" ,
IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3)
4
<^
/.
^ J"/^ 4
v..
1.0
I.I
1.25
[fi^ lltt
\ 1^ III 2.0
1.8
U IIIIII.6
<?
/2
^^l>
#
^.
'> .>>"
/A
0%.
W
PhotDgraphic
Sciences
Corporation
23 WEST MAM »T9EET
WEBSTER, N.Y. i<!V'.0
(716) S72-4503
i
%^
\
'^^
\
iV
CIHM/ICMH
Microfiche
Series.
CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches.
Canadian Institute for Historical Microrsproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques
<h
Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques
The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checlced below.
0
D
D
0
D
D
Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur
I I Covers damaged/
Couverture endommagde
Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaurde et/ou pelliculde
I I Cover title missing/
Le titre de couverture manque
Coloured maps/
Cartes g^ographiques en couleur
□ Coloured init (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.<a. autre que bleue ou noire)
I I Coloured plates and/or illustrations/
Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur
Bound with other material/ Relid avec d'autres documents
Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/
La re liure serrde peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long de la marge intdrieure
Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajout6es lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte. mais, lorsque cela dtait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 6t6 fiimdes.
Additional comments:/ Commentaires suppl6rnentaires:
L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 6t6 possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-Atre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la methods normale dr/ filmage sont indiquds ci-dnssous.
I I Coloured pages/
0
D
This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/
Ce document est film6 au taux de reduction indiqui ci-dessous.
10X 14X 18X 22X
Pages de couleur
Pages damaged/ Pages endommagdes
Pages restored and/oi
Pages restaur^es et/ou pellicul6es
I I Pages damaged/
I I Pages restored and/or laminated/
Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Pages d6color6es, tachetdes ou piqu6es
□ Pages detached/ Pages ddtachdes
Showthrough/ Transparence
I I Quality of print varies/
Qualiti in6gale de I'impression
includes supplementary material/ Comprend du materiel suppldmentaire
Only edition available/ Seule Edition disponible
Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been ref limed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiellament obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont 6t6 fiimdes d nouveau de fapon d obtenir la meilleure image possible.
26X
30X
X
12X
16X
20X
24X
28X
32X
The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of:
Library of the Pub;!c Archives of Canada
L'exemplaire fiim6 fut reproduit qrice A ia ginirositA de:
La bibliothdque dos Archives pubiiques du Canada
The imrigeA appearing here are the best quaiity possible considering the condition and iegibility of the origir.dl copy and in iceeping with the filming contract specifications.
Las images suivantes ont At6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de ia condition at de la nettet6 de rexempiaire film6, et en conformity avec las conditions du contrat de filmage.
Original copies In printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or Illustrated impres- sion, or the bacic cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated Impression.
Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprimie sent fiimis en commenpant par la premier plat et en terminant soit par ia dernlAre pagu qui comporte une empreinte d'Impression ou d'Hiustration, soit par le second plat, salon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmte en commen^ant par la premiAre page qui comporte une empreinte d'Impression ou d'illustration et en tarminant par la darnlAre page qui comporte une telle empreinte.
The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol —»•( meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies.
Un des symboles suivants apparaftra sur la dernldre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbols — »> signifie "A SUIVRE '. le symbols V signifie "FIN".
Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method:
Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre film6s d des taux de reduction diff6rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, 11 est fiim6 d partir de I'angle supirieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mithode.
|
i 1 |
2 |
3 |
I ■. . ..
|
■■ i |
2 |
3 |
|
4 |
5 |
6 |
CHRONICLES OF CANADA:
.4 ,,.R E € O R D ,
Z'CM.
'//■
£1p ROBERT GOVRLAY, Esq.
4^^
NOW
ROBERT FLEMING GOURLAY,
"THB BANZSinOD BRITON."
'MAN IS A RECORBINO ANIMAL."
JVo. 1.
s
CONCERNING
THE CONVENTION AND GAGGING LAW,
1818. .'
MR. GOURLAY'S ARREST AND TRIAL, &c. &c. &c.
PRINTED AND SOLD
AT THE
" JOURNAL" OFFICE, ST. CATHARINES :
SOLD, ALSO, BY
CARTER & BENTLEY, KINGSTON. , ' 1842.
.:'S.. ^V
'>.r^^' '■:■■
(HROafKLES OF CAXADA.
181K
Prf nriplf>H ubkI Prorot'diii);^ of tlio Tii- lial»i(aiit<4 «>f llio District of ]Vi:iu;nr:i, for iifMrt'ti'iii!; Iiin filoysui IEi:Uigi«>«(H tlw: l*riii«'«? S5«'tfont, iM'KjifrtiiiurlaiiiiH of Nnffcm-M ill War, B^aiidH to ITlili- fiaiii«;ii, ait<l tiit; f;«?ii(a-al lyctirfit of
ll|>|>«>I* t.'aiiada. i'rintcil ut IIk^ "iViac.aka
yi'KCTATDii" Oilice — I8IH, — IMco, one shilling, c'y.
TO TIIK 1MI\I1.1T\\TS l!F IPl'KR CAWDA.
;S^ ('iithdrinr.i, Di^liirt nf Sitiirnni, Uth Miiij, If^l?.
FiiiENDs AND Fellow Si:i5jfxts!
WE 1(1}/ before you the Principles mid Proceedings of ilie People of this District, and, cvample heins; better than precept, we have noiv only ear- nestly to entreat you to join in the cause. You tcill here find that ire have been opposed, but opposition has strengthened us. It ivoiild swell too much this Utile Publication to give a list of Subscribers ; but they will be found, weel' after iveek, in the Niaga- ra Spectator, as room will admit. — They already amount to upwards of nine hundred, and are daily increas- ing. Many have waited for the Jld- clress, IV Inch is only tins day prepa- red, and will be found below.
liOBT WIMII/J'O.X ^ neprcacnla- JtM. IWlilUiTSO.X, [livisforthe CYRUS SIDI.VKR, ( Di.-lrici of JOH.X CI. .'IRK, j .\ian;ara.
A true copy, WM. J. KERIl, Secretary.
To the Resident Lund Owners of 1 pper riniada.
jViiifraru, April 2nd, 18)8.
Gknti.emes — Your Parliament is broken up — a second time broken up, from employment of the most vital import to the honour and well being of the province ! ! — Good God ! what is to be tiie end of all this?
For my own part, gentlemen, I had little hope of satisfaction from the sitting of Parliament, after perusing the Administrator's speech from the throne ; and this little was entirely extinguished with the disgusting reply made to that speech, by your representatives. That a man who had spent the best part of his life in Upper Canada — whose
every interest and afibction rested hero, should oven readn speech, not only containing mean sen- timents, hut notifying a measure, provoking in the extreme to the feelings of a large body of ids suf- fering countryrnnn, was indeed henrt-sickcning ; yot this was not all ; What could wo cx[)oct — wliat sonsiition could swell in our breasts, when we found men, eujiiloyed and paid by these very sutrcrers, to guide tlioir nlfiiirs and watch over their interests, bowing down to kiss tiie rod of af- (liction, and in return for a most insulting offer, granting a receipt in full for demands, equally just and well niitlienticaleil?
(Iracious IIo;ivon I Did wo, the offspring of early civi'i/.ntion — the fust Impc of genuine liberty — the favoiiri.'il wards of Divine reveliition, come to this iipv.- world, only to witness the degradation of our kind, and be iiuuibled lienentii the rude savage who ranges the desert woods! Surely, Tlritish blood, wiien it hns ebbed to its lowest mark, will leorn to How again, and yet sustain on its rising tide, that generous — tliat noble — that manly sjiii it vvhicii first culled forth a|)plausc from the admiring world.
It lijis been my fate to rest iioro nearly Iwo months, viewing at a distance, the scene of folly and confusiim — by turns serious, and by turns jocu- Inr, that the serious might not sink into the melan- choly. 1 h-ivo advised — I have in duty offered ser- vices, but in vain : on went the sport, till yester- day, when the cannon announced to us that the pkiy was over ; and now we have the second speech of the Administrator, who has appropriately sunk down from the throne to the chair !
Gentlemen, the constitution of this province ia in danger, and all the blessings of social conpact are running to waste. For three years the laws have been thwarted, and set aside by Executive power ; for three sessions have your Legislators sal in Assembly, and given sanction to the mon- strous— the hideous abuse. A worthy catastro- phe has closed this farce of Govermiient ; your Commons and your Peers have quarrelled, and the latter would assert, that the constitutional charter of Canada may be trifled with. What is to be done ? Do you expect any thing from a new Go- vernour? — you will be disappointed. Do you ex- pect any thing from a new set of representatives? — here again you will be deceived. Your mem- bers of Assembly are now at home ; compare their characters with those around them, and you will
2
t'HRONICLKS OK CANADA.
K
find tlicni oqunlly honest — cqiinlly wise — equally independent. Now, tlint they are returned to so- ciety, ns private individuals, I sliould bo the very last man to call in ijiiCNtion their worth or their probity : they are probably every way above par. It is not the men, it is the tysteni, which blasts eve- ry hope ot'good ; and, till the pystcin is overturned, it is vain lo expect any thing of value from change of re|)rcsenta(ive8, or Governours.
It has been the cant of time immemorial, to make mystery of the art of (Jovernmcnt. 'I'lie folly of the million, and the cunning of the few in power, have equally strengllicned the reigning belief; but It is false, deceitful and ruinous. 'J'ho people of every nation may, at any time, put down either domestick tyranny, or abuse — they may, at any time, lay a bim|)le foundation for jjubiick |)rosi)eri- ty ; they have only to be honest, and, in their ho- nesty, bold.
In my last address to you, I said that the British constitution was "that beautiful contrivance by which the people, when perfectly virtuous, shall become all powerful." Did you mark these words ? — did you weigh them? — they are as important as they are true. We, of all men, have least to op- pose us in correcting the errours of our constitu lion, '['he British constitution has provided tor its own improvement, in peace and quietness ; it has given us the riomt of petitioning the Prince or Parliament ; and.this e.vercised in a proper manner, is competent to satisfy every virtuous desire.
My present purpose is not to dwell on theory ; but to recommend and set example in the practice of using this glorious privilege. As individuals, we have a right to petition the Prince or Parlia- ment of Britain; and we have a right to meet for this purpose, in collective bodies. My proposal now is, that a meeting be forthwith held, in each organized township throughout the province. I shall take upon me to name the day for the n)eet- ing of the people of this township of Niagara, and say, that on Monday next, the 13th Inst., I shall be ready by 1 3 o'clock, noon, at Mr. James Rogers' Coffee-House, to proceed to business, with who- ever is inclined to join me. The people of each township should, 1 conceive, at meeting, choose a representative and clerk. The representatives should assemble from the several townships, with- in each district, on an appointed day, to draw up a petition to the Prince Regent ; and which could, soon after, be got signed by every well wisher to the cause.
The district meetings should, without delay, hold conference by representatives, each respec- tively choosing one, to meet in a provincial con- vention, and who should arrange the whole busi- ness— dispatch Commissioners to England, with the petitions, and hold correspondence with them,
as well as with the .Supremo (Jovertuuent. Two or three Commissioners would HuHicc ; and the necessary cost of carrying the whole ably and re- spectably into effect, would require but a trifling contribution from each petitioner. It is not going out of bounds to reckon on ten thousand petition- ers ; and a dollar from each, would make ujiasuni adequate for every charge. I should recommend the subscriptions and payments to commence at the lirst township meetings — the money to be paid •to the clerks, who should keep in hand ono-acventh, for local and incidental disbursements, and pay over the remaindor to a Treasurer, to be appointed in CHch district, by the representatives, at their first meeting. Beyoiul making choice of represen- tatives and clerks, the loss that is done at town- ship meetings the hotter: dcbato, of all things, should bo avoided. The clerks should minute transactions, and keep a list of subscribers, which should innnodiately be published in the nearest newspaper within the province, and week after week, in tliosame manner s^liould be reported, ad- ditions. The publick would thus, at once, see the strength and growth of the cause, as well as have vouchers for the payment of cas;h. livery transaction sliould bo plain, downright, and open to view or inspection — every principle should bo declared — every procceiling be made known.
The simplicity of all this and the oaso with which it may be accomplished, is obvious : to go into more minute detail, at present, would be wasting time. No man, by joining the cause, can lose more than a dollar ; and no responsibility what- ever is incurred. As I take upon me to name the day of meeting for this township of Niagara, so that meeting may appoint days for the meetings of other townships, and for the district meeting; see- ing that it can be matter of no consecjuence who set- tles such points, provided the business thereby, has afairchanccof commencement, and that the whole system of petitioning may proceed without doubt or delay. No man, upon such solemn occasion, should say, " I am greater than another, and will not be seen acting with hinf:" no one should say, " I irm less, and therefore presume not to set my- self forward." On such an occasion, and under such circumstances as the present, every party, and every personal prejudice, should be put down ; every eye uhould be resolutely bent on the one thing needful — a radical change of system in the government of Upper Canada.
I address myself particularly to Landowners, be- cause their interests are most deeply involved ; but every man resident in Canada — every man who is a lover of peace — who desires to see this coun- try independent of the United States — who de- sires to see a worthy connexion maintained be- tween this province and Britain — every man, in
»hiirl in hi: self. T with after en th fissui liow( brouj tiule. uumI male illusl powc
Ills 01
and use be pi preso may cess cess Yes, para, lidetK rizon ually of at fresh I Tl
CllllONICLfiS OP CANADA.
rncnt. Two cc ; and the ably and ro- )i)l a trifling
is not going iM(l potition- nl(c iipniiuni
rocoinniend (unmence at cy to be paid uno-acvontli, lis, and puy l)ea|)pointcd ^es, at thoir of represen- nc at town- r all tilings, uiild minute bors, which the nearest week after cported, ad- ,t once, see , as well as ill. I'vcry t, and open I should be nown. with which to go intr> be wasting ', can lose
lity what- 0 name the iagara, so icetings of iting ; 8CP-
ewhoset- lereby, has the whole out doubt
occasion, r, and will hould say, to set iny- ind under !ry party, tut down ; n the one em in the
vners, be- involved ; man who his coun- -who de- lined be- man, in
nhort, who has a npurk of sincerity or (jutriotism m hiri uoul, has now sullicient cituso to bc:jtir liiiii- Helf,
There was a tirno whnii Israel was fainirihod with intense droiifjht. Day after day, and week after week, the uncovered sun rose, only to fright- en the nation, and opcti more wide the yawning fissures of the Kcorclied earth : — tliorc was yet, however, fuilli in Israel; and the I'aitli of a few, brought, at last, salvation to the expiring multi- tude. Ijet not the ancient record bo lost to those niodcn days ; let not the signs and figures of the material world bo thrown aside, as vain emblems, illustrations nnd manifestations of the will, the power and the ijoodness of (Joil. lie never deserts his creatures while they are true to themselves, and faithful to him, while they honourably put to use the Divine gifls of ratioiitilily. The course to be pursued, by the people of this province, at the present juncture, is so clear, that he who runs may read : they have only to put trust in the suc- cess of their own virtuous endeavours ; and suc- cess will as surely follow as <lay succeeds tonight. Yes, worthy iiiluihitants of this township of Nia- gara, you may begin the necessary work with con- fidence. The little cloiul which rose from the ho- rizon, at first no bigger than a man's hand, grailii- ually expanded — mantled over the relentless face of a burning sky, nnd at last showered down re- freshment on a thirsty land.
The good which may result not only to this province, but to the geiiernl cause of truth, should these projjosals be ckefrfiilh/ nnd alcrtli/ adojitod, surpasses all cnlculation. It would be needless for me now to descant on the subject. If there is really no publick spirit in the country, T have al- ready thrown away too much of my time ; if there is, let it now be shown; for never was occasion more urgent. If the people of Canada do not now rouse themselves, they may indeed have plenty whereon to exist ; but to that " righteousness which exalteth a nation," they will have no claim. The farmer may plod over his fields — the mer- chant may sit drowsy and dull, in his store : but the life, the vigour, the felicities of a prosperous and liappy people, will not be seen in the land ; the su- periority of publick management in the United States, will bother all hope of competition : Ame- rica will flourish, while Canada sinks into compa- rative decay ; and another war will not only bring with it waste and destruction, but ignominious de- feat.
In the scheme proposed, I will accei)t of no ap- pointment ; but persons acting in it shall have my utmost assistance, and 1 shall make clear to them every course to be pursued. As soon as matter-; come to a head, all information collected by me, shall be at the disposal of the Commissioners ; and
even bettor consequences may be expected from this popular movement, than any that could have followed from the Parliamentary inquiry, had that been -allowed to proceed. It will shew, thnt though the rifjhts of Parliament moy be trilled with, those of the people of Upper Canada are not 60 easily to be set at defiance.
The Assembly of the lower province, is to peti- tion the Uritish Parliament, as to their trade : your representatives are to petition the Regent, as to their privileges ; when I found my petition set aside and despised, at York, I dispatched one immediately, to be presented to the House of Com- mons, in Kngland, to call attention there, to Cana- dian atl'uirs. All this will go for little, if some- thing else is not done. You have read in the newspapers, of my scheme liaving been discounte- nanced by Ministers at home : you have read of speculations upon making the best bargain with the United States, for these provinces. [ know whence all this proceeds : I know what would open the eyes of the people and government at home, to the true value of the Canadas, and put an end to such unnatural — such disgusting sur- mises ; and all this I shall be happy to explain, as soon as explanation can be useful. One thin"' 1 am very sure of, that if the people of Canada will only do their duty, as honest men, and as brothers, in unity, not only every just claim may be paid by next Christmas, but a foundation may be K-iid lor this province becoming speedily the most flourish ing and secure spot on the hn'jitablo globe.
ROBERT COURLAY.
TO\Vi\snil' MEETING.
Xiiiiriira, April 1:5, IHIH — Which day a nuinorous nici^tini; of the inliiihilants of the township of ^f iagara, having boon held at the Mouse of Jamks IIogkrs, and DAVID .iECDRD, Esq. M. P. being called to Iho cliair, the address of Mr. (Jourhiy, to the Resident Land Owners of I'pper Canada, dated April lid If 18, WHS road over, and its wholo tenour and scntiiiicnts unanimously approved of. In conformity to the re- commendations tlieroiii contained, the mooting procee- ded to elect a rejiresentativo a:id clerk, when Robert. HiimiUnn, of Queenston, Escpiire, was appointed to fill the former situation, and .lolni Ross, of Niagara, Es- ((uiro, the latter. A committee, also, was appointed to forward the views of the meeting, viz : — Timothy Street, Mm. Hai;an, Win. (i. lliptnirne, and Robert Moore, Esquires.
Monday, 2()tli of this present inontli, was named as a proper day for the meetings of other townships with- in the district of Niagara, and Monday S7th, for the meeting of the representatives from the various town- ships, to be held at Shh'ma.n's tavern, St. Cathi;rinos : the committee duly to advertise the same, and lake such steps us to them shall ajipear requisite, for fur- thering the good cause.
The thanks of the meeting were then unanimously voted to David Secord, Esq. for his publick spirit in coini.ig forward, on this occasion, and liberally fulfil- ling the duties of the chair.
DAVID SECORD, Chairman. A Inie copy, .Ions Ross, Clerk.
\l
^
CHRO.MCI.KS OF CANADA.
» i
TO THE PI BUCK.
Ft liiivinjf hnnw Hfntcd t(, iiif, hy soiiio of my fricntlt), tliiit llic puhlick iiiiud was iinprL's.-icd witli llio idea oliiiy linviiijr |mrUi'i|i;il(Ml in, and f^niiclioii- cd, tlio rocpiit iiii|(r(i|icr aiid iiinvarr.iiilnMo piddi- catioiis of .Mr. Itdlmit (ioiirluy, I cdhci'ivo it a du- ty w liicli I OWL- to the (lovpniDKMit, to llir province, and to niy^clt* to di'cliiro, tliat, hcyoiid piihlisliin;j a Htnlislical rcfjort oI'iIiim proviiici.', ho liad ncillicr my apiiroliatioii nor uiy fonnttMiaiux'.
In iniikintr tliiH dccliiraliDn, I trnat that llio ton- onr of my life justifiL's my assorting:, that fiictioiis discoiiU'nt Mover oriLjiii.'ilfd in my liieast. Iliiviii^' b-aid lliiH nnicli, in vindication of my own senti- mcntH, I hluill, in order to prevLMil erroiir in, and rescue from distress tlic heedless jiroselytes of .Mr. (Jonrlay's "one tliiny; neeilful — viz: a radical clianjro of system in the <;oveinment of r|)|)er Ca- nada," transcribe for llieir information, an extract from the common law ol' the Ijrilish empire, which bears on the point of unlawful moetin^'s or conven- tions, viz :
" Tiic constitution of(ireal l?ritain liavin;r pla- ced the representation of tiie nation, and tiie ex- pression of the national will, in tJK! Parliament, no other nteetin"' or ronvention, even of every indi- vidual in the kinirilom, would be a compet(;nt or- gan to express that will; and meetin;js of such a nature, teudin^j merely to sedition, and to dehidc the |)eople into an iiiia;;inary assertion of ri;r|||s, which they had before deleiialed to their represen- tatives in Parliament, could only tend to introduce anarchy and confusion, and to overturn every set- itled principle of jjrovernnicnt."
An act (d' Parliament was passed in Ireland, in the year ITil.'J, to prevent any such meelinys or con- ventions ; and a few iniiorant individuals, who, in the same year, had dared to assemble under that title, ill Scotland, were (|iiickly dispersed and their leaders convicted ot'seditious praclic'cs ; for which they were sentenced to traiis|)ortati )n.
1 shall conclude with recomnieiidinnr to nil, to weigh well how they att(Mid to visionarv enthusi- asts. THOMAS CLARK.
Niagara, Jlpiil 18, 181U.
PUBLICK A'OTICK.
In consequence of a handbill havin^j this day ap- peared, sicrned by the llonourablo Thomas (,'i,.\iik, of the Lejfislative Council, in which an attompl is made to stigmati'AO the p'iiiciplcs adopted by t'lo Niagara incetinj;^, the commiUeo, appointed by that inectinff, recommend the ])eoplo of otlu^r town- ships, (where any daiiht may exist, in conseipience of Mr. Clark's handbill,) to postpone the election of their representatives, until a future day of n)ei>L- innr is advertised.
Great as the necessity is, for an instant appeal being made to the Supreme (Jovernment, regard- ing the state of Upper Canada, the committee would by no means press any measure until its le- gality is proved, and its propriety fairly oslalilished, in the publick mind. They pledj/e theinselvos to shew, in a few days, that they are not only right in what they have done, but that the llou. Thom- as Clark is grossly mistaken. (Signed for the Committee,)
ROBERT HAMILTON.
J\'iagara, Jipril 18, 1818.
Till there is time for further proof, the following will testify the strange inconsistency of Mr. Clark.
Til Clrrliiif Toirnsliij) .'ifcrliiif.', \^ April, 1H|H, Xiairani. Uiiinisliiii, i:t//i A/iril, IHIH.
Sill — Voii will lu'rcwilli receive Iwo diillarx — oiin of which Ih tlic NiiljHi'nptioii of the lion. 'riioiiuiN Clark, for the pm|ii)Ni' (ililil'riiyiu(? Ilie expenscM olCurryiii;; ii pclitioii to the I'riiK (■ Ijeiicnl, reliilivi' lo Ilie Hitiiation of tliiH pniviiicp ; the other dollar for the Hniiio pur- pose, iVoiii your iMoHt obeilii'iil humljle serv't.
(.Si(;ne.l) W. (}. 1 1 KPUIRNi:.
VVk cerlily, that wp saw Mr. Clark uive the dollar above inenliini'vl, lo Mr. Ilepbiiriic, for llio purpose above also specilii'd.
TIIO.S. DICKSON, .l.\.Mi:S KllUllY.
(Si(,'lie<l)
Gfuntham, April 'i{\, 1818. This ilay, a numerous meeliii;; ol'llie inbabituiitH of the towiisliip of ( ■riiiilbiiMi, liavmjr been held at lb<.' housi- of Paul .SliipMiiiii, iiiiil Oeo. AdaiiiH, l').sq. being called to llie ( h.iii', spok<' in NubNtaiu'.e ai^ I'uIIuwh : —
'• tinMi.KMKN — I am happy lo see NO many of you aHseuilile beic lIuHday, on the present oreasioii. You have heani ilin address of Mr. Robert (liuirlay road : you have lik"wise beard the address of the lion. Tho- Mias Clark ; and as it has been your imani:MOiiN vote, that I slinold be called lo the chair, I befj to make a few remarks on the biLsiiiess before us. I assure you, (jen- lleiiieii, if there was the least appearance in any one sentenee of Mr. (ioinlay's address leii'liii;,' to sedition, I would be the last person lo eomo forward to support it. You observe, ({eiitlemoii, that in the address of the lion, 'riioiuas Clark, to the publick, lie endiavours to iiupress on your Miimls, that our nieetiiif; to;;etlier tends to sedition ; but allow iiie to say, it is an errone- ous opinion.
I have beoii ac'qiiainted with you twenty-four years, and so has tli.it lion. p;entleiuaii, particularly in the late war with the l'iiit("(l States of .\uierica, when you all went forward and exposed your lives and property in det'ence of your Kiiif; anil country. (Jeiitlemen, j'our loyally is not, and aiiiiiiit be shaken by the address of Mr. (ioiirlay, or any other individual — ueitlier oiiirbt you to be intimidated by the address of the lion. Tlio- ina~ Clark, wherein be stat<'s, it was necessary for the Parliament to supjin-ss seditious mee' <<rs. Rut tlie lion, geutleiuan should recoiled, that the meetings alluded to were entirely of a dilfeient nature IVoin ours — at a time wdien the i;iealest part of Ireland was in a slate of open rebellion, and when preparations I'or the same were goiiifr on in Scolland. This, gentlemen, is not the case here, and (Iixl foibid it ever should \w ; for I am cerlaiu there is not now, a more loyal people in the JJrilisb daiuini.jus, than you in the township of tJrant- liaei. It would bo doiii;; Col. Clark iho greatest in- justice, were you not to iiold liini in tlu^ liiuliest esteem and liaiid I. is name ilown to [losterity, for bis active and zealous conduct, in IVci)ucully exjiosiiig his life and fortune in del'-nce of the province. Rut, gentlemen, you have all done the same, and I do nut think he has any iftore reason to doubt your loyally, than you have his. I conceive, gentlemen, our olj^'ct for meeting here to-day, is to eiideavour, pi'a'jcably and (piietl)' to petition the I'riiice and Parliaiueut of our mother coun- try, and let tlieiu know the state of the ])rovince. You have Kutrjred privations, and have lost property, during the late war, which we have a just claim to nsk ibr."
The lueelingtlien prnceeded toelerta representative and clerk— when \VILMAM IIA.MILTON MER- RITT, llscp wasapi-oinled to fill the former station, and (U-.oucK A. R.M.I,, the latter. A comniiltee was also appointed, to forward the views of this meeting, viz: — llHliiiiii Chisliolm, Chiirbs Imjirsul, Hubert CamphM, Amos MrKininj and James Deilrick.
The thanks of the meeting were then voted to Mr. Robert Gourlay, lor the disinterested manner in which he has come forward in endeavouring to promote the prosperity of this province.
Thi
Adniii
and li
Gko.
Wb nboiit nome on hi were where invile the ex
Tl
rllRONiri.KS OP CANADA.
I/"//, I HIM. Iliird — iiiii< of I'limiH (lurk, ol riirryiti^ n till' Nilualion
H- HIltTH' |llir-
rv'l. 'IMIINK.
ivc till' (lollnr III" piiriioKo
K'KSO.N, ■ KIIY.
/•-'!», 1818.
iliiiMtunU of Ik'M at till.-
I'lNq. iMMDfr
illuvvM : —
imny of you
islon. You
iiirliiy rpiid :
; lion. Tho-
i.iioiiN vote,
iiiiikn a fow
re you, jrcn-
! ill liny one
lo S(;ilition,
<l to Hupport
ildri'ss oftiie
iliiivours to
"i: tonfllior
H ail crroiie-
-four yonrs, y ill till! late
lion you all
property in (Miien, your ! atl(lreR.s of itiier outrlit
lion. Tlio- s-ary for the Hut t)io lion. "ii» uliuded
oil IS— at a « in a state 'ir the same iii'ii, is not '<! I>(! ; for I I'opio in the pof lirant- jroatcst in- liest esteom ■ iiis active liis life and f;oiitloiiien, link lir- has 11 you liave )r meeting 1 ipiietly to )tlier coun-
province. t property, laiin to ask
■psentative )N 1\IER- tation, and ". was also 'ting, viz : CamjihM,
ed to Mr. r in which omote the
The ihnnkii of th« mffitinjj worn aluo vrtcd to (ieo. Adniiiit, Koq. for liiii npirilud aildreHx on tluH occatiion, nnd IiIn able and liiipartiul condiicl in the chair. Gko. a. U»i.i^r//7/i. <^i;(>. ADAMS, Chairmiin.
When Iho ii)eetin)r had liiiiHlied hiiNinedii, and were nboiit diNperNiii^r, Mr. (Jmirlay, who had lieeii viHiting BOliie lownsliips, loadvine dejay till llie aMperHioiin riiHt on hin eoiidiiet, and llie ri;,'lil of the kiiIiJimI to pelilioii. were proved to he iinl'i'iinded, accidentally arrived ; whereupon a dinner wnn <irdered, and, Mr (i. Ix.'inK invited to partake, a laijje party wat down and spent the evening in the iiioNt convivial manner.
The followiiifr toaHtH were ({iven, hy the Cliuirman. " The Kinii,' (with cIiimth. )
" The prmperity ot' the provinie of I'pper Canada." IJy VVilliaiii Merrill, l',s(|. — " May every l(uvii(<lii|i contriliiite its aid to the proHperily oi'lhe province."
Hy Mr. (i. Hall — " May the iiaviKuble wateru of the province hi'Hpeedily improveil."
liv J. Clark, 1'm\. — " May the adherenlH of Mr. Ooiir- lay he evereiieouratjed in their virtiioiiH proceediiiirH." By (iCo. AdaiiiH, Km^. — "The Adiiiinistralor. " l»y Mr. (iourliiy — " May the reprcNentalive of his Majesty, in I'pper ("aiiada, ascend I'roni the chair to the throne."
Some of the company drsirinf; nne.\planation of this toawl, Mr. Ct. roNe and replied — Thai, an uinvortliy views had been attributed to him, and as hiicIi Meet- ings as llie^ had this day held — iiieetini;H for the pure purpose of petitioninjr the Hovereif;ii — had hei n slig- niatised as illegal ami Neditioiis, he ^uve this toast as the most loyal whii h he could pohsibly think of, lor the occasion. The Administrator haviiifj in bis speech to Parliament, expressed himself as addressinK that bo- dy " from the chair," had virtually deprived the pro- vince of the Royal presence, and let down Ihedijjnity which it was his duty to maintain. This was a mat- ter of more consequence than mijjht at iirsl bi; sup])o- sed. On the part of iIk? Ministers at home, there was a glaring inditlerence to the concerns of these provin- ces ; and when /)ublick prints ventured to hint at the bartering thein away to the United States, for their value in cash, it was hich time for the people here to support their own dignity, by marking every step to- wards their degradation. True loyalty did not consist in more passive siibniission : it consisted in watchiug over every part of the constitution, at once, with jeal- ousy and aflection.
Jjy G. A. Hall. — " May our representatives undergo a reformation."
By the Uev. Mr. Williams — " May morality and reli- gion inrrease, throughout the province, particiilarlv in the township of (Jianlham"— (by a wag, in addition,) " where there is so imicli room."
By (Jeorge Adams, Esq.— " May the united ener mies of the IJnitod Kingdom of Great Hrilain and lie- dependancies, be drowned in Ibis draught." — (Cheers.)
iMHth, April 20///, 1818.
This day, a numerous meeting of the inhabitants of the township of Louth, was held at the bouse ot'llob- ert Ilunchio, when the Address of Mr. IJobert (iourlay, to the Resident Land Owners of l^pper Canada, dated April 2d, 1818, was read over; also, an address to Iho publick, signed hy the Honourable Thonias Clark, and a counter address to the ]>ublick, signed by Robert Ha- milton, Esquire, repr si'iitalive for the lownsliip meet- ing of Niagara, when the whole tenour and sentiments of Mr. Gourlay's address was unanimously approved of. In conformity to the recommendations therein contained, the meeting proeecde<l to elect a represen- tative and clerk, when.FOHN CLARK, of Louth, Es- quire, was appointed to fill the former situation, and VVii.i.iAM J. Kkiik, Es(iuire, the latter.
The thanks of the meeting were then unanimously voted to Mr. Robert Gourlay, for his able assistance in belialf of the province. By order,
(Signed) JOHN CLARK, Hepresertlatirr.
A true copy. Wifmam J. Kkrb, Clerk.
fllmt\f»rd, Aprtl 'iOlh, 18l«.
At a numerous meeting of llie inbabitaiitsaiid Innd- hcdders of the township ot' Sliimford, held at the hoiiso of A. Rorback, .Ioiin il*ii|pv, Esquire, being called to the chair, it was iiiiiiiiimouMly iiirreed, that we petition the I'rince Regent, for the bisNCH we siislaliied in the late war, and such other gnevaiiccH as we labour under.
The iiweting prneecdi'd tii elect a representativi' and clerk, when JOII.N J. LKKEERTV was appointed to till the tiiriner siliialiiin, and llii.ii ,M'Ci.iK\ K, the latter. A coinmittee also was iippoiiited, to I'orward tlicviewit of the iiieelilig, vi/ : — I'rtthriik Siiiilti, Mm lliiiri$vn, Jiimm I'Ikiiii/ishii iiikI Alniiliiim liiiiniiiin.
The thanks of the meeting were Ihi'u unanimously voted to ,l(diii Hardy, Ksq. liirbis publick spirit, in co- ming I'orward on this occasion, anil riiitilling I be duties of tbei'hair. .JOHN ll.\KI)Y, (liiiinnan.
A true cojiy. Hicii M'C i.iivk, Chrli.
(iitin.sharoiioh, A/iril "iOlli, 1818.
At a meeting of the inhaliitaiits of the township of Gaiiisboroiigli. held aereeaMy to the notice mid reconi- meiidatlcin of the iiiluiliilants ol' Niagara Uiwnship, lor taking measures lor pi'lilioiiliig the I'rince |{. gent, re- garding the slate of the |)roviiice — John I. Tavi.or was calli'd to the chair. .Mr. (lourl v's address, daled the s.'coiid day id'April, 1^18, was tneii read over, ami its principles approved of; wbereiipoii .MJlIN KEN- NEDY, Sen. was chosen representative, and CUdiiCjE .Siiii"M\N, cleik. A committee to t'orunrd the bupiiieH.s wilbiii the township, was llien appointed, coiisisling of <liori;v lliiisit, I'/iarlis Kuiiiulii, llittiiini liils and Ihiiiijiiti II, Ilium.-: .lOlIN 1. TAYLOR, Chuirvtun.
Gi-.oiu.K .Siiii'.MA.v, I'lirti.
ISrrlie, A/„il2Ulh, 1818.
A numerous mecling of the respec lalile inhabitantB of this township, having been conveiKd at llie bouse of MatlbiaH llaiiii, Thomas ()i w vv I'ac.k, Esq. being called to the chair, the address of Mr. Cioiirlay, ami other papers, to the Resident Land Owners of I pper Canada, dated Ajiril 2d, 1M8, were nail over, and their whole lenoiir and sentinienls unaiiiniinisly appro- ved of. In coiil'ormity to the reinmmeiidatious Ihere- in coiiliiiuecl, the meeting iiroceeded lo clecl a repre- .senlative and cleik, when W.M. POAVIiEL, of liertie, Esquire, was appointed to fill the former siltialion, and JoMv Ari'i.niAiiTii, of I'ertie, the hitter.
