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AND REMARKS RELATIVE TO THE ^JfUAtlON OF rttk INJtiJnjtANtS RESPECTlNC tHE WaH^ AND A CONCISE HISTORY CF ITS PROGRESS, TO 9'HB PJtESENr DATE. ^- BY M. SMITH. NEW-YORK : PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY PELSUE ik, GOULD. August, 1813. Price 50 Cents, ^ r 1^ N 4 1 ir r ir r 4,4 >.. f : '-;■ tt '• ' Jpromiscii endix, con- ks relative s, entitled, ■ copies of uch copies, cuU nr ' IT is proper here to inform the publu*, iinii parlicii- larly those who subscribed for this work more than a year ago, that more than two years since, I made ap- plication to the then governor of Upper Canatia, Fran- cis Gore, esq. for liberty to take and print a Oeograph- ical and Political View of the province, and obtained his approbation. In June, 1812, I agreed with the printers in BufTaloe, for the publication of the work, and sent them part of the manuscript before the declar- ation of war^ which event prevented the publication. In December, by virtue of a proclamation of the gover- or, in favor of citizens belonging to the United States, I obtained a passport to leave the province with others. I have now published a complete Geographical View of the province, but have left out the Political View, instead of which, I have subjoined remarks respecting the war while I was in the province ; and also, a con- cise account of it to the present date of this second edi- tion. V '^ }'■ ="1*^ ^■^rJf. 1 I •\.' [.*. PREFACE. IT is a common practice among authors, to beg an in- troduction of their works to the pablic, bj making an humble apology for the crime of writing : but I cannot r'onceive that I have done wrong in publishing this work, but rather lament that it has not appeared soon- er and better executed. However, it may not be amiss to inform the public that I was induced to this business about three years ago, while in Canada, from a belief that a full and impartial account of the province would he acceptable and useful to my fellow -citizens, as of late years many have been in the habit of moving there. Vnd I also knew that a correct geographical account of the province of Upper Canada had never been pub- lished ; whatever had been, was brief and defective, i may add, tliat the mildness of the climate, fertility of ; be soil, benefit of trade, cheapness of the laud, and morals of t)t^ 'inhabitants, so far exceeded my expecta- lions and the apprehensions of the pnblic in general ; I ^leemed it my duty to make known the same. I will also observe, that I have wrote from expert- uieutal knowledge, and not merely from what has been . suggested by others. 8ome may imagine, because I write thus, that I have a partiality for the En^^Iisih — but this I solemnly deny ; I only descnibe things in their I rue characters, with the impartiality of an historian. I began this work before the war ; I undertook it with an earnest desire to benefit some, I care not who ; if any ;?.re benefitted I shall be gratified ,: in short, I write this Pro Bono Publico, ' -J - IFhtchester^ Jprilj t6, IS 13. i ty^t^^ ' » i t , T. i ,if^i > Wtn HBUmSi ; - , gatw *. It t inking an M J cannot png this \fed soon- ^p amiss a beJief «e would »8> as of >S there, count of ^0 pub. ^ectire. Wity of '<}» and fpeeta- ?raJ ,. I xperi- » been use I ish — their '•'an. vith any rife . PART I. s . , DESCRIPTION OF THE DISTRICT OP LONDON, (uPPER CAJJADA.) This district is bounded east by Indian land, on Grand River, north by the wilderness, west by the western district at Detroit, and south by I^ke Erie, along the north shore of which it ex. tends about 90 miles. The district of London is certainly much the best part of Canada- It is sufficiently level, very rich, and beautifully variegated with small hills and fertile valiies, through which flow a number of pearly streams of almost the best water in the world. In this district there is a large quantity of na- tural plains, though not m very large bodies, and not entirely clear of timber. This i; nd has a handsome appearance, and afS^rds fine roads and pasture in summer. Here the farmer has but little to do only tc f^^jdce his land, and put in the plough, which indeed requires a strong team at first, but afterwards may be tilled with one horse. These plains are mostly in the high? est part of the ground, are very rich and weU adapted for wheat and clover. The surface of 1 ^ -B 6. 1 1 ' I; IH \.\ I ■ the earth in this district is almost entirely clear of stone; it is of a sandy quality, (especially the plains) which renders it very easy for cultiva- tion. • This district is situated in the 4 1st degree and 40 minutes of north lat. and is favoured with a temperate climate. The summers are sufficiently long, to hring all the crops to pefection, if plant- ed in season : indeed there is hardly ever any kind of produce injured by the frost. * This is the best part of Canada for wheat, and I believe of any part of the world : from 20 to 35 bushels are commonly gathered from one acre of ground, perfectly sound and clear from smut. Corn thrives exceedingly well, as also all other kinds of grain. Apples, peaches, cherries, and all kinds of fruit common to the United States, flourish very well here. Wood- land sells from two to five dollars an acre. The timber of this district consists of almost all kinds common to the United States. The inhabitants of this district enjoy a greater degree of health, than is common to observe in most places : but doubtless there are reasons for this, founded on natural principles and among which are the following : c^ 1 St. The inhabitants are from their prosperous situatiovi, exempt from the necessity of labour- ing too hard, and at the same time are called to a moderate share of industry, which promotes the health of the body and mind. naBE9M '^y clem iaJJy the cultiva- ee and with a iciently f plant- er any wheat, : from i from I clear ell, as aches, to the V'ood- The kinds eater vein IS for long rous our- dto :>te8 2d. The most of the people were poor when they first came to the province : of course had been accustomed to live on the simple necessi- ties of life, and yet retain a wise moderation in eating and drinking, which also very much prevents the introduction of disease. v ^ M. The climate is quite temperate, and ac- cording to the observation of many who have lived in the place 16 years, sudden changes from hot to cold, or cold to hot, is not so com- mon as in most places in the United States, or Europe. The winter commences gradually, and goes off in like manner. The snow in this dis- trict has never been known to be more than 20 inches deep, and generally not more than 12. 4th. All the water in this district is clear from any foreign body, is pure, and of the lightest order ; the most of people make use of springs or brooks, which are in great plenty, and are clear and cool nine months in the year: neither are they very often made muddy by rain, the land through which they run being of a sandy quality. 5th. The soil being of a sandy quality, as ob- served above, naturally produces sound and sweet grain, and vegetables : the using of which very much promotes the health of the consumer. 6th. The people of this Canadian paradise are more contented in their situation of life, than is common to observe in most places, which also \ m *-- i\ ■ ) 8 "i^ry much preserves the heahh af .^ a contrary disposition tendrtorfl "'*".' ""»"« . This District is divided imA'°^ "• viz. Norfolk, MiddK ""*\*J!:^e counties, twenty five tiwn hios «ii "r""* u?^'""'"''' ^^ , scribe in a brieTmi*" °^ ""^''^ ^ '*'" ^^ ThisCoL^^Sh"^ ^''^NTy. ^'Strict, joinii he Siore 7? r^*'* ^'^ *« the'^tntrSfni'S 'V^% T""^^' ^^o™- of Grand River.lnd thetl. ?*" '*"^ «" *e Wy well supplied \S St *'''"?• " « '"lera- .ThegroundTLvdand v^?r •''1^*"°"« '^"O^- y settled, in conslq™ ^KJ j.'lj?"^'' '''^• together being owntrf k! ?® ''°'^'®« "^'anrf le comainsi gZ'mUh Tf '" ^"S'*"'*' sawmUl, Itannfr 2«Z1' f*""®' ' ^c^^oo'. I . T,,, . RAiSSS!'^-'' » '»«or. 'arge bodies of land in 7w!^L u^^'^ ^'^ «'«> '»na in this township, ovyned by n» while it. counties, rd, and will de^ %>»' 't of rhe ) and is ly nine - shore, north. rner of 5n the tolera* kinds. h thin- fland »nd. )ol, 1 ailor. nthe ^et it clear wed also iby the rich of England and other countries, which very much prevents the population of the town. It contains two large streams of water, viz. Stony Creek and Nanticoke, with several smal- ler ones— 1 blacksmith, 1 tailor, 1 mason, 1 tanner, 2 shoe-makers, 1 joiner, 1 grist-mill, 2 saw mills, I distillery, I store, I school, one re- ligious society (Dutch Lutherans) and 1 divine. WOODHOUSE. Is thickly inhabited by rich farmers ; and is well supplied with timber of various kinds, three miles from the lake shore ; after which it it is chiefly plains, beautifully interspersed with fine groves of timber. The soil of this town- ship is of a sandy quality, almost entirely free from stone, and of course very easily cultivated. This kind of sandy land is very rich, not only on the surface, but far beneath. 1 have seen corn and other things planted on sand rhat was thrown up from d to 20 feet deep, which grew to great perfection ; nor will it wear out in a short time. I have known land of this kind in the township under cultivation 16 years, with- out ever being manured, to produce 25 bushels of wheat per acre. This township has been settled 20 years, with people from New- Jersey, New York and Penn- sylvania; and is famous for apples and peaches. It is watered with three large streams, which afford many fine falls for water-works, viz. -# III i ■ I •--♦ ■ . . 10 ' T°»»g »« Patterson's, and Bluoh r • - ther with several other smaJ?f'^'''« ' ^«ge- sulphurous spring It cLtT- ? *"?^^' *'«' one six grist miiia^ S "twoXir/^" ^'"*''^^'»''H one fulling „ u onr2i.^;*'-' fr^"/*^""'"'' seven storts,^twomasonIK^ ""."'. <' ''"W'erie^ lors. 4 «hoe.maker37;*rr« Tr^' ''^^ '«^ g'ous societies (MethodST? /y • ""'V^ '■^«- mm ng house CM.) ? vil£e rn^'""f' ^^"^ » sophical society 3 schoo ! ? i"'^^'''^ ' P^^^o- ^ey. and 1 masonic soi^^""*"'' ' *"°^- -d^tL^r„i;t^t"sr 1^^^^ though Of possibfii'Ser waL^'r ?^^^^ «l- settled about seventeen vH"^*^- ^' ''^^ ^een thf United States " ^^*'"'' ^^ People from blacksmiths Tc:;;emtrr?':f''^' ' '"""^^ » ' potter, I physician 2 r',? f'*""^*' ^ Matters, Methodist and I fiSsf/f'^'*'"? '°'''^««» (» 2 public buildinesfiS ' f^^^'^g house (B.) finging-schooJ'S 3 r?.T ''""f ' ^"^ J*"^ is a mine of exSentTrnn ^ 'f'''°'*- ^^ere ed. There are also "'°f """^ '^'^'^ ias been ^^e from fs, 3 dw- Uors, 3 lattersr, ies (I 56 (B.) fail; 1 Inhere Jover- allow ^hich * hay. • .r - WALSINGHAM,* Lies directly west or rather south-Vest of Charlotteville, on the lake shore. The soil is very rich and level, and better timbered than Charlotteville, though not quite so well watered, nor so thickly settled. The greater part of the inhabitants are Dutch. i k^ f It contains one grist mUU l saw- mill, 2 distil- leries, 1 tanner, 2 shoemakers, 2 blacksmiths, 1 tailor, ^weavers, S^joiners, 2 mapons, ! hatter, 1 religious society (Methodist) aqd 2 schools. HOUGHTON, '^ Is directly south-west of Walsingham, on the lake shore, and will bear nearly the same de- scription, though it is thinly settled, e:^cept pn the east side, the land being chiefly owned by gentlemen in England. It is watered with 1 fine stream, called Big Creek. MIDDLETON, Lies north or back of Houghton and Wal- singham. In this township there are many plains and natural meadows — well watered, rich and clear of stone, though as yet without improve- ment. Big Creek flows through the township, on the banks of which is a sulphurous spring of great strength. WINDHAM, Joins Middleton on the east, and Charlotte- * From this township, extends Long-Point. IS miles into the lake. No one lives on it. <«.*ii. ■ .A V^>^' -*» 12 fe.:;, ..'« ville and Woodhouse on t^e north. It id part- ly plain and partly timber land, very rich, clear of stone, well watered, aild tolerably thick set- tled with a civil and industrious people from the United StateSi Unimproved land sells cheap here-^from one and a half to three dollars an acre. It contains 2^ shoemakers, 2 tailors^ S weav- ers, 2 joiners, 1 mason, 1 tanner^ 1 hatier, I store, 2 schoiolS} 2 religious societies (one Con- gregationalist and one Methodist) one circulat- ing library, and one divine (Congregationalist.) TOWNSEND. This township joins Windham on the easti and Woodhouse and Rainham on the northy is chiefly rich natural plains, which are beautiful- ly interspersed with groves of timber, leveh well watered and clear of stone. It is thickly settled with rich farmers, who raise great quan- tities of grain and cattle. Townsend contains 4 gristmills in 2 places, 3 saw miUs, 3 blacksmil^hs, 3 distilleries, 2 tan- ners, 4 shoemakers, 2 weavers, 4 joiners, 1 hal- ter, 1 mason, B physiciansi 4 stores^ 1 mine of red clay nearly equal to Spanish brown, 2 di- vines (one Baptist and one Methodist) 2 meet^ ing- houses (one Congregationalist and oneBap^ tist) and 4 schools. OF OXFORD COUNTY. This county is situated north of Norf(4k and Middies'^x, towards the heads of the Thames •l^rimil •iWJIWiMfJWflW''^****'**'** « ■^ IT ■■ i^ * ^^ impart- ch, clear hick see< ie from 'Ottione weav- tter, I eCofl. ^rculat- nalist.) e east?, rth, is utiful. level, lickjy quan^ 'aces, ^ tan- haft-; leof 2*. >ee0^ les 13 « . land Grand Rivers, and is divided into six townships, about twelve miles square. BURFORD. Lies north of Townsend, joining the Indian land on the ^ast. It is partly plains, level, rich, sandy, well watered, and pretty thickly settled. It contains 2 tailors, 1 hatter, 1 tanner, 3 shoemakers, 2 blacksmiths, 2 joiners, 1 grist- mill* 2 sawmills, 1 distillery, I fulling mill, 3 physicians, 2 religious societies (Methodists) and 3 schools. BLENHIEM, Lies north west of Burford. It consists of plains and timbered land, rich, well watered, and tolerably thick settled. It contains 2 grist mills, 2 saw-mills, I tan- ner, 2 shoemakers, 2 blacksmiths, 1 distillery, 2 weavers, and 2 joiners. OXFORD. This township lies west of Blenhiem and Burford, is rich, well watered, thickly timber- ed, settled and well improved by industrious people, from the states of New- York and Ver- mont. The people in this town are famous for making butter and cheese. . ^ ■* It contains 2 grist-mills, 2 saw mills, 2 distil leries, 2 tanniers, 3 shoemakers, 2 masons, 2 2 hatters, 2 carpenters, 3 blacksmiths, 2 tailors, I fulling-mill, 2 physicians, 1 divine (Baptist) « I't'tt •^f 14 3 religious societies (2 Methodists and I Bap- tist) 1 court-house and a jail. * . »^ NORWICH, Lies west of Oxford on the beautiful river Thames, is very rich and exceediiig well "^va* , tered though tolerably thick set wi«i timber. This township has not been settled more ^ than seven years, yet it contains a c(»isidera- ^■JIf" ble number of inhabitants, chiefly Irom the ^ state of New. York. They are mostly Qiiakerln f » or Friends, and have a decent mdetipg house for the worship of God. 4 It contains 1 gristmill, 2 sawmills, 1 tanner, . 2 shoemakers, 1 tailor, 2 blacksmiths, 2 carpen« ters, 8 weavers, 1 hatter, 1 potter, 1 physioian, and 2 schools. DIERHAM. Is goed land, well watered, though but thin* ly settled. It is thick set with timber. It contains 1 blacksmith, 2 shoemakers, 1 joiner, 1 rel^ious society (Methodist.) ^U BLENFQRD, Is nearly like Dierham, and contains oilto saw-mill) one black-smith, two schools, one tan- ner, two shoemakers, one joiner, and one reli- gious society, (Methodist.) OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY. " This county lies directly south- west of Nor- folk, joining the lake shore, and is exceeding fich, well watered with a number of fine streams, * ■'■** •"■*M!«*/vW'^«f -^i M md J Bap. ttfal river well wa. timber, tied in6re 'oiisiderji. ftott^ Ibe ftTiakert >Dg house 1 tanner, 2carpen. hysioian, but thin. ifcew, 1 onetan- ►ne reli- >f Nor- 'eeding reams, 4b « Id •M'^ is level, and almost entirely clear of stone. The common growth of timber is bass, black and white walnut, with hickory, maple, and oak. Jt is not more than two years from the time I write* J April 1812, since this county has been open for dettlement, of course it cannot be ex- pected that there are many water works, me- chanics, orthelike; I therefore shall omitnam- ic^ the number in any Township, but proceed to name the Townships, and on what terms this excellent land may be obtained.* TMs County is divided into ten Townships: those tying (^ the lake siiore are Malahide, Bay- ha^ Southhold, Yarmouth, and Dunwich : Those on the north part are Dorchester West- minslerf Delaware, Yarmonthy and Marlbor- ©ugh. The land is exceding rich in these Towships and the surface more level than is common, th^re being no signs of trees having been for- merly turned np by the roots here or any where the west side of the Grand River. Spme few years ago there was a road opened by the government 8 miles from the shore of I^ke Erie, parallel ^ith (he same, about 50 miles long, as also one on the lake shore and another from the middle to the north. On both sides of these roads lots of 200 acreo of land **. These re mar' lioti of war. were written before the dcclara- i i 5^ J ■P' ^^m ■j' ( ■ 'r R (( i 16 have been given to settlers by the King, and now may be obtained by any person on the following terms. First. Every person that wants a lot of 200 acres (for no one person can get more from the King) mnst take the oath of allegiaxice to his majesty before some of his majesty's justices of the peace, a certificate of which he must procure. Secondly, he must then go to Col. Thomas Talbert, now agent for the King respecting the land, who lives on the place, and shew him the certificate of the oath, and inform him of the wish to obain a lot for settlement, who vnll point out those that are not engaged; they may then take their choice. • Thirdly. They must then pay to Col. Talbert, or some other proper person, 37 dollars and a half, for which a receipt isgiven..^ Fouthly. They thin must within the term of 2 years, clear fit for cultivation, and fence, 10 acres of the lot obtained and built a house 16 by 20 feet of logs (or frame) with a shingle roof, also cut down all the timber in front of, and the whole width of the lot, (which is 20 chains) 133 feet wide, 33 Jeet of which mtist be cleared smoth and left for half of the public road * Fifthly. They must, with or without a family, * The cutting of the timber for 133 feel is omitted as aset tling duty on lots which lie off from the main road.*.. *' King, and ■on on the lot of 200 ^ from ehe ace to his justices of it procure. Thomas Bctingthe hew him 1 him of who will ^y may TaJbert, rs and a he term i fences Ei house shingle ont of, i is 20 itistbe public imily- 17 SUf be actual settlers on the said lot, within and at the end of 2 years. When all the things are done (no matter how soon) Col. Talbert will give them a certificate of the sam^, which they must take fd the Land Office in York, upon which they will get a deed for the said lot, which is a deed of gift from the King. The 37 1-2 dollars called the fees is what necessarily arises as an expense from the sunreying and giving it out. In the spring oiP 1812 there were 600 lots taken up for settlement and was then 400 more to be disposed of by government, besides about 300 in the possession of Col. Talbert to be sold at private sale. The settlers of these lots are almost altogether natives of the United States. 8 2 t. ittedas road.. fence, the iaJres Ontario l !^ i® "''«•■ S«- Law- terco^^„^.^^u«te„o and Erie, and the wa TOO miles, and is 500 «£« ^5^ ^^P^™' "bout ;»agu«.ry Jine that divwS k ff *''^?