^AK ST. Hr>SF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF ILLINOIS
LIBRARY
325. n I
EMIGRATION AND COLONIZATION.
EMIGRATION AND COLONIZATIOR;
EMBODYING THE RESULTS OF A
MISSION TO GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND,
DURING THE YEARS 1839, 1840, 1841, and 1842;
INCLUDING A CORRESPONDENCE WITH MANY DISTINGUISHED NOBLEMEN
AND GENTLEMEN, SEVERAL OF THE GOVERNORS OF CANADA, ETC. ;
DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNTS OF VARIOUS PARTS OF THE BRITISH AMERICAN
PROVINCES ; WITH OBSERVATIONS, STATISTICAL, POLITICAL, ETC. ;
BY
THOMAS ROLPH, Esq.,
LATE EMIGRATION AGENT FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA,
AVTHOB OF " A TOCR THSODGR THE WSST IBiDIBS, ONITBD STATES, ETC.;" " STATISTICAL
ACCOCNT OP CANADA :" AND " THB BMIGRANT'S MANDAL."
BB FRUITFUL, AND MULTIPLY — REPLBNISR THB BARTH, AND SDBDUB IT.'
LONDON:
JOHN MORTIMER, PUBLISHER, ADELAIDE STREET,
TRAFALGAR SQUARE.
MDCCCXUy.
** A work (the Colonization of North America) which we really consider to be
for the glory of God and the honour of the nation, from the benefit that is likely to
flow from the right prosecution of it." — King CharU* Firtt't Letter to the Baronets of
Scotknd, \bth Aug. 1632.
" I confess, that whatever apprehensions I hare had with regard to Lower
Canada, I fear much more disastrous consequences from what has occurred in the
Upper Province. There are a great number of discontented spirits there ; first, the
•ettlers from the United States, who keep up a connexion with it, and whose views
are always directed to a connexion with it ; and next there are men who have gone from
this country with little character, and no means, and who have transferred to Canada
the dangerous doctrines they had imbibed at home." — Lord WharjicUffe, Second Read-
ing of Canada Bill.
•
** Every axe driven into a tree in British North America, sets in motion a shuttle
in Manchester or Sheffield." — Lord Brougham.
" Extensive plans of pauper Emigration are not much better than penal Emigra-
tion. We have no right to cast out among other nations, or on naked shores, either
our poverty or our crime. This is not the way in which a great and wealthy people,
A MOTHER or jfAnoiTS, ought to colonize." — Times, May 27, 1844.
** The appointed mission of this nation evidently is to people the boundless
regions of America and Australia with a race of men professing the purest religion,
inheriting the richest literature and proudest history, and endowed with the largest
•hare of personal energy, perseverance, moral courage, self-command, habits of order
and industry, and, in a word, professing the highest degree of aptitude for practical
civilisation, of any race which the world has yet seen." — Laing's Essay.
w. tkzu, raiMTM, 170, rLirr iTatrr, london.
DEDICATION.
io
i
-I
en
^ To the Right Honourable Lord Stanley, 31, P.,
Her Majesty's Pi^incipal Secretary of State for the
Colonies,
(^C. SfC, ^c.
My Lord,
Having received a kind permission to dedicate
this work to your Lordship, on the express condition
that you were not to be regarded as sanctioning any
^^ views or opinions which it contains, I now respect-
4 fully submit the reasons which have made me
1^ desirous of bringing out this compilation under the
^ notice of a Minister of the Crown.
The systematic Colonization of British North
; America was commenced under the first Monarch
- of the House of Stuart, who proposed to make it
*' a royal work of his own." The proceedings, how-
'^ ever, for that great end, by which he hoped for
^ever " to promote the opulence, prosperity, and
a
576411
IV DEDICATION.
peace of the Mother Country and the Colony/' were
suspended by those melancholy events which dark-
ened the termination of his successor's reign ; and
although, since that period, Colonization has pro-
ceeded with more or less activity, and never been
wholly interrupted, yet it is only within the last
quarter of a century that it has become a consi-
deration of general interest to the Legislature and
People of this country.
In the present day, your Lordship is clearly
designated, — no less by official position than by per-*
sonal experience, vigour of intellect, and purity of
purpose, — as the person best qualified to promote and
reduce into a system the principles of Colonization.
If, therefore, I can throw any new light upon this
great subject, or revive any neglected truths that
bear upon it, and, having done so, can succeed in
engaging the attention of your Lordship, I feel that
my labour will not be altogether useless.
The British American Association was organized
in 1841 and 1842, to give practical effect to the views
and efforts of all, on both sides of the Atlantic, who
consider systematic Emigration and Colonization to
DEDICATION. V
be the most efficacious mode of extending the indus-
try, increasing the wealth, and preserving the inte-
grity, of the Empire. It sunk, however, beneath a
series of casualties no less extraneous than deplor-
able; and I have felt it to be my duty, both on
public and private grounds, to compile this volume,
hoping that it may prove instrumental in the
organizing of some public Association for the same
great national ends.
Under the circumstances of extreme hardship set
forth in a Petition recently presented to the House
of Commons on behalf of the Executive Officers of
the late British American Association, and now more
amply detailed in this publication, allow me to ex-
press my earnest hope, that your Lordship will deem
it your duty to extend, on behalf of the Government,
that encouragement and aid which would inspire
confidence in an undertaking much more likely to
promote public than private good, and therefore the
more entitled to the fostering care of Her Majesty's
Ministers and the Imperial Parliament.
I might, my Lord, dwell upon the severe losses
which I myself have sustained in this cause, and the
VI DKDK AllON.
efforts which I have devoted to its advancement, as
an ai>oloo^y for an appeal to your Lordship's patriot-
ism in this matter ; but that I may induce your Lord-
ship to adopt a course of policy which would render
your tenure of office alike memorable for the wisdom
by which it was marked, and the Colonial, as well as
national prosperity which flowed from it, I need
only refer you to the concurrent opinions of the
many enlightened witnesses in favour of the syste-
matic Colonization of our North American posses-
sions, both in this country and in Canada, whose
testimony for the first time is brought together in
the following pages.
I have the honour to remain.
My Lord,
With the highest respect.
Your most obedient servant,
THOMAS ROLPH.
Sheffordy Bedfordshire,
June 1, 1844.
CONTENTS.
Page
Introductory Observations, and JNIe-
morial of the Merchants of Lon-
don 1
Outbreak in Canada ; decrease of
Emigration 2
Address of the Irish Population to
the Queen 2
Letter to A. Manahan, Esq., M.P.P. 3
Leave Canada with Bishop Mac-
donell 5
Arrival in England in August 5
Reply to Mr. Hunt's Pamphlet .... 5
Visit to Inverness 6
Letter to the Duke of Richmond. . . 6
Visit to Glasgow 8
Requisition of the Merchants to the
Lord Provost to call a Meeting. . 9
First Meeting in Glasgow 9
My Speech 9
Formation of the first Emigration
Society 14
Invitation from Cork, and visit to it. 14
Discussion with Roman Catholic
Bishops at Cove 15
Visit to Petworth 16
Letter of Rev. Dr. INI'Leod 16
Visit to the Earl of Gosford, in Ire-
land 17
Letter to Mr. Bermingham, of Ca-
ramana 17
Ditto to Lord Cloncurry 18
Page
Letter from Rev. A. Douglas 18
First Meeting of the Central Agri-
cultural Society of Great Britain
and Ireland 19
Amount of Year's Emigration to
Canada 19
Visit to Edinburgh 20
Great meeting at Hopetoun Rooms 20
Rev. Dr. INI'Leod's Speech 20
My Speech 21
Memorial of Highland Society .... 2S
Formation of North American Co-
lonial Committee 23
Second Letter of the Rev. Dr.
M'Leod 23
General INIeeting of the Central
Agricultural Society 26
My Speech 26
Address to the Queen from the
House of Assembly of Upper
Canada 31
First Meeting of North American
Colonial Committee 34
Memorial presented to Lord John
Russell 35
Address of North American Colonial
Committee 36
Resolutions of ditto 45
Letter of Colonel Sir A. D'Este. . . 45
Ditto of Earl Mountcashell 46
Ditto of Duke of Argyll 47
Third do. of Rev. Dr. M'Leod 48
VIII
CONTENTS.
Page
Public Diniur at Hlackwall, pre*
%-ious to departure from England . 49
Grand Banquet at I'oronto on mj
arriral, Sj>eech, and Letter of Sir
G. Arthur, «tc 60
Banquet at Hamilton 60
Banquet at Woodstock 66
Speech of Hon. P. B. de Blaquiere 67
Banquet at Goderich 67
Speech of Dr. Dunlop 68
Banquet at Brantford 70
Organization of Canadian Emigration
Association 74
Its Address 75
INIj Official Appointment firom Lord
Sydenham 80
Official instructions from Lord Sy-
denham 81
Meeting at Kingston, and my Ad-
dress 82
Meeting at Montreal, and Resolu-
tions 85
Instructions from Emigration Asso-
ciation 91
Meeting at Sherbrooke 91
Departure from Canada 91
Amount of Emigration to Canada. . 91
Departure for England, and arrival
there 92
First Meeting of North American
Colonial Committee 9'i
Report of Sab-Committee 92
Memorial of Committee 98
Presentation of it to Lord J. Russell 106
Appointment of a Select Committee
of the House of Commons to exa-
mine into the Distretis of Scotland,
&c 107
Witnesses 107
Second Meeting in Glasgow 107
First Rep jrt of Committee of House
of Commons 108
SeooDd ditto 109
Abfltnct of ErideQce 110
Page
Interview with Sir R. Peel 112
Petition to Parliament, and Address
to the Queen, unheeded 11*2
Intention to form a public Company
for Colonization 115
Departure for Canada 115
Lord Sydenham's death 115
Visit to the Canadian Seigniories . . 115
Meeting at Montreal, and my Ad-
dress 116
Meeting at Toronto, and my Address 119
Speech of Dr. Dunlop 130
Ditto of Colonel Prince 133
Ditto of Sheriff of Home District . . 135
Letter to Mr. Hincks 136
Great increase in value of Property
in Canada 140
Amount of Emigration to Canada. . 140
Meeting of District of Niagara. . . . 140
Meeting of District of Gore 148
My Official Appointment from Sir
Charles Bagot 151
Meeting at Quebec, and my Speech 151
Arrival in England, with Sir Allan
Macnab 156
Meeting of Nova Scotia Baronets. . 156
My presentation to the Queen 156
First Meeting of Consulting Council
of Briti:jh American Association 157
Dinner given by Colonial Society to
Sir A. Macuab 157
Sir F. B. Head's Speech 158
Mr. Urquhart'a ditto 159
My own Speech 166
Effects of Hume's treasonable Letter 167
Meeting of Consulting Council of
British American Association . . . 170
Deputation to Scotland 170
Levee at Holyrood House 170
Meeting at Edinburgh 170
Speech of Dr. Alison 171
Ditto of Very Rev. Principal Mac-
farlao 171
Ditto, my own 173
CONTENTS.
IX
Page
Marquis of Bute's Letter ......... 174
Sir Allan Macnab's Speech 181
Rev. Dr. Aiton's ditto 182
Sir R. Broun's ditto 183
Meeting at Glasgow 187
Speech of Sir James Campbell .. ,. 188
Ditto of Sheriff Alison 188
Ditto of Rev. Dr. M'Leod 194
Ditto of Self 203
Resolutions of the Meeting 203
Letter to Scotch Reformers' Gazette 205
Third Meeting of Consulting Coun-
cil of British American Associa-
tion 208
Report of ditto 208
Professor Durin's Letter on Ireland 209
My Letter to Mr. Valentine, of Bel-
fast 210
Farewell Dinner to Sir A. Macnab. 213
Sir A. Macnab's Speech 214
Sir. R. Broun's ditto 215
Mine ditto 222
Departure from England 228
Letters from Picton, Nova Scotia . . 228
Large Meeting in Toronto 231
Speech 231
Ditto of the Sheriff 237
Resolutions 238
Reception given to Sir A. Macnab
on his return 239
Arrival at Kingston 239
Debate in Canadian Parliament . . . 240
Official Instructions to Sir A. N.
Macnab 244
My arrival at Havre 249
Meeting of Consulting Council of
British American Association . . . 249
Appointment of Committee of In-
quiry 251
Meeting at the City of London
Tavern 251
Report of Committee 252
Speech of Sir R. ]3roun 255
Ditto Self 265
Return of Ship ' Barbadoes/ and de-
claration of Supercargo 269
Page
Visit to the Duke of Argyll 270
Increase in value of Canadian pro-
perty, and amount of Emigration 271
1843.
Letter to the Duke of Argyll 271
Official Appointment by Sir H.
M'Leod 275
Dinner of Colonial Society to Sir
Charles JNIetcalfe 275
My Speech 276
Letter of Mr. Crawford 277
Letter of Colonial Commissioner . . 278
My reply to Mr. Crawford 280
Letter to Editor of Emigration Ga-
zette 289
Meeting of Commercial Gentlemen 296
Letter from Sir R. Broun to Duke
of Argyll 296
Extract from my Letter to Lord
Cloncurry relative to New Zealand 297
Memorial of Merchants of London
to Sir Robert Peel 299
Memorial of Colonial Society to
Lord Stanley 300
Deputation to present it 300
C. Buller's Motion in House of Com-
mons, and extract from his Speech 300
My review and objections to his
plan 304
Departure from England, on Ac-
count of Trinidad 309
Coloured population of Canada .... 309
Large Meetings of ditto 314
My Address 314
Refusal of Government to Counte-
nance their removal 319
Decrease in the year's Emigration
to Canada 320
The spirit of the Americans rela-
tive to the Oregon Territory 320
Embarrassment of the New Zealand
Company 327
C0KTENT8.
Pelilaoa nUtire to British Ameri-
eaa AitociAtion SiQ
R«port of North American Colonial
Aaaociation of Ireland 328
Gttographical Boundaries, and De-
scription of Canada 329
Population of diUo 331
Commerce of ditto 332
First Purchase of the Island of
Manhattan and City of New York
from the Indians 332
Montred 333
Bjtoim 334
Kingston 334
Cobourg 335
Peterborough 336
Toronto 336
Hamilton 338
Guelph 339
Goderich 339
London 339
Tolls on Macadamized Roads in
Canada 339
State of Maine 339
Population of Ohio 340
Foreign and Colonial Review 340
Pace
Plan of Colonization 341
Successfol Farmini; in New Hamp-
shire 344
Earl of MountcasbeH's Estate oa
Amherst Island 345
Notice of Chinese Eaaigration 346
Communication horn, a Settler in
Canada 348
Canada Company's Report 355
British American Land Company's
ditto 356
Remittances from poor Settlers .... 356
ImproTement in Canadian Agricul-
ture 357
Advantages of Agriculture 359
Natural Productions of Canada 360
American Views of Canada 561
Canadian Gorernors favourable to
Emigration 365
Review ofThe Times on Colonization 370
Obstacles and discouragements to
its prosecution 371
Solemn Warning, from the Loss of
our former Colonies 374
Conclusion 376
SYSTEMATIC
EMIGRATION AND COLONIZATION
The subject of systematic Emigration and Colonization having
been brought last Session under the solemn attention of the
First Minister of the Crown, by no less an influential body than
1,700 of the leading merchants, bankers, ship-owners, and
others of the City of London, I need offer no apology, after
devoting six years* deep and unremitting attention to this vital
and interesting subject, for bringing my views upon it under
public notice.
The Colonies of British North America with which I have
been more immediately connected, are the nearest, most exten-
sive, valuable, and important of our colonial possessions. They
stretch through fifty degrees of longitude, and contain nu-
merous and capacious harbours, extensive fisheries, a fertile
soil, and a salubrious climate. Abundantly supplied, at the
very verge of the ocean, with large fields of coal, and various
mineral productions, — they display in their varied aspect, moun-
tain, forest, and plain. They embosom several inland seas, in-
tersected by noble and navigable rivers, innumerable streams
possessing vast hydraulic powers, and great maritime capa-
bilities. But the vast natural resources of this majestic out-
lying province of the British Empire is even subordinate to the
features which it presents when politically and commercially
considered. From position and circumstances, it forms that
portion of our dominions which must ever be the arx et domi-
cilium of British Colonial power and enterprise. A vent to excess
of population at home — a barrier against republican aggression
*Z SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
abroad — it presents a boundless outlet for centuries for our
manufacturing productions ; and contains more abundantly tbe
elements for undertaking and pursuing an extensive and pro-
fitable colonization, than any portion of the globe belonging to
the British Crown.
When the Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada met the
provincial parliament in 1834, after congratulating it on the
great prosperity of the Colony, he announced the gratifying fact
that its population had doubled during the ])receding eight
years. This unexampled, but gratifying progress, was, however,
to receive a check.
1837. During the month of December, 1837, being resident
in Upper Canada, then without a British soldier within its
limits, I was called, in common with my other fellow-subjects,
from my home, to assist in suppressing a rebellion which had
then burst out. The political excitement which had preceded
this outbreak, and the commotion consequent on it, caused the
vigorous and perennial immigration to Canada to decline during
the following year to the number of 3,266.
1838. During this year, the provinces were exposed, both
in summer and winter, to a series of violent assaults and aggres-
sions from large and well-organized bands of marauders from
the United States ; and such was the despondency and depres-
sion caused by these disheartening scenes, that lands were
unsaleable, trade and commerce languished, the plough was
at a stand, and the fertile provinces of Canada appeared, as
Sir F. Head declared, "drooping like a girdled tree." Even
in this gloom, the Irish settlers in Canada met and passed
an Address to the Queen on the 4th of April. In this docu-
ment, which was unanimously adopted, amongst much gra-
tifying display of loyal and cordial unanimity, they say, " We
most humbly thank your Majesty for the determination ex-
pressed by your Majesty's ministers in i)arliament to protect
and defend the loyal inhabitants in Canada in the possession of
the many blessings they enjoy in this part of your Majesty's
dominions. In this determination we see a new commence-
ment of prosperity, an impregnable defence from anarchy.
AND COLONIZATION. 3
and a prospect of permanency to our institutions, which will
not only restore confidence in these provinces, but will induce
thousands of your Majesty's subjects to come amongst us, and
partake of the rewards to industry and enterprise to which
they are invited by our fertile but thinly populated country,
and its extensive but untried resources. It renews in our
minds the hope of yet seeing here millions of your Majesty's
subjects, many of them from our native land, living in free-
dom, peace, and plenty, under the protection of the British
Empire and your Majesty's mild and beneficent sway."
At the latter end of 1838, the province required the defence
of its inhabitants at every assailable point, and I was placed
on the shores of Lake Erie, under the command of a most gal-
lant oflficer, and highly esteemed friend. Colonel O'Connell
J. Baldwin. The call made by Sir G. Arthur for the military
organization and enrolment of the people, had been so cheer-
fully and universally responded to, that the invasions into
Canada soon ceased ; and whilst on my duty, the remedy for
this state of things was so perpetually discussed, that on the
6th of March, 1839, being then at Port Colborne, I addressed a
public letter to a member of the Canadian House of Assembly,
A. Manahan, Esq., on the subject of Emigration. In that
letter I expressed myself as follows: — ** My present duties
prevented me from paying you a visit at Toronto, as I could
have wished, but knowing how warmly interested you are in
the promotion of British Emigration, I take up my pen again
to address you on that all important subject. From the mo-
ment British Emigration was diverted from Canada, by the
agitation of those wretches who have since plunged the country
into confusion, by stirring up rebellion and foreign invasion,
I have not hesitated to urge, unceasingly, the incumbent duty
of promoting Emigration, by every means in our power, both as
a certain means of enriching Canada, as also of adding greatly
to its defence. It is certain that these views were, and are still,
warmly cherished by five-sixths of the present House of Assem-
bly, but have been prevented from being acted upon by a com-
bination and variety of circumstances over which they could
B 2
4 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
liave no control. But as tlie future welfare of the colony is so
essentially involved in this question, delay becomes more and
more injurious; and it is self-evident that neither capital nor
labour will again come to us from Great Britain, until the
people at home become thoroughly acquainted with the state,
condition, prospects, and capabilities of this province. The
landholders of Great Britain are men on whom impressions can
be made. They will listen to information, and hearken to any
appeal ; so also will the great bulk of the British population,
who now feel warmly interested and greatly excited on the
subject of Canada. Our gracious Sovereign, Queen Victoria,
calls upon the Imperial Parliament, recommending the state
of the Canadas to their serious consideration, and thus ex-
presses herself: — * I rely upon you to support my determina-
tion to maintain the authority of my Crown, and I trust that
your wisdom will adopt such measures as will secure to those
parts of my empire the benefit of internal tranquillity, and the
full advantages of their own great natural resources." ' After
expatiating at some length on the subject, adducing the state-
ments of all the governors of Canada in defence of my views,
I concluded in the following terms : — " Although the elements
of the political horizon are still dark and troubled. Emigration
would be one of the most powerful counteracting engines to
prevent further attempts at encroachment on our soil, or the
dismemberment of the empire. At no time would the people
lend so willing an ear to anything connected with the Canadas,
as now. The Earl of Durham advises Emigration — every go-
vernor that we have had recommends Emigration — our beloved
Sovereign calls on her people to aid her in adopting such mea-
sures, as will ensure to these provinces * the full advan-
tages OF THEIR OWN GREAT NATURAL RESOURCES.' Shall We
not make an effort permanently to establish this, a truly British
province, by a further infusion of British settlers, * so that the
reign of our lovely and youthful Queen, beaming with all her
ancestral glory, shall burst forth and shine with more splendour
and beauty by contrast with the dark cloud from which it will
have emerged ; not like the meteor, flashing upon the gloomy
AND COLONIZATION.
heavens only to reveal to ns the darkness, and bewilder us
with its erratic glare, but like the more glorious luminary
rising in the morning, tinging the mountain-heights with bril-
liancy and light, illuminating every hill and valley in our land,
and smiling again over a happy, united, contented, loyal, and
thriving people.' "
1839. My duties on the frontier ceasing in May, I shortly
afterwards received a letter from my late beloved and most
respected friend. Bishop Macdonell, urging me to accompany
him to Britain ; and being further prompted by his generous
aid, I did not hesitate one moment in crossing the Atlantic with
him. Alas ! for the welfare of his adopted country, and the
improvement of his native one, it was but to leave his venerable
remains in the land that gave him birth. After travelling
through the provinces together, we embarked at Quebec, accom-
panied by a concourse of people who had assembled to witness
our departure, and say, Farewell. We weighed anchor on the
23rd of June, and reached the Mersey on the 1st of August.
If Canada had to deplore the cessation of immigration from
troubles within her borders, she had also to contend with hos-
tility of another kind, equally injurious, and at that time, too
common — the circulation, in the United Kingdom, of the most
unwarrantable misstatements respecting her resources and capa-
bilities. A pamphlet of this kind, soon after my arrival, from
the pen of Mr. T. L. Hunt, was issued to the public. I lost
not a moment in replying to it, although it prevented me from
leaving London with Bishop Macdonell, who had then started
for Scotland, to visit the very spot from whence he had pro-
ceeded forty years before, at the head of a body of the clan
Macdonell, to plant those sturdy and invaluable Highlanders in
the unpeopled forests of Canada. At that period the bishop
encountered the most formidable opposition from all classes in
the state ; and it was a source of great delight to the venerable
prelate, then at the close of his long and useful career, to review
the exertions which he had made, and the signal victory with
which they were crowned, by the conversion of a suffering
and famishing population into a body of free and independent
6 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
landowners in the county of Glengarry in Canada. Tlie same
Christian patriotism and philanthropy which had urged him
before, prompted him again ; and accordingly he wrote to me,
requesting tliat I would postpone every other matter, and join
him, without delay, at the great agricultural meeting then to
be held at Inverness. I accordingly did so ; and hearing from
every quarter that the distress existing in Scotland was greater
and more ramified than when Bishop Macdonell had Hrst
encouraged Emigration to Canada, I was urged by him to
address a public letter to His Grace the Duke of Richmond,
then President of the Highland and Agricultural Society of
Scotland ; and on October 4th, I forwarded a very lengthened
communication to that nobleman, which appeared at that time
in all the principal newspapers in Scotland. In that letter, 1
drew a true but deplorable picture of the destitute condition
of a large body of the inhabitants of the Highlands and Islands
of Scotland, many of whom were, at that time, restricted to one
miserable meal in the twenty-four hours ; and pointed to Emi-
gration to Canada as a sure and speedy way to independence
and ha])piness. I told his Grace that there was no mode in
which a nobleman of his rank and influence could so effectually
serve his country as in promoting Emigration. By a generous
act of this nature, his Grace would scatter no dragons' teeth,
to spring up hereafter into armed men, but would elevate a
wretched peasantry into a happy yeomanry, diffusing the bless-
ings of genuine charity to a deserving people, who would add
to the stability and maintain the integrity of the empire. 1
reminded his Grace, that national prosperity and honour; that
agriculture, commerce, and manufactures; that the employ-
ment and the food of man ; that the elements of wealth and
independence; were bound up in the question of Emigration.
The power to set Emigration in motion was in the hands of
British landlords, and if they exerted it effectually, their efforts
must be speedily triumphant, and tliey would have the proud
satisfaction of conferring a vast benefit on the people of whom
they were the natural and legitimate guardians, as well as on
the great colony that was most anxious to receive them. In
AND COLONIZATION. 7
ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, the industrious and frugal
labourer would become a freeholder and a capitalist in the
colonies ; and two-thirds of the freeholders of Upper Canada,
originally possessed no other capital than the axe. As it was,
in less than half a century, nearly two millions of acres had
been rescued from the wilderness, and were in the highest state
of cultivation. Lord Seaton, a name gratefully embalmed in
the hearts of every British subject in Canada, had assured me,
that these provinces could profitably receive and employ a
hundred thousand emigrants annually for the next ten years.
I concluded as follows : — " In the soil of Upper Canada, my
Lord Duke, lies the germ of future national greatness and pros-
perity, and it wants but that the value of her natural resources
should be properly appreciated, so that they may be used with
success to provide in the country productive labour sufficient to
employ nearly a thousand times the number of its present
population. How much such a state of things would add to
individual prosperity, and the revenue of the country, may be
imagined. It is true that the able-bodied emigrant has been
but too frequently bereft of means to enable him to proceed
from the old and closely packed country to the comparatively
empty land he would adopt, and to which he would cheerfully
wend his way : but selfish indeed, my Lord Duke, must be the
wealthy proprietors of the soil and the rich inhabitants of
the parent state, — blind must be the government and the
legislature, — dull must be the prophetic spirit of all, — reckless
must be the proper and legally-constituted guardians of the
poor, and in Scotland their natural guardians, — if the funds
which are ever at hand to gratify ostentation, cannot also
be supplied to give assistance to the industrious poor, to
enable them to remove to a new and ample stage, where they
will be enabled to act, and to reap the profits and honour of
their exertions. Many patriotic and distinguished individuals
have manifested great, laudable, and the most humane interest,
in this important subject ; and I now fearlessly and publicly
invite your Grace, as a peer of high and noble lineage, deeply
alive to the national honour, wai*mly interested for the people,
i SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
untrammelled by party influence, — and, as you stated from the
chair at the recent meeting, a warm friend to the labouring
classes, — to lend the aid and co-operation of your name and in-
fluence to rescue from destruction a large and interesting portion
of Her Majesty's subjects, by enabling them to transplant them-
selves to a colony, where they will become individually and
generally happy, and add much to the stability, security, and
integrity of this mighty empire.
* So many are
The sufferings which no human aid can reach,
It needs must be a duty doubly sweet
To heal the few we can.'"
Leaving Inverness, after having discussed with many leading
members of the Highland Society the object of my visit to the
United Kingdom, I proceeded on to Glasgow, and had the
pleasure, en route, to form the valuable acquaintances of Sir
John Orde, Bart., Kilmorey; Mr. Malcolm, of Poltalloch;
and Mr. Stewart, of Baillhulish. On my arrival in Glasgow,
I was visited by many of the leading merchants of that noble
city, and the following requisition was sent, within a few days,
to the Lord Provost :
** To the Honourable Henry Dunlop, Lord Provost of the City
of Glasgow.
*' My Lord, — In furtherance of the resolutions adopted by
the House of Assembly in Upper Canada, in 1836, viz : — * That
persons be sent to Great Britain, whose business it should be to
endeavour to remove the erroneous impressions there enter-
tained, in order that Emigration and capital might flow into the
province as heretofore;' and which resolution, owing to the
unsettled state of the country, caused by repeated and formid-
able invasions from the United States, it has been impossible,
until the present period, to carry into eflfect ; and as one of the
gentlemen, then contemplated by the legislature, viz. Dr. Thos.
Rolph, of Ancaster, in company with the Bishop of Kingston,
is now in this city, and for that express object, as well as to
advocate the firm maintenance of our Colonial empire ; and as
they have both been in communication with some of the High-
AND COLONIZATION* 9
land proprietors on the subject, we, the undersigned, request
that your Lordship will call a public meeting as soon as
possible, and that those gentlemen be invited to lay before it
the state and condition of Canada, and the importance of a
systematic colonization of it, from Great Britain and Ireland*
with a view of strengthening that province against the designs
of hostile neighbours, and as a means of preserving inviolate
and entire our Colonial possessions in British North America,
which if lost, must necessarily be followed by those of our
other valuable dominions in the western hemisphere.
We are, my Lord,
Your Lordship's obedient servants,
" Pollock, Gilmour, & Co. Stirling, Gordon, & Co.
James Ewing & Co. A. G. Kidston,
Gilkison and Brown, Henry Monteith & Co.
R. Monteith, Carstairs, Richard Kidston,
J. & G. Pattison & Co. John Urie,
Bell, Bogle, & Co. R. Rodger & Co.
Thos. Buchanan, Jr. Peter Buchanan & Co.'*
James Pinkerton, Sen.
" In compliance with the above requisition, and for the
purpose therein stated, I hereby call a Public Meeting of the
bankers, merchants, manufacturers, and shipowners, of this
City, to be held in the Town Hall, on Friday, the 18th current,
at one o'clock.
" Henry Dunlop, Provost.
" N.B. — The chair will be taken by the Honourable the
Lord Provost at one o'clock precisely."
The meeting thus convened was very numerously attended ;
the Lord Provost took the chair ; and before addressing the
meeting, I read a letter from Dr. Macdonell, the Bishop of
Kingston, expressive of his regret at being unable to attend.
Having thanked the Lord Provost for calling together a
body of such wealth, intelligence, enterprise, and importance,
as the bankers, merchants, ship-owners, and manufacturers of
10 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
that great and flourishing city, to receive from me an account of
Canada, and the imperious necessity which exists for a syste-
matic colonization of it, I proceeded to state, that that vast
and fertile region had been heretofore so much a terra incognita
to the great majority of the people of the United Kingdom,
that it was but little wonder a profound ignorance of almost
every thing relating to its internal condition and aftairs generally
should have prevailed in the mother country, at a period when,
above all others, a correct and comprehensive knowledge of
them was most necessary and desirable. Whatever might be
the degree of interest positively felt for this remote colony, the
manifestation of that interest was exclusively confined to those
who were immediately connected, or had dealings with it. The
many remembered it merely as the frequent battle-ground of
hostile tribes of Indians, and of France and England, finally
commemorated by Wolfe's exploits, or thought of with a
shuddering at the descriptions given of its terrific winters; they
pictured it to themselves as a desolate and dreai'y region, scarce
fitted for the abode of man, and though inhabited, yet by a race
withal as rude and inhospitable as its climate. On the other
hand, the few were conscious, that if the winters were inclement,
and monopolized a good portion of the year, there were furs
and fuel in abundance to modify their rigour; that if the
country were desolate and dreary, it was susceptible of a very
high degree of cultivation, and possessed immense natural
resources, requiring but developement ; and lastly, that if its
inhabitants were such as they were supposed or represented, the
amelioration of their condition was readily to be effected by the
gradual extension of their social relations with the mother
country, the introduction of capital, and the promotion of
Emigration.
After dwelling at great length, and denouncing those de-
basing and treasonable sentiments which had been expressed in
England relative to the abandonment of the Colonics, 1 j)ro-
ceeded to prove, by a vast host of American authorities, the
unquenchable desire felt by the citizens of the United States to
seize the British possessions in North America, and annex them
AND COLONIZATION. 11
to their own ; and I concluded that portion of my address in
the following terms : — " Before I proceed, my Lord Provost, to
speak of the means necessary to ensure the permanent pacifica-
tion, improvement, and happiness of Canada, I must again
revert to that pernicious idea relative to the abandonment of
the Colonies. I say boldly, Great Britain cannot do it. We
who have settled in that province, hold the preservation of
British liberty as inalienably our right, as if we lived in Glasgow
or in London ; and look with contempt on that description of
political economists, who talk as coolly of the dismemberment of
the empire, as if it were a circumstance as equally unimportant
as the adjustment of a balance or the cast of a die. There is
no more evident sign of decay of that national feeling which
was once our boast, than the fact, that by a certain body the
retention or abandonment of the North American Colonies is
seldom regarded as any other than a question of mere expediency
— one, the merits of which are to be tried by the rule of three.
The honour of the British nation is pledged to every one who
has adopted those countries as his own, that that home of his
adoption shall not be ' lost or given away.' There is the same
virtual compact subsisting between the British Government and
the people of Canada, as between it and the people of England,
and it has no more right to make merchandize of Canada to the
Americans, without the consent of its people, than it has to sell
or cede England to the Czar of Russia. We hold our title as
British subjects by no doubtful charter ; no conventional
treaty with another party can annul or modify it, — no daysman
can come between us Mid that crown to which our allegiance
belongs. The altar of British freedom which has been erected
in Canada may indeed be levelled in the dust ; but the dead
bodies of half a million of Britons who will have scorned to
participate in the dishonour brought on the name, will be the
mound to mark where that altar stood. — But the national faith
is not to be held as lightly as a ' dicer's oath ;' and once more
I repeat. Great Britain cannot afford to repudiate us, and dares
not incur the guilt — even if expediency required the sacrifice."
I expatiated fully on the great and increasing value of our
12 SYSTEMATIC BMIGBATION
colonial trade, demonstrating that the trade of the West Indies
and the North American provinces could alone be retained
and secured by our firm determination to hold our sway in that
majestic outlet of America — the mighty St. Lawrence; and that
although the time it was surrendered to Great Britain, Canada
was, in a commercial point of view, of little value, it was,
nevertheless, considered the most important conquest of the
British arms during the glorious epoch of the seven years' war.
Its population had increased from seventy thousand to more
than a million of souls, consuming fabrics and manufactures
of the United Kingdom to the amount of millions of pounds ;
paying for them by the products of its fields and forests, and
employing upwards of two thousand British ships and vessels
in its commerce. The trade of the United Kingdom with the
North American colonies, collectively, had been regularly on
the increase for years, and the mercantile marine of the empire
had been rateably increasing with it. The imports of British
manufactures into the colonies had increased fifty per cent, in
three years. The trade employed seven thousand British
vessels, the tonnage of which, inwards and outwards, was about
a million each way annually. All this immense mass of ship-
ping was navigated by British seamen, and gave employment
to British capital. Three-fourths of the whole produce so
exported, and of the consequent freightage, were divided in the
shape of labour-wages, both in the mother country and in the
colonies.
After some further observations, I continued my address as
follows : — " Great Britain must be prepared to maintain the
integrity of her empire, and manifest her determination to
retain her colonies, coute qui coute. Let her then steadily and
systematically fill the country with the redundant population
of this. Our domain is extensive, our climate agreeable and
salubrious, our soil fertile, — almost inexhaustible. The present
Secretary of State for the Colonies, on the debate on Canada,
pledged himself that the goverment should take the subject up.
The late most excellent Governor-in-Chief, Sir John Colborne,
to whom both Great Britain and the British population already
AND COLONIZATION. 13
owe a vast debt of gratitude, since by the foresight, judgment,
and skill displayed by that able and experienced officer — his
timely measures of precaution, his right direction of the ener-
gies of the people, and his subsequent unshrinking performance
of a painful but imperious duty, whereby many of the evils
wherewith the entire country was threatened were averted, and
confidence and tranquillity restored, — informed Bishop Mac-
donell and myself, that he could receive one hundred thousand
emigrants from the United Kingdom annually, for the next ten
years to come." In corroboration I also cited the authority of
Sir George Arthur to the same effect, and concluded thus : —
** The Highland proprietors, suffering from great redundancy
of population, and inadequate means for their subsistence, are
willing to spare us some of their faithful, and, to us, invaluable,
settlers. I have the authority of the Rev. Dr. M'Leod, a name
revered by the Highlanders in Canada, as it is deservedly here,
that the people desire to go to Canada, and that they prefer it
to any other colony : the British Government are then bound to
give effect to their own principles, sentiments, and views.
They tell us they are convinced of its necessity. You have now
a right to demand of them, where is the obstacle ? Every one
who wishes well to the Colonies and the empire, should unite to
establish a systematic British Colonization to Canada. It is the
sine qua non without which every legislative measure would be
unproductive of great benefit. We call on you for your co-ope-
ration. Shall we forbid the wilderness to blossom like the
rose ? Shall we forbid the trees of the forest to fall before the
axe of industry, and rise again transformed into the habitations
of ease and elegance ? Shall we doom an immense region to
perpetual desolation, that might resound with the voice of
human gladness ? Shall that mighty arm of this vast empire,
with its exhaustless soil, which a beneficent God has destined
to support innumerable multitudes, be condemned to everlast-
ing barrenness, whilst within a day's journey of you thousands
and thousands of your fellow subjects, good, orderly, valuable
people, are restricted to one meal a day, and not even certain
that that will be ensured them? A systematic British Emigra-
tion is equally desirable in a national, philanthropic, and
14 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION.
patriotic point of view ; and having pointed out the advantages
which Canada offers in that respect, you will, by giving it a
proper direction, confirm the words of our late beloved patriot
King, * that Canada must not be lost or given away.' "
At the conclusion of my address, 1 was thanked on behalf
of the meeting by the Lord Provost ; and the result of my
address, and previous letter to the Duke of Richmond, was,
that at Glasgow a society was formed for the encouragement
of Emigration to Canada, composed of the most influential and
wealthy members of that community, and which, by its extended
ramifications afterwards throughout Scotland, was attended
with the best consequences, in a country where the population
was so dense and fluctuating.
Whilst in Glasgow, my friend, Bishop Macdonell, received
a letter from Cork, inviting us to the grand banquet about to
be given to the assembled Roman Catholic Prelates in that
city, by the merchants and others. Accordingly, we proceeded
together from Greenock to Ireland ; and as illustrative of the
feelings with which I paid my first visit to that country, I
cannot forego the gratification of giving the following extract
from a lengthened communication to my Canadian corresjjon-
dent, dated November 14th, 1839 :—
" I am really apprehensive that my letters are not so inter-
esting as they should be, and the description of the country
through which I have travelled, is too brief to excite attention ;
but really I am so entirely occupied with the subject of Emigra-
tion, and the removal of the numerous obstacles to it which I
find everywhere existing, in some shape or other, that I cannot
pay that attention to passing scenery, which circumstances com-
pel me to pay to passing events. You are aware, as all who
know me must be, of the innate and enthusiastic affection I
bear for the Irish people and their country ; it is a feeling so
strong and deep, so riveted in my very nature, that it seems to
have grown with my growth, and strengthened with my strength.
You would therefore hold me inexcusable, if I did not devote
one letter to that dear and lovely isle, and to its generous and
noble people !"
It was remarkable, that at the period of mj visit to Cork,
AND COLONIZATION. 1§
two Roman Catholic Bishops from America, Bishop Purcell,
from Cincinnati, and Bishop Clancey, from Charleston, had
been carrying on a bitter controversy, as to which country Irish
emigrants should proceed to ; the former highly commending
the United States, the latter seriously warning them against
that republic, and recommending most warmly the British
American provinces. In the dilemma in which the Irish
bishops were placed by these unseemly contradictions, I was
invited to a conference with the bishops, at the house of that
venerable and respected prelate, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Crotty, at
Cove, and proceeded with my friend. Bishop Macdonell, thither
for that purpose. A day was devoted to this discussion: the
matter was fully, fairly, and keenly discussed.
I had fortified myself with an abundance of documentary
and other evidence to show the state of Irish immigrant settlers
in Canada. From Valcartier to Sandwich, I showed to the
venerable prelates, that wherever Irishmen had settled down,
— there were exceptions, of course, in all cases, — they had pro-
vided themselves with a peaceful, comfortable home, and by
their conduct had not only benefited themselves and their
posterity, but were materially adding to the strength and
wealth of the country, in whose defence, indeed, — in the hour
of danger, — they had proved their loyalty by taking up arms
and rushing as one man to the point where invasion or rebellion
was threatened. Such was the state in which Irishmen were
placed in Canada ; not, as was represented, ready to fly from it
at the first opportunity, and seek a more congenial soil, —
for they had found the means of maintaining themselves and
families in comparative comfort ; and their conduct showed that
they were not likely to be deprived of the advantages they had
obtained by industry, frugality, and honesty. At the close of
the discussion, the bishops delivered their ojiinions seriatim;
and it was a source of great delight to me, that those opinions
were unanimously in favour of Emigration to British North
America ; and what was equally gratifying, there appeared to
be a determination on the part of those prelates to encourage
it by all the means in their power. Since that period, the
16 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
hostile feeling towards Canada gradually diminished, and,
under the influence of truth, properly disseminated, is now
rapidly disappearing.
I returned from Cork to London, to proceed to Petworth to
meet the yeomanry of Sussex, at the audit dinner at Colonel
Wyndham's. This meeting was highly interesting on two
accounts : the chair was filled by Mr. Murray, the uncle to the
mayor of Toronto, who was the instrument, under Providence,
of saving that city from the rebels in December, 1837 ; and
the presence of the Rev. Mr. Sockett, the Rector of Petworth,
who had done more than any one individual in England to
promote the Emigration of the suffering labouring classes to
Canada. Under these circumstances, the meeting was ex-
tremely interesting, and eminently useful ; and one of the
provincial papers, commenting on the several addresses deli-
vered on the occasion, remarked : — " Two years ago, the spring
was anxiously looked for, in order to embark armed forces to
put down the rebellion in Canada. Tlie present year opens
with better prospects. Thousands of persons are preparing to
embark for that country, to pursue the vocations of peace.
The clangor of war is over ; and no country presents fairer
prospects to the industrious emigrants than does Canada. The
St. Lawrence is the Rhine, and more than the Rhine, to our
possessions in British America. It is a river destined to con-
vey British talent, labour, and capital to a wilderness, and
convert it into one of the finest empires on earth."
At this time, I also received a letter from the Rev. Dr.
M*Leod, dated October 29, 1839, which it is highly important
to introduce :
" Glasgow, October 29th, 1839.
** I have witnessed with extreme delight, the zeal, ability,
and perseverance with which you are prosecuting a plan for an
extensive Emigration to Canada ; and I have listened with equal
pleasure to the vast mass of interesting matter and information
you have imparted relative to that noble Colony. I beg leave
to send, for your perusal, a copy of a Memorial proposed to be
forwarded to Her Majesty's Government, by the Destitution
AND COLONIZATION. 17
Committee of Glasgow, in behalf of a scheme of general Emi-
gration for the Highlands and Isles of Scotland. I request
your attention to the facts therein stated. You may rely on
their accuracy. The only point not sufficiently referred to, is the
decided preference which the Highlanders have for removing
to Canada. They are most anxious to follow their relations
and countrymen to that Colony. — Necessity, dire necessity, can
alone send them to the more distant Colonies. All disinclination
to Emigration has now ceased in the Highlands. Poverty alone
restrains multitudes from embarkins:. Let a scheme of Emi
gration, under the protection of government, be once proposed
to them — and I doubt not 50,000 noble fellows could be found
to set out at a short notice for Canada, and thus j^elieve their
father-land from the grievous burden of a starving population,
and mightily promote the best interests of the new world to
which they remove. No other measure would, in my opinion, so
greatly promote the diffusion of order, social happiness. Chris-
tian knowledge, and steady, determined, invincible attachment
to the British Constitution, as the removal of our poor, unem-
ployed population in the Highlands to your part of the world."
The applications which I received to return to Ireland were
so numerous, that I availed myself of the kind invitation of the
Earl of Gosford, one of the former governors of Canada, and
one of the most kind-hearted hospitable noblemen in the United
Kingdom, to pass some time with him at Gosford Castle, Market
Hill ; whilst there, I found that Mr. Bermingham, of Caramana,
was placed in a somewhat similar dilemma to that of the Irish
Bishops, from the conflicting and contradictory statements he
heard of the various Colonies, and their relative adaptation to
the Irish emigrant. Colonel Torrens and Mr. Ward had been
urging the claims of Australia and New Zealand, the remotest
of our Colonies, and I therefore felt it my duty to address Mr.
Bermingham . I received from him a cordial letter of thanks
for my communication, which was afterwards printed in pam-
phlet form, and widely disseminated by the Canada Company.
On returning to Dublin, I met with a noble opponent in the
c
18 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
person of Lord Cloncurry.who, equally bewildered with the rest,
by the mass of contradictions then in circulation, commenced
a voluminous correspondence in the columns of the Dublin
Evening Post, afterwards published in a pamphlet shape. To
this correspondence I cannot further advert, than by stating
that it afforded me an excellent opportunity for contrasting the
United States with the Canadas as an asylum for emigrants,
and of proving the vast superiority of the latter over the former
in every point of view ; and I did not hesitate to avail myself of
it. In doing so, I did not altogether rely on the facts embraced
within the verge of my own personal observation, but intro-
duced the writing and speeches of different citizens of the
United States themselves, as the most conclusive evidence that
could be adduced in a case so important to the best interests
of Great Britain and her Colonies. I demonstrated from those
documents, that though for a time the land speculators in the
United States, and the means afforded to them by immense
advances of bank paper, had given an extraordinary and asto-
nishing impulse to settlements, yet the failure of returns, and
the total derangement of the banks, had produced a most
inauspicious reaction, — such results never having attended any
similar operations in Canada.
Tliat my correspondence with Lord Cloncurry was not
without some good result, the following letter from the amiable
and excellent Rector of Coote Hill, Rev. Mr. Douglas, whose
acquaintance I had the pleasure of forming when on a visit to
Lord Cloncurry, at Lyons Castle, is quite demonstrative.
** I shall be delighted to distribute in every part round my
neighbourhood, the interesting papers you furnished me in
such abundance and variety about Upper Canada. Your exer-
tions have produced a powerful impression generally through-
out this country. Lord Cloncurry candidly admitted that you
had quite convinced him. Many of my own parishioners,
small renters, are very anxious to emigrate, and have consulted
me since you lef^ Ireland on the subject; and I am so tho-
roughly satisfied with your statements and information, that I
have strongly advised Canada to all who asked my advice.
AND COLONIZATION. 19
Tlie excellent and exemplary Roman Catholic Bishop, Dr.
Browne, who generously assists and co-operates with me in all
works of mercy, will, I know, aid my exertions in the wide
distribution of your useful papers and pamphlets. We have
determined on the republication of your series of excellent and
convincing letters in the Dublin Evening Post, addressed to
Lord Cloncurry, in the form of a pamphlet. They will circu-
late with great effect and advantage here, where the feeling for
Emigration much exists at present, and where the emissaries
connected with New Zealand and Australia are most actively at
work."
On returning to London, I saw the announcement of the
anniversary meeting of "The Central Agricultural So-
ciety OF Great Britain and Ireland, for Protection
AND Encouragement ;" a body which enrolled about eighty
of the principal local agricultural associations in the United
Kingdom. I attended both the meeting and the subsequent
dinner of the Society, which took place on the 12th of Decem-
ber. My health having been proposed in conjunction with
" Prosperity to our Colonial Agriculture," I returned thanks,
and availed myself of the favourable opportunity of demon-
strating the inestimable value of our North American Colonies,
when my name was added to the list of honorary members,
with a request that I would act as corresponding member for
British North America. The honorary secretaries of this influ-
ential society were Sir Richard Broun, Mr. Montgomery Martin,
and Colonel Le Couteur, with whom for the first time I became
acquainted. The former gentleman was also the honorary
secretary of the Baronets, the Scottish branch of which noble
order was specially founded to promote the plantation and set-
tlement of British North America.
The Emigration to Canada this year was 7,4-39.
1840. Such is a cursory outline of the leading features of
my mission up to the commencement of the year 1840, when,
by the special invitation of his grace the Duke of Argyll, I pro-
c %
20 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
ceeded to Edinburgh, in order to be present at a great meeting
of Highland noblemen and gentlemen, assembled for the pur-
pose of petitioning Parliament for the establishment of a better
and more permanent system of Emigration from the Highlands
and Islands of Scotland. This meeting was held in the Hope-
toun Rooms, on the 10th of January, and was very numerously
attended by the proprietors, and other gentlemen interested in
the welfare of the Highlands, amongst whom were the Duke
of Argyll, who filled the chair; the Earl of Dunmore, Lord
Macdonald, Sir J. M. Riddell, Bart., Sir George Sinclair, Bart.,
M.P., D. Davidson, Esq.,of Tulloch, T. Mackenzie, Esq. M.P.,
of Applecross, R. Dowuie, Esq., of Appin, Rev. Dr. Norman
M*Leod, John Bowie, Esq. W. S., &c. &c. After the object
of the meeting had been stated by his Grace ; the Rev. Dr.
M*Leod, of Glasgow, explained at great length, and in very
affecting language, the deplorable condition of his countr}'men
in the Highlands and Islands, and went on to show that the
condition of the great mass of that population was such as to
render it quite impossible they could adequately support them-
selves in their own country ; and that though no man living
more ardently loved those poor people than he did, or more
sincerely deplored that a necessity should exist for their
removal from their own native glens, to which they were so
enthusiastically attached, still he felt himself compelled to
declare it as his decided opinion, that the only and most effec-
tual cure of the great evils under which the people were suf-
fering, was a well organized system of Emigration ; and in that
opinion, he stated, he was borne out by the sentiments of
almost all the well-informed individuals in the country. Under
these circumstances he implored the meeting to direct their
attention to an Emigration to Canada, to which entire families
could with facility be removed, and where at the present mo-
ment the most beneficial effects would result from infusing
among the population of that Colony a fresh accession of hardy,
virtuous, and loyal people.
At the conclusion of Dr. M*Leod'8 speech, I addressed the
meeting at great length, and was listened to with profound
AND COLONIZATION. 21
attention. I commenced by describing the condition of High-
land settlers in Upper Canada as every thing their countrymen
at home could wish. They had everywhere prospered, and
everywhere evinced the same sterling loyalty and patriotism.
Upper Canada was a country which required but the hand of art
to render every corner of it serviceable to human designs ; it
had advantages bestowed upon it by nature, of which few other
countries of equal extent could boast. From Lake Superior
to Lake Ontario, there was a vast chain of waters, which would
require but little exertion to render it the grandest channel of
commerce on the surface of the globe. That chain was laid
down at our feet, perfect in all its parts, with the exception of
here and there a broken link, which, when connected together,
would form a lasting source of wealth and prosperity. To this
favoured region, where fertility of soil, salubrity of climate,
readiness of access, and all the natural elements of greatness
invited the hardy and industrious labourer, I recommended
the meeting to send their surplus and redundant population.
There was no Colony where they would be more cheerfully
welcomed, nor where those ties which bind the parent state
and the Colony together, could be more strengthened by their
settlement in it. By urging this measure on the attention of
Government, and by earnestly co-operating with them in car-
rying it into effect, the meeting would be promoting the noblest
patriotism and most exalted benevolence. I felt proud in
bearing my testimony to the worth and value of the Scotch
settlers in Canada. Of all those who were called into the field
of battle to defend British supremacy in North America, there
were no hearts that stirred with more enthusiasm, or throbbed
more ardently, than those which beat beneath the Scottish
plaid. There were no men who conducted themselves with
more prudence and propriety than the Glengarry Highlanders,
while in Lower Canada, after the breaking out of the first
rebellion ; and in times of difficulty and danger, the reliance
of Government was particularly placed on those gallant fellows.
They joined with their English, Irish, and Canadian fellow-
subjects, most cheerfully and promptly, to proclaim to the
22 SYSTEMATIC EBUG RATIO N
world, to their beloved Queen, to their brethren in tlie United
Kingdom, their fixed detcrminution to maintain British con-
nexion, to uphold British supremacy, to peril their lives, their
property, their all, for these ; to live happily under their fos-
tering influences, or nobly die in their defence. The increased
value of property in those parts of Upper Canada where Emi-
grants from the United Kingdom had settled in numbers, was
established to a demonstration ; and money to accomplish a
judicious scheme of Emigration might be advanced by Go-
vernment with the utmost safety and most perfect security.
In Upper Canada, independence would necessarily follow in-
dustrious exertion. And now, from the great and rapidly
increasing facilities for travelling and inter-communication
between distant lands, the interests of the Colonies and the
mother country were becoming more and more identified ; and
with the adoption of a just and proper policy, we should be
entirely assimilated in feeling and interest, so as to constitute
one great political family, bound by indissoluble ties, and per-
petuating the solid advantages of the British Constitution to
the latest posterity as its richest legacy. In concluding my
speech, I publicly pledged myself that I would never cease the
agitation in which I was then engaged, until I should succeed
in inducing the British Government and nation to do an act of
justice to the impoverished and ill-requited classes of the
United Kingdom, by assisting them to a sphere where they
might achieve their own independence; particularly, as by the
settlement of one of the most interesting, fertile, inviting,
healthy, and nearest of the Colonies, they might ensure their
own prosperity, and add greatly to the permanence of British
institutions, as well as the integrity of the Empire.
After Lords Macdonald and Dunmore, and several other
gentlemen had addressed the meeting, resolutions were passed
in favour of petitions to both Houses of Parliament, for the pur-
pose of adopting and carrying on an extensive and systematic
plan of Emigration. A committee was appointed for carrying
these resolutions into effect ; after which the thanks of the
meeting were voted to the Rev. Dr. M*Leod and myself, for
AND COLONIZATION. 23
the great trouble we had taken in coming to the meeting, and
for the valuable information we had afforded.
But this meeting was attended with other advantages to the
cause of Emigration to the Canadas. Shortly after, a meeting
of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland was held,
at which the subject of Emigration to Canada was brought
under notice, and special reference was made to the meeting of
the proprietors held on the 10th of January, and a resolution
unanimously passed, that all members of the Highland Society
who were in Parliament, should be specially requested to sup-
port the petitions of the Highland proprietors when presented.
The Highland noblemen and gentlemen also formed themselves
into a permanent Committee, with the object of promoting Emi-
gration from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland to Canada.
The first meeting of this Committee was held in London on the
8th of February, when I was elected an honorary member of it.
The substance of the resolutions of the meeting on the 10th
of January was also embodied in a memorial to the Colonial
Minister, and was presented by a deputation consisting of the
Duke of Argyll, Lord Macdonald, Sir A. D'Este, Colonel
Wyndham, Campbell of Islay, myself and others. About the
same period "The North American Colonial Committee" was
formed, being a section of the Colonial Society. Its president
was the Earl of Mountcashell, and I was requested to act as
Honorary Secretary.
On the 13th of March, I received the following letter from
Dr. Norman M*Leod. The extraordinary exertions of this
eminent clergyman and exalted character, during the memo-
rable years 1836 and 1837, in obtaining relief for 186,000 of his
famishing fellow-countrymen in the Western Highlands and
Islands of Scotland, were crowned with the signal success of
raising a fund to the enormous amount of about £125,000, and
will constitute a sufficient apology for the republication of this
letter.
" Glasgow, 13th March, 1840.
" My dear Friend — The Highlanders are everywhere up
for Emigration to Canada, on which place their affections are
24 SV -11. MA IK 1;M1(. RATION
indelibly fixed. The wln.li parish of Croick, in the north, are
ready to go — to a man; and their clergyman has resigned his
living, stipend, glebe, and manse, and will set off as soon as
the necessary arrangements are entered into to provide a place
for their reception and location. Thus the pastor and ln> whole
flock will secure a home where they will not be exposed to a
removal in the summary manner in which they have been
warned to leave their present possessions. There is something
exceedingly interesting in this case. They have been urged to
go to Cape Breton, where the people are so anxious to have
them, as to have promised to make provision for their reception.
A committee will first, however, come to you, to ascertain whe-
ther the Government at home, or the Government of Upper
Canada will make any arrangements to receive the Highland
population. Out of 350 ready to start, not more than twenty
have sufficient means to ensure their own passage. Our Desti-
tution Committee voted them £250 last Tuesday, to aid them
in their outfit. I have a letter this morning from the people
of Razay, stating that the entire population of that island, seeing
nothing but starvation before them, are most anxious to emi-
grate. I bear cheerful testimony to their wonderful merits ; a
more moral, respectful, courageous, sober, virtuous, loyal people,
are not anywhere to be met with on earth, actually invaluable
for peace or war. Canada ought not to lose them. They are
• poor, and cannot at their own expense remove. This is indeed
a most interesting moment, — a most momentous crisis for the
mother country and her Colonies. I do hope that there are
some prospects of getting an arrangement made. I was pleased
with the extract from the Kingston Chronicle : it w^ould seem
by that, that Mr. Thompson was fully sensible of the necessity
of promoting Emigration, and had pledged himself to aid it
by every means in his power. I hope he will do so ; it is cer-
tainly most unaccountable that every governor of the Colony
has admitted its necessity, and year after year has passed by,
with increasing prejudices existing against the country (fortu-
nately now removed), and yet no measure has been adopted.
The second number of my Gaelic Magazine vf'iW be issued in
AND COLONIZATION. 25
the course of next week. The chief article is from your pen,
entitled, *' Upper Canada, the Poor Man's Country." I think
it eminently calculated to nerve the new settler against indis-
pensable difficulties and unavoidable privations, and to inspire
him with fortitude and hope. I hope you will not leave us as
soon as you propose ; your presence and counsel we feel neces-
sary to our success. If you fail, who can succeed? — and if you
do not succeed, I cannot anticipate — I dare not anticipate what
the consequences may be. What an opportunity for our Govern-
ment to erect a brazen wall around Upper Canada! We offer
them a noble militia of 30,000 brave and gallant fellows. My
chief, M*Leod of M'Leod, went to Loudon at the distance of
200 miles to see you, and converse with you about his people,
and was greatly disappointed in finding you had gone down to
Hertfordshire to attend some public meetings. I wish much
that you had seen him. Before he obtains any relief he must
send off from his estate at least 10,000 of his people. Surely
a great meeting might be got up in London now you are there,
to agitate, agitate^ agitate, on this subject. It is a most im-
portant one in a national point of view. I rejoice to find that
his grace the Duke of Argyll co-operates so warmly with you,
and perseveres in his efforts — I knew he would. There is
enough of Scotch and Highland influence in London, which, if
once concentrated and brought to bear on Her Majesty's Go-
vernment, could not but tell on them. If the Dukes of Argyll,
Sutherland, Richmond, Hamilton, Roxburgh, Buccleugh, and
others connected with the Highlands would unite, we could storm
the Colonial Office, Forgive me for troubling you so often ; I
am really impatient to see your laudable efforts crowned with
success ; and I wished to put you in possession of the fact that
the Highlanders are now determined to cross the Atlantic, if
they should swim 1
** Believe me, my dear sir, with cordial regard and esteem,
faithfully yours,
« Norman M*Leod."
" Dr. Thomas Rolph."
2d systematic emigration
Nearly at the same time, I received a letter from Sir R.
Broun, acquainting me that the Central Agricultural Society
were to have a general Meeting on the 20th of March, and that
the Committee wished me to move a resolution to the effect,
that the Society was of opinion that the partial abandonment
of the ancient protection system of the country had been at-
tended by the most ruinous consequences to all classes of our
home producers; that the designs of the Anti-Corn Law
League to carry out the free-trade principle into universal ope-
ration at a moment when the continental nations were all encou-
raging native manufactures, and when Russia and the Gei*man
States in particular had entered into one general confederation
for the promotion of their internal industry, and the exclusion of
foreign manufactures, was of the most chimerical and dangerous
character ; and that Great Britain can alone sustain her com-
mercial, manufacturing, and trading greatness, by protecting
and encouraging her agriculture, both domestic and colonial.
In pursuance of this request I attended the meeting, and
addressed it at great length. I commenced by saying it was
with great pleasure I embraced the opportunity this meeting
afforded me of returning thanks for the honour conferred on
me by my election as honorary member of that valuable so-
ciety, and to express my unbounded gratification that the
Colonial agricultural interests of this great Empire were viewed
at length with as much interest by this society as its domestic.
In this age of theories and experiments, when all interests
seemed in jeopardy, to satisfy the restlessness of a body of
political economists who cared not how much they strengthened
foreign interests, and discouraged domestic and colonial, pro-
vided it sustained some fanciful vagary or problematic specu-
lation, it was cheering to reflect that the vast value of our
Colonial dominions, in connexion with our social condition at
home, was attracting much of the attention of the sound and
reflecting portion of the community, and that an increasing
conviction was felt that our commercial prosperity, our mari-
time supremacy, and our national independence, were inti-
AND COLONIZATION. 27
mately interwoven with the growth of our Colonies, and the
encouragement afforded them by the parent state.
After proceeding to notice the several topics involved in the
resolution, I stated that the Canadians protested against their
interests being sacrificed to foreigners ; they gloried in being
the subjects of a country which was an integral and component
part of the British Empire, and they claimed full right and
title to all the privileges which such a relationship should give
them in their commercial intercourse with the British isles.
British manufactures met with no competition in their markets ;
and if the ministry were not absolutely callous to every feeling
of humanity, — if they had not actually steeled their hearts
against the daily supplications of the starving population of the
United Kingdom, the unwearied petitionings of the Highland
proprietors and the Irish landlords, and the earnest entreaties
of the various Colonial legislatures to send them out the wil-
ling but unemployed population of the mother country — then,
indeed, by a judicious, well-considered, and well-organized
Colonization, would the resources of the provinces be unfolded,
the people become larger consumers of British goods, and add
yearly more and more to the British revenue. After adverting
to the great value of our colonial trade with British America,
I proceeded to show that, — In the Lumber Trade, on one only
of its majestic rivers, the Ottawa, and some of its tributary
streams, there were employed yearly from 4,000 to 5,000 men,
from 1,100 to 1,200 pairs of oxen and horses, consuming annu-
ally more than 10,000 barrels of pork and fish, upwards of
15,000 barrels of flour, together with 3,500 tons of hay ; and
110,000 bushels of produce of other descriptions. From this
labour and consumption were produced 290,000 pieces of tim-
ber every year. The people of Germany would not be influenced
by the persuasions of Dr. Bowring ; they would not heed him,
nor hearken to the voice of that political charmer, " charm he
never so wisely ;" but it was most desirable on all accounts that
the people of the United Kingdom should be made fully sen-
sible, that if the timber of the North of Europe were to be taken
in preference to that of British North America, the trade of
28 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
the North American Colonies would decline. It was for the
British nation to determine whether the trade of those near,
extensive, and extending Colonies, and by which, too, the trade
of Great Britain was kept open with the United States, from
the impossibility of the Northern States imposing a tariff, whilst
the St. Lawrence was open to British manufactures; it was
for the people of England to decide whether the commercial
and maritime interests of Great Britain were not more likely
to be promoted by protecting and fostering this branch of our
commerce, than by allowing the timber and grain of Prussia,
Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Russia to come in their ships
into our ports on an equal footing with our own ? Notwith-
standing Dr. Bowring*s exertions, those countries have too
great and too natural a jealousy of England to be very profit-
able consumers or customers for her manufactures ; and there
was but little probability of much increase of trade with
them. On the contrary, if a wise and judicious colonization
of the British North American provinces took place, under
the guidance of Government — and surely the Government
would not be so criminal and abandoned as much lonsrer
to delay it? — the trade with them would increase rapidly,
and then it would become the most flourishing and valuable of
any that was carried on by England. The means and capital
in British North America were too limited to admit of its mer-
chants being extensively engaged for years to come, in the
carrying or shipping trade ; and as far as they did engage in
it, it was for the purpose of securing the trade and revenues to
the country, as in the laudable instance of the Honourable Mr.
Cunard, of Nova Scotia, by whose untiring and enterprising
exertions the mails and passengers would be now conveyed by
steamers to the British North American provinces, instead of
passing through the United States as heretofore. All the
capital in the British American provinces would find more
useful and profitable employment in giving activity to her na-
tive industry, which, looking at the condition and circumstances
of the country in every point of view, was decidedly entitled
to the preference. The Colonists felt an exultation in beholding
AND COLONIZATION. 29
the carrying- trade in the hands of Britain, proudly surmounted
and shielded by the Union Jack ; and for which Great Britain
possessed such materials, by her ample capital, her numerous
ships, her always open ports ; and for which the Colonists
were and must remain for a long time unprepared, by reason
of the vast regions they had yet to clear and cultivate. With
the interests of Great Britain the Colonists felt their own to be
inseparable ; with the people of England, they must, aye, and
they would, stand or fall.
After expatiating at great length on the various theories of
Dr. Bowring, combating and refuting them, I concluded my
speech as follows : —
" The inhabitants of British North America have been long
proverbial for the intensity of their affection for their fellow-
subjects, and devotion to the British Crown. Emulating the
example of their illustrious sires, who abandoned property,
country, relatives, and friends, rather than their attachment to
the British Empire, they entertained the most sincere and pro-
found veneration for the government, laws, institutions, charac-
ter, and moral grandeur of the parent state from which tliey
sprang, and in which they glory; and viewing her as the foun-
dation, centre, and bulwark of the most widely-extended and
powerful empire the world has yet seen, they hold it essential
to the general interests of mankind, that so glorious a structure
should be maintained in all its integrity, and that neither its
agriculture, commerce, or Colonies should be sacrificed to the
rash, theorizing experimentalists of the day. The veneration
thus felt and avowed, however, was no blind idolatry ; neither
was it that natural and simple affection, merely, which children
bear towards their parents ; nor was it the patriotism of men,
who love their country only because induced to do so by their
interest, or commanded by their allegiance ; — no, it was on
account of the strength and beauty of her constitutional fabric ;
the almost more than human wisdom of her laws and enact-
ments ; the high national character of her people, for honour,
integrity, bravery, generosity, charity, and all that dignifies
and ennobles our species; all which were daily and hourly
30 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
exemplified, not only in every part of her own particular domi-
nions in Great Britain, by her numerous institutions for every
purpose of human amelioration, and advancement in morals,
art, science, literature, and knowledge, throughout all its various
departments ; but in what this blessed country, circumscribed
as it is by nature, comparatively within narrow limits, has been
enabled, through the blessing of Divine Providence, to perform
for other nations and communities on the great stage of the
world. The Colonists had, however, recently witnessed with
deep regret, too many symptoms of national decay, infringe-
ment of our treaties, insults to our flag, surrender of rights,
aggressions from without, concessions from within, invasions
of our territories, principle abandoned for expediency, agricul-
ture threatened, commerce languishing, trade declining, pau-
perism extending, new forms of taxation devising ; national
rights, interests, and honour, sacrificed to party ; and viewing
all these symptoms of national decline with dismay, the Colo-
nists desired to see those energies and virtues aroused that
were now either misdirected, or altogether prostrate and dor-
mant, which accomplished so much for Great Britain in days of
yore, which were superior to those possessed by any former
people — virtues and energies which, if again called into action,
would save the country from impending ruin, preserve the
integrity of the Empire, defeat hostile foreign combinations,
vanquish the treasonable designs of domestic enemies, secure
the relief and independence of the famishing masses by judi-
cious Emigration to the Colonies ; sustain the honour and the
majesty of our national flag ; retrieve the character of the
State ; and make us hand down to posterity, with undiminished
lustre and unshorn glory, that proud, great, and honourable
name, which, instead of being the sport and scorn of foreign
powers, has been, and may still continue to be, * the envy of
surrounding nations, and the admiration of the world.' "
An Act for the union of the provinces of Upper and Lower
Canada being contemplated by the Imperial Parliament, on
the 8th of February, tliis year, the House of Assembly of
Upper Canada, in anticipation of the dissolution which sub-
AND COLONIZATION. 31
sequently took place, unanimously adopted the following Ad-
dress to Her Majesty on the subject of Emigration : —
Address of the House of Assembly of Upper Canada.
To the Queens Most Excellent Majesty,
" Most Gracious Sovereign — We, your Majesty's dutiful and
loyal subjects, the Commons House of Assembly of Upper
Canada, in provincial parliament assembled, humbly beg leave
to represent to your Majesty that the period having nearly
arrived, when, by the constitution of the province, the repre-
sentative branch of the legislature must be dissolved, and con-
sidering the probability that a Legislative Assembly for Upper
Canada alone will never again be convened, they cannot sepa-
rate without earnestly, and with a serious and anxious solicitude
for the permanency of their connexion with your Majesty's
Crown, and with a fervent wish that the prosperity of their
country may be advanced and secured, imploring your Majesty
to give your Royal sanction to such measures as your Majesty
may in your wisdom deem most effectual for encouraging and
directing Emigration from the United Kingdom to your Ma-
jesty's North American Colonies.
' ' It cannot be necessary to state that by increasing the popu-
lation of Upper and Lower Canada by Emigration from Great
Britain and Ireland, the ties which now bind your Majesty's
loyal subjects in these provinces to your Majesty's Crown and
Government will be strengthened, and, as we trust and hope,
rendered indestructible ; neither will it be doubted that such
of our fellow-subjects as may take up their abode among us,
will be received here with a cheering and hospitable welcome,
and that they will find that in Upper Canada, at least, they are
not among strangers, but that they are among people of the
same blood and lineage ; that they are protected by the same
laws and constitution that secure safety to the persons and
property of the inhabitants of England, and that the exercise
of political and religious freedom is unrestrained by any into-
lerant, exclusive, or burdensome law. They will discover,
moreover, that a bounteous Providence has blessed this pro-
32 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
vince with a healthful and invigorating climate, and a soil of
unsurpassed fertility, yielding abundance and wealth to the
industrious cultivator. The tliousands of your Majesty's sub-
jects, who, in Great Britain and Ireland, are unable to obtain
employment from which they may clothe and feed themselves
and families, will here find that they are in a situation not only
to supply their daily wants, but gradually, and with certainty,
to attain independence for themselves and children.
" We are well aware that it is not in the power of many of
the class of persons to whom we have referred to make their
way to this country without pecuniary assistance, and it is to
this fact that we chiefly desire humbly to draw your Majesty's
attention, and to implore your Majesty to remove the difficulty
which from that cause prevents tens of thousands of your Ma-
jesty's faithful subjects from raising themselves from poverty
and misery to independence and happiness, and who, instead
of remaining a burden on the nation, would be converted into
the means of contributing to its wealth and power.
** In proof of this, we humbly crave permission to draw your
Majesty's attention to the successful result of the system of
Emigration which received the sanction of your Majesty's royal
predecessors in the years 1823 and 1825. When the persons
sent out by the bounty of the nation, at the time referred to,
reached this province, they were poor, and needy, and discon-
tented ; they had been taken from a land, where, though
willing to labour, they could find no employment. They had
been born, and had advanced to manhood, hopeless of any
chance of being enabled, through life, to accomplish more than
their maintenance by daily labour. That they should become
the o>vners of some hundreds of acres of land ; that they should
find themselves possessed of houses and barns, and horses and
cattle, and well cultivated fields; and that they should see their
children settled around them in the same state of prosperity, in
all probability never entered into their imagination : yet such
is their present condition, and they now form a happy and
grateful community; and such, there is no reason to doubt,
will be the state, after a few years' residence, of all those who
may hereafter receive similar encouragement and temporary
AND COLONIZATION. 33
assistance. We readily admit that we can do little more, by
way of assisting your Majesty in attaining the object we have
in view, than to declare our readiness and desire to concur in
such a disposal of the waste lands of the province as will con-
tribute to its accomplishment, and to express our wish that
such mode of their application may be suggested, as will tend
to the encouragement and advancement of Emigration ge-
nerally.
" We are aware that the late unhappy dissensions that have
disturbed the peace of the provinces, have not only greatly
retarded its general prosperity, but, in a more especial manner,
indisposed many persons, otherwise desirous of emigrating to
them, from taking up their abode among us : but we venture
now to express our strong conviction, (and we feel it would be
criminal in us to advance an insincere opinion upon a point so
important,) that, while there is not the most distant ground for
apprehending internal revolt, the inroads heretofore made from
a foreign nation have experienced such signal defeats and
severe punishment, and, through the fostering care of your
Majesty, and the bravery and devotion of your Majesty's loyal
subjects, the country is now so guarded that its future peace
may be considered as effectually and permanently secured.
That this feeling has become universal is demonstrated not
only by the absence of all attack from a foreign enemy for
more than a year past, but by the return to a vigorous and
peaceful pursuit of their ordinary employments by the yeomanrj^
mechanics, and other inhabitants of the province.
" Earnestly beseeching your Majesty to take the subject of
this Address into your Majesty's favourable consideration, we
conclude by assuring your Majesty of our humble but sincere
prayers to the Author of all good for your Majesty's personal
happiness, and that your Majesty may long live to reign over
a united, happy, prosperous, and grateful people.
" Allan Napier MacNab, Speaker,
*' Commons House of Assembly, Upper Canada,
8th Februarv, 1840."
34 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
The members of the Colonial Society favourable to Colo-
nization, formed themselves, about this period, into a select
Committee for the promotion of the interests of British North
America, their attention having been directed to this subject
by a public address delivered by me at their rooms. The Earl
of Mountcashell was named president, and I was requested to
act as its Honorary Secretary. This body enrolled many influ-
ential noblemen and gentlemen, amongst whom were the Duke
of Argyll, the Earl of Devon, Lord Macdonald, Sir A. D'Este,
and others. They met twice weekly during the session, and
their objects will be sufficiently understood from the following
Resolutions : —
" Moved by A. J. Robertson (of Inshes), Esq., seconded by
Charles Franks, Esq., and
*^ Resolved y — That this Committee, viewing Emigration to
the Colonies of British North America from the United King-
dom as the only means of developing and drawing forth their vast
and valuable resources, and believing that the surplus popula-
tion of the United Kingdom may find in those Colonies advan-
tages not held out to them by any other part of Her Majesty's
Colonial dominions, and being strongly impressed with the
importance of securing for their poor fellow-countrymen, the
immense benefit of such an asylum, pledge themselves to direct
their serious and assiduous attention to the best means of pro-
moting Emigration to British North America, and more espe-
cially to Canada.