The tbaiiks of the iiu'etiiig were then unaniinously voted to Thomas Ol. I'aye, Esq. for his publick spirit in coming forward on this occasion, and liberally fulfil- ling the duties of the chair.
'I'llOMAS (JTWAY PAGE, Cliainnan.
A true cojiy. J. Ai'i'i.KiiAUTii, C/irA-.
At n second meeting of Ibis townshi[i, it havingbeen reporl"d that it was inconvenient tor \Vm. Powell, Esq. to atleiid to '.he duties of represenlalive, it was then iinaniiiioiisly voted, lluit John Haxtk.h, Esq. do lake upon biin the duties of that olVice, provided S\m, Powii,, Esq. do not attend to it. Having been found necessary tl.at a comiiiiUei' should be chosen, to for- ward the views of the nieeliiig, Dariit Damtinoiiil, Chiirks lull and Ihnrij II arrni were elected to till that office.
The thanks of the meeting were unanimously voted to Mr. Robert (iourlay, ibr his imparallelled generosity, in assisting, us in the remotest part of the earth, by presenting to us a met hod we are in the present un- dertaking so glad to pursue.
HENRY WARREN, C/miiman.
A true copy. J. Ai'i'i.KCAmii, Clerk.
Note, inserted in the Niagara Spectator, of April 23. The Commiltce of A'idfforo vwant to have obtain- ed a r.au']/er''s opinion, to hii/ hifure the public/:, to sati.ifi/ cverif one as to (he right of liritish subjects to meet for pcliiio-ning the Prince or Parliament ; but in the various toiimships, this right has been so spi-
f
<II1<(>M(I,K.S OK CANADA.
i 1
rilfiUij lUiliiihiiiiiil, iinit (■('i/-i/ one in itn writ >iilli<finl o;i Me fiihjirt, Hint it ivuiilil rnlliir lir tlmuirhf nn in- sult Id till/ hifiin- tlir jnililiiK' (inif dixiil iiiilliitriti/. In vuni\) liiirnfhiyt, llir liuiiiiui^>> nf ehuiniitif; rifiiii>in- hilivis itmi rlifhu. Iiilii liifn dliiinli/ iliiiir ; hut the. nen'fjiiififi of In diiif. rnnnut f^ii'f jnihlirili/ In iiiiirr (linn Hirii'. 'I'lKifi titu-n:<hijiii uhiili fiufliHiiiid lluir liiiaimgH, iin llir niiinci'nliiHi of llif rnminillif, nii now mpifnliit III inrrt for choiifiiii; iiiivvHitiliilivin mid rliikf.oii Siiliirildii mronil of .Mill/, \^ o'floi/c, if no olhir .\'iitirr i.^ .^lnl rininil ; inid nl nil )l^l■nl.^, Ilir rr- jncnnilntiri n and rlnkfl'iinn llif t'nrioiin luirnrhiim nvr. rriiiiiftid lo mirl nl Shiinnon* Invirn, St, Cn-. tharinvii, on .Mondni/ Uli of .Uni/, 1 1 o'clock ,7, M, —brinif irilli Ihcin their /m/.i of iiuliKrrihi n<. and the cunlrihiilionf. ,1 Ticniniirr irill Hint dnij In rhoiicn — nnd n jictitiun he diiiirn up (o Inij licfuic llir puli- lick, fur nmcndnii nt or rcninrk. (For tlicConimitlcc.) HOliT ILIMII/i'lKX. A true copy. John Koss, Clerk.
.■?.< the piihlirk throiiirhoiit the province, cannot he 50 trell informed of nit circiiinftnnee», nn Ihei/ nre in llm diftriet, the Commit tee. ffive the fulluirinix rr- tnict, [the whole /« noir re-printed,] from n letter trritten bi/ .Mr. (lonrlni/, irhieli appeared in the .\'i- afcara Spectator if the ^.lil • //;/■//, in support of their prinei/deg; nnd Iheij doultl not hut Ihexr, irilh the fentimint.t crpreiifed hi/ individiial.i, <.t Toienfhip Alectinff.t, irill he tpiilc imlfuienl to nettle nil ipietdion on Ike siihjecl, ifhciever ami minj he started.
To the icorlliif Inlmliitaiils of llie Di.itrirl of iXinisnni. .\iaf^ara,.lpril ^:\st, llllll.
(iK.NTi.KMKN — Tlio nbcivo pliirards Imvi? iilrendy ^|)(lken tor tlioiiisclvoH. It is now my duly iini only to di't'ctid my clmrnctor iis iin indiviiliiiil. hut lo maintiiin llio rriiuid consiitntioiinl rijjflil. ot" nil IJiitisili Kiilijocls — till' rijilil ol lidldiiiir mcctiiijrs lor iK'titionini: tlie I'rinco or I'.nlinmcnt. TIiIh riirlit. a liC'ijislnUvo C'lumcillor liiis diireil lo (|ues- tion nnd trinliicn ; Iml woo lo av(>ry uUomiil \\ liii'li would lesnen iho lilx^rliea of llic |)(!0|)ln, and vili- nlc the orucifs ot'lriith,
(lentlemen — Hut lor llio iinniiliiriil, tiio insidii- ons, tho int'amotis jilaciird u hicli is now placnd bo- fore yon, ypsicrdiiy would liavc born a day of con- cord and confidence : yefsterdiiy, th(! sun ol'ri'ircno- ration wonld have risen to Upper Canada, witliont n clnnd ; hnt it will yet rise, and siiine more Lrijrlit, Iriuniphant over the nnirky clouds of the mornincr.
The history of Mr. ('lark's nnhapjiy proceedinn;s, ftnd tho defence of my own conduct and principles, fhall follow, atler 1 have first eslablished the weightier matter of the law — nnr undenialilo and, till now, unquestioned, rijjlit of petitioninir, and of holdinjr puhlick mcctinj>-s for doinivso. The right of petitioning is one of the grand articles of tho Bill of Rights solemnly passed into law, when the Hritish people had driven one Sovereign from the throne, uiid were about to establish in it another more agreeable to their will. No act of I'arlia- nient is half so sacred as this — the second great charter of IJritish liberty. It emanated purely from the people, uninfluenced by sovereign power, or unswayed by domineering arislocracy ; nnd the nfra which gave it birth, stands emblazon' 1 in his- tory as our glorious Revolution. The V iament of Britain has never questioned this great right of the people, and the people are in the constant ha- bit of exercising their right. The rneetini'S of last
your, in Hngland, lit nomu of which '^11,(100 people w«>re ccdicctcd togelhor, wero all held under Ihin grand couMtitulumal privilege, nnd not n quoHtion w:is niiiile rcijnrding their legnlily. Tho I'nrlin- meiit of Britain iicmm' ntlenipted lo Hiijipress even llie SpaliiddH iiie(-lingH, whn h cxciteil in the minds nf xonie, the greiilmt iiliirm ; nnd I, nivsclf, witH in the lloiiHe of CommonH whi'ii Lord FolkMloiie prescnlcd n prtilioii from one of llien' ineeting«, on the evening id' tho very day on which it won
W'Imt is all this which Mr. Clnrk hnH net before the people ot' I'pper Canada, as a bugbear to frigli ten I hem out ol' the exerciM- of their niont HnercMl right ! What ii* this qiiotalion from the htiitiite bo(di f what are llieso stories to ns, which con- cern the Irish rebidlioii nnd the coriviclii>ii of trai- tors f Is it possible thiit Mr. Clark could serioiiti- ly believe lliiit he could for any length cd'tinie iin- jiose, even upon the igtiornnl, or nppiil the timid, Willi recitals of this nature ! Can any man read the act id' I'arliauKMit, which he has ipioled, and not perceivi!, that il has no eye wniitever to peaceable meeliiigs, '{'he net clearly specilies the sort of meeliiigs which it was framed to re|)rcss— niecl • lugs "tending merely to sedition, nnd to delude the peo|)lo into an imaginary n^^sertion of rights." Ill the name id" (iod, I ask, where is the symptom of sedition to be discoviTcd in this province 7 Cn- less from the mouth ol'thi- lion. 'I'homas Clark, I never heard a breath in C|i|)er Canada vv hicdi could, by the reiiiolt'st coesl ruclion, be a|)plied to any thing of the kind. Tho pure and ardent loyalty of the people iiere, has been one strong inllnenco with nic in exerting myself inwards improving the connexion of Canada with ihi" mother countiv; anil it excited in me peculiar feidings of disgust when I read in the newspapers, that surmises were on foot for biirtering away such people, like slaves, to the Ciiited Slates. If I am guilty of sedition, why does not the Hon. Thomas Clark do his du- ly and biiiig me to trial ? Mr. Clark knew of the \iagara meeting, and of my being |?roseiit there, yet he sntl'ers me to go at large lo ailvise and at- tend other meetings — nay, not only am I g<'>ing nt large and doing all this, but I dare the highest Magistrate in tho province to lay iiands upon me. There i:! thus no alternative t'or .Mr. ("lark, but ei- ther to do his duty, and arrest me, or to leave mo alone, and thereby salist'y the world that he bus been wofiilly imposing on the puhlick by assailing my conduct mid principles — wofully and wantonly scandalizing the rijihls of the (Canadian people. J)oubling that tho ignorant and timid might not be snllici'Mitly astounded wilha quotation of law, Mr. CA-drk seems lo expect that my " l)?edlcss prose- lytes'' will be certainly driven from their moctings, and appalled, for over, by a referonco to an Irish act of l^^rliament, and a hint, as lo what befel tho ignorant in Scotland. In the year, 17!);}, every body knows, that rebellion was nearly bursting out, both in (ireat Britain nnd Ireland ; nnd every body knows that soon atler this, it did break out in the latter. I my self visited Ireland, in the midst of its fiercest rebellion, when 1 was allowed to land and pass along, only from being known to the commander of the King's troops. Iliad, thus, bet- ter opportunities than Mr. Chirk, of being acquain- ted with the state of that country, and the neces- sity for strong measures on the part of Oov- crnmont ; and I was still better informed than he could possibly be, of the situation of things in
Scolli
one ol
what
Th.-y
with
warlik
signs
wish I
tencci
of Ihu
sworn
oallis
with
the II
HvdllK
tneetii to the Afr is (IimI I am shonl
CMIlONU'r.KS OF (?A\.M)A.
(1,000 poo|(lH (1 iiiiilor tliiH )t. n (|ii(>Hti(>n 'I'ho I'lirim |)|iriVH>< pvoii III till' iiiiiiils iiiVMi'ir, wtiH il FolkHtoiic fO in(M»tiii;.'H, bliicli il wan
iH Hct bntiirf! rnr to rri|f|i iimxt Micrcil
(ll(^ htlltlltl'
wliicli cuii- iioii of trni- Milil sorioui- I (il'tiiiip iin- il tlii> tiiiiiil, iiiHi rrnd tlio (!(l, mill not i> in'iu'ciiblo tin; sort of rof s — iiiiiet - (I to iloltiilo I ofriglitH." 10 RVinjitom iiici" ? IFii- in.s CliirU, I vliir-li could, ilied to nny Iriit loyally IfJ iiiliuoiico
l|irovill}jr llip
er coiintiy ;
of dinirust
rniispn woro
lil<0 sIllVPS,
ol' sedition, : do liJH dii-
(IICW ol' til."
HtMit tlicrp, j\tic mid nl- I I jjoin^ lit
10 hi^rlipsl
upon me. iirl\, but ei- o loavo rue lull ho bus y iisKniliiig il u'utitonly an people, il^'lit not bo oflavv, Mr. ess prone- r meetings, to nn Irish it belcl the 7!).j, every y bursting
and every
break out n the midst allowed to own to the , thus, bet- ig acquain- tliR neces- t of Gov- d than he
thinirs in
•Scotland. I alteiiilcd llio I mil, in Kdinburgh, of one of the chief olVt-iiilcrM, iiiid ri'ineiiilier well, on what grounds ho and othi>rs were traimpurted. 'I'hey Were charjfi'd with luddinn Kocret iiiPi'tini/N, with ndiiMiiixteriug oiiIIih of Hrcrecy, mid liiixiii' warlike ariiin in preparation fur carrvin;.' their ili,'- NigiiH violently into rxpciilion. Who would not \vinii to hce men convu'tcd dtnuch iirarticfH, " mcii- tenrcd to lransporlati(Ui V Have I done any tliin^f of thin Nort I. have I held Hccret iMeetiny* f have I MWorn any oiip to Hecrccy, or been an advocate for oatliN ? iiave I or my proselytes, any thing to do with warliko ariiin > Mercy <ui us, for, by and by, the lliuiouralile 'riioiiuiH Clark will accuse im of Hedilion for eating our food, and of treason, for meeting together, in cluirili, to piil up our jirayerii to the Almighty !
After the publick, to whom Mr. (^lark'n pinenrd \H dedicated, have been ho grossly ilisulled l>v him, I am persuaded il would hi' but furllier iu^-ult, shouhl I say another word on th ■< part of th(> sub- ject. I only wish that I could ijero stop and lei Mr. Clark rest i.i ipiiet, among " visionary eulliii- siasls;" but my duty, both to myself and the jiiib- lick, calls loudly for turtlier e.xplanalion.
From the first paragrajih of the placard, it would seem as if I was dependiiiit on Mr. Clark, and that, without the iip|U-obation and couiit(;naiice of tins very L^elf iniporlaiit personage, I had a right to do nutiiing in tliis world. I llatly deny that I am in any way dependant iipcui him, or that, at any stage of my statistical iiwpiiries, I have been ruled by his advice or authority. My (irst address, ])iinled at N'ofk, was never, till its publication, slimvii to Mr. Clark; and with respect to my "recent improper and unwarrantable publication," who c(uild ever suppose iiie under /i/'jt patronage, who now does his " duly to the (iovermnent, the province and him- self,'' by protesting against them? The insinua- tions of tlie placard, groundless as they may be, are yet nothing to what Mr. Clark has uttered in jiubliek, regarding me. ^'esterday, he attended the meeting of Ins own township, and there, I am sorry to say, disgraced himself, in a manner be- yond all precedent, .Mr. Clark stood forward at the Slainford nieeting, and declared that I was a person wholly without means cd" subsistence — that the dollar lie gave Mr. Ilepburne, was meant for iTiy private aid, as a poor man — that he had lent ine money, in England, which I had scpiandered — that I had not a foot o'' land belonging to me, in Upper Canada; and that my sole obji;ct in what I was now about, was to gel possession of the mo- ney subscribed by jietilioners. if a dozen honest men had sworn that Mr. Clark was capable of such declarations, 1 would not have believed tlioiii, be- fore the absolute fact was proved ; and 1 trust that, under circumstances, the publick will excuse my stating the truth, as to my private atl'airs, which, upon any ordinary occasion, would be quite imper- tinent.
I became acquainted with Mr. Clark, for the lirst time, when he was at home, during the war. He then came to Wiltshire, and spent a few weeks at my house. I am the oldest son of my father, •• ho, at that time, was in possession of a landed ,'\-i.ite, in Scotland, worth, with its stock, upwards of £130,000. Having, for some years, been involved in a law suit, on a question which unluckily my fallierhad misconceived, he had withdrawn from me his countenance, and I was leu to the support c" other friends, in proeecuting- my suit. My situa-
tion lining known to Mr. Chirk, he volunteered to mi! a loan ofjt'.'ioo. Little more than a year ntVer this, my father's alVairs beciimi' iiividveil. Till the age olMoviMity -live, be had i arried on tlieiiieHt ex- tensivf! agneuliiiiiil operations of uiiy man in the kingdom ; and for inH'grily, as \\(dl aH perfect kiiowledi.'i' of biisiiiesr', rniiked in the verv highest cliiMH, When the expnsure of iillairs look place, not only my father and family wr-re ceiifoiinded with the result, but the whole country was so. It could be accoiinti'd for in no way but I'roin the na- tural decay ofage. My father had lost his meino' ry, and tor st^veral years, had been the prey of all who had the wickednetis to im(MiNe upon him. With- in a month aOer this, seeing that I could no longer expect to return to my native country, and keep up the rank which I had, from my iHliincy, enjoy- ed, I resolvi'd on going abronil, and had my inten- tion commiinicated to Mr. Clark. The fall of mv fortune, increased the rancour of the perMui with whom I was at law. He would consent to in) terms (d%ettlemerit, and I had to remain more than a year lighting out the bat lie. My lawyers liiih-'d to eairy my caus(! befoie the Assizes. I instant- ly publishfil an address — had this address put into the hands of most eininent counsel, in liondun, willi a suitable fue, and thus obtained a coril'essinri that I was liylit. i then sued in Chancery, for ii new trial, iind carrii^d my piuiit, tliniigh opposiMl by five lawyers, who wasted sexeri.l days in plea- dinc My cause was a second time brought be- fore a .lurv, and then I was tinally victorious, re- covering wlial I pled for with interest, and the costs of three suits. 'I'lie moment all this wasseltleil, I made arraiigeiiienls for lb(> conduct ol'iiiy farming ciuicerns, and came here to look out for future op- erations ; and here I will come, with my family, as soon as all is settled at home, which my trieiids are now giving their aid to accomplish. Last Sep- tember, I satisfied Mr. Clark that a fair settlement of my farming coruerns wcuild leave iiie a rever- sion 111 ca[iilal, ot" several thoiisiiiid pounds, aller paying my debts. My delayed departure from this country, Jiowevc-r, has greatly alter d my hopes of this ; but, iiiilependeut of my own personal capital, there is a provisi<in for my wife and children, of iiiVA) per anniiin, which my fate or Ctjiidiici cannot affect. So tar from being reduced to have my wants hero supplied by Mr. (Mark's charity, he knows well, that I have yet credit at home, as far as travelling expenses require, and that my bill to him, for LM) received last autumn, was duly hon- oured. About two months ago, I wished to draw for a larger sum ; not the slightest objection was made to my credit, by Mr, Street, the partner of Mr. Clark ; but, as he was not full of cash, he ask- ed mo to accept of a temporary supply, and it was agreed to defer drawing on London, until I should require an additional sum. In the township of Dereham, 1 own !!t!C acres of land, which belonged to my wife before her marriage with me ; but which she has since made over to me; and, liow- cver trilling this may be as to value, it was a very proper ground u|)ou which to claim attention, in the petition which 1 sent to York, to be presented by Mr. Clark, to the Parliament then assembled ; for, upon coming to the province, 1 foiind it great- ly depreciated, or rather unsaleable.
That I wish to pocket the dollars subscribed by the people of Canada, for the management of their p .blick interests, is a worthy finish to Mr. Clark's declarations. I advised the people to pay this in-
!(
CHRONICLES OF CANADA.
I
to the liatuls of Clerks and Treasurers clioscn by tliemsclvpfl ; niid I expressly stated, tlint I would accept of no oppoiiilnieiit. Tliiit I might receive benefits from the success of the cause, is soniowhat encoiitairiiijr : it ">ay recoiupcnre mo for tiie time and money I have 'ipont, and such benefit the pub- lick of Canada have certainly no rij^ht to grudge ; but it is (IS certain, that private einokunent, nei- ther first nor last, has been my spur in what I have done. I never was covetous of weallli ; bullii-'' "e enjoyed the pleasure of thinking my efforts t-\i(i- cd to the hap muc'«-s of my fellow creatures; and the hope that I may acco- ;'lish my purpose, of making this province a safe and honourable retreat for the poor of England, would sustain me through a life time of persecution and scandal. From the consideration of what is already said, the pubiick will form some comparison between Mr. Clark and me, as to " unwnrranlablo publicali(uis ;" but let us get en to complete exposure, before the final decision is given.
It will be remembered, that some weeks ago 1 mentioned, that since I had addressed Mr. Clark, as a pubiick character, at York, he had taken ell in good part, and written mo several friendly let- ters. It was so, and moc'lintr together for the firsi. time, after his rotm-n from York, at Mr. Thomas Dickson's, on the llth. of this month, we shook hands before several witnesses. The day prece- ding, I had heard souietliing of j\Ir. Clark's doing at Y'ork, which 1 thought too serious to pass wilh- out notice, ami I had then in my pocket a lelt(-'r calling upon him for explanation. Our accidental meeting, and shaking hands, altered my intentions, as to this, and I cunniitled the letter to the llames, that there should be no retrospect after the right hand of fellowship had been stretched out. On Saturday last, about two o'clock, I had occasion to call at the Printing-Office, and found tlint iMr. Clark ha<l just sent in the manuscript of his pla- card. Upon looking at it, I was cut to the heart. 1 imuiediately went to Mr. \Vm. Kerr, his broth- er-in-law— told him what I had seen, and begged of him to go with me to the Hon. \Vm. Dickson's, where I thought Mr. Clark would be found. Thi- ther we went, but Mr. Clark and Mr. Dickson had gone to a meeting, at Alex. Roger's Hotel, and there we found them on our return. I most ear- nestly entreated Mr. Clark, on his own account, to withdraw his publication, but in vain : both he and Mr. Dickson were alike immovable; and I found that the placard, which bears only the sig- nature of one, was, in fact, the joint production of these two Inmonrable gentlemen. Mr. Dickson had j)runed Mr. Clark's asperities, and had search- ed out, from his law repository, the notable quota- tion which now stands before us as -a bugbear. To conclude, I told the gentlemen, that if they persisted in printing the placard, I should certain- ly, in return, think myself bound by n" delicacy of exposure. Mr. Dickson declared, in that case, he would never speak with me more — so the matter is now at issue, and to determine it, I proceed with- out scruple or dread.
The propriety and fitness of every human action must depend on circumstances. What, in one case would bo very wrong, may, in another, be ne- cessary and proper. My publications, for the last two months, have roused the passions of many un- reflecting people against nic, and many have form- ed judgments concerning them, altogether errone- ous, owing to the partial viows taken of the sub-
ject. I am net conscious of a word of mino lieinflf out of joint. My first address was studiously la- boured to please ; yet wo have seen the cohort of Augusta, with a judge, a priest, and a scribe, as leaders, come forward in a formal charge against it : not spurred on by hasty passion, but after tho inatnie cogitation of nearly four months. My se- cond address was of a very difi'erent nature. I did not expect that it was to gr.in at first, universal fa- vour, though it had at least one hearty admirer. After carrying tho first part of it to press, T called on the Honournblc Win. Dickson, and read the manuscript, as far as it was then composed. Mr. D, wa-i so pleased with it, that ho immediately took me aside, and desired my acceptance of a deed for 500 acres of land ; which I tiiankcd liim for sincerely, but refused.
My after publicatioius, week after week, sprung out of accidents of the moment, and each was call- ed for in its oppropriate character and dress. The letter to the Administrator, never would ha"e had existence, but for an accident of my not get' ing off the week before its appearance, ahmg with the mail carrier, to York; and the ])uhlication of Ma- jor Leonard, which came forth in tho same paper, called for my remaining here still another week. Before this was printed, Mr. Clark's refusal to pre- sent my petition, came to hand, and in a few days more, his advice, that 1 should retreat from my l)osf, by way of Sackot's Harbour. In my letter to the ilon. Thomas Clark, there is a strange mix- ture of the serious and jocular. The last was clearly to retain him to mo os a friend in private lilb, wiiile I lashed him for the neglect of pubiick duties, and his falling away from a trust, which he had most strongly induced mo to repose in him. A ret'usal to present any petition, decently worded, would be provoking; but had I time to set forth the disappointment I experienced on this occasion, the pubiick would rather wonder how I could joko with Mr. Clark, than blame me for the exposure of trifles, or the use of any language of severity. My whole mind had been bent, for seven months, on the consideration of the vast advantages which might be gained by a proper improvecnent of Up- per Canada. The object of my first address had been accomplished so tar, beyond my utmost ex- pectation ; but my experience in tl.e provin.ce had convinced me, that I could not honestly use the Township Ro|)orts, to draw people abroad, to a country wdiere government was so scandalously administered. No one spoke more openly against abuses, than Mr. Clark; indeed, he asked nie, one day bet'ore going to York, " if it would not justify rebellion?" and Mr. Dickson had, about the same time, declared, at the mess, here, that if matters were not ordered better, he tooiitd rather live vnder the Jli' jriciin than British Government. T!iough it was not very decorous for a Legislative Coun- cillor to utter such a speech, befi)re British officers, or any where else, I shall, before all the world, back this sentiment: — certainly, if things are not to be altered for the better, in Canada, thi United States would be a more desirable place of residence. Although I am of this opinion, yet I would not, for a moment, allow that Mr. Clark's question, under any circumstances, could be answered in the affir- mative, while the right of peliti I'np remains free to our exercise. Nay, I say ruire, such a ques- tion, even without an answer sti...ds up against Mr. Clark's appeal to " the tenour of his life ;" and manifests that " factious discontent" has " ori- iginatod in his breast."
(
CHRONICLES OF CANADA.
>rinino being tudioiialy la- lio cuhorl of a scribe, as ar};e ni^ainst but after tho tlis. My se- ature. I did universal fa- rty admirer, ross, I called lid read the posed. Mr. immediately 2()tiince of a liiankcd him
eok, sprung icli wascnll- dresB. The iild ba"e had ut <ret'infrofr nff with the it ion of Ma- same paper, loliicr weei<. jfiisul to pre- 1 a ihw day 3 ■at from my In my letter strange mix- he last waa d in private ;t of publick trust, which pose in him. itly worded, to set forth lis occasion, I could joke he exposure of severity, ven months, tntjes which nent of Up- address had utmost ex- rovince had stly use the broad, to a candulously Rnly against ked nie, one 1 not justify ut the same ; if matters '»• live under t. T'lough itive Conn- tish officers, tlie world, ngs are not th» United >f residence. )uld not, for stion, under in the affir- emains free ich a ques- up against r his life ;" ."/laa "ori-
If Mr. Clark could put Mich a question to me, which I solemnly "ITirm before tho Omnipresent God, that lie did — if Im could put such u (piestion, without even an attempt at rt'lonn, through tho pcncrable exercise of our right otpotitioning, what iangungo was " unwarnintuiile" for mo to uhc, to- wards liiin, who denied mo tho benclit of my.con- stitution^il right of petitioiiinir, and who would not presicnt n petilit);) t<i tlu! IjOgisIiiluro of thirf pro- vince, while it was his hounileu duty to do so — a jietiiion which was to lay tho grouuil work of re- moving the evils, -if which he auil Mr. J):cl;.-;t;n so louilly complained — evils which I lor. ked ujion as Completely barring every good which was in con- teuiphitiou, from the suc(.e---a ol' my statitdical la- bours? What arcMivVnotionsof rightaud wrong, I am altogether at a Iohs to discover. Ii"ono man only had appearc<l in this Bceno of confusitJii — if one man had been tho author of thn [>lacard sliick up befcMO lis, wo might ha\o settled our minds to rest willi a verdict of insanity ; but a cnnspiiacy of mad men never, to iny knowledge, was before lioard of. Silly actions, ami shallow reasoning, may bo expected from the rabble; but to sec such conduct, and bucii a production, existing in, and omanutiiig from, theiiiiiled couiisol ol Coiiticillors, is confounding and marvellous in the extreme.
One part ot' -Mr. Clark's |)larard has stirreil up doubt, I liiid, in more limn him: ell'aiid fellow pla- card maker; I mean his e,iiotation of "a radical change ot' system in the government of Uj)per (.a- nada." There are some people ko nervous — so ve- ry sensitive, that reason has nothing to do with their actions and impulses. A worthy I'rofessor of St. Andrew's ("(dlege, sat one morning in his elbow chair, v\ bile his witi; reached tho tea-ketllo to the (ire. A drop fell on the I'rof'essor's leg. He saw the fire and black bottom of tho kettle at one glance. Tho association of scalding was in- stantly formed, and tho im|)ulso was irresistible: lie leaped to the floor in agony, and stormed at his wife for the ptiin ho suffered. When hi; had sufii- ciently vented his groans and spleen — " Sit down," said his patient partner in this world's misery, " sit down and bless yourself, my dear; for the water was but this moment drawn from the well."
The word government, may bo variously appli- ed : — to the frame of government — the constitu- tion ; or, to vlu" mode of carrying on the govern- nient — the manaceiiient — the administrauon. In Britain, we never think oi"])(;titioning i'ora change of government, in the first sense — a change of con- stitution. Wo are all pleased with the constitu- tion ; but roar loudly, and ii(>tition often, against the governmeni, taken in the latter sense — tho management — the administration. To petition for a change of government, in Upper Canada, is quite diflerent : — hero we may safely petition for a change of government, in every son-e of the word. The government or constitution oi (Tpper Canada rests merely on tho authoiily <d".i Hntisli act of Parliament; and all that is constituted thereby, is subject to repeal, by tho same power which enact- ed it, as the words of oiu constitiitiDiial statute ex- pressly indicate. The constitution of Upper Ca- nada is to continue only " during lue coulinuanco of^ this act ;" and should v.o (iolition for a change of government here, wo do nothing more than is done every day at homo, for a repeal or amend- ment of an act of lb- British Parliament; and, though 1 had not at fir;it contemplated tho neces- sity, I now thifk it night be very proper to petition
for a fresh act, wiiicli would free us from such pestu OS Legislative ('ouuc.llora, to boot . perhaps, too, wo might pelitioii for a throne, instead of a chair.
If either tho one hon. gentleman, or the other, had been ns .veil inclined to cxamit<e strictly my words, as they are zealous to blacken my charac- ter, and prove mo to bo a fool and a rogue, they might have discovered, that these words did not go to tho extent that they, in tho spir'*^^ of illibcrality, huvo imagined. I speak of "a change of system in tho government." What is in the government, cannot be the government : the wino in a bottle, is not tho bottle. Through all my writings, it will be found that I spoke of the si/stem; and sometimes I identiiied this system, with that wiiioh ruled by " patronage and favouritism." The system of pat- ronage and fuvonriiism, in the government of Up- per Canada, I have long considered to be the great baiin of prosperity ; and, without this is put down, all liOgislators fcnt to little York, will come back lietler for themselves, but, bringing with them nothing bettor for tho country. Every one won- ders at the iniluenco of Dr. Straclmn ; a man of no ability — of no experience in the world ; but they ill) not con.-ider tho nature of the tools which have been put into his hands. It requires no oar to play a hand-organ, and liltlo strength to drive a horse in a mill : yet the one may give spirit to a dance, and tho otiier may convert wheat into flour. I quest i(ni if Dr. Strachan has not run some little errand, or done some little favour, for every Hon- orable, and not Honorable, that ever went up to little York to legislate. Such " small sweet cour- tesies" cost the Doctor nothing, and are altogether fascinating to Councillors and members of Assem- bly. On the other hand, mark the Doctor's ire ! ! ! Look at me and tremble, every man who would have a slice of land — look at me and tremble, every man who would desire to get smoothly on, in Up- per Canada.
I'orhaps the two Councillors who have posted me as a promoter of sedition, are not quite imma- culate, even though " factious discontent never ori- ginated in their breasts'' — perhaps they would ra- ther see the province go to ruin, tlian lose the game of jiatronage and favouritism — perhaps " their deeds being o'-il," they would "love darkness ra- tiier than light." It is true, that Governour Gore is gone, who made them Honourable, and got for Mr, (;iark the monopoly of mill seats, on the rap- ids orXiajrara ; but other Govornours are coming out, and Sir .lohn Sheibrooke is even in the lower jirovince, now. Since Mr. Dickson has no regard for my character and feelings, let us try how he will stand tho loncli-stono of truth. It came to my knowledge, by perfect accident, that a member of Assembly was hunting after land, while the publick business for which ho was paid to go to York, was shamefully neglected. Under existing circumstances, it was a duty to expose what was ooing on, and to give a hint to the people, of the real cause of their Parliament effecting no good ])urpose, Mr. Dickson hasj since told me, that he also was busy petitioning tor land, while he was at York. Mr. Dicksoi. having some years ago, been employed as a lawyer, by the Indian depart- ment, or otherwise tor the Indians on the Grand river, had a tract of land given him, consisting, I believe, of 6,000 acres, by a Council of Indians, called together tinder the influence of Colonel Claus. Against this transaction, some other Indi- ans protested, and Mr. Dickson's title has hung m
10
CHRONICLES OF CANADA.
!
i
I
1- hi
ttvhio. While nt York, Mr. Dickson imd a peti- tion drawn up to the Prince Regent to confirm iiia title to this land ; and to {jive wcii^ht to the peti- tion, Sir John Sherbrooke was to thvonr Mr. Dick- eon with his support. Now, I ask the people of this province to pause and reflect on this transac- tion. The Indian land is their own, by as sacred Q title as any in Canada. If Mr. Dickson's claim to the land was fair, why ask the Prince Rei^cnt for what is not his? why draw in his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, to go to the t'oiintain of honour for a favour, wliich cannot in honour bo bestowed ?— Here I leave this subject to-day, for I wish the people to pause.
Canadians! rouse yourselves, ! collectively and individually come into action — save tiio province from ruin — yourselves from insult mid disrrracc. Let a parly in every township, call nt every house, and ask aid to the cause of truth ; and lot the scripture text be repealed to every man — " He tliat is not for us, is against us."
Rouse yourselves, Canadians! for villany is in arms against your peace and prosperity ; — rouse yourselves ! for nil that wns fought Ibr. in war — all that was hoped for, in peace, is at stake : — rouse yourselves, Canadians! for constitutional right is assailed. One bold and generous cifort will yet retrieve your honour — will retain to you tlie re- nown of being honest men, and loyal subjects ; for loyalty must not suffer the constitution to be inva- ded and trod down. Let the Royal motto be our peculiar watch word : — let Canada, from hence- forth, bear these words on her shield — "God and OUR RiGHT.^^^ ROBERT GOURLAY.
Clinton, Aj,nl2T, 1818.
This day, a numerous menling of the inhabitants of the township of Clinton, was held at the iiotisn of Ri- chard Hill, when the address of Mr. Robert (4ourlay, to the Resident Land Owners of Upper Canada, dated April 2nd, 1818, was read, and the whole tenour and sentiments therein contained, wore unanimously ap- proved of-— wlien John Bkam was appointed Ciiaiiinnn. The meeting then proceeded to elect a representative and clerk— when Dr. CYRUS SUMNER was chosen to fill the former situation, and Jacoi! Bkam the latter. A committee was also ajipointed, to forward the views of this meeting, viz : — James Duildk, George Morris, John Con\fort, I'etcr llarc, Jim. and Perez Dean. The thanks of the meeting were voted to Mr. Kohkkt Gour- r.AT, for the disinterested manner in which he lias come forward in order to promote the interest and welfare of the province. The thanks of the meeting were then unanimously voted to Mr. John Beam, for ids regular conduct in the chair. JOHN BEAM, Chairman.
Jacob Beam, Cler/c.
Grimsby, April 27, 1818.
This day, a meeting of a number of inhabitants of this township, was held at the house of Charles Ander- son, for peti loning the Prince Regent, with regard to the state of the province.
The meeting was regularly constituted, by calling Mr. Jonathan Wolvkrton to the chair ; and the meet- ing proceeded, according to the recommendations of Mr. Gourlay, in his address to the Resident Land Owners of Upper Canada.
Mr. Henrv Hixon was chosen representative, to meet with others and concert measures for carrying the same into execution. Dennis VVof-verton was chosen clerk ; also, a committee to forward the business of the town- ^p, consisting of John Moore, Daniel Camp, HiUiam Bndgeman and John Smith. The smile of approbation appeared visible on every countenance, and the whole meeting was conducted in harmony and good order. JONATHAN WOLVKRTON. Chairman.
A true copy. Dennis Woi.verton, Clerk.
