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12 3

LETTERS ON EMIGRATION

FROM THE BRITISH ISLES,

AND THE

SETTLEMENT OF THE WASTE LAN5S

IN THE

PROVINCE OF CANADA,

BY ROBERT McVIOAR, Esquire.

HAMILTON:
Published bt S. Hewson, Kjsq Street,

185 3.

L /

IJVTRODUCTIOIV.

rriHE Author of these Letters, having been frequently addressed,
■■■and earnestly solicited by a great number of his friends, who
occupy high positions in society, both at home and abroad, to pub-
hsh, for the information of the Public, hs Correspondence with the
Canadian Government, on the subject of Emigration, &,c., has at
length been mduced to yield to their reiterated reque t ; and in com.
phance with their wishes, now presents to the Public that portion of
his Correspondence which is more immed ately connected with the
subject of Emigration, and settlement of the Huron Tract, which
dates from 1842 to 1847.

No doubt but many will very naturally observe,— What good
can now result from the publication of these Letters at this late pe
riod?-to which the author would reply-that the subject matter
contamed and set forth in these letters, &c., bears as much, even
at this present time, on emigration, and settlement of the waste lands
m Canada, as when they were first penned-and that there can be
no true and genuine intelligent Loyal Patriot living, within the limits
of the province, who can for a moment view, with any other feelings
than those of painlul disgust, the impolitic and ruinous course which
our Canadian Government pursued during the last twelve years-a
course which in its destructive tendency paralyzed every loyal feel
ing in Canada, and caused the current of Emigration from the Brit
ish Island to flow to the Seaports of the United States-not to men
tion the vast number of families from all sections of the Province
that have been yearly removing, for the last thirteen years, to our
neighboring rivals. Instance the undeniable truths which are re

corded in the Public Registers kept at the different Sen-ports in the
United stales, during the last five years ; which will show that forty
millions of pounds sterling (principally in gold) were carried there
by emigrants from the United Kingdom of Great Britain. When
to this is added the vast strength and wealth which that already over-
grown Republic is receiving yearly from Canada, the subject be-
comes painfully melancholy, and truly harassing to the feelings of
every true and loyal patriot in Her Britannic Majesty's Dominions
—even to contemplate — more particularly when the immense and
valuable resources of this hitherto ill-fated Province, arc duly con-
sidered and born in mind — so many millions of acres of fertile soil,
in a salubrious country such as the Huron Tract containing twenty,
two Township., is well known to be, the greatest part of which re-
mains at this very day in a state of unproductive wilderness. — The
author's fondest hope, and most sanguine expectation, would be
fully realized should the publication of this work be the means of
calling the serious attention of the inhabitants of the Province to
the different subjects npon which it treats ; and induce them here-
after to adopt such measures as in their wisdom they may deem best
calculated to prevent a father extension of the evils that have alrea.
dy so evidently resulted from, and are still growing out of, the unbe-
coming apathy (to use the mildest term) which has been hitherto ob-
served on the part of the Canadian Government, with respect to this
all-important subject, — emigration and settlement of the Waste
Lands of the Province, upon which the future destiny of Canada
wholy depends — whether it will continue an integral portion of the
British Empire or not.

EMIGRATION 'fO CANADA.

)ort8 in the
V that forty
rried there
n. When
eady over-
subject be-
feelings of
Dominions
Tienso and

duly con.
fertile soil,
ng twenty.

which re.
less. — The

would be

means of
rovince to
hem here<
deem best
lave alrea.

the unbe.
itherto ob.
^ect to this
he Waste
}f Canada
tion of the

Montreal^ 2oih April, 1842.
My dear Sir,

I have been this moment informed that you are in-
vested with authority to plant a Colony in the Huron
Tract. I hope this report is true, and in that event I
shall feel anxious to compare notes wiih you, as I am
about taking measures preparatory to escorting a number
of my Highland Friends both at home and abioad to
the Shores of Lake Huron this seaion. The class of
people who will accompany me as well as those who
are making arrangements to follow are of a high order;
— we shall have our own Ministers, Schoolmasters,
Doctors, Surveyors, and tradesmen of every description,
such as may be required in settling a new Colony. I
have made a Tour through the Huron Tract last summer
and satisfied myself touching the valuable resources of
that portion of the wilds of Canada so far as to induce
me to come to the determination of settling there for
life, provided that I shall receive any reasonable encour-
agement from Government to whom I am about applying ;
but as you arenas report says, invested with the Com-
mission of settling that Country, I shall await your
answer before doing so. Let me therefore intreat
that you will be pleased to convey me your views and
sentiments soon after you receive this as possible, in
order that I may take my measures accordingly.

My claim on your friendly pulse as a countryman
and ati old acquaintance induces the hope that you will

EMIGRATION

favour me with a reply at your earliest convenience,
and with sentiments of the highest consideration.

I remain, my dear Sir,
Your*8 trulv,

Rob't Mo Vicar.
To Colonel Fraser,
&C., &c., dec.

Fras>;rfield, Glengarry, 30th April, 1842.
My dear Sir,

I had much pleasure in receiving your letter of the
25th instant, as it affords me great satisfaction to hear
that you are likely to become a settler in the Huron
Tract as well as that you will direct the description of
Settlers to it that you mention, which if you do, cannot fail
to give the settlement a character equal to any part of
theProvince. I think about 500 Scotch will follow me
*rom Glengarry several of whom have been seeing the
Country, and on their return have disposed of their
property even at a nominal price.

As you have been there, I need not tell you the
advantages it has in its fine climate and excellent
Fisheries. My present undertaking with the Government
is the settlement of Owen Sound to which a road has been
opened last year from Oakville, and a plank road will be
made to it from Lake Simcoe next year.

TO CANADA.

There are about 23 Townships in the Tract the whole
of which I expect will bo under my superintendance ; I can
therefore assure you that I shall put aside a Township,
Fronting on the lake for you and your followers, in which
I shall take a lively interest. I purpose leaving this on
the 20th May, and should be most happy could you make
it convenient to accompany me, so as to make your choice
of a location for yourself, not an acre has yet been granted
to any person and I am fully authorized to dispossess all
squatters which I shall undoubtedly do, as 1 feel confi-
dent they have taken possession of what appeared to them
the best siUiation. The price of the land has been fixed at
8s. per acre, Cy., Cash. I shall, however, have it in my
power to grant poor settlers that may wish to settle on the
roads leading to the Sound 50 acres each ; say a family of
three sons 21 years of age, who with their father, might re-
ceive 200 acres gratis: it is my intention 16 erect Mills
where the Town is laid out and I shall bestow on persons
of Capital good Mill Sites in convenient places throughout
the tract. I shall be glad to hear from you and will thank
you to let me know how many settlers I may expect to
follow you this season, and how soon. I think the best
route at present will be by Lake Simcoe as the road and
water communication are good, besides there are up-
wards of 500 settlers in the Townships of St. Vincent*
on the map called Zero, to which a good road from
Lake Simcoe has been made. When the Plank Road

KMIGRATlOlf

is finiahed, one day may bring « from Toronto to tho

MpOi»

Believe mo to remain, .

Your'a truly,
Uob't McVicar. Esq. Alexander Fb.see.

My dear Sir,

Montreal, Otii May, 1842.

ftis wuh feelings of.ho most unfeigned pleasure f
.uo up t .0 pen to acknowledge tho receipt of your very
k^md and (nendly communication of tho 30lh ultimo.
iae mvitafon therein contained to accompany you to
O.v.on Sound I mo.t cheerfully accept, and ff «p„rcd.
■vil be at I-raser's Field on .he 19th ins.. I would have
^•-■p.iod to your favour at an earlier date were I really
aot overwhelmed with a pressure of business of a nature
•i.. serious to my ulterior movements as not to leave me a
moment to spare to address you, and even t„ this late
iiourmy mind is so involved in the winding up of mv
private alTairs in the province, preparatory .o our con-
templa.ed journey to tho shores of Lake Huron, llmt 1
n.n unable to convey to you ,ny opinions touching the
arduous and philanthropic undertaking in which you hav,!
embarked so satisfactorily as I would have wished-
however, when we meet I shall submit to vour consid.'
eration all my views and p|„ns candidly an.J sincerely •

TO CANADA.

In the meantime permit mo to assure you that so far
as the utmost oxer lions both of my mind and body aro
capable of, to further and promote your views as well
as the bust interests of the Colony, 1 shall be unwearied,
and you may at all times under any circumstances
safely rely on receiving my most cordial co-operation
and support, in the adoption and execution of every
measure calculated to raise the character of the settle-
ment above that of any other in the Province of Canada.
Immediately after your Letter reached me I opened an
extensive correspondence with the diflerent sections of
this District, and circumstantially explained to the In-
habitants thereof the superior quality of soil, advantage
of climate and productive fisheries of the waters, of the '
Huron settlement together with its numerous water
privileges for Mills and Machinery of every description,
&c., and in order to direct the course of the emigrants
coming out this year to the settlement, I have employed
competent persons in Quebec and Montreal to give
ihem the necessary instructions as to the route by
which they are to proceed to Owen Sound. I have also
secured the best services of all the Steam Boat Captains
and Crews plying on the Ottawa Waters, to insttuct
and advise all classes of people travelling to the Upper
Province for the purpose of settling there, to proceed
direct to the Huron Settlement. Report states thstt
nearly 500 families from my native Islarrd, (Islay) ttte
ooming out this year, all of them will doubtlflfisfy prociwd

EMIGRATION

to ^he settlement direct,
relatives and Countrymen
fi-squesing; ~
of T

as the whole host of their

m tlic Townships of Caledon,

^any othor places in the vicinity

Boats, &C.. emnlnv.^ .. .,_ ... ° "*"^^^^S, Cj

employed on the VA^'^tc

to and above Toronto will

ews of
's to and from this

•'■ent .his emJJlZ '"'" 7"'" '° ""^ ""'■°" Settle.

«nd ..,0 pirnvST.,; tro"? r :°"'^ '"^^

, pan of t„e country con-oct: a rree'S rr'S^
protection during the first two yenrs LTolT
thousands of their friend, and lo , ^°'"^'""'"'^«'
^vill follow tliem «e,t v >. '=°"»'0™en at home

of taking th?rstr:;d tr:,;'^ ~"^ '^^- *^

the possibility of th. ,L Tf^ measures to obviate

there this seL. uff' ' "^'''''"'^ '"""'"'^^ ^l'" g"
food. The fi2;,^f ™\"t' t'- ft-"- the want of

productive toenarthaGovele:;':: "" "'"'^''^""^
expense to proru-e anv T . "^ """^ """"'"al

required ^o i::Z2JZZ^ !^^^ "^'^ '^
expected to aettle this yea T hould Jr 7 "'" ""
respectfully but candidly, off , ; ,3 '1 '''«'«f°'-\ "-os,

would be advisable for you tl ilTy^r TZV^ '
to the important obiept in * i • ^°"^ ^ ^^ attention
.are, to ensure hetrt^illf I? • f'"^""""""^ ">^ ^■

J^henes estaUishedrSrltr"! Tf^lTr*'"
the same unerring system as t!./ % V ^^' '"'
Hudson's Bay Posts ilL j i ^"'""^'' "» "»
Pi.1.. • . " "'* ^^'aa Country Th«.^

■upenntend myse f at leaM for th«

TO CANADA.

f rst season, and for the effeclual accomplishment of this
object it would be necessary to take one or two expe-
rienced fishermen from this Province. I have already
partially engaged one who has been for eight or nine
years employed as head Fisherman in Lake Superior in
the service of the American Fur Company, and who
is perfect master of drying and sailing Fish in all the
departments required. Should you deem it proper that
I should employ this individual at moderate wages fot
the year have the goodness to say so, and I shall
secure his valuable services at once, and by your direc
tions will gladly provide the necessary supply of materials
for nets &c., dec, which will amount to but a trifling
Bum of money. As to the exact number of actual settlers
that will follow me this season it is impossible for me
to say, but I have no hesitation in stating that in the
event of your investing me with full power, holding out
reasonable encouragement to the • stranger to draw
settlers to the Huron Tract, you might safely calculate
on one thousand settlers a year for a number of years
to come. No confidence can be placed on the miserable
useless sort of ^migrant Agents at present under
Government pay in this Province, and I have much
cause to apprehend that many of the same class are
holding similar offices in the Upper Province, to the
manifest injury of this Country ; and I may, without
any fear of contradiction add, the destruction of thousands
of industrious families who were comp(;Ued to quit their

EMIGRATION

homes and that of their ancestors by direful necessity,
in the expectation of finding that protection in the
Wilds of Canada under the fostering wing of the British
Government which their own native land so unnaturally
demed them. The views of these office holders do
not extend beyond the consideration of the yearly salary
which they receive from the Government. Beneficial
advice and instruction to the forlorn stranger who visits
the shores of Canada in search of a home they ar^
not capable of imparting, because they do not possess
the necessary knowledge of the resources of the Coun-
try, and much less benevolent traits of character to
enable them to do so. It cannot be therefore reasonably
expected that such persons will take the slightest interest
m the welfare of the poor broken hearted stranger
To the voice of distress they evince a callous indiflx;rence-
in consequence of meeting with such frozen and icy
reception at the hands of the officers of the crown
those poov strangers become weakened and disheart'
cned, misery and starvation ensue, and from this source
thousands of industrious and Loyal British Subjects
after visiting our shores, are left to their unfortunate and
malancholy doom, to wander about from one place to
another in search of employment or a home, till at
length their little all is exhausted and in the last ga^p
of despair, as the only alternative left them, ho#
repugnant soever it may be to their British feelinw
thrair themselves on the protection of tho AmttitJ

TO CANADA t

Government. By this criminal neglect our strength in
this fertile colony is weakened by making it a nursery
to supply the Army and Navy of the United States
with the best of our British subjects. '

Viewing the important task which you have under-
taken, the settling twenty three Townships, in all its
bearings, tendencies and relations, it appears to me ev.
ident that there is an absolute necessity for your employ,
ing an Agent to secure from the grasp of the Vultures
employed by the Canada Land Company and conduct
to the Huron Settlement the OifTerent flocks of Emi-
grants expected from the old country this and following
seasons. In the absence of a more qualified person to
perform the duties of this important appointment I beg
to tender my feeble but friendly services.

Reserving to our meeting on the I9th instant, further
lemarks and suggestions, I remain with sentiments of
Vhe greatest regard,

My dear Sir,

Your*3 most truly,

To Colonel
dtc, &c

Fraser, >
., &c. ^

Rob't Mc Vicar.

EMlOHATIOJff

Cornwall, 11th, May, 1842*
My dear Sir,

I was this moment handed your letter of the 9th in-
slant, and I am much pleased at your determination of ac
companying me to Owen Sound. I shall not leave before
the 22nd, therefore if you are up by the 19th or 20th it will
be tune enough. On the 24th I make my final arrangement
with the Government, and which day I trust we shall be
able to make a good one. I have already engaged an
experienced fisherman on whom I can depend and several
others of the same cast will accompany me, so that it
may not be necessary at present to engage the person
you allude to. I can no doubt procure twine at Toronto,
and in the event we find the Government liberal I agree
with you in opinion that an active person should be em-
oyed to direct Emigrants on their arrival to the settlement
at once. All this we shall be prepared to submit on
going to Kingston.

Your's truly,

P«k». n/r ir- t:* ALEXANDER FbASEB.

Rob't Mc Vicar, Esq.

.. , „. Montreal, 20th May, 1842,

My dear Sir,

It is with feelings of deep regret I have to acquaint

you that circumstances of the most unavoidable necessity

""• * — ^^'^ "^'^ ^o coiitruui, places It beyond my

TO CANADA.

power to accompany you to Owen Sound. Being deprived
of this pleasure has proved most painful to my feelings ;
I shall however, follow you the very moment I can leave
this place. The long pending litigation in which I was
engaged in Quebec is at length decided in my favor,
holding forth some prospects of my being able to carry
to the new settlement sufficient means to support my family
for at least a few years. This new change in my favor in
the cause of my detention here. About the 10th proximo
I shall hope to have all the matters connected with this
important case completely wound up, and accompanied by
some followers will proceed direct to the shores of the
Lake. I have already shipped off several respectable
families with instructions to take the route by Lake Sim.
-1 hope you will overtake them and direct them to

coe-

the Townships you intend for myself and followers. To
your own friendly judgement I leave the selection of the
Townships. Ihave printed cards of information and in-
struction which will guide the stranger to the spot of their
destination. Before leaving Eraser's field have the good-
ness to address me so that I may know where to find you
when I do move up. I would also feel thankful by your
imparting to me the actual extent of the protection which
destitute settlers miy expect to receive at the hands of
the Government, in order that I may act accordingly.

For your information I subjoin a copy of a letter
which I have this moment received from n;y Brother.
Pray are those who settle on the shores of the lake en-

ZMIGRATION

titled to 50 acres gratis ? if not, I fear the distinction will
oporate injuriously against your views. As I shall be ad-
dressing you ere many days I shall close these hasty lines,
and >vith the highest regards I remain,

My dear Sir,

Your's most faithfully,

R0B*T McVlCAR.

To the Honorable ^
Alexander Fraser. J

' ■

Rob't McVicar, Esq.,

Montreal, 30th May, 1842.

Sir,

I understand from many sources that you possess a
thorough knowledge of the capabilities cf the wilds of Ca-
nada West, and that you are taking an active and philan-
thropic interest in sending Emigrants to settle there under
the protection of the British Government on the shores of
Owen Sound. I have long had reason to believe tha^ the
Huron Tract would prove an eligible home to the indus-
trious or monied surplus population of the old country.
It will only want a few years steady support and fostering
care from the Home Government, with the active local
assistance of well informed and enterprising men in di-
recting the tide of emigration, to become one of the richest
Jewels in the British Colonial Crown.

That these views may be the more effectually carried

TO CANADA.

into execution allow me, though a compaTStive strange*
to you, to tender you humbly a few bints, of advice, aiirf to
plead as my excuse for such intrusion, my warm wishes
for the welfare and happiness of my fellow-man, knowiag
that such feelings will touch a responsive chord in your

bosom-

It will be of the greatest advantage and benefit, both
spiritually and temporally to your laew settlement, to make
early arrangements for securing Ministers of the Gospel,
and competent School Teachers. You ought also to se-
cure well qualified Medical men to look after the bodily
wants and diseases of your sctllcrs immediately upon their
arrival ; of tli^s you must at once see the indispcnsible
necessity. If you could induce the Government to securii
to me such remuneration as might induce me to leave my
present practice, and insuie me the means of supporting
myself and family I shall go with you, and if all turn out
as I expect I can bring out from BanfT and Aberdeen,
shire, in course of the second year, at least from 80 to
100 families with plenty of means and appliances to boot.
With regard to my own testimonials of character
and competency, I have only to say that I have beea
upwards of eight years in the north of Scotland and four
years here, in the full exercise of my profession; and, if re-
quired, can produce satisfactory certificates from many of
the most respectable individuals both at home and here.
With regard to professional education I have only to refer

1«

BMIOBATION

to diplomas now in my possession, or to the recordsof ab-
erdeen, Edinburgh, and London Colleges.

If you should think of employing my services, be
kind enough to grant me as early an answer as is possibly
convenient, in order that I may bo able to make early ar.
rangements to meet the occasion.