^^^g 'oan on the north. The I ni fif /'^°* New-Britain ^rancwco, and taktc « 'a'«ude 45 at Lake ;*^e, an^j jg erounri Tf ® ^®*^ ^^^e above oS»~ *'K1^« tt.Ti""'* «? '-'etJ'oit, so throuffh th^ZiVJ '** *« head near '«««'ca«onsand£ke:src1;T"«'-«"« ^'*''' Huron, Sttperi. Hi. V' 19 J ^ STATf. > of Dp. ininutes ends a- '• Law- he wa * about ig toan Britain >mthe ;Lake se by magi- from bove dis. lage riy* |0n. the \ die ^ ke, ?ar m- rl or, LongLake».and Lake of the woods: thence a due west course to the head waters of the river Mississippi. In these bounds there is a very large quantiy of exceeding fertile land uninhabited, particular- ly in the south western parts. Here nature blooms, untrod by man and smiles with virgin charms to draw him hence. Nor do I doubt but that the time is near when settlements will be made in these regions, espe- cially if his Majesty's successors to the British throne should possess such a benevolent disposi- tion as George III. who has always been willing to give any one land in the province without money or price. Should this be the case, the wilderness will soon become a fruitful field, and the desert like the garden of Eden.t Soil and Surface. — ^There are no mountains in the province of Upper Canada, and but very few hills of any considerable height : yet the eountry is not of a clear level but affords enough of small hills and high bodies of ground to render it agreeable to the eye, and convenient for cultivation, buildings, water works, &c. &c. The mountain, slope, or sudden rise of ground, which divides the waters of Lake Erie from Lake ^ These remarks were wroie before the declaration of of war by the American government against England or the invasion of Canada : yet should it fall into the posses- sion of the United States, this remark would beequally true. i;,^ ■■ ^ 20 Burlington Bay, keZ'T' ^^ ^^»' •" «'a"ed t^e Bay « sou heasrcool"!""^ '"« *«»d of coirae near the south sSo^T/ 1*.^" *" ««teriy or two miles) till i«ar an^ k*^^^ ^"^O'Cone outlet of Lali E^^ZiT^J} '^^^^^sthe the south of Ontario Tw '.'•'^''fteen miles to PJacesfive hundred feet hS'lf ' '""'"' '" ""Me lar; abounding with c^aSS^fu°t^ Perpendicu- ' 's not more than tiolfZ'^!^'-^''' ingeneraf. hundred feet, and thenThl "^ ""^ ^^'^ °' three ««. mostly in the ffr^T of arS T^ ^* garden, with natoral offse?. «? "^''^'^ summer y^rds wide: there are Sm^ ""l' *'^^ '^""•Jre* f®«j!- On these offser«« ^ ''"' ''^ *e^e inhabitants who have S^ *!! P'^^'-^ons with f«l prospects, espe;KZl''T'^^"^'»a"«- tap. ^ ""V these who reside on the ■Here the- pva /»of Jid all ito nd, ; ne le / ?1" 21 lent falls, on which there are famous water works at present. A considerable part of this slope is composed of craggy limestone rock, particularly the steep parts, and from which flow a great number of fine springs and brooks, which water the fertile plains below. Southwest of the Niagara falls about 30 miles, and not far from the close of Lake Erie, there are what are called the short hills. Some df these have the form of little mountains, though none of them are high or hard of ascent, and may be cultivated nearly all over. These hills are quite rich. All along and not far from the north shore of Lake Ontario the ground rises tolerably sudden and considerably high, after which the country to the north is level enough. There are few stone on the surface of the ground, in any part of the province, and on the west side of the Grand River there is no stone at all, worth naming, yet there are stone enough beneath the surface almost every where and in many places limestone is plenty. The soil oi the province of Upper Canada is exceeding good in every part, yet if possible it is the best in the upper part west and southwest of the head of the fiay Quantie around the north shore and head of Lake Ontario, and the west side of the Grand River, in th e London district alreadly described. The lower part of the Prov- sw; 22 ill 'X ince is sand and clay, mixed; from the head of Ihe Ba/ Quantie to the head of Lake Ontario^ it is altogether a black light rich mould, in most places 7 inches deep, after which it is brown clay. On the Grand River or Indian Land and in the London District, the soil is sand, brown loanii and clay. Natural Production, The timber of the lower part of the Province, is chiefly hemlock, birch, and beack That of the middle part, or from the beginning of Lake Ontario to the bead is chiefly beach sugar maple, and white pine. On and west of the Grand River the chief of the timber is white pine. Elm, bass, black walnut, and the different oaka, chesnut and the like, indeed in this part of the province are found all the varieties in the United States ; ^also some of the trees of the balm of Gilead, lone of a majestic appearance stands 24 miles • west of Niagara on the main road. In the lower pj^vt of the province there is but little of any kind of wild fruit, but in the middle part there are several sorts, particularly huckleberries and rice.* In the western part there are a great * This rice grows in the bottom of several shallow lakes; the stalk is nearly like the stalk of oats. The grain is larger than common rice, but not so white, but ra- ther a better taste and not so hard to clean. The In- di?ins collect it with their canoes, and bring large quanti- ties of it among the inhabitants, which they sell very chean. viriety of v^M fniits, and are the following : Cranberries, rasberries, Uackbenries, grapes, sarvesberrieSi wild potatoes, which were ex. ceeding useftti to tho first inhabitantSy straws berries, pltnbs of H very good sort, as also a great quantity of the best crab apples lever saw, which the inhvtbitants of new settlements ude by pre^rving with the moYasses of pump- kins. ' '• Agriculfnre.'^lxi the lo^^ ^Urt of tlie prbt^ ince, there are Considerable quantities of wheat, oats, and peas raised. In the middte part, wheat, ryO) oats, peas, hemp, flax, and some corn, in ' the western parts th^ product is wheat, which thrives better here than in other parts; rye, oat^ and corn, come to great per* fection as also bu^k- wheat. All kinds of roots and vegitables flourish well in any part of the province, but especially in the west. Apjsles come to perfection in any part of the province, though peaches cannot be raised in the lower end, but do exceeding well within 300 miles of the west end of the province, as also cherries, pears, plums, apricots, and the lifke. All kinds of tame cattle do well in any part of the province, but especially horned cattle and sheep thrive here, and are exceeding heai< thy. Bees do exceeding well on Lake Ekie and are plenty in the woods. -\^ -4-,^j Climate, — The climate of the Upper Prov- ince is temperate, especially near the head of »'' ( ''I i*^'- 1i ".^t': Mi - 24 Lake Ontario and on west joining the shore or of Lake Erie. All this part of the province lies in the same latitude as from New-York to Springfield in Connecticat, yet as it is several degrees to the vrest, it is y^armer than the weather in the same latitude east. It is also evident from the experience and journal of several discerning pc^rsonst thaihaye lived near* 1y 20 years in this part of Canada,, that the weather does not change so often and sudden from heat to cold and cold to heat as in most other places; nor are the. seasons of wet and dry so extreme as they are in the United (espe- cially the southern) States. The shower9 of rain are moderate and plentiful owing per- haps to the bounty of heaven, and the multi- tude of line lakes of water with which the prgv- ince abounds. The air of the lower part of the province is rather too sharp in the winter, yet truly salu- brious and healthy ; the air in the upper part 4 or 500 miles to the soiathwest, is quite pleas- ant. What is a little remarkable, but which is true according to a diary of the weather which I kept for 2 years, the wind blew more thau 2 thirds of the winter or for 4 months^; from the west, but hardly ever from the north or northwest ; yet in the summer it blew almost constantly from the north. All the snow storms in Canada come from the north-east, *;V- T^' t>?' it'-->-lH' 4J;^,/*i * re or ince k ta* ireral7 the^f alsa il of. ear- the - den nost and spe- 9 of -^ )er. ilti- ^ V^ , 2d * ■ if* and the coldest winds from the south-east and south. Rain storms come from the north and north-west. When the western part of the horizon is red, at the getting of the sun, it forbodes foul wea- ther for the m%t day. In the upper part of this province, in the summer time, there is a continual thpu^ moderiite gale of wind, simi> lar to th^ in the State of Georgia; occasioneJ, perhaps, by the many lakes of water. This be- ing the case, the hottest days are rendered pleasant. Hurricanes or tornadoes have not been seen in Canada since it has been settled by \vhite people. Yet there is every appear- ance of them on all the north shore of Lake Ontario; having once raged with great fury as all the timber has been torn up by the roots, from supposition about 600 years ago. Commerce.* — The commerce of the upper province has of late years been considerable, and of great benefit to the inhabitants, as well as to Great Britain. Within 8 years, the ex- ports of both provinces have amounted to about 2 millions and a half of dollars, thougli the greatest part of these exports belong to the upper province. It appears that there were exported from both provinces, in the years 1802-3-4-5, 1,012,000 bushels of wheat each year, on an average, C >■>>' >*' 'fa: it. V. t : ■--. i .-1,.-K .S ■^■.; • *'■• ■z' ■ ^- m 26 *•*- !.^ 40,000 barrels of flour, and 34,000 weight of biscuit, besides much potash, timber, fur, &c. In the years 1809—10 — 11, there has been timber for vessels and casks taken to England, to the amount of 200,000 pounds sterling. In these years, there were 320 vessels em- ployed in taking away this produce, amount- ing to 4500 tons. The common price of wheat is I dollar per bushel, and sometimes I dollar and 25 cents — corn 50 cents,and rye, 75 cents — pork 6 dollars per cwt. — These prices are common in every part of the province. Dry goods and groceries are brought to Can- ada, in great quantities, from England and the United States, which, considering the great distance they come, are sold very cheap. At Niagara and other places, green tea is sold for 1 dollar per pound, molasses 10 shil. lings per gallon, and brown sugar 1 shilling per pound or 8 pounds for a dollar, but since the war it can be had for 8 cents per pound. - Tolerably fine calicoes are often bought for 25 cents per yard, and salt has been generally sold at 1 dollar per bushel, but since the war it has sold at 4 * Animals,— I believe that all the variety of animals common to most places in the Uiiited ^ Gold is the current coin of Canada^ and is quite plen- ty of late years, since there has been so good a market for timber. S]$'- i* 27 ghtof been land, • em- aunt- ;e of nes 1 e, 75 trices te. , Can- and the neap. a is shiL J per the for ally war of ited )Ien- rket States are found here, except rats, which are not to be found in the province of Upper Cana- da. ^ A few years ago, there was a she bear caught iiear Yprk, and dissected by a surgeon of the pl*ce, which was found to be with young; and which is the only instance, I be lieve, that has occurred of the like in North ., America* Bears are plenty in all parts of the province, but more abundant in the south- west part. It is very remarkable, that bears do not often destroy hogs, in Canada ; how- ever, they are troublesome to the inhabitants \n the fall) by infesting their corn fields, yet the people loose but little by them, as they kill many for food. There are also an abundance of hedge hogs in the province, and which the Indians eat counting them good. In the south-west parts there are plenty of deer, an abundance of which are taken every winter by the Indians. There are also a plenty of all kinds of birds which, $kre found in the United States, except turkey-buzzards, which are very scarce. There is also a kind of bird found here about the size, and has the same motion and voice as the par- ikite, so plenty in the state of Kentucky, yet not of the same colour, but is grey ; it is called by some the frolic. Wild ducks are found in great plenty in and around the shores of all the *>. 28 fr It' Lakes. Geese are not plenty in the \vaters of Lakes Ontario and Erie at present, but used to be before the country was settled by white people, yet they are plenty enough in all the lakes north of the settlements. In the north end of the province there ar6 no snakes of any kind to be found, but difFer- ont sorts are found plenty enough in the south-west end. A number of years ago there were several people of respectability, who re- ported that they saw in Lake Ontario several large snakes, about 20 yards in length. In June, 1811, a snake was seen in this lake near the month of the river Credit, 1 6 miles above York. I was acquainted with some vvho saw it, and believe them to be people of truth. It come within 7 yards of. the bo^^t that they were in, and played about it, and wa$ judg- ed to be 30 feet in length and S in cifcumfer- ence* There are seals i^ this lake, some of which have been caught Fish. — Lake Ontario abounds with fish of almost every kind, but the salmon and Salmon- trout are the most and far the best. The sal- in * From the head of the Bay Quantie to a little lake that empties iiUo Lake Ontario, it is not more than a mile and three quarters. It is very smooth ; at different times the inhabitants have in the morning seen tracks, as if a large log had been drawn along from \he bay to the lake ; this has been done by snakes. TV- ^.- s 5rsof used I by hall ■'■^ 29 mon appear io very large quantities in the fall of the year and penetrate up all the \vaters that run into the lake, so high that they are often thrown out with the hand, but they are commonly taken near the mouth of the rivers by the Indians in the night, by means of spears. They commonly weigh from 10 to 20 pounds, and may be purchased of the Indians at 1 shil- ling each, or for a gill of whisky, a cake of bread, or the like trifle. They are of great benefit to the inhabitants, especially the pooter class. The salmon trout appear in the spring, though not in so great plenty, but are larger, weigh- ing from 16 to 30 pounds, and are much fatter than salmon. There are several other fish of an excellent quaUty, and plenty, particularly bass and her- ring : the latter very much resemble the sea herring, though they are not so full of small . bones. In the month of November they are taken in great abundance from the water com- munication between the main Lake and the lit- tle Lake, otherwise called Burlington Bay, at the head of Lake Ontario. They are taken .with the net, the channel of water between the two lakes being not more than 8 feet deep and about 60 wide and 300 yards long. Very good and large eels are also taken our of the lake, yet they are but Utile valued, ex- cept by the Indians. C 2 * -'^.. 30 There are a great number of fish in Lake File some of which are very valuable, particu- larly what is called the white iish. There are not many eels in this lake ; what few there are have multiplied from 20 which a British oflicer put into it from Lake Ontario 37 years ago. ^^ Mine and Minerals. — In the Johnstown dis- trict there is an iron mine of considerable val- ue, from which iron has been made for many years. In the district of London, Charlotteville town*- ship* there was a large and rich body of iron oar discovered in the year 1810, and from which there has been a little iron made of an excellent quality. There are several more mines or bodies of iron ore found in different parts of the province, yet there is but little at- tention paid to them,though they might be val- uable, should they fall into the possesion of men of an enterprising spirit. There are also, some lead mines that are said to be very rich and good. In the forks of Grand River which empties into Lake Erie, and about 50 miles from the same, on the land owned byth^ Six Nations of Indians, there has lately been discovered a body of plaister, or what is called plaistepf of Paris. It lays in the bowels of a large hill, but how much it contains is not known. This *#- 31 piaister has been used in different parts of the country adjacent, and answers every valuable purpose, as well as that which is brought from France or Nova-Scotia does in the United States. No soil can be better adapted to the use of piaister, than that of the district of Lon- don, which joins on the Grand River. In the Township of Townsend, there is a clay that paints nearly as well as Spanish brown, and many people use it instead thereof. Also in some other parts there are clays that paint very well. There is a number of salt springs in almost every part of Canada, although there has not been much salt made in the province hitherto, it having been brought from the different salt- works in the State of New- York, in great abun- dance. However there has been salt made from some, of an excellent quality, particularly in Lincoln county, n^ar Niagara, in the town- ship of Percy, Newcastle district. There is a number of medical springs in the province of an eiccellent quality One in the township of Woodhouse, is of a sulphurous nature : a quart will purge well, and of the same sort is the one in Middleton on Big Creek. 12 miles east of York there is a spring of great medical virtue. Lakes. — There are 7 lakes of considerable size inr the inhabited part of the province^ and / ;.!-^-. •8 T^ Ifi I* 32 many more in the wilderness. Lake Ontario is about 230 miles long, from north east to south- west, and 80 wide : about the middle, being of an oval form, it is exceeding deep, and in most places it appears to be without bottom, as there has been great length of cord let down without finding any. The water is very clear and cool at all times of the year, having the appearance of a large spring. This lake never freezes ex- cept near the shore where it is shallow : nor does it freeze there only a few weeks in the most severe weather. It is pretty certain that there is more water runs out of this lake than runs in, and when we consider its veiy exten- sive surface, it is also certain that there is much of its^ater evaporated by the sun : of course i( must hide many exceeding large springs. Lake Ontario has sunk within its banks since the notice of its present inhabitants, say 37 years, and some Indians inform that their fore- fathers say that it was once as high as the heighth of the Niagara Fall, and that the wa- ters of lakes Ontario and Erie joined in most places, but as to the truth of this assertion I will not pretend to say ; yet I am of the opinion that the water of Lake Ontario once reached to the foot of the mountain or slope of ground aL ready named, and I am led to this belief from the circumstance of pebble stones being dug up from every part of the surface^ and undlrneath e i % '% 33 the same, between it and the shore. The foot of the mountain is 20 feet higher than the lake. There are not many islands in this lake, e^ cept near the lower end, where they are plenty. In many places the ground descends to the water very gradually, and there is no bank at all, except a sandy or gravelly beach ; but in other places the banks are 1 5 feet high.* < The wind has a great effect upon this lake, and the waves sometimes run high ; yet it is tolerably safe for navigation, there being but few shoals or rocks at any distance from the shore. ♦ There are a number of vessels on this lake, and some of considerable size. The sight of so great a body of water in the midst of the wild- erness, enriched with ships sailing and colors flyiiigj is truly pleasing and romantic t ^^ The Little Lak«, or Burlington Bay, lies at the south west end of this lake, and is divided from it by a causeway, 5 miles long, and inmost places 300 yards wide, the surface of this causeway is completely level, of a light sa nd, matted over with grass, and beautifully decorated with groves of timber, chiefly oak of a middle size, but of an end- less variety of curious forms— some 6 feet in cir- » * Almost all the north shore has high banks. • * ^ f There are many prospective situations on the banks of this lake. ^' f^^ <■!