** Moved by Lord Macdonald, seconded by Sir Augustus
D'Este, and
^^ Resolved y — That considering the urgent appeal made by the
House of Assembly of Upper Canada to Her Majesty to appro-
priate the waste lands belonging to the Crown in that province
for the sole purpose of promoting Emigration to that near and
fertile Colony, where so many thousands of British subjects
have been raised from poverty to independence; and also
viewing the awful and appalling condition of the inhabitants of
the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, their vehement desire
to remove to Canada, expressed in numerous petitions to both
AND COLONIZATION. 35
Houses of Parliament, and the earnest desire of the proprietors
to save their people from destruction, by promoting measures
for their judicious removal, this Committee will confer and
co-operate with those proprietors, or their agents, most inte-
rested in the removal of their over-peopled lands, in order to
carry into effect such measures as may secure this desirable
purpose.
" Moved by his grace the Duke of Argyll, seconded by
H. Baillie, Esq'., M.P., and
" Resolved, — That this Committee do request a conference
with the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in order to lay
before him a communication on the subject."
Pursuant to these resolutions, the deputation named by the
INorth American Colonial Committee, viz., the Earl of Mount-
cashell, president ; the Duke of Argyll, Lord Macdonald, Sir
Augustus D'Este, Sir D. Macdougall, W. S. O'Brien, Esq.,
M.P., H. Baillie, Esq., M.P., M'Leod of M'Leod, myself and
others, waited on Lord John Russell at the Colonial Office on
the 20th of May, and had a lengthened conference with his
lordship to urge the Government to concur with them in pro-
moting Emigration to North America. Minutes of a con-
ference had been previously arranged by the Committee, and
from the records of that body I make the following extract,
as being of great importance in reference to the proceedings
in which I afterwards embarked : — " Lord John Russell said,
in regard to the money payable by the Canada Company, it
was applied to various purposes in the Colony, from which it
could not be diverted. In reply to which it was stated that
the whole of this money was not needed for such Colonial pur-
poses, and some part of it might be applied to the promotion of
Emigration. Lord John Russell then stated. That it was the
opinion of all parties that Emigration to British North America
should be encouraged, and that Government would be glad to
promote it if funds could be found for the j^urpose : but that
Government had already determined that they could not pro-
pose any grant to Parliament for this object, in the present
state of the finances of the country.
36 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
On the 23rd of May following, the North American Co-
lonial Committee again assembled, when the deputation re-
ported the unsatisfactory issue of their interview with the
Colonial minister, and when it was determined that an Address
should be issued from the Committee to the nobility, clergy,
and gentlemen of the United Kingdom, stating the objects of
the Committee, and inviting their co-operation. This document
was prepared by me as their Honorary Secretary, and unani-
mously adopted ; and on the motion of the Dftke of Argyll, a
vote of tlianks was passed to me for its preparation.
Address.
** In many parts of the United Kingdom the redundancy of
population has become a formidable, deeply-seated, and rapidly
increasing evil, extending its withering influence through every
portion of the community, assuming an aggravated character
in numerous districts of Ireland, and reducing the Highlands
and Western Isles of Scotland to a state of destitution, from
the contemplation of which the mind recoils with pain and
horror. In the latter districts more especially, the existence
of a large proportion of the population is barely sustained on
the most scanty, precarious, and unwholesome diet; large
masses are in danger of being swept away, and districts depo-
pulated by famine and misery in their most appalling form;
whilst the moral and social evils resulting from the physical
condition of the unhappy sufferers, are daily producing the
most disastrous effects. These sufferings, and the demoraliza-
tion which may be feared, as their consequence, are rapidly
sinking this unhappy, but noble-minded peasantry, distin-
guished for their independence, their provident, self-denying,
and social virtues, to a state of unparalleled wretchedness ; and
an immediate remedy is admitted to be indispensable alike by
the divine, the statesman, and the philanthropist. The period
has confessedly arrived when this remedy can be no longer
delayed ; the wide- spreading desolation must be arrested,
the moral contagion stayed : and it becomes the grave
and solemn duty of all who sympathize with human suf-
AND COLONIZATION. 37
fering, and are interested in the welfare of our fellow-subjects,
but more especially of those immediately connected with the
afflicted districts, to ponder earnestly on the means which
Emigration holds out as a certain corrective, if not entire cure
of an evil, which if allowed to operate longer uncounteracted,
must exhaust the resources of the country, and at no distant
period sink all classes to the level of that which is now the
lowest. This duty becomes more imperatively incumbent on
the nobility, clergy, proprietors, and others connected with the
Highlands and Isles of Scotland, from the fearfully aggravated
form which pauperism has there attained ; nor is the removal
of this surplus population less their duty than their interest.
** Whilst this country is thus overburdened by a redundant
suffering population, the resources of British North America
remain undeveloped, and lie dormant from the want of labourers.
" The inhabitants of Great Britain have entertained most
erroneous opinions of our Canadian provinces, which are grow-
ing in population, and improving in cultivation more rapidly,
perhaps, than any part of the United States, if we except
Michigan, and must become, at no very distant period, a
wealthy, powerful, and populous Colony.
" The climate of Canada is singularly healthy, and in salu-
brity is unquestionably superior to the United States. The cold
of winter is divested of more than half of its gloom by the
extreme drjmess of the atmosphere, and the heat of summer is
attempered by beautiful breezes from the lakes. The higher lati-
tude repels all the summer epidemics that ravage the United
States. Even in the severity of its winters all that is injurious
will yield to the thinning of the forests, the draining of the
swamps, and the other labours of an accumulating population.
" If we look at the map, a truth, rarely adverted to when we
speak of Canada, is apparent to the eye, that a large portion
of the province, lying immediately northward of Lake Erie, is
situated in a lower latitude than the greater part of Michigan
—lower than all that fine and fertile region along the great
canal in the State of New York, very little further north than
the Pennsylvania line, and in the same parallel with the fertile.
38 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
productive, aiid wealthy state of Massachuscts. But it is
known that the climate is much less severe between the same
parallels as we approach the west ; thus Pittsburgh has a softer
winter and a shorter one than Philadelphia, and Buftalo than
Albany. So Upper Canada is far milder than Massachusets.
" It has been stated that * the action of the climate upon
agricultural productions in British North America is more
favourable than in others which have the same mean tempera-
ture. The intense heat of the short summer ripens com and
fruits, which will not thrive in regions where the same warmth
is more equally distributed throughout the year. Thus Quebec
agrees in mean annual temperature with Christiana ; yet wheat,
scarcely ever attemj)ted in Norway, is the staple of Lower
Canada. The upper province nearly coincides with the north
of England, yet the grape, the peach, and the melon, come to
as much perfection as in their native soil. Its winter, cold at
the same time, enables it to combine the products of the
northern with those of the southern temperate climates. By
the side of the fruits above-mentioned flourish the strawberry,
the cranberry, and the raspberry ; while the evergreen pines
are copiously intermingled with the oak, the elm, and others
of ampler foliage. The most populous portion of Russia is
20* to the north of the North American border of Upper
Canada; and the colonists crow^ding to that country are
Britons — a race proverbially successful in all the tasks to be
achieved by patient vigour and fearless adventure. These
men require only room ; their native energies will do the rest.
The forest will be cleared, the morass drained ; the prairie
will be a corn-field ; the huge lakes, those Mediterraneans of
the New World, will be covered with tlie products of the
mineral and agricultural wealth of the country ; coal has
already been discovered in great abundance ; iron and various
metals are already worked ; the hills abound in every kind of
limestone, up to the purest marble.' "
" A great portion of Upper Canada is delightfully situated
for an agricultural country ; free from mountains, it is never-
theless abundantly watered, and almost surrounded and inter-
AND COLONIZATION. 39
sected by navigable rivers and lakes, on which its produce
is easily transported to various and extensive markets. It pos-
sesses a soil, as well as climate, peculiarly favourable to the
growth of wheat, and immense quantities are grown in it. The
Welland canal connects the navigation of Lakes Erie and
Ontario; the Rideau and St. Lawrence canals, constructed
round the obstructions in the St. Lawrence, open a free com-
munication by water from the north-western extremity of Lake
Huron to Montreal, and thence to the Atlantic ; steam pro-
pellers glide down the rapids of the St. Lawrence : and amongst
other internal improvements, it is in contemplation to form a
second line of communication by connecting Lakes Huron and
Simcoe, with the long and extensive chain of lakes and rivers,
throughout the Newcastle district; and lastly, by improving
the navigation of the majestic Ottawa, connecting it with the
remotest north, opening a vast field for agricultural and com-
mercial enterprise. The advantages of the navigation of these
canals and the St. Lawrence are as exclusively British, as the
navigation of the Mississippi is American ; and the British Go-
vernment, in order to augment and foster these important
interests, admits Canadian produce into her ports, duty free.
" The provincial legislature has petitioned for a further re-
mission of the duties on tobacco, the western section of Canada
having been discovered to be peculiarly favourable to its
growth. It has been also ascertained that the climate and
soil, especially that of the western section of the province, are
admirably adapted for the growth of the white mulberry, to the
cultivation of which the attention of the United States has long
been earnestly directed. British North America possesses
inexhaustible physical capabilities of greatness and of wealth ;
she has a territory, which is spread out to an interminable
extent, and fertile in almost every production conducive to the
necessities and gratification of man : her navigable rivers,
her capacious and convenient ports, and the broad blue bosom
of the Atlantic Main, which connects her with the mother
country and its other Colonies, and with the kingdoms of
Europe, all give to her the means and the facility of acquiring
the most ample and the most permanent strength. Taxation
40 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
can scarcely be said to exist in British North America. Ser-
vants, and labourers, and mechanics of all descriptions, are
certain of employment and ample remuneration, and instances
are numerous of persons of this class having sent home money
from their savings to assist in bringing out their indigent rela-
tions. The public works in progress will furnish employment
for many years to any number of labourers coming from Great
Britain, and will continue to sustain good wages, which they
receive for their work. In the possessions of the British
Crown, on the Continent of America, an adequate and indus-
trious population would cause agriculture and commerce to
flourish to a boundless extent. In those fine provinces — so little
known and so imperfectly appreciated by the parent State — the
sources of productive industry are inexhaustible; and every
human being sent from the mother country, enjoying sound
health, and having well-regulated habits, may find em payment
suited to all tlie gradations of strength, skill, and capacity.
** A country so prolific with respect to sources of human
industry is at our very door — within four weeks' sail of our
shores — brought into our arms by steam navigation. It requires
but an extended well-directed Emigration to cause an immense
and rapid increase of its individual prosperity and general
welfare; whilst on the other hand, the overcrowded and famish-
ing districts require but a transfer to these Colonies to effect a
great diminution of national misery, pregnant with alarm as to
its ultimate consequences. Nor is there any reason to fear that
the demand for labour will be checked by the number of per-
sons from this country seeking employment. Persons going at
first as labourers are able to save money so quickly, and so soon
to become independent, and able themselves to afford employ-
ment to others, that it may safely be said that in proportion to
the number of new settlers in the province will be the increased
demand for additional labourers.
" That the present moment is most propitious for the estab-
lishment of a scheme of Emigration, on a large and eftective
scale, cannot be doubted. Our fellow subjects in Upper Canada,
as may be seen by the loyal Address to Her Majesty the Queen
from the House of Assembly, implore their Sovereign, in blended
AND COLONIZATION. 41
tones of loyalty, patriotism, and sympathy, which cannot be
read without emotion, that a plan emanating from her councils
may be established, which shall enable the surplus population
of the United Kingdom to be happily transferred from their
present dreadful position to the unpeopled and unsettled lands
of that fertile and immense domain; — a transfer which will
materially strengthen and effectually preserve the British Colo-
nial dependencies on that continent, and more firmly rivet
the bonds of affection and interest which attach them to the
parent State. The Canada Company have also urged on the
Government, as shown by a paper moved for by the Earl of
Mountcashell, and laid on the table of the House of Lords, the
justice of appropriating the money, amounting to £60,000,
due from them in respect of their purchase of Crown lands, to
establish a scheme to encourage, direct, and facilitate Emigra-
tion to Canada. That the debt payable by the Canada Com-
pany, together with the proceeds of the sale of the Crown
revenue lands, should be applied to purposes of Emigration, is
dictated equally by the interests and necessities of the British
North American provinces, and by that impartial policy which
should regulate the parent State in its relations with all its
dependencies. It is too obvious to require statement, that
the unlimited extent of fertile territory in British North
America still remaining unoccupied must continue unpro-
ductive, and valueless unless its resources are developed by
the united operation of capital and industry; and it is
equally evident that this can only result from Emigration
on a large scale, to be accomplished by the expenditure
of ample funds. The money which may be raised by the
judicious and systematic sale, at a moderate rate, of the
Crown reserve lands would materially aid in attaining this
end, and it is difficult to justify the diversion from an object so
legitimate, to purposes of ordinary state expenditure, of the
large sums paid to Government by the Canada Company in
respect of grants of lands. This diversion is open to further
objection; for while a boon so important has been denied to
British North America, it has been conceded to other British
42 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
Colonies, in contravention of the most manifest principles of
justice; and the Australian dominions of the Crown have
derived from the preference thus extended to them, advantages
which cannot be overrated.
** A Committee has been formed of members of the Colonial
Society, impressed with the importance of, and interested in,
the Settlement of British North America; and to this object
they are indefatigably and zealously devoting their attention,
their experience, and their influence.
** A deputation from the Committee had a recent interview
with the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and earnestly
urged upon his consideration the great and manifold interests
to be promoted by an extensive and well-directed Emigration.
The urgency of immediately relieving both Ireland and the
Highlands of Scotland from the pressure of their surplus popu-
lation, and the irresistible necessity of strengthening the North
American Colonies by these means, was admitted. The Colo-
nial Secretary is aware of the transcendant importance of the
objects of the Committee ; and it appeared quite obvious, from
his declaration, that there was no indisposition on the part of
the Government to entertain the subject, and give practical
proof of such disposition, if its views were sanctioned and
enforced by public opinion.
" With regard to the desires, more especially, of the suffer-
ing people themselves in Scotland, and the hope which Emigra-
tion affords them, no better or more substantial evidence need
be adduced, than that the petitions signed by thousands of these
ill-requited but most deserving men, have been presented to
the Houses of Lords and Commons, breathing sentiments of
patience and resignation, detailing the most harrowing accounts
of their unexampled privations and overwhelming destitution,
and beseeching that they might be aided in their desire to be
transplanted to Canada, where so many of tlieir countrymen
were already happily settled, where a sphere for their usefulness
exists, and where, by their industrious exertions, they could
maintain their families in comfort, with the assurance of
rapidly changing the condition of labourers for that of pro-
AND COLONIZATION. 43
prietors, and soon attaining honourable independence. They
have uniformly and firmly declared their predilection and
partiality for the Canadas, and the other British provinces
in North America, as their future home ; and it is to those
Colonies especially that the labours of the North American
Colonial Committee would direct the current of Emigra-
tion from the United Kingdom. Their contiguity to this
country, and consequent facility of access and cheapness of
transport, present advantages, as compared with more distant
Colonies, too obvious to be overlooked. On this head, it needs
only to be stated that the expense of the conveyance of a family
of four to British North America does not amount to more
than that of one person to those remoter regions. Thus neither
the decrepitude of age, nor the helplessness of infancy, opposes
obstacles to Emigration to British America ; on the contrary,
manhood is there enabled to assuage the infirmities of the one,
and enjoy the smiles of the other. The robust and vigorous
will not alone be taken away to increase rather than to alleviate
the anxieties and burdens of the proprietors. British North
America also possesses no unimportant recommendation, as the
sphere for Emigration, from the rapid and constant intercourse
existing between it and this country, which must check, if not
altogether prevent, false and interested misrepresentations, and
enable the humblest individual to maintain a frequent corre-
spondence with the relatives and friends whom he has quitted.
" There is an anxious solicitude existing in the British North
American provinces to co-operate with their fellow-subjects in
the United Kingdom, in aiding and facilitating every practical
effort made for directing Emigration to those Colonies. The
Address of the House of Assembly of Upper Canada already
referred to, affords a conclusive proof of this ; and a similar
anxiety has been exhibited in the other Colonies. That this
feeling will be cordially and promptly responded to in this
country, the North American Colonial Committee entertain a
complete assurance. They call upon you to concur in realizing
this assurance. They invite you to give them the benefit of
your information and counsel, and the assistance of your con-
44 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
tributions, to diffuse among all classes a knowledge of the
overwhelming necessity of affording a refuge to the unemployed
poor and destitute, by opening outlets and facilities for Emi-
gration, and to point out the peculiar advantages which recom-
mend British North America as so esj)ecially eligible and
desirable for that purpose. The Committee entreat you to
promote petitions to the Crown and both Houses of Parliament,
praying for the speedy adoption by the legislature of an ex-
tended, judicious, and well-regulated system of Emigration to
those provinces, and to impress on your representatives in the
House of Commons that there is no duty more sacred and para-
mount than that of giving effect to this prayer by their parlia-
mentary advocacy, votes, and influence.
" It is clear that the moment has arrived when it has become
necessary to diffuse all the information that can be obtained on
this subject, and to fix the public attention on a matter so
essentially important to the empire. Whatever course it may
be thought right to take, it cannot be too strongly impressed
on every one, that the occasion is urgent and critical, and
the object to be contended for most momentous. It involves
the fate of multitudes of our perishing fellow-subjects here, the
prosperity of our Colonies, the integrity and substantial inte-
rests of the Empire. For these hallowed purposes your co-
operation is invited, and the Committee will be happy to enrol
you amongst the promoters of objects so charitable, so patriotic,
so national, so indispensable.
" Thomas Rolph, Honorary Secretary^
Appended to this oflScial document, was the Address of the
House of Assembly of Upper Canada, already given, and which
last valuable legacy of that faithful and loyal body ought to
be indelibly impressed on the legislating and governing mind
of the Empire.
At the close of this session, and prior to my departure for
Canada, I had the gratification to receive the following testimo-
nial and letters, which are selected from a great variety of
others: —
AND COLONIZATION. 45
<' Moved by tlie Chisliolm; seconded by Henry Baillie, Esq.,
M.P., and
^^ Resolved, — That in reference to the communication made by
Dr. Rolph, of his approaching departure for Canada, and conse-
quent resignation of the office of Secretary, this Committee do
record its deep sense of the unremitting assiduity, earnest zeal,
and eminent success with which that gentleman has devoted
his talents and eloquence to diffusing throughout the United
Kingdom correct information and enlightened views as to the
position, resources, wants, and value of the British North
American provinces, and to the advancing of their rights and
claims on the fostering protection of the mother country.
" That the Chairman do transmit to Dr. Rolph a copy of
this resolution, accompanied by the expression of the high
estimation in which his valuable exertions are held by this Com-
mittee, and of its earnest hope that they may speedily be
adopted by the public service, and thus rendered still more
extensively available to the promotion of the important objects
which have directed and animated them."
" 35, Upper Berkeley Street, Portman Square,
" June 29th, 1840.
*' My dear Dr. Rolph, — It is with great regret that I hear
of your intended departure from this country.
" Was not the object of your voyage to these shores to bring
about an Emigration which was alike to benefit the mother
country and her loveliest daughters — her American Colonies ?
Have you not been the means of collecting into a Committee
many Highland chiefs, landed proprietors, and other interested
and influential individuals ? Further, have you not drawn upon
this important subject the attention of the public ? — Having so
well commenced your work, is it right to leave it not com-
pleted?— Upon your arrival in the fair provinces, it must strike
the sound sense, which there is to be found, that He who has
so successfully commenced the work, is He who should be sent
back to perfect its accomplishment. I cannot doubt that in a
few months I shall have the pleasure of seeing you again
46 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
resume your duties at our committee-room. Wishing you a
pleasant voyage out, and an accelerated return, I beg to sub-
scribe myself,
" My dear Dr. Rolph,
** Yours very sincerely,
** Augustus D'Este."
" Moore Park, June 5th, 1840.
" My dear Sir, — Before you leave England to return home,
I consider it a duty to call your serious attention once more to
the great and important objects we have in London laboured to
obtain; you know my anxiety to direct the tide of Emigration
to Upper Canada, and the success that promises to follow our
exertions if we actively persevere. The influence of the Colonial
Society, where the recently scattered powers of Colonial wealth
and talent has been united into one focus, will, I have no hesi-
tion in saying, add weight to our exertions. But it is to the
zeal and activity of the North American Committee, which so
often and so regularly held its meetings in St. James's Square,
that I ascribe the progress we have made. The resolutions we
there passed, and the deputation that waited on Lord John Russell
have not been in vain. The impression made on his Lordship's
mind, as well as on the people of Great Britain and Ireland,
must soon lead to the best results. You witnessed the interview
at the Colonial Office, and you know the desire of thousands
and tens of thousands to emigrate from Scotland and Ireland.
We cannot, however, deny, that many obstacles interpose, but
none, I believe, that are insurmountable. I need not enumerate
them, because to you they are already known. What I now
wish to impress on your mind, is the importance of establishing
a Committee in Toronto, to aid and co-operate in the important
objects we have in view. Such a committee will, I doubt not,
receive the countenance of the Government, and by the assist-
ance and encouragement it may afford to emigrants arriving, it
will greatly further our exertions here; whilst by proper ma-
nagement, it can prevent vast numbers of new comers from
passing over into the United States. To effect these beneficial
AND COLONIZATION. 47
objects, much will depend on the measures adopted in Upper
Canada. Too much caution and judgment cannot be exercised in
the selection of proper secretaries and agents ; and if the people of
the Upper Province will take the matter in hand with that degree
of energy it deserves, they ought not only to appoint an active
secretary at Toronto, but also one in England to forward and
receive all necessary communications, to afford the Committee
here assistance and authentic information, to influence the mind
of the public, and generally to co-operate with us in bringing
about an annual Emigration upon a great scale. Having wit-
nessed your ability, activity, and zeal, whilst you kindly acted
as Honorary Secretary to our North American Committee, I
must venture to express a hope that your friends in Canada
may prevail on you to accept the office of Secretary, to be
permanently stationed in London to attend to their interests ;
and that the Upper Canadians will prove their approbation by
raising amongst themselves (and this may be done by a very
moderate subscription,) a salary adequate to the expense you
must incur, and the importance of the situation you will fill.
As the chairman of the North American Committee, I felt it a
duty to watch over and to forward the interests of all our North
American Colonies, but this in no way debars me from displaying
peculiar anxiety for the welfare of that province with which I
happen to be most intimately connected. I cannot conclude
without expressing a hope, that should you visit Ireland previous
to your crossing the Atlantic, you will favour me with your
company at Moore Park as long as your arrangements may
permit you. — By so doing you will cause much satisfaction to,
" My dear Sir, yours very faithfully.
*' MOUNTCASHELL.
" To Dr. Rolph, &c."
" 6, Belgrave Street, June 2nd, 1840.
" Dear Sir, — As I am deeply interested in the promotion
of Emigration of the superabundant population of many of the
Highland districts of Scotland, I think that the presence in this
country of a gentleman like yourself, well acquainted with the
48 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
Canadas, to whicli I wish the Emigration of the Highlanders to
be chiefly directed, would he of the greatest use in forwarding
our wishes, and in securing the certain reception, good treat-
ment, and ample employment of our people, when they arrive
in our North American Colonies. I should therefore hope that
you may find it consistent with your other arrangements, to
return to this country and give us the benefit of your knowledge
and experience in promoting a regular and beneficial Emigra-
tion from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland to the Canadas,
so long as they may require, and we be able to furnish, a supply
of steady and respectable Emigrants to bring those extensive
tracts into profitable cultivation.
'* I remain, very sincerely, yours, &c.
" Argyll.
" To Dr. Thomas Rolph, Secretary to the
Colonial Committee, St. James's Square.*'
" Glasgow, 16th June, 1840.
** My dear Sir, — I have heard with pain that you intend
soon to return to Canada : I do hope this is not the case ; if so,
what is to become of my poor countrymen, and of the tens of
thousands now eagerly crying out for Upper Canada ? You
have been the means of exciting an attention to the subject of
Emigration in this kingdom, and especially in Scotland, quite
unknown before. Your departure will destroy all our hopes,
and damp all the exertions now making. I am quite persuaded,
that if you could remain, or return to us immediately, you must
succeed ultimately in your noble cause. Canada is most blind
to their best interests if they allow your return ; and equally
blind would we be at home, to part with you at such a crisis.
No Government can stand out against the pressure from with-
out that we shall soon bring to bear upon them, from the
thousands and the tens of thousands of our unemployed, but
virtuous and industrious population ; the great mass of the
people are now learned on the subject ; they must leave Scot-
land: and if the Government do not aid in carrying them away,
they must build an Asylum and House of Refuge, and feed
AND COLONIZATION. 49
them. My own humble publication has been the means of
awakening the poor Highlanders ; they are now crying out for
Emigration to America, who could not be dispossessed last
year by the bayonet. Is there no way in which you could be
appointed to act in Britain for Canada? Your efforts have
raised a spirit which, if kept alive, cannot fail to relieve us,
and send a most valuable addition of settlers to Canada.
" Forgive me for writing to you thus freely. — It is an
awfully important subject — much has been done in arousing
public bodies, and proprietors, and people. Leave us, and, I
fear, we shall fall asleep again. I at least will stop my pipe,
and cease to hold out any prospect to the poor Highlanders ;
but leave them at the mercy of any interested South Austra-
lians to come and pick out the able, the strong, and labo-
rious families, and leave us in misery. I write this in haste.
I wish I was in Canada, and could lift my voice in the House
of Legislature ; and I would say, * Leave us Dr. Rolph, and
be you manufacturing hatchets, we shall send you thousands
upon thousands to use them.'
" I have sent a dozen copies of the Gaelic Magazine to
Upper Canada, for distribution among some of my brethren.
I wish I knew the names and addresses of some of the Catholic
clergy there who understand Gaelic, and I would send a few to
them. I am, my dear sir, with great respect and esteem,
" Yours very faithfully,
" Norman M'Leod, D.D.
'^ToDr. Rolph, &c."
After a farewell dinner, which was given to me at Blackwall
by various members of public bodies, and others who appre-
ciated my services in this interesting field of exertion, I sailed
from London for Canada on the 10th of July, and reached
Toronto in the beginning of September.
If I left England, after having zealously devoted my atten-
tion to the objects of my mission, amidst the warmest demon-
strations of personal regard to myself, and awakened interest
in the Colonies whose cause I had advocated, my reception
60 8T8TBMATIC EMIGRATION
on the other side of the Atlantic was not less cheering and
enthusiastic. I had left Canada eleven months before, dis-
tracted from the effects of its internal commotions, and with
Emigration at its lowest ebb. On my return, instead of gloom
and despondency everywhere prevalent when I left, I found
a spirit of hope and exultation animating the mass of the inha-
bitants from the awakened interest everywhere felt and ex-
pressed in the United Kingdom for the prosperity of their
fellow-subjects in British America. Immediately on my arrival
at Toronto, I received a requisition, signed by 171 persons,
including all the judges, executive councillors, the mayor,
high sheriff, and indeed by the chief respectability and moral
and political strength of the city, without the slightest reference
to party, to partake of a sumptuous banquet in the City Hall,
on the 15th of September. Accordingly, the dinner took place
on that day, and I give the following abstract of the report of
it, which was given at full length in the Toronto Patriot of the
ISthof that month.
" On Tuesday last a public dinner was given in the City
Hall, to Dr. Thomas Rolph, as a proof of the estimation in
which he is held by the citizens of Toronto, for the unremitting
exertions used by him during his recent tour through the
United Kingdom, to bring before the British public the re-
sources and capabilities of this province.
** The Hall was most tastefully decorated with oak boughs
and evergreens, together with the flags and banners of the
different societies in the city. A full-length portrait of the
Queen was placed at the head of the room over the centre table.
The tables were arranged in four divisions to accommodate the
large party who attended on this occasion. The chair was
occupied by his Honor the Vice Chancellor, and the vice chair
by W. B. Jarvis Esq. Sheriff of the Home district. The Vice
Presidents at the other tables were the Mayor of the city, the
Honourable J. Elmsley, and Major Barwick.
** The band of the 32nd regiment, by the kind permission
of its respected Colonel, attended, and played in admirable style
AND COLONIZATION. 51
during the evening many fine overtures, marches, &c. &c. — ^The
stewards were — The Mayor, Dr. King, Aldermen Gurnett,
Dixon, Monro, and Stotesbury, Messrs. Stennett, Browne,
Atkinson, J. W. Gwynne, Mc Eldery, and Barber.
" The dinner was sumptuous, and served up in admirable
style, the wines and dessert abundant and excellent, and the
whole arrangements so complete as to reflect the highest credit
on the Managers. After the cloth was removed, the Chairman
rose, and said that custom no less than affection had consecrated
and sanctioned that toast as the first at the festive and the
social board, which was most near and dear to a Briton's heart,
— their Sovereign ; and the present occupant of the throne being
of the fairer and more engaging sex, chivalry and duty con-
spired together to give an additional enthusiasm to its charac-
ter. He would propose the health of
" Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, — three times
three, and rapturous cheering. The band played God save
the Queen, the whole company standing.
" 2. Queen Adelaide and the rest of the Royal Family.
"3. The Governor-General, and
" 4. The Lieutenant-Governor.
" 5. Our worthy and esteemed guest, Dr. Thomas Rolph,
the able and eloquent advocate of Emigration from the British
Isles to these Colonies.
"Dr. Rolph on rising to return thanks spoke as follows : —
" Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen — My gratitude and exulta-
tion at this overwhelming manifestation of your regard is so
great, as to render it impossible for me to thank you as I desire.
There is not a single individual amongst you, whose personal
courtesy would not be received by me as a matter of great
individual gratification ; but when that courtesy is combined by
the union of you all, it comes upon me in an overflowing sense
of your kindness, and of my own incapacity to thank you as J
ought. But I confess I am glad of this grand meeting, this
large and noble assemblage, upon other than personal grounds.
There is an union here, to be seen and felt, which augurs well
for the future welfare and prosperity of this noble Colony. We
E 2
52 8T9TBMATIC EMIGRATION
contemplate with delight the general concurrence of all parties
in the promotion of great national benefits ; we turn from a
party to an empire ; and we readily combine and firmly unite
in the hallowed and patriotic object of adding to the wealth,
strength, and security of the country, by our conjoint endea-
vours to introduce into these provinces the surplus population
of the parent State. Our earliest, our irrevocable fealty to
Great Britain makes us the earnest and untiring friends of
British Emigration. We should regard with dismay and an-
guish the arrival of that period, however remote, in which that
great and glorious land should become a stake, for which the
rival dominions of the world should play; and the conviction
has now become fixed and general, that the loss of the British
North American provinces would be the loss to Great Britain
of her supremacy on the seas, her commerce in peace, her nur-
sery in war, and that it would be followed by the reflection on
her waters in the British Channel of the stars of the new world,
and the hovering and flapping of the heavy wings of the Northern
Eagle over her city of palaces. But I turn from this consi-
deration, to the happier omen offered by this day's enlivening
spectacle. It was well known to most here present, that suc-
cessive administrations have recommended, and different legis-
latures admitted, the immeasurable consequences to these
provinces of encouraging hither British Emigration. I shall
not weary your patience, or exhaust your time by drawing your
attention to the repeated efforts made by them to create a public
interest on this subject, but confine myself to tlie declared opi-
nions of the late Earl Durham on this matter, he says, * I am
fully convinced of the importance of the objects contemplated
by you, and indeed deeply impressed with the necessity, with a
view to the ultimate success of my mission, of encouraging the
Emigration of people from Britain to this part of Her Majesty's
dominions, and the investment of British capital in colonial
improvements ; so that the vast and naturally fertile territory
intersected by the St. Lawrence and its tributaries may no
longer present an unfavourable contrast with adjoining States,
as respects production, advancement, and prosperity. I have
AND COLONIZATION. 53
issued a commission of inquiry for the purpose of framing a
general measure, of which the whole aim, scope, and tenor, will
be the promotion of British Emigration, and the improvement
of these Colonies by attracting to them a portion of the super-
abundant capital of Britain. I am satisfied that such a policy
may be adopted with great benefit to the mother country, and
infinite advantage to these Colonies.' Although these senti-
ments were general, no efibrt was made to remove the great
weight of prejudice and ignorance which existed in Great
Britain, preventing that cordial co-operation on the part of the
people on which alone the introduction of capital and encou-
ragement to Emigration depended. An earnest request made
to me by my late dear, beloved, and ever to be lamented friend,
Bishop Macdonell, in the spring of 1839, to accompany him to
Great Britain, to promote that patriotic object which he com-
menced in early life, and for which he felt the most intense
solicitude, — the removal of his suffering countrymen from hope-
less poverty to independence, — induced me no longer to hesitate.
His great weight, his high respectability, his personal worth,
his extensive influence, his unbounded philanthropy, his endear-
ing manners, were powerful inducements to engage in the
labours which I then undertook. I was not insensible to the
difficulties which opposed themselves to my exertions : want of
means, powerful prejudices to overcome, nay, more, misre-
presentations which even success itself too often causes * the
man who makes a character, to make foes :' to all this I was
indifterent ; and seeing a vast good to be accomplished, I was
resolved not to allow
* I dare not, wait upon I would.'
I embarked at once with my venerated and venerable friend ;
and your enthusiastic reception and overpowering welcome this
day proves how generously you have appreciated and over-
estimated my endeavour."
After dwelling upon the great importance of our trade to
the manufacturing interests of England, as well as to the agri-
culturists, I continued : —
54 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
" The agricultural societies of the United Kingdom feel a
deep interest in the agricultural prosperity of these provinces,
they feel and know that their o\^ti interests are deeply inter-
woven with those of the Colonies, from whence only would
they wish Great Britain to derive her deficiency in the staff" of
life. It was at the great agricultural meeting in North Britain
where I secured the earnest and enthusiastic band of chiefs and
heritors who now feel so deep and abiding an interest in the
welfare of this country. It was there that the Duke of Rich-
mond's friendship was secured, and which is likely to prove as
beneficial to Canada as that of his illustrious sire, who was one
of its earliest governors, as he was unquestionably one of its
most devoted friends. After traversing the Highlands, meeting
everywhere the kindest attention and the warmest hospitality —
securing influential, active, and zealous friends, I proceeded to
Glasgow, a city renowned for the wealth, energy, enterprise,
and intelligence of its inhabitants, and where I met with the
most gratifying and enthusiastic reception, and the most eflScient
and useful co-operation. And here too I enlisted in our cause
that great, that noble, that invaluable man, the Rev. Dr.
M*Leod — a Christian apostle, a Highland patriot, a distin-
guished scholar, an ardent philanthropist, a champion for the
British North American provinces, and the true and abiding
friend of this particular portion of the British dominions. It
may not be amiss to observe, that at Glasgow the first com-
mittee was formed to encourage Emigration to Canada. I men-
tion this, because some persons were apprehensive that the
course I felt constrained to adopt in that city was not calcu-
lated to promote my object; but I assure you, gentlemen, there
is no disinclination existing in any portion of the United
Kingdom to settle in this country from apprehension of Ame-
rican hostility whilst they feel assured of British protection and
regard.
" From Glasgow I proceeded to Ireland, where amongst all
classes of its generous, warm-hearted, and brave inhabitants, I
found an increasing conviction of the importance of firmly
securing the connexion between these Colonies and the parent
AND COLONIZATION. 65
State ; and not only a willingness, but an ardour to direct the
stream of Emigration from Ireland to the British North Ameri-
can provinces. Amongst the most influential converts to these
patriotic doctrines, I may more particularly mention Lord Clon-
curry,'and W. S. O'Brien, Esq., the member for Limerick. The
latter most estimable and intelligent gentleman has recently ad-
dressed his constituents in the county of Limerick, as follows : —
" ' In adverting to Canada, and Canadian policy, I touch
upon a subject which has become recently so peculiarly inte-
resting to us all. Very many thousands of our countrymen
have already settled in that country, and many more are
destined to find there a happy home. Few cherish more fer-
vently than I do an attachment to the land of our fathers ; but
I should not be deterred by a misplaced sensibility, from avow-
ing my strong conviction that Emigration to the British North
American Colonies is the best resource for persons of every
class of life, who find a difficulty in employing their means,
their strength, their talents, and their industry with profit at
home. In those Colonies, under proper regulations, there is
abundant room for all, and those who possess industry, enter-
prise, and perseverance, are never known to fail. With such
advantages as they possess, it seems nothing less than a dis-
grace to the legislature that any portion of an active and
industrious population should be allowed to suffer, the priva-
tions to which they are periodically subject — frequently verging
on absolute famine — whilst at a small expense they might be
sent to and assisted in a land of abundance. I am therefore a
warm advocate for Emigration to Canada, and since so much
zeal has recently been evinced, I have most sanguine hopes
that parliament in its next session will be induced to sanction
the adoption on a permanent principle of a well-organized
system of Colonization.*
" I cannot exaggerate the claims which the Earl of Mount-
cashell has on our gratitude and affection ; it is a subject I love
to dwell upon, and which you will warmly cherish, when I
inform you that it is his intention to visit this province himself,
56 SYSTEMATIC EHIGRATIOM
and assist in the advancements of its interests. Nor must I
forget to apprize you that Ck)lonel Wyndliam is nobly following
up what his benevolent and princely father so muniticently and
patriotically commenced, and has declared his intention of
contributing to the utmost of his power to bring smiling
prosiKirity into our loved and beautiful province. Amongst
our warm and efficient friends in Ireland, I must not overlook
Mr. Bermingham, of Caramana, who is as anxious to promote
Emigration to this country, to effect its settlement, and to aid
in the completion of its public works, as if he were deeply and
personally interested in their success. From Ireland I returned
to England, to visit some of the rural districts, and attend some
of the agricultural societies ; but being again strongly urged by
many persons in Ireland to revisit the northern part of that
lovely island, I did so, and I hope with manifest success.
From thence I was called by a special and pressing invitation
from the Duke of Argyll to attend the great meeting of
Highland noblemen, chiefs, heritors, and others, which was
held in Edinburgh, for the purpose of devising the best means
of securing the future Emigration of the Highlanders to Canada.
Mr. Bowie, our zealous, able, and indefatigable friend attended,
and has continued his valuable and unremitting exertions ever
since in our cause. Not to mention the Duke of Argyll would
betray an indifference and ingratitude which I should blush to
own. But how to speak of him as I ought, I know not ; suf-
fice it to say, that to the comfortable settlement of his admiring
countrymen in Canada, from the highest and most exalted mo-
tives, and to continue his endearing connexion with them here
as at home, he is desirous of devoting his means, his influence,
his exertions, and his time. His son, the Lord of Lorn, pos-
sesses all his zeal and patriotism, with the additional advan-
tages of youth, and glories in proclaiming his irrevocable
attachment to these rising Colonies."
After detailing the origin and progress of the North Ame-
rican Colonial Committee, already sufficiently adverted to by
me in the previous part of this work, 1 continued : —
AND COLONIZATION. 57
" There is one more individual whom I have left to the
last, on whose heart is inscribed the word ' Canada ;' whose
noble and lofty lineage, whose gallant and chivalrous bearing,
whose unquenchable philanthropy and exalted patriotism,
whose concentration of every manly virtue, and every enno-
bling emotion that can reflect honour on the prince, the
soldier, and the gentleman, justly and fondly endears him to all
who have the honour and the happiness of his friendship, —
I mean the son of the Duke of Sussex, Sir Augustus D'Este,
who is also a member of this committee, — from the inextin-
guishable affection which he alike bears to his countrymen
and to these provinces, and his earnest hope to assist in that
judicious transfer of the former that shall confer and ensure a
lasting benefit on both.
" Gentlemen, you have no longer that hindrance and obsta-
cle to Emigration here, which arose from ignorance, prejudice,
or dislike at home. You have not hostility to encounter, but
affection to cement and cherish ; you have not co-operation to
seek, but to reciprocate : there is now no apathy upon the
part of the British people ; they no longer hesitate to join you,
as they are sure no receding on your part need be apprehended.
They are willing to provide for and sustain for a period the
hardy and affectionate people they are prepared to send amongst
you. They only desire that you will receive them, and locate
them. They want to hear of you, to talk of you, to act with
you, and numbers of them to reside with you.
" They see and know that the strength of the British empire
has been and will still be employed to maintain, lasting and
unimpaired, the glorious and happy connexion existing between
us. All are aware that if England could not retain her nearest
and most valuable Colonies she would have no inducement to
maintain her dominion over those that are remote ; and now
that steam has asserted its supremacy over winds and waves,
and brought our father-land so completely within our grasp,
and the rate of postage so reduced, as to invite a perpetual
communication with the loved kindred and friends that remain
58 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
behind, still further cementing the union between the land of
our birth and the land of our adoption ; it is to be hoped that
we shall unite together in this grand patriotic object of Colonial
improvement and national strength."
After eulogising the Canada Company for their very patriotic
exertions in extending, throughout the United Kingdom, cor-
rect knowledge regarding the resources and capabilities of
Canada, and their liberality towards myself, I concluded in the
following terms: —
** Under the fostering exertions of this valuable Committee,
a great increase must take place in our numbers. Capital will
flow into the province, and be spent in the promotion of im-
provement and the encouragement of industry; it will pass
along our lines of commerce into the hands of farmers, mer-
chants, and artisans ; it will keep the hardy labourer employed ;
it will find its way into the dwellings of the people ; it will
cheer the inmates of the log cabin with substantial and nu-
tritious food ; it will cause all the sweet and social charities of
our nature to expand in the joyful contemplation of the hap-
piness, the comfort, the contentment, and the prosperity of the
people. We shall see the face of nature embellishing and im-
proving, her asperities softened into verdant beauties, her hills
thinned of her woods, and her valleys teeming with fertility,
idleness and solitude banished, industry rewarded, and the
remotest sections of the country benefited and advanced. I
rejoice we can meet and unite on neutral — on hallowed ground.
This is no party question, no party movement ; it is a great, a
glorious national movement, disembarrassed of all political or
sectarian feelings. It is a charitable co-operation with our
aft'ectionate fellow subjects at home, in a grand scheme of pa-
triotism and philanthropy, by which a benefit will be conferred
on suffering masses of industrious men, who will be rescued
from periodical famines, by emigration to this country, whilst
British North America will be raised to that eminence amongst
England's dependencies to which she is entitled, and Britain
herself, in extended commerce and unbroken dominion, will
AND COLONIZATION. 59
reap substantial benefit from the opulence and contentment
which a sound colonization must produce in this mighty and
valuable appendage of the British Crown."
" Loud, rapturous, and continued cheering followed this
address.
** 6. The Army and Navy. — Col. Bullock returned thanks
on behalf of the Army, and the Hon. Captain Elmsley for the
Navy.
** 7. The United Provinces of Canada, — may their recent
Union perpetuate our connexion with the parent state, and
promote the permanent welfare of all classes of Her Majesty's
subjects.
"8. The Sister Colonies, — may their connexion with the
British Empire be equally permanent and advantageous.
** The Vice Chancellor, in consequence of indisposition, was
obliged to retire, and Mr. Sheriff Jarvis was called to the
chair, when he gave
"9. The health of our worthy President, the Vice Chan-
cellor.
" 10. The Landed and Commercial Interests of Canada. — •
Mr. Perrin and Alderman Dennison returned thanks.
"11. The Memory of the late good Earl of Egremont, the
munificent supporter of Emigration to Upper Canada.
" 12. The Earl of Mountcashell, President, Arthur John
Robertson, of Inches, Esq., Vice-President, and the other
members of that distinguished Association, the British North
American Colonial Committee, — many thanks to them for their
zealous and valuable support.
" The memory of the late Bishop Macdonell, prefaced by
some very feeling observations of the Sheriff.
" The Duke of Wellington, by Mr. Hagarty — Lord Seaton
—Sir F. B. Head, by Mr. Beard— Sir Robert Peel, by Captain
Grundy — the Militia of Upper Canada, by the Chairman — Suc-
cess to Emigration, by Mr. Nicoll — Dr. King and the Stewards*
" The Company broke up at a late hour, highly delighted
with their entertainment."
60 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
During the dinner, his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor,
Sir George Arthur, transmitted to me the following letter : —
" Government House,
" Toronto, 15th September, 1840.
" Sir, — I cannot resist the opportunity which your return
to this country affords me, of expressing the gratification with
which I have noticed your zealous and able services, while in
England, in advocating the cause of Emigration.
" Feeling most deeply impressed with the conviction, that
the prosperity of this province must materially depend upon
the acquisition of resources attendant upon the influx of
respectable and industrious Emigrants from the mother^country,
I have watched with much solicitude every event which could
have an effect upon so momentous a subject: it therefore
afforded me much satisfaction to witness the strenuous exer-
tions which you made, during your sojourn in Britain, to bring
the advantages of this fine province to the notice of the British
population, with the view of turning into it the stream of
Emigration.
" I have the honour to remain, sir,
" Your most obedient servant,
** Geo. Arthur.
** Doctor Rolph, &c. &c. &c."
This public entertainment at Toronto was followed by one
of a similar character, a few weeks afterwards, at Hamilton,
the capital of the Gore District. The sheriff, Alexander
Macdonell, Esq., presided over a very large and influential
meeting, comprising Sir Allan Macnab, Colonels Gourlay,
Kerr, Chisholm, &c. Without fatiguing the reader by unne-
cessary recapitulation, I cannot avoid giving some extracts from
my speech on that occasion, as reflecting information bearing
upon the state of the Colony not unworthy of preservation.
After thanking the company for their overwhelming reception,
I proceeded to say :—
AND COLONIZATION. 61
«* At the period I left this province with my late dear
friend Bishop Macdonell, Emigration from the British Isles
was altogether directed either to the United States, or to the
remoter portions of the British Empire. Every one witnessed
and lamented it: the House of Assembly, even in its last session,
addressed the Queen on the subject; but no one seemed willing
to make an effort to avert the evil, and bring back again to
this country the very bone and sinew of its wealth, — the super-
abundant population of the parent State.
** For years the defection had been increasing, enterprise
was arrested, and confidence diminished, until the whole country
became involved in one wide spread, all-pervading confusion,
amounting nearly to despair. The population, strictly and
properly an agricultural one, were called from their agricul-
tural pursuits, to lay by their ploughshares for the musket,
and their sickle for the sword. The sail of commerce was
furled, the wheel of the manufacturer stopped, the blight of
a depreciated value fell upon the product of our agriculture,
holding back the arm of labour from its gainful stroke, and
carrying into every quarter a deep and dreadful gloom.
Scarcely had the province returned to its former state of peace
and rest — commerce seeking her counting-house and her mer-
chandize, agriculture returning to her ploughshare and sickle,
and husbanding her stores, than at the earnest behest of my
late venerable and venerated friend, I resolved to make an
effort to bring back to the country the stream of Emigration
from the British Isles, which had been diverted to other shores,
and with it also the superabundant, unemployed capital of the
parent State."
After citing many American authorities, proving to a
demonstration the immense increase of capital attendant on
Colonization, amongst other examples of its success in Canada,
I alluded to " the beautiful and flourishing township of Cavan, so
justly renowned for the devotion of its patriotic people in 1838,
which had not had the benefit of the introduction of capital,
but one person possessed of £500. having gone into it since its
settlement. But look at its returns, its population, its cultiva-
62 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
tion, its mills, churches, schools, houses, farms, and assessed
value, and then let any one say that people, industrious people,
do not create capital. I might occupy your time for hours in
selecting different parts of the province where the same thing
has occurred, under your own immediate observation, but I
will allude to but one, so well known to you all, — the Jersey
■ettlement. About forty years since the first settlers had to
ride or walk through an Indian train to Niagara to procure
their grist ; now behold it, one vast cultivated plain, noble
farms, extensive bams, fine orchards, excellent habitations,
with a wealthy body of proprietors. If these men who came
originally to the country, without the means of purchasing,
and who had to pay heavy fees, and encounter expensive jour-
neys before they obtained their deeds, frequently amounting to
a sum equal to a purchase, and have done so well, what a
bright prospect for the future is held out, by the free settle-
ment on our soil, of our frugal, brave, hardy, and industrious
subjects from the British Isles. In this holy undertaking
philanthropy unites with patriotism in calling out for the adop-
tion of a systematic Emigration from Great Britain. Before
the destruction of the kelp trade, the brave and hardy High-
landers lived well and happily in the romantic glens of their
lovely Isles : now their condition is so deplorable that it is
difficult to determine whether we feel as much sympathy for
their suffering, as wonder at their patience and resignation.
The population of Rasay, belonging to the M*Leod, are pant-
ing to come to Canada ; and hear the testimony of that exalted
character, Dr. M*Leod, in their favour : —
" * I bear cheerful testimony to their wonderful merits ; a
more moral, respectful, courageous, enduring, sober, religious,
virtuous, loyal people, are not any where to be met with on
earth — actually invaluable for peace or war. Canada ought
not to lose them.*
" Shall we be afraid of receiving such pauper emigrants ?
Shame on those paupers in spirit who would attempt to raise
such a debasing howl. Then turn to Ireland, whose condition
must excite a deep interest wherever the human heart beats
AND COLONIZATION. 63
with an impulse of sympathy for the sufferings of a wretched
people. Never was there a nation, possessing so many noble
and generous qualities, that has drunk so deeply of the cup of
bitterness, or been so cruelly afflicted as the Irish. Brave,
confiding, benevolent, witty, and vivacious, they deserved to be
the heritors of all that intellect or courage could command ; but
their doom has been one of misery and want, and their sufferings
have almost surpassed human conception. And will Canada be
the only British Colony that would refuse them a hearty wel-
come? And then England, * my own, my native land,' — I can
assure my brethren there, as I have already proudly assured
them — as this kind reception of an Englishman will enable me
still more confidently to assure them — that Canada will always
hail rapturously, and cordially welcome a portion of that
genuine heart of oak which has made England's name glorious,
and her annals bright ; and it is with great delight I inform
you that many large and small capitalists from that country
purpose settling in this; numbers intend visiting it from
curiosity, pleasure, and information, and many from a desire to
form an intimate acquaintance with a people who have mani-
fested such devotion for an enduring connexion with the British
realm, and to survey, with a Briton's manly pride, that majestic
chain of lakes and rivers falling into the St. Lawrence, the
possession of which enables us still to sing —
* Rule Britannia ! Britannia rule the waves,
For Britons never, never will be slaves/
Here, also, gentlemen, I may be permitted to observe, that
great apprehensions were felt, and many ill-timed and ill-natured
observations were made, as to the impropriety and impolicy of
inducing emigrants to come out to the country without any
provision being made for their reception here. But, gentlemen,
such never was my object, nor my desire ; but it was my deter-
mination to force on the attention of the British Government,
the British nation, the provincial government, and the Cana-
dian people, the folly, the impossibility of neglecting any longer
a measure of Colonization, which every Governor of these
Colonies had pronounced necessary for the happiness and
64 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
safety of tlie country, and which every day's delay rendered
more difficult of accomplishment. What success has attended
my exertions time will show. But, gentlemen, owing to the
pressure from without, to the zeal and talent of the Honourable
Mr. Sullivan, to the unremitting assiduity of Col. Chisholm, to
the unwearied interest manifested in the cause of Emigration
by Sir Allan Macnab, to the pledge and address to Her Ma-
jesty of the House of Assembly during the last Session, to
the excellent feeling of the Lieutenant-Governor, and to the
power and inclination of the Governor-General, a large portion
of the most beautiful,' the most fertile, of the public domain, has
been now assigned and appropriated for the settlement of our
brethren from the United Kingdom. Blessed with a climate
singularly agreeable and salubrious, a soil rich in the ex-
treme ; possessing vast hydraulic powers ; on the margin of a
splendid lake, abounding with the choicest fish ; having the
advantage of a noble harbour, screened from every wind, easily
accessible on the one end to the metropolis of the province,
and on the other, immediately contiguous to its richest and
most thriving settlements — it may be safely augured that this
location, now offered to British enterprise and industry, will
flourish and prove a happy home to tens of thousands of our
fellow-countrymen from the parent State.
** The tract of land to which I refer extends from Garrafraxa
on the south, to Owen's Bay on Lake Huron on the north.
At its south extremity it will be connected with the fertile
lands of the Canada Company, with the townships of Nicol,
Woolwich, and Guelph ; and with Lake Ontario by a road
through to Oakville. To the north an easy route is found from
Toronto, by Yonge Street, to Lake Simcoe, and over the short
Portage road to Lake Huron. Besides these manifest advan-
tages, by a reference to the map you will see this land forms a
portion of that noble tract between the lakes, the broadest and
deepest surveyed lands in the country — surveyors are now
occupied in its survey ; a large town plot has been reserved by
Owen'g Bay ; sites fixed for mills with 100 feet perpendicular
fall of water ; portions have been set apart for schools, religious
AND COLONIZATION. 65
edifices, and public purposes, — the roads throughout will be
made good and effective, and a chain in width. Agents will
be stationed there with lists of locations, and to impart every
description of information ; forty-five bushels of excellent wheat
have already been gathered from one acre of land in the town-
ship of St. Vincent ; and to render the whole arrangement as
judicious and perfect as possible, a wise admixture will take
place between native Canadians and their fellow-subjects from
the British isles, by which the kindest feelings will be recipro-
cated, established, and cherished, — the latter looking for instruc-
tion in their new occupation from the former well qualified to
impart it ; and thus by this happy interchange of kindness, the
emigrant will equally cherish a love for the land of his adop-
tion, as of his birth, and say —
* Yet be it still my pride,
To love the land I live in now ;
But ever bear in heart and brow ;
That where our fathers died.'
Circumstances are again painfully forcing the attention of Great
Britain to the paramount, imperative necessity of cherishing,
fostering, sustaining, and strengthening her colonial domi-
nions."
After proceeding at great length to point out the value of
our colonial trade, and alluding to the gratifying increase of
the shipping arrived at Quebec this year, I concluded my
observations as follows : —
" Gentlemen, a smooth and beautiful prospect of future
advancement is opened before us. The progress the province
has made, and the enterprise manifested this year, furnish us
with the most assured hopes of continued improvement ; and
we indulge in the anticipation that the time is not far distant,
wheu this lovely country will furnish no unfavourable contrast
with those of older date and larger means ; but that it will be
recognised, under the fostering guidance of Great Britain, as one
of its nearest, most flourishing, and most attractive possessions,
and that in its strength and prosperity will be found security
for the perpetuity of the integrity of the British Empire, and
06 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
the preservation of Britisli supremacy on the seas. I he^ to
return my most sincere thanks for the enthusiasm you have
evinced on this occasion. To make the profter, in return, of
co-operation with you in the liallowed cause which brought us
together, — the promotionof Emigration, — would be superfluous.
I made a solemn pledge, at the great Edinburgh meeting, last
winter, to attach myself irrevocably to this noble pursuit ; it
has been a source of unfeigned delight to me, to have aroused
a feeling favourable to these Colonies amongst a class of indi-
viduals in Great Britain, who can and will effectually serve
them, and promote their best interests. I feel deeply inter-
ested in the advancement and prosperity of this province :
there is no toil, however severe, or labour however prolonged,
that I would not cheerfully undergo, to render Canada the
emporium of British commerce, the sanctuary of British indus-
try, the field for British enterprise, the storehouse for British
manufactures, the granary for Great Britain, — wherewith to
supply the deficiencies of her agriculture, the favoured abode
for her surplus population, and the investment of her capital,
and her exact model in everything that is great, honourable,
glorious, and good."
After many patriotic toasts and patriotic speeches from Sir
Allan Macnab, Isaac Buchanan, Esq., and others, the meeting
separated at a late hour, highly gratified with the proceedings.
At Woodstock, the capital of the Brock District, I had also
the honour to be entertained at a public dinner, in November,
by all the elite of that beautiful district of Canada, — the Hon.
P. B. de Blaquiere presiding. I feel that I have already
trespassed too long by the quotations from my speeches above
inserted, to notice those delivered by me at Woodstock and
Goderich ; but I cannot refrain from giving the following ex-
tract from the Chairman's speech on proposing my health,
from the Woodstock Herald, which gave a full report of the
proceedings at that dinner.
** The Chairman then called their attention to the toast of
the evening, and requested a flowing bumper. He said, * Gen-
tlemen, it is necessary for me in directing your attention to
AND COLONIZATION. 67
the great merits, and invaluable services of our guest, briefly
to allude to the state and condition of this province for the
three preceding years, and compare it with the present. Dis-
turbed within ; assailed from without ; enterprise arrested ;
commerce checked ; Emigration stopped ; gloom and despon-
dency prevailing ; trade languishing ; despair almost existing
through the mass of the people. At this critical moment, one
patriotic spirit was found, who, unmoved by difficulties, unde-
terred by prudential calculations, unaided by the province or
the people, nobly resolved, at his own cost and at all risks, to
make an effort on behalf of this province, in the United
Kingdom. Convinced himself that its present peace, its future
wealth, its lasting prosperity, could only be secured by the
refreshing and invigorating stream of British Emigration, he
crossed the Atlantic, and kindled in the breasts of the people
of England, Ireland, and Scotland, a fervid zeal in favour of
this Colony, similar to that which pervaded his own. From
the knowledge which his friends possessed of his information
and ability, they augured success from his exertions and appeal ;
but no one throughout the country was prepared for the
astounding success which attended his efforts, and for which he
merits the lasting gratitude of Canada. I firmly believe, that
no individual has done more for the province, and deserves
better of it ; and assured that you entertain a like feeling with
me, I propose to you the health of our worthy guest. Dr.
Thomas Rolph, the champion of British Emigration.' The
toast was received with every demonstration of regard."
This dinner, as in all similar instances, was followed by the
formation of an Association for the promotion of Emigration.
A like manifestation of affection awaited my arrival at
Goderich, a new and most flourishing town, situated at the
confluence of the beautiful river Maitland, on that majestic
inland sea. Lake Huron. The assemblage was very numerous
and respectable. And here I cannot resist the gratification of
giving the speech of that eminent and distinguished individual,
alike known and respected at home as in the Colony, who
F 2
66 SYSTEMATIC EMIC. RATION
presided on the occasion of the dinner, — I mean Dr. Dunlop,
member for the County of Huron. In proposing my health,
he spoke as follows : —
" Gentlemen, — When any person makes a discovery, or
is the father of an invention that is beneficial to his country or
the world at large, straightway there arises a gabbling or
hissing, and a flapping of wings among all the geese in the
pond, who unable themselves to do anything of use to anyl)ody,
set to work to decry what the successful inventor or discoverer
has brought to light. One party says, that the thing was so very
simple that they could have done it themselves, only they did
not happen to think of it. Another, that centuries before he
was born, the thing was known to all the world ; while the
learned dunce asserts that it was plainly alluded to in Homer
and Hesiod, and even hinted at in the book of Job. But whe-
ther all or any of these allegations be true or false, the person
to whom the world is indebted for a discovery is he who makes
it known to the public, and brings it into practical operation.
" It is said that the Marquis of Worcester, in the time of
Charles the First, understood the steam engine, but it is to
James Newcommen, the Devonshire blacksmith, that the world
owes the practical application of steam, and it is to James
Watt, the Greenock watchmaker, that we are indebted for that
improvement in that miraculous power, which has produced, and
is producing the greatest changes in the world that any inven-
tion, save that of printing, has ever achieved. In like manner
the Gloucestershire milk-maids were long ago aware of the
efficacy of an eruptive disease that they contracted from their
horned charge in preventing small-pox ; yet it is Dr. Jenner
alone whom the world has to thank for the application of that
principle which has almost banished from the world the most
fatal and loathsome disease that ever scourged humanity. So
with the labours of our friend, whose health I am about to
propose, numbers may have thought, and talked, and written,
on the subject of Emigration, but the gratitude of the mother
country and the Colony is solely due to him who, at his own
AND COLONIZATION. O^
risk, boldly threw himself on the undertaking, and by his zeal,
his talent, and his indefatigable industry, brought it to a suc-
cessful issue.
" The wealth of a nation does not consist in gold and silver ;
these are but a small part of the wealth of those nations which
possess them in the greatest abundance. In this country, all
the bullion coined and uncoined is not equal in value to the
log shanties that the law does not think worthy of taxation.
What then constitutes the wealth of a nation ? — The number
of hands that it can usefully and profitably employ. However
rich the soil, however salubrious the climate, whatever minerals
may exist in the bowels of the earth, or fish in its waters, it is
the labour of man alone that must render these available to
the wants of man ; and that country is the most wealthy which
to these blessings adds an intelligent and industrious popula-
tion, capable of deriving the greatest benefit from these natural
advantages.
*' Look at the land around you : from the flood till within
a few years ago, it was in a state of nature, and afforded only a
scanty and precarious subsistence for a few roving barbarians,
amounting in all to not quite 200 : by the labour of a single
family one farm can produce more food fit for the human race
than the whole district did twelve years ago.
" What then is our obvious policy ? To place every acre of
it in a way to be made productive, for the much greater part
of it is just as little productive as so many acres of Lake Huron.
This can only be done by Emigration ; and I am proud to have
the honour of proposing to you the health of the man who has
first set the stone rolling, which will make the wilderness of
Canada blossom as the rose, which will make the desert yield
grass for the cattle, and food for the use of man, which in
short will change a ^veak thinly peopled country into a rich
and powerful land — * Dr. Rolph ; and success to his laudable
endeavours to promote Emigration.* Given with the Huron
fire, and loud and rapturous cheering, which was renewed again
and again/'
70 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
Following this dinner, an Emigration Society for the district
was also formed.
The last dinner which I shall notice, was given to me at Brant-
ford, in the neighbourhood of my own residence, in the month
of November, my engagements having coDipelled me to decline
several invitations.
** At six o'clock Major Winniett took the chair. Amongst the
company present were Doctors A. Digby, Marter, and Keith:
Messrs. Bethune, Buckwell, Buchanan, Coleman, Curtis, D'Au-
bigny, Goode, W. Lefferty, J. LefFerty, Murphy Morsom, Moyle,
Richardson, A. K. Smith, J.Smith, Suter, Thomas, Wilkes, &c.,
kc.kc. The room ^vas tastefully decorated with green boughs,
a handsome Union Jack was placed at one end of it, and an
excellent efficient amateur band attended and played during
the evening. After the cloth was removed, the Chairman gave
the following toasts in succession : —
" The Queen — Three times three.
" His Royal Highness Prince Albert — Three times three.
** The Governor-General — Three times three.
** The Lieutenant-Governor — Three times three.
" The Army and Navy — Three times three.
" The Chairman said. That although he was quite unused to
public speaking, and on that account must claim their indul-
gence, he could not merely propose the next toast, as matter of
form, or as an ordinary one, without remark. He could not
hut make an endeavour to give utterance to his feelings, when
he witnessed so large and so highly respectable a company as-
sembled to do honour to that gentleman who was to form the
toast. We had all lamented the continued decrease of Emi-
gration to this province, imtil it had actually d>vindled to no-
thing. It required a mighty effort to overcome the gloom and
despondency which had generally prevailed. One individual
appeared, who soon, by his zeal, talent, and exertions, re-
stored confidence in our resources, and Emigration to our shores.
He should only re-echo the sentiments of the whole province
AND COLONIZATION. 71
in saying, that that gentleman deserved most richly the thanks,
and gratitude, and support of it ; and he should propose, with
great delight, ' The Health of their honoured and distinguished
guest. Dr. Thomas Rolph, the champion of Emigration.' The
whole company rose and continued cheering for some time;
which having subsided, Mr. D'Aubigny sang * Hail ! to thee,
England, blest Isle of the Ocean !'
" On rising to return thanks. Dr. Rolph was greeted again
with renewed and rapturous applause. He spoke as follows : —
'* * Gentlemen of Brantford, — I haA^e really been occupied so
much of late in returning thanks for the overwhelming testi-
monies of regard which have awaited my return in every part
of the province, that I know not how to vary ray language in
this grateful task. I must be like Sterne, take a word at ran-
dom, and trust to Providence for the next. I am, however,
fully sensible of the kindness which has been manifested to-
wards me this day, and especially for the more than ordinary
compliments paid to me in the requisition which was sent by
my friend Dr. Digby, who witnessed the efforts of the North
American Colonial Committee in London, who attended seve-
ral meetings, and who induced some of the influential mem-
bers of his highly respectable family to become members of that
Association ; and to his zeal and kindness I attribute the pre-
sent numerous assemblage. Few places have profited more by
Emigration than Brantford and its vicinity, and few places
would probably be more benefited by the restoration of it, to its
largest extent. Connected by a public road, partly macad-
amized, with Lake Ontario, — by a navigable river, and canals
with Lakes Erie and Ontario, — on the high road to Lake Huron,
and surrounded by the richest agricultural district in the pro-
vince, it combines many powerful natural advantages, only to be
rendered useful to the people, or the province, by the influx of
numbers and wealth. Few people could believe a fact so dis-
creditable to the province, that whilst nearly every Colony has
some person to give information to inquiring settlers in the
United Kingdom, Canada has none. In the city of Aberdeen
alone, there are several societies for aiding settlement and pub*
72 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
lie improvements in various parts of the United Slates: two
Companies connected with Illinois, two with Wisconsin, one
with Michigan, one with Galena, and one for the General
States, called tlie North American Investment Company. Why
is Canada neglected? Not from any want of affection on the
part of Scotland towards her — of that I speak unliesitatingly —
but solely from the indifference of the Colony to her own inter-
ests, and the prosecution of party squabbles. I trust this
lamentable state of things has passed away, and brighter pros-
pects are unfolding to our gaze. Everywhere 1 have been I
have met at the same table former antagonists, united on the
subject of attracting Emigration from the parent State to this
Colony. The wise and judicious system of making free grants
of land to actual settlers, will prove an important assistance to
the colonization of this country, and redound to the honour of
the Governor-General and the Lieutenant-Governor of this pro-
vince. It will afford unspeakable delight to the people through-
out the country, that their Excellencies have encouraged the
societies forming, and formed, for the purpose of promoting
Emigration, and have promised to assist them by every means
in their power. It is most gratifying to think, that the gentle-
men requested to act as directors throughout the province, have
all, but in one solitary instance, joyfully and zealously under-
taken their respective offices, — affording conclusive assurance,
that under such auspices, and by such efforts, Emigration will
once more gladden our shores, quicken our industry, enhance
our possessions, stimulate our enterprise, enlarge our commerce,
facilitate our internal communications, and add permanently to
the peace, prosperity, and welfare of this noble province. I
have not attended a party like the present since my return to
Canada, but I have met round the festive board either indivi-
duals who met me in the parent State, or those whose friends
most hospitably entertained nic. Of Dr. Digby I have already
made mention ; and I see a gentleman at this table whose imme-
diate relatives, the most distinguished merchants in the city of
Cork, known and honoured for their wealth, intelligence, in-
flueuce, and probity, extended their great kindness to me, I
AND COLONIZATION. 73
wish to see the people of this province emulate the conduct of
their fellow-subjects at home, in prosecuting the task of settling
this country. I am rejoiced to find that Brantford is about to
organize for this purpose.
" ' This undertaking should be pursued in a spirited and libe-
ral manner. Its beneficial consequences to the province all
admit; and in proportion to the encouragement afforded our
friends in the United Kingdom, by the small sacrifice we are
called upon to make, will it be found, "There is that which
scattereth and yet increaseth ; and there is that withholdeth
more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty."
" ' Some of those captious and querulous objectors to every
thing that does not emanate from themselves, and who take care
seldom to do anything but find fault with others, shake their
wise heads, and say it is impossible that single exertions can do
much to promote Emigration ; it must be a combined move-
ment ; when a combined movement takes place, then it must
be a Government movement ; and when they find even a Go-
vernment action takes place, then there is some excuse they
offer for a continuance of their captious, miserable, and selfish
opposition. But, gentlemen, it is only by each individual doing
his utmost in the respective sphere of his exertions, without
stopping to inquire in what degree others may be disposed to
. co-operate with him, that any great object or extensive good
can be effected. The contagion of enthusiasm is such, that one
example of determination and perseverance, amidst slander,
misrepresentation, or indifference, through evil report and
good report, accomplishes much, and quietly and imperceptibly
moulds the minds of others into a conformity of feeling, and a
combination of purpose.
" * If there were difficulties formerly to encounter, there are
none now. Sharpe, the great philanthropist, when he almost
stood alone in his beneficent career, said there are few difficul-
ties that hold out against real attacks ; they fly, like the visible
horizon, before those who advance. A well directed zeal and
perseverance can perform what appear impossibilities to the
74 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
cold and indifferent. We should not allow ourselves to be dis-
couraged by the apparent disproportion between the result of
single efforts, and the magnitude of the obstacle to be encoun-
tered. Nothing good or great is to be obtained without courage
and industry. It is knowledge that is the Emigrant's hope,
solace, and assurance ; for the world must have remained un-
omamented and unimproved, if men had nicely compared the
effect of a single stroke of the chisel with the pyramid to be
raised, or of a single impression of the spade with the moun-
tain to be levelled, or of the solitary stroke of the axe with the
forest to be subdued.
" * Gentlemen, I am gratified beyond measure to find the cor-
dial union which exists in Brantford, as elsewhere, on this inter-
esting subject. It will do more to attract Emigration, restore
confidence, and cause the investment of capital in the country,
than can be well imagined ; and in the contemplation of the
renewed exertion and enterprise that will be consequent on this
happy union, we shall adopt that motto which has often led to
victory, and is emblazoned on the flag of the British Isles,
QuU separahit?' "
I hope the British public will not be led to think, in the
circumstance of my giving these details, that self-glorification
is my object. My life, for the last six years, is identified with
the movements of a great national question, and these dinners
are manifestations of the general feeling and deep interest with
which it is surrounded in the noblest portion of our Colonial
empire. Neither were these entertainments, so honourable and
gratifying to myself, mere matters of course, which passed
away with the day : they bore practical fruit, by leading to
the formation of a Central Association, in the city of Toronto,
for Emigration, extending its ramifications over the whole of
Canada. This body, styled " The Canada Emigration Associa-
tion" was constituted on the 14th of October, 1840, at a large
meeting of the Home District, convened by the high sheriff, on
the requisition of 120 freeholders. Both the Grovernor*General
AND COLONIZATION. 76
of Canada, and the Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada,
most highly approved of this step, and consented to become
patrons of the society. At a meeting of the Association, on the
12th of November, it was
" Moved by Colonel FitzGibbon, and seconded by Sir Allan
N. Macnab, and
" Resolved, — That in consequence of the universal confi-
dence reposed in Dr. Rolph during his recent tour in the United
Kingdom, by the influential bodies formed there for the pro-
motion of Emigration to Canada, the respect entertained for
him by the province in general, and the deep conviction felt
by this Association in i3articular, of the value of his services in
that cause, rendered at great pecuniary sacrifice to himself,
means be forthwith raised to enable him to proceed to Eng-
land, to meet the North American Colonial Committee, in order
to act as agent of this Association in the furtherance of Emi-
gration to Canada."
And on the 19th of the same month, the following Address
was unanimously adopted : —
" The Directors of the Canada Emigration Association
having this day assembled, pursuant to a resolution passed at
the late general meeting of the friends of Emigration, deem it
advisable to lay before the public the object of their union,
and the mode in which they propose that it shall be effected.
" Their object is to promote the wealth and j^opulation of
the province, by affording increased facilities to the settlement
of persons emigrating from the British Isles; more especially
by removing those obstacles which have hitherto so materially
impeded the introduction into this province, and perverted
into another channel, those valuable members of society upon
whom our agricultural and commercial prosperity so essentially
depends, — the labouring farmei*s and artizans, without whom it
is vain to expect that the more wealthy class of settlers will
bring hither their capital. It is confidently hoped that the
society's exertions will effect a great increase of happiness to
the persons intended to be primarily benefited, to be followed
76 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
yery soon by a proportionate advance in value of the posses-
sions of those who, with a wise self-interest, shall contribute
liberally to the cause.
** It is unnecessary now to set forth the importance of
Colonization when judiciously directed. Its advantages are
manifest; affording to the parent state a corrective to a redun-
dant population, an extension of its commerce, and a market
for its manufactures; to the man with capital, who finds in a
country abounding with it a difficulty in securing a profitable
investment, it affords opportunities of a rapid increase, without
the risks of speculation ; while, to the Emigrant destitute of
capital— or, rather, possessing only that best and safest of capi-
tals,— industry and health, it has proved to thousands a blessed
change from indigence to independence ; and will so continue
to all who do not ensure their disappointment by the unreason-
ableness of their expectations. Its advantages are equally
obvious to the country which, by its vast resources and natural
treasures, affords a field for the enterprise of the one class,
and a reward for the industry of the other.
" The Association is cheered and supported by perceiving
how rapidly this conviction has lately extended throughout
England, Scotland, and Ireland; where men, the highest in
rank and in wealth, judging accurately from previous results,
have benevolently united themselves in Societies to enable their
poorer fellow-subjects to participate in the benefits of Coloni-
zation : and it is mainly with a view to co-operate with those
patriotic bodies, that the present Association has been formed
— convinced as the members are, that, however active indivi-
dual benevolence may be, its effects may be greatly increased
by combination and unity of purpose. If any sanction were
wanting to persons entertaining doubts of the practical good
and the national importance of the subject, it will be found in
the elaborate Report of the House of Commons, and in the
several resolutions and earnest Addresses of our Provincial
Legislature.
** There never was a period in the history of the province,
when the exertions of an Association like the present could
AND COLONIZATION. 77
promise such happy results. Great public works have been
accomplished for the facilitating of social intercourse, and the
transport of commodities — works which would be deemed great
in any country upon earth — the Welland, the Rideau, and
other artificial navigations, connecting our inland seas with
each other and with the ocean ; macadamized roads are in-
tersecting the province in every direction; other extensive
works of the same kind, together with railroads, are either in
the course of construction or intended to be constructed; the
statistics of the country, and the inexhaustible capabilities of
the land, are become thoroughly known ; and, above all, the
country is at peace, within and without, and men, by common
consent, are uniting, by a laudable attention to private good,
to swell the aggregate of public prosperity.
" The Executive Government, too, is actively at work for
the good of those under its protection, especially in the forming
of roads and rendering some of the most fertile tracts in the
country accessible for settlement. It is making preparations
on a grand scale for those who choose to avail themselves of
its paternal aid ; but great as is its power, and wise and bene-
volent as they may be who wield it, there is still a vast amount
of good connected with the Colonization of this country, which
circumstances have rendered it impossible for the local Govern-
ment to perform. It is precisely that deficiency which it is in
the power of the Emigration Association to supply, if they be
joined and sustained by the good sense and good feeling of
the country: nay, even the self-interest of individuals will, if
judiciously exercised, contribute to the common good.