1 am Sir,

Your most ob't Servant,

Al. Scott.
To Rob't McVicar, Esq.,

I
ft

22nd June, 184 .
My dear Sir,

Notwithstanding I took all the trouble and pains pos-
Bible to see the Honb'le Mr. Sullivan in the course of the
day, I regret to say that I failed. He goes up to-morrow
by the stage, and I shall meet him at Lachino where I shall
communicate all to you.

Your's truly,

Alexander Fraskk.
Mr. McVicar.

_
1 1 f

Montreal^ 23rd June, 1842.
My dear Sir,

Colonel Fraser left this yesterday for the express

nnrnose of meeting Mr, Sullivan atLachine, who, it ap-

j — i- -

TO CANADA.

pears is invested with full power to close a final settlement
or complete an arrangement with the Colonel touching the
settlement of the Huron Tract. The terms and consider-
ations of the Colonel arc so severe that the Government
seems to'cvincc an unwillingness to comply with them, and
it is my opinion that an arrangement between them will not
take place. 1 shall hope to receive a despatch from him
(Fraser,) to-morrow, conveying every particular which
may have taken place between him and Mr. Sullivan, and,
in the event of no arrangement having been effected be-
tween iho p-.vlics, in that case I would wish to consult you
as to the propriety of my following the Governor General in
order to have a personal interview with him in Quebec. It
is to be regretted that the Petition was not presented at an
earlier date ; it is now, however, too late to complain and
we must do the best we can. Will you have the goodness
to say when it will be convenient for you to favor me with
an interview, and with every kind wish believe me, with
sentiments of the highest consideration,

My dear Sir,

Ever your's truly and faithfully,

Rob't McVicar.
Lewis T. Drummond, Esq.,

To the Editor of the Montreal Herald :

Sir,

I feel assured that a fellow feeling will induce you to

devote occasionally a column of your widely circulated

KMIGR.^TION

M j
It

journal to the publication of a few Letters intended humWy,
but with a heart warmly devoted to the iiap|)iness and the
best interests of my fellow-men, to draw tiie attention of
the public in general but more particularly of the nu-
merous Etnigrantg daily disembaiking on our wharves,
to the subject of Emigration into Canada.

When the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, is groaning under the weight of a population too
Jiumcrous to be sni)portcd on their native soil, it would
argue a want of loyalty and philanthropy, in any British
subject intimately acquainted with the resources of Can-
ada, to withhold from the Government and the people,
a full development of all he knows regarding its easy
capabilities of becoming a prosperous and happy home
to all Emigrants, willing and determined to live under
the sway of the British sceptre, and a nursery for rear-
ing up Sons, who both on Jlood and field will add fresh
strength to the parent country, and bind new laurels
around the British Crown.

During last summer, I travelled over a large portion
of the Huron Tract for the express purpose of devel-
oping its various resources, and, after a careful examina-
tion of the capabilities of the soil, with the signal
advantage of the genial climate, for the purpose of
agriculture, and ai the Waters for the establishment of
Mills and Fisheries, I feel it my duty publicly to record
my belief, that, with a iew years fostering care from

TO CANADA.

its Agents, the Huron Tract is destined to become the
Garden of Canada West.

In my next I shall enter into details.

I remain, Dear Sir,

Your ob't Servant,

Rob't McVicAR.

To the Editor of the Montreal Herald :

Sir.

Another season has opened upon us, and the tide of
Immigration seem^ to have set in towards our shores
with increasing force.

The redundant population of Great Britain and
Ireland must find a channel in soma direction or other »
and British North America holds out the greatest
inducements. Thousands of Immigrants have already
landed on our wharves, and in all probability tens of
thousands are yet to follow ere the close of the season.
This might be a source of the highest gratification
to everv genuine Patriot, who ardently desires to see
the connection between this country and the parent State
fixed more firmly, by the prosperous settlement of
persons who, if I may so speak, have been ejected
from the land of their nativity, for want of room or for waht
of employment. But the question is painfully forced upon
our minds. Is this likely to be the case under the
present system of things ? Alas, the answer is apparent.

EMIQRATIOX

Tho experience of years is tlirown away ; and
the year forty-two iimU us as destitute of any system by
wliicli tlie great ends of Immigration ni;iy Ijo attained,
and tlie interests of all parties consulted, as vvc were ten
years ago. It is true that Immigr.uit Agencies have
been cstablislied, at the principal landing places under
the auspices of Government, and sums of money ex-
pended that leave no doubt of tiio good intentions o^
Government on the subject. But tho question stili
recurs, how far the interests of Emigration are served
by tlie means and money at present set apart for that
purpose ?

Tlie present system, if such it sliould be called,
may be briefly stated : It consists in printing a number
of hand Bills, and posting them up in conspicuous
places, directing Emigrants where the Agent's Office
may be found; in putting a few advertisements in the
Newspapers, soliciting information from persons at a
distance, and, in sending poor Emigrants to their des-
tination ; and when the Boatmen have pushed off their
Boat, and the Emigrant is gone from among us, so that
we no longer see his wants, nor hear his cry of disuo ,
the feeling seems to be, that all that is necessary is done
for him. But where is the Emigrant's destination ? Alas,
who can tell ! Does he know it himself, or is the
Emigrant Agent more wise ? Does he know it ? no. Sir,
neither of then ^'.mi tell. .The Emigrant, generally
speaking, is dii /en t*i seek a home in this distant region,

TO CANADA.

oilLcr l.y imin.diat. necessity, or by gloomy foreboding

ol' coming want. ,■ „

l.-cw corno to C:ii.acbi for the purpose of spending a
fortune, but many arc induced to come in tbe l.opc of .
acquiring one, but in wlmt particular way or place the
fortune is to be n.ade, is a subject upon winch he
Eini-rant has scarcely ventured to bestow a thought
lie lurivea in Canada with very little knowledge of
,1,0 Country and with le.s capital. Me fn.ds himself a
strancrer in a strange land, .vithout resource., and without
the necessary information to enable him, to turn his time
to the best account. Then the poor Emigrant leels the
sad reality of his position. He applies for counsel at
the A-encv Office, and he is tliere told he can be forwa.ded
up the Country. He has probably lieard some one say
that By.town, Kingston, or Toronto is a good place, and
tliis is enough to induce him to proceed to the place, to
which his hopes have been already directed. But here
he finds himself surrounded by Thousands who, like
himself, have been attracted to the good place, the sha-
dow flies before him ; thus, Mr Editor, Emigrants are
tossed about from place to place, along the great tho-
rou"hfare of the Province, without any fixed purpose, and
without having their minds drawn to any fixed object,
till sickened by disappointment, many cross over to our
neighbouring States, while not a few, sink under acoumu-

lating misfortunes. . .

1 .shall resume this subject with your permission, and

EMIGRATION

shall in future Letters, point out ths deficiencies in the
present system. I shall also suggest a system of Emi.
gration which I trust shall be found to be strictly practical*
having for its object, the permanent ar.d prosperous settle-
ment of all industrious Emigrants, and at the same time, of
fully securing the interests of all parties concerned. Emi-
gration will prove, if conducted on a proper basis, the
sovereign remedy for our political disorder. It will relieve
Great Britain and Ireland of a useless and redundant
population, and prove the Sheet Anchor of the parent State
by which, this Colony will be permanently and indissolubly
connected to it.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your obedient humble Servant, .

PlIILANTIIIXOPV.

To the Editor of the Montreal Herald :
Sir.

In your Journal of Thursday, I was pleased to find a
long and sensible Letter on the subject of Emigration into
this Colony, signed '-Philanthropy." I enter fully into your
Correspondent's views as flir as they extend, regardino- the
protection and instruction necessary to be afforded by Gov-
ernment, to all Emigrants on their arrival at the Ports of
Quebec and Montreal. The agents at those Ports, capa-
bio of direciing the tide of Inmigration into useful channels,

TO CANADA.

so as to meet the liberal intentions of Government in set-
tlinK theWaste Lands of Canada, must be active, mtelhgent,
and Pliilanthropic men, well acquainted with all the secUons
and resources of the country ; who, thus qualified, will bo
able to direct mor.ied settlers to advantageous locations,
and with necessary Government funds placed at their
command, to forward destitute Immigrants comfortably
to an eligible destination.

It is not at By.Town, Kingston, or Toronto however,
that either of these Emigrants will find it most advan-
tageous to remain, no ; from my intimate knowledge of the
Huron Tract, and of the libera! Terms on which Govern-
ment have decided to settle that part of its possession, I
sincerely advise all Emigrants, especially Agriculturists,
to proceed to Owen Sound without delay, as soon as the
Government has caused to be surveyed and laid out con-
venient Lots of Land, .n which the settler can immediately
commence operations, to build for him.elf and family a
house and home, with lands in his power, to clear for the
reception of the seeds of next year's Crops. Government
has fixed the price of its lands, to those who can pay for
them, at 8s. per acre, but to families destitute of means, «-ho
may chose to settle on the line of roads leading to the
shores of the Lake, Government will grant to anyyo^S
aian over 14 years of age capable of --"^'"S '^«."'i^;, ^^^
acres of land, say a family of five sons who with their father
will receive 300 acres in one block, but I would recom.
mend lo the Government, to grant to the venerable parent

r.MlGRATION

100 acres more, as a provision for the wants of his de-
clining years, and a suj)port to the female members of
his famil3^ 7'lic title deeds for tliis Icnus. I should strong.
]y recommend to bo granted, after the expiration of the first
year's possession, provided the settlers have within that
time, cleared re;uIyfor cropping a proportion of G acres
to the 100. These terms are certainly liberal on the part
of the Government, but its agents must be strictly watched,
and when found ineapabie of discharging the duties of
their office i'oc the public good, let them be discharged*
and their places filled by men competent to meet the
requisite responyihility. Allow me liore to quote a few
extracts from a Sctlier's letter dated Norval, 17th June,
1842 :—

*' I remain as I was when you saw me here, out
" of pay and out of bLVsiness. The Government owes me
" £d2 lis. lid. Tile suulemont, for advances out of my
" own pocket, for the public — good, owes me about one
" hundred pounds, and all monies having been kept back
" from individuals by government, is much to the hurt of
" the prosperity of this section of the Colony, and renders
" repayment to me in the meantime impossible. I hope
*' you will intercede for me, as I would like to get into my
** old situation. My sons and I will go to the Bay, and I
" think as many as 20 Families will follow us, but I shall
" make no movements until I see you",

" The fine Saw Mill you saw in progress at Arthur
has been allowed to stand still and do nothing, ever since

((

j< I I-

TO CANADA.

" October last, upon a mere quibble of dispute belwcu.
" the agent and the person who leased it."

« No sales of land allowed here, and many a man Hart
" to return with the money in his pocket in consequence.
« Many a fine loyalist had to return from this pl^cc,
" Arthur, without having had an opportunity of acquumg
» a lot of land while real rebels of the worst kind, got
" some two, and some three lots each ; this is a liard
" saying, but I think him no friend to government wao
" would not expose such conduct." , , . ,

Previous to the receipt of the above, I had advised a
great number of families, each posse.dng from A-200
to £600 slg, to proceed to the Huron Tract in the Urm
faith, that, whatever lands they wished to purchase would
at once be apportioned to them,-you muy imagme the
painful nature of my feelings, when I contempluio the re-
ception they are likely to meet with. Many others who
have arrived here since, in equally good circumstances
I have been obliged to shun, in order that I might not be
tempted to mislead them. That is bad- enough, but sup-
pose the passengers of any one of the six vessels, .atoly
orted.astaki:,ginat Greenock a full eomplei^n. o^^
Emigrants for different ports in America in such a state
of destitution, as to depend on public Chanty to to
me-ns of subsistence on their voyage across the Allan ic,
Ze anded on the wharves of Montreal, what earth y
"vision has been made for them U see nothing ready
' >. them but misery and starvation, but it .s time

EMIGRATION

1 ' ' ■

! I

to drop the curtain upon such a lamentable picture, and
to implore the Government to look behind it.

I am, Sir,

Your ob't Servant,

A Settlor.
Montreal, July, 2nd, 1842.

Fraserfield, 7th July, 1842.
My dear Sir,

Your Letter of the 2nd instant and that of the Com-
missioner of Crown Lands was received by mo yestor-
day, and I lose no time in sending you a copy. From
its contents, you may judge how unpleasant it is to be
kept in a state of suspense. I could not find the llon'ble
W. Sullivan previous to my leaving Montreal, neither
did I meet him at Lachine, else I would have written to
you. iMy own opinion is, that the Council will deter-
mine to keep the new settlement under their own mis-
management, rather than grant me the conditions I have
asked, and without which I shall not undertake it. Under
these circumstances, it will be more prudent for you and
I to refrain from holding out any encouragement to in-
tending settlers to that part of the Province. The mo-
ment the decision of the Council is communicated to me,
I sliall inform you of the result

Believe me to remain in haste,
Your's truly,

Alexander Phaser.

Rob't McVicar, Esq.

TO CANADA.

and

Crown Lands Department, 4tft July, 1842.

Sir

' I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of u
Letter addressed hy you to His Excellency, on the 21st
of June, 1842, which has been referred to this department ;
and to acquMint you that as it embraces so mucii new
matter, it cannot be disposed of without submitting it to
the consideration of the Council, which cannot be done
until the members re-assemblc at Kingston.

I have the honor to be,

Oil ,

Your most ob't servant,

John Davidson.

The Hon'ble Colonel Fraser.

- , - Montreal, liUh July, 1P<1'^-

My dear Drummond,

Having wearied my very soul out of patience nwait-
insr vour return, now that you have arrived will you do
^1 the favor t^ say at what hour this evening or to
morrow morning, I can have the pleasure of seeing you,
as I have much of importance to communicate, iho
Government will not grant the extent of Colonel Fra-
ser's demand, consequently he will have nothing further
to do with the Huron Tract Settlement. There are hun-

¥'l\

ESflGRATIOIf

dreds ia the field about soliciting what he has refused. His
support he has promised me. My wish is to see his
Excellency in person. On this point your advice is m-
dispensable and no time is to be lost. I sincerely trust
your amiable mother and Cousin are enjoying the blessings
of good health, and with every good wish,

I remain.

My dear Drummond,
Ever your's most truly,

Rob't. McVicab.
Lewis T. Drummond, Esq.

this

ii'M

To the Editor of the Montreal Herald :

Sir,

When Lake Huron and its tributary streams are
teaming with fish, in such abundance as at a very trifling
outlay could easily bo made to supply thousands of set-
tiers, with not only a healthy but a luxurious meal, and
the surplus produce of the Fisheries made a valuable
article for exportation ; when the Shores of the Lake
and the adjacent country are capable of yielding, to tho
Agriculturist, an eligible field where ho may reap a
rich reward for his industry, and when the Home Gov-
ernmeut holds out to the starving thousands, who can nei.
iher find employment nor room to enable them to live on
their natiye soil, a readily available and happy home, m

r-\

TO CANADA.

,hi3 part of the British dominions, on the liberal terms
mentioned in my last letter ; every right thinking man
must wonder and deplore that so many hundreds of Emi-
grants are daily landed on our ^vharves. and afterwards
huddled together in such masses with such miserable
accommodation as is sufficient to breed a pestilence, and
that our Provincial Government does not see the immodi-
ate necessity of providing a safe and quick transit for all
Emigrants to the place of their destination, where lands
ought to be ready to be apportioned on a day s warning
to both the mDnioJ and the poor settler.

The distress I have to day witnessed at the Emigrant
Sheds has induced mo hurriedly to pen the foregoing re-
marks, and my only motive for so doing is the ameli.
oration of misery to my fellow men. The same feelings
prompts me to suggest to the Government the necessity
of its interference, in protecting the public against the
accidents whieli so frequently occur from high pressure
steam Engines. It has long been known that the danger
of bursting between high and low pressure Engines is as
41 to one. Your details of the awful and heart rending
ci'rcumstances attending the blowing up of the Shamrock
yesterday, must plead my excuse for troubling the Gov.
crnmont with the above suggestion. ■

Yon will soon hear from me again, mean time

I am, &c., &o.,

A Settler.

10th July, 1842.

EMIGRATION

Montreal, IQth July, 1842.

My dear Drummond,

I was twice at your oOice yesterday. At the time of
my first visit you were engnged, at my second you were
absent at court. Your contemplated interview with liis
Excellency will, I am satisfied, be productive of much good,
not only to my personal interests but also to the thousands
that are now starving on our shores, as well as to the hun-
dreds of families who, possessing moans, I have been
instrumental in sending to the Huron Tract this season
and who, after experiencing much toil and misery, accom-
pained with heavy and vexatious expense were under the
necessity of returning in consequence of the Government
Agents there having neither the power, nor probably the
wUl, to locate them on land.-^ which they were both willing
and able to pay for Cash down. It is a lamentable state
of things, that that fine Tract of Land on the shores and
vicinity of Lake Huron lies dormant, and has virtually
been a dead Letter to the Crown, sitlce it was purchased
from the Indians during the administration of Sir Francis
Bond Head, whereas by judicious management during a
few years, it might become the most important and valu-
able Section of the British dominions on the Continent of
America. Do draw the immediate attention of his Ex-
cellency to the "Letters of the Settler" in the Herald news
paper, and to those in the same paper signed « Philanthro-
py" and to the Editorial remarks. I am pledged to

TO CANADA.

upwards of a thousand respectable families, both at home
and hero, to see them comfortably located in the land of
Promise. A reasonable renumeration for my services
sufficient to support my family from the appearance of
want, is all that I look for. ■ Should the Government feel
disposed to meet my moderate views, I have no hesitation
in pledging myself, if spared life and health, that before ho
expiration of 'ten years from this date I will have settled to
the satisfaction of the Government and the perfect comfor
and happiness of the settlers every acre of the Twenty
three Townships in the IIa:on Tract. Touching referen.
ces as to character, experience and capability for the faithful
dischar<reofthe arduous duties of an undertalung of such
an important nature, please to direct the attention of His
Excellency the Governor General to the narratives of the
first and s'econd land arctic expedition under the command
of my friend Sir John Franklin, now Governor of Van
Diemans Land. Also to the narrative of Lieutenant Ingal
commander of the exploring expedition via the River ^U
Maurice, in the Summer of 1829. and if further reference be
required application can be made to

The Hon'ble Matthew Bell, Three Rivers.
Baron Grant, Montreal. •,
Alex'r Fraser, Gkngarrg.
Alex'r Grant, L'Orignal
The NcNab of McNab, Otlawa.

«(

((

: n

EMIGRATION

Peter Warren Dease, Esq., Commander of the ex-
pcdition to explore the North West Passage.

Alex'r Buchanan, Esq. Quccn'3 Cauncil, Montreal.
The members of the Bar of Montreal, all the inhabitants
of the County of Two Mountains, am^ng whom I resided
for Ten Years, and to the Inhabitants of all the Scoteh
Settlements in Canada West.

I feel convinced that all your principles are based
upon a heartfelt wish to do good to your fellow creatures,
thousands of whom are at this moment sufiering under the
scorpion lash of neglect and absolute want on our Shores,
and that you will not withhold from Ills Excellency the
information which it is in your power to impart, so well
calculated to enable him to accomplish the important ob-
ject of his mission to this hitherto neglected and convulsea

Province. ,

For my own part, I am as I have ever been ready
and willing to espouse the cause of humanity, and to exert
every energy of mind and nerve of body, with which God
has endowed me, in endeavouring to ameliorate the heart-
rending distress under the pressure of which so man> of
my fellow beings are now groaning.

