sncceedod in getting the work oonimenoed ; as hy the aid of tho funds raised at the Niagara meeting, Mr. CHowes and Mr. George Rykert were enabled to bo «ent down, and make a survey of the River banks, which act was tho'be ginning of those great works afterwards undertaken to open a water way round the rapids. ' IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // '^ ^fJ^ c m O /. »'■ /; / / /A Photographic Sciences Corporation iV s V ^^ <> ^ v <■ 6^ % '^^ ■<> 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14S80 (716) 872-4503 fi? I i-?. ^ 76 Jt is not to bo concsaloil that the St. Lawrcncs canals had for a number of years a formiflablo competition in the Ottawa (.nnal. Tlie British Govfirn- nont this winter dosiriiig tho work for military purjtoRoa, offered tho P"ovinco a loan of £70,0i)0 stoj'ling if thoy would uadartako the work. It is a matter of history that tliey oom])h'ted this work, tlio Kideau'Canal, at their own ex- |>onsc, thus postponing tho improvement of the St. I awrencc river, to which the attention of cv.r Parliament was continnouhly directed, and keeping bat^k tho profits which tho projectors of the Wellund Canal naturally ex- pected from the extensicm of their solicmc. A letter from his friend, Dr. llolph, dated Charlottville, 2'2nd October, contains the following compliments to our subJ3ct : "Tlie mania for tho improvement of navigation may bo traceu» would be under contract by S|>ring. The marked change along the route was wonderful. Where the foi-est stood a short time ago, was now a scene of life and bustle. The sharp rattle of the axes hewing and carving their way through the old woods ; the unceasing liammering of the pick on the clayey banks, and occasionally the ci-;i>;h of a falling tree, iiiingliiig with loud gunpowder ex])!osions M-hen a blast was discharged, nil hut a charm to the woik which none enjoyed more than oui- subject, whoso busy bnua found ample swing ; now at onr^ place, now at another, superintending, watching, settling disputes, arranging details. In fact, if ever man had his "hands full," Mr. ]M. at this time lial his. Oie hundred dwcllitigs wcrw on the summit, occupied by mechanics, labourers, tailors, shoe-mak(!rs, store keepers and others. At the entrance of the Twelve Mile Creek, the witrks on the haibour wery which powerful patrons might bo ■ eaiily propitiated or offended — to decide on the names of varioua placea on ibo oanal." f At this meeting which he attended, it won resolved that not any part of tb« loan of £25,000 cuuld be touched, according to tt'> act — and that 25 ]Mr oont be raised from the present aubscribers. In order to accompliah thia, •b4 I« make pereonal explanations to the skareholdora, ho Mi o«t in ilv« 'i ): I L i ■ < * \\ ! 1 t * 80 mid lie of February for New York, travolling by stjige. Ho arrived tlicro ou tlio '2 ; 8t, whon it was a^reo;l to pay 8 f>or cent a month of tho stock sub- Bcribcil, in order to carry on tho works as rapidly as [wssiblo. On (.he 3rd of April, the annual election of the Directors took plaoo at St. CathariuGS. Col. J. Clark and Hon. J. B. Robinson were appointed, and shortly aftorwArd.s (May 9th) Mr. Merritt paid a visit to Albany, and procured documents and plaiii'. cT tho Erie Canal. In an interview which be had at ihia time with the Governor, De Witt Clinton, that <,'entlema!\ made tho following remark to Mr. Merritt, which, we think, was highly com plimenlary to our subject: "You have physical advantages on yourt^ide, but you want rasu of enterprise, like yoursbolf, to carry them through." On the Otli of May, II. I'l, the Lieutoaant Governor, and several uireo- tors visited Uic works ni\ the carnal, — and the Govprnor cxpresticd his high gratifuation at tho progress of tlio works. As an instance of the im- provement t!ic canal was making ou its s;urroundinjort as famous 'M tho S[)aa of Europe. On the 2'Jnd, an imjjortant meeting was helil in York, to devise ways and means for earring on the work, and Mr. Yates was instructed to procure II K.an of .-C'MI.OOO or .C40,000 in New York. On the l.st of July, the opening of tho Burlington Bay (!anal, in pro- senco of the Lieutenant Governor and fust dignitaries of the country, iws place. The Governor passed tlirough in an open boat, an 81 Mr. Merritt's memorauilum tor 20tL Jiiiio, states tliut he visited every person whop.e lantls wero wunteil on the route, and received tlieir offei-s for a settlement. Yet, afterwards, tliero were many di.ssatisHed at havinj^ tlio canal pass through their farms, iind tliey liehl a meeting at HeaverdaniH, favouring the route by the Twenty Mile (^cek, Niagara, or any other place but that along the " Twelve,'' The arbitration was held in tlie old tShipmau Tavern, then kept by a man named Jakes — and for a montlt or two duiing the warm season, this place was the scene of much excitement. There were 27 cases in dis[)ute. The award for Mr. Merritt and his father was j£tJOO for 7 or 8 acres of hind and tJie mills. As respects their t)ther lands, to the amount of U^ 'icres, the advantages of the canal were eijuivaleut to tlie lauds proposed to be taken. Of the twenty-five arbitratoi-s appointed to try the casiis, but one is now living, Mr. Ifenry M'.ttleberger, of St. Catharinet), whose wann intei-est in this undertaking wo have noticed in extracts from liis journal. The land ivotually arbitrated on amounted to 323 acres in all. Two of the coi.tractoif), Hovey and Ward, had given up their contract for the ileep cut. After this peiiod nearly all local o[>position ceased. In other parts of (^'anada, things were beginning to move. Two steamers rsere placed on the Ottawa and Lachine route, and six moi'o were plying on Lakes Ontario and Erie. Tlie works on the canal v/ere often visited by the curious, and a mania for canalling seemed to possess the people. Mr. Menitt was daily in receipt of lettei-s from diflerent part* of the country, about various canal schemes, itc. On the 27th of October, the Board met at the " Deep Out." Mr. Yates inspected the whole line, having previously obtained £25,000 in Now York. In their report of this meeting, the following minute appeals :— -" Tha Directois have gi*e.it pleaaui-e on this occasion in expressing their full approbation to those wliose attentions have been lunremitting, etc." Owing t^) the numerous gatherings which canal matters |)roduceil in this locality, Mr. Men-itl determined du moving from his old residence ; and as it was more from necessity than choice, ho advertiseie owneil and managed by K. W. Ste- phenson, from the san\o place. Our subject and his family removed on the lOth of November to his father's residence, now the cottage at Springbank, where he remained until the completion of his own "Oak Tlill Mansion,"- on the canal bank, three years afterwards. The census of the town taken at this time, gave the place 400 inhabitants. Our recollections are that a considerable village then existed. The opposite hi I > ! t 82 side of St. Paul Stivct, heyoiul Climn-'M, was oiviipicd by Koach'd hat aliop, tF. F. Mittltilit;ii;»'r, watolmiuker, Uirlianl Kilziccralirs atoir. now occiijiit'd by tin- T'ntt.i's |)riiiti!i:i ollic^a ; iMcKoiiiiy's rosi'lciict", Valo it NVaUi's' tin rthop, Saiub'fson'h blnc|<,smith shop, atin!nii, w;i-. W.ud's .saddk'iy, Captain Dittoric-k'a liotcl and butcher alio)), I'llias A lUock, in whioli afterwards wa.'i tlio W'eliand Car.nl Otfici-, and rioavenworth's printing olllce. Of all the new coiitors t-i .St. CatliMiiiics, ('oinniodoi't> Xortlmiti was tli'> greate.st aeipusitiou to the plii.ce, in hi? osvn |»icnli;i,r Hue. Jle with Mi^. N. and an only daughter, Elizabeth, coming lipre in iSJl. The ConiTnodori' being employed in the Uoliviau ser\ ice, made occasional cj iiises in tho (inlf of Mexico, and at each time of his return to St. (^itharines, Mas in possv<;s aiou of a rospectal)le .share of tiio "'needfid." Privatoer, biicea)ieeror cummo dor«, his roh' among us a'hs to s}>eiid nioney. Mis turn-outs wejv tho l>es|, his dinners the (incst, and his social «iualitie.s nu!">nuded, of which fl. < author has often been a recipioiit. One eircuiustance about liim wo ramcinber. wliilo residing at wh.!'; l>ccanie afterwards th" Merchant's Ifot.el. 'J'he hoists which the ( 'omniodorii used in his family carriage, became restive and ran off down the 12 mil » hill, and when the animals and the deby'iM uf the vehich! weie recovf red aiid liroiight back, he ordored them away, saying ho neve]' wovdd drive them again. It was no matter of surprise that tho voirKde was given to tin? tinder, as on a former occa.sion wo have known him to hand his daughter a bill for jdaying a tune on the i>iano for tho aniusoment of hi.s guests. When the dam at the haibour had converted the IL' mile oeek into a m'niaturc lake, and the works there being an object of attracticm, the author has fre- tfueutly witne.ssed the spirited style of the (Commodore's turn-out on the ice. Th(! way of conducting Municipal ek»ctions in those days were not as exciting as at present, and the only addres.s we can lind to the electors of (Trautham, is one headed "Self Nomination," and signed by Job Northrop • promising faithfully to fuUil the im[)ortant duties of Pathmaster, should th« free .and indepemlent olectoi's clioose him for that position. The same individual, p/eviously wishing to have tlie fourth conceasioii opened along his propei-ty, aaked the nmgisti-ates to fissendde at the* "Oornerrt," whence, after a s<.H«ial glass, and discuaying the road (question, ■■Mi 83 vo them ovnr tliP locality, wlifii no fiirtlifr ceroinony was iKHvJefi, ami the magiHtrnte-H declfirctl thp roatl opfU. Tho Coininodoic fin' foi' tho voar beiny hehl there on tlif L'8tJi iKveniber. ()i\ tlie 'M)t\i of November was hold tlie Hi-st annual celebration to (;oin- momorate tho aiMiiversary of the canal. A piddic dinner was held in tlio hotel, wliicli was imnnn-ously attended. Speeches were made, loyal and patriotic toasts were tliunk, and tin- event honourtMl in :i style whicli would do credit to nion; modern assemblie.s. Tlie ,/oiirunl of Dec. IH'2C>, in refer- ring to the denionstratioTi Hays :— * * * " Notvvithstandin;; all those discotira^'ements, it has buen prosocntcil witli untiriii^ viijouf, and tin- .success which has attend!ind of pati-iots in the cau.se of their ••ounfciy's wul- far(f, wlio plaiuied and matured the scheme, nmst bw unexpected and aston- i.HliijiLj to tluMMselves : a.nd ultliouirh it is a sa h.id bf'cn spent on the work.N, for wliicli tlie followint,' results are givftii : The tirst st-ctiou whicli conimeiicfd at the Wfllaiid Iliver. (now Port llobiiLSOu) was comjdeted, to the extent of '.V.) chains, with tlaces it second to the Rideau, hut .saying in its commendation : • "Although we owe it to the enterpri.se of private individuals, I most strongly rccouimend it to your favour and protection." This was not a mere comiiliment, as the Governor had alway.s person.<»Ily taken a warm interest in tho progre,ss of the Welland Oanal. m 84 A noting' vory op|iiiitiino rirciiin.itanco also occurod at this tirnf, in tho I'ac't that it was now known by a (lispatch from ("ol. Hillier, tiiat tho Im |K*iial (lovonnncnt luwl given a grant to tho WeUand Canal Conijiauy, of £10,000 sterling. At this time, our old friend Dr. Beadle went to York, and succeeded in getting the contract for twenty years, to convey the mails from Qucenston to Sandwich, which proved a profitable undertaking, and which was known for many years afterwards as being under the conduct of W. A. Stephenson. A Mr. Wilkin- son, who left for Brantford, was a partner. On the 14th of September, in this year, occurred an event which caused a profound sensation throughout this country and tlio United Stjitcs. The facts known at this time wore, that an individual known as Col. W. Morgan, a citizen of the .States, hud written a book purporting to be an expose of Freemasonry, and shortly afterwards the author suddenly disappeared. The newspapers at the time were full of stories, somo of them very sensational in reference to Jlorgan ; and it was even stateil that one of the Brants of Wellington S((aare, and several other prominent Masons in Canada and the United States had con- pired, jmd captured Morgan, confined him in N. Y. State, on a trumped up charge, and afterwards conveyed him to Fort Niagara, from whence they tran- sported him out into the lake and drowned him. It is needless to say that the >;entlenien charged with tlie connnission of tho crime strenuously denied the i nplication. The results however were that two strong parties sprung up, known as Masoiis and Anti-Masons. To the latter side our subject became allied, and ever afterwards he was known to be opposed to secret societies^ under every form and guise. Aitumg tlie genenil transactions of this period, was tlie re-establishraent of the Cnlnniol Advocate, by Mi'. Wni. Lyon McKenzie, it having boon stopped by tlirowing all his type inta the bay. He collected $1,500 jus damages. As Ottawa has heeoino an important place as the seat of ffovornment for united (.■aniula, the ceremony for the cominMicing of the Kideau Canal, will })e given. On tho U4th of September, Ix)rd Dalhousie and suit arrived at tho iMiaiuliere, proceeded to P. Wright's, Ksq.j when, on the '27th, accompanied by (Japtiiiu By, amiy bo As noticed, the II()U! in the interest of the CompMny. The loss of his friend and :idviser Arclideacon Straeh'in, whose interest in the rising i^eneralion had eaused lii-* titmporary iibsciice to Isn^laml, in order to raise funds lor the fnundiiii; of a I'niversity, was more than made up by the prosencc of the Honourable J. B. ^.\TKs, of Chittcnanjio, N. Y., who resided in York, and atteniled tlic House. A petition havin<; been pri'sented by the Wellaml Canal Co. for the (roveru- ment's assistance, askintr them to take a part in the undertakin;^. and one from Niajjjara askinjj; for a I/itcnil cu — ;i committee was appointed to investijrate the subjects. Mr. Yates addressed a letter to Arch. McLean, the chairman of this committee, and also gave his verbal testimony before the same, in wliieh ho uivcs a calculation that the work will pay interest by carryinjr the products at SI r)0 per ton, for r)(>,0(l(» Canadian.^ — and that the Oswego Canal, now under way, would be the means of aceomodatinj^ many more from the other side, Ijosides adding to the value of vessel property, by .giving tliem two or more lakes to navigate. The ideas of Mr. Yctes were based upon known estimates in connection with the Erie Canal, and so convincing to the committee were they, that they recommended I'arliament to take stock in the canal to the amount of $200,000; but still, from the unreasonable condition of the arrange- ment, it amounted to nothing more than a loan, as the company were bound to jiay interest on the same, as well as the previous sum advancet*. 18 2 7. At the termination of the session on the 13th February, a meeting of the Directors was bold, and a resolution was passed authorizing Mr. Merritt to proceed to Quebec, for which £125 was voted, with a petition from the Hoard to the Parliament of liower Canada, praying that tl.at body would assist the Company by becoming subscribers, as it would be an equal benefit to the ports in their I'rovince. Another resolution commisioned him, in conjunction with Mr. Yates, if unsuccessful, to have the balance procured in New York. Arriving in Quebec on the 23rd of February, he spent the time intervening until the opening of the House on the 2nd of March, seeing the different members of the Ciovcrnmont, and explaining tlie prospects and progress of the Company's works. In this interval he writes hon)e : " I have been introduced to most of the members. Every person says it is a loss of time to say one word to Jean Uaptiste, as he will not give ujs a dollar. I, however, have strong ho])es, and one week will determine the measure, &c." He also was the bearer of a dispatch from Sir P. Maitland to Lord Halhousic, the Governor and Chief, at Quebec, on the same subject — which His Excellency laid before the House by message. A bill was immediately brought before the House, authorizing a grant of £25,000, which was passed through all it* I If 86 brnncJu'H, Mr. Mcrritt arrivcl homo, by way of Albany, on tlic ll>th Murch, inuklii^ tlie most fXjKiditiouH and huccesrtf'ul jyurney in t'ouuection with tiie Ciiuiil yet rocttnli'd. In tlio annual met'tin;^', wliich was hold at St. Catharines ou 2nd April, the Hon. Ci)l. WoIIh toolc tlio place of Vice-rroHident Allen, and .1. H. Boultod' that of Mr. W. H. Morritt, who whh now aotin;^ as Ajiont. Several nioetingB were afterwardn hold alon^ the liii>', and at one of them it was resolved : that the otticc! of the ('ompatiy be removed to St, Calh'irine.s, and that JamcH Hlack be appointed resident seeretary — salary X,2iH). And tliat an oflice be built here for the agent, secretary, and engineer, by ettntract — 3Ir. Merritt agreeing to pay for the same at any time they may clioose to relinijuish it. In tlie Spring of 1H27, a letter from Mrs. MfMiitt, sayK : " There liavo been a gr««it many people heio. Kvery house is n-owdMl with two or more families. IJnilding is- going on." Mr. xaininBtion at tlie exjiense of his health, which ultimately caused liis premature death, at Paris, in 1830, much regretted bv his friends in St. (^itbarincs and elsewhere. Mr. Crordon afterwards lived in lA)nd()n, where he died in 184 0. The [loople of Fontbill are perhaps not aware of the importiuice their jjosition once hehl in the thoughts of the counti-y's iiilers at this tiine. On the 25tli of July, R. H. Bonnycastle, R. N. ( -ommander at Kingston., writes to Mr. Moiritt : " r have stiggested to the Home (JovernnuMit tlie practicability of a canal from yours tortant personage. Against the opinion of the President ami Directors, Mi'. Meiritt advc- caUid strongly the undertaking of the canal directly to Port [Maitland. This idea coming before the present one was finish* d, caused some commo^ II 87 tioii '» tiio lioiu.J, but \s&H 11 fdrtiiiiatt' mutt*-!-, as witliout it tlie ciinal would tiiive to W al>arulouwl, owiaj; to ilic iiiiiiiy laml sHjih which oci'ui«' tut iu th«? in*xt fall. Mr. MenlttH ur!.'uiut>iit for the f«'t'd<'r iiuw iv, tlint <(jiiunnhel« U) be built Avith a hirju'cr drauj^lit than eij,'ht feet." Oil the 1 lith of Septeiiilier. notices were j'iveii for i:ine miles exca\atioii, bfitwetui the forks of t!ie SVellaiid and I'ldail (.'reek to lie liuished by the 1st of October, 1H2S. The eoutruct was taken by Moiisoii, Simpson. Si < 'o., on the ;lans of the Welland and St. IjHwreiice. Tlie progress of the St. Lawreuoe extension durinj,' this year is given iu the report of Messrs. l-lowes it Hykert, to the (Joveriior, in whose service Ml'. Clowes, as intimated, had been since the 9th of June. These jtlans in- < luded two sizes for the canal— four, and eight feet ; and after giving the engineering particulars of oach route to the J.. (,'. line, lu^sxims up by saying that it is highly gratifying to state, for the information of His Excellency and others, that the advantages for the canalization of tlie St. Lawrence, far exceeded our most sanguine expectaticrotary — wlicii, a Kuildiiij,' to cost 84,000 was ugiverl u))on, to ho paid for by !;haros of .^10 (>af''li. Si, ;').")() wa.s snbsoribed outli'' sjiot, and a i'(;miiiittt'o formed to collect (lie lialancc. The l)iiildiiig was the iirst suiicvioi- iiistituiioii of h'ariiiii!» in tliis inivt of tlio Pioviuce, ])iY'u?eding the Dislic^p's College at Toronto, for which h(^ oUtained from the (Joviniinn'nt assistance to" tlio. amount of 100,000 acres of land. A meeting iu Brantford was advertised in the d'orc (!tin,' o])p()«eil i > t!i," j):-oj>ji'\l ( JraU'l Risoi" roiuti, was liold in AnciistiT ; tlu^ Mt-a ciitLM'taiin'il liy tliust' ])rcs(iit. l)eiiig, that a canal fro. i tliu*^ river to llaiiiiltnn. aii.l even from llw licail wateis of tlio Thames, -would be the eorreet thin;^'. Twelve lung resolution:-! wero passed, and it afterwai'ds beinj; found that the summit cutting' on the proposiul I'oute would be one hundred fe(>t, and deeper than the dee}> cat on the tho Welland ('anal, the idea was abandoned, and %ve believe never afterwardp meutioneJ —at least if IVlr. ('aiireol'sKcheme nni^lit be considered a similai" one. As the whole work on the canal is now under way, it wa.s found absolutely necessary to raise more funds. The Italance still on hand amounted to .£."i9,00#, and it was found that more than doubh^ that sum would be required to finish the work. An ellbrt was to be made again to obtain tlie $l'()0,()00 re.served for England. During the series of Board meetin,;s held in York, commeiaing on the "J 1st of January, that on the Hth Fel)ruary contains a financial htaten)ent from Mr. Merritt, by wliicli he says : "No embarrassment for want of funds will ' i; felt until the 1st of August, before whii-h time some inoai s must lie divi.sed t« obtain ij.")(),000 for the remainder of tho season.'' lie also proposed five diflererit schemes towards laising this anunuit : — 1st. — To enlarge tho capital another £l<)0,0()(). "Jnd. — To endeavoui' to st»ll stock, or efieet a loan in the United States. .'5rd. — To send an airent to iCnglaud to obtain the one nintli jirt^mised on the eidarged capital. 4th.- - To endeavour to sell stock there, oth. -t)r endeavour to ailect a loan. The Board were at the end of their invent inn. To (udarge the capital at present was a useless measure, as the New Vork stockholders having iin- ])lied, nothing more coidd be expected from that ipiarfcer. JJut another trial was to be made, and the agent once nioi-e. with discretionary powers. was sent down to see if money could bo obtained. Tho st-nding to Kngland was tlio l;ust thing, but who was to be the andiassador ? Mr. Meri'itt's readiness to do anything for the canal, they knew. 'j'o a Colonist, a fr-./' trip to the old country is the great object of his life. He always looka to going /lonif, aiul a jiolicy that will culminate of b{>ing eommissioned there, is considered worthy of a life's energy. But it Wiis hardly ex]>r>(«ted that Mr. MtMiilt would und(;i-take the ta.^k. Fnmi the expressions of surprise, after his success, by the Pntsident : '' Indi- vidually, I must thank you for the success of your mhssion, which /.v lUDte than I erjKCteiJ." Had not evmy envoy faih>d. already : and liad they not I ' i i I i ; iH i!|' 90 agon Is in F]n;,'Iand of ;,T('at wrtaitli und aluir.st luiiiotiiidiMl iufkuMic; wit.h tlif! Hfiriitj (ioverntii'!Ut in ( iinadiaii iitlairs, wliilc Mr. Meritt, witK uU l,i8 zciil for tiie cuiiiil, wa.s witlioiit infiiuuice to raise tlic iieccHKury f'lindR. W« will not say what infiuoiioe this natural fnoliug may liav«; had for our suhjcct, on this his tiist voyaLff'. fn the alisfiico of any tc^stiniony Uy the i-ontrary, we niusteall it a " self ajUJointinent." We know he refused a lucrative connnission ataiiothtn- tiuie, and alwayH avoided trips for pleasure. Under these circurnstaiK-es, Mr. Merritt a;L;iiin visited the Unit(>d St.iitcs, jroiiig by way of Kinjrston anhia, where, consulting S. (Jirard, he retui-ned to New York. While thero, he stjiyod with Mr. Yiites, and inducted that genth.-inau to beconio security for $40,000 - -Kuftifient to carry on tlie work for a time. Not being able to accomplish tlie full object of liis mission in New York, and aftei- waiting until the last moment, he hnally dec-ided to go pcisonally to Kngland and his journey thence, with his observatiojis, successes, itc, will b<; found in his journal and correspondence, which is lieie coj-ied. " Left home on Tuesday, the 2()th day of February, 1S2S, in a sleigh — thi snow Jiaving fallen the day beforf^ Paid Mi'. Btevenson $2, instea«fore the staij;f;. which catno from Saokott's harbour. "Sunday, 4th -(!ot in, and reaclit'd Htioa. " MonantboHt at four o'clock- -very niucfi crowded. A poor unfortunate ttenthMnan died on hoard ; ed at the Franklin Hot nothing to do with it." "Wednesday, lL!th. ('ailed a meeting of .stockholders, who were plejisfwl with the situation of the w<.»rk. Messrs. Yates and M.elntyre caiiu^ forward and not oidy agreed to pay up the i-einaing shares, but ndNance .*1(),()()0 more, to be replaced in Kngland liy letter u> Mr. Merritt. "Thursdav. l.'ith. Called on Jacob Astor, a (Jrrmaii, who thinks well of it. "Friday, lUh. -Madea number of att(!mpt*i in vajious (piarters. but with verv little .succes.s. "Saturday, l.'ith.- -Having made ajiplication to a noted Frenchnui c (lernifiii and (.Quaker — closed with a Jew, agent of liothcliild. to whom f addi-(!ssed the following letter : Messrs. Phinii»s d- ( 'o. (lENTLKMKS : "You will tiotice Vty looking over the map of the Lnitect.s that rivev with Erie, will bring id! tho ])ro(hiots of tlic country, nhovc St. liouis, to Lako Erii^ ; which Lake will also receivf tlip products of Michigan, that juirt of Ponsylvania und Now York honlcring, and the western ]>artof ('anada. Fiuther, when tlie products of that wi^st 'ra country arc afloat on Like Ei'in, they will ]).iss through the) Wellan.l (Unal if destined (Utiior for this or the Montreal market. As von .suggested, 1 will call on Messrs. llowland it Co. in London ; and I will thank you to foi-ward thei'o whatever inforiiiation you may tliiidc lit on th-.' subje -t. Tiiere lias hcen tixpr-ndcdou this work .S7()i),0l)M. There remains only .•? 100,000 to be taken up — but you have not time to decide on this before the packet sails. " "W. H. M." "Sunday, l(ith March. — Left New York. Sundav is a day mariners appear to select for ])uttiiig to sea. ^t haj)])ened however to fall, in our case, on the regular day for sailing. The ^ 'ori'/\pears delightful, although we are tossing at u great rate. Many sick. Myself not well. '•Sunday, 2;}rd March — The vind continues favtmrable. Still a heavy sea ; but on the whole, ])leasant. "Monday, 21th. — 'Fhe wind hauled around somewhat u'.. favourably last night. Rain again this morning. Studding .sails displayed, as yesteiday. " Tue.sdiy, 2")th. — Commenced overluuiling papers. Calm last night, and this day. Yesterday, was in liat. -10.21. Ijong. 49.25. Dull sailing, although pleasant weather. "Wednesday, 2(ith. — Had a li^iht breeze from the southward. Increased, and hauled arontid to the west. The sea smooth, and the weather iiiM). Ship going at the rate of !iine knots. All in good he-iklth and .spirits. " Thunsday, 27th. — The wind continues fair. Have made lapid ju-ogi'esH for the last 24 hours. We commenced |daying whist last night : this with th . 'f 93 reading or writing, form.i tho only uniusemeufc, or means of occupyinc; tinip. Lat. 39, long. 43. — wbidi brings us on tho European map, or eastern lialfof tho Atlantio. liofore cloising tl;'^ 'uap of America, he casts a retroHpcctive glance over its expansive territory, .sj)ying out its facilities for water communication to the seaboard, and theuoe to the old world. Memorandum — The distances and prices of freight from tho commence- ment of the Ohio Canal at Hciota in Ohio, by the Mi.ssi.ssip})! to New York, 3,800 miles, ^I'J per ton, in 27 days. To Lake Erie, 1)40 miles, for^l'Ji in 18 days. Thus it will bo seen that tho exports can be made v, ith a similar expense in two-thirds of tho time. The merchandiso for the suj.'ply of this soutlieru country was brought, before any canal was built, by land from Philadelphia. There is a prospect, that as far down as C^iiro, and up the tributaries, the Ohio included, up tho Alleghany ^Mountains, must bo su])plied by the lakes of the west of coui-se. I received much valuable information of tho southern country from my fellow-pa.sseugers. One of the aitcri:lay. Tlic wind lulled cjilin. Caiiu) on from the eastward with a gentle lireexuand some rain. All tlie |Kisseii'j;er,s in ^i-eat glee, expectinj; a fj'.vourahlf aud sliovt vuy„.(fo. Thi.i Homewhat dampens their spii'its. We hav' reasoii to he satisred for the long continuance of favourahln weather and fair wind this year, and ahouhl not e.xpeet at this .se.'i.->oii its continwanio throii;.jhoiit tho voyage. No observa- tion ye.sterday oi" to-day. Tho east winds same eold and un|)leasant. '' Thursday, o Ai)ril. — Tho wind still eontiinies froin the eastwanl very light, and no ap])eara.noeH of a change. We are driven fur to the northward of our course, heading towiuds N(n-wa.y ahout L'oO oi- 'M\() miles from \,\w westeiJi (;<»ast of Ireland. " ' Zimmermans's .I.i)vers,' and ' (Jaiter'fs Travels,' form a ['art ofou" library, and ' |{. Hale's Travels.' " Friday, 4th Tl'.is day o'f>tained an observation : find ourselves in Lit f>2. ."»(>. Tj'mg. 1'), and .some minutes directly oppo,sit<' tho town of Jjimerick, on the Shanmrn. Quito calm. Still have made no ilirect progre.ss for t.ho last three days. "April .'>th.- — Clear. ISO ndles from Cape (!lear. Wind fair. '•Sund:iy, (ith. — Call.'td up at o, to see C.ipe (.lear lighthouse, when witliin l."» miles, pas.sing at a Ha.fe distance the furthest rock on the reef of tho Cape. We bore tovrards land. This [lart nf the coast is mountainous. ]li'lade Kinsule head, near where the Alhion was wj-eeked. Wo came ohiso enough to see tlie given fieldii, which were enclosed with stone fe)iee.s. Tii.^ J'hnerald isle, at this pait of the coast, does not prescMit the vi\id grandeur whi(.h 1 expected. It M'as with no little feeling of [)h;a,siire my eyi>>j ga/wi on the land of my ancestors : and the ressi(ms towards the Almighty, that He has thus rendereassage was not yet over, but tho many dangers of the Irish Sea was yet to be encountered, more thati now for the lack of .steam. J^ut great precautions were taken dm-ing the voyage. His observations in the city of Liveri)Ool may be ]iassed, as the imi)rovo- ments there have made it another place since then. But tho journe-,' ujt to London we will learn from a letter to Dr. J. Prendergast : 1\> J)i>r/,or Jededlah I'voiderynff. liONDON, 4th May, 1828. My Dear Sir : I have taken a few moments this morning to give you a detail of this to tlie, wondei-ful coiu»try. 1 was prepared to meet great splendours and extreme mi.sery. 1 have found everything so different from what T o.vjiected. From Liverpool iw Jiondon, '2().S njiles, [ rode on the outside of a coach-- - passed a number of manufiicturing towns— examined every place as far as my e^^ would roach; \'f ii 95 *iw jiDlliiii'^ Iiiil. |)('iu:»', |»I(Mity jfiMxl lniiii>»ur, ;uiil iu)t a!i ilniivMciil wlio Itsul not good flotliii)!:; .•iiul hIuh's. .Met verv tVw tra/ellt'is, excfpt in n>;u;l;pH. The wln)l« ooitiitry, with soiuf cxfi'ptioii.s, IwK) 'i:;s to nobli'Tnen, ami ex- t«)isivi> i)n)jirirt(M*s. Tlu'rc is not oiie y:u'il oft- tli not (Miltiviitoil, to nil a|>i)i?iuunct', as wdl a-; our ganlcus ; (>\('nn)unil lie salt works, wliich wo jtiirtHOil. TliH pooplc an? iinluhti^ou-, to a «iei;rfi». a^ni takiii;,' all things into ^•onsldoration, porliaps tor tlii.s country no better systtMn can be atlopteu t'or tlic "UviMioii of pioporty- although it would never answer for Aniei»ea. I wiia ten tlays in Lonrlon Iwfore F met a drunken person. Them is le«rf of thi» vii-e in tlu' pojiulation of I ,")00,()l)i) pe-dple in this eity than in oiu' of ouv iutelliL,'ont villa.;4:es. I was jtrej'ared to meet reserve in the extreme, nutl even iiisolenc(.>, ami was advised not to appear as ii stranger. I havo found ('very dispositioii to be eonuinmieative and in(juisiti\ e, in some oa.sea oxcedin;^ any Jonathan [ ever met with ; and when 1 mentioned l)eini^ a strangiM', which 1 alwayft "vave as my a)>ology for ini|iiisitiveness, \ -.vns treated witli double attention. 'I'he eapaeity of ji man, here, is oontin.ed to his [tartioulai' Icislnoss or dnty, '.vholly uidike o\n- [lopuhitioii. You euii ob- tain no infonnafcion o!\ anv local subjeet with whieh thev are not ent:airod. I have scarcely heard an oath in the whole country. (Meaidiness uu«l neat- ness in ovpry cottage is remarkably eonsjiionous. Noticed bnt oni^ wind.)w not cleaned, iVrc My opinion of the I'-'-iti-li (lovernnieiit is, that tlio Ministry manage, all the home coueerns, their colonies, und pay attention ^ to f'M'cign relations. To ))reserve wUnt th(ry havM is ijuite sutlicient, and i the stibj;^cfc of their most anxious attention. Hverything is diviiled into dc paifcnnMits. The colonial office ha'j our business, with that of otlier colonios The members of Parliament appear to be the greatest fags. They have th^^ uiuot uj'duous lal)ours to ]»erfoi'ni. It is tlifv v,'!io govern the kIiigdo:ii. There is .-in investigation going on in Parliament re.sjiecting the (bivei-.i- menf of Canada. I iiolievi' their unexamj'led success is owing to a Hxe.d inde, to adopt a nieasure, and decide upon it from princi[)li' ahuie. Tlio public oliices are open from one \iti!l five, dniiy. ]Meas\n'e is indisjiensiblo with them good living i^ the grearest. ci.juyiu(Mit. Hinner hvsts from twolvo untilltwt), itc." "ith.—Hont Dr. Prondergast a letter. 5tli. (Sdlcil ujion Clian(;elloi-, who appointed Tuesr.H t.o Mr. Dunn and Yates, who fortunately received them before the Hjiiling of tho imoket. Hi 00 ISth, — Drew out a Htatemont of t}ie progress of tho canal, and after n miinber ofattein})tH succeeded in getting it inserted in th« TiincH." In referencn to tliis entry, wo think the cii'cunistancoa connected there- with worth relating, as oui- subject used to tell repeatedly a rather laugh- able anecdote on the same. It seeuis that Mr. Meriitt alwaya had a great opinion of the power of tho prees,-— but particularly ho when in England, where the ThtiPH, then as now, wjis the leading organ of public ojiinion. He repeatedly sought an inter- view with tho editer, for tho purpowe of explaining his scheme, but was alway.s i)ut oil' with the excuse of " heiiiy too Luki/ ju^t now." At last ho tleterniined to bring the matter to a crisis — and when the usnal answer waa given, our Hubject replied by stating that ho could describe tho whole affair in Jim minntes. The editor immediately pulled out his watch, saying, " Now, as you are a man of business, I will give you that time." Mr. M. at once drew his maj) from his pocket, and spreading it before the editor, in a short and concLse manner exclaimed : " Here is Lake P]rie — here is the Falls of Niagara — this is Lake Ontario — and this, th(i iSt. Lawrence, and the Atlantic : and lure is the route of the great Welland Canal." Immediately closing the map, and ending the interview. The astonish- ment of tho editor may bo better imagined than described. Yet, in the next issue of the paper the article appeared, and had a marked effect upon the success of hia scheme, as evinced by a niraber of congratulatory letters afterwards received. 17th.— Visited Mr. Bliss, a legal and literary gentleman, of the Inner Temple, who took stock, and helped by correcting and assisting in the pub- lications for the English public. ISth. — At Church at Jlolhoiii, with Mr. Sabine and aimable family. l!)th to 21st. — Spent in printing and correcting the statement. 22nd. — Went to the Epsom races : was pleased with all but the gambling. 2:h-d, 24th, 2r)th.— Writing letters. 2t)th.— -Visited his frieiuls Major Crlegg and (len. Vincent. The remainder of this month was spent in calling on the notabilities of Tx)ndon, both in and out of Parliament, and distributing his pamphlets, ex- plaiui'.g his scheme, «fcc. — when an unexpected occurence happened, which was likely to impede his negotiations with the Government — namely, a change of ministry, which occured on the 28th of Ma}'. June 8th. — Wrote to Mr. McQueen, editor of the GUimjo-w Courier. 1 had no satisfaction at calling at the Colonial Office. 9th. — ('ailed on Mi'. (Irant, who promised a.ssistance. Hth. — Wrote to the President of the C'anal Co. Made an excursion to St. All)ana, to an agricultural show. The fields crowded with labourers, women, and children, busy making hay. A beautiful red lilly in the fields took my attention. St. Albans is a y)lace of great antiquity. Tho abbey is one of the largest in England. The borough sends two members to Parliament. Lord Verulam has an e.state close by. Returned in a Leeds Ea 5)7 coaoh. TluK is the Uiiiil Lime, 1 have |iasw(l (vou\ 8t. Albuiis to Lojuloii, cacli tiuK.' by u new roiid. Juno Kith. — Il»iturncd, exjieotinj^ the Wulhiml (Janal Imsiuoss to be brought before tho liouse. Paid half-a-crowu for u seat in the j^allory There are six or ('ijj;}it rejtorUjrs hero, busily engaged in taking notes. 18th. — (Jailed ou the Chancellors. Still in susix'n.sc. lOtli. — Went into the city. Saw a representation of the battle of Waterloo, <.»f whidi this is the anniversary. 21st.- To Mill Hill. 23rd. — Ileturned to London. Wrote to the Chaneellov after seeing tli© Attoi-ney-Cteucii-al's letter. 2tth.— Was summoned before the ("'antida Committee. [Mr. Alerrit's evidence tlirows .so much light on the eommereiiil and politiial interests of the province at the time;, though at the exjiense of a souiewhat hingthy 'port o/ S"Jecl CoininUlf" on f/i-: CltiU Gomnnmitt of Cunfufd. Arc you a native of Upper Canada?---! am. ti proprietor in that Province? — Yc.^j. To what causes do you attribute the difTTonce in the value oflimd in Upper Canada and in the State of New York ? — The jaincipal cause is in the present boundary Hue or division of the country, which excludes u.^ from tlio advan- tages we should derive by participating in the commercial weillh of the country, and enabling us to improve its internal conmninications. Lands in Upper Canada are not one-fourth of the value they are in the State of New York, and real property not one-tenth. To what particular districts of country do you filludc? — 1 allude to the whole extent of bath province.*, with the exciptiou of ITjO miles on the St. Lawrence in Upper Canada, between the boundary lino and Kingston ; in this distance we pos.sess e({ud advantages in our interna! conmninications, and property is equally valuable on cither side, accordinn' to its local situation. Will you point out some ](articular part of l^])pcr Canada to which your observations »'ipply? — From Ivingston upward ; particularly on Luke Erie, or above tlie Niagara River. In what way docs the wani- of a sea-port tmvn aff'ct tl'.e valu'; of land in Upper Canada? — Py excluding us i'rom any participation in its wealth. The capital of all countries centres in its cities; for in.stance, the wealth of the State of New York centres in the city of Now York, and the wealth of Upper Canada centres in Montreal : they bring a portion of that wealth back I'rom New York to improve the country, by building mills, making roads, canals, kc, &o., in conse((uence of which, together with the cheapness, facili:y. and regularity in their conunnnications, they cm en)p!oy capital once a ?nonth during the navi- gable part of the year, in converting grain into flour, and sending it to nuirket. Wheat always brings a better pric' with them, although tin' niarlict may be better with us at Montreal than with them at New York : this has a tendency to make property more valuable, and to change hands readily ; whereas, with us there is not a single instance of a Montreal or Lower Canada merchant ever expending a farthing in I'pper Canada. It i.s true that thny posseas large tracts of land in tliat Province, which they have b -cu under the necessity of taking in payments of bad debts, but never lay out 1<. in iiuproviOj^ them for H^li ill ' * IS J Mi i 98 the Rcnoral advantage of the country. We have not live flourini; uiilU which can be considered mercantile within sixty inihis of tlio Niajiiira frontier, while the Stntca people have upwards oi' fifty ; the . Almost every British merchant, I'or years past, liaH been dis.satisfiod with the country ; and a great portion of the capital ac- cumulated in i^lontreal has been sent either to this country or the United States. Wc hope to place it in a situation to induce the inhabitants to look forward with a view of making Canada their permanent residence, and produce ct the intern;d im- j)rovcments in those states is always provided in those very cities from internal resources. When we see two countries lying side by .>ide, as the western part of the state of New Vork and Upper Canada, posvsessing cfpial advantages in soil and climate, and tind the one increase in the most a.stonisliing manner while theolher, comparatively speaking, remains stationary, our attention is naturally drawn to discover the true cause. The whole country, within near 800 miles of the Niagara river, 4G years since was a perfect wilderness. Our side of the Niagara frontier settled and improved full as fast as theirs until the late war, since which their rapid increase has taken place. They borrowed 9,000,000 of dollars on the credit of their state, constructed their canal, added 100,000,000 of dollara to the state by the increase iu the value of property. The tolls now pay the interest of thcmoney, and will redeem the principal in a few years. It is impossible to conceive the effect opening those communications produces in ft new country unlcs.H they arc witnessed. This is the true cause of their pros- perity, which they could not have effected without the aid of the city of New York ; and I maintain we only want the city of Montreal to enable us t,o produce similar results ob a much greater and more beneficial scale. Do you contemplate as necessary for the attainment of that object the uaion of the two provinnas, or do you think that your object would bo suffioieat- .1 1 i 1 !' c ,.4W |iblo to make such a geogrnphiea] division of tho provinces by running a line down the river Ottawa, and then pa.ssing south and west of Mon- treal, fio as to include in tho upper province none of the seigncurics of the lower province ? — Xo ; it would not : tliore are four or live small seigncurie,-: lotwtcn Montreal and th(! present boundary line. ISnpiHjsing a similar line were rnu from La Prairie, on the other side, totlxi liver Kicholieu; are there any Heigncuries .«outh and west of such u line? — Yes, there are four or tivo. Ih not a great proportion of the English population in Lower Canada included in the town and j-oigniory or inlaud of Montreal? — Yes. Do you conceive that a majority of the jtroperty an 1 wealth of the town of Montreal is in the hands of the English orof the French Canadians? — The numbers are in favnr of the French, but I should think the commercial pro- perty is in favor uf the i'lncrlish. Were not the whole of the seigncurial rights of Montreal in tho hands of the seminary? — Yes, 1 understand they were, but the Government had a claim to tlitm. Are you aware that tho Ciovemmcnt have come to an agreement by which they have in their power those original seigniourial rights, with the intention of making a mutation of the tenure? — No, I was not aware that they had. Would the v.'oninie'-(!i-d objeet of t!io Upper Province bo answered by an- nexing jMontreal to it? — Yes. in what way can goods be carried to ^lontrral ? — Any vessel of 400 tons enn g>) direct from this to Montreal; and, as 1 bclbre mentioned, although the distance is .'{,2IH) miles, the freight is only £1 2s. (Jd. per ton ; whereas tho next 400 miles it is £0 12s. Dd. r>o you think, if you had the town of ^Montreal as a port of entry, you would be abi ^ to control your own imports and levy your own duties? — Yes, without any rt'ifiicnlty. Without interfering in any manner with tho province of Lower Canada? — Yes; the inhabitants of each country should be allowed to purchase freely in the other. Supposing a ve.s.ael bound for Upper Canada were to pass through the St. Lawrence, and no duties were to be collected on her at Quebec, would it not be possible for her, in her pat^age up the St. Lawrence, to smuggle those goods into Lower Canada for consumption there? — They could not smuggle into Lower Canada between Quebec and Montreal with any greater facility than they can now smuggle between Quebec and Autieosti. There is no smuggling now, that I am aware of; and it would be much against the interest of this country, as yvell a.-? (Lanada, to put on such high duties as would tempt smug- gling. We are not, and should not be put on a footing, or considered, as two foreign nations with separate interests. A manifesto, or clearance, is put on VI 101 w" V ' I bonnl tho vi's«Hel in tliis oouutry ; tlicy would cuter at Quebtoorat Monlreul, hi they ploascil. Do you ohjpct to tlio arr!Uij,i'inont that has beon mude with rognrd to the tllvi.sioii of the duties between tiic upper aud lower jirovince \ — No: I do not think the ulation a now law, with all its incidents'! — 1 do not see the necessity fur altering tho law as it at present stands. The French law, I have no doubt, would be gradually Altered, as changes might seem advantageous. Tf the aci-ession takes place, they would rapidly become English, if we can jiulge from the result at Now Orleans : and as this state of things, from our local situation must take place, r think it just ami politic to i)ring it about us soou as possible, that we may bo one jieople. It has been stated by some of tho witnesses before this Committee, that it would be easy in practice to establish such a system of custom-house regu- lations, at the present point of division between the two provinces, as to enable the inhaljitants of Uppei- (.^inada to impose what taxes they pleaso uiKfU goods coming into that pi'ovinee, and to levy them without any ilanger •of smuggling from tho lower |)rovince, in case of any variation of duty be- tween the two provinces ; is it your o])iuion that ibat would be a [iracticable arrangement! — No: I think it (juite impracticabb\ Will you state why you think so ! — There are mar.y reason.s. If a temp- tation was offered for smuggling, it could not be resisted : for instance, in the winter the country is covered with suow, and they could go into Upper Canada whenever they ]ileased : they might enter in various ways, by boats, sleighs, waggons, »fec., as they formerly smuggled between the United States and Canada. What is the extent of tho frontier, between Upper aud Lower Canada, throughout which smuggling might be carried on ! — M.any milew, from St. ■ I , M ■\i\ 102 I ij^'ilH 7l?giK, opftoslte Cornwall, noar the whole length of li-akn St. Francis, thonc« along the houndary to the river Uttjiwa, and sootiall the line of tJiut river. Supposing Montntal was the port of entry in the upper province, what would prevent smuggling from the upjjcr province into tlic lower province t -There, would he no neciissity for that. The inhaljitants of Lower Canada might go and buy from the port of Montreal, and the inhal)itants of Upper Ciuiada might go and ')uy from the port of Quebec, the same im they do now. Tliey pay no duty on ero.ssing the line between Montreal and Upper Caniula. Supposing an ino^ })Ay a le,ss (luty in Upj)er Canada than it jiaid in Ix)wer Canada, what woiild there b« to present that article from being smuggled into Ijovrcr Canada in oonsecpienee of that inferiority of duty ? — If either province were iinjiolitic enough to ptit a higher duty on any one article than wa.s paid in the other provinces, the consequence would be that everybody would go and buy in the jilace where it was the lowest : but, as T have be- fore mentioned, there .'^ilioiild be no second duty after goods are once landed, either at the port of Quebec or Montreal. Supposing that l^ower Canada inipose«l a duty on rran, and that the Upju'r Province imposed no duty n})on rum, wo'dd it not be the interest of the inhaliitants of the Lower Provinci^ to buy their rum in Montreal, and to lanng it into consumption in tlio Lower Province 1 — It would. Do you suppose it possible that there shouhl be different .scales of duties in the two (Panadas under any circumstances?— 1 do not. The duties at present an; regulated by thi> Trade Acts ; and if a much higher duty on any one article were imposed, it would nrove injurious to ourselves as well as to the grower or maiuifactujer. For ii-istanc(i, rum, coti'ee, sugar, to our West India colonies, who receive our Hour in exchange, and on goods to the mauufiictnier here. The cheapc r these can be introduofnl into Canada, the jnore witll be disposc^l of, and w(( will obtain a much greater revenue fix)m tower dutiofi than from high ones. If Lower and Upper (Janada wen; two distinct <;onntrif,s, with separate interests, like the United States and Can- ada, some restrictive measun>,s, in crossing the boundary line, would be n4Kws.sary ; a.s tlu^y are, it is nt)t. You are aware that by the schednle of the Tradf; Act in 1824 and 1825 various duties were imposed upon articles which ndght be imported from the United States into the two (^madas : do you conceive that in Upon CWmda th(! payment of those duties is avoided in con-seipience of the difH- culty of preventing smuggling? — Not iii genei*al ; there may be some articles smuggled in consequence of the duties u|ton them being too high, but in gen-.'ral they are not. Mention the articles vi|>on which yo\i conceive smuggling Xa* take place. — T cannot mention any pf.rticular articles. Are you of opinion tliat, in conseipience of the nature of the frontier between the Ignited States and Upptu- (.'anada, itnevtu- would be practicable to enforce the payment of duties upon articles which can be afforded cheaper from the United States to Uj per Canada thtu) from England, including the expense of freight ?- No. I think not; if you place a higher duty upon articles from the United States than will pay the exfiense of risk, they will Biuxiggle them in, and it will lie- impossible to prevent it. For iustiince, the- Al 103 vhole (if ITftpt-r ('utuwlrt was Hiippliifd with trti tVom tlic I'liitcd Status l)p- fore the India Coinptitiy sfut thoir ships tu C^iiflnH; diruct, ultlioiti,di the ;^viticle was prohibited altoj^ethei-. Now thu tahh's are turned, the U. S. peo- ple will be supplied thvouj(li Canada with Biitish nuinufaoturos, because we take less duty than they do ; tju^y will suniifi^le one hundrod to one ruore than we do. The JJritish manufactures will be sent in by the St. Lawrence, and if w(j improve the facilities they will be carried io the re- motest part of Upper ('anada, and they will be smuggled in great tjuaiititieH Inlto the United Stiites along that line. What is the law that prevails with respect to[)er,sonal property in Upper G'anada '! — ITie .same as here. Does it differ in any way from tlie administration of the law, us to per- sonal property in I;Ower Canada? — 1 am not .•ii'ipiaiated witJi ili i a»lu'inis- tration of the law in Lower Canada. Is there, or is there not, any difterence with respt.H.-t to tlie law of personal property in Upper Canada and in liower Canada? — I cannot sav. (^an you inform the Committee how I'ar the Englisli law of descent prevails in Upper ( 'anada ? has it been moditied by local statute ? —ft lias not ; a bill was passed in the Lower House, but not in the Up[)er. (■an you iidbrm the Conuuittee of the modification which that bill pro- poselony, can you state jire- cisely how that law stands l- -A mortgage is given as h security ^j)on property: any person can forechwci it and stdl it. Is money, in point of fact, lent upon the secuiity of mortgage? — It is. Is there a general system of registration ?- Yes, the registration is very simple : each county has ii ivgistry oflice ; if a person wants to buy property Le goes i«ul ]>ays la. Od. aiul he finds iunncdiately whether it is incund)erttd or not ; for if the person had incund)eted it and not registered it, the person who bought it and registered it would hold it. Then all mortgages must be registered iu order to l)e eti'ectuai ;' ^'e.s, everything afVwting the conveyance of huul. Is that system found tow well ?- It is universally appro\<'il of; there is not a person in the cou y that does not feel the advantage of it. Do you know in what form marriage settlements aic drawn ( — There are no marriage settleir.ents there that 1 know of: it is very seldom that any thing of the kind is entereil into. Js there any system of ent;iil of jtropei-ty '/— No. How do they provide for widows ? -They get o!ie third at the death of the husband ; they are entitled to dower according to the Knglish law. Do they get one-third both of all tlm original landed jjroiierty of the husband, and of all after acquired land '( — Of all ho has at the time of his death ; if he sells any pioperty, she bars her dower on the deed. Can you state what is the prevailing practice in willing? is it the prac- tice to make an eldest son as it is called, or to leave the property eijuiilly distributed ? That depciiids altogether upon the wish of the person. Have yon known instances of both '?-~Xo ; if a pei.son does not wish to divide his property, he does iiot make a w ill, because it then goes to his cldefit eou. 1 ( . \ 1* I : ii i: 11 '1 i ''^ 1 ' ' 104 Wlucli is tho iiun-e frequent ocourrenco of the two 1 — The geneial prac tico is to rn!iieity in the state of New York, where they were dissatislied with paying he.avy taxes for the support of what they conceiveti an unjust war, with a view of settling in Upjier ('an- adfi, came to the frontier, found a restriction, and proceeded on with their capital to the state of » )hio, to the unexampled increase of that state. We most jnaterially contrilaite to the very great injury of Upper Canada, and the deprcciatiou in value of property. The U. S. people are the most useful and enterprising people which can settle a new country ; and their principle is to defend the country they live in, not the one of their birth, and many who had not settled in Canada one year were as faithful to it as any native. However loyal the general chararter of the American settlers might have been, were there not some excej)tions ! — Yes : there were a few ; but full ii3 many among I'luropeans, in proportion to their number. Are you a native of Upper Canada 1 — I am not a native of it. My father was an Ami-rican loyalist, and I hapjiened to be born in the State of New York ; but 1 have lived suica childhood in Upper Canada, and my feelings are wholly Canadian. Do you consider it to be the jrrevailing wish of the Upjter Canadians to remain connected Avith this country 1 — Yea : there never was a country more happily sitinited than Upjier Canada in her connection with this country. From her soil, climate, and situation, she must be wholly agri- cultui'al : you receive her produce on more favourable terms than tho pro duce of the U. States ; we receive your manufactuies on paying a moderatt* duty of about two and a half per cent, while they are now ]mying a duty fi-om lifty to one hundred — conse(piently, we must obtain our supplies at a cheaper rate. Every person will not only see, but feel this advantage; to that, by securing our interest, you have the best guarantee of our attachment and connection. We are are naturally rivals to tho U. S. people ; we grow the same articles, seek the best markets, and endeavour to draw the pro- ducts of each other through our difl'erent communications. The only thing we require, as bcfoie stated, to place Upper (Canada in the most enviable .situation, is unrestricted immigration, an uninterrupted communication to tho occAU, and the possession of a commercial [)ort. riulependeutly of tho a<^;iJiRi<,'<:is tliey derive from the trade of this country, do you conceive it to bo their wisli to contiiiuo a province of this 105 I'ountvy ! — Yp« : tho only nioiwin-o udoptod by our( Jovcnimont, tluvt J know of, which jravo general dissatisfactioii, was in placiiii; vestrictiDii on riiii;;;ra- tion* The reason I heai'd assignod i\>v this nioasure, ininiediatcly at'ttM- l\u^ war, wlien it toi)k place, was that thu adnii.s.sion of Auicri'-au settlors wt)i!lil hy a moans of (iis.sonunatinL( (k'niocratioal i>nni;iplcs, althotii,di no evil Inul arisen from those who canio b-^foi-e the wai' ; on the contrary, they proved '?(]ually zealouH in its (hifenoe. If, in truth, their form of Government is better adapted for our country, it is (piite impossibh-, froTii our continual in- tercourse with them, to prevent oui' iiuhihin^f those principles; aiid any attempt to prevent it conveys an admission that we thijik it the best, uml does far more injury than service. That portion of the inhabitants of the United States who would settle in Canada, would gi\ea deeided jurlVrcnco to our (xovernment, and would make the best subjects and .settlers, uyion the same i»rinciple, and for tln> same cau-e, ihat the great nutjority of English, Scotch, and Irish who settle in America l>ecouie the must violent democrats in that country ; for neither i)arty would go and settle under any government without In'ing predisposed in its favoin-. The only ditlrrenco in the form of govennnent in the State of New York and Ujijier ('anada, consists in the ap})ointment of Governor, Upper House, or Legisl;iti\e (youncil, and INIagisti'ates : the former, with us, is apppointed by thf Crown, . 1 do. Have you any I'eason to believe that persons of dillcrent reliijiou- j>er- sua.sions are in the habit of confonning to tho woi-.ship of the Church of England when churclies are built and clergymen provided /- -I do nut think they are ; 1 do not think they lik(^ the form of it generally ; my reason is, that there are more of other persuasions than of the ('hurch of Knghind. What persuiision do you b.dong toyDurs.'lf ? -I belong to tli.> < 'hurch of Kngland. Do you happen to know liow many niemi)erR of the As,sembly in Upp(»r (>anada are members of the church of England I I do not. Are the churches fully attendeil, as fai- as you know ( \n some plaoeH they are ; it depends altogethei- upon the situation of them. Are you acipiaintod with the Act by the nanu? of the Sedition Act? Yes. l->o you know the history of that ^ ct ? — It was an Act pa.ssed a long time ago, during the tro\ibles in Ireland, in order to prevent Irishmen who ^!||| ' ' ■ 'I ! :*: 1 1 IOC lill inight \n; comdwcA to •'iitcitain daii^'oroais principJcK from comiiijc,' into tht country ; thw cmly iiistanct! I know of its ever bcinj,' iu!t«'(l upon was in th«' case of Mr. (tonrlay. What are the; powMTS ti.'at it yiv^'s / — It j^ves power to a coinniissioncr of throfession in Canada? - Nt). f do not. Do you hold any situation under the Covernment ? N«)thiug but an honorary one. I am a (Commissioner of the Peace. Are you a holdei- of land in Upper Canada ?