* - t * .'..}■■ » 1 ' i 'ii>,-» ii^ :* ♦ >*i»»f ^•MM^ f^ • *f.Y - r I I PI a II ii '^^"' - ■ '^ .': .V/^V; .f- ■ if ■=:^^^^^ ":' . •« *' >'■■"■■' II . 34 # 1 • . U^ . , ■ , , , - cumference at the butt, yet not more than 12 feet high, with extensive limbs, crooking and turning in all directions. A great number of these trees are entirely encircled with grape vines, and prdduce great quantities of grapes of an excellent quantity. The former residence of the noted Col. Brandt is near this place. This causeway is broken off in one place^ as already noted, about a mile from the northwest shore, and is about 5 feet higher than the water. It is a beautiful place for a summer seat.^ The Little Lake to the west of this causeway is about 20 miles in circumference, and is generally shallow, although deep in some places. It is thought that there are salt springs in the bottom of this lake, because the herring chiefly reside in it. It is famous for ducks and eels.f There are a considerable number of harbors in Lake Ontario, but the loost noted and Quri- ous is that of Pres qu'isle, \n the district of New- castle, Cramaghe township, on the lake shore, about 76 miles south west of Kingston. There are two points of land, about 4 miles apart, which extend out from the main shore, but draw nearer each other as they extend into the lake, and finally meet in a rounding form, * Not far from the middle there are a number of In- dians buried. In the winter of 1810, this causeway was shook in a violent manner by an earthquake. t Not fat from this bay there is a volcano of some not^. tl 55 about 5 miles from the shore. These arms of land are level on the top, and are about 5 or 8 feet above the water. About 3 miles from the shore, there is a channel of water which runs through the east point'of land, about 150 yards wide, and 30 feet deep. This channel lets in the vessels, which can sail ail over the harbor with safety, and in going up to the top, or where the two arms meet, which is in form like a horse-shoe^ the largest ships may come close up to the banks, which are perpendicular of so- lid rock. A plank is put from the shore to the vessel, when it is to be loaded. ^ The Bay Quantie connects with Lake Onta< rio, a small distance west of Kingston, and ex- tends 70 miles up towards the south west, paral- lel with it. It is I mile wide in some places and 6 in others. There are a considerable number of arms, or smaller bays, which put out from it,' some 10 miles long. This bay is very safe for navigation, being very deep, and secure from the effect of high winds. Most of the traders, with small vessels who go from Kingston to York, Niagara, or Detroit, pass up this bay to the head, which is only 1 mile and 8 quarters from a small lake called Willow's Lake that puts into lake Ontario^ and here the vessels are carried across by means of wheels and oxen. The road is quite level and sandy. Those traders which come down Lake Ontario 6>. iJ\: 1'. I ,. ■.- ■ J ^1 I .i ■-■3,, 1 li I KV 'J M generally cross this carrying place into the bay ; although the Bay Quantie, and the Lake Onta- rio are so near here, yet they are SO miles apart in some places, owing to an extensive projec- tion of some points of land into the lake, and DO doubt their being so near at the head of the bay, is a divine interposition of providence for the benefit of the inhabitants. There are several smaU lakes in the penin- sula between the lake and bay, which abound with fish, 1 of which deserves particular notice, called the Mountain Lake. This lake is situa- ted in Hallowell township, Prince Edward county, Midland district, 34 miles from Kings- ton, on the bay shore. It lies on the top of a mountain judged to be 200 feet high : but in the month of December, 1812, 1 stood on the ice of the Bay, in front of it, and after tailing the height^ found it to be only 1 00 and 60 feet, lliis lake is about 3 miles in circumfei^nce, and very deep in most places, abounding with fish cf different sorts. How fish could get into this lake, is a matter of deep speculation, as it has no connexion with the bay or lake, only by the smalb stream that flows from it into the hay by a fall of 160 feet nearly perpendicular. Under these falls there is now a grist miir, near the bay shore, in the possesion of M. Van- alstine. u Near the head of the Bay (iuantie, on the north side, there is a lake of considerable size I 37 \ called the Hog Lake, aflTso W^fH othera not far distant. About 20 miles west of the head of the Bay Quantieiind 15 i^iles north of' the shore of Lake Ontario is sitoated what is- called the Rice Lake, on account of the great quantity of^iiice which grow in it. This lake is from S to 9 Miiles wide, and 36 in length, though not very dieep. Its course is from east to west, the west end is not far from Lake Sinicoe. At the east end there is a fall of 18 feet perpendi*^ caliar, in the form of a half moon* Below the falls, begins what is called the river Trent, which is tolerable large, and affords many falls fit for water viiijtks : it empties in the Bay ftuan- tie at the he^d. This lake communicates with a chain of small lakes called the shallow lakes which afford rice also, and extends near the nor^ end of Lake Simcoe : Lake Simcoe lie* stHl west of rice lake, and is sonie larger. It, commuhic^fces with Lake Huron to the south- west by the iiver Severn. Lake Erie which lies 30 miles from any part of Lake Ontarib, on the south-west is near: ly 300 miles long from north east to south- vveit"; * The land around these falls is very rich, well water- ed, clear of stone pQ the surface, light timbered, lays handsome and prospective, though a barren wilderness now. Should some enterpriiiiug gentlemen establish themselves here and erect water-works this would soon be a valuable place. D •:^' : m H' < 4 •^ Jl .■■■?v ,, ^ 38 ■."J4*. and from 20 to 40 miles wide. This lake lies nearly 300 feet higher than Lake Ontario which is the leasQii |0f the Niagara faHs. It is also pure^nd Jfcl^r water, though not so de^p as LakeOntaaiov nor 13 it so safe for navigation, or aflfbrd so many Qne harbors. Th^ are som^] Islands neat the west end of this ift that coi% tain many bad snakes. The shore of this lake in most places is nearly level with the land, and ^ery smooth and sandyv Jt is thought that full as much v^aterruns out dif this Lake as runs in.* ■■ •. ^ y ■ .■ ■ There are other Lakt s 4n <]^na4^ ^ The Lake St Clair lies in a nprth-^sterly course^ from Lake Erie. Still farther to the north-west is Lake Huron, lOQ inilet in circumferencei^^ in latitude #2. From Lake Huron, through the straits of Marie* ilkis 40 miles to Lake J^apericwf^ A#kh lies bfetweien 49 and 50 degrees^ tiortb latitude, and between 84 and 90 degrees west lougitiidefrom London. The Me Royal, which ijs near the middle of thi^ Lake, is LQO miles long and 40 wide. Ip the middle of this Island is the line between the United States and Great-firitain. r'' ^LakeJ^rie extends 60 miles northeast of the liefidy or west eod of Lake Ontario. To draw a line due souths from the \^est end of Lake Ontario to Lake Erie, It would strike it 60 miles from the ea?t end. I^'"- ^'. 39 liet m^ Rivers. — Although Canada is a level conn try, yet isr not so low and flat asr not to afford any streams of water, but on the j^ntrary has many which run clear and afford exiiellent falls for water works, the principal of which are the following J«p 1 ? The Oll^way river is a large stream that irises out of Lake Tomis canting and runs a j^outh-easV course through Upper Canada, and ^trosses the line into the lowefr province, and ^6lhpties into the river St. Lawrence above and V below Montreal. The spring floods in this river risef in the month of June; it inundates its banks - and often spoils the farmer's young crop. The treason of this is because the river extends so Igreat a distance tef the northwest, where the t spring does not begin until the last of May, ^mnd^by the time the snow is thawed, and the ice iii the lake broken up, the water cl^scends to the settled parts of the province ii&the MOUtt? of the river, it is the middle of June. There are a great nunjiber offish of varioussorts in this river. There are considerable falls in this river, though noite of a perpendicular descent. There are several more rivers in the lower part of the province which empty into the rive'r St. Bawrence, and abound with fish. The river Cahanocqua, which empties into the river M miles below Kingston, is of considerable size.^ What is called Myres' Creek, which ^ipties* ^ V 40 1-4 ■f » ii li h. V into the Bay Quantie, from the north, 50 miles from Kingston, is considerable large, very clear and pure,^^,and runs near the surface of the ground, aiirords fine falls for water works, and abounds with fish. The river Trent, already named^empties in- to the head of the Bay ftuantie firorm the Rice Lake, is large and abounds with fish. ^ Many hundred barrels of excellent salmon are taken out of this river every fall. . .^ Fion: ihe head of the Bay Quaintie, for 76 miles towards the southwest, up the lake Ontario, there are no rivers of a considerable size that empty into the lake ;*yet there is ari abundance of small and pearly creeks and brooks — indeed it is the best watered part in Canada. Smith's Creek and Lion's Creek, are streams of some note. , What is now called Duffen's Creek, is a fine stream, abounding with fish; it empties into Lake Ontario, 30 miles below, or northeast of %he river Rush empties into the lake 18 miles below York ; it is tolerably large, and naviga- ble for boats 20 miles up. • From this river there is and abundance of salmon taken every fall. Still up towards the head of Lake Ontario, there are a number more of fine streams. Sixteen miles above York, empties into the r^ lake, the river Credit. This is one of the best ] % Ti/t.. ^v "v^'i.'T*' " • -pft^ .■ '^ri^T-V-' ■41 ::^' liles Jlear the and ^s in- i ■m'. livers iri Canada forsalftiori; it is tolerably large. The salmon are taken out of this and other rivers in the night by means/of spears. The' fishermen have an iron frame fixed in the fore part of their canoes, in which they place pine knots and'^l^ for light. They then paddle along in tlie river, and see the salmon floating near the surface of the water, where they come by the influence of the light. They are quite tame and are struck with eas&. The salmon come up the rivers in large quantities together on purpose to spawn. Ten miles still farther up the lake, empties in what is called the 16 mile Creek, which is tole- rably ^arge and famous for fish. Five miles farther is what is called the 12 mile Creek, a beautiful stream, abounding wfth fish and many fine falls for water works. There are several fine streams that r^amtp the head of Lake Ontario and BurlingtOiii Bay. The Ciiippeway river runs into the Niagtfr^. river 3 miles above the falls, and is tolerably large and long. What is callM" th^ 20 mile Creek, rises iiear^e head of the Chippeway, from a large pond, flows a northeast course and plunges down the slope of ground already de-* scribed by several perpendicular pitches in dif- ferent places, affording excellent seats for water works. It empties into Lake Ontario 16 mile^t •,ye^t of Niagara. D2 ..%. .■'^^ ^ & 1 : »* m I /-The 15, 16, 17, 30 and 40 mHe Creeks all 4ruri into Lake Ontario and plunge over the slope and afford fine fallsi. The riv^r Niagara, or outlet of Lake Erie, is very large before it empties into Lake Ontario, but is still larger after it leaves the ^Jte, or river St. Lawrence. This river will be fdily describ- ed in the Appendix. There are several considerable streams that run into Lake Erie. The Grand river is a considerable large stream of exceeding clear water rising from the small Lake St. Clie. It is navigable for vessels of considerable si^e for 50 miles from its mouth. It empties into Lake Erie 60 miles from the east end, and contains many fine fish.^ This ' river is fn the possession of the Six Nations of Indians; they own 6 miles of land each side of I it from the mouth to the head. I The Thames is large and beautiful, rising f ni^r the head of the Grand river, and runs nearly a south course into the%liters that come ^ from Lake Superior into the h^ad of Lake Erie. It empties 30 miles above Ss^ndwich. There are a number more fine streams that run into ^^ake Erie ;*such as Big Creek passing through •* I think it proper to rectify a mistake which' some- -how got into Morse's Geography, printed in Boston, , 1811, where this grand river is represented as "passing through Rice Lake, arid mingling with the wafers of On- '%*■ rario. ■' ■ I .■■*'■'> ■ t 1 f ; 'if .■' > ■■ - *■ •v f! ■■ w:. i» all lope that 4S Mlddleton and Houghton townships, as also Kettle and Outer Creeks in Middlesex county. Indians, — ^I'here are seven distinct nations of Indians in the inhal)ited part of Canada; six of these nations live on th^ Grand river already noted, viz. , the Mohawks, th6 Chippeways, the Delaware^ the Massasaugas, the Tuscaroras, and Senacas. Each of these nations have their king oi; chief, and their village and council house. "They also speak a different language, yet unSers|;and each other very yvell. These six natidlii of Indians on the Grand river, in number 1976, have attained to a tolerable de- gree of fiivilization. They speak the English language with some propriety, and have schools and the gospel continually among them. The school teachers are paid by^^e king, and also their Preacher. A nuniber of these Indians have very good English learning, and are very industrious : some of the families have raised in one year 300 bushels of wheat. They a^je. ry kind to strangers, and will giyei the Ifff of their food or drink to them. They are all firm- ly attached to the interest of the British govern- ment, and are exercised in the military use of arms, several times in the year. They can muster 600 warriors ; though the Massasaugas are not good to fight, nor for any thing else. There are a considerable number of this tribe re- siding in other parts of the province, some on % i( m (:•>. -*»"■ . . >*■ '^.■^'■_ ^^■^■■•^iV K. ''W ■,'%■' -r-ri'*^' h' 44 the 16 iniie Creek above York, already named, others on the bank of the Lake Simcoe, and others on the Rice Lake. " -Besides those of the Mohawks on the Grand river, there are a considerable number living near the Bay Gluantie, on the north ;^e, about the middle. They own a tract of land 12 miles square, and have schools and the gospel atnong therrt also. ^^, There are a small tribe of Indians palBd the St. Regis Indians, living on the river^^^^Kegis, ^ near the lower part of the provincJd. ^Kere is also a small tribe called the Moravianti^Ifidians^ ^ living in the western district ; they ha^the gos- pel preached to them by the Dutqh liloravians among whom they live : they are of the Dela^ i ware tribes' On s0^ islands near and in Lake^^ Huron, there are a considerable number of In- ^ dians called the Huron Indians, and are great warriors* .•^>...^„^- . ^ i Mte thie head of the Ottaway river, there is i a s^ll tribe of Indians, called t|i| Nepisingul ^ Indians : they live on a Is^e of th^ saine name, and were once converted to the Romap Catho- lic religion, at which time they were a numer^ oil^ tribe. They are of the Algonquin nation^ some of which now reside about Lake Superior. There are a number of Indians of different nations besides those that I have named, though they have but little intercourse with the British, si' » 5t: 46 nd m except that they trade with them by the agents, and make them yearly presents of a great a- mount. t'^ ,4 5^' There are various accounts respecting the number of Indians inCanada, some suppose that there is lpCj!,000, and out of these there may be raised 80,000 warriors, yet I think this is not correct ; i|idef|| I believe that the British gov- jio not know the number of all that mselves connected with it, as all the |ons never meet together at once.^ ian Indians cost the British Crown /. sterling each year. This sum is furnishing them with firearms and , by means of which they kill their game, also in blankets and clothes to cover their nakedness, as also lilnd, meat, and tobacco. These things are called gifts, from the King, but are chiefly the interest of money in England belonging to the six nations, for land sold to the King. However, I iMV opinion that tj|iojfe things which they get|^rai the king's stores do them more harm than good, as thereby , they are encouraged to live in idle- * I am of opinion that at present, Sept. 1 812, which^p since the invasion of Canada, that the British have now in their intereit, including the prophet Tecumseh, Split- log, and Walk-in-the-water^ with their people, nearly ?0,Q00 warriors. ernme consi difife T about 3.^ expendc ammunit iu -4 ^ > m ;? '^i^ J ^ W^ ':^''-^,>i':-i,;^':^??;rv/^:4t~" * •T W' t-.i 46 ness, depending on those gifts which they re- ceive twice a year. ^ -> - Should part of this amount be given to them in horses, cows, sheep and hogs, as also farming utensils, and the rest td all such that at the end of each year had raised more produce than they needed ; this would be a discouragement to idleness, and a stimulus to |niustry._ nee of Idol- J by hen ever ds of the attention The most of the Indians in the Upper|Canada have been coiiverte atry, to the belief 6f the Christia the labor of the Roman Catholic p the province belonged to the Freno since the province has fell into the British, there has not been so muc to the religious instruction of the Indians as for- merly. What aris^taught in the Christian faith are of the Protestant cast, yet the young Indians do not know or care any thing about any kind Tejigion. ^withstanding the Indian^ ha,ye fol^erly beeH taught by the cat^iolics^t^he principles of the Christian faith, and at present the pro- testants preach among them, ai do some other fits, they still hold some of those j traditional tions relative to God and the soul, which are very curious. In the summer they lay about the lakes, and now and then catch sturgeon and eels. These Indians are considerably troublesome to the white people, especially the tribe of Mas- ■ . ■ _y^ ■■ , w M 47 sasaugas, as they are wandering through the country almost continually, and begging some- thing to eat, when they get drunk, which is as often as they can get a chance, they are quar- relsome and many times dangerous. The armor of the In^ans in time of war, are a rifle, a spear about 18 inches long with a han- dle 8 feet, a tomahawk, and scalping knife, all of which they use as instruments of death. The Indians in Canada, like all otlfMlIn* diansj dress very indifferently, though they get much fine cloth from the king's store, which they onkjkthrow over their dirty bodies, and in a little m&e all is filthy together. In the sum- mer, they are chiefly naked, except a little co- vering atound the waist. The woqien are par- ticularly careful of their legllirlow ^heir knees, if all other parts are naked. Fillages.'^There a|§ not many villages, in Canadaof much note, leir greatest advan^i^ * (itid is very cjieap and - XL, . the province of Upp< the inhabitants finjdin^ in agriculture,*^^ thej fertile. CORN^ Is situated about I00l|iles down the river St.^ Lawrence, is handsome iutJaot large. PRESCOTT,^ Is 70 miles dp wn the same rRrer, and stands opposite to C%densburgh on the United Spites side, it is small. There is a fort and garrison kept here, v^, , •. -*■•■ ^-^ '"^ ■* J* '%^^ !►-' *.