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'^rsvf
Mft>t.'Mt) MM MK .I'tTK
M
BIoaRAPHY
OF THK
HOI. ¥. H. MERRITT, M. P.,
w
LINCOLN, DISTRICT OF NIAGARA,
INCLDDIKO AH ACCOUHT Oy ITEIl
ORIGIN, PROGRESS AND COMPIoETION OF SOME OF THE
MOST IMPORTANT PUBUC WORKS IN CANADA.
COmriLKD PRINCIPAJXY PROM HU
ORIGINAL DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE,
-•<«^<^;o«-
B'Z' J. 30. I^BRrtlXX.
CT. CATHARINES:
» 8. LliAVKNWOBTH, BOOK AND JOB PBIKTINQ B8TA3HSHMBMT.
1875.
A/'ArA^/^/y/' ;t^(^
/
Entered according to Act of Parliament of Canada, 1876, by J. P. Mekritt, in the
Office of the Minister of Agriculture.
h-^r-
PREFA CE.
It is not without many luisK'ivings tLat the fbllowini; pages are now
Hubiuitted to the peojile ofCanadu. Althougli we cannot but hope that to the
student of ^' our country's history, they nuiy in sonie respects be foutid inte-
resting, and to the general public, entertaining, us an attempt to pourtray
the numerous characters in which a public man, lising among his fellows,
may find himself placed during his, role as an actor in connection with
the events of hi time. Yet the position of the Biographer, as a near rela-
tive, may, in many instances be coustrueu into that of an egotist, wliere
nothing of the kind was intended.
. For this reason, and to the beat of our ability in endeavouring to aink
the individuality of relationship, we have sought only to place the cha-
racter of our subject in the position, we have every reason to think, it
should occupy, i. e., as a sincere and ardent lover of his country, and a
statesman, as far as his limited abilities pern:itteii.
As a country, the position of Canada is a peculiar one, with all the
adjuncts of a great nation, with resources unbounded, and the necessary
intelligence to use them, it cannot be denied that it has not kept pace
with other sections of the same family on this continent, nor acquired the
respect which after 100 years o^ endeavour, it should now command. We
believe this to be no mere idle assertion, anil although it i.s not our pro-
vince to investigate the cause, yet if .ve can in the following pages shew
that there Avas one at least who loved his country and longed for its pros-
perity, our work will not be in vain.
That our subject during a long and eventful career, tried to place liis own
country and its interests, always first in every consideration, will bo found
amply illustrated within, and although iron! time honoured traditii)ns he
loved Britain with a Briton's love, yet he loved Canada more, nor was his
devotion a mere sentiment, as in no instance can we find that he ever
was willing to place liis own land in a secondary position to any other ; liy
a tiifling transposition of the sentence we might justly say with Macauley
in his eulogy on the illustrious Pitt, that he loved Canada, "as an Athenian
loved the city of the violet crown-— as a Roman loved the ' JJaxiina rerum
Eoma: "
//
II.
TLe liiuited space at our disposal disbarred us froui giving more than a
synopsis of tho leading political and local events, with wliicL our subject
was connected ; still we ti-ust that sutticient matter is given to incite the
investigator to trace rtvents onward to their ond. Wo have copiously
used the opinions ot" the press, and although at this date it may sefm strange
that a local newspapei (the St. Catharines Juurnal) t'urnished most ot" the
items, yet it must be remembered that in the times we write of, this paper
did its duty as a public exponent, a task which has latterly fallen to the
tlaily papers of the large cities. We have entered fully into the question
of Public Works, not entirely because our siibject was engaged with
tho,se of his time, but for the reason that in all matters honestly intended to
foster and encourage trade, he found them the source of a nation's greatness.
Such were the ideas of our subject, and it will be seen that in almost
every instance of trouble, he was prepared with some resource to counteract
any evils \/hich might fall on the laud through mistaken statesmanship, or
ungenerous legislation.
That errors may have crept in, and umbrage be expressed for many
statements, we fully expect, and as ordinary mortals are hardly responsible,
or expected to be perfect in these matters, we claim tlie benetit of the saying
that to err is human.
Fault may be found with the minuteness of some, and the apparent
slightness of other matters. In this we are convinced that it will lequire
the experience of another generation to fully appieciate the soundness of
Mr. Merritt's views.
In local matters we have been as particular as the circumstances would
admit, and forebore bringing up issues at ajiy time unpleasant, but would
ask the reader to mark well the change of public sentiment which actuated
the friends of our subject in assisting him in those schemes, which benefitted
not only his own locality but the country at large. This change is apparent
in the appreciation in which his responsibility was held by the CJovei-nment
in the early days of the Welland Canal, and the reverse in a similar enter-
prise, the W. R. R., at a later date.
To the critic we may state that no efforts have been made to rendei'
the work attractive by sensationalism, or introduce the finer arts known to
those who write for elfect. We have simply endeavoured to give the bio-
graphy of a plain man, in as plain a manner as we could, and if we have
succeeded in doing so our utmost expectations will be accomplished.
We thankfully acknowledge the obligations we are undei' to numerous
friends for their advice and assistance in compiling these pages.
J. P. M.
Sx. Catharinbs, 1876.
iiore than a
our subject
0 iueiti-' the
re copiously
Weill strange
most of the
it; this paper
['alien to the
the ejuestion
iH'aKe<i with
ly intended to
n's greatness,
hat in almost
to counteract
esiuanship, or
sed tbi- many
ly respouaible,
t of the saying
the apparent
will require
soundness of
[stances would
lit, but would
■hich actuated
lick benefitted
;e is apparent
Government
Isimilav enter-
ide to render
Lrts known to
I give the bio-
II if we have
lisbed.
to numerous
t P. M.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Projenitors American Loyalists
fIrand-Katiier anil two eldest flee to New Vork
Removal to U.C.
Settlers on Niagara Peninsula,
Chihlhood and Schooldays of our subject
To Lower Canada
■'■ Quebec
" Halifax
" St. George, Bermuda, returns to New York
" St. .lolin, N. B, at School
Keturns home by New York
Store kpej)ing and Farming . . . =
1812.
Paob.
War
Detroit
Queenston
Results of First Campaign
Reverses at Ni'igara
Stoney Creek
Beaver Dams
Indian Engagement with U. S. Ti'oops outside of Niagara
Goes to Montreal ,
Blockade of Niagara
Second Retreat
Advance — Memories of the Gore District
Burning of Niagara
Burning of Buffalo- Sickness
Disaster at Chippawa
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
li.
15.
16, 17, 18.
19.
.. .. 20.
21.
... 22,23.
24.
Skirmishing
Lundy's Lane
Prisoner
Marriage
Prendergast Family
Settled down at St. Catharines .. ..
Discovery of Salt
Extended business
Surveyed Canal
A Yankee, Canadian and Scotch Doctor . . . . ,
" Golden Age " local — Change of names — Slavery
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
36.
36.
37.
39.
40.
.. 41.
42, 43.
45.
46, 49,
//
w.
Pao«.
Anxiety — (!liri.stio.'is --(!aiiiil tlioii^Hiis -Ho[»c ijul ilespoiulftiicy 50.
Htnail lj();^inuiii„'s Inwiiitl tliouglits 51, ^'2.
Get ii|) a .subscription 53.
Apptial to (Juvtuiuii- Maitlaml and Sii-. J. Harvt^y
CliHwitt'.s route — Local jisaloiisit^s
Mtititiii;^ (H)iiven«(l aj'pointf^tl agent
Miturc'l plans -Kncoiiragtinient
Visit Works (, 'I Kiiti »!an.:i!
Company Incorporated
Pndiminaries -Kaniily afl'hctions
Wintfa- journeying to (^uol sc- -First .tlOOO
To New York in Fall-Mr Yates — Brocks >FonniTient
Turning the first . sod of Welland Tanal Speech
Old Church — State of the Country
Provincial Assesments
54.
65.
56.
57.
5*.
(^0-
59.
-61.
62.
63—67—68.
69-70.
71.
182o.
Work progreflsini^
At Bar of House
Report- Bishop StrHchaii -Opposition in Nia(,'ara
To New York — Enlarged Canal »Stock taken
St. Lawreics Route Surveyed
At York for Amendment of Charter
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
1826.
St. Catharines " Joi'RNAl " Started . . ..
Honorable settlement of Merritt and Ingeisolls business
Establisment of Mail routes
Albany — Governors visit — Burlington Bay Canal ....
Removal of residence
St. Catharines Landmarks
Report . .
Rideau Canal commenced
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
1827.
,£25,000 granted %o Welland Canal
Offices removed to St. Catharines
" Feeder '
Grand River
85
86.
87
86.
1828.
For England
Accident on returning
Proceedings
Deep Cut disasters
89 to 109.
no.
111.
112.
Pao«.
icy 50.
51. V2.
53.
64.
65.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60—61.
62.
63—67—68.
69-70.
71.
T.
71.
72.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85
86.
87
86.
89 to 109.
no.
111.
112.
Politics — Land lisputes
Fortifying Canada '.'
Policy tending the trade
DepartnrP of Govprnor Maitland
Paoi.
113.
114.
116.
116
1829.
Opposition from Radicals
Visit and de.scription of Canal
Oranthani Academy
Oovernors vinit <fec
Coinpletionof Canai --First vesgel' through'
The Roll ot Honor
118—119-
117.
120.
121.
122.
123—124.
125.
1830.
LobbyinK in the House for Loan to Canal
Article on improvement of St. Lawrence
(ATinl not opened nntill July
Welland Canal Company turned Forwarders
126.
126.
127.
128.
1831
Lobb) ir M-;*h J B. Yates
Milling with O. Phelps
.... 129,
130-131.
1832.
New Customs Office
W. L. AlacKenzie re-elected
P.nii^'rjition —Cholera
Elected to Haldirnand &c
Bill against imprisonment for debt
Canada Co— Grand River
1833.
Parliament business
House opened 1 at June
W. L. Mackenzie '"
Relief of^S ^«^^.^^-f— P''l«ion.f MacKen.ie '
Keliet of Mennonites andQuakers
132.
133..
134.
185—187.
138.
... 139.
140—142.
14:^.
144.
144.
1834
Welland Canal breaks occurred
il-nd of Legi.sliture
MacKenzie IMayor of Toronto
Choice of a Loyalist Parliament
92 J resolutions in Lower Canada
146.
146.
147.
148.
149.
//
f5f%:2
VI,
1835.
Radical House — Compariaons
Knglisli Gfliitlomen to St. Catharines
Mo Keiizie examines Canal accounts
Resolutions on the State of the Province — Mr. Merritt .ind the
to c;any them to F^ngland
[jord Duihaiiis report obviates going to England
Act p.M ying Stockholders in Canal
Newspaper discussion on the appointment to England .... . .
Private ditto
S|)eech favorable to Report
Preparing to get the best advantages for his Country
Rents his Mill
Correspondence with J. Nelson in L. C, and various otherB in U,
Speech at Rainham
New (iovernor - T^arliament oj-ened 3rd December
Pjoniises places of importance to Canadians of talent
Sympathy vvith banished Canadians
Paok.
. . 151.
. 156.
. 157.
Speaker
195.
196.
197.
Commissioners High and Low
Attended House
Writing of Governor
199.
200.
((
C. 20l'
II .
202.
203.
204.
206.
206.
207.
1836.
Jn House — Mr. Hinckf?
Grand River ... .
Death of Mr. Yates
Address to Electors
House
158—160.
161.
162—163.
164.
165.
1837—8.
General Matters
Moneta ry Crisis
Gov»«'nois Policy
MacKenzie tried for defamation
Rebellion , . ...
Important Letter to Lord Durham
166—167—168-169—170
171
172
173
174 :o 186
186
1839.
Important Trade diverted by Hudson Bay Co
State of the Country
Governor at St. Catharines --Mr.Merritt's views
The Legislare - -Remarks in PrivateJournal
The Sole Business — State of Province
House met — Notice injudiciously given, and Mr.
for address
190.
193.
Merritt in Committee
▼w.
Page.
... 151.
. . 156.
. .. 157.
Speakfir
!95.
196.
197.
199.
200.
<(
r. C. 20L
202.
203.
204.
206.
206.
207.
58—160.
161.
62—163.
164.
165.
69—170
171
172
173
^4 to 186
186
190.
198.
)mniittee
1840.
Presidentof Canal— After thi tie years absence
Favorable report from his old Constituencv, not an opposinc voice
Why fnends were not forthcoming to complete ihe work
Still Jinds time to write
Death of our pastor— Queenston Heights Union
P'^'oular anxiety— About Parliament ""
Union Act unfa\oi able to Canada
Visit of Go.eruor Via
Board of Works 'V.'.." "..'.'. '
ChoseL by Kefo"m Convention
Correspondence with the author and H. 11. KillalV
1841.
Christmas Holidays
Refugees
Jarvis and Baldwin
A. Morse on Elections
Robert F. '"Jouriay ^nd result of Elections ...."
Congratulatory letters
Consolidated Union
Canal and C;and River opened
Domestic
Parlian.ent opened at Kingston .. , _/
Nine days debate o.i speech
Canal stockholders to be paid '
Residts of first Session satisfactory
To New York
Co-operation of Eastern Provinces
Lett'-rsfiom IMr. Holmes and Dr. Prendergast
Chief Justice Robinson
Rev. R. Blacow
Page.
211.
212.
212.
213.
215.
217.
—219
223.
223.
224.
225—226.
227.
228.
-231.
232.
-235.
236.
237.
230-
233—
184r^
Departure for England
Correspondence with Members of Imperial Parliament '
To Cambridge
" Paris : nd Bonn
" Scotland and Ireland . ' .
Home
Letter to George Adams. President Agri- ultural ' Society
Disturbance on Canal
Il(»uso met
Special (Jommittee on Finance
Passes (h.wn <' Lost Channel " Rapid's on Ht. Lawrence
Home anans
238.
239.
240.
241.
-'42.
242.
2^3—244.
245.
246.
247.
248.
249—250.
251.
252.
253.
254.
255.
256.
257.
258.
//
Till.
1.843.
Page.
Death of Mother 259.
Appointed Coinmisioner for Lunatic Aslyum .. 260.
Governor and other distinguished visitors to Canal 261.
Letter to son in Bonn .. 262 — 263.
On removal of seat of Government 264.
Resignation of Reform Ministry 265.
Oflfer of Inspector Generalship refused 265.
1844.
Chairman of Bible Society 268 — 269
Uncertainty as to party 270—271—272
Partial adherence to the Draper administration ... 273
Confusion in Governmeut departments ... ... 274 — 275-
L^tter to Draper
" from Duke of Wellington on Welland Canal
Suspension Bridge thought of ...
Inspector Generalship again declined and given to VV, B. Robinson
-276
277
278
279
280
1845.
Death of Mrs. Prtndergast — Parliament in Session 281
Refers to loss in Mill business .... 282
Ap})ointed Commisioner of Inteicolonial to England — Did not accept 283
Niagara and Detroit Railroad
Visits Boston and N»w Yo>'k for Railroad
Great Western opposes ...
Local enterprise for R. R. ....
Tugs on St. Lawrence
284
285
286
287
288
1846.
Railroads
Canal enlargement ... 291-
Great Western and Southern R. R. Controversey
Refusal to extend Charter
Disastroufi results prognosticated — change of Imperial Policy
Retires from business — Reciprocity
U. C. Municipal Bill ... "
A.pplication for Government employment
Great Western Railway ... 308 — 309 — 310 311
Fii-st Provincial Exhibition ..
289.
-292.
293.
294.
295.
305.
306.
3U7.
-312.
313.
IZ.
Page.
259.
260.
261.
—263.
264.
265.
265.
1847.
Urges Free Trade with U. S.
Lord Elgin Arrives
Intel colonial Railroad— Meeting for relief of Irish Famine.
£le< ^ric Telegraph
Trav'eliing
rt ......
<)|)ening of Parliament
Meeting in St. Catharines ....
Fami 1 y affairs
Reciprocity Correspondence
Page
3U.
315.
316.
317.
318.
319.
330.
321.
322.
-269-
-272-
273-
-276-
277-
278-
279.
280.
1848.
L. J. Papineau
Journey to Montreal
Proceeding.s in Parliament
Change of Ministry
Letter to the Premier
Home journey
f iiossed Suspension Bridge in a basket
Invited to Washington
Death of Dr. Prendergast ...
At Washington
J. F. Crampton
Too hasty about repining
To Chicago-^ Called to Government
Cause sof entering Governujent
Services on lieciprocity Measure
iveciprocity retarded by the then member
Hostile threats by Conservative press
They are in favor of our subject
Extracts from Private Journal
Detaling usual Offiical Routine
D. B. Sullivans plan for Emigrants
Letter home
NoticBS passing down a schooner for Europe
His measures on Loan Fund now taken up
*' Journal " takes an opposing view
Hinoks' plan of Finance
Remarks on ditto and summary
323
324
325
326
.337—328
...329
330
331
383—333
33i
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343.
344
S45_346
(I
347
1849.
^ Opening of Parliament
Oovei-nors Speech
Reciprocity resolution by Papineau
" Journal " on act passed 6th March
34f
34&
349.
350.
/.'
1
z.
Letter or. proceedings in Parliament
Tugs to bo built
W. L. Mackenzie returns
Caricatures published
Parliament Hovse burnt
Paob.
350
(<
350
.352.
1850.
Meeting at St. Cathariaes, &c 353
Occupation after (^lose of Session 354
Visit of Family at Saratoga 355
Issue of Government Bills 358
To 'Vashington 360
Spea :s of Journey Home —
•' " to Mayville 361
Halifax 362
Oovernor, <fec., at the Falls 363
Annexation Manifesto 365
Remarks on do. 368
Grovernor in Toronto 369
Keeping House in Toronto 370
House Met 371
To the Electors 3734
Opening of Canal 376
Chief Commissioner 376
Unsatisfactory to L. C. Members 385
Christmas at home 386
1851.
Letter to Wm. H. Merritt, Jun., 387
Opening of the Town Hall 388
Improvements on Oak hill 389
Merrittsville Road 390
Pioneer Propeller 391
Speech Explaining his Resignation 392
Scheme for Union 395
Canal Tolls 396
Election — Letters on Sepai'ate Schools 397
1852.
Increased Canal Business Require Increased Facilities 399
Reformers Exultant 400
Temperance 401
1853.
Reciprocity Measure 403
Welland Railway 404
Brock's Monument — Corner Stone 406
1854.
Reciprocity Treaty Signed, aud Electiou .... -^Ina
bpeech— Explanation ... ^"^
Money for Russian War '^' ^^"^
Zot'ertin "^ ^''^''''''^'^^^^' -^ Sale of Cle.-gy Reserves '. '. .' .* \ '. [ [ tu
412
1855—6.
The Adjournment
Suspension Bridge Opened ^]^
War did not Benefit us ". '. *7
As Chairmau of Finance Committee f !?
Free Trade with West Indies ^
Railroad to Toronto opened ^^^
To England to procure stock for W. R. r'. ' ' ..".".".'.'".'.' l\l
1857.
Large Outlay for Improrements in St. Catharines .... 4.9
J^mancial Depression _^
To England again in behalf of W. B.. E^. ..'.'.'.[. [[[[[ ^^^
1858.
Son William to England on R. R. Bnsiness 43]
i)welluig destroyed jto
4.^^
1859.
Fourth and last Visit to England .... .„,
Historical Digression *^^
Financial Difficulties . . *^*
Position taken by the St.Cathai-ine. Council in the" R.' R.' Interest 426
1860.
Returned home last time. . .
Death of second Son . '*^^
Health failing .■■.'.■ *2<
Moved in the New House ...............[[ «
1861.
Attended Parliament
428
1862.
Mr. Merritt's Death, near Cornwall . . ^on
//
//
INTRODUCTORY
The subject of the following Memoirs is desceiuled from u loa.-,' lino of
the early settlers on this Continent, who from various motives wore letl to
traverse the broad Atlantic, and seek a home in the yet unbroken forests
of a land which is now considered by many as the centre of civilization
and advancement. In looking back on the past history of those hardy
pioneers, the careful observer must see that the lirst settlers of this
country were men of no ordinary coi rage and endurance : they required to
to be fully in possession of all these ennobling gifts with which natunj hafl
endowe(' her children, and at the same time to bo posscssetl of no ordinary
share of that intelligence, whiclj at all times enables the cultivated man to
subdue the forces over which the untaught mind has no control. It may
be a question for philosophers to decide whether an ordinaiy training would
enable a man, suddenly transposed from luxury and refinement into the soli-
tudes of an unbroken wilderness, to find the wherewith to sustain life, without
the aids of other faculties and endowment; ssuch as an inborn couiage or
stamina which fe^ired no dangers, and a determined resolve, well kept, to
accept the situation as found, and make the best of it in the face of all
drawbacks. Of such material we believe the early settlei-s of the Western
plantations and colonies of Great Britain were formed, and we have good
reasons for thinking that the blood of those " iron men," wlio, from the
days of Richard the Lion to Oliver the Protector, had never shimnod
danger, still coui-sed with a lively glow through the veins of those hardy
settlers who first attempted the diillcult task of making the wilderness
blossom as the rose, and converting the mighty productions of an unknown
world into the most necessary wants of niankijul. Amongst the long roll
of these old adventurers wo find that the paternal ancestors of our subject
played no unimportant part.
/>
U I OO II A I^H Y
OK THL
HON. \\\ H. MERRinV^M.P.
-««}««0
i
Wii.MAM llAMii.iON Mi:imrrr's ^'mndfulher, TboniaH Merritt, like th«
i-oflt of his kiiiilrcil, rcsiiltvl upon a farm between BetlforJ and Ix)ng Island
Sound, two miles fioiii ilir 'atter place, and called in these days "Mile End,"
from a mile sijuan.' uf land being j^ranted to an anceator of his, for survey-
ing at an early date the ('ounty of Westchester, of -which it Ik the extreme
limit south-east from New Ytirk State. Ileing the oldest of thre<i orphan
children, he oociij)ied the acknowledged position of gvnirdian, but was unable
to divert the rest of the fanjily from the new opinions :uul parties which
resulted in the Revolution in later years.
Tlioiii.'is Merritt, the oldest son, was sent early to school, he l>eing
dftstined for tlu medical profosaion, and was in due time transferred to
llarvi:rd (.!ollege, the nearest institution for pursuing the higher studios of
his intended cai'cer; but the troubles of the times soon put an end to all
peaceful avocations, and following the military traditions of the fainily, (hia
maternal gi-andfatlier having held a commisvion as Capt;vin under George II..
in the Conquest of Canada,) ho entered the Ropiment of .Simcoe's " Queen's
Rangers," as a Coronet. In the moving of the division to the South in 1779,
ho fell in love with and married Miss !Mai'y Hamilton, of South (Carolina.
On the return of the division, they resided in New York, whore the corps
were disbanded ; l)ut not choosing to make that place their homo, they went
to St. John, N. 15., having lost their Invit-born before setting out on their
joui'uey. A short stay in the cold climate of New I'runswiek forced thoui
to try the Carolinas again, — not however till misfortune visitod them in the
loss of another child. These troubles, with other ditUculties, decidcnl them
on moving once more, v.hen they settled near the ohl family homestead on
King Street in Bedford, where the birth of a son and daughter occurred, the
former — the suViject of thi.s Memoir- being boin on the 3rd of July, 179.3.
They there movc<l to New York, where they resided a short time until their
final move to Tipper Canada. • ^h.
n
Aft<M' th<i Hcpariition hivfl rommoncocl l>y thi> RojiiIiHtH protest inp ngainfli
tlii> IJattln of Ii(<xin;,'t.on, IiIm fiitlirr was luroHto'l, tried Ity somo of tlin WliigH
of WcbtchrslcM-, iiiiil liart'ly cscaiKd dcatli for liis ojiininii.s. His own family
rcinaiiiod jji tho old liou.sc, but ho and tlio two oldost kohh osrapod over thn
lino into tlio loyal part luiyond, wli«'n» llm two latter cntiMrd tlio army.
TliiH locality lias Ioujl; boon tho (ifM of ()\n roinanc(! writci- under the title
of the "(lebaialile j;roiiii(l." In order to jirevent the enli.stment of the
rojnainin^ Kons, of whom thero were tive, Mrs. Alerritt dcstroyeil tho family
reeord. The oxcitei.innt, howovei', waa too grout for her to cnduro, and who
diod before tho Ilovolution was over.
On the prochiimiiii; of peace, and permiH.sion b('inL,';j;lven to tho loyali.sts
to roLnrii and oeciipy their lato homes, Shid)ael M<'rritt, the second Ron,
j-etnriier|, and wliih; lod^'in;,' opjiosite to hi.s wife'.s family residenee, he wa.s
Hiirprised by an or;,'ani/,cd liand ol" Wlii/^s, iiiid shot. The ne.xt oldest Hon,
David, with his father, was allowed as a ^'Q',\.i favour to give his dead
boily decent burial, and then havijig no other refuge they loft (he country
und sailed with other persecuted loyalists like themselves, in 17)^3, (o the
Province of New lirunswiek.
His maternal ancestors were descended from the early settler.s <tf Ncnv
I'liigland. i\w home of the Puritans, liis great grandfather, C'apt. Purdy,
took an active. j)art in tlm French wai-s, as well as tlie ISIerritts. Thus he,
with tlio other loyalists, had at least the satisfaction when forced to leave
their homes, of settlini; in a section of countrv -wilderness thou'di it misrht
b(! called -which was dear to them as being mainly won by the gallantry of
thoir ancestors, who in years gone by, had wi-ested the land from its French
jtossessora. When there, the father, Thomas Merritt, did not receive any
land or otliei- lemuncration fo)- his hjst property in tlio Colony, but was
compelled to follow the occupation of fishing, which perhaps in the end
afforded him a better return, as the land there was anything but fertile ;
and where he died in the year 1S21.
The pifK'lamation of his old ('olouel Simcoo. offering settlers favourable
inducemenis in tho Province of Upper Canada, caused ]\Ir. Merritt to visit
Niagivra, the capital of the Province, and so favourable wjis his reception by
the Govern(»r, who promised him lands in an eligible jiart of the country,
that in the following year (179G) he moved with his family to the Province
of Upper Canada, his rnuto being facilitated by tlie imjtrovements of the
Mohawk Kiver at ('ohoes and Little Falls, lately completed, rendering the
navigation contin\io\is. Tiicii- progress was for the mcst jiart through a
wilderness, the Indians still having possession of Western New York,
under llie protection of the Pritish. Leaving the sloop at Albany, a
batteau.x carried them up (he Mohawk ; from thence by a short portage to
Wood Creek, they descended into Lake Ontario at Oswego. The British
ofHeer in cliai-ge of (liat post kindly permitted the passage of their goods
dttf
V
'V
testing ngainHt.
0 of tljo Whigrt
lis own fjiniily
•a|)(Mi over tho
ml tlio iirmy.
mdiM- tho iitlo
stnicnt of tlif>
y«Ml tlio fiiinily
iiihirc, uml slin
;o th(» loyuli.sts
)<• sooond son,
•lenco, he wiis
pxt oiliest Hon,
;,'iv(' IiIk (load
ft (lie country
17.^3, (o thf
ttlors of Now
, (\])l. Punly,
its. ThuH 1)0,
orcod to loavo
ion.i,di it might
10, giillaiitry of
oiM its French
)t receive! any
loiiy, hut was
)H in the end
ig but fertile ;
Ts fav()uriihh>
on-itt to visit
s reception l>y
the country,
the Province
nionts of tho
rendering the
\vt through a
1 Now York,
at Albany, a
rt [)Oi"tago to
The British
of their goods
^
froo of duty to Niagira, whnro thoy arrivod Rafoly aft(u* a h -ig and tinwoino
voyage. The lands of tho Niagara District having been all taken up by
tho men of ihithu-'H llangors a force which had rcndereil most iinpoi-Uint
HiTviccw to the (irown in ft)riiier <hiyM-and th<> frontier being settlod, Mr.
Morritt, not wishing to croaa to tlie other side; of the lako to York, whom
tho Hoat of Government had just boon ronioved, and wliere lie must roHido
in order to take advantage of tho (loverninent grants, hn lii'wt purehiuted
liot N(». I.'i, in tliM '1th Ooncession, but sliortly afterwards he removed to
l/)t No. 20, in the .value Concc8.sion, a more (digiblo sj»oi, it being situate on
the Twelve Mile Oeok.
Horo, within a few miles of the base of tho moujiUiin, .iiul close by
the bright waters of Old Ontario, on the ba.iks of the broad and delightful
estuary of the "Twelve," surrounded l>y tho towering giants of tlie forest- -
the oaks, the walnuts, and the lonlly pine.s W(>re the tirst eaily improssions
of the new land conveyed to tho youthful mind of the suliject of this
.Momoir.
As i)reviously stated, the lifn and haljits of a pioneer is one which calls
into full phiy at all times the entire janvers of both mind and body: t<>
supj)lant the mighty monarchs of the virgin .soil for the more u.sefuJ'amJ
necc8.sary grains and roots, rctjuired for the <laily fare ; to build ; to fenco ;
and to prepare for tlie coming rigours of a Canadian winter, arc tiisks which
leave the Jirst settlers but little leisure to bestow on outside aflairs, so that
tho early Uf^ of lur subject must have been one of active indu.stry, helping
his parents in the cultivati(m of the the farm, and doing his daily part
towards tlio comforts of the house.
It has been remarked that every one wlio has made a luinio for being a
friend to manlcin')., liius sho\vii a coiTCsponding devotion to his parents and
family : in fact, tho self-denying practices of the oni;, becomes a .school for
the practice of the other, and without which, a man can never persistently
perform the j<^le of a bcniefactor. One of the most trying family duties in
winter is the starting of tlie morning fires : Hamilton j)erfornied this duty,
always rising tho first in the morning. In the absence of Bcrvants, Mrs.
Merritt set the ciamplo. A party of friends would often droji in upon the
family, when there would bo i.o helj) in tln^ house ; Mi's. Merritt would then
take tho position of cook, and, with the assistance of the children, i)reparo
<liniier for the visitors, to which, after changing tho attire, tliey would sit
down, she with her husband, wlio liad occupied the guests in the meantime,
wholly unconscious of (hcso ]>roceedings.
An incident which Mr. Merritt n.se<l to relate, shewed the lino feelings
of the children towards eacii other. Himself and his eldest sister, f Caroline,
wero one day picking cherries at Colonel Tenbroeck's. She was standing on
an extremity of a limb of the tree, along which, against her most anxious
.admonitions, he pei-sisted in going. The result was, the limb broke and
both (^rno to the gi-ound ; lio wiw nuinjuro<l, but slic, iift^r ascertaining
his safety, ami a-skin;?, "Aro you lini-f?" fiiintod away, much to the horror
of IFamilton, who Ixsliovcil a dreadful cahimity hiul liajjpeued.
Ono favourite occupation of liis was taking the grain to the mill, his
oarliest oxpwlition in this capacity being on his fifth birthday, and was in
company with the servant girl, to Servos' Mill, near Niagara. His father,
when with hiui in the iiold, would oft(!n got the fanneix when going on this
errand, to let him perform that service for them, while they would assist at
hoeing until his return. Thoma.s', on the Twelve Mile t/roek, was the mill
generally j)atronized.
At one time, Jas. Dittorick was overtaken while pui-suing the route and
a race occurred on the road, which was full of stumps, whereby the latter
received a severe fall over ono of them.
nie time wiia not pa.ssed, however, without mental improvement, as ho
attended the log school-house at the "Conici-s," situated near his subsequent
residence.
In 180G he was sent to Burlington, at the head of the lake, and hero
he attended Mr. ('/OokeroH's sclnol, where ho received mathematical instruc-
tion, field surveying, etc., etc. Being an only son, his indulgent father,
wishing to make him an efiicient hoi-seman, presented him with a fine pony,
on which he could make extensive expeditions around the head of the Bay,
from which the f(!W main roads in those days radiated from each side of the
Lake, — east iicross to Ijake Erie, and we^st to Ijake St. Clair. Tliis practice,
besides adding to his health, givve vigour to body and mini, which wr^s not
without being severely tested in his expeditions with the " light horse," half
a dozen years aft(T, when his extensive knowledge of the country and his
skill as a dashing cavalry officer, was of the greatest importance to the cause
of the Crown. The holidays, e>speoially Sundays, v.ero well spc.'nt with his
fellow-student", sons of tho Hon. Mr. Halt, of whose hospitable domicile ho
entertained mmy pleasing recollections.
Soon after this, his teacher, Mr. Cockerell, removed to Niagara, doubtess
exjiecting a higher reuiuneralion for his .services, as that town was compara-
tivt-ly large, and contained a number of government ollici.-ils.
His father at that time was Sheriil' of tho District, and frequently in
Niagara, so that the removal of the teacher was a pleasing change to them
all. Here he finished his home education, xmder the <lirection of Mr.
Cockerell, ana the Kev. John Burns, a Presbyterian clergyman, wlio was a
highly gifted and talontoil man. This was all the classical knowledge ho
over attained, which afterwards was absorbotl by tho practical and useful
routine of active life.
At Niagara he saw a great deal more of society than either at liurliugton
or home, llie military gentlemen stationed there were u fine rfct of follows,
who always strove to make their presence agreeable, and funiisheil a vast
J
•,-.^'»">-s?!r^s^
vsccrtaining
) the horror
he mill, his
and was in
His father,
)ing on this
lid asaist at
ras tho mill
e route and
Y the latter
uont, as ho
subsequent
, and hero
cal instruc-
;ent father,
a fine pony,
of tho Buy,
side of tho
lis practice,
ch WiS not
lorso," half
ry and his
,0 tho cause
t with his
omicile ho
a, doubtess
compara-
juently in
U;n to them
11 of Mr.
v.lio was a
wlcdgo he
uid useful
Uirliugton
of follows,
ed a vast
fund of variod ontcrtainmentB, so that time passed over very ploasantly. Aj>
Bocioty incr<!aso<l at Niagara, it also (extended to his own neighbourhood on
tho banks of tho *' Twelve." Numbers of his father's old companioiis-in-
ai'ms during tho llovolutionaiy War located themselves around that plivce.
Tho ofEcors of " Butler's Rangers" had drawn their lands in this vicinity.
Paulding, Tonbroock, Tuniey, and others, who oft in tho fierce din of battle
had made their opponents quail, were his immediate neighbours, so that his
father and family soon became reconciled, as their prospects brightonod, and
tho dark shadows of former years vanished from their path, and tho pleasing
Tisions of devoted loyalty in days gone by wero about to bo realized in a
new land, far away from the once happy homos of ancestors and kindred.
At tho age of 15, wishing him to see a little more of the outside world,
and hearing that his imclo Nehemiah, from N(;w Brunswick, was at the port
of Quelwc with his vessel, he was fitted out and sent to that city. Ho
fortunately had the companionship of Col. John Clark and Mr. Jas. Secord
during part of his journey. At Niagara, they found a schooner bounii for
KingKton, commanded by (Jaj)t. .Simpson. The an-angements for the voyage
were soon made, and in due time they reached tliat place. They had
now got upwards of 200 miles on their way, and finding some batteaux
which wero proceeding to Montreal, they transfeired themK(^lve,s and luggage
to those old-fashioned but useful modes of conveyance. 'J'ravolling in those
days was a very tedious affair und required a large stock of patience, to
which, however, from custom they wore well-used : at all evcmts, it gave him
leisure to survey and admire the most beautiful sceneiy of the Ljike of tho
Thousand Isles, and those wonders of tourists from ov<!ry clime, the Rapids
of tho St. Lawrence River.
When they reached Montreal, they were greatly pleased at finding so
fine a city, for even in those days IMontreal was a busy place during the
summer season, lie fortunately met with Mr. Clark, of the firm of ('lark
h Street, merchants. Mr. C entertained him very kindly, and told him
that ho had scon his Uncle Nehemiah at Quebec with his ship tho " Lord
ShfJ/iekl," which waa then loading with fiour for St. Croix, in Uio West
Indies.
Having romainotl in Montreal a few days, ho bade adieu to his
friends and companions, and took jiiu^sage in a schooner, which, in a short
time, landed him at Three Rivcru, a disUince of !)0 miles from Montreal.
Uoro he was hospitably ontertiiiried by some of his father's friends in tho
Fort. Being then but 15 years of age, and of an ardent und sanguine
temperament, he enjoyed his trip amiuingly. After surveying this old
hifltoric spot and seeing (ho R. C. (.athedral, he prepared for his departure.
Ilia object being to reach his undo before he left Quebec. So finding thtire
▼OB no veesel going down by the river, ho hired a caleeho, r.nd was virivea
ike rest of tho distajicc along tlio Uuik of the St. Ijvwrenco.
/>
10
The country on the route was well sottlod ; and BaptLste tho driver waa
rus communicativfi as drivers ufsually aro ; so tlio timo and distance flew past
quickly till tlioy an lAod at the ancient city of Quolxx;. lUHiuixang his
driver to return, he went down to the wharf and found his uncle, who gave
hiru a cordial weloonie. Our youthful ti-avell(;r was soon in deep converse
with his nowly-found relative, to whom he told all tho news of tho groat
and new country in tho West, of the largo lakes, of tho Niagaia Falls, and
particularly of his father and family at tlieir homestead on tho " Twelve."
The lu-ight and intelligent youtli soon became a gi'eat favourite with
his uncle, who, wliilst they remained in (Quebec, took him to s^e all tho
wonders of that cpiaint old city, with its churches, hospitals, barnicks and
fortifications, including tho aid Castle of St. Louis, and famoxis Plains of
AViraham, where nearly 50 years before, the illustrious warriors of England
and France, under Wolfe and AFontcalm, had struggled for the prize of
half a continent. His romantic niind was delighted with his rambles
around this historic jdace. Jle visited the ruins of the Old French
Fvvt, of which scarcely a vestige remained. Strangers strolled round to
examine the foundation walls, where occasionally might be found amongst
the rubbish an old bottle or other drinking utensil, from- which perhaps
the Boldiers of Ja Belle Fi-ance in days gone by had (puifTed their favourite
wine.
His uncle hml j)rocured him on his arrival a complete suit of sailor's
clothes, so that Hamilton in liis uniform no doubt felt proud of the "Blue
Jacket," which in tliose days of desperate naval engagements, was the pride
of the British sailor.
The vessel having completed her cargo, in a f(!w days all was ready,
and they bade good-bye to Quebec with its pleasing memories, and were
soon speeding down the noble river with a tine breeze and an ebb tide. Tho
really tine scenery of the Lower St. Lawrence, with its towering capes, its
lofty range of l.rfiurentian mountains, the numerous beautiful islands which
dotted tlie surface of tiie broad river, the shoals of white pori'oi.-e.-J and
flying tish, hail all attractiont} for our hero, which delighted him beyond
measure.
Whilst on tho voyage, he made himself acqjuiinted with the names of tho
roi>os and the mysteries of sailing, and occasionally doing some writing for
his uncle, who ent(^rtained him with descriptions of tho French settlements
(in the shores which they passed.
They cast anchor of!' the Island of Bie, and liere they spent a day
iu enjoying themselves. All along the coast of Bimouski and Givape, it is
wild and romantic, with mountainous sceneiy and sea fowl in abundance.
l>eaving tho Island of Anticosti on their loft, and the groat Bay of
Chaleurs on their right, they made into the open (Julf which aeparatod
Nova Scotia from Cape Breton. Hero Mr. Merritt lirst experienced tho
■■I:
11
horrors of swi-sicknesa, which no doubt dlspelle<i much of tho romance of
ocean life from his youtliful mind. Th« calm v.-aters wliich ancci'fvlod on
reaching tho Gut of (Janso soon niadf him well, and were huoIi at to iniprotw
him favourably with iidand navigation, — a decisive step in after life.
Happily, they all arrived safe at Halifax, ufti'r a pleasant trip, which ho
often looked back to and Hpoke of in after yeans. This was the tinio of tho
war with France, so tliat Halifax wtis full of life and bustle.
Hero he had an opportunity of seeing for the fir.st time tho nobh* ahip.s
of war which England kept on this staticm. Tins king's naval yaid waa an
extensive })laco then, being supplied with every kind of stores for tho grovt
"Wooden Walls" which lay at anchor in the l>ay. a.s this was the most
important foreign station that the British possessed, and wjia the cajutal of
JJritish North America.
As his uncle's ship wa:< about to sail for S. Croi.x under convoy of the
frigate Lc Epervler, an event occurred which had a future influence on hb«
whole life. Capt. Nickoll, whom his uncle brought from Quebec, had
contracted the fatal ha])it of drinking to suoh excess that at times ho was
not tnistworthy ; so that instead of Mr. Merritt accompanying his relative
home to New Brunswick, his nncl,> determined that he should bo his 3Uj)or-
cargo for the voyage, with full powers to carry out his instructions.
The Lord t^heffieki had a general cargo of lumber, flour, itc, 8uite<l to
the West Indian market, and the season being well advanced, they were
anxious to get away from Halifax ; but a."? thoy were about leaving tlie
harbour, three of their ninn were im]>ressed for Her IVIajesty's service, and
tivken away from thorn ; but through his uncle's influence they woi-o soon
restored, and proceeded on their voyage.
This voyage was in every sen-se a most unsucce.ssful one, as a suc-
cession of Bovcrc gales caused the shi{) to spring a leak, so that they
were compelled to part with theii- deck load of lumber, and to bear up for
Charleston; but moderat- weather induced them to alter their course towards
the Bermudas, a:id they arrived at the Island of St. (,Jcorg(!, after battling
with the elements for over five weeks. On entering tho hail.'our, thoy wore
nearly lost by mistaking the channel ; but a negro pilot, Conung on board,
brought them safely in, where tliey anchored after a most i)eiilous voyage.
'ITic Caj)t!iin, Mr Laing, Mr. ^lerritt and Mr. Hamilton wont ashore, glad
t.o bo safe on terra jirma ;i;;ain. Whilst they were seeing after the refitting of
their vessel at St. (leorgn, one of those violent hurricaiices which aro so
j)revalent in the Wtst Indies and aro usually so destructive to life and
property, suddcidy arose, and such was tho violence of thf! storm that the
.ship parted her (;abl(>s, and was drive:; on to u danger in the harbour, known
as tho " Forks." Capt. Alwood reported his v.'ssel, and obtained a.=».>ii.stanci»
in getting her off and mooring her at S'lcldon lc Oooirich's wharf, whort^
they prepand to^ uiilcaJ. A survey by the authoriti'^.'i w&.'i lield upon
n
12
tho ship, when it was found that fho was so badly Ktraincd and damaged a.s
to bo j>ronouiicod unseawoi thy, so that sho wjus dismantled and sold by
auction ; ccrt,unly not a very favourablo beginning for our young supercargo,
who 80 far liad rogularly kept a log-book of his voyago, and put t<j a practical
trial tho theory of navigation which ho learned from his old twiclicr, Mr.
Cockrell, at Burlington, a few years before. Fortunately, Mr. Merritfs
uncle had coiTcspondents hero ; so thoy wanted for nothing, but spent their
time on tho Island in enjoying tho beautiful climate for which the Bermudas
aro famous, and seeing overj-thing worthy of notice.
Thoy were compelled to stjiy hero for six weeks, until finding a vessel
bound for New York, they engaged passages at $50 each, and left St. Georg(.
on the 23rd of D(!combor, 1808. On the 31.st of Decemb.M-, they had the
ploasuro of sighting tho Jersey shore between New York and Philadelphia- •
a remarkably quick passage, and finally reached Newport, Long Island,
having only boon 12 days on the voyago. Arriving at New York, ho
fortunately found a vessel called tho Union (Capt. White), bound for St.
John, N. B., for which port they sailed on the ITHh of January, 1809, and
experienced a very rough passage, which can be better undtn-stood by those
who know what a voyago across this particular part of the Atlantic is in
this season, at a very low teniperatun!, wh(>n every cloud of spray, and
every dash of foam which t)io ship oncountei-s is inst^intly converted into
solid ice. The perils of this const are at all timos very seiious, but (loubly bo
in winter, when every rope and block is held by the iron gj'asj) of the Frost
King, and tho crew so benumbed that exertion is no easy task. On ono
occasion the vessel came ne.-ir beinji oaught in the fatal embi-aco of tho
breakers which lash with awful g;-andeur upon this rugg(!d and rock-bound
coast ; but by the ni -vcy of Providence, thoy .♦brtv.ately escaped shipwreck,
and at length sigliti-il Partiiugo Island light -house, at tlio mouth of tho
harbour of St. Joliii. Tho captain and Mr. Merritt got ashore, and obtaiuod
a boat and crossed the river to St. John, where ho lost no time in hastening
to his uncle's, and relating his adventure.^.
Hia friends were all delighted to mo(!t him, an I show him everji-hing
worth seeing in tlie country. During his stiiy hero, he continued his
oducation at a good English school, which was well patronized. On tho
13th of March, his uncle sailed for E:gland, leaving him with the family
during his al)sence.
8t. John w;is founded by tlie American Loyalists at the time of the
Revolutionary War, and was a refuge for them — Mr. Merritfs gi-and-
fathcr and uncles among the number. It stands on a rocky peninsula,
at the mouth of the River St. John, contivincd houses built of wood, and
had a largo and extensive commerce. Mr. Merritt's father, gi-andfathw.
and part of his family emignitod here in 1783.
I
t
f
Ig
1
f
1
I
13
HtTo lio sturiifd r»ook keeping, and aho made furthpr (iflvaJKc;j in
navigation, surveying, algebra and Ijiitin. On the Cth of June he entered
college. Mr. Molxjud taught him trigonometry, and other sciences suited
to an enquiiing mind.
Kt. Joliji wiis a busy tov/n and a capital place for a young man to gain
an insi^^lit into buaincsa. The fctir and bustle of a large seaport is always
favoiirabii! for observing the many road.s there are to fame and fortune, by
indnnti-y and j ier.se veifuioe. Mr. Merritt hud an ojipoilunity of being
introduced into tho society of the ladies, who in tliat locality were fame<l
for tlioir goovl looks, good humour, and social habits. On reference to hia
memorandum book, wo find stated his impressionfj as a youth ; — "Tlio ladieu
" arc numerous here, very handsome, fi'e.«h, brisk, rosy and delicate, fond of
" o)it-i!oo:' c.NorciHe ; in fine weather tho .streets are full of them ; gl id to Bee
'• young fellows of an evening to ehat Avith, as beaux are somewhat rcarco."
As a specimen of tho manner in which Mr. IMeiriit occupied hia time, wo
extract tho following from his well-kept diaiy : —
" April oO. — Heavy snow-.storm ; spoiled the lad; s' promenade.
" May 1. — Herrings begin to make their ap) icai?,nee,
" lOLh.— -Went to grandfatlu I's to see them cure and pack fhsh.
'* llth. — Commenced practical surveying.
'•■ 14th.— Went to grandfather'^ to see tho process of catching fish ; very
cold ; glad to get to bed early, so benumbed.
" inth. — Great many ve.s.scls arrived.
" 17th. — To tho fishing grounds ; got 12 hogsheads at one haul.
" 2lKt. — To church the third time since arrival.
" 23rd. — Morr.ing at college ; ai'ternoon to Jlr. Mclx)ud's for algebra.
"Juno 5th. — Wrote a nuniber of letters to old friend.s in Canada-
father, motlier, sister, John Clark, Johnson, Builrr, Mr. Jarvia, Mr. Secord,
(fcc; all .sent to Frederick town to go by niet;sengor.
" 24th. — Packet from Englaml arrivcil. Ifeard of ITnclo Nehemiah'.s
safe arrival there ; ho only obtained .£1,000 for his brig, fyurd S/icJ/icUl, and
damaged cargo ; groat loss to him. Went t) talco lunar ob.«ervationH ul
Partridge Island ; came on foggy ; nothing done.
" 25th. — Ivainy and dreary ; wish to be homo again.
" 27th. -Went to a quilting bee- very agreeable.
" 29th. --Received a letter from father, dated May 15th, so that there
was only a week's ditlenmee betwet^n it and the letter from England— lattt^r
dated 9th May.
'' July ;3rd.- Birthday; sixteen yeara of age.
'' 8th. — Went sti-awberrying with a nice party- lotfi of fine young girls ;
very delightful.
'' 22nd.- To church. Confirmed by the Bishop of Nova Scotia; abou<
100 candidates; two-thirds of them females.
" 24th, ---Uncle Nehemiah arriveil from England, soon after which con
eluded to retuiri to Niagara ; spent time plea.santly until departure."
Havinsr taken leave of his relations and all kind friends in St. John and
its vicinitv. Mr. Merritt mado arrangements to return home, we think, in
/t
H
OcUibcr. Thoir vessel Avas latlen with plaster, find after fo.vrting along the
shori', and t:.';ing refugo \i\ somo b.'irbour every night, until a galo at last
, Hprinj^ing u|>, they were driven aahoro on Martha's Vineyard, an island
lyin;,' off tVio ooast of Massachusetts. Hero they had to remain until they
found a sniuU schooner, bound for New York, which freed them from their
involuntary imprisonment. They reached " Shrogg's Neck " in Long Island
Sound, where another detention occurred, so that he shipped on a small
' Bk>op which took him to the old homestead, then called liyram, now Port-
chestcr, where ho remaine<l for .several days with his Uncle and Aunt
Lyons. They were much pleased with the account of Iiis adventures, and
agreed with liim that, in the m.ijority of cases, ocean romances arc highly
coloured.
From this old soiit of his family ho went to Now York, where he
remained a few days to ianuso himself There were then no steamers on
the mighty Jludscn Kivcr, and travellers had to take their chance in any
trailing sloop or boat going to Albany, at which place ho ariived in due
time. There purchiusing a horse, Lo rode to Uatavia, through the Cherry
Valley turnpike, and from thenco on to ]jewiston, where ho cros86<i
the Niagara Kivcr by the feiry, and rode home to hi.s father's residence on
the "Twelve." lie arrived home just in time to eat his Christmas dinner,
and enjoy the festivities of the holiday season, which was then well kept,
much to the gratification of his pai-ents at his safe return, and of his many
fiiends who were delighted with his numerous adventures and miraculous
escapes.
* ♦ ■ # * # * *
Tho timo had now arrived for Mr. Merritt to turn his attention to the
more sober affairs of life, and being of an active mind, ho was deter-
mined not to remain long idle. A thriving village was then sjiringing up
near his home, — a store having been started diiring his absence, which
seemed to bo well patronized. Ho thought there was a good opening for a
more general store, as the farmers were continually wanting something, and
ha<l no time to go a groat distiince to obtain supplies. So ho entered into
partnership with Mr. Chishohn, who kept the store alluded to, and had an
appropriate building. Having good recommendations tho supplies wore
obtained from Montreal, which then was tho general mart for tho wliolo
country, and has continued so since. Money was very scarce, and business
■was almost entirely carried on by trade or barter. They received all kinds
of farming produce in oxcliauge for their goods,— ashes, pork, staves, honey,
hides, lumber, and fruit, — which they shipped to ^Montreal in payment of
their purchases there. Hero ho found the advantage of a good system of
book-keeping, for there Avere so many intricate accounts, that tho utmost
care was required to kcop affairs straight. In fact, Mr. Merritt always
thought that the failures in those days was principally for want of a good
knowledge of book-kw^ping.
g along tho
5alo ftt last
I, an island
until they
t from their
jong Island
on a small
now Port-
and Aunt
intuies, and
are highly
, where he
itearaors on
,nco in any
vod in duo
tho CheiTy
he cros8e<l
esidonco on
mas dinner,
I well kept,
of his many
miraculous
;iou to tho
was deter-
ringing up
nee, which
ening for a
ething, and
itcred into
nd had an
)plies wore
tho whole
id business
:1 all kinds
ves, honey,
)aynieut of
system of
;ho utmost
itt always
of a good
15
Mr. Merriit continued in business with Mr. Chiiiholin until a aiiort
time lK3fore the war broke out, when ho sold the iuterost he had in the
business, and went on the homestead farm, which reijuirotl his attention, fts
his father's time was wholly taken up with tho duties of his office as Sheriff.
Ho Wits now ill his nineteenth year, and drawing towards manhood. Tliero
might also ha\ 0 been another inducement, as ho became warmly attuche<i
*0 an amiable young lady, Miss Prendergast, whoso family were located in
the vicinity. The business of a country store waa too contracteil for his
ideas. lie required the open air, tho verdant tioldd and nature's book to
carry out to perfection the ideas which were then germinating in his fertile
brain.
lie therefore resolved to turn agriculturist, and began farming on a
most extensive scale ; so that with his father's 200 acres of land, he rcnUxl
the adjoining farm, belonging to an Englishman, Mr. k!amuel Wood, in the
Commissariat Office, whoso occupation, like that of his (Mr. Morritt's)
fatlier, took him from hoin(\ With the procvi <Is of l,is share (f llio l;iti>
mercantile business, ho purcl.'ased teams, lior.ses, cattle, an<l a com])lete stock
of farming implements sufficient for both farms, and in a short time ho had
nearly 200 acres of land under cultivation, — nearly 120 in grain alone, —
besides roots and other supplies for horsos and catthi, and everything that a
family stood in need of ; also two orchards, which suppliotl a largo quantity
of fruits. This occupation ho found conduced gioatly to his healtli and
spirits, and many of his operations and darling schemes in after life were
planned, like those of the Romans, beneatli tho shade of trees and m the
groen pastures.
But everything is unstable in this uncertain world, as ho found by
experience tho following year, when tho war-cloud burst on his peaceful
neighbourhood, and compelled him to exchange the ploughshare for the
sword which his fathers had wielded in years gone by.
■ ' # ■ # #■ ' # ' * ♦ *
The stream of Time pursues its ceaseless course, and tho Whigs and
tLeir descendants of the Ivevolution had become a nation; and in extending
their territory thoy came in contact with men of a .similar origin, tho sub-
jects of (Jreat Britain in tho Provinces. Tho Colonists also frequently
visited the Western Counties of New Yoi-k, — "going back to tho Colony "
as they called if. Twenty-tivo years passed in mutual services, and friendly
intercourse had nearly obliterated the ill feelings engendered by tho Revolu-
tion. War was waged at a distance, but newspa|)ers were few and wore long
on the ror.to to tho back settlements, and uncertain of arrival. Some of
thoso in tho interioi-, like jMr. Merritt, had visited tho sea-board, and
thus came in contact with actual war ; but to tho great body of the settlers,
war was a distant and uninteresting theme. The discussions regarding the
trado on tho higli Sea, brought on a coldness in the regions of tho great.
/>
16
liiikoa, and nn ombargo waa put on thoir ciomniorco, which Icxl them to
lUiticipati) that war mi'jht roacli tlioir peaceful honuvs. A Militia Act of 43
BOctionH waa piuaod on tho mooting of Parliamont on tlio IGth of March,
1808 ; and not too Hoon, as Hubsoriuent cvciit^s will show. Mr. Morritt ha^l
roceiviHl a comii.Lssion of Ensign, and a T^ioutt^nancy just beforti tho war
bn>ko out.
War was announcini about tlio anniversary of tlio Battlo of BunJror'rt
ITill, on tho 19th of Juno, and Mas known hero on tho 27th of tlio samo
month. An cxproHs waH .sontto tho (Jovcrnorat York, who arrived at Nia-
gara tho noxt «lay. "On the 29th" wiya Mr. Merritt, " I had tho honor of
•' l>oing presontiid to him ; on tho 30th I had an order to repair to Chippawa
" with 20 men, and place iny.st-lf under the commaml of Col. Clark, of tho
•' 2nd liincoln Militia. Hero 1 found 20 more, over whom with my 20, I
•' was phuicd in commaiul. We were moatly cnf,'aged in patrolling up tho
•'banks of tho river, exp(>('ling an attack, eapocially on tho ni'^dit of tho 4th
•■ of July."
Tlu> IJufTalo (Jazcttf, itoticed COO Voluuteens on tho frontier at tho
oommcucomot\t of tho war. On the ."Oth June, it .said: '* Iniminlijvtoly
'•■ on a ropoi-t of a declaration of war, tho militia in tho neighbourhood of
•' tho lines were ordered out. Tho ammunition and aniui dei)o.sitod at
■' Canandaigua wero dospatohod for ihcir use at 15!;>.ck Tvock."
Tjio following oxtmct from Mr. Merritt'a printtMl journal of tho war,
gives a vivid description of tho feeling during these stirring timoa : —
" The flank companies, and all corps took a prido in doing their duty,
which was v(*ry severe, i\.a wo were in momeulaiy exixH'tatioTi of an attack.
Patrols were kept up with little intermission along tlie whole lino from
Fort Cicorge to Fort Erie. Those olT duty wero on fatigue : notwithatanding
which they im[)roved rapidly in their iliaciplino. IJatterios wero erected
ou {>very eligible positii)n on i.\\» \i\w.». ^ Tho greatest jiossiblo cixortions
were making for a vigorous roKisfcance, uiuhu" the eyo of our commander,
wiio was continually on tho move, visiting ovcrv |M)st. This continued
until tho 20th."
IVFr. Moiritt has said that riiling along tlu^ Niagar.i lliver from CJhippawa
to the ferry, lirst suggested tho idea of a canal to his mind ; and it is but
rea.sonablo to stipposo that while on duty his thoughts and eyes would bo
mainly towards the flowing river, on whose opposite bank wero mustere<l
tho invading horde : and sometimes in fancv thev would ascend the slusrjjish
waters of the Chippawa, when an imaginary channel would be made to the
aourcea of the Beaverdams, where thought would connect with those dwoll-
iiig on tho Ten Mile Creek, or, perhaps, down tho " Twelve," on whoso
banks stood tho ripened grain now falling to decay for want of tending.
Tlio circumstance.s of Mr. Morritt receiving a medal for the taking of
Detroit, when ho was not at that place until tho following day, requiroa
explanation at length, and as it aftbrd.s an inatiiuco of the extremely small
I
Iwl them to
itia Act of 43
^th of March,
ftforritt had
foro tho war
^ of TJunJror'H
of tho sanio
rrivcd nt Nia-
tho honor of
to (Jhij)pawa
darlc, of tho
ith my 20, I
oiling up tho
ht of tho 4th
intioi- ut tho
Inimwlmtoly
ibotirhood of
(ioix)sitod at
of tho war
ica : —
tlioir duty,
;^f an attack,
lo lino from
vithHtanding
vero erected
lo (exertions
commander,
us oontinuod
tn Chippawa
id it is but
!3 would bo
fo mustered
tho sluggish
nado to the
those dwell -
" on whoso
tending.
3 taking of
ly, requiroH
smely small
17
inoauH by which great rennltH wore attained in our renmrkable Ktrugglo, will
not bo without interest to the reiuler.
At this time, ljy a fortunate ooxiurrence, the order given to tho force oji
tike north we.st(!rn IVontier to act on the oHonsivo, w.w, before tho counter
ord(!r nirived, carried out by Lieut. RobertH, who, with hin garri.son of
iavalids from tho Tenth Royals, stationed at tit. Joseph.H, and Ids allies —
the servants of the Northwest Company, and their Jndiaas - in all number-
ing over 1000 men, with two ])i(!('('s of iirlillery, embiuked from St. Joseph.s,
on the morning of the l()th of duly, and arrived at tlie KorL of Mackinaw
the ne.\t day, wliicli pla;;o they promptly invested ; and aft<u' a short
parley, the States forces there surrendered themselves as prisoners of war.
This most important event open' I tl'.e alliiinee with the North-west and our
Indian allies, and re inltcv.i in the capture of tlie v/'iole Mtat,()S torritoiy west
and north- wt'st of the Alaum'X!, and svi fir south as til. LouIh.
(leneni! Rrock, tho I'resiilont, or liie;it.-(Jjvornor ivt tho olR :jr is now
termed, had on hit arrival, to make use of tho material at ha:ul : liis Ktiperiors
in Raglaud, uiiitlil? (> aTtrd hi»o any ol^oel•:^ or men, and Hir (Jeorgo
Prevost being vinwiiiln;,', i,i liiv) iiii •. iLain state of aflairs, t<} risk any of hi.s
forces above Kingston. Of his Attorney-rioneral ho ma lo a milit;iry
Lieutenant, succwxled by his clerk, Kir tl. U. Robinson, also a militiaman,
ami not of age ; another of his militjiry family Wivs R. Nicholl, Commissary
(a merchant), and J. Clark, of tlu) -Ith Lincoln Militia ; T. Merritt, formerly
Cornet in Simcoe's Rangers, his Commander of Cavalry, Tho g'j.utlemeu
mentioned being all intimately known, it is not to bo wondered at that
placed (US he was, a situation should bo given to a youth just turned
19, who had displayed some zeal for his country, and that he should
receive a medal when tho .service was pei-foimoJ, t?i'> .same as the veteran
Col. Proctor.
Tlie cami)aign of Napoleon against Russia made the Government of the
United States more compliant with the views of tiie democrats witii regard
to tho expansion in America. The concpiest of Spanish America was
for the preiient postponed. Tho arrival of the Wasp shxjp of war with
tho s{x*cial onvoy, afforarxl the signal for commencing tho war, which was
declared, as was noticed, on tho 17tli of June, 1812.
A t;dent<;d writer in tho United Stiites lately, says, in his Biogx'aphy of
President Harrison : — " Even before tho deolai-ation of war, Kentucky had
" made railitaxy preparations for the expected campaign. Tho Governor
" hiul organized ten regiments of volunteers, and Ohio had boon eciually
•' active."
Governor Meigs was requeated to call for troops to assemble at Dayton,
Oliio, in April. Next month, throe regiments were assembled under
Brigixdier-General Hull, of tho United States Army. On the Ist of June,
the army commeaced its m uvli : it preceded the dejlavatioa of war, and 2D
ii\
h
W
18 ^
dayH was conHiiKirotl onoiigli for it to |>h».h from tlioOliin to ilic vulloys of t]i«
Sfc, Tjawroiifp. The namo <jioun(l in |»nrt was piissoil tin- vvar hoforo uiulcr
Harrison, mikI tonniiiatod \\s tlio siicccssful Iiniinii liattio of Ti|>ito<'nnop, on
tlio WaWasli. "Fn inarcliiiii,' tliioiigli a wildt rncss," saysHnll. " iiitMii(iral)Io
•' for siiva,;,"' Imilmrity, it will Im^ imi)os.sil)lo to rcpiosH the feelings of indigna-
'' tion, and wliich the spirit of an indignant people^ can no longer endure."
At Urbana they wei-o joined Ity the 4tli Kcgiuient, stationed iIkmc. under )i
triumphal arch decorated with the mottoes of TijipecaJioe, »t'c. I'as.sing tho
•watershed, they leachcd Mnumeo near the close <>f the nmiitli. Hull's army,
for fear of ainlmsh. desjate of example in similar e.\pcdi(i(ins through an
Indian country, had left the Indian //■«//, and tiie season heing rainy, tliey
wore diitaii'.ed on tlnMnaich. md liter-ally ''stu"k in tiie uind." which the
Indians 1)\ their c.\[ierieiire tVoni tirne inuueinoriiil li:id leai-ucd to avoid.
'J'his circunistaiieo found him (tn his ai'rival at tho lake stripped of his
hor.ses. wagijons, kc, tor want of wliich ln^ made use of a couple of
seliooui'is lying at t.liM mouth of the river, and in crossing it, he was first
made iic(|uainr,ed l>y a di'Sp.itcli, uilli the di'clarat ion ot' war. and notified to
he on "his guard.'' IFpto this time (he expedition, tliough large, bore
th" a,j)p,'araiie,,! of au Imlian invasion, and only to Hjip(!arances I'eaping the
fruits of Harrison's vicioiy of the Ttli of Novendter la.st, on tlu' Wabash.
This 0()idd n )w no more be maintained, ami the sule object of the camiiaign
• -the compiest of (laiuida must now 'pe i)uldished. St. (icorge, the nnlitia
offieei". ha\iug receive<l an order tu act oidy on the defensisc. alone pi'cvcuted
JTuH's advance being opposed, as inti-iiigenct! of the war had reached him
before it did the States (ieueral, who anived at Detroit on tlie oth of July.
ICis \e^scl the (!iii/ii.(/ii was taken by a party uniler the command of
<.!aj>t. Ibx'hellc, of Andierstburgh. .After a week's delay, the (loneral
crossed llie riv» r. and entrenched himsi'lf at Sandwich, nearly o]>posite ;
front wliicli Ik' sent, out .si'\eral expeditions. f>ne of them reaching t<»
Delaware.
Colonel Proctor, who, a'cording to ^Morgan, lanl brought over the Ust
Regiment a f(?w years previous, was not with the detachment opposite
Detroit on the declaration of war, and the control of atTairs was thrown
into the hands of the Militia-Colonel St. G'eorge, who froni the surprise or
other real oV)stiiietions. oould not eommnnieate with the Governor until
the SOtli.
(E.VTHACT F1!0.M ]\Ilt. MEKltnV.S JoUItNAL.)
" Infornnition arrived on that day (the 20th), which changed our front,
and lessened tlin necessity of watchfuhu^ss here. I got leave to visit ray
home on the ' TVelvo,' which was tho first leave of absence I had since the
beginning of the war, although a number of tho Sedentary Militia had been
allowed to go home and gather in their crops. On arriving, I found mine
destroyed, except a small portion, which had been saved l)y an old iKjnsioner,
under mother's directions. In fact, tho war had put an end to my future
%
I
\ illIt>VS of tllH
Ix'foro uiulor
l|>|i('ciiii()(*, on
" lIKMlKHablo
5s of iiidigna-
iger onduro.''
\\('Vi\ miller n
I 'as,' in;,' tlio
Hull's iiijiiy,
i (lirouvjli art
,' laiiiy. tlioy
." wliiitli iJic
»'il to avoid,
ilipcd «)f liis
a ('(iui>l(i of
III' was first
1(1 iiotitifd to
I largo. l)oro
i rcaj)iiii,' tlif
tli»' Wabasli.
Ii" canijiaigii
lio Fiiilitiii
110 prevented
veaolioil iiini
."itli of July,
idniinund of
I- CJenrral
y opjjo.site ;
cacliin!.'' to
■er the 41 .st
lit oi)posite
NviLs thrown
surpriso or
n-iior until
1 our front,
o visit my
d since the
a had been
bund mine
l)ensiouer,
n\y future
10
fiinniiicc openition.s, and I never workod u diiy at tlmt ocu'Upiition ag.tin. I
had not arrived niany liour.s, when I was followed hy my fatlier and six men,
with an order from (Jeneral Uroek to proceed to Delaware, alous; the llivor
ThamoH without tlelay, and keep open the eonimunieation with Aiiiherst-
hurjLj. Ho achlod, 'I am well pleased with your e.xertiou.^. and wish you to
see more active .service.' I immediately piepai'(><l for tlepartiire, and went
oil' the samo afternoon. ()n tlie followiiifj day I arrived at Oxforii. {\>\.
IJostwick WHS there with the militia who had just assemliled. I li(;ard of
Mr. Watson heing at Delaware with !<• or ] 'J un>u. I pushed cui with the
design of surprising; him. A few miles hefui-e I arrived at the place, 1. fell
in with Mr. Till'any, wlio appi'ised mo of his beinj,' at Allen's, with a nunil)er
of men well ai'iiied ; likewise tliat the country would all Join him. I sent
back to('ol. IJoslwick for a few of his men. 1 took po.ssessionofahou.se
about six miles from Allen's, and called ourselves Yankees ; the peopio
diseovercd their .sentiments to us, so I inado a dozen of them prisoners,
detained all but one until the morning. AVlieii Col. jtostwick arrived, we
took two of the party, moved un and .suriounded old Allen's hou.se, but
Watson had made his escape; W(! took Allen ami the tN\o prisoners with us,
and rt;tuiiiod to Oxford, i loft a .sergeant and four men there : heard of
Major t'hambers. of the Ust Regiment ap])roacli : met him at Hurford, he
did not retard my return to b'ort ({eorge with tht; jirlsonei's. (.)ii arriving,
[ found that Oen. I>rock had sailed for Vork. I followed him in a boat,
and reported niy.self. He was well jdea.sed with my proceedings, and .sent
me back with a detachment of L*i-' men, I was too well satisiied with my
command, to he long on the jourjiey. Major Chamber's \\as ar, O.xfoid, with
•1(1 Keguhirs and lOO .^^iIitia"."
On the road they woi-e detained by (.'ol. Talbot, and did not. reach Detroit
until the day after the occupation was made. Jt is unueces.sary to detail
the incidents of this action .so cnulitable to all engaged on our side.
Mr. !Merritt remained here, foraging for the troops until the 7th of Sep-
tember, when he returned to Niagara, which he reached in (nght ilays,
they being in expectation of an attack on that frontier. Whilst at Detroit,
he wrote a letter to his alhanced, detailing these events in full.
Im the Trnflalo (hm'.lti' o{ Sejjtember the Sth, an account isgisen of the
meetuig of the County of Niagara, at Dutl'alo, and of the appointment of a
Committee of Safety. A import that Ci-and Island (the Indian reserve) had
l^oen taken by the British, hrought out the Indians undei- I'ed Jacket, and
from the same paper of the "J'.tth of Sejitember wt; extract: —
" Aliout 140 warriors of the Seneca Nation from the Alleghany ilivei-,
arrived in town la.st week, and are encamiied near, moi-e being expocte<l
from difi'erent i)arts. Several Councils were lield. Yesterday they per-
formed a war dance iii the streets, itc."
General Brock h:id i-eturned to the Niagara i'rontier with his force; and
the West being comparatively safe, ho hastened to make every disposition
for defence, as the arnii.stice was near ended. Mr. Merritt was stationed
at Fort t; eorge duiiug the bombai-dment that succeeded the armistice. No
ca.sualtie3 oecuj-red, although the troopers, with their horses, were quartered
in an exposed situation on the bank of the river.
-hi
/
20
Karly on tho moniin^ of tho 13th of Octobrr, 1812, (Jononil Itrock,
whoBo hra<l((uiirt«'i*s wen' at B'ort CU-orfjo, rowivcvl a (li^patcii hy omi of tluv
(Iru^^ooriH wlio wrro patiol!i;if^ tho river, to tin; cHoL't tliiit {.Im eiii'my had
lai\(lt!d lit Quoonston, in i-ousiiliTiiblc fon-o, midcr the Militia-(Joiii>ral Van
llciuiillcr. (loiuuiil lliuck, witJj liiw iimncdiato rtall', li;i.:t(iiiiMl to tho soono
of action, leaving tho availahlo icservcs at Niafjani to follow ; nmon;^ tho
fiifit of th«'Ko to arrive wero tlio cavalry uiuler tho oonunniKl of Major Mor-
ritt. To their surj>riKo and clu^jrin, they mot a lunnher of Kti'a!.'<,'lers from
tho militia, who, when asked \vhy tiny were iM.'haviii:,' iu tin's manner,
replied that they oidy followed tlio exanijilo of (ho r('p,adar.M, whom thoy
hiul l)Oatou in Ihoir retreat, llninours weio now v.l.isjMred about of tho
death of tho (ioneral, who had been reported only wounded.
Tho following extract from Air. M(!rvitt'H printed jovirnal will explain
Hubsei[uent events: —
"TiiM nti'ii',';;l(;rs haviii,c; eoll<>eted at nurhain'.s, (tibout a ni'lo distant on
tho Nia;^ara road), (ient-ral Sir It. II. Sheatl'e, havin;.,' a.'^Humed eonuuand,
Major Menitt's dragoons wero ordei-nd to advance. The.se, with tho Indianii
under Captains I'rant, Norton, and Keri', kept the onony on the heights
which they Jiad flr.st oeenpied, and so allowed (len. Sheaflo to form in their
vrtir. So near were the pickets stationed that whilst waiting for tho action to
connnenee, I\!r. Merritt and the IT. S. oilker eommanding e.\rhange<l nhottf
in uui'llo fashion, emh taking a Jlreloek from their men, who had been
carrying on a fnsiladc^ on tlieir own account."
It is unneces-siiry to detail the ])articulars of this memorable battle, in
which, although tho nuinliers wiw Hmall on both widoH compareil with other
actiouK, yet tho spirit and bravory evincfld by the militia during the combat
was fiuoh as to show (heir iirm re>;olvo to defend their .soil. And tho
action has since been Uioked upon as the Bunker Hill of Canada.
Major Merritt, holding the position of commandor of tho militia cavalry
of Uppt'i- Caiiad.i, was deputed by CJen. Sheaffe to receive the Bword.i of
tho ono'.ny, which was done by riding along the column and placing thorn
on his saddhi-bow, making cpiito a largo load. Son\o of the.se weapons
remain in the family to Uu; present day. Mr. Merritt remained with
L..; troops palioliiug tho river dining the rest of the campaign, with the
exception of a week's absence on tho L*Oth of November, to the Detroit
frontier, on a confidential mi.ssion from (Jon. She^iftb to Col. Proctor, Tho
only thing notublo during this expedition was tho crossing on tho ico of
tho River Thames— the first of tho season. Mr. INIerritt was st^xtionod at
Fort Erie during tho demonstrations of (Jen. Smith, of the 17. S. i-egular
army, who, since tho defeat of Yau Rensallcr of tho militia had taken
the command of tho frontier.
During the winter of 1812-13, important changers were made in tho
organization of the forces on tho Niagara frontier. Volunteer regimonts
were fomied to serve during tho war, amongst whom Colonel Robin-sou and
1
>
21
noriil IJrock,
»y out) of llu»
» eiu'iny had
Policial Van
ti) tlm soene
; iiiuoii;^ tli(»
f Major Mor-
iti;.'<,'lcrH fi-om
tlii.H iii:inner,
. wlioiii tlioy
ulumt of thii
will pxplaiu
lo dintrmt on
'il comrnimJ,
It tli'j liidi-ina
1 thu lieifjliLs
form in theii'
tho action to
■hancfod Hhotu
lio had been
)\e battlo, in
d Avith other
tlie combat
il. And tho
la.
ilitia cavalry
10 Hword.i of
)lacing thom
eso weapons
niaintxl with
ign, with tho
tho Detroit
'roctor. Tho
)n tho ico of
stiitionotl at
IT. S. rejifular
a had taken
made in tho
;er reginiontf
\obin.sou and
othrrs diHtin<,Miishn«l thfmvilvc.^. Tho militia w.^rc! .still liable to bo callvl
for duty at any m:)in.''nr.. Tlio r)ilo\vin;.( j:jra;»hio lottfc, t/) thn fiami> party
at l)>!troit, \\-ritliMi by .Mr. M<'rrilt at tliis timn, k.1u'\v.< prv-tty cloarly tli(!
K.tato of all'aii-s, and i]\v ficlin;;^ of tlifi juvtjjlo in tlii.s Koction, on his niturn
froMi Kiiigiton, w!iit!ii»r h > In 1 b u.i d •.^^^at ;h.i I for r.Mnfort;(Mn ntn : —
"Nl,\f:.u-.A, K.O.nniry, IHI.'V
'• I liavo not brcM a nioj'.th in tlio huiho placo siiir-o last
.luno. I liavi' now rctiirui'.i from Kin;^Hl<jn; my Hitnation ia i(otIi honorablo
and biorativr. Our winter has been piui.sed ,t,'aily; wt- luwl a splendid as,sornbly
liUit niglit, ^'ivtii by('(jl. Mycr:-', comniaudin;,' otlloer hero. A I'.riiiadn of TtO
and (ill Hlni'.'liH, with sUires and trooj/H, from Ixjwcr ('ai.ada, arrives hero
wcokly. Every exertion has Insen made for onr defence. Tlio coldewt
weatlier has never deliiyiMl oni" v/orkmiin. You would l>n astonislie<l to Rfo
the alterations which have tal:en phii',« on thn lines nincf! you left here.
Niai^ani lias been battered pretty well. The Yankees endeavored to set it on
fire, but tlie activity of the inhal)itaiits dis.si'.iipointed them, th»i ('ourt llou.so
Ix'irig the only biiiMing l)Ur:ii-d, so far. I wish the ensiiinf,' Sprin;,' wius over,
-not that 1 dread the event, as T iK'lieve we will always be victorious, with
the help of < lol ; but I .i^rievc to think of so many brave fellow.s losiu'^
their lives to no purpo.^(^, except gratifyini,' the ambition of Mr. Madixiui or
l5onaj>arte. Cieneral \Vinchcster and staff ntill remain (>pj>asite. W»! Hont
over SOO jirisoners attain yesterday. All has l,(H)n very <[uieL here for somo
time pa.st. I'lvery family have moved back, i.M anticij)atiou of a coming strug-
^'lo. So far, 1 have liad the jilea.suro of Feeing all our oxertioiss crowned
V. itli Hucce:- !. 'i'hero are tvto families in ev(.'ry houhi> at tho 'Twelve,' and
two families are occu]iying your former residence on the 'Ten.' All tho
young men tVom that j>lace are in a picked company. Jame-i j)ittrick has
distingui.she.l himself, .lames Turmsy liiiii been down. Most of th<i young
men hen^ think themselves vtiterans, h.-iving be<'n so fortunate in every en
cDuntiir with the enomy. With regard to the female jiartof the community,
on tlm alarm, the ]ilaco will be filled witli women — every one coming to hoo
if tlie objc'i't (;f their aireotion was safe. 1 .am Horry to say we have hxst
.•^OHK! very valnabh^ men — more by sickness than by the sword. (!ol. John-
win amrihomas ] hitler I inentionod in niy hist."
Mr. Merritt, in hi.s journal.!, glvr.-; us the fo!lo\vi;ig incidf rils coucerning
tho Hwond invasion of the Niagara frontier :--
"On the L'.")th of F(^bruary, I retiit'd from the service and went homo
to tlie 'Twelve,' and while there, I received a note from Lieut.-Col. H;u-vey,
Major Olegg, and other oiricors, asking me to raise a troop of horse, whicli
duty, after a peiiod of two or three weeks at honie, I uiiilertook. In H
days I liad 42 naik and tile enlisted. On tlie 'Joth of March, they were in
orders, and stationwl en the Niagara Ttiver, where we saw the entuny wero
collecting in for.-*'. We \.er(» ap]>rehensi\ c of im att;iek, tho en(!my having
command of tlu^ lake. On tlu> L'Oth of Ajiril the militia were calliKl out,
liaving benm reinforced I'V some of the Gleng.uTys, Newfoundlands and
Kings. A week later the attack was made on York, a place comj)arativolf
undefended, where tho I-:>giHlatiiro had but lati-ly iiri.sen, and wliero but
three days previously the 1/oyal and Patriotic Society h.-id held a meeting
tor the pur])oso of appropri:vting suraa of money to thost; who laul Xh^'h
U-reft of friends in the tlefi.-noe of the c<juntry.
/
"Oil 1(1'' 'Ai'imi- ot fhu L'lKli <■! .\|iiil. I nus ili'initcd hv I'l ij^ailici iicu.
N'ituM'iit (" ti'iti;; (liiWM all the IidjiIh from I!iii'liti,L;t')ii, \\ liicli ashh iii'crini
|ilis|n'i| ill 111 lioiii'^. 'rill' ciii'iiiy witli tJicir (Ici'l. itLiii'IkmI (o Toi't. y'lt^Mni.
I"'i»in tliiK liiiit' till llii- 'J7(li May, tvciy inaii nmih (iirin'il out, al. two n'rlork
ill (hr niuriiiiii,'. aixl ri'inaiiMMl iimlrr anus, Sonic in*<ii were (wdvo iii<,'lit.H
ill MK'ci.sHioii oil iriiard. Oiir stiiiiil lorcc was j'uniH'd inlo (luce <li\ isioiis :
Col. INIycrs witli ' K iii^js,' and (wo comiiaiiii'.s of tiiilitia. dffcndrtl tlio !ak<*
rniiHl (o (Im> l''oiir .Mile (Vrck. < 'ol. Ilat\(<v, willi (lifft' roiii|iaiiii'K of Ncw-
I'lnindlaiids and lliri'o coiniianir^i ol ( Hi'ii^^ai ryw, oni' ronipaiiy of tli«' Mst,
one conipaiiy of tlic I Kli, iind two ol' miliiia. w|i tlir livcr To (^iH-riiKtoii.
(U'w. N'iiii'cnt. witli (lie I'.ltli |{i\ninii'nt., and militia in mir of Fort (Jkoiwc^
U) H<it us uccasioii iiii;,dit i i>«|niii'. ( 'ol. I lar\ cy and inyHplf rodo np and down
(III' rivt-r diiriiiL; (In' ni_i,'li(, ainl .slrpt at. day. On (lio 'J.'idi (lie <>n(Miiy coin
nicnccd ojn'rat ion.s liy (■aiiiioiiadiii;^ l'"or(, < ■coi';;c, wliicli (licy lairiicd. I''oi
waii( of aiiiiiiiiiii( ion w c witc nnalijc (,, return (licir (lie. On tlio L'Ttli, at
4 in (lir morniii;,'. tlicy wi'ic discovcrctl iimlci- co\cr of a (liick fofj. 'Ilicy
commcnccil (o land liy !• ,\. !\l. < *nr iii;litaiid left divisionn were obliged to
fall hack on (lie reserve, wliieli, niiiiilierinj^ but H()(l men, wfire forced U> retire.
" .After findiii!,' (lie boa(H commanded by ( 'onimodore Uarclay, avIio w<m'('
a( Twenty Mil(> Creek, witli (he li;,dit <'oni]i:iny of tlie Kim^'s, !in<l ordering
(lie troops down, I returned wi(li tliem as far as ' Sliiiiman's,' where j was
mot by a mo.s.sa^'o, and ordeiod to ;;<> (,<) DeCew's, (o wliicli place (lie army
bad retrea(ed. I.'einaiiiiiij,' all iiij,dit, I took (be party tbroii^di tlie wood,-i.
;irriviiiy tlierc iic\| morniiii,' at It o'clock on (be "jNtli May.
"'riiis day (lie militia were distiandcd, and (be j!<>^'ulars marclcd to
(Irini^by, on (be w av (o linrlin.i,'(on lleiirlds, Marly on (be 'JUtli I n>lnnied
to (be 'I'wehe, a( Sliipmaii's, w bere (be iMiemy bad its advance j^iiardH. 1
remained at my fatber's until iiiidni,i,dit, wbeii I returned t.o(lrimHby toreport.
ll«>re I w.'is ordereil (o remaiii witli (be troops and a few militia nntil
drivcti off by (b(' cnem\, 'riieir appearance next day was witli a (la.i,' of
(riioo. sliordy followed tiy a par(y wliose forco cansed me to retreat, (o Stony
Creek, on (be ls( of Jnne, I )\irin;,j' (be next week we bud si'vcial skii niisbos,
in wliicli ! lost .some of my men."
As it is not our intention to enter upon a ;,'cncral bistory ol' (lie ,v,ir fnrtbei
(bail is ncccss.ary to brieilv sbow llie events wliicli our Kiibjcct was eii'^a^cd
ill. otbeiwije we could ,L;i\c a prominent place to tlic creditable ent^a^emcnt
Jit Hrown>tow 11, on (be "Jlst of .liinuai y, an 1 at (be KImi- IJaisin, wlierc our
troops niub'r Troctor i^aiiied a decisive victor\ over (be eiii'iuy. .\lso (be
i,'Hllan( comluct of tlic liowcr Canailians in kcepiii;.; at bay an overwlielmin;L^
Con-o from (ho Cbamplain Distrid. Wo will (berefore I'ollow Mr. Merrit(
through the remaiiiiii^' cvcnls of the war, iiy ;,'ivinf4 copious exdwts from
his joiiMials and otber impoilaid documents r«'lalinif (o the Kiibje<'(. Ifow
cvrr, v.H the i\'^\\\ at "Stony Creek '' was to a great extent (be (iirning point
of this year's campaign, and i(s results most im]iortaiit upon the (ben present
welfare of the Niagai'a frontier, wc consider (but our work would lie incom-
plete without fliis vory important eiigagrinent.
After tb<» <iu'niy bad siicoee(lt!il in obtaining u foothold on tb«) Niagara
pruinsula. it seemed to all the rcsidcids of th i( loeality, (bat the policy tlion
ailii'i ('f]].
as iii'i'nni
•t K'«y;ani.
wo o'clock
divisions :
(1 tin- !iik<»
liK of N(^W-
tli.' Mat,
f,^ 1 1 cm stun,
lit (JfMirf^r,
I mill down
!n«iny coin
iiird. Kor
lie 'JTIli, at
fo«. TlK'y
■ oliligcd to
I'd (,o retire.
•, Avlio \VC1«'
nd ordciinjij
here I was
•c tlic juniy
til"' woodrt,
niitri'lii'd (o
h I ictiinn-d
},'iiiu(Im. 1
liv toi"|iort.
ilitin until
h ii (la- <»t
;it to Stony
sl<iinii.slic's,
,v,ir ttirtli"')
Alls cn^a^cd
cn;4a;icmcMt
1, wlirn- our
Mm. tic
CI wiiciinin;^
Mr. .McM-itt
;(iacts IVoni
jcct. How
rninf; iioint
Iicii present
lie inconi-
iie Niagara
jiolicy then
.i?
tii<is( Hiiiiarcnt wa-^ (Im; idi'indmiiii;' it" tliis Keehini i.t' (Jin ■hiihIin I-p i\y. ('ate.
'I'lic militia, wlio \vei<' |iic|iaied t.o rcKixt tlie invader ;iiid eontfPt cv(iy iri'li
of llie wav, wrie |plaiiiiv I )ld tliat ••tliey nii;^lit ;^o liorne if fliey c}i(;Ke." ho
that the |ii'<iH|ie t inld out to those dwelliM;^ in the loealily, and also serrin^
tlieii- rounti V with a ;,'enuine /eal, .va^ anything,' hut iileasin^;. NundicrK oj"
(lieiii wrfi- men 111' taniihr, or had (■■.nneelion in the neii^hhourho'id, ho that if
niiuifcs no streteji otilp' ima^dnai iun to I'jiney I lie I'eeliti;,"! of tho-*e (ri"M
who had already hy their ai'diious wat;<diinyK alon;,' the ni;,':4ed Imnks
ot the Niaijaia river, liy their ira^cKHant devotion to military ride and disci-
iiliii". Hiid liV their uiidaiinttHJ couraj^e and jiluck in tuinin;( a d' I'eat itit^) a
>icloivon the Hl«'e|i aee|i\iticH of tjiieenston Hci<,dit><, when flcir stiihlioiii
\alour alone had tor a lime sav"d tlir rountiy fV'iin th- hoiiois of m
iiivatlin;,' foe, anddiiv ■n li,ed< the tide of war over the Idui" water-* of thu
iniehty slreaiii, ]i?cservin;,' lor iJritain, who.se. name they oidy know hv tradi-
tion, a continent which in lat^- year.s has Ikmmi di^nitied hy a ro\al laurcftle,
with the >,i^ni(ieant words of "the true North." No wondei- that tJiey
muriiMireil ^t ilif order t i " j/o home if they eho.se," instt-.ad nf lii^htin;^ iJio
eiieiiiN, ulcMi llies w c'intident, and felt well ahh- to li"a' liim as tlioy'd
tjorie li^fire. Witli heart hnrninj^ feelings no dotdit. .Mr. .Merritt at tliis tini'i
|icnned iho folhiwin;^ wonls in lii.s journal ; "I felt in a siid dilenirna- tlin
"thouditof ahaiidiiniri'.' the I'onntiv. and leavin:; everythirc' that was near
"and dear to nie, wa^ nio^t distres.'-.inL; ; Mtillinore .so, the iinhaiijiy .'■atuation
"of iiiv faiiiilv, whom we left totally un|ii'ite.'te |. ,M y fatlcr kuowin;^ (.iif>
" iieiills III' would he ! uhjc ;t to if Ic ieni;uiiei|, d"'eiiiiiiic ] to f.illo-.s t'j.' arniv,
" I'oi' nil' tliere was no alternative, nr I slioiM c'ut.iinly hive remain" 1 heljind
'•tojirotect my mother and sisters." ^
This was no solitary ca".c of devotion, as many mrlitinmeii in tho
district followed the .anny. in their retreat ti 15 irliiiLttoii, laioyod np liy tlm
liojK' that !i stand mi;,dit still he mad" witjiin iii.' limits of tie- .il | |)istrict.
During this re'rcat, Mr. .M"r;itt with Ids (li'a'^o m-, k"|it ili" r : i of the
I m . coveiTd, and hy his knowlodL!;e of tlm country was well informed of
the whcrcahuuts of tin' advancing,' foe, aIthou;|,di tho duty was an ardi'.us oic,
as the men were witliout rest or sleep for six or eij/htdavri.
Wlicit .Mr. Merritt rca,ehei| llui lin^jton, a leHef was Kent to tl." r«Mir in
!i is place ; here lie met hissister, Mr-. ( lordon. and h"r hushaiid. wJkj was
^tatiollod in Dinidas. and for a hiief .spae" wa.-, in ^.'ood i|>ia,rters.
On the '»th and Citii of .liine, tic e lemy kept pressin;,' on, and drov« iti
the pickets of till' rear ;;iiard as fai as Aikin.m's. On th" Gtii .Mi. Merritt
diiHHl with Mr. (ojrdon, in l)undas, and on Jiis return to (juaitersat I»ur-
Iin<,'ton, was ordereil to fall in with the m.iin liody at IJaniard's, wlirrc the
troops were furme<l in line of hattl •, e.xpcctin;^ th'i euieiny every inonieiit.
.\ reconnoisance hy t\d. Harvey and Coronet MeKftnney, )(.'ve4ilfd tlie fiu,'t,
that the enem\ W"rc i iicainpcd for the lii^^ht at Stony ('icca. and that
/
24
tliey Lud a party of 1 ,500 mm on tho Lake slioiv. On the nituvn of the
party fcraetinio near uii(lni<;ljt, wl.cn Mr. Menitt and a number of oflicers,
■were lying on iLogiaf-H fat-t asltcp, aMiggCblion was made cither by Coronet
JlcKonney or Mr. Groigo, an Ensign in tbo Militia, that it would bo a
good id(a to aitack llio (nnny in tlnir c my, and pi cl ably huijinKo Ihcm
beforo daylight shewed tlio real Ktate of their niiinbers. Col. Ilarvoy
approved of tho plan, and p»ropo.se.d it to (jleneral Vincent, who after a littlo
deliberation proceeded to cfiny it into eflwt, nmeh to tho joy of all who
left their liomes a few dayB ago in giief and .sadness of heai-t.
In tho dead silence cf a waim summer's night, tlio order to advance
wa.sqnietly given, and never wcro preparations for a deadly gi-apple with an
invading foe more heartily rocoivcd. It ha.^ been tndy ami eloquently said
tluit the l)attlo of Stony Crook wa.s neither a Wate-rloo noi- an Inkermann,
but, that the i.^sues at ttakc for tlio men of tho Niagaia peninsula wcro, every-
thing equal, !vs inq)ortant in thoir results as tho succok.s of the most dearly
won field that over tho conquerora j-ested uj)on.
Mr. Merritt in his journal of tho war, gives tho following account of this
important fight; — •
" The order came to movo forward; wo had to march six miles before
wo cauK^ \\p to their i)ieket.s; our force eonsisU'd of oidy 500 men, witii one
tield pioeo in the rear, which was of no nianncr of u.so. All my hopes
<lepend<(l u] c^n this bold enterprise, for liad we not attacked tliCin they
would have advanced tl'.o next mojning, anil in all ]>robal)ility we .should
have ri-tired without risking r.:i iic-tien, ius cur foieo was not one-third of
tlieirs. Proctor and tho whoIf> v.pper countiy would l.avo fallen.
" On our iinival at Davi.s's we heard a rejiort of a gr.n ficmi their
picket ; the detachn'.cnt baUfnl, formed into s-ections, and tl.o loading was
drawn from each gun. 'i'jie light ccmj.anies of the 4'Jth Ivings were in ad-
vaiiCO ; (len Vincent and t.lail'at ihe 1 ead of the column in their rear. I
wa.^ attached to l:iin for tho night. The enemy were (ucanqied on (Jagn's
field.'f, in a very advnntageoua position ; 2,000 of their men wen; on the hill
to tho right of ih.c road, and HOO in a lano on the loft, in advance of their
artillei'v, v.-hi(;h was situated on a hill diiectly in front of the road that our
troops i:Uist come ; their |/iokot.i nearly a h.alf mile in atlvance, also in tho
woods. Tiieso \\{) madf; pridoncra, without giving alarm. On oui* entering
the cle.i.uig we were fired on by tho sorond picket, who were more alert.
'Hie 500 on our k-ffc were t'lo first that were discovered.
"(Jin. N'inciul oidered a charge, and our men set u]) a tremendous
shout, whii Ii co;:tinuod iilong the whole line, and wa.'i the eaus ; of throwing
the cneuiy into tlie grimtest disorder and conftision imaginably. Our two
light ccnipanies of tho -IDth routed the 500 befoie the main binly liad time
to com'> iqi. (V)ronet Ceorge was by my side, and told nu^ tho fight wa»s
over, aiul the vietoiy ours.
"I liapiieue<l to cast my eyos around, and diocovered tho fiies of the main
lioily, whicli I shewed him. Col. Harvey and the ofliici-s were nsing every
exertion to get the men fcrmiMl, wh.eu the eiieniy oj)ened a most trenumdou-'j
fire on u.s fron) the liill, and likewL-^e opened frum their guns on tho opposito
sidn. Our me»i were dispersed in every direction ; and hail not Colonel
rntuni of the
bor of ofiiocis,
or by ("oronet
it would 1)0 a
huijuii-o them
Cul. Ifarvoy
) iift-er a little
oy of all who
ir to advance
applo with an
loquontly said
I lukorniann,
a wcro, eveiy-
3 most dearly
ccoutit of this
iiulcs lioforo
inen, with ono
Ul my hojx'S
d thoin thoy
ity wo r,hould
ono third of
en.
II iVdiu their
0 loiulinjf wafl
;s wcro in ad-
thoir iviir. I
ed on (Jiif:fn'H
r(: on the hill
aiioo of thoir
road that our
"f, also in tho
our oiitoring
0 more alort.
. (ronipndouH
! i>f throwing
y. Our two
odv had timo
1 ho light wa.s
's «)f the main
0 n.sing every
t tiTincndou.'!
1 tho ()}»j)OHito
not Colonel
Pondorletho, with 30 men, rharg'-d and caj)t\ircHl their guns, we should havo
been coiupletcly defe.iloJ. I iirVfr hoard no rapid a discharge of musketry;
the hill wiiH a oontitiual Hiioot of lire. Ilowciver, after c.-ipturing their artil-
lery and botii their general.s, they thought j)roper to retreat fi'oin tho field.
At the app >araii;'e of d.'iylight we foUuwed tiiciir example, fearing that when
they di.iCdv I ;-('d our force they would renew tho attack.
''After v,-o left tho field, t'ol. TIarvey desired me to return, and if poe-
Bible find 'InJ. (Jen. Vincent, suppo.sed to bn either dead or wounded. Not
thinking of the enemy, I was challengfHl l)y a sentry under old Ciago's hou.se.
I was on tho point of surreudering, as my pistols wore both in my hol.stors,"
when I adopted the Ktriitagom of eiupiiring 'who plac('<l him thei(i1' and
rode up to him. lie, by my blue military coat, took me for one of Iuh
own i)arty, and answered 'his Captain, who had just gone into tho houao
witli a party of men.' I thm empiinMl if he h.ad found llie I'ritish (Jenoral,
and pull'>d out my pistol, which luade him drop his gun. At that moment
a man without any gun ran down the hill ; T calle<l iiim ; he came, when J
had the good fortune t(» .secure both, and bring tln.-ni otf. This Ktratagom
had micceeded once bt-fore, or I slioiild not havo thought of it."
TliO enomy retreated next morning, followed l>y droves of Indians ami
militia, who on hearing of the light gathered from all pai-ts. ]\tr. Merritt wan
rejoiced to get back once inert' to tlie old homestead on the "Twelve," although
luH outpost had only iinivcil at tli<' Twenty Mile Creek. The ordinary ex-
citement of outpost duty seem.s to havo had a charm for him at this time,
as he volunteered to keeptlie advance of the army, tMid in conse(pn'nco ran
Hovcre risks of Ixang eitlier killed or nnule prisoner; in fact hi.s energy and
activity, coupled with his intimates knowledge of the country, made him so
obnoxious to the enemy that tlu'y sevrral times tried to eireet the capture
of him and his Huiall pai ty, but without success. On tlio L'lth June, Col.
lioastler and about G'JO of thi; eiiomy endeavoured to take them, but got
caught at the r>eiver<hiii'.f^ and had the moi-tification of bring defeated anil
inatle prisoners, with hi:>\\lK.le force, e.\i-ept six men who < scajied. Mr.
Mi'rritt's jiarty formed the escort, who took tho jjrisoncrs to lujail ipiarters
on the " Kuriy."
The duty at tliis time v/as v.tv harra.ssing, as it included neaily every •
tiling that outjto.sts are cngagcfl in. At one time f;'«'ling the lines of tho
opposing force, or learning the when'abouts of their scouting jiartie.t ; and at
ttthers, hunting the country fur forty i>r tifty miles round, after necnted spias ;
KO that, taken on the whol<^ V(>ry little time was giv(>ii for rest or relaxation.
The head (piaiters of the iirmy lijui now moved on to tlie "'I'welvo;"
Oen. Vincent taking up Ids (juartersat Squire Adam.s' homchtead. On the
'2'Mh, an ahirm came that the w hoh; Sfsites army wore ajrain .advaneiiii'. whioJi
caused y.v. M. to bo sent off to ascertain the truth, which wan, that thoy
h;ul never left tlieir entrenchment,s. On tho 1st of July, the advance wa-i
puhhed on to St. David.^. On the 2nd, l>cing at the "Twelve," Mr. M. wa/»
pr«v-ft«ted to Major (Ifti. Do IJottenburgh, who had arrived to tako comraamJ
/
2G
o( the mriiy, as well .'iH b( iiig I'rosidciit of tlio I'rovinco. Mr. M Sh.vb,
" He liMiiirbt w it I him a mtv jjK'al iiaiiir, so we (^xportcil ho would do
wiiiidciK. lit i'iu'i lin did iiotliiuf^. "
'Vhv. ',Wd wits his birth day — ho hoiii^' twenty years old which hia friondK
at the "Twt'lvtt" i olohiated with a fuio dinner |ir«'|),vrod by liis uiothor. TliP
■•idvainc was thou .it tho Ei^lit Mile ( 'nHsk ; niid Mr. M. being sent witli a
(Ing of trwee, was math' prisoner liy .i Majoi- Forsyth, who detftined him for
a ft'w l.oniii, iind ueated him nnd liis piirty in a most rascally manner ; wliicli
bt^ing ropresented to the States (ieneral, I >earlturn, dimniHed the Major.
He was aftoiwards killed at « >dell Town, I^. (\, by u skirmi.shitig party. A
number of Indians now arrived from the west, and were received by their
dusky conipanion- with the rirmy, in grand Ktyle.
On tho 6tli, Mr. M. wan scut down to CasKell ("horns, near Niagara, in
company with Cnjitain Hamilton, Jaivis, MoKenny and Mall, to find .some
mtHHeiiie which wrvs bmied there. \VliiIst on this expedition, thev had a
slight skirmish >sitli some States dragoons, without any result. Next dav
th<»y prv'cnreil a vaggon. hail tlie chest dug up and sent ofl". Whilst at
breakfast, in Squire 1'. Hall's, a light commenced between the Indians \inder
< 'ai>tain Norton ;ind < 'hief lUackbii'd, and about 'IdO of tho States Fnfantry.
Into this tight .Mr. Merritt and his j'arty wom reluctantly drawn; but by
their example. th(> indiamj liecame master of the field ; the enemy's loss
'icing .'">() in killed and taken ]>risoners. Mr. Merritt suy.s: " For this rocontro
I was " montion(\l in geuerid (U'ders. and got inoi'tM-redil than I deseived,
"as I was drawn into it against my will. ... I was rather flattered
" by this mark of distinction, c(Uiscious the service had been well performed.'
The Indians wero very troublesonn' in the neiifhbonrhood whore they
encamped by the 'I'lii. am! Mr. Merrill removed to that station with the beat
part of his troo|>. which kept them in c'.u'ck, and undei- better discipline.
Tho Iiead (juarters were now removed to St. Davids, with tho army at the
Four Mile Creek, i.nd the adv;uice a mile fiuther tm, in entrenched jio-sitions.
po that the old ground was nearly all reg'dned. Whilst here, Mr. Meiritt
says "he had very little to do exci'pt taking tea with the ladies." JTore he
was taken sick for a few days, but soon recovered. On the 20th a troop of
the llUh Light Dragoons arrived, and Mr. Meiiitt obtained perniis.siou to
go to Montreal to bring u)) the long promised appointments for his troop,
the men of which were by tliis time nearly naked. The saddles and bridles
were in a bad state, nud the men wore made c(>mplete "post boys" of; still
they did their duty in the mo.st patient nninnor, although they were often
sadly abused an<l overworked. Having obtained letters from Col. Harvey
and others to Col. Baynes, the Adjutant Con., on the 128th Mr. Merritt left the
Twj'lve, c^i rontf for Montreal, on horse-back ; atul accompanied by liis servant,
I'.e i.rrived in Kingston on the 'Jnd of August, and hero met another troop
of tho null Dragoons on their way up. He jireseuled his letters to the
-St
woiihl do
his friondN
ther. 'Pile
lit witli a
h1 him for
ler; whidi
he Major,
pnrty. A
d by their
iugura, in
find solium
ifl}' had a
Next day
Wliilst at
aiis under
Itifjuiti-y.
n ; hut })y
'niy'H losrt
s recoDtro
flatten '(I
orincd.'
1 Pi 1(1 thpy
tho bt'st
iHcipline.
y at the
ositinuB,
Meiritt
I Tore he
troop of
iasiou to
is ti-ooj),
)iidlo8
of; still
re often
Haivey
t left the
servant,
er troop
to the
Adjutant (ion., wlio kindly received him : he was also preHcnted to Sir (Jeo.
i'revost and other distinic<iished individualH; hut on ap|><yinj^ for theajipoint-
merits for his troop, ho was iiiforiiied tliat the removal of the IHth Ite;,'ulais
lad done away with tlu^ nceessity of I iif'ir services, and that had it not been
for Mr. .Moiritt's personal e.xertions, tlie troop would have been dislianded ;
further, that tho war could not possibly last six months lon^'cr. Tiiese
rem-.rks so annoyed Mr. Merritt that he immodiately t(!ndered his resij^jnation,
which, liowcver. was iu)t acco]>ted. Me acknowledges th<' fiiendsbip of
^fajor Fulton upon this occaHion.
Ife then proceeded on (« Montreal ; but his oi)iiiion of the Conimandei in-
Chief was not quite so favcurabh" as foimerly : in fact he learned for the
first time that there irtis a prejudice against the militia by military men,
which was getting to be very annoying to the inhabitants. He found that
he was a particular favourite when on ]iaiti«Milar ser vice, but ///'t< being over,
he was forgotton.
[n Montreal he waited on Sir it. ii. SheafVe, and ('apt. Koring, ids
Aidecamp, who from old acquaijitaiice f^ake treateil him kindly and did every-
thing in (heir power for him. He procured clothing for his men, but
eould not get the other appoiiitnients, as they ha<l not arrive<l at Quebec.
He sjtcnt three weeks in Montreal, and ha<l the pleasurt» of finding that his
friends in the I'ppcn' Province had full eicdit for everything they had done in
defence of the country, and was pleasud in finding that the llegulars liad
not obtained all the glory. Mr. Meiritt aniveil in Kingston on his way
home, on the 2!^th of August.
A trip uji the Lake at this time partook of no small share of general
excitement, as ]Mr. ru'oomheail, an Kiiglish gentleman, who accoinpaiiied
Mr. Merritt to Upper Canada, for the purpose; (^f .seeing Niagara Falln, must
have found out. K.Ktraot from Jom-nal: —
'•After an infinite deal of trouble, 1 obtained a Iioat at Kingston, and
left there in the first part of September, in company with two other boats. In
passing l^res(pie Isle, I heard a cannonading between the two fleets. It
was a ninning fight from thefienesef! llaibor to Kingston. On th<; loth, early
in tht» morning, i left Smith's (Jrrek with a fair win<l ; diHcoNcred two sails
ahead; fearing they might be tho enemy, 1 prudently put back to the (,'reek;
I took a boat and reconnoitred and found them to b(> enemies — I retuined
liiid landeil everything from the boats, one of which had a ijuantity of sptvie
for the ConinuHsariat. We drew nji our forces at the mouth uftlie ('reek
(consisting of 20 men with 12 muskets only.)
"I sent expresses in all directions for the militia; the vessels (aine
ojtposite to us an<l laid of?' for some time, but did not think )iri)p<'r to land.
Nothing jparticuhir occurred during the r<'mainder of tin* pa^sage to the
Twelve Mile (.'n^ek, w here wo arrived on the iJOth of Septeinbt i-. "
During his absence his family were very ill, but were reco\eiihg wlnn
lie arrived. A iiaval engagement also occurred ou tlie Lake o]iposite the
entrance to the "Twelve."' where, on tho 4th of August, Sir James Yeo
[ I
•11
28
bore down on part of tlio oneiny's lloct, and captured two of them, another
hhlp uj)S(5t, au'l went to Ui<^ bottom witli all handu, an«l tho roniaindor 08<"n.po<l
to li harboiir. Wlu.ii Mr. Morritt arrived from In-low, ho found the
proKp<;ct v(!ry gloon;y; llioanny was sickly and diHpiritod ; mjiny wcro desert-
ing ; jioarly all tho Indians I'.ad gone. His own truoj) w;'..s in a moat
wrokhcd «tato.
If ho liafl not foared that liin motives tiii^'ht have been niisinterpro-
t«d, he would liavc roKJgTied, an act ■whioirno doubt would havo l>een justified
under tho citouiiistanpos, as tho duty was both onerous and fatigueing, and
the i-ewai'd, nothing — hardly tho thanks of his superiors in tho regular army.
IIowev<;r, his feelings arose with tho genond depression, and lie turned his
v/holo attention to his trooj), which rapidly improved, both men and hoi-sos;
in fact his deterniinution of rwoiving justice or leavir.g tlio Bervico proved
of tho grwitfist advantage, as his men received eveiy allovt-anco that wius
evt<>ndod t(» tlio I'Jth llogulars. He discai'ded tlu^ inipcrfect Iiorses in his
troop, and like ji, pi'udcnt and Jiigncious olTioor, re funii^-bcd his stud at tho
cxpouse of the enemy, by making an occasional furay where ItJiUit expected,
and carrying off their berst Jiorscs.
A geneml movement of the cnomy from tlio Niagara frontier down to
Sackett's Harbour, or nither liower Canada, cause*! CJencral Do Hotton-
burgh luid suite, with Col. Hru-vey, to go to Kingston. Tlioy were followed
by the -19th and KiltJi Vviltigeurs, and GlengaiTy I/ght Infantry llegiments,
which materially diminiilicd the strengtli of our force, and made many feel
unexsy at tlio weak .state of tho army.
Ccuftrid Yinceufc wa« left in command witJi part of the 100th ricgiracnt,
King's Iluyal.", one; coiupauy of tho SOth and one or two comj)anie-i of tilen-
garrys. Tlii.! small force ki'.pt (Jcnaral Hoott, with about l.UUO U. 8. regu-
lars anil a good force of militia, closely bloc-kadovl within tlio prooincts of
Fort (.Jen-go nu'l Niagara town.
t)ri tin 7th of Septombor, ths-y made it:i attack on the outlying pickets
I'n thofw.iiiiji rf.jul, wlio fuliowed anil drov o iIk-tii into the iMnnaon. On
return'iii;.-', llicy found our forci", when a Icngthly skinuish occun-od, and
(••cntinued witliout intermission until evening, when eacli ]>arty withdrew.
Tho loss v. .13 IriHiiig. Ca>1. Murray, who commanded the rear guard, behave<l
in a most gallant manner, l^-om that time forward ]Mr. Meiritt courtetl his
friendship more than any otlier officer in the army.
In the beginning of Oi;tober, Mr. Merritt's brother-in-law Mr. Coi-don,
left tho "Twelvo" for Ihulington, in a boat, containing his wife find family.
On nearing tho Forty Milo Creek, they encountxjred a violent storm, and
were nearly drowned. They were accom[)!mie<l b\' a younger sister of Mr.
Merrltt'a \s ho was ill at tho time. Tho severity of tlie voyage, and tho
welting she got, brought her to tlio verge of th« grave.
On tlio 7th and 8th of Octol)er Mr. M(>rritt got two days Iwivo of alwence,
i
20
em, anothftr
I found tlie
wcro desert-
in a moat
niisinterpro-
teen justified
igueing, aud
Dgular army.
B turned IiIb
and lioiuos;
•vice provod
CO tllUt WiUS
orst'H in hia
stud at the
mt expoctod,
ici" down to
Do Itotton-
'ero followod
r lleginientH,
.le 111 liny foci
I llogimont,
iio>! of Glen-
J. S. regu-
iraoiricts of
;ig pickets
rihou. On
cunxid, antl
withdrow.
I, iKihnvcil
court(Ml his
JTt
^Ir. Coi-don,
and family.
Btorui, and
sLer of Mr.
gti, and tho
of al)senc«,
to go up to soe hor, cxjiocting to find lior a coi-jwo; but to bis nurpriso and
pl-rasuro, c.n lii.-i arrival lio found li<-r much better.
On tho morniag of tho i)th, whou preparing to return, ho hear.l from
Captain Ilcrtvliy that tho wholo urniy wuh on tho retreat to liurlington.
It secniB that ( n the ('th (Jcncral Vincent licard of Pnwtor'H defeat, and
fearing (Jenora! Harrison would follow up his victory on tho Thaniofi, and
got po^.sossioii of Burlington Height^^, he destroyed all hi ; fitoroa, but left a
large quantity of flour, part of which fell into the hand.s of tho enemy.
Mr. IMerritt Wius a.'sloni.'died, and rodo back iv.\ Ikst as pos;jibh), 1f> find
c 'orything in confusion, and tho men Bcattt^red in all directions; bo mot
tbo advance guard at the Fifteen Mib Creek. His father detonninod to
follow tho army ; but Ix-'ing very ill, after much persuasion ho con,sautod to
remain at home. The trials of his family were very Hovore at tlii.s impor
tant time, a" Mr. Mcixitt'ii Journal Khows:— -
"There wa.s no help to bo had, for everything rnmair.od exposed in tho
houF;o for tho liif t marauding party to plunder, whidi T v.as eertaiu vvou''.l
be done. ■Nliria rctiinujd and slaye.i with iny iV.liicr, ij'.jtli'.'r and bi.st v at
tho Forty Mile Creek, moi'o dead than alive. Caroline, her husband, and
two children at IJurlingtoii, all sick, and myself on the way wheitivor
fortune clioae to bear me. 8uch another scene I hope never to witness again.
There wa.s not a dry cheek to b^^ hoen in [larting with the good people, as
they were confident wo muat be off, this being tho second time."
Mr. Mcrritt loft home at 10 o'clock at night, and marched as far aa
Couse's in a heavy rain; ho breakfasted at Mr. Nellas's, with hia mother,
who wiLS nearly out of her senses ; his invalid hiater he found fast recover-
ing. Ifo arrived at IJurlington, and from there was sent to Dundas. Hero
ho heard from Yin fatlier, to whom tho States troops under Col. Chapin had
bohaved very well. A traitor named Wilcox had the management of tho
civil olliccjj of the districts. Mr. Menitt and some of his friends would
•xicasionally ride as far as tho Forty Mile Creek to see t'-e huiies, and wore
nearly taken prisonoi-s one evening when returning. Cn the 10th or 12th
of November ho was sent to Fort George with a flag of truce, and if po.ssiblo
to find out tho strength of tho enemy, and ostalilish a correspondence, so
that information could be got of their movements. On arriving at t}*.-)
Fort, ho heard that his father had been mitde prisoner by tho traitor Wil-
cox. This circumstance so enraged Mr. Merritttliat in his Journal ho tolls
ua of "having taken many a long and weary ride, i:i the lonely hours of tho
night, in hope of catching Wilcox and making an example of him, and all
triutors," of whom it appears there were not a few i n the district. Ho was co.n •
duct<>d blindfold to General Hanison's quart^>rs, and was treated with every
attention by the States General, who sent across tho river for Mr. Merritt's
father, and promised to send him homo in a day or two.
A report having reached General Vincent that tho fleet on I>ake Erie
was driven ashore at Point Albino, bo despatched Mr. Merritt across the
/
!|
80
country U> asceituin tlu; tnitli. ami tlcstroy tlir tlcft Hoonor than lot them
fall into the liaiidHof the tuit'iny. After riding forsevenil days in niiserablo
woathei , and over roads aluiust iinpasfyibU', )io found tho report to bo
false. AVliilo hpie, he licard that the lU'ct on I/uke Ontario was in the samo
predicament, whioh made hiiu hasten back, as the report if true, was far
more important than tlie other.
Wliilsi (111 the ret\irn l)aek a strange afl'air ooen rod, whereby he and C!or-
onet jycKonny, his bosom friend, were near shootin,!,' each other in the dark-
ness, they having mistalcen each othei' for one of the. enemy's pickets.
Afr. Moritt icmained some tinn* in JJnndas, and believed that his leadei-.s
had given up tht^ idea of retaking the countiy. The ohl town of Dnnda.-;,
peacefully reposing at the lase of tlie mount;iin, was a pleasant jdaco to
live in dining these stirring times, containing a nund>e)' of the oldest and
most resp(H'table fan\ili»'H then settled in the district, whose hospitality wa.s
proverbial, and whose liouses weic always ii|ieji to the loyal defentlers of
the ooiintry. Jt is not to be wonthMt-il at that the oMicers <piarterod at
JJurlington, )iaid (jceasioiiiil visits to (lie old valley city, where the kindly
greetings and jdeasaut smiles of the fair ,se\ gave a coi-dial welcome to tho
war-worn soldiers, and lightened theii- troubles with the fashionabh' amuse-
ments of the times.
On the eveninf; of the 1st of l)tiem))er, 1S1,'5, wli^-n the iiiro\irs of a
Canadian winter was felt without, and the sound of the merry .sleigh-bells
tinkled over the frozen roads, which then wound with devious twistings
through the ])artly cleared fuicsts. whose silence was uiibr<dven save by tho
\-oice of the solitary owl or the harsh bark of the jirowliug wolf,— a large and
select party was a.s.sem))led at the hou.se of Ali.>s (Jooley, where, for tho
evening, were gathered the bravo and the fair of the old di.strict. (»lad
music, the dance, and haiii>y song of other days soon chased the short hours
nway. No doubt luit that the oft-tohl tale was told again, and the pleasing
iccollections of other days were again repeated, to atld t(.» the joys of the
night -wdien suddeidy the harmony of the meeting was disturbed by the
loud knock of an orderly dragoon, who came to summon the otKcers there
assembled, from the tests of lov(*to the Hterner duties of war, as orders hatl
been issued for the army once more to assume the aggre.ssive, and march
immediately. The i)artiug good-by and the .secret .squeeze were .soon given.
At midnight i\[r. Merritt and and hi « troop were on their way to the
Forty Mile Cieek. where they an ived by day-break, taking several prison-
ers. They soon pushed their outposts to the Twelve. Mr. Merritt procured
40 or .')0 sh'igha, and on the morning of the Dth proceeded to Ball's Mills,
lomled a number of them with flour, and sent them back to the main body ;
with the others, he pushed on to tlie Twelve, and brought oft" liis father
who was ill, and several others?, heside.s what valuables he could from his
house, as (he enemy in Ihei- retreat threatened to b\n'n the houses. On
I
.5
I lot them
I nmer.iblo
»oit to be
n the samo
lie, vras far
le ami ( 'or-
II the dark-
le (its.
his leadei-s
uf Dimdas,
it pUvco to
oldest and
litulity was
icfeiidors of
nart(!rcd at
tho kindly
cH)ine to the
ihh^ anuise-
[ii;o\irs of a
sleigh-V)ells
twistings
ve by tho
a large and
e, for tho
ict. (J lad
lort hours
le pleasing
oys uf the
jed by tho
leers there
orders had
\ud inarch
oou given,
way to thi'
sral prison-
tt procured
[all's Mills,
|nain body ;
liis father
from his
buses. Ou
M
informing (*ol. Murray of his exfiedition, li.« wu^ .>-o'. <iti) repriniandt-d.
iSoon after, a flag of truce made its ajijieunmc'. Mr. Mcmtt rode ovei-
to me<?t it, and received a letter ft)r (Jenenil Vincent. l>y a jiidiciuurt
iUTani'ement of his small force, ho made the be.iiers of the Hag belitnn that
the whole army waH advancing, and tho greatrr pai-t of it at tlie 'I'svr] vn,
whereas the advance was only at the ''Twenty.
.l>urii\g tho night lie di.sfoveicd by the glare, that the town of Niagara
was on fire, whicli caused the whole foi-ce to niovf on. as tliey knew Iho
(Miemv were in a hurry to gel out of tho counti'v. (V.l. .Muii'mt and jmrt of
th'' I'.'t'a dragoons soon came up, and they iid\iitiied near the bnrning town.
When a sad sight preaented itself, as tho following e.\tiact from his .Journal
il'-scribes;. -
••Nothiiig but li -aps of coals, iind liic streets full ot tuiiuiuro tiuit liio
inhabitants were t'<)rtunat(i enough to get out of their houses, met the eve in
tdl directions. Mr. (Jordou's house, my old ijuarter.". wms the only one left
standing. The garrison was aliandone<l. Mmiy tents left standing, tho
barracks and wood-work nearly consumed. \Vo weie very appre]iensi\ e
that a mine was left for our desl ruction : a musket cartridge burst ujxui
our ascending tho cavalier bastion. Each took it for a n\atc)i ton concealed
mine, and gave our lives up for a rise in the air, foi-tunately our fears were.
groundless 1 returuiul to the llev. .Mr. Addison's, almost famished
with cold aiul hunger, and had a good sleep. (.)u tlie 12th tlu! whole army
were on the move from Burlington Heights. Tho general stuff, and a cap-
tain j>roceded to Fort F^ric, and nuule some prisonejs."
Niagara was in ruins I Of the ouco stirring little town the hop<^ ajid
pride of the surrounding settlers — little remaine<l save a lieajt of smoulderini;
ashes. The small satisfaction it atforded the invaders was bitterlv felt ajid
auijdy revenged by the bold and .succe.ssful njovement which occurred in a
few days afterwards, when Bufl'alo Hhareil the .same fate at the li,ands of our
t roops.
Colonel Murray had now ri^solved tu cari'y the war oscr the li()rdcr, and
[ireparatitms were immediately made to transport the troops acro.^s, and
attack Fort Niagara. Mr. Merritt was busily employed getting teams to
convey the boats down fnuu Burlington. He also crossed the river with u
llag of truce, and canu^ near [lershing, in his conveyance, (a. snudl punt) which
was drawn into a whirlpool, and almost swamjied.
On the arrival of (jronerals Drummond and Riall, and Col. Harvoy, the
attack was post[ioned until Captain Kirby arrived from lUirlington, with
the boats, which were soon brought down to the FourMilo Creek, and from
there drawn to Wilsons (the place sleeted for the embarkation ) unforeseen
dithculties prevented their crossing, although the men were cui tho Hj)ot
waiting erery night. Tho excitement pervading all ranks arose to fevisr
height. The cold and j)iercing winds whicli at that season of the year swept
over the mighty lakes and barren hills, failed to damp the ardour of these
aieti who were burning with indignation to rais<) their Hag upon the enemy's
! )i
soil, and M ith blotxl aud lire avcngo the destruction of Niac,'ani, and wipo
out tho insulLs whic'.i thoy had twice sufforod from thu invsidiji;,' foo.
Eaor/^y imd activity waa tho order of tlio day ; every man waa doing
his sharo to forward tlio jirojiarationn for attack, and conuucnce pervaded
all Ui':" rani;;!. UnforLuiiatcly for our suljtict, tlie vioh'^L excrcixo and hard
•work, both montally and iiliysically, wliidi he had und«'rgo.io (hiring tho
past few dayH, brought on a Bovero iUne.ss, and to his bitter inortilicaiion ho
was taken liomo in a sleigh by his fatlier, dangerously ill, just at tbo time
when ho was to have crossed tho Niagara lliver witli C-'olonnI Murray, and
l)arti(!ipiito in tlie honour of witnrssing its ca[)turi\ Although absent soix'ly
against his wish, still his services v/ere nob forgotten, as the following ox-
tract will slunv :-—
" On Saturday niglit thoy crossed ovo)-, aud were crowned with kuccokb.
TIiIh was another of my most unfortunate iriilitury events; as 1 Jiad been em-
ployed in all the other movements aud honourably mentioned, and now
deprived of sharing in the most glorious affair that happened in tho Upjwr
rrovi;i-;e. (jii\)t. .Kir!\'.' v,'a:< p;U'ti(".'.!ar!y and diM'-rvoilly mentioned in tho
public. d.!St>atches. Colonel "Nlurray, however, entitled nu; uad my troop to
a share of the prize money of tho place, for our services.''
After a sharp contest, Buffalo was eaj)tured and burnod, in retaliation
for Niagara ; and our subject, though still coutined to tho house, had tlio
pleasure of hearing that for the present the country was rid of all its ene-
mies, (.roneral Druminond left for Kingston, with tho satisfaction of
knowing that things "were nioro prosperous than when ho assumed command.
Lieut. Ingorsoll and Coronet McKenny wore sent to Quebec with their
priaonei's, Col. Chapin and Capt. Leonanl, Avho connnandotl Fort Niagara.
And thus terminated the C'ampaign of 1813, vhich from every point of
view retlects no discredit upon our aiius.
Service in the Campaign of 1814.
When Mr. Jlerritt recovered, tho army was in winter quartern, and
everything was quiet along tho frontier. Repairing to Quooustou, whoro
his troops -were (piartered, he found that they had l>een totally neglected.
Aud there was no immeiliato occasion for tlieij- .servicea, ho obtained leuvo to
change their quarter to the " Twelve," so tliut he could bo as near a.s possible
to his command. Ho soon got everj'thing in good order, recruited more men,
and found horses, so that when Ingersoll and McKcnny returned from Que-
bec, at the end of February, they found a bettor state of affairs, and a eonff-
donee, which had not been felt hitherto existijig amongst the army and peoi)le.
He was then ordered to Fort Ueorgf^, and got stables up and th(^ men
comfortably (juartered. On tho 1st of Juno he sent McKonny to Ix)ng Point
ajid Burlington, to relieve Lieut. Ingersoll, whom ho sent up six weeks
previously, with 16 men, to t^i patrol this section of tho country, as an
attack was expected at that place, which might poLssbly enable tho onomy
to i>enetrate as far ae Burlington.
33
On the tliiicl day of July Im arrived at Unit importnnt jioriod of life
wlion youth is supjiosed to liavi; UHTiftMl into full iiiiudiood ; hui! in hoTior of
liis iittiiiuiny inajority, his |niiMits at tlic' homcHttad on thf 'I'wclvc pii']iiirod
n grand dinner, to wliich a 1,iil;<' nuiiil)(>r of frionds wrve invited. At four
o'clock, when just sitting d(jwii to dine, a (hagoon ai rived in hot liaste, with
iutelligenco that the enemy liad ian(h!d at Foit Erie. The anniverHary, it ia
nefnUess to say, was eelelinitij<l without the onlijiary aflei' dinner
oratory, and in a lew moments 31 r. Meiritt was (juickly spuninj; on to
Fort George, where he iouiid everything in activity, and all the troojjs which
could lie spared rnjiidly fileing ollun the road to Chippawa. Jle went in the
aftcu-noon, with the intention of remaiiung, liut was sent on to Col. Stewart
who eouunamled at Fort («eoi-ge, as it was e.\poet<'d that the* enemy's fleet
would attack on the lake shore. 1 )uring his iihsiiice ati eiigiigeinent took
])laco at Chippawa, in which although successful, the enemy, sufl'end more
than our peopl(^ The following renmrke on this battle, from Mr. .Merritt's
Journal are well worthy of notice: —
"It certainly is a very delicate thing to censure a coimnanding oflicer,
particularly one so jiopniar and hraxe as (ieneral iiiall, still, in this case, ho
acted ha-stily, iicithei- did he empli-y all the means in his jiower. lie sent
nway the l.st Utiginu^nt of militia in the morjiing, who were the best Hankers
in the country. The Kl.Srd Ilegiment wei'e laying at liurlin-^tou, S(iO
strong, which could have been down in two days. There were likewise all
the militia of the country, which, when asHombleil, would have ensured buc-
ce.ss. Had they attacked us in the entrenchment, they would have fought
to a great disadvantage. 1 came up in the evening after the action, with a
party of the troo]); every house was tilled with the wounded; 1 stop])ed
at Street's, and sjjent a very unpleasant night; mjiny of the otHcers were
lying wounded, groaning with pain. Such wat) the residt of the battle of
Chijipawa."
On the 7th, preparations being made for a retreat to Fort f reorge, Mi'.
Merritt rode over to his father's, and had the iiio«t valuable things removed
to Burlington, as he belived that the country woidd be again exposed to the
enemy. On his return h(^ met the Indians '.rho had decamjH'd fi'om the
army, and wei'e robl)iug the farm-yarda and country atores. 31 r. Merritt
was sent next morning from Foi-t Ocorgo to the "Twelve," with 15 of his
troop to watch the movements of the enemy — it not being certain at this
time whethtn- their object was Durlington or Fort George. Jn either case
Mr. Merritt was to retire on JJurlington, aftei' comniuincating with Fort
George. His father sent away all the stock from the farm, and went to J5ur-
lington, but his mother could not be persuaded to leave the old house, as
by this time ahe got to be well used to invasions.
;Mr. Merritt says, "The country was never more destitute than at this
" time, a.s all the militia had retired to Burlington, taking their stock with
" thorn, and forced to leave their families totally unjjroteeted."
i
I
34 #
Mr. M<M'ril( w r. sml f'l |!rr!in;.;tii;i, (u < rdi'i' iluwn ('i.|i.iirl i-'r.ill, vnIih
liihl tiMKiMiililcil m!I tli>' iiiililiii >'!' lltt* riiiialrv , I inliiiiiH, I'u , I lc iilnniiil lint
next iiutnii|i).j iirici' t\ lii\r«l iiml rupiil ri.lf, liasiiin in;rtiiii|ii;.'.||nl llir jiuiiiicy
(if iii'Mi'lv lull liuuitr •! mill's in iiiiii< ami omt liull' lioiii:.
TIk' pr«'Hi>mv' (i!'Uii> iuvailiii'j; army wan iiumk .'.I'vir.-ty (',.li |,y |||,, |„'n|.l(>,
oil tliirt nci-'asion t!iaii on tli > iircvi'His niics, as tiny serin (o liavc ailopli'd n
ptilify ••(■ iiilimitlaliitu tnwaiils the iiilialiilanlM, wjil'li liisL was mIidvvii liy
tlicir icI'iiMal to ijivf till' Ix'ilir i nl" ihc uiilit i.imru svho wcic Kiilclul. <'lii|p
|tMwa, Id lliiMi- t'l ii'iitlH t't>i' (icn III liiuial : aii>i iiIim liy liu> MyattMnalic maiiin'i-
il» wllicll (llKV |iluil'llM'<'(l till' piTlllr. rvctl (lie I'llii^ili s, (iffvi I'Vtiiili';- mn\ill.|(\
J'lxtiai't I'lom Mr. Mi'n-iK'.s .l>Miiiial
"Tlio ('iiPtiiy's maraddiu^- pai-ty li.'nl iml. r';icli<'i| iIm- 'i'wcivc y«'t, t'nr
lii'atiii;.,' a |mrty was llicrc, tlicy (iiuhiilily imaniiicil il wmihi lie, urNiimd I'mro,
M> fur 111 ail\ati<v' of liiirliiiL;ti>ii. I'liiL «>l' tim ( ilciii^iiriv s jiirivcd iiiKJcr
( '.•(|>(aiii Kil;'.( lilil'oii, formerly of (lie l!)t li, wlio liad ko ^iilliUilly distiii:;iii.,Iied
himself heretofore at Heaver h.iiii.i. thiili,. |,'»|li ||ii< l«i iteifimenl of
liiililia were stationed nl flu Tea Mile ( 'reil;, I'.n.wn';, ; ili<' Itli IJe>;iiiieiil,
a! Ilutt's; two others III the i'.eaver hams. 'I'lie miiiliir were dnilv .shir-
misliiii:.; ami drivimj in Slates' |iarli'>>. wlio wei(« |pliiiideriii',' every house
thev eoiih! !j;« t. al. ; tli<\ve\eii ]iliiiidei<'d women of every t him,' they juid.
'rii»> two last w,ii,'i,'oiis w«'re taken hy voiiii!,' li.ill, with a. party who were
earryin^j; oif soft soap, after eleariie;- the house of evi'i\ thiii-^. The lie-
wildered families were olilij^ed tohuvi- llieir homes ami plaeo (,liem;;elve,s
under the proiertioii of the army."
.\s on pi'ex ions oeeusioiis. M r. M<'rri( t had his full shai e ol' out post dul '
varied h_\ an oeeasioiial skirmish with the enemy. .Miinili ilO ol' the nio-t
robust and deti-rmiiu' 1 men in the militiii, mostly olliceis, of uhoni our .suli-
joet was one, \dliuileeied as a eoips of oht-ervation, under command of ('ant,
FitzdiM'on, Part of their amnsemi'iit, was to haiiif on the skirts of the;
ononiy, and ann.n thorn hy wveiy jiossiMe means. 'I'iiey spent a week at
tlii.'i e\i'itin„' \\ or!:, and nsmil'y had live or six skiriuishe,, daily, hut willi-
out any results wor;h mentioning;, unlil tlair party, froiii various <'aiises,
wore nvliK'Oil to 11. wlien ihey aliaiidoned tiii.s mode of warfare I'orthe uKu-e
roijuiiir duties of their corps. Mi', ^l. al.s) joined a similar juirly umlei-
I'ol. l)runuiioud, of tlie lOltli tJei,iiin'nt, witli similar resulis. Whoii, n .
oeiviiiL; intKlliijence of the eiu'iny movin;;- from C^iiieenston, (hey prepan^d for
storner woik, as suhsequeiit events e\t:;id(d from Mr. *!.'« journal will v:.o
plain : —
" The army was put in motion at S o'eloek, and J arrived with part uf
iiiv trooji lit l.uudy'K I-ane, at o o'clock, of July l!;")t!i, 181 I. Col. I'ier.sou
with tlio Light Brigade ai living shortly after. We proceeded on as far as
I'.ridiiewater. A ft-w drauoons weio sent on to the Falls to reconnoitre the
camp at ('hi[ipawa. At S o'clock we I'ell hack on Luniiay's Lane, leaving-
an advanced ])icket at 3Irs. Wilson'.s : hut at h o'clock tlie enemy •was uh-
served advancing'. Shortly after, tlu'Vihove in onr advance ))ick{tK. Tlio
mlitiii and Lii,'iit r.rii,':ijlj v.ero ordered to retreat, as thi; main aimy wero
:»r»
ill, \\\\"
I ni'tl 111"
jiiiirni-y
(' |i('n|il(»,
(Imili'il IV
luiwii liy
III, ('liip
• imiiniiT
innsiililo.
y««l, I'nr
iiiu* I'ni'cn,
('(1 umltT
iii;;in.-li<'il
ifiiiirni <»r
I!('s';iiiu-iil-
•lily sl<ir-
civ Ikmiso
lll'ry liM'l-
who sn'io
'I'lii^ Ix'-
Iii>iii;.('lv»'S
poHl <lul; ,
t'llO lllOht
til our sub-
liifCaui.
ts i>r tiio
l.ut willi-
ir (Ik- iiioro
ily umlfr
Wliou, i( -
ren:\r(Ml foi"
III will ex-
1, ii I'mt of
)!. I'icrsoii
a as fur as
M.nllro llitl
ii,', h'aviii;;
.i\ was i>li-
lk( ts. Thtj
i my wcio
Hcvcml niilc'n i'l (lie ••<'iir of '^Mt'i'iiHluii iiiii| St. JJiiviils. (uncial I >i hiiiiih.ikI
III living', iiril< i'>'<l liiitiii Imik, iiml iriiul.i iliHjMiiitioii Cur ;,'iviii;,' Imltlf ; tlio
( !|i>ri','iii'rvH iuhI itii<ii|)i»i'iit('(| milifia, 70U Mtrunj;, iot'»>ivtt| IImi (In.t fiif in
till' wiiddw, two liuiiilnil yanlH in a(l\ utic»i ; two kix |i(aiii(lcrH \v«to pluccil
iii'iir tli'^ < 'liiMi'Ii, nil MM fiiiidcuco. Tilt' St.li IJt<;,'iiii('nl, TiOO Htrniijf, with a
ili'lalcliini'iit of tlio \hi Knyiil HciiIn, iIiiiI, iiiiiiiit'iil. itnivcd, mid wt'io |iiiK'f(l
in tlio iciir I'l" IIh' j^iiiia ; my im-ii on tlic lij^lit, willi (hiiith Id jnin tlin lUtli
(III iIh' Itt't, ill (.^iiifnistnu Ivund. 'I'lir I'iM'iiiy, on uii|irniicJiiii>( tlio lii'ld, fiic'l
oil' (i» tliK ri'^dif and it'ft., rxiKni'l In i lii> lin- of l!i(( two field |(ii'r«'H, which
did litilc «'xi'i'uli.iii, Amid (t a ;^n!lin^,' lire from tlw ( Jicir^'aiiyM iind militia,
tlir («tiaiay adviMi''i>d n|i Id Hk^ ^iins ulinoHt nii|ii;r<'ri vrd, wIm ii a nioNt •^'iilliiiit
r.MiHlaiii'i- was ma't" liy our ini'ii. 'I'li'" mlilliTy ihdii wcrt" fxpnwd to liolli
our (ii'cand (lial of l.lic I'lii'iny ; al I iiLitli, tla-y were under (Ik- necfi-irtity of
li'iivini; tlii'ir ;;iniM, wliii'li fur u inoaii'iit wrm in |ioKHi'HHioii of Lin- <'in'niy.
Tin' <lrai;oiins on llm left, ninlt-f Majni' Lisle, rdiiMlcd an far as MmMy IImii,
oiii' and a half iiiiI'M. Tho I'lirmy's rii.'|it ontlliinkcd ii.s ; and ii coiiipany,
Kliortly fnllowi'd Ity a r<",:iiin>nt . j^mL |ioN,;i',HHiMii <\' t||M road l«'',\vi-on tlif diii-
•,'uo!iH and dm lint' in rriail,. Majta' (Jciii'ial lli.dl receiving,' a sf.tn-e waiinl
in till' sliouldcr, wuh t.ikrii |iii.soniT, iflnriiiii;,' liy Ilit> road with ('.ipluin
IjoriO'.,', A. I >.' '., I<i (IcntMal I 'runiiii'aid. and inaiiy other tdlictirrf. Attliirt
tiiiii' it wa t i,'t'tliii;^ liaik, ho ihut it vr.as iuiposHiMM t'l ilisctjvr frionilH from
encmii'H at twenty van's dislaneo. Tliu tiist if^^iiiient of militia, under
iMajoi- I'ohinHtiii, comitit; up at this monitMit, imuie a ilispt^Kition tif eliar^iii;.',
in hop<\M of retakiii;,' Major ( Ji'IhumI Kiall. I wuh sfiit to eommMiiitiito liia
intention |.o the troop.s tm the iiill to on)' riylit. On my rtiturn to Join my
tifiop, I went rather too much tt) the ri;^dit, fallini,' in with the erioinvH 2HtIi
i'e;,dmeiit. It wa-; impoHsihle to make mi CHeape, as I wan eouiph;t»'lv sur-
roiindtvl. A fow momtuitH after, liiiii„' eoriimenced from our men on tlio
hill, ("aptain Clarke was taken priKoner marly at the sami' time. I wan
taken prisonei- hy hIx fellows whtt -were .'tkulkin;^ from the fire which then
ra!j;ed with threat fury. This put an fiid lo my expeditions and observation.H
of what was pro(;oediji'< in our mililaiy ari-aii;,'ements. .My fivoiirite horse,
ilydcr .\!]y, w;is id.';o taken. < 'u pussin^' l'\>rsyth'.';, on luv \vav to ea|»-
tivity, ! heard the liro reiiewi-d, as the Idth had just arrivcti, who drovfi tho
enemy eonipletely off the held, leaviie.^ us victors. Tioops n-'ver eoiild liavo
lieh;*ve,d with ,','reat"i' '•oolncss and hiavery than our.-,. Tir'V fom/ht aLTainst,
live times tle-ir immh-rs ; the ;,'ii'ater part of the army waH six miloB in tlu)
rear when tin- ii'tion commeiu'ed. We were.;. it that nii;ht tt) Si-hlosser, as
prisoiir!?!, It i.'i mii.iinc ; Major < it iifral Kiall, wtaindetl. Captiun \jjy\n<j,
Mtdit-an, N.d!i,', (ioio, \\ ushbourne; I.ieuts. \'fii:le, Fraizer, Iloliins, AVaHft^
(^•uariei' .Mastei-s iiiiiu and Caini-), Knsi<.ii K iloonif and ( 'apt.iin \V. \\.
iderritt of l!,o i!ra,L(oi>n.'. ^V^) were ji>iii.'d iu tin- inorninu' by Captain
Ih'ov.ii, Lieut, ('iiue, ami Lamont, lOnsiirn Lever ami .M<>nt>^r,jnii>i'y, who
v, ,re taken iu tin! last part of tin- aetioii - makiiiL,' in all, [',) oliiixrs and 1 I iJ
privates taken piisim(»rs."
"The ,t,'nMiter |):irt t)f t!ie oHieers uoro takiii l>v mistakiiif,' tlie enornv
for friends, in Oonsetpif^net^ of the dai'kness <.f the ni^^dit. We whii- kept oiit
all night arouml a tire ; tents tvmld not i)e jirovitltMl until ui'.xt morniji:.'. Wtt
were all mueli fatiguetl ; many had bt-en for sevt-ral nights witliout sleep,
AV(> were mareheil under a strong e.seurt to iJiiHitlo, 'J 1 miles, so that on our
arrival we wciu comi)ietely woi'n out. '.flie oilictr who luid charge of us, £
3Q
cannot sj.oak iiuich in f;iV(>r of. We were sent to Pomeroy's Inn, whore we
procured n good sujipor, and took a very coinfortablo nap on the tables."
"Tlio following day tliov woro parol d for Greeid)iish, in tlio interior of
Massacluisotts, and their yniird dismisj;!cd. Tt is not do»?niod necpssary to
give tlio particuhuTi of the nuum.-'r in which o\n- suUjnc.. passed his time
whilst a pri.HomM- of war, althonifji hi-i well-kejit journal is l)()th interesting
and anuisin;f on that point, as the few extracts hero f,'iven will show : —
"Aui'-iist 2Stli. If' avy rain all ilny ; spent the afternoon with Captain
Daw.son ; party in tlie oveninLi ; heard many anecdotes, particularly of Mrs.
Norton's aifairs. Croeic rosj very high, carried off the cotton manufactory
at Adamstowu."
''■ 21)th. Took a long ride in lli:^. nioriiin<4 with Mr. Howe of the Navy ;
visited Mr. Mills, the waggon niiiker ; crii'ket in the nfternoon ; received an
answer to the letter I v.-rot:> to .Aiajor M^'lville, on the 27th. Mr. Foster
bi-onght a report fi'om Pittsfi;;!!! of I/ord Hill havins^ taken possession of
Washington ; to celebrate the ewut, v,e liad a dinner partv which lasted
till 1-2 o'clock."
" Wept. 0th. Took a long ride ; ])laye'l I)ilUards, and strolled ahout, read,
and at last drowned my Ciur;i in tho ar;.is of Morpheus, &.C.. ikc."
" 2:'ird. Wet, coM, i-ainy w;'ather ; wmt to chur!']i. Elilers Ler-
law a)id JiOiieh h-^ld forth to a large congregation ; a nmnber of beautiful
|!:irls there. This day two months I had tlic misfortune to be made prisoner,
As tho foregoing is a BanijAo, f.hev>-ing how time was passed by all the
otlicers, wo will conelmlo this chapter by staling that Mr. IMerritt was de-
tained a prisoner of war for about eight months, wlien tho pnsoners got
their froedoni by tho closing of tlie wa:-, an 1 he reached home about the end
of March, 1815.
We cannot clo.so this brief sketch of Llio war of 1812 without noticing
the ini[>ortaut results which often spring from such causes, so that a race of
peoi)le who in a measure felt only a temporary estrangement, should have
by this act completed in eveiy respect a s.ijiaration which has now led to the
establishment of distinct foi-ms of government tantamount to nationality ;
B[)rnug from a common stock, and sp.;aklng the same language, yet
liaving laws and traditions us wide apart as the old countries of Europe.
Whatever might have been the feelings of the old U. E. Tories in Canada
to their Wing opponents on the other side, of the line, the attemjit of the
latter, in the v.ar of 1812, to complete the compao.st of the Northern part of
tho continent, and absorb their old oppionents, aroustid a spirit of successful
oj)position that led to a detining of Ijoundarles, v. hicli in a short time culmina-
ted in the laying of the foundation for a new nation, which under proper
guidance will eventually it is hoped take no unimportant position amongst
the nations of the earth, and conclusively prove that however weak or un-
prepared for a struggle a country may be, tho designs of an all-dispensing
Providence cannot bo set aside, and that tho Croat Disjtoser of men and
things may i)lace a limit to the ideas and actions of ti:e most aggressive.
37
The reader who has patiently followed the course of this narrative, can
liardiy fail to have romaiked the extraoidiuaiy activity and the energetic
disposition which characterized our subject in eveiytiiini,' which ho atteni{)t-
ed to accumplish. Few nieu seem to have appreciated 1 lie important valuo
of time more than he did; hence, in a few days altei- the proclamation of
peace, and his consequent liberation, we find him at the home of his atlian-
cied Miss Catharine Pi-endergast, in Mayville, N. Y. Str.te.
The marriage took jdacB on the 13th Cif March, 1815. So we may
fairly state tliat he, at least, lost no time in exchanging the lionds of warfcr
those of matrimony. The aimable young lady whom for the future becomes
the sharer alike of his joya and troubles, was the daughter of Doctor
Prendergast of Jfayville, N. Y., a gentleman of consideiable means, an
influential member of the N. Y. Legislature, and an individual highly
esteemed by all who know him. His father was a native of Waterfoid,
Ireland, and a professional ship-builder. He came to St. Johns, Xewfound-
land, in the early part of the la.st century, and carried o;i business there for
a time ; from thence he moved to New York, and married Mahitable Wing,
daughter of Jedediah Wing, of Duchess County, wheie the Doctor was born
in 17G4. In 17GG he was charged with being implicated in some local re-
bellion, and judged by the severe code of those day;;, he was sentenced to
death, but was fviUy rej)rieved by his gracious Majesty, (Jrorge the Third.
He then moved to Pittstown, near Bennington; from here a nuiiil>cr of people
started to the South-West, with the intentidu df c. lionizing Tennesp.e.
Amongst them was the Doctor, and others of his family. The climate of tlio
South did not agree with their health, so he returned in the fiili of ISO.'),
and decided on settling in Canada. In descending the mountaiu ii";irl)o-
Cews, the light carriage used by the ohl peijile broke duwii, which
caused them to locate in the vicinity, till near the breaking out of the war of
1812, wlum they returned to the States, and resided at Mayville. It Wiia
during their stay in Canada that ]Mr. Aferritt tirst bvH'ame avquaintcd with
the lady whom we havti now introduced as his wife. After spcudiug part
of the honeymoon at the home of his bride, they Ic.do adieu to their affec-
tionate parents, and came on to thcii- f-iture I'esidcncc on the " Twelve.''
The joui'uey was made on horseback, it being the most couveni(>nt mode of
travelling in those days. They arrived at l»uHalo, whi,-Ii v.-as licing I'ebuilt,
and crossing the river at I'dack Itock, were soon at the home of their old
friends, where, it is needless to say, they received « hearty welcome. In a
few months afterwards, Mr. Merritt having occaaion to visit hcnd (juarters
at Quebec, in reference to some un.settled military ir.atti is. left his wife at
her father's in Mayville, and returning to Niagaiv., he .sailed from that
j)lace, ami arrived at the ancient ca|>ital on the (Ithof d;iiy. Having finished
his bubiness, he left Quebec on the llth of the same iii"!itli, in a steamboat
ciuwded with passengers, an ongst whom was his old friend Cul. Clarko.
If
i!
'' Fi
38
This was about tlio time when stoani iiavij^ation v/as introduced upon our
waters. A rfif9i'euco to his journal describes the trip to MdUtroal : —
" Stopped to wood up at Tlirofi lUvors. We unfurtuiiatfdy ^^roundod
5it Sond. This boat makt-s the round trip, botwcn t^tuobce and Montreal
in ;i weolc. There is iinothor boat on tiie line, making two iiassagesj a week.
We could not <j;et off from Horel, by anyfixertion, until the othorbuat tamo
ulon:^'. We had the utmost diiiioulty in ^.toniming the current, owing to
tills, r.ltliough due in the evening, we had to remain on board all night."
The rates of travelling in those days nv.int liavo kept niany would-be
pleasure-seekers and tourists at home, as the journal gives the following ex-
penses of the ti-i]). " Niagara to Montreal, £•"). 2. (i, N. Y. ("y ; Monti'eal
"(to Quebec, by steam boat,) £3. 0. 0. Quebec to Montreal, £■]. 10. and ex-
"ponsos, 12s. Gd. Steamboat on Lake Chaniplain to Burlington, Vermont,
" £1. 0. 0. From Albany to New Yoik, in a stoandjoat bearing the classic
"name of ' The Cur of Neptune,' ^7 GO."
1\\ ?donti-eal Mr. M. made a number of puicliases to be sent up by the
fir.st " brigade of boats," under the charge of Mr. Nelles. Leaving iNIontreal,
he crossed the river to Longeuil, and from thence, via .stage and boat to
Albany, where he remained a short time, and then proceeded to New York
by steamboat, the passage occupying 14 hours. In New York he learned
that his uncle Nehemiah from New Brunswick had l)een there but a fort-
night |.reviously. He also purchased goods to the amount of $1,700, which
he forwarded on to Canada ; and having obtained an agency to transact
some busiaiiss there, ho took his (U^pai'ture, and arrived in Buffalo in about
eight days, having tra\eled most of the journey liy stage. Sending his trunk
on to Niagara in charge of Sir. Stocking, he proceeded on horseback to the
rasideiice of his father-in-law at Cliatau<p'.(', wht»re his wife was then ...opping.
He remained a fortnight at this delightful spot, and left for Niagara, where
he found his goods had arrived safe tViun New York. The late war having
completely cleared oil" n(>arly all tin; merchandise in the countiy, Mr.
Merritt ju'.igod that a first rate opportunity presented itself for a merchant
to comnieiar- business. He accordingly purchased l*.') acres of land at
oliiM!!;;in ( "orners," for which he paid .'?()L'5, and forthwith commenced to
build a Luge house, pai't of which he intended for a dwelling, and the re-
mainder for a .store ; and it being situated on the main road tVom Niagara,
was in a g)od location, and became a pleasing addition to the risnig settle-
ment. Afterwards it was converted into an hotel, known as the
'* St. ('atharines House," an<l was eventually burned down.
During the time las building was going on he opened part of his goods
at Niagara, ami .some at Qiuu'nston, that being the ])rincipa1 rendejn-ous for
fur and other traders. He nl.so took some to the naval station on the (Ji-and
lUvei'. At all of those places he found a ready .sale for his stock, and soon
created a Iarg(> and profitable business.
39
From Qneon^ton lie op^ne 1 a corresnoiilenoe '.vitli IMes.vs. Tinvnsenvl it
Co., of Oh%v>*.'0, ill rnfcroiice to tho price of patent salt, dflivornti at <,|\1'''0t.s-
toii. From Niagara l)o wrotii t<> Mfssi-s. Vnn Winkle S: Co., telliiicj tlinii
tliat he had opened tlio IjooIch mIiii'Ii he puvolmsed from theiii, for ^vliich he
hoped to ]\n\- } a >'eady sal', so tliat in tlie i'iill ho niii^ht jiiw them another
order. 'J'here w:)rc no books for sale in the country then ; so that to Mr.
Merritt ])eli)ngs the credit of ln-ing the pioneer dissenmator of kninvled«i;e —
in fact the iirst book-neller in this part of the Province. He also oi)enet> a
land a'^'cncy. which was very mnch needed at that time.
Wh"n in New Yoi'k he madi' tlie acipiaintance of IMr. Druce, n iri-aiul-
son to Divid llamsay, who had been hft by will 1,400 acres of land, one
lot of which was locate I four miles from York, uow ToroiiCo ; in tho.se
tran.sactions there was a large correspondence.
There being no paf,t-oliice at Queenston, communication with tlie States
was very exjiensive. Mr. Merritt has left a memorandum which shews tln^
expense incurred in forwarding a letter to his correspondent in Xt-w York,
viz: — " Ferry, and sundry other ex])enses ^•hich had to be borne before I
could mail my lett<M-, four dollars." Canadian postage was also expensive,
and conveyance siow. And as to cominnnication with J]ngland, letters
could oialy be interchanged once or twice a year.
In tho fi\ll of the year he went to INlayville, and returned v/ith Mrs.
Merritt to Niagara, where they resided witli his father, the SheritI", who
now lived there, as tho old homestead on the "Twelve," liaving been verv
much used during the war, needed repairs.
In February, IS IT), ho proceeded to York, where he had business with
the authorities, relative to his claims ; and having .satisfactorily settli'd with
t'lem, return"d borne, where he had some conversation with Mr. Thomas
Adams, relai e to a mill-site on his pro))ertv.
]\ir. Adams built the fir.st tavein, in 1707, which ]i(> aft.M-wards sold to
Mv. lUitler. and he to Paul Shi|unan. hence the earl »- name of the settle-
in(>nt, " Hliipnian's Corner's," ai.d Kt. Paul street naw.
The ju-operty )>urchased by Mi-. Adams was part of the Hamilton estate,
wliich was ultimately sold t(j dili'crcnt indi\i-.lu;ds. ( ):i the mill-site whicli
Mr. Merritt was in treaty for, stood a small sawinill. almost worn out,
bciii'' erected veais a''o by ^Ir. Thoinaa ^Merritt. Thomas Adams and ( 'aleb
IMulkens. In about a month thi> bargain was concluded, and Mr. Merritt
agreed to pay oil' the incumbrance to the Hamilton estate, and 61, '>()() to the
then ju'oprietors. This purchase con.sisted of the mill privilege and about
r»() acres of land. The document relating to the purchase is dated r\rarch
-7, ISIG. Th> builder with whom ho oontracte I to er 'ct his store fail-d bv
fore tinishing the job ; and it was ultimat<dy completed by Mr. Paifiis Wright.
Before the house was ready, Mrs. Merrit;. again visited her f;iuiily in
Alayville, accompanied by her husband, who afterwarils rcuirii-d to sijper-
4
m
i
40
intrnd liis luisincHH. Tlio Riiw-niill lie roimircd in kucIi a iiiaiincM' nn in sooti
lifivi^ it ill ^'0(1(1 nuiniiiijj <ii<l(<r; and witli tli<> lumboi' wliicli lio cut lin lo-
Imilt the griHt mill. TJii.s f'ullv ocoiH)i<«d liis tiiiio until tlio fall, wlitm IiIh
ht)Us(> waN in rondinoss forcccivi' MrH. MoniLt, wlio rctiinicd from Mayvilln,
escortt'd liy li(>r fa(li(>r, Dr. I'lmdcrir'VHt.
Willi tlio cxfi'ption of tlio actual uccossnrioH of lift', tlit'io i.s no aiticlo
iiK^ro indis|)t>nuiil)le to innnhind than salt. It has hcon jooulaily rciiiarkod,
that " wore it not ftr salt, pork and (lour, tho foroKts of Aincrini would still hn
Hlandiiii^, and tlu^ land uns(>ttli'<l." How tni(> tho forctfoin;,' may ho. wo will
not say ; hut it ran hardly he deniiMl that salt is a necossary ])arti('uhr.ly
iiulis|u'n,sahlo to tho sctthMs in a new country, and a strady supply of thin
ooiiiniodity is always a souivo of anxioty to a;irioulturali8tH and otliors at a
distjiiuv from tho sealmard. Iji early days tho inhahitants of this district
had to import thoir salt from tho cast, which, owinji; to tho iir perfect modo ,
of transportation, rendered that, article a costly commodity. It is known
that wild animals will travel vast tracts of ciiuntry in search of this relish,
and tli<< Indiiins always found thoir best door and other animals in tho
vicinity of thoso briny rills, familiarly known as "salt licks," which aro
occasionally to bo found in ditToront parts of tho country.
Tn 17i).'^, CJovernor Simcoo folt tho want of havin-^ a homo supply so
much that ho ostablished works on a small scale at one of those licks, in
/pai't of the District now known as tho Townshiii of Louth.
As the works iit dnoiuhii^a incroasinl, salt booauu) conijiarativt^ly cheap,,
and these works were abandoned. But durini,' tho war of 181'J tho scarcity
Mas HO <;i-.>at th.it each one was allowed to boil his own salt at the ({overn-
nicnt works. Jt was worth from $H) to .i^lf) per bushel, and very .scarco
at tlies(> enormous prices. One of these salt springs were on Mr. IVIoiritt's
property, on tho Tw(>lvo. Anioni>;st his other undertakings h»> had tho
spring cleaned up and propeily curbed; and in August, 18l(i, ho com-
menced to manufacture salt by simply boiling tho water from the natural
spring. Afterwards he increased the works, as thc! following extract from
a letter written to Mrs. Merritt in May ville will shew :--" The lower .spring
" I have takon in liaiul, and stopped out the fresh water entirely; and will
"commeiico drilling through tho rock this week."
h\ the saino letter h(> mentions tho withdrawal of his stock from tho
(Jrand iJiver. the naval e.>tablislimont at that place being about to bo re-
moved.
TJie salt work.s soon became in a flourishing state. We find the follow-
ing entry in his journal :— " Loaded 50 barrels of salt on schooner Industry^
for Poit Hope." kc.
Mr. Merritt also built a pot-ashery. 8o that at this period it must bo
evident to the reader that his time was fully occupie.1 with trade and im-
provements.
41
AftfT the war of |S| 2, Sfvcnil nf iIk^ oflicfi-H who liad l.-cii •■ii;^H;;fMl
therein scttleil nroiirul llii'^ plilco. ClmrltH lii;;<'isoll, one of ii family of
nirly H<'ttl<TH wlio licM ii lar^'c tiMct of IhikI in Oxfnnl, took ii jjfroiit fiincy to
tha iKM^'lilioiirliood of the " 'I'wdvt-," wlierc li<! built n lionse, himI soon afttT-
wanlH ciittdHMl into ])mtnpiMlii|t wit ii Mr. Mf-nitt— to whoso Hooond aiater,
Maria, \u^ was maniiMl on tho bih of ScptiMiilicr, ISKi.
Mr. Morritt now icmoNrd tli(! n'lnaiinliT of hin wtockH from tlie Htorcs
at Nia^rara and '.^u'cnHton, and thfy c.arri.'d on an «',\t('iisiv(i liuHincHH in tho
liovisc Mr. IngnrHoll l.nilt. Mi'. M. in tlm nn-antinio convcrtin;,' liiti own
building,' into a dwelling liouHo. Mr. M. liad <,'ood laiHincKH coiint-xioiiH in
Moiitrml with (Jirard, (iilli-Hpio iV- Co., and FoiHytli, HifhardKon ik Co. —
from wiioni tlioy rocoived largo HupidicH of goods. 'I'hcir biiHiiuiSH waa car-
ried on for thr(!o ycNirs ; but from ovor-trading and bad (h-bts it waH wound
u|» at tho (>nd of IHID, and Mr. IngoiKoll r.'tiirnod to Oxford, iji proccsH
of timo tho doiioioncy was all |)aid ; tho moiohantH with whom thoy «loalt
testifying to tho honourable oharaotorH of MoHHrs. Menitt iV Ingi-rsoil.
Mr. Morritt also OHtaliliHhod a distillory, whioh ho oariied on upon a
Bmall soalo, it being imjxmsiiile with a limited ca[)itiil to do an oxtonsivo
business the proceedH going to Hati.sfy for tho goods of tho iirin.
In tho autumn of this year iMrs. Meiiitt was conllned with her first-
born, which they nanuHl Thomas, after his grandfather.
1817. This year was noticeable for tho meiuis taUm to divert tho tide
of emigration moving from tho Mritish islands to tho United States, towards
Canada. The pi-ospect of a peiiiianent peace with tlu! State's, and tho fact
of tho ISritish (iovcinmiojit oireringfree, pas.sagos, and a grant of land, induced
many to leavo the country of their bii tli, and try for their fortunes in tlio
"forests of Canada," as this (country was then considered. Among thesM
was the famous Robert (iourlay, whose advent into tho colony was trumi)oted
by a grand .scheme of peopleing the waste lands by his tfMiantry ami families
in Scotland. Tho e\ent was f<'lebrfiti'd by demonstrations of tlie inhabitimtH.
At one of th(i.S(!, (a ball lield at Sliipmaii's,) where ho was, ho was partner
to Mrs. MfM-ritt at tho Urst H(it of country dances.
The deferred payment of wai- lo.sses, by liarrowing the minds of the
population, all'orded a most favouring c(jndition for operations. Ho
soon set to work to sow the secsils of encpiiry, by calling jaiblic meet-
ings to brood over imaginary wiongs. Jjusiness was neglected to listen
to his speeches. Many happy homos were r«'nder(!d mis»;rable by the intro-
duction of }»oliticH, which caused neglect and misfortune to ensue to those
who might have been better occupied in attending to their farms and stock,
iusteatl of endeavouring to realize visionai'V schemes which time and jierso"
verance in their individual pursuits alone; could acicompli.sh. No doubt there
were many things lemiss in the colony, among them the <lolay in settling war
losses, which men hardly yet free from the ravages of war, would feel
!
42
keenlv ; lnit still, we (juestion if raiupiiiit .T.;il;i(ion by iiny nuniV.or of Ktni^-
gling scttlf>!-s, wLo iavariubly liavt! tlicir luiinis full at home, could ])vocuro
a ri'incily, and least of all for an individual wiioso Lusineis;- wrui liuvl agonl,
and whu oxpoi.-tod to draw hu';;^ tracts, wlicu tlicir war losses wore to l)e made
out of lands. }Ia;>i»ily t!ipr« was wiKdom ononj'Li in tlie coiuitry to neo
through th(! toii-adva;iocd scliPines of Mr. (.'ourlay, and^put ii check to thciii
by sending hitii out ov" the country. Asa .statistitian. he has ilonv; a sorvico
by giving us a true estimate of the country at the time.
During th*- wet seiison, the new saw mill cut a large <juantii';y of lumber,
))artof wliich Mr. Merritt, on the anjiroach of settled weather, conveyed by
raft to XiagiVi'a, also >ending flour and aslies by schooner to Kingston.
To thoso intimate witli Ijim in after life, some of the incidents that oc-
enred in youth would iippear sti-ange and uncharacteristic ; but the change
was produced by a mature ealcuhition. ( )!ie of these inoidcTits the author
has often lusard him relate, to )»oint the moral of forbearance and the folly
of contesting by force with the unreasonable and sui-ly ; —
His raft of staves was in jeoparday dui-ing a storm ; and a limiberman
not helping r.s ordered, angred liim so, tliat he raised a handspike towards
him, which, dodging, the man closed ; and wore it not for one of the other
hands knocking down his assailant, Mr. Meri'itt would probably have got
the worst of it.
Tn the summer of 18I(^ he went to Montreal on general business, but
owing to the approa-'liing tinui^ial ci'isis referred to, cash was very .scarce,
so that lie git a low priv- foi- his coinmoditi'^s, nnd tlie Vmsinei^s prospects
appeared had. as tliis country was l)?innnin-r to fen] the etfects of the groat
monetary crisis whidi wns about troubling England.
This year 7\\r. I^Ierritt derided upon putting to use an idea wliich lie
quietly conceived y^ais bof-ire, lint always kept j-rnminent in his active
brain, end wliii-ji ultimately resulted in one of the niost gi^;'antic and im-
portant j.ublic works on tlds contin"nt. A scarcity of v,-,ater foi' liis mill
supply o^cur'^], and was a'we.vs uncertain iv, warm weather ; so he lielieved
a rem''dy foi- t!iis could be fouml liy havin;^- a cojumunication with the
Ohippawa iliver. Calmly weighing the stupendious re.sults wliich might
yet accrue f.'om the a m . lie det'rmineil to make a rough survey of the ground.
There V)eii;g no regrdar levelling instiii ncnt at hand, he borrowed a water
level from iVlr. Becket. who k^nt a small mil! at the "Short Hills." With
this instrujuent, and aceompanied by Mr. Keefer, I)e Cev,-, and other
neighbours, they started on their tour of survt ying. They commenced
at the south branch of the Twelve Mile Cj-eek, now Ai'dubim/fi, which is
about 3') 0 feet above its exit into l^ake Ontario — IVom thence they ran their
line for a distance of two niiles, due south, to the Cliippawa; .and upon
reckoning up tlie result of thiir .survey, they found that the dividing ridge
or heiglit of laud was ab )ut thirty feet above the lovols. This was the
43
fli-.st survey of tho V/clland Cfinal ma-lo, and of tlio losults wliicli Imvo
siiico traiis])ir(Hl, few uvo uiiM;'(juaiiitcil. It is, liowmti', ju-oixn- to state timt
owing to tliH im|ieifc'i't inshMnuculs wiili vliidi tlicy couuiinttd llio Kurvev,
tliey made a nii..take of 30 feet ; tho actual iieiglit \K'm^ afterwards provoil
to he 60.
In this simjile and apj)arently uDprolitablo act, vo have tlie best ilhistni-
tion i)ossil>h> of tlio jjvedomiiiant seiilimeiit of Mr. Meri'itt's mind, that great
residts may flow fi'oiii the most trivial ailairs. This survey, althouiili very
defective, was sullicient to 7)im-e i/ic vicniiiain ; as it drew attention to tho
question, and set jieoplo toconsitler and talk over the matter, more especially
as Mr. IMerritt had ex})ressed his firm convietiou that the conneetion between
the lakes could be cai'i-ied out by means of a canal. The long. ])ent-up,
and treasuj-ed idea now burst foith, lehdinL^ vigour and will towaius its ac-
cumplishment. IVIr. Merritt drew up a meuioiial to the Legislature, to which
the names of all the influential settlers were attached, asking for an api)ro-
priation to be made for a correct sur\-(>v. This lumourable bodv then con-
sisted of twenty membeis, and on the question of the memorialists being ])ut,
thirteen of them voted that the stim of ,£2,000 be given for a survey of the
route, as well as that of the St. Lawrence. So it will be seen that the simple
act of a few early settlers laid the foundations for the greatest water ways
in the world.
In interesting the Legislatuie, ^Ir. Merritt gained a grand point, and
after his dei>arture, he left the plan and papers with Col. Burwell, who toek
gi-eat interest in the idea. Sir IVregrino Maitland was then administrator
of the Government, and having ti.xed his residence at Stamfoi'd, not far
from the projected route, was a firm '"vieiul and sup])orter of the canal.
For the present Mr. Merrilt was, hov/over. doomed to disappointment, as tho
Government Engineer, M'r. Chewitt. siirv«nvd a route \'ov a canal I'O miles
long, in a diflcrent part of the country, liy commencing at the Grand ItivcM",
and passing through Caid)ro', Caistor, Gainsboro', and Clinton, iis asununit ;
thenco descending towards the Twenty Jlile Creek, and proceeding westerly,
Jiaralell with Lake (~)ntario, and terminating in r>urlington Bay. The
whole afiair was as absurd as it w:is expen.^ive, and hap[iily l)ore no com-
paiifion with Mr. I\territt'h route, wliich was only L\S miles Ion,-;. Nothing
further was done by the (Government in IHIS, as the available funds were
wasted upon Chewitt's ini|)racticable survey ; but llr. Merritt mana;4e<l to
obtain data, which enabled him to judge of the probable co.st of his route.
So the subject was i)ostponediu cou.se(iueuce of other troubles in his private
all'aira.
On the 2:5rd of July, in this year, the first steamboat was put upo.i
Lake Ei'ie,— previous to this, tlu^ \M'<Axw of the W(>st mad.^ its way to N.
Y. State as In st it could in sailing ve.^sels. This part of Canada. aUhou.;!.
nsmg raj.idly, was yet in its infancy, and the time had not arrived to c^
om-
44
peto for tlio wostorii canying tnulo. Such wa« tho roport of tlin com-
missioimrs wJio rci (timiK'iided tlm hiilijoot tu Ixs ljiou;j;Iit Imfoio tLo lloiae
tlovci-amput, " trusting tiuit tlicy might IWI tlisposod to oju;ii tho n-suurcoa
of tho country."
Our suhjcct wtts iiulofatipvhli' and porHOvorviug, but there ih a limit to
nil things : and hy having too nuu'h bu.siue.ss on haiid, tho tirm «if Morritt it
IngcraoU b.H-anio ttMnpurary iiiHolvont. and was torminated by iNl r. Ingorsoll
going out, as hcrotoforo ataUtil.
Mislortuaos randy conio singly, as thoir favourite child Thoniiw, thoir
first-born, was sraldod to doatli in tho bogiiiuiiig of tho yoar, and thoir little
daughter was also laid in tho grave ero tho soason ended, so tJiat tho almost
heart-brokou parents had thoir share of tho bitter cup, but were calm and
resigned, auil meekly boweil to tiio ruling of an all-wiso Providence, although
at tho time it wixa a sore trial, coupled as it was with tho deningemonts of
their mercantile aHaii's, and the depi-eciatiou of business in general.
At this time ho had a largo stock of lumber on hand, but could obtain
no money for it. lu business, tliey had tmisted tho farmers largely, but
could get no return from them till after tho harvest, and even then produce
was so low as to bo unprotitable ; wheat being only worth from 40 to 50 cts.
per bushel in tho C^ueenston market.
However, being a man of determination, lie bore bravely up, and luckly
at this time his Uncle Nehomiah from St.Johns, N.B., made his appearance
and liberally helped him, so that he was enabled to save his jiroperty, and
bring his atfairs into a better state. He gave his mill as collatei'al to one
of his Montreal meivhants, for money due. On the fourth of February,
1820, his father, Thouias Mevrilt, resigned the shrievalty of tho district,
which office he honourably held fur 17 years. The j)Osition of Sheriflf' is
never a very desirable one, and in a country where but little money is .stirring
and hard times seemed to be considered as a settled fact, the duties ))er-
taiuing to tho office, are. to a sensitive mind annoying ; and I\Ir. Merritt
beii^g a humane man, always felt a delicacy in j)usliing defaidtera, or in
.■nforcing the sentence of the court, where, from the state of society then
prevailing, eacli neighbour knew of tho other's troubles. Complaints of
delay in forcing executions, reached head quarters, and tlien reverted back
on him as the cause — so that wo are not surprised that tho Sheriff, sooner,
than continue in office at this time, sought to be relieved of tlie duties thereof,
and felt j)leased, after a respectal)le career, to retire into private life, still
retaining his appointment of Commissioner of Woods and Forests, and his
half pay which he received for consiilerable military service in " Simcoe's
Rangeis," during the Revolutionary War. He was considered by all who
knew him as an honourable, biavo, and determined officer. And having
always taken a deep interest in his son's prosi)erity, he now disfjosed of his
homestead, a fine property of 200 acres, for the bum of §0,000, out of which
V
46
lid lihorally aasistoil our siil»joct to canml his ()}tlij,'atinnH ami r(»n»'W his
former strn','i;l<\ Tlio purohastu", Mr. Job Northrop, hotter known as tht>
"Commodoro," wuh a groat afiiuisition to tho iM'iLjhl)oiirhooil. aud his Kcttliiii;
horo was thn prolixin to othfMS roniini^, so that in a short tinio a niiinlior of
rcspactahlo ami wealthy sottliM's c'athcnMl in, who all lived on tho inont friondly
tonns with naoh otlan*. A Dr. Ilowi^;on spont tho winter of I'^ID-'JO hero,
and ke|>t his oOieo at Paul Shipnian's Hotel. Ho appeared to have boon a
njan of Inoan^, and piai-tised hnt littlo at his [)i'of»'SHi')n, Hpomlinp; mo.st of
his tini(* in visitinfj nionml tho noiyhhouihood, whero Ids Kooioty was much
approciatod. On returning to Knudan<l he puhlished th(! resiilt of hia oli-
serviitions in a ijjooil-aized volume, for the information of those intending to
emigrate, the sidistanco of wiiich was that tho conntrv was unfit f(U' a jii'O-
fo.ssional ni;in of gooil education, wlio o.\[)Octod to nuike an income hy th>!
praotico of his jirofession.
One little incident connoetfid with ^Ir. IMorritt's family, from whom ho
I'cctuved unhounded hospitality, lie does not rcdate ; and as the doctor's hook
is prol)al)ly out of print ami his visit f(a';;otten liy this time, we take th(^
liberty of referring to it. In April, an excursiijii to sou a theatrical j)er-
formance at Niagara, was improvised. 'I'he party consisted of JNli.ss ISIorritt,
Misii r.aker, and tho doctor. Tho turn-cait was a ))urely lural one. Di-essrd
in Spring attiro, with white jiants of une.xceptional blanchetrio, lie drove
up to Mr. Merritt's house. Tho vehiclo consisted of a ono lioryo waggon,
impoited froin tho Eastovu States, and which Isad probably donegotjd soi-vice,
for tho Fraus and IMyhneers in their first emigration from the Moliawk Valley
after the lievolution. Having but oiie seat, a chaii- had to b'; juit in foi- tho
doctor, whoso first essay showed that tho safety of tho ladies dojtended more
on tlio gentleness of the horse tlian the skill of the drivijr. Things went on
smoothly until their i-etniai, when an extra "I'ut" in tho last mile of tlio swamp
caused a separation of the vehicle, leaving tho driver and ladies in the road,
and considerably dimming the lustre of tho doctor's snowy unmentionables,
and dotraciting from his skill as a navigator. l''ortunately no sei-ious injurv
hajipenod to the party, who walked on to tho "Ton," when; all was adjusted,
aud they arrixed home in safety, enjoying a hearty laugh at the iloctor's
mishap, and added anotlier item to the day's amnsmienfs.
On the opening of navigation, Mi: ISrerritt slii]iped 300 baiTols of llour
to (ieorge Davis, directing that the proceeds should bo handed over to
Forsyth, Pachardson, tt Co., so that by steaily pei'S(;vprance, ho ultimately
overcame all tho ditllcultics. The greater part of this year lie was engaged
in boring the middle salt spring, so as to establish his manufacture of that
article on a profitable basis. At last ho succeeded, and having ei*ected a
building, coppers for boiling the water wei'e obtained, and a salt comjtany
afterwards formed, so as to find more capital. Dr. Chase, lately arrived from
the States, took a prominent part in the concern, and being a good chemist,
m
%
' [
40
tlirv stidii \\('\•^^ alilc to immiIih'i- m Imtti'f Mi'ticli', wliirli, Cor !i liiii" rcliii'iUMl. m.^
wli.'ii lir.st lidili'd, afiiir pnilil ; luitpvciitutilly it Iiiid t.> Ixi iilpiiml(,iu'(l, hh tln-y
c'OuM iii)t siiccesHt'iiUy ^oiiijicto \vi(li (!u' ljii;4f iiiiiiuifiict(»ri"M nf llit) IJiiitivl
Stttt(>H, will) »-.'.iioit<'il <;r('!it (|U!iii(ilii'-t to Ciiimtla, iiiul hoM it very clu(a|>.
P('<)]>1(^ lit tliis Morioil liiul in; ciiiiso to j^'iinnldd (Hi iif'ouiit of trixiitioii.
Ily tlio Astiossiiioiit li(»li fortlioTownsIiipordiaiiMiiiiii, wli( rrlii "Sliipiiiaii'.s
(.'oruors" was sitimlctl, 2'.)'i ixn-s^jris woiv asscsnivl for property to tlio valiio
of.t'NS. 1. L'., and fur Mciiil.cr of rarliaiM.-iit, .17. I"-!. •'''., niakiiig in all, in
cuvroiicy, Sii^L'. 72. which is only «!?l i^ ■* for each hoiisfholdri-. So that
alth()ii;;h produce was low in prii'c, wliil p(>opl(; were tliriviii",'. Flour Hcnt to
Montreal sold for $') 7r>, from which deduct $1 20 for exixnisos, would ntiil
leave $i .'»(» for the market pi'ice at that time.
On till) IsL of .luue in thi.s year, another son was !>oni. and tho ,i,'rief
ouca«ioncd by the less of the previous childitMi was <.,'i"eat!y le.SHoned hy tlio
prnseiie(» of this one, whom they named Jododiali, after a kind lioarted
5,'randfal.aei-, dedediah rrundcr.j.is.t.
The titore, wliieh was cKwed since l\I.i'. lnger.suir.s dcpiii tiirc, was a^cain
oponed, and Dr. C'haso opened a <hni;,' store in connoctitm willi tho huHiness,
so that tho cone -rn liad an ii l.liLion to its now inereasin;; trade, l)y supplying
dru,ij;s, as well as all otlier kinds of ^joods, which lie got from Jlantroal. In
this fre.sh openiiii,', his father-indaw, nr.lVendergast, and his uncle Nehemiah
handsomely contributed to his assistance!, and a want sadly felt since tho
eloaingof theold business, was relieved, to the satisfa'.-tion of the neii^ddjour-
hood and the large farming conun unity wliich were Hettlcd for numy inile.s
around. Tho busines.s prcspered boyond Ids most sanguine expcctrttions, and
the daik doud.s wlncli erstwlnlo thrcatonod tlie prosperity of this most re-
solutt> and energetic man, now .seennnl broken, and tlie tlioughtH of hotter
(hiys dispelled the sorrows of tlio past, and instilled new lifo and energy into
his aotions, so that hope, tho fountain of all .joyH, was again lirmly lixed in
his mind, and he became as it wore a new man.
Crime was scarcely known in the disti'ictat this period. Pvaroly had tlio
mngir,tratos to deal with iuiything more .serious than potty assaults. Tho
pfople fi'lt Hoouro in their dwidlings, snd vt-ry few took the precaution of
bolting or barring their doors .-it night, llnrmony an<l good will seemed to
prevail all round, and this may bo termed the "golden ago" of the settle-
)uent. Places of worshiji M'ore few, as the I'ummunity were scattered over a
large spat-e. Dr. llowison says that "Churches were a rarity in tho land."
In the whole Niagara Di.strict ho found but two bidonging to th3 Eytablish-
mont. Others were 50, 100, and 200 mihis apart. ^Marriages were per-
formed by the m;igistrate.s, as iu the States. At "Shipman's," ho says, ho
followed tho crowd mto a church where the service was Presbyterian. The
clergyman was dressed in a showy blue coat, white pantaloons, top boots and
spurs. There was no more decorum than if it wens in an inn. They had a
47
lliitoiind (lii,iiool<it for iinisioncc()iii|tr.ii.viiig ii Ji; inn, aCt'.r wl.icli tln< n'iii|.iii)v
(lisi>«'rs<(l. Tlici.! wcif many iMulIioiHm^ wlm uk t. two or liirro limes a
wiH'I; at t'lirli otiicr's Luiim's. TImtc whs ii liuildinpc < ri'ittd iiciii- pint of .Mi\
Mcnitt's |ii(iii«M-ty for thost? wlio bcloii/ifd to tlic! Kstalilislicd Cliun-lj, and si
parcel of p'-mnd adjniniuLf fur u Imiyiiij; plari'. I'm- many yi'ars tli(! iJtvd.
Mr. AddiHOM of Nia^/arn, wlio (nine frofu Kn^dand in (lovt^nior Simcnc's tiuu!,
was till- only flcrj^jyinaii of tlir ( 'Inirrdi (.f Kji;,dand in llm ,\iR;;ara l)iHtri(.t.
lie ilid duty at tjuicuston, Sl.ipman'it, ami tlm '• Koity." 'i'lit! IJcvd.
ycntlrninii I'iiptizfid Ml'. Mfrrilt and lii.s (ddi'i' (•lnldr''n, and ri';,'i,'.lercd tJie
samo in tlio n'>,'i.stry wliicli i.s .slill pir.scrvcd in tlr.; Niaj^aia ('luiirli. Still,
it must not Im a.ssumc<l tliat a lack of rflij,'iouM frclin/.; t xistcil in tho coni-
rnunity,aH in (ivi-iy lioUM-a, I5i!.l(^and otiicr liooks oi'dtivotion CMuld bi- fount',
wliicli cnaKlcd thu liwads of families to a.ssenddt) tlieii' Ijou.scliold.^ and join in
family worsiiip. JCacli farm nhu posscs.sed its own Imi'yinx j.luce, a luindicr
of such (n'iiif,' still usni foj- tli.'.t puiitost- at tint piescnt time.
At tlas period lie paid off tlio Lalaiict; iluo on tli(! rear lialsci; of lof;; IC, 17,
18, and 1!), piirts of the Hamilton estate, wiucli was covered with pine and
oak, situated neai' ins own ndll, the piiee heiny c\\ per ai;re. Owin^' to the
increase of population in the iieii.;h!)our!iood, hotiicd t) induce Jii.s father-in-
law, tlie doctor, to como and .settle in Canada ii^'ain, latt on account of that
•fentleuiau having a hw^c. nml lucrative huHine.ss in Mayville, Jie was com-
n«'lled, -we l>ollevo reluctantly, to decline the invitation. Shortly aftei-.
wirds the doctor, Ix-int,' in New ^'ork, neojotiatetl some hills for Mr. Merritt,
and with the .proceeds, {)urchased for ivady cash, a hu'i^^e <iuantity of -^'oods,
8uital)le',to the Canadian market. Thti venture tiU'ned out a very successful
one, as Mr. Merritt was soon afterwards enabled to purchase Isack hi.s mill
property, which he previously had given ati collateral to his Montreal
creditors.
Whilst tlir..-; cnp;a;;ed, his iinele William an I cousin Thomas had each
diMwn lands, and w( re prospei'in:^ favourably. At this time, in writing to
his uncle in New Brunswick ho explains all his allaii's, and looks hoi'efully
foi-v/ard to coming prcsperity. His amiable disposition and st(;rling integ-
rilv .secured him a nxunber of good fi-ionds and corres]»c:ndcnts, w!;o were
always anxious to so've liiifi. Anion-st tiiem were Absolom Shade, of
(iait, an CiU'ly and prosperous settler, *"rom iJulfalo; Mr. Salsbury of same
plac((, John McCauley, (leorge Kidout, and others. Ceoi-ge Davis, of Mont-
real, was liis jnincipal agent for disj)osing of his llour, ashes, ite.
Some troul'le seems to have ari.sen at this time between him and his
old neighbour Mi'. Adam.s, in consequence of the erectiim by th(! latter of
one of those fruitful soun-es of litigation known as raill-dams, in cicse prox-
imity to Mr. M.'s mill, and on the same stream, thereby preventing tlie
waste water of Mr. M.'s mill from escaping. To make matter.s wor.se,
some of Mr. Adams' timi)er had been cut by Mr. Merritt's men, who over-
.1
48
roachotl tlin liomuliiry, ho Unit it whh a Ion;,' linn; lid'oni tlm tiinlLfr WiiM
>i<)ttIo<l. Tiiiif »'v«»iitiiiilly reooiifiloil tlawt olil iVicndH, uml thoy ri'tiiaiiind
U8 Hitcli loll;,' ufttTwanls.