- 1 am. You state; that a law was made for jireventing Irish from coming into Upper Canada, is there any ]>rejudice at this monuint against the introduc- tion of Irish emmigrant'i ( — ()ji the contrary, tliey conceive it very beneticia'. Ik it the general opinion in Up{)er Canada, that their interests and their resourses would be; materially advMuced by the increase of their jKipulation? — (*ertainly, the interests and resourses of X'pper Canada would be matorially advanced by the increase of ))opulation. Do you think the Legislatuie of Upper Canada would be piepared to concur in any measure for the introduction of po[iulation into that country? - 1 think they would, but it would dep<'nd upon what footing their con- currence was reipiired, they could not contribute money just now, if their natural situation is improved in the way I llav(^ mentioned, they will be abl«> lo assist in any thing. Do you think that if they had the means of assisting i;!)ey would be dis- posed to assist in it? Yes: if we are placed in the situation that the hUxU) of New York is, by possessing a port of our own, we will be enabfcd t«) contribute to any measure for the atlvancenient of the country. What [)art of Uf iper Canada do you reside in?^— In the district of Niagara. Do you know anything of the udmiuifitration of justice there ?^YeB, 107 In it in a respectahlr «t«to, or Ik it diejijiftrove'l of'/---Jt is in a rospec- table ijtate. Are they satisfitMl with the constitution of the liegiHhitive (.'onnoil, an it at present exists f- They are, so far a.s I liave any knowlcdfie. It would be better if they ai)pointed, in the I^igishitive Council, men more generally distributed over the province, instead of so great proportion beinj? resident at York, as it M-ould add more weight to the body ; and I think late apj»oint- luenLs have been more distant. They were at an early day. Arc you at all acquainted with the disputes now going on in that I'rovince, respecting the clergy reserves? — I am not particularly acquainted with thcai. I know the situation of the clergy reserves, and the way they are hold. Are they satisfied with the etnistitution of the clergy coijxniiUcm? 'j'lifne thiit do not belong to the Church of f:ngland arc not. 'I'he Church of .Scotland W(;nt to get a share of the property, and if they vrere t<:) gei it, a»id it were only between those two churches', j think tlie p(>uple in general would be more dissatisfied than they are now, bex^ause all the otlier de- nominations would lay claim to it. What is the prevailing religions beli<'f in tlio Upper Province '{ — They are divided among a number ; I think the ;^^ethodiHts are the prevailing ofiinion, and I think they have done more good than any others. bo you mcun the Wttsleyan Methudists ? They are of the .same faith., but belonging to a conference established in the state «irate. Are tlieir ministers generally Americans or Knglishnieu ? — They are divided ; there are u number of lJpj)er Canadians ainong them. Is the improvement of the country materially retarded by the manner in which the clergy rcse"\es have been laid out? Yes; their being .scp.irated and distributed through the country proves injurious to the settlement of the re- mainder, as they do not equally contribute to the genenU improvement. Do you think it would be pos.sible to sell any large portion of the clergy re- serves in the course of a few years? — I think it would, if the country was properly improved ; but in the present fSituation of that country it is impossible to Sell land at any thing like its real value : and to this subject 1 am particularly desirous to draw the attention of the Committee, to show the relative value of property in Upper Canada compared with the State of ^icw York, and the price of land in the two countries. i!7th.- -Received a letter from Canada, stating that they have a greater force employed than in former years His Majesty had, on the l;?th of May, decided upon making us a loan ; which circumstance was notified by Mr. (Cameron. Since the change of the ministry on the 28th, the (Jhaneellor of the Kxchequer has been so much engaged, that it has not yet been brought before the Iwuse. "July Mrd. — -I am this day 36 ycju-s of age, and think I feel as I shotild, gmt*!ful for Vieing preserved so long. " Wrote a letter to the Chancellor. "Attetuled a meeting at the Freemason's Tavern, to raise money for the Thames Tunnel. The Pukes of Cambridge and Wellington wi re present ; ti VM ='i Mlill 108 — great <;nt!iii«iiism manifested. I considor the compliment* paid to tho Duko y is Zion House, the residence of th'> Duke of Nortlnind)erland, said to have three hundred and sixt^'-tive windows. " July 7th. — Visited nd Ry*'r.son, also upon Mt. R!iie.>. Pro- cured a letter of oi-edit for "£10,()0() ; and another to Yates A IMcIntyre for a similar amount. Wrote to President of ('anal Company, also to Mr. Rlaek, tlm Clerk, ofthe.se proceedings. "l.^tli. — Walking with Mr. (Jrantand Mr. dale, when the latter was robbed of his gold watch by a pick-pocket. " IGtli.-— Went to witness Mr. (iurney's steam coach in operation. "l!)th. — At Brompton to see a coach which was propelled by gas. Tf tlii-t pi-in(;i:)le is |)i'acticable, the power created will be cheaper tlian steam, and .supersede all others. '• 20th — Sunday. — Heard Mr. Trvine the celebrated Scotch Divine. His attitu'le and gestures not graceful. He preached from the single word " (!!n'ist." II.-: is odd and eccentric, but ])ossessea great talent, particularly in the int'-rprefcatiou of tlioso mysteries to which he appeared to turn hi.< attention." vVfti'r a inimber of business transactions, unnece.s.S!iry to be recorded, we a;^aiii revert to his diary. "26th. - Vi.sited tho Museum of the East India House. "2'.>th. Mr. Loitan took sonw shares. No other house interested in Canada took any shares yet but his. "August 2nd. — Visited the Bazaar in Oxford street, where tho trunk of the large Walnut tree which I liave frequently seen while growing in all its n;i.tive majesty on the banks of Silver Creek, Lake Erie. It is hero comparati'.ely unnoticed, although at home it was the attraction of every traveller. Saw McPlierson, just from Canada, who re]>orts a wot season there. " ;]rd. To Westminster Abbey. " 4th. -Had a long interview with Sir George Murray. '• .'")th. With Mr. Fja3thope, of the Canada Conipany'a Office. " loth. — Heard an extempoi-aneous sermon in Bow Street ('hui-oh. " IGtli.-- At the Treasury and Solicitors — prepared for home. " 17th. — ^In the morning at St. James' Church. Al 109 • " 18Ui. — To tin; Tn-nsuiT at 1 1 o'clock. Cot the aj^iccrnK'nt rxcciittMl, and made v.vorj necoKsary arrangtmient for the pnyinent of the X'50,()0(). L'alhid on Sir Goorgo Murray, with whom I left a letttT for tlie l)ukc of Wellington, ho jtrornising to hoc and speak with him on my uHaiis. Left ( ity at half-[)ast 1 in tlio Manchester coach "Telegraph" for St. Alijans. At haif-past 9 took an outside seat for Birmingham in " Grey Her and Lower Canada, in reference to the project of the St. riivwrenoe Canals. Monday Sept. 2Uh. — Siglited laiul, and pilot came on board about seven miles from Sandy Ilook. They an'ived in New York the same evening. And our subject in his journal does not forget to record Ids gratitude t« the Ahuighty, for Hir protection during the voyage. ii ( , 1 ; ■ ; 1^1 ^f no In a Ipttwr, diitod from Brookport 4tli Oi,>tolH»r, to Dr. P.,*li« says : . " I loft N. Y. on Sunday, (two days after landing) and travelled in « atago. Near (loddosburgh, on Tuesday afternoon, we were upset, causing the breaking of my thigh bono in two places, one in the thinner part of the limb, six inches above the knee, and the second, four inches higlier. Tho Syracuse doctor who set it, says it is in the most favourable position. I date this from a lime boat near the heading of this letter. 1 liave written Mrs. M. Wo were detained two or three days this side of Palmyra, owing to a break in the canal. 1 am la.shed up as effectvuilly as a man iii a straight jacket. This has been a damper. Still, I have a good ap])etite, and in good spirits. T have be<;n visited, during my detention, by your brother John, who has given me the news. I have many things to write about, but a.s my right knee i ins my only desk, you may judge by the scrawl, that the ac- comodation . not very suitable. Young Mr. (leorge Keefer happening to hear of my nceident while at Rochester, }iu.s come down, for which I feel thankful, with the other." Vours truly, , WiLMAM Hamilton Mkbeitt. In answer to his lett^^-r, Mrs. Mei-ritt immediately started ofl", and met him at HUurk Rock, where he arrived on Tuesdny the 7th. In her letter to ln»r mother, she says : - " I never saw Hamilton look so well in my life." At eight o'clock next morning, he was renvoved into a large I»oa», and they passed down the river to tho mouth of tho Ohipfiewa, where tliey ar- i-i ved at twelve o'clock, arul i)assing up that river to within three niilo.i of the canal, he was met by a delegation of horsemen, and a large ntunber on f(.x)t, who brought him to his home in St. ('atharines. amidst the most joyous demonstration of his many friends. The village was illuniinat<;d at night, and the contin\U'd rattle of small arms which greeted liis arrival, strongly resembled some of the older tlays on the l>»nks of the Niagam River. Dufinghis absence in England, tlu; age)it, clerk, engineer, and contractor hi-d been very active in their respective departments. The engineer, writing to Mr. Merritt on tho 7th of Aj)ril, .says : — " I shall not leave the line. Be a-ssurod that I feel tiie imi)ortanoe of being here more than when you were present." Although, from the length of time oui- subject w-w absent, some impedi- ments had occured. Thompson & C!o. commenced the deep cut on the 'ifith April, and liavo now a heavy force on. Mr. Pheli)3 commenced on the 10th. There never was a finer time. Every part of the line is in motion. Three sections are finished. The locks are progressing. Tow-path going on. A heavy gale pnMluced no damage to our piers at the harbour. The excavatioiw at tlio Chippewa end will »il l>e done by the 20tJj of tii'iH month. Al in With rognnl to tin* oihitv improvciiitMit.s, tbo flitch is l)oiiii,' n\;t(io tlirotigh thtt inai-Hli, but otbor oixTatioiiH in tiiat qimrtci" nie sus|imi(lostiuittto. ii^akc a tow-patJi, which means wan found very convenient. Abont this tinie, the ('hnrch iilready spoken of, h;ul nct-ived itft first refular miniattir, in the person of ;i Mr. Parkin, ilo came from ('hand)ly i)i liOWrti- ("Janada, ami scons to have Itecu well liked by tln^ little conijre{,'ation, who always kept the (Jhurch well lilled. On A)»ril the !Hh, the annual election of ilir"ctors is noticed, and Mr. .Mcrritt was «;hosen ai one the cunitl. A menagerie and circus from the States made its apite/tiiirice this \i>i\v, lilniH sliewing that tho village was i-apidly becoming known to tho onisido world. A daily stage to PnilValo was intuiginiited on the L'Hth Hay, in this yeiw, Mr. Stephenson being one of the coni]»any in St. ('athaiines. The election of members for the tenth Pariianient was more llian usually lively, in this dititrict Mr. Merriit was again uurulnated, wijich showed tho good will of his friends towards him. Among the e.xtraordinary canal projects of this year, was one for forming ;\ continuous canal from r»idlalo to l>etroit, along tho lake shore. Yet, as tho tendency of public opinion, we see an article in the paju-is of tin's time, 4th June, headed "J'ailroads r.v. (,'anals," .showing tlutt tho pul)lic woro now "rowing tirod of the numerous schenxes of water comuuinication, and that their thou"ht.s were beginning to turn to other means of titvnaportation. Kighteon months had elapsed «ince the last census of the villag« was taken, and now th«y retvirned a population of (lOO — increase of 200. By the adyertisenients in the paper, we see a marked chang«5 in tho biLiinfiaw entei-priao ; among iluun, one coime^tance. Tho engineer and contractor ni'O at loger-heads." During his Siicknoss, Mr. Merritt received many answers to his qtiestions ill reference to the St. Lawrence Canals, viz: from Mr. Macaulay of Kingston, Mr.Wliitiag ofPre.scott, and Mr Jon is Jones, from llrockvillo. And, in re- ference to his Grand lliver scheme, from iMr. Whitehead, and several otheiH. Also, letters 01 commissoration from the President of the (^inal, Mr. Dunn, J. B. Vatos, Peter Kobinson, (.'harle.s Small, *Vo. During the worat period of his illness, the new.s of the tieri<)\is sli[is iu thi; deep cut svin, luought tci hiru. It mu.-t not bo supposed that the oidy didieulty experienced up to this time lay in the task of gctiing the immey to carry on the works. In the d<'ep cut, a ssries of most disastrous and annoying land .slips occurred, caused by the (iuick-Siiiiosition of our .subject was .such as to severely try a bohler man. The accounts coming in from tho deep cut, where hundred* of thousands of dollars hatl already l>oen spent — the utter impossibility of deal- ing with (piick-sand iu such a i)lace, added to the troulde of a fractured limb, with occasioual fever, are diBcuuragementa which can bo bettor ima- gined than described. Mr. Geddes, a leading engineer on tho Erie Canal, was also sent for to consult with Mr. Barrett on the grave matter, and Mr. Uarrett writes : " I have travelled thnnigh the deep cut. Judge CJoddes left the upper end of the feeder and has been to the mouth of tlie Crand Kiver, and ex- amined it for a harl)our. Shall go through from Mar.sliviilo to St. Catharines with him. My deep cut levels to the bank near Coulter's shanty, givo 14 feet above the (Miippowa, or 22 feet for deep cut. Tliis level we can sustain throughout." As the general affairs of a country are at any time interesting, wo hope that a slight digression will be pardoned, in order that a passing glance may be taken at impoitant events now transpiring, which, to a great extent affected the future welfare of this country. It is not our object to enter into British politics, yet it is necessary, since they, in coniuiun with other Kurc- pean maratime nations, consider their possessions as held for their peculiar benefit, and are not decided on what their peculiar beuetits are, it is neces- sary to givo a comprehen.sive view of the whole field. The European policy, undertaken by the Congress of Verona in 1822, had changed Kngland'a j)olicy in America, making it agree with President Munroe's doctrine regarding the possessions of Spain in this country, and strongly fortifying their own. The causes of Revolution are often le.os under the sui-face than the actors in them are willing to acknowledge, iu our case being directly o)i the surface. It is strange, when there was such an abundance in America, that avidity for land should be one of the most potent causes for disturbance. The French wars, succeeded by the Berolution, had this object. Gourlay found an almost universal support by joining the people against Governor Simcoe's monopolies of the crown grants, and Mr. McKenzie's importance from opposing the Canada Company's purchase of tho same. ;i 114 i .1? The object rtj)j)oar8 to bavo hoen to ftitabli.sh a. lino of foi-tifications ulony the froutiwr to iiiHcouni}^o omi;,'rutioii from tho SUitcs : to iiiuko thfi lui'scnt in- Iiabitanta uuhsiu'viont to th«)ir iiiton(«t.s, and to porpotuutc them, by shij jing thoir suriilurtpopuhition to Ujipor Canada. Sir Caiujicliaol Smith hail been deputed by the Government, of which the Duke of Wollin<,'tou was a member, as British CouimisKioner, to examine and report upon the military state of tlie I'rovincoB, reported very favourably on tho canal enterprise, and especially the harbour at tho entrance of the "Twelve," which would admit vessels drawing 12 feet of water, audassucli, •qual to Niagarp as a naval entrance. Ho also recommended the re- establishing of Port I\laitland at the mouth of the Grand Kiver, whicli iind been abandoned and dismantled at tho close of tho war, and the fleet Rank. He also laid out the wites of two forts on tho lands lately j)Uichafmcnt of tlie countrr by a lojal ami oiitoi-|nisin|,' class from tho other aide, to whom ahnoHt all the cnteritriso was diu). This j>()licy was iittoinptoil to be changed on tho pas- siiyt) of the Uct'onu lUIl ; and Col. lly and muuy other cii^^dnseriug officors called homo, but not soon onou;,'h to av(>rt tho Robollion. A cohlnesK in tho colony towards the parent state grow up, anective of tho business connected therewith, formed a new epoch in tho life of our subject. The interrogation ho under- wont before tho Committee of tho House of Commons on tho leading .sub- jects of Colonial policy, l)rought his attention to politics, from a position where he could more readily form an opinion than in his native country. Being now of an age when one is supposed to be well able to discriminate, wo have reason to believe that ideas which afterwards developed themselves in the political economist and politician, which resulted in advocating Earl Grey's sliding scale in favour of Colonial products, and when Sir R. Peel took off this advantage, in the advocacy of Reciprocity ; and again, when Responsible GoTernment proved a failure, in advocating a Confederation ; which will be seen as our work progresses. One of the important events occurring at this time was tho departure of the two Governors, Lord Dalliousie and Sir P. Maitland, both of whom were a lone time in the countrv, and were firm friends towartl Mr. Merritt aiid the Wclland Canal. Lord Dalhousie had left befcre Mr. IVlerritt's arrival, and passed him on tho ocean. His Lordship's term of office in this country had lasted eight yeara, wliich were very eventful ones in the his- t(jry of Canada. He was awarded with the Governorship of India, where, in his Imperial Palace at Calcutta, under entirely opposite circumstances, surrounded by Mahometan and Hindoo princes, he possibly l)ut seldom thought of his friends in America or their aflairs, but such was not the case with them ; Port Dalhousie, one of tho termini of the Welland Canal, was named after him, in gratitude for his exertions in their behalf. The Lieut.-Governor, who left soon after, was more identified with tho works, and as such wc think a short notica of him will not be out of 2ilace 116 m m I ■u • in these pages. In the journal of that time we find the following notice of His Excellency's departure : " On Satui-day last, 25th Oct., a deputation *' from the inhabitants of the village and vicinity, consisting of Messrs. " Geo. Ketfer, Jno. Clark and J. Barrett, waiteil on His Excellency at his " lodge at Stamford Park, and presented to him an address on the occa- " sion of his departure from this Province," in which they say : "Among " tho many public works commenced during the administration of your " Excellency for the improvement of the Province, tho Welland Canal, now " drawing towards its completion, will afford a lasting monument to your ** Excellency's zeal ; and to your Excellency's favorable recommendation " are they indebted for the means of its accomplishment." To which he replied: "I receive with great satisfaction this address from the " inhabitants of the village of St. Catharines. It has afforded me sin- " cere pleasure to witness the great works suggested by an individual of " your village, so prosperously advancing. It has not wanted my hearty " recommendations, wliicli I hope the recent assistance of His Majesty's " Government will render certain of completion. Allow me to assure you " that my removal to a more extended command will not impair the intex'est " I lake in your welfare, nor be sull'ered to obliterate tho kindness and " attention I've received during my residence in vour vicinitv.' We also see notices of the militia being out at this unusual .season, which was no doubt for the purpose of forming a guard of honoi", and paying their rfepects to His Excellency. A letter from Geo. ^Manners, British Consul at Boston, dated Dec. 9th, gives an account of his departure for his new Government in Nova Scotia. He says : "At S p.m. on the 25th I saw " (hem on board the Chcbucto. I assure you tiiat I shook their hands with " the greatest regret," etc. Sir P. Maitland took kis departure, with his high-born dame, after a sojourn of eight years. He had the finest appreciation of the beauties of our natural scenery of any of the Governors who had heretofore enjoyed the appointment, differing from his kinsman, the Governor of tho Ionian Isles, called " Sultan Maitland." He built a house and laid out grounds on the brow of tho mouniain, jicar the Falls of Ni- agara, visiting the people in their wild isolation. Tho author has heard from one of the.se, the daughter of Col. Turney, near DeCew Falls, that the Governor would often &ur[iriso them with a visit, and ccmpliment the hostess by saying he preferred their little falls to Niagara. lie used to visit the canal frequently, bringing his guests to see the works thereon, in ■wliich he appeared to take a deep interest. He was hospitable, often in- viting the ex-Sherilf to liis entertainments. He served a term in Nova Scotia, and then to the Cape, whore the Kaffir war terminateil his duties as Governor. Tho author came across his path while travelling in 1843, «njoying his characteristic aestotic puisuits at liausanne, in Switzerland. The item circulated in the jiapcrs that Sir P. Maitland had called some of 117 the townsliii>s after his lii'ly's lap dogs in of small momont, as ho hail no doubt diiiiculty in nmking names, from the fact that during tho first year of his adnuuistrrttion, in I81IO, twelve new townships were laid out. A letter was received by T. Merritt, Sr., then Surveyor of Woods and Forests, asking j)ermission for the Crown right of timber for townshijis bearing the names "Artimesia," " Mariposa," "Zone," "Zero" "Java," "Dawn," "Rama," "Mara," "Sol," "Ops," "Olden," " Oso ' I I ■ii 1 829. After being confined to the house for about two montiiS, our subject at last was sufliciontly recovered to take an* active part in tho works, and on tho I'lth December we find that ho drove down to the harbor to look at improvements there, and shortly afterwards, on the 1st January, he at- tended tho meeting of the Board at York, bringing with him tho reports of Messrs. Geddess and Barrett. They were adopted, and wo finui]>any which undertakes to convey jiroduce "from the Grand lliver to Lake Ontario for 20 cents per baVrel for Hour " — grain in proportion — and 10 cents from the upper end of the Deep Cut " to the lake. It is intended to connect with a coui2)any in Cleveland, "^ > 118 " Ohio, who will guarantee conveyance to the commencement of our canal " at a fixed price. Another company will be at Oswego to transport to " New York." After his trip home, Mr. Me>.*ritt proceeded to York, and attended at the rising of the Parliament, where the Act giving the Canal Company the necessary rights on the new route was passed and received the Royal assent. This was an important affair, as the route wont through the lands of the Government at the mouths of the Chippewa and Grand Rivers. He was not so successful, however, in lobbying a bill through the House having refer- ence to the Academy and laying out of the roads in the village, as the Ul)per House refused the measure after its passage through the Lower. This action may in some measure be traced to the fact that the Bishops or U. C. College had just been started in York, and it was thought that one institution was sufficient at the time. The Act of Incorporation for the Grantham Academy, however, passed both Houses the following se.ssion. Acts were passed at the previous one for the building of lighthouses on Lakes Erie and Ontario, showing that the country was beginning to feel the effects which the contemplated opening of the Canal would have on the trade of the Lakes. As an indication of the rising of the ill-feeling between the Government and the popular branch of the Legislature, we may men- tion that at this session .33 bills were tlu'own out from the Upper House, and only 25 were passed. Arriving home, he started, on the 23rd, up the line, terminated by the Grand River, and afterwanls returned to York on financial affairs. On the 24th of March, Mrs. Merritt writes a most intere,sting letter to her parents, wherein she graphically describes the adventures of a sleighing party, of whom she was one, who went from St. Catharines to the Grand River. Proceeding by the Deep Cut seven miles up to the Chippewa, where they found the piers sunk for the aqueduct, and then travelling four or five miles through a thinly settled country to Marsh ville, they met some friends, amongst them a cousin. This place was the headquarters of the Engineer on the Feeder. After dining, they proceeded in a straight course for ten miles through the marsh, ]>assing occasionally a few shanties, where peo)«lewere at work digging. The road was uloiiu- the embankment made by the ditch. She expresses surprise at the licMltliincss of the i)0'iple, and associales it with the fact of the water liein',' impiv jiiturd w itii tamarac. At kli'^ end of the marsh, near the site of l^uunvili.% there were a li>df dozen of iitmsc'^. The coiitrnctov. Simpson, and M r. ('aim I iiud a store. A;s the acconimo(hition there \^as insutlioicnt for tlieir paiiv, they drove down to the mouth of the river, n«>w Port Maitland, where, finding good aeconimo- dation and huge fires in the inn, after their long riilo they enjoyed them selves after the usual manner of the times in the back woods. Stopping all night, in the morning they observed on the oi)[)osito side of tho river a few IK M!i 119 wliitewashed huilciinga, which were used for the naval establiahment. The (lay being fine, and the air and sky clear, they could distinctly see the farms and woods on the other side of the lake. They then proceeded five or six miles up the river, and returned through Canboro' by way of the Twenty Mile Creek, much pleased with their winter's drive through the woods. At the election of Directors at St. Catharines, April 0, at which Mr. Yates was present, a new foature was the election of Messrs. Ljiflerty and Dixon as Government representixtives at the Board. On the Gth and 7th of May, the Directors \'isited +he line, and inspected the Grand River dam. Owing to the fact of the original site at the mouth being objected to be the military authorities, they were compelled to move it about four and a half miles up the river to its jiresent position at Dunnviile. Contracts for the job were entered into with "Mr. Wilkinson and others for the completion of the work "by the middle of July, for the sum of £12, .500. On the 8th the Directors met in St. Catharines and confirmed these proceedings. Shortly afterwards Mr. Merritt accompanied his wife and two sons to Mayville, where he remained a few days and returned by steamboat to Buf- falo, and thence to St. Catharines. On the 12th of June he writes from Thorold to Mrs. M. : "As I have no particular inducement to go home, I generally " remain over night where the nece^ities of the works find mo, though my " occupation is chiefly on the upper end. The brush dam over the Grand " River is getting on well ; by present appearances it will bo finished next " month." The vessel called the Wclland Canal, owned by Commodore Northrop, kept on her usual trips, but from the numerous allusions we find made to her and her gallant owner we are led to the conclusion that in many respects .she answered the purpose of a yacht, in which his friends enjoyed themselves with an occasional cruise on tlie cool waters of Ontario, and no doubt partook largely of the commander's hospitality, as we find, in a letter from Mr. M., dated June 30, that "his father had just returned *' from a trip to Prescott with the Commodore." About Ihis time St. Cath- ariuos was visited by the Lieutenant-Governor, who, in company with Mr. [Merritt, inspected the works on the Grand River. He describes Sir John Colborne as a very hard rider, having started from St. C. at 6 o'clock in the morning, they reaching the dam at 3 p.m., returning the next day, so that our subject, although well accustomed to be on horseback, found his match in the old veteran from Badajos. On the 15th of July he writ^^s from Marshville, wliere Ids lieadquarters now are, describing the state of the works, and telling Mrs. M. that he is sleeping in a room oif the ofiice, on a bed 3^ feet wide, with very little of the comforte of life, as food is scarce and some necessaries nofc to b« had, and his daily journey over the woiks aniounts to 28 miles. He says: " 1 •'had the pleasure of escorting Mrs. "Wilkinson, the contractor's wife, over "the dam on the Grand River," so we presume that at this date that work 1 , ■ f it: ■ \^ 120 m 1 i was finished. Having in the interim visited Mrs. M. at Mayville, we find that on tho l.st of August ho writes as follows from Marshville : " On " Saturday T readied this phice. Sunday, up ihe Grand IJiver, and re- " turned to Burgars" (now Wellaud). " Monday, to Loclcport on canal " Vtusiness. Tuesday, to St. Catharines, and on Wednesday .started for " York in steamboat from Niagara, and returned on Thui-sday to St. C, " and then went up the line," where he is on Friday. In those few lines we have a tolerably fair idea of tho amount of labor which our subject accomplished, and it was often a source of astonishment to the author, who accompanied him during part of the journeys mentioned, how he wa.s cTer able to stand up against the strain whicJi he wa.s then subjected to and we can only account for it from the fact of tlie iron constitution and indomitable will with which he was possessed. The management of an ordinary business is a severe sti ain on the most of men, but when we consider th« manifold duties which he was required to perform, the ever- rising current of difficulties against which he had to stem, and the nuuier* ous vexatious questions arising from unforeseen eventualities, financial affairs, workmen's disputes, sickness, and, what was even worse, the oppo- sition of many who should have been friends, it seems almost impossible that he could have borne up against them. Along the line of the works on the feeder the fever and ague was raging ; strong men were wasted to skeletons, and the general feeling of despondency and discontent wliich all those vicisitudes bring in their train was felt in the ranks of the workmen who were there employed ; to stii* them u]i, and to cheer forward the work, was a duty which devolved on hiin, and few who now read these pages can form any idea of the pain and annoyance which a sensitive mind like his often felt under the circumstances. The season had been a dry one, and consequently the miasma from tho stirred uj) earth was more severe in this section than usual ; so sevp*'e 1 ad it Iteen tliat the work was delayed in con- sequence. On the 2Uh of August he writes from St. Catharines: "From " the sickness on the Grand River we M'ill be detained getting the waters " through until about the middle of the next month." Again, on the 7th of Sei»tember .• " I am ptill in very bad health ; the fever has not left me " entirely, but I think I am mending." The works were now apjtroaching completion, and from -the financial statement exhiliited at York on the 2nd of July Ave find that tho Directrra were in a tight jdace for want of money. Every resource had been tried to keep up the supply ; the plant used on the deep cut was sold, as well as all unrequired tools, and yet more was wanted ; in fret, the actual state of the finance."! showed that they were in the pi>ssession of £58.5 in cash after passing the yearly estimates ; tludr other assets wore jirincipaliy in paper, and in promises which might not be redeemed. Eesolutions were passed appointing Mr. Dunn, Mr. Robinson and Mr. Merritt to a.sk the M Hi 121 Governor in person to guarantee a loan of £10,000, also to draw oti the Directorti of the Canada Coini)any, wlio had promised to take Ktock, and to apply to the Bank of ITpper (.'anada with ample security for an advance to cover the estimates for August. C)n the 2-4th uf September the 15uard met at Niagara, and it was there resolved " tliat the President, Directors " and Agent do hereby agree to save, defend and bear liarmless the Lieu- " tenant-Governor of this Province of and frora uU personal riak and re- " aponsibility for making the advance mentioned at the previous meeting." Where tire rest of the money was to come from they were in doubt, but the following letter from H. J. Bolton to Mr. Memtt shows that the Di- rectors' responsibility was not unanimous : " York, 4th Sept. " With regard to the money arrangements which you speak of as hav- ing been made, I am quite in the dai-k." On the 21 at of September Mr. Allan, President of the Bank cf Upper Canada, writes : "I did all I could to advise the Bank Company to advance "the £6,000 on the security agreed upon, but I fear eircumstances will "prevent its being done." On the 2r)th J. H. Dunn writes: "I did hope " no more money would be required until the water was through, but ex- " pect when that takes i)lace we shall have no ditliculty in obtaining a loan " — at least through the medium of Sir John — for £10,000. I made you " an advance. Come over." On the 28th Mr. Yates, in answer to an application, advocates for the Company to issue bank bills, as the laat resort, at this time the water was let in, and, notified by Mr. INIerritt. 3Ir. Gordon, from Amhcrstburgh, writes in answer : " It would be a mo.st " gratifying spectacle for the inhabitants of Ainherstburgh to see a vessel "from Lake Ontario." November 12th, Chief Justice Robinson says : '•! " fear the very severe frosts may bo troublesome to you, still a schooner " must be passed through." On Monday, the 14th September, in this year, was opened for th.e tirst time, the Grantham Academy, which for the future was destined to become the seat of superior education for the Niagara district. When the Gover- nor was in St. Catharines, on 22nd June, he visited the building, and ex- pressed himself highly gratiticd with its appearance; and sincerely hoped that the institutioi: would become a popular and successful one, as the college opposite the Government House in York had just that month been ten- dered for. One of the great events of this year was performed by an individual named Samuel Patch, who, by jumping into the water under the Niagara Falls, and escaping unhurt, earned himself a name ever afterwanls in American history. The same nmn terminated his jumping and life together sliortly afterwards in endeavouring to perform a similar feat at the Genesee Falls, near Rochester. Others, who were fond of excitement, got up a I ' ! 1 iiii ! : m M 122 grand exhibition at the Falls, and finished the attractions of the day by letting an old schooner, containing a number of animals, drift over the " Horse Shoe." The journals of the time (Oct. 7th) were filled with ac- counts of the event, which, wo are told, passed oflfmuch to the satisfaction of the counties., spectators. Another of the events was the establishing of a total abstinence society at Thorold, under the management of Mr. George Keefer, Mr. Barrett, and ultimately enlarged by Mr. Phelps, who may be said to have been, by his zeal and influence, the father of Temperance in this neighbourhood. After a sickness of six weeks, and a consequent abser.ce, he writes in his journal: "On the 3rd of October it was fully determined to let the " water into the Canal, but owing to the settling of the dam at G, R. it had " to be deferred until the damage was rcpaii-ed." On the 4th, he writes : *• Sunday — Returned to dam. All han/' vexnefti /ram hikt to lake, must be cheering indeed to the stockholders and gratifying to the inhabitants of Upper Canada. " Both vessels passed into the Black Rock basin through the sloop-lock, and were saluted by the atenmhoat If eny-i/ Clai/, and cheei-ed by the citizens. On their arrival in our harbor, they were met with bursts of applause, and honored by discharges of artillery from the Terrace. The gentlemen pas- sengers then repaired to the Eagle tavern, where they were greeted by many of our villagers, who called to shake the hands of the navigators of the Deep Cut. " The passage of the first vessels was to have taken effect, by a notifica- tion ">f the W. C. C. Directors, 24th nit., but, owing to storms and unfavor- able .tate of the weather, was postponed. The zeal of the projector and persevering agent, could not be satisfied with a "postponement on account of the weather," so he, and the gentlemen who accomi)anied him, made the attempt; and, after cutting ice, in some places three inche.s thick ; ascending thirty-two locks, at the mountain; passing the deepest of all "cuts;" lucking down into the Welland River ; sailing down that river and touching at Chippewa ; stemming the strong and 1)road current of the Niagara ; and, finally, the Black Rock harbor, which has been blauied beyond measure, opened its arms and gave the 'tars from Ontario' a glorious hug. " The success of our neighbors may give an impetus to our national or state governments, or a body corporate, in making a canal or railway from the Niagara river at Schlos.ser to the same river at I^ewiston. " Truly, the bold features of the enterprizes of the New World throw those of the Old far in the shade." On Christmas day, after the family dinner with his father, now at E. S. Adams', Mr. Merritt left for York, to attend the meeting, and make his report. The Welland Canal was now an accomplished fact. The artificial wed- ding of the great lakes of the west and north, with'the waters of the Ontario, and eventually with the St. Lawrence and the ocean, was complete ; and the pathway which opened its extended gates to the great commerce of the eastern world, who.se pioneers were to carry civilization and intelligence on their course, was at last gone over, and pronounced a success. Although in Lis memoranda at the time we find no particular allusion to the im})ortant event, yet we have reason to believe that beneath the placid exterior, there burned a manly glow of pride and exultation, on the accomplishment of his design, which had made him the instrument of good to his felloAv- creaturca, and a feeling of deep thankfulness to the Great Disposer of all I \\im f 125 things, on whose aid he thus, all his life, steadfastly relied, and in whose words of encouragonioiit he fixed his eternal hope, that the praise and the glory was given to, we have no doul)t. And now, when wo see the almost stupendious results which sprung from his primal idea of a navigable canal, we cannot but think, in all his dilliculties and manifold troubles at the time, a more than human strtMiyth of both body and mind sustained him through- out. As well as Mr. Alorritt, there were others to credit, and although our special business lies with him, yet amengst the warm supj)orters and un- Hinching friends whicli ho had at this time, there were none perhaps who remained so steadfast to him as J. B. Yates, Esq., of Chattemvngo, N. Y. With money, advice, energy and inOuence, he assisted our subject more, we think, from a firm belief in the practicability of his ideas than from any great returns which he might immediately get therefrom. Others we might men- tion, and where corporate aid was required it cannot be forgotten that the gentlemen in Yoi*k known as the Family (^'ompact were able and patriotic a.ssistants toward the scheme. Foremost on the roll stand the late Lord Bishop of Toronto, Dr. Strachan . J. B. Robinson, Chief Justice ; Mr. Diinn, and numerous others; and lust, though in eti(piette first, weie Lord Dalhousie and Sir Peregrine Maitland, whose names, with the others it is hoped will bo forever identiiied with the realization of the whilum dreamer, W. H. Merritt, and the Welland Canal. 1830. He stayed at York all winter, as many affairs c(jnnected with the cantil required lus attention, and his juesence on the sjjot was neces.sary. While here, a number of meetings of the Dii'ectors was held, and .some verv im- portant measures suggested and inaugiiratod. Amongst them was the extension to Port Colborne — the race and acqueduct to St. Catharines also the usual petition to the Legislature for moi-e funds, as the work was only opened, to enable to pay off their liabilities and perfect its con- struction On the 9th of January he writes to Dr. P- : "I have been " here for some time attending the Legislature, from whom we Jiope to get " another $100,000 to enable us to finish the canal as it should be. You " are aware of the expense attending such operations after they are Dro- *' nounced finished." About the 18th he returned to St. Catharines, in conse«juence of Mrs. Merritt's illness, who, since lier confinement and return from Chatauque, had been in very delicate health. Next week he went back to York, to attend a meeting of the Board on the 1st of Fel)ruary. On the 7th he writes: "The decision whether we will get assistance or not, and in what " way, will be discu3.sed to-morrow." Again, on the 27th : " I have been M\ ;*■: ii!:!'l^ :l 126 ■*|- I ■■:* *' in constant oxpootation of a termination of tho qucHtion from daj to day " and from week to week. The bill has boon rojiortod, and vro get the " money unshackled." Havin<' now conclusively astabliahod tho first oanal iu Canada, our sub- ject found HulUciont time to agitate the question of tho worka on the 8t. Lawrence. This scheme, which was a part of his original plan, although kept in abeyance during the prognsss of tho \Vellaui ovumenta being made in our in- l.ind water conimunication.s, and atfmitted their HUCcosHful operations, tliough still favoring the military work to the Kideau. Shortly afterwards Mr. Merrittand Mr. Yates left St. Catharines for York, to press tho necessities of the Wellaud upon the Government. As this, under the present circumstances, was the last loan asked from the Goverament, and the composition of the House being Conservative, wiio viewed the question from a patriotic staud])oint comj)ared with tho former or radical House, little dilHeulty was experienced in getting tho bill pas.sed, yet the money was granted under circumstances which involved our subject, whose property was all in tho country, and Mr. Yate.s, with his nephew, A. Y. McDonald, from Cornwall, to so large an amount as to render its success neces.sary for their jirivate interests. They were respon- sible for one-half the principal of 81(J(),000, and the intere.st of the whole, amounting to .fl 0,000 per year, payable in London. Although the Provin- cial debentures were given on their })ei'sonal secui'ity, tho money could not be used for any other purpose than the canal extension to Lake Erie. Whilst in York, Mr. M. prepared and got printed a circular for distribution amongst the members, wherein he urges strongly the immediate undeiiaking of the works on the St. Lawrence. By a careful and elaborate expose of data respecting our commercial prospects, he proves tho advantivges which pro ducers, merchants and consumers would derive from improving the river route ; and although his speculations were based on the prospects of an enoiTnous increase in the trade of the St. Liiwrence, yet the facts are there shown that a ton weight of mercliandise from Liverpool to jMontreal, 3,000 miles, cost the importer thirteen shillings, whilst the cost of transpoi*tir^ the same from Montreal to Prescott, a distance of 12() miles, reached the high figure oi four pounds, so that to tho.so yet further west the charges on articles imported by way of the St. Lawrence were simply prohibitory; an although the canal was in its infancy, it at once was given the preference over this mode of transit, as a comparison of the year's traffic shews there was more than half the valuable merchandise conveyed by canal: " By the " canal— 30,000 barrels of flour. By land— 1 1 ,000 barrels of Hour. By "canal— 210,000 bushels of wheat. By land— G,500. Over 1,000,000 ft. "of lumber paf«ed through the canal, and only 2,000 ft. went by land," so that already it may be said that the close of the portage, after over a century's use, was sealed, by its more powerful and cheaper rival. The work on the Lake Erie route progi'essed but slowly, through a scarcity of haiuls, although liberal inducements were held out. The want of canal lers was sadly felt. Advertisements were inserted in the pajters, calling for hands ; and althougli a uunjber of emigrants were daily arriving from Europe, yet, the prosjjects of becoming producei-s, and getting a good price through forwarding facilities, and lands being yet cheap, diverted many to agriculture. In August, Mr. Merritt, Mrs. Merritt, and the author, paid a visit to the old family residence at Byroni, on Long Island Sound. Meeting there others of the family fi-om New Brunswick, this joui-ney, like others at the same time, was accom})lished partly by stage, canal and steamboat, and was re- markable only for a part of it being gone over on a railway, one of the first then completed in America. This road ran from Albany to Schenectady, and at the time of our visit, had stationary engiuos for pulling tie cars up tlio grades. The cars, or rather coaches, were drawn by horses, on the plateau between. The rails were of wood, covered with a b;Mul of iron. And in all its extensions, for 10 or 12 years, our recollections of the trip are still as being full of adventure, by land and water, i)articulurly on the rail- road. We returned by way of (Oswego, on the 20th of September. About this time Mr. Merritt formed a project for the puri»ose of establish- ing a Bank in St. Catharines, as, owing to the largely increa.sed business now tranMi)iring in the old district, principally through the canal operations, tlie want of a local monetiiry institution was felt in the vicinity. On the 1st of (Jctober, a meeting was held, which was presided over by Mr. Merritt, and Mr. H. Mittleberger acted as secretary. Messrs. Alexander McDonald, W. H. Merritt, Robt. E. Burns, I. T. Bowery, H. Mittleberger, James Little, and George Rykert, were appointed to draw up a petition foundeil \\m nm 132 upon the resolutions of the meeting, and to ai)i)ly to tlie Legislature for a chaiter. The Parliament met on the 17th of November. The House was con- gratulated on the prosperous state of the coimtry, and the rapid advance- ments making in its every quarter, especially its water communications, which were principally in the upper countiy. The petition already alluded +0 in reference to the establishing of the Bank was presented by Mr. John Clark, and a bill for the same purpose was brought before the House, but was not carried this session. Owing to the new poi-ts of entry which were ci*eated by the opening of the canal, considerable patronage was now in the hands of the Government in the appointment of customs officers, etc. It is but natural and reason- able to suppose that the influence of our subject on these matters would be regarded, especially as he had been entrusted with the Company's patronage, and as a consequence the collectorship of customs at the new harbor of Port Colborne was asked for from the Governor by Mr. Merritt for his old friend and companion Col. John Clark, M.P. We think that there are few who are aware of the part our suV)ject took in the Welland Canal inception and accomplishment, but will admit that he at least should have liberty to solicit a favor for a tried friend. Yet such was not the case ; and, as is usual when Government officers are wanted, a claimant appeared upon the stage whose only connection with the canal lay in his being an agent fur subsci'ibcrs at a distance who held £4,000 stock in the work, without any further influence than 'jeing a military gentleman from home and a friend of Sir John Colborne, Hearing that IVIr. Merritt had retpiested that jMr. Clark should get the appointment, this officer takes our subject to task in the following manner: «' * * * If you furnish me with authority to witli- " draw your application for Mr. Clark, I shall let the matter rest as it is. " If not, 1 .shall consider it my duty to see the Governor immediately, and "give my own explanations of the whole transaction. I fear not for the " result, if I choose to exert myself about the appointment." m 11-11 1832. As this may be said to have been a period of revolts, the good people of Ul)per Canada were likely to be furnished with one on a small scale. The re-election of Mr. Mackenzie, who had been expelled from the late House, occured on the 2nd of January, in this year, anudst great demon- strations at the chainu'j. He was placed on the platform of a large sleigh owned by Mr. Montgomery. They pasfied the Government and Parliament Houses, followed by a large concourse of peoi)le carrying flags, «S:c., on which 133 Wiis coiisi)icuou.s the motto : " Liberty of the Press." Another was. "King William IV. and Reform." — " Bidvrell, and tlie glorious minority," ito. Daring the Spring, Mr. Mackenzie went to England with a petition signed by 18,000 peofjle, asking for the recall of the Governor, tlie dissolu' tion of the House, itc. The storm was dissipated for the present by political meetings ; but the disputes then engendered, fomented by injudicious di)-- tribution of official patronage, eventually grew to more impoi"tj\nce than even many of its chief actors supposed it would. Mr. Mackenzie was again expelled, and declared ineligible to sit in the existing Assembly, but was elected after the House was prorogued. Among the acts for the extension of navigation introduced this session, was one entitled " A Joint Stock Company, to improve the navigation of the Grand River." The attention of our subject at this time was also occupied i'l getting the canal in repair for the opening of navigation. Owing to tlie action of the severe frosts, considerable damage was done to the work, bv shifting sands and sHpping in of the banks, all of which he caused to bo pv:t in order. By the 1st of May the water was let in, navigation opened, and a brisk trade was going on. The store-houses on the Grand River were tilled with produce from (Jleveland, as the communication in that quarter was acces- sible from the lake, whilst the Niagara river was yet blocked with ieo. During this period of excitement, we are not aware that Mr. M. rritt stayed in the provincial capital, but devoted his wliole attention to the progress and interests of the Welland Canal. By his memoranda dated 1 8th February, we see that he has the whole scheme of the Grand River Navigation Co. maturcil ; and at the meeting held imdcr the provisions of the Incorporation Act, obtained the last session of Parliament, he i)r()posed the same. We see by the report of this meoting, on the 27th of February, that his iil.>as were adopted, and a conipany formed to carry out the scheme — whicli consisted of dams, locks, and other necessaries, to extend the navigation to Gait. The capital was ii^r)0,000, divided into proportional shares. The Canada Company luid not taken any interest, after all their pro- testations in favor of the Wei laud. We see from their letters that they looked at the Grand River in the same light. For this reason the extension further than the rapids below Brantford was no longer entertained. "March 20th, 18.32. " It will be out of my power to attend your meeting, nor will Mr. Dunlop be able to attend, either. He is now on his way to Lake Huron, At the same time, tlun' are willing to re.'eive the advantages of the works. " We are now makiu'^ arrangements for the conveyance of emigrants against the 0[)3ning of navig.ition, and you will oblige by informing me what m-jans you have of carrying them through the Welland Canal, rate of passage, rate of baggage, etc. J. Jones, Cum, C. Co. U.i i 134 lu answer : " The forwarders are Northrop «fe Smith, who carry emigrants for 2? 6d. per head, and Cd. per cwt. for baggage." About 50,000 emigrants from the British Islands arrived in Canada, principally owing to the change which the passing of the Reform Bill in England had wrought on that country, although the Canada Company claimed the credit of diverting them to this country, through their agents in England. Another survey of the Grand River was undertaken, as the following letter from Mr. Emery indicates : "Two Miles above Davis's, 11th May, 1832. *' Dear Sir, — We have levelled from Highflyer's to this place, and find the rise in the water from Highflyer's to below Davis's dam 11^ feet. At Davis's dam the water is 2.64, which makes the surface in the dam 13.89 feet above Highflyer's. I do not see any objection in making Davis's dam the first dam, and from that make a cut to Highflyer's. The cutting is exceedingly favorable by making two locks. We shall get up as far as you required us to-night ; then we shall i)roceed to making our estimate for damming the river, and Cushman can inform you concerning the plaster bed.s •' Mr. James Davis has been exceedingly kind. We stayed with him and he rendered us all the assistance we have required of them. Other influential j)ei*son3 here take very little interest in the improvement of the river. " Yours, truly, Wm. K. Emery." "To W. H. Merritt, Esq." As previously mentioned, a great difliculty was experienced in getting a suflieient number of men to make the works on the Lake Erie extension go on, as was desired. But now, the ominous tidings of another and more frightful obstructor was hoard — and the alarming stories of its ravages in the old world were wafted to the new, so that those who felt immunity from the pests engendered in the confined cities of the Eastern Hemisphere, be- came alarmed on hearing of the arrival of Asiatic cholera on the Western continent. Following in the track of the great tide of emigration now reaching our shores, it appeared almost simultaneously in New York, Quebec, and otHfer cities on the sea-board. In a short time, its dire presence was felt — almost as far westward as civilization had reached ; and in almost every town and hamlet, it carried its victims to the grave. On the canal it raged with great violence, falling like a thunderbolt among the workmen and others. Strong men and women wore stricken down, to expire in its agonizing grasp, and as each new name was added to the death roll a dread, soon resulting in a panic, took place, which in a short time left the whilom busy scene almost as quiet as the lone woods near by. A few only re- mained — those, probably, who could not leave, or whose philosophy was stronger than their fears. Its eflfects were serious to all, as its appalling pre.sence cast a shadow and gloom over the country. During its prevalence 135 in this quarter, Mrs. Merritt ami the family went to Mayville, where its influence was but little felt, but our subject reniaineJ at his post, anl by care on his part he providentially es ;apeil. " Mabshville, Welland Canal, Sunday, 21st July, 1832. "My Dear Catherine: — "On Monday last, I breakfasted at Mi-s. Bennett's, Grand River, on the same kind of fish the boys and I cau'^ht at Chautauque lately. '• Left the dam on Monday, at 1 o'clock ; went to Crreabel's. Heard that the cholera had commenced its mvages that day at Gravelly Bay — three deaths. Went on to the Bay that evening, and found Coonrod, a contractor, ^the man who married Miss Shaw,) with a man by the name of Henry, working on the lock, and one Ross, a labourer, at the same place, was dead, and taken only that morning. Tl r.'c or four others were considered dan gerous. One only has since died, the others recovered. "On Tuesday, went through the line with Mr. Lewis, and as no new cases occured that day, the men generally resumed their work. "Slept at Holmes,' Deep Cut. That night Lewis was taken : in the morning, (Wednesday) sent to St. Catharines, for Drs. Cross; and Converse, who was lip at Gravelly Bay. Lewis was very much alarmed, and I could not leave hira until Cross arrived about 2 o'clock ; Mr. Fuller had bled him, and I gave him two pills of opium ; he got better immediately, and is now well. Returned to Gravelly Bay that night, to quiet the minds of the men respecting Mr. Lewis, We found all who got medical aid and were bled, recovered ; as it was chiefly among the intemperate. Had hopes of continuing the work, but on reaching Gravelly Bay, found Dr. Ellis and Mrs. Boles had taken it. Remained there until 12 o'clock, Thursday, and left for Dam with a determination to let every one take theu- own course — stopping the sale of liquor, and providing doctors on the spot. " Friday — went to Nelles' settlement. Saturday — returned to Dunnville, and have got this far to breakfast ; am on my way to St. Catharines, where I have not yet been. I thank God that I am in good health, and will take every j)ossible care of myself. Should the disease continue, I will go over to JVlayvillo next week : if not, will remain until the middle of August. " With ray host wishes and prayers for your safety, " I remain your affectionate husband, "W. H. Merritt." On the approach of cold weather it gradually disappeared, and by degrees tliose who fled on its approach returned, and things soon asenmed their wonted appearance. On the 29th of September a fine schooner of HO tons was successfully launched at St. Catharines. This vessel was built by Russell Armington for a company ; and as a compliment to our subject, was named the W. If. Merritt, a name which, we believe, is held by one on the canal to the pre- sent day. The following from Mr. Merritt's journal, among similar items, is in- serted to show that the scarcity of tlie circulating medium wes compensated hy the low price of labor. This transaction represents the one-half value of the old red mill, now called the Phcenix. : ! 