• I I 11 ' BROCKVILLE, Lies 12 miles higher up the river, and is hand- somely situated, containing about 60 houses. KINGSTON, ! Stands a few miles l^elow the head of the St Lawrence, oppesite to an island which is the means of forming a safe and commodious har* bor. It contains about 150 houses, a court- house, jail, and 2 houses for public worship. TliPfbrt in this place is strong, though most of the cannon are small. It is a place of much tri^df . There are several more small villages on the banks of the bay of Quantie, ftnd arM^aces of some trade, all of which increase andilourish rapidly. -^ . YORK, Is situated 170i|Ales south west of Kingston, on the north shore of Lake Ontario, and is something larger than tl^ former. %tns village is laid Out after the fo streets crossing each though the ground o suitable for building, seat of goverment^ uxi ber of English .gentlemen. It contains some fine buildings, though they stand scattering, among which are a (Courthouse, council house, a large brick building in which the King's storJ^or the place is kept, and a meeting house for Episcopalians. This city lies in north lati- of Philadelphia, the her |t>|ght angles; which it stands is not bis at present is the i residence of a num- w '■ .# '19 hand- ises. the St. is the s har- court- )rship. lost of tradf. >n the cesof urish gston, md is illage ay the igles ; is not $ the num- some, >ring»Z ouse,: mg's louse' iati- ■* tude 43 degrees and some minutes. The har- bor in front of the city is commodious, safe and beautiful, and is formed after a curious manner. Abotit 3 miles below, or east of the city, there extends out from the main shore an arm or neck of land about 100 yards wide, nearly in the form of a rainbow, until it con- n 50 * Fort George of this place stands about a half a mile from the mouth of this river* near the bank where it is 34 feet above the surface of the water; it is nearly square, enclosing a space of about 150 yards long and 100 broad. The pickets are high and strong, defended by a ditch on the out side, and breast.works on the inside. It is well provided with cannon, ammunition, water, provision and the like. T)|»8 village is a place of much trade, and is inhabited by a ctvil and industrious people. Tt contains a council-house, court-house, and jail,^ and 2 houses for public worship. There are several squares of ground in this village adorned with almost every kind of precious fruit. The front part of the village, on the east, looks towards the fort over a beautiful plain of nearly 1 mile wide. ftUEE»[STON,t Is situated 7 miles further up the Niagara Tiver, close by the foot of the mountain, or slope of ground alread^^noted al what is called the landing. It is a spall, but handsome vil- lage: the most of the houses are built with stone or brick, large, and well finished. It is ♦ On the 13lh of October, 1812, these were burnt by the Aniericat:s with hot balls from the east side as also £ome other buildings. t h was at this place the Americans crossed on the 13th of October. 5&' -^.* L^'. 51 ■>v: also a place of considerable trade, and inhabit- ed by a civil and rich people. chippeway, Lies 10 miles above Queenston and 3 above the Niagara falls : is a ^mall village at the mouth of the Chippeway creek. It has some handsome buildings, and is a place of considerable trade. FORT ERIE. There is a small village at this place of some beauty, the inhabitants of which carry on a considerable trade from the L^ke. TURKEYPOINT, Is situated abou| 60 miles soath-wesC of Fort- Erie, on the lake shore in the district of Lon- don, a little east of Long Point. It stands in a beautiful place adjoining an excellent country of land, and has a handsome court house and jail. PORTTALBERT, Lies 64 miles farther to the south- west en the lake shore. It has been laid out about % years, and bids fair fo^ a considerable village. It has a 4ne harbor for shipping. MALDEN. This fort and Village is situate at the south- west end or head of Lake Erie, 14 miles south of Detroit. It is a pleasant place though not large. The fort here is strong. SANDWICH, Is situated still up the river, opposite Detroit, and is a handsome village of considerable age, *SS U ,4 '• % - I ' * 13 . ' la '"i ■fw ■ •'•sT<- k ^ 'k ^, t<- h ■ 2 i' 1 It inhabited principally by French, who settled this country 103 years ago. .v. -^a--. There are several other villages in the prov- ince not imtnediately on the water, v^hich are of considerable size and beauty; but those already named are the principal. ' Settlements, — In the lower part of this jwrov- ince, the settlements do not extend back or north from the river St. Lawrence. Above Kingston, the settleuients extend from Lake Ontario, (counting the peninsula between the lake and the Bay Quantie, which in some places is 10, and in others SO mil^ wide) 50 miles. Above the head of the bay, on the lake shore^ for about 100 miles, the settlements do not ex- tend more than 6 miles from the lake. Nortl^ from York, the settlements extend faipthef back, particularly on what is called Yonge- Street, which runs a due north course to Lake Simcoe. On both sides of this street, the farms are thick and well improved, the soil being very good, although the climate is not so favorable .\8 it is farther to the southwest. From York, west, along the lake shore, there are but small settlements on the shore for 20 miles ; after which, what is called Dundas-street, 4 miles .from the shore, is thickly settled on bot|i sides tor 20 miles ; as also between this and the lake it is thinly inhabited, although this has not been settled more than 6 years from the present date 4# ^■^.^^.- T' • " -i'V kttled prov- /h are those proy- k or bove Lake 1 the >lace3 niles. hore> >t eX". North uther ange- Lake krm9 very rable ^orfc, mall ifter niles ides ^ lake ►een late ■ Tf.!' ■ 53 ,* K(..T. -— , . % (1812) Above 10 or 15 miles, at the head of Burlington Bay, is what is called Goot's Para- dise. It is fine rich sabdy plains, thickly set- tled 7 miles from the shore, to|be foot of the slope already named ; and on the top, \?est antl north- veest for 15 miles^ there ate fine settle* ments in two town^ips-^p-Bast and West Flam* beau. Farther south, ardtttid the head of lake Ontario, or ^i^ parlteularly Burlitigton Bay, the setttem^litb are thick, extending west 16 miles. About fd miles up the Grand river, i^" a thick settleol^t of Oiitch^ in Brant's town- ship. Still to the east, as Ihe roads lead to Nia- gara, the settlem^fs ar^ thic^ near the shore of L^ke Ontario. After 6m^^^^^ miles east of the head of BurKngtoirS&y, ^^^^ ^i'^>n Niagaraf settlements of an old date are made, and pfetty thick, all the way across from lake to lake, which is more than SO miles. From the thick settlement west of the head of Lake Ontario, towards the London district, the tnhab* itants are thin for 20 miles, through the tract of land belonging to the six nations of Indians. The settlements in the London district hare al- ready been described. The settlements iii|the west end of the province ar^ chiefly on the St. Lawrence, on its course through Huron and St. Glair. Civil I>ivisi0n.^^The proviaoe of Upper Can* ada is divided into % districts, 24 counties, and fir ■w* 'if ■•"* I r mn % it ; < A I' l| I; 5 # r '« . .s*. * ^' ^.>*, 156 to wnshipst generally about 12 miles square:^^ These townships! are surveyed ii^to concisions^ the width ojf the townshqp in front towards the lake, and one^ mile and a quarter wide back from the lake to the north, but in some places they are not more thaii three quarters of a mile wide. Esieli townslup is ff^ided into 14 con- cisions, the i/rbmce, besides considerable, called broken frci||t, iiot yet^^rreyed, granted to those wh% owii^^ m rear thereof It may not be ami^ |d remark here, that in every direction from the lancb now iiurveyed, there are great quantities of wild or unsurveyed landr which is equally as good as that now improved. Between every concision there are 4 rods left for the public road, and also between every 4th lot, which is one quarter of a mile wide. Districis.^Of these there are 8, as already noted. The Eastern DisMct is situated at the noi|Jbie|ist end of the province, joining the St. Lawr^e and Ottaway riVen. It is in the cold? est and most unpleasant part of the province/^ the land being sandy, cold and stony, ingene^ ral producing peas, potatK^s, oats and some wheat. The most of the ii^abitants are Scof eh and French. .. ..^v. .-^ ,!, ■V. I J visions, ds the eback places a mile 4 con- These f 200 nts t(y will i3 8Ur- Table, anted f. ft every re are landir oved. Is left y 4th eady^ ^ the le St J COldr Ince^l 5ene*| some ^ jofeh- 5^^ ? .„ % 4" The DisMef of Johnstown lies up farther on the river St. Lawrenc^i and will bear nearly the same description as the other, but is somethtng better. ^^ The Midland District lies frolti a little below Kingston up west t^ the head of tiay Quantiei ^, comprehencHng; thal^ beautiful peninsula between the bay and Ihe lake» Thfsdistrict|is large, an«. .*■! a* " >? • '.'I , n ^ The coanty of Lincoln lies hi the east part of the peninsula, joining ^ on the outlet of Lake Erie, and is divided into Sid townships, all which are tolerably li^ck settled, and well improved, thottgh.not IP well watered as other districts. Londm3tstrict has beejpi already dedcrlbed. We$t^f^ DistrfQf i9^ituat4d at the west end of the|Nrovl^e, joiml^ the river St. Lawrence ^ it comes Iromj^l^ Superior b the h^ Lake Erie;;||; is la|gl ^nd rich, andibme pare tolerable well i^jiroy^: it affords fine plains^ and has been set||edl>y the French more than 100 years. 1^ Is diviided into two counties, £9- sexand KLenf. Xir/^'f if oaaS^^ the upper province was first settled, the people labored under con^ siderable disadvantages for the want of roads : nor could it be expected that the inhabitants could open any of great extent, as the timber in most places is heavy, and they had as much as they could do to clear land to raito enough produce to support their families. Yet the op- ening of roads was necessary, and the king knpw this could not be effected by the people wllibout his assistance, ^e therefore gave large sums of money to be lai^ out for that purpose/ and for a number of years past, nearly the whole amount of the revenue of the province which is the king's money, amounting to 60,000/ has been laid out in opening and repairing of Me. '■■ '■■ \ •'■■ii- )art of Lake which roved, lets, bribed. St end ^rence sad of epare >]ain89 than h E5. Uincei' reoxi^ oads: itants imber much tough le op- king Bople targe ^ pose* • the- ince OOW »g of >* 57 "' . the public highways. This with the statute la- bor which the inhabitants of every township perform is the means of making tolerably good road$ in almost every part of the province. There i$ no toll taken for passing on any road or bridge in the province. What is called the King's roads or high ways are 4 rods wide, and lead |a,the directions now to be de|ci-ibed: there is one road that leadsf from MontreaU ^hich is in the lower province, up the riyjBr §t. Lawrence, near the bank on tfe north side, through Cornwall village to Prescot, 80 on to Brockville and Kingston; from here there are several roads which lead differeint ways, thpugh they are opened by the inhabitants, except one which is the king's and extends up towards the south-west about 20 m.ile$, when It divjjdes into two. One crosses the Bay Quahtie, and extends nearly through the middle of the peninsula to the head.^ The other turii^ to the right, and extends up the bay on the north side, through the Mohawk's or Indian land, crosses Myers Creek and the river Trent, where it empties info the Bay Quantie, extends a f^W miles to the southland joins with the other on the carrying place. From hence it leads on through woodland (thinly settled) by Presquile harbour, for about - * This is the best road, * «.« ^vy i,^-. W- K w * 58 15 mileS) when the country appears more im- ^ proved, and the road tolerably good. Within about 60 miles of York, the road is bad, as the ground 18 very rich and soft, and but thinly settled; and about 46 miles from York, there are two roads— one extend? along the lake shore and is the best— the other leads about 8 miles to the north f but they m^et again at ■3^'^ 9 what is called Liori^stJreek and Tavern. For nearly 30 liiHes to York, there is but oihe road (and that quite bad) till within 9 miles of the city. From York, there is otieroad%hich ex- tends 40 miles a due jpiorth course, to Lake Simcoe. This ro^d, ih most places, is tolerably good. The ol;her road extendi the lake shore 16 miles to the river CJiredit, wlifere it leaves the shore a little to the north, and ex^ tends to the head of thQ laj^e ; this rpad is not very good. Two miles from iTork, oi the road which leads to Simcoe, called Yonge^s street, another road leads out, expending to the head of the lake called Dundasstreet, which is com- pletely straight for 260 miles to the river Thames, near Detroit. Although it is not pas- sable in all places, yet #here it is not opened, there are other roads near by, which lead the the same way, and enter it again* Where it crosses the Grand River, over which there is a good bridge,* three miles- above the Mohawk *^This bnclge w not quite finished. ,f ;.A- •^ •e im- Within IS the hinly there lake a^put UQ at For road the h ex- rably re U 1 ex- 3 llOt treet^ head corn- river ; pas- ^ned, ithe re it ' is a awk ■^s"' 59 village of Indians, there is another road turns to the south, through beautiful and sandy dry plains, to Turkey-Point, near Long- Point, in ^ Lake Erie, which is 35 miles. This road ex- tends up the lake shore to Port-Talbert, al^ though it is not passable the whole way. From Fort Erie, Iwo miles below the ferry at Black- - rock, there extendi a ^'^-^.d up the shore pf Lake Erie more than ^^ miit and anothe^ ' S miles down to the Niagara falls, here it divides : one extends to the west through the fieaver dams towards the head of Ontario, up the stream of the twenty mile creek to a little village called Aswago, and on the main road from Niagara to Grand River. This is a tolerable good road. From the falls another extends down the Ni- jara river by Quefeiiston to Fort George : from mce there is a good road up and near the Lake shore for 45 miles, when it turns to the south over the me^^'^ ain, and oonnects with the one just noticed. 40 miles from Niagara, at what is called the fifty mile creek, one road turns to the right and crosses the beach already mentioned between the lake and Burlington Bay, towards York- .JThere is also a road that extends from QueensEon towards the head of the lake through what is called the black ^ swamp, and joins with the one from Niagara? - about 10 miles from it a little short of the twelve mile creek at Shipman's tavern. •■i I - •. • i I. ' ip> -^ 60 H 1 1 % These are all the king's roads or public high- ways : yet there are many more roads through- out all the province, which lead in every direc- tion, and many of them are very good and con- venient, ^r Bearing and distances ofpla^ceis* —The village and fort of Prescott are on the ii6f tb bank of theSt. Liawrence, opposite to the river Oswegat- chie, or the old garrison at Ogdensburgh. The The St. Lawrence is 2 miles wide here and has ia small current. Sixty-five miles farther up the river, stands Kingston, near the bottom of La£e Oniric, nearly opposite, (though a little to the east) of Sackett's Harbor. The distance from one to another, on akraight line, is 27 miles ; though the nearest way that can be passedby land on the road, (and a bad me) is 34 miles? and 36 by water or ice. - ^ Seventy five miles from Kingston is situated Presquile harbor, already noted. It is nearly opposite the mouth of the Oswego river on the United States' side. The lake is 67 miles wide here, but has been crossed in 7 hours. One hundred miles from this harbor, up the lake, stands York, nearly opposite Niagara, though a little to the northwest, on a straight line. The distance from one to the other is 34 miles; but by land around the head of Lake Ontario, it is 90 miles. Niagara is oppo- site Niagara Fort, on the United States side. The river ig 1200 yards wide here. it 't ■';■ -•^- *%1 ic high- irough- direc- id con« village ink of wegae- The nd has up the f LaKe to the e from miles ; ssedby milesy tuated nearly on the s wide up the agara^ raight her is ad of oppo- 3 side. ^ 61 ^ In the year 1811, the number of inhabitanti in both provinces, was S60,000. In the upper province, there were 136,000, not including In< dians in the settled parts of the province. The number of the militia, Qjr of those who are liable to do duty, from the age of 16 to 60, are 22,660 including Indians on the bounds of the province at that time. ' ^ Learning — The greater part of the? inhabit tants of Canada are not well educated, for as they were poor when they came to the province and the country being but thinly settled for a number of years, they had but little chance for the benefit of schools. But since the country has become niore settled, and the inhabitants rich, or in a good way of living, which is al- most universally the case, they pay considera- ble attention to learning. Ten dollars a year is the common price giv- en for the tuition of each scholar by good teach- ers. Until lately, there was no Latin or Greek school kept in the province. Now there are three — one in York, taught by the Episcopal minister of that place— one on the Bay Quan- tie by a Mr. Bidwell, from the United States -^and the other in Niagara village, by Rev. Burns. Good encouragement would be given in many other parts to teachers of such schools, particularly in the Niagara and London dig^- tricts. , ^ 1^ ■'■ ■ ' * . ,. ' 4,, 1i *,» '^■;' ''.*y"^"i ■ vr* ^' . 62 I A 4^ Notwithstanding I said that the main body of the inhabitants were not well educated, yet there are a number of gentlemen in the pro- vince who have the best of learning. There b a public free school kept in every district, by order of the king, the teachers of which receive annually 100 pounds sterling from the crown. Morals.-^ll is an idea entertained by the generality of the people of the United States, that the inhabitants of Canada are some of ti^e worst people in the world, made up of rogues, murderers, and the like meim characters. How- ever, the idea is entirely false. That there has some bad characters escaped f^om different parts of the United States to C^ada, no one will deny; but these cannot be called the inhabi- tants, but only sojourners. But I may say, whether I am believed or not, that the main body of the people of Canada are peaceable, just, and generous in all their intttcdtirse with each other, and strangers also; they are bene- volent, being once poor themselves, they know how to feel for human want and human wo. I have been acquainted with some of the inhabi- tants of almost every neighbourhood, and have found them to be nearly all alike, except those from England or Ireland. I have also attend- ed a number of the courts of justice, and was surprised to see so little business done at them. » *> . / * 63 ^ . The most of the inhafoitantB of the western or upper part of the province are from the states of New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New- York, and yet retain a considerable degree of that rec- titude of conduct and conversation observed among the Quakers and Presbyterians in tho!5e States. There is hardly ever an instance of a person stealing in this province, not perhaps be- cause all the inhabitants are too good, but partly from this cause, and partly because the penalty annexed to the crime is death; however, no cue has been put to death in the province yet« Religion. — About one half of the people of Canada that have come to the* age of maturity, are professors of religion: however, a»inall other places they' are of different sentiments and sectaries. The Methodists are the most nu. merous, an^ are scattered all over the province. The other sectaries are more Ipcals and are asfol. lows : there are Id churches of baptists, about lOOOin nfi4|;1^r, and 11 preachers; 1 church in Bastard township, 1 in Thurlow, I in Sidney, 1 in Percy, I in HallowelU I in Sufiasburgh, (these 5 last are on the Bay Quantie) I in Cramahe, 1 in HildamiUi I in Whitby, 1 in Markham, 1 in Townsends 1 in Oxford* I in Charlotteville, 1 in Clinton, and 1 in Niagara* There are 6 Ministers and Congregations of Episcopalians : 1 at Cornwall, 1 at Kingston, 1 at York, I at Niagara, 1 at Turkey Point, 1 m im ., 64 at Sand which.