" An evil attendant upon the Colonization of Canada, in
times past, is industriously represented as still existing in its
aggravated forms, by those who would deter settlers from se-
lecting this province as their home. It is urged that nearly
all the lands within the settled precincts of the province have
passed into the hands of private individuals; and that the new
Emigrant must necessarily go far into the depths of the forest,
remote from the peopled settlements; where, whatever maybe
78 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
the excellence of his land, he will be remote from markets,
mills, or even roads or the means of procuring labour or sup-
plies, during the first years of his residence.
" These difficulties have existed to a great and disheartening
extent, sometimes so as to induce the settler to abandon his
possessions. It is true also that a great proportion of the land,
especially in the older surveyed townships, comprehending the
choicest locations, in the neighbourhood of roads and navi-
gable waters, now belongs to private individuals ; and it is tliis
yery fact that enables the Association to be of the most essen-
tial service. Tliese tracts are at present unproductive to the
owner, and if retained in their wild state, with the view to their
owners obtaining higher prices, would interpose such a serious
obstacle to the settlement of the country, as might well justify
the Legislature in imposing a tax upon lands kept unimproved
from so selfish and narrow a policy. The Association are happy
in knowing, — for many of such proprietors are among its most
zealous members, — that such lands generally remain in tlieir
profitless fertility, only because the hand of man is wanting to
turn them into productive cornfields and animated pastures;
and that if their fellow-countrymen were here to make use of
them, they would be happy in giving to them portions equal
to their utmost wants without money and without price; — yes,
and every other aid which could tend to their future advantage.
And this, too, without any aftectation of generosity on the part
of the members of the Association ; for they are well aware,
that, by the settlement and cultivation of a portion of their
lands, the adjoining part will become better worth the pur-
chasing by future Emigrants, or by the settler himself when
he shall have become prosperous,
** This system of free grants of portions of private properties
scattered over the whole province, and therefore presenting
endless choice of locality, in respect to previous settlement of
friends, &c., to such persons as have no money to pay, or
having small means might more beneficially to themselves and
the country apply them to accelerate the improvement of the
AND COLONIZATION. 79
land, forms the principal feature in the scale of the Association,
by which they hope to be useful to their countrymen. But it
is only one : there are cases, where not only the poor, but even
the comparatively affluent settler, has had to encounter diffi-
culties which might well dishearten him, and even drive him
to abandon his enterprise. Many members of this Association
have had practical knowledge of the evils which they are now
intent upon averting from others, and are desirous of giving
their experience without its price. The establishment of their
Registry Office for the sale of lands not devoted to the above
stated object, and for supplying accurate information, statistical
and otherwise, will be found of great use to such as are beyond
the necessity of receiving any other kind of assistance ; while
in locating those who shall be disposed to accept of their land,
they w^ill carefully avoid the evil before mentioned, — of sending
them where they will be isolated and solitary ; but under such
an arrangement as will ensure to each the comforts of society,
while he is engaged in the first, and in all cases the most dis-
couraging task he has to encounter — subduing the forest.
" The practical object of the Association is to establish, in
connexion with the societies in Great Britain and Ireland, an
effectual system, as well as direct Colonization, as of aid and
assistance to Emigrants generally, whether rich or poor — sup-
plying information to the one, and permanent employment or
locations in land to the other. To such emigrants with fami-
lies as shall come out under the auspices or with the special
recommendation of the societies at home, it is proposed to give
fifty acres each, upon condition of actual settlement and clearing
a space of ten acres of the front of their locations, erecting a
dwelling-house, &;c. for themselves, and clearing one-half of
that portion of the road lying in front of the lot of which their
grant forms a part. The use and possession of this land will
be secured to them immediately ; and after three years' actual
residence, and the performance of the conditions above specified,
a deed in fee simple, without charge, will be given to them.
" For the convenience of emigrants generally, an office will
be opened in Toronto for the registration of all lands possessed
80 8Y8T£MATin EMIGRATION
by private individuals, with descriptions of the lots, concessions,
townships, districts, ifcc, classifying the same under the several
heads of* lands for sale,' for ' lease,' or for * free settlement' under
the direction of tliis Association, — with every information con-
nected therewith ; their local peculiarities, situation in relation
to roads, mills, markets, kc. ; the nature of the adjacent set-
tlements ; the countries from which the settlers therein came ;
together with every matter, the previous knowledge of which
may tend to save the applicant the labour and time of personal
inspection. It is further proposed, that full abstracts of all
the above matter should be placed in the hands of the different
societies in Great Britain, in order that even there some reason-
ably accurate information might be obtained before passing the
Atlantic.
" Books and subscriptions will be opened in every town
and township in the province. A contribution of 20^. annually
will constitute a member, qualified to vote for directors ; of
£12 10^., or a gift of land equivalent in value, will qualify
Buch contributor to be elected a director.
" These books will remain open at the different places, and
returns from time to time be made by the secretaries ; and the
subscribers of land will be called, when necessary, to make the
proper conveyances to the trustees for the purposes of the
Association.
" Upon these principles, and with a view to such plan, the
Association earnestly call upon inhabitants of this province to
contribute in their degree to the cause of Colonization, whe-
ther by gifls of land or otherwise, in the full confidence that
in proportion to the good which they shall confer upon their
country, will be the benefit re-acting upon their individual
prosperity."
From the spirit generally evinced through the province,
and also from desires earnestly expressed from highly influ-
ential quarters in the mother country, in the end of November,
I had the honour and gratification to receive the official
appointment from Lord Sydenham, of Agent for the Govern-
AND COLONIZATION. 81
ment of Canada for Emigration. In the letter, bearing date
Montreal, the 25th of November, communicating this appoint-
ment, the private secretary of the Governor-General acquainted
me as follows : —
** His Excellency directs me to assure you that he highly
estimates the very valuable semces which you have rendered
both to the Colony and the mother country, by your exertions
in drawing public attention to the subject of Emigration, and
that it will afford him sincere pleasure to assist you, so far as
his means admit of his doing so, in the prosecution of your
individual labours, or to avail himself of your abilities in the
prosecution of this object on the public account."
After regretting the paucity of the funds placed at his
disposal for the promotion of Emigration, and expressing a
fervent hope that he might be enabled to obtain from the Crown
revenues, previous to their transfer to the province on the
Union coming into effect, additional means for this valuable
object, his instructions proceeded : —
" The degree to which this last mentioned course can be
adopted, must depend in a great measure upon the legislature
of the province, by whom the extent of public works to be
undertaken, as well as the distribution of public lands, must be
regulated : but something may be done by the executive, and
certainly by private individuals also, who being themselves
proprietors of lands which are now almost valueless, have the
strongest interest in promoting the settlement of parts of them ,
with the view of rendering the remainder of value ; and the
Governor-General will do all in his power, both on the part of
the executive, and in co-operation with those bodies and per-
sons who have at last turned their attention to the subject, to
perfect measures by which the objects which he has designated
above may be attained.
** The best consideration which the Governor-General can
give to the important subject of Emigration leads him to
believe, that the best means of promoting it, under the circum-
stances in which the Canadas are now placed, are, first, to
encourage the voluntary Emigration of the natives of the
o
W SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
British Isles, by explaining and enforcing at home the advan-
tages which may reasonably be expected by those who will
thus seek to establish themselves in this country, and by assist-
ing, with advice and information, those persons there, who,
from motives of benevolence, or with a desire to relieve their
neighl)ourhood from a superabundant population, may be will-
in? to combine, in order to afford the means of transporting
poor labourers and their families to these shores. And next,
to take such measures within the Colony as shall secure to the
Emigrant on his arrival ready means of employment, either
from private individuals, upon public works, or by settlement
united with public works, as has been already done on the
Garafraxa Road.
** With respect to the first course he has pointed out, his
Excellency is of opinion that the employment of an Agent in
England fairly falls within the intention of the parliamentary
grant which has been placed at his disposal, and there is no one
whose services in that situation can in his opinion be considered
more valuable than your own ; especially as he has understood
from you, that you are of opinion that arrangements might be
made with various proprietors in Great Britain, by which not
only Emigrants would be transported here with their families,
but security given that they should be maintained during the
first few months, which, as you are well aware, is, in the event
of their settling without capital, indispensable. If, therefore,
the pecuniary remuneration which it will be in his Excellency's
power to afford for such a purpose can be arranged, he will
have great pleasure in deputing you to England to pursue your
labours there during the ensuing winter and spring, and if you
can attend him at Montreal, when the matter may be discussed
more fully, he will be happy to enter on it with you."
Having received this communication from his Excellency,
I proceeded to Montreal with all diligence, and, eit routes the
Midland District Emigration Society convened a meeting in
the Court House at Kingston, presided over by John S. Cart-
wright, Esq., member for Lennox and Addington, on which
occasion I addressed the meeting as follows ;^—
AND COLONIZATION. 83
" Gentlemen, — Previous to my departure from this province,
in May 1839, I came down to Kingston to join tlie beloved
friend at whose pressing instigation I undertook to bring before
my fellow-subjects in the United Kingdom, the peculiar apti-
tude of this province for the reception of Emigrants, the
investment of capital, and the wide field it opened for British
enterprise. One gentleman connected with the public press,
present at that meeting, was pleased to express his conviction
that I was qualified for my undertaking ; and it is most grati-
fying indeed to me to find that previous to my arrival here,
that opinion was confirmed by a vote of the inhabitants of this
town, for which I now return them my sincerest thanks.
" I have had occasion on so many recent instances to
describe the existing feeling in the United Kingdom in favour
of assisting the inhabitants of these provinces, in their patriotic
exertions to secure the inestimable blessings of extended Colo-
nization from the parent State, that I am afraid of being tedious
and repeating an oft told tale ; but as it is to produce practical
results, I trust I shall stand acquitted for directing your atten-
tion to this important matter. After visiting many parts of
Ireland, Scotland, and England, forming societies for the fur-
therance of Emigration to Canada, I was solicited by the
Colonial Society in London to deliver a public address at their
rooms on the subject, After having done so, the Earl of
Mountcashell, and my zealous and patriotic friend. Dr. Ifill, pro-
posed that we should form an association, under the auspices of
the Colonial Society, consisting of such members of it as be-
longed to British North America, and others who felt interested
in the cause of Emigration to it. We did so, and found to our
inconceivable gratification that we daily added to our numbers,
until we had enrolled in this hallowed undertaking the most
dignified, illustrious, influential, wealthy, independent, and
patriotic individuals from the peerage, the senate, the gentry,
the clergy, the bar, the commerce, the manufactures, and the
agriculture of the United Kingdom. With this patriotic body
I continued to act as Honorary Secretary, until they were in
full activity, perfect organization, and permanent formation^;
G 2
84 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
and as they adjourned until January, I returned to give this
gratifying information to this province, and to request on their
behalf a simultaneous co-operation, a cordial assistance, and
the necessary degree of intelligence, to enable them to serve
this country effectually. This, gentlemen, they expect of you,
and this I am convinced you are prepared to impart. Year
after year the country in its length and breadth has expressed
its entire conviction that Emigration and capital are indispen-
sable auxiliaries to its. prosperity and welfare. From the first
moment Emigration declined, inquietude prevailed, strife
increased, discontent extended, property deteriorated, public
improvements were stayed, and gloom pervaded all classes.
For a moment the attempt of the rebel and the assault of the
invader united the country to resist the machinations of the
one, and chastise the insolence of the other ; and no sooner had
the province passed over the winter than I felt an assurance
that not a moment was to be lost, in an endeavour to restore
the tide of Emigration to our neglected, almost unknown, but
noble country ; and I cannot sufficiently thank the people for
the overwhelming kindness they have shown me, and the gene-
rous confidence they have evinced towards me for my efforts.
The greater proportion of the Emigrants of this season, amount-
ing to between 20 and 30,000, have been absorbed in the
vicinity of this district, and in the adjoining rich agricul-
tural district of Prince Edward, whilst the commerce of this
town has exhibited an increase alike gratifying and unparal-
leled. I am quite anxious to see our majestic lakes and lovely
rivers covered with vessels and merchandize, as well as our
fertile fields with grain. Commerce and agriculture must go
hand in hand ; we greatly promote the interest of the mother
country by encouraging a commercial navy. She has immense
Colonies to defend, and a large, almost incalculable body of
commercial interests to foster. Our empire, — of which the
parts widely separated by nature can be no otherwise kept in
political or moral union, but by a force which links together
the shores of opposite hemispheres as with a mooring-chain,
and secures as by a floating bridge the peaceful and profitable
AND COLONIZATION. 86
intercourse of their respective inhabitants, — the British empire
is maritime in its essence, and when no longer omnipotent on
the ocean, is an empire no more. Nowhere is this sentiment
more cherished, or its value more felt, than in British North
America, whose united prayer is that Britannia may still rule
the waves. Gentlemen, I am rejoiced that Kingston under-
stands how much British supremacy depends on British Emi-
gration. I am delighted at the formation of this influential
association. Your friends in Great Britain solicited it; in
their name I thank you for acceding to their request. You
can do them no greater favour than communicating with them
constantly; directing their exertions, imparting your expe«
rience, making known to them your wishes. This delightful
and necessary alliance opens a vista of coming years of pro-
sperity and happiness, kindliness and affection : we shall
behold agriculture flourishing, prosperity accumulating, capital
increasing, commercial enterprise invigorating, our harbours
crowded with vessels, our lakes with sails, rail-roads inter-
secting the surface of the country, fields bearing golden crops,
and above all, a contented, happy, generous, loyal, and indus-
trious people."
On arriving at Montreal, a large and influential meeting of
the merchants and citizens of that noble city took place at the
Exchange, the account of which I extract from the Montreal
Herald of the following day. The Hon. Mr. M*Gill presided*
After various addresses, the following resolution, moved by
J. Dougall, Esq., and seconded by J. Matthewson, Esq., was
adopted.
" Resolved^ — That Dr. Rolph, by his able and unwearied ad-
vocacy of a systematic plan of Immigration, has conferred a
great benefit on the provinces, and that the thanks of this meet-
ing, on that account, are due, and are hereby given to that
gentleman. Carried unanimously.
" After the applause which succeeded the carrying of this re-*
solution, Dr. Rolph rose and addressed the assembly as follows^
and during its delivery was listened to throughout with marked
attention, and frequently interrupted by bursts of applause ; —
9S SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
'* Gentlemen, — 1 feel greatly obliged to you for your nume-
rous attendance this day, for the purpose of adding the weight
of your character, influence, and co-operation to that of your
fellow-subjects in the Upper Province, who liavc constituted
themselves into an association for the promotion of a syste-
matic Immigration from the United Kingdom.
" The benevolence and patriotism for which this noble city
has been ever conspicuous, was a sufficient guarantee, that an
object, alike demanded by a suffering population at home, and
a wilderness to j)eople here, could not be viewed with indiffe-
rence by the inhabitants of Montreal ; and seeing that such
deep interest has been evinced, an additional inducement will
now be afforded to the Upper Province to pursue with untiring
energy their patriotic resolves.
*• I am proud to avail myself of this opportunity of testify-
ing to the zeal and alacrity with which his Excellency the
Governor-General has afforded his powerful support and coun-
tenance to the objects contemplated by Immigration Associa-
tions, equally by the honour of his patronage, and the earnest-
ness of his disposition to promote their views. I am grateful to
his Excellency for having armed me with a power, and placed
me under a responsibility, that will enable me to prosecute my
future labours in a manner far more gratifying to my feelings
than heretofore. My late venerated and beloved friend Bishop
Macdonell, whose long and illustrious career, ennobled by every
grace that could adorn the Christian and dignify the patriot,
and who has lef^ an imperishable monument in the hearts of tlie
people, from the success which resulted from his early exertions
in the cause of British Immigration, urged me to accompany
him to Great Britain, to restore that confidence in the stability
and tranquillity of Canada which events had almost destroyed.
I did so on my own responsibility ; and although 1 have been
called to account by none but tliose hostile to Immigration
altogether, and to British Immigration in particular, I am far
better pleased that I am now to be accountable for the informa-
tion I impart, and the advice I give. The object of the Asso-
ciation forming in England is to induce the Emigrating portion
AND COLONISATION. ^7
of the British community to direct their inquiries as to the apti-
tude of Canada for their settlement, — to solicit this information
from Canada, in order to impart it to their fellow-countrymen in
the British Isles, — to collect means, and adopt measures, in con-
junction either with the Government, or with bodies in Canada,
whereby the suffering industrious masses may be settled, — to
afford such means of subsistence as shall place them beyond the
reach of want, at the same time carefully guarding against
their fostering those habits of dependence which nurture indo-
lence, and prevent that reliance on industry which is a warrant
for its success, and generally, by every means in their power, to
establish a system of Colonization, creditable to themselves, be-
neficial to the Immigrant, advantageous to the Colony, honour-
able to the empire, and calculated to augment that endearing
affinity which it is to be hoped will ever continue between Ca-
nada and Great Britain.
'* In the admirable Report just read to you, it will be seen,
that of the numbers who emigrated this year from the British
Isles, there were less from Scotland, from whence most were
expected, than from other portions of the United Kingdom.
This arose from the humane anxiety of the proprietors, who, as
they were willing to aid in the settlement of their tenantry,
even by encumbering themselves, hesitated to do so, until they
were assured that either from Government or private bodies
locations of land could be obtained for them on which to reside.
The vast territory now offered for settlement, on such judicious
principles, by the Government, will remove the apprehension
of the proprietors, and the funds which have been raised by
private means in Scotland will enable many to take advantage
of the settlements offered by the Association. Mr. Peter
Buchanan, the brother of one of the most munificent and inde-
fatigable of the Vice-Presidents of our Society at Toronto, will
bear witness that I dissuaded many families from embarking
from Glasgow last season, who were desirous of coming out,
until I could satisfy them, that the ' reception and provision,*
which have so much alarmed some persons, was really made.
" The objects of the Canadian Immigration Association are
88 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
set forth in their Address ; but one of the great advantages
which will inevitably result from this powerful and patriotic
combination, will be to force into cultivation some of those fer-
tile tracts of land which have been secured by possessors, many
of whom do not even reside in the province, and who have
only hitherto looked forward to obtain benefits arising from
the toil and exertions of others.
" Through the incitement given, and the means afforded by
this Association, they will no longer now have either induce-
ment or pretext to keep back their fertile possessions from
more industrious hands, leaving them in the wilderness of na-
ture to become eventually valuable by that very industry which
they had heretofore counteracted and chilled. Men of small
capital — a portion of that glorious yeomanry of England, that
genuine heart of oak, which has made her name illustrious,
and her annals renowned, and who have not now a full scope
for their exertions in the overcrowded condition of the rural
population — would feel it their interest, guided by guarded
and faithful statements, to embark their small capital in a
country, where, with common prudence and industry, and the
advantages now offered by the Association, they will ensure in-
dependent competence and comparative affluence to their pos-
terity. In a commercial country like Great Britain, the capital
carried from it to a Colony is not lost, but increased ; the
market for their commodities, afforded by a flourishing and in-
creasing Colony, is a source of wealth far exceeding what the
same investment could have produced at home; and the judi-
cious transfer of her population, and investment of her capital,
will prove productive of solid advantages to both. The
yeomanry of Great Britain, whilst they would become the best
settlers in Canada, would also be the best customers of the
mother country : robust in frame, frugal in habits, cheerful
in their deportment, moderate in their desires, assiduous in
their occupations, essentially British in their feelings and cus-
toms, I know of no population more to be encouraged, or
which would be more enthusiastically welcomed than them-
selves. It is undeniable that gentlemen of good property.
AND COLONIZATION. m
unaccustomed to agricultural pursuits, and the unavoidable
difficulties of a new country, having embarked their whole
means in their first outlay, have experienced much disappoint-
ment. This class I would earnestly dissuade from exhausting
their whole resources in their first outlay, and caution them to
reserve a sufficiency from whence they can draw an annual
income to supply those wants which they have been so accus-
tomed on others to depend. The hardy and industrious yeoman
has difficulties and hardships to encounter in the first subjuga-
tion of the forest, — for these all ought to be prepared ; but these
difficulties and hardships are all at the beginning of their
course, and can be triumphantly surmounted by British arms,
as the Huron and Newcastle Districts amply testify. Instead
of looking forward to an increase of them, with an increasing
family they diminish; instead of regretting the past and
dreading the future more and more, each succeeding year their
prospects become brighter, and their resources more abundant.
Year after year the forest recedes before the persevering culti-
vator— fresh fields are clothed with corn or herbage — stock
multiplies — increasing produce enables more improvements to
be extended — the log hut is converted into a comfortable
dwelling, and the unproductive thicket into a well stocked
farm. Turning from individual to national views and interests,
it is impossible for any statesman to undervalue the transcen-
dant importance of Canada to the Crown of Great Britain,
whether viewed as a commercial, military, or naval station ; or
of feeling a deep conviction that, in other and in adverse hands,
it would prove destructive of British supremacy. — The position
of Montreal itself is almost demonstrative of that fact. Con-
nected with Europe by the Ocean, with the larger portion of
the Continent of America by the lakes, it is the natural halting
place between the East and West, the highway and thorough-
fare to both ; and its increased and increasing commerce arises
from its being the emporium for the manufactures of Great
Britain and the agricultural produce of America. This noble
province has this great British recommendation, that it is well
fitted to become the land of our children, the land of our
90 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
affections. It is the noblest of England's Colonies, because
the likest to England herself. With inexhaustible resources
she possesses unequalled water communication to convey them
to British markets ; and with every material advantage which
prodigal nature could bestow, she requires but that transfer
from the j)arent state which will assist her and us, to render
her the most flourishing, as she is unquestionably the most
attractive and nearest, of the British Colonies. These consider-
ations will prompt the citizens of Montreal to combine with
their fellow subjects in the Upper Province, and with their
fellow subjects in the United Kingdom, to aid and facilitate the
settlement of the country by their fellow countrymen from the
British isles. The times are singularly propitious for making
a powerful effort to accomplish this desirable end. Great value
is now attached to Colonial possessions by the parent State,
and an earnest anxiety evinced to render them contented, pros-
perous, and happy. To promote this hallowed cause, there
exists a combination of every interest, incited by patriotism,
prompted by humanity, and justified by experience. The pro-
prietary of the United Kingdom will find in Colonization an
effective measure of relief for their crowded, suffering, but
willing, hardy, and industrious peasantry : the Government
will be powerfully strengthened, not by a people whose every
effort, and whose utmost ingenuity, is racked to discover some
means or course to embarrass and oppose it, nor by those
who will prove indifferent or apathetic to its stability and se-
curity, but by those who will — as those already settled from the
United Kingdom have done — nobly, warmly, gratefully, gene-
rously, and loyally sustain it against the rampant designs of fac-
tion, let them be cloaked under what disguise they may. The
landed interest of Great Britain will be eager to encourage and
receive Canadian produce to satisfy and appease the call for
cheap bread ; the manufacturer will be delighted to send the
product of his skill in exchange ; the country will not be ex-
hausted of her bullion by foreign powers ; whilst the adven-
turous and honourable merchant, — the guardian of the British
commercial navy, — will be equally prompted to extend his en-
AND COLONIZATION. 91
terprise, adding alike to the glory, strength, and importance of
the maritime interests of the empire. Sustained in these exer-
tions by the Government, impelled by self-interest, prompted
by powerful combination and co-operation, the time has arrived
when Canada must be settled, and the perpetuity of its con-
nexion with the British realms secured."
Whilst at Montreal, and previous to my departure, I re-
ceived my official instructions from the Vice Chancellor of the
province, the President of " The Canada Emigration Associa-
tion" from which I give the following short extract : —
" Toronto, \^th December, 1840. — Sir, — You will be pleased,
on your arrival in England, to place yourself in communication
with the North American Colonial Committee, and such other
Societies or Associations as are or may be formed, for the pro-
motion of Emigration from the British Isles to Canada."
With these plenary powers, I proceeded to England. The
inhabitants of the eastern townships assembled at Sherbrooke,
on my arrival on the morning of Christmas Day, to deliver a
congratulatory address to me, and to express the most cordial
and entire concurrence in the views and objects of the various
Associations formed in Western Canada, and their hearty desire
to co-operate with them. On this occasion I also made an
address, which was warmly received ; after which the following
resolution, moved by H. Armour, Esq., and seconded by Col.
Gordon, was unanimously adopted: —
** That the thanks of this meeting are due to Dr. Thomas
Rolph, for his able address this day delivered, explanatory of
his views on the subject of Emigration, and for his past exer-
tions in bringing within the notice of the British public, the
vast resources which these provinces present for the employ-
ment of the superabundant capital and population of Britain."
Thus finished my labours for the year 1840. The Emigra-
tion to Canada this year showed the gratifying amount of
22,234, being an increase of nearly 16,000 on the preceding
year.
1841. On the 1st of January, 1841, I sailed from Boston,
92 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
and arrived in England about the 15th of that month. On the
30th, the first meeting of the North American Colonial Com-
mittee took place at the rooms of the Colonial Society, St.
James's Square, the Earl of Mountcashell in the chair. On this
occasion I resumed my duties as Honorary Secretary, and gave
a very lengthened narrative of the interesting proceedings
which had taken place during my visit to the Canadian pro-
vinces, and of the universal joy which had been diffused through
their length and breadth, by the information which I had had
the pleasure to lay before them. After hearing the statements
which I had to make, W. S. O'Brien, Esq., M.P., rose, and said
it was quite unnecessary in him, after what they had heard to-
day, and what they had witnessed last year, to preface the re-
solution which he intended to propose by any lengthened
observations ; but having been always a zealous friend to Emi-
gration, and seeing now so good a prospect open to their exer-
tions, mainly through the instrumentality of Dr. Rolph, he
should propose : —
** That this Committee congratulate Dr. Rolph on his re-
turn to this country, as the accredited agent of the Canadas,
and to express their confidence in his ability, perseverance, and
integrity.'*
Colonel Sir Duncan Macdougall, Knt., seconded the motion,
which was carried unanimously.
During the month following, at a meeting of the Commit-
tee held on the 3rd, which was numerously attended, John
Bowie, Esq., W.S., addressed the Committee at great length
on the alarming condition of the Highlands, and Mr. Justice
Hagerman, of Canada, on the policy of relieving it by exten-
sive Immigration to North America. It was also resolved that a
Sub-Committee should be appointed to report on the progress
of Immigration to North America.
Accordingly, the following Report was drawn up and
adopted, viz.: —
" The Sub-Committee appointed to report on the progress
of Immigration to the British North American Colonies, are
AKD COLONIZATION. 93
enabled to state with much satisfaction the following, as the
result of their investigation :
" There was a large amount of Immigration from Great
Britain to her North American Colonies during the past year,
when upwards of 23,000 persons arrived at Quebec, and more
than 7,000 at the port of St. John's, New Brunswick. Of the
Immigrants who arrived at various outports and at Cape Breton,
Prince Edward's Island, and Nova Scotia, no official returns
have been made, but taking the aggregate number that landed
in British North America during 1840, the numbers were very
considerable.
" With regard to the Immigration of the last as compared
with the preceding years, the result is also highly satisfactory.
The British subjects who Immigrated to Canada in 1840, more
than doubled in amount those who proceeded to the country
during the years 1838 and 1839 taken together.
" In 1838 there were 2,938 who landed at Quebec.
1839 „ 7,439 do.
1840 „ 23,190 do.
At St. John's, New Brunswick, the only port besides Quebec
from whence an official report is furnished, there arrived in
1838, 893; in 1839, 3,103; and in 1840, 7,777.*
" In the British North American provinces 6,000,000 acres
of land have been surveyed for settlement, and about two-
thirds of that quantity have been granted. A small proportion,
not one-tenth part, of this granted land is as yet brought into
cultivation ; and there is room for 20,000,000 of inhabitants,
instead of about one million and a half who are at present scat-
tered over the above expanse of territory.
" The Committee are gratified to learn that a powerful feel-
♦ " In furnishing the official reports of last year, his Excellency the Governor-
General of British North America thus expresses himself; —
" * The general result of these reports I consider as highly satisfactory. The
Emigration during the past season, as I had anticipated, has greatly exceeded that
of the last few years : the Emigrants appear to have been universally well con-
ducted, and several of them are possessed of considerable property. The great
bulk have settled in these provinces, and there is every reason to expect that they
will do well."
94 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
ing still exists amongst various classes to avail themselves of
the advantages these provinces hold out to persevering industry,
by emigrating to them.
" The Immigrants who arrived in the provinces, last year, were
greatly needed, and speedily employed ; and the vast increase
in their numbers was hailed as a satisfactory and triumphant
proof of the re-established confidence of the inhabitants of the
British Isles in the stability and resources of British North
America. But beneficial alike to the mother country and the
Colonies as this exchange of population must prove, it falls far
short of the individual and public benefit that would be gained,
if some sound and comprehensive system were adopted, by
which the good already effected may be continuously carried
forward on a scale commensurate with the vast field for indus-
try, enterprise, and the investment of capital, which these
provinces present.
" In the province of Upper Canada alone, of 17,000,000
acres of surveyed land, not more than 2,000,000 acres are
cultivated, the great bulk being entirely neglected. Notwith-
standing so much has been left undone, the province has still
materially advanced in wealth and population during the last
thirty years. In 1812, the population was but 70,000 ; in 1820,
105,000, — about three-and-half to a square mile. It is now
500,000, or eighteen to a square mile, an increase of nearly
five times in twenty years, — a result very mainly attributable
to British Immigration.
" With so much land unoccupied, a healthy climate, and a
productive soil, the Committee hope to draw public attention
to these unquestionable advantages, and to invite some portion
of the superabundant capital and overflowing population of the
British Isles to these favoured dependencies of the British
Crown.
** During the past year, the commerce of Canada increased
in a most encouraging degree. Tlie tolls on the Welland Canal
exceeded by one-third those of any preceding year, and trade
and enterprise generally indicate a healthy return of commerce,
and exhibit sufficient and satisfactory proof of entirely re-
AND COLONIZATION. 95
established confidence. The proportion of import duties paid
to Upper Canada in 1839 amounted to £61,000, showing
nearly £2,500,000 as the value of goods imported from Great
Britain in one year. If the population of this one province,
about 500,000, are now consuming British produce or manu-
factures to that amount, what vast benefits may be expected to
follow a copious Immigration from this country ! Apply the
same principle to the other provinces, and take £4 per head as
probably the average amount of manufactures exported from
Great Britain annually for each Colonist — how ought this to
stimulate Her Majesty's Government to assist the desire of
thousands to remove themselves and families to those countries
where they would at once become contributors to the wealth of
the parent State ; still more, employment would be afforded at
home for many able-bodied men who are now a burden to
themselves and to this country, because labour cannot be
obtained. Although sixty millions of acres have been given as
the amount of surveyed land in British North America now
available for settlement, and as capable of maintaining a popu-
lation of twenty millions as any country in the world of like
extent, there is a vast territory beyond the above ready for
occupation, whenever those districts or provinces most acces-
sible to the Atlantic are disposed of.
" The Committee are in possession of authentic informa-
tion, that so great was the demand for labour last year in
Canada, that although numbers of Emigrants arrived there late
in the season, having met with long passages at sea, their
opportune arrival enabled the farmers to reap their abundant
harvest, which could scarcely have been secured without addi-
tional aid.
" The Immigrants were chiefly employed and retained be-
tween Montreal and Toronto, few having gone further west,
although the demand there for labour was very great, and
remains still unsupplied.
*' The Committee are further gratified in being able to cor-
rect a mis-statement made without a proper knowledge of facts,
— that * swarms of persons re-emigrate from Canada to the
96 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
United States/ Comparatively but few did so in 1840, and
those were of that migratory kind that for a long time settle
nowhere ; but during the last year, from the testimony of the
Government Emigrant Agent at Kingston, Upper Canada, it
appears that a valuable addition was made to the population of
Canada ; for although some British subjects proceeded to the
States, a great number re-emigrated from that country to
Canada, bringing with them tlie fruits of their industry, in
order i)ermanently to settle within the jurisdiction and under
the authority of Great Britain. To this gratifying fact the Com-
mittee are most desirous of drawing public attention.
" The Committee are of opinion that great good will arise
from the recent and very general formation and establishment
of Emigration Societies in Canada, of which the principal Asso-
ciation is at Toronto, the different districts acting in conjunc-
tion with it. Their object is to furnish correct information to
every description of Emigrants upon their arrival in the country,
and as far as possible to render assistance to such as may be in
need. They will collect information respecting all properties and
lands for sale, lease, or rental, with the terms ; and statements,
and descriptions of those lands held by individuals, who, in
order to bring them into market, and enhance their value, have
surrendered parts of their lots on condition of building, clear-
ing, and cultivating a portion.
" Many large allotments of this sort have been made to the
Emigration Societies in Canada for the objects specified. By
the exertions of the respective Branch Associations, a vast fund
of information will be collected, before the opening of the navi-
gation, of the highest importance and value to the stranger
Emigrant. Those wishing to purchase, lease, or rent farms or
lands, or those who wish to procure employment, will know, the
instant they arrive, to whom to apply for the necessary and
authentic information.
" The healthy and industrious agricultural labourer, with
prudence, temperance, and i>erseverance, may be sure that in a
few years he will be in comparative afHuence. Agriculture is
the principal occupation of the country, as may be seen by the
AND COLONIZATION. 97
following extracts from a recent Address from Upper Canada
to the Queen : —
" * The cultivation of wheat is undoubtedly the object to
which, more than any other, your Majesty's subjects inhabiting
this fertile reoion are destined to devote their exertions. The
climate and the soil are alike favourable to its growth; the
labour which it requires, furnishes ready employment of the
most desirable kind to the multitudes which emigrate annually
from the British Islands ; and while, in each year, it converts
thousands of acres of barren wilderness into fertile fields, it
supplies to a numerous, intelligent, and loyal people that oc-
cupation which is of all others the most favourable to virtue
and happiness, and to that manly independence of character
which is necessary to the preservation of rational freedom.
Whenever a period occurs in which the farmer obtains a fair
price for this commodity, prosperity is everywhere visible ; he
is encouraged to extend the sphere of his industry by reclaim-
ing larger tracts from the wilderness ; the lands of the pro-
vince immediately rise in value ; our fellow-subjects from
Europe are led to employ their capital in a pursuit which yields
them an adequate profit ; an increased consumption of British
goods produces a revival of trade beneficial alike to the parent
state and to the Colony ; an augmented revenue affords us the
means of prosecuting those improvements in our roads and
inland navigation, to Avhich the inhabitants of Upper Canada
are so much tempted by the national advantages held np by
a kind Providence to their view, as any people that can be
named.*
" Powerful inducements to men of moderate fortune to
settle in Canada, exist in every toAvnship and district. Small
improved farms are to be met with at moderate prices, and
favourable investments of capital can be made with the secu-
rity of certain enhanced value.
" A fresh impetus has of late been given both to public and
private improvement, through all the British North American
provinces, l)y the happy establishment of a safe, frequent, and
short communication by steam with the parent state. In
H
98 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
Canada this energy has heen particularly manifest. Contem-
plated works on a large scale, under the sanction of the Exe-
cutive Government, will create a great demand for labour ;
while it may reasonably be expected that in the United Legis-
lature of the two provinces, hereafter to be known under, the
former name of Canada, there will be a concentration and con-
currence of resources, and many great improvements will no
longer be delayed by sectional difficulties or dissensions.
" The Committee think these encouraging prospects are quite
sufficient to justify a continuance of their exertions ; and with
the favourable disposition already evinced by Her Majesty's
Secretary of State for the Colonies, and several members of the
Imperial Parliament, towards the objects and purposes of this
Association, and Emigration in general ; and with the prepara-
tions making by the Colonists themselves for the reception of
Emigrants; and, above all, from the enlightened and active
policy of his Excellency the Governor-General of British North
America, they think they may safely congratulate the Associa-
tion on the cheering prospects that invite them to a renewal
of their valuable labours."
This document was presented, together with the following
Memorial, to Lord John Russell, Principal Secretary for the
Colonies : —
The Memorial of the North American Colonial Com-
mittee OF London.
" Sheweth, — ^That the North American Colonial Committee,
consisting of gentlemen associated for the purpose of promoting
the Colonization of the British provinces in America, have re-
solved, after mature consideration, to submit to your Lordship
the following statement of their views with respect to this im-
portant object.
** We assume, that in the Highlands and Islands, as well
as in some of the manufacturing towns of S<M)tland, that in par-
ticular employments and particular districts of England, that
throughout almost every part of Ireland, many thousands of
AND COLONIZATION. 99
our fellow-counlrynien are not only unable to obtain through-
out the year such wages as will afford them those means of
comfortable subsistence which every industrious man may fairly
expect in exchange for his labour, but are often reduced to the
extreme privations of the most afflicting destitution.
" We assume further, that in the British provinces of Ame-
rica there exists a demand for labour which has not yet been
fully satisfied ; that the industrious labourer can there obtain
good wages and the means of comfortable subsistence ; that
there being many millions of acres of the most fertile land still
uncultivated, land is so cheap that the exercise of industry and
frugality enables the labourer to purchase a small estate in fee
after a short residence in these provinces, and thus to become
an employer of labour, so that the demand for additional hands,
instead of decreasing with the supply, undergoes a constant
augmentation.
" Proceeding upon these two assumptions, which cannot
be controverted, we respectfully submit, that it is the duty
of the statesmen of Great Britain to afford to the Mother
Country and to the Colonies the aid which they respectively
require, by transferring the superabundant population of the
United Kingdom to those Colonies in which tliey will be wel-
comed as producers of wealth, instead of being repelled as a
burden upon the community, and in which their labour will be
adequately rewarded.
'* We are quite sensible that such an undertaking must be
conducted with the utmost caution ; that if a greater number
of Emigrants should be conveyed in any one year to the Colo-
nies than can be there beneficially employed, the result will be
most disastrous to the individuals emigrating ; most burdensome
to the Colonial community, as throwing upon their charity a
population dependent upon them for relief; and most dis-
couraging to future Emigration, in the re-action produced at
home by accounts of the misery and suffering which would have
been in such case endured. We are also sensible, that it is not
sufficient to convey the Emigrants to the nearest port in the
Colonies, and there to leave them unaided by further guidance
p3
100 SYSTEMATIC EMIG RATION
or assistance; that the result of such a proceeding would ])e to
throw into sea-port towns a mass of persons fur whom no ade-
quate employment could be there provided, and who would con-
sequently be exposed to the combined evils of hunger, disease,
and idleness; whilst in the case of Emigration to Canada, the
greater part of the more enterprising Emigrants would, under
such circumstances, make their way into the United States, as
the nearest point at which they could find employment. We
are therefore of opinion, that in any system of Emigration con-
ducted by the State, it is of the utmost importance that the
Emigrants yearly sent out should not exceed such a number as
can obtain certain employment on their arrival, and that they
should be conveyed at once to those parts of the provinces iu
which their labour is required.
** We have taken pains to ascertain what number of Emi-
grants cannot be received without inconvenience by the pro-
vinces of British North America during the present year, and
we could estimate the number at less than G0,000 at tiie
lowest computation. Exclusive of the emigration to the other
provinces of British North America, about 23,000 Emigmnts
landed in Lower Canada during last year. Of these a small
number went to the United States, but more than an equal
number went from the United States to settle in Canada. From
all the accounts which have been received, it a])pears that these
Emigrants have experienced no disappointment. Though a
large proportion were of that class who were dej)endent ui)on
]a\K)ur for their support, we have not heard that the supply of
labour exceeded the demand ; but on the contrary, there is rea-
json to believe that a much larger number might have found
employment. The success of the Emigration of last year will
probably induce many persons to emigrate during the present
year who are able to defray their own expenses; but as the in-
terposition of State assistance may possibly induce some persons
to seek such assistance who would otherwise have been enabled
to emigrate by the contributions of their friends, we may esti-
mate the number of Emigrants who will go out upon their own
resources at not more than 26,000 persons, leaving 35,000 as
AKD COLOKlZAtioK. 101
the number which could be absorbed by the provinces of British
America, for whom provision will require to be made in the
manner hereinafter suggested.
" The present is a moment peculiarly favourable to an ex-
tensive Emigration. The harvest of last year was most abun-
dant in North America, and consequently provisions are, at the
present moment, both cheap and plentiful. The advantage of
Emigration has never been so strongly felt by the intelligent
inhabitants of these Colonies. In several districts, particularly
in Upper Canada, Associations have been formed for the pur-
pose of facilitating the reception of Emigrants from the United
Kingdom. With a view to encourage the settlement of Emi-
grants in Canada, several landed proprietors have signified
their willingness to place at the disposal of these Associations
extensive tracts of land. They have also deputed Dr. Rolph as
their agent to this country for the purpose of stimulating Emi-
gration, and in this appointment the Colonial Executive has
concurred. The last act of the legislature of Upper Canada, pre-
vious to its final dissolution, was the adoption of an Address to
the Crown, praying that measures might be taken for promoting
Emigration upon a large scale to the Canadian provinces.
Under all these circumstances, we are justified in believing,
that when the Canadian legislature shall assemble, there will be
no indisposition to entertain favourably any propositions for the
encouragement of Emigration, which shall be founded upon an
equitable basis, and guarded by a prudent caution.
" We respectfully submit, that the time has now come when
such a proposition may be made with advantage by the Execu-
tive Government ; and as Ave are assured that your Lordship
cannot be indifferent to the opinion of a body of gentlemen
who are much interested in the Colonization of British America,
we beg to suggest, as the basis of such a proposition, the fol-
lowing apportionment of the expenses of Emigration between
the different parties interested : —
" 1. That the Emigrant should find the means of conveyance
to the port of embarkation, his outfit and provisions for the
102 SYSTEMATIC EMIGBATIOX
** 2. That the Govcriniiciit should provide a Tree passage.
" '.\. Tliat ilii ( Oloiiy should take charge of the labourer on
his arrival, and undertake his conveyance to the district in
vvliioh he is to be employed.
*' Such a division of the expenses Mould appear to Ix; mo-l
natural, as well as ))est suited to the means of the respective
parties, and jirobably it would he found in the result that each
would thus incur about an equal portion of the total cost.
. ** This suggestion is founded uj)on the supposition that
several distinct interests are concerned in the Emigration of the
unemployed poor of the United Kingdom.
"I. In the first place it is a matter of concern to the British
nation at large, that an individual, who is compelled by circum-
stances over which he has no control to remain idle at home,
should be transferred to a field in which his active vigour and
productive industry become elements of the political and com-
mercial greatness of the British empire. In reference to the
peculiar circumstances of Canada, your Lordship will feel that
there are considerations of political expediency, involving, per-
haps, the very connexion of these Colonies with the parent
State, which make it advisable to promote the immediate settle-
ment in those provinces of a population warmly attached to the
institutions and interests of Great Britain. These considera-
tions alone would justify the application of a portion of the
general revenue to the promotion of Emigration to British
North America.
" 2. It is not necessary to point out the benefit which
would result to the Emigrant himself, from his transfer to the
Colonies, because the whole of our reasoning is based upon the
assumption that this change of home would greatly improve
his condition. There is no member of our Association who
would advocate Emigration upon any other supposition. When
we suggest that the Emigrant should be called upon to con-
tribute some portion of tlir ixpenses of the Emigration of his
family, we are fully aware that, in many cases, the labourer
would be unable to contribute out of his own funds such pro-
portion ; but we think that few cases exist in which he would
AM) COLONIZATION* 103
find himself unable to make up this amount by the aid of his
friends, employers, or landlord ; and in such case it would
be competent for the guardians of any union to make the
required contribution out of the poor-rates. The advantage
which would result to the district to which an unemployed
family belongs, from their removal, is obvious and immediate,
because so long as they are unable to earn their own sub-
sistence, they must be relieved either by public or by private
charity.
" 3. The Colony to which the labourer emigrates is also
deeply interested in this transfer of our unemployed population,
and ought, therefore, to contribute its share of the expense. To
say that land is of no value without labour, is only to repeat a
truism which no one will contradict. We think it unneces-
sary, therefore, to expatiate upon this topic. We are satisfied
that the provincial legislature will gladly contribute the pro-
portion of the expense of Emigration which ought to be borne
by the Colonies. The funds available for this purpose have
frequently been pointed out in the discussions which have taken
place on the subject of Colonization, and their appropriation to
this object has received the sanction of those who would be
contributors to these funds.
" In the first place, it is desired that in British North Ame-
rica the whole of the proceeds arising from the public lands
shall be applied to the promotion of Emigration. We do not
think it necessary to state the arguments by which this principle
of Colonization is sustained. We confine ourselves to the
simple assertion that the same considerations which have con-
vinced your Lordship that the land fund of the other Colonies
should be appropriated to the conveyance thither of labour,
apply with equal force to the case of the North American Co-
lonies of Great Britain.
" Another fund available for the purpose of promoting
public works, and an accompanying Emigration, would arise
from the imposition of a tax upon land, — payable either in land
or money. If such a tax be paid in land, it will place at the
disposal of the Executive, sections of land in various parts of the
104 SYSTEMATIC EMICnATlON
provinces, which will become applicHblo to the settlement of
Emigrants, and a gradual surrender of such sections of land on
tlie part of those who do not think it their interest to pay even
a triHIiig assessment upon them, will tend to diminish the evils
which have been found to arise from profuse and improvident
grants of large tracts of territory to individuals wlio have pos-
sessed neither the means nor inclination to bring them under
cultivation. If, on the other hand, the tax be generally paid
in money, it will be seen that even a trifling assessment will at
once create a fund available for the promotion of public works
and Emigration.
" A tax of one halfj)enny per acre levied upon all the lands
of British North America which have been already granted,
would i)roduce upwards of £80,000 j)er annum ; and this fund
would continually increase, in proportion as the public land
now undisposed of should be approj)riated by individuals.
" Upon this revenue above a million sterling could be at
once raised, or such lesser sum as may from time to time be
required for the improvement and settlement of the districts
from which the tax may be levied. We have reason to believe
that if the provincial legislature should consent to the im[K)-
sition of such a land-tax, there will be no difficulty in raising,
among the capitalists in the city of London who arc connected
with the provinces whatever amount may be required, pro-
portionate to the security so afforded, — on the strict condition
that this fund shall be applied to the purposes above specified.
" In urging your Lordship to recommend to the provincial
legislatures some such proposal as that which we have ventured
to suggest, it has given us great satisfaction to observe that
this proposition much resembles that which has been already
submitted by the Commissioners of Land and Emigration. In
their report, dated the 25th of April, 1840, we find that they
advised that £50,000 should be applied, out of the general
revenue, in aid of Emigration to British North America.
** They recommend that half the expense of the passage of
the Emigrants should be defrayed by the Government, the
other half being borne by the Emigrants themselves, or by the
And colonic AtioK. 105
parties locally interested in their removal, whether landed pro-
prietors or poor-law unions ; that the Emigrants should make
their way to the port of embarkation at their own cost ; and
that, upon their landing in the Colony, they should be imme-
diately placed under the guidance of the Colonial Emigration
Agents, whose duty it would be to convey them to those parts
of the Colony in which certain employment awaits them.
" We do not concur with the Commissioners in thinking:
that the Emigrant should be called upon to contribute any por-
tion of the passage money, because many Emigrants Avould be
found unable to provide such contribution ; and we deem it of
the utmost importance that Emigrants should have at their
disposal, on landing in the Colony, any funds which they may
be able to command, — but we think that the expenses of outfit,
provisions, and conveyance to the port of embarkation may
fairly be thrown upon the Emigrant. In other respects, we
are happy to find that the views of the Commissioners are almost
entirely in accordance with those of our Committee.
" It ought to be observed, that, by placing the stream of
Emigration under the superintendence of a responsible board,
much of the suftering and danger to which the Emigrant is
now exposed from the designing practices of some of the ship-
owners and masters engaged in the conveyance of Emigrants,
as well as from the employment of unsafe vessels, would be
obviated, and thus the Emigrant would be placed under a pro-
tecting care from the port of embarkation to the place of his
ultimate location.
" We have only to add in conclusion, that, in soliciting
assistance on the part of the State in aid of Emigration to Bri-
tish North America, it is very far from our wish to deprecate
similar assistance towards promoting the settlement of the
other Colonies of Great Britain. We regret to be compelled
to believe that there are in the United Kingdom, a number of
industrious men of good character unable to find employment
at home sufficient to supply the utmost demand for labour that
can for several years exist in the various Colonies of Great
Britain. We therefore claim no partiality for British North
106 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
America; but in viewing this subject with reference to the
interests of the Mother Country, it cannot be forgotten, that, in
consequence of the nearer vicinity of the American Colonies, a
contribution on the part of the State, which would only facili-
tate the conveyance of hundreds of the unemployed poor to
more distant settlements, would aid the Emigration of thou-
sands to British North America.
** We have now laid before your Lordship, in as brief a
form as we could adopt, without omitting particulars which we
deem it important to mention, a distinct proposal for the con-
duct of Emigration to British North America. It has not been
adopted hastily, but is the result of much consideration ; and
we leave it in your Lordship's hands with a feeling of perfect
confidence, that, as a British statesman, you are deeply sensible
of the value of Colonization as a means of increasing the power
and resources of the great empire whose colonial interests have
been intrusted to your charge.
" MouNTCASHELL, President.
*• Argyll. C. Franks.
Dunmore. G. B. Robinson.
Blayney. J. McLean.
Jos. De C. Laffan, Bart. L. Robinson.
G. P. Scrope, M.P. R. P. Crooks.
W. S. O'Brien, M.P. A. Head.
A. D'Este. W. Hagerman.
The Chisholm. W. Ifill.
D. McDougall. J. Hughes.
N. Mc Leod. Geo. Wyndliani.
B. Mc Leod.
" Thomas Rolph, Hon. Secretary."
Upon the same day that these documents were presented to
the Colonial Minister, 1 formed also one of a Deputation, con-
sisting of the leading Members of all the various Land Com-
panies connected with British America, praying for such a
disposition of the Crown Revenues of the various Colonies as
And colonization. 107
would enable public improvements to be carried on, and their
settlement promoted.
The memorials and petitions of 1840 having had no prac-
tical issue, on the 11th of February, H. Baillie, Esq., M.P. for
Inverness-shire, and one of the active members of the North
American Colonial Committee, made a motion in the House of
Commons for " the appointment of a Select Committee to en-
quire into the condition of tlie Western Highlands and Islands
of Scotland, with a view to affording relief by means of Emi-
gration," which was granted. This Committee was composed
of the following members : —
Mr. H. Baillie. Mr. Tufnell.
Mr. Robert Stewart. Lord Teio^nmouth.
Mr. Edward Ellice. Mr. Robert Pigot.
Mr. Thomas Mackenzie. Mr. Colquhoun.
Mr. Cumming Bruce. Mr. Ward.
Mr. William Mackenzie. Mr. W. S. O'Brien.
Mr. Ewart. Mr. Dunbar.
Mr. Protheroe.
They assembled for business on the 26th of February, and
the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, and 10th of March, on which several
days the following witnesses were examined, viz. — Mr. Bowie,
W. S., Robert Graham, Esq., Mr. Charles Robert Baird, Rev.
D, Norman M'Leod, D.D., the Rev. John M'Leod, Mr.
Evander M'lver, and myself.
A day or two after my examination I proceeded to Scotland,
at the earnest desire of upwards of sixty Emigration Societies
that were enrolled for the purposes of mutually assisting each
other to remove to Canada. On the 16th, I attended a large
meeting of delegates from the said Societies in the Town Hall
of Glasgow, and addressed them at great length. The Lord
Provost filled the chair. The Rev. Dr. Mc Leod, and various
other gentlemen delivered their sentiments on this occasion.
It was then unanimously resolved to prosecute sedulously any
plan that would have for its object the safe removal of the
redundant population of the British Isles. Whilst at Glasgow,
108 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
I received an invitation from Weill Malcolm, Esq., of Poltal-
loch, to proceed to Kilmartin, to address such of his tenantry
as felt desirous of removing. It is needless to say with what
pleasure I acceded to the request of this most henevolent and
excellent gentleman, wliose warm-hearted philanthropy is
equally to be witnessed in the great improvement of his exten-
sive estates in Argylcshire as in the comfortable settlement
and acquired independence of the numerous individuals he so
munificently assisted to remove to Western Canada. During
this visit to Scotland, I also attended and addressed a meeting
at Paisley.
The Committee of the House of Commons on Emigration
continued their sittings on the Uth, 16th, 17th, and IDth of
March, on which days Mr. Andrew Scott, Mr. Alexander
Kenneth Mackinnon, the Hon. Christopher Alexander Hager-
man (one of the Judges of Canada), Mr. Alexander Macdonald,
Mr. Thomas Knox, the Rev. Robert Mc Pherson, and Mr.
Duncan Shaw, were examined. The Committee made their
First REroRx to the House of Commons on the 26th of March,
which was ordered the same day to be printed with the minutes
of the evidence taken. The following is a copy of the Re-
port:— "Although your Committee have not yet collected
sufHcient evidence to justify them in reporting finally upon the
several points to which their attention has been directed, they
have considered that they shall best discharge their duty by
submitting to the House that portion of the evidence which has
already been received, and which (imperfect in some respects
as it necessarily is) may have the effect of showing the great
importance of the subject they have endeavoured to investi-
gate,— the urgency of the distress that periodically prevails in
the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland, arising mainly
from the excessive population, — and also of calling the serious
attention of the House to the necessity of considering some
eflicient remedies to alleviate the existing evils ; amongst
which, that which appears, from the evidence, to be of primary
imj)ortance, is a well-arranged system of Emigration, in order
AND COLONIZATION. 109
to relieve the present state of destitution, and as preparatory to
any measure calculated to prevent a recurrence of similar
distress."
After a tour through several agricultural districts, I re-
turned to London. On the 10th, 13th, and 18th of May, the
Select Committee sat, when Charles Franks, Esq., Samuel
Cunard, Esq., Mr. Murdo Mackenzie, the Duke of Argyll,
and myself, were examined. And on the 24tli of May the
Committee made their Second Report, which, together with
the minutes of evidence, was ordered hy the House to he
printed.
In the valuable Report with which they concluded their
labours, they stated : —
" Your Committee have already reported to the House
their opinion, that a well-arranged system of Emigration, in
order to relieve the present state of destitution, and as prepa-
ratory to any measures calculated to prevent a return of similar
distress, would be of primary importance ; and they now beg
leave to add, that it seems to them impossible to carry such a
system, upon so extensive a scale as would be necessary, into
effect, without aid and assistance from the Government, accom-
panied by sucli regulations as Parliament may impose, to pre-
vent a recurrence of similar evils. It has been stated to the
Committee, that the province of Upper Canada alone, and
without reference to other portions of our North American
Colonies, might annually absorb 10,000 labourers, implying
an Emigration of 50,000 souls ; that 30,000 actually arrived
in Canada last year, at least one-half of which number were
absolutely destitute, and although no extraordinary means
were taken, they have all found employment. It was further
stated to be to the advantage of Emigrants, even with small
capital, to be employed for the first two years as labourers,
rather than at once to be located upon land. It has appeared
in evidence, that the people, being fully aware of the impos-
sibility of finding adequate subsistence at home, are now most
anxious to emigrate ; and 3^our Committee have considered it
to be their dutv to call the attention of Government to the sub-
110 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
ject, from the (concurrent testimony of all the witnesses leading
them to bolieve that tlio country is not only liable to a return of*
such a visitation as that which occurred in tlic years 1830 and
1837, but that, in the nature of things, it must recur ; that the
population is still rapidly increasing, in spite of any check
which the landlords can oppose, and without any corresponding
increase in the natural productiveness and resources of tlio
country."
The Minutes of Evidence contain a mass of published testi-
mony concerning the nature and extent of destitution in Scot-
land, which ought to be in the hands of every person taking an
interest in the social state of that kingdom. Here it is impos-
sible for me to do more than refer, in the most cursory way, to
the details recorded. From Mr. Bowie's evidence, it appears
that there are upwards of 500 unassessed parishes in Scotland ;
that many of the Highlanders would rather starve than receive
public relief; and that an assessment is anxiously avoided, for
fear of demoralising them. Mr. Baird, Honorary Secretary to
the Glasgow Relief Committee, in 1837, stated that the Com-
mittee had come to the unanimous conclusion that Emigration
was the best thing for the Highlanders ; that it would be very
difficult to introduce poor-laws into some of the islands ; and
that there is a great want of capital both amongst the landlords
and tenants. Mr. Franks showed that 337 persons or families
who had gone out, under the auspices of the Canada Lan<l
Company, with no capital, have now upon an average £334
each, most of them being employed as labourers. Tlie Hon.
Mr. Hagerman, one of the Justices of the Queen's Bencli in
Upper Canada, spoke as to the success of the Emigrants who
had gone out from Ireland — considered that an extensive set-
tlement in Canada of able-bodied people from this country
would reduce the necessity of sending out troops — bore testi-
mony to the good character of the Highland settlers who had
gone to Canada, in respect of industry and general conduct — and
gave some valuable statistical details as to the Colony. Mr.
Knox, Chamberlain of Lewis, considered there would be an
advantage in removing 6,000 or 7,000 souls from that island,
AND COLONIZATION. Ill
and would recommend the proprietors making* an annual sacri-
fice to the extent of one-third of the expense. Mr. Mackinnon
showed that distress was very great in Skye in the years 1836
and 1837, a large mass of the population being in a state of
utter destitution, and that the people there are very much
inclined to emigrate to North America. The Rev. Dr. M'Leod
mentioned that the rental of the island of Tyree was £3,000
a-year during the time of the kelp trade, and is now nearly
nominal ; that 400 families pay no rent, and others only 20^. or
405. a-year. He spoke of the successful results of Emigration
from the island of Rum, and stated his conviction that similar
results might be anticipated in other places. Further, he stated
that the population of the Western Highlands had doubled
since 1745. He considered a compulsory assessment for the
poor, on the English system, would ruin the landlords, and
cause the immediate ejectment of the people. And finally,
being questioned as to whether he apprehended a recurrence of
the visitation of 1836 and 1837, he answered — " I have an
awful terror of its return, for a failure in the potato crop of
any given year must produce it." Finally, from the evidence
of the Duke of Argyll, it appears " that the estates of several
of the landed proprietors in the West of Scotland were very
much encumbered ; that Emigration would most undoubtedly
tend to relieve the landlords from part of their embarrassments ;
that Emigration, if well managed, would be the most advan-
tageous mode of relieving the population ; that upon the prin-
ciple of self-interest, he had the greatest reason to suppose
that other landed proprietors would in general promote Emi-
gration to the utmost of their power ; that from his estates in
the island of Tyree, he considered 2000 souls ought to be
removed, if a comfortable situation could be assured to them,
and 1000 souls from another of his estates in the island of
Mull ; that he w as willing to contribute at the rate of 305. per
head, but not in one year, to aid the removal of the said 3000
souls ; and that supposing the landlords were to furnish one-
third of the expense of clearing their estates, he considered it
would be to their advantage, because they would sooner get
112 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
into a proper arrangement with regard to the size of the farms,
and receive the return of a good rent for land for which they
liave no rent."
During this period the North American Colonial Committee
were sedulously pursuing their exertions in furtherance of the
ohjects for which they were organized. At a meeting on the
20th of June, Arthur J. Robertson, Esq., of Inches, presiding,
the Chairman stated " That he had addressed a letter to Sir
Robert Peel, requesting permission for a deputation of the
Committee to wait upon him, in compliance with the sugges-
tion of the Duke of Argyll ; that Sir Robert having appointed
an hour to receive the Chairman, he had waited on him, and
that the following was the result of the interview : — Sir Robert,
although unfavourable to the principle of legislative grants for
purposes of Emigration, was inclined to believe that an excep-
tion might be made in reference to the immediate objects of
the Committee, on account of the destitution which was repre-
sented to exist in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, conse-
quent on the reduction of the duty on barilla, and the import-
ance of contributing to the maintenance of the integrity of
British North America, by encouraging extensive Immigra-
tion from the United Kingdom : he suggested that petitions to
both Houses of Parliament, dwelling prominently on these
topics, and praying for a legislative grant, should be presented
from the principal proprietors of the Highlands and Islands of
Scotland ; that the Conmiittee should endeavour to prevail with
the Goverment to give effect to the prayer of the petition; and
Sir Robert encouraged the hope that it might receive his sup-
port.*'
In compliance with this suggestion, petitions were, in the
month of July, i)resented to both branches of the legislature,
but no practical result followed.
Notwithstanding the Report and Petition just referred to,
the Address to Her Majesty of the Commons' House of Assem-
bly of Upper Canada, in February, 1840, urging some Govern-
ment plan for the encouragement and direction of Emigration
from the United Kingdom to the British American Colonies,
^^
AND COLONIZATION. 113
and the representation made to the Colonial Minister in the
spring of that year, by the deputation of Highland proprietors
and others, who placed in his hands the Memorial of the in-
fluential meeting held in the Hopetoun Rooms, Edinburgh,
already given, that Session passed over without any effective
measure having been propounded on the subject. This fact,
combined with the urgency of the wide-spreading distress, sug-
gested the necessity for an organized association of a commer-
cial nature, which should form a permanent bond of union and
co-operation for all those on either side of the Atlantic inter-
ested in Emigration and Colonization. Two years previous to
my introduction to Sir R. Broun, in December, 1839, that
gentleman, in conjunction with various influential parties, had
matured a plan for an institution of this description, whereby
the rights and objects of the Scottish Baronetage should be
revived. But the outbreak in Canada, the death of King Wil-
liam IV., and the unsettled state of the Melbourne ministry,
had severally intervened to suspend proceedings for this im-
portant end. From the period, however, of my return to Eng-
land, as the accredited Agent of the Government of Canada for
Emigration, the subject of forming a Public Company en-
gaged our mutual and earnest attention. Being invited by Sir
R. Broun to join him in laying the foundations of an institu-
tion which would give permanency and effect to our isolated
exertions, and unite the large and influential connexions for
which we severally had the honour to act, I entered cordially
into an agreement for that purpose. At the period of my first
acquaintance with that gentleman, I was not, indeed, clothed
with the official appointment which two Governors-General of
Canada subsequently reposed in me, but from the preceding
narrative it will be seen that my mission was considered a
public one by the whole British population of Canada. On the
other hand, few men held in England a more prominent posi-
tion than Sir Richard Broun. As Hon. Secretary to the Ba-
ronets, he was connected with the most numerous class of the
old hereditary nobility of the three kingdoms, an Order ex-
pressly erected to promote the Colonization of British North
I
114 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
.America; but, besides this, he was one of the Hon. Secretaries
of the Central Agricultural Society of Great Britain and Ire-
land, a body he had mainly founded, and which enrolled about
eighty of the principal local agricultural associations, and many
hundreds of the most talented and influential members of the
landed interest. Of Sir R. Broun's qualifications it is unne-
cessary for me to speak; and yet recent events will excuse my
glancing at them. Few individuals have devoted more atten-
tion to that important range of subjects which aggregately form
the Home Condition Question, or laboured more assiduously to
concentrate upon it public thought. Strongly attached to Bri-
tish principles, the protection of home and colonial industry,
and the purity and maintenance of the monarchical institutions
of the State, his services in those causes have gained for him a
consideration which will long survive those passing clouds of
calumny which the fall of the British American Association
created, and which have only suspended for a time the prose-
cution of views which eminently concern the happiness and
welfare of the stricken and prostrate peasantry of the British
Isles. These concurrent circumstances led to the formation of
the British American Association; the objects of that body being
the Settlement and Colonization of the waste lands of our North
American provinces by the suffering redundant population of
the United Kingdom. Had this Society been successfully esta-
blished, it would have combined the elements of utility to all.
To the landlords of the United Kingdom it would have proved
beneficial in clearing their estates — to the landowners of Ca-
nada, by peopling and settling them — to the capitalists, who,
joined with the Canadian proprietors, a certain and profitable
investment of their capital — to the Colonists, as planting an
invaluable yeomanry within their borders — and to the mer-
chants, mariners, and manufacturers of Great Britain, the ine-
vitable benefit of extended trade and commerce. The whole,
therefore, of this season was devoted by myself, in conjunction
with Sir R. Broun and others, to form a public Company for
these combined purposes. Repeated meetings had been held —
a Constitution matured — a prospectus drawn up — the Duke of
AND COLONIZATION. 115
Argyll had consented to be President — arrangements had been
made that a deputation should proceed to Ireland and Scot-
land, to announce the formation and obtain the concurrence of
the people of those countries, when I received a letter from Lord
Sydenham, requesting my immediate attendance in Canada.
In the month of August I left England, and, on my arrival in
America, heard, to my inexpressible regret, the melancholy
news of his Excellency's death, which took place at Kingston,
Canada, on the 19th of September, the day I arrived at New
York.
After attending the funeral of this lamented Statesman,
whose premature loss had spread a deep gloom throughout the
provinces that had become united under his administration, I
proceeded to visit the beautiful seignories lying on the north
shores of the St. Lawrence, which I earnestly hoped would have
become the scene of the first operations of the Association
whose foundation I had just assisted to establish. Their aug-
mented value since that period, from the transfer of the seat of
Government to Montreal, renders it doubly mortifying that any
check should have occurred to interrupt this enlarged and de-
sirable institution.
After leaving the seignories to proceed to the west, I found
on my arrival at Montreal, that a meeting of its citizens had
been convened to present me a congratulatory address on my
return. A very numerous assemblage of the merchants took
place at the Exchange, when the address was presented to me
by the mayor of the city, the Hon. P. M*Gill, on which occa-
sion, amongst other topics, I alluded to the arrival of the
Islanders of Lewis, and expressed my hope that the dread of
"pauper" Emigration would not chill their zeal, or render
them less energetic in attracting as many as possible of the
British race to settle in the province, and proceeded : " Can any
one traverse the eastern townships, and behold its thriving and
industrious population, their neat homesteads, and their im-
proving condition, and remain doubtful as to the beneficial
effects of industry, even unaided by capital 1 Every portion,
however, of the American continent bears ample testimony to
?2
116 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
the incalculable benefit and blessings accruing from the esta-
blishment and introduction of an industrious population ; and
no estimate, however extravagant, can be formed of its immea-
surable advantages to this province in particular. But this
year it has not been a * pauper ' population only that has
found its way into Canada ; I am quite convinced that more
capital has been introduced into this country, during the pre-
sent year, than in any one year since 1834, and that it is but
the prelude to still further investments from the enterprising
portion of the people of Great Britain. When it is considered,
that at the commencement of the spring a general apprehen-
sion was entertained that hostilities with our neighbours was
inevitable, and that the Great Western had, in anticipation of
such an event, advertised an alteration of her route from New
York to Halifax, — ^when it is further remembered that it was
but the first legislative year of United Canada, — that alterations
were in contemplation affecting its commerce, — and, above all,
when more serious embarrassments were felt in the monetary
community in Great Britain than for many preceding years, I
confess that I see great and sincere cause for congratulation at
the progress which, under such circumstances, has been made
this season. I wish not to be misunderstood relative to pauper
Emigration : I am quite certain that great good resulted from
the wide circulation given in Great Britain to your valuable
Report of last year, and that it tended in no small degree to
correct many evils which it forcibly pointed out. Shortly after
my arrival in England, I received requests from the several
Emigration Committees of Glasgow and Paisley, to meet them
in Scotland. Instantly, and unhesitatingly, I complied with
their desire ; and to convince you how unwilling I was, that,
by any efforts of mine, your shores should be crowded with
destitute emigrants, I implored all that had not sufficient
means to convey themselves into the interior of the province,
or maintain themselves for some time after their arrival, to re-
main behind. At Glasgow, Paisley, and in the Highlands of
Scotland this was my fervent advice to them; and immediately
previous to my departure from England, they again renewed
AND COLONIZATION. 117
their correspondence with me, informing me of the efforts they
were still making for the ensuing year, enabling me again to
renew my exhortations, and affording me the opportunity of
reading them a portion of an admirable letter which I had just
then received from Mr. Buchanan, of Quebec, well calculated
to prove, as I trust it will prove, of great service to them. I
regret that there should be any instance of departure from the
essential requisite to successful Emigration ; but I am bound in
candour to declare, that I have read some letters recently from
the eastern townships, announcing the arrival of 229 poor
Scotch people from the Island of Lewis, in a state of great des-
titution, and without any provision being made for them by
their landlords.
" The valuable settlers in the eastern townships have long
complained that the whole tide of Emigration has been directed
to the west, leaving neglected their splendid and extensive
domain. At a recent meeting of the American Land Company
in England, the Deputy-Governor declared that ' all that was
required was to obtain settlers on the land.* It is therefore to be
hoped, that this healthy, industrious people, will still prove, as
anticipated, successful good settlers in that interesting portion
of this province. The unparalleled sufferings of these unfor-
tunate people in their native isles, renders them eager to em-
brace any opportunity to exchange their present fate, and trans-
port themselves to those parts where their fellow-men have suc-
ceeded. But it is needless for me to expatiate on the earnest-
ness with which their landlords seek to render the change as
little onerous as possible to the community amongst whom they
wish them to settle ; as any one who reads the evidence of the
Duke of Argyll before a Select Committee of the House of
Commons, will be fully convinced of the great sacrifice his
Grace is prepared to make to secure the comfortable transfer of
the surplus population of his estates from Scotland to Canada.
But if these Highlanders recently arrived in the eastern town-
ships, and who cannot, it appears, speak a word of English, require
some temporary assistance this season, I am sure there are not
118 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
wanting hearts to render them aseistance, and retain them in
the country.
" One other subject, certainly, excited a deep and thrilling
interest in England, on which it was impossible to remain pas-
sive— one on which I dare not now trust myself to speak — the
case of our fellow-subject M*Leod. I felt as a British subject,
and hope that I spoke and acted like one. I did no more ;
nothing should have prevented me from doing less. Before
concluding, I cannot but revert to the signal loss this province
has recently sustained by the death of the Governor-General.
^Vhen on a visit to his brother, in Wiltshire, I had an oppor-
tunity of hearing a portion of his correspondence read to me,
which abundantly proved the deep solicitude he felt for the
welfare of this province, and his conviction that the Union
would be productive of the greatest good. He was delighted
at the progress of the first year's legislation under the Union,
and at the appearance of harmony between the eastern and
western sections of the province, which seemed springing up.
And really, when contemplating the boundless resources of this
noble country, the vast reciprocal blessings which may arise
from our happy union with the parent state, the benefits which
a well regulated transfer of the people may mutually impart,
when a thorough confidence shall be felt in the stability of our
institutions, inducing a free investment of British capital, we
must all hope that the old principle of * divide and conquer' will
for ever be discarded, by the lasting establishment, under the
new order of things, of * unite and be happy.* "
I concluded by expressing my grateful acknowledgments to
the meeting for the kind and attentive manner in which my
observations had been listened to ; and by assuring the meeting
and the inhabitants of Montreal in general, that I had infinite
pleasure in having so early an opportunity in first communi-
cating to them the results of my late successful mission to the
mother country, in relation to a subject in which the whole
Empire was so deeply interested.
On my return to the city of Toronto, a yery numerous meet-
AND COLONIZATION. 119
ing of its inhabitants, presided over by the sheriff, assembled
to welcome me on my return, and receive from me my annual
report. From the published account of the proceedings given
in the Canadian journals, I extract the following portions of
my address delivered on that occasion : —
** Gentlemen,^ — It would have been indeed most gratifying
to me, after nearly a twelve months' absence, to have congra-
tulated this province on the success of the Emigration Asso-
ciation had it proved a sgreat, as I had fondly anticipated, and
to have found that but one feeling existed as to its obvious
utility ; — for although, to the transfer of the seat of Govern-
ment, and the consequent dispersion of many of the members
who were present, and took an active part in its organization,
I am disposed to attribute its declension ; yet it is to be deeply
deplored that an Association which commenced so well, which
was honoured by the distinguished patronage of the late Go-
vernor-General, and which promised to have been so valuable,
should not have received more countenance, encouragement,
and support, throughout the province, than it has done. The
prospectus and address of the Association was widely dissemi-
nated at home, excited much interest, and gave such satisfac-
tion, that it was copied into many of the principal newspapers
and journals throughout the United Kingdom.
" It was a source of deep regret to me to learn, soon after
my arrival in England, that the Association had been deprived
of the valuable support of a gentleman, one of the members of
this city, whose munificence and zeal had been always con-
spicuous in the promotion of Emigration, and whose concur-
rence in the views and objects of the Association could not
but inspire the utmost confidence in the minds of his fellow-
countrymen, who were contemplating a removal from their
native homes to Canada. I cannot but indulge the hope that
his secession was but temporary, and that the cause of
British Immigration will be long promoted by his generous and
efficient aid ; and that a measure, which has been alike viewed
by every governor of this province as essential to its happiness,
and indispensable to its prosperity, may be earnestly promoted
120 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
by all the Inhabitants of the country without reference to other
questions on which they may conscientiously entertain different
opinions.
" You will perceive by the vast mass of correspondence
which I lay before you, that 1 have not been without applica-
tions from all parts of the United Kingdom for information as
to this province. This desire is steadily on the increase, and
it would prove highly detrimental to the province if it could
not be satisfied. At the commencement of the year, the various
societies, interested in the settlement of the North American
provinces, held a meeting for the purpose of submitting their
views, as to the best means of accomplishing that object, to the
Colonial Secretary and to the Governor-General. I was invited
to take part in their deliberations, and to concur in the Memo-
rial which they proposed submitting to the Government. In
their general views I warmly participated, and succeeded in
convincing them that many statements contained in the docu-
ment first submitted to consideration, introducing disparaging
comparisons between Canada and the United States, were
unfounded and injurious, and was happy to obtain their con-
currence in their omission. This Memorial, together with one
adopted by the North American Colonial Committee, were
presented, by most influential deputations, to Lord John Russell,
and obtained from him that attentive consideration which
every measure connected with the welfare and advancement of
the Colonies invariably received at his bands. I am proud to
have the opportunity, now that his Lordship holds no longer
the seals of office, of bearing my willing though humble testi-
mony to the extraordinary zeal and assiduity with which he
directed his commanding talents to the benefit of the Colonies
entrusted to his charge, and to the attention which he paid to
all who submitted to him any measure connected with their
advantage and prosperity.