Caistor, Q9lh April, 1818, This day, the inhabitants of Caistor and Canborough, having met at the house of Mr. John Lymburner, t? take measures for petiiioning the PrincK Regent, ac- cording to the principles approve 1 of, by the inhabit- ants of Niagara township, met at that place, the thir- teenth instant, Svmuki. Birpsaii. was called to the chair, WILLIAM ROBERTSON, Esq. was unani- mously elected representative, and Mr. John Lvmrvr- NT.R clerk. A coMimitteo for aiding the business with- in the said townships, was also formed, consisting of Messrs. /'(./(■)■ Mdick, Malliew l^imith, llUliavi Stcrenson and Mathcin Lijmhiirner, .fun.
SAMUEL BIRDSALL, Chairman. A true copy. John Lvmiuhink.r, Clcrl;.
At a numcoiis meeting held at Becket's Mill, in the township of Pi'lham, the 5i!)lh April, 1818, pursuant to the recoiniiH'iKlatioiis of the Niagara meeting, held on the lIUli inst. Tiiaiidki's Davis was called to tlie chair — when the whole tenour and Keiilimeiils of Mr. Ro- bert (jourlay's address to tlii> Rosiueni Land Owners of Upper Canada, dated April 2ud, 1818, was i .ad over, and unanimously approved of. The meeting then prorceded to appoint a rrprcseiitalivo and clerk — when JOMN HENDERSON was appointed to fUl the former ."siloation, and Mosrs Bitvnv, the latter.
A cornmittei; also, was iippoiiilcd, lo forward tlie views of the nieetinp, viz : — Messrs. Smnuii liccliel, llillium Hiiidcr.soii and Cliriftiijilier Mr.lljiin. The thanks of the meeting were unaniiiioiisly voted to Mr. Robert Gourlay, for his disinterested cxcilions in behalf of the province; likewise the thanks of the nieeling to Mr. Thaddeus Davis, for his publick spirit in coming for- ward to fill the chair.
THADDEUS DAVIS, Chairman.
A true copy. Mosi s Urahv, Clerk.
Thorol/l, April iWh, 1818.
This da}', a numerous and respectable meeting of the landholders and other inhabitants of this township, having been held at the house of Mr. Aaron Crane, it was agreed to unite in the endeavours of other town- ships, to represent the state of this ]irovinco to his Roy- al Highness the Prince Regent — Thereupon the meet- ing was regularly constituted, by callint; Mr. Eben7,- 7.KU Cavki.s to tlie chair. GEORGE KEEPER, Esq. J. P. was elected to act as representative for the peo- ple of this township. Mr. William McClellan to act as clerk. To forward the business within the town- ship, the followinsr persons were chosen a committee, viz : — John Street, Ehenezer Carers, Jarob I'ppcr, Thomas BuUl, Jan. Garrett Vanilerlivrirh and Geornc Martatt.
The thanks of this meeting were unanimously voted to Mr. Robert Gourlay, for bis active exertions in be- half of this province. Also, to the Chairman, Mr. Ebenezer Cavers, for his publick spirit in coming for- ward to fill the duties of the chair.
EBENEZER CAVERS, Chairman.
A true copy. 'W. McClellan, Clerk.
Ifilloughbij, April 30//;, 1818. This day, a meeting of the inbaliitants of the town- ship of Willoiighby, having been held at the house of John Palmer, and Daviil Davis being called to the chair, it was unanimously resolved, to support the measures recommended in Mr. Gourlay's address to the Resident Land Owners of Upper Canada, dated 2nd April, 1818— when JAMES CUMMINGS, Esq. was unanimously chosen representative, and Jacob Ganper, clerk. A committee to forward the business within the township, was then appointed, consisting of .lacob Everett, John Lemon, Ilenrt/ Hrtrk and lienj. Sharp.
DAVID DAVIS, Chairman. A true copy. Jacob GANnEB, Ckik.
Humberstone, \ si of May, 1818.
This day, a second meeting of the inhabitants of
Humberstone, and the lake side of Wainflect, having
been held at the house of Christian Zevits, to take into
consideration the state of the province, and the propri-
/
CHRONICLEa OP CANADA.
II
Ipril, I8I8,
Canborough, yinburner, lo '. Urgent, ac- f the inhabit- aco, the Ihir- callod to tlie . wti8 unani- DH.N LviunuR- UHinoRs witli- roriHiHlirig of •urn i^ltrenson
Chairman. Clerk.
'a Mill, in the i, piirsunnt to !tin<i, hold on (I to ilio cimir Is of Mr. Ro- Land Owners vas 1 .ad over, riippting then
and rlcrk
It I'd to fdl tho latter.
1 forward the 'iivniii Ihckcl, I. 'I'lictliankij lo Mr. Ilobort I behalf of tho I'oliiig to Mr. 1 coining for-
Chairman. h.
2m, 1818. f! mooting of his township, ron ("rano, it ■ other town- ee to his Iloy- )on the meet- Mr. Ebenz-
EFER, Esq. for the peo-
.KLi.AN to act lin the town- a committee, 'ppcr, Thomas ire. Mil Halt. mnusly voted ertions in be- lairnian, Mr. n coming for-
Chairmiin. krk.
•Am, 1818.
of the town-
tho houpe of
called to the
support the s address to anadu, dated IINGS, Esq. , and Jacob
tlie biisinesB consisting of
licnj. Sharp. Chairman.
May, 1818. ihubitonts of iflect, having to take into id the propri-
ety of petitioning tlie Prince Regent, reapecting the ■ame — Mr. Bknjamin IIouton in the chair — it wa* agreed, to contirm the appointment of Mr. llORTON, to act as representutivo, and Mr. Bknjamin Hehsicv, clerk. — A committee was altio formed, coiisisting of Jacob Lvsc, Abruhain Ikrgcij, Juhn H aiccr und Abraiium Kennuird, to carry the businosH into efl'oct, in tlic township. liENJAMIN HORTON, Chairman.
A true coi)y. Rknjamin Hkuhky, CUrk.
Cruiiliind, May 1, 1818.
Which day, a numerous mcc'-ting of ihe inhabitants of tho township of t'rowland, having been lield at Cook's Mills, and Calvin ("ook being called to tho chiiir, the address of Mr. Gourlay to tho Resident Land Owners ofl'p|)or Canada, dated April '-iiid, Itiiri, was read over, and its whole tenour and Hcntiments unanimously approved of.
In conformity lo the recommendations therein con- tained, tho meeting proceeded to elect a representative and clerk— when JOSEI'll CUH RENT was appointed to fill the former situation, and Samukl Gi.ovkk, the latter. A committee was also appointed, to forward the views of tho meeting, viz: — .hicob Hrookjield, Win. Cook, Ixonani Mistier and Chi islopher Jluchnir.
The thanks of tho meeting were then unanimously voted to Cai.vin Cook, for his jmblick spirit in coming forward on this occasion, and libenlly ful.illing the duties of tho chair. CALVIN COOK, C/m/nH«M.
A true copy. Samuki. Gi.ovku, Clerk.
At this meeting, Crowel Wilson, Esq. J. P. was proposed as representative but declined, owing to the present state of his health. Ho came forward, howe- ver, as a subscriber, and delivered a most spirited ad- dress to the people, which unhappily cannot have suf- ficient justice done to it in this ri'port. In substance, he said — "1 know, friends and neighbours, that all ' Rritish subjects inherit the right of petitioning tho Throne, for redress or grievances ; and I conceive that meeting toget/ier, iu this friendly and peaceable man- ner, for that purpose, may be attended with most be- neficial elfects to the inhabitants of this province.
"The law quoted by my much esteemed friend, the Hon. Thomas Clark, does not regard meetings assem- liled for the peaceable exercise of petitioning, even in Britain ; but here, at any rate, it can- have no more force than the laws of lupan or China. This law was made in 17915 ; but boloi" that date, the inhabitants of Upper Canada had received a power of legislating for themselves. Oor first step might have been, to peti- tion the Provincial Parliament, as to the public grie- vances ; but the dillerent branches of Parliament, and our members of Assembly, have nejrieeted us. Our only resource now is, to petition the Thione ; and for my part 1 would rather be adopted into a tribe of In- dians, than give up this privilege. 1 am not for bear- ing the kicks and cull's of servants of (ioverument : I am not to be alleviated under such grievances, by re- turning thanks ibr the same. It is well known, that, notwitlistanding tiie reputed purity and vigilance of the ancient government of Rome, the people of its dis- tant colonies were most shamefully imposed upon, by tliose delegated lo rule over them. 1 have a high opi- nion of the Administrator and Chief Justice, and do not think that any blame rests with them, or other mem'ors of the Executive (Council ; but, certainly, ' there is something rotten in the stati! of Denmark' — and I rather think that evils originate at home. Be- fore the war, any man who came from any part of the globe, received, upon petitioning, and taking tho oath of allegiance, 200 acres of land : the fees were thirty- seven and a half dollars, and the location could be made on any land not before taken up. Now his Majesty's own subjects, who have borne all the hardships of war, for the support of the Crown, can only draw 100 acres, and perhaps that is located in some remote corner, 8Uv.h as the township of Brock, where it is no better than a location in the moon ; it being impossible to get there but in the frozen season of the year. The
Honourable ThomaB Clark, I consider to be a loyal Hubject, and faithful friend to the British Government ; but as to the right of petitioning, he ii groialy luista- ken."
U'ainjket, May 2, 1818.
This day, a meeting of the inhabitants of thistown- uliip, was held at the house of David Thompson, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of petitioning the Supreme Government for a redress of grievances : when Mr. Gourlay's address to the Re- sident Land Owners of Upper Canada, dated the 2nd ult. was read over, and its whole tenor and sentiments unanmiously approved of. The meeting then proceed- ed to elect a represen.ative and clerk — when DAVID THOMPSON, Esq. was chosen to fill the former situ, ation, and Jamks Thompson, the latter. A committee also was appointed, to forward the views of the meet- ing, viz : — Messrs. Henry Oroff, Nathan Kdky, Stephen N. Farr and lliram lluiiiphriy.
The tha.'iks of the meeting were then unanimously voted to Mr. Gourlay, for his disinterestedness, and "or coming forward and ably assisting to promote the good cause. DAVID THOMPSON, Chairman.
A true copy. Jamks Thomi'son, Clnk.
Mr. Thompson, the Chairman of this meeting, after returning thanks for the honour done to him, spoke with much animation on the right of the subject to pe- tition the Prince Regent, and deprecated the compari- son of the present meetings in Upper Canada, with those rebellious assemblages which had, in Ireland, proceeded to unwarrantable lengths. Those who call the present meetings seditious, would do well, lie said, to call to mind. how the people of Canada rallied round the Royal standard, in llie late war — not only when it waved victorioup, but even in the most critical times. Was it not a fact, that those who now accused us of sedition, left us and flow to other countries for refuge, till tho storm was over 1 None of you, gentlemen, acted thus : but you see the return that is made. You all know that Councillors and Commanders promised you land, for your extraordinary services as good Sol- diers— and you all expected your private losses'to be made up. Phroe years have now elafised since the din of arms ceased i but where are your rewards — what has become of your claims ? Should we attribute such neglect to our Parliament, or can we suppose that the Snjireme Government hath forbidden the fulfilment of justice. In my opinion, (he fault lies with our own representatives, and it is now high time for us to peti- tiim the Prince Regent, for inquiry into the causes ot
evil, and for our just demands. ^-
— — — — . . t Q
St. Catharines, Ath May, 1^0.
This day, represfentatives (and clerks,) chosen by the inhabitants of the several townships of Niagara district, for the purpose of petitioning the Prince Re- gent, on the general stale of ))ublick affairs now ex- isting in the province of Upper Canada, met here — Robert Hamilton, Esq. representing the township of
Niagara.
do. Grantham.
do. Louth.
do. C;iinton.
do. Grimsby.
do. Caistor & Canboro'
do. Gainsboro'
do. Pelliam.
do. Thorold.
do. Stamford.
Wm. H. Merritt, Esq. J. John Clark, Esq. J. P. Dr. Cyrus Sumuor, Capt. Henry Hixon, Major Wm. Robertson, Mr. John Kennedy, Mr. John Henderson, (roorge Koefer, Esq. J. P Dr. John J. Letlerty,
James Ciimmings, Esq. J. P. do. Willoughby. John Baxter, Esq. do. Bertie. ' "^
Mr. Joseph Current, do. Crowland.
Mr. Benjamin Horton, do. Humberstone, and
Lake side of Wainfleet. David TJiompson, Esq. do. Wainfleet.
John Clark, Esq. being unanimously called to the chair, the business of the day commenced, by Mr. Clark's reading over Mr. Gourlay's address to the Re- .■^ident Land Owners of Upper Canada, dated 2nd A[}ril,
12
CHRONICLES OF CANADA.
{
1818. The recommendations and principles contained in tlie addres!!, were declared to be those now f;enernl- ly approved of, and as constitutinfj the hivAa of the pro- s'^nl proceedings. It was then moved and curried, that Mr. Gourlay should he called to the sitting, and in- vited to assist in the business of tliu day.
George Ai)am<!, Esq., J. P. was elected to be Treasu- rer for this district, and, being sent for, acepted tiie ofiice. WjLi-iAM J. Kerii, Esq. was elected Jecnttiri/ ; and these gentlemen were desirod to retire with Town- ship Clerhs, to arrange accounts, and commence a regu- lar journal of transactions.
It was then moved, that a draft of a petition, previ- ously prepared, sliouUI bo road — which being done, its general principles were approved of, and it was agreed further, that consideration, as to its style, &c. be re- ferred to a committee of four.
Moved, and xinanimoudij carried. That as soon as the committee are sufficiently satisfied with the wordinjj of the Petition, Ihey order it to be printed, witli a view toils lying before the publiokone month, and atlbrdiiig opportunity for animadversion or amendment, that ti- nally it may be so drawn out as to give the groatost possible degree of satisfaction to the people of this dis- trict.
Moved, and unnnimonshj carried. That the same roin- mittee do immediately publish, throughout the pro- vince, the whole proceedings of the peuplo of lliis dis- trict of Niagara, up to this time ; and talienll necessa- ry steps towards promoting the objects in view.
Moved, and vnanimovsbj carried, Tliat the gentlemen of the committee advertise, Saturday, Oth June, at iJ o'clock afternoon, as a pro[;or lime for llie people of other districts to hold township nieeting.s throughout the province, at all places where township meetings are usually held : That Saturday tlie 13tli of the same month, be advertised for the meetings of township re- presentatives, at the head town of their respective dis- tricts— there to choose district representatives, to as- semble in the Provincial Convention.
Moved, and unanimonslij carried. That Monday, Cth July next, be advertised as the day of meeting at Yck, of thfe Provincial Convention — there to appoint a Com- mission to proceed to England, with tlie petitions to the Prince Regent, and hold conference, generally, on all matters then requiring attention.
Moved, and unanimously carried. That it is proper for each district to send to the Provincial Convention, re- presentatives in like number and proportion as they send members to Parliament.
Moved, and unanimously carried, That it be recom- mended, that the district representatives for the West- ern, London, Gore and Niagara districts, do moot to- gether, at Ancaster, on Friday, 3d July — there to tarry one or two days to consult and order, with regard to any thing in these distrietsthat may then bo discovered to be neglected. Also, that the district reproseiitativos for Ottawa, the Eastern, Johnstown and Midlard -iis- tricts, do meet for the like purpose, on AVednesdoy the first of July, at Earnest- town.
The meeting proceeded to choose ropreseiilatives for Niagara district — when Robert Hamilton, Ei»q. Doct. C»RUS SuMNEK, John Clauk, Esq. J. P. and Maj. Wm. Robertson, were duly elected. it was then moved and carried, that these gentlemen constitute the com- mittee oliove mentioned.
One of the representatives requesting to be allowed to read a paper to the meeting, the request was granted. The paper regarded certain partial proceedings in Courts of Justice, and attributed the same to tlie pre- sent corrupt state of publick aftairs. The gentleman wished the meeting to take the same into considera- tion ; but the proposal was lost — this being declared not a meeting of deliberation, as to private or particu- lar grleTances — but for the pure purpose of petitioning the Prince Regent generally, as to the state of the pro- vince. It was admitted that this, or otiier papers re- specting publick grievances, might bo given to district representatives, sealed up, and directed to be put into
the hands of the Commissioners, that they may make what use they jiloased of the same, for the general good of the provinro.
Moved, and uiicnintnnsly oirtrrd. That Iho thaniSM of the meeting be givi ii to John Clark, Esq. for his im- jiarlial conduct in the chair.
Thf mooting tlion adjourned till Monday, 8th June, at St. Catharines, when the Polition will he iinolly adopted, and measures takon for its signature, in the Bovcral townships of this dislrirt. Wm. J. Kekk, Hcc'y. JOHN C;LAIIK, Chairman.
Draft of an Addres, proposed for presentation to the Prince Re- gent— submitted to the consider- ation of tlie people of Upper Ca- nada, for animadversion and a- rnendment.
To Ills RoVAI, IIlGIINKSS, Gf.ORGE, rRI?iCF. OF
\Vai.i:s, Rkgknt of tiu; U.mtud Kingdom or
Gui;at Britain and Irki.and, &ic. &,c. Sue. The humble Address of Inhabitants of Upper Canada; Jlay it please your Royal Highness —
Thfi subjects of your Iloyul i'utlicr, ilwcllingf in Upper Canada, should need no words to givcassii- rancc of their loyalty, if tlie wliole truth had readi- ed the Throne of their Sovereign, His loving sub- jects have reason to believe, that the truth has not been toKl.
DiiriiiT three years of war, Upper Canada was exposed to the ravages of a powerful and invete- rate foQ. The Government of the United States had long been concerting the invasion of tliis pro- vince : iiostilo preparations against it, liad been long ina.sked u'lder other designs, and at last the accumulated torrent of violence burst on the de- fenceless children of the British empire. Nor were they assailed by tlie weapons of war alone. An insidious proclamation preceded the host of the enemy — forgetful of honour — regardless of huma- nity ; and, daring to seduce the subjects of Britain from their true allegiance. The subjects of Bri- tain remained dauntless and firm. It was not for property, that tiioy rose against tlie invader: the invader would have spared to them their property. They flew to arms in defence of the rights and sov6rcignty of Britain. Twice had the American standard been planted in Upper-Canada, while yet but a handful of British troojis aided the native bat- talions of the province: — twice did those raw bat- talions w;ive the laurel of victory over the pros- trate intruders on their soil. The second year of war saw Canada contending with yet little assist- ance from the parent state : — the second year of war saw her sons confirmed in their virtue, and still more determined to resist. Wives and chil- dren had fled from their homes ; tiic face of the country was laid waste, and the fire of revenge was sent forth to consummate distress and misery ; — still was the spirit of the people unextinguished — still did it burn witii patriotism and loyalty.
y may make the general
." llinii.cfi of lur Ills im-
y, 8tli June,
I 1)0 iinolly
iliirc, in the
Chairman.
iscd for ice Re- onsider- per Ca- und a-
rni>cF, or M;noM 07
r Canada:
Iwcllinnr in ' give assii- hud roach- loviiig sub- Dlh has not
nnada was iiid invete- tod States af tills pro- , had been at last thn on the de-
Nor were ilone. An ost of tlie 3 of liiitna- I of Britain Lts of Bri- I'as not for .■ader : the r property, rijjhts and American
while yet native but- 3 raw bat- the pros- nd year of tie tssist- id year of irtue, and and chil- ice of the r revenge d misery ; in^uishod ^-aky. : "' ;
■F
CHRONICLES OF CANADA.
IS
By the third year, every risk of conquest was at an end; for now the British aids poured into the provinces ; and peace was proclaimed, when war was no longer to be feared.
It is now more than three years since there was an end of war: but, strnnge to say, those years of peace have manifested no appoura/ico of afFoclion or care from thr mother country to the Canadus. Comniercial treaties have been made, altogether neglectful of British interests, here : Government transactions, which used to give spirit to trade and industry, are at a stand ; troojis are withdrawn : fortifications are suflbred to go to ruin ; and ru- niours arc abroad too shocking to be rej)eatod in the Royal ear.
May it please your Royal Highness to listen calmly to the complaints and grievances of the people of Upper Canada, who are fully assured, that your Royal Highness has been kept ignorant of most important truths — who arc well ufsured of the generous disposition of your Royal licart ; and of your desire, that British subjects should, every where, share equally your paternal regard and af- fection.
It was matter of much provocation to the people of this province, to see, even during the war, which afforded such striking proofs of their loyalty and valour, reports sent home, highly rating the merit of regular troops, while the tribute duo to Cana- dian levies, was unfairly let down. Nay, the prin- ciples of the most loyal subjects here, were often stigmatized by British officers, ignorant of human character, and still more so of circumstances which affect it, in this part of the world. It was not so with the immortal Brock. He justly appreciated Canadian worth ; and liis memory will happily long cherish, in the minds of the Canadian people, a due regard for the genuine spirit of a British sol- dier, at once generous and brave.
The loyal inhabitants of Upper Canada would disdain to notice the misrepresentations ofindividu- als, so contrary to notorious truth, if these had not obv'jusly conspired, with other causes,, to lessen the regard which should subsist between British subjects, here and at home — to influence the con- duct of Ministers tow^rl the general interest of the provinces.
The loyal subjects of his Majesty in Upper Ca- nada, suffered grievously, during the war, in their property, and many were bereft of their all. A solemn investigation, on this subject, took place : the claims of sufferers were authenticated ; and there was every reason to expect thatrecompence would immediately follow ; yet nothing has follow- ed, but delay and insult. Surely, if there is among mankind a single principle of justice, this is one, that the individuals of a nation ought not, partial- ly, to bear the weightofpnblick calamity — surely.
individuals who have cxpose<l their lives for Go- vernment, should not be disgusted with finding Government reganllcss of those very priuci|dca which it ii intended to sustain. The peo[dc of this province are well uwaie, lliiit their fellow subjects at home arc pressed hard with taxation ; and fur is it from their wish that relief should be afforded from thence. Canada contains, wilhiii itself, ample moans of exhoncrating (jovemment from the claims of sufferers by war ; and it is within the fuit of your Royal Highness to remove, by a sin- gle breath, the evil now so justly complained of. Millions of acres of fertile land lie, here, at the dis- posal of your Royal llighne.ss — upon the credit of which, put under proper mnnagemenf, not only the fair claims of loy^il sufferers could be instantly advanced, but vast sums could be raised for the im- provement of the provinces, and the increase of re- venue to Britain.
Anollier grievance, manifesting the neglect of (Jovernment to the concerns of Tapper Canada, is ecpially notorious, and must bo stiil more abhor- rent to the generous feelings ol'your Royal High- ness.
The young men of this province, who were arm- ed in its defence, had, for their spirited conduct, the promise of their Commanders, that land would be granted tliem, as a reward for their services, as soon as war was terminated ; and after this pro- mise was universally confided in, the Purliament of Upper Canada passed an extraordinary law, in the fice of established Britisli principles, that tiie mi- litia should pass beyond the frontier. With these promises, and in obeilience to the law, the militia passed beyond the frontier with alacrity ; yet, since the peace, the greater part of them have been de- nied the pledge of their extraordinary services, and the land is unjustly withheld.
Such ingratitude — such dishonour — such crrours in policy, your Royal Highness may be well assu- red, could not exist without extraordinary influen- ces : and, were your Royol Highness sulTiciently informed as to these, and of the true state of Up- per Canada, we flatter ourselves most important changes would speedily take place, as well for the glory of the Throne, as fur the benefit of its sub- jects.
Permit the loyal subjects of his Majesty merely to say as much, at the present time, on this sub- ject, as may iiuhico your Royal Highness to order iu(juiry to be made.
The lands of the Crown in Upper Canada, are of immense extent, not only stretching far and wide into the wilderness, but sca.tered over the province, and intermixed with private property, already cul- tivated. The disposal of this land is left to Minis- ters at home, who are palpably ignorant of existing circumstances, and to a Council of men resident
I
i I
I
14
CIIRONICLKS OF CANADA.
I ;
I'l
in the pruvini'c, who, ii in bolicvcil, liuvc lung con- verted tliu trust repoKed in them tu purposes of sfilfiiiliness. The Hcnndnlous iil)uses, in this de- partment, came soniu yciifs U!,'i) to sucii ii pilrh of monstroiiii niii<:^nitudc, that the hon)e Ministers wisely iin|)OHod restrictions on the land Council of Upper Cunndii. Thewe, iiowcvor, have by no means removed the evil ; and a system of patronage and favouritism, in the dit^posal of the Crown hinds, still exists, ollogulher destructive of moral recti- tude and virtuous leoliiifr, in the niauDgcmont of publick afl'uirs. Corruption, indeed, has readied biich a height in this province, tluit it is thoii^'hl no other part of the IJrilish cnijiire witnesses the like ; and it is vain to look for improvement till a radical change is eftccted. It matters not what charac- tf-rs fdl situations of publick trust, at present: — all sink beneath the dignity of men — become vitia- ted and weak, as soon as thoy arc placed within the vortex of destruction. Conltision on confu- sion has grown nut of tliis unhappy system; utid the very lauds of the Crown, the giving away of which, has created such mischief ami iniquity, have ultimately come to little value from abuse. The poor subjects of his Majesty, driven from home by distress, to whom portions of land are gia'.ited, can now find in the grant no benefit; and loyalists ol" the United Empire — the descendants of those who sacrificed their all, in America, in behalf of British rule — men whose names were ordered on record, for their virtuous adherence to your Royal father, — the descendants of these men lind, now, no fa- vour in their destined rewards : nay, these rewards, when granted, have, in many cases, been rendered worse than nothing ; for the legal rights in the en- joyment of them have been held at nought : their land has been rendered unsaleable, and, in some cases, only a source of flistraction and care.
Under this system of internal management, and weakened from other evil influences, U[)per Cana- da now pines in comparative decay : discontent and poverty arc experienced in a land supremely bles- sed with the gifts of nature : dread of arbitrary power wars, here, against the free exercise of rea- son and manly sentiment : laws have been set a- side : legislators have come into derision ;' and con- tempt from the mother country seems fast gather- ing strengtii to disunite the people of Canada from their friends at home.
The immediate interference of your Royal High- ness, might do much to check exis'ing evils : and might wholly remove those which spring from tiic system of patronage and favouritism, in the land granting department. Other evils, however, greatly retard the prosperity of Upper Canada — evils which have their root in the original consti- tution of the province, and these can only be remo- ved by the interference of the British Parliament, now most imperi'rj«ly required.
Deeply penetrated with these scntimcits, and most seriously inclined to have such needliil chan- ges speedily eflbcled, the loyal subjects of llritaiu, dwelling in Upper Canada, now take the extraor- dinary 8te|) of sending home Commissioners to hear this to the Throne, and humbly entreat your Royal Iligiiness to give ear to the details which it will be in their power to relate: above all, that your Jloyal Highness would, immediately, send out to this province a C'o.m.misshin, consisting of discreet and wise men — men of business and ta- lent, who shall be ahove every influence here, and who may be instructed to make imiuiry into all thu sources of evil.
A'. D. SIkivIiI iiinj jirrsoii iinlinu to draiD mil nn Ad- niiiiss, rnllrilfi ilijl'irentj'roin llic iiliorc, il is rei/iiijitnl that II rc/ii/ 111111/ hi: iliniltit to "Mr. jDliri Hobs, iNiagarn," Cfur till' l)i.-!ricl Ciimiiilllic. ) mid il is also rrqiiislcil, that iijiDils iif tiiii'iishii) iiiicliiiirs, sliiliiiir iihut pavons arc up- /wiiilcd Id ml IIS ripiisiiiliitiris, lUrlis, iind comviittea nii.ii, Ii: J'liririirdid lu Ihv siniii;, irith all concaiicnl f]>ced, iiiimediiilili/ iij'lir siirh iniiliiiijs lire- held.
TI<>(>tiiBe of tltv ll|»|»oi' Canadian Con- vention of FrieaidN to Inquiry.
Yoilc, JMondin/, July Gth, la 18. This day a Convention, consisting of persons chosen according to the rules prescribed in the pamphlet, entitled, " Pi inriiitis and Procirdiiigs of the Inhahiliinls of the District of jVia<xiira,for <id- divssinji; his lluijal Highness the Prince Regent, tjrc."' luet hero. i'iiksknt.
lOK thk f Rohk.ht Hamilton, Esq.
.lon.N Cl.AKK, Esq. J. 1'. District of Niagara, { Dr. Cviiiis Sumskk,
(Major Wii.i.iAM lloBEnTsow, re- ))orted absent, from sickness.) < RiuiiAiii) Bkasi.kv, Ek(i. J, V. \ Mr. Wn.i.iAM CiiisiioLM. Mr. Cai.vi.s Martin. Mr. RonKUKK Drake. Daniki, Washjiurn, Esq. Mr. Davis IIawikv, Mr. Paiu, Pktfi!son', Mr. Jacob W, Mvkhs, l^TnoMAS Col. F.MAN, Esq. District ofNowcastle, Mr. Robkut J. Kkru. .lolmstown District, Mr. Nathan Hicok.
Ottawa do.
Home do. ■•••
It being proposed, that' these g.^nllemen should eiu'h give satisfactory evidence, by reference to printed and written documents, or on their word of lionor, that tiiey had been duly appointed to repre- sent peojde of the respective districts, (and the same being complied with,) the meeting was regu- larlv con.stituted, by callmg RICHARD BEAS- LEY, Esq. J. F. to the Chair.
Mr. lieasley opened the business in a neat speech, wherein he depri;cated the false and malicious in- sinuations and assertions thrown out before the |)iiblic, as to the views and intentions of those who joined in the present business. It was only neces- sary, he said, to look to the liices now present, to have refuted every possible t h jught ofevil intention. VVilllam J. Kerr, Esq. J. P. was named, and chosen Secretary for this Convention, and Daniel Washburn, Esq. Assistant Secretary.
It was then moved and carried, that Mr. Gour- lay be admitted to assist in the deliberations of the
District of Gore,
London District, Western do.
Midland do.
cimoNicr.Ert OF Canada.
li
itimcnts, and noedlul clmn- aia ut'iiritaiu,
tlie cxtraor- nisHiuiiers to
entreat your Jcluils which bovo nil, that liintoly, send consistiiigr of incijs und ta- iico liero, and ry into all tho
itto mit an Ad- s rajiitstv.il tluU iss, i\iiij>arn," I reqUi'Htcd, that jicrnims art up- iiml coiniiiillee ncaiknt .tjiced,
iliaii Con- iqniry.
ath, 1818. g of persona
ribfjd in the 'rocirdiiigs (if ^(ira,for ad- Rft^ent, ijf'c.'
I, Esq.
. J. p.
toBEmsoN, re- oin siuknesa.) , I'.Kq. J. F.
illDLM,
IN.
AKK.
I, Esq.
V,
^',
KRS,
Esq. :iiK. K.
jnien filiould ref'crcnco to heir word of ;ed to repre- s, (and the If!" was rcfju- UD BEAS-
ncat speech,
nalii'ious in-
before the
if those who
only ncces- ■ present, to .il intention, named, and
and Daniel
Mr. Gour- itions of the
present occasion— to spcaU, but not to vote. Mr. Oourlny hereupon cairio forward, and addrossinfj himself to the chair, rxpressod his {jreat patiNfac- tion at BPcinj; the nioasnrps wliich ho had had the hnppincpa to nnpffcst to the public of (Ippor (Cana- da, so far matured, in the nioetinir of this Conven- tion. Ho Kiiid that these medsuroH wouhl have had the most coinpli'to success, but for uuforoHCcn and unexpected iiitluencrs: that it was obvious, from the bpiriiwiinir, that many men, accustomed to draw profit from corruption, or enjoyuicnl from the ex- ercise of arbitrary power, would oppose measures tendincif to refreirih the body-pidiiic, p.tid restrai'- the licentiousness of ill-refj;iilale(l authority; but it could not Imvfvbeon supposed, that Ihcrn would have appeared men so base as to injure a pood and prent jjubliccnui-c, frtuu mere wanton uial'jvolence, or to pratify private pi(pie and reven^rp ; far loss, that any of those men who represeiiltd tlio people in Parliament, would take arms npainsl measures, not only pure, but haviu;r in view the very ends which the Asspud)ly had repeatedly strove to at- tain. Thiit such had been the case, was, luiwevcr, unfortunately loo true; and the machinations of such parties lia<l held buck that frank iind coiilidinsf support to the cause, which (ortaiiily would have prevailed throufjiiout. I'rom the unbiassed ti'diiifTS of the jjeoplo. Mr. (!. said, that. Worn his kiu)w- ledpo of the pidilic mind, there was only rcfjuired a little tinu! to pet over every ditliculty raised by lyinp reports and evil iidlueiices — that ho had po- sitive information, that, even already, many people who had been at first stnppered under ignorance of the truth, and the novidty of proposed mea- sures, wore fust adoptinp more liberal eenliments, -and heartily wishinp us well, though they had lost the opportunity of choosiiiir representatives to ppcak for them on this occasion: that it woidd he of infinite consequence to rive time for rellection ; and, as there was but one prent interest in the ronntry, so there mipht be the most harmonious cflbrt possible made to p-omote it. Under circum- stances, then, ho would propose a clianpe of mea- sures : he would propose, instead of sendinp home a Commission directly, to his Royal lliphness the Prince Repent, that a Deputation should wait on the Governor as soon as i<rrived, or, should pro- ceed to meet him at Quebec : that this Deputation ehonld present two petitions — one to tho Prince, with a request, that he, (tho Governor,) should im- mediately send home the same to be presented at the first levee : that another petition should bo pre- sented to himself, prayinp that he would inmicdi- atcly dissolve the presort Parliament, and issue writs for a new election — that he would meet tho new Parliament with all possible dispatch, and recommend, as its first preat object, (after peltinp the annual supply voted,) to proceed to an inquiry into the state of tho province, and have n Commis- sion appointed to po home with the result, in time to have the same laid before the Imperial Parlia- ment,in the early part of next session. Mr. G. said that, in his address of the 2nd of April, he had asserted that there was little to be expected from change of representatives or Governors. He would now qualify that assertion. The appoint- ment of the Duke of Richmond to bo Governor- in-chief of the Canadas, was an auspicuous event. The Duke of Richmond was a rare character — one who had pr cd that Royalty itself could lot make him stoop to indipnity, and one who had nobly supported the rights of the people of England.
Ho had lonp ago maintained, tliat every man who paid taxes should have a vote m Parliamentary election, und his opinion had been pronrlly quoted by the lovers of rationul reform, upon every occa- sion since. In this country, v. e had the fullest privilepes as to the choice of refirescntatives — the fullest security tluit taxation never coidd be madn oppressive to th(> couunuiutv. Wo had nothinpto ex|)ect from the Duke of Riclimond as to this; but his former conduct and de(lared opinions, were (juile clicerinp to our hoj)es, of his heartily joining in every elfiu't for the puldic good ; and Sir Pero- prine Alaillnnd, with such an example, and with such an adviser, wo mipht be well nssurnl, will be forward in porforminp Imnorably and well, tlio high and i(riportant duties entrusted to him. As to a clianpo of representiitives, tliero was, at this time, c(ui-i(leriilde h<>[)e. Meifs minds were now roused to the full iniptirlanct! of having res|)e(Uable cha- racters in Assendily : limy had scon the evil con- se(piences from too much iiulitH^rence as to this ; and, in fact, the Parliamentary character had fiillon so low, that r(^sp('ct^blo men had, for years, decli- ned coming fu'ward, as catulidates. Now, he wna conviiir'cd that nien of sohd worth and jiul'jmcnt woidd oiler themselves, and that while all were alive to public interests, every voter wonhl seri- ously tliiidv of the character he supported. There were now in Assend)!y, several men (piite a dis- griico to their situation. These men, ho thought, would certainly not now ho returned; and such as were still in favor with their constituents, from nprighlness of intention, (and there was a consi- derable proportion that ho believed to be worthy, honest men, such as |ierhaps could not be excel- led,) that he was suro theso men would resume thr r duties, with increased et.ergy and dctprmina- tion, to recover to the country that chnracter ami credit, which their remissnesH had unhajipily tend- ed to degrade and dissipate."