136 m mr " 5th August, 1832. — Sold Mr. Phelps my proportion in the Grist IMill, at £1,125." Our .siiV»ject having for several .sessions represented the County of Hal- dimand during its early history, we insert a few items of interest prior to its separation from the County of Lincoln : The Six Nations Indians possessed six miles of land on each side of the Grand River, from a grant by Gov. Haldimand, in 1784, the boundaries of which were confii-med by the Land Board of tiie District of Nassau in 1791. Some of these lands were in process of being sold by the Indian Department for the benefit of the Indians. They also became stockholders in the navi- gation improvement. The Government still retained the river mouth. Mr. Dixon owned Sherwood forest and swamp. Mr. Smith, sheriff of Western District, obtained from Government for his services, in procuring the rights of the North West Co., at Fort William, the year after the Avar, the Township ot Moulton. Some diffi- culties, induced him to obtain the legal services of D'Arcy Boulton. Mr. B. afterwards appears as owner. From him, Mr. Oliver Phelps pur- chased the three west lots of 150 acres each. These are where the village of Dunnville now stands. ]Mr. P. built Davis' grist and saw mill ; the material foi" which was the first freight on the feeder. Mr. St. John, yet living at St. Catharines, and Orson Phelps, (Mr. P.'s oldest son,) conducted the busi- ness. This property was shortly afterwai'ds sold to Messrs. Street and Merritt. The dispute relative to the representation of Haldimand, before referred to, was settled by both the member and the protestor dying with the cho- lera, ami thereby leaWng the riding vacant. A very respectable requinition from the electors was presented to Mr. Merritt, recjuesting him to ofler himself as a candidate. At the urgent request of his friends, and particu- larl}' of Mr. Yates, who told him he could benefit the canal and Gi'aud River prospects better by being in the House, he accepted the nomination. His opponent, Mr. DeCew, was a man of great respectability and local influence. But the material benefits which our subject was the means of developing in the locality, particularly to those settlers beyond the river, who, previous to the building of the dam and other works had very imperfect means of communication with the back country during the summer months, enabled him to carry the election, which commenced on 30th Oct., and tei'minatwl on the 2nd of November. During the election he was ably assisted by his old comrade, Col. J- Clarke, and Mr. Randall. The following letter from the Colonel gives a good idea of how the contest went in Haldimand at that time. Writing to Mr. Martel, deputy post-master at St. Catharines, the electric telegraph being undreampt of, he says : ! '( 137 (t * * * The ball opened yesterday at 10 o'clock. Mr. Merritt, Mr. DeCew, C. Richardson and W. J. Kerr are candidates. The latter is strenuously opposed to Mr. M. There has been much speechifyiag, and much villifying, on the occasion, and very little to the purpose u.iloss from Mr. Merritt. DeCew is strongly supported by Mr. Thorbum, W. and R. Woodruff, and A. Brown, all for the frontier interest. Mr. M. keeps up liis spirits, and shows himself superior as a jtublic man. His management gains him fnends. Since I have been here I have seen much change in his favor. He will receive the suffrages of the honest yeomanry of the county, as the Hoovens, Griobels, etc. The Opposition are much out at !Mr. Ran- dall and myself. We were told we had better be in our seats at York. All I hope is that when we go we shall have Mr. Men-itt along with us." When the result was known, the most unbounded enthusiasm was dis- played along the canal, and the people of St. Catharines gave way to expres- sions of good feeling on a scale of grandeur surpi-ising for the times. We see by tlie Jouinuil that an illumination took place, and all the parapher- nalia of genei-al rejoicings were indulged in. The Parliament opened on the 31st of October, and Mr. Merritt, immediately after his return, proceeded to York ard took his seat. He was soon afterwards placed upon the Finance Committee. One of the first acts during this session was to ask for a select committee to inquire into the management of the affairs of the Welland Canal, thereby answering the inuendoes whicli had been hurled against him by Tslv. McKonzie and other opponents to that, great work, and is in keeping with the general tenor of his acts. We also find that his maiden speech was one in favor of a motion, moved l)y Mr. Frasier, whicli strongly urged a free trade in grain and cattle coming in from the States, as the following will show : " Fealbt's, St. John Street., " 10th November, 1832. " My Dear C.:— " My friends hero appear to be highly gratified with my election, and I assure you my situation is far more comfortable to my own feelings — I now feel a degree of independence in being on an equulity with those, who before could say what they pleased without my having a chance of replying — the situation is new, but I do not feel that embarrassment I expected. I have already broken tlie ice. The first day I took my seat, made two motions and one speech on admission of articles, duty free from U. S. "William H. Merritt." During this session he strongly advocated the bill, which in some shape or another had been before the House for several .sessions, for the abolition of impj'isonment for debt, and his speech thereon was considered a very convincing one, as the outrages committed under the license to imjirison were of the most gi'ievous kinds. In his I'emarks he stigmatized the law as a relic of barbarism, and although, ho said, the lawyers would not like the proposed change, yet the interests of humanity, common sense and i 138 reason were in favor of it. He mentioned numerous cases of false arrests, sliowiug the abuso of the law ; that it was also the cause of crime and per- jury ; that, in nine cases out of ten, it proved ineffectua] to recover tlie amount claimed. He narrated a long list of cases which came to his own knowledge, wherein per-sons were immured in prison at the instance of a lawyer — many times his clerk ; where many of the parties did not owe any one ; where exhorbitant bills of costs were tacked on ; and that, on the whole, there was no satisfaction to the creditor, as the expensive machinery of the law required all that could be wrung from both plaintiff and de- fendant to satisfy the costs; and concluded an eloquent speech by stating that the law was in antagonism with justice ; was abhorred by Turks and infidels, who thereby foi-med a low opinion of men who called themselves Cliristians ; and was only a lever of tyranny in the hands of a fraternity wliose only thoughts were the filling of their own purses. Although the bill did not become law by receiving the royal assent at this lime, yet the discussion on it had such an eSect that the sensibilities of the leading ad- vocates were turned, and the evils then complained of were suffered to sink into oblivion, regretted by none save the most hardened in the pro- fession. Whilst the House was in session he found time to write and publish a I^amphlet on the inland navigation of the Canadian Provinces, wherein 1 e shows the manifold advantages which the country would gain by an exten- sive system of canal navigation. In it ho urged tko abolition of the bound- ary line between Upper and Lower Canada. It contained suggestions of the greatest importance to this growing country. The pamphlet was signed *'A Projector," and its effects were such that a commission was ajipointed to investigate the subject. It was conij)osed of Messrs. Morris, Robinson, Solicitor-Genei-al, Attorney-General, Merritt, 8amson and Chisholni, of which he was appointed chairman, who duiing the session made extensive in(iuiry, and gathered a large amount of information on the subject, which led to a bill being brought into the House and passed, whereby the sum of £10,000 was granted towards the proposed St. Lawrence canals, showing that the spirit of enterprise which commenced in uniting Lakes Erie anl have applied myself industriously to the different subjects. The greatest difficulty I experienced was in speaking. I was forced to break the ice, the lirst day I took my seat, on the subject of duties on goods from the United States passing our waters, and it hap- pened, fortunately, to be one I underetood. The only questions in which I take an interest are, improving our water communication, abolishing im- prisonment for debt, extending the jurisdiction of our magistrates, and annexing Montreal to this Province, so that we may obtain a i)ort of entry. On the second and third items I have had the misfortune to contend against the lawyers ; we have seven in the House, most of whom, directly or indi- rectly, oppose tho.se measures, and you are aware that they are no feeble opponents in any Legislature. It is my intention, as soon as the Welland Canal question gets disposed of, to leave this business ; and, although it is much pleasiinter to be hi the House than waiting in attendance, I finil legislation so tedious that T am heartily tired cf it, and if 1 remain in the same way of thinking I will never return again." The following letter to Mr. T. Merritt, Senior, will give an insight into pacliamentary affairs at this period : "York, 7th January, 1833. " Respfxted Sir, — The House frequently opens without a quorum. The hon. member for Haldimand styles us a lazy lot. Altogether, I must say a gx-eat deal has not as yet emanated from their united wisdom : it will come, I suppose, by and by. My.self Jind the hon. member for Haldimand are all ready and at bi-eakfast by 9 o'clock every morning. We enter the House before or at 10. The working members go in oonmiittee and take their seats in the hall to bring forward measures or debiite. About 1, a lunch is set at our quarters, which the messenger keeps in readiness for us, adding a glass of beer, when we go on with our work until 6, when we proceed to our quartei-s, next door to Chief Justice's. Beer, whiskey or wine, as you like, for dinner. Generally retire to a well furnished sitting room, the member for Haldimand i)reparing matter for the House. He is well, but wearing himself out for Upper Canada. ! ') m: ||||l;i 140 "15th. — Mr. Mcrritt niiylit have been one of the St. I^wrcnce com- iiussionor.s, but dccliiu'd tho honor." "Ah rogiirda the Wo'.hnd Canal, I cannot bring myself to think that this, the mo.st oulightenod Pi'.rlianitMit in the annals of Upper Canada, will abandon so great a work botbi-o it is Ir ought fairly into existence. Wo liave been voting away money for the imj)rovement of ourselves and the country, and among the many thousands wliat do you think we have liad the magnanimity to vote ? — £7,500 to tlie Welland Canal — not half of what is recpiirod. We will take it, and trust our private means for the residue. J. Clakk." During the session he was identified with the War Losses Bill, the Grand River Improvement Act, and several other imi>ortant measures, which occupied the House until its adjournment, 3rd of February. The foreshadowing of the fate of the company appeared, strangely enough at this time, in a communication to the merchants of New York : "Alhaxy, February 12, 1833. "Did not know what to answer. If I shall bo ro(juired to make any further sacrifice, it would at least be proper th.at the full proposition should be known. Your continued suggestion for a .sale, or rather an offer to sell, to the Government, is ])articularly painful to me. * * We have every reason to chei-ish a confident hope of full success. * * a year or two more will prostrate all o])j>osition, and remove the delusion of the [lublic. If I shall prove to be dolu(l(Hl myself, [ hope at least to satisfy my friends that the loss of my prrperty, if fairly lost, will not distress my (piiet. " J. B. Yates." "The Welland Canal will most probably pass fi-om the hand.'s of indi- viduals into that of the Government, negotiations between the parties having, it is believed, already taken place. An Old Merchant." The pecuniary difiiculties Avere very gi-eat at this time. Almost every thing in the shape of property tl).oy possessed was mortgaged. The Bank of Upper Canada refused them any more credit, much to the mortification of the Director.s, who in reality considered the Bank under an obligation to the comjiany. During the attendance at the Legislature, the business of the canal was not neglected. A rather sharj) corres[iondence occurred between the President and the Agent, which re.sulted in their both tendering their resignations. " 1. St February, 1833. " I have no objection at all to the arrangement proposed by you, and will join with those named, bearing a share of my part of it. This vdW relieve me from the Bank engagement, of course, which I shall be most liappy to see off the Bank books, as the sole engagement for that sum of money, anil secures my name as a creditor to the large amount. " Your.s, truly, John H. Dunn." " P.S. — This will also settle my advance of £250, of which I .stand in want, as well as yours, if you cau make it convenient before vou leave York. * J. H. D." 141 " YoKK, fith February, 1833. " Deak Siu, — You havo my perfect concurrence to do anything you |il('nse. What J intemled to do I have, in conHe<|uonce, of your letter, withhold. I sliall not put n»y name to any instrument whatever which iiiiiy make me liable to pay what I cannot, and perhapH may involve me. You may think as you like ; I havo my own oi)inion, wliicli shall guido me. " I am, Sir, yours, obediently, John }f. DrxN." • "YoKK, 7th February, 1833. " Mv Dear Sir, — The course I intended when I became respoi.sible for a loan to pay oti" the debts duo to the Welland Canal contractors, was proci.sely what I was willing to do — that I would give my bond for njy pro- jiortion of .£12,000, but not be liable for the whole amount. Ths-re is no person who can lament the situation of the contractors more than I do, and if I could I would afford them relief. I cannot agi-ee with you, however, tliiit there can be any discredit to the Welland Caiiul Company. The con- tnictors from the commencement have had a full knowledge of the com- pany's art'airs, and have been told, for guarding theu» against diHicultie.i which might occur in the progress of the work. W(j have, more from aijcident than good fortune, been able to sustain good faitJi. You nnist remember that you have laid the case and our em}>arrassuients before Par- liament, who havo more interest in the canal and its benefit to the I'olony tliaii the sliareholdors. If discredit fall upon the company, and cortaiidy it will, lot it fall on those who deserve it. I ct^rtainly cannot hazard to iiiuintain the credit of the Welland Canal Company, a property which does ii'jt belong to me. " I felt grieved at your note of yesterday, and think you misundei-stood me, or I did not fully explain my intention regarding the extent of my security, but I did mean exactly wliat I was willing yesterda}' to perform. We have been engaged tcgether in a work perhaps the most arduous and embarrassing that ever was undertaken in any country. Anotlier such I would not have anything to do with for the whole value of the Province. My good wishes towards you are unabatiMl, and the good fooling you so kindly express toward myself and Mrs. Dunn I fully reoipi'ocate ; and allow 1110 to close by hoping that the friondship which has ever fxistod between us may not be imi)aired by a moment's anger on either side, and that we mutually look upon each other as friends, whether as canalors or indi- viduals. Sincerely yours, John H. Du\x." "York, 12th February, 1833. " Mv Dear Sir, — I am particularly engaged this evening, as Mr. JMc- Donald is here. You can have a Board without me, competent to transact uuy business. I have so mucli labor to perform for the Province this year ill 'my own office, that it will be wholly out of my power to leave York. It is therefore my intention to withdraw from the canal, and cannot under any circumstances incur further responsibility on account of the canal. It is therefore unnecessary, under the circumstances, for me to attend. "Yours, truly, J. H. Dunn," A meeting of the Board was held in York on the 13th of February, and tlie sul)ject of raising money to pay ofl' the debts owing on the canal, to tlie i I m it>W i m 142 amount of .£11,000, was discussed. Owing to tl>o Government holding a mortgage on tlio hydraulic works, the Company did not receive auy benefit from tlio money paid by Mr. Yates for the same, but now they agreed to relintjuish the mortgage to the company, on their giving a bond and pledg- ing themselves to spend the same in paying off the minor debts, etc. In tliis meeting Mr. Merritt informed the company that the work was com- pleted, and, finding his duty to liis constituents would ba neglected, ho tlierefore tendered his resignation, wliich was not, liowever, accepted at this time. Another ineeting was lield in St. Catharines on the 18th of Feb- ruary, wlien the resignation of Mr, Dunn as President was tendered, but not accepted at this time. Tlie next mooting was at St. Catharines, 27th of February, but for want of attendance it was resolved that Capt. Creightou and Ceorgo Keefcr be summoned forthwith by a special messtniger. When, at the ailjourned meet- ing, it was resolved that a communication be made to the commissioners ai)pointed by the Legislature of the necessity that one of them should give his personal attendance. The 1st of June meeting after that consisted of but four members. Although the House at its last session did not grant the company^the loan asked for, yet the Govei'nment, for the first time since the inception of the canal, took up the balance of the unsold stock, to the amount of £7,500, and three commissioners, viz., A. Slade, J. McAuley and W. B. ]\obiuson, were appointed to superintend the division of the same, by this means they were enabled to push on the work to Gravelly Bay, so that by Juno the first vessel — the schooner Matilda, from Oakville — passed through to Cleveland by Port Colborne. Under the circumstances, Mr. Merritt was authorized to pi'oceed to York with a statement of their affairs, and lay the .same before the Gover- nor ; also, to make application there or elsewhere, as he thought fit. In the midst of this dilemma, IMr. J. B. Yates again came forward, and laised them sufficient money to finish the new harbor at Port Colborne, which was now declared a port of entry, and by permission named after the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir John Colborne. The regular annual meeting of the Canal Board was held at St. Catha- rines on the 5th of June, and our subject, who had previously tendered his resignation as agent, was now, at the election of Directois, chosen as one of them. When the election of the executive was proceeded with, Mr. Merritt was chosen President and Alex. McDonnell, Esq., Vice-President. The following item is inserted to show the value of village property at this time. Through the absence of paper currency these figures represent a greater value than at the present day: " 22iid April, 1833.— Mr. Phelps bought half of the North side on Lake Road to Niagara, (now Niagara Street) at $75 per acre." 143 On tho Gtli of Juno, I'nteH of toll were settled upon, and armngonionts miiiU* for Imildiny a liglithouHO at Tort Colbornt', and also fur putting down autither i>i«'r at tliat placo. Mr«. Merritt, in returning from Cliatauquo, passed through Port Colliorno, acconiprniod by her family, and thus t!e- s?ril»e8 her visit to that locality : " At the stone bridge which crosses tl.e "canal we met Mr. Gn^bel," (who, with Mr. Hoover, was the leader of tl.e Mennonites in this section, and a strong supporter of Mr. Mon'itt) " who " invited us to go u]) and spend a night at his house. We walked from the •• bridge up to the bay, 1 J miles. There we met T. Merritt and Mr. Kan- " (lall. There was a vessel coming into the lock, some boats, etc. The " gi'onnd here is all marsh on both sides of the canal. There is a small •' riilge, with one white house and a store, and some shanties. We accepted •' Mr. (irebel's invitation to his home, promising to see the Sugar Loaf. The '' road is very jileasaiit up there fo" four miles, winding through the trees, " with the hill on the left, and a large marsh or pond, three miles long and •'about one broad, on our right. We tried to count the eagles' nests in " the tops of the trees ; there were six or seven of them. !Mr. P. and J. •' went to the top of the Loaf, but the leaves were too thick to have a good " view. * * On Thursday morning we took another road to tho Ijridge. " Saw several vessels jtass, and a small steamboat, which makes a trip " round from Buflalodown to Chippewa and up the marsh every second day." That the canal wa.9 now rapidly coming into public use is seen from a statement published in the Journal, showing that from the 1st to the 20th of Jime in this year, 34 vessels had passed up the canal and 20 went down, and in the following month 219 schooners, 1 38 boats and scows, and 30 rafts, loaded with produce of all de.scri; tions. Mr. W. L. McKensiie, who had been in London for more than a year, returned to Canada in August. While there he had interviews with ]\Ir. Stanley, Mi'. Poulette Thompson, and others, in reference to the colonial (liiH?ulties. Ho was enthusiastically received on his arrival at York. A time-honored institution lost its usefulness about this time, thougli called in exercise at the breaking out of hostilities. It was the Court of Quarter Sessions, or Board of Magistrates, held for this district at Niagara, which had existed from the first settlement of the country, and wa-s com- posed of the leading men. It now gave place to what was known as the Court of Requests, having a smaller territory but a more extended jurisdic- tion, and was in that sense the germ of our present expensive and inefficient rtuuiicipal system. For the first time since the opening of the canal a serious break occurred at lock 2, the four gates of which were carried away by a schooner on the night of the 5th of September. No spare gates being ready, navigation was suspended for a week, and Mr. Merritt in a letter mentions that, owing to Hi the urgency of the case, he had again commenced to give his personal atten- tion to the canal until matters were placed in a better shape. As it may be interesting to the members •£ tlie Loyal Canadian Society, ■we find that in the early part of October, arrangements were made in Hamilton to celebrate the glorious battle of Queenston by a dinner, to take place on the 14th of October, (the 13th being Sunday,) the Hon. James Crooks consenting to preside on the occasion. On the 7th of October, died at his residence in St. Catharines, our oM friend Job Northrop, deeply lamented by the village community as a mo.st "enerous and warm-hearted man — sincere in his actions, and beloved by all who knew him. After superintending the repairs, and attending to other duties on the canal Mr. Merritt now prepared to attend his place in the Legislature, which oi)ened on the 19th of November. One of his first acts was to intro- duce a Bill having for its object the relief of those religious sects known as Mennonites and Quakers, who, previoiis to the passing of this Act, la- boured under serious disabilities. Notwithstanding the fact that William Lyon McKenzie's last e.xpulsioii from the House was disapproved of by the Imperial Government, and that two of his most active apponents, Messrs. Bolton and Hagarman, werti dc'iirived of their otlioes, as a conciliatoiy proceeding ; yet, it was a})parent that at the opening of this Session, Mi-. Mackenzie wished to become of more importance, having l)een agai-. returned for the County of York, prc- seJited himself in the House for the purpose of taking his seat. He was ac- comiianicd by a large body of his supportovs, who tilled the bar and galleries, and durin<' the debate which arose in reference to his admission, behaved in a most boisterous manner, by alternately cheering anfl hissing the speakers expressing like or dislike. The intimidation was carried to such a i)itch, that the sj)eaker ordered the House to be cleared of all outsidei-s; and on the vote being taken for McKenzie's admission, a majority of four was found against him : McKenzie's organ, the " I'or/c Adi'ucatr," bitterly attacked our subject for his vote on this occasion, and the language used towards Mr. Merritt was uncalled for, yet failed to influence him in the smallest degree, as his conduct to Mr. Mackenzie on all occasions was such that we believe he felt more incUned to pity him than anything else. Mr. Merritt's speech on this occasion shows conclusively that although he was inclined to be gen- erous to a fault, yet he still retained suthcient respect for his character as a member not to permit himself to be bullied l>y faction. He said " he had come down to the House yesterday to vote that Mr. Mackenzie should takf his seat, but his conduct would have induced him to vote him out of the Asaemblv, even if he had been a sworn member. Had not his supporters assumed the character of a mob — hissing down one set of men, and crying the 1834 nor. 145 up another. He was disgusted -vritli the disgraceful scen«, and their conduct brought back to liis memory the worst days of Revolutionary France, v his fellow men with the coutrul and dii'ection of their jjroperty ; and if a man of industry, application, and honesty, he would continue to increase, bv commanding the respect and confidence of his fellow men, as well as Divine favour. Urged strongly the absolute neces.^ity of per.sevoring in those qualities ; and the moment he dejtarted from them, and gave himself up to sensual and worldly gratification, the Divine favour, as well as the confidence of men, would be taken from him, and the text in that case would assuredly bo verified. " By a steady perseverance, and close attention to them, I have baen re- markably favoured this .session in carrying through the House those measures in which I have felt an interest." Noticing his return from his parliament.-iry duties, and canal matters : — ■ " I am interested in the Grand River navigation, and would remove tlierC- I have purchased one half of 200 acres at Gravelly Bay, but will i'l III I ' 147 make no tlecision till I see you. It is an important subject — not so nuicli in ft pecuuiaiy point of view, as with inudcuce, we need be under no ai)ijrelienMion from that score, but for our family." During tlie session, he also obtained from the Government increased postal facility on the route of the canal, so that Port Kobinson, Lyon's Creek, and Port Colborne wet-e given Post Offices, which was a great con- venience to the settlers who lived there. To his untiring exeitions are tlie people of Dunnville and the country lying beyond the Grand lviver,indebtetl ; by a great deal of perseverence, he succeeded in getting a grant of £1,500 from the Government, with which to construct a g(.)od bridge over the Chand Kiver, on the foundation used for the dam at Dunnville, and a large grant for roads. 80 that, with his parliamentary and other labours, we assume that his time was well occupied during this long session, which lasted nearly live months. He also had the satisfaction of s((eing £350,000 granted towards the works now in progress on the St. Lawrence Canals — which were to be built with stone locks of large capacity, etc. During this winter he corresponded with INlr. W. Allan and ^fr. Kidout on the subject of a branch Bank in St. Catharines. His ideas on the subject of Banking were, we know, opposed to private corporations, believing that the profits derived from such undertakings should belong to the country, and a general Provincial Institution established to contrt)! the monetary aflUirs. But in this instance lie was prepared to do liic best for liis locality, and strongly tried to have a Branch from the Bank of L'j)per Canada established here ; without success, however, }irincii»ally owing to the facts that a Branch was established in Niagara, and afterwards through Mr. Street's influence, in Chippawa ; and also in consequence of a largital, and .spent a short tiuio attending the debates, and in the society of the lialf-dozcn nu'iid)ers who lodged there ; he was })ai'ticularly struck with the contrast of their grave demeanour in the House, and their hearty unbending, oven to jocularity, out of it. He was listener during the discussion of that question to many remarks on the ambitious aspirations of muddy Little York. Now tliJit the prospects of an improved communication with the ocean ])resented itself, the mind of our subject turned upon the jiossibility of having free markets for the grain of Western Canada, in the harbouis of the British islands ; and in consequence thereof he busied him.self to bring about an understand- ing with the Imperial Government, whereby the grain duties might be abo- lished in the United Kingdom, so that our farmers could enter their maiket iM 148 on the siiinc footing as those from Scotland, Ireland, or other parts of the British Empire. The address frame' I iu the spirit of these ideas passed the Assembly by a large majority. During the long session there were many applications for his influence for }»oth public and private interests, for his o^Yn and other countries, for roads, bridges, and Post Ottices — and one for fi\ e years protection for a glass company, by Samuel Wood, of Grantham. A letter, with subscription list, was received from the Kevcrend E. Crcen, of Niagara, soliciting his influence in building an Ej)iHcopal Church near the C4ernian Lutheran Church, at Thorold. An ai»plication WAS then made to the Bishop, and the following shews the views of Dr. Strachan on the request. Extract from the Very i-{everend Archdeacon Strachan : " YoKK, 21st February 1834. "Dear Sir: " I am of opinion that the members of our church have a light to have the ministration of religion afforded them gratis, as in England, from the cleigy reserves. And, were the friends of the church to e.vert themselves, as they ought to y\o, the hypocrites and infldels who seek to approj)riato the lands to other purpo.scs," would soon be defeated." " Yours truly, ♦' To W. H. Mehkitt, M. P. '• John Strachan." . The session of Parliament, which clo.sed its labors on the Oth of March, was a remarkable one in numy respects, as it may be said to liave been the last Parliament where the Loyalist element, devoted with a single eye to the interests of the country, were assembled. Numerous are the cases which serve to show, at this time, that a jiublic spirit, and a feeling of true loyalty to the land of their birth and the British Crown, animated them on all oc- casions; where the country at large was likely Vie he benolittetl. they voted liberally. To many it may .'^eem stningf, when reaellion which drew Upper Canada into its wake, ocoured in Quebec, by the presentation of the historic id/ipfi/-two resolutions to the Parliament of that Province by M. Papineau. A great deal of ex- citement was manifested in the Upper Province, and it b«ing previous to a general election, the newspapers of the time were full of si)eculations on th<' effect those resolutions would have on tho country at large. The rcsolutiona passed the Lower Canada House on the 12th of February, and ^Ir. Morin was afterwards deputed to jirocced with them to England, and lay thorn be- fore the Imperial Government. In the early i)art of May ^Ir. INI. left home to attend a nif« ting at Nel- les's settlement, on the Grand River, as the works on that si'ction were not prospering as well as tlesired. In the month of Afiril he had ofi'ered through the new.spapers a reward of $100 for the best model of a lock and dam for the Grand River, the pattern to be .shewn at this meeting. At a meeting of the New Court of Requests, held in Niagara the early part of July, Mr. Merritt was unanimously chosen Chairman of the Court. As one of the results of the Canal, and his visit uj) the (iraud J'.iver, wft may mention, that at this time we find that a lavgi' schooner is nearly finished, and a steamboat on the stocks at Dunn\ il!e --airi that the works for tho improvement of the Grand River are now fairly underway. in August, a slight panic was felt, from the fact that the cholera had again appeared: although its eflects were felt for a short time in Q\iebec anil Montreal, yet, fortunattdy, the smaller towns throughout the interioi", did not suffer to any remarkable extent. ]\Ir. ^Nferritt's time was kept fully oc- cupied, during the reces.s, with the canal, where several breaks occureil ; and owing to the great increase in the traHic, it required t'le most careful atten- tion to keep up the confidence of .shipping, as the canal was now apparently taxed sometimes cmmi btsyond the capacity of its wooden locks. The con- tracts for the woi'k -ju the St. Lawi-once Canals, with stone locks, were now given out, and the prospects of busy times for some years, is noticed in the journals of that time. The turning of the first sod took place on the lOth or 12th of AuguBt. l.-)0 Early in tlio season jNIr. Mcrritt wont, as notioerl, to tlio fti-and River, to attend a mootin;^ at Nellis' settlement, (now York.) This niooting was hckl for tiic purpose of re-organizing the Grand River Iniprovouient Co'y., as the pi'evious qtticers and directors of that (Jonipany had failed to accom- plish anything of real benefit. Tho old oHicers were replaced by the follow- ing gentlemen, viz : James Winnett, President, — W. H. Merritt. S. Street, T>. Thompson, and W. Richardson, Directors. A new subscription list was opened, and capital stock about £50,000 sul>scribed; our subjc^ct alone tak- ing one thonsaml shares, of .^25 each, in the undertaking, besides taking for his relations and friends 1,400 more shares, viz ; N. Merritt, N. B., 1,000, Henry Yates, 200, and A. Mclntyre, 200. Two other enter[)rises occupied his attention this year, viz: the erecting of tlie large stone grist mills at Port Colborno and kSt. Catharines ; tho former being a steam mill, owned by our subject and his friends, under the management of Mr. Slate ; and since purciiased, with a largo amount of ])roperty, by the Government, when the enlargement of the canal took i)lace. The mill at St. Catharines was his own i)ro[»crty, autl was of great benefit to the town, and country adjacent, both as a c\istom and manufacturing in- stitution. About the midtWe of September, tho writs for a new election in tho Province were issued. In Haldimand, Mr. Merritt was opposed by Hill, I'itch, and C. INIeKenzie, but was returned by the handsomo majoi-ity of 53 votes. In Lincoln, Mr. Geo. Rykert was elected over his Radical opponent. Darling. ]Mr. IMerrittgavo Mr. Rykert a strong supi)ort on this occasion, liaving assisted him during his canvass, as long as he i)0s.sibly could. The result of the elections were, however, favourable to the Radical party — and during the interim before the opening of the House, many were the specu- lations annfc tliis train of feeding I endeavour to check, and placo my dojendanco wholly on the All-wiso and just Providence, who alone sends us that i)eace of mind that I think we all realize, and feel most grateful t(j Ilim for permitting us to ])0ssess. Wo have been over to spend the day with father and inotlier. He is feeble, but better. Mother in good health. Believe me, !My dear mother, Faitlifully and dutifully yours, \V. IIasJ&i.ton MnKKlTT."' In the Re[)ort of the Company, dated December 24tli, 183-1-, we .see that work was well advanced, four locks being finished, und a great deal ot the other obstructions overcome. 1835. On the 15 th of January, the new House of Parliament opened ; and on tl:e lOtli, the Speaker, Mr. Bidwell, was elected. Tlie Governor's speech on the occasion was a tame one, when the protestations of the party in power is considered. ;Mr. 3Ierritt went to Toronto, by way of the Gi-and Eiver and Hajniltou. On arriving in that city at neon, on the 1 3th, ho attended a caucus of the friend.-s of impi-ovcnient, ani in writing, says: " Parliamentary proceed- " ings have commenced, — and although we have lost tlio appointment of " Speaker, yet I tiiink we will have a good House;" but on 8th Feb. he says : "I am engaged in drawing up a report for a Provincial Bank, and the " scheme is making quite a .stir amongst our bankers. I would have gone " homo, but the roads are intolerable. We still have nothing to do for ^' eight or ten days yet. Tlie House is doing no good, and I doubt whether " they are likely to." Being desirous of further facilities for ihe transmis.sion of mail matters in his owu riding, as well as other sections on the canal and frontier, lie corresponded with the Imperial Deputy Po.st-master General at Quebec, and received the following : — " Believing that Poet Offices are '• much wanted in the section of country pointed out by you, shall take up " the subjects of your recommendations, and endeavour to carry them into 'effect." 152 During this comparative cessation of public measures in the House, work was going on in an adjoining committee room, considering grievances that -were now necessary to be removed before any real progress could be made ; though the wrongs of the country were hidden from the notice of the public by th« mass of grievances discussed, some of them being the most Conservative institutions in the country — as the organizidion of the Episco- j)al body, and Government patronage. The waves of agitation which commenced in Lower Canada, and whose •ccasional ripples were barely noticed in the Western Province, had now set in with increasing force ; and in spite of the endeavours of the more modei'ute, here, its advance could not be stopped, until, like the others, it had spont its vigour on the strands of loyalty, and relapsed to its former bed. Under these circumstances, the present Parliament may well be said to have been a boisterous one. Mr. Mackenzie, who v/as returned for on© of the ridings of York, took his seat in the new House, and soon after its opening, his influence was felt — and day after day, his rest- less sj)irit became more turbulent. Basing his arguiaents on the celebrated letter of Joseph Hume, on Independence, he, for tlie jieriod of three and one half hours, oocufiied the time and attention of the House ; but did not succeed in having any action taken thereon, so that the mention of it is hardly found in the Parliamentary journals of the day. Following soon after, by the appointment of his Grievance Committee, wherein was raked up a mass of evidence, in many cases condemnatory of every institution in the Province, shewing a grave state of affairs. Yet from the composition of the committee, and m many known cases, the distorted state of the evi- dence, the report presented by tho.se gentlemen, although a valuable histori- cal document, must not be taken as all truth, nor yet the perfection of fair dealing. Tlie published rejiort of this committee is a master-piece of Par- liamentary book work, going into the most minute details on every subject, and fully bearing out Mackenzie's rei)utation as a keen and cai-eful critic. The few specimens which follow, will give an idea of this extraox-dinary pro- duction. That the document had its birth in a private personal feeling of Mr. Mackenzie's, there can hardly remain a y that trip the .settlement lost (JO Scotch families. From tlie best iiil'ormatidn T c;in obtain, we lost from 250 to 300 fimilies, who clii(Hy settled in Michigan and, the other states, bccau.«o the Company neg'cctod thoni. 200. Are the agents to tlie Company ki!j*l to the settlers ? No: they are, with the exception of Mr. Wilson, very arbitrary ; tiiey are very tyrannical. I speak of the agents residing on the tract. 207. What magistrates and Court of lie((uest Commissioners have you ? — Charles I'rior, Jno. Brewster, and Captain Dunlop. They do just what they please. There are nineteen Townships in the Huron Tract, and only these three ^lagistrates. 208. Have the Compiny any road in the tract? — Yes, one from Wilniot to Goderieh, and one from Vandorsburg to London vill ige. These roads extend upwards of ninety mile-*, and will cost about £17,000, which is allowed them out of the purchase money. The Conip my hare also laid out about £5000 for Grist and Saw Mills. 200. Ha\e any !^Lttl(■rs been ojrctod from their firms? — Yes, they are scared out of the tract and ejected without any I'orm of law or justice. .^Iany pcr.-ons have boon driven out of the Territory; there is no o.her law there, e.\copt what the Couipany's servants make. We must be very polite to the Auents. 210. Are the Company empowered to impose on settlers such terms as they please? — Yes. they are. 2n. Is there any difficulty in getting titles of letters of occupation? — They have sometimes to wait u little, but tiiey get them. Public lands sell in the United States at Cs. and 3d. per acre, and are likely to be brought down to 3s. 9d. 212. *Do the Company tiikc large sums out of the country? — Their profits in 1833, were £28,0li0, sterling, alter paying all expenses. The ^tockholers chiefly reside in England. 213. Do the European working settlers express themselves satisfied? — Dissatisificd in the hiiihcst degree, from whatever fjuarter they come. 214. Are there any schools? — One in Goderieh. The Company do not now support any other school that I know of. 215. Is money plenty? — Perhaps as much so as in any other place. Mr. Taylor keeps a private Bank, and issues notes from one dollar to a pound — they circulate among us, 155 9J. 216. In case Huron shouUl be formed into a county, where woulJ bo the best pollinj^ plnccs? — One at Godoricb, and one at the pliico where the big ThanicH IJivcr crosses the Huron lload, about tlilrty-three miles from Ooderieh. 217. Where do the ma^i.-itrates lay out tlio monies they rccuivo lor wild land taxes? — I do not know. 218. What is the established religion in your Tract? — There arc no ministers of religion of any kind in tho Tract, nor is tliere any militia. 219. Whit is the population of the Tract or country ? — Ui'port says 2,000. 220. How do the Company pay for the work they p^et done ? — For the first live years they paid two-thirds of the labor in land, at 7s. Gd. (which cost tljem not nuieh more than one shilling an acre) and one tliird in money. Dn. STKACHANm/Av/tM; 543. Docs not a vast annual additional expense fdl upor tho Province, owing to tlie continual rejection of bills of a general cliaraeter, sent up by tho House of Assembly, rejected in the Legislative Council, and again introduced, debated and sent up by the House of Assembly ? — I bi'g leave to state that tho Legislative Council reject no bill without good reasoiH, and th'it body has always appeared to me to have undo tlie good of tho Province nuicli more its study than the House of Assembly, and need fear no comparison in true patriotism, wisdom and ability. 545. Would not the British Constitutional system, by which the head of the government is obliged to chcosc his councillors and principal officers from among men possessing the confidence of the popular branch of the Legisl.ature, be more suitable to the wants and wishes of Hie country, if adopted in Upper Canada, than the present irresponsible mode of government. I do not believe the government is an irresponsible one ; the rest of the i[uestion is too vague to admit of a definite answer. 54(5. In what way is the government of this colony responsible to public opinion, as expressed by the representatives of the people in Parliament? — I could not answer that question otherwise than by saying, that tho govern- nifiit is quite as responsible as any other government. 547. [The witness is shewn ihe Post Office Return, and asked] What mode would you reccoinend for tho bjttor governiujiit of the Post Office, and for allowing the controul thereof to the Colony ? — I have not given the subject consideration. 550. Do you think Lieutenant Clovernors, of themselves, possess sufficient knowledge of the inhabitants of the several districts to enable them to select judicious persons as justices of the peace? — Certainly I do, for they have the best sources of information, and are quite independent. Beyond tlie samples given, Ve have grievances of olHcials of all grades, ministers of all sects, complaints to the Grovernor, and with liLs sharp replies. The evidence contains accusations of a Catholic Priest against his Bi.shop, supported by correspondence; and as tho tes' iniony principally terminates two or three years back, most of the grievances appear to have been iniported from home. It contains a sad interest however, as a little over two years after, the chairman and members were incarcerated, banished, and some of the witnesses even suffering the extreme penalty of the law in hanging. And we may well imagine, showing its progress it was untastofiil, and that tho w%. 15G itenin, liowever niiiniatiiig to tlio actorH, yet in a <1oz»mi letters during tills session, from oirr subject, have a clause of " notliing doing." Mr. M. returnod from Toronto on the lOth April, and made preparatioa for the early opening of the camil. The old steaniar ('itroline, which had previously plied on th(! canal between Port Kobinson and Buffalo, being found too much worn for the service, was ropainjd in St. Cathaiines, and renderod more powerful. Two other boats were placed on the route from Buflalo to Chip|)awa. An effort was also made to place a fa.st steamer on the lower lake l)etween Port Dalliousie and Toronto, Init failed througli the opposition from Niagara. Tlu; (Jrand Kiver Company oflennl tlio use of their route to passenger steamers, free from toll, so that every inducement was held out to make the transit as rapid and commodious as possible. A large and respectable class of emigrants came to this country during the summer ; amongst those who chose 8t. Catharines for their home, was Mr. Taylor the father of our present eminent brewer. This gentleman, in connexion with Messis. Truscott k Green, of Toronto, first started the Farmers' Bank, which for a timti was a great benefit to the country in sup- plying the wanted circulation. He afterwards went into the brewery business, in partnership with Mr. Bate, who had previously purchased the business carried on here, by Messrs. Garrison ifc Little. Tln^y removed the works to the site they now occu]iy, near the old distillcrv grounds owned by our subjtict twenty years jirevious, and at pi-esent extensively carried on by Messrs. Taylor it Bate, botii .sun.s of tlie forniei- gentlemen. Among the new comers whoso appearance requires notice, as being iden- tified Avith the improvement of the place, was a widow lady named Myers, from London, related to Charles Rolls. The family taught drawing lessons, and the works of her son Hopner still decorate some of our oldest drawing- rooms. St. Catharines was much noted at this period for being a haven of refuge for the numerous runaway slaves who escaped from their southern task- masters. In July of this year a daring attempt was made to kidnap a num- ber of them over the line ; and those engaged in this nefarious business succeeded in bringing off a man named Stanford, with his wife and child. On the fact becoming known, a large number of the coloured people arotmd turned out and pursued the would-be captors ; overtaking them near Buf- falo, and bringing them back, as well as two ruffians of their own coloux-, who assisted in the kidnapping — one of these was sent to the Penitentiary for five years, the others got clear. Since the departui-e of the last incumbent, the church had been presided oxer by the Rev. Mr. Clark. He came in company with Rev. Dr. Mack ; these gentlemen, with others, were sent out by the Society for the Promo- tion of Christian knowledge. Mell roriil Acul demi pleti an ii pliai dosci of tl 157 The old Episcopal Church of St. CatharinflH having hoen Hold to thrt Methodints, ou Monday the 27111 of July, waa laid, with Masonic honours, thd rornor-atone of the now Episcopal Cluirch, on what was then known as Academy Street, in St. C'athai iues. The afl'air was the occasion of a grand (Icmonstration in the village, and the huilding erected, though long in com- pletion, was for nuiny years considered one of tho finest in the district, and an important ornani'Mit to the plai ». The now church was nuJMr'd in com- pliment to (Jcorge Adams, Esip, if not the oldest, from tho niiinhur of his descendants who attended there, was entitled to be consiilered the ])atriarch of the society. On the canal Mr. iSIerritt cau.sed improvements to ho made. A number of imperfect locks were thoroughly repaire«l, and the tow-path and other ac- cessories were put in good order; so that all the racpiirenunitH of the time were fairly met by tho company — and the tratUc passed on .satisfactory. Navigation being closed, the usual Anniversary celebrating the compln- tion of tho canal was held at the St. Catharines House on the ;}Uth of No- vember, with a great amount of enthusiasm and good will. TJut occur- rences transpired in the mean time that called another meeting, not (piite 80 peaceful in its demonstration. The occasion of this had been that during this yej r Mr. Mackenzie was apiwinted one of the Canal Board, on behalf of the Government. He spent the entire Autumn in looking over the books of the company, and we regret to state, that whilst enjoyiu" the friendship and hospitality of our subject, he .so far forgot his ))osi ion, and transcended the limits of propriety, as to obtain his (Mr Merritt's) private memoranda, and afterwards publish the same in his genei-al charges against the olHcials of the Welland Canal. At this nucting Mr. Meri-itt observed that Mackenzie had directed his attacks against others, indeed ; Ijut he had no doubt the whole Wiv. intended for him. Akhough the eiiors he men- tioned are too small and unimportant to be taken notice of, yet we ini'dit say, that there are few undertakings at that, or the present time, of any iinjiortance, where every interest had to be wielded to the best po.ssible purpose, which will bear the same scrutiny as what wo now teini "the secret .service of the Welland Canal, and Mr. Merritt's connection therewith." The unusual emigration to the Prairie States, and tho slioitn.'ss of the crops, changed the course of shipments ; so that we sec a coi:;, ^nnieat of grain arrived this fall, in Queliec, from Hull, and wo lieu, of a cargo of 500 barrels of tiour sold at Chicago, for .?9 per barrel. Tho last day of the year has an ai-ticle on the entire opposition between the Parent Government and Lower Canada. The Governnunt had sent out a Commission with the new Governor, to settle the dilliculties. Tiieir Parliament had met a fortnight before, and were given the unconditional management of their funtls. But their first act was to donate from them a salary to an agent to proceed again to England, although their former agent 153 had buen sajjorsedod by tlie Co'.ninission. Tlie Constitutionalists, composed of the En,:^Iisli inliabitants of Montreal, raised a rifle corps iminbering'.SUO men, and though hoc acknowhjilged by thi; Ooveniineut, oUered th('__first sorious resistance to the national nioveinont. 18 3 6. The ITonsc opened on Jainuiry 14th. Tlie Oovernor in his spoecli iiotiood the falling of our securities in Kng]aTid,an(l other checks to progress tln-ougli the stand taken l)y the Lower (/'anailians. TIk! subject of the war losses -was bi'ought into it, by an ofl'or from the Imperial (jovcrnment of £;3G,()(lU if the Canadians would pay .£:iO,000. (3n the 21st of January, Mr. Merritt rose in the 1 louse to answer the charges brought against the canal management by Mr. INlackenzie, and his spetich on that occasion is a suflieiciut (evidence that the agitating nu^mber had for once met his match. We need oidy state that the posi*'.<,a in whieh he places Mr. Mackenzie is neithei' flatteiing to that genthtman, nor credit- able to his backers in the House. Those from the frontier, we have already shown, were, from the beginning, op[)Osed to the canal. On the 21st of January the new (jtovernor. Sir Fi-ancis I'ond Head, late Poor Law (yommissioner from Kngland, accomp iuIimI by his son and Mr. Josci»h, a clei-k in tlie Colonial (JJhi-e, drovi; up to the St. Catharines 1 louse, and tix^k up lodgings for the night. An opportunity so favourable for the disjday of the people's loyalty was not neglected. So an add.ress was jH'eacnted next morning before leaving foi- Toronto. They wisely eschewed all political intent, and congratulated ills I'jxcellency on his arrival in the most ]irosperous part (.f the I'lovinee, hoping that this jtrosperity would still bo continueil under his adnijiistiatiou, .v sati.-.fit':tory answin' was returned, adding as a favoi'alde au_'ury that this lirst addre.ss was altogether unconnected with jiolitics. He arrived in Toronto on the L'iith, and enter- ed at once into the administration of the Government; SirJ.John Collxjrne taking his leave. 'i'here are bIiy in obtaining correct and rcliablo data of our public iinjirovo- mcnts. "Toronto, 17tli April, 183G. '' My dear Catherine : " I would not have wrote you this day, if I returned ininiediatt'ly at the close of the sessit))!, which will be closed on Wednesday next, but as I ex|)e(.'t to remain here a few days lungf^i', until Satunlay, drop you a few lines to account for it, — and when on the subject, wisli you to write to your Pa cv Ma, mentioning that the Committee* lias reported cm the Welland Canal iillaii'. The farce has ended. An>elf, respecting any transaction relating to the Company or my ])rivate business, fur the last thirteen years it is ))r()duced, and we have had transactions with some f/tonsui/da during that })eriod, all of which gives our adversaiy such a manifest advantage, that our proceedings must have been rather more than Inuuan to escape censure, and to subserve every possible circumstance he has preferred — thirty-two separate and distinct charges. Nevertheless, I am sanguine we will refute every one of them, but it requires great diligence, ivseandi. and much troubl'?, and after all, no gratiticatiou, and no useful jiurpuse gained when ended, even should our management meet with every apiirobation. Uut .so it is, we are lnought into it, and must re- si.st. I mi'iition this circumstance to sIkav that you are not alone in diffi culries ovei' which you could have no control, and which no hvnnan prudence could avert. However, I assure you I feel more anxiety and ai)pi"ehension ii/e/f and his friends possessed in the House, still, failed to pass. Mr. Merritt was at home during part of the session, preparing his communications to luoet the accusations of Mr. Mackenzie. The House adjourned on the 20th of April. On the 28th of May, the Governor dissolved the House and ordered a new election, the writs to be returned on the Kith of July. Among (he improvements we notice a fine steamer, the IlaUimmul, was launched at Dunnville, for the express purpose of plying on the Grand River. The Niagara District Mutual Insurance Co. was also started in St. Ca liarines on the 18th of May, in this year. And the subject of opening a direct communication with the Junction, afterwards incorporated under the name of Merrittville, with other improvements of a similar nature was discussed. The Government had b^sen very liberal in its appropriation l)y macadamizing the .stiigo road ; but the financial depression and political disturbance that followed, put a stop to all local imjirovements. The su))joct of a through line of railway from the Niagara to the Dftroit River, had for sonie time occupied the attention of the people on om* West- ern frontier, and on the 1st of June in tliis year, a lai-ge and inrluential meeting vv'as held at Sandwich, presided over by the late Col. John Prince Tlie ordinary organization was completed, and stock books were opened tlirougliout the country, those for the Niagara district being placed in the bauds of Mr. Mei-ritt. The Haldimand election resulted in IVIr. Merritt being again successful, altlioughNie was strongly opposed by Mr. Davis, a local gentleman, and professing to be of the same political party jus our subject. The election occun-ed on the 1st of July, 1836, and the author, who was jirosent, has for remembrance a gathering which, for riot and drunkenness, though his own village could get up no tame display, exceeded everything he hatl ever seen before, and challenges the world to beat the Grand River rearers in their peculiar line. Things looked pretty dark for the first day or two. The roads were bad, and the farmers disinclined to come out. But when Scpiire Evans, after a great deal of coquetting, cast his vote for Davis, the Dutch came out in troops, and the day was ouv«. A celebration had been indulged in on the return of the victor at St. Catharines, Mr. George Rykert. On Monday, it 162 •WHS ascertained that Mr. William Hamilton Merritt had been elected for the County of Haldinmud, by a handsome majority. Accordingly, in the evening tin; usual demonstration of joy was enacted, kept tip by a jmblic dinner, on Tuesday, for both of the members. Whilst political strife was e.xciting the ))eople of Western Canada, wo have, at this stage of our biography, to record the death of an American citizen, who in reality was more to this co\intry than many jxttriota who aspired to that dignified title. On the lOth of July in this year, J. 1>. Yatks, Esq., died at his residence in Chittenango, N. Y. , and as the deceased and our subject, in connection with the Welland Canal and other im}>ortant works, were on more tlian intimate terms, we proj)Ose to enter briefly into an account of this gentleman. Descended from a highly resi)ec- table family who inhabited the Valley of the Mohawk, his father being an ollicer with the rank of Colonel in the continental army, during the llevolu- tion, connected by the ties of kindred to the.se good old loyalists the Butlers of the Rangers, and others. Mr. Yates was brought up with all the ac- quirements of a well-to-do citizen. At the early age of eighteen he graduated at Union College, and afterwards ai)i)lied liimself to the study of the law, in which he was subsequently distinguished. In 1812 he held the i)osit'.on of a Captain of Militia, under General Wade Hampton, and during a part of the war he was actively engaged on the Niagara frontier, and was after- wards appointed aid-ile-comp to the Governor of New York State, with the i-ank of " Colonel." In the fourteenth Congress he was elected for Scoharie and Schenectady, and was afterwards a})pointed Government manager of tlie New York State lotteries, also the Judge of Madison County (.'ourt, and afterwards Chief Justice, together with being member of the Legi.slature of his native State, which position he held at the time of his death. In his regular visits to his relatives the Butlers, near St. Catharines, and through perhaps Dr. Prendergast, he became acquainted with our .subject, and, as already mentioned, when the Welland Canal scheme was first pro})Osed by Mr. Merritt, Mr. Yates was the principal cajntalist, who advanced a large jwrtion of tlie necessary lunds. His expansive views at once giasjjcd the magnitude of the work, and principally by his advice its enlargement was decided upon. 1\\ its numei-ous phases he was aliomja its friend, and his con- fidence in our subject was manifiested on every occasion where a great work was pi'ojected and funds required. It is unnecessary to be individous, yet we think, that were it not for the assistiince of Mr. Yates, the success of the canal, at this time, would hardly be accoinplished ; and his death was deeply regretted by all the well-wishers of the enterprise. One of the principal streets of St. Catliarincs now bears his honoured name, and the following lines from the Chittenango llerakl truly describes the character of this great and good man : — inte offi sive pow ofh wer( even his jireh ]iu1l 1G3 " In contemplating the character of Mr. Yates, we tind high moral and intelloctual worth most harmonioiislj' blended. Possessing naturally a mind of fine texture and liigh order, it had been adorned and cultivated by exten- sive literary and professional attainments. These he brought to bear with power on erery department of life. As a public man, he shone in the lustre of his native character in every statioix of honour, trust, and influence, which were conferred upon Kim. Prompt, decisive, energetic, and persevering, even at the sacrifice of health and personal comfort, in the performance of his public functions. His views and plans were of an enlarged and com- prehensive nature, beyond the scope of ordinary intellect. But, while in ]>ublic ^ife he shone with lustre, in jirivate he gleamed with V)rilliancy. By liis s\ ior intellectual and moral attainments, by his urbanity of manners, by the overflowing benevolence of his soul, by his amiability of disposition, lie was pre-eminently fitted to gain the affection and secure the confidence and respect of all who knew him. Universally beloved and esteemed, not through the eflect which wealth or honour produces, but as the necessary and invariable result of the private virtues of his character. Every one was his friend, and his praises dropped from the lips of all." August 4th. — The project for erecting a chain Suspenwion Bridge ovei' the Niagara River, at Queenston, had been set on foot. "The bridge," adds the Journal, " will have the largest span of any in the world of the stime kind." September IStli. — The Governor, after an extensive tour of the Province, north and east, proceeded to St.Catharines from York, via Niagara," whence," says the St. Catharines JourtKif, " after staying all night, departed on hoi-se- hack, with his son and secretary, Mr. Meiritt and others, up the line to Port Colborne,^thence to Marshville and Dunnville. The Governor and suite then proceeded to Sandwich, and returned by London, Brantford, and Hamilton. October 13th. — Lower Canada troubles, at the termination of the T^egis- ive Assembly, shews that further parley would be worse than useless. The King's ministers must either knuckle to Lower Canada, or they must exercise the strong arm of the law. The Montreal Gazette says, " A Legislative union is now inevitable." The author visited Quebec at the opening of the session, where he had the satisfaction of a personal interview with the distinguished L. S Papinoau, speaker, and most influential leader in the House. Mr. Merritt addi-essed the electors of Haldiriand, in October, after his third contest — noticing the great prosperity of the neighbouring republic, and especially New York, since the completion of the Erie Canal : this was effected by the Government borroNving the funi]^ necessary to finish the canal ; and that credit had been procured, carrying out the expansion ol businei-s necessai-y to its full use. After complimenting the liberality of the Legislature in voting £300,000 for the improvements in the St. Liiwrence, he says : " Your county per- haps, has been more benefitted than auj other i>ortion of the Province." 