I)r. William (". dliuro proved ii ^ihh] l>iisin<'NH man ; and tJi<^ Halt
WKiks licini; in "]>oiiitii»n, Mr. M. \vi?<)ti' to Iuh frit-nd Mr. VV. Kerr,
of Wi'ilin'^tnn Si|iiar(', who liad niarriod into tlio Jlra-nt family, anil was a
mcnnher of Parlianu-nt, ri-lativt^ t<» tlu) lionnty wliiidi was nmlcihtoud lo l)(>
ofl<Mi'd for thoHnceossful production of snlt. Itcccivin;:; a favotnalii<Minsw(!r,
lie |iror(ifdf>d to Y(»rk, in Koliniary, IKlil, tli(> lionsn bi.'in,'^ thru in Kessioii.
Ifr cnconntcnd a fearful snowstorm on tlio journey, ami on liis arrival
jtn'stnitt'd liis memorial tlirou;,'li .Mr. Kimi- ; Kut owin^' to a ilcliatc tlu'n .ijoinj,'
on iijum the marria^'e art, it was docidt'd to postpone matters for tlio
proHcsnt.
Duiinj,' his stay in Y»)i'k a petition was presented to tlio Homo Covoni-
nient askin:,' fnr a half pay ;,Tant to tlio olli<'ers of tlio incorpivatcd militia
who had di;<tin:.^nif-he(l themselves duiin,;,' tlm war of lSi2, he with others,
put in their claims — as tho f^enoral ojiinion sefancd to he that tlio reipie.st
was only a matter of justien to those who had I'isked overythin^L,' in a i|nari'td
whieh in reality thoy were not interested in. The memorial was duly for-
warded to the {^)lonial Seert'taiy, and that was the last <!ver heard of it ; as
the ^'entlenuMi in Dowjiinsj; street thought that as the Jlritish Ciovcrnment
had, after tho llovohition, given liberal grants of lands to the U. K. Loyal-
ists, it was the duty of their desrendants to defend tho same ; although it
might with truth he said that instead of the lands enriching the U. K. liOy-
alists, the case was reversed, as had it not l)een for their sttM'ling devotion
to the Crown, during the tirst ju'riod, JJritain would have had very little
la. ids on this continent to give away; and their descendants, tho militia of
Canada, certainly lent a willing hand towards ])reser\ i;ig what they did get,
as well as these vast tracts of country wliich eventually enriched English
corporations, as in tho case of tlie Canada, the Hudson I'ay and other Coiii-
jiunies.
Whilst in Toronto, ho was cordially received and kindly entertained hy
Sir Peregrine Maitland and his aimablo latly, who was a daughter of the
Duke of Richmond, and much esteemed for he* many fine qualities.
Al)Out this time we find that a now set of luimes are beginning to bo
used in reference to the ditTereut localilies. Thus wc have " Sliipman's/'
"The Corners," or the "Twelve," which all alluded to the same place, now
changed into " Saint Catharines" — done, we have every reason to believe,
by ]\lr. Merritt, out of compliment to his wife, as his correspondence to her
at ]\rayville, N. Y. was usually dated as such. Other places in the district
followed the cxample,and tho "Ten," '-Twehe,"' "Twenty," "Thirty," "Forty,"
itc. — places which received their names from a supposed distance from tho
Niagara River — now became Homer, St. Catharinos, Jordan, ic.
49
5<till, to Wn liist<»rioa!ly acciii-nti), (lio niimo "Ht. ('iithnrinon" priv-fvJfxl
ft!! of Uk^ho, ll»lviIl^' l»«>«Mi miiiiod rm itH fii-Kt Rnrvt-v in 1H()I>, nftor Mth
Cathiiiiiio Huiiiilton, tlio wnrtliy consort of l!uli««rt Ifiiiiiilton, lately
(IncoiiHod. Y«!t, th« naniH wuh nimly or <'V(;r uh»mI until Idr. Morritt fnt^^nvi
into l)UHinoHH oxtouMivoly ; as in a Ifitter dattiil, " Ht. OathaiinoH, May 2Uh,
IHin," ho writ»w; --"TIk! villaf,'o will <lo orodit to itH favr>iijit(» saint whoso
nanio it lioarH. Tim iiiillH must do rrodit to its Kaiiit wJio in n\\\\ on t-artli.'
Wo think his lir.st !«ii:sin<«KH leltor, datod St. ('atliarinoH, wuh uftor this tinm.
1)S'J2. Aftor tiio UHunl ('hristinas foHtivitioB, Mrs. Mr-rritt, with h«»r
riiild, paid thoir wintor's visit t<i Mayville - hfin;^ drivon thfro by Hankfl,
tlio hirod iMiin, who clainiuil to Im a son of Sir Joshua's. Soon afterward^',
Mr. Mcnitt joined her, and aftor a niontli's stjiy, thoy roturncd, jiussinj,' tlio
('anadian boundary on tho ico, over tho Iak(^ No Hoonor hud ho nrrivod
homo, than ho found it nucossary to rotiaco his slops, as his fatlioi' liad ho
romo partly involved by tho failure of the *^ Xidi/iira Spurfntor," a [ia[)er
publisluMl thoro sinrJi 1^17, and predecessor of " T/ie d'hiimr," edited
hv Mr. Amos Mcdvonny. The typn mid oilier plant were purehasod from
Mr. Salsbury of IjiiU'tlo, to which phuM* our suhje<-t had to pi, in lolVironco
to a settlement of tho aU'airs, and afterwards to York, on tho same busine.sfl,
return i n;j; fdjout tho 1 7th <if iMurch, having .sati-tfactorily settled tho trouble.
111! did nit make his usual journwy to Montreal this soaso[i, but \\\.i
partner, Dr. Chase, went, and suceeednd very well in his purcha.ses, also
ahewinghis general knowledge of gooda s\iited to tho market.
Another new resident, and vary desirable accpiisition to tlie rising
settlement, now airived in tho person of Doctor I'eiidh-, a gentleman of
very ploasing manners, who wus much lespected by tho people
Crime, though of raro ooouronce, happened souietimes. Mr. Morritt
mentions of having to send a negro to jail for stealing a ijiiantity of hi.s salt.
Negro slavery had been long abolished in Canada : yet, in the State of
Now York slaves wore still kept and sold as, a letter written at tliis
time by Mrs. Merritt to her mother in Mayville, contains the following
allusion to what hius since been termed the " jieculiar institution:"
'•12th April, ]K22.
■' You don't .say whether you intend bringing Nan, (a favourite slave.)
I would bo loth to sell her, without it is her chcnce. Let her know every
circumstance that will atteml hor on coming liore, A'c."
On the .'ith of July, 1822, their second son, William Hamilton, waa
born, aiul aftor all the family having the usual autumnal fevers, then so pre-
valent in these parts, Mrs. Merritt and the children returned to Chataufiuo,
being escorted there by Mr. John Chase, a young lawyer, and a brother of
the Doctor's. They readied there on tho 22nd of October. This was a
jTotracted visit, and was the occasion of many letters from Mr. Morritt,
iii
r.o
wliirh givivK wa nil iiisi^lit into liis itl(<MH hihI pliinM at litis liiliTchMiig {i«>iiotl,
wh««t» (hno!(,m»l Hulijoi't liAtl Hjjaiii onpigvd IiiH Hllciilion.
'V\u\ AutuiiMt <>r (lit< )('nr Imil Icrii \iiuimiiilly ImistcK uh, ii mhm )Hi« n ot
honvv KtuniiH Mowing f(ir ixmly tlirm^ wooks, Ikhii llio souili wr^l. Stiuio
v<\sH«<ls w«r(» loHt on Uio InkcH; and lio \vui« in ii Icvt r of linxicly, wni(inf( llio
lurival of tlioir goodw, to tlio viilnt* of $ I ,(•(>(». l''o!lniiiit('ly, tlio vrsHil
won(l\«'n'(l Uio Hloini. and lUiiTod, J.liongli in ii I'jtltnid condition. i'lii.H
\v;i.s a gn>ut roliof not only to liim, Imt to llio wliolo m<tll»'nn"nt — na (lio
loos of a genoral nirgo m tlicao daya %\iin .i v<My HninoH niMllcr to liic con;-
inunity.
Tlic ('liviKtnms timo was Kept, in j^'iand old st,yli'. IxMn;:; « cdntinniil
ronnd ol' i\'sli\iti(>s; balls, parlii'N, ulri-^li rides, soi 'in 1 visit innj. luikfV ^liootin^,
A'O. Ii\ lact it stvHood as if (lii> aniMcnl day:*of tho \'nIo i)n<l tin' Holly woro
n»vivod in (lie wostorn woods) as almost tnrry tcltlor krpt oju ii lion»(>,
with a \N;uin wilccnK' to all coniriw. and a Kindly tlioui;Iit towanls his
pcvn'Of n(>ij\lil)onf. A _u;iv»nd dinner wjin "'jTcn l>y ( 'nninuKlnn' N'Mlliiop, |,>
wlvioli alliiionds were invitmi. Ilarnnmy and i'otd \\ill pnvailrd ll,ri'n;^li
out.. 'I'he silk, tin' poor, and nnfortunati' wi-ic Kii>k<d al'lei-. as wero all
t>lao v.l»o couM plead tlislres.^. 'Ihe little Clmreli v .is adoitu'd, liavinj^ re-
ceived a piv.uMit from tlio nishop towards its afeoni|ilislinnnl.
Hnwinesa wtws fair, altlioni^li nioiu'y wa^^ \ ery'" ^■^aree, .md Imrtev Iho
»tV<>ptotl nu'dinni i>f eoniineree. A ureal <piantity of pmk eliaiiijod liuinis in
this way. Wlieat wa.s oidy wortli lifty cents in specie, .so lliat. a j:;o(id profit
was nnvde on Ihnw, wliieli wa^ cliiclly exported to tlic lower pr<ivinces, in
IS'i'J. N(nv I'runswick ali>ne takin-f I •">.()IH) h.arrels. .\ consideraMe anionnl,
of wheat was pnrcli;n-ed I'V Imvers I'roin the States, wliiili assisteil (o.snpply
the nmcli netnled circnlatini» nuvlinin. 'i'lie sleif^liinii; was ^oc.il, and a laigo
amonnt of out. door work done.
On a Snntlay nn>rniM,L,', jii.st at the elo.se of tho winter, tin- little t'lmreli
was ahno^t hi rned dt>wn, ' 'vini; cai-',dit nn t'l' asi'il time l>i'''(,rc ti*^
service coinn.ciuuHl. IW greal. oxeitions, tho small coni;rej,'ation, who wer«
just gathering, m'aiuiged to Siwe it., wliich was fortuhate, a.s it answered tln>
pnrjKisc until a new omi wji-s hiiilt.
At this time, Mr. Mcrritt presented the Mt•tho(^i^t.'^ villi a lot (.fLionnd
en which tliey could hnild, for the n.'^o of their congregation.
Diir;i\g tho winter, on hif« return from ChatiiutpH'. wlnro one of his
chih^ren had broken a leg, he thus writos: -
•'Saturday , Ul'nd VoU., I8'j.'t.
" As 1 paase:! i"!ridgowater on my ride from lUack Kock, thinking of
rell'fi (!.tnal, brought up the idea again."
Whatever may have been liis tbo«£ht.i during tie S;t»irday of that lonely
61
wintor'a li'l'' nloiij^ Uio bmikH of tlm Niiij^iini Itiver, lliiH Ih hII wd know :
V«<l, wf linve nmHoti lu lif«linvit, Unit i(lnu4 vnIiIcIi fiiHt (iiif^iriatdd diirin^r liiu
huiiiH (if Hdliliii V out |"ihI (Inly, over lli<» miiiih- [KiIIi diiiiiif^ I ho wur of I HI 2,
worn now inaliii'oti, ami ilotilitltwt, willi llio cncoiiuij^iii/,' Iio|hh oHi-nKi \iy a
(lociidfMif |i(>iico, lio, |>rrli(i|tH, forowiw the fu(>ir(* iifiCdiiiiiliHhtiicnt of IiJh d«'ni^'ri.
IIi"t nii'iMoiiiii<la III. IIiIm (itiic r<'vi'iilH lo iih, in many <'af;cH, liin inmortt,
tliouf^lits ; and on nsionally wo meet willi |iaHHa|i;<'H alioiindin;^ wilh I, ho nioiit,
wuif^Mini) ho|ii<ii, and iil olhi ik, n di'M|iond<'n<y cnliroly novo| In hi'i (•n<T;j;ot,i(i
«:liara«:tor. Slill, wIkii lh<> nhilo of lh(< coiinLiy jh coiniKiicd wilh Kimiliu*
HoctionH in llio SialoM, wo aro nol »<in jiiii cd thai. Mr. Mori ill, hlionld di'|ilor(>
llio hu'k of iMioi'^^y (whiliitod I lit(iii;;hoMt. iho land; and |i('i'lia|iH UHk
wlioliiof no lii;,di«'i' a'*iiiiaiion(i Ihan IIuiko of a, viila;.;o iiKicliunt Khoiild nof;
|i() williin liiH icarli. AitlioiiLdi a. modcial-o |ir'()H|ioril.y W!i;i felt, in hin
in'i^dilioin iiociil, yol, laiididiy H|ii!il. iiit', lliiiifjjH wit<! at a i^latid hUII outKido.
Doiditioss, Iho iMii'toM wliicli afructod hini i'l ali'oidiMJ in (ho cxanijiio of
n tfrritory siniilaily niliialod at l.lm ihtmomI, tiino, an IhiK wct.ion of UiR
country wasi as i-tolalod in all niatlfrii of intcrcoarMO and tlf. nuanM of tranHit,
HH waH Maiiilolia, on itn fnundinj^ an a provinco. Wo havo noon thin in tho
tinio and mcMtis of lian!;il, for t.lio n(H'(M<sury waiitn of I. ho p ■o|i|<', ijio low
prill' of llicir prodiirts, ami the idrnosi rntir.) want of Hpo«-i(v Aiitli(!ritii! re-
turns sliovv, liiat for tho 'lOycai-H pr<'vioiiM, thorc had lioon only an inr.n;n,s(! of
ID faniilicH in I ho 'I'dwuship of ( Iranl.hani. 'I'ho war had a. [lorrnanojit
clVcct. and llio Ktiniidiia of I'.ritisli ^old, after ten ycarH, liad, at i'M »toppiiij,r,
jt'fl Iho valuo of land Ich:; ihaji licforo. Ail thc:,o <'ircinnHtanr<'H corrdiinrrd
tv) pn'Stiil an nnra\(Miralilo improKRion on iIk^ mind of a }outi;( and om-rj^ctic
man wiili a ri.sin;; family — vvhilHt acTOSH tin' Ixird'^r ovc.rythin;^ was rovoiwtd.
Tho stir and Imstlf^of tho threat I'lri; ( 'anal, then i.',<nii'^ on tho rioiKo of
whose lilantin;( and cxiavatini^ could almost Ixj licard on our own frontier
shewed that these piiipie were fully alivo to Uio jfroat waidH of tho country
and wore lit sul'iei Is lor a conleinplal ivo triind sucli us lii.'!. So that wo
often tliink it ^lranL'|' that at ihi: Lime lie so Hlr-a.lfaHtly rcsi^tod iTjo
^■olicitalionH sent to him from Lia fat! i r in law, who was a monduir of ' lio
New Voik Le;,'i.slature, as wi^ll aH Imk many fiiimlH in Ihe StatciM, to leave a
loantry ho devoid of enterprise, a.nd li(M-oine a citizen of tlioyounj,' and riHiny
Uepulilic. I'.ut the spirit which, in ISI'J, led him and Iuh (;»»nnlrymen to
feel that they had a cmuilry worth look irif,' after, now Hpurrcd liim on to
the dooibion, that now, if ovoi-, ( ianada uiuht awaken to the itiiprirtanco of
her <,'i(Mit natural a<lvantai^<'.-!, or for(!ver fall li.ick I) -fon* Icsr moro entornrisin''
noinhbours. Wo believo, under thoHc- circuitiHtaMdeM, Ik; formed his r<;Molv<!3
never afterwards to l»o diaturbod. Durinj^ thin HeaHon wu luivo rousoa to
think tluit all tho pliikmophy whicli he, was mimtor of, was l)rou<:;ht to bear
luatudying his own positiou. In writing to Mrs. Mtsrritt, ho says:
' 1 |ii«\i' li.>(>i» iM \y.\\ M|)irilH niii>'<< inv ntnin liom ( 'liii(nui|ih' I think
twnci mi>ii' HO 111 ii>v \\\'i\ I \vrili> niiu'li, iniil I'liiiilov m\'<i>ll mirununllv \n
UOM10 (liinjjB, \n\{ slill I't'ol II v.iiil "
" I lia\«< (he i'!\tn]» imn li -iI.I.m.I pi (.-i-l m i .•iini.i nf llii> ullii'i'., wliciij
I k<><';> :\ ijooil (iiv. lUiil wnl.-dll '.I oi lit 1' M
I'hiM |i|:\ri\ w liirli ;tt'li'r\\ iiiil'. luvami' cli(> ('iniiil < MVii'<<. wnn \\ Ikmi' Mr.
M»M'li(( till! Iu< I'tnulC IminiIIi'hm. :vI)iI « Km s-lhlftti-'l m( (Iii> I'lli-K nl' (Im>
]v>»rliiMr. to tlio lolf i>l' tlii> liiill, wiiii'li wn.i ('('ii\i i Inl itHn n dmiii^ inom
wluMi tl»o j»lui<.> l(Oi'iui\i' !U» l\ol*>l '|'l\(> l\nnMi>. lnMii", \M>11 Kiiowii itH n liivi'in,
stood on ll\o \\\aA 1o;>i1im>j; to NijicKru. iiml tlio mill I'Mciny tin' t^diocnHlnii
rv>:»il, i>l" \\ lui'li SliipniiniN \\:\n {\\o iMiniM' nii llu' npjiniilr tiiil»>, lurtluM ilnwii
NvrtH tli<» r|.«mo, ami in v^'iw. llii> lilMo t'lnir.'li hIu'miU Mpokcn ol
In ono \<l" his Icl (iM"< (his '-ptin'.', lie p.'IVh
" \V<> h;n<' tmnpiKod tho ron.j thton.jh th.> vilhii-o Mr Aihllnnn
|M'Oj»i'hi>(J li»!'l ><t\n<l;t\ H.'ivi* v-toind jinil ncn) i-d' Il>i' Iii\ih'Im nl" (hiur.
Vho \\\'\\\\ h:<\i> not l>(><»n iitlo on.> lnnir. ii:i\ of ni!,jht. wh^n the wnlof nt'i'vow
'rh<>sj«lt "-OfUs arc thnm; Ix'tlci than omt tloo.i Milr:i n< »"■ I per |i;iin'l.
'V\\o liistiUiM-v lUiikin;; iiH jjiiUons pcM il,\\
In <M>hM' to !\i\o iUi iih'rt o|" lhi> iinpro\ i-miinli* Mlri'iulv nindr m tlin
Mlh»'*<\ \\ (^ nu'jht nnMition <h:ii ho hiol Imililin.';* {'>>v linn^rll' ainl llmno in
hiH (MUplovnirnt. vi/ : (iwcllin^ hotiso, (.niMil l;ons<> nclininin;, t'oopofH*
lion.s<> !»\i«l sl(op, l>lK^■k^»nlitI^•^ honso anil sliop, wall woiks, aii<l two honHOM
;ii|joimns». snw n<\ll. jrnNt null. >listill<'v\ . and a nninluM (ilothrr slrni-tnri'H,
NUt'h iUS Ivuns. stHl»loH, sho<ls. Ac Also, I'lvo ilwcllini; lionHcH, occnpiod ro
rtVijHvM i \ ol \ In Hr (Miaso. Honry Mottloli(>rf;i r. olork ('hailos. hirod nuiit ;
tJiUson, sorvH)\t . .lossio, and .lohji th* Indian . hosidi'H (Mnployin;.r uhont Ttt)
|MM"sons on his ditVoront outc'rprisws.
Am<>n!;ljiH many on:;paij^'inonts. he in'x.'i lost sii,,di( of his dailmij projool
tho canal
Roforvinj; to Ids joiirnal for tho no\i Sunday, wi- tnid il wrillrn in a
jkvuliarly solemn tono. and coniliidiiii; as follows
"M«T 1 ohviviMvMlio truth. I piny most (ii'\i)tcdly that my Ihoiij^hlM
n».>iv Ix* ol\rtsti' and jn<)u;«, and that our lloaxiMily Kalhcr will ondosv mo with
wLsdom."
Ajpun. at'tor r<»onninjj to Iiis family aflairK
"O Ixwl ! my ho.irt ovortlow.-< with ijratitndo whou ! rodtvton (In'poaoo
of mind and h.ippiniv^s I onj<\v by liaTimi; .so worthy a i-onsort. (alluding to
Mr. Williams, uiinistor. l.atoly diM-ca-sod.^ M.ay 1 rofmiu IVom ovorgixiiig
an imfavoumldo opinion of a follow mortal lioroaftor."
In ln« lottor. tho tollowinij Sunday, aft«<r nvov.ntini^ tho civil and ro
lijjious news of th«» \ ill;\c;o, ho says ;
r.:»
llio
irii)iM"t
" TIlO WHti'lH 111 llic ' 'lll|i|i''\M» will liKiimsii (|h\ "Twrlvo" III I / (1 vArc,
Ao.'
My lliniH'xl MhIimiImv. '.' 'h'I Mum |i, Im lni'l, willi JiIh fiirfiils, millici' nil y
niiitiiiMl liiM |)laii, HI) III in liiiM ImhI'iihI iiiit'liiiir m Slii|iiiiHii'!< lioUl Anil.
Iin HHy«
" It in my ili'IrfM iniiril mil, nl |)i<<'<twil In |iiirf!ii(< t.hf (.li)C(l 'triKJiiv
'I'liiH MHH>)inj/. Ill ii'iilily, WHH (lio (fiiiiiriPiirpHieiil of til" ''Himl, u|tli<>ii|{li
Ml, M»>iriU rnloiH in \i mh f<p|lowN :
" A( IliK I 'liii^^iiii Siitnnlnv, iiolliiii)^ wiim wfledfd MuhI, of rrn-H liavn
iiMiKW niiiiilii 'I'liov luiiiKil. ((iiiiiiihIioikI liny fnofimiiH Ifryond tlifir 'luily
conrniiH. 'I'lii'y tiro roiiiriil of Kollll^ iiiiii>/i!iiiiy «vil, hihI do no*, dwrll on
tlio |iiililic ^ood. r Mill, and lio|in will lif, wine moiij^li rvi-i h> I»m nvtmo Ui
piiMii' iMi«>1iii>/M. Iliivn iiMVor ytii b«'»»ii iiiiy ^ood miw froni (li'in. WV
/niri', /loirri'i'r, tli'lrriniin'il iiii. Ituvinij llw {jrounil. Hiirri i/nl , ami i/itliiv/ ihr
lioiiih /niiti I'vrni fn'rumi firliii/ on thv rnnlv, i(r "
And ufl.i'r r<'voilin;Mii the luinilv imd iiiiHin»H?i diflinilticK w lncli Imd
|i|i>viuiih| V diM'l'liMl lilH 111 lout inn Cioin lliui oliiint, lie MuyH ;
" My mind i'l h<» wliully nc'riiincd, iimif with lMinin''hM Hiid worldly
iiiiitt.riM, iImiii divini^; iiiid I Ihimi^ miiIiIiiiio kIimh tliiil dritw iih nt'iii out Mak«'i,
irt oxrliidrd I piiiy, IriHiii" will I'CMHordfd irif in ^lln«ti||l«^, |o iiMviifj ifioi'i
Htiirdy (,o LliKiii iiiidllml I iiifiy r«'"'ivi' I ln' ono lliinjj; ii«M'd('iil W*i ' iirifiot
|MiHHilily. in lliin lioiildi-Knint' woiM, ciijoy ||m< lili'MHiii/'M ^.^ivn m-., v.illiout
t',\|)<>i ifMiriii^ mi;il'orliinr "
(til llii> '.''id iiC Ajiiil, Ik wiilif", Hiiyiii^, ■ Unit lie luiji In, in in Ni{if(»iiii
fur H wi>o!< " In. Ill llic Vlli, In llic liitli W'liilsf lnMc, 11 !• iil.j/ii|dion wu-
t>|u>ni'i|, Iji jili'd liy Ml 'I'lioniiiH ("hi k, for tin- |mii |#osc of iiii.<iiiig fiindK {«i
oiiiploy nil iiiM|||(Mr to tiiiiki I HiMvry of llu- niriiil lu.inci.iuU ly iiff< fwardn,
uol,wilJiHlundin>.( (lie I'l i;.,liiriii Ktiitn .(ftl.r rond.s, (ind j.'fin lidly, dim^i' «ttld»j
wcntlicr, wn liiifl liiin ul Mimk IhiIit, in ronrinino \\illi a Mr 'I il>! d*, .i
civil (•ii/^inri'f, who wah iIm'Ii mii v'^yiii',' u loiiln lor u cu,;!,! iiionnd lli<' I'uIIh,
nil till' SliitcM mkIi", (.If wlinli II rli'iiifi Ind liri-n |;il,rl\ ;i|ijiii''.d for, irom (.lui
lii'l^iHliidifo. Mr. Tililcls (oiild not Icii^n IiIh cii^iirriiif nt iiidil \\ic Ttli of
May, wlirii, (Inn, in <'oiii|i|iny v.itli Mr Miriilt, l;«* went ovrr liiK tout*',
iiiid iiiTiiii^i'd III)- |<ltiti, wliji li vMm Moil.i'd oiil., iitid iiintrd in I h<- Nia^'Miii
(/A'ff^cr wi(,Ii tin iiddrcHM to Imii l'io\ irici-K, .July liitli An iirtiiU- in i\i»-
wnno |ia|i('r, diil,i'(| A|nil i'Jtii, I ■'^l^.i, «»iyH:
" A siiKHcri|>tioii lias Ix-im n|ifiicd liiif al Hi- la^t mcihoiih. foi ()/»■ |njrp<rf<^
of raisiiiLj nioni'v for siiivcyin;; and takiii;,' tlm ]<vil of lln' land Ijint^ }<*•
Iwi'cii (lie < 'lii|)|nv\a liivi-r iind llic ti<jin.s(. t-lnarn l<;idiii^ into \,nkc
OiiUirio — ^witli a si<w of coniK-itiii'^' (hose wat<iH, tlat tli»:y may l>f'COin«
iiavii^'iililc foi' lioiitH. Wi' iiir li.'ipjiy to Hfc (lie nainiK of our most n+j^X'c-
lubli^ and inlliiiMitial inlialiilaiils at the licad of liio list, and (ruHt it will U)
libwnilly HU|»|ioi-t*'d. 'I'lii* nilmcripdon |iiij>t'i- viil la-W-ft with MrCrcKiks,
It is olivioiis a lioat uavigiitiun would lie iinuiiMliatidy idietU'd U'wt'«n [jike
54
Krin and l,jil<(» ()i\tari(>, i>\(v»pt Mm piU'h of tlio niounlnin, wliidi run I'o
oasily ascoiidiMl or doHCcnilcd l>y iiu'aiiH of railwavH, at a Hni:ill cnik-mmv In
a month or so, wo liopr (o pnhlisli (Iio irport, of (lio rni;ini>.M« on (liis in
tort^stino; sul)j<>ct."
'I'lio lioats m11ii<1(>(1 <o Ihm-o W(<n> of li;j;lit ilr.uiylit,. Tlio /uif/ranr, wh'wU
coasted tlu> lako, and willi wliii'Ii passajfos were inside l>y (lie rapids, on tlio
St. l,a\vrt>n<MV 'riio.:i< ,)„ (liat part of tlie I'lrie canal, now iinislied, (wliieli
wo see, Mr. l\l(\iritt (lion,i;lit afterwards to pureliase) were of ^li^lllly lar;.;er
dim<M»sions, ami a nil or tianiway liad l)een i>niU. by the oM l''i< neli (raderH,
at I/Owiston, a l)iiniln>d years previoiiH.
I li;\< he w;is entirely nnpossessed with (he idea of speculation, or a
desiro to enhaneo tho vaino of his own property, will he seen fiDni
the followinu; Ie(ter written to (he Hon. W. nieUson, a( NinLTaia, ami dated
ir)th of May in (lii:» year, n'la(ive to his jiroiualy. lots 17 and IS.
"^o^l have talion hack the lands of other p(<ople in Ihis plae<>, and have
oflen'd it (o (liein at nun-h less than tlH> oiinnal price. I hiivw paid to (ho
osl vl ' nearly ."?4,()0(), for property not. wortli the half of it. I will relin
quisl; (he land, two hoii.si»s, a liaiii and shed 1 have bniK, and pay yon the
ball . -e of the interest ttc."
t'u the ISth of May, he drew np a menuM-ial to Sir Peregrine Maitland,
on the finhject, whon>in hi^ shewnd his Excellency the many advanta;j;ea his
nnite possa><8ed over the one heniofore mentioned as havini; heen siirv(>yed
by Mr. C^liewitt. The (Jovonu)r was then livini,' at. Stamford Park, and
i\1r. Merritt handed his miMiiorial to Col. Cotlin, the Secretary, accoinpaniod
with a slioi-t ex|>lanatory note, wherein he says :
" I'aii'losed, ! |d.ici> in your hands a i'oni;h ontline t>f tln^ proposed canal,
from the month of the Twelvt* Milt> Creek to tlii^ I'iver Wclland, which will
ofleot The juncliitn of I.;ikes Miie and Ontario i>y boat navigation. ilavin^i;
been r(>pi'at(>dly ovt>r ev(>ry t'oot of ground on tlii> proposed rout<\ I shall l»t)
linpjn', at any time, to have fnrlher oommunioatiun with yonr Kxcellonry,
on this very important .snbjoct,"
On the iMth oC May. l.e aisi) viote to his old friend and eoni])anioa in
arms, Sir John Harvey, who was commander of the forces at Qnehoc,
stating his object and plans, and callini^his attention, in a military point of
■view, to the fact, that in case o\' another war with the I'nited States, tho
facilities it W()uld alford f'or the transjiortation of troopa and mnnitions of
war, between tho Lakes, and endin«]j as follows :
" ()ur commissioners wonld never survey or level tho ronte, alh>;:jing it
wad too near the frontier, — oonsonuently wo wore ol'iged to em])loy on©
oui"selve3, and endeavonr by similar exertions on onr [)art, to prevent the
States people fi»>m taking all the frontier for themselves. T can bring every
])art of this r )ute forcibly to yonr recollection. It commei\ces 1t> mil«^s >ip
the Chippewa, passes Do (\>w's, (the honse we retreated toon th(> first night
after wo weru beaten from Fort Oeorge,) and terminates at the Twelve Mil«
Ci-eek, (the placo our boats landed generally, during the war.) <tc."
Allhon!,'li Mf. ( 'liPwittH roiit'i wiis .mirviyi'd nndrr lliow pro! n'lilitioii,
li(\iii;; loniltxl HO fur iiiliiml, wh Uiiiik Mi". Mfriitt, nnver Inilicvol lliat in
caHf) of inviision, tlio^fdifiiiy ruiild fvcr hold tlui fiontior lon^ ••tunij^li t<>
Tiiako Jitiy iiraclinil hkc (if (lie rimnl iiiojcctnd hy liiiiiRtdf «h «'V«'|i(h in tli«
war Hliownd (liul. tJiw fi('(ni|iiil,ii,»ti df our noil \>y thu foo waH alvvnyn u Hoiirro
of iiiorti rofil iiiiKasiii 'hh to IJkmm tliiin to oi/rHclvcH. 'I'lioro vvnK iilso lUioMirr
Kl.iiinilfiiil. in tlio matter, iih Uio V,v\i' (Inniil was fiiHt approaoliin;^ ilH ronrm;
tioiiwil.il liio |,ak<', Ko tliat a fivoiualdi- opporl unity would iirc^Hciil, it^olf
to pxporifiircd conlraftorH and woiknuii wlio W(»idd lio tlicn out, of oinjdny
n)"iil, to coniM in iiii 1 iindorlako wurkn on oiii' canal, iia a Hul)HO(jiiMnt inn/or
of Mr. MtMritt's niwntioiiH,
At lliis liiiio LIm! (•Iicc^rin;^ nowH (to miitiy, wlu) liad waitod lonj^ anil
|ta.tii)nlJy,) was lii'iini, lJiat> tlin Utinoivcr f lonnrai Jiad powcnn from I/)rd
l'>atliurnt to draw lor X'<t<l,()t)() (d-r,, (owardn drfrayiri!:^ (Iio Iokhoh in tlio lato
war. Tlio an.4]iii'ioiiH nvinl wan liailod with Katinfaotion, iw many of tho
jifoplo liad huiflVriiil Rcv^rcly in liiat. ntru^j^h'. Major MctrittH Iohsch alono
won* ostinial.od n.l,llio lar;,'cHiim of.l'l.o^* I , of which, with otherH, hcrecoivod
nl)otit oiio fomlli.
1 1 must not 1k' suppon-d that th(! time licforo tho oporiin^ of tho l;«if^H
lature was pasm'd in idloncsB, as we, know that a luimltoi' of important
affairs in coniifction with tlio cause required his unrcmittiiif^ attention.
Thus WH (Ind tho editor of the (,'b'atirr dehiye*! the notice of the meetinj^ hfild
at Heaver Dams until the day it was to \)i- lield, viz: 'JHtli .Tuiir, and ac
coinjianied the same with some, romarks in favour of tht; Nia;.;ara, or rather,
tho Qneoiislon route, which were calcvdated to «auHo 1dm Kome uneasiiiRfw,
lest liy a conflict of l(i<'al jcHlonKii-s entirely foroi;:jn t,o the main object, ihn
affair t-houM have fallen throu</li. TIk! article in <pM!Stion ^^avo riso to
nnotli(>r from Mr. Merritt, and is the, fiist hearing,' Ids si;,'nature, dated oth
of July; and after ,','oinfj; over the arguments in favour of tho route t]irou;.h
the 1'welve Mih* Creek, ho Miys :
" Wo aio confiih nt no private coTiipany can complete a canal on any
other I'out'-, the same method, viz: a private snrv<?y is open to examination.
If you will show us a better one hetween thi.s time and the noxt stission of
Parliament. tLe samn coni|>any we aro now endeavouring to form, will join
you. Until tliis is done, do not prejudice our exertions, <tc."
Thus it will 1)0 seen, that although lie M'as, as we hare Khewn, firmly
impressed with the idea of his own jtrojection boinp tlio shortest, cheajjcst,
and most feasihle, (which subsequent result.^ liavo fully liorne out,) —yet,
being thoroughly convinced of the urgent nocossity of a canal in any fonn,
between tho lakes, we find that he, Booner than have none, is ■willing to re-
linquish the credit justly due to him, in order that tho country at large
might be benefitted. And we think, in expressing himself as he did on the
occasion, that he shewed a ypirit of <lisinterostednc88 which few men would
it
I
.1
iil
i!
56
liHve thousht of, aftfr tho ciicumstjinces recounted in tlio earlier pageH of
this memoir. It ia an oiwy task for men to suggest iinprovements and d«-
vise Hcliemes when ilio preliminary parts of the work are laid before them,
but we always find that innovators and critioB are tlie first to shrink from
tho dinienlties wliicli surround the bold man who proposes any new idea,
with the perspicuity, and we may almost say the spirit of prophecy that
possessed our subject at this time. And although we might fill a few pages
in describing tho local jealousies and petty troubles wliich should have li»en
forgotten in the one grand national object, we think it better to refrain from
noticing the ridiculous attempts to thwart liis endeavours at this critical
time, and will therefore pursue the narrative as it goes.
On the *J8tli of Juno, a meeting of the residents, called by an advertise-
ment in The GUamer, a week previous, was held at MctUolland's, at the
BcAver Dams. It was patronized by only two gentlemen from the frontier,
Me^rs. Clark and Dickson. On tho motion of Mr. Woodruf!', Mr. Merritt
wajs appointed (heir :'-gent, to carry out their j»lanR. Mr. (Jeorge Keefer
waa chairman of the meeting.
ifune 28th. — An juhlress w;is pre^sonted by Mr. Merritt, which was
swjcopted ; and it, with Mr. Tibbet's leport, was ordered to be printed and
circ\date(l as generally as possible. As for exjienses, Mr. Merritt had to bear
all. The small meeting, though attended by wealthy men, contributed
nothing. The documents were accompanied by a note ; —
"Hoping you will insert it in your jmper gratis ; and any favourablo
remark you may mako will bo duly appieciatod, etc."
(Signed,) "W. H. Meruitt, Agent."
The object of this address is plainly stated, also that the six months
notice, for the incorj)oration was advertised, noticing that tho engineering
facilities fur our route, so long advocated, was now confirmed by a professional
engineer.
"The extraordinary exertions wliicli our neij,:hbours liave made for the
improvement of their country, point out to tlio.so wJio wish well to us,
the necessity which exists for similar exertions — foi", unless eome efTort-s
le steadily resoi-ted to, we must lose our trade."
"The prairie country of the far west not yet being settled.
" It is a melancholy subject to reflect upon — the immense tracts of fine
timl)ered hind, which, for want of facilities, aie at present wholly unpro-
<luctive. From this circumstance, much of their hewn timber, staves, and
other descriptions of lumber, although in constant demand at Quebec, for tho
supply of our West Indian colonies, are not forthcoming."
Aft«4' this, he notices the favourable state of the soil and climate for
ftgricidture, but to render this valuable, he liranches out :
"It i.s necessaiy to the farmer that he .shi)>dd po.«isess the means, not
only of shipment, but of converting his produce into a fit state for uee.
Mesjiis. Clark ii. Street's mill at the Falls, from Long I'oint, on the shorefl of
67
l>ako Erio, rouinl to Dundaw. fit tho iipppr end of I.ako <)nt.aii<>, (and hr
nii^ht }iiiV(« cxU'iidcd it to an illiinitiililf distiinop tlicncr,) is t!ic cnly mill
|K)BH«)H8ing laciliticH to carry on a iinircliarital)le bnsintKB. "
]Io lets tlio Canadian public know, liowovor, " If a snfficient dc^o*^ of
jniblic spirit should not bt; found in tlie two Provinces, to conijiiete so great
and noble an object, others will be appealetl to."
Wliilo writing bin scliemo to Governors and Commanders, he correapondw
with his old business agent in Montreal, to whicli this is the answer :
" I ai.i most happy indeed to learn that the canal from the " Twelve "
to Chippewa, as laid down l)y you, is at length likfdy to take eire(!t so soon.
The undertaking is trifling indeed compared with tlie results, wliich, in my
opinion, may be looked for from suidi a work. I have^very littl»( doubt that
such a scheme would meet with liberal support in the way of taking up
stock from the inhabitants here — and 1 shall certainly feel gratified in
lending it every assistance in my power. (jEOROE Davis."
On the 4th of July a practical meeting was held at St. Catharines,
and a petition was drawn up for pre.sentatioii to tho Legislatuie, for
an act to form a ('on)j)any with i)owerH to cut and build a canalj
after Mr. Merritt's projection.
On the 17th of July, Mr. Merritt was instructed to visit Lockport, and
examine tho works on the Krie Canal, and obtain information, Ac. In his
diary at this time, he expre.'-Res his admiratimi of the energy of the jieople iu
pushing this great work ahead, ami almost enthusiastically exclaims ;
" An enterprising people can efVect wonders ! "
llio following extracts relating to his journey and general impresHions
will also be found interesting: —
"18th July to '27th, no stir in fjewiston, or appearam^e of business.
"19th. — lj<'l"t, for Jiockport. A.s rough a road as can well be travelled;
i)roke a waggon bolt. Jjockport bids fair to become! a large and llourishing
city. Tho e.-mal pi-ogresses as fast as it can, from tho slow progress of
blasting the rock. Mr. Roberts, the head engineer, gave me a<'ertiliicateof
etiiciency for Mr. Tib'.)its. Observe no intemperance, and much cordiality,
directions given in a mild unassuming manner.
" Ixjft for lloohestor in stage; arrived at 1 o'clock.
"Monday tJlst entered on board Montezuma packut, made a minute sur-
vey of freight Itoat, »l'c.
"Tharo is no impediment whatever in our plan ; the com-.se of this canal
and all f have CLnvorsed with confirms me iu this opinion ; an advantage
will be derived for l.egining early, as many of the contractxjra being out of
work will have all theii' trxjls on haml and prepared to commence immediately;
the boats on this ininal will be ready to pass over, and with the lciA.st enter-
prise we will do tho greatest part of tho buainess. Tho St. liawronce is the
natural outlet for iheir staple produce; every merchant in (Jenesee County
now send their ashes to Montreal, itc. Mrmo.- " See Mr. Tibbits, or head
engineer, about jiice per yard for excavating, ttc."
58
Tl»o ciroular ulliiilt'I to was ordcrod to hi> sent to ;ihiiost <>vorv jhmhoii of
inlliu'iirc ill tho I'rov iiicf, aii'l to every Post-inn.stPr, witli Mi. Tildtit's rojKji t
on tho ciuml. Sulisciiptiou lists were also Kent, with an appeal b&Hod <»n
patriotic trroiiiids, re<|uestiii^ tlie |)arlieH (o he.eoine ai^'eiits townnls the enter
Jirisrt. 'J'hey wero iil^o went to l,(jwer ( 'aiiiida ; and notices (n Mr. (leori^n
Davis, of Montreal, as being the aj:jont for that Provinee. So. we lind that
durinjif this period, he had written llie ononnonsly l:irj,'e ii\imher of oii'- thou
amid hitters on the suhjeet of th(> e.in.il. .\iid, as various articles from his
pen appear from tinn^ (o time in Tin' (r'/raiirr, with tlu^ circulars and fitlier
niattcis alUided (o, all slunv (hat the pi'oject was then fully committed to
tho pul>lic attention and crilicism.
After his i-etiiiii from visitiii',' the works on the Krie Canal, and attcndiiifj
for a time to hi.s private all'air.s. we iitid him visitin,i; Niagaia, tlie county
KCat and local capital, on legal Itusim^ss, on or about th>' 10th of September,
and tlie usual advertising notices in reference to the eaiial rcappeai-s in 77ie
(ll'dinr. lie then lca\es f>i' ^'ork. for tlie purpoNe, wp pre.>^iimi\ of att<'nding
to the time honoured custom of "lobbying" (ho (raiial bill through tho
House ; as, pn viously, we find that he was very anxious, and not without
some misgivings as to tho action of the A8.semiily on the bill.
Four days after the opening of ParliauKint, Mrs. Morritt wrltoH, IfHh
November ;
"11 set out ti-day f->r York, on the canal business. Jle is de
birous to do all he possibly can, Ac."
On tho 1 Itii of November, 1S'J3, the Parlinment oponoil. and the Ciover-
nor. Sir P. MrJtland, in his speeeh, told the House that many important
measures rclativ;> to internal imimivenn'nts would be brought forward, tto.
(hi th« U»th day of January, 1824, the Act j.assed. incorporalitig
Messrs. (iPorge Keet'er, Thomas Merritt. (Jeorgo Adams, William Chisholin,
Joseph Stnitli, Pan! Sli'pma!i, ]iA\\\ l">ecew. William Hamilton MeiaiH, and
others, as a c ompa'iy Lobe known as liie •' \\'ella'id Canal (Vimpany," with
a capital of /!i/7;/ ilioiisawl poioi Is, divide;! into shares of £1.!. 10 each, Ac.
Very little op|>osition was ollered to the bill, as UKist intelligent men now
saw the noi'essity of somo bettei- means of communication across the ponin
sula ; anil the luci 1 mannei' in which our subject explained his project con-
viuced most men of its prac ii-abilitv.
On the 1st of January, 1 S24, in a long letter to the editor of 7Vw Ol^nner,
he notices the pa.ssago of tli' bill through b(jth Houses, and ends by comj)li-
inenting Niagara harbour f.ir a terminus.
On the llth of iFanuary, h« writes to Doctor Proadorgast :
"There are some important measures taking jtlace in this country, in
which T am likely to be an actor ; ami am tlierefoie anxioua to see you, to
profit by your advice, Ac."
1 5tb
de-
Aii'l nft'r cift.iiliiij; liis idpMS on tin- "<!»'P[i <'iit " rontK, lio hi\m :
" Tlioro Ih to lift Hn(itli«-r rut to tin- (liiiiid l{iv<r, wliii li will oprn Uio
wliolo wcstfiii country at once. A'C. ''"^ * W'f iiittiud Hcndin;,' an
ii<,'fnt to MontiBiil sliortly."
Tlio mind of our siihjcct was now pariiiilly rcliovcMl, and his imxt olijoct
wftH to iiwlui't! capitaliitH to tako up tli" stork, an an'aii- wliirdi wa« not
acconiplis^K'd without nn rnoi iiious anionnt. of h.ud work i>u>\ piinsuasion ;
an tho Kccrct lay in the fa<t of" llii> pipvcrty of thn npp<^r country, aftt>r tho
tryin;,' linancial crisis thoy had undcr^jono. I'Vw in the I.owcr Provinco had
bulllciont surplus funds to invest in what nii;j;lit |)Ossildy 1)(> an un]irofif,aMo
hpi'cuhitinn. Mr. Merritt was well awjiro of these t!iin;,'s, iirid theicforo in-
Kteftd of iinniodiately invitin;^ capitalists to cnnio forward, he puhlished tb«
comprehensive article alreedy noticed, minutely descrihiiij^ tin; wliolo
ftOkir, its prospects, difriculticH Ac; in fa<t jilacin;,' the inatter in ko jila'n a
li<,dit that the most uneducated ctadd uniler.>taii<l th" (piestien. This was
woU circulated thiough the (i/''iiiiir, and (jIIk rv. ise, ;,nd cauKc d tlie (picstiou
to be discussed from ovory point of view.
On the .'{0th of January, I'^lil, a larire ami iidliicntiid mfctinj,' wns Indd
in Nia;,'ara, ami a committee of seven was furnied ituler the power (^f tho
Act, who were to ox(>rt themselves in their various localities to obtain sub-
scril)ers for tho slock. A rosolutioji was also passed, author i/in;.,' Mr. M(m--
ritt to proceed to Lower Canada, and induce tie int'^rests of Montreal and
Quebec to oo operate. The meetinj^ sejtarat('<l in harmony, a cinumstanoo
Mr. Morritt hardly e.xpocted ; as already lo'al j'-alousies were ciopping out
which altiiou<,di ]iremat'irc, were to be foared at this •imo.
Mrs. Merritt writes to her friends ; —
"St. ratharines, Jan. 10, 1824.
* * * " If.'imilton is so much taken up with his i.'re!it e.ina,!
scheme, that lie cannot yo at jtreseni,, t!i(<u Ji he snys he s!io\dd bo jdejised
to do so, and I will not ^'o witliout him. He I; !,'ettin'4 over head and cars
in public business, as if he hail not enouj,di of his own to attend to. It
app(>ars he has lieen writing a hjiiL,' jiiece in the (Ih-.tmr about the eana'.
and will soon have to jjo ami attend putilic mRetin.(s, et-. There is talk of
sendiu'^' him U) tho I e;rislature ne.xt s(!ssion. All the talk is about the canal.
I have wiitten this h'tter while a Canal Commissioner was talkim^ to nio ;
for we were both in a hurry, ho expectim,' Ifanulton's comint;, and I expf)ct
injj the post, lie is just in fro?n Nia^rara. where he says the people are
encpiirini,' ' if this route was practicable.' Oh, says he, ' Ye mu.st subscribe
liberally, it will be the making of your country.' They say ' Yos, if you
vnll/iWh it to Niagara."'
On tho 8th of Ft^bruary, Mr. Merritt and family exporionoed a moat
melancholy and lieart-rending shock. Mrs. Clordon, liis eldest sister, and
her daughter, aj^ed l.'> years, in company with a Miss Stephens, were cnxw-
' t
m
illUIW
CO
ing in tho f»<rry fnuii Qiioonsdm to l-owiMtnn, wIkmi a liir;;» pinrn nf llontin^'
ice wii.'i ilrivtM) hv liit^ (ovfv of IIk^ t.'\iri(-iit it/^aiiisl llm lioiit, (■ii|mi/.iii;r it, liiiii
throwiii;^ tilt* IiuHhk uikI f«'rn ii\im iiilo dm ni|iiil rivn ; (lii-y iiiami>,'i*<i to
cling (4) it us |()nfi( as tiicy cmild, Imt MisM SlitpliouM uuii tlio cliiM himhi
Hank, iiKvrr <(• In' Ncni iigaiii. A hcow |iasNiii;,' ni {ho time (nok oH' MrH.
Utirdon ami tli«> man, whuiii (hov t'onvryi'il to tin- shorr ; ami alllioiiL;li mndi-
cul assistaniv^ waH proniptly iit luind, Mi'h. (!. f>x|)in>d, throu^li cold and itx-
liAiiHtion, Imt tlic man rocovi'iod. Ilrr hody was convoytMl to St. (-allia
lincK, for intfiiniMit in the family Imrial iilac««. SIio waH i'. Ii«r .'K<rd yt'iir,
Hiid lici' I0S.S wan ko«>nly felt, not only l)y Ium' disconsolatn IniHliand, who
wiw diiv«Mi almo.st to dislraction, Imt by tlic Nnudl c'onim>inity who Indd
hor in liij;h ostrom for hor many nobh* i|ualilicalionH.
StM)n aftorwardH ourhnltjtvt went to York, on liiK way to Qnol«H\ Thcire
ho met with his first cnfonraponnMit l>y the lloi\. ,1. 11, iMinn, llet-fivor
ttonernl, proniising to take stoi-k in tho canal, and also aj^'iooinj^ t<» aciHipt
the |>r«'sid«>noy of tho nt'w comiiany. I'l-oniiscH won- also nuuhs liy Mi". Ito-
I'inson, aftorwanls ("hit'f J uslioc, and many others of inllvH-ni'tv llo thon
UK)V(\d t>jistward l>y stago, stopping; at every plaee and calling on th<^ leading
nuMi, explaining his project, leaving his hooks iin<l eiivnlars, and invariably
gettinjj fail- promises iVom all. At Kinystim ho had an interview with
M(>«si"8. Ilagannan, Markland it MeAnley.and also with Commodore Harry;
In (Jananoqne he sn.v the McDonalds, who had large mill.H ihvro ; in Proii-
rott he left circnhtrs with rwlhi I'lint, K»i\.; from tlntnco hi> travelled in a
Ktjige sleigh to Cornwall, and afteiwards in a carioh^ to Montreal a long
and dreary journey, rendered worse by beiii;; don(^ in mid-winter ; and yet
ho had really not received an actual subscription on tho route. Althongii
promises were })lenty, thev all acted with cantion. In Montreal, lu! stop})od
ftt the Kxcliange Motel, and innno>liately called a !m'eting of the morchaniM,
pave lK>oks and papers to Messrs. Uat^'s & Davis, who underlt>uk to cunviuw
tho city.
Oiiriug the whole of this journey ho was very careful to keep Ids friends
adriiJed of his proceedings One of his letters to Mr.«. Merritt, written from
Quebec, the furthest point «»f his niLssion, is here iuserted, und will afford a
fauiple of idl the rest :
"Quebec, March 14, 1824.
" T cannot say T am any nearer the day of dcp:irture than before ; by what I
pee, it appears necessary I should remain until 1 get all the stock taken up that
is to be exjtected from this place. They will do nothing after I leave, and it
would bo rather foreign to leave tlie business half done, now I am on the sp«jt,
1 have the satisfaction to say that I will succeed in my object, although it is
►low. hard work: everybody wishes the undertaking well, but when it coiuea to
the needfull, they keep their hands from paper. The business was tuken up
f)I
wnniilv 1»,V "'.V "I'l riictnl, llio I |oii»iral»lo .Iiuihm Irvm , lin i«tlni only (^'ctitloim'n
lliiil I lifivc yil. iiirl with, tliiil lias HU|i|i()rlrc| mr in llm liiiMinit.'iH hh tlii'jr mii^lit
to li.ivo dune."
"W II. MiKIUTT."
On ilio 4tli of M;irrli lio nnivml lil TliroM IJivwiM, ami llii'iico to (.^nolmo.
MiTi> Ihi wiiH i'oc*<i\i<i| in tlic kiiidi^hl miinnci llr ullcn<l«)i| llic iiroru^fil.jon
of riirli.'inicnt., utnl iIuhmI witli Mr. Iivimv lie Ii;ul n\\ intftvicw willi llio
CliiiiriiiiUi <if llio lii)ui'<l (if Tiwl*", wliii ciillcl n, nioolin^' to liKl«<n to IiIh vIowm.
Ilo iiImo |uiiil lii« ruHports lo l,<ii(l I )alliii'n.ic, tin' < luvci tioj-. 'I'lic fullowini»
(liiy tli« iii(<«Liiij( wiiM lii'lij, liniii;^ iildy o|iimh«<| \<y lint lion Mr. Irvinn , arnJ
tlw firtt llnnuintil ;iri(///i/'< win Hulisriil»( .1. In C^ntlnc Mr Mi-rril.t nuulo a
iiiiml ;:i of good frirnnln, wlmli aflriwiirds piivrd tlni way loi furtln-r hijc
(»n till' .^niH'' dav, li'> tidln tis "lii« iitt<Midcd (dnin-li, ;ind liiaid uii <x<'m|
li'iil srrrnnii iVofn l)r Mill,';." In nil I'i.s intinontiidu un inviirialdy fiinl
wliivt tdinrcli lir uUcnd' d nii IIk- Snldiat.li <lays, (In- i,iiii,i' of (})•■ minislcr. .V(v;
S.I tliJiL alMioiiLjIi liu ::ily (iii;;i;;id i'l svork.'i nf i^'ciim.d ul,ili!,y, \w wu.s nuvor
iMiniimlfwl of tlio lioina;^<i dnc to liin < 'nalor, I liron^jli wIhls'* fiiNonr aji no
lid ii<'kno\vl<'d;^<'s huccjish to Im poHsildo.
On tilt' Killi Iio ridicd on l,ord I >,illio\i.Hi(i H}'ain, wli<i Kcrivid Idm witJi
rv(>rv hindln«HH ; aino promising' to hrin;,' Inn H(lnnic lifloKi ilc ll-imo ao-
(lioritica, nH 11 is I'^ctdlrncy was very favoiiraljly iniprcHud willi Mr. Mor
ritt'H idnaH. Utrn Im> ;4ot a fiioular |<rint('c| in I'roiicli, U>r tin; liciicdt of
tlio.so Canadians who did not ninlcrsland our laiijj;ua;,'<', liopin;^ to int(!r^^Kt
tht'ni nnioji;; tlu^ rwt in thn opening oi a wator pa,sKaf,'n to th«* Frumdi ('una
diali SI ttlonientH op|)OHit«i Dotroit.
Ilo then Inft for Montreal, wlnwo ii<^ foniiii \*-\\ ]ittl<> had tpi-cn dunr' in
his alisonctv On tlif 2(1111 In- returned Ity way of New WurV State, callin;,'
at Troy for i\w pnrpoH • of Kccin;^ |)o Witt (Minton. thn ori^dnatoi' of tho
MridCanrtl. Thc! pxpt-nsfw of tho ronnd triji am ro about y\M). JlMoon
sidorcd the journey a ,sui!<'c.ssful one, as he lu-d <^ni ,^5(),()()0 Huljsorihwl
towards tlio work; and now felt so .san;,'uine of ultimate success, that he in.
s^^rt^'d an advertisement in tho paper, s^atinj,' that Mr. Clowes, the Kngino(<r,
was then cinployod in taking Wnels of the route, so that any peracni desi-
nius of oontraetini^' for the work could exanune tlie groun<l prior to tlio loth
May. when lit* supposed tho Company would lie, in a position (o reoeivo
proposals, as he was an. kIuus to commence work on the W'elland Canal iin
noon as possible.
On the IDtli of May following:;, the adj()urn"d meeting' was held at
Niagara for the election of directors under thn Act. All were present except
Mr. Dunn. They decidcil to postpone their operation.s until the entire
sto<.'k was suhsci-ibed for, and estimates j;iven of the whole route, that of tbo
, I
(>2
(irAiid Kivnr inoluiiod. Iti ronniutntiii^ on tlioso piuomHlingH, The dUaiirr of
May 2'Jntl khvh ; ** This ia an it ou^lit to \m."
Oil till! iJtli of Juiit), a inoctiti^ of tlio DiroctoiN \vii,s Iwld in Slii|iinaii'N
Ilotv^l, St. CjitliiirinPs, when (l('(ir;,'o Kcrl'iT, of 'riiorolil. was t'lpclod I'nmi-
doiit, iuHti'sid of tlio Hon. il. II. Diiiiii, wlio.so dutittH iit |ii'('8<>iit a.s lici^piviM-
(■(UUTul did not jicnnit liiin to dt-voto tlio ntvtvs.smy tinu* to tin< pniti'ipriho.
In.hdy, tlio Mossix Clowes, from a new niiivey,jL,'iivo in llicir ii-port of tlif^
routo, and probaldi! cxpondittiro. Land owncr.s alon^ tlio lino wen- appoulod
to for frco j^iants of tlio land n)(|uired, as was tlio »!a.so on llm I'liio (;anal.
In August, tliof^iMitual olprtion occupiod tlioir attontion livci candidates
Wini; in tlio fiold for Lincoln. Col. Jolm Clmk, of I,ontli, icccivod tlio
inoHt votes for Ids Uidiii;^, lio being niuro rcspcctod and popui.ii tlmn nnv
of tho others.
An (m;i of tjcncral hopo and |irospi'rily .si i«iiin| to iiuvo lio;^'ni\, and tlio
nuccHsitics of coniiniMvo rcj^aincd ; ns Ili(« nH)sL evident sij^us i>f activity was
witncsseil on t>very hand. 'I'lie count ly w;is rapidly elemiiii; up -new hou.ses
liein^ linilt, new di'-tric's op.'iicil for s"MI leini-iil,. 300 vessf.-Is had IrfL
Quebec for JJritish and forei;;?i ports; and in this y<'iu- tlu; larj;est vessel in
the world was succo.s,sfulIy l,niii(lieil in tiiat city her diinonaioiis beiivir .*{()(>
ft. lonj,', fiO ft. wide, I'D ft. deep. ;uid drawing '20 ft. of water when loaded.
She was iiained C^nhiiiihuK, ami was cap«liIo of carrying i<,(lOO (mis of timber.
X few Kiiglish Members of rHilianient vihited the i-onntry this year, on
ft tonr of observation. They wore- Mr. Wortley, Hon. Mr. Stanley, and
Mr. Dennison— -alHnfluential men in Kngland.
Mr. Morritt was kept busy with the salt and other works, as well ;is Hr.
Chase, in tho store. Somo of Lis friends had wished him to oiler him.self for
Parliament, but ho respectfully ileclined, thinking lie had enough on his
hands at that tinu* to keep liim occupied.
A .stiiamer wa.s building it Black Rock in anticipation of wulir comniuni
cation v.ith the lower lakes.
In family aiTair.s lie iiionlio:is hisciliildri n as urow Ing.
Mr. (rordoii had ercci,ed a nice iiionuuieut to t,ho iiiomor} oi" Lis Jute wifii
and daughter, and Miss Stephens.
So far, all a]>i>Iicalions t'oi- t.he lu'ces^arv cnpilal to imiM the canal was
made only to tho Canadian people, but as we have seen that the money of-
fered at homo boro but a small proportion towards the amount refjuirod, a
mooting of the Canal Bo;ird was convened on tho 0th of S'^jilember, and it
was doomed advisable to exteud th«ir operations to wealthier commuuities
outside. Under these circumstances an appropriation was made, and Mr.
Morritt was rofiuested to go to New V'ork, then as now tho great money
coutro of Amerie^a. If e left on the 17th and arrived there on the 24th,
having made what was then consivleroil a lomarkably <piick trip.
c,:\
on his
IH.1 was
i)\w.y of-
linnl, n
and it
lunitit'H
iul Mr.
mont y
In Nfw \'..ik W(( find tliM minm cnor^^y diHjiliiyod by our Hiilijoct, nfl ho
HUOWMMlcd in intcrostini,' il. 1>. YiiteH, Kh(|., in tli« prcijrct, 'I'liiit ;,'<intl«)inan
wiiu ufUw'Wiii'dH littciinir a warm HU|>|)(ni<T «>f tlm ciinsc, imiiK'diiitfly tiikinir '
up 1?'5(), ()()(» woitli i»r tlin Htdck, us well iiH Mr. AM'icd llovoy, who took
$10,0(10 worth.
Tho editor of tlio Xitin Yurh Spvclator, ihm un inlhicniiai ni^whjuipnr,
»ftrr calling attention to Mr. Mrrritt'» iiroHcnt'o tht-ri', noliring reports from
Canadiiin iiapcTS for tlio paHtycur, A'c, HayH;
" 'I'ho phmsanfl piH)ti'cH we have at Icn^'th Hfrn. .*rin,OnO whm Hiil>H('ril't«(l
in this city nn Satnrday last. We (ton;;ralulatn o\ir iViend.s in that conntry
on tho prospect of iMiprovonientH liefoie them, 'i'lie whole Hcheme or projnet
iip|>ears well di'si','n()i|, and Ii.-im he.en carriecl on with a dcpi'c i»f fn< ij/y ipiitn
iinusn.'d in that ^country, and we sincerely wi.sh it may lio cariicd on witli
the name spirit until oompleted."
Also notices tlu! nioetin;; to Ikj Ik Id at I'tii-a (Hi thp L'Olh, and
ll>M luster (lU \\w 'J;5rd, ile.
After what ho ealls .v " iiinst .sni-'eensrul minHJon {.%y heyinl his «'Xpec-
talion.s," li-' nlniiiijd on the l.Sth (if October, Cuming by way of Clia'.aufpm,
where Mrs, Merritt was staying dnriii;^ her eonlirienn^nt. Owing to this,
and having to meet with coritriictors. tV\, he was delayod longer than ho ex-
pectisd, and dtM(ply rogrotteii not being honir ii. titno to fussist in the removal
of the remains of thf^ heroii^ Jirock U) the moiuiment croetod on tiueonston
Ifeights, by and at theexpeusp of a grateful ))eoj»lo.
On the ir)th of Novend)er, cimtr.icts were taken by resjionsildo men for
comph'ting the canal from the I'hippewa to tho eiitcanec? of the Twelvo Milo
('reek ; and ou tho .'{0th day of Novemlier, IN.M, an interesting gathering
ef about *J00 persons, took place at a flat near the head of one of the branche.'i
of the " Twelve," for the jiurposc of witnessing the important < ( rcumny of
" 'I'lirning the first sod of the WeUand Canal." The ojit>rations were under
the directions of Mr. Hall, and Mr. Clowes the engineer.
•Mr. Mertitt niade tl'o following speech on the occasion, which liettrr
explains the nianagenieia of the enterprise than any matter at our ili.spo.sul r
"Having l)een appointed an agent by the President and Diroctor.H of tho
VV'clland (..'anal Company to manage tlm affairs for the time being, they have
honored nie with nn opiiurtnnity of acldrerfiing yon at this time, and J as.snre
you that nothing could atiurd me great':- satisfaction, was J not con.sciou.s,
from want of ability, and not being ii tho habit of public speaking, I sJiall
fall far short of (hiing common Justice to the occasion. We an; a.sscmblcd
here this day for tho [)urpose of removing the tir.st ei>rth from a canal which
will, with the least, and !)>' the shortest distance, connect the greatest extent
of inland waters, in the whole world; and it gives mo peculiar ])!easuro to
find the line of this canal has Vieen located in this neighborhood, the inhab-
itants of which have turned out on nil occasions with a zeal and alacrity
worthy of the undertaking. Their homes have been open at all times, and i,>
t
wiM'o ;iwiiro <it' llio iiiiiural lacilitios of tlie i.)iiti\ tlio Hiiiinlr (act (if tiiiil.iii;^ so
yi'iit ;iii cxlciit of wtttrrs nt so Iritliii.,' ,'iii <^\|M>ns<* would lie u Hiillicictit iii
6i
iJicir jH>it<i>iial o\o!tio;iH we an< ^Tciitly iiKlobUid for i(,H Hpoody noiritiionco
inonl,. ^'oll iirn now. i^cntloiucii, jilioiil icM-oivini.; (lie jiiwl, and woll rrmril.od
rewinds for your liin»* .'ind lin.s|iilalit y. Tliti lirs(, !it(,(iin|it lliHl was tiimlo to
lovdl iluH routo wius in |H|,H. A nuHitin^ was liold at. tlio Horivnr Divtns, a
|da.ii diawM out., and a pclilion Hciit to tlio li<<;^i;daluro, pMjUf.sliug tlmj
would KiMid all oii;,nii(vr to ft,\|p|oin tin* I'outo. Ilsadvaiila;j;('.s wtMd not at that
linio fully roni|iroli(Mid(Ml, and our r(U|un.st was not atttwidiMJ to.
In ISIS tli(> L«Vr,''^lii'"'''' i'l'l"'*^!"'"''*'"''' "■"'"" <>' "i'»H('y tocxpioro tluM'ountry
hctwccn liakoH lOrio and ( >idaiio. ('oniini.ssioiuTH wi^ro a|>|ioint(Ml, to wliom
w»> a|i|ili('d, stilt iu;j; tlio natural a<lvanta^('H oftlic route, and r(i(|u<vst(id it
HJiould 1)0 oxpl.M'oil, 'I'liry considered it too invir (lio iVontier, and wo woro
ayain disa|i|"oiiited; I S I'.t. Ilavint; taileil in our applieatiotis. we were seiisililo
if wo did not make une of jjreat personal exertion we could iievi'r Krini,' tlio
«ul)jeet properly liefoni t!ie pulilic. We wer(( fully aware of tlie supjioHod
ina>;nitude of the iindertakiiii; ; we were Hensilije that the jicr.sonal inliireHt
of the capita!, ami taliMit of tlu^ <iistiict were a^'aiiist lis, and that we had
no co-operatit>ii to (^x[>eet from them, which tlio result fully proved. Kvery
attempt li.'is hreii mad(> to ijet thi.s |)roj ct taken ii]> hy ahle h.iiids, hut not
one individual in the pf(uin(H> of extensive capital, or in any hii^h ollicial
stat.ioii li.i.> I'.lveii it. til.' hM.-.t assistanre. e\v',eptiii,!4 tlm lion, dolm II. |)unn.
He came forward at an early day, and haa i;iv(Mi us his steady and w.irmest
support. At I he same time we wore conscious it' disinteresied eapilalist.s
le simple fact (
<* would lie a
du.-*(Miient. t"or them to endiark in it. We thcrolore deterniiiied to depend
on otiiors no lo!iif«r, Imt apply our own slmulder.s to the wheel, and not
ahout it in ^ood earnest. A siih.scription j>ap -r was m;;dc out at the April
■U'ssioii, I'^^J.'J, a small sum of money raised, an enj^ie^i-r employed, and a
roport of the saiiio laid before the puMic mi tin lOlh of May. An
Act of incorpuniti(Ui was olttaincd at the next sittini,' of the l.e^'islature in
Kehrii.iry IS'JI. Suhscriptions were made at Quebiic and this place in May
followinij to the amount of near '$5t),t)(ll). It waBo-.ir intention at that tiino
to follow it up imm(>dialely. and commence the work at this point in Juno
hust. However, as some gentlemen in this Di.stricl, who where wholly itiiH
informed ro.sp»>etitii( th-- situation of the route, thou.ht proper to write be
low, stiiliiii; the whole scheme to be entirely visionarv, and w(»uld most
pn biibly result in a total loss to t.lip siiliHcrilierH, we wore under the nooossity
I uispendimj; ojierations until survey.s and reports w«(ro obtained by diller
lilt OKgineers; which have already been published, and have given |iorfoct
satiafacti./ii. We tlimi sent to New York and obtained the aid rerpiired
to cover tii>', tirst estimates, and h.ive iiov/ )>iit this part of thi? line under
caiitract, as was the original design. Wo have had diiricuUies and prejiidice.s
to contend with, but not as many as were apprehended ; and taking every
tliiii!,' into ■.•"nsiderati(m, wo have commenced as soon as could reasonably
be expeotoil. A report having been roeently circulated that the stockholderH
in t^>uebec refuse to juiy the amount of their subscriptions, we })eg leave to
read an extract of .a p.iper rccived from the ('oiu'.tittee in (Jueliec, through
our agents, ]\Ios.sra. Irvine, McNougi t ik (Jo., mldreHsod to the President,
(Jworge Keefer l']s<). ;- - " Sir, at a general meeting of the Sl.()ckh<jldorrt
resident in the Di.st'ict of tjiiobec, held on Monday la.st, the reports, letter
and documents received from vou and Mr. Merritt wero submitted, and tho
f.f.
wliolo l^)^v*^;;;rl>i^,t aati'<f!i'!l ion. Tln' ^''iior.i! moctiii;;^ Im vinf» fvorj coiifulnurA
ill tint jud.i^riMUi'. (liHcnitifiii, aii'l prii'lcut iiMii;i;,'(!r(n'iil of ifn; I hiwtotT: in
n )iiilui:iiii;? tlif! /;()ii()r;il coiicftrJiH of tli"> VVfilliunl (!;miil ( !i)iri(>;iny, hh woll m
in 111") (vvtiiMinical cxiK'ndilin'c of (In- fiiii'ls coiiliflcl t,(» (hfir diiifti'tn, }i)iv«
withdr.iwii (in! i" ;l i iit.ions lirr< t,(>|i)r<- (liniixfit' ihm-cs ;iU'v. 'I'ln; lt\vtH-Uir%
ncdd not tuilrrt.i'ii juid dmlit <A' llrf din; )i;iym';iiL hy (!if Stock liold^n.^.
'I'liny mtiiitiiiii tliis hot only with n, vi.'w nf HitisfyiiiL' tfio |Mil)li<;, hut moro
OS
no
|)o<"iiilly tlifj ODiitravtur.-i, iiM wn wIhIi tliciii to rt't.iin I'.vi-ry c'i)ii(id('in!i! in tl
Dir'i'itorn, and to niHt asKiii(«l of tlio jmrKdiud fnifiliiifnt of onr ('h^'!i;^»;rricrit4i
in Qur'.l);!(t of tlio inslahncnt't wlicn (•■•illcd for, t! cir doiilitM in tl.o (!X(Hidi(!ncy
and udviiid.i4(i". of I'n: iMidtirtakinx l^'in;^' <|iii(t) rc.tnov»i<| ; and an altc.'vlj
Ktato I, in tlHMutogrity of your nianii;.:«'inciit tlicn' rest witli itjipli'-it ndiaiicd."
'rii(;r(! still roniainH altont S'.'Ml.ddO lo Im Hnli.'cniifil to fill no (Ik; )i.nionrit */
our rapital. Il was tins wisli of tlio Directors to liavr 1;! 1 00, (100 taken np in
tliii |irovinv'r.H, and .■:'.'")0,00() chcwliore, that wu ini-dit have a /^rcati-r int«:n>Ht
in a \V(nl; wliicii no malcriidly conci'rn.s n'l. Wo liopo an'I trust cvorj
!ariM"r aim
inlialii(ant w ii Inn (lie iiiflm-nft' of (liin (wiiuil will iiiakn thr
111
f.lvcM int'irnstiid in tin* nndrrtakiii'.^, liy Hulxrihiii;,' for rn.ire or h'ss idiarv.i.
It will 1)'. a |ti!i'uliai' r,;iliKfac(ion In yon, onn ;riid all, I > ;,*o lo vonr own
11 ills ami iii;(cliiin<ry cvryUtiii/j you tjikc (o tlifin, lifsidf.nyour 'OLNfuifn' n,
will lio j liiii,' money in yoiirown |ioikcts. \Vf; wl:<li (.'ii:( t.to-'k (,o licroinu
;,'i'in'r,tl, and you uiiiy nly if you let tliii ojijiurliinity pass, you will Imvn
riMSoii to n\u;ret it. Tln-rc! is not tlw least doiiiit hut it will ho t!ie nm.st
prolit.a!)!
lipJion of s(o(dc. Tins i.-: the opinion of jil.nnr.t every intell.
^eiiL man v. lio lias j.;i\'en liiniself the tiMiiMe tiiorouihiy to e.xaniine th«»
jjulije.et J. It. ^'al-eH, \>\., has (aken fti.ek (o the vain"'- of $:;J0,()00, Mr.
Alfn>d llovey S|(),000. 'I'licse <,'eiit|emen have in) inlt-re.-t in tin; countrr
wh.itover ; Init havo (iiken il for no o'Jier ohjeet (.haii the retii/iis (Iny ai»
hi'ie.iller to receivo. ( !ent hnien this rinial, from it* p'-enlcn arid most
fj
ivonv.i
l.)le : ituatioti, will he the unMiis of < lejttiu'' within ilndf, oi \,\ its owr
erootion, ii .i,'rea(,(!r ainonut of Iranspoiliition th;ni will puy the intenjit i>f
the (capital (^xjcnded, over and ahov() t!ie tian.sit it v. ill liiav.- fr' m I/ik.»
Mrie, an I tli« proiit
o: I
ts hvdraulio .situation. It is w(dl known (o von tlij,t
(he hanks ol the lliv. r Well.ind and the (irand lliver a'oonnd with an r.imohi
iiie.'ihan.stihio KUpply of pino (imher, now nsele.'iss, whieh v/ill he (loat^-d
down tfi our ostaltlishmentf;, converted into lumher. ami ( ran; ported to (l.o
enlnincc! of the .\n:rii<-an caiiid .it Ton-wiiiida, where i;, mu.^t ever find a
i'on.-.tant iuid
(Iv d
emand, as their
hoi'd*
ers n:>.' (iestidiU- <
.f tl
le artiele
Tlieie are likewise imiiortant i|uari ies of the |ture.»t wldte (.'ypMim, or planter,
on the hordtuaof the (! land Kiv(>r, whieli will soon l)eeomeupif)(i!alile i.rtieln
of eomniereo. Staves i-aii he conveyed from ihenee to l-!tke Ontario for $'j
or ."$!< pi r KjOO. All tin- piDdiicf; from the mo;:t remot<- (ownnhipK of that
river and N\(ist of it, wliitdi now ijoe.s to iiurlin;r(<.n, will come throueh tl
IiM
Ciinnl
he traiihi
t of th
loso articles, and many more too numerous to mention,
will ho created hy its eiTctioJi, hcsides thousands of hairels of llour, width
will 1)0 d.vawM frtun the sill roundin<; ei.untry to it.s mills. Uy • nti'iin;^ tlio
ili<l
raw a
mouth of the({rand Kivcr om- month < arlicr very Sprin
tin.' uarlv tr-msil iVom llio .Ameiican sliore, c\en sliould they i iin tl
II
lifir
own canal a;.j;.Hiii at lonawatida. I his h an a<ivanta;:;e of the ^/reatost iui
portaiioe, ami oiii; wliicli this will ever leUiin, as nature ha'i |diict'd Much a
hrtrrior to tin- entranci' a'. UuHUlo, hy tlw ico, thai with all lli.-ir entoqjri*»»
^1
mmm
66
hikI ir»j[j;t«niiil V llioy will iicniM' Ito iililo (,o (ivcicoiim' it,, fii rjisf' it. ulimiM
hiin'uftcr 1><( losnul cNiwIii'iif, \>y Uio rrotl.ioii of (hic Idrlc willi ii ('mir fool
lift. lit. l''<)r(, l''ii'iii Of W'jtl.rrloo, iiinl iiiiiUiii;; ii low |)iilli on iJio Nin;.;!iiii or
(Uiippawii riviMM, wliii'li cnii I'O !u'i'om|iliNlnMl al ii mikiII cniicmso, vcmioIh can
Im> towoil ol" any hurl lion froiii liiiko I'liio l,o I, nko Ontario. 'I'liin prniMila it<
wholly (ir»!!lil,ii!u of a situation lor livois, llial. can ('\<'n l>o considcird nior^
rantili', l.lio r.ills ol" Nia;,'ai;i o\0(>pl.otl. 'i'iiis canal having,' llio Niii,L(aiii lor
its Av'ilcr at (Im roiniui^nciMiionl, will aflon'; Lin- 1 "st ami iniwi iniincrouH Hit-
nations for niachiiiory, \villiii\ lln> .satno (liMlMiiro in America; wet. ordry,
-vviinii »»r colli, we always liavo tlic sann* almndanl aii<l htcady NUpply of water.
^vllicll will l>i>aili'rna(cly mad" use of wit lion t any dctiiiiMMit. I(» lraiis|iorlal.on,
until its torminatioM in Kidvc ( )nlario. 'llic very idea, of tlioso conteiii|ilalcd
improvements lias a tendency to evliilni.ite onr spirits. Instead of icmaiii
iiiij in tliis dull, siipiiu) slate, in wlii<'li we have Ik en for yiais jiast, we will
tninijlo in the linstle and aelivo scones of hiisinesH; onr coniinoditieH will ho
eiih;uiC(>d in value, and a u;eneral tide of prospei-'ly will lie witnessed on the
whole liin» .and sniroiMidin^ <'onntry. In ^;horl, /gentlemen, \v<* are sitnated
Ml a C(mniry tavoured with (>vi^ry advaiitai,'(>, hitli in .soil, (ilimntcMUul Hiliift-
tion : ils n soni'cs only remain to he Know n to draw men of capital anion^^st
ns; and we trust, now impro\cnients ha\<' <"(ininienced, it. will iiurease, and
thai wi> may w ilu. ss tiie same spirit of ent.ei'prise here, wliitili onr niij,diluniiH,
the .American:, possess in so eminent a ilegree. \\'<> have now slated tjio
local advan(;ij;>s of this canal, and tlio rea.sonahle expectation we havo to
think it will hccoiivo a jirotitahle siuM-ulatioii to the shaicholderH. You may
think wi» are ha/.ardini( a hold assertion ; Imt I v<iily helieve it to Ikj a«
j;reut a /;ri,'/(i/'(i/ ol'ject to the Provnce as the I'lrie ('.•mal to the Slatoof Noiv
York. 'I'lu'y have ajipropriated ;J=8,lH)0,l)t)t( for the purpose of eonnct^ting
l,ak<< Krie with the Hudson Kiver or the Ocean, we will ell'ect the same
i)hi(>ot for one liiVielh port of the mom-y, and \\ill reajt e(|ual if nut superior
advantages hy the Welland. This canal is tli(>commenoemeiit of a simi-
lar un»h rtakirit;; it isthe nmst important link i»i that cliain of communica-
ti<>n we hope to see ctlectcd within t!u\'e years. \V<' renuive the onlj
natural harrier of importance- tho Falls of Ni«i,'ara. The rajdds lietwc<Mi
Troscott and I .achine comm.intls the next consideration. If the suhjeot i»
properly heforo the [,»\i,'islalurc of the twii I'rovinces this winter it «an he
»«uniueuc«'d the year toUovvinL'. There is not hinj,' novel, new or intricate Iti
the uuilertakiiii;, or the m.'lliod to hv» jiursued. Let us only follow the plan
adopted hy that colchiated and onli^jhtened statesman, l)o \\'ilt Clinton,
and it will sut'cectl without t-.xinj,' the country on« fartliin<;. ]f they »"iii
mako a canal 1^00 miles without taxation, T trust we can do thi^samo for OO
miles hy foHowini:; similar means. When wp oontemplat«^ tli« natural aci-
vft-ntas^cs we possess over the Americans in our vvator communication, it ti
aj^tonishing to to think of the ajiathy md indilleronco tliat has hitherto pre-
vailed amongst us on this .'^•iihject. If wo impiire tlm cause, nine tenths of
118 would hlauw the ( uivonnnent. There never was a more prroneou.s idev
We nie ever inclined to move the harden from ojfr shoulders, and we can only
blame ourselves. Nor ought wo to suppose <mr Governors are ah imuiediatft-
ly iiitorest^id in any i)art or porvion of the country, as the inliahitants who
uro living on the spot. If you were a-sked in what hranch of the I^egiBlatur*
should those meji-surei emanat*, you would readily^ miswer, tb» hr&ncb com-
jH>.-*etl of the Couiuioui! ; Uiey »r« K<eut froin umongfct us j their iQt«>reet ie ourm
tllH of
u only
ts -who
slftiur*
com-
67
^nd if w»' do iiut. firnl cxerlioii lunotii^ llicm, \v1i«t<' iiri' W(i (o l(p<il< f(,r iti Slr'>w
nio II iiiciiHtiii' (.lial liiiM |>;l^'^.^•ll (lijil. Imily lor (lio iin|irnv« iii< iil of llif coniidy,
and yoii will (iiid it Iiiih icccivcd tlio coik ui icik c !'ii<l iaiiiti(.ii of tliij ollur
lirmi(OirH. It in It. r;»io ncciirroiK'r (liat. inrjiMiii'i of ;.'r<!it i/iilioi iil iiriprovc
iin'iit, oriKiimto IVoiii tJic Hdiiiiiiihliiilioii of tlio (lovniiiiM'iiL. I(, wiis nol, ( li»>
(lovrnior of New York who first rocoiniin'inlcd llic ICi i<! ( 'luifd, il was liroii^liL
forward liy flic |M<iplc, wlio were tlii^ iiio^t, indiif (oil. 'I'lio HyulMii oi' jlaii
wiiH iiialiirud liy Mr. Cliiilon in an iiirly day, and (lio ar;(, finally |iann( d m
I HI 7, dm in^' llio adininiKfration of Oovcrnor 'ronipkini^. I nicnlion lina
('iri'niiiHl;i,ii('i' more |)arliciilai'l y as a most. nnfouiid<-d idea is inlci tiiim-d not
oidy iimioiil; oiii'iu'Isom ImiI, in t.lit! Dniti-d Stairs, tljat llio oaii.so of our nr-j^di
j^cncti and inat,(,cnl,iort to t,li«) inipiovniKwil, of tlio ('oiinlry ori;^inat^H in iln-,
(lOVcinnn'iiLof lliccoluiiy.aiul lian a ti^ndoncy to pre \ cut (n!o|il'' of <:a,|iit/iil froni
miikiiiLj it. tlioir rcsidi'iico. W'r sliall .>;oon Ix'^^in t<j rculi/o tin; lionidil, iniH
in!( from llio American ciuial ; (liis will cn-at" a compf ti!,i<'ii l»otw«-fn t lio
rival niaikfts NcwYork and Monliral or (,>ii< lice and lin a gciu-nil liomfit,
to tlio wliol(! coniitiy aliovo ns. All tli*! |irodii(:i' from tlio Amtriiun Hido
will Ix! cariicd down tlio St. Lnwronro, foi' wt! will Jiavo nearly the name
advantages in tiannit iih heretofore. It will lie, the mejuis of tho moio e.loi-e
ly unitint,' the intcircHts of tla^two I'rovineeM and ino'easiii",' this charaeter
and repiitatinn of I r(;onntiy ahroail 'i'lie hireeLoih iia\ c rea;ion to lje|i(v«r
th«y hav(» heen fortunate in ohtainin^ contractoiH every way quulified for
the' nnderlakiii;,' ; and it is to he hoped in your future elioii:e you will Kilei^t
men of inle;^iity and perseveranei*, wiio will eariy on the work as !-a|'idly a,H
under existinj^ circnm.stant'eM it has eoinnHiiei d, that, tiny may command
the piTlcct. eiiiifidcnci! of the eonlracloiH, and lie .so fdrtimute, im t.o oftain
contractorH wild will he entitled to the conlidenee of th'ir meii. In t.hat.
ouHP ovory lirancli will harmonize, and thoie will he no dillicndty in complot
iii;^ the all important underta.kin;^. 'fh.it it may has(! a Hpeedy and smicf.iiH-
ful torniination, is tlu; most ardent vvi.sh of the Wtilland (Janal Oomjiany."
Mr. llall then dolivorod into tho hands of (J'to. Keefer, KHtp, l*r(fHid»jnt
of th« Hoard of DiroctorH, a Kj)a<h<, addresKinj^ him a.s fullowH:
"Mr. President, I lic,;^ loavH.to present you with this Hpiulo, fortli'\iair
pose of r(!rnovin^ the first earth from tlie Wellnnd Oanal."
Mr. Keefer, on taking the upadc said:
"(lentlemcn. it i.s with |ileasn!i- that f reiiio\c ;iii: tii'st earth fium the,
Welland Canal, and ardently hope the work may eouliniie iinint''rniptod
until the wliolo is comph.ted."
'I'ho rent of the ^(!ntlouu;n tlem proiuicded in rotation to reinovn eueh his
shovelful of eailh ; when a nhoit and appropiiate address was deliwrcd hy
John (Jlark, Khci., M. 1*. P., stutinj^ that he would Kup|i<irt the inl«-rests of
tho V/elland (Janal, both in an out of l^irliatiiiint, with all his influcncf.
After tliroe choer.s, the company adjouined to liie Inn, v^luiua very ;,'fM'(|
di'xner was Horved hy Mr. lieadj^cnley, to thirty four genth'nien. (Jeo. Kee
fpr Ksq., wid John Clark, Esq,, did th« honors of tlie tuhle. After the cloth
^aa removed, toastfl wero prop08o<l and unanimously carriotl, wJien the com
pany Mparatf'd about dupk, highly pIcMwwHl with the triuiHaction of tiie day.
1i « « »
M
J
65
It is l)ut an act of juRtiw to tho people of St. Catliftrines, to fay, that
they turned out au'l gave their ready asaistaiico, as well as those on th«
mountiun, to tho eiitorpri.so. Mr. Henry Mitthiber^er, (noticed before) who
wiiH living at the tiino with Mr. Merritt, has Idmily allowed access to hiK
journal. Tiii-s journal i.^ very coniploto in I'ogard to canal matters, having
au account of the first meeting on tho 22nd March, \S'2',\.
" May 0. Messrs. Monitt and Chisholm went to Queenstun U< bring up
the engineer- -tliey were engaged on the deep cut.
"8th. — Mr. Merritt and j)arty down the niomita''; to Camidiell'.s, nnd
then rotui'ued lioine. 'i'he opinion of the engiuoer is \ ;y favourable so far.
We intend proeticding to thi'Iako to-morrow. «
" Dth.- Went to Pete<' llykert's to get a few hiin^is to attend thein.
StiU'tftd for Canipbell's afttsr a rain. Made Iho best of the v/ay down to
Mr. Adani.s' saw mill, levelling all tho way down, when all hands disperstwl
c.xc'pt Mr. MtM-ritt aud the engineer, who followed him to the Jjake."
* # * *
Things wc!-o not adjUKted to the i-atisfaction of the frontier people
yet, as tli" f lilowing proceedings exLrarle 1 friui the (I'lurnrr, terminating
lOfh 1.)i!eei;ibtn-, will .'^hevv- :
" A meeting was a Ivcrtise 1 on tli<^ 20th Novvnil'Cr. A very n :-])ectiiblo
numltcr convencvl. (701) shares,— $-^r),4r»0, were sribtcribed.) Holmes,
Ura'dcen ridge, George Kecfer, and 'J'homas liutler were the principal i)er-
tonagen. 'J'he route was not to, be <lecided ujitil after the new dircctoi'a
were chosen. MviMw person pre.^ent was disposed to lake shares, pro-
> ide<l it should terminate ;.t tiiO NiaL^ura river. A number was taken that
evening, and 100 ju>;t day. Aft> i re.solutiims, meeting ailjourned r.jitil
l.st l\'.'eni!)er, when a manager was appointed, iiml niuiM stock taken."
8th December. Another, in MJiich was < ..r lished the grant of right of
T. »iy uf hind ('U tlic route.
Doc'mbe.r 11th.- The Cfetucr'.v commetita were of the opinion that all
vof<s -Is drawing flora 7 to \'^. ft. of water, couid load at Niagara Win uld
tiodicr continue an article of exjiort. of which tlicre was no doubt, it
eould be leaded or uidoatled in line or fjiil weather :
'■ It must a[i|iear Xo the pulili'.-, ih^w \\\nu {]■.' nutter is brougld I efr.rc
them, ir, was a strangi- plact* that was contemj)lated, at tho mouth of tho
Twelve Mile Creek."
Shortly after, a meeting was hehl as St. Catharines, at which the saain
<pi -ries were prejiosed to engineer Clews that were jtrepo.sed to engineer
Hall by the Niagara one and were answered eipially to their satis-
faciiun. The (Hh resolution was in strong language, and it, with tho
othei- iloeumeiits was eiivulated to tlie stockholders.
/,'< <(ih\'(l, We forbear noticing the mean, unmanly, insinuation hold out
by the Niagara committee in the clow of their communtoation, being con-
vuuus it will DKM'twith the contempt it mcrit,s.
S. Wood, (..'hairman.
O. RyKi.itT, Secretary.
6'J
all
M
il
( re
■Am 11
,vit.
Ihiriiig tho \vinU>r aft<>r tlie coiiimiincoinent of tho cai';il, Mr. Mt i rilt
romaiiiod Jihout lioiiif, fre(iiiciit!y visiting tlio woiks at Alhiiiburi^h.
Mi-s. MiM-ritt luul tho cliildniii did uot anivo from ChatiiiKiun in
December, so that they wcro not all together aijaii\ at CLri.stmns. lli.s
ftiixiety was relieved by having diapo.sed of half cf tho suit workn to an
Knglislnnan named Clowsi, wlio undertook the .superintendence, which f;et,hiif»
at libcriy to inu'suo lii.s avocation on (lie canal, as that woik henccl'c ith
would re(juii'e his attention during it.s progress.
At this period of our history, it may not be unprofitable, after the
lapso of half a century, to revert lack to other important evcntt;, and in
a brief way enrpiiro into tho moral wcliare of the people whom we arenow
writing about, particularly that portion of their history relating to (.'hurcJi
matters. 'i'lie general observations made by Do(;tor (.'annilf in hi.-!
" Settlement of Upper Canada," is as aj)plicablo to tho peoi)le of this
district as to any other.
"The circumstances of tho settlers in Upper Canada worn not such as
would conduce to the growtlj of n^ligion and morality. A j)art fioni the ed'ect
uix)n them resulting from aeixil wai", an<l b.-ing lirivcn away from heme,
isolated in a wilderness far removed IVom civilization — thert) were circum-
stances inimical to the observance of religious duties. 'I'he earnest eoittest
for life, tlie daily struggle for food, and ii:i,ne especially the ab.'-eiite of
ministers of tho gospel, all eombinid to create a feeling of apathy and in-
diireronee,if not a looneness of morals."
From the habit of emigrating, the statistics alre;idy given, shew that tie
iiicrease uj) to this,time was but ."^mail, and the evidence of there being a
church built on tho " Twelve," (over a cpiarter of a century previou.s to this
time 18'25) and a congregation gathered thereto, and inaiutuinod without
the supervision of a regular pastor, shews tliat the feelings ef I'ynl'n, which
first drove (hose p(!0jtle to the wilderness, was also tinctured v.ith deep
religious convictions. We find amongst tho oaily records of the KotUenirnt,
tliat on the 1 7th of February, ITOo, a list of sulsvribers is made out, with
the amouu+a given by oath, tow.nrds building a church. There are 41 niiniea
app<.>ndod to this old document, and amounts varying from £20. 10.fi, N. Y.
currency, which was given by ^fnjor Ditterick, intersporsinl v.'ith £10.
from Mr. John Hainer, and £12 from Mr. J. Dackhoi.se, to t!i') snrill
Bum of l);.'.— in all, j^/,v7./J subsoribnd — is oiiered for it.« aceomp'.ii-hmo t
Tho original document is headed " Ap[)ointment to tho Church at 3'.
Catharines, with their respective sums next to their name»." No hint ia
given why this name is used, furtlier than tho fact that Cutharino Hutter,
the wife of their revered leader, had died tl^ree yraia before — 1793. .A
plan of tho church acet^npanies the document, shewing it to lave had one
doscn liouble pows, 7 ft. .\ i, surroundo'! Vv an ahsle A ft. wide, wlach en-
cii-sed 8 single pews, 15.3 ^ '^ht * *^ ^ gallory ou three hide* — and without
70
Etee[)lo or belfry. The building bein^ the modpst size of 30 ft. x 34, and
ligJitod by. moans of four circular topped v/indowH.
Oil tho 24fch of Jiinnary, I7iJ8, wo find that thoy got a doed for four
acres of land from Mr. R. Hamilton, and that in tho year IHIO, Mr
Ditterick and T. Adams, oar|)ont(Ma, havo an account for making fo.ir circular
windows -also bills for lumbor, &c., amounting to £'^0, N. Y. currency,
by I^KW(!ll Ma^hows.
On tho 25th of March, 18(1, wo find Chisholm and Morritfc credited
with £25.10.7, and afterwards, Thomas Mcrritt, father cf our subject, with
tho hand.somo sum of £■>■>. Again, wo find: — "At a meeting of the
trustees of tho (Uuuch of St. Catharines, called by request of the inhabitants,
on Saturday, 3rd July, 1819, signed by W. 11. Mei-ritt, E.sq., Secretary, tho
following trustees were present, viz : — George Adams, Jacob Ditterick,
Thomas Mcrritt, and Paul Shipnuvn. The following resolutions are adopted:
Tliat tho trustees are requested and authorized to fence tho buiying ground
an<l church, to be appraised as to value hereafter, by disintcrestefl parties
chosen by tho trustees. Owners of pews to be notified to come forward and
make their payments before the Ist October — also, that we petition tho
Bishop of Quebec to Bond out a pious clergyman, we paying him £50
currency per year, Jind provide him with a respectable pai-son ago house, &c."
The repairs here mentioned were rendered necessary for the reason that
during tho war the cluirch was often used for an hospital, and that the fences
and other parts were burne<l or otherwise destroyed. Wc also find that
Mr. Leoming j<roachod on Sunday morning; and that on August 25th, Mr.
r»ethuiio " gave a sermon ;" and that on tho first Sunday in tho month, in
tho afternoon, Mr. Stuart was throtigh here, and visited without preaching.
In Mr. Mittlebergor's journal we afterwards find *^ < following: —
"Juno Ist, 1823.— Went to church and read tho responses. Captain
Morritt road prayers, and Mr. Thomas Morritt gave a lengthy discourse, <kc."
Thus we find that our subject was not unmindful of his duties as »
(!hristian, and when by his oftbi-fs on the canal, a large and prosperous popula-
tion gathered in, by whose aid tho old stiu "ture which had served its pur-
pose so well, was replaced by a building of grander proportions, surrounded
by its fellows in a better locality, we can imagine his feelings when reverting
to other days gono bye. In his latter days he did not take an active part in
church matters, and as hi.^ entire efforts followed the bent of his peculiar
talents, he took a more Catholic view of many things — so that it cannot
but occur to the observer that tho dli'octiou of liis aims were moi'e for tho
benefit of his country and its people.
Boforo again resuming our account of the progress of the canal, we think
that a brief view of the statistics of the Province will not bo out of place,
aa they servo to give an idea of the state of our prosperity : or, to uae a
m
71
merchsintilo phraao, "what wo woro rated at" dO yoair. a,':;o. In tha
"York Alnmnac ami Roy»l (^'ahindar of Upper Canada, for the year 182r),"
pnlilislicd by Cliarlos Fotlierg'll, EKq., printer to tli« Kinij'o Most Kxccllent
Majosty, we find a ,i;v<'at dcnl of useful inforinatioM, and a comparison bu
tweoii tlion and now may not bo uninteresting to thuL'o v.ho liavo not
watched tho inarch of ovonts : —
The ProTince beini; ilivided into twelve dis-triota, wo find that tho
Eastern is Tallied at £182,1)90 — the assessment at £7()l!.'J,2, and tho rato
1 penny. The Ottawa, £1 1.0. .'5.1). Johnstown, £187,;588. If-. (5. I'-athursfc,
£85,0'ir).7.0. Midhxnd, £:i()(),470, rate 1 penny. Newcaf<tIo, §1 15,91 1. 10.
Homo, £231,2^4.7, rate 1 penny. Town of York, £!V.\.']78, rato 1 penny.
Gore, £170,104, rato 1 penny. Nia<,'ara, £2.')r),Or)2.1.l7. London, £20i),
824, rate I penny. Western, £429.2.10, rate 1 penny, j^iving a grand
totiil of £1,909,074.13. 11, with an average rate of aa.sessment of one penny
in the pound, not, wo think, by any means, a " Groariivj Tax."
1 8 2 5.
A letter dated r2th January, with a long statement of the canal pro-
ceedings, and recounting Iiis loneliness, was sent to Mr.M. Merritt:
" I am solibs. Eat at Chaeo'.s, and sleep in tho office. Tho house is shut
up, and looks likv, a monivstery. Canal meetings have bcon hold bore and
at Niagara."
" I leave this early for tho Tunnel. We arc getting on well, as tha
weather is favourable. I attend one or two days in tko w( ok. W. Chaca
sends a shop up the first sleighing. It is near 12 o'clock, my usual bed-
time."
He was not destined to see them this wiutor.
He writes, January 30th: —
" We have been delayed in getting our shaft down for ?,omv, time, and
there are iudicat'ons of tho abandijnment of the tunnel scheme."
" Writa by candle light, and going to tunnel again."
The winter, so far, luid been remarkably mild, so that for want of sleighing
he was compelled to relinquish iiis usual vihit to Mayville. On the'3rd of
February ho left for York in a single sleigh. And in writing fiom there to
hix father in-law, February 13, shows his opinion of this work:
" I have labored under a disadv.'i.ntage, not having any per.sons of capital
for suppoit. llowevoi-, tho company ap[)oint(>d me before l left home with
power to act as I thought proper. I havo consecpiently cluingod the whoio
scheme or system of our canal. Tho stoekholdecs in New York writ*
constantly to keep in view sloop navigation."
liri.
"TUK CoMMISSIoNKUS \lM'()INTi:i> BY Till'. floVKUNMKNT fnr intoilial iir.
provcmciits, laid cut asovnn foot ciiiiiil from (liiiiul llivi r to lUiiIiiiglou, una
my f^oat aim luts Ikhmi to turn tlicir attontiou to thin ixuticular routo for
hlooj» navi-^ation."
" Ah tltoy do not understand, or soarcr-ly liav<^ an idea of oannllng, it in
fihRoIi'.tcly nc(H.'ssary I sJiould remain at tlio ell)o\v of tlK) meml)er9 until
tho husinctis is coniplftcHl."
" r mot tliem all lii-ro, suhmittod my plaiiH, and t'lioy liavo given their
ontiro approliation. 'I'hc only thing that romains to l»c done, is to got tlw
a-H oxt^wided, and a loan."
" My arguments are, liy making a sloop n:i\ igat ion largo enough to admit
any v(^«sel on l.aho Mrie, wo will draw tlio transit to New York through
our camil ; a.i a \ cs-scl can sail from any point on I^iko Krio to Obwogo, at
onoo."
"'Hion comes tho oomparixon of <li."-tances and piices, leaving $iV 50 per
ton in favor of the Canada route."
(y'losing the sul'jetjt with this suhlime sentiment: " I am nen.'-ible it
will not f)e m.s pi-ditahle for L'O or '.)() years, »n the; other. J)ut it will be
a greaUr jiublic g(>o<l."
in another Ii'lt.r of l.'Uh Fohruary, ho .says:
"Tlio canal is lilco monoy- hard to get, and hard to keep."
To wi-ite leltii-s to his friends, or to address audiences on tlio line (,f the
•iinal, Mr. Meriitt Id!, an easier matter than .'■peaking to the House.
On r)th Mar» h he writes Mr.s. Merritt :
''Councillor Steward was heard at tho bar of the IIoupc, in favour of
Ni.igani. 1 in reply, in favour of the Twelve Milo Creek. It was my first
a! tempt to expn's.s my Hentiments before so formal a tribunal. I was con^
winced no person can speak well without practice, which I never ha<l ; but
Tn;uio up my mind not to !il< embarraf.sed. T must confess, for the first
Rcntenoc^ or two, 1 wascion.sideiaidy a-itated. llowcvir, they sav J acciuitted
myself bettor tlian the. lawyer."
"Noticing sonK; of tho members, tho Attornoy-Coi\orai and Dr. Rolph
c<;lipsed the V hole. Tiiey are on (>])posit<' sides of tho IFousc. They aro
both classically educat.'id, with extraordinary talent, and display more of tho
elegancies of language than I ever heard."
Among his frit tula in high places at York, none took a warmer interest
and did all lio co-.ild to assist aiid cncoui-age him, t])an Dr. Straohan, tlieii a
moaiber of the rx'gi..lativo Council ; not alone with his valuable pat'-onage, but
giving him the advantages of his extensive! and matunnl exptaien ;.
Wo see tlio first iTport drawn up during the long detention at Vovk,
under the Doctor's eye take« a :nore comprelicnsive view of tlio enlarged
naTig;\tion, than any heretofore.
The following is extractt-d from a pamphlet for the interest of tho
iBtoftkLoliIen.. in 1(S52:
bill
14fJ
oft
tJje
J
on t
who
Twel
7.1
" An ablo Report, which wiw published l)y order of Iho I'cajfl of
Dircfton^, at tho clow of tho yoiir, is iivpniiil-iil lioreto, in ordnrto I'liow that
tho comprehensive views tiioi\ rnt<;rtaii)(Ml, arc now roulizcd, as v.cil tin tiio
ruiason why tho private Stock was not Lhon Kuliscrihcd, and tho great lots
tlm Sharoholdcis wort! HulijocLod tu iu ooiiscijuonco.
Tlio present Ijord Bishop of Toronto, Dr. Straclmii, who v.afj then a iricni'
ber of tb« Iie;ri8lative Oounoil, took a warm interest in tliis nuv;niliL'eut
undert;iking, from tlie fust, and did all that wim in his power to lUi^isL and
omxjurai^e thoso wlio wcro labourin.( f> r its iiccomplii.hiueut.
As early as 1823, when the work was iu its infancy, bitterly opposed
by Home, and distrusttid and thouj^ht liditly of I)y otliers, ho ilrov/ np a
[uvpcK' setting forth the inostirnablo advantages it nnist jiroduce to tho coni-
morcc and a'^-iculttiro of tho country, and urging its acconii)lishmcnt by every
rfToi-t, and at whatever cot,t. Tho Directors, purlaking those sentiments
•vik] opinions, wore liappy to introduce, with his permission, his elo(punit ap-
peal int<^) their lleport ; and tho paper I liavo last referred to, with tlie ex-
ception of such passage^s as relat<j to the details of the Company's jirocecdinga
ooniains Dr. Strachan's fiontimcnts and hi.s early views of tho chanictcr and
objocts of this great work, in Ins own language. They are introduced here
fi-om a conviction that it will be no l()ss gratifying to the venerable Prt-late
than to his many friends, Jis well as inteiosting to tho public, to ob.serve how
clearly he predicted, when tho comj)any was Htrnggling with its greatest
difficulties, tho inevitable progresjj and kikjocss of the noble work they were
engaged in, and the .s])!en(iid results it must produce throu^'hout a country
which forms a largo portion of tlie globe. When lie rcrnarks, in language
which many at tho time may have thought nxfcravagant, tliat the Welland
C:uxal will, in tim.i, yield only in Im])orti\nce to tho Canal which may here-
afU'r unit(! tlio Pacific witli the Atlantic ocean, through Uio Ththmus of
Darien, it is interesting to reflect, that ho was then ontemplating a work
which, after a iatei-val of twenty-six j'^ears, wo now find engaging tho at-
tontion of tho business world on both continents."
April 10th. — "After having been here eight weeks, and tho bill nearly
through, had to leave foi- Niagara to attend a meeting of dii-ectoi-s; when
a repotii was .stmt over by ]\Ir. Ifall, that the botfom of tlio Lake, opposite
the mouth of the Twelve was hard rock, and coiild not bo niado into a
harbour."
He surv(;ye«l tho harbour, and went back to his post iu time to see tho
bill triuraj)hantly ])as30<l.
A meeting was held at Vork, iirmediatoly on tho rising of tho housA,
14tl» A])ril, and as itturue<l out, was too cautiouh in reserving a largo jiortion
of the st< :ck for England, wliich wo will see, was an untortunato resolve fi;r
tlie immediate and easy completion of the canal.
A very able document, b'wring evidence of being prepared by Mr. Yates
on tho 17th of May, 1820, i:i favour of this locality, wa.s sent to tlio Poard.
who appear to have 1h;ou then c nsidering the routes
On tho 10th of May, a paper with Mr. Hall's i-ej>ort, ininn"cal to tho
Twelve i-outo, was got up to Ikj circulated among}.t all the Ehardi eiders.
: .J
74
44 pora(>nB rnproBOiiting 170 shares, on which £18. la. hail h«en paid,
principally from Niagura, withiiruw thoiriiainoR liotweou 1 1th May and 12th
July, in coriHetjiienco of the alteration of tho routo ; 10 from othor cauuea,
rr presenting 43 Hhares.
.)uno Stii. A lottor from Mr. Morritt, on IiIh rnttirn from Nnw York, on
lK>ani Htoamcr l/lica, to Dr. J. I'rci.Mlergast, dolaila the concurring ovenUi.
•' [ am ploased to have tho satisfaction to acquaint you, that I havo
BUCceo(lo<l thus far in ovory particular. Our hoanl of directors being fully
awaro of the magnitude of tho Hum wo hud to rai.so, dotsrminod, that beforo
wo eiitored into any contracts, tho mon«y should bo procured. With this
riow, I was sunt to Montroal and Quobcc, having to take in Now York on
my return. $"00,000 was apportioned for Now York, and a like aura for
Uppor and l/jwcr Canada. Tlio remaining $400,000 in London."
"Tho New Yorkers, my old Htockholders, took at once f 300,000, and
tho whole wotdd havo been inunediately Kubscribcd in that plac«. If all ia
well, 1 shall reach homo on tho 12th, so aa, on the Ist of July, to let out tho
greaLor pait of tho canal on the enlarged plan."
A letf/Cr from Mrs. Merritt, who wrote shortly before, to her friend* in
Chat&ucpie, 4th July, says:
" The people began to flock here on Thursday, the greater part from tho
othor side. Private families had to open their doors. About 200 strangers.
15ut 00 proposals given in. They all went off like a fog, and by sunnet,
yestenlay, there was not a stranger iu tho place, except Mr. Dunn and Mr.
Boulton."
In tho midst of all this bustle, tho inn-keeper, who had served tho public
BO long, passed away.
" Our old neighbour Paul Shipman died 25th June. Mr. Eastman
preached his funeral sermon."
Mr. Merritt, in a letter to Dr. Prondergast, in reference to the St.
Ijawr»;nc« Ca'tals, says :
" Arrangements are making for a canal fj-om Pretcott to INTontreal, of tho
flame dlmoiKsions as our own, which will add very much to the value of tho
Provirice, as woU as increase tho bubiness in ouv canal. I have no doubt it
will bo completed in 5 years from this time."
Tho Niagara oi)position seema to have been put out, by relieving them f){
the paying up of their stock, and we find them co-operating in •tarting
another canal, — tho St. Lawrence one.
From the (7/ertuer of September 24th, 1825 :
" At a respectable meeting of the inhabitanta of tho district of Niagara,
asBombhid at the Niagara Hotel on the r)th September, for the purpose of
taking into con.sideration, and adopting measures to obtain an immediate
■urvey of tho River St. Lawrence.
" Tho Hon. Mr. Clark was called to the chair.
" William Hamilton Merritt, ICsquire, oiiiciatod as Secretary.
,
with
75
"WliPii it Tras rfianlvoti, Tliut tliis mcctiriK Imvinj;; long witnc«««d
the vtixatioii, dtilay, and heavy o.\|K'nHf) attou'liii;;,' tli«* iiavijjatii.n of tha
Ht. Lawrciico, hntwcfii Montn-al ami VicHnott, and In-int,' hatisfiftl Uiat a
imiiect canal mivin;ali<)ii can Ijo niado IkiIwcch tliosM places, ut a nio<!iMat«
oxpensc, cotnjtanMl with tho ohjoct of tht) undertaking -do iTconiiuond ft
8uh8('i-i))tit)M to la', opcufd ininiodiatcly, in hoth I'rovinros, for thii jiurpoM
of rmiployin',' a sciontitlt! and piactical on;,'iiiocr or (Mii,'inocrs, tocxpIuD tli U,
and niako out an OKtiinato of tho exponso of constnu:tinj< a oanal aloii;; th«
hanks of thn St. Kawroncn, or olhorwisf^. as inav ])rov<iniost t'li.,'il)lo, — in ordar
that tlu? aamo may l»u laid hofore llio iiOjiislatiirc of the two province*., »i
kh© next session of thoir re.spcctivo hfgishition.s."
York, Kopfc. 'J'jth.- -A hotter to Mr. Morritt from tlnur solicitor, on the
«ve of luH doparture for England, for auhscnhprs tc tho stock alluded to above,
in allusion to the «xpou.so of con.struoting a canal down tho St. Lawrencu, says:
" I havo crot a favourahlo account of the Petit nation Fiver, which head*
•bout five or .six miles hack of Pn^seott, down which, I think, a canal can \i«
made : this should lie exaujined. The place i>f conimencenient should he, in
my opinion, above Prescott, anil up that to Petit nation, or else froua
Johnstown."
H. J. UOUI.TOH.
It will 1)0 Hoen from the foregoing that Mr. Mcrritt looked on this great
undertaking in a different way from many of his intimate friend.s. llis wa«
no potty schenio intended only to benefit a particular locality, llis broad
and expansive views penetrated beyond his own profit ; as he well and
truly reasoned that the noble St. Jiawrence, then, it might be .said, flowing
alrao.st idly into the ocean, was not phiced there by the Clreat Maker for niftro
ornament, but would eventually, become tributary to the powers of clover
men, and be the broad pathway to bear thegohlen products of the great Weat
to the millions of toilers, whoso voices were raised in Europe for tho cry of
cheap bread. Could thoi?o merchants in MOntreal but .see tho results whicJi
hia idea brought about, and the change whicli they wrought on their suc-
eessors, what a wondei-ful picture would be presented to their imagination ;
to behold a mere trading town gradually assume gigantic proportions, its
streets lined with stately warehouses, and its docks become tho pride of »
country, noble merchant-men and floating .steam palaces thronging its har-
bour, ready to carry to the ends of the earth the great staples so bounti-
fully bestowed by nature on the boundless acres of the far we.st.
It is not our intention at present to enter into Mr. Merritt's connectioa
with the improvement of the St. liawrence, sutlice to say that he sncceedod
in getting the work oonimenoed ; as hy the aid of tho funds raised at the
Niagara meeting, Mr. CHowes and Mr. George Rykert were enabled to bo
«ent down, and make a survey of the River banks, which act was tho'be
ginning of those great works afterwards undertaken to open a water way
round the rapids.
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76
Jt is not to bo concsaloil that the St. Lawrcncs canals had for a number
of years a formiflablo competition in the Ottawa (.nnal. Tlie British Govfirn-
nont this winter dosiriiig tho work for military purjtoRoa, offered tho P"ovinco
a loan of £70,0i)0 stoj'ling if thoy would uadartako the work. It is a matter
of history that tliey oom])h'ted this work, tlio Kideau'Canal, at their own ex-
|>onsc, thus postponing tho improvement of the St. I awrencc river, to which
the attention of cv.r Parliament was continnouhly directed, and keeping
bat^k tho profits which tho projectors of the Wellund Canal naturally ex-
pected from the extensicm of their solicmc.
A letter from his friend, Dr. llolph, dated Charlottville, 2'2nd October,
contains the following compliments to our subJ3ct :
"Tlie mania for tho improvement of navigation may bo trace<l to you.
11»at is some apology for reipiesting you to use your influence in sending
Mr. Clews to survey the canal at Jx)ng Point. J. IloLrn."
2Gth October.- -The Board, at their hist meeting in St. Catharines, hav-
ing let the excavation from tho Welland liiver to Outiirio, gave to Messrs.
Beach, Ward, Ilovey and Phelps the contiuct for the wooden loci s and
waste weirs at .£.')5U per lock. At the same meeting Messrs. Bejich and
Keefer were awarded a grant of the free use of the surplus water from tb«
first weir for a flour mill of four run of stone, to bo ready on the opening
of the canal.
1 7th November. — Mr. Merritt left in stage for York. House met tho
8amo day. The ball is opened.
Nov. 22nd, the place of meeting for tho Board was changed to Voik,
«wiug to a majority of tho directors residing there.
2:Jrd November. -An article appearwl, signed "A Friend to Internal
Improvements."
Noticing tho variovis subjects of the potitionoi-s against tho canal, one
against the new route, that the levels would prouuce sickness.
"I have beim here four or five week.'?. IVtitioned for loan of $100,000
and romi.ssion of duties for canal uses, and anu'ndnient of act, so as to como
liown iJick's Creek instead of tho 'J'welve."
Among other opponents as petitioners, one individual, James Gordon,
Mr. M.'s brother-in-law, petitioncvl to have the WJute changed, an<l sug-
gested a line ni^arly in tho new cut, across from Shaver's direct to the
mouth of tho creek, in.steail of coming round by St. Catharines. Tho
ground of tho petition, was, from the delay for o\»taining tlie stock in Eng-
Uuid ; whereas, tho stock was not obtained at all: an<l the !? 100,000 now
was, in a business point of view, unusually large foi he assetts of the
•ompany.
lie idludes to the ripoits on tl.oso pi-oceotlings, of which 350 copies have
boon printed. Alludes to the scarcity, and moneUry depression, us caus-
ing tho failun; to get sU ok in England.
77
TLo liarvest'tluH year was an abundant one, and ii gtmcrai iJoa of im-
prov jraent acenied to pervade all cle -ses ; business was good throufjhout
tlie country ; work on the caniil xvaa going on rapidly ; six Luiulred labour-
ers we'-o employed, and nioi-o wanted. It wjus expected that the whole l>u»
would be under contract by S|>ring. The marked change along the
route was wonderful. Where the foi-est stood a short time ago, was now
a scene of life and bustle. The sharp rattle of the axes hewing and carving
their way through the old woods ; the unceasing liammering of the pick on
the clayey banks, and occasionally the ci-;i>;h of a falling tree, iiiingliiig with
loud gunpowder ex])!osions M-hen a blast was discharged, nil hut a charm to
the woik which none enjoyed more than oui- subject, whoso busy bnua
found ample swing ; now at onr^ place, now at another, superintending,
watching, settling disputes, arranging details. In fact, if ever man had his
"hands full," Mr. ]M. at this time lial his. Oie hundred dwcllitigs wcrw
on the summit, occupied by mechanics, labourers, tailors, shoe-mak(!rs, store
keepers and others.
At the entrance of the Twelve Mile Creek, the witrks on the haibour
wer<? iiuuigurated ' y the erection of a inimber of shanties, matei'ial colleetod
A'c, for the extensive works required at that place.
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One of tlie important events whicli oecured during the year, wwi
the active part our subject took towards establihhing a newsjiaper, ihe/irtil
in St. Catharines, and the T/oua^/cst of ((crcii now being printed in th«
Trovince. Tn his account book we find the fullowing entry, dated Dec. 19,
Paid Proctor A Swift's account.
For Hiram Leavenworth's tyi)e :
Postage, ink, and juipej- :
40..'-.0.
$104.'i;v
He was not forgetful of the A-aluable aid a goo(J pujier would bo towanU
Ids canal scheme, as well as the benefiUs it v.ould confer on the locality -
although to Niagara belong.s the credit of having established the fiiTst ikws-
jiajser in the Province. "^I'his sheet was calleil the " rjipcr ('(imuln <i<ui'He,"
and wivs started in 1 793, and continued to be sujipoi-ted in the district until
the Parliament moved to York, w hence it was tranaferreil. Another j)aper
w;u» started by the notorious Joe Wilcox, and again after the war of 181:^,
was su(;ceeded by tlie " Sjiccfator,' already nmntioned in c<;nnection with
Mr. Thomas Merritt's tinancial dJ'hculties. The '• Spntatin-" was eventually
.suec/eeded by the " Glea}Kr" which, so far, had been the organ on c*nal uiif"aiT».
. I
78
One great objoct Mr. Morrittliad in viewwhcn he assisted in establislnn<'
the newspaper iu St. (.'atharines entitled tlie ^^ Farmer' s Journal, ami Wf /land
Canal Intelligencer, was to circuhite general useful information around tho
country. In the address to th« public, it states : — "Our j)rincipal objsct
will bo to publish a correct and accurate statement, from tim« to time of all
interesting and im))ortant matters relative to the Welland Canal, which is
now rapidly progressing under the most fiivourable auspices: to endeavour to
ih« utmost of our limited talent, to draw the public attention to
the splendid plans now in embryo, for the improvement of general navigation
iu this colony : to awaken a spirit of inquiry and enterjtriao in regard to
canala and other improvements of vital importance to our ])rosperity and
happiness : and to develope by every proper means, the various lesourcea of
thin fertile land wo live in."
This paper, ushered into tho world in tho most unpretending manner
was emiii'nitly successful. It Mas well printed — so accurate, that an error
was very feldom detected, either iu spelling or dictation. It was Mr.
Leavenworth's })rido to be considered tho best printer in the country. It
fully maintained its credit, and supplied the farmers with every information
collected from the most rtiliabk sources.
Wo have, bo far, refrained from mentioning 8omo of the petty
Blanders with which our subject was assailed during his earlier struggle!
towards the accomplishment of this great national work, and would not refer
to them now, were it not to show that in tbe midst of all his trouble and
excitement, ho was not forgetful of any of his honest and honourable
obligation!. It will be remembered that some years previously, the failure
of his business, when in partnership with Mr. IngersoU, left him heavily
involved to parties with whom he done business, in Montreal ; and tho
following letters received from his old creditors, conclusively shews that
neithtn- the thoughts of dishonesty nor pecuniai-y aggrandizement jjossessed
him at ar.y period duriiig his connection with tho cp.nal; for, if at any time
of his indeutification with this work, he needed jroperty or motwy, it was
at this period, — when every fair resort was tri«;d to obtain funds for tlie
aocomplishmcnt of tho undertaking:
" Montreal, Ai)ril Cth, 182G.
" Dkar Sib :— Your letter of the 22nd contained a deed of 100 acres of
liuid in Zorra, and we had previously received deeds for 400 acres. We
therefore enclose your bond, and in doing bo, we feel it is incumbent on us
to say, that this voluntary act on your part, is highly creditable to you, and
assures us that if you continue to be successful, which we sincerely hope will
be the case, the remaining part of the promises conveyed to us in your letter
of March 2-lilk, will in due time be fulfillod.
Yours truly,
"W. H. Merritt Gillisitk, MorfAT. *-. Oa"
79
" Montreal, 8th May, 1826.
" Dear Sir: — "Wc duly rcceirol your favour of tho 16th March, with
(leod for 400 acres in lllonheim, which we accept of in full .satisfaction of
the deduction made (rom our claim on the late firm of Ingersoll «t l^Iorritt,
PoitSYTil &, Co."
W. H. Merritt.
it is necessary to state that the most of these lands were granted to Mr.
Merritt's family for services in tho Revolutionary war. Mr. T. Merritt re-
ceiving as Lis share, 2,000 acres. Tlie lands had by this time so increased
in value that they were considered an equivalent for a cash aniount.
Mr. Clowes remained in Montreal, and obtained occupation from th«
Covemment, as wo see by a letter from Major Ilillier, Governor's Secretaiy,
to the Welland Canal Board. Mr. Rykert returned, and found employment
in sur/eyiug the lands for right of way. Tho St. I/awronco survey was not
entirely abandoned, as tho work was continued by Mr. Clowos and others.
Mr. Merritt at this time was in receipt of a communication relative to a canal
from tho Bay of Fuiidy to the St. Lawronco. I'^ngineers were em})Ioyed to
examine this route also. As a sample of the public tone at this time, tho
following article from the Canadian Freeman is worth noticing :
'* For our part, wo would wisli to see canals intersecting ovory part of
this Province : and as the few entei-prising individuals who are embarked
in the Welland Canal line have commenced this good work, wo hope it will
Ve continued."
During February the work was pushed on with great energy, aa tho
aeaeon was fav'ourable.
After seeing the amended act fairly under way, Mr. Merritt returned
to attend to the prosecution of tho canal businoes. Tho circumstances of
the Board having their meetings in York, rendered his stay a short on*.
Before setting out however, ho makes a careful memorandum of details
necessary for their information. From one before ua headed for the fir»t
meeting in February, we extra:^t :
"Tlieroaro 27 2 acres in tho doep cut — consisting of over \\ million*
of yardu of excavating. It will coBt 23 mills per yard, laid at the shortoet
distance — equal to £G4,000."
Memorandum :
•' Speak to Vice-PreKident Allen on the mail-ntage routes. And,
touching on a very delicate- sulyect, V>y which powerful patrons might bo
■ eaiily propitiated or offended — to decide on the names of varioua placea on
ibo oanal." f
At this meeting which he attended, it won resolved that not any part of
tb« loan of £25,000 cuuld be touched, according to tt'> act — and that 25
]Mr oont be raised from the present aubscribers. In order to accompliah thia,
•b4 I« make pereonal explanations to the skareholdora, ho Mi o«t in ilv«
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mid lie of February for New York, travolling by stjige. Ho arrived tlicro
ou tlio '2 ; 8t, whon it was a^reo;l to pay 8 f>or cent a month of tho stock sub-
Bcribcil, in order to carry on tho works as rapidly as [wssiblo.
On (.he 3rd of April, the annual election of the Directors took plaoo
at St. CathariuGS. Col. J. Clark and Hon. J. B. Robinson were appointed,
and shortly aftorwArd.s (May 9th) Mr. Merritt paid a visit to Albany, and
procured documents and plaiii'. cT tho Erie Canal. In an interview which
be had at ihia time with the Governor, De Witt Clinton, that <,'entlema!\
made tho following remark to Mr. Merritt, which, we think, was highly com
plimenlary to our subject: "You have physical advantages on yourt^ide, but
you want rasu of enterprise, like yoursbolf, to carry them through."
On the Otli of May, II. I'l, the Lieutoaant Governor, and several uireo-
tors visited Uic works ni\ the carnal, — and the Govprnor cxpresticd his
high gratifuation at tho progress of tlio works. As an instance of the im-
provement t!ic canal was making ou its s;urroundinj<ip, welind an advertise-
ment in t/io "JovrrMl" of May '3vt\, oft'ering 50 vill:i;;o loUs for sale in tli«
flourishing village of St. Catharines.
On tho 7Lh of Jutie, we see a notice that Mr. Chace, Mr. M.'s successor
in the salt works, hud made marked iniT)rovement in that line ; and amon"^8t
other things liad lilted up a bathing establishment, where hot or cold t-^alt
water baths could I)e obtainetl, Avhich it was believed would be of <'re,'it
benciit to invalids, and would eventually become a jmblic re.->ort as famous
'M tho S[)aa of Europe.
On the 2'Jnd, an imjjortant meeting was helil in York, to devise ways
and means for earring on the work, and Mr. Yates was instructed to procure
II K.an of .-C'MI.OOO or .C40,000 in New York.
On the l.st of July, the opening of tho Burlington Bay (!anal, in pro-
senco of the Lieutenant Governor and fust dignitaries of the country, iws
place. The Governor passed tlirough in an open boat, an<l w.ir, receivo^l
at fcihermau's wluuf by a guard of honoui-, under Col. Crooks, and two Begi-
meuts of tho Gore Militia, attendod by tho Band of the 70th Iletrlment from
York. Thi3 was tiie first public celebration t^) comnuimorate the openinc
of any public work in this province soon to bo followed by others of far
greater nuignitude. A steamboat was also running from Bufl'alo to
(!ai{)powa.
Mr. Merritt's apjilieation for mail accommodation ot\ the line of tho
canal lunv begins to come into operation ; and wo notice tJie advei-tisemonts
of letters from tiie Thorold P. (.)., J. K^'fer, Msq., P. M. From thence to
St. Ciatharines a semi- weekly mail was ciirried, and proved a great boon to
the people.
in August, the arbitrators who were to settle tho vexed (pu'stion of the
valuation of th« land on the route wens appointed.
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81
Mr. Merritt's memorauilum tor 20tL Jiiiio, states tliut he visited
every person whop.e lantls wero wunteil on the route, and received tlieir
offei-s for a settlement. Yet, afterwards, tliero were many di.ssatisHed at
havinj^ tlio canal pass through their farms, iind tliey liehl a meeting at
HeaverdaniH, favouring the route by the Twenty Mile (^cek, Niagara, or
any other place but that along the " Twelve,'' The arbitration was held in
tlie old tShipmau Tavern, then kept by a man named Jakes — and for a montlt
or two duiing the warm season, this place was the scene of much excitement.
There were 27 cases in dis[)ute. The award for Mr. Merritt and his
father was j£tJOO for 7 or 8 acres of hind and tJie mills. As respects their
t)ther lands, to the amount of U^ 'icres, the advantages of the canal were
eijuivaleut to tlie lauds proposed to be taken. Of the twenty-five arbitratoi-s
appointed to try the casiis, but one is now living, Mr. Ifenry M'.ttleberger,
of St. Catharinet), whose wann intei-est in this undertaking wo have noticed
in extracts from liis journal. The land ivotually arbitrated on amounted to
323 acres in all.
Two of the coi.tractoif), Hovey and Ward, had given up their contract for
the ileep cut. After this peiiod nearly all local o[>position ceased.
In other parts of (^'anada, things were beginning to move. Two steamers
rsere placed on the Ottawa and Lachine route, and six moi'o were plying
on Lakes Ontario and Erie. Tlie works on the canal v/ere often visited by
the curious, and a mania for canalling seemed to possess the people. Mr.
Menitt was daily in receipt of lettei-s from diflerent part* of the country,
about various canal schemes, itc. On the 27th of October, the Board met
at the " Deep Out." Mr. Yates inspected the whole line, having previously
obtained £25,000 in Now York. In their report of this meeting, the
following minute appeals :— -" Tha Directois have gi*e.it pleaaui-e on this
occasion in expressing their full approbation to those wliose attentions have
been lunremitting, etc."
Owing t^) the numerous gatherings which canal matters |)roduceil in this
locality, Mr. Men-itl determined du moving from his old residence ; and as
it was more from necessity than choice, ho advertise<l his dwelling for a
tavern, which was accepted by Luther Dyer, whose practice in this business
in Bufialo, made him a suitable tenant. The mail stages already alluded to,
of which this 1,'acamo the station, W(>ie owneil and managed by K. W. Ste-
phenson, from the san\o place.
Our subject and his family removed on the lOth of November to his
father's residence, now the cottage at Springbank, where he remained until
the completion of his own "Oak Tlill Mansion,"- on the canal bank, three
years afterwards.
The census of the town taken at this time, gave the place 400 inhabitants.
Our recollections are that a considerable village then existed. The opposite
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82
side of St. Paul Stivct, heyoiul Climn-'M, was oiviipicd by Koach'd hat aliop,
tF. F. Mittltilit;ii;»'r, watolmiuker, Uirlianl Kilziccralirs atoir. now occiijiit'd
by tin- T'ntt.i's |)riiiti!i:i ollic^a ; iMcKoiiiiy's rosi'lciict", Valo it NVaUi's' tin
rthop, Saiub'fson'h blnc|<,smith shop, <InMi villi's ^Toot.TV, and wiciuw St'iait'.s
reMulcufc, tt,'nnii>atin<j; with "l»i'4 " J. Wri^^ht's tavt;ni. Oji tho othor hith?,
Hkidiiig tlu! |iiii(!M btiyoiid Shi|iniaii"H l>!nii, w;i-. W.ud's .saddk'iy, Captain
Dittoric-k'a liotcl and butcher alio)), I'llias A<lai)is. FuiTst, Dr. Moorp's, and
thf (thnins. On Ontario street, Ionian Parsons' poltoiy. FJufiis \N'iii;lit ;
x\ndurHon'.s, Tlionias M-niitL's and (ioorge Adan.s's beyond ; o))posiltt Wits
old Mrs. Lawn-nci', Mrs. Shipman, witli whom rcsitU'd K. W. Stt-phon.son
rtud fjiniily; and liis hist ujoiuories wcrt' the cxciivatious going on in tlio f^nt.ss
l)lot fronting the church, for the site of liic large frame l)uilding known jih tho
M(!rchant':> lUock, in whioli afterwards wa.'i tlio W'eliand Car.nl Otfici-, and
rioavenworth's printing olllce.
Of all the new coiitors t-i .St. CatliMiiiics, ('oinniodoi't> Xortlmiti was tli'>
greate.st aeipusitiou to the plii.ce, in hi? osvn |»icnli;i,r Hue. Jle with Mi^.
N. and an only daughter, Elizabeth, coming lipre in iSJl. The ConiTnodori'
being employed in the Uoliviau ser\ ice, made occasional cj iiises in tho (inlf
of Mexico, and at each time of his return to St. (^itharines, Mas in possv<;s
aiou of a rospectal)le .share of tiio "'needfid." Privatoer, biicea)ieeror cummo
dor«, his roh' among us a'hs to s}>eiid nioney. Mis turn-outs wejv tho l>es|,
his dinners the (incst, and his social «iualitie.s nu!">nuded, of which fl. <
author has often been a recipioiit.
One eircuiustance about liim wo ramcinber. wliilo residing at wh.!';
l>ccanie afterwards th" Merchant's Ifot.el. 'J'he hoists which the ( 'omniodorii
used in his family carriage, became restive and ran off down the 12 mil »
hill, and when the animals and the deby'iM uf the vehich! weie recovf red aiid
liroiight back, he ordored them away, saying ho neve]' wovdd drive them
again. It was no matter of surprise that tho voirKde was given to tin? tinder,
as on a former occa.sion wo have known him to hand his daughter a bill
for jdaying a tune on the i>iano for tho aniusoment of hi.s guests. When
the dam at the haibour had converted the IL' mile oeek into a m'niaturc
lake, and the works there being an object of attracticm, the author has fre-
tfueutly witne.ssed the spirited style of the (Commodore's turn-out on the ice.
Th(! way of conducting Municipal ek»ctions in those days were not as
exciting as at present, and the only addres.s we can lind to the electors of
(Trautham, is one headed "Self Nomination," and signed by Job Northrop •
promising faithfully to fuUil the im[)ortant duties of Pathmaster, should th«
free .and indepemlent olectoi's clioose him for that position.
The same individual, p/eviously wishing to have tlie fourth conceasioii
opened along his propei-ty, aaked the nmgisti-ates to fissendde at the*
"Oornerrt," whence, after a s<.H«ial glass, and discuaying the road (question,
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83
<li\>vo them ovnr tliP locality, wlifii no fiirtlifr ceroinony was iKHvJefi, ami the
magiHtrnte-H declfirctl thp roatl opfU.
Tho Coininodoic fin<liii.( tlif cxcitumtMit iiflfonli'il l»y thn prospoct of tiio
i4)»otMly •;))»'iiiux ot" tlio c.iiial, Hiilliciciit in(luc«;JiK'iit to remain iu'n*, !iilv»?rtia«(l
liis tiinn, oonuKoiienl hiiilding tho liouse now owunil Ity .John L. Kuiiney,
ihovcmI one of hi.i oiit-hoiises up for a stoi-n, staifccil a fijrwanlinx company, of
which the kfiel of tho pioneer vessol was laid, just holow the site of his uhvv
iMsidniice.
Th(i holidays woi*.- speju by Mv. Mfrritt in his attendmioc at the Board
in York, a Hnal nit ,vtin>' foi' tho voar beiny hehl there on tlif L'8tJi iKveniber.
()i\ tlie 'M)t\i of November was hold tlie Hi-st annual celebration to (;oin-
momorate tho aiMiiversary of the canal. A piddic dinner was held in tlio
hotel, wliicli was imnnn-ously attended. Speeches were made, loyal and
patriotic toasts were tliunk, and tin- event honourtMl in :i style whicli would
do credit to nion; modern assemblie.s. Tlie ,/oiirunl of Dec. IH'2C>, in refer-
ring to the denionstratioTi Hays :—
* * * " Notvvithstandin;; all those discotira^'ements, it
has buen prosocntcil witli untiriii^ viijouf, and tin- .success which has attend<wl
the ellbrts of tho little l>!ind of pati-iots in the cau.se of their ••ounfciy's wul-
far(f, wlio plaiuied and matured the scheme, nmst bw unexpected and aston-
i.HliijiLj to tluMMselves : a.nd ultliouirh it is a sa<l aniioyancf n» n f''W. yet, it will
undoubtedly i!veiitualJy greatly I'tulound to the credit and hon(.r of all (con-
cerned, a.H well as the Pi'Ovinoe at lar;:;e."
The Annual RepDrt of tlie Canal Convpany, dated ISth December, lH2t),
ntdtes:
■ inongst otiier items, ihi-y are j,fr!(t;cfid to the ( lovernmeiit for their
gra.i. .)f l."),OiM) acres of land in Waintleet, lyin^' nn both sides of the canal
e.xfcf ■'!. to the trrand Iliver. Al.so, that up to this time a lump sum of
$2^ /,../("> h.id bf'cn spent on the work.N, for wliicli tlie followint,' results are
givftii : The tirst st-ctiou whicli conimeiicfd at the Wfllaiid Iliver. (now Port
llobiiLSOu) was comjdeted, to the extent of '.V.) chains, with t<jw-path, and
water let in, and ja-esentoil a fair s|ieciineu of the work when linishod.
ll^])war<is of one and a half million of cubic yards of earth had lieen removed,
and ten miles of the canal tinished. The greater part of the timber for
locks, and material, was got out, and in readiness for use. and several of
the contractors were already (MMisidcrably ahead of their contract work,
owing to the extraordinar}'^ zeal with which the contractors pushed on tho
undertaking. .*(},<)00 in claims for land h:id been paid. £00,000 would
yet be nniuired to fini.sh the deep cut."
On the .")th of December, Parliament assembled, and in. the (lovernor's
speech, referring to the Welland ('anal, ]>laces it second to the Rideau,
hut .saying in its commendation : •
"Although we owe it to the enterpri.se of private individuals, I most
strongly rccouimend it to your favour and protection."
This was not a mere comiiliment, as the Governor had alway.s person.<»Ily
taken a warm interest in tho progre,ss of the Welland Oanal.
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A noting' vory op|iiiitiino rirciiin.itanco also occurod at this tirnf, in tho
I'ac't that it was now known by a (lispatch from ("ol. Hillier, tiiat tho Im
|K*iial (lovonnncnt luwl given a grant to tho WeUand Canal Conijiauy, of
£10,000 sterling.
At this time, our old friend Dr. Beadle went to York, and succeeded in getting
the contract for twenty years, to convey the mails from Qucenston to Sandwich,
which proved a profitable undertaking, and which was known for many years
afterwards as being under the conduct of W. A. Stephenson. A Mr. Wilkin-
son, who left for Brantford, was a partner.
On the 14th of September, in this year, occurred an event which caused a
profound sensation throughout this country and tlio United Stjitcs. The facts
known at this time wore, that an individual known as Col. W. Morgan, a citizen
of the .States, hud written a book purporting to be an expose of Freemasonry,
and shortly afterwards the author suddenly disappeared. The newspapers at
the time were full of stories, somo of them very sensational in reference to
Jlorgan ; and it was even stateil that one of the Brants of Wellington S((aare,
and several other prominent Masons in Canada and the United States had con-
pired, jmd captured Morgan, confined him in N. Y. State, on a trumped up
charge, and afterwards conveyed him to Fort Niagara, from whence they tran-
sported him out into the lake and drowned him. It is needless to say that the
>;entlenien charged with tlie connnission of tho crime strenuously denied the
i nplication. The results however were that two strong parties sprung up,
known as Masoiis and Anti-Masons. To the latter side our subject became
allied, and ever afterwards he was known to be opposed to secret societies^
under every form and guise.
Aitumg tlie genenil transactions of this period, was tlie re-establishraent of
the Cnlnniol Advocate, by Mi'. Wni. Lyon McKenzie, it having boon stopped
by tlirowing all his type inta the bay. He collected $1,500 jus damages.
As Ottawa has heeoino an important place as the seat of ffovornment
for united (.■aniula, the ceremony for the cominMicing of the Kideau Canal,
will })e given.
On tho U4th of September, Ix)rd Dalhousie and suit arrived at tho
iMiaiuliere, proceeded to P. Wright's, Ksq.j when, on the '27th, accompanied
by (Japtiiiu By, ami<lst a large concourse of gentlemen from the surroun-
ding settlements, laid tho foundation stone, jus commencement of the
Bideau Canal. After the ceremony of laying the foundation stone was
completed, his lordship, lady and suit dej)art«d in a barge rowed by
fourteen oarsmen, cm their return to Quebec.
November 1st. - -It ia stated in the Montreal Ikmli that £20,000,000
h.-^d aiipropriuted for fortifications in Canada.
A party of enginewrs, im the general plan of fortificttion, was sent bo
snrvey the Chutaiigue.
they,
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As noticed, the II()U!<o iiiot, iiiiil I\Ir. Morritt, not now in the Hoard of
Maiiiifrer."!, whose duly made it iieeossary thMt his jireseiice should mostly he
on the works, h.ad liowover to visit York, and attend the Hoard mectiiiu;s and
other husine.«> in the interest of the CompMny. The loss of his friend and
:idviser Arclideacon Straeh'in, whose interest in the rising i^eneralion had eaused
lii-* titmporary iibsciice to Isn^laml, in order to raise funds lor the fnundiiii; of
a I'niversity, was more than made up by the prosencc of the Honourable J. B.
^.\TKs, of Chittcnanjio, N. Y., who resided in York, and atteniled tlic House.
A petition havin<; been pri'sented by the Wellaml Canal Co. for the (roveru-
ment's assistance, askintr them to take a part in the undertakin;^. and one from
Niajjjara askinjj; for a I/itcnil cu — ;i committee was appointed to investijrate the
subjects. Mr. Yates addressed a letter to Arch. McLean, the chairman of this
committee, and also gave his verbal testimony before the same, in wliieh ho
uivcs a calculation that the work will pay interest by carryinjr the products at
SI r)0 per ton, for r)(>,0(l(» Canadian.^ — and that the Oswego Canal, now under
way, would be the means of aceomodatinj^ many more from the other side,
Ijosides adding to the value of vessel property, by .giving tliem two or more
lakes to navigate. The ideas of Mr. Yctes were based upon known estimates
in connection with the Erie Canal, and so convincing to the committee were
they, that they recommended I'arliament to take stock in the canal to the
amount of $200,000; but still, from the unreasonable condition of the arrange-
ment, it amounted to nothing more than a loan, as the company were bound to
jiay interest on the same, as well as the previous sum advancet*.
18 2 7.
At the termination of the session on the 13th February, a meeting of
the Directors was bold, and a resolution was passed authorizing Mr. Merritt
to proceed to Quebec, for which £125 was voted, with a petition from the
Hoard to the Parliament of liower Canada, praying that tl.at body would assist
the Company by becoming subscribers, as it would be an equal benefit to the
ports in their I'rovince. Another resolution commisioned him, in conjunction
with Mr. Yates, if unsuccessful, to have the balance procured in New York.
Arriving in Quebec on the 23rd of February, he spent the time intervening
until the opening of the House on the 2nd of March, seeing the different
members of the Ciovcrnmont, and explaining tlie prospects and progress of the
Company's works. In this interval he writes hon)e :
" I have been introduced to most of the members. Every person says it
is a loss of time to say one word to Jean Uaptiste, as he will not give ujs a
dollar. I, however, have strong ho])es, and one week will determine the
measure, &c."
He also was the bearer of a dispatch from Sir P. Maitland to Lord Halhousic,
the Governor and Chief, at Quebec, on the same subject — which His Excellency
laid before the House by message. A bill was immediately brought before
the House, authorizing a grant of £25,000, which was passed through all it*
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brnncJu'H, Mr. Mcrritt arrivcl homo, by way of Albany, on tlic ll>th Murch,
inuklii^ tlie most fXjKiditiouH and huccesrtf'ul jyurney in t'ouuection with tiie
Ciiuiil yet rocttnli'd.
In tlio annual met'tin;^', wliich was hold at St. Catharines ou 2nd April,
the Hon. Ci)l. WoIIh toolc tlio place of Vice-rroHident Allen, and .1. H. Boultod'
that of Mr. W. H. Morritt, who whh now aotin;^ as Ajiont. Several nioetingB
were afterwardn hold alon^ the liii>', and at one of them it was resolved : that
the otticc! of the ('ompatiy be removed to St, Calh'irine.s, and that JamcH Hlack
be appointed resident seeretary — salary X,2iH). And tliat an oflice be built
here for the agent, secretary, and engineer, by ettntract — 3Ir. Merritt agreeing
to pay for the same at any time they may clioose to relinijuish it.
In tlie Spring of 1H27, a letter from Mrs. MfMiitt, sayK :
" There liavo been a gr««it many people heio. Kvery house is n-owdMl
with two or more families. IJnilding is- going on."
Mr. <jonh)n left, finally, with bis son — the only rcMuaining menibei of
his family, after twenty years so-jonrn in this country. Tlx^y returned to
Kdiiiburgli, where his soii .lame« received a finished education for the
medical profession ; passing a creditable «>xaininBtion at tlie exjiense of his
health, which ultimately caused liis premature death, at Paris, in 1830,
much regretted bv his friends in St. (^itbarincs and elsewhere. Mr. Crordon
afterwards lived in lA)nd()n, where he died in 184 0.
The [loople of Fontbill are perhaps not aware of the importiuice their
jjosition once hehl in the thoughts of the counti-y's iiilers at this tiine.
On the 25tli of July, R. H. Bonnycastle, R. N. ( -ommander at Kingston.,
writes to Mr. Moiritt :
" r have stiggested to the Home (JovernnuMit tlie practicability of a
canal from yours t<j the Short Hills, either liy ISaJI's \ alley to SJeckitt'h
Mills, or, above the Deep (Jut."
Beginning late in the season, under the enej-gctic direction of the con-
tractor, Mr. (). S. Phelps, the works on the deep cut liad been ]iuslied on
with unexampli'd spewl. '['he wet weather setting in fjuly, it wa.s aban
(loned for the s(^asoii.
<)i») of the institutions .seemingly necessary on the works, was an indi-
vidual who tigui-es amongst others as the " grog-man." We are not aware
tliat in the.se days of buasted enlightentnent such a phrase ever occurs in
tlie reports or estimates of any great public work ; but as tlu^ word fre-
(luently a])[)rars on the old pay-list of the canal, we conclude that the un-
])rocedented amount of work daily accomplished was in .sonu) nuiasure stlin-
ulatfM] by this inii>ortant personage.
Against the opinion of the President ami Directors, Mi'. Meiritt advc-
caUid strongly the undertaking of the canal directly to Port [Maitland.
This idea coming before the present one was finish* d, caused some commo^
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tioii '» tiio lioiu.J, but \s&H 11 fdrtiiiiatt' mutt*-!-, as witliout it tlie ciinal
would tiiive to W al>arulouwl, owiaj; to ilic iiiiiiiy laml sHjih which oci'ui«'<l
ill the <ln<)j> tut iu th«? in*xt fall.
Mr. MenlttH ur!.'uiut>iit for the f«'t'd<'r iiuw iv, tlint <(jiiun<!; in at our «'iul
there, will Ite a fall the whole way,- -uk, by throwin;^ u ilaiii over the
Chippewa, we e,oi have dfep water We have plated our towiiifj path
above the surface for this purpose. As tiiis deepeiiiuj,' is not Iik«'ly to take
piaee for yeurs : it is not advisable to publish it niiw, liy eu<'ouni<i;iuju' v»>nhel«
U) be built Avith a hirju'cr drauj^lit than eij,'ht feet."
Oil the 1 lith of Septeiiilier. notices were j'iveii for i:ine miles exca\atioii,
bfitwetui the forks of t!ie SVellaiid and I'ldail (.'reek to lie liuished by the
1st of October, 1H2S. The eoutruct was taken by Moiisoii, Simpson. Si < 'o.,
on the ;<rd of October, w lio advertised for 1,000 hands, which were readily
supplied from the deep cut works, now idle. Tlie idea of this work e.\ten<le.d
lieyond the Welland, oi- scheme of connecting the two lakes- as histhou^ditR
wer«; now turned to another scheme, viz: the imjudveinent of the (irand
IMver, which he commenced l»y openiu;.' a eorrespondenct! with the leading
men of the section of country about to be benefitted. This eorrespoudeuce,
which we have in ou: possession, shewB that Mr. Merritt wiwhed to be fully
in possession of all facts of intei-est in refereiwe to the country affected. A
series of leadiuj^ (juestious on trade, jiroductions, aj,'riculture, A'c.. ite., were
jti'oposed to b.' answered, and from which a reliable data could be j^ot, were
expected. Also, reiiuestiny them t^i raise subscriptions to have the route
regularly surveyed, as was the case with the ]>lans of the Welland and St.
IjHwreiice.
Tlie progress of the St. Lawreuoe extension durinj,' this year is given iu
the report of Messrs. l-lowes it Hykert, to the (Joveriior, in whose service
Ml'. Clowes, as intimated, had been since the 9th of June. These jtlans in-
< luded two sizes for the canal— four, and eight feet ; and after giving the
engineering particulars of oach route to the J.. (,'. line, lu^sxims up by saying
that it is highly gratifying to state, for the information of His Excellency
and others, that the advantages for the canalization of tlie St. Lawrence,
far exceeded our most sanguine expectati<jns. And although making this
statement, we see by a letter to Mr. .Mr^rritt from King.ston, (hited .SOth of
January, he had left the St. Lawrence. The report eoidaintid in several
jriaces favourable notii es of tlie J*ideau ('anal. Mr. Clowes had found
emjdoyinent ?uore profitable than that of his early patrons in Niagara,
iu tiie rival project of tlie ( Htawa.
In Mr. Meiritt's projierty, alluded t« in church matters, was left a space
ftn an eddcational establishment ; and ou A}iril li5th. a geaeral meeting was
held in St. Oatliarines, for the piii-jiose of building an academy, ou it,
which was attended by the leading gentry cf the neighbourhood. Pr.
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IJraUd ocnijiied tlu^cliair, iiii:l Ht'ury Mittlel).'r-or, Hsij., acted jus s<>crotary —
wlicii, a Kuildiiij,' to cost 84,000 was ugiverl u))on, to ho paid for by !;haros
of .^10 (>af''li. Si, ;').")() wa.s snbsoribed outli'' sjiot, and a i'(;miiiittt'o formed to
collect (lie lialancc. The l)iiildiiig was the iirst suiicvioi- iiistituiioii of
h'ariiiii!» in tliis inivt of tlio Pioviuce, ])iY'u?eding the Dislic^p's College at
Toronto, for which h(^ oUtained from the (Joviniinn'nt assistance to" tlio.
amount of 100,000 acres of land.
A meeting iu Brantford was advertised in the d'orc (!<r^:iip, on tlie l.')th
December, and was well attended ; Mr. Morritt making his oxjdanation.s in
reference to the Grand River imjirovements.
Without waiting, hftwever, for action to b(,' takcju on this, and the
season being late, he sent nj) !Mr. Cusack as enuineer to survey the i-oute.
A letter, from Mr. Gi'aut, of Aucaster, on the Ifith of Oct'iber, adv'ocates
that the survey should extend to Gait, A'C.
On the 8th of October, a lettei- was recei^e(l from Mr. Whitehead of
Buiford. in which he states :
"1 feel sanguine in the improvements of the Grand lliver idea, after
the plan suggested by you. A few inllueiitial individuals that I have con-
versed with, are desirous to undei-take it. but want to know what is the
e.\i»ense fm- levelling and surveying a route from where tiie Wolland ('anal
enters the (irand Ihver, to Ihantford."
'* I will immediately set u]i a subscription to defray jn-eliminary ex-
)»wnses."
And in anolhei- letter, he says :
" 1 have not be en as successful iu raising money as I anticipated, Arc."
Wo are not aware that any mo]u\v was raised at tjiis time, but Mr.
( Jusack the engineer died soon afterwards, and we find tlic following amongst
INIr. ]\rorritt's nicmorandas, from his widow :
" Mr«. (/usack has re(]iu»stod me to apply to you for tlie ainount duo to
her late husband for surveying the Giand Iviver."
A lou't hater from J. D. Noi-ton, Black Bock, Mas also leceived this
yeai', relative to the disposal of Gyjisuni, shewing how oxteusivo wei-e his
jdans for the developement of the rosourses of the country.
A letter was received from the Presideiit on the 124th of December, in
wjiich ho says :
■' r hope you will have everytliing ready for the llepoit V»y the time 1
write you to come over : it shall be as soon as Mr. Peter Bobinson makcH
liis appearance. We can do nothing till he comes."
On returning from Brantfcrd, Mi*. Merritt met with a very seriovis
Accident, caused by the upsetting of the coach in which he was travelling,
i)etween St. Catharines and Haniilt<}n. The shock ho received was
auliicient to confine him to his bed for some -lays, and from which he did
Jiot recover l»efdre his Journey to England, whii^h was undertaken soon aft#r.
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On till? 12tli of J;i?iuirv, 1S2S, a tiio'.>tin,' o])p()«eil i > t!i," j):-oj>ji'\l ( JraU'l
Risoi" roiuti, was liold in AnciistiT ; tlu^ Mt-a ciitLM'taiin'il liy tliust' ])rcs(iit.
l)eiiig, that a canal fro. i tliu*^ river to llaiiiiltnn. aii.l even from llw licail
wateis of tlio Thames, -would be the eorreet thin;^'. Twelve lung resolution:-!
wero passed, and it afterwai'ds beinj; found that the summit cutting' on the
proposiul I'oute would be one hundred fe(>t, and deeper than the dee}> cat
on the tho Welland ('anal, the idea was abandoned, and %ve believe never
afterwardp meutioneJ —at least if IVlr. ('aiireol'sKcheme nni^lit be considered
a similai" one.
As the whole work on the canal is now under way, it wa.s found
absolutely necessary to raise more funds. The Italance still on hand
amounted to .£."i9,00#, and it was found that more than doubh^ that sum
would be required to finish the work. An ellbrt was to be made again to
obtain tlie $l'()0,()00 re.served for England.
During the series of Board meetin,;s held in York, commeiaing on the
"J 1st of January, that on the Hth Fel)ruary contains a financial htaten)ent
from Mr. Merritt, by wliicli he says :
"No embarrassment for want of funds will ' i; felt until the 1st of
August, before whii-h time some inoai s must lie divi.sed t« obtain ij.")(),000
for the remainder of tho season.''
lie also proposed five diflererit schemes towards laising this anunuit : —
1st. — To enlarge tho capital another £l<)0,0()(). "Jnd. — To endeavoui' to st»ll
stock, or efieet a loan in the United States. .'5rd. — To send an airent to
iCnglaud to obtain the one nintli jirt^mised on the eidarged capital. 4th.- -
To endeavour to sell stock there, oth. -t)r endeavour to ailect a loan.
The Board were at the end of their invent inn. To (udarge the capital at
present was a useless measure, as the New Vork stockholders having iin-
])lied, nothing more coidd be expected from that ipiarfcer. JJut another trial
was to be made, and the agent once nioi-e. with discretionary powers. was sent
down to see if money could bo obtained. Tho st-nding to Kngland was tlio
l;ust thing, but who was to be the andiassador ? Mr. Meri'itt's readiness to
do anything for the canal, they knew. 'j'o a Colonist, a fr-./' trip to the
old country is the great object of his life. He always looka to going /lonif,
aiul a jiolicy that will culminate of b{>ing eommissioned there, is considered
worthy of a life's energy.
But it Wiis hardly ex]>r>(«ted that Mr. MtMiilt would und(;i-take the ta.^k.
Fnmi the expressions of surprise, after his success, by the Pntsident : '' Indi-
vidually, I must thank you for the success of your mhssion, which /.v lUDte
than I erjKCteiJ." Had not evmy envoy faih>d. already : and liad they not
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agon Is in F]n;,'Iand of ;,T('at wrtaitli und aluir.st luiiiotiiidiMl iufkuMic; wit.h
tlif! Hfiriitj (ioverntii'!Ut in ( iinadiaii iitlairs, wliilc Mr. Meritt, witK uU l,i8
zciil for tiie cuiiiil, wa.s witlioiit infiiuuice to raise tlic iieccHKury f'lindR.
W« will not say what infiuoiioe this natural fnoliug may liav«; had for
our suhjcct, on this his tiist voyaLff'. fn the alisfiico of any tc^stiniony Uy
the i-ontrary, we niusteall it a " self ajUJointinent."
We know he refused a lucrative connnission ataiiothtn- tiuie, and alwayH
avoided trips for pleasure.
Under these circurnstaiK-es, Mr. Merritt a;L;iiin visited the Unit(>d St.iitcs,
jroiiig by way of Kinjrston an<l Sackett's hiirhour to Philadel|>hia, where,
consulting S. (Jirard, he retui-ned to New York. While thero, he stjiyod
with Mr. Yiites, and inducted that genth.-inau to beconio security for $40,000
- -Kuftifient to carry on tlie work for a time. Not being able to accomplish
tlie full object of liis mission in New York, and aftei- waiting until the last
moment, he hnally dec-ided to go pcisonally to Kngland and his journey
thence, with his observatiojis, successes, itc, will b<; found in his journal
and correspondence, which is lieie coj-ied.
" Left home on Tuesday, the 2()th day of February, 1S2S, in a sleigh —
thi snow Jiaving fallen the day beforf^ Paid Mi'. Btevenson $2, instea<l of
$1.50, the regular fare to 8t(tney (!re.ek. From thence, went inanother
sleigh over the Ixiach to Ho[)kius ; thence, same night, to Corey's. My side
extremely painful at times : sudden thumps of the sleigh, almost in-
sup}K)rtable."
" 27th. — Into York at 10 o'clock. It havi'ig laiued hard during the
night, most of the snow disappeared. Called on Attorney-General, Major
Hill, Dunn (t Bolton. Met in the evening at Mi-. Orew's. No business
transacted, or }»r(!paratious made."
" i?8th, 'J'hursdrty.—(^uite unwell yesterday and to-day, from eftect« of
my u|iset. ProcunHl from Major Hill a letter to ("ommodore Barrie. Made
other preparations to leave in the morning : and ha\ t! the necessary pa])erH,
(not now prejiared,) sent on by Mr. Proudfoot. He leaves fo)- I'inglaiui on
Monday, which gives me a few (hiys longer in America, to make an atteinfit
to liitluf get the inonev bv loan, or dispose of the stock."
" L'Uth, Friday. Left York at 2 o'clock, with J. .lones, P. xMciJill, and
J. (Jeorge. Went 40 miles; the sleighing passable, snow having fallen tin;
day previous."
" 1st March, Saturday. Travelled to Moyer's Creek, about SO miles.
My si<le improving daily."
" Sunday, L^nd March. Went to Hath. 40 miles, to breakfast. Arriveil
in Kingst(.)n about one or two o'clock '
"Monday, IJrd. Called early on Commodore Hany ; nnide every
arrangement with him. Saw Captain r.oniiycaslle and |jieut(M)nnt-C()lonel
Smiih. lloyal Lngineeip. Left Kingston at half-past thr«!e. Crossed to
Navy or (irand iKland with a sleigli and horses. More snow 3 est -day.
This island is seven miles long. Kiom thence, crossed ^o (Jravelly Point
in a boat. Sometimes boat drawn on ice, and soim times in water ; being
iieitiitr one thing or tin) other. Crostiiug, Linnl Major-deneral Paniediot,
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Avlio was in tlie town Kcliifii,' shcfip, to c-arry /rui out to Tirowrisvillf! foi .4'.'.
lie wjiK a thorough UniviTsalist, au-l Jackson xniui. Luckily anivod u few
minutes l>«fore the staij;f;. which catno from Saokott's harbour.
"Sunday, 4th -(!ot in, and reaclit'd Htioa.
" Mon<lay,r)th. — Arrived at AHiaiiy: !sto|)|)e(l at tli<^ hottd oj»j;o.sit«; Skin-
ner's.
"Tuoisday. (!th — ('alifd on Messrs. Youn^, Sfynioni-. Hank, W'illkson,
(to., <t(-. Took |)as'.afj;c on boaid st»>antboHt at four o'clock- -very niucfi
crowded. A poor unfortunate ttenthMnan died on hoard ; <lie passen<;e».s
playing canis, all unconcerned, (as nio.-t of us g'Mierally are in this world
at the Husfoitunes of others.)
"7th.- Arrived at New York at e,it(ht. Stop]>ed at the Franklin
Hot<d on Jiroadway. 15reakfasted, and then went with Mr. Yates to liis
residence, 112 Greenwich Street. Mr. Mills, the en/^ineer, whom 1 met
oftcHi before, came from Utica with me. Tlie pain in side iniprovin;.^ daily.
" !Sth. — Left New York in the lhii(Mi Liiu^, for Philadeljihia. at hulf-
pawt t«;n, for the purpose of interesting Mr. (Jerard In our jtroject if jK)ssi-
bie. Steamboat to Brunswick— a delightful excursion. St^iges through
New Jersey to Trenton, I'S miles, where we .-jlept.
"Sunday, !<th ]\Iai'ch. After a good night's nwt, embarkt'd on board
the Trenton st^'aniboat for Philadelphia, wh«tre we arri\('d at ehiven o'clock,
after another pleasant .sail on tlie Delawaie, whit-h divides the two Ktat«3s.
Examined the water works cm the Schuylkill, which are the most perfect of
the kind in America. Am preposseissinl rather against than in favour of thft
place, which falls far short of my anticipations.
"Monday, lOth.- Called on J. H. Kobinsoji, Ksq., tlie IJritish ('onsul,
and wrot<' a letter to Mr. (Jerard, explaining the object, to which he puts
Ids \vU) at once ; in conse(|uonce of winch we returned to N(!w York. Em-
burked at twelve o'clock in steamboat, and aii'ived iu New York at eleven,
tlu; following morning.
"'i'ue^sday, 1 1th Made niy first ajiplication to Prim vt Co., who rejecte*!
it at once — " would hav(> nothing to do with it."
"Wednesday, lL!th. ('ailed a meeting of .stockholders, who were plejisfwl
with the situation of the w<.»rk. Messrs. Yates and M.elntyre caiiu^ forward
and not oidy agreed to pay up the i-einaing shares, but ndNance .*1(),()()0
more, to be replaced in Kngland liy letter u> Mr. Merritt.
"Thursdav. l.'ith. Called on Jacob Astor, a (Jrrmaii, who thinks well
of it.
"Friday, lUh. -Madea number of att(!mpt*i in vajious (piarters. but
with verv little .succes.s.
"Saturday, l.'ith.- -Having made ajiplication to a noted Frenchnui c
(lernifiii and (.Quaker — closed with a Jew, agent of liothcliild. to whom f
addi-(!ssed the following letter :
Messrs. Phinii»s d- ( 'o.
(lENTLKMKS :
"You will tiotice Vty looking over the map of the Lnite<l Stiit^js an<l
Canada, that the Welland (.'anal, the |)lans and prolihss of which were shewn
you this <iay. unites Lakes Krie and < aitario, by shir» navigatieui, thereby
connecting the greatest extent «if navigable waters in the world, in the
shorttist lUstaiice, aiid with the least exttense. I am prejtared to prove, and
any person in the city knowing the geography of that country, will inform
. .;!f
■ !!
» ' I 1
92
yoii of tlirsnnic, that tlin Ohio Canal, wliicli fOU!i(>ct.s that rivev with Erie, will
bring id! tho ])ro(hiots of tlic country, nhovc St. liouis, to Lako Erii^ ; which
Lake will also receivf tlip products of Michigan, that juirt of Ponsylvania
und Now York honlcring, and the western ]>artof ('anada. Fiuther, when
tlie products of that wi^st 'ra country arc afloat on Like Ei'in, they will ]).iss
through the) Wellan.l (Unal if destined (Utiior for this or the Montreal
market. As von .suggested, 1 will call on Messrs. llowland it Co. in London ;
and I will thank you to foi-ward thei'o whatever inforiiiation you may tliiidc
lit on th-.' subje -t. Tiiere lias hcen tixpr-ndcdou this work .S7()i),0l)M. There
remains only .•? 100,000 to be taken up — but you have not time to decide on
this before the packet sails. " "W. H. M."
"Sunday, l(ith March. — Left New York. Sundav is a day mariners
appear to select for ])uttiiig to sea. ^t haj)])ened however to fall, in our case,
on the regular day for sailing. The ^ 'ori'/<i, Cajit. Tiiu;olm, is the good shiji
in which 1 am at }iresent. Thei-e are four lady passengers — Mrs. and INIl-.s
-Ruse, Miss Meyers, and the captain's wife. Nine gentlemen — Mr. Proudfoot,
.and Mr. Cameron, from Canada ; Mr. AYalker, from Sarnia: llecse, of Liver-
pool ; Mr. Cluin, of Nashville; Mr. Ireland, anil three ot!iers for England.
We had a fair wind on leaving the harboui', a\)Out eleven o'clock. IJisciuvrged
the pilot off S.uidy Hook, at one ; and in the evening was out of sight of
land. Passe, I ii great number of shij)s at anchor, ju.st arrived, and some
.still underway and beating up. About four, observed a ship 'heaving to,'
for purf)jse of sp^.uikiug us : bore down. Shs wanted to enquire what 'land-
a-head.' Proved to be a shij) from the Sandwich Islands, Pacitic Ocean.
One cannot but sympathize in the gool feelings and joy a sailor must ex-
perieujj iu siglit of land, aft?r a voyage of two or three years from his native
land. She was bound for Nantucket, la len wMth oil — ^where she must have
arrived tlie n;)xt day, as th? wind shifted to the eastward.
'•On Monday and Tuesday, 17th and 18th, a heavy blow from N. E.
All the passengers except three quite sick.
"On Wedn;^sday and Tliui-.sday, 19th and '20th, wind dead ahead.
" Friday, :21st, '.\ P.M. — \Ye had come into Lat. 37. 4 : 5. — -Cro.ssing the
Gulf Stream at (i : 7. — Put about, and found ourselves in the middle of it, by
an obsei-vation on Thursday afternoon.
" Saturday, 2llnd.- — -Aljout i.'iO miles from New York. Last night the
wind shifted at thwo o'clock : iu the morning. \>\<iw luird. and raijied. Wind,
N. by E. — )urcours(^E S. E. A heavy ln-ad .s."-.'!. Sliip goilig at S^ knots.
The sea aj>pears delightful, although we are tossing at u great rate. Many
sick. Myself not well.
'•Sunday, 2;}rd March — The vind continues favtmrable. Still a heavy
sea ; but on the whole, ])leasant.
"Monday, 21th. — 'Fhe wind hauled around somewhat u'.. favourably last
night. Rain again this morning. Studding .sails displayed, as yesteiday.
" Tue.sdiy, 2")th. — Commenced overluuiling papers. Calm last night,
and this day. Yesterday, was in liat. -10.21. Ijong. 49.25. Dull sailing,
although pleasant weather.
"Wednesday, 2(ith. — Had a li^iht breeze from the southward. Increased,
and hauled arontid to the west. The sea smooth, and the weather iiiM).
Ship going at the rate of !iine knots. All in good he-iklth and .spirits.
" Thunsday, 27th. — The wind continues fair. Have made lapid ju-ogi'esH
for the last 24 hours. We commenced |daying whist last night : this with
th
. 'f
93
reading or writing, form.i tho only uniusemeufc, or means of occupyinc; tinip.
Lat. 39, long. 43. — wbidi brings us on tho European map, or eastern lialfof
tho Atlantio.
liofore cloising tl;'^ 'uap of America, he casts a retroHpcctive glance over
its expansive territory, .sj)ying out its facilities for water communication to
the seaboard, and theuoe to the old world.
Memorandum — The distances and prices of freight from tho commence-
ment of the Ohio Canal at Hciota in Ohio, by the Mi.ssi.ssip})! to New York,
3,800 miles, ^I'J per ton, in 27 days. To Lake Erie, 1)40 miles, for^l'Ji in
18 days.
Thus it will bo seen that tho exports can be made v, ith a similar expense
in two-thirds of tho time. The merchandiso for the suj.'ply of this soutlieru
country was brought, before any canal was built, by land from Philadelphia.
There is a prospect, that as far down as C^iiro, and up the tributaries, the
Ohio included, up tho Alleghany ^Mountains, must bo su])plied by the lakes
of the west of coui-se.
I received much valuable information of tho southern country from my
fellow-pa.sseugers. One of the a<lvantages of tho iiorthoru route, is the
salubrity of the climate. When the St. Lawrence canal is finished this ad-
vantage, as well ;ui chea[»nesH of freight, will bo in favour of tnat route.
" Friday, '?.Sih. — As we are about approaching England, the geography
of which I undei-stand very imperfectly, I have conmienced this day in ex-
amining the map, and the principal situation of towns in (Jreat Britain.
Thj tirst land we are likely to a[)[)ioach is Ireland, which is situated on the
left of tho Channel. Capo Clear apjiears tho point generally noticed.
Our course is up St. George's Channel, passing Cork, Wexford, itc. This
la.st place, with ^Millford Haven, oi)posite, on the .south side of the .sea which
divides or sepaniten Ireland from England.
" Did not sleep one hour la.st night, or tho night before. Was tpiite un-
well yesterday, but feel much bettei- to-day. The pain iu my side i.s lest;eri-
ing very nu;ch. After dinner we were called on deck to aeo two *^ wafer-
spouts," to the north. It was blowing fresh, and occa.sionally .s<pially.
'Hiero was nothing remaikable in their ap})earance Tiiore than tho appearance
of a thick dense mist rising from tho oce^ui to a cloud, and moving along
in a body in tho diioution of the wi)id, from west to east. Tho mate pro-
nounced it a " loaterr.povl" and said that ho saw one in tho P.'icitic Ocean
which took up empty bArrels to a great height. However, this proved no-
tiling more or less than a piussing cloud of mist, a.s we ireiiuently see on land.
" Saturday, 2'Jth. — We passed a iianpie tliis day, standing to the ea.stward
— the weather very rough, and perhatis we were 80 or lUO yards a()art : the
sight is cheering and plea.sant ; altlicnigh there would be no possibility of
boarding each other. All cheerful and pleasant. The wind tair. Going
ftt the rate of nine or ten knots an hour. llemend)ered Saturday night at sea."
"Sunday, 30th. -This is tho 14th day, or one fortnight since we left
New York. We ha^ e been most highly favoured with fair winds and fine
weather, for which wc should bo grateful ttj tho A'luighty. The weather
iifcild, but wet. Wind still fair. I-'it. 47, Long. 20.
!!
[H
m
m
'•T\iP»ilay, April 1st. — Pashod tlio n!)in " Iinhin-Ifooif," of Hostoii. Six
tlavHoiit from I^-ivorpool, bouiul for Now York. Jlopoi-t the " Fhridn " all
woll. By tlii.^, titling^ w'M vPiich Iioiik', \ trust, of our siifoty thuy far.
" Wi'iiiK'sday, liinl A|)ril.— No oli.sfTvatioii yf'.>itcri:lay. Tlic wind lulled
cjilin. Caiiu) on from the eastward with a gentle lireexuand some rain. All
tlie |Kisseii'j;er,s in ^i-eat glee, expectinj; a fj'.vourahlf aud sliovt vuy„.(fo. Thi.i
Homewhat dampens their spii'its. We hav' reasoii to he satisred for the
long continuance of favourahln weather and fair wind this year, and ahouhl
not e.xpeet at this .se.'i.->oii its continwanio throii;.jhoiit tho voyage. No observa-
tion ye.sterday oi" to-day. Tho east winds same eold and un|)leasant.
'' Thursday, o Ai)ril. — Tho wind still eontiinies froin the eastwanl very
light, and no ap])eara.noeH of a change. We are driven fur to the northward
of our course, heading towiuds N(n-wa.y ahout L'oO oi- 'M\() miles from \,\w
westeiJi (;<»ast of Ireland.
" ' Zimmermans's .I.i)vers,' and ' (Jaiter'fs Travels,' form a ['art ofou"
library, and ' |{. Hale's Travels.'
" Friday, 4th Tl'.is day o'f>tained an observation : find ourselves in Lit
f>2. ."»(>. Tj'mg. 1'), and .some minutes directly oppo,sit<' tho town of Jjimerick,
on the Shanmrn. Quito calm. Still have made no ilirect progre.ss for t.ho
last three days.
"April .'>th.- — Clear. ISO ndles from Cape (!lear. Wind fair.
'•Sund:iy, (ith. — Call.'td up at o, to see C.ipe (.lear lighthouse, when witliin
l."» miles, pas.sing at a Ha.fe distance the furthest rock on the reef of tho
Cape. We bore tovrards land. This [lart nf the coast is mountainous.
]li'lade Kinsule head, near where the Alhion was wj-eeked. Wo came ohiso
enough to see tlie given fieldii, which were enclosed with stone fe)iee.s. Tii.^
J'hnerald isle, at this pait of the coast, does not prescMit the vi\id grandeur
whi(.h 1 expected. It M'as with no little feeling of [)h;a,siire my eyi>>j ga/wi
on the land of my ancestors : and the <Hnintry to me presented a similar ap-
j)ea\'anee to that of tho East rivei-, wliicli was tlie home of my ancestors
in America."
He eloses Sunday with ]ii()us i-eJloctions and grateful e.\]>ressi(ms towards
the Almighty, that He has thus rendere<l the voyage .so wife and pleasant.
Tho i>assage was not yet over, but tho many dangers of the Irish Sea
was yet to be encountered, more thati now for the lack of .steam. J^ut
great precautions were taken dm-ing the voyage.
His observations in the city of Liveri)Ool may be ]iassed, as the imi)rovo-
ments there have made it another place since then. But tho journe-,' ujt to
London we will learn from a letter to Dr. J. Prendergast :
1\> J)i>r/,or Jededlah I'voiderynff.
liONDON, 4th May, 1828.
My Dear Sir :
I have taken a few moments this morning to give you a detail of this
to tlie, wondei-ful coiu»try.
1 was prepared to meet great splendours and extreme mi.sery. 1 have
found everything so different from what T o.vjiected. From Liverpool iw
Jiondon, '2().S njiles, [ rode on the outside of a coach-- - passed a number of
manufiicturing towns— examined every place as far as my e^^ would roach;
\'f
ii
95
*iw jiDlliiii'^ Iiiil. |)('iu:»', |»I(Mity jfiMxl lniiii>»ur, ;uiil iu)t a!i ilniivMciil wlio Itsul
not good flotliii)!:; .•iiul hIuh's. .Met verv tVw tra/ellt'is, excfpt in n>;u;l;pH.
The wln)l« ooitiitry, with soiuf cxfi'ptioii.s, IwK) 'i:;s to nobli'Tnen, ami ex-
t«)isivi> i)n)jirirt(M*s. Tlu'rc is not oiie y:u'il oft- tli not (Miltiviitoil, to nil
a|>i)i?iuunct', as wdl a-; our ganlcus ; (>\('nn)unil lie salt works, wliich wo
jtiirtHOil. TliH pooplc an? iinluhti^ou-, to a «iei;rfi». a^ni takiii;,' all things into
^•onsldoration, porliaps tor tlii.s country no better systtMn can be atlopteu t'or
tlic "UviMioii of pioporty- although it would never answer for Aniei»ea. I
wiia ten tlays in Lonrlon Iwfore F met a drunken person. Them is le«rf of
thi» vii-e in tlu' pojiulation of I ,")00,()l)i) pe-dple in this eity than in oiu' of
ouv iutelliL,'ont villa.;4:es. I was jtrej'ared to meet reserve in the extreme,
nutl even iiisolenc(.>, ami was advised not to appear as ii stranger. I havo
found ('very dispositioii to be eonuinmieative and in(juisiti\ e, in some oa.sea
oxcedin;^ any Jonathan [ ever met with ; and when 1 mentioned l)eini^ a
strangiM', which 1 alwayft "vave as my a)>ology for ini|iiisitiveness, \ -.vns
treated witli double attention. 'I'he eapaeity of ji man, here, is oontin.ed to
his [tartioulai' Icislnoss or dnty, '.vholly uidike o\n- [lopuhitioii. You euii ob-
tain no infonnafcion o!\ anv local subjeet with whieh thev are not ent:airod.
I have scarcely heard an oath in the whole country. (Meaidiness uu«l neat-
ness in ovpry cottage is remarkably eonsjiionous. Noticed bnt oni^ wind.)w
not cleaned, iVrc My opinion of the I'-'-iti-li (lovernnieiit is, that tlio
Ministry manage, all the home coueerns, their colonies, und pay attention ^
to f'M'cign relations. To ))reserve wUnt th(ry havM is ijuite sutlicient, and i
the stibj;^cfc of their most anxious attention. Hverything is diviiled into dc
paifcnnMits. The colonial office ha'j our business, with that of otlier colonios
The members of Parliament appear to be the greatest fags. They have th^^
uiuot uj'duous lal)ours to ]»erfoi'ni. It is tlifv v,'!io govern the kIiigdo:ii.
There is .-in investigation going on in Parliament re.sjiecting the (bivei-.i-
menf of Canada. I iiolievi' their unexamj'led success is owing to a Hxe.d
inde, to adopt a nieasure, and decide upon it from princi[)li' ahuie. Tlio
public oliices are open from one \iti!l five, dniiy. ]Meas\n'e is indisjiensiblo
with them good living i^ the grearest. ci.juyiu(Mit. Hinner hvsts from
twolvo untilltwt), itc."
"ith.—Hont Dr. Prondergast a letter.
5tli. (Sdlcil ujion Clian(;elloi-, who appointed Tues<lay. Ib'tunied and
wrote, letters to the (^llicials, separately.
6th.' — N(j inteiview.
7th.— Ditto.
8th.— Ditto.
9th. — t'alled daily, and am put oil' on some pretence oi' other, either real
or imaginaiT, all the same to me. Wrote home of my success thus far, by
('ameron, who was returning home by next packet.
1 1th. Snn<lay. --Attended Sidmoutli (,'hapel and Magdalene Asylum.
12th.--(.'all(vl upon Chancellor. Put oil" till next day.
l;Uh."-\Vent back, and wrote ^Ir. (ioidborne, Huskinson, and Hay,
stating the necessities of the Company ; and on account of Mr Cnmeron's de-
parture, ui-ging an immeiliato decisuni. At hftlf-pa.*»t tive this aftoruoon, I
receired a letter from Mi-. (Joulboi-ne.
1 Ith. — Which 1 Rent immediately to Mr. Cameron, along with Iett;<>r.H
t.o Mr. Dunn and Yates, who fortunately received them before the Hjiiling
of tho imoket.
Hi
00
ISth, — Drew out a Htatemont of t}ie progress of tho canal, and after n
miinber ofattein})tH succeeded in getting it inserted in th« TiincH."
In referencn to tliis entry, wo think the cii'cunistancoa connected there-
with worth relating, as oui- subject used to tell repeatedly a rather laugh-
able anecdote on the same.
It seeuis that Mr. Meriitt alwaya had a great opinion of the power of tho
prees,-— but particularly ho when in England, where the ThtiPH, then as now,
wjis the leading organ of public ojiinion. He repeatedly sought an inter-
view with tho editer, for tho purpowe of explaining his scheme, but was
alway.s i)ut oil' with the excuse of " heiiiy too Luki/ ju^t now." At last ho
tleterniined to bring the matter to a crisis — and when the usnal answer waa
given, our Hubject replied by stating that ho could describe tho whole affair
in Jim minntes. The editor immediately pulled out his watch, saying,
" Now, as you are a man of business, I will give you that time." Mr. M.
at once drew his maj) from his pocket, and spreading it before the editor,
in a short and concLse manner exclaimed :
" Here is Lake P]rie — here is the Falls of Niagara — this is Lake Ontario
— and this, th(i iSt. Lawrence, and the Atlantic : and lure is the route of
the great Welland Canal."
Immediately closing the map, and ending the interview. The astonish-
ment of tho editor may bo better imagined than described. Yet, in the
next issue of the paper the article appeared, and had a marked effect upon
the success of hia scheme, as evinced by a niraber of congratulatory letters
afterwards received.
17th.— Visited Mr. Bliss, a legal and literary gentleman, of the Inner
Temple, who took stock, and helped by correcting and assisting in the pub-
lications for the English public.
ISth. — At Church at Jlolhoiii, with Mr. Sabine and aimable family.
l!)th to 21st. — Spent in printing and correcting the statement.
22nd. — Went to the Epsom races : was pleased with all but the gambling.
2:h-d, 24th, 2r)th.— Writing letters.
2t)th.— -Visited his frieiuls Major Crlegg and (len. Vincent.
The remainder of this month was spent in calling on the notabilities of
Tx)ndon, both in and out of Parliament, and distributing his pamphlets, ex-
plaiui'.g his scheme, «fcc. — when an unexpected occurence happened, which
was likely to impede his negotiations with the Government — namely, a
change of ministry, which occured on the 28th of Ma}'.
June 8th. — Wrote to Mr. McQueen, editor of the GUimjo-w Courier. 1
had no satisfaction at calling at the Colonial Office.
9th. — ('ailed on Mi'. (Irant, who promised a.ssistance.
Hth. — Wrote to the President of the C'anal Co. Made an excursion
to St. All)ana, to an agricultural show. The fields crowded with labourers,
women, and children, busy making hay. A beautiful red lilly in the fields
took my attention. St. Albans is a y)lace of great antiquity. Tho abbey
is one of the largest in England. The borough sends two members to
Parliament. Lord Verulam has an e.state close by. Returned in a Leeds
Ea
5)7
coaoh. TluK is the Uiiiil Lime, 1 have |iasw(l (vou\ 8t. Albuiis to Lojuloii,
cacli tiuK.' by u new roiid.
Juno Kith. — Il»iturncd, exjieotinj^ the Wulhiml (Janal Imsiuoss to be
brought before tho liouse. Paid half-a-crowu for u seat in the j^allory
There are six or ('ijj;}it rejtorUjrs hero, busily engaged in taking notes.
18th. — (Jailed ou the Chancellors. Still in susix'n.sc.
lOtli. — Went into the city. Saw a representation of the battle of
Waterloo, <.»f whidi this is the anniversary.
21st.- To Mill Hill.
23rd. — Ileturned to London. Wrote to the Chaneellov after seeing tli©
Attoi-ney-Cteucii-al's letter.
2tth.— Was summoned before the ("'antida Committee. [Mr. Alerrit's
evidence tlirows .so much light on the eommereiiil and politiial interests of
the province at the time;, though at the exjiense of a souiewhat hingthy
<li|^ession, that we insert it in full.]
, ' I
Eidracf. from .Ii>'port o/ S"Jecl CoininUlf" on f/i-: CltiU Gomnnmitt of Cunfufd.
Arc you a native of Upper Canada?---! am.
ti proprietor in that Province? — Yc.^j.
To what causes do you attribute the difTTonce in the value oflimd in Upper
Canada and in the State of New York ? — The jaincipal cause is in the present
boundary Hue or division of the country, which excludes u.^ from tlio advan-
tages we should derive by participating in the commercial weillh of the country,
and enabling us to improve its internal conmninications. Lands in Upper
Canada are not one-fourth of the value they are in the State of New York, and
real property not one-tenth.