These mciisures retpiiring tinic fir rellection, it was moved by Mr. Washlmrn, and carried, that this meeting do adjourn till to-morrow, at 9 o'clock.
Yorl\ I'licfdiii/, 7th July, 1313.
This day the Convention being met, and Richard Beasley, Esq. in tho chair — Mr. Washburn rose, and after making some remarks on the proposala yesterday brought forward, submitted tho follow- ing Resolutions for consideration — viz:
Resolved, \sf. That whilst tliis Convention holds it one of tho most sacred rights of British subjects, at all times, directly to petition the throne of their Sovereign, relative to their grievances : yet, never- theless, under the present peculiar existing circum- stances of this country, tho mendiers of this Con- vention, as well out of respect to that honorable body, the Comnuins House of Assembly of Upper Canada, as for other causes, deem it their most in- dispensable duty, on this important occasion, to recommend, in the strongest terms, to their fellow subjects resident in thjs province, a spirited, formal and respectful application to that honorable House, for an inquiry into the state of tho province.
2nd. That John Clark, Cyrus Sumner and Ro- derick Drake, Esqrs. be a permanent Committee, for the management of the afluirs of this Conven- tion, and that they, as soon as may bo practicable, prepare a respectful Petition, praying for inquiry, and expressive of grievances, (for the immediate sanction of this Convention,) to be by them circula-
10
CilllOiMCl.KH OF CANADA.
■I
f:H
,1
Ill
Ind for !-.iiI)ucrilior.-i, niiil pmsoiilfiil nt tlio bar of lliti IFoiiso i)f Asi-ciiibly, !it. Ificir next oiisiiinsr sfssion. 3/v/. 'i'lKit, till' hiii.l ('oiiHiiittco 111? InriluT niitlin- ri^ed to rnmio iiii ..dilti'ss to his IJoyiil lii;,'liiii'ss tlio I'riiico Ri'oTMit, dti llio siilijuct of i;rioviincos b(.'liL'V(.'(I to i'\\~\ it) lJi)|n'r Ciiimiln, which, wlifii n|)|)rovc.l (ifhy this (xUtiMMitioii, shri'l bo iitihiiiittod by the ( "oiiiiiiittCK', toij-cllior with lh« I'miiioii abovo i:i(!iiiion(> I, to tho lionnrablo iho IIoiiso of Assembly, at their imxt iiioeli i^, tot their ulU-ni- tioii ntnl iiiioiuhiieut.
(Siirnod) D. WASIIIUJRN.
Thr fulliiirinsr lirnnlutionn, foiindfil iipnn lh< proiio-
saU iif Ml , (loiniii!/, iri'fc thru sulmiilliit, viz :
\nl. /{(KdlrtJ, 'l'h:if tlii-i Coiivoiitioii, iisspiiiblod for tlic dcrlarod n|ie(.:ilin |uir|)nrc ol" sciidiiitj homo n (!;(iniiiii>sinn to Mnjrhiiid. with an Addro.^s to bin Royal IlitihtiLSs the I'liiicy Rnf^eiit, on iho state of public nH':i;ra of this proviniu'. soos ijood reasons for (Irp.-irtinn; from tim [lro^(•ribed course of pro- ccedin<f ; oi, at least, for dcdayiiin: the cxecutiun of tho plan oi' piocodiire ilr.'t intoiidi^d.
1st. Pxciiiisr, various iiniliir ndvaiitatrrs hnvoboon uiiexpcctodly tnli<n, by uoal;, wicked and s^idlisli men, to deccivn thr! public, a.s to the true and lejfi- tiniale objeots in view, as well as to stir up doubts with rey;iird to I ho pro|irirty and lej^ulity of tho measures proposed : lliereliy distractiu;: tho public luiud, and ercatinix lal-o fear'- and alarms.
2/i(/. /{(foi/.ic, by n lilllo delay, and with further moans-- beinjr used tt> dissipalo alarms, and convince the jjoople of the decepti(ui3 iiractiseil towards them, a more universal cniieurreiico will bo insu- red in every re(|uired measure, and a bettor chance of succeedin;r in the {jreat ol)jectd in view.
3rd. JSirmifc, the apjDintmcnt of tho l)u!;o of Rielimoud; lo l)o (jovernor-iu-Hhier(d'tlio Canadas, lias jtetieralcd hopes whirh could have irunj; from the appoMitment of no other individual whatever.
41k, Ih'Ciiusv, the jiooplc of this province are now BO cllectnally rou.sed to a just setiso of tho bad consequences of mal-administralion, and weak Le- gislative proceodinfis, that when Parliament ajrain meets, there is every hope that, narrowly watched by the public eye, its every motion w ill be (ruide<l and determined by botlor principles, and more niunly rcsnlutions — that, in short, tho virtue of Parliament will bo braced and upheld by the vir- tue of the people.
2;i(/. Resolved, That, under all circuinfitances, the members of this Convention conceive, that tlipy will bi.'il maintain their own honor, and tho inte- rests of their constituents, by appointing a Deputa- tion to wait on Sir I'erojrrino Mailland, as soon as he arrives in this [)rovince, or to procceil, if deemed expedient, lo meet him at Quebec, to entreat a conference wiih him, and to present him with the printed Principles and Proceedings of this Conven- tion, and of its supiiorlers.
Srrf. Resolved, That this Deputation shall bear along two Petitions — one to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, expressive of the loyally and dutiful consideration of this Convention, to tho Royal dignity, and calling the Royal attention to the conduct of alTiirs in the Land-granting depart- ment of U|)per Catuida, as well as to tho means which his Royal Highness possesses, of redressing instantly, tho grievances of claimants for eullerings by war, and of militia men expecting promised lands — which Petition, the Deputies shall beg of Sir Peregrine Maitland to send homo, and Imve
presented to the I'lince, nt his first public Icvue, by such person as Sir Peregrine shall think j/roper to ci>nfido in.
IM. Resolved, That thi i measure is more rap*' cially tujccssary to maintuin tho right of all Rriti.sh subjects in petitioning the Throne, in opposition to notorious assertions, that public petitions ought, necessarily, to bo ineseuted to the Throne, through the medium of the House of Assembly — a practice which has no precedent, and which would be viti- aliucr (iiu! of the most important arti(do3 of the lidl of Rights, tiiat of direct petitioning.
:>th. ReKolrnl, That the litlier I'etition shall bo addressed to Sir Percgri;ie Maitland himself, as Liciit(!naut (ioveruor of Upper Canada, praying him to call Parliament together as »|)eedily as pos- sible, that iiupiiry into tiio state oi" tho province may be iiistitiilcd, and a Commission appointed to go homo with the result, in such time as the samo may bo brought, !>>■ Ministers of tho Oown, be- fore tho Imperial Parliament, at nn early stage of its next session ; and submitting to the judgment of Sir Peregrine Maitland, on reasons given, whe- ther it would not b(! proper to diss(dvo the present Commons House of Assembly, and issue writs for a new election of rcpresen'tutives of tho peojjlc of this province,
litli. Re.iolved, That a Committee be nominatcf] to draft the above mentioned Petitions, and report the same to this ('onvention.
'Ill, Resolved, That, whatever bo the consc- (|uenco of tlH>o resolutions, and fd'any temporary change of procedure, it is the duty of this Con- vention to devrso measures by which tho great cauE-e in which its niombers atul supporters are en- gaged, shall 'm! maintained ; and that po dissolu- lioii of tho |. resent systom of representing tho WILL (d'so numerous a body of jieople, as have already declared for the cause, shall talio place, till the iiKjuiry into tho state of thi.s province has been realized, and those beneficial objects obtain- ed, which arc absolutely essential to the well-be- ing of the j)rovince.
i;//t. Resolved, That this Convention, tho better to denote the jjurity and unity of its object, as well as distinguish it from Conventions formed to con- trol and command public allairs, shall be denom- inated "TnE Upim;r Canadian Convention of
FllIKNnS TO lN(iUIRV."
!)//i. llesolved. That to facilitate internal mon- ngqmei t, and to dt;cide on all matters of more ar- rangement, two branch Conventions shall be form- ed— one to be constituted by representatives from the five upper districts, viz : the Home, Gore, Ni- agara, Ijondon and Western, to meet at Ancaster — the other to bo constituted by representatives from the five lower districts, viz : the Newcastle, Midland, Johnstown, Piastern andOttowa, to meet at Kingston.
lOfh. Resolved, That the representatives now here convened, do, as they belong respectively to each of these branches form themselves into two Committees, each to choose its own Treasurer and Secretary — to fix on a certain day for tiie first branch Conventional meeting, respectively at An- caster and'Kingston, and to report to-morrow, to this Convention, as to these appointments :— that future branch meetings be held either by adjourn- ment, or as may be announced by the Secretaries, ill the newspapers, or otherwise, and upon the re- quisition of three district representatives; but no branch Conventional meeting to be considered re-
CIIRONICLHS OF CANADA.
IT
)iil)lic U'vvc, II think [iroper
'\H more cap*- t of all Ilritisli
I UppONJtioll to ?tili0IIS Olljrllt,
rone, llirou|r|| ly — u practico would be viti-
rliclua of the niiifr.
iiion i^linll be
(I ililllHt'ir, HH
Hilda, priiyinjf
ccdily ati pos-
thi) provinco
I iippoiiited to
0 n» the Hiuno c Oown, he- r-nrly nU\iro of till' jiidirinont s {jivfii, whe- o tho pio.-prit ■isiio writs for tho peojilo of
1)0 nomiiiiitcf] IS, and report
c tho cons-fi- ly tPiiiporary ' this Con- ell tho fjrrat ortors nreen- t I'D dissolu- osentinjr the :i|)lo, ns Imve
1 tal<o phu'O, province has >jcct9 obtain-
the well -be- lli, tho better bjoct, as well rniod to con- 11 be donom-
NVE.NTIO.N OF
ntcrnal man- s of more ar- shnll bo form- DtativoH from ne, Gore, Ni- t at Anrnster presentatives B Newcastle, owa, to meet
ntutivcs now spectivcly to ves into two 'reasnrer and
fur the first tively at An- )- morrow, to iientt) : — that • by adjoiirn-
Socretaries, upon tho re- ives; but no )nsidered re-
puiar, without tlic prcsenro of four district repre- BontHtive!<.
I WA. Hrgoliwil, That llin TrensurnrH of districts shall, if calk'd upon, .«urren(lor their fuiKlf", or any required part llicrcof, to the Trrnsiurrrs of their reNpoclivo branch Conventions, on nn order signed by the (-'hairuinn of any regularly coiiijlitutcd nieet- injr of Hiieli branch Ciinvcdiions.
I2M. li'solvid, 'i'liat a Report of all proceed- inpc of tlie briiiicb ('(Uivenlions, sliaii be mutually excbanyed by tlieir respective Sccietarios. eaeii dispatching his report on the lirsl Monilay of every nii'iith, and that further correspondence ijlinll take place, if necessary.
- ISIh. Hcnulvdl, That, as tho district of Niaijnrd has hillieito borne nil I'hariros in briiiiriiijF forward this business, it slinll be a first considenilion of the iijiper brunch Coiivonlioii, to settle up all chiir;ie3 out of the funds (renorully cidlecieil uitliin its ran^je, and then to draw on the 'I'reasurer of the lower branch Convention i'or one half ot' tho whole.
\4lh. JtcKolird, That the branch Conventions shall endeavour to eot the people of those town- ships, when; no representatives, kc. have Leen chosen, to meet and still to choose such represen- tatives, tojjether with Clerks and ('oniiiiitlee nien ; but if this cannot be broui;lit about universally, then it will be desirable to have an 'iijent nr agents jippoinled in each nnrepreseiited township, that any one or more perscuis may have opportunity of nidinjf and assistinfj the jreiierul measures, with their names and luintribiilions.
IM. Rfsuli'nI. 'I'hnfjin case it shall be doetnod cxpedien* by the branch Conventions, that tho jre- iieral Convention shall assemble at \'iirk, for any particular or nnfnreseen matter of (ieiibeiati(ui ; that then the branch Conventions shall, by corres- pondence, fix the day, and have the same adverti- sed in all the newspapers of the province, besides advising each individual member, by letter.
Motion, by Mr. Washburn — That every member of this Convention, desirous of niakinj^ any mo- tion, shall commit the same to wntinir. in order that it may be entered in the Journals, by the Se- cretary, in due order — seconded by Mr. U. Kerr — Tuesday, 7th July, Hilii—Carrifd.
(AnniTiTioNAL.)
Rmolvfd, 4lh. 'Vhnt the monies received for tlie purpose cd'sendin^- ('(uumissioners to Kiiirland wiih the I'elition (iir the redress nt' jiricvances. be, by <listrict Treasurers, remilled to Alessrs. Tiionip- son k, Detlor, at Kinjrslon, to be applied by tlio (/oinmittee, in t'urtherance of measuies for send- ing; home said I'etitioti, through tho mediuin of the House of Assembly.
5//;. That the proceedinijs of this nieetinjr be published, and that the (Convention do now adjourn, till summoned to meet again, at such time as the Committee shall direct,
[Signed] D. WASHBURN.
Seconded by Robert Kerr. July 1th. 1818.
(received.)
Mntcil, by Mr. Drake, and seconded by Mr. Hawley — That Mr. Washburn's iiroposals, as well as Mr. Gourlay's, be left to a select Cominillee, composed of three or more of the prculU'iuen present, and rcpresent- ing th:^ several districts throu^boul the province. It is further moved, that Messrs. John Clark, Rob't Ilamillon and Tho's Coleman, do act as a Committee ; and that all such lurlher pnp'^rs, coining either from Mr. Wash-
burn or Mr. tUiurlay, b(! received by thoni, and that
the Huid ( 'umtmttee Hball iiiake such repot t as they deem most expciliciit— the Maine, however, to bo laid before the iiiemberM of the Convention, for their con- sideration, rsitrnedi 5 '*• '^"^xf:.
Lf^'C-'iJ i DAVIS liAWLEY. Tufidnij, 7lh Mif, I81H. ^C«rWw/— .Mr. Drake beinp added (o the Committee.)
Mnrril — That every meiiilpcr of tbis Convention, ha- ving' wnlleii coiMfiiuniiiitioiiH, ciibcr iih an address or resolve, shall Huliimt the same to the Cliairnian.
rSiirne.n T'"' *'^''^''* COLKMAN, Carried. LS'K'K'U ^ Seconded by R. DRAKE.
I'e.iolnd, That we do now adjourn until !) o'clock to-morrow, unless the select Coiiimiltee shall desire nieetiMU sooner. .^. , M>. ^V ASH BURN,
./«/// 7, flrt. I.^'R'"") ^ ii. DRAKE.
H'edmsdoy, July ath, 1818,
Whicl) day the Convention beiiijr constituted, by Richard Jleasley, l'l>f]. takinjr tho Chair, the se- lect (-'omiiiittee gave in the f illowing rofiort on the business submitled to their consideration— Mr. Coleman lirst reading an address to the meeting, on tiie same siibiect.
'flie Committee, composed of Messrs. Clark, Drake, Ilaniillon and Coleman, report, that the (Niuses stated by Mr. (iouilay, as laid before the (.'onimittee, uro such as induce tliem to recoiiuiiend to tlieir brother meinbers. that the proposals of Mr. Ciourlay be adop- ted, ill pretereiice to tlirjse (j|' I\lr. Wasliliiirn — the ma- terial diU'ereiice beilif,' only ibat of preseliliii}; the Peti- tion to llie I'liiice |{e;renl, llirouyli Sir I'erejrrine Mait- land, instead of the prcsiiit House of Assembly, which would, by adoplmj; Mr. \\ asiilmi us uirasures, cause iiuicli delay, anil deviate from those principle's which we have, and do now profess — that of petitioning the I'rinee, (lirect, iVoiii the siilijecl.
[SigiK.'d]
f ItollKRT HAMILTON, i THOMAS COI.EMAN, ) I!. DItAKE, ijOILN' CEARK.
Mr. Washburn's and Mr. Gourlay's Resolutions be- in;; read over, (lie latter were [jenerally approved of; but a proposal beiin; made, tbal.thi'y should be read a seconil lime, and passed severally, this course was adopted.
Mr. Robert Kerr voted against all the Resolutions ; Mr. VVashburn voted ajrainst all but the isth : the rest of the Convention agreiMl to the Resolutions.
Mr. Washburn nionil — That the resolutions drawn up anil sobinilli'd liy bim, b^' recorded by the Secreta- ry, on the Journals, imiiieiliately after those adopted by tho majority of the Convent inn.
Pi; n S l>. WASHBURN, l^'!-'"''"J \ S 'conded by R. KERR. I!'rdni\i(liii/, f^//( .hih/, 1^1^'. Ciirrlid.
Dr. Sumner vions — That William Kerr and George Haiiiillon, Esrpiires, lie admitted to the sininfj of this Conveiitioti, and have the privilege of espressinfj their opinions (01 all snljeitls brought before us — but not to vole. Seconded by Mr. Hawley, and curried.
Mori'd, by Mr. Wm. Kerr— That Mr. Reuben Pres- ton, representative for the township of Vaughan, Home district, lie admitted .o the sitting of this Convention, anri have the privilege of expressing his opinion on all subjects ; bill not to vole. Seconded by Mr. Wash- burn, and airritd.
Mr. Wasbbuni moral — That the Reports and Reso- lutions of the scleci Coininiltee, chosen yesterday, be recorded by the Secretary ; but not adopted by this Convention, re „ n ^ I^. WASHBUR.\,
/.«../. Lt>iRncdj ^ g^,gondgd ^y R. j. KERR.
C
18
CIlilONlCLKS OF CANADA.
I
!
.11
A letter fn)in Mr. Htimrl, »( ( 'olclicnter, bein({ rouil to tlic Convention, l.y Mr. Dnikf, Mr. (Jourliiy mo- ved, iecondud liy Mr. I)i;ik<', lliiit tlir lliiinkN i.l' tliiH Cuiivi'ntinn be tendcrt'd to i\Ir. Sluarl, iil' ColilicHlcr, for Ilia I'ricndly nnd iible ceiinrruiiirulKiii — llm Hunic to be conveyed liy ii lellcr from llio Sei relury of thin Convention. Ciirrinl.
Morril — Tlinl n Cou'niillee lie np|ii>inled to draw ;ip ■n Addrcrs In Sir rt'ri'){rinr IMailland, Jiccordiiij; to the rfHolnlions npproved nl' iIiih iliiy, imd llmt .'^Ir. I'eler- ■on, Mr. Dnike, Mr. M.irlin, Mr. (iourlny and Mr. Coleman, do constitute the uliove('i)ninnttee. Cmrud. -e,. ,, < llOltr.KT IIAMILTO.N, [Signed] ^ Seconded l.y JOll.N CLARK.
Moved, by Mr. (iourlay, neconded iind r«r»icrf — Tlint the repreHcntttlivcH here pri'Nent, from the NewenKtIe, Midlunil and JohnHtown dintriclH, do eonNtitnte a Committee, for the pnrpi.He Hpi't'ified in n lleHohition of tluMduy, carried, viz: to chnoiie a Secretary and Treasurer for the lower branch < 'onvention — also, to fix a day lV)r the fuNt mec1in(r of the naid branch Con- vention— such appointmentH to he reported to-morrow, lo tliid Convention. Muvid and carrkd, the same, for the upper branch Convention.
yioBril — That tluH Convention do adjourn till cloven
o'clock to-morrow mornini;.
ro. n < Honi'.IlT HAMILTON, [SigncclJ i ,,;^,,| I.K'CKIISON.
Wednesday, My Mi, Iflt^. Airntd.
York, Thiimday, <.)lh Jvhj, IfUlt. The Convention bciiijr constituted, by Mr. iicns- ley taking iheChuir, llie fuUowing Report wiis rend.
York, >M .My, IH18.
The Committee, appointed yesterday, In draw out an Address to his Royal HinhncKH the iViiice Rcjient, and lo his E.icellency Sir IVregrine Muitland, now submit, that the Address, with some alterations, which appeared in the pamphlet of the Niagara district, may do for the first ; and they herewith offer a drall of an Address to Sir Peregrine Maitland, for consideration. THOMAS COLKMAN,
[Signed]
F'AL'L PKTRRSON, llOBKRT GOURLAY, R. DRAKE, [C. MARTIN.
t
■.>i
7\) Sir Peregrine Maitlund, K. C. Ii„ Lieutenant
Governor of Upper Canada, ij-c. ij'C. i^c. May it please your Excellency :
In my own name, and that of thousands of. the inhabitants of this province, which you are desti- ned to govern, I beg leave to address your Excel- lency, dutifully and affectionately— We would sny, that the people of this province only want your confidence, the more to deserve it.
Surely a people who, for three years, withstood every assault of an insidious, a daring and re- vengeful enemy, merely for the maintenance of British sovereignty, need not dwell on expressions of loyalty, or be anxious about tests of respect for hiui who is sent to represent the Royal pre.sence among them. On these subjects, there can be but one undivided sentiment ; and on liie present oc- casion, that sentiment must be proudly elate with the additional consideration, that he who now comes to occupy the highest dignity amongst us, was tutored under the immortal Wellington, and
has, for his friend and adviHcr, a man no loss dear to the lovers of rational liberty. Vci, Sir, we will bo frank in confussing, that your near connex- ion with the Duko of Richmond, and the arrival of llmt grout innn in tliccn provinces, ns (lovernor- iii-Cliiof, genrratos in our brcuHts Honsntions which no other fiirtniip could have incpirt'd.
Ujipcr Ciinada iiiiil, iliirMig the last twenty years, many Governors; but thevo twenty year* only gave experience of disappointment, in the admi- nistration of civil iilliiirs: thet<c twenty years had almost extinguished in our breasts every hope of good, from the change of Governors ; but we now fee' the intlucnce of a lalcnt spark— wc are now snn^ruinc in looking forward to more cheering times, and to the possession of every advantage which tiie British constitution has, so liberally, to bestow.
The same hands, from which you receive this Address, will present you with a printed detail of " Principles and Proceedings," which, for some months past, have been agitating the public mind, in this province. It will require but a glance to be assured, that serious causes must exist for such agitation ; and you will find, that the most anx- ious desire of the great mojority of those whom you have been sent to govern, is, that inquiry may be made into the state of this province, by which every real cause for agitation may cease.
Your Excellency will find, from the Journals of the Provincial Parliament, that the subject of in- quiry has been repeatedly brought forward in the Commons Mouse of Assembly ; and you will find, on the same record, but too good reasons for de- spair of full success in that quarter. The Provin- cial Parliament is not, indeed, competent, with its best endeavors, to inquire into every matter which retards the improvement of Upper Canada, nor has it authority to correct every evil. Those who now address your Excellency, being aware of this, and worn out with disappointment, had resolved to send home a commission, praying his Royal High- ness the Prince Regent, to cause inquiry immedi- ately to be made, that the Imperial Parliament might proceed lo interfere, upon information so- lemnly obtained. Circumstances induce them now to delay this measure, and to entreat your Excellency to summon, with all convenient speed, the Provincial Parliament, that this grand measure, big with the fate of Canada, may yet originate and proceed from the most desirable source — from the regularly constituted representation of the people. In little more than two months, the weighty la- bors of harvest will be over ; and should Parlia- ment be in session before the end of September, every necessary step could be taken there, to pre- pare the way for inquiry in the Imperial Parlia- ment, at an early stage of its next session. This
iitl
it
ClIRONlCf.KS OF CANADA.
ID
no lexs dear 'ci, Sir, wo icar connex- I tliR arrival IS (luvernor- \tiun8 wliich
kventy years, years only n tlic adiui- ty ycarH had very hope of but we novr 'Wc arc now )re cheering ry odviintage 80 liberally,
receive this ntcd detail of cli, for BO me I public mind, I a glance to exiht for such he most nnx- ' those whom t inquiry may ice, by which saee.
10 Journals of subject of in- brward in the you will find, easona for de- rhe Provin- tent, with its matter which nada, nor has ose who now re of this, and resolved to Royal High- [juiry immedi- Parliament formation so- induce them entreat your venient speed, rand measure, originate and rcc — from the of the people, he weighty la- should Parlia- of September, there, to pre- perial Parlia- Bcssion. This
il
if what wo anxiously doHiro ; but if your Ilxiel- been dcHi.Tvndiy clinHtisod for their production. A
lency shall see fit, tiio lietlor to accoiiipilMli llio HerioH of Iritling iiii'iiHiin^H filled ii|i the main portion
desired object, to dissolve tlio present ('oiniiioiiH nf tlm sossioii ; the l.e|ri<*lutivo (Council, no doubt
Houseof Asseiiibly, and issue writs for fisHeinliling encoiirngcd by tlio low ami dnstordly ("oiidiict of
a new set of representntivcH, wo would more piir- meinbcrs of Assembly, nssuincd rights, which had
ticulurly rejoice, oiid be greatly mote coiiliduiit of long been (ieiiiod, rvon to llritihli i'eers : the an-
auccesfl. nuni supply wns not even passed; and, finally,
We must, with shame, acknowledge to ymir meiiiberssloloolThomp, so as not to leavea lloiiso
Excellency, that the inluibilnnts of Upper Canada to bear ihoHpeech of dismisttal, which the Admiiiis-
have, hitherto, poid loo little regard to the cliaruc- iralor delivered, as if in contempt, from the cliiiir.
ter of those whom they have cl.osnn to represent rp,,„ |,p„|,,p „i ,„|.j,^ ,,^yp „( i^^j ^ee i roused to
them in Parliament; and most unwortiiy porhons „ i„^^ ^j,,,^^ „,• „„ (,,j^ (^i„|„j, 3,,,, indecency,
have sat in Assembly. Not only has this been rpj^^y ^..^ ,|,,,|^ property reduced a full holf, from
the case, but, from an iiiditlerenre to the course of ,|,j. ,nn|.,„l.iiinistration of good laws; they see
public affairs— from a heedlessness of the people, pr(,,„,,cri'y roinpletely checke.l : tlicy witness dis-
at large, to Parliamentary proceedings, tlio most slovenly habits have been confirmed, mid the most
content nnd poverty, under the most genial clime, and rooted in the most fertile soil : they anticipate
indecent irregularities witnessed. We tiliiill not (,„|,j,,,.,i„„ i„ „ f„r,,i^r„ power, if war should again tire your F.xcelleney with a recital, but of a few i,,, ,^.,,^^,.,1 . i|„,y ,ir,.„j „ gopnration from the mo- instanccs in point ; nor shall we go back to (pioto ther country, even without war, which they would the most shocking facts ; wo shall only refer to a ,„„j,t grievously biiiient : they wish to make frtw transactions of the present Parlimnont. It has sat two sessions. At the opening of the first session, when matter of vital import Iny for consi- deration— even just grounds for impeachment of the then Governor — day after day was occupied with a squabble about the conduct of an individual out of doors — a subject altogether below the no-
an cll'ort at recovery fioiii ail this disgrace and dan- ger : they entr'jat your instant and earnest aid to assist them.
Should a now Parliament be called, wo are as- sured, that notoriously bad characters would no longer be chosen to represent the people ; we are assured, that the most respectable men would tice of a grave Assembly. Uye and bye, the an- ,^g^ c,,,,,^ forward os candidates, who have hi- nual supply was voted, and put at the disposal of ^^^^^^^ disdained to sit in a degraded House : wo the Governor, who, by arbitrory acts, had thwortcd Q^p assured, that ail, both the people, by watching the laws of the land; and then, at an exiraordiii- their rcpresontntives, and the representatives them- ary late season. Resolutions were brought for- gdvos, would bo alert and zealous in the perform- ward, in the teeth of the Governor's known senti- a^pj, of duly : we are assured, that a new and ments, and seemingly only to provoke his displca- better era would cnmmenre, sure. The Resolutions were excellent ; but they were wofuUy mistimed. The Governor providted, forgot himself — forgot that solemnity which, at home, is ever particularly regarded : he went up to Parliament, without the appearance of state — without the ceremony of notice, or due consulta- tion, and hastily put a period to the sessitm.
The Parliament was again summoned in P'ebru- ary last. It was expected that some degree of spirit would have been manifested, in shew of dis- pleasure for insulted dignity — it was expected llmt the consideration of Resolutions, of high impor- tance to the public weal, would be instantly resu- med. The conduct of this session, however, fell
1 move that the lipads of the ndilrcss (now read) to Sir IVregrine Mailluiid, be adopted by this Convention.
r,,. n < ROHh:RT HAMILTON, [Signed] I J (^.L^^iiK.
Thursday, 9lli .liilij, 1818. Carried.
Mr. WaHhburn, protests against the adoption of the address to Sir Peregrine Mailhind, now read.
[Signed] D. WASHBURN. JW,-, m July, lieiH.
I protest against liie proceedings of this Convention, in adopting the heads of an address to Sir Peregrine Mailluiid, just read. [Signed]
./«/(/ 9M, 1818. ROBERT J. KERR.
Mored, That Mr. Beaslpy, Mr. Clark, Mr. Geo. Ha- milton, Sir. Coli'iiian, ]Mr. Chishohii, Mr. Drake and
even lower than before. An offer of recompence Mr. Wm. Kt-rr, bo a permanent Commlitee of Mutwge-
e a. u -1 ■ . J 1 • . .1 mciil, after tiie adjournment of tliis Convention, and
for sufferers in war, unhappily introduced into the j^,, ^J^ ^^^^^ ,_,^^^i,/^, ._j,,,,^ j,,^^^ „^ _^„y four of them,
speech from the Throne, and only tending to in- shall have power to constitute the Deputation to Sir suit the feelings of a large body of people, was I'eregrine Mailiand ; and that they also finish the . " ". ' I. • wording and style of the Petitions to the Prince Ue- replied to, in most disgusting terms of acquics- gp„i „„j g|r Peregrine Maitland, which the Chairman, cence, by the representatives of these very people; Mr. Bcasley, shall have power to sign for this Con- while the able Resolutions, brought forward at the ^«'n''°"' '^'^^ ''« adjournment , ,., ,. , n. , . J ra -11 < ROBERT HAMILTON, closeof the preceding session, were left neglected, [Signed] l^ DRAKE.
aa if in acknowledgment, that the Assembly had M July, 1818. Carried.
«0
CllllONICI.KS OP CANADA.
' '1
»■',
I
n
In ronformity lo nil niipointmPiit of yontpnliiy, tlio rc()ruii«iitiitivt'M I'rimi tin- diircnMif iliHtrictH, vi/ : th« N«vvi'UHtl(', Miilliiiiil mill .IoIiiimIowii, liriii(r u coinniitti'o, (Id ii|i|>(iiiii ('. 'riiiiiiiMiiii, Nccrfiiir", for tliu lower liriiiicli ('(iiivimiIihii ; iitiil Mi-ssth, TlioiiiRiin mill Dcllnr, 'I'rciiMiiri'r* ; niul lliiit llio iiritl Saliiriliiy of Aii;;iiht, bo n|i|iiiiiii(>il fur tlin meetinj? of ri'prctifiiiiilKi's of llio inwpr lirnrirji Ciinvi'Mlion, nt <Uti Ihhim' nt' ltol)i'rt Walker, in Kin;;atuii, at i u'cluck, i'. M.
^TIID'S ("OMIMAN,
[Sijfiiod]
I'Aii, i'i;i"i:us().\.
.lACOiJ \V. MVKKS, DAVIS IJAWI.KV. , NATHAN IIICOK. Thuridiii/, July iUh, lljlii.
York; Jul)/ DM, Uiia. Ajfrp«nl)lo to n UpHolutinii (insscil yo^lnniriy, fur tlie |iiir|i<iNC of rliiiiisin;.' ii Tri'iisurcr uml Scrretiiry fur tlic ii|i|ier liniiicli ('niivi'iitinii, uml in ii|i|iiiiiii B tiiiio for Miiiil Cniivciiliiiti 111 iiH'cl, :it AiuiiHtcr, there to rci,niliilo tin' iitliiirn of llic liillowinj; dis- tricts, VIZ ; — Ni.i^rarn, (Jure, I,iiiiiIoii,\\'('sIimii iiiiil Home (li.striils — tin' (■mimiiltcc (In ii|i|iiiiiit Mmi- dsy the iioih iiisl,, us n |)ro|icr diiy to iii"ct, iit Aii- coster, lit Ncwlmi's Inn, 10 o'clock. A. M. ami do lioniiimto Col. Riclinrd lti'asl(>y, Tieanurrr, ami Geoi^e Iluiiiiltiin, Ksij., iSivnti'iri/.
fWM. CmSH(t!,.M, .lOlIN CI, AUK. [Signed] { CMMI.S sn.MNI'lK. I CALVIN MAUTIN, iRODKIUCIv DKAKK.
Moved, That hIiohIiI Sir iVrcijriiio Maitlnnd not arrive in Upper Canada diirin;,' ilio month of.liily, it shall bo in the power of the nieinher.x of the Deputation to forward the Aililre.ss to lux Royal Ili<rhness the I'liiiic Reu'i'iit, to Kii^rhiml, thereto be presented, an to them ^hulj seem proper — either at the levee, or at the pnlilic ollice com)u>teiit to receive I'elitions to the 'I'hrone.
rSimiPdl S IC MAMil/l'ON. [Sisrned] ^.,.,n,.j, e;,)i,|.;MAN.
Thursday, Jiihj <dth, IffUt. Canicd.
Moved, That this ('oiuention do adjourn till !» o'clock to-iiiorrow inorninir.
[Signed] ^^.v|{„,ss|I Al N KR.
Yoik-, Friday, Jtily'UMli, lilli!.
Mr. Beaslny haviiijr taken the chair of the Con- vention of Friends III Impiiry
It was waved, That the niimites of the Conven- tion be rend, by appointment ol'tlie Chairman,
rsi.rno.n S'l'llo'^' coMvMAN, [S'frnod] j ^^^^,jy IIAWI.EY.
loth July, 1«I8.
The minutes of each day's nieelinjf were then read severally, and siirnod by the Chairman.
Moved, That if no ailvertiseniont be pnblisliod, or notice p'ven, by the branch Conventions, for the meeting of this freiieral ('otivontion of Friends to Inquiry, then this (Jonvention shall not meet ajfain here, till the first Monday of February, 1819 ; '^and which nieelinif may be delayed one, two, three or four weeks later, should the branch Conventions see reasons for the same, and, by advertisement And writing, as before agreed upon, notify to all
and carli nf the mnmtierfi, any otlirr day of mMt* injr, not beyond the tlrft Momhty of March, III Iff, tmcli notice belli); pulilished ami w rilteii bul'ure lliu timt doy of January, Itill).
Carried. t'^'tf'""'] j W. CIII.SIIOLM.
Moved, That should there be no call of I'nrlin- nieiit, or diss(diitioii, beforethe first of .September, nor any hope ot' the nehsion cnmmeiiciii;.' before the midille of ( Iclober, then itNliall he the duty of the brunch ConventioiH, to have petilioiir. drawn up, and siiT'ied all over their respective districti), both to till- I'riiice Reireiit and the Commons IIiminb of llie liiipenal i'lirlliimenl, to be ^ent home with out deliiv, bv a Commission, cimsistin;; of two persoiiM chosen by the upper, iiiid two by the low- er brniicli (!iinveiilion : iIk^ Secretary of thin ge- neral Convention to accouijiany, and botlioHucro- tary ol'thc Commission.
ry ,1 R. DRAKF, Carried. _ L«igneUJ ^^^^^^ (■|||Sli()I.M.