Soliciting the favor of a few lines from you at your
earliest convenience after your interview with the Gover -

nor General, , _ ,

I remain, my dear Drummond,

Ever your'a faithfully,
Lewis T. Drummond. Esq. Rob't McVicar.

TO CANADA'

Kius^ton, Dooenriber, Tth, 1842.

My dear Sir,

I arrivcl here on Sunday evening, and called on
my friend Mr. Bucl.o-.to, tl>o Deputy Surveyor General,
with whom I am staying, at the B.arding House of Mr.
Warry, WelUn;;ton Dailding,, Wellington Street. On
Monday tnorning I proeeedad to the Government House
and had a long interview with my friend Capt.un Bagot,
I was extremely sorry to find Hi. Excellency S>r C arles
Ba^ot had b.en so iU on Friday that the famdy and Inm-
self thought he was dying ; however, since then he ha»
been daify gaining strength, and Cnpt-n Bagot .n ormed
me that he was glad to hear of my beu.g here bah.
Physician thought I had better defer see.ng hun fo. a day
or two. Lady and the Mis.es Bagot were very kmd and
friendly. I called there again yesterday twice ; when l.o
he expressed the kindest anxiety to promote my mterest
as much as he can. I find i>e never saw nor heard of
your application, he thinks it will be des-rable for mo o
proceed to Toronto and see you and the land, and re-
Lrt to him if it is salubrious and free from Swamps,
which he is informed is one great fault ; howe^^r, he says.
he should depend upon my judgment of it. have men^
tioned the appointment of an Em'gra.t Agent and sta ed
Jour experience, qualifications and .eriU, and f-m w -
\ can learn I think you may have an annual Grant of
Land in addition to tlio fixed salary j but this .s to be pr.-

f V

I Hi

EMIGRATION

vate ag no appoiatmcnt will ba m:ule at present. Col.
Antrobu^ CiK-d to wi'ito ina an orJor on Capt'n Jones, tho
rroviuicial Sjcrctxry, for nny account of £17 4 4, but
he not bjuifj'luro C.ipt'n Bagot wait3 his return from
Montreal, and it having coat mo to Kingston between
£1: and £') moro than I cxpjctcLl, having to travel by
eleigli nftcjr sotting out, I shall fuel much obliged by your
enclosing to mc, per return of post, 15 or 20 Dollars; and
please to write particularly whether you will meet mo at
Toronto, or if I .shall proceed to your farm. If you could
also send t'le stick for His Excellency I think it would bo
a 'n-atifyin'' remembrance to him. Do not fliil to enclose
to me, and write per return of Fir^t Post', hoping you
found iMrs. MjVicar and your family all well, with best

respects,

I am, my dear Sir,

Your's respectfully,

J. TiMMIS.

Rob't McVi':^ar, Esq.,
Village of Nerval.

Kingston, 15th Decemher, 1842.

My dear Sir,

After a long interview which I have had with Mr.
Morin, of the Crown Lands Office, and naming the dis-
appointment which numerous families and individuals

iiiijl

TO CANADA..

Col.

39, tho

4, but
from
itwecn
vcl by
»y your
fs; and
mo lit
1 could
3uld bo
encloso
ig you
th best

flMMIS.

r, 1842.

ith Mr.
the dis-
lividuals

experienced who were invited to the Huron Tract for
Settlement by the roprescntutives of tho 1 1 onoraUo Co-
lonel Fraser and his Agents from no agent being there
authorized to reeeive the monies, for such purchases as they
chose to m:ike, and locate them on th. L'uuls ; and that
there are now 150 to 200 headn of Families at St. An-
drews and its vicinity waiting in su<prn.e, since my
arrival, orders have been given for tlu3 immediate survey
and layin- out of 12 Townships ; and as I liave named
your great experience and ju.lgm.nt in such matters,
and named tluit you would undertake an agency, I am
told you must make application, if you really wish it, for
altho' Cap. Bagot will exert himself to promote my views,
and a recpicst from him has its proper wel-ht, tho Go-
vernmnt vou must know will not hu trill .d with. I have
the satislUction of seeing that the Townshii)s oF Hagot, Peel
and Yimmistown, is laid out, and my fri.n.l B.uchette 19
now occupied by the T.».va o( Bagot to b. immeduitely
laid out. I wrote vou last week of my arrival, and to
know if you wished mo to proceed to Toronto, and also
requesting you to oblig. m ) with Vo or 20 Dollars per
return of Post, as Colonel Antrobus' Salary is not yet
receivable, and you have not attend.-d to any one request.
You will oblige me by enclosing the above amount of
Cash, and name if you wish me to proceed to Toronto as
according to the Governor's wish we may judge of the

EMI6RATI01Y

Land from the Timber. Waiting your attention with
tUe needful,

I am, dear »Sir,

Your's respectfully,

JOSIAH TiMMIS.

Rob't McVicar, Esq.,

Kingston, December^ 30/A 1842.

My dear Sir,

Your favor of the 20tb is duly to hand,

and I presented your order upon Mr , who says

he willpay it as soon as he can and siys ho has written you.
1 have been desirous to procure Aylwin's interest to pro-
mote my applications to the Council, and as he met me
on my return on Monday from the Government House
and very cordially invited me to visit him, as he had heard
of my being here, I have since been with him at his house,
and this morning accompanied him to his office, and had a
long discussion with him, in company with Mr. Lafontaine,
to urge the immediate Survey of the Huron Tract, and
the inefficiency of the agents now there, and the tender
of your services to undertake that most important duty.
They wished me to see Mr. Morin again, the Commissi-
oner of Crown Lands, with whom I have since had a long
eoDversation ; he was extremely courteous and promised

fO CANADA.

»■(' ■*, 1

ET^wn

with to promote my views in any thing that will benefit th»

Province . I read to him an extract from your letter
discribing the fertility of those parts, with which be wai
much pleased, but stated as there was an Agent at Owen
Sound and another at Garrafraxa, you had better look over
one of the Townships that you thought best for your
friends, and make a written application to be laid bcfora
the Council as the appointment would be one of greater
responsibility than you seem aware of, and large sums of
money will be paid into your hands. The Council say
you will have to give securities to the customarj Amount.
Col'n Anlrobus has not yet sent his order on Capt'n Jones ,
and of course I shall have to wait the arrival of my friends
here. I must thank you for your Polite invitation to your
dinner party, but wish to finish the business in hand hero
before coming on to your place. I am very glad to m-
form you that the Governor is recruiting in health very
nicely. I wrote your Brother to accompany me to your
place a fortnight back, and ho seems as prompt a corres-
pendent as yourself, for there is no reply from him yet.
With respectful compliments to Mrs. McVicar and
your family, as well as to yourself, and wishing you a
happy New Year,

1 am, my dear Sir,

Your's respectrullr,
To Rob't McVicAn, E^q. ^ Tnuiis.

Ill

EMIGKATION

Kingston, January 5ih, 1843.
Dear Sir,

I had the pleasure of seeing Captain Bagot
this morning, and ain very glad to inform you that hia
Excellency is getting in pretty good heaUh again, he has
gone out in liis slei,'.'ii. I find there are such numcroua
appUcation for the Crown Land Agencies; and those for
Arthur and Sydenham Townships heing ah'cady filled ;
from the Commissioner having handsomely promised that
you shall have the choice of any Township you wish,
as mentioned in my letter to you, as there aro 8 more
Townships on the road laid out between Sydenham and
Arthur ; you had better determine on one, and come here
on receipt of ihU ; as Mr. Bouchcttc will kindly give you
every information on his maps ; and it is likely he will
go to the Saguenay below Quebec very soon, and I intend
to accompany him. I think the next Township to Arthur
will be best for you, as you might have your store there,
and for your fiiliing you could purchase a Town Lot for
£>b at OwcHVs Sound, and place your Brother there or

else De la Ronde. Mr. has not been able to pay your

order ; but his brother, Captain is coming down from

Toronto to collect his freight accounts, and you had better
come with him and he will furnish you with such funds
as you want. Now I must request your iuunedmie aUentlon
to tliis, or else Mr. Morin will give the appointment to an-
other ;and I perceive by your Brother's writing that he is not

TO CANADA.

'ds

Competent. I therefore shall expect you on return of the

Mail if Captaur has set out, and bring any documents

with you that may promote your interest, also do not forg^.t
the Governor's stick. Th-ie is about to be some cl,ange
in the Council. I fiad 1 am too late for this day s M:ni

and have therefore been to Mr to see if hi. brother

had arrived, and he appears to think from your nesWctnig
to write him. as you aught to h.vc done, tV.at yo.> n>ay he
,,,0 car. les- or indolent to attend to your intero3t hero with
the Government, after all my exertions and a|,|.Ucat,onf
for you -. shonM this bo the case, as I shall not now come
on to Toronto, I rr.u^t request you to wrilc me por return
„f P..st, s. ch excuse as you judge proper, lo exonerate
mo from any blame in ibr'.nally applying to the Uouncu
for von, as' Cupt. Bjgot was yesterday very uKiu,s,tivc
il-votu iudgracnt of land was to bo depended upon. 1
iee'l that mv honor and credit are at stake, i:i having re-
,,rescnted your qualiiieations and competency ni i.mcli

strong terms. , „ , <,

Mr. Bouchette says that the mouth oi the Saugme
River Townships will be best for you, now lymg out.
Relying upon seeing you per return of Mail,

I am, dear Sir,

Your's sincerely,

J. Tdimis.

Rob't MoVicar, Esq.,

BMIGRATION

Sir,

Kingston, I6th January, 1843.

Having taken an early and lively interest in the wel-
fare and prosperity of the new settlement, at present form-
ing under the auspices of Government, on the Shores
of Lake Huron, and been actively employed during the
whole of last summer in sending settlers there, I beg
leave to tender my best services as an agent to settle with
respectable families one or more Townships fronting on
the lake and bounding on the Saugine River. Having
traversed a considerable portion of that country made
me acquainted with its soil, fisheries and resources.
Touching respectability of character, talents and the ne-
cessary qualifications required to discharge successfully
the important duties connected with an appomtment of
this high trust and responsibility, permit me to solicit
reference to the accompanying documents, also to Sir
John Franklin's narratives of his first and second Land
Arctic Expeditions, and the narrative of Lieutenant In-
gall, 15th Regiment of foot, of his Exploring expedition
via the River St. Maurice, during the Summer of 1829.
Should any further recommendations be required, refer-
neces can be had to

The Hon'ble Matthew Bell, Three Rivers.
Baron Grant, Montreal,
Col. Alex'r Eraser, Glengarry,
Aiex'r Grant, VOrlgnah

TO CANADA.

The NcNab of McNab, Ottawa,

Peter Warren Dease, Esq., Commander of the ex.
pedition to, and Discoverer of the North West Passage.
Alex'r Buchanan, Esq. Queen's Council, Montreal.
The members of the Bar of Montreal, all the inhabitants
of the County of Two Mountains, among whom I resided
for Ten Years, and to the Inhabitants of all the Scoteh
Settlements in Canada West.

I am acquainted with the English, French, Gaelic
and Indian Languages, and am also a practical Farmer.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,
Rob't McVicab.

The Hon'ble. A. N. Morin, }
Commissioner of Crown Lands. S

m< r

•■

Kingston, 22nd January, 1843.

Sir,

I trust that the subject of the present application will
justify the liberty I thus take in addressing you a second
time. My domicile is in the Village of Nerval, a distance
of 214 miles from this place. From thence I was called
down here by Mr. Timmis, merchant in Quebec, for the
express purpose of waiting upon you, and receive my ap.

EMIGRATION

nointmciit as agent to settle ouo or more Townships in
tlie Huron Tr:ict, as you will sco by his letter to me bear-
ing date l")f!i instant.

Tho piiniul tlisappointmont which T experienced at
not finding an appointment ; ■ or mo on iny arrival
here, can be more easily conceiv.J tlian described. Im the
present state of the road.:i, the journey from and to Norval
is liarassing and dangerous, not to mention the heavy
expense unavoidably attendant on so long a route. I
have a large Family to support, and my circumstances in
a pecuniary point of view are not so good as they wore
a few years past, I am therefore but ill prepared to meet
disappointments and expenses of so vexatious a nature,
particularly after the trouble and exprnse I was at during
last summer in sending settlers to Owen's Sound. Under
these considerations may I solicit the favor of your having
the goodiiess to oblige me with a reply in writing to my
letter of application of tlie lOth instant, in order that I
may be enabled to take the necessary measures in di-
rcctinrr the ulterior movements of tho numerous families
who where and still are making preparations to follow
me to the Huron Settlement.

I know how unreasonable it is to trouble you with a
communication of this kind, at a time when you are over-
wlielmed with business of importance, but your own expe-
rience hath long ere now taught you that how trivial
soever the affairs of a private individual may appear

TO CANADA.

4«

to the public, they are still of importance to himself and
every one expects to escape neglect.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,
Your most obedient humble Serv't,

Rob't. McVicah.

Hon'ble. A. N. Morin, ^

Commissioner of Crown Lands, ^

Kingston. )

Government House, March eth, 1843.

Sir,

I beg to forward to you the papers. &c., belonging
to Mr. McVicar, which 1 have read according to your
wish, and which bear testimony to the high character of
the owner. Tlie Governor General's state of health quite
prevents me bringing his case under notice I regret to say.

I am surpr' ;ed and annoyed at seeing some letters
from a Mr. Timmis to Mr. McVicar, who appears to have
made use of the Governor General's name and my own
in a way that he has not the smallest authority, and most
perfectly unwarrantable, never having seen him at King-
ston but once then without reference to any thing he states
in his letter. I feel it necessary in consequence to put
myself in communication with Mr. Morin, the Commis-

:ti

EMIGRATION

sioner of Crown Lands as he miiy have lakcn the sam»
liberty tlicro, and I rocommcnd you to guard I\Ir.*iMcVicar,
against liis placing too much con(klenco in him. Should
Mr. McVicar not be "oinj; to leave Kingston, I would
gladly see him if such should be his wish.

1 have the honor to be,

Sir,

Your humble and obedient Servant,

M. Bagot.
To Thomas Hammond, Esq.

Kingston, March iSlh, 1843.
Rob*t McVicar, Esq.,
Sir,

Having witnessed such scenes of misery and distress
for many years past among the poorer class of Immigrants,
who are by far the greater portion of the number that
yearly land on our shores, as were indeed calculated to
harrow the soul of every philanthropist, and call into action
every feeling of deep sympathy in their favor, I havo
been led to investigate the cause, and to endeavor to dis-
cover an antidote for those evils which, I am sorry to
say, are daily on the increase. After mature deliberation
and close application to the subject, I find that no less
than a simultaneous burst of public indignation is likely

TO CANADA.

to rouse tho authorities of the land to adopt measures
for preventing a recurrence of the evils of llie past ; there,
fore, Sir, tho sooner something ean be done fur that
purpose the better. I take the liberty of addressing you
on the subject, h-.ping as the friend of the child of adver-
sity, from the interest which you have always taken in
the Immigrant's welfare, and the settlement of the waste
Lands of"the Province by a hardy and Loyal population,
that you will use all your abilities and induence yourself
and every efljrt to enlist into the service, men of talent
and inHuence from every part of the Country, in order
that overwhelming evidences may be produced to expose
the folly of the present system, if such it may be called,
of Immigration, as also the Land selling and granting, to-
gether with the miseries to which poor Immigrants are
subjected after arrival here, and the vexatious delays and
disappointments which thwart the purpo'.es of such Immi-
m-ants as may arrive with some means; delays and disap.
pointments which eventually induce them to cross tho
lines, to add fresh State and Territories to the already
too widely extended Republic. As it is my intention to
trouble you with a series of letters on this subject, I will
merely draw your attention to a few lamentable facts
which indicate "something rotten in the state of Denmark,"
something wrong in the policy presented both here and
at home as regards Emigration ; a policy which entails
a train of miseries for years on the poor and ignorant

'it

EMIGRATION

i'^

l^:^'

Immlgrnnts, who listened to the speechifying syrens of
Imnligration. U is a fact in the first plico, that while tho
Colonial Govornincnt sells no land under 8s. per acre,
and that under stipulations beyond the power of the indi-
gent settler to comply with, having only a few months
allowed him to pay the whole amount. Agents remuner-
atcd by government, private comj)anies and individuals,
travel from the Dan to the Becrshcba of tho British Isles,
urging these poor people to leave their ancient houses,
where indeed they find but little encouragement to remain
and Emigrate to the feitile wilds of Canada, where they
may in a few years live in indepcndanco and comfort.
Endless forests lino and fertile, swarming with deer ; Ri-
vers and Lakes abounding with Fish, overshadowed with
trees, abounding in sugar growing on land requiring no
manure, and so productive as to exceed belief, are painted
in such fanciful and fascinating colours and passed before
the eye of the imagination, with such skill and elTect as
almost enough to set the poor creatures frantic with joy
at their expected prosperity. But, mark the result ; fam-
ilies divided in expectations of soon meeting again in the
arms of love and comfort, every thing is sold that is
not required for the voyage to pay their passage, and
the remaining portion of the money laid out in provisions
often less than will serve them on the ocean, in full ex-
pectation that on arrival in America employment is easily
and readily obtained, wages ample and money plenty ; that

TO CA.NAD.V.

lands arc choai) and easy of access ; terms of payment
most liberal, mid clearing theiorest an easy matter ; but,
alas ! once Ituided at Que bee, the delusion which drew
them iVom home is vanished alter being led by it, as by
Uio [gnis.Ihtuu.s to the boys, and marshes of troubles and
diiricultic-s of a new order requiring years of hard la-
hour, present privations and future perseverance, reso-
iutions and industry to overcome, flush with hope and
confident of immediate commencement to prosperity the
poor Emigrant loaves his flimily on the whaif and calls
on the Emigrant Agent whom he thinks has every pow-
er of making'him happy ; but, behold, he is handed over to
another at the next port, by a line or two of writing," and
a few pounds of Bread and Pork, and so on from one to
another, till tired of going Westward with no better en-
couragcment, he sinks down in despair, cursing the day
he Mi his native home, or crosses the linos to the United
States, throwing oif his shoes the dust of his allegiance
iu the face of this portion of the British Empire, vowing
to raise his arm against it, whenever a collision takes-
place betwixt both powers, and why 1 Because he was
disappointed at firsc, and next rejected by the Colonial
Government, which prefers keeping millions on millions
of acres in the state of native uselessness, and which may
be unproductive for half a century to come, than to give
the moneyless and working man a few year's credit, or
make roads into the bosom of the forest whereby such

M 'fl

EMIGRATION

as could purchase land would have a chance of reaching
it. Ihe prcs(int system of land granting and selling is
quito impolitic, and very injurious to the pn sperity of
the Country ; it would be far better to warn Kmigrants
from leaving their homes, if they could not avail them-
selves of the terms which Government offers them, than
laying out thousands of pounds yearly for their convey-
ance and sustenance, till arrived far in the West of Can-
ada where they are allowed to scatter like sheep without
a shepherd, on the mountains of want and dificulty, and in
danger of falling into the mire of despair, whereby they
arc forced to cross the lines in anticipation of a better
fate, and from which place, however willing, they cannot
retrace their steps. Thus, Sir, is the Canadian Govern-
ment turned into a nursery for bringing up hardy labour-
ers and soldiers for their rivals the Americans, all from
the pet notion that laying out money in making roads in
the forest is not economical ; and that it is unsafe to trust
the hardy loyal Emigrant with £40 worth of uncultivated
land, which land if left so for a century would not be one
copper's worth of help to the country. I see that Mr.
Merritt, in his letter to Lord Stanley, asserts that the pro-
duction of the soil is the true wealth of the country. Gov-
ernment seems to admit the fact, but does not adopt the
principle. Leaving this part of the subject for another
day, let me draw your attention to the misery to which
such poor Emigrants are exposed, when left on our

TO CANAtJA.