To what particular districts of country do you filludc? — 1 allude to the
whole extent of bath province.*, with the exciptiou of ITjO miles on the St.
Lawrence in Upper Canada, between the boundary lino and Kingston ; in this
distance we pos.sess e({ud advantages in our interna! conmninications, and
property is equally valuable on cither side, accordinn' to its local situation.
Will you point out some ](articular part of l^])pcr Canada to which your
observations »'ipply? — From Ivingston upward ; particularly on Luke Erie, or
above tlie Niagara River.
In what way docs the wani- of a sea-port tmvn aff'ct tl'.e valu'; of land in
Upper Canada? — Py excluding us i'rom any participation in its wealth. The
capital of all countries centres in its cities; for in.stance, the wealth of the State
of New York centres in the city of Now York, and the wealth of Upper Canada
centres in Montreal : they bring a portion of that wealth back I'rom New York
to improve the country, by building mills, making roads, canals, kc, &o., in
conse((uence of which, together with the cheapness, facili:y. and regularity in
their conunnnications, they cm en)p!oy capital once a ?nonth during the navi-
gable part of the year, in converting grain into flour, and sending it to nuirket.
Wheat always brings a better pric' with them, although tin' niarlict may be
better with us at Montreal than with them at New York : this has a tendency
to make property more valuable, and to change hands readily ; whereas, with
us there is not a single instance of a Montreal or Lower Canada merchant ever
expending a farthing in I'pper Canada. It i.s true that thny posseas large
tracts of land in tliat Province, which they have b -cu under the necessity of
taking in payments of bad debts, but never lay out 1<. in iiuproviOj^ them for
H^li
ill
' *
IS
J
Mi
i
98
the Rcnoral advantage of the country. We have not live flourini; uiilU which
can be considered mercantile within sixty inihis of tlio Niajiiira frontier, while
the Stntca people have upwards oi' fifty ; the <onsc(|U('nce is, while wheat always
coMimanda cash with thctn, it can only be bartered with us, and instead of oneo
a month, we cannot employ capital in purehasin<x jyrain to make a remittance
oftoner than once a year. I'roperty is merely noiuinal, it euiinot be turned
into money. We think iy jtossesniuif n sui-j)nr(, we would impiove the interior:
make it an ohjcci for indiviJinifs to invest monri/, rieate hiisiiiess, produce nn
entire choiige, ond p/urr ourselves in full ns tjood a situnti « as our nriijhitoiirs.
If a merchant ill Montreal had capital to dispose of, and had an opportunity,
uf eniplovinp it advaiitaireously in I'pper Canada, would he be prevented from
doinf;^ so by the circumstance of the territory lyinu under a different jurisdic-
tion ? — No ; but we know Upper Canada is not now in a situation to have capi-
tal advantageously anployed, and we tliink it m ver will as long as that un-
natural territorial line o.\ist>. Almost every British merchant, I'or years past,
liaH been dis.satisfiod with the country ; and a great portion of the capital ac-
cumulated in i^lontreal has been sent either to this country or the United
States. Wc hope to place it in a situation to induce the inhabitants to look
forward with a view of making Canada their permanent residence, and produce
<t favourable change even in this feeling.
Is it solely with the view to the probable return of capital into the country
that is amassed at Montreal that you reconuneud this nieasure, or is it with a
view to any commercial object? — It is with a view to the yfueral interests of
the eonntrtf in ever)/ respect, the ftcersf<ion of hot h eajiifal and credit, that port
would give us, would enable us at once to set ahimt the improvement of the
St. LdWrenr, In/ fjUnw'ng the exnmjde of the State of JVew York. Within
three years wc would itiake <i sea-roast of all those upper lakes, and possosn
nearly the same natural advantages over the U. iS. people, in our access to the
ocean, wc did before the conipletiou of their canal, relieve ourselves from paying a
tax of £4. 10s. sterling per ton on all our imports, £1. 4s. on our exports: save
the country from £100,000 to £200,000 per annum ; matciially promote the
agricultural and conimereiul interest of that country, as well as the mercantile,
manufacturing and shipping: interest of this, and etdianee the value of all
property fully e(|ual to what it now is in the state of New York.
Then your complaint is that the Assembly of Lower Canada does not im-
prove Montreal as you would improve it ?— Our complaint is not with respect
to the city of Montreal, but the whole country ; the improving of one part will
benefit the remainder; they have only one general interest.
Is your complaint, then, that the Assembly of Lower Canada does not
meet you in improving the navigation of the St. Lawrence between Montreal
and your limits ? — When we see a neighbouring state, without the aid of any
revenue from foreign commerce, or duties on imports of any description for ita
own use, connect Lake Eric w'th the Hudson, from Buffalo, Lake Ontario
from Oswego, and I^ake Champlain from White Hall, by canals ; to construct
which they had to ascend high summits and surmount the most formidable
obstacles ; while the natural outlets of all those lakes are in the St. Lawrence,
and could have been connected with the ocean in Canada by a steam-boat or
ship canal, for one-fourth of the money it required to construct their boat-
canals, we have reason to think there has been at least a very great want of
attention to the subject. At the same time I have much satisfaction ir
stating that the L^islaturc of Lower Canada contributed to the connection
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v^f 1 ako» Eric and Ontario by tukin^ .itock to the lunount of 'J5,0()0I. in tha
Wo 'linid Caniil Company, and manifcHtcd at the time tht; best dispuhitton t(
promote any useful improvopient, and many individual members jiinec then
liiive xprosscd their readincsH to assist in tho improvement of the h't. J^aw-
riii.ce, althouf^h it is not reasonable to suppose on general prineiplcs tho people
of Lower (Canada can feel tho same interest in improving? the country above
thorn as those who have to pay, for every barrel of flour they send to Montreal,
onr-thlrd of its vuluo for freipht, and on our heavy and most useful articles
from Montreal, onn-half the amount of its cost. I will mention a case in point
to prove this. Every member from the city of New Vork opposed the, appro-
priation of money for tho construction of the Erie canal; it was carried by the
influence and number of the western members, who felt the sumo interest in
tho undertaking; we do in this ; and although it \m.\ proved e(|ually beneficial
to the city, they would not have had a canal to this day if the state hud beeu
divided or separated a."} we are in Upper and Lower (^mada above Mont-
TCal.
How can u line which only separates two jurisdictions prove .such an insur-
mountable barrier to tho wealth of I'pper (Jauada ?--The reason is simply this :
Upper Canada cannot participate in the comnicrcial wealth and advantages
of a sea-port. It is the same as it would be in the state of New York if there
was a line drawn across the state above Albany, and it was laid out into two
separate states; tho upper could not participate in the wealth of New York,
and W(»nld remain poor. The main cause of tliu prosperity of that state Is in
having capital returned I'rotu the city, and the liogislature po.s.sessing power to
oommand the ensdit and capital of the whole for the nuitual benelit So satis-
fied are they that their boundaries could not be bettered, that with all their
propensity to change and to try experiments, no man ever dreams of cutting
tho state into two parts ; they change the constitution; cut up into counties,
and create nn many new ()fficos as they can, but, the natural boundaries of the
state remain untouched, although their population is about 2,000,000. Every
state in tho union, where an angle can by possibility be run to the ocean, pos-
sesses a sea -port; and it 80 happens that the money to eflf.>ct the intern;d im-
j)rovcments in those states is always provided in those very cities from internal
resources. When we see two countries lying side by .>ide, as the western part
of the state of New Vork and Upper Canada, posvsessing cfpial advantages in
soil and climate, and tind the one increase in the most a.stonisliing manner while
theolher, comparatively speaking, remains stationary, our attention is naturally
drawn to discover the true cause. The whole country, within near 800 miles
of the Niagara river, 4G years since was a perfect wilderness. Our side of the
Niagara frontier settled and improved full as fast as theirs until the late war,
since which their rapid increase has taken place. They borrowed 9,000,000 of
dollars on the credit of their state, constructed their canal, added 100,000,000
of dollara to the state by the increase iu the value of property. The tolls now
pay the interest of thcmoney, and will redeem the principal in a few years. It
is impossible to conceive the effect opening those communications produces in
ft new country unlcs.H they arc witnessed. This is the true cause of their pros-
perity, which they could not have effected without the aid of the city of New
York ; and I maintain we only want the city of Montreal to enable us t,o produce
similar results ob a much greater and more beneficial scale.
Do you contemplate as necessary for the attainment of that object the
uaion of the two provinnas, or do you think that your object would bo suffioieat-
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ly nttiiincd, if tho division of Tipper Cnnnda wcro to extend as low n» Montrojil?"
• — 1 think that wonld bo sufficient without a union.
Do you coneeive thatsueh a division would answer all the purposes of com-
nicrcial intercourse, and ^^ould be more advantageous than an incorporation of
the two provinees into one? — I think that ultiniatoly a union would be more
advantageous, but we would avoid all the ditlieultioH that the people of Upper
Canada anticipate if a union was to take place; they think they would be under
llio influence, ofa majority in Lower Canada.
Would it be pos>iblo to make such a geogrnphiea] division of tho provinces by
running a line down the river Ottawa, and then pa.ssing south and west of Mon-
treal, fio as to include in tho upper province none of the seigncurics of the
lower province ? — Xo ; it would not : tliore are four or live small seigncurie,-:
lotwtcn Montreal and th(! present boundary line.
ISnpiHjsing a similar line were rnu from La Prairie, on the other side, totlxi
liver Kicholieu; are there any Heigncuries .«outh and west of such u line? — Yes,
there are four or tivo.
Ih not a great proportion of the English population in Lower Canada
included in the town and j-oigniory or inlaud of Montreal? — Yes.
Do you conceive that a majority of the jtroperty an 1 wealth of the town
of Montreal is in the hands of the English orof the French Canadians? — The
numbers are in favnr of the French, but I should think the commercial pro-
perty is in favor uf the i'lncrlish.
Were not the whole of the seigncurial rights of Montreal in tho hands
of the seminary? — Yes, 1 understand they were, but the Government had a
claim to tlitm.
Are you aware that tho Ciovemmcnt have come to an agreement by which
they have in their power those original seigniourial rights, with the intention
of making a mutation of the tenure? — No, I was not aware that they had.
Would the v.'oninie'-(!i-d objeet of t!io Upper Province bo answered by an-
nexing jMontreal to it? — Yes.
in what way can goods be carried to ^lontrral ? — Any vessel of 400 tons
enn g>) direct from this to Montreal; and, as 1 bclbre mentioned, although the
distance is .'{,2IH) miles, the freight is only £1 2s. (Jd. per ton ; whereas tho
next 400 miles it is £0 12s. Dd.
r>o you think, if you had the town of ^Montreal as a port of entry, you
would be abi ^ to control your own imports and levy your own duties? — Yes,
without any rt'ifiicnlty.
Without interfering in any manner with tho province of Lower Canada? —
Yes; the inhabitants of each country should be allowed to purchase freely in
the other.
Supposing a ve.s.ael bound for Upper Canada were to pass through the St.
Lawrence, and no duties were to be collected on her at Quebec, would it not
be possible for her, in her pat^age up the St. Lawrence, to smuggle those goods
into Lower Canada for consumption there? — They could not smuggle into
Lower Canada between Quebec and Montreal with any greater facility than
they can now smuggle between Quebec and Autieosti. There is no smuggling
now, that I am aware of; and it would be much against the interest of this
country, as yvell a.-? (Lanada, to put on such high duties as would tempt smug-
gling. We are not, and should not be put on a footing, or considered, as two
foreign nations with separate interests. A manifesto, or clearance, is put on
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bonnl tho vi's«Hel in tliis oouutry ; tlicy would cuter at Quebtoorat Monlreul,
hi they ploascil.
Do you ohjpct to tlio arr!Uij,i'inont that has beon mude with rognrd to the
tllvi.sioii of the duties between tiic upper aud lower jirovince \ — No: I do not
think the <livisiori of duties iuiportaiit: it is of very little consequence to tlio
general prosperity of the country, whether u few pnuiidx, more or IcBa, are
paid either to Jjower or Upper Canada ; their ji;eneral interest is, or rather
should be, tlio same, I am warranted in my opinion respccjting tlie effeet of
dutic;^ by witnessinj; their proeecdinj^s in the State of New Vork, from which
I draw my reference!*. She derives no partieular advantaj^e from tlie revenuo
of her imports; tliey are exclusively under the control of the general govern-
ment; still, she is enabled to appropriate large sums annually for edueulion ;
pays her civil list, and nceomplishes the most extensivo internal improvement,
witliout any aid from the general government; while we, with a revenue of
£900,000 per annum, cannot pay even our civil list. Tlie])rineipid object aud
flie'greatest advantage the provinces will derive by the accession of Montreal to
Upper Canada, is, that by placing the internal wealth of the country nt her
own dispo.sal, she will be enabled to appropriate .i portion of that wealth in tho
improvement of the interior, and make the country rich enough to defray its
own internal expenses, and not depend wholly on taxing British eommerco for
every local purpose.
Do you aj»preben(l that there would be any serious objection, on the
part of the French Canadians of Montreal, to 1)0 transfernui to the uj)pcr
province? — I cannot say. My own opinion is, if they iiud an opportunity
to compare their pres( ut situation, with the udvuntagps tliey nnist derivo
by the change, they would not; and J know that evoiy man in Upper ('.anada
would he in favour of it.
Do you think it woubl be just to introduce among that po)>ulation a now
law, with all its incidents'! — 1 do not see the necessity fur altering tho law
as it at present stands. The French law, I have no doubt, would be gradually
Altered, as changes might seem advantageous. Tf the aci-ession takes place,
they would rapidly become English, if we can jiulge from the result at Now
Orleans : and as this state of things, from our local situation must take place,
r think it just ami politic to i)ring it about us soou as possible, that we may
bo one jieople.
It has been stated by some of tho witnesses before this Committee, that
it would be easy in practice to establish such a system of custom-house regu-
lations, at the present point of division between the two provinces, as to
enable the inhaljitants of Uppei- (.^inada to impose what taxes they pleaso
uiKfU goods coming into that pi'ovinee, and to levy them without any ilanger
•of smuggling from tho lower |)rovince, in case of any variation of duty be-
tween the two provinces ; is it your o])iuion that ibat would be a [iracticable
arrangement! — No: I think it (juite impracticabb\
Will you state why you think so ! — There are mar.y reason.s. If a temp-
tation was offered for smuggling, it could not be resisted : for instance, in
the winter the country is covered with suow, and they could go into Upper
Canada whenever they ]ileased : they might enter in various ways, by boats,
sleighs, waggons, »fec., as they formerly smuggled between the United States
and Canada.
What is the extent of tho frontier, between Upper aud Lower Canada,
throughout which smuggling might be carried on ! — M.any milew, from St.
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7l?giK, opftoslte Cornwall, noar the whole length of li-akn St. Francis, thonc«
along the houndary to the river Uttjiwa, and sootiall the line of tJiut river.
Supposing Montntal was the port of entry in the upper province, what
would prevent smuggling from the upjjcr province into tlic lower province t
-There, would he no neciissity for that. The inhaljitants of Lower Canada
might go and buy from the port of Montreal, and the inhal)itants of Upper
Ciuiada might go and ')uy from the port of Quebec, the same im they do now.
Tliey pay no duty on ero.ssing the line between Montreal and Upper Caniula.
Supposing an ino<piality of (hity in the two provinces, and that no
article wimo t>^ })Ay a le,ss (luty in Upj)er Canada than it jiaid in Ix)wer
Canada, what woiild there b« to present that article from being smuggled
into Ijovrcr Canada in oonsecpienee of that inferiority of duty ? — If either
province were iinjiolitic enough to ptit a higher duty on any one article than
wa.s paid in the other provinces, the consequence would be that everybody
would go and buy in the jilace where it was the lowest : but, as T have be-
fore mentioned, there .'^ilioiild be no second duty after goods are once landed,
either at the port of Quebec or Montreal.
Supposing that l^ower Canada inipose«l a duty on rran, and that the
Upju'r Province imposed no duty n})on rum, wo'dd it not be the interest of
the inhaliitants of the Lower Provinci^ to buy their rum in Montreal, and
to lanng it into consumption in tlio Lower Province 1 — It would.
Do you suppose it possible that there shouhl be different .scales of duties
in the two (Panadas under any circumstances?— 1 do not. The duties at
present an; regulated by thi> Trade Acts ; and if a much higher duty on any
one article were imposed, it would nrove injurious to ourselves as well as to
the grower or maiuifactujer. For ii-istanc(i, rum, coti'ee, sugar, to our West
India colonies, who receive our Hour in exchange, and on goods to the
mauufiictnier here. The cheapc r these can be introduofnl into Canada, the
jnore witll be disposc^l of, and w(( will obtain a much greater revenue fix)m
tower dutiofi than from high ones. If Lower and Upper (Janada wen; two
distinct <;onntrif,s, with separate interests, like the United States and Can-
ada, some restrictive measun>,s, in crossing the boundary line, would be
n4Kws.sary ; a.s tlu^y are, it is nt)t.
You are aware that by the schednle of the Tradf; Act in 1824 and 1825
various duties were imposed upon articles which ndght be imported from
the United States into the two (^madas : do you conceive that in Upon
CWmda th(! payment of those duties is avoided in con-seipience of the difH-
culty of preventing smuggling? — Not iii genei*al ; there may be some articles
smuggled in consequence of the duties u|ton them being too high, but in
gen-.'ral they are not.
Mention the articles vi|>on which yo\i conceive smuggling Xa* take place.
— T cannot mention any pf.rticular articles.
Are you of opinion tliat, in conseipience of the nature of the frontier
between the Ignited States and Upptu- (.'anada, itnevtu- would be practicable
to enforce the payment of duties upon articles which can be afforded cheaper
from the United States to Uj per Canada thtu) from England, including the
expense of freight ?- No. I think not; if you place a higher duty upon
articles from the United States than will pay the exfiense of risk, they will
Biuxiggle them in, and it will lie- impossible to prevent it. For iustiince, the-
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vhole (if ITftpt-r ('utuwlrt was Hiippliifd with trti tVom tlic I'liitcd Status l)p-
fore the India Coinptitiy sfut thoir ships tu C^iiflnH; diruct, ultlioiti,di the
;^viticle was prohibited altoj^ethei-. Now thu tahh's are turned, the U. S. peo-
ple will be supplied thvouj(li Canada with Biitish nuinufaoturos, because
we take less duty than they do ; tju^y will suniifi^le one hundrod to one
ruore than we do. The JJritish manufactures will be sent in by the St.
Lawrence, and if w(j improve the facilities they will be carried io the re-
motest part of Upper ('anada, and they will be smuggled in great tjuaiititieH
Inlto the United Stiites along that line.
What is the law that prevails with respect to[)er,sonal property in Upper
G'anada '! — ITie .same as here.
Does it differ in any way from tlie administration of the law, us to per-
sonal property in I;Ower Canada? — 1 am not .•ii'ipiaiated witJi ili i a»lu'inis-
tration of the law in Lower Canada.
Is there, or is there not, any difterence with respt.H.-t to tlie law of personal
property in Upper Canada and in liower Canada? — I cannot sav.
(^an you inform the Committee how I'ar the Englisli law of descent
prevails in Upper ( 'anada ? has it been moditied by local statute ? —ft lias
not ; a bill was passed in the Lower House, but not in the Up[)er.
(■an you iidbrm the Conuuittee of the modification which that bill pro-
pose<l ^ -[t was making a certain distribution of the property when a poj-son
died intestate, but I do not know exactly what the division was.
With respect to the law of raoi-tgage in that c(.>lony, can you state jire-
cisely how that law stands l- -A mortgage is given as h security ^j)on
property: any person can forechwci it and stdl it.
Is money, in point of fact, lent upon the secuiity of mortgage? — It is.
Is there a general system of registration ?- Yes, the registration is very
simple : each county has ii ivgistry oflice ; if a person wants to buy property
Le goes i«ul ]>ays la. Od. aiul he finds iunncdiately whether it is incund)erttd
or not ; for if the person had incund)eted it and not registered it, the person
who bought it and registered it would hold it.
Then all mortgages must be registered iu order to l)e eti'ectuai ;' ^'e.s,
everything afVwting the conveyance of huul.
Is that system found tow well ?- It is universally appro\<'il of;
there is not a person in the cou y that does not feel the advantage of it.
Do you know in what form marriage settlements aic drawn ( — There
are no marriage settleir.ents there that 1 know of: it is very seldom that
any thing of the kind is entereil into.
Js there any system of ent;iil of jtropei-ty '/— No.
How do they provide for widows ? -They get o!ie third at the death of
the husband ; they are entitled to dower according to the Knglish law.
Do they get one-third both of all tlm original landed jjroiierty of the
husband, and of all after acquired land '( — Of all ho has at the time of his
death ; if he sells any pioperty, she bars her dower on the deed.
Can you state what is the prevailing practice in willing? is it the prac-
tice to make an eldest son as it is called, or to leave the property eijuiilly
distributed ? That depciiids altogether upon the wish of the person.
Have yon known instances of both '?-~Xo ; if a pei.son does not wish to
divide his property, he does iiot make a w ill, because it then goes to his
cldefit eou.
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Wlucli is tho iiun-e frequent ocourrenco of the two 1 — The geneial prac
tico is to rn!ii<o wills.
Do you conceive that tho Ainerioau setth'rH who have settled in Upper-
Canada are attached to the laws of Upper Canada, or that thoy have u
])rofovonco for the laws of the United States? — I think they are decidedly
attached to the laws oi Upper Canada, which are vei-y similar to those of
the Uniteil States. The inhabitant.s of Ui)j)or Canada are iHoro attached to
the present form of government than they are to that of the United States.
They gavo the most convincing proof of it by their conduct during the late
war, at tho commtmcement of which there was but one regiment of regu-
laa soldiers on the whole frontier between Kingston and Sandwich.
The couutiy wa': repeatedly invaded during the year, and to its inhabitants
as then convpoM'd, is its defence during that period principally to be ascribed.
Those people wer<! admitted into Canada on the most liberal princij^les be-
fore the war, and the most impolitic and injuiious measure the Covernment
of this country ever adoj)ted was in excluding thcMu since. Many people,
to my certain knowledge, sold their pro|>eity in the state of New York,
where they were dissatislied with paying he.avy taxes for the support of
what they conceiveti an unjust war, with a view of settling in Upjier ('an-
adfi, came to the frontier, found a restriction, and proceeded on with their
capital to the state of » )hio, to the unexampled increase of that state. We
most jnaterially contrilaite to the very great injury of Upper Canada, and
the deprcciatiou in value of property. The U. S. people are the most useful
and enterprising people which can settle a new country ; and their principle
is to defend the country they live in, not the one of their birth, and many
who had not settled in Canada one year were as faithful to it as any native.
However loyal the general chararter of the American settlers might have
been, were there not some excej)tions ! — Yes : there were a few ; but full ii3
many among I'luropeans, in proportion to their number.
Are you a native of Upper Canada 1 — I am not a native of it. My
father was an Ami-rican loyalist, and I hapjiened to be born in the State of
New York ; but 1 have lived suica childhood in Upper Canada, and my
feelings are wholly Canadian.
Do you consider it to be the jrrevailing wish of the Upjter Canadians to
remain connected Avith this country 1 — Yea : there never was a country
more happily sitinited than Upjier Canada in her connection with this
country. From her soil, climate, and situation, she must be wholly agri-
cultui'al : you receive her produce on more favourable terms than tho pro
duce of the U. States ; we receive your manufactuies on paying a moderatt*
duty of about two and a half per cent, while they are now ]mying a duty
fi-om lifty to one hundred — conse(piently, we must obtain our supplies at a
cheaper rate. Every person will not only see, but feel this advantage; to
that, by securing our interest, you have the best guarantee of our attachment
and connection. We are are naturally rivals to tho U. S. people ; we grow
the same articles, seek the best markets, and endeavour to draw the pro-
ducts of each other through our difl'erent communications. The only thing
we require, as bcfoie stated, to place Upper (Canada in the most enviable
.situation, is unrestricted immigration, an uninterrupted communication to
tho occAU, and the possession of a commercial [)ort.
riulependeutly of tho a<^;iJiRi<,'<:is tliey derive from the trade of this
country, do you conceive it to bo their wisli to contiiiuo a province of this
105
I'ountvy ! — Yp« : tho only nioiwin-o udoptod by our( Jovcnimont, tluvt J know
of, which jravo general dissatisfactioii, was in placiiii; vestrictiDii on riiii;;;ra-
tion* The reason I heai'd assignod i\>v this nioasure, ininiediatcly at'ttM- l\u^
war, wlien it toi)k place, was that thu adnii.s.sion of Auicri'-au settlors wt)i!lil
hy a moans of (iis.sonunatinL( (k'niocratioal i>nni;iplcs, althotii,di no evil Inul
arisen from those who canio b-^foi-e the wai' ; on the contrary, they proved
'?(]ually zealouH in its (hifenoe. If, in truth, their form of Government is
better adapted for our country, it is (piite impossibh-, froTii our continual in-
tercourse with them, to prevent oui' iiuhihin^f those principles; aiid any
attempt to prevent it conveys an admission that we thijik it the best, uml
does far more injury than service. That portion of the inhabitants of the
United States who would settle in Canada, would gi\ea deeided jurlVrcnco
to our (xovernment, and would make the best subjects and .settlers, uyion
the same i»rinciple, and for tln> same cau-e, ihat the great nutjority of
English, Scotch, and Irish who settle in America l>ecouie the must violent
democrats in that country ; for neither i)arty would go and settle under any
government without In'ing predisposed in its favoin-. The only ditlrrenco
in the form of govennnent in the State of New York and Ujijier ('anada,
consists in the ap})ointment of Governor, Upper House, or Legisl;iti\e
(youncil, and INIagisti'ates : the former, with us, is apppointed by thf Crown,
<lnring pleasure, the Upper House for life, (independent of both (.'rown and
people,) Magistrates, itc, by the executive : our parish uthcers elected by the
people. They, in New York, elect the wliole, ami in this only do v.'i' diflcr.
Wo have the full benelit of their democi-acy without its attendant evils.
They are continually electioneering and changing every olKcer in the state,
from a Governor to a constnble; constitution and all. In a late change in
their constitution, they adopted 'universal suffrage' .is it is termed, p.-iying
no regard to property. This is found on trial to create nuich dissatisfaction
among themaelve.s. A man in oltiee being dependent on po])ular favoui-,
(if he wishes to retain his .situr.tion,) makes it a study to ]ilsa.se the majority,
right or wrong, and cannot act independently. Many of tlnni tVel th<i
etfect of this, and we see it; and I am sen.sible but few, if any, in ('anadn.
desire a change. Therefore, indejiendent of onr interests, which is tlie
governing motive, we have good reasun to be satisfied with our t'uiin of
(iovernment.
Then you think it the prevailing wish not to make the (Jovernment
more democratic than it is at pre.sent >. 1 do.
Have you any I'eason to believe that persons of dillcrent reliijiou- j>er-
sua.sions are in the habit of confonning to tho woi-.ship of the Church of
England when churclies are built and clergymen provided /- -I do nut think
they are ; 1 do not think they lik(^ the form of it generally ; my reason is,
that there are more of other persuasions than of the ('hurch of Knghind.
What persuiision do you b.dong toyDurs.'lf ? -I belong to tli.> < 'hurch of
Kngland.
Do you happen to know liow many niemi)erR of the As,sembly in Upp(»r
(>anada are members of the church of England I I do not.
Are the churches fully attendeil, as fai- as you know ( \n some plaoeH
they are ; it depends altogethei- upon the situation of them.
Are you acipiaintod with the Act by the nanu? of the Sedition Act? Yes.
l->o you know the history of that ^ ct ? — It was an Act pa.ssed a long
time ago, during the tro\ibles in Ireland, in order to prevent Irishmen who
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inight \n; comdwcA to •'iitcitain daii^'oroais principJcK from comiiijc,' into tht
country ; thw cmly iiistanct! I know of its ever bcinj,' iu!t«'(l upon was in th«'
case of Mr. (tonrlay.
What are the; powMTS ti.'at it yiv^'s / — It j^ves power to a coinniissioncr
of th<! (Jourt of Kinji's l^cucli to onlor a person out of tlie eonntry : if 1 ^'o
and take an oatli that I holieve that such a person lias not taken tl)e oatli
of alle,t,'ianc(' within a c;ej-tain tinie, ami tliat he is a (hm^'crous jnan, the
coniMiissionei- orchis tlie person out of the e«iuntry ; if he does not choote to
go, lie is then eontined.
Fs there no appeal? -No. Mr. ( louriay is a case in point: he was
bnlercd to leave the coui*try ; he would not f^o, and was put in gsiol.
Has the House of Assembly re|ieatedly jtasseii hills to do away with
that Act? —It has.
Have, th<n heen eonstantly rejected hy the liegii4ative Council 1 — They
haxe.
[t is tiien in existence at this moment i — It is.
Do you happen to know by what majorities in the Hotise of A.SHemhIy
those hills were carried'! --'riiey were carried almost unanimously in th»?
House of Asnemhly.
Hji-s it not been for some time p;ist the first bill that the Houst) of
Assembly passed before it ]irocee(led Lo other business? A^'s.
Do you know upon what principle the liCgislative ('ouncil refused to
rep(*al the Bill ] — [ have heard the Bill wais rejected becatise they conceived
Tio evil had arisen from the existenc<^ of the Act. and they did not conceive
it necessiiry to repeal it. Hit in my opinion, it woulil be a good thing if it
was done away with. It is a useless law, and gives needless diissatisfaetion.
Do you follow any j>rofession in Canada? - Nt). f do not.
Do you hold any situation under the Covernment ? N«)thiug but an
honorary one. I am a (Commissioner of the Peace.
Are you a holdei- of land in Upper Canada ?- 1 am.
You state; that a law was made for jireventing Irish from coming into
Upper Canada, is there any ]>rejudice at this monuint against the introduc-
tion of Irish emmigrant'i ( — ()ji the contrary, tliey conceive it very beneticia'.
Ik it the general opinion in Up{)er Canada, that their interests and their
resourses would be; materially advMuced by the increase of their jKipulation?
— (*ertainly, the interests and resourses of X'pper Canada would be matorially
advanced by the increase of ))opulation.
Do you think the Legislatuie of Upper Canada would be piepared to
concur in any measure for the introduction of po[iulation into that country?
- 1 think they would, but it would dep<'nd upon what footing their con-
currence was reipiired, they could not contribute money just now, if their
natural situation is improved in the way I llav(^ mentioned, they will be abl«>
lo assist in any thing.
Do you think that if they had the means of assisting i;!)ey would be dis-
posed to assist in it? Yes: if we are placed in the situation that the hUxU)
of New York is, by possessing a port of our own, we will be enabfcd t«)
contribute to any measure for the atlvancenient of the country.
What [)art of Uf iper Canada do you reside in?^— In the district of Niagara.
Do you know anything of the udmiuifitration of justice there ?^YeB,
107
In it in a respectahlr «t«to, or Ik it diejijiftrove'l of'/---Jt is in a rospec-
table ijtate.
Are they satisfitMl with the constitution of the liegiHhitive (.'onnoil, an
it at present exists f- They are, so far a.s I liave any knowlcdfie. It would
be better if they ai)pointed, in the I^igishitive Council, men more generally
distributed over the province, instead of so great proportion beinj? resident
at York, as it M-ould add more weight to the body ; and I think late apj»oint-
luenLs have been more distant. They were at an early day.
Arc you at all acquainted with the disputes now going on in that I'rovince,
respecting the clergy reserves? — I am not particularly acquainted with thcai.
I know the situation of the clergy reserves, and the way they are hold.
Are they satisfied with the etnistitution of the clergy coijxniiUcm? 'j'lifne
thiit do not belong to the Church of f:ngland arc not. 'I'he Church of
.Scotland W(;nt to get a share of the property, and if they vrere t<:) gei it,
a»id it were only between those two churches', j think tlie p(>uple in general
would be more dissatisfied than they are now, bex^ause all the otlier de-
nominations would lay claim to it.
What is the prevailing religions beli<'f in tlio Upper Province '{ — They
are divided among a number ; I think the ;^^ethodiHts are the prevailing
ofiinion, and I think they have done more good than any others.
bo you mcun the Wttsleyan Methudists ? They are of the .same faith.,
but belonging to a conference established in the state <if New York ; they
came into tliat country when it was very new.
Do they connect themselves at all with the (^JhurcJi of Kngland ?— No,
f.hey .'U'e quite se|>«irate.
Are tlieir ministers generally Americans or Knglishnieu ? — They are
divided ; there are u number of lJpj)er Canadians ainong them.
Is the improvement of the country materially retarded by the manner in
which the clergy rcse"\es have been laid out? Yes; their being .scp.irated and
distributed through the country proves injurious to the settlement of the re-
mainder, as they do not equally contribute to the genenU improvement.
Do you think it would be pos.sible to sell any large portion of the clergy re-
serves in the course of a few years? — I think it would, if the country was
properly improved ; but in the present fSituation of that country it is impossible
to Sell land at any thing like its real value : and to this subject 1 am particularly
desirous to draw the attention of the Committee, to show the relative value of
property in Upper Canada compared with the State of ^icw York, and the
price of land in the two countries.
i!7th.- -Received a letter from Canada, stating that they have a greater
force employed than in former years His Majesty had, on the l;?th of
May, decided upon making us a loan ; which circumstance was notified by
Mr. (Cameron. Since the change of the ministry on the 28th, the (Jhaneellor
of the Kxchequer has been so much engaged, that it has not yet been brought
before the Iwuse.
"July Mrd. — -I am this day 36 ycju-s of age, and think I feel as I shotild,
gmt*!ful for Vieing preserved so long.
" Wrote a letter to the Chancellor.
"Attetuled a meeting at the Freemason's Tavern, to raise money for the
Thames Tunnel. The Pukes of Cambridge and Wellington wi re present
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— great <;nt!iii«iiism manifested. I considor the compliment* paid to tho
Duko <jf Wcllin<,'ton rather fiilHOTiie and ill-timed. Good feeling liowovor
pro vailed, and much money Hub.seribed.
" Gtli. — Visited Riclnnond and Twiekeidiam. The visitors primipaliy
foi-ftigiun-H. liichmond in a beautiful place, famous witli us for tho song,
"Tho TiMSH of Richmond Hill." It consists of a large park. Tlie deer re-
iiemblH mil- calves, well fed on milk. Kew gardens consi.st of very
exteusiv(! IJoyal (iomains. Neivr \>y is Zion House, the residence of th'>
Duke of Nortlnind)erland, said to have three hundred and sixt^'-tive windows.
" July 7th. — Visited <ho British Museum, and was plea.sed with thw ex-
hibition of l)irds in particular.
" In the evening attended Parliament. If eard a most interesting debate
(to me) oil the fortirication of Canada, and the IJideau (Janal.
" 1 Ith. Attended the debate on the Budget. The a[)))roj)riation for tho
Wellund Canal passim] unanimously.
" 12th. — (Called upon the Chancellor, and left with Jiim a blank pow^or
of attorney to be tilled up.
1; " 14th.— Called u])on my ohl fri(>nd Ry*'r.son, also upon Mt. R!iie.>. Pro-
cured a letter of oi-edit for "£10,()0() ; and another to Yates A IMcIntyre for
a similar amount. Wrote to President of ('anal Company, also to Mr.
Rlaek, tlm Clerk, ofthe.se proceedings.
"l.^tli. — Walking with Mr. (Jrantand Mr. dale, when the latter was
robbed of his gold watch by a pick-pocket.
" IGtli.-— Went to witness Mr. (iurney's steam coach in operation.
"l!)th. — At Brompton to see a coach which was propelled by gas. Tf
tlii-t pi-in(;i:)le is |)i'acticable, the power created will be cheaper tlian steam,
and .supersede all others.
'• 20th — Sunday. — Heard Mr. Trvine the celebrated Scotch Divine.
His attitu'le and gestures not graceful. He preached from the single word
" (!!n'ist." II.-: is odd and eccentric, but ])ossessea great talent, particularly
in the int'-rprefcatiou of tlioso mysteries to which he appeared to turn hi.<
attention."
vVfti'r a inimber of business transactions, unnece.s.S!iry to be recorded,
we a;^aiii revert to his diary.
"26th. - Vi.sited tho Museum of the East India House.
"2'.>th. Mr. Loitan took sonw shares. No other house interested in
Canada took any shares yet but his.
"August 2nd. — Visited the Bazaar in Oxford street, where tho trunk of
the large Walnut tree which I liave frequently seen while growing in all
its n;i.tive majesty on the banks of Silver Creek, Lake Erie. It is hero
comparati'.ely unnoticed, although at home it was the attraction of every
traveller. Saw McPlierson, just from Canada, who re]>orts a wot season
there.
" ;]rd. To Westminster Abbey.
" 4th. -Had a long interview with Sir George Murray.
'• .'")th. With Mr. Fja3thope, of the Canada Conipany'a Office.
" loth. — Heard an extempoi-aneous sermon in Bow Street ('hui-oh.
" IGtli.-- At the Treasury and Solicitors — prepared for home.
" 17th. — ^In the morning at St. James' Church.
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" 18Ui. — To tin; Tn-nsuiT at 1 1 o'clock. Cot the aj^iccrnK'nt rxcciittMl,
and made v.vorj necoKsary arrangtmient for the pnyinent of the X'50,()0().
L'alhid on Sir Goorgo Murray, with whom I left a letttT for tlie l)ukc of
Wellington, ho jtrornising to hoc and speak with him on my uHaiis. Left
( ity at half-[)ast 1 in tlio Manchester coach "Telegraph" for St. Alijans. At
haif-past 9 took an outside seat for Birmingham in " Grey H<mnd."
" IDth. — Visitodthe manufactviring (tstablishnients, and at '2 left in th«
Warrington coach. Sto[)jiod at lUhton, and examined the iron works.
Was surprised at the wearying service of tlio women, wJio were em])loye(l in
making brick, carrying and loading coul, ttc. The ajipeaianoe of those
works and furrkaces gives a better idea ftf the power of (!reat J'.ritain than
all the foriiiications, garrisons, and ships tliat we see. Slept a coiiple of
hcnivs, and jumped in the royal mail coach for Manchester. Fouiul at War-
rina;ton tlu't .seats wero all engaged. Paid two sovereigns to a tJermau
wouum for lier seat. Tins appearanco of the eountiy at night i:s ^iniilav to
tlie aurora in America — pointed Hashes of light, and the luiid glare of tho
blast furnaces which border the niad, has a strange and stiivtling ellect.
" 'JOtli Arrived in Manchester at half})ast wven. Went to bed for
tv«<) or three hour.s, and aftfu-wards visited the ditferent manufactoi-iew in
tiiG city. Left for Fjiverpool at half-past six.
"li"rd.- Visited Duke of Uridgewater's e;inal. and ilirou-.di an extensive
fait establishment. Examined tlie locks on the Huucorii canal, and roturued
to Liverpool at eleven o'clock.
"Sunday 2 Itli-- Attended divine service at an Asyhira for the lilind,
where the service was chanted. A A'(n-y interesting scene.
2r)th — Visited tlie great pottery, and afterwards went on Itoard a lln.ssian
ship from Ai'chaugel, 820 tons burthen. The sailorK' l^read is rye, of a dark
colour. Also a Dutch gallot of 130 tons. Tho Captain v.as accompiiuied
by his wife. Visited an enormous distillery, which pays an excise (hity of
£500 per day.
2C.th. -xiftcr seeing all the Kic^hts, tnibarked on board the packet
Kapolson. Tiie day was fine. Wind E. Scene exeei-dingly anin;ated, as
in company with a great numlier of ve.ssel.s, wo passed down tlie, Mersey.
Nearly IfiO sail, all liead of us. In a few vniuutes the ^uj)eriority of our
vessel was manifested, as we passed one after the other of them ; and at
hust we formed the centre of a semicircle, which reminded mo of tlie jKisition
of tho French ami Spanish fleets at Traf;Jgar. Amongst or.r jassengers
were four t'aruidians, two Hamiltons, ar I Grant.
29lh. - -Passed Cape Clear. Weather tine.
Tho voyage homo was accomplished without any unusual occurrence,
ntid occupied his time by writing out a memorandum for the Legislatures of
LTpi>er and Lower Canada, in reference to the project of the St. riivwrenoe
Canals.
Monday Sept. 2Uh. — Siglited laiul, and pilot came on board about
seven miles from Sandy Ilook. They an'ived in New York the same evening.
And our subject in his journal does not forget to record Ids gratitude t«
the Ahuighty, for Hir protection during the voyage.
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In a Ipttwr, diitod from Brookport 4tli Oi,>tolH»r, to Dr. P.,*li« says : .
" I loft N. Y. on Sunday, (two days after landing) and travelled in «
atago. Near (loddosburgh, on Tuesday afternoon, we were upset, causing
the breaking of my thigh bono in two places, one in the thinner part of
the limb, six inches above the knee, and the second, four inches higlier.
Tho Syracuse doctor who set it, says it is in the most favourable position.
I date this from a lime boat near the heading of this letter. 1 liave written
Mrs. M. Wo were detained two or three days this side of Palmyra, owing
to a break in the canal. 1 am la.shed up as effectvuilly as a man iii a straight
jacket. This has been a damper. Still, I have a good ap])etite, and in good
spirits. T have be<;n visited, during my detention, by your brother John,
who has given me the news. I have many things to write about, but a.s my
right knee i ins my only desk, you may judge by the scrawl, that the ac-
comodation . not very suitable. Young Mr. (leorge Keefer happening to
hear of my nceident while at Rochester, }iu.s come down, for which I feel
thankful, with the other."
Vours truly,
, WiLMAM Hamilton Mkbeitt.
In answer to his lett^^-r, Mrs. Mei-ritt immediately started ofl", and met
him at HUurk Rock, where he arrived on Tuesdny the 7th. In her letter to
ln»r mother, she says : -
" I never saw Hamilton look so well in my life."
At eight o'clock next morning, he was renvoved into a large I»oa», and
they passed down the river to tho mouth of tho Ohipfiewa, where tliey ar-
i-i ved at twelve o'clock, arul i)assing up that river to within three niilo.i of the
canal, he was met by a delegation of horsemen, and a large ntunber on
f(.x)t, who brought him to his home in St. ('atharines. amidst the most joyous
demonstration of his many friends. The village was illuniinat<;d at night,
and the contin\U'd rattle of small arms which greeted liis arrival, strongly
resembled some of the older tlays on the l>»nks of the Niagam River.
Dufinghis absence in England, tlu; age)it, clerk, engineer, and contractor
hi-d been very active in their respective departments. The engineer, writing
to Mr. Merritt on tho 7th of Aj)ril, .says : —
" I shall not leave the line. Be a-ssurod that I feel tiie imi)ortanoe of
being here more than when you were present."
Although, from the length of time oui- subject w-w absent, some impedi-
ments had occured.
Thompson & C!o. commenced the deep cut on the 'ifith April, and liavo
now a heavy force on. Mr. Pheli)3 commenced on the 10th. There never
was a finer time. Every part of the line is in motion. Three sections
are finished. The locks are progressing. Tow-path going on. A heavy
gale pnMluced no damage to our piers at the harbour. The excavatioiw at
tlio Chippewa end will »il l>e done by the 20tJj of tii'iH month.
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With rognnl to tin* oihitv improvciiitMit.s, tbo flitch is l)oiiii,' n\;t(io tlirotigh
thtt inai-Hli, but otbor oixTatioiiH in tiiat qimrtci" nie sus|imi(lo<l Thw »>stiuittto.<i
up to Hie 1st of April iiro S'^O.OOO.
Krom the advunocHl jiosition tliw workH lia<l now uhmuiiuhI, a new fiuitui-H
in i(Mii()vinjj the earth by scows m'hs i^oufi into by tlitt contractors on tho
deep cot, whereby they ih»posite(l the stn-plus earth along the l)ank.s of tliH
Welland River, in order t<<> ii^akc a tow-patJi, which means wan found very
convenient.
Abont this tinie, the ('hnrch iilready spoken of, h;ul nct-ived itft first
refular miniattir, in the person of ;i Mr. Parkin, ilo came from ('hand)ly i)i
liOWrti- ("Janada, ami scons to have Itecu well liked by tln^ little conijre{,'ation,
who always kept the (Jhurch well lilled.
On A)»ril the !Hh, the annual election of ilir"ctors is noticed, and Mr.
.Mcrritt was «;hosen ai one <lurijii( liis aVisence, and the other nienibei-s wrre
re-ele<.'ted.
Mr. liolton left, during tlie season, for Newfoinulland, and Col. .1. Clark,
was the .secietary and acting- agent iluring tlio absoicc of Mr. Mturitl. On
the "iDtli of April, (-oininodoro Northr(»p's vcs.sel, the '• Wt'llanil CfuKil," wa^
launched — and cm the !)th of Alay, the ("ommodure invited His H.vcellency,
the Jjientenant (lovernor, and the board of dii-ectors to a gi-jiinl spread on
hoard. They sailetl from St. <.^ithaiines to Port l^alhovi.«ic. niiich to the
"vatitication of tho nuiltitudos who crowded the banks of tlie canal. TIim
vessel let": afterwards for Kingston, with l,(i(lO bbls. of flour, thus being t.lio
pioneer fron> the cunitl.
A menagerie and circus from the States made its apite/tiiirice this \i>i\v,
lilniH sliewing that tho village was i-apidly becoming known to tho onisido
world.
A daily stage to PnilValo was intuiginiited on the L'Hth Hay, in this yeiw,
Mr. Stephenson being one of the coni]»any in St. ('athaiines.
The election of members for the tenth Pariianient was more llian usually
lively, in this dititrict Mr. Merriit was again uurulnated, wijich showed tho
good will of his friends towards him.
Among the e.xtraordinary canal projects of this year, was one for forming
;\ continuous canal from r»idlalo to l>etroit, along tho lake shore. Yet, as
tho tendency of public opinion, we see an article in the paju-is of tin's time,
4th June, headed "J'ailroads r.v. (,'anals," .showing tlutt tho pul)lic woro now
"rowing tirod of the numerous schenxes of water comuuinication, and that
their thou"ht.s were beginning to turn to other means of titvnaportation.
Kighteon months had elapsed «ince the last census of the villag« was
taken, and now th«y retvirned a population of (lOO — increase of 200.
By the adyertisenients in the paper, we see a marked chang«5 in tho
biLiinfiaw entei-priao ; among iluun, one coime<ited with tho e.xpectod opening
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of the ainai v.is a forwai dinq; scheim', by MoHHrK. MuiiKoii A' (.'o. "Wo. Ke«; Di-.
♦ 'liiW (ulvcrth«^fi .'?,0()() l))i8li»'ls ot'Hult, iit t)() c«!nt8 per biibhcl.
Tho (Icatli of Di! Witt (Jlinton, at tlu! early age of 08, was tlio sultject of
u groat (leal of ii('W.s])U])er talk, KUggeKtionti for a jmblic moiuuriont by the
citiz(!iis of N. Y., arul tc'stiiiionials to his family, «tf. A bill waH bioiiglit in
t(» the Ijfgislatiire at Alliaiiy, to grant to his children the Kiim of $10,000,
but was thrown out on the third reading, tJiercby shewing that giuierous
gratitude to a great and good man, arc as rare in R((jiublicH aw in other itlaeeH.
'Jlie monnniont to tho illustriouH (ieiieral J'rock, ei'ccted by the Canuilian
militia, from whom a penny HubKeriptiou wasi-iiised, was this year eonipleted.
'riiii gives evidiUUH! of the gratitude and ajipreoiation of the IJjijjer
Caii.idiiuis.
l()th .Sej)tenibei*.^ — Mr, Dlaek, in iiobnowJedging remittances, gives a. sad
account of the sickness on the canal ;
" J. hiinont to say, there is little |n'os|ieet of finishing tlie canal this f;dl,
although six vve;;k?t ago wo hud good reason to belIe\A it would have b(vin
liiiislied. There has not ben a groat du'.d done in the marsh. Not a person
Kick there, wliere it was nu)Ht expected. Mr. Yates' negotiation failed.
Boulton was sent to New York, :ind got acce[itances of )i?24,00(), from what
yoi\ unght g't in Kngland. .Half of it was negotiatod at the Bank of Upj-et
(.''anada, for a (ionsideration, which, witli i?oiiltou's charges, makes it a \\ot:v
as!ii>^tance. Tho engineer and contractor ni'O at loger-heads."
During his Siicknoss, Mr. Merritt received many answers to his qtiestions
ill reference to the St. Lawrence Canals, viz: from Mr. Macaulay of Kingston,
Mr.Wliitiag ofPre.scott, and Mr Jon is Jones, from llrockvillo. And, in re-
ference to his Grand lliver scheme, from iMr. Whitehead, and several otheiH.
Also, letters 01 commissoration from the President of the (^inal, Mr. Dunn,
J. B. Vatos, Peter Kobinson, (.'harle.s Small, *Vo. During the worat period
of his illness, the new.s of the tieri<)\is sli[is iu thi; deep cut svin, luought tci
hiru.
It mu.-t not bo supposed that the oidy didieulty experienced up to this
time lay in the task of gctiing the immey to carry on the works. In the
d<'ep cut, a ssries of most disastrous and annoying land .slips occurred,
caused by the (iuick-Siiii<l and the great wei,i,dit of the banks, but which were
of so serious a nature as to imperil the future prospect of the work. Few
can have any idea of the annoyance caused br these slides ; and in the
{•resout inslanoe tho management were almost driven to <ic.';peration to
overcome them. Other pj.rts of the canal were either finished or rapidly
approaeliing completion ; but the deep cut was the Hidncon on which the
whole energy of the ali'air required concentration. Under the circwm.stan-
ces a further digging out of tho cut was itot to be thought of. iSo tlie ideu.s
of our subject were directly tinned to the utility of his extension of the
Canal to l^ake Eiie by jneans of a feeder or cut to Port Maithuul, which by
its higher iuvel and more certain supply of water, would keep a depth in
ll.T
the (Ipep cut more than •ulllcient fur all future casualties on that unfortu-
Qftte Bpot.
On the 14th Novfrnber, he writos to Mr. Phpljis, oonti-actor, as follows :
" Send me Mrord l)y Mr. Clark, particularly, whother there is anr indi-
cation of a new slip. Whother you intend timbering through your slip, and
what time you think it will tako."
A meeting of the dirootora was also called to consider the nuitt«ir, and
after sundry ])ropositionH to remedy the evil, it was decided to leave it in tho
hands of Mr. Merritt, who at once commenced uiK)n pushing the work on the
feeder from tho (irand Iliver; although it may easily lie inferred that at thii
particular time tho ]>osition of our .subject was .such as to severely try a
bohler man. The accounts coming in from tho deep cut, where hundred* of
thousands of dollars hatl already l>oen spent — the utter impossibility of deal-
ing with (piick-sand iu such a i)lace, added to the troulde of a fractured
limb, with occasioual fever, are diBcuuragementa which can bo bettor ima-
gined than described.
Mr. Geddes, a leading engineer on tho Erie Canal, was also sent for to
consult with Mr. Barrett on the grave matter, and Mr. Uarrett writes :
" I have travelled thnnigh the deep cut. Judge CJoddes left the upper
end of the feeder and has been to the mouth of tlie Crand Kiver, and ex-
amined it for a harl)our. Shall go through from Mar.sliviilo to St. Catharines
with him. My deep cut levels to the bank near Coulter's shanty, givo
14 feet above the (Miippowa, or 22 feet for deep cut. Tliis level we can
sustain throughout."
As the general affairs of a country are at any time interesting, wo hope
that a slight digression will be pardoned, in order that a passing glance
may be taken at impoitant events now transpiring, which, to a great extent
affected the future welfare of this country. It is not our object to enter into
British politics, yet it is necessary, since they, in coniuiun with other Kurc-
pean maratime nations, consider their possessions as held for their peculiar
benefit, and are not decided on what their peculiar beuetits are, it is neces-
sary to givo a comprehen.sive view of the whole field.
The European policy, undertaken by the Congress of Verona in 1822,
had changed Kngland'a j)olicy in America, making it agree with President
Munroe's doctrine regarding the possessions of Spain in this country, and
strongly fortifying their own.
The causes of Revolution are often le.os under the sui-face than the actors
in them are willing to acknowledge, iu our case being directly o)i the surface.
It is strange, when there was such an abundance in America, that avidity
for land should be one of the most potent causes for disturbance. The
French wars, succeeded by the Berolution, had this object. Gourlay
found an almost universal support by joining the people against Governor
Simcoe's monopolies of the crown grants, and Mr. McKenzie's importance
from opposing the Canada Company's purchase of tho same.
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The object rtj)j)oar8 to bavo hoen to ftitabli.sh a. lino of foi-tifications ulony the
froutiwr to iiiHcouni}^o omi;,'rutioii from tho SUitcs : to iiiuko thfi lui'scnt in-
Iiabitanta uuhsiu'viont to th«)ir iiiton(«t.s, and to porpotuutc them, by shij jing
thoir suriilurtpopuhition to Ujipor Canada.
Sir Caiujicliaol Smith hail been deputed by the Government, of which
the Duke of Wollin<,'tou was a member, as British CouimisKioner, to examine
and report upon the military state of tlie I'rovincoB, reported very favourably
on tho canal enterprise, and especially the harbour at tho entrance of the
"Twelve," which would admit vessels drawing 12 feet of water, audassucli,
•qual to Niagarp as a naval entrance. Ho also recommended the re-
establishing of Port I\laitland at the mouth of the Grand Kiver, whicli iind
been abandoned and dismantled at tho close of tho war, and the fleet Rank.
He also laid out the wites of two forts on tho lands lately j)Uichaf<ed by the
Goverumant, at tho Short-hills — one to bo called Wellington Heightji, and
tho other Fort St. George.
Tho long voxe<l question of the boundaries having lately been settled.
Th« British Government wore particularly liberal in giving up a fortresfj
on Lake Champlain, on our side of the lino, and also paying tliem
$1,204,000, said to V)o by ardent Democrats claims for depredations com
mittcd in tho taking and burning of Wa.shingtuu by Lord Howe; the claims
being smoothed oyer as a general charge for negro slaves who escaj)ed at this
time; although, strange to say, no ofl-set was asked for or allowed for the
burning of Niagara, or the numerous depredations committed on our people
during the same war: tho whole afl'air strongly resembling the Geneva Ar-
bitration of later years. The answer of Lord I'athurst to tlie address of the
previous House, to remit duties or disliabilities on contractors, labourei's
and others, into the Province, was construed into an opposition to the Im-
perial policy :
" I have laid l)efoi'e the King the Address of tlie House of As-sembly of
Upper Canada, piaying that His Majesty would 1)0 graciously ])leased to
promote the settlement of tho Province, by ofVering encouragement to emi-
gration from the Tluitcd States. I am commanded to acrpiaint you that
His Majesty will be always ready to give any encouragement to the cidtiva-
tion of the waste lands — but is assured of the loyalty of the people of the
Province, and of their paramount attachment to Great Britain. That he
is convinced that the House would see with extreme regret, the adoi)tion of
any system "which could interfere v/ith tho measures now in contem{)latiou
for the encouragement of emigration from His Majesty's United Kingdom
of Great Britain to Upper Canada."
The Canada Company's notice, signed by Mr. Gait, at York, to squatters
to vacate their lands, appeared about this time, shewing that already the
interests of English monopolists were beginning to clash with the best
interests of the country, as expressed by the resolutions from the last
Parliament, favouring emigi-iation from the United States ; this had
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been tlie case for tlio lust lialf contniT, ciiuBiiig the 8ottlf>mcnt of tlie countrr
by a lojal ami oiitoi-|nisin|,' class from tho other aide, to whom ahnoHt all the
cnteritriso was diu). This j>()licy was iittoinptoil to be changed on tho pas-
siiyt) of the Uct'onu lUIl ; and Col. lly and muuy other cii^^dnseriug officors
called homo, but not soon onou;,'h to av(>rt tho Robollion. A cohlnesK
in tho colony towards the parent state grow up, an<l Mackenzie's rebellion
was tho necessary conseiiuenc* of those proceedings. ]\Ir. \V. Jj. McKenzie
was a man of groat intellect and iintiring energy. That temporaniont should
aflTcct inon in weighing the burthen of their grievancos, is exemplified in a
striking manner by the contrast of the way the subject was taken up by these
two individuals. Mr. Merritt, whoso family had lo,st all in the ti'Ouble«, and
who w«re therefore cntith'd to tho waste lands, in intimate connection and
fiiendship with their agents, and using tlie company in Englaiul to transact
their busine.ss, while Mr. McKenzie kept up an eight years .struggle of war
to tho knife with what he considered an unjust monojioly. The lesson of
hasty decisions could be answered hy asking, " Which of the two Las the
claim of being tho greatest benefactor to hia country 1 "
His journey to England, irresj>ective of tho business connected therewith,
formed a new epoch in tho life of our subject. The interrogation ho under-
wont before tho Committee of tho House of Commons on tho leading .sub-
jects of Colonial policy, l)rought his attention to politics, from a position
where he could more readily form an opinion than in his native country.
Being now of an age when one is supposed to be well able to discriminate,
wo have reason to believe that ideas which afterwards developed themselves
in the political economist and politician, which resulted in advocating Earl
Grey's sliding scale in favour of Colonial products, and when Sir R. Peel
took off this advantage, in the advocacy of Reciprocity ; and again, when
Responsible GoTernment proved a failure, in advocating a Confederation ;
which will be seen as our work progresses.
One of the important events occurring at this time was tho departure
of the two Governors, Lord Dalliousie and Sir P. Maitland, both of whom
were a lone time in the countrv, and were firm friends towartl Mr. Merritt
aiid the Wclland Canal. Lord Dalhousie had left befcre Mr. IVlerritt's
arrival, and passed him on tho ocean. His Lordship's term of office in this
country had lasted eight yeara, wliich were very eventful ones in the his-
t(jry of Canada. He was awarded with the Governorship of India, where,
in his Imperial Palace at Calcutta, under entirely opposite circumstances,
surrounded by Mahometan and Hindoo princes, he possibly l)ut seldom
thought of his friends in America or their aflairs, but such was not the case
with them ; Port Dalhousie, one of tho termini of the Welland Canal, was
named after him, in gratitude for his exertions in their behalf.
The Lieut.-Governor, who left soon after, was more identified with tho
works, and as such wc think a short notica of him will not be out of 2ilace
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in these pages. In the journal of that time we find the following notice of
His Excellency's departure : " On Satui-day last, 25th Oct., a deputation
*' from the inhabitants of the village and vicinity, consisting of Messrs.
" Geo. Ketfer, Jno. Clark and J. Barrett, waiteil on His Excellency at his
" lodge at Stamford Park, and presented to him an address on the occa-
" sion of his departure from this Province," in which they say : "Among
" tho many public works commenced during the administration of your
" Excellency for the improvement of the Province, tho Welland Canal, now
" drawing towards its completion, will afford a lasting monument to your
** Excellency's zeal ; and to your Excellency's favorable recommendation
" are they indebted for the means of its accomplishment." To which
he replied: "I receive with great satisfaction this address from the
" inhabitants of the village of St. Catharines. It has afforded me sin-
" cere pleasure to witness the great works suggested by an individual of
" your village, so prosperously advancing. It has not wanted my hearty
" recommendations, wliicli I hope the recent assistance of His Majesty's
" Government will render certain of completion. Allow me to assure you
" that my removal to a more extended command will not impair the intex'est
" I lake in your welfare, nor be sull'ered to obliterate tho kindness and
" attention I've received during my residence in vour vicinitv.'
We also see notices of the militia being out at this unusual .season, which
was no doubt for the purpose of forming a guard of honoi", and paying their
rfepects to His Excellency. A letter from Geo. ^Manners, British Consul
at Boston, dated Dec. 9th, gives an account of his departure for his new
Government in Nova Scotia. He says : "At S p.m. on the 25th I saw
" (hem on board the Chcbucto. I assure you tiiat I shook their hands with
" the greatest regret," etc. Sir P. Maitland took kis departure, with
his high-born dame, after a sojourn of eight years. He had the finest
appreciation of the beauties of our natural scenery of any of the Governors
who had heretofore enjoyed the appointment, differing from his kinsman, the
Governor of tho Ionian Isles, called " Sultan Maitland." He built a house
and laid out grounds on the brow of tho mouniain, jicar the Falls of Ni-
agara, visiting the people in their wild isolation. Tho author has heard
from one of the.se, the daughter of Col. Turney, near DeCew Falls, that the
Governor would often &ur[iriso them with a visit, and ccmpliment the
hostess by saying he preferred their little falls to Niagara. lie used to
visit the canal frequently, bringing his guests to see the works thereon, in
■wliich he appeared to take a deep interest. He was hospitable, often in-
viting the ex-Sherilf to liis entertainments. He served a term in Nova
Scotia, and then to the Cape, whore the Kaffir war terminateil his duties
as Governor. Tho author came across his path while travelling in 1843,
«njoying his characteristic aestotic puisuits at liausanne, in Switzerland.
The item circulated in the jiapcrs that Sir P. Maitland had called some of
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the townsliii>s after his lii'ly's lap dogs in of small momont, as ho hail no
doubt diiiiculty in nmking names, from the fact that during tho first year
of his adnuuistrrttion, in I81IO, twelve new townships were laid out. A
letter was received by T. Merritt, Sr., then Surveyor of Woods and Forests,
asking j)ermission for the Crown right of timber for townshijis bearing the
names "Artimesia," " Mariposa," "Zone," "Zero" "Java," "Dawn,"
"Rama," "Mara," "Sol," "Ops," "Olden," " Oso '
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After being confined to the house for about two montiiS, our subject at
last was sufliciontly recovered to take an* active part in tho works, and on
tho I'lth December we find that ho drove down to the harbor to look at
improvements there, and shortly afterwards, on the 1st January, he at-
tended tho meeting of the Board at York, bringing with him tho reports of
Messrs. Geddess and Barrett. They were adopted, and wo fin<l that, with
the additions now i)roposod, the expense would be £90,000. Mr. Merritt
Avas instructed to let out the necessary contracts immediately, which he did,
and returned towards the end of the month, after enjoyin„' the hospitality
Ci' the Governor, Mr. Bolton, etc. The Parliament opened on the 9th, and
Lieutenant-Governor, Sir John Colborm*, in his s}ieech mentioned the
improvements in the Gore and Niagara Districts. As thi.s Pailiameut was
the one in which our subject may be said to have received the most ojiposi-
tion, it is worth stating that it was a decidedly radical one, or, more pro])erly
speaking, a nationality in Assembly, approaching more to the views of tho
Lower Canadian House tJian any of the previous ones. It consisted of 48
members, of Avhom 4 were natives of Ireland, C of Scotland, 7 of England, 13
of Canada, 3 of other British Colonies, and IT) of the United States. Among
this number were W. L. McKenzie, Mr. Bidwcll, Jno. Wih;on, Dr. Kolph,
Capt. INIathews, and other men who afterward participated in tho unsuc-
cessful rebellion with their feliow nialcont«nts in Lower Canada. After
the meeting of the Board, ^Ir. Morritt remained in York until beyond the
middle of the mcmth. In a letter to Mrs. Merritt ho says (10th Jan.): "I
" dined with His ?]xcellency last week, Dunn, Allan and Boulton, and de-
" clined all other engagements." On his return to St. Catharines he writes
to Dr. P (10th Feb.) as follows: "The whole line was put under con-
" tract on tho 3lRt of January, and is now in e.xecution. I hope wo will
" be in a position to open it by June, at which time I trust you will be
"here. We have formed a ci>ui]>any which undertakes to convey jiroduce
"from the Grand lliver to Lake Ontario for 20 cents per baVrel for Hour
" — grain in proportion — and 10 cents from the upper end of the Deep Cut
" to the lake. It is intended to connect with a coui2)any in Cleveland,
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" Ohio, who will guarantee conveyance to the commencement of our canal
" at a fixed price. Another company will be at Oswego to transport to
" New York."
After his trip home, Mr. Me>.*ritt proceeded to York, and attended at the
rising of the Parliament, where the Act giving the Canal Company the
necessary rights on the new route was passed and received the Royal assent.
This was an important affair, as the route wont through the lands of the
Government at the mouths of the Chippewa and Grand Rivers. He was not
so successful, however, in lobbying a bill through the House having refer-
ence to the Academy and laying out of the roads in the village, as the
Ul)per House refused the measure after its passage through the Lower.
This action may in some measure be traced to the fact that the Bishops or
U. C. College had just been started in York, and it was thought that one
institution was sufficient at the time. The Act of Incorporation for the
Grantham Academy, however, passed both Houses the following se.ssion.
Acts were passed at the previous one for the building of lighthouses on
Lakes Erie and Ontario, showing that the country was beginning to feel
the effects which the contemplated opening of the Canal would have on the
trade of the Lakes. As an indication of the rising of the ill-feeling between
the Government and the popular branch of the Legislature, we may men-
tion that at this session .33 bills were tlu'own out from the Upper House,
and only 25 were passed.
Arriving home, he started, on the 23rd, up the line, terminated by the
Grand River, and afterwanls returned to York on financial affairs.
On the 24th of March, Mrs. Merritt writes a most intere,sting letter to
her parents, wherein she graphically describes the adventures of a sleighing
party, of whom she was one, who went from St. Catharines to the Grand
River. Proceeding by the Deep Cut seven miles up to the Chippewa, where
they found the piers sunk for the aqueduct, and then travelling four or
five miles through a thinly settled country to Marsh ville, they met some
friends, amongst them a cousin. This place was the headquarters of the
Engineer on the Feeder. After dining, they proceeded in a straight course
for ten miles through the marsh, ]>assing occasionally a few shanties, where
peo)«lewere at work digging. The road was uloiiu- the embankment made
by the ditch. She expresses surprise at the licMltliincss of the i)0'iple, and
associales it with the fact of the water liein',' impiv jiiturd w itii tamarac.
At kli'^ end of the marsh, near the site of l^uunvili.% there were a li>df dozen
of iitmsc'^. The coiitrnctov. Simpson, and M r. ('aim I iiud a store. A;s the
acconimo(hition there \^as insutlioicnt for tlieir paiiv, they drove down to
the mouth of the river, n«>w Port Maitland, where, finding good aeconimo-
dation and huge fires in the inn, after their long riilo they enjoyed them
selves after the usual manner of the times in the back woods. Stopping all
night, in the morning they observed on the oi)[)osito side of tho river a few
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wliitewashed huilciinga, which were used for the naval establiahment. The
(lay being fine, and the air and sky clear, they could distinctly see the farms
and woods on the other side of the lake. They then proceeded five or six
miles up the river, and returned through Canboro' by way of the Twenty
Mile Creek, much pleased with their winter's drive through the woods.
At the election of Directors at St. Catharines, April 0, at which Mr. Yates
was present, a new foature was the election of Messrs. Ljiflerty and Dixon
as Government representixtives at the Board. On the Gth and 7th of May,
the Directors \'isited +he line, and inspected the Grand River dam. Owing to
the fact of the original site at the mouth being objected to be the military
authorities, they were compelled to move it about four and a half miles up
the river to its jiresent position at Dunnviile. Contracts for the job were
entered into with "Mr. Wilkinson and others for the completion of the work
"by the middle of July, for the sum of £12, .500. On the 8th the Directors
met in St. Catharines and confirmed these proceedings.
Shortly afterwards Mr. Merritt accompanied his wife and two sons to
Mayville, where he remained a few days and returned by steamboat to Buf-
falo, and thence to St. Catharines. On the 12th of June he writes from Thorold
to Mrs. M. : "As I have no particular inducement to go home, I generally
" remain over night where the nece^ities of the works find mo, though my
" occupation is chiefly on the upper end. The brush dam over the Grand
" River is getting on well ; by present appearances it will bo finished next
" month." The vessel called the Wclland Canal, owned by Commodore
Northrop, kept on her usual trips, but from the numerous allusions we find
made to her and her gallant owner we are led to the conclusion that in
many respects .she answered the purpose of a yacht, in which his friends
enjoyed themselves with an occasional cruise on tlie cool waters of Ontario,
and no doubt partook largely of the commander's hospitality, as we find, in
a letter from Mr. M., dated June 30, that "his father had just returned
*' from a trip to Prescott with the Commodore." About Ihis time St. Cath-
ariuos was visited by the Lieutenant-Governor, who, in company with Mr.
[Merritt, inspected the works on the Grand River. He describes Sir John
Colborne as a very hard rider, having started from St. C. at 6 o'clock in
the morning, they reaching the dam at 3 p.m., returning the next day, so
that our subject, although well accustomed to be on horseback, found his
match in the old veteran from Badajos.
On the 15th of July he writ^^s from Marshville, wliere Ids lieadquarters
now are, describing the state of the works, and telling Mrs. M. that he is
sleeping in a room oif the ofiice, on a bed 3^ feet wide, with very little of
the comforte of life, as food is scarce and some necessaries nofc to b« had,
and his daily journey over the woiks aniounts to 28 miles. He says: " 1
•'had the pleasure of escorting Mrs. "Wilkinson, the contractor's wife, over
"the dam on the Grand River," so we presume that at this date that work
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was finished. Having in the interim visited Mrs. M. at Mayville, we find
that on tho l.st of August ho writes as follows from Marshville : " On
" Saturday T readied this phice. Sunday, up ihe Grand IJiver, and re-
" turned to Burgars" (now Wellaud). " Monday, to Loclcport on canal
" Vtusiness. Tuesday, to St. Catharines, and on Wednesday .started for
" York in steamboat from Niagara, and returned on Thui-sday to St. C,
" and then went up the line," where he is on Friday. In those few lines
we have a tolerably fair idea of tho amount of labor which our subject
accomplished, and it was often a source of astonishment to the author, who
accompanied him during part of the journeys mentioned, how he wa.s cTer
able to stand up against the strain whicJi he wa.s then subjected to
and we can only account for it from the fact of tlie iron constitution
and indomitable will with which he was possessed. The management
of an ordinary business is a severe sti ain on the most of men, but when we
consider th« manifold duties which he was required to perform, the ever-
rising current of difficulties against which he had to stem, and the nuuier*
ous vexatious questions arising from unforeseen eventualities, financial
affairs, workmen's disputes, sickness, and, what was even worse, the oppo-
sition of many who should have been friends, it seems almost impossible
that he could have borne up against them. Along the line of the works
on the feeder the fever and ague was raging ; strong men were wasted to
skeletons, and the general feeling of despondency and discontent wliich all
those vicisitudes bring in their train was felt in the ranks of the workmen
who were there employed ; to stii* them u]i, and to cheer forward the work,
was a duty which devolved on hiin, and few who now read these pages can
form any idea of the pain and annoyance which a sensitive mind like his
often felt under the circumstances. The season had been a dry one, and
consequently the miasma from tho stirred uj) earth was more severe in this
section than usual ; so sevp*'e 1 ad it Iteen tliat the work was delayed in con-
sequence. On the 2Uh of August he writes from St. Catharines: "From
" the sickness on the Grand River we M'ill be detained getting the waters
" through until about the middle of the next month." Again, on the 7th
of Sei»tember .• " I am ptill in very bad health ; the fever has not left me
" entirely, but I think I am mending."
The works were now apjtroaching completion, and from -the financial
statement exhiliited at York on the 2nd of July Ave find that tho Directrra
were in a tight jdace for want of money. Every resource had been tried
to keep up the supply ; the plant used on the deep cut was sold, as well as
all unrequired tools, and yet more was wanted ; in fret, the actual state of
the finance."! showed that they were in the pi>ssession of £58.5 in cash
after passing the yearly estimates ; tludr other assets wore jirincipaliy in
paper, and in promises which might not be redeemed. Eesolutions were
passed appointing Mr. Dunn, Mr. Robinson and Mr. Merritt to a.sk the
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Governor in person to guarantee a loan of £10,000, also to draw oti the
Directorti of the Canada Coini)any, wlio had promised to take Ktock, and to
apply to the Bank of ITpper (.'anada with ample security for an advance to
cover the estimates for August. C)n the 2-4th uf September the 15uard met
at Niagara, and it was there resolved " tliat the President, Directors
" and Agent do hereby agree to save, defend and bear liarmless the Lieu-
" tenant-Governor of this Province of and frora uU personal riak and re-
" aponsibility for making the advance mentioned at the previous meeting."
Where tire rest of the money was to come from they were in doubt, but
the following letter from H. J. Bolton to Mr. Memtt shows that the Di-
rectors' responsibility was not unanimous :
" York, 4th Sept.
" With regard to the money arrangements which you speak of as hav-
ing been made, I am quite in the dai-k."
On the 21 at of September Mr. Allan, President of the Bank cf Upper
Canada, writes : "I did all I could to advise the Bank Company to advance
"the £6,000 on the security agreed upon, but I fear eircumstances will
"prevent its being done." On the 2r)th J. H. Dunn writes: "I did hope
" no more money would be required until the water was through, but ex-
" pect when that takes i)lace we shall have no ditliculty in obtaining a loan
" — at least through the medium of Sir John — for £10,000. I made you
" an advance. Come over." On the 28th Mr. Yates, in answer to an
application, advocates for the Company to issue bank bills, as the laat
resort, at this time the water was let in, and, notified by Mr. INIerritt. 3Ir.
Gordon, from Amhcrstburgh, writes in answer : " It would be a mo.st
" gratifying spectacle for the inhabitants of Ainherstburgh to see a vessel
"from Lake Ontario." November 12th, Chief Justice Robinson says : '•!
" fear the very severe frosts may bo troublesome to you, still a schooner
" must be passed through."
On Monday, the 14th September, in this year, was opened for th.e tirst
time, the Grantham Academy, which for the future was destined to become
the seat of superior education for the Niagara district. When the Gover-
nor was in St. Catharines, on 22nd June, he visited the building, and ex-
pressed himself highly gratiticd with its appearance; and sincerely hoped
that the institutioi: would become a popular and successful one, as the college
opposite the Government House in York had just that month been ten-
dered for.
One of the great events of this year was performed by an individual
named Samuel Patch, who, by jumping into the water under the Niagara
Falls, and escaping unhurt, earned himself a name ever afterwanls in
American history. The same nmn terminated his jumping and life together
sliortly afterwards in endeavouring to perform a similar feat at the Genesee
Falls, near Rochester. Others, who were fond of excitement, got up a
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grand exhibition at the Falls, and finished the attractions of the day by
letting an old schooner, containing a number of animals, drift over the
" Horse Shoe." The journals of the time (Oct. 7th) were filled with ac-
counts of the event, which, wo are told, passed oflfmuch to the satisfaction
of the counties., spectators.
Another of the events was the establishing of a total abstinence society
at Thorold, under the management of Mr. George Keefer, Mr. Barrett, and
ultimately enlarged by Mr. Phelps, who may be said to have been, by his
zeal and influence, the father of Temperance in this neighbourhood.
After a sickness of six weeks, and a consequent abser.ce, he writes in
his journal: "On the 3rd of October it was fully determined to let the
" water into the Canal, but owing to the settling of the dam at G, R. it had
" to be deferred until the damage was rcpaii-ed." On the 4th, he writes :
*• Sunday — Returned to dam. All han<ls at work raising the banks. Found
<< every job bo deficient that I had the water stopjied at Broad Creek. Went
" through with the engineers, and took a roiigli estimate of what was re-
■" (juired." The Canal was now tented fur the first time, and it was found
that, owing to the hurry in which the contractors went on with their work,
several of the levels were not correct. From this and other circumstances
the opening of the canal was postponed for a month or six weeks.
Now we find him, when others in his position would have })een despond-
ent, making out estimates for a through extension of the line to Gravelly
Bay, now Port Colborne, so that, with all the drawbacks at this critical time,
we have reason to think that from the beginning his ideas were to mature
this scheme by degrees.
On the 7th of October, in company with two officers from the naval
station at Port Maitland, he passed down the feeder in a boat from Broad
Creek to Marshville. From the 22nd to the 29th he was in York, raising
funds, and succeeded to the amount of £3,000, and returned to Niagara in
the steamer Alciope. Whilst in Toronto, it was arrangunl that the opening
and celebration of the canal should take j)lace on the 24th ult., and after
his return the time was fully occupied in getting down the water, making
arningements for the celebration, and in close correspondence with vessel
owners in Oswego, Buflfalo and elsewhere. On the 14th of November two
scows wore sent from the deep cut to the Grand River. On the 17th the
prospects were so good that ^Ir. Black was sent to Niagara and York, to
see after vessels, which wore procured. Invitations were issued to the
Lieutenant-Governor, and tlie officers of the 71st regiment, in Toronto,
which wore accepted ; their fine band was engaged for the occasion ;
and colons, guns, ammunition, etc., were procured. The locks and
embankm«»*f5 were inspected and found safe, so that all was in readiness
for the grand demonetratiou.
Bufc the icy baud of winter interposed, keen frost set in, old Boreas
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assumed control on Lake Ontario, The departm-e of the Directors from
York was delayed, owing to the storm; and at last, after maturely weighing
the difficulty, it was decided to delay the public opening until the ensuing
spring, much to the annoyance of our subject, who had everything prepared.
The storm abating on the 26th, tlie schooner 7?. //. Boughlan, of Youngs-
town, N. Y., arrived at Port Dalhousie to pass the canal, and on the fol-
lowing day, the Annie <L' Jane, from York, for the same purpose. Tlie
weather again became mild, and, notwithstandin,; the absence of the Presi-
dent, Mr. Merritt decided to carry out a part of the progmmme, at least,
by sailing through the canal. The journal of tliis date says :
"On Friday, the 27th November, 1829, the inhabitants of this village
and its vicinity were highly gratified at seeing, moonKl in the basin oppo-
site, the schooner li. 11. Bouyhton, Capt. Pheatt, and tlie schooner Annie <£•
Jane, Capt. J. Voller, which vessels were destined to make the first voyage
through the canal from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. The Annie d' Jane
I)a8sed by, displaying a number of flags, ensigns and pendants, also a
beautiful silk flag with the words "The King, God bless Him !" imprinted in
gold letters, sunuounied by the Crown, ex-ected on her bow, and took her
station in the lead." The banks of the ^anal were crowded with people,
and the enthusiam displayed on the occasion testified that those who
witnessed the display were now fully satisfied as to the prospects of the
great work which had so long occupied their attention.
The vessels arrived safe in Buffalo on the 2nd of December, and
were received with a salute, returning the next day to the canal, which
they passed down in safety, and with good despatch.
In a letter from Chippewa, dated the 30th of November, to Mrs.
M., he says: — "We liave arrived this far in safety. The first evening
" we lay in the level above Thomas Kerr's ; got on most nobly. On Satur-
" day we ascended the mountsiin with ease and facility, after which we had
" much trouble in breaking through the ice, and had a detention of some
" hours at the first lock on the deep cut by a chip getting under the gate ;
" got into the deep cut after sundown. Sunday : had much difficulty in
"getting through deep cut, owing to the timber and ice; passed the other
" two locks, and grounded on a bar, where, being Sunday, we remained
" all day. Monday, — got off at 9 o'clock a.m., and towed down to this
" place against a heavy head wind, snow, etc. However, on the whole we
" Lave been successful, and have tested to my satisfaction that a vessel will
" pass on the canal in twenty-four hours. We leave for Buffalo in the
" morning, and will return in a few days." The Buftalo Rejyublican, in an
extra, thus mentions their arrival :
"The First Vesski.s fkom Lake Ohtario. — To the suqmse of the
citizens of Buffalo and Black Bock, the lake schooners Ann ((• Jane, of
York, U. C, and Ji. H. Boutjhton, of Youngstown, arrivet^ in our harbr .
''1
il
■'ill
\
■'it
;]i il
m
•'ill
m
124
on Wednesdiiy last, liftviiif; on board the entorprising projector of tlie Wel-
land Canal, Williaui Hamilton Mt-rritt, with a company of gcnfclomon (whose .
names the subjoined certificates disclose). The British vessel led the van.
The locks wore passed on the .'^(Ith of Novemhor, just five years from the
commencement of the imjiortant work. Tlie question is not, wliether this
work will increase or diminish the receipts of the Erie canal ; wo trust that
we possess too much nationaf pride to complain of the success of even a
rival work, began by our tieighbois before ours was completed. Its pro-
gress to its termination is flattering, and the news we now conununi-
cato, that of the passitge (>/' vexnefti /ram hikt to lake, must be cheering indeed
to the stockholders and gratifying to the inhabitants of Upper Canada.
" Both vessels passed into the Black Rock basin through the sloop-lock,
and were saluted by the atenmhoat If eny-i/ Clai/, and cheei-ed by the citizens.
On their arrival in our harbor, they were met with bursts of applause, and
honored by discharges of artillery from the Terrace. The gentlemen pas-
sengers then repaired to the Eagle tavern, where they were greeted by
many of our villagers, who called to shake the hands of the navigators of
the Deep Cut.
" The passage of the first vessels was to have taken effect, by a notifica-
tion ">f the W. C. C. Directors, 24th nit., but, owing to storms and unfavor-
able .tate of the weather, was postponed. The zeal of the projector and
persevering agent, could not be satisfied with a "postponement on account
of the weather," so he, and the gentlemen who accomi)anied him, made the
attempt; and, after cutting ice, in some places three inche.s thick ; ascending
thirty-two locks, at the mountain; passing the deepest of all "cuts;" lucking
down into the Welland River ; sailing down that river and touching at
Chippewa ; stemming the strong and 1)road current of the Niagara ; and,
finally, the Black Rock harbor, which has been blauied beyond measure,
opened its arms and gave the 'tars from Ontario' a glorious hug.
" The success of our neighbors may give an impetus to our national or
state governments, or a body corporate, in making a canal or railway from
the Niagara river at Schlos.ser to the same river at I^ewiston.
" Truly, the bold features of the enterprizes of the New World throw
those of the Old far in the shade."
On Christmas day, after the family dinner with his father, now at E. S.
Adams', Mr. Merritt left for York, to attend the meeting, and make his
report.
The Welland Canal was now an accomplished fact. The artificial wed-
ding of the great lakes of the west and north, with'the waters of the Ontario,
and eventually with the St. Lawrence and the ocean, was complete ; and
the pathway which opened its extended gates to the great commerce of the
eastern world, who.se pioneers were to carry civilization and intelligence on
their course, was at last gone over, and pronounced a success. Although in
Lis memoranda at the time we find no particular allusion to the im})ortant
event, yet we have reason to believe that beneath the placid exterior, there
burned a manly glow of pride and exultation, on the accomplishment of
his design, which had made him the instrument of good to his felloAv-
creaturca, and a feeling of deep thankfulness to the Great Disposer of all
I
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125
things, on whose aid he thus, all his life, steadfastly relied, and in whose
words of encouragonioiit he fixed his eternal hope, that the praise and the
glory was given to, we have no doul)t. And now, when wo see the almost
stupendious results which sprung from his primal idea of a navigable canal,
we cannot but think, in all his dilliculties and manifold troubles at the time,
a more than human strtMiyth of both body and mind sustained him through-
out. As well as Mr. Alorritt, there were others to credit, and although our
special business lies with him, yet amengst the warm supj)orters and un-
Hinching friends whicli ho had at this time, there were none perhaps who
remained so steadfast to him as J. B. Yates, Esq., of Chattemvngo, N. Y.
With money, advice, energy and inOuence, he assisted our subject more, we
think, from a firm belief in the practicability of his ideas than from any great
returns which he might immediately get therefrom. Others we might men-
tion, and where corporate aid was required it cannot be forgotten that
the gentlemen in Yoi*k known as the Family (^'ompact were able and
patriotic a.ssistants toward the scheme. Foremost on the roll stand the
late Lord Bishop of Toronto, Dr. Strachan . J. B. Robinson, Chief Justice ;
Mr. Diinn, and numerous others; and lust, though in eti(piette first, weie
Lord Dalhousie and Sir Peregrine Maitland, whose names, with the others
it is hoped will bo forever identiiied with the realization of the whilum
dreamer, W. H. Merritt, and the Welland Canal.
1830.
He stayed at York all winter, as many affairs c(jnnected with the cantil
required lus attention, and his juesence on the sjjot was neces.sary. While
here, a number of meetings of the Dii'ectors was held, and .some verv im-
portant measures suggested and inaugiiratod. Amongst them was the
extension to Port Colborne — the race and acqueduct to St. Catharines
also the usual petition to the Legislature for moi-e funds, as the work
was only opened, to enable to pay off their liabilities and perfect its con-
struction On the 9th of January he writes to Dr. P- : "I have been
" here for some time attending the Legislature, from whom we Jiope to get
" another $100,000 to enable us to finish the canal as it should be. You
" are aware of the expense attending such operations after they are Dro-
*' nounced finished."
About the 18th he returned to St. Catharines, in conse«juence of Mrs.
Merritt's illness, who, since lier confinement and return from Chatauque,
had been in very delicate health. Next week he went back to York, to
attend a meeting of the Board on the 1st of Fel)ruary. On the 7th he
writes: "The decision whether we will get assistance or not, and in what
" way, will be discu3.sed to-morrow." Again, on the 27th : " I have been
M\
;*■:
ii!:!'l^
:l
126
■*|-
I
■■:*
*' in constant oxpootation of a termination of tho qucHtion from daj to day
" and from week to week. The bill has boon rojiortod, and vro get the
" money unshackled."
Havin<' now conclusively astabliahod tho first oanal iu Canada, our sub-
ject found HulUciont time to agitate the question of tho worka on the 8t.
Lawrence. This scheme, which was a part of his original plan, although
kept in abeyance during the prognsss of tho \Vellau<l, was neveithelesa
always considered by him as a part of tho grand chain which, to make the
water comniunicatiou of the countiy of any worth to tho peoplo, would have
to be finished. Ho was not a man who propounded his plans in one great
undertaking, believing that in a new and comparatively poor country like
Canada things must bo done by degrees, and consequently his approaches
to these works were made in a spirit of caution which often eceins at vari-
ance with his known habits. Occasionally, during the progress of the
Welland wo find an odd article in the pajiers of the time referring to the
St. Lawrence, again a survey, and at other times a personal remark thereto.
Thus the minds of the country were gradually prepared, and the way to a
certain extent pave I for works which it would require large sums to accom-
plish. Hence we find on the 20th of January, 1830, a long and very im-
portant article in the York Freeman on the necessity of a boat canal from
Montreal to Prescott, with vfluable data, etc., like its first survey five
years previous, showing that his ideas at the time were identical with those
first proposed on the Welland, but which, like that, should result in a work
of far greater magnitude.
On the 7th March he again writes to Mrs. Merritt from York as follows:
" The Bill authoiizing a loan of £25,000, passed on Friday night about t)
o'clock, (the day previous to the prorogation.) Never in the course of my
life had I so unpleasant, tiresome, and dilUcult a job. I have experienced
the eft'ects of hope deferred in its fullest extent, and feel grateful for its suc-
cess • and not the least for its relieving hundreds from misery and want,
whose just claims this loan enables us to satisfy."
The Grantham Academy, noticed as opened last year, held on the 26th of
February, the first examination. After the usual exercises, in a programme
in-inted at the time, we find the names of some who have since been leading
actors in our country's aifairs. Professional men — men of business. Nearly
all have left their marks. Some, alas ' have gone out of the annals of our
country. But owing to the want of encouragements hereafter shewn to the
natives, many of them, like it is at present, have been compelled to benefit
outsiders with talents and energy that have been improved here, in which
they covild be ill-spared in the land of their bii'th.
He returned home on the 1 2th of March, and his time was occupied with
the usual office business, and in settling up with contractors and others.
Mr. Barrett, their engineer, now left the canal, in the care of his able
127
lussistiint, Mr. Keofor, who had been brought up from childhood on the
work, and went down to mako iinother Burvev on tho St. Lawrence.
On the 7th of May, ^Ir. .Min'ritb wa.s at Tiako Eric, •xumining thi- dif-
ferent hayH from which to schfct a harhour for the extension.
On the lOtli lie left for Now York, aitd returned by Oswego, after a
fortnight's ab.sence..
Canal boats wore established to run between Port Robinson and Dunn-
ville three times per week, which continued on the route under tne command
of Mr. J3roadman. lie was succeeded by IMr. John Alessinore, who for
many yftars afterwards carried on the business.
Arrangements were also made for having a steam-boat to nm between
Hamilton and Queenston, calling regularly at Port Dalhousie.
Fuur large barges, laden with l,tt()0 barrels of flour, were brought down
from the Orand River, and carried through the caiud.
On the letting in of tho water, a celebration in honour of tho opening
took place at Beverley (now Port Robinson.) A large number were present.
The chair was occupied by Mr. Merritt, and a harmonious evening was spent
— rather a numerous party, as four hundred are chronicled as the guests.
The people of Oswego, then, more than now, evinced a warm interest in the
welfare of tho canal ; and, we are therefore not surprised to find that the
Report on tho Canal for 1829, was extensively circulated by the merchants
of that place amongst their friends in the lake States. A letter from a
gentlemen there, to Mr. Merritt, dated March 2nd, gives an idea of the pre-
vailing sentiment : — " We send you a copy of the Welland Canal Report,
" (which was reprinted.) We have commenced a general circulation of it,
"and shall do it thoroughly, for we look to the Welland Canal as ouu maix
" STAY, BOTH AS KEGAUDS THE GROWTH OF THIS VILLAGE, AND OUR OWK
" BUSINESS."
The time of the election of Canal Directors was now changed to the 1st
of June, as that was found a more convenient season now that the work was in
operation. At this meeting Messrs. Dunn, Allen, Bolton, A. H. McDonald
and Mr. Merritt were chosen, Mr. Keefer retiring at his own request, and
with the conscious feeling of having always stood well by the canal. The
Directors chosen by the Government were Messrs. Lafferty and Dixon, both
frontier men, but not particularly friendly to the Welland Canal. Mr.
Dixon afterward resigned, and was replaced by Mr. R. Randall. After
Mr. Barrett's depai-ture, his place was ably filled by Mr. Goo. Keefer,
assisted by S. Keefer.
After numerous drawbacks in connection with the water supplies, the
canal was at last, by the month of July, got in working order but M-as not
much used till the fall trade, when we find by a letter to Di\ Prendergast,
that a brisk trade was doing.
In order to show who wore the pioneers in navigating the canal, we
f^il
128
miijlit statu that in August of tliiH yoar the Lieutonant-Governor, Sir John
CuUiorno, iiispectod the canal in a Uovei-nment vessel under command of
Lieutenant Jones, R. N. The schooner Krie, 11 tons, Capt. Bocjuet, from
(.'leveland, bound for Youngntown in ballast, was the iLrst to pass down
from Tiuke Erie. Mt^ssi-s. (!an»p k Koniicdy l)rou^ht down several rafts of
stavf's from the fJraiul Kivei'. Messrs. Norton it Bliss, from the same
<juarter, took 150,000 feet of lumber to Bufl'alo and Lockpurt, etc.
About this time the news of the death <jf Iving (J«orge the Fourth
arrived. The Journal of that date was i)rinted in deep mourning. Shortly
afterward the exciting news of the French revolution came, and furniKhed
the press with ample theories to speculate upon. A proclamation from the
flovernor was i.ssued dissolving the Parliament in coiLwcjuence of the
King's death, and ordering a new election to bo held on the 18th October —
also proclaiming tliat his Majesty William the Fouiih was now the Sover-
eign, etc.
The regidations for the navigation and numagement of the canal were
now published in a form containing I'J clauses. That tlie machinery was
in fair working order is shown from the following item, taken from the
York Courier at this time :
" Welland Canal. — We have ju.st been informed by Capt. Finney, of
the soiioduer ('harks <f' Ainiif, that he left, this port on the 15th inst. for
Buffalo via the canal, through the wliole linn of which he j)assed in less than
24 hours. Capt. Finney, from the reports lie had heard to its disparage-
ment, ex[)ected to have nuit with some di'awl)acks in the passage through,
but was agreeably surprised to iind none. The Captain is contident that
tlie canal will fulfil all that its promoters promised. He left Bulliilo with
a load of pig iron and castings on the 2'2nd, and arrived here on the L'Oth,
making a sjilendid passage."
Oil the 21st of August a grand diuiier was held in Oswego in honor of
the success of the work, and ^Mr. Merritt's health was drank amidst most
unbounded api)lauso.
3[r. Yates, who had bpcn to England, was back in time to be present at
a meeting of the Board on the 2Gth Oct., when ho offered to purchase the
hydraulic privileges on the line of the canal, for the sum of $100,000, which
was accepted. The extension of the line direct to Port Colborne was also
decided upon. To accomplish this object, and to build store-houses, furnish
boats, ifec, as the company were partly compelled to become their own for-
warders, a further sum of $200,000 was found necessary; and it was at once
decided to again petition the Legislature on the subject. After a great
deal of negotiating by Mr. Yates, Mr. Merritt, and other.s, the i-esult was
that the G-overnment, on their next meeting, acquiesced in terms which
will be exjdaiubd as the work progi-esses.
During this jv'^ar 3Irs. Merritt was very ill, and they also experienced
the loss of their last child, a daughter, who died on the 19th of September.
129
Mi'H. M. wnH not convaleHcont until the cold weather set in, nncl was not
jicrfectly rcHtored to honltli before Christmas.
■ i,n
183 1.
Tho new Parliament mot on the Gth of January, and the Governor in
his .speech alluded to the iuipoitant iim>i ovumenta being made in our in-
l.ind water conimunication.s, and atfmitted their HUCcosHful operations,
tliough still favoring the military work to the Kideau.
Shortly afterwards Mr. Merrittand Mr. Yates left St. Catharines for York,
to press tho necessities of the Wellaud upon the Government.
As this, under the present circumstances, was the last loan asked from
the Goverament, and the composition of the House being Conservative,
wiio viewed the question from a patriotic staud])oint comj)ared with tho
former or radical House, little dilHeulty was experienced in getting tho
bill pas.sed, yet the money was granted under circumstances which involved
our subject, whose property was all in tho country, and Mr. Yate.s, with
his nephew, A. Y. McDonald, from Cornwall, to so large an amount as to
render its success neces.sary for their jirivate interests. They were respon-
sible for one-half the principal of 81(J(),000, and the intere.st of the whole,
amounting to .fl 0,000 per year, payable in London. Although the Provin-
cial debentures were given on their })ei'sonal secui'ity, tho money could not
be used for any other purpose than the canal extension to Lake Erie. Whilst
in York, Mr. M. prepared and got printed a circular for distribution amongst
the members, wherein he urges strongly the immediate undeiiaking of
the works on the St. Lawrence. By a careful and elaborate expose of data
respecting our commercial prospects, he proves tho advantivges which pro
ducers, merchants and consumers would derive from improving the river
route ; and although his speculations were based on the prospects of an
enoiTnous increase in the trade of the St. Liiwrence, yet the facts are there
shown that a ton weight of mercliandise from Liverpool to jMontreal, 3,000
miles, cost the importer thirteen shillings, whilst the cost of transpoi*tir^
the same from Montreal to Prescott, a distance of 12() miles, reached the
high figure oi four pounds, so that to tho.so yet further west the charges on
articles imported by way of the St. Lawrence were simply prohibitory; an<l
we are not less pleased to see that in summing up his able arguments tho
following patriotic language is used :
"It is a reproach upon the intelligence and enterprise of the countiy
that this improvement was not commenced long .since. It should not 1 o
<lelayed another yejir. If the present House cannot comprehend the supeii*
ority of a ship navigation, or do not feel satisfied that the present populr.*
\ i .11 .
$i
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130
tion of the weRtern country demands it, there should be no hesitation in
appropriatinj^ £50,000 for a boat canal. The tolls will pay the interest
and redeem the j)rincipal without ever being felt."
Among the proceedings of Parliament that had an ultimate interest to
our subject, was the contested election for Haldimand, Mr. Brant i)rot('sting
against the return of Mr. Warren for that county. Mr. ^\'arren still re-
tained the seat when he was cai-ried oflf by the cholera epidemic, and also
his opponent, when Mr. Merritt was elected to lill the vacancy.
A bill was also brought in by the ^i^olicitor-General to prohibit Orange
processions, but was ineffectual, as many bloody riots can testify ; so that at
this time we see the evils of Old Country feuds beginning to awaken legis-
lation. Mr. McKenzie, though in a minority, kept the Hoxise active
by his resolutions on the Chaplaincy ; and the debates on this question fill
many pages of the papers of the day. The official returns of the population
of Ui»per Canada for 1830 were kid before the House, showing that there
wei-e 211,187 persons in the Province — about the same ninnber as the
city of New York contained. Having obtained the Government sanction,
tendera were immediately asked for, to complete the canal to the lake.
The debentures were negotiated by Mr. Yates, and the money obtained
from the Bank of the United States at the terms required ; and on the
meeting of the Directors in St. Catharines, on the 2ud of June, the con-
tracts were let to different parties, amongst whom wo notice the new
but now well known names of the Boyles and Bradleys. Improved
arrangements for the management of the canal were also made at this
meeting — their entire affairs thus devolving upon !Mr. Merritt. Attention
and vigilance being the qualities necessary, competent assistants were re-
(juired ; and from the items relative to shii)ping, which wo find in the dif-
ferent Journals of the day, we think iilso the canal was kept tolerablv well
employed — as well as such a new work could be expected to be.
In June, Mr. Keefer was instructed to make a correct sui'voy of the
boundaries of the canal, and Mr. Barrett, who had returned from his jMont-
real survey, was appointed engineer over the new works. Mr. Merritt
also visited the dififerent i)orts and places along Lake Ei'ie in reference to
the quantity of grain likely to be shipped in the fall, and had comi)leted
a dry dock near the lake, being the first in the country, for repairing
vessels.
One of the enterprises of this year was the opening of the grist mill,
now known as the " Red Mill," in St. Catharines, which was owned by Mr,
Oliver Phelps and W. H. Merritt.
"For the first time in our histoi-y," says the Buffalo Journal of the lOtli
'•August, "the rapids of the Niagara were overcome by the power of steam.
" The steamer W. Peacock, on Wednesday last, towed a schooner of GO tons
131
" from Port Robinson to Buffalo, in 3 lira. 50 inin." The usual manner at this
time, was by towing the vessels along the Niagara river, and also by the
use of windlasses placed at the ra})ida. When the vessels were heavily
laden, the ascension liad often to be delayed until a strong breeze from tlie
north came, which helped them to stem the current, esjtecially at Fort
Erie. "We see by the Canal Report that there was yet a large business
done by way of the portage between Queenstou and Fort Erie — yet>
although the canal was in its infancy, it at once was given the preference
over this mode of transit, as a comparison of the year's traffic shews there
was more than half the valuable merchandise conveyed by canal: " By the
" canal— 30,000 barrels of flour. By land— 1 1 ,000 barrels of Hour. By
"canal— 210,000 bushels of wheat. By land— G,500. Over 1,000,000 ft.
"of lumber paf«ed through the canal, and only 2,000 ft. went by land," so
that already it may be said that the close of the portage, after over a
century's use, was sealed, by its more powerful and cheaper rival.
The work on the Lake Erie route progi'essed but slowly, through a
scarcity of haiuls, although liberal inducements were held out. The want
of canal lers was sadly felt. Advertisements were inserted in the pajters,
calling for hands ; and althougli a uunjber of emigrants were daily arriving
from Europe, yet, the prosjjects of becoming producei-s, and getting a good
price through forwarding facilities, and lands being yet cheap, diverted
many to agriculture.
In August, Mr. Merritt, Mrs. Merritt, and the author, paid a visit to
the old family residence at Byroni, on Long Island Sound. Meeting there
others of the family fi-om New Brunswick, this joui-ney, like others at the same
time, was accom})lished partly by stage, canal and steamboat, and was re-
markable only for a part of it being gone over on a railway, one of the first
then completed in America. This road ran from Albany to Schenectady,
and at the time of our visit, had stationary engiuos for pulling tie cars up
tlio grades. The cars, or rather coaches, were drawn by horses, on the
plateau between. The rails were of wood, covered with a b;Mul of iron.
And in all its extensions, for 10 or 12 years, our recollections of the trip are
still as being full of adventure, by land and water, i)articulurly on the rail-
road. We returned by way of (Oswego, on the 20th of September.
About this time Mr. Merritt formed a project for the puri»ose of establish-
ing a Bank in St. Catharines, as, owing to the largely increa.sed business
now tranMi)iring in the old district, principally through the canal operations,
tlie want of a local monetiiry institution was felt in the vicinity. On the 1st
of (Jctober, a meeting was held, which was presided over by Mr. Merritt,
and Mr. H. Mittleberger acted as secretary. Messrs. Alexander McDonald,
W. H. Merritt, Robt. E. Burns, I. T. Bowery, H. Mittleberger, James
Little, and George Rykert, were appointed to draw up a petition foundeil
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132
upon the resolutions of the meeting, and to ai)i)ly to tlie Legislature for a
chaiter.
The Parliament met on the 17th of November. The House was con-
gratulated on the prosperous state of the coimtry, and the rapid advance-
ments making in its every quarter, especially its water communications,
which were principally in the upper countiy. The petition already alluded
+0 in reference to the establishing of the Bank was presented by Mr. John
Clark, and a bill for the same purpose was brought before the House, but
was not carried this session.
Owing to the new poi-ts of entry which were ci*eated by the opening of
the canal, considerable patronage was now in the hands of the Government
in the appointment of customs officers, etc. It is but natural and reason-
able to suppose that the influence of our subject on these matters would be
regarded, especially as he had been entrusted with the Company's patronage,
and as a consequence the collectorship of customs at the new harbor of Port
Colborne was asked for from the Governor by Mr. Merritt for his old friend
and companion Col. John Clark, M.P. We think that there are few who
are aware of the part our suV)ject took in the Welland Canal inception and
accomplishment, but will admit that he at least should have liberty to
solicit a favor for a tried friend. Yet such was not the case ; and, as is
usual when Government officers are wanted, a claimant appeared upon the
stage whose only connection with the canal lay in his being an agent fur
subsci'ibcrs at a distance who held £4,000 stock in the work, without any
further influence than 'jeing a military gentleman from home and a friend
of Sir John Colborne, Hearing that IVIr. Merritt had retpiested that jMr.
Clark should get the appointment, this officer takes our subject to task in
the following manner: «' * * * If you furnish me with authority to witli-
" draw your application for Mr. Clark, I shall let the matter rest as it is.
" If not, 1 .shall consider it my duty to see the Governor immediately, and
"give my own explanations of the whole transaction. I fear not for the
" result, if I choose to exert myself about the appointment."
m
11-11
1832.
As this may be said to have been a period of revolts, the good people of
Ul)per Canada were likely to be furnished with one on a small scale.
The re-election of Mr. Mackenzie, who had been expelled from the late
House, occured on the 2nd of January, in this year, anudst great demon-
strations at the chainu'j. He was placed on the platform of a large sleigh
owned by Mr. Montgomery. They pasfied the Government and Parliament
Houses, followed by a large concourse of peoi)le carrying flags, «S:c., on which
133
Wiis coiisi)icuou.s the motto : " Liberty of the Press." Another was. "King
William IV. and Reform." — " Bidvrell, and tlie glorious minority," ito.
Daring the Spring, Mr. Mackenzie went to England with a petition
signed by 18,000 peofjle, asking for the recall of the Governor, tlie dissolu'
tion of the House, itc. The storm was dissipated for the present by political
meetings ; but the disputes then engendered, fomented by injudicious di)--
tribution of official patronage, eventually grew to more impoi"tj\nce than
even many of its chief actors supposed it would. Mr. Mackenzie was again
expelled, and declared ineligible to sit in the existing Assembly, but was
elected after the House was prorogued.
Among the acts for the extension of navigation introduced this session,
was one entitled " A Joint Stock Company, to improve the navigation of
the Grand River."
The attention of our subject at this time was also occupied i'l getting
the canal in repair for the opening of navigation. Owing to tlie action of
the severe frosts, considerable damage was done to the work, bv shifting
sands and sHpping in of the banks, all of which he caused to bo pv:t in order.
By the 1st of May the water was let in, navigation opened, and a brisk
trade was going on. The store-houses on the Grand River were tilled with
produce from (Jleveland, as the communication in that quarter was acces-
sible from the lake, whilst the Niagara river was yet blocked with ieo.
During this period of excitement, we are not aware that Mr. M. rritt
stayed in the provincial capital, but devoted his wliole attention to the
progress and interests of the Welland Canal.
By his memoranda dated 1 8th February, we see that he has the whole
scheme of the Grand River Navigation Co. maturcil ; and at the meeting
held imdcr the provisions of the Incorporation Act, obtained the last session
of Parliament, he i)r()posed the same. We see by the report of this meoting,
on the 27th of February, that his iil.>as were adopted, and a conipany
formed to carry out the scheme — whicli consisted of dams, locks, and other
necessaries, to extend the navigation to Gait. The capital was ii^r)0,000,
divided into proportional shares.
The Canada Company luid not taken any interest, after all their pro-
testations in favor of the Wei laud. We see from their letters that they looked
at the Grand River in the same light. For this reason the extension further
than the rapids below Brantford was no longer entertained.
"March 20th, 18.32.
" It will be out of my power to attend your meeting, nor will Mr.
Dunlop be able to attend, either. He is now on his way to Lake Huron,
At the same time, tlun' are willing to re.'eive the advantages of the works.
" We are now makiu'^ arrangements for the conveyance of emigrants
against the 0[)3ning of navig.ition, and you will oblige by informing me
what m-jans you have of carrying them through the Welland Canal, rate of
passage, rate of baggage, etc. J. Jones, Cum, C. Co.
U.i
i
134
lu answer :
" The forwarders are Northrop «fe Smith, who carry emigrants for 2? 6d.
per head, and Cd. per cwt. for baggage."
About 50,000 emigrants from the British Islands arrived in Canada,
principally owing to the change which the passing of the Reform Bill in
England had wrought on that country, although the Canada Company
claimed the credit of diverting them to this country, through their agents
in England.
Another survey of the Grand River was undertaken, as the following
letter from Mr. Emery indicates :
"Two Miles above Davis's, 11th May, 1832.
*' Dear Sir, — We have levelled from Highflyer's to this place, and find
the rise in the water from Highflyer's to below Davis's dam 11^ feet. At
Davis's dam the water is 2.64, which makes the surface in the dam 13.89
feet above Highflyer's. I do not see any objection in making Davis's dam
the first dam, and from that make a cut to Highflyer's. The cutting is
exceedingly favorable by making two locks. We shall get up as far as you
required us to-night ; then we shall i)roceed to making our estimate for
damming the river, and Cushman can inform you concerning the plaster bed.s
•' Mr. James Davis has been exceedingly kind. We stayed with him
and he rendered us all the assistance we have required of them. Other
influential j)ei*son3 here take very little interest in the improvement of the
river.
" Yours, truly, Wm. K. Emery."
"To W. H. Merritt, Esq."
As previously mentioned, a great difliculty was experienced in getting
a suflieient number of men to make the works on the Lake Erie extension
go on, as was desired. But now, the ominous tidings of another and more
frightful obstructor was hoard — and the alarming stories of its ravages in
the old world were wafted to the new, so that those who felt immunity from
the pests engendered in the confined cities of the Eastern Hemisphere, be-
came alarmed on hearing of the arrival of Asiatic cholera on the Western
continent. Following in the track of the great tide of emigration now reaching
our shores, it appeared almost simultaneously in New York, Quebec, and
otHfer cities on the sea-board. In a short time, its dire presence was felt —
almost as far westward as civilization had reached ; and in almost every
town and hamlet, it carried its victims to the grave. On the canal it
raged with great violence, falling like a thunderbolt among the workmen
and others. Strong men and women wore stricken down, to expire in its
agonizing grasp, and as each new name was added to the death roll a dread,
soon resulting in a panic, took place, which in a short time left the whilom
busy scene almost as quiet as the lone woods near by. A few only re-
mained— those, probably, who could not leave, or whose philosophy was
stronger than their fears. Its eflfects were serious to all, as its appalling
pre.sence cast a shadow and gloom over the country. During its prevalence
135
in this quarter, Mrs. Merritt ami the family went to Mayville, where its
influence was but little felt, but our subject reniaineJ at his post, anl by
care on his part he providentially es ;apeil.
" Mabshville, Welland Canal, Sunday, 21st July, 1832.
"My Dear Catherine: —
"On Monday last, I breakfasted at Mi-s. Bennett's, Grand River, on the
same kind of fish the boys and I cau'^ht at Chautauque lately.
'• Left the dam on Monday, at 1 o'clock ; went to Crreabel's. Heard that
the cholera had commenced its mvages that day at Gravelly Bay — three
deaths. Went on to the Bay that evening, and found Coonrod, a contractor,
^the man who married Miss Shaw,) with a man by the name of Henry,
working on the lock, and one Ross, a labourer, at the same place, was dead,
and taken only that morning. Tl r.'c or four others were considered dan
gerous. One only has since died, the others recovered.
"On Tuesday, went through the line with Mr. Lewis, and as no new cases
occured that day, the men generally resumed their work.
"Slept at Holmes,' Deep Cut. That night Lewis was taken : in the
morning, (Wednesday) sent to St. Catharines, for Drs. Cross; and Converse,
who was lip at Gravelly Bay. Lewis was very much alarmed, and
I could not leave hira until Cross arrived about 2 o'clock ; Mr. Fuller had
bled him, and I gave him two pills of opium ; he got better immediately,
and is now well. Returned to Gravelly Bay that night, to quiet the minds
of the men respecting Mr. Lewis, We found all who got medical aid
and were bled, recovered ; as it was chiefly among the intemperate. Had
hopes of continuing the work, but on reaching Gravelly Bay, found Dr.
Ellis and Mrs. Boles had taken it. Remained there until 12 o'clock,
Thursday, and left for Dam with a determination to let every one take theu-
own course — stopping the sale of liquor, and providing doctors on the spot.
" Friday — went to Nelles' settlement. Saturday — returned to Dunnville,
and have got this far to breakfast ; am on my way to St. Catharines, where I
have not yet been. I thank God that I am in good health, and will take
every j)ossible care of myself. Should the disease continue, I will go over
to JVlayvillo next week : if not, will remain until the middle of August.
" With ray host wishes and prayers for your safety,
" I remain your affectionate husband,
"W. H. Merritt."
On the approach of cold weather it gradually disappeared, and by degrees
tliose who fled on its approach returned, and things soon asenmed their
wonted appearance.
On the 29th of September a fine schooner of HO tons was successfully
launched at St. Catharines. This vessel was built by Russell Armington
for a company ; and as a compliment to our subject, was named the W. If.
Merritt, a name which, we believe, is held by one on the canal to the pre-
sent day.
The following from Mr. Merritt's journal, among similar items, is in-
serted to show that the scarcity of tlie circulating medium wes compensated
hy the low price of labor. This transaction represents the one-half value
of the old red mill, now called the Phcenix.
: !
136
m
mr
" 5th August, 1832. — Sold Mr. Phelps my proportion in the Grist IMill,
at £1,125."
Our .siiV»ject having for several .sessions represented the County of Hal-
dimand during its early history, we insert a few items of interest prior to
its separation from the County of Lincoln :
The Six Nations Indians possessed six miles of land on each side of the
Grand River, from a grant by Gov. Haldimand, in 1784, the boundaries of
which were confii-med by the Land Board of tiie District of Nassau in 1791.
Some of these lands were in process of being sold by the Indian Department
for the benefit of the Indians. They also became stockholders in the navi-
gation improvement. The Government still retained the river mouth. Mr.
Dixon owned Sherwood forest and swamp.
Mr. Smith, sheriff of Western District, obtained from Government
for his services, in procuring the rights of the North West Co., at Fort
William, the year after the Avar, the Township ot Moulton. Some diffi-
culties, induced him to obtain the legal services of D'Arcy Boulton.
Mr. B. afterwards appears as owner. From him, Mr. Oliver Phelps pur-
chased the three west lots of 150 acres each. These are where the village of
Dunnville now stands. ]Mr. P. built Davis' grist and saw mill ; the material
foi" which was the first freight on the feeder. Mr. St. John, yet living at
St. Catharines, and Orson Phelps, (Mr. P.'s oldest son,) conducted the busi-
ness. This property was shortly afterwai'ds sold to Messrs. Street and
Merritt.
The dispute relative to the representation of Haldimand, before referred
to, was settled by both the member and the protestor dying with the cho-
lera, ami thereby leaWng the riding vacant. A very respectable requinition
from the electors was presented to Mr. Merritt, recjuesting him to ofler
himself as a candidate. At the urgent request of his friends, and particu-
larl}' of Mr. Yates, who told him he could benefit the canal and Gi'aud River
prospects better by being in the House, he accepted the nomination. His
opponent, Mr. DeCew, was a man of great respectability and local influence.
But the material benefits which our subject was the means of developing in
the locality, particularly to those settlers beyond the river, who, previous
to the building of the dam and other works had very imperfect means of
communication with the back country during the summer months, enabled
him to carry the election, which commenced on 30th Oct., and tei'minatwl on
the 2nd of November.
During the election he was ably assisted by his old comrade, Col. J-
Clarke, and Mr. Randall. The following letter from the Colonel gives a
good idea of how the contest went in Haldimand at that time. Writing
to Mr. Martel, deputy post-master at St. Catharines, the electric telegraph
being undreampt of, he says :
! '(
137
(t *
* * The ball opened yesterday at 10 o'clock. Mr. Merritt, Mr.
DeCew, C. Richardson and W. J. Kerr are candidates. The latter is
strenuously opposed to Mr. M. There has been much speechifyiag, and
much villifying, on the occasion, and very little to the purpose u.iloss from
Mr. Merritt. DeCew is strongly supported by Mr. Thorbum, W. and R.
Woodruff, and A. Brown, all for the frontier interest. Mr. M. keeps up
liis spirits, and shows himself superior as a jtublic man. His management
gains him fnends. Since I have been here I have seen much change in his
favor. He will receive the suffrages of the honest yeomanry of the county,
as the Hoovens, Griobels, etc. The Opposition are much out at !Mr. Ran-
dall and myself. We were told we had better be in our seats at York.
All I hope is that when we go we shall have Mr. Men-itt along with us."
When the result was known, the most unbounded enthusiasm was dis-
played along the canal, and the people of St. Catharines gave way to expres-
sions of good feeling on a scale of grandeur surpi-ising for the times. We
see by tlie Jouinuil that an illumination took place, and all the parapher-
nalia of genei-al rejoicings were indulged in.
The Parliament opened on the 31st of October, and Mr. Merritt,
immediately after his return, proceeded to York ard took his seat. He
was soon afterwards placed upon the Finance Committee. One of the first
acts during this session was to ask for a select committee to inquire into
the management of the affairs of the Welland Canal, thereby answering
the inuendoes whicli had been hurled against him by Tslv. McKonzie and
other opponents to that, great work, and is in keeping with the general
tenor of his acts. We also find that his maiden speech was one in favor
of a motion, moved l)y Mr. Frasier, whicli strongly urged a free trade in
grain and cattle coming in from the States, as the following will show :
" Fealbt's, St. John Street.,
" 10th November, 1832.
" My Dear C.:—
" My friends hero appear to be highly gratified with my election, and I
assure you my situation is far more comfortable to my own feelings — I now
feel a degree of independence in being on an equulity with those, who before
could say what they pleased without my having a chance of replying — the
situation is new, but I do not feel that embarrassment I expected. I have
already broken tlie ice. The first day I took my seat, made two motions and
one speech on admission of articles, duty free from U. S.
"William H. Merritt."
During this session he strongly advocated the bill, which in some shape
or another had been before the House for several .sessions, for the abolition
of impj'isonment for debt, and his speech thereon was considered a very
convincing one, as the outrages committed under the license to imjirison
were of the most gi'ievous kinds. In his I'emarks he stigmatized the law
as a relic of barbarism, and although, ho said, the lawyers would not like
the proposed change, yet the interests of humanity, common sense and
i
138
reason were in favor of it. He mentioned numerous cases of false arrests,
sliowiug the abuso of the law ; that it was also the cause of crime and per-
jury ; that, in nine cases out of ten, it proved ineffectua] to recover tlie
amount claimed. He narrated a long list of cases which came to his own
knowledge, wherein per-sons were immured in prison at the instance of a
lawyer — many times his clerk ; where many of the parties did not owe any
one ; where exhorbitant bills of costs were tacked on ; and that, on the
whole, there was no satisfaction to the creditor, as the expensive machinery
of the law required all that could be wrung from both plaintiff and de-
fendant to satisfy the costs; and concluded an eloquent speech by stating
that the law was in antagonism with justice ; was abhorred by Turks and
infidels, who thereby foi-med a low opinion of men who called themselves
Cliristians ; and was only a lever of tyranny in the hands of a fraternity
wliose only thoughts were the filling of their own purses. Although the
bill did not become law by receiving the royal assent at this lime, yet the
discussion on it had such an eSect that the sensibilities of the leading ad-
vocates were turned, and the evils then complained of were suffered to sink
into oblivion, regretted by none save the most hardened in the pro-
fession.
Whilst the House was in session he found time to write and publish a
I^amphlet on the inland navigation of the Canadian Provinces, wherein 1 e
shows the manifold advantages which the country would gain by an exten-
sive system of canal navigation. In it ho urged tko abolition of the bound-
ary line between Upper and Lower Canada. It contained suggestions of
the greatest importance to this growing country. The pamphlet was signed
*'A Projector," and its effects were such that a commission was ajipointed
to investigate the subject. It was conij)osed of Messrs. Morris, Robinson,
Solicitor-Genei-al, Attorney-General, Merritt, 8amson and Chisholni, of
which he was appointed chairman, who duiing the session made extensive
in(iuiry, and gathered a large amount of information on the subject, which
led to a bill being brought into the House and passed, whereby the sum of
£10,000 was granted towards the proposed St. Lawrence canals, showing
that the spirit of enterprise which commenced in uniting Lakes Erie an<l
Ontario was now preparing to overcome tiie hitherto inaccessible rapids
of the St. Lawrence, and opt i the way to Montreal and the ocean without
waiting for the co-operation of the people from Lower Canada.
An application was made by the Welland Canal Company for a loan of
j£25,000, on which Mr. Merritt in a letter soys: "This week the Welland
*' Canal question will come up, but there a)ii»ears little chance of success.
" Our Bank bill will not pass the Upper House. The Salt Works incor-
" poration has passed."
An application was also made from the Welland Canal to the Parlia-
ment of Lower Canada for a loan, but was coolly received, so that the com-
panl
rem
not
Prej
spirl
of
130
pany were for the present compelled to look to other sources for the funds
required to complete the work to Port Colbome.
Up to this dato the total expenditure on the canal had been £316,000.
1833.
As the experience and confeBsions of a now member of Parliament do
not often come under the eyes of the public, the following letter to Dr.
Prendergast may be interesting, as it better explains the feelings and the
spirit in which Mi*. Merritt entered Parliament than anything we can give :
"York, Sth January, 1833.
« # # # After my return from Chatauque, I was solicited by a
deputation from the inhabitants of the county of Ilaldimand to stand for a
candidate. I consulted Mi"s. ]M. on the subject, who, with her usual good
sense, as-sented, conceiving that a ))art of my time woidd be retpnred hero
on account of the canal. I succeeded against a violent opposition, and came
in as what we term a Tory member. I was immediately selected on the
most important committees, an>l have applied myself industriously to the
different subjects. The greatest difficulty I experienced was in speaking.
I was forced to break the ice, the lirst day I took my seat, on the subject
of duties on goods from the United States passing our waters, and it hap-
pened, fortunately, to be one I underetood. The only questions in which
I take an interest are, improving our water communication, abolishing im-
prisonment for debt, extending the jurisdiction of our magistrates, and
annexing Montreal to this Province, so that we may obtain a i)ort of entry.
On the second and third items I have had the misfortune to contend against
the lawyers ; we have seven in the House, most of whom, directly or indi-
rectly, oppose tho.se measures, and you are aware that they are no feeble
opponents in any Legislature. It is my intention, as soon as the Welland
Canal question gets disposed of, to leave this business ; and, although it is
much pleasiinter to be hi the House than waiting in attendance, I finil
legislation so tedious that T am heartily tired cf it, and if 1 remain in the
same way of thinking I will never return again."
The following letter to Mr. T. Merritt, Senior, will give an insight into
pacliamentary affairs at this period :
"York, 7th January, 1833.
" Respfxted Sir, — The House frequently opens without a quorum.
The hon. member for Haldimand styles us a lazy lot. Altogether, I must
say a gx-eat deal has not as yet emanated from their united wisdom : it will
come, I suppose, by and by. My.self Jind the hon. member for Haldimand
are all ready and at bi-eakfast by 9 o'clock every morning. We enter the
House before or at 10. The working members go in oonmiittee and take
their seats in the hall to bring forward measures or debiite. About 1, a
lunch is set at our quarters, which the messenger keeps in readiness for us,
adding a glass of beer, when we go on with our work until 6, when we
proceed to our quartei-s, next door to Chief Justice's. Beer, whiskey or
wine, as you like, for dinner. Generally retire to a well furnished sitting
room, the member for Haldimand i)reparing matter for the House. He is
well, but wearing himself out for Upper Canada.
! ')
m:
||||l;i
140
"15th. — Mr. Mcrritt niiylit have been one of the St. I^wrcnce com-
iiussionor.s, but dccliiu'd tho honor."
"Ah rogiirda the Wo'.hnd Canal, I cannot bring myself to think that
this, the mo.st oulightenod Pi'.rlianitMit in the annals of Upper Canada, will
abandon so great a work botbi-o it is Ir ought fairly into existence. Wo
liave been voting away money for the imj)rovement of ourselves and the
country, and among the many thousands wliat do you think we have liad
the magnanimity to vote ? — £7,500 to tlie Welland Canal — not half of
what is recpiirod. We will take it, and trust our private means for the
residue. J. Clakk."
During the session he was identified with the War Losses Bill, the
Grand River Improvement Act, and several other imi>ortant measures,
which occupied the House until its adjournment, 3rd of February.
The foreshadowing of the fate of the company appeared, strangely
enough at this time, in a communication to the merchants of New York :
"Alhaxy, February 12, 1833.
"Did not know what to answer. If I shall bo ro(juired to make any
further sacrifice, it would at least be proper th.at the full proposition should
be known. Your continued suggestion for a .sale, or rather an offer to sell,
to the Government, is ])articularly painful to me. * * We have every
reason to chei-ish a confident hope of full success. * * a year or two
more will prostrate all o])j>osition, and remove the delusion of the [lublic.
If I shall prove to be dolu(l(Hl myself, [ hope at least to satisfy my friends
that the loss of my prrperty, if fairly lost, will not distress my (piiet.
" J. B. Yates."
"The Welland Canal will most probably pass fi-om the hand.'s of indi-
viduals into that of the Government, negotiations between the parties
having, it is believed, already taken place. An Old Merchant."
The pecuniary difiiculties Avere very gi-eat at this time. Almost every
thing in the shape of property tl).oy possessed was mortgaged. The Bank
of Upper Canada refused them any more credit, much to the mortification
of the Director.s, who in reality considered the Bank under an obligation
to the comjiany.
During the attendance at the Legislature, the business of the canal was
not neglected.
A rather sharj) corres[iondence occurred between the President and the
Agent, which re.sulted in their both tendering their resignations.
" 1. St February, 1833.
" I have no objection at all to the arrangement proposed by you, and
will join with those named, bearing a share of my part of it. This vdW
relieve me from the Bank engagement, of course, which I shall be most
liappy to see off the Bank books, as the sole engagement for that sum of
money, anil secures my name as a creditor to the large amount.
" Your.s, truly, John H. Dunn."
" P.S. — This will also settle my advance of £250, of which I .stand in
want, as well as yours, if you cau make it convenient before vou leave
York. * J. H. D."
141
" YoKK, fith February, 1833.
" Deak Siu, — You havo my perfect concurrence to do anything you
|il('nse. What J intemled to do I have, in conHe<|uonce, of your letter,
withhold. I sliall not put n»y name to any instrument whatever which
iiiiiy make me liable to pay what I cannot, and perhapH may involve me.
You may think as you like ; I havo my own oi)inion, wliicli shall guido me.
" I am, Sir, yours, obediently, John }f. DrxN."
•
"YoKK, 7th February, 1833.
" Mv Dear Sir, — The course I intended when I became respoi.sible
for a loan to pay oti" the debts duo to the Welland Canal contractors, was
proci.sely what I was willing to do — that I would give my bond for njy pro-
jiortion of .£12,000, but not be liable for the whole amount. Ths-re is no
person who can lament the situation of the contractors more than I do, and
if I could I would afford them relief. I cannot agi-ee with you, however,
tliiit there can be any discredit to the Welland Caiiul Company. The con-
tnictors from the commencement have had a full knowledge of the com-
pany's art'airs, and have been told, for guarding theu» against diHicultie.i
which might occur in the progress of the work. W(j have, more from
aijcident than good fortune, been able to sustain good faitJi. You nnist
remember that you have laid the case and our em}>arrassuients before Par-
liament, who havo more interest in the canal and its benefit to the I'olony
tliaii the sliareholdors. If discredit fall upon the company, and cortaiidy
it will, lot it fall on those who deserve it. I ct^rtainly cannot hazard to
iiiuintain the credit of the Welland Canal Company, a property which does
ii'jt belong to me.
" I felt grieved at your note of yesterday, and think you misundei-stood
me, or I did not fully explain my intention regarding the extent of my
security, but I did mean exactly wliat I was willing yesterda}' to perform.
We have been engaged tcgether in a work perhaps the most arduous and
embarrassing that ever was undertaken in any country. Anotlier such I
would not have anything to do with for the whole value of the Province.
My good wishes towards you are unabatiMl, and the good fooling you so
kindly express toward myself and Mrs. Dunn I fully reoipi'ocate ; and allow
1110 to close by hoping that the friondship which has ever fxistod between
us may not be imi)aired by a moment's anger on either side, and that we
mutually look upon each other as friends, whether as canalors or indi-
viduals. Sincerely yours, John H. Du\x."
"York, 12th February, 1833.
" Mv Dear Sir, — I am particularly engaged this evening, as Mr. JMc-
Donald is here. You can have a Board without me, competent to transact
uuy business. I have so mucli labor to perform for the Province this year
ill 'my own office, that it will be wholly out of my power to leave York.
It is therefore my intention to withdraw from the canal, and cannot under
any circumstances incur further responsibility on account of the canal. It
is therefore unnecessary, under the circumstances, for me to attend.
"Yours, truly, J. H. Dunn,"
A meeting of the Board was held in York on the 13th of February, and
tlie sul)ject of raising money to pay ofl' the debts owing on the canal, to tlie
i I m
it>W
i m
142
amount of .£11,000, was discussed. Owing to tl>o Government holding a
mortgage on tlio hydraulic works, the Company did not receive auy benefit
from tlio money paid by Mr. Yates for the same, but now they agreed to
relintjuish the mortgage to the company, on their giving a bond and pledg-
ing themselves to spend the same in paying off the minor debts, etc. In
tliis meeting Mr. Merritt informed the company that the work was com-
pleted, and, finding his duty to liis constituents would ba neglected, ho
tlierefore tendered his resignation, wliich was not, liowever, accepted at this
time. Another ineeting was lield in St. Catharines on the 18th of Feb-
ruary, wlien the resignation of Mr, Dunn as President was tendered, but
not accepted at this time.
Tlie next mooting was at St. Catharines, 27th of February, but for want
of attendance it was resolved that Capt. Creightou and Ceorgo Keefcr be
summoned forthwith by a special messtniger. When, at the ailjourned meet-
ing, it was resolved that a communication be made to the commissioners
ai)pointed by the Legislature of the necessity that one of them should give
his personal attendance. The 1st of June meeting after that consisted of
but four members.
Although the House at its last session did not grant the company^the
loan asked for, yet the Govei'nment, for the first time since the inception
of the canal, took up the balance of the unsold stock, to the amount of
£7,500, and three commissioners, viz., A. Slade, J. McAuley and W. B.
]\obiuson, were appointed to superintend the division of the same, by this
means they were enabled to push on the work to Gravelly Bay, so that by
Juno the first vessel — the schooner Matilda, from Oakville — passed through
to Cleveland by Port Colborne.
Under the circumstances, Mr. Merritt was authorized to pi'oceed to
York with a statement of their affairs, and lay the .same before the Gover-
nor ; also, to make application there or elsewhere, as he thought fit. In
the midst of this dilemma, IMr. J. B. Yates again came forward, and laised
them sufficient money to finish the new harbor at Port Colborne, which
was now declared a port of entry, and by permission named after the
Lieutenant-Governor, Sir John Colborne.
The regular annual meeting of the Canal Board was held at St. Catha-
rines on the 5th of June, and our subject, who had previously tendered his
resignation as agent, was now, at the election of Directois, chosen as one of
them. When the election of the executive was proceeded with, Mr. Merritt
was chosen President and Alex. McDonnell, Esq., Vice-President.
The following item is inserted to show the value of village property at
this time. Through the absence of paper currency these figures represent
a greater value than at the present day:
" 22iid April, 1833.— Mr. Phelps bought half of the North side on Lake
Road to Niagara, (now Niagara Street) at $75 per acre."
143
On tho Gtli of Juno, I'nteH of toll were settled upon, and armngonionts
miiiU* for Imildiny a liglithouHO at Tort Colbornt', and also fur putting down
autither i>i«'r at tliat placo. Mr«. Merritt, in returning from Cliatauquo,
passed through Port Colliorno, acconiprniod by her family, and thus t!e-
s?ril»e8 her visit to that locality : " At the stone bridge which crosses tl.e
"canal we met Mr. Gn^bel," (who, with Mr. Hoover, was the leader of tl.e
Mennonites in this section, and a strong supporter of Mr. Mon'itt) " who
" invited us to go u]) and spend a night at his house. We walked from the
•• bridge up to the bay, 1 J miles. There we met T. Merritt and Mr. Kan-
" (lall. There was a vessel coming into the lock, some boats, etc. The
" gi'onnd here is all marsh on both sides of the canal. There is a small
•' riilge, with one white house and a store, and some shanties. We accepted
•' Mr. (irebel's invitation to his home, promising to see the Sugar Loaf. The
'' road is very jileasaiit up there fo" four miles, winding through the trees,
" with the hill on the left, and a large marsh or pond, three miles long and
•'about one broad, on our right. We tried to count the eagles' nests in
" the tops of the trees ; there were six or seven of them. !Mr. P. and J.
•' went to the top of the Loaf, but the leaves were too thick to have a good
" view. * * On Thursday morning we took another road to tho Ijridge.
" Saw several vessels jtass, and a small steamboat, which makes a trip
" round from Buflalodown to Chippewa and up the marsh every second day."
That the canal wa.9 now rapidly coming into public use is seen from a
statement published in the Journal, showing that from the 1st to the 20th
of Jime in this year, 34 vessels had passed up the canal and 20 went down,
and in the following month 219 schooners, 1 38 boats and scows, and 30 rafts,
loaded with produce of all de.scri; tions.
Mr. W. L. McKensiie, who had been in London for more than a year,
returned to Canada in August. While there he had interviews with ]\Ir.
Stanley, Mi'. Poulette Thompson, and others, in reference to the colonial
(liiH?ulties. Ho was enthusiastically received on his arrival at York.
A time-honored institution lost its usefulness about this time, thougli
called in exercise at the breaking out of hostilities. It was the Court of
Quarter Sessions, or Board of Magistrates, held for this district at Niagara,
which had existed from the first settlement of the country, and wa-s com-
posed of the leading men. It now gave place to what was known as the
Court of Requests, having a smaller territory but a more extended jurisdic-
tion, and was in that sense the germ of our present expensive and inefficient
rtuuiicipal system.
For the first time since the opening of the canal a serious break occurred
at lock 2, the four gates of which were carried away by a schooner on the
night of the 5th of September. No spare gates being ready, navigation was
suspended for a week, and Mr. Merritt in a letter mentions that, owing to
Hi
the urgency of the case, he had again commenced to give his personal atten-
tion to the canal until matters were placed in a better shape.
As it may be interesting to the members •£ tlie Loyal Canadian Society,
■we find that in the early part of October, arrangements were made in
Hamilton to celebrate the glorious battle of Queenston by a dinner, to take
place on the 14th of October, (the 13th being Sunday,) the Hon. James
Crooks consenting to preside on the occasion.
On the 7th of October, died at his residence in St. Catharines, our oM
friend Job Northrop, deeply lamented by the village community as a mo.st
"enerous and warm-hearted man — sincere in his actions, and beloved by all
who knew him.
After superintending the repairs, and attending to other duties on the
canal Mr. Merritt now prepared to attend his place in the Legislature,
which oi)ened on the 19th of November. One of his first acts was to intro-
duce a Bill having for its object the relief of those religious sects known
as Mennonites and Quakers, who, previoiis to the passing of this Act, la-
boured under serious disabilities.
Notwithstanding the fact that William Lyon McKenzie's last e.xpulsioii
from the House was disapproved of by the Imperial Government, and that
two of his most active apponents, Messrs. Bolton and Hagarman, werti
dc'iirived of their otlioes, as a conciliatoiy proceeding ; yet, it was a})parent
that at the opening of this Session, Mi-. Mackenzie wished to become of
more importance, having l)een agai-. returned for the County of York, prc-
seJited himself in the House for the purpose of taking his seat. He was ac-
comiianicd by a large body of his supportovs, who tilled the bar and galleries,
and durin<' the debate which arose in reference to his admission, behaved in
a most boisterous manner, by alternately cheering anfl hissing the speakers
expressing like or dislike. The intimidation was carried to such a i)itch,
that the sj)eaker ordered the House to be cleared of all outsidei-s; and on
the vote being taken for McKenzie's admission, a majority of four was found
against him : McKenzie's organ, the " I'or/c Adi'ucatr," bitterly attacked our
subject for his vote on this occasion, and the language used towards Mr.
Merritt was uncalled for, yet failed to influence him in the smallest degree,
as his conduct to Mr. Mackenzie on all occasions was such that we believe
he felt more incUned to pity him than anything else. Mr. Merritt's speech
on this occasion shows conclusively that although he was inclined to be gen-
erous to a fault, yet he still retained suthcient respect for his character as
a member not to permit himself to be bullied l>y faction. He said " he had
come down to the House yesterday to vote that Mr. Mackenzie should takf
his seat, but his conduct would have induced him to vote him out of the
Asaemblv, even if he had been a sworn member. Had not his supporters
assumed the character of a mob — hissing down one set of men, and crying
the
1834
nor.
145
up another. He was disgusted -vritli the disgraceful scen«, and their conduct
brought back to liis memory the worst days of Revolutionary France, <tc."
Owing to the bad roads, he was compelled to remain in York during
the Christmas holidays, and in a letter written home on the Ist of January
1834, he says, " he spent the day with Mr, Yate«, in calling on the Gover-
nor, and some of the gentry of York."
In the Legislature he introduced Bills on the subject of mantaining the
poor, and on emigration, besides moving for a committee to onquiie into
the law of arrest in civil cases.
1834.
After the holidays, the business of the Legislature was carried ou as
usrial. The work commenced in the House was not very important, con-
sisting principally of private legislation. Amongst the (juestions brought
forward, was another petition from the Welland Canal Company, for a grant
of £25,000, to enable them to pay ofTsoniP of tht'ir iufWbtedness. From the
able manner in which our subject advocated the claims of the Company, in
the House, he made a numl)er of friends therein : many of w^hum were now,
perhaps for the first time, convinced that tliis canal Avas not a mere jirivatd
speculation, but a work upon which vhe country could look with pride, and
one which, in after years, would become a monument to the perseverance of
its supporters. A long and warm debate on the (piestion occured, and finally
emerged into the idea of the rrovernment purchasing the entire work from
the Company. The results were, that the cai)ital stock was permitted to 1 o
increased to .£250,000, and the Government subscribed towards the same
the sum of £50,000, thereby enabling the Directors to pay oft' mimerous
small debts, anil also put the canal in good working order. As previously
noticed, after Mr. Merritt gave up the duties of agent, and wa.s appointed
PretAdent of the Company, the same vigilance was not dis])Iayed in the
maiiagenient of tiie work as was observed il . • ag his direct superinten-
dence. Several delays occurred, ai I not a Tow breaks in locks and banks,
airtady told that a work of this kind reqiiired the earnest attention of an in-
terested man. He, after what had transjtired, took charge of the works
personally, as we see by the following letter to Doctor Prendergast :
St. Catharines, March 1 7th, 1834.
" I have again turned my [larticular attention towards the canal. They
have given me a salary of $1,600 per year, as president, and full control of
the works."
m
•
In a man's family letters, we see tlic motives of las actions more than in
his publications, speeches, or votes. We have seen from tlvse letters, that
Mr. Merritt disliked the contracted role of an M. P. P., j-.tl would ratlior
get rid of the Wclland Canal. He argued that the direction of the canal, now
that it had passed by its many windings from lake to lake, thou"h its
having the Erie for a feeder, was only a matter of time ; the work could
be carried on by any man of moderate attention to his business. Yet, the
disasters in carrying away four lock gates, for which no aderjuate provision
had been made, with the settling and caving in of work laid in frostv wea-
ther, showed i»lainly enough to all interested in the w^ork, that the same at-
tsntion was nece.ssary for keeping it up as had started it. Mr. Merritt
had not let pass, while in the company's service, opportunities for private
advancemant by investing in both the terminus at Port C'olborne and
Dwnnville, and natural instincts would be excited to imj)rove them for his
rising family. '
We hare assumed that duty and honor were the key note of all his trans-
actions. The Canal Board by both pu1)lic and private accounts, depended iipon
the lobbying process, (another name for begging from the Government,) for
means to pay its obligations ; and wc have seen, direct or implied, that ho
had been the promi)ter in inducing stockholders and conti-actors to go on
with it. For a man with but half his conscientiousness, this must have been
fraught with uneasiness, and we cannot wonder that he enibi-aced the first op-
portunity that occured last year, of gracefully retiring fj'om it.
At this time, a sermon from his respected j)astor at York, fell in to avid
weight to the public side of the balance.
" Sunday, 2nd JMarch, 1834.
" My Dviar Catherine :
"I have this day heard a mrst oMcellent practicable sermon from Arch-
deacon Strachan, fiom the following text: 'To him that hath, .shall be given;
and from him that hath not, eveutliat which he liiith .shall be taken uwav.'
H'J api)!ied it to the various pursuits of life. Those wliom the Almighty
had favoured with any peculiar talent, rose to eminence, was entrusted l.>v
his fellow men with the coutrul and dii'ection of their jjroperty ; and if a
man of industry, application, and honesty, he would continue to increase, bv
commanding the respect and confidence of his fellow men, as well as Divine
favour. Urged strongly the absolute neces.^ity of per.sevoring in those
qualities ; and the moment he dejtarted from them, and gave himself up to
sensual and worldly gratification, the Divine favour, as well as the confidence
of men, would be taken from him, and the text in that case would assuredly
bo verified.
" By a steady perseverance, and close attention to them, I have baen re-
markably favoured this .session in carrying through the House those measures
in which I have felt an interest."
Noticing his return from his parliament.-iry duties, and canal matters : — ■
" I am interested in the Grand River navigation, and would remove
tlierC- I have purchased one half of 200 acres at Gravelly Bay, but will
i'l III
I '
147
make no tlecision till I see you. It is an important subject — not so nuicli
in ft pecuuiaiy point of view, as with inudcuce, we need be under no
ai)ijrelienMion from that score, but for our family."
During tlie session, he also obtained from the Government increased
postal facility on the route of the canal, so that Port Kobinson, Lyon's
Creek, and Port Colborne wet-e given Post Offices, which was a great con-
venience to the settlers who lived there. To his untiring exeitions are tlie
people of Dunnville and the country lying beyond the Grand lviver,indebtetl ;
by a great deal of perseverence, he succeeded in getting a grant of £1,500
from the Government, with which to construct a g(.)od bridge over the Chand
Kiver, on the foundation used for the dam at Dunnville, and a large grant for
roads. 80 that, with his parliamentary and other labours, we assume that
his time was well occupied during this long session, which lasted nearly live
months. He also had the satisfaction of s((eing £350,000 granted towards
the works now in progress on the St. Lawrence Canals — which were to be
built with stone locks of large capacity, etc.
During this winter he corresponded with INlr. W. Allan and ^fr.
Kidout on the subject of a branch Bank in St. Catharines. His ideas on
the subject of Banking were, we know, opposed to private corporations,
believing that the profits derived from such undertakings should belong to
the country, and a general Provincial Institution established to contrt)! the
monetary aflUirs. But in this instance lie was prepared to do liic best for
liis locality, and strongly tried to have a Branch from the Bank of L'j)per
Canada established here ; without success, however, }irincii»ally owing to
the facts that a Branch was established in Niagara, and afterwards through
Mr. Street's influence, in Chippawa ; and also in consequence of a larg<i
jtortion of the stock being owned by frontier men, who were naturally fav 01-
able to it.
On the Gtli of ]\fairh in this year, tlic nourishing little town of Wik It-
cuine, by act of Parliair.ent, a city; taking for its future name the beautiful
Indian word " Tokonto," having for its tirst Chief Magistrate, Mr. Williaiu
Lyon ]\IcKenzie. The author visited the caj>ital, and .spent a short tiuio
attending the debates, and in the society of the lialf-dozcn nu'iid)ers who
lodged there ; he was })ai'ticularly struck with the contrast of their grave
demeanour in the House, and their hearty unbending, oven to jocularity,
out of it. He was listener during the discussion of that question to many
remarks on the ambitious aspirations of muddy Little York. Now tliJit the
prospects of an improved communication with the ocean ])resented itself,
the mind of our subject turned upon the jiossibility of having free markets
for the grain of Western Canada, in the harbouis of the British islands ;
and in consequence thereof he busied him.self to bring about an understand-
ing with the Imperial Government, whereby the grain duties might be abo-
lished in the United Kingdom, so that our farmers could enter their maiket
iM
148
on the siiinc footing as those from Scotland, Ireland, or other parts of the
British Empire. The address frame' I iu the spirit of these ideas passed the
Assembly by a large majority.
During the long session there were many applications for his influence
for }»oth public and private interests, for his o^Yn and other countries, for
roads, bridges, and Post Ottices — and one for fi\ e years protection for a
glass company, by Samuel Wood, of Grantham.
A letter, with subscription list, was received from the Kevcrend E.
Crcen, of Niagara, soliciting his influence in building an Ej)iHcopal
Church near the C4ernian Lutheran Church, at Thorold. An ai»plication
WAS then made to the Bishop, and the following shews the views of Dr.
Strachan on the request. Extract from the Very i-{everend Archdeacon
Strachan :
" YoKK, 21st February 1834.
"Dear Sir:
" I am of opinion that the members of our church have a light to have
the ministration of religion afforded them gratis, as in England, from the
cleigy reserves. And, were the friends of the church to e.vert themselves,
as they ought to y\o, the hypocrites and infldels who seek to approj)riato
the lands to other purpo.scs," would soon be defeated."
" Yours truly,
♦' To W. H. Mehkitt, M. P. '• John Strachan."
. The session of Parliament, which clo.sed its labors on the Oth of March,
was a remarkable one in numy respects, as it may be said to liave been the
last Parliament where the Loyalist element, devoted with a single eye to the
interests of the country, were assembled. Numerous are the cases which
serve to show, at this time, that a jiublic spirit, and a feeling of true loyalty
to the land of their birth and the British Crown, animated them on all oc-
casions; where the country at large was likely Vie he benolittetl. they voted
liberally. To many it may .'^eem stningf, when rea<liiig of the lai-ge sums then
devoted to improvements and jmblic woiks, that other ideas stiould encourage
the Government in such an expense; and iu all probability Mr. ]\Ioriitt or
Mr. Yates might have talked or written for yt-ars, without accomjtlishing
anything. But when we see the appropriations springing up from tens to
liandveds of thousands of pounds, wc are apt to conclude that a n«w spirit
■was infused into the rulers of the country ; and that things, owing to a
general jieriodof prosperity, an accumulation of internal wealth, and an
extraordinary influx of emigrants with suftlcient means to possess and cul-
tivate the new hinds — all combined to make the Government think that
the tiuie had now arrived when public improvements nuist be pushed on ;
and that the gioAving wants of the countiy rcijuired a wider and bolder
policy to keep pace with the demands of the time.
The important question of the Wellaml Canal becoming public property,
■was long and earnestly discussed during this session ; and after a debato
i
U9
ig.<
which occupied four days, tho motion of Mr. Robinson, tliat th« works be
come the jn-operty of the country, was carried by a majority of oxi:. Thus
were the cherished ideas of Mr. Mci-ritt, wlio always looked upon the oanal
as a great national work, first recognized by the Parliament of the country :
and althougli tho Government did not actually asanme the work until eight
years afterwards, when all ojtposition to the measure had ceased, and when
its practicability for all commercial purposes were fully tested and acknow-
ledged— yet the (juestion was laiil open for the consideration of the people ;
and had it not been for tho troubles which afterwards ensueil, might hare
been sooner accomplished to the benefit of all concerned.
During Februaiy of this year, the first seriou.s public agitation, which
afterwards rcsultinl in a rel>ellion which drew Upper Canada into its wake,
ocoured in Quebec, by the presentation of the historic id/ipfi/-two resolutions
to the Parliament of that Province by M. Papineau. A great deal of ex-
citement was manifested in the Upper Province, and it b«ing previous to a
general election, the newspapers of the time were full of si)eculations on th<'
effect those resolutions would have on tho country at large. The rcsolutiona
passed the Lower Canada House on the 12th of February, and ^Ir. Morin
was afterwards deputed to jirocced with them to England, and lay thorn be-
fore the Imperial Government.
In the early i)art of May ^Ir. INI. left home to attend a nif« ting at Nel-
les's settlement, on the Grand River, as the works on that si'ction were not
prospering as well as tlesired. In the month of Afiril he had ofi'ered through
the new.spapers a reward of $100 for the best model of a lock and dam for
the Grand River, the pattern to be .shewn at this meeting.
At a meeting of the New Court of Requests, held in Niagara the early
part of July, Mr. Merritt was unanimously chosen Chairman of the Court.
As one of the results of the Canal, and his visit uj) the (iraud J'.iver, wft
may mention, that at this time we find that a lavgi' schooner is nearly
finished, and a steamboat on the stocks at Dunn\ il!e --airi that the works
for tho improvement of the Grand River are now fairly underway.
in August, a slight panic was felt, from the fact that the cholera had
again appeared: although its eflects were felt for a short time in Q\iebec anil
Montreal, yet, fortunattdy, the smaller towns throughout the interioi", did
not suffer to any remarkable extent. ]\Ir. ^Nferritt's time was kept fully oc-
cupied, during the reces.s, with the canal, where several breaks occureil ; and
owing to the great increase in the traHic, it required t'le most careful atten-
tion to keep up the confidence of .shipping, as the canal was now apparently
taxed sometimes cmmi btsyond the capacity of its wooden locks. The con-
tracts for the woi'k -ju the St. Lawi-once Canals, with stone locks, were now
given out, and the prospects of busy times for some years, is noticed in the
journals of that time. The turning of the first sod took place on the lOth
or 12th of AuguBt.
l.-)0
Early in tlio season jNIr. Mcrritt wont, as notioerl, to tlio fti-and River,
to attend a mootin;^ at Nellis' settlement, (now York.) This niooting was
hckl for tiic purpose of re-organizing the Grand River Iniprovouient Co'y.,
as the pi'evious qtticers and directors of that (Jonipany had failed to accom-
plish anything of real benefit. Tho old oHicers were replaced by the follow-
ing gentlemen, viz : James Winnett, President, — W. H. Merritt. S. Street,
T>. Thompson, and W. Richardson, Directors. A new subscription list was
opened, and capital stock about £50,000 sul>scribed; our subjc^ct alone tak-
ing one thonsaml shares, of .^25 each, in the undertaking, besides taking
for his relations and friends 1,400 more shares, viz ; N. Merritt, N. B.,
1,000, Henry Yates, 200, and A. Mclntyre, 200.
Two other enter[)rises occupied his attention this year, viz: the erecting
of tlie large stone grist mills at Port Colborno and kSt. Catharines ; tho
former being a steam mill, owned by our subject and his friends, under the
management of Mr. Slate ; and since purciiased, with a largo amount of
])roperty, by the Government, when the enlargement of the canal took i)lace.
The mill at St. Catharines was his own i)ro[»crty, autl was of great benefit
to the town, and country adjacent, both as a c\istom and manufacturing in-
stitution.
About the midtWe of September, tho writs for a new election in tho
Province were issued. In Haldimand, Mr. Merritt was opposed by Hill,
I'itch, and C. INIeKenzie, but was returned by the handsomo majoi-ity of 53
votes. In Lincoln, Mr. Geo. Rykert was elected over his Radical opponent.
Darling. ]Mr. IMerrittgavo Mr. Rykert a strong supi)ort on this occasion,
liaving assisted him during his canvass, as long as he i)0s.sibly could. The
result of the elections were, however, favourable to the Radical party — and
during the interim before the opening of the House, many were the specu-
lations an<l opinions indulged in, as to iis effects upon the country.
The important di.scovery of coal, was made in the State of Ohio, during
this year ; and it was expected that the canal, and the country generally^
would be greatly benefitted by the same.
In November, Sir J. Colborno visited the works on the Grand River
and was pleased with the great progress made in that section.
A letter to Mrs. Proudergast, discloses the state of feeling of our subject,
on the close of this year's business :
"St. Cathakines, November 23rd, 1834.
" Dear Mother :
"The Welland (Jaual has dosed for the season, and I hope to have more
liosure than heretofore.
"The boys are all gi-owing finely : they appear to possess full as great
capacity as we can expect at their age. They are learning the higher branches
of education, getting on well, and appear desirous to please. I trust you
will find a great improvement in their manners also. Wo have a good
school near us, so that we possess the double advantage of having them at
home. 1 renuiin at home until after the holidays, so that mc only want your
ii
151
auil fatlicr Prontlpi'f,'astV; scciety to venilcr uh as comforluble as falls to tl.f»
l(.t (if iuuDau I'ciii^js. His hfin;,' witli tlio boys, after a few vccks. would
impart great satisfaclioii aiul instruction to thow, ami would he equally
pliMsiu'^' to liini. Wo keop a pair of horses, siut,'ln and doulilo sleiL;!), and
liave every convenienco wa iieed to make us comfortable. For my own
pait, I am so thorou;j;!ily satisfied we are so much better otT, and every way
liajipier than we ilest-rve, tliat my only melancholy reHvction is, at times,
that it will not continue — l>nfc tliis train of feeding I endeavour to check,
and placo my dojendanco wholly on the All-wiso and just Providence, who
alone sends us that i)eace of mind that I think we all realize, and feel most
grateful t(j Ilim for permitting us to ])0ssess. Wo have been over to
spend the day with father and inotlier. He is feeble, but better. Mother
in good health.
Believe me,
!My dear mother,
Faitlifully and dutifully yours,
\V. IIasJ&i.ton MnKKlTT."'
In the Re[)ort of the Company, dated December 24tli, 183-1-, we .see
that work was well advanced, four locks being finished, und a great deal ot
the other obstructions overcome.
1835.
On the 15 th of January, the new House of Parliament opened ; and on
tl:e lOtli, the Speaker, Mr. Bidwell, was elected. Tlie Governor's speech
on the occasion was a tame one, when the protestations of the party in power
is considered.
;Mr. 3Ierritt went to Toronto, by way of the Gi-and Eiver and Hajniltou.
On arriving in that city at neon, on the 1 3th, ho attended a caucus of
the friend.-s of impi-ovcnient, ani in writing, says: " Parliamentary proceed-
" ings have commenced, — and although we have lost tlio appointment of
" Speaker, yet I tiiink we will have a good House;" but on 8th Feb. he says :
"I am engaged in drawing up a report for a Provincial Bank, and the
" scheme is making quite a .stir amongst our bankers. I would have gone
" homo, but the roads are intolerable. We still have nothing to do for
^' eight or ten days yet. Tlie House is doing no good, and I doubt whether
" they are likely to." Being desirous of further facilities for ihe transmis.sion
of mail matters in his owu riding, as well as other sections on the canal
and frontier, lie corresponded with the Imperial Deputy Po.st-master General
at Quebec, and received the following : — " Believing that Poet Offices are
'• much wanted in the section of country pointed out by you, shall take up
" the subjects of your recommendations, and endeavour to carry them into
'effect."
152
During this comparative cessation of public measures in the House,
work was going on in an adjoining committee room, considering grievances
that -were now necessary to be removed before any real progress could be
made ; though the wrongs of the country were hidden from the notice of the
public by th« mass of grievances discussed, some of them being the most
Conservative institutions in the country — as the organizidion of the Episco-
j)al body, and Government patronage.
The waves of agitation which commenced in Lower Canada, and whose
•ccasional ripples were barely noticed in the Western Province, had now
set in with increasing force ; and in spite of the endeavours of the more
modei'ute, here, its advance could not be stopped, until, like the others,
it had spont its vigour on the strands of loyalty, and relapsed to its former
bed. Under these circumstances, the present Parliament may well be
said to have been a boisterous one. Mr. Mackenzie, who v/as returned
for on© of the ridings of York, took his seat in the new House, and
soon after its opening, his influence was felt — and day after day, his rest-
less sj)irit became more turbulent. Basing his arguiaents on the celebrated
letter of Joseph Hume, on Independence, he, for tlie jieriod of three and
one half hours, oocufiied the time and attention of the House ; but did not
succeed in having any action taken thereon, so that the mention of it is
hardly found in the Parliamentary journals of the day. Following soon
after, by the appointment of his Grievance Committee, wherein was raked
up a mass of evidence, in many cases condemnatory of every institution in
the Province, shewing a grave state of affairs. Yet from the composition
of the committee, and m many known cases, the distorted state of the evi-
dence, the report presented by tho.se gentlemen, although a valuable histori-
cal document, must not be taken as all truth, nor yet the perfection of fair
dealing. Tlie published rejiort of this committee is a master-piece of Par-
liamentary book work, going into the most minute details on every subject,
and fully bearing out Mackenzie's rei)utation as a keen and cai-eful critic.
The few specimens which follow, will give an idea of this extraox-dinary pro-
duction.
That the document had its birth in a private personal feeling of
Mr. Mackenzie's, there can hardly remain a <loubt ; and from a careful re-
view of the state of the country, at the commencement of this agitation, we
have no hesitation in believing that the Province of Upper Canada was in
a very prosperous state ; and if comparisons are worth anything, the rapid
rate at which improvements and settlepients were going on, up to this time,
has hardly had, all things considered, a parallel since. Great public works
had been comjileted, and others were advancing; the country was rapidly set-
tling, and numerous schemes were in consideratioH for other useful projects^
A list of the private bills which were to be brought before this sitting,
is in our possession, and those who fancy that men of 1835 were slow, will
153
think to the coul'*ary, on reading the following Parb amentary bill of fare,
viz: — A bridge over tlie Grand River. A harbour av Giimsby. A lock at
Cornwall. Continuation of Yonge Strewt to Holland liiinding. A harbour
at DufEn's Creek. A canal between Lakes Huron and Sinicoo. Lands
towards the St. Lawrence Canals. A feeder to the Rideau Canal. Im-
provement on the River Lin. A Bank in Hamilton. A wharf in Haldi-
mand. Improving the River Scugog. A boat canal from the Grand River
to the Thames. A grant for the Desjardin's Canal. A canal across the
Toronto peninsula. A railway or canal from Toronto to Lake Simcoe.
Improving the navigation of the Ottawa. A railway fi-oin Port Stanley to
St. Thomas, London, and Goderich. Water works in Toronto. A bridge
over the Welland River. A railway from Hamilton to Port Dover. A
harbour at Goderieh. A street railway in Hamilton. Navigation of the
River Trent. A canal aci'oss Wolfe Island at Kingston. A Wesleyan
Academy at Cobourg. So that we here behold evidences of prosperity and
advancement not often suii)aKse(l in older communities.
On the r)th of February tliey met, Mr. William Lyon Mackenzie in the
chair. He commenced by interrogating the Governor's Secretiiry, Lieutenant
Col. Rowen, and he v/as recpiired to give answers to more than Hfty
interrogations on public aflairs, which his duty, as contidential Secretary to
the Governor, forced him frequently to reply, " It is not in my powei- to
answer that question."
After him, the member for Middlesex, whose incarceration in London
prison for three or four months next year, need not necessarily vitiate his
testimony of what occured in liis own riding.
" Are not the grants to a conijtany of speculators residing in Europe, an
" improper transfer of the properties of the Government 1 "
Answer. — " I have alw^ays thought the Canada Company one of the
"greatest curses saddled upon the Province."
" Ought not the revenues arising from these lands, to have been applied
" to the liquidation of war loss claims'? " " Ye.s."
" Have not the Assembly, by its liberal grants in aid of inland navigation,
roads, itc, given to the public lands their greatly incrcafSed value ?" "^'es."
Mr. Dunlop inten-ogated.
" What was the original value of shares in the Canada Com]iany 1 "
Answer. — "£100; £17. 10s. paid in: value of stock is more than double."
The Canada Company was chartered for raising the funds tb pay war
losses. Also considers the St. Lawrence Canals unnecessary.
169. Would it not be desirable that the Clergy and Crown Reserve.?, and
all reservations of land, otherwi,so than for education, were disposed of for
public purposes, under the control of the Legislature? — I do not think so, for
I think the Legislature have shown themselves utterly incapable of managing
their own matters, as witness the Welland and St. Lawrence Canals. I con-
sider the St. Lawrence Canal not necessary in the present state of the country.
Colonel A. G. W.. G. VAN EGMOND, lioss, Ilulkt Tp. Huron Tract,
called in aiul examined.
^fiiifi'
m
m
wm
ir)'
201. What price diJ tlic Coiiip.iDy pay for the Huron tract? — About
two shillings and ttjnpcncii half-poiiny pm- acre, sixteen ycsurs credit, without
interest, and £18,0(10 .--terling, allowed olT to improve their own land, which I
believe would be e([ual to about one .shilling sterling; por acre.
202. What a:e they spelling the lands for?— Fronj 12n. Gd. to IS-". 9J.
per acre.
20!^. What is the extent of the tract? — They got ono million two hundred
thousand acrce, from which one hundred tiiousand were deducted for a swamp.
20-1. How lon;^ have you been settled in the Ilurou Tract? — ^Six years
this Christmr.s. I am the oldest settlor in that tract.
205. Have the company taken proper moans to encourage and promote
the scttlcnient of the tract? — For the first year, in Goderieh alone; since then
they have taken no pain."? to assist the settler.^. Last year, there was a
steamboat employed to brinp: settlors from Detroit to Goderieh. Instead of
attending to tliat they went several time.^ on pleasure trips up Lake Huron,
once for three weeks or so at a time. l>y that trip the .settlement lost (JO
Scotch families. From tlie best iiil'ormatidn T c;in obtain, we lost from 250
to 300 fimilies, who clii(Hy settled in Michigan and, the other states, bccau.«o
the Company neg'cctod thoni.
200. Are the agents to tlie Company ki!j*l to the settlers ? No: they are,
with the exception of Mr. Wilson, very arbitrary ; tiiey are very tyrannical.
I speak of the agents residing on the tract.
207. What magistrates and Court of lie((uest Commissioners have you ? —
Charles I'rior, Jno. Brewster, and Captain Dunlop. They do just what they
please. There are nineteen Townships in the Huron Tract, and only these
three ^lagistrates.
208. Have the Compiny any road in the tract? — Yes, one from Wilniot to
Goderieh, and one from Vandorsburg to London vill ige. These roads extend
upwards of ninety mile-*, and will cost about £17,000, which is allowed them
out of the purchase money. The Conip my hare also laid out about £5000
for Grist and Saw Mills.
200. Ha\e any !^Lttl(■rs been ojrctod from their firms? — Yes, they are
scared out of the tract and ejected without any I'orm of law or justice. .^Iany
pcr.-ons have boon driven out of the Territory; there is no o.her law there,
e.\copt what the Couipany's servants make. We must be very polite to the
Auents.
210. Are the Company empowered to impose on settlers such terms as
they please? — Yes. they are.
2n. Is there any difficulty in getting titles of letters of occupation? —
They have sometimes to wait u little, but tiiey get them. Public lands sell in
the United States at Cs. and 3d. per acre, and are likely to be brought down to
3s. 9d.
212. *Do the Company tiikc large sums out of the country? — Their profits
in 1833, were £28,0li0, sterling, alter paying all expenses. The ^tockholers
chiefly reside in England.
213. Do the European working settlers express themselves satisfied? —
Dissatisificd in the hiiihcst degree, from whatever fjuarter they come.
214. Are there any schools? — One in Goderieh. The Company do not
now support any other school that I know of.
215. Is money plenty? — Perhaps as much so as in any other place. Mr.
Taylor keeps a private Bank, and issues notes from one dollar to a pound —
they circulate among us,
155
9J.
216. In case Huron shouUl be formed into a county, where woulJ bo the
best pollinj^ plnccs? — One at Godoricb, and one at the pliico where the big
ThanicH IJivcr crosses the Huron lload, about tlilrty-three miles from Ooderieh.
217. Where do the ma^i.-itrates lay out tlio monies they rccuivo lor wild
land taxes? — I do not know.
218. What is the established religion in your Tract? — There arc no
ministers of religion of any kind in tho Tract, nor is tliere any militia.
219. Whit is the population of the Tract or country ? — Ui'port says 2,000.
220. How do the Company pay for the work they p^et done ? — For the
first live years they paid two-thirds of the labor in land, at 7s. Gd. (which cost
tljem not nuieh more than one shilling an acre) and one tliird in money.
Dn. STKACHANm/Av/tM;
543. Docs not a vast annual additional expense fdl upor tho Province,
owing to tlie continual rejection of bills of a general cliaraeter, sent up by tho
House of Assembly, rejected in the Legislative Council, and again introduced,
debated and sent up by the House of Assembly ? — I bi'g leave to state that tho
Legislative Council reject no bill without good reasoiH, and th'it body has
always appeared to me to have undo tlie good of tho Province nuicli more its
study than the House of Assembly, and need fear no comparison in true
patriotism, wisdom and ability.
545. Would not the British Constitutional system, by which the head of
the government is obliged to chcosc his councillors and principal officers from
among men possessing the confidence of the popular branch of the Legisl.ature,
be more suitable to the wants and wishes of Hie country, if adopted in Upper
Canada, than the present irresponsible mode of government. I do not believe
the government is an irresponsible one ; the rest of the i[uestion is too vague to
admit of a definite answer.
54(5. In what way is the government of this colony responsible to public
opinion, as expressed by the representatives of the people in Parliament? —
I could not answer that question otherwise than by saying, that tho govern-
nifiit is quite as responsible as any other government.
547. [The witness is shewn ihe Post Office Return, and asked] What
mode would you reccoinend for tho bjttor governiujiit of the Post Office, and
for allowing the controul thereof to the Colony ? — I have not given the subject
consideration.
550. Do you think Lieutenant Clovernors, of themselves, possess sufficient
knowledge of the inhabitants of the several districts to enable them to select
judicious persons as justices of the peace? — Certainly I do, for they have the
best sources of information, and are quite independent.
Beyond tlie samples given, Ve have grievances of olHcials of all grades,
ministers of all sects, complaints to the Grovernor, and with liLs sharp replies.
The evidence contains accusations of a Catholic Priest against his Bi.shop,
supported by correspondence; and as tho tes' iniony principally terminates two
or three years back, most of the grievances appear to have been iniported from
home. It contains a sad interest however, as a little over two years after,
the chairman and members were incarcerated, banished, and some of the
witnesses even suffering the extreme penalty of the law in hanging. And
we may well imagine, showing its progress it was untastofiil, and that tho
w%.
15G
itenin, liowever niiiniatiiig to tlio actorH, yet in a <1oz»mi letters during tills
session, from oirr subject, have a clause of " notliing doing."
Mr. M. returnod from Toronto on the lOth April, and made preparatioa
for the early opening of the camil. The old steaniar ('itroline, which had
previously plied on th(! canal between Port Kobinson and Buffalo, being
found too much worn for the service, was ropainjd in St. Cathaiines, and
renderod more powerful. Two other boats were placed on the route from
Buflalo to Chip|)awa. An effort was also made to place a fa.st steamer on
the lower lake l)etween Port Dalliousie and Toronto, Init failed througli the
opposition from Niagara. Tlu; (Jrand Kiver Company oflennl tlio use of
their route to passenger steamers, free from toll, so that every inducement
was held out to make the transit as rapid and commodious as possible.
A large and respectable class of emigrants came to this country during
the summer ; amongst those who chose 8t. Catharines for their home, was
Mr. Taylor the father of our present eminent brewer. This gentleman, in
connexion with Messis. Truscott k Green, of Toronto, first started the
Farmers' Bank, which for a timti was a great benefit to the country in sup-
plying the wanted circulation. He afterwards went into the brewery
business, in partnership with Mr. Bate, who had previously purchased the
business carried on here, by Messrs. Garrison ifc Little. Tln^y removed the
works to the site they now occu]iy, near the old distillcrv grounds owned
by our subjtict twenty years jirevious, and at pi-esent extensively carried on
by Messrs. Taylor it Bate, botii .sun.s of tlie forniei- gentlemen.
Among the new comers whoso appearance requires notice, as being iden-
tified Avith the improvement of the place, was a widow lady named Myers,
from London, related to Charles Rolls. The family taught drawing lessons,
and the works of her son Hopner still decorate some of our oldest drawing-
rooms.
St. Catharines was much noted at this period for being a haven of refuge
for the numerous runaway slaves who escaped from their southern task-
masters. In July of this year a daring attempt was made to kidnap a num-
ber of them over the line ; and those engaged in this nefarious business
succeeded in bringing off a man named Stanford, with his wife and child.
On the fact becoming known, a large number of the coloured people arotmd
turned out and pursued the would-be captors ; overtaking them near Buf-
falo, and bringing them back, as well as two ruffians of their own coloux-,
who assisted in the kidnapping — one of these was sent to the Penitentiary
for five years, the others got clear.
Since the departui-e of the last incumbent, the church had been presided
oxer by the Rev. Mr. Clark. He came in company with Rev. Dr. Mack ;
these gentlemen, with others, were sent out by the Society for the Promo-
tion of Christian knowledge.
Mell
roriil
Acul
demi
pleti
an ii
pliai
dosci
of tl
157
The old Episcopal Church of St. CatharinflH having hoen Hold to thrt
Methodints, ou Monday the 27111 of July, waa laid, with Masonic honours, thd
rornor-atone of the now Episcopal Cluirch, on what was then known as
Academy Street, in St. C'athai iues. The afl'air was the occasion of a grand
(Icmonstration in the village, and the huilding erected, though long in com-
pletion, was for nuiny years considered one of tho finest in the district, and
an important ornani'Mit to the plai ». The now church was nuJMr'd in com-
pliment to (Jcorge Adams, Esip, if not the oldest, from tho niiinhur of his
descendants who attended there, was entitled to be consiilered the ])atriarch
of the society.
On the canal Mr. iSIerritt cau.sed improvements to ho made. A number
of imperfect locks were thoroughly repaire«l, and the tow-path and other ac-
cessories were put in good order; so that all the racpiirenunitH of the time
were fairly met by tho company — and the tratUc passed on .satisfactory.
Navigation being closed, the usual Anniversary celebrating the compln-
tion of tho canal was held at the St. Catharines House on the ;}Uth of No-
vember, with a great amount of enthusiasm and good will. TJut occur-
rences transpired in the mean time that called another meeting, not (piite
80 peaceful in its demonstration. The occasion of this had been that
during this yej r Mr. Mackenzie was apiwinted one of the Canal Board,
on behalf of the Government. He spent the entire Autumn in looking
over the books of the company, and we regret to state, that whilst enjoyiu"
the friendship and hospitality of our subject, he .so far forgot his ))osi ion,
and transcended the limits of propriety, as to obtain his (Mr Merritt's) private
memoranda, and afterwards publish the same in his genei-al charges against
the olHcials of the Welland Canal. At this nucting Mr. Meri-itt observed
that Mackenzie had directed his attacks against others, indeed ; Ijut he had
no doubt the whole Wiv. intended for him. Akhough the eiiors he men-
tioned are too small and unimportant to be taken notice of, yet we ini'dit
say, that there are few undertakings at that, or the present time, of any
iinjiortance, where every interest had to be wielded to the best po.ssible
purpose, which will bear the same scrutiny as what wo now teini "the
secret .service of the Welland Canal, and Mr. Merritt's connection therewith."
The unusual emigration to the Prairie States, and tho slioitn.'ss of the
crops, changed the course of shipments ; so that we sec a coi:;, ^nnieat of
grain arrived this fall, in Queliec, from Hull, and wo lieu, of a cargo of 500
barrels of tiour sold at Chicago, for .?9 per barrel.
Tho last day of the year has an ai-ticle on the entire opposition between
the Parent Government and Lower Canada. The Governnunt had sent
out a Commission with the new Governor, to settle the dilliculties. Tiieir
Parliament had met a fortnight before, and were given the unconditional
management of their funtls. But their first act was to donate from them a
salary to an agent to proceed again to England, although their former agent
153
had buen sajjorsedod by tlie Co'.ninission. Tlie Constitutionalists, composed
of the En,:^Iisli inliabitants of Montreal, raised a rifle corps iminbering'.SUO
men, and though hoc acknowhjilged by thi; Ooveniineut, oUered th('__first
sorious resistance to the national nioveinont.
18 3 6.
The ITonsc opened on Jainuiry 14th. Tlie Oovernor in his spoecli iiotiood
the falling of our securities in Kng]aTid,an(l other checks to progress tln-ougli
the stand taken l)y the Lower (/'anailians. TIk! subject of the war losses
-was bi'ought into it, by an ofl'or from the Imperial (jovcrnment of £;3G,()(lU
if the Canadians would pay .£:iO,000.
(3n the 21st of January, Mr. Merritt rose in the 1 louse to answer the
charges brought against the canal management by Mr. INlackenzie, and his
spetich on that occasion is a suflieiciut (evidence that the agitating nu^mber
had for once met his match. We need oidy state that the posi*'.<,a in whieh
he places Mr. Mackenzie is neithei' flatteiing to that genthtman, nor credit-
able to his backers in the House. Those from the frontier, we have already
shown, were, from the beginning, op[)Osed to the canal.
On the 21st of January the new (jtovernor. Sir Fi-ancis I'ond Head, late
Poor Law (yommissioner from Kngland, accomp iuIimI by his son and Mr.
Josci»h, a clei-k in tlie Colonial (JJhi-e, drovi; up to the St. Catharines
1 louse, and tix^k up lodgings for the night. An opportunity so favourable
for the disjday of the people's loyalty was not neglected. So an add.ress was
jH'eacnted next morning before leaving foi- Toronto. They wisely eschewed
all political intent, and congratulated ills I'jxcellency on his arrival in the
most ]irosperous part (.f the I'lovinee, hoping that this jtrosperity would
still bo continueil under his adnijiistiatiou, .v sati.-.fit':tory answin' was
returned, adding as a favoi'alde au_'ury that this lirst addre.ss was altogether
unconnected with jiolitics. He arrived in Toronto on the L'iith, and enter-
ed at once into the administration of the Government; SirJ.John Collxjrne
taking his leave.
'i'here are b<it few (..'oliur.il Governors whose biography will pay the
trouble of searching out, ; i those f(!W fnjm their huigthy stay, identilied
with American history. Sir John Colborne is one of them, who.se admiii-
istidtion led to a revolution in ( 'anal.i , and then with extended authority
the military power of Great J Britain ci'ushed it out. Tho.se who were wit-
nesses of the improvements, both social and educational, ar(^ willing, how-
ever, to give him cicdit for theii- g<Kjd intentions towards the people over
whoso inton sts he was api)ointed to superintend.
(.)n the li7th, coninjenced the labours of the Co.nmissiyn apnointed to
investigata the charges of Mr. Mackenzie against the olHcers of the Welland
■■V.'A\v(V.j»."
ir)9
f'iiniil Company. Tliuir ropoil forms one of tlic largest voluiiicH of tlofu-
nioiits on a 8ubi(!ct of ]irovinciiil intt^rest. Its cost to tho country in tliat
!ii,'lit was but tl)0 siniiU sum of £20,000. It Ikih Ix.'on of cs.sential usi- in
this l)iograi>Iiy in obtaining correct and rcliablo data of our public iinjirovo-
mcnts.
"Toronto, 17tli April, 183G.
'' My dear Catherine :
" I would not have wrote you this day, if I returned ininiediatt'ly at the
close of the sessit))!, which will be closed on Wednesday next, but as I ex|)e(.'t
to remain here a few days lungf^i', until Satunlay, drop you a few lines to
account for it, — and when on the subject, wisli you to write to your Pa cv
Ma, mentioning that the Committee* lias reported cm the Welland Canal
iillaii'. The farce has ended. An<l aft 'r being tiied by our cneniifS, \ve
iiave been uccpiitted with credit. Even my political oj)ponents expressed
t'.icir astonishment. The editoi-of the 'foj-res/xunfinif und Ai/rnctifi;' w)'ote
ii'.c a letter on the subject, and everything has ended as satisfactory as T
(i.idd desire. l!ut it is no gratification to mo personally. My hope is that
;,'reat good will arise from it to the undertaking itself. Wo have piissed a
liill through our House, which, if carried into etl'cct, will satisfy me v/ell for
tlie loss of this entire wintei-.
I am, your faithfid husband,
William Hamilton Mekiutt.''
The author of the"]iife of Mackenzie" iiu'utions a luiinber of gi-ave
cliarges in connection with the rnanageuient of the AVelland Canal, and
liases tht^ir correctness on a private letter v.iit jsn Ity Fi-ancis Hincks to
Mr. Mackenzie, at the time. As ii samph) of this authoiitv, we extract
llie following from this letter, viz: * ■^- * * " T now repeat, and am
willing (() stake tny character on the truth of it, — that for several years
tli'vare fidl of i'alsk and rn rrnoi's (;ntrios — so much so, that if / wtin on
Oath, / n»il'l hanlbj say ioh'Uh<'r J Ulievc there are vim-e true than falM
Ml', licslie, in liis introduction to liis father-in law's lif«, savs ; " In the
"private documents in my jKjssession, I found much that had never seen
" tlie light." We can hai-<l!y say for this extract that " th(* use I have made
" of the.sH do(Miments, will, I presume, not l»e regarded as ir/nnnn'aiifii/."
Nor, will the plea that ho had never been in Canada till several vears after
the rebellion, excuse it. Mr. Ifineks' evidence lieforc* a Parliamentary
ComniitcH', consisting of ten or more pages, was to be had — which, for the
Kake of th(i gentlemen with whom oiir subject had miu-h intimate connecjtion
it is oin- unpl(!a.sant duty to correct, by a short extract from the .said evidence :
"(/'an you, from the manner in which tlui IJooks of the Company have
"been kept, imputi* fraud to any one connected therewith 1"
Answkk. — "I Lave already stated that J rra/li/ do itot think that n,nj
" FKAUDULKNT INTKNT i'du attach itself to any individual connected with the
" Books of the CoiiijMHiy."
i I
160
''My Dear Sir: "Toronto, Gth March, 1836.
" I have delayed writing you for some time, in hopes of having closed my
present concerns here — but as this is not likely to take ))lace for some time,
will delay no longer. You are avifare the House of Assembly appointed Wm.
Lyon Mackenzie, a violent and unprincipled jmrty man, one of our Directox's
last year. This man, for certain party ])uri)oses, j)urchased a paper called
* I'he Wel/aiid ('(uial,' making sundry charges against the management of
the Company, but principally aimed at unjxelf. At the opening of our
present L'^gislature, I called for an investigation; giving in my remarks a
brief statement of his proceedings. A committee has been appointed, con-
sisting of seven memljers, six of whom are of his party, and fivt his ptTsoual
fiiends. He also has a decided majority in tin; House, which, of course was
the cause of obtaining a committee of his pai-ty. Now, as you are well
aware of the 'jt'..stire ' which partisans or party men generally .award to
their opponents, you uiay readily infer what chance we have of a fair and
impartial investigation : add to this every person -vho has or may entertain
any personal prejudice or ill-will against any officers of the Company, or
against my>>elf, respecting any transaction relating to the Company or my
])rivate business, fur the last thirteen years it is ))r()duced, and we have had
transactions with some f/tonsui/da during that })eriod, all of which gives our
adversaiy such a manifest advantage, that our proceedings must have been
rather more than Inuuan to escape censure, and to subserve every possible
circumstance he has preferred — thirty-two separate and distinct charges.
Nevertheless, I am sanguine we will refute every one of them, but it requires
great diligence, ivseandi. and much troubl'?, and after all, no gratiticatiou,
and no useful jiurpuse gained when ended, even should our management meet
with every apiirobation. Uut .so it is, we are lnought into it, and must re-
si.st. I mi'iition this circumstance to sIkav that you are not alone in diffi
culries ovei' which you could have no control, and which no hvnnan prudence
could avert. However, I assure you I feel more anxiety and ai)pi"ehension
<in your aH'airs than my own, inasmuch as you have ai'rived at that time of
life wheji rest and quietness should be your I'cward. Whereas, I am still in
the meridian of life, and feel every inclination to call all my faculties int(j
action to resist the most heartless persecution 1 have yet met with."
'' I remain, your atiectionate son, W. H.\.Mii;roN' Mkriutt."
The old church in St. CatharLiies, after forty years usefulness, was com-
pletely destroyed by tire, as we see by a letter from Mr. Mittleberger to
our s\ibject, at this time. It runs thus :
<'Dear Sir: " St. C.\thakines, r)th March.
"In cons<'(|uence of a [irotracted meeting being held in our old church la-st
last night by the Canadian Wesleyan Society, we are dejn'ived of it alto
getlier. It is not known exactly how the tire occuivd, but thi! presumption
is that it was occasioned either by the stove jiipe, or more probably, by an
accidental candel spark, about the pew of (i. Adams.
"The iiiain object of this, is to ask whether you and Mr. Clark, as Trustee.^
of the Ci-antham Academy, have any objecticms to our using the upper part
of the building for the performance of divine service, until the new Church
is completed ? Yours faithfully, H. MiTTl.KBERGKil."
'•To William Hamilton Merritt, Ksq.,
M. P. P., Toronto, Out."
161
Very little useful legislation was effected this session, (except a motion,
wliicli was moved by Mr. Park, in the House, that the sum of £r)0,000 be
appropriated for roads and bridges, which was carried almost unanimously,)
iilthough it was remarkable for a great amount of free, not to say treasonable
speech, which resulted in the stopj)age of the usual supplies to sup|)ort
the Government. A motion was also made to pay William Lyon Mackenzie
ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS for his semices as Government director of the
Welland Canal; and although pressed with all the \igo\u\'which hi)>ii/e/f
and his friends possessed in the House, still, failed to pass. Mr. Merritt
was at home during part of the session, preparing his communications to
luoet the accusations of Mr. Mackenzie.
The House adjourned on the 20th of April.
On the 28th of May, the Governor dissolved the House and ordered a
new election, the writs to be returned on the Kith of July. Among (he
improvements we notice a fine steamer, the IlaUimmul, was launched at
Dunnville, for the express purpose of plying on the Grand River.
The Niagara District Mutual Insurance Co. was also started in St. Ca
liarines on the 18th of May, in this year. And the subject of opening a
direct communication with the Junction, afterwards incorporated under the
name of Merrittville, with other improvements of a similar nature was
discussed. The Government had b^sen very liberal in its appropriation l)y
macadamizing the .stiigo road ; but the financial depression and political
disturbance that followed, put a stop to all local imjirovements.