" At the commencement of the season great apprehension
was felt, that the harmony which had existed unbroken for
many years, between Great Britain and the United States, was
about to receive an interruption from the capture and detention
AND COLONIZATION. 121
of a British subject, for a supposed participation in an act
approved of by his sovereign. This alarm was calculated to
deter peaceful individuals from settling in a country likely to
be exposed to the ravages of war. I hope these fears may now
be set at rest ; for although I know that in such an unhappy
state of things, it would be far better for British subjects to be
fighting under the protecting flag of the mother country, than
to be found fighting in the ranks of her enemies, and exposed
to the taunts and insults inseparable from such a position, in a
state of war, — the inevitable consequence of settling in the
United States : yet, peace is an invaluable blessing, indispen-
sable to the prosperity of the country, and most earnestly to be
desired by every true friend to its happiness. In many parts
of Great Britain, Emigration societies have been formed, some-
what on the principle of benefit or mutual assurance societies.
The members of these meritorious associations reserve a portion
of their wages, and obtain the contributions of the wealthy, to
send out, annually, a certain number of their society, who can
proceed without fear, and with some comfort, to a Colony where
their industry would meet with its reward. I was requested
by the leading members of some of these associations, to visit
them in Scotland, and proceed to Glasgow, Paisley, and other
parts of the country, to aid them in the laudable efforts they
were making to remove in a judicious and provident manner.
I did not hesitate to comply with their request, as it enabled
me to caution them against leaving their native country without
carrying with them sufficient means to ensure them from want
on their arrival in Canada. I need cite no other authorities,
than the persons who attended these various meetings through-
out Scotland, to vindicate me from the charge of encouraging
* pauper' Emigration. Notwithstanding the alarm felt by some
at the desire of the poor to remove to Canada, I shall ever feel
the value of Lord Durham's remark : — * I can scarcely imagine
any obligation which it is more incumbent on Government to
fulfil, than securing io poor persons disposed to emigrate every
possible facility.'
" Far, however, from encouraging Emigrants who were
122 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
completely unprovided, I have urged invariably and most
strongly the indispensable necessity and propriety, both on the
parts of the landlords and parishes, to see that those who are
sent out by them should not be left destitute or abandoned
until they can have labour or settlement procured for them.
In connexion with this gratifying subject, 1 am delighted to
state that the Rev. Mr. M*Coll, recently appointed minister to
a body of Emigrants, has arrived in this country, to look for a
location for 500 families from the vicinity of Oban and Lismore,
who are desirous of settling as a community, and who are
bringing with them on an average from £100 to £1000 per
family, besides their habits of industry, frugality, and agricul-
tural knowledge.
" A few years since, we were met by the cry, that the settle-
ment and prosperity of the country was materially retarded,
because the people could not obtain land ; we were constantly
referred to the States, where it could be procured at 6s. Sd. per
acre, and where it was stated that of our fellow-countrymen
numbers were availing themselves of the privilege. Now that
settlements are opened to British industry and enterprise, we
are told that British labourers are unable and are unaccus-
tomed to clear the woods, by those who have previously com-
plained that they wend their way in numbers to the United
States for no other object. I affirm that British labourers are
capable, ay, fully as capable as any labourers in the world,
of clearing the woods, and I can point to every district in the
province for ample proof of my assertion ; astonishing as it
may appear, some of the best stone houses now in progress of
erection, on some of the best cultivated farms in the province,
have been the unaided results of persevering, industrious,
hardy, British labourers. Who first settled the State of Maine
in 1630?— The English. Who first settled New Hampshire
in 1623?— The English. Who first settled Massachusets in
1620?— The English. Who first settled Vermont in 1749?—
The English. Who first settled Rhode Island in 1636?— The
English. Who first settled Connecticut in 1633? — The
English. Who first settled Pennsylvania in 1632? — The
AND COLONIZATION. 123
English. Who first settled Maryland in 1636?--The English.
Who first settled Virginia in 1607?— The English. Who first
settled North Carolina in 1650?— The English. Who first
settled South Carolina in 1689 ?— The English. Who first
settled Georgia in 1733?— The English. Who first settled
Tennesee in 1765? The English. Who first settled Ohio in
1788?— The English. Yes; it was Englishmen that first felled
the woods in the East, West, North, and South : and I repel the
foul imputation with contempt, that they are less willing or
able to do so now, than then. It is not capitalists only that
will clear woods, make roads, build houses, construct harbours,
or plough the fields ; their means, doubtless, are a great, almost
indispensable auxiliary; but labour is indispensable, indeed, the
creation of capital, the stimulus of its investment, the surety
of its increase, and the security for its employment. We shall
find that as the public roads are improved, education supplied
to the province, and opportunities for public worship extended,
careful and industrious farmers with capital will be quite ready
to embark their fortunes in this country, for the sake of their
families. I am gratified to find here a contradiction of the
too-often repeated assertion, that farming was unprofitable in
Canada. How many instances of successful farming are to be
met with in every long-settled district? how many persons
take farms on shares, faithfully perform their contract, and
find it a source of profit to them ? I know many instances of
highly profitable farming; and although labour is high, and the
winters are long, rendering the maintenance of stock expensive,
yet I can mention a case within my own knowledge of a small
farmer, in the township of Ancaster, having less than seventy
acres of land cultivated, and after providing for his own stock,
sell the surplus of his hay alone for upwards of £60. I attri-
bute this report about unprofitable farming to the disadvantage
of being conducted on a small scale, with insuflBcient capital,
and by inexperienced persons; and that those who antici-
pate living like gentlemen, on the produce of £300 or £400
capital expended on a house, furniture, living, and the culti-
vation of twenty or thirty acres of land, must expect to be
124 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
disappointed. It would be preposterous to suppose that such
a class of farmers as the yeomanry of England would not suc-
ceed in Canada, yes, at a much greater ratio, and with a
smaller expenditure of means ; whilst the gentleman farmer
would not succeed, unless he derived a certain income beyond
that of a small fann. If any one can doubt the profits of
farming, all other methods failing, I recommend him to attend
one of the agricultural dinners at the city of Toronto, and make
what enquiries he pleases as to the wealth of the farmers he
^vill meet at the agricultural table. The matter is easy of
proof. There has never been an effort yet made, commensurate
with the advantages which might accrue from the settlement
of a large number of Emigrants on the public domain ; I hope
that the Owen's Sound settlement, and the Megantic territory
will yet afford the inducement, and realise the advantage.
* Our doubts are traitors,
And make us lose the good we oft might wio.
By fearing the attempt.'
" I am indebted to the Monthly Review for the information
that during nine years, excluding that of cholera, 1832, the ex-
penses occasioned by Emigrants amounted to a little over £3,000
per annum ; during six of these years, viz., from 1835 to 1840
inclusive, 97,271 Immigrants arrived in Canada, by the Quebec
route, and taking the average annual expense at £3,000 (although
from the small numbers that came in the years 1838 and 1839,
the expense was much diminished), it would not amount to As.
per head, an expense by no means commensurate with the
blessing of so augmented a population.
" I have so often alluded to the powerful testimonies fur-
nished by every Governor of Canada, as to the immense im-
portance of promoting, by every means in our power, Immigra-
tion to this Colony, that I feel it unnecessary to cite them again ;
but I cannot but refer to the testimonies of two of the judges
of this province, given during their visit in England, that of
Chief Justice Robinson, warmly espousing the adoption of a
systematic and extended Immigration, and that of Mr. Justice
AND COLONIZATION. 125
Hagerman, contained in the admirable evidence which he
delivered before the Select Committee of the House of Com-
mons ; — but there is another testimony which I am desirous of
citing, which has appended to it the names of Hagerman,
Prince, Sherwood, Powell, Robinson, Chisholm, and Hunter,
a report of the House of Assembly, which says, * If there be
one matter more than another that they feel a deep interest in,
and desire to promote, it is Emigration from the British islands.
They are aware of the immense advantage the country has
derived from this source, in general wealth, as well as in their
social and political relations ; and it is universally considered
that the check it has experienced from the recent difficulties
in the two provinces, is among the most serious, if not the very
greatest, of the evils that have resulted from them.' It is
therefore delightful to know that the present year's Emigration
has exceeded that of the last, by upwards of 6,000 persons,
amounting by the Quebec route alone, to nearly 30,000. Of this
amount I know of many possessed of ample means ; numbers
have been scattered, distributed, settled, and employed through-
out the country ; and many former evils of great magnitude,
intemperance, disease, idleness, and destitution, have been ma-
terially lessened. The most discouraging occurrence was that
of the poor islanders of Lewis, who came out at an advanced
season of the year, in considerable numbers, speaking an almost
unknown tongue, and being in a state of unusual destitution.
This of course caused difficulty, inconvenience, and embarrass-
ment to the community among whom they settled ; and whilst,
I cannot but lament the improvidence, and condemn it, I must
say that I was not surprised at it. Year after year these suf-
fering people have felt the stings of famine, the consequence of
arrested toil — the future has been without a ray or glimmering
of hope, or a prospect of relief. Consternation has seized their
families, and although they have felt a horrible combat in
their wretchedness between religion and nature, they have
never been led by their miseries to substitute active resistance
to passive endurance. To add to the multifarious evils con-
nected with the over-population of the Highlands and Islands of
126 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
Scotland, where the population is most dense, and has most
rapidly increased, the means of suhsistence have been most pre-
carious and scarce. Letters from their friends arrive, render-
ing the weight of their burdens still more oppressive, by
informing them that plenty is smiling on them, and rewarding
their industry in British North America. They grasp with
avidity these glad tidings, and in the language of that venerable
and exalted patriot, Dr. M^Leod, ^ they resolve to cross the
Atlantic, even should they swim.*
" I cannot but indulge the fond anticipation, that this vir-
tuous, suffering people, may be settled in the country ; they are,
as the authority I have before cited says of them, * invaluable
for peace or war.' The depressing influence of poverty, its
anxieties and cares, has more or less broke the spirit of self-
dependence in a great number, and where it has not produced
a total dependence on gratuitous support, has yet relaxed, to a
certain extent, industrious exertions which, desultory and at
intervals though they were, sustained not less the mind than
the body above the level of abject destitution. It is surely
worth an effort to save these men, especially as they can be
made serviceable to us. They are pre-eminently distinguished
for their simple virtues; notwithstanding successive years of
want, almost famine, not a moment's real interruption has been
experienced to internal order and tranquillity ; fond of a pas-
toral and agricultural life, and of their native associations, they
may realize, in this country, the picture that could have been
drawn of them, at home, in happier days : —
* Far from the maddening crowd's ignoble strife,
Their sober wishes never learnt to stray;
Along the cool sequestered vale of life.
They kept the noiseless tenor of their way/
** Many influential noblemen and gentlemen have traversed
the country during the year, and have expressed their hearty
concurrence in the sentiments of the late Governor-General,
beautifully and felicitously conveyed to Lord John Russell : —
*** I should do injustice to my own feelings if I were not to
state to your Lordship the impression which has been left on
AND COLONIZATION. 127
my mind by the inspection which I have made of the Upper
Province. It is really impossible to say too much of the ad-
vantages which nature has bestowed upon it, especially that
part of the country which lies between the three lakes Ontario,
Erie, and Huron. If these great advantages be properly used,
I foresee that, in the course of a very few years, Upper Canada
must become one of the most valuable possessions of the Bri-
tish Empire. Its population may be trebled, and its products
increased in an immense ratio ; while, if properly governed, its
inhabitants will, when satisfied, become the most loyal, intelli-
gent, and industrious subjects which Her Majesty can number.'
" My exertions were confined this year very mainly to Eng-
land, and from England a much larger proportion of Immi-
grants have arrived in this province, than for many years past.
I cannot adequately express my gratitude for the countenance
I received from its nobility, clergy, and gentry, in prosecuting
my efforts through the country, nor the deep mortification I felt
at leaving Devonshire on the eve of a more promising and en-
couraging tour than any I had previously made. In the county
of Wiltshire, I met numbers anxiously seeking information con-
cerning Canada ; and since my arrival here I have received a
letter from an influential gentleman of that county, informing
me that many industrious yeomen were preparing to remove to
this province in the ensuing spring. I received many pressing
invitations to proceed to Ireland, to form a Central Emigration
Society in Dublin ; and I deplore that it was not in my power
to perform the promise, and realize the expectation which I held
out, of visiting that city for such purpose this autumn. I had
the pleasure, however, of maintaining an uninterrupted corre-
spondence with many in that noble country, who were most
anxious to encourage and promote Emigration to this. Amongst
the most persevering, enlightened, and influential, I may men-
tion the worthy member for Limerick, W. S. O'Brien, Esq., and
D. Henchy, Esq., of Dublin. I have expressed my regret that
I was not favoured with more of the correspondence of the
various Emigration Societies. By town, however, formed an
exception ; and I confess that I am much gratified to learn that
128 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
many valuable settlers have fixed their abode in that interesting
section of the province. I have been requested by the Earl of
Mountcashell to convey his best thanks to the gentlemen of the
Ottawa district, for having intrusted to him several petitions,
and furnished him with much matter, of great importance to
the Colony and the furtherance of Emigration. As I abstained
from interfering in politics at home, I am not about engaging
in its entangling discussions and perplexities here ; but I can-
not refrain from urging on the agricultural classes of this pro-
vince, the continued prosecution of their efforts to obtain the
admission of their produce into England on the same terms as
if it were grown in Ireland. Although the last election, and
the recent change of Ministry, have demonstrated how power-
ful the friends of agricultural protection are in Great Britain,
yet I do not consider the friends to British protection unfavour-
able to Colonial protection. It is admitted by all that Great
Britain must receive an annual supply of bread stuffs from other
countries ; it has been seen with what reluctance she will re-
ceive that supply from foreign powers ; and when it is remem-
bered that it was to protect both Home and Colonial produce,
that the recent conflict in Great Britain was carried on, it is
only reasonable to suppose that the North American Colonies
will have the preference given to them, and be stimulated in
their agriculture by receiving full permission to introduce
their produce into the mother country duty free.
" From repeated conversations with some of the warmest
advocates of the corn-laws, I am quite satisfied that they are
anxious to allay the excitement existing on the subject, by
yielding to the public wish the untrammelled introduction of
Canadian produce into British ports ; and with that boon, small
as it may appear, there will be no longer any complaints of
consequence made, about unprofitable farming in these fer-
tile regions.
" There was to have been a meeting of the large landed
proprietors of the United Kingdom, last montli, in London, to
consider the means which they could adopt to render a system
of Emigration from their respective estates to Canada, useful
AND COLONIZATION. 129
to the Colony, advantageous to themselves, and beneficial to
tlie Emigrants. I hope the province will encourage and pro-
mote the wishes of the landlords to the utmost of its power.
Mr. Hunt, in the little work called ' Canada versus Australia,'
has said, ' Its people have been said to be the strength of a
country; and in regard to new countries, there can be no
question of the fact.' In this position, I entirely acquiesce. I
cannot but believe that Emigration Associations, if properly
conducted and vigorously carried on, would prove a powerful
incentive to Immigration, and a most useful adjunct in its suc-
cessful prosecution. Those gentlemen who are so sensitive
about * pauper' Emigration, and who are so solicitous to
encourage Emigrants of capital, would do well to exert their
energies to accomplish this purpose.
" Since Emigration has attracted so much notice, and so
many Colonies have put forth their respective claims, nothing
can be more clear than that the contiguity of Canada, and the
readiness of reaching it, give it a great superiority over re-
moter regions.
" It is now two years and a half since I accompanied my
late beloved and venerable friend Bishop Macdonell to Great
Britain, to draw the attention of the British nation to these
noble and magnificent Colonies of the British Crown. Entirely
according with the views of Mr. Justice Hagerman, given to
the House of Commons, that ' the increase of the population of
a new country is an object of primary importance,' and be-
lieving with him also, that * to reduce its waste and wild lands
to a state of cultivation, to develope its resources, and to aug-
ment its wealth, can only be accomplished by this means ; and
therefore extensive Emigration is earnestly desired by the
inhabitants of Canada' — and entertaining the same conclusion,
that ' nothing is so certain to conduce to the preservation of
Canada, in peace and prosperity to the British Crown, as an
extensive and well conducted Emigration to it from Great
Britain, and that in no part of Her Majesty's dominions is an
honest and industrious man less likely to be disappointed in the
attainment of independence and comfort than in Canada" — I
130 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
did not hesitate to bring before the British people the value
and resources of the country, and endeavour to restore to
Canada that fertilizing stream of Immigration, which, in 1838,
had declined to 2,938, and restore it to its present renovated
condition, which during this year amounts to nearly 30,000 by
the port of Quebec alone. If, without the prosecution of the
public works, we have received at least 30,000 tliis year, and
find that they have been principally retained and settled in the
province, what an important auxiliary will be furnished next
year, for an augmented importation, by the extent of the
public works then intended to be carried on.
" I feel that I can confidently appeal to the friends of the
Colonies in Great Britain as to my undivided labours in this
great cause, to the mass of correspondence which I have now
presented to you, to the zealous advocates of Canada amongst
the nobility, gentry, and clergy at home, to the augmented
Immigration of the last two years, to the diminution of many
evils connected with Emigration complained of formerly, to
the awakened interest on the subject in the Colony itself, to
the gratifying prospects before us ; and I think it is not too
much to ask that the pledges which were made to me should
be sustained, to enable me to fulfil obligations formed on the
conviction of their realization.
" The future is big with hope ; and by the unwearied pro-
secution of this patriotic measure, divested of party and poli-
tical feeling, we may fairly indulge the hope of seeing our
forests turned into corn-fields, our villages into cities, com-
merce extending its lines through the entire length and breadth
of our inland seas, our fellow-subjects at home relieved of their
depression and distress, and the mutual welfare, consequence,
and happiness of the mother country and Canada promoted by
the zealous encouragement given to British Immigration.
" Dr. Dunlop, in proposing the first resolution, said that
he wished there were a dozen Dr. Rolphs sent to England
instead of one ; all the otlier Colonies that wanted settlers had
active agents at home, well informed as to the capabilities and
resources of the Colony which employed them ; and the people
AND COLONIZATION. 131
of the United States were so well convinced of the necessity of
this course of action, that in every land speculation undertaken,
sending agents to Europe was a regular part of their calcu-
lating expenditure. It had been objected that paupers alone
would be sent to this country. Who was a pauper ? — A man
who could not by his labour maintain himself. But the sober,
industrious man, with a stout heart and strong arm, who came
to this country as a pauper from England, ceased to be so, and
became a useful and valuable member of society, the moment
he placed his foot on the soil of this province. What produced
the strength and wealth of a people ? Adam Smith had an-
swered the question with his usual sagacity, — it was the num-
ber of hands that a nation could maintain, and which it could
profitably employ. There were more hands in Great Britain
and Ireland than could be profitably employed, and here we
had profitable employment for all and for more than all they
could spare. A friend of his, now deceased, a man of great
shrewdness and much information, had assured him that on an
examination of the books of six Paisley manufacturers, and
taking the average of three years, he found that the wages of
a workman that worked fourteen hours a-day, only amounted
to six shillings per week, while in his own (the Huron) district,
the wages of a common labourer was thirteen dollars a month,
with board, lodging, kc. It was only necessary, therefore, to
make known these facts to the labouring poor of Great Britain,
and they certainly would never submit to starvation and hard
labour, when with less labour, by emigrating to this province,
they could obtain all the necessaries and some of the luxuries of
life. There was one gentleman to whom this province was indeed
deeply indebted, — the Rev. Mr. Sockett, the agent to the vene-
rable and philanthropic Earl of Egremont. He had jjublished a
pamphlet containing letters from Lord Egremont's settlers, prov-
ing how much their condition had been bettered by coming to
Canada. He (Dr. Dunlop) had written to the Rev. gentleman,
telling him that he considered that matter beyond debate ; but
what was of more importance at that time, was to prove to the
landed gentlemen of England the advantage that must accrue to
K 2
132 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
themselves, by zealously assisting in Emigration : he accordingly,
in a small pamphlet addressed to a member of Parliament, gave
an account of what had occurred in his own and neighbouring
parishes, where the Petworth Committee, at the head of which
was Lord Egremont, had exerted themselves in encouraging
Emigration, and proved by authentic documents that the poor-
rates of each parish had diminished £6 per annum for every
family sent to Canada. A friend of his (Mr. D.) the member
for Ipswich, to whom he shewed this statement, said he had
been long of that opinion, and immediately set about assisting
his people to emigrate ; he said that it was a mere rule-of-three
question : a certain number of people the law had given a lien
for an annuity on his estate ; the question then with him was,
was it worth while at three years' purchase to buy up not only
this annuity, but that of all their descendants. Another objec-
tion had been started, that the people of the old country
could not clear land : this was alike nonsensical and false ; any
mechanical trade, even that of making watches, could be
acquired in three months ; and a man who was in the habit of
using arms in one way, could in half that time learn to use them
in another. While he (Dr. D.) was settling the township of
Guelph, three men — two of them English, and one Irish — chal-
lenged any three Americans or Canadians to chop against
them, and, after many trials, they always came off victorious :
this was enough to prove their capacity at any rate. Another
objection too had been raised, — that farming was an unprofitable
employment for a gentleman who could not labour with his
own hands, and who invested in it £500, or £1,000. It was
unprofitable ; but in what other way would such a capital, if
vested without the owner's personal labour, be sufiBcient for the
support of himself and family in the same style as at home ?
To the hard-handed and laborious man, however, farming was,
in Canada, a highly profitable occupation, as any one might
know, not only from the high wages that labour produced
here, but from the solid comfort enjoyed by those who culti-
vated the land. He (Dr. D.) had as much experience in set-
tling land as any man in America, and he could point out hun-
AND COLONIZATION. 133
dreds of instances where men had come out nearly penniless,
— at all events with so little money as to he unahle to pay the
first instalment from £7 to £10 on their purchase, — who in six
or eight years had their farms quite free of deht, 100 acres of
them cleared, a good stock of cattle, comfortable house and
out'buildings, all the necessary implements of husbandry, and
were in the enjoyment of all the comforts and conveniences of
agricultural life. All that was wanted at home was an ex-
tended knowledge of these facts, which were here undeniable ;
and most wofully ignorant the people of Great Britain had
been of everything relating to Canada. It was, therefore, both
our interest and duty, — our interest to add to the value of our
property here, and our duty to relieve the distressed at home, —
to give the people that information ; and no way had ever been
devised, or could be devised, for that legitimate purpose, and
this he knew full well from his own personal experience, than
that so energetically and ably adopted by Dr. Rolph. He
would therefore conclude by moving that ' The thanks of this
meeting be given to Dr. Rolph for his laudable and efficient
efforts to promote the best interests of our own and our adopted
country.'
*' Colonel Prince said, Mr. Sheriff and Gentlemen, I never,
in my life, rose to second a resolution with more gratification
than I do the present, as I feel fully convinced that the exer-
tions of Dr. Rolph in Great Britain have been of the greatest
benefit to Canada. Nothing can be more certaia than that a
vast addition to our population is indispensably necessary to
our prosperity ; and it is equally evident that the ardent zeal
exhibited by Dr. Rolph in his extended intercourse with the
most influential people in the United Kingdom, has been
attended with the most beneficial results. I have been always
a warm advocate for the promotion of Emigration, particularly
that of the sturdy yeomanry of England ; that description of
population adds greatly to the wealth and stability of a country.
I have been opposed to what may be fairly termed a pauper
population, that is, the helpless, infirm, aged, and totally indi-
gent ; but I quite agree with my friend Dr. Dunlop, that an
194 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
able-bodied labourer, one willing and competent to work, can-
not be termed a pauper Emigrant, but is an acquisition to the
province, and an auxiliary to its wealth. It has been lament-
able to see the indifference manifested on this great and vital
question, which had never yet received the warm support it
deserved, and which formed a strong and melancholy contrast
to the exertions made by every other Colony in the Empire.
The Government had not done all that it might ; but it was very
evident that the late Lord Sydenham had done more than any
other Governor in aid of Immigration, and he (Colonel Prince)
earnestly hoped that his successor would have the means af-
forded him of doing much more. He was greatly gratified in
having heard the just and well-deserved eulogium paid by Dr.
Rolph to Lord John Russell, whose zeal in the promotion of
the welfare of the Colonies, had earned him the admiration
even of those who were his political opponents. The necessity
of having active and intelligent agents in Great Britain, to
furnish information to all who sought it at their hands, was
verified in his own person. When he first contemplated leaving
England, it was not his intention to have come to Canada ;
indeed it had not even occurred to him : but meeting with his
friend Dr. Dunlop at the Canada Company's Office, in London,
and finding from him that Canada was not the region of ice
and snow that he had, in common with the majority of the
English people, imagined, he had made up his mind to listen
to his recommendation, and to adopt his advice ; and speaking
of the climate, he must express his conviction that it was supe-
rior in many respects to that of Great Britain. It was there-
fore his firm persuasion and earnest desire that agents should
be employed at home to impart all the information possible to
persons desirous of proceeding to Canada; and he wished it
to go forth through the province, that every constituency should
instruct their members to bring before the House of Assembly
at its next session the important measure of Emigration, and
make provision for the employment of agents, at least in London,
Dublin, Liverpool, and Glasgow. Canada must no longer
remain supine in a matter so essential to its welfare ; and he
AND COLONIZATION. 135
earnestly longed to see the desire of Lord Sydenham accom-
plished,— that our population would be trebled, and that from
the best source, the honest and industrious yeomanry of Great
Britain. It was not a matter of doubt or problem, that we had
had a very valuable addition to the province this year, and that
large as had been the numbers that came, they had not been
found too many. There had been a great impulse imparted to
the province, and much private enterprise had been carried on ;
the town and country had been greatly benefited and improved.
He was always anxious that more should not come out than
could be profitably or conveniently employed ; and it was there-
fore a great pleasure to him to know, that the various District
Councils in the province could proceed in the work of improve-
ment in their respective townships, and that the vigour thus
imparted, together with the public works which were to be
proceeded with, would set at rest all uneasiness as to the num-
bers that might arrive, and that we might contemplate, with the
utmost satisfaction, the successful result of such labours as
they were called upon now to acknowledge. He concluded
by seconding the motion, and sat down amid loud cheering.
" The Sheriff, in putting the question to the meeting, said
that he had been much pleased with the Report just submitted
to them ; and he felt it right to say, that many gentlemen who
had come to settle in Canada this year, and whose means were
very ample, had expressed to him how much benefited they
had been by their interviews with Dr. Rolph in England. He
hoped and believed that the Association would not be aban-
doned, but that it would yet prove of great use in the further-
ance of Emigration. It was his intention to convene a meeting
of Directors very speedily, to adopt measures at once ; in the
meantime, he had great pleasure in submitting the resolution to
the meeting, in which he most heartily concurred. The reso-
lution was then put and carried, amid the acclamations of the
meeting. Dr. Rolph returned thanks. A vote of thanks was
passed to the Sheriff, who said he would give timely notice for
a meeting of the Directors of the Association. The meeting
then adjourned."
136 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
After this large meeting, 1 was invited to others of a similar
character in different parts of the province, but into the details
of which I need not enter ; I shall therefore close the narrative
of this year's transactions, by some extracts from a letter which
I addressed to a Member of the Provincial Parliament, on the
interesting subject of the admission of Canadian agricultural
produce into British ports, duty free : —
"Toronto, November 27, 1841.
" Sir, — Having remained in this city for the express pur-
pose of attending the meeting of the agriculturists of the Home
District, to consider the propriety of petitioning the Imperial
Parliament for a remission of the duties now levied on Canadian
produce on its introduction into British ports, and heartily con-
curring with you as to the best mode by which this boon may
be obtained, I take the liberty of sending my views on the ques-
tion, being unable to attend the adjourned meeting to be held
on this interesting subject. It seems to me exceedingly de-
sirable, that the agriculturists of the province should unite
cordially together in obtaining that assistance and encourage-
ment from the mother country which is loudly called for by the
relative wants, as well as for the mutual advantages, of Canada
and Great Britain.
" Perhaps there never was a period when any application
could be made for the removal of the duty on Canadian produce
with more certainty of success than at the present time. It is
now somewhat more than two years since, that the Agricultural
Protection Society in England, anticipating the feeling which
would spring up amongst the labouring classes in Great Britain
on the subject of the corn laws, and wisely and patriotically
resolving to join common interest with the Colonies on this
matter, taking advantage of my presence in England at that
time, honoured me by constituting me Corresponding Secretary
for their institution on behalf of the British North American
Colonies. In order to enlist the affections and secure the regard
of so powerful an interest united on behalf of these provinces,
I mingled much with the potential members of that valuable
AND COLONIZATION. ' 137
Association, and I have no hesitation in expressing my confident
conviction that the agricultural body of Canada have not their
hostility to dread, but their co-operation to invite. No class
feels greater interest in the rising prosperity of this province
than the landed interest of Great Britain. Agriculture can
alone secure the lasting foundation of the wealth and prospe-
rity of this country. There never was a country whose fanners
were prosperous, where there was not also abundance of pros-
perous merchants, tradesmen, and mechanics. The farmers of
Great Britain, and the Colonies of Great Britain, are not only the
best, but almost the only customers now left to or to be de-
pended upon by the manufacturers of Great Britain ; for it is a
well ascertained fact, that during the last year that Great Britain
was compelled to draw the greater portion of her bread stuiBTs
from the Continent of Europe, the British manufacturers de-
rived no corresponding benefit by an increased demand for
their articles : the corn of Europe was paid for by the gold of
England. It was the opinion of Lord John Russell, * That it
was impossible that high wages and a low price for produce
could go together either on farms or looms :' encouragement
and just and adequate protection to agriculture was felt to be
of primary importance to the stability and advancement of a
country, particularly by those who have ever gloried in the
motto of * the plough and the sail.' Adequate protection to agri-
cultural produce was considered indispensable to agricultural
prosperity by the most intelligent statesmen in the eastern and
western hemispheres. It has been my unceasing desire, as well
as my unremitting effort, to introduce into this province an
industrious and healthy population. The late Lord Sydenham
was particularly anxious to encourage the rural population of
the United Kingdom to settle here. We require our mighty
forests to be felled, and the produce of our prolific and virgin
soil to be wafted across the Atlantic in British ships. I wish
to see not only the manufacturers of barrels, but the growers
of wheat in a flourishing and prosperous condition. It had
been both British capital and British industry that had cleared
the wilds of the LTnited States*; that had planted on their
138 «YftTEMATIC EMIGRATION
forests an imlu^llious iind enteiiuiMiig people, built up popu-
lous and wealthy towns in their interior recesses and on the
margin of their numerous streams ; and it was high time that
Canada should receive equal if not greater aid at her hands.
Filling our boundless forests with hardy and industrious people,
who would raise countless quantities of grain, and become con-
sumers of immense quantities of British manufactured goods,
and also obtaining a just and efficient protection, as well as
stimulus to our agriculture, far from injuring our commerce,
would very greatly extend and promote it; as in addition to the
vast augmentation from our own supplies, the noble natural
highways through our province, from the western states to the
ocean, could never be overlooked by the population inhabiting
that territory. It is well known that the western district has a
very sparse population ; that its fertile soil and soft climate
has not been hitherto as attractive as it should be : but during
the present year, from the port of Chatham alone, there has
been exported 70,000 bushels of wheat, and 1 ,000 hogsheads
of tobacco, grown in that immediate vicinity, of as fine quality
as that grown in Virginia. There can be no doubt but
that we should have, and there is as little doubt but that we
shall have, a just preference in the British market, if our
farmers are but active and united in their efforts to procure
a remission of the present duty levied on their produce.
Whilst all other property is fleeting and uncertain, land alone
is stable and permanent ; — a property which can neither be
swept away nor destroyed. Its interests are therefore of the
highest consequence to the community. It is surely a painful
and melancholy consideration, that whilst a large portion of our
industrious fellow-subjects in the British Isles are in danger of
perishing from dear or inadequate provisions ; that from the
fluctuating character of the climate, the whole crop of potatoes
in that fertile country, Ireland, is seriously jeopardized ; whilst
we find that pork is obtaining 20 dollars per barrel throughout
Great Britain, and other necessaries of life in the same propor-
tion, we have but to go into the well supplied markets of this
city, and find pork selling at 2 dollars i per lOOlbs., three
AND COLONIZATION. 139
half pence a pound, and beef and mutton that would not dis-
grace Leadenhall market but a trifle dearer. This question,
therefore, was one of vital moment to this country and Great
Britain. The commerce of England, the agriculture of Ca-
nada, the settlement of the country, the incentives to Immi-
gration, would all be mightily enhanced by the remission of
the duty on Canadian produce levied in British ports, and the
clamour existing on the corn laws in Great Britain be promptly
and effectually appeased. The capability of raising the very
finest wheat in this province is undeniable. Mr. Hawke kindly
gave me, last year, a small bag of wheat that had been grown on
the new settlement near Owen's Bay, on Lake Huron. It was
not a picked sample, but taken promiscuously from a quantity
that had been raised. It was considered by the farmers of
England of so superior a quality, that at the market tables in
Bedfordshire it was grasped with avidity to plant for seed. It
is, therefore, highly desirable that this question should be pur-
sued vigorously, and be untrammelleled and unencumbered
with any other request. It is one on which all parties can
unite ; and I am so deeply impressed with the conviction that
the warmest friends of agricultural protection in Great Britain
will entertain the proposition with favour, and promote its
adoption with all their power, that I would strongly recommend
that the petition to the House of Lords should be entrusted to
his Grace the Duke of Buckingham, and that in the House of
Commons to Sir Edward Knatchbull, Bart.
*' With our noble province, and its numerous highways to
the ocean ; with our small and scattered population, compared
with our agricultural capabilities ; with the redundant and suf-
fering population of Great Britain, and their inadequate supply
of the staff of life; it should be our pleasure, as it is obviously
our duty and our interest, discarding all minor matters, to pro-
secute sedulously and zealously our undivided efforts to render
the relative wants of Great Britain and Canada of mutual ad-
vantage to each other; and if, as it is more than probable,
by a vigorous and united effort we should succeed in ob-
taining a remission of duty on Canadian agricultural produce,
we shall be abundantly repaid in beholding our farmers en-
140 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
riched by successful industry, our merchants flourishing from
lucrative commerce, our tradesmen enjoying the profits of ex-
tending trade, and the whole province participating in the
blessings of general prosperity and welfare.
** 1 have the honour to be, sir,
" Your most obedient servant,
** Thomas Rolph."
« Francis Hincks, Esq., M.P.P."
The following statement, made in a leading Canadian jour-
nal, contrasting the then state of the province with its condition
in 1839, is very conclusive as to the vast advantage derived by
the increased Emigration of this year : —
** What is now the state of Canada? Land has risen 50 per
cent, in value ; our banking abuses are tottering to their fall;
commerce, in spite of every obstacle, is rapidly increasing ; our
shipping is fully employed, and every port resounds with the
sound of our ship-builders and engine-makers* hammers ; indus-
trious and sober tradesmen are solicited to work at the highest
wages, provisions are plentiful and cheap, and the farmer realiz-
ing cash and property."
The Emigration to Canada, of 1841, amounted to 28,086.
1842. Previous to the arrival of Sir Charles Bagot in
Canada, I received several invitations to attend different district
meetings in the provinces, but was enabled only to comply with
the request made to me from those of the districts of Niagara
and Gore. On the 5th of January, by the summons of the
High Sheriff, W. Kingsmill, Esq., who presided, one of the
most respectable and largest meetings ever witnessed in Niagara
was held in the C^urt House, on the subject of Emigration.
On that occasion, I spoke as follows : —
" Gentlemen, — I am delighted to have an opportunity of
meeting such a numerous and highly respectable assemblage
in the district of Niagara ; for although it is a district that has
been less directly benefited by Emigration than almost every
other in the province, it has certainly accorded a more generous
support, and entered more energetically into measures for its
AND COLONIZATION .> 141
promotion, than many others. I have great pleasure in thank-
ing its inhabitants for their assistance, and assuring them of
my sincere gratitude for the warm expressions of their appro-
bation of my conduct, and of their confidence in my disposition
to serve them. I have no hesitation in avowing that to the
appeal made to me by the Niagara press in 1839, I was more
induced to enter on my career in the United Kingdom in the
summer of that year, than to any other circumstance ; and it is
really most gratifying to me to find that my efforts in Great
Britain have received your heartiest concurrence and most
welcome support. It has been long quite evident to me that
Emigration to this province, so loudly called for by its wants,
so warmly recommended by every Governor that has presided
over its destinies, so urged and desired by every successive
legislature in each succeeding year, so demanded for its de-
velopment and progress, could never be effectively promoted
but by agency at home ; and the numerous and unceasing
applications made to me, from all parts of the United Kingdom,
for information about Canada, and the extent of correspondence
which I carried on in Great Britain, has thoroughly convinced
me, that what I before deemed desirable, is really indispen-
sable. Shortly after my arrival in England last year, I received
a letter from Edinburgh, from those indefatigable contributors
to the literature of the day, the Messrs. Chambers, congratula-
ting me on the appointment which I had just then received
from the late Lord Sydenham, and stating that it was within
their own knowledge that numbers of valuable Emigrants had
been deterred from proceeding to Canada, from their inability
to obtain any information concerning it, previous to their quit-
ting home. From Dublin I received similar information. It
was very evident that a want of this knowledge in England
had been very detrimental to Emigration to Canada. Indeed,
the existing disposition to profit by this information, and to
render it available to the promotion of Emigration to Canada,
could not be more clearly evinced than by the formation of the
North American Colonial Committee, composed of noblemen
and gentlemen, disinterestedly confederated together, devoting
142 gYOTEMATIC EMIGRATION
their time, their means, their talent, and their experience, to
the prosecution of this patriotic and meritorious undertaking.
This Committee liave continued their sittings and exertions
during two seasons, and they have invited the co-operation of
the people of this province. If they have not receiv( d ii, the
fault is not with them ; they have seen Governor after Gover-
nor recommending Emigration as a measure indispensahly
connected with the welfare of the province ; they have beheld
committee after committee in the different sessions of the legis-
lature reporting most warmly in favour of it ; they have wit-
nessed an earnest desire, expressed by a vast majority of the
inhabitants of the province, to promote a comprehensive and
systematic plan for its encouragement. These considerations
have urged them to lend their powerful aid to a measure im-
periously demanded by the suffering unemployed masses in
Great Britain, and the want of labourers here ; by the excess
of population there, by the paucity of population here ; by the
advantageous interchange that could be effected by our produce
for their manufactures, and by the impulse which a judicious
transfer of population would give to agriculture, commerce,
manufactures, and trade. The awakened interest in the success
of Emigration has given an impulse and an energy to the enter-
prise of Canada that promises the happiest results. Gentlemen,
when I left Upper Canada in May 1839, a spirit of alarm
existed through the land ; the spirit of improvement had fled ;
all energy seemed to have forsaken the people ; the bayonet
and the sword were the weapons substituted for the plough
and the axe. Emigration, the life's blood of the province, had
declined, had dwindled down to less than 3,000 in one year,
and many inhabitants seriously meditated the abandonment of
the country. Whilst these distressing scenes were witnessed
in the province, the feeling existing in Great Britain was most
unfavourable to Canada. That villainous anti-national faction
that were opposed to the connexion of these provinces with
Great Britain, were exclaiming loudly against the expense of
their protection ; they were decrying the utility of Colonies ;
they were prepared for the dismemberment of the empire, and
AND COLONIZATION. 143
were ready to dissever that endearing affinity which constitutes
equally the hope and the pride of Canada. On returning from
Inverness, in the autumn of that year, I met in the steam-boat
a Member of the Imperial Parliament, who gave utterance to
these sentiments. I appealed to the chivalry, honour, and
fidelity of the noble Highlanders on board to protect themselves
against the imputation of such debasing doctrines ; and my
appeal was not only nobly responded to, but has led to the for-
mation of a lasting friendship with them, the fruition of which
was witnessed during the last year, by the noble advance which
one of those gentlemen made to his tenantry, to assist them in
their settlement in Canada : I allude to Niell Malcolm, Esq.,
of Poltalloch. I trust this party — the separation party — will
never regain any ascendancy over the public mind. The as-
surances of Lord John Russell, in his memorable despatch to
Lord Sydenham, must convince the people of this continent
that the Government will afford no countenance to such disor-
ganizing and dangerous dogmas ; but that ' it must be taken
for granted, that Her Majesty persists in the determination to
maintain at all hazards her royal authority in Canada. Neither
the honour of Her Majesty's Crown, nor the support due to
her loyal subjects in British North America, nor the provident
care of the interests of the empire at large, would permit any
deviation from this fixed principle of British policy
We have only to consider the means of binding Canada more
firmly to this country, of developing her resources, of strength-
ening her British population, of defending her territory, and of
supporting and encouraging the loyal spirit of her people.
. . . . With a legislature in Canada disposed to co-operate
with the Queen and the Parliament of the United Kingdom, in
developing her vast and unexplored resources, there is every
hope that we shall behold the prosperity of that noble province
augmented every year, and add more to the strength and sta-
bility of the empire.' These lofty, patriotic, and enlightened
sentiments of Lord John Russell will be re-echoed by every
good man in the province, and frustrate the machination of any
separatists existing on either side of the Atlantic.
144 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
" In January, 1840, I received a letter from the Duke of
Argyll, inviting me to meet the noblemen, heritors, and chiefs
of Scotland in Edinburgh, to consider the best means to be
adopted to promote a systematic plan of Emigration to Canada.
That meeting was numerously attended ; and a resolution was
passed, pledging themselves to unite and use their heartiest
endeavours to remove their surplus population to Canada ; and
I am now using my utmost exertions to effect the settlement of
the township of Moulton, and for that purpose carrying on a
correspondence with a wealthy and influential nobleman, de-
sirous of removing his tenantry to this province. I have sub-
mitted Mr. Boul ton's proposition to him, and I am awaiting
with anxiety the result. I was not insensible, also, to the value
of Emigration from Ireland ; in the splendid encomium passed on
the Irish labourers by the Chief Justice of this province, I heartily
concurred. To their zeal, patience, toil, endurance, activity,
and industry, nearly all the great works in this hemisphere may
be ascribed. Canals, railroads, bridges, public roads, harbours,
aqueducts, and indeed all the public works, are the results of
their im wearied application. In their hands the subjugation
of the forest is an easy task, and their vivacity, good temper,
and habitual disregard of difficulties, has rendered them most
successful pioneers in that arduous enterprise. I found Lord
Cloncurry, a nobleman to whom the Irish look with confidence
as to his opinions and advice, engaged in correspondence with
Colonel Torrens about Australia, and recommending his coun-
trymen to emigrate to the United States. I did not hesitate
one instant in grappling with his Lordship on the subject ; and
it was a source of unbounded gratification to me to win over
that noble lord to be a zealous champion for the furtherance of
Emigration to Canada; and I have reason to believe that
Canada is the Colony to which the greater portion of the
landed proprietors of Ireland are desirous that their surplus
population should remove. In England that valuable yeomanry
which has long constituted its ornament and defence, look to
Canada as the land of promise ; and the agricultural interest
seem desirous of increasing the bonds of union and affection
AND COLONIZATION. 146
with this province, in order that in any alteration which may-
be made in the corn laws, Great Britain shall derive from this,
her natural source, that supply which the wants of her people
demand. From Wiltshire, Essex, Dorsetshire, and Norfolk,
I have received most flattering and encouraging accounts of
the promised Emigration for this present year. This leads me,
Gentlemen, to the more immediate subject of the meeting, —
the inducements the province offers for their retention. Of the
multifarious evils which formerly existed, as to the unworthiness
of ships, want of food and water, irregularities of sailing,
frauds and deceptions practised upon Emigrants, all have been
mitigated, and many removed. The attention of the Govern-
ment, the Emigration Commissioners, and the friends of Colo-
nization, have been earnestly directed to this important matter;
and certainly the most masterly despatch I have ever read,
was that from the late Governor-General to Lord John Russell,
comprehending the whole of these important topics, and offer-
ing the most judicious suggestions for their correction. If so
much zeal and philanthropy has been displayed by the autho-
rities both here and at home for remedying all defects that
heretofore existed to retard and injure Emigration, it is no less
incumbent on the province, who are so immeasurably benefited
by Emigration, to take every means in their power to facilitate
and expedite the settlement of their fellow-subjects who come
from the British isles to take up their abode in Canada. The
noble and patriotic inhabitants of Montreal, to their lasting
honour and credit, have made great exertions to render the
strangers as they arrive happy and comfortable. I cannot
express the delight I felt in inspecting their spacious, well ven-
tilated rooms fitted up for the reception of Emigrants, their large
and well conducted hospital for the sick, and indeed the whole
of the arrangements made for the preservation and restoration
of health, and for the cleanliness and comfort of their fellow-
subjects as they arrive. No people have done more for this
great cause than those of Montreal, and their example is well
worthy of extended imitation. The inhabitants of the Ottawa
district have warmly taken up the question of Emigration, and
L
146 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
what they have done for its promotion should be generally fol-
lowed by all the districts in the province.
** There is every prospect of the public works being proceeded
with during the present year ; and the scarcity of labourers
at present is so severely felt, that I have the authority of Mr.
Merritt in stating that one thousand able-bodied labourers are
at this very moment urgently required on the Welland Canal ;
of the 30,000 who came in 1841, many inquired how they could
be absorbed and disposed of. Gentlemen, with great pride I
point to the vast extent of improvement that has been carried
on in this province during the year last past. I am delighted
to think that I resisted, and successfully resisted, the introduc-
tion of disparaging comparisons between this province and the
United States, in the Memorial presented to Lord John Russell.
I care not what the country may be, — I defy contradiction to
this statement, — no country with so few inhabitants, recovering
so recently from such enormous and complicated difficulties,
and without receiving support and means from other countries,
ever made such triumphant, solid, and satisfactory progress as
Canada has made during the last year. Yes, Gentlemen, and
this too without the stoppage of her banks, the destruction of
her credit, or the repudiation of her debts. (Loud and continued
cheers). Look at Montreal, her crowded harbours, her
splendid wharves, her noble mansions, her well-filled stores,
her excellent roads, the intelligence, activity, and enterprise of
her inhabitants, and what a contrast the vivifying and inviting
aspect of 1841 presents to the gloom and dejection of 1838.
Proceeding westward, Kingston arrests the attention ; the large,
spacious, elegant edifices recently erected are gratifying and
astonishing evidences of public enterprise and spirit. Along
the margin of the majestic lake, new harbours and ports have
been erected, and in the townships immediately on its border,
many valuable settlers have fixed their abode during the pre-
sent season. At Toronto the amazing improvements to be
witnessed excite our admiration and astonishment ; the exten-
sive range of new buildings, the addition to the wharves, the
introduction of gas, are extraordinary and gratifying proofs of
AND COLONIZATION. ]A7
the indisputable progress of the province. At Hamilton the
same cheering indications of awakened energy are to be met
with ; and through many portions of the western sections of
Canada an advancement has been made redounding to the
honour of the people, and a cause of warm congratulation to
those who delight in its prosperity : nor is it likely to droop.
At Toronto and Hamilton I know that apprehensions are felt,
on account of the numerous contracts made for new buildings
this year, that some difficulty will be experienced in procuring
labourers : I trust without foundation ; thousands of our coun-
trymen suffering at home will receive this intelligence as glad
tidings of great joy ; and, Gentlemen, it will only be for you and
for others in this magnificent province to turn their weeping
into joy, their misery into wealth. Amidst all the improve-
ments that I have spoken of, I cannot but congratulate you on
the establishment of your Harbour and Dock Company, the
works of which have alike excited my wonder and admiration.
During the last year from this dock three noble steamers have
been furnished to the lake, and the beautiful launch of another
this day, and the sight of several more upon the stocks, are
convincing demonstrations of increasing commerce, and entire
confidence as to the progress of the province.
" Canada is yet a giant in its cradle, capable of receiving
an addition to, and also of benefiting five times its present
population. With its agreeable and salubrious climate, and its
fertile soil — with but a fifteenth portion of its surveyed lands
in a state of cultivation — with its unequalled geographical
position, the highway between the country on, and beyond the
lakes to the Atlantic, there is abundant room for the indus-
trious, unemployed population of the mother country; with
our unrivalled form of government, our matchless and glorious
constitution, we should stand proud and unassailable in the
western hemisphere. We are destined to have wealth and
strength, and it is all important that we should have the intel-
ligence, virtue, feeling, refinement, spirit, language, and man-
ners, constantly imported from that noble empire to which we
belong. Armed with the invulnerable panoply of her valour,
148 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
her justice, and her laws, industry, and arts, and enterprise,
will make their abodes among us. Millions will derive their
subsistence from this prolific soil : now is the time to unite and
make a vigorous effort to promote these objects. Peace reigns
within our borders, tranquillity and contentment in our land ;
and, gratefully thanking that mighty Providence that has safely
conducted and guided us through so many perils, shielded us
from danger, and showered his choicest blessings on us, let us
each, in our respective capacities, take for our motto, in the
promotion of this great and glorious cause, that of the Prince
of Wales, * Ich dien,' I sen^e."
On the 8th of January, the District of Gore was convened
at the Court House in Hamilton, A. Macdonell, Esq. High
Sheriff, presiding ; and from a very lengthened statement on the
subject of Emigration, I make the following extracts : —
" Gentlemen, as his Excellency the Governor-General, in
his answer to the address of the District of Gore, — in conformity
with the admirable principles laid down by Lord John Russell
in his despatch to the late lamented Governor-General of this
province, that * We have only to consider the means of bind-
ing Canada more firmly to this countrj^ of developing her
resources, of strengthening her British population, of defending
her territory, and of supporting and encouraging the loyal
spirit of her people, and in developing her vast and unexplored
resources,' — has stated to us, that it will be an object of his
early and anxious solicitude, to promote Emigration, and carry
on the public improvements in the country; and as his Excel-
lency was further pleased to state to me, that it was exceed-
ingly desirable that Emigration should be earnestly promoted
by every means in our power ; and not having had any pre-
vious opportunity, since my return from Great Britain, of
addressing the District of Gore on this vital subject, I trust I
shall stand excused for making a few observations with regard
to it at this time.
" Of the Emigration of 1 84 1 , the increase of Emigrants who
arrived at Quebec as compared with the preceding year, was
6,215, — whilst the decrease at IS'ew York, compared with the
AND COLONIZATION. 149
preceding year, was 3,769; and this diflPerence is still more
extraordinary and gratifying, when I assure you that more
Emigrants came by the New York route for Canada in 1841,
than during many years past. Of the Emigrants who arrived,
I have on a former occasion given an account of those settled
in the Ottawa and Bathurst districts ; it is equally gratifying
and satisfactory to be enabled now to speak of those settled in
the Home and Newcastle districts. During my recent journey
to Kingston, I purposely went by short stages through the
interesting and flourishing country along the lake, to institute
inquiries about the settlers of 1841 ; and it must be a great
pleasure for you to hear, that the townships of Scarborough,
Pickering, Darlington, Whitby, and Clarke, have had a very
considerable addition to their population, and that those who
have settled in those districts are perfectly happy and con-
tented. The new and flourishing village of Oshawa, crowded
with produce from the country round the Scugog lake, the
enterprise displayed at Bond Head, the number of improved
and excellent habitations along the whole route, attest the
improved and flourishing condition of the country. Whilst
we are thus inspired by the awakened energy and enterprise of
the people, — whilst we are stimulated to renewed exertions by
the promised co-operation of the mother country — whilst we
are emboldened to hope and persevere in our improvements,
from the increased interest manifested in our welfare, and the
greater regard exhibited for our prosperity, by our fellow-
subjects, — whilst the capitalists of Great Britain are seeking
to invest their surplus capital in this province, — and, above all,
when the Government seems resolved to afford its utmost
assistance in the settlement of the country, and the completion
of its improvement, it is not surely the time for the people them-
selves to relax. Our climate, our soil, our extraordinary
natural resources, all call upon us to proceed in the career of
improvement. The Governor of the State of New York, in
making a similar appeal to the people of that State, has called
upon them to unite with him in carrying out undertakings
which he deems necessary, — * to retain the trade of Lake
160 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
Ontario, and to counteract the cflforts of the Canadian Go-
vernment to guide the travel and trade of these countries, and
of the far west, down the valley of the St. Lawrence. The
delay of the undertaking exhibits a presumptuous confidence
in our ability to retain, without effort, advantages which it
should be remembered are altogether acquired.'
** He further expresses his great anxiety for their co-opera-
tion, as he says — * We compete with Canadian effort, not only
under the disadvantage of an increased distance from Lake
Erie, by the way of our canal, to European markets, but also
under the effect of discriminating privileges in English ports
to colonial shipments, exceeding what we could offer by even a
free navigation of that channel.'
** * The Canadian authorities, having already made a ship
canal around the falls of Niagara, and thus overcome the chief
obstacle of the northern outlet of western trade, are pressing
onward with energies derived from a re-organization of their
political institutions, and sustained by the favour of the Im-
perial Government.'
" And in his eftbrts to arouse the people to the necessity of
renewed exertions, he bewails the existing apathy, and asserts
that * the country is falling from a career of high enterprise ;
and the energies not of one, or of several, but of the States,
must be aroused again to regain the course.'
** The town of Hamilton, so admirably fitted by nature as
the emporium of the commerce of the west, — its noble bay, the
recipient of a hundred rills, traversing the rich agricultural
country in its rear, — not only owes its present prosperity to Im-
migration, but its future greatness can only be established by
it. Of what avail will the short and easy passage from lake
to lake be, without a population to bring the products of their
industry to market, and use it as the highway for their cotn-
merce 1
** No one could look about this province without seeing
that during the last two years, more especially during the last^
a new impulse had been given to private enterprise and public
improvement. The object of his Excellency is * peace to men
AND COLONIZATION. 151
of good will ;' and if he succeeds in the noble purposes which,
in his answer to this district, he says will occupy his imme-
diate and anxious attention, they will prove the precursor to
this noble province of improved agriculture, of multiplied and
diversified arts, and of extended commerce and navigation. It
is one of the happiest characteristics in the principle of improve-
ment, that the success of one great enterprise prompts to the
execution of another ; and I cannot conclude without express-
ing my fervent hope that the union of the two lakes by the
new road from Hamilton, will unite, by closer ties of amity
and interest, the inhabitants on the magnificent estuary of the
St. Lawrence, of the margins of the lakes, and of the rapidly
peopling forests in the interior."
On the 16th of February, whilst at Kingston, I had the
honour of receiving a communication from the Secretary of Sir
Charles Bagot, stating, *' I am commanded by the Governor-
General to inform you, that his Excellency has decided, after
full consideration, to renew your appointment as Emigration
Agent in the United Kingdom, on behalf of the Government of
this province. His Excellency has directed that this appoint-
ment should be notified in the next Gazette." On the follow-
ing day, accompanied by my friend Sir Allan Napier Macnab,
I left Kingston, but, owing to the deep snow, did not reach
Quebec until the 23rd. On the morning of the 24th, a meet^
ing of its inhabitants took place, in the spacious hall of the
Exchange, suddenly called, as I was compelled to proceed on
my journey that evening, but it was thronged to excess.
The Hon. W. Walker, being appointed Chairman, called the
meeting to order, and said that he had great pleasure in intro-
ducing me to the meeting.
After thanking the meeting for the enthusiastic welcome with
which it had received me, I said, " That it was a source of
great gratification to meet in this noble city, long the seat of
government, as it must ever be that of magnificence and power,
so numerous, respectable, and influential a concourse of my
fellow-subjects, willing to unite together in that hallowed and
interesting cause, the promotion of Emigration from the British
162 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
Isles. It was the first opportunity that liad been offered me,
and amply compensated for a journey of 800 miles over Her
Majesty's undisputed territory, at this season of the year, and
the prospect of a few hundred miles further, through a territory
between this and the ocean unfortunately still in dispute. I
hailed this meeting as a presage and an earnest that the future
history of this province would exhibit the gratifying spectacle
of an united people, devoting their best energies to the improve-
ment of the country, the development of its resources, the
advancement of its agriculture, the extension of its commerce,
and the promotion of its general prosperity. And what was
more likely to conduce to these desirable results, than the
establishment of a proper system of Emigration, by which a
hardy and industrious population, now struggling against all
the evils of poverty, might be placed in a position to render
themselves independent in a few years — as far as independ-
ence can be attained in this world, — and see that family for
whose very existence I had often trembled in the land of my
birth, comfortably provided for in this the land of my adoption ?
This subject had at length forced itself upon the serious atten-
tion of the Government in England, who it was generally be-
lieved had a vast and maturely considered plan under delibera-
tion for submission to Parliament at its next session. It was
gratifying to learn that the subject had thus been taken up in
the proper quarter ; and the feeling that had of late grown up
in the old country in favour of Emigration, and the general in-
terest taken in the discussion of the question, was the more
gratifying, as it contrasted so strongly with the apathy that for-
merly existed, both on the part of the people and the Govern-
ment. I was confident that it would afibrd satisfaction to the
meeting to learn, that his Excellency the Governor-General
had honoured me with a similar commission to that which 1 had
received from the late Lord Sydenham, and had authorised me
to proceed to England as Emigrant Agent on behalf of Canada,
and in the United Kingdom to renew those exertions which had
met with the too kind and generous approbation of the inhabi-
tants of this country. I felt under deep obligation to his Ex-
AND COLONlZATtON. 153
cellency for this mark of confidence, conferred, as it was, in a
manner the most gratifying to my feelings ; and I conld assure
the gentlemen then present, that it would be neither from want
of exertion or unwearied application, that a continuance and
increase of success should fail to attend my efforts to ensure the
attention, and obtain the co-operation and assistance of the
British people, to promote the lasting interests of this valuable,
interesting, and important appendage of the British Crown.
When I went to Great Britain in 1839, it was at the request of
my beloved and deeply lamented friend the late Bishop Mac-
donell, who saw that something was required to counteract the
evil influences that had been brought into force against Emi-
gration to Canada. The Emigration to Canada of the pre-
ceding year had dwindled down to about 3,000 persons ; and
the reason was obvious. At public meetings, and through the
press, was Emigration to Canada decried ; distrust existed
among the people to a great extent; these, but, above all, want
of correct information, deterred the British people from care-
fully investigating the advantages which Canada held out over
the United States, and led them to believe the interested state-
ments made with regard to the latter country. The unex-
ampled success of last year's Emigration, which was the most
numerous since that of 1832, would rejoice all the real friends
of this portion of the British Empire, and open out bright pros-
pects for the future. It behoved them all, however, to be vigi-
lant, and unceasing in their exertions ; for notwithstanding the
undeniable fact that tranquillity, peace, contentment, and hope
prevailed throughout the province, there were not wanting evil
and discontented persons who would fain retard its prosperity
and welfare by the propagation of unfounded statements calcu-
lated to excite gloom and distrust. The Leeds Times, an Eng-
lish paper, in an article having such objects in view, says —
* Look to Canada, our chief Emigration field, and see whether
this be a place to which, under present circumstances, the
people ought to allow themselves to be transported ? Canada
is kept quiet at the present time only by means of armed
physical force ; fifteen thousand of the best and bravest of
154 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
British troops are at this moment required to repress the smoul-
dering flame of rebellion in that Colony.' I wondered that the
Times had not followed up this statement with the equally
tenable one made by the Colonial Gazette^ * that as many
militia-men were employed to prevent the regulars from run-
ning away.' The article alluded to, in the Leeda Times, pro-
ceeded in a strain similar to that of the sentence which I had
quoted, and, after much odious misrepresentation, said — ' A
state of dreadful insecurity exists ; credit is unsound, trade
languishing, and the Canadians are leaving their own country
by thousands, and crossing over the lines, carrying with them
their all into the United States.' It was really unnecessary for
me to bring these statements before that meeting for tlie pur-
pose of refutation : their falsehood here was so palpable, that
they excited no feeling beyond that of contempt. It might be
different, however, elsewhere, where the truth was not so well
known ; and I was happy to be able to say, that I had in my
possession authentic information, from which it appeared, that
nearly the whole of last year's immigration had remained in
the Colony, and that the Emigrants were in a state that pro-
mised future peace and comfort ; and that so far from the asser-
tion in the Leeds paper being true, that the people were leaving
the province in thousands, numbers had returned from the
United States, whither they had proceeded with the impression
that the country was more suitable to their views. They had
discovered their error, and were now endeavouring, successfully
in most instances, to regain in this Colony what they had lost
by their trip over the lines. Many who had originally pro-
ceeded to the United States for settlement, during the last
season, had come to Canada, and the comparison between the
two countries was so favourable to the latter as to induce them
to remain in it. These were most cheering and gratifying
facts, and being facts would go the further to expose the mali-
cious statements of the Leeds Times and some other journals.
One more statement only would I take the trouble to refute.
A most wanton attack was made on the citizens of Montreal in
the following manner : — ^ And if such be the condition of the
AND COLONIZATION. 155
Canadian people themselves, how truly deplorable must be the
fate of the poorer class of Emigrants, whom the Government
may inveigle out to that Colony, in order to relieve the land-
lord-made " surplus population" at home. The Montreal papers,
recently arrived, inform us of British Emigrants landing on
their quays, perfectly destitute, and starving of hunger. One
journal slates — " At the present time, there are at St. Francis,
Lower Canada, two hundred Emigrants from the Highlands of
Scotland, in a most wretched and destitute situation, and ac-
tually on the point of starving." Relief has been asked from
the Montreal St. Andrew's Society, but in vam ; and the poor
creatures are thrown upon the cold charities of an unfeeling
world for the bare means of subsistence ; failing which, to
famish, to sicken, and to die in a land of strangers, far from
the silver streams, the green valleys, and wild mountains of
their fatherland.' — Now, how plain a tale would invalidate
this somewhat poetical statement. The Emigrants alluded to
arrived very late in the season, and I certainly could not but
condemn the singular improvidence of these poor people,
arriving here without means so late as they did; but what
would be thought of the heartlessness of this writer when it
became known that they were nobly, generously, and promptly
assisted by the inhabitants of Montreal, whose zeal and muni-
ficence in promoting Emigration deserved the highest com-
mendation? The Emigrants were eventually settled among
their friends in the eastern townships, and were likely to prove
a valuable, thriving, respectable, contented, and industrious
body of settlers, instead of perishing of hunger and disease in
a land of strangers. No British subject is a stranger in Canada*
It must prove a source of pleasure to every one to learn that
more persons, immigrant settlers in Canada, have sent home
means to assist their poorer friends, to take passage and come
out in the spring this season, than were ever before known to
do so : this was one of the most, if not the most convincing
proofs that could be adduced in favour of this country. It was
cheering, as indicating the prosperity of those who have settled
here already, and the strong, abiding, enduring affection they
156 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
entertain for the government, laws, institutions, customs, and
usages in this country. No portion of Canada can be more
deeply aft'ected by Emigration than Quebec : to see its noble
river filled with vessels bringing an industrious population
into the country, which will again send back those vessels
freighted with the products of their industry, must be the
ardent desire of all who wish well to the maritime and com-
mercial greatness of Canada. The prosecution of the public
works, the promotion of Emigration, the settlement of the
public domain, and, above all, the cultivation of a good under-
standing between all classes of the community, were the objects
of the Government ; and really, when viewing this city, the
scene of early enterprise and national valour, and contemplat-
ing its people as the descendants of two illustrious nations,
renowned for their chivalry and honour, I must say, Jungamus
dexteras. Let us join right hands, and mutually glorying in rest-
ing under the protection of that meteor flag that has braved a
thousand years the battle and the breeze, and that floats trium-
phant over this lofty and impregnable citadel, consider it to be
alike our ennobling distinction, as our highest privilege, to be
classed among the most faithful, united, and prosperous sub-
jects of the British Crown. With these remarks I would con-
clude : when I again meet the inhabitants of Quebec, I hope
to have much more glowing accounts to give them of the
spread and success of Emigration ; and before that time, I
should, no doubt, have the means of communicating to them a
variety of gratifying information."
On the 23rd of March we arrived at Liverpool, and a few
days afterwards proceeded to London. On the 4tli and 12th
of April, meetings of the Nova Scotia Baronets took place at
the Thatched House Tavern, at both of which I attended. On
the latter occasion, the Marquis of Downshire presided. On
the 13th of April, I was presented to Her Majesty at the levee,
by Lord Stanley, on my appointment as Emigration Agent for
the Government of Canada, and, in conjunction with my
friend Sir Allan Macnab, delivered addresses entrusted to us
for presentation. On the 21st, the North American Colonial
AND COLONIZATION. 157
Committee re-assembled to commence their labours for the
season ; and on the day following the Consulting Council of
the British American Association held their first meeting,
which was presided over by the Duke of Argyll, as President.
On this occasion, the minutes of a meeting of the Baronets of
Scotland, held on the 17th of March, were read ; letters were
produced from about fifty Peers and Baronets of Scotland,
(proprietors of upwards of 800,000 acres of land in Nova
Scotia,) consenting to join the Association as Vice-Presidents
or Members of the Council ; the constitution of the Association,
or regulations for its management, as matured at a series of
meetings, commencing on the 9th of January, 1841, and con-
tinued from time to time to the 14th of April, 1842, was laid
upon the table ; a report was read from the Board of Executive
Commissioners, setting forth that arrangements had been en-
tered into for the purchase of several extensive seignories on
the north bank of the river St. Lawrence, which, from geogra-
phical position, were admirably adapted to be the centre of the
operations of the Association, and that, also, with a special
view to providing for such settlers as had (like his Grace's
tenantry of Tyree and Mull) been accustomed to fishing pur-
suits, negotiations had been entered into for an extensive tract
of land in Prince Edward's Island ; the prospectus of the
Company, preparatory to its being issued to the public, was
revised ; Sir Allan Macnab and myself severally addressed the
meeting, and expressed our opinion in reference to the value
of the lands contracted for, and the great advantages which
would attend the operations of the Association ; and a resolu-
tion was moved and unanimously adopted, " That the objects
of the Association should be immediately proceeded with ; the
meeting regarding the question of Emigration and Colonization
to be one of paramount importance to the Colonies in British
North America, as well as to the people of the United King-
dom."
On the 27th of April, the Colonial Society gave a grand
public dinner at the Thatched House Tavern to Sir Allan
Macnab. The Earl of Mountcashell filled the chair, I having
158 BYSTKMATIC EMIOnATION
the honour to act as croupier, A large and distinguished com-
pany attended. The proceedings were fully reported in the
leading journals of the day ; and here I shall only give the
addresses made by Sir Francis Bond Head, Bart., Mr. Urqu-
hart, and myself: —
Sir Francis, on returning thanks, spoke as follows : — ** Gen-
tlemen, I rise to return you my best thanks for the honour you
have done me in drinking my health. With respect to my own
services, to which your noble chairman has just been pleased
to refer, I beg leave to sum them up in one word. I did all I
could, I did the best I could ; and having said this, I dismiss
the subject. I now turn to a subject infinitely more interesting
to you all ; to your gallant and distinguished guest, in honour
of whom you have assembled, and whom I am so happy to see
present. The generous welcome he has met with in this coun-
try, has afforded me pleasure which I will not attempt to
describe. From persons of the highest rank, and of both
political parties, he has received the most gratifying marks of
their approbation of his conduct. I have pleasure in an-
nouncing to you, that at a public meeting of the members of
the Senior United Service Club, especially convened for the
purpose. Colonel Sir Allan Napier Macnab was this morning
elected by acclamation an honorary member of that institution ;
an unprecedented honour, which could only be conferred upon
him by dispensing with a standing rule of the club ; and I have
now only to look around me, to explain to you the high compli-
ment which he is this evening enjoying by the presence of so
many talented individuals, distinguished for their disinterested
affection for our North American Colonies. Gentlemen, I be-
lieve no one present more cordially congratulates your honour-
aide and gallant guest on the facts I have just stated than I do.
At the same time I must confess, that what gives me most plea-
sure, and what, during the whole evening, has been uppermost
in my mind, is to reflect how proud and gratified the noble fel-
lows who inhabit our splendid Colonies will be when they hear
of the honour which has been conferred in their beloved mother
countr)' upon their leader in the senate as well as in the field ;
AND COLONIZATION. 159
and without detracting from the merits of my gallant friend, I
must repeat that I can think of nothing else but of the pleasure
which his recej)tion in this country will give to the inhabitants
of our North American Colonies in general, and of Upper Ca-
nada in particular — God bless them !"
Mr. Urquhart, who rose amid loud cheers, said : — ** We are
met here this evening to thank one of our fellow-citizens for
rendering to us a great and an important service. The service
is great in a twofold manner; first, because it was well done ;
secondly, because it was an important interest that he was
called upon to protect. I am commissioned to propose to you,
as a toast, the commemoration of that country which is so
largely indebted to the services of Sir Allan Macnab for its tran-
quillity at this moment, and for the possession of which Eng-
land is so deeply indebted to him. I have to propose to you
the toast of ' Our North American Colonies, and Sir Charles
Bagot.* I have been selected to fulfil this duty, not from any
interest of any kind in those Colonies — not even from having
had the advantage or the gratification of visiting them — but
rather for this, that I know them not ; rather for this, that my
interest in them arises out of my knowledge of the interests of
England in other regions, — regions the most remote from these ;
and perhaps it is from that remoter, that further point, that a
better view, and a more distinct perception of the value of our
western possessions can be obtained, than within the limit of
our own frontiers, or even from the centre of the metropolis
itself. We have met here to thank Sir Allan Macnab for these
services ; and by that fact we have a second obligation to thank
him for. He has furnished to us the occasion, for the first
time, of meeting in this country for the purpose of expressing
feelings of gratitude to a Colonist, for calling forth responsive
cheers of affection from those provinces which I will not call
Colonies, but from those * integral portions of the British Em-
pire.*
" At a moment when clouds are gathering around and
storms bursting upon us— when forebodings rise in the hearts Qf
men, and danger springs even from the remotest corners of the
160 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
earth — a British Parliament is occupied in the pettieftt and
most insignificant of internal interests, and a nation is agitated
with parish affairs! Questions involving the rights, security,
integrity, and honour of* the nation itself, can inspire neither
parliament nor people with thought or care.
*' Look at the map, and ask yourselves where on the face of
the earth do you find anything to be compared to the position of
Nova Scotia and Cape Breton ? Where do you find elsewhere,
throughout the globe, anything equal to its harbours, mines,
facility of transport, and everything that has furnished the rich-
ness of England — its fisheries, its navigation, its maritime
greatness, the means of constructing ships, and of forming the
men by which they are to be navigated ? Cape Breton and
Nova Scotia are the very sources of maritime power ; it is there
that the trident has sprung. England has held that trident
only since she has possessed them ; when she loses them, it will
have fallen from her grasp, if it has not been already shattered
in her hand. We stand, and have stood, in war invulnerable,
not merely because we are an island, but because our island is
constructed in a peculiar manner. It has the advantages of at-
tack, without being liable to the injuries of assault. We have
harbours looking upon and threatening the shores of France
and Germany, whilst they have no corresponding fastnesses and
keeps. Further, we are to windward and they are to leeward ;
we can send forth fleets to their coasts, favoured by the winds
by which they are oppressed. This controlling power possessed
by England over the Continent, is exercised by North America
over Europe. As England, with respect to the coasts of the
Northern Ocean and to France, so does Nova Scotia stand with
respect to EuroiKj and to England herself. Westerly winds
blow during two-thirds of the year ; and from Nova Scotia's
thousand harbours, fleets may reach the Mediterranean sooner
than from Plymouth or the Downs. Look at this position, and
look then at the fortune you hold out to other powers, the mo-
ment you are regardless of the value of your own possessions.
In these Colonies reside manufacturing means equal to those
that England |>ossesse8; there is the same happy juxtaposition
AND COLONIZATION. 161
of iron and coal ; there are fisheries equal, and superior to those
of England ; there are to be found coasts, and harbours, and
extensive means of water communication, still greater than even
the wonderful natural advantages of England can rival ; there
resides the maritime power which must command Europe, both
by its timber and its naval position. Put beside these things
the spirit and the tendencies of the United States. If you see,
then, that there are those in the world who are ready to take
advantage wherever there is weakness, and wherever there is
wealth, be assured that the wealth and the riches you possess
will not be long yours, unless there be such a change effected
in your mind as shall make it equal to your fortunes and your
difficulties. Recall the past! reflect on what we have lost —
what perpetrated in America ! We have there a position now,
only because we had won the affection of a population of French
origin. They were faithful when those of our own race were
rebellious ; and they have defended us when we were heedless
of them. How is it that there is a British race in America not
subject to the British Crown? Only through the injustice of
our fathers — ^yet fathers worthier than their sons. This great
blow, because the first step in our decline, was an act of injus-
tice. By this we degraded our fellow-citizens across the At-
lantic from their allegiance, rent asunder their affections, and
drove them into revolt. Thence are they a separate, and now,
from similar causes, are they rapidly becoming a hostile people.
Now, then, take a lesson from the danger, and there is no dan-
ger for England, save from herself. In that French population
you find loyalty and affection ; and even in the English popu-
lation of the Canadas, mismanagement and corruption have not
yet altogether extinguished loyalty ; and, believe me, the time
is come for us to reckon our means, and to secure strength and
confidence against the evil day — the evil day of our own bring-
ing. These Colonies have received from you no support, no
favouring rights, no protection ; there has been in moments of
danger, and in positions of menace, neither interest in the pub-
lic nor Parliament. Your recent acts as a nation are such as
to invite from their neighbours aggression ; such as to lead
M
162 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
every state in the world at once to hate and despise you ; con-
verting the position of a British Colonist from one of security
and honour, to one of danger and disgrace : but of these things
you are unconscious; and, I fear, will not believe them, until
your belief has become of no further use.
" I will now beg you to go back with me, for a moment, to
some past incidents in the most remarkable period, perhaps, of
our history, as elucidating the importance of our North American
possessions ; not merely for their value, but for the aid they have
lent towards the achievement of our Indian dominion. Our posi-
tion in America becomes of importance from the beginning of the
eighteenth century. It was first secured by theTreaty of Utrecht,
when, by the possession of Cape Breton and Nova Scotia, we
reaped the chief advantages, not merely of our maritime success,
but of our victories on land. In the war that broke out in 1744,
France, feeling the full importance of these possessions, made
the most energetic maritime efforts known in her history to re-
conquer them : a splendid fleet of seventy sail, with a large army
on board, was destroyed by storms. These were fatal only because
England was in possession of the harbours. In the following
year she sent another fleet, which was defeated. The first dis-
aster was entirely owing to the possession of Louisbourg and
Annapolis by the English, Halifax not having been then created.