164 The following is extracted from Mr. Mcnritt's aiMross "to the frechold- eis of the County of Huldiinanil," on the absorbing topic of i)olitic8 : "The Government of the State of New York beiiiLj administered by a Democracy, this is, by many, considered the bestada| trdtoa new country, and their prosperity is ascribed to that cause ; but this ar;:,'umeut is falla- cious. If the Government was the true cause, it wmiUl not only be our duty, but our individual interest, as well as the interest of our posterity, to \ise every peaceable and legitimate means to bring about that form of Gov- ernment, which producers such beneficial eli'ects. But by extending our views to Gn^at Britain, the delusion vanishes, since we perceive tliat similar effects ai"e produced in the mother country. In England and Scotland, you will find the cheapest and best articles. They excel the different Ijranches of business in America, in the .same ratio that they excel us. The. form of Govermnent, therefore, not being the cau.se, we must look for some other ]irinoii)le of action ; which is none other than an extetuled xi/xtem of jniMic credit. In England, a merchant, mechanic, or operator, can carry on as ex- tensive a business on £4 capital, as in this province on illUU — the command of cai»itiil in business being nearly efpial to the po.ssession of it. " In America, £*) will command .£100, and this is the real and true cause why different branches of business can be conducted with greater certainty and protit, on the other .side, than with us. The practical o)>eration of each separate branch of business could be easily pointed out, through every stage; but two or three instances are sufficient to elucidate the subject. " The extensive system of credit, so successfully adopted in New Yoi k, en- ables a wholesale mercliant in that city to com maud ready money, with which he can purchase goods at the cheapest rate in the manufactuiing towus of Britain. The same si/stem has established si)lendiil lines of packets, to convey them at regular an(l stated i)eriods, with the greatest facility and expedition, across the Atlantic. The same sijstem gives him time to realize the ])roceeds before payment of duties. I'he name system provides the Western or country trader witli ready money to pay fur them, which thus enables the importer to make quick returns, whereW he transacts an ex- tensive business with a very limited capital. '•All I reipiire for my fellow countrymen is a fair trial. I^et our LegLs- latnrearou.se from tlie torpor which lias subdued tht-m heretofore. 'rever brand us as an inferior race of mortals^ — but not uu il after thd trial is made. " To the present Legislature, we may look with confidence for the adop- tion of bold and energetic measures, so as to retrive this province from the incubus which lias for many years retarded its prosperity. All are aware of its necessity ; and if another session passes over without effecting the de- sideratum required, no one will feel a greater disai)pointnient than "Your obedient servant, "October, 1836. " WM. HAMILTON MERRITT." That, and the next one ])assed without it ; and then came the Rebellion. October 29th. — A meeting was held at Thorold, for the purjiose of pe- 1C5 titiouiiig Piuliiiineut for the removal of the County buildings from Niagara to a more apjjropriate place. On the same tlay, a meeting of the young men of St. Catharines was calleil, for the purjiose of forming a debating society, in which Pelton, Emery, Lewis, and the author, appear as a committee to draft a constitution and by- laws. As this i)receeded the Athenreum, and was the first attempt of the kind, it must be i»ut down as the inception of literary and other associations of tliis place, and father of the Mechanic's Institute. During the Summer, several surveys were made on the canal by Mr. Miicaulay, the President, who also belonged to the Royal Engineers, and by Messrs. Baird and Killaly, of the Irish Board of Works. The name of James R. Benson appears among the Mutual Insurance oiti eel's. The Report of the Canal Board appeared on the 4th of November, giving a favourable statement of the year's business. Mr. Merritt set out in the stage, on the 5th of November, to attend the Hou.se. November 8th. — Tlie House opened the first session of the thirteenth Parliament, 7th year, William IV., Sir F. Head, Governor. In his speech he said : " As regards the duties of my station in the legislature, it is my inten- tion, as long as tliey may be conlided to me, to occupy myself to the best of my i.bility, in the internal improvement of the country ; in the impartial administration of justice, and in maintaining unsullied the commercial integ- rity of the Province." The House organized under Archibald McLean, speaker, and returned a favourable reply to the Governor's address. 9th Noveiubcr. — Mr. Mertitt gave notice of a Provincial B mk schema, whoso profits for ten years were to be loaned for finishing the public works. He also brought in a measure to regulate the expenditure of district funds. The preliminaries in an entirely new House, occupied much of the time, and a pereonal exhibition of the Canal being neoes.sary, within the fortnight, we find him back again. From Mrs. Merritt's journal we read : — "Mr. Merritt got home about 9 o'clock at night. Left again at daylight, with a party of gentlemen for Port Dalhousie : returned at 10, but never sut down, and started for Gravelly Fiy." This inspection occui)ied him for the rest of this month. On his return, tlie contested election of William Lyon Mackenzie, with others, occupied tlie attention of the House, and not much was done till the Christmas holidays. On the 29th, appeared the Report of the Select Committee on the Welland Canal, which reported the arrangement with the stockholders, ultimately adop- ted — that when the receipts amounted to £50,000 per annum, the Government should pay six per cent, interest upon the stock : from the date of paym int, 166 the revenue from the canal in 1852 was £50,000— when the stockholdor3 re- ceived the whole of the principal and back interest. November 28th. — The Welland Canal Company hold its last celebration coalescing with the St. Andrew's Club. E. W. Stephenson, Thomas Cibson, A. K. Boomer, stewards. Col. Clark presiding and z-etiring in favour of the Engineer, Hall, president of the St. Andrew's. December 28th. — The Grrantham Academy was advertised to be sold by the Sheriff, to weather off financial difficulties ; but the catastrophe was for this time averted by the stockholders satisfying the judgment, and stoppirg any further expense, by handing the use of it and entire management over to Mr. Thompson, in consideration of his keeping therein a .school for classical and commercial instruction. Mr. Van Bureau elected President of the United States. Mr. Mei'ritt left with his second .son, who was a student of the Upper Canada College since Easter ; fro'u whose journal we (^uote : — " At Christmas, Pa, with the other members took a holiday. Several went home with us. It was a royal time — cold to excess. Mnt our large cloaks, and high spirits (at least, mine) kept off the cold." His further account describing the holidays, we reluctantly omit. They were terminated by returning to Toronto by stage. » 1837. Mr. Mcrritt, in noticing his trip to Toronto, says : " We had an expeditious, but cold trip. An accident occurcd on our ar- rival : turning down Bay street the sleigh upset, by which one of my ribs was injured. " On the 4th attended the House. "9th. — Not as well as usual, having a cold added to my damaged side. I hope the ensuing week will bring forward some measure in which I do take on interest." He also orders that the young members of his family, during the evenings when not engaged at their own studies, teach the domestics — adding, it would be of more service than their wages : a very little time will offoct it. After the 16th, side better. No more mention of the up set, except on 2.3rd. " I have entirely recovered. Tell your Ma her dream is partly verified. There is effectual aid granted to the V7eiland Canal of nearly $1,000,000." On this grant, his old friend Chief Justice Robinson, writes: " I have very great satisfaction in congratulating you upon the liberal and decisive measures which the Legislature have at length adopted. It is of great consequence that the grant now made by the Legislature, should be judiciously applied ; and it is no less due to the stockholders than to yourself, that your name should continue to be associated with the work, at least, until all difficulties 10 >l are removed, lie is well acquainted with the interests af the work, whicli, perhaps, none of the New York stockholders, sinca ihodjath of Mr.Yates, were." He writefl, on the 3rd of April : " I apprehend great difficulty will bo found in raisin;^ raonoy to carry iiit("> effect tlie act passed lust session. If you are not a director of the c mal, I should hope tlie Doard will offer you the appointment of superintendent. If they do not, however, one of the Government directors, Mr. J. Wilson, should resign." The Report of the Select Connnittee on t!ie subject of " Trade and Com- merce," with its appendages, would form a respectable pamphlet, carefully prepared. It compares the former advantages of the St. Lawrence? saying, " up to 1820, our products and property commanded higher prices than similar articles and property on the opposite side of the frontier." Showing th it ad- vantages would again arise, under a judicious Legislature, when the St. Law- rence c.mals were Qnished. "The antagonism of the Lower Canada Legislature, is shewn by an act this Spring, subjecting our trade to an inquisitional examination ; and it was so absurd in its provisions, that it could never be carried into operation. "Tlicy charge SI for e.aoh boat, and the declaration at Coteau De Lac, which is similar to that, entering from the sea: — Name of vessel, and master: num- ber, and country : destination, &c: account of lading: number: (juantity ; quality : consignment, including the particu! .r marks and bulk unbrokou since loading. Then the distribution of the revenue coll.t't /d being ac^irliiu ti the cumber of the popubition, which, being less than iiower Canada, was as 7 to 8, the product of Upper Cinada. To remedy ;dl this, they recommended an address to petition the Imperi;il (lovornment for a sea-port. They also bring the subject nearer home, by pniying for the reform of their restricted tariff, with a hint tliat it would be better for both parties to leave the regulations of their commerce to the local assembly. The continuance of these restrictions on our trade, has a tendencv to create mischief, by enabling persons to name articles prohibited by Imperial Act, and subject to higher duties when im- ported from other ports. " We also pray for the admi.ssion of our products in Great Britain free. "February 15th, 1837. W. H. ME lllUTT, Chairman." During this Session, a number of important bill.s were passed through the House, anl a large share of IjOgislatiou was seemingly bestowed upon the Welland Canal. Acting on the series of resolutions whieh the ('oinnMtt«>o Lad brought before the House, a bill was brought in for the puivhase of tlio canal by the country, which passed through the House without much opposi- tion. By this Act, the piivate stockholders were not bought out ; but tho several loans of the Province to the conij)any, were converted into stock, and a further sum of £J4.''),()00 subscribed by tiie Government. Arrange- ments wore also >nade towanls paying tlie com[)any's debts, proviiUng for the construction of enlarged stone locks, ifec, &c. So that at last, we find that the utility of this work is fully recognized. By this measure the direc- tion of the works was vested ia the Government, they having a majority at 1 . 168 all moetiiigfl of the Board. The Bill for the CHtaMiahment of a Provincial Bank, wliioh was hroiiglit in by cur Hubject, and, wc think very well managed and explained by him, failed to pasH, although a majority of " one " wa.n only recorded against it on the journals of the HouHe. He occupied tlie important positions of Chairman of the Committee on Trade and Commerce, and also Chairman of the Committee for the improvement of the St. Law rence, during this session, in which he strongly urged upon the Government the advisability of pushing on those works. Mr. Merritt, as usual, when he felt his measure secure, delayed not for the formal closing of the House, but set out at 5 o'clock on B'riday evening, arriving home at 3 o'clock, P. M. next (ky. After the closing of the House, he attended to his usual business en the canal, whore, from recent legislation, strenuous efforts were put forward to accomplish the extensive repairs required, before the opening of navigation, going through the lino by the feeder, 12th March. In his memoranda of 21st March, we find a scheme whereby the original canal stockholders should bo participants in the increa.sed income to be de- rived from the new canal, they paying their fair share of the expenses. He also urges the necessity of supplying the enlarged work with water direct from Lake Erie, as he seems to have some doubts as to the cajtacity of the feeder to fully meet the requirements of the enlarged locks, &c. Mr. Merritt also endeavoured to get the Government to jjurchase and con- trol the Grand River Navigation Company's works, but failed to do so, in consequence of wliich his heavy interest in that undertaking became worth- less, and has never since its being finished, realized a cent. As mentioned before, he had become, along with Mr. Yates and McDonnell, personally responsible for the funds which were required to complete the canal to Lake Erie ; and the conduct of the House in this instance, reflects the highest honour upon their patriotism, as it presents a striking contrast with their political opponents in the last House ; but to get action from the Government was still 'm be effected. At the annual election of the canal Board this year, we find that Mr. Merritt's name is not in the direction. This was a rather under-handed attempt to "sack " him from the Board, wjiich was solely the cause of his declining to serve, as the following memoranda of his own will show : — '• April 3rd. — The election took place for directors for the private share holders. Captain Eccles showed me a letter from Creigliton, naming McDonald or Butler lor directors. This gentleman had been to New York for some days, and had returned, keeping everything secret until this morning I have no reason to complain of the decision of the Stockholders, bat, my conduct heretofore has never warranted this secret, suspicious, distrustful pioceeding. I had 88 votes on the old proxies, and there were only 66 against me. However I declined exercising my power, and allowed the election to terminate as the New York shareholders wish, ointed Mr. Macaulay, of Toronto, as President of the Comjiany. Mr. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V mo y \o^ m s>- i^. V C/i (A "m w 1.0 I.I IIM 12.5 IIM ilM !j4 [12.2 12.0 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 ^ 6" ► V] ws that dif- ference, it is our interest to send to this port. " Yours trulv, "W. HAMILTON MERRITT." The following letters shew what was the result of the trust, and per- ha[)s regarding tho personal security of .$200,000 alluded to : " To the Ca-shier of the Bank of Upper Canada. "Sir: — You will please deliver to William Hamilton Merritt, E.sq,, the debentures lodged in your hands, on aecou lit of the Hydraulic Conip;iny. " Dated at S«-. Catharines, September 13th, 1837. "W. K. FULLER, " Exfcutur anil TruMef of the EMate of " Jediah Criohton, "J. B. Yates, d«itis •A. McDoXNEL." 172 He having met with a patisfactory answer to liis mission, returned to Canada; and applying to Sir Francis Bond Head, received tlie following: " Govemvient I/oune, "Toronto, 23rd October, 1837. " Sir : — His Excellency, the Lieutenant-Governor, has had nnder ccii- sideration your Memorial of the IDth October, inst., addressed to His Excel- lency in Council, and in substance, requesting, that the amount due to you hv the Welland Canal Company should be paid in debentures, at the rate for which they have been disposed of to othei-s; or, if required, at five percent. l)remium. " You state, as your reason for making this request, that you had come under engagements to furnish the debentures, -ind that you had incurred ex- pense and lo.ss of time in the negotiation of them. "His Excellency, in answer, desires me to say, that upon the jjassageof the Act of the Provincial Parliament, authorizing the issue of debentuies j)ayablo in England, His Exc^;llency was most anxious that the olject of tlit- Legislature, namely, the raising of money to carry on the public works, .should be carried into ell'ect, anil that with this sole view, dei)entures were sold at the highest rate that could be oljtained for them, in the Prcjvince, that is to say. at par, no higher amount having bei ii otlered. "Since this sale of debentures, information from England has shewn, that in Loudon the confidence in the credit c^f the Province had become sufficiently restored to give ri.se to an opinion that debentures could bo safely remitted and drawn against, immediately, with the expectation of a ready sale of the secni'ities, which opinion woulil not have been warranted by the previous intelligence, at to the state of the money market. " The imi)roved value of the debentures, not producing, as might have beeii expected, higher tenders within the Province, tlie Government was forced to consider whether it might not be more advantageous to dispose uf the securities in London, v s the Provincial demand did not seem .sufficient to ensure the sale of the debentures at their current value. "This course has been adopted with respect to the whole sum pi-^poseJ to be expended for the Welland Canal, during the current year. " His Excellency being dr.sirous that the debts of the canal should be im- mediately discharged, and that no further imj)ediment should be found in tlie way of that im])ortant work, desires me to say, that while on tlie one liaml the public faith would have jn-evented him from authorizing the pay- ment of a Provincial debt, in securities not equal to the legal currency of the Province — on the other, he does not feel that the public interest permits him to direct such payment in a medium more valuable. He has felt tluit simple payment in the currency in which the debt was contracted, was tlie only safe and just method of dischargiiig juiVdic engagements, and in fact, the only one which the law authorized. "His ExcelU^ncy regrets tliat a disappointment on the part of the Bank, in not being permitted to ^legdtiate del enturt's at par, has caused you in eonvcnience and ex])eiise ; but he cannot jiermit private engagements I'l (lisiippointments arising from them, to interfere with the unift)rm course wliii'li he has felt liimself bound to follow, namely, the discharge of the public liabilities in the currency which the Legislature of the Province Ims seen tit to .sanction, and in no other. 173 "Arningements have been made, as above stated, with the least pos.sible olitely boweposition that in this time of turmoil, it was not satisfactorily attended to: — ^'^>^: 176 •'PiiEscoTT, 15th Dec. 1837. " Sir :— * * * * " As you have so much other business to attend to, I think it would bo well to ajuwint J. T. Bowery as a<,'ent in your place." " Yours truly "A. JONES, « Secretary." Two days after Mackenzie's effecting his escape, his old friend the Engi- neer, writes : " Lock rouT, Wednesday, 13th December, 1837. " William Hamilton Merritt, Esq., " Dkak Sik: — " T have just hoard this evening that William Lyon Mackenzie had de- livered himself last evening to a large auditMico, having obtained the theati-e for the purpose, in Buffalo. His object is evident, but I have not heard the result. Probably he endeavoured to .stir up their pure minds by wav of remembrance. There are always enough to li.sten on such occasions, whether it is a history of real evils, or the images that till a madman's l»min. News came also that ho was to a isit this place to-morrow, but I antici|)ate that he will nuiet with dlsaj)[)oiutment. I do not believe that there is a man so weak as to be intluenced to participate with him. The impression is general here, that they have taken up arms for their love of revolt, or to get the advance of events that may hai)pen. "I am, with much esteem, " Your oV)edient servant, "A. BARRETT." The attraction of Canada soil had drawn him to Navy Island, the occu- ifation of which by his Buffalo band was doubtless the matter cf importanc which "reciuired their utmost ingenuity to meet." "Chippawa, Saturday, IGth December, 1837. « William Hamilton Merritt, Esq., " Deau Sin : — " If you can come over to-night. Col. Cameron desires me to say he would be nuich obliged. Matters of importance have occurred, which require our utmost ingenuity to meet. " I am, yours truly, "WILLIAM KINOSMILL." Another extract from Mr. Merritt's journal of Sunday, 17th, says : — " H. received information to go to Chippawa. Mackenzie & Co. is on Navy Island Fhowing their presence by firing on a boat. He left at 4 o'clock in the momio'g. ThdTG was but 40, but they would have done what they could to prevent a landing. He rode the whole night, up and down, from Black Rock Ferry above, to Fort Erie, considering that the most available part. Drums and fifes were going all night opposite. J. P. with his company of Horse there in the afternoon, and returned next day." A communication from the Chief shows how our proceedings were looked on from the capitol : 1 I I "Toronto, 27th December, 18:]7. " W. IT. Mcnitt, Esq. '' My Dkar Sir : — My brother has been most laboriously and incessantly occupied here, in assistini^ the Commissioners in inve8tii;:itinL: the cases of pri;-oiiers. His extensive knowledge of the people of the very pirt of the country where this abominable insurrection was hatched, has enabled him to bj most useful to the Government on the one hand, and to the persons charged, and their unfortunate families, on the other. I believe there is a strong fooling of gratitude on the part u{' many of these poor people, for tiie trouble he has taken to see that they were not too harshly dealt with. It was so strongly urged upon him to visit that part of the country, and particularly l>y the inhabitants them- selves, that he could not decline. 1 expect liim back to-day. " As the Legislature meets to-morrow, 1 dare say you will not be absent long, if ftt all ; and I have therefore little encouragement to write at any length, as I hope so .soon to see you. " What is now taking place on our frontier has not surprised me half so much as the events in my own neighbourhood. From tlie moment it was made evident, as it has been in most Xii' the .States of the union, that the most terrible outrages against the laws are beyond the control of their (jrovernment ; when- ever large bodie.-? of people favor them — from that time the probability of such an occurrence as the present, has never been absent from my mind. It is clear that a natioii with only a standing army of 5,000 men, scattered over a country as large as Europe, is not to be depended on for preventing 20,000 of their people from rushing into tliis Province, to join in the work of confusion, wlion- cver they may fancy they sec an opening. " From the instant the slightest demonstration was made at Buffalo, I thought it of infinitely more consequence than anything that had yet hap- poncd. And if it had depended on me, I would have, with 50 of the Koy::l Artillery, and a regiment of the line, hastened to the spot with all possible ex- pedition, and have militia added to them as fust as they could be assembled. " If this should get ahead, we shall have serious times yot, and let what may come of this, unless the British Government act now like a great nation, and establish such defences on our frontier as will speak plainly that they mean to keep the country, we may make up our minds that we shall have no peace or security in Upper Canada. " I have a good deal to say to you on this subject, when we meet. It does astonish me, tliat no American officer of high standing, Scott, Worth, or Gaines, for instance, should liave been sent instantly to the frontier from Washington, to see that thfir laws wore enforced. I can hardly think but that the inter- position of such a power as of the Governor of the State, on the spot, would fail of being effoctual. Their militia should be called out, and stationed on the frontier, so as effectually to cut of!" communication with the island. By a prompt measure of this kind, the rebels would be caught in a trap, and must (surrender at discretion. Sooner or later our neighbours must give us serious trouble . The present affair I hope and believe, may yet be controlled before matters become much worse. " Yours sincerely, » "J. B. ROBINSON." Oar subject did not enter into any of the military proceedings of the times, but rather discountenanced them. From his previous experience of actual conflict, he always designated Mackenzie's attempted revolition and 178 llic invusinn of syniputhizers and brigands nftorwards, as the " Monkkv- Wah." Wc will close with noticing that Mr. Morritt spent the end of the year between home and Niagara, at the IJoard of MagiHtratos trying the prisoners; vr at least ac(juitting thcin, and as alludcfj to, and on the threatened frontier. The following odrrcRpondence will explain some of the circumstances altendin" the occupation of Navy Island, in which our subject was interested. (.'hristiuas. — H. and the boys on the lines. The iiexi day he and Lr. Boadlc scut on commission to Butfalo* '• Ik KKAi.o, 28th December, 18;J7. ' " Doctor .1. I'rcndergast. " iMv Dear Sir:— I came over yesterday to see your Marshal Mr. t us —but l.e acknowledged Very candidly his doubts whether tlie cisil autiiorilios can carry the law into execution. We will therefore have to deiiend on ourselves. We have a lar^c iiiree of militia, about IJ,()()0 men on the iiiu'. Kxptct two regiments of tioops, -4th and o2nd, up in a few days. The rebellion is put down most effectually in Upper and Lower C;inada, and we have liothing more to fear I'rom internal fctrife. •• Vuurs \"e., '• W. II. MEIIKITT." '• BrFi'ALo, 2itth December, 1837. " Hon. William Hamilton Merritt, M. JM*. 'IIkad Quartkhs, Cmi'PAWA. "Sir: I'erniit me to iritroduce to your ac(iuaintanee, Judge McLean, (if tlii.« e'ty. who goes to Chippawu with a message to Colonel McNab, itr. •'1 am, viiur obedient servant. " IJ. W. KOUKllS." '• December 30th, 1837. •• To Merritt, Kykcrt, or any other Magistrate : •• 8ia : -The bearer of this informs me he has a Durham boat 70 ft. long. lit for .serviqe, but he has no means of getting her liere. Will you be plea.^ed to afford everv jissistar.ee in your power Inwards having her forward' d here with- out delay, as il is most material for Her Majesty's service that wo should have her. I ain, sir, your most (ibedient servant, "ANDKLW DREW. "Capt. Koyal Navy." Mrs. 3Iorritt's journal, as well as that of her son, is full of incidents during the outbreak. But wc forbear givi.ig further extracts. 3 8 3 8. " St. Catharines, 9th January, 1838. " My Dear, Parents : — W. H. Merritt went to Toronto last week, a.s the Parliament is in session. He only stayed two days. Said he could he more useful in this quarter, at the present. He left yesterday for the frontier. ^- -i*^- 17'J Mr. Merritt, wlio liad been atteiuHiig in liis jihu-e at the Paili.iiiioiit in Toronto, on liRaring that the ininihor of the Canadian refujjpos and «yn»pa- thizcrs from thn States wlio had takon, still held Navy Lsland, re- tuniod hotni\ and in Imh cajiacity an a ina<,'i.stratc, in conjunctiDn witii Col. McNab, wii(j coiniuaiuk'd tlio Militia, |»ruco(!d'd to anaii^'o nu^asurcs for tlio defence of tko frontier, and the fxpvdHion of the invaders. Our subject had been engaged in arrangenunits for a coniuiissary su]»iily, and providing boats for the contemplated atta<'k on the islaud. A nunilter of boats were collected, and many of them drawn over land by ox-teains, from the canal to the Niagr "a Kivei-. A council was held, in which he volunteered, with tho Militia, to attack the island, but the argument that this wuiihl cause a loss of valuable lives, and the fact of the I'nited States authorities juoving in tho matter, decided them not to niakt; an immediate assault. Demonstrations were set on foot by (AjI. Drew and his naval vohmteers, by sail- ing round the island, and isolating them from their base of supplies, and also destroying their steam ferry the " ('(irnlinr." This was considered enough for the present. The duty on the fi-ontier was severe, as a nuud)er of the Militia died through sickness, brought on Iiy ex])08ure, itc. Three men were killed by cannon shot from the island, 'ihe 2nd Cavalry Troop from St. Catharines did good service. A comj)any of lU'gulars aftei-wai-ds ar- riving, a number of the ^lilitia were relieved from duty, and allowed to roturn home. Thi'ough the enei'gy dis|ilayee influenced by the existing circumstances, at the moment of my depai'ture. " If it shoidd be advisable to go the roiite you propose, I will immedi- ately communicate with you on the siibject, and in the meanwhile beg to thank you for your obliging note. Yours very faithfully, "F. B. HEAD." The author visited the Capital during this session, and stopped at Per- ry's boarding house. Being in the vicinity of the Parliament, it was occu- ISO ))!<'(! \iy tho in ^;iil> Ts, of wlium li« rciiuMiiltcrs CoIdju'I nnrwcll, ('t>lvilli», Akkinaa ami Sludo. TIichu won* t)f all sliadfs of iii)litifs. A ^rvtit dcul of warinth was (ixprcssoil. Amtnij,' the iiumhIku-h, Col. Priuco was particiilarly (h^iiioiiHtiMtivc, liaviii;^ (Undarod ho would oxeoiito tho iK-xt invadcrK ofom- country, which throat Ik* carriod into execution at tho oud of tliis year. ( )iir suhjoot, in tho moan tinio, attondiut^ to his dutios in tho Houso. At tho Olid of th" Hossion, Sir V. Jiond I load icturnod to England, and was Kuccoodod l>y Sir ({o()rgo Arthur, On tlio Ctth day of March th») Houso closed, passing eighty-two jjills, nearly half of which won) rojoctod iu tho Uit[i(M' House. Amongst the many who were arre.stod for particij)ation in tho lato roh'>l- lion, wore twt> men named Fiount ami Mattlu'ws. Thoy were sontenced to 1)0 hung. Petitions for their reprieve* were got \ip, containing 10,0(10 namo.-s, moi'o or less; those from Jlaldimand and Niagara were hrouglit ovei- to Toronto by Mr. Merritt, and presented to the Governor — we insert one — but without ellect, a8 thoy were afterwards executed. 7'n /lis Kxi'i'lhiiL'jj, Sir (I'ciinji: Arthur, LiiuitciKdit Ctorerjwr of (h<' /'m- riiice v/" Cjipcr CatKula, Mafor (jiucnU cumin tivHinj J/is Mnjiffti/s ftirces (herein, Knight Coininander 0/ (he L'oj/(if Uanovarinn ilidphi: OrJrr. " May it ploa.se Your Excellency — •• We tho undorsi;;ne.d Sliorill", jNIagistratos, Eo])rescntatives, and Free- holders of tho District, of Niagara, beg leave to congratulate your Kxcelloii- cy on assuming the govornmeut of this province, at the same time tlioy deep- ly sympathize with ycmr Exc:'llency on being called u])on, at so early a peri- od, to excerciso tho lloyal porogative, on those who have justly foi'foited their lives, by committing the most aggravating oU'euHe recognized bv our law. '• The Almighty, in his intinite mercy, was ])leascd to preserve the ('api- tal of this ProvMice, and permit his Majesty's subjects promptly to supprcs-i tho la.st rebellion with tiie loss of but one individual. "That mercy which is consi(h*rod the most noble attribute of the lloyal porogative, is now vested iu you and if your Excellency entertain the opin- ion, that it can be exorcised with eipial eii'ect for tho public good, by bani.^li- ing beyond the seas, those individuals who arc or msiy be condemned to death, your Excellency may fool assured, this act of clemency and mercy, ■will meet the most cordial apju'obation of tho undersigned, who most sin- cerely pray your Excellency may, by the wisdom of your councils and government, be enabled to contribute to the prosperity of this rising Province. "Thomas Merritt, Ex-Sheriff, &J. P., - "Alkxaxdeu Hamilton, Sheriff N. D., "W. Hamilton Merritt, M. P. P. & J. P., " Geo. Pvvkert, M. P. P. & J. P., " H. MiTTLEBERGER, J. P., " E. Adams, J. P., " Richard Woodruff, M. P. P., " David Thokuurn, M. P. P. isi Tho following Inttor ^iv(>s n xHiiipHo of f»'«ling iu the Fiower Provincps, after the oxcitonioiit in tho Unitoil SiatcH, by the (U'structiou of tlie Hteuuiei- '• CaroUne." " fti>i'crunifnt Ifouni', " KllKI>Klll(KTuN', Ftil). 2lHt, 18;J8. •■'8ik:— "(Jroat (fVfiits have occurri'd in tho Cainula^ siiicM I have l)t>('ii tlio re- ort of the Directors at that time, the canal was completed. In this sum, no account is taken of the interest paid for loans madt^ by the public, to take np their amount of stock ; neither is a:'.y mention made of the fact that about £20,OoO of inU-rest (or more) is due to the Jiritish (Jovernment. " It is ([\iit" crtaiii that within tht; next seven years, the greater ])art of tlie present locks will require to be renewed, at what cost, the Re[)ort of M'.'ssrs. Baird and Killaly will shew. It will, iij fact, be at a charge of not l.•^s than £20 0,000. The harbours of Port Dalhousie and Port Coll)ornB will also require a very considerable outlay, whether the project of Me.ssrs. P) lird and Killaly be exeoited or not ; but that i)roject would be of such manifest advantage to the Province, even without a canal, that I cannot but hope that it will be carr'.ed into effect. " Assuming that .£280,000 will be sufHcient to put the canal in a state of perfection, equal to any that can be attained by a similar work, there must always be a large item of expenditure in the shape of repairs — towing paths, swing-bridges, gates, and uredging, to wit. " TTp to the present period, the receipts of all kinds have average\gli tlieir canal, when constructed, rather than oui-.s. We might count on the jirst threi^ or four weeks of S')ring. and no more. But the heaviest shipiuents of goods upward.s, is in the Autumn. "I can see no reason, therefore, An- assuming that wo are going, for any lengch, or even for a short ti'ue, to enjoy tlu? hfiiefit of the incivased trade which may ultimately l)e carcieid on l)etween the two lakes. In the mean time, it is certain, that if we com]>lete tlio canal, wo shall sin;: not £1 4, ()()(), as 1 said in mv report, l»nt £in, ()(»() at least, per annum, toj;ether with the interest on nil the money already expemled. P'or what period we muHt sustain such loss, it i.s, ofcour.se, impossible to foresee ; I think, pro- bably, aboit sev(>n years, when the canal may. if comphited, begin to pay its expenses, and some |)ortion of the interest on the Provincial loans. These are not very flattering prosi)ect3, 'tis true, but I do not wi."?!! to induce any bidief in others, in whieh 1 do not myself participate. If the Province can allord to go on with this work with such littlti hop(; of advantage there- from, in a pecuniary jioint of view, I should be the last person in it to say or do aught whiidi could have the effect of deterring our financial rulers ; because I believe that, until we become a ))ortion of the Republic (which I hope not to see) this line of water communication i.s essential to the defence of our Niagara fi-ontier. I have no intention of refusing my services, so long as th"y may bo rcipiinvl, in carryiui,' out the views of the Legi.slatiu-e, nor am I ini!linment of the work. The most superficial ob.server will at onco perceive the erroneous data in which tho.se ccuiclusions have bet^n formed. 1st. — The annual ex- penditure of a work which was not finished, is assumed at £21,03!). When after the completion, repairs will not cost much ovor the interest on the principal of the same jtei'iod last year. 2nd. — The average; amount of tolls ifec, is assunvcil at £l,i)'J'J. 0. 0. for five years )>ast. This data suji])oses the work must reced(! f »r uve years to coma. T think in 1832 the tolls were not over £300. I have no doubt, if the work goes on, that in fire years from thi.s time, the toll will be £r)0,000, in jjlace of £4,U'J9. 6. (). The aban- doniinmt would bo as justifiable on public grounds, as Huicide in a ])rivate individual, is the opinion of W, JI. MKKRITT.' M 183 4 "St. Cathauinks, Maivii IS, l.H3>S. ' To Dll. J. PuKNOEnCAST. ''Mv l),:\n Siu : J{aviii:i; returnod from tlio L'^gislaturo :ib.):it .i \\\h>Ic since, I wil' give you a Ijiicfsiu'voy of our [)roociHliu;j;s. My last Icttt-r was (lireeued from IViflalo, ainl as an attack was tlun, ami sometimt^ aftoiwanl. daily expi'ctHil on Navy Tslanil, F did not j^'o to Toi'onto until t!:t' l.")tli oi' January. I was then apiMjinted (,'hairman of tlu.' Finanuti Ctimmilttt'e. and was closely oui^ai^od diiriu;^ the wintjr. Some useful nuMsurcs \vci • pass- ed, and a numhci- of resolutions on the union of the Provinr^'s, wliich I drew up, and a m.ijority of the it )us^^ was for sendin.; m;^ as a ( "ninuiission- erto '"ai^jland, but I declined. We want but one Legislature in thes.j Pro- vinces, and I ti'ust that obji'Ct will bo effected. " \V(! have no apprehension of a war with the Uuiteil States, and the rabble who have given us s> much troubh' has been gener.illy disjterseil. Great ehani(es will uinjuoUidiably take place here, and I trust for our bi-n- efit. I intend applying myself to milling. Will have six I'un of stone vcadv this week. "W. If. M.' " T have lost a vessel, containing 4,000 bushf-ls of wheat, five niih^s from the (traiid lliver. The men came oil", and when the wind changt'd, sho drifted out int I the la'v". This wheat at a value of lis per bushel, would liavt^ amouiit''d to over j$<),0ltO." Tlieell'oct of our reljelliou in Kngland, was t'; ' iiringing in liy L >i-d fins- sell, and the passage of a bill through thelnipeii.d Parliament, ! > a.iiiul the con.stitution of Lower Canada for six yeai's, and appointing (Hlth i>f,lauu- ary,) Karl Durham ( Jovernor < ieneral and High ConimissiomM'. Wi' have given biog)';t|jhii'S of ( iovt'rnoi's of long residence in the coun- try, but this one, whoso residence on the soil of Upper Canada was but a few days, had the greatest inHuence, perhaps, of any who ever visited u;-. Of gi-eat connection being the son-in-law of Earl (!ray, he had attained a high station of influence, but unfortunately for his usefulness in this monarch- ical colony, his pnlities were low. Lord Durham had been an ultra reformer, from the time he took his seat in the House of (Vnnmons, in the 22ud year of his age, as Mr. liambton. He is now iii his IGth year. The Tini'S roui irks, "If his L>rdshiii giv.vs satisfa.!ti.)n, he must plfa-^" Joseph Hume and Mr. Crote, "Com multis alias "' of that description, as well as Lord Melbouiiie and John Ivussell, who are (iepemU'nt on Josejth and (!rot(i, for their existence as ministers." Tt was rather an unfortunate state of affairs that great ])olitical changes will be nuide through this influence, but the colonist of native origin has the satisfaction of kn cvin^', if there be any satisfa.-tiou iii the fact, that be they whig or tory, it is all the same to him. 28th May. — Lord Durham arrived at Quebec, and issued his proclama- tion, calling on the co-operation of the lionest and conscientious reformers, for amelioration of defective iuititutions, and says : — * 184 "They will receive from mo that assistauco and oncourageniPiit that their patriotiKni has a right to conimaiid." Ill answer to this, Mr. jNIerritt. considering tliat his attention to the iiifasun.'S for thu sotthunciit i)f the country was tho most iinjiortant sr.hjt'ct tu whicli ho couhi at present devotti his time, visited the ( Joveruor at Quel'cc, and left with him the resnlts uf his experience in a memorial, a copy of which is before us. This correspondence waa renewed later in the season, and as it throws liglit on the circumstancs of Mr. Merritt's having adopted l^ord I^urham's report, we see that much accords with, if it is not incorpo- rated in lli.i Iiordshi|>'s Jieport, whicli was puMislied in f^ondou the ensuing January. We give an extract of tlie first one. " Albion Hotel, Quehec, May oO, 1838. " CiiAS. Eri.LKii, Secretary. ' > ^ > "Sir : — Chance having brought me to this j)laco on the arrival of His Excellency, tho Earl of Durham, Gov. Gen., and having read with great satisfaction his proclamation of yesterday, I availed myself of the invitation therein contained, and felt it my duty to call the attention of His Excellen- cy to one subject — and one only — which embraces the vital interest and fu- ture welfare of these provinces, viz : The union of T^^pper and Lower Canada. '•The State of New York is governed by one united Legislature, with a population of two millions of people, and lays siile by side with the Pro- vinces of Tpper j'.nd Lower Canada, which have three-quarters of a million inhabitants, and is governed by two distinct Legislatures. It atlbrds a most striking illustration of the practical etiects of the two systems. " A niiiti'd Lnji.^ldtun' has completed the most gigantic improv(>ments uniting Lakes Erie and Chaniplain, both being tributaries of the St. Law- lence, with tlie Hudson, and diverted the greater part of the trade of the Western country from its natural channel, and the seajiorts of ^lontreal and (.Quebec, to New York. While a dirii/cd Lnji.-^Uttiire possessing every natural ad> antage, with the most magnlficient water communication in tho world, has not, up to the present moment, finished any one imi»rovemeut. " Tliose general assertions, the truth of which can be prov(>d to a demon- stration, is quite suthcient to elicit impiiry, %vhich is the only object in presenting th(>m. The only efl'ectual remedy is a union, all other measures ai-e of .>-ei'ondary consideration. Establish one common interest and our exertion will 1m) directed to one conunon object. Upper Canadians, Lower Canadians, English, Irish, and foreigners, will unite in improving our situ- ation, and making a pro.s[)erous country of Canada, it will allay all jiarty feeling and restore a proper spirit. Lower Canadians may at first oiipose the mciisure. The citizens of New York opposed the commencement of the Erie Canal, but when they perceived their inteiest promoted by the measure, they i-eadily came into the spirit of it, and so with the Canadians. " By adopting this measure, His Plxcellency may truly say, he has laid the fouiulation of a sy.stem of governnunt which will determine, whethei' the arii\al of your Excellency on our shores is to promote our future jiiospeiity foralltimeto come, or confirm our remaining many years in the same state of apathy in which you will find us. "His ExcKLLiCNcv, LoRi) Dlhham. " I have th.e honor to be " Most respectfully, your Exctdleney'.s obed't, " W. HAMILTON MEEKITT, M. P. P." 185 The political and finaDciul troubles had put a stop to the work on the new Kpiticopal Church. The conirrogatinn had been forced to occupy the Academy since the destruction of the old one. This Spring a irrcat deal of correspon Jcuee between "Old Hundred" aid " Amicus, " a friend to the completion of the ('liurch and "Flagranj" r(.suli"d in an action at the Kahttr Uieeting, tliat pro- duced tiie UiUch needed improviincut. The sea.son of navigation liaviiig oix-ned, he visited Clevcdiind, on hi.s own private business. Whilst in the .States, he tocdi every o])poitunity of giving information in refen^nce to the canal. On bis return, be went to (.Quebec and met tlio new Governor-General, tlie Earl of Durbam. On returning from Quebec, ho again started for C'levoland. On resting at Cbijipawa, lie was informed by his obi friend (\)\. C'nmmings, that a r«- jiort had arrived of a numlx-r of mini having crossed the river, and were secreted in tbo woods; and the following deposition wa.s made : '• XlAOAHA DiSTKKT. | TO WIT. / "Tliomas Darling, of Grantham, appeared befon> me, W. Hamilton Mer- ritt, one of Her Majesty's .Justices of tlm Peace in and for the afore.said Dis- trict, and dei)OseH, that on Saturday evening, the Kith of June, he heard John l^urger, of Pelbam say that 10(10 men had crttssed tberivei-, undoubt- edly they were radicals, and wcie soiiiewbci'e eonoealed, pl.-ue not described. Also heard Jacob Kussell say on Sunday the 17th inst., that be bad infur- luation irum some person fi-om tlie United States, (name unknown) that a luunber were secr»!ted in the Short Hills, and ilejionent i(elieves tl>ei'e are men secreted in that neighborhood ; but in (jrder to more clearly ascri'tain tiu' fact, will go and obtain furtboi- infoi-mation, and either bring the parties ailbrding the same before me oi- .s(nne otJjer of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace, on this day Monday, or give such information as he may have obtain- ed ami the facts u'ore clearly asc<'rtaiiied. ".Monday morning, 1(» o'clock, lOtb June, l!^3H. W. H. MEKlllTT, J. P." As already nurnerou.s similar stories, to the injury tf trade, had been circidated, lie disbelieved it, but ottered bis seivices to fuitber iiivfsrigate the matter. The offer not being encouraged, he ]>roceeded on bis way to Clevcdand. F'ortunatelj, it iras .w, as the ruir.otir. in a few days^ was found to be true. A body of men being in possession of the " Sboit Hills," in a strong j)()sition. However, a detachment of " Lancers " were sent from the Falls, and were attacketl l)y this party on tb(^ ns Jiniug of the I'./'th of June. On the news reacliing St. Catharines, the " Lancers " weio re-inforcrd by tlu; Sedentary Troop of Cavali-y, who, together, succeeded in routing the invaders from their ramp, and making a mimlier of prisoners. The wounded were recovered, and taken to the Fulls. A general scouring of the section then took place, when nearly all the disatfecteil found in arms were arrested, and taken to Niagara Moreau, tlie lender of the party, was hung. 1 so Mr. Killiily liMil lict 11 n)>|»<)iii<(>il resilient (Mi^^iiH'cr, ir»tli May. AHsislcd \>y Mr. HohiiKsoii .tiiil d'corj^c ('oM-ndv, lu' iiiM|) of the ( !<« (>;iniieiit huyiii;,' oiil llie ('nin|miiy. lie re|i()rlc<| o;i it l(>(h Nitveiiilier. Aller (he umikI iiimiiiii eleclion of (iireedirs of (lie (Jraiiil Hivj'r Nnviufilinn ('oinp.'inv, Mr. Merritt hiul heeii ii|i|ioiii(e(| |ii(".i , !)ii Ix'half iif (heoonipiiiy, iihout the miiiie time. <<'e(). l'r(>sfi)(( WHS appointed Hecretiiry of the r.'m;il, Ist Noveiiiher, and Me now .sei> iiis naiiu* to (hensnal ii Ivin'tisements (or (he ekM-lion of the stock holders. Il( niitintKvl in the (Mii|doyin(>nt of thi> ({overnnieni, on the cudiI. us seerotary and payinastiM-. (ill hi.s deiHvi.si-, twelve years aftiMwards. <*ne iinndred and (liirty ves,'-i(ds pas.sed (hroni,di the <'ana.l in on(> nionlli. In .Inly. \'].\r\ |)iii'hain ariivi>d in (his section, and visited the Falls, wh(>i(> a series of i,'rand reviews, fetes. A-c.. w hold. Me ri'in.iiiied t'oii!- days, dniinj; which was ladd a sham ii;,'ht hetvvi'cii the .'Uth llii,'!d,tndeis and tlu> olhei- corps on this frontier, in their National oostnnie; all which, added to (ho natiiral attractions, cansed an nnnsnal xi\\]\ onn;j;of Tnited States visitors. Lord Dariiain returned liy the river and lake. In tlaj fall dispatches :irnv»>d di.sannnllint; some of his Lordship's acts, cansint; him to resign. (K'tolit'i- 1 I til. The people of St. Catharines presented an luldress to l.v>rd l>nrhani on hisr(>iurn to Kn!;land. iMr. Merritt took occassion of stMidiuLj liy tV'lonel (Mark, the special agent appointed (o carry it. 'riie followiiii.'^ io Karl l>',irhani, from our suhjcct. shows (hat a seii'^e of tlit> iniptntiince iMimected with the mission of His Lordsliip. not the en- cvmragement pcrson.-illy received, induced a renewal of t ho correspondence. 7^1 t/it /iKf'it llo,ioin\ihl<\ JoJiu (iiorijr, K.i"/ nf Jhir/idni, (I'ltr'niorC'iitnil oj British Sorth Aiiwriai, ^(^^'., i(c., lOc. •• ^"^h I,oRn:~ St. Catiiauinks, Oct. 5. " It was not my intention to have addressed you on the future <{ov(>rn- nient «>f these colonies, fnnn a conviction that (he plan recommended hy the ojiposition, to the pr*'seut ministry in Kiij,'land. and which .ippears to lu; ad- hered to by your K.vcelleucy, does not alTord the best uunuis of obtaining the in(\>rmati(Mi you dt>sire. " The clause propo.sed by Lord John Russell, composing a council to he selected from the body of the people, to advise on the formation of a consti- tution for thoir fut\ne hh. " It is rninoinod that (ho mnv cotiHtitntion which yonr Kxn-lhinry )ritain, the I'niled Statey, and tin* ihitish Nortli American I'rovinec^s for onr ;j;uir|e, it ean only HMpiire a tlioroU},di and c(a-re<'t knowled;^'e of the practical operation of their diderent systems, to fraiin" a ci.nst itutioii wliicli will place those I'ro- \incesinthe situation which your Kxeellericy has promised. " We find, after tliP experience of centuries, Kiii,dand, Scotland, [i-e!and. and their d(^pend«ncies, with nearly thirty millions of jioople, eoiiipj-isin;( tlilVerent races- with a diversity of creed, and ap|ian)"tly separate interests, concentrated and comliined for the mutual mid ;.,'einual interest of all, in iiiiii viiiti'ii IjfijislHtiiri'.. 'J'he uid)ouni\rlM oCtliMl <'\lot\nivo utiinn, ami ulllioii^li tliriiKi-tu'rnl pri)M|inity is ji'linilli'il, lli«« ri'siilt ol" )1h> cvpi'ii'iiciit, iifd"!' ii (Iimihk |Mi|iiiIii(iim, invumoH tMinMi'-licil. is liy iii> iiiouhh certain. \V«> liiiil in UiiliMli Nmtli Aiiicricn. K('|inr;i(<' l<'iil. t>acli one liavii>^ a ilircit niiiiiiiiinii-atii'ti Milli a liraiwli of (lir irnTi'iinnoiil in |i'iis.;liniil. at tlic licail nf wliii'li lui iinli xuliial is (V'liii tiino In (itac a|i|ioiii(i«il, ralltMi a i'd/onin/ Sim turij, wlio, in fai'f. is (lt(» jjfitvoinnii'ul hCimhIi dl" ihimo ProriiiccH, us all iiinlnii'tionH In miii (ioviMUitiH (wliiili an» ooiisiddird law) (>iiiunat(< rniiii liini. " Tlic t'onsrihition was dcsitjncil (o assininlalo as near as |ira('(icalili> to t'lttt <'t(li(' nnilln'i(' weij^lil,. " A( (Ih' |«Mind wlii'n il was (Irsi I'aiiicd into o|HTaliiii\, (1m< I'roviiiro was iliinlv s(>ttli' mW |irr.s(iMs |tiisst'ssint^ s\ilhi'n>nl inii'iii Hi ileili ^('Uv'o rosidi'd in ToiiMilo, and (lie most. Huitahlo |u>rH(Mis wcn< (Ihmi to r.in\iti>s»> lli(' f'xc.Mitnc and l(\!,'islalivi« cnnncils iVnni llial (own. »mc<' hai >i'niid, vi'i'v srrrat clianiri's liavo (akt>n iiImi'c in (lio sitnatinn o\ th- r itiviiu'(>. anil many ''cndcniiMi ol intcilfrcncc and vvci.idil it'snn" m t '.u> dilVcriMit dislrii'Is. «lio jmsscss tlicii- ilnc Iti.-al wcitjlit, in llii'ir localities " l'iu> nsilile c\ecnli\e y;overiiinent !ias nf lad' lieeu fally disonsscil. and llie administration of Sir |''iancis Hoinl Head. altliou',rIi it sncoi>cde oiariii'; fliev wcii> not rcsjumsiidc* to the people, and coiild not l»e made \<< i." so in a Colonial Covornmcnt, " Auil as it' to prove inconteslaMv lotliis i'rovinee, lliat tli<>y conld ex »MMSI' tl-.at p lower to llie iniiiiy ot' its inlialiilanls, lli(< Mxcciil ive pivortinieiit iindcr flic same administration, c.aitraiv lo liie expressi-d opinion of the in- habitaiits. fi-o;u all ipiarlers. and ontiarv to the exiirossed opinion of tlicir veprcs(Mita'l\ cs in tlie llonse of Assend'ly, ]a>rsisled in cariyiiii; into eH'ct a measure, with' regard to .iprrif ti.ii/iih'iifs, wliii'li almost aiiiii Idlati \hi trad e, commerce llld credit ot till' coniitrv. •' Tiiis pr.actieal test ereatid tlie most ijeneial discontent, and had the otVect of producing more ad\ oc.vtes a .jaiiist the Colonial piiwers, than all th;> aixiiniiNits e\er hefore a eetilidcncc of the cotintry. Thire ;ire luiiile pxce)>tioll^, hut 1 spcnk oi' them as one hrimeli of iI.l' C^vcnuhent. Mjiny hehl i>t1ices, Miid apjicnr to possess a separate and distiiut interest from the hody ot' the peejile. llcau'c, the Ciovenior, the Kxiaitivc I'oiincil, and the l.ejrislatiTe (\)uiu'il are ooiisiilercd as one branch, in contra d'.stiiiotion to thp Hcmicc of Ci>iiini inlialiilaiil'4 of this I'loviurr, |inividi'<| ii |irrpiiui|i'raui;y all pai'lifH, and I'Vfn l,liii< (•liaii;.^' alone wonhl l.f- nnt- isfartory t<» the inhalutanlH of I'ppi r Canada. "On llio piiii'lical opi'iation or llnul n:Hnlt of this rpicKtion, will t!if liihiri'lanio ol" yoiir I'lxi'i'lli'iii'y i'<'Ht. 'I'o insnro it Ixiyond the poHHiiiility of il'ir.iil or cavil, llic fiilowin;; sinipli' nii'llii! i is most ri'Sp«!('tfnlly nuliniitlfcj. " In caso y<»ui' i'lM'idh'ni'y roiiMiil'TH fnithrr dolay ininc('i'f;Haiv', a/id in- trndH rcfuiniiicndiii;,' iiroiisliliition at onri', for Iho appidv.il of tin; Iniporial I'arlia.nicnt, di'ridi' on ono lii'/^'inlaturo for- ihi^ whoh', and a repiial of our local li"4i';hilnri's, and ndii'vc uh from the iinncccs.saiy expense of niaintain- iiif^ useless and powerlcus ( {oveininiMits ; (thoeivil list of thi.s I'l'ovince uloii", cxceediii},' £.5(1,000 per aiiiiiini.) " \i>\\v I'Acellciicy will lie asHured tlif? inlialiitantn are firmly attaehed tot!iM i'lritisli cons! it ut ion, as now eHtalilished, and desire no elian;,'f'. Tli'; unliiased opinion of the |)eop|e can lie ascf-rtained oidy hy those wIk) u.sho- (■i!ili' willi them, to whom they freidy communicate: and if I am to takri iho opinion of those with whom I havc! conversed, in two or three dist.riets, 1 do not 111 lieve that there is one out of one hundred satisfied with thr; pre.s- ciit (lovernment of this Province, an now ay con- centrating the powor in one liC^^islature, without which it will he in vain to make further exptn'imonts in the land-;^rantin^' ihipaitmcnt, to encoiira;(<) extensive emigration. Tho attempt has heen mad(! a^^aiii and a;,'ain I Homo thirty thousand souls came out for two or three years in .succession, tliifM*- fourlhs of which, at least, and many think nine-tonths, found their way to the l'nited States. And whatever ommigrat ion may hereafter he made, we will continue to he only a mere thoroughfare to that country." l!)0 Afffr piTln^MM r^xi'ollom'v hii ni'i'«niiU of flip »'«»inini>n«liil nu;Mn»»vii(K M»n)i hI' IImiij^m |iii'nfiil, wlioM «'i<\>tn»Ht«'tl «i(li (li«« |ui>m>iil Mitunliiiii ol l'|i|ini itml l<li(' xmmK in iiIm>>iuu'i<. |iiili|h- • i cilil niiiiiliil.tlcil, jin>|>i'rtv vi»lu«l(>sM, 1(11(1 iim only ImpK iff^l m..; on tli«i cnutMiipliiloil cliiiii^n III o»ir p«i>MOi\t hvhUiu. " '|'li<» oiuiso wlii>'l\ l\!>n oNtt'iiNiMv |iro(Iii.'»>(l lliin i'oh(immI '\h (|iim In |||,' \\\\ i>.ion ol" I'own iu om I .I'lMMliihin'M nl I |i|n-i miil I.owim ( 'mimlu. " I liior lilt' lioiKMii lo l>i<. niy I. (till, " N o\ir iuohI oIumIkmiI Ncrxniil, •WILLIAM IIAMII.ION MKinillT "St v'lUlumiH"., lht ol' NinjvMiu, " I poi 1 « 'iinoiiii. " Tliis WrtN N\toornlf»l l»v oilui eoinmmiu'iilionN. j-lviiij; Mm Kx»'«hN of liiN long I'vi-^incs^ iiihl I I'lviMlaliM" cvjicriiMicc. wliii-li Iiiim< nlrnidv Ixvnslimxn (o soiuo rvU'iit \\\ ('His woiK. hikI will lio fnr(ln-r oxlultilcil tlwrins; (1\<' swlininistrulions llinl wfic Mppoiii!.>>I t.i.'uriv owl l.onl I )iiiliiinrs Moliov. Wo 0!U\not lm( rr.^^Mnnon.l Sn l^'inuris lli'iiil's iiiuiii(i\i> in iiiinwrr with tUo iv|>orl. ;» < liioN liodi lonn ini|nirl;inl iloiiiiiK'nlN in our ("iiiuiilinn liistvM'v. ;\n>l ;uv l>.