The su))joct of a through line of railway from the Niagara to the Dftroit
River, had for sonie time occupied the attention of the people on om* West-
ern frontier, and on the 1st of June in tliis year, a lai-ge and inrluential
meeting vv'as held at Sandwich, presided over by the late Col. John Prince
Tlie ordinary organization was completed, and stock books were opened
tlirougliout the country, those for the Niagara district being placed in the
bauds of Mr. Mei-ritt.
The Haldimand election resulted in IVIr. Merritt being again successful,
altlioughNie was strongly opposed by Mr. Davis, a local gentleman, and
professing to be of the same political party jus our subject.
The election occun-ed on the 1st of July, 1836, and the author, who was
jirosent, has for remembrance a gathering which, for riot and drunkenness,
though his own village could get up no tame display, exceeded everything
he hatl ever seen before, and challenges the world to beat the Grand River
rearers in their peculiar line.
Things looked pretty dark for the first day or two. The roads were bad,
and the farmers disinclined to come out. But when Scpiire Evans, after a
great deal of coquetting, cast his vote for Davis, the Dutch came out in
troops, and the day was ouv«. A celebration had been indulged in on the
return of the victor at St. Catharines, Mr. George Rykert. On Monday, it
162
•WHS ascertained that Mr. William Hamilton Merritt had been elected
for the County of Haldinmud, by a handsome majority. Accordingly,
in the evening tin; usual demonstration of joy was enacted, kept tip by a jmblic
dinner, on Tuesday, for both of the members.
Whilst political strife was e.xciting the ))eople of Western Canada,
wo have, at this stage of our biography, to record the death of an American
citizen, who in reality was more to this co\intry than many jxttriota who
aspired to that dignified title. On the lOth of July in this year,
J. 1>. Yatks, Esq., died at his residence in Chittenango, N. Y. , and as the
deceased and our subject, in connection with the Welland Canal and other
im}>ortant works, were on more tlian intimate terms, we proj)Ose to enter
briefly into an account of this gentleman. Descended from a highly resi)ec-
table family who inhabited the Valley of the Mohawk, his father being an
ollicer with the rank of Colonel in the continental army, during the llevolu-
tion, connected by the ties of kindred to the.se good old loyalists the Butlers
of the Rangers, and others. Mr. Yates was brought up with all the ac-
quirements of a well-to-do citizen. At the early age of eighteen he graduated
at Union College, and afterwards ai)i)lied liimself to the study of the law,
in which he was subsequently distinguished. In 1812 he held the i)osit'.on
of a Captain of Militia, under General Wade Hampton, and during a part
of the war he was actively engaged on the Niagara frontier, and was after-
wards appointed aid-ile-comp to the Governor of New York State, with the
i-ank of " Colonel." In the fourteenth Congress he was elected for Scoharie
and Schenectady, and was afterwards a})pointed Government manager of tlie
New York State lotteries, also the Judge of Madison County (.'ourt, and
afterwards Chief Justice, together with being member of the Legi.slature
of his native State, which position he held at the time of his death. In his
regular visits to his relatives the Butlers, near St. Catharines, and through
perhaps Dr. Prendergast, he became acquainted with our .subject, and,
as already mentioned, when the Welland Canal scheme was first pro})Osed
by Mr. Merritt, Mr. Yates was the principal cajntalist, who advanced a
large jwrtion of tlie necessary lunds. His expansive views at once giasjjcd
the magnitude of the work, and principally by his advice its enlargement was
decided upon. 1\\ its numei-ous phases he was aliomja its friend, and his con-
fidence in our subject was manifiested on every occasion where a great work
was pi'ojected and funds required. It is unnecessary to be individous, yet
we think, that were it not for the assistiince of Mr. Yates, the success of the
canal, at this time, would hardly be accoinplished ; and his death was deeply
regretted by all the well-wishers of the enterprise. One of the principal
streets of St. Catliarincs now bears his honoured name, and the following
lines from the Chittenango llerakl truly describes the character of this great
and good man : —
inte
offi
sive
pow
ofh
wer(
even
his
jireh
]iu1l
1G3
" In contemplating the character of Mr. Yates, we tind high moral and
intelloctual worth most harmonioiislj' blended. Possessing naturally a mind
of fine texture and liigh order, it had been adorned and cultivated by exten-
sive literary and professional attainments. These he brought to bear with
power on erery department of life. As a public man, he shone in the lustre
of his native character in every statioix of honour, trust, and influence, which
were conferred upon Kim. Prompt, decisive, energetic, and persevering,
even at the sacrifice of health and personal comfort, in the performance of
his public functions. His views and plans were of an enlarged and com-
prehensive nature, beyond the scope of ordinary intellect. But, while in
]>ublic ^ife he shone with lustre, in jirivate he gleamed with V)rilliancy. By
liis s\ ior intellectual and moral attainments, by his urbanity of manners,
by the overflowing benevolence of his soul, by his amiability of disposition,
lie was pre-eminently fitted to gain the affection and secure the confidence
and respect of all who knew him. Universally beloved and esteemed, not
through the eflect which wealth or honour produces, but as the necessary
and invariable result of the private virtues of his character. Every one
was his friend, and his praises dropped from the lips of all."
August 4th. — The project for erecting a chain Suspenwion Bridge ovei'
the Niagara River, at Queenston, had been set on foot. "The bridge," adds
the Journal, " will have the largest span of any in the world of the stime kind."
September IStli. — The Governor, after an extensive tour of the Province,
north and east, proceeded to St.Catharines from York, via Niagara," whence,"
says the St. Catharines JourtKif, " after staying all night, departed on hoi-se-
hack, with his son and secretary, Mr. Meiritt and others, up the line to
Port Colborne,^thence to Marshville and Dunnville. The Governor and suite
then proceeded to Sandwich, and returned by London, Brantford, and
Hamilton.
October 13th. — Lower Canada troubles, at the termination of the T^egis-
ive Assembly, shews that further parley would be worse than useless. The
King's ministers must either knuckle to Lower Canada, or they must exercise
the strong arm of the law.
The Montreal Gazette says, " A Legislative union is now inevitable."
The author visited Quebec at the opening of the session, where he had
the satisfaction of a personal interview with the distinguished L. S
Papinoau, speaker, and most influential leader in the House.
Mr. Merritt addi-essed the electors of Haldiriand, in October, after his
third contest — noticing the great prosperity of the neighbouring republic,
and especially New York, since the completion of the Erie Canal : this was
effected by the Government borroNving the funi]^ necessary to finish the canal ;
and that credit had been procured, carrying out the expansion ol businei-s
necessai-y to its full use.
After complimenting the liberality of the Legislature in voting £300,000
for the improvements in the St. Liiwrence, he says : " Your county per-
haps, has been more benefitted than auj other i>ortion of the Province."
164
The following is extracted from Mr. Mcnritt's aiMross "to the frechold-
eis of the County of Huldiinanil," on the absorbing topic of i)olitic8 :
"The Government of the State of New York beiiiLj administered by
a Democracy, this is, by many, considered the bestada| trdtoa new country,
and their prosperity is ascribed to that cause ; but this ar;:,'umeut is falla-
cious. If the Government was the true cause, it wmiUl not only be our
duty, but our individual interest, as well as the interest of our posterity, to
\ise every peaceable and legitimate means to bring about that form of Gov-
ernment, which producers such beneficial eli'ects. But by extending our views
to Gn^at Britain, the delusion vanishes, since we perceive tliat similar effects
ai"e produced in the mother country. In England and Scotland, you will
find the cheapest and best articles. They excel the different Ijranches of
business in America, in the .same ratio that they excel us. The. form of
Govermnent, therefore, not being the cau.se, we must look for some other
]irinoii)le of action ; which is none other than an extetuled xi/xtem of jniMic
credit. In England, a merchant, mechanic, or operator, can carry on as ex-
tensive a business on £4 capital, as in this province on illUU — the command
of cai»itiil in business being nearly efpial to the po.ssession of it.
" In America, £*) will command .£100, and this is the real and true cause
why different branches of business can be conducted with greater certainty
and protit, on the other .side, than with us. The practical o)>eration of each
separate branch of business could be easily pointed out, through every stage;
but two or three instances are sufficient to elucidate the subject.
" The extensive system of credit, so successfully adopted in New Yoi k, en-
ables a wholesale mercliant in that city to com maud ready money, with
which he can purchase goods at the cheapest rate in the manufactuiing
towus of Britain. The same si/stem has established si)lendiil lines of packets,
to convey them at regular an(l stated i)eriods, with the greatest facility and
expedition, across the Atlantic. The same sijstem gives him time to realize
the ])roceeds before payment of duties. I'he name system provides the
Western or country trader witli ready money to pay fur them, which thus
enables the importer to make quick returns, whereW he transacts an ex-
tensive business with a very limited capital.
'•All I reipiire for my fellow countrymen is a fair trial. I^et our LegLs-
latnrearou.se from tlie torpor which lias subdued tht-m heretofore. '<et
them bring into action the public ci'edit of the province — obtain a sea-purt,
and establish a Bank immediately, to rej)resent the entire wealth of Upper
Canada ; and lend us as much money as we require, on the best security.
If we do not in three years, .show more enteri)rise, greater industry, and
more euei-gy, than the citizens of the state of New-York, or any other state
— fi>rever brand us as an inferior race of mortals^ — but not uu il after thd
trial is made.
" To the present Legislature, we may look with confidence for the adop-
tion of bold and energetic measures, so as to retrive this province from the
incubus which lias for many years retarded its prosperity. All are aware
of its necessity ; and if another session passes over without effecting the de-
sideratum required, no one will feel a greater disai)pointnient than
"Your obedient servant,
"October, 1836. " WM. HAMILTON MERRITT."
That, and the next one ])assed without it ; and then came the Rebellion.
October 29th. — A meeting was held at Thorold, for the purjiose of pe-
1C5
titiouiiig Piuliiiineut for the removal of the County buildings from Niagara
to a more apjjropriate place.
On the same tlay, a meeting of the young men of St. Catharines was
calleil, for the purjiose of forming a debating society, in which Pelton, Emery,
Lewis, and the author, appear as a committee to draft a constitution and by-
laws. As this i)receeded the Athenreum, and was the first attempt of the
kind, it must be i»ut down as the inception of literary and other associations
of tliis place, and father of the Mechanic's Institute.
During the Summer, several surveys were made on the canal by Mr.
Miicaulay, the President, who also belonged to the Royal Engineers, and by
Messrs. Baird and Killaly, of the Irish Board of Works.
The name of James R. Benson appears among the Mutual Insurance
oiti eel's.
The Report of the Canal Board appeared on the 4th of November,
giving a favourable statement of the year's business.
Mr. Merritt set out in the stage, on the 5th of November, to attend the
Hou.se.
November 8th. — Tlie House opened the first session of the thirteenth
Parliament, 7th year, William IV., Sir F. Head, Governor. In his speech
he said :
" As regards the duties of my station in the legislature, it is my inten-
tion, as long as tliey may be conlided to me, to occupy myself to the best of
my i.bility, in the internal improvement of the country ; in the impartial
administration of justice, and in maintaining unsullied the commercial integ-
rity of the Province."
The House organized under Archibald McLean, speaker, and returned
a favourable reply to the Governor's address.
9th Noveiubcr. — Mr. Mertitt gave notice of a Provincial B mk schema,
whoso profits for ten years were to be loaned for finishing the public works.
He also brought in a measure to regulate the expenditure of district funds.
The preliminaries in an entirely new House, occupied much of the
time, and a pereonal exhibition of the Canal being neoes.sary, within the
fortnight, we find him back again. From Mrs. Merritt's journal we read : —
"Mr. Merritt got home about 9 o'clock at night. Left again at daylight,
with a party of gentlemen for Port Dalhousie : returned at 10, but never
sut down, and started for Gravelly Fiy."
This inspection occui)ied him for the rest of this month. On his return,
tlie contested election of William Lyon Mackenzie, with others, occupied
tlie attention of the House, and not much was done till the Christmas
holidays.
On the 29th, appeared the Report of the Select Committee on the Welland
Canal, which reported the arrangement with the stockholders, ultimately adop-
ted— that when the receipts amounted to £50,000 per annum, the Government
should pay six per cent, interest upon the stock : from the date of paym int,
166
the revenue from the canal in 1852 was £50,000— when the stockholdor3 re-
ceived the whole of the principal and back interest.
November 28th. — The Welland Canal Company hold its last celebration
coalescing with the St. Andrew's Club. E. W. Stephenson, Thomas Cibson,
A. K. Boomer, stewards. Col. Clark presiding and z-etiring in favour of
the Engineer, Hall, president of the St. Andrew's.
December 28th. — The Grrantham Academy was advertised to be sold by
the Sheriff, to weather off financial difficulties ; but the catastrophe was for
this time averted by the stockholders satisfying the judgment, and stoppirg
any further expense, by handing the use of it and entire management over to
Mr. Thompson, in consideration of his keeping therein a .school for classical
and commercial instruction.
Mr. Van Bureau elected President of the United States.
Mr. Mei'ritt left with his second .son, who was a student of the Upper
Canada College since Easter ; fro'u whose journal we (^uote : —
" At Christmas, Pa, with the other members took a holiday. Several
went home with us. It was a royal time — cold to excess. Mnt our large
cloaks, and high spirits (at least, mine) kept off the cold."
His further account describing the holidays, we reluctantly omit. They
were terminated by returning to Toronto by stage.
»
1837.
Mr. Mcrritt, in noticing his trip to Toronto, says :
" We had an expeditious, but cold trip. An accident occurcd on our ar-
rival : turning down Bay street the sleigh upset, by which one of my ribs was
injured.
" On the 4th attended the House.
"9th. — Not as well as usual, having a cold added to my damaged side.
I hope the ensuing week will bring forward some measure in which I do take
on interest."
He also orders that the young members of his family, during the evenings
when not engaged at their own studies, teach the domestics — adding, it would
be of more service than their wages : a very little time will offoct it.
After the 16th, side better. No more mention of the up set, except on 2.3rd.
" I have entirely recovered. Tell your Ma her dream is partly verified.
There is effectual aid granted to the V7eiland Canal of nearly $1,000,000."
On this grant, his old friend Chief Justice Robinson, writes:
" I have very great satisfaction in congratulating you upon the liberal and
decisive measures which the Legislature have at length adopted. It is of great
consequence that the grant now made by the Legislature, should be judiciously
applied ; and it is no less due to the stockholders than to yourself, that your
name should continue to be associated with the work, at least, until all difficulties
10
>l
are removed, lie is well acquainted with the interests af the work, whicli,
perhaps, none of the New York stockholders, sinca ihodjath of Mr.Yates, were."
He writefl, on the 3rd of April :
" I apprehend great difficulty will bo found in raisin;^ raonoy to carry iiit(">
effect tlie act passed lust session. If you are not a director of the c mal, I
should hope tlie Doard will offer you the appointment of superintendent. If
they do not, however, one of the Government directors, Mr. J. Wilson,
should resign."
The Report of the Select Connnittee on t!ie subject of " Trade and Com-
merce," with its appendages, would form a respectable pamphlet, carefully
prepared. It compares the former advantages of the St. Lawrence? saying,
" up to 1820, our products and property commanded higher prices than similar
articles and property on the opposite side of the frontier." Showing th it ad-
vantages would again arise, under a judicious Legislature, when the St. Law-
rence c.mals were Qnished.
"The antagonism of the Lower Canada Legislature, is shewn by an act this
Spring, subjecting our trade to an inquisitional examination ; and it was so
absurd in its provisions, that it could never be carried into operation.
"Tlicy charge SI for e.aoh boat, and the declaration at Coteau De Lac, which
is similar to that, entering from the sea: — Name of vessel, and master: num-
ber, and country : destination, &c: account of lading: number: (juantity ;
quality : consignment, including the particu! .r marks and bulk unbrokou
since loading.
Then the distribution of the revenue coll.t't /d being ac^irliiu ti the
cumber of the popubition, which, being less than iiower Canada, was as 7 to 8,
the product of Upper Cinada. To remedy ;dl this, they recommended an
address to petition the Imperi;il (lovornment for a sea-port. They also bring the
subject nearer home, by pniying for the reform of their restricted tariff, with a
hint tliat it would be better for both parties to leave the regulations of their
commerce to the local assembly. The continuance of these restrictions
on our trade, has a tendencv to create mischief, by enabling persons to name
articles prohibited by Imperial Act, and subject to higher duties when im-
ported from other ports.
" We also pray for the admi.ssion of our products in Great Britain free.
"February 15th, 1837. W. H. ME lllUTT, Chairman."
During this Session, a number of important bill.s were passed through
the House, anl a large share of IjOgislatiou was seemingly bestowed upon the
Welland Canal. Acting on the series of resolutions whieh the ('oinnMtt«>o
Lad brought before the House, a bill was brought in for the puivhase of tlio
canal by the country, which passed through the House without much opposi-
tion. By this Act, the piivate stockholders were not bought out ; but tho
several loans of the Province to the conij)any, were converted into stock,
and a further sum of £J4.''),()00 subscribed by tiie Government. Arrange-
ments wore also >nade towanls paying tlie com[)any's debts, proviiUng for
the construction of enlarged stone locks, ifec, &c. So that at last, we find
that the utility of this work is fully recognized. By this measure the direc-
tion of the works was vested ia the Government, they having a majority at
1 .
168
all moetiiigfl of the Board. The Bill for the CHtaMiahment of a Provincial
Bank, wliioh was hroiiglit in by cur Hubject, and, wc think very well managed
and explained by him, failed to pasH, although a majority of " one " wa.n
only recorded against it on the journals of the HouHe. He occupied tlie
important positions of Chairman of the Committee on Trade and Commerce,
and also Chairman of the Committee for the improvement of the St. Law
rence, during this session, in which he strongly urged upon the Government
the advisability of pushing on those works.
Mr. Merritt, as usual, when he felt his measure secure, delayed not for
the formal closing of the House, but set out at 5 o'clock on B'riday evening,
arriving home at 3 o'clock, P. M. next (ky.
After the closing of the House, he attended to his usual business en
the canal, whore, from recent legislation, strenuous efforts were put forward
to accomplish the extensive repairs required, before the opening of navigation,
going through the lino by the feeder, 12th March.
In his memoranda of 21st March, we find a scheme whereby the original
canal stockholders should bo participants in the increa.sed income to be de-
rived from the new canal, they paying their fair share of the expenses. He
also urges the necessity of supplying the enlarged work with water direct
from Lake Erie, as he seems to have some doubts as to the cajtacity of the
feeder to fully meet the requirements of the enlarged locks, &c.
Mr. Merritt also endeavoured to get the Government to jjurchase and con-
trol the Grand River Navigation Company's works, but failed to do so, in
consequence of wliich his heavy interest in that undertaking became worth-
less, and has never since its being finished, realized a cent.
As mentioned before, he had become, along with Mr. Yates and McDonnell,
personally responsible for the funds which were required to complete the
canal to Lake Erie ; and the conduct of the House in this instance, reflects
the highest honour upon their patriotism, as it presents a striking contrast
with their political opponents in the last House ; but to get action from the
Government was still 'm be effected.
At the annual election of the canal Board this year, we find that Mr.
Merritt's name is not in the direction. This was a rather under-handed
attempt to "sack " him from the Board, wjiich was solely the cause of his
declining to serve, as the following memoranda of his own will show : —
'• April 3rd. — The election took place for directors for the private share
holders. Captain Eccles showed me a letter from Creigliton, naming
McDonald or Butler lor directors. This gentleman had been to New York
for some days, and had returned, keeping everything secret until this
morning I have no reason to complain of the decision of the Stockholders,
bat, my conduct heretofore has never warranted this secret, suspicious,
distrustful pioceeding. I had 88 votes on the old proxies, and there were
only 66 against me. However I declined exercising my power, and allowed
the election to terminate as the New York shareholders wish, <kc."
169
Ah already iiitimiitcd, new dirpctorH wore olocted into the CaTml Hoard,
and the occurrcuce wiw the cauw of conHiilerablo j»ei-Honal annoyance to Mr.
Merritt, who wiw fully convinced that means outsidi^ of the onlinary course
were re8orte<l to, in order that thiw act Hhould bo accoinpliMhed. That the
proxys of the New York stockliolderH should bo given to Mr. Eocles, soonia
strange; and can only be accounted for, either through uiis-HtatomentH on the
one wide, or a lack of knowledge on the other. No doubt, liopes had risen
among the Niagara people, from a large grant of the canal of the liwtHe.snion,
that the termination might be changed to their own town. How far our
ideaH on this point may be correct, the following corresi)ondcnce will shew : — •
"AuuNY, April 14th, 1S37.
" Pear 8ir :—
" I received, three days ago, when nuicli indisposed, your letter of the
4th instant. I am yet unwf^ll, but will no longer delay answrniig you.
"Some time in tlie latter oml of February, C^ipt. Kccles, of Upper Canada,
called on me, in relation to the Weliand Cannl, and the act of your Legis-
lature concerning it, which had just pa.'^sod. He .stated that lie was on his
way to New York, to consult the stockholders there, and procvire their assent
to, or acceptance of the law ; anil he informed um that Captain Creighton
wa« then in or near New Yoik. 1 static! that 1 could not then say or do
anything in tte business, but that I would acipiiesce in any mea-sures that
Mr. Heniy Yates and (Jharles Yates might agree on. Captain Eccles im-
mediately proceeded to New York, and very soon thereafter, I received your
letter of the 21st February, and presuming it might have intluence on their
deliberations in New York, I sent a copy of it l)y the next jmst to Mr.
Henry Yates. Some time afterwards, Captain Eccles returned, with powers
executed by my friends in New York, to vote for ilirectoi*s at the next elec-
tion, which I executed also, as a matter of course. I gave the nuitter but
little consideration, my wife at the time being dangerously ill, and I do not
now recollect who was named as our proxy.
" It appears from your letter that you are impressed with the i«lea that
your character has been assailed by some one to us. I can assure you thai
it w^as not done to me. Caj)taiu Eccles informed me that it was in con-
templation to change the route of the eastern end of the canal, as I think,
from the foot of the summit to the mouth of the Niagara River, «fec.
" lam, dear sir, with sincere respect, your most obtnlient, servant,
"To William Hamilton Meruitt, Esq. A. W. McINTYUE."
Although the ordinary course for him to have taken under the circum-
stances, would have been to have looked after his own interest, yet, from
his memoranda, we find that he is acting with all ilie eneigy iit his dispo.fal
to secure the interests of the private shareholders as well. On 3rd Apiil, he
writes to secretary Joseph, on the subject of relieving himself and friends
of their private responsibilities, and the answer he nceived thereto was t uit
and unsatisfactory ; yet, stating that the Governor would see him pei-
sonally, on the subject. Accordingly, on the 2"Jnd of April, he went to
Toronto, but received no satisfaction. On the 28th, the Board met, an<l
apI>ointed Mr. Macaulay, of Toronto, as President of the Comjiany. Mr.
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170
Merritt accompanied the new Board over the line, to Dunnville, where
he left them, and proceeded to Seneca, where the annua' meeting of the
(t. R. N. Co. was to be hehl on the Ist of May. At this meeting he de-
clined re-election as a director, on the grounds of living so far from tlie work.
On the 8th of May, he again visited Toronto, (the Board having again
in a measure established their head-cpiarters in that city,) but failed to
oVjtain any answer from them on the subject of a money advance.
Although the Legislature had, at their last session, provided ample moans
for large im[)rovpmpi:ts, and paying off the obligations of the company, yet
we find that with the novel management of the canal, procrastination was
undoubtedly the order of the day ; and no action was taken in tiie matter
until the monetary crisis of this year set in ; when, with the premonitory
synn)toms of rebellion, and state of general confusion prevailing, it was at
that time almost impossible to obtain the necessary funds : hence, Mv.
Merritt remarks : —
" The evil of procrastination on a work of this magnitude, importance,
and utility, cannot be foreseen. Before leaving Toronto, (at the close of
the session) I had written the Governor, rerpiestins,'; him to issue the deben-
tures to the old directors, before the election of the new ones, that their
obligations might be provided for, and they be relieved from their resjtonKi-
bilities. I had made arrangements with the Bank, in a way that £20,000
cash was secured on those debentures. I also in-ge(i Mr. Josejth, on the day
of election. On the 10th of April the panic had occurred, owing to
failuies in England, when no money couhl be obtainetl. The same procias-
tination has prevented the piers at Port Colborne and Grand Biv(T, from
being repaired, and also the lock at Dunnville. Everything remains in
a state of suspense." . ' '
And after nmntioning the names of eleven professed engineers, and as
many commissioners, who had examined and reported on the canal, since the
beginning, as well as the annual reports of the Company, since 1824, he asks :
" Whence the necessity of creating further delay, by employing more
engineers and commissioners ] "
Small as well as large interests were affected by procrastination.
Cayuga, 10th May, 18*^7.
" Dkar Sir :— •
"I am retpiestcd by John Norton and J. J. Lymburner, to inform yor
that the contractor for building a bridge over Norton's Creek, has commenced
the work, 'and according to his agreement with the commissioners, will re-
quire an advance of money very soon. Will you have the goodness there-
fore, to order the money granted for building said bridge, to be forwanled
to the care of Mr. St. John, Dunnville, that the work may not be delayed
for want of funds.
The inhabitants of this part of the country must feel under gi*eat ol)liga-
tions to you, for enabling them to get britlges erected over Nor'„on s and
Tunis' (Greeks. I am respectfullv. dear sir,
" Your vcrv obedient servant, ROBERT HAYTI BRUCE."
•< To W. H. Meukitt, Esq., M. P. P., St. Catharines."
171
where
inco, IMr.
18*^7.
;tV "
As a matter of vit..l necessity that their attention slioiiUl be bestowed
on the subject, on the 25th of May he visited the city of New York, and
induced tlie executore of the hito J. B. Yates to come witli him to St. Catha-
ai'ines, where a better understaixding was obtained regarding their trust by
these gentlemen, who after their jjcrsonal inspection of the aflairs (^f the
estate in Canada, handed over its management entirely into the hands of
Mr. Merritt and Mr. McDonnell, with instructions to close up the aflair
immediately.
However, on the 10th of Juae, an extra session of the Honse was
held, in consequence of the monetary crisis which had reached and was
impoverishing this counti'y. The Bank of Upper Canada experienced
a heavy pressure, in the sliapo of " a run," and the stagnation of business,
■md general depreciation of property, &c., was severely felt by all classes,
iuul was a genuine premium to the stock of the conspirators, who were
now rapidly bringing their scheme of Annexation to a crisis.
The Govei'umont obtained a measure for raising the value of tho Eng-
lish .shilling to 2-5 cts.; and they thus succeeded in preserving some of tlie
currency in the country, without resorting to the su.spension of specie pay-
ments. Mr. Merritt after the session again proceeded to the U . S.^seaboard.
While in New York Mr. Merritt interested himself in iiaving a favor-
able sample of our flour displayed in that market. Ho writes :
" New York, 4th October, 1837.
" Mr. J. Bowery,
"Sir : — You will request Mr. Stevenson to consign to Richard Irvin, l*Jo.
98 Front Street, New York, one hundred barrels of best superfine flour. It
is intended to give the flour a character, and to give the two markets a fair
te.st. From enquiry, I And the duty will be, per barrel, 871 cts. ; Freight,
7-5 cts. ; from Oswego to New York C2c.; commLs.sion, 2-^c.=21 ; cartage,
cooperage, storage and inspection, | ct. 6ic., ikc, 12.^=.^1.9G. Deduct
(lifl't.rence in excliango 3 per ct. on price of bbl. ii?S. 50=250.; total, .'?1.71.
Value with you ^0.79. If sohl on wharf here, theise 12^ cts. will be gained.
The true diflerenco in this and the Montreal maiket at present, admitting
tlie charges eijual, is, for duty, less 3 per cent, exchange, 87 J cts.; making
precisely tive sliiliings York. Whenever the market here sh(>ws that dif-
ference, it is our interest to send to this port.
" Yours trulv,
"W. HAMILTON MERRITT."
The following letters shew what was the result of the trust, and per-
ha[)s regarding tho personal security of .$200,000 alluded to :
" To the Ca-shier of the Bank of Upper Canada.
"Sir: — You will please deliver to William Hamilton Merritt, E.sq,,
the debentures lodged in your hands, on aecou lit of the Hydraulic Conip;iny.
" Dated at S«-. Catharines, September 13th, 1837.
"W. K. FULLER,
" Exfcutur anil TruMef of the EMate of
" Jediah Criohton, "J. B. Yates, d«itis
•A. McDoXNEL."
172
He having met with a patisfactory answer to liis mission, returned to
Canada; and applying to Sir Francis Bond Head, received tlie following:
" Govemvient I/oune,
"Toronto, 23rd October, 1837.
" Sir : — His Excellency, the Lieutenant-Governor, has had nnder ccii-
sideration your Memorial of the IDth October, inst., addressed to His Excel-
lency in Council, and in substance, requesting, that the amount due to you hv
the Welland Canal Company should be paid in debentures, at the rate for
which they have been disposed of to othei-s; or, if required, at five percent.
l)remium.
" You state, as your reason for making this request, that you had come
under engagements to furnish the debentures, -ind that you had incurred ex-
pense and lo.ss of time in the negotiation of them.
"His Excellency, in answer, desires me to say, that upon the jjassageof
the Act of the Provincial Parliament, authorizing the issue of debentuies
j)ayablo in England, His Exc^;llency was most anxious that the olject of tlit-
Legislature, namely, the raising of money to carry on the public works,
.should be carried into ell'ect, anil that with this sole view, dei)entures were
sold at the highest rate that could be oljtained for them, in the Prcjvince,
that is to say. at par, no higher amount having bei ii otlered.
"Since this sale of debentures, information from England has shewn, that
in Loudon the confidence in the credit c^f the Province had become sufficiently
restored to give ri.se to an opinion that debentures could bo safely remitted
and drawn against, immediately, with the expectation of a ready sale of the
secni'ities, which opinion woulil not have been warranted by the previous
intelligence, at to the state of the money market.
" The imi)roved value of the debentures, not producing, as might have
beeii expected, higher tenders within the Province, tlie Government was
forced to consider whether it might not be more advantageous to dispose uf
the securities in London, v s the Provincial demand did not seem .sufficient
to ensure the sale of the debentures at their current value.
"This course has been adopted with respect to the whole sum pi-^poseJ
to be expended for the Welland Canal, during the current year.
" His Excellency being dr.sirous that the debts of the canal should be im-
mediately discharged, and that no further imj)ediment should be found in
tlie way of that im])ortant work, desires me to say, that while on tlie one
liaml the public faith would have jn-evented him from authorizing the pay-
ment of a Provincial debt, in securities not equal to the legal currency of
the Province — on the other, he does not feel that the public interest permits
him to direct such payment in a medium more valuable. He has felt tluit
simple payment in the currency in which the debt was contracted, was tlie
only safe and just method of dischargiiig juiVdic engagements, and in fact,
the only one which the law authorized.
"His ExcelU^ncy regrets tliat a disappointment on the part of the Bank,
in not being permitted to ^legdtiate del enturt's at par, has caused you in
eonvcnience and ex])eiise ; but he cannot jiermit private engagements I'l
(lisiippointments arising from them, to interfere with the unift)rm course
wliii'li he has felt liimself bound to follow, namely, the discharge of the
public liabilities in the currency which the Legislature of the Province Ims
seen tit to .sanction, and in no other.
173
"Arningements have been made, as above stated, with the least pos.sible
<lplay, to enable the Welland Canal Company to dischai7,'e the debt to voii :
and His Excellency has every reason to believe that the amount is furth-
coming, when you see fit to apply for it.
" I have the honour to be, Sir,
" Your most obedient humble servant,
"J. JOSEPH.
"To William Hamilton Mkrritt, Esq.,
" St. Catharines."
The following trial of slander against one of the officers of the Canal
Company is from Charles Lindsay's Life of Mackenzie : —
"The trial came oft' at Niagara, on the 12tli October, 1837, before Mr.
Justice Macaulay and a special jury. In accoi'dance with his usual practice,
in such cases, Mr. Mackenzie undertook his own defence ; his Solicitor Mr.
Price, making occasional suggestions as to the examination of witnesses.
Mr. R. E. I3urns and Mr. Holland Macdonald, of St. Catharines, were
counsel for the Plaintiff", Beaton.
"Mr. Miickeazie, before the suit \vas commenced, admitted in writing to
the plaintiffs attorney the authorship of the alleged libel, and contident of
tlie truth of his statements he had challenged much higher game than Boi'tou
to make his allegations subject of judicial investigation. What JNIr. Mac-
kenzie did say was : 'If Mr. Merritt and his friends choose to co a step
farther, and place all my numbers before a jury of the country, and assert
tliat they are imtrue and publislied from unjustifiable motives and foi- im-
proper purposes, there also will I meet them ; the whole bar of Upper Canada
Whig and Tory, is at their service: the Judges are not said to be prejudiced
ill my favor, nor the Sheriff, and as to the proofs of authorship and publica-
tion, I will deliver on demand coi)ies of the several numbers, each endorsed
liy my own signature, to any person Mr. Merritt's attorney may name."
The Judge allowed the whole of the papers to be brougnt into Court
and thus permitted IMr. Mackenzie to accuse our subject before a Nia-'ara
audience, to whom he had every reason to believe his accusations would not
lie distiisteful. Mr. Merritt attended the trial, which terminated in a ver-
dict in favor of his friend, Mr. Beeton.
Tlie St. Catharines Journal of November 23rd, a fortnight before the
(leiuonstration back of Toronto, says :
" We understand that the young men in the neighbourhood of Lyon's
Creek, and the Chippawa, under plea of opi)osing a draft, have su]ipIiod
themselves with rides, and are frequently seen training."
After a long lectuie, it concludes with a more i»ractical warning :
" At any rate, we are quite satisfied that the first u.se of the.se rifles in
opposing the necessary act of the Government, would elevdte their owners
full as high in the eye of the public, as they now stand in tlieir own
estimation."
Extract frouj Mr. Merritt, junior's, journal :
" We heard much of disaffection beginning to manifest itself atnong the
people of Yonge Street, to which we gave little attention. It was none of
our business ; why should we 1 When the last company of military left us,
we wore at the college gate, seeing their departure, and gave Mackenzie (who
174
followed to see them cleai-) a very hearty liiizza. He very j>olitely bowe<l
to us, iuul passed on. I felt at the time a sort of dread for the man, for
•which 1 could not explain.
"In December the rebellion broke upon us most tinexpectedly. The night
before, we had heard of jtreparations being made, but considered the actual
event a thing far off. The ringing of the alarm bells tliat awoke some
of the bovH, was considered merely a lark of the jtorter. In tl»e morning,
however, the full force of the reality came uj)on us most startling. We got
freed from college by it, and perhaps were not very nnich grieved at the event.
" How astonishingly it effectiul Mr. Thomas Kefsfer, who, though in bed
from a flesh wound which I gave hii- in sp(»rt with a horse-whip vhe niglit
before, and quite unable, as heaffiimed, to attend college, found his sinews
80 strengthened, that lu. was up and well able to rui. as soon as any of us.
"It was a curious sight to behold ! Guards of civilians hanging about the
Oov'Bi'nment House ! The shops all closed ! People hurrying silently in all
directions, some with arms, aiul some witliout. And there, at the Town
Hull, where were assembled the cannon, with torches ready to be liglited,
and the arms distributed. Melancholy exhibited in every countenance.
All was new and Strang*^ ! Nothing was done that day, but various move-
ments took place in the town. Bt^i-acading the streets, and tilling liouse.s
with men. All was exciting. It was indei'd a change, agreeable from our
dull business at college. This was something like life ! We had often read
in history of rebellions — -war- — but had never experienced the feeling of the
immediate presence of conflict ! Of a real state of things when human life
is held at a very cheap rate. Next day, by going too near where the rebels
were stationed, we were taken prisoners. AVliile in durance, I saw a .sentry
aim his rifle at a ))erson who was running away, but the action seemed so
commonplace, so business-like, so suiteil to the time and place, that we took
little warning from it, but sleeked away ourselves in like manner.
" On Tuesday, as college was entirely broken u]), we asked permission
to go liome, and obtained it. Fortunately for us, a steamer left that night
for Hamilton, in which we took })assage, namely, Jas. Ingersoll and Thomas
Keefer. Arrived in the morning, and took stage immediately. ]Jut on ac-
count of the badness of the roads, did not reach the termination of our jour-
ney until three o'clock next morning.."
Monday, 4th December, 1837. — McKenzie and his forces appeared in
the vicinity of Toronto, which gave rise to the most alarming reports.
Mrs. Merritt's journal says : —
"Tuesday, 5th December. — In the morning we were talking of the troubles
in Lower Canada, little dreaming of their being so near our own doors. In
the afternoon heard that Toronto was taken. The report was, however,
shortly afterwards contradicted.
" Wednesday, Gth. — Mr.Merritt went up to J\)C " Short Hills," hearing
of meetings thei-e. Saw their chairman Mr. Brady, from whom he learned
they were all of one mind for reform, but wished it bro\ight about in a peace-
able way — and that they had no intention of taking up arms.
"Thursday, 7th.— J. P. went down in company with the troop, who in-
tended going to Toi'onto. In the evening, the boys who were at U. C.
College, returned by Hamilton, gave us the account of the rebels being driven
back, with killed, and prisoners, and that the place was crowded with militia,
and were more in need of provisions than men.
175
" On the same Rvening, some scouts made a reconnoisance to tlie "Short
Hills," and brought in two j»risoners,whom thoy found armed. Notwithstand
iiig the protestations given to Mr. Merritt formerly, tliat there were uo
armed gathtrings intended, as it was considered impolitic.to i)roceed rigour -
ously at present, tliey wei e relea-sed.
" Friday, 8th. — Our cavahy, conipo.se(l of the young men of this village,
have tliis instant returned from Niagara, galloping round and liurrahing at
fcvory street corner.
"On Mr. Meriitt's return, be had prepared to leave tlie ensuing day,
with one hundred men, for Toronto — but on liearing that it was re-
limed, and filled with the militia, he turned his attention to .sending supplies.
There is a vessel, tlie " Jennie Woud," laden with beef, pork, and Hour, reaily
to go from this place.
•■ Sunday moi'uing. — The soldiers were aroused fi'om a sound sleej), by
orders for every one to go to the lines— that there weie five liundred coming
over. All got oft" by 7. The excitement is on the increase, and may end in
more bloodshed.
*' O ! what a Sunday we spent. The boys liave been busy in mahin'j
cartridges and running bulleLs. What will another week bring forth fc;r
our poor di.stressed countiy 1 "
A lumber of the magistrat vs being gathered at Niagara, it was considered
advisable to assemble, and use their magisterial authority for the preservation
oi'the peace and safety of the commmity. Yet mo.st alarm prevailed in the coun-
try. The training and assembling of armed bunds, similar to wh;it had occurred
at Toronto, in the interior of the district, f.)ruicd adecpiate occ ision tor these
alarms. Mr. Merritt was appointed chairman. And leaving tlie tDop to the
guidance of his lieutenant, entere:\ heartily into his magisterial duties. Many
persons were arrested by the patrollers and scouts ; these were at once dis-
missed, after due examination, and no person was incarcerated for his radictd or
even republican opinions. This policy gave Mr. Jlerritt great popularity among
the crest-fallen end defeated radicals, especially when contrasted with the
severity with which they were treated in other places, as Hamilton, London, and
Toronto.
The alarm had reached and aroused the furthest stiition, among his re-
mote constituency, as the following spirited offer will testify : —
"Cayuga, December 8tli, 1837.
" William Hamilton Merritt, Esq.,
" Dear Sik :—
" 1 have a meeting at Windecker's tavern, and have 55 volunteers ready
to march at a moment's notice, whenever their services may bo re«piiretl at
anyplace in the province. Please give me directions, and I will maivh im-
mediately." Yours truly,
"JOHN CROCKER."
Mr. Merritt had taken an insurance agency from the St. Lawrence
Marine Company. But a notice in a business letter fi'om the agent, contains
an item for a su]>position that in this time of turmoil, it was not satisfactorily
attended to: —
^'^>^:
176
•'PiiEscoTT, 15th Dec. 1837.
" Sir :—
* * * * " As you have so much other business to attend to,
I think it would bo well to ajuwint J. T. Bowery as a<,'ent in your place."
" Yours truly
"A. JONES,
« Secretary."
Two days after Mackenzie's effecting his escape, his old friend the Engi-
neer, writes :
" Lock rouT, Wednesday, 13th December, 1837.
" William Hamilton Merritt, Esq.,
" Dkak Sik: —
" T have just hoard this evening that William Lyon Mackenzie had de-
livered himself last evening to a large auditMico, having obtained the
theati-e for the purpose, in Buffalo. His object is evident, but I have not
heard the result. Probably he endeavoured to .stir up their pure minds by
wav of remembrance. There are always enough to li.sten on such occasions,
whether it is a history of real evils, or the images that till a madman's l»min.
News came also that ho was to a isit this place to-morrow, but I antici|)ate
that he will nuiet with dlsaj)[)oiutment. I do not believe that there is a man
so weak as to be intluenced to participate with him. The impression is
general here, that they have taken up arms for their love of revolt, or to get
the advance of events that may hai)pen.
"I am, with much esteem,
" Your oV)edient servant,
"A. BARRETT."
The attraction of Canada soil had drawn him to Navy Island, the occu-
ifation of which by his Buffalo band was doubtless the matter cf importanc
which "reciuired their utmost ingenuity to meet."
"Chippawa, Saturday, IGth December, 1837.
« William Hamilton Merritt, Esq.,
" Deau Sin : —
" If you can come over to-night. Col. Cameron desires me to say he would
be nuich obliged. Matters of importance have occurred, which require our
utmost ingenuity to meet.
" I am, yours truly,
"WILLIAM KINOSMILL."
Another extract from Mr. Merritt's journal of Sunday, 17th, says : —
" H. received information to go to Chippawa. Mackenzie & Co. is on Navy
Island Fhowing their presence by firing on a boat. He left at 4 o'clock in the
momio'g. ThdTG was but 40, but they would have done what they could to
prevent a landing. He rode the whole night, up and down, from Black Rock
Ferry above, to Fort Erie, considering that the most available part. Drums
and fifes were going all night opposite. J. P. with his company of Horse
there in the afternoon, and returned next day."
A communication from the Chief shows how our proceedings were looked
on from the capitol :
1
I I
"Toronto, 27th December, 18:]7.
" W. IT. Mcnitt, Esq.
'' My Dkar Sir : — My brother has been most laboriously and incessantly
occupied here, in assistini^ the Commissioners in inve8tii;:itinL: the cases of
pri;-oiiers. His extensive knowledge of the people of the very pirt of the country
where this abominable insurrection was hatched, has enabled him to bj most
useful to the Government on the one hand, and to the persons charged, and
their unfortunate families, on the other. I believe there is a strong fooling of
gratitude on the part u{' many of these poor people, for tiie trouble he has taken
to see that they were not too harshly dealt with. It was so strongly urged upon
him to visit that part of the country, and particularly l>y the inhabitants them-
selves, that he could not decline. 1 expect liim back to-day.
" As the Legislature meets to-morrow, 1 dare say you will not be absent
long, if ftt all ; and I have therefore little encouragement to write at any length,
as I hope so .soon to see you.
" What is now taking place on our frontier has not surprised me half so
much as the events in my own neighbourhood. From tlie moment it was made
evident, as it has been in most Xii' the .States of the union, that the most terrible
outrages against the laws are beyond the control of their (jrovernment ; when-
ever large bodie.-? of people favor them — from that time the probability of such
an occurrence as the present, has never been absent from my mind. It is clear
that a natioii with only a standing army of 5,000 men, scattered over a country
as large as Europe, is not to be depended on for preventing 20,000 of their
people from rushing into tliis Province, to join in the work of confusion, wlion-
cver they may fancy they sec an opening.
" From the instant the slightest demonstration was made at Buffalo, I
thought it of infinitely more consequence than anything that had yet hap-
poncd. And if it had depended on me, I would have, with 50 of the Koy::l
Artillery, and a regiment of the line, hastened to the spot with all possible ex-
pedition, and have militia added to them as fust as they could be assembled.
" If this should get ahead, we shall have serious times yot, and let what may
come of this, unless the British Government act now like a great nation, and
establish such defences on our frontier as will speak plainly that they mean to
keep the country, we may make up our minds that we shall have no peace or
security in Upper Canada.
" I have a good deal to say to you on this subject, when we meet. It does
astonish me, tliat no American officer of high standing, Scott, Worth, or Gaines,
for instance, should liave been sent instantly to the frontier from Washington,
to see that thfir laws wore enforced. I can hardly think but that the inter-
position of such a power as of the Governor of the State, on the spot, would
fail of being effoctual. Their militia should be called out, and stationed on
the frontier, so as effectually to cut of!" communication with the island. By a
prompt measure of this kind, the rebels would be caught in a trap, and must
(surrender at discretion. Sooner or later our neighbours must give us serious
trouble . The present affair I hope and believe, may yet be controlled before
matters become much worse.
" Yours sincerely, »
"J. B. ROBINSON."
Oar subject did not enter into any of the military proceedings of the times,
but rather discountenanced them. From his previous experience of
actual conflict, he always designated Mackenzie's attempted revolition and
178
llic invusinn of syniputhizers and brigands nftorwards, as the " Monkkv-
Wah." Wc will close with noticing that Mr. Morritt spent the end of the year
between home and Niagara, at the IJoard of MagiHtratos trying the prisoners;
vr at least ac(juitting thcin, and as alludcfj to, and on the threatened frontier.
The following odrrcRpondence will explain some of the circumstances altendin"
the occupation of Navy Island, in which our subject was interested.
(.'hristiuas. — H. and the boys on the lines. The iiexi day he and Lr.
Boadlc scut on commission to Butfalo*
'• Ik KKAi.o, 28th December, 18;J7. '
" Doctor .1. I'rcndergast.
" iMv Dear Sir:— I came over yesterday to see your Marshal Mr. <jarrow,
Avho was sent for the purpose of putting your luws into execution, and prevent
individuals arming, and carrying on a war again>t us —but l.e acknowledged
Very candidly his doubts whether tlie cisil autiiorilios can carry the law into
execution. We will therefore have to deiiend on ourselves. We have a lar^c
iiiree of militia, about IJ,()()0 men on the iiiu'. Kxptct two regiments of tioops,
-4th and o2nd, up in a few days. The rebellion is put down most effectually
in Upper and Lower C;inada, and we have liothing more to fear I'rom internal
fctrife. •• Vuurs \"e.,
'• W. II. MEIIKITT."
'• BrFi'ALo, 2itth December, 1837.
" Hon. William Hamilton Merritt, M. JM*.
'IIkad Quartkhs, Cmi'PAWA.
"Sir: I'erniit me to iritroduce to your ac(iuaintanee, Judge McLean,
(if tlii.« e'ty. who goes to Chippawu with a message to Colonel McNab, itr.
•'1 am, viiur obedient servant.
" IJ. W. KOUKllS."
'• December 30th, 1837.
•• To Merritt, Kykcrt, or any other Magistrate :
•• 8ia : -The bearer of this informs me he has a Durham boat 70 ft. long.
lit for .serviqe, but he has no means of getting her liere. Will you be plea.^ed to
afford everv jissistar.ee in your power Inwards having her forward' d here with-
out delay, as il is most material for Her Majesty's service that wo should have
her. I ain, sir, your most (ibedient servant,
"ANDKLW DREW.
"Capt. Koyal Navy."
Mrs. 3Iorritt's journal, as well as that of her son, is full of incidents
during the outbreak.
But wc forbear givi.ig further extracts.
3 8 3 8.
" St. Catharines, 9th January, 1838.
" My Dear, Parents : — W. H. Merritt went to Toronto last week, a.s
the Parliament is in session. He only stayed two days. Said he could
he more useful in this quarter, at the present. He left yesterday for the
frontier. ^- -i*^-
17'J
Mr. Merritt, wlio liad been atteiuHiig in liis jihu-e at the Paili.iiiioiit in
Toronto, on liRaring that the ininihor of the Canadian refujjpos and «yn»pa-
thizcrs from thn States wlio had takon, still held Navy Lsland, re-
tuniod hotni\ and in Imh cajiacity an a ina<,'i.stratc, in conjunctiDn witii Col.
McNab, wii(j coiniuaiuk'd tlio Militia, |»ruco(!d'd to anaii^'o nu^asurcs for tlio
defence of tko frontier, and the fxpvdHion of the invaders. Our subject had
been engaged in arrangenunits for a coniuiissary su]»iily, and providing
boats for the contemplated atta<'k on the islaud. A nunilter of boats were
collected, and many of them drawn over land by ox-teains, from the canal to
the Niagr "a Kivei-. A council was held, in which he volunteered, with tho
Militia, to attack the island, but the argument that this wuiihl cause a loss of
valuable lives, and the fact of the I'nited States authorities juoving in tho
matter, decided them not to niakt; an immediate assault. Demonstrations
were set on foot by (AjI. Drew and his naval vohmteers, by sail-
ing round the island, and isolating them from their base of supplies, and also
destroying their steam ferry the " ('(irnlinr." This was considered enough
for the present. The duty on the fi-ontier was severe, as a nuud)er of the
Militia died through sickness, brought on Iiy ex])08ure, itc. Three men
were killed by cannon shot from the island, 'ihe 2nd Cavalry Troop from
St. Catharines did good service. A comj)any of lU'gulars aftei-wai-ds ar-
riving, a number of the ^lilitia were relieved from duty, and allowed to
roturn home. Thi'ough the enei'gy dis|ilaye<l en both sides of the Niagara
frontier, the defence ceased by the middle ot .iunuary, and the invaders
(k'cani[)ed, moving westward.
A general movement of troops and change of high officials occurred.
Lord Cossford left by the ^leppepediac ^load and Halifax. The 34th regi-
ment started on the 17th January, for Quclur. The 71st Highlanders
arrived in February. There werr, with tho reinforcements at this time,
abo\it 10,000 Regulars.
A letter to the Governor on the question of passing through the States
from Mr. Merritt, elictits the following rej)ly.
Febnary.
" My Dear Sir : — Yon must lie well aware that the ])ubHc always know
my plans before I know them myself, and this is really the case in the i;
stance to which you kindly allude, for I have not yet had time to think whioi.
way I had better return, and until I liear that Sir Ceorge Arthur has actu-
ally arrived, 1 think it is useless to form any ])Ian which should of course V>e
influenced by the existing circumstances, at the moment of my depai'ture.
" If it shoidd be advisable to go the roiite you propose, I will immedi-
ately communicate with you on the siibject, and in the meanwhile beg to
thank you for your obliging note. Yours very faithfully,
"F. B. HEAD."
The author visited the Capital during this session, and stopped at Per-
ry's boarding house. Being in the vicinity of the Parliament, it was occu-
ISO
))!<'(! \iy tho in ^;iil> Ts, of wlium li« rciiuMiiltcrs CoIdju'I nnrwcll, ('t>lvilli»,
Akkinaa ami Sludo. TIichu won* t)f all sliadfs of iii)litifs. A ^rvtit dcul of
warinth was (ixprcssoil. Amtnij,' the iiumhIku-h, Col. Priuco was particiilarly
(h^iiioiiHtiMtivc, liaviii;^ (Undarod ho would oxeoiito tho iK-xt invadcrK ofom-
country, which throat Ik* carriod into execution at tho oud of tliis year.
( )iir suhjoot, in tho moan tinio, attondiut^ to his dutios in tho Houso. At
tho Olid of th" Hossion, Sir V. Jiond I load icturnod to England, and was
Kuccoodod l>y Sir ({o()rgo Arthur,
On tlio Ctth day of March th») Houso closed, passing eighty-two jjills,
nearly half of which won) rojoctod iu tho Uit[i(M' House.
Amongst the many who were arre.stod for particij)ation in tho lato roh'>l-
lion, wore twt> men named Fiount ami Mattlu'ws. Thoy were sontenced to
1)0 hung. Petitions for their reprieve* were got \ip, containing 10,0(10 namo.-s,
moi'o or less; those from Jlaldimand and Niagara were hrouglit ovei- to
Toronto by Mr. Merritt, and presented to the Governor — we insert one —
but without ellect, a8 thoy were afterwards executed.
7'n /lis Kxi'i'lhiiL'jj, Sir (I'ciinji: Arthur, LiiuitciKdit Ctorerjwr of (h<' /'m-
riiice v/" Cjipcr CatKula, Mafor (jiucnU cumin tivHinj J/is Mnjiffti/s
ftirces (herein, Knight Coininander 0/ (he L'oj/(if Uanovarinn ilidphi:
OrJrr.
" May it ploa.se Your Excellency —
•• We tho undorsi;;ne.d Sliorill", jNIagistratos, Eo])rescntatives, and Free-
holders of tho District, of Niagara, beg leave to congratulate your Kxcelloii-
cy on assuming the govornmeut of this province, at the same time tlioy deep-
ly sympathize with ycmr Exc:'llency on being called u])on, at so early a peri-
od, to excerciso tho lloyal porogative, on those who have justly foi'foited
their lives, by committing the most aggravating oU'euHe recognized bv our
law.
'• The Almighty, in his intinite mercy, was ])leascd to preserve the ('api-
tal of this ProvMice, and permit his Majesty's subjects promptly to supprcs-i
tho la.st rebellion with tiie loss of but one individual.
"That mercy which is consi(h*rod the most noble attribute of the lloyal
porogative, is now vested iu you and if your Excellency entertain the opin-
ion, that it can be exorcised with eipial eii'ect for tho public good, by bani.^li-
ing beyond the seas, those individuals who arc or msiy be condemned to
death, your Excellency may fool assured, this act of clemency and mercy,
■will meet the most cordial apju'obation of tho undersigned, who most sin-
cerely pray your Excellency may, by the wisdom of your councils and
government, be enabled to contribute to the prosperity of this rising
Province.
"Thomas Merritt, Ex-Sheriff, &J. P.,
- "Alkxaxdeu Hamilton, Sheriff N. D.,
"W. Hamilton Merritt, M. P. P. & J. P.,
" Geo. Pvvkert, M. P. P. & J. P.,
" H. MiTTLEBERGER, J. P.,
" E. Adams, J. P.,
" Richard Woodruff, M. P. P.,
" David Thokuurn, M. P. P.
isi
Tho following Inttor ^iv(>s n xHiiipHo of f»'«ling iu the Fiower Provincps,
after the oxcitonioiit in tho Unitoil SiatcH, by the (U'structiou of tlie Hteuuiei-
'• CaroUne."
" fti>i'crunifnt Ifouni',
" KllKI>Klll(KTuN', Ftil). 2lHt, 18;J8.
•■'8ik:—
"(Jroat (fVfiits have occurri'd in tho Cainula^ siiicM I have l)t>('ii tlio re-
<i|tit'iit of a Iftti-r tVoiu you. This Proviuoo is hiijul to n titan. Jt is ho ob-
vioimly contrary to tlio interests of Knglund and the Unitetl Statt^s, to go to
WAV with t'acli otlifc-r, tliat I cannot bring myself to entertain th(^ sliglitost
a]»|iiclu;iision on tiiat head. You's, ii:c. J. JlAilVEY."
hui'ing this period of military excitement, there was more done in the
Honse than passing laws for treasonabh^ ottendcrs. l$ut so entirely
diiinged was the legislation of tin; day, that it was considered politic l)y
the Military Engineer and President of the Welhind (.'anal, that no more
outlay should b(« made in that direction, but sliould, we suppose, be devoted
to fortifying and military defences, at least for more immediate necessity.
It was late in the season boforn tho rej)ort of tho Directors, for tht* jtre-
cee.ling year, was imljlished. A letter of sympathy from liis friend.
Chief Justice Jones, at the gloomy prospect of the fate of tho stoppage of
our juihlic works, enclosed the following :
"ToKOXTO, nth March, 1838.
" To the Honounible Mr. C'hicf Justice Jones:
"My Dkau Jfi)(;E : —
'• You will have seen by the Report of the Welland Canal Commissioners,
Imw it is made to appear that an average loss (if £14, (Mil) per annum has
beui sustained by the Province, since the period when, according to the
ll"l>ort of the Directors at that time, the canal was completed. In this
sum, no account is taken of the interest paid for loans madt^ by the public,
to take np their amount of stock ; neither is a:'.y mention made of the fact
that about £20,OoO of inU-rest (or more) is due to the Jiritish (Jovernment.
" It is ([\iit" crtaiii that within tht; next seven years, the greater ])art
of tlie present locks will require to be renewed, at what cost, the Re[)ort of
M'.'ssrs. Baird and Killaly will shew. It will, iij fact, be at a charge of not
l.•^s than £20 0,000. The harbours of Port Dalhousie and Port Coll)ornB
will also require a very considerable outlay, whether the project of Me.ssrs.
P) lird and Killaly be exeoited or not ; but that i)roject would be of such
manifest advantage to the Province, even without a canal, that I cannot but
hope that it will be carr'.ed into effect.
" Assuming that .£280,000 will be sufHcient to put the canal in a state
of perfection, equal to any that can be attained by a similar work, there
must always be a large item of expenditure in the shape of repairs — towing
paths, swing-bridges, gates, and uredging, to wit.
" TTp to the present period, the receipts of all kinds have average<l very
little more than £.'3,000 per annum, the greater part of which is derive<l from
toll on goods from Amej'ica to American ports.
" If at any future peric<l, the trade should so increase as to make the
construction of a canal on the American side a profitable sjjeculatiou, such
182
canal will lio fortbwitli iiiailo. It is, ir. fact, already in contoniplation, and
tlie Aniorican ftovoi-innont lias pxpondod larf^e sums in procuring preli/ninaiy
re])Orts and ostiinates for such an undertaking.
"Nearly all the trade from Am*»rica to American ports, would pass
tliro>\gli tlieir canal, when constructed, rather than oui-.s. We might count
on the jirst threi^ or four weeks of S')ring. and no more. But the heaviest
shipiuents of goods upward.s, is in the Autumn.
"I can see no reason, therefore, An- assuming that wo are going, for any
lengch, or even for a short ti'ue, to enjoy tlu? hfiiefit of the incivased trade
which may ultimately l)e carcieid on l)etween the two lakes. In the mean
time, it is certain, that if we com]>lete tlio canal, wo shall sin;: not
£1 4, ()()(), as 1 said in mv report, l»nt £in, ()(»() at least, per annum, toj;ether
with the interest on nil the money already expemled. P'or what period we
muHt sustain such loss, it i.s, ofcour.se, impossible to foresee ; I think, pro-
bably, aboit sev(>n years, when the canal may. if comphited, begin to pay
its expenses, and some |)ortion of the interest on the Provincial loans.
These are not very flattering prosi)ect3, 'tis true, but I do not wi."?!! to induce
any bidief in others, in whieh 1 do not myself participate. If the Province
can allord to go on with this work with such littlti hop(; of advantage there-
from, in a pecuniary jioint of view, I should be the last person in it to say or
do aught whiidi could have the effect of deterring our financial rulers ; because
I believe that, until we become a ))ortion of the Republic (which I hope
not to see) this line of water communication i.s essential to the defence of
our Niagara fi-ontier. I have no intention of refusing my services, so long
as th"y may bo rcipiinvl, in carryiui,' out the views of the Legi.slatiu-e, nor
am I ini!lin<id to adunt that because I liavs a clear conception of the ruin-
ous exp;mdituro to be incurnnl, I .should fail to use my best endeavours to
keep that expenditure at a minnium.
"Believe me, verv trulv voms,
" J.MACAULAY.
"Remakks ok the Rei'out ok thk DiHKCToiis or TJiK Wklland Canal Co.
i-oR 1837.
"This Rep.ort states, that there is a great increase of tonnage, although
the tolls have fallen .short of the tvi'o preceding yctars. Names £1,(100 in
th(( single ai'ticle of nunvhandist;, and admits that but for the comnu'rcial
ditlicultics, tlu! tolls would have exceeded any preceding year. It then
states the average annual ex])enditure at ^21,039. 8. 'J. And the average
anutunt of tolls at ,£•), !)!)!). 0. (i. Shewing an average iinnual loss of £1 1,0 40.
2. 3 ; in confirmation of which, it is a.s.serted that tiie canal can be maintained
only at this saci-ifice, and concludes by recommending the abandoi>ment of
the work. The most superficial ob.server will at onco perceive the erroneous
data in which tho.se ccuiclusions have bet^n formed. 1st. — The annual ex-
penditure of a work which was not finished, is assumed at £21,03!). When
after the completion, repairs will not cost much ovor the interest on the
principal of the same jtei'iod last year. 2nd. — The average; amount of tolls
ifec, is assunvcil at £l,i)'J'J. 0. 0. for five years )>ast. This data suji])oses the
work must reced(! f »r uve years to coma. T think in 1832 the tolls were
not over £300. I have no doubt, if the work goes on, that in fire years
from thi.s time, the toll will be £r)0,000, in jjlace of £4,U'J9. 6. (). The aban-
doniinmt would bo as justifiable on public grounds, as Huicide in a ])rivate
individual, is the opinion of W, JI. MKKRITT.'
M
183 4
"St. Cathauinks, Maivii IS, l.H3>S.
' To Dll. J. PuKNOEnCAST.
''Mv l),:\n Siu : J{aviii:i; returnod from tlio L'^gislaturo :ib.):it .i \\\h>Ic
since, I wil' give you a Ijiicfsiu'voy of our [)roociHliu;j;s. My last Icttt-r was
(lireeued from IViflalo, ainl as an attack was tlun, ami sometimt^ aftoiwanl.
daily expi'ctHil on Navy Tslanil, F did not j^'o to Toi'onto until t!:t' l.")tli oi'
January. I was then apiMjinted (,'hairman of tlu.' Finanuti Ctimmilttt'e. and
was closely oui^ai^od diiriu;^ the wintjr. Some useful nuMsurcs \vci • pass-
ed, and a numhci- of resolutions on the union of the Provinr^'s, wliich I
drew up, and a m.ijority of the it )us^^ was for sendin.; m;^ as a ( "ninuiission-
erto '"ai^jland, but I declined. We want but one Legislature in thes.j Pro-
vinces, and I ti'ust that obji'Ct will bo effected.
" \V(! have no apprehension of a war with the Uuiteil States, and the
rabble who have given us s> much troubh' has been gener.illy disjterseil.
Great ehani(es will uinjuoUidiably take place here, and I trust for our bi-n-
efit. I intend applying myself to milling. Will have six I'un of stone
vcadv this week.
"W. If. M.'
" T have lost a vessel, containing 4,000 bushf-ls of wheat, five niih^s
from the (traiid lliver. The men came oil", and when the wind changt'd,
sho drifted out int I the la'v". This wheat at a value of lis per bushel,
would liavt^ amouiit''d to over j$<),0ltO."
Tlieell'oct of our reljelliou in Kngland, was t'; ' iiringing in liy L >i-d fins-
sell, and the passage of a bill through thelnipeii.d Parliament, ! > a.iiiul the
con.stitution of Lower Canada for six yeai's, and appointing (Hlth i>f,lauu-
ary,) Karl Durham ( Jovernor < ieneral and High ConimissiomM'.
Wi' have given biog)';t|jhii'S of ( iovt'rnoi's of long residence in the coun-
try, but this one, whoso residence on the soil of Upper Canada was but a
few days, had the greatest inHuence, perhaps, of any who ever visited u;-.
Of gi-eat connection being the son-in-law of Earl (!ray, he had attained a high
station of influence, but unfortunately for his usefulness in this monarch-
ical colony, his pnlities were low.
Lord Durham had been an ultra reformer, from the time he took his
seat in the House of (Vnnmons, in the 22ud year of his age, as Mr. liambton.
He is now iii his IGth year.
The Tini'S roui irks, "If his L>rdshiii giv.vs satisfa.!ti.)n, he must plfa-^"
Joseph Hume and Mr. Crote, "Com multis alias "' of that description, as well
as Lord Melbouiiie and John Ivussell, who are (iepemU'nt on Josejth and
(!rot(i, for their existence as ministers."
Tt was rather an unfortunate state of affairs that great ])olitical changes
will be nuide through this influence, but the colonist of native origin has the
satisfaction of kn cvin^', if there be any satisfa.-tiou iii the fact, that be they
whig or tory, it is all the same to him.
28th May. — Lord Durham arrived at Quebec, and issued his proclama-
tion, calling on the co-operation of the lionest and conscientious reformers,
for amelioration of defective iuititutions, and says : —
* 184
"They will receive from mo that assistauco and oncourageniPiit that
their patriotiKni has a right to conimaiid."
Ill answer to this, Mr. jNIerritt. considering tliat his attention to the
iiifasun.'S for thu sotthunciit i)f the country was tho most iinjiortant sr.hjt'ct
tu whicli ho couhi at present devotti his time, visited the ( Joveruor at Quel'cc,
and left with him the resnlts uf his experience in a memorial, a copy of which
is before us. This correspondence waa renewed later in the season, and as
it throws liglit on the circumstancs of Mr. Merritt's having adopted l^ord
I^urham's report, we see that much accords with, if it is not incorpo-
rated in lli.i Iiordshi|>'s Jieport, whicli was puMislied in f^ondou the
ensuing January. We give an extract of tlie first one.
" Albion Hotel, Quehec, May oO, 1838.
" CiiAS. Eri.LKii, Secretary. ' > ^ >
"Sir : — Chance having brought me to this j)laco on the arrival of His
Excellency, tho Earl of Durham, Gov. Gen., and having read with great
satisfaction his proclamation of yesterday, I availed myself of the invitation
therein contained, and felt it my duty to call the attention of His Excellen-
cy to one subject — and one only — which embraces the vital interest and fu-
ture welfare of these provinces, viz : The union of T^^pper and Lower Canada.
'•The State of New York is governed by one united Legislature, with a
population of two millions of people, and lays siile by side with the Pro-
vinces of Tpper j'.nd Lower Canada, which have three-quarters of a million
inhabitants, and is governed by two distinct Legislatures. It atlbrds a most
striking illustration of the practical etiects of the two systems.
" A niiiti'd Lnji.^ldtun' has completed the most gigantic improv(>ments
uniting Lakes Erie and Chaniplain, both being tributaries of the St. Law-
lence, with tlie Hudson, and diverted the greater part of the trade of the
Western country from its natural channel, and the seajiorts of ^lontreal
and (.Quebec, to New York. While a dirii/cd Lnji.-^Uttiire possessing every
natural ad> antage, with the most magnlficient water communication in tho
world, has not, up to the present moment, finished any one imi»rovemeut.
" Tliose general assertions, the truth of which can be prov(>d to a demon-
stration, is quite suthcient to elicit impiiry, %vhich is the only object in
presenting th(>m. The only efl'ectual remedy is a union, all other measures
ai-e of .>-ei'ondary consideration. Establish one common interest and our
exertion will 1m) directed to one conunon object. Upper Canadians, Lower
Canadians, English, Irish, and foreigners, will unite in improving our situ-
ation, and making a pro.s[)erous country of Canada, it will allay all
jiarty feeling and restore a proper spirit. Lower Canadians may at first
oiipose the mciisure. The citizens of New York opposed the commencement
of the Erie Canal, but when they perceived their inteiest promoted by the
measure, they i-eadily came into the spirit of it, and so with the Canadians.
" By adopting this measure, His Plxcellency may truly say, he has laid
the fouiulation of a sy.stem of governnunt which will determine, whethei'
the arii\al of your Excellency on our shores is to promote our future
jiiospeiity foralltimeto come, or confirm our remaining many years in
the same state of apathy in which you will find us.
"His ExcKLLiCNcv, LoRi) Dlhham. " I have th.e honor to be
" Most respectfully, your Exctdleney'.s obed't,
" W. HAMILTON MEEKITT, M. P. P."
185
The political and finaDciul troubles had put a stop to the work on the new
Kpiticopal Church. The conirrogatinn had been forced to occupy the Academy
since the destruction of the old one. This Spring a irrcat deal of correspon Jcuee
between "Old Hundred" aid " Amicus, " a friend to the completion of the
('liurch and "Flagranj" r(.suli"d in an action at the Kahttr Uieeting, tliat pro-
duced tiie UiUch needed improviincut.
The sea.son of navigation liaviiig oix-ned, he visited Clevcdiind, on hi.s
own private business. Whilst in the .States, he tocdi every o])poitunity of
giving information in refen^nce to the canal. On bis return, be went to
(.Quebec and met tlio new Governor-General, tlie Earl of Durbam.
On returning from Quebec, ho again started for C'levoland. On resting
at Cbijipawa, lie was informed by his obi friend (\)\. C'nmmings, that a r«-
jiort had arrived of a numlx-r of mini having crossed the river, and were
secreted in tbo woods; and the following deposition wa.s made :
'• XlAOAHA DiSTKKT. |
TO WIT. /
"Tliomas Darling, of Grantham, appeared befon> me, W. Hamilton Mer-
ritt, one of Her Majesty's .Justices of tlm Peace in and for the afore.said Dis-
trict, and dei)OseH, that on Saturday evening, the Kith of June, he heard
John l^urger, of Pelbam say that 10(10 men had crttssed tberivei-, undoubt-
edly they were radicals, and wcie soiiiewbci'e eonoealed, pl.-ue not described.
Also heard Jacob Kussell say on Sunday the 17th inst., that be bad infur-
luation irum some person fi-om tlie United States, (name unknown) that a
luunber were secr»!ted in the Short Hills, and ilejionent i(elieves tl>ei'e are
men secreted in that neighborhood ; but in (jrder to more clearly ascri'tain
tiu' fact, will go and obtain furtboi- infoi-mation, and either bring the parties
ailbrding the same before me oi- .s(nne otJjer of His Majesty's Justices of the
Peace, on this day Monday, or give such information as he may have obtain-
ed ami the facts u'ore clearly asc<'rtaiiied.
".Monday morning, 1(» o'clock, lOtb June, l!^3H.
W. H. MEKlllTT, J. P."
As already nurnerou.s similar stories, to the injury tf trade, had
been circidated, lie disbelieved it, but ottered bis seivices to fuitber
iiivfsrigate the matter. The offer not being encouraged, he ]>roceeded on
bis way to Clevcdand. F'ortunatelj, it iras .w, as the ruir.otir. in a few days^
was found to be true. A body of men being in possession of the " Sboit
Hills," in a strong j)()sition. However, a detachment of " Lancers " were
sent from the Falls, and were attacketl l)y this party on tb(^ ns Jiniug of the
I'./'th of June. On the news reacliing St. Catharines, the " Lancers " weio
re-inforcrd by tlu; Sedentary Troop of Cavali-y, who, together, succeeded in
routing the invaders from their ramp, and making a mimlier of prisoners.
The wounded were recovered, and taken to the Fulls. A general scouring
of the section then took place, when nearly all the disatfecteil found in arms
were arrested, and taken to Niagara Moreau, tlie lender of the party, was
hung.
1 so
Mr. Killiily liMil lict 11 n)>|»<)iii<(>il resilient (Mi^^iiH'cr, ir»tli May. AHsislcd
\>y Mr. HohiiKsoii .tiiil d'corj^c ('oM-ndv, lu' iiiM|)<M't«Ml tlic (Irniid Kivt-r, fin
the |uir|)osi> of the ( !<« (>;iniieiit huyiii;,' oiil llie ('nin|miiy. lie re|i()rlc<| o;i
it l(>(h Nitveiiilier. Aller (he umikI iiimiiiii eleclion of (iireedirs of (lie
(Jraiiil Hivj'r Nnviufilinn ('oinp.'inv, Mr. Merritt hiul heeii ii|i|ioiii(e(| |ii(".i
<hM\t tli<' preeediiiLj year; fiiid in his report to (he (loverinent, a;<r«'ed to tlie
s,il(>, !)ii Ix'half iif (heoonipiiiy, iihout the miiiie time.
<<'e(). l'r(>sfi)(( WHS appointed Hecretiiry of the r.'m;il, Ist Noveiiiher, and
Me now .sei> iiis naiiu* to (hensnal ii Ivin'tisements (or (he ekM-lion of the stock
holders. Il( niitintKvl in the (Mii|doyin(>nt of thi> ({overnnieni, on the cudiI.
us seerotary and payinastiM-. (ill hi.s deiHvi.si-, twelve years aftiMwards.
<*ne iinndred and (liirty ves,'-i(ds pas.sed (hroni,di the <'ana.l in on(> nionlli.
In .Inly. \'].\r\ |)iii'hain ariivi>d in (his section, and visited the Falls,
wh(>i(> a series of i,'rand reviews, fetes. A-c.. w<M(> hold.
Me ri'in.iiiied t'oii!- days, dniinj; which was ladd a sham ii;,'ht hetvvi'cii
the .'Uth llii,'!d,tndeis and tlu> olhei- corps on this frontier, in their National
oostnnie; all which, added to (ho natiiral attractions, cansed an nnnsnal xi\\]\
onn;j;of Tnited States visitors.
Lord Dariiain returned liy the river and lake. In tlaj fall dispatches
:irnv»>d di.sannnllint; some of his Lordship's acts, cansint; him to resign.
(K'tolit'i- 1 I til. The people of St. Catharines presented an luldress to
l.v>rd l>nrhani on hisr(>iurn to Kn!;land.
iMr. Merritt took occassion of stMidiuLj liy tV'lonel (Mark, the special
agent appointed (o carry it.
'riie followiiii.'^ io Karl l>',irhani, from our suhjcct. shows (hat a seii'^e
of tlit> iniptntiince iMimected with the mission of His Lordsliip. not the en-
cvmragement pcrson.-illy received, induced a renewal of t ho correspondence.
7^1 t/it /iKf'it llo,ioin\ihl<\ JoJiu (iiorijr, K.i"/ nf Jhir/idni, (I'ltr'niorC'iitnil
oj British Sorth Aiiwriai, ^(^^'., i(c., lOc.
•• ^"^h I,oRn:~ St. Catiiauinks, Oct. 5.
" It was not my intention to have addressed you on the future <{ov(>rn-
nient «>f these colonies, fnnn a conviction that (he plan recommended hy the
ojiposition, to the pr*'seut ministry in Kiij,'land. and which .ippears to lu; ad-
hered to by your K.vcelleucy, does not alTord the best uunuis of obtaining
the in(\>rmati(Mi you dt>sire.
" The clause propo.sed by Lord John Russell, composing a council to he
selected from the body of the people, to advise on the formation of a consti-
tution for thoir fut\ne <jrovprnment. would have ])rovod at least satisfaetory.
as their por-sonal interest in p\ cry measure proposed wouhl have secured tho
coutidoiice of their constituents, ami if they erred, their motives would have
becji duly appreciated.
" Hv the amendment proposinl by Sir Robert Peel, that clause wa.s un-
happily ex})un«i;pd. and a system of goveruiuant is now to be jiroposed hy
your Excellencv. aided bv such information as vou mav glaau from otlicial
^ources, imparted by indivi<luals vvlio, with the best po.ssible intentions, have
187
iKit IiikI an o|t|)(»(l.iinity of riiin^^lin^ with tlip poojilt^, hfiiiiii),' tlipiimintiiiioiiiB,
iiikI iic<|tiiriii;^' Hiidi |iiit(ticiil iiiCoriiiiUioii iih to tMiiiltNi tlii'iii to form a <'oi ii-it
jiiil^'mciil, on iiiiuiy imMiMmrH wliicli ancot oiii iiiti'ionli.
" N'oiir Kxccllciicy rriiiy now and tlmn icniivo a Mtra;^<^lin^ (vinnniinica-
tion from individiialH, jfivin;^ an o|iinioii on Honn^ alistrai-t Hulfjrrt wliicli tli'-y
niii,dit vnry, cliiiniM-, or nlmiidon on tlii" first Honiid olijucti.ni Itcini^ otl'cri-d ;
liut a full, f\tH\ iind optni diHciisMion of all tli<^ ivri,'nnn'ntH, y;A» anij run, on
cacii Hoparato Hidijcct, from |ira(;ti('al nn-n, who poHwmH th» (*)nrid<ni«! of a
grciit majority of tlm inimhitantM, yonr Mxcfdh-ncy cainiot |iosh<>hh.
" It is rninoinod that (ho mnv cotiHtitntion which yonr Kxn-lhinry )<ro-
poscH to rocoinnicnd f<»i' onr fntnrr' j,'ovcriitiifnt, will (in imhh yonr Kxc<'JI<!n<'y
slionid roniain, of wliicli I never mitrrtained a doiilit,) lie proinnlf^atcd ii<-Kt
iiioiilh , and as yon iiHsiimo (ho ontiro rcMpoiiMihility of the frieiimirr-, it \-i
iiatnral yon shonlil adhere (o yonr lirwt iiiipresHions ; niid tliiH cons-ideration,
and this alone, inilMi'i'i nut to aildress your lordshi]! on the unhject ; and al-
llMint(li (he nieaiis whieh have liei-n inhtpted to olitain the iie<'eHsary inroriiin-
tioii on so im|ioi(aiit a (pie.'.tioii are at variance with my iiid;,'ineiit, Iain not
inHensildo of the anxiety vonr l']\crl|eiiey must fer| in atloptin;,' sncli aHycleiii
as will insure the peaco and prosperity of these provinces, |inrticiihirly as
your Ciiture fame must he mat"iially allectiMl hy tie- wisdom oftlie nieasiiroH
you may recoiiiiiii'iid. i thorernro take it fur j,'rante(l, lliou;,di not a;^'reeing
to every aiiii'iidiiKMit, that a f ( w su;,';,'estions from an individual whose only
oliject is an ardc^il desire to promote tlu^ fiitnnj welfaro of his fullow-uountry-
incn, may not he consich-red intrusive.
"'I'lie iii'st act. of yonr I'lxcellenrv, was issuing,' a pro'lamjition, nmh-r date
of May last, in which y<»n state yon wish for inloi-mation. This expresHion
inspired a (h-j^ree of confKhiiK^e thronLjhont tlie (Panadas, umon^ all classes,
for all I'eid the ncct ssit.y of this <'liani,'e.
" The f^'rand (h^sideratnm is to maktHhis chaii;^'e ell'ectual when made,
and to (his sniiject the attention of yonr Mxceilenry is partteulurly diifcteil.
" Kraniin;,' a constitntion for the fntur*^ ^oviM-nment of a oonntry situa-
ted as these I'rovinees are, may he cnnsi<|ered u most ditlienlt ami eom]ilex
measure. I?nt when we have the governments of ( Jieat I>ritain, the I'niled
Statey, and tin* ihitish Nortli American I'rovinec^s for onr ;j;uir|e, it ean
only HMpiire a tlioroU},di and c(a-re<'t knowled;^'e of the practical operation of
their diderent systems, to fraiin" a ci.nst itutioii wliicli will place those I'ro-
\incesinthe situation which your Kxeellericy has promised.
" We find, after tliP experience of centuries, Kiii,dand, Scotland, [i-e!and.
and their d(^pend«ncies, with nearly thirty millions of jioople, eoiiipj-isin;(
tlilVerent races- with a diversity of creed, and ap|ian)"tly separate interests,
concentrated and comliined for the mutual mid ;.,'einual interest of all, in
iiiiii viiiti'ii IjfijislHtiiri'.. 'J'he uid)oun<led prosperity and othar advantat,'es
those three kinjjjdotns poswHs over most other nations, is l)y the host autlM»rity
entirely attrihuted to their forming our, uiKlioiilni state, or this conceutra-
liun of power.
" Wo find the United States, from the oircnnistanee of their haring been
()ri<,'inally Provinces, similar in « i\K<^vf^\ to the prosent l5ritiKh Provinces,
formed into a numhar of state l.^^jislatnres, who aL{ain appoint one jjoneral
Congress for the ^rovernment of the wlade. The local hijnndarifts of those
spates wore established with as minch wisdom as human ingenuity at the
time posses.sod. Still, jealousies and contradictions are daily developing in
iss
iimiiy |>i\rlM oCtliMl <'\lot\nivo utiinn, ami ulllioii^li tliriiKi-tu'rnl pri)M|inity is
ji'linilli'il, lli«« ri'siilt ol" )1h> cvpi'ii'iiciit, iifd"!' ii (Iimihk |Mi|iiiIii(iim, invumoH
tMinMi'-licil. is liy iii> iiiouhh certain. \V«> liiiil in UiiliMli Nmtli Aiiicricn.
K('|inr;i(<' l<'i<iNla(ui("« <«HlaMi;ilu>il. t>acli one liavii>^ a ilircit niiiiiiiiinii-atii'ti
Milli a liraiwli of (lir irnTi'iinnoiil in |i'iis.;liniil. at tlic licail nf wliii'li lui iinli
xuliial is (V'liii tiino In (itac a|i|ioiii(i«il, ralltMi a i'd/onin/ Sim turij, wlio, in
fai'f. is (lt(» jjfitvoinnii'ul hCimhIi dl" ihimo ProriiiccH, us all iiinlnii'tionH In miii
(ioviMUitiH (wliiili an» ooiisiddird law) (>iiiunat(< rniiii liini.
" Tlic t'onsrihition was dcsitjncil (o assininlalo as near as |ira('(icalili> to
t'lttt <'t(li(' nnilln'i('<aiti(rv (i»<'tMisis( ofdnci'Hi'itaiatnand iliHiintI, InantlioH,
oaoli possi'ssini; Hicir dih> weij^lil,.
" A( (Ih' |«Mind wlii'n il was (Irsi I'aiiicd into o|HTaliiii\, (1m< I'roviiiro
was iliinlv s(>ttli'
mW
|irr.s(iMs |tiisst'ssint^ s\ilhi'n>nl inii'iii
Hi
ileili
^('Uv'o rosidi'd in ToiiMilo, and (lie most. Huitahlo |u>rH(Mis wcn< (Ihmi
to r.in\iti>s»> lli(' f'xc.Mitnc and l(\!,'islalivi« cnnncils iVnni llial (own.
»mc<'
hai
>i'niid, vi'i'v srrrat clianiri's liavo (akt>n iiImi'c in (lio sitnatinn
o\
th- r
itiviiu'(>. anil many ''cndcniiMi ol intcilfrcncc and vvci.idil it'snn" m
t '.u> dilVcriMit dislrii'Is. «lio jmsscss tlicii- ilnc Iti.-al wcitjlit, in llii'ir localities
" l'iu> <nics(ion ot a res|M>nsilile c\ecnli\e y;overiiinent !ias nf lad' lieeu
fally disonsscil. and llie administration of Sir |''iancis Hoinl Head. altliou',rIi
it sncoi>cde<l for a time, lias placed tlic Colonial Olliee in a most nni,'iacioiis
liulit. iiinl wliat must iillimatolv oeciipv tlie most iiiipo|nilar |osilion, liv <!<>
oiariii'; fliev wcii> not rcsjumsiidc* to the people, and coiild not l»e made \<<
i." so in a Colonial Covornmcnt,
" Auil as it' to prove inconteslaMv lotliis i'rovinee, lliat tli<>y conld ex
»MMSI'
tl-.at p
lower to llie iniiiiy ot' its inlialiilanls, lli(< Mxcciil ive pivortinieiit
iindcr flic same administration, c.aitraiv lo liie expressi-d opinion of the in-
habitaiits. fi-o;u all ipiarlers. and ontiarv to the exiirossed opinion of tlicir
veprcs(Mita'l\ cs in tlie llonse of Assend'ly, ]a>rsisled in cariyiiii; into eH'ct
a measure, with' regard to .iprrif ti.ii/iih'iifs, wliii'li almost aiiiii
Idlati
\hi
trad
e, commerce
llld
credit ot till' coniitrv.
•' Tiiis pr.actieal test ereatid tlie most ijeneial discontent, and had the
otVect of producing more ad\ oc.vtes a .jaiiist the Colonial piiwers, than all
th;> aixiiniiNits e\er hefore a<l\ I'leed. ,
•• The l-cuislativc Coiun'ii do not possess thi> eetilidcncc of the cotintry.
Thire ;ire luiii<nir;d>le pxce)>tioll^, hut 1 spcnk oi' them as one hrimeli of iI.l'
C^vcnuhent. Mjiny hehl i>t1ices, Miid apjicnr to possess a separate and distiiut
interest from the hody ot' the peejile. llcau'c, the Ciovenior, the Kxiaitivc
I'oiincil, and the l.ejrislatiTe (\)uiu'il are ooiisiilercd as one branch, in contra
d'.stiiiotion to thp Hcmicc of Ci>iiini<M!s.
'•If a durahle siiuiTnnunt is formed for the-e eolonies. it must lie inore
popular in its oonstitulion : and to work well, oaeli of the three Itranehe.s niuj^t
posse,<s Its s parate and uu.--" wc!:rht.
Tl
lis e:\n
only he effected hy the Kxeciitivo
i'ounoil Willi; eoinpe<ted of iinlividu:ils from dilTcrent parts of tlie I'rovinco.
wht» may he called upon to iidviseon any imiiortaiit (jiustioii whieli relates to
the ironeral oiMnnuinity, whciiorer the tiovornor thinks proper.
" The other branch fhculd bo fscloeted from individuals from dilVercnt
{itstricts. at least one from etich. the remainder pro rain with their population,
and should not hold any office under the I'rovinei.d lioTemmcnt.
■• I can see no i:ond reason why the same prinoiplos which predominate in
the Goyornuiont of Great Ikitaii, if iutroJueod hero, would not produce the
1H9
PHiiKM ITicIf* ; nnd .'iltli<pii;^li I <ln Hot ii|i|ii<ivr (ifflin olcotivo priiK^iplo liciii;; in
lrii(in('i'<l ill till' ^l'|^i^lalivt• ('(iiincil, (ijiiidoiir (•(UiifM'lH mi! to Miiy tliat, n LTd/it
iiDijiiiity "'' III"' |H<n|il(' vviiiilil ('(•(•! Iictlcr HiliHlii'd if at. IciHt a jiart, waH ciiotril
t'liim ill"' ilill'tTi'iil iliMlrictH,
" It in ri'|Hii led tliat ydiir lOxcrllciicy lia'* l.il;<'ti an '•TtciiHivcari'l cui |iicln n
sivc vi«!\v (if "Mir ( JuvciiiMMiil, luiiiH'ly a iini'irMirall tlicrnlinr IJritiHJi I'niviiKw.
Tliix iiic'iKiit'iMM ituikin;^' tluMiKiMr, faviiural)!)' iiiiprrKHiiin, tin; ihod- il. va diM-
cUHM'd, aiMJ iryiiir l']x('rll''iicy caiMinly I'llrct, tliia one iilijrct, imivcrH.d sat-
iNl'acliiai would iit unci', and (Hi Uk; (inl.«t't, hi; Mlaiii|iid on tin; iiicaHiirr, 'I'lic
im|)iiilaiirc nl' wliicli, n-iulrrH it uocoHHHnry that itn vn\'.<'Xn Hhouhl ho wll <;)ii-
sidcird, in all th<'ir hfarin(:;H.
"A uiiinn 111' I '|iprr ami linwi'i' (/V'mi.hI.i would lie (wiually witinCarfory fo
||ii> inlialiilaiil'4 of this I'loviurr, |inividi'<| ii |irrpiiui|i'raui;<! win i^ivfii to tlm
inliahilaiitM id' Hrilish oiiiiin. 'I'ft tliiH proji'cf, ohji-otioiiH an; nr^iul hy thi' in
lialiilantHid' liowcr Caiiad I, lln'jiistirc (d' which it Ik iisidrsH to at pn-Hirit di-<
cuss.
" Till' Mirasurc propoHi'd hy your Kxiinllmfy, to unit(! all tli'! IVovinricfl, r<! -
iiiovrs lliosc oliji clioMs. Till' only (|nrslioti Cordi^^iMisHion tln'ii is - win ihir flu;
i'ruviiici's rould lir hcst ;_'ov:rni'd hy a united l<(';i;islitur", as in I'litiin, or
I'roviiicial or Statu Ic^islatun', with a finrral (lovnriiiniiiut or Coii;^r<;Hn, hh in
the I'nitrd Stati's.
" 'i'ln' nnitcxatinii III' il si'ii port, III I 'ppcr ( 'iiiimiIh in ailinil trd to ln' ah-
Holiili'lv iKM'csKiii'y l>y all pai'lifH, and I'Vfn l,liii< (•liaii;.^' alone wonhl l.f- nnt-
isfartory t<» the inhalutanlH of I'ppi r Canada.
"On llio piiii'lical opi'iation or llnul n:Hnlt of this rpicKtion, will t!if
liihiri'lanio ol" yoiir I'lxi'i'lli'iii'y i'<'Ht. 'I'o insnro it Ixiyond the poHHiiiility of
il'ir.iil or cavil, llic fiilowin;; sinipli' nii'llii! i is most ri'Sp«!('tfnlly nuliniitlfcj.
" In caso y<»ui' i'lM'idh'ni'y roiiMiil'TH fnithrr dolay ininc('i'f;Haiv', a/id in-
trndH rcfuiniiicndiii;,' iiroiisliliition at onri', for Iho appidv.il of tin; Iniporial
I'arlia.nicnt, di'ridi' on ono lii'/^'inlaturo for- ihi^ whoh', and a repiial of our
local li"4i';hilnri's, and ndii'vc uh from the iinncccs.saiy expense of niaintain-
iiif^ useless and powerlcus ( {oveininiMits ; (thoeivil list of thi.s I'l'ovince uloii",
cxceediii},' £.5(1,000 per aiiiiiini.)
" \i>\\v I'Acellciicy will lie asHured tlif? inlialiitantn are firmly attaehed
tot!iM i'lritisli cons! it ut ion, as now eHtalilished, and desire no elian;,'f'. Tli';
unliiased opinion of the |)eop|e can lie ascf-rtained oidy hy those wIk) u.sho-
(■i!ili' willi them, to whom they freidy communicate: and if I am to takri iho
opinion of those with whom I havc! conversed, in two or three dist.riets, 1
do not 111 lieve that there is one out of one hundred satisfied with thr; pre.s-
ciit (lovernment of this Province, an now a<lmini;;tei-ed.
" And i'iivtli(M', they never will ho satisfied until those Provinces licootnf!
oiHially as desirable a, placo of residence as the; L'nited States. 'J'his is in
the power of yom- i'lxcellency to effect, and oven make it inons .so, }>y con-
centrating the powor in one liC^^islature, without which it will he in vain
to make further exptn'imonts in the land-;^rantin^' ihipaitmcnt, to encoiira;(<)
extensive emigration. Tho attempt has heen mad(! a^^aiii and a;,'ain I Homo
thirty thousand souls came out for two or three years in .succession, tliifM*-
fourlhs of which, at least, and many think nine-tonths, found their way to
the l'nited States. And whatever ommigrat ion may hereafter he made, we
will continue to he only a mere thoroughfare to that country."
l!)0
Afffr piTln^MM r^xi'ollom'v hii ni'i'«niiU of flip »'«»inini>n«liil n<lv»lll^.n^0N of
tlnM)i>u;Mn»»vii(K M»n)i<H, from ll\i»ii' linviiv; Monpin In itinl iiii|ii'itvi<in<iiil.f4 cnii
)\is(in,v; (liiMt) witl\ (lio inti'i i«<i . (In' Ixlloi (oi inut.ili'H IImin
" WliiU N huiuiliiUiuj; •"piM'Im'lo I'oi iiM iliion tliiK mIiiU> hI' IImiij^m |iii'nfiil,
wlioM «'i<\>tn»Ht«'tl «i(li (li«« |ui>m>iil Mitunliiiii ol l'|i|ini itml l<<iw«i|' ( 'iiiiiiiln,
wIum-*' wo iM't' rww |nit>li(' xmmK in iiIm>>iuu'i<. |iiili|h- • i cilil niiiiiliil.tlcil,
jin>|>i'rtv vi»lu«l(>sM, 1(11(1 iim only ImpK iff^l m..; on tli«i cnutMiipliiloil cliiiii^n
III o»ir p«i>MOi\t hvhUiu.
" '|'li<» oiuiso wlii>'l\ l\!>n oNtt'iiNiMv |iro(Iii.'»>(l lliin i'oh(immI '\h (|iim In |||,'
\\\\ i>.ion ol" I'own iu om I .I'lMMliihin'M nl I |i|n-i miil I.owim ( 'mimlu.
" I liior lilt' lioiKMii lo l>i<. niy I. (till,
" N o\ir iuohI oIumIkmiI Ncrxniil,
•WILLIAM IIAMII.ION MKinillT
"St v'lUlumiH"., lh<ln>t ol' NinjvMiu,
" I poi 1 « 'iinoiiii. "
Tliis WrtN N\toornlf»l l»v oilui eoinmmiu'iilionN. j-lviiij; Mm Kx»'«<IIrii(v ilir
\s*M>hN of liiN long I'vi-^incs^ iiihl I I'lviMlaliM" cvjicriiMicc. wliii-li Iiiim< nlrnidv
Ixvnslimxn (o soiuo rvU'iit \\\ ('His woiK. hikI will lio fnr(ln-r oxlultilcil
tlwrins; (1\<' swlininistrulions llinl wfic Mppoiii!.>>I t.i.'uriv owl l.onl I )iiiliiinrs
Moliov. Wo 0!U\not lm( rr.^^Mnnon.l Sn l^'inuris lli'iiil's iiiuiii(i\i> in iiiinwrr
with tUo iv|>orl. ;» < liioN liodi lonn ini|nirl;inl iloiiiiiK'nlN in our ("iiiuiilinn
liistvM'v. ;\n>l ;uv l>.>l!i tolx' l"> in.l in tin' I .oi',iNlnli\ t< |(roct>o(lin_i;N nf IH.'lK.
Siv .John ('oll'ovnr onloicil into tl\e inlininisluilioii of llic < oivcriiiiioiil.
A j>uvlann<!ion >.*( unmosly Ikmii-^ issnod on lli«» 'J?inl of Octnhor, \\y
Sir <;oovg«» Aitlniv. was sn.-crrilo.l liy s\ <',ill of (li(> niilitin,
1 .oiil l^nrhinn'K oonciliiUoiv s|v>i>,lii»« |i:i<l no clfoi'l ii|ion Ow ifvulnl ion
ists. «ho still ortiJ'irti on llirir I'lols t\> (ooihl n /tt/iii!i/ii' /inf, n( ii soir
ilist;\iu^ on tlu« othor si«lo of tl\r liTor,
NovtMulvr ITtli. An atlnok on Tirsootl. follownl hj one iit Windsor.
\(\\l\ Nonio iloswitovv Inirnings ulouj; iIk> frniiti«»r, woroull llu' llo^tilo or niili-
t«vv ilomonstn^tions »»»vomplisli»vl.
'I'luMivuMos thrttworo r<M\t'v\(>vl in tlio tiill, iiiv (lins notii'cd l>y onr siili-
itvt in i« lottor to Pi- rivn«lt»ruast ;
"St. ('.•.tuauinks. Not. IStli. IS.'^S.
• My Pkak K.VVHKK :- ♦ * * >f; Yon will havo li«'artl, lirforo this
»v,"*ohos you. Trtvious aivoinit.'j of tlu» rtMiow.il of lioNlilitios, hotli in l^pprr and
l.owor <.\»iirtda. 'V\u truth is, tln> oountry is in u bad stato. inasinnoli a.s all
business is iu a iiiannor suspiMidod, and I foar it may nMnain so for a year
ov t*o. but T\o pei"sou nrod boundiM'rtny a|>j>roli«»iision .hr to the r»'siilt. 'I'lit^
outlnvak in l.owor I'auada is ■witliout ooiiorrt, nioiioy, luatorial or mou. In
Upjvr O.-iiiada an att^iok lias boon uiadeat .lobnstown. bolow Prrsoott, by
two or th'.V6 hunditsl nion, who havr boon all killod or tnkrn. and wo have
no ro«s\Mi to npprohoiui uny danjjor from th« attaok« of any hrijjands of this
doscviptiou : my only fo.ir is thoy will ombioil tlio nations in a war, if so. it
will bo a givat evil, and the pros{>ority of both countrios will bo not only
greatly imj>e<U\l. but most seriously injurod.
I '.'I
" IlmiiHr «iiVN w « III III- iiiMii|r,| \,y MDiiiK iiivi>iii>|i> \,,i\ i'mm (lie hi.
1.11(11(0 mIiiii.', t.lmt iiiiiiH'ruiiM mi-i-liiiKM iii»< lii>M, imhI h |iii|/(. f,„,•,^ coiiimi/
tVniii ^1il■lli^llll Id liKwiHttiii, lull I (III iiul. Iiclidvft il,.
" Hclii'Vii iiii«, iiHi'dinniilcIv v<'iii'<
" vy. n \Mii;ioN MKii'idrr-
I »««ii'iiiIpM /XllilMii el' lli« iImv, nlif'ililijr lliii (|r|i|PMwif.li rif ) |,«. |,i|,„,^
WMti "liuwii ill III" ilnni'HNff of l.lit |iii|iiilnliiiti i,f lliiriiillon, |||i.|, iiiii,il,f„i|,j,
.\,'.\\'?. TJ.ti tlrnciiMr, ^
'I'liK milling liiiMiiimm, in whirl r iiiilii(.c|, wuh liii^jfly iiil,iii<Ml,o(| |ihi|
iiiiw lnMiimoiHi <'\h«'iiiii viMiriil i in | mi Inn I Iniiin'li nf oiii niiiniif'iiil,iii"H, ilml l\(r
Mi'i I ill. Iiii'l iiitoinlv I Hliililiiiliiil II |iin|ll,il.|(. IiimI" ill Ni'w Vr)il<, wlicn., |,y
ill.- riii|.i«i im it V of \\m (Iiitir, il. ^iiiin-il n .ri.,,.! tiiiiniv 'I'liin y,.„|. |,,. (|r.ri.|(.,|
ii|ii.ii III ill I'lii lli«r r<<l«>n<liii;^' liin Iriulc, iiii'l I'liii.niinxii.iii'il Mr. < 'ovcnli y, jii-i
oli'iU. wli iWMi Kiiin;;l..i Mii;iliiinl. I.o vinil, lii»i I'l inniln, |,it (,ir.,|- /'.hk iJiunHiinil
Iimiii'Im I'liiHiiln in lln' l<iv(<r|Miiil inuikrl, wlii. Ii n.ili' wmt Miion ••irr-cl,iv|, i,ui\
Hlii|ini(<nlH ninliniKMJ willi viiiyin;^ Mntu^i-HH, ii|. h. liiw iliM|i.iiiMl nl' Iii»i mhIIh.
'I'lic linlli I II"' '•iiitiil, iliii III!; lilt" iiiiiiiiiHi l.iiMi?icHH, Hlifiwnl nii in«-i'«<fiHf
..riii'iulv lillv |i.>i '••'III., nllli'pii;;li Miirmiliiy. I,li.' I'l «••;) |,.||i' .,| 1 1,.. |;,„,i,| |,„,|_
III liiH liinl ro|M»il. I'lir llm ynn- |H:I7, mUi'inl 11..' i<l>iiii>|iiniiii nl ..r i|i,. r.„ini|
liy I, ho ( J.ivoriimcnl., mm In* <liil tiul, l.hink il, wniilij r\^,\- |(|.,vc h j.,iyin^' ii,
\rst,iu('nl.. llM iini'i'fviii llii'< vmi' wn't im (l-iiilil, i^rfnil.ly (liic Id t.ii«« cici IJuiih
ininh' liy M V. MiNi'ill, wiio, wIhImI dm liii pri vnh' Iiiihiip«,.. ji, (,|,(. Sfdi,,..,^ vv.i-i
fdliliniliillv li'lii.n ill'.; niijcrli.niH h>, ;ilii| ml v ii>'iil,ili;^' |,|.(« ".M|i('ii(||»it,v ol' fiii;
n.iilo. When III. luiiii" II'", an Im-I'dih, nM'ilcii liiiii'.i-ir with l!i.' (iiiiJioi itic^
ill powrr, II) liiivn us iniirli lciii''ii<y nln^w n an |i'i(i!;il.|c to tl.c i.iiMifioiM mii
fjiiiijcij mm wliii wi-rn imw Iji"^' i" •'!"" |'ii.H<>iiH, fui pui Licijciljon in tho
iiivaMloiiM; mill wo liiivn ifiistdii lo lirliiivo l.liaf, liiKrlliiilH in this «liic«!ti*jii
was nol. wliiilly iiii!ui.'c('sr<riil, an iiiiiiir«inii'i mwH ciin liuti fy ; iiinl liaiiiKJinn'i.t,
WHS, ill iiioHt CiiHim, Hiilmlitiil.cil Cni- ••n|ii(.iil |>niiiMliin»Mil.. Sdium caw-M nf hiui
ishiiiont, (if Liiwor ( "lUiniliiiiiH U> l?Miiiiiihi., iinL with tln^ <li;«i|-).ioviil of {\i<-
(Viloiiial S(>cit'>t.iiiy in liondon ; ami liiii«l Dm IiamconKidMin;,' hiw jiiiiH<li<;ti«<ii
iiil(>rrni(!il with, inHi^^mMJ, luid n-tiinm<l Ut Kii;,'lami.
A HBcnit Hocirly waw at wmk in tho lliiitcul HtatfH, and Mr. M<Mritt aiirl
his rricmlHuii tlm otiicr sido, dcHiring jHMicd, caiiwd IIh-mi to pay too litth;
KlUMitioii to llirir macliiiiationH, as tho Col lowing,' (^(jnoHi.oiidonf'f) will hIiov.
" (I'ovcrnmeid JIouhi; 'Jitli I)of;ofnl)or, 1838,
" .My DnAK Siu :
" 1 havo to iioknowlodgo tho loooipt of your two favourn, date«l .'JOtli ult.,
anil loth iiint., wliidi camo to;,'otlifr on I 1th in.Htadt ; hut siiifo that tiim*,
tli« piosHuro of tliity has Ixmmi suoli, that I havo found it inijuacticublfe to
iuiswor tlieiii at an i-ailior date than tho proHcnt.
for
O
ir»»(:i i;ilT7iii (vufni '•ki.-^-- -. — -.— ^
'■ I roLTot to obnorvo, that you havo takon tli»! rf-rnaikH rontainod in my
rmor lottor, in a Honso foifUf,Mi to that w hich was intended to ho conv!;yo(i.
will" to tho incrodulity which prevailed with many good and zealouH hub-
jocts, respocting tho ext«nt and danger of the conspiracy whicli had been
Ill -J
foniii'il witliiii llii' Ami>riciiii l»niiiiliirv, Mini wliirli tlicv tli<l not In sitiid' to
avow tli*< i-nll \i|ioii tlic coitiilrv, w liicli I lie l.iriiti'iiiiiit ( iovri-imi' coiisiiliicd
it iii'foshiirv ti> iiiiiko, was not cvi'iywlinn ic'crivt il in tln» spirit wliicli tlic
iictdiil crisis (lid most iMTliiiiily ii'i|uiii>. Tlu' injiirv llmwilonc w. s iiiuiiiCtKl,
mill lu\(l il not lii'cii for tln< iiii rv'ftii' foiirsc imumii'iI liy tin* ' lovciimirnt,
ti»it{lit Imvo lici'K irrcimralili'. I tlH'rclor do nut. tliiiik yon cuiild liiivf unv
^'roiiiid oi" i"( iii|ilainl , or of otl'ciifc, if in iiddiCNsiiiL; you as a ■.'•'iillcinuii nl'
a|>|>ro\('d loyalty and zeal, I poiiitt'd out llic evil conMMHirnci ,s ol' laisinj;
donltts ill tlio pulilic mind rrs|icctiii;,' iIh- iicrcssity of tin* foinsc a(ln|pt((l iiv
tlu> (!o\('niiinMil. I''t'\v now rcniain in tin- ronntry wjio do not admit lliai
tlii» iiitrllit;<Mici> olitaincd liy tin' < Jovcrnincnt i'('s|H<('lin!^' tlic plots oC tlic A iin'
rican liri;,'aiids ami Canadian I'oriim'i'H, was Niii^jiilai ly corn'i't. and irrcivi'd
at so «"arly ii |ii'riod as to cnaldf His l'l\i«llcncy to tinstiatc llic plans i;<i<i
for suipiisinu; sonu" impoiiant pianls on tlic IViiiiticr. It is to iic liopi'd
\(ai also liavo ln't'ii conviiu'cd on this |ioinl liy iccnl octui ifnccs.
" I haxf laid I'd'orc Sin (Iiumuji: Auihi u li-.th ycnr Idlers, iis wcU as
till' eoniiuunieations you rt'ecivfd iVoni Mr. SlaiK wcallirr of t 'Icseland, and
Mr. ( "ro.Uer ot" C>sw(>i,'(). Tliosi" two gentlemen proiialdy liold a plaic anioiii,'
the more rt'sp(>ctal>Ie ot .\merieaii eili/i'iis, mid inordinary times and rir-
eumstanees, 1 should not hesitate with y<ai to iitlaeh implicit credit to tlieir
divlaratioiis. At present, their statements are to he received with exti'i'nie
caution and jealously. N'othini,' need lie added (o my foinier ohservalioiiH
upon the letter of Mr. Starkweather. ( M' Mr. Crocker's, it need only lie re-
marked, that it eoulains declarations which no one e.in credit, who knows
tliat the plots ot" the iiinti/iinj vifijaboiuh were sent to no iiihaliilant ot'
(tswet;o. Mr. Crocker rtiay perhaps not he a sworn hunter, l>ut the teiiour
ot' his letter shews that ho is not uurriendly to tlieii' |>rojects.
•' All n-llectinu men will, like yourself, eoncui- with His lOxcelleucy in
(leprociitiui: a war, although all may not he eipially sauLruine in tlu-ir hopes
that the existini; violent spirit within the American lines may ever lie siih-
ilned without a national collision.
"His Kxcelleucv desires nu> to say. that he considers the views you
have exiucssed respcctiiii; the draftiii'j; of militia men for actual .ser\ ice, de-
serve great nttentiim. You can have no idea of the troulde which has hcen
occasioned to Sir (Icor^e Artluir liy the lUH'cssity of a sudden call iipcn t\u'
militia, t'or tV.e prott>ction of the Province, and tlie dilticulty of wieldiin,' a
force hitherto so much overlooked as respects organization and discipline.
" 1 am now to ii'tuni you the two letters you Mere so i;nod a.s lo send
for ]icrus,il ; altliouiili you intimate that these are the last you will thus ti'aiis-
mit, you will doubtless continue to conimunii-ate any that you may considei'
useful to the CJovernment.
" 1 lun,
" AIv dear sir,
*' Your's very truly,
" J. MACAULAY."
To show that this caution Avas not witliout its evils, tlirough the
reports of the Governor's agents, the high rewards given to informers,
caused a great many among the oldest and most respectable families to be
viewed with suspicion. Amorg tliese were Col. Nellis and our subject.
The year closed with the prospect of anything but a speedy settling down
(
1 D.'J
to |)iNirnfiil piirNiiits. 'I'lir iiiilitiii wnv. Hiill iiinlcr (iniiH. Tli«» |if()|(lM wf>r«
<»('ttiiiji UMoil to tlif iiiilitiiiv |>it»|VMMii)ii, mill (In- ;4l(uiiiiiH tniilitiini of tlmir
iincKHtoiH prowoHH iM tin* last war' mailc tin-in, cMiicciiilly the youii^, not
avofHo to tli<M-oiilli(-l. Tin* |>a|M'rH on Itotli h'u\vh inltli'd tu tln> lluiin*, hy
oxa^j^cratcd icportH of hordcr ontiuf^nH.
To hhow thn injiii-y tloin- tin- I'loviini' l>y ilivtirtinx tin* fur tnnlc tliroiij{li
irinlHon'H I'.ay tin* last <|iiiii't('r of a (^t-iitiiiy, tln-ir valin- wan tliirt y»iar
L'-';"»(>,(H»(), nil that \v<<i« it'i|iiiitM| in tliis coiintiy li;nl tu In- it«piir(;liaHti<l
froni tin) coiiipaiiy'H stoio.s in London.
18 3 9.
'i'ln* Holiday 'h were spiMit witli lln' family at Iikiim- ; diiiini,' at his
fatln-i's on ( 'hristnniH, a social party was In-ld at lii.s plaic Ni-w Voar'H day.
On tin' .".1(1 In- l<*ft for llaMiniainl, on a vi.sit to Ids lonstitin-ntH, and
aiTanj^in;,' tin- Inisinnss of tin- (Jraml iJivi-i- Navi;,'ation Co. 'I'lnMf liad licttn
no n*|ioit pMlili.sln'd for fonr yrars. Tin* principln ohjiict of lln* luffscnt
visit was tin* ;,'('tlin!.,' out of astatcnn-nt foi- tin' next liCj^islatnii*. Tlif report
was dated lUtli January, at Seneca. It was tin* wann- as tin- Weliand
Canid, vi/: Tliattho (Joveimnent should, in failure of iis.siHtanci*, a.ssuin(!
(i\vin'ishi|i of the whoh* work.
Mrs. Mei-ritt f^ives sonn* items peculiar to this tinn' of troulile ami anx-
iety, in a l(*tter to her nmther, Mrs. I* , dated the Dili of January.
" At New ^'eal■'s a lar^'C family party dined here, the hoys wei'e all
life and animation. New Vttar's Kvi*, K — and ('. A wei'o Iierc*, tlmy Hat
\\\> till 2 o'clock, and took their cannon out to the street, and tired it twice,
it was heard at tin* fiirtla!!' (siid of the villa;,'e. Most p(*|-.sons knew what it
in(*ant, thouLjh sonio were frij.,ditened. Mrs. R — told ine tliatshe thought
it was a signal that tin* rebels had conn*.
"II. got lK)nio from hi.s tour to Kraiitfoi'd and Haldimaiid on Wediios-
day evening. l\o says times through the country appear gloomy and di.s-
couraging. Sonn* of the farm(;i's .say they don't intend to do mudi ; if the
fences fall down they Avill put them up, Imt will not split a rail to make
new ones. There is no emigration into the country, ami still .some going
out. H. says the country is luinisd foi- years to come. We don't see it
in tliis (puvrter or any where on the lines, for in truth it's jtretty well Hlleil
up with troo))S, but in the hack townsliips, from Oxford to ^lahlen, and
on tlie Hi vor 8t. Lawrence. Some talk pretty strong of war with the United
States. H. is often drawing comparisons of the ditl'erence of prosperity and
improvement of the two countries.
"Governor Arthur hasjust gone to Maiden to see the state of the country.
H, says he hope.s the roads will all break up, so he may ju.st.see what roads
we have.
194
On hiH rotuin from hiH military iiiNpoction, extending uh fur us Miild«'n>
Sir (Jeorgo Arthur i»iihh('<1 Ht. ("athnriiiOH on thn 22inl to tlio Niagara
frontier, ri'turuiii;^ tilt! L'.'Jnl. Shortly after, ^fr. ISIoiritt addressed a series
of lettois at the (tovernor's re(|nest, to him, on tho finaneial all'airs of tlie
Province. They an^ similar Ut those a<ldress(Ml to "the High Commissinner,
Lord Durham, and consiHt of seven, dated from the 10th to the IHth, which
may ho summaricMl as follows :
" >ray it please your Kxeellency, with a hope yotir Excellency may
hav«' an oppoitunity of ilevotirij,' a small portion of your time to the civil
alhiirs of the Province, which yo\ir callinj^ of the Legislatiire Hcems to indi
cato, and in compliance with yonr personal rc<pu'st, 1 will devote a portien
of my time diiiinL; the present week, in pointinj,' out the prominent causes
which have produced the present unprecedented depression, and in fUf:},'est-
ing foi- your consideration, such measures as are likely to aflbrd the most
sjioedy ndirf.
Ist. I.S a rcHume of his financhil attts in which In; had been engaj,'ed as
member. 2nd. Atlvocatin;^ public credit for })ublic works. 3rd. Pritish
trade on the St. l/iwrence rivaled liy Mississi])pi. tth and Hth. Adnutting
our f,nain free of duty to (Jreat Hritian. (ith and Tth. Foi- union, and for the
ri<,dit to initiate acts of trade. C'losinf(. " My remai-kH are not intended to
lit! either personal or political, they are directed against onr ]tresent system,
under which the wisdom of Solomon conld not nuiko this a pros])erous
country. ^ W. H. M."
A f(!W days before leavin;( for the Lei^islature, jNfr. INIerritt, as was his
custom, wrote thnvn the subjects most necessary for attention during the
session. This memorandum is dated 'JOth February. The giving notice of
empiirii.,- into the state of the Province, was a chief subject for Legislation.
On the 27th of February, Parliament opentMl, and in tho Governor's
speech, I'cference, in a congratulatory manner, was made on the suppi-ession
of the rebellion ; and hopes expressed that trade wouhl again resume its
ordinary cour.se as heretofore, in peace and harmony.
Notice was given on the first day, (2 Uh,) for a committee of the House,
on the state of the-Province, for Wednesday 28th ; and Mr. Merritt with Mi'.
Robinson were api)ointed a committee to draft an address to iiis Excellency^
respecting the resignation of the Earl of Durham.
March 2nd. For Committee on Finance ho got the"most ballots. On
the 14th the Finance Committee reported, and 2U0^copies ordered.
March 23rd. Three resolutions on the state of the Province were
brought in by the committee — 11 to 35, for a union, and sending agents to
England. The amendment to dissolve the House was lost by 11 to 33. It
is melancholy to i-ecord that an amendment not to di.senfranchise the French
Canadians of their national rights was defeated by a large'majority.
On the 24tli it was re.solved that the Engli.sh shouldbe the language in
the united Legislature.
The 14th resolution was that the Si^eaker, Sir A. McNab and Mr. Merritt,
member for Haldimand, be commissioned to proceed to* England to repre-
105
sent tlio r«'Koliit*oiis, and advooato tliciii Wfore th«* Tiiiperial Pailiatnont.
1(»00 copies of tli(! llcjiort wtMo printcil. Tliis rt'purt was sent to tlio LfgiH-
lativo (y'ounril for co-operation.
To add to tlic complications, th« acts of sympathizers in tlie States taking
part with our malcontents in ('anada, was copied in the eastern section.
On the 24th of Janiuiry, a military expedition from AFainc had marched
into and taken possession of the disputed territory hetween MainiMind New
Brunswick. This loused the war discu.ssion ouoe more ; l»ut the evil wuH
averted by forbearance, and surrondoring the greater part of the territory in
disjtute.
An address had been passed in the litter jMirt of ^rarcli, reriecting on the
conduct of the aggresion of the State authorities of Maine, and was as follows:
"That this House would be alike wanting in giatitude and patriotism,
were we to hesitate U) assure the gallant New Hrunswiirker's that, however,
we should regret a war with the United Stat(!s, wo nevertheless pledge
ourselv(!S that should such a result procee<l from th(^ conduct of Maine on
this occasion, that we will HUp|)ort, maintain and deftnid the rights, itc,
with our energies and our lives, and to infoiin Sir John Harvev thereof.
"A. McNAB, Sl'KAKEK."
On the 1st of .Vpril a u'iw oommittoo was struck on the state of the
Province, particularly concerning the foreign invasion. Prince, Sherwood,
Chisholm and Robinson were members.
About tlie same time appeared the report of Lord Dui'ham's administia-
tion in the provinces, and this, without the action of, or of course, appro-
bation of the Imperial Parliament. The entire proceeding was against the
popularity of his lordship, and the coldness of his associates, so worked on
his sensitive nature, that passing into retircMnent, he sliortly afterwards
sickened and died.
On the 9th of April appeared the Report oi the Select (Jonuuitte on
Finance, of which Mr. Merritt was chairman. It gave a most favourable
account of the increase of the revenues, now ecpialliug one million of dollars.
They recommended that without a(Ming any more burdens on the people, this
sum be judiciously a}»plied to improving our navigation, so as to become a
revenue to the country, and prevent ever thereafter the imposition of more
taxes. The management of the canal appears to have been left in the same
hands, and little doing except preliminaries.
The Governor in answer to an address from the House for information
froi.i the Colonial Office, on the subject of union, made the following reply:
" I have received no communications on the subject, except a copy of the
Report from the Earl of Durham, which has just reached me, anil which I
readily place in your hands."
" We think it just to give the opinion of the President of the Canal,
after another year's experience on the subject of improvements, and allow-
ing his extended pi-actical and patriotic view of the Union.
196
" ToHONTO, Febuary 20th, 1839.
'" !My Dkar Sir: — I bog to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 18th inst., ami to say tliat I lia\e duly laid before the Lieutenant Gov-
ernor, all the j)aperT which you have recently trannniitted for His Excellen-
cy's consideration, and whi<'h I .sliall endeavor at my tirst leisure moments
to obtain an oj)[)ortunity of reading.
" We agree generally, with respect to the importance of impi-oving tlie
many great advantages of our country, and the necessity of promoting the
increase of our trade and intercourse with the Mother C'ountiT, and with
foreign states. On all these points, too, I derive great profit from the infor-
mation which you are continually ac'cumumulating.
"My remedy is to add to Upper Canadiall of the lowei- province, except
the north bank of the S. Lawrence, from Argenteuil, eastward, and the
Districts of Quebec and (rai-po, which are alien in almost every respect to
■us. We should then have a noble Upper Province, and a seaport, and if
wo could not then manage our own affairs under a discreet metropolitan
supervision, we should, in some measure deserve the anarchy that would be
in store for us. " " Yours faithfullv,
" J. MACAULAY."
The following shows an important act, being a tardy remuneration by
tlic Legislature for a public enterprise :
Circular to the wiijiiuil Hh'.irehuhh'rs in the IVeflinn/ Canal Co.
ToHONTO, U. C, Gth May, 1839.
Sir: — ^ly object in making this communication is to prevent the
original shareholders from disi)osing of their Stock under its true value.
An act has this day passed the Commons House of Assembly })y a veiy
large maji rity, authorizing the Uovernm<,'nB to purchase ct the private
sliareholders in the Welland Canal, aiul there is no reason to suppose it wilt
not meet the concuirence of the the other branches of the Legislature
iiuthorizing the Goverment to jiurchase. The terms are as follows :
"1st. The Provincial Government is authorized to issue debentures in the
usual manner, payable in twenty years, foi' the amount of stock held l)y each
individual, bearing interest at 2 per cent, for the tirst year, 3 per cent, for
the si'cond year, and so on thereafter.
" It further jirovides, that so soon as the sum of £30,000 pei- r nnum is
i-oceivod from tolls, each shareholder shall Ik; entitled to receive the amount
of their back interest, since the dates of their resi)ective subscrijitions were
paid in -the interest on these ilebentures is secured l)y the income to be
derived from the work.
" I cannot refrain from expressing the gratification I feel in being cn-
sibled to announce to the original subsoribers, that they will ultimately 1)0
paid principle and interest o) their investment, in a work, which for mag-
nitude and utility, cannot be surpassed on the continent of Aiuerica, and
■for the construction of which the public is indebted to their earl j^nterprisc.
" I have the honor to be, Sir,
" Your obedient servant,
" W. H. MERRITT."
A change had occurred inimical to the decision of the House, regard-
ing the delegates to England The upi)er House had returned the bill, sub-
stitutinir J. B. Robertson for Mr. Merritt. A discussion arose in the House
197
u tlu>
eacli
iwt. for
o
ill, sub-
House
on its reconsideration. Neither ^Mr. Merritt, Robertson, oi- Sir Allan luul
the opportunity of representing the wishes of their country to the British
people, before the Imperial Parliament. Tlie following correspondence iind
article from the St. Catharines JimraaJ, will tend to explain the circum-
stances of this change, not altogetlier indicative of the very consistent views
of some of the members of the House.
" Mr. Merritt, as ho himself asserts, was nover a party mm, yet we
ourselves, were under the impression that prior, and at the cointnencment
of Ills Legislative course, he was sonifiwhat too strongly tinctured with
principles at variance with tlie peace, prospf^rity and good government of
this colony, — we mean Toryism ^although we were, and still arc unable
to name a solitary public or private act, that could justify such a suspicion-
It miist have arisen from his conn;jtion wltli, and sup,)Oit of, the
Episcopal Church in this place. Wo have watched his })rocyedings in the
r^ygislature, and have ever found him the constant advocate of measures
which he himself considered of beneticial inijiortance to the Government,
and the unilinching and independent suppressor of all svich as ha I a con-
trary tendency.
" Happily for the peace of the Government, Loid Durham's mission to
Canada has formed a rallying point, around which are assembled those
who embraced the interests embodied in the Repoit, anil i-esulutely deter-
mined to enforce its adoption, and by having a responsible government,
with constitutional ]»rinciples relieve the Province from impending ruin.
" Nothing more conclusively shows the narrow, envi-jus and spiteful
character of the Hagerman cUque, than their sjjiteful cond i ■\. \\\ relation t>
.sending a commis.sion to England. It is well known that Mr. Merritt and the
S{)eaker were appointed by the House to this important mission, to which
the Legislative Council refu.sed to assent ; but, by way of amendment to the
Assembly's bill, they sti-uck out the name of ^Ir. Merritt, and on their j>art
added the name of Mr. Robertson, now in P^nglaud, and return t he bill to
the House for their adoption, who on this occasion very justly as.seited
their dignity, ;; for the insult offered them, in the person of ^Ir. Merritt'
literally kickec t the I'ill altogether.
" Such has ueen, and such will be, the thanks which every one may
expect who pursues such an independent course.''
Mrs. Meri'itt notices wliy the Commissionei"s were not sent :
" H — came over on the 20th of April for a short timr^, and gave as a
reason for not sending commissioners, that tlie Ctovernment for the colonies
were to be settled in the British Parliament about Easter, and they coulil
not arrive in time to be of any use."
His son William in the same epistle, refers it moie directly to the report.
" Since the arrival of Lord Durham's report Pa will not go to England,
as th-at corresi)onds .so much with their views and wishes."
"Government House, Toronto, 4th May, 18.39.
" Mv Dear Sir: — With reference to a re.">;it c )nv(u'sation at the
Private Secretary's office, between a member of the House of Assembly and
a gentleman provisionally in the service of the Governiuent, which has,
unfortunately, become a matter of notoriety, and in wlticii \oui- name was
198
particularly introduced. I assure you that I have not heard of it without a
degree of regret, which has l)een considerably lightened l)y a consideration of
the place where it haiipened to occur.
" I have the honor to he, my dear sir,
" Yours very faithfully,
To W.M. H. Mehhitt, E.sq. . " GEO. W. ARTHUR."
" Rowsell's, Monday morning, Toronto, May Gth, 1839.
" Mv Dear Sir : — I have boon informed that a remark I made in the
course of private conver-sation, with reference to your having been sent as
an agent to England, has been brought forwai'd, with much aggravation
and in a most unaccountable manner, within the walls of the House of
Assembly. I therefore deem it due to myself to let you really know what
I did .say ; and, when I have briefly done so, I think you will agiee with
me in saying that the freedom of sjteech, in a British Legislature, was never
more arbitrarily and unjustly exercised than when it was used, on the
occasion to which I allude, for the purpose of blasting my prospects in
j>ublic life.
" While talking one day, at the Government Office, with Colonel Chis-
holm, the member for Halton, I believe I remarked to him — (I say believe,
because I have no distinct recollection of .so trifling and casual a matter)
that you were not a fit person to represent the British inhabitants of Upper
Canada, in any mission to England, because you were so American and
Democratic in your opinions. These might not have been the preci.se words,
but such, I am sure, must have lieen their exact tendency, for such is the
opinion I have ever entertained of you in your political character.
"After the pei-soual kindness I have experienced at your hands, I deeply
regret that any fair renuxnd of mine — which obviously was never meant to
be repeated to you, and which, according to the rules of society, never ought
to have been conveyed to you— should have been magnified into .such a
grave and ridiculous importance, or, if such has been the ctuse, should have
caused you a n\oment's annoyance.
" As a public man, you will readily concede that you are public proper-
ty. You have long been prominently before the public, and whenever I
have joined in any conversation, of which you were the subject for the
moment, I have never failed, while remarking on what I conceived to be
your Democratic bias on politics, to render my humble testimony to your
domestic worth, your charity, and your hou.sehold virtues, and to your
2>ractical loyalty as exhibited during the last war.
"Believe me .still, my dear sir,
" Yours very sincerely,
'' To W. H Merritt, M. P. P. JOHN KENT."
In Mr. Merritt's speech, on the last day of the session, upon the discus-
sion of this (juestioUjin the Canadian House, May 11th, he say.s, in advo-
cacy of the views embodied in Lord Durham's report :
" The plan recommended by Lord Durham is briefiy this :
" 1st. To remove the Colonial office from Downing Street, London, to
this si<le of the Atlantic — to transfer the power now vested in the Colo-
nial Minister to the (Jovernor. 2. Tiie Governor to represent sovereigl^ty,
to bear the same relation to the peoj>le of Canada that the Queen doe.s to
the peojilc of England. 3rd. To select for his advisers men at the head of
199
our Pioviiiciiil Dd));irtnient. 4tli. To retain their places no longer than
they arid supported l)y the Legislature.
" This is no Repu'ilican or elective institution. Here is no upsetting
the fouuihitions of society among us ; there is no turning men out of office,
from one end of tlie country to the other, iiTcspeotive of the manner in which
they discharge their duties ; here is the simple application of the tried
j)rinciplcs of the British Constitution in a British Province ; intelligent,
j)atriotic and loyal, and worthy of all the civil rights, as they possess the
intellectual and moral atti-ibutes of Britons.
'* Tiio only objection, that any but a Kopublican and Democrat can
argue against it is, that it would render this Province independent."
He also argues that the personelk of the Ministry would be a matter of
iudirterence to Britain, and it would ensure men of the first ability in the
country, and would remove all distinction of origin. The Governor stands
bone fide as the representative of Royalty — the sacred emblem of power,
the supreme administrator of the laws, and he will be placed also above
the order of the Imi)erial Minister.
" 3rd. Lord Durham's remedy will remove all danger of separation, and
will be an etiectual prevention against the introduction of Democratic or
Republican principles among the inhabitants. Give us the full benefits
of the British Constitution and we will become the admiration and envy
of the United States, an 1 retain what they do not possess — a strong execu-
tive gover.:ment.
" But I will at all times adhere to those measures that will secure the
peace, and promote the prosperity of Upper Canada."
The desertion Mr. Merritt had experienced from his friends, worked
upon liis feelings. There was a field of honorable distinction open, and in
which he had evidently set his mind, for by being made a representative
to England, right or wrong, concieved that he would be of great benefit to
his country, and he had the unpleasantness to experience that while engaged
iu the material improvement of the country, he got their support ; but when
attempting to rai.se himself out of the party role they had placed him in,
trying to advance himself and his countrymen politically, by representing
them at the British Court, he felt by this act, that it was their opinion " he
had better stay at liome."
His first object on returning was to get clear of the entanglement of
private busine.ss. He intimates this late in Juno, in one of his familiar let-
ters to his fatliei*-in-law, and that he will perpetuate his views by bringing
uj) one of his sons thereto.
" It is my intention to get out of active busine.ss. William H. Merritt,
Jr., I trust will at leasst make a .statesn)an."
For this purpose, and partly to advance his political scheme, he visits
the Lowei- Province.
He was accomjianied by the son alluded to, whom, on reaehing Albany
on their return, lie gave introductions to visit his friends at Byrom, near
200
New York. This was partly a reward for studious condvict, and a prepa-
ration for the serious study of the hiw, for which he hiul passed, according
to the Chancellor, the best exannnation.
On his return he completed his arrangements of leasing the mills ; and
the following advertisement appeared in the August number of the Jourmil:
"All business in connection with the Welland Canal Mills will hereafter
be conducted by J. INlittleberger & Co. Signed, W. H. Merritt."
The first use he made of his leisure was to address a letter on public
affairs to Mr. Nelson, member of the Executive Committee, in Lower Canada.
It appears in the ilournal of the l.^th, and is prefaced by a paragraph from
the Toronto Examiner:
" The admirable speech delivered by Mr. Merritt in favor of Responsi-
ble Government has been copied into several of the Lower Canadian jour-
nals, and has been reviewed at considerable length in the Quebec Gazette.^'
Mr. Nelson accuses Mr. Mei-ritt of asking the Government of Britain to
give millions for improvements, and in defence of the country, to a body
against whom they would have no security. Mr. Merritt controverts that
by the exami)le of the two public works.
" The management of the Rideau Canal is under some power of England,
to wl n those in charge here are responsible. The Welland has been un-
der the direction of those interested in the Province, the result, the people
of Upper Canada for the one have to pay an advance of from 5^ to 100
j)er cent, from Kingston to Montreal ; while on the other, the freight from
Detroit to Kingston is only what it was from Chijipawa to Queenston, in
old times."
With regard to the formation of a House of Lords, for which the Coun-
cillor accuses Canada of having no adecpiate nuiterial, he says, " We possess
" men of equal intelligence and wealth, compared to the |)opulation and
" wealth of the country, and to those with whom they Iiave to come in con-
" tju;t, as the people of England, compared to the population and wealth of
" that kingdom, and to the individuals with whom they have to come in
" contact."
The Canadas take six million dollars of Britisli manuf^icturos — half of
which is paid by English expenditure in this country — and closes by re-
marking : "Wo require an eijual or greater concentration of power than the
union of England, Scotland, Ireland have produced — like the State of
New York — that we may utilize the advantages of our position."
The evil of the unquiet and uncertain state of the country was .'itill
going on, for, in the .Awrnrt^ of 11th July wo i-eml : — "Emigration from
Upper Canada to the Western States is going on very rapidly." A corres-
])ondent in the London District writes, " that nearly half the poi)ulation of
that district intend emigrating. The Toronto Examiner is of opinion that
the Upper Province will lose one-fifth of its population by emigration to the
Western States.
201
Public meetings were now being held in various parts of the country;
some, as in Brockville, were the occasion of a riot. The following letter
relates to an important meeting held in Hamilton : —
" Your views res)iecfeing co'-nniittees, addresses, and union of Beformers,
coincide entirely with our own ; and we are busy organizing local commit-
tees. I beg you to understand I should have avoided calling together public
meetings had the choice rested with me, but the Reformers are at present
a straggling flock, and act without concert. I should be glad to hear tliat
you have determined upon a snug meeting in Toronto of a few of the lead-
ing Reformers of the Province, men of influence and character, who shouhl
determine on a plan for the guidance of the districts.
" E. Cartwriuht Thomas."
In September, a large and influential meeting was held at Niagara, the
County town, and still the most imi)Oi'tant place in the di.strict, to take into
consideration the state of the country, and Lord Durham's report thereon.
Mr. Merritt prepared a resolution (which he inti'oduced by a speech) "That
this meeting fully concur in the union, and a government according to the
model of Great Britain." Passed unanimously.
This initiation of the new reform in the old borough, was carried on by
circular. Similar meetings were held in other sections.
Some of tlie coadjutors for the work of reconstructing their country is
indicated in the following list of correspondents : — July 15. — E. Cartwright,
Thomas, Hamilton. Aug. 10.— Peter Perry, Whitby. 12— Hon. D Fer-
gusson, Woodhill, Nelson. 24. — A. Manahan, Montreal. G. H. Detlor,
Brighton. 27th.— J. H. Boulton. 28th.— Francis Hiiicks. 23d.— Tlios.
McKay. October 19. — A. D. Robling, Napanee. Richarsdon, Sandwich.
G. Tiffany, Hamilton. Nov. 18.— J. W. Powell, Townsend. Nov. 5.—
Attorney General Spence. August 12. — O. R. Gowan. Aug. 27th. — J.
Lockhart, Niagara. Sept. 12. — Cooper, Rainham. Sept. 4th. — Dr. Jarold,
Dunnville. 30. — D. ThorVtum, Queenston. Joseph Clarke, Haldimand.
Mr. Merritt, just befoi-e the meeting of Parliament, delivered his views
to his constituents at a public meeting of the freeholders at T, linl.am. A
letter from one of them, an Orangeman, gives his views and that of his fel-
lows on the great question of the day: —
" I am a Briton, and consequently dissent from the .sentiment e.\j)res.sed
in your speech. We want, my friends, a total change in the laws of the Pro-
viTK-e. We require the choosing of our own rulers, and to get rid of for-
oigii thmldom, and this shall before long be the case, and must be the case."
On Lord Durham's departure, the vejjort he had made on the country,
was 80 agreeable to the views of the respect^ible portion of the people, that
after a year of administration by Sir John Colborne, further delay
was considered impolitic ; and a member of the Imperial Ministry, Sir P.
Thompson, was sent to carry them out.
202
On tlio lOtIi of Octolx'i- iii»i)0!u-f'(l tlio iiroclnination of tlit» i cw Govpinor-
Cleiienil, Hon. P. Tlioniitsou. He airivt'd at Toronto on the 2()tli of Nov.
Mr. I\Jerritt, pi-eviou.s to tlie opening of the Hou.se, went over aiul vi.sited
the Governor.
3rcl of Deceniljei". — House met.
Steam communication witli the colony was promised in the Governor's
tipeccli, together with ah.stract of reforms.
The character of the new Governor is given in " Sketche.'- of the 1 3tli
Parliament," by Krinensis, a fellow countrymen, said to be the J. Kent
noticed in Sir George Arthur's employment :
'• The Eight Hon. C. P. Thompson, Governor General of the North
American Provinces, had long Ix'cn an enemy to the Canadian tindwr
trade, and an advocate for those measures which the great body of the peo-
]ile repudiate. He was considered one of the mo.st thoi-ough-going Ivadicals
in the Cabinet — a man of great ///^cs.w, and a true reader of cliaracter. As
u commercial financier he .stands almost unrivalled. It was thought tliut he
might prove tiie most proper per.son to win from the Canadians an expres-
sion of confidence, and he has proved himself well calculated for the task.
In his per.sonal address he is mild and art'able, ready of approach and free of
conversation. Opposed to his line of politics, and convinced that his mi.ssiou
to Canada will be [)roductive of no good, if not of absolute evil, I nni.st give
him the talent of consummatt^ management ; he has hitherto succeeded so
as to carry idl his measures, and it is most unaccountable by what almost
magic influence he cajoled some members intj a desertion of previously eii-
tertainetl opinions."
Tho author, then attending his studies in the Provincial Capitol, who
liad conu; o\ er with the members, wrote home his observations on the new
Governor : —
" Saw the House ojjened ; it was (piite a grand aflair, filled with ladies
and gentlemen. Governor Thomp.son, a man of slight stature, in a blue
dre.ss coat, breast auii skirt covered with gold lace, was surrounded l)y his
suite, which, with Sir George Artiiur, Lieutenant Governor's suite, nuule
an imposing spectacle. The Governor read his spetch in a very afi'ected
cockney tone."
"A despatch from Lord John Pussell, which was in the papers a few
days ago, made a practical commencenumt of the new .system of llesponsi-
ble Government. The peroration of the despatch is as follows :
'The Queen's Government have no desire to thwart the representative
u.s.send»lies of British North America in their mea.sures of reform and iiii-
j)rovement. They have no wish to make those provinces the resource tor
patronage at home. They are earnestly intent on giving to the talent auJ
character of leading per.>ons in the colonies, advantages similar to tho.se
which talent and chai'acter, employed in the public service of the United
Kingdom, obtain. '
The Toronto livarJian of 18th December remarks : — ''Almost the only
" topic of discussion in Parliament the last eight days, and the principal
"topic of general conversation has been the union of the Provinces. The
203
" poMitioii of tlic puvtios is uovpI and soinctinifs ainusint,'. ^ffssrs. Mpiiitt,
"Aiikniim, Koliiu.son, Park, il-c, lieatlcd l)y the Solicitor ( Jcnoral for th«
" (Jovcrnincnt party, and Mfssrs. (t. H. IJouIton, Rattjin, Miirncy, Oanible,
" Cartwri^dit, &c., in oppoHition — tlie lattor making attacks on the Gover-
"nor, and some of tlieui talking strongly of sejiaration." IIci ailds, " that
'• for tyros this first assailnuMit of Responsible Government in the ITouso
" may he considered satisfactory."
Says the St. Catharines Jonrndl :—'^ Mr. Merritt made one of his host
"speeches — advocating the nnion of the Pi-ovinces ; that it would add
" 1,000,000 British to the j)opulation at once, and thus niake tlie reforms
"that were advocated, j)OHHihle, hy such an accession of the Anglo-Saxon
"element in the Asscmhly."
An interru[)tion to the general direction of legislation was attempted hy
the introduction of the measures of the symj)athizers into the House, but
which acted only as an amusing diversion to more important debates.
On the 10th of December, Mr. Boulton brought in a bill to disipialif}'
certain persons from being candidates, or ^•oting at elections. Mr. Merritt
considering the imputation it inferred, as questioning the loyalty of the
people, moved to give it the six months hoist. Mr. Cartwright said there
were lodges in several di.striets. It was sworn before liim that there was
one in St. Catharines. Mr. Parks, — -"There are none in the London dis-
trict." Mr. Cartwright believed there were nu)re there than anv other dis-
trict in the country. Information was received by the Government last
i.iglit that an attack was to be made on the Niagara District. Thomas H.
was the head of the lodge in St. Catharines. Mr. Merritt ilenicd that any
lodge could exist in St. Catharines. Mi\ Sherwood replied as iiaving heard
ualer oath that the Hunters posse.ssed a written statement over hi« signa-
ture :— '' As »i)o:\ as you c )iivince me you are strong enough to effect any-
thing in Upper Canada, I will take command of you." Mr. M. .said it was
wholly untrue. [Loud cries of Hear, hear, from all paits of the House.]
He had received no such communication or jtroiMjsition cither verbally, Ijy
writing, by signs, or in a y other way or shape whatever, conseipiently he
could lave returned no Sitch answer.
The Journal in an article of over a column on this debate .says : — "Early
" in the j»ast season the Clnnrh and Star began to foretell invasions, and to
'■ jtromulgate that the Durhamites were in league with the ' Patriots ' to
"overthrow the Govenunent. Thev next proclaimed that Hunter's lod"^es
"were being establishecl in various districts of the Province, and that the
"various meetings held there weie in aid of the ' Patriot' cause; one of
"them, the Stitr, stated 'on correct information,' that overtures had been
" made to Mr. Merritt, to take command of the biigands in their next in-
" va,sion. ^Vhat answer did he give them ? ]f Mr. Merritt is guilty of
'' the charges preferred against him, let liim be not only expelled, but [uit
2in
" ni)On liis trial for treason ; aiul if lie is innocent, let the guilt rest wLero
" it shonlil, ujton liis accusers."
We liavo nqticed the measures of our subject to avoid prosecutions in
his own district, and to have initi<(ated the sentences uf his fellow-country-
nien deluded into overt acts of rehellion. Among the 885 persons wlio
underwent trial, imprisonment, execution and banishment, whoso fate drove
tens of thousands from their native soil, was Bonjamiii Wait, living
now in one of the Western States ; he was banished to Van Dieman's Land.
His heroic wife, now numbered with the dead, determined on leaving her
residence in Lockport, and imploring his release at the foot of the throne.
In Wait's narrative, page 273, we find tlie following:
"Here I left my dear child, and commenced operations by collecting,
among my husbiind's accjuuintances, oertifiontes of his foinier good character.
I went to Haldimand, wlieie we had last resided, and obtained a great
number of most respectal>le testimonials, which were ratified by the signa-
ttu'e of Wm. H. ]\Ierritt, Es(j., the wortliy and distinguished mend)er of
Parliament for that constituency, who seemed not a little ustonished that I
should have conceivetl the idea of going to England, considering the circum-
stances in wliich I was placed, though he readily and most kindly gave mo
letters of introduction and recommendation to othcial characters in England,
with one to Richard Irvin, Estp, of this city, containing, as I afterwards
learned to my advantage, a check on that gentleman for twenty dollars,
whicli was most gi-atefully accej)ted, and will, with Mr. IMerritt's corres-
ponding kindness, be remembered with that deep sense of gratitude so emi-
nently due."
" Sir John Franklin, the Governor of Van Dieman's Land, has sjKiken
to me, (one of the prisoners,) of having received communications from Wni.
H. Merritt, E.scj., and has written him, in re|dy, that he would grant nie
every indulgence, consistent with his duty, as Clovernor. I certainly feel
thankful to liim, but mon; so to Mr. Mei-ritt, to whom I beg you will ten-
der the best wi.shes of a sincerely grateful heart."
In the House Mr. Merritt had drawn up a scries of I'esolutions on the
state of the country, for transmission to England; and himself and Sir Allan
McNab were dej)uted to lay the .same before the Imperial Covernment.
But before this was consunnnated, the appointment of a new Governor (Hon.
P. Thompson) h;id oci;urred, who came fully empowered to bring about the
much needed refornnitiou. In a volumniors correspondence, he gave his
experience on the political state of the country, and its commercial relations
as a colony. A brief summary of his views may here be stated. They may
be seen in one important particular to differ from the Governor, Ids prede-
cessor, and the Imperial Ministry who sent them ; namely, in the race, na-
tion or people wlio were to hokl olHco to carry out ReHponsiV)le Govern-
ment ; and, as a natural consequence, in whose interests the Government
should be carried out. In the one instivnce it was natives of the country,
or tnoso unequivocally identified therewith. With the Ini[»erial party.
otKcers who would advocate primarily the interests of Great Britain.
205
a ffreat
" Instca'l of liavina; moasuros eniaiiate from the Ilouif' (Joverninont, who
neccsMiirily Iviiow i)ut little of tlio British -Anu'ricaii jw^ople, such meaHures
«houlcl 1)0 initiated here, by the intelligent portion of tlie community, ami
tlien submitted to the (JovernnTent for ooncurroiice. * # ♦ They all
tiliunld l»e iiiiited iiiidei- one (Jovernment. ^- ■'•' * Should this not be
jiracticable froju the many conflicting treaty clainiH and interests in liOwer
(Canada? Montreal should be at once annexed to ITppf.i- Canada, in order
that *liat Province might have a sea-port undei- their own control.
lu Sir liol)ert Peel's speech on Canadian afl'airs, June 5 :
" They (the iJritish Govornment) had but one object in view. They
did not wish to make the g(*vernmeiit oftiio Provinces the means of obtain-
ing any paltry lu'cuniaiy advantages, and they might say to the Canadians,
wo mean to make you a British Colony, and subject to our Dominion, (huar-
liwir) but wo will take care of this, that we will not make ourselves respon-
silile to def(!ud you fiom foreign enemies, and then allow us to bo constantly
threatened and opposi^d V»y you.
The lengthy au.l exhaustive report of 3'yO pages, on (Janadian affairs,
commences l)y o!)servations on Lower ( 'anada, but extends to all the Pro-
vinces, and says: "The real struggle is iu)t one of principle, but of races.
The report is intelligilile, while the distinction is between French and En
glish, but between English and American it is certainly confounded, and
witli considei-able ditliculty we can come at His JiOrdship's real views. It
is liopf'd we do him no injustice in saying that for English he moans Euro-
pean born, and not the English speaking people of tlie Provinces.
Earl Durham in the pamphlet of his icpoii, recommends the necessity
of adjusting the constitutional (piestions intlie North American Provinces.
"J needed no personal observations to convince me there were evils. I
found in all these a foiin of government neaily the i-anie, and interests,
ft'clingfi, and habits, in common. The North American Provinces already
contained one and a half million jieople, besides the vast po[iulation these fer-
tile lands are destined to support."
Oblivious that this pojuilation w ere here from attachment to the British
cause, and entitled to the security and the enjoyment of it for their families,
lie changes the obligation.
"The count"} which has founded and maintained these colonics, may
justly expect its compensation in turning their una]tj)ropriated resources to
the account of its redundant ])opulation, they are the rightful patrimony of
the English people;" and going on to show the policy of getting new .set-
tloi-s: — "These advantages may yet be seemed to your Majesty's subject.s.
and a connection secured by the link of kindred origin, and may continue
to bind to the P>ritish Empire the am])le territt)ries of its North Americiiu
Provinces, and the large and flourishing population by which they will be
assuredly filled. "
"If I should have miscalculated the |>roportion in which the friends and
enemies of British connectioiv may meet in the united Legislature one year
of emigration would redress the balance." It would have to bo greater
than any that has taken place yet, as not a third of European birth aat
iu the last Upper Canada Legislature.
20G
" It iH Ity a Houiul Hyhtem of colonization, tliat wo can nnuler tluw ex-
tensivo regions availahln for the- hcnufit of tlui Piritisli ]i«'oiilt'.
'* [ ontcrtain no (loul)t ati to the nulittiuil clittnicler, it iniixt bu that nf lln',
lirilish Kiiij)lrr, that wliich innst ho |)r»'ch)niinant over the whole North
American continent.
" The |ir(!(loniintint fct^lin;,' of the Kngliwh was that of devoted attaciiriient
to the Mother Coinitry.
"The ])rotentions of the Frendi Canadians to tiie exclusive possession of
T.ower (!anada, would (lel)ar a yet larger population of Upper t'aiuida and
the townships fioui access to tho ocean."
"The experiment of keeping colonies, and governing them well ought at
least to hav(5 atrial, er<^ we abandon forever the vast dominion, which iiiight
supply tin! wants of onr surplus population, and raise* u|) millions of fresh
consumers for our manufactures, and producers of a supply -for our wants.
Recommending the municipal institutions to this end, he says :
" Tho true principle of linnting populai- j)ower, is that of apportionment
of it in many dilferent depositories, and gn'atly multiplying the mnnher of
municipal hotlies."
We will close with tho extract, which is alik« applicable to British
North America.
" The amazing i)rosperity of the United States, is owing to the un-
limited supply of fertile land, which maintains succeeding generations in
an undiminished alHuence of fertile soil."
With regard to the premature i)ublication of Lord Durham's Report,
subsecjuent events have proved it to have been injurious in the Provinces.
Hasty legislation might have been calculated, from its universal resultn
elsewhere, to have i)een injurious, hi this case, the position of the country,
with a subdued nationality, were of such a delicate nature, that extraoidinary
attention .shouhl have been taken, so that no feelings of repiisal, founded on
national antagoiusm, might mar the work of our future union. But the
enthusiasm of the people here, on the publication of the report, showing
tho way of immediately getting out of their dirticnlties, prevented them al-
lowing tlio time that was noce.s.sary for maturing tho contemplated union of
Upper and Lower Canada, and throwing away the consummation of tlie plan
contemplated at home, by altering the map of Canada, so as to annex the
Island of Montreal, and make the St. Lawrence to i(s mouth, the boundary
between the Canadas, so that a union of all the British-speaking people
of the Provinces might hereafter be effected without altering their auton-
omy.
That his view was opposed to the advancement of tho country oculd
not for a moment be denied by the loyal natives of British origin, whatever
justice there might liavc been in it towards the French. The impolicy of
this distinction is proved by concurring events. There was then, as now
majority of native inhabitants in the country, and in Upper Canada our in
crease was doubling in ten years. By our last census the rate of increase is
\\
207
only douhliii;,' in sixty yoarH, TIio rate of our ncij,'lihorH' iuoroaso \h doiibliuLf
every twoiity-live years, thereforu tho Hecurity from our (rncroaohinir nci>'h-
Iior IS »'V('ry year niore jeoponlizcd.
Tlio author was iu tlio Ifousn on tlio Saturday of tho lirst wook of tie
H'-ssioii, when the (Jovoriioi's dHspatoh, which contaiiicMl a iiiiiii.st<'rial pn -
t,'r!iimn(', was l)rou;:,dit dowu. It waH evident tho nn^inlu'rs Iiatl to deal with
siihjoi'tH witli whicli tlu^y had hitherto lieen unac<|uainted.
" l.'Uh I)"o. — liast ovenin;^ attended a very animated debate on tho
l^iion ; will continue perhaps a week ; and it may be the last (piestion
iM'foi-e the present Ilnnse, as there is talk of a dissolution. 'I'his was tho
tlni'at, Imld over tho House, if they refused to pass tlie reforms proposeil
liy the Ministiy.
We give our subject's ojdnion of the n(^w (rovernor :
"DearC — Tarn much pleased with tlie Governor (Jencral; I think
liini a statesman. Have ilitu'd with him twice ; no meat or ve<'etable8
till c;uri(>d round ; dessert tho same ; wine carrii-d round a few times, when
all rctiroil to drawing-room, where lie had somt'thint,' to say to each one
present."
The St. Catharines party, tin; ^lessrs. Boomer inclmled, returned in
an open wagon, tlie ground being well frozen, and all spent the holidays with
tho usual fellowship and good feeling.
1S40.
The last session of the last Parliament for Upper Canada, closed on
Ft'bruary 10th, and very little work had been accomplished, owing partly
to tho fact of the important constitutional changes likely to occur, and also
to the unsettled state of affairs generally.
With regard to the surreudin- of the Constitution of Ui»per and Lower
Canada, retjuired by the Imi»erial (government previous to passing the Act
of the union of the Provinces, iu 1840, it is an error to say there was any-
tliing in it of the natui-e of a compact or treaty between the Canadians and
British.
The right of the French Canadians to have any voice was denied, and
the semblance of a treaty was only alfoi.'ded to English Canadians ; and
wliat was the ecjuivalent offered thoai for surrendering the power of the
I'ln'se 1 The casual and territorial revenue, which one would think,
viewing the sjicrilices Britain had made elsewhere for a national object, she
would readily have granted to a country that had made so beneticial a diver-
sion for the revenue of the St. Lawrence, which was to \v\y for the improve-
ment thereof.
>«
'f
208
Thoro ai»poaro(l then, us now, a nervousnosH with men in jiowor of uc-
knowlt><l<^ing tliut thoro were any except the lato eniigiants, who wore not
rebtils to l^ritain in tho two Canailus.
Sir F. B. Htjatl, in a narrative oppoHetl to tlio uspprsions in Lonl Dur-
ham's Report of the loyal Cuiiadian.s, appears not ^o have a correct idea ol
our peoplo, or his view was distorLeil l)y patriotism, and says, " that oui
"interests are to he suhsorvieiit to the British empire, of which this colony
" is but an atom."
If the late House had refused to take the grave responsibility, allowed
a convention to bt' called, or even a new election, which, happening just
after the- Durham meetings, the electors were siilliciently enlightened, theic,
woidd have been respect for the act; but for a Conservative House remain-
ing over an extra term, to barter the only safeguard to the liberty of their
country, is one which leaves their conduct open to the imputation of subser-
viency, self-interest oi' inattention.
Our subject retunuMl immedi.itely afttr the holidays, and gave atten-
tion to the me.isages of the Ciovernor sent down to tlie JIoum- iVom time
to time, meant to nuiture a bill for the Impeiial JjCgislature. He also
wrote extensively to the Governor General, giving him his views on the plan
for a Provincial Government, but to which his secretary, Mr. Murdock
sent ii brief reply, saying that /i^' had read them.
While thus eiignged, a word of cncouragenioiit ifs received from the sea-
board, showing that one hope actuated all loyal Americans, however di>taut
their abode.
" Halipax, N. S., Jan. 9, 1840.
" Dear Sir : —
" Permit me to addre s you as a member of the great party who, with these
Colonics, arc laboring to introduce the .«ound principles of the Bjitisb Consti-
tution ; and you may i'ecl assured we feel a deep sympathy in the success of
your exertions. Your obedient servant,
" GEO. N. YOUNG."
The Act making the salaries of the judiciary independent of the people, any
more than that of the J^xccutive, had not yet been enacted , and Mr. Merritt
congratulated 3Ir. B. on the promotion of a fellow countryman into the office
of Solicitor General.
" Toronto, 3rd March, 1840. •
" Dear Sir :—
" The receipt of your letter of the 27th ult. has afforded me much satis-
faction, as conveying the assurance which I understand it to do, that under
the peculiar circumstances in which I was placed I had done right in accepting
office from the Governor General.
'< It is, as you say, most important to have in the new Parliament men
devoted to this great principle, and resolved to carry it out with modera tiou
and firumess. The other elections will, as you remark, require to be attended
to as early as possible, after the division of counties is known.
" I remain yours, &c., ROBT. BALDWIN."
209
In the inulHt of liis luost engHging piihlio diitioH, the atlvancpment of
his family w/ih never lost sight of, if coiiHiileiing tho roln of HtnteHinau in-
tendod for him, W. H. M., Jr., tliiH was oonihiiiing hoth. Tlie inten-
tion in exetnpliliud in liiH familiar letters :
"ToHOVTO, l-2th Janniiry, 1B40.
" Mv Db.vh Hoy : — It is my intention to have a consultation with Mr.
Boulton tliis weisk rospoctini^ your oomini; over. Mr. McKyos thinks you
hinl hotter roiii;iin wliore you are, and oontine yourself to roadin;; for a year
or two — but will not object. Much depends with yoiirseK. Your future
success can only he ensured hy dili;^ence ami attention. As regards tho
last, may I eutpiire wlu'ther you ever thought of semling mo a coj)y of
the letters I marked in tlie letter hook and left on the side hoards, rehiting
to the Wtdhmd Canal — and which you were to have sent the Wednesday
after I loft you. I also expected a description of your l)all from Thomas,
and of the tlieatres from you, hut writing apjtears a serious task to you
all. There is very little before tlie House, and I don't think anything of
cunsecjuence will pass the Legislature this season, e.Kcept tho Union.
"Truly afl'ectionato father,
"W. HAMILTON M EH KITT."
"Mr. William Hamilton Mekiutt, Junior."
'•Toronto, 12th January, 1840.
" My Dear Oatiif.rinr — The Clergy Reserve (juestion is now under
discussion, and when disposed of we will soon be dismissed. We have had
amcotinj' of tho board of directors of the (rrainl River Navii;ation ('om-
p«uy, and am in hopsis of i)rocuring money to Kiiish that work. After this
is done, my present intention is not to interfere with any further public im-
jtroveineut. Mr. Retimne jtreached to-day in the (Jathedral. It is a
splendid church, but altogether too large. Remember nie to all friends,
nm\ believe me, as ever,
" Your all'i'ctionato Imsband,
"W. HAMILTON MERRITT."
Our svibject sometimes absented himself froni the House for more con-
centration of thought. The author visited him while thus occupied. Ho
was busily engaged drawing up the St.Lawrence Canal report, having gone
home to his lodging for more (juiet.
iV memoir, copied from a statistical report, notices our dependence fon
supplies, as most of our trade was with England. The value of British
manufactures consumed in the year before the rebellion in British North
America exceeded that of the exportations to all Europe, being 31s. 6d. per
liead — nearly double the rate of that to the United .States — carried in
1,273 British vessels ; 75 only being by others.
Returned home, being now relieved from legislative duties till again
called upon to resume them by the voice of tho people in another election,
Mr. Merritt's journal of March 4th shows how watchful and attentive
he was of the progress of his country towards liberty, and of the pro-
ceedings of those in authority ;
210
'• Mr. Yduii;; wiotf on iiHolutionH 3*1 Fi'luuiuy, haying Sir Colin ('amp-
licll, tlie (lovernor, aitfd on tlu* (h'SpHtcli of .'Ust Au^uRt: *! filiiill lie glad
to Uarn tlial you lia\o tliouglit it »'X|i('(licnt to give HcatH in it to koiik' of
th*< leading men in tin* AsMnddy.' Contract tliiti (tin; nunK.randnni adds)
witli 11h' dis|ia(( li of Kith ()<t<dier, and wiio can donlit tin* decision of tins
HoniP (Juvernnient. 'J Ids tests the point; \v(> will seer if it Ih to he eon-
ceded."
"IIamkax, Ftlinniry, 1840.
" 1>!'.AU Sir T adilressed you a few weciks ago calling your attttntion
to the series of letters then a|i|>earing in the lialiiii.x iVurdsmtia)! upon ic-
ponsllde (lovernnient and the lienrtitofa Kedeial I'nion. ( )ui- Ilou.se have
lust week (liscussednt large the ( 'onstitutional |irinci|ile of " l{es|tonsiltility,"
and have j)assed a series of resolutions deelaiiug tlu-ir want of conlldeiice
in the jiresent Kxeetitive Couni-il of the Province. 'i'hey wailed on Mon-
day last in a body on His lOxeellency with these resolutions, and I refer
you to the XordKCofltDi of this date for the deliates and proceedings.
" In my last hotter several of my friends hen; think I have lelated a dis-
tinction which relievos the (juestion of rcf.sponsiliilify of )nuch jtractieal
ditliculty.
" Yours very truly,
"CJKO. N. YOUNG."
"Touo.NTo, :U\ March, 1810.
" I)r.AK Sill 'Pile receipt of your letter vt' the 27th ultimo has nllorded
me inueli satisfaction, as conveying the assurance which J undeistand it to
«}n, that under thepeiidiar ciicumstance."i in which I was placed 1 iiad done
right in accepting ollice from the Oovernor (SentMal.
" J do most e» rtaiidy adiiere to the princijdo of the advisers of the
(Vown lieing selected from tJiose who possess the conlidenco of Parliament,
and hxdc to it us th(> only means of .secui-ing the connection with tlie
Mother Country, to whitdi I am sinceiely attaclie<l.
" It is, us you say, most important to liave in the new Parliament men
devoti'd to this great principle and resolved to carry it out with motleratiou
and tirnniess.
"The other oh'ctions will, as you remark, reijuire to ho attended tons
early iia possihlt- aftei' tin; division of counties is known.
" 1 remain faithfully yours,
" HUBERT BALDWIN.
"W. II. Mi-.uuiTT, KsQ., M. P."
Our suliject was again a) "pointed a director on the canal, and elected
jtresident of the same, where his energy was once more felt.
A congratulatory letter from the old presidi'iit shows at a glance the
changed state of atlairs :
"TouoNTo, 11th April, 1840.
" My Dkah Sih — T am truly glad that you have heen again elected tlio
President of the Canal, to which you may claim the consideration of being
its father. I expect very soon to get some tidings from London on the
suhject of the .€15,000. I wrote in February last I should not hesitate to
proceed to England, but I am only waiting the commands of the Govcrn-
meut. I am sure it will require my presence there. I asked at the requcKt
of the Legislature hist year for permission to go to England for their beuetit,
211
])ut I was told Unit wlioii HIh Ex(!()II< ncy Haw tlin iiwcssity, In* would HfMul
iiK*. I tliiiik iiftry this tli.'it I could not ask Itnivo, li'.it w.iit for ordoiH,
wliioh I am ready and willing to olj«y. •
" Youth very truly,
".JOHN l[. DUNN.'*
Homo of tlio now oniooi'H wora afraid of im lurtakiiig too niviich :
"CitowN Lands On-wK, IHtli April, 1840.
"My Dkau Sill — I ant in u'Mn\>t of your privates note of tlio liUh
instant. Von niuKt ))(> awai(! tlmt liowcvcr I niny disiif,'r<'ti with y«)U
rcHjH'cting otlicr great iniprovcincniH, I am a most ardent well wisJier to tlio
Welland. I am oMiged to you for your notts, and will attend to its con-
tents, Ko far as I have powor and opportunity.
" YourH moHt truly,
"H. W. SIM.LIVAN.
" W. H. Mkiuutt, E<(|., St. CatharinoH."
With i-iigai'il to Mr. Wilson's disinisHal from tlio Wclland Cinal, tho
Journai of "J.'Jd A|)ril sayn :
" What is his oHence ! Ifu votod for Mr. M«*rritt instead of Mr. Mc-
Cauley."
It tlion givoH a rotroHpcvstivo glance over tluH transaction :
" When it was known that Hir K. H')ad had doolin-jd tho re-appointmont
of Mr. Merrittto a situation which Im had held so long, and to which tho
pul)li(; thought he \ as so justly entith^d, oui" citi/.'ins assemlded spontano-
ously, raised funds Ity voluntary sul)scrij)tion, and s(Mit a memorial to I lis
Kxcclhiucy, stating in tho strongest terms the injustice done to Mr. Mer-
ritt, and expressing tln>ir i\'nir, that the sime eiieigy au<l perst^verance
which Iri, 1 previously heiui exercised in tho pros(tci!tioii of this great und(!r-
taking woidd not continue) to 1m! a provailing characteristic in tho operati .mis
of those! placed in charge of tho work. Tliroe years have- pa.SHed away an<l
wo an; as we wore."
The Governor's answer to Mr. Merritt gives another and more reliable
reason for tho change.
"GOVKKNMKNT IlousK, ToiiovTO, 24th A)»rii, 1H40.
" My Dkau 8ih — Your lette^r marked " confidential," of tlio 24th inst.,
1 received last night. Pray allow me to l»<!g tluit you will dispossess your
mind of any uncomfortal)l«! feeling of a poi-soual nature! as reigarels the ap-
pointiiient of Mr. (Jayle)y in place of Mr. Wilson. To Mr. Wilson I make
no e)l)je)ction beyond his we!ll-known elesire te) carry e)n tho Works u|)on tho
Wellaud (Janal upon a scale of expe!nso which, under the circumstances of
this country, 1 shouhi consider, atprevsont, epiite) impre)]K'r. The whole pei-
cuniary elitliculties of the Province the (lovernor-CJesne'ral has takesn in hainl
with a view to extricate it from its jtresciit embarras-sme-nt, anel thereiforej I
feicl it to bo an obligation upon me to keep matters as much as po.ssiblo in
Hutu quo.
" I Lave the honor to remain, my deuir Hir,
" Your obedient servant,
" GEO. ARTHUR."
m
212
"DuKDURN, April 19th, 1840.
" " My Dear Merritt — Ycur letter of yefiterday astonished ine not a
little. Mr. Willf-on has been bndly ii.sed. But the f,ufKtion i.s, what is to
be done — if I can do anything, I am ready and willing. Perhapa yon
had better see him on your way up, and we will consult. If the Government
has done wrong, they oiight to give some oneof the Directors a hint to resign
and re-instate Mr. Willson. Let me know the day before you come, that
I may be at home to meet you. We will make out tlie ticket for the G.
R. N. Co'y. Shall I secure proxys ?
" Yours truly,
"ALLAN N. MAC NAB."
The following from one of his supporters shows how our subject was es-
timated in his constituency : —
" MouLTON, April I'Tth, 1840.
" Sir — I acknowledge the roccij.t of yours of the 28th Maicli, also of
the St. Catharines Juvrntil. I have also done my best to niuke your sen-
timents known, and I am jiroud to say, as far as my knowledge extends,
that I believe there will not be an opposing voice, but a unanimous call in
your favor at the next election.
" I am, sir, your humble servant,
" WM. EGARS."
" Wm. Merritt Esq., M. P. P."
The first resolution of the Board, April 8, was that the President, Engi-
neer and Suj)erintendent examine the canal throughout, j)revious to its
opening for business.
This investigation was followed by applications for assistance that were
not considered equally necessary by his correspondents.
Not waiting for these letters, Mr. Merritt went down to Quebec. On
his way the following letterj^ was written by him to Mr. Killaly, whose
knowledge of the work and influence with the Governor made his recom-
mendation of consequence :
" Kingston, 13th May, 1840.
" My Dear Sir — I will thank you to give me a letter to the Governor-
General stating —
" 1st. The necessity of commencing the reconstruction of pier at mouth of
Gi-and River, immediately, foi- the convenience of the canal service,
" 2d. The benefit the service would derive by constructing the lock at
Dunville large enough to admit steamers in peace as well as war — without
it protections must be confined below the dam — as a steamer could not
make the interior. Consefjuences of further delay may be sejious — or
anything further you may suggest. Truly youi-s,
" W. H. MERRITT."
"Government House, Montreal, 9th May, 1840.
" Sir — Your letter of the 23d ultimo, and the accompanying report,
have been submitted to the Governor General, and I am commanded by
Hia Excellency to say that, not being at present in the immediate adminis-
tration of the Government of Upper Canada, he must refer you for a
more particular reply to your application to the Lieutenant Governor, who
ia now charged with that duty.
213
"At the same time, aa the public works of U[)pei- Canada, as well as
the financial condition of that province, have engaijed his recent serious
att3ntion, bith dirin^ hisi al:niiistr.itioii of the Gr)vern;nint thore and
Hince, His E'ccallency dirscts me to say that he sliould feel great diffioulty
in giving any authority for the issue of so larg-3 a sun of debanturas as
that for which you ai)ply.
" By the terms of the Union, as proposed to Parliament, the debt of
Upper Canada is to be borne by the United Province, and the amount of
that debt hiui been stated, so far as it could be ascertained at the time, when
the rej)ort of the Legislature was transmitted homo. To increase that
debt now, except under the most absolute necessity, would, in his opinion,
be im[)roper, and he never hesitated to declare to all who applied to him, as
well foi; the Welland Canal as for any other public work in the province,
that fwch was his view of the case. That until arrangements would finally
be made for settling the finances, now, as you are well aware, involved
far beyond the means even of supplying the interest of the debt, these
works, however important, would not i)roceed, and that the only exi)endi-
tiire which he would consider justifiable under the circumstances was such
as might be indispensable for the fulfilment of engagements, or the 2)reven-
tion of serious-! injury by dilapidations.
" In order to ascertain the extent to whicli this nece.ssity miglit amount,
His Excellency directed a survey to be made of various public woi-ks in
progress in the Province, but with regard to the Welland Canal he was led
to believe by the director that what was required merely to effect this
purpose would be svxpplied by the tolls and property at the disposal of the
canal company itself. If this should not be the case, then tj that extent,
but to that extent only, would an outlay bo recommended.
" Whilst His Excellency, therefore, takes a deep interist in the ulti-
mate improvement of tl)at great channel of communication, ami is most
anxious to see the time when the work n)ay proceed, he cannot depart in its
favor from the principle which he has laid down, and the justice of which
seemed to be generally admitted and felt. *
" I have the honor to be, sir, vour obedient servant,
"T. W. C.'MURUOCK, Chief Secretary.
"W. H. Merritt, Esq., St. Catherine's, U. C"
Government House, Toronto, 11th May, 1 840.
Dear Sir — I return you the report on the Welland Canal, an d as I
am not to be moved to Siinction any expenditure \ipon any work w hatever
until the existing debt of the Province is placed on a sound footing, and
additional funds provided on desirable terms, you cannot l)e wrong in sub-
mitting, as you wLsh to do, the whole case to the Governor-Ceneral, to whom
1 have very briefly written on the subject. Of the work itself I cannot
hesitate to rep sat what I have fro(iU'Mitly personally said to you, that I
consider it m>re important khan any other undertaking — that I have not a
doubt it will give a m jst liberal return for any reasonable outlay in making
it a permanent work — to the full extent, in lead, which I reported to the
Secretary of Stiite, £25,000, and th.it an iu'r^isiu^ in3)m3 — vnd having,
last year, examined all the locks, I am of tlia opinion that it is of great
consequence that no nure money sliould hi sunk in repiirin^ t!ie present
locks than in unavoidable in order to koijp open tin com n micatiou.
" I beg to remain, sir, yours very sincerely,
Wm. Merritt, Esq.
CJEO. ARTHUR
214
He retunuMl on the 28th witli a more successful answer to his requ isi-
tion for fiiiuls for the necessary improvements than these letters received
during his absence would indicate.
" St. Cathakines, 23d June, 1840.
" Mv Deak Cathakine^ — On Monday, after you lefL this, I went over
to Toronto witli William, and returned the day after. The money lias
been at length procured, and the board, wliich assembled yesterday, lias
consented to pioceed with the jiermanent woik. On Friday I meet the
board at the Grand Kiver, and take a turn through Haldimand the week
after, so that I shall bo very little at home for the coming fortniglit.
" Your affectionate husband,
" W. HAMILTON MERRITT."
In June, pre})aration3 were made for the enlargement, material col-
lected, <fec., under his supervision. The head olHce of the works was at St.
Catharines, as formerly, and the engineering staff was comj)Osed of Captain
Macaulay, R. E.; Hamilton Killaly,. Assistant ; Mr. Coventry, Clerk ; Mr.
Prescott, Secretai-y and Treasui-er.
While apparently attending to no higher occupation than his canal af-
fairs tilt following letters passed, showing that our subject was not forgetful
of the more extended business in law and other reforms that would occupy
them in the future united Parliament. The publication of the act was in
daily expectation and politicians moving.
'♦ Tuesday Morning, July 7th, 1840.
" Mv Dear Father — I was surprised to see that you have written so
many letters as an " Upj»er Canadian," as you have been iitm home so
much, and the articles have a))peared in such quick succes.sion. The editor
pays a tacit compliment to the importance of their contents Ity occupying
so much of liis editorial in contradicting their statenients, as the editors
scarcely ever make long comments on communications from anonymous cor-
respondei:ts, if they notice them at all. Mr. La Fontaine is now in Toionto,
the Patriot says, canvassiiig for the t^peaker's chair in the United Assembly,
and abuse's him most unmercifully. The laces will cc mmence to-monow.
I shall endeavor to go one day, as there are some of the fastest horses from
Canada and the States. I have finished Chitty's pleading, and will read
next Tidd's jiractico. Have just conimenced to read the history of France
in French, and as Mr. DelaHaye has the Code de Napoleon in French, also
I think I will read it, as you have always appeared anxious to become ac-
quainted with this system of laws.
" Your afiectionate and dutifid son,
" W. H. MERRITT."
" St. Catharines, July 9th, 1840.
"Mv Dear Sox — The editor of the Montreal 6Vf;:e^/<? does not under-
stand the subject, ai,d ctnldits himself with as-seriions and misrej)resenta-
tions. Hcwever the obj«'tt must be attained, the ini))rovement of so noble
a river cannot riniain neglected much longer. I am hap])y to find you re-
verting to your studies, and shall be glad to liear you mention from time
to time the books which have last occupied your attention. Chitty's
plead
and t
215
])loa(lings and Tidd's practice is a commencement, and tlie Histoiyof Fmnce
and tlie Code Naiiolcon will jnuve intcrcstinji;. I have 1 een anxiius to
find the code on civil law pointing out the nifthod of collecting small debts,
with costs, etc. I have seen the general maxims or | riiiciples on which the
code is founded. I wish you would .send me a coj)y of your ex] er.ditures,
and I will, on seeing the saine, send what money you require. A strict
account must be kept and proni|)tly furni.shed that we may enter it in our
cash account. Truly adoctioiiatelv vonr.s,
" W. HAMILTON MERRITT.
"I am also happy to hear you intend to improve in your writing, to do
wliich, good pons, ink and paper are desirable."
The following is the record of an occurrence that cast a gloom over the
whole «omuuinity, and occurred while tl.o author and tlie Rev. James
Clark were crossing the canal to Port Dalhousie. It is from Mrs. Merritt's
journal of July 12 :
" We know not wliat a d,iy will brin':^ forth. At 11 o'clock attended
Divine service fur the sacoud tim? in our new church, and listened to our
aged and beloved minister as at other time-*, little dreamiii.j it was the last
time we should enjoy that privilege. Tliat very afternoon he met with an
accident that caused his death the following Tuesday. Why we should be
visited with so afflicting, so awful a dispensation without doubt we shall
know here ifter. It is our duty to submit, and, oh, may this sad bereave-
ment be sanctified to the good of our, his Hock's souls, and also to his dis-
tressed family."
On the 23rd of July an important meeting, presided over by 8ir A.
^McNab, was held at Queenston Heights, for the purpose of rel)uilding the
monument to Sir Isaac Brock, which an outlaw, named Ben. Lett, had
blown up since the reballion times. Mr. Alerritt at this meeting made
an eloquent and stirring speech, recounting in glowing words the battle,
the first a'.id consecpiently the most important of tlie war of 1812, with
which, being on the spot, he was familiar.
A subscription list was opened, and the noble shaft which now crowns*
those historic heights and does silent honor to the illustrious departed,
attests the success of the undertaking.
It is worthy of note that the table used by the Secretary of the meet-
in •, was the one used by Governor Simcoe, when he held court in old Niag-
ara, nearly a half a century previous, and was lent by Mr. Woodrvitt" of St.
Davids, for the occasion.
Sliortly after, the news of the passage of the Union Bill was received :
Dear Father— You have no doubt h'^ard the (to you) gratifying intel-
ligence of the passage of the Union Bill. The St. (r*^ )rge brought the
first news a few hours since. No papers have as yet arrived. It is not
well received here, particularly the inform ition that Montreal is to be the
seat of Oovernment. It is thouglit, however, that it is v\n-n supposition
as to its i)osition. Your atlcctionate and dutiful son,
"W.'H. MERRITT."
'■'•11
216
We read of a person divested of a limb feeling the pains incident there-
to ; something of the kind must, in the absence of a Legislature and on the
passing of the Imperial Act, have disturbed the body politic.
The St. Catharines Journal, on the new consolidation of Canada pays : —
" Much of our future welfare is as a jieople connected with its administra-
tion iinder a wise, {)rudent and Liberal Governor General. If the people do
their duty to themselves and their posteritj", it may work well ; on the con-
trary, much mischief and vexation may occur, and instead of proving a
blessing, we may tiud ourselves in a retrogradive position. As the country
increasos in material numbers and wealth, the more ];ower and weight our
representatives will obtain in the councils of the colony."
Electioneering plans were formed, as if a Parliament were about to
meet with the ensuing winter.
The following is from the advocate whose long experience in the prac
tice of law in Canada, and from whose forensic skill our subject had bled
profusely, and whose talents, in the opinion of those out of the pi-ofession,
might be turned to the advancement of the country in the coming
struggle :
" Toronto, July 10, 1840.
"My Dear Sir — Yours of 4th in.st. came duly to hand. I appi-ehend
there is no doubt but that Toronto will return two members, and I have no
doubt that I could be returned with certainty, ifthe Eeformerswill as a party
heartily give me theirsupport, and I think it would be well if you wouldcome
over and be one of a select meeting to di.vcuss and organize the matter.
Widmer has spoken to »ie, and Baldwin himself will give his support,but
it must be brought about, not by soliciting support, which might be
construed by some as evincing an anxiety on my jiart to attain some ulte-
rior object for myself. They can't undeistand a man coming forward on
])ublic grounds, and therefore a suspicion would at once be created by my
showing an anxiety about it, and consequently those who are anxious that 1
should be returned must get up a requisition to which of course I can re-
spond. Committees should then be formed and all would go regularly on.
There are many modeiate men of the Tory side who would vote for me as
a man in whose loyalty they would confide, and who would trust to my
judgment and the large stake I have in the town to do nothing that would
endanger the peace of the country, and thus I would get Pujiportfrom many
who would prefer me as a man of property and experience to other candi-
dates not having the same hold upon them. Write and tay what you think.
" Yours truly, B ."
"Toronto, 10 July, 1840.
Dear Sir — I believe as you do, that Mr. P- is sincere in tlie
opinions he has avowed, and thinks that it would be an object to have hini
returned by the reform interest to the next Parliament. In this ©pinion
Mr. H , I am satisfied, participates as well as seme other refoimers
here, but there is, as I have told Mr. l- himself, a very great general
distrust of him — in fact so much so that I have had complaint made against
me fur having I ecu understood to Lave expressed the foregoing opinions,
and have been cautioned that it will aflTect my election if I appear promi-
217
nently desirous of his return. I have been anxiovis that there should bf^
a meeting of a few of tlie Reform i)arty here to consider the suV»ject, but no
one seems willing to entertain it until it is ascertained with certainty that
the city is to have a second member, and whether the election is to be by a
joint vote or by wards. Mr. Dunn and D. Widmer also have been s]>oken
of, and if either of them would stand, I am satisfied there would be no
chance for any other persons.
" Believe me, vours truly,
" R. W. BALDWIN."
"Toronto, 15 J ily, 1840.
"My Dear Sir — I was much pleased to find by your let* ar that your
canvas in Haldimand had been so successful, as I feared tlir Mr. Thomas'
address might have caused a diversion. T do trust there w' . be no further
opposition, and that you will stick to Haldimand. 1 fea: iiuch that your
coming forward for Lincoln, which has been announ. , d, would cause
trouble and perhaps a split among our party, which is not strong enough to
bear anything of the kind. I get credit for being one of the extremes, but
I assure you I have to bear a good deal of abuse, and unmerited suspi-
cion, because I do not go far enough. When I was over in Queenstown
and St. Davids with Mi. La Fontane, Mr. Thorburn heard Mr. Woodruft'
denouncing my course as highly improper, and there are plenty here to
say the same thing. I do not mind this, however. I am determined to act
widi all who will in good faith support the Liberal party. I care not by
what name it is called. I am not disposed either to rjuan-el with such men
as Mr. Hari'ison, who stops short of our views and who will not yet identify
themselves, with our party. We must accept a few such men, but as few
as possible. They will probably, if we act with temper and judgment, form
right in the lead. You know how unpopular Mr. B is 2}frso7ially,
and how suspicious peo|)le generally are of his |)rinciples. I had a letter
yesterday fi-om Mr. I.A Fontane, and he mentioned having heard from you.
He writes in good spirits and says his friends are well satisfied with his
report of the feelings towards them here. There is a very excellent article
in Le Camufien, edited by Mr. Parent, of Quebec. It declares that they
must abandon all idea of nationality, and jirepare gradually to become
identified with the people about them. I shall translate and copy it.
" Believe me, dear sir, yours very truly.
"Toronto, 25th August, 1840.
" My Dear Sir — I have been so much occuiiied in one way and another
that I have not been able to snatch half an hour to answer your two let-
ters. You will have seen by the papers that my business has been partly
political, and I must say the further I advance the more disgusted I get
with the factious c induct of the Corporation or Tory [tai-ty here. They
oppose responsible government, and say we are a colony and must submit
to the final authority and decision of the Home Government, but when the
Home Government api)oint a Governor (Thompson) of politics diflfering
from their own, they denounce his policy and do all they can to return an
oj)position member to defeat his views. This would be quite right for
vesponsibles to do, their desire being to carry out their own j)olicy without
reference to the Government at home ; but when they i)rofess to submit to
the Government at hojie and to d'fer theirs to the judgment of the Sec re-
)l*fS
:il8
m
tary of State, T cannot understand liow they can oppose the Governor
sent from lionie. Tlio truth is, us lung us the (Jovennnent at Homo con-
sults their wishes and looks through their eyes, it is quite right to bo loyal
and do as you are bid from homo ; but let the Home Oovernment be
changed and got into other hands, and thou wo hear a great deal about
respect for the Homo Government and nee a great deal of party virulent
opposition to it. My idea is that the Govei-nmont here should be conduct-
eil according t,o our wants and wishes and in harmony with the dominant
l)arty for tho time being, and quito independent of party politics in Eng-
land. Changes of Ministry there should have no influence upon our affairs
here. At a meeting tho other night I acquiesced in a dej)utation waiting
upon Dunn to otl'er foi- th« town, to which he is to give an answer in a day
or two. If he does not come forward I shall be put in nomination ; but
lie was, and I tliink corri'ctly, considered to be the most popular man in
the city, and therefore ho was named.
" B."
" W. H. Mkiuutt, Esq., St. Catharines."
The synopsis of the Imperial Act has in it most important articles, as
follows : It is entitled
An Act to re-unite the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, and for
the Government of Canada.
Six;. 4. — Only a subject eligible for a Legislative Councillor to be sum-
moned by the (.u)V(?rnor.
y — (Unernors to ajjpoii't their Speaker.
2ri— Ho ji))points time and place of election.
I5''- — Oath — 1 (!o sincerely pn)mise anil swear that I will be faithful
and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, as lawful Queen
of Great J^ritaiu and Jreland and of the Province of Canada, dej.'fnilant on
and bi'loHjimj tuthi: mid United Kingdom, and that I will defend her to
the utmost of my power.
•"'- — Tiiat out of the consolidated revenue fund of the Pi-ovince of
Canada there shall be payable in every year to Her Majesty, .£'45,000 for
Governor, Lieutenant (ioveruor, I Chief Justice, 4 Provincial Judges, 10
Council of iiower Canada, 1 Chief Justice of Montreal, W Provincial
Judgt%s, 10 Juilges ; pensioners, etc., .£20,000; Civil Secretary, Pi'ovinciul
Secretary, Receiver General, Inspector General, Executive Council, Board
of Works, etc., the.so cost, .§300,000.