4»

caching
)lling is
erity of
ligrants
1 ihcm-
m, than
convey,
of Can-
without
, and in
by they
a better
r cannot
Grovern-
lubour-
ill from
roads in
to trust
Liltivated
t be one
hat Mr.
the pro-
. Gov-
dopt the
another
) which
on our

wharves unwilling to go further, and obliged to sock
charity when employment is not to be hud. Familici
are broken up and scattered over the country among
strangers, exposed to every evil temptation never to meet
again with their former innocence. Families young, mo-
dest and virtuous, are exposed to the idle guze of tho
profligate and licentious ; and to answer their unfeeling
and impertinent interrogatories, much to the conluin-
ination of their morals, and finding themselves disappoin-
cd and left for days and nights on the wharves, feel them,
selves degraded, and consequently get careless of their
conduct or character ; and hence the great change which
takes place in their morals, after arrival here. I shall
leave tho darkest shades of this picture untouched until
another opportunity, as this communication is merely a
rambling introduction to a series of letters which will
follow.

I remain,

Your's respectfully,

The Tourist of the Woods.

Kingston^ March 2lst, 1823.
Rob't McVicar, Esq.

Sir,

Having in my letter to you of the 18 inst. brought
the miseries of deluded Immigrants under your notice,

,.fe ;

EMlGRATiOxV

'III

earnestly soliciting your aid in bringing the matter before
un enlightened public, with the intention of enlisting
general sympathy in their behalf, and if possible to effect
a change in the system adopted by tne government for
the disposal of the Waste Lands in this Province, as also
to induce the Home Government to take into serious
consideration the great importance of concocting measures
wlicrcby Emigration mny prove a bcnrnt instead of a
curse to the parent ylate, as wrll as to the Emigrants
themselves. I now beg leave to drav/ your attcaition tn
a few facts which, if well understood on the othicr sidr-
of the Atlantic, would open the cyo^5 rf the British Pub-
lie to sec plausible reasons, little thought of before, foi
the uhenation of British feelings wliich increased by dc
grees in this Province for years, and ultimately burst
forth in open Rebellion, a Rebellion which was supresscd
through the loyalty of thousands whose British feelings
drevv them round the British Flr.g to protect its honor,
while the usages they received in tliis portion of the
empire, were sufiicient to overcome tlic most devoted
attachment to the British Crown, if that enthusiasm which
British Subjects feel towards their country's power and
(rlory did not, in a peculiar manner, outvie that of most
other nations. Facts, Sir, which would satisfactorily
explain the cause of that inveterate enmity, which thou-
sands of british born Subjects living in the United States,
bear towards the Government of this country. Great

TO CANADA.

5r before
enlisting
to effect
ment for
, as also
> serious
neasnrcs
ead of a
niin;rant^i
(uition to
ihcr side
lish Pub-
^•fore, foi
;d by dc-
2]y burst
mprcsF5ed
1 feci in us
is bonor,
m of tbc
t devoted
sm wbicb
)\ver and
it of most
isfactorily
lich thou-
ed States,
y. Grea t

indeed, must the loyalty of that man be, who can with-
stand for many years want, misery and neglect, in the
land of his adoption, and that land British; while fo-
reigners receive the cordial support and patronage of
high officials, in posts of honor and lucrative situations,
in preference.- Great must the loyalty of that man be,
that stands the brunt of national ingratitude and scorn for
years, and the denials which cause him to seek a liveli-
hood in an enemy's country, and swear fealty to a foreign
power ; whose aggressions were repelled by the loyalty
of his forefathers, whose blood has been sacrificed at
the shrine of British Glory, and is forced to say concern-
ing this Province something similar to what our Saviour
said to this world. Plac; hunting loyalty finds favor
and support ; Foreign speculators meet with encour-
agement ; and Anti-British feelings, lucrative berths and
places of honor ; but the loyal son of a loyal British
subject cannot get a place to rest his head on, nor a foot
of land on credit, if he happens to be poor, on which to
employ his strength, and by industry realize comparative
indcpendance, by which in a few years he might become
its legal possessor, increasing not only both the true wealth
of the country and the demand foe British Manufactures,
but the Power of the British Nation. It is a fact, Sir,
which defies contradiction that, once, Upper Canada stood
a monument of British Loyalty and of unparalleled attach.

.inl

ill

'a J

BMIGRATION

ment of a neglected Colony to the Parent State, unequalled
in the history of latter days ; and yet how are its defenders
treated, and their friends and countrymen used, on seeking
an asylum here from the hardships which they suffer in
their native land, arising from a superabundant population
and scarcity of land for cultivation ? In reply, 1 may refer
you to the Act of Council which puts the waste lands
beyond the reach of the poor Immigrants, being tanta-
mount to prohibitory duty on all Loyal or British eubjects
which the public Statesman, the Patriot and the Philan-
thropist endeavour to introduce for the double purpose
of relieving their distress at home, and for the other
beneficial purposes I mentioned above by which means,
a liberal system of land granting or selling, and by the
expenditure of a few thousand pounds yearly, in getting
the Immigrant's interest watched from the time he leaves
his ancient home, till settled in a new one here, a second
British Empire of a loyal and contented race, glorying
in the fame of tjieir fathers and their fathcr-land, would
be formed or created here ere many years, whose power
would equal its parent worthy of a Crown, and a King
of England's Royal Blood to wear it; an Empire, Sir,
which would, following the steps of its parent, spread
honesty and honorable principles, moral and religious
sentiments, the spirit of improvement and adventure; moral
and political integrity, together with the blessings of arts
and sciences, and civil and religious liberty over the

TO CANADA.

Western World. But it would appear, Sir, to a casual
disinterested observer, as if the minds of the present
rulers of the land were too contracted to harbour any
idea, as that such would be possible, but it appears to
me from the experience which I have had in the matter
for twelve years past, as if it were the thing most to
be dreaded even under every restriction which can be
put on its progress. I could have mentioned many who
have fullen victims to the notions of certain Officials of
the Coloaial Govufument regarding Emigration, and many
more whose praiseworthy endeavours to settle the Wilds
with sturdy ani even wealthy settlers, were frustrated
through stumbling blocks thrown in their way by sorno
of the Government's Officials; but I need not go further
back than the settling of Owen's Sound, and the Lands
by the Garrafraxa Road. How many thousands, Sir,
have been disappohited and disgusted with the manner
in which that has been conducted? how many thousand
enemies to British power {aid rule has it made of loyal
eubjectS; and how many more is it making daily ? With
what feelings of indignation, do all men of honor or of
honest principle receive the intelligence that such shuffling
has been used between Government and its Agents, as is
capable of depriving the poor man of not only the prom-
ised chance of purchasing the 50 acres adjoining the 50
of free grant, but the Grant itself, and all the labour and
expenses laid out upon Which, opportunity is to be taken

' ' ''ll

■M

■ 1

ij.

f 1

* :

' ■"■ \

advantage of in the poor Emigrant's not being able to
pay cash down, for the said adjoining 50 acres. Heavens !
is such conduct understood in the least by the poor Emi-
grant at home? certainly not; nor was it by me when -I
encouraged them publicly to come and take advantage of the
offer. What will bo their disappointment on arrival here,
or the feelings of such as you nnd 1, who took some pains
in urging them forward, and how many more enemies
will it make to the Britiali Nation ere another vear. Jf
your own loyalty had not been of the highest order, how
could it withstand your disappointments on finding that of
the two thousand four liundred families which you had been
mainly instrumenlal in forwarding to the IJuron Tract
last year, poscssing wealth to the amount of £350,000,
to expend in purchasing land and cultivating that fertile
soil, few if any remained after t lie sacrifice of time and
means which you have made to the cause, but returned
disappointed and disgusted with the Agents of Govern-
ment and Government itself, wreaking vengeance against
them and packing up their all. crossing the lines, crying
" What have we to do with Victoria or the daughter of
the Duke of Kent, come, let us pitch our tent in the camp
of her enemies ; " and so they did, to the present loss to
the Province of £250,000, besides a much greater loss
on a further time both in money and protectors of the
soil, a greater loss by far than the desertion of the soil,
tt greater loss by far than the desertion of an entire Reg.

TO CANADA.

able to
savens !
)r Emi-
when I
e of the
\\ here,
D pains
nemies
ar. Jf

3!', llOW

that of
id been
I Tract
50,000,

fertile
ne and
3turned
rovern-
against
crying
hter ol"
i camp
loss to
er loss

of the
be soil,
e Reg.

iment of hired Soldiers; but this is the policy of the
Canadian Government, and who dare say nay. The pro-
diice of the soil being allowed on all hands to be the true
wealth of the Country, its increase and its prosperity ;
hence it follows that the producers, if British subjects,
bound by bonds of gratitude to the Government are its
strength and bulwarks, the greatest pledge Britain can
have for its remaining long an integral part of herself,
and a guarantee for employment of her manufacturers at
home, and her stability as a great nation abroad ; yet, sir,
all this is risked for the sake of fostering the pet scheme
of the Canadian Government, for raising a fund for pre-
tended present necessity by demanding 8s. per acre, for
the waste land they have to sell, almost down ; by which
more men and money leave the Province yearly, than
would maintain the glory of Britain single handed, ere
but a few years in this country, against any force our
neighbours could raise, which desertion from the Province
comes two fold against us another day.

I have many applications from my native land for
advice regarding Em^ration, and all I can say is that I
was informed lately at the Crown Land's Office that the
best way of settling the country was to allow it to settle
itself, by people paying for their lands and finding roads
for themselves. I had at the time the offer of 800 heads
of respectable families to settle in the rear of Idngston,
who could pay for the land if roads were made and agents

EMIGRATION

on the spot, to locate them on the lots apportioned for
their ultimate destination and permanent homes, none of
whom will come by Quebec but for the sake of a cheaper
passage from home, free conveyance and rations from the
Government till they got pretty far West, so as to require
little time or expense to reach across to the Western
Hemisphere.

Your's respectfully,

Tun Tourist of the Woods.

Kingston f 6t/i, Apriff 1843.
My Dear Sir,

Now that Sir Charles Metcalf has arrived, no time
is to be lost in submitting to his consideration all tho
documents in your possession illustrative of the important
object you have in view ; and in my humble opinion it is
quite unnecessary for me to write one word more on the
subject, or for you to collect any other information till
such time as his Excellency's opinion may be had relative
thereto. If the evidences you are to lay before him are
not sufficient to rouse the mind of so highly talented and
so able a Statesman, and according to all accounts so
good hearted a man, no other eff)rt of yours, or of such
as feel as you do, will avail anything. 1 feel so confident
that his Excellency cannot fail to make further enquiries

TO CANADA.

ned for
none of
cheaper
'rum the
require
Vcstern

Woods.

L843.

no time
ail tlio
iportant
on it is
1 on the
ion till
relative
lim are
ted and
unts so
of such
)nfldent
iquirle^

that I am fully of opinion that you will have ample oppor-
tunity of bringii)g before him such a mass of inforniution
regarding the evils which heretofore were so fruitful of
baneful consequences to British power in this Province,
arrising out of an irregular Immigration and impolitic
system of settling the Waste Lands of the Province as
will be the means of affecting very important change's,
unless, he like others before him, may be led to disregard
truth unless emanating from higher quarters. I cannot
for a moment doubt that his Excellency is well aware of
the great importance of the preponderance of a loyal
population in this province ; the manifold advantages to
be derived from settling the waste lands, with a hardy
and industrious people ; even should they be all poor,
but much more so, if mingled with a proportionate number
of small Capitalists, of which there will be no lack should
proper encouragement be holdout to them.

The great evil rests in too many of them coming out
here yearly, and being obliged to go to the United States
in search of what is denied them here : thus draining us
of both a physical, mental, and monetary strength, thereby
gives a compound ratio of power to that of our rivals.
We have Agents encouraging Emigration travelling tho
British Isles, overcoming the minds of the people with the
most flowery speeches, containing the most logical whole-
• ealc reasoning on the subject, calculated to attract the
attention of not only them, who erasn at every thino-, that

EMIGRATION

is''
■If

■!)■■

is likely to afford thcnm relief through industry, but even
such as are living in comparitive independancc, who for-
gake their native homes in search of a Paradise in Canada;
but what is the result? they meet with disappointment,
lose all faith in British Philanthropy, public engagements,
and honor ; and steer their course to the far West sworn
enemies to the land of their Fathers ; and is it any won-
der? what have all the Immigrant Societies organized
through the province done in the cause of those Immi-
grants who arrive through the persuasion of eminent
orators, and on whom they depended on their arrii^^l
for guidance, information, aid and protection? nothing,
absolutely nothing ! When they looked for such bodies,
all the information which they could find concerning them
was that they were organized, but never had gone into oper-
ation!!! Where were the extensive tracts of fertile sur-
veyed land, were the Poor were to have Grants, and the
men of means hnvo advantages of purchase? Where were
the Roads loading to the unsettled portions of the Country
which offered ony chance of location to the swarms of
houseless, homeless, moneyless and friendless families
yearly arriving, entirely dependant on the generosity of
Government? wliy, Sir, all these things were merely on
paper, preparatory to being transferred to the flice of the
fore.st. What are the Emigrant Agents able to do, to
whom the Immigrants are recommended and on whom
they depend? nothing further than to inform them that

but even
who for-
Canada;
lintment,
gcments,
st sworn
ny won-
rganized
36 Immi-
eminent
' arrival
nothing,
1 bodies,
ingthem
ntooper-
tile sur-
and the
)re were
Country
rarms of
families
osity of
erely on
;e of the
3 do, to
n whom
em that

there is plenty of Land to be had in the Province from
83. upwards per acre, but in general unaccessable for want
of Roads. That the C mada Company are able to give
more favorable terms than the Government, from which
they purchased their lands, and if they proceed 3 or 4
hundred miles more to the West, if they have no means
they, the agents, will give them conveyance and bread
and Pork till they afrive there, or to some Pojt where
work m:iy be had. In the name of all that is good ; what
kind of policy is this, or what is the poor Emigrant to
think of a country whose Government with more than
sufficient Land to contain the redundant population of
Britain for centuries, listens with a deaf ear to the cry
of the poor Emigrant, and who through false economy,
leaves the vast untrodden regions of fertile soil unap-
proachable to both rich and poor !

I have seen them at home, sir, in all stages of want,
poverty and misery ; for I made it my duty to travel for
two years for that purpose in a capacity which afforded
me access to the Elalls of the great as well as the Cottage
of tlie poor, yet I never saw any thing capable of drawing
a bitter tear from the eye for the distress of strangerg
than I have witnessed here.*

* As it may 1)6 observed in a pamphlet that was published
in Edinburgh, on the changes that took place in the County of
Biitlierland (Scotland,) entitled McLeod's Letter?, and although there
has been an afemp^ made to suppress their circilafion by the local
Bgents of that noble house, there was no effort made to contradict
any one solitary fact therein contained,

, ■!

EMIGRATION

I have travelled through Canada and the states, and
I know the general feeling existing on the subject, and 1
hesitate not to say that it weakens British Power, love,
and loyalty on this Continent, more than all our rivals the
states could by any other means efTect. I have as you
know edited a journal in English and Celtic solely for the
benefit of Immigrants for 18 months, through which I
could draw settlcirs for hundreds 6f thousands of acres
yearly to the country, but seeing that they came only to
fill up our neighbour's territorifis and increase their com-
merce and revenue to our disadvantage, I discontinued
it in utter despair, but if you will be more fortunate than
such as followed the same tract before, it will be a source
of gratification to yourself but of much more importance
to the welfare of the Immigrant and British Power in
America. That you may succeed, is the earnest wish of
my heart, and if my feeble aid may be of any importance
you shall not fail in receiving it, meantime I remain

Your's respectfully,

The Tourist of the Woods.

[emigration]

For the British Whig.
Mr. Editor,

In my addressing you I would emphatically call to

TO ClNADl.

ates, and
ct, and 1
^er, love,
•ivals the
3 as you
y for the
which I
of acres

only to
eir com -
ontinued
late than
a source
portance
Power in

wish of
portance
lain

Woods.

h Whig.
' call to

the consideration of the British puhlic, the immense im-
portance of the subject of Emigration, upon which many
useful letters have already been written at ditfercnt pe-
riods ; yet, as there is a dormant spirit showing itself in
the Canadas, as to its proper working by a regular system
for the occupation and settlement of the Waste Lauds,
through the opening of Roads, with p oper agents to whom
the Emigrants must be referred to have such location of
Land apportioned to him for his immediate settlement,
a system which I am pained to find is little if at all atten-
ded to, I would ask what right has the Canadian Govern-
mcnt, through its agents, to encourage Emigration, unless
they couple with encouragement to the Immigrant, atten-
tion to his wants on arrival here, in forwarding him to
such land as he may wish to settle either through purchase
or free grant ?

Mr. Editor, as I am aware that your attention is
directed to the well being of mankind, you will not, I trust,
consider it intruding on any portion of your valuable
time, that I should hereafter trouble you with commu-
nications respecting this serious subject, but altogether
important to the future welfare and prosperity of this
valuable appendage to the British Crown.

Aeboeicos.
Kingston f 3rd Aprils 1843.

>,i

EMIGRATION

,«■■ *>

To IIi.s Excellency, The Right Ilonorublo Sm Ciiaulm
TiiEOPiiiLUd Mktcalf, &c., &:c., &LC.,

The Memorial of Robert Mc Vicar, Esq , &c., &;c., at
present residing in the Village of Norval, near To-
routo, Canada West,

Humbly SuiiWETii :—

That the well earned rcput'ition acquired by your
Excellency in the various other portions of the British
Dominions which has graciously pleased your Sovereign
to confide to your care, for a careful and attentive regard
to the best interests of the Crov/n and the prosperity
of the connnunity at large, induces your memorialist to
approach your Excellency on the present ocasion.