* Ther^ are 10 congregations of Presbyterians, and 7 Ministers. One in Lon< don district (Townsend) a Mr. Colver, Minis- fer, a very old gentleman ; 1 in Ancatter* near the head of Ontario, a Mr. Williams, Minister; L on the twenty mile cree)c, 20 miles from Ni- agara, a Mr. Eastman, Minister; I in Niagara village, a Mr. Burns, Minister ; 1 in York, no Minister ; 1 on the Bay Quantie, 1 in Kings- ton, and 3 below. There are 5 congregations of Quakers or friends: 1 in Adolphustown, 80 miles west of Kingston on the Bay Quantie, 1 in Roxbridge, 30 miles north east of York, on a new township, 1 on Yonge street near Lake Simcoe, I in the township of' Norwich, on the the river Thames, and I at the short hills, not far from Lake Erie, 30 miles south-west of Niagara. There is also a considerable num- ber of the Dutch Moneasts in the province ; a large settlement of them reside in Clinton town- ship, not far from Niagara, iis also another in Markham, near York, and on Yonge street, and some other parts. There is also some Tan- kers in the province, and a few Roman Catho- lics. They have a chapel in Cornwall, and in Kingst(Mi and Sandwich. There is also some other sectaries in the province, all of which en- * There is also another congregation and Minister on Yonge-street lately become such : a Mr. Joseph Lock- wood, ©nee a Methodist, is thcit Minister/ -m- M Rations nLon< Minis- *» near nister; >tn Ni- iagara rk, no S^ings- ations vn,80 itle, 1 rk, on Lake )n the ts, not dst of num- ice ; a town- ber in street, Tun. 'atho- nd in some h en- ter OB Lock- ' joy fuH liberty of conscience to worship Qod as they please, and are protected by law from penalties, impositions, or burthens of any kind relative to religious concerns. The Episcopal clergy are paid by the king. *^ The one sev- enth part of aU the land in Upper Canada is appropriated, accordiilg to the constitution, for the maintenace of a Protestant clergy within the province/' This land lies in 200 acre lot"?, and is leased out for 21 years, at 2 dollars the ilm 7 years of the lease, 4 dollars the second 7, and six dollars the third 7. The rent of these lots, called Clergy rserves, is given to the Cler gy to the amount of 800 dollars a year. Tl)<^ Clergy of the other seotaries are paid according to the will and bounty of their hearers. There has been no generid revival of religion of late in Canada, yet the people in general pay a ve- ry serious attention to it, and attend to preach- ing very well. Profane swearing is seldom heard, and the sabbath is regarded with con- siderable reverence. Bigotry or superstition is not often to be discovered an^ )T)g the inhab. itants of Canada, of course they do not perse- cute each other, but are friendly and loving- Diversions. — The inhabitants of almost every country have their diversions, which vary ac- cording to their notions of pleasure. Of course, the people of Canada have theirs, which how- ever, are of aaexercising and ionocent nature. ^ * |!| i^ I It i E Sit y I 1^ f Meeting together at private houses and dan- cing is a fovorite amusement of the young peo- ple. This, however, is not carried to excess. ^' Hunting deer and hears in the winter is also a diversion, and a very profkali^e one. Sleighing is another amusement of which the people are very fond, and for which they are well prepared, as it respects horses, sleighs, clo- thing, and furs. They also very much esteem the music of bells, some having at times 40 on the harness of 2 horses. Much produce is taken to market in the winter by sleighs, in which is connected both pleasure and profit. As this Is a level country, and the snow lies pretty deep aU winter, there is very good sleighing. Most of the people drive Jehu like, or «^ furious." ? The melody of the human voice is also an amusement of the young people of both sexes. Teachers of this art will meet with good encour- agement in almost every part of Canada. ^■ Comparatively speaking, Canada is but a new thinly settled country ; yet, contrary to the cus- tom of the inhabitants of juch places, the peo- ple here dress well at all times, but when they go abroad, or on the sabbath, they dress very fine. When I say they dref;s fine, I do not mean that fancied fineness, studied and practis'- ed in large cities and populous places-^-such as jewels, rings, ribands, powder, paint, and the like ; but with garments of the finest rtuffs, with Hf-fcv • nils Cl^T^f — «*>. m nd dan- ng peo- :cess. * is alsa lichtfae ley are hSi clo- esteem 3 taken hieh i$ this Is eepaR pst of ■ ;r ilso an sexes. ncour- a new le cus- e peo- i they 3 very ionot ractisr- ich as id the , with F but few trinkets of any kind. The most of their clothing is of their own manufacturing, particularly the woollen, for which they have plenty of the best of wool. Horse-racingf cafd-playing« and the like un- profitable and sinful diversions are very seldom performed in Canada. " Drunkenness and dissipation are seldom seen among the people. As all have to get their liv- ing by their labor, there appears to be. but little time or temptation to frequent taverns for that purpose. i The people of Canada pay very little attertion to any kind of diversion in the summer, except to visit one another in a social manner, and drink tea, of which they are very fond, and a friendly diitchat. The most of their conversation at these times relate to their former poverty and present plenty, and to which I was happy to listen, when- ever it happened in my hearing, as it indicated a contented and thankful mind in their present situation) and could wish and say with propri- ety— E5/0 perpetua^ ori may it last forever. Maftufactures.'^-^i is not to be expected that the manufactories of Canada are many or ex- tensive. There is some iron made in the pro- vince, though the quantity is smaH. Salt is also made here, though to a small amount, but might be made in great quantities. Hats, shoes, boots, and tin and crockery ware are manufactured here in ^reat plenty. *:- •m'' HHilli »< I 15 -^; M 68 Linen and woollen cloths are made in abun- dance. Whiskey, and apple and peadi brandy are also made in considerable quantities^ > ^PROMISCUOUS REMARKS ON THE GOVSHNMENT. ,.^^ The constitutioui la ws>and government of Up- per Canada are much better than people, unac- quainted with them, expect. It is not my intention here to write much respecting the government though I had taken much pains in studying it with an intention of pi^lishing the result of my inquiries on the subject. One year before the declaration of war by the American govern- ment against England, while in Canada^ I issu- -ed proposals for a geographical and political view of the province ; but, as it it is now gene- ral^ expected that the province will fall into Vihe hands of the American government I shall * make'^^nly a few remarks on the subject. In the year 1791, the then called province of Quebec, was by an act of the British parlia- ment divided into two separate provinces^— to be called the province of Lower Canada, and the province of Upper Canada. By this act, a constitution was formed for each province, each in its nature calculated to suit the situation of their respective inhabitants^— one being chiefly settled by the French, and the other by the English. The constitution put it out of the power of the British parliament to impose any taxes on the people, either upon their property or trade, .-"-<: m % •'f ►-jMi .J^^ .^- @9 h- A abun- idy are unt. ;ofUp. s unaC" tention mmenf; )ring it ;of my ore the jovern- 1 1 issu< olitical f gene- %]l into I shall ince of parlia- ©s-p— to », and t act, a if each >ftheir settled ;lish. werof ces OQ trade) but what was necessary for the regulation of commerce : but this should be disposed of by the legislature of the province, for the benefit of the same. The constitution also provides for the creation of a legislative council and a legislative assembly. The king also sends a governor who acts in the king's name. The members of the legislative council are selected by the king and governor jointly ; these hold their seats during life if they do not forfeit it. The members of the legislative assembly are elected every 4th year by the freemen of the pro- vince. Any man of the age of 24, and wh6 is worth property to the amount of 40^. a year, and has been in the province 7 years, may be elect- ed a member of the legislative assembly, or vote for one.* The making of laws for the w^tfare of the people is the business of the legislative assembly, miist be assented to by the legislative council and governor, in the king's name, be- fore they become laws, yet the legislative coun. oil, governor, British parliament or king, can- not make any laws fer the people of Canada, *' without the advice and consent of the legisla* tive assembly," From hence we see that the people have got the means of guarding themselves. About 1 2 years ago, the assemby passed an act dividing the province into districts or ridings, every oqe -V. 'S*' * The people vote in Canada by word of mouth, V -'/ :i.; .« ■ H^f^ **4»/^ f ^ fa It It I I ! 70 of Ti^hich sends one member to parliameiit or the assembly. The number of membersi at pre- sent, Augast. 1812, is 26, two thirds of which are natives of the United States ;* less than one third of the justices of the peace are Americans, the sheriffs are either Europeans or loyalists; the jury, according to the constitution, must be taken in rotation from each township, as their names stand on the assessment roll or list of names; of course the majority are always Americans. The majority of the courts of quar- ter sessions, probale, surrogate, and courts of kill's bench, are Europeans ; yet the proceed- ings of those courts are regulated by the actjsi ^ •f the assembly. t* '; In the second session of the first parliament, ^1792^^, an act was passed to prevent the Ifur^r introduction of slaves. The excellent words of thr^ act being thus:— "Whereas it is unjust that a peopleievho enjoy freedomi by law should encourage slavery — —That after the passing of this act, no person brought into the province shall be subject to the condition of a slave.'' All that were then in the province are free at 25 years of age. ^ The taxes in Canada are very small, no per- son is taxed more than one penny upon the pound sterling he is worth, according to the val-. * Nominister of the gospel can get in either house, of •ourdethe peopl« are not afraid of spiritual tyranny. •?"i' }: lent or at pre- which lanone Ticans, ralists; lust be s their list of ilways fquar- urts of oceed- leacts imenti mtthe cellent %3 it is >ylaw ?r the ito the I of a ce are o per- m the le val-, •use, of 71 uation of property made by act of parliament, and which at present is not more than half of what it would sell for. The taxes so collected are laid out by the judges of the court of quar- ter sessions* for the benefit of the district from which it is collected, and where the court is — it is to pay the wages of the members of assem- bly sent from the district, and half of the sala* ry of the sheriffs of the same ; to build or repair the courthouse or jail, and the like. The whole expence of the government of Canada, except what is here noted, is paid by the king, which, together with the Indian department, cost him 1 million and a half sterling annually, and which frees the people from a great burthen, The Moneasts, Tunkers, and Q,uid^rsj are exempted from military duty by payi)^ annu- ally in time of peace 5 dollars, and in time of war 20. The governor of the province haf power by law to call out all the militia, and to cross them over the line in pursuit of an enemy that has invaded the province, or to destroy any fort or fortification, that may be the means of covering or assisting an invasion, but in no other case. Stealing exposes a person to death, if the thing stolen is worth 13 pence, yet the plaintiff may value it as low as he pleases, and if below 1 3 pence, the thief is clear. No one has yet been hung in Up;^er Canada for stealing, however the people are afraid to venture their lives in the hands of others. % fl i ■-w"' ••j" .»-■. m "I APPENDIX. ^ 1^ DESCRIPTION OF NIAGARA FALLS. I I I ^^ Many writers have attempted to describe this ouriosity of nature ; yet all the descriptions that I have read, appear to me not to be suffi- ciently illustrative or correct: I will therefore describe it myself, in as plain a manner as pos- sible, unadorned with any fanciful strokes of ^ rhetoric. »In order to have a proper view of the falls, and adjacent parts, I will suppose a person to he sailing, in a little boat, out of Lake Ontario, up the Niagara river or outlet of Liake Erie. jSoon after you leave the lake, you pass the vil- lage of Niagara, on the right hand, and Niaga- ra old fort on the JJ. S. side. A little further up, you pass fort George on the right— here the water is deep and smooth. You still sail on a due south course, the water being smooth^ and the banks about 16 feet high, and in most places perpendicular for 7 miles. Here you come to Queenston on the right hand, and Lewiston on the left, or United States side. This place is called the landing, for here all the* lading of vessels destined for the country, each side of Lake Erie, and the Michigan territory, 1 r J 7» are taken out and conveysi tip the mountain or slope 9 mile; lo the still water, 2 miles above the frills. The ascent of this slope, though 300 feet high, is very easy. The river here is half a mile wide, and a little above there is a whirl of Considerable depth, though not dangerous.* After you pass this place 300 yards, you enter the dismal chime : and instead of the lively pros- piect of the sailing of ships with flying colours, fruitful fields and pleasant landscapes, you are all at once buried in a grave of at least 300 feet deep. Although it is open at the top, should you look up, the sight is truly gloomy : the banks are perpendicular, and in some places niore than perpendicular, abounding v^ith crag- gy rocks hanging over your head in a frightful thinner) near the surface, there is to be seen flat rocks projecting towards each other iri4 horizontal positiori.t You still row on a soiittti direction With little variation, the water is con- siderably rapid, and the banks have nearly the same appearance, until within about a mile of the cataract, where the banks are not quite so • *This place is memorable. Here the Americans crossed on the 1 3th of October, 1 8 1 2, to invade Canada, f This place is alsd memorable* Down in this dread- ful chime, a number of the American soldiers wfre drove headlong by the Iiidiahs, after they had surrenderect themselves prisoners of war to the British, on the 13th of er, 1812. ' f.: G k y'^ '4% -fMl '««■ V ^-v ■■^^K''' %.M '^4^ -'A MMMMpi f» : 1^, 1 ' ? I ^- ■?? ) ;■■>■ 74 high ; but still all is gloomy) as you are. buried from the sight of the land of the living, and must be filled vnith haunted thoughts of 500 murdered dead, that in one fatal hour, plunged into the mighty grave near which you now are.^ As you proceed, the water becomes very rapid, and at length the mighty falls appear In full tremendous view, and fill the ear with dismal roar. It is 8 miles from Queenston. s When you arrive within 300 yards of the cat- aracty you must stop. Here the bed of the river widens, and is not sunk more than half the distance below the surface, as it was at your ^ first entrance of the chime. A view of the horizon is of course more extensive. In sitting in your little bark, the above distance, with your face to the south, before you flows the main body of water, and plunges over with a tremendous dash. About 60 yards of the mid- dle of this cataract is much deeper than the rest ^ ■/ ■ ■ ; ; , ... , * Some distance below the falls^ en the U. S, side^ near the chiire, there is a hole^ called the Devil's Hole, 300 yards in circuity and 300 feet deep, with trees and craggy rocks sticking to the inner surface. In the French war in this province, in 1759, there was a com- fiany of 500 American and British soldiers, with all their l^^ggag^ waggons, marching by the hole ; when they were all driven into it, at the point of the bayonet, by a # company of French, who lay in ambush. Only 2 men ; escaped. One of them now lives 5 miles from the g||ce. * * '''wm ■ ■ ■ ' -^ ^ .-; - ■ ' ■■ ^*#*- ' :^"w§y^ •. 1^' / : f buried g* and of 500 >Iunged w are.* js very )pear in X with enston. the cat- of the an half at your of the sitting le, with >ws the with a he mid- the rest S. side^ il's Hote, irees and In the is a corn- all their ien they net, by a ^ 2 men [lejilj^ce. ^' 7d in consequence of a chime sunk in the rock. The water has a bluish green appearance. On your left hand, comes the other part of the river not so large by a sixth part, and falls over also. . below the falls. They are trying to get over; but cannot succeed^ Unless some one assists them. f This Mr. EUicott compares to cockd of hay ; but I have never seen any thing of that appearance. li I, m- M> i'' " II ■HI' >■ ,:' I i '. * L '^5 I Si «i9! 76 ''^>Mk , Tlie uiighty dash of so great a body of wa- ter on the bed below, raises a fog or small rain, wfiich mounts up and spreads to a considerable distance, in which, (when the mn shines) may be seen a variety of beautiful rainbows. In the .vinter, this rain lighting upon the neighboring trees, congeals in a thousand shapes, forming » romantic and pleasing appearance. About half a mile above the falls, what are called the rapids begin, i nd descend 50 feet to the cataract.* The water descends below the falls 70 feet. The draft of this rapid is so greal, that it often reaches ducks and geese, when they appear to be half a mile out of danger, and when once under the influence of the impetu- ous current;, they cannot get on the wing again. Indians with their canoes have been known to be irresistibly carried down the rapid, and have disappeared forever. Afcfove this rapid, the river sjureads to nearly 3 miles wide, and is shaljiow, with several small islands. The river now has a southeast course to Grand Island, 9 miles wide, and then south to lake Erie, where it is only a mile wide. This is 20 miles from the falls by water. From this place, you may sail more than 1000 miles if you wish, to the end of Lake Superior, without en- countering any more falls. Th^ bed of the rapids is very rdcl?y. t%j ,*»! of wa- ll rain, ieraDle a) may In the boring ninga lat are feet to ow the great, ^nthey r, and mpetu- again. own to icl have nearly Ismail irse to rath to This m this if you )ut en. 77 If my reader pleases, I will invite him back again, to view and contemplate a little more this awful scene. On both sides of the rapids, above the falls, the banks of the river are quite low, and there are many convenient situations for water works. Several are now erected, yet there is room for more. With a small expence, a large quantity of water can be brought in use to do great execution. The perpendicular pitch of this vast body of water is 144 feet— add to this 50 feet above and 70 feet below, and we find that the river descends in 8 miles and a half, 261 feet. Some who have never seen this river, suppose it to be much less than it is, while others suppose it to be larger. Indeed it is hard for any one to judge with propriety, that has seen it, as there are but 8 milas in the whole length of the river, be- tween the two lakes where any current can be seeni and that is very rapid. For the contemplation of the curious, who may perliaps never see these falls, I have made the following calculation, from which they may form some tolerably correct idea of the quantity of water that falls over this cataract. ^ Say that each of the spaces over which the water pitches, is 4vyO yards wide, or 1200 feet. The most shallow one of these, or that on the U. S. side, is 3 feet deep, on the verge of the rock over which it falls. Now if we multiply G2 ?, .