Moved, That the permanent Committee tilmll have power to call a general nieetini; ot ihisijon- veiilion, on advertisement, ami written notice to each member, si^rned by live id' the said ('umniit- tee, ,^ ,, S If- DlfAKK.
r 'arried. [^^U^^'^ ] w M MJjll_SII( )!,M.
Moved, 'I'hat a duplicate of all eommnnications which |iusH between the branch Conventions, be, at the same time, sent to the Secretary of tliiH ('oiivention, to b(> by him made known to the per- manent Comimttee.
Carried, [^'g"'"'] j .loHN CI.ARK.
Moved, That the permiinent (,'ommittre i>hall publish in the newspapers, or otherw ise, the whole, or what part of the traiisaitmns of this Conven- tion, and other nieeliii^'s ot' •' I'Viends to Impiiry," lis shall lo tliem seem lit ; and that any person whatever, shall have a rijjlit to obtain extracts from th(! .lournals, in whole or part, on nU'erinjj a comiieteiit reiiiuneration for tioiible, to tln> Secre- tarv. ru n S 'f- l>HAKK,
Carried. L'^'?"«"'J / I'AI M. I'KTKRSON.
Motion, That the Secretary of the Convention, \V. .1. Kerr, FiSi]., be indemnified for stationary made UfO of, and other inciileiital expenses, in Ins correspondence, and other duties of his otlice. r«;,„„n S WM. CIUSIIOI^M, Carried. J.^'g"^''J ^ PAUL I'llT.lRSON.
Moved, That Mr. Wm. Kerr, Mr. (ieo. Hamil- ton and Mr. I'reston, accept the ihankH of this Convention, fortl jit assistance diirin<r the sitting.
n • I rSinrnedl Carried. '- " ■■
5.I()[IN CLARK,
} TIIO'S COLKMAN.
Moved, That Robert (Jourlay, Es(|. receive the
thanks of this (Convention, tiir his able and manly
conduct in proinotinnf the frcneral welfare of the
province, onil for Ins assiduous attention at this
(.'onvenlion — and that they hold themselves bound
lo support the ineiisiires adopted by the Niagara
Committee, submitted by him to them.
ry;„n„n '^ TIIO'S COLEMAN, Carried. l^^S^^d] ^ ,^,„j^ CLARK.
Moved, That opportunity has been given to Mr. Robert Kerr, to shew cause for the letter winch, with his signature, appeared in the Upper Canada
Sd. Branch < districts them to 1 Lower collecteil proceedii York, Oil
3d, M at 2 o'ch ship mee held, or township Slst, at t
CIIRONICr.KS OK CANADA.
•I
iiy of nipct- liinli, III 19, II liDliiri' lliv
K v.. SIIOI.M.
1 of I'nrliB- ' Sr[ili'iiihi>r, icin;.' Iirforo till- (Inly i>f tiiiiih ilrnwn VI! ili^iiricts,
llllllirt lllMINe
liDiiii' with till;; of two liy llif I'lw-
I (if tlllsl JfO-
10 1 ho Sei ro-
SIIOI.M.
initlofl ulioll ol ihiH(Joii-
(•11 IMlIICO to
mil ('uiiiinit- K, ISIIOI.M.
iiiiiiiiinntiiiMH vciitidiiH, bp, I'inry of this n Id llio per-
iOl lll.AY, ItK.
iiiiiittro phall 't\ I he wIioIp, this ("diuoii- s to liii|niry," t imy piTMon tiiin cxiructn (III ollt'riiijj a to llu! yocre- K, TKRSON,
■ ( 'iiiivoiition, or sliilii'iiary ponscs, in his liis otlice. SIlOli.M, 'lilKSON.
(ipo. llnmil- liiiiikH of thin IT tho Billing. ,AI{K, JLKMAN.
(|. roceive the )l<> mid manly vflliire of the million nl this iii^olvcH hound ' tiio Ningara ni,
OLEMAN, LARK.
II given to Mr. loiter which, Tpper Canada
fSa/pttc, of tho ill of July, nnd aUo iu llm Niagara Hporlalor of tti«! i<aiiii> wci'lt, rclli'i'lin^ on thpchu- rartor of Mr. Rohort (ionrliv ; iiml Hint Ik.' hi"* not bm>n alile to bring thti iiii'inlicrN liirwiinl ii ninglo reaNon, Niiiricii'iit to coiivinro iIik Coiivrntion, of the propni'tv of ft pnliliciitiiin ho Htriingi' and iin- natiirHl : 'riinl a Icllcr ho wiiticn hy ihc Clinirinnn, to parli of thfl lowiiMliip r('|irf'>oiitiiliv<'r<, mpii'-t- ing them iiiiiii'*i!iiituly to iiD-ct iiml cIioonc luidihor porion, to rcproKonl lliciii on nil occiisioiiH ronm-c- tod Willi tho hiiNiiK'NH of lIu'Hi' iiioi'tingH, iiml who may Hpponr for thcin, if posHihlo, at tho iin'cting of tho hrunc^h (Jonvoiiliim of the {■'rii'iid'* to liKpiiry, Qt Kingytiui, tho liiht Sutiirdiiy of AiiyUHl ncvl, at tho hoiiMo of iMr, Wiilkcr, Innkccpor, at '■■i o'- clock, I', M.
(^irrird.
,y ,, s R- i>ram;.
[Signod] l^y^, ,.,|,s||,)|,M.
Muvfd, 'I'lmt I ho thmikH of this ( ''(iivoiitioii ho pri'Nontod to Uio ('li(iiriiiiin, fur Ins iiki-I iiIiI'? and BNiiiduonti attonliiHi to liio 1iiimiii>ss nf ihw Convoii- """• r«;...„n S ROM"!' HAMILTON,
CurrUd. [^'g"°''] jjollN CI.ARK.
Movd, That tliin < 'iinvonliiMi do ii(l{oiirn till tho limt Monday ol'I'N^hriKiry, Ijil!); or lill .sik h Inno as niny ho advert iNoil,iitcurding to tho Roaululions of this (y'onvontion.
r«. ,1 TITO'S COLKMAN, Carried. L»'gnc'l| itpifi- IJAMII.TO.N.
Correct copy of the Minutei of the Convent im. [Signod] RICHARD RKASLKV, Chairman.
Tjowrr liraiit'li <'oiiV4>iilioii.
Al a mooting of the l.invor Hraiicli (,'o ivontinn, held this day, Aiiunut I, l!tll!,al Kingston, llic fol- lowing nioiiiliors being prosont, viz; —
DAVIS IIAWI.HV,
THOMAS COI.KMAN,
DANllll. WASIIHIIRN,
I'AIII. I'KTKRSON,
THOMAS 1). SAM'ORI), I
N. HICOK, j
Davis Hawi.kv, Kaq. was called to thochnir. — The Minutes of the Upper nrmieh (Nniveiilion wore rend, nnd the following ResoliiiloiiH passed. 1st. Movfd, TIml Mr. 'I'iionms I). Siiiilord ho received into tho Lower Uriiiich Convonlion, for the district of Newenstio, upon Ins honor being pledged, thai ho hiis boon clioson by the townslni) representatives, in the room of Rohorl .F. Korr. (Signod) THOMAS COLHMAN,
Carried. Seeondi-d, I'AUL I'KTKRSON.
Ksqiiiros.
2d. Moved, 'I'liiil the Secretnrv of tho Lov^-or Branch Convention vvrili! to the Tn-nsiirerh of I ho districts of Nowcc^tlo nnd Jolinstcwn, re(|iiesling thoin to pay into Ibe hands of the Troasiiri-r of the Lower Rrnncli Convonlion, the rospoctive fiinda collected for the purpose of currying intoefll^rt tho proceedings of tiio (Iciieral Convention, hold at York, Olh July, Ifiia.
(Sijined) THOMAS COLEMAN,
Carried. Sec.mded, PAUL I'KTKRSON.
3d. Moved, That Saturday the 29lh of August, at 2 o'clock, P. M. bo the day appointed for town- ship meetings, where there has been no meetings held, or representatives nppointed ; aiul that the township representatives do meet on Monday the 81st, at the same hour, to choose district repre-
sentalivoii; and that tli(< diiitriel rpprc*etitativeK hi> app(Mnli-d, do ineol Ihu next Rruiiuh and (iunural (.'unvoiitKMi.
(Siirned) THOMAS COLEMAN,
Ciirriid. Seconded. '|'. |». SAM'ORD.
V\\. Moved, 'i'liat a iniinber ol public Notirei he (lislrihnleii by tho Secretary, ainiiiignt tho in- liiibiliints of township!* wlieio ihcrii has been no nieelin;>s heiii, of the third roDulvu uf llio Jjower Hiuiich Conveiiiion.
(Signed) DAVIS IIAVVLKV,
Carried. Seconded, NATHA.N HlCOK.
Otli. Moved. Tlnil this Rraiich Convf*i>ti(in do Biljoiirn until a further dny of ineeliiiir hi? appoint- ed by the Seirelary ol'lliis (,'iiiiveiilioii, on tho ro- ipiiMlioii of llireo of tin; disiriel re|iresenliitivo«, ngreeublo to :i 11th Resolution of the Conven- tion. (Sig, (I) THOMAS COLEMAN, Seconded, DAVIS HAW J,KV. Carried, .\njoi'UMi;ii.
Esquirefi.
1'p|i(>f llruiK-li C'oiiv<>iitioii.
iloM Jul I/, lltlU.
At a nieeting of tlio Upper Riiinch Convention, held lliis liny, at Newton's inn, viiliigo ol" Ancaa- tor, the following nieinbers present, viz:
RICHARD DKASLKV,
WILLIAM CHISHOLM,
JOHN CLARK.
RORKRT HAMILTON,
RODKRICK J)RAKE,
Tho meeling wns regularly constituted, by call- ing Ricliard IJeii«ley Ks(|. to the Cliiiir.
.Mtiveil : That llio Cliairnian write to the Trea- surers of entli of lli'! tollovving dislricls, viz; to Mr. AihiiiH, for iNiaijiira; Mr. Iliiinilton, for Guro, nnd Mr. Pridoux ("irty, fur the Western dis- trict, to send him fctateinoiits ofact'oiints, nnd the hahiiices now in llieir liuiids ; also, to Mr. ('tilvin Miirliii, (leprosonlalivo for thi; London district,) (le.-iniig liiin to rei|iiest of tho 'J'icasiirer of the Luiiduil district, to do tlie same.
(Signed) .lOlIN CLARK, Seconded by RdliKRT HAMILTON. Carried, R. R. Cli'ii. It. C.
Moved, Thnt all the charges incurred by the Ni- ngara district, ho stated in account, by th(> Seero- tary, nnd ho handed to tlio Treasiiier of the Up- per Urniich Conveniiiin, that ho may (h.-charije the hanic out of the goiiornl fund, as soonns deposkod. (Signed) JOHN CLARK,
Seconded by WM. CHlSHOLM.
Jhlopled, R. n. Cli'n.
Moved, That Safirday the iUlh of August, at "i o'clock, nflornoon, bo the time rippointed tor tho (iitrereiil townships meeting, where no meeting has yet been hold, to choose reprcsenlnlives, clerks, ?ic. nnd that the to\\nsliip ro|)reseiila!ives llieii chosen, do meet on ALnidny ;JI.-t, al the same hour, to choose disiriel rcpresentnlues.
(Si.rned) ROHKRT HAMILTON, Seconded by RODERICK DRAKE. Carried, _R. B-J^"]^":
Moved, Thnl the Secretary of this Tipper Rrnncli Convention, do write and forward an ad- dress to the inhubitants of the several townships, yet unrepresented, recommending that they do hold township meetings, and give their support to
CHRONICLES OP CANADA.
W
yi
!:
SI:
petitioning tho Prince Regoni, Uc. relative to tiic rtate of the province, and inviting tlicir district re- presentatives to attend the next Branch Conven- tional meeting.
(Signed) RODKIIICK f)UAKE,
Seconded by JOHN CLARK.
Curried, R. B. Ch'n.
Moved, That the Seciolitry of tins Brnnrh Con- vention do write to Frederick Vnward, Hsq., ac- quainting; iiiin, liial the r^onihiig home ti Comniis- sion to Knpland, being dehived, it was cimrt'ivpd unnecectiary to lay the |)fi[)e-3 concorni;!;; the In- dian atruirs, before the Convention at York ; but tlmt the panic shall not be forjfotten.
(Signed) .lOIlN C[.ARK,
Seconded bv WM. ClilSllOLM.
Carried, R. B. Ch'n.
Moved, That tliis Convention do adjourn until a further day of meeting be ap|)ointe(l by tho Secre- tary of this Convention, on tlie reqiiisilion of three (district representatives, according to the lOtii re- solution of the (ioiierul Coiivenlion.
(Signed) R. DRAKE,
Seconded by WM. CHISIIOLM.
Carried, R. B. Ch'n.
21s/ Jiih;, ICia.
Which day, tlie permanent Loniinitiee of man- agement being met, at Ancaster, present, Richard Beasley, Win. Kerr, Wni. Chisholm, John Clark, George Hamilton, and Roderick Drake, Esqr«.
Resolved, That they would best discharge the duties expected of them, by adopling the follow- ing address, and appending to it those of the Nia- gara and Midland districts.
To His Royal Plighness, Georp;e, Prince of Wales, Reo;ent of the United KinjTdom of Grent Bri- tain and Ireland, &,c. &c. &c.
The humble address of RicHAim Bkasley, Es- quire, Chairman ot the Upper Canadian Convkn- TioN or Friends to Enquiry :
May it please Yovr Royal Highness —
In the name of thousands of the inhabitants of Upper Canada, it is my province to testify the (Ui- tiful and affectionate regard which they bear to your Royal person and dignity ; -and, in the ut- most sincerity, I may declare my confident belief, that the Royal Sceptre is not swayed over more loyal subjects than those who dwell in this distant colony.
Under peculiar circumstances of difficulty, dis- appointment and distress, these loyal subjects had resolved on sending home a Commission to Eng- land, humbly to entreat, before the Throne of their Sovereign, the immediate interference of the Roy- al authority. The loyal subjects, on farther re- flection, have determined on a change of measures, or, at least to delay the execution of what was at first proposed. Deeply impressed, however, with the vast importance of the subject, as well to them- selves as to the general interests of the British empire, they have deemed it proper that their in-
tentions should be made known to your Royal Highness; and, with this view, I am desired to annex to this address, drafts of two others, which were in preparation; and which had so far received the approbadon of inhabitants of the two most populous dititricts of this province.
Should your Royal Highness condescend to pe- ruse these documents "'.cy will be found to con- tain strong assertion. , but when investigation 'a ;s place, tiiese assertions can be proved to bo no less true than they arc strong.
It is now the desire of the loyal subjects, on whose behalf I address your Royal Highness, that the Parliament of Upper Canada should be called together for the more special purpose of making inquiry into the state of this province, and for ha- inga Coininission appointed to go home with the result, in such time as the same may be laid before the Imperial Parliament, at an early period of its next ensuing session. Should sucii desire be gra- tified, this most necessary ineiuiry will commence in the manner most creditable to the Legislative authorities of the province, n.id will afford the fullest satisfaction to those whom I represent. Lest it should not be so determined, I am desired by my constituents, most humbly to entreat that your Royal Highness will keep in view the greot objects set forth in the annexed drafts ; and, in the event of a Commission approaching the Throne from the body of His Majesty's loyal subjects in Upper Canada, tlmt the Royal ear may be turned towards them with such love and confidence as may be expected, by a people who have lied their blood, and sacrificed every worldly comfort, in the cause of British sovereignty.
Entreating your Royal Highness graciously to accept every consideration of regard which is lue, by subjects to the Son and Representative of their Sovereign,
I have the high honor to subscribe, this first day of August, in til" year one thousand eight hun- dred and eighteen.
For myself and others.
The Committee, on consulting with regard to the address to Sir Peregrine Mailland, found that the language may be altered to advantage, and re- solved to meet at St. Catharines, on Saturday, 1st, August, that botli this and the former may be en- grossed and signed.
The Committee further resolved, that an Jlp- prndix should be .aided to the publication of the transactions of the (icneral Convention, containing the minutes of the Ci -nmittee, and of this Branch Convention, the Midlai.d district address, minutes of district Mieelings, with the names of all officers chosen at township meetings, that have not before been published.
For the Committee, WM. J. KERR.
St. Catharines, Xst August, 1818. This day the permanent Committee having met,
•:
In the hotel, M Esq., wa ker, clarl Wilson, Clow, Jo Hawley,
In il^e Daniel B the chair live, and and Mr.
In thp
I House, V
he was e!
clerk. ^
mas Cooli
CHRONICLES OF CANADA,
(9
,rour Royal am desired iwo others, iich had so inbitanls of is province, scend lo pe- iind to con- nvestigation proved to bo
subjects, on ji^hness, that uld bo called io of making ?, and for ha- Dine with the be liiiil before period of its Jesire be gra- ill commence e Legislative ill afford the I represent. I am desired I entreat that iew the great 9 ; and, in the g the Throne nl subjects in lay be turned confidrnce as ave lied their comfort, in the
III this place, present, Riclinrd Bensicy, (Jcoriro Hiniilton, Roderick Drake, Win. Korr, and John Clark, Ktiqiiires, the jietition to Sir Por(';.'riiie Mait- hind being reviewed and allfred, the yanie was en- grossed and nignc^d by Mr. ISeaslcy. 'I'Ih' politiini to the I'rihcc Kegent, was also engrossed, signed, and ordered lo be Iransmilled lo England, for pre- sentation.
U was then proposed and agreed totliat Mr. Beas- ley fhiiuld wnle to llio Kiglit Hon. Lord Hrskine, requesting the lii^or of his Lordship to prosenl the petition to his Royal IligluiPHs the I'linre Regent : also, that Mr. Beasiey's letter, and all transactions up to this time, be |Miblislied, in conformity with the principles of the I'l iends to enqnii y .
WM. KEMi^Secretan/.
■ The following are the alterations, fee. made on the address to Sir Peregrine Maitlund, winch was submitted to the (Jeneral Convention.
fur, "To Sir Peregrine Mailland,"
Insert, To His Excellency Sir Peregrine Mait- land.
Insert, The humble address of Richard Beasluy, Esquire, Chairman of tlio Upper Canadian Con- vention of Friends to Encpiiry.
For, "these twenty years only gave," fee.
Insert, these twenty years, with little exception, only gave, lite
Eiputi/re, ' md most unworthy persons have sat in Assembly."
For, "the most indecent irregularities,"
Insert, great irregularities.
For, "tending to insult,"
Insert, tending to distress.
For, " low and dastardly,"
Insert, futile and unbecoming.
For, "anticipate subjection,"
Insert, fear subjection.
Expunge, "even without war."
For, "notorious bad characters,"
Insert, unfit persons.
Expunfrr, " who liavb hitherto disdained to sit in a degraded House."
Jidd, Permit me, Sir, to subscribe, this first day of August, in the year ot' our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and eighteen, with every sentiment of respect.
Your Excelinnry's most obedient humble serv't.
Copy, Lkttkr, to Lord Erskinr.
St. Ctilhtii Infs, Dinlricto/JVidfrnra,) Upper Canada, Jhig, \st, 11! 1 8. \
My Lord — Your long-tried fidelity to the cause of popular rights, and your many glorious strug- gles in behalf of virtuous independence, have sug- gested the vvis!i, on the part of my constituents, that I should solicit the honor of having the ad- dress of the Upper Canadian Convention of Friends to Enquiry, presented by your Lordship, to his Roy- al Highness the Prince Rerjent.
In granting this favor, yi.'ir Lordship will great- ly increase our hopes of success, in the cause which we have espoused ; and it will be a plea- sant anticipation fur us to think, that the prosperi- ty of this province, so richly gitled by nature, ia cherished by the man, whose genius shed the brightest lustre on the British bai, and whose me- rit alone raised him to the highest dignity which a subject can enjoy.
Permit ine, my Lord, .o offer to your perusal, a pamphlet, containing the principles and proceed- ings of those, for whom 1 subscribe myself, with the utmost respect,
Your Lordship's very obedient servant, (Signed) RICHARD BEASLEY.
To the Right Hon. Lord Erskiiie, &.c. &,c. fee.
i ■
graciously to I which is lue, itative of their
', this first day nd eight hun-
' and others.
th regard to
nd, found that
aniage, and re-
Salurday, 1st,
ler may be en-
(1, that an .4;)- ication of the ion, containing of this Branch Idress, minutes s of all otflrers have not before
J. KERR.
•lugust, 1818. tee having met,
j2L032:P£^sj'ij:)i2S2
Meetings of tlie Tlidlaiid Diiitrict,
June Gth, 1018. In the township of Kingston, at the hoiise of Sa- muel Purdy, Anthony MutJuin, Esq., .1. P., In llio chair; Diiiiiel Washburn, Esq., was elecled represen- tative, and John Vincent, clerk.
Ip the township of Ernest-town, at A. P. Forwanls' i hotel, Mr. Daniel Ff rry in tiie dmir ; Davis Hawlcy, Esq., was elected representative, and Dr. 'leorso Ba- ker, dark — also, a cointnittee, consisting of John t'. Wilson, Henry Lasher, Collin ft'cKenzie, William Clow, John Lake, Junr., John Frnlecii, Seiir., Jchiel Hawley, Senr., Joseph Sniilh and Edward Howard.
In i:>e tiwnship of Fredericksburgh, at the house of Daniel Boweu, and Captain Alexander Claik being in the chair ; Mr. Paul Peterson was elected icpresenta- tive, and Cyrenus Freshee, clerk— Mr. John Clapp aiid Mr. Samuel Detlor, a connnit'ee.
In the township of Adolphus-town, at the Court- House, Willet Casey, Esq., M. P., being in the chair ; he was elected .epresentative, and George H. Detlor, clerk. Moses Carnahan. "Archibald Campbell, Tho- mas Cook and W. Casey, were apnointed a coiniiiillee.
In the township of Richmon', at the l-ouse of Jo'- sepli Pringle ; WiHian) Pringle was elected representa- tive, and Lewis Kelehuni, clerk — William L. fiowen and Francis Va ideboger, a coiiiniiltee.
In the township of Hallowell, at the house of Tho- mas Eyre, Mr. Elijah Carley being in the chair ; Mr. Henjaniin Iliibbs was chosen representative, and E. W. Armstrong, clerk.
In the township of Anieliasbnrgh, at tlie house of Henry Butler, Mr. John Garth being in the chair; Neal McArlhur was elected represen'-itive, and David Walt, clerk — a co:iimitlee was also tbrmed, consisting of Mr. John Belyoii, Samuel W. Parsons, Isaac HuycK and William fiirksman.
In the township of Thurlow, at the house of Mrs. Margaret Sampson, Belville, Rohert Smith, Esq., be- ing called to the chair ; Capt. Thomas Coleman was chosen representative, and John Reynolds, clerk — also a committee, consisting of John Frederick, Matthias Rose and Tho nas Clapp.
In the tow.iship of Sidney, at the house of Mr. John Ketclierson, John Row, Esq., being in the chair ; Capt. Jacob W. Meyers was appointed representative, and
ij
S4
CIIRONICLEa or CANADA.
I'l
Elkaiiiili H. Fnirfit'ld, cti-rk — iiImo, a eoiiimilteo, com- posed of Ezi'l\ii'l Ijawrciici'. Tlioiiins Joiic , Mosts Moses and Alexuiider CljiHliolni, Ks(irs.
In tlip township of liDiinlihoroiigli, lit llio liousp of Mr. Williiini Sirnkiiis. Mr. .lolin Krii'iiian hi'in;; < .illcd to the chair ; .Mr. William Smiluiiw was np|uiiiilcii !.) lip rcfirtscnlalivp, fir iiihalnl mis ot' lliis tiivviishi|) and Portland, and Mr. 'riiomiis Kadc, clerk — also, a ci;m- iniltcP, consisliiiir of Messrs. Luke Jtarict, I'dcr Swelzor and David Richmnnd.
In llio township of Marvshiir;r!i, at tliP lionse of Daniel Wriijht. and ('apt. .lames Wrii^lit liciiiLT in the chair ; Capl. .lohn .Allen was chosen represenlalive, nnd KnsifjM lleiuy Diimnian, dork — also, a coniiiiittee, con<<istiii<j of i'etcr llntV, John Wriijht and I'oter Hose.
Kinffxton, K5M Jiiiw, 11! I!!.
This day havin<» hopii named by irilialnt'ints of Niajrarn district, in their p Micniion of I'rinci- jilos and I'rocceilinjs, for tlio nicetintf of districi representatives, the lollowinjr |)cr.s(ii)s, ii(iniiiiate( liy their respective tiiwnslii|)s, iipfie.irod here, namely : Davis Hawley. K>(|., tor I'lrnest-town ; 1 lionias (-'oleiimii, Ivs(|., Thiirlow : W'llliai" I'riii- |i, , pie, for llichniotid : .lacub \V. Meyers, Ilsq., for
Sidney ; and Daniel Washburn, Ksi]., fur Kini,'slon.
Davis Hawley, J']s(|., heinir nnaiiinuMisly called in tiie chair, it was discovered that a iiiistuko as to the place ot" mcetinjr, had caused some township Treasiirers, Dan represeiilatives to 'sseiidile at MniPst-town ; and, jj 1 in conspf]iience, it was resolved, not to proceed to
loe choice of district representatives, Treasuier, and Secretary, this day.
It was resolved, novortheless, that an assurance oufjlit immediately tc) bo dis|)atchoil to the Secre- to the public, tor consideration and amendment, tary of Niajrara district, by the Chairman of thi.s meetinjr, reipiestin;: liini iiiimediatelv to coininiiiii- rate to the representatives of Xiaijara district, that tliey may depend on beiiiff met at \'ork, on the (Jth .!iil\ m.'.vl, by persons duly appointeil to act for the Midland district, as to sendinjj to I'lnirland a ("oiii- tnission, hearin^j addresses from this province, to liis Royal llijrimess the I'riiice Rejrent, on the state ol' jiiiblic affairs.
Fiirtheriiiorc, it was resolved, that Salnrday 20tli of this present month, be iininediately adver- tised as the day of (rnncral lueelinL'' of lownship representatives and clerks, fur this district, at the house of .Ahfl 1'. Forward, Inn-kee[ier, at the hour of il o'clock 1'. M., in the villaire of Mrnf-st-towii',
Amos Aiisley, for Pittsbiir^fh and Wolf-Island,
William Sinipkins, for Lonohboroujjh,
Davis Iliiwley, Ksq., for I']riiest-town,
I'anl j'eti'rson, for I''redericksburijh,
William Casey, Msi]. M. I'., for Adolphiistown,
.lohi, .Mien, Ks(|., for Marysbiirjrli,
neii|ainili Iliihbs, Hsq. for liallowell,
Neil Mc.Arthiir, for .Ameliasbnriih,
'I'hoinas ('(dcman, l']sf|., for Thurlow,
William I'niiirle, for Richmond,
[.lacob William Meyers, for Sidney, nnd Henrjr Wiliiam Fo.v, for Sophiasburgh, bciner absent, from unavoidable circumstances.]
Willet Casey, Fs(i., M. P., beinjj iinanimoiig- ly cillod to the chair ; Messrs. Thomson and Det- lor, iiierchanis, were elected Treasurers for the Midland district, and Daniel Washburn, Esq. tcm- porarv Secrelarv. D.A.N IHL WASIinURN, 1 TIIOM.AS COMIMAN, |
I'.A(:L I'lirilRSON, }. Esquires,
.l.ACOli WM. MKYERS, &c DAVIS llAWLKV, j
were then uiiuniiiiously elected district lepresen- tatives.
A committee of inanarrcment for the district, was also appointed, with power to nominate a permanent Secretarv, who, toijether with the Washburn, Davis Hawley, and I'aiil Peterson, Es(iuires, should constitute the same.
The followino- petition (o his Royal Highness the Prince Reoent, was read nnd unanimously up- roved of; the same to be printed and subinitleJ
for the special |iiirpose of eleciincf di-trict repre- fientatives, ii Treasurer, and Secreinrv.
And likewise it was residved, that the foreo'd- in<T resolutions bo published in the next Kinirsloii Gazette. D.AVIS iI.\Wf,i;V, ('huhnmn.
Ernist-toiiti, \'.itlt Jiiiw, If! in. Several represenla'ivcs of townships of the Mid- land district, viz : Willel ("a.-ey, Es(|. ' P., for
ersoii, for
\nin« Anwitu' Cur l*il tcKii .-.r I-
the townshipof Adolphiistoup ; Paul P
nios Anslev
'ittsbii,-
Drnfl nf nil .Iddrrfii prnji'isid for priKnittition to the Prince lli fseiil. hi/ Ike iDWUfhip leprcsrnttitivea of llie .Midliiiiil diiiliicf. imhmilliil l<> the ptihiic, fur reinnrk <iii(l tiineiidinrnt. ( id rid I ions from the .\i(ii>:iirit iidilreff, are itialinguished by italict; oiiii.ifidii.i noted 1)1/ (iHlerinlxH.)
To his Roval IIii,rlinoss, (iEORCE, Prince ok Walks, Reirent (,."the United Kingdom ofGreat Britain and Ireland, Uc. kc. kr.
The humhlc Jlddregs of inhabitants of Diaper ( (iiiadii —
IMay it i'i.i;ask vo;:ii Rovai. HiniiNnss : The subjects of your Royal father, dwelling' in Tapper Canada, would need no words to jjive assu- rance of their loyally, if the wImIo truth ii id reach- ed the Throne of their Sovereijrn. The// have rea- son to helieve that the IruLli lias not been fairlif
told.
Diirinir throe years of war. Upper Canada was e\|)oscd to the ravages of a powerful and inveterate foe. The Covernment of the [Jniled States had loiifT hern concerting the invasion of this province, Hoslile preparations* were masked under other de- siL'ns.* Ac last the acciiniiilated torrent of kosti-
,'■<
lities burst on the d
elenceless c
:hildr
if the
Fredericksliurgh ;
and W(df Island; Capt John Allen, lor Mar
burgh; Renj. Iliibbs, for liallowell: Ili'iiry W. Rritish empire. Nor were they assailed by the
Fox, foe Sophiasburgh : and Neil Mc.Arthur, for weapons of war alone. An insidious proclamation
Ameli.isburirh— assembled, by mistake, at this pieceded the host of the enemy, forgetful of ho-
place, on Saturday the liUli instant, having sent nor, regardless of humanity, and calculated to se-
an intimation to those who assembled at Kings- duce or intimidate Hritish fvhjrcl.i i'rou) their* alle-
ton, on the said day, that they would meet this giaiice. The subjects of Rritain here, remained
day, at the house of Abel P. Forward, in this vil- faithful and fir.n. It was not for property that
lage, to proceed to business
they lose airainst the invader. The invader would A mHPting accordingly took place. PaE.sr.NT : have spared to ihem their property. They flew to
Daniel Washburn, Esq., tor King.slon
erms in defence of the rights and sovereignty of
^)lf-lHland,
n, jlphustown,
I,
py, nnd Henry ig absent, from
rr unnniinoiis- iiisoiiand Det- siirers for the urn, Esq. tera-
Esquircs,
W
CHRONICLES OP CANADA.
t»
trict /epresen-
ir the district, tn nominate a tlier with the is llawley.and constitute the
oval Highness nniiiniously ap-
aiid subuiilteJ
ninenduient.
tiresrntation to
I i^iDT.-n-ntiitives I III thf public, 'ii rid I ions from lislml by iUilicg;
;Fi, PaiNCE or uirdoui ot'Great
Itants of Ill/per
ill.NF.SH :
icr, dwelling; in Is til ^'ive 0S9U- triiih li id rcuch- 'rhfij have rea- nol been fairly
ipr Cnnnda was il niul inveterate iicd Siiitea had if tliis province.
iiiidor oilier de- torrent o\' hoati- ;liiidren of the ns^'nlled by the lus proclamation rorjjelful of ho- uikuldled to se- IVoui their* alle-
Iwre, remained r property that le invader would They flew to 1 sovereignty of
Britain. Twice watthe American standard* plant- ed in Upper Canada, while yet but a handful of , British troops aided the militia of the province. Twice did these raw battalions of militia wave the laurel of victory over the prostrate intruders on their soil. The second year of war saw Canada con- tending (if^ainBt invasion with* little assistance from the parent state. The second year of the war saw her sons confirmed in their virtue, and still more de- termined to resist. Wives nnd children had fled from their homes ; the face of the country was laid waste ; and the fire of revenge was sent forth to consumate distress and ruin. Still was the spirit of the people unextinguished ; still did it burn with patriotism and loyalty.
By the third year, every risk of conquest was at an end; fur now the British aids poured into the province ; and peace was proclaimed, when war was no longer to be feared.
It is now more than three years since there was an end of war ; but, il is painful to add, these years of peace have* not been attended with the expected marks of attention and regard to Canada. Com- mercial treaties have been formed, without provi- ding for the British interests in this country. Gov- erninentrtZ transactions, which used to give spirit to trade and industry, are at a stand ; troops are withdrawn ; .^i lifications are suffered to go to ru- in; and rumors are abroad too shucking tu be re- peated in the Royul ear.
May it please your Royal Highness to listen calmly to the complaints and grievances of the people of Upper Canada,* who Ave fully assured of the generous disposition of your Royal heart, and of your desire that British subjects shuulu, every wirere, share equally your paternal regard and af- ection.
It was matter of mortification to the people of this province to see, even during the war, which afforded such striking proofs of their loyolty and valor, reports sent home, highly rating the merit of regular troops, while the tribute due to Canadi- an battalions was unfairly withheld. Nay, the principles of the most loyal subjects here were* stigmatized by certain officers, igiiuraiit of human character, and still mure so of circumstances which aflfect it in this part of the world. It was not so with the iumiortal Bkock. He justly appreciated Canadian worth ; and his memory will happily long cherish, in the minds of the Canadian people, a due regard for the genuine spirit of a British sol- dier, at once generous and brave.
The loyal inhabitants of Upper Canada would disdain to notice the misrepresentations of individ- uals, 60 contrary to notorious truth, if these had qot obviously conspired, with other causes, to les- sen the mi,Mal regard which should subsist be- tween British subjects here and at home, and to intiaence the conduct of Ministers towards the ge- neral interest of this province.
The loyal subjects of His Majesty, in Upper Ca- nada, suffered grievously, during the war, in their property; and many were bereft of their all. An cfficial investigation, on this subject, took place ; the claims of sufferers were authenticated ; and there was every reason to expect, that recompense would immediately follow ; yet nothing has fol- lowed, but delay and disappointment. Surely, if there is among mankind a single piinciple of jus- tice, this is one, that the individuals of a nation ought not, partially, to bear the weight of public calamity. Surely, individuals who have exposed
their lives for Government, should not, inretum, find Government regardless of those very princi- ples, which it is intended to sustain. The people of this province are well aware, that their fellow subjects at home, are pressed hard with taxation; and far is it from their wish, that relief should be afforded from thence. Canada contains, within it- self, ample means of exonerating Government from the claims of Biiflercrs by war ; and it is W'th- in the fiat of your Royal Highness to remove, by a single breath, the evil now so justly complained of. Millions of acres of fertile land lie here, at the disposal of your Royal Highness, upon the credit of which, put under proper management, not only the fair claims of loyal sufferers could be tat- iffied, but vast sums might be raised, for the ini- provement of the province, and the eventual increase of revenue to Britain.
Another grievance, manifesting the neglect of Government to the concerns of Upper Canada, is equally notorious, and must be, if possible, still more abhorrent to the gencrousfeelings of your Royal Highness,
The young men of this province* were encoura- ged to volunteer in its defence, by a promise of their commanders, to reccommend that land should be granted them,* at the termination of the war, as a reward for their services.* * Under the faith of this proinise, and in obedience to law, the militia passed beyond the frontier of the province, with alacrity ; yet, since the peace, the greater part of them have been denied the pledge of their extra- ordinary services ; and the land, thus promised ta them, and defended by them, has been* withheld.