The subject which your memorialist thus ventures to
bring under your Excellency's notice, so soon after your
arrival on our shores, is of such vast importance as fully
to plead in excuse the abruptness of his appearance before
you, so immediately after the cares and fatigue? of your
voyage and to furnish in itself a suflicient apology. Your
Memorialist earnestly trusts, in coming before you with-
out the preliminary ceremony of a personal interview,
in submitting most respectfully for your Excellency's
careful perusal, the accompanying correspondence, com-
munications and suggestions, on a matter of such vital
interest as well to the Province of Canada as to the Bri-
tish Empire, to which every sincere Patriot and well
meaning Philanthropist will unite in giving a cordial and

a:s=?=r:

(S^c, at
ear To-

by your
) British
overeign
3 regard
rosperity
rialist to
I.

itures to
'tcr your
5 as fully
;c before
of your
'. Your
ou with-
iterview,
^llency's
;e, com-
jch vital
the Bri-
Hid well
dial and

candid investigation, j^our memorialist can truly intimate,
that nothing but a most elevoted attachment to the
British Ci\)\vn, n most earnest wish for the prosperity of
this valuable colony, a deep anxiety for its ])ermanent
continuance as an integral portion of the Empire, a sin-
cere regard for the success of a wholesome Immigration
i'or the permanent welfare, tem[)oral and spiritual, of the
immigrant, and a fervent intc^rest that unfortunate portion
of his fellow countrymen at home, who have for years been
depressed in their circumstances. Nothing bulthese pow-
crful conciderationj;, your memorialist would repeat
could have induced him to address you on such a mo-
mentous question which may be treated by others more
competent than himself, but by none more zealous, or
more devoted to its prosperity. These were the motives
which induced your memorialist instantly to attend to tho
invitation of a confidential friend of His Excellency Sir
Charles Bagot, to appear here to accept tho agency of one
or more Townships then to be surveyed, in reference to
which your memorialist takes the liberty of calling your
Excellency's attention to the communications addressed
to him by Mr. Timmis, and his letter to Mr. Morin still
unanswered. But as your Excellency's Memorialist feels
confident that, upon the fair consideration of the question
depends the misery or happiness of the thousands that
annually leave tho British Shores,, he h.opes your Excel-
F

' -'I
, r

'11

,ii

EMIGRATION

lency will excuse the liberty ho has taken, in addressing
you at a moment when so many matters of importance
will no doubt for some time continue to engross your
valuable time ; and should your Excellency feel desirous
of acquiring some knowledge of your Memorialist's po-
sition and standing in society, and the character he has
hitherto borne in British North America, your Excellency
will find ia the subjoined correspondence that he has re-
sided the greater portion of his life in these Colonies,
that he had the honor to be connected in a more or less
degree with the first and second Land Arctic Expeditions
to the Polar Regions, to which the published narratives
will bear ample testimony, and that during the unfortunate
commotions and disturbances of 1837 and 1838, he took
an active part in suppressing these outbreaks and main-
taining the supremacy of Her Majesty's Crown in this
Colony, in all of which lines and positions he trusts he has
done some service to his Queen and Country, thereby
entitling him to be considered as one whose interests in
the welfare of the Province arises from no sinister motives,
but springs from a pure sense of loyalty and philanthropy.
That your memorialist has witnessed with painful
feelings of regret, for many years past, many causes
whose effects bear heavy on the prosperity of the Pro-
vince, and which still exist although they might be very
readily and easily removed, causes which if not attended
to in due season, may prove more injurious to British

[dressing
portance
►ss your
desirous
list's po-
r he has
:cellency

has re-
^olonies,
! or less
)editions
irratives
brtunate
he took
id main-

iii this
3 he has
thereby
rests in
motives,
ithropy.

painful

causes
iG Pro-
36 very
ttended

British

! ill

Interests than any of the political commotions which
have hitherto occured within the limits of the Colony.

Your memorialist would consider himself wanting
in duty to his beloved Sovereign, to the Country of his
adoption, and to the cause of humanity, were he to omit the
earliest opportunity of bringing the matter before your
Excellency, and to submit copies of various documents
bearing strongly on the subject to which he solicits se-
rious attention.

That the subject of the disposal of Lands, that are
public, by sale or grant, and that of Emigration have for
many years past attracted much of the public attention
both in Britain and in Canada, yet in reality nothing has
been done to remove the numerous evils to which the
thousands of Emigrants who annually land upon our soil
are exposed, nothing to foster a systematic Immigration,
or to abolish an impolitic mode of disposal of the waste
Lands of the Crown. These evils so far from diminution
are on the increase, steadily though perhaps impercep-
tibly corroding the very strength of the British Power in
North America, while every attention is bestowed upon
the discord of parties and factions with the benevolent
view of restoririg an order of things which will produce
amity and concord among people of different origins, poli-
tics, a,nd feelings, and lead to the security of British power*
a course which would more particularly lead, to such re-

Ill II

ll!l>

suits and destroy every hope of an ascendency of an anti-
British feeling, is ahnost wholly overlooked.

Your Memorialist considers this will be found in an
efficient system of Emigration, whereby loyal British sub-
jects might be encouraged to settle in this eountry, and
a liberal system of laud granting, suitable to the wants and
circumstances of every healthy, hardy, and industriouf^
Emigrant from the country. The present sy>tein is in
the opinion of your Memoriali-.t, one of the greatest stum-
bling blocks to the cause of Colonial prosperity, and the
nurture of loyalty and attachment to the Crown, and this
principally on account of the lands being withheld Worn
the poor Emigrant, unless he is prepared to pay eight
shillings per acre in Cash, for want of agents sufliciently
interested in the Immigrant's welfare and capable of bear-
ing fatigue of mind and body in seeing them settled in
the remote Townships, from t!>e absolute absence of pas-
sable roads to and from the piincin.il market-towns, owin<j-
to these clauses thousands of Emigrant:} and Copitalists
leave the Province with disgust, and become setth^rs with,
in the already formidable territories of our rivals of the
United States ; oven after the great majority of them have
been provided for and conveyed at the expense of our
Government to the different ports of Canada West, while
agents from this Provinc(j are traversing the British Isles
^ from one end to another encouraging almost every class
of Emigrants to leave their native Shores, those who are

TO CANADA.

an anti-

d in an
ish sub-
ry, and
mts and
ustriouf^
m is in
it stum,
xnd the
\nd this
d from
y eight
iciently
)f bear-
ttled in
of pa5-
, owing
:>ita lists
's with.

of the
m have

of our

, while

h Isles
»

y class
('ho are

itidaced to take sucli a step, find on their arrival, their
hopes disappointed, every resolution is paralized, and their
loyal attachment to their legitimate Government so severely
tested, tliat ixi too many instances they remove to anothor
land, claim the protection of a foreign power, and swear
fealty to a rival authority. To such an extreme point
has this evil extended its influence, that no further back
than last 3-ear, over 2000 families which your Memorialist
had guid:?d to the) Owen Sound settlement, at a great sac-
rifice of time and means, have left for the United States
with means to the amount of £250,000, and deprecating
the Government of this Pruvince as the cause of their
disappointment.

Your Memorialist's feelings on this occasion may
more readily be imdgincd than describe d, while millions
of acres are lying waste, and uncultivated, and even un-
surveyed, contrary to the promise of Government, upon
which a population might have been settled that would
have afforded two full regiments of loyal subjects, now
seeking a home among our rivals.

Your Memoiialist would beg leave to refer your Ex-
cellency's :.ttention to page ^5 of the accompanying man
uscript. Instead of such neglect and apathy rearardinff
the distressing circumstances in which these loyal people
are placed after their arrival here, every attention should
be paid to their wants, every care should be taken to- en-
courage them to remain in this Province, and to induce

<5Q

EMIGRATION

their friends to follow them. And this is humbly sub-

ynitted.

Rob't. Mc Vicar.
Kingston^ April 16th, 1843.

King Street, April 18th, 1843.

Captain Higginson's compliments to Mr. R. McVicar,
and begs to say that by desire of the Governor General,
Captain Higginson will be happy to see Mr. McVicar on
the subject of His Memorial, to day at four o'clock, or to-
morrow, at 11 or 12.

Rob't Mc Vicar, Esq.

t5ir.

The more I look into the subject of Emigration the
more I see the necessity of bringing the matter before the
immediate attention of the Governor General, of making
the British public conversant with the great resources of
this country, and with the means and modes to be adopted
to make them available for the general good both of Emi-
grants and the British Empire. When I take into con-
sideration the hundreds of thousands of pounds periodically
distributed among the starving thousands of redundant
population of the British Isles merely for, I may say,

TO CANADA.

ly sub-

VlCAR.

843.

sVicar,
reneral,
icar on
, or to-

;ion the
ore the
making
irces of
idopted
jfEmi.
to con-
)dica]Iy
iundant
ay say,

momentary relief, or at most a temporary one, and great
as these sums are, yet they are scarcely sufficient to keep
the poor from actual starvation, and no sooner one supply
for thousands is distributed, than a fresh call under the
most appalling circumstances is made. I say, wlien I take
into consideration the great probability of the continuance
of the same, I feel surprised that some effort is not made
by the British public, on whom such demands fall as a
voluntary tax of a heavy description, and which is likely to
continue so, to relieve themselves by degrees of such a
burden by paying for the passages of so many thousands
yearly, and applying to the Imperial Government for a
grant of Land for such persons, or for land on terms at
least as favourable as the Canada Company now offers.
But I do not see any reason vhy two or three millions of
acres should not be of more benefit to the British and
Colonial Government given as free grants, or at any rate
on easy terms to such persons, than to allow such land to
stand unproductive for a Century to come- The district
in the neighbourhood of Owen Sound if I remember well
contains nearly two millions of acres, where the whito
man has not as yet cleared an acre, and when I look at
the vast tract of country lying between the Georgian Bay
of Lake Huron and the Ottawa River, unsettled to within
a few miles of Kingston, a tract, through the centre of
which water communication extends uninterrupted, with
exception of a few portages, to the Ottawa, I feel aaton*

1 1

EMIGRATION

imn

m.n

ished at Emigrants coming here to sciik Wild Land as
an asylum from the misery which they suffer at homo,
for want of work or land whereby to raise the means of
subsistance being refused land under 8s per acre, and
that to be paid within a f<i\v months.

This idst mentioned tract cannot contain less than 50,
0:'0 acres making every reasonable allowance for Lakes,
Rivers, Rocks, and mountains as represented on the maps,
the half of which will not, under the present system of
land granting or selling, be settled for at least two or three
centuries to come. Why then should not a road be made
from Kingston to some point of the above mentioned
water communications, betwixt the Georgian bay and the
Ottawa, and give Emigrants 50 or 100 acres all along
the route at proper distances, say of two or three hundred
acres, leaving the rest in Government hands to bo sold
to such as may be able to pay for them; many of whom
no doubt would bo glad to do so whoa such settlement
should take place, guarantc^eing to them labour at a cheap
rate from the poor who should be settled there. Why
should not the same be done in the Owen's Sound Tract,
more especially v/hen by such a system the land in a few
years would increase in value and price, so far beyond
its present value, as to be sufficient to cover any loss
which might be supposed to arise from gruating or selling
at a low rate every three hundred acres on each side of
the principal Roads ; should these two Roads be settled

TO CANADA.

Land as
it home,
leans of
;rc, and

than 50,
r Lakes,
ic mans,
astern of
or three
be made
}ntioncd
and the
11 along
hundred

bo sold
>f vvhom
ttlemcnt
a cheap
Whv
\ Tract,
n a few
beyond
nv loss
' selling

side of
I settled

in this manner, two extensive fields for operation would
be opened to the poor Emigrant, and to the capitalist
and speculator. Thc3 country would ere many years
settle far into the Interior, forming a formidable reserve
in time of war, of able bodied and faithful subjects, who»
from the present system, are compelled to proceed beyond
the lines, from whence they may pour tiieir force upon
us at a future period, for the gross tieglect with which
they were treated on their arrival in Canada.

I would ask any sensible man the question whether
it would be more profitable or beneficial to this Colony
and to the Empire, to have three or four millions of these
acres of Waste Lands settled by a loyal, hardy, and in-
dustrious race of people to the amount of 50 or 100
thousand, leaving in the course of two or three or four
yearS; six times as much for six tinifs as many, who
would pay for it, and embark t'.eir capital in various
ways in these reijlons, tiiaii to have !h{)>e same Lands
unproductive, while the dkstaiit scttlcrnonts of our neigh-
bours swarm v.-iJi di-ap})ointed British suljjects.

It is my opinion ii" Government continues the plan
of allo'.virjg the L.;\nd to settle itself, that it will never be
settled unl<>ss the yXnioricans tala^ the lihertv of doino- it
some day wlujn {».i[>iia i-^ j^UiinjIiii;]^ .-v.-r iu>r interest,
and with'ir.'ovs hor so'fiiery from t'u> Province; yes, and
when peojjle will get ho disru.vtod at ihet^e measures,
which deny th( i:- cjuntrymen a chance of settlino-, that

IH-

EiMIGRATlOX

they will be careless in repelling the aggressions of tho
enemy, particularly when the majority of them, may b©
those very friends of theirs who left this Province dis-
appointed. Would it not be a wise policy of Britain, to
adopt measures, by which she could safely depend on the
number of her yeomen in Canada, as well as on their
loyalty, without being under the necessity of sending
troops from home ? would it not be a wise policy of lier
to look forward to the day when, by a proper system of
land selling, of making great Branch Roads into the
uninhabited Regions, and by such other measures aa
would be found expedient by the wisdom of her nobles,
. she might place a Vice-Roy of the Royai Blood to rule
over this country"^ by laws suitable to it, as ruling by
Governors seems to be any thing but satisfactory or
successful ?

These matters which I wrote at random, I beg to lay
before you, that you may digest thorn properly, and bring
them into notice in which ever way you may think proper.
Your's respectfully,

The Tourist of the Woods.
Kingston, 18th Afrilj 1843.

Sir,

Kingston^ 29th Aprils 1843.
In compliance with His Excellency the Governor

TO CANADA.

i of the
nay bo
ce dis-
tain, to
I on the
in their
sending
r of l^r
stem of
nto the
ures aa
nobles,
to rulft
ling by
;ory or

I to lay
id bring
proper.

Woods.

1843.

overnor

General's request, imparted through you to me, I beg leavd
to submit for his information the following plan and sys-
tern ; to provide for Immigrants and others, and for the
successful settlement of the Waste Lands of this imporf ant
Colony, now lying a dead letter to the British Crown,
which I have embodied in as small a compass as the
subject would permit with any degree of clearness, sufR.
cient to render it susceptible of being properly understood
to advantage, or used as the Ground Work of a plan of
such national importance, as I feel assured it is in the
Power of Government to make it.

But^ previous to my introducing my plan to the notice
ot His lixcellency, I consider it absolutely necessary to
explain the evils arising from the want of a regular system
being established, and that in as ^ew words as possible
having already had the honor of laying it at large before
Ills Excellency. Leaving the evils to which Emicrrants
are generally exposed, for the want of a proper system of
Lmigration being adopted in the Mother Country, from
the time they leave their native homes until they are
landed in Quebec or Montreal ; great as these evils are,
I shall proceed to point out those to which they are
subjected on arrival here.

In the first place, they are landed on our shores full
of hopes and expectations, dreaming of happiness, cnjov-
ment and prosperity which they have been led to believe
were assuredly awaiting them, through the representations

CMIGRATIO.V

I I

mide by ageiil . •r'-nn f.liis country encouraging thcni to
emigrate Ikto, n*^ .iiu whom tlrjy understood were ap-
pointed by Gjvornmynt or sanctioned by it ; and lio\r
could they otherwise think, when the British Press daily
pours forth its eulDgituns on <hc praiseworthy exertions
ofsucii individuals, and the muniiicence of the Canadian
Government, which granted to the chief of the Apposllesol
Canadian Immigration Fine hundred pounds for his able
services in the cause, and when it had been published from
one end of the British isles to the other, that Immigration
Societies were forward in all parts of the j)rovincc, to act
in unison with liis efforts to make the Emigrants comfort-
able on their arrival here. But, alas, no sooner are they
landed on our shores, than ever vestige of iheir anticipated
prosperity and happiness vanishes, as, in the first place
those fertile lands which they expected would be granted
to them on terms suitable to their circumstances, are pla-
ced beyond their reach, through the means of the present
•ystem, no lands being granted undt^r 8s. per acre whether
it be accessible by roads or not, and that 8s. per acre, or
£40 for each Lot of 100 acres, to be paid down, or at least
within a very few montiis. I would here beg leave to
solicit His ExcolKuicy to meditate for a few moments on
the feelings of these poor and helpless people, who thus
disappointed after pushing their way up this Country, aro
compelled to seek daily labour at such wages as any one

TO CANADA.

the 111 to
were ap-
and liow
ress daily
exertions
Canadian
pposlles oi
' his able
shed fjonn
migration
cc, to act
s comfort-
r are they
.nticipated
irst place
)e granted
3, are pia-
le present
Q whctlicr
r acre, or
or at least
; leave to
omcnts on
who thus
untry, aro
s any one

chooses to give thenn in absenco of the Land, which was
their sole object before leaving home.

Heads of Families with their tender babes flocking
around, enquiring of their parents, at every post they ar-
rive, where was tiieir future home, or how far was it yet
away? what must be the feelings of the poor Parents
when unable to reply, post after post is passed and yet
perhaps no emj)loyment, night after night passes away
during wliich, tliey sleep on the decks of crowded steam,
boats, or in the hold of crowded Barges without changing
clothes for weeks, and are finally landed somewhere to
take up their lodgings generally in Immigrant Sheds, much
crowded and full cf disease, where they remain until cm-
l)loymcnt is found for thcai. But how is it generally found ?
It is found by breaking up this hitherto happy and virtuous
family in pieces ; a son is sent to a distance among
strangers, and a daughter young, innocent and inexper-
ienced in the world, is hired out by the month, the parents
know not with whom, or with whtt characters, and the
remaining portion aro obliged very often to remain behind
while the Father goes onward to earn their bread. But
evea hr- d as this is, it could be borne with some degree
of fortitude if there was any appearance of again meeting
by winter, around the hearth of a permanent home, where
even the most simple and scanty morsel could be enjoyed
with love, hope and cheerfulness ; but the present .system

EMIOfiATlUN

,, If

ii I

of Land sottling denies it. I have hero drawn a true
picture of the state of thousands and thousands ofEmi-
giants, who came here through tlic representation made
to them at liome, and who would never have come hero
to suffer as they must do for want of means to purchase
lands, had they known the true state of things.

Let mo next bring before Mi.-j Excellency's notice
another great evil, and that is one whieh falls to the lot
of the man of some little means. He arrives here like
the rest with his eye directed towards a lot of land, he
counts over his 20, his 30, his 40, or even his 50 pounds
which he had husbanded carefully and probably saved
with penurious economy, for the purpose of feeding his
family during winter, and for purchasing a cow, imple-
menls of forest husbandry, and grain to put in the ground
in spring; but mark his astonishment and disappointment
on learning that he must pay forty pounds for a lot of
land, cash down, before he can get " leave to toil" on it,
or rear a cot for the protection of his family from the
weather. His hopes are blasted, he wanders from place
to place for some other mode of living, until winter over,
takes him, during which time (should he have laboured
for money until then) his all is melted away in idleness
for want of land to work on; in spring, poorer than ever, he
resumes his travels westward, inactive in mind and unloyal
in feeling. Often a person of this sort starts at once to
the United States, where he can obtain a lot of land for

TO CANADA.

II a true
of Emi.
on inado
ome here
purchase

's notice

to the lot

here like

land, he

pounds
>ly saved
Lading his
w, imple-
e ground
)ointment
r a lot of
)ii" on it,
from the
om place
ter over,
laboured

1 idleness
1 ever, he
i unloyal
; once to

land for

£20 or £25 of the finest quality, requiring less labour in
clearing, and having the advantage of roads and a settled
neighbouihood, as well as the enjoyment of the company
of many of his countrymen who left Canada from the
same reason.