53 — Tiie independent civil and judicial list.
54 — Sunender the territorial and casual revenue belonging to the
Crown, three-llftlis to consolidated revenue till five years after the demise
of Her ]\lajesty.
50 — Fust charge on the duties, expense of collection ; second, the in-
terest on public debt; third, the clergy ; fourth, civil list, £45,000: fifth,
judicature, £30,000; sixth, old accounts.
57 — Tnat it is not lawful for the Legislature to originate or pass any
vote, resolution or biil of appropriation except by a message of the Gov-
ernor.
tJO — Labrador, from St. Johns, to be taken from Newfoundland and
annexed to Quebec.
Two more unim])ortant sections finish the list.
219
We do not wish, in pasHing through the acts of Miiiistors, to ohlitcmte any
good intentions towards this distant i»ortioii of Her jNlajesty's possessions,
nor is it our business to undertake to write a political history further than
to relate the connection of our sulycct thereto ; hut the clauses of the
Ui\ion Act quoted above show that in surrendering their jjower to stop
the supplies and to originate important bills, ministers had legislated so
ii8 to place tlie i)eople and CJovernment of Canada entirely under their
power, and the history of our Government, detailed in this biography,
shows that our subject, with other fellow-countrymen, ceasing to have the
power to originate bills or to have any power over the money granted, left
the Government in the hands of the Ministry, who always represented Im-
pei'ial interests, so that the British Government, being res}>onsiblo for all
the acts, l)y this act, adioitly M'orded, nuide it to appear tho responsiliility
as belonging to the j)eople of Canada.
The gradual weaning fron; some of hift canal imi)rovements is shown
ill a letter to the author at Toronto from Ht. Catharines dated Aug. 17th.
This had taken up a good deal of his time, as he had visited the Grand
River every month since the opening of navigation:
" My Dear Son — T returned from the Grand River on Friday. The
improvements will l)e finished all well this week, and I hope to be tliere-
after relieved from further attention to that object."
H. K., in a long and contiilential letter, notifies liini of the departure
of the Governor (General from Montreal for the West, and remarks that
ho took a wide range in the Eastern Provinces, being upon the Vermont
frontier.
" MoXTRKAL. l.'Uh July, 1840.
" Mv Deak Sir — The Governor told me that immediately, on his retuin
from Halifax, he would go west. He niav be here the latter end ot this
week.
H. K."
"Montreal, 14th August, 1840.
" Mv Dear Sir — I received your letter here on our arrival from a
tour in the eastern townships. The Governor General desii-es me to in-
form you that it is his intention to leave this for Ujtper Canada on Tues-
day next, and that he expects to b? at St. (.'athariui^s on Thursd.iy or Fri-
day, and that he proposes to stay at Niagara for a few days after that. Any
arrangements, therefoi-e, which you may desire to make could be made at
tliat time.
" Believe me, my dear sir, very faithfully yours,
"T. W. C. MURDGOK.
" W. H. Merritt, Esq."
In August, the Governor Goneral, Sir P. Thom])son, visited this
neighborhood, and was entertained by the ]>eople of St. Cathai-ines with a
public breakfast. He afterwanls went up the canal in company with our
subject, and left for the west at Port Colborne, in a government steamer.
U|'
220
"St. Catjiarines, AuKust 30, 1840.
"My Dear Thoma.s — Wo had tho (tovonior (tciu-ral at St(*j)lienHon'K
yeHterday iiiorninj^. There was <juite a reH|i<Tt«l>l(i luiinhcr nu-t him and
I (resented an adilroKH. Your father aacomjuinied him and Kin*- to Port Col -
home. Father HavH he (the Governor (Jeneral) \h very nincli pleased with
tlie canal. Your afl'ectionate mother,
"C. M."
Tlie changes in the constitution had now i*endered a now election neces-
sary, ard a convention beiuf; liehl at St. Catliarines, cotnjtoscMl of delegates
of the advocates of the union, from different townHhijts, and they being
pleased with Mr. Merritt's course therein, ofi'ered liim the rei»resentation
of the county, which after consideration, believing they fully rei)resent«'d
tlie majority of tlie people of the county, he accepted. He afterwards paid a
visit to his old constituency in Haldimand, and delivered his farew ell address.
There was not at this time great concord in the Governor's liouse-
liold, as tlie following from the former engineer of the Welland, and now
promoted to the presidency of the Board of Works, will show :
" Board of Works, 20th October, 1840.
" Mv Dear Sir — I do not wonder at the mortification you express
respecting your affairs in the Welland, but I cannot understand at all how
matters are now going on. If I understand aright stones are being got
out and prepared, but in what system, and without an aim to what class of
work or specification ? Because it may be very easy to, as it were,
strengthen the justice of the extravagant estimate by the rate of what is
now doing.
" I never heard of the letter sent the Welland Board, by order of the
Governoj-, to furnish, him with an estimate, and presuming (at least I fear)
it was suggested to him to do so through the late Military Secretary,
Major Hall, prompted probaV)ly either by or iome of the corps,
who are very clannisli, and will bear each other out, if it be possible. Hall
has left, for which I am not sorry.
" Tell Richard Boyle his petition was referred to me, and that I strong-
ly urged his claim upon the favorable consideration of His Exaellency this
day, and that he will shortly be settled with.
" Faithfully yours,
" H. H. KILLALY."
" Office of Board of Works, Nov. 6th.
" Mv Dear Sir — Not to permit our correspondence to drop, I take up
my pen, although I have little to say. The Council is and has been sit-
ting these two days closely. They are now hard at work at the Registry
Bill, which I believe to be a most excellent one, and cleverly drawn up —
rather long, but it is said unavoidably so. The sitting, it is generally su])-
posed, will last about a fortnight, and I have I'eason to believe that no time
will be lost in bringing the Union into play and holding the elections. It
is generally represented to His Excellency that a reaction against the Ex-
ecutive may take place if longer delayed. My opinion is so, and I think
some of the late men started upon supposed Government interest and in-
fluence, will not contrive to keep that influence in good odour with the
221
people. NeilHon, you obsorvo, i.i Iminincring awny. He \h doing much
iniHohiof — not ntopping at any thing to work liiH ontlH. Among othfin, he
is getting up little losrt timn rolxjllion against the Hleigh ordinanco, which,
throJigh him, ciiuHeH great excitement just now.
" All the otiioial and private letters from the foreign de|iai-tment unani-
nioiisly concur in stating all fear of war is over. Thank (rod !
" The Colonel's estimate and Hpecilioation affords nnich amusement to
all the ofliuers of his corps 1 meet with. They all concur in saying he
knows nothing of practice, and that some trcwiti.ses |mblished by him in
his more immediate department some time ago are laughed at hy ofticers.
You can do nothing except through the liegislature. The Governor Gen-
eral will not sanction any expenditure or del)t until then. Wilson's "tax-
ation without representation" may have confirmed him in this.
" You have, you may dej)end on it, .several and active friends, who have
bellowed sutKcieiitly u|)on " Meri-itt'a sjwjculation, extravagance, chimerical
ideas," etc. They are all above iii your city.
" With esteem, faithfully yours,
"JI. H. KILLAl.Y."
" Okkic'e of the Post Office Commission, Montkeal, Nov. I'J.
" Sill — I have to request that you will furnish mo, for the information
of the Post OlHoe Commissioners, with the least po.ssible dtday, a return of
your pay and emoluments as Post Master at St. Catharines for the year
ending ."ith July last, distinguishini; therein the various sources from which
your income has been derived. You will please al.so to state, under the
head of observations, what expense.^' you have actually incurred, during the
same period, for clerk hire, orfice rent, etc.
" The Commissioners desire to bo further informed whether you rcu
larly ailbrd your personal services to the tluties of the olHce, or whether
the management devolves u\)on an assistant.
" I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
"CHHIST. UUNKIN."
Our subject, in reply to the above comnuiuication, sent the information
required, which was as follows :
" I allow the clerk the entire percentage of this office, wliich is £r)3
Gs. li'ld. ; he pays office rent ecpial to £G 5s. Od. ; tire wood, £2 10s. Od. ;
net proceeds, £4-4 lis. 3|d. I have the benefit of frankii.^' my private let-
ters, and attend at the office when recjuired to answer any conimuuications,
making up returns, »kc. ; but the daily management devolves on the assist-
ant, who is at this moment William Copeland."
October 20. — A strong protest, signed by several who have since
borne prominent situations in Canada, against the Act of Union, appeared
at this time, these dissentients being mostly in the Lower Province.
The views of Mr. Merritt's siipporters in his own county with regard
to his (jualitications for their representative may be gathered from this re-
port of the convention, taken from the Journal of December 31, 1840 :
" That, as it was generally understood that the services of Mr. Merritfc
or Mr. Thorburn would be required, the committee lost no time in waiting
on these gentlemen. Mr. Merritt having, at their unanimous solicitation,
222
jirorniHt'd to acoodt^ to tlicir wisIicH, provided th«* l.ittcr did not, ftiid tlie
latter runninj,' for the South Kidin^', we have the haitpiiiess to congratulate
you u))ou Mr. Morritt'n accoptHnce of tlio noniinn.tiuu.
" Kellow Hul»jectH — As we are now apj)roaehiiiL; a nioht iuiportnnt crisis
in our }iolitical atl'airH, it bccoineH our duty to phice liefore you a few con-
.sideratiouH wliicii liave iniiuenced us in Helectinjj Mr. Merritt as the mont
fitting,' candidate.
" It will 1)0 tiio duty of the timt United LegiHlature to eHtaldish such a
system of Guvonunent a-s will restore confidence and tnuuiuility to the
c<»untry, and insure our future jiciico and conHei|uent prosperity ; and deeply
inipresssd with the lielief that ih'V Majesty's Kuljjoets in ('anada are entitled
to the same political privile^'es as are enjoyed by their fellow nuhjects at
hotno, and at the same time most anxiovis that the connection with oiu"
fatherland should be perpetuated, we have solicited one known to entertain
enlarged and liberal views of Constitutional Government."
The princijiles of the British Constitution were not as well undei-stood
hero as at homo. An instance is given in the jiassage of the Reform Hill
to illustrate its practice there. The committee then continues :
" B^'fore the appearance of Lord Durham's report, many worthy men
believed we were already in possession of the British Constitution — since,
they now assert we cannot have the British Constitution while a colony of
the British Empire.
" It is most surprising that any portion of our fellow subjects can be
found advocating a syst.em that ilid produce discontent iii the old colonies.
" The committee conscientiously believe that the British Government
desire to make the people of Canada happy !t»id contented. Tliat British
statesmen can have no motive or interest in withholding from us the
beneficial effects produced Ijy the practical working of their own constitu-
tion. That the system reconnnended by Lord Durham's report would se-
cure us all we desire — the management of our internal aflairs. That such
a politic and liberal comiession would form the strongest of all possible ties
by which we would be attached to the Government and Empire of Great
Britjiin.
" Being composed of King, Lords and Commons, neither of them could
carry on the government without the co-operation of tho other. If any
has the most power it is tlie people's branch, for they })ossess the [)ower to
withhold annually the su iplies.
" To secure these inestimable blessings, therefore, your committee would
recommend tho selection of Mr. Merritt as their representative for Up-
per Canada in the United Parliaatient."
As the committee acknowledged ignorance on the subject, a gi-eat deal
of confidence was necessarily reposed in our subject, which he recipro-
cated, we believe, and felt, therefore, the weight of the responsibility.
That he did not forgot his family interests, the following letter to the
autlior will show :
"St. Catharines, 7th December, 1840.
" My Dkar Son — Yours of the 1st instant directed to me, and one of
the 3d instant to Thomas, requesting him to send you $20, is at hand, and
the amount is herewith enclosed. You request more correspondence from
not, and tlie
congnitulut(^
jiortnnt cri8is
u u few con-
t tiH the muHt
iiltliHli such ii
iiility to tlie
; and deeply
a art' cntitli'ti
V Hultjects ut
ion with our
I to tiitt'itain
II undorstoo'l
I Reform 15111
H :
woitliy men
iiition — since,
le a colony of
hjects can he
e old colonies.
Government
Til at British
from us tiie
own constitu-
jort would se-
•8. That such
II possible ties
ipire of Great
of them could
ther. If any
i the power to
nmittee would
tatire for Up-
t, a gi-eat deal
■h he recipio-
nsibility.
g letter to the
mber, 1840.
ue, and one of
1 at hand, and
pondence from
223
home, but yoii do not provoke it by writinif many or lonj^' letters rourself
although it would appear you ha<i, not only mon^ leisure, but tliat it would
be more Kcrvieeablo to you, by pnietiHing wlnit you will in ftfter life have
much to do, if well and useful in any sphere of life.
" Mr. Atkin.son preaehed two .sermons on Sunday, and aIthoui,'li very
stormy, they were well attended. He in getting a very lai-go congiegation
and 1 pray may do us all much good.
" You anticipate Much pie isure in spentling the holidays at home. I
hope it may be realized. The season is so boisterous that unlesa the duv
is fair do not come over in the steamer. Yon can select a good dfty and
get a wagon in Niagara — there is generally some down fr»)m tlu- country.
I will thank Mr. Grasette to give you a description of the lots in the deed
sent for his son, together with thf! name, so that I may have them wrote
\iy William on parchment. I will write William on the morrow.
" Your atlectionate father,
"W. HAMILTON MERIUTT.
" Mr. J. P. MF.nuiTT."
"Board ok Works, 7th December, 1810.
"Mv Dear Sir— T have just had yours of the 2Gth ultimo. The same
post brought me a letter from Mv. Adams, enclosing one of your addresses
to the electors, which I have not yet read, as Mr. Murdock got hohl of it
and brought it over to the Governor, from whom I have not yet got it.
" t)ur Special Commission is doing very little — travels at snail's pace.
I have just heard the E.\.ecutivo Council has been summonad. I think
but little time will be lost now in declaring the Union. You will see by
the papers that all idea of Quebec being the seat of Government is aban-
doned. This place is, also. I believe it will ultimately end in Kingston.
" I am glad to see by your letter that Hall is making an estimate, so
that your nuitters will be fully prepared against the meeting of the Legis-
lature. I have not seen anything further of Mr. Mauley's docum«>nt8.
Those sent to us are merely throe plans of hi.s lino and location of locks.
" Yours faithfully,
"H. H. KILLALY.
" W. H. Merrht, Esq."
Messrs. Merritt and Rykert generally acted together and voted uni-
formly in the direction of improvements, even up to the la.st acts of the
last Parliament, whose act in surrendering the Constitution we have found
it necessary to condemn. They voted with the forty-three for the Union,
including the jiermanent judicisU list. The difference increased during the
canvass, and the election turned on the Union and " responsible" govern-
ment. Concord returned when the latter left the electoral contest. Mr.
Rykert turned his attention to local affairs, while Mr. Merritt attemptetl
to carry out the interests of the country in Parliament, with what succe.sa
remaining pages will show. In the meantime, the contest was carried on
through the columns of the Journal and Constitutionalist in an internecine
paper war.
224
1841.
An anomaly in tlie history of Canada — no Parliament had been called
before the holidays, and our sulyect hid the leisure to enjoy them in the
bosom of hia family. The following epistle gives in homely atyle the occu-
pations he and they were engaged in :
" St. Catharines, 3d January 1841.
"Mv Dear Mot'IER— Christmas and the New Year holidays, with all
their m<>ri'y making and social greetings are past. The custom of gentle-
men making calls on the first day of the year is practised here pretty gen-
erally. Many who liave no communication the rest of the year will on
that day call at each other's hoiKses and take a bit of cake with the lady.
The young men made great reckoning on paying Miss A a visit, aa
they remembered how bountifully they were regaled there last year with
hot cotfee, etc, and they fared quite as well this year, by the account our
boys gave. We allowed William lo have a party Tuesday evening, and it
was pretty well utttMided. Uncle Elias, Aunt iSusaii and Dr. Chase were
among the young folks.
" Oar new chuj-ch looked very neat on Christmas day — the pillars
wound with evergreens, and festoons in front of the gallery; but best of
all, we have a good faithful clergyman a'.:d a large and attentive congre-
gation. Only the family dined with us, as Mrs. M. said some years ago she
would never give another dinner on Christmas; she thinks it is not a
proper day.
" Your aflectionate daughter,
"C. M."
The wail of mourning for the rebellion had not yet died out in the land,
and while most are enjo3'ingthe season in the society of family and friends,
some have to pass it in solitude, sorrowing for those banished to the farthest
extremity of the habitable globe :
"Bertie, January 12th, 1841.
" Dear Sir — I have just been informed that you have received a letter
from Sir John Franklin, of Van Dieman's Land, saying that the liberty
of the island had been granted to Mr. Wait, and my inten.se anxiety to
know the truth of this pleasii.g intelligence induces me to trouble you
with this note. I have recently received a letter from Mr. Wait, which is
rather encouraging, in which he speaks most highly of the country, wishing
nie to come out, if possible, and Mr. Roberts, the gentleman to whom him-
.self and Mr. Chandler were assigned on landing in that country, has also
written to me, holding out inducements for me there, saying that from a
knowleilge of my exertions for my husband, whom he respects from acquain-
tance, he is disposed to render me services on my landing in that country,
aiid that I may rest assured of a comfortable and happy home. This was
indeed unexpected, though I was aware of every influence being exerted on
my behalf by my friends in E^igland, and fain would I go could I see the
possibility of my doing so, but this I must leave to Him who is able to pro-
vide. I fear the time is distant when I shall be permitted to lay my case
befora the United Legislature, as the Governor General seems disposed to
225
withhold that privilege. I am stopping at Mr. S. McAfee's, where I hare
a school three miles below Fort Erie, from which post office a line will
reach me, should you kindly oblige
" Your most grateful servant,
"MARIA WAIT.
"W. H. Merbitt, Esq."
" St. Johks, N. S., April 30, 1841.
" Dear Sir — While I have to mourn the loss of a kind husband, I am
at the same time doomed to waste my strength in endeavoring to procure a
living for the large family of little ones which he has been doomed to leave
me. I have been led to these reflections in order to impress you with the
conviction that it is through necessity that I make this appeal to you, hop-
ing that you will exercise your influence in a liCgislative capacity, and, per-
adventure, procure the return of my husband to the bosom of his family ;
and in so doing you will infinitely oblige
*' Your humble servant,
"ELIZA CHANDLER.
" W. H. Merritt, Esq."
The past year was a remarkable one in many ways. Extraordinary
powers were placed in the hands of the Governor. The seat of government
was changed to Kingston, and in accordance with his promise to the Cana
dian people, that steam communication with Europe would be established
by the Imperial Government, it resulted in a contract being given to Mr»
Cunard ; but instead of being a real benefit to Canada, it was the reverse,
as the vessels only stopped at Halifax, and alternately went on to Boston
and New York, thereby benefitting the Erie Canal, and the commerce of
the United States, and diverting our own from its natural outlets by the
lakes and St. Lawrence, to the ocean.
The annual report of the canal, under Mr. Merritt's presidency, was
published, and showed a promising statement. The traffic had materially
increased, the tolls rising to the large sum of $80,000 during the year, with
a bright f)rospect ahead. The results of the past season put a damper on
those wJio opposed the canal, and all now looked forward to the grand im-
provements as calculated to place this work far in advance of its previous
position.
"St. Catharines, 28th January, 1841.
" My Dear Sir — I beg leave to enclose you for the information of His
Excellency the Governor General a copy of the report of the Welland
Canal Company for 1840. This document proves that the amount of stock
and loans held and made by the Provincial Government of Upper Canada
prior to 1837 did not exceed £209,000 sterling. Secondly — That in con-
sideration of the interest on X50,000 sterling, the British Government are
secured by a Provincial statute to the free transit of the canal for all
Government stores, and that the one-ninth of the cost of the canal, which
it was the intention of the Ministry at that time to grant, has been re-
served. Thirdly — That the work has been constructed at a less cost than
any similar work in America of equal magnitude. That its progfes-sivo
226
income has exceeded the amount set down by it.s most sanguine promotei-s.
That a revenue of only „£25,650 for an average of three years will not
only pay the interest on loans since 1837 — six per cent, dividend on pri-
vate shares — but the interest on a future outlay of .£400,000.
" With this favorable result you may imagine my deep regret in being
compelled to announce that another year has p;ussod away and the canal not
one hour nearer its completion than when placed under the control of the
Executive Government of Upper Canada in \S'M. I feel this disappoint-
ment the more keenly from a conscioutmess the money could have been ob-
tained, the feeder to (rrand River widened and the material prepared foi*
one-half the locks by the opening of the ensuing navigation, out of th'*
resources of the canal itself, had the Executive continued that counte-
nance which has ever boon reposed in my judgment by the private share-
holders. With a hope that the Union will take phic>> in time to put
the work under efficient management,
" I am, sir, yours, <kc.,
"W\ HAMILTON MERRITT.
"T. W. C. Mlrdock."
"BoAHD OF Works, 3d February, 1841.
" My Dkar Sir — I go to Kingston in the morning to prepare for the
meeting if the Legislature. I am ordered to be ready by the 1st of May.
This takes the bull liy the horns, that place being fixed by the authorities
at home and here as the proper site permanently. The Governor is certainly
right at once to get there and sot the question at rest. Going to Toronto
for a soa.son or two would only keej) up the agitation of this question, as
wo'l as bolster up tlu^ hopes of the party now expiring.
" The Council expect to rise on Saturday, but I don't think they can
until Tuesday. The proclamation will follow itintaatii): Harri' on and
Draper are down here. Tlie French ai-e exerting themselves m.ich, but
quietly.
" Faithfully yours,
"H. H. KILLALY."
Among the items of etigineering and political gossip, from his Irish, and
consoipiently, animated correspondence, the really imitortant measure of
adajiting the scresv for projmlsiou is here foreshadowed :
Kingston, 9tli February, 184L
♦' Mv Dkar Sir — I have just had yours of the 2l)th ultimo. You ask
what has become of me 1 Why, I have written you two letters lately, in
which I mentioned all my proceedings with respect to being here busily en-
gaged in preparing for the meeting of the 1 jegislaturo early in May. The
London election, I have reason to know, will be on the 1st of March, the
county about the 7th, and all the others at the same time.
" You see the re{)ort is short enough, but on the whole very satisfac-
tory— in fact nothing more can be said. I believe I stated to you that I
got Lord Sydenham to write to the Admiralty for olUoial information of the
practical results of the various trials and improvements making for some
time back in that department and the Post OHice, as to the jjowers of the
Screw driven vessels. Slioulil it be found to answer, beyond all doubt 1
conceive it settles the question of our scale of locks here at once, as one of
24 or 20 feet wide will permit a steamer to pass through of the capacity and
227
oil ask
toly, ill
isilv eii-
•ch, the
satisfac-
tliiit 1
n\ of the
or soiac
sof the
doubt 1
IS one of
,city and
tonnage of tlie Groat Britain. I should like very much to see Mr. Hall's
maps. I got a copy of the proclamation the day before yesterday, but I
have not yet heard of its being officially received. It is dated the Sth, and
and proclaims 'That on and after the 10th instant, the provinces are unit-
ed, &,c.'
" Yours faithfully and with esteem,
"H. H. KILLALY.
" Marks has at last come out here. The Admiralty say he must resign
liis situation if elected. I think Forsyth will get in for this place. Barkus
has resigned. Cartright, I am told, will not come in, but tliis is questioned.
1 left Draper and Harrison in Montreal."
As a record of the links of the . improvements in the communication
to the sea-boai'd, the following items concerning the Chambley Canal will
not be entirely out of place :
" St. John's, L. C, 12th February, 1841.
'* Dear Sir — The Commissioners of this canal have been singularly un-
fortunate in its prosecution and management. A series of disasters of one
kind or other has attended them from the beginning. They at first got into
difficulty with the contractors, who took the work too low, and although
they were allowed for a good many extras, they still have an unsettled
claim against ihe Commission of some £20,000, which although in a course
of prosecution will never be paid. They next got at loggerheads with their
engineer. Their work was left in an unfinished state, after expending all
their money. They made an attempt to recommence it in 1839, and ap-
plied for my services to superintend it ; but after making up the estimate,
plana, specifications, ttc, they were unsuccessful in obtaining funds, and of
course I left theiu. Ijast year thoy were more fortunate, for they succeeded
in obtaining a pai-t of the amount, and the work was recommenced under
Mr. Baird, who unfortunately became deranged, and got everything in a
most awful state of confusion, and although upwards of £8,000 was spent
(luring the last season, I do not think the work is a bit farther advanced
than when I made the estimate in 1839. If their present engineer retains
his senses in putting tilings in order and doing what has been undone, he
may consider himself most fortunate. It is my intention, however, to do
the best I can, and hope I may be so fortunate as to see this work com-
pleted. With kind rememln-ances to Mrs. Merritt and family,
'' I remain very truly yours, " G. KEEFER."
"Toronto, 11th February, 1841.
" My Dkak Sir — I was absent at Tyondenagha on duty when your let-
ter of tlie 2Gth January reached this office. I have laid it before the
(lovernor. The surrender of the land from Green's to Brantford Bridge
letpiires consideration, and should not bo done hastily. That it is highly
importiiut to Brantford to have the canal continued to that place 1 admit.
Mr. Wilkes' plan of doing it from the Indian monies would never meet
with th(» sanction of the Indians, and I think it will recpiire great manage-
ment to induce them to contribute in any manner to it.
"The Lieutenant Governor, on the 8th instant, directed me to include
my name in the list of directors for the ensuing year, to represent the In-
dian stock, and I have written to Mr. Jackson to transfer in my name the
uuniber of shares necessary to qualify me for the office.
228
*' I shall be most happy to co-operate iu anything which may make the
stock productive. I know Mr. Wilkes in making great exertions to get t'te
control of the direction, and I have bean told has divided a few shares of
stock into many parts, to command a majority of votes.
" Whatever course is adopted in reference to the continuing of the work
io Brantford, none should be rashly entered upon, and I have been directed
to make myself master of the subject before assenting to any proposition.
" Believe me, my dear sir, yours very faithfully,
" S. P. JARVIS." i
The necessity of keeping a connected record of the events of this very
important period in the history of our subject in the items of intelligence
conveyed by his various correspondents necessitates occasionally going
over the same field. In the present letter, the information of when the
elections would probably be held has already been conveyed authoritatively
from head-quarters.
"Toronto, 18th February, 1841.
"My DearSir — I havejust received your note of the 16th. With respect
to Norfolk, a difficulty has arisen not anticipated, and which might have
very seriously embarrassed the party. As it is, however, 1 tlo not think
it will signify. I have a requisition from Lennox and Haddington, one is
coming from Hastings, another from the North Riding of York, and they
•re getting up another from the Enst Riding of Halton. I am not yet de-
cided as to the one which I ought to accept. Mr. Mcintosh has greatly
offended his constituents by offering to retire. By the latest information
tliat I have, the arrangement was to have the elections on the 8th and 15th
Mai'ch. On tho former for the towns and on the latter for the counties.
•' Believe me yours truly,
"ROBT. BALDWIN.".
The following mode of influencing men of a foreign nationality, and
other electioneering items of that day, may not bo without their instruc-
tion to present aspirants for political honors. The character of being a
" plain man" will go a great ways with men who are straightforward in
their dealings, as the Dutch Menonesse of Clinton proverbially were :
" Beamsville, February 18.
" Dear Sir — I received your note, and beg to ac(iuaint you that I have
used every endeavor to obtain the informatiou you required, but I found it
quite impossible to acquire a correct and accurate list. However, I feel
quite confident that you will get a majority of voters. Some few of the
Dutch who live near Patterson will vote for llykert, but the great majority
of this class of citizens will vote for you. Several Dutchmen told me
that they felt convinced that Rykert could not obtain a dozen out of their
Dumber. Many will not vote at all.
" Patterson has turned out to assess a month earlier than usual, and
may infiuence their miuds somewhat, but, I think, not to any extent. Should
you happen to be in their neighborhood, call upon them and use them after
their own fashion. I will just mention that many of them like you and will
vote for you because they think you what they call in their homely fasliion a plain
man. This I mention by way ot a hint, as it goes a great way with them.
229
iuai. and
Should
icm after
and will
I win continue to exert myself, as usual, as much as possible, and should any*
thing turn up I will send you word.
" I will say no more, but shall be happy at any time to further your views
ID any way you may point out.
" Yours sincerely,
"W G. DICKINSON."
" Smithvillb, 8th March, 1841.
" My Dear Sib — I forward to you the proceedings of the committee at
the last meeting, and have to regret that I cannot attend the hustings at
present, on account of one of my children being very sick. I employed or
opent two days in following up the " great Chronicle," with good effect. This
part of Grimsby remains untainted. Every committee man in this section
has been awake. Mr. Rykert has conducted himself in a manner truly as-
toniiihiDg. We hope to bid him farewell.
" I am, sir, trilty in haste,
" ABISHAI MORSE.
"Wm. H. Mrrritt, Esq."
" N. B. — Our friends are coming down by loads. "A. M."
At a meeting of the Committee for Townships at Beamsville on Monday,
let, March, 1841, it was
" Eetiolved — That this committee add to its number a.M follows :
" Caistor— Henry Miller, Andrew Gregory, Hiram Lymbourne, Josiah
Nclfion, Peter Simmons, Paul Horton.
" Gainsborough — Wm. J. Stuart, Bobert Comfort, Gilbert Lane, Thomas
Eohins, Ab. Crow, Luke Cavers, Alex. Garner, Wm. 0. Eastman, Jacob Ken-
nedy, Wm. Gardner.
" Grimsby — Peter Buckbee, John Harris. John D. Bearaer, George
Adams, John Ness, R. C. Griffin, D. Wolverton, D, Palmer, Wm. Merritt,
" Clinton — Daniel Smith, Daniel Freeland, Isaac Teeter, Nathan Gilmore,
John Buchner, Dr. Dickinson, Philip Gregory, Adam Adair.
" Louth — Wm. Adams, Adam Brown, Wm. Purdy, Isaac Overholt,
Ben. Gould, Geo. E. Reed.
" Grantham— John Gilliland, Pat. McClinchy, Ab. Hosteter, John Darby,
Deacon Smith.
"2. That a part of this committee attend at the hu.sting8 as follows : For
Caistor — James Tisdale, John Merritt. Gainsborough — Thomas Hardy,
John Page. Grimsby — Henry Smith, David Palmer, D. Wolverton, F. A.
Morse, by request of Mr. Merritt. Clinton — Rowly Kilboru, Tim Hixon.
Louth — B. Gregory, Isaac Overholt. Graatham — All.
" 3, That the members of the committee at St. Catharines are hereby
authorized to send teams to the members of the township committees
reepectively, who are r equired to give the address of those persons that will
support the election of Mr. Merritt, and this committee will use every exer-
tion to effect that object."
We have mentioned the name of Robert Gourlay in the earlier part of
this work, and we have shown that he was supported by our subject at no
little sacrifice. Subsequent events will show him to be still a warm friend
and advocate, but his views of infringing the rights of the British subject
were unappreciated by the mass of the electors, and though the local press
230
had been crowded by hia narratives for months previous, be failed, for want
of a personal canvass, to be nominated as a candidate for the United Parlia-
ment. The following remarkable document on the subject of the election
was written by him :
" Indiana, U. S., February 2G, 1841.
" To W. II. Mei-ritt awl G. Rykert, Esquires :
" Gentlemen — I am to make to you an extraordinary request ; but one
compliance with which will do you the highest honor. I ask you to relin-
quish for the present your desire to represent in Parliament the North Rid-
ing of Lincoln and exert yourselves in getting me elected. My address to
the electors was published prior to yours. You, therefore, oppose me ; not I
you. But your opposition has in no way altered my mode of action. I
never meant to canvas for votes or contend with any individual. My mcau-
iug was to give the mhabit.intl of Niagara district an opportunity to do me
justice, and that in the most noble manner. This is what I mean, and it will
bo in your power to explain my meaning to all, which I cannot do, confined
as I am by sickness. On the 4th of May, 1818, I became tho»6orvaut of
the people of Niagara district, and to please them, drafted an address tto the
Prince Regent, which, after being submitted for months to the inspection of
the people of Upper Canada, was by them universally admired and adopted,
engrossed and despatched to England for presentation by Lord Erskinc.
Had that address been sustained, the Province would assuredly long ere now
have been the most enviable spot on the habitable globe.
" Gentlemen — Should you lay aside hostility to each other, and go forth
to nominate me — should electors thus cheered on to unanimity, appoint me
as their representative in the Parliament of Canada, who wonld not applaud
your conduct, and what would you lose by it ? Comparatively nothing ; for
after one session I would vacate my seat, and leave you to contend for the
remaining honor. For myself, I want only an opportunity to plead against
wrong, and thus have a chance of regaining my rights and my property, with
a home in b'cotland.
" 1 have caused the records of 1818 to be reprinted, that all may be well
understood. A generation has grown up since then, and many have come
from distant parts who, without these records, may be incredulous. These,
with your good will, are sufficient, and even my presence at the hustings may
be dispensed with, should ill-health continue, or other circumstances hold me
at a distance.
" I am, gentlemen, in all sincerity yours, Ac,
"ROBERT F. GOURLAY."
The election for the North Riding of Lincoln, came off on the 9th of
March. In Mr, Merritt's speech, wo find a eulogy on the late lamented
Earl of Durham, to the adoption of whose report on the state of the Pro-
vince by the Imperial Government, we ov/ed the present hopeful state
of the Province. Many of the suggestions in the report were made by our
subject, but required an influential man like the Earl, to carry them out in
England.
The result was his election by a largo majority over his old associate,
Mr. Rykert, who was opposed to the scheme of the Earl.
231
The prominent members returned at this election were — Morris, who
succeeded Gowan, for Leeds; II. Smith from Fontinac ; Baldwin and M«r-
ney, Hastinjrs; Harrison, Kent; I'rice and Baldwin, York; Morritt and
Thorburn, Lincoln; David Thomson, Ilaldimand ; Alan McNab, Ilamilton ;
F. Hincks, Oxford, and T. Parke, Middlesex.
We have dwelt more on this election than any other, because of its im-
portant result. The national feeling was the paramount element of Lower
Canada in opposition, exceeding that of sect, many of the contests at the
election being between Irish and French. Riots and loss of life occuirod in
the election of Caleb Hopkins, John Gilchrist, Dunn and Buchanan, la
D. M. Armstrong's election at Berthior seven were killed.
The very natural desire to celebrate their liard-earned victory at the
hustings is evinced by the party who bad suffered so much by implication,
if not co-operation in the rebellion. Farther on, we will have to give some
of the wire-pulling that prevented their success from producing the fruits
they HO ardently anticipated.
"Hamilton, 3Iarch 27.
"My Dear Sir— Many of the leading members of our party have had
it in contemplation for some time past to commemorate the Parliamentary
return of a majority of Liberal candidates by giving a reform banquet at
this place iu the course of the ensuing month — say on or about the 15th
proximo.
" We propose to invite as special guests Messrs. Dunn, Baldwin and
Harrison, Buchanan, Small, Price, Hincks and any other Liberal member
whose residence at Toronto would enable him to attend, David Thorburn, D.
Thompson, yourself and our three county members. We anticipate being
able to accommodate from 250 to 300 persons in our Town Hall, and pledge
ourselves to do the thing in good style, if we obtain the concurrence of our
proposed guests. A festival at Hamilton will not prevent similar demonstra-
tions at Toronto or other places, if desired ; but we think it particularly de-
sirable to hold one here- firstly, because we can do so without fear of Oranga
rioting, and, secondly, because, as Fergusson says, it would be under the very
nose of Sir Alan McNab, who is one of the few "compact" ?nembcrs sent to
Parliament. We think the meeting of great importance, both to the Govern-
ment and lleform party, because the social union of the present Liberal
administration with the Reform members of the neighborhood would indicate
a union of political sentiment, the exhibition of which would tend beyond
all things to seal the fate of our political enemies and place us in a firm and
distinguished position.
"I have been instructed by a committee to address you on this subject,
and shall be glad to hear that you are disposed to accede to our invitation.
I may state that our arrangements are not sufficiently formed to enable us to
give them publicity ; but the parties connected with them are — The Hon.
Adam Fergusson, the Dundas reformers, Wilks and Moyle (of Brantford,
I believe), Ferrie, Young, Tiffany, Stinson and all in this place, and the
neighboring farmers have in many instances promised their support.
232
" Do me the favor to answer this at your earliest convenience. I shall
endeavor to communicate with Mr. Thorburn and Mr. Thomson and , the To-
ronto gentlemen bj this night's post.
" I am, dear sir, very faithfully yours,
"E. C. THOMAS:
"W. H. Mkrritt, Esq."
The patrouago of the canal, with other public measures, by the new
arrangements centres in Govornment. Tiie President of the Board of
Works and Councillor is now dictator of the position, vice Councillor and
Secretary McCauley.
Kingston, 9th April, 1841.
" Yours of the 25th was forwarded to m« here. I am about to leave for
Montreal where I will be for ten days, after which I return here, I am very
anxious to sec Hall's plans. I saw your engineer in Toronto for a moment.
He appeared chagrined. I also saw Dr. Hamilton, who said, " The engineer
had given up a good deal of his expensive notions." I was sounded as to his
being again elected president. I said, of course, he should instantly vacate
his office. This did not appear to go. I fear an attempt was made to oust
Kecfer. Has this been so, and what is the result? I am very anxious to
know, but I heard in such a manner that I could not hint it to you with-
out breach of trust. Write to me and inform me sure,
•' Yours with esteem, very truly,
"H. H. KILLALY."
Immediately after the election contest our subject began with all his
sanguine and energetic disposition to smooth the way for a real union with
pur French fellow-subjects, by corresponding with the leading politicians .
The following is from an ardent Canadian — though not the one who
engaged in the rebellion :
" QuEBKC, 27th April 1841.
" My Dear Sir — Your letter of the 15th instant only reached me yester-
day. I shall, of course, consider it as ' private and confidential.'
" The members elected in this part of the country, as disapproving of
the Reunion Act, will adhere to the principles of the circular to the electors,
of which I enclose a copy. They do not, as you will see by that circular,
pronounce absolutely in favor of the repeal of the Union, but on its repeal or
amcndt ent, so as to do away with the injustice done to the late Province of
Lower Janada. They may put on record the refusal of the majority of the
people of Lower Canada to give their consent to the Reunion Act, and their
representatives, I conceive, will readily concur with the representatives of Up-
per Canada in any amendments to the act which may tend to make it more
consistent with justice to both provinces, and for the maintenance of the rights
of the representative body and the acknowledged liberties of British sub-
jects, without distinction of national origin, religious belief, place of birth or
residence. They will, besides, I have no doubt, readily concur in such
measures as may tend to secure an able and impartial administration of jus-
tice, and a faithful discharge of the duties of all executive officers, and a
proper system of responsibility and accountability. The facilitating the
settlement of the Crown lands, the freedom of industry and the improvement
of the great channels of commercial communication, will have their decided
233
gapport, without any partiality to parlioufar tntcronts or loealities ; keeping
always in view the meanH of the country, and the obligation of not ioTolving
onrBeWes or our poRtcrity in extravagant projects and Bpeculationn, such a»
are bringing 80 many difficulties on our southern neighbors. With respect tO'
education it must be facilitated to all alike, without distinction. Religious
BocieticB must support themsolves, there must be no interference with their
peculiar privileges, and allowing no power by the one over the other. In so
far as the consent and co-op iration of the British Oovornmcnt is concerned,
I should conceive that many goo*! and useful laws, advantageous to both por-
tions of Canada, will be more readily obtained by the representative body
of a million and a quarter of souls than could be obtained by thorn when
divided. You and I have, I believe, always differed in opinion on the ques-
tion of uniting the Provinces; and we probably will continue so to diflFer.
The project originated in a desire to place the persons and property of the
subject at the mercy of the office-holders and their connections ; and it bears
marks of being completed in that design. The sacrifices that the assembling
of a representative body to treat of the common interest of a people extend-
ed over upwanis of twelve hundred miles of territory, different in language,
laws, religion, institutions, climate and circumstances, the manner in which
the revenue of the country has been appropriated without its consent, and the
Assembly bound down, leaves us only a mockery of free government and of
the British Constitution, which could not last in England, and still less in
North America. I have no doubt, however, that even this sham representa-
tion of the country will enable men who have a permanent interest in it, to
eome to a better understanding with one another, for the common advantage,
and will in replacing the population in a condition likely to remain in connec-
tion with the British Empire, and consistently with the allegiance which we
all owe to the British Crown.
"I speak of what I believe are the views of the representatives of Lower
Canada — those who disapprove of the Reunion Act. I have had no consulta-
tion with any of thera, but I am not apprehensive of any mistake. They
ask justice for their constituents, the common rights of British subjects, and
are ready to promote for all the other inhabitants of the Province what they
ask for themselves, On pari!icular questions, they will be ready to form their
conclusions indifferently to all parties or private interests. I can have no ob-
jection that these views should be known to everyone.
" I remain, very respectfully, your obedient and humble servant,
"J. NEILSON."
The following is from one who retired from the jiublic arena for the
position of collector at Port Colborne, whose kindness of disposition and
Kuavity of manner, characteristic of the Irish gentleman, endeared him tu
all with whom he came in contact :
"London, April 2lRt, I84L
"My Dear Sir — Yours of the 9th in.stant reached me in good time,
and my only excuse for not answering it immediately is that I did not kBOW
how. One of ths questions you allude to is so very important and extensive
in its connections — coupled with the tortuous deceit that long, scheming heads
in and out of the House of Assembly will bring to bear on it, even putting
on the garments of angels of light — that I find I am utterly incapable of giv-
ing my views in the short compass of a letter, or, indeed, of placing them cor-
rectly and fully on paper at all. The first question you allude to — that of
234
tipeaker--with the friends of responsible government there can be no two
opinions. The Ass'^mbly should stamp its character indelibly by their choico
of a Speaker, iDciudingulso the consideration that if not a Lower Canadian,
he should bo a person iu whom that portion of our fellow subjects have CTcry
confidence, in order to show them that the reforuiors of Upper Canada have
every disposition to respect their feelings, and treat tlunn in that friendly, fair
way that alone can make the Union any way palatable to them. * ♦ j
have uo personal acquaintance with the men returned from the Lower Province.
" I am, my dear sir, is esteem, truly yours,
"THOMAS PARKE."
" AMKiiiASDUKon, May 3d, 1841.
" My Dear Sir — Yours of the 10th ultimo was duly received. I
agree with you that the success of our new aduiiiiistratioii must dejnsnd
upon the wisdom of the measures they iulvocate, ami it is all importiuit
that wo agree with them, if wo can do so without sacriiico of principle, and
I trust we shall iu no ciuto be called upon to do so in order to agree with
them. I very much dread the civil list (piestion, aiul I fear the Tories will
endeavor to drive us into that ground if they can. Should they do so, 1
think our bettor plan would be to endeavor to evade it, till we give thH
new CWstitution a fair trial, as it is an exporimout, and if we go to mend-
ing it before we try it, should it j)rc)ve a failure w(i may have ourselves to
blame for it. We have a most diHicult task before us. I expect an atteuipt
will l)«i iiiiide to got us into a scjuabble with the Governor (jeneral respect-
ing .some of the elections iu sonic! part of the Province. IJotli Tories and
Republicans would glory in getting us into difficulti(^s of that kind, but 1
think our earthly .salvation depends on our agreeing with His Excellency.
As it re.si)ects the Speaker, I agree also with you that if we can get a man
who can sj>e!:k both languages it would be j>r(!f('iable, and if we could get
a Lower ('anadian who would answer the puqiose it would, perhaj).s, Iw
the means of conciliating them, ami certainly they deserve some considera-
tion. I intend being in town on Monday (svening, und ho\)ti to see you and
many other frioiuL on Tuesday, the day preii^ous to the assembling.
"I remain yours truly,
"J. ROBLIN."
^ " Hamilton, May 4th, 1841.
'♦My Dkar Sir — Your favor of the lOth ultimo is before me, and its
rej>ly has been postponed to the pre.sent time from unavoidable circuai-
stiinccs.
" You do me th« honor to ask me if I think ' that the present Pro-
vincial Ministry will feel it necessary to consult the representatives of the
people, witli a view of ascertaining in what manner certain questions will
or should he disposed of. I ajiprehend that the Ministry have no alter-
native l)ut to do so, unless — ^which 1 am reluctant to believe possible—
they place .'iucli great contidence in the venality or apathy of tlie Parlin-
ment and the people as to apprehend no purcessful opjiosition to themselves
by a selfish and despotic .system of government.
" Your qiiery appears to refer })articularly to the civil litst, and the
propriety of amending the Union Act, and you say that you >::ive been
asked, ' Can the ju-inciples of the jRritish Constitutic n be maintained with-
out having the jx-wcr of granting supplies vefcted in the represeutativa
no two
if choice
'atiadian,
ivo every
laila havu
i<lly, fair
* I
'roviDCo.
It
235
liianch of the Lej;i«Iaturi», and what in Hiihstitutod as an e(iiuval«>ut T
TliiH i8, incicod, a difficult iju^Htion -^)ne on which I must ofFur an o|)iiuoii
with great ditlidoiico, and would rather that my Koutinuuits wero rccciv(Mi
as liumblo suggestions than aa tlie dcliborato feelings of a matured judg-
niont. I am continually struck with the inaccuracy of the asstation that a
colony enjoys in all respects ' tlie image and transciipt' of the jtareiit .State,
and the present question offers an additional proof of the inaccuracy,
" We have the written pledge of the Imperial Parliament that wo shall
1)6 ruled henceforth by men j)ossesHing the confidence of the people, and
that the acts of Government sliall be in acconlance with the wishes of the
people's representatives. To break this pledge would be, in my opinion,
to deprive us of a constitutional right, and would in fact — if 1 might so
say — extinguish the Constitution. lJej)end upon it, if the people of
Canada are true so themselves, no Ministry and no (lovernment «iiire alter
one iota of this recorded pledge. So w ieketl a step will soon be atten)pted;
aiid, though I acknowledge the inferiority of the machinery ff colonial to
that of imperial representation, I arn satisfied that honesty on the |)art of
our repre.sentatives, and energy and wisdom on that of ourselves, will al-
way.s secure to us the full measures of practical responsible or self Ciovern-
nient. I think, moreover, that the question of a civil list has been, to a
certain extent, constitutionally disposed of by the respective Provinces, in-
asmuch as the Upper Canada Jjegislatui-e and the Lower Canada (Jovern-
meut (such as it was) have determined that a sufKcient civil list should be
g. anted for the life of the present Sovert'ign. I say disposed of to a certain
extent, but I by no means imply theiefrom that the amount of the civil Mst
lia.«s been constitutionally determined uj)on, nor do I yet know by what
right the Tmperi.il Parlianu-nt has saw tit to fix that .sum at ,£7r),()(iO per
annum. It may be too much — it may be too little ; but, be this uh it
may, I doubt the power of the Imperial Legislature to define the sum at
all. The people of Canada stand pledged to the grant of a huflicient civil
list ; they have yet, I conceive, to determine the amount of that civil list,
and, as an independent member of the Legislature, I should C(jnceive it
to be my duty to consider maturely this branch of the .subject, and to in-
sist upon the right of the House to grant as nnich, oi" as little, as in its
wisdom may be considered sufficient for the payment of the several salaries
of the Crown. This will probably be the great bone of contention in the
ensuing session, and it will be a question legitimately the province of the
House to determine. I hope it may be approached in a conceding, yet
firm and manly spirit, and that neither factious opposition or venal hu}>-
missioii may be displayed upon it.
"With respect to the clauses of the Union Act generally, I cannot
think it politic to attempt to disturb them at present. They have been
assented to by the Imperial ParliameTit after a temi)erate anil patient dis-
cussion of the whole ([uestion, and, though .some of the olau.ses are highly
objectionable, I am convinced that the bill, as a wh<de, is the l)est that
could be obtained at present from a Parliament in which the balance of
power rests so broadly in favor of an anti- Liberal aristocracy. We must
give tha bill a fair trial, after which such claust;s as are proved to afl'ect us
injuriously or unfairly may with reason and justice bo protested against.
"My great fear respecting the well-doing of the country arises from the
discussion in the Reform ranks. It cannot be doubted that tliero are
■■■
236
utany who pnjfnsH thorrtiielvea to be ReformerH, who are ready to bo the
wilHn;^ tools of any (iovorninont. On the other hand, there are not a few
haHty and Hin|>ici(m8 tempera who will create discord where firraneH8 and
moderation would answer a better purjM)Be ; and a^ain, there are those wlio
will bo cont<nited with nothing short of Republican institutions : but these,
1 am willing to bolievo, are now very few.
" But I am writing more than you will care to read, therefore shall only
sidd that T shall at all times find pleasure in receiving your sentiments on
political cpiestions, and shall readily afford you in return my humble and
imperfect ideas of tlie same.
" I am, dear sir, faithfully yours,
"E. C. THOMAS."
"Toronto, 6th April, 1841.
"Mv Dear Sir — T beg to congratulate you on the result of the North
Lincoln election. ♦ # * The Speakership will be
the first (jue^tiou before the House, and I tliink that there can be no
second opinidm that a Reformer should be placed in the chair. You have
heard, no doubt, that Mofl'att is spoken of, and is said to be the Govern-
ment candidate. The latter is doubtful. I presume feehjrs are put forth.
McNab, of course, is in the field, and, without nianagemout, may run bet-
ter than we now think. He is a canny fellow, and will try to gain the
anti-Union party in Lower Canada. How, then, must we manage 1 I
think one of our Reform party in this Province, or else a moderate anti-
Unionist below, must be the man. You will observe that anti- Unionist is
a most .incorrect name. They are opposed to the details and not to the
principle of the bill. The advantages in favor of the latter are, of course,
his speaking both languages, which could be urged in favor of Moflatt.
The only men I can think of are Austin Cuvilier or yourself. I know
not what your views are on the subject, but I think you must see that we
must be a good deal governed by our frieude below. I think we should
try and get them to act with us from the outset. Pray, write me confi-
deutially your views on these subjects, and believe me
" Yours very truly,
" W. H. Merritt, Esq."
Tlie canal was opened on the 30th April, fifteen or twenty vessels be-
ing collected waiting for passage.
On the fourth of May, the launch of the Chief Justice Robinson took
place at Shickeluna's ship yard.
A flaming notice of the opening of tlie salt water baths, with a chemi-
cal analysis of the contents, was published on June 1st, by C. W. Hellems.
Sixth Annual Report of the G. R. N. Co., approved at the meeting of the
stockholders, presided over V)y D. Thompson, M. P., at Simcoe, May 4, closes
with this notice of the improvements :
" It is understood a steamer will ply daily from Buffalo to Port Robinson
this season, from whence a packet boat will run t<} Dunnville, and a steam
tug thence to Cayuga. A number stand ready to complete it to Bunnel's
liiinding. A regular line of boats or scows front Port Dalhojisie would
soon find employment in the transit of all the merchandise destined for
consumption west of Brantford. W. H. H."
237
l>o the
lot a few
less and
lose who
lit these.
In one of hiH familiar letters to his futher-in-law, among other liiatttnn
regarding his family, occurs this uHtiinate of the capaliiliticH of one of tho
family, whom ho fondly hoped would bo his Hucccssor in the reform of th«
higher l)rancheH of legal jurisprudence :
Dr. P : William has selected tho law, and as I have lieretoforo mentioned,
my aim is to make him a statesman, as he poHsesseH rare ability for hiij
years, and a judgment, which, if he continues to improve, without being
led into dissipation and vice, will place him among tho highest rank ot'
competitors. I have been so long sutisHeil of this, that I leave his pursuits
and studies wholly to hini.self. 1 find in figures and book-keeping a degree
of promptness and facility far exceeding anything I over |>osKeKsed. He
commenced learning French with Mr. De I^iHaye. Within a year
he has become a finished French scholar, speaks and pronounces the pure
Parisian, and reads and writes the language with ease. In December 1 had
a German to teach him. He ha.s already made great progress. He atteudit
his oflico hours regularly, and a])plieH himself to his studies before and after.
He says in another year— after he is master of French, German, and per-
haps Spanish and Italian — that he will apply himself to law exclusively for
two years, and place himself at the top of his profession. He shall have
every facility from me. No expense shall be spared to forward his studies.
Perhaps I may be in a delusion, as every father views his children with a
partial feeling, but it is a dtikusion which aflords me hap])ine.ss to indulge in,
and I am growing day by day more interested in his welfare. W. H. M.
A Kingston papor notices tht* arrival of the Government ofiicials at
Kingston. They are composed of the Hon. H. Killaly, President of the
Board of Works ; Colonel Forbes, Commander of the Forces ; Colonel
Mackenzie Frazer, Deputy Adjudant General of Militia; Hon. John Mc-
Caulcy, Inspector General ; A. V. Hawk, Emigration Agent. His Excel-
lency was still detained at Montreal by an attack of gout.
, This was soon followed by a notice of the meeting of Parliament, which
took place on the ir)th of June. The Gazette of the day previous con-
tained one or two additions to the Cabinet, and a VvAt of twenty-four Legiji
lative Councillors, noticeable for the paucity of French- etjual to four, and
the number of Scotch — indicated by the prefix "Mac."
The Governor's speech notices McCloud's continued imprisonment, and
tho measures taken by the Government to procure his release. It uoticeH
a reduction of postage across the Atlantic; the guaiantee of the Imperial
credit for one and a half millions sterling, the multijdieation of municipal
institutions, and the extension of education by means of common schools,
and closes thus : " The determination which I am also empowered to stato
on the part of the Govei-nment, to devote annually a large sum for the dej
fence of the Province, and the fixed determination that the North Ameri-
can Pi'ovinces shall be maintained at all hazards ; also that Her Majesty 'tt
Government are pleased to assist in facilitating the passage of the emigrant
from the port at which he h landed to the place where his labor may be
made available."
/.
238 /'-
On the op'^ning of the House of Parliament, one of our subjwt's
firht acts was to second the motion, wliich was made by Mr. Cuvilier,
that Mr. Morin should be the Speaker of the new House, thei-eby paying a
compliment to his fellow subjects from Lower Canada. He also advo-
cated a measure, having for its object, the maintainanco of the poor, by the
inhabitiiiits of each township. He also brought on again his plan for a
National Bank, in which he pleaded for the interests of the people, that the
profitf of banking, which had now reached over $2,000,000, might be made
of use to the country, in public works, instead of going into the pockets of
private individuals. The bill was again defeated by a small majority, and
he never afterwards sought to revive it. He also advocated an Alien bill,
whereby five years residence in the Province constituted citizenship, and
Buccossfully carried it by a large majority. He again drew the attention of
the House to the question of the inland navigation.
In a debate on the speech, which lasted for nine days, Mr. Merritt was
" surprised at what he had heard (from Mr. Draper.) To retain office with
a majority of the House against them, was persisting in managing the
country contrary to the wishes of it. This would be only a protrac-
tion of the injury, and he hoped that Ministers would state ejqjressly
whether that is to be the system of Lord Sydenham or not."
Mr. Draper cloii^ed the debate by saying that they would resign if oji-
posed b^ a majority.
One of his constituent's opinions on these proceedings is as follows :
"Saint Davids, June 28th, 1841.
" My Dear Sib — I again take the liberty of addressing you a few
lines, that you may understand that your friends ai'e thinking and feeiing
anxious to know the result of the session.
"Your proceedings so far, I tliink, have given pietty general satisfaction
to all parties. I see you have drawn the Attorney General out. You were
right. It was mysterious. Why not come out at onoe. I >?are not a cop-
per for his professions, let us see what his actions will be on all matters of
importance. It may be policy for him and the Governor General, if they
do not me;in right, to mystify ; but I hope that is not the ciuse. You must
be on the alert. Your country is watching you, and I trust they will
have no reason to complain. I am sorry to see the Keformers disagree
on small points. The question about an adjournment, I think, was
not worth debating on. It tended to weaken the i»arty. To try the real-
ity of the men, the question must bo something that the country has more
interest in. The news here is, that after carrying your amendments to His
Excellency's speech, he sent for you the same night. The next morning
Vou brought in other amendments to do away with your former ones. I
hardly credited that. We only receive the news weekly. I may be far
behind the proceedings of the day. Give His Excellency all the assist-
ance you can, but guard the rights and privileges of the people. Try and
make this a strong and happy country as it was formerly. All that is
wanted is that liberality that every Government ought to brstow on its
niVjjoct's
Juvilier,
>aying a
lo advo-
by the
for a
that the
be made
jkets of
ty, and
ien bill,
lip, and
'ntion of
239
subjects. I am aware this is your feeling, and I hope that should you
not accomplish that, you will not fetter the Province with your consent.
I hope Mr. Baldwin will still bo the leader of the party. Let me hear
from you soon.
*' Your obedient, humble servant,
"RICHARD WOODRUFF.
'• W. H. Merritt, Esq., Kingston."
On the 7th July, Mr. Merritt published a letter to the stockholders of
the Welland Canal, stating that the Royal assent had been given to the
act, which we have already detailed, for purchasing from the stockholders
by the Government, .showing the advantage of the measure and calling for
iicquiescence thereto.
A reprint of the report of the CoSimittee on the Bank Bill, dated
April 1 3th, 1835, was given in the Journal of April 29th. It takes up seven
or eight columns, with another of editorial in its favour ; but failing to
become a Government measure, much to the disappointment of our subject
and friends, the country was deprived of the profits of banking.
Mr. Hincks brought in a bill to abolish the Usury Law, which we can-
not but think, though of temporary protit, as tending not a little to the
periodical depression of trade and the failure of individuals.
The resignation of the Hon. R. Baldwin, at this period, revived for a
time, the old animosities, and our subject in an able speech, pointed out the
advisability of quietly proceeding with bu.siness, rather than waste time
in stirring up unpleasant discussions. His advice seems to liave been
lulopted, as a better feeling .soon prevailed. Some of the best measures of
the government he permitted to pass unchallenged, but the measures of
granting large sums all over the country, on plank roads, and other politi-
cal favoi's, he bitterly attacked, and succeeded in beating the Government
on the question. His anxiety to have the Cornwall canal opened caused a
giant of a million and a half dollars to be given towards that object.
'Hie pi'oceedings of the House terminated on the 19th Sei)t., by Lord
Sydenham being thrown from his horse, from which accident he never ral-
lied. After his burial the members returned home.
Mr. Merritt proceeded to New York, and had an irterview with the
stockholders regarding the best disposition of their property, and a liberal
offer being made to our subject, he agreed, on communing with liis familv
10 undertake to do their business for them in London, the great monetary
centre.
The remaining incidents of this year were the attempt about the 28th
October, to blow up the Big Level lock at Thorold, and the release of Mc-
(.'loud from his long imprisonment.
The Journal has again turned to the mild direction of the faithful
and scrupiilously correct editor and printer, Hiram Leavenworth, and
240
though we do not see so many political articles on Church and State m
during Mr. Sears' occupancy of the editorial chair, yet the course of eventu
is sufficiently depicted in its pages to present " the mould and figure of the
times."
News was received, headed very important, that the Queen had given
birth to a Princess ; that St. Jean D'Acre was captured ; the Chinese war
still p'-ogressing; the States' people were succeeding in Texas, and that our
■own fellow-subject, Alexander McCloud, was still a tenant of Lockport jail
for participating in the Carolina affair.
As a sign of the insecurity of the times, especially in the matter of
horse property, we notice the formation of a " vigilance society," com
posed of John Gilliland, J. Wright, Alexander Wilson, Joseph Godfrey
Samuel Hill, Thomas Oxbury, H. Mittolberger, Wm. Chase, Sam. Harris
John Soper, John Clark, A. K. Boomer, J. Clendanning and D. P. Hainee,
Mr. Merritt issued an address to the freeholders of the county of Lin
<5oln, dated September 23d, which .says : " Gentlemen — The first session of
the fii-st United Parliament has closed, £45,000 being granted to the com-
mon schools and £1,500,000 for connecting our inland waters with the
Atlantic. Lower Canadian members are entitled to your gratitude, for to
their noble and disinterested conduct are we indebted for ready access to
the sea. Notwith.standing the heavy debt they have already a.s8umed,
and the very great disproportion of expenditure in this section, they
voted to a man for the completing of the Wellandand St. Lawrence canala,
Eighty-eight bills have passed, but fifteen, including the Municipal Bill,
reserved. Confidence has been eHtablished., the prosperity of Canada com-
menced, and the stability of the Union being cemented by the harmony
And good feeling which prevailed among the members from the difier«nt
part of the Union."
The result of the first session's work was satisfactory to most of the in
habitants, including the distant members on the sea-board, who vied with
their fellow British Americans on the borders of the St. Lawrence as being
the originators of colonial independence. In this we think they were mi»-
taken.
The report which contained the principles on which our future govern-
ment was to be carried on, but for. the results of which, neither our subject
nor any native of this country is in the slightest degree responsible, " wu
subversive of the existing institutioDs of the colony and as much a revolution
aH if the rebels themselves had succeeded.
It was followed by the annexation manifesto in 1859, on the return
of Mr. McKenzie, which our subject had also an influence in putting down
The result of this policy on his future usefulness, will appear as we proceed
One object for diminishing power was multiplying its depositories; and
241
municipiil institutions were not giving the coloi.iea the management of their
own affiiirs, but rather tended to reconcile them to an administration
entirely opposed to British American interests.
Towards the end of the year the elections for municipal conncillors
occnpied the columns of the newspapei-s. The Journal says : " There are
twenty -eight Councillors for Niagara district — quite a snuill Parliament in
its way." This was about the n\imber of townships, the expense of
which at the time was £3,447. The number of councillors and the ex-
penses have about increased in equal proiiortions. The question will siig-
I'ost itself — have the advanta-'es been commensurate with the cost ? They
assembled under the leadership of Mr. Thorburn, Mr. llykert taking an
active part in the representation of Grantham.
The appropriation being adequate, work was at once commencetl on the
canal, numerous stone cutters, masons, and laborers employed. Mr. Merritt,
as usual, was elated with the proposed improvements, which proceeded tri-
muidiantlv to the final success of his scheme. He was in dailv communi-
cation with all parts of the work, and gave it his unceasing attention while
in the neighbt)rhood.
During the year 1841 a large portion of his time had been spent in superin-
tending the works on the Canal, ])articularly along the Feeder — which was
intended to be enlarged to the full size of the Canal, so that vessels pass-
intr thi'ou"h it dining the time that the works were L'oint' on at Port Colborno
would not obstruct the passage in that direction. And on the setting in of
winter he made preparations to leave for England on imj)ortant business
connected with finance, politics, free ti-ade, the negotiation of Government
debentures, ttc, as well as to mako arrangements towards placing hia
sons, the author and William, in the ' ^niversity.
« Albany, October 12, 1841.
" ]\Iv Dr.An Sox — You exprejised a desire to visit Enghind with me, on
my leaving home, and on reflection, as this is most probably the last time I
may ever have an opportunity to cross the Atlantic, I have decided that
vou and your brother may accompany me.
"^Y. H. MERRITT."
Our subject, as well as his correspondents, considered it of the utmost
imi)ortance — now that the disposition -t' the luveuue was all uiider ono
Legislature — that the public in Lower Canada should be acquainted with
tl'.e benefit the improvements of the navigation of thd 8t. Lawrence in West-
ern Canada would bo to the country at large, ns well as the all-absorbing
subject of local self-government in which the American colonics were equally
interested.
Previous to departing he received the following from his friends James
Holmes and Jose])!! Howe, who had been visiting there the same autumn •
imn
242
"Halifax, Oct. 7, 1811.
" My Dear Sir — I received your favor of the Ifstli September a few
days ago, and wa.s glad to find that you were well sati.siied with tlie results
of the session. I have watched the procet'dings narrinvly, iiiid have been,
on tlie whole, most ])leased and gratilied with what has been done and .said,
always exco))ting the weakness and twaddle with wliicli the cam))aign was
opened • ^^ * -i= There need be no fears of Executive responsi-
bility. You would liave liad it in full perfection, had you ever mustered a
majority to beat the d'overruacnt and with coinmou. j)rincijjl('.s and union to
form another. Here, nobody dreams of the old stalking liorse of a minority
government — the thing is ab.surd, and the few who cliui; to the idea are re-
garded as old^Waterloo soldiers, or some dreamers of times gone past. Mrs.
Howe begs me to present Jier respects, and thank you for all your attention.
I am right glad to find tliat tlie great 8t. Lawrence river improvtsments are
to be vigorously dealt with. You deserve gi'eat credit 'iov your jiersever-
ance, and I trust will reap some profit as well as honor by your exertions.
With best respects to all friends, believe me,
" Yours truly,
"JOSEPH HOWE.
" W. Hamilton Meuuitt."
"]MoxTREAL, 23d November, 18-41.
" Dear Sir — I received your letter, dated the 8th inst., only a few days
since. Where it has been in the meantime I cannot say. The communi-
cation for publication, enclosed in it, you will find in the Herald, which is
the pai)er enjoying most influence and the greatest circulation here. I shall
j>robably follow it up by publishing your *' Keport," and by observations.
If you have any to send me 1 shall be able to get insertion for them in tlie
lleraU or some other joui-nal. (Jan you send uie any back numViers of the
St. Catharines Journal ^\\i\iAi contain ob.servations on your great object^
If you can, do so, as it is a difficult thing to write with effect about what one
really umler.stands but little. I am.
" Yours very cordially,
"JAMES HOLMES.
" Hamiltox INIerritt, Esq., St. Catharines."
The following he received from his father-in-law in answer to his letter
regarding the education of his son William, which we commend to the study
of our embryo politicians of the present day ;
Mayville, December 14th, 1841.
My Dear Sir: — I received yours of the 12th of October, dated at
Albany, in which you ob.scrvcd you were about to go to England on busi-
ness of the stockholders of the Welland Canal.
" So you wish William to ])0ssess a knowledge of politics and legislation,
as well as law. Politics and legislation are only to be obtained by tlio
society of politicians, and in the legislative haU. The laws of particular
goveriniients and national law are tiiught in seminaries of leaining, and con-
stitute a branch of learning wliicli is very nec(5ir.sary to (pudify a man for ii
politician and for tlie legislative hall. But still tli** great fle*ld for that study
is not ill seminaries C{f learning, but is obtained by the knowledge acquireil
243
l)y the study of the interests of nations, and tliat partioidarly of our own
And neighboring countries. Tliose interests will !e fuund to be and ought
to be the governing viotives to all action between nations. It would be no
(litHcult matter to form laws in conformity with those interests if the legis-
lative body would act in concert. But here you are met by a thousantl sec-
tional and i)ersonal interests, clashing with tlie interests of the government
or state, and nine tinu's o>it of ten the.se interests are mei-e pretenses to cover
some selfish design, and for this cause it becomes more difficult to discover
and unveil the motives of these men than to discover and manage the inter-
ests of government. The subject of politics and legislation, and the im-
proper motives of men in oi)position — their intrigues and designs, which
would subvert the ends of all fair legislation, I might have omitted, these
being superfluous to inform one who requii'es no light on these subjects.
" With sentiments of great regard,
" Yours,
" JP:DEDIAH PKENDERG AST.
" W. Hamilton Merritt."
Mr. M. wi'Oto to the Chief Justice, who had just returned from England
for an introduction to some of his influential friends there. The "Chief"
makes this an opportunity to read him a lecture not to take advantage of the
Canal stockholders, and closes, with regard to Lord Stanley : " I should
not feel it agreeable to address him except officially." Our subject demands
explanations, whence appeiu-s the following. Without saying that persons
ill public employment should not occasiomdiy enter into stock-jobbing, it is
to Ije wished that the standaid of public morality and honor was ei-ected on
a sinular level in these days :
"TouoxTO, Dec. 7, 1841.
"My Dear Sir : — I have jvist received your letter of yesterday. You
do not mention on what day you intend setting out ; and I am therefore
doubtful whether this will reach you or not. I lose no time, however, in
writing to you, because I am aiixious that there should be no misunder-
standing between us on the subject to which it chiefly relates. There can
bo few persons, if any, who have; had a bt^tter opjiortunity than I have had
til judge of your conduct aiul motives in regard to the Welland Canal, and
I need not tell you that I have never looked upon you as actuated by any
other than the best motives in giving up, as you have done, the greater pai't
of your life to the promotion of that work. I fully belitsve you to have been
disinterested in all the eftbi-ts you have made to forward it, and you are well
aware that I have on many occasions publicly borne my testinu)ny to that
effect, when I found your motives antl character unjustly attacked ; and in
private I have done so thousands of times when you, of course, liave known
nothing of it. jNIy opinion in that res[)ect is not in tlu; slightest degree
changed. That you have always done all you could to guard the interest of
the absent stockholders is quite well known to me, and I did and do sincerely
trust that you will continue to act in the same manner towards them, by
making them aware of the situation in which they really now stand. I
confes.sed that hope in my letter, and it was the persuasion of my mind that
But, I will be quite candid with you, and state precisely what
you would.
244
I mi'ant by wiitiii<ij as I did. Nobody had said one word to inc about your
visit to England, or tlio probable object of it. No one had given the remot-
est hint to nio that they sus|K!eted you were bent upon any speculation con-
nected witli the ('anal ; but 1 <lo know that lately some persons have beconio
alive to the real value of tho Welland (.'anal stock, while the assurances
which the act liolds out of future advantaj,'(^H, and that .stock has been bou;,'lit
ni> at a good specidation. I am well awan; that the debentures are to open
for the actual amount of each person's stock at par, bearing interest as the
act provides, but what 1 feel anxious about is that the English stockholders
should be put on their guard and made Ui reflect that the debentures will
be really worth much more than (lu'ir accruing amount by the certainty tho
act atl'ords of the biu'k interest being ullimately paid. If you think they
are sure of coming to tlu^ knowledge of this, without any jtains Ix'ing taken
to explain it, 1 think you are mistaken, because 1 know that within a fort-
night stock has been sold here at jiar, which of course involves a needless
loss of all the back interest. Tiiis has made nu^ ajipichend that if smh a
speculation coidd be carrieil on here, upon the spot wliere the best meaus nt'
infornuition oxi.st, it is more likely that the same thing could be dont> with
the stockholders in Kngland, and f should be extremely sorry to hear that
such men as I\lr. I'.lacow, after having lost the use of their money for years,
should be induced hastily to accept an oiler which, veiy probably, before this
time has been mail" to them, and which precludes all pos<ibility of their
being ev(>r indemniliiMl for what np to this tiiiK^ they have lo.st. 1 hoped
that your going homo migiit ]>revent this, and so I sai<l in my letter. At
the same tinu' 1 confi'.ss it diil occur to me as possible, though I did not think
it jn'obable, that you might make an offer for tho stock of any who might
choo.^e to sell and might acquire it, and 1 should have deeply regretted if
you had erred in judgment so much as to do it, liecause though you might
have considtri'd tht; traiusaction iu no way blamable, it would have rcceivcti
the worst constiuction. I felt that it would be taken as a confirmation ut'
what I had luard marjy times slated to your prejudice, and what you well
know 1 have again and again contradicted, staking my own reputation upon
tho purity of your motives. Anything of that kinil, however openly you
might hav(> acted, would with mankind iu general have wholly destroyod
the claim which you now have to be regarded as the person who has prac-
tically conferred the most important benefit upon this country. If yuu
took it that I had heard one word said about your having any such inten-
tion yon are wholly in error. You are equally in ei-ror if you supposed that
I believed that to be your object. On the contrary 1 really did lioj)e, as I
said, that your visit to England would be made to answer exactly the oppo-
site ]iurpose. But, I freely confess a fear crossed me that you might fall
into an error, and I meant that my letter should in some mea.sure have the
effect it has had, though I did not think you would take it exactly iu the
sense you have done.
" As to my own trifling amount of stock, I should always have disposed
of it at par from the time of my becoming a Judge, because every now and
then something was coming up in th.e court iu which I presitled and in whi vli
the Company were more or less concerned, although the interest was too
minute to be talked of. I neeil not tell you that we live in an ill-natured
world, and I should always have been better plea.s«.\l at being free, as I
245
oiu:;Iit to }»o, of ivll diivot ]>0(MiiHiirv iiitiM-cst in the Ooin])iUiy. Ah kg )n as I
Wiis told of a poison wlio w.mld trivii £21)0 for mv stock I did not lii-sitato
to piirt with it. J'lit I shall nt^vcn- ftMd hjss intorest in th(i woik than I ha\o
dou«, nor tako less pleasure iu seeing those who have sujuiorlcd it satisfac-
torily rewarded.
" I am, my (hiar sir,
" Yours very truly,
"JOirN 15. R0BIN80N."
No people on earth understood the btjsiness (<f stock-jol)l)inf/ better tlian
the jieople of En^^land, and those from whom Mr. Aferritt had olitained stix-k,
witli one or two e.\oe[)tions, were hankers and eapitulists of tins lirst stand-
ing iu tlie City of London, tlie Minister of Liverpool Ijoing an exception.
There was more danger that the holders in Quebec and New York would
fail (o get the advantage of the Imperial guarantee, than the British shave-
hulders.
Fortunately at this period the following letter wns r.iceivod in reply to
(ln^ Judge's sunnises:
" LivKiU'ooL, No. 2r> Nile Street, Nov. 17, 1811.
" Mv Dr.vk Sik :— T liave had the pleasur^i and satisfaetion of receiving
your gratifying letter of the :27th inst., stating, as it does, that tlie i)roperty
HO long cinbarktMl by the private shareholders in the Wellanrl Canal, and for
years cousideri^l iu so much jeopardy, will at length belrtMlcemod. and still
more gratifying tliat I may so sodu have the |il(Msure of sfMiing you and your
sons in Liverpool. Your intimation, too, of a future bDuusfor the hazard
they in:'urred in lending their aiil to so noble a work, whicli must ultimately
prove of such imnunise b,uit!tit to the Province, bfsspeaks a c(jntinuauce of
those liberal feelings you havt; always manifested in their behalf.
"I trust our new ^Finistry will give every encouragement to emigration,
as nothing would so essentially conduce to the wtdfare of the eo\intry. It
would at once I'edieve us from the; burden of our pool- rates, and soon form
an outlet for all our manufactures. Tn fact, it would make us independent
of the whole world. Wo could get all we want from our own T'^donies, and
supply them with everything needful for themselves, and thus form a bond
of union that would be mutually beneficial.
" Believe me, my dear sir,
" Veiy sincerely your.q,
"RICHAIID BLACOW."
Before leaving St. Catharines, his fellow-townsmen waited upon him, and
offered him a public dinner, which, owing to the short time at his dispo.sal,
he was compelled to decline. He left on the 27th December, after spending
the Christmas at his father's, and joined his sons in New York.
mmm
24G
saELi
1842.
Tlioy onihiirkod on tlic 20th Jiimiaiy, in tlio good sliip " CfolmnlmH," for
Liverpool, \vli(>ro tlicy iirri\ od afti i a favorahlo trip of t\voiity-om> days, land-
ing on the 11th F(0)iuury, and jiut up at tho CJrociau llutol. Thoy s])fnt
a few days in Liveriwol, socing tho gi-oat docks and other wonders. Here
he left his sons to amuse th(!niselves, and procecnlod to London. Ho occu-
pied his old (juartors, No. 19 l"5ury Sircet, where in 1828 ho was a fellow-
lodger with Thomas Moore, the poet, the house being a great resort for
Lritish American travelleis.
He soon had tho pleasi;ro of meeting Mr. Gordon, his brother-in-law,
in whose care ho jilaced Ids sons, as his own time would be fully occupied.
Whilst on shipboard he matured a number of communications to Lord
Stanley, then Colonial Secretary, on the subject of admitting Canadian pro-
duce into England duty free. In these letters ho fully explained the in-
justice done to Canada in this matter, by tfixing tho industry of a people
who were striving to extend her tn)pire, whilst they at the .same time were
receiving the bulk of their goods from the production of the parent State.
He also visited many of his old associates, Messrs. Gladstone, Goul-
borne, Smith, Buller, Pomberton, Bosanquet, Cubett and others, to whom
was imparted a great deal of information in reference to Canada, and also
attended some of the public entertainments, one in particular, held in the
London Tavern, at which we find that he made a speech.
He attended the Imperial Parliament, which assembled on the 3rd inst.
The following is some of the correspondence from otficials, and Members
of Parliament :
"Whitehall, Feb. 15.
" Sir : — I am directed by Mr. Wm. E. Gladstone to acknowledge the re-
ceii)t of your note this morning, and to thank you for the opportunity which
you offer him of ascertaining your opinion on the subject of his Resolutions
respecting the duty on the importation of corn into Canada. Mr. Glad-
stone will be at liberty to see you to-morrow, the 16th inst., at three o'clock.
" I am, sir,
" Your obedient servant,
" RAWSON W. RAWSON.
" W. Hamilton Merritt, Esq."
" Downing Street, Feb. 18, 1842.
" Sir : — In reply to your letter of the 17th, I am desired by the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer to state that he will be happy to see you on Monday
next at one o'clock. I am, sir,
" Your very obedient servant,
" RAW^SON W. RAWSON.
" W. H. Merritt, Esq."
147
"No. DCiiAi'Ki, Stk. ;;t, Bcl^'r.ivc Sciiiarc, Fell. 10, 1S42.
" Sm : — iruviuf^ been iiifortiKnl by Mr. (J. Franks and by Mr. (lillHspie
that you aro Hpecially iIlt('r(^st<'(l on btilialf of (Canada in thrs (|iu!stion relat-
iiii,' to tlio fi'c(' adinission of C!olonial j,'rain into tlie liritisli markets, it
would give mo much pleasure to see you pn^vious to my motion in the
House of Commons for a reduction of the duty t(j one shilling per (piarter.
I am almost always at honu^ till about two o'clock, and if convenient to you
to call bef(n(! that hour 1 shall feel very much ol)li<'ed by vour allowinj' mo
to see you at No. l> L'hap(d street, or J will call upon you on any day you
may appoint lietween the hours of fouf and fiv(! o'clock in the afternoon.
"Jf you liavc any nKMuoranda, Avliich \ou think tend to eluciihite the
.subject, or if any point speedily suggests itself to you as wortliy of notice, I
shall bo very glad to give them my best attention.
" 1 have the honor to be,
" Vour obetli(fnt servant,
"WILLIAM T. O'liUIEN.
"W. H. Mekritt, Esq."
" Mr. Gladstone moved for imposing a duty upon Colonial produce, which
%vent into (effect, and Mr. O'Brien's amendii'.ent was lost.
" WiiiTKHALL, Feb. 22, 18 12.
" SiK : — I am directed by Mr. Wm. E. Ulatlstone to acknowledge with
his best thanks your letter of the I8th inst., upon the subject of the proposed
measure for regulating the trade of the Colonies, as it all'ects Canadian
iiituresta. I am, sir,
" Your obedient servant,
" llAWSON. W. RAWSON.
" W. H. Mekritt, Esq."
" Downing Street, Feb. 25, 1842.
" Sir : I am directed by Lord Stanley to acknowledge the receipt of the
letters which ynu addressed to his Lordship on the 21st inst., respecting the
expelioncy of allowing Canadian corn to be imported into this country duty
frue, and to convey to you his lordship's thanks for those communications.
" I have the honor to be, sir,
" Your n.ost obedient humble servant.
"G. W. HOPE.
" W. Hamilton Merritt, Esq."
"Whitehall, March 1, 1842.
"Sirs: Mr. Wui. E. Gladstone presents his compliments to Mr. Merritt and
Mr. Williams, and has the honor to acquaint them, in reply to their note of
this morning, that it is not intended to propo.se any duty upon the importa-
tion of wheat into Canada. " Yours respectfully,
" W. E. GLADSTONE.
" W. II. Merritt and Mr. Williams, Esq's."
" Downing Street, March 3rd, 1842.
" SlR:~ I am directed by Lord Stanley to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter of the 22d ult., and to thank you for the information conveyed to him
by that and your other communications.
" With respect to the intentions of Her Majesty's Government on the sub-
ject of the trade in corn both from the United States into Canada, and from
218
C*»niulii to (Iroiit Hritiiiii, Lord Sliuiloy dosircs mo to Htftto tliat, ntW the din-
cuhhIoiis wliioli liavo ivot'ntly takfii j)la(!o in tlit! IIoiiho of ('oihihomh, lio IW'Ih
it uiuieci'SHary to oiittT into details, but iH liappy to bo ublo to rol'or to tlioso
disciiHsions, as sliowini; that it is from no indisp.)sitioM to promoto to tlio utmost
of tbeir ability to do so, consistently with othor considcratioiiH, tho intorosts of
Canada, that Her IMajcsty's (iovornim-nt must docliiio at present to acreedo to
the proposal of an unrostricted importation of corn from thence to(ireat liritain.
*' I have tli(^ honor to be, sir,
" Your most obedient servant,
"(J. W. HOPE.
" W. II. Mkuritt, Esq."
After leaving tho matter for tlio consideration of tho Ministry, ho at lonytli
found time to attend to his sons.
Ou thi> Sill of INIareh he wt<nt to ( ■aMiI)rid.i;(! University, where he placed
hin son Jododiah. Boinn; furnished with hitters of introduction, ho was iii-
vitoil by tho Society of Ftdlows, and din(«d with tho sinco colobratod Dr.
Colenzo ami INFr. Paloy, and tho magnates of St. Jolin's Colleg<'.
" London, March •_'(), IftfJ.
" Mv Dk.MI Catiiauink :-- Your alfcctionate and most admirable letter
of thetith February reached mo this day. iMr. Gordon will enclose it on Mon-
day, as I leave in the moininn' to join \Yilliam at Paris. I went to Cam-
bridge on tho 7th with Jedediah, expecting he would obtain an entraneo ne.Kt
October. He was examined in (Jroek, Latin, Algebra, and Arithmetic —
pas.sed, obtained a eertiiieaU!, procure<l iiis cap and gown and dincid in the Hall
tho same day, by which be has gained a term. Mention this to tho Rev. Mr.
Atkinson, and say to Mr. A. if my means will admit he shall have the silver
service. T have been pricing at a nMnd)er ol" pl;ic(>s, but the price is much the
same. 1 go over lor the purpose of .seeing William properly settled, and will
bo absent about a fortnight. W ith regard to business, everything is getting
on as well as 1 anticipated. Tin' (Jovernment have overlooked the Colonies
in tlieir great conunercial and financial transactions, and all parties interested in
tho Colonics here, which are, however, few, appear dissatisfied. For my own
part, I feel that the basis has been laid for our future prosperity, and expect
before tho close of another session to .see the produces of Canada admitted into
the ports of the mother country free from duty. Sir Allan MeNab
called on me last night, lie came over in the Oxlbrd packet, by way of Que-
bec. I'oston and New Y'ork. Give my love to all our relatives and friends,
particularly father and mother, who 1 hope may be spared to meet us again
in this world. W'c arc all hastening through it; and I cannot but remark
how changed my feelings arc since 1828 — fourteen years. Then, I had an
inclination to see everything; now, I would not give a straw to see anything.
I have not been inside of a theatre or s\riat one penny in sight .seeing. I'cr-
haps I may luive uktj curiosity in Paris, as everything will bo new. Mr.
Gordon spends the evening with me generally when 1 don't dine out. Charles
Morritt accompanies me to France.
" I'our affectionate husband,
"\V. HAMLLTON MERRITT."
He sent liis son William oil to Paris, in order to observe a little of the
grandeur of this gayest of cities, whore ho afterwai'd? joined him. From
240
I'iuis tlioy procooilod to Htrasltonr:^, thein'c to llcidnllxT^, when* In- ImW
iiitnuluotioiiH, ami llionnt to Hoiin in \vlio-tf< Hj)l(»niliil iiniviM'sity ho [tliu'«"l
hi.sHoii — ami ivtiinu'd to liondoii.
" No. <) I{i:ilY Sthkk.T, St. .lamcH, Apiil Ki, I HI'.'.
'• My Demi Sox : Ilavin;; arrivi'd tliis (!V('iiiii;^. I t.iki' tlio c iilifst fipjior-
tuiiity to L'ivi; you a liiifruiitliiic ol' my pnxiociliiif^H siiio»! my lant luttcr. At'icr
Icaviiif^ this, in company with Cli'irlt's MiMritt. had a jdc.i.snit sail down the
Thami'8, ciUHscd the; Chaiiiii-l, and arrivi'il nt I{iuloii;:;ii(r the .sauK! d.iy, or hy
ton o'clock at iii>;ht. In one day and niu;lit arrival hy djlii^nnci! to \':\rU, pass-
im; thniu;;h a country (Jcvoid (d' interest. On my arrival in I'arJH, I hid
Slime diHicnity in findin;; William'.s hotel, in conHCi|neM<!(! of liin iieLdif^'Uico in
rorinin^ ids letters, rcadin:; Motel Farcnt, widcli was unknown or did n 't cxi-it,
(I notice this as a hint for yonrsell") Al'ter fin lin;; the hot 1, I found he h id
I'liinineneed his studies with a Frcicli toichur; .sent for him, and sp jiit ftuiWO'k
in selectiiijj; a suitalile pbiei; for him to return to, h ivini; muht up my mind to
accompany liim to (jicrm my. lie will live in tin; family ofa I'nd'essor id' L'lW,
l''raricois (,'oipulle, at 1;{I( francs por month, and be undiir the direction of Mr.
|).;strcus. Avocat, a la ('our Royal, No. ('» Place Dmptiine, who will i^iv. liim
lessons or direct his studii's in the civil law. I will li in.' Wd'i im's journ il for
your perusal, to which 1 refer for a description of Paris. Passed the prov-
inces of ChampaiL'-iu!,. Ijoi'raine, and .Vlsae.!, tln<iu.,di a heiutiful comitry, hut
hetween J'aris .'ind the first the country is sterile and hc.irs the appearance of
poverty. On Tuesday, the 5th inst., le't Paris in a dili^'cncc for Strishnurg
on the llhine, a place imted for its (J ithe Iral or Minster, said to he one of
the noblest (Jothic edilices in Kiirope, with the hit^hest spire; in the woild, 171
feet above the puvoment, 140 feet hitrhcr thiui .St. Paul's and 21 fiet hii:her
than the ;:rcat pyranad in i']L:ypt. Imoiu Strasbonr;;- we descended the llhine,
pas.iing Spires, Worms, and mniy .ancient towns, until we readied Mayc^nci;,
thence took a railroad to Frankfort. On our arrival found there wis no uni-
versity and no |.l u'e suitable, therefore procured letter.-, iiir Fleidelbiru'. but
nieetin^' wi;h the J! 'v. .Mr. II:irvt:y, was recomnundeJ by hi n and other Ivi^'-
lish ;.a'ntlemeu to lir.st visit Bonn, the University where Princi) Albert received
his education. Followed their advice and arrived there wit'i )Ut lettiTs or in-
troduction from any person, cKoept a note from a I'riend of .Mr. Harvey's to a
Professor Sumner, who he onco met by chance. Keturned to Miycnce, thence
down the Uhine to 15'inn, which part embraces the mo-t piiituresipie scenery
on that celebrated river, but I will not attempt a descrij)tion but refer you to
" Murray's Hand Hook " for a brief and <:ood account. You will make your-
self familiar with those places before yon see tiieni. Found no <lit!iculty on my
arrival. Doctor Sumner, Professor of Theoloi:y, a Protestant minister, was
extremely kind, as all the (Jerman t,'Oiitlemen we met were, and in two d.iys
-succeeded in plaoini; William with the f miily of Alfred Nicolovious, Professor
of Law. lie married a lady from IjtM'lin, neither of whom can speak En'.dish.
He has only two small children, and consented to take him in consideration of
nis beini,' a i'orei-^ner and unprotected. The expense will be £80 per year.
Althons^h a strict examination is instituted before a native is admitted, no ox-
lunination is necessary for a forcit^ner. At 18 he enters this University, has
free access to the library and the benefit of lectures on every science, and they
have the most eminent men in Prussia at the head of each, so say Eiiju'lish resi-
dents. If u young mau desires to learn lie will h:vve every opj»ortunity ; if not,
tlicy will iKtt ln' urpd. Tlit; stmliiits livo wlioro they |ilfaHC. I thoui^lit it
iiuwt !nivisiil>ln to jihict' William first in (JiTiiinny, bwauHu I sliouM It'cl better
siitii^fioil ill Huciiii; tlit- jtoopK' willi wlimu lio wmiM rt'sido iit hotii pliKics. A
(ifrtiiaii is II HC'ioiidaiy cuiisidcriitioii, by loaniiiii; it lirst lie will siioncr fbr^Mit
it tluiii Kri'iKili, which will bt; tho most icwiitly iiiipriissod on liis iiiciiiory. J!o
will coimiu'iici! his I'lX'iicli li'ssons us Sfxtii n» lie ouii spoak tli»! (iitriiiaii and un-
derstand it ; and 1 wish to make his stay in Paris as shitrt as possiblo. litd't
liiin on Tuisday last, and returned by way of (!olo;z;no, Aix lia (Jhapellc, liiet^e,
Brussels, (liioiit, Hru;j;es and Ostoiid, alter visitin;^ Waterloi. It is my inten-
tion to pay you a visit bel'ore 1 leave, whieli cannot be before the iHtli of May,
and we will (hen consult respecting a tour throULch that country, fiie ensuing
year, during your long vacation. If I can afford it I will give you tlio oppor-
tunity, as it will not only be iiighly iiiterestiiig, but beneficial to your health.
Hy tliat time William will thoroughly undorstand French, I'jiglish, and (Jer-
man, and ho has a great iinxiety to visit Switzerland. Some gentlemen are
much in the iiabit of travelling on loot, particularly Knglislimen. T came
(ivir with a young officer ol' tht^ sr)th, who travelled through Bavaria, Switz-
erland, and Italy, with two others, one a German ; was absent three months
and only expended .i'25, and a i>art of tlie way took diligence and visited
theatres and ])ublic places. At the same time 1 found travelling (juite as dear
there or more so than in America. With a hope of hearing from you shortly
" I remain,
" Your affectionate father,
«'W. HAMILTON MEKRITT."
On bis return to London lu« first l)UHine88 wa8 witli tho Ministry, as
will be Hcen by this note :
"WniTKnAi.i,,May 17, 1812.
" Sir : — I ani directed by Mr. W. E. (Jhulstone to ucknowledgo the
receipt of your letter of yesterday, upon the subject of the jiroposed clau.se
in the British PussessiouH Trade Bill, by which the free importation of
certain articles for tho use of the Fisheries is permitted.
" The Government is sensiV)le that objections may lie against the system
of exemptions, but as it has f(jund them established in this instance in favor
of a particular branch of industry, it does not feel itself justified in inter-
fering with thom. I am, sir,
" Your obedient servant,
"KAWSON W. KAWSON.
" W. Hamilton Mekuitt."
The following appeared in tho Jotirmd of the 1 4th of April, being in
time to reach our subject before his mission was clo.sed. To realize the grati-
fication and encouragetnent this was likely to supply, we must consider Mr.
Merritt was without a Croverninent appointment. His appeals for adequate
introduction, necessary to smooth the way for the self-appointed envoy, were
but partially ro.spouded to, and serious discourag(unents thrown in his way
during its progress :
" We have been favored with a communication from Mr. Merritt, now
in TiOndon. This indefatigable friend of his country is at the present mo-
ment laboring hard at the seat of the Imperial Government for the welfare
of Canada.
251
"Stfixily <o <li(i princi|iIi'H of nifoiiii mid fit'i* tiwlo, Iif is lioMiii:,' on tlio
" pvcii tenor of IiiH way," ami will, no doiilit, pcrKovitro in his liin<liii>l<' nndiT-
takin'^'K hu lon^ uh \w rontiniutH in pnhlii; lifi\
"Tin) country in ^'<'n(^iiil, and St. ('atharinfH in jiartioulivr, fii'f dccjily
ind<)l)t«d to liis entT^y and lt";,'iHlativ(i wisdom.
" It iH (Imoiitly to Im wihIukI tluit liiH vulnalilo lifo may 'oo Ki>Hr««d to lio
an incii'iiHin:; lilcsRiiij^ to tlio |irovinc(<, ttnil Mint wlii-n his fncf shall ho iii,'ain
tinned towards hi.s kindre<I and this western world he may he favored with
L,'entl(» ^aloa and propitions skies as tlm meaiiH of ooiidtictinj.; him in saltity
to tlio HOPUOH most dear to his Innirt."
ITe then imnuMliiitcdy ohtained the royal Hanetion to the Nia;.;(ua
histriot IJank Oliartcn-, hnt failed in tho most important part, hccause a
douhh) rcsponsihility had Iteen inserted in their charter, viz., ohliiin-
inj; Htockhohlers in tho liank. JIo iil.so oommnnicated with tho leading
ciipitalistH with niforcnco to tho dobenturos, which ho deposited with <ilyn,
Mills (k Co., from whom ho rocoivod anthority to draw upon them for the
amount, wliich answcn-nd hh woll as their actual Halo in this caho.
" No. 6 liuKY Stkket, St. James, May 10, 1812.
"(Jkntlkmen: — The Provincial Iie;,'islatur(W)f United (!ana<la, during
tlioir last .se.ssion, authorized tins purchase of tho privato shares held in tho
Welland Canal Company by issuing debentures, ])ayable in twenty years
at the otlico of tho Hoceivor (J-^sneral in C'aniida, it an int'-rcst of two ])or
cent, for tho first two years, throe;, four, five and six per cent, up to the sixth
year, and thoroaftor at tho same rate. Tho Receiver General will nnike
tliHso bonds out for any amount recpiired, and remit the interest to any
lious(! in Lomlon iit tho usual rate of exchange. I am authorized to dis-
jioso of about .£70,(»()() in the.so bonds.
" I will thiink you to inform mo if you will make an ofTer for these
liond.s, if iu)t, what you think they would command in this market if a sale
was forced of tho same, and in what manner you would recommend them
to be altered, and on what terms you would dispose of them when so
altered.
" I am, gentlemen,
" Your obedient .servant,
" W H. M."
From tho metropolis tho proceeded to Cambridge, and the summer
iiolidays permitting, proceeded with the author on an extended tcjur through
Scotland, England, and Ireland, In Scotland they visited the Court of
General Sessions, which took the place of tb». old Parliament, and lieard the
colebrated Dr. Chalmers deliver an able adWross on the Kirk Secession,
afterwards the Free Church, which was then exciting the [joople of
Scotland. After seeing Edinburgh and its ancient monuments they went
by rail to Glasgow, where thoy visited the manufactories of that rising city,
and from thence by steamboat to Belfast, and though late in May, in passing
D nnbarton and the Highlands, they observed the hills covered with snow ;
ahio seeing Ailsa Craig and tho many seaside beauties of North Britain.
^ili
, 252
As Anioiiciiiis, tlioy were surin'iswl at tlio long cvoiiing twilight, w]iiol>
always hcmmiih stiuiigo to tlio visitor IVotn luoro SoiitlifM-ri coimtrios. They
found liclfiist a largci and ))i()S]>(!n)US t-'ity, ami whilst thcro tlniy called on
the fVicinds of jNlr. lioonici-, hoforo incntionod as oonnoclod with I\Ir. I\l.V
family; also, tho Chirks, at Annngh. Wishing to soo the inhabitants, of
■whom ho had seen so much on the Canal, he visited a number of the cot -
tagors, and took notf's of tlunr circumstanccK and position in life. Going
Koiithw'.rd thfy visitcul l)rogh(Mla, and travollod through the* romantic and
liistoric (;ountry of tiio lioyno, and linally r(iachi;d J)uldin aftor a very agi-ee-
able jouriun'. T!i(!y]»ut up at an hotol in Sackvillo Street, and sjient a few
days in visiting the principal sights, including the old University of Trinity
Colh^go, where many of his Canadian Irish friends had graduated ; »I.o, St.
Patrick's (/'athedral. They wei'o veiy nnu'h ])le!is(!d, and hospitably enter-
tained, and on leaving by steamei' foi" JiivcM'pool were delighted with the
tiublinie srerKjry of Dublin J>ay and th<'. ',v icklow Mountains. Arriving in
Liv(!rp(Mil, in (inic to t-aUt' the mail s((';;nishi|>, " Creat Ib'itaiii," which was
going to New \'ork, leaving his son to return to ( ';tnil)riil^e, lie took pass-
ag<s home, and arrived Mile in twenty days, which was considered a wonder-
ful fast pas.sage at tlie time.
On his arrival at New ^'oi-k, the first lunvs h(» le-ai'd was of th(j ileath of
his uncle and early ]>atron, Nehemiah MfM-rItt, Ksip, of St. .Johns, X. B.
After a hasty interview with his New York friends who were interested in
tlie linancial ol>j(*ct of his mis.sio!i, in^ left at oikh) for St. .Johns.
During his absence another new < Jovernor, Sir (Inu'ii'S Bagot, the tiftli
in as many yeai-s, iiad aiiived in the country, followed Ity a special envoy,
li'ird Asliiiurton, wlio caiue to settle the boundary ipmstion.
The Canal had opened on the 18th of A|'i'il.nn<l wo notice that for the
first time a steam vessel jiad pass'vl througii the Canal to ()sW(!go, and one
froiu St. Thomas to AlonLreal, although thci Cornwall Canal wa-< not yet
(piite eoMipleted This was looked Upon as a great feat and augured well
for till future.
'i.e death of his umde was not the ruily sad event which awaited him,
as h<^ al.so h- aid that his veiierabh^ and respcct(Ml father had also passed
away at the i'i|><5 ohl agis of eighty two. Although in apparent good health
wh(m our sulijeet left, yet, after a short illness lu^ died on the I'Jth of May,
highly este(Mneil l>y all, and deeply regi-etted. His memoirs were drawn
up by Mr. (loorgo Coventry, and deposited with those of other eai'ly settlers
in the archives of the Province.
As our subject was daily expected back from ihiglaud, w(5 tind in the
Jonnud ui' ,]uiu' ;$() that steps w(!re immediately taken arid an influential
committee of his fellow townsmen apfiointed for the purpose of making him
a hamlsouia present, as u nuirk of their apiueciation of his conduct. And
253
|<iiig hiui
Ann
altlioii^li Hovonil of his political opponoiits inrlustiiouKly circulated tlio story
tliat the afTair was got u}) l»y his own family, it is ncc'illcss to adil that it
was groiindloss, and in acoorda'too with liis fixnd ideas on tho duty of a
public man, ho firndy yot tliankfiiljy refusud to he tho recipient of any
testimonial.
Inimediatcly after liis return home, there api>eared a letter to George
Adams, President of the Agricultural Society, in which he says :
" SiK : — From the distinguished situation which you have long ludd in
this District, you ippear to he th(i most direct and appropriate channel through
which any comiiiunication to tlie public on any sulfject r(;lating to tliat
Ijrauch of industi-y can be made."
In this familiar c he notices the various addresses
to the Imperial Parliament for an adcfjuatc protection against foreign pro-
ducts, when Ouio are admitted without duty; and if wc cannot, on tlicso terms,
•sufficiently compete with foreigners, w(.' have no right to C(»rnj)lain. It is both
unreasonable and unjust to rocjuire our fellow subjects in liritain to impose
any duty or (ho articles they consume for our benefit. He then relates tho
history of the measure in an address to the Legislature, fifth March, 18IM, p.
149 of this work.
lie (juott the speech in the Imperial Parliament, bearing on the subject,
by 8ir Robert Peel, that Canada must be treated as an integral part of tho
liritish empire. That to accomplish this desirable object, they should remove
all duties in Britain of tho growth of Camida, and all duties on any article
manufactured in Britain; and extei'd the coasting M-f. le in the remotest part
of Canada.
He advises patience with the Home (lovernnient desirous of imposing any
duty on our products lor the purpose of revenue : as the eilect will be to give
the Canadian grower the full benefit of the market of the mother country us
well as our own.
If our readers can reni'Miilier (be remarks made on page ll'J, tliey will
find bow persistently he pursued this sultjeet, and also see that during his
lat(! visit he pressed the subject on tho Imperial (/overnnunt in sueii a man-
ner as to evoke fiom Sir K. Peel the remark, " ihat < anaila nnist in effeet
be treated as though sho was an integral part of tlu; empir(>," as well a dis-
patch lieiu" receivcid by tho (Jovernor, wiiich stated " that if our (Govern-
ment would repeal all duties on liritish goods, and impost} a reasonable
duty on all foreign importations, that tho products of Cana<la shall bo allowed
to enter tho l»orts of (Jreat Prilaiii du(y free." In con)menting on this, bis
ojiponent, the Niagara Cfirunirlf says : " For ihis happy result wu are to a
coubiderable e.vtent in<lebti-d to the exertions in England of Mr. W. II.
Merritt." Tho text of tho (Jolonial Customs bill was published on the 2I.st
of July, as follows : Wheat from the Statca wa.i admitted free to Canada,
254
unil <'aniuli;in Hour \v;is rcihicod iu two .sliilliii^'.s oiil^' in lOiigliuul. So tliat
i\u'. liiiliiiK'o HnvM to this country was iil)out ;?4,()()(l,()(l() pci- aiiiiuin, iind
coutiiuuMl witli iuficiising |)i'osiierity to (Jaimdii lor nciuly (iv(^ ycins, until
Kui^liuul oiicnttl licr iniirki'ts diroct to the; Unit«!d Statrn.
During- tli<^ alKicucc of Mr. M. in England ;i di.sjMtcli was roi-civcMl from
til*' lioino (joviM-nnumt hy Sir (J. JSagot, ropudiating tlio jn'iiuiijdo of appro
priating any of tlin puhlio funds for building roads ami biidgcs. Tin- poli
tical opponents of our sulijfict chiirgod liini with bcsing concerned in this
matter, which ho most indignantly denied, directly or indin^ctly, ailirniiiitr
that in his corresjMJivdenco with Loid Stanley, or othei- ministeis, he never
expresse<l an opinion on the sultject, or that it was ever (!V(?n allu(l«;d to.
l*revi(jus to the calling of the JiCgisiature, on the 8th of Septeinher
soMu^ changes were made in th(( (Jovei'imu-nt, and amongst them was the
appointment of Mr. V. ffincks as Inspector (^tiueral. This g(!ntlemou had
previously successfully fdhsd tin; situation of political editor to the Exinidnp.r
newspaper, and had gained such pojuilarity that he virtually stepped from
the sanctum to the Council.
"J. S. ( 'aitwright, to whom the? position of Soliisitoi' ({enei'al foi' Canada
West has just Iteen otiercd Wv His Kxcejleiicy, has declined accepting it.
" In ansNvei' tw liis (picstion wheth(0' Mr. Ifincks was to lie made Inspec-
tor Ceuei-al and have a seat in the (!(»uncil, the Clovernor (Jem^ral replied in
the atlirmative."--./o»r//fA/, June ••.
After a sliort breathing tini" he was again in harness, and his first duty
was to look at his old friend, the ( !anal, \\\\ which ho accompanied Mr. Kil-
laly. During his al)sence 'li^^UW emigrants, principally from IrHland, had
arrived in Canada, and a goodly number of these* fouml employment upon
the works on the (!anal. The old faction tights were n-newed again in the
new country, and the glories of Cork and Connaught wei-e as loudly vaunted
arouiul the shanty fires as they ever iiad lasen in the Teniiisula under Wel-
lington in past years. Uroken heads and sometimes worse was often the
order of the day, and it became a serious matter to the contractors and others
to devise means wherein' this continual turmoil could be slipped. Whiskey,
of course, wasihe [uimary cause. 'I'he iihsa suggested and carried out by
our subject, was that of separating the " rival clansnum " and placing them
at dillerent divisions on the route. This, although in the main successful,
did not always fully accomplish a cuie, as the vivacity of the Hibernians
was often rais<>d to such a jtitch that they either fought for the fun of thing,
or, to use an Irish expression, " were growing rusty for a batin'."
On the 1st of August, going to Toronto, ho visited the new (Governor, by
whom he was well received. From Toronto he wont westward, visiting his
sister, Mrs. Ingorsoll, and othons, around Oxfoi'd, returning by Paris, Dundas^
Flamborough, aixd other adjacent places, calling on many of his old ac-
ipuiintancos on the route.
;j;)
old ac-
A^^fiia, on liis an'ival lioiiic, lui was nn-t l)y a mimliiT of visitors from
the Htatos wiio caiiit) to rco tint (!aiml. To tlioso lioactcil tho part of a cicc-
roiic, showing them all lln; objocts worthy of noto on tho Canal ami in tht^
vicinity.
This Hcasoii was romarkablo for very riotous comliujt on tlic part of tho
laliorcr.s on the ('anal cnlar^'cninnt. So H(M'ions (li<l the matter hcuomc tiiat
tlu! woll fliisposcil pcophi of St. Catharines came forward in iargt; nuinlxirsto
l)(! sworn in as spcc^ial constahhis for tiio prt^servation of the poace. On tho
ass()nd)lin;,' of the Hoard of Magistrattis a nnmlter of resolutions wore passed,
f^iving siillicient power to the people to suppre.ss any demonstration of a
I'iotouM tendency.
Tlie following stfitoMiont, in our subject's own hand writing, dated St. Ca-
tharines, August 17, was prcsontod to His E.Kcellency :
" In eonso(|uenoc of public works being generally advertis'd, infornrition
h.is been pid)lished that the works <in the canal W(!ri! to be pn)ee::(leil with ini-
ni(;(Iiately. In the early jiart ol' the season a nundxT of canallers asseinttled
ailing the line. iJy Hie 1st of duly it becwne (fvident that greater nuiid)crs
h.'id arrived th.in euulil be employed on the work. It weuld bo neeifs.sary to
employ military lo pr.ivent any .serious breaches of the pe;i(;e. AecorditiLrh ou
the otii iipplieafions were made by the ^Varden, David Thorburn, to Ills Kx-
cellency, to station some of tl? ■ military on the line, !md to s(;ii 1 ;i Unv .stands
ol'iirms for the militi.i. A reply was received on th(! lolh, from the Secretary,
.Muidoek, refusing the ajiplicMtion. In the <!iirly part of August tlu! numbers
had inere.i.sed from l,.5()l) to 2,0iM) men. Arraii^rements had beiai matured
by this time to employ ;i part of those who had th(; largest families, amounting
to about f)!)') or (lOO. The.se were attacked by the unemployed, and I'oiced to
desist. Under the.se circumslanc(!S the migistrates met and renewed the ap-
plication for the assistanc: of nulit.iry to fli(! Colonel commanding at Ni gara,
Init with the samir results. Today th(! canallers asscanbled, and had' broken
into the contractors' stores, taking off flour ami jiork. This was succeeded by
the breaking in and robbing of mills at St. Catharimis."
Peace was restoied by the united action of the citizens and magistrates.
All opposition in the society being merged in tho presence of n common danger.
Mr. KykiMt and our subject, the former presiding, in the meeting of magis-
trates. Special constables were sworn in, armed and organized to preserve the
pCJlCC.
On tlu! liStli of August he le.ft for Kingston, where wo think bo re-
nniine<l until tho opening of the House on the Hth of September.
Sept. 8tli, Jloiist; ni<!t. I Ith -A want of eonlidtsnei! is movc^d in' Mi',
lialdwin. There was a Lower Canada advocatt; who led tho Lower Cana-
dian wing, with whom Mr. I>aldwin appears to have had a treaty oHensivi;
and defensive regarding tin; ollieial appointments The .speech was agreed
in by all l)ut live, and the business of tins country proc(;ede(l.
liOtli. — Tho debate on a duty on States wheat was carried on — Mi".
Hincks and our subject on ojiposito sides.
On tlm Sth Octol)er appears the repoit of the Special Committee to
25G
wliicli w,is rcfeiTi'd tlic iictitioii of tlif North AnKiican Colonial Socifty in
Louilon — of the Muiiicijiiil (Joiiiicil District of Niagara, and tho Kcverul dis-
jiatelK's on iuiiiortation of wlicat and flour — tivo resolutions accompanied.
" I'liat tho dcsirublo oliject of (.*aiiada being treated as tliougji slie were
an integral i)art of the empire, can only he obtained by removing all duties
from its ])ro(hicts.
"'i'lif J^cgishitive Assembly will take the earliest opportunity as soon us
the tinances of tho Province will admit of recommending the removal of iill
duties on the manufactures of tlic M(jth'r Country.
"That they have every coniidmcc, when the leading public works are
finished, that the revenue from foi-eign commerce and tolls will enable the
Provincial («ov(!rnment to recommenil this.
"WiM. li. MERRirr, Chairiuan."
With this end in view, and for economy, he firings in a motion for the
exhiliition of the public accounts, with what immediate success the present
aiiswer from the leader of the Government will show.
" DlFFlELD, Oct. 11th, 1842.
Mv DkakSih: — You have a motion standing over from yesterday respect-
ing the ])ublic accounts, which I trust you will consent to let it lie over until
next session. I have not had tiiiu! to look over the njotion which, from its
variety of details, it would be embarrassing to give an opinion on without
much more time for consideration than can now he applied to it. f trust I
need not assur(> you that the present udministrtition have every desire to plnce
the accounts of the public income and expenditure before the country in that
shape best adapted to afiord the fullest informati on these importnnt subjects.
Neither need 1 assure you of our desire to meet every suggestion coming
from you as one coming from a IViond. We at the same time are not pre-
pared just now to assiiit to your motion, though we will give it every consid-
eration during the recess with a view to act upon your suggestions as far as
practicable. Believe me, yours truly,
EGBERT BALDWIN.
As, we infer, the result nf his interview with tho Colonial Secretary
when in London, a despatch was received from the Imperial Government
during tho intei'im, stating that if the Colonial Legislature wished to have
free trade with l^ritain they would coincide with the propo.sal. Gu the de-
flate which arose uj)on this im|iortaiit (piestion it is i-eniarkable that tiie
men who in reality re}ii'csented the early settlers of both Cjijier and Lower
Canada were in favor of the measure, while its chief opjionents were those
who had udt been many years settled in the countiy. The residt was tliiit
owing to the strange compositicm of tlu* House, this measure, so vital to tlie
inteiest of this new aiul ju-oduetive country, which would have made Canada
the envy of its neighbors, was put off until the next session. Very little
w(irk was done aft«'rwards, and the House closed on the 12th of Gctobei'.
The Hoard of Works, estafilished fiy S, P. Thompson, had effected luimer
oiis improvements, whi<;h wen^ highly gratifying to our .subject, particuhirly
those on the Ottawa for facilitating tlie transport of timlior.
257
iociety in
veral lUs-
piiniod.
slic won-!
all duties
as soon iis
;)valof:''l
woi'ks arc
juablt; llie
'luiirnian."
ion for the
],(• prebent
h, 1842.
;ay respect -
c over until
li, from its
on without
I trust I
lire to place
ntry in that
int su])jocts.
tion coming
ire not pre-
cry consid-
as far as
J)\VIN.
St-'crctary
!ov(nTiiv.05it
cd to liavo
On tilt de-
(' that the
mid Lower
were those
t was that
,ital to the
ado Canada
\-ery littlr
Octolier.
•tod nunier
Viirticuhiily
Tlic principal act of the pri-vious short session liad been the report of the
Coinniittee on free trade with Kiif;land, of which our suhjict was Chairnian.
It appeared to tend to draw closer the eonneetion cd' natural interest between
the Colony and the Mother Country, and on wiiieh a lengthy .speech is reported,
Mr. Menitt had entered into the system of ])arty government, like
everything else, with great energy, olferiug the interest of his .seat to tlii^
Premier.
After the eloso of the Tfou.se lie proeeedeil to ^Montreal on jiublic busi-
ness, and n^turned home on tjio Itli of NovtMiibcr. Taking tiie opportunity
of pcr.sonally inspecting thi! works for the improvement of the St. L'iwienci3
River, pa.ssingin an open boat, (an account of whieli is mysteriously alludjl to)
determined tlic feasibility of tiic lost channel. Its success was heralded in
the other conimunicution.
"CoHNW.VM,, November 9th, 1S42.
" Dear Sib: — -I was much disappointed when I learned that you had passed
through Cornwall ou your return home from your late t.)ur to Beanharnois,
without aifording me an opportunity to see you, p:u'tieularlv as you g.ivc me
to understand that you would make a stop here (d' at least a tew linurs.
" To my disappointment, I iiave now to add my surprise and extreme regret
that at your suggestion in accompanying you to Hungry Hay, I have elYei-ted
nothing but a eonlirmation of u desire on my part, which some imj^uted to
uie at Kingston, during tlie late session of Parliament, o annoy and oppose
the IJoard of Works. Mr. John 8. Macdonald, the Member from (!lemi.iiTy,
iiifiirmed nie sonn; five or si.x days ago tliat you had exjiressed yourself to Mr.
Moffat, in Montreal, quite satisfied from your recent examinatiou that the
Channel at Hungry Bay i.rii3 all that jou could wish it to be, but that you
dared not give expression to tiiat opinion at the time of making the examina-
tion for fear of being thrown overboard from the lioat in which wo cro.ssed.
This la.iguage is .so unlik(! what T have always seen in you, and what I wouM
slill expect, that I an slow to believe it; yet at the same time 1. cannot re-
train from remarking that after consulting mo cunjithndlalh/ as yi>H dH on
more occasions than one whilst at Kingston on this subject, I thought I hr.d
convinced you of sincerity at le.ast in the statements which I made, however
tar my judgment may have differed I'rom yours in the matter,
■'Then again your opinion, as given ((uite iVeely, both on Clark's Island and
au'ain at Mcl'herson's Point, in reference to the .shoals and badness of the
Channel was as strong and pcinted as any opinion that I have or shall ad-
vance for this reason. 1 must repeat my disbelief that you could have made
the alleged stateuK'nls to Mr. Mcffat, although Mr. McDonald ,says he iiad it
from Mr. Killaly as coming from .Mr. Molfat.
" If what you said to me whil.st in the boat was through fear of being ill-
treated by me or those who aeeompanied us (which I cannot for a moment
believe), why not on the first opportunity that offerei] after the danger was
jiiist, communicate to me your real opinion, for which I have always had the
lii|^die.st respect, particularly on canalliag. ]iut you will, I feel persuaded,
attribute to proper motives the feeling.^ which dict'ited the addressing to you
this letter, and under the circumstances I think you will allow was not uncalled
'or.
" If I have misunderstood you ia whai, you said in rejorence to the Chau-
'ins
tiel umU^' coii.-idiT.ilior', ami if my stiitciiionJs ni;i<lc t,o jnii <!finfi(UHilia]iy tin
woll as in my cvi(|(;iicc hcinn; tin; ( ■ommiltnu arc; not liorno out, I hope you
will do me the juhiicc to inform mo wlinrc tlio (li.scrcpany II'-m.
" I remain, doar hir, ytur vorj obedient seiv.mt, S. Y. C'lIESLKY'."
" KiNOHTON, .'5oth Nov.
" My Dkar Silt : T have the pleasure to announce to you that the ///V///-
/rtw(/e/' arrivi (1 hen; yesterday. SIk! ran tiie rapids in great Mtyle. She
leaves to-morrow, and will ru?i (Icar down to the (!ot(!au. Have you seen
NIL'oit'n C'd-jtiif lie hii.s a very loni; artiiile for an Anifirican paper as to the
absurdity of our fini-hirii: and enlar^riii<r the St. li.uvrenee naviL'ation. "It
Weijihs mueh with many." Vou (iiiiiht to take llie subjccrt up ; it i-t altogether
again.st your doctrine. ,\ylwiii vvas just now talking,' of it, and aay.s it has
made a {j;reat impriH.Kion. Faithfully yours, in hasti'.
'• II. II.KILLALY."
All iiiioiiyiiiuiiM IcU(iijf IMli I icci'iiiher, from wlioni it is easy to ima
j^ino, and whose ar/.,'uiiH'iits it is uniieeessary to rcH-apitulatc, to lion. ,J.
Nelson, M. 1'. P., CKinliafs t lie olijci't.ioHs to iiii|irovin:,' tli(! St. Lawn;iie<!, as
8tate<l ill the States pajn r alltidcii to.
As Ml. .Merritt'.s le„ishitiv(M'iiga).,'eiiieiitH did not pi'event his Iteing at
liumo on the holidays, we licro make an («xtiaet from Mr. .McMiitt's .Journal .
"20th Dee. — Thomas lias Ipccii assLstiiiir to decioratc our eliureh for
Christmns. Mr. M uiray, tho Kn<,dish lOpiseopai eler;i[ynian, of Lewi.ston,
and <latigliter, spciiL the wim'U witii ns.
" I Wits \efy l)usy all the work mukiiif;' prepaiatioiis for (.'hristmas. The
eliureh was very full, ('liristnias coniiii;.,' on Sunday. Mr. A. ;4av<! us a
;^ond diseour.'-:!', as Im always docs (in this occasion. When th(! church was
half over, who should eonu; in i>\il LCiandma, with my own najther. When
leadiiiif her f(U w,u'<l, how often li.ive I tlmu^dit very likcdy it was the last time.
" .Monday, 2()tli. The family .iiid conueetions dined with us. When
tho cloth was removed, II. jn-oposcd tht; memory of him who was with us
lust Christmas, our father and i'ricnd.
" J7th. — Had a .sleigh-rid;; to the Kails, a\iiii 17 in eomjiany. As nsmd
with so lii\!.(! a parly, there was some noli paired to suit. T. took in his
earria-c S. luLjersoll, and (!. .\. Alex. Stiachan and .Miss A. Hopes Mr.
Kissoek and '!'. Kcefer took no ofi'euce at tint refusin;,' to let Mi.ss A. go, and
atthelast permitting it. Iieiidc/.vou.seil at tin; Pavillion. W^; promeiiadi-d,
ehat'ted, and partook of sandwiclics, cakt! and wine, while Miss A. of our
jiaily alternately witli a huly there, playecl on the piano. JiCaving the
young peoph; (Mijoying a d;inci% we leturned by 'I'hoi'old, where W(( saw tho
men at work — tiiey residi! in shanties, along tlus side of the mountain."
On till! Kith, in company with Mr. Killaly, he again inspected the works,
which were now going on with a large force of mi;n busily (Uigaged.
The year had been a I'omarkable one fur having an abundant harvest
throughout the world, and produce of evtuy description was very low in
price, yet the great public works going on in Canada proved a boon to the
farmers, as they found a homo market for all their surplus products. Yet
oui" subject was a loser, from being Hocurity to the milling buniness before
alluded to, and in which he was a silent partiuir.
250
1 8 1 3 .
Ill .huiuiii'v lli(! pldasiii;^ iiiUllii^'ciK-e arii\>:(l IVmih I']ii;;lniiil tli;it lln-
<l»^l)iMitiii'<!,s which our .siil>i(M!t had h'l't with Messrs. l'(iiisiiM(|iirL \Vfr«f suld,
with all (iX|Ktlis(',s, at oiid per cent,. iiii(iei' par. We doulit if an event like
this has siiico ocourrwl in tlie I'ai^^'li.sh mkhk^v niarlcet. ^ /^ ,n~-ijt j
On tho 27th of" Kehruary anoth(M- new («<nornoi', Sir 'liLwtrtH^ Metcalf
arrive(l. Alth()wi,'h w<! holieve ho was a sinci^rely ifood man, vet we think,
his Ion;,' rosithMico of thirty-four years in the i'last Indies an<l three years
ill tlaniaiea were not thu .sc-hools to nithtir lit him jthysicilly or mentally \o
manage parties in (.'unada.
Wti copy the followin^i; brief notices fi'oni tho Hn;^lish Culoni'til (I'Kzetln,
of January 2.'$ril, resptjctin;,' liord iMetcalf's appointment:
"Sir (!. ISlc'tealf has neithei' tiio aristocratic connections, nor the jiarty
claims, nor the parliamentary inlluence. wliich aiu comiminly the title to
ollices cnferrin.; the, \ icerir^jal power and dignity. i'arly e.xi^^oiieies and the
agi'eeahle e.xerci.sci of pa,tn)nai,'e, are eipially set at nou ,dit in fii.Vfa- of peai'e
and g(;oil <,'()ve,rnineiit for a <list,ant [»rovinc(!."
Ai;d concliuh's a list of ;j;oo(l(pialities l»y sayini^ that "he po-i-ies.ses a love
of justice, souudue-is of ju(li;inent, a'ld unswerving liniiue,-:!-;, wi en his mind
is made up."
iti the House of Commons, March 1(1, during the d-jhile uiioii the (Queen's
sitoech, Jjord Stanley said :
" And I do not hesitate to say that, hi'.;hly as I vidiu; Canada, and impor-
tant as I think it for this country, that .sjic .-hoiild hav<; tlie control of tlntsi'
ij;reat coloni(!S in North .Snairican. Vet from the day that w<! shall cease to
hold Ca-.iada by the atlection and ^iiod will ni the ^^reater [lart of the inhabit-
aiitrt, I sh- 11 cea.sc to desire to maintain it."
In tlio same debate, Ijovd Uussell noes farther, and speaks a.s follows:
" My opinion is, that your ladd upon (/'anada ou.Ldit, in tint first in.>;taneo;
to depend upon your ;_dviri;r to them a constitutional iiovnuaieht, by which
the interests and aflections of the peoph- of Canada may be so re;.iulatcil as to
lirevcnt the jirobability of any wish ari.-ing on tla:ir part to separate from t!u-<
country. "
Ihil, to become better aeijuaiiited with t!i(^ |»e(<ple and tlu! eoiinliy, a
long recess waH inaiutaiuf-d l»f*for(! he ciiHed his Parliament to assemldei
and we believe him to liave l)een active in his endeavoiirs to eondni t his
j,'overnment by giving' an e(pial I'epre.sentatiim to the nationalities of which
Canada in conij»ose(l.
On the 'Jlstof Mareli .M;'. .Mercitt sulfercid another allliction in the
<loatli of his motlior, aged 82, to whom much was dnt; i' >r In-ingiug up a
lai'i,'e family in a n(!W and ahnost unsettlwd land, and instilling her (diihli-en
with proper notions of duty to thftir Creator and country. Shewasagreat
favorite witli the rest of hoi' husband's family, and, as «, mark of esteem
lier brotlior-in-law, Nohcniiah, had pi'cvious to liis deatli left u bcjiiesst of
2fi0
.t^)(}0 for ii iiioininiont in whi<'li Ik r iinrno as well as hor liuslmmrK was to
lif! (•oiniiiciiK'ratcil. Tlio stoin^ (Hi which tUit ii)scri|>ii()ii is r«'('ni(h'<l was
hrouj^iit fVoiii Ui(! (ihl family hninostnad in W'oHtchcslcr, N. V'., antl lunv
forms tlio tahlfit in tlin front of the towor of tiio Kpi.soopal Cliurr-h in S(.
Catliarincs. This (tliinch hail been linishod just httforo tlio occupancy of
Mr. Atkinson, undor whoso i!))l(', and (tonHistont administration tin- con-
gro;(a(ion had lai'.i^ttly incrcasiMl, rontlrrin;^ an addition totlic Itwildinj^ ncccs-
Hary; and o\ir sul»jr»ct, on whom the ftxcnaition of this trust icstcd, devoted
it to the ]»ur|)OKo of this ('nlarL,'cm<'nt.
On the apiti'oach oi' tine weather new survc^ys wcire made for the e.xtr'ii-
Kion of the St. Lawrence « 'aiials to Montreal, and tlu; route of tlio iJeanhar-
I'oi.s section was d(H!ided to he on tlie south Hido of the St. Fiawreiicci, whicji,
for ])olitical ,.ur|ioses, was a wise decision, liavinjf in vi(!W the ultimate con-
nexion of the maritinn^ provinces in a straiglit liiu; from the np[iei' country,
therehy unitint^ all the I'litisli America;? people, aii act which suhseipieni
events have home out to he the Ix'st and wisest for this country.
'{'he n(rw woi'ks on tin; ("anal, aIthou;,di pushed forward with <,'reat vi<,for,
did not materially interfen! witli the ti-allic, as tlie route ]iy Port Maitlaml
was (sxtensively used, and w(^ find that durinjj; this y<'iir a iuijuIhu' of Swed-
ish, NorweL,dan, ami (Ji-rman ennf,'rants passed through tlie C-anal ett route
for the far West, being the jiioneei's to those ]>opnlous ami thriving di.s-
tricts whiidi now occupy tlu; thcMi almost unknown lands of Wisconsin and
f llinois.
Mr. Merritt arriv(!(l honu! from Kingston, on the 20tli May, wher(! he
had an interview with tlie Clovernor and I'oard of Works, and entei'o<l
immediately info the consideration of his own affairs in connection with
th(! mill. This with ^rr. .M . had gnnt responsihility— .£25,000 to tho
^I(nitr<'al lirm for stocking the mill. And he writes to his son to this ott'ect :
" Mi's. .M. .saj's : 7th- FT. to Toronto on mill hiisiness. 12th- Retni'ued
from Str(!et's on business. Air. M(!rritt and John Mittleberger are engaged
talking ; I wonder what the uso can bo after the injury is donel Mx-. IMcr-
ritt return(!d from Toronto, where he had been tliiit(!en days. With sou
Thomas to Uncle William Mcrritt's. Thc^y told us the report there and at
Lewiston was that W. H. Merritt and Geo. Adams had 'broke all to smash.' "
About midsummer ho received a comtnunication from tlio (iovernnieut>
in nsferenco to the establishment of a Provincial Lunatic Asylum, wheraiii
ho was deputed to nuike e.xtensivc in((uiries, and collect information in tho
United States in reference to the sul)ject, He visited New York, Boston,
Utica and various other i)lacea; and in Utica gleaned a large amotint of in-
formation from hi.s fri(!nd, Doctor Brigham, who had charge oft' > Asylum
there. From tho exjiorieiice gained, ho prepared an able repoit,. id traii.s-
mitted the same to the Provincial Secretary.
During this journoy of in.spcction he was ficcompanied by Mrs. Merritt,
from whose journal wo copy :
2G1
** We arose Mondiy, l()t,Ii July, .«t 4 o'clock, and to(»k a cup ofcofrti!; and
with soil 'riimiias for drivcir, arrivod at Nia;^ura at H, in lime tor stiMiin-r
(jiiten, to Toronto. Tlieri; was sinootli water, and a littli; rain Cull duriiijj; tlie
«ail. Passed \\w. (Hiiif J imlin' iwuX St. Liiinrniin;. Oonver.si'd witli Mrs. (Jil-
lospie, ol'dalt, and witli lier three eliildren ; she is very chatty and |>leusaiit.
Toronto at 12; sloppcid at North Anicriein llottd ; drove to IM-Dlmsor I'olter's,
when, after an liour, einie haek hy (^'oll»^j:;e Avi'iinc and Mr. (Jra.ssett'B, and
hack in ti-ne i'or tea, and drove to steamer St. /.iiiorinirn at 8 ; cros.sed to ()s-
wef^o; went on board a canal boat at 7, sat on deck till !), when we ;<ot lodi^od
three tier hif^h ; up and dressed at 2. At Syracuse to ik anotiicr eanal packet
to Chittenanyro landin;', where we drove to Mrs. Yates', wlio received us with
•.'real demonstration, shewin}^ us tlirou;;h the ;,'rounds, flowers, plants, f^reen-
liouse, all surround. -d by a well cut hed,^e. After tita Mrs. Y. escorted us to
.'itation. I!tie,i at half-past U; stayed two days ^ <iur friend's home. Started
for New York by Albany , arrived at 8 o'clock 2kh July ; put up at the Astor
House. After .seeing tin; siix'its, went to visit Col. Arnol 1, at i'crth Amhoy.
lstofAu;^ust found us at Hjston, per steamboat down Jjon;^ Island Sound,
and railroad ; thenee we returned to Utie i, where we visited the Asylum,
reaching hom»! ISth August, after a month's travel.
Soon aft«rwiirds lie, was notilied by thcf Secretary that the fJovnriior-
(li'inTiil inteiidod to make u tour to the westta'ii .section of the I'l-ovinee,
lad would call at St. Catharine!) to sim; the (Jaiiil, for which he eau.sod ample
lirejiurations to b(Mn;i,d(^ for his rcHTptioii. 'i'ho (Jovcrnoi- anavtid on the
lllth September, by couch from Ifamilton, provi(l<;d l)y Mr. D. P. llayncs.
lie was received by si dtiputation at the St. (Jathariims House, jirul after
breakfast was escorted up the canal ii ratln-r (lilHciiIt route to travel, in
conse<[nouee of the ci:hir;,'emeMt f,'oiu;,' on. Mr. M"nit,fc however ;,'uiile(l the
party ill safoty. Leaving the (Mual, he th"n took his dnpurtiu'o for tip-
Falls ; and aftei' a shoi-l, slay, left for Kiu<^ston, the thou Proviii(;ial capitol.
As was usual at this .season, a number of <listin^uished stran;rcrs visite
tlic Falls ; amonij them was Profes.sor Potter, oi" L tad >n University, now ol
Kiu'z's ('((llegc, Toronto, and liis lady, }i;ranild iiiihtcr of .M.-. N-lK's. -Mrs,
Merritt'.s Journal of 24th says:
''Prof, anil Mrs. Potter came on Friday, from the Fdls. We talked of
(.'ainbridiic, they both haviufr resided there. Mrs. P. pointed to m my wdl-
known places in the views of ('ambriiljc. After dinner our in ui too'c th iin on
to (Jrimsby, to visit Mrs. Potter's relatiojis."
< >n the 28tli of September the House nu!t, and a i.-onriiltLiv, was ajtp'jiuted
to consider tlic quesLion of eoh>niaI free trad<f. Our subjoctwis on this
committee, and wns eariicstly in favor of tlui (jlij^-el, as lie. i)eli(!V(!(l that a
free iiitcreoiir.sc in all commcr.'ial i raiisacticHiH between t\u\ dill" -n^iit eoloni'-s
would nniLerially tend to tln^ir consolidation, but although various .sugges-
tions were offered, nothing was done at this time.
Among the nunuM-ous corresponden's, thei'c arc ni'inbcrs of Larliane'ut
ill and oiit of the ({ovormucut with letters to his family. Sonu' of them,
are Jiere inserted.
202
111 w'riLinj( lu liis son AVilliam lio ur;,'cii(ly iiii|ii'<'MS('s ii|tuii liiiii tlin
iiecoHsity of nmkiiijt; liimscit' |irulicii'iit in (Im! Kr('in;h laii;,'iiiig(', a« tlio poli*
ticiil appoaninon of tlio tiiii'i jtoinlid Lo a piiniiauont Parliainont in Moii-
f real, a.ii<l llir iiciirial iisci of Ixttli llio Kn'^'Ii.sli and Fronoli lan^ua^'* s tlieicin.
l[t) alno says tliat ho far, tlid (JovonmuMit lias licon conductod npon his fav-
orito tiioory, viz., rcspousihility l,o tli(» pcojih^ [(ovcrncd, from which system
he s(U!Mis to ha\<' had tho ;.,'i'cati'st i',\]i('('(ations.
'■ llorsK OK AssK.MitLV, Oct. 7, 184:5.
"Mv l>i:Ait Sox : Yours of tin' l.'^th of ,\n;|nst, from Zurinh, was re
ciiivcd l)y thd last pacUr't -this ufocs hy tho " Acadia," v,dii<'h h-avc's nM the
loth, Vonr mother copied yoiii- Icttei- .md sent it to nw.. >Slin leaves foi-
Mayville to-morrow, with all your letters, views, hooks, it(!., wdnch, witli
tlioH(! of your hi-otlier, will l)e a rich ti'cat (,o your remaining,' <{ranil-par6ntH.
" If your lirotlifM-'s health is i-est.orfid by fi'avelliiii,', we will rejoice, and,
I ti'iist, feel grateful. II iviuL,' written k(j fully in my last letUsr, I will eon-
lino myself to /jfivin;^' you a hrief narrative of passing events liere.
" 'I'lie (Jovernmeut is <-nniheleil on my favorite theory — responsihility
lo tho people f^ovt-i'ia'd. Tiic Weliand and St. Luwrence (Janals will he
finished (»n your nturn, the resources of tle^ country fully developed, the
comuK'i'ce with the niothei- (•odnlry phe'cd on a perfect system, hy the re-
moval of duties on the eouimoditirs of each when eiiti-rin;^' the othei', and
1 trust the pros])erity of your native country estahlished on a yternifinent
hasis. The seat of (Jovernment will he rtMiioved to Montreal. The (pn'stion
is to 1)<! h;ft to the dei'ision of the liegislature,and a majoi'ity will he aj^'.iinst
Ul)per Canada that was, hence the impoi'taiic(! of youi- lujing enabled to
sprak in French ; if you succeed in speaking' with facility, it will, in ciisi^
you hecome, a puhlic man, he of <,'ri;at adv'anta:,'(i, and ;j;ive you a decided
jn-efereiice over your fellows. The session is expected to last some throe
months, and T hope to hear from you a;,'ain whi'e here, in aiiswin- to this.
"Th(!.Jury Law, Division Coui'ts, iMuiiici[)al (Councils, Education liill,
and many other acts, will be repealeil and amend(Ml; and I hope to live to
see tins day when you will hrinir in a gemsral system, or code of laws,
.adaptcid to ( lanada, on soim; uniform system. At present we have two sets,
the civil law for Lowr-r, and common, for llpi)cr Camilla. J dare say Mi:
I'apineau can and will point out tin; altcsrations made in France since tlanr
adoption in Canada some c(!nturics ajjfo, and I should lik(! to hear if he thinks
tho.se alt(!rations important, (u- a better system than the existing one in
Lower Canada. The StattJ of Louisiana has a Cixle peculiar to itself, origi-
nating with Mr. Livingston, ami vei-y highly spoken of by Jjord Durham,
" Your ad'ectionate father,
" W. HAMLLTON MEllRITT."
A large poition of our subject's time was occupied in corresponding with
his friends in t^W parts. He wrote and received long letters from iiis son
William, who was pursuing his studies at IJonn. The subject of & new code
of laws for Canada was earnestly distaisscd, and the po.ssibility of introduc-
ing into the country tho simple and inexpensiva Code Na])oleon hintetl at,
as one of the mean.s which might arlvance and consolidate tho distant {)arts of
the country. He earnestly urges his Kons to closely attend to their studies)
2 1 IP.
as tim proHpoct of tlitir hocotiiin;,' useful in IIkmi- iiiiti\i' luml \s<)iil(l n!-
(|iiiro tlKMuiniPNt Ui<)u;^lits of ulilo infii hikI i ii vol vi^h ideas on all s<iJ'.i('etH
whioli Wduld I)' l> Ml •liiiial to tlio coiiiiUy, iiml lii-l|. lu iiii;r«as« its yri'iitnoHH.
" IfoiTHK OK AsSKMItl.Y, No\ . 11, I S I 3.
" My DiCAli Son : 'I'lif (JovcriiiiH'iit ?ii"s.si'ii;^fr Icuvi's in l!ii' rnnniiii;^
for llo.stoii, ami I liavc takfu up u ftnv in niiciils wliilo sittiii;;,' on a «'i)iiimit-
t(»n to iiiv('sti;,'at(' tlio inniiinr of dispo iiii;^ of In li.iii lands, to !,dvt) you a short
sk«>t(!li of pasHJiig oocurn-iici-H. .Mfssis. Dunn, Haiirum, Morin/PlioiniMon,
'('liorl)urn and niywlf coiiiposo tlio fonnnitto". danif.s iiitdc, lvs(|., ( 'apts^.
Kurt- and darvis, with many others, all of whom lire known to you,
are lun-e as evidenre. Messis. Onnii and Thompson are fniioiis, and wliilt^
they aro deluitiii;,', I am Ki-iihhliiii,'. An a Idicss lo the (Jneen, pr.iyiiiL,' for
a rfjmoval of the scut of ({overnnii'nt to Montr'al, i,'oes to lMiL,'liiud l»y this
paek(^t. Shonld the pv-tition he ;;rinted, and yon heconi'^ a h';.;is!ator, your
Freneli will (M)ni!>ine utility with aviompiislnnent. A hill has hecu intro-
diieed iilleriii;,' the .Municipal Councils Act, the School Act, the Kxeise and
Duties, JiirispriideiKie of Lower < 'aii.ida, du y liill, amcndiie.,' Nia-ara i)is-
tii(!t IJaiik Charter, which we hope lo ^fct into ouci'utioii, and I trnstthat
yon may at some future day liecome its solieitfjr.
Our pr.^so it (Jov 'rnor (lOiKiral is popular, and a Ljood man. I hopo you
havo seen his letter to the Uritish Amhas.sador, which I enclosed to I). I)aly,
Hanker, Paris. It will i,'ive you an opportunity of seeinj< state <(randeur, or
tli(^ splendor with which our diploiiiac-y is surround'-d in Miirope, to talk
ahout lier(!after. It is all the ^'(lod it will ilo. I will send yoii a paper
coiitainini,' th(! dehattts on the .seat of (lovernment hy this packet. Tho
Jiieiid»(!i'H of the lIp|)(M- llousc!, or- a pail of them, left in dudgeon. Mr.
Harrison, Secretary West, has resii,'iied, and lo.ses a salary of .CI.-"() per
yar. We have a hill to amend the act for yraiitin^ de'tentiires to tho
private shareholders in the Welland Canal Company, whii-li I hope will ho-
aouxc a law. If. so, it may take me over the .Atlantic! once more. Another
month will decide. I will write you the result in due time. We are ahout
a|)plyin;^ for a p(a't td' entry and a warehousing;- |iort, which will aild very
(■oiiHi<h'r;d)ly to your small estate in St. ( 'alhaiiiies. The Wcllaud and St.
Lawronoo (Jaiials are, getting on well. Within two years all our cyinmuiii-
cutions will he opened.
"If you re(;oJlect, at the last (deetion I assured my constituents that the
British (jrovenunniit intendt'd to carry out the system of res'ionsihility to
tlio people gov(U-ned, and assii,'iied the i-ea.son why ; also, that the first fruits
of the union would bo opiuiing all our communications to the oeeau, and,
thirdly, that tho agricultural interests would he promoted. It so ha])pon3
that my predictions liavc^ hecui cari-ied out to tla^ V(U-y lettei-. AUhou.;li we
owe much to Lord Syd<uiliam, he nev(!r intended to concede respon.sihln
government. J)uring tho first H.^don in IS 11, if yon recollect, tho Houso
passed a seri(>s of resolutions, declaring that hen^after the practical opeiatioii
of our Provincial (Government should Ik; assimilated as nearly as pos^ildo
to tho cons itutiim of tins mother country, and the K.xoaitivo Council should
command the conlidenco of the Ifouse of Assemhly. Sir Charles IJagot
came out, d 'termined not toadheri^to that |U'inciple, liut in the first session
of 1842 wai compidlcd to ado]jt it. and call Me.ssis. Lafontaim;, l»aldwin,
and Morin, to his Council, or dissolve tlie Houso of As.somhly. Sir Charles
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Metcalfe came out, under the same impression, but has no alternative. Our
Council is therefore composed of Baldwin, l>unn, and Daly, in addition to
those heforc named. Harrison having resigned, that oHice is abolished.
The completion of the Canals is also secured, and the trouble I took to im-
press on the mind of JiOrd Stanley the impoitance o"" admitting oir j)roduce
into the ports ot Great Britain without duty, has been fu'ly compensiited.
Coj)ies of those letters have been jmblished and most extensively circulated
in this Province, and admitted by all to contain sound principles and useful
information. It is gratifying to find so nnich has been done in so short a
time ; but much more re({uires to be accomplished. Our system of judica-
ture is expensive. Our numicipal institutions do not yet work well, in con-
sequence of attemi>ting to create two ojjposing j)owers in the same district,
the one, the magistrates appointed by the Executive Government, and the
councillors, elected by the people.
" Your atl'ectionate father,
"W. HAMILTON MERRITT."
During the session ho strongly advocated that the proceeds derived from
the sale of Indian lands should be set aj)art solely for the use of the abori-
gines, and when on the committeo for this purpose he earnestly insisted on
the same course being pursued towards these people.
One of the acts of the new Parliament was the establishment of our Com-
mon School system, which was placed under the charge of the Kev. E. By-
erson.
The system so far has i)i-oved in many respects unsatisfactory, owing to
i-eligious controversy ])roducing sej)erato schools. A very exj)ensive system
of management, besides creating the fallacious idea that as men progressed
in wea'.th they should still, among other communistic doctrines, compel the
State to pay for the edujation of their children, instead of doing it them-
selves.
Mr. ^Icrritt made a lengthy ppocch on the removal of the scat of Govern,
ment, taking the opporianity of going o/or the who'j h story. His •' attention
to the subject of the lluion was first directed, from contrasting the relative pros-
perity of the adjacent State of Kew York as early as 1822, since which no op'
portunity tending to bring it about hud been neglected. It was with the view
of having a seaport for his Province of I'ppcr Canada that, before a committee
of the House of Commons in England, six years after, the annexation of Mont-
real was advocated. He addressed this letter to the Colonial Secretary, Sir
George Murray :
' At present a majority of the itdiabitants of both Upper and Lower Canada
are averse to the Union ; the former for fear of being controlled by the French.
* * * On 'he other hand, by the annexation of a sea-
port to Upper Canada and the improvement ol' tlie St. Jiawrence, commerce
will be extended, population doubled, the value of property increased, so that
both would soon realize tlic wisdom of the measure, ami not only become recon-
ciled to it, but solicit a reunion.'
265
Canada
e French.
of a sca-
;oiuiucrcc
so tli:il
no rccou-
After rending th) foregoing, Mr. Merritt continued :
" T'-irco of the most di^•tingui&hed members of this Home, including the
honorable the 8peaker, were then in liondon ; and although the measure was
opposed, the object has since been off.cted to tlie fullest extent. Tiie first
fruits of the session (and he hoped we should never forget that we were indebted
to their Lower Canada friends for it,) was to secure a passage to the ocean.
Up to the present moment the union had been gaining ground. Tiiis had been
brought about with the seat of Government in Upper Canada. Why, then,
by attempting a change, endanger it ?"
At the termination of the session ;i break-up occurred in the ministry
in con.sequenee of which the House was hastily adjourned.
A new ministry being in progress of formation, the office of Keceiver
(Jeneral wa.s offered to Mr. Merritt, but believing tluit iu his present position
as committed to the B.ildwin-Lxfoutaino ministry, and as expecting to be
Inspector of the Canals, lie coukl be of more use to the country, he de-
clined the honor, although strongly jiressed by Mr. Harrison to accept it,
this gentleman refa ingto rejoin the Cabinet unless our subjt;ot came iu also.
He writes from the House of Assembly, Kingston, Dec. 1st :
" My Dear C : We are all in confusion here, the result of which
you will hear in a day or two. I have quite recovered ; (a previous letter
notices his being indisposed;) but will not return before the holidays, even
were the House adjourned. W. H. M."
Fnm the same place, Dec. 7: — "From present appearances the House wi.^
be prorogued this week." With some notices of their legislation in the inter-
cf^ts of the canal stockholders, enclosing remittances, he adds: ''(Jive our
friends the usual Christmas dinner, whether I am with you or not. W. H . M ."
The seat of Government debate was succeeded by the resignation of the
Ministry. This news was conveyed iu a postsi-ript to the Jounud of Nov.
30th : " We have received a h'tter from IVIr. ^I. conlirming the resignation
uf all the Cabinet except Mr. Daly." A sul).se(jueut number contains an
aiticle fromthe ))en of Mr. Wakeliehl, from wliich we copy the following:
"The union of the two Canadas has brought under the control of one
Lcgisbiture two nations so to speak, which widely diller in origin, language,
liws, customs, and haliits of thought. li"gislation must I)) eairied on i)i a
f"diT;il principle. Of this the late ( 'anadian Ministry appears luncr to havo
liiid any clear view, or even a glimpse. Tiiey had the inconeolvable folly
to depend upon the Lower Camida majority as a means of carrying tlirough
Parliament measures for Upper Canada— tiie As.sessnient J'ill of Upj>er
Ciinadaand the University Dili. Tills letter was Mr. Daldwin's own, ami a
great favorite. He would probably have been com;>elleil to w itlidraw it on
tlie Alondav after the Suudav on which he resi^nied."
After im])uting this act to •'lio p'M'sonal vanity of the Miuist-M-, he
cjntinues .
"I cannot doubt, however, that ^Messrs. liahhvin nu'l Lafontainc lad
arranged to get ujjou bad terms with the Governor some time licfore this.
No Ciovernor of a colony, most assuredly, ever carried out the principles of
■'""■■^f
200
resi>on,sililo govoniincnt so An- as Sir Chnrles has done in Canada, nor was
f-vcr licf'un! in any colony a |irovincial ailniinistration wliicli, wliilo tliey
jiossessod on the one liand tin' (■(intidfncc (jf tlic icprcsfntative hody, ciijuyed
on tlie other ho nun-li executive jiowei- — had their own way so entirely in
their capaeity of ministers, as the said \j. and I>. Adniinihtnition. Yet it
ajipearr hy all accounts that the two leaders wore not content with such
unusual jtower, hut also wanted to play the part of niaHtifl's over the (iov-
ernoi-, representing Sir C'harle., as an old Indian, disliking free institu-
tions, closing with the i ■.coni[»etency of its leaders the tiue cause of the
dowid'all of the government."
But what the public and consequently the papers did not know, was that
overtures had been made to Mr. Merritt to enter tV.e governnicnt. His Ex-
cellency's long experience in tlie administration of government over diverse
natioMalities iiuUiced him to perceive there was a people in this country whom
it would be politic as well as just, to have represented. He would have a na-
tional, not a Hincks-Wakefield any more than a Baldwin-L.ifontaine Cabinet.
And it was a rea.sonable inference that the one who had made the first com-
munic.-.tion to render profitable that interchange through the colony to the
Mother Country was the one to complete it; and we think this feeling was par-
ticipated in by the inhabitants, as well as His Excellency and the ndnistry at
home. But the inherent evils of our constitution favoring monopoly, and
putting party above country, rendered it abortive.
Viewing the want of co-operation among liis Reform associates in his
selieme for retrenchment, wliich he had experienced, his confidence in tiie
necessity of party must have been strong to refuse such an api)eal as tins :
" Kingston, Jan. T), 1S44.
" Mv Dear Sir : — It is with great regret that I have ]terused yours of
the 3(lth ult. You nnist be sensil)le that however strong my desire to be a
party to a refoi'in of that duralile and sid»stantial character of which we
spoke, without some one who understands the sul'jfct well, and has skill to
develop and enei'gy to jiursue it, there is no chance of my ever being able
to bring it about. 1 know no one who to the necessary qualities adils the
necessary knowledge but yourself, and I should regret more than 1 can ex-
press the want of your assistance in this matter. Never was there an occa-
sion more favorable than the present, or more deserving the andntion of a
well-wisher of his country. We are now, I think, safe in Eastern Canada
— at least, so I am led to believe, not merely by persons here, but by those
from whom I hear in ^Imitreal and Quebec. With i/unr aid and that of
tho.se others on wliom you are aware I rely, it docs appear to me we can
command a successful iss\ie, and this I say notwithstiinding some threaten-
ings in the jjolitical atmosphere about Toronto.
" I hope to be in Toronto for two or three days about the 14th or l-">th
inst. Pray write to me there, and say that you will not desert the good cause.
" Youra faithfully,
" W. Hamilton Mkkuitt." " W. 'if. DRAPER.
Added to this he was appealed to in a long communication from his coun-
trym m, E, Rycrson, which being marked " private and confidential " prevents
our giving it in full.
267
Though not enabled to accept of office, he pleads for the contiim nice ol"
his old associate in the cnnal, now a quarter of a century in the Receiver-
General's cffieo. Q'he following is the reply :
" GovpiiNMENT House, Dec. 30, 1843.
" My Dkak Sin ; — I jiad not the ploiisuro of nreiving yuur note on the
subject of the Kecoiver tu'iiL'nil'.s ulllce until tiMiipurjiry iirnini,'t'nuMits had
been made for relieving ^Ir. Dunn, (lia-stcned at his own r(M|uest), until a
jicrnianont successor can be appoiuti-d. The ( iovcrnoi-ticneral, li(.\vi'ver,
desires nie to oiWiV you liis tlianks for the suj;Kc.-ti()n, hoping that your ap-
prehension for the effect that the change might have on the credit of the
Provineo may ]»i-ove grouudles«. I trust we sliall suon .see you back again,
and I am, mv dear sir, Yours very truly,
" W. Hamilton- Meukitt." ' " J. 11 !(}( JIXSOM.
The ./unriKii of Decemljer 28, IS 13, closes the proprietoi-ship of 31 r.
Leavenworth for Mi-. J. ITolmo.s. A vahvlictoiy of a column contaihs the
following : " Nearly seventeen years have we toiled to cater for the piildic
ta.ste." What that catering should l)e ln^ defines. " Canada is now in a
condition to act a ]iromiii(Mit part in North America. Nations, likf indi-
viduals, mu.st be the architects of their own fortunes, and eolouios, ri^iing
into kingdoms and empires, cannot attain the highest point which civiliza-
tion can reach M'ithout a strict regard to the ])i'inciples of justice, tht^ culti-
vation of the moral virtues, and a watchful jealousy of pulilic liberty.''
A new engineer, Mr. Power, was appointed on the Canal, and on tin*
return of our subject he accompanied this gentleman over the entire route.
The organ of each party was now started. The Xatli-e CanaJIfin, edited
by iMiijor I\ichard.son, says, it is to be i.ssucd in January. 1844, advocating tho
invaded rights and privileges of the native inhabitants of the country. The
Pilot in Montreal, by Francis Hincks ; and the (i'/of><\ i\\ Toronto, by Ocorgc
Brown, appeared in the Spring, and far outstretched, especially the latter, all
competitors.
A dispatch was received by D. B. Vigor, the new President of the
Council, on December 15, ordering the release of five (Janadians, wIkj had.
been transported to New South Wales for [lolitical oH'eiices.
18 4 4.
Although busily engaged in his temporal matters, we lind that lie wa.";
not forgetful of other and more important affairs, hence \. e see that at this
time he takes an active part in the deliberations of a missionary meeting
which was held here. A very good speech delivered by liim on tho occa-sion
is fully reported, wherein he expresses a spirit of thankfulness and a liopeful
Tiew of our social and political positions, dmwing some fine comparLsouw
between the present and the past.
268
" My Fkiends — I am sure you all feel with me deeply gratefijl in beiu^i
pennittt'<l to assemble ouce more to commemorate the anniversary of this
most usoful and iutenisting society.
" Every sucectHling year more clearly and more fully developes the object
which this, as well as all otlKfi- similar institutions, are df.'signed tonccomplisii.
'■ Even the most absurd ideas, which the ordinary mind, that only looks
at the surface, supposes to be n^tarding, is tending to accelerate the event.
" The old prediction that this world would be annihilated has been again
revived duinng the past year, and many have gone s-o far as to predict the
very day. Tliis is not singular ; many wi.ser and better men in all ages have
fallen into the same error. FrtHii my » arliest childhood iny mind has been
Hrmly impressed with the belief that instead of this world being destroyed,
that its inhabitants were destined at .some jieriod to realize the blessings
])romised by the Almighty and enjoy a perfect millenium.
" I cannot refi-ain from availing myself of this opportunity to endeavor
to impre.s.s on the minds of motliers the great im|)ortvnce of directing
the early att(Uition of their ollsjiring to reading the Bible, and explain those
priaoiples which every intelligent mind should fully comprehend. One pious
:., •tlierwilldo more good in her generation than a score of fatlieri^ in hastening
this event. Make a cliild once believe tluit j)eace must reign en earth —
tiiat man will regard his fellow man as his brother — and you arm that child
through life against ei'ror. When he hears a ftdlow-man ]tn>dict the end of
tiuie, or witnesses signs and wondtu's in the heavens or convulsions of natur(\
his miuil is not disturbed- -he has not yet witnes.sed the millenium. When
he hears a minister of that religion which is founded on love and peare to
all mankind, rail againsf, his fellow-niun, or nny other sect or society what-
ever, he will fall back and still hear the voice of that pious mother,
and Siiy to himself, tliat man does not b;'liove in the millejiiuni.
" Have we po,sitiv(! evidence that this time is approaching ] Since my
arrival to the age of manhood every obsiirvation made on ineu and passing
events tends the more linnly to convince my reason of the certainty of this
prediction b»ing fullilled. Aye, T can trace it step by step in small matters
as well as great matters — from my earliest recollection in tliis veiy neigh-
borhood.
" W^liat was the state of society among us forty years since 1 At eveiy
bee, evtMT nn'litin training. v\ m at our dances, swearing, cursing, qvuirrel-
liu;,', fighting, biting, ami even gouging, w.is of common occurrence. It
was sanctioned !e/ the publie opinion of the day. Let nu^ ask you if such
revolting setMies would lie t'llerated by jiublic opinion now. Let us extend
o;ir views. Look into t!ie |>;i^t history of Eui'ope, tht> original formation of
governments, their gr:id;ial inipi-ovenH'iit from iyranny — when men were
made the willing instruments i>f men — to constitiitiomd freedom, where tin-
tyranny of no mni can e.\ist. U:)wl)n.j;is it since governments waged war,
one with another, on the most frivolous orasions, taxing tlieii- subjects,
desji.itiug countries, and inflicting scenes of niistny on tin' human race, the
bare idea of which makes the stoutest heart shudder. Look at the present
day. The injst impoi-tant matters are settled in thos.> very governments
by reference to other powers — -simply by arbitration, in the same manner
that every right-nnnded ujan should settle his ditferenoes with his neighbor,
ins -ad of r)rcing him into law.
" I mention tlu)se facts to prove that civilization has during my short
269
Ufi' iidvaucod witli rapid strides, and this civilization will luing about tlx-
iiiillcniviin.
" Ijt't us now examine what visildo means are in oponition to ensure
this d«'sii-at)lo event. Hvery element is at work, all apiiai-ently se|)arate and
distinct, but all conibinin;jf to produce and ensure the oliject. Thi^ mo.-l
[irominent is education. Without general intelligence it is impossible to
comprehend those great objects which will best promote our individual in-
tercut. Next is temperance. Experience has proved that this Society has
(lone more to promote virtue and lessen vice since its establishment than
any other a.ssociation of men. Every religious society of every name and
creed, JJible .societies, missionary .societies, abolition of slavery, legislation,
arts, science, commerce, all, in their own partictdar sphere, ditluse intelli-
gence, enlarge tla^ mind, and hasten this event. There is anoth(>r and all
powerful element at work, which has during the jiast year attained a degree
of importance, and is likely to produce results that few of us can compre-
hend. I allude to the principle of free trade. We see in a recent article
in the Timen that £;')0,00(> per year is subscrilied to advocate the anti-corn
law league ; that one, two, three, four, and live hundred po\inds sterling is
paid by individuals. Their ostensible object is to remove the duty on human
food ; but their onwi.rd course will not stop there. It will extend to every
article consumed by man, and what must bo the result. Dej)rive govern-
ments of the revenue they derive from indirect taxation, and standing armies
will disappear. Nation will not L-e armed against nation. The very cause
of sti'ife, of hatreil, and of war, will cease to exist, and peace will be estab-
lished on earth.
"The next question is: When are wo to look for this liap])y period T
Judging from past experience — our only guide for the future— we iind the
Almighty brings about His own wise purposes by natural means. The pio-
i;ress of civilization must necessarily be slow. Tf we draw just comparisons
between the inhabitants of diiferent countries it yives a most 'doomv and
disheartening result. When T find the inhabitants of my own country, the
cultivators of the soil, at least one century in advance of some parts of
E\iroi)e, then I see we are not warranted in looking for it in our day or
V'oneratiou. Nev««rtheless, it will assui-edly be realized by our ])ostcrity — it
will b(( for them to realize the blessings which are in store for mankinii.
No feelings of bigotry, intolerance, or exclusivene.ss will embitter their
luinds. All that remains for us is individually and collectively to hasten
the event by every means within our power. Let us connnence now. Thi.s
is one of the elements in eflecting that great work. Jt caiuiot be etlected
by faith alone. We nuist show by our works that wo are really in earnest,
and to this particular object I now beg to direct your attention.
" I am indebted to our excellent friend, Mr. Par.sons, for the report of
last year, which I have read with attention, and commend it to those who
have not had a similar opportunity. In the meantime 1 will call your at-
tention to a few slun-t extracts, which contain the most interesting and
I'leasing information."
From the importance of Bible teaching during the generation of peace
succeeding a warlike age, he hastily anticipates the advantages arising frem
the institutions during an ago of perce.
Having a high regard for Mr. Thomas Stveet, ho writes him a letter
of advice, on accepting a municipal situation, to which the following is a repl\ •
270
" FallMim-s, ("liii.i.awn, Jan. 22, 1S44.
" My Dkar Sir : — I tliank you for yourfriciully ami (lisiutfrostpd letter.
I accept it in tho spirit in wliich it was written, and shall en<l(>av<)r to profit
})y your <,'<)(n| a^^vi(•(^ F iMitt-rtain no ultra opinion in politics, anil sbill
ever bi; rfady to advanco to tlio host of my ability the gt^neral interests of
the inhabitants ot this District, without reference to party or j>olitical con-
sideiiitions. I iun, of course, as every other inhabitant of the Province
oufjht to l)e, a staunch supporter of the British (Jrown, an admirer of British
laws and institutions, and naturally jealous at any attempt to le.s.sen or
weaken the authority of the (iovernment by unreasonable demands, or the
followiii;,' up a system of executive policy entirely at variance and incon-
sistent with what 1 undiu'stand to be Ker Majesty's prerogative as exercised
in this Province through her legal representative.
" I am and always iiave been anxious that the inhaV»itants of the coim-
try should have their fair share and influence in all matters in whidi they
are direetly or pt^r.soIlally interested, but when that influence is employed in
such a iiumner as to endanger other and superior rights, then 1 think thi-
time has arrived when it beco nes every man entertaining the o))ini()ns that
^- further encf)uragement. 1 shall en-
discharge my duty in .such a way as
rf [ fail, it will not be from the
.in any apathy or inattention on my
d advice alw.ivs in view, and will not fail to act
STKEET.
I do to r«'joic*( at a check being
deavor while in the ])i.strict (
to ifive Katisfaction to mv c
want of good will to serve th.
part.
" I shall keep your good
upon it in all cases in which 1 can conveniently do so.
" Believe me. wiy dear si)-,
" Very ti'uly vours,
"THOMAS C;.
"W. H. MKRi:nT."
The Jiiiirnii/, of JIarcdi 15, iiftcr copying a rumour by the Kingston Xeu:.^,
that Mr. Thorburn would retire for Mr. Harrison, says: " The Sfain^nifoi, not
to be outdone by the Xt n-.s, observes, that among other members of Parliament,
Mr. M. has given in his adhesion to the present .system, and will supjiort tho
new administration. Being in the h;d)it of iilmost daily intcrcour.so with Mr.
M., and having enjoye 1 uninterruptedly for many years his confidence upou
all public matters, we may naturally be presumed to have as intimate an ac-
(|uaint;incc as the Statct<maii. Mr. M, is not the man to conceal from his
friends his views upon matters of public policy ; and when ,so great a change
conies over him as thiit mentioned above, it will be promulgated through a
channel entitling it to .some degree of credit."
The correspondence here given shows that with all the private friendship
displayed towards his fellow townsman, he had not made matters of state his
daily subject of conversation, and that he is still writing to the Ministry, say-
ing that if certain measures were adopted he would join them.
'•Toronto, March 24, 1844.
"Siu:- T have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your fa\'or of
the inth inst,, in which, I am glad to find, his Excellency apjn-oves of the
principle of the plan submitted for his consideration, altliough I regret to
licar that he entertains doubts as to the practicability of the proposed reduc-
271
lions. TIk! wliolc oltjiH't of my, T fear, ti'ilioiis ('oniMiuiiii'iitinn, was to |>ro-
duci' siK'li pruitf, l)asLHl on praotical ami ito.sitivc i-i-snlts alicatly rcaliznl, as
I li(tp«'<l would have reinovod all douhts us to tho f<*«siliiiity ot' tlic plan.
WitlnMit roMiovin;,' thostt doultts, and cslab'.i.sldnt; confidence in tlif I'csidt
as well as tlu! plan sultniittod for altfrinj^ it, any attempt to .securo it wo\ild
lie usele.ss. I endeavoi'nd to imprcs.s on the mind of his K.\n'!leney a fact
.scMuni l)rou!,'Iit under the considei'ation of ii ({oveiuor l)y his Coiincil: —
That the ;i,'ross revenue of (.!anaila iimounted to fjOO.OOd ; that the yro.s.s
revenue of the State of Now York Wiis Imt .fOL',n7.") ; that we had resources
from four distinct and separate ohjects whidi they hail not, amouiitin>( to
(ihout .ii34'J,li.'{r) : that by adoptin:,' tlu! sunui system of finance as thev
adapted the wholw of that money wouhl he saved.
" I find iniiny men hi<,ddy intelligent on yeneral siibjects reinarkahly
deficient in comprehendini,' tinancial matters. They i,<,'noraiitly class finance
and republicanism toj^t^ther. They assert that the cause of the expendituro
•ill the State of New Yt)rk bcuiig so low is the eH'ect of the .systtun of a re-
publican i;overnmeiit. This [ deny lit fi>fo. i/)W salaries, f admit, is in
must cases the efi'ect of a repiililicaii administration, but I deny that repub-
licanism afiects the dill'erent departments or l)ranches of a yoverument.
Thi'V have as many departments as we, but they have better laws and rules to
rc;,'ulate them, and 1 teel as satislii; 1 as of any event not reali/.ed tiiat we
only re<juire financial experience and talent to ei^ii'ct the savin:.f named. »•
" I am, mv dear sir, vouis verv trulv,
<■' W. ilAMIl/roN .MKIUMTT."
"St. (.'.vriiAiuNKs, April L*(i, 1S44.
- ; — I have the honor to enclose herewith an al)>ti'act of the details
of tin a'oposed reductions, (tint items are not transcrilmil, but will i)e found
ill tl. 'ledules referred to, lettered and iiumbenMl, in p!W)lii- a'-coiints of
184:",) .IS required by your letter of the 1-Jth of Ararch, and prijiiiiseil in my
last from Toronto.
" From the hurried manner in which [ have maile thos(> extracts, having'
been detained by other atlairs until the jtresent week, jierfeet accuracy must
not be looked for. A minute detail can be arriveil at only by a i-iyid iu-
vostiijatiou of the ditferent departments. A yeuoral outline of the proposed
reformation is all I can feel warranted in recommendiiii,'. If it is oonsiilered
of suilicieut importance to make fui'tlier investigation, competent heads could
soon mature, ])repare, and recommend a simph." and elhcieiit system for tin;
cousideratiou of his Excellency.
" Their attention wouhl first be directed to the Provincial (Governments,
the number of departments considered necessary, and their r(!Si)ective duties
clearlv defined.
"The present system of laud grautini^ dej)artments is a reproach to any
Government, inasnmch astlKMv is not a sutHcient sum of money i-eceived for
the sale of land to pay for stationery, and all the olH -ers of the (h-partment
ure paid from duties derived from customs, and could be contrasted with a
.system which pays all expenses for about five to ten per ce-nt. out of
the proceeds of the'land, and a permanent fund created with the remaining
ninety per cent, for the education of our youth for all time hereafter.
"The real and true value of each separate fund would be shown by itself,
ill place of being mystitied and mixed up so as not to lie understood, with-
■272
(jBift
out <^nMit liibor ami loss nf tiiiio, cvpii liy tlioso wlio lulministfrfil tlif (lovcni-
iiiont.
"Tlio |)i'(!H(«nt nu'tliod of oollcc-tiiigaiul «'Xi)OiHlinif thiMlistrict rcvrniH', to
wliidi r liavf ii(i(, allii(l(>(l, cdiild also lie coiitrasU-d with tln^ oik* |>ro|ii).sf(l.
" (.'(;rtaiii <,'ciitk'iiit'ii, as magistratt's, asscinlil« oiim in tlirco inontJis
Thoy appoint one trcasurcn', ono clork of the peace, aiul re^'iilato the piiot'^ of
tincH.
A Hocend power is cn'ated liy electing c(;rtain disti'ict comiciilors,
who name one clerk — Hanie duty as clerk of the i)eaco — two auditors, ami
one Kiii'veyor. There is one inspector to collect the revenue fi'oni stills
inns, shoi>s, iVc, making returns to Inspector Uuneral of ("ustoins, and wlio
grants licenses to auctioneers, making returns as above. Another set of
otUcers codect marria^^e licenses ami return tla* same to the Provincial
Secretary. The Siierill'makcs returns of other lines to the Inspector (Jeneral.
The district taxes are levieil and collected by assessors and collectors ai)-
pointed at each town meeting, and ]>aid to the Treasurer. *
Jt is evident this divei-sity of power and responsibility is unnecessarv
inconvenient, and could bo contiasted with a simple system winch woiilil
bo recommend(id, not to its advantage, containing one inspector in each dis-
trict, who would re]iort din-ct to the Inspector (!(*neral as well as to the
district authority, thus establishing a nnitual check for }irovincial and dis-
tinct funds, by which a prompt collection woido be insured, and but one set
of oHicers re(pured for collecting the extra provincial revenue, and another
for district revenue.
" Tlu! main object to be effected is to relieve the inhabitants from taxa-
tion. The adjoining States of Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana are
largely in debt, without any exti-aneous resources. The apprehension of
direct taxation ultimately, to pay this debt, directed emigration last year to
the territ( ry of Wisconsin, where no taxa*ion is in expectancv. (,'anada
has greater resources than any pcn-tion of America, and can bo relieved
from all taxation unless imposed by the districts themselves for some local
improven O'lt. I et it be generally known that the indirect resources of
this country are ample to relieve the inhabitants from all apprehension of
direct taxes ; that the j)i'oceeds of all the waste lands of the Crown aro ai)-
propriatid to create a sinking fund for the education of youth and no other
purpose, 1 n 1 few can predict the consc(juences which it would produce. The
very idea wo(dd go farther to command ca})ital and emigration, and insure
the riipid and steady prosperity of the country than any other measure yet
proposed. With these few brief remarks I will clo.se, with a hope that Uio
short time at my command will claim indulgence for not explaining the
matter more fidly and ably.
" I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
" W^ H. MERRITT.
He further showed his appreciation by joining, in a semi official capacity,
the administratioa of public works.
"KiNosTON, May 8, 1844.
" As you have, fi-om the comments of the Boaril of Work.s, expressed a
strong desire to avail yourself of my local knowledge and experience in con-
ducting the public works in Canada, the time has now arrived when it can
be done mutually beneticial to the jjublic as well as myself.
273
(Jovcni-
• 'linc, to
ir()|iOHf<(l.
riioiitlis
prirt^ uf
mrilliiis,
.iiVH, ami
III stills,
ainl will)
■!• Sl't of
roviiiciiil
(IfMicral.
I'tor.s ap-
lOft'ssaiy
•li would
(jaoli (lis-
IS to tJK!
and dis-
it one ,sft
1 another
•oni taxr.-
liana aro
nsioii of
t year to
Canada
relieved
jnio local
oui'ces of
nsion of
n aro aj)-
no other
ice. The
id insure
asure j-et
that the
iiiiiig the
RITT.
capacity,
1844.
pressed a
lo in con-
len it can
" Thn ronioval of thnsoat of Govorniiinnt from Upp^r Canada 1 1 Mo'itroal
will j^nmtly incroasn tin iaooiivcnieiuM* uln>:idy oxporien • mI, the powers h '\nx
couoontrated at ho ;(reat a distaiK'o from tlie sp it where it in'ist li(» exeroist.vl.
"The reincily proposed, as the cunt'-niMlate 1 alteration in the Aet cm-
iiot bo attained for hoiii ' tiiir), is to ajipoint, nud-'r the present II ) ir 1, s Jine
[lersoii to siipcrinteM 1 all th(i w.)i-ks west of th.- Nia'jfir.i Riv.-r.
"Ill the first p!a"e, this p.iition, altlidiiu'li most reiiioM" frn:i Montreal,
is the most important, iiiasnineli as the entire trad- of th ■ whole Province
uiyeiids on the ipiantity we may divert from the wesiciM eou'itiy, whi 'h of
itsidf is siitlieicnt to oeenpy the entire alte!>ti.)i> of oi:" mind.
" The d>ity of this snj) 'i-visioii can b;* clearly d 'tin • 1, and the j)03sibility
of collision on it avoided. The pn;,dneers continue to rejairt, esti-
iiiite, and pay contractors, as heri'tofori', on all contr.e-ts heretjfure ent'-r,- 1
i'lto, bnt every now matter or unforeseen obstacle arising, to b-^ referre i to
r!ie individual on the spot, and a r(!,^'ul,ir I'eport mi 1 ^ thereon, as-ii,gnin;; th"
li-asons for or a;,'!iinst, for the approval or rojojtiua of the JJ jaivl, a r.'^'ord of
which will be entered into a bjok, to bo kept for the piirpos", on'JO in eacli
month.
" The money now paid wet^kly to the banks by the colleclors, a state-
ment of which is furiiisheil the Receiver (jenoral. should be returned monthly
to that otHce I»y each colhictor, and thence to the Inspector General, as wt-U
as the Board of Works. The object is w secure a check from the local in-
f'trmation recpiired, which cannot exist nnder the jiresent system.
" This duty should also extend to the Clraiid River invitation, with a
view of devising means to finish that work to Hrantford ; to the (Jueeiiston
and (irimsby road, and thence to Hamilton — to bring forward a bill and
piopose means to finish that work also.
" The economy of this .arrangement will be tested by ex| iMice — the
increase of revenue, which will not be less tlini £'_'.'), 00(1 tliis year, jKiid to
the public chest, over and above charges, hydraulic rents, itc. The s.iving
of expenditure in j)oliee, law eo.sts, postage, and other items, will in the
aggregati; form no inconsideraltle sum.
" The convenience of an immediate refei'ence will lie Jiiyhlv satisfaetorv.
The books removed by tlu; late Inspector (Jeneral siiould be returned at
niice, as the gn^atest inconvcnienee is experienced almost daily for want of
it'ferring to matters there reconled, and can refer to no other public mattei-
than the Welland Canal. There can be no possible advantage to the public
service by removing those books to Montreal. The stock books are of no
consequence, now that every shareholder, except two or three, are settled in
* 'anada.
" You are aware that I liave spent almost my entire time since IS.TG in
affording such information as was lequired, gratuitously. That inuirina-
tion has been considered serviceable on many occasions. i\Iy circumstances
arc now altered. I can no longer allbrd to lose my time. Tt cannot bo
f'inployed .so usefully for the public, or agreeably to myself in anv other
situation, ai^d as far as regards individual claims, if those works are reallv
useful or beneficial to the Province, it will lie conceded with one accord
tlnoughout the land that I am personally entitled to consideration ; therefore,
if you think the public interest will be promoted by this arrangement, it
iiiay be carried into operation immediately. Truly yours,
"Hon. H. H. Kill.\lv. W. HAMILTON MERRITT.
274
Tli(> ffiilifS sliow tliiil llif ;,M('uti.st (((iirii.sioii was tlif i(>nlt of I,((r(|
Syilriiliain's iin'aii;,'ciiiciii, uiul liaviii;^ tlir wlnilc of tin- |iiililii' works i-on-
(luutoil liy oiH' oHicr, iiu<l tint licail olliocr not iiKlfpfiidcnL kI' tlic i-liaiiyo of
Ministry.
K I NiisToN , ^! ay D 1 , I s 1 1 .
" M\ i>KAi: Sii: : I a:ii in rt'cri|it this il.iv of ytt'iis of tin' i'.iili. |
liavc not li'-anl one syll.ilili- sjicf V'MI went of our prMjioscd ai'iMii;(i'incnt.
J havt' asU'-d two or I'nrc tiiufs, iiulci'd, |in'<sci! it as iiuicli as I coiilil, Imt
' C'liuM 'lt» iinlliiu^' until tin' Conn 'il, witli |)i-aiii r, (1< lilu-rat.'H on it, itc.,'
is tin' answer,
" Kvcry thin;,' is as ynn Irft it. Ilaiiison i^ down a;.;;iin. Imi' \ ly ill —
tliP .Sana- iiinmi' of his takin.:,' ollicc
" Slli'l'Wood is ht'l'c. jn-'uxiirj, \ an tnhl, the < Ii)\ 'lll'i;' In ajijidnt his
Conn^'il lii'foi'i' he i,'iirs ilown. oiIki- . ise In- is t.)li' vi>it"d l.y tlic diiffid
indi'.,'nalion of //m /'"/•^/.
"41' i>< \\ri)n;;;all topsyturvy, (iod knnw s s\ Lcif i! will cinl. I will
writi' Villi wlaii anytliin^ o^'cni-s.
" Faitlifnllv viuns.
^ "li. II. KILl.AI.V.
'• W. I i.NMii.roN .Mi:iiiii rr."
<'.MoNTi!i:.\i., .Inly .'5, iSj I.
*' y\\ l):;\i;Sii! : 1 li:m Jn.^l icccivcd yn.ir mtv wi'lcDnn' irtlfp. Since
I wintc to yiiu last I have mil. Iirard imc word on the snlijcrt, alllii)ni,di I
liavc seen 1 1 i'^'^ins.m daily and have )>rt'ssi'i| him on it. I will m;d<e it a
jioint lo sec him ihis day and lri\c it at nni'c lixcd. The |irinci|i|f I)rin<j;
adojit.'d. ! eannnt eonciivr what slniis tin' carrying ont of i«. As to the
points :
" 1st- -Letter of inlr>liii'tinn. iV''. Il shall he dune the monient I have
llig.i^insou's autli(ii'ity, ntlieiaMy oi' dtherwise.
" 'Jnd -I will see to the a]i|iiiintmen(.
" .ii'd Wilkin.SdM left this t'ei' the W'elland two days a-'o, and I have
not ti.e slightest a|i|ire|ii>nsion t.^it his work will li'' the cause of delnv.
"Ilh W'elland Honk shall he done.
** I am glad to hear jioor Power is reeovering. .\ll kinds of rumors.
J>raiieran(| Sherwood are here. 'Die report priueipally is that Daly goes
ont. This I think will lie, as he has been told often enough that he is the
olista-le an I stumlding hloek to the foi-mation of any .Ministry. Then that
tlio greater part of the ComiivM are to be iiower Canadians, who will be
assisted by till! ('ons(>rvatives, and thus beat what are called tho Heformors.
'• I. trust such an attempt as this will not b(t made. I do not believe
liatoiitaine will accept without, jiahlwin, and I do not bcliovt! l>aldwin will
throw otf his [larty, and without them I do not believe any Jliiustry can be
formed to last.
" J canio down the Kapids all night's ride for once, but as a channel of
trado I I ! This will, F have no doubt, be abinidant [iroof of tin* wisdom and
truth of the old saying, ' The pitcher whii^Ii goes often to the widl is broken
at last.'
'• llav*' yon seen how Wakeliehl liginvs ? £7.oO() for working out the
s.dc of the j)ro|ieity ; I'lL*,."'^"' f'"" working out the Canal ! Waeivdid thi.s
goto? And I suppose as much if he got thi' Company formed.
275
" W«? arc ^(•ttiii^ on ;,'nmtlly all iiloti;,' tlif .St. Liiwicii i-. Wv will pusH
liiats t'tifou'li td n MiiIiuniDis in .fiiiu' next. We will lie in a vnv n 1
w ly yn :ill tlnHttlnirs IImm si'iisou.
" Vours with t'sti't'iii, fiiitliriillv.
" II. II. KII,I-.\LV.
" W. II. Mi'ititnr."
Tlit> t'uliowiii ' iii'licutus Ui(! n(iui!ilv iiscil : —
"TOIIONTO, .\lU'. IX, i'^M.
" M .• I)i:\ii Silt: -.\s yon aiv M)W Maini'.,'"!' of tin; Wi'ljaml ('anal, I
liMjijy ri will ui'u;fiin lli" liack 'liti'lii'^, t'sjurially tliat fivtiii Mroail (.'I'l'i-U to
Afarslnillc, iiuilli of tin? ('anal.
" v.. MIS faitlitnllv,
'• II. l!i)||.T(»N.
'•\V. II. M I ; It I! ITT."
Tlii-i is i'(.|ii,.il in .Air. .AI'nTitl's Iriiiilwritiii.;, ullnil •■« to the jiriiieipil
luerii^uro ho eff'ctdl, vi/,., securing ii boau.s to tht; cuntractoiv^ (or going on with
«nd opening tlii.v work:
"Sir: — From tlm intt'r"st yon have lythcrto tik mi in this ciinso, w'*>, tho
contni.'tims for i!oin;ili'ting the locks lit'twticii TIioroM aii'l Si. Cithariin^s,
havo taken tin; lilicrfyto rcipu'st yon to rcjnvsciit the sif.uatioii of" this woi'k
to th»' Hoard. ,
"< )nr contracts o.\|iir(! on the 1st Xovcni'icr n"xt. Tiio I) larij, and tlif.
puiilio t'xpcot those l((,"ks to lie linished and ill I'eadiiiess iiei'oro thi' ojtcning
<>!' the navigation in \>^['k 'l'\i>- past Winter has lieen in )st nnt'avorablo for
proem ing th(^ dtdivery of stone; sve ai'c jiressed for money; wages for labor
have inereased; provisions, and also tic material which is indispeiisable for
the W;rks; and ii", iiv nunsnal exertion, we are enal)led to fnlti! the |)nl>-
lic expeotution, it must lead to inei-eased expense.
"N'iverthehis.s, fetdiiig the iinpoilauee of iicetingthe \ i"ws of the IJoard,
and rcU-'ving tlie pnldic, not only from the expense of ke-ping np tin; old
lucks another yi^ar, l)iit of insiiriin,' an inereasi! of toll, we will push tic win-k
with i vigor heretofore nnexa npled. if a rea.o:iaMe e,iieoniM,'e neiit is lieM
oat for tlie same, an I will engage to siirm cmt .ill ditli ■nlty. and have it in
readin "-s by the 1st April.
Yours, ■
The following is yiv. M 'rritt's nionurandu'ii of proc;.';'din^s oii the n 'W
work:— •
"Cjiiiineucod ^fondav 22\u\ Jnlv, answcrcl .Mr. Hah-v's letter and iiut
myself in conimnnication with tlu^ Chairman of the Pioard of Works.
'• Notilied M -ssrs. Pow.dl and Prescott tli.at '^ had acjcpti'd the situation,
also ^Ir. Burford the contractor.
"It ;ippe.ir.s to bo in )st desira'il(> to .secnrR t.lc completion of the harb )nr.^
aid tjio iu;w locks so as to open the navig.ition on 1st April wxt on tin*
oulargcd scab*.
'■Consulted Pago as to increasiii-' the nnm'terof men, wa^t(' Wiirs must
!'■■ put Uiuler contract, lock gates in readiicss it'.-.
" Wednesday, lil. Ascertained from Mr. Bernard tliat ho was willing to
render Mr. Tiioinpson every assistance after completion of his lucks, wljicli
Would take three nrniths more.
276
"i
'Signs of fmtlier disturlianco among tlie men appearcil on Siiiinay.
■ AHoertainccl from Collier in case we fail to complete the new line, the
state of locks on the old line, and what will be tlie expense of jjroparing tl.om,
for a few months, for spring navigation, 2 locks at Allanldirgh tu Ik- renovKl
and extended, aqueduct to be repaired ; this is all that is neces.-ary.
"With regaid to the sajJiily from Grand River level in place of Lake
Erie, the Clrand lliver dam should be maiie perfectly tight at once, raise all
the embankments, inchuling Port Colborne, from Dunnville to Allanburgh.