Such ingratitude, such injustice, such errors in policy, your Royal Highness may be well assured, could not exist without extraordinary influences; and, were your Royal Highness sufficiently in- formed as to these, and of the true state of Upper Canada, we flatter ourselves, most important changes would speedily take place, as well for tha glory of the throne, as for the benefit of its sub- jects.
Permit the loyal subjects of his Majesty merely to saj :u much, at the present time, on this subject, as may induce your Royal Highness to order in- quiry to be made.
The lands of the Crown, in Upper Cauaud, are of immense extent, not only stretching far and wide into the wilderness, but scattered over the province, and intermixed «ilh private property, already cultivated. The disposal of these lands is let\ to Ministers at home, who,/ro?n their distance, are* ignorant of many existing circumstances, and liable to be imposed upon by artful and interested re- presentations; and to a Council of men residing in the province, who, being variously connected, politi- cally nnd personally, with applicants for grants, and, like other men, susceptible of partialities and prejudices, have fallen into a train of proceedings, which has given much dissatisfaction. The* abuses in this department, it is understood, came some years ago to such a pitch,* that the home Minis-
ters'
ipo
sed restrictions on the Land Council of
Upper Canada. These, however, have not effectu- ally removed the evil.* A system of patronage and favoritism, in the disposal of Crown lands, is still believed to exist, as destructive of moral recti- tude and virtuous feeling in the community, as it it subversive of general confidence and respect for Go- vernment ; a species of ii\fluence, connected with the peculiar circumstances of this province, and not tcit- D
26
CHRONICLES OP CANADA.
II, i
h 1
.xf,\.
\. !
!■ ii
ii:
nessed in any other pari of the British empire. It is in vain to look for iniprovotncnt, until n radical change xhall bo etfectcd. It matters not what cha- rncfers fill sitnalions of public trust, at present. Stich if the cnuritc of //iin/r", that thri/ are iiiKfnsiblji drawn into the vortex, [)i,^(ipiiointmiiit, ilela;/, vci- alion and confusion, have grown out oftliis unhap- py system; the lands of the Crown, the giving oway of which has created tiurli iniscliief, * have therehij come to little value.* 'I'lio jxinr suhjects of his Majesty, diivcn froni home, by liislerfs, to whom portions of land are granted, derive small ad- vaiitaf;e from their grants ; mid Loyiilists ol' the United Empire, the (lesceixiaiits of those wlioFac- rifited their all, in America, in behalf of Jliititih rule; men whos^c names were onloicd on record, for their virtnnus adherence to your Iloyal liillier; the desceiulants of those men* eaniuil realize the henifU e.rpecledfrom their dostined rewards.*
Under this system of intcrnni inaiingemeiit, and weakened from other rmifes, npi)er (^"anada now pines in comparative decay. I'overty and discon- tent are experienced, in a land supremely blessed with the gills of nature. A (head of arbitrary power affects the free exercise of reason and man- ly sentiment. Laws have been set aside. Legis- lators have been brought into derision; and con- tempt from the mother country, seem fust liather- ing' strength to disunite tiie people of Cuiiada from their friends at home.
The immediate interference of your Itoynl High- ness winy do much to cliech existing evils; and mat/ wlndly remedi/ those which spring Irom the system of patronage and favoritism, in the land- granting department. Other evils, hdwever, greatly retard the prosperity of Upper Canada ; evils which can only be removed by the interference of the British Parliament.
Deeply penetrated with these sentiments, and most seriously inclined to have such needl'ul chan- ges speedily eflectcd, the viidersis;ned loyal sub- jects of Britain, dwelling in Upper Canada, now take the extraordinary step of sending homo Com- missioners to bear this to the Throne, and humbly entreat your Royal lligiiness to give car to the details, wliicli it will be in their power to relate; above all, that your Royal Highness would send out to this province a Commission, consisting of discreet and wise men — men of business and talent,- who shall be above every influence here ; anil who may be instructed to inquire into. all* existing sources of evi', and means of improvement.
Resolved, That, while we are conscious that our object, and that of the land owners whom we re- represent, is to unite, in a peaceable and constitu- tional mode of proceeding, by a loyal Address to the Prince Regent, to obtain impartial public in- quiry, concerning evils believed to exist in the ad- ministration of this province, with a view to the removal of them, ond theimprovementof the state of the province, we regard with indignation, any attempt to stigmatise as illegal, the exercise of one of the most sacred rights of Englishmen, and to •oppress it by criminal prosecution.
Resolved, That the townsiiip clerks of this dis- trict, do pay into the hands of the Treasurer, oil monies which they iiave, or may collect, on or be- fore the first of July next; ai •! that the Treasu- rers be requested to account therefor, on that day, Kt this place, to the district committee.
The thanks of the meeting were then voted to
tlic ('hairman, for his liberal conduct, and also to Mr. (iouiu.AY, for liis disinterested exertions in be- half of the province of Upjier ('aiuida.
This general meeting adj(»urned, till a future day of meeting shall be advertised by the dibtrict committee.
VVILIJIT CASEV, Chairman. A true copy, 1). WAsiinini.N, dieting Sec'i/.
ITIc'(!fiiiK<« ill tliu WcMtvrii Di«iti'i<'t.
At Andiwsllmrirli, at the housiMif Mr. Win. Scarlp; Mr. RiKJcrick Drake wa.s appointed repiOHetilative Tor tlie township of Maiden, Mr. Aleximdei- Kenilli M'- Keiizie, ileik — also, a committee, coiisisling of James Caldwell, (iiislavuH Arwison, and John Micklc.
At Colchester, at liie house of Mr. J(din Little, Mr. liiido'ph IliilVman beingin thecliair; Mr. Jidin Jktisli, was chosen representative, and Mr. (Jordon Huelirin- iioii clerk — also, a committee, consisting of Messrs. John Lilllu, Thomas Wright, ilcnry Lypps, and John Karros.
(losfield and Mercia. Sandwich, Moy and
Maiden.
At Gosfield, at the house of Mr. Robert Murray, Mr. Leonard Scratch heiiig in the chair; Mr. Joseph VVi- gle was chosiMi rcprcseiilalive Cor (he towiisliipx of (■oslicid and Mercia, Mr. John (. Iloe, clerk — and Messis. Michael I''ox, Jiicob Fox, Peter yciulcb, and llcnry Scratcli, a cormiiilteo.
At Handwich, at the house of Mr. Thomas Lewis, J. H. Foiineuiix, Chairiiian : Mr. Simon I, 'Due. was apitoinleil representative, Mr. Angiislen LangloiB, clerk, ami a ( oiniiiit'ice, Messrs. ( '. i'ajot, Alexis Pa- rent, Jaciiucs I'arciit, luid Gabrilles Itoiidix.
Sandwich, liith Jiinr, 1!!18.
This day a meeting of the representatives for tlie folhiwing townships in the county of Essex, and Western district, was held at the house of Mr. 'i'homas Lewis, for liirlhcriiig the general cause recommended in Mr. Robert Gourlay's address to the Resident Land Owners of U. (Canada, dated iid April, iniy. Piu-.si'.NT :
Mr. John Brush, reiiresenting the township of ('olchester.
Mr. Joseph Wigle, do.
Mr. tSimon L'Duc, do. Petite (^ite.
Mr. Roderick Drake, do.
Mr. Brush being unanimously called to the chair, the business of the day commenced by Mr. Brush's rending over the address of Robert Goiirlay, to the Resident Lund Owners of U. (Canada, dated 2d April, loKi. The recommendations therein con- tained, were declared \o be those generally ap- proved of, at the several u wnsliip meetings held throughout the county of ilsacx. Mr. Prideau.x (iirty was appointed Treasurer for the county of Essex only, and Mr. Alexander Kenith McKen- zio was appointed Secretary ; and these gentle- men were desired to retire with township clerks, to arrange accounts and commence a regular jour- nal of transactit)ns. The meeting then proceef ' to choose a representative for the county of Es- sex, when Mr. RookiuckDrakk was duly elected, and in conformity to the residutions formed in the Ningnra district, will proceed to Ancaster, by the .'5d day of July next, and from thence to proceed to York, by the titli of the same month, to appear at the Provincial Convention.
IQoetiiigs iu tbc Di»itrict of diorc.
In the township of Trafalgar, at the house of Mr. Daniel Munn ; Mr. Sajnson Howell was chosen rcpre-
:t, mill also to xcrlioiis ill bo-
I, till a futiiro >y tlio dibtrict
Chi I inn an.
Di^ti-irt.
r. Will. Scarin ; piPNPiilutivi- for Icr Keiiilli M'- istiii); of Jiiiiies I Mickle.
(dm Liltlc, Mr. Ar. Joiiii ISnixli, onion i{iii'li:in- ling of MoHsrs. .yjtpN, and John
"ft Miirrny, Mr. »Ir. Josr|ili VVi- n lownsliips of Lop, clerk — nnd :r iScratcli, niiil
riintriaf) Lowis, ion L'Diin was sleii LnngloiB, ijot, Alexis ra- dix.
Jtinr, 1!!18. itulives for the
of M;-se.\, and house of Mr. ijeriernl cause y's address to Canada, dated
e township of
id nnd Mercia. icli, Moy and
n.
[?d tn the chair, by Mr. Brush's jourlay. to the ladn, dated 2d s therpiii con-
generally ap- ineelinrrs held
Mr. I'ridcaux
the county of enith McKen-
thoKe gentlc- wnship clerks, a regular jour- ;heii procee* '
county of Es- »s duly elected, i formed in the iicastor, by the lice to proceed nth, to appear
of Ciorc.
fit)///, 1.^1 a le house of Mr. as chosen repre-
CMRONICLES OF CANADA.
87
neiittttivn, and Mr. John Brown, clerk ; alao, a coiii- iiiittcc, yi/ MessrH. JmiicH 'riioinpNoii, Diiiiiel Munn, Win. TLiduli!, and Juliii Kailiiig.
In tl.;! township of JJiirtou, ul the house of Samuel rricc, (led. Hamilton, Im\., .1. I'., beiujj in liie chair; llicliard Beaslcy, V'.si\., J. 1'., was chosrii represonta- tive, nnd Samuel llycknian, elcrk ; also, at^ommillee, consistinir of 'I'lioiuas Davis, Jacob llyiiiul, John Smith, and Daniel Crosswail.
In the township of Aiicaster, al iVewlon's Inn, Mr. Suinuel Aiulniss in the eliair ; Mr. I'eter ilojjeliooiu was chosen represeiilalive, and .Mr. Thomas Lawra- Hon, clerk — also, a ('OMiiiiillee, roiisistinj; of Mr. John liinkly, Mr. William B.VaiiEvery, and John V'anderlip.
Ill the township of Nelson, at the house of Caleb IlopkiiiH, Mr. Moses MoCay in the chair ; Win. Cliis- lioliii was chosen representative, and Win. MeCay, clerk.
In the township of Klamboroii(r|i Kast, at the house of Mr. Gabriel Hopkins, (Jeo. Cliisiioliii, Ksii., in the chair; John Cliisholiu, I]si|., was ele(;ted representa- tive, ami Mr. F. I. llarrold, clerk — also, a committee, consistiii}; of Messrs. Ceo. Chisholm, Jun., (iabriel llupkins, and Christian Row.
In the township of Heverly, at the house of Mr. Riiiear Vaiisikid ; Mr. Andrew Jones, rejireseutative, and Mr. Jiiiiies Deary, clerk — also, a eommitlee. eoii- Misling of Messrs. James Cope, James Jones, and John liitinel.
Fn the township of Clanford, at the house of Mr. Cbrislopher Terraberry, I'aiil lliiirinan being in the chair ; Thomas Clioat was chosen representative, and Jiilin Hayes, clerk — also, a committee, consisliiijj of Messrs. George F. Smith, Jacob L. Smith, and John Treanor.
Hamilton, District of liore, June \3lli, 181 tl. Thi.s day a meeting' of the ropres-entatives from the difToront town.ships of the district, assembled at the Inn of Samuel Price, for the purpo.«o of pe- titioninjr the I'riiice Ucfjent, on the {reneral slate of puhlic artairs now e.xistiuij in the province of Upper Canada,
Richard Beasley, Esq. reprcsentinjj the township ofBarton.
do. do. do. do.
Anraster.
Salttleot.
Beverly.
East Flanihorougli.
Nelson.
Trallilirar.
Ciliiiiilford.
Ilaldimnnd.
Waterloo.
I'eter Hofrebooin,
Jacob Spriiigstoen,
Andrew Jonc:?,
John ('hisholin, Esq.
Capt. Win.<"liisholin,do.
t^ampson Howell, do.
Thomas Choat, do.
Frederick Veoward, do.
Jacob Erb, do,
Peter Hoirebooin heiiij; nnaniinously called to the chair, the business of tiie day cotnmeiiced by readinjr Mr. Gourlay's addiess to the Resident Land <)wiinrs of Upper Canada, and the jielition tn the Prince Regent. The address and petition were unaniiTiously approved of, by the meeting. The meeting proceeded to choose reiiresentalivcs for the district, and tiic following persons were unanimously chosen, viz:
Richard Beasley, Esq, to represent the county of *. entwortii,
Capt, VV^m. Chisholm, the county of llalton.
The meeting proceeded to elect a Treasurer and Secretary: Ceo, Hamilton, Esc], was elected Treasurer, and John Cliisholiu, Esq,, Secretary, The meeting pa,ssod a vote uf thanks to Mr. (iour- lay, ibr his spirited interference in behalf of his Majesty's subjects in this province.
ITIvrtiiiffH In tlic Jolinntowii District.
In the township of Crosby, June (ith, IHI8, at the seiiool house, Mr. Joseph ^Ierril^an in the chair; ('liapman I'eimock was appointed re|ireseutative, and Natbaniel Ketchuiu, clerk: also, a cnmmiltee, coii- sistiiijr of Messrs. Joso|ib Merriinan, Henry ilalladay, and Aaron I'ennock.
In the township of Killey, y'2nd June, 1818, at the house of William Talniun, Benjamin I.yiunn, Esq., J. I'., in till.' eliair ; C'apt. Duncan Liviiijirstone was eliosen represeiilalive, and I. S. Root, clerk : also, a coiiimiltee, ronsistiiig of lieiijaiuin Lyuiaii, Esq., Ti- molliy Sojier, V\ illiain W. Brown, and Job'i Arnold.
In the (ownsliip of liaslard, 'Jlird June, lHi8, at the house of K. Cbiimberluin, Mr. Barnabas Chapman in tlie eliair ; Dr. (ieor^e HreaUenridfje was chosen re- preseiilalive, and Silas Sinitli, clerk ; also, a coniniit- tee, composed of Messrs. William Stevens, Daniel Terrie, Sheldon Nichols, and Judson Stoddard.
In the lowiisbip of l.andsdown, y;ird June, ' • i, at the house of Mrs. Lee, Mr. Natlian llicok in the chair ; ho was chosen representative for inhabitants of this township and Leeds, Mr. Oliver Eaton, clerk; and a committee, consisting of Messrs. V\ m. Parish, John Struthers, Allan Sweet, Isaac Soper, and the ic^preseiilalive.
In the township of Yonge, 24th June, 1818, at the houses of John Diekson and Stephen Andrews, Capt. Joseph Willsie and .Mr. Wm. Thomson, in the chair ; Benoiii Wiltsie, Esq., was chosen representative, and Mr. Andrew Teed, clerk : also, a committee, consist- ing ot' Messrs. Jidiii Dickson, Squire Mott, Daniel I'lieljis, William Thomson, Walter Adams, and T)io- iiias I'. Kenyon.
In the township of Llizabethtown, at the house of Mr. Dayton, 'Jtitli June, 1818, TliomaH Smith, Esq., J. P., in the cdiair ; he was chosen representative, and Mr. John Kilhorn, clerk : also, a committee, consist- ing of i\Iessrs. Truelove Butler, Vincent Booth, Ed- ward Howard, John Ketchum, and Abraham Dayton, Esq., J. 1'.
JUizdbethtou'n, June iHUh, 1818.
Which day the foHowing persons, chosen tore- present iiiliabitiints of townsiiips in the Johnstown district, with a view to co-operate with inhabit- ants of the district of Niagara and others, in send- ing to Eiigiaiid a Coininissiiin, bearing addresses to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, on the state of l^pper Canada, assembled at tlie house of Abraham Dayton, Esq. Eiizahethtowii, viz: — Tho- mas .Smyth, Esq. J. P., representing inhabitants of Elizabethtown ; Duncan Livingston, Esq., do Kit- ley ; Dr. (ieorge Broakenridge, do. Bastard ; Mr. Nathan Hicok. do. (rear and front ot) Yonge ; Mr. Chapman i'ennock, do. Crosby.
Thomas Smyth, Esq, J. P. being called to the chair, it was
Id, Hfolt'cd and carried, That only about half the townships of this district having appointf d re- presentatives, one repvesciitativo shall be ' onsid- ered sullicioiit to proceed to York, on behaif of the same.
2(/. liesoliH'd and carried, That the necessary charges of the district rejiresentative attending his duty at York, shall be defrayed out of tiie district fund, and be payable to the order of the committee.
The meeting then proceeded to choose a dis- trict repiesenlative, when Mr. Nathan Hicok was duly elected: John Kilhorn was chosen Secreta- ry, and 'J'homas Smyth, Esq. J. P. Treasurer — a committee was also appointed, consisting of Abra- ham Dayton, Esq. J. 1'., Thoinau Smyth, Esq. J.
! I
aSBRR
S8
CHRONICLES OF CANADA.
P„ Edward Howard, Vincent Booth, Jolin Kil- born, and the district repreucntatives — any thice to be a quorum.
3d. Reiolved and carried, That, ris many peo-
Sle in the townships, from whence representatives ave not been sent to this meeting, are known to be well disposed to the cause, the district commit- tee shall correspond with such ponple, and have an agent or agents appointed in each of sold tov\ n- ships, to receive subscriptions from individuals, and report concerninjf the same, to tlie Secretary.
Mh, Resolved and carried, Thai the committee shall have power U direct payments to be made by the Treasurer, and if occosion requires, they may at any time call a meeting of township rcproscn- tatiyes, to consult «a to any unforeseen circuni- jstance.
5<A, Resolved and carried, That it shall be clear- ly understood, that all monies not applied to, or required for the purposes in viow, shall be rnfund- fid, in due proportion, to individual subscribers.
nth. Refolped and carrifd, T'^s.t the district re-
prcaentative shall consult with other representa- tives, when assembled at York, as to a proper drall of an address to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent ; and that a copy of the same be laid by him before the township resprencntativea of this district, at their first general meeting lAorhia return from York.
7lh. Resolved and carried, That this general meeting do adjourn, till (Saturday the 25th July next, then to meet at the house of Uri Stone, in Elizibelhtown, at the hour of twelve o'clock, and that the clerks of the several townships do then and there present tliemsplves, wiili subscription lists and nioney collected, to be paid over by them to the district Treasurer.
(Signed) THOMAS SMYTH, Chairman. A true copy, (Signed) John Kilborn, Clerk.
[Here ends what was printed in two pamphlets, and paid for out of the subscriptions of Jyiagara district.^
In:!'
Ml*
m
• If ti
ARREST AIVD TRIAL OF HIR. GOVRLAY,
Epctracted from Report of the Trial, printed in a pamphlet at Kingston,
immediately after his acquittal.
WARRJINT. The Kino v. Robert Gourlay. UPPER CANADA. MIDLAND ) rWlO Robert Youno, high Conata- PISTBICT. ) JB. 6/e, or to any other Constable in the town of Kingston — Greeting: Whereas, in- formation and complaint hath been made before me, (Thomas Markland, Esquire, one of his Ma- jesty's Justices of the Peace, in and for the said dis- trict,) on oath, that Robert Gourlny, lute of King- ston, in the said district, gentUman, at Kingston, in the said district, on or abovt the first day of June instant, unlawfully, maliciously and wickedly, did publish and utter a false, wicked and seditiou.i libel, styled, " Principles and Proceedings of the InLabi- iauts of the District of JViagara, for addressing his Royal Highness tlte Prince Regent, respecting the claims of sufferers in war, lands to militia men, and the general benefit of Upper Canada: printed at the Niagara Spectator office, 1818; price, one shilling, Halifux," intending thereby, the peace and common tranquility of our Lord the King, and this his province of Upper Canada, to disquiet, molest ana disturb, ana to bring the Government of our said Lord the King, in this his province, into great hatred, contempt and scandal, with alt his faithful and liege subjects of the said province.
These are, therefore, to charge and command you to a] ■ 'hend and arrest the said Robert Gourlay, if he be found within your baitwick, and bring
hilt 'ore me, or some other of his Majesty's Justi- ces < ■ Peace, to be dealt with as the low directs.
G*D.- -'. under my hand and seal, this eleventh day of June, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, at Kingston, in the Midland district. (Signed) THaS MJIRKLAJ^D, J. P. (L.S.)
I do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the original warrant.
([Signed) ROBERT YOUNG, High Constable.
JljRORS EMPANNEIXED ON THE TRIAL.
OLIVER THIBODO,i'or«n.rtn, ELIJAH TENNY, SAMUEL MERRILL, ALEXANDER WATSON, THOMAS SMITH, JOSEPH RANSIER, JAMES MEAGHER, JOHN DOWLING, LOOMIS NORTON, ANDREW DENIKE, JAMES McGEE, GEORGE OLIVER.
Extradedfrom the Kingston Gazette, August 18, 1818. MR. GOURLAY'S TRIAL. On Saturday the ISth inst., the case of the King V. Robert Gourlay, for publishing a seditious Li- bel, was tiied before the Court of Assizes, now sitting in this town. The publication charged as lihellous, was the Niagara petition to the Prince Regent, It being a cause of great expectation, the Court-House was thronged beyond what was ever known on any former occasion. The Solici- tor General opened th/- ,)rosecution, and produced Stephen Miles, printer, as a witness, to prove the publication of the pamphlet, which not being pre- cisely proved, wos admitted, by the defendant. Mr. Gourlay entered into a very full defence, wiiich, we understand, will probably be published. He called John Clark, Esq., of Niagara, to prove his character and conduct, in that district, and that the petition charged to be a libel, although written by the defendant, was examined, ap|)roved and published, by a committee of the representatives of that district, with their names annexed to the publication. The defendant also called James Wilkie, Esq., Ordnance store keeper, of Kingston, who testified that, from his earliest years, he had been well acquainted with Mr. Gourlay ; having been brougfit up in the same neighborhood, and served under his command, as a commandant of volunteers, in Fifeshire; also, that Mr. Gourlay's character, in his native country, was fair and irre- proachable.and his family and connexions of the first respectability. The Solicitor General replied, at
CHRONICLES OF CANADA.
t9
r representa- to a proper lighnesB the the BBiiie be VHcntatives of ting iflor his
thii frpnernl 10 S5th July Jri Stone, in
o'clock, and tiips do then
Riibscription over by them
Chairman. N, Clerk.
irinted in ' out of the district.']
Kingston,
\ TRIAL.
lAH TENNY,
:R WATSON,
VNSIER,
I'LING,
PENIKE,
ILIVER.
iguit 18, 1818.
leoFthe King seditious Li- Assizes, now m eharffed as to the Prince
expectation, ond what was
The Solici- an'd produced , to prove the lot being prc- he defendant, full defence, be published, ara, to prove trict, and that lough written approved and Bpresentatives inexed to the called James , of Kingston, years, he had urlay ; having iborhood, and jmrnandant of Mr. Gourlay's
fair and irre- ions of the first ral replied, at
graat length. Judge Campbell, who had exercised much patience and candor during the arjruniRnts, delivered a learned and able charge to the Jury, who withdrew, and in about half nn hour rpt'irnod into Court, with a verdict of JVOT CAJJI/VY. As soon as the verdict was delivered, an irit^Unta- neous and general burst of opplaubc, which con- tinued for 8onie minutes, uuirked the statu of tho public feeling, on this iiitoreistiiig bubjcct.
Thus the verdict of a Jury, after a full and fair discussion in Court, hus eKtablislied the rit;ht of uniting in a petitioii to the I'rince Rognnt, and using the requisite means of forming such union ; and has refuted the most extrnordinnry charge, that a large proportion of the loyal inhaliituiits of this province have been guilty of a seditious libel, by the circulating and adopting the petition in question.
On Monday the 17lh inst., a number of gentle- men gave Mr. Gourlny a dinner, at Moore's Colfee- house. At seven o'clock, the company, consisting of between 80 and 40, sat down to a table (ur- nished in Mr. Moore's best style. Mr. T. Dnlton presided, assisted by Mr. S. Johns, as Vice I'resi- ilent. Af\er the cloth was removed, Mr. Diilton addressed himself to the company nearly in these words :—
" Gentlemen, Fellow Countrymen — It is pe- culiarly gratifying to me, (as I am sure it is to every one present,) to witness the universal joy that has been diffused, by the firmness and integ- rity of a Canadian Jury, in protecting from the rude hahd of spoilers, the best, the dearest, the hallowed right of every British subject : it is a sure pledge, that English liberty will be perpetu- ated in Upper Canada. We are met to express to each other, in social harmony, our unbounded ea- tisfaciion at the happy escape of Mr. Gourlay, from the merciless fangs of low minded pride, bol- stered and propped by a " little brief authority." This event is ot^ such immense importance to every man in the country, who has any, the least, regard for the inestimable blessings of our glorious con- stitution, that it would indeed be wonderful did not your hearts this day overflow with mirth and hilarity."
The following toasts were given from the Chair, and drank with shouts of applause. Between each toast, an appropriate song was called for. and sung with true patriotic feeling, and mirthful glee.
The Kino!
Uig Royal Highness the Prince Regent — May his ears be opened to the petitions of iiis loyal sub- jects, and his hands ready to redress their wrongs !
The Dvke of Richmond, whose character in England and Ireland, afl'urds a happy presage of his government in this country !
His Excellency Sir Peregrine Maitland, Lieu- tenant Governor of this province — May his admi- nistration justify the high expectations formed of it, by promoting an inquiry into the state of the province !
The constitutional right of Petitioning — Disap- pointment and disgrace to those who would stifle it, by criminal prosecutions !
Robert Gourlay! whose honorable acquittal we commemorate — May his slanderers, assailants and prosecutors blush for their abuse of him !
Mr. Gourlay rose, and addressed the company as follows : —
" Gentlemen— I am a poor public speaker, yet, were I really a good one, no language could ex- press my fceiinijs (inthih occasion. As it concerns myself, iiidividiiully, I sincerely thank you for tho honor done me : no triivcllcr, ' peiteil by the piti- less storm,' could ever Imvo half the satist'aclion from welcome to a hospitable retreat, as 1 now cx- perienoe in your compimy ; but, gentlemen, when I consider that, with my doiiveruncc, is connected that of the fiecdotn of this coiinlry, and the most valuable piil>lic: right ot' Jiritish subjects, I om most truly proud of tins occasion — 1 Hym|)iUhizc with you, ns fellow subjects — I rejoice with you ns men ; and all pcrsmial suH'eriiig and abuse sinks into nothing : — under sucii circumstances, chanty to my enemies becomes an easy virtue.
"Gentlemen — whatever may have been thought or whatever may have been said, 1 declare upon rny honor, that no ex|)rossion ever dropped from my pen tainted with mulice ; and in no instance have I been the first to attack. An enthusiastic regard for the cause which 1 espoused, while T was conscious of the best intentions, and had my eye fixed on the mighty good which iniglit result, has often made me severe with those vviio opposed it — perhaps imprudently severe; for it is olten the best policy to oiiswer mean and base rcllections, with silence and coiilem|)t. GeiUlemcn— I con- fess to you, that in one or two instances 1 have erred ; but error is luinian. Now, that the great objects in view .:rc so well established, I shall be most happy to have done with petty warfare and parly bickering; as soon as the ends of justice and the law arc siifhciently satisfied, I shall be most ready and willing to exchuiige forgiveness with my enemies, in every quarter."
The Integrity of Judges, and the Independence <f Juries, equally cnlilieil to respect!
7'/ie Liberty of the Press, the safeguard of civil liberty !
Impartiality, the first duty of a .Magistrate — Reformation or removal from office, to those who sacrifice it, to personal or party feelings ! Ok;" u'orlhy visitors from other districts ! The following volunteers were given, from va- rious parts of the table : —
A straight jacket, instead of a silk gown, for the advocate <d' tiic new doctrine, that the inhabitants of tins province may unite in a general petition, but must not publicly propose or communicate a petition to eacii other, for the purpose of forming such union, on pain of prosecution for it as a libel, whether true or false !
May the riglits and privileges of a virtuous peo- ple ever be supported !
May those who have taken an active part in the measures adopted by the fi lends to enquiry, never regret what they have done !
The finger of scorn, pointed at those who, for want of rational arguments, attack their opponents in the streets, with clubs and whips, and fists, and teeth, and nails!
The immortiil lydlington, the glory of (ireat Britain, the pride of Ireland, and the admiration of the world !
May the matter contained in the pamphlet de- nounced as noxious, by the Solicitor General, prove an antidote to corruption !
The evening was spent in social hilarity ; and before the company separated, this sentiment was drank : " Happy to meet, happy to part, and happy to meet again."
30
ki'l'
N
ii
!i
i
|fl!! II ;
cimoNirLES OP Canada.
PARMA!?Ii:i\T OF UPPKR (^A]VA1»4.
Extraclcd from newspapers of the day.
Monday, Vlth Ucl. in 18. At 2 o'clock this ilny, his I'xrnllonny the Licii- tcnont-Ciovt'riitir proci.'oilcd in hUiIo, from llic jrjir- risoii ti) tho l.oijisltuivc (Council chiiinlior, whoro, boinnr soiitoil tin ihe lliroiic, his Mxci'lliMicy ihrccl- 0(1 the (iciitlonmn Tj^hcT ofthc lUuck Hod, to do- nmiid the iittundiiiuc of the House of As.sernhly, when iiis Kxcclh-iicy was pleased to open the bcs- sion with the tbllowinir
.S1'I:KCII:
Jlnnnrahlr (icnllnncn of the l.r/xinhithr Council, and
(ji'nllfini'ii ofthc lluti.v of .hsemhlj :
'J'he total want of funds to tiiect the cxijrpncios ofthc state, ims compelled nie to call you lo<rcth- cr earlier than the usual jieriod ; but I liopo it is at a season whicii interferes little with your con- venience.
I hnvo to announce to you, that no alteration lias taken place in tiic indisjioffilioii of our venera- ble Sovereijjn.
Iiis Royal Highness tho Princt Repfcnt receives from Foreiirn Powers, the stroni;c!-t assurances of their frieiully disposition to the llritish em|)ire, and of their earnest desire to preserve the general tran- quility.
The prospect of continued peace, is peculiarly auspicious to this country : your luidividcd atten- tion will lie given to its interests ; you will iutpiire into its wants, and lind remedies for its cmburras- meuts.
In the course of your investigation you will, I doubt not, feel a just indignation at the attempts which have been made to excite discontent, and to organize sedition. Siiould it appear to you, that a Convention of delegates cannot exist without danger to the Constitiiliiui, in framing u law of prevention, your dispassionate wisdom will be careful that it shall not unwarily tres|)iiss on that sacred right of tho subject, to seek a redress of his grievances by petition.
A treaty is on foot with our Indian neighbors, for the pure base of new territory, including cer- tain tracts, wjiicli serve by their intervention, to disconnect our westi'rn settlements.
It a|)pears to me that no oiiject can be of more intrinsic value to this colony, I'laii an increased population ; nor any, on the accuiremont of which, a small expenditure of revenue is likely to present the state with a greater return. Whnt' i.-r it would not be advisable to tender assistance in some ef- fectual manner, to those poor emigriuits who tiiay seek tf) become your countrymen, is a subject I recommend to your serious consideration.
Your attention will be directed to certain laws which are expiring, and to otiiers which have ex- pired, tiiat you may decide on the pr()])riety of con- inuing the one, or reviving the other, 'i'ocarry any laws whicli you may enact, for the comfort, safety or morality of the subject, or for the general bene- fit of the province, into full ell'ect, you may depend on my hearty co-operation. Gentlemen of the House of Assembly :
I shall direct the proper officer to lay before you, the accounts of the receipts and ex|iendituro of the provincial revenue, with an estimate of what may bo required for the support of tho civil Go- vernment.
Honorable (lenllrmen and (ientlrmen :
Convened as you now are, for tho great pur- pose of elevating your country i)y the wisdom of your c(Uincils, you ti'el each of you impressed witii the responsibility and dignity which invests you: you recollect the celebrity of your proceedings : | these considerations, enlightened maunerH, and the beneficent iiilliience of religion, will no doubt regulate the inlorcourso between your august as- s(!mblics.
The followitig address of the Hon. the Legisla- tive Council, was presented to his Kxcellency the fjicut, (lovernor, on Wednesday t!ie I4ili inst. To his Ih-cellvneji Sir I'ere^rine Maitland, Knipht Commander of the most honorable Mititari/ Or- der of the Hath, I .ieiitenant- (iorernor of the pro- vinee of (.'pjier Canada, and .Major- deneral com- viaitdinif Iiis Majesty s forces therein, t)*c. i)''C. ^c. May rr riiKAsi; roua Kxckm-kncy :
Wo, his Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, tho Legislative Council of I'pper Canada, in I'rovin- ciiil Parliament nssembliMl, beg leave to offer our thanks for your Speech, at the opening of this ses- sion of the Legislature.
We are happy to embrace this opportunity of congratulating yoiir Excellency, on your safe ar- rival to assume the duties of your exalted station amongst us.
It is with regret that wo learn from your Excel- lency, that no alteration has taken place irvthe in- disposition of our venerable Sovereign.
The strong assurances which his Koyal High- ness the Prince Kegeiit has received, from For- eign Powers, of their friendly disposition to the British em|iire, oiid of their earnest desire to pre- serve the general tranquility, oflTords us the high- est satisfaction ; convinced, with your Excellency, that a continuance of peace will be peculiarly au- _ spicious to this province, to the interests of which we will bestow our utmost attention. We will in- (piiro into its wants, and endeavor to find out re- medies for its embarrassments.
We shall at all times feel a just indignation at every attempt which may excite discontent, or orgiini/.e sedition ; and if it shall appear to us that a Convention of delegates cannot exist, without danger to the Constitution, in framing a law of prevention, we will be careful that it shall not un- warily trespass on the sacred right of the subject, to seek, by petition, a redress of his grievances.
It affords us plciisure to learn, that there is a treaty on foot with our 'ndian neighbors, for the purchase of new territory, including certain tracts which serve by their intervention, to disconnect the western settlements of this province.
Wc are [)ersuaded that no object can be of more intrinsic, value to this colony, than an increased population ; and we will be ready to co-operate in such measures as may render assistance to tiie ne- cessitous emigrants, wlio may seek to become set- tlers of this province.
We will attend carefully to the laws which are expiring, and to such as have expired.
We thankfully receive your Excellency's offer of co-operation, to carry into full effect the laws which may be enacted for the comfort, safety or
GflllONICIiEH OF CANADA.
81
0 rrroftt pur- ic wibdom of ipressod with invests you : (jrocct'diiifts ; [innnorM, ami vill no doubt jr uujfusl as-
tho Logisla- xcellency the
t'tili inst. tlanil, Knifrht Mill turn Or- or (if the pro- - deneiiil com-
l, ij'C. »)''C. ^c,
1 subjects, tho la, in I'rovin- 5 to offer our iig of tiiis ses-
jpportunity of
your safe ar-
xalled station
n your Excel- lace irvthe in- •n.