The next evil which I would bring before His Ex-
cellency, is one which is more hurtful to the welfare and
prosperity of tiiis Province yes, and to the United King,
dom, th:ui to the Immigrant himself; and that is, when
a small capitalist arrives, and wishes to settle in the rear
Township of so.iic certain post he may feel inclined to
choose as his final landing place, and when he finds that
there are no roads made through such Township no agent
to point out lot3 for him, and few if any settled therein,
or prob.ibly the lauds not even surveyed, he follows the
same fuotstc-ps with the Immigrant who went last year
to Owen Sound settlement, and who returning in disgust
to Toronto, meet with thousands of their fc jlow countrymen
possessing extensive means, then on their way to the
same settlemont, who wearied and being disappointed
after hearing the report of tlie former party, retraced
their steps with them and crossed over to the United
States. Such is too often the case, and it can be proved
that about one sixth of the Immigrants arriving here, and
those chiefly of thit class who posess the most means
and who would be of the most importance to the colony,
loavG the Province in this way, and thus enrich and

Il 'I'

EMIGRATIOxV

>i>

Strengthen a rival power. To enumerate the evils
arising out of the present system would swell this doc-
ument far above the size of that already laid before His
Excellency, therefore I will briefly state that sotller.s are
scattered so for apart in many instances for want of
system, that they cannot help each olhc' in health, far
less in sickness. They have no prcachorc>, teachers, or
physicians. Females on certain occasions are, on this
account, lamentable sufiurers. The cause of r(-ligion and
morality suffer by it beyond v/liat people jrenorally have
any idea of. There is a loss of commerce, of trade, and
of military strength in time of war, or otherwise, besides
many other causes too numerous to relate, but which will
shortly be put before the public for their infonnation, in a
work preparing for the press.

I shall simply remark on this heri that the present
system is quite inapplicable to the condition of both
this country and the parent state, and entirely unsuit-
able to the wants of the great tide of Immigration
which is flowing yearly to our shores with increasing
force, I will therefore commence in detail my intended
plan of settling the wastelands of the Province, with a
few preliminary remarks. First, it is evident that it is
Immigration that made the lands which are now settled
in Canada so valuable as they now are, and raised the
Province so high in the estimation of the parent state and
of so powerful a support to the greatness of the Empire,

TO CANADA.

ihe evils
this doc-
jofore Hiri
:;tl]er.s are
' want of
liealtl), far
achers, or
'0, on this
ligioM and
rally have
rade, and
3, besides
vhich will
tion, in a

3 present

of both
Y unsuit--
migration
iicreasinjr

intended
e, with a

that it is
w settled
aised the
state and

Enfipire,

hence it follows that Immigralion, if properly conducted
and if facilities are afforded to the thousands that yearly
arrive, to locate themselves according to their circum-
stances, will continue to produce vsimilar and beneficial
results. iMillions of acres, now lying waste, and unpro-
ductive, will, ere nnany years, bccoi-ne valuable and the
province so increased in power and strength and 1 may say,
impregnable to a foreign foe ; and as happily the Province
is beginning to enjoy a political repose, party and fac-
tious animosities dying gradually away, every exertion
should be made to attach the incoming strangers from
the parent stale to their adopted country, and to retain
both themselves £ind their capital within it, instead of as
is now the case, every thing being kept in a state calcula-
ted to wean away their affections to a rival power. If
the present administration found on assuming the reins
of Government, faUe systems and acts in existence, it
it is no reason that they should not make such improve-
ments and retrenchments in this respect, as they do in
others of less importance. If their policy be, as is set forth,
t3 govern according to the wishes of the majority of the
people, they cannot surely err in adopting a better ^^stem
of settling the Wild Lands of the Crown, than that which
is now become a crying evil, and one which will not fail,
ere many years, to bring forth disastrous consequences.
If Immigration is not required, if the lands are not intent

4 >

i!((:*!-

'"'ff'i

1,1:

II -I

EMIGRATION

ded to be settled, it would be an act of charity in the Gov-
ment, to have it published in all quarters of the United
Kingdom, that the people might avoid the heart-rending
disappointments and suflferings they must meet here on
arrival, and it is a duty which every well wisher of the
Empire has a right to perform, to withhold from our
rivals such vast strength and wealth, as is yearly drained
from it, and conducted through Canada ; therefore I would
humbly suggest to Mis Excellency the following system
of settling the Waste Lands o^ the Province.

1st. To grant to every head of a family from 50
to 201) acres, according to the number of male adults in
each family able to v^rield an axe, and drive a plough, for
a certa'n number of years, free, if not possessed of capital
to purchase ; allowing the settler sufficient means to main-
tain his family for one year and to purchase implements
and grain to put in the ground, under stipulations of pay.
ing for the same in yearly instalments, after the first two
or three years ; when, it may be safely inferred, suste-
nance for the family could be raised from the Soil, for the
weaker portion of the family, while the stronger might
labour on the Public Roads or Gove'- iment Works, a por-
tion of the time, to pay for the Land.

•2nd. In order to fjicilitate the settling of the Waste
Lands, great ch:innels for the tide of Immigration should
be opened to a considerable extent into the interior, in
way of main roads, from the principle ports on the River

TO CANADA.

the Gov-
e United
t-rending
here on
er of the
rom our
■ drained
; I would
[ system

from 50
adults in
>ugh, for
>f capital
to main-
)lomcnts
i of pay.
first two
1, suste-
, for the
r might
5, a por-

) Waste
I should
rior, in
e River

and Lakes, at the extremity of which roads, the nucleus
of settlements should be formed, where a Town, or Village
Plot would be laid out, and a Township or two surveyed,
in which every third or fourth 100 acres should be re-
served by Government for sale, at a future period, when
the increase of settlers and improvements would render
it valuable, like uncultivated land now in settled Town-
ships, the propery of Companies or Individuals, which
lots would, ere many years, be readily bought up by
small capiralists at more money than four or five such
lots would obtain at the first formation of *he settlement.
My reason, for commencing the Settlement at the farthest
ends of the main Roads is, that if once a c^ood settlement
was made there, the eountiy, betwixt that and the landing
place on the Lake, would sooner fill up and realize hight
er prices to Government.

8rd. Agents of the proper cast, should bo placed
in such Townships, with an assistant each, to point out
the lots to the Immigrants; and such agents and assistants
to be paid for iheir services, partly by land in thrir re-
spectivo Townships, on which they were to be permament
settlers, thereby adding confidence to thv- energy of the
settlejs, and fidfillitig their duty to the GovernmVnt more
faithfully, with more convenience and less trouble to fhem-
selves. Such agents to be men ot Philanthropic feelings,
of energy, mental and bodily capabilities, and fif not only
to point out the lots to the settlers on paper, but also on
the face of the forest itself.

'f'l*

a )

if, I.

! '■-

ill I

EMIGRATION

4th. To place Immigrants, who might have come
from the same scciion of country at home ir. one settle-
ent for the first year or two, that they might have an
earlier opportunity of having ihcir own teachers and phy-
sicians, two thirms, the Want of which, are seriously felt at
first in new setllomonts, and I may add, more so, many
years after, from the neglect of religious and moral cul-
tivation, as well as the want of laying a good foundation
for health.

5th. A good road to fertile soil is the most impor-
tant object connected with the Immigrant's location, to
draw them into the heart « f the forest ; for the want of
which they confine themselves to thickly settled portions
near the great thoroughfare on the Lakeside; from which,
on the least disappointment and inducement to cross to
the United States, thcv will have every fixcilitv of leavinof
British soil for ever. A competent surveyor with a suit-
able party, accom; anied by a man of scientific knowledge,
should proceed to survey the route of suc!i Roads, 40, 50,
or GO miles beyond the well settled parts of the country,
the season previous to its being opened for location, that
it might be ready for next year's Immigrants.

While the party, under the suveyo- are carrying on
their duties, it should be the province of the scientific
individual, not only to examine the nature of the soil and
its productions on their route, whither of timber, fruir,
grass or otherwise ; its geological and geographical struc-

TO CANADA.

lave come
3ne settle-
t have an
s and phy-
usly felt at
so, many
moral oul-
foundation

ost impor-
^cation, to
le want of
d portions
om which,
cross to
of leaving:
'ith a suit.
:nowledge,
h, 40, 50,
e country,
ation, that

irrying on
scientific
le soil aiid
ber, friiiT,
ical struc-

ture, at least along the line of roads and its vicinHy ; but
also, to see that the said surveyor and his party prosecute
their business energetically and faithfully; as from the evils
now arising, and the losses that have been sustained by
the Province, through the neglect of surveyors, their care-
lessness, delays and inaccuracies are' of a magnitude
not to be overlooked. Vast sums of money have been
expended toaio purpose, and parties have been known to
be left for days together idle, while the surveyor has amused
himself by hunting, fishing and visiting Lumberer's huis
at the public expense. Tn opening such a road, another
party of able men should follow, who were born or lived
for some years in the country, and who were well ac-
quainted with clearing the forest and making such roads
as the party with the overseer would direct such Immi-
grants to perform, who migiit want tc mporavy en:;->loy-
ment, befoie tiiey proceeded towards a location, or were
waiting until such :i tract of country could be opened.

6th. Temporary Huts should be erected on this
line of roads, lor the accomodation of these parties while
m.ikiiig the roads, at certain distances to suit their conve-
nience, with an acre oi Innd to be cleared, which huts
would, next season and every succeedii;g season, be found
exceedingly ^r^rviceahle to Immigrants on their arrival, an
temporary re. idences for the first season, until they could
during the v/>nter prepare others on the lands allotted to
them, in the ycttlomcnt or along the road ; the acre of

EMIGRATION

ll'l

it '

cleared land to be prepared, to raise potatoes and such
Other vegetables as are known to come to maturity in
proper season, even if not planted until the middle or the
end of June. This temporary dwelling would be of in-
calculable benefit to young and weak families, along with
an acre of ground , thus affording the same relief yearly
to incoming families. The hut to be erected and the acre
of land to be cleared, both by the first settlers, at the
government expense.

'Till. The expenses attendnnt on this, would be but
small, comnored with the benefits arising from it ; and
more so, when it must be borne in mind, that such loca-
tions would afterwards sell at greatly advanced rates : but,
should they not, a small rent might be charged during
their temporary residence, to be paid in money or produce",
during the three yiiars they were to occupy tiieir perma-
nent locations, without pnying any instalments.

8th. As mills are of the utmost importance to new
settlements, the government should cause them to be erect-
ed and lease them or afford such advantages to Capitalists
by lease or purchase, as could not fail to enlist their en.
terprising attention,, and advance he completion of such
works or contr;ic!:s, to be entered into, to have such mills
completed according to certain plans and at a given time,
under penalty of forfeiture and fine.

9th. Thf chief Immigrant agent, in such a section,
should bo chosen from among persons well acquainted

TO CANADA.

es and such
maturity in
liddle or the
lid be of in-
, along with
relief yearly
and the acre
tiers, at the

vould be but
■om it ; and
t such loca-
J rates : but,
rjred during
or produce,
lieir perma-
s.

nice to new
to be erect-
) Capitalists
ist their en-
ion of such
3 such mills
given time,

h a section,
acquainted

with forest life ; of an enterpnsing character and of Phil-
anthrupic feelings ; of good morul habits and energy of
purpose, well acquainted with all tlie advantages of the
forest and how sucli advantages could be used to tho ben-

of sound judgment,
r, vvho, on examinaljun, is

iO IS
01.0

efit of the Immigrant; one, not only

but of undeniable cliMacte

found to be well acquainted wit!i the subject, and wl

desirous of making himself useful to the strangers ;

who should take cognizance of the conduct °of survey,

ors and agents ; and who is capable of condu?ting

the business efficiently.

10th. Tliat in such places as O^vcn Sound, the Ri.
verSaugine, and the other parts of Lake Huron, which
are known to have extensive fisheries iu their vicinity,
and which require only a little capital and proper man.
agement to produce immense profits to government and
great relief in way of provisions to Immigrants, the chief
agents should be men well acquainted with this branch
of business, who should fee] a pleasure in prosecuting the
trade and who should attend to it not in their offices but
on the open lake as well as on the shore ; and whose ob-
ject would not be to pocket handsome salaries for report-
ing the services of others instead of their own.

As the prosecution of Lake Huron Fisheries are of
immense importance, measures to avail themselves of
their great income should be adopted by government in-
stead of allowing enterprising Americans to carry on a

5i I

EMIGRATION

m
h

lucrative trade of it in our waters and on our very shores,
to the amount of at least one hundred and thirty thousand
Pounds yearly, as lias appeared in the Public Prints, not
much more than a year ago.

During the winter season as well as throughout the
year all the Immigrants who might pour into the Huron
Tract could be more than well supplied with food there-
from. This is no fanciful idea but one which can be well
substantii'.ted.

11th. The principle thing which the Immigrant of
any small moans stands most in need of on arrival, heinnr
a fixed homo after leaving his native one, every attention
should be paid to adopting measures for the purpose. If
settlements of the above description were formed, where
Capita;:;?ls ivould be encouraged to settle, there would bo
no danger of the poorer class wanting employment or
sustenance : and if the poorest Immigrants wore once
located among thsm or in their vicinity, we should never
hear any more of their distress. The most indigent that
we have heard of, who came out in a body, were those,
for two seasons from the island of Lewis, on the west of
Scotland; whojc lives I may say were preserved by sub-
scriptions raised in Montreal and other places ; and who
if not placed on land, would continue a burden on society
to this day ; but from being located among and near
others from'the same part, their distresses were not after-
wards heard of and they are now thriving rapidly. Du,

liVif

ry shores,
' thousand
Mints, not

ghout the
lie Huron
jod there-
in be well

ligrant of
^al, being
attention
■pose. If
d, where
would be
^ment or
ere once
aid never
gent that
re those,
e west of
i by sub-
and who
n society
md near
lot aftcr-
lly. Du,

TO CANADA,

ring the troubles of 1837, and 1838, tho young men, who
to a man stood in defence of the Crown, were known to
sell their rations of beef at a high price and to purchace
oatmeal with tho money, sufficient not only to maintain
themselves, but as many more of the young and nged
males and females of their friends, who were in wa°n{.
Among the older settlers of the Eastern Townships where
they were located, th^y dug Potatoes out of llie ground
at a certain per centago of the produce, by which and other
such means they were enabled to live during winter ; and
such, who had provisions granted them by way of loan,
have paid it punctually and thankfully, and arc now quite
independant of pecuniary aid, such proofs of the little
which a poor f.imily requires, when placed in a home in
the forest, arc suiiicient to urge the adoption of settling
the Immigrants inimodiately on land, instead of "grantino-
a temporary relief by way of bread and pork while con*^-
veying them from one place to another for employment,
without any fixed objec] or place in view ; and who, when
wmter arrives, are left to live on charity, without any
hopes for ppring.

12t,h. As the system is a plain and simple one, re-
quiring no extraordinary outlay or exertions on the part
of Government, farther than to lay out their large stock
of Waste Lands on, as it were, a compound interest for
the good of the Province, I shall merely mention that the

BftliaKATION

I
'i

m'%

system may be summed up in the following few vrords,
viz : —

1st. To grant to all Immigrants who cannot pur-
chase, Land on 5, 6, or 7 year's credit, only charging
them a small sum to pay for constructing the main road
to tho settlement, during the first tliree years.

2th. To open main roads, us before described.

i3rd. To place well chosen agents in their^settlc-
mcnts with one or two assistants.

4th. To erect a certain number of Huts, for the
reception of Immigrants on their arrival, with an acre of
land cleared and attached, on tho line of roads, as stated
in article Gth.

5th. To place Immigrants from the same parts at
liomc, for the first two or three years, in the same loca-
liotis, allowing all who rnr^y choose afterwards, when tho
settlements are formed, to settle where they please,

6ih. To prosecute the Fisheries on Lake Huron,
for the benefit of the provijice, as well as the relief of
do-;titute settlers.

Tth. To send the Irum'grant immediately to his
loiiation on arrival. All that remains for me to do
now, is to show, by the following calculation, the in-
crease of population, by way of Immigration, it would
produce in ten years, as also, the revenue which would
arise from that increase, in way of taxes alone for tWQuty
years, all of which under tlic present system would be

■r

' :r^T-. wa-M. '

TO CANADA.

kw vrords,

annot pur-
Y charging
main road

ribed.
leir^settlc-

ts, for the
an acre of
, as stated

le parts at
5ame loca-
when the
loaso,
ke Huron,
e relief of

:Iy to his
rnc to do
n, the in-
, it would
ich would
for twenty
would be

bst, as two or three years more must put a stop to
linmigrnl.on altogether, under the present system ; the
country having taken an alarm at the increase of paupers
and vagrants, without fixed homes, who are necessitated
to proc a living by every means they can devise bo
they legal and just or not. Crime is on the increase, from
the number that arc thrown on the world without a place
to lay their hearh on, who would otherwise be useful
Hnd peaceable members of society, if located on land. The
yearly expense t) the country, arising from supporting of-
^'udors, 1:1 aiprelicnJing and incarcerating them, and every
other expense attendant on prosecutions, would go a great
lengm in settling some thousands. It has been ascertained,
t.icit the average number of Emigrants, for the last 12
years, was about 32,000 averaging 6,000 heads of fam.
jlies, two.thirds of whom were not able to purchase
land and who were consequenily spread about the coun-
try in quest of labour, and the same number may bo
expected this year, who will be obliged to follow the
«ame tract, and so on yearly, until labourers and mechanics
will exceed the number of employers ; as a proof of this
rnechanicnl and other labour is reduced in price one.*
third and m many cases more, since the commencement
ot the great Immigration of 1840, and the worst is that
there is no employment for one half the number, not
withstanding the reports of immigrant agents, who con
elude than when they get the poor immigrants off their

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

I.I

^1^ m

U£ 1^ ill 2.2

1.8

L25 11114 111.6

.^#

^11

FhotDgraphic

Sdences

Corporation

23 WEST MAIM 5TREBT

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14S80

(716) 872-4503

EMIGRATION

'«v:

hands by findipg them, employment for a month or two,
or three duriqg the hurry of harvesting, being tho ti«ie
that most of them arrive, that they are provided for,
tliroughout the yet^r ; wliereas, proofd positive could be
produced, that the majority of them would have starved,
if the public had not, from charity, supplied them with
sustenance or employment for their mere maintenance ;
so that, it is evident, that they became a burden on so-
ciety or at least arc unwelcome iutrudevs. It is also
well known, that they congregate in thousand^} to the
Puplic Works, both here and in the United States, and
travel from one place to another with their familie8>
without any other object in view, but that of procuring
the scanty necessaries of life, without -looking beyond
the present day ; growing vicious in habits, immoral in
conduct, riotous in behaviour and disturboi-s of ihe peace
wherever they go ; who might, if located on land immi-
diately after their arrival, have become respectable mem-
bers of society. Hence it appears* that 4,000 heads of
families may annually arrive for the period often years
to come,, as was the case for tl>e last three years, un-
able to purchase l^nds under the present system, we
shall at 'thie expiration of that term, have 40,000 heads
of families, equal to 200,000 souls, depending entirely
ovk daily hi?e for sustenance, in addition to as many more
now similarly situated very few of whom can ever save
sufficient to, purchase a lot of land on the only terms

TO CANADA.

or two,

led fyr,
ould be
starved,
2m with
en a lice ;
1 qn so-

is also
} to the
ites, and
familie8>
rocuring

beyond
moral in
le peace
id immi-
)le mem-
heads of
;en years
ears, un-
lem, we
m heads

entirely
my more
ver save
nly terms

now offered, if they should remain in the Province ; the
<5onsequence of which will be, that we shall ere many
years have alarming pauperism, crime and discontent,
productive of the most disastrous consequences ; where-
as by a proper system, before the expiration of ten years,
four millions af acres would be settled at the rate of, as
above stated, 100 acres to every head of a family of 4000
yearly, the taxes of which, according to the following
table, would amount £330,000, at the rate of 30s. yearly,
for each family, being be^ow the average of what would
arise from increase . of stock, Buildings, Qattle, 6(c.

- ■ f

to.
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f .