At the close of the war, England remained in entire possession
of Cape Breton, St. John's, Nova Scotia, the forts of Annapolis
and Louisbourg. Great was the astonishment, and deep was
the mortification of our American interests, when, by the Treaty
of Aix-la-Chapelle, Cape Breton was again surrendered to
France. But this surrender was made to obtain for England
an equivalent elsewhere. By this surrender we regained
Madras; and thus was a portion of our conquests in America
employed to prepare the way for the dominion of England in
India. So important was a then unsettled district of these pro-
vinces in the eyes of England — so important in the eyes of
France ! The war in 1755 was commenced in India ; it decided
in favour of England, and against France, the supremacy
of India. England succeeded solely by her supremacy at sea,
AND COLONIZATION. 163
dependent upon the possession, during the peace, of North
America. The war opened with the most formidable prepara-
tions of France and England, for mutual attack and defence
in America and in India ; their triumph or defeat in those re-
mote regions being felt by each to be the most efiPective means
of injuring the other. France's efforts were directed to recover
these Colonies, holding already Canada and Cape Breton.
England directed her efforts to the conquest of Louisbourg and
Canada, and a powerful fleet and army were sent out for that
purpose. This armament, taken in a storm off the coast of
Cape Breton, was disabled. Cape Breton being then in the
possession of the French, it had to seek refuge across the At-
lantic, in the ports of Britain.
" The depression produced by this great and unparalleled
calamity in England, was such as to destroy the hope of re-
conquering America, and the spirit of attempting it. Naval
and military commanders alike considered the case desperate ;
and the resignation of North America to France must have put
an end to the maritime and commercial greatness of England,
and raised the power of France to such a pitch as to leave no-
thing to cope with her in the Old World or the New. These
consequences were averted by an extraordinary event — the
presence at that moment, and for a moment only, of the
greatest of modern Englishmen at the head of the councils of
this empire. Chatham was then the minister of England. To
use his own words, * If Great Britain did not succeed in con-
quering Cape Breton and Canada, France must expel her from
America, and then the sun of England would be obscured by
the extinction of her colonial dominions, and the loss of her
trade in the East and in the West.' When the general ap-
pointed to the command reiterated his difficulties and objec-
tions, Chatham, who was then confined with the gout, sent to
him to say, that * he had to deal with a minister who knew
difficulties only by treading upon them.* In a memorandum,
which has been preserved amongst the papers of Chatham re-
specting the conduct of the war with France, there are these
remarkable words : — * It is earnestly recommended that the
m2
164 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
war may endure until the enemy be entirely subdued in Ame-
rica, and so really disabled there as to cease to be dangerous to
this kingdom in future times.* Europe was astonislied with the
measures that followed. A most formidable armament was
prepared in an incredibly small space of time ; Louisbourg fell,
Cape Breton was occupied ; soon followed the battle of Abra-
ham's Heights, the possession of Quebec and the Canadas ; the
power of England permanently established in America ; and at
the Treaty of Paris, in 1763, she was in undisputed possession
of the whole region from Florida to the Pole. On the other
hand, so proportionately reduced was not only the power of
France, but of the Continent of Europe, as against the mari-
time balance of England, that Chatham himself, when contem-
plating the possibility of the union of the Bourbon dynasties
against England, pointed to our ships, to our American posses-
sions, and to the two millions of British by which they were
inhabited, as a power equal to cope with and to overawe the
union of the crowns of Spain and France.
** We now come to the measure of Pitt, in 1791. This
is the annus mirahilis of England. Mr. Pitt had then upon his
mind a war the most threatening in India, with the most power-
ful of the native sovereigns in connexion with France — war the
most threatening in Europe, Russia and Austria combined, and
the downfall of the Ottoman empire the consequence of their
success — a war again re-threatening in America, as an effect of
the state of Europe and France in all the incipient throes of a
volcanic irruption. At the same period a Governor of India is
under impeachment for his life, and commotions for internal
change agitate England. It is under the excitement and the
distractions of these various necessities, that the mind of Pitt
was given to the framing of that Constitution of the Canadas
by which the affections of the French Canadians were secured
to England, and that stronghold given her over her possessions
in America that kept tranquil and neutral the United States in
the war that ensued, and in preserving its maritime resources
for England, enabled her to employ them in Europe and in
Asia, and to give to those regions her undivided strength and
AND COLONIZATIOK. 165
her whole attention. But as in the events of men it is the
human mind that is important, so in the events of states it is
the genius of individuals that makes them of value, and that
renders them memorable ; and it is a link more remarkably
attaching the destinies of Canada to the greatness of England,
that it was in the debate on the Canada Bill that were brought
first into direct collision the great spirits of that age, — Fox,
Burke, and Pitt. Pitt's bill was made the subject of discussing
the question of the French Revolution, and of adjusting parties
for the struggle that was to follow. I look upon Pitt's bill of
1791 as one of the greatest monuments of his ability, and the
greatest of the services that he rendered to his country. Had
a bill of an opposite tendency been at the time introduced, as
it was proposed by his antagonists, the Canadian population
would have been disgusted, our power in America shaken, the
United States probably again led into conflict, the French
power would have obtained a footing in America, and in that
arduous struggle, where every muscle was stretched to the ex-
treme, and barely was life and success attained at the end,
defeat must have been our portion had Canada been a weight
in the opposing scale.
'* Pitt's object was to place the French population between
the St. Lawrence and the frontier of the United States, to allow
them to spread in and entirely to occupy that region, where, by
their military spirit and their local affections, they should be a
barrier and a protection for England, so as to maintain her
position in America without expense, so as to curtail and arrest
the expansive tendencies of the United States. His object was
not to make them British in name, but British in affection ;
and that was to be done by preserving, not destroying, their
laws, religion, language, and customs. * It is in the French
spirit,' he said, * of the Canadians that the strength of England
in America depends.' Such, then, is the fortune you hold in
the tenure of your North American Colonies ; such the debt of
gratitude you owe to the affections of your Canadian fellow-
subjects. A fatal day will it be for England when she despises
the one or chills the other.
166 SYSTEMATIC EMIORATION
** But if Canada were of no value ; if Nova Scotia bad no for-
tresses, harbours, or mines, Cape Breton no fisheries ; if there
were no westerly winds ; if there were no trans- Atlantic or Euro-
pean enemy to be restrained; iftherewereno necessity to nurture
force for our defence,— still would it be a bounden duty for the
English nation to maintain the rights and independence of ite
own countr}', and while one Canadian remained attached to us,
and claimed our protection, that man's head ought to come to the
block who could speak of separation. You have heard this night
that these men have been told that they ought to repudiate their
allegiance to this country ; and the man who has told them so is
an Englishman, and he lives — he walks the public streets unen-
dangered and undenounced, he enters your very senate, and
sits there the counsellor of the nation he betrays : and he is not
one, there are many such. And what may not be done with a
nation where such men live, where such men are honoured 1
** England was no longer England when she drove the
children that had issued from her loins into revolt ; and having
driven them into revolt by her acts, the next thing is to justify
sedition. To speak of the separation of the Colonies from the
mother country, is to destroy allegiance on the one hand, and
protection on the other ; it is to justify mismanagement, and
all misgovernment : and for these crimes the masks are taken
of doctrine and of opinion — the colours are assumed of philan-
thropy and liberality. .....
It having devolved upon me to propose as a toast " The
cause of Emigration," I did so in the following terms : —
" My Lords and Gentlemen, 1 return you my warmest
thanks for requesting me to propose a toast connected with the
cause of Emigration, which is now attracting general attention,
and to which I have always been devotedly attached. On my
first visit to those fertile and extensive regions on the American
continent, over which the British flag holds sway, I found all
the elements of wealth and happiness in full operation, from
the annual influx of thousands of our fellow-countrymen, whose
industrious exertions were sure to be followed there by com-
plete success. The first serious defection in the Emigration to
AND COLONIZATION. 167
Canada occurred in 1835, the year following the letter of Mr.
Hume, so severely and justly condemned by my friend Sir Allan
Macnab ; so serious was the injury inflicted on the province
by that production, that the decrease in one season amounted
to 15,000 persons. Scarcely had the province recovered from
this shock than it was doomed to a still severer blow. The
fatal effects of 1837 reduced Emigration the following year to
less than 3,000, a fearful contrast with that of 1832, which was
nearly 52,000. In 1839, at the instigation of many friends in
Canada, I resolved to cross the Atlantic, and use my exertions
to restore the fertilizing stream of Emigration, then diverted
to all other channels, to that country, where it was so sure to
reward the efforts of the industrious and prudent settler. On
my arrival in this country, I found the most erroneous impres-
sions generally prevailing relative to Canada. In all those
particulars, in which it should stand at least as well in the esti-
mation of the British public as the United States — geographical
position, soil, climate, <kc., it was unjustly decried and depre-
ciated— and in other respects, in which it stands immeasurably
superior, government, laws, institutions, probity, natural re-
sources, gradual and satisfactory development, the most erro-
neous opinions prevailed. The consequences were, a disincli-
nation on the part of Emigrants to proceed to Canada, a dis-
trust on the part of capitalists to invest their means, and an
effort, on the part of some political economists, from their
peculiar opinions, to render the government of the Colonies so
difl[icult and expensive as to induce the parent State to fling
them off. These were the diSiculties with which Canada had
to contend ; and great credit is due to the noble Chairman, and
to this Society, for their unwearied and persevering efforts to
disseminate more correct opinions, promote Emigration, restore
confidence, and forward the general interests of our Colo-
nial Empire. It must be most satisfactory to this meeting to
hear that a steady annual increase to the population of our
North American Colonies has taken place since 1838, the num-
bers arriving at Canada alone, last year, being nearly 29,000.
Although there is still a party to be met with who would sacri*
1G8 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
fice the Colonies to their own theories, and who never rejoice
more than when giving circulation to reports injurious to our
North American possessions, by the institution of unfair com-
parisons, by their declarations that thousands leave Canada
for the States, forgetting always to inform the people of the
thousands who leave the States for Canada ; notwithstanding
this disposition, and these drawbacks, the peace, prosperity,
and advance of Canada, during the last year, has been, and will
be, the best antidote to these pernicious eftbrts. 1 remember
when the most active means were employed to impress on the
minds of the people that there was no land left for settlement.
This was followed by a statement that it was far dearer than in
the States ; and when the public domain was freely given to
the industrious settler, on certain conditions, then, forsooth,
the best mode to settle a country was to put a high price on its
lands. Happily, both for Canada and Great Britain, there is
not only public domain for settlement, but public works to
afford abundance of profitable employment ; and the energy,
activity, improvement, enterprise, and hope, everywhere to be
witnessed in Canada at this time, is a presage and an earnest
that its future career will be unchecked by the pestiferous
theories of political economists, or the circulation of unjust and
unfounded statements. No document from the Colonial Office
ever diffused more joy amongst a people, than the despatch of
Lord John Russell to the late Governor-General, containing,
amongst other interesting pledges, — * In any measures that
may be adopted, it must be taken for granted that Her Majesty
persists in the determination to maintain at all hazards her
royal authority in Canada. Neither the honour of Her Ma-
jesty's Crown, nor the support due to her loyal subjects in
British North America, nor the provident care of the interests
of the empire at large, would permit any deviation from this
fixed principle of British policy.' What more encouraging
incentive, what greater inducement to the patriotic capitalists
than this, freely to invest their means in possessions thus
Btrongly guaranteed ? * We have no alternative; we have only
to consider the means of binding Canada more firmly to thLi
AND COLONIZATION. 169
country, of developing her resources, of strengthening her
British population, of defending her territory, and of support-
ing and encouraging the loyal spirit of her people.' When,
then, my Lords and Gentlemen, you consider the relative situa-
tion of Great Britain and her North American possessions,
and reflect that they stand the most in need of what you have
the most to spare — a vigorous population and an unemployed
capital, — that that population will supply this country with the
necessary addition to its food, and take from it in exchange its
manufactured goods, now excluded from other countries, ex-
cept paid for in bullion, — and, above all, that this important
trafiic and interchange will be carried on by our own ships,
increasing the strength of our commercial marine, it will be
obvious that the warm promotion of Emigration is of conse-
quence to the mariner, the merchant, the farmer, the colonist,
and the statesman. In the encouragement given to it, I only
ask justice for Canada. Its admirable position, its vast domain,
its great salubrity, its unbounded fertility, its mineral wealth,
its extensive fisheries, its ready access, the cheapness of its land,
the vastness of its waters, the magnitude of its bays, the num-
ber of its harbours, but, above all, its wholesome laws, its
matchless constitution, its unequalled government ; this felici-
tous combination of circumstances renders this favoured and
happy Colony one of the most attractive, as it is one of the
nearest, most improving, and most valuable possessions of the
British Crown. I hope, my Lords and Gentlemen, that, recog-
nised as an integral part of the empire, Canada, under the
fostering, sustaining, and protecting power of Great Britain,
will realise the expectations of the Colonial Minister, ' that
with a legislature in Canada disposed to co-operate with the
Queen and the Parliament of the United Kingdom in develop-
ing her vast and unexplored resources, there is every hope that
we shall behold the prosperity of that noble province augment
every year, and add more and more to the strength and stability
of the empire.' With these remarks, I beg to propose * Suc-
cess to the cause of Emis^ration to British North America.'"
On the 29th of April, the Consulting Council of the British
170 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
American Association n^ain assembled. The Marquess of Down-
shire, one of the Vice Presidents, filled the chair. On this
occasion I read a report from the Executive Board of Commis-
sioners, setting forth the considerations which might naturally
be expected to secure for the Association the support of the
monied public, and of all hiterested in the welfare of the mother
country and the Colonies ; a deputation from the Board of
Commissioners was appointed to proceed to Scotland in fur-
therance of the objects of the Association ; and the proceedings
were ordered to be printed and communicated to such absent
peers and baronets as were members, which was accordingly
done.
In the month of May, pursuant to the authority from the
Council, a deputation from the Board of Commissioners, con-
sisting of Sir Allan Macnab, Sir Richard Broun, and myself,
proceeded to Scotland. On the 17th of May, during the pre-
valence of most alarming distress in the City of Edinburgh, I
was introduced by the Lord Provost to the Council then assem-
bled, and at their request addressed them on the subject of the
success which had resulted to the Scotch settlers in Canada.
I attended the levee at Holyrood House, held on the 21st,
when Her Majesty's Lord High Commissioner to the General
Assembly of the Church of Scotland then sitting received me
most graciously, and consented to become one of the Vice Pre-
sidents of the Association, whose meritorious objects he most
cordially approved of.
On the 24th, a numerous and highly influential public meet-
ing took place, the Right Hon. Sir James Forrest, Bart., Lord
Provost, in the chair. There were present various baronets,
a considerable portion of the civic authorities, and a large
attendance of clergy, and the chief inhabitants of the city. The
proceedings were commenced by the Lord Provost, who stated
his hearty concurrence in the objects for which the British
American Association had been organized, labouring as the
whole United Kingdom was, under the evils of a redundant,
unemployed population. Dr. Alison, whose great exertions in
the cause of humanity, and the improvement of the condition
AND COLONIZATION. 171
of the poor, has acquired for him a very distinguished position
in the public regard, moved the first resolution ; and in the
course of his long and eloquent exposition of the grievous dis-
tress existing throughout the country, stated that, " In Edin-
burgh eighteen per cent, of the population were living on
charity, and that the average duration of life was lessening, and
that of crime extending and increasing." At the conclusion of
his speech, he expressed his solemn conviction that, " It was
not to be expected that the favour of heaven could dwell upon
a land that made no effort to remedy an evil of such magni-
tude."
He was confirmed in his views by the Very Rev. Principal
MacFarlane, who, in following him, said — " He felt himself
wanting in preparation for the duty imposed on him, and per-
haps of inability to do it justice under any circumstances, but
he hoped the meeting would accept his hearty good will to the
cause, as a substitute for whatever might be wanting either in
ability or preparation. He was much gratified to hear the
preceding speakers connecting the two important objects. Emi-
gration and Colonization ; these ought never to be separated.
In an old country, with our peculiarities of climate, and soil,
and occupation, there had always occurred, and he feared
would still occur, an occasional redundancy of population,
pressing on the means of subsistence. It would never do in
these circumstances, merely to remove from the country those
who instead of contributing to its strength and prosperity, were
felt to have become an incumbrance and source of weakness.
It was the duty of those who were to profit by their removal,
to provide for their future comfort and prosperity, and, if pos-
sible, to place them in those situations where as Colonists they
might contribute to the population and strength of both the
general empire and the locality in which they were settled.
He was well aware of the extensive provision which had been
made both in the inland and maritime North American British
Colonies for the reception and favourable settlement of Emi-
grants from this country, and, as had been justly observed, in
so doing they consulted their own interest and advantage.
172 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
It was not surprising that they shouUl cordially invite into their
unoccupied territory the hardy and indomitable Highlander,
the ingenious artizun in wood and iron, and the everlasting
digger from Ireland, whose spade realized the moral of the
fable, and in cultivating the earth seldom failed to turn up a
mine of subsistence and wealth. But he must be permitted to
plead for, he feared, a less favourite class of Colonists, — the
suffering weavers and other manufacturers of the towns and
villages of the West of Scotland. Without undervaluing the
importance of those branches of industry in which they were
habitually engaged, the fluctuations of demand for articles of
manufacture, and the increasing use of machinery, exposed
them to periodical want of employment, and consequent dis-
tress, increasing in severity at each successive return. At the
present moment it was severe to the last degree, and there
were hundreds, nay, even thousands of them, who had no
resource left but Emigration. These men certainly did not
possess the powerful muscle, the practising out-door labour, or
the capacity of overcoming the immediate difliculties attendant
on a new country, which were to be found in those who
removed from other districts ; but he could attest, from ample
experience, that no class of men could surpass them in patient
endurance of poverty and suffering, or in persevering industry
in those branches to which they had been accustomed. They
possessed further recommendations ; most of them would carry
with them numerous families, rejoicing to be delivered from
the smoke, and confinement, and demoralizing influences of
great towns and manufacturing villages ; the development of
whose stamina in the open air and healthy employment of
agricultural labour, must render them in a few years a valuable
acquisition to the districts in which they had settled, and the
probable parents of a race inheriting the language, and moral
feelings, and patriotism, of their ancestors. He could further
assure the meeting that they would carry with them an earnest
desire for the benefits of religious instruction and moral educa-
tion to themselves and to their children. It had been most
erroneously supjwsed that they were habitually indifferent to
AND COLONIZATION. 173
these objects ; if their attendance in public worship had been
irregular, it arose from the national pride of Scotchmen, shrink-
ing from mixing with their fellow- worshippers with a shabby
and degraded exterior ; and if they did not avail themselves of
the advantages of education for their children, it was partly
because the moderate cost of obtaining it pressed heavily on
their means of subsistence, and partly because the demand for
juvenile labour rendered the earnings of even the youngest an
important element in the support of their family. He could
assure the meeting that such men possessed all the feeling of
parents, and children, and brothers, and sisters ; that they
desired, and in more favourable circumstances would eagerly
grasp, at every opportunity of improving their own religious
character, and of obtaining a moral and religious education for
their offspring. He was delighted to know that such advan-
tages became every day more and more abundant in the British
Colonies of North America. He was gratified to find that
those young men, not a few of whom he had known, in every
condition of life, repairing to the mother country for educa-
tion, were now enabled to procure it, in every degree, from
the elementary school up to the newly established college in
the land to which they properly belonged, and their patriotic
attachment to which, its association with the early cultivation
of their minds, and their gradual attainments in knowledge,
could not but gradually increase. It must be the desire of
the present meeting, that such establishments should be mul-
tiplied, and become more prosperous, and under this impres-
sion he begged to move the resolution, in the full confidence
that it would meet with their unanimous and most cordial
approbation."
The second resolution having been committed to my charge,
I rose and said : —
" My Lord Provost, and Gentlemen, — I have been requested
by the Most Noble the Marquis of Bute, Her Majesty's High
Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scot-
land, to state, that the necessary presence of his Grace, at the
General Assembly, alone prevented him from personally ex-
174 SYSTBMATIC EMIGRATION
pressing to this meeting his full approbation and concurrence
in the objects of the Association, requesting, at the same time,
that his name might be enrolled as one of its Vice-Presidents."
I then read n letter from liis Grace to that effect, and said it was
also a great pleasure to me to know that four gentlemen from the
House of Assembly of Canada were then present, to support with
all their power, a consolidation of interests intended to relieve
the overpeopled districts of Great Britain by the Colonization
of British North America, and that the Attorney-General from
Eastern Canada, and my esteemed friends Sir Allan Macnab
and Mr. Buchanan, were, although politically opposed, warmly
united in this great undertaking. I then continued —
" My Lord, and Gentlemen, — The painful narration which
you have listened to, from the two preceding speakers, as to the
melancholy state and condition of the labouring classes in Scot-
land, is, I fear, not limited to Scotland alone, but extends over
many other portions of the United Kingdom. It is, however,
with Scotland that we have now to deal ; and really the har-
rowing statements as to this deep and general distress, would
be calculated to fill the public mind with alarm and dismay,
but that a remedy, at once national and desirable, is presented
to our notice, in the extensive, fertile, and thinly peopled re-
gions belonging to the British Crown in North America.
" This destitution, though not so immediately threatening
as that which existed in the Highlands in 1836 and 1837, is
still fearful, extensive, increasing, and menacing ; and it must
be obvious, that if the munificence which was then displayed,
to arrest a temporary, though pressing emergency, had been
exercised in the removal of the population, a recurrence of the
calamity would have been altogether prevented. For many
years prior to 1838, a very large voluntary Emigration had
been going on annually to the British provinces in North Ame-
rica, and to Canada in particular. In the two years of 1831
and 1832, upwards of 100,000 Emigrants landed at Quebec :
the events which subsequently occurred in Canada led to a vast
diminution in this perennial supply. In 1838, there were not
much above 2,000 Emigrants that season; and in 1839, urged
AND COLONIZATION. 175
by many friends in the province, I came to Scotland, visiting
Inverness, Glasgow, and other places, with the hope of re-
storing that confidence in Canada, without which it was vain
to hope the tide of Emigration could be restored. In 1840, I
received a pressing invitation from his Grace the Duke of Argyll
to attend a meeting in this city, in order to co-operate with him,
and the other large proprietors whose estates were over-
peopled, in promoting Emigration to Canada. A Committee
was then formed, and the question has not slumbered since.
The absence of his Grace the Duke of Argyll, on this occasion,
permits me to say, that his earnest solicitude to secure the hap-
piness of the people who shall proceed to Canada from his
estates, is every way worthy of his exalted name and character;
and that the deep interest he has manifested in the prosecution
of this question, has caused an equally warm feeling in Canada
to co-operate and assist in any great measure of Colonization.
On my return to Canada in 1840, a large association was formed
in the city of Toronto, with branches in other portions of the
province. This association met with the concurrence, and re-
ceived the approbation of the late lamented Governor-General
of British North America, who consented to become its patron.
In the prospectus issued by that association, there is ample
proof of the earnest desire of the proprietors in Canada to unite
their efforts with those of their fellow-subjects in this hemi-
sphere, to promote a large, beneficial, and comprehensive
scheme of Colonization. They say ' the statistics of the coun-
try, and the inexhaustible capabilities of the land, are becoming
thoroughly known ; and, above all, the country is at peace,
within and without, and men, by common consent, are uniting
by a laudable attention to private good, to swell the aggregate
of public prosperity. The Executive Government, too, is ac-
tively at work for the good of those under its protection, espe-
cially in the forming of roads, and rendering some of the most
fertile tracts in the country accessible for settlement. It is
making preparations on a grand scale for those who choose to
avail themselves of its paternal aid. But great as is its power,
and wise and benevolent as they may be who wield it, there is
176 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
still a vast amount of good connected with the Colonization of
this country which circumstances have rendered it impossible
for the local government to perform. It is precisely that defi-
ciency which it is in the power of the Emigration Association
to supply. An evil attendant upon the Colonization of Canada
in times past is industriously represented as still existing in
its aggravated forms, by those who would deter settlers from
selecting tbis province as their home. It is urged that nearly
all the lands within the settled precincts of the province have
passed into the hands of private individuals ; and that the new
Emigrant must necessarily go far into the depths of the forest,
remote from the peopled settlements, where, whatever may be
the excellence of this land, he will be remote from markets,
mills, or even roads, or the means of procuring labour or sup-
plies, during the first years of his residence. These difficulties
have existed to a great and disheartening extent, sometimes so
as to induce the settler to abandon his possessions. It is true,
also, that a great proportion of the land, especially in the older
sun'eyed townships, comprehending the choicest locations, in
the neighbourhood of roads and navigable waters, now belongs
to private individuals — and it is this very fact that enables the
Association to be of the most essential service. These tracts
are at present unproductive to the owner.
** *The Association are happy in knowing, for many of such
proprietors are among its most zealous members, that such
lands generally remain in their present profitless fertility, only
because the hand of man is wanting to turn them into pro-
ductive corn-fields and animated pastures ; and that if their
fellow-countrymen were here to make use of them, they would
be happy to give them every aid which could tend to their
future advantage ; they are well aware that by a settlement and
cultivation of a portion of their lands, the adjoining portions
will become better worth the purchasing by future Emigrants,
or by the settler himself when he shall become prosperous.*
My object in reading this part of the prospectus, is to show
that there is an earnest desire, and fixed intention amongst the
landed proprietors in Canada to unite together with their fel-
AND COLONIZATION. 177
low-subjects here in the settlement of their ample and attractive
domain. The inexhaustible resources of British North America
are now lying dormant and profitless, comparatively speaking,
for want of that main element of wealth, an active and abun*
dant population. The cities of Edinburgh, and Glasgow,
with the manufacturing town of Paisley alone, comprehend
more inhabitants than the entire portion of Western Canada,
including the city of Toronto, the towns of Kingston, Brock-
ville, Cobourg, Hamilton, Niagara, many other towns, and an
extent of country of several hundred miles. Thus, while the
dense population of the United Kingdom is a source of perpe-
tual inquietude and anxiety, the scanty population of Canada is
a great drawback to its advancement. Whilst here, they must
be objects of constant solicitude ; there, with the wide field for
their exertions, they can not only ensure their own success, but
become profitable customers to the manufacturers of this king-
dom. All the industrious classes have succeeded well in
Canada, and none more than those from Scotland. Large
sums have been remitted by those who went there penniless, to
aid in the removal of their destitute relatives in this country.
During the last eight years, through one channel alone,
£15,000 have been thus remitted in average sums of £8. In
the city of Toronto, a Savings' Bank has been established, the
deposits of which, during the last half-year, amounted to
£2,377. The sales of land have materially increased of late;
and from my own knowledge, there was a larger subjugation
of the forest in the Home District, and generally through
Western Canada, last year, than for many years past — perhaps
greater than during any preceding year. Admirably adapted
for Britons by the salubrity of its climate, the fertility of its
soil, its proximity to Britain, the constant intercourse main-
tained by steam, the moderate price of land, the abundant
reward for labour, the immense extent of internal water com-
munication, the friendship of all classes of the people, its
government, constitution, laws, all tend to recommend a scheme
of Colonization to every patriot and philanthropist in the king-
dom. The present enlightened Governor of British North
178 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
America, animate<l by the example of his predecessors, is de-
sirous of encouraging Emigration to the utmost of his power.
In general, the demand for unskilled labour has been very
small, mechanics and agricultural labourers being most in
requisition ; but his Excellency, in his despatch to the noble
Lord, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, states, 'during
the approaching season so many public works will, I trust, be
in operation, that there can be no fear of a want of employment
for all who are able to work.' Since I have been in Scotland,
I have been asked by many persons. Do not all the Emigrants
go over to the States? I am happy to give the Governor-
Generars reply to this interrogatory : — * The Emigration during
the past year from this province to the United States has been
comparatively small ; and there seems reason to believe that it
has been balanced by the Immigration from the United States.
Those who went from this were principally persons whose rela-
tions were settled in the United States, and who, coming out
to join them, had taken the route of the St. Lawrence, on
account of its superior cheapness.' The late Lord Sydenham,
in a despatch also to the former Colonial Secretary, when for-
warding the returns made by the Emigrant agents in the pro-
vince, says, * These returns afford the most conclusive answer
to statements which have been circulated, for mischievous pur-
poses, through the public press, and which may, perhaps, have
been repeated in England, that Emigrants were leaving this
province in great numbers for the United States, and that great
distress prevailed among those who remained here. Your
Lordship will perceive that these statements are not only not
consistent with trutli, but are the very reverse of it.' I have
felt it my duty, my Lord, earnestly to direct your attention, and
that of the people of this country, to this portion of the subject ;
because, although I feel myself on this point invulnerable, yet
I cannot disguise from myself that a very mischievous influ-
ence has been exerted over the public mind by a late author,
who, however much he may have immortalized himself by the
subdued mode of travel he practised in England some years
since, took advantage of travelling by steam in Canada, and
AND COtONIZATION. 179
having only seen its waters, took upon himself to pronounce
upon the character of its land . I have disposed of his crudities
in a letter which I have publicly addressed to him ; but I here
unhesitatingly affirm, that in the whole length and breadth of
our Sovereign's dominions are not to be found all the elements
of domestic wealth, social happiness, agricultural prosperity,
and commercial greatness, more highly concentrated and tho-
roughly available than on the continent of British North
America. Large and fertile domains, mines and fisheries,
capacious harbours and hydraulic privileges, cities, towns, vil-
lages ; and above all, the increasing means and opportunities
for public worship and education.
" In reading the account, for some months past, of the
arrivals from the western hemisphere, I have been much struck
and gratified, that whilst columns of the public journals have
been devoted to the accounts from the United States, the intel-
ligence from Canada has been summed up in the very signi-
ficant expression, ' There is no news from Canada ; all is quiet.'
Long may it so continue, distinguished for its love of order,
probity, laws, and government, and its ])roud and happy con-
nexion with Great Britain. Last year a highly respectable
clergyman of the Church of Scotland, the Rev. Dr. Liddell,
was sent from this city to preside over an university formed for
the express benefit of the Scotch population in Canada. This
year, the present Governor-General has just laid, in the greatest
pomp, the foundation-stone of a kindred institution in the city
of Toronto. The people of Scotland have ever felt a deep soli-
citude for the education of their people ; and the establishment
of universities, schools, and churches, will be most satisfactory
to them. I have previously said that the Scotch are amongst
the best and most thriving settlers in Canada ;- — they are so ;
in some districts the language of Ossian and Fingal is the com-
mon language, and the tartan is still the favourite garb of kind
women and brave men. All industrious men succeed in Cana-
da; the miner from Cornwall, the fisherman from the Orkneys,
the ploughman from the Lothians, the hardy spadesman from
Qonnaught, form together a united and prosperous people.
n2
180 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
These are some of the grounds on which I invite your co-ope-
ration and assistance in the removal of your too numerous
population to settle on the ample field thrown open for them in
the possessions of Her Majesty in North America."
After some other observations, I concluded my address as
follows : —
** Before I conclude, there is one subject on which I would
say a few words : I allude to the revival of the claims of the
Baronets of Nova Scotia. Of the rights or the expediency of
advancing the claims of the Baronets, it is unnecessary for me
even to express an opinion ; but I can have no hesitation in
stating my conviction, that their present patriotic combination,
irrespective of those claims, founded on considerations of the
loftiest philanthropy, as well as on the principles for which tliat
Order was founded, is highly meritorious, and must prove emi-
nently beneficial. Nothing, I am persuaded, will more gratify
the subjects of the British Crown residing in the transatlantic
possessions of our Sovereign, than the knowledge that a power-
fiil, illustrious, ancient branch of the British nobility are inte-
rested in their welfare, united together to watch over their pro-
gress, and promote their success. Such a confederation, zea-
lously co-operating with the people in the provinces, will greatly
tend to preserve their tranquillity, extend their settlement, and
enlarge their prosperity. British North America, by her rapid
Colonization, under such auspicious influence, will cause addi-
tional employment to the sail and loom, by her extended com-
merce, flourishing agriculture, and prosperous population ;
whilst our maritime greatness and manufacturing interests will
be wonderfully promoted, and the parent state and the Colonies
thus united together in the indissoluble bonds of interest and
affection, the motto of Scotland will be equally that of the Em-
pire, * Nemo me impune lacessit /' "
I concluded by moving the following resolution : —
" That Her Majesty's possessions in North America present
an inexhaustible outlet for the redundant population of the
United Kingdom ; whilst it is matter of national importance
that their great resources should be speedily developed."
AND COLONIZATION. 181
Sir Allan Macnab then rose to second the motion, and was
received with deafening cheers, which lasted several minutes.
When the plaudits of the auditory ceased, the gallant and
patriotic chieftain said —
" Although I have been in the metropolis of the land of my
fathers but a few hours, I rejoice that my first visit is on so auspi-
cious an occasion as the present, and to support so important a
subject as that now occupying your attention. I can speak, from
long experience, as to the great capabilities of the country where
I was bom, to receive the whole overflowing population of this
country ; and I can refer with great pride to every vote of mine
on this subject during several successive parliaments in Canada,
as an earnest of my desire to promote the settlement of that pro-
vince, by the inhabitants of the British isles. It does seem to me
extraordinary, that considering I could be at my own residence,
many hundred miles in the interior of Western Canada, with less
than one mile of land-carriage, and in eighteen days from this
city, that so valuable, and important, and interesting an appen-
dage of the British Crown should be so little known, and less
appreciated. But I believe better days are dawning upon it,
and the existing misery and distress in Scotland, I am certain,
may subserve the best interests of British North America. I
think such an union and co-operation of the Nova Scotia Ba-
ronets as the present, will prove an eminently useful material
in the Colonization of British North America. I can answer,
that the people of Canada will be proud to act with so useful,
influential, and numerous a body ; and their confederation, at
this time, for the purpose of promoting the Colonization of the
British provinces in North America, independently of their as-
sertion of their own claims on the British Government, will very
greatly promote a sound and beneficial Emigration to Canada.
I think with many of the speakers who have addressed this
meeting, that the time has now arrived when this question must
be fairly met, and the evils complained of effectually remedied .
The sufferings of the people of Great Britain, and the need of an
augmented population in Canada, must no longer remain in
such anomalous apposition. With these feelings, it is as the son of
182 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
a Scotchman, born in Canada, and not one whit the less a
Scotchman for that, that I am anxious to support and promote
a large Immigration. I have seen many of the most popu-
lous portions of Canada, where liundreds of Scotchmen are
now living in independence, a huge forest — before even it
was surveyed for settlement — I can, therefore, encourage this
Association to prosecute their meritorious labours, and I shall
be most happy to give them, or any one asking it, any informa-
tion in my power relative to Canada, the much-loved land of
my birth."
The Rev. Dr. Aiton, of Dolphinton, in supporting the views
of the preceding speakers, said, He was extremely gratified to
find that the British American Association was not unmindful
of that essential adjunct to successful Colonization, — the religious
and moral cultivation of the settlers who should go out under
their care. With regard to the revival of the rights of the
Nova Scotia Baronets, he was confident nothing could prove
more beneficial, or was more desirable. He knew that in many
parts of his own neighbourhood, numerous families possessing
means of settling themselves in Canada, and who were very
desirous of going there, were only restrained from doing so,
from a fear that all the existing affinities which had long been
the characteristics of Scotland, would be severed by a trans-
atlantic voyage, but who would be at once inspired with cou-
rage and confidence to proceed thither, when assured of the
patronage and protection of this ancient and noble body. He
looked upon this as the most auspicious element in any system
of Colonization that he had seen propounded, knowing the
high and honourable character of those who were to form the
Consulting Council to regulate the proceedings of this Associa-
tion. It was gratifying to hear, that Her Majesty's posses-
sions in British America present an inexhaustible outlet for the
redundant population of the United Kingdom, and that it was
a matter of national importance that their great resources
should Ikj made available. Sir Allan Macnab had expressed his
pleasure at finding himself in the land of his forefathers, and
surrounded with so luauy infiueutial men who uuitod in sup-
AND COLONIZATION. 183
porting the objects proposed by the British American Asso-
ciation; and that although born in Canada, he felt not less
a Scotchman than any present, and nothing could afford him
greater pleasure, or his fellow-subjects residing in Canada,
than to promote the removal of the mass of destitution unhap-
pily prevailing everywhere in the kingdom, to such a boundless
field for the acquisition of future independence as the fertile
provinces presented from whence he came. The facility of
reaching that rising region of agriculture and commerce
was so improved, that an Emigrant could reach Lake Ontario
without any further land travel than from the spot from
which he was addressing them to the port of Leith.
The meeting was also severally addressed by Sir William
Napier, Bart., Sir John Campbell, Bart., Sir William Dunbar,
Bart., Sir William Drysdale, Isaac Buchanan, Esq., and others ;
but I shall conclude the account of this important meeting
with the speech of Sir Richard Broun, bearing as it does on
that question on which he has devoted so much labour and
time, — the revival of the rights of the Baronets of Scotland and
Nova Scotia, and the policy of rendering those rights subser-
vient to the removal of the national distress.
After adverting to the alarming character and extent of
the destitution prevalent throughout Scotland, as illustrated by
the extremities to which 186,000 inhabitants of the Western
Highlands and Islands were reduced in 1836 and 1837, the
afflicting details made public by the reports of the Association
for obtaining an official inquiry into the pauperizing of Scot-
land, and the facts brought to light by the benevolent investi-
gations of Dr. Alison, showing that in Edinburgh alone, during
the course of the year previous no less a number than 27,000
of the inhabitants required assistance, he proceeded to say.
That the task had been committed to him, as one of the deputa-
tion from the British American Association, to state briefly the
objects for which it had been founded, and to propose a reso-
lution, and take the sense of the meeting in regard to the
same. Referring to the prospectus, copies of which were
on the table, they would find it set forth that the Company had
184 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
been organized to promote the Colonization of our North Ame-
rican possessions, by a transfer of the surplus population of the
United Kingdom, upon a national scale, and by such an infusion
of capital into them as should lead to an immediate and wide
development of their inexhaustible resources. These objects
he thought could not but approve themselves to every humane,
every reflecting, every patriotic mind ; concentrated as public
attention had now for years been upon the question of syste-
matic Emigration and Colonization, by the proceedings of public
meetings on both sides of the Atlantic, by addresses to the
Sovereign, memorials to the Government, and petitions to
the legislature. The British American Association had not
been formed without the most mature deliberation, nor until
the conviction had become apparent to a most numerous con-
nexion in the parent State, and in the Colony, that an orga-
nized commercial confederation was the best and most effica-
cious mode of uniting the exertions and the influence of all
interested in this great cause. He felt confident that through-
out all parts of the United Kingdom the formation of the Asso-
ciation would be hailed with satisfaction, considering that it
was about to occupy that field of political and commercial
action by which alone the amelioration of the condition of the
industrious classes, now pressing upon the immediate attention
of all ranks and degrees of the community, would be effectually
and permanently accomplished. But there were considerations
peculiar to Scotland, apart from those that the preceding
speakers had chiefly dwelt upon, which he considered could
not fail to secure for the British American Association a dis-
tinguished place in the public regard of all Scotchmen. He
referred more especially to the fact that its objects were iden-
tical with those for which a noble hereditary Order — the Ba-
ronetage OF Scotland and Nova Scotia — had been erected
upwards of two centuries ago. That institution was not ofie of
an honorary kind, but had been expressly founded to promote
** the opulence, prosperity, and peace" of Scotland, and of that
extensive portion of British North America now forming the
whole of our possessions south of the St. Lawrence. In it
AND COLONIZATION. 185
were united great privileges and paramount duties. Under
the auspices of the Baronets, the plantation of British America
had been successfully begun so early as 1630, when a fleet of
fourteen ships had sailed from Scotland for Nova Scotia, laden
with men, women, and children, and all things necessary to
commence the plantation ; and when Port Royal was built.
But the operations of the Order and its associates had been
suspended by the breaking out of the great civil wars. It was
never, however, too late to revive a work which contemplated
the happiness and the welfare of the nation ; and, through the
instrumentality of the British American Association, he fondly
hoped that the great moral and social ends proposed by the Ba-
ronetage would be wrought out. Nothing could be more erro-
neous than to suppose that the revival of the rights and
objects of the Scottish Baronetage was a matter of importance
merely to the 150 families which composed its members. The
grants made to the Order, exceeding two millions and a half
acres of land, with plenary power to settle the same, were
bestowed by the Crown, that "the Baronets in particular, and
the whole nation generally, might thereby have honour and
profit." He viewed, therefore, the revival of these rights as a
matter which alike touched the interest and consideration of
all ranks and classes of the Scottish people ; and accordingly
for several years he had devoted himself to the task of raising
this question, as being one not second in importance to any that
had been mooted since the period of the Union. Already the
British American Association enrolled in the ranks of its mem-
bers, one of the Co-Heirs of that illustrious Scottish family to
whom was given the Hereditary Lieutenancy of New Scotland,
with nearly one-half of the members of the Baronetage, one of
whom was then representing Her Majesty in the highest office
which a subject could discharge in their native land — presiding
over the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland — and
another had just laid down the no less distinguished honour of
Governor-General of Canada. But he trusted the day was not
remote when every Baronet would consider it to be his duty
to join an institution which would again give utility to his
186 SYSTEMATIC EMIORATIOK
Order, agp^ramlize Iiis country, and restore comfort and prospe-
rity to his fellow-subjects. The necessity that existed for the
instant adoption of remedial measures for the removal of that
distress which had been gradually accumulating from the period
of the general peace, was too apparent to require a single
observation. Unless adequate remedies were applied, the
whole frame-work of society would assuredly, at no distant
date, be driven to pieces. The Emigration Committee had
recorded that the concurrent testimony of all the witnesses
examined by it, led to the belief that the recurrence of distress
in the late afflicted districts was not merely pro))able, but from
the nature of things absolutely certain ; whilst Dr. Macleod
had declared that he lived in an awful horror of its return, for
a failure in the potato crop of any given year would produce
it. Such a state of society on moral grounds was not to be
endured, nor was the i)olicy for strengthening British influence
in our North American dominions a matter to be disregarded.
The recent outbreaks in Canada demonstrated the paramount
importance of introducing into that Colony a sound British
population on an extensive scale, whilst the points at issue
between Great Britain and the United States made it wisdom
to increase in British America monarchical institutions, and to
consolidate that union of interest and feeling which constitute
the most lasting bulwark against foreign aggression and do-
mestic broils. On the resources of our North American posses-
sions, and the vast field they present tor the profitable invest-
ment of capital, and the absorption of labour, after the lucid
expositions made by Dr. Rolph and Sir Allan Macnab, he felt
it superfluous to dwell. Their value would be sufficiently
appreciated when it was kept in view, that the retention of the
Colonies was essential to the i)crmanence of Britiiiu's supre-
macy in every region of the globe, and to the maintenance of
her ))osition as mistress of the seas. Apart from all considera-
tions of a commercial nature, Nova Scotia, as comprehended in
its ancient limits, — and in which the Scottish nation had so
deep a patrimonial stake, — from geographical situation, mineral
wealth, and water facilities, would ever be the stronghold of
AND COLONIZATION. 187
British power and enterprise in the western world. And under
the various necessities of the mother country, the hostile ten-
dencies in the United States, and the troubled aspect of affairs
in every portion of the Empire, it was political wisdom, and
the hounden duty of all having the means, to support an Asso-
ciation formed to drain off our redundant population, to em-
ploy beneficially surplus capital, and to develop by all possible
ways the dormant resources of our North American possessions,
thereby making them instrumental to the relief of those exi-
gencies, whether of a moral or physical nature, which concern
the prosperity and the peace of the nation at large. Sir
Richard, after some further remarks, concluded by proposing
the following resolution, which was seconded by the Hon. Sir
John Campbell, Bart., and unanimously carried, viz. — " That
the British American Association for Emigration and Coloniza-
tion is entitled to public confidence and support, as an insti-
tution calculated materially to advance the opulence, prosperity,
and peace of the mother country and the Colony."
The Deputation, after leaving Edinburgh, proceeded to
Glasgow, where it was introduced to the Hon. Sir James
Campbell, the Lord Provost of that city, and other influential
persons connected with its trade and manufactures, when the
Lord Provost at once acceded to the wish conveyed to him, that
he should convene and preside at a public meeting, to take
the objects of the British American Association into considera-
tion. Accordingly, on the 27th, a public meeting took place
in the Town Hall, at which deputations from all the Glasgow
and neighbouring county Emigration societies, amounting to
about sixty in number, attended.
A numerous and influential meeting was held on Fri-
day afternoon, (27th May), in the Town Hall, for the pur-
pose of developing the nature and objects of the British Ame-
rican Association for Emigration and Colonization. The Hon.
Sir James Campbell, Lord Provost, in the chair. Amongst
those present were the Hon. Sir John C. Fairlie, Bart., the
Hon. Sir William Maxwell, Bart., Sir Allan Napier Macnab,
Dr. M*Leod, Mr, Sheriff Alison, myself, Sir R. Broun, Master
188 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
of Colstoiin, W. Houstoun, Esq., Captain Gordon, Isaac
Buchanan, Esq., Dr. Perry, William Murray, Esq., D. Greig,
Esq., D. Hope, Esq., &c. &c.
Sir James Campbell, on taking the chair, said. They were
all aware that the meeting had been convened in pursuance of
the objects of an Association lately formed in London of Noble-
men and Gentlemen interested in the welfare and prosperity
of our Canadian provinces, for the purpose of affording facilities
to Emigration to those most important and valuable Colonies.
They were all aware from experience, as well as other circum-
stances, that from the frequent revulsions in trade in this coun-
try, there was often a redundancy of labourers connected with
particular branches of industry, and they were likewise aware
that this redundancy uniformly produced a pressure upon
society, which it was very desirable to remove, if a suitable
plan could be put into operation by which that purpose could
be effected ; and he believed there had been nothing found out
of so wholesome a nature as Emigration, in particular where
there was such a field as Canada to absorb their surplus labour-
ers; where population was so much wanted, and where the field
of labour was so immense, that a few hundreds, or even thou-
sands, could be thrown in amongst them at any time to great
advantage. That meeting then had been called for the purpose
of affording them information on the subject.
Sheriff Alison said, " The community of this great city
owed a debt of gratitude to the Lord Provost of Glasgow for
the prompt manner in which he had called this meeting, to
afford the distinguished stranger near him — the gallant and ac-
complished Sir Allan Macnab — an opportunity of informing
them of the great and growing capabilities of the country of
Canada, with which he was more immediately connected, and
of giving to the community itself an opportunity of laying be-
fore the country and the Government the absolute, the para-
mount necessity, of some great system of Emigration being
adopted, to relieve the parent state of that superabundance of
population which depressed its energies, but which would be a
source of wealth to the Colonies, and an immense advantage to
AND COLONIZATION. 189
the labourers themselves who might emigrate. The present
period was one peculiarly adapted for entertaining a question of
this kind. They were standing in the midst of a community
pre-eminent in this country for the rapid progress it had made
in science, in industrial pursuits, in wealth, and in population ;
but notwithstanding this, amongst a vast mass of that commu-
nity at the present time, destitution, want, and suffering pre-
vailed to a fearful extent. He needed not to say, in such a
meeting, that distress surrounded them : it was everywhere to
be encountered, and no one could have failed to observe it.
They could not walk the streets without meeting at every turn
some one whose haggard countenance, and tale of woe, too well
attested the sufferings he was enduring. But this was not all.
From official documents, it appeared that there were in the
county of Renfrew 13,000 individuals who were receiving
rations daily from the munificence of Government, while in
Glasgow there were half that number receiving daily supplies
of food from the resources of private charity. That was a state
of things which it well became all lovers of their country to
reflect upon, existing, as it did, amidst all the long arrears and
concomitants of public prosperity. It was admitted univer-
sally, that there existed some deep-rooted evils in this country,
which all the philanthropic and patriotic efforts which had
been made had failed to remove. But what were those evils?
He apprehended, indeed he entertained no doubt on the sub-
ject, that they proceeded from a superabundance of population.
Wherever they looked, wherever the demand for labour was
great, the number of people was still greater ; and if, by any
possibility, the number should chance not to be sufficient, those
coming in from the sister island in search of employment, soon
changed the aspect of affairs. The question came to be, what
would they do in such circumstances? Many advices were
given. Some proposed that the waste lands of this country
should be cultivated and improved ; and others proposed to
improve the poor laws, and introduce a better system of grant-
ing relief. These were all praiseworthy propositions; but they
could not shut their eyes to the fact, that they would all prove
190 8YBTEMATI0 EMIGRATION
ineffectual, unless accompanied with an extensive system of
Emigration. The evils which they laljoured under arose from
the nature of the pursuits in which they were engaged. Much
of the prosperity of this country depended upon its manufac-
tures, and other nations, therefore, would do their utmost to
exclude the goods manufactured here from their markets. They
looked to England, and saw it prosperous; — they looked to
England, and saw it had hecome great and powerful, and they
asked what had made it so powerful, so great, and so prospe-
rous ? The answer to such an inquiry was this — It was just its
manufactures, and the protective system by which these manu-
factures had been fostered, which had done so ; and the irresis-
tible inference was, that they would become as great if they
adopted the same restrictive system. The very fact of the
greatness of this country had created a jealousy which had
multiplied restrictions for the purpose of banishing British ma-
nufactures from all the countries in Europe. It was tlie nature
of man to be envious, and it was natural, likewise, that others
should follow in the steps which had led them to greatness.
Where, then, were they to find outlets for their superabundant
manufactures, and a remedy for this evil, but in the growth,
riches, and prosperity of their own Colonies, which would be-
come, with an extensive and well regulated system of Emigra-
tion, a perennial source of wealth, to which no limits could be
assigned. Although there was great jealousy of Britain in
Russia, although there was great jealousy of their manufac-
turing and mercantile enterprise in all the countries of Europe,
there was no jealousy of them in Canada, or in the various
Colonies of the British Empire, and these took otf as much of
their manufactures as all the rest of the world put together.
To enable the Colonies to be much more serviceable to the
mother country, it was only necessary that they should support
them by their wealth, and superfluous numbers. The object of
the present meeting, however, he begged to remind them, was
immediately and solely connected with Emigration to Canada;
and he was not aware that any language of his could depict the
boundless capacities of that country. Dr. Rolph could correct
AND COLONIZATION. 191
him if he was wrong, when he stated that that country contained
forty millions of acres of land, an extent of territory more than
four times that of the whole British Islands. Such was the
capacity of the land on the other side of the Atlantic, and such
had been the growth of the human race of late years in that
quarter of the world, that the account seemed almost incre-
dible. To the westward of the Alleghany mountains, including
the valley of the Mississippi, when the first census of the popu-
lation was taken in 1791, it was under 100,000, but since then
the increase had proceeded at such an astonishing rate, that at
the present time there were nearly 5,000,000 inhabitants in the
same district of country. They boasted of the increase of Glas-
gow, and they had a right to do so. Since 1791, the population
of that city had increased five-fold ; but the country westward
of the Alleghany mountains, had in the same time increased fifty-
fold ; yet, such was the wealth of the soil, such was the unbounded
prodigality of nature, that the produce of the soil was absolutely
allowed to rot in their barns for want of a market. This was the
state of matters in Canada ; and the question came to be this,
whether they would permit this immense field for human in-
dustry to remain uncultivated, or adopt such a system as
would enable them to send forth their starving multitudes to
people and bless it. The people here had another reason
for feeling peculiarly interested in Canada. The inhabitants
of the United States were a hostile people. It was no un-
common thing for them to talk of war, and exhibit angry
feelings towards this country. This was the natural result
of their position as rivals. But they had no rivalry, and
emulation, and jealousy with the people of Canada. These
were bone of their bone, and flesh of their flesh. They would
not, when the people of this country lent them money to form
their canals, and construct other public works, meet them with
the perfidious doctrine of repudiation. Would English wealth
not be better expended, therefore, in Canada, amongst a loyal
people who were faithful to their engagements, than amongst
those who in some respects regarded them as enemies? If there
was any doubt of the loyalty and good faith of the Canadians,
192 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
he had only to refer to the stand which they made in 1812, and
again, on a more recent occasion, under their gallant and noble
friend Sir Allan Macnab, now before them, for the support of
Her Majesty's authority and their own rights as British sub-
jects, to set that doubt at rest. When they considered then the
extent and extensive fertility of Canada, when they looked to
the prodigious number of the community here who were suffer-
ing want, the question would naturally arise, How has Emigra-
tion not been tried as a remedy ? That something of the kind
should be tried, he believed they were all prepared to admit.
Hitherto Emigration had been left to the voluntary principle,
to the unaided efforts of individuals. He gladly bore testimony
to the value of these efforts ; and the immense stream of Emi-
gration which was annually poured across the Atlantic, attested
the extent of the service thus rendered to the country. But
still this was not enough ; for notwithstanding all who had
gone to both Canada and Australia, little relief had been felt.
None could emigrate but those who could afford to pay for
their passage ; and consequently in no perceptible manner was
destitution and misery around them abridged. What they
wanted was the means of sending away those who could not
afford to go of their own accord. The voluntary system was
good as far as it went. It was generally an advantage to the
Emigrant, and a benefit to the Colony. But what were its
effects here? It took away the small capitalists, who pre-
viously assisted in supplying the labourer with work, while
there remained those only who were fixed to the soil, sur-
rounded by an indigent and suffering population. It was a
necessary element of any great system of Emigration, to carry
off a portion of the middle classes, but it was not enough to
carry off those alone. What they wanted was a system to
carry off the destitute who could not get employment, along
with those who had the means of employing them — the honest
and industrious (not the affluent) who did not possess the means
of transporting themselves to the other side of the Atlantic.
Lord Stanley, as a proof of the efficiency of the voluntary prin-
ciple, had stated that there were 16,000 persons emigrated last
AND COLONIZATION. 193
year, and lie did not see the necessity of Government inter-
fering ; but if Lord Stanley had known as much as they did,
the fact of 16,000 persons having emigrated of their own
accord would have appeared just a reason why another 16,000
should be sent out at the expense of Government. Every one
who went away at his own expense, took with him so much of
the capital of the country, a portion of the means of employing
those left behind. This, therefore, made it the more necessary
that Government should come forward and supply their place,
either by providing labour, or by sending them where labour
was to be found. They would be told that labourers were not
wanted in Canada, that the land was not productive, and that
there were no markets for their produce. But still it could
not be denied that food was abundant, and that there was
plenty of employment, for there were Government works alone
in operation which would absorb any given amount of human
labour. What they wanted in Canada was hands ; that which
was wanted here was the means of getting quit of some of their
superabundant labourers. It was most extraordinary that there
should be 27,000,000 men suffering from a superabundance of
their numbers, and that there should be lands in the same do-
minions absolutely deserts for want of hands, yet no system
devised to lessen to a vast extent the superfluous labour here,
and neutralise the want of hands on the other side of the
Atlantic. He apprehended if this were kept in view, that the
great thing to be accomplished would be to make the superfluous
labour in this country subservient to the different state of mat-
ters in Canada; then all the evils complained of would be
removed ; the condition of the working classes would be
greatly ameliorated; trifling fluctuations in trade would not
throw them out of employment, and their market would be in-
definitely increased, — such was the desire for their manufactures
in the British Colonies. As a proof of this, he might state,
that Russia with its 150,000,000 of inhabitants, did not take
off so much of their manufactures as the small Colony of
Australia, with only 230,000 inhabitants. The Russians con-
sumed about M. a-head, while the Australian Colonists con-
0
194 BYSTBMATIC BMIGRATION
sumed £\ 1 a-head. This proved that the Colonies took off the
pounds, and the European nations only the pennies ; if they
considered the matter right, therefore, he thought they would
support those wlio took off the pounds, and pay less attention
to those who took off the pennies ; for, under these circuiu-
stances, if they did not support the Colonies, they would be
carrying out the old saying of ** Penny wise and pound foolish."
He would not detain them longer in speaking on a subject
with which they must all be familiar, particularly as the prac-
tical details of the scheme of Emigration which they had in
view, would be laid before the meeting by Dr. Rolph, and the
other respectable individuals who were to address them. The
resolution which he had to propose was the following; — "That
the destitution of Glasgow, the manufacturing districts of the
West of Scotland, and the Highlands generally, has reached
an appalling character and extent, and cannot, in the opinion
of this meeting, be effectually remedied by any measure short
of Emigration on a national scale."
Dr. Norman M'Leod had the honour, he said, of seconding
the resolution proposed by Mr. Sheriff Alison, and he was sure
there was not an individual present who was not deeply indebted
to the learned gentleman for the eloquent and admirable state-
ments now made by him. He repeated, they were all under
deep obligations to him for being ready at all times to come
forward on such occasions ; and there was no man in the com-
munity better qualified to do so, both from his knowledge of
the condition of the working classes, and the deep interest
which he took in their welfare. He was delighted to have the
honour of seconding the motion now made ; but he was afraid
that any attempt of his to make a few observations on the sub-
ject, might weaken the impression which had been effected
upon their minds by the eloquent address of the learned Sheriff;
and he was aware, likewise, of the anxiety which they must all
feel, to hear with as little delay as possible what the illustrious
strangers had to say. They had frequently heard his voice
before ; they were acquainted with his opinions, and they knew
well that he had no novelty to present to them. The motion
AND COLONIZATION. 195
confined them to the existing distress, and the way of removing
it. Now what could he say of the existing distress to which
Sheriff Alison had not so ahly directed their attention. It was
exceedingly painful to he called upon to speak on the platform
of the want and destitution, nakedness and starvation, of their
fellow-citizens, — he must be anything but a good man who was
not acquainted with at least a portion of the distress which so
extensively prevailed ; and he pitied the man who did not bear
the burden of such a state of things, continually, upon his mind.
They were told that they were not to judge of the extent of the
destitution by what they saw in the streets, and by the numbers
of the unemployed who appeared in processions, as some had
been found taking this means of obtaining aid and charity from
the public, who might have provided more honourably for
their own maintenance. This might be so ; there was nothing
which was not liable to be abused : but he felt persuaded that
if the condition of the working classes at the present moment
were sufficiently known, it would be found that for every man
who went about asking relief, and who was not an object of
charity, there were hundreds whose sufferings were of a very
peculiar kind, and who were ashamed to lay before the public
the extent of their privations. Very much was often said
regarding the extravagance of the working poor. He had
heard tales of their extravagance, which if true, he must admit
were bad enough ; but at the same time he ventured to assert,
that of all the extraordinary things which had come in his way,
it was the frugality of the working classes. He had often
wondered how a family having only ten, or twelve, or fourteen
shillings per week, could surround themselves with so many com-
forts as he had witnessed them in the enjoyment of, — how they
could go to church, pay from five to ten pounds a-year liouse-
rent, pay for seats in the church over and above, and provide
education for their children, out of such a small sum. Yet in
the city of Glasgow thousands of persons could be found with
wages not above sixteen shillings a-week, who kept themselves
comfortable and respectable; and this was to him the most won-
derful thing connected with the history of the poor. He was
o 2
196 SYSTEMATIC KMIGRATION
aware that there were improvident people, who spent their
money foolishly, in all classes of society ; but it was totally
untrue that the industrious poor, as a body, were chargeable
with anything of the kind. The destitution at the present
moment was of a very deep and appalling description ; and even
if the present mercantile crisis were to pass away, he was
afraid that a crisis of a similar nature would not be far distant.
He believed that at the present moment a greater quantity of
food was produced than could be consumed under existing cir-
cumstances ; that there was a glut of their manufactures found
in all parts of the world. The truth was this, that manufac-
tures were carried to too great an extent in this country. He
believed that the steam of the great boiler of this manufacturing
nation was getting up to such a degree, that unless a large
safety valve was opened, they could not forbear looking for-
ward to the bursting of that boiler with very great fear as to
the results. There was no person had thrown more light upon
the efforts of the increase of manufactures than Sheriff Alison,
and the proportional amount of pauperism with which such an
increase was always accompanied. In 1831 the population of
the United Kingdom amounted only to 24,000,000, whereas it
was now nearly 27,000,000, and in a very short time it would
be 30,000,000. The population was increasing at the rate of
800,000 annually, and it was perfectly well known that manu-
factures were not increasing in nearly the same ratio, — at least
those branches of industry which required the application of
manual labour, — but the reverse was the case, for machinery was
in a great number of instances superseding the necessity of
employing human labour. This must come to something.
They heard much said about the repeal of the corn laws, and
other measures ; but although these laws were repealed to-
morrow,— although they had bridges built over, and tunnels
erected under the sea to all parts of the world, that the cattle
on the thousand hills of South America, and other places, might
be brought to them without diminution of weight, and in the
condition most suited for consumption, — it would but increase
the population still more, unless an outlet were opened ; and they
AND COLONIZATION. 197
would then be left as much at a loss as ever to know what all
this was to come to. He had no hesitation, therefore, in saying
that resources must be found for the surplus population of the
British islands in their own Colonies, and this without refe-
rence to any other measures which might be adopted for the
amelioration of their condition . The population of Glasgow
had increased in the space of fifty years from 80,000 to 280,000 ;
and what was now the condition of a great number of that
population ? Let any man take the statistics of Captain
Miller with regard to this question, and let him peruse them
carefully, and he was quite convinced that any one who did so
would feel perfectly overwhelmed with shame and sorrow, that
such a state of things should exist, and that so little had been
done to provide an effectual remedy. There was something so
awful in the details contained in these statistics, that he pitied
the man who could read them with a serene countenance and
a calm mind. Sir Walter Scott had written many works which
showed that he was possessed of the most prolific and brilliant
imagination ; but if the history of the pawn-shops in Glasgow
could be written, if the clothes which were sent there could
speak, they could unfold such tales of misery as the warmest
imagination and the most poetical fancy never dreamed of.
Seven hundred pawn-shops in the city of Glasgow ! carried on
with a capital of about half a million of money ! ! lent out not
at ten per cent., or twenty per cent., or a hundred per cent.,
but at the awful interest of four hundred per cent. ! ! ! There
was something altogether in this which it was not possible to
think of without great alarm and anxiety. He at no great
distance of time had heard tales of destitution which had forced
tears to his eyes ; that not of beggars, but of industrious men
who were willing to work, but who could not get work to per*
form. He trusted he had impressed upon the meeting an idea
of the fearful state of matters amongst the manufacturing
population at the present time, and the necessity of something
being done for their permanent relief. With regard to the
Highlands : if he once set out to that land they would not
get him back for a month; the state of the Highlands and
198 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
Islands of Scotland havinfr been already brought before the
public, it was not his intention to gay much. They would all
recollect that about six years ago, nearly £1 10,000 was col-
lected by subscription throughout the kingdom, to alleviate
the then existing distress in those parts of the British Islands.
That money he was bound to admit had done much good. It
had preserved thousands from actual starvation ; but if it had
been applied as many wished, — in sending those to Canada
whom they only temporarily relieved, — it would have done ten
times more good than it did. But they would be amazed to
learn that £2,000 of this fund was yet in the liands of the Com-
mittee, who insisted that it was entrusted to them for the
purpose of being expended in feeding the poor people at home,
while they were prohibited from allowing it to be applied to
sending them out of the country, to a place where they would
have the power of procuring food for themselves. But we got
the better of this prohibition by an honest sort of trick, as we
had sent them meal to be used on board of ship, instead of on
shore, as John Bull intended. Some attributed all the evils
endured by the labouring classes in the Highlands to the
destruction of the kelp manufacture ; but it was not that alone
which they had to complain of, although it had led originally
to the distress, and gave them a strong claim upon Govern-
ment for relief. It was not true, however, what was fre-
quently alleged, that it was in consequence of the improve-
ments of chemical science, that the manufacture of kelp was
made no longer a profitable employment ; but it was because
the protective duties on an article of foreign produce, which
could be applied to the same purposes, had been repealed.
The king of Sardinia had been made rich, that the king of
Morven might remain poor ; and the people of Sardinia reaped
all the advantages of the change, while the poor people in the
Highlands were sent to starvation just in the same proportion.
It was not a new claim which they were making upon the
Government, and it was not the first time that claim had been
allowed. They had received £10,000 at one time, and if a
persevering apjilication was kept up, he had little doubt but
AND COLONIZATION* 199
they would likewise be assisted in this emergency. The
destruction of the kelp manufacture had been productive of a
great deal of misery amongst a portion of the population of
the Highlands, as whole districts had thereby been deprived of
their principal means of support ; but still there were other
causes which had operated materially in producing the same
result ; — there was the climate, the uncertainty of the fisheries,
and above all, the endless division of land in the Highlands
as in Ireland, which had reduced the labouring class to their
present deplorable condition. They were told that the voluntary
system of Emigration was a remedy for such a state of things ;
but what had it done for the Highlands? Just this. Every man
who had from £10 to £30 started off for America. The con-
sequence was, that the whole of that class — the small capitalists,
as they might be called — who had been labouring to acquire
from £10 to £30, had left the country; and it was the mere
squatters who remained behind, who could not get to Ca-
nada unless they were to swim across the Atlantic; and that
was rather too much even for a Highlander. What they
wanted was, that the Government should come forward, and
that the Highland lairds should come forward, to assist in an
extensive system of Emigration ; and if the latter did not come
forward to assist in emigrating the people upon their lands
to a place where they could obtain a livelihood, they were
bound to come forward and support them at home. There
should be a poor law which would reach them. If the agricul-
tural improvements which they are introducing made a portion
of their tenantry beggars, they should remove their beggars ;
and if they did not do so, he was persuaded something would
be done by the nation to make them feel that there was a con-
nexion between one class of the population and another. The
history of poor cotters in the Highlands was frequently painful
in the extreme. Unable to obtain the means of subsistence in
the place of their birth, they set out for the Lowlands of Scot-
land, and many of them arrived at the Broomielaw in a very
destitute condition ; employment was not always to be found,
and from the want of food, and other causes, they became the
200 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
victims of contagious diseases ; and the next word that was heard
of them was, that they were laid up in the infirmary. So much
was this the case, that out of every hundred sent to that institu-
tion attacked with small pox, and other infectious complaints,
seventy were from the Highlands of Scotland. They had heard
how much had been done in sending Emigrants from the High-
lands ; but even the little which had been done had been per-
formed on a wrong principle. The Emigration to Australia,
for instance, was a cruel thing, although it was well meant ; for
had that system gone on, every able-bodied man would have
been separated from his father and mother, whom he was bound
to assist, the whole strength of the country would have been
taken away, and none would have been left resident there but
lairds and ministers, great farmers, the aged, and the infirm.
It appeared quite evident, that a great system of Emigration
was necessary to be put into operation, and that this must be
done by legislative enactment, as local arrangements would not
do. There was not in the world a more benevolent commu-
nity than that of Glasgow ; they were doing all they could to
alleviate the condition of those out of employment; but if no
permanent scheme of relief were devised, they might be placed
in a still more fearful position than at present, when some-
thing more might be required than they could do. He would
just conclude by saying, what signified it to be erecting public
works, and to be building great brick stalks here and there,
except they sent persons to people their rising Colonies, and
provide a market for their surplus manufactures ? and no where
else could this be done to the same advantage as in Canada.
They got wool from Australia ; they got sugar from the West
Indies ; they got cotton from India, — and they still expected to
increase their supply of this article from Her Majesty's domi-
nions in that quarter of the world ; but all this would avail
them little, unless they raised up consumers of their manufac-
tured productions. By sending a portion of the population to
Canada, they would thus convert the idle consumer into a pro-
ducer. For every one carried away, they relieved the country,
and made him a productive member of the state to which he
AND COLONIZATION. 201
was sent. There were about three millions of people now out
of employment in this country. These, thank God ! were not
left to die. But what did it cost to maintain this vast number?
From the statistics of the Glasgow Bridewell, it appeared that
a man could not be supported, at the very least, under £6
a year. They could not send a family to Canada, at an average,
below £15. By expending only the £5, the recipient of their
charity was left as much dependent upon them as before ; whereas,
by expending the £15, they got permanently quit of the burden,
relieved this country, and conferred a benefit upon their rising
Colony. Such a system would be ** twice blessed;" it would
be a blessing to the place from whence he was sent, and a
blessing to the country to which he emigrated. He heard a
great deal of nonsense sometimes about the improving of waste
lands. He had met strangers in steam-boats, who, looking to
the bleak mountains in the west, expressed their astonishment,
that in a country where the people were so poor, and employ-
ment so scarce, they were not set to the cultivation of these
hills — would nothing grow upon them 1 He had felt himself
turning away at this from those philanthropic travellers, for
fear he would say something unbecoming a Highlander, or at
least a Minister of the Gospel. But granting that all the island
was cultivated, their rapidly increasing population would soon
outgrow its greatest capacity of production. And what then?
Could they beat out Great Britain to any imaginable extent,
like goldleaf, with a hammer? Unless they could do this,
although they were to cultivate every acre in the kingdom, it
would just come to this at last, that an outlet would have to be
provided for their surplus population. This could be found no
where better than in Canada and Nova Scotia, where they pos-
sessed a territory of 130,000 square miles in extent, capable of
maintaining a population far greater than that of the United
Kingdom. A Minister of the Crown had told them that these
provinces were an integral part of Her Majesty's dominions.
They are so ; and we rejoiced in the announcement. I trust
that great man, whose true greatness, and high reasoning mind,
we all know, like Sir Robert Peel, will act upon the prin-
202 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
ciple. Canada is already almost independent of British sol-
diers: with its 80,000 militia it defies the United States. If
the sum of money 8i)ent in carrying troops there, had been
laid out in carrying Emigrants, what an additional security
would it have given to our possessions? It is not yet too late.
The Highlands and Isles of Scotland are suffering under a pres-
sure of 40,000 to 50,000 people, who arc anxious to be re-
moved, and who are now a dead weight upon the land. Surely,
surely, something may be done — nay, something must be done,
to effect their removal. Need I dwell on the peculiar claims
which the Highlanders have upon the benevolence — might I
not say the gratitude — of the nation ? Need I remind you of
what you all know, and amply acknowledge, that the Highlands
and Isles have been a nursery for your armies ; tliatfrom these
heath-covered mountains multitudes of gallant men have
sprung; men who have surely taken their own share in the
never-to-be-forgotten struggle that has ended in the peace of
Europe ; men who, in every field, and in every climate, have
covered themselves with glory 1 Look to the privations of that
portion of your countrymen. Their descendants are ready
when called upon, as were their fathers before them, to die for
their country. Many are the fine young fellows at present grow-
ing up in this land under circumstances of extreme destitution,
who, if removed to the interesting Colony of which we have
been speaking, would prove in the hour of its danger its most
gallant defenders — many a young Sir Allan Macnab, now run-
ning naked and half-starved in the land from which the father
of that gallant man had gone — the man whom even a Queen of
Britain has been delighted to honour !
** I beg the pardon of this meeting for detaining it so long.
I beg leave, with all my heart, to second the motion now made
by Sheriff Alison ; and, in conclusion, I must be permitted to
say, that I hope some great meeting may be held in London on
this subject, in the belief that an impression may be made on
the minds of the British public on a matter of such transcen-
dant importance both to the United Kingdom and to her North
American possessions."
AND COLONIZATION. 203
The resolution proposed by Sheriff Alison was then adopted
unanimously.
In following Dr. M'Leod, and descanting on nearly the same
topics as at Edinburgh, I could not but notice the remarkable
contrast to the melancholy sjiectacle then seen in Glasgow,
with the scene probably to be witnessed in Montreal, and I
alluded to it thus : —
" Nothing could be a greater blot on humanity, or a greater
stain on our patriotism, than the monstrous anomaly existing at
present; whilst the walls of these cities were placarded, ' Per-
formance at the theatre for the benefit of the unemployed ;'
' Tulip-show at the City-hall for the benefit of the unemployed ;*
* Steam-boat excursion up the Clyde for the benefit of the un-
employed ;' the walls in Canada, during last winter, were pla-
carded, * Two thousand labourers wanted for the Welland
Canal.' These are the discrepancies we hope to obviate ; and
in this hope only have I consented to aid an Association which
promises such happy results."
It was moved by Sir Allan Macnab, and seconded by myself,
— *' 2. That the resources of our British American provinces,
if drawn out by an extensive infusion into them of capital and
population, will afford an immediate and effectual remedy for
the distress prevalent in the United Kingdom from redundant
labour."
3rd. Moved by W. Andrews, Esq., and seconded by the
Hon. Sir John Cunninghame Fairlie, Bart., — " That the British
American Association, which has been formed for these com-
bined objects, is entitled to the support of all persons in the
kingdom desirous of advancing the moral and general welfare
of the labouring classes."
4th. Moved by Sir R. Broun, Master ofColstoun, and se-
conded by W. Murray, Esq., — "That the Rev. Dr. Norman
M'Leod, whose great exertions in the cause of his suffering
fellow-countrymen in the Western Highlands and Islands of
Scotland, in the year 1837, was so instrumental in raising a
sum of upwards of £100,000 sterling to rescue them from star*
204 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
vation, and Mr. Sheriff Alison, whose warmest exertions have
long been conspicuously directed to the relief of distress in
Great Britain, and the advancement of her Colonial interests,
be requested to allow their names to be added to the Consulting
Council of the Association."
6th. Moved by the Hon. Sir W. A. Maxwell, Bart., and
seconded by William Houston, Esq., of Johnstone Castle, —
** That the Lord Provost be requested to allow his name to be
added to the Consulting Council, and to accept the best thanks
of the meeting for presiding thereat."
Whereupon Dr. M'Leod, Mr. Sheriff Alison, and the Lord
Provost, severally stated their willingness to act on the Consult-
ing Council, and to give the Association every aid in carrying
out its objects.
On the evening of the same day, I accompanied Mr. An-
drews to a meeting at the town of Paisley, convened to take
into consideration the state of the industrial classes, which, in
consequence of the great number congregated, was adjourned
from the Council Chamber to the Town Hall. The Provost pre-
sided at the meeting, supported by many of the leading clergy-
men and manufacturers of the district ; and after the objects
and plans of the Association had been fully discussed and con-
sidered, a variety of resolutions, approving of them, and pledg-
ing the persons present to support the undertaking, were pro-
posed and unanimously adopted.
The Montreal Gazette, in recording these meetings, and
speaking of the British American Association, did so in the fol-
lowing manner : —
** It is quite unnecessary for us to say one word in commen-
dation of so important a Company, for it must recommend itself
to every one interested in its truly national objects. We fully
rely upon a decided and unanimous support being given
throughout British North America, to an Association founded
on national principles of beneficence, and calculated, in every
point of view, to enhance our importance as a member of the
great Colonial dependencies of the Empire."
AND COLONIZATION. 205
These sentiments were reiterated by the whole press of Bri-
tish North America favourable to the connexion with the mother
country, and, to my knowledge, embodied the feeling of the
vast mass of its inhabitants, whether of Native or European
descent.
Whilst in Glasgow, my attention was directed to the case
of a body of Highlanders who had gone out to Canada, and
who were represented generally to be in a state of the most
awful destitution. This led to the following correspondence :
" To the Editor of the * Scotch Reformers Gazette'
" Liverpool, May 30, 1842.