" Monday, 29th. Examined with Mr. Powers the line of canal, in-
spected gates, waste weirs, etc.
"To Caimichael T. French, to get another machine immediately.
"Friday, Aug. 1. Passed \\\> tl.e line with Kev. Mr. McDcnoufh, a r. um-
ber of men having met previously at Thorold and made threats. Called on
most of the contractors, enquired into the assaults said to have been commit-
ted, remained several days, is.si;ec! a warrant, no per.sou appealed to convict,
the prisoner dismissed, inferred no danger.
"Sept. 13. The most unexampled activity continues on this work,
seven locks are all eady finished between this and Thciold, twelve others will
be finished by the end of the month, -leaving only a few courses on four to
complete the whole twenty-three. 800,000 tolls to 1st Augu.st.
" rtetuiuing to the f^ubjcct of the Ministry, he addresses the' Premier :
"St. Catharixe.s, Aug. 14, 1844.
" Mv Deak Sir : — leaving been unpleasantly hairassed by those inter-
ininaVde law suits, \\itli some few indispensaljle canal matters, not a moment
since my last has lieen left to devote to those of public policy. An-
other and ])riiici[ial reason for the delay arose from the confident assertions
of those arriving from Montreal that the ISlinistry had been formed, which,
as far as either you or myself were concerned, would have rendered any sug-
gestions useless. However, from your letter in June, I had no reason to
suppose any hasty decision woi.ld be had. In reviewing the .situation of
our country we must not niisunder.stand the existing state of j)ublic feeling.
A statesman will then decide, if adverse, Avhether he has reasonable grounds,
from any measure tl at he has matured, that he can change' that feeling —
and that, too, in Mitiicient time to meet the Legislature, ensure a majoiity,
and conduct l.is Government in accordance with the priuciiiles now fully
admitted.
"Piefcrring to j ast transactions, or attempting to adduce a single reason
to prove who was right cr wrong, or what measure should or should not
have been adopted, would lie a waste of time. Matters and things should
be taken as we find them. Whatever change may have taken place in pub-
lic o])inion or feeling in Lower Canada, it' is generally supi)osed that in
Upper Canada it has been in fiivor of the Ministiy. If so, what is to be
gained by calling the ])iesent House together! Will it not rather prouuoe
irritation, widen the breach (if possible), and do nuich harm.
" This position being admitted, the only chance of iiroducing a change is
by a di.ssolution, and procuring the return of other memliers, although if in
truth no change has actually taken |»l.ice in piddic feeling, the same result
must follow. Whatever effect appointing a commission to investigate and
recommend a change in our financial .sys^^^em wouhl heretofore have produced,
so fully are men's iiiinds engrossed with one idea— the apprehension of
losing responsible Government, and tliat his Excellency is opposed to the
277
principle, an I the late ISIiiiistry in favor of it, tint ni\v m maas ire liowever
lienetijial will di\XM't thiMu; an i any niaH attempting to oontravort it will, in
most constituencies, k'S3 tlii^ii- conti lauis.
" If this bi) a corrp.t statement of public feeling, what is the ramely ?
No statesman can ro^omin^nl a daviation from this principle, therof)re a
mijority in tlie represent itivo branch must b.) sec ired. \Vj tinl that <lirti-
cuities, appearing insurmountable, have been removed, and what has been,
can again be effected.
" In looking back a few years, we find, in the adjoining country, the
jiopulation in a state cf civil war. All attempts at conciliation had failed.
One master mind, Henry Clay, proposed a com[)romise. His celebrated
A-t produced a magical etfjct, trau'iuillity was restored, and he is now
about reaping his reward.
" During the administration of Lord Sydenham, circumstances placed
vou in the most res[)onHiljle and conspicuous situation in tlie Government.
You found the House of Assembly, before even proceeding to business, de-
termined on having a clear and distinct avowal of the principle on which
the (Tovernmeut was hereafter to be conducted. Contrary to your own
feelings and judgment you con.S'Mited, restored tranipiillity, and l)y means
of that concession conducted the Government against, or without eitlier Mr.
Balhvin or the leaders of that large and compact body of Lower Canadians
being in the Government.
" Circurastances placed you in a similar situation during the administra-
tion of Sir Charles JBagot. You then felt it necessary to bring that party
iu:o power, and to effect which you resigned tlu; honor and emoluments of
office, and again i-estored harmony. Circumstances have for the third time
placed you in a similar although far more delicate position. Tf you can again
restore harmony, if you feel satistieil that a majority couM be secured, unless
^lessrs. L.ifontaine and Baldwin are restored, which was your tirst impres-
sion, you deserve a civic crown, and will .assuredly reap your reward. I
a;n aware of the dithoilty which must at every stage meet you in atterM})tiug
it. If his Excellency would listen to any arrangement, the obstacle would
vanish in a moment. Could furnish a letter disavowi)ig any intention, ex-
plaining away misapprehension, making all discrepancies satisfactory.
Tlie whole affair would iilow over within ten days. Let u-i. divested of all
[(crsonal feeling, take an enlarged and statesmanlike view of this question.
S ifjp He those s,'jntle!n3n vest jr.J 1, and suppose, (which T do not bdieve) they
wi-ro to .show the least vanity, or exult in the event, how long wimld it last
on this side of the Atlantic I Their capacity is to be testeil by the success
of their measures, and there must be a speedy change. Sir Cliai'les wi uld
thus [trove his adherence to tht; principles he has advocated, and wo\dd be-
come the most popr.lar governor that ever ruled a colony. What effect
would it pi'oduce in England? Not the slightest to his di.Nidvautage. The
Government and the people there look oidy to the result ; they can know
nothing of details, and care less. Reliexe them from trouble, establish
eonteutment, and tliey ai'e satisfied. Sir Chai'les would hi' consideicil, and
ju.itly, too, a statesman, who, with the most discordant materials, placed
himself above all personal feeling, and will leave the country in perfect
harmony and in the most jtrosperous condition. Believe me, T entertain
the .strongest personal feeling for the Governor General, and on this account,
apart from the desire of witnessing harmony among my countrymen, aiu
extremely desirous he should return to England crowned with success.
rl
■ '■mmm
278
" There are many, I am aware, who take a narrow view of public mea-
MU'Cs, and rather than not carry a point wonhl never concede an iota.
Judging from tlic past, this is not your chai'acter, neither is it tliat of the
(iovernor Generah All I can add in conclusion is, that if you think it
necessary and feasible, I woidd lie most ''^r '^v Xo be instrumental in any
way you may p<jiut out in bringing itibout. j fully concur in the opinions.
exj)ressed in your last, which induced me to pen the above.
" Verv truly yours,
-'W. HAMILTON MEllRITT.
" Hon. W. H. Drapeu."
Journal, Aug. 30: "A Ministry at last, it is said in a P. S. to the Pi/of ^
the use of the last nann^ in the list places it in the category of rumours."
This was Mr. M., Tnsjiectoi- General. The author, who was a passeng'T
on the JiriUinnid, heard this rumour, while stopping a few hours in Halifax.
When the Government assumed the control of tlie ("anal, Mr. iSFerritt
wrote to his Grace the Duke of Wellington, informing him of she act, and
t Uing him that the smn originally subscribed V)y him towards the Ganal
would now l)e repaid, with intert st. At the same time he reminded his
Cfrace of the circumstances of his tii-st signing for the old stock, which was
done as an example to others in liondon, and our subject now politely hinted
that if he would transfer th.e amount to the Grantham Academy, which
much needed it, the name of the institution would be changed to that of
Wellington. By means, not necessary to explain here, either Chief Justice
Kobinscn or the Bishop of Toronto had made a prior apjdication, and the
result was that the money was bestowed for the founding of the Wellhigton
Scholarship in King's College, Toronto.
" Walmer Castlk, Sept. 28, 1844.
" Sir : — I received in due time the letter which you were so kind as to
address me on the 20th of February last, on the subject of the stock held by
me in the Welland Canal, and your suggestion as to its disposition.
" Having corresponded with Chief Justice Rolnnson on the same subject,
he has remitted to me another letter from you to liimself, dated the lOt.h of
July, and the act of the Legislature by which the Grantham Academy wr>s
incorporated.
" Upon the whole, however, it has occurred to me that the most suitable
disposition which I could make of the stock belonging to me in the Welland
Canal, was to authorize tin; sale of it, and with the proceeds thei'cof to foiinii
a scholarship in the Ki" g's College, I^pj.er Canada. T have given direc-
tions and authority accordingly to Mr. Chief Justice Bobinson.
" I avail myself of this opportunity of returning you my thanks for
drawing my attention to the interest wliich I had in the Welland Canal.
" 1 have the honor to be, sir,
'' Your most obedient humble servant,
" WELLINGTON".
" W. Hamilton Mkuritt, St. Catharines."
It will not bo out of place to introduce an incident, though unwit-
tingly, with which the author was connected.
270
Thero woro ffw inon of his time iiioro capalile of taking hold of uii idea
;iiul working it to a pi'ai-tical (.'onclusion tlian our .suhject, as the following
siinjilc though important naiTutive will illustrate. We have already meu-
tioned two of liis sons, the authoi' and William, Iteing left at European univer-
sities to conH)lete their education. We may therefore state that it was eu.>
toTuaiy for Mr. IMcrritt to tak<' an occasional lioliday, and convey his family
into the country, tlierel)v resting his mind as well as hodv, and uatheving
fi-esh energies for each forthcoming event. A favoiite resort of his was vn
or near the hanks of the Niagara Kiver, near where the town of C'lift(.n (then
called Elgin) now stands. At no period of the year did he enjoy this trip
iietter than when (jur hcautiful Indian Summer first set in and lic^'an to
iidorn the foliaire with wliicli the biinks of this ri\('r is covered, lendii>vf an
enchantment to tlie sctniery, wliicli, to he thoroughly appre;ii:t( il, nm>t ho
observed at this timo. Going oil" from 8t. Catharines for tlils purpose with
the members of his family, ms we may suppose, he called at the Post Oliico
before going, and received a package from Eurojic which he cai'i'icd along with
liim to read at his leisure thei-e. On arri\ ing tlicre, tlie usual picnic
arrangements were made, and the ainiual simple feast was spread, after
wliicli, when peace and quietness pervaded the party, tlio foreign lett-r
was produced, and proved to be from the travellers, who w<'re then visiting
Fribourg in Switzerland. Amongst th*^ many wonders of the strange land
of Tell, it told thtur parents of a wonderful suspension bridge which they
had seen spanning the River Sarren in the midst of n mountainous country.
A full description of it followed — its length, its height, and the manner of
its construction were all minutely detailed. [Mrs. M. remarked: "I wonder
if a suspension bridge could not be made to span this river."] So strongly
(lid the remark impress the niin I of our subject that the idea at onco
occurred to him of the possibility of spanning the mighty Niagara with just
sudi a bridge. Soon afterwards a consultation with engineers followe'l.
Laughed at by some, and favored by others, still the idea grew, and the
ultimate result is a bridge across this river, not such as described at Sarre: f
but one of a magnitude surpassing all others, of which we will have reason
to speak hereafter.
The autlior on his return, was sent up witli S. Woodrulf, Engineer, to
ascertain the shortest line for a suspension bridge across the NJaganu
On the 2.'?rd of September, Parliament was dis.solved, and preparations
at once made for a new election. !Mr. liykert opposed our suliject, but he
was again returne(l by laO majoiity.
On Friday, l-^th October occuiTod one of the severest storms experienced
on Lake Erie. The piers of Port Colborne, among'other ports were partially
destroyed. But the focus of the storm appeared to concentrate on Buf-
falo, where the loss of .*200,000 worth <>( property, and iiO or 10 lives
attested to its destructive power.i.
230
It Wiis succeeded, ut tlio end of the month, hy a snow storm, and Airs.
Merritt noticed that on the Tuesday of the election, Mr. M. attended in a
slcirjh.
On the 1 2th of Xovt'nibov,onhis farm near Port (Jolhorno, died the cousin
of our subject, known on the oaual, from itii commencement, as an honc-^t
and popular contractor. The fevers in the Cranberry Marsh, no doubt,
laid the foundation of ill-health. Ifud he remained on his faim near St.
Catharines it might not have occurred.
On the 2Sthof November the '^ouseoponcd, andagain the ofFerof Inspector
Genoral in the new ]Ministry was made to IVIr. Merritt, wjiich he declined.
It was then gi\en to 3Ir. W. 15. Ivol)in.son, who had been Suj)erintendent
of the Welland Canal; Mr. ^Merritt having taken liis place on the same, as he
believed that by so doing he would, under the circumstanees, be of more
use to the country.
In December he renewed his measure of retrenchment, and published an
elaborate view of the resources of Canada, conij)aring tliem with the State
of New York, wherein he showed that with a larger revenue our e.rpaifiei'
were in excess of theirs, and what was required of our Administration, and
strongly urging retrenchment — the present Ministry, any more than the oh',
not agreeing with him on those (juestions, which he showed would relieve
the people from direct taxation. This was one of his reasons for declining
the proli'ered seat in the Cabinet. This publication of his views, however,
resulted in the Government adopting his policy, and his being called into
the jNIinistry four years afterwards.
Commencing this session a protest against hiselection was sent in, in conse-
(pience of his Government engagement on the Canal. It was tried in the
House, but having i)i'oved that he ilid not receive a salary for this service,
however much he neeiled it, the protest was (juashcd.
The following extracts, copied from the election trials, show that Mr.
Merritt had more honor than [irotit and no little risk in his connection
with the Draper administration. II. II. Killaly interrogated :
"A salary of .£500 per annum liaviiig been attaciied to the otllce men-
tioned in your letter to Mr. Secretary Daily, and Mr. iSIerritt liaving accejit-
cd the same, do you know wliy the same or any portion thereof was not
drawn by Mr. Merritt ? I cannot tell, it was never applied for.
"I conceived a larger j)ortiou of the business to be performed by Mr.
Merritt was more connected witli tlie Inspector General's department, but
that he did discharge some of the duties of the Board of Works under the
appointment in ipiestiou."
ml
281
1845.
During his attoiuluuce at tlio sossiou in Montroul, lit! wus reqiiested liy
tl.'j Mercantile Library Assuuiatiuu of that city to deliver an address on
'• TLo Trade and Commerce of Canada." His lecture was well attendei',
and the sentiments enunciated wai'inly received, acconii)aiiiod by a vote of
.thanks at the close. The following is a familiar letter to Mrs. M.:
" I am living as (juietly as po.ssible with Mr. Barrett. INIrs. B. is making
i!ie as comfortable as she can , cotibe every day at dinner, have not drank
twj glasses of strong water since my arrival in Montreal, and wine only
t\vi..e.
" February 8th. 'J'o the author — I presume the article to which you
refei- on the Hnance of France is in Thiers' ilistory, as I am not a nioment cut
of tlie House, have no time to examine. I regn^t exccedini,dy, however, that
I did not bring all the publications sent by Dr. King, including the school
iiiaJ:ter. What has become of all my pamphlets J"
Mrs. Prendergast died at St. Catharines on the 1st day of robruary.
A letter to his bereaved father-indaw from the Li'gislaturo, March 3.1
containing messages of sympathy closes with his own pursuits : —
" My habits have become so sedentary, T shall (God willing) retire from
{'ublic life in a very few years. I am jireparing a measure of moment, viz:
the appropriation of all oui- waste lands to create a fund to supjiort common
.'■'-•Louis, and establish distrivt libravies throughout the province. The plan
is alluded to in my pamiddct, which appears to be well spoken of in all p:ul.s
of the pi-ovince, excejjt among officials."
Daring tin's so.ssion St. Catharines was incorporated into a town, to the
gii-at satisfaction of the inhabitants, who expected imiKutant results, whicli
wi.ie only accompanieil with an expense by them often afterwards regretted.
He also took an active part on the Crown Lands Committee, and re-
commended their Ijoing the monetary l>asis of our Common School systeip,
instead of their being 8up[)orted by annual tax as at present.
"CioVEKXMKNT lloL'SE, March 13, 184').
" ]\rv Dkak Sir, — -T have had the pleasure of communicating your note
I I the Governor (ieneral, and I am desired to assure you that His Exc( 1-
ii n y is fully sensible of the great labour and pains that you have bestowed
ii[Hm the very important (picstion as to the future disposal of th(> WMste
lands of the Crown. His Excellency coiu'eived that your [iroposition was
uiicicr the consideration of the Executive ('ouncil, fi-om your lieing in con:-
niM.nication with some of its nu-mbers ; but he will again call tiieir atten-
ti'iii to it, I am, dear Sir,
" Vcurs faithfullv,
" Hon. W. H. Mkkiutt, M. P. P. j'. M. HIGGINSON."
'I'liat the value of the sei vices of our subject as a working nu?niber,
tli'Ugh in a tory House is evinced by the number and im[iortance of tli(> com-
niittees he was on. ,
Ajifil 3. f'oiiiiiiittoo on crown lands vci)ort, W. IT. Merritt, elmiinian.
A Icttor wiiK rcccMvcil (Imt at tlio closi- of tlic Lc^'islattiro lie wouM
Jno(!t^[l■.s. Merritt in I'.rooklyu. While liorc, tlu' folluwinj', ;Voin the iuithur
announced thtur liaving arrived :
•' I hii\f ainiiscd myself wliilo in New York hy htokiiii,' u|> Anieiicau
iinlicniities, and wa« h-d in my search iiuti-c particularly into ol)sorvinu; tho
locality of our ancestors in the iKughltourhood, all'ording i.ot only tho la;i-
t"iry and trials of the old times, hut casting tho cliarm of |ierKonal intf>reht.
over tlie early history of the settlers in fact rcn<lcriiig our own the ri,srs
and progress of the American democracy."
Mr. ^leri'itt, writing from ?doiitrcal to Mrs. Merritt on his travcN, en
2nd Api'il, closes ;,.s follows :
"The session has ended, 1 fear, without doing as much a« we shonld
t'or the good of our fellows, hut prospects are cheering nevertheles.s. As
you arc no jiolitician, I have nothing anuising to communicate. It was my
intention to have returned liy way of Alhany to meet you, hut the roads
are so intolorahly had that I am compi^lled to go up river.
" 12th. Not getting a steamer, have gom> u|) hy land, as far as Toronto ;
was two nights in an o[)en wagon, and the last in a snow .stum."
With regard to the suit in which he was engaged, a letter of March ■^,
from his son Tlioiinis, who was in company with Mr. Jas. R. Benson, says':
" We have heard the unpleasant result of the partnershii) in Toronto."
Tliis decision of Chief Jiistice Robinson, involving our subject in uU the
losses of J. Mittlelterger it Co., renders it necessary for him to hurry home.
and make prepurrtion for a lo.ss of all his property ; and on his return, in
the middle of April, his firist business was to Mayville, where Dr. rrendei-
gast promised him all the assistance he might retpiire.
May 1. Appears for the last time, after nineteen years, our subject's
name to the list of advertised letters, and that of the author for nearly as
long a period, signals these items in the Jovrixd.
2l)tfi. Letter to G. P. llidout on ditl'erential duties.
On the 29th of INlarch the House being prorouge<l, Mr. i\[. i-eturned ;
and soon afterwards, on tlie tenth of May. the works on the new Canal
were successfully completed and the water let in, bringing on the route a
large and noble-looking class of vessels and propellers, which carried niuii-
bers of emigrants to the Western States.
In answer to an invitation to witness the o])ening of the new canal
on the 21st of ^fay Mr. IJurwell, an old friend of our subject, wrote to
Mr. Merritt a letter of congj'atnlation on the successful results of his long
and unwearied canal agitation. He also enclosed an old document, drawn
by Mr. Merritt twenty-seven years previously, and left with Mi'. Rurwei',
when a member of Parliament, wherein our subject showed hi.i original plan
of a canal, and modestly asked for a grant from the country to assist the
surveys. This survey is related at large in the earlier pages of this book;
283
Mr. ^Mcrritt'H id^ii of tlio great SuKji(Minion lirid^c Intd liy tliis tiiuo
;iiriv»i(l at tniiturity. A cli.-iitti' was ti) lie olitsiiiicil, stork sul>scril>(Ml, and
[ircpanitioiis made fur its (•oimncncenu'iit.
Ht) writ(!S, Jmifi 2iid, a loiiif jettor to Mr. Kidmit oii tln^ advaiita','*;:-* of
lu'viiig tu,iL,'s (111 the St. Lawrence, a criticism uf which \h iiuticed in tlio
JonnKil of . I line 12:
Tlio editor of the F],mmhin'\\A'^ iinhilLfcd us wiili live (•oluiiiiiH of criticism
on Mr. IVIerritt's hotter. We confess an inaliility of disciivcriii^ any ar^'ii-
iiient wliatever, and our fiine docs not admit of Icii'^tliy ic'plii'H to
iiirre verl)a^<', and it was only answered l)y our .suliject wh'-n reilerat<-d ill
Kiancis Ifiiick's jiaper, t!ie /V/<»^
III .Fiini' a coniiiany was formed in Montreal to liiiihl a railway to con-
nect itwitli Portland. Afr. (ieorge Motlat was the Prfsiilcnt, and through
liim £.300 was offered to Mr. Merritt if ho would visit I'^urope an<l endeavor
to sell tlio Company's .stock. Our siiKject acce{)te<l the offfr conditionally^
;\iid received letters of intro<liiction from the Governor to the (Jolonial
Secretory, l»ut afterwards cfmld not agree with thr views of the Company,
and reliiKjuished the nii.ssion, which was then undertaken hy "Slv. (Jalt.
The Huccoss of this gentleman in FiUgl.ind induced Sir Allan McXah and
Mr. Widdor, of the CanadaC'o., to start on a similar one in connt>ction with
tlie(!roat Wostorn Jlailway iiroject. They were not succeHsfiil at tLi.s time,
80 the .scheme had to re.st for a few years longer.
"St. Catharines, Jnnc 10, 1845.
" Mv Dear Sir: — The committee, to whom the management of tlie
St. Tjawrence and Atlantic Uailroad is entnisted, have requested me to pro-
ceed forthwith to Knglaiid. I have as.scmtt'd. provided the Provincial (Jov-
I'lument will recommend certain changes, which are indispensahle, and can
lie better exftlained in a personal interview. I havc! this day written to-
Mr. Higgin.son on the ijuhject, and only await his reply to proceed direct to
Montreal.
" The Drawback Bill, which removes all duty on articles passing through
tie United State.s for Canadian consiimiition, is not at present adapted to
the trade, but no doubt will be amended next year. If in addition to this
iliey removed the duty on our products, which we must look for, whatw(;uiil
have been the sitnation of our trade this year \ They would command onr
ontiro exports. Yon have now the ball at your foot, and if the Provincial
• iovernmeut have not already made all the communications necessary, you
have still an opportunity to do ,so, and net only presi^rve our present trade,
liut greatly increase it ; and I feel quite .satisfied the f mperial Government
will not only sanction any measure necessary to presei-ve our present trade,
liut enable you to become pnipari-il to inerease it, on th" coinpletion of our
I'liblic work.s. It requires no Imperial legislation. A .flight change in the
Provincial Act would efTect the obje.'t. ,
" I am, my dear sir,
" Yonr obedient servant,
" Ho.N. W. H. Drai'ER. W. HAMILTON MP:UUrn\
284
A proposition to form a coiniuiiiy to vnn a line in coinifctiun with
tli<' States, from (^hieonstou to Hamilton, wuh now iir.st mootctl.
Tlie Boauliai-nois Canal, a <^nin<l work, being also opened, Mr. Merritt,
liad a long correKpondonce with tlio Government in regard to the estahli.'-h-
meiit of an extensive tug system for the Lakes and the River 8t. Lawrem-i'.
Wo have already noticed that a charter had been granted in 18.'5() for n
railroad fiom the Niagara to the Detroit River, in which our subject wa.'s
interested. Owing to tlie troubled state of the country no action was taken
in the mattei-, and at this period the time of the charter had nearly expired.
Mr. Merritt thought it a fitting opportunity to attempt to revive the .scheme,
and conseijucntly (i[M'ned a eoiivspondencc with some of the leading capital-
ists in JJoston. fleeting with encouragement, he made a personal visi^
explained the scheme, and was agreeably surprised to find the leading capi-
talists there in perfect accord. The stock was instantly taken up, and iri-
lluential contractors, who were also large stockholders, agreed to finish the
work Avithin the time and before the expiration of tlie cliarter. It would,
however, seem that things which are easily obtained are not so a])"; to be
successful, and our subject, who had bettn promised support in getting a re.
newal of the charter by his political friends, now advised a d(day, which
I'loved fiital to the .sclieme, as it stoj)i)eil the railroad develepiiieiit of Ca-
n.uhi another decade, and then not on a rational or conse(jiieiitly remune-
rative jilan. The next Parliament oflered a violent opposition, from distant
q\iarters ott' the line north of l^ake Ontario and Jjower CiUiaila. Tlie cajii-
talists alluded to at once invested their money in the South Shore route, a
line which from the start took the lead and has since continued to keeji
it, rendering its Canadian rivals, which came later into the Held, unprotit-
able speculations to -til interested.
"The opposition to ^Ir. Merritt's railroad scheme exhibits itself thti--,
in the Toronto t'obmist of July 3rd :— ' Mr. W. H. Merritt, M. P. P., has
been for some time ] ast in the United States, ami from the contents of u
jMintei.l pamphlet entitled ' Sundry J3ocumeiits relative to the Niagara ami
Dotroit Railroad,' we learn that Mr. Merritt's intliience in New York, Bos-
ton and other places is being used to forward that undertaking. The Nia-
gara and Detroit Railway will be es.s<'ntia!ly a work, if carried out, for the
hrnvjtt of Aiiirrlraii tracehu:-t, olfei'ing no particular advantage to the Province
through which it will pass, but the great disadvantage that it will be along
the line of an extended frontier, without protection, and entirely at the
mercy of our neighbours. Mr. ^[erritt takes good care to point out, when
addressing at lilaek Rock the committee from Albany, that the charter is
liberal, Mr. Merritt knew the parties he was addressing. If they take
up tlie work with the characteristic spirit and energy of the Yankees, when
tliere i.s not only a fair prospect, but a [iroximate certainty of its being good
stock, till rj is no doubt but they will manage to carry it out speeilily to
completion. The agency of ^Ir. ^lei'ritt, who is very well known among^*
them, is no trifling stimulant to immediate action. The attention of our
Toronto and Sarnia Road ought to be at once directed to this matter."
285
"WlieiviiH it lias beon rfprfsenU'd to tlio iinilfrsi;,'iu'il, Jiv an Aot inror-
lioiating tlio Nia;,'ara and Detroit Kivor Railroad ('(tnipany, l)a.ss<'d by tlie
Provincial Legislature in 18;{(), to whicli ahoiit £7, '»(•() of stork was Hub-
s/riVio I, tlinrtois diosen, an instalment paid in, the route surveyeil, and
jilans and reports extensively ciroulated — that in oonnnon with all similar
works, in consefpunico of the distin-l)"d state of the Province in l!^'}7, this
waH also suspended, hut lias a,;^ain been renuwed with a fair prosjtcct of suo-
ceSR.
" This Act, which will exj)ire on the 20th April next, authoi-izes tho
construction of eitlufr a wooden or iron railway. The first can belaid in
time to secure the charter, but the shareholders prefer constructing an iron
r.iil of the most durable description ; to effect which, an extension of two
years, and a revenue of £2r)0,00() will be recpiired. As it is important tin-
sliareholders should ascertain as early as possible whether any objection is
likely to be nunle to their api)lication, and as no pi-ecedent within our
knowdedge exists where a similar application has l>een refused, we will
cheeifidly suppurt the same.
" John Bruce, j're.sident ; Jo.seph Wood, E. Ermatinger, James f 'uni-
niings, J. \V. Powell, and Wni. Hamilton 3Ierritt and Kolland Macdoufdd
ga^•e their assurance."
Extract from Mr. M.'s private journal, in tin; interest of a railroad
across our peninsula to New York, for which he set out 1st July :
" July 1 2th. Met C. C. Trowbridge of Detroit, called on Jacob Riddle,
presi<lent of the New York and Albany Railroad, Garden (J. llowland, presi-
dent of the Utica Railroad, Davis, Brooks and Co., Sedani and S.ige, W. B.
A stor.
" 21st, The last day in New York. Met with ^fr. Fisk, ])resident of
the Long Island Railroad, and James J. Shipman, the engineer, wdio con-
structed it at a cost of i?8,r)00 a mile, he tiiinks as good a road, similarly
situated, can be made for 87,500 a mile.
".Some of the names in Boston, with wliom we transacted l)usiness, wore
the Hon. Ujorge Biiss of Sitringfield, president of the Western Railway,
Joseph Quincy, Thayer and Bro., Francis Young, A. Gilmour, W. F. Wihl,
A. Lawrence. Before leaving Boston, wrote to Mr. Power to ascertain tlie
width of the Niagara River, having ascertained that that of Fiei'nurg,
tiy Challey of Lyons, was 981 feet long, 22 wide, 181 high above the water.
Tlie one on the Mersey is 580 feet long, 25 wide, 130 above the water.
"Boston, July 24, 1845.
• Wm. Hamilton Merritt, Esq.,
" My Dear i^ir : — I have examined your plans and estimates for a rail-
road from Buftalo to Detroit, and such is my opinion of the jtroject that I
shall be hapjiy to take two hundred shares in the stock.
" I do this because it establishes a direct line of communication Vietween
New England and Chicago ; because it increases the value of every railroad
lietween Boston and Buflalo ; because it unites us with our brethren in Ca-
nada in a common interest and a common olyect ; and becau.se I have no
doubt of its being an excellent investment. This last reason, like a lady's
postscript, I presume you will think the most weighty consideration. But
I can assure you it is secondary to the desire I feel, in common wHh my
fellow citizens, of uniting in closer bonds the kindre<l nations on the two
sides of the St. Lawrence, Niagara and Detroit. These communications
28G
\sill Vjiini,' us togf'tlici', niid T cannot doiilit as wc know one anotlicr nioro
W(> shall like one onotluT In'tt"-)'.
"P. S. — ^Ii-. IMiss, tli(! Pri'sitlcnt of the \V«>storn I'ailvoad, autl.'orisos
111*' to Hulisfviln' lor two Inuiilii'd sliarcs on liis account.
'• 1 am vcrv i<'s|M'otrnllv vnurs,
"JOSJAir QUINCY."
" Montlay Aii'.'. IS. Ai'iivi-d liuiiic, nict f V>1. Prince, and airanircd a plan.
1st. To ajijioint sonic person to olitain a pledge of support and increa.se of
capital, and e.Ktend the time of completion to unite with Hamilton peo|i!f,
appointed next Monday to meet tie' diiectoi-s of the Hamilton road.
\\'licther they unite with us or not, Cul. Prince was to call a meetiii;^ of
].)irt'ctors, which I am to atteml witji full powers. Open liooks forth
■with, i>ay Is. 'M. per share to secure an en^'ineei- tJ estulilish a line and
■where the junction must he made, write to J. Stanton to send power of at-
torney for diiectors to .save time, item, interest we have in St. Catharines
and Hamilton mad.
'•Tuesday I'.'th. Mr. Slater has a.-certained the width of the Kiairaia
river to he ll-'O only. Olitain the ii;j;lit of land, and an a't of the I.ej,'i^-
latui'e of New York State as well as Canada, to construot th(3 .same, with
the riijht of extending' raili-oail t > intei',sect any yiven point, to any railroad
now or licreaft r to In- maih'. Tii(> present ohj.'ct is mainly to unite Man-
chester as far up as ('hij'pawa, reaching the town of Niagara via St. Davids,
-west to St. Catharines and Haiiiilt< n.
"Idonday, 2'itli. Visited Hamihou to meet directors of (Ireat Western
Kai'.way. A resolution was projxwed hy 31 r. 'I'ithtny wliicii did not .suit
us. Next day, Tuesday '_'7th, I proposed the followiiiM;-
"Thursday Au^aist I'Ttli. I proposed the dii'cctoi's of the (Ireat West-
ern Kailway unite tlieii interests with the Niagara and Detroit River Rail-
wav. on the following terms:- -
'•First, that a line he run to a point, wh<'r<' they diverge to JIamilton
and ButValo by the .shortest and nmst direct route. That in case the above
be aci'«^<?d to, subseiiption books shall lie o]iene<l inimciliately at Deti'oit.
Canada, the terminus of the trieat Western Uoad, in the States and Boston,
Sir A. McNab ap]irised of the amount, the rL'iuainder to be obtained l>y him
to finish both, estimated at S.*»,0()((,()OU.
"ChKAT WkSTKKX RAIMiOAl) Ol'KK'K, )
Hamilton, liSth August, 18},'). j
"W. H. 3Ii:i(UiTT. K.sip, St. Catliarines :—
" SiH,— 1 am instructed liy the Poard of Dii'ectors for the (ii'cat West-
ern Kailroad Company to con.munieate to you the follo-vving i-esohitioii
ado}»ted by them at tl.eir meeting this day, which they liope will prove
satisfaetcn-y to the stockholders and others interested in the " Niagara and
Detroit Ifivers Kailroad Company :
" y.''>eZ'V(/, That the termination of the Great We.stern Railroad on the
Niagara River shall be at or near Fort Erie, and that the point of intersec-
tion between that branch and the main trunk from Hamilton to Windsor
.shall be at such place as on proper investigation will be found most con-
ducive to tlie interests of the stockholders.
(Signed,) "G. S. TIFFANY, Chairman."
'' I have the honor th be your most obedient servant,
"J. P. GIRKISON, Secretary."
287
"St. rATirAiiixi:,s A«ig. 31, IStn.
"To .1. V. (liLiusoN, Hmj., Sfc'y (Jiviit W.'strni I!. It. Co.:
" Dfjir Sir, -I (Iflayml reply in;,' to your conimiiiiiiMt ion of the 2.'*tli
iiii-tiiiit until lu'iiiiny fioni Mr. TiHiiiiy, whose letter reuolieil me l»y lust jiosi"
a. I
il oi\ly r fleets tlie comlition of tin; Directors of the (J. W. |{. (
" The Ke.soliition |iro|>os('il did not, in my jiidLmient, eh'iuly and fully
nice the intenliou of tiie partieH. I therefore prop(»s<(l the followin;^ :
" /,'':i(ih'f<l, Tliiit tlie Directors of tlie (Ireat Western ll.iilroad Company
a;;r>'<' to unite their interests with the Niagara and Dntr(»it Kivers ItaiJroad
Company on the following' ttu-nis : First, that a lint* he run from Detroit
to a jioMit where they call divci't,'o to Hamilton and Ihitl'aloon the shorte.st
and h st I'oute. That in ea.se the ahove he ai^reed to, we will join.
" My rejusoUH for preferriuLJ the latter, is, that it places the two compa-
nies o:i precisely the same footing,'. Without this rel•o^'lliti(»n, any attempt
at n"j,'otiation would l)i) idle. It also clearly expres.ses the ohjetrt and in-
l.n'i)n of diveriiiiif^ as soon as practicahle from Detroit which will he in
tlie vicinity of Ilui-ford (as we suppose) and the stock will he suh.scrilied
wi
;!i tl
lis view
1 am, ilear sir, vours, li:^
WM. II. .MKKIM'IT
A map was ifot out showing their line to run from Toronto to Saruia
ojlowcd iiv se\x'ral
int'.i.soctcid liy tlie (liviat Westei'ii at (iaelpli. Tliis was f
meeting's in Toi'outo and Hamilton, and liy tia' .sendiiiji,' of V. Widiler and
l<ir A. MacNah, as It 'fore alluded to, to England hy steamci' of lillh Aug.,
in t!."ir joint 'iutoro.st, which, unfortuiiat"ly for all conccrui'd. they succeed-
ed, not in getting stock, but in stopping .Mr. .Mi rritt's sch'-me, for wliich the
stuck Iiad already hcen providf^l.
Mr. Merritt and his friemls were not inactive as we see hy an ai'ticle
from t;i<^ St. Thomas Sl.nu<hirJ, of Octolier 2nd :
A;i intimation li.is ln'i-n sent hv Mr. .Merritt lliat the stocl
l\ can he pro-
cured lor the continuation of the Niai;ai'a and D.tioir, Kailroad, and reipu'st-
ing tliat the inlialntants on and near tlie I'oad should petition for a renewal
of the charter, all to he sent to the meeting at Sandwich on the I'lith inst."
This meetijig took place at Sandwich, an<l was succeeded hy others. The
Jiiih'uiJ of 7tli Novendjer says :
'• A railroad meeting took place at Port Coll»oi-ne, at which Lachla:.
Hell a)i'l .Mr. r.irks made spcuiclies, insisting on tlm necessity (jf ix'titiouing
for a railroad charter and the taking of stock."
The following is th(i reply to ^Ir. Hincks' sti'ictures regarding his j»nl -
lications :
"St. C.xTiiAiMNr.s, Docemhcr 17th, 184").
'■ To '.It-: KilUor of tlu' >'f. ('iifh'irim's Joiiriinl \
'• Sir: My attention has been (liricte(l to an article in tlie Mtudrenl. /'i/of,
of tliC 'Jml, on the subject of the St Tiawreiice Canals, which, for gross
absurdity and misrepresentation, has .seklom been eijualled. The Kditor
asserts that .some scheme, the honor" of originating which is attributed to
aie, has been proposed by the Hoard of Trade in .Monti-eal- -"the professed
object of which is to reiliin; the cost o/jhrivardlixj, a scheme just as tantali-
iiing to the public (should have been forwarders) as the one for getting an
uicrcased i^rant for common .schools."
288
" Tlio nditor of tli(< l*ilnt may continue to niiHloiul apartion of tin' iniMii;
f ( r a tinu' lu> niav niakt" tlifni liclicvc tlmt rontiimin;,' to wnstc the piililic
liiiids, iiisti>i»il of t'.ciiiiiiL; a |icr|M'tiial fund out of tin' iinicrcd.s tlicn-of for
^'(lucatinn their cliiliiien, is /'er lluir bfii<Jil tliiit eontinuiu^' the |.r(seiit
ex«»rl)itant ]tnceH for transportation, and l>aninhinK coinnieiTe finni nnr
waters is for lln'n' hrmjil. lie has lieen consistent in opposini,' this iiiipiii\e-
luent siiiee his liist appearance in the l,i'i,'islative Assendtly, in JStl. ( Mic
million of pounds has lieen expended, and no tolls will lie leceiveil m \t
year to pa V the interest on this capital. lie will witness the <leui'th his |.i n
iia.-t heen lent to create, lie will proniamce the canals a failure ridi' iile
the follv of tlioso who advocated them, and exult in the fidlilment of iiis
iiredictions ; hut the day of retrilaition will cimie the line tlii'ou<ir|i,,nt,
(how(!Ver tardy) vill h<' completed the existiii;,' iiiculpt'.s on the c(ininnrc<>
of an entire country will h'? romovod the savin:,' in the cost of transit, iiiid
extension of commerce will he visilde to all. and the pulili>' will then re.ili/.e
the wisilom of the measure proposeil."
Another on the same sidijcct follows:
''St. Catiiahinks, Dec. 22, IM.".
•i.^jii — The importance and nece.s.sity of constrnctini,' a continuous tow ii!>'
path, or providiii;.^ a steaui p,)wer in li<Mi thereof, can only ho rtialized hy
con I rand III/ thp, cjectn proihiceil on different public works wlioro tlioy arc. pro-
riilnl, ami where they (ire nut.
" First, witness the Wclland Canal, connectinj,' Lakes Hrie and Ontario—
from the (iiand liiver, 40 miles, on which a towii.^: path is provided, aiul
throufili which, with the aid of one ])air of horses, a vessel can pass at tlio
expense of our /la/j'/iriini/Jor a harnhifjloirr, and not exceeding' one s7i!//iii</
fir a ton of!/ooJ». On the Erie (.'anal — .'Mid mih^s from Tiulfalo to Alhaiiv —
the change last ^oason was nlnr-pcna' per barrel. On the St. Jiawrence—
I'M) to 'IW miles, from Proscott or Kiiiijston to Montreal the oliari,'e was
one-shillin«^' and ninc-ponce, or including; insurance, two s/tif/iiajs per ItarrrJ,
(tolls not included in either.) Thus we see the j,'rower in ITppor Car.ada is
Kuhjoct to an additional chartie of at least one shilling and six-p<'nce on {■% crv
ton of merchandize consumoil.
" As certain as like causes jtroduce like effects, hy supplying' the entire
line with this continuous connection, this exorbitant tax would he remov»'(l;
Init in order to leave no i)retence for misunderstanding, J will proceed to
i)oiut out more in detail, the causes which have pi-oduoed those excessive
prices.
"First, control of canal under monopoli/. Su])jiose tlie CJovevnment, or
a company, were to construct a railroad between given points, and were to
permit one or two individuals to build or control the Kxiomotive engine or
steam power, the one being dependent on the othei- for jiassing the road,
they might as well give the whole. You would think the managers insane.
Stiil, this is precisely the case with tlie St. Lawrence canals. The forwarders
have the control of them as effectually as if they were constructed with their
own capital. They are a powerful and wealthy body, and have managed
to concentrate that power and wealth by a combination, which, from its re-
sults, proves they understood their own interests much better than those
entrusted with the management of the canal did those of tho })ublic."
2R9
Tlic Governor liiirrii;il lioiiic, the victim of a ii\ort(il inalndy, regrettetl and
rcopoctcd for hi« many virtue*.
18 4 6.
TliiH year of war fiiininn, as woll as niilrouil iu)iii|>ctltion, waHOiio frniii^ht
with f,'i«)at j<;()]>ar(ly to tlin iK'riuaiicnt wdll liciii;,' of tlio coiiiitry, and con-
soiiuontly (liK|)layin<( an unusual amount of atlioitiicHH and imergy for tlio
M'proHontativcs of tlui |M'o|tl«\
A period of [jrosju'rity iiad for Hoino timo oxiHtod among our rural i)Oj)U-
lation, and aH it waH traood diroctly to tho favourablo ito.sitiou of tliuir pro-
ducts in tho motlicr country, aided l»y tho ahwuico of most of tho dinaf-
fectcd, tho j»niH|)(>ctH of a ipcucoaldc Colo.iial connection for an undctcrminod
period were hopefully indulged liy our suhject.
Tho greatest discpiiot anticipated, was a peaceful rivalry with our indo-
pendent but not more prosporous neighbors in the carrying of our mutually
increasing productions. lint the news transmitted from Ixindon (tho capi-
tal of tiie IJritish empire and monetary centre of the globe,) was that of
panic and uncertainty, produced piimarily by the failure of the jiotatocrop,
aided by war in Fndia and Now Zealand, with tho prospect of ono iu Amer-
ica, from the disputed boundary on its far off Pacific border.
]?eturning to tho record of current events, we see in a private letter to
Mr. Draper, at the close of the year'x work for which he was expressly
connnissioned to see completed throughout, dated January 1st — he says :
"Otdy two locks will bo necessary to pass the largo class of ve.s.sels,
on finding they woidd not be done in November, I wvnt down expressly to
insure the oidy nu^thod hfft, a winter's job. There still is timo, but I have
lost all hope of having them finished.
licgarding the unfinished work on the canal already alluded to, ho
receives the following cheering intelligenco :
"January 24, 184G.
" Mv Dear Sir : — You v.ill be glad to learn that at tho eleventh hour
the work of enlaigement is ordered by the Committee, The Government
have agreed to advance tho sum — not to exceed .£2,500. I was truly sick
'jf the whole business. The beaiefits wero-admii/ted ; but tho (piestion as to
whether they would not advance tho paltry sum or was about to deprive
the country of them.
" Yours faithfully,
" W. Hamilton Merritt. H. H. KILLALY."
We copy the following to show how our railroad stocks were fii-st re-
ceived on tho London Stock Exchange, and how near to gambling the modo
in which business was there conducted.
JUO
From the, l.ondon Tlmtw :
"Much piiiiHO liiiH l)(»oii l)(mt(»wt<(I ill I.Ik^ (;ity on a (rominuiy ontitloil
* Tim (Jrciit. WcihUmii of ('iiniula,' wliicli in iilioiit. to wind u|> its iidiiii-.s, iiM'!
projHwcm to nttin-ii to tlin Hulmfiili<MS tlio wliolo lunount rcccivt-d in pronii
umH. TliJH (UM'tiiinly IooUh woll, l>ut hoiiio, at IdaHt, of tlni piirtioH intoroHtoil
tAk(^ H ilili'iTt^nt view of lUv niuttiir, as will appear hy tlio annoxtnl lonjarkM
of a corrtNitondtint :
" In i:onstM[nencn :;r Kiicli names as Hudson, M. 1'., Masteiiniin, (/'liaplin,
MoHH and otlini-H *Mptally inlluential, i was teniptod to <<ni)>ai-k in thii (iroat
West
i>rn o
f (
lunula
Hail
way.
'I'lio cN^veii ilireetors take the tiO.OOO sliaies
thuniselves (oii;^lit tliey not to pitive having paid the deposit () anil then
iHHiU) them to tht> pnltlic at a pieniiuin of £'d lOn. I lielieye, intleed, that
only the personal fricMids of the diinctufs ;j;ot. (hem at, this piiee. Happen
in^ to know two eases of a di lector sent I in;,' his putienlar friemls lifly shan-s
OHcli, unasked for at this pri(;u, .£<'( U^s. premium. 1 1 told net what the
director thought of them, and I purchased .SOO shares al I.', pr.'iiiimn. 'Phis
was the lirst or second day of their liciii;,' me,i(ioned in ilie market, and I
am j^rieved to say my example induced friends to take 7l>'l more, they pay-
lu^i; •> pr<'iuium
panic
lilies, and down tiimiihi the ('anadians ii
almost a few hours. lUit now comes my j^'iound for complaint. 'The dirtM-
tors havo issued but .'ill.OUO of the ()(»,(»(»(», haviii;,' in reserve ;{(»,(H)() for
which they eoniuit lind a market, and it is ('ertain that, they will ;^et rid ol'
no more iii .'{J premium. In this dilemma, it is said, they intend to ;;ive
hack .CI I .'»s. premium on eac!' share ; and when complainin;^ to one yes
terday of not having at least '2^ hack, I was told I ouj,dit to consider my-
Helf lucky at only losiu,!^' .C'JOK liy thn shares, and that the directors were
laihavin;.,' most i^emu'ously. lie added as a reason why tlmy cimld not ;,fivi!
back the i?^ premium, tliat they had ,i,dven It), 110(1 shares to the ' hou.so' —
a hrihe, in fact, to the stock brokers for piidiii;.,' the concern. I consider
this dishiuiest ; the pul)lic were tohi (hat ;<,', premium was the <uily price
tlioy could be obtaint^d a(, and it' was on this supposition t.liat. i and others
purchased them. If the panic ha<l not occurreil, they would have pocktsted
|;17r),(MHI.'
"They aro still in hopes of;;ettin:,' a renewal of the cliarter for the Mertie
ami Sandsvicli Koail, as the foliowiii:^' letters from his r>ulf.do and VVind.soi-
t'orrespondenls. with the enj:;ineer's report show."
I'lTK.M.o, .laiiiiary Dtli, iS|(i.
"AI V |)k.\I! Sill : ..'ud<;e W'aldcii called on nil last \ve(d{ with your note tu
him, <lated December .{1st, in which you reipiest iiie to procure and forward
t^) you th«^ sub.scriptimis to (he stock of the N. and D. 11. |{. I{. Company.
1 enclose you heritall hitherto made in (his i-ity. 1 liav.i written to .luili,'t)
Whitthwiy of Uoehost»^r, iii whoso hands 1 nn lersfeaml is tho Hubscription
liNt for (hat .section, and on i(s r(M'eip(, will .send it (o you. I am not aware
of any other subscription actually made f<ir the road in the Stato.-i, if any art!
l>i
oeun'd, I will also forwaril them as soon as receiv<^4.
I not
ice your reipiest for subsciiptions hh riq
i)idlv
as
iios.sible. On
thiH subject, I havt^ communicated with .ludj,'e Walden repi^atedly, Mr. (loe,
Opion 1,00 and others, who all a^^ree that no attainable, or ofl'eotual oHorl
can be made at present for tln^ objoc^t, and ther«'foro any attempt had better
he postponed until .some futuro contin^^oncie.s have boon Hottlod. Thoy wish,
201
"1. To wait lor llm reiiow.il of tlio cliartcr by your Puliiimunt, anJ hco
'whiit arc itH comlitioiifl.
" li. To r(!(!(!iv<! iIh- report of tint Hurvcy niid cstimnto for tlio route.
"3. 'I'lifi HCttloiJKitit of tlio t(!iii|)oriiry tt;^itiitii)ii of tlio ()r(';^oti <|U(!stion.
"1. Tilt! t(!niporii;y itn'si^un- oC tht* inoiit-y iii.irk<'t, wliioli iti iliis St.ito is
always cloHo III ill irt H(!ii,Moii I'rom tlu; iioi^rssity of Mmk r'ltoitH hnin;;; iiruli!,
ami (wihIi (tf oourso boiiii^ dull, otus w;ih of hIiowiii^ an l:irj^<! iwhoIm on hariJ M
posHihlo.
" Wci <!ori(i(l((iitly look for tlu; rc.ili/atioii of all thcMn ooritinftoiicicH within
♦ho ciiHuinf.'; <iO or IM) diiyn, wlii'ii a ui'.vr issue (viii hi! iiiiiil(! Ixifori! tlu! public,
and wo r:i\\ <^<t before; tlicm willi (M)iilidi!iit!t! of hu(!(;(!Hs. Many u'entlcMnt;!! |tli!d,ri:
io int! a fair subscription. It will bo hw.w that but lew of our wealthy inctt
iippoar on thu paper, and some of thoni say they will lar^'ely increase their
Hubseri|ilion. I do not tliink it advisable to exliibit the within list as th it of
Hull'alo, as I am (urlaiii that it may be increased by several tinies it,s amount
when the pro])cr time arrives.
" I noti(;e tht; sever(! ehetrk to tin; Hamilton ro i<l, and it would seem that it
liiust prove ii permanent one, if llie st;it(;ment i liavi; se(!n is to be rtilii'd on.
If ytm hiive any prucise reliable information on the subj(;ct 1 would like to re-
ceive it.
" I siiw Mr. Wallace, ye.slerday, on his return from the West, who rtiportH
a very favorable proirress.
" I have not a shallow of doubt as to the nuc(!Oss of this projeet, and any
and every thinj; 1 can do to I'orwanl it shall be done. We move slowly and
cautiously in Hnll'alo, but a satisfaelory amount, I am eon(idi;rit, will bo sub-
Hcribed heri! on the renewal of the charter.
" Till! route alon^^ the Southtirn shore of hike. lOrie, to which you allude, is
one that cannot be (!ommenccd for y(!irs, nor till lon;^ after the (Janidi road is
i'uWj established and has a(!i|uired its full |e^'itimate business, which it will
thorcafter bt! able to n-tain,
" 1 be^' to remain, very tiaily yours,
"U." !.. AIJ.KN."
" I1(»N. W. II.V.MM.TdN MkIUIIT'I'."
" Wl.MKSoit, .January II, 1810.
" Dear Slii : — I have the pie 'e herewith to enclosi! you one hundred
^crip (Certificates for 'ISO share.-i eai,.i, and numbered from 2'M to ;51J(j inclu.sive.
Al.so a copy of the ri!solutions
" 1 Hhull .send u copy to each Director inimediaiely, niid a copy of the reso-
lution for till! meeting.' to Mr. ihakc, in St. 'J'homas, witli a rcjnest that he
will have it in.se rtcd in the St. Thomas newsjiapiir.
" 1 shall .send a copy of resolution for the meeting: to Simcoe.
" The returns come in slowly and poor, in fact they have no money. Chut-
liani cannot be prevailed on to taki! a sinirle share.
" 1 send this to Detroit this afternoon, and ho|ie it will not be delayed long.
" 1 remain, diiar sir, yours truly,
" KOHKKT MEUCLll, Secretary.
" Wm. Hamilton Mekkitt, Esq.
Wai.I'oi.i:, January L'Oth, 1«IG.
"Hon. W. Hamii.tdn' MKiiurn : 1)i:aii Siu, Since commeneing our
survey of the N. uiid 1). II. K. II., uur time has been chi<'(ly oeetipied in
getting a topograjdiy of the country by riuiniuL,' raudoju lines, and taking
292
«<i'
levels. Ajt( r crossiiii/ the (Irmul Ji'inr, / soon ilisrovercil tlmt it loan vmch
easier to draw lony stnilij/it /iiies v)i jxiper, f/iati to find suitdhle, (jround to run
thin upon. I liavt- now lixed ii]ioii tlie iDealion ol" (»ir routci helweeii tlio
(imiul Iviver aiui W Cstiiiinstt r, and lniv»( iuKtnieted two |(aili(;H to stake it
out, and capy '*■ level over it as (juiek as ]iosHil)!(\ One jiarty eoniinences
this iiiuniinj.j on the west, haidv of < )tter ( "reek, and the* otlier will eoni-
ineneo to-morrow on tht^ cast hank of the (Jrand Ixiver ; and the moment
they meet, 1 will he prepared (o make a profiln and esdmato of the line,
the tiuH' is very limited.
"This lin(> passes thionj^h the town of Norwich, and will intersi-et tlio
plank road hetvveen London and St. 'riiomas, soniewliere near h m. stakes. J
have also run a lino tSaut/i, as far West as Simcoe, and will extend it to St.
Thomas, as it is necessary to have at least tioo, in order to «)I>tii.in the right
of way.
"You have of course heard from Mr. Ixoss ; J am in ho|)es of meeting
him to-day at l)nnnville. I would have wiitten sooner had anything of ini-
portanc<> occurn'd. I heard iVom the conti'actors a few days ago ; the.y aro
ready to execute ail the papers.
" My contidcnce in (he siu'ctiss t)f this grand woi'k increase's e\(irv day.
Yours of the 'JTtli 1 'ecemliei' was received, and the instructions it coiitaineii
will bo attended to.
"Respectfully your obedient servant,
"WJLI.IAM WALl.vVCE."
^The Queen's speech on (he optiiing of the Parliament of Creat I'ritain,
on the 'Jl'nd of January, in the; pn-nionition of expected scarcity, espi^cially
in Ireland, recommends the reduction of duties on articles of food.
T\w J'Juropatii 7V»i(',s' .says, "Sir Robert Peel, England's powerful and
brilliant ^linisti>r, has dcvi'lojud his future commercial i)oliey — free trade."
The Governor's .speech, after noticing his pernuinent appointment as
successor to tlu^ late lauient(>d (!ovei-nor (icneral, says, " 1 should not under
any circumstances have directi'tl your early attiMitiou to the consideration
of the militia law, but the unaltered state of the negotiations which havo
been for .some tinui jia.st carried on betw(>en the Imperial (tovernment and
the United States, reiulers it innterative upon me to press more immedi-
ately upon your consideration the necessity of a rctu-ganization of that arm
of tiio public det'ence. 1 feel the nu>st uubonnded contidenco that the loy-
alty and patriotisn\ of every class of Her Majesty's subjects in Canada will
bo conspicuous as they have been heretofore."
Mr. !M. went to Montreal by Troy through New York State, and owing
to the very heavy f'jiUs of snow, was 8 days on the joui-my. Very im]>ortaut
business was to be done <luring the session. C>ur subject moved for a I'cturn
shewing the state of the Provincial revenue in an iti'mized^manncr, but did
not succeed in obtaining the object of his desire, as few Governments wish
to expose the details of their financial proceedings. A new Militia 15111
was brought in, on which he expressed a preference for the old law of 1808,
inaugurateil under the immortal Prock, whereby flauk companies here al-
293
way« ki'pt ciirolkMl iiiiil tniiiK-tl for an fiM<M';,'t^iiry, tli(!n'l)y foiiiiiiig an activo
f()rc(^, ready at any tiino to tako tho licsid, and form a nillyini,' l)<>dy for tlio
ro.st. Tlio vvisdoni of tliiw selicnio was w<fll trioil in IHl'J, wlicn nearly tl.e
ontiro Militia forc(» waH roady to tako Uio Held in drfcncf" of tiicii- c mntry
in from I 'i to 21 hours after tli(! detdaration of war, as aln^ady stated in
theHO jiaf,'eH.
Kvery olfort was still made to lirocuro a re-eliarter for tle'ir r.iili'oud.
" AuiANV, Ai-ril y, ISK)."
" Dkaii Sill :- r liavn just arrived liern on my way tf) lioston. Innue-
diiitely after i-e(;eivini,' your letter of flie .'iOtli of Marrli, I went lo .Mount
Morris, jj^ot, six of tin- eon tractors tosi^^n tlie explanation mentioned in your
letttM", and it will 1)(' Hi;j;ne(l hy all the otluirs wIkmi I return hrre from
I'ostoii.
" Kvery day's ex|ierienee shows the importance ijf making,' eaeh new link
in tlio chain of railroads which is str(!tc;hin;.( from the Atlantic to the Pacific
as direct as possible ; and, to make a raiir'oad throu'^h t 'anada one link ill
this chain, the very i)est location nuist )»e maile.
" Truly vours, in haste,
"NVILLIA.M WAIJ.ACK."
" Hon. W. II. Mkukitt."
April IS. The important news was rectuved, that ''the House has
refused to (ixtend the charter of the I). Si N. II. 11."
The followin;,' ci)rresi)ondenco after the division of tlie Legislature lia<l
put an end to iMr. Mei'ritt/s project of havini^ a direct route through ('ana-
da, to connect with United Stati-s railroads, toJvvhi(;li those for the particu-
lar convenienc.) of (Jan.ida shouM act as liranches. They rtsfu.sod througli
the inter(!st of United States capital ; and that a road througli central
('anada should he laiilt, and that the agency of l>iitis)i capital he a<lopted.
"Detroit, May G, 18 IG.
" My Dear Sir: — As I iirlicitcd to you in my letter som,; time atro on
the suhject of the Northern Railroad, the project has now received its <|uictus.
It was yesterday vetoed by the Exccutiv*!, und up jn tlie hill's going bick to
the Hous-^ and Senate, it was rij"''ted by both V)y a very lar^'e inijority. So
there will bo, as I said, no Port Hiiroa Railroad at prcicnt to connect with
I'ort Sariiia and the middle of Lake Michigan,
" D is a mittcr of derision here that such representations a.s arc said to
have been made before the Cinadian committee, by Americans, to the effect
that the Americans did not care where the Canada road ran to, or whether it
was level or not, and would in cithiT case e(iually connnind the American
travel, should have the least weight attached to them. If such statements were
made by Americans, it is very certain they wore persona not only who spoke
without knowledge, but wdiose opinions are not asked by .\mcricans thoni><elves
on such subjects. The fact is, that the level road is the only one wliieh can
deter competition. Whether this hn'ol road was the one first contemplated, or
whether it resulted in such a modification of the Wistern by branches a.s to
make a level line from one point to the other at the extremities, is not so
material. Hut tliis is(|uite material : that the central line road would not put
boats on the Lake against the level road, but they would put boats on agaiust
294
a road which had to ascend a mountain or a part of a mountain ; and what is-
more, thty know they can keep them there. And what the Central road
would do, the Jiiike combination wuuld do.
" It seems to be thought that all the travel from American sources would
be equally secured in Ciinad'v by one road as anoiher. But there arc thes-e
two (litTcrenccs. One, that there are now boats on the Lake that can rua
through in 18 hours, and nothing; but a rapid transit over a level road can
divert people from such boats. The other is, tliat if people are coaxed into
Canada by the consciousness that they can <j;o through in the shortest time,
if tlunj pli'dsi', tlicy don't care so much about it after they are got in, but scat-
ter and spread off into other routes ; because, like Falstaif, they know there is
no ''compulsidn." The very same people who would in,sen^•ibly (iud them-
selves on Ijake Ontario and St. Lawrence in one case, would, in the other,
never take the first step to cross the line.
" However, when people have tarried a little longer at Jericho they will
find their beards longer. Experience makes every body pay, not only for
knowing too little, but for knowing too murh,
" Your friend,
"E. A. BRENT.
'•Wm. II. Hamilton, Esq."
The Parliament had opened on the 21st ]\Iarch, under the new Governor,
Lord Catheart, a gentleman whose chief (pialitieations lay in being a thoiongh
military niun.
The news of tlie j)rocee(lings in England, miri'ored by the Queen's
speech and that of the membevs, especial] v of Sir Itobert Peel, was the sub
ject of newspaper articles on this .side. One of them, in the INIontreal Wit-
ness, writes in favor of the measure on the gi-ounds of phihintliropy, and
say.s, " that the Colonists ought not to put up tlieir snmll claim against tho
great good that was to ensue from free trade witli all mankind." But wlien
the message from the Oovernment, < -nciating in plain tei'ms that tlie eain-
in<'S of the Colonists sliouhl be sub.scrvicnt, or of seeondarv eoiisideration
to the dwellers in liritain, it was receiveil with astonishment, not unnuxed
with a lively apprehension for the future well-being of the country.
The message was received, and was acquiesced in in an extraordinary
manner, and answi'r sent on the opening day ; Mr. Baldwin, showing his
])ronqitness to create conciliatory feeling, said " that he viewed with pleasure
this disposition on the part of Oreat JJritain to protect the interests of her
colonies."
jVIr. Merritt, on his ai-rival, took the first opportunity of moving an ad-
dress respecting the tSt. Lawrence canals, to ex[)resshi8 appreciation of tho
situation, and tlu! duty left to representatives, saying, "and now that tho
Colony was entirely left to its own I'esources, it was the duty of tho Legis-
lature to endeavour to reduce tlie price of transportation."
A letter was published in the Montreal Cazette from a leading shipowner
iu Britain, dated 1-th December, 1645. '■'''
*
* *
*
295
"The privilege we claim for trade tD Canada slionlil also in couuuou
justice be extended to her other colonies. They would tend to attach our
colonial brethren still nioie strongly to the mothor country, the juouarchy
and our glorious constitution, and gain the assurance that our colonies wcro
recognized as integn^l jiortions of the British Empire, whilst at the same
time, we should virtually establish free trad(> in corn with the western States,
and tluis neutralize their protective tariff by a flank movement, and calling
forth in fact (to use the words of the lamented Canning) " a new world into
existence," for such Upper Canada may yet be considered.
On the 20th of April a judicious statement ap])eared in the Jourmil:
" The most important business transaction of the Assembly last week re-
lates to the transit and manufiicture in Bond of American wheat."
The Parliament seems to bo attending to matters generally of a local
nature or of minor importance, and the country manifests but little interest
in the proceedings.
The next Journal, of May, contains Mr. Merritt's speech, and a leader
in favour of it, he copies from the Exdiniun; who opposes these views,
and ends with the obser\ ing of the .si)eech, " it is too lai'ge to be digi'stcd
all at once."
Monday, May 4, 18-46.
Our subject having prepared himself for the new policy, brought for
ward a series of resolutions, which he prefaced by the following speech :
Mr. Merritt, in moving the resolutions on the subject of agricultural pro-
tection, said : The rci-olutious which will be submitted for the consideratiouof
this house, are designed to counteract t! o cflVct which the recent change in the
commercial policy of Britain is likely to produce : no subject of greater im-
portance is likely to occupy the attentidii of the Legislative Assembly during
the present session ; I trust, therefore, the house will indulge me with more
time thiin usual, to bring the subject fully before them, particularly as no
measure hns yet been proposed to meet the altered circumstances of the country.
It is true, the bon. Inspector General has gained great applause, by hid
exposition of the finances and revenue. I feel much .satisfaction in congratu-
lating him on his promi.se of future usefulness — for few, with his Parliamen-
tary experience, could have done so well. At the same time, I must couiesa I
have been disappointed to find a measure, which, above all others, most mter-
osts the inhabitants of Canada, wholly overlooked : a measure which, brought
forth one of the most able and poweriul speeches ever produced by any states-
man, in any age, or in any country. In which every conflicting interest was fully
cauvaf^scd and balanced one against another, and the advantages so clearly pomt-
ed out that jiiejudice and interest gave way to reason and intelligence, one
which occupied twelve nights' debate, against which the agriculturalists of
Eiigand cannot feel a deeper interest than the a;jriculturalists of Canada.
Except a war with the llnited k:?tatrs of America, no event could
have created greater apprehension in the minds of the agricultural population
of Upper Canada than this unexpected change in the commercial policy of
Great Britain. This apprehension arises from the fact that : since 1842, when
wheat and flour was admitted at a nominal duty in the ports of Britain, they
have been in a state of unprecedented prosperity — their products yield a fair
296
profit— a stimulus had been given to industry — the culture of whc.U h.iil been
extended — cajntal IVooly invoated,and property increased in value, they realisivi
those ndvantagos and f'olt content. Ask any farmer to what cause he attributcl
this iiicroafcd price for wheat ; his reply will be protection. Although in P]ii^
land a dillorencc of opinion u) ay exist between tlie landowner, farmer and la-
bourer, on this subject, no difference of opinion can exist here, as the three
arc united in one. Notwithstandin.,' this union of interest anionjj; the popula-
tion, there is a n arked dift'erenee in its representation in the councils of the
province. There the agricultural interest predominates, here it fi.id.s a tard^-
advocate ; still, 1 can liardly believe there is a single menihor who will not
admit that, under the existing system, the agriculturalists in Canada owe the
present pro.spcrity wholly to protection.
I desire not to be misunderstood I do not allude to the alleged protection
imposed by the colonial duty on articles passing through our inland waters to
distant markets. I allude to tlu! protection they received in the markets of
Britain — this protection will soon bo withdrawn ; what equivalent or what
compensation is proposed to the agriculturists in Canada in lieu thereof] It
is to mo unaccountable, to witness the apathy which prevails here on this sub
jcct. On the first announcement, in the part of the country I represent, an
immediate change in the minds of all was apparent; buildings were suspended
and property decreased in value, to an extent no other circumstance would have
j)roduced, and you may rely upon it that all who hold a stake in the pro.sperity
of Canada are now looking to the Legislature for some remedy. It is my inten-
tion to go back to the time when this protection was first promulgated, and follow
up every movement relating to it, that it may be fully understood. In the
first place, what says Sir 11. Peel: "I am not prepared to select that great
interest, connected with the agriculture of this country, and call upon them to
resign protection, unprepared at the same time to call on other protected iu-
iuterests to make the same sacrifice." The protection withdrawn from the
agricultural interests was, duty on cattle, provisions, corn, othor grains, and
various articles, the reduction on wheat to cease in th"0c years. The
equivalents ibr this reduction were : The removal of all duty on the raw mate-
rial except timber. Cotton manufactures, calico prints, now subject to a duty
of 10 per cent — to be free. Cotton made up to protect the industry of the
country, now 20 per cent — reduced to 10 per cent. Woollen and linen goods
made up, now 2(» to 10. IMetals, 15 to 10. Brocade, earthenware, carriages,
now 20 to 10. Silks, 30 to 15. 10 per cent to be the maximum, lie also
makes other arrangements afi'ecting the interests of other parts of the com-
munity, but which will materially benefit that interest in whose welfare the
country is so deeply interested, which are thus enumerated: First — The great-
est burden which is justly complained of by the agriculturalists, is the rate
levied on highways, which is reduced from 6d. and 9d. on the pound to l^d.
and 3d. Second — The law of settlement, which will relieve agriculturo from
an oppressive burden, besides injustice on the labouring man. (Amount of
this reduction not stated.) Third — The encouragement of agricultural indus-
try, by the government loaning money on the security of land, for draining and
improving the same, which will devclope agricultural improvement throughout
the country. Fourth — Charges of expenses of prosecution now paid from local
rates, to be borne altogether from the Treasury, estimated for England and
Ireland at £117,000. Fifth — In Ireland the whole expense of the police
force is borne by the land, hereafter by the Treasury. Sixth — One-half of
the medical relief sustained by poor laws, by the Treasury, in England and
iit ha<l boon
hey roalisoii
0 attributeil
ugh in Bliig-
luer anj lu-
as the three
the popula-
iiciln of the
i.itls a tard^'
vho will not
ida owe the
d protection
d waters to
markets of
!nt or what
hereof] It
on this sub
■oproscnt, an
e suspended
! would have
le prosperity
, is my iiiten-
d, and follow
od. In the
; that great
pon them to
)rotocted in-
n from the
grains, and
oars. The
le raw mate-
ct to a duty
ustry of the
linen goods
re, earriagcs,
n. Ho also
of the com-
welfare the
—The great-
is the rate
and to l^d.
iilturo from
Amount of
tural indus-
iraining and
throughout
d from local
n gland and
f tha police
One-half of
England and
297
Scotland, £l 15,000, and expense of prisons in Scotland £12,000. Seventh —
Education of youth in work-liouses, ostim:itod at £30,000; poor law auditors
£15,000. On being asked, what would be the whole amount of tliose various
charges? he replied, the estimate upon the consolidated fund was £530,00'),
Thus wo have a clear, practic il and substantial e(|uivaleiit f(»r the agricultural
int« rest, althougli it was considered ina(Ie(|nato and so admitti'd . 'I'hc removal
of import duties on tlie articles they rei|uire for consumptiDii, the removal of
taxes and other buidens from land. It is to be reirretted tliat the agricultural
interest of Canada (lid not occupy some smill portion of his comprehensive
mind ; if it had, all duties on our products wduM have been repealed when ad-
mitted into the markets of IJritain.
Wc find in the speech of Flis Excellency the (Jovernor Oenoral a mo^t
appropriate allusion to tliis impfu'tant cha?igc, from which the country is
led to believe that their claim to protection is admitted, and will not ultimately
be overlooked. A iVw days after we find, in a despatch from the Colonial
Secretary, ,'5rd March last, tlie policy which her .Majesty's governm:!nt recom-
mended for the Provincial Legislature. After an assurance that the interests
of Canada liave occupied the place to which they were ju.stly entitled on this
important subject, he states, " With regard to corn, 1 have mueli satisfa(!tion
in reflecting, that if Canada will have to enter into con)pctition with the West-
ern States of AnuM'ica, and to engage in this rivalry, when no longer covered
by any protective duty, at least bhe will not be called to make the effort with-
out some advantages on her side, among wliich I view her light taxation."
It is by no means surprising tliat the Colonial Secretary .should fill into this
common error. It is but reasonable to suppose that a government, with a reve-
nue exceeding £400,000 from imports, should 1 e in a position to relieve its in-
habitants from every other description of taxation ; bu* so far from this bcinir the
case, not only are the local taxes in Upper Canada higher than in the Western
States, but the people possess many advantages whieli we do not. The Cana-
dian farmer is subject to high duties on all American manufactures, as well as
on tea, coffee, and many foreign articles, from which tlie Western farmer is
exempt. It may be said as an offset, that the latter pays higher prices for
wool, fine fabrics, and hardware, and those articles on wliich a high duty is
imposed, for the sujipcrt of their Federal (iovernment, and for the iirotection
of their manufactures. But whether it arises from an evisioi of the duty,
facilities in obtainintj supplies, quick returns, small profits, or whatever ciuso,
those articles are sold as cheap there as hr e, or so near it that you cannot
discover any material difference. Of the truth of this, e cry m ^reliant in Mont-
real must rest satisfied what amount of liritish manufactures are consumed
in Vermont, where no impediments exist for smuLrgling. The same result is
experienced on the borders of the St. Lawrence, Niagara and Detroit rivers,
as every member of this house well knows.
Another advantage pointed out is " the assistance Canada has roceived from
British credit for internal communications, and tin; means of carriage without
transhipments by the St. Lawrence, which cannot be iiad by way of the Erie
canal,"' From the same cause, the Colonial Secretary has fallen into the same
error. Who could be made to beli.eve at a distance that one of the most mag-
nificent navigations that any country, either in Europe or America can boast
of, should, through neglect or mismanagement, increase instead of cheapen
transportation 1 Such, be it known, is at Ibis moment the situation on the St.
Lawrence Canal.
The Colonial Secretary thinks the price of transit from Montreal to
2D8
(irriit Hrit tin will l»c nn clu'iip an from Now York. Tlio hiiiik! opinion
iH t J!prrsH(><l I»v our InHpootor (Jciiciiil, iiltlion^'li iit tliiH niomfiit, tlio oliar^^n on
tt liMircl uC ilour In In. <i(l. from tlio rurtnir, iind In. ('iii. IVoni llio letter. It in
Mippo.icd Hull tlio inort'iiHt'd dcinmul for Aniorioiiii i»rodii(;t« in nritiiin will
luivc !i (cndcnoy to inoit'iisc llio pric(> from New York, and llins njuidizi" I'rriylit,
li<'(\v<'«'n (lie (wo pnrlH , lint it is (|nt'slionfilil(' wlutlirr tlic intiii'iisr ol' Hliippiru';
will not korp p;u<(< with lliis dcniMnd.
It is iir}:n<'d, on tlio ollur Imnd. by tlio InspiM'tor (JcnorMi, (lifit tlic ^router
tlir stocks at (purine, tin" nioii' vcss' Is will conn" ont, and thus clii'Mpi-n tlii>
fiviglit by oonipotition, I c linridc in tlio view taken l»y llio Attorney (Jonc-
ral on lii.t nnliji^i't. iMcrcase yonr inipml trade: tlii>< will i^ive IVeiiijlits Iiotli
Wliys ai I lessen prices ; ImiI under any eireninstanees, I have my appiehenMioim
tho lVoi,i;lits will not he roduceil IVoni llii,«< tn Ifrilain as low as iVoni New
York.
Let us IK w refer to the measures inlrodueeil hy the provineial ;^overnment.
The first was a Inll hy the Attorney (ieneral, e(|uali7,ini^ taxos in proportion to
the value of lantl. leaviuLtlhe hnrden to ho sustained hy land, lid — Uy the In
hpeotor (ieneral. to impo.si'. a d\ily id' Lid. per i^alhai on whisky. This tax is
nl.«o homo by tho tjrower, nnd plaoed on hud. Its ohjeet is to relieve tlioHUV-
oral distriet revenues from (he e\|iense of the adniinis(r!i(ioii of justice, nnd
placii\j;' i( on (he provincial reveiuK
The cHeet is this: Instejid (d' boil
taxed directly as usual in each district in Westorn Canada, and p'lyiuf^ tho
money into th(> dis(ric( (rc;isury, (he money will he paid in(i> the pniviinMMl
troa.><ury, ;ind the (ax paid out of (he oo.'irfic t^rain in the atiuw, dis(rio( ; i( im-
poses an addidoiiiil (ax on the mower in Lower Canada, it is tru(\ but it alFords
no relief ti> thi>i:rower in l'p|)er Caiiaila - it is merely payini:; out of one pnoket
instead of the other. I should have been ^ra(ilie(l to Iind soino |)ro])ositiiiii
fiU" tho reduction (d' internal taxes, duties on imports, and the public expendi-
ture worthy of notice — some incisuro to save our rcm;iinini; public land, ami
creatiiis;- a fund (herefrom (o oduca(o (ho risiiiji:; |ii;enoratioii ; some measuro (o
rdiovo (he burden on l;md, ;ind apportion our taxes more .siiil.ihly on other
property, or soino 0(juiv.'ilent to tho agi ioultur.'il interest ; .soim! iiKS'isuro or
soiuo attempt to meet the ij,roat change to which this country must shortly ho
subjoot.
Tho disp.itch, prayine; for a rcmov.al of tho Ih. per ((uartcr duty
on
wl.c;it, urain, pulse. <'
A'c., is well ,'is tar as it u'dcs ; hut it should have oxtcaidcd
to all jModu. ts. The measure di>si;j,iied (o benelit (he mercantile, o;n'ryin'.C''ni J
shijipinp: interests for the next thrco years, is tho removal of tho throe shillinf^s
per ijuartor on wheat pas.^ii
th
rou^li our waters to distant oimntries ; as
thii
rill so ,'*oon become iiiepcrative, it is to he regretted the .aet will no( come into
imiuodiato operation. Tho r.ipid inoroase, and oxtent of tho groat wostorn
oouiitiy has been well ami (riily dcj'ciibed by (ho Inspecttir Ceneral; it is a
prize worth ciai(cndiii;;' for, ;tml one which we c;in scouru by .adopting the
pro]>cr remedy; but we liavo iiitellii^ent, active rivals, who arc not to bo m<'t
by li'ttinii' everything; take its course, as heretofore. Sir, it is {)loasini^ for mo
to witness tho striking; chaiiL^e which has come over tho minds of those who
fbruiorly opposed tho construct ioi of tho St. Jjuwrcnco Canal ; now hut ono
feelinc; is entertained respectinj:; it ; on that work alone rests .all your hopes of
eouimandiny; this trade. ^Vh;lt would have been your prospects if it had not
been constructed on the enlarged .s<wlo, or bad it bovin suspended under Lord
Sydenham's administrtitioii, and the remainder of our duties to create a mil-
liou and a half stiuandered away for what is called iuiproveiuciits, without an
299
(xiK'ctnlion of (iny rclurn v/liiilevcr ? In DKOoinltrT lust., I pndoavnurcil to
drnw tlio iitfftitioti uf Mi() f^oTcniinetit ntid tln! pulilid to fliin wnrk, hy iimkiti^
a cdinimriHoti dl' tlm o1hii(j;(>h iiiiidc l»y IrtrwardcrH on tlio Krio (Iiinul rmin iJiif-
I'lilo to Alli.iiiy, prior to •July, IHir», on wliicli ii Imrrcl ol' flour wmb convcyud
;i(i»l inilcH lor !M., wlicn 1h. !»d. per liiirnd wiis rli.in^'-d Cor IHo mili'H from
Kini,'Hl(in to Montrciil (IoIIh huI. iiioliidcd uu ritlnrj TIk; lion, f.lic IrHpi-i-tor
(icnf-rid, on llic trun purtinjin HyHtiiU'., lurnH tlioHi! fi^^un^H at^dnKt iw., miyn it
ffiiiiid Inid the pnlijio lo lii'lif vi' llic IoHh wcro f(|n!d on hotli roiitcM, linn in-
(•ri'Msiiif,' llic prim III' fVcjfrlildii till! St, ijawn-nri! over tlin Kri<! (jiinaj. IIa<l
lie ri'ad that letter, lio wouNI find it Rtat«« lliat tlin i^ovorritnent an; not only
•li [irivfil of all I (ill, Imt Mie iiioiiih oCniiHJn^ a icvenMi- - tln' lurward'TN di^c'iirf-
iii;; till! St. iiawrcnec river vvitliout poyinent of toll, and ascending the llideau,
not hiavitig uh inueli an would pny tli(! loek tenderH. I hIiouM not have alluded
til (liiH, exci'pt ('(ir the piirpo.se ol' repi'lliii;^ a charj^e wlii(!h wa,4 not warriiiited.
I am not hurpri.sed at the j:;overiinieiit expn!SHin^ homio I'eelin;^ on this .milijeat ;
hceauso their itiattontion or ne^jleet has nulij<;ete<l the entire ooniineroc of
Canada to a ni(js| oppressive and unneeeSH-ny tax durin;^ the. eoniin;^ se.aHon.
Sir, it is unn('ee.-,.sary to (-ntiir into any ealeul itions to prove the St. I<awren(;<!
will he a clioaper conveyanei! than by tlu! Krio (!anal, heoauw! all thoKO ealcu-
hilinns depen<l upon eireuniHlaiiee.s lieyond our (iontrol ; fur inHt;itie(!, if you
leuiid your ealeulatioii,s on the. ^ov(!rnnient of New York keepint^ up liii/her
Idll.H, to pay tJHi inter(!Ht on their canal debt, vou will iiiid by the coniptroller'H
nport ol' l.SIC, that the debt croated for public iinproveinentH was iis:!1,:',:il),(».'{r»
III ISII, ii was rediieed Id 'Jit, 7 1 i'., 1^05
In IStO, on Isf .January, to 17,'Jl(;,lia
While our e;in!i| (Irbt is rapidly inereasin;.', we will also find that in lH4r>,
while, the toil on the i'lrie Canal iiierejwd *l!i;),Kl)H, the toll on the Welland
Canal, deercased about ^L'O, ()()((. 'j'o what eaur^c is this extraonlinary r(\sult
U> be attriliiited ? The Inspeetor (ieneral says, " to the. fluetuation (d' trade,"
why has this trade fliietuatrd all one way, loavin;^ the St. Jjawronet! and .seek-
ing: the Hudson ? lie will find the true, cause to be a vi^^'ilant, int.elli;i;erit
|M rsonal siipfriiiteiidcnoe on the one part, and a total nei^loot, arising from an
iiiipraetieable system of inaiiaf^ement on the. otlii'r the oni! le.Hsenin;.' prices of
iiii;;hl, the other iiiereasini^r if. 'rhidu^lioul the world the prices of frei;.;lit
flic u,ovi riicfl by one rule — tli(! larf^er the bo ly of water, lon;^(!r the voya;,;c and
l.iij^'er the canal, withdut traiisbipinent, the cheaper tlie price of I'reiL'ht. -
Cnnipare the tlimensions of the iiaviiration on the St. liawrence with tiie Krie
<'mial with this rule, a<linit both works to rciduee tlie toll to tin! lowe.nt mini-
Ilium, which will ultimately take pbice, and no fierson can doubt, which mu<t
I'lnve, under eijnal mana^emeiit, the cheapest route. 'I'lu! In.spec^lor <»en(!ral
iiilers, from the .statement of prio(!S of wheat in the IJaltic, produced by Sir
bobert I'eel in IKJU, when he first commiricfjd redueiiiL' protectinii; duties,
lliat the Canadi'.n ;,a'ower can suec(!H.-fully compete with tli'; j^rower on the
continent of J'luropc, aj^ainst cheaper labour and cbca|>cr froi<^bts. ft apprars,
liDWever, from the returns of exports «i' breadstulTs from tlie fnited Slate.'*,
not over three per cent of tin; (iiitirc (|uantity reaches the in-irket.s of Britain;
II these Ktatemcnts be true, and Americans from tb(;ir more .southern ports can-
not sucees,'<fully (!ompete with them, it is doubtful if the Canadian, from the
iiii're distant markets, witb othtjr impediments, can. IJut a<lmittiri'^ the Can-
'iJa grower can successfully compete with the European, and that the marketa
fl Hritain will insure a fair jirice for wheat, he will still have to compete with
'lie Aujcrican yrowcr on Lis border, this is the only competition wo have to
300
fcnr, iinil no Hnntnl ronsoti lias IxM'ti iissii^iicil wliy tlio prices of prndiKM' will not
1)0 liijjlior ill till' lliiiti'd Sliiti's lliaii in Caiiatln. 'I'lio ri'coiit lotli'is pubiislitiil
by Isaac Itiiclianan on this suliji-ct lnv»> Immmi citlicr pissed over umiotioed, or
treated willi lidieule. lie recomiiieiids ulilainiii'^ IVee aeeess for our pnidiK-ts
into till' iiiaikels iil" tli(» I 'idled States, l'eean''e, in lii-4 jud;^iiiiMit, tlu! New
York market will oU'er n liii,dier price tlmii llie Knulisti iiiirket : in lliis opinion
I fully coiienr, slionid tlie L,'io\ver in ('inida imt obtain as liii^h a price lor lii-i
]>roiluets as t lie grower in t lie W.cstern States. The conseiiiieiKU! antieipati'd
by Mr. Hnelianan are not to he disrcu'irded. We only difVer in the means to
olitain access to the markets id' the I'nited States, Mr. Ilnehanaii reeoniineiid-i
the imposition id hi^h dnlies, to force them to tidmil mir products. This
would he inipraeticahle, but. by drawint: their trade thrnnv;h mir chaniiel.s as Inn,'
us wo can, they will be induced to reinovo restrictions to regain or iiKToasu their
trade.
It ri'i|uires no ri'j;urcs or calculations to prove whiidi will b- tlio Sc«t
market. Alter ISIS, the western rarmerwill have access to two, the Canadian
but one, assumim: (he limiti>d dem.'ind for the Montreal market will h • irovcriii.'il
by the prices in Kntiland. This adv;ml.'ti:e will ^ivc the .\iiieiicaii miller and
inendiant the entire command of the wheat tr.ide (except for our limited con-
suni]ttion) of t!e western states. What lulluws? On the one side cipital
will be lively invested, and every descrijition id' property increased in valui',
while, on the other side, everythiiii^ will remain stationary, if not retroj;radinL,',
nnd a]>Mthy and dissatisfaction will piev.dl. This is no mere assertion; the
same was witnessed in 1S'15, "M't ; ;ind examine the journals of I'pper Oaiiaih
during that period, you will find the efforts then made to ()btaiii access to the
markets of' the I'niti'd States. A pelitioii. numerously signed, was forwarded
to Congress, praying for .adn.i.ssion of our products, 'i'he state of the mar-
kets, no doubt, was one id' the ruling causes which led the inhabitants of
I'pjH'r I'anad.i to open rebellion and a resort to ;irms in 1SI57. If no reiiieilj
is provided, the same cause will again exist in 18 lit. Let us then apply our
minds to the application (A' a remcily. (Vm we adopt the American policy -
oncour.age manufactures by iirotecling home market — to consume the ])rodiu'ls
of our soil'/ No, we eonnot ; and why'/ First, an advo'i'se interest would iui-
mcdiiitely arise between the mother country and the colony, which would inev-
itably produoo sejiaration in the shortest possilile time ; and secondly, the ex-
tent oi' boundary and ficilities olh'red for smuggling, renders it imjiracticahlii,
Sir Kohert I 'eel very, justly ob.serves, that high duties, called protection, is a
false reliance, a delu^'.on on the part of the labourer, and a clear loss to the
revenue; both are robttd by the suiug^ler. llous.'siii l*aris will guarantee
the delivery cd'mods in London for fifteen per cent. If. with their numerous
excise, coast guards, and cruisers, goods can be smuggled their at fifteen por
cent., they can here for one half — seven and a h.df per cent. No person can
be induced to embark capital in manufactures in Canada, under the expectation,
that any duty, however high it may ap])ear. will protect biin from competition
in the same aitiele from the I'liited States. It is evident, Mr. S|ieaker.
that if protection be withdrawn in the markets of ]>ritaiu, it is imiiractiealile
in Canada ; we have no means of enfoiving it, wo are powerless. Wo have,
then, but ono other course open to us ; that is, the Vemoval of all restrictions
on eonimevoe, the aijrrieultural interest may then safelv relv on the increase
of that commerce to create a population, and tlioreby en.sure a homo mar-
ket for the jiroduetions of the soil — as well as obtaining everything then
consumed at the lowest prices. This policy fairly carried out, will prove
:joi
;i HOMiul. iiiliiiMliIc I'l'iiii'fly, und will not. only ^{ivc iiii iiiii|il(i (!<|niviilcMt, to tJio
ii^i iriiltiiialiHl (if ('iiiiiiilii, liiit pliicx liiiii iit a fur iirllcr iMiHilioii iJian tJio
t'.ii'iiKM- ill tlio WttHldi'ii tStat«!H. To attiiiii thin t^!i(l, it iH prup'iWMl to Hiilmiit
(lie roljfivviii;^ ii-HuliilioiiH;
1, /,'tsi)/i'ii/, 'I'liiit, in iiil(i|itiii;^' tilt! |ii-iii('i|)li; I'ciiiijiiiK'iiili'il in IId- iImh-
|i;it(|i of tlio (!oloniiil SM'ii'tiiry of llin 'Anl Ftilini.try liiHt, in which wn uro
iissuii'd, "Tliiit it iH tim ilfKirt- of lli r MiijfMly's ( iovcrnnicnt, that tliotiiulo
(tt CiiMiiiIii may, fii. nil ixh/hvIh, a|>|»i(ia(li an nearly to |n'rlrct fitfMioni an tho
(lf.s(ri|ilionH of tho inhiiltiUmtH, and tho oxi^'cncios of the iniKlic rovcniuj
tJK'ro, may |icrmi(," it iH joht and loaHonalilo that (ivciy (txintiny ifHtrir;tioii
(III tho Iradr of ( 'anada hhoiild lio rcniovod.
2. /I'isiilii'il, 'I'iial, under tho oxiKtinj^ (loloniul policy of (iicat liritain,
lliiH provinco Iuih nmhutakon tho constnu^tion of |iiililii; works of ^roat ina^-
iiitmlc, for which a Iar;,'o dcht Iiiih Ihimi incurred, and that its itmncnt ii^jri.
cultural proHperity is chiclly attiilmtalile to tlii! prulcciioii its pi'oducts havo
recoivod hiiico tho reduction of <hitics on wlunit and Hour in 1>(|,'{, in tho
iimrkcitH of tho mother country.
;{. /uxdircd, That, folly appreciatin<^ tho adviinta;,'eH this provinco
oii^ht to |)OHHeHK, o\M'r the Western States of Ameri(;a, inaHiiiiKth as the citi-
zoiiH of thoso HtiitoH pay duti((H on imports for tho Hiipport of th(( Federal
(loveinmcnt of tlio Unit.eil StatoH, while tin; iiiiialiitantH of Canada are not
Miliject to any Himilar duties for tli(^ support of the llritish (Government,
ncverthtdoHH, from our preHiiut fiHcal Hystf^ii and oxiHtinj^ rf;Htnctif)ns oti
loiMiiierce, and other causes, they arcs not realized, iiul there is reason to
iilp|irelienil the contemplated chanj^e in the coiiiinercial poli(;y of (ireat. Hri-
tiiiu, will coiifei' Htill f,'r(!at(!r advantaf^(!H on thocitizouH of tho Unitod StatoH,
than on th(^ inhahitants of ('anada.
•t. Jii'Kolrril, 'i'hat, iiiiiHmuch as it is jiroposcsd to relievo commeire and
extend an ('(piivahuit to tho a^'riciiltiiralists, in IJi-itain by a redin^lion of
iiii|iort duties on all ai'tiides consunicd, }»y iciiiovin^' vai'ioiis hurdens on
land and liy jiroviding for tho pncoura;:,'m(!nt of a;,'ricultiiral industry, hy
iiicniis of loans raised on tins credit of ^^overiimtrnt to im]irovo tho same, tho
ui,'riculturalists in Canada havo re -son to Ijoliovo that Her Majesty's ^'ovoru-
iiiciit will readily extend a similar o(piival(Mit to them for the protection
iibout to he withdrawn.
T). Ifcsolvcd, — That an hiimbhi address b(! jiresented to Hor Majosty,
prayinj,' that she will 1m^ pleased to admit all articles, the {growth and pro-
iliR'c of Canada, into the markets of the mother country, froo from duty.
C. ALso, — Tliat slio will bo pleased to recommend, to tho Imperial Par-
liiuiu'nt, that all imj>erial acts relating to duties on tho imports, revenuo
;ui(l trade of Canaibi, may be nipealeil, and luir commerce i'eli(;ved from all
restrictions exceitt what may bo injjjosed by th(! provincial Jjcgislatuie.
7. A/^io, — That Her Majesty may bo jdeased to open a negotiation with
tlic government of the United States for th»! ]»urpose of obtaining access for
the products of Canada into the mai-ki^ts of that country on tho same ttirms
that American products ai'e to be admitted into the markets of Britain and
Canada.
8. Also, — That the Rivtir St. Lawrence from Lake Ontario to the Ocean,
may be opened to all nations, subject to no greater restrictions than now
exi.st in passing through the Welland Canal around the Falls of Niagara,
302
in order tliat rv revenue from tolls may he ensiircd to ropay the cost of the
conHtniction of the canals connecting thos*" waters:
The first resolution requires no coinnient ; the truth of the second will
nlso he admitted. The third drawH the attention of the government of Great
IJritain, our jirovincial government, and the country to a fjvct, which no
■quil)l)ling, no soj)]iiKtry, can control, and no man can deny. Tbe atlvanta^cs
we are entith-d to, as a colony, have n(>verl)een fully roali/.cd. Never iiav-
ing been left to our own resources, thn necessity for a rigid examination into
our actual position never occurred ; that time has now arrived wlien a thor-
ough investigation cannot fail tt) prove lieneticial, and give a proper ami
correct tone to public ojiinion.
Suppose a separation to take jilace, and this ])roviiice to he united with
the American States, what advantages would we gain ? We would, in the
first place, not only> Ix* conn>idled to sun-ender all our jiublic land, but
become subject to a lieavy duty on imports; for what? for tlie ])rotection
of the federal government: and in addition, we wouM have to support our
provincial government without the aid of either of those resources. Thf
government of (Jreat ]*>ritain extends that prot<'ction to us at this moment,
without exacting our land, duty on impoits, or any tax whatever, but merely
for the extension of her trade and commerce.
To illustrate this contrast more fully and more strikingly, sujjpose
the government of Clreat Jiritain had appointL'ti lier own oUicers of custom,
collected all duties on the articles we consunmd, and remmitted the amount
to her treasury ; precisely in the same mannwr as the siinie revenue is col-
lected in the (lill'erent states by the United States government, and paiil in
to her treasury. And sujtpo.sing a despatch from the Colonial Secretary stat-
ing that Her Majesty's government had with Irawn all jirotection in thf
markets of Dritain on our jn-oducts ; but, as an ecjuivalent, she has rejiealeil
nil duties on our imports, withdrawn all her ollicers of customs, and thus
enabled our farnu-rs to obtain every article they consume at the cheape.st
rate, not only placing them in as favourable a jwsition as the farnu-r in the
■western states, but wholly relieving them from the tax to tlie federal govern-
ment ; and, in addition thereto, the government of (ireat Britain will con-
tinue to perform the same duties as the gt)vernment of the United States.
Would n )t iho announcement of such a despatch, conferring so great a boon,
make any farmer in Canada feel he had received a full compensation for the
protection withdrawn.
Now all Ills can be brought about. It is in the power of the pro-
vincial government, and a heavy responsibility rests with them if they
do not avail themselves of this oj)portuidty.
4. The advantages hero referred to arc more fully pointed out in my
remarks on Sir R. Peel's speech.
5. This resolution is in accoi'danco with the principle by whicli I have
been governed for many yeurs. Since tlie removal of all duties between
tliis and the mother countiy in 1842, 1 have advocated placing discriminating
duties on our imports from foreign ports, as an eqiuvalent for the jirotection
our products received in the markets of Britsiin. However, as this ])rotection
will be withdrawn, it is but reasonable we should urge Her Majesty's gov-
ernment to concede to the jtroductions of Canada what she recommends the
home government to concede to other countries. The principal articles will
be butter, cheese, hops, &c., but it is not so much the amount of the duty
808
cost of the
( second will
lont of Oreiit
ct, wl'icli no
ic atlvantiij^es
Never liav-
inination into
wlu'U 11 tlioi-
t jiroper uml
le tmited witli
wouM, in tlik?
)\\c land, l)Ut
;he ])rotpotion
,() Hupport our
n)mr«'.s. The
; this moment,
ei', bnt merely
ingly, siqipose
ors of custom,
eel the anK)ui\t
■evenno is col-
iit, and l>!ii<l i"
Secretary stat-
itection in the
le has reiiealfd
bonis, and thus
the ehea))i'st
fanner in the
'ederal govern-
•itain will con-
United States.
) i^n-eat a boon.
isation for the
,'fr of the \>vo-
them if they
11 ted out in my
which I have
uties between
discriminating
the protection
this protection
Majesty's gov-
ecommends the
pal articles will
uit of the duty
or the extent of the trade on those articles for which we contend, as for the
[irinciple.
When the primo minister declared as early as 181*2, that Canada, for
all purpoBes of ti'ade, showhl be considered as if she were an integral part
of the empire, wo should not, in 1845, be placed on the same footing na
foreigners.
G. Tiiis resolution pmys for the repeal of all imp(>rial acts relating to
tlie nsvenue or commerce of Canada ; 't does not includt? the navigation
laws of Hritiin, because, as colonists, they confer eipial advantages on us ;
the interchange of our |»roducts for her mainifactures will be continued in
our vessels : it api)lies particularly to the imperial act, Hth and Gth Victoria,
cap. 4'.), i)a.sHed in J\dy, '4l', *or regulating the Ihitish pos.se^sions abroad ;
it will remove existing discrimination duties, and the bonding system which
subjects all articles from foreign parts to an additional duty, which is directly
contrary to the spirit and bearing of the late despatch, and the late com-
mercial policy of (Jreat Britain.
7. I am sensible, I\lr. Speaker, that many men of sound judgment
entertain the opinion that if a free intercour.se were opened with the United
States, on the same; terms as lietween the citizens of tin' ditl'enuit states,
that it would lead to a .separation from the mother country ; this opinion
was expressed in the address of the North American Colonial a.ssociatiun in
January last. They apinehended a change in tiie .sentiments of the colon-
ists, if no preference in the markets of the nmther country, in case they are
oilered a free interchange of coninujdities with the United States. 1 enter-
tain the very opposite opiuiun. A change in the .sentiments of the colonists
can only arise, in their liiung deprived of this free intercour.se. In support
of tliis position, which is highly important to understand, I will assign but
one reason : a farmer values liis market l)y compai'ative not renninerating
prices; if equal on l)oth sides of the boundary, and wheat came to 2s. Gd., he
would re.st satisfied, but not if he received 4s. 4d and the Anu-rican farmer
4s. t)d. jier bushel. This inecpiaiity may not lead to tin; same result as in
'37, but it will produce a .strong inclination to favour a part of the United
States. f)n the contrary, were our products adtnitteil into their markets, no
diti'erence in i)rice would lio visible ; the Canada farnu'r at all times would
he placed on an equal footing in all respects, with the Western farmer.
This is all the favour he asks ; still he will be jdaced on a much bettei' foot-
ing— always bearing in mind that lu! will be relieved fr(jni the imj)ort duty
to which they are subject ; and so far fi-om feeling any desire to change his
political situation, he Avould realize the advantages he possessed, and resist
any political change.
After obtaining all that the government of Britain can gi-ant, or all we
ask for in this address, nuich still remains to be done to meet the altered
circumstances in which the coimtry will shortly be phiced. The Provincial
Cabinet need be under no apprehension ; though their jilaces may be cov-
eted by othens, no half measures will nuset this crisis. If ever ability and
attention was required, it is at this moment. Hereafter Canada nuist rely
on its own resources, extravagance, uuist be checked, economy practised,
and the expenses of the Provincial Government reiluced, and its resources
now wasted and negected must be preserved and developed.
We insert (regi-etting the want of room for more) a pai-t of the despatch
in answer to the address, the subject of theec resolutious. The fiction of law,
304
Tuakiii<^ tlio QiU'dii roHponKiMe for tin; act dojuiving Ikt siihjfcis in ('aiia<la
of n.'iMUiicratiDii fur tlicir iinliiHtry, was never ho f,'Iai'itiL,' as tho jireseMt.
" Duwiiiii},' St., JuiH* .'{rd.
"With r('K|ioct to that jiortion of the a(hlr<'KS wliieli prnyH Her .Mnjesty'H
f,'Overiinient to invitfi the (Jovernnieiit of the niiited States to estalilish an
ei|iialitv of trade, lietweeii the doniains of (he Ue]tul)li(; ami thi^ Itritisli
North Aniericau (■olonieH, I ain eommanded to instn ct your LordsIii|i to
assuiiie to the AHSonihly, tliat Her Majesty will reaflil" cause; directions to
he j;iven to the minister in Washinfjfton to avail hiniscdf of the euriiivst suit-
ahle opportunity to press this important siihject on tlit) notico of that (Jov-
• •rinnent, and that it will not'allord Her Majesty's the most sincere satisfac-
tion, if any comnuinication Nvhich nniy hereafter he held for this purpose,
shall liave tlio oflbct whicli is desired by hor faithful oomnioiis of Canada."
Tho important mineral discoveries, whicli liave since convortcid thc^ ste-
rile fcliores and islands of liake Superior into wealthy locations, were now
heconiing talked of, and ca|iitalists were invited to assist in (h'velopini,' tlu;
hidden treasureH of this almost unknown section of country.
To assist in the work, he purchaseil 400 shaics in the Lake Superior
Copper Mining Oom]iany, hut havin;.; no idea of permanently connecting
himself with the undertaking, hi! disi)os(Ml of them afterwards.
As till! duty on liooks interfered with tho liusiness of hookselliuL,', ie-
whii'h the author was eui^ayed, he represents his views on the suliject.
From the Chief Superintendent : — "'Price of Irish national h<»()ks can
he impoited from Ireland am) sold at nnich hiss price.
liegislativo A.SK(!nd>ly, April K!. — "I should \h'. most happy to remove
duty on hooks, as (Ui all other artich^-s, as you will liiid shortly, hut it will
take some time.
The much talked of project of a canal, .connecting Lakes lluroii and
Superior found great favour, and ho earnestly urged its conunonce-
ment hy our (Jovernment, as it \»ould materially assist in developing the
mines of the North-West. Tho Governujcnt, however, thought the scheiao
premature, and tho result was that the j;eople of the L^nited States completed
a canal on thi-ir side of tho river, a jiroceeding in no ways creditable to our
(Jovernment, some of whom it was then said were not averse to letting
Uncle Sam control the route, which was liable to the worked to the disad-
vantage of Canada, as was seen during tho troubles in Manitoba.
Juno 1st. — Mr. Morritt brought up his resolutions on the subject of
Trade and ('ommerco. Mr. Haldwin ajipears now to have received light,
and says ho was afraid that the r-nv policy of England woidd have a moat
injurious eifect u]>on Canada, hut li(! trusted he might be mistaken.
Mr. Caley looked upon this resolution as bring an interference with tho
sovereignty of (U-eat Britain, and as holding out a threat that if she did
take off till! protection from our produce, we were pi-eparcd to cast off her
soveivignty. Mr. Couchon oj»posed it — referred to a select coiumittee.
305
; ill ('aiiiula
i.> :?nl.
M- .Majesty's
r-KtiililiKli im
tlic I'l-itisli
/hiIkIiI]) to
ircctioiiK to
I'urlifwt Kuit-
F tlint (!ov-
loro Hutisfiic-
lis |iur|M)K<',
of CJaiiadii. "
t(!(l the Hto-
K, v.cro now
■olupiiii^ tlio
ko Sii]>(M'i()r
• coiim;cting
okHfllin;^, in
uiKjcct.
I l)<>()kH can
ly to remove
hut it will
Jliii'oii and
conimeuce-
eloping tlit>
the scluMHO
OS compU'tt'il
table to our
10 to lettin;,'
o the lUsad-
iiiia
11
subjei.'t of
I'ived light,
have a nioHt
Irn.
ice with the.
, il' siie did
cast oil' her
iiiiiittee.
At the eoiiiincnceiiieiit of the s -ssioii he ilecided upon retiring fr-dn
Ijiisiiiass, and (ievotiiii,' himself to the all'airs of tlio uouutry ; in eonsetjuence
of'whi(di he (lisjioseij of his larLfe milliii;^ interests to his sonTlnjmas. DoiiWt-
liHH he then thought that in order ,.0 eariy out liis matured idi'ason the (jues-
tiou of Reciprocal Trad<;, that the tiino at liis disposal would bo fully occupied-
( )ui- subject fust brought Ixd'ore thf House his schemn fur our alterp<l
loliitions, and heralded foith a Cominereial Itecipi-ocity ^vitli the United
Stat(;s. As tli(! hitherto almost oxolusivo trathi between (Jreat Britain
and her colonies was now aiuogaled by the repeal of the Mnglish Corn l-awH,
and all countries placed on the same levid, tlH'i(djy encouraging tlie commerco
of a powerful foreign rival lik(* the United States, at the expense of a weak,
struggling colony, Mr. Meiritt believed tlmt when stdfish statesmanship
ignored the colonial trade r(dations, ami virtually gave a bid for the best
lUrttomer under any circumstances, that the duty of the colonists was plainly
to uiftke the best bargains thoy could with their nearest noighbour.H.
The novtdty of the idea created some sensation, liut mature deliberation
vonvinced many that tlm measure would uitimately be adopted.
The Imperial Act taking oil' the dutie.s on |irovisionH in Kngland was
not an ordinary bill. It was jue reversing the practice of the kingdom,
which heretofore was encouraging "ships, colonies and eominerce ;" and
that had been the policy since the (•ominonwealth, and by which Kngland
liud bcconm a great maritime nation ; it had established her power to an
unexampled extent, exci'cdiiyr the nations among the ancients, rnd Portu-
^'al, Spain, Holland or h'tanc'c iuimng the moderns nmny of her possosidous
b4>ing the spoils of v ar from these! States. She was imw trying the experi-
ment of pi'cserving her maritime suprenuicy by the abundance of the " sin-
ews of Will'," and the [tower of liei' na\y, without any adjuncts from the
iielp of the colonies, which ha<l ijeen hei- traditional policy for two centuries,
i^ir 11. IVel and Mr. (Gladstone may have calculated the oostH, and found
the cash balance in their fivour, l>ut it was with a ilitVeicnt summation to
the loyal colonists who weigluMl this report. They had adhered to the [lolicy
uf a Uiuted Kmpire, of which an ocean wa.'? not to bo the boundary.
Our subject was pi-ihaps tin' most alive to the measure. He esjiecially
>l<'])recal/(,'d the haste in which it win hurried through, both in lOngland and
ill the Provincial legislature ; ours seemed even to luujuiesce before the
iJiirticulars arrived or the Act passed- to acnuiescc in a<lvance to all the
luinihtry might propose. His writings, speeches, and wc suppoKO conversa-
lion with his fellow passengers during the journey down, had nil been on
(nir sujierior advantages as colonies over the 1 'niteil Statws. What m\ist
have been his disa|ipointment to lind the tables turned, and to find the ad-
\antuges in the markcit of the mother country handed over to brotlier Jona
ilian without a deniami for a corresponding benefit (!)
Tht> following, iin extract fioin the <,}ik('1i's sitcrcli, of January 22nd,
givoK notioo of clianj:;es by wliidi ilio industry of tho j)rovinooN need l)o no
l<)n{j;cr diHtinguiKliod, and hor aj^jrobation to tli<* nieanure rak-idatod to ox-
tond fonuiKMic iuid to .stinuilatc doin.'stii- skill and industry, liy tlic ropcal
of jiroliiliitory ami tlic relaxation of |iro(rcti\ f duti(!s :
" T rwoimntMid you to take into your t-arlicst (•onsidfratioii w ln-tlicr th*<
l>rinciples on wliicli you liavc acted may not with adviinta<,'o lio yot mon*
extensively Mpplied to make sueli fnrtlu r reductions as may tend to insure
the contiiuiancc of the i,'r<'at Iwnctits to which 1 iiave advertecl, and to
stren/^'then tlie honds of amity with forei;,'n lowers."
Following this policy, which it i^ unnecessary to s;iy throiinh the I'ritish
constitution was tliat of tlic M inisti r, and not l lie (^>iieen's iiidi\ idual s(Miti-
ments, th<^ T'rcniicr. Sii' IjMii.'i't I'cd, says :
"Wearied with cur Ion:;- and unavailing,' etlorts to enter into a satis
factory commercial treaty with othei- nations, we have resolved ;it leni,'th U)
Corisi(/t our own intercs/s. And yon uiay depend up )ii it. whatever may be
the imn)e(li;ite etl'cct. our c\ami>lc will l>c idtiiiiatcly t'nlliiw cil."
Ami (o >.!i(i\v whom he was tryiii:,' to inthienoe by this amiable doctrimo
th(Mcpoi(cr adtls, '• Here the Kight lion. I'aronet tpiotcd a passagcMVoni
a report of .1//-. U'ulkn; S^cnfm'// n)i'/ 'frrnsi'rrr cf //ir Cii/i'l Sf'ifrs."
Let us take a review ot' the .state ci' the country, and of tiie char.icter of
the re|n'esentatives !o whom were (Mitr\istcd its destinies at this ev(Mitful
period. W'r see thai the natui-al abinidauce of our productive .soil had pro-
duced prosperity, and with it an inditl'erence to'the acts of the (iovernment.
'I'he incrt'a.se of the inunigrants of IS.'U- .'52, who would from a.ssociation
be inclintul to view favourably a policy that would ja'ovide cheap bread for
those to whom, foi- all thev knew, they were related by the ties of blood
retui-ncd as memlicis men of similar views, as Killaly, llincks, I'arks,
Col. .lohn Pi'ince, Dr. Dunloji. instead of N'on I'.gmont. |)urand. (Jibson.
J^uncomlfc, and Mackenzie.
We have seen the Bull'alo and l) 'troit line vctocil. the best scheme, as
is ju'jved by the Ail' Lino constructed since. IJy the following report in
the coniluct of siniihir enterprises we catch a faint glimpse of their design,
matured into a finished }>olicy since :" The re]iort for extending tho
(treat Western to Toronto, and a letter from ( ietn-ge Hudson that the Act
gf incorporation might be granted to tlieni, weie fiivonrably received.
The F'rench members voted, if not in sympathy, at least acquiesced in
their views when I'pper Canada measures weie to be decided, as seen in the
amendment to the Municipal bill fca' Up|>er Canada cairied through thi.s
session, allowed by the government as a bid for popularity ; namely, tho
election of the wardens, treasurers, clerks, and sui-veyors, .and to be alloweii
pay for their services.
Mr. Draper moved an act to indemnify certain publh; oHicers and othei;)
307
who may not liiivc takfii tin' oath \>y hiw rf(|uin'(l, followed \iy a Httlo
Nceno in the I louse when Speukcr raiiincau's back Halary was ^'ranted,
wlicii the ]Iou. iMr. Moiin was allowed to take the Speaker's eliair for tlie
ocoasioii.
At tho o|ii'niiii,', March 'JllUi, Attorney (Jeiieral I)rji|)ei- had laid on the
table inijioitant despatches, dated al»out seventeen days befor(>.
Jlis K.Kcellency finisnes his address to tholfousej 2(>th March, with tho
foHowin!,' oracular lines : —
" The last intellij^ence from tho motli«r country indicates a most im-
portant chani,'e in the (^ommei'cial |»oIi(,'y of tho empire.
" Until we have a fuller exposition of the piojected scheme, which a few
days will probably brin^' us, it would b<^ jireiiiature to anticipate that tlip
claims of this province to a Just measure of protection, has lieen overlooked."
Tin; following despatch from iMr. ( Madstone, which arrived after the
clcsci of the ll(nise, conveyinj,' the; decision of the Imperial I'arliament
closed thr- discussion, as fai" as any legal enactments could be gaim^l in any
of the colonies : ^
" l)ow.\iN(; Stkkkt, .June ;?rd, IStO.
" The interests of Canada have occupied the jtlace to which they aro
justly entitled in tluMleliberations <jf Jier Majestj's government npon the
important subject of (changes in the IJritish Corn l>aw and upon others."
" After noticing the failurt? of Heciprocity 'i'reatie.s with foi-eign powers,
;iud their determination to have free trade, should th(! government of the
I'nited States continue to maintain the scale t)f imj)ort dutirs now in forc(?
upon its frontiers, Ifer Majesty's (Jovernnient will vi(>w with regret a policy
irijuriotis to Canada ; Imt they will rellcct witli satisfaction on the pre\'alence
nflaws more favourable to commertteon the ( 'anadian side, and will anticipate
t'lniM these laws both a direct benelit to the public 'ind trade of the |>rovince,
i: '1 a fui'ther advaiitag*' which a constant example will atl'ord to them ;" etc.
With a reference to the despatch, three columns l<>ug, lie c<)ncludes : —
"Hor Majesty's (lovernmeiit have not fell themselves at lilcrty to advise
Her Majesty to i)ass by the aihlrcss of the Canadiaji Assembly with a biief,
ui' mere forma! answer, for which they are well assui'ed may be anticipated
tlic most candid cinisideration even of arguments ojtposed to their own ; nor
can she recognize in this view any distinction between her neareiand more
urnote subjects, or between the moi'e or less jiowerful." I'>ut with strange
inconsisttuicy adds: - Kspecially whei: they tend to impiove the comlition
of the most numerous and the least opulent class of her people.' liut, see-
ing that this was not argument, he closes with something more like reality:—
" it would be a source of the greatest pain to Her .Majesty's (Jovernment
that the connection between this country and Canada deriveil its vitjility
trMtii the exchange of commercial [>referonces, if so it would suggest the ideu
Miat the connection had reached the legitimate term of its existence, but it
ifsts uj)oii common traditions and resemblances."
At the close, our subject's hojies of benefiting the country, after an
eight years' struggle through colonial legislation being sudilenly destroye<I,
' •' makes an application for government employment to ministei' Hraper,
808
in a note from Donegana's Hotel, June 10th, the day after the House closed,
he alludes to his losses iu business, and says: — ^"It is necessary I should
devote my time to some useful object." He goes into a longWieucd detail
of the scheme by which the navigation of the St. Liiwrcucc luiglit be com-
pleted by next year :
" If it is considered my attention to this object would promote the public
interest, I would cheerfully devote my time to it ; having no great personal
interest, my only motive is to see this work madt^ useful. I care not who
are the engineers oi' contractors on the different works. No time is to bn
lost, however; and if I do not hear from you during the day, I shall con
sider the Government do not think the effbit necessary."
"W. H. MERRTTT."
His apj)lication not meeting with a I'esponse, and receiving on the sanio
day a commission from the Great Western, he was induced agiiin to turn
his attention to railroad enterpri/.es, with what loss to his private fortune,
and benefit to the public, it will be the business of this memoir hereafter to
relate. .
"MoNTKKAL, June 10, 1840.
" Dear Sir : — The shareholders in England are willing a few shares of
stock should 1)0 subscribed in the United States, and as you hove hithertc
obtained stock there f>)r other objects, you may ilis)»ose of 4,000 shares at
£25, equal to £100, 000, to be expended between Niagara and Hamilton ;
and in case a company of responsible contractors will undertake to complete
this part of the roail, for a fair remunerating price, to be apj)roved of by
Mr. Young or any othtu- competent engineer in the employment of the
Company, you will pl(>ase receive the proposal, which the Board, I have no
doubt, will san<'tion.
" 1 I'emaiu, dear sir, yours faithfully,
" ALLAN N. ISrACNAl), Prcs. G. W. R. Com.,
"JAR. r.. EWART. Diiector.
"\V.M. H. Mr.inuTT, Es(,."
On his return fioni Parliament he visited the States, in the interest ut"
the Great Western Road, making a slight detour to visit his fathei'-in-law
at his residence in iVLiyville. This letter gives a jjartial account of his
mission on behalf of the CJreat Western Railway, on which he departe<l
soon after reaching his home ; as was not unfrequent on those occasion.^,
especially during the warm weather, his health lu'cded the necessary relax-
ation ; in the present instance ho was suffering under an attack of the pre
vailing fever.
"l-ncA, July 20, 184().
"My Dk.vr Sir: — We arrived at Butlalo on Tuesday in good time, i
was not so well in Buffalo, and, after reaching Rochestei* in tho cars, was
obliged to leave them and take a ))acket boat on the canal to this place,
where I remained under the direction of J)r. Peckham three or four days,
wlien I again came round ; in the meantime was enabled to attend to my
business, which was meeting certain contractors for our railroad, and Mr.
Young, tho civil engineer. On the (Jth inst. finished, made a long visi^,
309
jvnd iirepared to return. On Montlay the l;'>th Sir AlliUi McNah, and one
of the Directors of tlie (Jreat We.stcrn road, came out and wislied ino to go
OB to Boston to meet an lOnglisli engineer, who had arrived on his way to
C'anada to ie|)(jrt on tlie road ; con.seijuently I loft on Monday for l?oston.
Arrived at Boston at 0 oVloclc on Tuesihiy, after sleeping from 10 to 4 at
Springfit'ld. Finished our husiness that day, left on Wednesday, and ar-
rived by the Long Island Railroad at 10 o'clock the same evening. .Fin-
ished my business in New York next day, (Thur.sday,) and in the eVoning
left in steamer. Remained in Troy and vicinity until 1 on Friday, aud
arrived here in the same evening ; remain Saturday and Sunday, and leave
in the morning for Canada.
" Youi-s affectionately,
"WM. HAMILTON MERRITT."
"Utica, July 7, 1840.
"Sill : — I hasten to enclose you » jiroposal from a numb(M' of influen-
tial and responsible contractors for the completion of the railroad frovft tho
Niagara River to Hamilton, and as much more of the line as will, after
[iroper stirvey.s and estimates, amount to ,£100,000, with the oj)inion of W.
0. Young, Esq., civil engineer, to whom reference was made, that the
jirices are roiv-sonable an<l proper ; also a sul)Sci'ij)tion list for the stock, to
the amount of £100,000 in the Great Western Railroad ('ompany, by the
same parties.
" Those contractors ai-e not only responsible, but on enquiry you will
find they combine influence, intelligence, and great practical experience.
They are all ])roj)erly organized, possess ample means to commence the dif-
ferent sections, and break grouiul the moment your specifications of the
work are in readiness, aud the ground or line marked out. I'rusting it may
ensure the early comj)letion of the work, and referring you to my private
letter for further particulars,
" I have the honor to be, sir, your ob't serv't,
"W. H. MKRR1T1\
"Sib Allkx N. McNab."
[private.]
"Utica, July 7, 1846.
" Mv l)iv\ii Siij AiJ.AN : — Li the absence of all information respecting
your movemeuLs, 1 enclose a copy of the jtrojiosal and documents accompa-
Jiying the same ; the original I take back with me to b(i aildressed to you*
from St. Catharines to Hamilton, or any place you may direct, or forward
them to London ; a.so the copy of agreement, which has been used only as
directed, and the opinion of the meml)ers of the Legislative Committee.
" Notwithstanding the few days which hasintervened since the receipt
of your documents, on the ^Hth ult., everything has been accomplished
which was designed, aud T have no doubt the result will prove satisfactory.
An appoint.nent was made with the most influential contractors to meet
Mr. Young an<l inystdf, to whom reference was made, then; on the 3d iu.si.,
the earliest day the distance they' resided would admit. Representatives
from thr(>e difierent companies attended, ditlerent [)roposaIs were submitted
for his (Mr. Young's) approval, and rejected. At length, after much time
and attention on his part, one was made which he considered etiuitable and
just, and on the evening of the fith it was decided upon and sigiu'd. Per-
haps a better selection of contractors could not be made. Daniel Carmi-
310
chael, of Urooklvn, N. Y., lias 1)0(mi for many yt-ars tli<^ Icadinj,' man in tin:
firm of Carmioliacl, Fairbanks & Co., (th(i lattcM- now in Prussia,) inventors
ami manai^ors of jtowcrfiil macliincH for excavating earth, ono now in use
on the (leej) cut, Welland Canal, where I had an opportunity of witnessin<r
the management of Mr. C. in iliilerent kinds of work with it. He 1ms
been em|)loyed ou most of the railroads from New Hampshire to Mary-
land, lie will giv.i his personal attention to this line, and I feel confident a
more comjietent perscm could nt)t have been select(!d. His company aie
composed of men of jiroperty — they take one-fourth."
"SK(;oNn Lkttkk— July 8.
" ;Mv Dkah Rih At.i.AN : You api>ear(>d desirous lo obtain the opinions
of the dillerent railroad companies here respecting tiie route, and value of
the work, oftlu? (Jreat Western. No doubt the strongest exprcs.sions of
opinion coiild be procured from every Company I'ast of Hochester, it neces-
sary, although 1 have not had th(^ timo or been in a sitiuition to see the diro< -
tors of eitlier s-inei' leaving St. Cathai'ines.
" With rcigard to the facilities olVered in constructing this road : In the
earliest settl'Miieiit (jf this part of the country, roads wtu-e first opened in tli''
mo.st natural and most direct situations from point to point. The JUdge
road from Kocha.ster to Lewiston was considered the best in Anu-rica. It
was on table land, on same levid to Ifiimilton and thence to Dc^troit. 15(!
fore 1S:]7 this v. as tlu; only route traveled; thirty stages per day passed
through to Detroit. This i-oute is now oj)enod on aln\ost a dead level, via
Lockport, to Lewiston and Queenstcm, where deviating frf)m Lock}Hjrt to the
b'all.s, to coud.iue the ailvant.iges (tll'cicd by th;it point of attraction, as well
as the connection of l>ufi'alo by the present railroad.
" Two routes oiler from the Falls -above and below the mountain. The
first li(W most direct for J)etroit ; the latt.M- passes tiie nuist extensive man-
ufacturing location in tin; western part of America, (the Welland Can.il) ;
passes througli imini'i'ous villages, aiid branching fi'om Hamilton to^ lo
ronto. The Western road through Chatham, Delawaiv, iiondon, IJrantford.
to Hamilton, will take as many way pjussengers and some more way
freight than any one of the roads nameil; connecting Stony Creek, (Jrnusby,
IJeamsville, Jordan, St. Catharines, and the great manufacturing towns
which must spring up on the Wellaml Canal, to the Falls there can bt;
little doubt in this b>it the way pas.sengers and freight will pay for
^ost of construction. These routes will be determined from the combiiuxi
advantages each possess.
"Again, suppose the road on the north side of Lake l'>rie, to intersect the
('Iroat Westei-n on oi- about London, was made ; it would not only succtws-
fuUy compete with the south side of Tiake Erie, and draw far more travel
over the western i>art of the Great Western than it would take from it on
the East. I do not consider the (Janada Southern road will aifect it, terini
nato where it may. The southern po|»ulation being inconsiilei-able, travellers
are more likely to pass over tiiis than to travel on the other.
"With regard to other railro.id routes : Notwithstanding a charter was
obtained last session to incor])orate a railroad company to connect Albany
with New York by the Hudson, there is no doubt the New York and Erie
Ilailroad will be contimu'd to Huflalo and Dunkirk, and in due course ot
time on the .south side of Lake? Erie. l>ut supposing it made, tin; travel
from Boston and New York, via Alliany, will go over tho (Jreat Westeru.
■?A\
livu in th«
inventors
)\v in use
vitn«'Hsing
llo lias
to ^Isiry-
onruU'nt a
iiipany aio
July 8.
t; opinions
1 viihio of
rossions of
v, if nocoH-
, the direc-
;ul -. In tbe
(cnod in tho
The iUdge
inerica. It
vtroit. Be-
any passtMl
\ lin-el, via
kpoi't totho
;ion, as well
ntain. Tlic
cnsive niati-
nil Cianal) ;
Iton to To
Brantfonl,
move way
<, (Iriiiishy,
I'ing towiiH
icve can \n)
,vill pay fov
i. conibinoii
|nt(n-sect the,
julv snoeosH-
Iniore travel
]• from it on
let it, tenni-
lo, travellers
IcV.arter was
loot Albany
}k and Erio
[c course of
I, th(! travel
It Westoru.
" It is well to nieation all tliost^ routes and place them fairly ljefor<' the
stockholders, although there is not any imme(liiite ])rosp('ct of their l)i)iiig
ooustriicted. 1 have i-onsisteiitly held to my original opini(jns respt-cting
the construction of railroads through the peninsula of Canada, running lat-
terly with those lakes. I ha\e never ent<'rtained a douljt that a railroad
on tin) south side of < )nlario will yield a ui )•>„ prjiti'i!-. i'lv js tui Mit.T hi.-j
opinion isgroundly wholly on the extent of country ('(jnuet-tt'd, which is
\ine(juall(Ml in eitli(>r Kurope or America, and (In- facilities presented in the
foniuition of the country lo connect it.
/. '• DiNDriiN-, Aug. .">, 1810.
"Mv l)r.A)! Sill : I have written to Mr. Young tiiis morning, i did
not receive your Ictti-i' till after my retiirn la^t iiight fi'om Toronto. F am
much j)le,ascd with your succe.is, and hope to meet you in [Joston. I leave
hereon tin- ioth for IJoston en route for Kngland. I think tlitit you had
better receive proposals foi' .lunlher 81 <)(),()()() of shur.'s.
"Our accounts IVom I'lngland are good, and 1 have gi'cat hopes that we
will commence this fall.
*'■ Yo\ir-! trulv.
•' .VLL.W N. .M( XAI!."
" INIv l)i;.\i{ Siii :
Mr. Milh'r has anlved
1 am sadly disapl>iiinted at ntit meeting you here,
he is with Ml-. Younu. I shall take them with mo
to Jioston, where you must follow in the morninir. TiH'my is with me. It
is all important wr should meet.
•' IVulv.
" " AI,1..\N X. McXAT.."
The interview occuri'cl as related on the l.'Uh. -Mr. Mi-.'ritt returiKid
to the sceiu- of o|i( rations, and Sir Allan lanbarkcd on hi^ railroad mission.
While thus engaged he writi-s :
•'.•'. St. -l.VMKS Pl.A( i;, [.(..NDUN. S. pt. 10, lS|t;.
"Mv Deak Mkhiutt: 1 did not receive youi' lettei' with the petition
to Her Majesty, and papeis connected with the Suspension Bridge, for some
days after 1 should have, in the usual course of post, receiv»>il them. I im-
mediately transmitted them, with your letter, to thti Colonial Secretaiy, Vtnt
I am not yet informed that any d'-ierminatinn has been come to. 1 shall
1.0 abh^ to let you know by the; next mail. 1 am getting on famou.^ly with
the railwiiy inatters, and I am sure we will eomnien«(^ vei-y slioi'tly — Jiy the
next mail I think all will be com]»leted, wlien 1 will write ron.
"J am soiry to observe that my friends in Hamilton are under tlu; iin-
[iression that you have availed yourself of the opportunity allbriled you, by
being engaged to assist and watch the interests of the (Jreat \Yestern Rail-
way, to endeavor to iiidnce Mr. Miller to take your part of the line from
lUifialo to Detroit- -so injurious to the liest interests of Canada. F regret
this on many accounts, particularly as T assumed .some resjionsibility in the
inatLer of your appointment. F trust they are mistaki-n, and that you will
bo able to convinces them that such was not the case. I will write you by
uext mail. You will set; all the news. N'our new (.>overnor-(.Jeneral will
uot go out, T undei'stand, till X'ovember.
•' Yours tridy,
"ALLAN N. McNAli."
312
MONTIIKAL, Sept. lf», 184«.
" My Dkar S[r :— I hoarlily rojoicc at liouriiif,' of your diflicultios being
Jill at an end. Yon can now turn the enerj^ies of your iniml .satisfactorily
to important public nuitters. T »u\ told Miller, tlit; EngliKli engineer, who
wa.s sent c»ut l)y the proposed English stockiiolders. (without Sir A.'s know
lodge), to judge of the line, country statistics, tte., lias rej»orted that before
ten years this country will be connected with the States, that he could not
recoininend the investment of any money in the (Ireat Western oonscMjuently,
and that in such an evtsnt the Bertie and i^ctroit Railway was the only ono
that could succeed. Very faithfully yours,
" W. ir. Mkkhitt. " H. Ji. KILLALY.
Tiie liigh prico of provisions in the old country had made business good
for the niiUers liere. On the 11th S('))tember ^Irs. Merritt writes to her
father : " For the month past Thomas has been in Ohio j»urchasing whe^t.
H. was up last week. He engagcsd a vessel on his return this morning, to
go to Sandusky for Thomas's wheat ; and J. P. started for Cleveland ou
Tuesday, to take money, or rather Bills of E.xchange, to purchase more.
The following brief correspondence clo.ses the discussion n^garding the
most prolitabie line of railway that had yet been oll'ered to capitalists on
( -anadian soil : —
Black IUxk, Nov. 27, 1846.
" Dear Sir : — -Will you be so kind as to inform me of the prospects re-
lating to the renewal of the charter of the Niagara and Detroit River Rail-
road at your next .session of Parliament. The Central Kailroad of Michi-
gan is now in the hands of a ))rivate corj)oration, who are progressing in
the most thorough manner with its completion to Lake Michigan, and o"
its completion, the benefits to accrue to the N. tfe D. R. K. R., if constructed,
would be immense.
" 1 trust that the project is not abandoned by its Canadian friends.
Were it in the power ^' the Americans in this State to do anything, the
effort wotilil be made insiu.itlv, and scarce a moment would be lost — were a
charter in existt^nce — to commence the prosecution of the work. Will you
be so kind as to inform me what are the prospects, and wliether you intend
resuming your elVorts at the next session of Parliament 1 What did Sir
Allan McNab do in his late visit to P^uglaiid touching the Hamilton road ?
Your early reply will much oblige
" Your friend and obe.lient servant,
"LOUIS F^. ALLAN.
"W. H. Merritt."
" Dkar Sir
"Dktroit, Nov. 21, 1846.
-You have no doubt heard that our Central Raih'oad has
passed into the hands of the Eastern ca|iitali.sts. I had the j)le.'isure of a
day from Judge Jones when he was last at the Assizes at Windsor, and was
happy to hear him say that the Canada road would in some form be made
without much delay.
" If business takes me through your part of the country, rest assured I
shall try to call upon you.
" Respectfully and truly ymirs,
<' W. H. Merritt. ' ' C. SMOLIDCJB."
313
III OctolxM' lio uttomled tlio first Provincial Kxhiltition, whioli wus held
iit Toronto, and was ))l«mH»!d to find the proofs of an intelli<,'f'nt and thriving
coinniiinity so well displayed ; although not nimh of an aj^ricnlturalist, he
t<x)k a lively inti^rest in all pertaining thereto, as ]ie felt that his country
possessed all the essentials of soil and climate needed to inakc^ it powerful
and prosperous. At tlu^ diiuu^r, which followed, he made an intei-esting
speech on the changes which he had witnessed from the time when his
father first settled in the new land.
A petition had Ihm'w presented oursidyect from Mr. Devcaux, a friend of
Mr. Merritt's, asking for an act of incorporation foi- a Suspension IJridge
aoro.ss the Niagara Hiver. This was (contemporary with a similar mea.sure
in the Legislature of New York. Although it passed through our Parlia-
ment, the Royal assent was not given until next year, wlien every prej)ara-
tion had been made for going on with the w(>rk. Mr. Elliott, civil engi-
neer was engaged to superintend the same.
" DUNDUHN, Nov. 27, 1816.
" My Dkak MiiiuuTT : — J have received a reply to the petition you sent
me for the tjuoen, praying iior assent to the Suspension Bridge Bill, in
which the Colonial S(ccrctary says " that Her Majesty having lieen advised
to assent to the Bill, the necessary measures will be taken at the next Coun-
cil for giving effect to that decision." 1 have succeeded in all the other
matters in the most satisfactory manner.
" Yours truly,
"ALLAN N. McNAB."
J 8 4 7 .
The year opened with great demonsirations of sympatliv for their famine
Kiricken fcllow-suhjects in Ireland. Oui- subject did luit lose sight <jf the in-
terests of the agriculturists here, and to show, in pamphlets and s])eeclies, the
danger of a principle, by which the interos,tsof the colonists would be, while
the connection la.sted, subservient to Biitish interests.
In relation to one of the agricultural meetings, the Eronnniist of I'Y-bru-
ary 4th says :— " We notice a public meeting in the Niagara District. Of its
paternity we presume there can be no doubt it bears the impress of the hand
of the member who represents the section of the couutrv whisre the meeting
wa« held. It may be considered as an embodiment of the views which that
centleman expressed on the floor of the House in his speech in which he
entered into great lengths into the ways and means of the colony."
The following from the Conservative candidate who opposed our j^ubjeot at
the next election, shows the unanimity of views hold by both pirtic^ at that
time : —
:!ii
•' lioKTii, JaiiUMiy 1m(, 1847.
"My Dr.Aii Mu. Mkuiutt, I ciillcd ut your Ikiuso on WfdiKisday uiorn-
inp week lor tlic report as I stated to you 1 would, liut found you liad uotyrf,
returned, iMr. Hoouier however <i',\\o. it lue, wdiieli I to((k to NiM<:;ara and iiiad^!
the I'ollowiu!;' nrran^cinj'nts for its printint:; and di^triliutiori, that is to say,
that 2<MI eopies lie |irint((l in hand hills, one eo|iy of whieh to he iniuxMliateiy
(lirft of this week) 8ent to entli district {'(uneillor to l^e u.^d at Iht; town
inoetinj,', remaining' eejms in he e(|ually dislrihulMl at next s«ssioii of the
eourieil i'oi' uy<'. ol' town.-hips, and (laeli editor to i:ive oin; <:ratuitous insi'itiun
in their respective jiapors. I hope the ahove will he satisfactory to you. I
ref^ret that Mdniund>on could not liav<' had it in tine. With kind regards t'.
Mrs. Ml iritt and family.
1 remain very truly yours,
"JAM MS W. (). ('I..\1U\.
W
Mi uu 11"
'i"he ./o/n'//<*/ of 'I'hnrsday, Ki'ltniiiry II, |S17, says:—
"The stale of politieid i|iiietnde which has for soom^ months presiiihid
ill the proN'inee, (a ijoietmh^ induced liy the ideii that im amendment or
chiui;,'e co\ild take place in I'luvinei.il allairs, Wefnre the arrival of th(! new
io|ii'esentati\e of royalty,) may now l)(^ expeelcd to conn! to an end. Tie"
If
I'eply wliicli His I'i.vccllcncv nnnic
Ih
.h
.M.
onheal addre.vs will 'dve leal
jdeasnie to tKc friends of tlio.se jirineiplcs of government wdiich ol)tain in
th(! mother ( onnliy, and who re^^ard the inte;{i-ity of the empire as the lirsv
arti(d(; of their polilical creed. It is ii inattei' of I'c^'ret that His K.xcelleney
slionld, on his arrival, lind a disor''ani/,ed catiinet, whiidi has violattid all
tl
i()S(^ nsa'^es, rci^arded as sacred in imperial pra(!li(;e
It
is h(i|ie(l tha!
' .Ministrv aiei
liord \']\<i\i\ will at oiiec perceive the feehle (diaracter of tl
the ^(^Ljislature, and as Hpee<lily as possible make an appeal to the peopj.
Tin' preparations for such an f^veiit, inakiiii;' l)y nnnieiDiis ctinslstnencic,
jioiiit (o such a eouiso as ]iop\ilar and t;xpctlieut."
To trio Mditor of the N
nv'-di
;i ( liriiiiir/i :-
St. CvriiAHiNKs, April, 1H17.
Sin, — The report of the atfiiciiltinal meetin;;- in this district iirst a|)-
out
p<>ar»Ml ill your journal in No\cnd>er last, in which an entire clianj^e in
coiiiiuereiiil policy was urirc^d with a viev,- of phicini; the )i;j;ricultural on an
e«pial footing!: witli ,iiiy otlier existinij; interest in Canada, as well as on an
e<pnd font in;,' with the ai,n'iculturalisls of (lie Western Slates. It also rtHM.ni-
uiendeil the adoption of such ineusuresas would attain thefullowin<(ohjects: —
" First,— 'I'iic i'rci- admission of all the pitjduels of Canada into the mar-
kets of Britain. Second, "Tho i'ree admi.ssion of all the products of Canada
into tiie niarkels of the United States. Thirtl,^ — Tin; e(|ualiziition of oui
n- dirci't taxes.
intei'i
ports as soon as priicticahle,
And fourth,- The removal of all duties on iin-
Kach of these seiiarate aiu
listinct measures
hftvo heen Itoforo the )>uhlic foi- some months, they have bcdi att(;ndtd to
in <^eneral terms liy dill'erent editors, hut not u sinL,d(! n'iison or argunien'
has yet lieeu iidvaneed against any.
"The attainineut of the ohjects advocated in that re[K)rt ar(>, in my
judgement, e,s,s(Mitial to tln^ preservation of this province as a colony ut
(Jreat ISritaiii, as widl as to the prosperity of its inhal)itants.
"W. II. MErvUlTT."
315
1847.
.sdiiy inorii-
llllil lint yet
ru iind tii!iil<;
t is to Huy,
iinin<:ili:ituly
nt llif (own
.«Kioii of tliu
us iiisi^itiori
to you. I
1 it'^anl.s Uj
!LAiav.
lis |>r('V!iil(!il
ICIulllKMlt 01'
of thi' u»^w
I I'IhI. 'ill"
ill u''^*' '■''"!
'h olilaiii in
o as t!i(! lirsv
.« FiXccllciiDy
violattiil 11.1!
liopod tlial
linistry aii'l
• llic jicuiil'.
list sUiciic it's,
>i'il. 1SI7.
ict, lirsl ii|)
inline ill our
lural on an
"11 as oil an
itlso i'(!(;(.iii-
m olijoots:--
uto tlio mar-
Is of Canada
it ion of our
ilirs on iiii-
R't nit'ii.siiri'S
attrr.diil fo
))• argunii'ii'
.u'(s in my
a colony ol'
linuTT."
"St. C.vtii.vki.nkh, Wki-i.and C.vnai., Kcliruary r.tli, 1817.
"Sill, — I hu\i> tlio l)(iiiorto.»*uhuiit lor thcooiisidfraiioii (d" His Kxccilfncy tlic
(t ovornor (loiicrJil, tin- enclosed letter from the Hritisli Minister at W:isliiiij,Mon,
\vlii»di rejiitts to the ;idn.i.-sioii id' tla; products id" (.'aiiada into llie port.-i of the
the United States without duty, a measure in my judjremoiit, (d' far more iii»-
jHirtanee than any other to whii'li piiMie opinion h.-is heeii diverted. I'lider
tl
ii.s impression
I aihl
!'( .-sell
two J
rivate letters to the rro\iiieial Secret;
ry
here iii'f^iii<; the; Provincial (iovcriimont to send on to Washington .some privati
U'<Mitlemaii to the difl'erent eliairinen of eoiniiiilli'cs and niemhers of ( 'oiiL're.s-s
ho jio.s.M'Ss influence to represent tlu! justice and advantages
it would confer
on them to admit our products, and to draw the (listiiicti(>n, which is by no
means understood there, hetween ('aiiadi.an produetsand Hrili^h nianufaeluros,
Id show liie protection party we only i'e(|uirc the loriiier to he coiL^uined in their
iiiarkc.ts, not the latter.
" Mr. I'.iekeiili.'iin's letter is in reply to an emi'iiry respectini;; tin; actual
.Htute of the negotiation, it confirms my previous apprehi;nsioiis, the JO.xecutivo
there, foarint; the opposition of (Jont^re-s, will not press the suhj';ct, the Protec-
tionists do not understand the <listiiii'tion, they tliink it ;i free tradt; measup!
which will introduce maniil'actures from l']iii;land, whereas we only re(|uii'e tin;
introduction ol' the products of (Janadii, say ^jniin, provisions and iniiiher.
Thest! aiticdes tln-y will send hoth to Britain and hen- tree ; no ]iersori on the
spot will take? suflieicnt int(M'est in it to explain it, the .sessiin will piss over,
nothing will he di lie, time will ulide on unlill a lad liarvest in America or an
ahiind.'int one in J'jirope, when the price (d" hre.-id-st nil's in rnited States will
he higher than in Canada, tlat duty will meet us, dihsatisfaction follows, and
we will realize the evil, after the time has passed away to ensure the reineily.
>Vh
Fceliii';' that I li;.ve dene my duty in usiim my i-xeitioii- in my huinhln
ere !o avert it.
I have the honor to he vour oln dieut .•-(•rvaiit,
•'\V.' llAMILfo.N .MKIIRITT
On tli(! filli of r'eltniarv, iiOrd lOliiiii arrived in ('aii.id.i hv wav of I'lo.s-
1 a maniHi
ton, and was received in IMontreal it
of s<^ distiii^iiishi'd a statr^sniaii.
As we have iiieiil ioiHjd, a;,'ri('ull oral meet iiit,'
1,
'llltini; t
le a
liteeedentH
'S Wrvt' he
I'
irni'Mpall}' in ine
Nia^^'ara District, on the <|uestioii of lii'ciprocity. TreN iuiis to the (ijieidng
'tf the session oni" snlijf.'ct appears to lia\i hecu in (■xlensive laua'cspe'iideni^i
with nnnierous inHiiential per.sons at Washington. TIic result of it was,
that ,Mr. W. Hunt (d' Loekport, laid the niittlep h-forc ( 'on>i;ress in Deeem-
l>er (d" last year, and it was r('S(dve<l, "'that the ('oniniilti'e on Com-
inercc bo instructed to ('ii(|uii'e into the expcdifiiey <d" estiiWlishiie^' .i lt"ei-
[irocity hetween the Ihiited States and tie; Province of Canada, with a
view
to tl
w. adini.ssion o
f th
products o
f eidi
•r coiintiie.s to the p
)its of th(
other on a footing; of eijuality." Mr. Aleiritt spoke; to the Adndiiistrator
on the subject, explainin;i^ the advantages the country would derive from
tlio measun;, tind suggested that soini! competent person siiouhl 1j(! «leputod
to visit Washington. TIh! .\dniini.strator received the couuiiunieation
without action ; hut on the arrival of Lord Elgin our .subject again reverted
to the nnittor, and his i-epresentation was duly attended to, as ho received
310
lotterH of introiiiictidii to tlio llnt'iHli KiiibiiKHy at Wiishiii^'tDn, iiml all »)|p
|iortuMitii'M wi'i'' adurtli'd iiim to purHUK tin) olijnct in view. Ahout tlii.i
|ioiiocl lie sci'iii.H to liiivc l)ioiiclM!il tlm railio'id coiiiiiiiiiiiciitioii in liiH (•orr(\s
[•oiidiinct! with iiis old IVitiud Sir Jolin llarv(*y, \slio was now (lovfiiior of
Nova Scotiii. Kioni tilt! stinin;,' tiiuc.H of I8I*J a wnini rrifnilsliip cxistod
Imtwccn Sii- .lolm and nm- sulij 'ft, and Ids Kxci'llcncy may liosaid to have
boon as tliiii-ou<,ddy Canadian in i'oclini^ as if to tlin manor liorn. Tlic
nulijt^ct of tlm railway from Halifax t(» (^U'ltcc, in which Mr. M. took u
d('(^|» interest, was warndy nrj,'cd hy Sir John, and in his s|KH>rh to the
I'aiiianiont of Nova Scotia, he makes the followin;,' patriotic, and we nu<jht
say almost prophetic rennuks: " Tlu^ period at, and the circiimstAnceH under
which we iiifct, atlords me the opportunity of leconiniemlin^' to your con-
tinued attention an undertakini^ second in its importance to uonv which
has ((ver en^'at,'ed the notice of any Colonial I.eyislatnre in any jiortinn of
the r.iitish l)(inuni(ins. I allude to the jirojected railroad hetween Halifax
and Quehec, which will constitute the most importairt link in that j,'real
chain of conimuni,'ation, which may he destined at no ri'mote period to
connect the Atlantic with the I'acilic ocean, and to conduct to a Hritisli
seapoit, from those unto which it is now forced, that vast stream of trade,
not only of our own w«!ster'i possessions, l»ut of the i-idi and ex'tensivc
grain growing tlistricts of ill North America."
The alarmini' news of ti
il.l
eriilile surlerin''s o
H'(
th
l»eo|»|e III
Ireland
.Mie and fanune
had \)\ this time rt'ached Canada, and the dread stoi'V of plai,'
was soon told throui,di the land. In St. Cath:lrin(^s our suhj(u;t at once
I'onvencMl a meeting,' of t lie people, at which he presided as chairman, and
in a plain statement of fact, told the sti ry of the distress of their fellow-
b(nn<,'s in the old land. An inlluenlial committee; was aj»i»oint(!d, and a
liandsome sum sul)S(iil)e(l, which was soon forwarded to the suffering people.
An act wliicli was accomplished generally liy the other comndttces through-
out the country.
The demanil for l)ri'adstuils hy the peoj le in lOngland caused an enor-
mous tra<le on the canals iis many as forty laden vessels and barges passing
down the (Join wall Canal in a day, causing a marked change in that hith-
erto dull locality.
One of the lirst acts of the (iovornmont was in assuming the control of
our postal system, thus (Kiing away with one of Mr. Mclveiizie's greatest
grievances; the lirst I'ostmaster (li-neral being tin; Jlon. James Morris, of
Broekviil", who was subse(juently connected liy marriage with our subject.
Mrs. Mcrritt Siiys, 12th January: — "They have got the telegraph under
w;iy from Quccn.^ton to 'J'oMiito, and will soon have it to Hufialo. Of town
injprovcnicut-, ;hey have the reservoir linisluHl, and the water brought in ;
the logs ;ire now being laid to the nndn street, where there will be a cistcru
kept full fc.r the •onvenienee of the iiihabit.ints, and in case of fire. The ex-
penses of t.)wn, iiiil .ding water works, £1,348 for the last year."
;ji7
Tlif t»'l(';,'rii|iliic connni-tion Itotwoon QuooiiHtnii aii<l St. C'litluiiiiics wuh
complotnil this wiuHoii. On tlic 1 '.Hh Miuvli, from llnmilti>ii, ii fvw day^
aftor Mr. Mi-iiitt rccoivnd, us uii »)|)('iiii)<;, a <lcHj»atch ovrr tlio wires.
Tlio utility ni' tln' 'rt'l(';.;rai>li waH soon hcoh l>y Mi-. Mcrritt, and In- iin
in<«liat«'ly made arraiii,'('tiii'iit.s for oxtcndiii;,' its uscIuIiicns aloiii; tlif lijio of
ihi; canal, and liad a hraiicli lini< Ixiilt from Port Dallionsic to I'ort ( 'oUioriH-,
wliioli was of ^'roat advantage) to tlin slii|iniaHt«'rs ami otlins.
Mr. Mcrritt left lor tlic Lp^isliituro, accoiiipnnitd by \m spou.Hc ; they an
usu;d took the route throui^li the States, via Oswego, Stopping at lltioa,
there wa.s aildcd to the party a relative of Mth. Mcrritt'.s. The following from
her diary gives an account of the voyage: —
" We left hoiiic Urith IM.iy, Mr. Mcrritt to attend to Ium liCgi.'-lative duties
in Montreal, and I in search of liealtli, with Frances to visit her lather in
IJtica, came to Quccnston in our own carriage, waited an hour, when James
took us and t)ur trunks to the boat, and we were soon ferried down to steamer
.St. Jiawrence. Mr. Karweil met u.s with an nnilirelia ;is it wa.s raining. Mr.".
Karwell kept her berth. There were about half a dozen ladies in the cabin,
Due of thcin went out about 9 to examine the indication of the weather, and
observed that it was moonlight, (juite still, and we had nothing to fear. Heard
passengers going in and out at Koclicstcr. 1 got up at 12 and opened my
•stateroom window, the air was warm and b dmy, but while endeavouring to get
the benelit of it the wiinl brcc/ed up, and I had to close the window again;
slept untill about !>, when felt the ve.s.scl rocking, as my berth was cro.ssway.s
1 was obliged to ri.se and hold on to the tabh!s and chairs. I managed to look
out, it appeared to be a steady l)low ami no danger apprchcmU^d, so I went to
bed and slept soundly till arrival at Oswego, took breakfast at VVelland Hotel,
and went on board canal packet for Syracu.se. The Oswego Canal was full of
boats, had a pleasant sail, though too cool to be on deck.
" May 'Jlith, arrived at Syracuse at 1, should have taken c.ir.s, only they
did not start till six and we would be too late getting into Utica. Mr. Merritt
here left us and hired a carriage that took him to Chatenango ; he came on
board the packet again at ten. After Lreakfast, went on deck to have a view
of the beautiful .scenery in that part of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Furwcll
pointed out every place of interest to us. She was in high spirits getting homo,
alter her journey to Hamilton.
" Cousin Clark came on board and took us to his house. Mr. and Mrs.
Craft returning from Cooperstown in the afternoon came down for u.s and
we walked up with them. Called at .Mr. Farwell's, the least wo could do
alter their pressing invitation to go home with them.
" On 27th Mr. Merritt went on to Albany by cars, Mrs. Craft and I fol-
lowed the next day (Sat.) under the the protection of Mr. Munson. In
Albany the flrst per.son I saw on stepping out wa.s Mr. Merritt, who was
waiting for us. Stopped to tea at. the splendid Delevan House, went up
to Troy in a crowded stage or omnibus, spent part of the evening in the
public parlour till fatigued by the company, then retired to our rooms.
The pattering of a beautiful fountain in the inner court .served to soothe
us, also to give an appearance of coolness and variety in a plot of grass
and trees.
^1^
318
"Sundiiy, 150th, — Mr. Mcriitt took us to tlio Presbyterian Church.
Kov'd. Mr. liurinau preached from a fiin<,^uhir text I'roiu Ecclcs. 9th chapter,
40th verse, ' For a livhig do<^r is better tlian a dead lion'. He was however, an
eloquent preacher and made a mo.st excellent fsernion.
" Lel't Troy at 3 o'clock in a horse car for JMechanicsville, 115 miles; as
we passed leisurely alon^' the west side of the Hudson lliver I had a good
view of Lansini^'burgh, my native town ; the Diamond Rock, one mile back on
the hill, where with my youn<,n\st aunt I once picked up diamonds or rather
crystals. The road runs alon<r the river's bank to Waterfurd, one mile, wlicre
I have so often taken a walk with anotlicr, and with little -:irls, and in after
years, when ^oin-:' to school in Albany, with aunt Minerva and other young la-
dies and gentlemen. I could not discover the slightest change; there was old
Cornelius Ijansing's high board fence with the fruit trees waving above it now
as then, that looked so tempting to mo in childhood. At Meehanicsville we
wore hurried out of the cars and on board the the packet-boat. There were
three ready to start, and I supposed the huri'y was occasioned by each wishing
to be first, but wa.s a little startled on entering the cabin to see a respectable
hxiking woman with a liabe in her arms and a little girl about six years
old who afterwards jiroved to be the family of the captain, crying and wring-
ing her hands, uttering incomprelionsible articulations, such as, 'I know ho
will be killed. T wish T could get ashore, (>h! dear,' and tie like. The
boat was rushing on until the water rolled over the towing path ;
this was covered with men helping us on : one of the women screamed, ' they
liave cut the tow rope', but the boat still went on pulled by tlie men. again
they have cut the rope ; we h id 2 lines and six horses. After a while the
rope was mended and we pushed far ahead ot the other boat which had 1)
horses ; this they called opposition. Tt ajipeared that the captain had .served
the company for l."5 or It years, now he had got a boat and set u}» for him-
self and that the company were determined to run him off: such a scene I
was never in before, and hope I m ly never be auain.
" The scenery along the Hudson is most beautiful. We passed Stillwater ;
(I once cros.sed the river at Stillwater with my pa.) Next place of interest is
Burmese Heights, and the old breastworks where IJurgoine surrendered his
army. I*assed Fort Fidwards and l'\)rt Ann in the night; arrived at White-
hall early in the nior.iini; ; breakfasted ai\d went on board the steamboat IJur-
]in"ton, which left at 10 o'clock. This is the best conducted boat lever was
in ; she had lost one of her wheels, and performed the journey with the other.
At Whitehall the s^eenery is most picture.«(|ue — mountains on every side. The
river is so crooked that there is one place called the letter 8 ; bays, islands,
inlets "■roves, and every variety produced by the combination of land and
water.
" At length that noted place in history, Ticonderoga, came in view. I
Lrazcd and admired, and endeavored to rec dl some of the fearful accounts I
liad heard in that wonderful place in years gone by — the most prominent w:w
that of Ethen Allen. I had often heard my father relate the anecdote of his
capturing the place with about RO men ; he <lenianded the Hritish to surrender ;
they asked by what authority. He replied. ' By authority of ," we will
not (|Uote his impious threat, ' and the Continental Congress.'
'• There is Mount Independence, Mount Hope, Mount Defiance. There
•were ruins of fortifications at Crown Point, and Chimney Point. The boat
pissed quite near two pretty little islands ; they appeared so lonely and beau-
tiful amidst the waste of waters that I gazed at them as long as they were
319
visible, A lady fold me thoy were called the 'Two Sisters,' And there is the
' Four Brothers,' not so pretty, but larjjer.
"About 12 o'clock the boat stopped for the night at Chaniplainc, or as it is
now called Rouse's Point. Breakfasted at St. John's, and proceeded by
railway to Jjapraire. The country is almost a dead level, with very
few trees. There are roads crossing our track every few miles, studded
with low French houses of a \-ery luiiforin appearance, small gardens and
f-ome few fruit trees in blossom. The land is all laid out in large long fields,
with seldom a tree or a shrub to be seen; indeed the only object to break the
monotony of perfect sameness is three mountaitis in the distance, the largest I
am told is the famous cross mountain of old.
" Arriving at Lapraire it rained, and we crowded on board the stoara ferry
for Montreal, !) miles. Arriving at this famous city, we came directly to
Doneganii's. I having a cold, li!t Mrs. Cr.il'ts and Mrs. Merritt go to (]
o'clock dinner. I take a day in their absence to write up the details of our
journey."
On the 2(1 of June, i.ord Elgin opened hi.s tirst Puiliainciit, and in liis
svieei'h mentioned rceiprocity ; I'eitei-atcMl the proniises of Loid Svdcnliam,
I'V stating that tlio Iniperiiil Government were sui-veyiiig a I'ailway from
Halifax to Quebec, and had subsidizcfl ste;ini comiiiiniication to the, same
piacf. The Hon. Peter 3Ie(Jill was cIkwm Sjicakcr of the Legislative
( ouncil, and Sir Allan McNab to tlii' same position in the ('(Unnions.
The author vi.iited the capitid at the opening of the House. The (iov-
onor d(>livtied his speech in a clear, decided tone, and it was received,
not without approbation, th(*iigli the ministry was not pupulin-. nr one likelv
to carry a working majoiaty in the lioiiNe. ()ii his ioiu'iie\ , and al.so at
Montreal, he was witness of tin- distress of the fi'\fr stricken emigrants,
who liUed the ims.sagt! boats and .sheds.
In the answer to the Sj)oech, our sul)ject took an exliaustivi' re\iew os
:I e commerce of the country, and trusted that bold iUid energetic measures
w luld be brought forwai'd to encouragi; the same ; also impressing upon
'!,<> Hou.se the necessity of carefully ^'•anulng cmmv item ol' th<' pul)lic ser-
vice, as the strange incidents, iu eonnexiim with the sale uf ei-own lauds,
-i:Owed that during the ])ast twenty years ten millions of aci-es of land had
: '■'•n puix'hased from the Indians, and vast (juautities sold, aiul yet the
r.'asury was not a farthing richer. lveci[»rocity was again discussed, and
•.'..e feeling towards its accornidishment increased.
" St. C.VTiiARrNEs, Gth July, 18i7.
•• Sir, — I herewith enclose you copies of llesolutions pa,s,s''d and unani-
:;jjMsly adopted at a public meeting held here last night : Mr. llykcrt having
I'ccn called to the Chair, and myself appointed Secretary.
" Your obed't serv't, BA11NAUI> FOLEY. "
•Wm. IlA.Mii/ro.N Merr'TT, Esq., M. p. 1'., Montreal.
" Moved by A. C. Hamilton, .seconded by R. M. Clement : — /'rsnfo'i/,
-liat this meeting has learned with alarm that a bill to revive the charter of
he Niagara and Detroit Rivers Railroad Co. has pa.sscd a second reading in
i-'IVi-JHiJlHl"
:iL'o
(Itc IjCi'JHliilivo Ahs<miiIi1_v, ,'is (IiIh iiii'i'liii^ Im ul" ii|iitii(iii lluif if mucIi i'IuiiIci
uliiill |i;ms inlti ii l.'iw, will McrimiMly injure llic |)i(iN|iri ily nl" (lie rroviiico, |»y
ilivcrtinu; I'lum ilw iMiials iind Liiko Ont.iriit n iimiinn fil'dic (r.idc nl'tlii' WchI,
cm Sliids, iiixl In ili'l.i\iii^ fur iiiniy yi>iiiH tlic ('((iislnicl imi nl' ,i I'lnvindi.'tl
!ino ol' r.iilw.iy Innn NVinilsur jiiul Siiniiu Id iM(iiitri'!il.
" M.iv.'.i liy >lr, W . AlKiiismi. NiM-ditdiMJ '>y ('m|iI. 'roiicli 'J. I,'rs,<lr,,l, That,
in OiiHO h\w\\ mini sluxiM In- in.nli', it wnnlil, hy iliviMlim; m |iiii(i(»ii <i!' hiicIi
lr;i(l(', (IiMMCMSc llic rcMimi' wliifli "llici wii-ic would :icrriii' ii|inii ll.c WclJMtid
:ii\d Si |,;i\vri'iic(« C'iiimIs,
" Moved by Mr. V. M«'(inir(<. Hcoiided liy Mr, l> IV IJiiyiu'H: .'I. A'-
.•.i)/rt./, TliJil ill llii' |)re,-<("nl sl'ile dl' llie piilijie ddil, iiiid cuiisiderin^ lliiil ;i
Ijirm' pcrlioii (»!' il li;i,'< Ix't'ii iiicuircd in cuiiMlnu'liii:' siiid r(in;d*<, il wimld ||,>
imwiso to siuH'liiMi iiiiy mcI hIm'Ii niii'lil ini|iiir Ilic ii'vcmiiM lo ln> di'riv(d
InMii tlii'iu,
' Moved liy l>r, ( Jiiodnrm, .'-eeonded hy .l;ieiil) ll;iiner i I'lMilml, 'V\\\\
llie loule l,duMi »ip by ihc (litMl Wi'mIimm ll.'iiliiiad Co , IVoni llie pniiMiHeil ,sil^
ol llie SM>piMi,^ii>n
Uiid.
e on
llie Niae.'ira Kiver. pa,'i.>>in;^ llirnn!;li Si, Calli,!
vine.s. Ilanullon, and all llie priiieipal lnwiis in tlie we.^liiii pari (d" llie I'r,
vinee is one whnli, while il will ilevelope llie re-toiirecs ol" Ihe t,<iiiiilry in llie
highe.vl deiviee. will also allovd laeililies lor llie iiilereoiir,se hel ween llie Iwo
sect ion.-* of llie I'niled Slaliv^ in an iMjual or i^realer dei^ree llian llie NiiiL^jii'i
:u\d Pelroit Kiver.s Hailroad.
"Moved by K, W . Sti'plieii,^on, seeonded by .lames lloyd : 5. /iisn/rrif
Thai a piMilioii lo His Mseelleney llie (Jovernor (leneral, and also the Hon
llie lieiiisl.ilivt* Conneil be iVanied, enibodyin!', llie lorejidin;; re.solnlions, and
Ihat Messrs, Hainiltou, Huriis, Clenieiil, Hoelor (loodniaii and Alkinson he .a
ooiumillee lo dral'l ino same.
" i'he pelilioiis were here inlrodneed :iiid read by Ihe Seerelarv, lirayiiii^,
llio I.O!:isl.ilivi> Conneil not to pass the bill, and to His l<lxeelleney not to <^ive
his assent tlu-rt^to. The petitions will be lorwarded to Monlre.il as soon n.^
siu;natiires ean be obt.ained.
" Moved by l>r, (Mia. e, seeoiided by Alva Ditlriek : I'l. I!, s,<h;,l. That, tli.<
petition luiw read lu' .•idoptnl and eirenl.ated lor .-nhseriplion, and forwarded
lo tiie ^ea
t of (Jovv'rnment wilhont del.iy,
"Moved by 11. M. Clement, .seeonded by doliii Copeland : 7. /usofrftf,
That Wni. Hamilton Merrill, Km]., onrrepie.vent.ative in th(> House (d' A.sseiii
blv, bo ivi|nesled to lend his aid in defeatim;' Ihe application for said renew:ii
bill.
'■ Moved by IViniard h'olcy. seeiMided by K. M. Clenienl : S. I'rudliYd,
That the Chairman o( the meetini: do roiiucsl Sir All.in McNab and ollici
directors of tho It roat Western Uailway Co, in Montreal, to comimiiiicalc to
W. H. Merritt, Ksij,, M. 1'. 1'.. whether it is th(> intention of the Couipaii/
to adoiU the line of road laid down throu!::h St. Catharines.
"UAUNAUP KOLKY. Soorot.irv.
(JKO, KYKKUT, (Miairman.
The Hoiisi' was prorogued mi the L'Olh -Inly, al'ter a short and iiiaotivo
sHVision. On Mr. Monitt's rotiini homo, he proetvdod to Mayvillo, wIumc
ho sjHMit :i short timo in roeuiuM-ating his tired .system and preparing for th<^
ooinint: ovonts m connexion wi
th tl
le irroa
t sel
ionics w hieli were now
bof
01"
tlie people ol Canada, and in whidi ho was partienlarly intoresteil.
.121
■li t'luiilci
■oviiit'o, l»y
' tli.> WohI,
I'riiviiu'i'i
h;ul, Tliiil.
Ill III' Hlli'll
... W.'llllll.l
s: :i. />••
wnuld 1)1'
,/,v,/. Thai
•(ipnsoil Nit'"
SI. CmIIi.i
il" ll\<« 1*10
Milrv i" 111''
IMMI i\w tVf'l
till" Niiii^aia
M) till" lion
ilulioiis, ami
ikiiisoii \w ;k
my, pi-iiyini;
• iiul 1(1 };ivi>
as soon ».•«
,/. Tlial 111.-
id t'lirwardi'tl
I,. /;,,s'(i/r.'./,
:f of Asm-Ill
h.iid ronow;i!
I> ami otlicr
liminiciito to
li.' (Vuniian/
hiaininn.
ml inai'ti/'
|vill(>. whlMV
krinu; for tli*^
now Itofofo
A t IIh> I'loHo of l.lio I'l'iiviiK ill! I'lxliiliiridii in ilnuiilton, l.hi>i yi>iir, l,onl
Mlj{in TiMilnl Ml,. ( 'nllnTincH ami a. purtioii of Uio (;aiiiil, nri I l.licii wnnL on
lo tln> I''iill:i, fiMiii lln'iici' n<hn iiiii;,' I.d Moiit.iciil in llio '((cinoii- " ( '/irrit/ct$.''
A iii«<i>liii;.^ of Mi(t;;(< iiili'i<"it,i>(| in llm inillin^ iiit.oroxt WHd ciilh-d \>y Mr. M.,
KMil llio i|ii<>hI ion cf lt<<i'i|tro<'il,y wiiH fully ilJMiMiHHod, iinii loHiiltoil in a loltf>r
lii'in/^ Hcnl, |,o t.lio Agri<-iilliiial mihI Arlii ANtiociation of tlio piovinco, iir;;iu^
K iiiiiininioiiii iii'lion on llii.'i fiiilijcil iniioiif^Kl the tniuiufi(oli.ir'iii^ intor«?HtM, ua
it iiaij licon ditiit- liy lli<- fii'iiiorH.
W«i think llio fullowinj^ litici lo Mm (uUh'I in law, lolatint,' to tlir- iifFaiiH
of trim I'limily, inny not ho rnnHiiJori d irii'volant. It wii'i tli'i lii,<t ((/inniiini-
calion, and tlioy novor 'net a;(iiin in I.Iiim vvoijd lo KyMipatliiHo with ono an'
oIIk'i'h Min'icHMOH and diHii|i|ioiiil inrntH, ;
"St. ('ATilAUiNir.H, ^fov.•Ill^.<•^ li7th, |H47.
"Mv hivMi I''aiiii;u, Ah tho Hwasion in noar <l(wiiiL(, it may Im Hati.ifac-
Uiry for yon to hoar of our |>riM'i'C(!iiiL,'M dniini^ tho yrar.
" .lodoihal'. ronliniios I'l-adiii;^, ^aiiiin;^ inrormation, and attoiidin^ to hia
i'ost OtliiK, IjotH, l5iiildiiij,'M, itc. and onjoyH f^ood lioalth,
"William lia:( hi<oii n-adini^ clo.'icly .Hini'i' hin r<-tiirn, lia.H ri-j^ainod hin
health and |ia.i!(cd. Ho in now a HarriHtor and Attornoy, a.nd i.i now ready
lor |irid'es.Mional iniHinoMH. Ilo will contiiim' however, a fow inontliH longer
III Toronto, to |icri'ei;t hitiiHolf in praetieo, after whieh I think it prolnil
lie will coiiimom-o here
II
o iH imlsiiiL; ii|) a Hiiiall lilnary, am
d will
ilO
IIH KOOM
:v\ he fan, mud for four or live hiimlied dollaiH worth of liookH to liondrm,
of latent re|iiirlH and Klaiidard \voii>s, to eommeneo on (;i|iial tiwinH with hin
(•oiu|K'titorH.
"Thomas ha:t eiil.i-red lulo llH^,illesM an deejilv an is |iriident fm so y>i\iu^
a III m. I |i' eniitinnes with UeiiHon, in Ih" liardwari! hiinirioHH. Tlniir oo-
|iai tner.shiji eiidi-d hiMt year, hot Ihey are. Iil;ely to eijiitiiiuo in the triillii g
; fiir jtrolil.H. They hiiilt two veHHej.s IhmI year, tho
oii'ine
iiKl ant mah
Wilhuiil, whirh taken 'J |(I0 iil.lx. ol' Hour, ,S'/ '"•hUiii'l, (named after I.I,.' Iniihler)
i-ai;.;o ;t,()()() hld.H., the (irst eo.st U'J.OOO, thu cleared .CI, 1)00 diiiin- the Hea
will ; th<i Hiid coHt £l*,'JO(), a line '. essid, l»nt (•oiiiiii;^ out hit*.!, Iiuh not done,
iiiiK'h. I n addil ion, Neliemi.ih .Menil |. |i;is l)iiilt a iitio thri;o inaHted .'i(diooner,
wliieji tiny m.iiia!,'!', cost .i;.'i,.'")0(», ami has <'lenrel .C!H)0 oi' j^.'WiOO, (hiring
till' season so tiny ar;- lar^'ely in t,|u! .shi|i|tin;.^ ImHinens, whii;ii, ctjnnectod
with tho mills, i-i [iroliti'ililo thus far. ThoinaH iiiaiia'.,'(t,i tlif) iiiillH, all tho
liiiiiiicial and hanking,' hu.siness, and a.ppears to po.-iS<;s;-t tin; mind and indiiK-
try HO iiidi.spiMisilil'! for any pi-rsoii who (iiitors un the rnanai^emiint of ko ex
toiisivii a transaction.
" Ilo has .sDV'eii riiiiH in .stone .Mill, is hiiihliiii,' aiKith'.r with thr«:(;, and
.'V .stone .store house in front leadiiii; to \}\v. canal. TIichcj orfictionH will
luil ho completo until March next, when lio will havo ono uf tht) host pro
[HrtieH of tlie kind in the; provinc*!. His criMlit in Montreal, New York,
and horo. stands amoii'^' tin) first, so' that he ha.s ovory advantage, and, if
I'ludent, is likely to succeed.
" Mrs. Merritt, I ■un happy to say, has ^'reatly iinpruvetl in Ler health,
I if you will come out, wo will send for you to spend ("hristinas with us,
nd you l»a(^k, wo will .ill ho then togothur, an I I think you would
atu
aiKl Hi
i;iijoy yovireclf for a tiuic at least.
:v22
"Wi> mo dlidiil li,\vin'; n nmv ("hvlioii, .'iiul I inny nit"'" ^'Hor. JmiI. noi
miilo c.orliiiii.
" All W(>11, Hihl imlliiii^ iii>\v lliiil wiil iiiltMTsI von.
" Iv.'MiK'iiilx'r iiiii li> all i>nr idiilivos nml iVinul INmcim-K- iinij fmiiily, nm
*nrv i^'liiil ill Invir lliiil Dnvitl lioiimns is willi ynii, liii|i(i he will ruiitintio,
with my prayiM!. for your IhviIiIi tiixl li;i|>|>iin>SH,
" I fim. iiiv tlcir nil', M'vy ii'iilv voiiif.,
" w, iiAMii/i'oN Mi:Ki;irr"
".1. rnrNi'DiKJAsr, Kstj.. M l>"
\ i
.1 8 1 S .
Till* I'iiiliJiiniMit w.is ilis-cti \ I'll, mill IIk' wiitH fm (lin I'lrcliuii woir*
rot.urniilil<> on tin" "..'Itli o!" .I.iuti.'iry. On Hi" Ii>ili our siilijivt. w.iii
again olix-loij )>y ii niajoi-i(\ kI" .'Uii. .\?< ciiHtoM.iry, li' in:i !<• n himiiviIi,
wlmrciu wore nih oi'.ittvl llii' ii'-nii icfonnM waiitiwl, \i/,. A law lo
romiiKl tlii< liis|ioi"tor (IchimmI to jtultlisli tlw I'tililif AfcoiiiitH ; rrorrodn
of pulilic i.iuls (o l>i' n|)pro|iiiati>il in ii siiiUin;^ fund for I] lui-al ioniil )>ur|»(in(w,
lvi<i'i[>roi"i(y, HanKini,' Sysloni, A caual at (ln' Siiull St. Marie, At.
Am this yi<ar Mr. Mi-rrill outiT^'d tli ■ (Iiuimumi miI un Ut llir now Ilnform
(xdniiniHtratiou oallod by Lord Kli^in, al'lor the old loadors, dononiinatiKl tlio
IVildwin liil'oiit liuo (iDvornin -nt, wo will contiuuo to j^ivo oxtoiidod oxtrnnl^
from his privato journal-^.
Tho I'orni'nt tlirouuliiut tho ci inilry oooauiinod liy the alH'«;.,'i»(,ion of llio
tVun L'lws hogau ta .sottlo down, mid a ui.irk»)l for our Kurplus j>roducl.H
in tho Uniiod SUiUvs was now soiii;lil for.
Mr Wotouhill writo.s from Nelson, Koltruary 7tli. IRI'^, on the niilijoil
of appoint in;j; an ai;iMit to ol)i4iin lli'oiproriiy lVi>m the Suited Stat^oH ;
•• I know no one except youis(>h' in imv way eoinpel(<nt. to llin task,
or fvU' wlios(> s(<rvioos we eonid e\|i'>et to olilaiu the desired lioon. As Var
liameni nioets so soon, it would l>e inipoKsihlo for you to f,'o, aw it will hn
noooN-^ary you should ho in Montreal, and indeed \our ser\ iees in lht\ coniini);
HO.ssiou will bo iudispiMisal'lo as many of the inemlicrs sci-m (o have a liap|»v
i<;;uoranoo of the <lotails of all inerountilo moasurcis, hBsid««s your Jir(|uaintaiioo
witli (lie trade whioh exists, or ratht>r ouyht to exist lp{>tw(<on tliis colony
MUil the Initi'd States is muoh greater than that of any other momhor of
(ho House."
Washington Hunt writ<\s his opinions from Washington, J<'oh'y5, 184S ;
"Wc have treaty stipulations with Hovoral count rieH, by wliieli thoj Rri>
t<) oocupy the attoutien of the most favotired nati<ms in re.-tpoct to oomnioroo
We shall report a bill nxtonding th»»
draw-back .sys(om to (^anadian wheat manufaoturod in tiio States and thiin
oxpi)rtod, wo will make your wlu'at as valuable a.s our own in (ho Amwi
can mark et.s. .... We would rocoivo all Caaadun
productions including manufacturns. free of duty."
.'123
Mr, Morritt trior! t.o (»nt, li'm apiif)iii(.iii"iil, i^i Wiisliiiii^luri Hiiii''ti(»ii^<| Uj
M rniitiy of (,ln> iii(liicMit,iiiI liodidH in f Jaiimla hh jutHHihlf, ,!•; I,-- Imd tm oxjmct-
'itioM of liiiviti^ liiH ini'tsioii mi(lioriz"i| hy l.lio OuvrntidPiit,
<Jr(>. IN'rcival Kiiloiit wiitoH an I'mfiiiliiiit 'I'oroiilo Ituaifl of Tnui'", .Ian,
■J2n<I. IHIH: -
" At. a gHrxM-al iiioni.ir)^' of tho Toronto Moaril of 'I'ladd lliat took
plaoM lani, ovciiiii!^, your ("oiniriiiiiii'iilioo iiti'l<*rw('iit coiiHi'li'nilioii, iiti'l t.lin
itn|Mirlari(U) of tliii Hnli)<"i'(, iilludi'il (,o v* an uii;iiiiriioiiKly admiltrd, and your
vahial)lo itiHtrumcntality in tlio niatUir rli(M»rfwliy acknow|(>d;^c(i."
Oil Mandi .Trd, tlioro Ih n Uiujj; lotUii frurn tlio Hwrotary of Af^riniltiiral
AHBociiilion, r.ayiri;^ tliat Hinoo tlin (JovcrrjfiKMit, liad takori it. uji, i,li*'y would
not Hriid ail M;^<Mifc to Wa.Hliiti;;l.oT),
M0K.HIH. iJroTiHoii and Croakor writo from O.hwc/^o, Miu'li UlHt,, IKIK
" 'I'licro liaH Immmi i\ report nia<lo and liill ititiodiufd in ('hujs^vvhh in favor
of allowing whoat to l»o itnporUid and (»x|iort<Ml iri Hour under \)t'\n-.ni[irn,
tho H.'itrio HH flniiv, hut tluil. I'.iil donH not j(o ho fur an to |iroprm(i free tra'In
in broad Htidlri, l>ul 1(!hvcm that for ()\tr reKpec^tivc /^|)^■f•l nmetitH to cd'oct
iniflnr A IJfM^ipronily arran>,'(!in«'nt, wliirh we liopn may I'f <nftct,"d at no
dintant day."
Tlio antlioi'H n<'(piaint.'vnc« witli tlic illiiHtrifniK iJarindi in jiiitriot, l/oniM
•J. rapinwm, wliile an cxilo in Paris, waH r'newcd, wIjci-,-, winctioned \>j
liid MitdHtry.
dialed I(
)f loyalty to the Ii
l()HH(»nH
«»»d tln^ir old (MJUHtitution ; the reHponsililo gf)vernrn"nt. in Mk. colon ie.H lio
liad no coididoiice in. 'i'liiw \\{-.w was mutund l»y t^xperi' rice, cnxmu'^ him
in hi.s latter yearH, to lie for onnexation, and tol'iiil*' the ahsof ption of hit
l)(dov«vl (Janada in the IJnitt'd SlateH.
Tln^ Montreal /'ilid of VVedrnwlay, .l.m'y .')tli, l><\f^, remarkH on Mr
I'apineau'H addroHH to liiH con.stituontH :
" Mr. l'ai>inoau, it is <le<)ply U> hr re;:jrritt4'd, Ikih, after mattire consider
/ition, ai'rived at the i-onviclion that the pre.H'-nt (:(»riKtitiition is wholly in
fliilVicient to Hf^cnre tin* ld"Ksin;^.s of a liheial and rf\sj)(uisil»|e (lovci-nnient to
llio (!ana(lian people, looking,' to tlu) |)aHt history of the eonntry, ami to tho
i-ondui't of former f^(tvei-noiK. He i.s firmly jiersnadeil, iind we are (piit«
I'roo to admit that ho hjus Home ground for his opinion, that KesponHihlo
'Jov(Tnrn(ait will not lie honestly admini.stered in tlic oolonies. He apjirfv
heads thiit Downing StifK-.t interferenee will still he persev(n;d in, find that
the (lovcrnor will he fetteied hy insf ructions which will wh<illy nnllify tho
infliionce of his own constituti'inal advisers and C(f Pailiament.
"Admitting as we «lo, and as our political friends Iiavo cvnr done,, thai
t,ho {last history of the province affords V(!ry ample grounds for Mr. Papi
miviu'h approhonsions, yot wo regret that ho shouM dedino joining with tlm
liberal party in making tlm attempt to work under tho pre.sent constitution,
and in endeavoring with them to obtain such amendments in the Act of
Union as a reganl to the; jiublio welfare may flictate. While, however, Mr.
i'upinoau has frankly stated the grounds'in which he deeinH it inex poieot
tihat ho should take atiy ])art in public affairs under jiresent circumstances,
jreciates the hone.st exertioos
ily gratif\
ippi
324
of thos(< wlio havo moro faith than hiiiiHolf in tlio sincnity of tli<» fruporiftl
(lovornmoub, as wi'll jus in tlio |»ra(!tical>ilil.y of obtainin;^' a nvlroHM of ^riot-
anofiH uii'lcr tlin cxintin;^ constitution. Mr. I'apiiuvm not only roconunrnds
that tho liltcral cMiidi latci.-; hIioiiM Ixi sujipoiti^d, but wo havo boon a.ssurod
on un(k)ul)t()(l autliority that Ik^ Ih dooidedly of ojiinion that no agitation
for constitiilional (ihau'iji's should takophico until another fair trial had boon
giv(Wi to (lu^ TnijK'iial authoiitics."
Extracts from private journal : — - ' .
"Tufsday, February Iflth, 1848, 6:30 A. M.
" T/t'ft St. Oat]iaiin((s for Montn-al in caniai^o by ir;utiiIt.on, arrivini; at
Toronto Hanio evening, oaiitHl on Proudfoot a,Md liidout, trathsacUvl hoiuo
money affairs and left at half past eleven, with Mr. Hamilton and Col. Prino©
arrived at (^obourg at 10 at night, the moon Khon(^ in its full brightneBR,
there was no snow - as mild a winter has not bijen w itnessed in the memory
of man. On Tuesday brcKkfasted at i?ellevillo, at Kingston by nine in the
evening, and slept at Preseott Friday, there was .some snow at this part of
the route, thenoe to ( 'oteau dii l^ie at 11. P. M., where we slept. Sunday,
SepttMubtr lUth. Arrived at Montn^al at 7. P. M., putting up at Donegana'a
Hotel, same ;is la.'-t year. Monday ealled on the Hon. K. Paldwin,
and i)resented my letter and statement of the fiiuuioes of Canada compared
■with theses j)revii.us to the union, and the state of Ntnv York at present.
('J'uesday.) l)id banking business for T. U. Merritt, and wrot*' letters. (Wed-
nesday 'I'M) Cail(«d on the directors of the ( !reat Western. (Thursday 'i-lth)
(,'alled on Mr. William (iunn, cashier of Montreal Fank. My son William,
whom 1 left at Toronto, airived. ('JTith) Attended to Suspension Bridge
business, transit rring shares to Stiiyiier, Willianiton, Fradburn, etc.
"Attended l(ous<', the Covernor (Jeneral comes down, commands the
attention of the Fegi' lative Aiscmbly, they walk up to the bar of the Legisla-
tive Council, the Speaker <if which iid'oi'nis them that he will not comnmnicato
the objects tor which he has assembled them until they choose a Speaker,
that he wiil meet them on Monday at 2 o'clock to communicate the object
for which tiiev are summoned. Thns ends Friday and Satunlav in idlo
ceremjny in the \>\,ico of prolitable busiiness.
"Mr. Morin was elccte 1 Speaker, 5 to It) against Sir Allan McNab.
Saturday, iMith. — liecoived the annual repoit of the commivsioner^ of th»
canal fund ; this is follow(^d by four pages of Mr. Merritt's journal, C(.)ntaiu-
ing analysis.
" Feiiniary 27lh. Attended the Chiist's ( 'hurch with Killaly. Munday,
28th. ■-(-)cenoied with the CuAcruor's speech, which, wiih election notices,
occupied this day. T wrote three business letters. 2'Jth.- - Hovi.sn occnpied
with Emigration LUll <luring theday, repoi'ted resolutions. 20th. — Hincks'
election, ami the Peauhurnois occupied iintil 5 in the morning.
"March 2nd — ()n privilege, llir.cks, Do Witt and C;imeron took their
Beats. (3rd) Amendment of the speech, a tedious debate ensued thereon,
which occupied this day. Received a t;'h>graj»!iic communication from Mr.
Wallace, of the Southern Railroad, answered in writing that it could not
bo carried.
" Saturday, Ith.- -First meeting was held in the Speaker's room on tiio
subject of aid to the ditierent i-ailroads ; he jn poses to guarantee a loan of
i'C)00,000 for the Portland Railroad, and what may be required for the
dreat Western. I subiuitted, in opposition, the terms of laet year'ii report.