^rr'f mn »S SSn^B i'fl 11 F| ^■1 i| 1 1 ■'.■p.-.*-. 78 Its depth (ci ieet) into its width, (1200 feet) v * have 3600 cubic or solid feet of water on the verge of the precipice. As there are 62 pounds avoirdupois in a cubic or solid foot of water> (and a little more, which we will leave out to avoid fr ictions) so if we multiply 62 (the pounds in a square foot of water) into 3600 (the num* ber of fc et of water on the verge) we have 228,200 ^Nounds of water on the vergefof the pre- cipice. But when we consider the laws of gravi« ry respecting spouting fluids and falling bodies, we shall fivid that the water of this cataract re- ceives a vast additional weight by the time it comes to the lowest point of fall. In order, therefore, to find this additional weight, we must note the following things : — '• Heavy bodies near the surface of the earth, fall 1 foot the first quarter of a second, 3 feet the second, 5 feet the third, and 7 feet in the fourth quarter; that is, 16 feet in the first se- cond. Let go three bullets together-^stop the first at one second, and it will have fallen )6 feet ; stop the next at ^e end of the second se- cond, and it will have fallen (2 x 2 = 4) 4 times 16, or 64 feet; and stop the last at the end of ^he third second, and the distance fallen will be (3 X 3 == 9) 9 times 16 or 144 feet, and so on. Now the momentum, or force with which a fal- ling body strikes, is equal to its weight multi- plied by its velocity," and in order to find which we must ** multiply the perpendicular space fal- r '-WSfi •i- 78 et) * V )n the )ound8 water» out to )ounds nuin* have le pre- gravi- )odie8, act re- ime it order, t, we earth| 3 feet In the irst se- op the len 16 nd se- times mdof vill be soon. I a fai- tnulti* ^hich ;e fal- len through by 64, and the square root of the product is the velocity required." See Pike's Arithmetic i page 362—5. From calculation, we find that the water of this cataract is 3 seconds descending the 144 feet and that the velocity acquired in that time and distance to be 96, which if we multiply in- to 223,200, the number of pounds of water on the top of the rock, we find that 21,427,200 is the weight thereof at its lowest point of fall : this IS the weight of the water of the smallest part of the cataract, or that on the United States side. The other part of the falls as has been noted, is at least 6 times as large, that is 6 times the quantity of water flows over it. Now if we mul- tiply the above sum (2 1,427,200) by 6, we shall have the enormous sum of 128,563,200 pounds of water, which falls* on the bed of the river be- low. No wonder then that the solid rock and db- tant surface bend beneath the mighty pressure, and that the sound is often heard at the dis- tance of 20, and sometimes 60 miles. Howe- ver, it must be here noticed that falling bodies meet with resist^ce from the air through which they pass, which is always in proportion to the distance fallen, the velocity of the motion and dimensions of their surfaces; or in other words, the water of this cataract is considerably resist- ed by the air through which it falls, from which ^ H \ .:. **s 80 I '■ circumstance it appears that tiiere ought to be some reduction from its weight or sinking force, at its lowest point of fall : yet when we observe that fluids act by pressure and gravity bc^h, and that every part of this cataract is of some depth, and about 60 yards is 18 feet deep, where the pressure is great, of course we may fairly calcu- late that the pressure outbalances the resistance. But as fluids are non-elastic, they do not pro- duce but half the effect of perfect elastic bodies. Were the water of this cataract a perfect elas- tic body and fell on a perfect elastic base, the striking force and sound would be just 4 times as great as it now is. Several writers who have wrote a description of this cataract and the ad- jacent parts, have stated that the falls were once down at the landing on the north side of the slope or mountain already noted. And ^'{that from the great length of time, quan- tity of water, and distance from which it fell, the solid rock is wore away for 7 miles up the stream, to where it is now." To me it is plain that neither of these assertions are true. Who- ever will take the pains to view the chasm from the beginning of the slope through which the water now flo ws up to the falls, must be convinced of the mistake, for the banks are not solid rock, but are in some places sand^ in others sand and clay, and in others solid rock, as also trees, bush- es, loose rocks and stones, but in very few pla- '■*,, 1 1 ■' <• %. ; to be force, bserve h, and depth, re the calcu- tance. at pro- bodies. zt elas- e, the times a have he ad- ? were side of And quan- ell, the up the 3 plain Who« 1 from ;h the Winced rock, id and » bush- wpla- .• . ■ - ' # 81 ces are banks of solid rock on both sides."^ That th^ cataract was ever down at the north side of the slope, is a conjecture to me very impro- bs^ble, for if it was ever there, it must have fal- len from those Hat and horizontal rocks already named, and which are near the surface of the ground. The surface of the ground, or top of the slope, where the falls are supposed once to have been, is 8 feet higher than the still water above the rapids already hotedy according to measurment, and but 1 foot lower than the lower end of lake Erie. T Now as there is a considerable hollow on the United States side, about halfway between the falls and the top of the mountain, it is/evi- dent the w^iple river would have found its way into Lake Ontario through this hollow, rather th^n rise at least 30 fe^t to flow over the top of the mountain or slopei^ From the falls, the ground is level in every direction, and on the Canada side, fields are cultivated to the vei^e of the bank in some places. The cataract may be seen from some directions, at the distance of 4 miles. A little * General Lincoln, wko viewed the banks of this river in the year 1 7d4, says, " on a careful examination of the banks of the river it was evident that there was no good foundation for this (the above) opinion.*' See a note in Morse's Gazetteer, printed in Boston, in 1707, under the word Niagara. .^' 'SS' '% tm **■ w: ' ?; ' '^# -^x-",. ■mmmm0i^m0m « ^* ^' t. 82 i# i^ Ri' w- h -t, abave tiiese falls there is a spring emitting a gas, or an inflamtnable air, which if confined in a pipe or tube, and fire set to it, will burn. .. It is curious to see all the trees psar this cat* aract cut on the bark for a considerable dis- tance up, all over with the initials or first letters of person's names, with the year in which they were cut : some of these dates are, of consider- able age ; I discovered 2 that had been made 207 years, or in 1606, which was but 2 years before the province was settled by the French, though it was discovered by the English 316 years ago, or in the year 1497. There is a lad- der provided 144 feet long, to go down int« the chasm, though but few will venture.* The Massaugus nation of Indians used to sac- rifice to this cataract, before they were visited by the Roman Catholic Priests. About 2 years ago, some of the island alrea^ dy named fell to the bottom with a great sound. rilmarks relative to the situation of the peo- ple OF CANADA, RESPECTING THE WAR : AND A CONCISE HISTORV OF ITS PROGRESS TO THE PRES- ENT DATE. <^ In writing upon this subject, I feel as if I was treading upon delicate ground. Although * * I am told Ihis^ ladder was fixed here by the orders and at the expeace of a lady from Boston; who after it was finished was the first that ventured down. 1 am sorrv that 1 cannot record her name. : « :a: ■^1:: m a gas, is cat- dis- etters I they sider- made years ench, I 316 a lad- n int# ;o sac- /isitcd alrea^ ound, [E PEOf AND A PRES- isif I lough orders after 1 am I feel as much neutrality in the contest as per- haps it is possible for any one to feel, except that I have one wish which is that of peace. Yet, no doubt, some of my readers will find, or think they find some partiality in my remarks on the subject. However, I intend to relate nothing but the truth, the general knowledge of which, I hope will be beneficial, I have already noted that 6 out of 10 of the Inhabitants, were natives of the United States, or their children born in Canada. These peo- ple did not move to the province because they preferred the government of Great-Britian to that of the Cnited States, but in order to ob- tain land upo« easy terms, for it must be re. membered, that ^U the land of Canada now in- habited, was given to the people by the king who bought it of the Indians.* It must here be mentioned also, that in order to obtain this gift, they were under rl e neces- sity of taking the oath of allegianc? to as Ma- jesty, the King. While the Congress of the Ur-ited St-^tes, were in debate, relative io the uLciaiatioa of * At present there is a small consideration required^ and should this land be sold at any time to any ptriv .. such person must take the oath of allegiance witiijji 1 year, or the land falls back to the king. m '# ,;f 5 ;' i y - i k i m 84 war against England, and all her territories and dependenciesi the parliament of Canada passed a law providing for the raising and training I third of the militia of the province, between the age of 18 and 45, called flank companies. And at the same time passed an act for the formation of a peculiar kind of an oath of allegiance, to be administered to the militia, at the discretion of the Governor. This oath was the subject of great complaint, and many refused to take if, insomuch, that ■ the governor thought proper to lay it by. At this session, there was an attempt made to pass an act to suspend for 18 months, the habeas corpus act, and thereby to deprive the people of the process of trial by court and jury in cer- tain cases. However, it did not pass by some odds. — Had this act passed, there is no doubt but that a rebellion would have taken place. The act that was passed for the organiza- tion of a part of the militia, was carried into effect without any opposition, as but few ex- pected that the declaration of war would take place; indeed, but few knew that such ap act was under consideration ; the invasion of Can- ada was contemplated but by few. When war was declared against England which was the 18th of June, Mr. Foster,Minister from the court of Great Britian, to the United m itories anada and vince, flank edan of an the plaint, that ade to labeas pie of n cer- some doubt ace. ^ aniza- d into w ex- i take ip act Can- gland nister nited 85 States, s^ent an express to Canada fro% Wash- ington, with great s V When the goveri at were informed of the event, the flank companies were ordered to Fort George, and other places on the lines, with great expedition. They were told that they must go to such places to get their muskets, after which they might return. This order they obeyed with cheerfulness, not knowing that war was de- clared, or that they should be detained, which however was the case. Had they known of the declaration of war, and that they were to be detained for that pur- pose, I am of opinion that but few would have complied with the orders, though most of them were under obligation so to do, having taken an oath to that effect.* At the same time the regular soldiers were ^ marched from York to Fort George. All the Indian warriors on Grand River were called < for, and they went down immediately, — but soon returned. After this the chiefs made an agreement with the governor, and were to have good wages to engage in the war, after which they returned again. * Upan the declaration of war, the governor issued a proclamation, making it treason for any one to cross the line. Had not this been done, one half of the peo- ple would have left the province, H ^'i ^[i 11 ;*. •"^t,r, ."-' 86 In a little time after this the flank companies raised in dliferent parts of the province some distance from Eort George, were called to it ; and at the same time Gen. Hull invaded the province at Sandwich, nearly 300 miles wesC of Fort George. I then lived on the main road that leads to it, on which all the soldiers «: passed, and conversed with some hundreds of them, respecting their feelings and views, and found that nearly all of them were of the same minil, and that was, if Hull came down to Fort George, (which was the universal expectation) and they were ordered to march against him, they would not obey. Such was their dread ^of '^m-i and partiality to the United States' goveruient. But not a man would have joined him and fought against the king, as was the ^opinion. But the event was, Hull did not come^ but continued at Sandwich, and sent a procla- mation among the people, telling them he was come to deliver them from tyranny, and that he was able to accomplish the task ; but, at the same time, he invited them to join him, like true rebels against their king and oaths, or else stay at home and mind their own work; but if any should come agiinsi hbn, and be found fighting by the side of an Indian, they should be murdered without mercy. I believe almost every one that saw or heard of this proclama< : tion, treated its contents with contempt. Peo- ■*^ t \ * „ t_ ».., *.w- 87 pie are hardly ever so willing to do wrong from the advice of others, as of their own accord. Now to take up arms against their king, whom they had sworn to protect, was too much. They were offended at any man, who could think them capable of such conduct; and as to assisting Hull in freeing them from tyranny, it was a mere notion — for if they had been un- der any, they could at any time have crossed the line to the United States. But they wer^* told that they might stay at home and mind their business ; — this proposal they w^ould wil- lingly have acceded to, for they dreaded the war with their whole souls. Some of them in- deed took the friendly advice, for which they were sharply rebuked by their rulers, and in consequence of this some fled to the wilderness, and some remain there until this day for aughr I knaw ;* but all of them were much exaspera- ted against Hull, for threatening not to give any one quarters, who should be found fighting by the side of an Indian. They were well assured that Hull knew ev- ery man in Canada to be under the control of the government, and that they were obliged to bear arms, and at least to march where they ■r4: * " * A vQty few fled to HuUjbut when he gave them up they were not hurt, but put in jail. It has beeji report- •"(i that they were hanged ; but this is without foundation.- y^~>h^ "W 88 s;- *^ ' were ordered, and that they could not prevent the Indians from marcl)iing with them. They also knew that they must commence an engage- ment, should they be brought in sight of Huirs army ; but in the confusion of a battle, should one take place, many hoped to make their es- cape to Hull. However, after this dreadful de^ claration, no one had any such Vtew» believing if they should leave the British army, from among the Indians, and go to Hull, that he would kill them according to his promise. This operated very much in favor of the British cause. It was generally thought in Canadaf that if Hull had marched with haste from Sandwich to fort George, the province would then have been conquered without the loss of a man; for at that time the British would not have been able to bring more than 1200 men to oppose bim» before he could have reached the Niagara riv- er, and co.operated with the army on the east side, who then could have come over with safe- ty, and so there would been an end of the un- happy war perhaps. But, contrary to all expectation, Hull re- mained at Sandwich, till General Brock issued his proclamation to the people, telling them that Hull was sent by Madison to conquer the prov- ince for Bonaparte, and it they did not repel him they would be sent to France. This was ■*\ 89 a suocessfol step towards a preparation to op< pose Hull. Brock then beat up for volunteers at Fort George, to go with hitn and oppose the inva- der, promising all who would engage with hitn to fare the same with himself, and have 200 acres of land. — About 300 turned out, and took wa- ter to go by the way of Lake Erie* At the same time he sent 2 pieces of flying artillery, and a few regulars by land. He had also ordered some part of the militia from the district of Lon« don about 100 miles from Sandwich, to march there. This many refused to do of their own accord, and others were persuaded so to refuse by a Mr. Culver, a Mr. Beamer, and one more who rode among the people for 6 days, telling them to stand back. However, they were ap- prehended, and the n.ost of the people became obedient. After this they had their choice to go or stay, and some went. The result of this expedition is sufficiently public, and need not be inserted here. However, it may here be remarked, that the capture of Hull and his army with the surrender of the fort of De- troit, and all the Michigan Territory, were events wh eti tha people of Canada could scarce- ly believe, even after they were known to be true. Indeed when I saw the officers and sol- diers returning to Fort George, with the spoils of my countrymen, I could scarcely believe my own eyes. The most of the people in Can- H2 <«;l <-\ *" " ii % »o kU ^■\ It ada think that Hull was bribed by the British to give up the fort. After this event, the people of Canada became fearful of disobeying the gQyernment; some that had fled to the wilderness returned home ; a^id the friends of the United States were discouraged* and those of the king encouraged. Great preparations were naw made — the mi- litia were trained every week, and a number more caUed out ; and some hundreds of regu- lars came frori^ the lower province. The army now became respectable, and a dread fell on those who had opposed the government. The people now saw that it was as much as their property and lives were worth to disobey or- ders, and now what they had been compelled to do, after a little while they did from choice. ^ Things remained in this situation till August* when thi^ pariii^ment met for a short session, and put all the public money into the hands of the governori and also passed an act, making it treason for any person, man or woman, to speak against the administration, or to refuse going, or persuading any of his majesty's sub- jects from going to war; and to subject a per- son to a fine of SO dollars who did not denounce a deserter. They strove hard also to pass an act to establish the martial law, but the bill was violently opposed by the friends of the people, particularly by J. Wilcpcks, an Irisij^man. The ■',■*.-'".*;-.• ¥ v>. _* 91 British }ecame nr that Mid the iraged, the mi- mmber f regu- earmy fell on The IS their t)ey or- npelled ehoiee. ^UgU8t» session, Ands of naking laut to > refuse r*s sub- t a per- nounce pass an bill was people, . The tn embers of parliament published an address to the people, in which they all promised to assist in the war, both with their counsel and arms ; and when the house dissolved, the most of them took the field.