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EMIGRATION

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M ^

> o

Ctt

OF T
SING

3 ^

(fi

*T3

H HI

•

N YEARS,
EARLY.

P
•-»
CO

i-«t309»^CJ'0«^aO«OH-

o
» » ^ ^ ^ ^ cp

K«JiS^SSSMS.«j;s

1--

(yi

#«.

09 .r-i

•

►

f»

i-t

•^

: >

»<{

tr;

•<

^«

»4^

^^^

TO CANADA.' '

which sum of nearly a million and a quarter of taxes,
would amount to within one fourth of the price put on
such land at present, being for the four nnilliond thus
settled £1,600,000, shewing that the bare taxes alone
would in twenty years be equal to the amount demanded,
cash down, and that 520,000 souls would be added to the
population during this period, retrieved from want and
misery and made respectable Citizens, occupying four
millions of acres, which may be during that period in a
state of nature and unproductive, no mention being made
of such as can purchase land and may settle, the number
of whom would be, at the rat; . assumed for the last threft
years, in twenty-six years, 312,000 souls, in able circum-
stances. The next thing to be considered is the amount,
of mechanical labour required by these 40,000 heads of
Families, who would otherwise be wandering in search
of labour themselves, assuming at farthest that, after eight
years of each successive yearly settlement, each liead of
a family would purchase a Waggon, Harness, two Ploughs,
Harrows, &c,, amounting in value to, at the least calcu-
lation, twenty-five pounds, in all £100,000 for the portion of
each year's immigration, which, multiplied by that of ten
years, would amount to one million of money in the
course of the succeeding ten years ; and if it were ne-
cessary to calculate upon the consumption of British
manufactures, mills &c. the amount would appear worthy
•f trusting the Immigrant with a lot of land, which be

EMIGRA ION

I- i

would ia no way injure but improve, and could not
take away. I Iiavo here merely taken into account the
results of granting land to such as cannot pay cash down
for it, and who are obliged to leave the Province, or
become unprofitable to themselves and in a great measure
a burden to the Province. I mast further remark, that
the trade for British Shipping, arising from their labour,
would be of great value and productive of furnishing Sea-
men for the Britis'-i Navy, sufficient for any emergency.
As this subjcict requires no farther illustration to arouse
intelligent minds to make the necessary investiguion, for
the pm-pose of adopting some system in preference to tho
one now existing. I will conclude by merely saying, that the
condition of thousands of sUch Immigrants as have settled
in the back Townships, at inogular and great distances
from each other and in want of even passable roads, are iti
a state of misery, which is heart rending ; but I shall only
introduce one section, which is that settlement which of
all others should produce the greatest share of comfort to
thd settlers but which, owing lo mismanagement, (to udo
no harder expression) is now in a state, iho most deplo-

rable. ■ "" '■""■ "• ' ■'''"

From the account given of it by the Revd. William

Ryerson, who passed through it, on his return from a

mission among the Indians,! learn that from the numbers

who left on account of the lands not being surveyed

besides other grievances, the few who remain aro neigh-

TO CANADA*

ould not
;ount the
ish down
vince, or

measure
ark, that
r labour,
liing Sea-
lergency.
to arouse
;auoii, for
ice to the
IT, that the
ve settled

distances
ids, are iti
shall only

which of
comfort to
at, (to udo

ost deplo-

I. William
rn from a
e numbers
r surv€y<ed
are neigh-

bourless and unable, in any emergency in which they
maybe placed, to receive the aid of tiicir fellow settlers
at this sfjasoR, owing to distance and unfinished roads ;
and those who have expended their winter's provisions are
unable to reach a market to purchase any thing, and in
some instances thoy received even temporary assistance
from their nearest neighbours, by undergoing indescribable
hardships; in short, such were the scenes that Gentleman
had witnessed, that his feelings were overcome to such
a degree, that his heart felt pangs of sorrow, for the mis.
eries of his fellow men, who were before strangers to
it; the red man of tho woods in his slender wigwam
being many degrees more to be envied. From informa-
tion, through other sources, it appears that the said
settlement would have been, ere now, had the lands been
surveyed, the roads finished, and every* thing done in
accordance with the proposed system, the most flourishing
in the Province. Instead of the 2,000 Families which
returned from it in August with £25,000 in their pockets*
and whothrougli disappoinment went to the United States,
it would now contain 10,000 souls in independent circum-
stances ; half as many more with some small m^eans, to
support themselves for a time, and probably the like
number of poor Immigrants who would find labour and
Bupport among thom. In other parts, accounts have
been received of families, in great distress, and of one

:) !ti

!'» V

■'!

1X5

EMIGRATIOJf

wliich actually starved ta death from absolute want being
at too great a distance from ueighbours.

Having trespassed on the bound? to which I limited
myself at first, and on His Excellency's time, permit nie
to solicit his careful perusal of this Document, which I
trust he will take into his most serious consideration, and
at his earliest opportunity. In the meantime,

I have the honor to be, sir,
Your most ob't and humble seryant,

Uob't McVicar.
To Capt'n Higginson, >
Private Secretary, &c. J

N. B. The annexed communication, a letter to Doctor Rolph
Signed Y, in the Montreal Gazette, dated 22nd April, 1843, which
came under my notice since writing the foregoing, is deserving the
uerio s attention of His Excellency, corroborating my statement
end confirming my views on this Important subject.

i,«3'

Mr. McVicar presents his compliments to Captain
Higginson, and would esteem it a favor if ho would lay tho
accompanying Document before His Excellency the
Governor General, at as early an hour as may possibly
oonvient ; Mr. McV. being unwell, feels anxious to
return to his family at Nerval, near Toronto, a distance
of 2l4"miles from this, having remained here, labouring
under painful suspence, attended with heavy expence
•ince the 13th February last, waiting an answer to his

TO CANADA.

nt being

[ limited

jrmit me

which I

ion, and

nt,

CAR*

different communications to the Crown Lands Office, all
of which remain unnoticed. Ho would, under these sfjvcru
touches of feeling, take it kind of Captain Higginsou, tu
convey to him the opinion and ulterior views of ilis
Excellency touching the subject matter contained in said
document, at any time before four p. m. 3rd proximo, iir
order that he may bo enabled to take his measures cuu-
formably.

Daley's Hotel, 29th April, 1843.

stor Rolph
43, which
jrving the
statement

Captain
d lay tho
ncy the

possibly
uous to
distance
abouring

expence
;r to his

Private Secretary's Office, 2nd May, 1843.
Sir,

In compliance with tho request contained in your
note of 29th. ultimo, I have had the honor of laying before,
the Governor General the communication which accom-
panics it. I am desired to inform you in reply, that His
Excellency had perused with great interest your suggest-
ion for the introduction of an improved system of locating
Immigrants on the Waste Lands of the Province, and to
convey to you his approbation of the zeal and assiduity
with which you have devoted yourself to so important a
subject. His Excellency is unable to offer an opinion
upon a question in which great and varied interests are
involved, without being in possession of all the information
within his reach, and with this view, has directed me to
transmit your Report to the Commissioner of Crown Lands

KMIORATIO.V

for hi3 consideration and remarks. Tl>e attention of that
officer will also be requested, to your letters to h.m that
remain unnoticed.

I havo the honor to be, Sir,

Your obedient and humble Servant,

J. W. OlGGINSON.

Private Secretary.
Rob't Mc Vicar, Esqnire.

Norvat, 24(/i August, 1843.

Ilon'ble Sir, ^

I bo" leave to acquaint you, that I have a few cays
since received intelligeneo of the movements of the sur-
vevin" party you sent out to the Saugine River in the
Huron Tract,' the party were in excellent health and
.pirits, and about completing the survey of one lownship,
■ a report of which will doubtless be transmitted to tho
Crown Lands Office, ere many days will have elapsed.
The season is fur advanced, and the numerous families who
have made arrangements to accompany mc there thia
autumn are very uneasy, and most anxious to reach the.r
destination before the cold weather sets in. in order that
they may be enabled to clear some land to crop in the
8prin<', and build huts to pass the winter in, and take timely
advantage of the M fishing, considerations of great mo-
meat to them, and are applicable to all strangers settling

sri

TO CANADA.

a of lliat
him that

ervant,

GGINSON.

Secretary.

ist, 1843.

I lew dayg
of the sur-
vey in llie
lealth and
Township*
ed to the
G elapsed,
milies who

there this
reach their

order that

crop in the

take timely

f great nno-

Ters settling

in the wilds of Canada remote from old settlcmcnls. Many
families who went to the Huron Settlement lalo lait au-
tLimn, sulFored most severely during the winter Trom cold
and auniiic ; indeed their trials were so great thit they
becamu quite d^scouriigeJ, and cansequonlly uiiuble to
make the necessary exertions calculated to alleviate their
wretclicd condition, even in the slightest dej^rce. Ilenco
the worst description is given of the settlement by these
sufferers, which deters both poor and rich from grjiug to it;
in this way vast numbers oi* wealthy and industrious fani-
ilief^ remdve from the Province to the United Slatca, who,
if they could meet with the least encourogement, wcula
rather settle in any part of the Britisii DomJnicns in
America. In my report to [lid LCxcelleney the Gfjvornor
Generai, to which I beg leave to solicit reiere.ice, this
subj^'.ct U touched upon at some length, I nccii not there-
fore cater into further details here, as that report must be
still in your possession.

Aetu;ited and circum-;tanced as I am at present, bar-
as3ed by counlle.s:} applications from lamilie^ to whooi I
am ple-Jged throughout the Province, you may leadiiy
conceive iiow auMiou^; I rnu?it feel to move for my winter
Quarters where I would wish to bo in time to en iblo me
to make thu necessary arrangements for the seeuiity and
comfort of the party who arc ready to accompany me, as
well ns those whom I expect will follow ; mny I theref ;re
be ))erniitted to entreat that you will have the goodness to

100

EMIGRATIOIf

;y . ~ L^^J^iy *

transmit to me your letter of instruction how to proceed
to, and act after my arrival at the Saugeen River.
I have the honor to be, Hon'ble Sir,

Your most obed't and very humble Scrv't,

Rou't McVicab.
Hon'ble A. N. Morin,
Commissioner of Crown Land.s,
Kingston.

•■I

Norval, I2th Seiterriber, 1843.
Hon'ble Sir,

In respectfully soliciting reference lo my communi-
cation of the 24th ultimo, to which I have not as yet
received a reply, 1 would be much pleased and obliged wero
you to have the goodness to honor me with a few lines
at your earliest possible convenience, in order that I may
be enabled to take my measures accordingly.

The numerous families who have disposed of their
property in the United Province, preparatory to their
following me to the Saugeen River, arc getting more
mpatient in consequence of the season being so far ad-
'vanced, and their capital rapidly diminishing in supporting
their families in a state of inaction, many other respecta-
ble families, possessing capital, who Immigrated this year
after reaching Lake Simcoe on their way to join me in
.he new settlement in the Huron tract, returned on hearing
that I was not before them to locate them on lands. These
. families have since crossed to the United Slates, where

TO CANADA.

101

:'i_:.:_j> »

proceed

icrv't,
3V1CAB.

% 1843.

)mmuni-
as yet
ed wero
3W lines
it I may

of their
to their
ig more
I fur ad-
ipporting
respecta-
ihis year
n me in
I hearing
s. These
!, where

no doubt they will advise their friends at home and abroad
to follow them, hence the immense British Capital yearly
pouring from the British Isles into the United States which
by judicious management might bo retained in the Canadas.
I remain, Hon'ble Sir,

Your most obedient ,

and very humble servant,
Rob't. Mc Vicar.

Hon'ble A. N. Morin,

Commissioner of Crown Lands,

Kingston.

•]

Village ofNonal, 6th October, 1843.

Hon'ble Sir,

I had the honor of addressing you two communica-
tions bearing date 24th August and 12th September last,
which remain still by you unnoticed. I would feel thank-
ful, were you to have the goodness to favour me with a
few lines on receipt of this, and slate whether you received
the communications above alluded to.

And with respect, I remain,
Hon'ble Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,

Rcbt' McVicar.
Hon'ble A. N. Morin,
Commissioner of Crown Lands,
Kingston.

■I

lo::!

£MIGf?\TIO:N

(

ii!

Village of JS'orval, 9ih November, iSA^.

My dear Chieftain,

I was happy to learn through ^^r. James RIcNab,
that vol are in Kingston, and in the enjoy m(int of good
health and wonted cheerfulness of spirits, which proved
a p-rcst source of pic?.sure and satisfaction to your friondrj
in this quarter. On the 9lh ultimo I had the honor of
addressing a letter to your friend Sir Allan McNab, in
which I enclosed an order to receive from the ITon'ble
Mr. Moriri, my manuscript, containing my report which
I have written on the subject of Emigration and settlement
of the Waste Lands of the Province, wliich mmuscript,
in the present state of things, may not prove altogether
undeserving of his early notice and serious consideration,
livery rrue Loyal Patriot, and sincere friend to the pros-
perity of Canada, will deeply deplore equally as I do, the
present lamentable state of th=ugs, and the disgraceful
manner in which the violent and angry debates that took
place in the Legislative Council on the 10th ultimo were
coriducted, having no parallel in the liistory of any session
of a British Parliament, and in theii- pernicious and fatal
tendencies more calculated to create general distrust, des.
troy confidence, and eventually spread the baneful influenco
of a most dangerous and destructive contagion, through-
out this unhappy and hitherto ill fined Province, than any
calamity with which the Inhabitants thereof have yet
been alHicted.

to CANAD4.

103

r, 1843.

McNab,

of jTood

I proved

r IViondrj

loijor of

cNab, ill

rion'ble

rt wliich

!tilement

nascript,

Itogether

deration.

the pros-

I iiiO, the

sicracefu)

that tock

Ima were

y .session

and fatal

U'ust, des-

influBnco

through-

than any

have yet

I am glad to learn through the public prints that
Mr. Sherwood, who perused my Report, brought the sub-
ject on which it treats bofore the Parliament, and supported
the reasonings and arguments therein set forth with his
usual dignity of style and becoming energy of purpose.
Notwithstanding the strong promises which the Hon'ble
Mr. Morin made to mo in your presence, that two Town-
ships near the mouth of thy ^augeen River, in the Huron
Tract, would be surveyed this last simmer for my superin-
tendance to settle, that Gentleman not only neglected
performuig these his solemn promises, but would not even
deign to acknowledge any one of those communications
which I addressed to him on the subject and in which I
clearly and explicitly stated all the arrangements I had
made with the numerous families that were to accompany
and follow after me to the new settlement in the Huron
Tract. Strange as it may appear, still all these my letters
yet remain unnoticed by Mr. Morin although they were
addressed to him on service. This extraordinary breach
of duty on the part of the Hon'ble Commissioner of Crown
Lands, has placed me in a position the most awkward and
painful, even to contemplate. By his criminal neglect, to
use the mildest term, my fondest hopes are defeated, my
time and means wasted, and the best interest of the coun-
try sacrificed to the gratification of private feeling, but
what can we Loyalists in reason expect at the hands of
the author of the 92 Resolutions which brought about the

'%'s-

104

iMIGRATION

p.'

Rebellion of 183V-8, now that be is placed in powerby
the very Government wliidi he struggles so hard to sub-
vert, and to anniliilate its Institutions in Canada. All my
friends who have disposed of their properties preparatory
to tiieir joining me in the Huron Tract finding my posi-
tion with the Government holding forth such cheerless
prespecLs, liavo since crosbcd to the United States, v/here
their friends purpose following them next season. In
this manner is Caifada through the ill-timed policy and
mismanagement on the part of the Crown Land Depart-
ment couverted into a nursery, daily furnishing the Gov*
crnment of the United Stales with additional wealth
and strength which may, at no distant period, recoil upon
the British Government with threefold vengeance, when
it may be too late to discover the apathy with which the
leadin<T Oaicers of the Crown in Canada seems to be at
present so lamentably afflicted.

With sentiments of the highest consideration,

1 remain,

My dear Chieftain,
Your faithful and oblig'd friend,
Robert McVicab.
Tiie McNab, of McNab.

Sir,

Crown Lands DeparimenL 21st March, 1844.
have been commanded by His Excellency the Gov-

TO CANADA.

105

werby
to Kub-
AU my
avatoiy
ly posi-
icerless
, where
on. In
icv and
Dopart-
le GoV'
i wealth
■oil upon
:,e, when
liich the
to be at

ou,

M friend,

VlCAB.

r-c/i, 1844.
r the Gov-

ernor General, to tender you the situation of Inspector
of Clergy Reserves, foa the Western District, and I have
to request you will please acquaint nne forthwith whether
you accept the said situation. The Inspection will be per.
formed joint y by you and George Duck, Esquire, Har-
wich, and will have to be proceeded upon so soon as you
have received the necessary instructions to that ciTect,
and continua without interruption. The amount of allow.
ance to the Inspectors ha^ been fixed 15s. cy. for each
per day, during the whole time they will be actnd'y em.
ployed on this^service, and also for a reasonable number
of days in preparing their Returns. This allowance is
to cover all claims whatever for travelling expences sta-
tionary &c. and to be strictly hmlted to the sum so fixed.
Books of Returns will be furnished by this Department.
It is expected that the iurpectors will fulfil their duties
with speed and in a spirit of economy proportioned to
the limited extent of the funds which will immediately
result from the disposal of those lands.
I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your most obedient Humble Servant,

T. BoUTHILLIEK.

RoVt McVicar, Esq.

ViUage of Norval 25th March, 1841

Sir,

ip^

have the honor lo acknowledge the receipt of your

i':f'

:-4

106

EMIGRATION

letter of the 2lst Ins't, and in reply beg leave to acquaint
you that I accept with every due consideration the situa-
tion which His Excellency the Governor General has
been pleased to ofFer me.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your most obedient humble serv't,

Robert Mc Vicar.
T. Bouthillier, Esq. -

Tovmship of Howard^ 23rd Julyy 18^ft.
My Dear Hammond,

You will naturally feel no ordinary degree of sur-
prise at «iy long continued silence, for which apparent
neglect, I have no plea of excuse to offer beyond a se-
vere trouble of mind, which has not in the slightest
degree diminished since the date of my last communlca-
tion to you from Nerval, parting with my family in a state
of destitution, together with otlier touching and painful
reflections, of a nature altogether so distressing as to pre-
cludo the possibility of silting down with calm feelings to
write to any one, and muoh less to a friend such as I have
considered you to be since I had the pleasure of your
acquaintance. Let me now, however, be permitted to ex-
prefis the hope, that you are long ere this time restored
to tlie society of your beloved family, who, 1 trust, togeth.
er With your good self are in the full enjoyment of the bles-

To CANADA*

107

Lcquaipt
le situfi-
ral has

jerv't,
cVicAB.

and

other

yy 18M-

of sur-
ipparent
)nd a se-
slightest
imunlca-
n a stato
i painful
s to pre-
lelinga to
as I have
of your
ed to ex-
restored
;t, togetb.
rtheblea-

every other accompanying com-
forr reason-ably to be expected, while journeying through
this transitory vale of life 50 full of troubles, pains, and

affliction?.