•* Sir, — I take this opportunity of returning you my sincere
thanks for giving circulation, in your interesting and widely
disseminated journal, to my vindication of the noble inhabi-
tants of the cities of Montreal and Quebec, against the unjust
aspersions of a portion of the British press, arising out of the
arrival of 279 most destitute Highlanders, at an advanced
period of the season last year, at the port of Quebec. At the
recent large meetings, which I have had the pleasure of ad-
dressing in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Paisley, ifec, I have endea-
voured strongly to impress on the minds of the people how
essential to their own happiness and success it is, to avoid the
improvidence of which these poor Highlanders were guilty.
The enervating influence of a sea voyage, greatly increased by
insufficient and improper food, and arrival at a season when
labour was not in demand, rendered the condition of those
emigrants one of imminent risk. It was really too bad that
the prompt munificence of their fellow-subjects in Canada
should have been withheld from the people of the United
Kingdom, and unjust representations circulated to their dis-
advantage. The following interesting letter from the Hon.
Mr. Morris, of Perth, a gentleman alike distinguished for his
knowledge, liberality, and devotion to Emigration, will amply
repay for its perusal, and allay any apprehensions felt by the
206 SYSTEMATIC KMIC RATION
people of Scotland, as to their reception on the shores of
Canada.
** Your insertion of this communication will much oblige,
** Your very obedient servant,
" Thomas Rolph."
" Lennoxville, Eastern Townships,
" 14th March, 1842.
** Sir, — Allow me, though a stranger, to use the freedom of
addressing a few lines to you as Secretary of the Tourist, in
my capacity as President of the Emigration Association of the
district of St. Francis.
** By recent letters to the last Lewes emigrants in Bury and
Lingwick, from their friends in the Hebrides, I find that your
Gaelic newspaper has a wide circulation, and a great influence
in the Highlands of Scotland, and that owing to some notices
or paragraphs, either original, or more probably copied and
translated from other newspapers, they have got a general and
very deplorable impression of the wretched and destitute state
of these strangers.
" It is not my wish to induce more of them here ; far less
is it my intention to encourage the landlords and government
at home to permit such poor people to embark from their shores
without some such moderate provision for their location and
primary subsistence as humanity would dictate. But with a
gentleman of your experience, I need not advert to the often
recklessness of the public press as to truth, or personal feelings,
in their own anxiety to treat their readers with exciting, in-
teresting, strongly written paragraphs; and that, however
harmless it may be to copy their adulations, a respectable, con-
scientious editor requires to be very cautious and discriminating
in giving further currency to what may be unjust to the hu-
manity of a district, or injurious to CJolonial interest, without
other evidence than the anonymous paragraphs of a newspaper.
*' The truth in this case is, that though these two arrivals of
AND COLONIZATION. 207
destitute people late in last autumn seemed a serious charge
on this district, yet the appeal on their behalf has been so
handsomely responded to in this neighbourhood, and from the
cities of Montreal and Quebec, that they have been brought
through the winter in health, and with the prospect, which
they would not exchange for any worldly advantages they ever
had in their fatherland. They are placed in a fine fertile tract
of land in Bury and Lingwick, along township roads, and near
the Salmon River and small lakes, abounding in fish. They
have built log-houses, and are clearing their land for crops,
and exchanging their ashes for potatoes, and other necessaries.
The subscriptions being judiciously converted into oatmeal and
axes have furnished them with winter rations in proportion to
their numbers, and at present a surplus balance, sent near them,
to supply when the winter roads fail, and before the summer
road is easily passable. They are exceedingly grateful for all
the humanity and kindness extended to them on every side, in
this fine healthy part of the country. They have generally
preferred to occupy about seventy acres each family ; more, of
course, where there are grown-up young people. In Scotland,
such an aid would leave them next year as poor and helpless
as ever ; while here, the one effort on our part, and on theirs,
places them at once in circumstances of progressive comfort
and independence for all the rest of their lives ; and they seem
to lament that any unfavourable representations to their hope-
lessly indigent countrymen in the Highlands, should deter
them from adventuring on that movement which, with all its
difl[iculty, is the best alternative for permanently relieving the
country and the poor.
" I have the honour to be, sir,
" Your faithful, humble servant,
" W. Morris, President,
"A. Macnab, Esq., Kingston."
On the return of the Deputation to London, the 8th of
June was appointed for the third meeting of the Consulting
208 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
Council of the Association. Accordingly on that day the
meeting took place, his Grace the Duke of Argyll in the chair.
A report from the executive board was read, detailing the pro-
ceedings of the Deputation to Scotland ; setting forth that the
whole arrangements which necessarily precede the announce-
ment of a great public undertaking had been matured ; that
the purchase of four seignories in Canada East, containing
about 200,000 acres, and estates in Prince Edward's Island,
amounting to 74,000 acres, had been decided ; that the pecu-
niary arrangements connected with the purchases made had
been entered into with a due regard to the nature of the pro-
perty, and the interests of the Association ; and that the Board
was anxious to send out a body of Emigrants to Prince Edward's
Island before the close of the season, and to carry out their
operations upon an extensive scale, in the spring and summer
of the ensuing year.
This Report further set forth, that, having immediate refe-
rence to the completion of the purchases already made; the
advances which might be rendered necessary to promote Emi-
gration to the properties of the Association, and their improve-
ment and colonization; as likewise to carry out pending ar-
rangements in Western Canada, — the Commissioners proposed
that the sum of £50,000 should be raised by debentures.
This proposition having been discussed by the Council, it
was considered more advisable to raise the sum wanted by an
issue of 10,000 shares in the capital stock ; and the Report
having been amended, on the motion of Sir James Cockbum,
Bart., it was resolved, " That the amended Report should be
adopted and acted upon, and that a subscription should be im-
mediately opened for shares."
The Report, read and adopted by the Council on the 8th of
June, was immediately thereafter printed and widely distri-
buted; and shortly afterwards a subscription for shares was
opened, when the Duke of Argyll, Sir W. Ogilvie, Bart., Sir
James Cockburn, Bart., Sir R. Broun, myself, and various
others, headed the list, by each signing for an amount of stock
AND COLONIZATION. 209
placed opposite to their respective names, it being a stipulation
that no call for money should be made upon the shareholders
until the sum of £50,000 had been subscribed.
Immediately thereafter, the Association was advertised in
the newspapers ; the prospectus issued to the public ; the stock
placed on the market ; and the pending arrangements above
referred to completed, whereby lands in Canada, Prince Ed-
ward's Island, and Gaspe, to the extent of 443,594 acres in all,
were acquired for the Association upon most advantageous
terms, and under agreements mutually binding upon the buyers
and sellers.
During the whole course of this season I continued to receive
applications from all parts of Ireland, from bodies of Emigrants
that were preparing to leave that island for Canada. The rea-
son which conduced to this general and vehement desire on the
part of such large masses of the Irish population to remove,
may be inferred from the following extract of a letter from the
celebrated American Professor Durin to Dr. Sewell : —
" No country has interested me more than Ireland. She is
a problem in society yet to be solved. With a general destitu-
tion that has no parallel in Europe, she has increased in popu-
lation much faster than any other European country ; while, at
the same time, she has parted with millions of her children by
enlistments in the army and navy, and by Emigration to the Co-
lonies and foreign states. This fact of the rapid increase of her
population, with the general absence of the comfortable means
of subsistence and residence, is directly at variance with what
has been considered a settled law in political economy — that the
increase of population is in proportion to the means of subsis-
tence. I passed through the length of the island, and made a
little volume of notes and reasonings, and finally came to this
conclusion — that the early marriages (girls generally marry at
from fourteen to seventeen,) were owing, not to a natural im-
providence of the Irish, but to the utter hopelessness of im-
proving their condition preparatory to marriage. Hence they
follow the first sudden impulse of youthful passion, in order to
secure the longer continuance of pleasures which cannot be im-
P
210 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
proved by delay. If the inquiry be, Why cannot they improve
their condition ? the answer is, the land is held mostly in large
tracts by absentee proprietors, and the demand for it is so great,
owing to the density of the population, and the rent is so high
(much higher in })roportion than in England), that the family
can scarcely meet its payment, while they live on potatoes. Of
these last I believe they have a sufficiency ; and I was strongly
inclined to jump to the conclusion, that potato diet is favour-
able to the production, as well as the sustenance, of a numerous
population.
" I satisfied myself that the miseries of Ireland do not arise
from misgovernment by the mother country, but from an over-
grown population ; from large landed estates, divided up into
tenures of from half to ten or twenty acres, at exorbitant rents ;
from the absence of proprietors in England, to whom the rent
is sent to be spent in London, or in travelling on the Conti-
nent. To remove, therefore, the ills of Ireland, would require
an exertion of the Government in the violation of vested rights,
by compelling the division of large landed estates, and the
common right of citizenship, by compelling the proprietors to
reside in the country, and improve it by the products of their
estates."
Tliis is another forcible demonstration, that evils of this
gigantic nature, and continued augmentation, can only be re-
lieved by extensive and regulated Emigration. Fifteen hundred
poor persons being desirous of leaving Belfast, in the month of
June, they requested their indefatigable and patriotic friend,
Mr. Valentine, to place himself in communication with me on
the subject ; and at a large meeting held in Belfast, over which
the Marquess of Donegal presided, the following letter, ad-
dressed by me to Mr. Valentine, was publicly read, and oc-
casioned the postponement of this body of Emigrants quitting
Ireland until the ensuing year : —
** June 24, 1842.
" Dear Sir, — In conformity with your desire, I proceed to
give you the information which the Emigrants intending to
AND COLONIZATION. 211
proceed from Belfast to Canada have requested. As a general
principle, the labouring classes who go to Canada, should leave
as early in the season as possible : the passage is shorter; their
labour is in greater demand ; they are enabled to provide for
the ensuing winter ; and they acquire a more perfect knowledge
of the seasons, and their adaptation to the purposes of hus-
bandry. Had the period of departure generally been a matter
of indifference, it is one of the greatest consequence at the pre-
sent period. A combination of circumstances during the exist-
ing season renders it very desirable that the labouring classes,
who are destitute, should not proceed to Canada until the fol-
lowing spring. A large number of persons engaged in the
lumbering business on the shores of the St. Lawrence and the
Ottawa, and in the adjoining province of New Brunswick, have
been thrown out of employment from the alteration in the tim-
ber duties ; a vast number of persons also have left the United
States, and proceeded to Canada. Now, although I do hope
that the knowledge which these people have acquired by their
occupation in the forest will induce them to become settlers, I
am still apprehensive that many will be seeking that employ-
ment which has always been absorbed by the Emigrants from
the United Kingdom.
" As there has been a very large Emigration this year from
the United Kingdom, I am not anxious further to provoke or
encourage it, lest it might entail a heavy burden on the pro-
vince, and prove unsatisfactory to those who hoped to find pro-
fitable employment and a comfortable home therein.
" Secondly, I strongly recommend all Emigrants to be fur-
nished with a small sum of money on landing, as they may have
to proceed some distance in the country before obtaining em-
ployment.
" Thirdly, I advise them to take the first employment
offered ; it is of vital consequence to them to commence hus-
banding their means immediately. Much foolish prejudice has
existed against Eastern Canada, and the current of Emigration
has been generally directed to the West. Without denying
that the climate is somewhat more severe in Eastern than in
p2
212 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
Western Canada, I am far from thinking it more disagreeable
or less desirable from that circumstance. It is decidedly more
unifonn, less interruption to sleighing in the winter, and there-
fore has its use ; whilst unquestionably the greater contiguity
to market, and tlie higher price of produce, render the advan-
tages l)etween Eastern and Western Canada nearly equal. No
persons have succeeded better in British America than the Irish
settlers in the vicinity of Quebec ; and there is not a more in-
dustrious, worthy, wholesome population, than the Anglo-
American i>opulation in the Eastern Townships. No portion
of the American continent is better cleared than the lands on
the St. Lawrence and the Richelieu : this was the work of the
French population ; and will the Irish shrink from encoun-
tering a work successfully performed by the French? The
canals, the railroads, the public roads, the aqueducts, the via-
ducts, the bridges, the harbours, the villages, the towns and
cities in America, are principally the result of Irish industry ;
and a moment's reflection must convince any one, that they
would subjugate the forest fully as well as the French habitan ;
and, I am quite persuaded, would cultivate the land with far
more diligence, neatness, and success. It is then a matter of
great moment, that they should take the first occupation of-
fered on their arrival in Quebec, and have no difficulty in set-
tling in Eastern Canada. The Government have given great
assistance in forwarding Emigrants to the western portions of
the province; but Emigrants have no right to expect this aid, if
profitable employment is offered to them in Eastern Canada.
It has come, not unfrequently, to my knowledge, that Emigrants
who neglected to avail themselves of the excellent advice of the
indefatigable agent, A. C. Buchanan, Esq., Quebec, after tra-
velling about, losing the best portion of the season, were com-
pelled to take less wages than what they formerly refused, and
repented bitterly the folly of which they had been guilty. You
are so well acquainted with all the essentials relative to voyage,
that it would be presumptuous in me saying anything on that
subject. My advice to the Emigrant is to go early in the sea-
son ; to take the first work that offers ; to husband all the wages
AND COLONIZATION. 213
possible for the first winter; and then there is every reason to
hope that a man blessed with health, industriously following
his occupation, observing temperance, frugality, probity, and
perseverance, will become a successful settler, and a valuable
addition to the population of Canada. It is my intention to visit
Ireland, and it will afford me great pleasure to communicate
freely with the people proposing to settle in Canada ; for it is
perfectly undeniable, that the Irish population in British North
America are amongst the most faithful, devoted, loyal, improving,
and valuable subjects of the Queen in that hemisphere. If I
have not furnished you with such information as you require,
I would suggest that you put interrogatories to me for my
answer.
" I am, dear sir, your obedient servant,
" Thomas Rolph."
" W. Valentine, Esq."
After the meeting of the Council of the 8th of June, the
task that more immediately devolved upon Sir Allan Macnab
and myself, was to evoke the co-operation of the Canadian
legislature, and landed proprietary of Canada, to sustain the
Association equally by their legislation, and their territory, in
the important objects contemplated by the influential sup-
porters of this nascent institution. Previous to the departure
of Sir A. N. Macnab, the Association gave him a farewell ban-
quet on his leaving England, in his official capacity, as their
Chief Commissioner in Canada. His Grace the Duke of Rich-
mond, K.G. presided. Sir Richard Broun and myself acting as
croupiers. Amongst the distinguished company met to pay
him this compliment, were Lords Aylmer, Winterton, Dun-
boyne; Sirs F. Burdett, M.P., W. Ogilvie, J. Osborn, R.
Barclay, F. B. Head, George Murray, P. Maitland, D. Mac-
dougall, George Jackson, J. Duke, M.P., Sec. ; J. Masterman,
Esq., M.P., W. O. Gore, Esq., M.P., C. B. Baldwin, Esq.,
M.P., George Dodd, Esq., M.P., General Alexander, John
Walter, Esq.,M.P., J. Holford, Esq., W. Hughes Hughes, Esq.,
C. R. Ogden, Esq., Attorney-General for Eastern Canada,
214 SYSTEMA'in i.MX.i; VIION
Captain Drew, IJ..N , \\ . Moriimci-, ICstj., C. ►Slu'iill", l^^^l.,
A. J. Robert-.. IK I:..}., L. Murray, Esq., F.D.Archibald. 1:m|.,
J. Tullocli, Esq., D. Uniuhart, Esq., C. Ross, Esq., Doctors
Bell, Ifill, Mortimer, Chisholin, the Rev. Dr. Worthing, Cap-
tain Randolph, R.N., Captain Moorson, and many other in-
fluential individuals.
Letters were announced from the Marquis of Huntly, the
Marquis of Bute, the Earl of Gosford, Lords Macdonald, Prud-
hoe, and Seaton, Governor Gore, Sir G. Cockburn, Sir Howard
Douglas, Sir John Macdonell, Sir James Kempt, Sir Archibald
Maclaine, and others, expressing their deep regret that absence
from town, or previous engagements, prevented them from
being present.
After the various usual toasts, the Duke of Richmond pro-
posed the health of Sir Allan Macnab, because he felt that
this country owed Sir Allan a deep debt of gratitude for his
services at a moment of difficulty and danger. On the occa-
sion of that unfortunate outbreak — for outbreak he must be
allowed to call it — Sir Allan Macnab came forward, and gave
all the weight of his influence and character, which fortunately
led to the alleviation of hostilities. Sir Allan Macnab, who
was leaving the shores of this country, would carry with him the
assurance that the people of England looked upon the Cana-
dians with the feeling of brotherhood, and would support them
against all aggression, and unite to keep uplifted that flag
under which Nelson triumphed, and Wellington conquered.
Sir Allan in returning thanks, after adverting to a great
variety of topics, concluded his eloquent speech in the following
terms: —
" Canada was a country that required nothing but a healthy
and industrious population to make it one of the finest coun-
tries in the world. Canada was the natural inheritance of the
people of England, Ireland, and Scotland. That population
whicli in this country was a source of evil, in Canada became
the means of wealth. While glancing at this subject, it was
with great pleasure he found on his arrival in England that
there was an Association ripening into maturity which had for
AND COLONIZATION. 216
its object the affording means of Emigration into Canada on a
national scale, and for promoting Colonization on an organised
and efficient principle. His services had been asked, and by
him freely given, convinced that by so doing he was furthering
the interests of the mother country, and advancing those of the
Colony ; at the same time, that a highly remunerative return
would be insured to those who should promote such important
objects by the investment of their capital. If that Emigration
was fairly carried out, the best results would inevitably follow
to the people of both countries. It would be not more his duty
than his pleasure, in returning to Canada, to state the estima-
tion in which that country was held by the people of England.
He could never forget the hospitality and sterling kindness he
had met with during the short stay he had made in the land of
his forefathers ; and he would conclude by thanking them most
gratefully, and fervently hoping that the land of his birth
might long continue a source of strength, forming, to the end
of all time, a permanent portion of their glorious Empire."
Sir Richard Broun, having called for a bumper toast, gave
the " Health of his Grace the Duke of Richmond and Lennox."
" In doing so he felt that the toast which he had the honour to
propose required no prefatory remarks to ensure for it the
warmest reception from all present. The noble and gallant
Duke in the chair was the son of a deeply-lamented benefactor
of Canada, who had died in the discharge of the highest official
duties of the province, and who had left behind him a memory
which would long be held in revered recollection. His Grace
enjoyed ducal rank in three of the noblest European monarchies ;
and their fellow-countrymen in British America, whether of
English, French, or Scottish extraction, could not but be pleased
and gratified that a Peer associated with so many lofty ances-
tral recollections should have presided on this occasion. His
Grace had served in the field and shed his blood, as the gallant
General who had responded to the toast of the ' Army and the
Navy' had eloquently referred to, — had filled a high office
in the government of the country, — and whether in public or
private life, was held in great and deserved estimation. Had
216 SYbTEMATlC EMIGUATION
the Dinuer been one siiuply of compliment to Sir Allan Macnab,
as an expression of the sense entertained of his eminent services
during the late troubles in Canada, even in that case tlie honour
done by his Grace's filling the cluur would have been warmly
felt and appreciated. Tliis Dinner was not, however, to be
regarded simply as a mark of respect to their guest, on his
leaving the home-seat of a mighty nation, to whom he had done
good and faithful service, but as one given on his entering upon
duties which would tend to strengthen British connexion in
North America, and to promote indefinitely the happiness and
welfare of the mother country and the Colony. In tliis point
of view, and considering the general distress, it would be
matter of rejoicing to multitudes in all parts of the United
Kingdom, that his Grace had presided at a meeting from whicli
a powerful impulse would be given to Emigration and Colo-
nization upon more enlightened principles than any which had
heretofore engaged public attention. The noble Duke had just
returned from Bristol, where he had been assisting in the pro-
ceedings at the anniversary festival of the Royal Agricultural
Society of England ; and whilst no one was more ready and
willing than himself to allow the great public utility and im-
portance of that noble institution, nevertheless he could not but
lament that tlie soil, and things earthy of every description,
were cultivated and improved rather than man. The British
American Association had been formed partly to extend the
generous dominion of the plough over the magnificent regions
in British America, which had lately been the sphere of those
loyal and patriotic exertions which had won for their guest the
gratitude and respect of every right-hearted liegeman of the
British Crown, and partly to consolidate the social interests,
the political power, and the moral greatness of the races which
there constitute the germ of a future mighty population. The
effective carrying out of these high designs would alike bless
our home, and our transatlantic fellow-subjects ; and he there-
fore confidently trusted that they wouUl lie deemed worthy of
the support of tlic noble Duke in the cliair, and of the great
landed proprietors in the United Kingdom. In that expecta-
AND COLONIZATION. 217
tion, and without further comment, he had the honour to pro-
pose the health of the Duke of Richmond, and begged at the
same time, on behalf of the Association, to offer their united
thanks for the favour which he had conferred by presiding on
the occasion."
It having been drunk with all the honours, the noble
Chairman rose and said, " he felt deeply grateful for the
manner in which they had received the toast. He felt, when
requested to fill the chair, that if there was any advantage
in having in that situation one connected with the British
peerage, that the services his gallant friend Sir Allan Macnab
had rendered to the country demanded at least that from his
hands. He could not forget that his revered parent had been
Governor-General of Canada, and had been received in that
country by all classes of the people with consideration and
afl'ection. It had always been a principle with him, that at all
cost England must preserve and maintain her Colonies. The
men who emigrate to the most distant parts of Canada live
under the British Constitution, and it is the duty of the mother
country to defend them from insult and aggression. Although
far removed from the shores of their native land, they still
recognized and would protect them as British citizens. Canada
had won respect at their hands; and it was the principle, as it
was the duty, of Englishmen to give honour where honour was
due."
Sir Allan Macnab, in a short and impressive address, pro-
posed the healths of the ex-Governors-General of Canada who
were present. Lord Aylmer, Sir George Murray, Sir Peregrine
Maitland, and Sir F. B. Head, who severally returned thanks.
His Grace next proposed from the chair — "The Duke of
Argyll, and prosperity to the British American Association."
In doing so, he referred especially to the distress which existed
in various districts in the Highlands of Scotland, and expressed
his best wishes in favour of an institution which would prove
beneficial in many important respects ; and he felt confident
that an institution having his noble friend at its head could not
fail of being well conducted.
218 6TBTEMATIC EMIGRATION
Sir Richard Broun, in the absence of the noble President,
returned thanks on behalf of the British American Association,
for the honour done to it by the noble Duke in the chair, and
by the numerous influential and distinj^uished individuals pre-
sent, who had so cordially testified their desire for its success.
•* He regretted that the task of responding to the toast had not
fallen into the hands of some one of his colleagues better able
than himself to express their appreciation of so high a com-
pliment. But having been called upon ofHcially to discharge
the vice duties of the chair upon an occasion alike agreeable to
his own feelings, and honourable to their Chief Commissioner
for Canada, he begged to assure all present that no efforts
would be wanting on the part of himself and the other execu-
tive officers of the institution, to realise the ends for which it
had been founded. Adverting to the Association, he would
not occupy the time of the company by entering into any
lengthened exposition of its objects. These, in a single sen-
tence, were to promote Emigration to, and Colonization in, our
North American Provinces upon a comprehensive and syste-
matic plan. The formation and designs of the Association had
already been developed at large public meetings held in Edin-
burgh and Glasgow, presided over respectively by the Chief
Magistrates of those cities, and had been declared by the
unanimous voice of those present to be entitled to the con-
fidence and support of all persons in the United Kingdom
desirous of advancing the moral and social welfare of the la-
bouring classes. The presidency of the Association had been
accepted by a noble Duke, endeared to Scotland, not less by a
long line of illustrious ancestors, who had ever been foremost
in every good work which concerned the religion, the liberty,
the weal, the glory of that kingdom, than by his own personal
worth and domestic virtues, and who, that his connexion with
the Association might not merely be nominal, had been the
first to enter himself in its list of shareholders. Its Consulting
Council enrolled men high in station, powerful in influence,
great in intellect, wise in experience, and unimpeachable in
honour, who joined it as a means, created by national need, to
AND COLONIZATION. 219
promote the loftiest aims of benevolence, patriotism, and social
virtue. Such being the case, what occasion had he to dwell
further upon its merits? He could not, however, sit down
without adverting to the necessity out of which arose the
British American Association for Emigration and Colonization,
viz. the alarming distress which prevailed in the country. That
distress was alarming, not only on account of its exigency and
extent, but also from the fact that it had gradually been accu-
mulating from the period of the peace. For twenty-seven
years the nation had enjoyed freedom from hostile aggression,
fruitful seasons, unremitting industry ; and, notwithstanding
all the appliances of science and of art to make a contented
and prosperous people, Great Britain was yearly declining from
her ancient landmarks, until pauperism threatened to engulph
the whole industrial and middle classes of society. What then
was to be done 1 Was want to be allowed to achieve within
our walls that which Europe, armed and at our gates, would
be unable to accomplish ? A variety of expedients had been
already tried, and others were contemplated. Parliament had
been reformed, national expenditure lessened, the tithes com-
muted, the poor-laws amended, and now the corn-laws had
been modified, an income-tax passed, and a new tariff adjusted.
Still, he felt satisfied that all these measures would be found as
drops in the bucket. At the close of the war, the country had
been let down from high prices, high wages, high profits, into
a state of monied atrophy ; and the distress produced by that
circumstance had been perpetuated and increased by the aggre-
gation of wealth in the hands of individuals, by machinery
displacing manual labour, by a departure from the ancient
protective principle, by an unjust exercise of the competitive
system, and by an utter inattention to the laws which are
essential to the due adjustment of production and consumption.
The evils which have resulted from a long combined course of
vicious social policy were too widely ramified and deeply seated
to be remedied, except by making the new world the field of a
mighty national operation for the effectual and permanent ame-
lioration of the old. Was this impossible? It was calculated
220 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
that there were in the United Kingdom at least four million
able-bodied j)er8on8 willing to work, but without employment.
There were millions of capital seeking an honest, just, and safe
investment; and there were millions of acres of land in British
America, rich in the various necessaries of life, requiring cul-
tivation. Here, then, were all the essentials for at once form-
ing a great, a wealtliy, and a prosperous community. Canning,
from his place in Parliament, had said that he looked to the
West, and boasted that he had called into existence a few
distant, abortive, and alien States. But he hoped that the time
had arrived when the wise and the good of the United Kingdom,
whether in Parliament or out of Parliament, would concen-
trate their attention upon British Nortli America, and make
her instrumental to ends which concerned the welfare of the
state, the safety of the crown, and the ascendency of the mo-
narchy. The Secretary of State for the Home Department in
one of his pamphlets, had remarked — * Whenever this country
presents the spectacle of millions supplicating for bread, then
will the people sweep away titles, pensions, and honors.* That
spectacle was now daily i)resenting itself, and premonitory
symptoms of a completion of the prophecy everywhere appeared.
Still he considered we were not necessarily a doomed peo})le.
A few years antecedent to the develojiment of those evils which
afterwards produced the great Civil Wars, the pacific monarch
who first extended the sceptre of the House of Stuart over
those majestic realms which now constitute the British Empire,
erected a new Order of hereditary nobility to effect ends similar
to those which the British American Association proposes to
accomplish. Had the paternal views of James the First, for the
honour and credit, the opulence, prosperity, and peace of his
subjects been realised, the reign of his son would not have
closed in his bloodshed, or succeeding generations have gone
down broken-hearted to the tomb amidst social desolation,
anarchy, and strife. Let us, then, be warned in time, and
learn wisdom from the historic lessons of the past. After a
multiplicity of changes and experiments, we are driven back to
the conclusion, that Destitution must be remedied by other
AND COLONIZATION. 221
means than by legislative provision, or private benevolence.
Since the passing of the Poor-law Amendment Act, the
number of actual paupers in England and Wales have enor-
mously increased ; and within these bounds the position laid
down by Lord Brougham has been verified to the letter,
viz., that 'every permanent fund set apart for the support of
the poor, from whomsoever proceeding and by whomsoever
administered, must needs multiply the evils it is intended to
remedy.' Well, then, let us abandon the Egyptian policy of
requiring our industrial orders to make bricks without giving
them straw. Let us adopt and accelerate the wiser, juster,
and nobler policy, which would put corn and money into
every labourer's sack. What we desiderate is, the extirpation
of pauperism — not its maintenance. Having redeemed slavery,
is it impossible by such combinations of labour, land, and capi-
tal, as will be involved in the operations of the British Ame-
rican Association to emancipate the country from that bondage
to want, hunger, nakedness, cold, physical deprivations, and
moral anguish, which now lays a burden upon millions of our
fellow-subjects, which God and nature never intended them to
bear? Hitherto the plantation of our North American depen-
dencies has never engaged the due attention of a nation of
which they form part and parcel as integral portions. Emi-
gration has been left to take its own unaided and unguided
course, whilst Colonization exists but as a name, without any
scientific or systematic realities. He hoped, however, under
the special and anxious superintendence of the influential peers,
baronets, and gentlemen forming the Consulting Council of the
Association, that these highly national objects would hence-
forth be carried out on enlightened principles, with practical
utility to the mother country and the Colony, and high remune-
rative advantage to those who should invest capital in its stock.
He was nevertheless fully aware, that in the progress of their
operations there were both dangers to be apprehended, and dif-
ficulties to be overcome. Still he entertained no fears for the
result. Confiding upon the integrity of their proceedings, the
purity of their views, and the utility of their public aims, he
222 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
felt assured that the Association would be sustained in its prac-
tical workings by the noble, the good, tlie loyal, and patriotic,
both of tlie mother country and the Colony. Tlie policy of a
Government true to the interests of the British Crown, could
not but appreciate and aid exertions wliich would immensely
tend to consolidate British influence in North America. The
Colonial Legislature would facilitate objects wliich would give
a mighty impulse to their social aggrandisement, and render
their connexion with the parent State secure and indissoluble.
The clergy of the United Kingdom, as a body, would co-operate
in measures essential, not only for parochial relief, but for the
continuance of all that most immediately concerns the moral,
spiritual, and physical welfare of the people committed to their
charge. Vast multitudes in England, Scotland, and Ireland,
ready to perish, would second their efforts, and avail themselves
of the advantages now first brought within their reach ; whilst
throughout their boundless transatlantic domains a brother-
hood, sprung from the loins of the fairest and bravest European
monarchies, were ready to aid us with outstretched arms. Thus
supported, the British American Association could not fail to
accomplish the great objects which it has been called into ex-
istence to subserve : and he therefore confidently trusted
through future years, that under its auspices the germ of popu-
lation in British America would rapidly expand itself into a
mighty and illustrious monarchical nation. With this hope
and belief his colleagues and himself would go forward hand
in hand to extend the foundations of a growing community, to
obliterate the jarring recollections of the past, and to accelerate
whatever should best promote the glory and the power of that
bulwark of religion, liberty, and peace — the British Throne."
At a later period of the evening, the noble Duke in the
chair was pleased to propose my health, and to couple it with
many kind and complimentary encomiums as to the efficient
services rendered both to the Colony and the cause entrusted
to my advocacy, proposing ** Dr. Rolph, and success to his
mission, — the furtherance of Emigration to Canada."
In speaking to the toast, I said " I felt deeply indebted to his
AND COLONIZATION, 223
Grace for the very flattering manner in which he had been
pleased to propose my health, and to the company for the re-
sponsive enthusiasm with which it had been received. My first
success, and subsequent influence,! could not forget, had arisen
from my attendance at the great agricultural meeting at Inver-
ness, in 1839, at which his Grace had presided with his usual
effect. It was, indeed, a most gratifying circumstance to me,
that my gallant friend, Sir Allan Macnab, whom, for years past,
I had earnestly urged to visit Great Britain, had been received
with so much respect on his arrival, and with such warm demon-
strations of regard on his departure. On my return to Canada on
each successive occasion, during the last three years, I earnestly
endeavoured to convince the warm-hearted inhabitants of that
splendid Colony, that the great bulk of the i>eople of the United
Kingdom felt the deepest interest in their welfare and prospe-
rity. It was true, and much to be deplored, that at the period
when, under misguided impulses, an attempt was made to bring
about a separation from Great Britain, there were not wanting
individuals in this country to justify that insane and treasonable
effort, who even wished the British soldiery defeated, and anti-
cipated, with delight, the dismemberment of the Empire. Hap-
pily they were but few in number, insignificant in character,
and contemptible in influence. The great body of the British
people felt, that if England lost her Colonies, or was prepared
to abandon them, she would be, what she would then certainly
deserve to be, but a Colony herself. Better prospects, however,
had since dawned on Canada ; she had come out of a severe
and trying ordeal, not only unscathed, but triumphant. So
cheering, indeed, had her altered prospects become, that not
only did those of her fellow-countrymen who now left the shores
of Great Britain for the American continent give Canada the
preference, but those who had taken up their abode in the
United States were returning, by thousands, to the peaceful
sway of their beloved Monarch, again to live under the pro-
tecting influence of the British flag. During the present year
it had come to my personal knowledge, that larger numbers of
wealthy settlers, and a greater amount of British capital, had
224 SWSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
proceeded to C«inadtt, tlian during any year since tlie standard
of Old Enj^land hadboon planted on the heights of Abraham
by the gallant and iunnortal Wolfe. The present compliment,
80 justly due, and so handsomely conferred on their guest, Sir
Allan Macnab, would prove most grateful and agreeable to the
inhabitants of Canada generally. They would view it, as indeed
it should be viewed, as a marked compliment paid to them-
selves. They would consider it as a guarantee that the defence
of Canada was highly acceptable to the British people, and an
earnest that they generally desired to see it an incorporated in-
tegral portion of the British Empire. Another excellent result
would follow from this gratifying scene. A just discrimination
would henceforth be made between that portion of the Ameri-
can continent, under the British sway, which had always
honourably maintained its faith, performed all its obligations,
])reserved its credit, established its probity, and sustained its
character, from those portions of the same continent where the
dishonest doctrines of repudiation had been boldly proclaimed.
Every loan hitherto raised in Great Britain, for whatever part
of America, had been confounded under the common name of
American security ; and Canada had not only just cause of com-
]>laint for this mistake, but had suffered most severely from the
delinquencies of others, and from a supposed participation in
the principles of repudiation, which she utterly denounces and
a])hors. It was, therefore, fervently to be hoped, that as the
current of Emigration had been fully restored to Canada, the
free investment of British capital would as certainly follow.
Indeed, from the increasing correspondence which I was carry-
ing on with all j)arts of the United Kingdom, I felt fully con-
vinced that that desirable adjunct and auxiliary to the rapid
advancement of Canada would be no longer wanting. The excel-
lent Governor of New Brunswick, in one of his able despatches,
said, in reference to that valuable Colony, * I cannot but hope,
also, that English capitiil, — the application of which, in public
works in the United Stales has hitherto afforded so much em-
ployment to Emigrants, — will henceforth be directed to these
provinces ; and that, by the settlement of the wilderness, they
AMD COLONIZATION. 225
may be secured as British possessions.' That such were also
the hopes and anticipations of the Canadians themselves, the
comment of the ablest writer and most upright politician in
that province, on the former dinner given to Sir A. Macnab,
would demonstrate. Chief Justice Robinson said, * An inter-
change of such friendly visits to and from the mother country
must be attended with the most beneficial consequences to all
parties. They would greatly tend to elucidate the views of
British subjects on both sides of the Atlantic, to explain their
principles of action on certain points of Colonial policy, to pe-
netrate alike into the immediate and more remote interests, in
bonds of closer and more enduring intimacy. Above all, they
would serve to convince capitalists and other men of property
in the mother country, that there now happily exists a field for
the investment of capital in this country, which, for security
and ordinary profit, is not surpassed elsewhere. Our laws are
enforced with integrity ; our banks and public institutions are
sound in foundation, and active, prudent, and successfal in their
operations; our commercial enterprise is great, but not less
great than just and honourable; the navigation of our lakes
and rivers is increasing daily in importance and profit, — the
terms, in this point of view at least, being nearly synonymous ;
our public works, such as canals, roads, and harbours, are, some
of them, in full operation, if we may so express it, while others
are in rapid progress towards completion; — thus afibrding ample
remuneration to industrious labour, as well as to the invest-
ment of capital, not only under the guarantee of the Provin-
cial, but the Imperial Government ; and, to sum up our short,
but important catalogue, our soil and timber are nearly as inex-
haustible as ever, affording to both the farmer and merchant of
capital a never-ending, and, we hope, a never-failing source of
prosperity and profit. Now, let us be permitted to inquire
whether these, one and all of them, are not subjects worthy of
serious consideration among persons of capital, property, and
enterprise in the mother country ? They are assuredly : and it
is with satisfaction we perceive that a better and more conge-
nial spirit seems to pervade those classes, undoubtedly in con-
Q
22G BY8TBMATI0 EMIGRATION
sequence of a more intimate acquaintance with the resources of
these provinces, which they derive from a personal intercourse
with colonists of information sojourning occasionally amongst
them, and imbuing their minds with more liberal sentiments
respecting the ca})abilities and resources of the Colonies them-
■elves. These are the beneficial results of the gratifying recep-
tion which has been more recently given in the mother country
to such men as Sir Allan Macnab, who have been accustomed
from early life to identify the interests of Colonial parent and
offspring ; and who can have no motive in deceiving, because, if
there existed reasons for so doing, to deceive one party would
be the utter ruin of the other.* The special object of my mis-
sion to England was the promotion of Emigration to the mag-
nificent province of Canada. It was certainly a source of un-
bounded gratification to know that I had secured the support
and co-operation of so large a portion of the British nobility
and people to aid in this great undertaking. It had always
appeared to me, and it had been greatly deplored in Canada,
that hitherto Emigration had been voluntary and unaided
Emigration, and that no scheme of Colonization had ever been
attempted. A combination, comprehending the extensive land-
owners in Canada, — those deeply interested in the removal of
the surplus population from their densely-peopled estates in
this kingdom, — with the aid of a portion of the unemployed
capital of the mercantile and commercial classes, — would supply
a very great and most important desideratum. In the hope that
such a combination could be advantageously effected, it had
afforded me much pleasure to find, that a powerful Association
was formed on these principles, and contemplating these ob-
jects; and, trusting that their well-directed exertions might prove
serviceable to the mother country and the Colony, I looked
with intense anxiety to its success. The Noble Lord the Secre-
tary of the Colonies, in one of his usual lucid and powerful
despatches to the Governor of New Brunswick — one equally
applicable to Canada as New Brunswick — had thus happily
expressed himself: — * Fully agreeing with you, that the establish-
ment of a class of landowners possessed of capital, applicable
AND COLONIZATION. 227
to the cultivation of the land, and to the employment of labour,
would conduce to the rapid growth, and to the solid prosperity
of the Colony, I yet think, that the object is one not likely to
be effected by the direct interference of Her Majesty's Govern-
ment. All which, it appears to me, that the Government can
do towards promoting the Colonization of New Brunswick, is
by placing a moderate price upon the public lands, and render-
ing their acquisition easy ; by circulating also correct informa-
tion concerning the Colony, so that parties may judge of the
means which it affords for the profitable employment of capital ;
and as regards the lower orders, by regulating their conveyance
to the Colony without the undue enhancement of its cost. The
rest must be left to the inducements which the natural resources
and advantages of the Colony may present ; in short, to the
operation of private interest.' On these just and natural prin-
ciples, it does appear to me, that an extensive scheme of Colo-
nization can be effectively and most profitably carried out. And
in this belief I said it was most delightful to see such an array
of rank, such a combination of wealth and honour, met together
to compliment a distinguished Colonist, and to prove to the
world that the memorable monition of their late patriot sailor
King had sunk deep into the hearts of his subjects, that
* Canada should not be lost or given away ;' but that, under
auspices like the present, and exertions of such magnitude, the
ancient prophecy would be realised —
* Westward the tide of Empire holds its sway ;
The first four acts already passed.
The fifth shall close the drama and the day ;
Time's noblest offspring is his last/ "
This dinner, graced as it was by a Cabinet Minister, five of the
former Governors of Canada, many Members of both branches
of the Imperial Legislature, several Aldermen of the City of
London, and a large array of wealth, respectability, and talent,
excited boundless enthusiasm, and general observation ; and by
its extensive notice from both the metropolitan and provincial
press, was sufficiently demonstrative of the prevailing interest
q2
228 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
felt in the promotion of Emigration and Colonization. This feel-
ins: was also warmly reciprocated on the other side of the At-
laiitii', 1)V tlie n:eneral concurrence of the whole press, in hailing
it as one of the first fruits resulting from the efforts made to
revive the attachment to the Colonies which had formerly dis-
tinguished the inhabitants of the British Isles, before " the
baneful domination of the mother country" party had sprung
into existence.
On the 4th of August, I accompanied Sir Allan Macnab to
Liverpool, to witness his departure, and followed him in the
succeeding packet.
On reaching Pictou, T found that very exaggerated state-
ments bad been forwarded to England respecting the condition
of the body of Highland Emigrants before alluded to. Whilst
there, I forwarded the following letters, on this important sub-
ject, to correspondents in England, which were both published
in the journals of the day.
I. " Whilst waiting here the arrival of the steamer* Unicorn*
to convey me to Quebec, I cannot better employ my time than
in writing a few lines to you, to prevent the mischief likely to
accnie in Great Britain to the cause of Emigration, from the
publication of the accounts, uncontradicted or unexplained, of
the Highlanders in the eastern townships of Lingwick and
Gould, in Canada, described as being in a state of absolute
starvation. The facts relative to these Emigrants are as
follow : —
" They came to Canada at a very late period of the year,
last season, just indeed at the commencement of the winter,
without means of any description, either money, apparel, or
any requisites for the security of new settlers. The entire la-
bour of the season was at an end ; they would not separate ;
they could not converse in English : they insisted on proceeding
to the town-liii-, where many of their former friends and com-
panions had settled, and they were altogether in the most des-
titute, unprovided, and deplorable condition. The people of
Quebec and Montreal assisted them generously ; sent them to
AND COLONIZATION. 229
the townships where they were distributed. By the manufac-
ture and sale of ashes, and the contributions raised in their
favour, they passed through the winter well; but, as might
naturally be expected, until the crops of the present season
could be gathered in, a recurrence of the distress would take
place. In their vicinity, neither public works were in progress
nor was agricultural labour in demand ; they preferred settling
in a wilderness country, distant from those places where their
labour might have become productive and beneficial, — and thus
the distress under which they have been labouring. From
accounts, however, just received from Sherbrooke, Mr. Fraser,
the humane agent of the British American Land Company, has
furnished them with a supply of oatmeal ; and the potato crop,
which is just now ready for their use, and described as abun-
dant, will relieve any anxiety for the future. Whilst I would
fain hope that this lesson will not be forgotten, and that it will
induce Emigrants to come out early in the season, not to refuse
labour where ofiered, and to avoid altogether the difficulties
into which these Highlanders have been placed, I hope the
accounts which the enemies to Emigration are ever ready to
circulate will not deter provident, judicious, and well-conducted
Emigrants from proceeding to Canada."
II. " Having just seen the rumour respecting the distressed
condition of a body of Emigrants which have recently arrived
in this country, permit me to avail myself of your columns, as
a medium of explaining the affair. At a very advanced stage
of last season, 279 Highlanders arrived at Quebec from the
Island of Lewis, in a state of the greatest destitution, badly
clad, in bad condition, from a long voyage, and insufficient
food, without money, unable to speak a word of English, and
landed in the province in the most squalid, abject, and pitiable
condition. They came at a season when the agricultural labour
of the province was finished, and were forwarded to some of
the townships in Eastern Canada, where some of their former
poor neighbours had settled and were doing well. The people
of Quebec and Montreal munificently assisted them ; they were
'230 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
placed on liiiul, distributed, victualled, and coinmenced the
luanufacture of ashes, and the clearance of small patches of
land to plant with potatoes this spring. By these means tliey
went through the winter tolerably well ; and there was a pros-
pect of the forthcoming croj)s enabling them to encounter the
approaching winter better. They went into those townships,
remote from the old settlements, amongst those only who had
settled in a state little better than themselves, so that they had
not the opportunity of hiring themselves during hay-time and
harvest, to any flourishing and prosperous fanners of old stand-
ing, which would have enabled them to obtain wages and
sustenance for the ensuing winter. But with all these dis-
advantages they would have struggled and succeeded, but 139
more of their countrymen arrived this season, equally destitute,
unprovided, and helpless ; would not be separated ; obstinately
refused work offered them ; and forced themselves on their
suffering fellow-countrymen for their support and sustenance.
Under these circumstances, you can readily imagine that much
distress ensued ; this is undeniable, but it has been much ex-
aggerated. I hope, however, it will restrain such improvidence
for the future. There has also been some rioting amongst the
Irish labourers at St. Catherine's, on the Welland Canal ; and
this too will be much magnified. Three causes produced it :
the first was, the extraordinary influx of Irish labourers from
the United States ; 2nd, Tlie breaking out of an old and deadly
feud between the Cork and Connaught men ; and 3dly, From
some delay in the prosecution of the Welland Canal. The riots
have been suppressed, the rioters imprisoned, and, I trust, will
be punished ; and peace now reigns in that neighbourhood.
These, with some cruelties practised by ship-owners and cap-
tains, before the oj^ration of the Colonial Passengers' Bill,
have been the drawback to the Emigration of this year. Now,
however, for the bright side of the picture. Numbers of steady,
wealthy, respectable Emigrants have settled in the province ;
the good class of labourers have been promptly absorbed, and
that, too, without going on the public works; and the ap-
pearance, character, and condition of the Colony, were never so
AND COLONIZATION. ^31
cheering and satisfactory as at the present time. Mr. Buchanan,
of Quebec, informs me, that it is really marvellous how they
have been distributed and employed, considering how few have
been employed on the public works. The harvest is concluded,
and the crops in general have been good. The Emigration
from the United Kingdom up to this time amounts to 42,000 ;
the number from the States not yet ascertained. The country
is healthy, and the improvements in Montreal and everywhere
astonishing."
On reaching the city of Toronto, a large public meeting
was convened by the Mayor on the 23rd of September, and
held in the City Hall, presided over by the High Sheriff of the
district, W. B. Jarvis, Esq. It was one of the most numerous
and respectable ever held in that flourishing city. After being
introduced to the meeting by the Sheriff, and receiving an
overflowing demonstration of feeling, I addressed those assem-
bled as follows : —
*• Gentlemen, — I feel exceedingly indebted to you for this
enthusiastic welcome, and for again affording me an oppor-
tunity, so immediately after my arrival from Great Britain, to
render you some account of my labours during the past year.
Whilst in England, I had the pleasure of forming the acquaint-
ance of one of the earliest Governors of this province, one who
still take8 a deep interest in its welfare, — Colonel Gore ; and
when it is remembered that he governed this province with
fewer inhabitants in its whole extent than now reside in this
noble city alone, such a fact is the best refutation of the oft-
reiterated slander, that Canada has not made rapid advances in
population and prosperity. In coming from Quebec upwards
this season, I have been delighted and amazed to witness the
extent and nature of the improvements throughout the coun-
try. At Montreal, Brockville, Gananoque, Kingston, Cobourg,
— at every cove along the lake, — solid, substantial build-
ings have been erected, piers constructed, harbours formed,
and an activity evident that is cheering in the extreme, and an
indication of the rapid advancement of the whole province.
232 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
The progress of this city, iii |*Hrticular, is without u parallel,
even on this continent : blocks of elegant buildings, the labour
of this season, are to be seen in every direction, whilst the mag-
nificent elevation of the University, proudly rising above them
all, warrants the belief that the higher branches of education
will now be liberally provided for the rising youth of this inter-
esting country. To what is this to be attributed, but to an
industrious and thriving and augmenting population ? I have
no hesitation in declaring, that the Emigration of the present
year has been the best that Canada has ever had ; that more
ca])ital and a better class and description of settlers-have found
their way into this province, during this season, than at any
period of its history ; and it is not a little remarkable that twice
the number of the whole Emigration of 1838 arrived during
one single day this year at Quebec ; and that double the num-
ber of that year's Emigration have settled in this fine agricul-
tural district alone. From the United Kingdom we have
received an addition to our population of between forty and
fifty thousand souls; and will any one venture to say that, com-
pared with the disturbances which took place at St. Catherine's,
and which were totally unconnected with the Emigration from
the United Kingdom, the lasting, unappreciable, immeasurable
advantages of this augmented population are for one moment
to be lost sight of, or even named ? Every Governor of this
province, every legislature, every friend to its prosperity, have
emphatically declared, on various occasions, the necessity of an
addition to its people ; and at least this year, that valuable por-
tion of the British nation, its sturdy yeomanry, have come in
numbers to Canada, unwilling to descend lower, and yet unable
to sustain their former station and position in Great Britain :
they come to this province, bringing with them their means, to-
gether with their willingness and ability to maintain themselves
by the exercise of that sterling industry of which they have
never been ashamed. It is to this most useful, healthy, and
valuable class of settlers, that I have endeavoured to impart
such information as would prove serviceable on their arrival,
and ensure their settlement in the country. Far from de-
AND COLONIZATION. 233
siring to inundate the country with indigent Emigrants, parti-
cularly those from the manufacturing districts, I have exerted
myself during this year to restrain that indiscriminate and
improvident Emigration which might prove hurtful ; and, by my
advice, 1,500 people from Belfast postponed their intention of
leaving Ireland for Canada, until the ensuing spring; and,
previous to leaving England, I put to press an Emigrant's
Manual, for the guidance and direction of the industrial classes.
There has not, however, been a redundancy even of the labour-
ing classes ; for, although many of the public works were not
proceeded with, by which they might all have been provided
with work, yet, coming up the country, I have found in many
places complaints that the farmers were not better supplied.
In this district, even, great as are the numbers that have been
employed and settled in it, Mr. Skea, of Oshawa, assures me
that great inconvenience was felt in the rear townships of that
vicinity for the want of agricultural labourers. The Colonial
Passengers' Act will, however, prove the best corrective, and
the most wholesome restraint on improvident Emigration, and
may calm all apprehension of inundation of destitute Emigrants.
I felt naturally most anxious about the public loan to this pro-
vince, for the completion of its improvements ; and I am sure
it will not displease Lord Mountcashell by stating to you that
I urged him most importunately to put the question which he
did, on that subject, in the House of Peers. Divine Providence
has blessed this land with a mild, and genial and healthy cli-
mate, has intersected it all throughout with magnificent rivers
and majestic lakes, given it all the appurtenances to agricul-
tural, commercial, and maritime wealth — the only requisite to
their full development being an augmentation to its population
and capital, united with internal tranquillity. A new country
cannot at once accomplish all that may be requisite or desir-
able ; its progressive improvement must be the result of aug-
mented population, accumulated wealth, additional capital, and
the employment of the necessary skill and ability to carry on
such internal improvements as will be most valuable to its
remotest settlers. Of the vast capabilities of this province,
234 SYSTEMATIC EMKIRATION
there i.> now no doubt enlertiiiiiod, Hlthouj^li etiorts have been
made to deprive it of those means only by which those capa-
bilities could be developed. Every year some hostile publica-
tion has been levelled against Canada, Jind always more or less
with some success. On my arrival in England, this year, I
found that a doughty pedestrian, — whose heels were always more
renowned than his head, and who had taken rather a Pegasus
flight through a small portion of the country, and having
skimmed the surface only of its waters, dogmatically pro-
nounced on the character of its lands, — had given to the world
his lucubrations, the result of twelve days' travel in Canada,
six of which were passed in Toronto and Hamilton, and two of
the remaining six on the lake. Finding, however, that this
gentleman's work was doing a great deal of harm, I ventured
to tilt a lance with him ; and I told him that, although he had
been so justly celebrated for having walked a thousand miles in
a thousand hours, he might have become still more so by his
publication, had he employed one-tenth of that time in walking
over one-tenth of that distance in this province, before he had
ventured to pronounce so dogmatically and unjustly regarding
it. I told him that Lord Prudhoe, who had travelled in Ca-
nada twelve weeks instead of days, and who possessed at least as
much refinement and taste, had come to very ditferent conclu-
sions. I am happy to add that another great, invaluable autho-
rity,— the amiable and highly-gifted nobleman who has recently
quitted this country, and who to the highest intellectual endow-
ments adds every grace and virtue which can adorn and dig-
nify mankind, — I mean Lord Morpeth, — has left Canada with
impressions of the most favourable kind, which never can be
effaced.
** It is at times, and on occasions like these, when we can
all meet, whatever our religious or political opinions may be,
when we can all join, and burying for a time all other consi-
derations in oblivion, unite heart and hand in promoting the
settlement and advancement of the country. That there is an
improved tone in the public feeling in the United Kingdom,
likely to lead to such fortunate and desirable results, is uude-
AND COLONIZATION. 235
niable. Far different, indeed, to that generally cherished both
before and immediately after the melancholy occurrences of
1837. Indifference, and even hostility, to this Colony existed
to a melancholy extent ; but this year that body of noblemen
and gentlemen belonging to the Colonial Society, and who have
been formed into a Committee for promoting the interests of
Canada, which Committee I have assisted as Honorary Secretary
the three last seasons, have sent, through the Canada Company,
petitions to both branches of the Canadian legislature, which have
been presented by their respective and talented advocates, the
honourable Mr. De Blaquiere and Mr. Merritt. I cannot con-
clude without reverting again to the disturbances which took
place at St. Catherine's ; not only because they were the source
of great annoyance and apprehension, but also because of the
injurious effect likely to be produced in Great Britain by the
indiscreet manner in which they have been noticed here. From
all that I have been able to ascertain, sedulous efforts were
made in the Western States, by unauthorised persons, to induce
the Irish population there, in large numbers, to proceed to the
Welland Canal, where it was stated their labour was in great
demand. Unable to ascertain the truth, they rushed in shoals
to the spot, where they were not then wanted ; and great con-
fusion, disappointment, disturbance, and rioting took place. I
have ever been, as I am still, the warm admirer and zealous
friend of the Irish population who have come to Canada.
From Quebec to Sandwich they are to be met with everywhere,
an industrious, active, thriving, improving people ; and the fine
township of Cavan, entirely settled by them, is not one whit
inferior to the townships of Dumfries and Waterloo, settled by
the Scotch, and Dutch. They have been extolled on many
occasions by Chief Justice Robinson, Bishop Strachan, Mr,
Justice Hagerman, and indeed by every one who has taken an
interest in the prosperity of Canada. Whilst, therefore, I feel
proud to add my feeble testimony to these gentlemen, I am so
truly a lover of order, subordination, authority, and obedience,
that I fervently hope, if any attempt is made to introduce into
this province savage feuds, lawless habits, and party strife,
236 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
which we hatl sucli reason to deplore and reprobate at St. Ca-
therine's, the parties concerned in these disgraceful scenes
should be made to know and feel that this is a country where
laws are made to be obeyed, and that turbulence, rioting, and
violence must be stayed, restrained, and punished. This is
neither the time nor the opportunity for going into detail as to
my movements or operations in the United Kingdom ; but I
may briefly mention that I carried on an extensive and labo-
rious correspondence with individuals in every portion of it,
relative to this country, and the best adaptation of their means
in settling in it ; that at the special invitation of persons inter-
ested in obtaining information of Canada, (and who would
neither visit it, nor invest their means in it, without first i)ro-
curing information from some one authorised and responsible
for it.) I visited the counties of Suffolk, Essex, Cambridge-
shire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Sussex, Wiltshire, Surrey,
Middlesex, and Devonshire, in England, — Glasgow, Paisley,
and Edinburgh, in Scotland, — holding public meetings, receiv-
ing individuals who were solicitous of making inquiries about
Canada ; and was reluctantly compelled to decline invitations
from many other places, from want of time and opportunity.
What I failed to accomplish from not possessing the attribute
of ubiquity, I compensated for, to the utmost of my power,
through the instrumentality of the public press, to the con-
ductors of which I gratefully acknowledge myself under pecu-
liar obligations. 1 have submitted to his Excellency the Go-
vernor-General a Report of my proceedings,] and I hope the
results will prove annually more and more advantageous to
the province. I feel greatly obliged to this meeting for their
indulgence and approbation ; it is, 1 confess, an earnest and
unquenchable desire I feel to see this province filled with valu-
able settlers from the British isles, bringing the habits, customs,
feelings, and affections of the British race ; —
* There hves not form nor feeling in my soul
Unborrowed from my country;' —
and knowing that there is a growing feeling throughout Great
Britain of warm attachment to this Colony, it should be our
AND COLONIZATION. 237
inclination, as it is obviously our interest and our duty, to
cherish and reciprocate it."
The Chairman made a few remarks, to the eflPect that he
could, from his own experience, confirm, so far as the Home
District was concerned, the facts which I had stated in my ad-
dress. He (the Chairman) had as good opportunities as per-
haps any person in the district, of knowing the real character
of the Emigration of this year ; and he had no hesitation in
saying, that, as regards both the amount of capital brought into
this province, and the description of persons emigrating, the
Emigration of 1842 was far superior to that of any preceding
season. He hoped that my services would be secured by the
Government, not only for the next year, but as many succeeding
years as possible : for he was convinced that to my efforts the
province was much indebted, for affording to the population in
all parts of Great Britain valuable information upon the solid
inducements which Canada offered to the intending Emigrants,
whereby not only was a correct knowledge circulated regarding
its advantages, but the misrepresentations of ignorant or pre-
judiced writers were completely refuted. Colonies far more re-
mote, and infinitely less valuable, had not only their Emigration
agent, but dozens of them ; and the rural population of Britain
were continually being appealed to by means of lectures, pam-
phlets, and hand-bills, in favour of penal settlements as fit places
for Colonization ! New Zealand, and its native barbarians, had
busy agents at work to tempt the industrial labour of Britain
to settle among cannibals ; Van Diemen's Land, with its con-
vict population, found active and zealous supporters ; South
Australia was not a whit behind its neighbours ; and if the
efforts of mere private speculators — if the zeal of personal
cupidity — could provide the means to pay so many agents and
so large an outlay as was being annually made, was it to be
contemplated for a moment that Canada — essentially and in-
tegrally a British Colony, enjoying a fertile soil and a healthy
climate — should be without her agent to represent her in-
terests in Great Britain ? He thought not ; and sincerely trusted
to see Emigration to Canada permanently advocated by my-
238 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
self, who had proved so strenuous and untiring in so good a
cause.
It was tlien moved hy the Hon. J.S.Macaulay, and seconded
by Mr. Alderman Burnside, that it be Resolved —
" That from the Report just made to this meeting by Dr.
Rolph, of his proceedings in his late mission to Great Britain,
on the subject of Emigration, and from our knowledge of the
important services which he has rendered, both to the mother
country and to these Colonies, in disseminating a correct know-
ledge of the character and relative advantages of this country
and the United States, instrumental as they have been in caus-
ing Emigration to this country of a superior class of persons,
and in checking the removal of a class of persons to whom such
a step would, at present, be alike undesirable to themselves and
to these Provinces ; this meeting feels that Dr. Rolph is justly
entitled to its thanks, for the eminent services which he has
rendered to the mother country as well as to these Colonies,
in the dissemination of correct information on the subject of
Emigration ; and this meeting cannot but express an ardent
hope, that tlie highly valuable services of Dr. Rolph may con-
tinue to be engaged by the Government."
This was carried by general acclamation .
I returned thanks. It being then moved that the Slieriff
do leave the chair, Mr. Alderman Dixon was called thereto,
when the following resolution, moved by Mr. Alderman Gur-
nett, seconded by Lieut. -Colonel O'Brien, was also carried by
acclamation : —
" Resolved^ — That the thanks of this meeting be presented
to W. B. Jarvis, Esq., Sheriff, Home District, for his services
in the chair this day; and also for the warm support and effi-
cient services which he (a native Canadian) has ever rendered
to the cause of British Emigration to his native country."
After whicli the meeting separated.
In the course of tlie proceedings an interesting conversation
came up, in which the Chairman, Hon. J. S. Macaulay, Colonel
O'Brien, and Alderman Gurnett, took part, relative to tlie pro-
priety of encouraging or checking what is commonly termed
AND COLONIZATION. 239
*' pauper emigration ;" — (although how that man can be con-
sidered a ** pauper," or feared as likely to become a burden,
who possesses habits of industry and a stout pair of arms prac-
tised to hard labour, has always been past my comprehension ;)
and various opinions were expressed. It was mentioned by
Hon. Mr. Macaulay, that, under the present system of letting
out the public works by contract, there was but little depend-
ence to be placed on securing employment for the Emigrant on
his arrival here ; for the contractor (who as likely as not might
be a Yankee) could not wait till these Emigrants arrived, but
would send to " the United States " for workmen and labourers :
which drew from the Sheriff the remark, that it then became
doubly imperative upon us to urge forward the cause of Emi-
gration; and by continuing to circulate useful information
throughout the length and breadth of the mother country, by
means of such services as I was qualified to perform, — to
bring to this country British hearts and hands able and will-
ing to take Government contracts offered in a British province,
as well as to give employment upon them to British workmen
and British labourers,— a patriotic sentiment, which was enthu-
siastically welcomed.
The rapturous welcome which I received on this as on other
occasions, was somewhat similar to the grand and magnificent
display which greeted Sir Allan Macnab on his return to the
home of his beloved family, and his fond and affectionate
fellow-subjects in the District of Gore. Perhaps on no occa-
sion was the return of a Colonist from a visit to his fatherland,
ever attended with such lively and overpowering demonstra-
tions of attachment and regard as in this instance.
On arriving at Kingston, where the parliament had just as-
sembled, I was most kindly received by the late estimable and
most accomplished Governor-General, Sir Charles Bagot, who
transmitted to the House of Assembly a special message, recom-
mending that House to accord to me a grant, in consideration
of my public services.
As illustrative of the feeling entertained by the Canadian
House of Assembly of my services during this memorable sea-
240 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
son, I give the following abstract from the Canadian journals
of the debate which took jdace on the subject in that House, on
the 4th of October, with this one only comment on the matter, —
that on a future occasion, and before a proper tribunal, I shall
notice the observations which were made by Mr. Baldwin, the
late — and I hope, for the honour of the British Empire for the
last time — Attorney-General for Western Canada, and the apo-
logy which he made for the omission of the important subject
of Emigration in the first speech of the present incomparable
Governor-General of Canada, at the meeting of the late Parlia-
ment.
Tlie Hon. F. Hincks, in proposing the resolution relative to
Dr. Rolph, recoumiended by the Governor-General, begged
leave to state that he had been always opposed to the employ-
ment of an Emigrant Agent in the United Kingdom ; but that
as Dr. Rolph had received such an appointment, both from
Lord Sydenham, and subsequently from Sir Charles Bagot,
previous to his joining the Council, he considered the Govern-
ment bound to make him some compensation for his services.
He admitted that Dr. Rolph had displayed great zeal, energy,
and ability in the performance of his duty ; and as the Govern-
ment did not now intend to renew his appointment, he thought
the House should support this grant. The best means of at-
tracting Emigrants was responsible government and good laws,
and not by any influence to be made by an agent in Great
Britain.
" Dr. Dunlop would not permit, for one single moment,
such valuable services as Dr. Rolph had rendered Canada, to
be passed over in that manner, nor suffer the * damning by
faint praise ' such meritorious and long continued exertions,
by the Gentlemen of the Treasury bench, without recording his
solemn and indignant protest against it. With all due defe-
rence, he begged to inform the House, that he knew more
about Emigration than all of them put together. Yes, he boldly
and fearlessly repeated that he knew more uj)on that subject
than all of them together ; and it was from that knowledge he
was fully prepared to assert that Dr. Rolph had rendered in-
AND COLONIZATION. 241
calculable services to Canada. It liad coiiie particularly to his
knowledge, from frequent, almost daily conversations with
persons who had come out and settled in this country, that
they had derived the greatest services from the practical know-
ledge, and extensive and varied information , possessed by Dr.
Rolph. That gentleman had traversed the United Kingdom
through its length and breadth, enlightening the public mind
with respect to this province, and had secured the warm regard
of the most eminent of all parties in its favour. He would
read to them a testimony they would scarcely venture to dis-
pute. * I have been induced to avail myself of Dr. Rolph's
services, from the great success which has already attended his
eiForts in this cause, both in Great Britain and in Canada. I
am quite sensible that the Land and Emigration Board in Lon-
don, furnished as they are, or shortly will be, with considerable
information relating to these Colonies, afford a great facility to
persons desirous of emigrating ; but I believe that they will
derive very valuable assistance from Dr. Rolph, upon many
most important points of detail peculiar to this country ; and
valuable as their services may be, it is necessary to employ
some more active agency to stimulate those to whom Emigra-
tion would be in every way advantageous, but whose attention
would not, under ordinary circumstances, be drawn to it. It
is highly desirable that some person should be enabled to travel
through different sections of Great Britain, to explain to the
people, viva voce, the advantages which a new country like
Canada holds out to the industrious and well conducted, the
facility with which they may reach it, and the arrangements
which, if they should decide to emigrate, would be most bene-
ficial to tliem. . . . This is the task which I propose to
confide to Dr. Rolph, and for which his intimate acquaintance
with every part of Upper Canada, his untiring energy, and
devotion to the cause, particularly fit him.' These were the
sentiments of the late Lord Sydenham, conveyed in a public
despatch to Lord John Russell. Dr. Rolph had travelled
through every section of Great Britain, had crossed the Atlantic
Ocean six several times on this mission, had received no pay-
it
242 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
ment from the Provincial Government; and the paltry and
contemptible economy of the Government, which had been
squandering away its thousands on useless and unnecessary
matters, was to be displayed in offering so valuable a servant
as Dr. Rolph a sum that he (Dr. Dunloj)) would be ashamed
to offer his ploughman. He would now distinctly assure the
House that he would only vote for this sum as an instalment ;
but that he would then give a most distinct pledge to bring
the subject of Dr. Rolph's remuneration, as well as his ex-
penses, under the consideration of the House next session.
" Mr. Thompson differed from the honourable gentleman
about the utility of an agent, but would not oppose the resolu-
tion.
" Sir Allan Napier Macnab apprehended that this resolu-
tion had been matured by the Cabinet, and introduced under
the system of responsible government, which sufficiently ac-
counted for the cold and indifferent manner in which such
services as those rendered to this province by Dr. Rolph had
been alluded to by the honourable gentlemen on the treasury
benches. For his own part, he begged to assure the House
that, insufficient as the vote was, it should receive his warmest
support. From having travelled through a considerable part
of the United Kingdom in company with his friend Dr. Rolph,
he could bear testimony to the able and satisfactory manner in
which he had discharged the important duties entrusted to him.
He had been constantly assured, by the most distinguished
noblemen and gentlemen in the United Kingdom, that those ser-
vices were highly appreciated and deemed inestimable. It was
well known that Dr. Rolph possessed, in a pre-eminent degree,
the power of accjuirrng information, and, both as a ready writer
and able speaker, was well calculated to impart it to others.
It was a duty he owed Great Britain, it was a duty he owed to
Canada, and, above all, it was a duty ])cculiarly incumbent
on himself, to notice the zeal, abilit\-, and perseverance which
Dr. Rolph had displayed in his praiseworthy efforts to promote
the settlement of this country, — the rightful inheritance of the
British race ; and he should be, at all times, by his vote and
AND COLONIZATION. 243
influence, prepared to sustain that gentleman in his laudable
undertaking.
" The Honourable Mr. Moffatt was astonished that the
honourable gentleman who introduced the resolution should
have accompanied it with the observations which he did. It
was perfectly known in the country, that no individual had
opposed Dr. Rolph more by his writings and his speeches than
that honourable gentleman. He came forward now, as the
organ of Government, to propose a remuneration for him ; and
although he was prepared to vote in his favour, his speech was
evidently directed against him. In this inconsistency the House
did not concur ; they would support the vote from considera-
tion of Dr. Rolph*s services.
** The Honourable S. B. Harrison would not have addressed
the House on this matter, but for the observations which had
fallen from the honourable member. It was true that Dr.
Rolph had been appointed agent by Lord Sydenham, but that
was more under the authority of the Imperial than the Provin-
cial Government, and from that source Lord Sydenham pro-
posed to aid him. Since then. Sir Charles Bagot had conferred
the same office on that gentleman, and the Government felt
pledged to make this application to the House. He admitted
that Dr. Rolph had been zealous in his undertaking, and that
the sum proposed was very moderate.
" Mr. Parent was glad of the opportunity which this reso-
lution afforded to the French members, of rebutting the charge
of hostility to British Emigration. They would prove by their
unanimous vote on this question, that such an accusation was
unfounded, and that both for that cause, and its able advocate,
they were prepared to support the recommendation of the
Governor-General .
** Mr. Durand said a few words; when the question was
put, nearly the whole House rising at the same moment to sup-
port it."
Another motive which has induced me to give this debate,
is to satisfy the British public of the spirit of the Canadian
Legislature on the subject of Emigration. Prior to Sir Allan
P3
244 sy>ii:mvii( emigration
Macnab ami myself leaviu«^ l^nj;land, the heads of a Bill to be
submitted to the Canadian Legislature, to facilitate the opera-
tions of the British American Association, and to remove any
obstacle to the subscription of appraised lands, as j)ortion of its
capital stock, had been discussed and agreed upon. Had the
draft of this bill arrived in Canada previous to the adjourn-
ment of this short session, I feel a strong conviction that the
standing rules of the House would have been suspended to have
given it the sanction of law. The House, however, did not
remain in session more than fifteen or sixteen days, and on its
rising I proceeded with all despatch to England, to resume my
duties as one of the Commissioners of the British American
Association.
During the month of October, the draft of the bill referred
to was forwarded by the executive committee of the Association
to Mr. Boulton, the member for Niagara, whose official services
were to have been retained ; and during the same period, a
public letter of official instructions was despatched to Sir Allan
Macnab, as the Chief Resident Commissioner in Canada, and
which appeared at the time in some of the daily journals.
The following extracts, which embody the principles which
the Association proposed to pursue in their plan of Colonization,
1 consider worthy of public attention : —
"The Association has been formed, not only for the purpose
of * purchasing, holding, improving, clearing, settling, and dis-
posing of waste and other lands, and for making advances of
capital to settlers on such lands, for the opening, making, im-
proving, and maintaining roads, and other communications for
the benefit thereof,* but for the important purpose of remedy-
ing the evils attendant upon the existing and desultory state of
Emigration, and of establishing an efficient system for its pro-
motion and extension, having reference to the social and moral
condition of the Emigrant, and for the effectual Colonization
and settlement of the lands which shall be acquired for the
undertaking.
"The Association intends to accelerate and extend its other
operations as a great Land Company by remedying existing
AND COLONIZATION. 245
evils ; and, among other means by which to do so, by the Board
of Commissioners here acting in concert with agencies to be
aj^pointed in Canada, or by the formation of a Corresponding
Committee there ; an union of purpose being secured by express
regulations framed by the Association. The important duty
undertaken here will be, to promote and facilitate the Emigra-
tion of the most suitable classes from the United Kingdom, and
to superintend the arrangements for their embarkation and
passage, and for their being landed in good health and spirits
in Canada : and the duty devolved upon the agencies in the
Colony will be a careful, considerate, and kind reception there
of the Emigrants sent out under the auspices of the Association ;
their immediate conveyance, in accordance with the engage-
ments entered into with them, to its various estates ; and their
direct employment, settlement, and location, in order that con-
tentment, if not happiness, may flow from the arrangements
adopted for the common good ; and especially from a system
which, admirably calculated for the advancement of the inter-
ests of Emigrants of every class, must have a tendency to pro-
mote the culture and improvement of the estates of the Associa-
tion, and to augment the pecuniary interests of the capitalists
who shall embark in it.
" The Board is fully impressed with the strict necessity of
selecting persons of industrious and sober habits to settle upon
the estates of the Association ; and all litting precautions will
be resorted to here, in selecting from the candidates for Emi-
gration. There will be cases in which bodies, connected by ties
of affinity and previous association in business, will be sent out,
accompanied by their clergyman or pastor, to be settled upon
some given tract or parcel of land ; the object being to encou-
rage the direct spiritual instruction of the Emigrant, combined
with the education of the rising generation, as well as to attach,
the individuals to the locality, and give them a permanent in-
terest in the soil, dependent only upon the honest application
of their time and labour to its cultivation and improvement.
*' It is deemed essential to the best interests of the Associa-
tion, that an ample grant of land should be acquired from Go-
246 SYSTEMATIC EMIGPATION
vemment ; and as the waste ami other unlocated lands in
Canada arc now jdaced at the disposal of the Colonial Legis-
latnre, you are recjucsted to select such a tract or tracts as in
your judgment shall he hest calculated to form the basis of an
extensive Settlement, and in such locality, — the means of inter-
comnmnication and the proximity to the existing roads and
harbours being considered, — as shall be fitted for the formation
of a central establishment, from which the other settlements of
the Association may radiate. I advert to the price of land, and
to the terms of payment, as consequent upon the negotiation
with which you are immediately charged, merely to urge upon
your attention the necessity for obtaining the grant at a mini-
mum rate per acre, regard being had to the position, capabili-
ties, and quality of the land acquired ; and the importance of
having the terms of payment regulated by the number of set-
tlers which shall from time to time be colonized upon the lands
obtained, and thus spread over a period of years. In these
particulars the Board defers to your judgment and experience,
and confidently relies upon your obtaining the best terms that
can, with propriety, be stipulated with the Government.
** The Board, however, does not wish to confine the acquisi-
tion of land by the Association to a grant or grants from the
Legislature of Canada ; it seeks to take a deeper root in the
Colony, and to identify itself with the interests of the individual
proi)rietor8 ; and with these views you are especially charged
to enter into negotiations with such gentlemen as you shall,
upon your arrival in the Colony, find favourably disposed to
the Association, and desirous to promote its operations for the
advancement of the Colonial interests, and the improvement of
their own, for the purchase of such tracts, blocks, or parcels of
land, as you shall find fitted for agricultural pursuits, for the
formation of towns, and calculated for immediate and bene-
ficial settlement by the Emigrants to be deported by the Asso-
ciation.
" Fully impressed witli the value of the opinions you have
expressed upon the subject of the lands to be obtained from
individuals, and with the mutual advantages which would flow
AND COLONIZATION. 247
to the Association, and to the landed proprietors in Canada, from
its operations, and the settlement and culture of the lands which
it shall acquire by such acquisition, the Board, acting upon
your recommendation, wish that the purchase-money, in all
such cases, should be met by shares in the capital stock of the
Association.
" It is essential that I should direct your attention to one
point, which has had the most careful consideration at the
Board — the legal means by which the interests of the share-
holders are protected, and by which their liability is limited.