^ In the course of the summer, Brock, who was indeed a very fine man, had rendered him- self very dear to all the soldiers at fort George, and to the people in general. r In this situation things rem ned, and the ar- my increased, till the invasion f the province at Queienston, an account ot which has been laid before the public. However, it may not be itmiss to m^e a few remarks on the subject. 4 Early in the morning of the 13th of Ott, IB12, some Americans landed on the bank at Uueenston, unobserved ; but were soon disco- vered, and the alarm given, at which time they retreated unseen (as it was yet dark) through the village and to Black Swamp, 4 miles back.t ^ At the same time the Americans on the Uni- ted States side opened their cannon to the Brit- ish shore to keep them from coming down to the bea^h to oppose the invaders then crossing .with boats. At the same time the cannon from two batteries were levelled against them from ♦ If the members of Congress would act Aus, it , would make a great alteration in the war. f The most of these came the next day, and gave themselves up to the British. ty. 'fv»i. i m ysfe ^^-v. j^.r. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // ^ .5^: A % 11.25 |2j8 |25 ■^ ^ 12.2 I 111 u 140 Ml W4 2.0 8 U 116 Hiotographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14SS0 (716) 872-4503 l\ iV a>' <^ rv 6^ ? ^ if' % .\ 5. 6^ 92 the British side,^ beside-Ae fire from the small arms af four hundl^ soldiers Which were sta* tiQ^ed there at that tipiel Yet ttefoiighali this opposition the Wave Ameilpans effected a fottd- ingf droy0 the British ha^^^^li^ of their batteries and canii^f Which were spiked. They refllained in peace a litt|e Brock cani^, rallied aboui tiireelitlii diars, inciudiiig Indians, andpttiadfs lO^ati^ttipt to retakea battefy on the side bflheUtipd, close by Qneexiston) and w%i kUledi^ii^a enter- ing his body"; his aid iib^tep^iM^ i^ Hie same timet whiH on his hprse en^itiraiipii^ the pel^ p}e^ The iV||^i^ were masters c^iiie gromiff after that io^fotur hours, !b whkir tiaie many might have labd^/thoughli^afsniitil^ Expresses now w^nt down to l^brt George, 8 miles, and the sound was Oh the Joat^iuitTy boys, or else onr deiir general will be kHled't and Others ciried he is^i^lii^ded, he i»-l^^i^^^ edf, hurry, hurry, sav^ out^vefllor.'^ i^ iounds^led every bosom "With mai^dtl fire. ^ A ^remfoit:ement of 1900 soMi^r^ and 6 pieces of "iflying artillery were soon in marching orders, under Gen. Sheaffe j they ascended the slope tme miie and a half west of the American ar- my, which was then on the heights above Queenston.^ ? When they omie in sight, they all raised the Indian war whoop, let loose the can> ' 1 »i -^ ^ "!?* d small »r6 ata-^ ttttthtil^ 961 t>. Mien ^r ciose s same le pei|^^ reor|ej )kch kn-%1 A ^eefs of )rders, i slope an ar- abo^e ley all e can* 9» non, and ruahed op \vith ^eat impetuosity. The Americans 86emi^dpani<^ struck, did not form or fig^t tp anjr advantage, bat retreated a sinaH Stance, JbnMbe ij^ul c^irni^ v^ns in (he way : tbi^]^ siSMrrenderedf pSf ^ua^ given, yet the Indiana who wer| on the left wing, contin- uediQ kill with their tomahawks, which so ex- aq^iate^:|preiL SheaOe, tbiu he threw off his h9^lui^ ||^(^ J^ swonl in 4ie groniul up to the han^^anjd declared, that if even^man did not ejcert i^^iis^lf^ici^ prevent the Indians fi;0m kil- ling tbf ^niilriams^ afterjthey ha^ h^ would g^vi^ up the coinmand and go home. The milStk i|^d,i:^gi^^^ tbeui^^ wiib'mudi adb, ^opjj^i I^JndiaJ^ one can reflect Qi^ll^as s6e|e witiftout^i% his heart bleed,4tt?ip vie^^bum^iinfl^ 3^]^fn J bj^ard tj^e caiinqp In tl^e morniiifff I too^xaj horse jind rocle down, and bn Ibe rdiid Diet i npmt^er of the Ma^aikus fisdians who had made their escajpe ; these udians are a ve- 1^ jcowardl^ tribe. 'iVfter this the British contemplated another invasion immediately, and therefore called all the pilitia, from 16 to 60, froni the river Credit round the head pf Qntarb to the west side of * The British published the number knied bn their side lo be 30, but the true number wsis 100 ; chiefly Indians and regulars* The number on the American side was about 260. „ . ^t (i ' I lie the Grand River, and between the two lakes, as also more than one half fVom the London and Home districts to Fort George, and other sta« tions on the Niagara river to Fort Erie, which made an army of 8000 sotdiers. This order was resisted with considerable spirit, yet it was too late, for not only the officers of the army* and the Indians were engaged to compel oBedioiice, but all the pilitia that had been in the iiiBf vice ; they thought it hard and unreasoi^able that they must bear all the burden and dangers of the war, therefore a number of them were zealous* ly engaged to bring forward the disobedient, although their neighbors and relations. An example of this sort may- be named r about 12^ days after the battle, a Col. Craham, on Yonge- street, ordered his regiment to meet, in order to draft a number to send to fort George : how- ever, about 40 did not appear, but went out into Whitechurch township, nearly a wilderness, and there joined about 30 more, who had fled from different places. When the regiment met, there were present some who had liberty of ab- . sence a few days from fort Get)rge, these with others volunteered their services to Gol. Gra- ham, to the number of 160, to go aiid fetch them in, to which the Colonel agreed, but or- ^ At thii time, many a boy thoaght he gr«w a migh- ty man in a few days. ''" ^' -,•.■ I. . ',-( - - - , ♦ m \V-f' lakes, >nand er sta« which er was as too ^*ahd rvice ; It they >f the ^alous* dient, . An }Ut 12^ '^onge- order how*^ It into rnesg, Ifled tmeti of ab« with Gra- fetch ut or- miglh # 95 »%- dered them to take no arms ; but when they found they must not take arms, they would not go. At the first of December they had increas- ed to about SOD: 'about which time, as I was on my way to Kingston to obtain a passport to leave this province, I saw about 50 of them near Sniitb's creek, in Newcastle district, on the tnaili road, with fife and drum, beating for vohinfeers, crying huzza for Madison. None of the people in this district bore arms at that time^ except 12 at Presquile harbor. TTiey were universally in favour of the United States, and if ever another army is landed in Can- ada^ this would be the best place, which would be 100 miles from any British forice, and before one could march there, man/ r of the Canada militia would desert, especially if the American army was large, say 50,000. But whenever the Americans attempt to land where there is an army, that army will fight till they are near- ly all destroyed, for they dare not rebel, not having now any faith in any offers of protec- tion in a rebellion, as they have been deceived. Indeed many of the militia are considerably exasperated against the invaders, for they thii^ that U is hard that they should feel the misery of Yi9iX who have no agency in the councils of England, and know that the United States go- vernment cannot force any man over the line, •of course those that come, they view as coming f» -^' - Hf ■ i ^ in •4>A ." * 96 :'r of their own choice^ and being as void of justice and humanity, and therefore deserve to be kil« led for their intrusion. In August, the inhabitfuitg were called toge- ther, in order that all who had not taken the oath of allegiance might take it without ^recep- tion. However, some refused, sOQie were put * in cells, and others were not dealt so l^ard with. Many took the oath rather than puffer thus. , Some time in the month of November, the Americans became masters of lake Ontario, which was very grievous to the British. About the same time, the governor issued a prockma- . tion ordering all the citizens of the Uniteid States, residii^g^nihe province of Upper Cana- -_ dat who had refused to* take the oath of alle- giance, to leave the province by applying at certain boards of inspection appointed to exam- ine into the claims of those who asked that pri- vilege ; and all who did not so receive passports, and leave the province by the first of January, 1813, and stiU refused to take the oath of alle- giance, should be considered as alien enemies and spies, and be dealt with accordingly. This ^proclamation was of short duration and but lit- . tie circulated i of course, but few received the benefit which they ought to have had, according to Jay's treaty. The victories that the Britbh obtained over Hull at Detroit, and Van Rensselaer at Queens- justice bekil- dtpge- ^3ccep- ere put rdwUh. lius. er, the >ntano9 ^ About >ckma- United rCana- f alle- ingat exam* at pri- sports, nuary, )f alle- nemies This but lit- red the ording d over* ueens- I 97 ton, were very encouraging to the difl'erent tribes of Indians to engage with them in the war. At the commencement of the contest, the most of the Indians refused to take any part in the war, alleging that the Americans were Coo numerous ; but they were then told that al- though they were numerous, but few would come over, as the government could not com- pel them ; and that if they did not fight they would lose their land. Some of the white peo- ple were also led to believe, that they would be deprived of their land and other property. In the course of the summer, on the line between fort George and fort Erie, there were not more than 1000 Indians under arms at onetime. These Indians go to and fro as they please, to the country and back, and are very troublesome to the women when their *husbands are gone, as they plunder and take what they please, and often beat the women, to force them to give them whiskey, even when they are not in possession of any ; and when tbey see any man that has not gone to the lines, they call him a Yankee, and threaten to kill him for not going to fight ; and indeed in some instances, their threats have been put in execution. They act with great authority and rage, since they have stained their hands with human blood. The inhabitants at large would be extremely glad to get out of their present miserable situa- < 'i I r ^h ■^ l"! ■k 98 u h ti tion, at almost any rate ; but they dare not ven* ture a rebellioD, without being sur& of protec- tion. And as they now do not expect that the American government will ever send in a suffi- ciently large army to afford them a security, should they rebel, they feel it their duty to kill all th^y can while they are coming over, that they may discourage any more from invading the province, that the government may give up the idea of conquering it, and withdraw their forces, that they may go home also ; for they are greatly distressed in leaving their families 80 long, many of whom are in a suffering con- dition. Ever since the commencement of the war, there has been no collection of debts by law, in the upper part of the province, and towards the fall in no part ; nor would one pay another. No person can get credit from any one to the amount of one dollar ; nor can any one sell any of their property for any price, except provision or clothing ; for those who have money, are de- termined to keep it for the last resort. No bu- siness is carried on by any person, except what is absolutely necessary for the time. ^ In the upper part of the province, all the schools are broken up, and no preaching is heard in all the land. All is gloomy— all is war and misery. Upon the declaration of war, the governor ^aid an embargo on all the flcur, wheat, and ■ •.» 99 pork then in the province, destined for markei,* which was at a time when very little had left the province. The next harvest was truly bountiful, as also the crops of corn, buckwhieat and peas ; the most of which were gathered, except the buckwheat, which was on the ground when all the people were called away after the battle of Queenston ; so that the people have a plenty of provision as yet (April, 1813.) But, should the war continue, they must suffer, as not more than one half pf the farmers, especial- ly of the upper part of Canada, sowed any win- ^ ter grain, because when they ought to have done it, they were called away to the lines. Although 1 say that the people in general have grain enough, yet some women are now suffer- ing for bread, as their husbands are on the lines^ and they and their children have no money ^ nor credit, nor can they get any work to do. As soon as the snow fell in Canaria, and the Bleighing became good, (which was a the last of November) the British exerted themselves to ^ the utmost to prov'do for the support of the . war. A large price was offered for flour and pork, particularly near the line of the lower part of the State of New York, on the St. Law- rence, and near the line of Vermont and New- Hampshire, in order to get a large supply for another year, and to induce the citizens of the United States to transgress the laws ; and it i I 100 • v> . appears that some, by the love of money, were prevailed upon to do it. In the months of December and January, some hundreds of slays were almost constantly on the road from Montreal and other places In I he lower province, carrying provisions and uiilitary stores to Kingston, York, Niagara, und other parts in the upper province. But where all these provisions came from I am not able to say. About this time in Deceinber, the British also weio making preparations to assemble a large force at Kingston, in order to cross the lower Qnd of lake Ontsrio on the lee, and if possible fo destroy the American vessels laying at Sack- ett's Harbor, which they considered as power- ful and dangerous : and to effect this they were determined to lay out all their strength, or all that they possibly could spare, for that busi- ness.* * .^ '^ Sonje time in February, information reached the United Stales that the governor of the lower province had arrived at Kingston with 5000 troops, which togeth- er with what was stationed there, and with what might be colk ct?.d of the militia round about^ would make an army of 9000 strong; and I have wondered why they c!;d not make an attempt while the ice was strong; but r^s it was not done, 1 am inclined to believe that the mi- litia would not go over for that purpose, as the law doef iTot oblige them. r. t ■"»-«» -T*« ^ J -101 In the nioiUh of December about 120 ship carpenters came from the lower province to Kingston and York» in order to build 7 vessels on lake Ontario. The goveriiment expected to have them finbhed by the time the ice was out a joyful thing to them. When this aFmistice was made known to Mr. Madison he refused to agree to it, and when notice was given of hi& lefusal to the gavemor of Canada^ all the mill* tia w^ere called back. .Some time before the* battle of Queenstoi^ these was another armisv tice agreed upon for an unlimited ti«ne, but the . conditions were sueh, that if, either party wished to commence hostilities, that patty should give* the other 4 days notice. Immediately upgn^ this agreement, almost alt the militia were permitted to go heme» and about one halTof them had got some miles upon the road^ awl 12. r, '^. I \i ! 102 some that lived nigh to the liae had got once more tQ the bosom of their famUiesy with the sweet hope of never again returning to the place of danger and death. But oh, hard fate I notice was sent from the Amerioan side that the armistice must end in 4 days ; of course, all the militia that had got home, or on their way. ^ ^ were ealled back again, and ^th a heavy heart ^ ) many a man parted with the wife of his bosomt and children of his love, for the last time. The Indians are forbid by the British govern- ment from crossing the lines at any time or place, and are watched and guarded for fear they will ; for the British know that if the Indians were permitted to er^ss and commit depredations on the United States' side, that it would juite all the people against them.* ' ' They told me that noneof the Indians took any scalps from women or children but only from those whom they had killed ittbat4e;bttt they wished that the Governor would give th«im money for scalpPf they would kiHjplenQr* ^ I was toU when they took these serips down to . Fort G^rge, the Governor and CoL Claus re* ' proved Aem for their conductt and told them t> . take no more scalps at aiqr (une ^ place. i * The tndians took a number of scalps at the battle of Brownstowis ; I asked sonse who stopped at my house^ if the governor gave them money for them^ Ihey told me noU but they taid they took them to show the gav^r* ' pot how many they killed. m lOc^ t once khthe to ibe dfftte! le tliae rse,all r way, r heart !MI80in» oveni- place, J will ; I were onson lite aU sCook booly ?;biit give tenty. nra to QSie* eiii«> ttle of louse^ »ld me V In making theae remaks I do not wish to be understood that I believe the British govern- ment is too good to wish or permit the Indians to kill and scalp any that lies in their power. I do not pretend to say or judge how this is, but I was led to believe that the British did not allow the Indians to take scalps or else they kept the thing very secret. However, I do not pretend to determine. The inhabitants in general feel as if they were fighting against their own fathers, broth- ers, and sons, which in many instances is actu- ally the case. In the first of the war the peo- ple of .Canada seemed panic struck ; they ceas- ed from all business, they even neglected to prepare or eat food, until hunger compelled them to it. However, after a while they began to do a little work, yet only what was needful at the present time. ' -The opinion of many in Canada now is that the piDvinoe ought now to be conquered for the good of the inabitants on both sides, for many in Canada nnce the vrar, on the Briti^ side, have showed themselves strong friends to the United States, and are marked by the British government as objects of revenge on that ac- count. Here there has been a considerable number of Indians killed by the Americans, which has so exasperated those now alive, that should there be a treaty madey and those Ish li i 104 di^ns allowed as much lil^rty as they now have* they would continually be crossing the line and comn^tting murders on the inhabitants of the frontierl to revenge the loss of their kin- dred. And also because there has a number of Americans left the province since the war^ ei- ther by permission or without, and a number of these have land and other property there which they never can obtain again^ except the prov- ince is conquered: for it inust be noticed that all the land in Canada has been given to the first settlers by ^he king, and it is specified in every original deed, which, is a deed of gift, that na person can hold it by transfei'ment more than tl year, except they take the oath of allegiance to his majesty. Now, although this is the law and it is so specified in every original deed, yet very few people knew it to be the case that went from the United States and bought land, of coiirse many have lived there on their land a number pf years without taking the qatbt and as many of such hav^ come away rather than take the oath^ of course their lands, according 40 tlaw, will faH baek to the kkig. After the battled Queenstony the Britbh continued to augmeiH their forcea on the Hne between forts G^oige'atnd Erte. About the 20th of Oct. was the usual time for a number of Indians from lake Simeoe, prin« dpaily of Hie Massasugas Uibe^ to assen^bfe at y- ^ v-'.