Royal lligli- ed, from For- )sitiim to the desire to pre- us the liigh- ir Exeellency, peculiarly au- resls of wliich We will in- o find out re-
indignation at discontent, or leiir to us that )xist, without uiiiiT a law of
shall not un- uf the subject,
ffrievauces.
hat there is a hbors, for the certain tracts to disconnect ince.
can be of more an increased ) co-operate in iince to tiie ne- to become set-
aws wliich are d.
■ollency's offer jHect the laws ifort, safety or
morality of the subject, or for the general benefit of tiio [trovince.
To which his Excellency was pleased to reply. Honorable Gentlemrn of the f.effisliitive Council:
I am much (rratifH^d by tho senliinciit<t you have been pleased to express : accept my thanks for your addreso.
On Mnnduy the lOtli iiist., a ronimitino of the House of AHsenihly [jresentcd tiiu following ad- dress to his Excellency ;
7b his Kxe.fllenc\i Sir Peregrine Mtiittiiml, Knii(hl Commander of the .Mont llmun-iMe .Mililari/ Or- der of the Hath, J.ieut. (lovernur of the provinre of l)f)i)er Canada, and Major- (leneral eumman- ainfr his .Majesty's forces tiierein, i)''C. i}«c. «)''C.
May it im.kask votia Exciuxkncy :
We, his Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons House of Asseiuhlv, ill I'roviiiciiil I'ar- lianient assembled, bog to oiler to your Excellen- cy our sincere congraliilutioiis on your accession to tho government of this [irovince, and to letiirn thanks for your most gracious Speech from the Tiironc, at the opening of the |)reseiit session.
Wiiilo wo regret to learn that no favornble change has taken place in the health of our licKiv- cd Sovereign, wo view with much satisfuction tho happy prospect of conliiiuod peace and pros[)crity to his Majesty's subjects, in the assurance of the friendly dispositions of Foreign Powers, received by his Royal Highness the i'rince Regent. Wo feel that to no portion of his Alnjesty's siilijocts can this prospect be more auspicious, than to this in- fant colony ; and our most anxious wish is to co- operate with your Excellency in improving this period of tranquility, by every measure that iiitiy tend to relieve the province from any temporary embarrassment, and to advance its general pros- perity.
We feel a just indignation at the systematic at- tempts that have been made to excite discontent, and organize sedition, in this hapiiy colony, while the usual and constitutional mode of appeal, for real or supposed grievances, has ever bcnii open to the people of this province, never rcftised or even appealed to ; and deeply lament that the insidious
designs of one factious individual, shniild liavc snc- ceeiied in drawing into the support of his vile ma- chinations, so many honest men and loynl subirctii to his Majesty. Wo reineinher, that this liivored liind was assigned to fnir liitliers, as a retreat for Kiillering loyalty, and not a sanctuary for sedition. In tho course of our investigiition, should it appear to this House, that a ('onvenlioii of delegates can- not exist wilhoiit danger to the ('oiislitiition, in framing a law of prevention, we will carefully dis- tinguish between such (/'oiiveiitioiis nnd the lawful act of the siiliji'ct in petitioning for a redress of n.'al or imaginary grievances — that sacred right of every Ilritish subject, which we will ever iiold in- violable.
We perceive, in your Excellency's communica- tion of the proposed purchase of new territory fronj the liidmns, so im|)ortnnt, and indeed so necessa- ry, to the growth of our western settlements, a llatleniig pledge of your Excellency's sincere de- sire to benefit tho province ; and will give our best consideration to your Excellency's rccoinnienda- tion, that some elfectual assistance shall, if [lossi- blo, b(! extended to those pour emigrunts who seek to hocoine our cfitiiitrymeii.
'I'lie laws that have ex|iired, or are about to ex- pire, hhall receive our attention ; and in reviving or continuing such of iheiii as may lie recpiired, or devising new measures for the public good, wo feel happy in relying upon your Excellency's ns- surniice ot' hearty co-operation.
The investigation of the public accounts, wlicn Bubiiiittcd to us, nnd the provisions for the siip- jiorl of the civil (joveniuieiit, lor the current year, will necessarily engage our cares; and iiiijiressed with a proper sense of the responsibility of mir du- ties, and how important it is that we should faith- fully discharge them, we trust we shall be actua- ted in nil our deliberations, by a spirit most likely to lead to a huppy result.
When his Excellency was jileased to make the following reply ; Gentlemen of the House of Jhsemhhj :
1 am much gratified by tlie sentiments you have been pleased to express, and I doubt not your wis- dom will rrivo them cllicacy, in the cimctiucnt of salutary laws.
-«»#«$»^<
KEPORT OF DKl»lITATIOi\.
To the FriciidM of I'^iiqiiiry.
York, Q.\th October, 1«18.
Gf.nti.kmkn — Having been honored with your appointment, as members of a committee, with oth- ers, to alter the wordimr and stylo of the address to his Excellency Sir Peregrine Maitland, we con- ceive it proper that you should be made ac(piaint- cd with the result of the deliberations of the com- mittee, for which purpose wo insert a copy of the address as amended.
To his Excellencjf Sir Peregrine Maitland, K. C B. Lieut. Governor of the province of Upper Ca- nada, Major General commanding his .yiajcstfs forces therein, ijrc. «|''C.
The humble address of Richard 15ensley, Esq. Chairman of the Upper Canadian Convention of Friends to Enquiry :
May it please Your Excellency—
In my own name, and that of thousands of the inhabitants of this province, which you are destin- ed to govern, I beg leave to address your Excel- lency, dutifully and ndectionately. We would say, that the people of this province only want your confidence the mere to deserve it.
Surely a people who, for three years, withstood every assault of nn insidious, a daring and power- ful enemy, merely for the maintenance of ilritish sovereignly, need nut dwell on expressions of loy- alty, or be anxious about tests of respect I'or iiiin who is sent to represent the Royal presence uiiiong them. On these subjects there can be but one un- divided sentiment : and on the present occasion, that sentiment must be proudly elate with the ad- ditional consideration, that lie who now comes to occupy the highest dignity among us, was tutor-
_. t
Fff
^.'\ ,■■
Si
CimoNTCLKa op CANADA.
r .1.
II:,!
'i
!'
»<M
pfi
cil nnilpr llio immorlnl Wrllinaton, and Ims for hi-i Wo mtiHt, with nhnmo, iirknowlodiro to yourEx* t'riciHl ntid nilvixpr, a man no Ichh dear lo tlio lov- rrllonry, timt tlie inlinhitniittf iif (/pper Cantda era of'riitioniil liliiTly. Vps, Sir, we will bo t'rnnk Imvo liiilierto paid too litilo regard to the charae- 11) ronl'nKriin;.', llint your I'pnr roniipxioii willi tht,< tpr of thocp whom thpv have choppn to rpprevent Oiikfc ol' KichiiiiiMil, and niriviil of tlint frrpnt man thpm iti Parlinrnpiit. Not only haii Ihia bern the in tliPfP provinrps, IIS (iovpriior-iii-("hK>r, i,'pri(;'riilps cnio, but, from nn indifTprpnro lo Iho coiirae of in iiiir hrpiisiM HPtis'iiliona which no otliur forliinu pnhlin nfl'iirs. from a IippiIIp^hmo** of the pnopioat could lin\p innpirpil.* liirco, lo I'arlininPiitary prorpcdinjfii, the moHt alo-
Ujipcr ('niinda had, during the last twenty years, vpiily luibila Imvp hppri conlirnied, and great irreij- niniiy (iovprnorH ; liiil twpiily ypiir!*, with httlppx- nlnrilips wiliiPSMpd. We nhall not lire your Ex- pppliou, only }.'iiv(! expprifiup of dis-appoiiiliiiciit in crllrncy with a rpcital, but of a few inatancea in the adininislrution of civil atVuiro. TliPfo Hvpnly point, nor alinll wo po back ti> (piote the moil years hud aliimst pxliiigiiislicd in our brea-lH eve- shocking liiclB; we nhall only refer to a few trana- ry hope of good, from iIks change «f (Jovernora ; nctinns of the present Parliament. It haa lat two but we now tpol the iiilliipiico of n Inieiit spark ; sessions". At the opening of the first aeaaion, wc are now sniigiiinc iii looking forward to more when matter of vital inijiort lay for consideration clionring tinips, mid to tlio possession of pvery nd- — even just grounds for impeachmont of their then vanlngo which the llrilish (roiisiitiitioii has so lib- (Joveriior — day alter day was otriipiod with s orally to bestow. The same lioiids from which sfiiialibio about the conduct of an individual out of you will receive this address, will present you willi doors — a subjpct altogether below the notice of a a printed detail of " I'rincipies and Proceedings," grave assembly. Bye and bye, the annua! supply winch, for some months past, have been agitaliiiif was voted, and put at the disposal of the (tover- tlin public uiiiid in this province. It will rrijuire nor, whf), by arbitrary acts, had thwarted the Ibwb but a glance to be assured, that serious causes of the land, and then, at an extraordinary late aoa- must exist, for such agitation ; and you will liiid son, resolutions were brought forward, in the teeth tliat the most anxious desire of the great majority of the (Jovernor'a known sentiments, and aeein- of those whom you have been sent lo govern, is, ingly only to provoke his displeasure, that in<iuiry may be made into the slate of this The res(dulion8 were excellent ; but fhey were province, by which every real cause of agilalion wofiilly mistimeil. The (iovernor, nrovokod, for- may cease. got himself — forgot that solemnity wiiich, at home,
S'oiir Hxcrllency will find, from the Journals of is ever particularly regarded ; he went op to Par- Ihe Provincial Parlmnienf, that the subject of in- liament, without the appearance of slate, without *iuiry has bpcii repeiitodly brought forward in the the ceremony of notice, or due conaultation, and Commons House of Assembly ; and you will tind, hastily put a period to the session, on the same record, but too good reasons for des- The Parliament was again aummoned in Peb- pair of full success in that, quarter. The Provin- ruary last. It was expected that some degree of <i«l Purlianicnt is not, indeed, competent, with its spirit would have been manifested, in shew of dis- best endeavors to inquire into every matter wliicli pleasure of insulted dignity. It was expected that retards the improvement of Upper Canada, nor the consideration of resolutions, of high iinpor- lias it authority to correct every evil. Those who tance to the public weal, would be instantly re- now address your Excelienoy, being aware of this, sumed.
and worn out with disappointment, had rcs(dved to The conduct of this session, however, fell even
eend home a Commission, praying his Royal Hi^h- lower than before. An offer of recompense for
ness the Prince Regent to cause imjuiry iinmedi- sullerers in war, unhappily introduced into the
ntely to be made, that the Imperial Parliament Speech from the Throne, and only lending to dj«-
might proceed to interfere upon information sol- tress the feelings of a large body of people, was re-
leninly obtained. Circunislances induce Ihcm, plied to, in most disgusting terms of acquiesencc^
row, to delay this measure, and entreat your Ex- by the representatives of these very people, while
cellency to summon, with convenient speed, the the able resolutions, brought forward at the close
Provincial Parliament, that this grand measure, of the preceding session, were left neglected, as if
big with the fate of Canada, mny yet originate iind in acknowledgment that the Assembly had been
proceed from the most dcsirriblo soorce — from the deservedly chastised for their production.
regularly constituted representation of the people. A series of trifling measures filled up the main
In little more than two months, the weighty la- portion of the session ; the liOgislative Council,
bors of harvest will be over, and, should Parlia- no doubt, encouraged by the futile and unbecom-
ment be in session before the eml of Sepleiiiher, iiig conduct of members of Assembly, assumed
every necessary slep could be taken there, to pre- rights which had long been denied even by firitisli
pare the way for inquiry in the Imperial Parlia- Peers: the annual supply was not even passed ;
nieiit, at an early stage of its next session. and finally, members stole off home, so as not to
This is what we anxiously desire ; but if your leave a lloiise to hear the Speech of dismiaaal
Excellency shall see fit, the belter to accomplish which the Administrator delivered, as if in con-
tlie desired object, to dissolve tlie present Com- tempi, from the chair,
mons House of Assembly, and issue writs for as- The people at large have at last been roused to seipbling a new set of representatives, we would a just sense of all this trifling and indecency ; they more particularly rejoice, and be greatly more see their property reduced a full half, from the confident of success. mal-administration of good laws; they see pros-
Tr~i rr 7 77 7 perity completely checked; they witness discon-
* An error ivns COmmitled all aloilg lent and poverty, under the most genial clime, — takins this Duke of Richmond J or and rooted in the most fertile soil ; they fear sub- niS preaecessor, me Jirsi Ituucr UJ ^^^^^ . ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^ separation from the mother Parliamentary reform, country, which they would most grievoualy la-
CIIKONICI.KS OF CANADA.
flU
0 to your Ex- pper Canada
0 tho charaC' to rppredent Ilia bcpti the ho coil rue of the people at the moNt ilo- rl jrreat irreij- tire your Ex-
1 inatancea in t)te the moat
0 0 few trana- It has aat two
first aeaaion, conniileration t of their then iipied with k lividtial out of 10 notice of s annual xiipply )f tho (ii)ver- nrtedthelawa inary Into aoa- -il, in the teeth ts, and aeem-
B.
but they were nrovokcd, for- Iiich, at home, ent up to Par- Btate, without Hultaliun, and
noned in Feb- orne degree of n shew of dia-
1 expected that f high iinpof' e instantly re-
cver, fell even Bcompense for need into the ending to dia- leople, wag re- >f acquieaence, ' people, while rd at the close leglected, aa if Tibly had been ction.
•d up the main alive Council, nnd unbecom- nbly, assumed Bven by British
even passed ;
le, so aa not to
of dismiaaal
aa if in con- been roused to derency ; they half, from the they see proa- vitness discon- t genial clime,
they fear aub- hould again be um the mother
grievoualy la-
tnonl ; thoy winh to make an elVort of recovory from all this diHrjrnrc and (lun^nT: tlioy cnlrL'ttt your iiiMtaiit anil enrr,.>Ht mil to ushint tluMii,
I'lTinit IDC, Sir, to HiibMcrilii', thin lirsi dny of AiiguHt, in the yonr of our Lord, one liimiMniul eight liiinilriMl mill oinlitt'oii,
With fVfTv hi'iiiiiiicnt iirrt'upect, your Kxci'IUmi- cy'a uiosl ob't. IiuiuIjIo M>rviiiit.
RICIIAIU) IlKASLKV.
Ilnving lil<("\Mvo bi'iMi ii(i[)MiniP'l inniidn'rH nf a tlepututiiin to wait n|MPii lii« Kxi'clliMicy iIji- Lii'iit- ('iiiiiil-(i(ivrriinr Willi llio miiiic, oil Iiih arrival, wo linvc to 8ttUi\ timt tliiil cviMit wiih ihi himiiiit an- iiimiK'cil, than it wiih rcportiid lliat his Mxrcllciicy iiiteiiili-il til Icuvi! ^'llrl< iiiiiiiriliiitrly, iiii a visit to I'lirl Talliot. His Kxci'lU'iiry, liowcvcr, ilrl.ivfil tliiH visit, cxiiociiiig till' iirriviil nl' liis (iriico tlio |)iik<' of llii'liiiioiiil ; iiiiil lit'lni'i- wi> I'oiilil lii> an am of llim now (li'trrihinatiDii, ins Kxcelli'iii'v Imil croHHod ovi!r with his (iiaco to vii'w tlio I'alls ot' Niiigarn ; hihI on his rnliini, procrodi'il imnn'ilialo- ly to I'ort Talbot. iNoiwiilistnniliii^ tlirsn ilu- lays, we worn not liifpliMisoiJ lliiil Ins I'1xi'I'I1imii\v blioiild have tiiiin to vimv and iiiiilt'rslaiul ilii> stain (if till! nomUry, liofori! we iiri'^i'iili-il (lie aiMrcss, wliicli wo liail liii|)i'il woiilil liavi' liihi'n iilaco bi'l'oro tlin iiiocMiiiij of rarliaiiiiMit. Itiit Iiito a niinilior of iiiiCorosfeii ililayf rnistrnted our wislics; Mr. Wil- liiiiii Krrr, out! of llio ilr|)\M iiliori, lii'iiiir on ilin (Jrunil Jury, was ilrlaiiii'cl a wfi'k, at i\ia;/ara ; ami on Ins urrivul at \'orl<, Mr. He- s|cy liail rctiiriiLMi to the ilislrii'l of (loro lint tho ovoiiiiiir bd'ort', to nl- tiMid llio Cinarler Srssions, am! iitiotlior wi'ol< ('laps- ed ht'fore Ins return. This is inon' to lii' ri'ijri't- Ipil, iiH in the iiKfanliniP Ins Mxi'i'llt'iicy the IjiimiI. (jovernor, in his spci'ili, aininaiivi'rti.'J so n'vi'ri'ly upon tho Coiivt'ntioii, as aliiio>ii to pri'i'hiili) a liopis that ho would rcccivo tlii" ilijilross ; iicvr'rilii'loss, not wishing to impiito to liiiii a iiuiasiiro sn ill-ail- vised, we waitod upon his Sccrnlary. Major llil- licr, with a copy of tiio same, tor Ins Mxrcllonry's perusal, and reipirstiiiir Id limiw wliPii In- would lie plensoil to rccoivc llii' address. Wliercupon his I'lxcidloiify was ploascii lo sonil lor us, rcipinsliii'r to know u'hiti irr irniitcil / Wo ri'plii'il, tiiut wo waited upon liini with an adilro.-^s rrorii tlic rcpro- st'iitalivos of a iiiHiifrous niid ri'spi'i:lalilo body of his Majesty's loyal siilijrcts in this proviiii'i'. Ills Kxcellency was pleasnil to ask, it' we conceived he Would receive ail aiidriiss from so unconstitiiliiuial a body ; statiiiL', at t!ie same, tlial ho would re- ceive petitions iVoni the dilferenl townships and dis- tricts. To which we replieil, llint llie meetiii;.' was not unconslitntioiial ; at least not tii this province. He repeated, that it was, and that we had Ins an- swer; on which wo iiiaile our bows, and retired. Nevertheless, being still anxious that his llxcel- loncy might have lull time to umenil any hasty step he had taken, on his part, we toid< the liberty of agiiiii Calling his attention to the Bubject, in sub- siaiico Qs followri :
Sill — We have to request, that yen will be plea- sed lo lay the enclosed, botore liis Excellency the Lieut. Governor, for his serious consideration, as alfecting very materially, the feelings ol' a large portion of his Majesty's loval subjects within this province. (Sigr'ied) W.J.KERR.
(Signed) GEO. HAMH/rON.
York, Oct. 23, 1818. To Major Hitmrr, Serrftan/, York.
E
To his Excellency Hir Peregrine Mnitlond, K. C. It. Ijieoteiiiuil-Goveriior of the province of Up- per Canada, Major-denrral roniinandin}; Ins Ma- jesty's rorces therein, Jic. kc. titc.
.l/(/i/ il iiliiinr iiuur it.mltniry:
The midersigued, n depntal ion appointed by a nu- nieioiis iiii'eliiig of his iMiijeKty's loyal milijectH, (roiii the ililli'rent districts williin this province, to piesent to voiir Excellency a most respecll'ul od- ilress, hnmlily stilling lo your Excellency, ns tho reprr^entiilive nl'liis Majesty, the ililliciillies they lalmr miller, and rcipieHling your Excellency's nt- teiilioii thereto, iiolwitliHtiinding tlwy have recei- ved your Excellency's deierniiiialiou to reject the same, without even deigning to ijive it a (leriisol ; ami alllioufh it may appear highly indecoro'is in tlieiii iigain to nddress your Excellency, on the hiinie Mil)|i'ct ; nevertheless, being most iiiiwilling to statft to their roi,slitiients the most iiiigrucioua ri'cepiinn they have met with, liopi! that lliis will ple.iil a siillicuriil o.xcupo for again calling your Ex- i'l'lloncy's attention to a. terioiis consideration of the chariicler oflhot^o persons, slyling tliumselvea iii;i'Ki;si-.>r\rivKs ok mu mjmkuuus meetinoh 'niaiiuiiiiiioii'i' THIS i'iiom.nck.
Your Excellency, lliey trust, will find, on the luoNt strict iiiM'stiiiat'iin, that their conduct dii- nuij till! late war, was most exemplary — that tho meeting' of the (Jonveiition of Friends to Enquiry, iillhoui.'h so severely ainniadveried upon in your Excellency's Speech rroni llio Throne, and re-ech- oed hack by one brain h of the Legislature, (the House of Commons,) as a systematii: attempt to organi/.e seilitioii, was held in the capital of thia province, iii the lice of day, and in the most open iiiinniei — that all their iiroceodiiigs were immedi- ately published — and that the resolutions then en- teiered into and malnrely deliberated upon, were their own ad, uninlliieiiced by any person whatev- er— that they beg leave to diller with your Excel- lency, as to (he inronstiiution ilily of their pro-^ reeilings : they are conliilent lliat the intention of the nieelin^' was upright and laudable, and they conceive lliein to have been perfectly constitiition- 1)1, in ns much as they are not aware of any act renileriiiif such nici'tin'js iinlawriil. Indeed, they may infer, from your Excellency's address to the Leirislalure on "that head, that their coustitneula haTe met together, lawlnlly and eonstiliitionnlly, fill- the pure purpose of petitioning his Majesty's represeiilalive fur a redress of grievances; na ollierwiso there could lie no occasion to reconi- iiienil the passii)!.' nn act to declare unlawful such ninelinirs; wliicli I he iindersiLMied consider their dearest and most sacred birth right, and an iinnlien- able privile.Te secured to them hv the virtue of their ancestors. RICHARp BEASLEY.
WH.LIAM J. KERR, (iEORGE IL\M1LT0N. York, Oct. '2.^, in 13.
To which we received his Secretary's note in reply :
Covornment House, York, OctolH'r'23, 1813, 7 P. M.
Gkntmcmf.n — His Excellency the Lt, Governor being from home when I received your letter of this date, \ have not till now had nn opportunity of oll'ering to him the paper it enclosed ; which I have now to return, as his Excellency declines re- ceiving it, for the reasons already stated.
: r
1
ClIRONin.KH OP CANAPA.
i'k
'
I liRvo tlio honor to lio, |,'ciitloincii, your niuvt obudiciit huiiibln hcrv't.
(iKolKilO IIII,i,IKR. Sfrrftiiry. To W. J. Kkiiii and (i. IIamii.kim, KHijrH.
Tlio nli(iv.> clDHra llio rDtil'i'icuri' ; iiml w*» tnmt you will |)nrcnvp, in our li-iior In Inn Hxcclloucy, our full nL'iiliniciitit on llie uccuntoii.
Wo linvH only, tliorrforo, to mlrl, timt wo rc- innin, with Hrnlinicnta ulroapvct, ({cntlcnion, your nioit oh't. Korvont*,
UICIIAIU) HMASLKV, WILLIAM .1. KKIIII, (iKolKii; IIAMII.T(>N.
l>AIILIAni:!\T OV
Ih line f (lay, IXnt Ocliihcr, Mr. Jono8 niovod, llmi, llii! Ilouhf ilo iicnv rr- iiolve itHi.'lt' into ii (•(unrnitlcf-' (iI'iIk' wIioIc, to liiko into ronAiilurntion tImt |iiirl ol' Iiih l''..\('('lli'nny'H ■|ini'cli, lit till' pn'Keiil ctMiiioii, winch ri'luli'd In llio liiuclint; ot'dulujrulcs iu ('lUivtMilion, ('(trri*>il. Tlwn-nlaii, XUl ikiuhi'r.
Tlio Hduso wriit into romiMitlrp, to liikn iiilo conMiilcratioii that jiiiil of Ins M.vcellciify'H x|ioccli, nt till! opoiiiiiy of llin prchcnt fCHsimi, which ro- latcs to tlic iiicctit)(,' ordcloyatcH in ('onvniilion.
Mr. Ilnriiliain reported, tliat tlio roiiniiiltco hud apfrccd to Kiiiiio rcsciliitioiiH, winch lie whm ilircct- cd to duhinil, I'or llio adoplidii of tlii.< IIiiiim>, which were rec(Mved and adopted, nrm. con,, as fnllowM : 1st. |{i>iii.vi;n — That the richts of the people of this province, iiidividiiiilly, or cidleclively, to po- tition our jfraciuiis Sovereign, for the redrosn of any public or private grievance, iw their hirlhrijfht as British siilijec's, preserved to Ihein liy thai free constiliition which they have received, and which, by the ;;eiierons exertions of diir nmllier coiiiilry, IniH, tliron^rh an arduous contest. Iicen iininipaired.
Cd. IIks(ii.vi:u — That the ('uniiinnis Mouse td'As- Bcnilily are the inily constitiitionul repiesenlutnes of the people of this province.
tJd. Rknoi.vki) — Thai the electing, n8sonildin<;, silliiij,' and proceeding's of certain persons eHilin(r themselves represcntalives or dclefjates, from the ditVereni dislriclH of this province, and met in jje- neral (convention, at \'orl;, for I he purpose of de- liberalini; upon matters of pmdic concern, is lii;.'h- ly dcrojratory and repn^rnanl to the spirit of llio ronstilution of this province, and tends yroutly to dintiirb the public trMnipiility.
4tli. Ri:s(ii.vKn — 'I'hat while this eoniuiiltcc re- gret, that Hiuiie subjects of Ins Majesty, wIiohr al- iejiiancc and lidelity are above guspicion. have been deluded by the unwearied and perseverinir attempts of the fuclious!, to lend their connlenances to mea- ^u^e8 so discrraceful, they cannot admit that lluMr exam|)lc should give a sanction to proccediriirs riinii- ifeBtly daufferous to the peace and security of the province; proceedings which, it is painful and hu- miliating to obiserve, have dravv^i upon this loyal province, the attention of other countries, and of our sister province, and even of our parent state, as to a colony ini|)aticnt of its alle<fiance, and, nn- pfrateful for the fosterinjj care that has cherished Its infancy, lookintr anxiously to the period of 'Is strength, as to the innuient of its revolt.
5th. Ri;soi,vi;n — That to repel at once so foul an imputation ; to undeceive the misguided ; to sti- fle the hopes of the disturbers of public peace, and to give to our parent state and to the world, the best grounded assurance, that the inhabitants of this province know how to pri/.c their hapjiiness in belonging to the most exalted nation upon e' h, and desire no more than the secure possession of
that jiipt liberty, which her own nmro immedinto children enjoy, it in the opinion of iImn coniinittFO, that Mome such Legislative provinioiiH kIioiiIiI be enacted, (an the wiHilotn of the Imperial I'ariia- nient has fnuiid it proper to provide, to meet riniilnr occasioiiM,) which may hereaOer put it <uit of the power id' any desigiiiiig persoiiH to Jirgam/.e dis- content, and degrade the character of the province. Ill li. R r.soi.v in — That tlietie resolutions be coni- niuniciited to the hon. the Legislative ('onncil.
I'l-iwiil — Messrs. Hiirwell, M'Mnrtin, Van Koughnetl, Caineroii, Durand, ("rysler, Ncllcn, Howard, llutt, Joneo, Coltcf, Swuyze, Hurnham — 1.1.
h'ldnfuln;/, 'JliM Ortohcr.
Mr. .lones obtained leave to bring in a bill to prevent certain meetings in this province, which was read the first time.
Stidirdd]/, :i\iil Oifober.
The liill to prevent certain uiectingB in this pro- vince, being read the third time- Mr. Van Koiiglinelt moved, that it do now pnlt^, and that it be enlitled, " An act to prevent certain meetings within tins province;'' upon which tlio House divided, and the Yeas and Nays taken, as follows : — >'('(/«, Messrs. Hway/.e, Fraser, (joltcr, Clench, Halt, Van Kougluiett, Duraii I, Ihirnhain, Caiiieron, Robinson, Howard, Jones, Nelles — 1;). — .yiij/n, Mr. (.'asey — curried in thoollirinulivo, by u luajurity of 1'^, and the bill signed.
,'hi act fur ])nt'enlinfC certiiin Meetings within Ihii jtntvince,
VViii'.Ki'.AS, the election or appointment of As- semblies, |fiiri)orliiig to represent the people, or any description of the people, under pretence of deliberating on inatters of public concern, or of jireparing or ])rpse:iti'ig petitions, complaints, re- nioiistrances and '''clirations, and other addresses, to the King, oi to '.oth <>r either House of Parlia- ment, foralierutii ,i of matters established by law, or redress of alleged grievances in church or state, may be made use of to serve the end of factious and seditious persons, to the violation of the pub- lic peace, and munifosl encouragement of riot, tu- mult and disorder.
It in hcrcb./ enacted, That all such assemblies, cominittces, or other bodies of persons elected, or otherVvise constiluied or appointed, shall be held and taken to be unlawful assemblies ; and that all persons giving or publishing notice of the election to be made of such persons, or delegates, or at- tending, voting or acting by any means, are guil- ty of u high misdemeanor.
Provided always. That nothing in this act con- tained, shall impede the just exercise of the un- doubted right of his Miijesty's subjects, to petition the King or Parliament, for redress of any public or private grievances.
Here ti province, tinni, whii down.
JVow I these occu tttabliuhe calinli/ tt whole, »u hood and
Up to I believe, in Lower the uj/fier tious, 'J taken vp ahsoluteb pulation.
I, RoBI
now Ron into its ev word in t but the CO vernor nc advice, m parlment, Convent i I the purit from Co
C'lIIlONiri.KH «)F CANADA.
»i
1, tlint we re- Mitlnnion, your
IKASLKV, . KKKIl, \MII/r<>N.
mrc inmiP<linto li'iB coinrnittco, ionii kIioiiIcI bo nprrinl I'nrlin- ro incot «iiiiilnr It it nut of the ) ornniiizp (lis it'llm provinco. liitii'n»l)ficoni- vo (Council. "Martin, Von ryslcr, Nollcs, ly/c, iturnliam
H\(h Orloher. i\g ill 11 bill to •rovincc, wliicli
.i\iit October. ngs in this pro- it do now pnsf , provi'iit rnrtniii poll which the [ViiyH taken, as Frnsor, (^'olter, raiiil, lUirnhain, ■s, Ni'llrs— lU. D atlirinttlivo, by d.
lingx within thit
lintment of Ab- the people, or Jer pretence of concern, or of cuiiipinints, re- nt her addresses, louse of Parlia- iblinhod by law, church orstote, end of factious ion of the pub- nent of riot, tu
inch aPFcmblies, Hons elected, or d, shall be held cs ; and that all } of the election elegates, or at- ineaus, are gull- in this net con- rcibc of the un- jects, to petition ss of any public
Yi>rk, •nth j\nv., I II I a.
At fl o'clock thin day, hin Mxcellcncy thn himiten aiit-Ciovcriior priiceciliHl in Mlatn, to tli<< LogiM- iutivo Cniiiii'il clmiiilirr, where lh»' IIikimo of ANKPiiilily liiiviMj,r lici'ii Miiiiiiiiiini'il til ntti'nri, IiIh K.xi'i'llcncy ((live tlit> Koyal axMeiit to the IiiIIn iiieiihniied bt'liiw, niiil <'lu«uil tlio soHHion with the fn||(iwin|r >Sn:i',i ii : /lonofiiltif tliiillimrniif Ihr l.rginliilivi' Cuuncil, tiiul (irnllemin i if the lluu»e iij' , l.^snnlili/ : It docti not appear Ihut any alliirnlion hast oc- curred, in the Htate nf Iiih Miiji.'Nly'H iiiilinpnitition.
Yon have nfflirdi'd Meiisoimlilc aid to I In- cdiisti- tution, by your lull ciitiilcil " ..In mt fur jinvvnl infC rrrliiiu nuftinf^n within lliin innvinrr." It is a fiihject for d<'(>p ri'irrrt, that the coiiHtiliiiion HJiniild have tttond in need ntNiicli aid ; but let iix liiipo that the good ilikpotiitinn of Iiih Maji'-tty'i^ Hiiiijei.'tH will put an early jieriod to this iiiiliappy nccexMity.
If any pnrtion of the pe<)|i|i' of this province lie indeed uggriiivcd, tli^y are will uwiiie lli;tt a ikiii- fill petition, proceeiliiig from themselves, would find easy access to thefoolof his Majesty's liirono,
Oentlimen of the t louse nf^hscmbly:
I thank yon, in the name of his Majesty, for the supjilies you have granted for the service of the current and uf the ensuing year.
In futiiro, I hope to relievo ynii frnni thn annual ileiiiand fur the siipoort of the Surveyor (leiieral'a depart iiii'iit.
Villi have added to the character of the province, by the iiiiniiiniDiifi e.vpresnion of Nentiiiieiils which me highly worthy nf the enligtiteiied repreneiito- tives 1)1' a I'rei; niid generniii penple, I eniilil not refuse myself the pieiisiire nl' traiismiltiiig yniir ro- soliitiiiiiN, to Iiih Miijesty's (loveriiment, well cnn- viinod that they would prove grateful to the lloy- iil perHonage who pruxiites over it; and cnnlident that they will he rereived with atlectiniuilu appro- bation, hy every desrriplion of your fellow subjects III till) miillicr I'liiiiitry.
Hunonthle (Itnlliiiien, and Vrntlfmtn:
'{'hero are a few objects of general importance, which, had the piililie mind heiMi trani|iiil, I h>lioiild have lirniight bel'ore ynii, early in the sesiioii. Of these I shall mention one, which appears to me to re(piire, in a peculiar degree, your calm and deli- beriite cuiisiili'ratioii : I menu the providing of a remedy for the unequal pressiiru ol'llie roiul laws. lly oHeriiig, at present, this subject to your notice, 1 hope to benellt by the attention yon will bu pleased to bestow upon it, during the recess.
AHcr which, the honorable the Speaker of tho licgisliilive ('mincil announced, that thu I'arlia- inciit was jirurogued to the 'id of January next.
LLi i2i \«/ li: i^ ^<&;y ^
Hert was an end to enquiry into the state of the province, and here teas confinnid a siistein of degpo- tisin, which nothing but insurrection caused to be put doten.
J\'ow that twenty-four years have elapsed since these occurrences: now that another system has been established ; and now that matters ran be judged of calmly and dispassionately, it is well to review the whole, to as to determine where was truth, where false- hood and error, for the benefit of futurity.
Up to the year lull!, there had been no Instance, I believe, of any thing akin to sedition being known in Lower Canada; and the war had weeded from the ujyper province, every individual who was sedi- tious. They had either gone ipiietly off, or openly taken up arms; and the members of Convention ivere absolutely the klitk of the most loyal part of the po- pulation.
I, Robert Gouiu.a v, who advised that Convention, now RoBKRT Flk.mino (Jourla V, challenge scrutiny into its every transaction: and I assert, that not one word in the above record affords evidence of sedition, but the contrary. JVevertheless, a Lieutenant- Go- vernor no sooner arrives in the province than he (hy advice, no doubt of his Council and the Colonial de- partment,) declares war against this Convention — a Convention which had resolved, " the better to denote the purity of its object, as well as distinguish it from, Conventions formed to control and c immand
public affairs," that it should be denominated "Tiir I'i'i'KK Cv.NAiHAM Convention of Fkiknos to Kn- (ii.'iiiv." lie nfuses to see the deputation — threeMa- gistrates — and anon, ive find him justified in this most illiberal and uneourtmis conduct, by assertions and insinuations of the ,'li<s<uibly, base in the extreme, false and malif;nanl. On these we find an art pass- ed, tu deprive Ihe people of their right to meet by de- legation— the only mode of transacting any kind of public business, piarvahlij anil effertually ; and we find the Lieutenant Covernor, in his r.losin'^ speech, telling I'arliainent, that it has " afforded seasonable aid to Ihe Conslitulion," by '• An act for preventing certain nieetiiigs," and telling gcntlenien of the J louse of Assembly, that they have " added to the character of the province, by the unanimous erpress- ion of sentiments, highly worthy of the enlightened re- presentatives of a free and generous people." Fur- ther, expressing pleasure in transmitting their reso- lutions to his .Miijesty's Ouvernnunt, " leell convin- ced, that they would prove grateful to the Royal per- sonage" ! !