A few days after my arrival in Chatham I met with
my young a^soi-i^te Mr. George Duck, a very gentlemanly
youth of phuisirig manners and apparently obliging dis-
position, and on ihe 5th of last month we connnenced
operations and completed, as you will see by our Returns,
the Inspecti<m of the Townships of Orford. tViat same
month. We are now actively ( mployed in the Town-
ship of Howard, and expect to complete the inspection
thereof by the latter end of this month. Our duty is very
laborious and painfully fatigueing, travelling through woods
and swamps und(3r the influence of a scorching sun tho'
occasionally under pelting rain storms, my aversion to
Rattle Snakes", which are very numerous in this quart^Tj
renders the dury to me more irksome and unpleasant
than it is to my young friend, and as we advance west-
ward, we will experience greater hardships, and fewer
comforts tlian we have hitherto done While journeying
through the townships of Orford and Howard, we could
always reach a kind of a Public house twice a week, but
these comforts we cannot expect near the shores of Lake
Huron where we must pass many a cheerless, and r||t.
less ni^ht, f'ul aiv' stormy weather, distant from any
human habitation. Speaking trqly and candidly, I mu8^

108

EMIGRATION

!l'tJ

'' t ',

t i ,

.V'
it ,

I •!

k ,

: ^

,ay, that I have been placed in an office, the duties of
Vhich are attended with greater labour and d.fficnlties,
than the Gentlemen at head quarters can by any pos.

sibility be a»vare of, j i- , „f

Although wo have traversed many a good L.01 01
Land in the tract through which we have carried our op-
erations, still we have met in our progress Lots upon
which we found Squatters, correct and hard labouring
families, who, for the articles of food, have been fre-
nuenil driven to the necessity of leaving the mothers and
youngest branches of the families in their wretched huts
and seek for work wherever it was to be found, to keep
them in life ; the Lots upon which they squatted after
six and seven year's occupation and hard labour, so un-
productive as to deny them any returns for their unUed
exertions. These miserable and unfortunate creatures
willing soever as they may be to pay for the Lots which
they thus occupy it, on the terms now offered to the^m is
altogether beyond their power to accomphsh, and should
they be dispossessed without sufficient time given or any
indulgence extended to them to pay up the arrears of
interest already due, in such ease 'heyw.U be thrown
out on the wide world naked and with ruined consU
tutions i„ acual want of bread. The situation and cir-
clstances, in which such poor miserable creatures -
,h«e alluded to, and there are m.ny of them in this D^-
riot forms » subject too painful even to contemplate.

TO CANADA.

100

ities of
icultieSf
ny pos-

Uot of
our op-
»ts upon
ibouring
eea fre-
lers and
led huts

to keep
,ed after
r, so un-
r united
features,
its which
) them, is
id should
,ti or any
rrears of
3 thrown
jd consti-

and cir-
atures as
I this Dis-
itemplate.

We have not as yet met with a family of the above
cription, but who are anxious to retain possession of

dcs-
their

lots and are most willing to pay for them, provided the
indulgence of time be extended to them. The IndiviJu-
als who have had the good fortune of squatting on lots
of fertile land, convenient to mills and market, will be
able to pay for their lots conformable to the terms and
stipulations [aid down by the Governor. This far I must
in candour admit, that I have experienced a great deal
of kindness at the hand of the Inhabitants of this district,
although I regret to state that a number of disappointed
office hunters, are in the field pursuing my confrere rand
self with all the implacability of personal resentment^
and strange to say, that too by Individuals that never
saw or knew anything about us, to such criminal extent
will wicked envy lead some of the disappointed children
of the human family. We are, however, fully determined
to pursue a line of conduct in the execution of our duty,
that will bid defiance to the most crafty and malicious
slanderer. Should any thing in the shape of a complaint
of any description prejudicial to either of us reach your
office, I trust you will have the goodness to give the same
a flat contradiction as not having the slightest shadow
of found;ition in truth, but altogether emanating from
envious and truly depraved minds.

I had extensive communications from many parts
of Great Britain previous to my leaving Norval, by which

110

EMIGRATiOT^

[^ <

it would appear that there is a great movement (<,r an
extonsiv. Immigration to Canada this yeur, b«t should they
meet with a similar reception as those who came out du-
ring the three proceeding years, the Wild Lands of thi.
Province will conlinue in a sl..te of miproducuve torrcst
to the Government for centuries to come. Had the Gov-
ernor General employed my services in sellUng tne Hu-
ron Tract, instead of inspecting the Clergy liescrves m
this district, I make no hesitation in stating that the Gov-
crnment would be benefited more in many ways, mas.
mueli that I feel lUlly convinced, 1 would be instrumental
in retaining in the Province the- thousands oi wealthy
families who have left Canada in comi.lcte disgust, and
crossed over to Yankee Land, to swear leahy to that
Governn,ent. and seek under its Star Spangled Banner
that encouragement and protection which they m vain
sought for at 'the hands of the Canadian Government. 1
trust you have brought my Ueport on this subject under
the notice and consideration of yoJ,- ftiend the Hon ble
DeBlaquire, if so, I w.uld be glad to be m.de acquainted
with his opinion and sentiments thereon at your earliest

convenience. ., ,,.

Recent accounts received from Mrs. MeVioar, con-
veys the gratifying intelligence of her.elf and children
being in the enjoyment of the blessings of good hea th,
they are making the necessary preparations to follow
after me ; 1 have taken a small cottage for them conve-

To CANADA.

for an
aid they
out du-
1 of this

for re St
tie Gov-
Luc Hu-
crvcs in
liG Gov-
fS, inas^
Tiinental

wealthy

;ast, and

to that

Banner
y ill vain
mcnt. I
cct under
> Hon'blo
.cquaintcd
r earliest

Icar, con-
:l children
od health,
to follow
Lin conve-

nient to a good school within a short distance of the ViU
lage of Morpeth in this Township.

Have the goodness to convey to your Lady and
every member of your family the assurance ot my regard,
and sincere best wishes for their temporal and spiritual
welfare and oblige,

My dear Hammond,

Your ever faithful and affectionate friend,

Robert McVicar.
Thomas Hammond, Esquire.

Township of Zoottf 1st August^ 1847.
My dear John,

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your commu.
nication of 24th ultimo, which I received at a late hour
yesterday. With respect to the climate and soil on the
south and north, and bordering on the Saskachewan River,
from below Garlton House to the foot of the Rocky
Mountains, a distance of about 1,000 miles from east to
west, may be considered in every point of view equally
favorable to colonization as the settlement of Red River^
embracing similar advantages and disadvantages, with
the exception of the danger that might naturally be ap-
prehended from the numerous hostile tribes of Indians
who inhabit that part of the country, and who are in a

113

EMIG&ATION

■VI >■ ^-»-

|..^

continual state of warfare with each other, particularly
those tribes that are spread over the country lying to the
south and south-west of the river, who seldom visit the
cstablishmont of the Hon'ble Hudson's Bay Company.
These would in my bpinion, be apt to view with a jealous
and suspicious eye, any encroachments upon their lands
by strangers, more particularly by Europeans who had
for their object the cultivation of the soil, and usurpation
oflheir teritory, which by the laws of nature they con-
Hidcv to be their infallible property being the aborigines^
thereof. According to my views and understanding of
the subject of sending Immigrants to settle that remote
portion of the Wilds of British North America, while
there is ample room in Canada for the redundant starved
pHmlation of the British Isles, 1 consider the scheme as
ultocrether chimerical, and could only originate in the
mind of an individual who has not given the subject that
due consideration which it requires. If Mr. Sullivan has
any serious desire of proving to the community at honie
and abroad, that he is actuated by the true and noble
spirit of philanthropy let him at once obey the loud call
t'rt the voice of distress now resounding from one
conior of the British Isles to the other is at this very mo-
ment making on his acknowledged pre-eminent talent, and
.vithout a moment's delay, clothe himself wi^th the robe
of humanity, the armour of compassion and the breast-
pfote of christian fortitude, and thus equipped compare

TO CANADA.

Notes with our present Governor General, and advise
him to adopt forthwith, the system which I have had thn
honor to draft out at the request of the late Lord Metcalf.
for the settlement of the Waste Lands of the Province.
When these lands, including the 23 Townships in the
Huron Tract, at present lying in a state of unproductive,?
wildcrnes:?, shall have been successfully settled, Iho Gov.
ernment then may with safety and success continue to
extend the settlement of the country from Lake Superior,
through the shores of the Lake of the Woods, thence to
Lake Winepof^, thence to Lake Cumberland, Saskachowari
River, to the Rocky Mountains, and in course of timr-,
the settlement of the country might be successfully ex-
tended along the banks of Beaver River, from Green
Lake to the shores of Lesser Slave Lake, and thence
west to the Rocky Mountains. The tract of country
along the banks of the Pease River from, Athabasca Lake,
otherwise called Lake of the Mountains, to the foot of the
Rocky Mountains, u also susceptible of being settled, the
soil thereof being rich and productive, and the climate
salubrious. On the banks of the Saskachewan lliver,
the snow begins to thaw about the first of April ; the loaf
ber^ins to bud about I8th of that month, and all the trees
are in full blossom about the ^nd June. About the 22nd
October the forest is completely stript of its foliage ; th<j
frost sets in about the 30th October, and the snow begins
to fall about the 5th of November, the ice in the month

EMIGRATIOIT

1»

y
■I

Ii4i

of March, when it attaina its full thickness, measures 3i,
feet when there is no current and the winter is unusually
severe ; the average depth of the snow during a period of
ten years has been ascertained not to exceed 2 feet 8
inches. The degree of cold during the months of January
and February ranges from 15 to 38, and has been known
us low as 42. The heat in the months of Juno and July
is oppressive ; its degree in 1814 was asccrtuined in the
shade, to be as high as 93 which accounts for the rapid
vegetation on the banks of that river. Before publishing
any report calculated to excite a general feeling in favour
of colonizing these distant regions, Mr. Sullivan should
cautiously ponder upon the subject, and by every means
within his reach, first ascertain the extent of the difficulties
and dangers to which the first settlement would be expo-
sed, particularly, during the first years. The melancholy
details connected with the history of the Colony planted
by the Earl of Selkirk on Red River, from its first forma-
tion in 1812 to the year 1821, when the coalition of the
Hudson's Bay and North West Companies took place,
are of so harrowing a nature, as to furnish ample nateri-
als to form a subject calculated to enlighten the kiriiv^; J e
and direct the ulterior movements of Mr. Sullivan, m the
adoption and execution of his fond and praiseworthy
scheme, having for its object, the opening a field wherein
to place tbf t'-mishing inhabitants of Ireland and Scotland,
thereby i .^^Idag a permanent provision for and relieving

TO CANADA.

115

them from the heartrending distress, under the pressure
of which they have been so long suffering. In the event
of Emigrants being sent from the British ports by way
of Hudson's Bay, which is the shortest and chenjHJSt way
of con .eying them, they must winter that your at or near
York Factory, and they could only reach their destination
in the Saskatchewan River the following autumn, at too
late a period to do any thing else than to build temporary
huts for themselves to pass the winter in, without any means
to subsist upon till ihey could get crops out of the ground,
which would be two years complete loss to them, besides
the immense expense the feeding alone oftlicm would
amount to during that time, and I am aware that the tra-
ding establishment of the Hudson's Bay Company are sel-
dom, if ever supplied with more provisions than is required
to carry on their trade ; and by sending Einiiirants to
the Saskatchewan, on the Ottawa Waters, by the means
of canoes and boats, the expense would be at least double*
and about the same time lost before they could get any
crops out of the ground. Viewing the subject of plan-
tine a settlemmit on the banks of the Saskatchewan River
in all its bearings, tendencies, and rel.uinns, it appenrs to
me a point of serious doubt whether the Hon'bie Hudson's
Bay Company, who are most tenacious of the powers,
rights and privileges vested in them by virtue of their
Royal Charter, would silenily acquiesce in the plan, and
afford the originalor and friends thereof the benefit of

.! 'is

iKi

EMIGRATION

whict. it would be, .a my Uumb e b.t can p ^^^^ .^

,o arduous an undertaking. ^^ ^^ ^^^„„.

„y ,ni„c!. I would ..ost -^P^-'f ''y;;,,hwith with Sir
ind Mr. S«U>van to -^o^P"" ^ „ ^^pert Land, and
Oeo,.ge Simpson, Go-rnor in C ^ "^ J^^^^^^ ^, ,^

crrrr:tt!::Xito..p.a...

i"g earned into -^^ J ."^LiUe use of this letter.
You are at fuU liberty ^^^^ ^^.^^^^ „,

with the advice and consent of youi P
you may deem proper. ^^^^^^^^

And with my good wi,U.^ y

I remain, My d"" John,

Your Loving Father,

Uob't McVicAU.

Mr. John McVicar, ^

Crown Timber Ultice. >

aranc<3 ot
)inion, the
embai-k in
ession on
to recom-
h with Sir
, Land, and
ince of his
be, Mr. S.
ction to hia
is plans be-

; this letter,
)r officer, as

• welfare,

Father,

b't McVicah.

IMMIGRATION INTO NEW YORK.

The Ibllo^ving Statistics furnish valuable information worth ex-
amination : —

Comparative view of Immigration for four years, at the port of

New York.

N'yXTION.

Ireland,

< J ermany,

England,

Scotland,

Wales,

France,

8pain, .

Switzerland

Holland,

Norway,

Sweden,

Denmark,

rtaly, .

Portugal,

Belgium,

West Indies,

N'ova Scotia,

Sardinia,

South America,

Canada,

China,

Sicily,

Mexico,

Jlussia,

East Indies,

Turkey,

Ureece,

Poland,

Arabia,

Total,

1849.
112,501
55,705
28,321
8,840
1,782
2,683
214
1,405
2,447
3,300
1,067
159
602
287
118
449
1.51
172
33
59
9
21
23
S8
34
6
6
133
8

1850.
116.382
45,402
28,125
6,771
1,520
3.398
257
2,361
1,174
3,150
1,110
90
475
55
230
554
161
165
103
61
11
28
41
18
32
5
3
183

1851.

1852.
117,537
69,883 118,126

103,2'6

28,553
7,307
2,189
6,064
278
4,499
1,798
2,112
872
229
618
26
475
575
81
96
121
50
9

142

31,275
7,640
2,531
8,778
450
6,455
1,223
1,889
2,026
156
353
29
82
265
73
69
120
48
11
42
22
33
13
4
6
186

229,608 212,7J6 280,801 298,004

Number of passengers for the last 13 pears who landed in New York
:..-, •'■^c-rooT 1Q/1K R9 or.n 1849 . . . 221.71

1841

1842
1843
1844

57,337
74,949
46,302
61,002

1845
1846
1847
1848

82,960
115,230
166,110
191,909

1849
1850
1851
1852

221,799
226,287
209,081
310,335

til

If M

INDEX.

1 Letter from Robert Mc Vicar, to the Honorable Colonel Fraser,
dated Montreal, 25th April, 1842, 5

3 " " the Hou'ble Colonel Alexander Fraser in reply,

dated Fraserfield, 30th April, 1842, 4

3 " '• Robert McVicar to the same, dated Montreal,

9th May, 1842, 6

4 *« " the Hon'ble Colonel Fraeer to Robert McVicar,

daled Cornwall, 11 h May, 1842, 12

5 «♦ •' Robert McVicar to the Hon'ble Colonel Alex'r

Fraser, dated Montreal, 20th May, 1842, 12

6 •' *' Doctor Alex'r So tt to Robert McVicar, dated

Montreal, 30th May, 1842, 14

7 ♦« " The Hon'ble Colonel Alexander Fraser to R.

McVicar, dated Montreal, 22nd June, 1842, IT)

8 " " Robert McVicar to Lawis T. Drummond, Esq,

dated Montreal, 23rd June, 1842,... 15

9 " " Robert McVicar to the Editor of the Montreal

Her Id, dated Montreal, 25th June, 1842, 17

10 «« •» Phil nthrophy to the Editor of the Montreal

Herald, dated Montreal, 1842, 9i

11 A etter to the Editor of the Montreal Herald, dated

Montreal, 2nd July, 1842 22

12 " •* The Hon'ble Colonel Alexander Fraser, to R.

McVicar, dated Fraserfield, 7th July, 1842, 26

13 " " The Hon'ble John Davidson, Commissioner of

Crown Lands, to the H n'ble Colonel Fraser, dated
Crown Lands Department, 4th July, 1842, 27

14 " " Robert McVicar, to Lewis T. Drummond, dated

Montreal, 10th July, 1842, '. 27

15 " " A Settler to the ditor of the Montreal Herald,

dated Montreal.llth July, 1842, 28

16 •« " Robert McVicar to Lewis T. Drummond, Esq.,

dated Montreal, 19th July, 1842 30

17 " " Josiali Timmis to Robert McVicar, dated King-

ston, 7th December, 1842, 33

18 '♦ " The same to the same, dated Kingston, 15th

December, 1842, •, 34

19 ♦* " The same to the same, dated Kingston, 30th

December, 1842, 36^

20 •' '« The same to the same, dated Kingston, 5th

January, 1843, 38

118

t«

INDEX

» Robert McVicar to the Hon'ble A. N. Morb, ^^^

dated Kingston, 15ih January, 1843,... •"''qq'a

" The same to the same, dated Kingston, 22nd ^^

Hammond. K.q., dated Kingston, 6th March 1843^^^^^ 43

" The Tourist of the Woods, t^o Robert mcvicar, ^

dated Kingston, 15th March, ^^.^^'V :;:„•-_:• •giVt
.» The same to the same, dated Kmgston, ^isi ^^

dated Kingston, 6th ApriU 1843,...........vv-;"«;v:;^

" Arboricus to the Editor of the British Whig,
dated Kingston, 6th April, 1843,.......j.....--------;i;.-

28 A Memorial o'f Robert_McVicar,to^His Excellency TJje

56
60

63
68

lemorial 01 '^^^^"q^^Y;""' Theopholus Metcalf,

McVicar, dated Kingston, 15th April. 184J,j.....v----
30 Letter from th'eTouris.«f the Woods o Robert McV car,

Sr/t^rlSrw^reTK^fTeTrol^n'rS 7a

32 Note^Sa Mcvtar to Captain Higjinson. acoontpa- ^^

nvJniT the above Communi ation, ";•••"• '^'„\^a

33 Lette71?L^ Ca^Lfli^^^^^^^ to Robert McVicar ua^d ^^

Priv??te Secretary»8 Office, ^"'i-f ^y^; ^ n Moiin.
.. « Robert McVicar to the Hon'ble A. N. Monn,

r C T. dated Nerval, 24th August, 1343............. JO

« ^' V;^f;tme to the 'same, dated Nerval, 12th Sep ^^^

. '"'^^Xin^i^^s^:^^'^^^^^^ 101
^^^^ M cVicar 'toithe M Nab of McNab, dated

it ♦» Robert

N rvaU 9ih N»™"^"\f®t^- A-oUnrComnii'ssion^ 102
" fC L ."•rMcVc'ar!irMarcl,f^ 10"

.. "' 'i: Roberf McVicar irl eply to the same dated Nor- ^^^

.. '"'^?tb"r'tvfctt\o Tho^tis'-HamntondrEs,., ^^^
'^.f R"oi;TrSic'v^^ar'.o^;is So,;-ioinR;-MoV(ca;;

Wi.

aaiea

1 rr> u;^ />f TInnn- 1847.

•rb,
2nd

40
41

> I • • '

imas

3,... 43
icar,

21st

^ic r
56

The
tcalf,

16th

Rob't

iTicar,

rivate

eating

, &c., 72

ompa-

dated

IVIoiin,

hSep
100

a Oct.,

101

I, dated

issioner 102
104

ed Nor-
105

1, Esq.,

106

[cVicar,
lU