These particulars have been matured. By the Articles of Agree-
ment upon which the Association has been founded, express
provision is made, that the liability of every shareholder shall
be limited to the amount of his subscription, and that every
agreement or other contract entered into on behalf of the Asso-
ciation shall contain a clause recognizing the principle and
restricting the liability. Upon reference to the copy of the
Articles of Agreement accompanying these instructions, you
will find the protective provisoes alluded to. This instrument
regulates the incipient stages of the Association; and in order
to act upon it to the letter, all the contracts and agreements
are made in the names of three of the Commissioners, who
thereby become liable as individuals, but who spread the advan-
tages of each contract over the Association, and give the benefit
of all purchases to the general body, by executing declarations
of trust, in which they declare that they hold the properties
vested in them upon trust for themselves, and for all other the
shareholders in the capital stock of the Association, according
to their respective shares, rights, and interests therein.
" It has been determined to apply for a Charter of Incor-
poration in the ensuing session of Parliament, for which the
formal notices have been given, and the terms of which will be
settled during the recess ; consequently, every apprehension
as to liability, all fear as to responsibility (if any could be enter-
tained,) will be removed.
" I have entered into the preceding explanation that you
may be guided in your purchases from individuals, (the nego-
248 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
tiatioii wiili the Cuiiadian Goveriiiiieiit stands upon a different
gruiind,) by two principles : one for tlie immediate acquire-
ment of land, when the agreement for the purchase shall be
finally arranged, upon tlie delivery of the amount of the pur-
hase money in paid-up shares in the capital stock, against the
execution of the conveyance and the possession of the estate ;
the other by your entering into agreements for the purchase of
properties by payments in shares in the capital stock, condi-
tioned upon a charter being granted, cither by the Colonial
Legislature, or by Her Majesty, under the authority of an act
of the Imperial Parliament.
"There is, however, one point of absorbing interest, in
which your eminent position, as an influential member of the
Colonial Legislature, is calculated to strengthen and sustain the
Association, to connect it closely with Canadian interests, and
make it that which the Commissioners especially desire it should
become, one of the great links by which British connexion
shall be strengthened and secured, and by which Canada shall
form, that which it ought ever to be considered, an important
portion of a great Empire, united under one common Sovereign,
governing for the benefit of all.
*' I have already intimated the intention of the Board to
apply to the Imperial Parliament in the ensuing session for an
act to incorporate the Association. These acts are commonly
passed as of course, subject to the approbation of the Minister of
the Crown as to the powers to be conferred. But it is desired,
in this instance, not to rest satisfied with the ordinary means
by which such legal sanctions are generally procured : it is
anxiously wished that this Association should be identified
with Canada ; that it should be essentially Canadian, without
derogating from the value of its connexion with the mother
country, or with its British origin and management ; and with
these views you are requested to obtain the recognition of the
Association by the Canadian Legislature, either by an express
legii>lative enactment embodying the powers and authorities of
a cliarter, or by an address from the Legislative Assembly to
Her Majesty, expressive of the imiwrtance of the Association,
And colonization. ^4^
and of the prosecution of its objects to the Colony, and of the
extent to which they will tend to promote the general prospe-
rity of Canada ; or in such other manner as, upon conference
with the local authorities there, and with your colleagues in
the Legislative Assembly, you shall find most conducive to the
end desired to be attained.
** In conclusion, I have to inform you that the Commis-
sioners attach due importance to a colonial charter, and have
instructed me to prepare the requisite data to enable you to
apply for one, and to facilitate and relieve your labours by cor-
responding with Mr. Boulton on legal points connected with
the application which may require your especial consideration."
After encountering a very stormy passage, I landed at
Havre on the 14th of November, and on reaching Paris, which
I took this opportunity of visiting, I discoyered to my inex-
pressible mortification and regret, that the Association which
I had left in such flourishing circumstances had been deprived
of the assistance of the Duke of Argyll, and was then beset with
difficulties, and encountering the most vehement denunciations
of the public press. On the 7th of December, I attended a
meeting of the Consulting Council, presided over by the Hon.
Sir J. C. Meredith, Bart., in order to demand a Committee of
Inquiry to investigate the extraordinary charges which had
been preferred, during my absence, against the Association;
on that occasion I addressed the Council, and extract the fol-
lowing portions of my appeal to it : —
*' On my return to England, a few days since, I was deeply
mortified on learning that this Association, which had com-
menced so auspiciously, had been so nobly sustained, and which
promised such beneficial results, both to the North American
provinces and the United Kingdom, had been subject to the
severe animadversions of the public press. I had read, with
the greatest care and attention, all the attacks which had been
made upon it, and all the charges preferred against it, and my
mind had been materially relieved in finding them of a vague
and indefinite character. But, notwithstanding the feeling
250 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
which existed in my own mind, as to the honour and integrity
of the gentlemen entrusted with the management of the Asso-
ciation, yet, considering tliat I was ahsent from the kingdom
during the wliole period when these transactions occurred, and
from the peculiar relation in which I stood to Canada, I felt
that it was essential to the character of this Association and to
its future efficiency, that a Committee of Inquiry should at once
be instituted, composed of persons of acknowledged worth and
respectahility, who should fully investigate this matter, and
after having made the most searching, rigid, and scrutinising
inquiry, report whether the allegations were well founded or
otherwise. Until such report was made I felt it incumbent to
stand aloof, nothing doubting but that the report, when made,
would furnish me an opportunity, which I desired, of demon-
strating the vast advantages which would result from a judi-
cious and well-conducted system of Colonization. Whilst, from
a combination of adverse circumstances, — all, I hoped, fully
capable of explanation and vindication, — the Association had suf-
fered severely in public opinion here, it was with great pleasure
I assured the meeting that on the other side of the Atlantic the
people were most anxious to accord their warmest support, and
waited with ardent anxiety to see it in successful operation.
Before quitting the subject, I would take the first opportunity
afforded me by this meeting of very briefly alluding to the
Emigration to Canada of the present year. By the route of
the St. Lawrence alone, nearly 45,000 British Emigrants had
proceeded to Canada ; whilst by the United States, and from
the United States, of such British settlers who preferred return-
ing to their Sovereign's dominions, there had been, at the lowest
computation, at least 15,000 ; making a total of 60,000 during
the current season. Notwithstanding this large addition to the
population of that rising and noble Colony, — with the exception
of a little difficulty that had arisen from the too sudden influx
of a large party of labourers from the United States, to work on
the Welland Canal, before their services were needed ; and the
unfortunate and improvident addition from the Highlands of
Scotland to the poor islanders from Lewis, who went to Canada
AND COLONIZATION. 251
at a very late period of the season last year, in a very destitute
state, and who were distributed and settled in the eastern town-
ships,— no inconvenience was felt, the Emigrants as they arrived
being quickly dispersed and readily employed. The success of
this year's Emigration had fully established all that I had
advanced for years past, as to the wonderful adaptation of
Canada for the reception of the redundant population of the
British isles. As a further corroboration, I might mention
that one of the district councillors, Mr. Shea, of Oshawa, in
the Home district, had complained of the paucity of Emigrants
in his vicinity, yet he resided in the very centre of a district
that had received and retained within it 12,000 Emigrants dur-
ing the present year. In the eastern section of the province,
Mr. Forbes, the member for Carillon, had assured me that
numbers more might have found profitable employment be-
tween Montreal and By town ; and Major Lachlan, one of the
most intelligent, enterprising, and useful British settlers in that
garden of British America, the western district of Canada, had
written to me to express his deep regret that not more than
fifty Emigrants had reached that portion of the province, where
soil, climate, and every inducement existed for occupation and
settlement. Without dwelling further, at this time, on this
interesting subject, I would nevertheless say, that if Emigra-
tion to Canada had been desirable before, it was indispensable
now ; indispensable to its agricultural improvement, its com-
mercial advancement, its internal repose, the perpetuity of its
institutions, and its continued connexion with the British
Crown."
A Committee of Inquiry having been appointed, in con-
formity with my desire, met on the 9th of December, and
continued its sittings until the 22nd. On the day following,
a special meeting of the Consulting Council, of a public nature,
and very numerously attended, took place in the City of London
Tavern, the Hon. Sir W. Ogilvie, Bart, presiding; when the
following Report, which had been adopted after most earnest
investigation and mature deliberation, was read : —
262 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATIOK
" Your Conimittic asseinblcMl l<»r ilir purpose of proceeding
with tlio investigation confided to tlieir charge by the last
meeting of the Consulting Council, on the Dth instant, at the
House of the Association, when, upon the suggestion of the
Commissioners, a resolution was adopted, inviting Sir John
Pirie, Bart., John Walter, Esq., M.P., and several other gen-
tlemen, to join the Committee of Inquiry. Since that period,
the Committee have met from day to day, and have had before
them the whole of the books, documents, papers, and accounts,
connected with the formation and objects of the Association ;
and your Committee have submitted the whole of the executive
officers of the establishment to a strict viva voce examination ;
and, from a full revision of the whole facts and circumstances
brought out in evidence upon such examination, they have
arrived at the following conclusions, which they have more
amply set forth in a detailed Report, which will sliortly be
laid, with the minutes of evidence and sundry resolutions, upon
your table : —
** 1st. That the most satisfactory proof has been adduced
to show that the names of no parties have been placed upon
the printed prospectus of the Association without their due
authority for that proceeding ; and that the objects of the
Association, as set forth in the various documents issued by
the Commissioners, are such as justly entitle it to the hearty
support and full confidence of the British public.
" 2nd. That the rules and regulations, forming the constitu-
tion of the Association, have been matured with great judg-
ment, and, with some modifications and additions, will comj)rise
the most complete and efficient provisions for guiding the
practical workings of a great establishment.
** 3rd. That the whole of the charges which have been
brought against the Association, founded on some recent pro-
ceedings at the Mansion-house, were unfounded in truth, and
wholly unsustained by evidence; and that the conduct of the
Alderman, then the chief magistrate of the City of London, in
writin<^ tlie l< tt( i tn the Duke of Argyll, which has led to the
AND COLONIZATION. 253
withdrawal of his Grace and other influential noblemen, for the
present, from the list of the friends and supporters of the Asso-
ciation, was entirely premature, unauthorized, and unjustifiable.
** 4th. That your Committee have instituted the most
searching inquiry into every circumstance and matter connected
with the deportation of the Emigrants in the brig * Barbadoes '
to Prince Edward's Island ; and whilst they fully and entirely
exonerate the Association from every charge preferred against
it, in connexion with that vessel, at the Mansion-house, and
more particularly by the press ; whilst they note the strong
testimony before them of the Government Agent on Emigra-
tion and others, to the thorough state of repair and sea-worthi-
ness of the ship, the completeness of its equipment, the superior
quality of its stores, &c., and the fact that the single Emigrant
family who went out as passengers, shipped by the Association
itself, voluntarily preferred to sail by the * Barbadoes ' when
apprised of the delay to which they must be thereby subjected,
to proceeding in the * Lady Wood,' which was despatched some
weeks before ; nevertheless, your Committee, at the same
time, are decidedly of opinion that the lateness of the depar-
ture of the * Barbadoes' is not only to be regretted, but, as
A precedent, condemned.
" 5th. That it is, however, the gratifying duty of the Com-
mittee to state that the ' Barbadoes ' finally sailed, under the
command of a most able and experienced Master, Captain
Edward Fretwell, who had already made nine voyages to the
Gulf of St. Lawrence, and who expressed the utmost confidence
of safely accomplishing his destination on this occasion, re-
marking that he had seen the waters open and free from ice
so late as new year's day; that they have before them the
most conclusive evidence, in the certificate of the Government
Agent, Lieut. Lean, of the interior equipment and stores of the
* Barbadoes' on this voyage, and a letter from Capt. Fretwell,
dated at a distance of 700 miles on his voyage, in which he
states that, out of his stores, he had been able to supply the
wants of the ship ' Caroline,' bound to Liverpool, and that all
254 SYSTEMATIC BMIGRATIOX
the Emigrants under his care were well and happy, and pro-
gressing safely and rapidly to their place of destination.
** 6th. Tliat the various properties which have been acquired
for the Association, considered in reference to its joint objects
of Emigration and Colonization, have been selected with the
most judicious care, and are unquestionably such as to afford
every possible prospect of certain and abundant annual returns
upon the capital to be invested.
" 7th. That having fully investigated the accounts of the
Association, it appears to your Committee that its affairs have
been administered with economy, and that none of the principal
officers of the Association have received, hitherto, any remune-
ration for their valuable services.
" 8th. That the financial plan to complete the various pur-
chases already alluded to, and for carrying out the general
operations of the Association, has been judiciously matured, and
merits the careful attention of parties seeking eligible channels
for the investment of surplus capital ; the prospects of the
Association, derived from the productive character and position
of their lands, the highly advantageous terms on which they
have been procured, and the sound and enlightened principles
which govern the whole system of its operations, oflering the
very strongest assurances of highly remunerative returns.
" 9th. That the Association not hitherto having claimed
any money from the public on its subscribed shares, the Execu-
tive Commissioners appear to your Committee to be entitled to
the best thanks of the Association, and the unlimited confidence
of the public ; the arrangements made by them in their official
capacity having been in every respect influenced by a spirit of
the purest disinterestedness, and feelings of strict integrity,
probity, and honour, although circumstances of an injurious
character, and wholly beyond their control, such as have caused
this inquiry, have unfortunately arisen to impede, unexpectedly
and mischievously, the prosperous action of the Association.
** 10th. Your Committee, having inquired into all the main
objects comprehended within the scope of their investigation,
AND COLONIZATIOir. 255
conclude, on a review of the whole matter confided to their
investigation, with the following recommendations : —
" That the steps adopted towards procuring a charter be
persevered in, and advanced to completion.
" That the full number of Commissioners provided by the
constitution be immediately made up and established in office.
" That an enlarged prospectus be issued, detailing the pro-
perties acquired, and setting forth more fully the sums required
to be provided, with estimates of the probable returns on the
capital invested.
" That a subscription for shares on the terms of a remodelled
prospectus, be forthwith opened.
** Signed by order and on behalf of the Committee of
Inquiry,
Charles Sherriff, Chairman,
A. Leslie.
J. W. H. Barrow.
Thos. Rolph.
J. Warly Smith."
The Report having been read and laid on the table, to-
gether with the minutes of evidence, and other documents
therein referred to.
Sir R. Broun rose and said — *' Noble Sir, when at the last
meeting of Council I had the honour to move for the appoint-
ment of the Committee, whose Report has just been read, I
stated that, until the charges raised against this Association had
been investigated, I should reserve such explanations as a sense
of duty to my colleagues and myself might require me to offer.
I rejoice that the hour has at length arrived, when, on their part
and my own, I can stand erect in the face of the public of this
great nation, and propose, with satisfaction to my own feelings
and to theirs, that the finding of the Committee shall be re-
corded in the journals of this Association, as a witness to the
present and future times, that our conduct has been clear and
without reproach, in all that has been alleged to our discredit.
In rising to discharge myself of this grateful task, and at the
same time to tender to the Committee our deep and heartfelt
256 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
thanks for the lahorious attention wliic li they have given to the
responsible charge confided to them, 1 feel that I must claim
some indulgence for the trespass which I must make on your
time and attention. Sir, this is a solemn occasion, and stand-
ing before the noblest commercial auditory in the world, with
the reporters around me of that mighty engine which shall
shortly convey my words to the most distant corners of our
Colonial Empire, I am duly sensible how unequal I am to ac-
quit myself as I ought, in reviewing proceedings which more
immediately concern myself and a few individuals, but which
involve issues for good or for evil, that not remotely shall affect
the condition of the present generation, and the happiness and
welfare of those which are to succeed.
" With reference to the Report made by the Committee of
Inquiry, I do not mean to offer a single observation upon it. It
would be unbecoming if I did : it is the result of a calm, a full,
and an impartial inquiry, made by a body of honourable and
unprejudiced men ; and as such I leave it to the public, in entire
confidence that it will satisfy all whose good opinion we need in
any way be solicitous to obtain. Neither is it my intention to no-
tice all, or even many, of the charges which have been raised
against this Association. With general reference to the police
reports, newspaper articles, published letters, and paragraphs,
that have appeared inveighing against this Association and its
managing oflficers, I declare them to be of as unjust a character
as ever degraded the public press of this realm. This I say,
sir, without meaning to give offence to any one of the talented
gentlemen who conduct the leading journals of the day ; be-
lieving that they were misled to do that which they considered
justifiable, from what occurred at the Mansion-house of Lon-
don. Sir, that this Association has sustained in public estima-
tion a great blow and heavy discouragement, is alone to be
attributed to the unauthorized conduct of the late chief magi-
strate of this city ; and could I for a moment allow, that Sir John
Pirie was actuated by any feeling in reference to this Associa-
tion, excejjt wlint he mistakenly considered to fall within the
scope of his otHcial duty, there is no language which I could
AND COLONIZATION. 257
use that could sufficiently characterise the culpability of his
his conduct. But being morally satisfied that the declaration
made by Sir John Pirie from the bench, upon the occasion when
he laid before the public his letter to the Duke of Argyll, and
his Grace's answer, viz. that ' he should very deeply regret if
anything he had uttered had done injury to any well-intentioned
persons, or was calculated to misrepresent their objects and
motives,' was indeed the genuine language of his heart, I de-
sire to acquit Sir John Pirie of all sinister motives in this affair ;
and, on the strength of the Report now before me, I call upon
him to come forward and to make that public reparation for the
wrong unintentionally done us, which, as a man of candour,
honour, and probity, he cannot shrink from. And what. Sir,
is the reparation that would be satisfactory to us to receive, and
creditable for Sir John Pirie to give ? It is this, that having
written that incautious letter to the Duke of Argyll, which
shook his Grace's confidence in the managing officers of this
Association, and has led him to retire for the present from the
office of President, Sir John Pirie shall now address another
letter to the Duke, to acquaint his Grace, in reference to the
statements made in his former epistle, that the complaint pre-
ferred before him as chief magistrate by ' several Emigrants
about to proceed to Prince Edward's Island for this Associa-
tion,' was a complete error, no complaint ever having been
urged before the Lord Mayor of any such description. Next,
that the circumstances connected with the agreement of the
complaining parties, which appeared to Sir John Pirie ' to look
very suspicious,' were circumstances, whatever complexion they
might assume, to which the term * suspicious' was not applic-
able as regards Mr. Haldon ; seeing that the agreement itself
was as clear, fair, honest, circumstantial, and correct a document
as ever was signed by contracting parties. And, lastly, I want
Sir John Pirie to confess, that by taking the liberty to inquire
whether the Duke of Argyll considered himself liable for the
pecuniary transactions of this Association, he greatly overstep-
ped the limits of his magisterial functions ; inasmuch as no
charge was ever brought before him, from which he was entitled
s
256 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
to presume tliat the financial resources of the Association were
not sufficient to sustain its operations. I know that Sir John
Pirie may liave great reluctance to do that wliich he may fancy
will impugn his magisterial sagacity, and aiibrd some scope for
thinking that he has hcen made the dupe of a vile conspiracy,
even under the roof of the Mansion-house itself. But, Sir, I
demand of Sir John Pirie this act of retributive justice; and
I demand it too upon public grounds. If Sir John Pirie either
refuses or hesitates so to do, I shall consider his expressions of
deep regret, already quoted, as approaching to sometliing like
mere pretence, and that he is a man more ready to lend him-
self to the designs of a party of knaves, who merited at the
hands of justice that sort of sympathy which ends in the tread-
mill, than he is to forward the aims of a noble institution,
created to effect as beneficent purposes as ever engaged the
attention of mankind.
** The next subject to which I have to advert is one that I
approach with pain and mortification. It is to the countenance
given to the calumnies which have been heaped upon us by the
retirement from office of the Duke of Argyll. I did, Sir, ven-
ture to hope that his Grace would not have been surprised into
a step of this kind upon the bare receipt of a letter which
ought never to have been addressed to him, and which
deserved no reply. For myself and my colleagues, I can
justly say that we never invited the noble Duke to place him-
self at the head of our body, from any wish or intention to
clothe him with liabilities ; nor can I for a moment suppose
that an Association, called into existence at an hour of national
need, to combine the highest objects of commerce and of pa-
triotism, can fail to obtain that support from the monied public
of the United Kingdom which will carry into effect all its opera-
tions. Sir, this is not a question alone of pounds, shillings,
and pence, but also of humanity, philanthropy, and social duty.
Amongst the various inducing reasons why the Duke of Ai^Il
was asked to place himself at the head of this institution were
these: — that the excess of population which exists, beyond tliat
for which the country can afford the means of subsistence, or
AND COLONIZATION. 259
furnish adequate employment, in the islands and western coast
of the counties of Argyll, Inverness, and Ross, is estimated at
from fifty to eighty thousand souls; that in 1836 and 1837, the
famine and destitution in those districts were so extensive, that
many thousands would have died of starvation, hut for the
assistance, amounting to upwards of £100,000, which they re-
ceived from the Government and the public; and that ' the con-
current testimony of all the witnesses examined by the Emi-
gration Committee of last year lead to the belief that the recur-
rence of similar distress is not merely probable, but, from the
nature of things, absolutely certain ; because the population is
rapidly increasing, without any corresponding increase in the
natural productiveness and resources of the country/ Nor,
Sir, were these reasons all, though they are all conclusive.
These apply but to the Duke of Argyll's own district of the
kingdom ; but Scotland labours, throughout all her bounds,
under misery and distress. From the exposition made by Dr.
Alison relative to the destitution which prevails amongst the
poor generally of Scotland, at a public meeting in Edinburgh,
in 1840, it was found and declared, that the meeting had reason
to believe that * the poor in some parts of Scotland, and espe-
cially in the large towns, and in the Highlands, are subject to a
greater degree of misery and want than is to be found in Eng-
land, or in most other civilized countries;* whilst, from the
Report on Pauperism, adopted by the Synod of Lothian and
Tweeddale, it appears, ' That Scotland is fast falling in the
scale of morality. Crime, disease, and pauperism are increas-
ing more rapidly in this than in any other state in Europe.
From the evidence laid before the Combination Committees of
Parliament, in 1839, it appears, that while the committals for
crime have been tripled within the preceding twenty-four years
in England, they have been increased more than thirty-fold in
Scotland. Disease and poverty have been nearly tripled in
Edinburgh and Glasgow during the last twenty-five years,
while the population has not increased more than fifty per cent.
During the last sixteen years, in Glasgow, population has ad-
vanced about seventy per cent., while crime has increased five
s2
260 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
hun«lr( Mi ^ lit. Ii is obvious, from this alarming state of
matters, that unless adequate remedies are immediately applied,
the whole frame-work of society will be driven to pieces/ These
appalling facts were reiterated at those influential meetings held
in Edinburgh and Glasgow in May last, when the objects and
formation of this Association were approved of by many of the
best and wisest men in Scotland, and were hailed with satisfac-
tion by the entire community. Is it then, Sir, from the presi-
dent's chair of such an Association, — one supported by an array
of influence, talent, and moral worth, such as never before
united to accomplish a great national purpose, — that the Duke
of Argyll can retire, because we have been dragged unworthily
before the public in consequence of a police squabble, originat-
ing in a magisterial mistake, and terminating in the plunder
of the party unjustly complained against? It is. Sir, impossible
to conceive that his Grace can adopt such a line of conduct.
He owes it to himself; he owes it to that noble youth his son,
who already concentrates the respect and esteem of all who are
faithful to the Church of Scotland ; he owes it to his country,
not to withdraw himself from a cause, the desertion of which
would tarnish the lustre of his princely house, and abate the ve-
neration which the Scottish nation feels for a race who have never
bent nor bowed to any adverse circumstance that concerned the
weal, the independence, or the peace of their fellow-subjects.
** Amongst the papers now before you is the printed report
of a meeting, held on the 2nd of February, presided over by
the noble Baronet who represents the house of Hamilton in
Scotland, and the published copy of a letter addressed by Lord
Elibank to Sir John Pirie. Upon these documents I must
make some observations. The first, Sir, contains an account
of the organization of this Association, the peculiar features it
combines, and the provisions made for its effective administra-
tion ; it also contains a series of resolutions, expressive of the
opinion of the meeting that the Association was well adapted
to relieve Scotland of her surplus population, to strengthen
British interests in North America, and to eff*ect the combined
objects of establishing the rights, and making available the
AND COLONIZATION. 261
properties in British America, of such Baronets as shall join it.
The same meeting resolved that the names of such Baronets of
Scotland being peers as had concurred in the steps previously
taken, should be added to the list of Vice-Presidents. Now,
Sir, in terms of the resolutions then passed, Lord Elibank had
a copy of the proceedings of that meeting, with a letter
acquainting him that his name as one of the concurring Baro-
nets had been placed on the list of Vice-Presidents; and yet his
Lordship has the effrontery to come forward and address a
public letter to the Lord Mayor, stating that he was at a loss to
understand how the object of recovering lands, said to belong
to the Baronets of Scotland, had been made to slide into this
Association ; and that he had been applied to, to become a Vice-
President, but had never replied. I here deny that Lord Eli-
bank ever was written to, to ask his permission to add his name
to the Vice-Presidents. He had the fact communicated to him
that his name was added to the list; and under the peculiar
circumstances of the case, I consider it was his Lordship's duty
to himself, as a man of honour, and to his brother Baronets, to
have written in reply, if he did not intend that his silence
should be taken for assent. Sir, I wish to impute no mean
motives to any man connected with the proud Baronetage of
Scotland ; but I cannot help thinking that if, instead of the
calumnies issued from the Mansion-house, it had been pro-
claimed that we had opened a demi-official correspondence with
the authorities in New Brunswick ; that the claims of the Ba-
ronets had been discussed in the legislative council there, and
that they were favourably inclined ; we should have had no letter
disclaiming his connexion ! But, Sir, it is a proud boast, under
the aspersions that have been cast upon us, that Lord Elibank
alone, of all the noble and generous supporters of this cause,
has mixed himself up with these Mansion-house doings. Sir,
I find in his Lordship's letter, that he has had the hardihood to
say of this Association, which several influential meetings in
Scotland (presided over by the highest civic dignitaries of that
realm, and concurred in by men whose character, whose capa-
city, whose moral grandeur adorn the age in which they live,)
262 8Y8TBMAT1C £H1G RATION
have found and declared to be ' entitled to public confidence
and sup|M>rt, as an institution calculated materially to advance
tlie opulence, prosj>erity, and peace of the mother country and
the Colony,' that. Lad its objects been clear and intelligible,
and likely to be of any advantage to the public, he would not
have considered it necessary to have objected to his name hav-
ing been used ! But why dwell longer on this paltry topic? 1
regret. Sir, that a man should be found in my native land,
wearing the riband and the jewel of Nova Scotia, who appears
to have no due perception of the ends for which his family
honours were bestowed, or any personal desire in his own day
and generation to advance the royal and munificent work for
which his Order was created.
** Sir, I feel that I have already too long obtruded upon the
attention of the meeting; and yet I hope to be excused, if,
under the imputations cast upon the immediate officers of this
Association, 1 may be allowed to speak somewhat of myself.
It is chai'ged against me that I have long been labouring to
revive the decayed Order of the Baronets of Nova Scotia ; but.
Sir, in the face of this meeting, and of the universal public of
these realms, I repudiate the accusation. The Baronetage of
Scotland and Nova Scotia are, as a body, the most wealthy, the
most powerful, the most ancient, the most influential portion of
the nobility of my native kingdom ; and I spurn, with indigna-
tion, the reproach that the exclusive aggrandisement of the
families comprised within its ranks have ever occupied for a
moment my time or attention. I have, indeed, laboured to
revive tlie decayed spirit of the Order. I have watched for
years Scotland gradually dccliuing from all the land-marks of
her ancient position ; and I have endeavoured to concentrate
the attention of the only class of her privileged subjects, who
have rights to revive, upon matters which concern the peace,
the happiness, the industry, the wealth, the greatness, and the
glory of the Scottish nation to the end of time. But I have
never urged these claims upon the plea that the Scottish Ba-
ronets were alone to be benefited. The Order was erected not
only that * those individuals admitted into it in particular, but
AND COLONIZATION. 263
that the whole nation generally should thereby have honour and
profit.' It is, then, upon public grounds that I have raised
this question of the revival of the rights of the Baronets in
British America ; and on public grounds I will continue to
advocate that question, and urge it on to a successful termina-
tion. Referring to these matters which have more imme-
diately led to the calling of this Council to-day, I have only to
say, that, on my return from Scotland, on the 15tli of September
last, after a few weeks' absence, I had not a single care upon
my mind in regard to the progress of this institution. Had the
brig * Barbadoes' sailed on the day for which she was char-
tered, and had the operation been carried into effect on the
terms and stipulations contracted for, the Association would
not have experienced that hurricane which would have ship-
wrecked any other public Company less stably founded in prin-
ciple, or nobly supported. We have not, indeed, escaped
unscathed from the storm ; but, like the oak, we will strike
our roots the deeper for its having passed over us. I thank
God that in this cause I am free from self-reproach, and that I
am still surrounded by men of lofty principle, of mighty talent,
and untiring energy. I cannot. Sir, bring myself to suppose
that the few noble persons who have retired from our banner
will not return to it ; but however that may be, we will not
perish ! We will fall back upon the generous sympathies of
the country at large, upon the necessity that exists for an Asso-
ciation of this character, upon the great and enduring objects
we propose, and upon the wants and wishes of those suffering
classes of our fellow-subjects whose relief we contemplate.
*' And now, Sir, with one or two general remarks, I shall
leave to my colleagues the task touching upon those various
other points which require notice. Adverting to the Report, I
again express my grateful thanks to the gentlemen forming the
Committee of Inquiry, and assure them that the Commissioners
will lose no time in carrying into effect the several recommen-
dations with which it concludes. Those points, but for the
attack made on the Association, would before now have claimed
the attention of the Board ; and they are such, I liope^ as the
264 BY8T£MATir KMIORATION
proceedings of this day will shortly enable us to realise. I have
now before me statistical data establishing the fact, that about
twelve years ago two bands of Emigrants went out to Canada,
the one consisting of 640 persons, who possessed collectively the
sum of £28,402 Ms, ld.\ the other of724 persons, who possessed
£34,517 125. 6rf. Upon this capital, in all £62,920 IO5. \d.,
they have realised in twelve years £^1,111 VSs. 6d., being on
the average upwards of 70 per cent, per annum. Of the above
persons, 647 (nearly the one-half of the whole) carried out with
them no capital whatsoever, and yet by their industry alone
they have made £212,015 9s, 6d. Again, of the number, 202
carried with them less than £20 each, and their united gains
reach £74,860 3*. These results, which have been attained
under the desultory system of Colonization hitherto pursued,
and notwithstanding the drawbacks occasioned by the late
troubles in Canada, demonstratively show the great returns
which must necessarily accrue upon the investments of the
British American Association. Contrast this, on the other
hand, with the fact that since 1818, and within the limit of
eight years, upwards of fifty-five millions sterling of British
capital have been sunk in foreign loans, of which about one-
half pays no dividends whatsoever, and the other would be
annihilated, both as regards principal and interest, by an Euro-
pean war. Need I, then, dwell for a moment on the great
public duty of vesting funds in our Colonial dominions, when
private gain, and the wants of multitudes ready to perish, alike
conspire to urge its policy and importance? Consider the pa-
ramount objects which the Association contemplate. They are,
the conversion of pauperism here into independence in British
America; the perpetuation of British connexion with that
rising country ; the extension of British trade and commerce ;
the advancement of British happiness and peace! It is impos-
sible, then, to conceive that an Association formed for such lofty
ends can fail to prosper; and in that hope and expectation, I
shall now move that the Report be received, and recorded in
the minutes of this Council, together with a vote of thanks to
the members of the Committee of Inquiry, expressive of the
AND COLONIZATION. 265
deep and grateful sense entertained of the manner in which
they have discharged the laborious and responsible investiga-
tion confided to their charge."
The resolution was seconded by SirJ. D. Hamilton Hay,
Bart., and unanimously adopted.
As a member of the Committee and Association, I then ad-
dressed the meeting as follows : — " I have looked forward, with
the deepest anxiety, to this day, when a Committee of Inquiry
should present to the public a Report which would either exone-
rate an Association, the objects of which it must ever be my
most earnest desire to promote, from undeserved reproach, or
seal its condemnation for ever. It is, therefore, highly grati-
fying to me to find that, after the most elaborate and searching
investigation, — the most careful, severe, and lengthened exami-
nation,— that the Committee have declared the Association free
from MOST OF the allegations and charges so lavishly preferred
against it. I rejoice at the opportunity which is now afibrded
me by the unanimous resolution of the Committee, of explain-
ing the objects, and vindicating the principles on which the
Association is founded.
"In taking my seat, at the earnest request of the other
members of the Committee, at their board, I consented to par-
ticipate in their labours with a firm determination to condemn
wherever condemnation was deserved ; and to declare the ex-
ecutive officers free from imputation, if, after the most diligent
investigation, I should find them free from blame. I must also
return my acknowledgments to the Executive Committee for
having endured a storm of obloquy and reproach, causing the
withdrawal of some of the most illustrious supporters of the
Association, in awaiting my return from Canada, in order that
I might hear all that had been said against them, before I heard
what they had to say in their defence.
" The most novel feature of this Association, the one which
contradistinguishes it from that of any other society, is the pro-
ject of Colonization. The acquisition of land in the respective
Colonies, by public companies, has always received the sanc-
tion of the local governments, and been encouraged by the
266 SYSTEMATIC EillGRATlON
Imperial. Private enterprise could never accomplish what
public combination could ; and hence the anxiety felt in new
countries to avail themselves of the capital and exertion of those
whose interest would stimulate them to promote their scttlc-
iiiciii . Amidst a mass of similar testimony, approving of such
couibination, I avail myself only of some portions of the de-
spatches from Sir W. Colcbrooke to Lord Stanley, together
with his replies :
** ' In the progressive settlement of a new and fertile country,
although the application of capital and labour, in clearing and
cultivating the land, forbids the prospect of any return beyond
the subsistence of the labourer and his family for several years,
yet the augmented value of land assures the ultimate compen-
sation of the landholder ; and if gentlemen possessing more or
less capital should engage, with permanent views, in such under-
takings, they would introduce a superior class of settlers who
would bring to the Colonies the morals and industry, the arts
and intelligence, which characterise the British yeomanry of
England.
" * From such elements the best means would be acquired of
establishing the principles of the constitution in the Colonies,
and by encouraging a constant influx of new settlers the con-
nexion would be perpetuated. The preservation of a bond
with the parent state must depend on a continued influx of
new settlers.
" ' In affording encouragement to capitalists to acquire lands,
I am disposed to consider that the settlement of the Emigrant
peasantry in villages is likely to be the most effectual means of
promoting their own welfare and the advantage of the country.
The social benefits thus acquired supersede the ignorant desire
to extend their acquisition beyond their means ; and tue pos-
session OF FIFTY ACRES IN SUCH A SETTLEMENT WILL BE
FOUND MORE VALUABLE THAN AN INSULATED GRANT OF FAR
GREATER EXTENT IN THE WILDERNESS.
** * That the acquisition of land by capitalists, with a view to
hereditary possession, would be compatible with such a system
of village settlement, there is every reason to conclude ; and
AND COLONIZATION. 267
the views of such a class should be directed to those liberal
pursuits, coDuected with the government and the improvement
of the country, which would insure their own ascendancy.
" Lord Stanley — ' All which it appears to me that the Govern-
ment can do towards promoting the Colonization of New Bruns-
wick, is by placing a moderate price upon the public lands, and
rendering their acquisition easy ; by circulating also correct infor-
mation concerning the Colony, so that parties may judge of the
means which it affords for the profitable employment of capital ;
and as regards the lower orders, by regulating their conveyance
to the Colony without the undue enhancement of its cost. The
rest must be left to the inducements which the natural resources
and advantages of the Colony may present; — IN SHORT, TO
THE OPERATION OF PRIVATE INTEREST.'
" Sir W. M. G. Colebrooke — * The organization of parties,
who after due inquiry should form settlements upon waste
lands, has been proved by experience to afford many advantages
to settlers where the lands acquired by them are not too ex-
tensive.
" * By this arrangement their co-operative industry becomes
more effective, and their labour is rendered available in the
prosecution of undertakings which depend on the application
of capital.
" * As the subsistence of settlers, while engaged in reclaim-
ing new lands, must either be derived from their own resources
or from employment in useful works, and as the absorption of
their private funds must prevent them from improving their
farms, a plan of settlement by which those funds may be re-
served to them, and they may be induced to afford their labour
on reasonable terms, is alike favourable to their own views and
to the public improvement.
" 'The improvement of their farms tends to augment the
security for their bonds, which so long as the interest is paid,
and the lands are improved, there can be no inducement to
enforce against them.*
" The Colonial Land and Emigration Commissioners, in re-
268 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
fer«ice to a letter of my own, also expressed themselves favour-
able to one of the principles adopted by the Association ;
*' * We cannot but think, that if the same facilities existed
for purchasing in this country the waste lands of Canada, which
have been afforded in the case of the Australian Colonies, and
of nominating Emigrants for a free passage in proportion to
the purchase-money deposited, the Colonization of Canada
would be greatly facilitated. The same sum of money would
purchase more land in Canada than in Australia, while it would
provide the means of conveying nearly four times as many
Emigrants.*
** There is, at the present time, upwards of fifty Emigrant
Societies in different parts of the United Kingdom in constant
correspondence with this Association ; they are looking with
intense solicitude to the verdict which the Committee of In-
quiry will pronounce this day, on an establishment which they
desire to sustain to the utmost of their power, from a deep
conviction that patriotism and philanthropy are quite as much
the objects of its promoters, as the less worthy one of self-
interest.
** The various parties forming these societies are far too in-
telligent to be the dupes of any association, and furnish the
very best elements of extended and successful Colonization.
By following the recommendation of the Committee ; by prose-
cuting vigorously the application for a charter ; by immediately
enlarging, and extending, and strengthening the direction, and
by persevering exertion, I believe this Association is destined
to confer incalculable blessings on Canada and this country,
to convert a suffering population in the United Kingdom into
a valuable yeomanry in British North America; strengthening
British power, and developing British American resources;
tending more than anything to allay political disturbance; and
uniting for ever in bonds of lasting amity, interest, and affec-
tion, the Canadian provinces with the British Crown."
I concluded, after some further observations, by moving
that the Commissioners be advised to act on the recommenda-
AND COLONIZATION. 269
tions set forth in the Report, and that a subscription for shares
in the capital stock be now opened, and that books be deposited
at the bankers, Messrs. Glyn & Co. ; and also for the election of
a Board of Commissioners. This was seconded by J . Bourdillon,
Esq., and carried unanimously. A vote of thanks was also
passed to the Committee of Inquiry, and acknowledged by
Mr. Barrow.
On the evening of the day following this meeting, — which
was amply reported by all the leading journals, without one
single unfavourable comment, and which created an impression
in the City highly favourable to the Association, — information
was received by the Board of the return of the ship * Barbadoes '
to Cork. On the 26th, the supercargo appeared before the
Lord Mayor, Alderman Humphery, and made the following
declaration : —
" I, Edward Light, of Penton-street, Pentonville, master
mariner, do solemnly and [sincerely declare, that I sailed as
supercargo in the brig ' Barbadoes,' on the 1st day of Novem-
ber last from Gravesend ; that, on the evening of the 22nd
day of December instant, the brig ' Barbadoes' put back, per
stress of weather, into the Cove of Cork, out from London
fifty- two days, after having run on her outward-bound voyage
to Prince Edward's Island, within 190 miles of the banks of
Newfoundland, in which latitude, owing to the continual pre-
valence of tremendous gales from the N.N.W. to N.W., and
the loss of spars, sails, and rigging, the sea making a clear
breach over the brig, sweeping away bulwarks, staunchions,
&:c. Upon consultation between the captain and this declarant,
it was deemed indispensable to the preservation of the brig and
safety of all on board, and the benefit of all parties interested,
to veer her before the wind, and seek such shelter as wind and
weather would permit. And this declarant also saith, that the
said brig * Barbadoes ' was in every respect fully equipped and
provisioned, with her stores on board, and all stores also neces-
sary for the accommodation of the Emigrants on board, ready
270 SYSTEMATIC KM IQ RATION
for sea, and could have sailed npon her voyage on the 22nd
day of October last, on which day the brig was then at Graves-
end ready for sea ; but that, in consequence of complaints pre-
ferred on that day against Mr. Haldon, by whom the Emigrants
liad been engaged, and adjourned by the then Lord Mayor to
the 24tli, and the subsequent proceedings which resulted from
the course adoi)ted by the then Lord Mayor in respect of such
complaints, the vessel was unfortunately, beyond the control of
the charterers, delayed until the said 1st of November, when
she finally left Gravesend. And the declarant further says,
that his solemn belief is, that had no such delay as that which
intervened between the 22nd October and Ist November been
thus interposed ])y the proceedings at the Mansion-house, and
the procedure of the then Lord Mayor thereon, the brig * Bar-
badoes* would have accomplished, in all human probability,
her intended voyage to Prince Edward's Island, with the same
success as the other vessels which sailed just one week pre-
viously to the * Barbadoes,* for that part of the coast of North
America, did actually accomplish theirs ; and this said decla-
rant left the Emigrants at Cork all well, contented with tlie
treatment they had received, and intending to proceed to their
original destination at the earliest opportunity next season."
On the 30tli of December, I was deputed by the Consulting
Council to proceed to Inverary Castle, to place in the hands of
His Grace the Duke of Argyll, the Report of the Committee of
Inquiry, and to express their earnest hope that he would, after
its perusal, again accord to the Association that support,
without which it was impossible for the Executive Board to
sustain it.
At the close of this year terminated my employment by the
Canadian Government ; but I liad the proud satisfaction of re-
cording also, at the close of that year, that the Emigration
direct from the United Kingdom amounted to 44,374, — a strik-
ing and gratifying contrast to that of the year preceding my
labours — 3,266; and as a thorough confirmation of all that
AND COLONIZATION. 271
I had advanced, as to the rise of property, concurrently with
the progress of population, the leading Canadian journal thus
adverts to the advance made in 1842 : —
" The value of lands is one- third higher than last year, and
I hear from good authority, that agents for individuals, or
families, or companies in different parts of the United Kingdom
are traversing the province in every direction. But, the most
convincing proof of our gradual improvement, is the daily
arrival of respectable families and skilful artisans from the
neighbouring states, having first sold their properties there for
what they would bring, to enable them to make this their per-
manent and happy home. In most cases, these persons sent an
agent to report upon the province, previously to their disposing
of their establishments in the States. The preference to Canada
has consequently been given after mature calculation and re-
flection."
1843. On the 3rd of January I arrived at Inverary, when
I lost no time in acquainting the Duke of my arrival, and re-
questing his Grace to name an hour when it would suit his con-
venience to receive me. The reply brought me a kind invita-
tion to make the Castle my abode during my stay, adding, that
his Grace, the day following, would discuss with me the matters
which I was commissioned to lay before him.
This note was accompanied by a copy of the Report of the
Committee of Inquiry, and also by a letter from the Chairman
of the Executive Committee, stating that the Board had deemed
it their duty, both to his Grace and themselveg, to depute me
to wait upon him, to lay the Report before him, together with
such explanations as might be necessary to put him into full
possession of every particular connected with the proceedings
and position of the Association.
From a copy of this letter, now before me, I make the fol
lowing extracts : —
" I have considered it my duty, my Lord Duke, to address
to you several letters since the Association fell into unjust ob-
loquy; and on every occasion I have been supported by the
272 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
consciousness that I could do so as a man of honour and honesty.
But, in this instance, I write with more freedom and satisfac-
tion, having my own conscious feelings of integrity and recti-
tude borne out and confirmed by the result of the Inquiry,
which, as your Grace will perceive, absolves myself and my
coadjutors from every imputation affecting either our discretion
or characters.
** Every means were studiously taken to render the investi-
gution a full and a searching one, as your Grace cannot fail to
perceive, from the fact that Sir John Pirie and John Walter,
Esq., M.P., were invited to join, and act upon the Committee.
I therefore confidently trust, that the Report will be satisfactory
to your Grace, as it unquestionably has been to the public at
hage.
" Upon that presumption, I ventured at the public meeting
at the City of London Tavern, to express a hope, which was
warmly concurred in, that your Grace would yet, upon being
assured that the Association had done nothing to render them-
selves unworthy of your support, feel it to be a duty which you
owed to yourself and the country, as also to the parties who had
been so unjustly traduced, to return to the President's chair.
** My Lord Duke, I have already taken occasion to urge
upon your Grace the importance of your resuming your posi-
tion in the Association. You can now do so with perfect pro-
priety and consistency ; as your reason for wishing to withdraw
from us was the allegations which you had heard to our preju-
dice. Having now satisfactory evidence at length placed before
you, by the Report of the honourable gentlemen who have
acted on the Committee of Inquiry, that these allegations were
wholly groundless, there can be no difficulty in the way of your
retaining your place at our head. Indeed, it might perhaps be
said, with justice, that there is something like a moral obliga-
tion imposed upon your Grace to do so, as a reparation for the
obloquy to which we have been exposed. But I waive this view
of the subject, and limit my anxieties on the point to the in-
terests of the Association, and to what I believe most decidedly
to be your Grace's own interest.
AND COLONIZATION. 273
" With regard to the Association, there can be no question
but that, with the very eligible properties acquired, the facili-
ties that we possess of rapidly colonizing them, the favour of
the Colonial authorities, and the support of eminent and influ-
ential men in British North America, it is calculated to be pro-
ductive of unspeakable good both to this country and to those
Colonies. Neither can there be a doubt that your Grace has it
in your power to ensure the success of the undertaking. All
that it would be necessary for your Grace to do, to accomplish
that end, would be to announce publicly, that having found,
upon due inquiry, that the surmises to the prejudice of the As-
sociation were without foundation, you again returned to the
office of its President, and would give your aid to bring it fully
into operation.
** If such an announcement were now made, after the noto-
riety which the Association has obtained, the moneyed and com-
mercial interests of the country would at once rally round it,
and render its prospects sure and permanent.
*' My Lord Duke, upon the whole, it appears to me clear,
that by adhering to the Association, you may be instrumental
in ameliorating the condition of thousands of our fellow-
creatures, in extending the resources of our country, and pro-
moting the well-being of our Colonial Empire — not only with-
out loss to yourself, but great benefit to your own noble inhe-
ritance: but I believe it is no less certain, that you cannot
recede from the Association without destroying it, and thereby
clothing yourself and a few other individuals with demands and
litigations which, from all that I have heard, I feel convinced
must lead to immense pecuniary sacrifices.
" [ shall now, my Lord Duke, conclude this solemn dis-
charge of an official duty, by leaving it to Dr. Rolph personally
to impress emphatically on your Grace the urgent necessity for
enabling us to carry the recommendations with which the Re-
port of the Committee of Inquiry terminates, into prompt
effect. It would be unjust to conceal, that whilst we urge this
as a favour to us, we urge it also as a matter of safety to your-
self. There appears to this Board no alternative between
T
274 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
carrying out tlie Association, and a series of legal proceedings,
which must involve your Grace, and all immediately concerned,
in the most grievous, vexatious, and injurious consequences.
We believe that the Association has been brought into its pre-
sent position of peril mainly by the fact of the withdrawal of
your Grace ; and we now intreat your return to office by every
consideration, public and private, which ought deeply to weigh
with a high, a generous, and enlightened mind."
This letter, which his Grace deemed " an extraordinary
one,** and the Report of the Committee of Inquiry, produced
no favouralde result. After spending several days at Inverary
Castle, and making use of every argument which I could think
of to prevail on his Grace to resume his connexion with the
Association, I came back to London empowered to report that
he declined for the present to return to the office of President ;
but that, should the recommendations of the Committee of In-
quiry be carried out, and a bill introduced into Parliament for
the incorj)oration of the Association, he would give it his sup-
port.
On my return to London, no time was lost in using every
means to comply with the recommendations in the Report.
Further steps towards procuring a charter were taken ; nego-
tiations were opened with several influential parties, with a
view to the enlargement of the managing Board ; and an
amended prospectus, detailing the properties acquired, was
drawn up.
No money having been received from the public on the
shares which had been taken up to the end of January, a letter
was addressed to the Duke of Argyll, acquainting him with the
progress made towards rectifying the damage which the Asso-
ciation had received, and setting forth the necessity for a tem-
])orary advance of £50(), to meet the current office exjienses.
This sum (the amount of his Grace*s subscription for shores)
was asked in the shape of a loan, in order that he might incur
no liability by giving it. At the same time, his Grace was
madp aware, that arrangements were progressing by which the
** Barbadoes '* would be enabled to proceed on her voyage in
AND COLONIZATION 275
the month of March ; and he was further apprised, on behalf
of Sir R. Broun and myself, that " we were using every per-
sonal effort, and devoting our entire time, not only to sustain
the Association, but also to protect his Grace against any of its
liabilities ; and that if, from not receiving any kind of succour,
or procuring aid from his Grace, we should fail to accomplish
this, our most earnest and most anxious desire, we at least should
have consolation in the reflection that we had done our duty,
and should stand exonerated by the public."
To this request, which would never have been needed had
his Grace not retired from office, and thereby destroyed public
confidence in the Association, he declined to accede.
During the early part of February, the Canadian press con-
tained full reports of the public meeting of the Consulting
Council on the 23rd of December ; and, as embodying their
general sentiments, I may here introduce the leading remarks
on the subject, of the Montreal Herald : — " After all the op-
probrium which has been heaped on the British American
Association for Emigration and Colonization, by such interested
and unprincipled speculators in New Zealand, and other Land
Companies, as Sir John Pirie, the late Lord Mayor of London,
and others have proved themselves to be, it is gratifying to read
the proceedings of the Association in our first page, which most
triumphantly refute every charge or calumny brought against
its Directors."
Towards the close of the month of February, I received from
Sir Henry Macleod, the Governor of Trinidad, then in Eng-
land, the appointment of agent for the removal of the coloured
population in Canada to that island ; but my departure to com-
mence the duties connected with that mission was delayed, by
the painful position in which I was placed through tiie difficul-
ties of the British American Association.
On the 27th of February, the Colonial Society gave a mag-
nificent dinner, at their rooms, to Sir Charles Metcalfe, pre-
vious to his embarkation from England as Governor- General
of Canada. The chair was occupied by Sir A. D'Este. It is
needless to speak of the enthusiasm which prevailed, the high
t2
276 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
hopes excited, on tliis interesting occasion : it is much more
delightful to reflect how abundantly they have been realised,
by the commanding intellect, indomitable firmness, and stern
justice since displayed by the distinguished individual in whose
honour the feast was given. On this occasion, Sir A. D'Este,
in proposing as a toast " Prosperity to Emigration," most
kindly alluded to me, and coupled my name with that cause in
the most complimentary manner.
In returning thanks for this compliment, " I trusted that I
should stand excused, if travelling out of the record, I first re-
turned, on behalf of the Colony with which I was connected,
my most grateful thanks to the Colonial Society for having
twice, during the year, paid such a marked compliment to it —
on a former occasion by the dinner given to my gallant friend
Sir Allan Macnab ; and on this occasion, for their joining in
the universal gratulation, on account of the appointment of Sir
Charles Metcalfe as Governor of Canada — an appointment as
honourable to the Government that made it, as to the distin-
guished individual that had accepted it, and which could not
but prove as serviceable to the empire, as it would assuredly
be most acceptable to the Colonists. With more immediate
reference to the toast, I was admonished by the lateness of the
hour not to expatiate on its necessities and advantages ; but I
might be permitted to say, that whilst it was too hallowed a
subject to be desecrated by party dissensions, it had never
sufficiently received the attention of any party in the state. In
the mutual relation between the parent state and the Colonies,
a judicious transfer of the |K)pulation might prove serviceable
to both — blessing that which gives, as well as that which takes
— converting idleness into industry, weeping into gladness,
solitude into activity, and barrenness into life. It would not be
like sowing serpents' teeth, hereafter to rise up into armed
men ; but converting a destitute unemployed population into a
prosperous yeomanry, that would become the most profitable
customers to the manufacturers of Great Britain. On the very
same grounds, it was highly desirable to give an incentive to
the numerous coloured population in Canada to remove to the
AJJD COLONIZATION. 277
West Indies, where, more secure and better rewarded, they
woukl prove equally as successful as those of our indigent fel-
low-subjects of the British Isles, who had obtained competence
and independence in Canada. I hoped this momentous subject
would receive the most earnest attention of the Government."
On the following day, Sir Charles Metcalfe received a de-
putation from the British American Association, and expressed
his strong desire that it might surmount its difficulties, stating,
at the same time, that, during his administration in Canada, he
should ever be most ready and willing to give to the cause of
Emigration and Colonization his utmost support.
In consequence of the ardent desire felt by the thousands
in the county of Renfrewshire to remove to Canada, who had
been, during the greater portion of the preceding year, out of
employment, and depending for their subsistence upon private
alms, I received the following communication from Mr. Craw-
ford, of Paisley, a gentleman who had been directing his ener-
gies for many years to the promotion of Emigration :
" London, 25th January, 1843.
" Sir, — As from your official situation as Government Emi-
gration Agent for Canada, and your being practically acquainted
with the wants of that Colony, and the results of Emigration of
the labouring classes and artisans from this country thereto,
you are competent to pronounce an opinion as to the soundness
of the views and wisdom of the policy recommended in the
Report of the Colonial Land and Emigration Commissioners,
herewith enclosed, on which Her Majesty's Government have
felt themselves justified in refusing (in the meantime only I
hope) the application of my unemployed and sufiering fellow-
townsmen at Paisley for the aid of Government to emigrate
to that Colony, with the view of earning an independent sub-
sistence there by their own industry, instead of being supported
in the abject and degrading condition of paupers at home. I
respectfully request your opinion on the said Report, for the
purpose of being laid before Her Majesty's Government, with a,
278 8YSTliHATIC EMIGRATION
renewed application for their efficient aid, which in every view
of the case, as a Christian Government, 1 humbly uiaiutaiu they
are bound to grant.
** I am, Sir, your very obedient servant,
" John Crawford."
" Colonial Land and Emigration Office,
♦* 9, Park Street, Westminster, January 4.
** Sir, — We have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter of the 31jjt December last, forwarding to us a com-
munication from the Home Department, relative to Emigration
from Paisley, and directing us to report any observations we
may have to offer upon the resolutions passed at a meeting of
unemployed operatives in that town.
** The object of the meeting was to renew the request which
has been so frequently made from Paisley, that aid should be
afforded by the British Government to j>ersons who are in dis-
tress, to enable them to emigrate; and the adoption of some
public measure was apparently contemplated by the meeting,
whereby the unemployed of Paisley, and all who are willing to
emigrate, will obtain free i>assage8, and be ensured employ-
ment on arrival in the Colonies. Ujx>n a resolution being
moved, expressing the willingness of the meeting to emigrate
to the Australian Colonies and the Cape of Good Hope, as well
as to North America, an amendment was carried, by a large
majority, to the effect that the meeting confined its views to
Canada, and that the other Colonies should be excluded from
the resolutions.
" As Lonl Stanley is aware, no portion of the revenue raised
in Canada is applicable to defraying the expenses of Emigra-
tion ; the object of the Paisley meeting, therefore, can only be
effected by means of the public funds of this country, if Par-
liament should think proper to make provision for the pur|>ose.
But it is our duty to state that, even then it would be doubtful
whether, with regard to the interests of Canada, it would be
prudent to send thither any number of labourers at the public
And colonization. 279
expense. The large and annually increasing Emigration which
is carried on by private funds, appears to be amply sufficient for
the wants of the Colony ; but should the supply of labour be
forced into excess as regards the capital for employing it, tbe
same evils must, we conceive, arise as those from which the
unemployed operatives of Paisley are now seeking to remove
themselves. It is obviously, we think, impossible and out of
the question that Government should take upon itself to pro-
vide employment for the Emigrants after their arrival in the
Colony : in reference to this latter point, it may perhaps be
worthy of remark, that the different Emigration Agents in
Canada, in their last year's reports, whilst lamenting the dis-
tress into which the operatives from Glasgow and Paisley had
fallen, in consequence of their want of fitness for the labour
required in the Colony, state that it was impossible to remove
from the minds of those persons the impression, that the Go-
vernment, having induced them to emigrate, was responsible
for their maintenance. It is probable that this impression had
only arisen from the fact of an agent from the Government of
Canada having been employed in Scotland in setting forth the
advantages which, in a general way, were offered in the Co-
lony to useful labourers who could find their way there ; but
it is obvious that it would, in future instances, be greatly con-
firmed if the British Government had actually furnished them
with the means of conveyance to the Colony, and they found
themselves unable to obtain employment there : much disap-
pointment and suffering might possibly result from the misap-
prehension.
" With reference to these several considerations, we have
the honour to report, that we know of no measures which it
would appear desirable that Her Majesty's Government should
take, with a view to giving effect to the desire of the unemployed
operatives of Paisley, that they should be provided with free
passage, to Canada, and be insured employment on their arrival.
(Signed) " Edward E. Villiers,
" John George Shaw Lefevre.
" James Stephen, Esq., &c."
280 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
To this coniiiiunication of Mr. Crawford's, with its accom-
panying document, I made the following reply : —
" Colonial Society, St. James's Square,
"January 26th, 1843.
** Dear Sir, — in reply to your communication of yesterday,
directing my attention to tlie recent application from the people
of Paisley for assistance to emigrate to Canada, and the Report
of the Colonial Land Emigration Commissioners, and soliciting
my views thereon, I assure you that I have been long fully
sensible of the earnest wishes of the persons you represent on
that subject. The desire I have felt to serve them has indeed
induced me to give my whole time and attention to the forma-
tioii of a Society, having for its object the relief of the unem-
ployed population of the British isles, by the Colonization of
British North America ; and although many obstacles have
most unexpectedly and most unfortunately occurred to inter-
rupt my exertions, 1 hope, ere long, to surmount them all. No
measure of Emigration, except on this principle, can be useful
to the suffering masses. The annual Emigration to Canada
has })een highly advantageous to that province, and vastly be-
neficial to those who have settled there ; but hitherto it has
been rather a partial or individual advantage than a national
relief. No American Land Company has yet adopted the prin-
ciple of Colonization, although it is an undoubted well-esta-
blished fact, that it is population alone that gives value to land.
When the Canadian Government formerly submitted the waste
lands of the Crown every year to public auction, the upset
price was always regulated by the population and settlement of
the respective townships; thus whilst in some townships the
price was fixed at 5^. i>cr acre, in others it was determined at
25«. In the township in Canada where I reside, uncultivated
land, that was with difficulty sold in 18^32 at 10^. an acre, in
1842 met with ready purchasers at £3; this rise solely owing to
the increasing |)opulation, the progress of settlement, and the
consequent demand for landed possession. During the period
when the late lamented Sir Robert Wilmot Horton belonged
AND COLONIZATION. 281
to the Government, Mr. Peter Robinson came from Canada to
procure settlers for the Newcastle district, then a dense wil-
derness, selecting his settlers from the most destitute portions
of Ireland. It was not labourers either for the public works or
for resident settlers that he came, but to procure persons to
settle on the public domain. At that period all the expenses
connected with Emigration greatly exceeded what the same
extent of Emigration would amount to at this time. But mark
the result ; the Government undertook the partial Colonization
of the Newcastle district, at that time, at great expense : but
not only are the townships then peopled amongst the best cul-
tivated in Canada, but the people are the most thriving, pros-
perous, happy, contented, loyal yeomanry to be met with in
British North America. In a moment of imminent peril, at
the call of Sir Francis Head, and during a Canadian winter,
they left their homes, performing a long and laborious march
to defend the Government, then attacked by internal rebellion
and foreign assault. In the assessed value of these townships
is to be found the incontrovertible proof, that private enterprise
and private gain might be enlisted most successfully in the
promotion of large Colonization. Every township in Canada
furnishes proof of augmented value from increasing population.
It is no experiment ; the townships of Cavan, Wilmot, and
many others have been settled by poor industrious labourers,
whose labour has created capital. For the sake of argument,
I assume that the Emi<?ration from the United King^dom of
1842, by every channel, amounted to 60,000. The population
of Western Canada amounts nearly to 500,000. Of this popu-
lation the home district contains by far the largest proportion,
viz., nearly 80,000. It is an important fact, that this beautiful
district retained nearly a fourth of the Emigrant population
that arrived and were distributed through it during the last
year, and that there were some portions of the same district
where the demand for labour was not satisfied.
" I will now, with your permission, proceed to examine the
letter addressed to Baillie Murray by the Colonial Commis-
sioners, making such observations as may, I trust, be serviceable
28^ SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
In llii'unal can-.' of I .iiii:: i at'nm, and not witlitml Ix'iictit lo
those tor wliuiii )uu aru more iininetliately interested, the dis-
tressed inhahitants ol" Paisley and its vicinlly. ' It is uncjues-
tioiuihly true/ the (Joiniuissiouers stiitt- in iln ir K( jxti t, ' ihat
the large and annually increasing Emigration, which is carried
on by private funds, appears to be amply sufficient for the
wants of the Colony ;' it is unquestionably true that this Emi-
gration so carried on may supply the demand for labourers on
the public works of the province ; that it may, in some degree,
but in a very small one, supply farm labourers for that j)ortion
of the province near its great arteries of communication ; it
may even hap))en that, for a short period, a sudden influx of
Emigrants may occur, all of whom may not instantly find
employment ; more especially if, as has frequently been the
case, they confine themselves to one or two localities, instead
of spreading over the province. It has happened, and it may
again happen, that some temporary distress may be occasioned
from this cause ; but it has hitherto speedily passed away, and
is not to be compared with the deep and enduring distress from
want of employment i>ervading the greater ]>ortion of the
United Kingdom. But even on this appearance of supply for
' the wants of the Colony,' the very iniportant question arises,
what are the wants of the Colony? The Colony possesses vast
tnicts, almost illimitable in extent, of the most fertile land,
easily accessible, and by the cultivation of which its resources
would be developed to an extent of which our statesmen,
whether in Park-street or at the Colonial Office, seem little
aware. This is its most pressing want : it wants well-directed
lalwur. With this material it is equal (with its sister Colonies)
to the su|»|»ly of whatever quantity of grain or provisions the
United Kingdom may re([uire; in return, it would take a vast
quantity of the manufactures of its parent — thus conferring
and receiving benefit at the same time. Can it be said that
this want is yet, even in apj^earance, supplied to the extent of
one-twentieth part? It will not be so stated by any one who
is the least ac(|uainted with our North American Colonies. At
the same time, it is not a mere deportation of dcv^tiditc and
AND COLONIZATION. 283
ignorant men that can be expected to produce the most favour-
able results; though, even in such cases, there are many in-
stances of the complete success of men under these adverse
circumstances. I allude to the case of 279 Highlanders, who,
late in the autumn of 1841, arrived, destitute and penniless, at
Quebec, having emigrated from the Island of Lewis in the most
helpless condition. They were without money or the common
necessaries of life; the period of their arrival was most ill-
timed, — the commencement of a Canadian winter, when they
were precluded from agricultural employment, and could only
be occupied in tasks (the felling of timber, and the manufacture
of ashes) to which they were unaccustomed. To add to these
difficulties, they spoke no other language than the Graelic.
They would not separate, and they were resolved to cast their
lot with some of their brethren who had preceded them, and
who had fixed their abode in the Switzerland of America — the
eastern townships. Through the humanity of the citizens of
Quebec and Montreal, funds were obtained to send them to the
townships, and provision them for the winter. They set to
work, and, by the manufacture and sale of ashes, they passed
through the difficulties of the first season very well. Imme-
diately before their potatoe crop was ready in the last summer,
139 Emigrants, from the same portion of Scotland, arrived,
and forced themselves upon these new settlers. For a time,
the most appalling misery recurred, the inevitable result of this
extreme improvidence. Through the timely aid of Mr. Frazer,
of Sherbrooke, the threatened famine was averted ; and I feel
perfectly sure, that even this, the very woret case of improvident
Emigration on record, has been attended with this result, that
not one of the settlers in the townships of Bury and Lingwick
would exchange their present for their former situation on any
consideration whatever.
** If it were necessary to multiply instances, I could refer
to the Emigrants sent out by Lord Bathurst, in the years 1817
and 1818, and again in 1824, the whole of whom had no reason
to regret the exchange, and who have proved themselves most
useful Colonists. These men were Paisley Weavers; but not
*284 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
one of them has returned to Paisley to again encounter the
evils he had there experienced in preference to those of his new
ahode ; hut many of them have sent home money to their poor
relations, to enable them to join them. In fact, the result of
this Emigration was most satisfactory.
" But the great desideratum for the benefit of Canada is the
establishment of a fixed well-regulated system of Emigration
and Colonization, by which the Emigrants should not only be
conveyed cheaply, and with due regard to health and comfort
to their future abode, but should be located there by those
whose judgment and experience enable them to prevent the
evils that sometimes have resulted from the unaided eftbrts of
the distressed and ignorant. This was the plan pursued in the
townships to which I before alluded ; and thus it is that the
wants of the Colony will be supplied, not only in the cultivation
of her lands, but in those other most important wants which
every loyal Canadian will agree with me call earnestly for at-
tention. Canada and the other provinces want well-directed
labour to cultivate their lands ; they want a British population
to defend their frontier, and to repress rebellion, should any
unfortunate circumstances call the loyalty of the province into
action. And here I can, with pride and heartfelt satisfaction,
advert to the way in which those Emigrants who had been gra-
tuitously carried out, met the call of their country ; grateful
for the benefits they enjoyed, they eagerly rallied round their
Governor, and repaid the expense of their location by military
service, at a time when it was most urgently required. To
these brave men, and to the spirit shown by the Canadian Bri-
tons in general, does Her Majesty owe the retention of that
most valuable portion of her dominions; and to them do the
merchants of Great Britain owe the preservation of that exten-
sive and increasing outlet for their manufactures. The Colo-
nial Commissioners remind Lord Stanley that recourse must
be had to the Imperial Government for such a purpose ; and to
what source should we look fur funds to effect a great and last-
ing good to the Empire at large? The application of capital to
tfuch objects, and to the supply of the several wants of these
AND COLONIZATION. 285
Colonies to which I have alluded, and which, in spite of the
appearances to the eyes of the Colonial Commissioners, are still
very far from being satisfied, would do more to secure regular
supplies of British corn raised by British industry, to rivet
British influence, to increase British commerce, and relieve the
distress of the poor of the United Kingdom, than all the corn
laws, poor laws, and tariffs of the collective wisdom of the great
contending factions of the state have yet been able to devise.
" The Commissioners proceed, * Should the supply of labour
be forced into excess, as regards the capital for employment,
the same evils must, we conceive, arise as those from which the
unemployed operatives of Paisley are now seeking to remove
themselves.* When bodies of Emigrants return from Canada,
as they have lately done from the United States, without em-
ployment or support ; when all the waste lands of Canada are
cultivated and her farmers no longer anxiously look out for
assistance to extend the dominion of the plough; when the many
millions of acres yet affording sustenance only to a few strag-
gling hunters, shall possess an ample population, and be con-
verted into meadows and corn-fields, then may we look for such
a state of things as is here anticipated. But I fear that Park-
street will be doomed to change its occupants many times, and
even the Colonial Office will have become the seat of many con-
tending parties in succession, before such a state of things will
exist in a country possessing the vast field for employment, aud
the easy means of access to it in almost every direction which is
afforded by British North America.
" Meantime the hypothesis of a supply of labour in excess
of capital for employment is wholly inapplicable and absurd .
The poor man's labour is his capital ; if he is unable, either by
his own means, or the assistance afforded him by others, to set-
tle on a few acres of his own, he puts that capital out to interest,
by working for his more wealthy neighbour till he can obtain
the few articles he wants, to set up on his ovm account. This
has been the case with thousands in Canada, and will, it is to
be hoped, long continue. The Emigrants from Paisley would
not, when once settled under a wise and prudent system, be-
286 SY.^TKMATIC EM Ki RATION
come subject to ' the same evils from whicli they are seeking
to remove themselves/ They would not there be subject to the
starvation and misery tliey are enduring at home.
** But the Conmiissioners think tluit it will be impossible for
Government to provide the Emigrants with employment on
their arrival in the Colony. How can this proposition be pre-
dicated of a country where such magnificent works are still in
progress, and for which the Government have already made
provision by their guaranteed loan ? — while the Welland and
St. Lawrence Canals, and the many other great works now
commenced or contemplated, are unfinished, a demand for
labour must arise, independent of that required by private per-
sons, and by the operations of the public companies that have
been formed for the Colonization and settlement of Canada.
The judicious employment of the capital of a large and power-
ful Association in the location of Emigrants from the United
Kingdom cannot fail to yield a due return for the investment,
while the demand for labour thus created will employ in a man-
ner most advantageous for themselves, and for their country,
vtist numbers of those who are now useless to the community,
and scarcely able to obtain a miserable existence for themselves.
When I am told by such high authority, that it is impossible for
the Government to find employment for the Emigrants on their
arrival in Canada, I do not presume to contend that one single
Association can effect what the Imperial Government deems im-
possible ; but I fearlessly assert, that such an Association, well
conducted, and well supported by those who ought to take an
interest in improving the condition of their fellow-creatures,
and, above all, by the strenuous exertions of the labouring
classes themselves, may do much to the supply of the wants of
thousands, who are now alike useless to the nation and to them-
selves, who are now pining in hopeless misery, or lookinu: with
anxiety to a Government which they have been taught in l.c-
lieve will extend its protection and aid even to the lo^^(st of
its subjects.
" But as to this allo_ir<^<l impossibility, let us exniiiiiif wliat.
has already been done. 'I'lu ic are three great com pjmir- ilnady
AND COLONIZATION. 287
established, having for their object the improvement of the
waste lands of Canada. Two of them, supported by a respect-
able proprietary, and managed by directors of undoubted talent,
have confined their views to Emigration alone ; but their opera*
tions have not been attended with the success -which every
such undertaking richly deserves. But the Canada Company,
adopting plans which partake more of the nature of Coloniza-
tion than either of the others, has been crowned with eminent
success ; its shares are at a premium, and its shareholders are
dividing their profits at the rate of six per cent, per annum.
This is a proof of the advantage to arise from a conjoined sys-
tem of Emigration and Colonization ; and the more care and
attention bestowed on the Emigrant after his location, the more
certain and speedy will be the return to the capitalist who shall
undertake the task.
** I should, however, like to ascertain what is meant by
impossible. It is not impossible to introduce poor-laws, to ex-
pend large sums of public money in the erection of work-houses,
or to pass severe and stringent laws for the collection of the
rates and the management of the poor. Would it not be
equally possible for a wise and provident system of Emigration
to be established ? or for such encouragement to be afforded
to capitalists, whether as individuals or companies, to adopt and
carry on such a system, and to extend the benefit of their plans
to the very poorest classes 1
*' The Commissioners have done me the honour to allude to
my exertions in Scotland on behalf of the Colony of Canada, as
though I had misled the Emigrants * in setting forth the ad-
vantages which, in a general way, were offered to useful la-
bourers who could find their way there.' I have used every
endeavour to lay before my fellow-countrymen the advantages
they might reasonably hope and confidently expect to reap
from their Emigration to Canada; but I never yet stated directly
or indirectly, nor to the best of my knowledge have I ever
used any expressions tending to create an impression, either that
funds or employment would in any event be supj)lied to them
by the Government. I do not, however, enter into the reason-
288 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
iiig of the Coinmis-ioncrs, tliat from some [)Ossible misappre-
hension on this head, much disap})ointment and suffering would
possibly result. If these gentlemen were acquainted with the
Colony in question, they would know that the disappointment
would be but partial, and the suffering but temporary.
** The Commissioners have spoken of the * wants* of the
Colony, but there are other * wants' which, though perhaps not
in their department, equally merit the attention of the Govern-
ment; I mean the 'wants' of the unemployed poor in this
country — of your own fellow-townsmen at Paisley, and of the
many thousands who are unemployed and starving in so many
districts of the empire. They want employment and food ;
the North American Colonies can supply both, but there is no
bridge by which they can pass over. Let Government build
the bridge, or let them give encouragement to individuals to
do so, exacting or authorising the payment of a toll. In other
words, if they will not take up the great question of Emigra-
tion themselves, let them give such powers to those who will,
as may, under proper regulations, not only secure a proper and
legitimate return for the expenditure, but also ensure the last-
ing benefit to those who may be glad to avail themselves of
such a resource. By this means the wants of the Colonies and
the wants of the wretched poor at home will alike be satisfied,
markets for our trade will be extended, the connexion of the
distant portions of the empire will be riveted, and the Govern-
ment will obtain the thanks and blessings of thousands who are
now ready to perish.
" I have the honour to subscribe myself,
" Dear Sir, your obedient servant,
" Thomas Rolph."
Notwithstanding the disinclination of the Duke of Argyll
to resume the office of President, his Grace readily admitted
that the necessity for the removal of his surplus population
was so pressing and urgent, that he would join any Association
that might be established for this purpose, and that if the
Hrltl>]i A uierican Association could be restored to public favour
AND COLONIZATION. 289
and confidencej be would use his utmost exertions to procure a
charter for it, and obtain it the support of his friends. To
effect the restoration of public confidence, I left nothing un-
tried, or undone. I had organised a valuable Provisional Com-
mittee, and had every prospect of succeeding, when the ship
" Barbadoes" was brought back to London, and some of the
creditors of the Association singled me out for their attack. I
took the most public opportunity, after the Report of the Com-
mittee of Inquiry had been made, and sanctioned by, a public
meeting, of sending the following letter to the Editor of the
Emigration Gazette ; and I feel perfectly persuaded, that had
I received the least aid in my exertions from those members
whose duty it was to support it, it would have been at this time
one of the most useful and flourishing institutions in the British
realms.
" 29, New Bridge Street, Blackfriars,
" February 22, 1843.