>l!i tolx' l"> in.l in tin' I .oi',iNlnli\ t< |(roct>o(lin_i;N nf IH.'lK. Siv .John ('oll'ovnr onloicil into tl\e inlininisluilioii of llic < oivcriiiiioiil. A j>uvlann.*( unmosly Ikmii-^ issnod on lli«» 'J?inl of Octnhor, \\y Sir <;oovg«» Aitlniv. was sn.-crrilo.l liy s\ <',ill of (li(> niilitin, 1 .oiil l^nrhinn'K oonciliiUoiv s|v>i>,lii»« |i:i (ooihl n /tt/iii!i/ii' /inf, n( ii soir ilist;\iu^ on tlu« othor si«lo of tl\r liTor, NovtMulvr ITtli. An atlnok on Tirsootl. follownl hj one iit Windsor. \(\\l\ Nonio iloswitovv Inirnings ulouj; iIk> frniiti«»r, woroull llu' llo^tilo or niili- t«vv ilomonstn^tions »»»vomplisli»vl. 'I'luMivuMos thrttworo rvl in tlio tiill, iiiv (lins notii'cd l>y onr siili- itvt in i« lottor to Pi- rivn«lt»ruast ; "St. ('.•.tuauinks. Not. IStli. IS.'^S. • My Pkak K.VVHKK :- ♦ * * >f; Yon will havo li«'artl, lirforo this »v,"*ohos you. Trtvious aivoinit.'j of tlu» rtMiow.il of lioNlilitios, hotli in l^pprr and l.owor <.\»iirtda. 'V\u truth is, tln> oountry is in u bad stato. inasinnoli a.s all business is iu a iiiannor suspiMidod, and I foar it may nMnain so for a year ov t*o. but T\o pei"sou nrod boundiM'rtny a|>j>roli«»iision .hr to the r»'siilt. 'I'lit^ outlnvak in l.owor I'auada is ■witliout ooiiorrt, nioiioy, luatorial or mou. In Upjvr O.-iiiada an att^iok lias boon uiadeat .lobnstown. bolow Prrsoott, by two or th'.V6 hunditsl nion, who havr boon all killod or tnkrn. and wo have no ro«s\Mi to npprohoiui uny danjjor from th« attaok« of any hrijjands of this doscviptiou : my only fo.ir is thoy will ombioil tlio nations in a war, if so. it will bo a givat evil, and the pros{>ority of both countrios will bo not only greatly imj>eiii>|i> \,,i\ i'mm (lie hi. 1.11(11(0 mIiiii.', t.lmt iiiiiiH'ruiiM mi-i-liiiKM iii»< lii>M, imhI h |iii|/(. f,„,•,^ coiiimi/ tVniii ^1il■lli^llll Id liKwiHttiii, lull I (III iiul. Iiclidvft il,. " Hclii'Vii iiii«, iiHi'dinniilcIv v<'iii'< " vy. n \Mii;ioN MKii'idrr- I »««ii'iiiIpM /XllilMii el' lli« iImv, nlif'ililijr lliii (|r|i|PMwif.li rif ) |,«. |,i|,„,^ WMti "liuwii ill III" ilnni'HNff of l.lit |iii|iiilnliiiti i,f lliiriiillon, |||i.|, iiiii,il,f„i|,j, .\,'.\\'?. TJ.ti tlrnciiMr, ^ 'I'liK milling liiiMiiimm, in whirl r iiiilii(.c|, wuh liii^jfly iiil,iiini '••'III., nllli'pii;;li Miirmiliiy. I,li.' I'l «••;) |,.||i' .,| 1 1,.. |;,„,i,| |,„,|_ III liiH liinl ro|M»il. I'lir llm ynn- |H:I7, mUi'inl 11..' iiiii>|iiniiii nl ..r i|i,. r.„ini| liy I, ho ( J.ivoriimcnl., mm In* , ;ilii| ml v ii>'iil,ili;^' |,|.(« ".M|i('ii(||»it,v ol' fiii; n.iilo. When III. luiiii" II'", an Im-I'dih, nM'ilcii liiiii'.i-ir with l!i.' (iiiiJioi itic^ ill powrr, II) liiivn us iniirli lciii''iiiiH, fui pui Licijciljon in tho iiivaMloiiM; mill wo liiivn ifiistdii lo lirliiivo l.liaf, liiKrlliiilH in this «liic«!ti*jii was nol. wliiilly iiii!ui.'c('srniiiMliin»Mil.. Sdium caw-M nf hiui ishiiiont, (if Liiwor ( "lUiniliiiiiH U> l?Miiiiiihi., iinL with tln^ cit'>t.iiiy in liondon ; ami liiii«l Dm IiamconKidMin;,' hiw jiiiiHrrni(!il with, inHi^^mMJ, luid n-tiinmriciiii l»niiiiliirv, Mini wliirli tlicv tli iiiiiko, was not cvi'iywlinn ic'crivt il in tln» spirit wliicli tlic iictdiil crisis (lid most iMTliiiiily ii'i|uiii>. Tlu' injiirv llmwilonc w. s iiiuiiiCtKl, mill lu\(l il not lii'cii for tln< iiii rv'ftii' foiirsc imumii'iI liy tin* ' lovciimirnt, ti»it{lit Imvo lici'K irrcimralili'. I tlH'rclor do nut. tliiiik yon cuiild liiivf unv ^'roiiiid oi" i"( iii|ilainl , or of otl'ciifc, if in iiddiCNsiiiL; you as a ■.'•'iillcinuii nl' a|>|>ro\('d loyalty and zeal, I poiiitt'd out llic evil conMMHirnci ,s ol' laisinj; donltts ill tlio pulilic mind rrs|icctiii;,' iIh- iicrcssity of tin* foinsc a(ln|pt((l iiv tlu> (!o\('niiinMil. I''t'\v now rcniain in tin- ronntry wjio do not admit lliai tlii» iiitrllit; olitaincd liy tin' < Jovcrnincnt i'('s|H<('lin!^' tlic plots oC tlic A iin' rican liri;,'aiids ami Canadian I'oriim'i'H, was Niii^jiilai ly corn'i't. and irrcivi'd at so «"arly ii |ii'riod as to cnaldf His l'l\i«llcncy to tinstiatc llic plans i;sw(>i,'(). Tliosi" two gentlemen proiialdy liold a plaic anioiii,' the more rt'sp(>ctal>Ie ot .\merieaii eili/i'iis, mid inordinary times and rir- eumstanees, 1 should not hesitate with yut the teiiour ot' his letter shews that ho is not uurriendly to tlieii' |>rojects. •' All n-llectinu men will, like yourself, eoncui- with His lOxcelleucy in (leprociitiui: a war, although all may not he eipially sauLruine in tlu-ir hopes that the existini; violent spirit within the American lines may ever lie siih- ilned without a national collision. "His Kxcelleucv desires nu> to say. that he considers the views you have exiucssed respcctiiii; the draftiii'j; of militia men for actual .ser\ ice, de- serve great nttentiim. You can have no idea of the troulde which has hcen occasioned to Sir (Icor^e Artluir liy the lUH'cssity of a sudden call iipcn t\u' militia, t'or tV.e prott>ction of the Province, and tlie dilticulty of wieldiin,' a force hitherto so much overlooked as respects organization and discipline. " 1 am now to ii'tuni you the two letters you Mere so i;nod a.s lo send for ]icrus,il ; altliouiili you intimate that these are the last you will thus ti'aiis- mit, you will doubtless continue to conimunii-ate any that you may considei' useful to the CJovernment. " 1 lun, " AIv dear sir, *' Your's very truly, " J. MACAULAY." To show that this caution Avas not witliout its evils, tlirough the reports of the Governor's agents, the high rewards given to informers, caused a great many among the oldest and most respectable families to be viewed with suspicion. Amorg tliese were Col. Nellis and our subject. The year closed with the prospect of anything but a speedy settling down ( 1 D.'J to |)iNirnfiil piirNiiits. 'I'lir iiiilitiii wnv. Hiill iiinlcr (iniiH. Tli«» |if()|(lM wf>r« <»('ttiiiji UMoil to tlif iiiilitiiiv |>it»|VMMii)ii, mill (In- ;4l(uiiiiiH tniilitiini of tlmir iincKHtoiH prowoHH iM tin* last war' mailc tin-in, cMiicciiilly the youii^, not avofHo to tlia|M'rH on Itotli h'u\vh inltli'd tu tln> lluiin*, hy oxa^j^cratcd icportH of hordcr ontiuf^nH. To hhow thn injiii-y tloin- tin- I'loviini' l>y ilivtirtinx tin* fur tnnlc tliroiij{li irinlHon'H I'.ay tin* last <|iiiii't('r of a (^t-iitiiiy, tln-ir valin- wan tliirt y»iar L'-';"»(>,(H»(), nil that \v< till 2 o'clock, and took their cannon out to the street, and tired it twice, it was heard at tin* fiirtla!!' (siid of the villa;,'e. Most p(*|-.sons knew what it in(*ant, thouLjh sonio were frij.,ditened. Mrs. R — told ine tliatshe thought it was a signal that tin* rebels had conn*. "II. got lK)nio from hi.s tour to Kraiitfoi'd and Haldimaiid on Wediios- day evening. l\o says times through the country appear gloomy and di.s- couraging. Sonn* of the farm(;i's .say they don't intend to do mudi ; if the fences fall down they Avill put them up, Imt will not split a rail to make new ones. There is no emigration into the country, ami still .some going out. H. says the country is luinisd foi- years to come. We don't see it in tliis (puvrter or any where on the lines, for in truth it's jtretty well Hlleil up with troo))S, but in the hack townsliips, from Oxford to ^lahlen, and on tlie Hi vor 8t. Lawrence. Some talk pretty strong of war with the United States. H. is often drawing comparisons of the ditl'erence of prosperity and improvement of the two countries. "Governor Arthur hasjust gone to Maiden to see the state of the country. H, says he hope.s the roads will all break up, so he may ju.st.see what roads we have. 194 On hiH rotuin from hiH military iiiNpoction, extending uh fur us Miild«'n> Sir (Jeorgo Arthur i»iihh('<1 Ht. ("athnriiiOH on thn 22inl to tlio Niagara frontier, ri'turuiii;^ tilt! L'.'Jnl. Shortly after, ^fr. ISIoiritt addressed a series of lettois at the (tovernor's re(|nest, to him, on tho finaneial all'airs of tlie Province. They an^ similar Ut those aray it please your Kxeellency, with a hope yotir Excellency may hav«' an oppoitunity of ilevotirij,' a small portion of your time to the civil alhiirs of the Province, which yo\ir callinj^ of the Legislatiire Hcems to indi cato, and in compliance with yonr personal rc eacli iwt. for o ill, sub- House on its reconsideration. Neither ^Mr. Merritt, Robertson, oi- Sir Allan luul the opportunity of representing the wishes of their country to the British people, before the Imperial Parliament. Tlie following correspondence iind article from the St. Catharines JimraaJ, will tend to explain the circum- stances of this change, not altogetlier indicative of the very consistent views of some of the members of the House. " Mr. Merritt, as ho himself asserts, was nover a party mm, yet we ourselves, were under the impression that prior, and at the cointnencment of Ills Legislative course, he was sonifiwhat too strongly tinctured with principles at variance with tlie peace, prospf^rity and good government of this colony, — we mean Toryism ^although we were, and still arc unable to name a solitary public or private act, that could justify such a suspicion- It miist have arisen from his conn;jtion wltli, and sup,)Oit of, the Episcopal Church in this place. Wo have watched his })rocyedings in the r^ygislature, and have ever found him the constant advocate of measures which he himself considered of beneticial inijiortance to the Government, and the unilinching and independent suppressor of all svich as ha I a con- trary tendency. " Happily for the peace of the Government, Loid Durham's mission to Canada has formed a rallying point, around which are assembled those who embraced the interests embodied in the Repoit, anil i-esulutely deter- mined to enforce its adoption, and by having a responsible government, with constitutional ]»rinciples relieve the Province from impending ruin. " Nothing more conclusively shows the narrow, envi-jus and spiteful character of the Hagerman cUque, than their sjjiteful cond i ■\. \\\ relation t> .sending a commis.sion to England. It is well known that Mr. Merritt and the S{)eaker were appointed by the House to this important mission, to which the Legislative Council refu.sed to assent ; but, by way of amendment to the Assembly's bill, they sti-uck out the name of ^Ir. Merritt, and on their j>art added the name of Mr. Robertson, now in P^nglaud, and return t he bill to the House for their adoption, who on this occasion very justly as.seited their dignity, ;; for the insult offered them, in the person of ^Ir. Merritt' literally kickec t the I'ill altogether. " Such has ueen, and such will be, the thanks which every one may expect who pursues such an independent course.'' Mrs. Meri'itt notices wliy the Commissionei"s were not sent : " H — came over on the 20th of April for a short timr^, and gave as a reason for not sending commissioners, that tlie Ctovernment for the colonies were to be settled in the British Parliament about Easter, and they coulil not arrive in time to be of any use." His son William in the same epistle, refers it moie directly to the report. " Since the arrival of Lord Durham's report Pa will not go to England, as th-at corresi)onds .so much with their views and wishes." "Government House, Toronto, 4th May, 18.39. " Mv Dear Sir: — With reference to a re.">;it c )nv(u'sation at the Private Secretary's office, between a member of the House of Assembly and a gentleman provisionally in the service of the Governiuent, which has, unfortunately, become a matter of notoriety, and in wlticii \oui- name was 198 particularly introduced. I assure you that I have not heard of it without a degree of regret, which has l)een considerably lightened l)y a consideration of the place where it haiipened to occur. " I have the honor to he, my dear sir, " Yours very faithfully, To W.M. H. Mehhitt, E.sq. . " GEO. W. ARTHUR." " Rowsell's, Monday morning, Toronto, May Gth, 1839. " Mv Dear Sir : — I have boon informed that a remark I made in the course of private conver-sation, with reference to your having been sent as an agent to England, has been brought forwai'd, with much aggravation and in a most unaccountable manner, within the walls of the House of Assembly. I therefore deem it due to myself to let you really know what I did .say ; and, when I have briefly done so, I think you will agiee with me in saying that the freedom of sjteech, in a British Legislature, was never more arbitrarily and unjustly exercised than when it was used, on the occasion to which I allude, for the purpose of blasting my prospects in j>ublic life. " While talking one day, at the Government Office, with Colonel Chis- holm, the member for Halton, I believe I remarked to him — (I say believe, because I have no distinct recollection of .so trifling and casual a matter) that you were not a fit person to represent the British inhabitants of Upper Canada, in any mission to England, because you were so American and Democratic in your opinions. These might not have been the preci.se words, but such, I am sure, must have lieen their exact tendency, for such is the opinion I have ever entertained of you in your political character. "After the pei-soual kindness I have experienced at your hands, I deeply regret that any fair renuxnd of mine — which obviously was never meant to be repeated to you, and which, according to the rules of society, never ought to have been conveyed to you— should have been magnified into .such a grave and ridiculous importance, or, if such has been the ctuse, should have caused you a n\oment's annoyance. " As a public man, you will readily concede that you are public proper- ty. You have long been prominently before the public, and whenever I have joined in any conversation, of which you were the subject for the moment, I have never failed, while remarking on what I conceived to be your Democratic bias on politics, to render my humble testimony to your domestic worth, your charity, and your hou.sehold virtues, and to your 2>ractical loyalty as exhibited during the last war. "Believe me .still, my dear sir, " Yours very sincerely, '' To W. H Merritt, M. P. P. JOHN KENT." In Mr. Merritt's speech, on the last day of the session, upon the discus- sion of this (juestioUjin the Canadian House, May 11th, he say.s, in advo- cacy of the views embodied in Lord Durham's report : " The plan recommended by Lord Durham is briefiy this : " 1st. To remove the Colonial office from Downing Street, London, to this sile of Canada that the Queen doe.s to the peojilc of England. 3rd. To select for his advisers men at the head of 199 our Pioviiiciiil Dd));irtnient. 4tli. To retain their places no longer than they arid supported l)y the Legislature. " This is no Repu'ilican or elective institution. Here is no upsetting the fouuihitions of society among us ; there is no turning men out of office, from one end of tlie country to the other, iiTcspeotive of the manner in which they discharge their duties ; here is the simple application of the tried j)rinciplcs of the British Constitution in a British Province ; intelligent, j)atriotic and loyal, and worthy of all the civil rights, as they possess the intellectual and moral atti-ibutes of Britons. '* Tiio only objection, that any but a Kopublican and Democrat can argue against it is, that it would render this Province independent." He also argues that the personelk of the Ministry would be a matter of iudirterence to Britain, and it would ensure men of the first ability in the country, and would remove all distinction of origin. The Governor stands bone fide as the representative of Royalty — the sacred emblem of power, the supreme administrator of the laws, and he will be placed also above the order of the Imi)erial Minister. " 3rd. Lord Durham's remedy will remove all danger of separation, and will be an etiectual prevention against the introduction of Democratic or Republican principles among the inhabitants. Give us the full benefits of the British Constitution and we will become the admiration and envy of the United States, an 1 retain what they do not possess — a strong execu- tive gover.:ment. " But I will at all times adhere to those measures that will secure the peace, and promote the prosperity of Upper Canada." The desertion Mr. Merritt had experienced from his friends, worked upon liis feelings. There was a field of honorable distinction open, and in which he had evidently set his mind, for by being made a representative to England, right or wrong, concieved that he would be of great benefit to his country, and he had the unpleasantness to experience that while engaged iu the material improvement of the country, he got their support ; but when attempting to rai.se himself out of the party role they had placed him in, trying to advance himself and his countrymen politically, by representing them at the British Court, he felt by this act, that it was their opinion " he had better stay at liome." His first object on returning was to get clear of the entanglement of private busine.ss. He intimates this late in Juno, in one of his familiar let- ters to his fatliei*-in-law, and that he will perpetuate his views by bringing uj) one of his sons thereto. " It is my intention to get out of active busine.ss. William H. Merritt, Jr., I trust will at leasst make a .statesn)an." For this purpose, and partly to advance his political scheme, he visits the Lowei- Province. He was accomjianied by the son alluded to, whom, on reaehing Albany on their return, lie gave introductions to visit his friends at Byrom, near 200 New York. This was partly a reward for studious condvict, and a prepa- ration for the serious study of the hiw, for which he hiul passed, according to the Chancellor, the best exannnation. On his return he completed his arrangements of leasing the mills ; and the following advertisement appeared in the August number of the Jourmil: "All business in connection with the Welland Canal Mills will hereafter be conducted by J. INlittleberger & Co. Signed, W. H. Merritt." The first use he made of his leisure was to address a letter on public affairs to Mr. Nelson, member of the Executive Committee, in Lower Canada. It appears in the ilournal of the l.^th, and is prefaced by a paragraph from the Toronto Examiner: " The admirable speech delivered by Mr. Merritt in favor of Responsi- ble Government has been copied into several of the Lower Canadian jour- nals, and has been reviewed at considerable length in the Quebec Gazette.^' Mr. Nelson accuses Mr. Mei-ritt of asking the Government of Britain to give millions for improvements, and in defence of the country, to a body against whom they would have no security. Mr. Merritt controverts that by the exami)le of the two public works. " The management of the Rideau Canal is under some power of England, to wl n those in charge here are responsible. The Welland has been un- der the direction of those interested in the Province, the result, the people of Upper Canada for the one have to pay an advance of from 5^ to 100 j)er cent, from Kingston to Montreal ; while on the other, the freight from Detroit to Kingston is only what it was from Chijipawa to Queenston, in old times." With regard to the formation of a House of Lords, for which the Coun- cillor accuses Canada of having no adecpiate nuiterial, he says, " We possess " men of equal intelligence and wealth, compared to the |)opulation and " wealth of the country, and to those with whom they Iiave to come in con- " tju;t, as the people of England, compared to the population and wealth of " that kingdom, and to the individuals with whom they have to come in " contact." The Canadas take six million dollars of Britisli manuf^icturos — half of which is paid by English expenditure in this country — and closes by re- marking : "Wo require an eijual or greater concentration of power than the union of England, Scotland, Ireland have produced — like the State of New York — that we may utilize the advantages of our position." The evil of the unquiet and uncertain state of the country was .'itill going on, for, in the .Awrnrt^ of 11th July wo i-eml : — "Emigration from Upper Canada to the Western States is going on very rapidly." A corres- ])ondent in the London District writes, " that nearly half the poi)ulation of that district intend emigrating. The Toronto Examiner is of opinion that the Upper Province will lose one-fifth of its population by emigration to the Western States. 201 Public meetings were now being held in various parts of the country; some, as in Brockville, were the occasion of a riot. The following letter relates to an important meeting held in Hamilton : — " Your views res)iecfeing co'-nniittees, addresses, and union of Beformers, coincide entirely with our own ; and we are busy organizing local commit- tees. I beg you to understand I should have avoided calling together public meetings had the choice rested with me, but the Reformers are at present a straggling flock, and act without concert. I should be glad to hear tliat you have determined upon a snug meeting in Toronto of a few of the lead- ing Reformers of the Province, men of influence and character, who shouhl determine on a plan for the guidance of the districts. " E. Cartwriuht Thomas." In September, a large and influential meeting was held at Niagara, the County town, and still the most imi)Oi'tant place in the di.strict, to take into consideration the state of the country, and Lord Durham's report thereon. Mr. Merritt prepared a resolution (which he inti'oduced by a speech) "That this meeting fully concur in the union, and a government according to the model of Great Britain." Passed unanimously. This initiation of the new reform in the old borough, was carried on by circular. Similar meetings were held in other sections. Some of tlie coadjutors for the work of reconstructing their country is indicated in the following list of correspondents : — July 15. — E. Cartwright, Thomas, Hamilton. Aug. 10.— Peter Perry, Whitby. 12— Hon. D Fer- gusson, Woodhill, Nelson. 24. — A. Manahan, Montreal. G. H. Detlor, Brighton. 27th.— J. H. Boulton. 28th.— Francis Hiiicks. 23d.— Tlios. McKay. October 19. — A. D. Robling, Napanee. Richarsdon, Sandwich. G. Tiffany, Hamilton. Nov. 18.— J. W. Powell, Townsend. Nov. 5.— Attorney General Spence. August 12. — O. R. Gowan. Aug. 27th. — J. Lockhart, Niagara. Sept. 12. — Cooper, Rainham. Sept. 4th. — Dr. Jarold, Dunnville. 30. — D. ThorVtum, Queenston. Joseph Clarke, Haldimand. Mr. Merritt, just befoi-e the meeting of Parliament, delivered his views to his constituents at a public meeting of the freeholders at T, linl.am. A letter from one of them, an Orangeman, gives his views and that of his fel- lows on the great question of the day: — " I am a Briton, and consequently dissent from the .sentiment e.\j)res.sed in your speech. We want, my friends, a total change in the laws of the Pro- viTK-e. We require the choosing of our own rulers, and to get rid of for- oigii thmldom, and this shall before long be the case, and must be the case." On Lord Durham's departure, the vejjort he had made on the country, was 80 agreeable to the views of the respect^ible portion of the people, that after a year of administration by Sir John Colborne, further delay was considered impolitic ; and a member of the Imperial Ministry, Sir P. Thompson, was sent to carry them out. 202 On tlio lOtIi of Octolx'i- iii»i)0!u-f'(l tlio iiroclnination of tlit» i cw Govpinor- Cleiienil, Hon. P. Tlioniitsou. He airivt'd at Toronto on the 2()tli of Nov. Mr. I\Jerritt, pi-eviou.s to tlie opening of the Hou.se, went over aiul vi.sited the Governor. 3rcl of Deceniljei". — House met. Steam communication witli the colony was promised in the Governor's tipeccli, together with ah.stract of reforms. The character of the new Governor is given in " Sketche.'- of the 1 3tli Parliament," by Krinensis, a fellow countrymen, said to be the J. Kent noticed in Sir George Arthur's employment : '• The Eight Hon. C. P. Thompson, Governor General of the North American Provinces, had long Ix'cn an enemy to the Canadian tindwr trade, and an advocate for those measures which the great body of the peo- ]ile repudiate. He was considered one of the mo.st thoi-ough-going Ivadicals in the Cabinet — a man of great ///^cs.w, and a true reader of cliaracter. As u commercial financier he .stands almost unrivalled. It was thought tliut he might prove tiie most proper per.son to win from the Canadians an expres- sion of confidence, and he has proved himself well calculated for the task. In his per.sonal address he is mild and art'able, ready of approach and free of conversation. Opposed to his line of politics, and convinced that his mi.ssiou to Canada will be [)roductive of no good, if not of absolute evil, I nni.st give him the talent of consummatt^ management ; he has hitherto succeeded so as to carry idl his measures, and it is most unaccountable by what almost magic influence he cajoled some members intj a desertion of previously eii- tertainetl opinions." Tho author, then attending his studies in the Provincial Capitol, who liad conu; o\ er with the members, wrote home his observations on the new Governor : — " Saw the House ojjened ; it was (piite a grand aflair, filled with ladies and gentlemen. Governor Thomp.son, a man of slight stature, in a blue dre.ss coat, breast auii skirt covered with gold lace, was surrounded l)y his suite, which, with Sir George Artiiur, Lieutenant Governor's suite, nuule an imposing spectacle. The Governor read his spetch in a very afi'ected cockney tone." "A despatch from Lord John Pussell, which was in the papers a few days ago, made a practical commencenumt of the new .system of llesponsi- ble Government. The peroration of the despatch is as follows : 'The Queen's Government have no desire to thwart the representative u.s.send»lies of British North America in their mea.sures of reform and iiii- j)rovement. They have no wish to make those provinces the resource tor patronage at home. They are earnestly intent on giving to the talent auJ character of leading per.>ons in the colonies, advantages similar to tho.se which talent and chai'acter, employed in the public service of the United Kingdom, obtain. ' The Toronto livarJian of 18th December remarks : — ''Almost the only " topic of discussion in Parliament the last eight days, and the principal "topic of general conversation has been the union of the Provinces. The 203 " poMitioii of tlic puvtios is uovpI and soinctinifs ainusint,'. ^ffssrs. Mpiiitt, "Aiikniim, Koliiu.son, Park, il-c, lieatlcd l)y the Solicitor ( Jcnoral for th« " (Jovcrnincnt party, and Mfssrs. (t. H. IJouIton, Rattjin, Miirncy, Oanible, " Cartwri^dit, &c., in oppoHition — tlie lattor making attacks on the Gover- "nor, and some of tlieui talking strongly of sejiaration." IIci ailds, " that '• for tyros this first assailnuMit of Responsible Government in the ITouso " may he considered satisfactory." Says the St. Catharines Jonrndl :—'^ Mr. Merritt made one of his host "speeches — advocating the nnion of the Pi-ovinces ; that it would add " 1,000,000 British to the j)opulation at once, and thus niake tlie reforms "that were advocated, j)OHHihle, hy such an accession of the Anglo-Saxon "element in the Asscmhly." An interru[)tion to the general direction of legislation was attempted hy the introduction of the measures of the symj)athizers into the House, but which acted only as an amusing diversion to more important debates. On the 10th of December, Mr. Boulton brought in a bill to disipialif}' certain persons from being candidates, or ^•oting at elections. Mr. Merritt considering the imputation it inferred, as questioning the loyalty of the people, moved to give it the six months hoist. Mr. Cartwright said there were lodges in several di.striets. It was sworn before liim that there was one in St. Catharines. Mr. Parks, — -"There are none in the London dis- trict." Mr. Cartwright believed there were nu)re there than anv other dis- trict in the country. Information was received by the Government last i.iglit that an attack was to be made on the Niagara District. Thomas H. was the head of the lodge in St. Catharines. Mr. Merritt ilenicd that any lodge could exist in St. Catharines. Mi\ Sherwood replied as iiaving heard ualer oath that the Hunters posse.ssed a written statement over hi« signa- ture :— '' As »i)o:\ as you c )iivince me you are strong enough to effect any- thing in Upper Canada, I will take command of you." Mr. M. .said it was wholly untrue. [Loud cries of Hear, hear, from all paits of the House.] He had received no such communication or jtroiMjsition cither verbally, Ijy writing, by signs, or in a y other way or shape whatever, conseipiently he could lave returned no Sitch answer. The Journal in an article of over a column on this debate .says : — "Early " in the j»ast season the Clnnrh and Star began to foretell invasions, and to '■ jtromulgate that the Durhamites were in league with the ' Patriots ' to "overthrow the Govenunent. Thev next proclaimed that Hunter's lod"^es "were being establishecl in various districts of the Province, and that the "various meetings held there weie in aid of the ' Patriot' cause; one of "them, the Stitr, stated 'on correct information,' that overtures had been " made to Mr. Merritt, to take command of the biigands in their next in- " va,sion. ^Vhat answer did he give them ? ]f Mr. Merritt is guilty of '' the charges preferred against him, let liim be not only expelled, but [uit 2in " ni)On liis trial for treason ; aiul if lie is innocent, let the guilt rest wLero " it shonlil, ujton liis accusers." We liavo nqticed the measures of our subject to avoid prosecutions in his own district, and to have initi<(ated the sentences uf his fellow-country- nien deluded into overt acts of rehellion. Among the 885 persons wlio underwent trial, imprisonment, execution and banishment, whoso fate drove tens of thousands from their native soil, was Bonjamiii Wait, living now in one of the Western States ; he was banished to Van Dieman's Land. His heroic wife, now numbered with the dead, determined on leaving her residence in Lockport, and imploring his release at the foot of the throne. In Wait's narrative, page 273, we find tlie following: "Here I left my dear child, and commenced operations by collecting, among my husbiind's accjuuintances, oertifiontes of his foinier good character. I went to Haldimand, wlieie we had last resided, and obtained a great number of most respectal>le testimonials, which were ratified by the signa- ttu'e of Wm. H. ]\Ierritt, Es(j., the wortliy and distinguished mend)er of Parliament for that constituency, who seemed not a little ustonished that I should have conceivetl the idea of going to England, considering the circum- stances in wliich I was placed, though he readily and most kindly gave mo letters of introduction and recommendation to othcial characters in England, with one to Richard Irvin, Estp, of this city, containing, as I afterwards learned to my advantage, a check on that gentleman for twenty dollars, whicli was most gi-atefully accej)ted, and will, with Mr. IMerritt's corres- ponding kindness, be remembered with that deep sense of gratitude so emi- nently due." " Sir John Franklin, the Governor of Van Dieman's Land, has sjKiken to me, (one of the prisoners,) of having received communications from Wni. H. Merritt, E.scj., and has written him, in re|dy, that he would grant nie every indulgence, consistent with his duty, as Clovernor. I certainly feel thankful to liim, but mon; so to Mr. Mei-ritt, to whom I beg you will ten- der the best wi.shes of a sincerely grateful heart." In the House Mr. Merritt had drawn up a scries of I'esolutions on the state of the country, for transmission to England; and himself and Sir Allan McNab were dej)uted to lay the .same before the Imperial Covernment. But before this was consunnnated, the appointment of a new Governor (Hon. P. Thompson) h;id oci;urred, who came fully empowered to bring about the much needed refornnitiou. In a volumniors correspondence, he gave his experience on the political state of the country, and its commercial relations as a colony. A brief summary of his views may here be stated. They may be seen in one important particular to differ from the Governor, Ids prede- cessor, and the Imperial Ministry who sent them ; namely, in the race, na- tion or people wlio were to hokl olHco to carry out ReHponsiV)le Govern- ment ; and, as a natural consequence, in whose interests the Government should be carried out. In the one instivnce it was natives of the country, or tnoso unequivocally identified therewith. With the Ini[»erial party. otKcers who would advocate primarily the interests of Great Britain. 205 a ffreat " Instca'l of liavina; moasuros eniaiiate from the Ilouif' (Joverninont, who neccsMiirily Iviiow i)ut little of tlio British -Anu'ricaii jw^ople, such meaHures «houlcl 1)0 initiated here, by the intelligent portion of tlie community, ami tlien submitted to the (JovernnTent for ooncurroiice. * # ♦ They all tiliunld l»e iiiiited iiiidei- one (Jovernment. ^- ■'•' * Should this not be jiracticable froju the many conflicting treaty clainiH and interests in liOwer (Canada? Montreal should be at once annexed to ITppf.i- Canada, in order that *liat Province might have a sea-port undei- their own control. lu Sir liol)ert Peel's speech on Canadian afl'airs, June 5 : " They (the iJritish Govornment) had but one object in view. They did not wish to make the g(*vernmeiit oftiio Provinces the means of obtain- ing any paltry lu'cuniaiy advantages, and they might say to the Canadians, wo mean to make you a British Colony, and subject to our Dominion, (huar- liwir) but wo will take care of this, that we will not make ourselves respon- silile to def(!ud you fiom foreign enemies, and then allow us to bo constantly threatened and opposi^d V»y you. The lengthy au.l exhaustive report of 3'yO pages, on (Janadian affairs, commences l)y o!)servations on Lower ( 'anada, but extends to all the Pro- vinces, and says: "The real struggle is iu)t one of principle, but of races. The report is intelligilile, while the distinction is between French and En glish, but between English and American it is certainly confounded, and witli considei-able ditliculty we can come at His JiOrdship's real views. It is liopf'd we do him no injustice in saying that for English he moans Euro- pean born, and not the English speaking people of tlie Provinces. Earl Durham in the pamphlet of his icpoii, recommends the necessity of adjusting the constitutional (piestions intlie North American Provinces. "J needed no personal observations to convince me there were evils. I found in all these a foiin of government neaily the i-anie, and interests, ft'clingfi, and habits, in common. The North American Provinces already contained one and a half million jieople, besides the vast po[iulation these fer- tile lands are destined to support." Oblivious that this pojuilation w ere here from attachment to the British cause, and entitled to the security and the enjoyment of it for their families, lie changes the obligation. "The count"} which has founded and maintained these colonics, may justly expect its compensation in turning their una]tj)ropriated resources to the account of its redundant ])opulation, they are the rightful patrimony of the English people;" and going on to show the policy of getting new .set- tloi-s: — "These advantages may yet be seemed to your Majesty's subject.s. and a connection secured by the link of kindred origin, and may continue to bind to the P>ritish Empire the am])le territt)ries of its North Americiiu Provinces, and the large and flourishing population by which they will be assuredly filled. " "If I should have miscalculated the |>roportion in which the friends and enemies of British connectioiv may meet in the united Legislature one year of emigration would redress the balance." It would have to bo greater than any that has taken place yet, as not a third of European birth aat iu the last Upper Canada Legislature. 20G " It iH Ity a Houiul Hyhtem of colonization, tliat wo can nnuler tluw ex- tensivo regions availahln for the- hcnufit of tlui Piritisli ]i«'oiilt'. '* [ ontcrtain no (loul)t ati to the nulittiuil clittnicler, it iniixt bu that nf lln', lirilish Kiiij)lrr, that wliich innst ho |)r»'ch)niinant over the whole North American continent. " The |ir(!(loniintint fct^lin;,' of the Kngliwh was that of devoted attaciiriient to the Mother Coinitry. "The ])rotentions of the Frendi Canadians to tiie exclusive possession of T.ower (!anada, would (lel)ar a yet larger population of Upper t'aiuida and the townships fioui access to tho ocean." "The experiment of keeping colonies, and governing them well ought at least to hav(5 atrial, er<^ we abandon forever the vast dominion, which iiiight supply tin! wants of onr surplus population, and raise* u|) millions of fresh consumers for our manufactures, and producers of a supply -for our wants. Recommending the municipal institutions to this end, he says : " Tho true principle of linnting populai- j)ower, is that of apportionment of it in many dilferent depositories, and gn'atly multiplying the mnnher of municipal hotlies." We will close with tho extract, which is alik« applicable to British North America. " The amazing i)rosperity of the United States, is owing to the un- limited supply of fertile land, which maintains succeeding generations in an undiminished alHuence of fertile soil." With regard to the premature i)ublication of Lord Durham's Report, subsecjuent events have proved it to have been injurious in the Provinces. Hasty legislation might have been calculated, from its universal resultn elsewhere, to have i)een injurious, hi this case, the position of the country, with a subdued nationality, were of such a delicate nature, that extraoidinary attention .shouhl have been taken, so that no feelings of repiisal, founded on national antagoiusm, might mar the work of our future union. But the enthusiasm of the people here, on the publication of the report, showing tho way of immediately getting out of their dirticnlties, prevented them al- lowing tlio time that was noce.s.sary for maturing tho contemplated union of Upper and Lower Canada, and throwing away the consummation of tlie plan contemplated at home, by altering the map of Canada, so as to annex the Island of Montreal, and make the St. Lawrence to i(s mouth, the boundary between the Canadas, so that a union of all the British-speaking people of the Provinces might hereafter be effected without altering their auton- omy. That his view was opposed to the advancement of tho country oculd not for a moment be denied by the loyal natives of British origin, whatever justice there might liavc been in it towards the French. The impolicy of this distinction is proved by concurring events. There was then, as now majority of native inhabitants in the country, and in Upper Canada our in crease was doubling in ten years. By our last census the rate of increase is \\ 207 only douhliii;,' in sixty yoarH, TIio rate of our ncij,'lihorH' iuoroaso \h doiibliuLf every twoiity-live years, thereforu tho Hecurity from our (rncroaohinir nci>'h- Iior IS »'V('ry year niore jeoponlizcd. Tlio author was iu tlio Ifousn on tlio Saturday of tho lirst wook of tie H'-ssioii, when the (Jovoriioi's dHspatoh, which contaiiicMl a iiiiiii.st<'rial pn - t,'r!iimn(', was l)rou;:,dit dowu. It waH evident tho nn^inlu'rs Iiatl to deal with siihjoi'tH witli whicli tlu^y had hitherto lieen unac<|uainted. " l.'Uh I)"o. — liast ovenin;^ attended a very animated debate on tho l^iion ; will continue perhaps a week ; and it may be the last (piestion iM'foi-e the present Ilnnse, as there is talk of a dissolution. 'I'his was tho tlni'at, Imld over tho House, if they refused to pass tlie reforms proposeil liy the Ministiy. We give our subject's ojdnion of the n(^w (rovernor : "DearC — Tarn much pleased with tlie Governor (Jencral; I think liini a statesman. Have ilitu'd with him twice ; no meat or ve<'etable8 till c;uri(>d round ; dessert tho same ; wine carrii-d round a few times, when all rctiroil to drawing-room, where lie had somt'thint,' to say to each one present." The St. Catharines party, tin; ^lessrs. Boomer inclmled, returned in an open wagon, tlie ground being well frozen, and all spent the holidays with tho usual fellowship and good feeling. 1S40. The last session of the last Parliament for Upper Canada, closed on Ft'bruary 10th, and very little work had been accomplished, owing partly to tho fact of the important constitutional changes likely to occur, and also to the unsettled state of affairs generally. With regard to the surreudin- of the Constitution of Ui»per and Lower Canada, retjuired by the Imi»erial (government previous to passing the Act of the union of the Provinces, iu 1840, it is an error to say there was any- tliing in it of the natui-e of a compact or treaty between the Canadians and British. The right of the French Canadians to have any voice was denied, and the semblance of a treaty was only alfoi.'ded to English Canadians ; and wliat was the ecjuivalent offered thoai for surrendering the power of the I'ln'se 1 The casual and territorial revenue, which one would think, viewing the sjicrilices Britain had made elsewhere for a national object, she would readily have granted to a country that had made so beneticial a diver- sion for the revenue of the St. Lawrence, which was to \v\y for the improve- ment thereof. >« 'f 208 Thoro ai»poaro(l then, us now, a nervousnosH with men in jiowor of uc- knowlt>taut their abode. " Halipax, N. S., Jan. 9, 1840. " Dear Sir : — " Permit me to addre s you as a member of the great party who, with these Colonics, arc laboring to introduce the .«ound principles of the Bjitisb Consti- tution ; and you may i'ecl assured we feel a deep sympathy in the success of your exertions. Your obedient servant, " GEO. N. YOUNG." The Act making the salaries of the judiciary independent of the people, any more than that of the J^xccutive, had not yet been enacted , and Mr. Merritt congratulated 3Ir. B. on the promotion of a fellow countryman into the office of Solicitor General. " Toronto, 3rd March, 1840. • " Dear Sir :— " The receipt of your letter of the 27th ult. has afforded me much satis- faction, as conveying the assurance which I understand it to do, that under the peculiar circumstances in which I was placed I had done right in accepting office from the Governor General. '< It is, as you say, most important to have in the new Parliament men devoted to this great principle, and resolved to carry it out with modera tiou and firumess. The other elections will, as you remark, require to be attended to as early as possible, after the division of counties is known. " I remain yours, &c., ROBT. BALDWIN." 209 In the inulHt of liis luost engHging piihlio diitioH, the atlvancpment of his family w/ih never lost sight of, if coiiHiileiing tho roln of HtnteHinau in- tendod for him, W. H. M., Jr., tliiH was oonihiiiing hoth. Tlie inten- tion in exetnpliliud in liiH familiar letters : "ToHOVTO, l-2th Janniiry, 1B40. " Mv Db.vh Hoy : — It is my intention to have a consultation with Mr. Boulton tliis weisk rospoctini^ your oomini; over. Mr. McKyos thinks you hinl hotter roiii;iin wliore you are, and oontine yourself to roadin;; for a year or two — but will not object. Much depends with yoiirseK. Your future success can only he ensured hy dili;^ence ami attention. As regards tho last, may I eutpiire wlu'ther you ever thought of semling mo a coj)y of the letters I marked in tlie letter hook and left on the side hoards, rehiting to the Wtdhmd Canal — and which you were to have sent the Wednesday after I loft you. I also expected a description of your l)all from Thomas, and of the tlieatres from you, hut writing apjtears a serious task to you all. There is very little before tlie House, and I don't think anything of cunsecjuence will pass the Legislature this season, e.Kcept tho Union. "Truly afl'ectionato father, "W. HAMILTON M EH KITT." "Mr. William Hamilton Mekiutt, Junior." '•Toronto, 12th January, 1840. " My Dear Oatiif.rinr — The Clergy Reserve (juestion is now under discussion, and when disposed of we will soon be dismissed. We have had amcotinj' of tho board of directors of the (rrainl River Navii;ation ('om- p«uy, and am in hopsis of i)rocuring money to Kiiish that work. After this is done, my present intention is not to interfere with any further public im- jtroveineut. Mr. Retimne jtreached to-day in the (Jathedral. It is a splendid church, but altogether too large. Remember nie to all friends, nm\ believe me, as ever, " Your all'i'ctionato Imsband, "W. HAMILTON MERRITT." Our svibject sometimes absented himself froni the House for more con- centration of thought. The author visited him while thus occupied. Ho was busily engaged drawing up the St.Lawrence Canal report, having gone home to his lodging for more (juiet. iV memoir, copied from a statistical report, notices our dependence fon supplies, as most of our trade was with England. The value of British manufactures consumed in the year before the rebellion in British North America exceeded that of the exportations to all Europe, being 31s. 6d. per liead — nearly double the rate of that to the United .States — carried in 1,273 British vessels ; 75 only being by others. Returned home, being now relieved from legislative duties till again called upon to resume them by the voice of tho people in another election, Mr. Merritt's journal of March 4th shows how watchful and attentive he was of the progress of his country towards liberty, and of the pro- ceedings of those in authority ; 210 '• Mr. Yduii;; wiotf on iiHolutionH 3*1 Fi'luuiuy, haying Sir Colin ('amp- licll, tlie (lovernor, aitfd on tlu* (h'SpHtcli of .'Ust Au^uRt: *! filiiill lie glad to Uarn tlial you lia\o tliouglit it »'X|i('(licnt to give HcatH in it to koiik' of th*< leading men in tin* AsMnddy.' Contract tliiti (tin; nunK.randnni adds) witli 11h' dis|ia(( li of Kith () will seer if it Ih to he eon- ceded." "IIamkax, Ftlinniry, 1840. " 1>!'.AU Sir T adilressed you a few weciks ago calling your attttntion to the series of letters then a|i|>earing in the lialiiii.x iVurdsmtia)! upon ic- ponsllde (lovernnient and the lienrtitofa Kedeial I'nion. ( )ui- Ilou.se have lust week (liscussednt large the ( 'onstitutional |irinci|ile of " l{es|tonsiltility," and have j)assed a series of resolutions deelaiiug tlu-ir want of conlldeiice in the jiresent Kxeetitive Couni-il of the Province. 'i'hey wailed on Mon- day last in a body on His lOxeellency with these resolutions, and I refer you to the XordKCofltDi of this date for the deliates and proceedings. " In my last hotter several of my friends hen; think I have lelated a dis- tinction which relievos the (juestion of rcf.sponsiliilify of )nuch jtractieal ditliculty. " Yours very truly, "CJKO. N. YOUNG." "Touo.NTo, :U\ March, 1810. " I)r.AK Sill 'Pile receipt of your letter vt' the 27th ultimo has nllorded me inueli satisfaction, as conveying the assurance which J undeistand it to «}n, that under thepeiidiar ciicumstance."i in which I was placed 1 iiad done right in accepting ollice from the Oovernor (SentMal. " J do most e» rtaiidy adiiere to the princijdo of the advisers of the (Vown lieing selected from tJiose who possess the conlidenco of Parliament, and hxdc to it us th(> only means of .secui-ing the connection with tlie Mother Country, to whitdi I am sinceiely attacliet of your privates note of tlio liUh instant. Von niuKt ))(> awai(! tlmt liowcvcr I niny disiif,'r<'ti with y«)U rcHjH'cting otlicr great iniprovcincniH, I am a most ardent well wisJier to tlio Welland. I am oMiged to you for your notts, and will attend to its con- tents, Ko far as I have powor and opportunity. " YourH moHt truly, "H. W. SIM.LIVAN. " W. H. Mkiuutt, E<(|., St. CatharinoH." With i-iigai'il to Mr. Wilson's disinisHal from tlio Wclland Cinal, tho Journai of "J.'Jd A|)ril sayn : " What is his oHence ! Ifu votod for Mr. M«*rritt instead of Mr. Mc- Cauley." It tlion givoH a rotroHpcvstivo glance over tluH transaction : " When it was known that Hir K. H')ad had doolin-jd tho re-appointmont of Mr. Merrittto a situation which Im had held so long, and to which tho pul)li(; thought he \ as so justly entith^d, oui" citi/.'ins assemlded spontano- ously, raised funds Ity voluntary sul)scrij)tion, and s(Mit a memorial to I lis Kxcclhiucy, stating in tho strongest terms the injustice done to Mr. Mer- ritt, and expressing tln>ir i\'nir, that the sime eiieigy aure important khan any other undertaking — that I have not a doubt it will give a m jst liberal return for any reasonable outlay in making it a permanent work — to the full extent, in lead, which I reported to the Secretary of Stiite, £25,000, and th.it an iu'r^isiu^ in3)m3 — vnd having, last year, examined all the locks, I am of tlia opinion that it is of great consequence that no nure money sliould hi sunk in repiirin^ t!ie present locks than in unavoidable in order to koijp open tin com n micatiou. " I beg to remain, sir, yours very sincerely, Wm. Merritt, Esq. CJEO. ARTHUR 214 He retunuMl on the 28th witli a more successful answer to his requ isi- tion for fiiiuls for the necessary improvements than these letters received during his absence would indicate. " St. Cathakines, 23d June, 1840. " Mv Deak Cathakine^ — On Monday, after you lefL this, I went over to Toronto witli William, and returned the day after. The money lias been at length procured, and the board, wliich assembled yesterday, lias consented to pioceed with the jiermanent woik. On Friday I meet the board at the Grand Kiver, and take a turn through Haldimand the week after, so that I shall bo very little at home for the coming fortniglit. " Your affectionate husband, " W. HAMILTON MERRITT." In June, pre})aration3 were made for the enlargement, material col- lected, oken of, and if either of them would stand, I am satisfied there would be no chance for any other persons. " Believe me, vours truly, " R. W. BALDWIN." "Toronto, 15 J ily, 1840. "My Dear Sir — I was much pleased to find by your let* ar that your canvas in Haldimand had been so successful, as I feared tlir Mr. Thomas' address might have caused a diversion. T do trust there w' . be no further opposition, and that you will stick to Haldimand. 1 fea: iiuch that your coming forward for Lincoln, which has been announ. , d, would cause trouble and perhaps a split among our party, which is not strong enough to bear anything of the kind. I get credit for being one of the extremes, but I assure you I have to bear a good deal of abuse, and unmerited suspi- cion, because I do not go far enough. When I was over in Queenstown and St. Davids with Mi. La Fontane, Mr. Thorburn heard Mr. Woodruft' denouncing my course as highly improper, and there are plenty here to say the same thing. I do not mind this, however. I am determined to act widi all who will in good faith support the Liberal party. I care not by what name it is called. I am not disposed either to rjuan-el with such men as Mr. Hari'ison, who stops short of our views and who will not yet identify themselves, with our party. We must accept a few such men, but as few as possible. They will probably, if we act with temper and judgment, form right in the lead. You know how unpopular Mr. B is 2}frso7ially, and how suspicious peo|)le generally are of his |)rinciples. I had a letter yesterday fi-om Mr. I.A Fontane, and he mentioned having heard from you. He writes in good spirits and says his friends are well satisfied with his report of the feelings towards them here. There is a very excellent article in Le Camufien, edited by Mr. Parent, of Quebec. It declares that they must abandon all idea of nationality, and jirepare gradually to become identified with the people about them. I shall translate and copy it. " Believe me, dear sir, yours very truly. "Toronto, 25th August, 1840. " My Dear Sir — I have been so much occuiiied in one way and another that I have not been able to snatch half an hour to answer your two let- ters. You will have seen by the papers that my business has been partly political, and I must say the further I advance the more disgusted I get with the factious c induct of the Corporation or Tory [tai-ty here. They oppose responsible government, and say we are a colony and must submit to the final authority and decision of the Home Government, but when the Home Government api)oint a Governor (Thompson) of politics diflfering from their own, they denounce his policy and do all they can to return an oj)position member to defeat his views. This would be quite right for vesponsibles to do, their desire being to carry out their own j)olicy without reference to the Government at home ; but when they i)rofess to submit to the Government at hojie and to d'fer theirs to the judgment of the Sec re- )l*fS :il8 m tary of State, T cannot understand liow they can oppose the Governor sent from lionie. Tlio truth is, us lung us the (Jovennnent at Homo con- sults their wishes and looks through their eyes, it is quite right to bo loyal and do as you are bid from homo ; but let the Home Oovernment be changed and got into other hands, and thou wo hear a great deal about respect for the Homo Government and nee a great deal of party virulent opposition to it. My idea is that the Govei-nmont here should be conduct- eil according t,o our wants and wishes and in harmony with the dominant l)arty for tho time being, and quito independent of party politics in Eng- land. Changes of Ministry there should have no influence upon our affairs here. At a meeting tho other night I acquiesced in a dej)utation waiting upon Dunn to otl'er foi- th« town, to which he is to give an answer in a day or two. If he does not come forward I shall be put in nomination ; but lie was, and I tliink corri'ctly, considered to be the most popular man in the city, and therefore ho was named. " B." " W. H. Mkiuutt, Esq., St. Catharines." The synopsis of the Imperial Act has in it most important articles, as follows : It is entitled An Act to re-unite the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, and for the Government of Canada. Six;. 4. — Only a subject eligible for a Legislative Councillor to be sum- moned by the (.u)V(?rnor. y — (Unernors to ajjpoii't their Speaker. 2ri— Ho ji))points time and place of election. I5''- — Oath — 1 (!o sincerely pn)mise anil swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, as lawful Queen of Great J^ritaiu and Jreland and of the Province of Canada, dej.'fnilant on and bi'loHjimj tuthi: mid United Kingdom, and that I will defend her to the utmost of my power. •"'- — Tiiat out of the consolidated revenue fund of the Pi-ovince of Canada there shall be payable in every year to Her Majesty, .£'45,000 for Governor, Lieutenant (ioveruor, I Chief Justice, 4 Provincial Judges, 10 Council of iiower Canada, 1 Chief Justice of Montreal, W Provincial Judgt%s, 10 Juilges ; pensioners, etc., .£20,000; Civil Secretary, Pi'ovinciul Secretary, Receiver General, Inspector General, Executive Council, Board of Works, etc., the.so cost, .§300,000. 53 — Tiie independent civil and judicial list. 54 — Sunender the territorial and casual revenue belonging to the Crown, three-llftlis to consolidated revenue till five years after the demise of Her ]\lajesty. 50 — Fust charge on the duties, expense of collection ; second, the in- terest on public debt; third, the clergy ; fourth, civil list, £45,000: fifth, judicature, £30,000; sixth, old accounts. 