-l 105 ley now ising the babitafirts heir km- imber of wftff ei- imber of re v^hich he proT« teed that > the Qrst in every that no ore than legiance the law »ed, yet ise that It land, leirland Ltbf and .er than e(»rdiBg British the Une al lime e, prin« i|bte al ' York/ (about 120Qin number) in order to hold their fall council, and receive their gifts. Gen. Sheaffe met them there, and after they had received their gifts, proposed to the warriors to go to fort George and engage in the war. However, they declined going, as their squaws were with them. The general then gave them a very large ox and two barrels of whiskey, upon which they had a merry feast and a war dance; at the same time they declared war against the Uni- ted States in a formal manner. In moving in a circuitous form, whenever they came towards the United Slates, they held up their hatchet, gave a strike In the air and a yell. This was about 3 o'clock, and by 5, about, 350 embarked and as many more riflemen with the general for fort George, and the old Indians and squaws returned to lake Simcoe. The garrison at York was then almost desti- tute of soldiers, but in a little time the militia to a considerable amount were called in. About this time, or a little after, the Ameri- cans came on shore 1 8 miles above Kingston, and burnt a vessel belonging to Mr. Fairfield, and took another on the lake. Things remained in this situation till about the 2 Jth of Nov. when Gen. Chandler invaded Canada, about 50 miles from Montreal, with 300 soldiers. It appears that in destroying an old fortification some of the men were killed. >■ ' I I I 4 106 .'^k On the 27th of Nov. Gen. Smyth made an attempt to cross from Black Rock into Canada (river V mile wide) he first sent 300 soldiers and sailors under Capt. King : they stormed 3 bat- teries, and spiked the cannon \vith the loss of 40. About 10 o'clock the same day, some sol- diers went over, burnt some houses and brought away considerable plunder. After Gen. Smyth had embarked the troops twice he gave over the project, and for which he has been severely censured by many ; but upon the whole, perhaps it was best, as at that time he was not able to take over with hiux more than 2500 soldiers, which was not enough, as the British had at that time 8000 soldiers on the line between forts George and Erie, a distance of 34 miles only. As Smyth and his army were seen by the British coming over and twice returning back, it was confidently reported and generally be- lieved, that the American army had mutinized. This very much encouraged the inhabitants, judging from hence that the soldiers would not come over at all ; knowing also that many had refused so to do at the time of the battle of Q,ueenston. After this, as the winter was coming on, the British calculated that they should not be inva- ded agiin, at least till the ice of the river became strong ', the Col. of each regiment therefore per- t« .n lade an Canada ersand 1 3 bac- 8of40. '^ me sol- wrought troops which ''; but at tlaat th him nough, oldiers Irie, a by the back, liybe. nized. itants, Id not yhad ttle of 1, the inv^. came eper- 107 mitted the principal part of the militia to go home. The following remarks respecting the progress of the war, are made from information receiz^d from the public papers and other sources^ and from my knowledge of the province and adjacent parts^ in which the operations of the war have been continued to this date^ and from my know- ledge of the British officers^ ^c, — for on the 29th of Dec, I crossed the line at Ogdensburgh, ,^ It appears that from the time of the partial Invasion of Gen. Smyth, that there was nothing of note done till the defeat of a part of the north western armyi under the command of Gen. Winchester, on the 22d of January, 1813, near the rapids of the Miami, which is about 65 miles south of Detroit. Winchester's army was about 1000 strong, and was attacked by nearly double that num. ber of British and Indians, and as the battle was obstinately contested, nearly 400 Americans were killedrthe rest were made prisoners, about 600. All the militia taken were paroled and sent home, not to fight in the war again. About the 1 2th of Feb. Capt. Forsyth, com- manding a company of U. S. truops (riflemen) at Ogdensburgh, at the mouth of the Oswegat- chie river, on the St. Lawrence, 70 miles belew Sackett's harbor, marched with 300 men up the rivej: 12 miles, and crossed over to Canada to a ^ .■^ 1^ .*^^- i«4 tW^^jaf-u- 108 ♦ f -f little village (Brockville) on the banks of the ri- ver, where the British kept a garrison of about 60 soldiers, which he took with some military stores, without loss. This so exasperated the British, that they collected a force of about 1200, about the 20th of the same month, chiefly militia, and crossed the river from Prescott (2 miles) effected a land- ing in spite of Forsyth and his riflemen — drove them 9 miles to Black Lake, with considerable loss on both sides. They burnt all the buildings of the garrison at that place, which however was of little val- ue, as they were at least 100 years old, ha'^ng been built by the French, and were badly situ- ated. The British also carried off much milita- ry stores. On the 24th or the 25th of April, Com. Chaun- cey with about 16 sail of vessels, and general Dearborn with about 2000 soldiers and sailors, left Sackett's harbor, for York, on the British side of lake Ontario, distant 190 miles, and ar- rived there on the morning of the 27lh at 7 o'clock. The American army began to land in boats abou^ 8 o'clock, one mile up the lake from the fort, and two from the town, or west of the town and fort. At this place the banks are high and the woodi thick. They were met by the British force, Indians, a few regulars > ■m^ ...-.■'>• -^\, T .A 109 *' f the ri- f about nilitary It they le 20Ch crossed aland- -drove ierable arrison tie val- ha'ftng 7 situ, milita- ^haun- ;eneral lailors, British nd ar- h at 7 boats m th& f the ^s are met ;uiars and miUtta under Gen. SheafFe, in number about 800 strong. In about 2 hourS) in spite of the British, 15 or 1600 landed under the com- mand of Gen. Pike; the British then retreated towards the fort, while the Americans pursued them, and when within about 300 yards of it, a treiAehdous e:£plosion took place, of powder and combustibles* that had been concealed un- der ground, and which spread death and de- structioB 4D^ng the American army and Brit- ish also. The number of killed by this explosion is not yet AiUy ascertained ; Gen. Dearbdrn thinks it is more than 100, among which was Gen. Pike. About 300 was lost in all. After this explosion the command fell upon Col. Piefce, who soon took possession of the fort, which the British left, as Com. Chauncey had got some of his fleet within 600 yards of the fort, and was firing upon it. The British moved down to the town, (1 mile) after having set ^re to some of the public stores, and 1 ves- sel nearly finished. Gen. Sheaffe moved off with what regular troops were left, towards Kingston, and left orders with the commanding officer of the militia (G. S. Mitchell) to make the best terms he could^^ ^ About 2 o'clock in the afternoon the Ameri- can flag wa$ hoisted, and by 3, all was peace, and a capitulation was agreed Upon : all the K J. * \-. i n 'I^- •/ ^^ m i lr'\t>. 110 militia were paroled, about 400, and all the u%- val and military stores were given up. On the first of May the troops were embark- ed, but owing to contrary winds, did not leave York till the 8th, but the same evening they reached the 4 mile creek, a little below fort Ni- agara, and unladed some of the stores. On the next Sunday evening two vessels sail- ed for the head of the lake to get some British stores, which they effected without loss, and returned on Tuesday. On the 13th, Com. Chauncey arrived at Sackett's hsirbor, where Gen. Pike was interred with the honors of war. On the 1st, 2d and 3d of May, the British forces of regulars and militia, under Gen. Proc- tor, and Indians under Tecumseh, in all about 3000 strong, attacked Gen. Harrison in fort Meigs. On the 4th or 5th, about 9 o'clock. Gen. Clay arrived witb. SOO Kentucky volun- teers, in boats, up the Miami — landed and made a heroic push upon the British and Indians, then fighting before fort Meigs -^they were drove ofif and the cannon spiked. However they ileglect- ed to go into the fort, or back to the boats — -were drawn some distance into the woods by skirmii^hes with the Ij^jdians: they were sur- rounded by the British, and 650 fell into their bands, dead or alive, though chiefly alive. Aftter this the Americans ob|t;ftined some small Ill advantages over the British, who on the 9th of April raised the seige and returned ; after which Gen. Harrison left the command of the fort to Gen. Clay, and went to the south. On the 27th of May,* Gen. Dearborn, Lewis and others, embarked with Com. Chauncey on board the fleet, at fort Niagara, to the number of about 400Q strong. They landed about 2 miles from fort George, up the lake, near the li^ht house rthe vessels anchored within a quar- ter of a mile of the shore : with boats the army v^as landed by the assistance of the cannon from the fleet, in spite of the opposition of about BOOO Britbh forces, with some flying artillery, under Gen. Vincent. After about a half an hour hard fighting, the British retreated towards fort George, which was much injured from the flrning of two vessels in the mouth of the river, and some batteries on the east side. The Brit- ish did not go in, but gave orders to blow it upj ind the cannon of all the batteries on the* line, ifrom fort George to Erie, were opened upon the American shore, which continued all nighf, and in the morning were bursted, and all the places were evacuated, after much de. struction of barracks and public stores. The British continued their retreat to the west of fort George, on a road which leads through « ' * Just SOtiays after the capture of York. •pBaL-*:- 112 ,1 u black swamp, which connects it with the main road to 40 mile creek, 10 miles from fort George. On the next d&y, the whole British force from the Niagara river, met at 40 mile creek) 31 miles from Niagara, where they made a stand. In a little time the American army entered fort George and hoisted the, flag. ^ The next evening, Col. Preston crossed over from Black Rock, and took possesiibn of fort Erie ; at the same time h^ublished an address to the people, inviting them to come and enrol fheir namei^%ith him and claim the protection of the United States^ at the same time warning them that if they did not they should be dealt with in a rigorous manner. It does not appear that any of them came. After he had been there , a short time, he destroyed the fort and went to fort George. The number of killed in this actioival fbrt George, must be considerable on both sl^e^ - though it is not yet known. f*^? ^ It appears that in 3^days after, on tb^ 3f sf, that Com. Chauncey sailed with his fleet^'for Sackett's harbor with Gen. Lewis, and that Gen. Boyd took the command under Gen. Dearborn. ^ ^ On the 1 st of June, Gen. Winder with 2000 troops left fort George in pursuit of the British, who had made a stand at the 40 mile creek. i J .: ^ ^^-^v^^ '-m .. ^a,.^.* iru^ '/^g^^ ■ ■^: •W- ^7 le main »m fort Be from «k, 31 I stand, entered )d over [)f fort tddress i enrol teotion arning 3 dealt ippear I there ent to ilfoi^ sMeg, . a*sr, that Gen. 2000 ritish, t. lis On the 4 A, Gen. Chandler, with 2000 more, marched to join Gen. Winder. On the ap- proach of Winder the British retreated 1 8 miles, to the head of Burlington bay, where they threw up intrenchments. Part of the Ameri* can army proceeded 10 miles farther, to the 50 mile creek, and eKcamped on Saturday nighty the 5th, On Sunday morning before light it was very dark, j^bout 500 regulars under Gen. Yuicent, ancTsome Indians under the chief Norton, unperceived broke into the Amer- ican camp, took possession of 7 pieces of can- non, which they turned i^ainst their foes— the confusion was great — generals Winder and Chandler were taken prisoners, and many more — ^five pieces of cannon were taken. The Amer- icans fought weli-^the British retired, leaving li^ bebttid them : however they were noi put* ^ed. The same day Gen. Dearborn sent orders far the American army to return Co fort George, Hi lieluid seen several British vessels sail for u^e hc^ of the lake, which he supposed intended to land reinforcements, which vras done. At the same time sir James Yeo appeared with his fleet off the 40 mile creek, and demanded the surrender of the American army, stating that it must of necessity fall into the hanAs of the British. ' The American army then retumed to fcnre K2 f ' : 114 George, having lost a consideirable number, be- ing taken prisoners by the Indians and miUtia, >vho hung on the skirts of the army, nearly throughout their march. r On the next day all the British army return* ed to the 40 mile creek. At the same time the British took 12 boats on their return to fort George, with the baggage of the officers.* ^ ^, On the 29th of May, (2 days after Gen. Dear- born landed at Niagara) % British vessels and 30 boats appeared before Sackett's harbor, from which nearly 1200 men effected a landing a little above the harbor. They drove the Amer- icans back nearly a mile, with considerable loss : however, they were obliged to retreat to their vessels and leave many behind. -^ As the victory wa6 doubtful for some time, the Americans set fire to all the mililllj^ ^Upt^ in that place, among which was some^tftketr |U; York. The British were commanded by' Oei^^ral Sheaffe, and the fleet by Yeo: the Ameiiciiis by Gei^ Brown, of the militia, Col. Mil#and iCol. Bickus were killed early in the actioii. vT i: On the 1 2th of June, 15 days after DearbiHti liad landied at Niagara In Canada, the British fleet of 7> sail of large and some small vessels, ; captured 2 schooners and some boatH n^r the ^ * About this time the British captured 2 schooners on lake Champlain* r- ^^ ^ - -^-'^^^ri**'- ,ievi. !>er,be' militia, nearly return- tne the to fort \* .Dear- ^Is and ri from iing a Amer- le loss : their ) timet ketimt hrahd Etrbom British essels, ar the aers on lid IT mile creek, 12 miles east of Niagara, on the United States shore of the lake. They were laden with hospital stores for the army. On the 15th, some soldiers landed from the fleet, at the mouth of the Genesee river, and took off from the village of Charlotteville, 500 barrels of flour and pork, and a large boat load- ed with 1200 bushels of corn, destined for the army at Niagara. w< On the i8th, they landed at Sodus, burnt some buildings, and carried off SOO barrels of flour. ^ About the^Sd of June,^Capt. Chauncey, of one of the American vessels captured one of the British vessels (the Lady Murray, laden with military stores ) On die 24th of June, Gen. Dearborn sent out 579 npi^Pf under Col. Boerstler, in pursuit of soiiii!?/>$riti8h near the beaver dam, 16 miles from fort^eorge : they were surrounded by a num- ber pf British and Indians, and all killed or ta- fceii. ■ -Oh the 27th of June, Gen. De Kottenburgh arrivedin Upper Canada,; as governor of the same. . -^^ On the 10th of July, 250 British xjrossed over the Niagara river» below Squaw island, and marched up to Black Rock j the militia in that place (only a few) retreated, and the British burnt the barracks and blockhouse, took some salt, flour and pork, 3 field pieces, and 1 twelve 'tr^ iL6 pouoder. In a little time the militia reinfor] ced — come upon the British— an engagement took place for 15 minutes, when the British re- treated over the river with some loss. On the 17th of July, 200 British attacked the American picket guards: detachments were sent out and drove (hem back with loss. About this time Gen. Dearborn received orders to re- sign the command of the armjTy and Gen. Wil- kinson took it. i * The 2 J St of July, fort Meigs was beseiged by the British and Indi|ns» 2000 strong. Howev- er, it appeared that they made a heroic resist- ance under Maj. Croghan, and that they retired a little; and that Gen. Harrison was on his way to the fert with reinforcements. On the 23d of July, 6 British vessels came near to Erie and made some little iittempts to injure the American fleet under C«»m. Pfrry, which is somewhat less than that of the British. < On the 2d of August, 1300 British landed from lake Champlain at Plattsburgfa ; what lit- lie force was there retreated with sa^tjr : they Mhnmt all the public Imildings in the i4ace : there 4y^as no stores there. About the 10th, the British fleet came near fc^t Geoi^e and the American fleet, whf^ pur- fued them, but did not come up with them.^ Both of the fleets were manoeuvring in sight of • The force of tbfe two fleets was about equal. 117 reinforj Kement tish re- %' kedthe t were About I to re- n. Wil. gedby [owev- resist- retired on his came ipta to P*rry, British, anded mt lit- they there each other for 3 dayst at length the British sue* ceeded in cutting off two of the American schooners, viz. the Julia of 3 guns, and the Growler of 5. It appears that when the cap- tain of the Julia (Trent) saw it was impossible to escape, he hove his little vessel along side of the British commander's Vessel (the Wolfe) and the Royal George, and fired 30 rounds, declar. ing he would not strike^^he went down with his vessel. The Growler was captured. It also appearSf that on the 16th of August, 2 other schooners were upset in a gale, viz. the Scourge of 8 guns, and the Hamilton ; 16 persons were saved out of 90. Two others have been condemned as unfit for service, viz. the Fair American and the Pert. These disas- ters happened near the head of the lake. ■ U.' , it . ■ 'V >*-.ri :''.i}.,*-r.' tt A-''^. i^' f I' } near bpur- bein.* she of ■m. ^i'*--? -.M- i'^*f*^''- -^i. '-*%'^; i-'t-*t 1 , '^I'k *» •■* tl8 C f .' T^E author tenders his acknowledgments to the public^ for the ready reception of the first impressions of this book. He has now got a second printed^ with con- siderable enlargements and corrections. The history of the war in Canada, is brought down to the 21st of August, 1813, to the very hour the last sheet was struclc. Since the war began, there has been several accounts published relative to Canada : the author will not make any comments on them ; but with regard to this book, he x;an testify that the geographical part is true, as he had the best apportunity to obtain a correct knowledge of the province, having lived there several years, in which time he was writing on the subject, by permission of the governor. ""j: With regard to the history of the war, from the first thereof till the last of December, 1812, (which was the time I left the province by permission) I know tb be true. What relates to its progress since that time, I have care* fully taken from the public papers, received at New- York, to the 21st of Aug. and should there be another edition printed, it will still be enlarged with the continuation of the history of the war. And further I will remaik, that 1 am a firm friend of my native country, the United States ;* in consideration of which, I left the province of Upper Canada, where I was settled with my family, and all the property I had in the world, rather than fight against my countrymen. • Frfym Pennsylvania. # ' ■i i ■ ■ to the ions of ith con? t down he last IS been author regard part is correct several ect, by he first as the e true. e care- York, edition f ion of iofmy Ition of I was in the CONTlfiNTS. ;? PART I. Description of the District of London, Terms of obtaining land in Middlerex county, PART n. General Remarks on the Geographical State of whole Province. — Situation and Extent, Soil and Surface, - - - Natural Production, * ** - Agriculture, Climate, - - Commerce, - - .. • Animals, Fish, - - - - Mines and Minerals, .... Lakes, - - - Rivers, - - - - - - Indians, - - - - Villages, -' - Settlements, Civil Divisions, - - - - Districts, King's Roads, Bearing and Distances of Places, Population, - - - - - Learning, - - - - • $ - Morals, - - - - - Religion, Diversions, - - • - - . - Manufactures, Promiscuous Remarks on the Government, - APPENDIX. Description of Niagara Fails, Remark* relative to the war in the province. Page. 5 - 16 the 18 19 22 23 ^ 23 25 26 28 30 • 31 39 43 47 52 53 54 50 60 61 61 62 63 66 67 68 72 82 4 jA