326
if ^rioT
iiiin<"n(lH
lussunnl
Imitation
liiui boon
A. M.
t(«l Homo
)1. Piino«
iii,'lilncHB,
(» luf'iiiory
in(* in the
in part of
Hiiiiday,
)(im\Hiina'H
lUltlwin,
coiuj)aro«l
it pi't'srni.
iK. (Wod-
sihiy 24 th)
,ti William,
ion Uridine
etc.
lllliUulrt t)io
he lA'.i^iKla
niiiiunicato
I Sijoaker,
thi' ohjccb
iiv ill i'llo
u iMcNiil'-
liic'is of thtt
i»l, coutivia-
Mumlay.
lion notices,
\in: ooru['i<'<l
IlinokH'
took ibcir
fjil thorooii,
li from Mr.
cuuUl not
|o()in on the
\c a loan of
led for tVie
I'M-'ii rt'port.
" I li(>ard l)y t<»l('pp'ii|ih from Mr. Oopoland, of thn diMninn of Dr. rr<>ii(lor-
jTftHt. Al)oiit tht> sii 111(1 tiine aiiolh< r ilist iii;^ui.shod man, .lohn t^niiicy Athiinii
wan calh'd to his last account.
" Wodni'Hday, 15. -Mr. , havin;.^ olijuclcil to ])roro<jfatioii yog-
t«nLiy. a caucus was held this ovcni/i^' and a L,'ciifral asxcnt f,'iv<"n to havo
evory measures to the direction of tlio niiiiislry. I>rou;jlit in rocijirocal rcso-
lutioim tliis day. 'I'iiiirsday, lOth. -Urged the ass(!ut of the, ministry to
tho measure wliich was \inavailin;^.
" IMaii |)ro|)oscd for rai.sin^j moni>y for further public improvenjcnt in
Canada. On tho Ist of April, 1847, I'Lirl (Jrey, thoC'oIonial Secretary Heiula
ad(!Spatch to the Marl of I'^^I.Ljin, C}ov«>rnor (Jeneral on the snliject of eiiii<;ra-
tion, recommending,' him to su^j,'est Kom<! plan to j)romote that oliject, pro-
mising to propose to Parliament, wlio would not ht^ hIow to .sanction tbo
cnij)lovment of the jioouniary resources of the country in the furtherance
of Kuch on ol)jeet. See, jouraah, jxtyc. lOJf.
"' The first considm-ation is to provide employment to tho emigrant >.n\
his arrival, to enahhs him to earn his living without remaining a burden to
tbo Ini]>crial or I'rovincial (Jovernment. This emi he most r'n'ectually ac-
complished by constructing luiblic works. 'j"he .second consideration is in
vrhat manner tho capital can be furnished with the leant expense for tho
mutual advantage, of both countries.
" 1 1 appears tliat ( Ji'cafc Jiritain lirst became interested in encouraging
tho niovenmont of emigration to Canada, that the Provincial (*overnniMnt
fuel interesUnl in the coustrut'tion of various pu!>lic woi .ks. Th<} (iovern-
mcnt of (Ireat llritain have t'le command f»f any sum of money on their
credit, and the (iovernment of Canada lands, valued at £1,432,118, G-7th9
at their disposal. Thi.s capital they ])uipo.se laying aside, or appropriating
for a common school fund, the interest of which is to be expended for that
purpose only.
"To render the most certain and (fftectual aid to emigration, and creat©
Uiis school fund in the shortest po.ssiblo time, it is propos(;d on thtj inti-
mations of the despatch referred to, to furnish the nKums, to negotiate a
loan of £2, nOO, ()()() at once, to be advanced by the 7'ritish Government, at
K per cent interest, to bo repaid out of the procecids of lan<l. The money to
bo drawn for as required for the prosecution of those works which will re-
pay interest of G^ per cent. The lands to be [iliMlged by an a'^t of Parliament
for its re])ayal, and to be applied for no other object. 'J'he op.'nition would bo
tliuH : — The ca))ital the public now hohl invested in land would be converted
iato money, i^nd, Tho capital then held in money would b ) invested in
railroads and other improvements, which would repay an interest. 'Jlii-i
interest would create a fund for common .schools and i!istri(;t libraries. Tjth,
This fund would not only be the means of creating employment for tho emi-
grant, but provide education for the children for all time to come."
In the interim he was occupied in i)roparing tho subjects already liinted
at in his add-esa to his constituents.
Our subject supported Mr. Baldwin's motions of No Confidence, which
c«rried by a majority of 34. Tiie ITouse immediately adjourned, pending
6he arrangomentH of the new Ministry. Although ho agreed with Mr.
Baldwin in the iuefHoioncy of tho old Ministry, yet he had grave doubts at
to whether the incoming ono would ba better, as he writes : — " I very much
326
(■■•
fear tho cahinot sclectod will not adopt tho moans tl»o country rcquirog — we
Lavo sovcn lawyers, and four of tlieui from Montnial, lowing Malcolm Cam-
eron to roproHunt tho liu.siness intt^rost of Uppor (/'atiada."
"Monday, March 0th -Tho Houso waited on IHs Kxccllency at twelv*
o'clock. JMinistors inform Ifoiiso tlioy held their places \intil others are
appointed. Tuesday, 7th — Brouf^ht intho petition of Brock Palmer, Clin-
ton ; Pjiilip Wi.smcr, Clinton ; John (?all, Crantham. Wednesday, 8th—
Nothing new or doing. New ministry forming. Thursday, Dth. Not yot
com[)l(^te. Nothing done in the House except numerous ])etiti.)nH against
sitting members. lOth— -i\Ir. Holmes moves an adjournment. Ministry
not yet formed. Ono fortnight ])as.sed away since session and nothing done.
Saturday, 11th Ministry announced by the /'Hot newspaper: — Mr. Sulli-
van, a lawyer, I'rovincial Secretary ; Mr. Lafonto, a lawyer, Attorney
Coneral, L. C; Mr. JJaldwin, a lawyer, Attorney Oenoral ; Mr. jilake, a
lavyycr, Solicitor Ccncial ; Mr. Alwin, a lawyer. Solicitor General ; Mr.
Price, a lawyer, Coi.imissioncr Crown F.and ; Mr. Caron, a lawyer. Speaker
Fiegislativc Council ; I\Ir. Leslie, merchant, President Council ; Mr. Hincks,
printei-. Inspector General ; Mr. L. M. Viger, banker. Receiver General ;
Mr. Tache, doctor, (,'ommissioner J^oard of Works ; Mr. ^lalcolm Ciuneron,
merchant, Assi.slaiit Commissioner Board of V/ork.s. In all twelve mem-
bers, .seven Lower Canada, live Upper Canada. T \c.vy much fear the
Cabinet selected will not adopt tho measures tho country recpiiiv. Besides
seven lawyers, neither of whom profess to understand anything about tho
finances of the country, wo have four gentlemen from Montreal, Messrs.
li<>sli(«, Vigor, lliiicks, and Dr. Tache, leaving Malcolm Cameron to rep-
resent the busine.'^s of lJpj)er Canada, or say United Canada.
" If those dt^partments were filled by individuals selected from or by the
people, would tlie above choice bts made 1
" One of the evils of the jire.seut .system appears to be the composition
of tho Government. Some half a dozen individuals select tho Governmont.
Fitness for tho situation is not looked for, it is tho hope of strengthening »
party. I have, fiom the first session, Lad niy ndsgiving as to the proper
working of the system.
"Sunday, 12tli.— Reada most pathetic talc of Irish life, 'Tho Poor
School Boy,' the scntimcmts in which are instructive, well told, aiul not
likely to be read witJDut emotion.
"Monday, loth — Presented petitions from the District Councils for a
law to pass the Macadam Road through Jordan, when made. For repeal-
ing llth, Geo. 4, Cap. 20 and IJil, Wm. 4th, Cap. 45, of conferring power
on the District Council tc provide forthe Insane and destitute. Complain-
ing of the injurious eflects of 9th Vict. Cap. 2, Act 5, imposing 2d per gallon
on spirits distilhui in Canada.
Tuesday, 14th — Presented petitions of Suspension Bridge and to roduc«
capital. Committee on Railroads formed."
In order to give tho Ministry an opportunity to mature their plana, tixo
Governor prorogued the House on tho 23rd March.
Our subject then addressed tho Premier with the greatest fearlessnoM
and entire sincerity, though always with tho respect due to statiouB, either
imperial or colonial.
to ro(luM»
32V
"MoNTREAr,, Mirch llth, 1848.
" My DKAR Sir, — 1 uwc you an apuIo;rjr tor my priiiiinluri' iiute oCyo^jtor
day, it arose Croin the inforiiiation couvoyed to mo by iiiutiiil tVioiuls, in your
coiifuiciiee. You are wtll :i\vare it \v:is my iiiti'iition to retire iVoiu public lifo
bci'ore liircriii;^ as a cnndidite, from a eoiivietinii ihat my opitiitjiH or rxortions
uudor any chan;:;e in tlie present position of parties were not likely to prove
seiviccablc to Canada. Your letter iii<hio;d mo to cbaii:;e tiiat opinion ; from
that time my attention ha.s been ag.iin devoted to the mean.s of plaein;^ ihc
finance.s of Canada in as favourable a po.-rition a.s tho!*e of our rivals in Now
York, the frovernmetit of wliieh in 18GG, will be free from debt, the inhubitanti
from taxeh. and coinmcroc from toll,
" This idea would have bren ridiculed at first by tho?c who have not tha
application to oxainine and understand it. Any person venturinu; to orit^inato
any measure eireetin<r jjjreat and important ehan;,'es in any branch of our politi-
cal or linaneial policy must expect t) encounter iiinoranee and preju liee ; but
if the measure is truly sound, of which I liavo fully sati-fied my own mind,
they would .'oon be led to acknowledire the opinion of an individii.al who has
originated more meat-urcs wliieh have since been carrivd into su-'cchsful opera-
tion than any other pcr^:on in Upper Canada, was entitled to consideration.
Those meaMires, in the confusion of political diicussiftii. may Inve escaped your
mind. 1 will thend'ore allude merely to the followinij; : —
" In 181)2, the (Irst notice 1 ever made was for the con.strui.'tion of tho ship
canal to connict the navij^nble waters ol'the St. Tjawrence. It was thtMi ridi-
culed ; and although from imtompetency, misnianau^eiueiit aU'I » '^lect not com-
plete, public (ipiiuon acknowledj^es the wisdom of the uica.suro. Tha wealth it
will create for Can; da cannot be e>timated.
" In 18:]i}. The repeal of duties in IJril lin on tlio exports of Caiada was
originated by an addres.-; — the attempt to obt^dn thi.s boon, a;^iin.st the agri-
cultural interest of the mother country was then con^•idered wholly unworthy
of notice. A pcr-onul interview with Ijorl Stanley in ISl'J procured iti
adoption in the same year. The wealth created to the entire province may bu
realized by the increasiMl price of '2s. 4Ad. pun- hhl. of flour to tho grower.
" In 18i}r), I brought in the first bill to make the interest piyable on de-
bentures in England.
" In IS'JG, drew up a report reeommondinii the application to ijreat Britain
for Imperial credit, which was rcit-rated by Sir Oeorgo Arthur and eonsum-
mated by Lord SydeidKim in 18-41. About the same time an address was
moved pra\ing for the power of ori'j;inatin.f bills to increase or diminish cus-
tom duties here. It was objeetcl to by i^Ir. I'oulette Thompson, then President
of tho Bo ird of Trade. In 1810 in a personal interview, lie admitted he did
not understand it, wrote his despatch (!).{) which no doubt induced Lord Jjha
llutscll to pr(jpopc the Biitis!> Po^s ssions Act.
" I admit 1 have been sitrnally successful in my opposition to various moa
sures — the Board of Works Bill — under which the waste of public money has-
been unprecedented ; clam'e to limit the expenditure of increased revenue, to
the payment of the debt for which it was created, in which you voted with mo ;
and all tho.se measures, roads, brid;j;es. &c., which will not repay an interest,
bad and will hive my opposition. . It is nions';r.)us to borrow capital, spend it,
and not provide the means to pay the interest at any future day.
" These leading monetary and tin.incial measures is proof t!ie subject has
Been consideration. It was my intention to render you eSectual a.ssistance in
working out your system, the success of which, in my judgment, depends
328
wholly on tlio .ihilily nnd indu-itrv of (ho inon solocto.l for tho mnvv^'Mniiil of
oaoli sc|»;iriito di'p.irtiiKMit. Tlio oi'|tiirtunify h is i^oiio by, nnl I htpii thoso
flclccli'd in:iy provt' bi'ttoi rjirililiod fur thiMr f^in'i'r.il diiliiH. Tiio (ill iiU of an
individuil incmh.r iiro powt rios.s ; I cui thorid'oro Itn of no mirviiio in oiijjcr
nidiiij; tho Adiiiiiiiftr.ition or prom ttini: any <;niiil loading njuHuros ; and on
tho contrary I i"'>'l •♦ » ^rroit rclii't'. No p.vMini try considor.it'u)!! cniM ihon
iiiduoc mo to a('i'i'])t it.
" Having (loininoncod .1 now l\uli ini nit, how 'vor, [ am doairom to turn
my attonli(»n to tlio only olijco.t ii\ wlii'-h I am nowlik'Iy to provo (Hofnl ; tliat
Ih, (ditaiiiiiiL:; tho ndmis.><ii)u of Canadian pnxhicis into tho m irkitts of tlio Uni-
ted StatcH for consumption, froo from duty. Whoat is now noar HO o(!nt« per
bushol hii^hor on tho .\mori(Mn sido than in Canada, how Ioiil:; that will ooii-
(inuo til give ^<.ltisfaotion you may woll inia^ino, thorofi;ro tlio prosoiit adminis-
tration aro inlorcstod in romovin;j; tho catiso. Your aid will h^r most usoful,
and 1 would ho |;lad (0 Iftavo this in a fow lays t > olToot it if praotio able, should
it moot your approval.
<< Very truly yours,
"W. TIA.Mll/rON MIOIIRITT."
" Hon. II. Halpwin."
t "Hal an intorvinw vith His Kxoolloncy, who j^.ivo ino a lottor of
introduction to John F. Crainpton, Char;^o l)',\tl'iir.s of tho Uritisli Kni-
baasv, Washiir^'ton. As no nii'.isuro was liktdyto pass, ! madn uj» my mind
to loavo on Sal unlay.
''Tuosday, 17th.- Copy of a loiUir onclosod this day from Lord i'^jlgin
to (^harjjfo i)'.\Hairs namod aliovo.
" liord ICI;in prosoiits his oomplimonts to Mr. Crampton, andbopfHto bo
ponnittod to introduoo to him tho boaror of this lott<M-, .Mr. Morritt, who \n
now on a visit to tin Unitod Statos. l^Ir. Morritt is an inllmMiiaal momhor
of tho Canadian !<oi:;islaiivt> Assombiy, and takes an ospnoial iiitorost in tho
OBtablishmont of ('(juality of tra lo botwcou Cjinada and tho United Stat«i8.
On this snlijoct, .should you bo disjuisod to convorso with him, ho will prob-
ably bo ablo to allbrd useful intoruiation.
" Ei.GjN it Kincardine.
•' Monlroal. If.th March, IStS."
" Sattirday. ISth ]\laroh. — Lnft tho Hou:^o at 4 o'clock, with Imvo.
Wrote Eston Crampton, ¥. b'ullor, about Cassolls.
" Sunday, 19th. — .Vttomlod Christ (■hurcb. Mr. Adamson preached.
"Monday, 20th. — Wrote Yates, Crafts, J. .Tones, Stamford; Grenville,
Tborold ; Fillmore, Albany ; D. Tliorburn the .samo.
" The first s(>ssion of 1818 was i)rovogued on Thursday, tho 23rd inat.,
four days after my departure. ha\ in;; been assembled since tho 2r)th March,
about one minth. durin;.; which ei_:^htoen bills were passed ; only ono, (for
insp?.-Hing of fliur, an 1 assirailatin » it to the Amorioati standard,) is of any
eomn'.Mjial iucoresfc. Tho Eni:^raUo!i Bill, one of goiioral interest, and the
only one alluded to in tho Governor's speech in proro:.iuing tho House.
Tho objects alluded to in tho oponin::^ spciooh are again prolonged until after
tho recess, when our attention will h?. directed to various measures for de-
veloping the resources of the province, and promoting tho social well boing
of its inhabitantvS — a most tardy process, iinprecedontod for e.xtravagance.
It is to be bo]ied the mea:^ures alluded to will give the satisfaction antici-
pated by the change of administration.
329
vibli K'ftve.
"Arrived in town Smiilnv 'JHtli, afti-rii \vo(^V of hIow pro;(ro«H. Att<iiul«<l
OlinKlH (Mmicli hikI St. .laiiicH' ( 'iitlnulral."
Ho rotunw'd lioiiin via tlio States, iiiul croHsod ovor tlie livi^r in a ItaHkot,
which WiiH tlii'Miudi' (if convovuiioo UHo<i in tlio ercrtion of llio N(>w SnH|»(in«
Hion Ilrids,''*, Uin works nf which wtiiM imw Icin;^ riijiidly imdiod on. 'I'iifl
pnition in cr.t.s.nin;^ wms a novol om^ as th" n-ll-u'tions lik'dy to ■iriso on ho-
nrj; Hii'^j) (nd(»d in a frail vchiclo at .sn'-h an (inorni')ns ln<i;,'Iit, and in snoh a
Bituation, cin ho licLtcr inia.LfiiK'd than dcHcribiid.
"Monday, 'J7th. Iw-tunKMl to St. Catharines.
"Tuf^sday, L'Hth. Arran;L,'od Itnsinoss for an early departuro for (JliAtaii-
quo (in (lie morrow.
"Wednesday, "JUlli -licft aM) o'ejock witli Dr. Ciiase's hor,S(! and bn^'ijy.
Mr. W. CojKiiand and Oswald acconijianicd ine to tho site of tin* Suspen
n'nm l'rid;^'e. Mrt Charles Mlliot, I0>(|., contrarbn-, wif(i and two children,
who had jnst cro.sscd in a. eradht nnder a sini^h^ calile 1] ineh diarnet(!r,
(3() Htrands.) I uent over with Copdand and our ba^i,'a ;,'(>, ; examined tho
groTinil and woik in pro^Mrss.
" The iniprission on my mind wan tliitvi-ry little work hid y.'t h !l'ii d>n(i.
A inceliii^; Wiis calh'd f(ir Friday. Wrote Mr. Street on my arrival at IJuf-
faln, that the 10 percent, should be cdled in, as nifpiirel by tho Kn/ii>o(!rs,
and tniiiithly meeliims, (d' (Ik; Uiird hell Inrod'tor. Wrote .NIr. Klliot to pni-
paro monthly e,s(im itos, that the H i ird niiy procM'J with refill irly and uu-
dcrntundin^dy in oallitifi: in their estimates.
" Wroto to I.x w Hunt, us well as abov(>, to writo mo if my pn^Honco
would b(! of any service'. ]\Ir. Charles Klliot's d(>.seription of the two |)luns
for Suspension llrid^'e: j\ee|ei-'s S eabh^s ; Mr. lOlliot's 1 (i ea'oh'S. KfHifer'a
24 foot wide ; IOIIiot'.s 28 foet wl le. Knefor's wa.!,'on Htra;,".,do rail ; Klliot'a
two Kfiparato tracks. K. Snpporte.l t,rinmi)hal ar(di(\s ; 11. - IsolnltMl col-
umns. K.- -Cables fast(Mi(i(l in vc^lical walls ; K -W^ithout chani,'i! in tho
diroution ooutianod, same slant, stiffennd by How's ])atetit truss al))V(i and
bolow tho door -other longitudinal i^drders. The fastenin;,' and the floor in
the only dilluroiiee I can at present jyjrceivo.
'• My ideas, after cro>j.siir.? tho river in th« cradlo, Inva biO.i con.4iderably
ehanj^ed. Tiie facilities which the wire c d)l(! af^)rd^ for foot p i.sscni^ors will
in a sh,)rt time di^pimsc with ferries at the Falls and Q i;!i)nstr,n. Th ; ch«:ip-
noss ol' those construction -i is too j^rnt a teinptitio i to disp ana with tlieni
from (loat Island to the Can idi an side; and ono of tho priiicipil sources of
profit, namely, foot passenp;ers, will be r.:dueel. In nn' jud_'incnt the eirlj
eonstruction of the railway in oniieotion witli the bridge is iali>p:;nsab!e, and
requires tho action of the first meeting to prepare the clo(2iiiuonts, at least to
carry it into effect.
" A road bridi^n will also be constructed at Queenston, without doubt, to
dcficend both ways, on the same plan, and at onedialf the expense. The sim-
plicity, cheapness and .security of this contrivance for taking over any burden
is strikingly apparent."
He remained home but a short tinif, during which ho roceivod tho fol-
lowing letters from Washington, which induced him, after the arrang(*morit
of Bome necessary family conceni.s, to rf.pair thither :
330
" \V.\suiN(a'(»N, Maivh L':»tli, I84a
" Hill, -I liavo tlij Iiouour tj iioknuwlcd:,'*) tlir rtn-olpt of your inLtor of
tbo I7tli inst,., iuciosiiiLj tt lottoi- of introduction from ifis Kxciollojiry tbu
Karl of Kl'j;in.
" In reply t > ynir iui|iiiry, I Iusd no tiiiii in .st;itiii;j; t ) yoii, tliiit I hIkjuIiI
feol ni\ich ^r.itifuvl, hIiouIiI it Im couvonieiit to you to visit Wiisliiu'^tou, to
ooiifiM- witli y(Mi iijioii til" rtultj<H't of tlioijosir.'il o jiiiiliz iti'>n of iluLics hotwocu
Ciiuada iiud Lliu Uuitod States; and I cannot donhl tliat yuuc prcHimoo
woidd vory tnuoli torul to udvanco tliu olyoct Hor Majnsty's (tovcrnmoni
ImviJ in view.
"Tliis sulijiict, wliieli waa hroui^dit under the considi'ration of tlio IJni
tml Status (jrovcrninfMit l)y jNIr. I'akeniiani last year, lias not been lost si'dii
of hy mo; and I liad lately a conversation ujii)ii it with Mr. Secretarv
Walker, and witli Mr. l)ix,of New York; liotli th<;se,:,'entlenien are fnvour
alily disposol t'» tlio nioasuH! ; and Mr. Walker jironiisod inj to briii» it
under tlui consideration of tlie Caliinot forthwith.
" It would <;ivo mo Ljn.'at pleasure, however, to put you in comn)unii\'\
tion witli Mr. Walker upon tlie .su!)ject ; as well as with .such of the ineni
bor.s of (Jon,'ross as it would hi^ im[iortant to liavo corr.vjtly infornnid witli
re;^ard to tli.! practical clfo-t of tiie m )asuro. Your supi-rior kuowle l:^o of
tho loualitie-;, and of tlio diitails of tlii; u)attor, in wliich I necessaiily feel
myself dolioiont, would t'liabh! u-j to ovorcoiuo niu'h of tins dillioultv
which ill ly aris'i I'imih a misapprehension of the triio bcaiin" of tho ca.ie bv
the mcinliors of the prote^^tionist parly in (■ijU'^ross.
"I have tho lionor to be, sir,
'' Your most obedient uuil hu)nblt> .'crvnnt,
"JoriN F. fltAMPTOW."
"Hon. W. If. Meiiuitt, M. P. P"
•'WAairiNcroN, March LTxh, 1818.
" My drai! siK,— Tt is not to bo expected that Coni^resa will niako an/
material change in our revenue laws this session, yet I believe you can du
miu'h jfood by coniiuLj here, and if my oi)init)n is t)f any avail, let mo advise
vou to come on and spend some time with us. You can impart informaliou
t') members of Congress which may bo of great utility hereafter, wlum a
moro favourable time for legislation shall arri\o. At present, tho subject
19 somewhat in alnivanee, awaiting negotiations ; the present u<'gotiatiou
does not embrace tho object'} you have in view ; but I think you can do
mucli to enlarge its sco])(% by making fi-ee communications to our Secrotarj
of State.
" Aside from those public reason.s, permit mo to add tliat it will alTorJ
rao great pleasured pei'.Miually. to see you hero and to show you how legiala-
tion is conducted in our ' federal city.'
" With great i-egard, your's truly,
" W. ilUNT,"
" W. Hamilton MERurrr, Esq."
Postponing tho Bridge matters, which had not been progressing in a
sa*^.isfactory manner, owing to Ins already too long but necessary abaence,
he soon joined Mrs. Merritt in Mayville, where he remained for throa
weeks in assisting to settle the estate of bis father-in-law, Dr. P.
331
Ah noticod, Mr. M. lind left on K«b*y, IT), to bo prt'HfMit iit ihv opouin!^ of
th(< IfouHo oil tlio 2r)Lli ; suoii jifttT liis (If^partiirf, Mrs. Morritt rocoivod tho
M!i(l HOWS of tho Horii)\jH illiioss oi' lidf iii,'oil fatlior, Dr. Pn'ii(lor;^iist, wlio wan
cquiilly tlio tVii'ii'l lUi'l ii Ivirtcr of our sulijoct ; hIii! iinnir>(liiiti'ly Htfirtod with
liur Hoii William to tho fiiiiiily rosidciioo in MayviUo, mid urrivod in tiino to
bo nreaont at tho cvIhIm of his illiujss. llo was oonsidorod coiivuloscont, and
tho author replacing his hrothor in uttondanco, ho ralli(>d for a tinio, hut at
length quietly dopartod on the hist day of Kohruaiy, at tho j^ood old ago of
f5'2--a most ost'X'MKid citiziMi, ami an hoiurst man. [lis reniains wore interred
with tho.so of his paronts, in tho family burying ground on tho bordcra of
Ui(» l>nautirul J.ako ('hataucpia. A handsomo monumont was crofted to his
memory by his solo ofls[)ring, Mrs. RFerritt. It was dosignod and nuulo by
Mr. Barron of St. Catharinos, and was in jiyramidal form, being composed
of a largo piece of limi'stoue, taken from tho site of his early (Canadian reni-
ilt'uco on tho slope of the hill near Thorold.
" Died, in Mayville, March 1st, Hon. Jcdediali Prcnd.-rg'ist M. J)., nged Sii
ycar.s, a venerable, .scietititic, and interesting man, universilly beloved for hit
virtues, and adinind lor his talents. After com[)letiiig his cli!-.^ie:il educa-
tion in Diiclu'.'^s County, his native place, he studied physic and ^u^gery and
bocame (iiiiiicnt in his profi.ssion. He delighted in the study fif philosophy,
and his powerful mind enidjjed him to master every suhji ct with ease. IIo
vi(!\vcd tiie Deity with honume and adnuration, as tho source of life and joy,
and Christianity as an emanation fiom Heaven, to ble.ss the world.
" At the request of Do Witt Clinton he wrote several articles on the gcol-
n^'y of this p irt of the state, wliieh tli.il distinguished fJovernor published, .is
containing much useful iuforimition to the public. Allhough too fond ol' study
and retirenient to take much interest in party politics, ho consented to bo a
representative and Senator in this State, and discharged his duty with (idelity
nnd honor. For many years past he h;is ri;tired from the busy woild. enjoying
'^ otuini cnm di;jnit(it<!" inxmA 1'^ himself in visiting his farms and devoting
most of his lime to his f;ivorito studies. His conversational powers were ro-
iiKokidjIe, and as he perfectly retained his mental i'neulties, he delighted and
instructed his friends to tho cud of his long and hap])y life. i^Iis knowlcdga
was .«o practical and extensive th;it they felt themselv(;s honored in his presenoo,
and thut they were made wiser, better, atid hippier by his uniiversation. Na-
ture however at last became exhausted, and allhough surrounded with all th.it
contributed to his enjoyment, he wished and prayed for rest, like a wearied
traveller. He died suddenly and easily as if falling asleep, with his eyes rest-
ing on the glories of immortality. His friends and acrpi lintances deeply feci
their loss, and will always remember him as one of Nature's Nobleman." —
From We.s/Jiclfl Men.sciiji'/r.
The subject of the above obituary was well known to many of our old roei-
dents, having practised in this neighborhood prior to the war. He left boi
one child, the wife of our subject.'
Tho letters received from Mr. Crainpton, the minister at WashingtoH,
and Mr. Hunt, stating that he would bo happy to have further romrnaai
cations with him on tho subject of Reciprocity.
3:^2
llo tli(Mi left for Washington, wlicii- lie arrived in tliccnd of April, ami
romainoil tli(ir<> on lni.sinoss contioctotl with tlic tr ^:i(y until tlio niiddlo of
May.
Mr. MiM lilt's nu'tliod of conduct ini,' tin- n!'i:jotiatioTis wliilc at Wasliing-
tou is i^ivcii in llic followinij extracts and letters :
" Wasiiincton, I'.NrrKi) Statics, iMay, ISIH.
" I(Ou:) <Ji!i:v, Col. Secy. itc. ikc.
"Mv Lord,—
* ' # ;|; * ^ # ;f: *
'' The liisl. olijiH't to wliicli I Ik'i,' to call your altentiitn is the hill now
Sllhrnitted t > the House nf l{('|)ri'sentati\('s, a ^'•f\<y ol which lias hco en-
cht.sed hy the lat.est steauiei' ti* Lord I'ahnerslon, and s\ill of (;oni.st» he
hroui;Iil under Viiur notice. The only remedy or means to hasten the [leiiod
f'ltrth' inhahitauls of Canadu to realize the advanta';es of this hill is to
nulliori/e (he (Jovernoi- (ieneral of the ('anadian l,e;^islature to sanction it
at once, wldiout tluMlelay o!' seudiie,' to iOnijland, for which you \\ill your-
Hclf recei\e an application, thron:,di the projier clianiu'l. 1 takt.i this to ho
a matter of inurse, as (he Canadian Legislature adilressed the Ciovi-runnMit
to negotiate lor an (Mpiaii/ation of (hities, and they authoriziu'.; the nego-
tiation, the priu.'ijial tlierolori' is sanctioned.
"The second ineasiiro relales to the repeal of the Navy laws. 1 hejj; to
oiiclo.se a copy of a letter addi'cssed tt) Lord Kl_;j;in. The remedy is simply
to HcHuii-e in any licaty with (lie United States the ri;;ht of coasting; for
IJritish and Canadian vi>ssels on the American coast. And the third is tL*
removal of all imixut duties.
■■ 1 liave the honor to l)c, my Lord,
'" With vei-y lii'^di consideration, your oli(Mlient servant,
" W^L lL\MlLT<>N MKKIII'IT."
(Mi^Mo. OK Pii-cirKoc iTV r.ii.h.)
" 1st. -Address, iL'th ^^lv, IS It;.
" L'lnl. Instruction from Lord Aherdeen, .June ISth
Anded.
>\\[. \\\ l>cceml)'r of same year the application was mailo-- and //wri
■1th. In 1SI7 IJecipi'ocity resolutions were iulroducod, «'irect ['.rodacod.
"Hth. 'I'he petition to C.mi,'ress in ISIS.
" (Uh.- Ihll introduced similar to tliis in .Xpril.
"7th. .\pprehensions e.\is| |i'(>m rcct.nt discussions that il may not pass.
Sth
C.ll
mot concur in that ojunum.
I place more lelianco (Ui the intelli;;('nce and justice of tlie niemhors.
TluMiovoinimnit of (!reat Ihitain have remov(>d tlio duty on their
productM.
" Thi> Proviii'ial (!oveinnient of Cam\da have roduci'd the duty on their
nninufactuies.
" They ai-e interestod in our products.
"Wasiiincton, 251)1 April, IS-IR.
(CoNi'ii»i:N'riAi..)
"Sir. The acoompaiiyini,' lei tcrs from Jacob Keefer and James 15. IJenfion
1<Vk]s., Messrs. l?oomer mid Uanney, ('n;,'ajj;ed in inillini^, trade and shippinj;;,
it) a coned rcpresiuitation of tho existing i>ul)lic feeling in Upper Canada
3:^3
\pril, ami
miihllo of
Waaliiug-
IStH.
I l)ill \U)\f
(!()UI'S« 1)0
lllC |lOI'i(Hl
l)ill is to
-auction il
will your-
tliis to lio
ivrriiiinnit
the nv'^o-
I \n'<; to
• is j-iin|)ly
lastini; t'lr
Lliinl in lli4
vant,
turiT."
ami //u;rt
I'.roiluood.
Y not jtrtss.
n('inl)or«,
on their
\ on their
IS48.
I!. IJtMiBon
sliipiiiiif^,
|r (.'anadii
I
finion,!,' I'ajiitalists, wlu) (ctd tlu; inmiodiato cflVcts of tlio fxistiiir; rcsJiii-l
and it is a trun iu'lii-atioii of what must prevail jinionL,'st all classi's in <l
eourso of time, if not ii;imovim1, as oi'ilainlj as causes
natural ctrccts.
lon.M.
uo
ill
will [iroilucf' tiicir
7'lii.s information is dcsij/ncd for tlui //i
Hill', (iorcniintnit cxidusivclv,
with a Iiojx' it may imhuM! thcni to prosH tlm nmasurc, without further Iosh
if titue. fender no circunislanci-s should tin- attention of the Amtriran
(i(ii»:riii)U'.,}i lie directed to tin* sti'ikin^C advantai'es which tl
ley now possess,
politically, hy oreatinj,^ dissatisfactiou in Canada from the iiH'(piality <if pii<'('H
our products,
comnuMii-
tur allhouijh it is their true intei'est. coniineicially to adndt
H(>in(( tnay favor other views ai\d entertain ohjections. My next
cation will bo conliiUMl to reasons for inducing them to adopt tho m
" I have the honour to !)(>, sir,
easuro.
JohnF'. ('uAMrros, Ksr
I'our oluHlii'iit servant,
"W. HAMILTON MKUIiJ'JT,
notu
ui
S(h May. — Anioiij; tho (..'on;:rossionhl procoediiii;- wo have tho pleasure of
iii^' the introduction of a measure to the House, for a reciprocal \'r\\> ad-
ission of (,'ai.adiau and Amoricau products of a certain class — a counterpart
to the resolution introducod to tho Assembly in June of last year, by tho
nicmhcr for this county, but which was not adopted. We tru-t tho Provin-
cial (jovcrnmcnt, by currcsp(»iidiiig with the l?ritish minister at Washiii"l
is taking caro that tho measure be urged upon the authorities there. It
of ii.ore vital importance to Canada, although but little noticed, thin a red
on.
IS one
ress
e! a
11 oti
ler "rncvanecs w
Tl
hieh the most discontented eould enumerate,
bill was read twice, and leforred to a cotmnittee of tho whol'.
"July 6th.— Ucturi fd by (Jravelly li.y. Directed Mr. Parker to .sell
lots until the navigatiuii on the e.inal was opened.
Duncan ilcFarland, K^p, is to siiid down a st.itenieiit of tln' amount
10
no
paid Holland Maedonald, and to settle steamboat <.'ui\>tiu<- account as
<oon a.s
hisi
onuer clei
k ret
urns.
«
Friday, 7th. — Vi.-ited liockp.-rt. to isee Lot CI irke, K.>(p Had a h
g
interview, until near 1(1 o'chpck. 11' turned on Saturday, Sth. Met Mr
Street. 1 was otherwise detained until night before reaching St. Catharines.
" Tuesday, llth. — Mr. Klliot proposes in case ho assented to make a car-
ri.ige bridge: l.>-t, to have all aeeounts pass-t d upon the principle of the Com-
pany being liable to pay the entire outlay. 'Jiul, Mr. Kllh't'.s estate to bo
relieved from liability in case of his dcatli. .'!rd, Tho funds of brid_'<! to bo
;!ppli(d lor no other purpose. The capital on ('anadi sid ' to be reduced t<>
6lt)U,(KMI. Whereupon i. us President of the Canada Coinpany , i^uhmitted
the toUowing letter : —
" Sill,- In reply to yours of the Hit'; inst., ciMiiplaining tint the lioard
had not made provision to meet your li.ibilities, I have nuri ly to refer you to
the following statement, which shews the Company have advanced $.'},741 .
Btatcint'nt as
ibll
owim.
'1 ho lanuu;
iLTe
and spirit of yi ur various letters pre chide any fnrtlu*r
riply. Having refusid to furnish the Hoard with a detailed statennnt of the
cost of the bridge, to enable them to judge of its monthly progrtVs. From tho
high price paid lor material ; the increased cost of work, mglect in its exeeu
tioii, with the exorbitant demands ukmIo on tho IJoard, tt.ey have with great
rehu'taucc been oouipcUtd to withdraw tlie coi fidence tbcy formerly reposed
334
1q you; and in order to protect the interests of the shareholders, they feel it
their duty to use every means in their power to place the bridge in charge of
another Engineer.
" The Board thought it advisable to defer any action until after the next
meeting. The two Presidents are to attend the 1st Monday in Augu.st, at
the Cataract House, to examine the minutes, etc,
" Up to the ir)th attended to lay own private afraiv.=<. Wrote the In-
npoctor (General on subject of Canal. This evening's post brought the wel-
come news of the passage of the Jlecipvocity Bill in the House of Represen-
tatives. Sunday. — Heard Mr. Atkinson preach. All week engaged in
private aflairs. Sunday, Mr. Shankland ol!iciated. 29th — Went to To-
ronto to see Mr. Ridout. Mr. Atkinson did duty on Sunday.
" Monday, 31st. — Attended Suspension Bridge meeting. August 1st.
Returned. On the 4th made i)reparation for an excursion to Chicago.
Sunday — Heard the new organ, its first performaJice ; 31st verse of the
•33rd Psabn chant. [ Here follows a prayer, coucheil in language similar to
what we have quoterl l)ef()re, not infreipicnt in these memoraiida wherj
anything important or unusual occurred.]
«' Washington, July 11th, 1848.
" My Dkah Sik, — I have just received a despatch from lAJvd Palmerst^n
acknowledging the receipt of my des])atch of May last, which you will recol-
lect I lead U* you reoountiiig tht^ ste[>s we had taken to bring forward tlif^
* Equ-ilization of Duties Bill'; and Lord Palmerston directs iiie, in contpli
ance with a reipiest fiom Lorti Crey, to whom he communicated my des-
patch, to procure and transmit to his (Lord Palmerston's) otttco, ' a copy of
' the evidence which W. H. Merritt is stated in your (my) despatch to have
* furnished to the Comtnitteo of Commerce in the Senate and JTouse of Re
•■ prt'sentatives.' J di<l not, I tind on referring to my despateh, say that
you bad 'given evidence' and been formally exHmine<l by the Conmiitteos,
but only that 'the correct information whieli your presence in Washington
' had enabled you to impart to those committees had gone far to remove
' any apprehension which might have been felt in some quarters as to the
' efiect of the proposed measure upon the markets of the Northern States of
tho Union.'
"This information the colonial office I presume wish to obtain ; but as I did
not understantl that it was taken d"wn by the committees or printed, I pre
Hume I shall be enabled to procure it from th(;m ; 1 have not yet enquired
of them, but intend to do so to-day. I write to you, however, at once, in
order that if the information you communicated to the committees wiis not
taken down in writing you may yourself be good enough t(; furnish me with
the substance of it.
" 1 have had frequent conversations on the subject of the the bill with
Mr. Griiniell, Mr. Dix and Mr. W. Hunt, and the hitter a-ssured me that
the bill would be taken up and passed last wet>k. Mr. Crinnell told nie
the only gymptom of opposition to it he had met with in any cpiarter was
from Mr. Bradbury, tho Senator from Maine ; but that he hoped to get over
tiiia — it related only to lumber. Would it not be better to throw tho luiu
ber overboard for the present rather than risk or delay the passage of tho
bill V " Believe me, dear sir,
" Your's very sincerely,
• W. H. Mkuiutt Esq., M. P. P." JOHN F. CRAMPTON"
X
Ihcy feel it
iQ charge of
tcr the nexV
August, at
rote the In-
;ht the wol-
)f Reprosen-
cngciged in
^ent to To-
August 1st.
to Chicago,
vorso of thf
;(', Kiiuilar to
randu wheu
th, 1848.
I Palmerst^n
ou will recol-
forward thf
o, in com pi i
itt'd my dcs-
!e, ' a copy of
latch to have
louse of Re
tch, say tliat
(Jomniitteos,
Washington
to remove
r-s as to the
in States of
but as I did
int(;d, 1 pro
•ft onquinKJ
at once, in
tees wiiH not
nish me with
ic bill with
red me that
Huell told ni<?
• piarter was
d to get over
ow tho luui
Issage of the
.MPTON"
335
House of REPnrsENTATivEs, July 12, 1840.
" Mv Dear Sib, — The Canada Rocipjocity Bill lia.s just i)as,sed tho
Tlotise, almost unanimously. There was a show of opposition, hut we
promptly put it down. The Rill may pas.s the Senate in a day or two,
C-onsider it settled. I would .send this by telegriij)h, l.ut the diMirence in
only a day or two, and I presume you will see it announced in the Ruffl^lo
papera as soon as a sj)ecial despatch could reach you."
'' (In great haste.)
" Believe me \oui'!« truly,
'• W. HUNT."
" Ho>. W. Hamilton Merritt."
Tlje St. Catharines Jouriuil extra July ]r>th, H, P. M. nivs : —
" Reoiprocitv Bill. — Wm. Hamilton Merritt, M. P. P. for the county
of Lincoln, has just rocnived letters from tho Hon. Wiishiiiucton Hunt, Chair-
man of the Committee of Coinmeioo, and the H(m. Joaejdi (Jrinnell, announc-
ing its passing the House of Roprcsentatives on tho 12tli inst. * ♦ *
Contemplate the elTect which i-enioving all existing nistriotions would
produce on the commerce and wealth of Canada.
" Situated on a direct line between Great iiritain, w heie capital, manu-
tactures, and a dense jinpulation has been increasing for ages, and jui inland
''Oivst exceeding 4,000 mihw above the Falls of Niagiira, capable of contain-
ing a population of many millions, with a soil and climate producing the
fruits of the earth in great abundance, who will ventur«> to pn-dict tho ex-
tent of the oxohangos between these two countries — tlie profit »-• be n-alized
l»y individuals --tli<' reveniic to br> derivtil IVom tolls by the ( Jovci-ument —
the number of emigrants ])as,->ing through, oi- \\\p prosperity and wealth cre-
ated.
" To ensure this trad'', our Canals inu^t be linish'^d tu admit the pas.sage
•)f a vessel to or from Lake Erie to the Ocean, drawing at le.ist nine feet
six inches of water, after which, from Mny until October the major part of
Uie commerce of the Western States will pass through i\ is ehanne! : for the
remainder of the sea.son tho trade of Canada will seek Atl.intic ports through
tho United States, thus securing to the inhabitants of ench all the natunii
advantaircs that either could possess were the\ under the same (Jovern-
inont.
"We heartily congratulate the country on the jiassing of thhs Bill, and
trust that no delay will occur to retard or defeat the cheering prospect it
Iiolds forth."
During the Snmuior he was busily oi-oupied in connexion with the large
Suspension Bridge.
"Monday, August 7th. — Left home for Chicago, via Falls and BufTalo.
To Cleveland in 16 hours; to Detroit, thein in steamer Sidtdtia to Chicago.
Here he received a letter from jMontreal^ which induced him to retrace IiIh
steps, leaving the completion of the wheat |iurcha.se,'» down the Illinois river
w the author, who had accompanied liini thither.
In the Autumn he wont for the lirst time to Chicago, which
vk'rta now fast becoming an important grain centre Hii companion
from Detroit westward, btjsides the author was a Mr. Htinson from Hamiltou.
33G y
On arii\ing in Chicago, Mr. Stinsoii uttcmled Keverul of th«i great liuid
aalea of tho school commissioners then going on in that town. Ife, being
without funds and wishing to speculate, requested our subject to introduce
Lim to the commissioners, which ho did with pleasure. Mr. Stinson's ajiec-
ulations on this occasion, as is well known, resulted very successfully, whilst
tho.se of our subject were, owing to tlie high price of j)rouuce, the revei-se.
At this time there were neither Telegraphs, Eaihoads, or Banks in tho
State of Illinois, he travelled through tho country in a buggy, and pari
of the time on tho river by steamer and tho canal by boat.
Arriving at St. Catharines, the memo, continues: — "Friday, 8th, ra-
ceived a telegram to repair to Montreal. 9th — Arranged business, and
wrote answers to my letters. lOtli — Heard an e.xcellent sermon from Mr.
Atkinson on kee])ing the Sabbath day. Monday, 11th — Drove down to
Niagara with son Thomas; cros.sed over in steamer Mcujnet, and arrived at
Kingston on the'UlHh, next day; and left in Passpoi't at 7. 13th — Arrived
at Coteau, and Montreal at 10 o'clock.
" Wrote liidout on subject of currency : Widmere on the subject of tha
Western country. Thur-sihiy, 14th — Having been otlered the situation of
President of the Council yesterday, took until this day to consider of it.
Having no knowledge of the duties, and no inclination to confine my.self to
mere olUcial routine, determined to decline it ; but Messrs. Lafontaiue,
Bullivan and Baldwin assuring me it was a situation which would give m»
the best opportunity of bringing my views biifore the (Jovernment, and in
which J could rendi>r more essential service than having the immeiliate
charge of any single department, 1 addressed Mr. Lafontaiue the following
letter :--
"MuNTREAL, Sept. 14th, 1848.
<' Sir, — Your encjuiry whether in case His Excellency oll'ered mo tha
situation of President of the Council, 1 would accept it, was wholly unox-
pecteil. However, after mature consideration, 1 have deciiled to acce{)t it,
as you have bon in possession of tho measures I have advocated, viz : tha
creating of a perpetual fund from the proceetls of the public lands, for tho
suppoi't of connnon schools, establishment of district libi'aries, itc, I con-
sider it eipiivalent to accepting those meaoures by the Government.
w. H. MiaiRi'n\''
"To Hon. UoHKUT JJ.vldwin."
After his return from tho West, the conimunlcudon \n' received was
that liis name was on^the list of Ministers, in the capacity of President of
the Council. He immetliatoly left for Montreal, ami alter a long interview
wherein his ideas on the geneial policy of the country were agreed to. ho
decided upon accepting the oliice, and immediately returned to his constitu-
oucy for re-election, which was appointed for October lith, and in this cum
he received the support of both parties, and returned withoiit opposition.
Previous ko his departure for tho seat of government, his constitiuMits pie-
Bcnted him with a congratulatory address, to which he replieil in Htting
terms, expressing unbounded hope in his country's future destiny. His
journey to the West had impressed him with the future prospects of ihow
337
boundless pvairina wliicli were now rapidly coming nndor tlio control of malt.
With almost jirophetic langua,<(t', lie professed tliey would see the time when
the prothictiuiis of this vast (•(juntry would s<"V(>rely tax the capacity of the
most ( xtensivo means of outlet to the seaboiinl for tlie rich aud proiluctivo
crops of cereals aud cattle, which tho land wouhl proihice. Under the in-
tluenco of those ideas, he iirst tliought of the scheme for transportation,
which lie afterwards, when Minister of Public Works, projjosed to tht iiiitry.
We consider it advisable to notice the affairs that pi-eceded at greater
length, so as to explain the cause of our subject's entering tht! government;
and when there, the patience ami [lerseverance in which he directed ihe
aHairs of the council during the peculiaily exciting pcii(n| nf our liistory.
Mr. Baldwin, immediately at the conclusion nf the dfctiuu ctmtest, sends
Mr. Meiiitt a party luissile i-eipiiring his adhereuce, whetiier Mr. M.'s mea-
sui-es were brought in or not. Our subject, in his I'eply, plainlv tells Mr.
B. that no other plea than acts for the improvement of (.'aiiuda, will keep
his adherence to Mr. li.
11th July, Mr. H. writes again, and appears anxious to engage Mr. M.,
by a counuission in the Univensity, which hud tho rccnuimendation of a
liVjeral remuueiation from the college funds.
Mr. M.'s ab.st'uce to the West prevented his answering imnuidiately,
and before his I'eturn a more responsible office was tendereil.
The Montreal IJemld, in a communication from Washington dated iJ^th
May, on the subject of Reciprocity in Congress :—
" Dear Sir, — I wrote you fiom N. Y., which I left on Saturday last
and reached this city on Tuesday, where I found our friend Merritt, who
has been doing g(H)d service." (Ulo.ses all with "thanks to Meri'itt.")
An article in the Glvbi', 1st June, says : — "Should tlu? bill pass, Mr.
Merritt will have earned the thanks of his (,'anadian fellow-countrymen."
The notices of this nii.ssion were not i-ontintHl to Canadian pa])ers, for thw
circumstances of his being iu Washington in a semi-diplomatic cajiacity was
noticed in the United States papers as well.
Mr. Cameron writes, Montreal, Junt; 'J, 1848 : —
"Young, llniack and Tobin have in-cn lu'ic from Halifax, they are for
tree trade — and if the Congress [)as.ses your Hill, it will he met here with-
out delay; and it is now clear that the navigation law will be alioli.shed."
Mr. llincks vvritess fiom the capital to our sulijcct, iTtii July: —
" Messrs. Sullivan and Lafontaine have gone to Washington, and will, I
liupc, arrangi! satisfactorily about bringing the new act into force. We shall
uut shrink from the responsibility of an order in Council. The administia-
tion has alreaily done all that it could."
Kxtract from the Montreal Cuurier, August 3rd, 1848: —
" Two of the Executive (xovernment are now out of town. Mr. Sullivan
and Lafontaine are at Washington, whither they have proceeded on some
business connected with our mercantile relations with the L'nited States."
338
Hamilton, August 14, 1848.
" I am desired to assure you of tlie high souse the Board of Trade has of
your great and valuable st^rvices in bringing alxjut the Reciprocity Act.
Every exertion must bu made, by petition and otherwise, to have its pro-
mulgation of the free navigation of the 8t. liawrence pass in Britain. "
" J. S. BROADCiAST."
The St. Catharines Journal says :—
" The U. S. Congre.ss has iLsen witlieut passing tlio Reciprocity Bill,
and which only re<piired its final reading in the Senate."
The Toronto Colunist, Aug. .'51, LS48, says: --" We have had several
deputations to Washington ; the lust was that of the Provincial Secretary,
and Mr. Lafontaine.
" The (Jovernment at VVa.shington is remarkal)ly accessal)le, but it in
already agreed on there, that the jtrico which (Amada shall pay for the
United States market, will be taken in in.stalments, amounting in the
aggnsgate to the ultimate incorporation with the States uiulei- one Federal
Government. This is no secret, it is perfectly understood on l)oth sides.
" Free Trade, it will be seen, is doing its work. The urgency of Lord
Elgin's huiguage is portentious ; it is full of significance ; and now that tlie
Navigation Ijaws are not to Ixi repealed this session, we may expect, on the
part of the aniiexers and the Montreal free traders, something in the shape
of physical foi'ce demonstrati(jns. This is <juit<^ in unisoii with the [trogres^
of the age, and by no means imfashionable at the present moment, in more
places than Canada."
Contiauation of remarks from the press, on the failure of the Reciprocity
Treaty, and appointment of our subject to the office of President of the
Council : —
In Sept. the Sjjectdtor says :— " Wo failed to secure the measure by our
anxiety to etfeet it. We wonder how the oidy way in which a free com-
merce in the nattiral ])roductions common to both countries has been .sought,
was by negotiation in Washington, commenced by Mr. Pakenham and
continued by Mr. Crampton. It did not a}»pear by the debates in the
Imperial Parliament on the free trade measures, nor by those in the Pro-
vincial Parliament, on the i)respnt Customs bill, that any member thought
of them as inducements for the Americans, admitting our products duty free.
"Mr. Merritt's i>resence in the Executive Council, is no doubt regarded
as an atpiisition by his colleagues, and he may yet prove to be the chief of
the party.
" He goes into office under the greatest resi)onsibility, because of the
large expectations which are entertjiined from him ; his advent to ofhce is
hailed by his constituents and admirers as a pledge that those measures ad-
vocated by him, and now apjjroved of by so many, are about to be acted on
by the Government.
" The ' word of promise' must not be kept to the ear, and broken to the
hope. The time has fully come, when the great interests of this colony
must not any longer be sacrificed, either to party prejudice, or party interest.
Our present constitution gives us the power to originate, and legislate, on
those great measures which are now agitated among us, and the people look
for, and expect, that the present Government will be true to their principles
and declarations of pre-emiueut love of Canada."
^J^^J^
339
The Journal says : —
" The SfteHalor will plonso hold tlu^ gontlenian Ik^ niciitions clear of any
rosj)niisil)ility for what ajijioai's in those colmnns, except ovcc his own
signaturt!- we have not seen him foi' ahoiit twe nionthH."
"IIkwakd dk Mi'.KlT. — Th»f appointment of the Hon. W. (I. MeiiiM (o the
Presidency of tho (Jouncil, is emphatriirally 'the reward of meiit.' All'
parties nnist therefore concur in the appointment, however irreconcilahle it
may appear to some persons, that in rewarding merit the condition sliouid
he, that Mr. W. K. Merritt should he necessitateil to sit at the same i!(i;iril as
his tpiondam, foul and iinscrupulous assailant, Francis Jlincks. j'ut \\v shall
indeed wonder, if iMi'. Merritt does not manage, in tiie posiliim lie li.is
attained, to make his own out of Mr. Jiincks, and every other mcnilier' nf
the (Jouncil. Thiuo are queer things ahead. — ('uloiilst.
Ono of th(! causes of the call of o>ir sidjject to the (iovernment, w.as
a consciousness in tho dispensing powei-, whether that may he in Kngland
or here, that tho people wore dissatisfied with the neglect of their interest
— oneof these tho neglect to repeal tho Navigation Law. .\ meeting in .Mont-
real is noticed in tho Junrutd, on June *J"Jnd.
Th<^ sp(!echi'S were vi^-y interesting, and fully e.\.(!mplilied the henedts
which the; province may dtjiive from her Viust canals — not only from the
business that will be furnished throughout tlit; length of tla province, but
from the fact that such a revenue would arise from tolls as '• would pa\- the
expense of tho Provincial Government, and leave a considerai)le ludance.
The duties could then 1)0 entircsly abolished, and the Custom llnu.se beiu"-
done away with, goods for consumption, or for wearing couhl be brought in
free from any tax. This is a consummation for whicii our [leople cannot but
earnestly wish; a freedom of export dutie.s — the trouble and annoyance arising
from their collection, and that great temptation to crime in the shape of
false invoices, swearing, and smuggling. We are thankful to JNIr. (ilass
for the statement above, and believe it will not nnich longei' be regarded as
one of Mr. Moiritt's " ciotches."
The following is the oath of secrecy taken Ijy nu'inbers of tlm (Jovern-
nient ; and as there is no disposition to impair the (.Queen's a\ithority, lor
the pro.spiirity of her Canadian subjects, we feel no hesitation in <'ontituiing
the extracts from Mr. Merritt's private journal and corres}»ondenii', although
some of tho items may bo construed into disclosures of secrets of State.
"TllK Oath OK THK MK.MHEU.S Ol' TIIK CoilNCIFi : I, , will serve
Her Majesty truly and faitiifully in the place of Her Council in this Her
Majesty's Province of Canada ; I will keej» close and secret all such mattt^rs
as shall be treated, debated, and resolved on, in Kxecutive Council, with-
out publishing or disclosing the same or any part thereof, by word, writing,
or any otherwise, to any person out of the same Council, but to such only
as lue. of tlie Council ; and yet if any matter so propounded, treated and de-
bated in any sucJi Kxecutivo (Jouncil, shall touch any |>articular p(;rson,
sworn of the same Council, upon any such matter as shall in anywise con-
cern Lis loyalty and tidelity to tho (jueen's Majesty, 1 will in no wise open
340
the same to him, but keep it secret, aH f would from any person, until the
Queen's Majfcsty's pleasure be known in that behalf. I will, in all tliinfjs, to
be movtstl, treated and debated in any such Kxecutive Council, faithfully,
honestly, and truly declare my mind and ojiinion to the honor and benelit
of the Queen's Majesty, and the good of Her subjei tv, witliout partiality or
exception of jiersons, in no wise forbearing so to do from any manner of re-
spect, favour, love, need, displeasure, or dread of any person or persons
whatsoever. In general 1 will bo vigilant, diligent and circumspect in all
my doings, touching the Queen's Maje.sty's afliiirs ; all whicdi matters and
things I will faithfully observe and ket'i), as a good (Councillor ought to do,
to the utmost of my jiowiM', will, and discretion. So help me God."
" Was sworn in on the 15th of Septeml>er, returned to St. Catharines,
and as .soon as the writs could be made out, a new election took place.
Having resigned as member, was re-elected on the (itb October, left St. Catli
arine.s on the 1 1th, Wednesday, and arrived in Montreal on Saturday morn-
ing, the 14th inst.
" Took lodgings at Donegana's, atteiuled Council to ob.serve the routine,
before assuming the duty. Addressed a letter to the Conunissioner of Public
Works, a co])y of which is in my private lettei' book, drawing their attention
to certain jiarts of the Erie Canal re|)orts, and pre.sented them with a fidl
Dei of canal docunjents, expressing a hope it would be useful in their forth
coming report. 'Jnd, Referred the lettei- of Fiancis Hall, Esq. Ibd, And
transferred the letter of Mr. Scott, of the Boanl of Woiks depaitment, to
the Provincial Secretary. 4th, Private letters from J. Prince, M. P. for
Sandwich.
" Monday, 16tli October, 1848. This day assumed the duties of my
oliice as the President of the Committee of the Executive Council of the
Province of Canada, not President of the Council, as generally supposed,
inasmuch as on the final pas.sage of a measure the (rovernor presides.
" Tuesday, 17th, — Examineil the various ilocuments with Mr. Joseph to
submit to the Council on the morr«w, also .saw applications with Mr. Lee.
Devoted the remainder of the day until half past 5 in preparing a com
mercial statement.
" Wednesday, 18th, — The Council assembled at lialf past ten, disposed
of the business submitted for their consideration, which were presented for
the examination of His Excellency who referred to the Board for any infoi'
uiation on any given point.
"Thursday, 19th, — Devoted this day to the i)rei)aration of the comment
and statement on land. Wrote Crampton and Yates to send the inforniii-
tion sought for respecting customs, and Dix respecting Reciprocal Bill,
Dunsconjbe for quantity and amount of impoi-ts.
" Friday, 20th, — Examined the various documents to be presented to
the Council on the morrow, and devoteil the few moments to be spiued
after secnng all applicants to the Government, to the pre])aration of my report.
" Saturday, 21st, — Spent this day in council, after examining Doctor
Ryersou's bill on the amendment of the Common School Act, very little
done, except the ordinary routine businoas, on which 1 oontem[)late suggest
ing an improvement, lecpiiring each department to make out their owr.
reports. Received Thos. R. Merritt's note from Mr. McNought."
341
Our stihj®*'*' ^8" "f*t l*^"o rliKoovfiring, after p. Lpring into the Council,
whoso operations wore heretoforo only judgof! hy thoir icsult and those too
tVo(|Uf'iitly eliruiiirk'd »?"/., that Iniporinl subjects wore 'pjiven for tlie rlis-
ruHsion of tho (!ouncil, and imtil theyjwcro disposed of, those devoted to
Colonial affairs wore left in abeyance, Mr. Merritt persevered in tho hope
that something could be made oiit of them and thou;,di protection had been
withdrawn by the upturning of the colonial policy; yet that something
for Canada could be gaineil out of an extended cniigration and the loan of
an Imperial credit. With this view, withfhow much patience, if Ti()t at the
entire exhaustion of their own, our readers will see, Im wad('d through
Minister Sullivan's memorial for the transplanting of the famishing Irish to
farms in Canada, or the scheme for supporting pensioners here, of a similar
d(^sign.
" K \\. Sullivan's hotter of the 10th .June last, to the Right Rev. thw
(■atholic Lord Bishop, in a reply to a memoiial which I have not
seen, develops a scheme for the settlement and disposal of public lands,
which is. First, — To make a free grant of !)() acres to evt^ry actual settler
(No. .'}) and the right to occupy loO acres adjoining on payment of Is per
acre in land scrip, obtain a deed on dearing If! acres of the 50, and 15
acres au<l payment of the 150 (in No Kt,) To rnake a lot of L'OO, which if
scrip is 50 per ct. discount, will reduce the land to 2s. per acre, or £15.
*' The Government on their |iart, to place an agent in tho settlement,
to plac(> each settler on his lot; whether his passage is paiil, nnd furnished
with provision does not appear.
" To cicai- a road to this settlement, to lay out leading loads through it,
and to employ a surveyor to lay out side-lines (see 4, 5, 8.) No (estimate is
made of the expenses of surveying — of clearing those roads- of maintainiu"'
an agent — of finding those emigrants — ol paying their c(mveyance to the
land — of maintaining roads, bridges «fec., after being made.
" No. 11 — Does not regard Crown Lands as sources of revenue — still— -
" No. 12 — Recognizes that principle.
" No. l;i — Points out the real end which has exist(^<i in giving huge
tracts of land to individuals, at the .same time points out the true n-medy to
counteract its injurious effects — taxation.
" No. 14 — Points out the fact that real obstacles to settlement has here-
tofore existed, but does not assign the true cause, which is the neglect, mis-
management and interference of Government since war of 1812.
"No. 15- Alludes to £20,000 which the Provincial (Jovcu-nment
thought it right to contribute to the (fxpenses of emigration. How, when
or where this grant was made does not appear.
"Tlu^ liritish Possessions Act, 2ud clause, 809 Viot., Cap. 93, relates
to free ports, anil foreign vessels not applicable to [lassing vessels.
" Sunday, 22nd, — Atteuiled Trinity Church, heard an extemporaneotis
s(M-mon from Kev'd Mr. Campbell, not well arrangiid. Wrote Mrs. Merritt,
.1., W. H., andT.
No apology is, we are sure, required for the insertion of tho following
epistle, as it details better than aught else the ultimate pursuits of our subject:
342
"22imI Oftol.."!-, 1848.
"ArvDKAit rATiiiMirNi: : Siii.c writiii.,' yoii Inst Sim. lay F iii<-), (i,.|i.
Kv.iiis j^uMi;; into climL-li ; ho was a r>ii;,'a<liHr in ISli', w'l i | swivnl
with ill Mia). (•;i.iii|>ai;,'ii. ami I have iittl seen liiin .since lie rccdifiiizcd iniij
Kt(>|i|uM| iMc in tin- .sliict. I liavn nn't with aiiolhcr old fViciid ; lir roiii
niamlfil a vessel calieil (lie Wovr \ hd afterwanls i-aiiii' out as ('ulnniiil
(JoveriKii's Secretary. He will iiiako an iiiH|)ectiuii tour llii(Mii;li Canada
when he will call on ymi ; tluwi art! all I liavo seen. I have iidt iiaid a
.siiiule visit, and i'\|pcct not to for a. niontli.
" I am lieiit on diM'iatin;,' ^'rcat olian,i,'('s, and until they ai(^ iiiaLiired hy
nie and iliscusseil liy the Council, and de(!id(u| on by tlie (lovernor, I niiist
lie cut iielv occiMiicd hv them. 'I'lie situation of this Truvince is disconra-dn-'
" 'riicre is no in<luccment lor my remaiiiin;,' u sin;,d(> day lon^t •■ than to
acconiplish (he oiiject I have in vi((W.
On the -iltli lie says, " i rise at H, oi- as .soon as I can ;,fet a (ire ; after
lireakCast (ake a shoit walk ; yo to my duty at half past nine, and remain
till f), or after ; take a shor( walk and diim at (i ; at 7 a;;ain eoinmenee, and
coidiime till ((•, or II. It will lake me at least Id days to |ire|iaie (he
measures I have on hand.
"A ;,'reat de.i!;ree of responsibility is expected from William II. by the
mercantile and agricultural interest.
" \ have plenty of assistant! to copy, but tiie arraiiLjement devolves
wliolly on niy.self. 'i'wo days ar(» taken up in council, passim,' the time in
seeing peopl(! and talkintj; over thi'ir business, so that the night is t'le only
time Ici't for rellection.
" Monday, L'."{rd, Answered several lett(M'H, (scse letti^r book.) omitleij
sending. I. I )econ .ij^l ; (^ver compiling measures ;ind tables in which I liii<j
great dilliculty.
"'ruesd.iy, I'ltli, Wrote Croigh ton on snliject of Hydraulic ( 'onci.-iii,
(examining tables.
" Wednesday, lir»tli, Council <lay for a iiuml>er of cases (see tlie .scroll
book.) 'I'lie entire day occniiied, ami only from 7 to 10 at night, for com
piling tables.
" Thursdjiy, 2<)th, Made progress in tables, Mr. Ifensleigh in the (juan
tity of imports, T>t\gly comnuinoed the entire e.xpenditvn'e under lioanl of
Works, in amounts paid before the Union for unproductive property.
" Kriday. I'Tth, Kxamine(l the various documents rohiting to the meas-
ures under consideration, during this day.
" Saturday, 'JSth, (Council day, very little business transacted, occupied
the entire day.
"Sunday, 29th, — Attended Methodi.st chapel a dull day.
" Monday, ."SOtli, Wrote Notman respecting Darling's letters. Kemaiii-
der of the day preparing tables.
"Tuesday, ."Hst, - Wrote (Jreight(ni and Kston, and devoted remainder
of tlie day in preparing and arranging my jirograninie.
"Wednesday, 1st Nov., — Fete ohli</(ite,s — no Council — a full day's work.
"Thursday, L'nd,^ — Preparing tallies as a reference.
" Friday, IJrd,- Succeeded this day in closing up one measure relating
to the public lands, and enclosed it to His Excellency for his pcM-iisal.
"Saturday, 4th, — A (.'ouncil was summoned this day, in consequence of
a committal and sentence of death for rajie, for which the man was .sentenced
343
14 yoiirH in Ponitontiary ; I think tho piiniHhmont oxcoHHive, but lio niaj
bo panlonod (*ro this fctinn has fxpirod.
"Sunday, 5th, — liainy day att('ii(h>d Trinity.
"Monday, 'Ith, -Wiotd several l('tt,(irK, family, I'irc. Continue (Miniiiiiiiif^
moaHunis and tablos.
"Tuesday, 7th, -Same omploymfiut from 9 until 10 or 1 1 at ni;,dit, ox-
co|>t I hour dinner.
"Wednesday, 8th, Council, verj little huHinesH.
"Thursday, Dth, Kxainined tlu; Ulue I?o()k this day, and read Major
liohinson's report on the Halifax and (^luslHiC lailway, a well written (h)OU-
m(tnt.
" Kriday, 10th, —Yesterday finislied tho entire subject on hand.
" Prof,'i'amnie eontainin^' a seiies of tables, shewiuii the nresent state of
the Provineiid finances, with explanatory remarks.
" 2 refcu's to the resourcea of tho Province and the remedy.
" A. No. 3.- Memoir on Agriculture, (!omnierce and Manufact\ire with
!i Hill, itc, Ac, ifec.
" B. No. 4. Debt on finance with i'>ill, Ac, Ac, Ac
"C No. f). On sale and application of the PuV)lic Fiands, with Hill, Ac.
Those were first sent in f(jr tlit; examination of His Kxcellency, on their
return, will provide copies.
" Examined the opinion of the Committee of Customs, on report of th(i
4th Septendnsr, 1^40, which states, that ridinj^ oHicers were recomnu'n<l(,'(l
on the Welland (!anal to prevent smugj^ling, thou^di it is against the fifcneral
policy of the empire to admit American vessels to pass the St. iiawreuce.
" In th(^ letter to the Lords of the Conunittee of Privy Council for Trade,
to James Stephen, Kscp, 1 1th March, '47, is the following leinai'k : -
" Smuggling into (^anada can oidy be prevented by the adoj)tion of a
moderate scale of Customs duties, and not by increased otti<'iiil supervi.sioa ;
think smuggling here coujmon into the C S., from tlie moderate tiiritl" in
force in (!anada. " l>. LEF'EVHK."
"Friday, lOth November, 1848, The despatch f)f Lord Crey, March
19th, '47, says :" Permission may be granted to Anusrican vessels as a
favor, not as a right.
" Saturday, 1 1th, -Schnoner A/V///, drawing 5 fcft H indies, arrived, first
vessel from Lake Krie, on her way to Europe, deceived box from home,
sent in bill for creating sinking fund, which fiiushes the measures iclating
to Commeice, Kinaiice and Pidilic iiauds.
"Mr. Todd is furnishing the cost of Public Works })rior to the uiuon,
on such works as will pay in Upper and in I..ower ( 'anada. 'Che balance
is the real debt of the respective provinces, which must be addefl to tlu^ like
expenditure since the union. Th«;n, make a statement of the relative
amount of duties collected in each country since the union.
" Next, shew the expenses in collection and net aniounts since the union.
"Sunday, 12th,— Attended Trinity.
" KHh and 14th,— Compiling Tables.
" Wednesday, and pai-t of yesterday, — Council.
" IGth, 17th, 1 8th, -Devoted tho entire time in the examination of
revenue to create a sinking fund.
"Sunday, 19th,— Attended Trinity.
"20th, 21st, 22nd,— Meeting of Council. 23rd, 24th, 25th,— Another
344
wfok liiis piiKsfd over. On Kri'lay my nioasiiras wpro rUsciisRoil .unl post-
poin'il iiiilil .Moiiil.iy next; have hfcn icaily fm it wfi-k |iiist, ; iiutliin;,' iimtf
rial ofciintMl <liiiiii;f tlic week; oiflimiry I'oiitiiic of liusiiiraH oj little inonu'iil.
" Moii.liiy. 'JTtii, Met tills Jiiy, liiiil it liiii^ ilisnissiDii. imt iilto^'cHioi-
Siiti.srfii'tiiiy; t'sliil'iisliiiiL,' ii sinkiii;,' I'iiikI, iiii<l ii|)|iin|iriiitiii;,' tin- jintcpeils of
tln' |nil)lii' jiiiiils for cfi'iitiiiL; ii tiiiiil for foimiioii scliools liits liccn ii'jrwtil to
liMf tlif fiitiiro joiiii is ill jilicyiiiift'.
" Tiirndiiy, L'Stli, Wrotf si'Vt.Miil IcUci-.s in reply.
" Wediit'sdiiy, L'fMli, Couiioil all day on various suhjeets of littli) worth.
" 'riiursdiiy. ."lOlli, lliid n luiii; ooiifci-t'iii'c witli liis|«'ctor (o'lifral, tio-
tiiing dclfrnHiifd.
" Kridny, ist hccciiilicr, (Vtiiiicil on Wrij,'lit',s !i|i|iliiMtion foe [nircliasn
of lii.s .slides at (lie ( 'jiaiidiere, liytowii.
" Sittwi-day, 'Jiid, Saw Mr. hiddwiii, who eoiicurs with |iriiici[iln of
clause liiiiitiii;^ the (txecutivo to the expemiitin'e of a eortiiin amount.
" On Kridiiy, held ii Ion;,' einift'ioneo with Mis Kxcelleiicy, whoreijuires
II nitMiiorandum of, or rather stateiiient, shewing'
" Ist, Cost or amount yet r(!(|uired to (inisli the St.Lawroncoand Wel-
land Canals.
"2nd, — The amount of annual expenses thereon.
"3rd, — Amount of ;iniiUiil repairing'.
" 4tli, -Kstimate of th(! tolls, to show the jtrohiilile not amoiiut to crwate
t\ sinkinii ("iiiid. for whieli a stiitement must he )rdered from Keofer, who in
the niti-aiitinie will prepare the .same.
"Wrott> I )ix and 'I'homas, and examined the stattiment of expense of
Trinitv House, and sidaries paid throughout the provineo preparing \>y Todd.
Very little progress.
" 3rd, Sunday, Attended Trinity. Ith. Monday.
" otli, Tuesday, Head letter from the Hon. d. .A. Dix, recommending
my going to Wiishingtou, to alford (explanations. (lov. in fjivour of the
measure, hut the Council did not appear willing to dispense with my ser^'iceis.
" nth, Wedm^sday, Sul)ject di.scu.s.sed iimong others.
"Thursday, 7th, Wrote Joseph (irinnell and cnclo.sfMl printed copy of
Navigation Act, Lord Grey's reply to Sir K. Head, N. l\., rt^fusing the
prayer of jietition to Icjive th(^ present Navigation jjiiws as they stand ;
and tlm report of tlie Montreal Board of Tnulo, recommending |tiH)tection."
Tins year, which was succeeded by the burning of tlu; Parliament House
by a nujb, the estidtlisliinent of a political league, closing by the annexa-
tion manifesto, was comiilicattMl by the opposing views on the interests of
the eountrv taken by the press. The following leader from the Jounud,
which had been considered heretofore as at least according with Mr. iMer-
ritt'K views, censuring the resolutions of the Montreal meeting, ii.ses argii-
momts in direct opposition to the jiolitical principles of our subject. While
opi>osin<' the Montreal rioters, pi-ofessed the prosperity of Canadians alone to
be the object of our legislation.
Jounud continued :
" A itroposition to the British (Jovernnient in the sliiipe of a memorial to
the Queen to tax the jioor of Enghind (is. a biirrel on tlour, lor the sake of
this colonv. So this projiosition is the only thing to save this colony to
345
1 iiml iH)8t-
liiny niftto-
If moment,
iiltiii^ftlifr
irocopils (»f
a"rHfil ti»,
id I)' svortli.
Itiienil, Tui-
>r pun'lmso
iniiiciplii of
oiint.
■ho icijiiin'S
CO and Wel-
iiit to I'l-cmto
fifor, who in
('X)>ons(i of
i]vji ^y 'l"o<M.
Miimt'ixhun
our of the
ly SLT^'iceH.
ittnl copy of
•fiisiiiL^ iho
icy stautl ;
.rott^ction."
lliMlt Housf!
le anncxK-
intorcsts of
IV JoiiriKil,
1 Mr. iMci
, nses argil -
^ct.
Whilf
iins alono to
iioMioriiil to
the sake of
HI colony to
England ; thi» is the sheet anchor, to keep ua in connection with the Mother
('ountry. If the Mother will not consent to starve some thousands of her
children at home, to enrich a few hundred at a distance, the Litter will reJM'l."
" Kxamined a memorandum of the Hon. B. T^. Sullivan, on ( 'ol. Tidlock's
pliiii fur the foruiiition of a corps of militaiy l«liourers in the colonies, for
the purpo.se of coiiHidering hew far that scheme could apply to Canada.
AfttM' a few oh.servations, stating :---
" Tliiit the reads in the settled part of Canada are not beyond the ahility
(»f the peo{tle to make.
"That railroads in the tl. S. are constructed with ciipitiil frnm their
cities.
• " 1st, That, their protective system has accumulated that capital.
"That no part of it seeks investment in Canada.
"That capital made in Canada for profits on trade, is .spent in Kngland
liy the merehatits who lealized it.
"Til, it the wheat tly in ISHO was one cause of depression, which is now
removed.
" L'nd,- That the tariiF is hi;;h in the United States and low in Canada.
" .'?rd. That direct taxation for the sujiport oi' the State (lovernnuMit
are comparatively high in the U. 8.
" That th<! whole direct tax :.i Canada is apjdicable to internal impi-ove-
Uient, kv.^ kv., kc.
" Friday, Hth, — Mr. Sullivan's memo, continued.
" My derluctions from the foregoitig facts are as follows :
" 1st, There is an absence of capital in private hands, applicable to en-
terprises involving large expendittire.
" lin<l, There is gijod reason why this province should Iiy means of its
large disposai)le public revenue, have eiideavounMl to compensate, foi- the
want of capital in private hands.
" .'bd, .Money expended by the I,egislatnie in the way of inv(>s(nirnt,
is not ex|iendiMl, wiili the close and sole view to immediate protitable return,
always found in private investments.
" It h, -The money ex}tended has been of vast general benefit to \\m\
prestMit condition and future prospects of the co\intry.
" ath, The money expended has not produced a leturn of money to the
public chest, and the outlay has beiMi, and is likel}' to be for a consideral)le
pei'iod a burden upon the piiblic revenue.
" lith,- -The public reveiun? is atile without smdi return to meet the inte-
rest upon the public ilebt, and in turn to pay the iirinci])]e.
" 7th, — This (in be done without any serious burden upon the people,
and upon a scale of duties very low in comparison with tho.se of tht! T'nited
States, witli which country the best, conijiarison can be made
" Hth,^ — The income from the Public Works, notwitlistaiding that it has
bci'n injuriously aflected liy the depression in commercial ;,();iirs, i-aused by
the change in the comnu^rcial policy of England, is still on the increa.se; the
amount of revenue is also necessarily increasing with the population, and
as tlu) province never has l)een in the receipt of large income from the pub-
lic works, and as the debt was incurred upon the provisi<jn of other
means of payment, even the indefinite postponement of protitabh" icturns
to the treasury from the public works, cannot produce additional embairas-
ment.
"nppapai
" !)(li, If llif Miilicipiilion of (liosc wlio jmc IIh' IicsI jii<l;,'i's of ilio liiid.i
in Ciiimtlii, should 1m> cncii in part rciili/cd, tin* |iiil>li<- works \vill,liy tlicso
r(*turn.s. |iliu!(! tin' provinct' in n. stato of ^^roiit financial i)roHp(»rity.
" lOtli, Hut tim tinio liaH not yi^l coiiui, uiul on tlic contriiry, tho (Jov-
(^rnnuMl( is inncli pcrpldxcd to lind tlic nipi'ftl niu'cssai'j foi* i\\o i-onipjotion
(if tlir works in progress, and it is inipossil)ln t,o proomd witliont liorrowin^
on some tci iiis or otluT.
" 1 Itli, 'I'lic Mnionnt rcipiircd to l»o borrowed conld with ahsoliito sn,f»v
ty 1m' added to (,h(> |>nlilic' dcht, luit it wonid not aid in any scIkmiii,; for tho
promotion of cini^^raiiun.
" lu>conini(Mids a. loan to ho circctcMl on Ihe credit of t,lin piililic revenup,
on the eondilioii tliat the niiiniei|tal eonmuls will impose a direet tax to pay
tho intereHt in ease the pnldie works prove insuHieient ; tlii! other rncom-
niendatioiis are all eontintjent.
"This doennuMit. is well expressod as all Mr. Sullivan's \ iews are, hut
it is founde<l on the most «rron*«)us principles, or (ffiiii., a mistaken aHsiinip-
tion of opinion for facts, viz. :
" I. That (he protective svsicm in th« U.S. has accumulated capital in
tho cities, wlien it is notorious this capital has luien acipiired hy connnerco.
"2. That taxes are hii,dier in the Uniti>d States th Ji in Canad.a. A
moat erroneous opinion, .ind calculat(Ml to mislead hoth the Home and Pro-
vincial ( !ov(>rnnient.s. Ulue iiook says wi' have no direct, taxeti in (ianada.
" No. 7. piViife ID. Sann" error, that no part of the capital made in tlip
V. S, is invested in ('ana la, and (hat capital formerlv made hei-e was spciiit
in I'lnsland (altlioui,di not, of late yi"ars) is true, hut, the (rue cause why ('a
na<la- lias not heen a far more prosjxM'ous countrv is not assijjfned.
"|)educ(ion No. 'J, )>. IS. If fairly inti>rpret('d would <;ive the trnerea.son.
"The revenvu' from im|iorts fron\ ISII to IS|7 averai^ed l'.'{.'51 ,.'?SS : this
would command at (iperccn(. interest, a capital of l'."),r»23,l 3IJ. Had this
capital h(H>n expended in puhlic works, it, would 1ia\e producecl individia
capital: that it h.as not heen, is the fai;lt of the (ioveiiimeut and not of tlio
p(>o|ile.
"The rem -dy suir.^ested is employing' capital, by the district councils.
"This document was evinently wiitten in haste.
" The puhlic works in Canada are not equal in amoun( of expenditure
to N. V.
'• Mr. Ilincks follows wi(li a memo. 80i;iewhat similar,ex tpt in tin* j)lan
proposed for promotiuj; emigration, whii-h is nu)re tangible, as it propose,^
borrowing; money.
" it may fairly 1 uA that tho pro\ine(> has redeemeil a ileht duo for
land claims of I'-ij;.,. [)0.
" .\ sintj;ular infatuation e.Nists <>n (hose suhjec(s.
" .MthoMLlli the duty on iniji;;ris are hii^her in Canada than in (he IFni-
tt>d States .MtiiouLjh the local taxes are liii^her in l'p|)er Canada than in
New ^'ork .\nd althouiih tlicy heic expended over ;?"U),()()0,t)00 in public
woi'ks, double the amount of ('uiada.
" They persist, although we have revenues from land ami revenues fioia
customs, which ihey do not possess, to seek for houw other cause to iccouut
for our backwanlncss ainl our depression.
" Saturday, mil, Sunday, lOth, Rain.
** Moudny 11th. — Amonti. License Fund, Dth Vict. Cap. 65, pasaed 1846,
34Y
tnio wHsoii.
wliirli ii|)|)n>|iria(,((.s ti) (lie 'roiimto < Jr'iifiJil lloKpitnl, Kiii^Htoii llospiLiI,
Tnlnlidi lloilHc ol' IliilllstiT, K illL^sloll I l|ili;,'clll Sick , Mild llic n|i|i(M- < 'lllliulfl
l,iiii:ilj(' Asyliiiii, (,li(< MiniiiijL(n Scrvicr l''iiiiil. Kx<'n|it, tlir hist, IIkwc Hp-
|ii-o|>riiiliiiiis iirn |i:ii-tiiil mikI iiiijiist.
" Mr. Will. Ilfill, ( '(ilh'cttir (»f ('iistdius siif,'j;('KiH :
" riiiit a cliiiisc^ should In' iii.st>rtiM| in ilm (Iiistoins At^t, to ii.scrit;iin thu
vahm of iiii|i(iiis and t'\|ioi'ts. That. (.lie. vidiK^ of all urtich-.s for which n
clcaiaiico i.s in(|iiin'i| should Ixt iiuidc on oath, as well as iiii|iorts.
'■ 'That cvciy declaration .should lie niailc by the ])riiici|ial and not, his
clerk, and tliat. ;,'oods for iindeisaliie may l»e forfeited, and that all a|i|)iaise-
iiientH should takc! |ilac(^ at, tli(* ports fii'st entered.
" That the principh- oliject of coinl>iniii;; the a<l\.iloriiiii iliity, with the
specific on cert;, in arti<'leH, is Ui ol»l, ii the value, which may he elfected hy
liie other mode.
" He has reporfcil already on the reduction of certain ollices of Ciistoiu.s,
and would approve of one to a district with surveyors at ditl'ereiit ports.
" Another feature in (Miiiiliiiiiii;; the T) per ot. advalorum as on tea, is tlio
additional revenue, and check as to valih
" Tlu^ iiKiiiio. on the. suhject of the IJalifa.x and (^ueliec railroad proposes
iiicreasinj,' the duty on our tiinhei' from Is. to 7s. (iil. per loail, assiimiiii^ that
the existini; duty on forei^'ii timlier will he withdrawn. This is ,ui unusual
ami extraordiiiarv projMisition, oiiiin^ from us.
"'I'liesday, ll'th, Wednesday, I .'UJi, Thursday, lltli. Friday, ITitli,—
KxaminiiiL; accounts lt(^ y\dministratioii of justice in IT. (!. under IstWm.
Ilh, Cap. I .'5, passed in 1 1^:}| , amounted to l*f>, .")(»(). This wts called the
cverlastiiii,' Salary Hill.
nnder'Tth Wm. 1th, cap. "J,! 837, .C2,r)ll(» more ; in IH:V.), )?:},()00 more ;
ill IS |(i, the cxpeiiditiire incnsised for administration of justice! .CI I),()0(> ;
.iflei which the I'nion .Act was introduced, since \vhi(;h it, has increased to
upwards of .CriO.OOO.
"IC.Ih, 17th, ISth, I'.Mh, -JOth. Th.- ('(■••incil postponed the consid(^ra-
tioii of Keefer'.s report until Saturday, with a .seeiuiiiL; disinclination to en-
ter into it without first obtainiuf,' money.
" "J 1st, 'JL'nd, Kiifere(l into the <u(iisideratioii of einii,Matioii, and will
not recommend eharteriii;,' any boats, or coii^eyin;^ |ia.s.swimers.
"Saturday, 2.'5rd, Sitting from 7 to Id.
" Siiiiilay, ( 'old unwell.
'•Monday, 'jr)th, Chi istmas, tliiied wiili Keefer.
"'i'liesday, L'Oth, Sat at night re\ it-wing llincks' plan of linance.
"The plan proposed by the I iis|»ector (leiieral for bnnowing nioii'-y iii
I'liigland is :
" Isl, To involve no i'\|iense to the !'>rit isli < Io\eriiment for eniii;r;,(ion.
'• 'Jiid, To enable Municipal Councils to liorrow and to inipo.se taxes
for local objects.
'' ',\vi\ To make loans from I'lnglisli capitalists, or th- I'.ritisii (lovern-
iiicnt for larger works.
" Itli, To pay the interest and repay the principle b\ .i ^jM•cili,• appro-
priation uf the proceeds of the Crown iiandsor School Fund.
"fith. To borrow ,i:i,r>0(l,(K)tl at I per ct. on thecivdit <.f Uie Imperial
(iuvernmeiit, and loan it at <i per ct. The diU'eiiiice of i;.'{ll,<MMl to bo xo-
peiidcil in promoting emigration, or colonization.
I
348
"This scheme will defea.t fche object 1 ba<l in view most etfoctually, anrl
will nevor be carried into operation.
"The last sitting:; of the Coiumittea of the Executive (Council on Saturday,
DecembfT .'JOtli, 1S4^.
'"Tlif most imjiorlant measure was decided upon, that has ever occu-
pied tlieirjittention, or that of any [)roceding Council, since tiio discovery
of ( -anada, viz. :
" Tlie liiud claims are to be cancelled in one year, all public lands to be
appropriated, and the proceeds applied for the ci'eation of a (,"o:nmon School
fund,^intil the s>an reached £1,000,000, and 1,000,000 of acres of the
best land in Huron tract, or elsewhere to be reserv<id for this e.xp.ess object,
(not to b(^ exchanged for scrip.) Thus a fund will be provitled for educa-
ting the entire po|iulatiou of Canada, greater than any other Covernnient
in [iroportion to its j)oj>ulation, |)ossesses the VjeneHcial effects of which few
can realize.
" If possil)le, limit the claims, hereafter to be allowed, an<l name a spe-
cial commission to investigate them, of which T should like to be the chair-
man."
The transactions of the Council being .secret, we mv made aware of their
particular business, lint presume that in conse{pience of the many measin-es
rerpiiring attention, that they were fully em))loyed. Our subject remained
in Monti-eal during the Winter. This yeai- had been a remarkable one, dis-
tinguish(!d particularly so in Europe ; beginning with the Revolution in
France, the tide of trouble spi-ead nearly over all Eiirope. The Pope was
compelle<l to fly from {-{onio ; Austria was in a ferment on account of Hun-
gary, which was brought to our notice by the appearance on this continent
of Louis Kossuth, who by his ehxiuence aroused almost universal sympathy.
Prussia was disturbed with internal disorder. The wave of dissention had
reached liritain, Ireland had its little uprising, and it refpiiied the energies
of jjonl Pahnerston to keep the trouble alway;, within bounds. In Canada,
the ell'ects were felt in the .sha))e of a large (^migration, and the people here
were stimulated to umhu-takti numy reforms. On the 14th December the
British Minister signed the postal arrangenuMit with the United States,
which was the means of greatly reducing the postal late.s to Europe.
. 18 4 9.
In January, Mr. Merritt writes :--" We have Iwen busily engagt^d in
the Council, mahiriug nu^asures of in)portance during the holidays; dijicil
with His Excelh'iicy, met with the witty and talent<>d Lord Mark Korr,
Colonel Prince, Mr. Egerton and othei-s."
Parliament opened on th(> ISth .laniuiry. The speech, which sIkhiM
contain a synopsis of tlic great preparati(ms, was looked for an.viously; and
we have reason to think that the presence of our subject in the Ministry
was viewed with satisfaction, as it was felt that ho represented views, con-
349
sonant with the national policy of Canada.. Tlio moasuros enunciated in
the Govt'i-nor's speech were — A general amnesty to political otienders ; the
assimilation of the laws of both Provinces ; Regulation of the Municijialities;
University Reform ; Intercolonial Railway and completion of St. Lawrence
('anals ; a Sinking Fund ; the balance of the Crown Lands to form a fund
for educational purposes.
The following was the termination of Ifis Excellency's speech ; and that
the f|uestion of Reform we have seen so laboriously pressed upon their atten-
tion, did not occupy the fir.?t place in tlie addre.is, caused something akin to
despair appeared to settle on the capital. This, connected with the temporiz-
ing measures pursued by the former Government in favour of the avowed
enemies of the British rule, brought on the unlawful attack that deprived the
Parliament of their House, the country of its archives, and the chief commer-
cial city from being hereafter the capital of Canada.
'• Covkunuk's SiMOKcii : I shall not fail to make any exertions, which
the intere.sts of the })ublic wealth will permit, to reduce the expenditure of
the Kmigration Department to the scab; of the years preceding 1847, when
a passenger tax, consiih'i'ably les.s onurous than the one now levied, with
the occasional addition of a small grant from the public treasury, sutliced
to cover it.
" I would further recommend for your consideration, the expediency of
selling a part of the pultlic domain, in onh'i- that the revenue deiived from
the sales thereof, may form a fund, tho interest of which shall be applied
for the siipptH't of Common Schools. It may probably be deemed advisable
to authoi'ize the Covernment to lavest the capital arising from this .souice,
either in the stocks of tho Province, or in that of .some of the provincial
railways - the construction of which has Vjeen sanctioned liy Parliament.
" In the po.ssession of a revenue derived from .so many independent
sources, and exempt fi'om numerous charges that weigh heavily on the
resources of other communities, Canada enjoys great and singular advantages."
We in.sert an incident innnediately after the opening of the FTou.se, of the
great Ijower Canada Reformer, who had at last consented to represent one of
the constituencies by whom he had been elected, in the Halls of Legislation.
" January 22nd. — In the debate on His Excellency's speech, Hon. L. J.
I'upincau moved in amendment, that the consideration of the speech should be
debated in the whole House in order that perfect liberty iu discu.ssion might be
allowed. The amendment was only supported by five members.
Tn Kebnmry, our subject urged before a comiuittee of the House, his
Keeiproeity mea.surt;. w hich being an Imperial one, was outside the provincial
administration.
Feb. Ihd, — The House was resolved into a committee of the whole, upou
Mr. Mcrritt'8 Reciprocity resolution and was ushered in by a speech. Among
the speakers ii» its favour was Mr. Papineau. It was opposed by Mr. Smith
of Frontenac, l)(!vi[jnon and Lajfrijife, The other speakers in the opposition
in its new dep'ituie of extreme partyship, are sumiuurized in the Juumul of
Feb. 8.
350
" Will Sherwood, the Hotspur of liis party, or the gallant Sir Allan, or
the ' fine old English (Jontleuian' or any of the rest of thcsi! modern Rip-van
Winkles, undertake to convince tiie farniint;; population ol' Oanada West, that,
thoir conclusion is not the hest? Ves they will ; any thing in order to dhtaiii
the loaves and fishes. They have succeeded so well in hanibodzlini: tlie wortliy
lieges of Canada so long, and so profitably for themselves, tliat tlicty don't de-
spair of succeeding, even in this plan. As to the proposition of appearing
before England in the character oi" a pauper, and re(|uesting lior to pay our
debts, it is a miserable subterfuge, and would be assuming a position in tlic
eyes of the nations, not at all creditable to ourselves. England has a right
to every farthing of money she has advanced to promote" and eom))leteour pub-
lic works ; I'orasmueh as she did not promise to always tax the I'ood ol" the poor,
in order for us to pay our debts.
" There are measures now before the House, of v.'vst importance to the
people; and we trust that the Ministry will shew their determinaLi(jn to im-
prove our circumstances, by a fearless legislation on tiicse ijuestions.
" As to Sir Allan's insinuation, respecting the necessity ol" appisaling to the
people beiore the bill to extend the representation be legislated on, it is a mere
ruse, and only an attempt to throw dust in the eyes of the constituents, hop-
ing in the mean time that the chapter of accidents would do more for his party
than they are likely to obtain in a fair iought field, if this question was one
infringing on the rights and privileges of tlic people, then indeed would it be
the duty of the Administration to appeal to the people ; but when it proj)oses
to extend the rights and enlarge the powers of the jieople, in depriving no
class of any rights previously possessed, why appeal?"
Altliough 111! the members of our Goverumeut and a nnijority in
the Honso were in favour of it, it ended in tln^ metrsnre being ctirricd onlv
after a hnig and ttMlious diplomatie debate between the two (Jovernnients,
and was passed through the Hou.se on the 0th Mareli ; also Mr. M.'s measure
for facilitating traile on the St. Jiawnnice, by means of tugs — the Board of
Works ordering three .steamers to bo built immediately for this jturpo.so.
W. H. Merritt, Jr., writes to his brother, in rather a humorous styh? :
" Montreal, Feb'y Ith, IMH).
" Dkau Tom, TIk; (Jovernoi- (not the general one) directs nio to enclose
you the aeiiompanying letter from Mr. Iligney of New York, to all'ord you
Home eulightenmcmt on the humorous .subject of freights. I siiall have some-
thing to <1() lu'ic for a fortnight at least. The Uovernor is really too busy
to answer half his letters, and I am undertaking to bring up arrears.
" It is snowing i)i fine, stylo at this moment ; tho weatlusr is cold and
wintry. The IJeciproeity resolution will be brought up iifxt Kriday, l)ut
it is a <|uestion whether pa.ssing it lune will be of any advaiitjige now, from
the reception the measure has met with in tlni United States.
'' There is i\w prospect of a coin)Ie. of balls next week. Diinier.s are
however, all the rago. Tell Mama I will write a long letter to h«i- in a few-
days.
"Montreal is at this moment very lively in sleighing and pa)ties, but
quite down in evcny relation of busini-ss ; ot co>'.r.se the meeting of P;irlia-
inent has lirought together a great number of peoplt>, and J amdailv nmetim,'
the most unexpected acquaintances. * "'' * The night before last,
351
•
we liad an interesting debate on tlie Reciprocity resolutions. Tt lasted from
eight o'clock until one, and brouirht out a general expression of the views of
the House. The niajorily of the members arc not only in favor of Recipro-
city, but thorough free traders.
" I shall endeavour to get the (Jovernor to take walks ocea.^^ionally; it will
be a difficidt matter, for he will nevtsr do anything without an object, and that
of health, he considers too remote without being connected with occupation."
Soon after, a measure was liiought into thc^ House by Mr. Lafontaine
for cttlenient of the Rcbollion Lo.ssesin Lowwi' ('iinada. It was supported
by Oil subject in consequence of its liaving l>een dfteniiiiicil npon liefore he
entered the (jlov(irnment ; and thcirfijre, although not in sympathy
with the nmasur«', yet lu! iteliined that he should ncHM^s.sarily be |)rfpai'ed
to concede' sonu'thing, and all in order to accoMiplish others which were of
pai'amount ini])oi'tauc<', particularly Reciprocity.
In eonse(pu5ncf( of Lord KIgin as.scntiiig to tlio Rebellion TiOS.ses J?ill,
a violent ferment took place in Montreal among the adherents of the oppo-
sition. Meetings were held, and n .-:'>bitions of a decided eharactcr were
.adopted ; this was countenanced l)y the leaders, until the excited mob took
tli«; matter into their own Lauds, and proceeded without opposition in car-
rying out violent measures, terminating in the l)urning of the Parliament
l)uildings. These extracts are given to account in sonu) measure for these
outrageous and violent [troceedings.
The following is from Lindsay's Life of William Lyon Mackenzie: "The
(Janadian (jovi'ramont, in LSJ'J, originated a measure for a e<)niplete am-
nesty of all otftuices arising out of the events of 18.'}7-H. Mackeii/,it> had
for some tinu* been the. last c^xih;. Ft passed unanimously in both Hiui.siis,
and, in the namo ol' tlw; (.^uci'n, I^ord Klgin, as (Jovernor (Jciuiral, gave it
the Royal assent on the 1st of February, lS4iJ. While in Montreal, he
visited the liOgislative liltrary, in his light as ex im-ndicr. ('ol. Prince,
a mtMul)er of the House, went uj) to h' .1 and di'mauded to see the ticket of
the member by whom the ex-member was introduced ; oi', said he with em-
pliasis, ' I will kick you down stairs if you don't leave this moment.'"
Mr. JNhickenzie was aftei'wards introduced to the library by a V(dunteer
member, Ffon. HandHeld Macdonald, with whom he had no pi-evio\is jiersonal
uc(iuainiance.
A story is told that when Mr. Mac(h)nald returned to (llengary, his
Highland constituents t-oiuplaiued of his suspicious civilities to a pardoned
rebel ; and that Mr. Macdonald, who is entirely destitute of the objectiona-
Iile clannishness ascribed to some of hi.s countrymen, I'cplied, "Do you think
I would .sec an Engiisliman kick a Scotchman, and not interfere f
In a letter to Dr. Barker, of Kingston, written only seven days after
the occurrence, (!ol. Prince saitl, " F acted on the impulse* of the moment ;
and 1 tell you camlidly, that had I known then what you and Chisholm
have since informed lue of, he might have enjoyed his studios in our library
as long as lie |)lertsed, without any interruptioli from me."
M^fUm
352
'I'lio liKstility (o tlio ox-iiuiinlior, ami liis iUTPptuiicn aftorwaivls, o;m lie
(•.stiiUHtt'd liy the folluwinx fxtractH from tlic mitlior Itt'foic (jiiotrd, (lie loi
iiiHi- of which hail only tiicii nci'Ii )hi' light.
'The t'<ili<)wiiiir (loininuuit was |ii-iiil)!(l and distrilxiiol in haiitl hill tuiin
ten (layH Iteforc i\\i' outlncak i)f ",\'J :
" InDKI'RNDKNCIK.
"TlifM-ii have licfii iiiiH'U'tMi strikes for iiidopciidi'inf from Kuro|)»'aii
lyraiiny on the contiui-nt, of Aniciica. They wnio ;ill suct;ijssful ! Tho
Torii's, thfit'rorc, hy hclpin;,' ns will Ih>I|) lln'niHclvfs " * * ='•
ImIii tiiiry 'Aii\, Mr. Mackcn/it.' addrt'ssi'd a ronimunicalion to K:i]\ (Iruv
at tin- ( 'olonial olljcc, lontaininj? souu) I'oinarkaldo confessions. Kroin this
ooinninnic.ilion w(> i|not<' the lollowing extrat'ts :
" A oonrst^ of careful observation, during the last ele\eii yi'ars, has fully
satislied n.e, that, had the violent movements in which I and many others
were eni;agi'd on liotli sides of thr Niagara, proved successful, that success
would have dee|)ly injured the people of Canada, whom i ihm helii'snl I
was serving at gr"at risks ; that it would have deprived millions, perhaps,
of our own countrymen in Kuropt^ of a home <ui this continent, e.\cept upon
conditions, (hough many hundreds of thousands have l>e('n C(Uistrained tu
accept them, luit are of jin exceedingly onerous and degrading character.
" There is not a living man on this continent who more sincerely desires
that Hritish government in ( 'anada may long continue, uiul give a home and
a welcome to thc^ old countrymen than myself.
"'riie i-esult is, not a desin^ to use pt)wer and inllmaice here, hut
ladp if I can, and all I can, the couuti-y of my birth."
The meeting held at St. Catharines, 2()th February, ga\e a stimulus to the
pictorial art of a iMr. Osborn, then a rare event, and the action of the meet-
ing, with the likenesse.s of the principal characters, was graphically delineated
Among them was Mr. John McMullen, afterwards the compiler of Krench Ca-
nadian and Kngli,-h History. He gives a very biief notice iudei i' the close
of that History: — " Some rioting occurred at publio meetings got up to vote ou
addresses, &c."
We make the following extracts from the journal of our subject : —
"April 2r>tli, -The Governor came down 4o-day and assented to bills.
'" In consecjuence ol the remonstrances of the Montreal merchants, induced
by the arrival of two vessels, the bill to increase the taritt", and the ludenuiity
Bill was also introduced.
•' This last produced a riotous lissault ujX)n the members, and the destruc-
tion of the House. The riot lasted till liSth. The subjoct oi' the change of
the seal of the (jovernment postponed tor the present.
" May oOth,— House closed.
'•3lst — Wrote Mr. Duuscombe, to present report by 15th prox. on public
roads,
"June 2nd, Obtained an order in Council to obtain confirmation by
Board of Works.
" 4th, — Put iu minutes on subject of public lands."
363
I l.ill lonii
Wo in«(M't tli() following lottcr from oiio of liis froiitior coiiKtitiiciitK,
sliowiii^ wliiit was tii<'ii i(>(|uir(Ml l»y liis Jiarty :
" hfin- Sir, Yoii say to iim in your iiii.sw<^r iliiii ' Doctoi- KyciHon, nor
any oUkm- ollicc lioltlcr, lias not liy you liciwi givtui a tliiiuf,'lit t.liat oflict;-
lioldin;; is a small IxMu^fih in your niiinl.' So it is in tliH detail, Imt not so
in tim luyids of (IcparlnM-nts a dcpartuK'nt wliich can more or less inllimncc
tlio mintis of tlio whole of the rising gt^imration. * * +
'M)ur party, if they think iieeeHsary, can stir u|) thti Provinco from one
end to the othtu', liy a whirlwind, ac<;oni|)ani(Ml hy Hashes of lightning, iuid
roaring of thunder. Had the Heformers as well as the ( 'onservatives an
ind<t|ienden<'e or annexation programme ( "
The following to the author shuwH Mr. JVl.'s vit^ws on the great events
of the day very plainly : —
" MoNTiiEAi,, 7lh May.
"My Dear Son, — TIk; country is in an utisottlcd stato, and the msult
time alone will d(!tcnniue. The Governor (Jener.d will, I trust, he sustained
for adhering to the eotistitutioii, whether the partieular measure was right or
wrong. The tiuie has arrived when we should support that principle ; and
any elifinges which may take place will, 1 ho[)e, be in that direction. The country
will no douht he placed in embarrassment, and its trade gnsatly retarded.
Uhanges will take place, and that too, rapidly; but all may, by judicious mana^e-
nient, be turned to good account. Kvery st»!p will lead to more lib(!ral mea-
Huros.
" From all 1 have seen and from the experience of legislation gained in thirty
years, 1 find events will take; their natural course — you cannot hasten or retard
them. 1 would therefore advise my sons, at the same time that they advocate
their opinions, not to take .so prominent a part as to lose thiiir invalii.ihle time
as 1 have done. L<!t me know the general or different opinions entertained at
this moment on our present situation and prospects. With a hope of hearing
from you soon, I remain your affectionate father,
"WM. HAMILTON MEKIUTT."
"J. P. Meruitt, Ksq."
May 17th, 1849. — Among the various meetings held at St. Catharines
regarding the petition to the Home Government for the recall of the Governor,
(who had sign<!d the Rebellion IjOSScs liill and dissolution of the Hou.se,) one
amounting to an attempt to burn the Governor ( Jencral and Cabinet in elfigy.
These were attended by an amateur Editor of the JdhvikiI who.se spicy,
independent and well written articl s, in strange opposition and support
to our subject, caused the following from Mr. Uolland Macdonald : —
" Time was, when the St. Catharines Jonnuil had one .•solitary virtue, he
said, that was a negative one, it did no harm. We have already noticed the
violent party stand this paper had .'issumed, going so far as to taunt the ( 'on-
servative party ibr not raising an opposition candidate, at i;he unaniuious elec-
tion of Mr. Merritt."
The proceedings of the House are thus sunmiarized by the Juurnal:
" June 7th, — Parliament has at last been prorogued, after a session of un-
u»ual, and singular productiveness of new acts. The session just concludad
W
864
lasted four months and a half, a little longer than the one of '44-5, but passed
oae-third more billH th;n) tho latter. What interest the Imperial Government
has in sonif ol' these, it is difficult to imagine.
" That they will eventually receive the royal assent we believe, but it is to
be wished that the practice was yet fur.,her narrowed.
" VV^i have been pleased to observe the tendency manif(!sted towards the
enactment of general measures, as for instance, the one authorizing joint stock
companies for the construction of roads, ikc, and thus to relievo individuals
and the public of the cost ot applying for and passing separate acts for every
trifling improvement. There is still abundant room for acts of a similar cha-
racter, and we hope to see them brought up."
We quote further from the Juuntal, on the measures of the government: —
"The Hon. W. U. iVlKiiRrxT. — We are pleased to see that the principle
of creating a noble endowment for our Public Schools, from the public lands
of the Province, is incorporated in a bill now progressing in the House. This
act of legislation should be hailed by the country, as th(i very best of the ses-
sion, and certainly, one that W'll transmit Mr. Merritt's name to posterity, as
the best I'riend of the Province."
The House closed on .'50th May, after a s;tormy sessloo. The cholera was
threatening, members of Government leaving. Our subject was deputed by
the Council to obtain the money voted, in New York, Boston or elsewhere, and
also to obtain the final answer, if |i(isHilile, of the Cabinet at Washington on tiie
Krciprocity Treaty.
W"(! rtwiime Mr. Merritt's private journal of proceedings after the close
of the House.
"4th June. — Ist, Recommended the discontinuance of any names
hereafter on the U. E. Militia, or any other land lists.
"2nd — The discontinuance of the payment of postage after the lat Octo-
ber next.
" .3rd — The re-establishment of settlement duties as in 1818.
" 4tli-— The manner of furnishing the statements of land sold, cash re-
ceived, expenses on account of each .separate fund, as well as the number
of acres exchanged for hmd rights.
5th — The system of surveys in future, if not attended to, a minute to
be made out, an<J submitted, with all the facts prepared in accompanying
document. 1 employed my time in preparing statements until Monday
evening, 11th June."
He set out Thursday I2tli June, and met by appointment friends in Sara-
toga. After two days stay at this watering place, Mr. M. started for Al-
bany, where he received the attention of Governor Hunt and family.
Oil Monday 18th he left for Boston, where, after a morning's interview
with the diplomatists and capitalists, including A. Lawrence, Minister to Eng-
land, he went to New York.
While pa.ssing through New York, Mr. Merritt sent a letter to his son
wh«, with his party, partly for pleasure, partly for business, had returned to
Utica.
SB5
" I have some reason for supposing a loan may be efFocted at Washington
with Corcoran, Briggs & Co."
He reached Washington on Friday 22nd, -ind resided with Mr. Cranipton
for the week.
Wo agaip. insort an oxtraet fi'otn IVTrw. M.'a journal, recounting a visit
over tho saiu" ground. When it is considorod that F]ast('in Now Vork was
the home of most of tho early sottlors of English Canada, oxoniplifiod by
the familiar saying, of, when going there, as going to tho Colony, the space
thus occupied will lianlly bo considered too groat.
"From St. Catharines to Saratoga, 9th June, 1849.
"Started, after a three days notice, to meet Mr. Morritt at .Sara-
toga for tho jjurpose of accompanying him to the city of Washington, 1
did not require much time for preparation, as I had anticipated the journey
all the fore part of winter, and was as well preparnl t\)v it as I could he.
" Ferried over to Lewiston. At 4 o'clock wt'ut on board of steamer
Ontario — Mrs. Adams, son William and I ; jdeasant afterjioon ; the lake
smooth as a mirror, had I the jien of a ready writ<;i-, T might pourtiay.a
sketch of a biief hap}»y period, elated by hope, after a winter .spent -but f
will not say how — and uU the month of April in sickness ; but it was all
forgot for the time, in the pleasure anticipated of meeting my hu.sband and
journeying witli him^interchange of thought — admiring new scenes, unin-
terrupted for a while, with the cares incident to this life. I slept well, and
never knew when the boat went up to Rochester landing.
" Sunday morning breakfasted at the Welland House, Oswego. Went
in a coach on a plank njad to Rome, 6 P. M. There was ono chatty lady
whose husband had gone to California ; 1 forgot to nuuitiou another on board
the steamer, whose husband had also gone there ; he was a physician, e.xpect-
ed he would be absent two yeais. (Jfteu when speaking of him the teais
would start to her eyes. Both were quite intcnesting women. What a pity
men who have so unsett ed a disposition should ever marry, take pool- women
from comfortable homes, ])ei-hai)s, and all the endearments of eaily atiection,
and leave them to struggle alone through the world. On the other hand
there was one unfortunate woman in the coach who was leaving iier husband
and children from abusive treatment; 1 lent Yi^'V my shawl.
"Utica, seven o'clock P. M., on the morning of the 1 1th at nine o'clock
left in cars foi' Saratoga, and arrived there in the middle of the afternoon ;
cousin Martin went with us to see the High Rock Spring. 1 thought if I
could see that object I shoidd know the locality of the place. Idiad visited it
when eleven years old, in company with my father and aunt Mary. I had
nearly a perfect recollection of the place, the hole appears laiger, very likely
it has worn by letting down the tin cup for forty-four years.
" We became acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Hani'lton of New Vork,
Mr. and Mrs. Chamber.s and Mrs Thomas of Boston, Mr.s. Lanuir of Brook-
lyn, «fec. Mrs. Prendergast expres.sed great anxiety for Mr. Merritt's arrival
every time the cars came in, and would say to me, ' why how do you bear it
so composedly'? H' Martin don't come when 1 expect him, I am almost dis
tracted.' i said I supposed it was because she had a greater regard foi' her
husband than I had for mine.
366
" Wetlucisday, lltli, — After dinner Win. and Lydia got each a carriage
and we went to Saratoga i^ake, fotir niiles, a pleasant drive and a very plea-
sant placti wIkmi you get tli(!ro. Aunt and Lydia took Mrs. Lamar and lior
childr(^n in tiieii' carriage ; we had Mr.s. Chaniher.s' grandson with us, Mrs.
(J.'h i»arty had Iteen to the lake that morning.
" While then* we were told the man at the lake hou.se had died suddenly
the evening hefon* at the village,
" W(( returnctd about 1 o'clock, and found that Mr. Merritt had arrived
Hoon aftei- we left for the lake. He had found and taken poss(ission of
our parlour. I expcu-ted to see him changed, hut not .so much ; he was so
pale and care-worn ; still, I was to(i haj»py in beholding him after so long an
absence.
" Ijydia came in in aliout half an hour, she had not heard of his coming,
she said she hati hopc^l to witness a sccnie, and lier surprise and vexation was
visible ; I laughed to .see her disappointuuint.
" 14th,— Mr. Merritt, Mrs. Adams and i took a stroll to see the old
part of Sai'atoga village, ft appears much as T recollect it, the old tavern
we Htop|)ed at and a house opposite with a verandah.
"The Hock Spring has no house over it as then, but there is on(^ near
by, where a woman attends to vi.sitors, says she i)ays a large sum in rent, and
barely makes a living,
•' We tlu'U passed down the ravine calling at the difiorent springs and
tasting the water at Hamilton sjn'ing, and one called lodimi, [ don't remem-
ber all tliii names. \V(! next went to the circular railroad, and took a ride-
William acting as engineer and conductor. It is situated in a dense forest,
very agretnibh^ amusement on a hot day ; met there witli a Mrs.
and son, who, Mr. Mejritt intijduced to u.s ; he had met with them in
Montreal, where she had been for lier daughter at school.
" Friday, loth, — Mr. Merritt left unexpectedly on the 9 oclock train
for Albany.
" Howevei- I spent the time until two with my poor afflicted aunt who
in all probability 1 will never .see again in this world. Cousin Martin and
Mr. Hamilton accompanied us to the depot at two, and wo, Mrs. A., Wm.
and 1 wtne soon oti". We passed the familiar town of iJalstown, and through
a fertile country to Troy, had a view of my native village Lansingbui-gh, the
islands, whore 1 and the young people had paddled to in a skifi", and the
bank of the river to Waterford, where Sallj'^ J , I and others had often
strolled. We had a thunder shower on the way which cooled and refreshed
the air.
" Stopped a short time at the Troy House long enough however to rea-
lize many scenes and changes. Piatt Titus, the fon.ier owner, his delicate
wife, (ma's cousin) and their children. Took stage to Albany, excellent
road. A young woman told us that there had been two cases of Cholera
in Saratoga ; the man I inontioned, and a waiter at Congress Hall. The
Drs, did not call it Cholera. We arrived at Congress Hall, Albany, at dusk,
Mr. Merritt was there, and assisted us out of the carriage. The house ap-
peared like some fairy spot, all the different rooms so brilliantly lighted
with gas.
"Saturday, loth, — Walked about and went shopping in Broadway.
Went up to return Mrs. Gov. Hunt's call.
ition wiiH
m
T Imvo to note our wiilkH in Alltiiny, on the hill Ht'ckini; tor tliw
old rpsidf'nctiH of fJoor/^o Tompkins and Mlood;,'Of)d Jenkins S:r. Tin*y
appoiir far nioro coinfortidtlo with their spacious j;rouiids and lofty shruli-
horynow than tluui, and hoautiful airy parks an; in fnmt of the State Flouso.
(/'on^ress Hall is horderod hy many spacious houses, and at some points tlm
v'ww of Troy, and tho distant hills and villaj^tis W(Me maj^niticcnt. I enjoyed
tho scono and that Sunday afternoon far more than any part of my journey,
and why? \ participated in tnem with my husband not once alloyed hy the
thou^^ht that on tho morrow wo would commence another loni,' s(«paration.
"Sunday, 17th — Accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Hunt to cliuich. In tho
eveninj^, had a consultation whetluM- wo shouhl accompany Mr. Merritt to
Washinji;ton, or whether I should ^'o and Mis. \. and William I'eturn home.
" Monday, 18th, — Mr. M. said that T coidd meet him at New York,
but every body wuh leaving the city on account of sickness. I did not fear
tJikinj; the Cholera in one jylaoo more than anothei-. FiSperjally in tiavelling.
Isaiil his hwalth was not good, and 1 objected to hisgoing alone ; that I might
be of use in case he w.vs sick. But he remarked he couM hin ly on faster
without me, T could go to Utica and have a longei- visit with my cousin
and then wo would go home together. I saw how it was, and re.solvc.,1 to
return. It was indeed a disappointment, and unexp<>ct(Ml, although I try to
be pr<!paved for all events. I had come a long way, spent a great deal of
money, had been led to antici|)ato this journey to Washington ever since he
wont from homo last fall. I thought we would have a (piiet time for a tt^te-a-
teto before tho bustle of meeting incjui.sitive neighbours, in the hundretis of
miles we would travel together, and now, was about to |tart without having
travelled one — No ! not one individual mile together.
" 18th, — Mr. Merritt left at ti o'clock for Fioston. We went shopping
and spent the tinu^ rambling about; Started when the *J o'clock train cauK! in;
three cars of Gc-rman <mugrants wei-e attached. Thtsy had only ai-rivtxl at
N. Y. the day before. It was said that in three or four days they woulil be
on their land in Wisconsin, so rapidly were they hurried on, it was anuising
to see them, drink and lave in the water, at the fountain in St. Johnsvillo.
" Arrived at Utica at 7 o'clock, walked up to Mr. Craft's, he came in
shortly after. They were glad to see us.
"Tuesday, 19th. —Passed in making mutual imiuirios and in rest and
arrangements. Wrote home.
" VVednesday, 20th, — -William got a carriage? and we went to Trenton
Falls, fourteen miles, Mrs. A-- accompanied. Plank roads most of the way
and many places worthy of observation. At Trenton, we .soon .sal lied out to, see
the wonders. Cousin Jane walked across the woods to a refreshment room.
I did not decide on making the tour of the I'all.s, thinking that it wotdd l»e
too fatiguing on so hot a «hiy; but 1 soon found l must go down the long
stairs to see anything ; so down 1 vt^ntured first into th(> d(M)p ravine, and
then walked uj) the margin of th<? stream. There are three falls ; in one place
a bridge is thrown across the stream to allow visitors to (sross; they havt; a bet-
ter view by going on tho other side, but they must return to th(! bridge. Ft is
fearful pa.ssing .some points of yocks ; one where C .. Thorn's little daughter
was lost, and a young lady at another time. There is a foot path made, and
chains put up to hold by. I could not <lei)end on the chains however, as I saw
that two staples had been drawn out. The livei- lashes and foams at those
points, and if a poor inquisitive .mortal should slip he is gone. At length
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358
by climbing steep acclivities, stepping on stones to avoid the wet, under a
hot sun, with an occasional breeze blowing up the ravine, we passed the
three falls, and looking up to a considerable height, saw cousin Jane quietly-
sitting on a bench, outside the said refreshment room, where, after ascending
another flight of stairs, wo joined her and partook of some lemonade. As-
cending anothe»- part of the hill we ha<l a cool sliady walk of three-quarters
of a mile, with birds singing over head, back to the hotel. After dinner
all went uj> stairs for rest, and to get cool if possible. Ciarriages coming
and going all the time, many stay several days. Rode home in the cool of
the afternoon.
'" Thursday, 21st, — Visitors received, rested after their departure.
"Friday, 22nd, — Received a letter from Mr. Merritt at N. Y.,on 20th.
He was to reach Washington on 21st, and thought only to be there a day
or two, which would bring it to 23d, and allowing two or three days fo.i him
to come to Utica, say 26th. As he had got on so rapidly and in good health,
T began to take courage, and we considered it not to be out of the way,
knowing he would be anxious to get homci, and we did not venture on taking
any excursions after the 26th that would take us a day from Utica.
" In the evening we called to see Mrs. Grisley.
"Saturday, 23rd, — Mi's. Kellog invited us to tea, spent the evening till
half past nine,
" 24th, — Aconiftanied Mr. and Mrs. Crafts to Dutch Reform church, Mr.
Wood preached. Wyley is the name of their minister — Rain — Mr. Crafts
sent a cariiage for us. After dinner I took a short nap. I felt ill, but was no
doubt better for going out, the rest of the afternoon. I supposed they had all
gone to church, and wondered if the servants were left with the care of the
house, but Miss Crafts had been lying down in her room. I read a while
by the window and was dressed and (piite refreshed when they all came in.
" 25th, ^ — Returned some calls in the morning. Mrs. Thomas showed us
her fine garden ; the strawberries were just ripening. She is a perfect lady
and lovely in her age. A young lady was making a bouquet foi\Mrs. Coop-
er's party. A pretty contrast to the matron.
" Went into Mr. Walcot's gai'den, he has a great many fine strawberries,
he picked a few and gave us, he had some tine roses.
" Mrs. Hurlburt confined to her room with Rheumatism. We spent
the evening at Mrs. Kellogg's. She is the person I went with to N. Y. in
April, 1845."
Mr. Merritt did not arrive, but in place sent a letter that he could not
meet them. He had a message that would detain him, and then to go to
Montreal immediately.
One of the first and necessary acts of the Government hiul been the issue
of Government debentures based on the accruing revenue of the current
year, in sv\ch small sums as that they might form a circulating medium.
This sch(!me ha<l been tried l>y the Welland Canal (Jompany, before the
rebellion, and the most favourite one with our subject, approaching the Pro-
vincial Bank scheme, where the Government would be the bankers, but
now, any more than then, were circumstances in the country favourable to
their passing as currency, being in this instance from 2 to 3 pev cent, discount.
359
The Inspector General was sent to England, while our subject tried the
Sta+^^8, to raise the necessary funds. As the inspector was from the old
country, a quasi-political mission was annexed.
Our subject, although personally and publicly respected in many of the bor-
der states, particularly New York, where his intimate knowledge of its people,
their trade and commerce, gained him from his own people the sobri-
quet of the " Hon. member from New York." Yet, commercially speaking,
he was their greatest stumbling block, as he became a strong rival to them in
the competition for the now increasing carrying trade of the wi^st.
" Friday, 22nd June, — Arrived in Washington at 10 uV-lock, stop})ed at
WiUard's.
" Saturday, 23rd, — Removed to Mr. Crampton's. IVIy hrst object was
to see Corcoran and Briggs, and then J. M. (Jlayton, Secretary of State,
which I (lid. The latter recommended my making out a statement in writ-
ing, in detail, on the subject of our commercial intercourse.
"I made out a financial statement for Corcoran, Briggs & Co., who had
not the remotes idea Canada stoc cs would be taken in tlie Now York mar-
ket, and memorandum which was with Mr. Crampton's official note, enclo-
sing the siime, presented on Monday the 25th June, in the evening.
"Tuesday, 26th, — Had commenced the statement promised of the receipts
and expenditures of the different U. S. Custom establish meats on the Cana-
dian frontier, which James McClery of the Treasury Department proniLsed
should be finished by him in a day or two.
" In return, I have promised a copy of our ))nblic accounts to be enclosed
to the care of McClintock Young, Chief Clerk, Treasury department.
" Wednesday, 27th, — After visiting Mr. Ewing, of Ohio, Secretary de-
partment of the Interior, and Mr. ('orwin. Post-master fJeueral, and Mr.
Nesbeth and L. L. Tiernay, Daniel Webster, who I met on Saturday and
is decidedly in favour of the measure. Called on the Secretary of State,
who, 1 learn, had sent in his reply to Mr. Crampton's note.
"I expressed my regret at the decision the Cabinet had come to, gave a
verbal statement of the existing trade and its capability. The Government
requested me to place those statements in writing also, which I did on my
return, and sent in without a copy,
Thursday, 28t'fi, — Mr. Crampton and I i-eceived notes to tlie Secretary of
State's rooms, Prv^sident Filmore of the United States i)residing.
" The Secretary then proposed to IMr. Cramj)ton and niysclf, that if the
Hritisli (Tovernment would authorize him to include the surrtMidcr of tlio
fisheries, they would at once open a negotiation and conclude a treaty. That
the only reason why they did not make the proj)osal, was a direct refu.sal
of Lord Palmerston to open a treaty in the subject, which had been proposed
by Mr. Bancroft last year. This ended, in mutual regret, our interview
with the President-; and in my extremity, the onl}' course open to the
Provincial (tovernment of Canada. Mr. Clayton recommended <lelay un
til the decision of Congrei^s and the Imperial (Toveriiment was had
on the subject of Fisheries, anil recommended my remaining a few ilays to
talk the matter over. He promised to call the Cabinet again on the mor-
row, to reconsider the only point we urged — viz. an official note, to stats
1 1
360
clearly and explicitly that in case the Imperial Parliament wo\il(l relinquish
or treat on the tisheries, they would extonil reciprocity to all the colonies.
" Stime cveuinLC sent a note that Tabinet couKl not at present enter into
any stipulation on that subject.
"Thni-sday, 29tli, — Calleil at tiic land otHcc, and procured information
from Mr. Younj,'.
" Hetlections on this transaction. As tin- as his appearance and address
went, I was ]dea«ed with the President. Hut he did not enter intx) busineBS
like President Pclk. Nor do *lie present Cabinet like the last.
"The j)r(>sent Cabinet ar»' in doubtK, whether the n'inoval o{' duty oti tlie
natural productimis of Caiuwla, will jiot briny the protectors of the
manufactured article into oi'ium. They also doubt the etfect of the re-
mo\ i.iu: of duties by GriMit Britain, on the opinion of the people — as that
was (lone for the int*'rcst of home maiud'actnres.
"Tiie Cabinet reiterates, in answer to the Imperial proposal, made as
early as in .Tan'y, lS4t'). Three years and a half no treaty will be ent(Med itito.
•' Such is the apathy of the pvd)lic mind respei ting Canada, tiiat it cannot
be roused. The Cabinet or the peo})le knew very little about the country,
or the 8t. Ijawrence, less than .'}() years past; and they appear to attach
very 'ittle importance to our navigation, our canals, or our trade. The
next congress are as likely to pass the bill as not, if attended to. In
Washington, Hronsoi of Oswego is the man — or they may reject it on the
most tritling pretence.
"The Provincial tTOvernnuMit have done every thing in tlieir jiower. They
appealed to the Imperial Government in 1840. Pas.vMl the bill discriminating
duti(>s in It^lT. My mi.ssion was here in liSlS. Pa.ssed a bill i-emoving all
duties on United States products this year.
"It now rests wholly with our mother countiy ; if she will not move, the
Canadas are lost, and the other colonies will soon follow. If the duty is
imi)ose<l on the United States productions, eijual to those imposed on
Canada's, it will insure the pas.sage of a bill here immediately. And if
she will abandon the tisluM-ies, reci|)rocity may be gained hereafter.
" Sunday, 1st July, — RtMuained over at Baltimore, went to chin-ch with
Mrs. M.'s cousin. ISIr. Williams.
" Monday 2nd, — Arrived in New York at 9 o'clock in the evening, wea-
ther cooler.
'< Tuesday, I^rd, — My bii-thday, TKi years since 1 79.'?. Engaged in prepar-
ing statements, sent them to several capitali:its including Corcoran and liriggs.
" ()th duly,- -Received a letter from the latter, authorizing ."?ll'r),00() to
be tiiken in their nanu\
" Mr. Bidwell introduced me to Caleb C. Halsted, president of Maidiat-
tan Bank, and took a lively interest in the negotiations, as well as the pres-
ent position, of the country. Left same night.
"July 7th, — Had an interview with Thurlow Weed Escjuire, editor of
the Albany Evening Jourual, must send him a statenu>nt of the revenue —
he is the most influential man of the party.
" Write the Hon. W. H. Wilmot, Attorney Ceneral Seward, A Hron-
son, and send copies of Mss. to the difl'erent colonies forthwith. Wrote
Ilincks, recommended him to Lord Palnierston. Js it noceasiiry to send a
copy to him alsol
361
roliiiquisli
t^ colonies,
enter into
iforination
ml aiMreas
to ImsineBH
hity ou the
rs of the
of tlie re
le — as that
al, luiule as
ntered into.
lat it cannot
he country,
r to attach
traae. The
l(.(l to. In
ct it on the
)0\ver. They
^criminating
•enioving all
)t move, the
the duty is
iiniiosed on
ly. And if
lev.
mrch with
lonijig, wea-
ld in prepar-
land Hriggs.
;i2r),ooo to
lof Manhat-
]astliein-es-
|e, editor of
revenvie —
ll, A Bron-
Ih. Wrote
to send a
"July Sth, — Attended church, and at 4 went to Whitehall.
" Moiiday July nth. - Arriv(>d at Montreal at tive o'clock. Spent till
the lilst July in otlicial Imsiiiess, pending Mr. lliucks' I'eturn from England,
which was estinnited at six weeks."
Oa liis return from Washington he remained at. Montreal for a few
days, and then proceeded on his way home, via Brock ville.
" Left Montreal LM.st. for St. Catharines, at lU o'ch)ck. Called and ex-
amined the dilferejit cuts, and wrote from thence, recomuiending tlu» wall-
ing of B. antl L. cut at once.
" Sunday. 2L'nd duly. Spent the day at Brockville.
" Monday. L'3rd, Wrott> Price to remind him of the orders to discon-
tinue the insertion of land claims. ( 'ol. Tache and Reefer on suhjivt of canals.
"Tuesday, 24th,~Kemained over at Toronto o\w day, wrote His Ex-
cellency and i>aldwin.
" Wednesday, iTtth, — Arrived at Port Dalhousie at 12 o'clock.
" Thursday, *J<»tli, — Spent the day at home. Declined the prolVer of a
public <linner.
" Friday, 27th,— Attended a picnic at the whirlpool. Visited the Sus-
pension Bridge.
"Saturday, 2Stli,- Quiet, not well.
" Monday,- 1 ndisposed.
"Tuesday, ;?()th,— Attended to uj business. Felt the effects of close
confmenn>nt for nine months without exercise, which nnist in future bo
avoided.
" Monday, nth August, — Wrote Mr. Baldwin and His Excellency the
Governor Genei-al »mi the subject of Reciprocity, not pres.sing my return."
Mr. Merritt continued still under the weather, as we see in his memo,
of 11th. Attendeil very little l>usiness, either |irivate or public till he re-
ceived a telegraph despatch to return to Montreal.
"Wednesday, 15th, — lioft home for Niagara, and reached Toronto at 4
o'clock Thursday. Reached Kingston Friday vnorning.
'* Saturday, 18th, -R»\iched Montreal in tht> UKU-ning. running the La-
chine Rapids. Met council ; Oapt^iin Wetherall antici{)ates an outbreak,
say two or three thousjind can be armed to oj)pose the civil force. IHme
will test the accuracy of this statenuMit, not credible."
At the capital he found that (piiet was far from being rest<ired, tho dis.
turbance b»>ing augmented by the ill-siiceess of their delega-ses.
The conventions and the deputations of the malcontents sent home,
not meeting with the success anticipated. Were succetnled by riots in the
capital, which are thus briefly alluded to in the I'roriHrNtlu^t August Ist :
" Sir A MacNab and Mr. Cayley, the late Inspector (!eneral are doing
all they can to prevent it, and nvo busy in th(> ignoble a*tempt of misrepre-
senting the country, and trying to make the British (Jovernmentand people
liclieve that we are on the eve of a rebellion, citing the uinuly acts of tlnMr
own party, which they were largely guilty of fomenting, in proof «)f their
i»ssertions. Have either of theiu done anything else during their preuent
visit to England f
r
I
362
"Friday, 24th August, — nontinued on the corporation transactions, not
worth recording. Trancjiiillity partially restored.
"Saturday 19th, 20th, 2lst, 22nd, -Engaged in the discussion of cor-
poration btisiness. The arrests had caused assemblages, the attack on La-
fontaine's house and the death of one of the inoh created an excitement, tu-
mult aud incendiarism was th<i cf)nse(juence, everything in confusion. PuV)-
iic duties neglected, nothing doing. The iNIayor at length called upon the
citizens to do their duty and maintain peace. I cannot feel an interest in
those transactions.
"The minute from the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick requires
an answer.
" Saturday, 25th, ^Had a full council except Col. Tache, who hoard of
the death ofliis brother ; Attorney General Baldwin arrived. Conference
to Halifax dciterminc^d on. Hon. Fj. H. Lafontaine and myself apj)oiiited,
and a (h^cision resolved to determine whither and when to remove the seat
of Government on our return."
A Conference of the different Provincial Governments being about to
be held in Halifax, for the discussion of the Recipi-ocity (juestion, he left
in company with the Hon. Mr. Lafontaine for that city, going by way of the
ChamV)ly Canal and Burlington, and thence to Boston.
" Sunday, 20th, -Attended Christ (Jhurch. Left Montreal at 3 o'clock,
knowing the boat would leave St Johns at 2 o'clock, it would give me an
opportunity of seeing the River Chanibly Canal and counti'y.
" Monday, 27th, — Reached Mott's Inn at 9 o'clock, passed through a
beautiful country, the crops good, the weather was mild, and pleasant seen
ery was delightfiil. ('ailed on the Cure of Chambly, Mr Metot. The boat
having left St. Johns to B. 2.'>, 1 remained until Monday 2 o'clock, arrived
at Burlington at 9 o'clock, took Vermont Central to Windsor, lib mile.s,
;U0 miles to Boston, 9 hours."
Here they took the Mail Steamer for Halifax, at which place they ar-
rived on the ."^Lst August. During the journey he prepared a statement of
the diffei-ent matters affected by the Treaty which he had been matui'ing for
a long period. It rerpiired delicate management, as conciliatory measin-es
affecting England, the United States, and the several American Provinces
had all to be attended to, besides the very itnportant matter of the fisheries,
which were held in such regard by the people of the Maritime Provinces.
1 1 is related, by way of anecdote, that so absorbed was our subject with
this mattei", that, tluring the passage from Boston to HaUfax, the vessel
(the Illhflr)ii(f) struck on a rock during a dense fog. and when considerable
excitement appeared to be manifested V)y all on board, Mr. Merritt, who
was busily engaged writing, seemed to pay no attention to tlie matter, un-
til roused to a sense of their position by Mr. Lafontaine, who .seemed to
think that something serious had happened. He, however, declined to leave
the cabin, declaring th.at the prospects were as good there as outside during
the fog and disturbance.
36.'}
nsactions, not
ission of cor-
ttack on La-
ccitonipnt, tu-
fusion. PuV)-
ilocl upon the
in interest in
iwick requii'PR
who heard of
(Jonferenco
elf appointed,
move the seat
•oing about to
lestion, he left
r by way of the
3al at 3 o'clock,
Id give me an
<sed thi'ough a
\ ])leasant seen-
tot. The l)oat
'clock, arrived
or, 115 miles,
place they ar-
a statement of
In maturing for
litory measures
ican Provinces
^f the fisheries,
le Provinces.
Iir subject with
Ifax, the vessel
|n considerable
Merritt, who
he matter, un-
'ho seemed to
tclined to leave
outside during
On arriving in Halifax, his first act was to visit his old friend Sir John
Harvey, the Governor, l)y whom he was warmly received.
The conference terminatetl after three days discussion, by refusal of the
Maritime Provinces to recommend the Imperial (Tovernment to open the
fisheries to the U. S. ; but a resolution was passed, recommending Britain
to open negotiations for a Reci[>rocity between all the American Colonies
and the States. Our subif3ct did not consider that the conference effected
anything.
Ho then decided upon endeavouring to obtain Reciprocity on the basis
of the old proposition, which was neglected to be confirmed by the U. S.
Senate. They left in the Steamer Nimjnrd., on the 5th September,
and arrived in New Ycrk on the 7th; fiom thence he wrote to Mr. Cramp,
ton detailing his operations, and afterwards went to New P>edford, for the
purpose of seeing Mr. (irinnell on the subject. He then went to Boston
again, and held a short conference with Mr. Lawrence, the new ambass^'alor
to England ; but a- this gentleman was opposed tt) the idea in toto, the
matter ended for the present ; and five years of Imperial and ( 'olonial diplo-
macy to obtain it was necessary. He returiKHl home by way of Springfield
and Syracuse, where he attenderl the State Fair, and arrived in Montreal
on the 16th. On the de))arture of the Commission, com{)Osing so large a
proportion of his working Cabinet, Lord Elgin took advantage of the oppor-
tunity to spend witli his family a few weeks ii. the vicinity of Niagara Falls.
Consequently he sV)on afterwards made a tour westward, visiting all the
chief cities and towns on the route.
As anything concerning the great Niagara, its winding shores and pic-
turesque islands is interesting to the public, we insert the following to the
President of the Council after his return from Washington : —
"Falls, July 20th, 1840.
'My Dear Sir, — 1 hope that yon are not losing sight of the Island for
mc. I want it much this summer, that 1 may go to work in clearing out the
dead wood. Pray let me know what prospect I have of getting it, and on
what terms. What can I do with (loveninient about the Eric and Ontario
Railroad, and how shall I proceed. Yours, &c.
" THOS. C. STREET."
" Hon. W. H. Mkrritt."
At the council held soon after his retuin, the Cabinet discussed the
most eligible arrangements for the seat of government. But on account
of the (rovernor's absence, no definite decision coiild be arrived at.
Mr. Merritt left on the 2Gth to join His Excellency, and went as far
as Brantford, and soon after (29th) arrived home. It is noteworthy that
oil account of the political opposition exhibited in the convention of dele-
gates, termed "the League" held at Kingston the previous month, none of the
Cabinet visited the Provincial Exhibition now held in that place.
364
Tim ./(iiinifi/ notices liis arrival as follows : —
" The lion. W. [I. Mcrritt has returned for a few days to St, Catharinea.
Wo find liini heartily and honestly enga<^ed in endoavourinj^ to make Canada
the most prospcjrons poition of the Anieriean continent. We perfcc*'y under-
stand his poli(^y for the acconiplishnient of thia desirable object, and wc are
(juite satisfied that it is perfectly practicable.
At home iio wrote Mr. (Jobden, Sir II. Po(d and other Eiif^lish statesmen,
and also to Ijord Klf^jin, who was Ht(j|tpin;j; at Drummondvilh^ His oorres-
pondon(U! at this time on Reciprocity was very large. I^ejtorts about the
moving of tlic! (iovernment thipartmeut to Toronto, inueh to the annoyance
of the Monti'oalers.
The Journal notices the presentation of an address to Ilcr Majesty's
representative, which was most graciously received.
Whilst the (lovernor was at the Falls, Mr. Merritt, on behalf
of the peo))lo of St. Catharines, invited him to visit the f'anal, and
paifeak(5 of a })ul)lic dinner, which was accei)ted and passed off very harmo-
niously.
His Excdlency expressing a wish to have a meeting of the Cabinet at
Toronto, the Pnnsid.mt of the (vouneil iiotifi(!d Cou; cillors Taeho, liafontaine,
Cameron, Carron, Blake and Robinson to meet there on tho 11th. This
was followed by one at the Falls on the l.'^th. (Kthis ho notices in a letter
to Mrs. Merritt, who, with tho author, had been spending a month at May-
ville in search of health : —
" Dear C. — This )tlace no long«M- apptjars like home, you being absent;
in fact I hav<( spent tlu; greater part of the i\\\w in moving about. I am
going to attend a meeting at the Falls on the 15th, to determine the location
of our seat of Government, which 1 hope it will be at Toronto, when 1 shall
make arrangements whereby wo may spend the winter together."
We have hinted that the Governor's visit, in part political, as well us
his other acts of administration, was viewed with disapprobation by the
opposition. Their plans being matured, and now organized, through
tho machinery of a convention of deh^gates from tho peo[)lo, wo insert the
following to show liow these proceedings were viewed by tho Government
press : —
Journal, October 4.
"Tlu! Governoi- General's tour continues to be most popular. Now and
then a growl from tho Tories leniind us tliat there is not unanimity. This
we do not expect, but wo would exi)ect, at least that party feelings would
be merged in th<« boasted loyalty of these men, and that instead of
confounding the first l>ranch of the Gov(>rnment with the second and third,
they would recognize in the (Jovernor Gen«4al the representative of tho
Queen.
" The ' ignorant and ' rebellious' Irish have shown more constitutional dis-
cernment and feeling, than our constitutionally well-bred torics of Canada.
365
"Mr. Macauley says, the statute book of England contains laws in reference
to Ireland that are a ' proverb of infamy' throughout the world. Yet those
men (the Irish) do not think of insulting Ilor Majosty by reproaching her
with these statutes. They do not dream of insulting her person because of
the acts of her Ministry. Tiieydi.scriminato between the Queen and her Cabinet.
" Why not our Tory desperadoes do the same 1 liel no man suppose that
it originates in ignorance ; nothing of the kind. They know well enough that
Lord Elgin could do nothing but what he did, but they play a desperate game,
and arc willing to run all hazards, only to get rid of the prc^sont (Jovernor ( Jen'l."
Also, to shew how wide-rpread and serious was the excitement caused by
our anomalous colonial position, wc copy the following from the resolutions of
the New Uruuswick Colonial Association : —
" A meeting was recently held at St. Johns for the purpose of considering
the present deplorable state of the province, and for devising measures of relief.
It was therefore resolved — That if it be compatible with the general interests
of Great Britain that these colonies should hav(! protection in her distant, and
their only market ; it is but justice that she should find for them other mar-
kets on reciprocal terms, where proximity or other advantages would enable
them to maintain a trade by which their existence as Hritish Colonies may be
continued."
We give this document of the Annoxation Muiiifesto to show the object
nought, vi/ : — the chango of allogiaueo. It was opposed by our subjoct,
though containing many of the reforms in o\ir Colonial CJovernmout advo-
cated by hiuj. We are led to believe that a few nialeonteuts took advan-
tuge 'je disturbed, not to say revolutionary, tendency of tlu* times, to
carry t' lir plan of forming this country into a rejiublic, and se(^k absorption
into tl' .'ighboring States. Their organ, the Iiidipviuliint, had but ashoit-
lived existence.
"October 18, '49.
" Annextion Manifesto : — The nun»l)er and magnitude of tlin t^vils that
utHiet our country, and the universal and increasing depiession of its material
interests, call upon all j)ersons animated by a sinein-e desire foi- its welfarti,
to combine for tho purpo.se of enquiry and preparation, with a view to the
adoption of such remedies aa a matni-o, and dispa.ssionate investigation, may
suggest.
" Belonging to all parties, origins and creeds, but yet agreed u])on the ad-
vantage of cooperation for tlie [>erforuiance of common iluty to ourst^ves and
our country, growing out of conunon nec(;ssity, wo have consented in view
of a brighter and happier future, to mt^rge in oblivion all past difleienccs,
of wliatover character, or attributed to any source!. In apix'aling to our
fullow colonists to unite with us in this our most needful duty, we solemnly
conjure them, as they desire a successful issue and the W(;]fare of their
country, to enter upon the task, at this momentous crisis, in the same
fraternal spirit.
" The reversal of the ancient policy of Great Britain, whereby .sho with-
drew from the colonies their wonted protection in h»;r markets, has produced
the most disastrous effects upon Canada. In surveying tho actual condition
of the country, what but iiiiu or rapid decay meets the eye ?
366
(
"Our Provincial Government and Civic Corporations embarrassed; our
bankin;^ and othor sdcurities groatly (loprociated ; oui- mochanical and agri-
cultural iiit(!rostH uliko unproHpnrous; real estate scarcely saleable upon any
terms; our unrivalled rivers, lakes, and canals, almost unused, whilst com-
merce abandons our shores ; the circulating capital amassed undei' u more
favourable system, is dissipattsd with none from any (piarter to replace it.
"When other countries are the applicants crippled therefore and checkeil
in the full career of j)rivate and i)ublic ontorprise, this possession of the
British (/'rown, oui- country stands before the world in humiliating contrast,
with its immediate neighbours exhibiting every symptom of a nation fast
sinking to decay.
" With superii.bundant water power and cheap labour especially in lower
Canada, we have yet no dcjmestic manufactures ; nor the most sanguine,
unless under altered circumstances, anticijmte the home growth, or advent
hvm foreign parts, of either capital or enterprise to embark in this grout
source of national wealth. Our institutions, unhappily, have not that iiii
press of permanence which can alone impart .security, and inspire confidence
and the Canadian market is too limited to tempt the foreign capitalist, whilst
the adjoining states are covered with a network of thriving railways, Cana-
da has but throe lines, which altogether, scarcely excijed fifty miles in length,
and the stock in two of which is held at a ilepreciation of from 50 to 80 per
cent, a fatal symptom of the torpor overspreading the land. Our present
form of provincial government is cumbrous, and .so expensive as to be ill
suited to the circumstance of the country ; and the necessary references it
demands to a distant government, imperfectly acquainted with Canadian
affairs, and somewhat indifferent to our interests is anomalous and irksome,
yet in the event of a rupture between two of the most powerful nations of
the v/orld, Canada would become the battle tield, and the sufferer, however
little her interests might be involved in the case of quariel or the issue of
the contest.
" The bitter animosities of j)olitical parties and factions in Canada after
leading to violence and upon one occasion to civil war seems not to hava
been abated with time, nor is tliei-e at the present moment any prospect of
diminution or aceomodation the aspect of parties become daily, more thieat-
ing towards each other and under our existing institutions and relations.
Little hope is disceruiible of a peceful and prosperous admistrations of our
affairs, but ditticulties will to all appearance accumulate until government be-
comes impractical, in this view of our position any course which may promise
to efface existing party distinctions and place entirely new issues before the
people, nnist be fraught with undeniable advantages. Among the statesmen
of the mother country, among the sagacious observers of the neighboring re-
public— in Canada and in all Britiijh North American Colonies — amongst all
classes there is a strong prevading conviction, that a political revolution
in this co\intry is at hand. Such forboding cannot readily be dispelled,
and they, have moreover a tendency to realize the events to which they
point.
" In the meanwhile, serious injury results to Canada from the effect of
this anticipation upon the more desirable claim of settlers, who naturally
prefer a country under fixed and permanent forms of government to one in
a state of transition. Having thus advei-ted to some of the causes of our
367
ban'assed ; our
iiical and agri-
iiible u])on any
(I, whilst com
undtT u nioio
to replace it.
vo and checked
^session of the
iating contrast,
f a nation fast
Bciallyin lower
nioHt sanguine,
)wth, or advent
a in this groat
le not that ini
j)ire confidence ;
apitalist, wliilst
railways, Cana-
jniles in length,
oni r)0 to 80 per
1. Our present
ive as to be ill
A-y references it
with Canadian
)us and irksome,
rerful nations of
.ifforer, however
or the issue of
n Canada after
ms not to havtj
iiiy prospect of
y, more thieat-
and relations,
strations of our
ijovernniant be-
lch may promise
isnes before the
g the statesmen
neighboring re-
es — amongst all
tical revolution
y be dispelled,
to which they
ji the effect of
who naturally
Iment to one in
causes of our
present evils, we would (lonsidor how far the lomedies ordinarily pioposed
posse.ss Mound and rational inducements to justify their adoption. 1st. The
revival of [»i)teotion in the nmrkots of the united kingilom. This, if attain-
able in a sntlicient degree, and guaranteed for a long period, would amelio-
rate the condition of nniny of our chief interests ; iiut th(> |)oli(y of the em-
pire forbids the anticipation. Kesides, it would be but a partial remedy.
The millions of the mother eountrv tUmand cheap food ; and a second clianno
"rom protection to frets trade, would eumjdete that ruin whiih it has done
much to achieve.
" L'nd. The jirotoetion of home manufactures.- - Althouifh this might
encourage the growth of the manufacturing interests in Canada, yet w'thout
access to the United Sta. ^s market, there would not be sulHcient expansion
of that interest, from the v. ant of consumers, to work any ic>sult that could
he admitted as a 'njiaedy' for the numerous evils of which wo complain.
"3. A Federal Union of the British American Provinces.
"The advantages claimed foi' that airangement are free trade between
llie ditlV'rent, ju-ovinces, ami a diminished goveinmentul e.xpenditure. Thu
attainments ol' the latter object would be pr<jbl<;matieal, anil the benelits
anticipated from the former might be secured by legislation under our ex-
isting .system.
" The markets of our sister provinces would not benetit our trade in tim-
ber, for they have a surplus of that article in their own forests ; and their
dennind for agricultural products would be too limited to absorb our means
of su|)ply. Nor could Canada expect any encouragement to her manufac-
turing industry from those quarters. A Federal Union therefore would be
no remedy.
" 4. The iudependauce of tlie British North American Coi^jnies as a
Federal Republic.
" And having regard to the powerful confederacy of States conte-minous
to itself. The needful military defences would be too costly to render inde-
pendence a boon, whilst it would not answer any im .e than a Federal
Union."
Annexation was the only remedy proposed by the manifesto : and of
coiD'se it could not be enteitained by oui' subject.
Jouruul, July 26th.
" In the eastern portion of this colony, the commercial and the wealthy
influence of the League goes for Annexation ; anothi;r portion for Independ-
ence; but these go 'to restore the spirit of our outraged constitution. ' That
is, in other word.s, to destroy Responsible Government; and this they have
the impudence to call ' restoring the spirit of our outraged constitution.'
A letter from Inspectui- (ieu. Hinks to an electoi' on the annexation
manifesto appeared in the papers.
" I refer to the [)roposition that has been formally madt; to the people of
Canada, to consider the expediency of seeking a change in their political
condition. I believe that I am warranted in a.sserting that, setting aside
those questions which our own Parliament has full power to settle, the sin-
gle cause of discontent among our people at this moment springs from the
restrictions imposed by the United States on the admi.ssion of our staple
products into her markets. I have had an opportunity since my return
from England of conversing with persons acquainted with public opinion,
368
in variouH jtartH of Uppor fJauadii, and all sooinod to a^n-oe that tlio inoon-
Hiderato cry for annexation would !)« at oni'o Htillod hy tho tmtaldiHliuiunt
of nHnpronil frco trade witli tlm United HtatoH."
Mr. ItinckH (duvorly hits tho |)rinci|ial roaHon of disitontent wiiich pro-
duced tlie above ManifoHto.
The following,' in from the KMimiiwr, evuhuitly undt^r (Jov't influence: —
"TiiK Annkxation M()Vi:mknt.— Ah a matter of hiw, it niimt lte(h)ul)t-
ful whether tliey could coiistitutionally l»e (h^prived of th<< ri^ht of the peti-
tion in thiH case, extraordinary aH is i\w oliject of their [tetition.
" The annexation adviwates have not told us at what rate of valuation
we ar(i to jiay for the fixtures to which .John I'ull has a <:laini.
" Not so with soiiKi d(H(p seated canker that preys upon the vitals of the
coniniercial and agricultural coiuiuiniity. The denial of recipnuiity by the
Americans is likely to keej) alive a movtnnout orifjinated in the bitter feel
in^H of political defeat.
"The only (piestion at tho pre.sont moment connected with thesid)ject of
reciprocity is by what means can we wring from Amcsricans what selfishness
has denied us '{ If we cannot coax, can we not, by sv)me indirect process,
coorco'? We think so, if England will take the matter in hand. Sho could
retaliate otlo(;tually witliout returning to the protective system."
In an article against the annexation movement, Journal, of Nov. 1, says :
" Quoting the remarks in Mr. Merritt's speech in page MOO of this book,
wherein he says, if no remedy is applied, the diHsatisfaction of "M will show
itself again in '49.
"Any disinterested person comparing these remarks in 184G, with the re-
sult in 1849, must admit that events turned out with unusual precision."
" There is one more advantage implied in the policy of Mr. Merritt, it
would remove the uncertainty that hangs on the minds of men as to our polit-
ical relations. A country to be satisfied must be prosperou.s. MaLe Canada
prosperous and you don't hear one word about annexation. This we believe
can only be accomplished by a bold, comprehensive policy, such as that espoused
by the Hon. W. H. Merritt.
As the time for tho Governor's moving to tho new cai)ital approached,
the privacy which had characterized his visit, tho present season, to Niagara,
was abandoned, but not so much as to i>rove^t strictures on what is called
his parsimonious proceedings. Lady Elgin had a reception for ladies; and in
this excited time, tho circumstanco of keeping hor gloves on, according to
the rules of Court etiquette, was taken notice of, the paucity of any gi-eat
amount of public entertainments, in contrast to tho Earl of Durham at tho
samo place ton yeai-s previous, was also noticed ; however there was a great
Bceiio of activity in the little village of Drummondville, in the chief hotel
of which the court was held, while the Governor resided there, and a corres-
ponding depression was felt after he left.
The succeeding entries in his private journal are: —
*' Attended Council from Monday until Saturday 20th at Drummond-
ville. Spent till Tuesday 1st November, at St. Catharinof.
Uv. l>ittor tVol-
rccision.
" K<vt'lv»'il ;i t«'l«';^i!im U> iitti'iul ut 'I'DrDUtv)."
'rhtiui; lif svrili'w 'Jiul Di'ociiiIhm": —
" I>i:au ('atiikimnk. f h.uc tiiknu »iii(U't«'is in Qm't-u Stint, twudmxs
fVoiii ('limcli. D.u ill Hiiys li" has Mpciit t"JtM'<ir liis liinilldid, Mr. I'.'iUor,
uli'eiuly. lit' Nvill lit- in ifiiiliin'ss ((» icri^ivr yuu in thr laiirsi- of tin- vmm4'.
Vou tMitor 11 liall, <lra\vinj,'-rt»iini «iii v\<^\a, and ilinimj-nxiiu on K-ft, anil uiy
ollicH! liciiiml ; Mlr('|>in).' rooms up Htiiirs, nitli span- i'ikimih, tor we will li.ivn
tVit'nils otrasiunaily.
Tij tho autlior he si-nilH liis iiiMtniotiuuH, Ih'v. Anl : -
" li( t tlic <'ln'Hnut mart! be well tak»'n ruro of. Have tin* linrnvsH i»'|>iur-
(mI. Vou will soiul her ami tlic \va:,'on, KuhlU' and l.ri«l!«', a -^ooil lialt«'r and
all Lit clolliin^. I Khali havo tho «tabh"H ready thi.-^ wu-k, with hay and
uatH."
'Ha'si) iuHtruetions w<m !■ iinalituid I'V :
•' If ojxMi and liuf I svill cxjicft you, it' not you will o('i-ouiv;i' ih-ler \ our
visit till afti'r C.'hri.stnias.'
'rhiHliajijicnod, and .Mr. M. <ani<f o\t'r to spend the li«)lidays. Thoy cr»>K8«Ml
the lake with their ueccs'^ary eU'eets tV>r a winter','* Hojourri. tlie day after
( !hri.stnias.
Deet'ndiir "JS.
'' We have to iliidui<le at this u.'^ually hapjiy season, the suddcit and
unexpected doniise of (}eor;.(e. Proseott Ks(|., s«»i!n!t)iry and tivasuror of the
Welbiml Caual olliee, who retained his hi}:;hly reHponsibh' poKfc dnriuji; all
llie changes sinee his appointment hefom the rei>illiou ; a proof that
( loverninent appreciated the elKeient and faitliful disehar^'e of his iliities.
A journey up the line, on business ronnected with tin; otlice, a fortni},'lit
b'foiv, brouijht on a severe eold, which acting on a constitution already
iiji|)air(!d Ity ollicial conlini^ment, caused his sudden and lamented death.''
The Suspension l?ridge h:id been •ponr<l for carriaj.';^' tiavel. and already
sliewed its success by pay inn' a hiiiidsomc dividend.
1 8 5 0 .
t Drummond-
\Ve make use of .Mrs. ^[erritt's journal for details of the late Winter's
proweilings.
" We came over to Toronto, Fri<lay, did some shopping' : saw a St. (,'u-
ihai'ines friend, now a resident here.
" New Year's day was observed by the gentlemen calling, a great many
i»f whom took advantage of the custom and piosented thi'mselves.
" The next week of our sojourn was oocuj>ie<l in receiving the calls nf
uur old friends in tho city, among whom are His (Jrace, the Ijord Bishop,
.Mr. and Mrs. Kobinson, the INIirfises lialdwin and 3IiKs Striu;hau.
•' On Monday it rained; tho conse^pience was, we liatl to drive in uiud.
We called on the Bishop next day.
.-^TO
"Took in l''i:iiicc:i, ( M is. .1 . 1h;l;''1 ioll) iVnm Iicr lionrding ni'lmol, ;im<I went
wiUi tlio ]»!irty U) hi'i> onr til'l St.. (\itlMiii)i's frii>ii<l, Mih. l-'itzLiciald, ntnl
iliiu;;h*.rr, Mrs. Hiiyci.
" N<>\t, <liiy, Sniidiy, l.'il), iiHtMiloil (Ik^ ( 'ntlHMlr.il, \s Ikmc a stnui/^'cr
priMu^litiil. At.t<Mi<loil M(M!i<iiii,sl iiii'cliiifj;, )ic(>(>ii\)iiiiii(Mi Uy Mrs. Wooil, Mr.
Moiriti.'s (H)iiMJii, wlio liiiil lal.cn Ira with un.
" Artor ilri\ in;; I''. Id scliool, rrl uviumI |i> mii' liMlnrjn^. MiH. lvo))iiiH(iri
caII<mI.
•" I'.Hli, l)i(i\i', in cninii.iny willi Mr.\ V. and Iht dMn:,dit»'r, (roinitrU
of St ( 'ndinrincs) ad'ai as Hon I'lid;^;*'
• ITith, W'niiii, \vi(h oi-i'a.sinnal rain, wliicli did mil prcvrnt ns dii\iri;,'
iirniiiid lliK sti'dolH of (lie town. Mr. M. M''roin|ianvin}».
" I7(li, Mr. M. out. dir.in;; witli iW i>i.slio)>.
" ISlIi. Mr. S. Knt-rcr and wii'c ariiviMl.
"|y(li. TIn' .-iun n>s(< lliit nmrnin;; idi ar : the ■ ccnnd time sini'c in\'
(•(fijiin;^ IifMi'.
•• ■J',)t.I\ Mr. (!r:H.sc(i ]ir('a<:licd. .\ n.iM- si'r\ io'. (Innif^di it was a wet day,
Mr. M. mid 1 rode uiil to tlii' A.^ylinii.
" '*!»(., .\f.;a(ii rain. Miss .larviw In-rc. We calli'd (in Mr. CaincroM
and S(.r.i'-h.in, antl dined witli tlii' W'iddors,
"'J'ind, ncci'ixcd a wtdcoinn lidlcr from niv old fiiend, Mih. Ilawloy,
who i.s 1<(M
•pill":
ihe 1
1()\ISIV
•■ 'J.'trd, Sun shinin;4 to (hiy. Went, .shoppinj^'. Had thi- carria.^'c, up.
uud wnnt. t.o moot Mr. M. I'^dainiod Mr.s. Kidout's and HoiiiiiHoa's fallv.
■•jlth, 'I'd ( 'ooo'-il < 'hanilx'i- for Mi. M. 'ro;.M't/liMr to wharf, oxprct
in^ .son William, who, however, diti not emniv Took a turn in ( !()Iloi,'<'.
Avonuo, ,\t, a i|nartei- lieforo so von, .set out in our earria;.;<^ for I'jhnslie
Home, to dine wit.h the <Jovernov and ('onnlei,;; ; tin- dinner nvcr and
all l>y half jiasl It).
'''J.")t!i, '!'ook a h>n;; walk wil.ji Mrs. K. to thi' new ho,s|iital,
.soup kilehen , a very ;;ood ariinjremeni.
"■Jtitii, Not ii|t till UK William eame ovej, i|uarlei- t.o one.
aw
■-'7lh, Snowi
d all
" 'iStJi, Mr. Meriitt and \\'. « roi.e until three, when .Mr. M. was .sent
l(
Tlii.s is the t"cMirth time h*
has attempted to write, \sheii Ik had hoeii
int.Mrru|)
ted.
l!'.U.li, Willinn retwrmd lioim>.
•• l,st, Calliufi; witJi Mrs. \\.
'• iJnd, Sp(<n( Sunday in iloors.
" ;5rd, Iveiu'ivisl a letter iVom Thoinais in London, he having croHti'd
tho AilMUlie in Hw<>ml)or.
""lUi. Mayor l*'oley, from St. ( 'alharinos, who had liren ehoson this
your, (!)il!od -.ind l)rou;;ht a \(<lU'r from Hon Willi ni.
"r)t,li, Sponl. the evonin;; with Mrn. Hiiyos.
"titJi, Hrovo out. nUIiiiK at tho oHice, and lirin^in^' homo .Mr. McMTitt
i<t iliniuti.
•' 7ll\, Snowed, wliirh tluMi tu.mMJ into rain.
" 8(,h, Mayor Koley eallod hofore hi.s roturn ; toitruhlofl liiin witli a
li^tt/«<r hojutv
• ',»Ui, Ivain all day. Mr. M. attompto<l to stay hero, and wa.i Ht'iil
A
Mr. M.-rrilt
371
for .\« UHu.i!. I liavK riM<f(ivo(l no tiiliii.LjH nf .1., wlio, nftiT we loft, liad
ii;ou(> to Miiyvillo, l)y wav of Dmiiivillo, on lioiw* l)ack.
" 101,1), WalKtd !,.> clniii-li. 'I'lic caniaLjtMoad." iillinud. < )in- |)ow in ho
fur baok, wo couM po), In ar Mm sorinnn ; llinrcfofo tlin ).jn;aioKt. KuliHlUoiinn
w:ut in tin- inaycr.s, wliirli wo know. A I. a <|iiaitfr to i, drovoont, an far •!«
tlio ooim-Lury, ami tool; a vii-w of l.lio |iicl,nii'H(|Ho river Don, on wlioso lank
if- JH sitaiatoii. < >n our nl.nrn alxnit nine, w lio .slionlil aiipi-ar lnit, .lodiali.
Ko havin;^ conn^ lonnd (lio lioad of (iio lake, on lior.sc liark
IIUi, !Jrfakfa.slcd ai, S (liis Miornin^ ; onr \isiia,I linn' '.>. Wonf.
ill .1., to Yorkvi!I(> \
o i-all ii|>i>n
Mr. M
ornttH cou.sin
fr
>ni
St. .lolnih
" ( )n tlio llJtIi, I'Viiii'-fs and .1., ai'C()ni[i.inio(i l>y Mrs. K., attended t!io
(Jovcrpor's IJall.
"Mr. MfM'ritt .sto|-|«,>d licrn all day. In tlic afternoon mir dri vo rxtcnd
od to tin- kin;,''.s wli.'irf l!c(iii'nin;i[, tdok .l.'.s liorHo, wliiih was frosli, iind
d-iiL,',i;od Mr. M.ont. I'"im! .sh^ii^liin;^ on tin- I'my.
" 'I'lio wook wiiH .s|Muit in visits and drives.
''Tim eliivrfnl i()ni|iany of Mi'. S. K eefc'r, and liis atnialde. lady, \\ lio
filivytid eMpiisitoly, witli tlie visits of friends, niade tlie wiiiti'i' pass a^jrooaUly.
" riie steaianr <iros.sod pretty r<^;.;)ilarly to Nia.L^ara."
IHtli, Tli(( Hiitlior started foi- Imnie in a snow storm.
1'lio samo dilllenKy eontiinied to indnce (lie l*r(sident of tlu^Conneil
t<<> loavo liiH oooiipation in order in (.'ike the nei'essary exercise, and t'lie
rrtoinoranda iu»te.* and tallies of li;^ures also sliow witli w liat indnst.i'y lie
p'iiswod Ilia ahsorliin;; measure ol Itiitreiulinmnt.
Mrs, Morritt'.H journal continues ;
'' VV'e left tlie caiiital, with its ;^aiely, i>n "J-'ilh Maieli; and iieie proph'
:i..sk liow I like Tonmt.o : my ans\v(M' is, \{'v\ well ; and why / lUx-anse my
(^n*<liand is tlieio. Still Mr. M. is entirely de.voted to his pnhlie Inisiness.
.\ml 1 must roeoncih^ my self to it as well as 1 eaii. Scrililile, icrililile.
a.il tlie time; I wonder lie does not lose his senses.
"lie says tlint ho will lirin^ alioiit Ketreiieliment , or have the (lovern
raoiit. I don'l know whieh I oii;^ht. t,o wish (or most.
'''riioiiius, who L(ol, home from Mnj^dand on (he '_'S|h, :iiid onr liKle family
M,;-". oiiee more a»*emMed, around our own fireside, and my liear(. wits filh'd
with eratitmh? (<» (he ^iver of every liiessiiiL;.
"Mr. M., who had n^tiiriied to 'i'oronto the day after tin- i.'Wh, rrtiirnfl
to St. ('atliarineK a^ain and sjient Sunday.
'' r»th May, Mr. M. home In attend his election, linvini,' ret;i;^ned
hirt poHitioii jvh I'msident of the ('o\ni(!il. lio spoke to (he peo]»le tor two
•loiWH and ii half, then ntturned toToi'ont. Next day I'arliainont i>p(^ned.''
Previous to Mu- opcMiiiifj; <»f the House at Toronto, Mr. M(uritt was called
lijMHi (,.) take the oflide of ( 'ommissioner of l*ulili<' Works, a position vvhicli
wim Miori) suitalile to his tastes and ideas than tin; one he Indd, iis he now
wjiH pliKM^I where he could ur^<i and carry out moamireH of real hc,n(>(it (41
thn country. lie w;i.i re elei-tiMl liy acclaiiintion, and returned to his
Cjtuwi iu till) ('ouiioil.
W(! suhjoin tl»f) followiny Unuling extrin-ts from tlin .Hpoech of our suh
.172
JMi I «iM (Ilis tu'i'it' ion, <.i liMW Ills ^v'IhtmI \i« WW. oil llio.-c iJMlly il'Hi<rliir,(
in\("«ti<'t\s, \N liii'li 111 liis I'^t niiiil ion wnr nl" nrciid'i iiii|i<>i'ltiii<'i' (n (lie I'lninir v,
tliMU IIk' luaiix otliri' (liviitl iiiiiltriH \>liu'li uti ti[<it tl llir tiiiii ol <!,«' {•«<it-!<>
iiM.I I'm liiiiiiiMil 111 this |>i'i inil,
" ( JiMilliMiicii 'I'lirro nil' (\'\\ unn iimn' (or ( iiiiiiii llmii iii\..( IC in rctuiu
III' lit ni\ <i|i|><iiii'tit'^.
iiiU Jilt' ronli'lfiii'r ut' iii\ (Vicinl
lllil I lie tin I'l 111 111
"I'liis is tlic (ilVi tiuu- \i'n li.ivc IimnTt'il inc. Ii\ i rdn niii': iiic ns \u\\\ ii
Iht ; lull tluM is tin' liisl ( inn
I
liiiM' ii|iiu>iil<'i| t.i \(iii iiH II Minister n
.1 i\u
tiovcriiiin'iil. Ilillii'il" llm inli'ui-l vnslnciil, Init now i'M'I \ iimn, (n tn
( Jiispi' ti) Sivinlw i' li,
r.', |.
Ill) III
ti'i'i'-t ill tin' r<'?-iil( I'l' this rlcctinii.
It
is in>l ni\ inlcnl imi, ^^t'litlcniin. In udrini't tn runrMil flic jiti-'int
t.dc ot" imlilii' iVciiii'
I w us (rinlt' II'. \\ I'll sill i;.|ii li in iii\ nw n iniinl. Iicfdii
in'i'0|i|iii;.; oil i I'l', tliul i listen I islai't ion |iri'\ iiilnd in. iillrr t lir <n«ni n'mrf. nt la.'-t
vi'iir liml in'tniilly tuiviii jlin
origin . tli
III' ciuisi" I'l t Ills ilisi'olltrlil IS lint ol' icntil
,si'i''ls v\ c'ln
lllli'il
1m r.
I'l' till' pii'i'iit iinininist I .i' Inn nun
into powiT
ll IS to I.I' iiUnliuli'il III till' I'liioii Alt r( ISM,
.1 III
I'lniiii;!' ill '111' t'oionnil |>oln \ ol tlrnil r.iilnin in l^'■UI. 'I'lir (iist did nn
ostiildish !i sni
m ion
t .'lii'i'K
t
on (lir i'\|iriiiii( iilr o|" llin piildu' inoiirv ; tluli
iiioiK'V liills i'loin indi\ idii.-il nn inliiri ut
ti'lTinu till' I'oWiT vi OIlMlUlllI
Piuliiiini'iit to l!io I'Ar.'iitivi' ('oiinril. Iins |irii\i'd a lailiui'. 'I'lic piililir
dt'lit liii-lu'cn iiiiTi inisl. nndi r llin )Mi.si'nt. svstcni. lo iilmnl ,l.'l,tl(i(i,(»(l(V
< 'ustoiiis dill it's liiiM' li'i I; iinnnsi'd iVoiii I'.'. t<> IJ,', |Hr cnil. m/ luili'itm
on drv p'oiis. and on oilier aitii'li's ot' i'onsuin|>tioM iiiiii'ii liii^lirr. I''\cisn
duties iia\<< lui'u cstaidisln
aiii
I inli'iii'il tiiM's iMci'i'iiscil to till' aiiioiiiit nl
iU lo.'V.Nt Xr>t>0, 0(1(1 pnr \rai, w lncii. in addition to llin dnlil, cnnlnicti'd, lias
;>lso liciMi r\|'<ndi'd (i'mi'I'I tor llir oiiliiuny cniichsi's of" tlic ( Jo\ «'rniin lit )
on iinprodiiiM i\ «' woiKs, and ollur olijci'is \ ioldini,' no ii'tm n. Iciixiii;; (lie
intiTost lo I'c paid tVoin ( 'usloins, thus Kitpiuu n|> liij,di lalesand di\«rtiii;;
liado into other I'haniiels.
"No (JoM'i ninent in t'anadii can retain the (oiitidenie o(" tin' coiintiv,
that tloi's not ell'eot a tree inti'r»'haiiue of inndiiee and eoiiiniotlitieN. Hit;li
triVM's and low prii'i's caniiot eo exist with eoiitenlineiil in thi^. or any eoiinti v.
Tin* Anulo Saxon raee would not listen (oexenses; their eons(.aiitl\ leeiir
e we not as proN|ierous as our iieiifhliours ?' 'I'd
nnir t'l'v w I
11 I.e. 'Whv av
this ijiie'-iuMi the (Jox irnnient musi^ixea |irai'tieal iind satistHeti'ry Hoiutie
" From these remarks you will oliser\i', that I have Keen |ire|iared to
witness depression and dissatiKfaetion. It was the iiie\ itaMe cU'eetK ol' thf
{H>liov ivud system pursued. '■- * f; -f: *
" Whatever dilVereiii-es ot' opinion nia\ exist, a.s to tin' disti'il.utioii of (lie
piXHVods ot" the < lercy IJeserve tuinl. \ (.ur eliildreii w ill lie iudel.tcd (k> (lie
foivsiirlit ofthe l,oi\"> liishop of Toronto t'or its preset vat io,\. \N"hat would
have luvii the disposition ot'tliis i"iuid. had it heeii plaeeil uinler (lie contrel
ot' tho Vt\>viticial l.eijislature ":* I'lnler our juvst iuid present HVHtems, rjol
an aoro would have l»tH»u preserved. While otiier ptihlie men in this j.;eiip
ration, to whom the management ot" ;<.").(ll)(l, 1)0(1 of ueres of land iuive inrii
rmritsted. liave allowed altuost the entire capital to he s<niaini«ixHl.
t\iw>\ eh thebi&bop'sinflueiii'e this portion of it has been priwrvod. [ am well
.-.w'aiv o( the state of puMie t'eoliiiir on the .suhjeet of the distribution of tJii*
Uesei \«.'s. hui 1 cntvi tain no doubt that tlu-v, and all other uu-ustirt k uod^r a
r,r.\
•lit >r M,n »iil wl) ) III . ■' l,!i ' III III I 'I'urMil. m|* th'ii ij.vn id int. •.vill In* i.^l.l liil
in HiVM'- i iiii'i* Willi tin- vii'w.< ul' II iiiij'iiilv 1)1' till' |ii'>»jili' , lull I iiiuiiil,,i.iii
I i,il l,ll"V .■il'i' l!l.i);^i'l.li'M- II .vi'oiiilin-y (•■l||,^|l|l•|■;ll inn riiiii|i i? ml tn nl.lii'l- unit
Vi-fTi wliii'Ii iiivdivi' irir I'liliiri) priirn iiml |ii (niii'iil.v.
" I li.iv.' Inn; Ih'imi Mill i-ilinil, ),li:il, 1)111 < '|i r:;y l!"bt"ivcn, I ' iii vfiMJIv, ' '<il
1 'i,n> iMil ('niiiiiiiHi t^i'liMul iiirpl; I. Ill III' cull vi'ri.i'il inlu r;i]iil;il iiiii|ili-
1 >i Ui iiMhii'-l ion III' II It lili'M I IVihii III!" "Wi'l 1)1' till' |iiii. iiji-i- t,i» tlio
oblinr, iin I tlnil I iim on I l|i< stiiini' nnliii':;uil i|i ni'ii inn ' ii > on i Kliip i'iiiiiiIm.
"M.iMi'i 'I Is 1 "I'lT l'ii|., I'l 1 .(iii'i-f I) llin ll .11 i| .if Wi;rl( 'i, li I 1 III I'lii n
.«('.,aI.«miii'iiI. nil (In' iiii'ii'MMi'il WnMlnni I.imiIc. lui-i'il hh llic iininli"i' ol' t.oiiK
)>i..uiiiu; I'roni Imkn I'lrii' In liijn \v,it'>f, tlirnn^li l.lin l'',t if <'iin il, wliidi ;.;ivcK
iia '|t"lii:il iiH-MM-.i' nt" 'J ! ji'T i'"nl. II yi'iir, rMnini"n''.iii:,' iil I:!l,'i7l tnn.-i in
H:!S, ,ini| ■•inliii;,' Willi V'i'.l.ti.i'.l in I K IH.
" [''iniii SMI vi'V.H iilfi'iiilv III, nil', il, ii|i|i Mrs llnil ii lafi- I'liiuinnl ciin lif
( iVi'iMi'il in iliMioiiiliiiv, liii' ii\i'i. Ii\ imnnuii:; ii I'l'W nliril.in I inin, willioiil/
I'lHiin,; ll .sill;;]!' r.iii.i!, ;il, 11 mnilciiil • cxiii'ii,-;!', nl'tiT wliirli tli<' Si,. I,ii wiiiiiri-
will l)i> (lie liivti. iiiiil rlii'iijtrsi, iiii\ i;;iil inn kiinsvn in l.lin unijil. A vivkhiI
>vill l.liKii puH.i ilnwii rriiiii liiki' Oiiiniiii In M'liil iimI, (liii'.vin;^ l,"n ffi-l, of
w kl.iT, II ili,tl,.miM' nt' ii,Mily two liuiiili't'il niilivs. in twmily I'nnr linnr.i, mnl
ri'l.nni tjimnijli tin' iMil.s m ciiniils liy sliick \viit<T iiii\ i^juLinii. 'I'lii.-i will
I .^rttoi'i' tlii> iciiiK.' nalnrnl nh iinl,iin'-< wliirli \nii pn^-i 'hmhiI li.^foi-n IKJ'J, uml
I .'-llnic till' Ijinii' l-i'ljilivi- |il nK|i<'i it V Nnll I lii'ii riijnsi'il.
.Annllirr link of liii t ;^'r<'ji.( cliaiii. is I li" rnnn"i't inn nf l/ikcM llnron unW
f-^iipnrinr, nil tlii'-iiiii" ilinii'ininii-t. ll n"jnii<v-t !)iii oiif ln:k , lunl a slinit
I'lUial, nil tin- S.illlt Sir. .Malic
" I > 'I'pi'iiili.; Iiiiki- Si. I'i'tiT Iini'inviii',' llif Ollawii, (iini cniiiU'i'liti'^ tlic
lliyor Si. .Inliii, N'l'W l'.inn,swick , v.illi lli^ .Mii'liiwu.skii.
" Wi" It '.If o\' t ll'- nii"v,i!ii|)l" 1 in',r<'iiMc nl" canuLs, lailiniul i, iiiiii nllii'i mi
|irnvi>niniilr.-i ii llic I'ar Wi'.sl tlii' lii^li |»iii'n of \v■l;^(!.>^, mnl <;nnKtant. llow
of (iiiiiLJi'alioii. Wlial i.s tlic can ic ' Wliat lin.s l>n)n;^lit tli" Oliio, liniiatia
!\mI i'liiiMLjn Cisials inin o|)iTal,inn at ho narly a <lay ( ami wliat at thin mo
ni'Mit an; tlic mh'iii-i ••iii|ilnyc(l in cnniH'ftiii;,' the Wi.siroiiHin ami l''nx Itivf-rK
t.) rii iki! a ii,ivi;4al)li' rnniinuni'M; inn frnni I'lairji! (In ( 'liii-ii, nn tln' .Mi.sHJH
k'ppi ti> (ii('(!ii I>a,y, nn l/a!ci' Mirlii;; in. J'lih.'lr hiii.ln iravi- tlio iiii)ii'tiiH,
uiiil witliiii a i'l'w v'vir^ lias tniinvl a \vilil"i iin.is intn a t!iiil;lv |»n|inlati!il
country, •'' •'■ ■*■ * ■ ••=
" .'\iilinii .(ll tin- (•li>ni"nU mIiJcIi Ii iv(' prmlniM-il ili.Hsali.sfaction arn lin
ynriil tin- cnn'rn! n\' tlir |iicM'nl .\'linini.^iral inn, liny will still lur ))<-I(l
iiirtjinn.silili'. Nn ( Invcrnnn'iit, it niatt'-is nnt wlin the iiuli'.i'lnal.s aif wlii<;li
(.>iu|in,<<) it, oi" iVoni wliat party tlicy arc sclcctcil, can '.^ivc .sati.^factinii, iin
loHH Canaik-i is as prn.spcrnn.'^ ai llic cnimtry nn tin- ntln-r siilc of tlu; houii
(I'lrj. Tliat in llic test, ami tin- only tent in wliidi piilili^' conliil'Ticc will
I') coiitinncil or witlnlrawn. If proof wci'c i-cipiircd in .support of thi.s
.s'^AliOmciit, it is only icccssary to rcfi-r to th'; late a'lniiniHtratioii. Tlicy
w Ml"! pliiiM'd in pnwci- Icimiihc tliti picccdiii'^ one iii<| not tjivc nati.sfactioii.
Tho pniHcnl were liroiiiLjlit into power hccan.^c tlic la.st were e<pially iiuhik;
liiwsfiil. Tlie Haine fate awaits tlie present Ministry, as certainly as day
*iiii5(VMsil:-i ni;;Iit, unless measures are adopted i*> secure our future prosperity.
It w>is itn- tlii;^ ohjc-ct that 1 accepted tlie drud;^ery of olTiCf, and it i-i by
sljiH tt-tit only Uiat 1 sliul! claim your cnrifidcuce in futury.
374
I
" I OotilrNM, );i'iit!<>i,ii'n. I luxl nil nlinirl in view in ii<'t<r>|i(j|i^ )l,i< Hifcun
tii'ii Ilaviii); ItiHMi Olio ut till' ciirlitwl nilvoi'dtcH in rotiiKtctiii^ our I'nwt
iul Mill \v:il<'rn willi iho (mi'mm. I iVrl n MtniiiLr itiliMcsl in mriiif^ I.Im<iii liiiiHlnK;
on II m-iilc I'tMiiiiH nHiirii(«< willi ( licir t'\(i>ii( . n( lli(> i>ai licnl |iusMili|i' inuiiHtut
»'t»iirul«'nt lli;it tlii'ir Mit'ci r^ will In; I'vci-cil ilii- i>\|ii>((»ili(»i(N (•(' (In- nuiHi. »n,ii>
miiiic."
Tlio juililir.il |utsitioii (if (iiir '^uliji'i't :ilioiit iJiin lime, spcium riUlicr |n>culiar,
wlu'u il is nMiu'iiiltort'il (li.-il, wliiil iniiy I"' o;ill(<(l Htr'u'i pirly lin«<H wcr.- <lrnwri
ln<(\vooii 111!' '• Ium" mill' ■' oiil'^.' Still, jitililioiilly S|i»<!ikin>^, we C.il U> linii in
Mr. MniiltV cum'it, as a JD^inlator m |uililit' man, any act liavin;,' (or it*
olijoiM (lu> nitTc as^^islaiu'i' nT t ulidcal views, lor llu- atlvain>cniriil dC liin iVicmJH,
on till" vMiidaiy liis iiKvis wen exclusively iialioiial, ami in wli ilever inannor
ho may liave eh;ini;eil sides with his |uililieal as,s(ieia(es, we lliink our rciMliTN oap
arrivo a( no oilier eonehi^ion than that llie sole ami only intorcNt ]\v, \vn{ in
view, wa.s in eiuleaviniriiij; to raise his enuntry, eoinmereially to tho Hum<> iM»hi
linn as others who were rajMilly pro;:;rossin!; in things neodCiil to ii j^jrcat nation
The ojiiuioM ot' an eloi'lor, who wa-t a lrei|iM>iil e.)n'r,s|>(in'lenl of v\r
RVihjoet, is lu'io instutcil.