57 — Tnat it is not lawful for the Legislature to originate or pass any vote, resolution or biil of appropriation except by a message of the Gov- ernor. tJO — Labrador, from St. Johns, to be taken from Newfoundland and annexed to Quebec. Two more unim])ortant sections finish the list. 219 We do not wish, in pasHing through the acts of Miiiistors, to ohlitcmte any good intentions towards this distant i»ortioii of Her jNlajesty's possessions, nor is it our business to undertake to write a political history further than to relate the connection of our sulycct thereto ; hut the clauses of the Ui\ion Act quoted above show that in surrendering their jjower to stop the supplies and to originate important bills, ministers had legislated so ii8 to place tlie i)eople and CJovernment of Canada entirely under their power, and the history of our Government, detailed in this biography, shows that our subject, with other fellow-countrymen, ceasing to have the power to originate bills or to have any power over the money granted, left the Government in the hands of the Ministry, who always represented Im- pei'ial interests, so that the British Government, being res}>onsiblo for all the acts, l)y this act, adioitly M'orded, nuide it to appear tho responsiliility as belonging to the j)eople of Canada. The gradual weaning fron; some of hift canal imi)rovements is shown ill a letter to the author at Toronto from Ht. Catharines dated Aug. 17th. This had taken up a good deal of his time, as he had visited the Grand River every month since the opening of navigation: " My Dear Son — T returned from the Grand River on Friday. The improvements will l)e finished all well this week, and I hope to be tliere- after relieved from further attention to that object." H. K., in a long and contiilential letter, notifies liini of the departure of the Governor (General from Montreal for the West, and remarks that ho took a wide range in the Eastern Provinces, being upon the Vermont frontier. " MoXTRKAL. l.'Uh July, 1840. " Mv Deak Sir — The Governor told me that immediately, on his retuin from Halifax, he would go west. He niav be here the latter end ot this week. H. K." "Montreal, 14th August, 1840. " Mv Dear Sir — I received your letter here on our arrival from a tour in the eastern townships. The Governor General desii-es me to in- form you that it is his intention to leave this for Ujtper Canada on Tues- day next, and that he expects to b? at St. (.'athariui^s on Thursd.iy or Fri- day, and that he proposes to stay at Niagara for a few days after that. Any arrangements, therefoi-e, which you may desire to make could be made at tliat time. " Believe me, my dear sir, very faithfully yours, "T. W. C. MURDGOK. " W. H. Merritt, Esq." In August, the Governor Goneral, Sir P. Thom])son, visited this neighborhood, and was entertained by the ]>eople of St. Cathai-ines with a public breakfast. He afterwanls went up the canal in company with our subject, and left for the west at Port Colborne, in a government steamer. U|' 220 "St. Catjiarines, AuKust 30, 1840. "My Dear Thoma.s — Wo had tho (tovonior (tciu-ral at St(*j)lienHon'K yeHterday iiiorninj^. There was l(i luiinhcr nu-t him and I (resented an adilroKH. Your father aacomjuinied him and Kin*- to Port Col - home. Father HavH he (the Governor (Jeneral) \h very nincli pleased with tlie canal. Your afl'ectionate mother, "C. M." Tlie changes in the constitution had now i*endered a now election neces- sary, ard a convention beiuf; liehl at St. Catliarines, cotnjtoscMl of delegates of the advocates of the union, from different townHhijts, and they being pleased with Mr. Merritt's course therein, ofi'ered liim the rei»resentation of the county, which after consideration, believing they fully rei)resent«'d tlie majority of tlie people of the county, he accepted. He afterwards paid a visit to his old constituency in Haldimand, and delivered his farew ell address. There was not at this time great concord in the Governor's liouse- liold, as tlie following from the former engineer of the Welland, and now promoted to the presidency of the Board of Works, will show : " Board of Works, 20th October, 1840. " Mv Dear Sir — I do not wonder at the mortification you express respecting your affairs in the Welland, but I cannot understand at all how matters are now going on. If I understand aright stones are being got out and prepared, but in what system, and without an aim to what class of work or specification ? Because it may be very easy to, as it were, strengthen the justice of the extravagant estimate by the rate of what is now doing. " I never heard of the letter sent the Welland Board, by order of the Governoj-, to furnish, him with an estimate, and presuming (at least I fear) it was suggested to him to do so through the late Military Secretary, Major Hall, prompted probaV)ly either by or iome of the corps, who are very clannisli, and will bear each other out, if it be possible. Hall has left, for which I am not sorry. " Tell Richard Boyle his petition was referred to me, and that I strong- ly urged his claim upon the favorable consideration of His Exaellency this day, and that he will shortly be settled with. " Faithfully yours, " H. H. KILLALY." " Office of Board of Works, Nov. 6th. " Mv Dear Sir — Not to permit our correspondence to drop, I take up my pen, although I have little to say. The Council is and has been sit- ting these two days closely. They are now hard at work at the Registry Bill, which I believe to be a most excellent one, and cleverly drawn up — rather long, but it is said unavoidably so. The sitting, it is generally su])- posed, will last about a fortnight, and I have I'eason to believe that no time will be lost in bringing the Union into play and holding the elections. It is generally represented to His Excellency that a reaction against the Ex- ecutive may take place if longer delayed. My opinion is so, and I think some of the late men started upon supposed Government interest and in- fluence, will not contrive to keep that influence in good odour with the 221 people. NeilHon, you obsorvo, i.i Iminincring awny. He \h doing much iniHohiof — not ntopping at any thing to work liiH ontlH. Among othfin, he is getting up little losrt timn rolxjllion against the Hleigh ordinanco, which, throJigh him, ciiuHeH great excitement just now. " All the otiioial and private letters from the foreign de|iai-tment unani- nioiisly concur in stating all fear of war is over. Thank (rod ! " The Colonel's estimate and Hpecilioation affords nnich amusement to all the ofliuers of his corps 1 meet with. They all concur in saying he knows nothing of practice, and that some trcwiti.ses |mblished by him in his more immediate department some time ago are laughed at hy ofticers. You can do nothing except through the liegislature. The Governor Gen- eral will not sanction any expenditure or del)t until then. Wilson's "tax- ation without representation" may have confirmed him in this. " You have, you may dej)end on it, .several and active friends, who have bellowed sutKcieiitly u|)on " Meri-itt'a sjwjculation, extravagance, chimerical ideas," etc. They are all above iii your city. " With esteem, faithfully yours, "JI. H. KILLAl.Y." " Okkic'e of the Post Office Commission, Montkeal, Nov. I'J. " Sill — I have to request that you will furnish mo, for the information of the Post OlHoe Commissioners, with the least po.ssible dtday, a return of your pay and emoluments as Post Master at St. Catharines for the year ending ."ith July last, distinguishini; therein the various sources from which your income has been derived. You will please al.so to state, under the head of observations, what expense.^' you have actually incurred, during the same period, for clerk hire, orfice rent, etc. " The Commissioners desire to bo further informed whether you rcu larly ailbrd your personal services to the tluties of the olHce, or whether the management devolves u\)on an assistant. " I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, "CHHIST. UUNKIN." Our subject, in reply to the above comnuiuication, sent the information required, which was as follows : " I allow the clerk the entire percentage of this office, wliich is £r)3 Gs. li'ld. ; he pays office rent ecpial to £G 5s. Od. ; tire wood, £2 10s. Od. ; net proceeds, £4-4 lis. 3|d. I have the benefit of frankii.^' my private let- ters, and attend at the office when recjuired to answer any conimuuications, making up returns, »kc. ; but the daily management devolves on the assist- ant, who is at this moment William Copeland." October 20. — A strong protest, signed by several who have since borne prominent situations in Canada, against the Act of Union, appeared at this time, these dissentients being mostly in the Lower Province. The views of Mr. Merritt's siipporters in his own county with regard to his (jualitications for their representative may be gathered from this re- port of the convention, taken from the Journal of December 31, 1840 : " That, as it was generally understood that the services of Mr. Merritfc or Mr. Thorburn would be required, the committee lost no time in waiting on these gentlemen. Mr. Merritt having, at their unanimous solicitation, 222 jirorniHt'd to acoodt^ to tlicir wisIicH, provided th«* l.ittcr did not, ftiid tlie latter runninj,' for the South Kidin^', we have the haitpiiiess to congratulate you u))ou Mr. Morritt'n accoptHnce of tlio noniinn.tiuu. " Kellow Hul»jectH — As we are now apj)roaehiiiL; a nioht iuiportnnt crisis in our }iolitical atl'airH, it bccoineH our duty to phice liefore you a few con- .sideratiouH wliicii liave iniiuenced us in Helectinjj Mr. Merritt as the mont fitting,' candidate. " It will 1)0 tiio duty of the timt United LegiHlature to eHtaldish such a system of Guvonunent a-s will restore confidence and tnuuiuility to the c<»untry, and insure our future jiciico and conHei|uent prosperity ; and deeply inipresssd with the lielief that ih'V Majesty's Kuljjoets in ('anada are entitled to the same political privile^'es as are enjoyed by their fellow nuhjects at hotno, and at the same time most anxiovis that the connection with oiu" fatherland should be perpetuated, we have solicited one known to entertain enlarged and liberal views of Constitutional Government." The princijiles of the British Constitution were not as well undei-stood hero as at homo. An instance is given in the jiassage of the Reform Hill to illustrate its practice there. The committee then continues : " B^'fore the appearance of Lord Durham's report, many worthy men believed we were already in possession of the British Constitution — since, they now assert we cannot have the British Constitution while a colony of the British Empire. " It is most surprising that any portion of our fellow subjects can be found advocating a syst.em that ilid produce discontent iii the old colonies. " The committee conscientiously believe that the British Government desire to make the people of Canada happy !t»id contented. Tliat British statesmen can have no motive or interest in withholding from us the beneficial effects produced Ijy the practical working of their own constitu- tion. That the system reconnnended by Lord Durham's report would se- cure us all we desire — the management of our internal aflairs. That such a politic and liberal comiession would form the strongest of all possible ties by which we would be attached to the Government and Empire of Great Britjiin. " Being composed of King, Lords and Commons, neither of them could carry on the government without the co-operation of tho other. If any has the most power it is tlie people's branch, for they })ossess the [)ower to withhold annually the su iplies. " To secure these inestimable blessings, therefore, your committee would recommend tho selection of Mr. Merritt as their representative for Up- per Canada in the United Parliaatient." As the committee acknowledged ignorance on the subject, a gi-eat deal of confidence was necessarily reposed in our subject, which he recipro- cated, we believe, and felt, therefore, the weight of the responsibility. That he did not forgot his family interests, the following letter to the autlior will show : "St. Catharines, 7th December, 1840. " My Dkar Son — Yours of the 1st instant directed to me, and one of the 3d instant to Thomas, requesting him to send you $20, is at hand, and the amount is herewith enclosed. You request more correspondence from not, and tlie congnitulut(^ jiortnnt cri8is u u few con- t tiH the muHt iiltliHli such ii iiility to tlie ; and deeply a art' cntitli'ti V Hultjects ut ion with our I to tiitt'itain II undorstoo'l I Reform 15111 H : woitliy men iiition — since, le a colony of hjects can he e old colonies. Government Til at British from us tiie own constitu- jort would se- •8. That such II possible ties ipire of Great of them could ther. If any i the power to nmittee would tatire for Up- t, a gi-eat deal ■h he recipio- nsibility. g letter to the mber, 1840. ue, and one of 1 at hand, and pondence from 223 home, but yoii do not provoke it by writinif many or lonj^' letters rourself although it would appear you hant8. Those sent to us are merely throe plans of hi.s lino and location of locks. " Yours faithfully, "H. H. KILLALY. " W. H. Merrht, Esq." Messrs. Merritt and Rykert generally acted together and voted uni- formly in the direction of improvements, even up to the la.st acts of the last Parliament, whose act in surrendering the Constitution we have found it necessary to condemn. They voted with the forty-three for the Union, including the jiermanent judicisU list. The difference increased during the canvass, and the election turned on the Union and " responsible" govern- ment. Concord returned when the latter left the electoral contest. Mr. Rykert turned his attention to local affairs, while Mr. Merritt attemptetl to carry out the interests of the country in Parliament, with what succe.sa remaining pages will show. In the meantime, the contest was carried on through the columns of the Journal and Constitutionalist in an internecine paper war. 224 1841. An anomaly in tlie history of Canada — no Parliament had been called before the holidays, and our sulyect hid the leisure to enjoy them in the bosom of hia family. The following epistle gives in homely atyle the occu- pations he and they were engaged in : " St. Catharines, 3d January 1841. "Mv Dear Mot'IER— Christmas and the New Year holidays, with all their m<>ri'y making and social greetings are past. The custom of gentle- men making calls on the first day of the year is practised here pretty gen- erally. Many who liave no communication the rest of the year will on that day call at each other's hoiKses and take a bit of cake with the lady. The young men made great reckoning on paying Miss A a visit, aa they remembered how bountifully they were regaled there last year with hot cotfee, etc, and they fared quite as well this year, by the account our boys gave. We allowed William lo have a party Tuesday evening, and it was pretty well utttMided. Uncle Elias, Aunt iSusaii and Dr. Chase were among the young folks. " Oar new chuj-ch looked very neat on Christmas day — the pillars wound with evergreens, and festoons in front of the gallery; but best of all, we have a good faithful clergyman a'.:d a large and attentive congre- gation. Only the family dined with us, as Mrs. M. said some years ago she would never give another dinner on Christmas; she thinks it is not a proper day. " Your aflectionate daughter, "C. M." The wail of mourning for the rebellion had not yet died out in the land, and while most are enjo3'ingthe season in the society of family and friends, some have to pass it in solitude, sorrowing for those banished to the farthest extremity of the habitable globe : "Bertie, January 12th, 1841. " Dear Sir — I have just been informed that you have received a letter from Sir John Franklin, of Van Dieman's Land, saying that the liberty of the island had been granted to Mr. Wait, and my inten.se anxiety to know the truth of this pleasii.g intelligence induces me to trouble you with this note. I have recently received a letter from Mr. Wait, which is rather encouraging, in which he speaks most highly of the country, wishing nie to come out, if possible, and Mr. Roberts, the gentleman to whom him- .self and Mr. Chandler were assigned on landing in that country, has also written to me, holding out inducements for me there, saying that from a knowleilge of my exertions for my husband, whom he respects from acquain- tance, he is disposed to render me services on my landing in that country, aiid that I may rest assured of a comfortable and happy home. This was indeed unexpected, though I was aware of every influence being exerted on my behalf by my friends in E^igland, and fain would I go could I see the possibility of my doing so, but this I must leave to Him who is able to pro- vide. I fear the time is distant when I shall be permitted to lay my case befora the United Legislature, as the Governor General seems disposed to 225 withhold that privilege. I am stopping at Mr. S. McAfee's, where I hare a school three miles below Fort Erie, from which post office a line will reach me, should you kindly oblige " Your most grateful servant, "MARIA WAIT. "W. H. Merbitt, Esq." " St. Johks, N. S., April 30, 1841. " Dear Sir — While I have to mourn the loss of a kind husband, I am at the same time doomed to waste my strength in endeavoring to procure a living for the large family of little ones which he has been doomed to leave me. I have been led to these reflections in order to impress you with the conviction that it is through necessity that I make this appeal to you, hop- ing that you will exercise your influence in a liCgislative capacity, and, per- adventure, procure the return of my husband to the bosom of his family ; and in so doing you will infinitely oblige *' Your humble servant, "ELIZA CHANDLER. " W. H. Merritt, Esq." The past year was a remarkable one in many ways. Extraordinary powers were placed in the hands of the Governor. The seat of government was changed to Kingston, and in accordance with his promise to the Cana dian people, that steam communication with Europe would be established by the Imperial Government, it resulted in a contract being given to Mr» Cunard ; but instead of being a real benefit to Canada, it was the reverse, as the vessels only stopped at Halifax, and alternately went on to Boston and New York, thereby benefitting the Erie Canal, and the commerce of the United States, and diverting our own from its natural outlets by the lakes and St. Lawrence, to the ocean. The annual report of the canal, under Mr. Merritt's presidency, was published, and showed a promising statement. The traffic had materially increased, the tolls rising to the large sum of $80,000 during the year, with a bright f)rospect ahead. The results of the past season put a damper on those wJio opposed the canal, and all now looked forward to the grand im- provements as calculated to place this work far in advance of its previous position. "St. Catharines, 28th January, 1841. " My Dear Sir — I beg leave to enclose you for the information of His Excellency the Governor General a copy of the report of the Welland Canal Company for 1840. This document proves that the amount of stock and loans held and made by the Provincial Government of Upper Canada prior to 1837 did not exceed £209,000 sterling. Secondly — That in con- sideration of the interest on X50,000 sterling, the British Government are secured by a Provincial statute to the free transit of the canal for all Government stores, and that the one-ninth of the cost of the canal, which it was the intention of the Ministry at that time to grant, has been re- served. Thirdly — That the work has been constructed at a less cost than any similar work in America of equal magnitude. That its progfes-sivo 226 income has exceeded the amount set down by it.s most sanguine promotei-s. That a revenue of only „£25,650 for an average of three years will not only pay the interest on loans since 1837 — six per cent, dividend on pri- vate shares — but the interest on a future outlay of .£400,000. " With this favorable result you may imagine my deep regret in being compelled to announce that another year has p;ussod away and the canal not one hour nearer its completion than when placed under the control of the Executive Government of Upper Canada in \S'M. I feel this disappoint- ment the more keenly from a conscioutmess the money could have been ob- tained, the feeder to (rrand River widened and the material prepared foi* one-half the locks by the opening of the ensuing navigation, out of th'* resources of the canal itself, had the Executive continued that counte- nance which has ever boon reposed in my judgment by the private share- holders. With a hope that the Union will take phic>> in time to put the work under efficient management, " I am, sir, yours, e!:k both languages it would be j>r(!f('iable, and if we could get a Lower ('anadian who would answer the puqiose it would, perhaj).s, Iw the means of conciliating them, ami certainly they deserve some considera- tion. I intend being in town on Monday (svening, und ho\)ti to see you and many other frioiuL on Tuesday, the day preii^ous to the assembling. "I remain yours truly, "J. ROBLIN." ^ " Hamilton, May 4th, 1841. '♦My Dkar Sir — Your favor of the lOth ultimo is before me, and its rej>ly has been postponed to the pre.sent time from unavoidable circuai- stiinccs. " You do me th« honor to ask me if I think ' that the present Pro- vincial Ministry will feel it necessary to consult the representatives of the people, witli a view of ascertaining in what manner certain questions will or should he disposed of. I ajiprehend that the Ministry have no alter- native l)ut to do so, unless — ^which 1 am reluctant to believe possible— they place .'iucli great contidence in the venality or apathy of tlie Parlin- ment and the people as to apprehend no purcessful opjiosition to themselves by a selfish and despotic .system of government. " Your qiiery appears to refer })articularly to the civil litst, and the propriety of amending the Union Act, and you say that you >::ive been asked, ' Can the ju-inciples of the jRritish Constitutic n be maintained with- out having the jx-wcr of granting supplies vefcted in the represeutativa no two if choice 'atiadian, ivo every laila havu iut T TliiH i8, incicod, a difficult iju^Htion -^)ne on which I must ofFur an o|)iiuoii with great ditlidoiico, and would rather that my Koutinuuits wero rccciv(Mi as liumblo suggestions than aa tlie dcliborato feelings of a matured judg- niont. I am continually struck with the inaccuracy of the asstation that a colony enjoys in all respects ' tlie image and transciipt' of the jtareiit .State, and the present question offers an additional proof of the inaccuracy, " We have the written pledge of the Imperial Parliament that wo shall 1)6 ruled henceforth by men j)ossesHing the confidence of the people, and that the acts of Government sliall be in acconlance with the wishes of the people's representatives. To break this pledge would be, in my opinion, to deprive us of a constitutional right, and would in fact — if 1 might so say — extinguish the Constitution. lJej)end upon it, if the people of Canada are true so themselves, no Ministry and no (lovernment «iiire alter one iota of this recorded pledge. So w ieketl a step will soon be atten)pted; aiid, though I acknowledge the inferiority of the machinery ff colonial to that of imperial representation, I arn satisfied that honesty on the |)art of our repre.sentatives, and energy and wisdom on that of ourselves, will al- way.s secure to us the full measures of practical responsible or self Ciovern- nient. I think, moreover, that the question of a civil list has been, to a certain extent, constitutionally disposed of by the respective Provinces, in- asmuch as the Upper Canada Jjegislatui-e and the Lower Canada (Jovern- meut (such as it was) have determined that a sufKcient civil list should be g. anted for the life of the present Sovert'ign. I say disposed of to a certain extent, but I by no means imply theiefrom that the amount of the civil Mst lia.«s been constitutionally determined uj)on, nor do I yet know by what right the Tmperi.il Parlianu-nt has saw tit to fix that .sum at ,£7r),()(iO per annum. It may be too much — it may be too little ; but, be this uh it may, I doubt the power of the Imperial Legislature to define the sum at all. The people of Canada stand pledged to the grant of a huflicient civil list ; they have yet, I conceive, to determine the amount of that civil list, and, as an independent member of the Legislature, I should C(jnceive it to be my duty to consider maturely this branch of the .subject, and to in- sist upon the right of the House to grant as nnich, oi" as little, as in its wisdom may be considered sufficient for the payment of the several salaries of the Crown. This will probably be the great bone of contention in the ensuing session, and it will be a question legitimately the province of the House to determine. I hope it may be approached in a conceding, yet firm and manly spirit, and that neither factious opposition or venal hu}>- missioii may be displayed upon it. "With respect to the clauses of the Union Act generally, I cannot think it politic to attempt to disturb them at present. They have been assented to by the Imperial ParliameTit after a temi)erate anil patient dis- cussion of the whole ([uestion, and, though .some of the olau.ses are highly objectionable, I am convinced that the bill, as a whici(m8 tempera who will create discord where firraneH8 and moderation would answer a better purjM)Be ; and a^ain, there are those wlio will bo conto the lot a few less and lose who lit these. In one of hiH familiar letters to his futher-in-law, among other liiatttnn regarding his family, occurs this uHtiinate of the capaliiliticH of one of tho family, whom ho fondly hoped would bo his Hucccssor in the reform of th« higher l)rancheH of legal jurisprudence : Dr. P : William has selected tho law, and as I have lieretoforo mentioned, my aim is to make him a statesman, as he poHsesseH rare ability for hiij years, and a judgment, which, if he continues to improve, without being led into dissipation and vice, will place him among tho highest rank ot' competitors. I have been so long sutisHeil of this, that I leave his pursuits and studies wholly to hini.self. 1 find in figures and book-keeping a degree of promptness and facility far exceeding anything I over |>osKeKsed. He commenced learning French with Mr. De I^iHaye. Within a year he has become a finished French scholar, speaks and pronounces the pure Parisian, and reads and writes the language with ease. In December 1 had a German to teach him. He ha.s already made great progress. He atteudit his oflico hours regularly, and a])plieH himself to his studies before and after. He says in another year— after he is master of French, German, and per- haps Spanish and Italian — that he will apply himself to law exclusively for two years, and place himself at the top of his profession. He shall have every facility from me. No expense shall be spared to forward his studies. Perhaps I may be in a delusion, as every father views his children with a partial feeling, but it is a dtikusion which aflords me hap])ine.ss to indulge in, and I am growing day by day more interested in his welfare. W. H. M. A Kingston papor notices tht* arrival of the Government ofiicials at Kingston. They are composed of the Hon. H. Killaly, President of the Board of Works ; Colonel Forbes, Commander of the Forces ; Colonel Mackenzie Frazer, Deputy Adjudant General of Militia; Hon. John Mc- Caulcy, Inspector General ; A. V. Hawk, Emigration Agent. His Excel- lency was still detained at Montreal by an attack of gout. , This was soon followed by a notice of the meeting of Parliament, which took place on the ir)th of June. The Gazette of the day previous con- tained one or two additions to the Cabinet, and a VvAt of twenty-four Legiji lative Councillors, noticeable for the paucity of French- etjual to four, and the number of Scotch — indicated by the prefix "Mac." The Governor's speech notices McCloud's continued imprisonment, and tho measures taken by the Government to procure his release. It uoticeH a reduction of postage across the Atlantic; the guaiantee of the Imperial credit for one and a half millions sterling, the multijdieation of municipal institutions, and the extension of education by means of common schools, and closes thus : " The determination which I am also empowered to stato on the part of the Govei-nment, to devote annually a large sum for the dej fence of the Province, and the fixed determination that the North Ameri- can Pi'ovinces shall be maintained at all hazards ; also that Her Majesty 'tt Government are pleased to assist in facilitating the passage of the emigrant from the port at which he h landed to the place where his labor may be made available." /. 238 /'- On the op'^ning of the House of Parliament, one of our subjwt's firht acts was to second the motion, wliich was made by Mr. Cuvilier, that Mr. Morin should be the Speaker of the new House, thei-eby paying a compliment to his fellow subjects from Lower Canada. He also advo- cated a measure, having for its object, the maintainanco of the poor, by the inhabitiiiits of each township. He also brought on again his plan for a National Bank, in which he pleaded for the interests of the people, that the profitf of banking, which had now reached over $2,000,000, might be made of use to the country, in public works, instead of going into the pockets of private individuals. The bill was again defeated by a small majority, and he never afterwards sought to revive it. He also advocated an Alien bill, whereby five years residence in the Province constituted citizenship, and Buccossfully carried it by a large majority. He again drew the attention of the House to the question of the inland navigation. In a debate on the speech, which lasted for nine days, Mr. Merritt was " surprised at what he had heard (from Mr. Draper.) To retain office with a majority of the House against them, was persisting in managing the country contrary to the wishes of it. This would be only a protrac- tion of the injury, and he hoped that Ministers would state ejqjressly whether that is to be the system of Lord Sydenham or not." Mr. Draper cloii^ed the debate by saying that they would resign if oji- posed b^ a majority. One of his constituent's opinions on these proceedings is as follows : "Saint Davids, June 28th, 1841. " My Dear Sib — I again take the liberty of addressing you a few lines, that you may understand that your friends ai'e thinking and feeiing anxious to know the result of the session. "Your proceedings so far, I tliink, have given pietty general satisfaction to all parties. I see you have drawn the Attorney General out. You were right. It was mysterious. Why not come out at onoe. I >?are not a cop- per for his professions, let us see what his actions will be on all matters of importance. It may be policy for him and the Governor General, if they do not me;in right, to mystify ; but I hope that is not the ciuse. You must be on the alert. Your country is watching you, and I trust they will have no reason to complain. I am sorry to see the Keformers disagree on small points. The question about an adjournment, I think, was not worth debating on. It tended to weaken the i»arty. To try the real- ity of the men, the question must bo something that the country has more interest in. The news here is, that after carrying your amendments to His Excellency's speech, he sent for you the same night. The next morning Vou brought in other amendments to do away with your former ones. I hardly credited that. We only receive the news weekly. I may be far behind the proceedings of the day. Give His Excellency all the assist- ance you can, but guard the rights and privileges of the people. Try and make this a strong and happy country as it was formerly. All that is wanted is that liberality that every Government ought to brstow on its niVjjoct's Juvilier, >aying a lo advo- by the for a that the be made jkets of ty, and ien bill, lip, and 'ntion of 239 subjects. I am aware this is your feeling, and I hope that should you not accomplish that, you will not fetter the Province with your consent. I hope Mr. Baldwin will still bo the leader of the party. Let me hear from you soon. *' Your obedient, humble servant, "RICHARD WOODRUFF. '• W. H. Merritt, Esq., Kingston." On the 7th July, Mr. Merritt published a letter to the stockholders of the Welland Canal, stating that the Royal assent had been given to the act, which we have already detailed, for purchasing from the stockholders by the Government, .showing the advantage of the measure and calling for iicquiescence thereto. A reprint of the report of the CoSimittee on the Bank Bill, dated April 1 3th, 1835, was given in the Journal of April 29th. It takes up seven or eight columns, with another of editorial in its favour ; but failing to become a Government measure, much to the disappointment of our subject and friends, the country was deprived of the profits of banking. Mr. Hincks brought in a bill to abolish the Usury Law, which we can- not but think, though of temporary protit, as tending not a little to the periodical depression of trade and the failure of individuals. The resignation of the Hon. R. Baldwin, at this period, revived for a time, the old animosities, and our subject in an able speech, pointed out the advisability of quietly proceeding with bu.siness, rather than waste time in stirring up unpleasant discussions. His advice seems to liave been lulopted, as a better feeling .soon prevailed. Some of the best measures of the government he permitted to pass unchallenged, but the measures of granting large sums all over the country, on plank roads, and other politi- cal favoi's, he bitterly attacked, and succeeded in beating the Government on the question. His anxiety to have the Cornwall canal opened caused a giant of a million and a half dollars to be given towards that object. 'Hie pi'oceedings of the House terminated on the 19th Sei)t., by Lord Sydenham being thrown from his horse, from which accident he never ral- lied. After his burial the members returned home. Mr. Merritt proceeded to New York, and had an irterview with the stockholders regarding the best disposition of their property, and a liberal offer being made to our subject, he agreed, on communing with liis familv 10 undertake to do their business for them in London, the great monetary centre. The remaining incidents of this year were the attempt about the 28th October, to blow up the Big Level lock at Thorold, and the release of Mc- (.'loud from his long imprisonment. The Journal has again turned to the mild direction of the faithful and scrupiilously correct editor and printer, Hiram Leavenworth, and 240 though we do not see so many political articles on Church and State m during Mr. Sears' occupancy of the editorial chair, yet the course of eventu is sufficiently depicted in its pages to present " the mould and figure of the times." News was received, headed very important, that the Queen had given birth to a Princess ; that St. Jean D'Acre was captured ; the Chinese war still p'-ogressing; the States' people were succeeding in Texas, and that our ■own fellow-subject, Alexander McCloud, was still a tenant of Lockport jail for participating in the Carolina affair. As a sign of the insecurity of the times, especially in the matter of horse property, we notice the formation of a " vigilance society," com posed of John Gilliland, J. Wright, Alexander Wilson, Joseph Godfrey Samuel Hill, Thomas Oxbury, H. Mittolberger, Wm. Chase, Sam. Harris John Soper, John Clark, A. K. Boomer, J. Clendanning and D. P. Hainee, Mr. Merritt issued an address to the freeholders of the county of Lin <5oln, dated September 23d, which .says : " Gentlemen — The first session of the fii-st United Parliament has closed, £45,000 being granted to the com- mon schools and £1,500,000 for connecting our inland waters with the Atlantic. Lower Canadian members are entitled to your gratitude, for to their noble and disinterested conduct are we indebted for ready access to the sea. Notwith.standing the heavy debt they have already a.s8umed, and the very great disproportion of expenditure in this section, they voted to a man for the completing of the Wellandand St. Lawrence canala, Eighty-eight bills have passed, but fifteen, including the Municipal Bill, reserved. Confidence has been eHtablished., the prosperity of Canada com- menced, and the stability of the Union being cemented by the harmony And good feeling which prevailed among the members from the difier«nt part of the Union." The result of the first session's work was satisfactory to most of the in habitants, including the distant members on the sea-board, who vied with their fellow British Americans on the borders of the St. Lawrence as being the originators of colonial independence. In this we think they were mi»- taken. The report which contained the principles on which our future govern- ment was to be carried on, but for. the results of which, neither our subject nor any native of this country is in the slightest degree responsible, " wu subversive of the existing institutioDs of the colony and as much a revolution aH if the rebels themselves had succeeded. It was followed by the annexation manifesto in 1859, on the return of Mr. McKenzie, which our subject had also an influence in putting down The result of this policy on his future usefulness, will appear as we proceed One object for diminishing power was multiplying its depositories; and 241 municipiil institutions were not giving the coloi.iea the management of their own affiiirs, but rather tended to reconcile them to an administration entirely opposed to British American interests. Towards the end of the year the elections for municipal conncillors occnpied the columns of the newspapei-s. The Journal says : " There are twenty -eight Councillors for Niagara district — quite a snuill Parliament in its way." This was about the n\imber of townships, the expense of which at the time was £3,447. The number of councillors and the ex- penses have about increased in equal proiiortions. The question will siig- I'ost itself — have the advanta-'es been commensurate with the cost ? They assembled under the leadership of Mr. Thorburn, Mr. llykert taking an active part in the representation of Grantham. The appropriation being adequate, work was at once commencetl on the canal, numerous stone cutters, masons, and laborers employed. Mr. Merritt, as usual, was elated with the proposed improvements, which proceeded tri- muidiantlv to the final success of his scheme. He was in dailv communi- cation with all parts of the work, and gave it his unceasing attention while in the neighbt)rhood. During the year 1841 a large portion of his time had been spent in superin- tending the works on the Canal, ])articularly along the Feeder — which was intended to be enlarged to the full size of the Canal, so that vessels pass- intr thi'ou"h it dining the time that the works were L'oint' on at Port Colborno would not obstruct the passage in that direction. And on the setting in of winter he made preparations to leave for England on imj)ortant business connected with finance, politics, free ti-ade, the negotiation of Government debentures, ttc, as well as to mako arrangements towards placing hia sons, the author and William, in the ' ^niversity. « Albany, October 12, 1841. " ]\Iv Dr.An Sox — You exprejised a desire to visit Enghind with me, on my leaving home, and on reflection, as this is most probably the last time I may ever have an opportunity to cross the Atlantic, I have decided that vou and your brother may accompany me. "^Y. H. MERRITT." Our subject, as well as his correspondents, considered it of the utmost imi)ortance — now that the disposition -t' the luveuue was all uiider ono Legislature — that the public in Lower Canada should be acquainted with tl'.e benefit the improvements of the navigation of thd 8t. Lawrence in West- ern Canada would bo to the country at large, ns well as the all-absorbing subject of local self-government in which the American colonics were equally interested. Previous to departing he received the following from his friends James Holmes and Jose])!! Howe, who had been visiting there the same autumn • imn 242 "Halifax, Oct. 7, 1811. " My Dear Sir — I received your favor of the Ifstli September a few days ago, and wa.s glad to find that you were well sati.siied with tlie results of the session. I have watched the procet'dings narrinvly, iiiid have been, on tlie whole, most ])leased and gratilied with what has been done and .said, always exco))ting the weakness and twaddle with wliicli the cam))aign was opened • ^^ * -i= There need be no fears of Executive responsi- bility. You would liave liad it in full perfection, had you ever mustered a majority to beat the d'overruacnt and with coinmou. j)rincijjl('.s and union to form another. Here, nobody dreams of the old stalking liorse of a minority government — the thing is ab.surd, and the few who cliui; to the idea are re- garded as old^Waterloo soldiers, or some dreamers of times gone past. Mrs. Howe begs me to present Jier respects, and thank you for all your attention. I am right glad to find tliat tlie great 8t. Lawrence river improvtsments are to be vigorously dealt with. You deserve gi'eat credit 'iov your jiersever- ance, and I trust will reap some profit as well as honor by your exertions. With best respects to all friends, believe me, " Yours truly, "JOSEPH HOWE. " W. Hamilton Meuuitt." "]MoxTREAL, 23d November, 18-41. " Dear Sir — I received your letter, dated the 8th inst., only a few days since. Where it has been in the meantime I cannot say. The communi- cation for publication, enclosed in it, you will find in the Herald, which is the pai)er enjoying most influence and the greatest circulation here. I shall j>robably follow it up by publishing your *' Keport," and by observations. If you have any to send me 1 shall be able to get insertion for them in tlie lleraU or some other joui-nal. (Jan you send uie any back numViers of the St. Catharines Journal ^\\i\iAi contain ob.servations on your great object^ If you can, do so, as it is a difficult thing to write with effect about what one really umler.stands but little. I am. " Yours very cordially, "JAMES HOLMES. " Hamiltox INIerritt, Esq., St. Catharines." The following he received from his father-in-law in answer to his letter regarding the education of his son William, which we commend to the study of our embryo politicians of the present day ; Mayville, December 14th, 1841. My Dear Sir: — I received yours of the 12th of October, dated at Albany, in which you ob.scrvcd you were about to go to England on busi- ness of the stockholders of the Welland Canal. " So you wish William to ])0ssess a knowledge of politics and legislation, as well as law. Politics and legislation are only to be obtained by tlio society of politicians, and in the legislative haU. The laws of particular goveriniients and national law are tiiught in seminaries of leaining, and con- stitute a branch of learning wliicli is very nec(5ir.sary to (pudify a man for ii politician and for tlie legislative hall. But still tli** great fle*ld for that study is not ill seminaries C{f learning, but is obtained by the knowledge acquireil 243 l)y the study of the interests of nations, and tliat partioidarly of our own And neighboring countries. Tliose interests will !e fuund to be and ought to be the governing viotives to all action between nations. It would be no (litHcult matter to form laws in conformity with those interests if the legis- lative body would act in concert. But here you are met by a thousantl sec- tional and i)ersonal interests, clashing with tlie interests of the government or state, and nine tinu's o>it of ten the.se interests are mei-e pretenses to cover some selfish design, and for this cause it becomes more difficult to discover and unveil the motives of these men than to discover and manage the inter- ests of government. The subject of politics and legislation, and the im- proper motives of men in oi)position — their intrigues and designs, which would subvert the ends of all fair legislation, I might have omitted, these being superfluous to inform one who requii'es no light on these subjects. " With sentiments of great regard, " Yours, " JP:DEDIAH PKENDERG AST. " W. Hamilton Merritt." Mr. M. wi'Oto to the Chief Justice, who had just returned from England for an introduction to some of his influential friends there. The "Chief" makes this an opportunity to read him a lecture not to take advantage of the Canal stockholders, and closes, with regard to Lord Stanley : " I should not feel it agreeable to address him except officially." Our subject demands explanations, whence appeiu-s the following. Without saying that persons ill public employment should not occasiomdiy enter into stock-jobbing, it is to Ije wished that the standaid of public morality and honor was ei-ected on a sinular level in these days : "TouoxTO, Dec. 7, 1841. "My Dear Sir : — I have jvist received your letter of yesterday. You do not mention on what day you intend setting out ; and I am therefore doubtful whether this will reach you or not. I lose no time, however, in writing to you, because I am aiixious that there should be no misunder- standing between us on the subject to which it chiefly relates. There can bo few persons, if any, who have; had a bt^tter opjiortunity than I have had til judge of your conduct aiul motives in regard to the Welland Canal, and I need not tell you that I have never looked upon you as actuated by any other than the best motives in giving up, as you have done, the greater pai't of your life to the promotion of that work. I fully belitsve you to have been disinterested in all the eftbi-ts you have made to forward it, and you are well aware that I have on many occasions publicly borne my testinu)ny to that effect, when I found your motives antl character unjustly attacked ; and in private I have done so thousands of times when you, of course, liave known nothing of it. jNIy opinion in that res[)ect is not in tlu; slightest degree changed. That you have always done all you could to guard the interest of the absent stockholders is quite well known to me, and I did and do sincerely trust that you will continue to act in the same manner towards them, by making them aware of the situation in which they really now stand. I confes.sed that hope in my letter, and it was the persuasion of my mind that But, I will be quite candid with you, and state precisely what you would. 244 I mi'ant by wiitiii at a good specidation. I am well awan; that the debentures are to open for the actual amount of each person's stock at par, bearing interest as the act provides, but what 1 feel anxious about is that the English stockholders should be put on their guard and made Ui reflect that the debentures will be really worth much more than (lu'ir accruing amount by the certainty tho act atl'ords of the biu'k interest being ullimately paid. If you think they are sure of coming to tlu^ knowledge of this, without any jtains Ix'ing taken to explain it, 1 think you are mistaken, because 1 know that within a fort- night stock has been sold here at jiar, which of course involves a needless loss of all the back interest. Tiiis has made nu^ ajipichend that if smh a speculation coidd be carrieil on here, upon the spot wliere the best meaus nt' infornuition oxi.st, it is more likely that the same thing could be dont> with the stockholders in Kngland, and f should be extremely sorry to hear that such men as I\lr. I'.lacow, after having lost the use of their money for years, should be induced hastily to accept an oiler which, veiy probably, before this time has been mail" to them, and which precludes all posr indemniliiMl for what np to this tiiiK^ they have lo.st. 1 hoped that your going homo migiit ]>revent this, and so I sai acted, would with mankind iu general have wholly destroyod the claim which you now have to be regarded as the person who has prac- tically conferred the most important benefit upon this country. If yuu took it that I had heard one word said about your having any such inten- tion yon are wholly in error. You are equally in ei-ror if you supposed that I believed that to be your object. On the contrary 1 really did lioj)e, as I said, that your visit to England would be made to answer exactly the oppo- site ]iurpose. But, I freely confess a fear crossed me that you might fall into an error, and I meant that my letter should in some mea.sure have the effect it has had, though I did not think you would take it exactly iu the sense you have done. " As to my own trifling amount of stock, I should always have disposed of it at par from the time of my becoming a Judge, because every now and then something was coming up in th.e court iu which I presitled and in whi vli the Company were more or less concerned, although the interest was too minute to be talked of. I neeil not tell you that we live in an ill-natured world, and I should always have been better plea.s«.\l at being free, as I 245 oiu:;Iit to }»o, of ivll diivot ]>0(MiiHiirv iiitiM-cst in the Ooin])iUiy. Ah kg )n as I Wiis told of a poison wlio w.mld trivii £21)0 for mv stock I did not lii-sitato to piirt with it. J'lit I shall nt^vcn- ftMd hjss intorest in th(i woik than I ha\o dou«, nor tako less pleasure iu seeing those who have sujuiorlcd it satisfac- torily rewarded. " I am, my (hiar sir, " Yours very truly, "JOirN 15. R0BIN80N." No people on earth understood the btjsiness ( Nile Street, Nov. 17, 1811. " Mv Dr.vk Sik :— T liave had the pleasur^i and satisfaetion of receiving your gratifying letter of the :27th inst., stating, as it does, that tlie i)roperty HO long cinbarktMl by the private shareholders in the Wellanrl Canal, and for years cousideri^l iu so much jeopardy, will at length belrtMlcemod. and still more gratifying tliat I may so sodu have the |il(Msure of sfMiing you and your sons in Liverpool. Your intimation, too, of a future bDuusfor the hazard they in:'urred in lending their aiil to so noble a work, whicli must ultimately prove of such imnunise b,uit!tit to the Province, bfsspeaks a c(jntinuauce of those liberal feelings you havt; always manifested in their behalf. "I trust our new ^Finistry will give every encouragement to emigration, as nothing would so essentially conduce to the wtdfare of the eo\intry. It would at once I'edieve us from the; burden of our pool- rates, and soon form an outlet for all our manufactures. Tn fact, it would make us independent of the whole world. Wo could get all we want from our own T'^donies, and supply them with everything needful for themselves, and thus form a bond of union that would be mutually beneficial. " Believe me, my dear sir, " Veiy sincerely your.q, "RICHAIID BLACOW." Before leaving St. Catharines, his fellow-townsmen waited upon him, and offered him a public dinner, which, owing to the short time at his dispo.sal, he was compelled to decline. He left on the 27th December, after spending the Christmas at his father's, and joined his sons in New York. mmm 24G saELi 1842. Tlioy onihiirkod on tlic 20th Jiimiaiy, in tlio good sliip " CfolmnlmH," for Liverpool, \vli(>ro tlicy iirri\ od afti i a favorahlo trip of t\voiity-om> days, land- ing on the 11th F(0)iuury, and jiut up at tho CJrociau llutol. Thoy s])fnt a few days in Liveriwol, socing tho gi-oat docks and other wonders. Here he left his sons to amuse th(!niselves, and procecnlod to London. Ho occu- pied his old (juartors, No. 19 l"5ury Sircet, where in 1828 ho was a fellow- lodger with Thomas Moore, the poet, the house being a great resort for Lritish American travelleis. He soon had tho pleasi;ro of meeting Mr. Gordon, his brother-in-law, in whose care ho jilaced Ids sons, as his own time would be fully occupied. Whilst on shipboard he matured a number of communications to Lord Stanley, then Colonial Secretary, on the subject of admitting Canadian pro- duce into England duty free. In these letters ho fully explained the in- justice done to Canada in this matter, by tfixing tho industry of a people who were striving to extend her tn)pire, whilst they at the .same time were receiving the bulk of their goods from the production of the parent State. He also visited many of his old associates, Messrs. Gladstone, Goul- borne, Smith, Buller, Pomberton, Bosanquet, Cubett and others, to whom was imparted a great deal of information in reference to Canada, and also attended some of the public entertainments, one in particular, held in the London Tavern, at which we find that he made a speech. He attended the Imperial Parliament, which assembled on the 3rd inst. The following is some of the correspondence from otficials, and Members of Parliament : "Whitehall, Feb. 15. " Sir : — I am directed by Mr. Wm. E. Gladstone to acknowledge the re- ceii)t of your note this morning, and to thank you for the opportunity which you offer him of ascertaining your opinion on the subject of his Resolutions respecting the duty on the importation of corn into Canada. Mr. Glad- stone will be at liberty to see you to-morrow, the 16th inst., at three o'clock. " I am, sir, " Your obedient servant, " RAWSON W. RAWSON. " W. Hamilton Merritt, Esq." " Downing Street, Feb. 18, 1842. " Sir : — In reply to your letter of the 17th, I am desired by the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer to state that he will be happy to see you on Monday next at one o'clock. I am, sir, " Your very obedient servant, " RAW^SON W. RAWSON. " W. H. Merritt, Esq." 147 "No. DCiiAi'Ki, Stk. ;;t, Bcl^'r.ivc Sciiiarc, Fell. 10, 1S42. " Sm : — iruviuf^ been iiifortiKnl by Mr. (J. Franks and by Mr. (lillHspie that you aro Hpecially iIlt('r(^st<'(l on btilialf of (Canada in thrs (|iu!stion relat- iiii,' to tlio fi'c(' adinission of C!olonial j,'rain into tlie liritisli markets, it would give mo much pleasure to see you pn^vious to my motion in the House of Commons for a reduction of the duty t(j one shilling per (piarter. I am almost always at honu^ till about two o'clock, and if convenient to you to call bef(n(! that hour 1 shall feel very much ol)li<'ed by vour allowinj' mo to see you at No. l> L'hap(d street, or J will call upon you on any day you may appoint lietween the hours of fouf and fiv(! o'clock in the afternoon. "Jf you liavc any nKMuoranda, Avliich \ou think tend to eluciihite the .subject, or if any point speedily suggests itself to you as wortliy of notice, I shall bo very glad to give them my best attention. " 1 have the honor to be, " Vour obetli(fnt servant, "WILLIAM T. O'liUIEN. "W. H. Mekritt, Esq." " Mr. Gladstone moved for imposing a duty upon Colonial produce, which %vent into (effect, and Mr. O'Brien's amendii'.ent was lost. " WiiiTKHALL, Feb. 22, 18 12. " SiK : — I am directed by Mr. Wm. E. Ulatlstone to acknowledge with his best thanks your letter of the I8th inst., upon the subject of the proposed measure for regulating the trade of the Colonies, as it all'ects Canadian iiituresta. I am, sir, " Your obedient servant, " llAWSON. W. RAWSON. " W. H. Mekritt, Esq." " Downing Street, Feb. 25, 1842. " Sir : I am directed by Lord Stanley to acknowledge the receipt of the letters which ynu addressed to his Lordship on the 21st inst., respecting the expelioncy of allowing Canadian corn to be imported into this country duty frue, and to convey to you his lordship's thanks for those communications. " I have the honor to be, sir, " Your n.ost obedient humble servant. "G. W. HOPE. " W. Hamilton Merritt, Esq." "Whitehall, March 1, 1842. "Sirs: Mr. Wui. E. Gladstone presents his compliments to Mr. Merritt and Mr. Williams, and has the honor to acquaint them, in reply to their note of this morning, that it is not intended to propo.se any duty upon the importa- tion of wheat into Canada. " Yours respectfully, " W. E. GLADSTONE. " W. II. Merritt and Mr. Williams, Esq's." " Downing Street, March 3rd, 1842. " SlR:~ I am directed by Lord Stanley to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22d ult., and to thank you for the information conveyed to him by that and your other communications. " With respect to the intentions of Her Majesty's Government on the sub- ject of the trade in corn both from the United States into Canada, and from 218 C*»niulii to (Iroiit Hritiiiii, Lord Sliuiloy dosircs mo to Htftto tliat, ntW the din- cuhhIoiis wliioli liavo ivot'ntly takfii j)la(!o in tlit! IIoiiho of ('oihihomh, lio IW'Ih it uiuieci'SHary to oiittT into details, but iH liappy to bo ublo to rol'or to tlioso disciiHsions, as sliowini; that it is from no indisp.)sitioM to promoto to tlio utmost of tbeir ability to do so, consistently with othor considcratioiiH, tho intorosts of Canada, that Her IMajcsty's (iovornim-nt must docliiio at present to acreedo to the proposal of an unrostricted importation of corn from thence to(ireat liritain. *' I have tli(^ honor to be, sir, " Your most obedient servant, "(J. W. HOPE. " W. II. Mkuritt, Esq." After leaving tho matter for tlio consideration of tho Ministry, ho at lonytli found time to attend to his sons. Ou thi> Sill of INIareh he wts, but the price is much the same. 1 go over lor the purpose of .seeing William properly settled, and will bo absent about a fortnight. W ith regard to business, everything is getting on as well as 1 anticipated. Tin' (Jovernment have overlooked the Colonies in tlieir great conunercial and financial transactions, and all parties interested in tho Colonics here, which are, however, few, appear dissatisfied. For my own part, I feel that the basis has been laid for our future prosperity, and expect before tho close of another session to .see the produces of Canada admitted into the ports of the mother country free from duty. Sir Allan MeNab called on me last night, lie came over in the Oxlbrd packet, by way of Que- bec. I'oston and New Y'ork. Give my love to all our relatives and friends, particularly father and mother, who 1 hope may be spared to meet us again in this world. W'c arc all hastening through it; and I cannot but remark how changed my feelings arc since 1828 — fourteen years. Then, I had an inclination to see everything; now, I would not give a straw to see anything. I have not been inside of a theatre or s\riat one penny in sight .seeing. I'cr- haps I may luive uktj curiosity in Paris, as everything will bo new. Mr. Gordon spends the evening with me generally when 1 don't dine out. Charles Morritt accompanies me to France. " I'our affectionate husband, "\V. HAMLLTON MERRITT." He sent liis son William oil to Paris, in order to observe a little of the grandeur of this gayest of cities, whore ho afterwai'd? joined him. From 240 I'iuis tlioy procooilod to Htrasltonr:^, thein'c to llcidnllxT^, when* In- ImW iiitnuluotioiiH, ami llionnt to Hoiin in \vlio-tf< Hj)l(»niliil iiniviM'sity ho [tliu'«"l hi.sHoii — ami ivtiinu'd to liondoii. " No. <) I{i:ilY Sthkk.T, St. .lamcH, Apiil Ki, I HI'.'. '• My Demi Sox : Ilavin;; arrivi'd tliis (!V('iiiii;^. I t.iki' tlio c iilifst fipjior- tuiiity to L'ivi; you a liiifruiitliiic ol' my pnxiociliiif^H siiio»! my lant luttcr. At'icr Icaviiif^ this, in company with Cli'irlt's MiMritt. had a jdc.i.snit sail down the Thami'8, ciUHscd the; Chaiiiii-l, and arrivi'il nt I{iuloii;:;ii(r the .sauK! d.iy, or hy ton o'clock at iii>;ht. In one day and niu;lit arrival hy djlii^nnci! to \':\rU, pass- im; thniu;;h a country (Jcvoid (d' interest. On my arrival in I'arJH, I hid Slime diHicnity in findin;; William'.s hotel, in conHCi|neMln to jihict' William first in (JiTiiinny, bwauHu I sliouM It'cl better siitii^fioil ill Huciiii; tlit- jtoopK' willi wlimu lio wmiM rt'sido iit hotii pliKics. A (ifrtiiaii is II HC'ioiidaiy cuiisidcriitioii, by loaniiiii; it lirst lie will siioncr fbr^Mit it tluiii Kri'iKili, which will bt; tho most icwiitly iiiipriissod on liis iiiciiiory. J!o will coimiu'iici! his I'lX'iicli li'ssons us Sfxtii n» lie ouii spoak tli»! (iitriiiaii and un- derstand it ; and 1 wish to make his stay in Paris as shitrt as possiblo. litd't liiin on Tuisday last, and returned by way of (!olo;z;no, Aix lia (Jhapellc, liiet^e, Brussels, (liioiit, Hru;j;es and Ostoiid, alter visitin;^ Waterloi. It is my inten- tion to pay you a visit bel'ore 1 leave, whieli cannot be before the iHtli of May, and we will (hen consult respecting a tour throULch that country, fiie ensuing year, during your long vacation. If I can afford it I will give you tlio oppor- tunity, as it will not only be iiighly iiiterestiiig, but beneficial to your health. Hy tliat time William will thoroughly undorstand French, I'jiglish, and (Jer- man, and ho has a great iinxiety to visit Switzerland. Some gentlemen are much in the iiabit of travelling on loot, particularly Knglislimen. T came (ivir with a young officer ol' tht^ sr)th, who travelled through Bavaria, Switz- erland, and Italy, with two others, one a German ; was absent three months and only expended .i'25, and a i>art of tlie way took diligence and visited theatres and ])ublic places. At the same time 1 found travelling (juite as dear there or more so than in America. With a hope of hearing from you shortly " I remain, " Your affectionate father, «'W. HAMILTON MEKRITT." On bis return to London lu« first l)UHine88 wa8 witli tho Ministry, as will be Hcen by this note : "WniTKnAi.i,,May 17, 1812. " Sir : — I ani directed by Mr. W. E. (Jhulstone to ucknowledgo the receipt of your letter of yesterday, upon the subject of the jiroposed clau.se in the British PussessiouH Trade Bill, by which the free importation of certain articles for tho use of the Fisheries is permitted. " The Government is sensiV)le that objections may lie against the system of exemptions, but as it has f(jund them established in this instance in favor of a particular branch of industry, it does not feel itself justified in inter- fering with thom. I am, sir, " Your obedient servant, "KAWSON W. KAWSON. " W. Hamilton Mekuitt." The following appeared in tho Jotirmd of the 1 4th of April, being in time to reach our subject before his mission was clo.sed. To realize the grati- fication and encouragetnent this was likely to supply, we must consider Mr. Merritt was without a Croverninent appointment. His appeals for adequate introduction, necessary to smooth the way for the self-appointed envoy, were but partially ro.spouded to, and serious discourag(unents thrown in his way during its progress : " We have been favored with a communication from Mr. Merritt, now in TiOndon. This indefatigable friend of his country is at the present mo- ment laboring hard at the seat of the Imperial Government for the welfare of Canada. 