Thus fortified, fvhat docs this Lieutenant Gover- nor do.' He first puts out of the Commission of the Peace, all Magistrates throughout the province, who had been friendly to my measures, except such as chose to sign a mean recantation of their principles; and after an order was received from home, to grant lands to militiamen, for their services in war, he
CIiaONICLRS OF CAN\T>A.
!:^i:
I :;1'
(Hit I
■:ii'
takes upon hinisflf to deny Ihia grant to thoi ". who were members of the Convention. From them it teas witliheid for seven years, and not yielded till the. Hovse of Assembly took vp the suhjer.t, passed a j"'- ries of resolutions, and addressed his I'lxcellency thereon.
To complete this reenrd, 1 extract, brinw.from the Journals of the ^hsembly, the residutianf, with the votes on amendment : also, the . /.v(i(«i///_i/'„ addn/s to his Majesty, and the Lieutenant Governor's reply, pledging himself to transnvt the same.
Commons IIoum> of A>M>iiibly,
January l\lh, \n:(\.
Agreeably to the order of tlic day, the Ilon.-c went into committee, on tiip state of the province.
Mr. Scollick was, called to the cimir.
The House resumed.
Mr. Scollick leported, tlmt the committee liiul pcrreed to a berius of resniiitions, vvhirh ho wus directed to submit tor the adoption of tiio Mouho, and asked leave to sit ajjain to-niorrow.
'I'he report was ordered to be received, and leave was granted accordingly.
The first resolution was then read, ps Hvllows :
Rfsolvf.d. That innny who wfro coni^picuous during l.'ie late war, tor their Hrni attaihincrit to his Miijesty. ^nd tor 'heir v.oal and !oy;iity in the deCencc ot this province, wore connected with the Convention of 1318, formed by the people, to seek, by petition to the tlirone, for the reiiiess of grievances.
In amenu. .enf, Mr. Attorney General, seconded by Mr. C, Jones, moves, I hut atior the word '" re- solved," in the orioiniil resoi'ition, the rfmiiininnf words be eypunncfl. and the I'oHowinjj words in- serted— "That tliis HoosP IS snti.-ljpd, thai the |)o- Jilical principles and plans (d" .\',. Gonrlay, are hos- tile to the Government of tiiis conntry, and that no good and loyal suhj 'ct can liesitate to declare his entire (lifa|>proliation of llicrn; and that any persons who still vindicaic and avow tlioni, aro unworthy the con'idonce of the Govcrnnicnt or people of this , •ovinre; althonirli tlio lion.-e is convinced, th-"! by far the prenter nnnil?r of those who acted with him, m this conntry, W'ero, at tiio lime, unconscious of the tendency of his measures."'
On wiiich the House divided, and the yeas and nays being taken, were as follows :
Yeas — Messrs. Attorney General, liurnham, Burke, Cameron, Crvsler, Gordon, C. Jones, 1). Jones, J. Jcnos, M'jDouell, Morris, and Van Kouohnet — 12.
JV'/i/s — Messrs. Atkinson, Baby, IJi'ardslry, Beasley, Clark, Coleman, Fotliorsrill, Hamilton, Hornor, Lefierty, Matthews, Mclkidc, I'l rry, Playter, Randal, Tlo'.pli, Scollicji, Thompson, Thomson, Wilkinson, and Wilson — CI.
The question was decided in th'.' negative, by a majority of nine, and lost accorlingly.
The original resolution, a; rd'ported by the com- mittee on the state of tlm province, was then put, on which the House divid(?d, and llio yeas and nays being taken, were as follows :
Yeas — Messrs. Atkinson, Baby.Boardslpy, Beas- ley, Burnhain, Cameron, Clark, Coleman, Fother- gill, Hamilton, Hornor, C. Jones, P. Jones, Lef- ferty, Matthews, McBridt. Morris, Terry, Phiyter,
llaiMlal, llolpli, Thompson, Thomson, Van Kough- net, WiIl;i':.-.on. and Wilson — 2(1.
•A'/i/s — Messrs. Attorney (ionoral, Burke, Cry- sltT, J. Jones, McDoneh, and Scollick — (1.
The (piestion vvas carried in the afiirmative, by a majority of twenty, and it was
Ri;.>oi.M;n, That maiiy who we e connpiciions during I lie late wr for their firm attachment to Ins Maje.-ty, and ti, iiieir zeal and loyalty in the drfoiue of this province, were connected with the ■"onveiition ol littr,, iuioiid liy the piMiple, to seek, by petiuoi. to the ihrone, for the redress of griev.L.i'es.
riie second resolution was then read, a.s follows;
Rksoi.vku, That the promised bounty in land, of his late most gracious Majesty, on account of meritorious service during the late war, has been withheld from some persons entitled to it, on ac- count (;f their v'oiiik'xioii with the snid Convention, although they n'ver have been tried by any lawful or constitiiiiLn"! •-ibiinal whatsoever, for tiie part they acted.
In air ndment, Mr. Morris, seconvled by Mr. Van Kouirhiiet, iioves, that nHer tl.( word "Conven- tion,"' ill the original resolution, the remaining words he rxfUinged.
Ol) which the I'lMise divided, and the yeas and nays being lake", were as I'ollows ;
l(■(^^• — Messrs. Att irney Ijcnornl, Burke, Biirn- haie, ("ainer<m, C. Jones, I). Jones, J. Jones, Mor- ris, McDonell, Van Kenghnel, and Walsh — 11.
JS'ays — .Messrs. Atkinson, lialiy, IJcardsley, Beas- ley, Claik, C(deinan, Trysler, Fol liergill, Hamilton, Hornor, I.eil". i ty, Matthews, iMcBride, Berry, I'lay- ter, Randal, Rol|ih, Scidlick, Thompson. Thoni- bo:i, Wilkinson, and Wilseii — '2i2.
'["li ! qnc-uon was decided in the negative, by a liiajonty of eleven, and was lost accordingly.
'i'he original <pie>ti(in was then put, on which the House divideil, and the yeas and nays being taken, were «:, follows :
)ens — Mi.'ssrs. Alkl^^on, Baby, Beardslcy, Beas- ley, ("laik, (Jolemaii, Fothergill, Hainilliui, Hor- nor, Leilerty, Malthews, Mcikide, I'erry, I'layter, Randal, llolph, Thompson, Tiiomson, Wilkinson, and Wilson — id,
.Vayii — Me^^srs. Attorney General, Bnrnliam, Burke, (,'aiu(>ron, Crvsler, Gordon, C Jones, D. Jone.-, J Jones, McDonell, Moiris, Scollick, Van Koiie-hnei, and Walsh — 14.
'J'he question was carried in the artirn ',ive, by a majority ot" six. and it was
Rr.soi.vi-j), 'J'liat the promised bounty in lard, of Ins late most gracious Majesty, on account of meritorious service during III; late war, has been withheld from some persons entilled to it, on ac- count of their connexion with ilie said Convention, although they never l;avo been tried by any luwiiil or conr-tilutional tribunal whatsoever, for the part they acted.
The Miird resolution was then read, as fi)il«nvc :
Rr.s ii.vi-.i), That this H'uise is satisfied of the loyalty and palriotisin of such delegitcs, (to Con- vention, liil!!,j and the purity of the intentions of the [)eopl, who appointed them; while ho vvith- holdinir t'rom such meritorious jiprsons the nro- niiseii and well earned bounty (d their Sovereign, on account of their exertions to procure a redress of |)uldic grievances, implies a 'jorious and unme- rited imputation, whicli t'oI only alTects them and their posterity, but also the people wiio appointed Ihcin.
n, Van Kough-
1, Burke, Cry-
ick— «. nffirinative, by
p conppiciions nttufhiiipnt to
Itiynlly in tho ii'cieil with the ho people, to
the redress of
ead, as follpWP: bounty in land, , on ncconiit of war, has been nl to it, on ac- lid Convention, d by any lawful er, fur the part
iiled by Mr. Van
vord "Conven-
the remaining
id the yeas anu
1, Burke, Bnrn- , J. Jones, Mor- 1 Wnlsh— 11. 5enrd>^ipy,Bens- ■r<;iil,lIaniilton, (le, Terry, Tlsy- onipson, Thoni-
; nepative, by a L'coidinpty.
put, on wliich and nays being
iojinl.'^ley, Beas- lainillon, Hor- I'l'iry, IMayler,
-on, Wilkinson,
ml, Burnliam. ), V. Jones, D. i, Scojlick, Van
affirn '.ive, by
bounty in land, , on account of war, has been led to it, on ac- aid Convention, 'd by any luwtiil icr, for the part
cad, as foliowc : salijificd of the ijitcs, (to Con- i(> iiitontions of
while ho witli-
■rsoiiH the nro- lioir Sovereijin,
-ocure a redress ions and unnie-
tfccts them and who appointed
CHRONICLES OP CANADA.
87
i
In amendment, Mr. C. Jones, seconded by Mr. Gordon, moves, that after tho word "that," in the original resolution, the fullowiiifjlie inserted — "in the opinion of this Ilouxe, Robert (lourlay was tho
tirincipal instigator of the Coiivention ; and that lis principles are Republican in the extreme, and adverse to our Monarrhirnl, free and cnost j,'lori- ous constitution ; and alljioutrh it wan no doubt hi? intention to mislead, yet," &,e. he &.c.
On which the House divided, and the yeas and nays being taken, were as follows :
Yeas — Messrs. Attorney fJenernl, Burnliam, Burke, Cameron, Crysler, (Jordon, t". Jonos>, J. Jones, McDonoll, VaiiKoughnet and Waish — 11. JVays — Messrs. Atkinson, Baliy, Bvardcley, Btasley, Clark, Coleman, Fothergill, Hamilton, Horner, D. Jones, Lefferty, Matthews, McBiide, Morris, Perry, Playter, Randal, Rolph, ycoliick, Thoninson, Thomson, Wilkinson and Wilson — ii3.
The question was decided in the nejfative, by a majority of twelve, and I jst accordingly.
The original question was then put, on which the House divided, and the yeas and nays being taken, were as follows :
Yeas — Messrs. Atkinson, Baby, BeardKley, Beas- ley, Clark, Coleman, Fotheiirifl, jlaniilton, Ilor- nor, Lefferty, Matthews, Mclirido, Ptfrry, Playter, Randal, Rolph, Thompson, Tlioinson, Wilkinson, and Wilson — 20.
JVaijs — Messrs. Attorney General, Burnham, Burke, Cameron, Crysler, Gordon, C. Jones, D. Jones, J. Jone?, McDonell, Morris, Scoliick, Van Koughnet, and Walsh — 14,
Tlie question was carried in the affirmative, by a majority of six, and it was
Resolvep, That this House is satisfied of the loyalty and patriotism of such delegates, and the purity of the inte.i'ions of the people who appoint- ed them, while the withholding from such merito- rious persons, the r' >mised and well earned bounty of their Sovereigi., on account of their exertions vO procure a redress of public griovnnces!, implies serious and unmerited iiiifiutatioii, which not only affects them and their posterity, hut also tiie jieo- ple who appointed iheiii.
The fourth resolution was then put, on which the House divided, and the yeas and nays being taken, were as follows :
Yeas — Messrs. Atkinson, Baby, Boardsley, Bnas- icy, Clark, Coleman, Fotherrrill, Hniniltoi Hor- nor, Lefferty, Matthews, McBride, Porry, Playter, Randal, Rolph. Thompson, Thomson, Wilkinson, and Wilson — 80.
JVays — Messrs. Attorney General, Burnham, Burke, Cameron, Crysler, G.)rdon, C Jones, D. Jones, J. Jones, McDonell, Morris, Scoliick, V.in Koughnet, and VVal .h — 14.
The question was carried in the affirmative, by a majority of six, and it was
Resolved, That to withdraw the gracious pro- mise given from the throne, on such a ground. bespeaks a system, the direct tendency and conse- quence of which, is tiie prevention of tho free ex- pression of public opinion against public grievan- ces, however great, and the sacrifice of those who exert themselves for their redress.
The fifth resolution was then put, on which the House divided, and the yeas and nays being taken, were as follows :
Yeas — Messrs. Atki.''son, Baby, Beardsley, Beas- ley, Clark, Coleman, Fothergill, Hamilton, Hor-
nor^ Leflerty, Mat' hews, Mc.iridc, Perry, Playter, Randal, Rolph, Thompson, Thomson, 'Vilkiiison, and Wilson — iO.
A'iii/s — Messrs. Attorney fieneral, Burnham, Burke, Cn-neron, Cryslc-, (!nrd(m, C, Jones, D. Jones, J. Jones, McDonell, Morris, 'tcollick. Van Koiigliiict and Walsh — 14.
The (|ueslion was carried in the affirmative, by a majority of <'!x, and it was
l{i;soi.vp;n, 'i''iiit I'U iiuiiible address, grounded on the foregoing resolutions, be presented to his M ijesty, representing the claim of such persons to L'-eive the proir.sed bounty in land, according to Ihei- rank in the militia.
Address.
To the Ring's most Excellent Miijcsty.
Most Gracioi's Sovekkiok :
We, your Majesty's loyal and dutiful subjects, the Commons of Upper Canada, in Provincial Par- liament assembled, beg leave humbly to approaih your Majesty, with feelings of gratitude for the share we enjoy in the liberality of your Imperial Government, and the glories of your illustrious reign.
We would most humbly represent, that many wIm) v.'ere conspicuous during the late war, for their firm attachment to your Majesty, and fur their zeal and loyalty in the defence of this pro- vince, were connected with the Convention of 1813, formed by the people, to seek, by petition to the Throne, for the redress of grievances; and that the promised bounty in lands, of your most gracious Majesty, on account of such meritorious services, has been withheld from some persons en- titled to it, on account of their connexion with the said Convention ; although they never have been tried by any lawful or constitutional tribunal, for liie part they acted.
We further beg leave humbly to i, present, that we are fully salistieil of the loyalty nnd patriotism of such persons, and the |>urity of the iiiteiitioii of the people who apjiointcd them as delegates to such (^'onvention, while we Ciinrnt othciwise than painfully regard the withholding I'rom such inerit- orit)i)s persons, tlie promised and well c;iriied boun- ty of their MoviMcifru, on account of their exertions to procure reilress of public grievances, as imply- ing a serious and unmerited im|)iitation, which not only affects them and their posterity, but also the people who appointed thecn.
Nor do we less feel, most gracious Sovereign, thai the withdrawing the gracious promise given from the Throne, on such a ground, by the Provin- cial Government, bespeaks a system, the direct tendency and consequeiuo of which is, the preven- tion of the free OAnres^ion of public opinion against jiiiblic grievances, however great, and the sacrifice of those who exi'rt themselves for their redress.
Permit ns, therefore, most gracious Sovereign, humbly to represent Uie ex|HHlioiicy and justice of conliniiiiiij to all such |)ersous, the promised grant of land for their irioritorjous services; imd of re- moving what wc cannot but regard as the conti- nued expressitm of the Royal displeasure towrds some of your most failhtul siibjecls, who only ex- ercised the right of petitioning against public grie- vances, the existence of which is equally inconsis- tent with the happiness of the people, and the honor of the Crown : and remote as the people of this prov' nee are from the seat of your Imperial
In
f !
ims^
^^
S8
CHRONICLES OP CANADA.
Government, we hold the right of so oflbriiig our petitions to the Throne, as one of those iucstiina- blc liberties which we most liumbly hope will never be nbridffcd.
Repl~ of tlic> Licii((!iinut Governor.
Jentlemen of the House of 'Ignrmhly :
I will transmit to his Mnjcsty, ynnr addros.s against the principle of withlioiilinsi the Kin^i's bounty of lands from thoofficersof inilitia who were members of the Convention of 1818 — a principle wiiich has been entirely approved of, by his Majes- ty's (lovernment. I feel it due to myself and to the House of Assembly, to state explicitly, that, as a lonor interval has since elapsed, I shall deem it nee issary, at the same time, to assure his Majes- ty, tbit I fully concur with the House of Assembly, ihat many who were conspicuou? durinj,' the late w^r, for their firm attaclKuent to his Majesty, and ibr their zeal and loyalty in the defence of this province, v;ere connected with the Co"vention ; and that I have, in common with the House of Assembly nf that period, expressed my deep regret that they were so connected -. That I am equally convinced, that maiy individuals, whatever may have been their previous character or conduct, who were for a time so far imposed upon as to become
promoters of the Convention, did not entertain designs hostile to the constitution, or to the peace o*" the country : That I have shewn my readiness to discriminate, whenever, upon the application of the party, satisfactory circumstances have enabled me to do so ; and that I have not felt that I could properly go beyond this, without disregarding what was due to tiie best interests of society, and to the sense of the Legislature, strongly and ex- ])ressly declared, at that period.
I shall, at the same time, solicit the attention of his Majesty to the resolutions of the House of Assembly, and the act of the Legislature, passed when the occurrences to which they refer, were recent, and when the proceedings of the Conven- tion of delegates, and their consequences, could be most correctly oppreciated.
I shall also feel it my duty to make his Majesty aware, that there is so little room for an implica- tion, tlint the acknowledged right of the people to petition for redress of grievances, has been ever interfered with, or attempted to be controlled, that a recommendation to leave it free and unrestrain- ed, in any measure which it might be deemed pro- per to enact, was given from the Throne, and care- fully observed by the Legislature.
RECAPITULATION AND CONCLUSION.
With these last documents exhibited, we have now a complete case for judgment ; and an impor- tant one it is — not *br lue only, but for all : for the maintenance G truth, the rights of man, aye, and the duties.
At a meeting of inhabitants of Niagara town- ship— a member of Parliament in tiie chair — it If resolved to follow my advice, and send to England a petition.
Nothing can be more orderly than the course pursued; nevertheless, a Legislative Councillor addresses the public, to generate groundless sus- picions, cause false alarms, and countenance ab- surd doctrines. The good sense of the people speedily sets this aside, and measures are proceed- ed with.
Delegates from all the townships of the districi meet, transact business, argree to resolutions, and appoint It committee of management.
The committee causes a pamphlet to be pub- lished, I am arrested for ^his. to be tried ; and delegates meet in Convention, when I advise de- lay till after my trial ; — till after Parliament meetii, and till the people are better informed.
I am tried, and honorably acquitted : the lega- lity of all establislie<l ; and at a public dinner tlicre is rejoicing, and confident expectation, that all will now proceed peaceably and well.
Parliament being met, the Lieutenant Governor points to sedition, which no where exists ; and proposes a law to circumscribe public liberty. The Legislative Co>mril is wary in reply ; but repre- sentatives of the people become ready tools of op- pression, and smitten with " indignalion,'" draw a bill of indictment against their constituents.
A deputation from the Convention begs to be heard, on the part of the people ; but courtesy is disregarded: and three gentlemen — Magistrates,
and distinguished for loyalty — are spurned from the presence of the Governor.
Finally, an act is pass.,.', ..c once libelling the people and depriving them of means to appeal to the sovereign power, — an act go shameful, that the same Parliament repealed it, March 7, 18-20, as " incrvedient.'' In fact, by that time it had ac complished its end. I was banished, end worse than murdered, under its deadly shade.
The resolutions, preparatory to this villanous act, are too loatiisome to be dwelt on ; but it is well to expose the lying pretence, that the Impe- rial Parliament had, " to inei-t siinilur occti>-ions," resorted to " some such legislation." Tiie Imperial Parliament never did any thing so base, although the Irish Parliament did; and soon after sold its own exislpnce, through the agency of a man who put a pnriod to his own.
The act was unconstii.. lional, as all acts are, which mock common sense, and counteract the grand principles of liberty. It would have justi- fied rubellion ; which never can be justified, so long as the people are permitted to meet peaceably, by delegate, for tin; expression of opinion, and car- rying out lawful objects.
The repeal of this act, left the people of Canada without excuse, in taking up arms against tlie Go- vernment : anil askinsr for a Convention, as Mc- Kenzie did, when Sir Francis B. Head sent him a flag of truce, was amnng the silly doings of his low and blackguard outbreak. The people had then a right in meet in Convention, unasked for ; but, unfortunately, they had nj leader — no one to guide them in wisdom's ways — " in paths of peace."
The Home Government does not prevent Char- tists from meet'i g, by lielegatc, in Conv^Mition. Even their mob meetings are not checked, when jioaceable. The mob ireoting, at Thorold, three years ago — called a " Durham Meeting" — was
mmm
CHRONICLES OP CANADA.
89
T
not entertain r to tho peace
my readiness application of
have enabled t that I could
disregardinjj f society, and ongly and ex-
le attention of the House of ature, passed »y refer, were r the Conven- nces, could be
:e his Majesty "or an implica- 'the people to lias been ever ontrolled, that nd unrestrain- e deemed pro- rone, and cure-
spurned from
e libelling the s to appeal to meful, that the ;h 7, 1840, as me it had ac ad, end worse ido.
this villanous on ; but it is that the Impe- lur occasions,"
The Imperial base, althoiitrh 1 after sold its of a man who
s all acts are, :oiinloruct the lid have justi- )e justified, so iieet peaceably, pinion, and car-
!ople of Canada (gainst tiie (lo- ention, as Mc- lead sent him a ' doings of his 'ho people had I, unasked for ; der — no one to )aths of peace." : prevent Char- in Convention, checked, when Thorold, three Iketino" — was
lawful, with its flags and absurd resolutions : nor did Sir George Arthur refuse an audience and re- ply to its three deputies, though not one of them was in the Commipsion of tho I'oaco : in fact, cour- tesy is cheap, and always expedient.
The mob meeting — alias Durham meeting — on Ycmge-street, was most wronirl'iilly opposed by tho Sheriff: and its bloody record will lung mark the spirit of the Compact, now, happily, humbled in the dust.
In short, to' meet in any place, at any time, and in ary number, is a rigid of man, acknowledged, acted on, and never interfered with, when peace is not endangered, at home. To submit to de- legation, is a dvtif of man — because no business can be matured by a multitude ; and when ('elegatcs are chosen, there is. a beginning of order, a hope of good, and the best opportunity for calm discus- sion, and sound conclusion.
In England, county meetings are called by the Sheriff, on requisition. He jiresides, verifies re- solutions and petitions, which arc received by the Sovereign or I'arliamcnt, as regular proceedings, demandmg respect — not in courtesy, but in right. Proceedings of mob meetings, are received only in courtesy ; and proceedings— resolutions or peti- tions— of regularly appointed delegates, are more worthy of being courteously received, as the ac- tors can be'tc; be identified — bette"" be conversed or CO' : spt ' with.
M»'< ^. . legates, may be called a Conven- tion, a Con>^ro68, or a Conference : it matters not what the name is. Such meetmgs may either be regularly constituted under the law of tiie land, for certain ends, as, in the United Slates, Conventions are regularly appointed, from time to time, to draw up and amend State constitutions : or, they maybe constituted, at pleasure, by ony set of n)en, sim- ply to express their will, or eflect any lawful pur- pose. Between these kinds of meetings, there is a clear distinction ; and in the United States, where Conventions are constantly holdin'j, there is never either doubt or danger from confounding the one with the other. Conventions, in the Uni- ted States, are the safety valves by which the ig- norance and vehemence of that country are kept from doing harm ; and in ilie course of time, ex- perience, yet much wan'''(i tijoro, will mature all for good. —
I being banished, €.i » ' there was a gener;;' ^ . : which was thus reporic, , ;
" fVe learn that the late Parliament for Upper Cunailu, ,ias terminated m the almost unanimous choice of persons who are po- litical friends of Mr. Gourlay. It would appear from this, that the popular voice is against the ad- ministration."*
If this was true, how easy was it for my politi- cal friends to follovy up the (.bject of the Conven- tion, and invite a Commission of Enquiry from England. I felt confident that they would ; and, after redeeming f pledge, by printing a volume of Statistics, pu* ■ , .ess in London, a second vo- lume, preparatorj '. > "(|uiry, without which I saw this volume wouiii ..ovo but » will-o'-the-wisp. Alas! on " the tenth day of September, eighteen hun- dred and twenty-one,"\ I had reason to regret my
* See general ' 'roduclion to Statistical Account of Upper Canada, page i.ix.
t See page 560, vol 2, Statistical Account of Up- per Canada.
.: 'gcing law repealed, 1, "isJO, ihe result of il ish iiewsjiapors. 'inn for members of
confidence ; and from that day, all was ruin and wretchedness, with my work, myself, and the pro- vince. My "political friends" proved good for nothing but confirming despotism ; and it was not till after another election that they had spirit even to move fcr the land unjustly withheld from those who were memuers of the Convention, as record- ed above. __^
These last recorded documents complete the case for juilgment ; and 1 would invoke the grav- est consideration to what follows.
Let it be premised, that the Attorney-General is not to be viewed merely as an individual, but as the mouth piece of tho local Government, and, in all probability, writer of Sir Peregrine Maitland's speeches, first and last exhibited.
The first resolution of the Assembly, 1826, is assailed, through me, whose '^principles and plans," the Attorney General declares '^hostile to the Government," &.c. He maintains a tissue of fiilschood prejudicial to my chararior, after his myrmidons hat' twice failed, in Courts of Justice, to prove auriit against me ; and after my charac- ter and coniluct, both at liome and abroad, had been fully vindicated — first on the warrant above copied out, and again on a false warrant, shame- lessly acted on : after, too, he himself had plead- ed against me, while palpably enfeebled with cruel imprisonment, which imprisonment the United Parliament has unanimously fi)und " illegal, uncon- stitutional, and without excuse or palliation,"
Nor is he discomfitted by one vote of the As- sembly, and after members of Convention are ac- quitted of crime — members who had " never been tried by any lawful or constiiutional tribunal what- ever" but, voting fc- the amendment on the third resolution, he remains steadtiist in malignity, es- tablishing only one truth, that " Robert Gourlay teas the principal instigator of the Convention" — a truth wiiich Robert Gourlay is ever proud to ack- nowledge.
Members of Convention, my " political friends,'" unscathed by throe amendments, scandalizing me and decency, have yet to run the gauntlet, perti- naciously opposed by the Attorney General and his tail.
Finally, the Assembly " begs leave humbly to ap- proach" his Majesty. Humbly approach, indeed ! praying for land unjustly withheld ten years, after the lapse of six, wherein my *' political friends" should have stood up manfully asserting their rights, those of the people, and mine, most of all, trodden down — stood up to re-organize the Con- vention, or stop supplies till an address to the Throne was carried home by Commissioners — not sent homo by a Lieutenant Governor, who could misrepresent every fact, and disguise every fea- ture.
But what was the immediate consequence of their humble approach, through him ? — a denial of the "principle" asserted by the Assembly, aid an openly declared confirmation of despotism !
We here see the Lieutenant Governor, not ad- mitting "scr/oHs and unmerited imputation," atCect- iiig not only "them and their posterity, but also the people who appointed them" — not admitting "« sys- tem, the direct lendenci/ of which is the prevention of the free expression of opinion ;" but tiie contrary. We see a declared purpose, to hold members of Convention up to his Majesty as objects of pity, and pleaders fiir pardon — individuals who "were, for a time, so far imposed upon as to become promo-
i^
Ik 'I
p::
li
i I
40
CHRONICLES OP CANADA.
ters of the Convention." We see a declarcfl prnc- tice — " readiness to discriminate whenever, vpon ap- plication of the part}/, satiifactory circvmsliincrs have enabled" llie Lientetmnl (jovernor — to ilo what?— gr'int fnvcirs, when the party becnine suf- ficiently humble niul syrophanliC to do his birln.iip, Oil all occasions, regardless of duly, principle, or truth.
He then goes on to sny, thnt he will " solirit the attention of his Miijfuly to the resolutions of the House of Jit'embly, and the act of the Lesrislatiire, passed when the occurrence$ to which they refer, were recent;" and, to be sure, iiotliin<j could be better than these resolutions and that act, to confirin his Majesty in erri)r. I characterised them before; but now that they are a second time p\it to use, af- ter the lapse of eiirht years, it is worth while, dis- gusting us the task may be, to expose more clear- ly their crr.rt, tiieir fallacy, and their falsehood.
Tlie objects of the Convention were very sitr- ple — to obtain land for militiamen, payment for losses 'n war, and inquiry into abuses, particular- ly what related to the disjiosal of wild lanil. The Coiivctition was composnil, as alrea<ly said, of the elite of the most loyal population ; a .1 there wer only two of them who proved recreant, when nit to send iiotne a Commission, with petitions, to the Prince Rejrent. All that was to bo done, would have been accomplisiied in one day, but for the an- noyance of these two individuals — the grosspst part of whose nctinji, it was deteruiined, for the sake of decency, should not bo published in the transactions, althoufrh I have still by ine a news- paper publication, which mav be seen if called for, as a sample of grrossness. The writer of it, who was supplanted by his constituents afterwards, confessed, that he obtained a <rrn\\l of land from Government, for what he did. This was so outra- geous, that nothinjf but madness could find apolo- gy ; and sure enougrh the individual died, after years of confinement, in a mad house.
The other individual, beincr a lawyer, manatred less grossly, but more deceitfully ; and finally fin- nislied iiis career in the United Slates, still worse circumstanced. With all their faults, however, these men wore loyal ; and one had displayed the tilmost courage in defence of the country, during war.
It will be seen, by the published transactions, that one effort of tliese two,_ was to get the Con-
Erratum — Page 1, lor '^c'y" — read, "Halifax."
vention to yield up its business of sending home petitions to the House of Assembly ; and Mr. Jo- nas Jones, with others, had, at township meetings, endeavored to make believe, that the House of As- sembly only, had such right. It was highly im- portant, fur the liberty of the subject, to maintain the contrary ; and it will be seen, that the Con- vention lid maintain this principle, nllhough it ex- pressed hope and afforded opportunity, that the Assembly might render acting upon it unnecessary, by doing the business.
The Assembly's resolutions, first and last, goto extinguish the people's riglit, and to substitute its wilt, in lieu thereof. Nay, its resolutions, and ad- dresses thereon, are so worded as to make appear, that the Convention was seditiously and treasona- bly arrogating rights and powers, which belong- ed only to the Assembly — a position false and dan- gerous in the extreme ; and to be sure, the As- sembly and Lieutenant Governor in concert, play at hocus pocus so adroitly, as to confirm all they want as true, in the eyes of the Sovereign, so as to obtain the Sovereign's authority for extinction of the people's most essential right — that of direct petitioning.
'I'lie condudins paragraph of the Reply, exhib- I aster piece of deception and impudence. i. .ere was a want id" positive evidence, that
the , jple's most essential right had been token away, by an unconstitutional act, attention is drawn to "implication;" and, in Ihe very act of strangling liberty " </ recommendation to leave it free and vnre.itrained." is held out as *' given from the Throne, and carefully observed by the Legisla- ture ! .'"
I question if ever before there was such a sam- ple of bare faced recorded villany. All, too, from beginning to end of the Reply, contradicting, in the most express terms, every item of the Assem- bly's Address. Uiit Parliament was being pro- rogneil : there was no opportunity left for remon- strance ; and before next meeting, the loyal mi- litia men, who had been so long and grossly wrong- ed, sat down contended with their dirty acres.
Thank God, I have lived till the present day, to publish tliese Chronicles, and to protest against the whole — not for myself — not for Canada — not for time; but for nil, and for eternity : yes, it is by such records only that truth can finally triumph, and salvation be obtained.
"%%::.' A
IVOTE.
The above subject is not exhausted; but this work will proceed, as soon as health and public support permit. Another number will complete the subject on hand; and then, succeeding numbers ivill discuss distinct sub- jects— all of them important, at this juncture. Should the work be proceed- ed with, the Publisher will be able to afford it at half the present charge — One Shilling.
St. Catharinei^, September 28, 1S13.
mmmmmmmw!!^
mm.
sendinjf home ; and Mr. Jo-
iBliipmeelini^rg, e House of As- vas highly im- ct, to maintain that the Con- all hou<;h it ex- inily, that the itunneceiiaary,
and last, go to o substitute its lutions, and ad-
0 make appear, r and treasona- which belong- n false and dan- ! sure, the Aa-
1 concert, play nnflrin all they svereiffn, so as
for extinction —that of direct
! Reply, cxhib- nd impudence, evidence, that lad been taken t, attention is lie very act of tion to leave it Hs " given from by the Legisla-
as such a sam- All, too, from ontradicting, in 1 of the Assem- vas being pro- lefl for remon- f, the loyal mi- grossly wrong- dirty acres, present day, to itest ngaiuKt the Canada — not fur V : yes, it is by finally triumph,
%'i..
?ed, as soon omplete I he Hstinct sub- be proceed- it charge —
28,1S12.
■/!r-.
' h
.:^^-t
-i-^-si-i^qjp
■PpmiBBMMip
mm
m
'<,-.--*..
i|
A
gBBS
,,,„l
I MAN IS A RECORDING ANIMAL; and this indeed is the best definition of iiini. Inferior animals communicate, by voice and by signal, over space ; but, tlirougit time, have no medium of inteHigenee, and from generation to generation remain the same. Ttoy are in* deed the bMsts that perish ; but man is the aspirant tjtrtxcellence and then candidate lor immortality. His spirit, though onidled' in weak- neiHand surrounded with difficulty, is destined to gai|i^he ascendant anu to triumph over every ill, — to enjoy a rational mllUnitim on earth and at last to hold converse with Heaven.
Such has been my fate, during the lost twenty^one years, that t ^sliould not even know myself, but for records ; — should not distinctly re- member where I have been, how employed, who with, and of what thinking ; — should never bo able to maintain my rights and man&ge my affairs; — should never be able to correct my errors or accomplish my undertakings, Persuaded of this, I began, many yedrs ago, to preserve my papers ; and, in 1836, to print them, regularly classed, lettered and numborcd, for after reference. What is contained with- in this cover, is a continuation ; and should I live to have peace and freedom, these documents, however worthless by themselves, and dis- jointed as at present, may enable me to mature, projects of mightiest moment to humanity.
Even at jiresent my records are consolatory. They ore the clue to reflection on post life ; and this reflection gives assurance that the chain of causes and effects proceeds from Almighty powey. : — gives as- surance that there is a Providence — a Disposer of Events — a Superi- or Intelligence, whose ways are not as our ways; — who can guide us through darkness into light, and over iligged paths to tranquility.
It is nearly twenty-nine years since I engaged in the service of lal)orers. For this, I was maltreated at home : for this, I went to Eng- land and was persecuted there : this kinplled my zeal in Canada ; and for this, I was banished : in the gloomiest stage of existence, this was ever in view ; and this made years of imprisonment pa«s swiftly away : this has deprived me of all property, separated me from children, and left me alone in the world, but, my records give assurance, that every misfortune has been only a step towards good ; and, that up to the present moment, all is for the best. I believe, indeed, that no other train of events could have prepared me to assert, with growing confidence, what no other man has thought of or dared to do, that, " without altering a single siatute, changing a single institution, or in- terfering with property, the whole system of the Poor laws and rates may be dispensed with in twenty years, while the National debt may be paid off, within fifty years, from eales of colonial lands."
ROBT. GOURLAY.
2, Bridoe Stbeet, Leith, Nov. 26, 1829.
ii*»»MinwmMinnii*«wmiMi«««i<iitt«iht»«tiiiitn[<WBti
msmmmmm
i the boat 3 and by Iligenee, y are in- 9nce and in weak- scan'lant on earth
-s, that t inctly re- I of what in&ge my icotiiplish B ago, to (T classed, led with- sace and and dis- niightiest
) the clue that the -gives 08- a Superi- I guide us ility.
service of It to Eng- ada; and , this was tlyaway : children, xnce, that that up to 1, that no I growing I do, that, ion, or in- and rates debt may
RLAY.