" To till K\li(or ol' till- St. C lit hiiri Ill's .loiinml . Siii, (Mi my rct.urn
tiMin th<M'lee(ion, I tlioni^lil over Mr. Merritt'.'^ ohsorvations and |iro|>oH
lions, toijether with the aiinoiineemenl that a ( 'omniiMsion oC |<]ii<|niry <m
tli(> ijreat ijnestion ol' lletii'iielinienl wouM lie formeil as Hoon as raili.'imom
a.ssiMuliled, in whieli every salary wouhl ho liron;^lit nmler review. Wail, a
hit ; \vi> shall see Nvh<>tlii>r aiiythinL,' more than the eheese jiarini^H and vm
dio ends of ollie;- ari> inlendi>d: and ii]ion analy/ini; his speeeh, l.his <im> tnea
sure is all that ,it thi> i>it'sent .session is to he ijraiiled. 'I'he HtnmdnoHN o;'
Mr. M.s views on the snhjev-t ot' ihe liiijiiicial ditlienlly. I li(> w'.ant. of a niiiii-
ket for (.\inada. whieh now stare oiir lo.tn inoiiv;(<rM Inil in Ihe I'aee. Cow <'.ii.n
douht . t'ewer still, the neeeAsily ol iiiei'tini; t he ehanj,'(< from loajis li<t th«
payment of thi^ deht already a>'>'uinulali>d. Il<> .also ?(taled how lJiin eonhi
lie aeeoniplislie I. lie has m'\er douhted the re.soiirees of ( 'anada, atul wor«
his views to he aitinl upon, an approach, at least, to that, hannony and prtw
pority he desei;^hed mi (lit hi- madi* ; yi't the whole of the |ire,senl discontoiU
wruld not he removed if luH'iproeily was att.(iined.
" Mr. ^ItM'ritt piMposes to pay olV the th<ht with the ('ouncil re\enu»i«.
keepinij on tlie import (hities until lS(i(i to p.iy the interest, near or>^^ half
the present amount of t^ixatiim. Iti years ahead ; yet. to 1h< free of doht, a:
luost iuvy reasonaiile saorilice must he maih*. This is not Kren Traih' ; nov
that Kivo Trade is neeossiiry to the colony, or the hapjiiness of the individ
ual, and some douht exists if his linancial ahility will he ^nnited, witl<
zoal to earry out his \ ii>ws. ii« every year will increase the demand fo;
jtssistaiice on jiuldic works."
We mW. to slunv the straiiLTC and erroiioou.s vievva licld hy the Heformorff
of that day about nuinioipal economy and elioi( e of representation ;
" For the d miitAil principle of carrying; on puhlie hiiildinijH and puhlie
xviirks by kxjns to be repaid with interest, inst<'ad of vviiich, <\ich loo;ilit;j.
where uionoy is likoly to bo vranted, may inorei^se their rate two *.(r khriw
rnf)
!N(oiin<ir«
V■|<ll^^ licCnii' llii' W'lvU in l(i';j;i|ii . IIh'v will (liu < liuvr it I'liii'l iif ili< ir « wn.
wiUiout. iiil(«i'"<l; mill wuh ovnry (,'iwiml(i|> in (li« |ir()viri(ti< (j) niim* n Hfria'l
'itii|ilnH riiiid. In lii> iri\fM|Mi| iukI tn''tir<l in th" l'i'ovin<'i/il in'cnmnliitr*!
il'iik, |n'(i|i<i:4i<il liy Mr M . tin m WKultl IIkmi I»;i a livii i'ii|iiltvl |>r«iilii<'iri^
iiil,f«t(Mt|. (iiislcml III' II liiiM li '(U'iiiij it\|."ri'st,) tn thu iiivi-slinj; loi'iility. 'iihI
III! M iMinluliiii< Innd lu csixt. t.u «;n'ry unl my iiii|ti'4iv<'iin'iil in the |o( ulitv
vvliicli iiiny li- (liiMi'j;lit n»<c("iMiu'y. r.H it wmilil lie iit all tinn"i iivaiiiililt', witli
|>io[n«r notice |,i» iJn- I'loviiiciiil l'..iuk of {uuw.
Al'l.(>r II Imii^ viirjilinii (hr Hiiu'' <i|K \ic(l «)ii III! Mill ftfm i\ v/
inoikHUi'CN dl' ini|Mirlaiiri' '.\i'i'w imuiim'ii'iI m liif i-iicirli, i>ii( ilic rdiiiiin ^nn
<M>ii;^i'iitiilitli<i| (III itH pi'(isi|ii>i<>iiM r.liitr, mill Ilic Ii^l'Ii |>u!itinn ol iIm irtiiil
iiliniuil. Onr Hiiliji'cl niuvi'il lor ii Url n in himiil ( '•niiiiiillit {<> cxiiinih'
into nil tli(> i>x|iiMiKi'H ol llin ciniiitiy. Ac . Ilml llx |><<i)|'l«' ini|^lit h««- Ii«<w
I. Ill' |Hilili(' inuiii'y wu'i M|>inl. < >n I In' <itli nf'.Jiiii'' IIk- Mini').' ii<ijinii'ii<'<l, mo
I. lull tlic <!i)VHniiii iitnl MiinlKii' ot I ',ti liniiiriit nnilil \i>il tlf \V«-lihn(|
('itiml, wliicli liiiil iinrv Ik'i'Ii I'uJIy ('uiii|il<'tci| On Ihr 'i(li tliry ruinr a«irjHi>i
till) liiki' in the Sloiinitn Chir/' ./unlin /uifniiKiui On iirnvi!i<; at f^t. < ;itl.
liiiintH, (lii'v vvnin |ii«'.Mtiiit<'ti with an ailili<'HH. I In'y |ii('«'(»'<l«'il |<i 'IIkhoM
in (•Mtiiii;.v'M, nini llirii ttiuk the Sttaiin r ItriUnna U>v tin' nyl nl lli»' way.
^ll(^ (lay Will a i|cli>^'liiriil (inc. a f^lni imiK HuiiHtiinc It^iuUn^ a clirkriii t^i {\>w
Lri[> w I lie 1 1 nil scciikmI to '"njny no well An al'iiiKliiiKc <i[ k ri<^Hlini«-nt« u«iti
on hoiu'd, wliittli it in ncodlcKN to Hay wen- well att<»n(lc(l Id At Men itlnrilia
M .Hmn|itii<iiis diiinci' was [ir('|iai('il and |iartal<(ii of, and to nay lliat ftill jiiH-
tnid WiiH dunn to tlin luilili^ Hjncid a nild In' HiUM'ithion.M. licit; th*- <i()V«T
nor loft tlii'in and went Id tlir ["'alln.
'I'lnt icft of l.lic |»aity |>i(u'ccdcd In (iiaxt-lly H.iy. u !nif, iit ( (m!t(|iiMn»
DfiiiMiillii'icnt Initcl iirconiinodHtion I'or siudi a lar!.'c i >ni|>auy, tlicy cnrunipeii
('(M' tlio niijlit, and lunuscd tlicins'dvns with Hon}^M,j(ik»!Ji, and IxiinttroiiK im-r-
fiint>nt, stiinnlatud occasionally hy cojiion'i lihation^, mo that inan\' «»-i*
di'lt'iiniucil not to " |^'o home till nioiiuii}^."
At 7 A. M. Ihcy t^niharkcnl I'or hnttilo. where the^. wm«: )>ni.|i(l_f
itMjnivod by the Mayor and citizens, n ho tK^ated them uilh uidioiiinlftl iioH
|»itality. I'liov retmned to 'loronto on Monday, d<ili_!.(ht«»il wi'li then t.ri|i.
It wjiH rtMnurk(;d that tliis »!xcui>ifii ttinhnl vory inal«;rii*lly to harin<>iii/«
the l\Mdin:;s cxiating hetwet-n the meml>« »* from rji[»ii ami I/,\\er (iiaa
da. afterwards too tuion to he diKturhed.
The foUowiiiir is froui i\w, Jom nnl ui l.'itli AiiL'U!«t: —
"The lion W. H. Mcnilt left yesterday Inr Montreal. We wirth him a
pleasant journey, luid a sale return. Ilin oHIim' in t'ert;iiiily no hiiieciirt-.
" The penitlo placo vuibouinh'd coiitideiie(; in him, and f^eem sinnclini'-u fi
think that it'thuro ia a grievance, tin he nui.st roMinve it. That it'tho depres»if>n
uiuler which trade and connin'rco lay, he dif-jilaccd hy acvif y .and [nnupcrity. Mr.
M. must.viny;lo liunded accomplish it : that fveii the " Law's* delay ' iiiiist be har-
ried into tiie activity of spwdy jusuia-, by thif im uibtr of the Couucil.
'•'To overv ^-ompliint tlu Ticsidi-'nt kim'iis- lends an oar. and sits ' likr
J'ationce ou a monuinont i^milin.: ai, (uici".' (Jiuada has an lioncht and aMe
httttosman in the H'hi. \V. H. Morritt."
Tho first of Autumn, Mr. Morritt propiTod to vi.sit tlK> public work?i. His
fir«t direction was Kivcr Trent.
Tile western and St. Lawroncc iniproviMuents were familiiir to liini from
the IVcquoncv of liis visits, but tlii.s northern territory was entirely new ground.
Jioft Toronto Tuesday, 3rd Sept., in the tnail lino " City of Turo)ito," cajtimn
Tfwef. JiSuded at I'ort Hope at 7 o'clock, irero rctirin;; to his apan-
inent, na was hi.s cu.stoni, (and leaving' diroction.s for Mr. James jMcGibbnn,
tlie Superintend int of thi; fiovernnKMit road to IlicL^ Like, to have nil
ready for visiting in the morninpj.) He clo.sod himself in his room and com-
iiioneed hi.s bu.«iines.s by inditin;^ letters of en(juiry to IJouchctte, Dewitt and Co.,
Montreal, Mr. Mcthot and Capt. Bayfield, Quebec, noticing hi.s in tended visit, n:-
()ue.sting them to comuiunicatc with the offioerj?, and be jjrepared to give him
information on various flubjects connected with the St. liuwrence improvemcntf;.
He wM.s at work again before breakfast, which he had b.irely finished when Mr.
McOibbon drove up. He was highly pleased with tlie appearance of Port
Hope, and the signs of prosperity in this thriving li-tle port, (all produced by
the outlay of (lovernmcnt funds,) in the building of a commodious pier, and con-
necting it, by improvements, with the back country.
A note in Mr. M'smemo. .S'lys: — " Hud I known the position of thi? liar-
bour, the corporation would have paid more mo.iey for it."
Mr. Mcrriit and Mr. McGibbou reached Bewley's landing in time for the
steamer on which Mr. M. took passage to I'cterboro', where he remained the
rest of the d.ay, listening to and examining claims for damage on account
of public iuiproveiucnts. This and the next day until live o'clock, he remained
at Peterboro'. Leaving at IS, on his way to IJellcville, lodged at Fosset's
Tavern, near Cambleton, reaching the Lake again at dinner time, by Kean's.
He gained Crook's llapids by 7 o'clock, P. M., noted ''that this was over a
bad road."
Saturday, Sept. 7th, — Here, taking a hor.io, rode to " Hoaley's Fails,"
tea miles, Farmon's Hridge three miles. Mud Falls four, and back again to
Healey.s Falls, slcopiiig at Mr. Kauney's, .^uperiutendant of the navigation at
Lake Scugog.
Sunday, 8th, — Started aft<n- breakfast, in a light one hor.se wanon, driven bj
bi.s host. I'assed Ciusholm's Dam, then to Frankfort, on Cold Water Creek
fix miles. Arrived at Belleville at midnight, a distance of 17 miles.
Monday, !Hh, — Left Bolleville in sioamer, passed the Bay ol' (iuhitc. and
arrived at Kingston at 2 o'clock. As this is a port to which letters had been
directed, one received front Thomas Koefer determined Mr. M.s direction.
Mr. Morritt's Journal, ndds :
m^m
!7T
ind sits ' likf
»ncst and aMe
; work^. 11 i<
to liim from
y new crroun'l.
•o»^i," captain
to his apart-
GS McGibbon.
, to have nil
ooin and cnn-
owitt and Co.,
ended visit, r'-
l to give him
iinprovcmenif;.
died when Mr.
Mneo of Port,
1 produced bv
pier, and con-
in of this hiir-
1 time for flic
roni:iined the
e on account
he remained
d at Fossct's
, by Kean's.
s was over a
aloy's Falis,"
Kick again to
navigation at
on, driven by
Water Creek
iles.
Quintc. and
ers had boon
s direction.
"Took iho StiUos -leini-v '),>'>rw» to Oj;diMisburj;!i, aeeomp.irjied l)y the
sentlemunly contr.'set.ir, Mr. Calvin. Saw the store hou.io.s, &(.• , of the 0..;deu.s-
bur<;h llaiUvay.
Took the ("teami^r //)';/; ''?!»</-• r, passini; through the Lon:; Sault, .stoppin*
at Ooieau, where a boat had ho-n prepared to pri^s ihroti'^h the rapids. Captain
II ixwoll and Thomas Keefor aeeomp;;nied. K.Kiniiiied Split lloek and PrLson
Ir='aDd. Neitiier are forniidable obstruetion:^. Thus it appiiars tint this noble
river haa already opened a ehannel ofsufhcieiit depth to acimit the i)a.ssai;eof a
vefls.d drawing at least eight feet of water from J^ake Ontario to tide wator.
' The States steani(T piok<fd u.-? up in Ij'ike St. liouis, landing u.-t in Mont-
roi! in the evening. Jieft the applieations lor mill .sites ite. for Mr. K'ofer
to invcstigatf. r_
'•Thursday, 12th,— Vi>it.-d the Ludiine Cau.d with Mr. T.ourk. 't.v^
'Friday, l.'Jth, Vi.Mted Chanibly Canal with Mr. JJow.-n.
"Saturday, 14th, — l*',.\aniined mill sites, paying a visit to >[ajor Camp-
bell, and examined his model farm.
•• FiUib.trked on board tlie il/.o/J'rt''?/ tor Qiiebtu: nvIicp- I .ivrived at 11
o'cWk. Attt'iided KvetiiiigHcrviee .■<.:?(). Was visited l)y Mr. Mt'thot, (.*au-
flion lieniit'ux ;ind ]\o.-;s, with Trcrt.suier of the Trinity I'>i)ard.
"Monday, l*"«th. — Enti-n'd fully int') the subjoi't of thi' ibn-linr- of tnvie
ihrongli the St. J.awreneo, in a number of (|U('!ac.s .sulimi'ted to the Trinity
P>i .ltd and othei\s. Tlie pnj><>rs for e()nsi(.l(Mation were I .ord Stanley 's dosi»tttcli,
li^'th Mnreh '4:5 : lett.-j-s from the .Adinii-alty, t'.ipt. Hoxer, Stb" S.-pt. 1843,
nnd IS']), Inly, 1,'sl'i; relative to lin))erial ri'vcnui* oi. the St. Lawronee.
M ■. Wilson M. 1'., Sth and l(>th of January, iSHO; runmrk on St. Andrews
Rjilwiiy. < 'apt. r>;Mit- l!. V]., IS.'iO ; on th'- inij>ruvenii»nt of St, Jolm.s I'ivei'.
Hev. (.'. Chundiili's remarks.
•• Se}>t. 1 7tli, -Sailed with ra]>t Uox-^r to vi.sit ( JiIinoii''.-< sliipyard at 1'
')''.ioek. Oil TTi'.'sday had an interview with 'i'rinity IJoard, ;it H, ,and
Board of Tratle at 2 o'ldoek I'. M. With Mr. Uilniore again ovtu- his e.stab-
liBhniPut at '? P. M., said to be tlie large.st })rivate .shij) Iniilding ostablish-
rnont in the world.
•• Wo'lnesday, 18th Si<|ttenib('r, Spent the d,iy in t.ikiiig opinions on
th« subject of improving the St. La,wrenee below t^uebec
*' Find, th.it out of two liundreil and forty eight vi'S.Hels of this iinn,
of otO,,}i^7 tons in tdeven years, from "-VJ to '4'.>, oidy two wi-n^ l'>.st, tlie
f'arU.on and Pckix at M.inie.nigan Shoals, and Fox I'iver.
"Visited Mr. Seott's promises at Ca}) Kouge, pa.s^ing one pike and l)aok
iinother. (!'onversed witli si'venil gontlenien on ni'eivssary iniprovi'inontw.
" 20th,- I'jnbaikod on boaiil the steamer l)i)ri>i, bflungiiig to tlio Trin-
ity IJoard.
•' After examining Mr. T'aiton's yard and mills, en-barking in his boAt.
V7,«itod thus Wxr, St. Mielmels. live leagin's be! 'w Qni-beo, l'>ert.hier, St.
T) oniafl outlet of South River, with Mr. Patton, Senior. Went on shorts at
fi'ialet, anehon^l otl" the Pillars. Kaoh of thesd plaecs nsjuiro h.mg piors.
"Saturday. 21st- -With r>oxer, Ket'ferand Methot, evrttninod i.'origiriai,
and received an addre«R, while Mr. Methot examined lvanii>iira.ska. Ar-
riwji at Pivlon^ J)u Loupe, 11',) tnile.s Indow t^udur, abo't .s-^vi'ii o'clix^k.
Met 1)T Mr. Jomvs, th»- Mayor, who prewented an addn^ssv Much enthu.siaKia.
"Sept. -2ud, We wero auchored oil" Pa»ieio du liOU|H>, oppositye tl"*
378
fiiiiiHly Puts, wlnr.' I laii(i<«l in 18(ii>. frmri tij<' F'.ri^' I.crd Shtjfu.hl. foit^-orie
jciirs Kiiu'v: Maiiv changes sinco thi .1, nn«l iriiuiy imiif n>u><t take plix«e in ,i
like nunil)«u' of yvwrv, t<» oomo. Wa.s shown thr Falls at Hivi«;re <lu I oupc, auil
tilt! lioi;;ht of laii<i licyoml. It is only Hixt<^tu rlliK■Haol•08^^ to tliu St. (^liarks
IlivLT. iMr. \Viliu«t, whoiri w»' unit coininj,' »K>wn, niontionod tliat }io hivl
Mften u boat tVioio, \vhi«!h plind to tht* St. Jolin Kivcr Falls. 'Ilic oxauoi
nation j^ivos a most favourahh' imlioation of this route. The «iistauco on
tho 'l\MniH(;outa ro\it<\ thirty-six niilt'S. Mailavviiska. tliirty-scvon : in all, fj
tho houndaiy of Canada, scvonty tiirt't'. Mi-iuf to (Iroat VwXh, thirty-four.
Woodstock, twenty. From Woodst^iok to St. Andrews, ci^ht ; entire <lis-
tanco, two hundred and eleven miles, wliere.is Major llewal in 1S;U), made
it only two hundred and sixty to C,>uelHH'. WroU^ Tiiomas Iv(Hffer to eoiL>'
and Burvt^y this vo\\\a.'. and to the I'residi'nt at St. Andrews, and others, <^a
this communication.
"(Jot under Avay at eleven o'chnk, steered over for the mouth of tia»
Saguonay, and left tin; St. [^{iwrtMicc! for the present to examine that river.
PasstMl the Trinity, ii mountain 18(i0 feet high, St. Ixiuis Island, and anchor-
e«l at (hand Bay, (ili miles up.
" Monday, 23rd, — Tliis is a most singular smd interesting river, for th»
boldness of its H^enery ; hut its advantag<>s must \\v confined to lumber. [;
will hardly afford grain enough U) supply the lumbering popvdatioii.'
" Noti<-ed several loads of hay going to the Prices' establishment, wL«
were then shipping lundier t<i New York.
"2Uh, -licft the Saguenay and anchoreil oil' the lan.ling below, iu u foif
" 2.0th, -l^junhul afcClrwn Island, saw u St^itea sliip loading deals. TLu
cAptiiin working in her hold, who said he found no dilhcidty in i)ilotitig
himself. lie thinks fift<^en dnys an average pas.sag(; to Boston.
"Run down thn!e mih^s, with Mr. Barry, to his mills, pointed out tiio
line sur^ eyed for the railroad along the bank of tlie St. Lawrence.
"Mr. Bcirtrand, seignienr i)reseute<l an address. Went over a good road
in tandem to Trois Pistoles. Arrived at dark and slept at Mr. Titus'.
" Saw an intelligent lumlxu-mjin, wlio was for many years, Cimployed ii»
" Biver Pist-oles tiikes its rise within a few luindred feet of a lake that
flows into Lake Temi.S(!out4i ; Mere a small ditch is cut. and logs from tie
St. Johns Biv<'r float into the St. Lawrence.
" 2(]tli, - Went otf in the morning with a jalot boat to our steamer.
(Jot underway, and anchored ofV Barnaby Island about noon. Sent a bo;»;
on shore whicli brought olF Dr. Tache M. P. for Kimouski. (Jot undtj
'-*'ay again, and ran down olV Metis.
"The Kempt road leads from Point Aux Senelles near River Metie Vo
Itestigonche on Bay of ( 'hahnirs, about 40 leagues.
" The road from M( tis to Matan about twenty-live ndles on tite ooaft.
is designed to promote settlement. No road below Matan. A few settler*
on the coast, b»dow Townshiji of St. J>enis, only one settlement.
"The road lesids bat;k into the country from River du Loupe to Metis.
No tavern from River du fA)upe to Rimouski. The mimber of travellers
abotit seven hundred in one year.
" Matan River — ( 'ajit. Baylield remarks,- -'This is a fine river, 33 miles
W. \ S. from ('ape C^hatte. Reported to have itt= source iu a lake of ooi»«\
379
<l('raV)l<; «limensioii«, Jihout sixty niik-s »li8tniit. [Jcpth of waU'i- over har.
four f«et at low, ami tifu^eu f«'Pt at liij,'li ticl«% iliaimcl narrow, bar Hhift><.
Inrndo of tho bar, (\\trt»iim Kotwffii two pointM, thirty fathoms wido. is a
iiHcfdl jilatM^ for foastiii:,' vossfls. Tht/y ground at ,', tide on a mud bottom,
aiuhorai^o in T) fathoms ^ a milo olf.
" Landed at this plaro. Tho Sfii;nior, ^Fr. Fiiizicr, has a small jL,'nsl
mill, and a hnnbcring cstablishincnt of Missrs. Lcniisuritr, forms the buwi
ness of tho j»hu'i'.
" Friday, L'7th, — At about 3 o'clock 1'. M. got under way. with a favour
aldo wind and tidf>. on our return, ([uite satislied that no harbour of I'efnge
can \h' nuide at any i')i|iense whiclii the trade ean bear or sustain. Also well
satisfied that no harbour is not'dod for the safety of any vessel huge or small.
'Hie neglect of sounding alone eansesi the numerous wrecks on this coast.
(^vp<" or Point Dos Monies ou tho north shore is the point which vosKok
should make in or out.
"Trinity liay ."'i miles below this point forms a sjifc harbour from wfv^
torly winds, and St. Augustine ('ov(^ lA miles above, foi-ms a safe harbor ft)r
coasting vessels drawing ten feet of water, from pjisterly winds.
" Although one week has been oocujiieil since leaving (.Quebec ; it ha-s
been time well spent, as far as my judgment is concerned.
" Little Metis J5ay, 23 miles, is ojien to eastward, and small vessoln can
anchor in the stJ'eam at three fathoms m low water.
"(Irand Metis, five miles, safe anchorage outside until ( )ctobe.r, good
all along this coast.
" 2Hth, Left Dr. Tache, Keefer and Commodore [ioxer. Sounded har-
bour at IJarnaby Island.
"211th, Sunday Ri\'er du Loupe, to north shore. Anchored off Mai Fikjr.
" 30th,- Reached Isle of Coudro at 3:4.^).
" 1st October, — (Jot underway and arrived at (Jross Island at 7.
"2nd, — Visited (.^Miarantine establishment there.
" 3rd, Thursday, — Amved at Quebec, lettttr from Titl'any, froiri Ww4i-
ington. Was not aware of his having left.
"4th. — Rusily occupied in obtaining information on various j)oints.
" r)th, — Unwell all day. Left Quebec at T). In 12 hours to Montrwvl.
" 0th, — Better late in the evening.
" 7th, — Montreal- Met directors of St. Johns Railroad.
"8th, — Exauiined lease holders. Want list of rents left with HineU«.
" yth, Wednesday,— Left in the m iruing at 7:30 for Ottawa.
" 10th,- -Investigated tolls, collectors, and slide tenders.
" nth, -Visited (.'hat« Sli-le with Mr. Lyon, M. P.
" 12th, — Returning, p:i.ssed the Or'-nville f'anal and St. Anns Ixu-k.
" 13th, Sunday. — Moutree! lleaid Mr. Adamson.
" 14th and L^)th,- -Kxamined liachine Canal.
" lOth, — To Beauharnois. 17th,- r)ickinson's Landing.
" 18th, Farrell's Point. Matilda. lUth, - [^*ft. 20th. At Cornw»!l.
22nd— At Dickinson's Landing again. 23 ami 24th,- Chand)ly. ioth, -
To Montreal on board freight boat. 20th,- Ogdensburgh. 27th, — A galo.
28th, -liochester. 29thv-St: Catharines, via Bri.ige. 3(lth,-- Toronto.
3lHt, — (\>uneil met. Nov. 1st, — To St. C'atharint;s. 4th,- -Businesu of
Canal with Mr. Killaly. 11th, — Toronto, and finished two reports.
3B0
Mr. MiuTlLt's report, anrl that of his assistant onifiiu-iM-s, and nthcrs
ronn(.«i;toil with liiin. rontainod ill tlif A|i|i('iiili\ to Journal of I8r)l, ooti-
sistin;^ of HO pai^tw, aio a history of tlu^ iiiipnjvciiiciits of the wator coni-
luuiiii'iitions of th<> coimtrv, up to a date wh(Mi railroads a|i|i(vir to havr
.Huoooedi'd ill popular favor i.I! oLl.cr modi's of coiiiuiunicatioii. TIk' f.dlow
iag oxtraots arc tho conoludiii;,' portions of tho roport :
*' Firslli/, 'riic removal oft-very Kar in the I'iverSt. Tiuwren'-c
^- Scruiidlj/, Tlie (;onslruc'ti(jii of Iwd '['iii,'-l)oals of the licst and nio.vt
poweiful doMi-ription, similar to those now in operation on the Mei-sey, or
on the latest improved plan, t(i eost. say l'L*o,(l()0. 'j'iiis outlay will e.nal)i(^
vesHels to make an additional mini her of trips, les.seii the price of fn-i^dit.
ruto of inHurano(\ and thereiiy draw a ureatcT ipiantity of jiroduee tlirou;,'li
this t;liann(0, yiehl a larger amount of revenue, and amply repay this expen-
diture. One half the annual expenses, it is presuiiird, will he paid liy ves
sels for towage, the other half from the saving in manauuiueiiL of Ijights.
Pilots, Ac.
•' Tl(ir<ll.if, — The eoiistriiotion of Pieis and Laiidiiij; \\'harls.
" SkcoM) 1?11AN('II. — In this is eom|>r(diended all those eau.ses whicli
oj>erate at pre.st'iil, to render tin? cost of frei'.,dit from New York to Kurojie,
so inui'h lower tliaii from Montreal. A hairel of Hour from Lake Krie, eaii
ho di^livered at Montreal one .shil!in:,r hiss than ut tli<> poit of New York ,
I'Ut from Montreal to Liverpool, the freight is three shillings and niiu'penee.
a,'ainst one shilling and threepence from New >'ork. leaving one sliillini;
and six]ienee [n'v iiarrel in favor of the latter. This on a cargo of ."iOOO hai
rub, is ecpial to i,:)?-") for the trip, whh'h the Vessel for New York must
receive on her I'eturn cargo, or this ditl'erimct^ in pi'ice l).'tweeu the two
ports could not exist. Although it is uiider.Ntood that the ciiitire eost from
Quehpf falls on the outward trip, no s.itisiaetory r<'asoii has heeii as.signed
why this return freight should bo ne'je.ssarily directed to New York.
This r(>;)ort is thu.s notioed hy Mr. Joseph iiouret his suecessor in oifire :
"The.se papers have heen collected and ju'cjiared hy Mr. Merritt, indi-
vidually. The sul)ject.s of which th(\v treat are various, and involve the
highest inteiTists of the country ; and the a<loption «>f the projects recom-
mended in th(;m would ereat.<' a necessity of adding laig(dy to the e.xi.sting
d'i!;t. I''inally, the whole tiiin^ of the oHice, since the.se documoutH have
heen transmitted to it, has heen occupied in attending to the arl)itrations
on unsettled claims against the I)e|)iirtmeiit, and to the ])reparation of the
H«voral Stateineiits a:id Returns rcijuired for tho Legislatui'c. Under such
circdinstanoes it {iaiinot he supposed that the present Comniissiouers have
liad that full opportunity of investigating ami considering the .several Kuh-
jecks, which they .should have, before they would be jiistilitul in making any
tinal oi'licial recommendalion thereon ; and their disinclination to do .so, is
firthei- iu'jreased, by tinding tho opinions and information dei'ived from the
various .sources, and embodied in the documents on which tho conclusions
arrivtHl at in the rej)orts are Ijaued, to be in many cases wholly irreooncila-
hh) wicJi oaoli other. A oonsid(?rable jiortion of the matter introduced, hav-
!«;» reference more immediately to liuancial udains, and such a.s involvo the
general commei-cial and inter-pro\ineiul policy of tho country, i.s, in th«^
opiaiyn of the I'ommissiuuers, out of the scojx; of their duties."
l! n
38 1
W< have seen that iho Will.uiJ Caniil onlarmMiioiit was no soonor in a S:ifc
waj' towards c'om[)lf tioii, tliaii our suhjrct turned hi.s nttontion to thoi^o of the
St. Lawrence, and durini,' their c'oui]pletio» we find him inakini; war on tl.e
carryini,' iiionojirly, lor their cvorhitant eliarj;i"J. A nionofioly whieli we h.ivo
seen, waK defended by Mr. llincks while editor in Moatrt'al, and others^ iu th.it
■•ity and places adjacent.
The same spirit was displayed in Iii.s idea.s on the Towdxiat and Bar>:e
.sy.stcMi, partially adopted by the (loverninont to o.xpedite the traHic on {'una-
dian waters. Imt hi.'t .>ehenie in thi> ])artieular reaehed far hoyond our ordin.'iry
coneeptionM ; in fact, it exti-ndi'd to the utternio-st points of the St. fiawreticc.
lleasonin;.; from the national st.ind point that the people of Canada wore enti-
tled to all favour they could Hdrly ^ain ovi-r any rivals. He conceived that
the closer to Europe our carryinn tr.ide was extended, the nior»' prolits would
accrue to our ])eople eniiatred in it, from the fact that irrain tte. whii-Ii w.as tiini,
and is now delivered in .^Iontreal I'or sliipmeiit, uiii^ht as well be broujrht on to
depots establit^hed on the (/ulf of St. Lawreiico, whoso waters could be us safely
traversed by lis^lit craft, and tow-boats as any of the groat lakes, and the profits
which have enriched Kuropean shipowners for the extra two thousand miles
of inland naviiration could bo safely niailo by ourselves, ereatini;' at the samo
lime, an extra demand for men, vessels and machinery, whitdi could lie sup-
plied at homo, instead of goinu into the pockets of tho.se, who, although [ire-
pared to draw ample subsidies from the Canadian p;^ople, have Hcarc(dy a native
or adopted Canadian employed on their vessels. Hence we think that his coa-
lescinu; with the party now in ] ower was m (re for the purpose of assist-
ing in developing the ample resources of the country, and endeavouring to
shape its wants to the altered re(|uirements of the times than for any simple
party motives.
While Mr. M. was (■ii;i,iiuvd in llio Lower St. Lawreiiee, o|»positi()n wu.s
eomiueneed iu tho Ket'orni niiiks, to uecouiit fur whicli we notice au oecnr-
euco wiiich transpire'cl in the House liefore his departure.
It appears to have lu;i^n the fate of this Parliament t'O \>v as.saulted by
mobs ; in 'tontrcal, l>eing depiived of their J.egislative Hall; in Torouti), it
wa« a combined force of npwH})aper reporters iuid editors, who disturbe*! th«
augiist iussombly, olaiuung the right of accommodation in the same hall.
Petition to Ifouso of Parliament : —
'' That inasmuch as the whoh^ peojile of the Province cannot be person-
ally present at such proceedings of your houorablo House, it is the opinion
t)f the uudersigned, that the reporters of the press, in addition to their right
t«j be a^lmittofi as a portion of the ijublie, ought also to l)e provided with
suitivblo accommodation, so as to be enabled to make known the pioceedingjs
of your Honorable House ; and ought furthermore to be pi-otectetl from such
annoyance as may prevent or impede the publication of ycur procee<l-
lU
gs.
I
382
ThiH wius .siifiu'd l)y both tin* MtwHi*H. Itrowii, and at^vornl of tlit» it'Hort«rs
on tho Ohihc, HtiilV iiu'l others of the iirint(4\s omft in ToroiiM.
" (\»l. <iii;'V unth'rtoolc tlio ilcfoiioc of tlic |)rivihf;4t'.s of Parli.unout hy
t^iviii'^ iiDliiT of ii 111 ttiiiii ill till* lj';fisliitivt' AsHiniiMy, yt'HtiM'ilay fvoniu;;,
to the ciri'itL tliiit iiit'iisiirt'.'i 1)1' taken for thii coinli;,'!! imiiishiiK'nt of (host-
ruMorters wlio nhiill not ;^ivo coin-cl iiii'l im|iartiiil reports of tho j)roco«tliiij»>,
of t)H! House.
\N'n ha\i' iiotu'('(i the assiniiptioii of .sitiiie editors to reprtiseiit tiu>ir own
vii'ws, as those of th<* pitl)li('. Thero was hnt one other stop to HH8un'.ini(
tho jiower to earry out those views.
The foUowin;^ aro the grounds as enunciated hy the Jtmntnl, and v»»ry
soon aeted on hy tiio (lh>l>'' :
" Wo have heon amused hy the lidiculous .'ii^unionts which we have hitoiy
hoard urueil in defoiioe of tiie privik-ge of Parliinncnt as o.xerei.-'ed in reference
to tho I'roHs. '• For instanoo tho I'ros.s is divided, liow tiiereforo can it ropre-
.sent tlio peenk!." — Tho n\an who uses this arLMunent, forfrets that it apjihcs
with just us luuoh force to the nienihers of the llou.-ic as it does to the I'ross.
A;;ain, it is asked "when did the peoph; choose the Press to represent them?"
We answer, over since tho peoide posses.sed a Press, it has heon their lleprc-
scutative. In all the strutri^los of power ii^ainst riirlit, it hus roprosentod them :
aye, and in many in.stances successfully too. If the ohjecter means that th*-
forniHlities of choosiiiL,' representatives have not been performed ; we a^rce
with him, because such foruiJilitios are only ni.'cessiiry in places where a virtual
aud u natural connexion do not exist ; hut between tho I'rcss this virtual aud
natural connexion ahv;iya exists, and no foriniditios aro ronuircd to give force
to it.
" An nnttgonism has evidently ensued between tho (ilvlif and the lion.
W. II. Merritt,on tlu; subject of retrenchment. The minister would rei:ulatc
our revenue from customs by public opinion. The organ seems to doubt the
•oharacter of tho arbitrator. Now, whether publio opinion would or would not
regulate tho matter between the smngi^ler and tho revenue department, the
parties being in opposition aud having difTcrent interests. We will not say :
but of this we arc quite certain, that when ever public opinion is appealed to.
as to whether we shiill raise a revenue from customs, or meet that portion of
' the ways and moans' by direct taxation, public opinion will now be heard to
give a preference to the latter. It only requires that public opinion be taken
on the subjoot, aud badly a,s tho people may be informed in the seionoo of
political economy, it will soon bo pronounced in favour of tho chea{)C.st and
most hou(*st way over a rovenne was raised."
We quote the ibllowing from the 8t. Catharines Journal, E.cam'nw
4Sm;., to show that being committed by his speech to his constituents to remaiu
only in the Governmeut as long as he could be of service to his country, on
the .score of meeting their obligations, and all the measures being'under satis
factory progress, and an eijual understanding among his colleagues havisg been
established ou all questions save retrenchment (to this, viz :) on tho unnece^sarv
extravagance of the Crovernment, the advanced wing of the reform party iusiit-
od on his making attack, led bv tlic editors.
From the Exiimiiiu-r. Auij. 15: —
" Tho lion. W. II. Morritt and tlio ^VoA..— Tho ^V,>/>-, tlio orj,';iM of the
Oovornmotit, uttuckn, with uniiccouiitabli' niid iinjustitiuhlc bitti'rm\sn, tho ro-
tr'tiohnicnt sclu'iui^ of Mr. Morritt, orio of tho mciiihors of the (iovcriinioiit.
" Wo Hiiy thut wo cannot accouut for i\\\.f> violent attack upon Mr. .Merritt,
unless iiv (i'/i)/)c be the or;j;.in of Mr. lliiK^krt and tho other enemies of retrench
mcnt in the (lovernnierjt, and jjerhapn al,-.o to weaken Mr. Merritt'^ inthienoo
before ho ujiiy retire from an ad'.nini.Htr:iti'Hi whieli hu.^ Hot itHclf ii^ainnt public
opinion."
3opt. 1!».
"Tho more wc oxaniinc the propo.sition.s of the lion. VV. II. Merritt, a<
-ubtiiittcd to the CDniuiitloo of relrenohnient, tlie more deeply are wo conviuced
that they contain the principles which our pidiey must timbrace, in order to
make Canada what tiod and nature intond:;d slio .should be. The reduction
of cuBtomH duly, j)reparative to its entire removal, is one of Mr. Mcrritt's
principles. To this he phdi^ed him.self before hix constituents, and when tliejr
i*o»ie to road hi' evidence submitted to the Connniitee of Uetrenchmeut, they
will find that he has failhl'ully and honestly kept his promi.so."
The evils of what is called llesponsible (lOvornmont seonicd at this time
to be felt sufficiently by a portion of the people to create a murmur, loud
enough to attract the attention of tho I're.ss, It would app.>:ir that there
were m.tuy who thouj;ht that the question of responsibility tended more to
croato two parties, both under the influence of the parent state, than to dcvcl-
ope Canada ; in fact that I'lujjfli.sh interests alone oecu])y the attention of
the politicians and would bo office holders, who were rapidly fdling the couutry
and driving; out those who.sc feeliuys lay here.
Under tho circumstances, it is not surpriainy; that tlje.'<o articles should
appear in the Journal, Exaviimr, Gl>he, &c.
The following are the remarks iu tl.i? Jonnm/, rcft;rrod to :
" That the patronage of any men canductinj; the (jovcrnmcnt of Canada
>;hould be bestowed within a narrow coutined circle, cxcludinti therefrom men
cither English, Irish or Scotch, becau.se of the accident of birth, is an outra-
geous violatiou of justice, and a gross insult ofi'cred to community. In a Bri-
tish colony, uo man is entitled to any j)atronai>;e over his fellow citizens, mere-
ly because he happens to be boru iu the country.
" It has acted as an ini-ubus on the country, and has been made the iustru-
.nent cf foisting ou the country, men devoid oi' every proper qualification for
ihe offices thoy were pitchforked into. "
Such laugujige can be best understood when we remember that it has
resulted iu driving out of the country the bulk of our young men, and fa*<-
tfining !i multiplicity of offices, of every conceivable sort, like baruacles on
the colony. The same results might have lately occurred in Manitoba, had not
Keil's incipient rebclUon brought legislators to their senses, and gave rise to
•better terms" for the vietu. Au Americaniam kuown as • Carpet Bagger,"
Stiy applies to the authors of ^ueh ideas.
f
t h
This waH just the n vuth*- (tf uuv h»i1)Jc.:1,'h pulUy. lUiuif; awiroful rocMid
of Adam SrnilJi, U>' litilicvtMl (Iim wealth oi" th«» nutious only to (HJiiHiHt iu r«-
rmuii'rativ"' tiiu!<r(akiii;,'s, and thc.'-v wtTt- known onl)' to tho«o who had
htii".'; rosidi'il in llic routitry.
Innovatiuti tin;k lh<' jdiuc id' ndVii ni, and UiSk a'tu.ii, hut niuro ik^-tiTitjr
|>n;X'uih'd. 'Hi«- h>i « o'" <'•<' uiilitia oi';.':a!ii/.iitioii has hardly btjcn made u|<
by tho cxiM iisi\<' voluutftr system. 'Hio I'XpaiiHiun of iiuniojiolicK thu
nuilti|'!i(atioii of " rings."
Ill th'' Iicat iif ««inii(iv«'iHy SKnic t'a'.ts arc di^'^lus^■<l h} cjudi of th<; {.larliei
coiM'ci niu;,' t!ii" dUuT tli.it luwhr a IfHH (h'^^icj' of |Kditi»"a! [dt-HMun- piu-kM^d
ov<M' in sihiinN'. 'I'ho (ivih attuntliinj; CoUmial j^ovci iiinent at all Iikhj; aio
here (douriial, Aptil li(>) glvm pioniiiKMii-c.
'* 'riio Mnntical (,'ir^'ltc makfsa kuiil (mtcry ai^'ainsl the. 'dlvid*' and ^ov-
« rn' inin('l|d<', uiioa whi^di Lord .lohn Kus.sidl is acouwd uf trying' to 'swanif*
Caiuuhau iut^l<■st^'. Wti arr much jih-ascHl to si-o tlm Tory jiri'HB at h»Kt
como out ill opiKisitiuii to this Mathiavfliaii juactlic, hy which jLjovenmu'uts
haviMMTtainly intlirtcd tin- |u;r»'at*'Ht amount of political evils
'I'hi! (I'tiiitli to lie consistent should conic out ai^aiiist the, Oranj^t! SocU'ty,
an t.'xotic found to he uiuiuistitulioiial even in tiic idiniale where it origiiiu-
ted.
"One of Hill' coti^niporarici* hiht week classiliijs the St. ('atiiaraic8 ./<»((/•,<«/'
an ' Miwistcriid' and as 'in the iutorcst ul' Mr. Merritt.' 'I'iiisis not so. Our
cours(t is an indcpeiidant one. and our motto is — our party tor tho wmntry.
and not our country hir (uir party. The ./uiiriiul is not in the interest of Mr.
Merritt in nny sense of the word; it is in the interest of the eout.try, and
will always be found advoca int; the real interests <d' Canada, perl'cetly irreHpec-
tive of men . It is true we have and do advocate the policy well known as Mr.
Merritt's ; but we do so not because it is Mr. Mcrritt's, but beeause wc belitvt;
it to he tiic only jiolicy that can make Canada prosperous.
" JJefore wc had the lumor id' a personal ucijuaintance with Mr. Merritt,
Jind before we knew what his jioliey was, we, under the yognomeii of ' Juniuii'
put forth the principles embraced in wluit is eail-d Mr. Merritt's polii^y. At
that time we had not so much as seen or read Mr. Mcrritt's view.
" We feel, however, no small degree of pleasure in lindinj; that those viewi*
are the views of a mar. so f)crf(!etly honest and patriotic ; A man prepared,
at any moment, to resij^n his hij^h and hontmrable position, when he has f-A-
Bon to think that he (!..a best serve his country bv retirement.
" We look now for a bold decisive policy, at the hands of the men In ofSc**.
It is true by such a course there, is a risk in the tenure of oflice, but thiti in a
wnall evil, conjpured with the advantages which the country must derive from
such a course."
The warning i^iven by our .subject in the spriuji; of '4tJ rcf^'arding the injury
of the change of the imperial policy was not matured, and eouse<jueutly v*u»
uut felt till two years after, iu "48, at already related.
The movement to bring back the colonial system wae not general, and did
not reach the body of tho people through the preiw ; and wLeo it wati taken op
it was under our !ty,>-tcui, by the Tory or oppopilion, and plavwd our 8ubje«l, »
3^5
incmbor ol' tin; (lovcriimnnt, now in tin" .'inomrilonx poHitiori of hciiii; "IcfiMidcr
)f 1
III
per
ri;il !U! ,s.
W
lifii tli(! ciihis was pa.s.scd. In,' was allnwod to s(('|) <1
OWQ
from bciiii^ I*r(!sii!i:iit to('lii(ir(J(iiMiiiissii»iii'r, ami tiif;ii retire rroiii tiie Ministry-
Tlio J'roiHii,c'hilinl says, on tl;e fiiiancial siil)jei't fliat took llio President,
of till) (yonii(!il to tiie Diiit.ed States, fiisiicetor < Jenciiil Ifiin-lss was sr'iit, ti>
I'lnj^Iaiid to horrow money.
" Wlieii tlie |ii('sent (loverniiieiit iMiiie into ])()\ver, tliey found ii heavy
delii, ;t i^'i'i-at many most |M('ssiii;( demands, an einpty treasury, no system.
am
I the wiioh- of iMir fiscal adiiirs in the most (diaotie confnsir
III.
liesKle.s
which the pnlilie works on tin; St. Iiawrem;e were in itii unfinished stato ;
II sum of alioiit .*!."i(ll »,()()() icMjuiied to eoni|ilete them, ami put tiiem in a con
«lition to 1)0 passahle. The late Inspector (ieneral had made a fruitless joiir-
iifiy to Kn:,dand in the expectation of efleetiii'^ a loan. Thns expired the only
hope of the late ( Jovei-ninent to relieve the tinaiiees of the cuiintry, ami to
sustain the; puldio credit. The province was without douljt on the iiiiuk of
haiikruptcy."
./i
OHl'lK:
il, Ih
Lx;
" Ui;si(iNATION OF TIIK IloN. W. 11. .\1 Kit It ITT. We .see it stated in tl «
ditlcrcnt Toronto papers, that the niemlier for this county has ri-si^rned his
hituation in (lie ( lovernment ; hut yfst that he will rontiniie to tlischari^c
the departmental duties of his ollice. until certain important ad'airs coii-
jKMited with the i'xtard of Works he ilisposeil of. The ^7o/;<' alle;^fcs t liecaii.SM
to liave arisen out of the Hon. ^'entlemaii's 'tinancial sfdieiiies.' It may
h(^ so ; liut we think it un'ikidy. In every part of the country, the activity
ill (!V(;ry pursuit and cailini^ -'I'lie eidianced value of e\ery description of
SI) with which mouev can lie fihtaiiu'd tor all lei^iliinatt.)
property — the ea
}>uri>os(
:.t, are too W(
ill understood liV the
pi'Dpic to admii any se(M);i(i opinion
anion
l; them as to the impoi'taiice of tie- minister retaiiiinii his position.
That the j ml die. will lie aw ai e .>!' :ill l he f:,r,s of the ca.se lieCore theei
re tlieensu
f meetin" of the IjCLjislaturc. -Mi. .M . is now here hni will ntiirn to Tu-
roiito next week.
The report of lie- ( 'hief < 'onimi^sioiicr did leil meet the views ot lii.s
Jiowor (Canadian associates,
mon
than did his reirenidiinent scheme,
the Eii'dish, as the follow in; iters sl-.ow
•• I'ridav Morniu'', l.'Uh Oec.
'• My !)r,.\lt Siu, 1 re;,n-et not yet lia\iiii,' received your answer to (!ol.
nVdie's oliservations upon the unfair and unjust classification of certain
I the pulilic <'\penditure redatiiiK thereto, as made liy Mr.
uiolic worivs am
Keofer and emhoilied in your report lately presented
W!
leii the suliject was
la-it wci'k under t-ousidcr.iiioii, you promised
to ii'ivi' an early answer,
Will
oil Ol
kind eiiou'di to furnish me with it for today's meetin,'.
Truly your.'
"Hon. W. II. MKitiMTT.
I.. II. J.AKoNTAINK
'• Kl.MOLaKi, 2Sth Dcccmher, 1^50.
" My Dk.vk Sm, — T forward you to-day my piomised report, vith thf
hope that it will ]>lea8«' you, and give a?iy iuforiiiution iieces.sary. My re
3S6
jKUt is ill I'lcncli, iiiiil liy ii|nilyiii^ to Mr. IjindHay, .Inn., ( 'h'lk <A' llin As.s«m-
Itly, and to Mr. HiiiMWortli, on«i of tin* clt-rkK of tin* K.xr(Mitiv(> < '(hmkmI, you
n i:t>l, in iwo nr tliriM' diiv.s. a iM-antirnl. (iit all cvciit.s as imicli as tl
i»*
can yt
Krcnoli will pt'iniit) translation of tin- wliolc do«'nni(<nt.
"Of conrHi". I »ix|n'('t tliat tliis report will ho pnldiMliccI anncx<'(l to your
own report ; not trom a <l('sir(' to make niyscir conspicuous iM-forc tlin |)nli-
lic. hut t'roni a d(Mip do.sirc to il(< ;j;ood to our important hut altandoncd part
ot' the country.
" If yoii have no ol>ie<'tion. 1 will send to the press, a part, of niv st.atis
tics, l)ut if you think that smdi a thiuir is anlicipat(Ml, or calculatr'd to ren-
der your report, less interesting, lieinn not ho new afterwards, I will ahan-
don this id(Mi ^iven to me hy friends. I m ill exp(<ct your answer. Tf Mr.
'riuunas Keefer is in 'I'orouto, will you he kind enoiij^h to tell Iiiru that I
will answer his letter in a few days; I am so occupied that I hav(' had no
lime to make the lari,'e sktdeton map of the south shoi'o that I promised to
liuu.
M\ resiHcts to iViends. With esteem I remain
rnlx vours.
"d. C. T.VCIIK."
'This letter did not arriv«' till two mouths ai't(>r.
On Mr. Meiiitl'.s resigiiation, the St. Catharines ./o^'//^(f/, J nd January,
1851, says ; —
" It ^Ir. Merritthad ,ii«>od reasons for retiring;, they will keep tlieiu tilltlu)
House meets, ami he -^mxcu to the <'ountry iu accordance with ministerial an<l
parlianuMitarv etii)Uttee: we arc perfectly satisfied the cause will lie justified
liv our lir.'lhrcu oi' the press.
"'riie slate. uciit is that of a comprelici:siv(> mind occupied with measures,
as he tliinivs.
fr;m<dil with ad\antai;es for t his couiitrv,
" Hut vei iu I heir application siiiituiuded with dilliculties. is not in a
mood to create capilal hy either limliii;,' fault with oiiponeiils or jiistifyini,'
excrv step he may think rii;;ht iu promoliiiu his vi(>ws."
The reason of Mr. Meriitl's rcsiiiu.atioii was theactic.ii of the (Jovern-
meut on the report of the tir.aiiciat committee, passed I'tlth l)ec<iml>er. pvd»
lished •J7th May after.
I lis measure for economy wa.s not sitch as to produce a i>;roat de<j[roe of en-
thusiasm aiuouii the jicople, and when the lea ler-i shewed other and more
daz/liuir schemes for immediate profit, Ids measure was refused, and he allowed
to retire from any longer participating in the progress of affairs.
Such is the prospect of the c.in.'-cientinis puhlic man in a colon)-; retire
fove
n
an
nuMit is the O'llv poMlii n lor one who tries to reconcile loyalty to hi.>-
and the people.
" Mondav. Divemlau- L'.'hd. .Mr. Merritt aiul Mr. Keel'er started fn
Toronto iu a snow storm : the roads almost impassahle from snow drifts. Mr.
Merritt's servant let".' St. Catharines, to meet him on the way. at which
place thev arri\ed next day at four o'clock.
"Thus. Merritt was ahsent at Washington, and not home at (he Christ-
mas gathering."
38T
18 5 1
" N»;w Vrin'K Kvc, was flic (Hrcasion of ii s(!i'(Miii<l<i. Mr. and Mrs. Mot-
lilt Htjirt»!(l fur tlH> ('a|(ital liy Haiiiiltoii, Und .JaTiiiarY."
TIm) nai)H( of W. II. M.,.ruii., a|»]K(ai'H for tlm Jirnt tiiiii" anionij i\\v cojiu
cillorH of Lliis yoar. Jfin fatlior writ.oH on (lie Miilijpct, :
[ raiVATK. I
"ToitoNTO, IMotul.iy, l.^t-lr.
" Mv Dkak Son, I tlMiik tlmt. your Ma and niynt^lf will Icavd tliJH ot»
Friday nnxi. I h(M' liy tlio JonriHif that, yon liavo cointncnfuvl yonr pnltlic
oareer ; alMionj^Ii in nn liinnhh^ fiipufity, it in a Htnp, and if yonr uiind
indinnH to leading; a |inlili(^ iiftt foi' the iM'Mclit ofyonrfcdlow men, yon ()nf;ltt.
to ltd w(dl (iHidilii'tl for tlni duty ; Imt yon will find it no Hinnciirc, no cnHy
b«!rtli, and oan only la^ attained l»y nnioinittin<; indnntry and iittdiition, by
avoidini^ all .sai'caHiM and oH'uncH, liy niu'oniittilm attfMition and a kind wonJ
to all, fi-inndw and oii|ioii<Mits. Von nmst also spend yonr <'V('nin;;;H and
most of y<»nr time in stwlying tlio oonHtitntion, laws and I'aiiiainontaiy
iisa<^<!H of (Jrejit hritain and tlu' Hnitdd States, as well as all inix-eedin/^n
relating to our |)ul»iii' iin|)rov<aii(Mits and works ; and leave all eonvoisa
tion on tlie snlijeet of eating and <lrinkiny to those who have no pirticular
olijeet in view. If yon makeup your mind to adopt this course, T have
sntiic'ient eonlidenee in your jud.;Mient and jM-rseveiaiice to lielieve von will
make a useful iind prominent pnldie man. If, mi the eonti'ary, yon think
it will oceu|)y too nnidi of your time, or d<,'prive you of that iiidepejidenco
<if thonjj;lit and action, which all pnlilie men will he suhjeet to more or less,
and thoHe social ojiportniiitiesof the conviviality whi(di you appear to;uijoy ;
do not commence it or attempt it heyond a, tempora.ry lor;dity.
" lledect upon it and make up your mind to the eonr.se yon jirefei-. a.s rny
movements will lie guided in a ;;reat measnr(* by yoxir dec^ision in continuing
or retirinj^ from public life.
" In the meantime as you have undeitakeu the duty, I would j^iv(» nn-
remittin<^ attention to it, and make yourself master of the state of tho
flnancos of the Town at once.
" Vour airectionat(> Fiither,
" VV. II. MKKIUTT.-"
We extract fiom the .Jmin nl in reference to this mattei- :
" Mr. M., like thousands in Knylaiul, litis adopted thci le;f:i] jirofession
as A ^gentlemanly one, but does not and never has practiced. We entertain
a hifih opinion of his taleiils, natural and accpiired ; but it is not to be sup-
posed for a Jiunuent that a <,'entl<'man out of pra(;tic(;, and whose forttine is
such as to jirecluile the necessity of his ever ]naeticing, will keep up his le;fal
r«'ading so as to enable him at all times to explain tin; bearing of every act
and every section of an act, that he is un<ler no necessity of knowing."
A ball was given in the Town Hall, on the oc(;asion of its completion,
on the 5th February. It was got up on a scale of magnificene*'. the music
being procured in Niagara ; an occurrence unpre(;edent<'tl, und to whii-h the
388
I
<)|>j)()sitioii to till' (.'omicil/iloct found umliiJivc. However, tlio iiHiiir, whidi
was |iiitr(iiiiz('(l \>y niiiiiy from a (listaiuc, was lii;^lily spokiiii of; and, with
tli<i otlu'i- iniprovoiiiuiit.s for tlic. accoiniiuxlatioii of tlit) trav('lliii<( |>ul)lif,
iiia.il(! St. ( 'atliariiics to ho rcgarilod as a ]ilaoo of jilcasiirahlo resort.
'Die Mall, wliicli lias since hoeu tlio seem; of tlie i^roatest variety of
t'.xliibitii.iiM, was occupied for a tea-moetim,' a week after the Inill, was
attended, anion;; others, i)y llov. K. Ryersoii, Jr., Hon. .1. (!. ('iirrie, and
the aiitli"!', aflbriliiii,' to tlu! lMr<,'(; and appreciative asseinlily as much auiuse-
nient as the hall.
The month aftfir, Wni. II. Mtdrilt, Jan., on his cMitoriu^ into the local
interests of his native town, invited a ninuhei- of the Council and his fellow-
townsmen, to a dinner party at the fajuily residence, among whom were
Messrs. Killaly, M(;(Jivern, jMiller, Whan, Taylor, etc.
Being low done with the trammels of office, our suliject was at liherty
to devot<; more attention to his private allairs, still the interest was una-
\)ated.
The following is inserted to siiow that tin; siihject of lieciprooity occu-
]>i<'d him, and that he had a zeal i'nr its |>assing e»[ually hs if ho was still a
nicmhrr of tiio (Government.
'' \Va^iii.n<;to.\, titli l''i'l)riiary, lsr»|.
My Dk.mi Sii!,- -T have Ikhmi ii'proacliing myself for the last two months
with not having sijoner answereil yt)ur lett<'r. One thing I cannot reproach
iny.sclf with, vi/., not having seen yt)ur .son, sinc(! he left no address when
he called upon tno, and all my exertions to find him on! were in vain.
"1 do not (piite agree in some of tin" views expressed in your letter,
l)iit it is of no use arguing these pijints at such a distance, and hy lettc-r.
"I hope your measuri; will Ik- cai'ried, hut 1 think it is soiiunvliat douht-
ful. The interests of your colony will at all times hi; a matter of great
consideration with me, and I sluill he very ha'ipy to see or hear fi'om you ;
in the meantime helieve me.
" .M V ' ir sir, vours verv ii-ul\-.
-W. 1Ia.mu.ton Mi:iti{iTT.' ' " - H.' 1. llf LWEIl."
Although our subject was now in t!i" ji i>ilion ol' an indepf'ndant imnii-
hcr of the House, yet from the numerous Ictl'.rs rccri\c(l liy him fi'om thoso
hcst able to judge of his position, we air incliii'd to think that his retire-
ment from the <lovornnient of the country was rcgi-ettel by all those who
felt that Canada iilone should l>e the paianioiint object on which to centre
the thoughts of her legislators.
Thus Mr. -McPliersoii, of ."Montreal, writes to a friend, I Itli March 1851 :
" Accept tuy thanks for having given me the pcu-usal of Mr. ]\Ierritt's
interesting and valuable rei)ort. If his recommeu<lations won; ciWiied out
])romptly, I feel pursuaded the result to the province would be as satisfac-
tory and advantageous as he anticipates.
"T. II. Kkkkku, Esq."
:j; :[; *
"D. -M( rilElfSON."
389
•oia vou :
Also iv similar letter fi-oiii INlr. Widder, of Toronto, sann' <lato.
One from Mr. J. Morris, Postmaster Gonnral. 4tli April, l."^'!, Sjivs : — •
" 1 thank you for your kiinl cons^ratulatioMs on my actiHRsion to ofHcf,
and [ assure you it is to me :i luatler of d(M*|) regret that I eaiinot point to
you as on(^ of my colleamu's." ^- ''• ^- *
Mr. W. Patton, of St. 'i'homas, says :—
" Althoufj;!) your havin<i left the Ministry, (whir-h. i>(Miuit mo to as,suro
you, caused univers.il i-e<,'r<'t amon:;st the S.ason i-a^-e in our disti-ict,) it re-
([iiii-ea your watchfulness and experience, would the pai'ty in powei' only
liave the good sense to profit hy them !" •'• -•' '^
Mr. Merritt remained at home this wintei-, attending to his honut aflairs.
He procured an ingenious contr-'vance, called the hydraulic ram, hy which
water was su]»plied to Itaths itc, through the hou.se.
While in Toronto, he euiployed a young Englishman, hy the name
of Edward James, a gardener hy profession, who ha<l lately anived fi-oni
England, where he had Ixu'ii (employed in the i-oyal gardens, undei- H. R.
H. the Duchess of Jvent. Our suhject, on leaving, took him with him to lay
out the improvements around his dwelling on Yate Sti'eet, and what is now
known as the "side hill." TIk; whole resulting in the Ix^autiful esplanade,
which (!ost our suhject several thousand dollars, and adiled materially to
the appearance of the grounds, as well as affording a sightly street-walk.
" Private journal, January 2yth, — Wrote Provincial Secretary respect-
ing S. Phelps. Inspector (leufMal, respecting W. Dittiick.
" Fehruary 17 lieceived report from Dr. 'i'ache, on St. lAawrenco. Dhl
not reach me until niy repoit was closed and sent in, ii is therefore referred
to in the appendix."
The previous year, the amended or new Municipal Act came in
force. A measure whi(Oi lessened the powtu-s of statesmen, and intro-
duce<l an exponsive system of administration, whicdi has led towards an-
archy, as there .seeme<l to he no real means of defining their proper powers,
and in essence is the Trihal svsteni modernized, thou'di it takes manv vears
to den)onstrate it.
Mr. M., while in Toronto, had recommended patience, yet, after his
son and friends had entered into schemes of local imju'ovement, he gave
iiis private credit for the completion of one of theui far beyond the line of
prudence here inculcated. This httter relates to the Canal and Suspension
Bridge road. ,
" Mv Dk.m! Sox,— Yours of 20th Wiis received this day. f am glad to
hear your road over the mountain is better made on this side than on the
other. If drained well thw road will be useful ; if not, it <;annot last ; drain-
age is the i)rinciple; the rest of the work secondary.
" Until I hear whether Kerr and those holding laud, are willing and
satisfied it is their interest to unite in purchasing the governtuent plot, it
is useless for me to attemjtt aiding them to help themselves. A great ])ub-
:VM>
i
lie luMiolil, will iisHUioilly l)(^ tlir iohiiII/, if llu* pliiii ctni l)C (NirriiMt out, and nil
ooiir(ini(>(l iti'iK'liM.nd, iml as itll iiici ho much iilivc U> (M-iiHiirc, imd iin|>iitn
in)|ii'o|t(M' iiiotivds, (.liiib I iUii loth to iiiovi; in any iniittiM' in wliirh my oTvn
priviiLc intcH'sts niu li»i or in in anyway coiKM^tMU'd, oi- any of my family, how
"jvor much LIk' |»uitli(^ may Imi iMMU'litUwl.
" '['he SuH|>iMisi(iii IJi'idi^c is payinj^ well ; l»ul, roads will not. I am y[lad
to iiiiai- tlio tradd is ini'icasin;^ on thn canal; will send you a Htatcintiut of
lulls shortly.
" l,o\(> to Ma. and all relations and IVicnds.
" N'our all'cctioiiatc father,
"VV. llAMIi/roX MKKIJITT."
"W. II. M. .liN "
The following; is ta.l<(Mi Ironi Jiutiuml, l.'ith A[iril : -
" lloADS.-- TIk* vast imjM)rtaii(!(M)f )^o')d roads, to a towns |iiosj(erity,
will 1k! our i«|>oIo{:;y for ,u;ivinji; to-day, tho nmrnorial of I lie direetois of the
St. CathariniiS and IVlerrittsville road, privsenteil to our town council. Tim
document is ar;;;unu'ntativ(', Miid ahly drawn u|>, l>y W. II. iM. dun., th«i
/oaloiiH I'nvsidtMit of the Board, to whoso nntirintf oxcrtions wo aio iudobted
for the enterprise. VVti can v(wy easily suppose that a. feeliiii( of opposition
to the prayer of the memorial will exist, as there seems a .strung dibiucliiiu-
tioi) oil the part of many to invest in roads."
" MKiiiurrvii.i.K Uo\n.
■' Tit the Hon.. thr Mii.iiJripid i'lniiiril {>(' Si. CiiJ/Hirlncs : —
'* 'riio Dii-octorH of tho St. (/atharinos and Merrittville 'rmiipiUe ('om
paiiy ai'c happy to inform the Town Council that a riijht to the location of
the road in its whole lt^n^ith, will enahle the work to hi- commenced as soon
ii8 tho proeurini]f of funds nuulor it practicahle.
'• Th(> result of the opening; of the (ii'eat Western Hail way past this
town, will he to divert tim country trade, on lioth sides of St. Catharines,
to the larger markets i>f Hamilton and liullalo, an advaiita-ije admitted to
0(jualize prices on the. whole extent of (Country; that is, that the farnmr li\-
in<,' nivir any railway station can always take advantai^t^ of the hii-lK^st mar-
ket, which is inv.iiialtly in the l.irge.r towns. if this he the case, unle.Sii
wo open up to our nK>rchant.s and mochanics the country trade of tho town-
•siiips lyii>:j; hack of us. our scoj)e of population will be very limited indeed;
;ind if th- progress and ad\ anciMneiit of tlu^ town heconu^ checked by any
such cause, we shall liud t!ios(5 snialler communities which iiiterfero vei-y
little with our pi-esent limited i-adius ut" country beconi" formidalde rivals.
" We secured but ,C !.")()() of privatt' slock, which with tin' XlUOO taken
by tliPi corporation is inadcipiate to tinish tho work.
" The i)irTtors iu-i.' satisfied that it is ijuit.e useless to endeavour to im-
^irosfi the members os the council with the importance, they may simply say
iiecossity, of takini; up thiK tpiostion with a detcuinination to cairy it
thro\iLj;h. The |»ayni uit of tho interest on the sum of tlinie thousand pounds
will .scarcely bt) felt by the iucioasiu^' population of so thinviuLija communi-
ty, j)rovided they take stops to keep in that tlirivinj; condition.
" But if the town is once allowed to fall back ami lose herstatn;t b}' any
iieu[l«ct of those whose «luty it is to watch her interest with care, then oven
tho present debt would press far m»ro hcasily on [uopL-rty depreciated in
\.iiiio, and a dwindling trade, Ac, ifco."
!»1
AFiiivtli li7, <,^(iO('ii,sl,i)ii .Su.H|M'Msii»ii |{i'iil;^t! WHS !i si'Immiic t'ii\oiiri>i| aint
j)romulg.itt)il liy our Hultjoct, iiiid was iii.ui'^iir.itt'd l»y ft <rniiif'- on tliis siili"
of th« rivor. It in Imrdly rmcitssary (o uilil, tlint ii ^,'o(i(l stour loail was
l»ui!t hy till* j^ovcniiiiciil. jiassiiiL,' tlin>ii,;li St. ( 'at.liai-incs tit (.^lU'ciiHton.
"Canal oiicnnd liOth.
" April L".)tli, Visiti'd .Mavvill.. witli Mrs. .M.-rritt in cirriaLCf.
Wit
I l)ir(M!ti>rs, at SMspnrisioii
I'.ri.U
ami
iiad
intcrvK^w with
lUtlilin, (III making' a railway L'O iVct dm r tlic carriauc l>riii;,'c. Second day
to I'.nd.ili), tliird (lav to (
lOoiltTii'li s tavern.
" lAtiirlli day at Silvcn- Cin-U ; liftli witli Mr. I'liacuck at May villi-.
" l;<tiirui'd lionic Saturday, Stii May.
An incidfiit is noti(,'(!d rcj^ar-din;^ tlic occii|iations of this winter in which
the assistance of the "weed" was nei'ded. .Mr. .M. took L,'rea(, interest in the
untried enterprisi^ of (ittini,' out a steam proiiellor. Thomas, ami Messrs.
Kanney ami Uisley maihj the family sitting-room a hall of discussion on all
■tlio (lutails of constiMiction H't'iiy^ on in Mr. Shickliin I's shipyard, Mr. Ilislcy
Itoing constrnct,or of an en<,'im) fiom the foundry at Nia^^ara.
Mrs. ]\|erritt writes, (itii April:
"I spfMit a happy winter. ha\in;^' all my family home. .Mr. .Meri-itt
woidd he en;_,M^,'ed in writing', and myself with the hon.seliold, till three
o'clock, when a di-ivc with my husltand, if the weather p(u-mitted. oecn|)ied
the rost of the (hiy. Fn th« cvenini.? tlu^y ^(snerally read, smoked and talked
by the fire."
20th,- -The propeller /IrtniJ/'orif, whicli was laiinclied a inontli previous,
from y\r. Shickalnna's ship-yard, started to .Montreal. .\h this was the
pioneer to tins lari^e (leet of propellers owne<l in and now I'uniiin^^'from this
place to tho same destination, we think the inciih'iits ndatini,' to it will not
be out of plac<\ 'I'homas and .M r. lianney, accompanied hy Win. and sevi--
ral otiier gentlemen, consisting of Messrs. .\danis, ln;^er.soll, (!pp(dand, ifec,
were among the [la.ssengers on Imu' trial trip. The voyage is thus graphically
<lesorib(.'il :
" -MiiNTiti: \i.. Ith June, is.'il.
"My Dkah .MirniKit, ■ -Vou iid donljt iiavu been an.xious about us, since
we left, as our l>oat was new an<l untri(;d.
"We l(;ft the port at five pi'eci.sely, evirything working e.x(piisltely well;
hut about seven our pump, the old machine would not woi'k ; we were
oblige,<l to let o(r steam, and make another start at nine, soon after some
packing gave away, and tin; man hole of the boiler leaked, an<l we put out
the tires, and did not make another start until four or live in the morning,
'i'heie was a heavy hree/,(>, and the boat having no headway, rolled SDinc
and made both of our engineers sea sick. Mr. Iv(Ml»y took their phu^e, and
early Friday morning, we madt! Kingston. From then- we got on wcdl, with
the exception of the packing giving way once or twice, and arrived hero
Monday morning, laying all night at Cornwall and BeauharnoiH.
i
f
:]92
" TIi»> wcatlii'i- was vory 'i"'" ooiiiiii^ down tlic livor, and our party en
joyi'd it vi'i V nnicli, not on«' liciiiir iiniiaticnt at tin- nnnierovis inisfortuneH,
as \v<( all knew tlicy were ot" a tritlinj,' nature.
" Thonuu^liincsry lias liccn ovrliaided, and we doiiot anticipiitoany tiou-
lilo in ^'oin:; up. Kvcry <)nc lici-c adniiics tlic Imat; she is <piit(' tlio wond<M-
ot" the day ; lior oar;,'o suiprisud tlicni all. VVi; did not loui-h over in tlio
passa;i(\
" Ki'ci^'lit is now an-ivin;.,' in, and wo will have a t'ull (•iiri,'o fof Toronto
and St. Catliarincs. Wo (!.\p(>ct to Icavo to-nionow (ivtiiing, or caily Friday,
and to be at Toronto Sunday. Your vej-y aHcrtionatf Son,
"THOMAS i:. .MKItlMTT."
On 'th -May tlio last sossion of tlio Parlianioiit was ofioncd ; Mr. M. was
♦liore, in iio cap'icity of a private nionibcr, wlioii, in a Icii^lliy spowdi, lio ;j;ave
his reasons for nitirinj^ from the Ministry, which have boen already noticed, as
owinij; to a want of agreement on his rctrenclnnent policy. He, without
p»ini^ into opposition, still advocates his nuvisuros for the improvement of the
country, with, to all appearances, as much satisfaction as before, and le.ss anxiety
Mr. .Merritt, on the second day, and in answer to the speech, rose and
f^aid, "he availed himself of the earliest opportunity to state the jjrounds
on which he felt it his duty to retire from the Provincial (Jovernment.
He mi^ht state with all sincerity that no per.son ever assumed the respon-
sibilities ol" office with hiuher expectations, and no pia'son ever Itift them
with greater regret at not having acooniplislied the objects for which he
liad undertaken this arduous duty. His expectations of usefulne.ss were
formed I'rom a ihorough knowledge of the capabilities and resources of
this country, for he was satisfied tliat were these resources developed, and our
expenses reduced, Canada might yet become one of the nio.st prosperous por-
tions of North America. (Hear.)
In 181 1 the whole trade of the country bordering the northern and western
lakes float id down to the markets of 3Iontreal and Quebec. In a few short
years that trade was diverted from those ports to the j)ort oi New York. For-
merly the productions of that country were tributary to our great natural
water eonununication : now, the productions of Canada arc tributary to their
narrow channels.
The same contrast may be instituted with reference to the agricultural, the
manufacturing, the shippintr and other interests. We see one country, with
no other revenue than that derived from its internal resources, increasing in
population, iti wealth and prosperity, with a rapidity that is unexampled. We
see the other, with much greater internal resources, and with double the exter-
nal revenue from imports, comparatively retrograding— in using the word retro-
grading, he begged it to be understood that he was not comparing Canada now
with what she was in bygone years. Compared with the past, Canada h.is in-
creased in wealth and population, and it is (|uitc impo.ssiblc that under any sy.s-
tciii that s/ie shoiihl not l/trrfuisr.
To what cau.se is this contrast attributable? The answer is, to the diflFe-
rcnce in the financial policy of the two countries. Still there are other causes.
He maintained that from 1811 to the Union, and from the Union to the pre-
sent day, the principle cause of the dift'crences have been the system of finance
established.
303
At that tiriio wo ci.Jh^imI voiy liulit taxation both in I'ppor and Lr^wcr Ca-
nada. Our import duty auiountiil to 2A jxir nrnt. ml rulortni. In that year
an addittional tax of 2Jl per cent, wa.s projiosed for the purpose of carrying out
improvenients. He moved an amendment, witli the view of appropriating
the proceeds of tax to the payment ol the deljt then or thereaft(!r to he con-
tracted for the puhiie works; and that amendnujnt was supported by his lion,
and hiarned friend th. Attorn -y (leneral, by th(! Hon. Mr. I*ri(!e, and by 14
nicinbers. It wa.-i rejected by the majority, the argument a;^ainst it being that
we have a lien/HniHiblK (loveriimi-tit.
It was said " then; was a .system formerly by which mend)ers were able to
carry their objects without restraint, but now the (Jovernmcnt is re.'^ponsible
for our expenditure. " (llciir, hear.) Well, what has been tlie res[»on.^ibility {
The 2i per cent. \\w\\ to be raised was for the purpo.se of eairying out public
improvements, and i'or no other. What has been its applicalion ? It ha.s
gone to sustain the expenditure of the most I'xpi'.nxirf (/iirii-iiiiiriil that — iu
proportion to the population — exlstn In, auij jKvrt of Aintriru,. (Hear, hear.)
Tlie check proposed has proved to be inoperative. The sysUMU of which he
complained commenecul in 1S41, and was followed up by nearly all parties in
the House. He recollected that his lionorable friends, the present Attorney
General and the (^)mmissioner ol' Crown Jjands, were rendered the subjects ol'
much hostile feeling by voting for the /xn^i ju/r cliecks which he propo.sed ;
no lUtffi iiiea luui tlu.ij then of the corraptliuj tetitlmtci/ of thf system. (Hear,
hear.) Tn 1844 lie again called attention to the I'act that tlic expcnditTire of
our Provincial (Jovernment .sZ/^r th(i Union had been grcat(!f than tlu' expen-
ses of the two governments he/ore the Union, and then pronounced tiic system
of finance, established under the Union Act, a failure.
In l84(j, he brought under the notice of the House the effects that might
be expected to follow th(! chang(' that had taken place in the colonial policy of
Great Britain, and maint.iiiied that that change had entailed upon us an abso-
lute necessity for etirtailing our public expenditure. Nevertheless, no step,'*
were taken by the then (lovernment.
In 1847, he again pointed out the operation of the aujcnded (constitution,
adopted by the .State ol" New Vork, ami of th(! princii)le of reducing in debt,
with a vi(!W to its extinction in IStiH. We had expended a large sum ibr the
purpose of gaining tiie western trade, but the plan then adopted by Now York
is calculated in a few yens to remove all tolls from their canals, and thus, by
diverting trade from tliis country, render our expenditure, in a great measure,
unproductive.
In 1 848, he had the lienor of receiving an intimation that he was called upon
to particii)ate in the councils of his country. Hefore ac(;epting the situation,
he addres.sed a letter to the head ol' the giivernment, the Hon. Mr. Lafontaine,
iu which he (Mr. Merritt) recapitulated his views with regard to the applica-
tion of the proceeds of the (^rown liands, for the support of the Common
Schools and the establishment of district libraries — the iunnediate completion
of our leading communications, and reducing the toll on the St. Lawrence
(in up and down freight to the standard of the Welland Canal ; to obtain reci-
procity for the natural productions' of Canada and the coasting trade, — in short,
that he had advocated the removal of all restrictions on trade, reducing the
duties on imports, thereby increasing the revenue from toll. With tliest;
changes, and due ccoconiy in the public expenditure, ho entortuiued no doubt
I
HI
I
^
t
m
'^
^
I
that (lie firiancos o( tliis Province could be biouulit into as favorable a position
a8 tlioHe of the adjoiiiin-^ (j(»veriinieiit.
Mc was informed that every opportunity would be oflercd iiini to brinu;
thoHO various subjects under the consideration of tli(> (Mivernnient ; tliereforc
belicvini^ that connection with the (joveinnient would i^ive liini the best oppnr
tuniticH of adi-anciiifj; these views, he acccpt(!d the oiTer ; and he felt bound now,
to state that the (Joverninent hail, at all times, attorded him every facility to
explain and enforee his o))inions, and conduct in\estiuations arising' out of theiu.
In 1841), his time was. to a great extent, consumed by his visit to Washing-
ton, and subsecjuently to Halifax, with ids learned friend, the Attorney Gene-
ral from Jiow.'.r (\aiiada, on the subject of reciprocity. No etricient opportuni-
ty for carrying-on hi> investig;itions ])resented itself until vlie (lovernment wa.>,
established in Toronto, in .lantiary, lyr)() ;— al'ter tliat, besiiles attending to his
duties as lVeside:;t of the Committee of Cnuneil, he had ample opportiinitio.
to investigate every source oi" revenue, and every object of ex]ienditure; and
in this labour he was incessantly engaged until April, lie then represented
to hi.s colleagU(!S that a change; was in his judgment iiecess.iry in the; financial
system, and that a very largo reduction must be made. In this they did not
concur, nmi his resignation became inevitable. It was proposed however, that
the whole subject should be referred to a (inaiico eonnnittee, composed of mem-
bers from both sides of the House ; and to that proposition he awedeil.
After that was settled, he accepted the situation of Chief Commissioner of
Public Works, and appealed to his constituents ibr the third time during the
present rarli;iiiient. and was re-elected. He then stateil, as nuw, that his col-
leagues were not opposed to retrenchment, but had deterndned a;< he then tirst
announced to appoint a fina icc e..modttee to be '.omposed of the leading mem-
bers of all parties, who would have :m opjiortunity of thoroughly iiivi'stigatin^
and reporting on the subject. (.Mr. Perry, Mr. Bolton of Norfolk, Mr. Hopkins,
and .ill those most anxious ior retrenclnnent had been previously named for
the Committee.) This jiublic announeeOKMit uave general satisfaction, and the
public waited patiently for the result. He had every conlidence in their labours.
Now, however, he must express his great reirret at the result of the investigations
of that coiiitnitlee. (Hear, hear.) The evidence was reported, it is true, but
in a manner that had never come before the public. At the close of the .session,
hi.s time was occupied with an examination of the public works, and with en-
deavours to ascertain the cause of the liiLih rates of freight and insurance be-
tween Quebec and Kiieland, and if possible to discover the re.ison ir/i'/ t/iH trail,'
hail h't't. the St. Lainrure in/(f (tone to tin' llmlxoii. His reports on that subject
which will no doubt be laid upon the table, will enable the House to judge
whether the public is likely to derive any advantauie from that service. Hu-
mediatcly after Ids return a minute of council was submitted, in which he
could not concur, anil he therefore felt it his duty to tender his resignation.
As this Jisinute has been printed and gone to the public, he trusted that his
Memorandum which was made at tlie time, eoiitaiiung his reasons for not as-
senting to it, will also be laid before the House. In the meantime in the
absence of that menior;induni he would brielly allude to the points in which he
could not concur. Tlw Jlr.-<t was that in which the Committee (d' Council re-
marked that considerable reduction have been made in the salaries of otficers
employed in the various jitthlir <fi-/i>(rfhi' nt.>\ (HkI tlmt tliMf. i-'i/K.-tions Jutw bei'):
'jetfirathj upi-.-ove.i. Now with regard to the Customs' Dopartmont, ho hold vx
>1u u position
iin to brin'j;
t ; therefbri'
J best oppor-
bouml hkw.
,• iacility tu
out of them.
to WfishiiiLi-
onu'v (irene-
it oppurtuiii-
I'vnineiit was
"luliiii: to Ills
|i)iiiitunitiefl.
iditurc; iuul
rcjircscMitoil
tlu; linaiKnal
tlu'V dill HOt
lowcver, that
)S('il of mem-
ceJoil.
iiiiissioner oi'
0 (lurinii? the
, tliathis col-
lie then lirst
eailini;- nioiii-
inv('stii:atiii'4
Ir. Hopkins,
named \'uv
)n, and tlic
uir labour.>.
vostiLiations
is true, but
the sos.sion,
d with en-
surance be-
n '/ the trail I'
that subject
so to judur
rvico. Ini-
n which ho
ii'siji'iiation.
ted that hii
Ibr not as-
time in tlie
ill which he
Council rC'
of otlicers
lis li((m' hfib
he held vx
395
his hand a .stafement of tlie amount of revenue dt;i'ivtd li<>ni tliat >ouree lu
1810. when wi" leceivnl C2:{;{.4S(; ; the co.st (d" collection bein-i l*ll.7li'>. This
WUH beliire the rnion. After the I'nion we added 1IM> per ei-nt. to tlie Cus-^
tonis duties. In ISU, tlu; amount of duties received was I'UM.TT-. the cost <)f
collection I'M.*;,?')*). (Hear, hear.) lie did not speak so much of the in-
creased duties levied since the Union, iw of the increased cost of collection.
2nd,— The committee said ///»>// rv/v nol of o/iininn that tuiff nilriuliiiji'oits
(Imihji'. I'Hii. hi; iniiilf in tlir si/sft'ni of (lisfiii.snnj iil />iilj'if hiiidfi.
In 18-^4, US chairman of a committee, he spent nearly three numths in exa- .
niininu' the revenues and e\|H^ndilure eomieeted with our public domain, and
he did hope that the late Administralitui wimld have luotiieil by the report.
He need not detain the House by enlarjiinj,' upon the.se topii;s. No country
under heaven posse.s.^'s the natural advanta-jcs of C.inada. All they
required was the reduetiim (d' the public c.xiicnditiMv .and the ability to dev<'lopo
its natural resources— and apply them in aid of th(( <icneral business of the
country. It would uive an impetus tn a-rieiilture, manufactures, atid
every branch of trade, increa.sc the value oi" property and every material
which constitutes the wealth and insures the prosperity of a (Miuntry. It will
etiectuaily stop tlu> cry Ibr anne.vation. N'.i o\w would then want to join the
United States, and to incur the expenses which tblluw ennneetion with ihe
Federal (jovcrnment, to obtain the benefits which (Jreat Britain extends to us
without cost to our.selves. In conclusion, he would only nnrirk that iiiuoh
has been said with re;;;ard to his conneetioii with certain parties or individuals.
He had no conneetion with any parties whateviir, havin<: felt it his duty to say
nothint; until after this public explanation. Th(( only deei.-ion to which he had
come with regard to his future was. that lie will support any measures that ho
in hisjud-ment are calculated to brim;- about these clianiics, which he deemed
absolutely necessary to promote the prosperity of the country. (Hear, hear.)
The followiiii,' is the seheme for the amt'iidment of the rnion .\»-t, i-om-
meiited upon in his speeeli at the openiim of Varlianiont :
".")- -/iVw/m/.Timt, in tlie opinion of this H )use. an addr-ss li- presen-
ted to Her JMiijesty iiutlioii/.irg the (Jt>venior (Jeiicnil to call a eoiiveiitiou
of delegates of the" inh;il)itants of JJ. N. A. to Ih- eoiupused of forty persons
to bo elected in pn»]>ortion to population as may ixs praetieiible, one; dele-
gate for ")(),()()() people, or thereal)outs- -as for inst.iuce : —
'' Upper Canada fifteen delegates.
" 1. --Western District. Township of .\ldl.oi'.). .Mosa. Iv'kford.^i 'anidoe,
Mitcalf, A(hdaide. Williams, Lolio, and town <jf Lon<loii- -pop.. .")(.:52.S.
'■•_'.-- Broek District and Town>liip of I )<.irhesl(>r. North aii.l South
West :M in.st(.'r, IXdaware, South wold, Denwicli, Yaiiiiouth- -i>op., 1!),'J;'.I.
" ;).~Tall.ot District, ami 'fowiiships of ?klalaJiide, Hayhani, Walpole,
rtaiiiham. Cayuga Canboio', Dunn, MouUon, Waiidleet, Humbeistuii Ber-
tie, Willou.^hl.y, Urowlaiid, Tliorohl, Stamfoid, Nia-ara, (irantliaio, (Jains-
borough — Population, r)l,nr,(j, iVc, through tli(^ whoh' jirox iiiei-."
The subjcet embodicnl in the resolutions ipio'cil aliovc was worthy the
attention of Legislators, but till after the Act of Confederation had been
ucconiplished by the eoiul)inath)U of the leuchu's of the two parties, and the
support of their immediate followcrsj little had been said iu the halls of
legifdiitiou ou the subject.
I
i
I
<^
t:
i
llis n'sijiiiiitiuii WHS lollowcil in .Inly liy .Mr, naldwiii, who l;hv<.' liis tinni
I'aniwcll to his ohl ooristituonts in North York ; mid, nf'tiT tho closo of
the Lctiislaturo, by tho ('iitiri' Mini»try oxcopt Mr. Iliiu-ks, who now bccanio
f'rcniirr, mikI ciilK'il to Iiis Council Dr. liolpli, of '.'57 n'lmtution, Mr. I'ricc
Mr. M. ('iiinoron, with iMr. Moriii as leader I'roin \,. (.".
In .SfptiMidicr, work coniincnccd on the (i. \V. Railway, and was \ ii.;orou.''ly
[lushod on, with all tiio appliances and assistance of modern cnj^inroriiiL.'.
Altliou^di the eleetion tliat was approneliiny was likely (o i)e wurnily
eoutestod, yot us soon as Mr. .Merritt had ascertained by the collectors of the
Welland Can.-d.thaf the tulls hiid, as according' to his expectation they would,
reached to U l.">,(KI(t, the stockholders became entitled to their back interest of
six |M!r cent. H*; visited New York to consult Mr. (!. Yates, and other stock-
holders there on the means necessary to be used with the Government to draw
the snino.
" VVednesd.iy, IHth October, — licft St. (^atharini's at ten o'clock, via Sns-
pen.<ion Hridue. II. id .in interview with .Mr. Street. Slept at Canandaiu;ua.
" Thursday, Kith.— Slept at I'hittenanyo.
" Monday. 2((th, — iJy railroad to New York. Stopped at 37 Twenty first
Street, with (!iiarles Yates Ks(|., Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
" Left at five o'clock, in E. and N. Y. R. 11., 2 Itii Oct. Arrived at Buf-
falo same nii^ht or mornin<; at four o'clock."
In the Fall of this year, the (Jovernor fJeneral, on his return from the j^reat
railway celebration, which was held in Boston, and was attended by all the
leadini; men of the day, visited the Falls of Niagara, and dined with our sub-
ject at St. Catharines.
The (lovornor was well pleased with their reception in I^o.^ton, and
fipoke in hiuh terms of Anierican hospitality, as experienced during his
visit. In iicneral matters, the Lircat London Exhibition of this year en!j;ros.sed
a great deal of attention.
This country was also visited by M'lle Jenny Lind, who came out under
the patronas';*' of 1*. T. Barnum, the great Yankee showman.
Jiiines .Jones, an elector who syinpiitliised with our subject in bis efforts
to obtain a niurket for Canadian produce, in a letter to the JunniaJ, writes
Stamford, 1 1 tli Oct. :—
"As we are generally agreed upon the important political questions of
the day, it is useless to diller on an abstract particular, where all de[)endH
upon England ; her recent relief, if not from famine, is froni a scarcity of food
for her teeming thousands, atl'onled l)y the United States, will it make her
cautioiis in exacting any duty on American breadstuffs. And likely Mr.
Clayton spoke correctly in saying England will not levey a taritf on her
wheat, itc.
" If our new ministry do not adopt .stricter views on retrencbmeut (with
himself to assist in carrying them out) farewell to the loan system, which
will ultimately paralyze all our efforts."
About this date, the Journal on the School Question says : —
ni»7
rrivud :it Buf-
iiic out under
" It h.'H Ik'Oii uijii'd ;i;;,iiiist this |ii>sitiiiii Tliiit is, ii'.'fiinMt " l''ri'o SclidoU" — ■
lliiit till' Siiiiit' ;ir';iiiii<iits which ait! itihluctM] in their t'avdiir WDuId nttossirily
h'ad to thc! coiK-lusinn, that tin- puor havo a liuht to sujiporl IVonitlic jiropcity
of thc country.
" To this aruiniii'iit \vc shall reply on some other oui-asjon, as wo wisli our
observations on liiis all important suhjeet to be given in .•'Uuli a way as to avoid
prolixity, and to attract attention."
'I'ho ./iiiiriiii/, ill pii^o ','i')'.\ of this woik, •(ivoH (hii- siib'pMrt praise for thrt
SehodI f ndowiueiit.
This oomplinieiit was no<;;ativod by thin argument for the support of sclioolsby
u Hpcolal tax, whieh is t;ntiruly difforeiit from tln! principles of tho bill brought
in by Mr. Morritt, as he certainly never could havo conceived the monstrous
iojusticii of property owners and capitalists being ta.^ced to supply the largest
amount to (uliieati! their ncighb )urs. And an act which is a direct interferpnco
with j»a*,ernal rights. On the contrary his principles wore always that the
people wore the owners of the wild laiuls, and as such might provide means for
an educational fund which his letter on page 'A'iG explains.
W»! insert our sultjeot'.s auswtM" to an iiillin'utial cln.iLor on .soparato
seliool.s, just before the general election :
"St. ('.\Tii\in\i:s, L'ud I ).•(•.. 1 851.
"Sir,— T am favoiiied svilh your.iiote of this day, iMMjiiestiiig to be put
in po3.s(!.ssion of my decided intention relative to the i-(!]»eiil of the iUth eluuHft
of the scliool act.
" I .stated on Satorday last, it was not my intention todisturb tboclau.so
you a!!ude to.
" At the sani!' tini" yon must not misnnd'T.sland me. or give nic a voto
undtir tlie im[)ression that 1. have changed my opinion on the siil)ieet of ap-
propriating till* procoeds of all lauds for educ.itioii alike to all, — IJiiivensai
(rrammar Schools and ("oinmon Schoo's, and it is still my opinion tbatsepa-
r.itn sciiool.s will not work well iii most localities, it is of hfss importance,
and there aro jjlaces whore it may prove beneticial. For those reason.s it
onglit not to be dishiilied.
" 1 ha\i' the honor to lie, sir,
" Your obdlient servant,
'• D. O'Lk.vky, Es(i." " W.M. irAAl 1 LTOX MKIf \l ITT."
While oil this subject, we may refer to the measuies f;ir litisrary and
social improvement of the town. Page 10.") show.s that measures had been
made for mutual improvement, and had been kqit nj) with more or less
result till now, under the title of Atheneuin ; it was posses.secKof an historic,
literary, and scientitie apparatus through which materials of local bi.story
had been acquired and lectures delivered by the members.
Thc movement in the behalf of the Teinpenince cau.se had i)roducod an
institution in which Dr. Cross, who had lectured, took a lively intere.st.
A requisition to the Mayor, E. W. Steplienson, signed by 3i ratepayers,
for a public meeting for the purpose of taking advantage of the Act to
:;i)S
'i
(•mwtntizo tlie' cstiiMisliiiii'nt ul' a .Mivliauics' Institute; the Town Hall unoni-
<'il ii conunoiliuiis aiiiiitiiicnt, it was agretnl to merge tlieni liotli into one.
with the author as president. The result was, lectures delivered bv gentle-
men from a distance, and through negotiations with the Ihifl'alo Youn"
IMen's Associations for lectm-es from their lists.
This winter. als(\ the hrst etUcient association for the relief of the poor
was founded.
lu the general i-lec'tion which ensued, otir subject was met by a stroma
Kcform opposition in the person of Mr. Morse of Smithville, who was put for-
ward by the extreme wiag of the Reform party, but without success.
December 1st. On the occasion of our subject's addi-e.ssin,^ the electors
at the hustings, the whole adjourned into the Town Hall, then used for tlie
tirst time for a county [>urp(.sc.
1 8 5 -2.
Tiie jmblished returns showed (he incoini' dei'ived from the Welland
(^aual to lia\i' reaelii'd the amount at whicli the private shareholders wore
entitled to their full interest on the original investment.
Tn the early part of the year, our subject visited Quebec, on 9th Febru-
arv, where the (Ijvernnu'ut was now seated; and although several of the
members of the (lovernment were absent in the liOwer Provinces on railway
business, yot. after ten wreks spout, ho suocooded in making a .satisfactory
settlement of tin
lim : vet the terms of the Act induced him to make a
further claim tor the old stock holders, which he compile I on his retiu-n,
and }>ubli.shed ^oth Atigust, entitled "A lirief Iv'vitnv of the Origin and
Progress, l»oing an Historical IJoconl of the W'ollaud (".inal" -in 48 pages.
The elections over, ho turns his attention to the recovery of the back,
interest due on canal stock.
•' Left St. Catharines Mombiy, I2th Jan'y. Arrived at Quebec on Satur-
day, 17th. The Inspector and U'Jcoiver Gciun-al returned on Friday, 23rd.
Decided the cjuostiou of amount of iutorest due, on Saturday, 24th.
" 2i)th. - Made my a]»plication on l)'>half of the shareholders. Sent a
letter to tli;' Pi-oviucial Scrotary, in which I a'.;rooil to leave, the details to
the Attorney (!enoi-al. .\lso wrote .Attorney (Joiuu'al on the subject of our
claims.
i;
ii'ceiveil their roiMies m duo tmu
ciui: an
*' Was tlius occupied till Itlth Foluiiary, when 1 ilc-idod on nial
apltlicatiou to the L.'gi.slaturo. IIocoi\od a favourable reply on LMith.
(iot through business, returiiiny,- by New York, and homo by 1 1th March.
\Vi' iusort the foUosving chronicle of iin[>rov(un»'iits which occupied om*
sul>ject's atd'Htion at this time, vi/ : tlio extension of the faoili(i(>s for na\i-
"atinu the W'oUand <'aual :
11
>ii llall afl'onl-
•oth into one.
ntnl by jiiMitlf-
•iiftalu Youni;
ief of the poor
Jt by a stront;
ho was put for-
ccess.
11'.' the electors
Ml used for the
1 thf Wellaiul
0 lioklei-s wore
, oil 9tli Febni
several of tlie
noes on railway
r a satisfactory
ill! to make ;i
on his return,
le Origin ami
-in 48 pages,
y of the back
leboe on Satur-
'riday, 23r.l
-Ith.
(lers. Sent a
the details to
^ulijectof our
11 inakin
oi, -JOth.
; lull Miiivli
o>'cupied our
lilies for iia\ '
399
.\pril 120, Til'.
"Thk Wkllwd Caxau — Inforantion has been received, wo iindei-sLuiid
from the Coinmissioner of Public Works, that it is intetuh'd to construct
another towing path along the canal, between this town and Tliorold. This
improvement of havint; a towing path on each side of the canal, tog(>tliej-
with the use of gas at the locks and brid;,'es. will make this tlie most tini.shed
and etliciciit line of navigation in the world."
After spending the recess in attending to the t'aiial, and his numerous
private matters, including the 8n.spension Bridge, besides going with Mks
Merritt to May ville, in July. He left for the Parliament to attend its first
session at Quebec, on the 16th August. One of his tirst acts this sassion
was to jirefer the claims of the veterans of 1812, on the (Jovernment, (which
tended to dis[)rove the assertion that in advocating the jireservation of tlio
public lands, he was oblivious of their well deserved claims.) It only
resulted in obtaining medals for those engaged in 3 battles, viz., OliatAuguay
( "hrysler's Farm, and Detroit. These results did not suit liis ideafii, but were
the best which couUl be obtained. It may be remarked that in this matter
he was assisted l>y Sir .\. McNal) and other old conipinions of the war.
The Hon, F. Hincks was now leader of the ITou.se and Govei-miKMit, and
the opponent of our subject for power in C'aiiada.
The statesmanshi)) displayed liy our politicians since the retirement of
Mr. M. from the cabinet have not been such as to gain the admiration of
cool thinking men. l>eing more of a struggle to hold the reins of powi r
than a sincere desire to elevate the country in the eyes of the world. It
is tolly to s[)eak of either party, as both Tory and (irit are diar^ed
with similar olb'nces. so that it reipiires more than ordinary jierception to
tell the ditierenei>. Vet one thing is kiuns n, tliat both have sliewn an e4ir.
nest inclination to serv(> Ibitish interests too often at Canada's ex-
pense.
One instance, by referring to page ."»1() Sir J. Harv(>y's speech refers to a
jiroject, whidi would have been of immense liem^fit, without a corresponding
outlay oi' pulilic money. ( )ur subjcvt's ideas on this matter, p. oL'.">, shews that
he fully a{>iu-oved of the scheme whereby the Imperial Government guaran-
tees the sum of ,£2,r)0(),000 for the purpose of constructing a railway from
Halifax to Quebec. Had this otfer bef>n accepted by tht> C^olonial ^finis-
tries, the saving to this enuutry would have been imnien.se ; but what did
boasted statesmanship accomplish ( \ delegation of gentlemen goes to
Knglami and aotually anauged for a withdrawal of this promise, under-
taking to construct the (liand Trunk Railway, and saddles Canada with an
nnnecossary debt, and as a reward tor lliis policy, the Hon. F. Hincks
received a colonial governorship, and lefi I 'anaJa lietore the results had
culniinated in ''u.
400
'Vhc". Joiirua/ Hixyn: — " Tliat ;it ii |nil)lic (liimci- in IJoi'liii, Mr. JTincks
told tlio »'om]»iiiiy that tlio (J. T. U. K. I'nnn Halifax to Saniia luul bcoii
fully matured, and tin* woi'k iiii(lt'rtak.'ii liy IJritisli capitalists at tla-ir own
risk, for £'.),()0(),0()() stei'lin;^;, and that tlifi altorations in tlio imperial lint-
added on i;:),()00,()()() more."
" It is uothinj; to us what tlie contracts ai'o, or what the main trunk rail-
road costs ; all we want is to secure a gocjd road as soon as ]>ossil)le. as the
more English capital is expended, the lj(!tter for the country ; and the more
the i-oad costs, the better is tlu; security we have for the bonds we exchan<'e
July 1 Ith, JonriKif o.xtrncl on the extension of tJie franchise.
"The greatest Idunder evtrr made by O'Counell was that of making him-
self a party to Catholic Fhnancipatiou by the disfranchisement of the forty
shillings freeholders. The government that extends the elective franchise
of a country gives the most convincing evidence that statesmen can 'rivo
that they are not afraid to trust the people, either with the inter(\sts of their
country, or with their own position in its govei-iinumt. The man who "ives
a political existence to a large class of citizens who never liefore enjoyed it,
at ont-e acts justly, enlists tlm sympathies of the enfranchistsd, and must se-
cure the esteem of the entire lieform jiai-ty. Ihit Mr. Ilincks has done
this most decidedly and effectually, a)id yet ftn'sooth, men are fuund capable
of charging hin\ with liaving done nntliing."
"That the Tory l)arty should pour out its vials of wrath u|)on Mr.
Ilincks, we can perfectly undeistand. for he has pi'ostrated the political power
of that party ; but that he should Ite abused by any portion of his own pai--
ty, to which he has given a character iind intluence beyond anything it ever
possessed in this countiy is the more siir|irising.
" Wh'Mi we rcilect >ipon the jmsition occupied by the Reform jtarty,
when Mr. ilincks first became its ad'.>)catc. tramjiled on. despised, discoili-
fited, witli the foul bran<l of disloyalty and rcliellidn lixcd upon it by its
op])Ouents, without any oi'ganization of moral and political foi'ce, its
j)i'incipal men hung or exjiati-iated, and its enemies in power^
when wo look at it now — respected in the province — its distinctive
principles all wrought into the constitution of the country, its most ultra
measures all proved )>racticable and safe, and its character i-aised u)» to re-
spect and conlidence in I'higland, as well as by any foreign govei-nmeiits, xve
may well express astonishment that the man wiio has principally effected all
this should neviM'theless be abused by some men professing to belong to the
Ileform jmrty. This state of things, hov.-ever, admits of explanation on
one i)rinciple, and oidy one — personal vanity, sellishness an(l (lisa|)point-
ment. We don't hesitate to .say, that no hoiu-'st Kefoiwner can possibly de-
sire to see Ml'. Ilincks retire from the Government of the country, though
we have no doubt Imt that this is the object aimed at by Ids ti-aducers.
' All hiunan iriture till its Litest breath,
Finds envy never e(ni(|uereil hut by dentil.'
" Now w(> speak the sentiments of all Keformers in this part of the
country, when we say that a unanimous feeling prevails of desire that the
man who has done so much for th(! country and his party, should retain the
reins of power in his hands until a fair trial shall liave been given to his
measures, and until a stability .shall have been stam|)ed upon them, credit-
able to the [larty originating them, and useful to the country."
401
To Mrs. M., from Quebec, August 29t\u he says : — " You are not enter-
tained with politics, I will therofoi-e mention a few instances to your-
self and family. First is the waste of time , up to the present moment
tL« answer to the (Jovei-noi-'s speech has not ])assed. Dined with tko iiov-
ernor General at Spencer Wood last night, succeeded Iiy a hall; the apart-
ments fitted up with the greatest splendour. Mr. and Mrs. K. have gone
down to the Saguenay, and a numbei- uf members; Mi-. M. and myself have
been making an excursion over the citadel, and around ( 'ape Diamond.
The scenery is real'y magnificent around Quebec. A great pity there waa
not more vessels to make it what it was intended it should one day become,
a great empoi-ium for the trade of the west. I ilo not spend all my time
in idleness, as I have cut out busine.ss enough, which will come after the
Address. 1st, an address to the Home Covernment to procure; Heci]>rocity.
2nd, To obtain returns from al4 the Governments of iJ. N. A. of the receipts
and expenditures of each separate Government, in order to get an average
for the same number of jteople, with a view towards forming a union of the
colonies. The order of the day is here, heavy taxes, and usele.ss expenditure.
"This is a convincing proof that our present system needs amending.
It will end in time, but when, it is difticult to point out, we i-equire un en-
tire change. ,
"W. H. M."
A petition w^a.s presented to the House praying for extending the order
of Sons of Tempei'ance to effect the passage of a piohibitory liquor law,
then popularly termed the Maine Law. It did not amount to anything
in a beneficial way, yet from that time we may date tin- annual teuiperance
motions brought into Parliament. Our subject, although not a total
abstainer, was nevertheless, a gi-eat friend of temperance, and as such
was always ready to assist any measure having that for its object. Thufi
when the convention met at Fonthill, he was asked to preside, altliough at
his election, a few months previous the Temperanct^ oigani/ation of the
county had been used in oi)position to his leturn. 'I'he author was present
aa a member from St. Catharines. We can not better give his views than
by reverting to the occasion.
Mr. Merritt's speech at Fonthill : —
After enjoining the strictest order, he said, "They had assembled
for the purpose of discussing one of tlu; most impoitant (piestiens of the day,
as it was likely, if carried into operation, to produce an entire change in
our future intercourse. We must bear in mind that habits once formed
are not suddenly abandoned ; it was theiufore to bo ti'eated with [latience,
judgment, and great forbearance.
" It will be asked why the comnuttee of the different .societies selected a
person to pi'eside on this occasion who was not a member of auy temperance
or any other society; the answer is plain th(» object of this meeting is not
to discuss the blessings conferreil by tBui|)erance ; they are admitted by
every sane man — it is to adopt the most etlectual mt>asures to increa.se them
in the shortest jto.ssible time, and they believe that the .Maine l^aw will
effect it, and it was their interest to obtain his a.ssistance. He had on no
public occasion expressed an opiiuon on this law, and was therefore bound
402
I
to believe tho reliance placed on his support was founded on bis advocating
every measure for tiio general benetit ; on that account he felt the more
honored by this selection." ;f: * * * *
20th October our subject indited a lengthy letter to the Chief Commis-
sioner of Public Works. Hon. J. Chabot, who had succeeded Hon. J'>hu
Young in that otHcej this letter, which was pul^lishcd, contained the views
that have been mostly given in other parts of this biogi-aphy as not to
require recapitulating.
10th November, the Cholt-ra having made its appearance in Quebec,
the Legislature ailjourned, and our subject, with the other members, went
home to enjoy the health of the body and relief of the mind, to return after
a few months to better complete the importatit business of legislators.
A general census of the British eiupire was taken on a most extended scale,
which was a part of the exhibition programme, and in which the wealth, progresi
and capabilities of Canada was fully shewn. Without entering into the general-
ities of the Canadian census, at this time we nmst mention some curious results,
by origin, oS the people. Thus, out of a total population of nearly two millions,
we find the origins about as follows: — English 95,000, Scotch 90,000, Irish
227,000. Natives of English origin 651,000, French 090,000,— which certain-
ly shews that more consideration for the claims of the native English should
have determined the plans of the statesmen of the day.
Dec. 14th, Journal,—"' The Hon. Wm. H. Merritt delivered a lecture
ou political economy at the Town Hall. He dwelt long on his faTourite
theme, water communication, and told his attentive auditory that naviga-
tion by vessels of 2,000 tons may yet be accomplished from Lake Superior to
the Atlantic."
Despatches were received on the subject of the imperial guarantee for a
railroad to unite together the three provinces.
" It api)ears tiiat Hon. b\ Hincks, 'lache, and Young hare left, in order
to be present at th(! deliljerations of the new provincial legislature. We
have no doubt the interests of L'anada will be taken care of by these gentle-
men, in any negotiations that may be entered upon."
The following is from the (jlohe: —
" A route has been agieed upon which conies within the terms on which
Lord Grey oti'ered the assistance of the Imperial guarantee."
A letter appeared in an English paper from Sir F. B. Head on the coup de
etat, approving the course of Louis Napoleon.
The Journal notices a meeting of the St. Catharines and Merrittsville
Turnpike Koad Co., Wm. H. Merritt, Jun., president.
At this eventful era in its history, when the town was about to take a
position among the manuftu;turing centres of the province, by its having the
advantage of a new avenue by railroad and bridge to the outward world, the
population of St. Catharines was 4,368.
403
1853.
The annual meeting of the Wt'sleyan branch INIisaionary Society was
held in this town on Monday evening; It was presided over by Hon. W.
H. Merritt. The chairman (jpcncd the business of the meeting by tlwell-
ing forcibly on the cruelties which had been practiced on the Indians, and
enforced the duty of supporting missionaries amongst them.
His son Thomas was married to Miss Benson, of Peterborough, at the
commencement of the year.
Feb. lat, the Jo7(,rnal had given the views on the Reciprocity bill.
"The general terms of a treaty agreed upon at Washington by the Brit-
ish Minister and the U. S. Governnient was presented by the latter on the
1st inst."
Some further negotiirtion is going on between Mr. Crampton and Mr.
Everett. It is to be laid bofore the Senate during the i)reRent session. A
further notices of its passage is given in the following item : —
During the Winter W. H., Jun.. went to Washington on business for
our subject, in connection with reciprocity; and in a letter Feb. 2nd, describes
a lengthy interview with Messi-s. Crampton, Bidwell, Clayton, Walker, and
others, also mentioned despatches being received from the Imperial Govern-
ment, suggesting the preliminary steps, advancing the negotiations, as many
items of sectional and personal interest had to be looked to from both sides.
Feb'y 21, set out for Quebec.
In April, 1853, Mr. M. writes a letter from Quf^bec to the Boston
International Jouninl, in which be enters very minutely into the entire
matter of Reciprocity, giving such figures and data as completely reveals the
immense benefits likely to accrue to both countries from this act. It was
remarked at the time that this letter had caused more attention to be paid
to the Recipi'ocity question on both sides of the line than the whole of the
previous talk and newspaper editorials written on the sulyect.
In thia yea. weronniltiplied those schemes for local im))rovement under
the Act for private companies, which were jicrhaps too grand for the age
but which helped vastly to increase the prosperity of the communities that
took advantage of them. One, the railroad connecting the lakes, our sub-
ject became greatly interested in.
We have meutione*! the Mazeppa steamer making regidai- trips to To-
ronto for a short time, the boat coming up the Canal to Lock No. 2; but
the construction of tlie Gratid Trunk R. 11. caused such an incr(>ase in the
freight and passengers, the latter averaging 100 per day, that the detention
at the port, or lower lock, caused them to be carried down in omnibuses.
-104
The suocessoa in husincsa lod tlio pooplo of St. Ciitlmriiios to tliink
of buildin;,' ii moro ooniniotlious hont, witli a k""'^ ^'^^^'^ ooimmmicating to
tho harbouv, which nvoutuully liroii.i,'ht, ahoiifc tho Wolhiiul 15. K. :uul stoain-
boat.
Mr. 'ro\v«'r.s, tlio oUU'st iiiid lirsi (Mif,'iiio biiildci- in Ht. Calliuiincs, fnr-
niahf'd Un* cni^incs and machinery to the steamer to ply to Toronto. In
reference to this gentlyniaii, it may he mentioned tliat at a pri(»r date lio
carried on the iaisiness of iinn foinuh^T in yMhmhurgli, in tlie works estab-
lished hy th(^ hite.l. 15. Yates, and afterwanls moved to St. Catharines,
where the success of the* " Novelty Iron Works" attested his diaracter as
an enteri)risinjj; citizen.
So far W(> have omitted tn mcntinn amither nst-fnl avenue to the town
viz., tho Pelhani road, built several years j)revions by a pi-ivate conii)any,
of which W. H. NT., .Fun. was one of the originators, the oiu^ t(t the Port
being the only one now roipiired to complete the access from all sides.
Our subject used his intluciice with the Govei-nment to get the canal
enlarged.
In his correspondence at this time we tind a letter from his son William,
who was elected to the council, wherein he encloses our subject a peti-
tion with draft of a Bill fiom St. Catharines, to permit the corporation
to construct gas an<l watiir works ; the j)ortion referring to tho gas works
passed tho ITonse, and the water question was left in abeyance.
March 8th, a telrgram rctpiiring amendment to the same acknowledged.
We also tind, Ajtril 3rd, that he is under the impression that tb(i works
constructed by the Grand Hiver Navigation Company will be assumed by
the Government, which would be an act of justice to the shareholders in
that undertaking, but unfortunately has not yet occnrred.
On 'J,\iiu\ .Apiil, tho schem(> of the Welland Railway was sutticiently
advanced, that in a letter to our subject from his son William, mention is
made of him walking over the location as far as Port Dalhousie, and on the
Gth of August the re[»i)rt of Mr. Danforth the surveyor of the line was
received.
In May h«« had inti'oduced a Uill foi- the incorporation of tlie Thorold and
Port Dalhousie K. K., which, having received the royal assent, was the
cause of an enthusiastic me<>ting in the Town Hall for the purpose of raisin*^
stock, itc. The Journal of the day, says : —
"Tho meeting was unanimous, and determined that the charter obtained
by Mr. M, .should not remain a dead letter, »fec."
14th June, this long .session closed, during which our subject tried to
check railroad extravagance, did'ering from former years, when legislators
required to be stimulated for puldic improvements.
The latter part of this session shewed a great degree of activity. Mr.
405
Hinok's iulminiHtratioii Iwis be«n conipiinHl to VValpoIo'H in KnglamI, which
ill many respects was corroct, as the nuinorouH sohernes advanced at this
period will attest, all of which was to inchico Knglish oapitr lists to invest
in l!)iMadi!iii Kccinitics, a proceedintf which the London Tiniex then said was
the "unlj way now to rule the colonics," l)rin;,'inf^ on a reckless extrava-
f^ance, which eventually has resulted in dcpicciation of stock, and from
their extended power l»rin^in<^ almost every nuuiicipality in the country
on the verge of bankruptcy.
We insert the following from the .loarnul, a!< indicating the opijiion of
the press, among the ministerial supporters: —
"'rHK Skssion. — We are pleased (o see the perseveriiiice of (he (Jovern-
ment in oxteniling the elective franchise to persons asst.'ssed as occupants
of prop(;rty in towns, cities and villages, to the amount of JC7 lOg., and in
the country to £50. This l>ill will Vx! popular, because it is just, and it will
give coutid(!nce to the l\cform party, iis in proportion it will increase the
electors.
The first mtjeting to elect the directors of the Port Dalhousie and Tho-
rold II. R. was held on the 9tli July, when the following gentlenum were
•hosen, viz.- Hon. W. H. M«Mritt, Ueo. Kykert, T. \i. Benson, (". Thelps,
W. A. C'hisholm, Mr. T. L. Helliwell was apj)ointed Secretary.
In Jtily a large meeting of the ratepayeis of St. Cathai'ines was held
for the purpose of considering the granting of money to assist in building
the Welland R. i\.. Mr. Merritt addressed the mecsting, and explained
the prospects of the road ic. Tn the Pall ho pui)lished a lengthy letter, on
its advantages to the counties of the Niagara Peninsuhi, and in the mean-
time, the necessary surveys were made, and other arrangements entered into
for commencing the work at the shortest possible time.
Jn July we notice the second ariival in Montreal of an ocean steamer,
the LaAif EijVniUtn of the St. Lawrence S. S. r*ompany.
Mr. M. took a trip of a fortnight's duration to the HO\ith shore of liake
Erie, embracing (^hatauquo and Erie.
Owing to the G. T. R. R., a great nundier of English engineers, con-
tractors, and others arrived in Canada; amongst them was the great (Jeorge
Steph((nson, buibhii- of the Menia l)ridge in W.ales, also Mr. Jackson.
They received a grand banquet in Montreal and expressed thenuselves de-
lighted with th(i country.
A letter from Mr. Hincks to our subject at this time, says : —
" Quebec, 22nd August, '53.
" Dkar Sir, -I think it very impoi'tant that you should, if possible,
accompany Mr. Stephenson and Mr. Jackson in their westward trip; '\\ is
most ira])ortant in every way, that the attention of Mr. S. should be called to
the Maiden terminus.
"F. HINCKS."
"W. H. M., M. P."
40(i
Owinj,' to our Hiibject luiviiig more presMing engagements inside of
the Hame week, he could not comply with the request of the Minister.
It is rcluted tlmt in a conversation between Mr, Stephenson and our sub-
ject, the great cii;^inoer of the Menia Bridge gave liis opinion tiiat a wire
suspension bridge over the Niagara could not be made practical lor railway
communication.
The arrangements for a connection between the (j. W. and Port Dal-
housie R. H. (Jouipaiiien seem Lo have been broken up at this time, an affair
which altered the plans of the latter company, so that a direct line to Buf-
falo, or som» peiat on Lake Erie was to bo built, 'i'he Journal says : —
"The conduct of the <Ji. W. R. Co. by necessitating a line to Buf-
falo will have its proper <;ffect, viz., that of arousing the energies of the
municipalities along the projected line. They have now an opportunity to
possess a railroad which tlicy must not let slip by, oi- if they do they sac-
rifice the interests of one of the most i)roductive and interesting sections of
the country."
During the late session of Parliament our sul)jectat lust succeeded in pro-
curing a charter foi- the Niagara District Bank, wliicii was opened for busi-
ness on llJth October, the anniversary of the battle of Queenston, under tke
management of Mr. Smart, cashiei".
It will be observed that our subject interested himself during the session
last year to procurir some acknowledgment to the suivivors of the war of
1812, and succeeded in getting a niedal as already mentioned. A committee
known as the *' Monument Committee," was afterwards formed, of which
he was secretary.
Oct. 1 3th. — The long expected day for the realization of an oft-talkecl-
of event, had at last arrived, and from before the dawn of a lovely autumn
morning might be seen going off from St. Catharines waggon and carriage
loads of people to witness the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of
the monument which now marks the resting place of the illustrious Brock
and his militia on the summit of Queenston Heights. Our subject and
Col. John Clark, who had taken an active part in the arrangements, had
gone down the evening previous, and had everythiiig ready for the reception
of the visitors, who soon came in hundreds from all accessible points.
The ceremony of laying the stone was performed by tlie Adjutant Gen-
eral of Militia, Col. McDonnell, a silver trowel for the pur|)ose being pre-
sented to him on behalf of the committee, by Walter H. Dickson, Esq. It
is unnecessary to particularize on the occasion ; suffice it to say that on our
subject devolved the task of orator for the occasion, when, in a long speech
he recapitulated the events of the war of 1812. He was followed by Col.
Clark, Col. Tache, and others.
The names of the IVIonument Building Committee for the occasion were
Sir Allan McNab, Hon. W. H. Merritt, T. C. Street, M. P. P., W. Dixon,
M)7
Chief Justice Robinson, Col. Kurby, Col. (!lark, Col. Hamilton, Col.
McDoiii^iiil, Hon. .histioe McLean, Hon. Justice Macaulay, and J. C Kitlout
Esq. ; \V. Thomas, architect, J. Woithinyton, builder.
It is worthy of recording here that before the dispersion of the company
an unanimous resolution was passed, declaring the advisability of taking
measures to mark the different battle grounds in ('anatla with suitable
monuments, a suggestion which we are soriy to state, has not been carried
into operation. In another generation some may Ijc entirely forgotten.
In furtherance of i\m work, on next day our subject, Col. Frazer and
Mr. Dines, with the author, visited Stoney Creek, and, with the assistance
of informants, who were on the lield bet'ore and during the engagment, laid
the sites of the monuments of the battle.
In November of this year the opening of the G. W. R. occurred, much to
the satisfacti(jn of the peojile, although it was far fiom being in a safe or
perfect state, as the haste used by the contractors in its completion, was
often felt afterwards in the unfinished work on the line.
People at present have but little idea of the wonderful changes wrought
by the railway, froir: the old stage coach with its slow progress, to the fast
train, was a grand step, although many of the great expectations then
founded, have not been lealized and perhaps never may.
In the Fall of this year his son William was married, to Miss Morris'
daughter of the Hon. Jas. Morris of Brockville. After the wedding ^he
happy couph* started on a European tour.
Ominous tidings of a Emopean war was also hoaid, and the war spirit
seemed to soon find many enthusiastic sup[iorti'is in Canada, who, in glow
ing terms, recoimted the glories of the British army in the days of yoro.
The year closed with the news of the naval conflict at 8inope and defeat
of the Turks.
it Gen-
pre-
. It
n were
Dixon,
18 5 4.
One of the first act.'! of this year was the refiisal of the municipalities
along the proposed W. R. R. to give any money or take any stock in the
work.
On 1st of January, the fine Parliament buildings with library, <fec., at
Quebec, was totally destroyed by fire.
In IManh of this year, we find the first movement towards establishing
a volunteer organization, which afterwards entirely supplanted the old militia,
although wo doubt if the results of the movement has paid us good interest
on the money spout over its institution, aa we are still without the efficient
homo army of '94, '12, or even '37.
I
408
On the 2[inl May, LonI El<j;iii liuultid in New York from Kii<^liind, whwro
lip hud Hpeiit thu previous Winter. He went on to Wu.shin<j[ton and signed
the Reciprocity Treaty, wliiuh liad been so nearly completed by our Hubject
seven years befbie. Mr. MeiritB with Mrs. M. were then on a visit to his
relative, I\Ir. Williams, at his plantatiou near I'altiinore, and met Lord
Klgin in that city ; lie received no utlicial recognition from l^lis Excellency
in connection with the signing of the treaty.
The Parliament oi)ened in tlie Quebec Music^Hall on the 1 3th of June,
but was merely a formal atlair, as the Governor at once dissolved the House
ufter a week's session. Our subject, having other business to atttend to
in the city, did not participate in this miniaturo copy of " much ado about
nothing."
Journal, of June says on the dissolution : —
"The Minister will now go to the country constitutionally, with a most
liberal Clergy Reserves liill, giving to the various municijtalitios of both sec-
tions of tlio province their respective j)ortions of the Clergy Keserves to dis-
pose of as they would of any other funds now placed at their disjiosal."
Jomiial — "On Frithiy, 21st, the nomination of a member for this county
took place! ill our Town Hall, when the Hon. \V. H. Merritt was proposed;
after which G. W. (). Clark, Es(|., was also nominated."
The new election occurrred en tiie 21st July, when our subject was
opposed by Mr. W. O. Clark, over whom he was elected by a large majority.
In Mr. M.'s speech he advocated a union of the provinces as usual, and
otTered to support a Maine Liquor Law.
" Mr. Merritt said, there is a time when men are called upon to express
themscdves on tiie state of the country, and the renewal of the contract
between a member and his constituents affords that opporunity. He
thank(Hl tiie peo|)lo for their previous support, and entertained no doubt
that he would again be maintained. It was the last time ho sliouhl come
before them as a candidate or member, for he did not then know which he
was, as, at the eleventh hour, he found a second nomination. * *
" Our liabilitties are limited to £3,0(10 j)er mile, and we have the first
lien on the roads." Referring to the prosperity of Cana<la, Mr. M. attributed
it to the high price now obtained for the produce of the soil.
Our subject was elected, after a slight opposition from the adherents of
both parties, ]>erhaps from the intention exjiressed of this being the last
time he slioukl ofi'er himself as their re])resentativi\
The formal opening of the G. W. R. after a few months trial, was celebra-
ted with great t!clat in London; the author was present on the occasion,
and was struck at the changes of the permnell of railroad management
which had occurred since the turning of the first sod, by Sir A. MacNab,
which he witnessed in the same place, seven years previous. The veteran
railway advocate was not present, and his absence was scarcely noticed on
the occasion.
i
1:
409
The Cliultii-ft, which had become altnont of anntial occurrence, was very
diHUHtroiis to the labotirerH who were still on the railroad.
Ill SoptcnilM'i' our subject was seriously enj^agod on a jdan having for
its ol)ject {,\n: removal of the rapids l)y means of blasting; from cons\dtations
which he had with the engineers who accomplished the works at Hurl (late,
New York, he believed the sumo means could be succefisfully used here.
The new Parliament assembled in Quel)ec on the 6th Sept., and the
Governor, in his speech, referred to the important measures which would
be brought bjfore tlie House ; amongst them was the Heciprocity Treaty
with the U. S., the .secularization of the Clergy Reserves in Upper, and itH
twin brothel- the Heignorial Tenure in Lower Canada, and the changes the
Imperial Parliament had made in the constitution by electing the members
of the lJ|)per or Legislative Council.
Mr. L. V. Sicotte was Speaker, and Sir A. MacNab, President of the
Council.
Owing to the rever.ses su.^tained on the day of election, it v/as found
that a chajige in the Ministry woidd take place, and that Mr. Ilincks had
turnefl ovei- the charge of the state to Sir A. MacNab, yet strange to say
the latter took olHce with a Tory Government to fully carry out the reform
and radical measures of the liberal Mr. Hincks. Mutual explanations fol-
lowed in speeches from Mr. IMorin, Mr. Hincks, and Mr. INIerritt.
Mr. M. dill not engage to support the present Ministry. In his speech
on the occasion, he remarkeil, " Nothing would cast so great a gloom over
Upper Canada as present political events." 10
" He contended that the double majority system was now introduced,
but in such ji way as to give the government of a portion to the minority.
" He contended that a Hef'orm Administration could be formed out of
the menjbers of that House, and that the people would give Sir Allan Mac-
Nab no credit for coming in by a conli'ivance to make them govern a niajo-
ritv. It is a grave (piestion whether the IJcform jiarly siiould allow Sir
Allan to go on with those measures. He thought ho would b«! allowed to
go on and carry those measuier, and tlien be turned out. He doubted if
this was not a preconcerted sclieme, but would not .say unless he knew it
po.sitively. Ho had not left, nor had he intended to leave the party."
We insert further to show his views, a letter in answer to an inviljitiou
of the Reformers of Norfolk to an opposition dinner. i\lr. ^(erritt sends 1 is
regrets, a.s was the case when he could do so with propriety, and always
when the demonstration was for himself.
'• Sinicoe was the spot the iirsfc opportunity was otlered foi- commencing
my deteiiiiiiiation to adliero to the principles of self-government as an-
nounced by Lord Durham. Our present system otters no guarantee that
it can be carried into operation, or that the wi.shes oi- interests of the people
will be adlKMvd to._,, The constitution was frametl ]»y Lord Durham witliou
the knowledge or advici'. of the country ; the burden rests with him as Gov-
410
I
r ■[
crnor. The rosolutions of 1841 are nuM-ely dei'ljiratory, and wlioUy puwer-
lesM, construed a.s the (iovernment of tlie day may dictate. A niujurity of
the nieinborh as t-lected have been and uiay be hiieafter pj-rsuaded to
support any (roveinnicnt have the powrr of expendin;,' tlic public inoiifv
withoot the sanction of, und in direct viohition of acts of Piirliiiincnt, wiiicli
has and will continue to be done by any set of men. to wliom that power is
entnist('(l, rail rtiern what you will, Heforni or Tory.
" Entertainin;,' thos(! views, I have lon;( sinc«! niach; up my mind iliat
the inhabitants of Canada i-etpiiro a new constitution, one selected l)y tleh^-
gates selected from ditl'ercnt pails of the Province ndiipted for our peculiar
situation, which the Impel iai (iovernmcnt wouhl readily .sanction.
" It should provide all nece.ssary char;:;es for the jiayment of our public
debt in a few years by creating a sinking fund, dejirive the licgislature of
the power of spending a single farthing of the pul>lic money, unless under
the act of the Legislature first .saiictioruMl by the branches of the Leo^ishiturc
similar to the amended constitution of New York in |K4(i, Ohio, Penn.,
Michigan. Such a constituticm would ;iH'ord security to property iunl eiisur"
the prosperity of Tanada, and when the inhabitants feel the nect-ssity ol'
moving for that oVyect they will find a warm supporter in
" Your obedient seivant,
"WM.HAMIi/roN MKRRITT."
It was also remarked on the election of the Speaker, that Mi*. (Jeorge K.
Oartier, one of the candidates, was strongly oppo.sed by the Tories in the
House, and that .1. A. MacDouald for the first time had now comnuMice
the career of a Minister of the Orown; thus we notice the injurious changes
which often occur.in a short time. The retiring minister had wt^l! and
truly sei'veil Imperial interests.
The G.T. R. schenuf was .settled, ami his work was aci^ompliyhtid ; so, to
use a familial" term, ho now ste|»s down and out.
It was suggestive to observe that Di'. Rolph, one of the late ministry,
had turned round on the Premier, iiut. received such a castigating from the
pen of Mr. llincks, as to effectually give h-m i\u'. ijuietus, and plaie him
in the oV)scurity in which that gentleman iiad found him.
Our subject was present and appears to iiavc supported the amalgamation
Government in this and their other temporary measures, thoiinh it is remark-
ed in the Joiinird ih-At among the various amendments, his for appropriating
the Clergy Re.serves to education, had the least sujiport of any in the llou.sc
A message from the (rovernor was also brounht in In tiic Premier U>
unnropriate .£"2t>,(M)l> sterling, to give the lm|ierial (Jovernuicnt as a itflief
to the widows and orphans cau.sed by the war. This measure was carried,
although ntit without some opposition, amongst whom w.is oui- subject, who
considereil it s; direct intorferenco with our position as peo|»li' living under
responsible government.
On 16th November our subject moved an amendment to the general
!
411
li.-'luHl ; so, ti>
hill to preH«n"ve the Clergy Reserves, for educational purpoHes. whicli wo
re;,'rpt to tiinl, wuh lost on a diviHioii.
On»< of tlie tirst accidents on the G. \V. R. occcnrred at Morritton, or
SlahtowM, as it wiis then called, on the fith of July, l»y which snvfii persons
ost fhfir lives, 'i'he accident was caused l>y the want of a proper fence
alon;^ the road, which allowed some cattle to stray on the track.
In the Jouriiiit of Au;;. 24th, .ve find tumorous letters on Reciprocity,
which had not been nit Died hy the Leyislatiire, addressed to oin* subject
from his friends aiul co-workers in the States, one from Hronson an.l Oroker,
Oswe^^'o, and one from tJen. liewis ( "a.ss, \Vashin;4ton. In aiiswerin;,' them
he predicts another enlargement of the Welland Canal.
Fn consequence of what we have said respecting the misundc'rstanding
with the (x. \V. H. ("o., and the refusal of the other municipalities to give
any encouragement to the Welland Railway extension, a meeting was called,
and largely attended, in the Town Hall, and an effort was made to have
the grunt given liy St. Catharines rescinded ; y>'X the directors, supported
by th(! majority, wore of opinion that eventually the road would be built
by some company who knew its value "as a connecting link between the
lakes. On this meeting the Journal remarks : —
"We are pleased to see that no opposition exists against the investment
on the part of the town in a railroad uniting the Iak«'s ; and the taxpayers
only retpiire some evideiuv that the work will be accomplishe<l, and their
money not expcmled on a short line that wouhl nevor pay."
The Victoria Bridge was now connnenced, atul it afforded Mr. M. great
pleasure to know that his friend, Mi-. Keefcr, was successfid in having his
plan in general foi' the .same adopted.
A most determined assault on the Churcli ot England heie was made
during the previous year, V>y raising a te.st (jue.stion in the civse of the l\ec-
tory of St. James, which was put in Chancery, and was the beginning of a
quick series of Parliamentary warfare, which njsulted in the abolition of the
Clergy Reserves from the time honoied institution, and alienating the clergy
property.
In November the Clergy Reserves Bill passed the House. One of the
best moves in the House was a bill brought in by our subject for the estab.
lishing of arbitration courts similar to what is known as the Prwihomrm', in
France, whereby nmch useless and expensive litigation is avoided, although
the Bill was favourably rect ived in the House, yet the lawyer members are
said to have actually "killed it with kindness."
" We see, from time to tinm, threats held «)ut liy .some respectable
members (jf the Press, respecting the crusade that is to be waged against
RonuuiisMi in this piovinc(! ; the approximate cause of this unexpected
crusadt^ is, that tin; Lower (Canadians have assisteil the Reformers of Uppei-
Canada in secularizing the Clergy Reserves." — Jounud, November 16th.
412
Are we not forced, under the incontrovertible argument of facts, to ac-
knowledge, after a quarter of a centuiy, the soundness of these prognostics,
and, that the crusade has commenced, the facts of Jiistory attest the sound-
ness of the principles thej are founded on, that the Church of England ix
the bulwark of Pnjtestantism. If this pro[)hpcy has been fultilh'd, and
Lower Canada has imposed Catholicism on y\K, (he problem for the ediiiated
colonies now is to give the li-berty to the individual, his religious Ixilief
included, that was enjoyed under church and state ; for this we nuist reform
the Clergy Reserves Act, and restore the rights of holding land to the Epis-
copal body.
It was noticed on page 69 of this work that a church was built here, in
which our subjeat's father partici|)ated, and an Episi'opal clergyman iiL St.
Marks, Niagara, at a prior date. This was before the celebrated l)ishop,
John Tonmto, had emigrated to the country, or had joined the Ei)iscopal
body. Rev. J. Stewart, of King.ston, the fathei' of the Archdeacon, came as
a missionary with the refugees, and consequently represented the establishnd
church ill America, more Jian sulisequent incumbents ai)pointed from the
old country, but the history of the church in this country tlates to the acces-
sion of William of Orange, in which some of the names, if not the direct an-
cestors of our subject, suffered persecution for their faith.
This a|jpears in the colonial documents. Vol. 3, page 673, describing
the events in New York which followed the English Revolution on IGtli
August, 1689.
Depriving the Clergy of Canada of their land, although injudicious :is a
measure of staUi, was of ultimate servict* to the Episcopal body, by remov-
ing the prejudice among the community which the further possession of this
endowment would occasion.
Mr. Merritt published a pamphlet advocating reciprocity in mamifiic
tures, after the principle of the far-famed Zolverin, which was so succ(!SHfiil
in North (Jermany, entitled, "Remarks on the Kxtensioii of Reciprocity l>i'
tween Canada and the IHiited States, (now Comprised in the (Jrowtii ;ni(i
Pioduce of each,) to the Manufactures, Shipping and Coasting, and KsImIi.
lishing a (Joniniercial System Ada[>ted to (Tcograiihical Position of Canailii,
by VVm. JFamilton Merritt."
First, the re[iort commences Viy pointing out the causes which diverted
the trade of tlm St. Lawrence!; also its diminnLiun with (treat Ibitain, her
North American possessions — the West India Ish •, and all other parts of
the world.
ITnder free trade, we have lost all direct foreign intercourse by tlm St
Lawrence, and the capital expended in our canals, connecting thai ii\t r,
without creating a single cotton, woolen or iron manufactory, a home
market, or any other ecpiivalent whatevoi-.
413
These disastrous results were not caused by the adoi)tion of the principle
of free trade, the soundness of which cannot be conti'overted. The name
has l)('(!n used wit]io\it its spirit ; free trade without removing customs
dut^(^s is a fallacy. The etlect of the policy of the late Sir llobert Peel, not
to extort iteciprocity from other countries, was to lessen the price of the pro-
ductions of ('anada ono-iifth (the exact amount of the duty imposed) as com-
pared with the like articles in the United States. If, therefore, it was the
interest of Great Britain to adhere to this policy, it is clear that the princi-
jile cannot apply, or that the commercial interest of the United Kins^'dom
and (Janada are averse to each other.
Journal, Nov. 29.
" We give to-day a pamphlet by the Hon. W. H. Mcrritt, including the
it'port of the Commiitee on Commerce', on which we alluded in our last
nuudier, and beg leave to direct the attention of our readers on section the
Itli (»u mfinufactures. By this wdl be seen the great disparity between the
iluties imposed by the two countries, and tlif remedy pioposetl, viz., laying
the same duti(!s on manufactures hero, as are laid on liy tiie United States.
" Also a number of lo(;al liills, amongst which was a petition frcjui A)y. T.
Mack and others ])raying for a grant of incorporation for a Marine Hospital
at St. Catharine.s."
The House closed on the IHth Dec, after having accomplished a great
deal of legislation. The Oiimean struggle still lasted before Sebastopol,
and the thrilling news of the desperate engagement at Inckermau had just
arrived in time to furnish a fruitful topic for the holidays.
1855.
3Ir. Merritt returned home on the adjtjurnment of the House, and the
holidays were passed in the usual way, with visitors and othei' amusements.
Our subject's health was a little disturbed at this tinm, and rest from
the continual bustle of business and jmlitics was much needed. One of his
Krst acts was in looking after the W. K. K., and we find him going with
the engineer, Mr. Woodruti', to Slab Town to see the location of the line to
Port Colborne, going up the mountain. The winter this year was extremely
cold, .so that vei-y little progiess was made.
Journal, Jan. i.
" Thk AD.ioUKNMKNT.^The Provincial Parliament stands adjourned
till tlu! 23rd Feb., and it now renuiins for both parties in the House, as^also
for the country to rellect on the past, and form plans for the future. The
<)p|iositiou will have time to ch<'W the cud of sweet and bitter meditation,
wiiile the party in [lowei- will have time to arrange tiiose measures still in
abeyance, some of which are of constitutional importance to the country ;
as, tor instance, tht; fonnatioii of the Legislative Council, on a basis more ni
keeping with the elective pi'inciple now prominent in all our institutions.
IHI
Ml
* * Tliirt can \m the only juHtficution for tlie courso udoptod by tlioHe
j^nniloiiKiii wlio lifivo liitcily joiiK^l tlic AdiiiiiiiHtiMtion, at, tlio «^x|)onHo of
Ummt piiity.
Jonriud, Jan. 25.
" Wo look for a larj^o incrcuHH of (Mhigiiilion to this conntry fui many
ycai s to (■omii, of tho vory licst inatiM-ial. It will ho incif-jiHcd mainly hy th(>
Know NotI ing, and Native A'nioiicani«ni of tho dnited StatcH. Ilcrt', this
(•hi.s.s of iicr.sonsiire iioifoctly ut lionic, they havf* no tinn* to .spend in ordfsr
to enjoy and oxorciHo all tho lights of citiz(<nship. Hoie, also, evoiy man
is placod on oqnal torinn hcfoio law, a.s it iej;iii(ls religion, and long may it
he ho; and wo venture \m .say it will contiinie Lo hti so, nt)twithHtandiug the
etfortH made by some few of our public men."
On the 2()th February he I'lft for t^uebec, going by way of the border
States, acroinpaiiied by the author.
Dining tho adjoui-nuient of the liouso, ijonl KIgin had loft the country,
and was suc(!eoded by Sir Kdmund TIead.
The great Parijj Kxpoaition caused some .stir this yeai-, our subject having
in the last year received a commission as one of the delegates from (Jauitda,
but which he declined to accept, and the author being anxious to vi.sit Ku-
rope, accompanied him to t^uebec, iiiid, through his inlluence, got the com
mission, mid leave of abstwice for the pur|>ose ; but on a clo.ser examination
of the matter at head (quarters, he found that Canadians had no lair repre-
sentations, as, with the exception of Mr. Tache, there were no prominent
men on the commiHsion fm her, .so that his auxiety to visit loreign parts
cooled, and he decined to use the commission of representing the country.
in Parliament little was done save passing a iVliliti.i Act, in accordance
with the re(piest of Karl (irey's report.
The greatest activity prevailed in business ciichrs, as everytiiing was
now moving at railway speed. Uii the Hth of March, iluring our suiiject's
absence, the great Suspension bridge over the Niagara Itivei was opened
for railroad tiatlic, the liist train of passtMigers having passcul over insid(! of
six niontiis Irom the opening of the (J. VV. l». II. It was well and truly
said to be u great undeitaking, reflecting credit on all concerned in its con-
struction.
The subject of water works was brought luifore the people of St . ( 'athiu,
vines, and £100 voted for survey of the same. A proposition was also carried
by the Council to appropriitti- anoth<>r £25,000 in aid of the \V. R. H. .A
$100,000 obtaiiKfil frtini the Municipal lioan Fund having been expended
on gas stock and in other local improvements. It explained that unless
tho asked-for £25,000 was forthcoming, the sum already .spent on the road
would be lost. In conseipieiice of this, a by iaw was submitted to the
ptfople , but was negatived by a majority ; the same by hiw was again sub
mitted towards the ciul ot the year and pa.ssed.
The gas works of St, Cutliarines was now in opeiation, and 36 street
M
I by tlioHe
XpOllHt! of
fi)r iiiaiij
Illy l>y Uki
llcic, tliin
I ill order
(Vi!ry iiiiiii
►tig iiiiiy it
Lin ling the
Ji«! border
in (Hiiiutry,
)('(;t luiviug
III (Janadii,
I visit Ku-
t till' colli
x.'iiiiinatioii
lair mpre-
iiroiniiicnt
•oigii parta
o uouiitry.
locorilance
thing was
iSul)JHCt'H
IS opiMiod
iiiHidoof
iiiid truly
ill its con-
st. Ciitlia.
so carriwd
|{. |{. A
•x|)(Mi(hid
Ii;it iinh'ss
III t.luj road
cd to tliH
igain aub-
M't rttretit
liinipH, iiiid the lighting of tho ciiikiI mid Thorold, added to the uttractionK
of the lociilily. Another iiii|(oiljiiit local event was thn ofM^ning of tho
HtoplioiiHon House and iniiieriil l)aths, followo<) soon after l>y the VVelland
House. < Jreat I'.xertioiis \V(ue iimde to eoni|»h^tt> those iiiiildiiigs, as, siiico
the riiilwiiVH were liiiislied, a, great many travdilers stoppod at St. (Vitlia-
riiie.s. The mineral waters of this t.own owe tlioir celebrity t,o the fact
that iiumeioits cures of long standing ili,seas»is have been eH'ected by tjieii-
use. Vov m.'iuy years the niedicimil iisisof the water were iiiiknown beyuiid
the locdily, until \V. Ff. Mei'ritt, dun., if^turned IVoiii (1 Miiiaiiv Ilia exiie-
rieiicf at I he wati-riii!.; places t.hero cauaed liini to remai k the resemblance
tin walei- liDci- Id those; he iiidiieed Col. Stephenson to go on with the hotel,
which, Ix'aring his iiaiiie, is now a monument to his enterprise. Since then
the grejit establishment of the Spring |]ank has bewn perfecto<l, and as an
hotel Mid sanatorium, inider the seientitic managemenf, of |>r. 'I'heophiln;)
Mack, M I), has aci|iiiied a repiit.ation nniivalleil on the continent, as
every aj.iilianrc which iiiencc can bri»g to thi" aid of the uHIicted may Jje
found here.
( >n the declaration of war, the Allied Heets in tlie (.'entral Pacific;, sailed
to t!«' Siberian coast, and appeared belore lii« Kussian possessions in A.iia,
and, after a naval and land engagement, in uliich several se.s.seis weie
destroyed, I licy departed, leaving the approaching wintei' to (•omplete the
blockade. Towards the i|i);e of the war, another and iiiore numerous expe-
dition ueiil over till' same roiitrs and attacked I'etropaulaski, which they
biiriifd and afterwards blew up, (hereby destroying for the tinier all UuHsian
powei oil the I'acilic. ,\ Iter acc<)niplisliing these feata, the Heets departed,
and on the proclamation of peace, the llii.ssians again entered into possession
of Ihcii Iciiiioi}. It ma} s'mim beyond the piii |iose of .i work of this kind
to mention those matlcrs, but it is done to shew tli.it had (Jreat i'ritain any
solicitude, for her American posHes.sioiis, she would have made (Janada a
prt!sent of Alaska, and we doubt if at the time any nation would have ipie.s-
tioned her right to do so. Since then it has b(;en purcliased by the IJ. S.
(iovei'iiiiieiit, and now remains a standing thorn on our most northern boun-
dary, and a inonument of I'liitish thought leaaness towards the ultimate
inteieits of lier distant dependcmiies.
hilling this sessson, Im, as chairman of the Finance Committee, opened
correspondence wilJi the pro[»er parties in the different 15. A. Colonies, in
(biding the West, fndie.s, in lefereiice lo the state of tlit^ir trade. He also
published his views on the subject of Intercolonial trade, shew ing the nmiiv
advantages Canada niiglil derive from a closer connection with her sinter
colonics. 111 iespoii.se lo the ciriMilar, liarl (Jrey, tlie Colonial Minister,
expre.s.sed liia dissent, and the matter dr()p|ied, so that we doubt if we are Htiy
nearer to the accoinpliahment rif thja idea yet.
416
In a lottor from Quobeo, bo tliuH exp'-eHses Iiis views on tlic prcsoiit
Htato of iiirairH. and couHi<lorinf; tlio oliango brouglit aliout l>y coiift delation,
w«' may state that the idotw avii ahiiost proj»h«!tic.
" 2()tli May -The session lias heeii vor} long and iinsatislactory, and f
am pleased to think it near its closi^ 'J'/i<; t'niou loill In: (llsso/ri'il liij'ore
fivn V/CW.V, and 1 (pn'stion whetlici-anotluM'stiHsion of Upper Canada iinunliers
will evei- sit again."
From the earn(*st nnmner in which thc^ other colonies entered into onr
sultject's ideas on free trade, it would seem to destMve more than a passing
notice, and shews that however willing Ureat Britain was to extend her
own trade, the imperial Government were not so anxious that the colonies
could act in the same manner towsirds one another. We are sorry that Mr.
M.'s statements did not turn out as la^ wished, and can only see in this
case an unnecessary piece of Imperial acting, assisted hymen in (,'aniida,
whose position should have uiade tlnun h;gislate lor Canada //v.v/. We know
that oui' subject felt greatly annoyed at the acti<ju of the Government in the
matter, and although we occasionally hear something about colonial trade,
yet tlm following despatch will convince those Canadian well-wishers that
there are other inrtiionces to be ap])ealed to l)efore the ol)j(>(.'t is accomplished.
The following from the ('olonial Ministei' is cpioted:^ —
(Circular.)
" DowNiNd Strekt, llth Aug., 1855.
" Sir, — Her Majesty's Government would regard the proposed arrange-
ment as very objectionable ; on the giounds, lirst, that it would separate
comnnucially, so far as such an arrangemcint is eont;erned, the colonies who
entered into it from the rest of the emjtire ; Secondly, that it would be
injurious, not only to tin; interest >f the consumers in the colonies, who
were a party to tla* airangement, bub to the interests of the producers in
every other part of the Empire ; and thirdly, that it would be inconsistent
with the Imperial policy of Free Trade.
" It is th(» earnest desire of Her Majesty's Government to ninintain and
extend a course of policy which shall closely unite together by ties of uni
tual interest tlii; whoh^ of Hc^r Majesty's (.'olonial Kuipirf; with I he mother
countiy. To such a policy any measures tending to forui the colonies int(»
separate groups with pcMridiar and exceptional commercial r(>lations, woidd
be opposed, and lltM' Majesty's (Jovennnent, therefore, trust that they will
not be asked to submit for Her Mnjesty's approval Acts oi' (Ordinances
giving effect to measui'es of that chai'iu;tei\
•* I have the h(jnor to be, sir,
" Your most obedient and hundiii' servant,
"(Signed) WM. MOl.KS\V< )KTH."
"Sir Edmund Hkad, Governor, tfec, ifcc, Canada."
On Nov. 'J2nd, the report of W. K. R. Kngineer says :
" Iron is laid down ; we have gol the right of way to Tlioroid Station,
nearly b miles; K^ acres, to St. Cathaiines, co.st S'*^--l, and lU acres more,
costing |;lL*Ot>."
417
Jovmal, Dec. (ith.
"On tlio comiilolioii of (lie Ruiliojid from Poit, I )iilliouHio. A vote of
tlif tii\--|t;i,yt'r.s of tliis town Wiis (;ik('ii, Inst, 'riimsday, coiifirmiiii;- a by-law,
jrrantiii;;- £■_'.">,( MM) in nildilioii to t.lic sjiiiic sum, voted somt^ time ago, to
build ;i liiilioad and Imy :i lioat, uniliii^' St. Catliariiies with Toronto.
Tlitirf is no use now in any })firty i'i"4icttiiii,' this invfstniont on tlio part of
tho tax ))a.y('rh thai the work lie |iroinotcd and iinisln'd as soon as possible.
The calculatioiis wliifh lia,v»> Imcii submitted, in order to induce men to
withhold their opjiositioii, may or may not. lie realized ; but the .sooner the
road and boat are put into t)p(<ration tlu^ better.
JonrvaK Dei'etuber l.'Uh.
" 'I'he Hon. W H. Merritt'.s |)oliey. The late aniuinciation of Mr.
Merritt's policy, urging the extension of Reciprocity to manufacturers, as
well as ('Very otht-r thing, does not met^t with the a|tprobati()n of the Pro-
vincial Press, as we sei; by our (^changes. By sonu' it is thought imprac-
ticable, situated as we are in reference to Great Bi-itain, amX by others shows
folly, supposing no such dithi'ulty existed as that jiresentetl by colonial posi-
tion.
"There is, however, an almost united t«!.stimony given in favour of pro-
tecting our manid'actuiei-s, and in decrying our present duty of 12i per cent.
as amounting to aiiythin",' in the shape of protection."
In the middle of December, the |{. !!. from Hamilton to Toronto was
opened with great ceremonies, and tlio author was pleased to meet Mr. Bidwell
of New York, thfic In a letter to onr subject at the time, Mr. Bidwell
savs : - " 1 should not lia\e nunc it' I had not, expected to meet the leader
of inteinal imjuovenients." This letter refers to the changes observable in
all the railroad celebrations, wherein, with the income of British capital,
also came new management, totally igiuiring the pioneers of impi'ovements,
only t,o be followed by the general suicidal competition of railroads to our
water comnninication l>v the St. Lawrence.
J. 8 5 6 .
In the formation of the St. ('atharines (*ouncil tiiis year, two rising-
young men niaki' their liist appearance, viz.. Mr. .1. <i. Currie and W.
McOiverin -Mi-. Bykert and Mcirilt lieing J-JecNes.
At the meeting of the stock holdeis of the Niagara Histrict Bank, out
subject was chosen President.
Now comes tlif gratifying news of the European <pnet ; the popularity
of Walker's tilibusterinii campaign in (Vntial .America is aJ.so on the wane,
and tht^ dove of peace appt^ars with the opening .spring, attended with itii
usual prosperity.
-lis
On 2Gth May, a ('lian;j[e of Ministry took place, in consequence of the
resignation of Sir Allan MacNab. in .June the railroad to Port Dalhousie
was opened.
The House assembled again in June, when an alteration in the charter
of the W. R. R. was askeil for, requesting an extent of capital. An offer
was made to transfer the management to the town, as the Council were in-
creasing in their opposition to the directors.
Mi. Merritt l)rought in an A(!t to incorporate the Queenston and St.
Catharines Railway Company, but the scheme failed so entirely that they
were never able to commence it.
His labours during the session comprised many useful moves — sue"
as a written constitution, and preserving the lands for education.
The House was prorogued on the 3rd July. Soon afterwards he left
for England by way of New York, sailing on the steamer Africa on 24th
July. His mission to England was for the purpose of getting stock for the
enlargement of the W. R R. and other matters. He arrived safe in Liver
[)ool on 3rd August after a rapid [jassage.
Arriving in London on the 31st, he stopped at his new quarters^,
the British (>)ffee House, ('ockspur Street. After attending to the business
of his mission, auvl finding some time must elapse before anything could be
•lone, he accepted an invitation to visit Wales, and see the great Menia
Bridge. His travelling (;om[)anions were Sir Cu.sack and Lady Roney,
Messrs. Gait, Ross, Holmes, ami a son of the Hon. R. Baldwin. They also
visited the slate quariies at Carnarvon, and the public works at Holy Head,
and on retuining he went to see the steamship O'reat £astern, then building,
and exjircsiies himself please«l with his trip.
As an inducement to the PjUglish capitalists, Mr. M. liad truthfully
represented to them that the ^or[)oratioti of St. Catharines had taken $200,-
000 stock in tlie R. R. The ca}»italists on their part from general principles,
took the balance of the stock, which amounted to two-thirds (jf the whole.
D>ii-ing his stay \u^ visited, on invitation, Mr. Betts, the contractor, also
Sir J. Easthope, at his seat in Weybridge. In this manner he passed his
time, not without a view to the object of his mission. These gentlemen
wei*e of essential service to him, and at a meeting \vith Mr. Dales, the con-
tractor, they agi'eed with him to take ten per ceni. of the stock, and finish
the road for the capital suV)sciibed, Mi. Benjamin Dales preceding our sub-
ject to America on this business. His object being imw accomplished, he
prepared to return, and left Liverpool on the 15th October, arriving in St.
Catharines on the 2nd November.
During his absence the fine steamer Wellanrf was burned at her wharf
flt Port Dalhousie, involving a serious loss to the owners.
His return is thus refeiTed to by the Journal, December 1 1th :■ —
■ir.i
"St. Catharines and Progress. — Mr. M. deserves well of the whole com-
munity, for the Kiiccrssfiil t'Horts lie has niado in connection with tlie pro
jected road, (^nr four niilfs wmdd not liavi> paid. * * * Wp, h*pe
the people will duly ippreciatf^ the .services of Mr. M."
At the request of the Mechanics' Institud- Ik^ delivered the opening lec-
ture for the year, choosing for his snltjoct, "Canada, her Position and Pros-
pects." At the close of the month, a public dinner was tendered to him,
whick he declined with thanks.
18 5 7.
On February 10th, appeared the abstract of the balanc* sheet of
the financial state of the town, sliowin',' that the expenditure for IocrI im-
provements in I8.'')r» amounted to the enormous sum of i?197,237.'2fi, or nearly
half the amount of the whole debt contracted for improvements. The finan-
cial crisis occurring in the latter part of this year, rendered economical mea-
sures necessary, with what success lliis duty was performed remains to be
seen. The members rho.sen wei-e K. S. Adams, T. H. .Merritt. M. Battle,
J. G. Currie, Wm. McGiverin, Wui. Davis, R. Collier, P. Marren and F.
Stinson.
Mr. Merritt considered the sup[)lying of coal f«i' the use of Canada would
form one of the sources of revenue for the Welinnd Railway, through a short
branch at the northern terminus, the altitude would be obtained, suflicient
to throw it into the hokls of vessels.
The House was opened in Toronto on the Iftth Ftjb'y, by Sir K. Head,
the new Governor. After the usual speecli, which echoed the remarks of
his predecessor, congratulating the House on the Clergy Reserves settlement
the Elective Council and the Seignorial Tenure. Important papers wer»
laid before the House containing.' de^ptc'eH from F.ngland in reference to
the actions of our subject, as Pi\',si(lei!u -ji' the Finance Committee in the
matter of intercolonial free trade, already referred to.
Hon. Mr. Morris, of Brockville, wiites on January Sth. in reference to
the pamphlet of last year : — " Vour (|uiel lilt on Hincks was capital. The
seed of intercolonial free trade lias taken root in Barbadoes, and do what
he may, he cannot now retard its growth."
A meeting of the Town Council v/as held for the purpose of endeavour-
ing to withdraw their stock from the VV. R. H., and di.spose of the same.
In striking contrast with ibrincr articles on the subject of this railroad, we
quote from the Journul, May 14th ;- "Thure is a fearful day of reckonin;^
«.t hHnd for those who have induced miniicipfclities like ours to become
420
I
^amblors in raili-oiuls. Honest mon will not only have to pay their own
liabilities, hut wo f»iar will Imvn to pay thusn of others," (fcc.
nonimdut on sncli articloH is uiinecesHary, after those quoted from the
same journal in favour of tho ropr«sentations usod by our subject in getting
the stock taken in England, founded on the former view.
The loss of tiie steainur We.Uarul, and another difficulty with the G. W.
R., whoHf! manamn- refused to allow the line to cross his own en a level,
after many thousands of pounds had been expended in that grade, made it
ni.'Cfssary for Mi'. Merritt to think of again returning to England for the
purposes of putting more stock on the market, as that already subscribed
was not sufficient to complete the road.
By the wishes of the English stockholders, during the session an Act
was passed allowing the W. R. R. Co. to increase their stock by $300,000 ;
$200,000 was reserved for England and the balance was to be taken in Canada.
On the Hth August, after hearing our subject's explanations, it was re-
solved by the Toronto Board of Trade that that city should take $50,000
stock in the W. R. R.; a similar encouiagement was received from other
cities interested, which we regret to say lias never been carried out. He
set out for a second journey to England soon after.
In writing from London, ho says that the first Sunday he spent was in
a visit to Windsoi', to see his old fiiend Col. Fitzgibbon.
In the summer the author was sent to prospect the coal regions of Penn-
sylvania, and ascertain the nearest point of production, with the intention
of effecting a communication with Lake Erie. This point was found to be
near the Alleghany, on Tuningwant Run, 100 miles south of Dunkirk.
Before leaving New York, our subject writes to the author, asking him
again to visit the coal mines of Pennsylvania, and gather all the informa-
tion possible about the prospect of procuring the coal used in Canada, by
way of the Welland R. R.
The arrangements with the Erie R. R. were made, and other connections
about being formed, when the hard times broke them up, and put a stop to
fuither proceedings, the Branch alluded to never having been completed.
On the arrival of our si bject in Ijverpeol, 6th Sept., he writes, saying: —
"The news from India is by no means encouraging for my object; spending
money to burn gunpowder has a tendency to make it scarce and dear. I
will not likely write again until my return." In this he was mistaken, as
the state of the money market compelled him to remain in England the
entire winter and ensuing Spring.
Immediately on his arrival, before the close of September, he succeeded
in obtaining £3,000 from Dales the contractor, which he remitted to Canada,
but too late to prevent the stoppage of the work on the road, which occurred
in October.
421
A meeting of the sliareholdern was held in London, and was attended by
SirC. P. Roney and eight otliorH ; after lieariiig his cjLplauntioiiK, they agreed
to issue bonds for £20,0(»0, for the progress of the work. On lOth Oct., ha
found that Dalea and Co. were unabU' to raise the money to fulfil tlieir con
tract.
He left London for Scotland, and during the journey, btopped at diffe-
rent cities, and endeavoured to float bonds.
In September the first tidings of the approaching financial criaia in the
TT. S. had reached Canada, and the alarming utswa that .seven banks had
already suspended payment caused an uneasy feeling tliioughout the land.
In St. Catharines a large sum, far e.KcoH.Iing tlio abilities of the rate-
payers, was spent principally in work on St. Paul Street, and the system
of borrowing pursued by the Council, afterwards led to many dilHcultiea.
On the first of November, the people had to regret the death of George
Rykert, Esq., the President of the W. R. R., a life-long resideiit of St.
Catharines, and one always closely identified with the progress of the town,
in many useful acts, politically and otherwise, esteemed by our subject for
his many good qualities, and mourned for by a large circle of friends.
In consequence of his speech to the electors after the dissolution occa-
sioned by the defeat of the Hincks the Cabinet, in which ho said it was not
his intention to offer again for the constitu^incy, he left the mitter to the
decision of his friends, and devoting himsylf entii-ely to the riilway, toak
no great interest in the matter.
Journal, 1 7th December says : —
" The writs for this county have been received. The nomination will
probably take place next Wednesday. We would advise the friends of Mr.
Merritt to commence work iramecliately. Those in the western part of
the county are holding meetings every night, uud unless tiie friends of hon-
esty and consistency work, the representation may be lost to them."
1 858.
ken, as
ind the
In March, appeared the town Auditor's report, showing a reduction in
the expenditure of over one-half of the former year, and an increase of the
debt of $44,039.10. Under ordinary circumstances, this would have been
considered a favourable exhibit, all the improvements foi- affording ready
access to the town being completed, and at this time paying an encoui-aging
amount of interest. But under the circumstances of the times it produced
a panic, for which our subject was held responsible, and right or wrong, must
provide a remedy ; a view which, considering the sacrafices, he was now
making for them and the country at large, was unreasonable in the extreme.
422
A short titiip incvioiiK tn \Tr. TM' iritt's arrival, a mcftinj? of the town
i'Oini(!il wiiK lioll, in wlii. Ii it win orclcrfffl tli.it the Fiiiaiioc (Jominittpp make
tlio hrtst terms tliny v.vi witl tln-ii- <'r(3ilitnrs (who wurn .1 . H. Cameron and
n'licrs,) and, fuilin^ in thi«, to |mii -liisi- any town |ii(j|»prtv ottered by the
!-lherifr.
Tn Murch h(i n'tiinifd tu Lnndnn, h ivinL( di-ipo-! mI of $17"), 000 worth of
hdiids. In Ii0n<lnri, |iri<ir to h:ivinu, hi' altcndcd tlie moeting of the civil
engineers with vnimy ol' them, iVoni thr confrcninlity of their pursuits, he had
formed an JicciuaintMncc.
Duriii;; his absenei", another eli'ctinu took [ilace, as noticed in the previous
p-ige, and althouL'li opposcxl hy Messrs, Clark mikI Morse, yet he was returned
by a majority of 77 over Itoth cnniidates.
On 21st May, he arrived home, and at once took hia seat in the Parlia-
ment, where he was occupied until the iGth August.
One of the excitements of this session w;is the formiition of a new Canadian
Ministry, wliich occurred .ibout the end of July, .•iml Wiis known asthelirowo-
Dorion (Jovernment. A straoire politieid I'arce occurred immediately after its
formition, which ended its brief existence of one day, and cau.sed Messrs.
McDOnald and Cartier to return to office.
lOth August, W. Merritt, .lun. was sent to lOnuland, to endeavour to sell
the reniainiujr stock, $l,0(tn,00O, which was now necessary, owing to the re-
sponsibilities undertaken by our subject whilst in England.
In August 5tli the first and only message received for many years arrived
over the Atlantic Telegraph, then considered successfully laid.
On the lyth of (Sept. the residence of Mr. M. wa^5 destroyed by fire, with
a portiou of its contents, the author being the only one of the family at home
durinjj the occurence.
Our subject being interested in doing justice to the American refugees,
and to perpetuate tlie memory of llicir parlicij)atiun in the conquest ef Canada,
and the subjict of centenary obseivauce.s having favour among the people,
it was thought the taking of Niagar.i by Sir Wm. Johnson would be a proper
date to commemorate, but was neglected from operations there.
On 8th Oct. the W. 11. K. was formally opened thrijughout, being honoured
with a visit from the (jovernor General.
Being opposed to a Confederacy -scheme, oursubject, the late session, moved
the following as an amendment ta Mr. (jalt's motion relative to a Federal
Union:
" Hon. Mr. JMerritt moved that the following words be added to the
said resolution, and that the said committee do also take into consideration
the propiiety ol preseiiting uu luinibh- address to Her Majesty, praying tliat
Her Majesty will be gracloll^ly pleased to authorize His Excellency the
Governor General to direct that titty Delegates be appointed by the British
North Atnerifan Provinces, in Hticli luaiiiier hk If is Rxcf^llenoy iiiuv (iir«>ot,
and that tlm niiniluT of r)oU«j(nt»<s !iHsiL,au'il to •acli Provin<'f> hIiuH Im- in
proportion to its pi)|iiiliition ; and that tin' Dcjt'c^'ati'.s su iip|Miiiit('d sliall, at
the uomniiuid of His Kx'/fdltMicy tho Governor Gcucral, moot in cunveutioii
at siioh tiinn and plic^ as his KuuiihMii.'y may d 'siijiu itH for thi? purpose of
franiit);^ snt;h a < Jonsbitntion or (Jonstitntions for tlm sii I Provinctnas will,
in th) judifmont of th'i said deloijato'S, on luje t) tlui j^oneral \v«lfarH of th«
inhuhitiints tli(,'roi)f ; and tha* tln^ proc-cditi'^H of tliw said Oonv-'ntitui shall,
by His Exfidlcncv, Im tr.uisniittod to tht* InipHiiiil (Jov*<rum"nt for thy a.iiic-
tion of the Imperial Parliament."
On Nov. -4tli, till! author iittondi'il tlio fi-ntonary fulehratinn it Pitts-
liur<:;h, Ponn.
During the \Vint«r St. i/'atharinos suttficd hts.ivily hy a niinibi'r of disi-i
Irons fires feared to be tiiu work ol'ineon liarii's. Tin! nui.st .-^.Tiuiis on,- occurred
on the iiUth Jan., when IG stores and other buildin<is were con.-suuied, iiivulviug
a loHs of nearly !$ 100,00(1.
]Oured
18 5 9.
In January of this year Mr. W. MerriU. Jr., returned from Kngland,
without aceomplisliin'^ the ot»ject of his mission to his s itisf:icti(in ; yet tlie
prospects ii^r l.iC railroad on the openiii;^ of navii:,;ition were j;ood, am] the
likelihood of a i;ood trade being done in transhipping grain, as tin! c.ipaeity of
the elevatorii) were about 5,000 bushi'ls per hour, which were satisfactorily
tested on the 5th of April, when the first vessel was emptied of her Cirirgo.
Ou the 4th of May the House adjourned, after passing 60 Bills. The
legislation was not of a very important eltaracter, as the time of the members
was principally taken up with discussion on the (juestion ui' a permanent seat
of Government.
On the 20th of May appeared for the first time the St. ('utharines D.iily
Journal, under the proprietorship of Mr. VV. Grant.
In July of this year, Mons. Blondin visited the Falls of Niagara, and, in
presence of assembled thousands, wallLcd aoro.ss the mighty chasm, which
divides Canada from the United States, on a eabh.' stretched from side to side.
On the 10th of August, our subject again Irft tlinadi for Kngland, on
business connected with the railroad; this time the authnr acompanied Iiim,
They crossed in the S. S. Angio SiLxua from Quebec, meeting her consort whip
coming out, in mid ocean. Arriving in Liverpool after a short ptssiire, they
at once proceeded to London, where r. M. turned his sole att^Mition to the
object of his visit.
On the IHth October whilst Mr. M. was in England the grand monument
to the memory of General Brock was completed, and inaugurated with imposing
ceremonies, in the presence of a vast concourse of people.
424
m
We deem itnocfssfiry »*• t'lls jn'ri'Ml tn (li^ros.'; Munrwliiit IVoiii our iwirrativo,
in order to cull tlic; alltiiitinii (»f' tlio.-io of our readi-rs who tnkt' any intirt'st in
tlic curly history of tlu'cumntry to mouu' iiiiporttitit matters conncctt'd therewith.
During the adniinislration of liord D.ilhoUMii' in IH'Jt, a noeiety called tin" Lite
rary and llisturieal Society of (^iiult ■(! was fiMoidnl and received the patrcuiatie
(if succeeding; (iovern(Ms. l"'roiii the [leriod til' the Ifniitii, it hecame tin; appli-
cant and receiver of ainiual ;;rants of money from the lie;^islatnre. for the pur
poNC of collectin;>; manuscriptH and other doeument.s appertaining to Canadian
History. Ah this socitsty was distant from ('pp. r (.'anada, and appeared to
identify itself with Fnnrli Canadian History, tin; author, in lHr)S, whilst
the Parliament was in Toronto, sneciMMlcd, tlirouLih the iiiHueiiet! id" our sub-
ject, in getting copies of historical ilata, (Ixlore not allowed) tint of the (.'nuvn
Lands' Office, and the Kegistrar (lenerai's Department and othcrH, regarding
the early settlers and tin ir proceeilings. In eonset|ueMce til" this, tin the removal
of the Parliament to Quebec, in the same ye.ar a grant of money was left with
Mr. Ryerstm, through which a valiialile collection of historical works on Cana-
dian History were purchased for the Ntirmal School.
During the session of the next Parliament, which was helil at (Jjuisbcc, the
nuthur circulated a petition praying that the Htnise ;i.Hk tiiat more attention
be paid to Upper Canadian history. This {u'tititm was piosented by Mr. Mer-
ritt, and, with his usual energy, succeeded in getting a majority of English
speaking men)bers oi\ tht? Libr.ary t^•mmittc(^ whitdi henitofon! hail been exclu-
sively French. This unexpecteil success led to tiie iiuthor being appointed
to look after Upper Canaila ilocum 'nt.ir; history in Knglaiul and elsewhere ;
Ibr this purpose, he, (in company with his father,) visited Kngland.
The author opened a correspoiitlenc'! with tlu^ Coloni.il ( Mlioc, of which the
Duko of Newcastle was tin; head, for permissittn tti exanune the colonial docu-
ments. While .iwaiting this he attentleil the Mrilisli Museum, London Institu-
tion, ike., when, having received permission for that search in the titlicial docu-
ments, he procured copyists, and succeeded in giitting transcripts fron» au
immense amount of history connected with the early settlement of this country,
which, on his return h) Canada, was deptisiteil in the Parliamentary library,
and now forms a portion ol' the lO.dtMl Iblit) pages of manuscript known as the
Coventry documents, the publications from wliich will be very u.scful tti readers
of early history, as they have already been a valuable foundation for historians
to work upon. Jt is needless to add that our subject took a lively interest iu
this matter, which increased with his declining yeans, and lead him to attend
the meeting in Toronto, for establishing a Historical Society two years later.
After an absence of three nnmtlis, during which he took a look at Paris,
the author returned, leaving Mr. M. An instalment of money for the Kail-
road, much needed, arrived from England at the same time.
On the 14th December, a meeting of t he English .shareholders of the W.
425
R. 11. was ImM in London, at wliidi our suliji-ct waH present, almost overy-
tliin^ in connt-ntiun with the niannireint'ht was ilincussi'd, and a pjood frdiii!:: ro-
}:;urdin;^ tlio road jin-vailt'd. Mr Mfrritt Jr. was clioscn nianajirur ; our subject also
received the thanks ol' tlie directors liu- Mm conduct in conneeti(tn with the same.
It cannot hut he unplea-aiit for the biographer to record that, after a lilt'
spent I'aithl'ullv, we bi'lieve, in the service of his eountry, and particularly so
in his native town, liimseH' and family were the subjects cd" financial einburrass-
nient.
|)uriri<r the absence of our subject, his son William ninnaired the affairs of
the road, and, for lack >>\' the expected reniitttmccs from Kiiiiland, ha<i a hard
struir^le, havinii; to keep the train> L,^>in!:; with his nwu ]trivate funds. How-
ever, a lar^e biisinesH was dointi on the road, which helped a little to stem tho
current, now snriiintr incessantly anain-st the enterprise. The troubles brought
about by the slieritl havinj; levied on our subject's premises, caus^ed Mrs. Merritt
and her son to visit Mayvilh;, wliere she disposed of her own property to
meet the threatened exceulion.
We find till! lolluwini; in the .A*«y««/ of Au^. 29th: — . '
"At a meetinji; of the town Council, the following communication from Hou.
W. 11. IMerritt, now in England, sfntitiLr tint he had been assessed on personal
property to the extent of S1",<IU0, which is a trreater amount than he own.s,
and is exceeded by his debts"
The statement was supported by the following; affidavit, viz : —
" Hiram Slate III' tho town of St, ( 'atliarines, swearsthat he was in the employ
of Mr. Merritt, as clerk, at the time the assessment for the present year was
taken, and furnished the assessors with a statement of Mr, M.'s personal pro-
perty, and that :it the time the said statement was furnished, the debts owed
by him exceeded the value of bis entire personal property, and that the same
debts ronain unpaid, and further, that the facts as set forth in tim petition of
Mr. Merritt, relatinu to the assessment against him, are true in every particular.
• "HIRAM SLATE."
At the same meeting; the i'ollowinji' resolution was passed, viz.
"Moved by Mr. McGiverin, seconded by Mr. Marren, — that ou the KJth
diiy of Auiiust. 1858, this enrporatinn having contracted a loan of tln^ Hon.
W. H. Mirritt ibr the sum of .SliH.OUO, payable in fifteen months after date,
which matures on the lOth day of Novend)er next, this eorpuration deem it
expedient to take the .sense of the ratepayers, whi'ther the corporation shall
assume tlu' payment of the said sum, and that the M.iyor be, and is hereby
authorized to issue his proelainatinn, namimj: tfie first of (.k-tober next for the
takinti' of such vote — Carried.'
The result of this was that before the time of nieetini: arrived, a petition
siizned by Mr. S. D. Woodruff and 85 others was orijzinated, calling a special
meeting of the Council for the following reasons, as stated in the petition —
" Council Ch.\.mber, Sept. 30th.
"A. special meeting- of the Council was held thiseveidn<r at which the Mayor,
Messrs. Battle, Stins<in. Collier, .Marren, McfJiverin, Currie, Douaan and Duuu
were present, to consider the following petition ; —
426
" To the Mayor and Oouncil of the 'I'own of St. Catharines :
" Gentlfinieu, — We, tht undersignod ratepayers, respectfully submit, in
regard to the action about to be taken in reference to the stock held by this
town in the Welland Railway, beg that your honourable body will postpone any
decision being had, as we believe that the Hon. \V . II. Merritt will dispose of
the said stock in the best manner, as may be for tlie interests of the town.
Under the circuinstiincos, we feel dispo.sed to allow him to exercise his own
judgu>eut in the matter." Signed by S. 1). VVoodruli and 85 others.
After some discussion on the above, the following resolution, moved by Mr.
Mcljiiveriu, and .seconded by Mr. (.oilier, was submitted and carried : —
" In compliance with a unanimously signed petition of the ratepayers of
this municipality, the Council deem it expedient to postpone the vote propo.sed
to be taken to-morrow, as to the tinal disposition of the railway stock held by
the Hon. W. H. Merritt, with a view of ascertaining whether such stock can
be disposed of by Mr. M. while in England.
At this meeting the resolution was passed, with but one dissenting voice,
which was that of Mr. Currie.
"It was then moved by Mr. Currie in amendment, and seconded by Mr.
Dougan, (the mover and seconder being the only persons,) favouring the
measure, ' That Mr. Merritt be notified by the clerk that it is not the inten-
tion of this Council to re-nurchase the railway stock heretofore transferred by
the town to him.' Lost."
He writes from England at this time, regretting his absence, and wishing
he could possibly be home at Christmas, also mentions calling upon young
Alfred Rykert, who was then sick in London. The year closed without
any important event occurring.
On the 24th of Nov , to the gratification of many, the first train of cars
passed safely over the great Victoria Bridge at Montreal.
1860.
The Parliament assembled in Quebec during February, but little was don,,
save a motion from George Brown, praying for a dissolution of the Union, and
the establishment of some just authority in accordance with the decision of con-
vention, a proceeding which strangely verifies the remarks of our subject given
in previous pages.
At the same time our subject was anxiously expected out, and the rail-
road matter deterred him from taking passtige on board of the ill-fated steamer
Hungarian, which foundered ofi" Cape Sable with all on board.
Mr. Merritt arrived in March, much to the joy of his family and friends,
who almost imagined him lost in one of the ill-fated Canadian 8teani.ships,
ot which three had perished within a short jjeriod. On his return he was
grieved to find JNLs. Merritt in failing health, the cares imposed on her
during his many journeys, added to the lo.ss of her commodious I'esidence
ntins; voice,
md wishing
tifflicted her now, at a time, when tlie troublos which migJit, at an earlier
period, have been borne with equanimity.
On tlie 19th of April, our aubject appeared in hia place in Parliament.
The session, genorally speaking, had so far been iinimpoiUuit. The st-at (»f
Government question, the intended visit of the Prince of Wales, and other
matters compiised the legislation. On (Iih (pieKtion of a dissolution
of the Union he voted with the forty who weie in its favour, doing so from
a firm belief that the Union had been of doubtful henetit to any except the
French Canadians. He also endeavoured to obtain (jrovernment aid to the
Welland R. R. in their embairassed condition, but failed. This was hi;i
last act in the House of A8seml)ly. Tlie House closed on the 19th May.
On the 19th May, a vessel of 400 tons was launched by L. Schickluna,
in St. Catharines, named the Pride of Canada, and, freighted with a valu-
able cargo, she sailed direct for England.
Previous to Mr. Menitt's retuin from t^uebec, his son William, his real
representative in private and public ati'airs, was prostrated by a brauiai
stroke ; he rallied for a time, on the night when our subject got home, but
on the 26th of May, peacefully expired, his death no doubt hastened by his
tiuancial troubles, connected with his obligations to the Welland K. R., in
which his entire private fortune was involved.
Of his character as an individual it is unnecessary to speak, suffice it
that as churchv.'arden and councillor he was an estimable and enterprising
man, was universally acknowledged by the press at this time, and peopla
of his native town have givwn repeated testimony of Ids worth.
The loss of his son had a great effect on Mr. Merritt, whose usually
strong constitution seemed now comjdetely upset. In August he went to
Quebec to be present with tlie members of Parliament to receive H. R. H.,
the Prince of Wales. The change for the time assisted to lift the trouble
fi-cm his sorely afflicted mind. He also attended the Oswego Board of
Trade. After the Prince of Wales left, he visited many places in the West,
during a week's absence, on a tour of the lake poi'ts.
On the 29th of .September, he was elect«>d by acclamation to the Legis-
lative Council for this di.strict at AUanburgh.
Under the superintendence of the author, the ruins ot" his late residence
were cleared ofi", and a new mansion built on tne same site, which the
family occupied in the Fall of this year.
The moving and excitement of the time seemed to benefit his health,
but the shock his system underwent at the death of his son, aiid the other
troubles he was subjected to. at lenuth seemed to tell on his iron constitu-
tion, which plainly shewed that a busy anil eventful life, even though
devoted to the amelioration of his kind, is not spent without the ordinary
penalties attached to humanity.
428
Mrs. M. also at this tinifi becainr unwell, and for a year before lier demiso
was incapable of walking about Mrs. Mei-ritt's mediciil advisers tritMJ
the galvanic cure, and on one oci'asiou Mr. M. decided upon the sunn-, but
after trying the l)attery, he was seized with paralysis, whi(!li affected his
speech, and the use of one arm, from which he never completely lecovered.
At times our subject felt well enough to take short trips along the canal
or railroad, over the scenes of his busier days.
During this Winter, in a quiet way, our subject advised the establishing
of a line of large sized propellers in connection with the W. K. R., an idea
which was afterwards put in use, and proved of great advantage. He also
advocated the building and equipping of a line of vessels fiom Dunkirk to
Port Colborne, for the ]j>irpose of carrying the bituminous coal, which is
found in abundance in Pennsylvania. This idea has never been acted upon,
and the large business which might be carried on here, is suffered to find
other loutes.
18 6 1.
Sir E. Head, the Governor, who had gone to England during the Win-
ter, returned in March, and soon after called the Parliament together. Mr.
M. was present at the o])ening,and took his seat as a Legislative Councillor,
for the first tinu'. Whilst in Quebec, our subject opened a correspomlencc
with the Board of Tiade of Detroit, and others, in reference to the trade of
the St. Lawrence. During this correspondence we find that he goes
minutely into all details concerning trade and navigation, and ])roves con-
clusively that the only direct and cheap route to the ocean is by the St. Law-
rence.
He also had sevei-al interviews with the Government relative to <leep
ening the St. Lawrence; and, in fact, it would seem as if his entire thoughts
at this time was turned towards those ideas, which he had clung to during
his life. During his absence, his afflicted spouse did not improve, and iu
one of her letters to our suliject she says : — " Is it possible th.it I am here
yet. T have lived through anothc^r long Winter, for what purpose my God
only knows. I liope and trust that I will fulfil all his designs towards nie,
so that I may finish my course with joy."
The House closed in June, and after Mr. M. spending a j^lujrt time at
home, he decided upon going to see his friends in New Brunswick. He
went the entire journey by steamboat via Quebec to St. Johns, where he
received a hearty and joyous welcome ; yet his thoughts were homeward,
and, after remaining a few days, he returned, coming i)y railroad. On
reaching Brockville, he remained for a <liiy to if^st, and then came on to
St. Cathai'ines.
jstablisliin<r
429
On his return he was gratified to tincl that the railway was doing a good
business, and he firmly believed that it would not take long to get over all
its troubles. He uftfi'wards went to Quebec and endeavoured to oriranize
a company, to be known as the St. Lawrence Navigation (k)., whose vessels
wei-e to carry grain from Port Dalhousie to Europe. The otters of aid to
this scheme were large, but the death of our sulyect seems to have put an
end to it for the pi-esent. In Se|)T,ember he whr visited by his friend. Chief
Justice Huliburton, ''Sam Slick" of N. S., who expressed himself delighted
witli St. Catharines and its environs.
The lit'alth of our sul))ect was visibly declining during the year, so that
he did not identify himself with local matters beyond the railioad.
1 86t.
On the 10th of January, he experienced another sad blow, in the loss
of Mrs. Merntt, who died rather suddenly, as she had been out in her car-
liage the day previous. She was in the 69th year of her age, and it is un-
necessary to say that her death was mourned by a large circle particularly
the poorer class, whom for many years she had befriended in almost every
walk of life.
The few months which now remained to complete the earthly sphere of
our subject were spent in various ways — in close communion with himself,
anil in putting his atl'airs in order. At intei\als he employed hiniseli in
looking over some workmen under Alexander Boles, whom he had employed
a half century before to sink an artesian salt well near his residence, occasion-
ally he dictated letters to his Parliamentary friends now on finance, again
on trade. With the approach of \\arm weather, hisi .edical advisers recom-
mended change of air, and lie decided uj)on going to the sea side. He ar-
rived in Port Ho{»e.accomi)anied by his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Wm. Merritt,
and faithful secretary, F. Tinmions. There he saw his old friend, and fel-
low prisoner of 1814, Capt. Rowe, and also Mr. Coventry. At Brockville
he prepared a hong document relative to inland navigation. He then went
on to Montreal, where he arii\ed very much worn out, but yet with his
mei:tal energy, aiid could Imi'dly be pursuatled from going farther. In
Montreal, he called on some friemls, and over-heated himself, which brought
on an attack of EiTsij.'jlas in the head ; the doctois gave him to understand
that his case was mcurabh;, and advised his speedy return. He was carried
on board the steamer Cho.mjnoH, antl on Sunday morning, the 3th July, as
that vessel was pas.sing through the canal at Coiiiwall, aWnost within sight
of the rapids, which had been his thoughts for a life time, the spirit so long
and so actively identified with this noble river, now took its tiight, and W.
H. Merritt was numbered with the dead.
ERRATA
On page 159, for "Mr. Leslie," read, Mr. Lindsay.
On " 326, for " Mr. Lufonte," read, Mr. Lafontaine.
On " 11, for " Her Majesty's service," read. His Majesty's Service.
\
ty's Service.
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