251 "Stfixily l<' nndiT- takin'^'K hu lon^ uh \w rontiniutH in pnhlii; lifi\ "Tin) country in ^'<'n(^iiil, and St. ('atharinfH in jiartioulivr, fii'f dccjily ind<)l)t«d to liis entT^y and lt";,'iHlativ(i wisdom. " It iH (Imoiitly to Im wihIukI tluit liiH vulnalilo lifo may 'oo Ki>Hr««d to lio an incii'iiHin:; lilcsRiiij^ to tlio |irovinc(<, ttnil Mint wlii-n his fncf shall ho iii,'ain tinned towards hi.s kindre always hcmmiih stiuiigo to tlio visitor IVotn luoro SoiitlifM-ri coimtrios. They found liclfiist a largci and ))i()S]>(!n)US t-'ity, ami whilst thcro tlniy called on the fVicinds of jNlr. lioonici-, hoforo incntionod as oonnoclod with I\Ir. I\l.V family; also, tho Chirks, at Annngh. Wishing to soo the inhabitants, of ■whom ho had seen so much on the Canal, he visited a number of the cot - tagors, and took notf's of tlunr circumstanccK and position in life. Going Koiithw'.rd thfy visitcul l)rogh(Mla, and travollod through the* romantic and liistoric (;ountry of tiio lioyno, and linally r(iachi;d J)uldin aftor a very agi-ee- able jouriun'. T!i(!y]»ut up at an hotol in Sackvillo Street, and sjient a few days in visiting the principal sights, including the old University of Trinity Colh^go, where many of his Canadian Irish friends had graduated ; »I.o, St. Patrick's (/'athedral. They wei'o veiy nnu'h ])le!is(!d, and hospitably enter- tained, and on leaving by steamei' foi" JiivcM'pool were delighted with the tiublinie srerKjry of Dublin J>ay and th<'. ',v icklow Mountains. Arriving in Liv(!rp(Mil, in (inic to t-aUt' the mail s((';;nishi|>, " Creat Ib'itaiii," which was going to New \'ork, leaving his son to return to ( ';tnil)riil^e, lie took pass- agatron, Nehemiah MfM-rItt, Ksip, of St. .Johns, X. B. After a hasty interview with his New York friends who were interested in tlie linancial ol>j(*ct of his mis.sio!i, in^ left at oikh) for St. .Johns. During his absence another new < Jovernor, Sir (Inu'ii'S Bagot, the tiftli in as many yeai-s, iiad aiiived in the country, followed Ity a special envoy, li'ird Asliiiurton, wlio caiue to settle the boundary ipmstion. The Canal had opened on the 18th of A|'i'il.nn<5 ohl agis of eighty two. Although in apparent good health wh(m our sulijeet left, yet, after a short illness lu^ died on the I'Jth of May, highly este(Mneil l>y all, and deeply regi-etted. His memoirs were drawn up by Mr. (loorgo Coventry, and deposited with those of other eai'ly settlers in the archives of the Province. As our subject was daily expected back from ihiglaud, w(5 tind in the Jonnud ui' ,]uiu' ;$() that steps w(!re immediately taken arid an influential committee of his fellow townsmen apfiointed for the purpose of making him a hamlsouia present, as u nuirk of their apiueciation of his conduct. And 253 |eared a letter to George Adams, President of the Agricultural Society, in which he says : " SiK : — From the distinguished situation which you have long ludd in this District, you ippear to he th(i most direct and appropriate channel through which any comiiiunication to tlie public on any sulfject r(;lating to tliat Ijrauch of industi-y can be made." In this familiar c he notices the various addresses to the Imperial Parliament for an adcfjuatc protection against foreign pro- ducts, when Ouio are admitted without duty; and if wc cannot, on tlicso terms, •sufficiently compete with foreigners, w(.' have no right to C(»rnj)lain. It is both unreasonable and unjust to rocjuire our fellow subjects in liritain to impose any duty or (ho articles they consume for our benefit. He then relates tho history of the measure in an address to the Legislature, fifth March, 18IM, p. 149 of this work. lie (juott the speech in the Imperial Parliament, bearing on the subject, by 8ir Robert Peel, that Canada must be treated as an integral part of tho liritish empire. That to accomplish this desirable object, they should remove all duties in Britain of tho growth of Camida, and all duties on any article manufactured in Britain; and extei'd the coasting M-f. le in the remotest part of Canada. He advises patience with the Home (lovernnient desirous of imposing any duty on our products lor the purpose of revenue : as the eilect will be to give the Canadian grower the full benefit of the market of the mother country us well as our own. If our readers can reni'Miilier (be remarks made on page ll'J, tliey will find bow persistently he pursued this sultjeet, and also see that during his lat(! visit he pressed the subject on tho Imperial (/overnnunt in sueii a man- ner as to evoke fiom Sir K. Peel the remark, " ihat < anaila nnist in effeet be treated as though sho was an integral part of tlu; empir(>," as well a dis- patch lieiu" receivcid by tho (Jovernor, wiiich stated " that if our (Govern- ment would repeal all duties on liritish goods, and impost} a reasonable duty on all foreign importations, that tho products of Canad to such a jtitch that they either fought for the fun of thing, or, to use an Irish expression, " were growing rusty for a batin'." On the 1st of August, going to Toronto, ho visited the new (Governor, by whom he was well received. From Toronto he wont westward, visiting his sister, Mrs. Ingorsoll, and othons, around Oxfoi'd, returning by Paris, Dundas^ Flamborough, aixd other adjacent places, calling on many of his old ac- ipuiintancos on the route. ;j;) old ac- A^^fiia, on liis an'ival lioiiic, lui was nn-t l)y a mimliiT of visitors from the Htatos wiio caiiit) to rco tint (!aiml. To tlioso lioactcil tho part of a cicc- roiic, showing them all lln; objocts worthy of noto on tho Canal ami in tht^ vicinity. This Hcasoii was romarkablo for very riotous comliujt on tlic part of tho laliorcr.s on the ('anal cnlar^'cninnt. So H(M'ions (lialdwin appears to have had a treaty oHensivi; and defensive regarding tin; ollieial appointments The .speech was agreed in by all l)ut live, and the business of tins country proc(;ede(l. liOtli. — Tho debate on a duty on States wheat was carried on — Mi". Hincks and our subject on ojiposito sides. On tlm Sth Octol)er appears the repoit of the Special Committee to 25G wliicli w,is rcfeiTi'd tlic iictitioii of tlif North AnKiican Colonial Socifty in Louilon — of the Muiiicijiiil (Joiiiicil District of Niagara, and tho Kcverul dis- jiatelK's on iuiiiortation of wlicat and flour — tivo resolutions accompanied. " I'liat tho dcsirublo oliject of (.*aiiada being treated as tliougji slie were an integral i)art of the empire, can only he obtained by removing all duties from its ])ro(hicts. "'i'lif J^cgishitive Assembly will take the earliest opportunity as soon us the tinances of tho Province will admit of recommending the removal of iill duties on the manufactures of tlic M(jth'r Country. "That they have every coniidmcc, when the leading public works are finished, that the revenue from foi-eign commerce and tolls will enable the Provincial («ov(!rnment to recommenil this. "WiM. li. MERRirr, Chairiuan." With this end in view, and for economy, he firings in a motion for the exhiliition of the public accounts, with what immediate success the present aiiswer from the leader of the Government will show. " DlFFlELD, Oct. 11th, 1842. Mv DkakSih: — You have a motion standing over from yesterday respect- ing the ])ublic accounts, which I trust you will consent to let it lie over until next session. I have not had tiiiu! to look over the njotion which, from its variety of details, it would be embarrassing to give an opinion on without much more time for consideration than can now he applied to it. f trust I need not assur(> you that the present udministrtition have every desire to plnce the accounts of the public income and expenditure before the country in that shape best adapted to afiord the fullest informati on these importnnt subjects. Neither need 1 assure you of our desire to meet every suggestion coming from you as one coming from a IViond. We at the same time are not pre- pared just now to assiiit to your motion, though we will give it every consid- eration during the recess with a view to act upon your suggestions as far as practicable. Believe me, yours truly, EGBERT BALDWIN. As, we infer, the result nf his interview with tho Colonial Secretary when in London, a despatch was received from the Imperial Government during tho intei'im, stating that if the Colonial Legislature wished to have free trade with l^ritain they would coincide with the propo.sal. Gu the de- flate which arose uj)on this im|iortaiit (piestion it is i-eniarkable that tiie men who in reality re}ii'csented the early settlers of both Cjijier and Lower Canada were in favor of the measure, while its chief opjionents were those who had udt been many years settled in the countiy. The residt was tliiit owing to the strange compositicm of tlu* House, this measure, so vital to tlie inteiest of this new aiul ju-oduetive country, which would have made Canada the envy of its neighbors, was put off until the next session. Very little w(irk was done aft«'rwards, and the House closed on the 12th of Gctobei'. The Hoard of Works, estafilished fiy S, P. Thompson, had effected luimer oiis improvements, whi<;h wen^ highly gratifying to our .subject, particuhirly those on the Ottawa for facilitating tlie transport of timlior. 257 iociety in veral lUs- piiniod. slic won-! all duties as soon iis ;)valof:''l woi'ks arc juablt; llie 'luiirnian." ion for the ],(• prebent h, 1842. ;ay respect - c over until li, from its on without I trust I lire to place ntry in that int su])jocts. tion coming ire not pre- cry consid- as far as J)\VIN. St-'crctary !ov(nTiiv.05it cd to liavo On tilt de- (' that the mid Lower were those t was that ,ital to the ado Canada \-ery littlr Octolier. •tod nunier Viirticuhiily Tlic principal act of the pri-vious short session liad been the report of the Coinniittee on free trade with Kiif;land, of which our suhjict was Chairnian. It appeared to tend to draw closer the eonneetion cd' natural interest between the Colony and the Mother Country, and on wiiieh a lengthy .speech is reported, Mr. Menitt had entered into the system of ])arty government, like everything else, with great energy, olferiug the interest of his .seat to tlii^ Premier. After the eloso of the Tfou.se lie proeeedeil to ^Montreal on jiublic busi- ness, and n^turned home on tjio Itli of NovtMiibcr. Taking tiie opportunity of pcr.sonally inspecting thi! works for the improvement of the St. L'iwienci3 River, pa.ssingin an open boat, (an account of whieli is mysteriously alludjl to) determined tlic feasibility of tiic lost channel. Its success was heralded in the other conimunicution. "CoHNW.VM,, November 9th, 1S42. " Dear Sib: — -I was much disappointed when I learned that you had passed through Cornwall ou your return home from your late t.)ur to Beanharnois, without aifording me an opportunity to see you, p:u'tieularlv as you g.ivc me to understand that you would make a stop here (d' at least a tew linurs. " To my disappointment, I iiave now to add my surprise and extreme regret that at your suggestion in accompanying you to Hungry Hay, I have elYei-ted nothing but a eonlirmation of u desire on my part, which some imj^uted to uie at Kingston, during tlie late session of Parliament, o annoy and oppose the IJoard of Works. Mr. John 8. Macdonald, the Member from (!lemi.iiTy, iiifiirmed nie sonn; five or si.x days ago tliat you had exjiressed yourself to Mr. Moffat, in Montreal, quite satisfied from your recent examinatiou that the Channel at Hungry Bay i.rii3 all that jou could wish it to be, but that you dared not give expression to tiiat opinion at the time of making the examina- tion for fear of being thrown overboard from the lioat in which wo cro.ssed. This la.iguage is .so unlik(! what T have always seen in you, and what I wouM slill expect, that I an slow to believe it; yet at the same time 1. cannot re- train from remarking that after consulting mo cunjithndlalh/ as yi>H dH on more occasions than one whilst at Kingston on this subject, I thought I hr.d convinced you of sincerity at le.ast in the statements which I made, however tar my judgment may have differed I'rom yours in the matter, ■'Then again your opinion, as given ((uite iVeely, both on Clark's Island and au'ain at Mcl'herson's Point, in reference to the .shoals and badness of the Channel was as strong and pcinted as any opinion that I have or shall ad- vance for this reason. 1 must repeat my disbelief that you could have made the alleged stateuK'nls to Mr. Mcffat, although Mr. McDonald ,says he iiad it from Mr. Killaly as coming from .Mr. Molfat. " If what you said to me whil.st in the boat was through fear of being ill- treated by me or those who aeeompanied us (which I cannot for a moment believe), why not on the first opportunity that offerei] after the danger was jiiist, communicate to me your real opinion, for which I have always had the lii|^die.st respect, particularly on canalliag. ]iut you will, I feel persuaded, attribute to proper motives the feeling.^ which dict'ited the addressing to you this letter, and under the circumstances I think you will allow was not uncalled 'or. " If I have misunderstood you ia whai, you said in rejorence to the Chau- 'ins tiel umU^' coii.-idiT.ilior', ami if my stiitciiionJs ni;i\il LCiandma, with my own najther. When leadiiiif her f(U w,u':(l IVmih I']ii;;lniiil tli;it lln- i(M!t had h'l't with Messrs. l'(iiisiiM(|iirL \Vfr«f suld, with all (iX|Ktlis(',s, at oiid per cent,. iiii(iei' par. We doulit if an event like this has siiico ocourrwl in tlie I'ai^^'li.sh mkhk^v niarlcet. ^ /^ ,n~-ijt j On tho 27th of" Kehruary anoth(M- new («;taneo; to depend upon your ;_dviri;r to them a constitutional iiovnuaieht, by which the interests and aflections of the peoph- of Canada may be so re;.iulatcil as to lirevcnt the jirobability of any wish ari.-ing on tla:ir part to separate from t!u-< country. " Ihil, to become better aeijuaiiited with t!i(^ |»e(r In-ingiug up a lai'i,'e family in a n(!W and ahnost unsettlwd land, and instilling her (diihli-en with proper notions of duty to thftir Creator and country. Shewasagreat favorite witli the rest of hoi' husband's family, and, as «, mark of esteem lier brotlior-in-law, Nohcniiah, had pi'cvious to liis deatli left u bcjiiesst of 2fi0 .t^)(}0 for ii iiioininiont in whi<'li Ik r iinrno as well as hor liuslmmrK was to lif! (•oiniiiciiK'ratcil. Tlio stoin^ (Hi which tUit ii)scri|>ii()ii is r«'('ni(h'opnlous ami thriving di.s- tricts whiidi now occupy tlu; thcMi almost unknown lands of Wisconsin and f llinois. Mr. Merritt arriv(!(l honu! from Kingston, on the 20tli May, wher(! he had an interview with tlie Clovernor and I'oard of Works, and entei'o in nsferenco to the establishment of a Provincial Lunatic Asylum, wheraiii ho was deputed to nuike e.xtensivc in((uiries, and collect information in tho United States in reference to the sul)ject, He visited New York, Boston, Utica and various other i)lacea; and in Utica gleaned a large amotint of in- formation from hi.s fri(!nd, Doctor Brigham, who had charge oft' > Asylum there. From tho exjiorieiice gained, ho prepared an able repoit,. id traii.s- mitted the same to the Provincial Secretary. During this journoy of in.spcction he was ficcompanied by Mrs. Merritt, from whose journal wo copy : 2G1 ** We arose Mondiy, l()t,Ii July, .«t 4 o'clock, and to(»k a cup ofcofrti!; and with soil 'riimiias for drivcir, arrivod at Nia;^ura at H, in lime tor stiMiin-r (jiiten, to Toronto. Tlieri; was sinootli water, and a littli; rain Cull duriiijj; tlie «ail. Passed \\w. (Hiiif J imlin' iwuX St. Liiinrniin;. Oonver.si'd witli Mrs. (Jil- lospie, ol'dalt, and witli lier three eliildren ; she is very chatty and |>leusaiit. Toronto at 12; sloppcid at North Anicriein llottd ; drove to IM-Dlmsor I'olter's, when, after an liour, einie haek hy (^'oll»^j:;e Avi'iinc and Mr. (Jra.ssett'B, and hack in ti-ne i'or tea, and drove to steamer St. /.iiiorinirn at 8 ; cros.sed to ()s- wef^o; went on board a canal boat at 7, sat on deck till !), when we ;n University, now ol Kiu'z's ('((llegc, Toronto, and liis lady, }i;ranild iiiihtcr of .M.-. N-lK's. -Mrs, Merritt'.s Journal of 24th says: ''Prof, anil Mrs. Potter came on Friday, from the Fdls. We talked of (.'ainbridiic, they both haviufr resided there. Mrs. P. pointed to m my wdl- known places in the views of ('ambriiljc. After dinner our in ui too'c th iin on to (Jrimsby, to visit Mrs. Potter's relatiojis." < >n the 28tli of September the House nu!t, and a i.-onriiltLiv, was ajtp'jiuted to consider tlic quesLion of eoh>niaI free tradi:Ait Sox : Yours of tin' l.'^th of ,\n;|nst, from Zurinh, was re ciiivcd l)y thd last pacUr't -this ufocs hy tho " Acadia," v,dii<'h h-avc's nM the loth, Vonr mother copied yoiii- Icttei- .md sent it to nw.. >Slin leaves foi- Mayville to-morrow, with all your letters, views, hooks, it(!., wdnch, witli tlioH(! of your hi-otlier, will l)e a rich ti'cat (,o your remaining,' <{ranil-par6ntH. " If your lirotlifM-'s health is i-est.orfid by fi'avelliiii,', we will rejoice, and, I ti'iist, feel grateful. II iviuL,' written k(j fully in my last letUsr, I will eon- lino myself to /jfivin;^' you a hrief narrative of passing events liere. " 'I'lie (Jovernmeut is <-nniheleil on my favorite theory — responsihility lo tho people f^ovt-i'ia'd. Tiic Weliand and St. Luwrence (Janals will he finished (»n your nturn, the resources of tle^ country fully developed, the comuK'i'ce with the niothei- (•odnlry phe'cd on a perfect system, hy the re- moval of duties on the eouimoditirs of each when eiiti-rin;^' the othei', and 1 trust the pros])erity of your native country estahlished on a yternifinent hasis. The seat of (Jovernment will he rtMiioved to Montreal. The (pn'stion is to 1) Ml •liiiial to tlio coiiiiUy, iiml lii-l|. lu iiii;r«as« its yri'iitnoHH. " IfoiTHK OK AsSKMItl.Y, No\ . 11, I S I 3. " My DiCAli Son : 'I'lif (JovcriiiiH'iit ?ii"s.si'ii;^fr Icuvi's in l!ii' rnnniiii;^ for llo.stoii, ami I liavc takfu up u ftnv in niiciils wliilo sittiii;;,' on a «'i)iiimit- t(»n to iiiv('sti;,'at(' tlio inniiinr of dispo iiii;^ of In li.iii lands, to !,dvt) you a short sk«>t(!li of pasHJiig oocurn-iici-H. .Mfssis. Dunn, Haiirum, Morin/PlioiniMon, '('liorl)urn and niywlf coiiiposo tlio fonnnitto". danif.s iiitdc, lvs(|., ( 'apts^. Kurt- and darvis, with many others, all of whom lire known to you, are lun-e as evidenre. Messis. Onnii and Thompson are fniioiis, and wliilt^ they aro deluitiii;,', I am Ki-iihhliiii,'. An a Idicss lo the (Jneen, pr.iyiiiL,' for a rfjmoval of the scut of ({overnnii'nt to Montr'al, i,'oes to lMiL,'liiud l»y this paek(^t. Shonld the pv-tition he ;;rinted, and yon heconi'^ a h';.;is!ator, your Freneli will (M)ni!>ine utility with aviompiislnnent. A hill has hecu intro- diieed iilleriii;,' the .Municipal Councils Act, the School Act, the Kxeise and Duties, JiirispriideiKie of Lower < 'aii.ida, du y liill, amcndiie.,' Nia-ara i)is- tii(!t IJaiik Charter, which we hope lo ^fct into ouci'utioii, and I trnstthat yon may at some future day liecome its solieitfjr. Our pr.^so it (Jov 'rnor (lOiKiral is popular, and a Ljood man. I hopo you havo seen his letter to the Uritish Amhas.sador, which I enclosed to I). I)aly, Hanker, Paris. It will i,'ive you an opportunity of seeinj< state <(randeur, or tli(^ splendor with which our diploiiiac-y is surround'-d in Miirope, to talk ahout lier(!after. It is all the ^'(lod it will ilo. I will send yoii a paper coiitainini,' th(! dehattts on the .seat of (lovernment hy this packet. Tho Jiieiid»(!i'H of the lIp|)(M- llousc!, or- a pail of them, left in dudgeon. Mr. Harrison, Secretary West, has resii,'iied, and lo.ses a salary of .CI.-"() per yar. We have a hill to amend the act for yraiitin^ de'tentiires to tho private shareholders in the Welland Canal Company, whii-li I hope will ho- aouxc a law. If. so, it may take me over the .Atlantic! once more. Another month will decide. I will write you the result in due time. We are ahout a|)plyin;^ for a p(a't td' entry and a warehousing;- |iort, which will aild very (■oiiHis of resolutions, declaring that hen^after the practical opeiatioii of our Provincial (Government should Ik; assimilated as nearly as pos^ildo to tho cons itutiim of tins mother country, and the K.xoaitivo Council should command the conlidenco of the Ifouse of Assemhly. Sir Charles IJagot came out, d 'termined not toadheri^to that |U'inciple, liut in the first session of 1842 wai compidlcd to ado]jt it. and call Me.ssis. Lafontaim;, l»aldwin, and Morin, to his Council, or dissolve tlie Houso of As.somhly. Sir Charles IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) / o -^ V . ^ "^ '^< Vx fA I 1.0 I.I ■" IIIM '' 11111 ' lifi 12.0 IIIM 12.2 .8 1.25 1.4 1.6 ^ 6" — ► V] ^■ C ///// ^ W 01 o ^X % M 7 Photographic Sciences Corporation iV V ■V :i>^ \ \ 6^ %^ 9) » 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 %^ Wr % i ^' m i«i \m 264 Metcalfe came out, under the same impression, but has no alternative. Our Council is therefore composed of Baldwin, l>unn, and Daly, in addition to those heforc named. Harrison having resigned, that oHice is abolished. The completion of the Canals is also secured, and the trouble I took to im- press on the mind of JiOrd Stanley the impoitance o"" admitting oir j)roduce into the ports ot Great Britain without duty, has been fu'ly compensiited. Coj)ies of those letters have been jmblished and most extensively circulated in this Province, and admitted by all to contain sound principles and useful information. It is gratifying to find so nnich has been done in so short a time ; but much more re({uires to be accomplished. Our system of judica- ture is expensive. Our numicipal institutions do not yet work well, in con- sequence of attemi>ting to create two ojjposing j)owers in the same district, the one, the magistrates appointed by the Executive Government, and the councillors, elected by the people. " Your atl'ectionate father, "W. HAMILTON MERRITT." During the session ho strongly advocated that the proceeds derived from the sale of Indian lands should be set aj)art solely for the use of the abori- gines, and when on the committeo for this purpose he earnestly insisted on the same course being pursued towards these people. One of the acts of the new Parliament was the establishment of our Com- mon School system, which was placed under the charge of the Kev. E. By- erson. The system so far has i)i-oved in many respects unsatisfactory, owing to i-eligious controversy ])roducing sej)erato schools. A very exj)ensive system of management, besides creating the fallacious idea that as men progressed in wea'.th they should still, among other communistic doctrines, compel the State to pay for the edujation of their children, instead of doing it them- selves. Mr. ^Icrritt made a lengthy ppocch on the removal of the scat of Govern, ment, taking the opporianity of going o/or the who'j h story. His •' attention to the subject of the lluion was first directed, from contrasting the relative pros- perity of the adjacent State of Kew York as early as 1822, since which no op' portunity tending to bring it about hud been neglected. It was with the view of having a seaport for his Province of I'ppcr Canada that, before a committee of the House of Commons in England, six years after, the annexation of Mont- real was advocated. He addressed this letter to the Colonial Secretary, Sir George Murray : ' At present a majority of the itdiabitants of both Upper and Lower Canada are averse to the Union ; the former for fear of being controlled by the French. * * * On 'he other hand, by the annexation of a sea- port to Upper Canada and the improvement ol' tlie St. Jiawrence, commerce will be extended, population doubled, the value of property increased, so that both would soon realize tlic wisdom of the measure, ami not only become recon- ciled to it, but solicit a reunion.' 265 Canada e French. of a sca- ;oiuiucrcc so tli:il no rccou- After rending th) foregoing, Mr. Merritt continued : " T'-irco of the most di^•tingui&hed members of this Home, including the honorable the 8peaker, were then in liondon ; and although the measure was opposed, the object has since been off.cted to tlie fullest extent. Tiie first fruits of the session (and he hoped we should never forget that we were indebted to their Lower Canada friends for it,) was to secure a passage to the ocean. Up to the present moment the union had been gaining ground. Tiiis had been brought about with the seat of Government in Upper Canada. Why, then, by attempting a change, endanger it ?" At the termination of the session ;i break-up occurred in the ministry in con.sequenee of which the House was hastily adjourned. A new ministry being in progress of formation, the office of Keceiver (Jeneral wa.s offered to Mr. Merritt, but believing tluit iu his present position as committed to the B.ildwin-Lxfoutaino ministry, and as expecting to be Inspector of the Canals, lie coukl be of more use to the country, he de- clined the honor, although strongly jiressed by Mr. Harrison to accept it, this gentleman refa ingto rejoin the Cabinet unless our subjt;ot came iu also. He writes from the House of Assembly, Kingston, Dec. 1st : " My Dear C : We are all in confusion here, the result of which you will hear in a day or two. I have quite recovered ; (a previous letter notices his being indisposed;) but will not return before the holidays, even were the House adjourned. W. H. M." Fnm the same place, Dec. 7: — "From present appearances the House wi.^ be prorogued this week." With some notices of their legislation in the inter- cf^ts of the canal stockholders, enclosing remittances, he adds: ''(Jive our friends the usual Christmas dinner, whether I am with you or not. W. H . M ." The seat of Government debate was succeeded by the resignation of the Ministry. This news was conveyed iu a postsi-ript to the Jounud of Nov. 30th : " We have received a h'tter from IVIr. ^I. conlirming the resignation uf all the Cabinet except Mr. Daly." A sul).se(jueut number contains an aiticle fromthe ))en of Mr. Wakeliehl, from wliich we copy the following: "The union of the two Canadas has brought under the control of one Lcgisbiture two nations so to speak, which widely diller in origin, language, liws, customs, and haliits of thought. li"gislation must I)) eairied on i)i a f"diT;il principle. Of this the late ( 'anadian Ministry appears luncr to havo liiid any clear view, or even a glimpse. Tiiey had the inconeolvable folly to depend upon the Lower Camida majority as a means of carrying tlirough Parliament measures for Upper Canada— tiie As.sessnient J'ill of Upj>er Ciinadaand the University Dili. Tills letter was Mr. Daldwin's own, ami a great favorite. He would probably have been com;>elleil to w itlidraw it on tlie Alondav after the Suudav on which he resi^nied." After im])uting this act to •'lio p'M'sonal vanity of the Miuist-M-, he cjntinues . "I cannot doubt, however, that ^Messrs. liahhvin nu'l Lafontainc lad arranged to get ujjou bad terms with the Governor some time licfore this. No Ciovernor of a colony, most assuredly, ever carried out the principles of ■'""■■^f 200 resi>on,sililo govoniincnt so An- as Sir Chnrles has done in Canada, nor was f-vcr licf'un! in any colony a |irovincial ailniinistration wliicli, wliilo tliey jiossessod on the one liand tin' (■(intidfncc (jf tlic icprcsfntative hody, ciijuyed on tlie other ho nun-li executive jiowei- — had their own way so entirely in their capaeity of ministers, as the said \j. and I>. Adniinihtnition. Yet it ajipearr hy all accounts that the two leaders wore not content with such unusual jtower, hut also wanted to play the part of niaHtifl's over the (iov- ernoi-, representing Sir C'harle., as an old Indian, disliking free institu- tions, closing with the i ■.coni[»etency of its leaders the tiue cause of the dowid'all of the government." But what the public and consequently the papers did not know, was that overtures had been made to Mr. Merritt to enter tV.e governnicnt. His Ex- cellency's long experience in tlie administration of government over diverse natioMalities iiuUiced him to perceive there was a people in this country whom it would be politic as well as just, to have represented. He would have a na- tional, not a Hincks-Wakefield any more than a Baldwin-L.ifontaine Cabinet. And it was a rea.sonable inference that the one who had made the first com- munic.-.tion to render profitable that interchange through the colony to the Mother Country was the one to complete it; and we think this feeling was par- ticipated in by the inhabitants, as well as His Excellency and the ndnistry at home. But the inherent evils of our constitution favoring monopoly, and putting party above country, rendered it abortive. Viewing the want of co-operation among liis Reform associates in his selieme for retrenchment, wliich he had experienced, his confidence in tiie necessity of party must have been strong to refuse such an api)eal as tins : " Kingston, Jan. T), 1S44. " Mv Dear Sir : — It is with great regret that I have ]terused yours of the 3(lth ult. You nnist be sensil)le that however strong my desire to be a party to a refoi'in of that duralile and sid»stantial character of which we spoke, without some one who understands the sul'jfct well, and has skill to develop and enei'gy to jiursue it, there is no chance of my ever being able to bring it about. 1 know no one who to the necessary qualities adils the necessary knowledge but yourself, and I should regret more than 1 can ex- press the want of your assistance in this matter. Never was there an occa- sion more favorable than the present, or more deserving the andntion of a well-wisher of his country. We are now, I think, safe in Eastern Canada — at least, so I am led to believe, not merely by persons here, but by those from whom I hear in ^Imitreal and Quebec. With i/unr aid and that of tho.se others on wliom you are aware I rely, it docs appear to me we can command a successful iss\ie, and this I say notwithstiinding some threaten- ings in the jjolitical atmosphere about Toronto. " I hope to be in Toronto for two or three days about the 14th or l-">th inst. Pray write to me there, and say that you will not desert the good cause. " Youra faithfully, " W. Hamilton Mkkuitt." " W. 'if. DRAPER. Added to this he was appealed to in a long communication from his coun- trym m, E, Rycrson, which being marked " private and confidential " prevents our giving it in full. 267 Though not enabled to accept of office, he pleads for the contiim nice ol" his old associate in the cnnal, now a quarter of a century in the Receiver- General's cffieo. Q'he following is the reply : " GovpiiNMENT House, Dec. 30, 1843. " My Dkak Sin ; — I jiad not the ploiisuro of nreiving yuur note on the subject of the Kecoiver tu'iiL'nil'.s ulllce until tiMiipurjiry iirnini,'t'nuMits had been made for relieving ^Ir. Dunn, (lia-stcned at his own r(M|uest), until a jicrnianont successor can be appoiuti-d. The ( iovcrnoi-ticneral, li(.\vi'ver, desires nie to oiWiV you liis tlianks for the suj;Kc.-ti()n, hoping that your ap- prehension for the effect that the change might have on the credit of the Provineo may ]»i-ove grouudles«. I trust we sliall suon .see you back again, and I am, mv dear sir, Yours very truly, " W. Hamilton- Meukitt." ' " J. 11 !(}( JIXSOM. The ./unriKii of Decemljer 28, IS 13, closes the proprietoi-ship of 31 r. Leavenworth for Mi-. J. ITolmo.s. A vahvlictoiy of a column contaihs the following : " Nearly seventeen years have we toiled to cater for the piildic ta.ste." What that catering should l)e ln^ defines. " Canada is now in a condition to act a ]iromiii(Mit part in North America. Nations, likf indi- viduals, mu.st be the architects of their own fortunes, and eolouios, ri^iing into kingdoms and empires, cannot attain the highest point which civiliza- tion can reach M'ithout a strict regard to the ])i'inciples of justice, tht^ culti- vation of the moral virtues, and a watchful jealousy of pulilic liberty.'' A new engineer, Mr. Power, was appointed on the Canal, and on tin* return of our subject he accompanied this gentleman over the entire route. The organ of each party was now started. The Xatli-e CanaJIfin, edited by iMiijor I\ichard.son, says, it is to be i.ssucd in January. 1844, advocating tho invaded rights and privileges of the native inhabitants of the country. The Pilot in Montreal, by Francis Hincks ; and the (i'/of><\ i\\ Toronto, by Ocorgc Brown, appeared in the Spring, and far outstretched, especially the latter, all competitors. A dispatch was received by D. B. Vigor, the new President of the Council, on December 15, ordering the release of five (Janadians, wIkj had. been transported to New South Wales for [lolitical oH'eiices. 18 4 4. Although busily engaged in his temporal matters, we lind that lie wa."; not forgetful of other and more important affairs, hence \. e see that at this time he takes an active part in the deliberations of a missionary meeting which was held here. A very good speech delivered by liim on tho occa-sion is fully reported, wherein he expresses a spirit of thankfulness and a liopeful Tiew of our social and political positions, dmwing some fine comparLsouw between the present and the past. 268 " My Fkiends — I am sure you all feel with me deeply gratefijl in beiu^i pennittt'dict the end of tiuie, or witnesses signs and wondtu's in the heavens or convulsions of natur(\ his miuil is not disturbed- -he has not yet witnes.sed the millenium. When he hears a minister of that religion which is founded on love and peare to all mankind, rail againsf, his fellow-niun, or nny other sect or society what- ever, he will fall back and still hear the voice of that pious mother, and Siiy to himself, tliat man does not b;'liove in the millejiiuni. " Have we po,sitiv(! evidence that this time is approaching ] Since my arrival to the age of manhood every obsiirvation made on ineu and passing events tends the more linnly to convince my reason of the certainty of this prediction b»ing fullilled. Aye, T can trace it step by step in small matters as well as great matters — from my earliest recollection in tliis veiy neigh- borhood. " W^liat was the state of society among us forty years since 1 At eveiy bee, evtMT nn'litin training. v\ m at our dances, swearing, cursing, qvuirrel- liu;,', fighting, biting, ami even gouging, w.is of common occurrence. It was sanctioned !e/ the publie opinion of the day. Let nu^ ask you if such revolting setMies would lie t'llerated by jiublic opinion now. Let us extend o;ir views. Look into t!ie |>;i^t history of Eui'ope, tht> original formation of governments, their gr:id;ial inipi-ovenH'iit from iyranny — when men were made the willing instruments i>f men — to constitiitiomd freedom, where tin- tyranny of no mni can e.\ist. U:)wl)n.j;is it since governments waged war, one with another, on the most frivolous orasions, taxing tlieii- subjects, desji.itiug countries, and inflicting scenes of niistny on tin' human race, the bare idea of which makes the stoutest heart shudder. Look at the present day. The injst impoi-tant matters are settled in thos.> very governments by reference to other powers — -simply by arbitration, in the same manner that every right-nnnded ujan should settle his ditferenoes with his neighbor, ins -ad of r)rcing him into law. " I mention tlu)se facts to prove that civilization has during my short 269 Ufi' iidvaucod witli rapid strides, and this civilization will luing about tlx- iiiillcniviin. " Ijt't us now examine what visildo means are in oponition to ensure this d«'sii-at)lo event. Hvery element is at work, all apiiai-ently se|)arate and distinct, but all conibinin;jf to produce and ensure the oliject. Thi^ mo.-l [irominent is education. Without general intelligence it is impossible to comprehend those great objects which will best promote our individual in- tercut. Next is temperance. Experience has proved that this Society has (lone more to promote virtue and lessen vice since its establishment than any other a.ssociation of men. Every religious society of every name and creed, JJible .societies, missionary .societies, abolition of slavery, legislation, arts, science, commerce, all, in their own partictdar sphere, ditluse intelli- gence, enlarge tla^ mind, and hasten this event. There is anoth(>r and all powerful element at work, which has during the jiast year attained a degree of importance, and is likely to produce results that few of us can compre- hend. I allude to the principle of free trade. We see in a recent article in the Timen that £;')0,00(> per year is subscrilied to advocate the anti-corn law league ; that one, two, three, four, and live hundred po\inds sterling is paid by individuals. Their ostensible object is to remove the duty on human food ; but their onwi.rd course will not stop there. It will extend to every article consumed by man, and what must bo the result. Dej)rive govern- ments of the revenue they derive from indirect taxation, and standing armies will disappear. Nation will not L-e armed against nation. The very cause of sti'ife, of hatreil, and of war, will cease to exist, and peace will be estab- lished on earth. "The next question is: When are wo to look for this liap])y period T Judging from past experience — our only guide for the future— we iind the Almighty brings about His own wise purposes by natural means. The pio- i;ress of civilization must necessarily be slow. Tf we draw just comparisons between the inhabitants of diiferent countries it yives a most 'doomv and disheartening result. When T find the inhabitants of my own country, the cultivators of the soil, at least one century in advance of some parts of E\iroi)e, then I see we are not warranted in looking for it in our day or V'oneratiou. Nev««rtheless, it will assui-edly be realized by our ])ostcrity — it will b(( for them to realize the blessings which are in store for mankinii. No feelings of bigotry, intolerance, or exclusivene.ss will embitter their luinds. All that remains for us is individually and collectively to hasten the event by every means within our power. Let us connnence now. Thi.s is one of the elements in eflecting that great work. Jt caiuiot be etlected by faith alone. We nuist show by our works that wo are really in earnest, and to this particular object I now beg to direct your attention. " I am indebted to our excellent friend, Mr. Par.sons, for the report of last year, which I have read with attention, and commend it to those who have not had a similar opportunity. In the meantime 1 will call your at- tention to a few slun-t extracts, which contain the most interesting and I'leasing information." From the importance of Bible teaching during the generation of peace succeeding a warlike age, he hastily anticipates the advantages arising frem the institutions during an ago of perce. Having a high regard for Mr. Thomas Stveet, ho writes him a letter of advice, on accepting a municipal situation, to which the following is a repl\ • 270 " FallMim-s, ("liii.i.awn, Jan. 22, 1S44. " My Dkar Sir : — I tliank you for yourfriciully ami (lisiutfrostpd letter. I accept it in tho spirit in wliich it was written, and shall enav<)r to profit })y your <,'<)(n| a^^vi(•(^ F iMitt-rtain no ultra opinion in politics, anil sbill ever bi; rfady to advanco to tlio host of my ability the gt^neral interests of the inhabitants ot this District, without reference to party or j>olitical con- sideiiitions. I iun, of course, as every other inhabitant of the Province oufjht to l)e, a staunch supporter of the British (Jrown, an admirer of British laws and institutions, and naturally jealous at any attempt to le.s.sen or weaken the authority of the (iovernment by unreasonable demands, or the followiii;,' up a system of executive policy entirely at variance and incon- sistent with what 1 undiu'stand to be Ker Majesty's prerogative as exercised in this Province through her legal representative. " I am and always iiave been anxious that the inhaV»itants of the coim- try should have their fair share and influence in all matters in whidi they are direetly or pt^r.soIlally interested, but when that influence is employed in such a iiumner as to endanger other and superior rights, then 1 think thi- time has arrived when it beco nes every man entertaining the o))ini()ns that ^- further encf)uragement. 1 shall en- discharge my duty in .such a way as rf [ fail, it will not be from the .in any apathy or inattention on my d advice alw.ivs in view, and will not fail to act STKEET. I do to r«'joic*( at a check being deavor while in the ])i.strict ( to ifive Katisfaction to mv c want of good will to serve th. part. " I shall keep your good upon it in all cases in which 1 can conveniently do so. " Believe me. wiy dear si)-, " Very ti'uly vours, "THOMAS C;. "W. H. MKRi:nT." The Jiiiirnii/, of JIarcdi 15, iiftcr copying a rumour by the Kingston Xeu:.^, that Mr. Thorburn would retire for Mr. Harrison, says: " The Sfain^nifoi, not to be outdone by the Xt n-.s, observes, that among other members of Parliament, Mr. M. has given in his adhesion to the present .system, and will supjiort tho new administration. Being in the h;d)it of iilmost daily intcrcour.so with Mr. M., and having enjoye 1 uninterruptedly for many years his confidence upou all public matters, we may naturally be presumed to have as intimate an ac- (|uaint;incc as the Statctro- duci' siK'li pruitf, l)asLHl on praotical ami ito.sitivc i-i-snlts alicatly rcaliznl, as I li(tp«'( to (ihout .ii34'J,li.'{r) : that by adoptin:,' tlu! sunui system of finance as thev adapted the wholw of that money wouhl he saved. " I find iniiny men hi<,ddy intelligent on yeneral siibjects reinarkahly deficient in comprehendini,' tinancial matters. They i,<,'noraiitly class finance and republicanism toj^t^ther. They assert that the cause of the expendituro •ill the State of New Yt)rk bcuiig so low is the eH'ect of the .systtun of a re- publican i;overnmeiit. This [ deny lit fi>fo. i/)W salaries, f admit, is in must cases the efi'ect of a repiililicaii administration, but I deny that repub- licanism afiects the dill'erent departments or l)ranches of a yoverument. Thi'V have as many departments as we, but they have better laws and rules to rc;,'ulate them, and 1 teel as satislii; 1 as of any event not reali/.ed tiiat we only reti'act of the details of tin a'oposed reductions, (tint items are not transcrilmil, but will i)e found ill tl. 'ledules referred to, lettered and iiumbenMl, in p!W)lii- a'-coiints of 184:",) .IS required by your letter of the 1-Jth of Ararch, and prijiiiiseil in my last from Toronto. " From the hurried manner in which [ have maile thos(> extracts, having' been detained by other atlairs until the jtresent week, jierfeet accuracy must not be looked for. A minute detail can be arriveil at only by a i-iyid iu- vostiijatiou of the ditferent departments. A yeuoral outline of the proposed reformation is all I can feel warranted in recommendiiii,'. If it is oonsiilered of suilicieut importance to make fui'tlier investigation, competent heads could soon mature, ])repare, and recommend a simph." and elhcieiit system for tin; cousideratiou of his Excellency. " Their attention wouhl first be directed to the Provincial (Governments, the number of departments considered necessary, and their r(!Si)ective duties clearlv defined. "The present system of laud grautini^ dej)artments is a reproach to any Government, inasnmch astlKMv is not a sutHcient sum of money i-eceived for the sale of land to pay for stationery, and all the olH -ers of the (h-partment ure paid from duties derived from customs, and could be contrasted with a .system which pays all expenses for about five to ten per ce-nt. out of the proceeds of the'land, and a permanent fund created with the remaining ninety per cent, for the education of our youth for all time hereafter. "The real and true value of each separate fund would be shown by itself, ill place of being mystitied and mixed up so as not to lie understood, with- ■272 (jBift out <^nMit liibor ami loss nf tiiiio, cvpii liy tlioso wlio lulministfrfil tlif (lovcni- iiiont. "Tlio |)i'(!H(«nt nu'tliod of oollcc-tiiigaiul «'Xi)OiHlinif thiMlistrict rcvrniH', to wliidi r liavf ii(i(, allii(l(>(l, cdiild also lie coiitrasU-d with tln^ oik* |>ro|ii).sf(l. " (.'(;rtaiii <,'ciitk'iiit'ii, as magistratt's, asscinlil« oiim in tlirco inontJis Thoy appoint one trcasurcn', ono clork of the peace, aiul re^'iilato the piiot'^ of tincH. A Hocend power is cn'ated liy electing c(;rtain disti'ict comiciilors, who name one clerk — Hanie duty as clerk of the i)eaco — two auditors, ami one Kiii'veyor. There is one inspector to collect the revenue fi'oni stills inns, shoi>s, iVc, making returns to Inspector Uuneral of ("ustoins, and wlio grants licenses to auctioneers, making returns as above. Another set of otUcers codect marria^^e licenses ami return tla* same to the Provincial Secretary. The Siierill'makcs returns of other lines to the Inspector (Jeneral. The district taxes are levieil and collected by assessors and collectors ai)- pointed at each town meeting, and ]>aid to the Treasurer. * Jt is evident this divei-sity of power and responsibility is unnecessarv inconvenient, and could bo contiasted with a simple system winch woiilil bo recommend(id, not to its advantage, containing one inspector in each dis- trict, who would re]iort din-ct to the Inspector (!(*neral as well as to the district authority, thus establishing a nnitual check for }irovincial and dis- tinct funds, by which a prompt collection woido be insured, and but one set of oHicers re(pured for collecting the extra provincial revenue, and another for district revenue. " Tlu! main object to be effected is to relieve the inhabitants from taxa- tion. The adjoining States of Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana are largely in debt, without any exti-aneous resources. The apprehension of direct taxation ultimately, to pay this debt, directed emigration last year to the territ( ry of Wisconsin, where no taxa*ion is in expectancv. (,'anada has greater resources than any pcn-tion of America, and can bo relieved from all taxation unless imposed by the districts themselves for some local improven O'lt. I et it be generally known that the indirect resources of this country are ample to relieve the inhabitants from all apprehension of direct taxes ; that the j)i'oceeds of all the waste lands of the Crown aro ai)- propriatid to create a sinking fund for the education of youth and no other purpose, 1 n 1 few can predict the consc(juences which it would produce. The very idea wo(dd go farther to command ca})ital and emigration, and insure the riipid and steady prosperity of the country than any other measure yet proposed. With these few brief remarks I will clo.se, with a hope that Uio short time at my command will claim indulgence for not explaining the matter more fidly and ably. " I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, " W^ H. MERRITT. He further showed his appreciation by joining, in a semi official capacity, the administratioa of public works. "KiNosTON, May 8, 1844. " As you have, fi-om the comments of the Boaril of Work.s, expressed a strong desire to avail yourself of my local knowledge and experience in con- ducting the public works in Canada, the time has now arrived when it can be done mutually beneticial to the jjublic as well as myself. 273 (Jovcni- • 'linc, to ir()|iOHf<(l. riioiitlis prirt^ uf mrilliiis, .iiVH, ami III stills, ainl will) ■!• Sl't of roviiiciiil (IfMicral. I'tor.s ap- lOft'ssaiy •li would (jaoli (lis- IS to tJK! and dis- it one ,sft 1 another •oni taxr.- liana aro nsioii of t year to Canada relieved jnio local oui'ces of nsion of n aro aj)- no other ice. The id insure asure j-et that the iiiiiig the RITT. capacity, 1844. pressed a lo in con- len it can " Thn ronioval of thnsoat of Govorniiinnt from Upp^r Canada 1 1 Mo'itroal will j^nmtly incroasn tin iaooiivcnieiuM* uln>:idy oxporien • mI, the powers h '\nx couoontrated at ho ;(reat a distaiK'o from tlie sp it where it in'ist li(» exeroist.vl. "The reincily proposed, as the cunt'-niMlate 1 alteration in the Aet cm- iiot bo attained for hoiii ' tiiir), is to ajipoint, nud-'r the present II ) ir 1, s Jine [lersoii to siipcrinteM 1 all th(i w.)i-ks west of th.- Nia'jfir.i Riv.-r. "Ill the first p!a"e, this p.iition, altlidiiu'li most reiiioM" frn:i Montreal, is the most important, iiiasnineli as the entire trad- of th ■ whole Province uiyeiids on the ipiantity we may divert from the wesiciM eou'itiy, whi 'h of itsidf is siitlieicnt to oeenpy the entire alte!>ti.)i> of oi:" mind. " The d>ity of this snj) 'i-visioii can b;* clearly d 'tin • 1, and the j)03sibility of collision on it avoided. The pn;,dneers continue to rejairt, esti- iiiite, and pay contractors, as heri'tofori', on all contr.e-ts heretjfure ent'-r,- 1 i'lto, bnt every now matter or unforeseen obstacle arising, to b-^ referre i to r!ie individual on the spot, and a r(!,^'ul,ir I'eport mi 1 ^ thereon, as-ii,gnin;; th" li-asons for or a;,'!iinst, for the approval or rojojtiua of the JJ jaivl, a r.'^'ord of which will be entered into a bjok, to bo kept for the piirpos", on'JO in eacli month. " The money now paid wet^kly to the banks by the colleclors, a state- ment of which is furiiisheil the Receiver (jenoral. should be returned monthly to that otHce I»y each colhictor, and thence to the Inspector General, as wt-U as the Board of Works. The object is w secure a check from the local in- f'trmation recpiired, which cannot exist nnder the jiresent system. " This duty should also extend to the Clraiid River invitation, with a view of devising means to finish that work to Hrantford ; to the (Jueeiiston and (irimsby road, and thence to Hamilton — to bring forward a bill and piopose means to finish that work also. " The economy of this .arrangement will be tested by ex| iMice — the increase of revenue, which will not be less tlini £'_'.'), 00(1 tliis year, jKiid to the public chest, over and above charges, hydraulic rents, itc. The s.iving of expenditure in j)oliee, law eo.sts, postage, and other items, will in the aggregati; form no inconsideraltle sum. " The convenience of an immediate refei'ence will lie Jiiyhlv satisfaetorv. The books removed by tlu; late Inspector (Jeneral siiould be returned at niice, as the gn^atest inconvcnienee is experienced almost daily for want of it'ferring to matters there reconled, and can refer to no other public mattei- than the Welland Canal. There can be no possible advantage to the public service by removing those books to Montreal. The stock books are of no consequence, now that every shareholder, except two or three, are settled in * 'anada. " You are aware that I liave spent almost my entire time since IS.TG in affording such information as was lequired, gratuitously. That inuirina- tion has been considered serviceable on many occasions. i\Iy circumstances arc now altered. I can no longer allbrd to lose my time. Tt cannot bo f'inployed .so usefully for the public, or agreeably to myself in anv other situation, ai^d as far as regards individual claims, if those works are reallv useful or beneficial to the Province, it will lie conceded with one accord tlnoughout the land that I am personally entitled to consideration ; therefore, if you think the public interest will be promoted by this arrangement, it iiiay be carried into operation immediately. Truly yours, "Hon. H. H. Kill.\lv. W. HAMILTON MERRITT. 274 Tli(> ffiilifS sliow tliiil llif ;,M('uti.st (((iirii.sioii was tlif i(>nlt of I,((r(| Syilriiliain's iin'aii;,'ciiiciii, uiul liaviii;^ tlir wlnilc of tin- |iiililii' works i-on- (luutoil liy oiH' oHicr, iiuKAi: Sii: : I a:ii in rt'cri|it this il.iv of ytt'iis of tin' i'.iili. | liavc not li'-anl one syll.ilili- sjicf V'MI went of our prMjioscd ai'iMii;(i'incnt. J havt' asU'-d two or I'nrc tiiufs, iiulci'd, |in'it"d l.y tlic diiffid indi'.,'nalion of //m /'"/•^/. "41' i>< \\ri)n;;;all topsyturvy, (iod knnw s s\ Lcif i! will cinl. I will writi' Villi wlaii anytliin^ o^'cni-s. " Faitlifnllv viuns. ^ "li. II. KILl.AI.V. '• W. I i.NMii.roN .Mi:iiiii rr." <'.MoNTi!i:.\i., .Inly .'5, iSj I. *' y\\ l):;\i;Sii! : 1 li:m Jn.^l icccivcd yn.ir mtv wi'lcDnn' irtlfp. Since I wintc to yiiu last I have mil. Iirard imc word on the snlijcrt, alllii)ni,di I liavc seen 1 1 i'^'^ins.m daily and have )>rt'ssi'i| him on it. I will m;dliii'tinn. iV''. Il shall he dune the monient I have llig.i^insou's autli(ii'ity, ntlieiaMy oi' dtherwise. " 'Jnd -I will see to the a]i|iiiintmen(. " .ii'd Wilkin.SdM left this t'ei' the W'elland two days a-'o, and I have not ti.e slightest a|i|ire|ii>nsion t.^it his work will li'' the cause of delnv. "Ilh W'elland Honk shall he done. ** I am glad to hear jioor Power is reeovering. .\ll kinds of rumors. J>raiieran(| Sherwood are here. 'Die report priueipally is that Daly goes ont. This I think will lie, as he has been told often enough that he is the olista-le an I stumlding hloek to the foi-mation of any .Ministry. Then that tlio greater part of the ComiivM are to be iiower Canadians, who will be assisted by till! ('ons(>rvatives, and thus beat what are called tho Heformors. '• I. trust such an attempt as this will not b(t made. I do not believe liatoiitaine will accept without, jiahlwin, and I do not bcliovt! l>aldwin will throw otf his [larty, and without them I do not believe any Jliiustry can be formed to last. " J canio down the Kapids all night's ride for once, but as a channel of trado I I ! This will, F have no doubt, be abinidant [iroof of tin* wisdom and truth of the old saying, ' The pitcher whii^Ii goes often to the widl is broken at last.' '• llav*' yon seen how Wakeliehl liginvs ? £7.oO() for working out the s.dc of the j)ro|ieity ; I'lL*,."'^"' f'"" working out the Canal ! Waeivdid thi.s goto? And I suppose as much if he got thi' Company formed. 275 " W«? arc ^(•ttiii^ on ;,'nmtlly all iiloti;,' tlif .St. Liiwicii i-. Wv will pusH liiats t'tifou'li td n MiiIiuniDis in .fiiiu' next. We will lie in a vnv n 1 w ly yn :ill tlnHttlnirs IImm si'iisou. " Vours with t'sti't'iii, fiiitliriillv. " II. II. KII,I-.\LV. " W. II. Mi'ititnr." Tlit> t'uliowiii ' iii'licutus Ui(! n(iui!ilv iiscil : — "TOIIONTO, .\lU'. IX, i'^M. " M .• I)i:\ii Silt: -.\s yon aiv M)W Maini'.,'"!' of tin; Wi'ljaml ('anal, I liMjijy ri will ui'u;fiin lli" liack 'liti'lii'^, t'sjurially tliat fivtiii Mroail (.'I'l'i-U to Afarslnillc, iiuilli of tin? ('anal. " v.. MIS faitlitnllv, '• II. l!i)||.T(»N. '•\V. II. M I ; It I! ITT." Tlii-i is i'(.|ii,.il in .Air. .AI'nTitl's Iriiiilwritiii.;, ullnil •■« to the jiriiieipil luerii^uro ho eff'ctdl, vi/,., securing ii boau.s to tht; cuntractoiv^ (or going on with «nd opening tlii.v work: "Sir: — From tlm intt'r"st yon have lythcrto tik mi in this ciinso, w'*>, tho contni.'tims for i!oin;ili'ting the locks lit'twticii TIioroM aii'l Si. Cithariin^s, havo taken tin; lilicrfyto rcipu'st yon to rcjnvsciit the sif.uatioii of" this woi'k to th»' Hoard. , "< )nr contracts o.\|iir(! on the 1st Xovcni'icr n"xt. Tiio I) larij, and tlif. puiilio t'xpcot those l((,"ks to lie linished and ill I'eadiiiess iiei'oro thi' ojtcning <>!' the navigation in \>^['k 'l'\i>- past Winter has lieen in )st nnt'avorablo for proem ing th(^ dtdivery of stone; sve ai'c jiressed for money; wages for labor have inereased; provisions, and also tic material which is indispeiisable for the W;rks; and ii", iiv nunsnal exertion, we are enal)led to fnlti! the |)nl>- lic expeotution, it must lead to inei-eased expense. "N'iverthehis.s, fetdiiig the iinpoilauee of iicetingthe \ i"ws of the IJoard, and rcU-'ving tlie pnldic, not only from the expense of ke-ping np tin; old lucks another yi^ar, l)iit of insiiriin,' an inereasi! of toll, we will push tic win-k with i vigor heretofore nnexa npled. if a rea.o:iaMe e,iieoniM,'e neiit is lieM oat for tlie same, an I will engage to siirm cmt .ill ditli ■nlty. and have it in readin "-s by the 1st April. Yours, ■ The following is yiv. M 'rritt's nionurandu'ii of proc;.';'din^s oii the n 'W work:— • "Cjiiiineucod ^fondav 22\u\ Jnlv, answcrcl .Mr. Hah-v's letter and iiut myself in conimnnication with tlu^ Chairman of the Pioard of Works. '• Notilied M -ssrs. Pow.dl and Prescott tli.at '^ had acjcpti'd the situation, also ^Ir. Burford the contractor. "It ;ippe.ir.s to bo in )st desira'il(> to .secnrR t.lc completion of the harb )nr.^ aid tjio iu;w locks so as to open the navig.ition on 1st April wxt on tin* oulargcd scab*. '■Consulted Pago as to increasiii-' the nnm'terof men, wa^t(' Wiirs must !'■■ put Uiuler contract, lock gates in readiicss it'.-. " Wednesday, lil. Ascertained from Mr. Bernard tliat ho was willing to render Mr. Tiioinpson every assistance after completion of his lucks, wljicli Would take three nrniths more. 276 "i 'Signs of fmtlier disturlianco among tlie men appearcil on Siiiinay. ■ AHoertainccl from Collier in case we fail to complete the new line, the state of locks on the old line, and what will be tlie expense of jjroparing tl.om, for a few months, for spring navigation, 2 locks at Allanldirgh tu Ik- renovKl and extended, aqueduct to be repaired ; this is all that is neces.-ary. "With regaid to the sajJiily from Grand River level in place of Lake Erie, the Clrand lliver dam should be maiie perfectly tight at once, raise all the embankments, inchuling Port Colborne, from Dunnville to Allanburgh. " Monday, 29th. Examined with Mr. Powers the line of canal, in- spected gates, waste weirs, etc. "To Caimichael T. French, to get another machine immediately. "Friday, Aug. 1. Passed \\\> tl.e line with Kev. Mr. McDcnoufh, a r. um- ber of men having met previously at Thorold and made threats. Called on most of the contractors, enquired into the assaults said to have been commit- ted, remained several days, is.si;ec! a warrant, no per.sou appealed to convict, the prisoner dismissed, inferred no danger. "Sept. 13. The most unexampled activity continues on this work, seven locks are all eady finished between this and Thciold, twelve others will be finished by the end of the month, -leaving only a few courses on four to complete the whole twenty-three. 800,000 tolls to 1st Augu.st. " rtetuiuing to the f^ubjcct of the Ministry, he addresses the' Premier : "St. Catharixe.s, Aug. 14, 1844. " Mv Deak Sir : — leaving been unpleasantly hairassed by those inter- ininaVde law suits, \\itli some few indispensaljle canal matters, not a moment since my last has lieen left to devote to those of public policy. An- other and ])riiici[ial reason for the delay arose from the confident assertions of those arriving from Montreal that the ISlinistry had been formed, which, as far as either you or myself were concerned, would have rendered any sug- gestions useless. However, from your letter in June, I had no reason to suppose any hasty decision woi.ld be had. In reviewing the .situation of our country we must not niisunder.stand the existing state of j)ublic feeling. A statesman will then decide, if adverse, Avhether he has reasonable grounds, from any measure tl at he has matured, that he can change' that feeling — and that, too, in Mitiicient time to meet the Legislature, ensure a majoiity, and conduct l.is Government in accordance with the priuciiiles now fully admitted. "Piefcrring to j ast transactions, or attempting to adduce a single reason to prove who was right cr wrong, or what measure should or should not have been adopted, would lie a waste of time. Matters and things should be taken as we find them. Whatever change may have taken place in pub- lic o])inion or feeling in Lower Canada, it' is generally supi)osed that in Upper Canada it has been in fiivor of the Ministiy. If so, what is to be gained by calling the ])iesent House together! Will it not rather prouuoe irritation, widen the breach (if possible), and do nuich harm. " This position being admitted, the only chance of iiroducing a change is by a di.ssolution, and procuring the return of other memliers, although if in truth no change has actually taken |»l.ice in piddic feeling, the same result must follow. Whatever effect appointing a commission to investigate and recommend a change in our financial .sys^^^em wouhl heretofore have produced, so fully are men's iiiinds engrossed with one idea— the apprehension of losing responsible Government, and tliat his Excellency is opposed to the 277 principle, an I the late ISIiiiistry in favor of it, tint ni\v m maas ire liowever lienetijial will di\XM't thiMu; an i any niaH attempting to oontravort it will, in most constituencies, k'S3 tlii^ii- conti lauis. " If this bi) a corrp.t statement of public feeling, what is the ramely ? No statesman can ro^omin^nl a daviation from this principle, therof)re a mijority in tlie represent itivo branch must b.) sec ired. \Vj tinl that s incorporated. " Upon the whole, however, it has occurred to me that the most suitable disposition which I could make of the stock belonging to me in the Welland Canal, was to authorize tin; sale of it, and with the proceeds thei'cof to foiinii a scholarship in the Ki" g's College, I^pj.er Canada. T have given direc- tions and authority accordingly to Mr. Chief Justice Bobinson. " I avail myself of this opportunity of returning you my thanks for drawing my attention to the interest wliich I had in the Welland Canal. " 1 have the honor to be, sir, '' Your most obedient humble servant, " WELLINGTON". " W. Hamilton Mkuritt, St. Catharines." It will not bo out of place to introduce an incident, though unwit- tingly, with which the author was connected. 270 Thero woro ffw inon of his time iiioro capalile of taking hold of uii idea ;iiul working it to a pi'ai-tical (.'onclusion tlian our .suhject, as the following siinjilc though important naiTutive will illustrate. We have already meu- tioned two of liis sons, the authoi' and William, Iteing left at European univer- sities to conH)lete their education. We may therefore state that it was eu.> toTuaiy for Mr. IMcrritt to tak<' an occasional lioliday, and convey his family into the country, tlierel)v resting his mind as well as hodv, and uatheving fi-esh energies for each forthcoming event. A favoiite resort of his was vn or near the hanks of the Niagara Kiver, near where the town of C'lift(.n (then called Elgin) now stands. At no period of the year did he enjoy this trip iietter than when (jur hcautiful Indian Summer first set in and lic^'an to iidorn the foliaire with wliicli the biinks of this ri\('r is covered, lendii>vf an enchantment to tlie sctniery, wliicli, to he thoroughly appre;ii:t( il, nm>t ho observed at this timo. Going oil" from 8t. Catharines for tlils purpose with the members of his family, ms we may suppose, he called at the Post Oliico before going, and received a package from Eurojic which he cai'i'icd along with liim to read at his leisure thei-e. On arri\ ing tlicre, tlie usual picnic arrangements were made, and the ainiual simple feast was spread, after wliicli, when peace and quietness pervaded the party, tlio foreign lett-r was produced, and proved to be from the travellers, who w<'re then visiting Fribourg in Switzerland. Amongst th*^ many wonders of the strange land of Tell, it told thtur parents of a wonderful suspension bridge which they had seen spanning the River Sarren in the midst of n mountainous country. A full description of it followed — its length, its height, and the manner of its construction were all minutely detailed. [Mrs. M. remarked: "I wonder if a suspension bridge could not be made to span this river."] So strongly (lid the remark impress the niin I of our subject that the idea at onco occurred to him of the possibility of spanning the mighty Niagara with just sudi a bridge. Soon afterwards a consultation with engineers followe'l. Laughed at by some, and favored by others, still the idea grew, and the ultimate result is a bridge across this river, not such as described at Sarre: f but one of a magnitude surpassing all others, of which we will have reason to speak hereafter. The autlior on his return, was sent up witli S. Woodrulf, Engineer, to ascertain the shortest line for a suspension bridge across the NJaganu On the 2.'?rd of September, Parliament was dis.solved, and preparations at once made for a new election. !Mr. liykert opposed our suliject, but he was again returne(l by laO majoiity. On Friday, l-^th October occuiTod one of the severest storms experienced on Lake Erie. The piers of Port Colborne, among'other ports were partially destroyed. But the focus of the storm appeared to concentrate on Buf- falo, where the loss of .*200,000 worth <>( property, and iiO or 10 lives attested to its destructive power.i. 230 It Wiis succeeded, ut tlio end of the month, hy a snow storm, and Airs. Merritt noticed that on the Tuesday of the election, Mr. M. attended in a slcirjh. On the 1 2th of Xovt'nibov,onhis farm near Port (Jolhorno, died the cousin of our subject, known on the oaual, from itii commencement, as an honc-^t and popular contractor. The fevers in the Cranberry Marsh, no doubt, laid the foundation of ill-health. Ifud he remained on his faim near St. Catharines it might not have occurred. On the 2Sthof November the '^ouseoponcd, andagain the ofFerof Inspector Genoral in the new ]Ministry was made to IVIr. Merritt, wjiich he declined. It was then gi\en to 3Ir. W. 15. Ivol)in.son, who had been Suj)erintendent of the Welland Canal; Mr. ^Merritt having taken liis place on the same, as he believed that by so doing he would, under the circumstanees, be of more use to the country. In December he renewed his measure of retrenchment, and published an elaborate view of the resources of Canada, conij)aring tliem with the State of New York, wherein he showed that with a larger revenue our e.rpaifiei' were in excess of theirs, and what was required of our Administration, and strongly urging retrenchment — the present Ministry, any more than the oh', not agreeing with him on those (juestions, which he showed would relieve the people from direct taxation. This was one of his reasons for declining the proli'ered seat in the Cabinet. This publication of his views, however, resulted in the Government adopting his policy, and his being called into the jNIinistry four years afterwards. Commencing this session a protest against hiselection was sent in, in conse- (pience of his Government engagement on the Canal. It was tried in the House, but having i)i'oved that he ilid not receive a salary for this service, however much he neeiled it, the protest was (juashcd. The following extracts, copied from the election trials, show that Mr. Merritt had more honor than [irotit and no little risk in his connection with the Draper administration. II. II. Killaly interrogated : "A salary of .£500 per annum liaviiig been attaciied to the otllce men- tioned in your letter to Mr. Secretary Daily, and Mr. iSIerritt liaving accejit- cd the same, do you know wliy the same or any portion thereof was not drawn by Mr. Merritt ? I cannot tell, it was never applied for. "I conceived a larger j)ortiou of the business to be performed by Mr. Merritt was more connected witli tlie Inspector General's department, but that he did discharge some of the duties of the Board of Works under the appointment in ipiestiou." ml 281 1845. During his attoiuluuce at tlio sossiou in Montroul, lit! wus reqiiested liy tl.'j Mercantile Library Assuuiatiuu of that city to deliver an address on '• TLo Trade and Commerce of Canada." His lecture was well attendei', and the sentiments enunciated wai'inly received, acconii)aiiiod by a vote of .thanks at the close. The following is a familiar letter to Mrs. M.: " I am living as (juietly as po.ssible with Mr. Barrett. INIrs. B. is making i!ie as comfortable as she can , cotibe every day at dinner, have not drank twj glasses of strong water since my arrival in Montreal, and wine only t\vi..e. " February 8th. 'J'o the author — I presume the article to which you refei- on the Hnance of France is in Thiers' ilistory, as I am not a nioment cut of tlie House, have no time to examine. I regn^t exccedini,dy, however, that I did not bring all the publications sent by Dr. King, including the school iiiaJ:ter. What has become of all my pamphlets J" Mrs. Prendergast died at St. Catharines on the 1st day of robruary. A letter to his bereaved father-indaw from the Li'gislaturo, March 3.1 containing messages of sympathy closes with his own pursuits : — " My habits have become so sedentary, T shall (God willing) retire from {'ublic life in a very few years. I am jireparing a measure of moment, viz: the appropriation of all oui- waste lands to create a fund to supjiort common .'■'-•Louis, and establish distrivt libravies throughout the province. The plan is alluded to in my pamiddct, which appears to be well spoken of in all p:ul.s of the pi-ovince, excejjt among officials." Daring tin's so.ssion St. Catharines was incorporated into a town, to the gii-at satisfaction of the inhabitants, who expected imiKutant results, whicli wi.ie only accompanieil with an expense by them often afterwards regretted. He also took an active part on the Crown Lands Committee, and re- commended their Ijoing the monetary l>asis of our Common School systeip, instead of their being 8up[)orted by annual tax as at present. "CioVEKXMKNT lloL'SE, March 13, 184'). " ]\rv Dkak Sir, — -T have had the pleasure of communicating your note I I the Governor (ieneral, and I am desired to assure you that His Exc( 1- ii n y is fully sensible of the great labour and pains that you have bestowed ii[Hm the very important (picstion as to the future disposal of th(> WMste lands of the Crown. His Excellency coiu'eived that your [iroposition was uiicicr the consideration of the Executive ('ouncil, fi-om your lieing in con:- niM.nication with some of its nu-mbers ; but he will again call tiieir atten- ti'iii to it, I am, dear Sir, " Vcurs faithfullv, " Hon. W. H. Mkkiutt, M. P. P. j'. M. HIGGINSON." 'I'liat the value of the sei vices of our subject as a working nu?niber, tli'Ugh in a tory House is evinced by the number and im[iortance of tli(> com- niittees he was on. , Ajifil 3. f'oiiiiiiittoo on crown lands vci)ort, W. IT. Merritt, elmiinian. A Icttor wiiK rcccMvcil (Imt at tlio closi- of tlic Lc^'islattiro lie wouM Jno(!t^[l■.s. Merritt in I'.rooklyu. While liorc, tlu' folluwinj', ;Voin the iuithur announced thtur liaving arrived : •' I hii\f ainiiscd myself wliilo in New York hy htokiiii,' u|> Anieiicau iinlicniities, and wa« h-d in my search iiuti-c particularly into ol)sorvinu; tho locality of our ancestors in the iKughltourhood, all'ording i.ot only tho la;i- t"iry and trials of the old times, hut casting tho cliarm of |ierKonal intf>reht. over tlie early history of the settlers in fact rcn u|) hy land, as far as Toronto ; was two nights in an o[)en wagon, and the last in a snow .stum." With regard to the suit in which he was engaged, a letter of March ■^, from his son Tlioiinis, who was in company with Mr. Jas. R. Benson, says': " We have heard the unpleasant result of the partnershii) in Toronto." Tliis decision of Chief Jiistice Robinson, involving our subject in uU the losses of J. Mittlelterger it Co., renders it necessary for him to hurry home. and make prepurrtion for a lo.ss of all his property ; and on his return, in the middle of April, his firist business was to Mayville, where Dr. rrendei- gast promised him all the assistance he might retpiire. May 1. Appears for the last time, after nineteen years, our subject's name to the list of advertised letters, and that of the author for nearly as long a period, signals these items in the Jovrixd. 2l)tfi. Letter to G. P. llidout on ditl'erential duties. On the 29th of INlarch the House being prorougescril>(Ml, and [ircpanitioiis made fur its (•oimncncenu'iit. Ht) writ(!S, Jmifi 2iid, a loiiif jettor to Mr. Kidmit oii tln^ advaiita','*;:-* of lu'viiig tu,iL,'s (111 the St. Lawrence, a criticism uf which \h iiuticed in tlio JonnKil of . I line 12: Tlio editor of the F],mmhin'\\A'^ iinhilLfcd us wiili live (•oluiiiiiH of criticism on Mr. IVIerritt's hotter. We confess an inaliility of disciivcriii^ any ar^'ii- iiient wliatever, and our fiine docs not admit of Icii'^tliy ic'plii'H to iiirre verl)a^<', and it was only answered l)y our .suliject wh'-n reilerat<-d ill Kiancis Ifiiick's jiaper, t!ie /V/<»^ III .Fiini' a coniiiany was formed in Montreal to liiiihl a railway to con- nect itwitli Portland. Afr. (ieorge Motlat was the Prfsiilcnt, and through liim £.300 was offered to Mr. Merritt if ho would visit I'^urope anction with tlie(!roat Wostorn Jlailway iiroject. They were not succeHsfiil at tLi.s time, 80 the .scheme had to re.st for a few years longer. "St. Catharines, Jnnc 10, 1845. " Mv Dear Sir: — The committee, to whom the management of tlie St. Tjawrence and Atlantic Uailroad is entnisted, have requested me to pro- ceed forthwith to Knglaiid. I have as.scmtt'd. provided the Provincial (Jov- I'lument will recommend certain changes, which are indispensahle, and can lie better exftlained in a personal interview. I havc! this day written to- Mr. Higgin.son on the ijuhject, and only await his reply to proceed direct to Montreal. " The Drawback Bill, which removes all duty on articles passing through tie United State.s for Canadian consiimiition, is not at present adapted to the trade, but no doubt will be amended next year. If in addition to this iliey removed the duty on our products, which we must look for, whatw(;uiil have been the sitnation of our trade this year \ They would command onr ontiro exports. Yon have now the ball at your foot, and if the Provincial • iovernmeut have not already made all the communications necessary, you have still an opportunity to do ,so, and net only presi^rve our present trade, liut greatly increase it ; and I feel quite .satisfied the f mperial Government will not only sanction any measure necessary to presei-ve our present trade, liut enable you to become pnipari-il to inerease it, on th" coinpletion of our I'liblic work.s. It requires no Imperial legislation. A .flight change in the Provincial Act would efTect the obje.'t. , " I am, my dear sir, " Yonr obedient servant, " Ho.N. W. H. Drai'ER. W. HAMILTON MP:UUrn\ 284 A proposition to form a coiniuiiiy to vnn a line in coinifctiun with tli<' States, from (^hieonstou to Hamilton, wuh now iir.st mootctl. Tlie Boauliai-nois Canal, a <^nineen refused, we will cheeifidly suppurt the same. " John Bruce, j're.sident ; Jo.seph Wood, E. Ermatinger, James f 'uni- niings, J. \V. Powell, and Wni. Hamilton 3Ierritt and Kolland Macdoufdd ga^•e their assurance." Extract from Mr. M.'s private journal, in tin; interest of a railroad across our peninsula to New York, for which he set out 1st July : " July 1 2th. Met C. C. Trowbridge of Detroit, called on Jacob Riddle, presi shall like one onotluT In'tt"-)'. "P. S. — ^Ii-. IMiss, tli(! Pri'sitlcnt of the \V«>storn I'ailvoad, autl.'orisos 111*' to Hulisfviln' lor two Inuiilii'd sliarcs on liis account. '• 1 am vcrv i<'s|M'otrnllv vnurs, "JOSJAir QUINCY." " Montlay Aii'.'. IS. Ai'iivi-d liuiiic, nict f V>1. Prince, and airanircd a plan. 1st. To ajijioint sonic person to olitain a pledge of support and increa.se of capital, and e.Ktend the time of completion to unite with Hamilton peo|i!f, appointed next Monday to meet tie' diiectoi-s of the Hamilton road. \\'licther they unite with us or not, Cul. Prince was to call a meetiii;^ of ].)irt'ctors, which I am to atteml witji full powers. Open liooks forth ■with, i>ay Is. 'M. per share to secure an en^'ineei- tJ estulilish a line and ■where the junction must he made, write to J. Stanton to send power of at- torney for diiectors to .save time, item, interest we have in St. Catharines and Hamilton mad. '•Tuesday I'.'th. Mr. Slater has a.-certained the width of the Kiairaia river to he ll-'O only. Olitain the ii;j;lit of land, and an a't of the I.ej,'i^- latui'e of New York State as well as Canada, to construot th(3 .same, with the riijht of extending' raili-oail t > intei',sect any yiven point, to any railroad now or licreaft r to In- maih'. Tii(> present ohj.'ct is mainly to unite Man- chester as far up as ('hij'pawa, reaching the town of Niagara via St. Davids, -west to St. Catharines and Haiiiilt< n. "Idonday, 2'itli. Visited Hamihou to meet directors of (Ireat Western Kai'.way. A resolution was projxwed hy 31 r. 'I'ithtny wliicii did not .suit us. Next day, Tuesday '_'7th, I proposed the followiiiM;- "Thursday Au^aist I'Ttli. I proposed the dii'cctoi's of the (Ireat West- ern Kailway unite tlieii interests with the Niagara and Detroit River Rail- wav. on the following terms:- - '•First, that a line he run to a point, wh<'r<' they diverge to JIamilton and ButValo by the .shortest and nmst direct route. That in case the above be aci'«^y him to finish both, estimated at S.*»,0()((,()OU. "ChKAT WkSTKKX RAIMiOAl) Ol'KK'K, ) Hamilton, liSth August, 18},'). j "W. H. 3Ii:i(UiTT. K.sip, St. Catliarines :— " SiH,— 1 am instructed liy the Poard of Dii'ectors for the (ii'cat West- ern Kailroad Company to con.munieate to you the follo-vving i-esohitioii ado}»ted by them at tl.eir meeting this day, which they liope will prove satisfaetcn-y to the stockholders and others interested in the " Niagara and Detroit Ifivers Kailroad Company : " y.''>eZ'V(/, That the termination of the Great We.stern Railroad on the Niagara River shall be at or near Fort Erie, and that the point of intersec- tion between that branch and the main trunk from Hamilton to Windsor .shall be at such place as on proper investigation will be found most con- ducive to tlie interests of the stockholders. (Signed,) "G. S. TIFFANY, Chairman." '' I have the honor th be your most obedient servant, "J. P. GIRKISON, Secretary." 287 "St. rATirAiiixi:,s A«ig. 31, IStn. "To .1. V. (liLiusoN, Hmj., Sfc'y (Jiviit W.'strni I!. It. Co.: " Dfjir Sir, -I (Iflayml reply in;,' to your conimiiiiiiMt ion of the 2.'*tli iiii-tiiiit until lu'iiiiny fioni Mr. TiHiiiiy, whose letter reuolieil me l»y lust jiosi" a. I il oi\ly r fleets tlie comlition of tin; Directors of the (J. W. |{. ( " The Ke.soliition |iro|>os('il did not, in my jiidLmient, eh'iuly and fully nice the intenliou of tiie partieH. I therefore prop(»s<(l the followin;^ : " /,'':i(ih'f'<' to unite their interests with the Niagara and Dntr(»it Kivers ItaiJroad Company on the following' ttu-nis : First, that a lint* he run from Detroit to a jioMit where they call divci't,'o to Hamilton and Ihitl'aloon the shorte.st and h st I'oute. That in ea.se the ahove he ai^reed to, we will join. " My rejusoUH for preferriuLJ the latter, is, that it places the two compa- nies o:i precisely the same footing,'. Without this rel•o^'lliti(»n, any attempt at n"j,'otiation would l)i) idle. It also clearly expres.ses the ohjetrt and in- l.n'i)n of diveriiiiif^ as soon as practicahle from Detroit which will he in tlie vicinity of Ilui-ford (as we suppose) and the stock will he suh.scrilied wi ;!i tl lis view 1 am, ilear sir, vours, li:^ WM. II. .MKKIM'IT A map was ifot out showing their line to run from Toronto to Saruia ojlowcd iiv se\x'ral int'.i.soctcid liy tlie (liviat Westei'ii at (iaelpli. Tliis was f meeting's in Toi'outo and Hamilton, and liy tia' .sendiiiji,' of V. Widiler and l'f. ('iifh'irim's Joiiriinl \ '• Sir: My attention has been (liricte(l to an article in tlie Mtudrenl. /'i/of, of tliC 'Jml, on the subject of the St Tiawreiice Canals, which, for gross absurdity and misrepresentation, has .seklom been eijualled. The Kditor asserts that .some scheme, the honor" of originating which is attributed to aie, has been proposed by the Hoard of Trade in .Monti-eal- -"the professed object of which is to reiliin; the cost o/jhrivardlixj, a scheme just as tantali- iiing to the public (should have been forwarders) as the one for getting an uicrcased i^rant for common .schools." 288 " Tlio nditor of tli(< l*ilnt may continue to niiHloiul apartion of tin' iniMii; f ( r a tinu' lu> niav niakt" tlifni liclicvc tlmt rontiimin;,' to wnstc the piililic liiiids, iiisti>i»il of t'.ciiiiiiL; a |icr|M'tiial fund out of tin' iinicrcd.s tlicn-of for ^'(lucatinn their cliiliiien, is /'er lluir bfiianinhinK coinnieiTe finni nnr waters is for lln'n' hrmjil. lie has lieen consistent in opposini,' this iiiipiii\e- luent siiiee his liist appearance in the l,i'i,'islative Assendtly, in JStl. ( Mic million of pounds has lieen expended, and no tolls will lie leceiveil m \t year to pa V the interest on this capital. lie will witness the of an entire country will h'? romovod the savin:,' in the cost of transit, iiiid extension of commerce will he visilde to all. and the pulili>' will then re.ili/.e the wisilom of the measure proposeil." Another on the same sidijcct follows: ''St. Catiiahinks, Dec. 22, IM.". •i.^jii — The importance and nece.s.sity of constrnctini,' a continuous tow ii!>' path, or providiii;.^ a steaui p,)wer in lictltion, waHOiio frniii^ht with f,'i«)at j<;()]>ar(ly to tlin iK'riuaiicnt wdll liciii;,' of tlio coiiiitry, and con- soiiuontly (liK|)layin<( an unusual amount of atlioitiicHH and imergy for tlio M'proHontativcs of tlui |M'o|tl«\ A period of [jrosju'rity iiad for Hoino timo oxiHtod among our rural i)Oj)U- lation, and aH it waH traood diroctly to tho favourablo ito.sitiou of tliuir pro- ducts in tho motlicr country, aided l»y tho ahwuico of most of tho dinaf- fectcd, tho j»niH|)(>ctH of a ipcucoaldc Colo.iial connection for an undctcrminod period were hopefully indulged liy our suhject. Tho greatest discpiiot anticipated, was a peaceful rivalry with our indo- pendent but not more prosporous neighbors in the carrying of our mutually increasing productions. lint the news transmitted from Ixindon (tho capi- tal of tiie IJritish empire and monetary centre of the globe,) was that of panic and uncertainty, produced piimarily by the failure of the jiotatocrop, aided by war in Fndia and Now Zealand, with tho prospect of ono iu Amer- ica, from the disputed boundary on its far off Pacific border. ]?eturning to tho record of current events, we see in a private letter to Mr. Draper, at the close of the year'x work for which he was expressly connnissioned to see completed throughout, dated January 1st — he says : "Otdy two locks will bo necessary to pass the largo class of ve.s.sels, on finding they woidd not be done in November, I wvnt down expressly to insure the oidy nu^thod hfft, a winter's job. There still is timo, but I have lost all hope of having them finished. licgarding the unfinished work on the canal already alluded to, ho receives the following cheering intelligenco : "January 24, 184G. " Mv Dear Sir : — You v.ill be glad to learn that at tho eleventh hour the work of enlaigement is ordered by the Committee, The Government have agreed to advance tho sum — not to exceed .£2,500. I was truly sick 'jf the whole business. The beaiefits wero-admii/ted ; but tho (piestion as to whether they would not advance tho paltry sum or was about to deprive the country of them. " Yours faithfully, " W. Hamilton Merritt. H. H. KILLALY." We copy the following to show how our railroad stocks were fii-st re- ceived on tho London Stock Exchange, and how near to gambling the modo in which business was there conducted. JUO From the, l.ondon Tlmtw : "Much piiiiHO liiiH l)(»oii l)(mt(»wt<(I ill I.Ik^ (;ity on a (rominuiy ontitloil * Tim (Jrciit. WcihUmii of ('iiniula,' wliicli in iilioiit. to wind u|> its iidiiii-.s, iiM'! projHwcm to nttin-ii to tlin Hulmfiiliut hoiiio, at IdaHt, of tlni piirtioH intoroHtoil tAk(^ H ilili'iTt^nt view of lUv niuttiir, as will appear hy tlio annoxtnl lonjarkM of a corrtNitondtint : " In i:onstM[nencn :;r Kiicli names as Hudson, M. 1'., Masteiiniin, (/'liaplin, MoHH and otlini-H *Mptally inlluential, i was teniptod to <ai-k in thii (iroat West i>rn o f ( lunula Hail way. 'I'lio cN^veii ilireetors take the tiO.OOO sliaies thuniselves (oii;^lit tliey not to pitive having paid the deposit () anil then iHHiU) them to tht> pnltlic at a pieniiuin of £'d lOn. I lielieye, intleed, that only the personal fricMids of the diinctufs ;j;ot. (hem at, this piiee. Happen in^ to know two eases of a di lector sent I in;,' his putienlar friemls lifly shan-s OHcli, unasked for at this pri(;u, .£<'( U^s. premium. 1 1 told net what the director thought of them, and I purchased .SOO shares al I.', pr.'iiiimn. 'Phis was the lirst or second day of their liciii;,' me,i(ioned in ilie market, and I am j^rieved to say my example induced friends to take 7l>'l more, they pay- lu^i; •> pr<'iuium panic lilies, and down tiimiihi the ('anadians ii almost a few hours. lUit now comes my j^'iound for complaint. 'The dirtM- tors havo issued but .'ill.OUO of the ()(»,(»(»(», haviii;,' in reserve ;{(»,(H)() for which they eoniuit lind a market, and it is ('ertain that, they will ;^et rid ol' no more iii .'{J premium. In this dilemma, it is said, they intend to ;;ive hack .CI I .'»s. premium on eac!' share ; and when complainin;^ to one yes terday of not having at least '2^ hack, I was told I ouj,dit to consider my- Helf lucky at only losiu,!^' .C'JOK liy thn shares, and that the directors were laihavin;.,' most i^emu'ously. lie added as a reason why tlmy cimld not ;,fivi! back the i?^ premium, tliat they had ,i,dven It), 110(1 shares to the ' hou.so' — a hrihe, in fact, to the stock brokers for piidiii;.,' the concern. I consider this dishiuiest ; the pul)lic were tohi (hat ;<,', premium was the ulf.do and VVind.soi- t'orrespondenls. with the enj:;ineer's report show." I'lTK.M.o, .laiiiiary Dtli, iS|(i. "AI V |)k.\I! Sill : ..'ud<;e W'aldcii called on nil last \ve(d{ with your note tu him, i oeun'd, I will also forwaril them as soon as receiv<^4. I not ice your reipiest for subsciiptions hh riq i)idlv as iios.sible. On thiH subject, I havt^ communicated with .ludj,'e Walden repi^atedly, Mr. (loe, Opion 1,00 and others, who all a^^ree that no attainable, or ofl'eotual oHorl can be made at present for tln^ objoc^t, and ther«'foro any attempt had better he postponed until .some futuro contin^^oncie.s have boon Hottlod. Thoy wish, 201 "1. To wait lor llm reiiow.il of tlio cliartcr by your Puliiimunt, anJ hco 'whiit arc itH comlitioiifl. " li. To r(!(!(!iv passes thionj^h the town of Norwich, and will intersi-et tlio plank road hetvveen London and St. 'riiomas, soniewliere near h m. stakes. J have also run a lino tSaut/i, as far West as Simcoe, and will extend it to St. Thomas, as it is necessary to have at least tioo, in order to «)I>tii.in the right of way. "You have of course heard from Mr. Ixoss ; J am in ho|)es of meeting him to-day at l)nnnville. I would have wiitten sooner had anything of ini- portanc<> occurn'd. I heard iVom the conti'actors a few days ago ; the.y aro ready to execute ail the papers. " My contidcnce in (he siu'ctiss t)f this grand woi'k increase's e\(irv day. Yours of the 'JTtli 1 'ecemliei' was received, and the instructions it coiitaineii will bo attended to. "Respectfully your obedient servant, "WJLI.IAM WALl.vVCE." ^The Queen's speech on (he optiiing of the Parliament of Creat I'ritain, on the 'Jl'nd of January, in the; pn-nionition of expected scarcity, espi^cially in Ireland, recommends the reduction of duties on articles of food. T\w J'Juropatii 7V»i(',s' .says, "Sir Robert Peel, England's powerful and brilliant ^linisti>r, has dcvi'lojud his future commercial i)oliey — free trade." The Governor's .speech, after noticing his pernuinent appointment as successor to tlu^ late lauient(>d (!ovei-nor (icneral, says, " 1 should not under any circumstances have directi'tl your early attiMitiou to the consideration of the militia law, but the unaltered state of the negotiations which havo been for .some tinui jia.st carried on betw(>en the Imperial (tovernment and the United States, reiulers it innterative upon me to press more immedi- ately upon your consideration the necessity of a rctu-ganization of that arm of tiio public det'ence. 1 feel the nu>st uubonnded contidenco that the loy- alty and patriotisn\ of every class of Her Majesty's subjects in Canada will bo conspicuous as they have been heretofore." Mr. !M. went to Montreal by Troy through New York State, and owing to the very heavy f'jiUs of snow, was 8 days on the joui-my. Very im]>ortaut business was to be done ur subject moved for a I'cturn shewing the state of the Provincial revenue in an iti'mized^manncr, but did not succeed in obtaining the object of his desire, as few Governments wish to expose the details of their financial proceedings. A new Militia 15111 was brought in, on which he expressed a preference for the old law of 1808, inaugurateil under the immortal Prock, whereby flauk companies here al- 293 way« ki'pt ciirolkMl iiiiil tniiiK-tl for an fiMdy for tlio ro.st. Tlio vvisdoni of tliiw selicnio was wiitis)i capital he a in corn with the western States, and tluis neutralize their protective tariff by a flank movement, and calling forth in fact (to use the words of the lamented Canning) " a new world into existence," for such Upper Canada may yet be considered. On the 20th of April a judicious statement ap])eared in the Jourmil: " The most important business transaction of the Assembly last week re- lates to the transit and manufiicture in Bond of American wheat." The Parliament seems to bo attending to matters generally of a local nature or of minor importance, and the country manifests but little interest in the proceedings. The next Journal, of May, contains Mr. Merritt's speech, and a leader in favour of it, he copies from the Exdiniun; who opposes these views, and ends with the obser\ ing of the .si)eech, " it is too lai'ge to be digi'stcd all at once." Monday, May 4, 18-46. Our subject having prepared himself for the new policy, brought for ward a series of resolutions, which he prefaced by the following speech : Mr. Merritt, in moving the resolutions on the subject of agricultural pro- tection, said : The rci-olutious which will be submitted for the consideratiouof this house, are designed to counteract t! o cflVct which the recent change in the commercial policy of Britain is likely to produce : no subject of greater im- portance is likely to occupy the attentidii of the Legislative Assembly during the present session ; I trust, therefore, the house will indulge me with more time thiin usual, to bring the subject fully before them, particularly as no measure hns yet been proposed to meet the altered circumstances of the country. It is true, the bon. Inspector General has gained great applause, by hid exposition of the finances and revenue. I feel much .satisfaction in congratu- lating him on his promi.se of future usefulness — for few, with his Parliamen- tary experience, could have done so well. At the same time, I must couiesa I have been disappointed to find a measure, which, above all others, most mter- osts the inhabitants of Canada, wholly overlooked : a measure which, brought forth one of the most able and poweriul speeches ever produced by any states- man, in any age, or in any country. In which every conflicting interest was fully cauvaf^scd and balanced one against another, and the advantages so clearly pomt- ed out that jiiejudice and interest gave way to reason and intelligence, one which occupied twelve nights' debate, against which the agriculturalists of Eiigand cannot feel a deeper interest than the a;jriculturalists of Canada. Except a war with the llnited k:?tatrs of America, no event could have created greater apprehension in the minds of the agricultural population of Upper Canada than this unexpected change in the commercial policy of Great Britain. This apprehension arises from the fact that : since 1842, when wheat and flour was admitted at a nominal duty in the ports of Britain, they have been in a state of unprecedented prosperity — their products yield a fair 296 profit— a stimulus had been given to industry — the culture of whc.U h.iil been extended — cajntal IVooly invoated,and property increased in value, they realisivi those ndvantagos and f'olt content. Ask any farmer to what cause he attributcl this iiicroafcd price for wheat ; his reply will be protection. Although in P]ii^ land a dillorencc of opinion u) ay exist between tlie landowner, farmer and la- bourer, on this subject, no difference of opinion can exist here, as the three arc united in one. Notwithstandin.,' this union of interest anionjj; the popula- tion, there is a n arked dift'erenee in its representation in the councils of the province. There the agricultural interest predominates, here it fi.id.s a tard^- advocate ; still, 1 can liardly believe there is a single menihor who will not admit that, under the existing system, the agriculturalists in Canada owe the present pro.spcrity wholly to protection. I desire not to be misunderstood I do not allude to the alleged protection imposed by the colonial duty on articles passing through our inland waters to distant markets. I allude to tlu! protection they received in the markets of Britain — this protection will soon bo withdrawn ; what equivalent or what compensation is proposed to the agriculturists in Canada in lieu thereof] It is to mo unaccountable, to witness the apathy which prevails here on this sub jcct. On the first announcement, in the part of the country I represent, an immediate change in the minds of all was apparent; buildings were suspended and property decreased in value, to an extent no other circumstance would have j)roduced, and you may rely upon it that all who hold a stake in the pro.sperity of Canada are now looking to the Legislature for some remedy. It is my inten- tion to go back to the time when this protection was first promulgated, and follow up every movement relating to it, that it may be fully understood. In the first place, what says Sir 11. Peel: "I am not prepared to select that great interest, connected with the agriculture of this country, and call upon them to resign protection, unprepared at the same time to call on other protected iu- iuterests to make the same sacrifice." The protection withdrawn from the agricultural interests was, duty on cattle, provisions, corn, othor grains, and various articles, the reduction on wheat to cease in th"0c years. The equivalents ibr this reduction were : The removal of all duty on the raw mate- rial except timber. Cotton manufactures, calico prints, now subject to a duty of 10 per cent — to be free. Cotton made up to protect the industry of the country, now 20 per cent — reduced to 10 per cent. Woollen and linen goods made up, now 2(» to 10. IMetals, 15 to 10. Brocade, earthenware, carriages, now 20 to 10. Silks, 30 to 15. 10 per cent to be the maximum, lie also makes other arrangements afi'ecting the interests of other parts of the com- munity, but which will materially benefit that interest in whose welfare the country is so deeply interested, which are thus enumerated: First — The great- est burden which is justly complained of by the agriculturalists, is the rate levied on highways, which is reduced from 6d. and 9d. on the pound to l^d. and 3d. Second — The law of settlement, which will relieve agriculturo from an oppressive burden, besides injustice on the labouring man. (Amount of this reduction not stated.) Third — The encouragement of agricultural indus- try, by the government loaning money on the security of land, for draining and improving the same, which will devclope agricultural improvement throughout the country. Fourth — Charges of expenses of prosecution now paid from local rates, to be borne altogether from the Treasury, estimated for England and Ireland at £117,000. Fifth — In Ireland the whole expense of the police force is borne by the land, hereafter by the Treasury. Sixth — One-half of the medical relief sustained by poor laws, by the Treasury, in England and iit ha from New York, and llins njuidizi" I'rriylit, li<'(\v<'«'n (lie (wo pnrlH , lint it is (|nt'slionfilil(' wlutlirr tlic intiii'iisr ol' Hliippiru'; will not korp p;u<(< with lliis dcniMnd. It is iir}:n<'d, on tlio ollur Imnd. by tlio InspiM'tor (JcnorMi, (lifit tlic ^router tlir stocks at (purine, tin" nioii' vcss' Is will conn" ont, and thus clii'Mpi-n tlii> fiviglit by oonipotition, I c linridc in tlio view taken l»y llio Attorney (Jonc- ral on lii.t nnliji^i't. iMcrcase yonr inipml trade: tlii>< will i^ive IVeiiijlits Iiotli Wliys ai I lessen prices ; ImiI under any eireninstanees, I have my appiehenMioim tho lVoi,i;lits will not he roduceil IVoni llii,«< tn Ifrilain as low as iVoni New York. Let us IK w refer to the measures inlrodueeil hy the provineial ;^overnment. The first was a Inll hy the Attorney (ieneral, e(|uali7,ini^ taxos in proportion to the value of lantl. leaviuLtlhe hnrden to ho sustained hy land, lid — Uy the In hpeotor (ieneral. to impo.si'. a d\ily id' Lid. per i^alhai on whisky. This tax is nl.«o homo by tho tjrower, nnd plaoed on hud. Its ohjeet is to relieve tlioHUV- oral distriet revenues from (he e\|iense of the adniinis(r!i(ioii of justice, nnd placii\j;' i( on (he provincial reveiuK The cHeet is this: Instejid (d' boil taxed directly as usual in each district in Westorn Canada, and p'lyiuf^ tho money into th(> dis(ric( (rc;isury, (he money will he paid in(i> the pniviinMMl troa.> thi>i:rower in l'p|)er Caiiaila - it is merely payini:; out of one pnoket instead of the other. I should have been ^ra(ilie(l to Iind soino |)ro])ositiiiii fiU" tho reduction (d' internal taxes, duties on imports, and the public expendi- ture worthy of notice — some incisuro to save our rcm;iinini; public land, ami creatiiis;- a fund (herefrom (o oduca(o (ho risiiiji:; |ii;enoratioii ; some measuro (o rdiovo (he burden on l;md, ;ind apportion our taxes more .siiil.ihly on other property, or soino 0(juiv.'ilent to tho agi ioultur.'il interest ; .soim! iiKS'isuro or soiuo attempt to meet the ij,roat change to which this country must shortly ho subjoot. Tho disp.itch, prayine; for a rcmov.al of tho Ih. per ((uartcr duty on wl.c;it, urain, pulse. <' A'c., is well ,'is tar as it u'dcs ; hut it should have oxtcaidcd to all jModu. ts. The measure di>si;j,iied (o benelit (he mercantile, o;n'ryin'.C''ni J shijipinp: interests for the next thrco years, is tho removal of tho throe shillinf^s per ijuartor on wheat pas.^ii th rou^li our waters to distant oimntries ; as thii rill so ,'*oon become iiiepcrative, it is to he regretted the .aet will no( come into imiuodiato operation. Tho r.ipid inoroase, and oxtent of tho groat wostorn oouiitiy has been well ami (riily dcj'ciibed by (ho Inspecttir Ceneral; it is a prize worth ciai(cndiii;;' for, ;tml one which we c;in scouru by .adopting the pro]>cr remedy; but we liavo iiitellii^ent, active rivals, who arc not to bo m<'t by li'ttinii' everything; take its course, as heretofore. Sir, it is {)loasini^ for mo to witness tho striking; chaiiL^e which has come over tho minds of those who fbruiorly opposed tho construct ioi of tho St. Jjuwrcnco Canal ; now hut ono feelinc; is entertained respectinj:; it ; on that work alone rests .all your hopes of eouimandiny; this trade. ^Vh;lt would have been your prospects if it had not been constructed on the enlarged .sh iiiiidc l»y IrtrwardcrH on tlio Krio (Iiinul rmin iJiif- I'lilo to Alli.iiiy, prior to •July, IHir», on wliicli ii Imrrcl ol' flour wmb convcyud ;i(i»l inilcH lor !M., wlicn 1h. !»d. per liiirnd wiis rli.in^'-d Cor IHo mili'H from Kini,'Hl(in to Montrciil (IoIIh huI. iiioliidcd uu ritlnrj TIk; lion, f.lic IrHpi-i-tor (icnf-rid, on llic trun purtinjin HyHtiiU'., lurnH tlioHi! fi^^un^H at^dnKt iw., miyn it ffiiiiid Inid the pnlijio lo lii'lif vi' llic IoHh wcro f(|n!d on hotli roiitcM, linn in- (•ri'Msiiif,' llic prim III' fVcjfrlildii till! St, ijawn-nri! over tlin Kri, while, the toil on the i'lrie Canal iiierejwd *l!i;),Kl)H, the toll on the Welland Canal, deercased about ^L'O, ()()((. 'j'o what eaur^c is this extraonlinary r(\sult U> be attriliiited ? The Inspeetor (ieneral says, " to the. fluetuation (d' trade," why has this trade fliietuatrd all one way, loavin;^ the St. Jjawronet! and .seek- ing: the Hudson ? lie will find the true, cause to be a vi^^'ilant, int.elli;i;erit |M rsonal siipfriiiteiidcnoe on the one part, and a total nei^loot, arising from an iiiipraetieable system of inaiiaf^ement on the. otlii'r the oni! le.Hsenin;.' prices of iiii;;hl, the other iiiereasini^r if. 'rhidu^lioul the world the prices of frei;.;lit flic u,ovi riicfl by one rule — tli(! larf^er the bo ly of water, lon;^(!r the voya;,;c and l.iij^'er the canal, withdut traiisbipinent, the cheaper tlie price of I'reiL'ht. - Cnnipare the tlimensions of the iiaviiration on the St. liawrence with tiie Krie <'mial with this rule, acr froi<^bts. ft apprars, liDWever, from the returns of exports «i' breadstulTs from tlie fnited Slate.'*, not over three per cent of tin; (iiitirc (|uantity reaches the in-irket.s of Britain; II these Ktatemcnts be true, and Americans from tb(;ir more .southern ports can- not sucees,' Immmi citlicr pissed over umiotioed, or treated willi lidieule. lie recomiiieiids ulilainiii'^ IVee aeeess for our pnidiK-ts into till' iiiaikels iil" tli(» I 'idled States, l'eean''e, in lii-4 jud;^iiiiMit, tlu! New York market will oU'er n liii,dier price tlmii llie Knulisti iiiirket : in lliis opinion I fully coiienr, slionid tlie L,'io\ver in ('inida imt obtain as liii^h a price lor lii-i ]>roiluets as t lie grower in t lie W.cstern States. The conseiiiieiKU! antieipati'd by Mr. Hnelianan are not to he disrcu'irded. We only difVer in the means to olitain access to the markets id' the I'nited States, Mr. Ilnehanaii reeoniineiid-i the imposition id hi^h dnlies, to force them to tidmil mir products. This would he inipraeticahle, but. by drawint: their trade thrnnv;h mir chaniiel.s as Inn,' us wo can, they will be induced to reinovo restrictions to regain or iiKToasu their trade. It ri'i|uires no ri'j;urcs or calculations to prove whiidi will b- tlio Sc«t market. Alter ISIS, the western rarmerwill have access to two, the Canadian but one, assumim: (he limiti>d dem.'ind for the Montreal market will h • irovcriii.'il by the prices in Kntiland. This adv;ml.'ti:e will ^ivc the .\iiieiicaii miller and inendiant the entire command of the wheat tr.ide (except for our limited con- suni]ttion) of t!e western states. What lulluws? On the one side cipital will be lively invested, and every descrijition id' property increased in valui', while, on the other side, everythiiii^ will remain stationary, if not retroj;radinL,', nnd a]>Mthy and dissatisfaction will piev.dl. This is no mere assertion; the same was witnessed in 1S'15, "M't ; ;ind examine the journals of I'pper Oaiiaih during that period, you will find the efforts then made to ()btaiii access to the markets of' the I'niti'd States. A pelitioii. numerously signed, was forwarded to Congress, praying for .adn.i.ssion of our products, 'i'he state of the mar- kets, no doubt, was one id' the ruling causes which led the inhabitants of I'pjH'r I'anad.i to open rebellion and a resort to ;irms in 1SI57. If no reiiieilj is provided, the same cause will again exist in 18 lit. Let us then apply our minds to the application (A' a remcily. (Vm we adopt the American policy - oncour.age manufactures by iirotecling home market — to consume the ])rodiu'ls of our soil'/ No, we eonnot ; and why'/ First, an advo'i'se interest would iui- mcdiiitely arise between the mother country and the colony, which would inev- itably produoo sejiaration in the shortest possilile time ; and secondly, the ex- tent oi' boundary and ficilities olh'red for smuggling, renders it imjiracticahlii, Sir Kohert I 'eel very, justly ob.serves, that high duties, called protection, is a false reliance, a delu^'.on on the part of the labourer, and a clear loss to the revenue; both are robttd by the suiug^ler. llous.'siii l*aris will guarantee the delivery cd'mods in London for fifteen per cent. If. with their numerous excise, coast guards, and cruisers, goods can be smuggled their at fifteen por cent., they can here for one half — seven and a h.df per cent. No person can be induced to embark capital in manufactures in Canada, under the expectation, that any duty, however high it may ap])ear. will protect biin from competition in the same aitiele from the I'liited States. It is evident, Mr. S|ieaker. that if protection be withdrawn in the markets of ]>ritaiu, it is imiiractiealile in Canada ; we have no means of enfoiving it, wo are powerless. Wo have, then, but ono other course open to us ; that is, the Vemoval of all restrictions on eonimevoe, the aijrrieultural interest may then safelv relv on the increase of that commerce to create a population, and tlioreby en.sure a homo mar- ket for the jiroduetions of the soil — as well as obtaining everything then consumed at the lowest prices. This policy fairly carried out, will prove :joi ;i HOMiul. iiiliiiMliIc I'l'iiii'fly, und will not. only ^{ivc iiii iiiii|il(i (!<|niviilcMt, to tJio ii^i iriiltiiialiHl (if ('iiiiiiilii, liiit pliicx liiiii iit a fur iirllcr iMiHilioii iJian tJio t'.ii'iiKM- ill tlio WttHldi'ii tStat«!H. To attiiiii thin t^!i(l, it iH prup'iWMl to Hiilmiit (lie roljfivviii;^ ii-HuliilioiiH; 1, /,'tsi)/i'ii/, 'I'liiit, in iiil(i|itiii;^' tilt! |ii-iii('i|)li; I'ciiiijiiiK'iiili'il in IId- iImh- |i;it(|i of tlio (!oloniiil SM'ii'tiiry of llin 'Anl Ftilini.try liiHt, in which wn uro iissuii'd, "Tliiit it iH tim ilfKirt- of lli r MiijfMly's ( iovcrnnicnt, that tliotiiulo (tt CiiMiiiIii may, fii. nil ixh/hvIh, a|>|»i(ia(li an nearly to |n'rlrct fitfMioni an tho (lf.s(ri|ilionH of tho inhiiltiUmtH, and tho oxi^'cncios of the iniKlic rovcniuj tJK'ro, may |icrmi(," it iH joht and loaHonalilo that (ivciy (txintiny ifHtrir;tioii (III tho Iradr of ( 'anada hhoiild lio rcniovod. 2. /I'isiilii'il, 'I'iial, under tho oxiKtinj^ (loloniul policy of (iicat liritain, lliiH provinco Iuih nmhutakon tho constnu^tion of |iiililii; works of ^roat ina^- iiitmlc, for which a Iar;,'o dcht Iiiih Ihimi incurred, and that its itmncnt ii^jri. cultural proHperity is chiclly attiilmtalile to tlii! prulcciioii its pi'oducts havo recoivod hiiico tho reduction of (|,'{, in tho iimrkcitH of tho mother country. ;{. /uxdircd, That, folly appreciatin<^ tho adviinta;,'eH this provinco oii^ht to |)OHHeHK, o\M'r the Western States of Ameri(;a, inaHiiiiKth as the citi- zoiiH of thoso HtiitoH pay duti((H on imports for tho Hiipport of th(( Federal (loveinmcnt of tlio Unit.eil StatoH, while tin; iiiiialiitantH of Canada are not Miliject to any Himilar duties for tli(^ support of the llritish (Government, ncverthtdoHH, from our preHiiut fiHcal Hystf^ii and oxiHtinj^ rf;Htnctif)ns oti loiMiiierce, and other causes, they arcs not realized, iiul there is reason to iilp|irelienil the contemplated chanj^e in the coiiiinercial poli(;y of (ireat. Hri- tiiiu, will coiifei' Htill f,'r(!at(!r advantaf^(!H on thocitizouH of tho Unitod StatoH, than on th(^ inhahitants of ('anada. •t. Jii'Kolrril, 'i'hat, iiiiiHmuch as it is jiroposcsd to relievo commeire and extend an ('(piivahuit to tho a^'riciiltiiralists, in IJi-itain by a redin^lion of iiii|iort duties on all ai'tiides consunicd, }»y iciiiovin^' vai'ioiis hurdens on land and liy jiroviding for tho pncoura;:,'m(!nt of a;,'ricultiiral industry, hy iiicniis of loans raised on tins credit of ^^overiimtrnt to im]irovo tho same, tho ui,'riculturalists in Canada havo re -son to Ijoliovo that Her Majesty's ^'ovoru- iiiciit will readily extend a similar o(piival(Mit to them for the protection iibout to he withdrawn. T). Ifcsolvcd, — That an hiimbhi address b(! jiresented to Hor Majosty, prayinj,' that she will 1m^ pleased to admit all articles, the {growth and pro- iliR'c of Canada, into the markets of the mother country, froo from duty. C. ALso, — Tliat slio will bo pleased to recommend, to tho Imperial Par- liiuiu'nt, that all imj>erial acts relating to duties on tho imports, revenuo ;ui(l trade of Canaibi, may be nipealeil, and luir commerce i'eli(;ved from all restrictions exceitt what may bo injjjosed by th(! provincial Jjcgislatuie. 7. A/^io, — That Her Majesty may bo jdeased to open a negotiation with tlic government of the United States for th»! ]»urpose of obtaining access for the products of Canada into the mai-ki^ts of that country on tho same ttirms that American products ai'e to be admitted into the markets of Britain and Canada. 8. Also, — That the Rivtir St. Lawrence from Lake Ontario to the Ocean, may be opened to all nations, subject to no greater restrictions than now exi.st in passing through the Welland Canal around the Falls of Niagara, 302 in order tliat rv revenue from tolls may he ensiircd to ropay the cost of the conHtniction of the canals connecting thos*" waters: The first resolution requires no coinnient ; the truth of the second will nlso he admitted. The third drawH the attention of the government of Great IJritain, our jirovincial government, and the country to a fjvct, which no ■quil)l)ling, no soj)]iiKtry, can control, and no man can deny. Tbe atlvanta^cs we are entith-d to, as a colony, have n(>verl)een fully roali/.cd. Never iiav- ing been left to our own resources, thn necessity for a rigid examination into our actual position never occurred ; that time has now arrived wlien a thor- ough investigation cannot fail tt) prove lieneticial, and give a proper ami correct tone to public ojiinion. Suppose a separation to take jilace, and this ])roviiice to he united with the American States, what advantages would we gain ? We would, in the first place, not only> Ix* conn>idled to sun-ender all our jiublic land, but become subject to a lieavy duty on imports; for what? for tlie ])rotection of the federal government: and in addition, we wouM have to support our provincial government without the aid of either of those resources. Thf government of (Jreat ]*>ritain extends that prot<'ction to us at this moment, without exacting our land, duty on impoits, or any tax whatever, but merely for the extension of her trade and commerce. To illustrate this contrast more fully and more strikingly, sujjpose the government of Clreat Jiritain had appointL'ti lier own oUicers of custom, collected all duties on the articles we consunmd, and remmitted the amount to her treasury ; precisely in the same mannwr as the siinie revenue is col- lected in the (lill'erent states by the United States government, and paiil in to her treasury. And sujtpo.sing a despatch from the Colonial Secretary stat- ing that Her Majesty's government had with Irawn all jirotection in thf markets of Dritain on our jn-oducts ; but, as an ecjuivalent, she has rejiealeil nil duties on our imports, withdrawn all her ollicers of customs, and thus enabled our farnu-rs to obtain every article they consume at the cheape.st rate, not only placing them in as favourable a jwsition as the farnu-r in the ■western states, but wholly relieving them from the tax to tlie federal govern- ment ; and, in addition thereto, the government of (ireat Britain will con- tinue to perform the same duties as the gt)vernment of the United States. Would n )t iho announcement of such a despatch, conferring so great a boon, make any farmer in Canada feel he had received a full compensation for the protection withdrawn. Now all Ills can be brought about. It is in the power of the pro- vincial government, and a heavy responsibility rests with them if they do not avail themselves of this oj)portuidty. 4. The advantages hero referred to arc more fully pointed out in my remarks on Sir R. Peel's speech. 5. This resolution is in accoi'danco with the principle by whicli I have been governed for many yeurs. Since tlie removal of all duties between tliis and the mother countiy in 1842, 1 have advocated placing discriminating duties on our imports from foreign ports, as an eqiuvalent for the jirotection our products received in the markets of Britsiin. However, as this ])rotection will be withdrawn, it is but reasonable we should urge Her Majesty's gov- ernment to concede to the jtroductions of Canada what she recommends the home government to concede to other countries. The principal articles will be butter, cheese, hops, &c., but it is not so much the amount of the duty 808 cost of the ( second will lont of Oreiit ct, wl'icli no ic atlvantiij^es Never liav- inination into wlu'U 11 tlioi- t jiroper uml le tmited witli wouM, in tlik? )\\c land, l)Ut ;he ])rotpotion ,() Hupport our n)mr«'.s. The ; this moment, ei', bnt merely ingly, siqipose ors of custom, eel the anK)ui\t ■evenno is col- iit, and l>!iivo- them if they 11 ted out in my which I have uties between discriminating the protection this protection Majesty's gov- ecommends the pal articles will uit of the duty or the extent of the trade on those articles for which we contend, as for the [irinciple. When the primo minister declared as early as 181*2, that Canada, for all purpoBes of ti'ade, showhl be considered as if she were an integral part of the empire, wo should not, in 1845, be placed on the same footing na foreigners. G. Tiiis resolution pmys for the repeal of all imp(>rial acts relating to tlie nsvenue or commerce of Canada ; 't does not includt? the navigation laws of Hritiin, because, as colonists, they confer eipial advantages on us ; the interchange of our |»roducts for her mainifactures will be continued in our vessels : it api)lies particularly to the imperial act, Hth and Gth Victoria, cap. 4'.), i)a.sHed in J\dy, '4l', *or regulating the Ihitish pos.se^sions abroad ; it will remove existing discrimination duties, and the bonding system which subjects all articles from foreign parts to an additional duty, which is directly contrary to the spirit and bearing of the late despatch, and the late com- mercial policy of (Jreat Britain. 7. I am sensible, I\lr. Speaker, that many men of sound judgment entertain the opinion that if a free intercour.se were opened with the United States, on the same; terms as lietween the citizens of tin' ditl'enuit states, that it would lead to a .separation from the mother country ; this opinion was expressed in the address of the North American Colonial a.ssociatiun in January last. They apinehended a change in tiie .sentiments of the colon- ists, if no preference in the markets of the nmther country, in case they are oilered a free interchange of coninujdities with the United States. 1 enter- tain the very opposite opiuiun. A change in the .sentiments of the colonists can only arise, in their liiung deprived of this free intercour.se. In support of tliis position, which is highly important to understand, I will assign but one reason : a farmer values liis market l)y compai'ative not renninerating prices; if equal on l)oth sides of the boundary, and wheat came to 2s. Gd., he would re.st satisfied, but not if he received 4s. 4d and the Anu-rican farmer 4s. t)d. jier bushel. This inecpiaiity may not lead to tin; same result as in '37, but it will produce a .strong inclination to favour a part of the United States. f)n the contrary, were our products adtnitteil into their markets, no diti'erence in i)rice would lio visible ; the Canada farnu'r at all times would he placed on an equal footing in all respects, with the Western farmer. This is all the favour he asks ; still he will be jdaced on a much bettei' foot- ing — always bearing in mind that lu! will be relieved fr(jni the imj)ort duty to which they are subject ; and so far fi-om feeling any desire to change his political situation, he Avould realize the advantages he possessed, and resist any political change. After obtaining all that the government of Britain can gi-ant, or all we ask for in this address, nuich still remains to be done to meet the altered circumstances in which the coimtry will shortly be phiced. The Provincial Cabinet need be under no apprehension ; though their jilaces may be cov- eted by othens, no half measures will nuset this crisis. If ever ability and attention was required, it is at this moment. Hereafter Canada nuist rely on its own resources, extravagance, uuist be checked, economy practised, and the expenses of the Provincial Government reiluced, and its resources now wasted and negected must be preserved and developed. We insert (regi-etting the want of room for more) a pai-t of the despatch in answer to the address, the subject of theec resolutious. The fiction of law, 304 Tuakiii<^ tlio QiU'dii roHponKiMe for tin; act dojuiving Ikt siihjfcis in ('aiia