" Sir, — ^The Committee of Inquiry appointed to investigate
the various charges which had been lavishly preferred by a
large portion of the public press, during my absence in Canada,
against the British American Association, having only just now
terminated their arduous and protracted labours ; and feeling
more than ever thoroughly convinced of the vast utility, prac-
ticability, and profit, to be derived by the working and esta-
blishment of a powerful Company, having for its object the
promotion of Emigration and Colonization in British North
America, as a measure of national relief, as well as Colonial
benefit ; and further, having discovered, by this rigid and
searching investigation, the causes which led to the difliculties,
deficiencies, embarrassments, and limited operations of the
Association, I not only, Sir, avow my determination, in the
most public manner, still to adhere to it, but I have also re-
solved to invite around it again, in conformity with the special
recommendation of that Committee, all its original supporters,
patrons, and friends, and confidently trust to see it, under en-
larged and improved direction, proper and efficient manage-
u
290 STSTBHATIO EMIGRATION
ment, and zealous and well-directed exertions, brought into
immediate and extended oj>eration. I am, Sir, emboldened to
adopt this course, alike from a conviction of its necessity, as
well as from Imvinir found a strong disjxisition, recently evinced,
by many who have the ability, power, and the means to join
me in this etfort ; and with the view of strengthening them in
their resolve, I propose to lay before your readers and the
public, some facts connected with the progress of settlement in
America, and its advancement in prosj>erity consecjnent thereon.
** The whole history of America is an existing visible proof
that it is po])ulation which gives value to land ; and that even
land of very inferior quality is of far greater value with a popu-
lation, than land of very superior quality without. Precisely
in the ratio in which population increases does the value of
land also augment. Within the memory of the present gene-
ration, two hundred acres of land could have been purchased
on Long Island, in fee simple, for a less sum than is now ob-
tained from the annual rental of one single acre. In the States
of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, the land bordering
on the Canadian frontier readily sells for as many pounds per
acre, as superior land in Canada, immediately contiguous to it,
is with difficulty sold for at as many dollars. The Canada
Company, hitherto the only successful Land Company esta-
blished in British North America, for the acquisition and sale of
lands, purchased numerous blocks of land, scattered through
the various districts of the province, called Crown reserves.
In addition to these purchases, they procured a very extensive
territory in the western districts of Canada, called the Huron
district, in one huge block ; but the latter land, though unsur-
passed in intrinsic excellence by any land on that continent, bore
no proportion whatever to the much larger price obtained by
them in those spots where neither soil nor climate equalled that
of the Huron tract, but where there was already a considerable
population planted, inducing others to join, and demanded by
the rising families of those settled. Even in those townships
in the Huron district where the quality of the land is inferior,
the land obtaining the highest price, and most generally sought
AND COLONIZATION- 291
for, is that where an existing population is to be found. That
Colonization contains within itself every element of wealth, is
clearly to be deduced from the rapid increase in the value of
those lands that have been long settled, and well peopled.
Some portion of the Bathurst district was first peopled by the
distressed inhabitants of Scotland ; the townships where they
were distributed had many local disadvantages, detracting from
their value ; indeed they might be said to have been, when un-
peopled, nearly valueless. They abounded in swamp; they
were in many parts densely and heavily wooded ; there were no
roads nor bridges, and great labour was required to be expended
on them before they could be brought under the dominion of
the plough ; above all, they were remote from market, they
were distant from inland navigation : and therefore the early
settlers laboured under great and severe disadvantages. Still
these men, from Highland districts, not skilled in agriculture,
but possessing strength, good-will, and perseverance, succeeded
in obtaining independence, and have cheerfully assisted in their
contributions to the relief of their suffering brethren in Scot-
land. Zorra, a township abounding in Scotch settlers, is ano-
ther striking instance of the immense increase in value de-
pendent on an increase of population. It is remote from market,
and has only received much addition to its population within
these last few years ; yet that increase has raised the value of
its uncultivated lands from two to six and eight dollars per
acre. The township of Eramosa is another most successful
example. These are the results of partial, unaided Emigration
from Scotland. Another instance, well deserving of notice, is
to be met with in the Newcastle district, in those townships
which were settled by the people from Ireland, that were con-
veyed to Canada by Mr. Robinson. The result of this Emigra-
tion was not only most gratifying in the townships, but led to
the establishment of two flourishing and important towns,
Peterborough on the River Otanabee, above the Rice Lake,
and Port Hope, on Lake Ontario. Churches, mills, stores, and
a large and thriving population, attest the value and importance
of these towns, the result of a partial Emigration of but a few
u2
292 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
years. The township of Adehiide, peopled within a very few
years, principally by Irish, who had to contend with many and
most serious diHiculties, is now in a most flourishing and satis-
factory condition, and its still waste lands greatly enhanced in
value. The beautiful vicinity of Woodstock, settled by English-
men principally, now surrounded by elegant mansions and well-
cultivated farms, contains many individual properties of some
thousand pounds value. The rich township of Dumfries, which,
little more than twenty years ago, contained only twenty fami-
lies, is another most striking instance of successful settlement.
At that time its lands were selling by the Honourable Mr.
Dickson and Mr. Shade, at 175.6c?. per acre; a high price
under such circumstances, but which arose from their peculiar
excellence and advantageous locality. This township now con-
tains 6,000 inhabitants ; and leaving out of the calculation the
very valuable properties in Gait and the other villages, its wild
lands, favourably situated, readily obtain twenty dollars an
acre. An influx of 6,000 inhabitants has given, in twenty years,
an increase of value to the surrounding undisposed-of land, in
about ten-fold proportion ; to that, in cultivation, an increase
much more extraordinary. But suppose the whole 6,000 had
been located by the exertions and enterprise of any public-
spirited proprietor in one or two years, what a rich harvest
would he have reaped for his labours? The increase of value
arising from increase of population may almost be reduced to
arithmetical calculation.
** Sir Allan Macnab, in a recent communication to me,
informs me, that the splendid tract of land bordering on the
Grand River, and belonging to the Six Nation Indians, abound-
ing in the finest timber and richest soil, and a locality un-
equalled in Canada, amounting to 150,000 acres, is at the
disposal of the Association, on the most favourable and advan-
tageous terms, payable in ten yearly equal instalments. An
enormous profit may be made in such a district, possessing the
most fertile soil, salubrious and agreeable climate, and enjoying
one of the best water communicalions in the province, long
before the ten years would expire, from tlie judicious planting
AND COLONIZATION. 293
of many thousand Emigrants each year, while each band would
add greatly to the value of the lands near which they would be
located. It must not be forgotten, that the remission of duty
which has lately taken place on many of the Canadian articles
of produce, the still further indulgence with regard to flour,
contemplated by the present Ministry, and the imposition of a
j^rotective duty on corn and flour sent from the United States
into Canada, has already added very greatly to the value of
Colonial lands. The alarm consequent upon the first alteration
of the timber duties having subsided, it has been found that
the white pine, at any rate, still commands the English market ;
and that in the other descriptions, the competition with the
Baltic is not so hopeless as was imagined. My attention has
hitherto been confined to the remote, though fertile districts of
Western Canada. Let me now take up the question, in regard
to the scarcely less productive tracts in the eastern division of
the province, where the Association has secured some extensive
seigniories, which possess the important advantage of water-
carriage, and a very short distance from the great and valuable
shipping ports of Montreal and Quebec. I will adduce the
noble seigniories of Carufel and Lanaudiere, on the north side
of the St. Lawrence, and on the banks of that beautiful stream,
the River Maskinonge, a river which science would easily
render navigable, and would thereby open a vast communication
with the extensive lake of the same name, and with an enormous
extent of land only requiring population to acquire value. In-
deed its very impediments, giving great hydraulic powers,
afibrd mill seats which would, by their sale or rental, defray
the cost of the necessary improvements. The pine of the
north would, for years, afibrd ample employment to any num*
ber of saw-mills erected on this valuable stream, and the rich
lands around the lake, and its many fine tributaries, would
keep at work a number of grist-mills well calculated to afibrd
an ample revenue to the owners. The same arguments apply
to the valuable seignories of D'Aillebout and De Ramsay,
situate on the banks of a river already navigable to within four
miles of their limits, and flowing directly to the St, Lawrence.
294 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
They offer a fine field for the British agriculturist who purposes
to forward his produce to the English market, while the timber,
from the various streams and lakes intersecting the properties
in every direction, can he easily floated down to the place of
export. In both these districts the judicious formation of
villages or small market-towns would add ten-fold to the value
of the remainder of the property. The careful selection and wise
encouragement of the first band of settlers on these noble pro-
perties, would ensure the well-being of those who might follow;
and the rapid demand for the land, consequent on the safe and
certain market for its produce, would operate in a geometrical
ratio to the speedy settlement of the whole of these important
and valuable seigniories, and on the most advantageous terms.
Nor is precedent wanting to demonstrate that these prospects
are neither speculative nor visionary. The now wealthy and
prosperous settlers in the Johnstown, Newcastle, Home,
Prince Edward, Gore, and London districts, more especially in
the townships of Edwardsburg, Cavan, Wilmot, Waterloo, &c.,
bear ample witness to the great advantage to be derived from
judicious assistance to industrious settlers ; and I am fully
borne out in boldly asserting, that had the assistance which
was afibrded by the British Government to many of the settlers
in the Newcastle district, been merely loaned to them, instead
of being freely given, the present great and improving value
of their flourishing farms and happy homesteads, would have
enabled their now independent proprietors, formerly destitute
labourers, easily to have discharged their debt.
** It would be diflicult, indeed, to overrate the present advan-
tages and the prospective value of the estates acquired by the
Association on the most eligible and accessible portion of the
coast of Gasp^. Indeed, this territory oflTers such signal, such
peculiar facilities for the settlement of industrious Emigrant,
the profitable and permanent occupation of wood-cutters, miners,
or coal-workers, fishermen, &c., that, in my present letter, I
can only glance at some of the more prominent features, which
recommend it to them for occupation, and to capitalists for
investment. And in reference to these points, it may be suffi-
AND COLONIZATION. ^5
cient to remark, that it possesses, in the first place, the best
harbour. Port Daniel, in a coast line of 150 miles ; that within
the limits of the bay, by which it is indented, one of the most
productive fisheries to be found in those latitudes offers a sure
and annual harvest of abundant profit to all who, encouraged
by the lucrative experience of the American adventurers, who
have hitherto almost exclusively engrossed the benefit of the
fishing, may choose to embark in it. That immediately adjacent
to tliis port, and included within the limits of this magnificent
property, a rich coal-field, of 3,500 acres, occurs in the precise
locality where it can be most advantageously worked for the
supply of that fuel, the consumption of which will be limited
only by the increasing demands of the growing steam-naviga-
tion, which, year after year, is connecting the remoter, and
multiplying the intermediate points of communication along
the vast sea-board of British America. On how advantageous
terms this Gaspe property has been acquired, a single fact may
perhaps demonstrate; nearly four times the amount of the
entire purchase-money to be paid by the Association for the
whole territory, was offered for a portion of it, only six years ago,
by a company of intelligent American capitalists, resident in the
United States, and who, from the vicinity of their position,
must be presumed to have been well qualified to appreciate its
value. It has been also demonstrated, in the prospectus now
being issued by the Association, that the quantity of timber ne-
cessary to furnish the large saw-mills, the annual profit in the
produce of which is estimated at many thousand pounds ster-
ling, can be supplied off this property for sixty years to come.
" The conclusion is obvious and irresistible, and the course
of the Association capable of demonstration. Its funds are
invested on lands — on land which must improve, more or less
rapidly, according to the measures pursued, and the success in
obtaining good settlers ; the success will depend on the encou-
ragement held out, which it has been determined shall be so
regulated as to afford to perseverance and industry the certainty
of the full reward which they so well deserve ; and to those
individuals who may be impelled by enterprise, patriotism,
296 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
legitimate profit, ;uul wanii philanthropy, to embark their
capital — a safe invcstinent, and highly remunerative return.
" I am, Sir, your most obedient servant,
"Thomas Rolph."
On the 10th of March, a meeting of commercial gentlemen
took place at the House of the Association, W. Richardson,
Esq., in the chair, when after considering the arrangements for
land, and discussing the principles of operation, the following
resolution was unanimously adopted : — "That this meeting con-
siders the Reports made, and the statements submitted, to be
highly satisfactory, and such as to afford a well-founded gua-
rantee for entertaining the opinion, that the Association, upon
its original principles, should be steadily carried out ; there
appearing to this meeting to be no valid room for apprehend-
ing that the Association, under an extended and efficient
management, can fail to be attended with the most eminent
success, whether considered with reference to the interests of
the shareholders, or the benefit of those classes who intend to
emigrate."
The Duke of Argyll having arrived in town on the 20th of
March, the day following, a letter was addressed by Sir R.
Broun to his Grace, acquainting him, that since my return from
Inverary, every possible exertion had been used by us to com-
ply with those suggestions which had been thrown out in the
conferences which I had then had with him ; that the circum-
stance, however, of his Grace's declining to return to the office
of President, and refusing any pecuniary aid, had hitherto pre-
sented an insuperable barrier to making the progress which
otherwise would have been successfully realised ; that the sum
of £193,000, (as shown by the prospectus then ready to be
issued), would not only cover all the past expenses, but place
the shareholders in the possession of properties amounting to
443,594 acres, estimated to be worth not less than £400,000,
taking into account the joint objects of the Association ; that
his Grace had it still in his power, by his personal co-operation,
to fill up the vacancies in the manuging Board with men of
AND COLONIZATION. 297
sufficient influence and wealth to carry out the Association on
its original principles; that we tendered our aid to his Grace
and the other shareholders for that purpose ; but that should
he, however, decline the overture made on our part, we had
then no other alternative left but to relinquish any further
efforts to sustain the Association ; that his Grace was aware,
from the beginning of these troubles, that we had looked upon
this matter as one less of money than of reputation ; that the
whole loss that would eventually accrue to the shareholders, if
the Association could be sustained, could not exceed one or two
thousand pounds; that if an Association called for by the
urgent distress of multitudes of our suffering fellow-countrymen,
and which contemplated the highest aims of philanthropy and
commercial enterprise, should be allowed to go down, it must
be upon his Grace's responsibility; and that, in such a case,
we should have to accuse ourselves of no laches in this matter,
and had now no other alternative left, than to convey to him
these our joint conclusions.
Even at this eleventh hour, £500 would have saved the
Association; but, acting under the most fatuous advice, his
Grace took no notice of this letter, and shortly afterwards the
establishment was completely broken up. Upon this event it
is unnecessary for me to pronounce any opinion ; but consider-
ing that, within a twelvemonth from this date, the New Zealand
Company has suspended its operations, after an expenditure of
£500,000, it is to be hoped that the Sir John Piries — and their
name was Legion — who discovered a mote in the vision of the
British American Association, will sooner or later discern the
beam in their own. On this subject I shall not further dwell ;
but it is some satisfaction that the close of my long corre-
spondence with Lord Cloncurry, in 1839, contained the fol-
lowing monition :
" Having now, my Lord, trespassed greatly on your patience,
respecting the state and condition of the western hemisphere,
permit me to say a few words respecting South Australia and
New Zealand. Of the former, it being a Colony of the British
Crown, I cannot but wish it prosperity ; but surely the melan-
298 STSTBMATIO BMIG RATION
choly accounts received this sumincr, and the utter impossibi-
lity of its* recjuiring much labour, from its naturally sterile soil,
will induce reflecting persons to pause before they make up
their minds to proceed to our Antipodes. Of New Zeahind, 1
must say, that its connexion with Great Britain is disputed, and
will continue to be disputed ; that the title to property is alto-
gether defective ; that its distance is extreme : but, leaving all
these disadvantages out of the question, the following account
of the natives, from disinterested autliority, would prove suffi-
cient to quell the mania which has existed about emigrating
to it.
** In Mr. Murray's admirable descriptive geography, written
as recently as 1834, and speaking of New Zealand, he says,
* The natives are of a different race from those of New Holland,
belonging rather to that Malay race which predominates in the
South Sea Islands. They are tall and well formed, with large
black eyes ; they are intelligent, have made some progress in
the arts of life, and are united in a certain form of political so-
ciety. These circumstiinces, however, have only tended to
develope, in a still more frightful degree, those furious passions
which agitate the breast of the savage. Each little society is
actuated by the deepest enmity against all their neighbours ;
their daily and nightly thought is to exterminate them ; and
when they have gained the guilty triumph, it is followed by the
dire consummation of devouring their victims. Among the
many projects which have been lately floating through the
minds of our countrymen, one has been to form a settlement in
this country, for the purposes of Emigration ; but surely, till
every other sphere is exhausted, no wise man would venture
into a situation where the colonists would soon And themselves
in a hostile position with regard to the natives, and would be
every moment in danger of being attacked, killed, and eaten
by these furious savages/ — Pages 1506 and 7, EncycloptBdia of
Geography ^ edited by Hugh Murray^ ^Q't FJ{,S.j Edinburgh,
** Extract from Mr. Marsden's letter to Mr, Bickersteth,Sept.
26, 1831 : — * What the New Zealanders are indignant against
the Europeans for is, their joining cither party in their wars.
AND COLONIZATION, 299
This conduct they will resent, unless those in authority take
measures to prevent it. Many desperate characters, who either
are or have been convicts, escape to New Zealand, and mix up
with the natives, and are capable of committing any crime.'
'* * Mr. Marshall was asked. Do you conceive that it is in
the power of the natives to destroy all those European resi-
dents, whenever they should feel an inclination so to do ? — I
think it is almost always in their power. The exceptions are,
when there are a number of whalers laying in the Bay of
Islands, and all those whalers are generally armed ; and when
His Majesty's vessels are there, which are, of course, armed
vessels ; then they would fear a retaliation.
" * These New Zealanders were formerly represented as a
most ferocious race ; according to your statement, they must
be very much improved of late. To what do you ascribe the
amelioration of manners? — There, again, I must distinguish
between two sets of New Zealanders, the one body consisting
of the natives that have been brought under the influence of
your Christian Missionaries ; and by frequent intercourse with
your European settlers of the better class, have, in some mea-
sure, become moulded into the character of the men with whom
they have associated. Another body of natives, those, for in-
stance, among whom we were dealing, have never been visited
by missionaries ; they have never felt the influence of a more
civilized society in their midst : and whether they are more or
less ferocious than they formerly were, I have no means of say-
ing, or whether that ferocity ever was what it is generally
stated to have been, I cannot say.' "
On the 28th of March, the following memorial was pre-
sented to the Prime Minister, by 1865 leading merchants,
bankers, shipowners, and others of the City of London, show-
ing—
" That the memorialists are of opinion, that Colonization,
conducted on a large scale and sound principles, offers a safe
and effectual means of augmenting trade, afibrding employment
for various classes, and removing some of the causes of general
distress; and that, impressed with the necessity of doing
300 SYSTEMATIC EMIGBATION
souietliin^^ lor improving tlie state of the country, they earnestly
hope that Her Majesty's Government will take the subject of
systematic Colonization into their immediate and serious con-
sideration, with a view of ascertaining in what manner the best
practical results may be attained.
" That the memorialists address themselves to the head of
Her Majesty *8 Government, because they conceive that, in the
present condition of the country, the subject of systematic
Colonization is rather of great national importance, than one in
which the Colonies have a particular interest."
About the same period a special meeting of the Colonial
Society was held, the Earl of Mountcashell presiding, when
the two following resolutions were carried unanimously : —
** That in the opinion of this Society, extended Emigration
would materially conduce to the welfare of the whole British
Empire, and that the state of the whole British Empire is emi-
nently deserving of the serious and immediate attention of Her
Majesty's Government.
** That this Society, identified as it is with the well-being of
the Colonies, considers it to be its duty, at the present period, to
submit to her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the
Colonies, its earnest hope that his Lordship will use his power-
ful influence to promote and extend Colonization, as a measure
of great relief and importance to the Parent State, as well as
one in which the Colonics have an immediate and vital interest."
These resolutions were embodied in a memorial, and pre-
sented by the Earl of Mountcashell, Colonel Taylor, Mr. M.
Martin, and myself, to Lord Stanley, as a deputation from the
Society.
On the Gth of April, Mr. Charles Buller brought forward
the general subject of Colonization, in the House of Commons,
in a speech of great ability. In the general views of that gen-
tleman I concur, but certainly not in those relative to Canada ;
and that portion of his speech I extract, in order to state my
objections to it : —
" A plan for this object has been suggested, of wliich 1 will
briefly state the outline, for the purpose of its being fully con-
AND COLONIZATION. 301
sidered, both here and in Canada. The Government might at
once determine to take into its own hands the whole of the wild
lands in Canada, compensating the proprietors for the present
value of them. For this purpose a general valuation of all the
appropriated wild lands of the province would he the first step
necessary ; a process, doubtless, requiring some time and ex-
pense, but nothing like what the mention of a general valuation
suggests to us in this country. For it would be wrong, as it
would be impossible, in Canada, to fix a special value on each
acre. The value of an estate there is mainly determined by
considerations of position and general character, which apply
to vast extents of territory, and every valuation, therefore, must
be framed on a large scale. The present value of all those
lands might easily be ascertained ; for though, if all brought
into the market now, they would probably not sell at all, still
there is, in every district of Canada, a price which it is calcu-
lated that a purchaser wishing to buy any particular lot would
give for it, and below which the proprietors would generally
entertain no ofier of purchase. This would be the value ; but
it should be provided, as I think is just in all cases of compul-
sory appropriation for public purposes, that the compensation
should always equal any sum actually paid for the land by the
present proprietor. The value might be as much higher as the
valuers might think that altered circumstances had rendered
just; but the price actually paid by the existing proprietor
should always be the minimum of the value placed on his estate.
The proportional interest of each proprietor of wild lands being
thus ascertained, I do not propose that the Government, on
taking the land, should compensate him by actual payment of
the estimated purchase-money. For recollect what the actual
value of the land to those proprietors is. It is totally unpro-
ductive ; it brings no rent ; no money can be raised on it, even
by way of mortgage. It has a kind of fancied value in the
market ; but even this value is a deferred one. At the present
rate of settlement, the proprietor cannot count on getting any-
thing from his land for many long years. In taking the wild
land, therefore, we may fairly say that the Government takes
302 STSTSMATIO EMIGRATION
that which brings in no present income, and cannot at present
be 8old. If the Government, in taking the land, ensures to
the proprietor a payment of its value at as early a period as he
would get it in if left in his own possession, he is no loser; if
the Government, having got possession of his wilderness, can,
by means of a sound and vigorous system of Colonization, sell
the land faster than he could, he is a gainer. I should propose,
therefore, to pay the proprietor by debentures in a land stock,
of which the total amount should consist of as many pounds
as there would be in the total estimated value of the property
resumed, and of which each proprietor's share should be of the
amount at which his own lands were estimated. On these de-
bentures I would pay no interest, because I see no justice in a
claim for interest where the property taken brings in no income.
But as the Government sold the land, it should pay each pur-
chaser a dividend, until the whole stock was paid off. Thus,
suppose there to be 14,000 000 of acres of surveyed and appro-
priated, but wild land, in Upper Canada ; and that the value of
this were to be taken at four millions — I have really no reason
for fixing this value, but take it quite arbitrarily, because I must
take some number^I would create a stock of four millions.
Suppose one proprietor has 10,000 acres, valued at £1 a piece;
another, also 10,000 acres, estimated at 2s. a piece. The first
should have £1,000. Neither should receive interest; but,
supposing £100,000 to be got in the year by land sales, over
and above prior charges on the proceeds, I would apply this
sum to pay off the stock, which I should thus reduce 2 1-2 per
cent., and the first proprietor would get £250, and the latter
£25. If the land sales produced an applicable fund of
£1 ,000,000, a quarter of the whole stock would be paid off*, and
the first ])roprietor would get £2,500 and the second £250.
My argument to recommend this to the proprietors would be
very simple. I should say to them, that by this arrangement
they would get as much as they can ever expect under the pre-
sent system to get for their estates ; that in the hands of the
Government, vigorously employing itself to give a value to
those lands by a sound system of disposing of them, and by a
AND COLONIZATION. 303
large measure of Colonization, the whole price would be much
sooner got than it could be realised by the absentee proprietors;
and that whereas they now get no annual return, each proprietor
would, in proportion to the Government sales, and without any
exertion on his own part, get an annual instalment of greater
or less amount. I should further remind them, that, at any rate,
by this arrangement they would secure theniselves the original
purchase-money of their land, and something more, if the pre-
sent value was greater than the original cost; and that, if
things are left as they are, they will infallibly, according to the
general practice of North America, and the received notions of
public justice current there, be subjected to a wild land tax,
imposed either by general or by municipal authority, which will
more or less rapidly take their estates from them, without any
compensation at all. The arrangement, therefore, is one which
must be advantageous to them. The advantage to the public
would be, that the Government would thus get the whole of the
granted wild lands into its hands, and might establish a plan
for giving an increased value to them and its other lands, by a
sound system of disposing of them, subject to no obstruction
from private competition, and by applying the surplus proceeds
to promote extensive Colonization.
" Of course it cannot be supposed that I mean any extensive
improvement of the country to be effected merely by the actual
produce of the land sales in the first years of applying this
system. I contemplate, as was proposed in my Report, antici-
pating that produce by a loan. The payment of the interest,
and then of the principal of that loan, would be the first charges
on the purchase -money of the land. But I should propose that
this House should guarantee the payment of the interest ; and
this, not because I believe that it would ever be called upon
actually to pay, but because such a guarantee would admit of
the money being raised at a very low rate of interest. Sir,
even if this country should actually have to take the debt upon
itself, and pay the interest for ever, I would not scruple, con-
sidering the object to be attained, to propose our taking the
burden upon ourselves. Suppose that a loan of two millions
304 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
should be raised at four per cent., which would amount to an
annuul charge of £80,000, and that by means of the system thus
established, we could, as I feel very confident we should,
double the present annual amount of Emigration to Canada.
Who would refuse to pay £80,000 a-year, in order to enable
*10,000 more of our countrymen to emigrate every year? It
would be carrying on Emigration at the rate, after all, of £2
a-head. And if these 40,000 Emigrants were landed in Canada,
and, from paupers fed by our bounty, became customers de-
manding and paying for our goods, the cost incurred on their
account would be paid over and over again, by the mere addi-
tion to our revenue which would result from the increase in
our trade which they must create. But I lay this down merely
as a position, which I should not scruple to defend, if driven to
it. I have not the slightest fear of the produce of the land
sales proving insufficient for the discharge of every claim upon
it."
To these propositions of Mr. Buller, I offer the following
objections :
Tlie proposition that Government should resume the owner-
ship of the lands, is perfectly untenable. These lands, now
held by individuals, are a source of public revenue to the
country, that is to each district, and taking Mr. Buller's esti-
mate, of 14,000,000 of acres, the various districts would lose a
revenue applicable to local purposes only, of about £20,000
annually. Of course the moment the lands now held by indi-
viduals should pass to the Crown, that moment this local tax
would terminate, and a direct tax would then have to be levied,
to meet the purposes provided for by the present tax upon
wild lands.
Mr. Buller contends that it would be wrong " to fix a spe-
cial value on each acre," and therefore steps must be taken to
obtain a general valuation. By the recommendation of this
step, he manifests great want of knowledge of the country
that he proposes to colonize. He would not value each acre
separately, but he must value the lots as they are laid off, as
they are patented ; and it frequently occurs, that one lot may
AND COLONIZATION. i^Oo
be worth 205. an acre, while the adjoiiihig lot is almost value-
less; and Mr. BuUer would find, that in purchasi-ng from the
present proprietors, he would receive no small quantity of this
latter quality, and, except by compulsion, not a great deal of the
former. A large quantity of the wild lands of Canada are held by
substantial farmers, who have families growing up, and who have
invested a large amount of their savings in procuring this
domain, for settling their children as they grow up. Is it
reasonable or right that these men should be deprived of their
investments, that when their children become of a suitable age
to clear the forest, and commence the world for themselves,
that then, and only then, the parent is to look out for lands
upon which to settle them ; and this because the parent state
has taken from him his individual property for her redun-
dant population? The idea is not to be entertained for one
moment ; and it is only surprising how Mr. Buller could have
conceived this notion of despoiling the honest yeomen of the
country.
With regard to the possessions of large quantities of land,
which Mr. Buller calls estates, and speaks of them in a manner
as though these 10,000 acres were in a block and formed but
one estate, as regards these individuals, they are for the most
part involuntary possessors of the same. The Montreal and
Quebec merchants have taken these lands in payment from the
country merchants who became possessed of them in the course
of business. Is it right then to say to these gentlemen, — the
Government want your lands, and you must give them at such
a price as we think they are worth ? You have paid 20^. an
acre, have paid taxes on them for several years, until the lands
have become more valuable ; but you must forego all these,
and yield up your claim to us? It is true, that the interest of
the investment, together with the tax, will have doubled the
amount of your original purchase; yet, if you paid £5,000 at
the time, and now by these means they stand you in £8,000,
you must charge the £3,000 to profit and loss ; for we cannot,
and will not, pay you more than you paid for the land fifteen
or twenty years ago? — Could this be called justice?
X
306 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
If the full value of the land is to be paid, what necessity
is there to re-convey to the Government, more especially if
land fairly aj)praised was to be allowed to form a portion of
the capital stock of a voluntary Association for Colonization.
In 1840 many proprietors were willing to make free grants,
how far more ready would they be to unite their lands with
British capital, to render them useful and productive. Indi-
viduals are just as capable of effecting sales as Governmetit
agents; and generally those Emigrants who purchased from
individuals, are more successful in their labours than those who
purchase from the Government. Few, very few Government
sales are punctually closed ; and this being known, the Emi-
grant seldom exerts himself to comply with the terms of his
purchase.
It is then said that the land is entirely unproductive, as
it now remains, in the hands of the proprietors ; and for this
reason, the Government should not pay interest on the amount
of purchase. This is not the case. The country is constantly
settling, and of course the more it settles the more valualde
the lands become. But Mr. Buller would not only take the
lands at a set valuation, instead of a fair appraisement by those
who were willing to unite their lands with the British capi-
talists, but, after having done this, would deprive the pro-
prietors of the right of drawing interest on the amount of sales
effected with the Government ; when it is well known that in
all such transactions Government, as well as individuals, in-
Tariably charge interest from the day of sale, and it is certain,
if Colonization was carried on by means of their lands and
British money, they would receive the same dividend as the
individual investing capital.
Mr. Buller states, ** that at the present rate of settlement,
the proprietor cannot count on getting anything from his land
for many long years." This also is incorrect. Take any of the
counties in the eastern districts for example : lands, the pro-
perty of individuals and of the Canada Company are settling
fast, while Government lands are comparatively seldom pur-
chased ; and even in those cases where Government lands are
AND COLONIZATION. 307
becoming patented to individuals, it arises from individual
enterprise, and is frequently more of a private arrangement
than a transaction with the Government.
But in alluding to " the present rate of settlement," Mr.
Buller does this in contradistinction to his proposed measure,
and would lead to the inference that his Colonization scheme
would settle it rapidly. Mr. Buller, however, has to learn a
few facts connected with any forced system of Emigration.
The Emigrants whom he calls pauper Emigrants, who are to
be shipped to Canada at a cost of £2 a-head, are not generally
the Emigrants who will turn to woods and forests, and aid in
bringing the land under cultivation, without lands were pre-
pared for them, habitations erected, and every inducement held
out to them to persevere in their new toil. Then indeed they
might and would flourish.
Mr. Bttller is wrong, when he speaks of the present rate
of settling the country ; he is wrong when he says the lands held
by individuals cannot be sold; and he is wrong when he says
that they do not increase in value as they now are : but he is
perfectly correct in saying that all that is still comparatively
profitless, would be immediately valuable and productive, and
add value to all around, if any sound system of Colonization
was established, whether it was by the Government or by pri-
vate combination.
After alluding to the scheme of issuing debentures, he
then says, "supposing £100,000 to be got by land sales!!!"
How does he expect to obtain this £100,000? By sales of
lands to Emigrants, who cannot afford to pay their passage,
but who are sent out by the Government at £2 a-head. Does
he intend to exact the full payment down, when this needy
Emigrant goes on the land ? If so, where is it to come from?
All who know what a Canadian bush-life is, are aware that
this is impossible ; — nay more, unless such Emigrants have ad-
ditional aid to the amount of £10, £15, or £20 for the first
year or two, it will be a hard matter for them to get along at
all. With this aid, only to be procured by conjoining the
means of the capitalist with the voluntary subscription in capital
x2
308 SYSTICM.Mli' I.Mli.K-AllON
Stuck, oC the tracts uf hiiiii retained by the hmd-owner, and this
fairly appraised, can Colonization be rendt i < <l imitually bi nc-
ficial and available to all parties, — landowners, capitalists, and
Emigrants.
Mr. Buller then says that **hi8 argument to recommend
this to the proprietors would be very simple." I think he is
mistaken if he supposes these proprietors would give up their
** estates" for half their cost: although I do not doubt that
Government would use its energies to give a value to those
lands, when they belonged to it, and by which means the pre-
sent proprietors would soon receive their pay. Of course this
additional value, after parting with property, must be a great
consideration ; and to receive half the value of property in a
short time, when the proprietors could afford to wait a longer
period, and obtain the full value, is, to say the least of it, a
very feeble argument, — that Government would take their
** estates," and give them an acknowledgment for them ; and
when Government sold these estates, they would pay them 2 J
per cent. : and to render this transfer the more valuable, they
would receive this 2J per cent, on the capital, without having
anything to do or say in the matter. He would then tell them
" that if things are left as they are, they will infallibly, accord-
ing to the general practice in North America, and the received
notions of public justice current there," be subjected to a wild
land tax, which will ultimately take their land without any
compensation.
The tax upon wild land must be in proportion to the
taxes upon other property, and there is no fear in Canada of
any " notions of justice" depriving people of their lands without
paying for them. But mark the injustice in this matter. — As
soon as Government obtains the possession of those lands, and
they are no longer opposed by individuals, they will give an
increased value to the lands, and this by individual sacrifice.
This is surely not a characteristic of British Justice.
I certainly agree with Mr. Buller, that the mother country
should pay the expense of Emigration. The relief afforded to
the Empire is of infinitely greater value than the benefit con-
AND COLONIZATION. 309
ferred on the Colonies ; and if an annual appropriation were
made, and properly expended, some good might be done. If
there is an inclination to pay for Emigration, many plans have
been suggested, by which Emigrants might be induced to take
to the tilling of the soil, and by which they might be prepared
to endure the hardships of a forest life. Were this done, not
only the 40,000 Emigrants spoken of by Mr. Buller, but
1,000,000 might indeed be converted from so many paupers
into so many consumers of British manufactures, who would
increase England's trade and Canada's exports : but if Mr.
Buller s plan were to be adopted, and these 40,000 Emigrants
were not to be provided for for the first year of their residence
in the Colony, they would only be so many paupers sent from
England, without benefit to themselves, to Canada, to the
mother country, or to any class of the community. The only
legitimate scheme for Colonization is to render the consideration
of land, equitably appraised, an equal equivalent to money,
combining it in subscription as the capital stock for such an
Association ; and in the proper selection, judicious distribution,
and comfortable location of Emigrant families, it would then
become a valuable arrangement and profitable investment.
On the 5th of August I left Liverpool, and arrived at
Boston on the 19th, and proceeded to Canada, to make all the
necessary arrangements for the removal of such of its coloured
population who might desire to accompany me to Trinidad.
The same motives which had led me to espouse the Emi-
gration of the unemployed labouring classes from the United
Kingdom to Canada, induced me to advocate, still more
strongly, the voluntary removal of the coloured population
from Canada to the West Indies. Sir Henry Macleod, after
several conferences with me on the subject, appointed me the
agent for that purpose in Canada, on behalf of Trinidad.
The present anomalous condition of the coloured people in
British North America, and of Canada in particular, the cer-
tainty of the serious declension of West India property, and
diminution of West India produce, without a very large addi-
tion to the labourers in those Colonies, equally conspire to ren-
310 SYSTEMATIC ElflORATlON
der this Emigration one of great national interest and import-
ance. Their numbers in Canada, at the present time, scarcely
fall short of 20,000, and they are annually increased by the
successful escape of numy fugitive slaves from the United States.
They abound principally in the Western District, where a strong
and unconquerable aversion on the part of the white inhabi-
tants is felt to them on many grounds. In making their escai>e
from slavery they encounter incredible hardships, great priva-
tions, and run the most imminent risk of capture. They have
to travel through many hundred miles of hostile territory,
sleeping in morasses, caverns, or in trees, during the day, and
pursuing their journey in the night. But few females accom-
pany them ; thus amalgamation, and sometimes outrage, has
heightened the prejudice with which they are viewed by the
white people. Further, they occupy that field in the Western
District of Canada, which its inhabitants have always desired
to reserve for their ])oor and industrious fellow-subjects from
the British Isles. I am far from disputing their full right to
equal countenance with the labourers from the United King-
dom ; but I am stating an undeniable fact. They are looked
upon with disfavour ; they are excluded from the public schools ;
they are appointed to no public situations ; they have great
difficulty in obtaining land ; they seldom advance, from their
less ability to cope with the climate than Europeans ; they con-
sume their summer's eaniings by their winter's necessities; and
they therefore present an unfavourable contrast with the hardy
white labourer, who soon becomes acclimated, and by his phy-
sical energies exchanges poverty for independence. But whilst
the negro in Canada is rarely seen greatly to improve his con-
dition as a settler in the woods, many int<tances have been seen
of their extraordinary progress in those more genial climates,
the West India Islands ; and some who went to Jamaica
from Canada, through the first generous assistance, in that be-
nevolent cause, of Niell Malcolm, Esq., are amongst the grati-
fying proofs of this success. Mr. Hiram Wilson, a person from
the United States, who has devoted liiiiiself for years past to
the improvement of the coloured population in Canada, gave
AND COLONIZATION. 311
the following answers, in 1839, to a series of interrogatories
forwarded to him from Andover, in the United States : —
4. " Do they settle promiscuously among white inhabitants,
or in villages by themselves ? — They are located in settlements
by themselves in many parts of the province, and are also scat-
tered among the white inhabitants. The most populous settle-
ments are in the Western District, near the head of Lake Erie.
In that part of Canada which is the most southerly point, they
are very numerous, and rapidly increasing. In the London
District there are two settlements, besides a considerable num-
ber in and around the village of London. One of these settle-
ments is called the Wilberforce colony. It is situated sixteen
miles west by north of London. Though much has been said
about the Wilberforce colony, it has never flourished, and is
now inferior to several other settlements. The population is
not over 100. Immense sums of money have been collected for
the benefit of that colony ; but unfortunately it has fallen into
perfidious hands, and is worse than lost. Large numbers are
scattered abroad in the Niagara and Gore Districts, partly in
settlements, partly in villages, and partly interspersed through
the country. In the Home District they are quite numerous,
particularly in and around Toronto. There is quite a large set-
tlement of them in the county of Simcoe, seventy miles from here,
where the Government granted them lands of the best quality
for one shilling per acre. Large numbers have enlisted in the
military service. Queen Victoria has a regiment in the province
divided into companies, and stationed at different military posts,
for the protection and defence of the country.
5. " Is there much prejudice among the inhabitants; if so,
in what forms is it exhibited ? — In some parts of the province,
particularly along the frontiers, the coloured people are con-
siderably annoyed by the same inhuman prejudice which is
most shamefully prevalent in the States. Where ' old country
people ' have the ascendancy, and consequently the moulding
of customs and manners, there is not the same prejudice to dis-
turb them. Prejudice against colour exhibits itself on this
side, much as it does in the United States ; but even where it
31*2 SYSTEMATIC EMIGUATION
is the strongest, the culourcd people have the satisfaction of
knowing that the hiws arc equal and impartial, and that they
stand upon the same broad platform of natund and constitu-
tional rights with those of the florid hue. Prejudice in this
country, as in the States, obtiiins rather among the ignorant
and vicious than among the intelligent and respectable. It is
evidently unnatural, of slaveholding affinity, hellish in origin,
and ought to be rebuked and dismissed from the human breast,
and sent down to its proper place.
6. ** How does the climate agree with them, and do they
look upon Canada as their permanent residence? — The cli-
mate agrees with them. They are generally a vigorous, athletic,
and healthy people, except in cases where their constitutions
have been impaired previously to their entering the country.
Generally they do not regard this country as their
PERMANENT HOME, uulcss slavcry should be perpetuated in the
southern States. Should a general emancipation, for which
they long and pray, take place, the majority would soon speed
their way back to the embrace of their brethren and kindred
at the south. It is to be remembered that this afflicted people
have, in most cases, broken away from cruel oppression, and at
the same time sundered the dearest ties that bind human beings
together ; hence it is natural to suppose, that if their grievances
and civil disabilities were removed, and they could enjoy un-
molested what the American Declaration declares to be the
inalienable right of all men, * life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness,* with rare exceptions, we should see them making,
if possible, greater speed to the south than they ever have
northward. I have long l>een familiar among these self-exiled
ones, and do not doubt their readiness to return to their kin-
dred and country, as soon as their safety and the restoration of
their rights would permit.
7. ** In what business do they chiefly engage? — They have
generally been bred up to industrious habits, and are ready to
turn their hands to any employment by which they can gain an
honest livelihood. Considerable numbers are engaged in nie-
chunic:d pursuits. They find constant employment, and many
AKD COLONIZATION. 313
of them are doing good business. Some are carpenters, some
house-joiners, masons, white-washers, painters, blacksmiths,
shoe-makers, tailors, &;c. (fee. Many are engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits. In some instances coloured men have been
very successful cultivators of the soil, and many more would
be, but for the fact that they have not the means of purchasing
land. Numbers of them are engaged as small traders, jobbers,
day labourers, barbers, cooks, waiters, &c., in public houses,
and on steam-boats and schooners. Unless broken down by
misfortune, old age, or infirmities, as is sometimes the case,
they all take care of themselves."
Being myself an ardent friend of the coloured race, and
agreeing in the main with the substance of Mr. Wilson's replies,
I am bound to state, that the magistrates of the western dis-
trict, who form a very different estimate, in 1840 addressed a
powerful appeal to the Government, in which document, after
stating the grounds of their objection to their extension in that
district, prayed ** some legislative check might be placed upon
the rapid importation of this unfortunate race, such as have of
late inundated this devoted section of the province, to the great
detriment of the claims of the poor Emigrant from the mother
country upon our consideration. We deem it desirable, that
the increase of the coloured population in the various town-
ships, during the last five years, should if possible be ascer-
tained from the public documents of the district, and that the
different assessors should be requested henceforward either to
enter them separately in their rolls, or to distinguish them by
some particular mark opposite their names, so that their num-
ber and date of arrival may be readily ascertained.
" In the mean time, most happy shall we be if the publicity
given to our too well founded deliberate opinion on this lament-
able subject shall not only have such an effect upon the more
respectable coloured settlers as a body, as to induce them to
institute among themselves some reciprocal wholesome watch-
ful check upon each other's moral conduct, but lead to so
vigilmt au observance, on the part of all magistrates and other
public officers, of the character of all new comers in their
314 8Y8TEMATIC EMIGRATION
neighbourhood, as shall tend to discourage any further impor-
tation of this unfortunate race. "
Thus, whilst the white inhabitants of Canada are instituting
measures to keep the coloured population from settling within
their limits, the proprietors in the West Indies are calling out
for their labour. In pursuance of my duties, I met the co-
loured population of the Western District at Colchester, Sand-
wich, and Amherstburg, on the 5th, 6th, and 9th of October.
They assembled in throngs to listen to me, and I addressed
them as follows : —
** My Friends, — 1 thank you for your very numerous atten-
dance this day, as well as for the cordial congratulation I have
met with from you on my return to this province. In the year
1834, I had the honour of being elected unanimously your
agent ; and, since that period, it has afforded me the greatest
gratification to liave represented you in the two large conven-
tions, held in the British metropolis in 1840, and during the
present year. You will not, therefore, readily believe that I
would accept of any situation, proffer you any advice, furnish
you with any information, that I did not conscientiously believe
was for your permanent improvement, advancement, and pros-
perity.
" You are well aware that, since the year 1839, I have been
entirely devoted to the promotion of Emigration from the
parent state to this province ; and, during a great portion of
that time, in the public service, with the sanction and by the
authority of Government. It was no desire on my part to see
my fellow-countrymen and subjects leave their mother country,
that induced me to undertake the arduous and responsible duty
of imparting that information and knowledge which they sought
for previous to their embarkation ; but a sincere wish that their
occupation and settlement, on their arrival here, when they
had voluntarily determined on removal, might be facilitated,
and that they should not wander through the province without
some previous acquaintance as to those localities where they
were required, and might be profitably employed. Of the
thousands of my fellow-countrymen, — whether the peasantry
AND COLONIZATION. 315
from England, the labourers from Ireland, the fishermen and
yeomen from Scotland, or the miners from Wales, — who have
settled in this province, I can lay my hand on my heart and
boldly declare, that never have I received, from any one
amongst them, one word of upbraiding or reproach, but that
uniformly I have received their warmest and most grateful
thanks for the information which I afforded them before they
left their native shores.
" I have no desire to see you remove from Canada, nor any
intention of advising you to do so ; but when I compare your
present situation with what it might be, with the same amount
of industry employed in a more genial clime, and under far
more favourable auspices, I could not refuse the situation
offered me by the Governor of Trinidad, during his visit to
England in the early part of the present year, of agent in this
province, to afford such of you as desire to remove to the West
Indies every information that you might possibly require. For
NO OTHER PURPOSE, AND WITH NO OTHER OBJECT, HAVE I AGAIN
CROSSED THE ATLANTIC OcEAN ; and after hearing, at the con-
vention held in London during this year, the numerous instances
of the successful advancement of the coloured population in
the West India Islands, I should not have done my duty to
you in declining an appointment that might prove advantageous
to you, beneficial to Trinidad, and gratifying to the people of
this province. I, therefore, crave your earnest attention to
what I have to advance on this subject. You know, and sen-
sibly feel, the extent of prejudice which has been imported
from the United States into this province ; how effectually it
has debarred every individual of your colour from holding any
situations in the Church, at the Bar, in the Magistracy, in the
Senate ; how frequently it has excluded you from the public
schools, exposed you to popular violence, led to the surrender
of some of your body, claimed by the adjoining republic, and
interposed every obstacle to the admission and enjoyment of
those social and political privileges on which your welfare es-
sentially depends. Frequently driven from the public con-
veyances both by water and by land ; separated from the white
316 RYJ>TRMATH' I-MK.HATION
coiiiiminily, c«|ually in j»la(.•t'^ ul" juihlic \vur>lnj» aud public
aniusemeut; there appears no possibility of your making any
advancement in this province, or removing the universal pre-
judice against yourselves. During the unhaj)py disturbances
which agitated this Colony in 1838, a young coloured friend of
my own, the son of a wealthy planter in the West Indies, who
had been well educated, and had acquired considerable distinc-
tion for eminent services he had rendered during an awful
hurricane in Barbadoes by his great nautical talent, shouldered
his firelock, and stood a voluntary sentry, to preserve the
country from the devastation of civil war, and the incursions
of a foreign banditti. He would receive no remuneration for
his services ; they were the impulse of his brave and loyal
spirit : but when a regular naval force was to be raised for the
defence of the province, and to be stationed on the lakes, I did
write to some of the authorities, asking, as a personal favour,
as well as a reward to the valour of this young man, that he
might receive an appointment as a commissioned officer, or its
rank, without its pay ; but this was refused, and solely on ac-
count of his colour. His merits were admitted, his services
acknowledged — but his request denied. I will not multiply
instances, but I may tell you that in the West Indies these
anomalies do not exist ; that a coloured gentleman represents
the largest and most wealthy constituency in Barbadoes ; and,
in Trinidad, one gentleman of the council, and another a sti-
pendiary magistrate, are coloured gentlemen. I have been
informed this day, by one of the most intelligent of your body,
that you hope to overcome all these difficulties and disadvan-
tages, by a considerable accession to your numbers from the
United States; permit me, my friends, without offence, to point
out to you the utter fallacy of any such expectation, and this I
can do by reference to undeniable facts. It is only since your
numbers have so greatly augmented, in this beautiful section
of Canada, that all the farmers in the adjoining township of
Gosfield have united together in firm resolve never again to
give employment to a coloured man ; it is only since your
numbers liave so increased, that Nelson IlarkLt >v;i- -( » ixted
AND COLONIZATION. 317
in a dungeon to be given over to his master, and that Mr.
Gallego was thrust out of a public steam-boat, a public stage
coach, and a public tavern, whilst travelling on the public ser-
vice, and as an accredited agent of the Government of Jamaica.
But to come to a more perfect comparison of numbers. In the
western half of Canada, there are upwards of half a million of
white inhabitants — there are less than 20,000 coloured. The
number that escape from United States' slavery, and arrive
safely in this province, does not amount to 2,000 yearly ; whilst
the Emigration from the United Kingdom, during the past
year of 1842, amounted to 50,000 souls. You will further
remember, that it is only in the Niagara district, in the vicinity
of St. Catherine's, and in this western section of the province,
where your numbers abound, that such fearful extent of preju-
dice exists; and, therefore, when these facts are considered, in
conjunction with the abundant and ample testimony furnished
by the Anti-Slavery Society in England, as to the wonderful
improvement to be witnessed in the West India islands by per-
sons of similar colour, it is only just that you should be in full
possession of these facts, in order that you may best judge for
yourselves which is most to your advantage, — your continued
residence in Canada, or your voluntary removal to the West
Indies. The island of Trinidad, of which I am commissioned
to speak, is large, fertile, healthy, and, to a great extent, uncul-
tivated. The Government offer to you nothing more than your
passage thither, and employment on your arrival. You will
not be debarred from any political privileges, nor your children
excluded from the public schools. The public domain is given
to no one ; industry and idleness are not placed on the same
level. The industrious man can soon, by his own efforts,
obtain means to purchase and possess it ; the idler deserves to
go without. It is my intention to accompany those of you who
resolve to go to Trinidad, if the lateness of the season and the
defective ordinance of Trinidad does not oppose an obstacle.
Should it do so, however — and after my correspondence with
the merchants of Quebec I fear it may — I purpose visiting that
island, in order to report to you on my return, by the period
318 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
when the navigation of the St. Lawrence will permit those of
you who desire to remove to it, the opportunities which its soil
and agricultural occupation otter for your consideration. One
of your friends, William Augustus, — whom you will remember,
and whom I can never forget, as he was one of the deputation
wlio presented me with the valuable token I received from
your body, — wrote to his friends here that he had succeeded
beyond all expectation in Trinidad, and that it is his firm
opinion that its rich savannahs and profitable employment hold
out extraordinary inducements to those of you he has left
behind. With all the advantages of this section of Canada, its
richer soil, and its softer clime, you have to labour seven
months for your maintenance during the remaining five, closed
against you by the climate; whilst in the West Indies there is
no impediment on the score of climate to your constant, un-
interrupted, and profitable occupation.* After all that I have
said to you, it is for yourselves to determine whether you
remain or remove ; but I should alike fail in my duty to yon, to
my own conscience, and to the Government that has honoured
me by constituting me its agent, did I not further tell you that
it is after all on yourselves only that your success depends.
" Almighty God has declared, by a decree as immutable
as himself, that * by the sweat of his brow man must earn hid
bread ;* and do not suppose that withovt the exercise of that
industry^ even in your removal to a country more adapted to
your constitutions, possessing more fertile soil, and genial
climate, you can either secure his blessing, your own advance-
ment, the respect of your fellow-subjects, or the furtherance
of that holy and righteous cause — the emancipation of your
fellow-creatures, millions of whom are still held in cruel bond-
age in the adjacent republic of the United States."
The favourable opportunity, afforded by the disposition of
vast numbers of these people, who met me at this convention,
and who were most desirous of proceeding to Trinidad, was
* William Au^stus, in his leUer, has stated that an industrious black
labourer can sare more in one year in the West Indies, than he could by any pos-
sibility in Canada in seven.
AND COLONIZATION. 319
then lost by the inefficiency of the ordinance of that Colony to
furnish the sufficient amount required to bring them through
tlie chain of lakes to Quebec ; and this year, the obstacle to
their removal is in the Home Government, which considers
their removal of ** doubtful advantage."
This official ambiguity, which, in saying nothing, intimates a
great deal, is in entire variance with the opinion of the whole
white population of Canada — in direct contradiction to the
testimony adduced of the prosperity of the coloured population
in the West Indies, at the two great conventions held in the
City of London — and is viewed by the West India proprietors
as an act of hostility to their interests. The coloured popula-
tion, both of the British provinces and the United States, are
not reluctant to quit those countries for the West Indies ; they
are well aware that the slavery which did exist in the British
Colonies was far different from that now existing in the United
States ; that instances of purchased manumission were very
frequent ; that by the restriction on the sale of them from one
island to another, they were domiciled and settled ; and that
the transition from slavery to freedom, by the wisdom of the
previous preparation and wise precaution, became so natural
'^>>aiid imperceptible, that the blessed boon was unstained by
tumult, violence, or excess, indeed was celebrated by grateful
thanksgiving, and prayer, and praise. The lateness of the
Reason, and the inefficiency of the provision for their removal,
compelled me to postpone my operations until the present
season, when they were altogether stayed by the determination
of the Colonial department not to place on the estimates for
Trinidad the allowance for an agent in British North America.
I left Canada in the month of November, with the intention
of proceeding to Trinidad, having made an application to the
Government of Canada for a pecuniary advance to enable me
to do so, but on receiving a communication from Sir Charles
Metcalfe, regretting there were no public funds at his disposal
for that purpose, but most generously proffering his individual
assistance, on personal grounds, which I did not feel warranted
in accepting, I resolved to visit England, en route to Trinidad,
^20 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
and left New York for that purpose, and arrived in this country
at the close of the year.
The Emigration to Canada, at the close of 1843, amounted
to 21,727; exhibitin<^, as contrasted with the preceding year, a
decrease exceeding 100 per cent.
1844. In the early part of this year, that aggrandizing
spirit which was so actively evinced by the American republic
during those disturbances in Canada, which immediately pre-
ceded my mission to this country, and to which I shall have to
advert in the sequel, was exhibited in reference to the Oregon
Territory, or North Western Boundary of America. As a
general extract upon this most important national subject, em-
bodying as it does the views of the whole American people, I
shall confine myself to the following speech of an eminent
senator, delivered in the Congress of the United States on the
12th of March :
" Mr. Buchanan referred to the negociations that had
already taken place between the two countries, the treaty by
wkich the joint occupancy was agreed upon, and the renewal
of this treaty in 1824. The question now is, * Shall we now,
by passing this resolution before the Senate, advise the Presi-
dent to annul this treaty?' If it is annulled, both parties will
be restored to their original rights. The boundary of Mexico
is limited to 42 degrees north ; Russia 54 degrees 40 minutes
north latitude ; and the country in dispute lies between these two
points. And to every part of this territory our title is a clear
and conclusive title ; and when the bill for forming a territorial
government for Oregon comes up, I intend to present such a
chain of evidence, as to our title to the whole of it, to this
Senfite, as cannot be gainsayed by any power on earth. The
question is, ought we to give this notice to Great Britain, — that
the joint occupancy of Oregon cease. I say, that if we are to
make a treaty at all with that power, it is indispensable that
we should give this notice. The statu in quo is too favourable
to England for her to give up what she has got. She has had
exclusive possession for twenty-five years. She has leased it
AND COLONIZATION. 321
out to the Hudson Bay Company, and they boast that they
have expelled the Americans from Oregon ; and it is certain
that they have murdered 400 or 500 Americans, either them-
selves, or through the agency of Indians employed by them.
But why should England wish to divide this territory with us ?
She has full possession of the whole of it. And no doubt if we
could go into the cabinet of Mr. Pakenham, we should find
that his instructions are. Delay the question as long as you can ;
delay it indefinitely if possible : we have the entire hunting and
trapping over the whole of it ; and if you can keep back the
settlement for twenty years, so much the better. And my life
for it, there will be no treaty at all if this resolution is laid on
the table, as I have no doubt it will be. Let the motion to lay
on the table prevail, and there will be no treaty at all, whatever
may be the instructions of Mr. Pakenham. We owe it to our-
selves to make this a serious matter, to show a determined
front in this business ; not to use threats, because threats will
have no effect on that powerful nation. But when she sees
that we are in earnest on this matter, then, and not till then,
will she show a disposition to settle the matter. For it is not
by conciliating her that we shall ever obtain justice. And if
we do give Great Britain this notice, we shall then have a whole
year to settle the matter in. But if, because a minister has
arrived from England (not a special minister,) we arrest all our
six years' proceedings on this subject, and lay this whole sub-
ject on the table, then a treaty will be impossible. And to
arrest all our legislative action merely on this account, would
be to show a miserably tame spirit, that would induce England
to believe that she could obtain all that she desires. I hope
this will not be done by an American Senate.
** If after we ground our arms merely on the arrival of an
ordinary minister from England, why we deserve to lose the
territory. But we are told that the giving this twelve months*
notice might give ofience to Great Britain. How can it give
offence, when by so doing we shall only act in obedience to the
provisions of the treaty ; and if the British Government chooses
to take offence when none is intended, in heaven's name let
y
922 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
them be offended. But we are to do nothing ; not to take
any steps for assisting our people to occupy that country,
for fear of giving offence ; whilst they are going on, hunting
for furs, building mills, opening the country for agricultural
purposes, enjoying all the trade with Eastern Asia ; whilst we
are told to let her alone for twenty-five years more, till our
people go on there with the ploughshare, and then, like
Ossian's ghost, all these English settlers will quietly roll them-
selves off to the deserts of the north, and leave our men with
the ploughshare in quiet possession of this beautiful country.
This is elegant language of the gentleman from Massachusetts;
but it is poetry, and nothing but poetry. The gentleman says
our people can go into Oregon prudently and quietly, and fill
up the country without giving offence to the Hudson Bay Com-
pany. Sir, this is the true ostrich policy, that deceives no one
but the simple bird himself — to steal into Oregon, take posses-
sion of it quietly with the ploughshare and pruning-hook, and
then this great blood-stained corporation will roll itself off into
the deserts of the north, without making any resistance ; back
out, I suppose, with its face to the settlements of the Ameri-
cans. Why, sir, it would be the most magnanimous corpora-
tion the world ever contained, if it should do this. But the
contrary is the case. Never has Great Britain evinced such a
determination to keep possession of any country as she has of
this. Already she affects to talk of her right to all north of
Columbia. And from the time of Sir Alexander Mackenzie,
who explored the country, down to this day, her conduct has
been the same, asserting the same unqualified claim to the
whole of it. Under the treaty of Ghent, she made a solemn
protest that she had a title to this country. When our minister
proposed the 49th degree of north latitude, they said they
would not at that time settle on any definite boundary,
but that the Columbia river was the most convenient of any.
They then proposed to run the 49th parallel till it struck the
river, and then down the river to its mouth ; and from all that
has transpired, we must not expect Great Britain to depart from
this claim without some struggle. In the negotiations pre-
AND COLONIZATION. 323
ceding the Treaty of 1827, they repeated the same claim to it,
and their determination that they would never abandon that
claim. But our protest was also entered on the protocols at
that time, withdrawing the former propositions, so that we are
no longer bound by the past ; we are free to claim the whole
territory, and we will assert our right to it. It has been said
that Lord Ashburton had the 49th parallel of north latitude
offered to him again ; but it appears that it was found so
impossible to conclude any negotiation about the Oregon, that
this was abandoned. And yet it was said that he came here to
settle all the questions in dispute between us — the Creole Case,
the Right of Search, the Oregon — and yet he left without set-
tling any save one. What was done by him and Mr. Webster
about Oregon never will be known, unless Lord Aberdeen's
dispatches shall be published ; for the negotiations left not race
of their doings on that subject, except such as were marked in
the sand, which the returning tide washed away for ever. But
in the speech of the senator from Massachusetts, we have this
declaration, that the assertion that Mr. Webster had offered a
boundary line for Oregon, south of 49 degrees, was totally un-
founded, and that such a thing was never meditated. I would
ask the honourable Senator if I am right in supposing that 49
degrees was offered to Lord Ashburton.
" But there is another part of the honourable member's
speech that deserves comment. He says that Great Britain
has no more idea of colonizing Oregon than she has of colo-
nizing the dome of St. Paul's. Why, sir, she cannot colonize
Oregon. By a charter of December 5th, 1821, she leased
Oregon for ten years to the Hudson Bay Company ; and in
May, 1838, they obtained a lease for twenty-one years longer.
And, in the correspondence between Lord Glenelg and the Go-
vernor of the Hudson Bay Company, the latter tells the former
that the Company have done much for the title of England to
the Oregon territory. He boasts that they have expelled all
the Americans from that region ; that they have settled all the
decayed servants of the Company in that territory ; that they
have twenty-two establishments there ; several stockade forts :
y2
3*24 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
six armed vessels — one a vessel of war ; and tliat tliey are already
carrying on a large trade with Eastern Asia, and that it is all
important they should have a renewal of the charter. And in
a letter of Mr. Simpson, the agent of this Company, dated
February 1, 1837, he says the country between the northern
bank of the Columbia, and 49 degrees of north latitude, is
remarkable for the salubrity of the climate, fine soil, and the
finest harbours in the world. That on the banks of the Co-
lumbia they have already directed their attention to agricul-
ture on a large scale ; and they hope soon to create a large
market for the cotton and woollen goods of England, her iron
wares, tobacco, &c. ; and that nothing could exceed the beauty
of the country, and the excellence of the soil and climate. Mr.
Simpson also adds emphatically, * We are forming the nucleus
of a Colony for Great Britain, settling our retired servants in
various parts of the territory, strengthening the claim of Great
Britain thereto, and increasing the India trade therefrom, &c.*
In answer to this. Lord Glenelg says, ' We cannot grant you a
renewal of the charter without reserving to ourselves the pri-
vilege of colonizing this territory at some future time.* And
yet the senator said she did not desire to colonize. Wliat,
England not colonize? Why, Colonization is the indispensable
law of her existence. She is forced into it. The Zollverein,
the German Free Trade League, have imposed a tariff on her
manufactures, and it seems as if the whole world almost had
adopted the continental policy of Napoleon towards England,
and taxed her manufactures, because she never traded with
any nation on terms of reciprocity. And wherever she can
plant a man upon the face of the earth, to consume her wool,
her cotton, or her iron manufactures, there she plants that man.
And to suppose that she will willingly give up this, already a
Colony and a government, is to suppose a marvel. Does Eng-
land admit that her possession weakens her claim to it ? Quite
the reverse. And she falls back on the treaty of Nootka Sound,
and says that we are bound by the same stipulations as Spain ;
and that the whole of the north-west coast is open to all for the
purposes of Colonization, and that under that she has tlie right
AND COLONIZATION 325
to colonize. And does her colonizing give her no right or
claim to this place? Look at the result. When Adams and
Monroe proposed to establish a fort at the mouth of the Co-
lumbia River, it was objected that it might give offence to
Great Britain ; although she has upwards of thirty forts there :
do we propose to establish five military posts to facilitate the
passage of our people through the passes of the Rocky Moun-
tains,— it will give offence to Great Britain, and must not be
done. In short, whatever we propose to do, is always said to
be a violation of the treaty. Last year it was said we could not
do anything until we had given Great Britain the twelve
months' notice : now we must not give the notice, because it
would give offence to her ; and because it is our policy to let
her remain in undisturbed possession of the country ; and now
she speaks of her actual rights derived from * use, occupancy,
and settlement.* She claims the right to colonize, and under
that right she has colonized, and now claims the country
itself. Prior to 1827 she insisted on her qualified rights to the
whole country ; to navigate all the waters, and to travel, and
hunt, and trap, and settle over the whole country. She admits
that the United States have the same rights, but that, except in
one instance, they have never been exercised ; and since 1815
they have never been exercised at all. And now they speak
of the valuable British interests that have sprung up there, and
which must be preserved. And in the face of all these things,
I wonder that the Treaty of 1827 was ever made at all. The
senator from Massachusetts contends, that if we give Great
Britain this notice, war is inevitable ; that we ought to be pre-
paring our army ; and thinks that England has already ten can-
non at the Sandwich Islands, ready to take possession of the
mouth of the Columbia river. I believe that war may result
from a different course ; war may be forced on us by our own
timidity. Send not your lawless citizens by tens of thousands
over the Rocky Mountains to assert and redress their own
wrongs ; but send laws, and a government, and the means to
protect them. The first crack of a rifle used lawlessly in
Oregon, may produce a war that shall involve all Europe in a
326 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
blaze. And nothing but adopting the course I have pointed
out, — giving this notice, and showing a firm front, — can possibly
avert a war. And that is why 1 am so earnest to see this reso-
lution passed, as it is the only road to secure the peace, safety,
and honour of the nation. It is said that we already have ter-
ritory enough ; that we should cease to emigrate. Sir, I
believe that God has designed a great mission for this nation
to perform ; the Almighty has decreed that we shall spread the
blessings of Christianity, of liberty, and of law, over the whole
of North America! In fifty years there will be 100,000,000 of
free Christian republicans in this land ; and what a blessed
spectacle will that be to see them spreading the blessings they
enjoy over the whole of this great continent. How proud will
be the inhabitants of such a splendid republic ? All obedient
to law and order. And for this purpose I believe that the
Author of the Universe has implanted the desire to roam in the
American heart. And you might as well attempt to arrest the
stars in their course, or to stay the torrent of Niagara, as to
attempt to confine the American people to the limits of the
Sabine and the Rocky Mountains. We have a high and holy
mission to perform, and the question is, shall we surrender our
rights for fear of offending Great Britain ? It is said Oregon
can never be a State of this Union. I do not pretend to see so
far into futurity. But I know that we are all mutually de-
pendent on each other, and that even now our internal com-
merce is wortli ten times as miich as all our foreign commerce.
But whether she becomes a State or not, I know that if we
adhere to our rights with manly firmness, we will establish
there the blessings of a republican government ; and have there
a government that will not, as now, stir up the Indians on our
frontier. And as to war with Great Britain, rely on it she will
not go to war with us for Oregon ! Her position with regard
to Ireland — a great powder magazine, which at any moment
may light up a civil war — her troubles abroad — all would pre-
vent this. She cannot do without our products ; she cannot do
without us for purchasers ; we are the best market she has in
the world ; she cannot supply the great market she has opened
AND COLONIZATION. 327
ill China without our cotton ; she will not go to war with us
on any subject in this, the nineteenth century, unless it be on a
subject affecting her national honour. Now, therefore, is the
propitious time to settle this. I admit that there are some
very dangerous symptoms between the two counties, and I am
sorry for it. For the last two or three years her abuse of us,
in every way, shape, and manner, through her public press,
that most powerful engine, has exceeded all bounds. Her
magazines have abused our literature, her press our insti-
tutions ; and all in a way that I never remember anything
like it. And although our large cities may contain many
friendly to England, and although at a dinner there the
President may be drunk in silence, and Queen Victoria with
loud cheers, yet the great mass of the American people will
remember the wrongs they have suffered, and be ready to
avenge them. And the senators may amuse themselves by the
endearing names of ' mother' and * daughter,' yet she has always
been a cruel step-mother to this country. And the American
people still feel that there is one calamity worse than war, — and
that is, national dishonour. Therefore, I am for asserting our
rights in a manly manner, and not yield one inch, nor postpone
for an hour, but give this notice at once, and send our citizens
out to this territory under the protection of tho laws of the
land."
During the course of this same month, the embarrassments
of the New Zealand Company, and their unsuccessful negotia-
tion with the Government, led to an abrupt suspension of their
proceedings. Since that period they have issued a report, ac-
companied with a very voluminous appendix, and have ob-
tained a select Committee of the House of Commons to examine
into the causes which have produced this suspension of their
operations. The public will no doubt be made fully acquainted
with the circumstances which have induced so powerful and
wealthy a Company to adopt this course ; and, in the meantime,
I have no hesitation in expressing my thorough conviction that
the cause of systematic Emigration and Colonization will be in
328 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
no measure damaged by any of the casualties that have occurred
in connexion with that Company.
On the 24th of April, the attention of the House of Com-
mons was called to the facts connected with the rise, progress,
and fall of the British American Association, by a petition
on behalf of the Executive Board, which was presented by
Mr. Maclean the Member for Oxford, and which has since
been printed with the votes of the House.
During the last month, the attention of the public has been
further powerfully directed to the subject of Emigration and
Colonization, by the facts which have recently transpired rela-
tive to the proceedings of the North American Colonial Asso-
ciation of Ireland. From the report of the Directors, made to
a special meeting on the 23rd of May, it appears that a vast
expenditure of money has taken place, but that no act of Colo-
nization, during the ten years of the Company's existence, has
been carried on.
The general annual report of the Colonial Land and Emi-
gration Commissioners, presented to parliament, and ordered
to be printed in Ajiril, has just issued from the press ; and after
adverting to the very serious declension of Emigration to
Canada, as contrasted with the preceding year, (the decrease
amounting to 22,647,) they state that there had been a marked
diminution in the mortality among the Emigrant, — a fact
which speaks loudly as to the beneficial restrictions and regu-
lations of the new passengers* act.
Since my last return to England, my time and attention has
been entirely devoted to the abridgment and compilation of the
great mass of matter in my possession, bearing on this vital and
interesting national subject, and which I now present to the
public in the shape of this volume.
It now remains for me to conclude, by exhibiting proofs as
to the perfect practicability of the system of Colonization I
have advocated, and a corroboration of my views of the im-
mense importance of the firm retention of our North Ame-
rican Colonies, from the statement of eminent authorities in
AND COLONIZATION. 329
the United States, and of the various Governors who have pre-
sided over the British provinces.
Already I have shown, by numerous authorities well de-
serving of attention and respect, the necessity of Emigration
for the relief of the home population ; I have equally set forth
the earnest desire which exists in the Colony to receive it, and
instanced, as the most conclusive evidence of this desire, the
willingness of the proprietary to devote portions of their terri-
tory in free grants to actual settlers. I now proceed to show
that the combination of land, capital, and surplus population
might be rendered mutually serviceable and available, in car-
rying on a large, creditable, and profitable Colonization. Al-
though in the adduction of these proofs, I shall confine myself
to Canada, I am by no means insensible of the great value of our
other possessions in Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, New Brunswick,
and Prince Edward's Island, — all these Colonies having vast
and singular advantages attached to them in territorial extent,
soil, climate, fisheries, mines, and every element for individual
prosperity and national greatness. For the present, however,
I restrict my observations to Canada, giving for necessary eluci-
dation a faint outline of its geographical extent. It is bounded
on the east by the Gulf of the St. Lawrence and the Atlantic
Ocean ; on the north, by the Hudson's Bay territory ; on the
west, by the Pacific Ocean ; and on the south, by the United
States of America. It lies between 41° and 53° north latitude,
and between 64° and 143° west longitude. It is usually con-
sidered, however, that the western extremity of the province
is Goose Lake, near Fort William, on Lake Superior, in 90°
20" west longitude. The length of Canada, thus limited, from
east to west, is about 1 ,000 miles ; and its average breadth, from
north to south, 300 miles ; so that its area is 300,000 square
miles, or two and a half times that of Great Britain and Ireland.
It is not yet a century since the English rule commenced ;
at that time, there were but about 70,000 inhabitants in all
Canada. Quebec was founded in 1608. Wolfe fought on the
Plains of Abraham in 1752, and the province was confirmed to
330 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
the English by i\ni ticiity of \lihl; making a period of one
lniii(lred and fifty years from its first settlement that the French
government prevailed, excepting the short period the English
had possession of Quebec in 1629. During this time there
WM more than one unsuccessful attempt made by the English
and provincials to conquer the country. The troops employed
in these expeditions were generally from New England, and a
prejudice still prevails against Bostonians. Quebec is 450
miles from the sea, 180 miles from Montreal, 380 miles from
Kingston, and 540 miles from Toronto. Casting a glance at
the map, it will be seen that a line due south from Quebec
passes very near to Boston ; a line due west passes through the
centre of Lake Superior and the head waters of the Mississippi.
Standing upon the dome of the House of Assembly at Quebec,
and looking north, the eye takes in all the extent of cultivation
between Cape Diamond and the North Pole ; looking south-
east, you can almost see the State of Maine, and are within
less than 300 miles of its sea coast. A line on the map due
south from Montreal passes near the city of New York ; a line
due east, from the same point, passes through the middle of
the State of Maine ; a line due south from Kingston in Upper
Canada passes near to Harrisburg — a line due south from To-
ronto passes near to Pittsburg ; a line due east from the same
point passes not far from Whitehall, at the head of Lake Chap-
lain, and still nearer to Portsmouth, in New Hampshire ; while
Maiden comes down to as low a parallel of latitude as the
northern line of Pennsylvania, and of Connecticut. Canada is
the immediate and intimate neighbour of the United States
from Michigan to Maine inclusive, to say nothing of the north-
west. Tlie New York frontier alone upon Canada is five hun-
dred miles ; separated, however, through this whole extent,
with the exception of the distance from Lake Chaplain to the St.
Lawrence, by the river St. Lawrence, Lake Ontario, the Niagara
river and Lake Erie. Of this boundary the St. Lawrence con-
stitutes about one hundred miles.
Connected with the majestic estuary of the St. Lawrence is
AND COLONIZATION. 331
a magnificent chain of lakes, whose bordering territory, from
the character of the soil and its various resources, is already
the most agricultural section of British America ; and the ex-
pansive field of commerce spread out by these noble waters, is
in all respects proportioned to the magnitude and fertility of
the domain which they adorn. The numerous ports by which
they are indented are not only depots of trade, but important
points of shipment, and must become, as the country settles,
and communications are made to their banks, the sole outlets
for the products of the interior of the bordering territory.
Thus the rapid commercial growth of Kingston, Cobourg,
Toronto, and Hamilton, on Lake Ontario, will be followed by a
similar advance at Port Stanley and Amherstburg, on Lake
Erie ; as well as on Lake Huron, at Goderich, and Owen's
Bay, the most spacious and beautiful basin in America : and
as Emigration presses upon the vast lands in the vicinity of
these lakes, laying open broad tracts of cultivated fields upon
the ruins of the wilderness, prosperous villages and cities will
spring up on the most prominent points of their shores, amply
repaying the enterprise embarked in the successful prosecution
of this object. When Jacques Cartier penetrated the interior
of Canada, as early as 1535, he found fields of Indian corn along
its shores ; and to view the boundless tracts of rich and fertile
land still unsettled, after a lapse of three centuries, it could
scarcely be believed that this huge domain, so easily accessible,
w as an integral part and portion of a country, the great mass
of whose population were in a state of alarming destitution,
unemployed, and rapidly augmenting.
In 1806 the population of Upper and Lower
Canada amounted to 270,718
1816 • 333,550
1834 580,450
From 1831 to 1836, the number of Emigrants from the United
Kingdom who landed at Quebec and Montreal, was 194,936.
The increase in the districts of Quebec, Montreal, and Three
Rivers, between 1831 and 1836, was 70,789. The population
332 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
of the whole of Lower Canada, in the latter year, was sup-
posed to exceed 600,000.
The population of Upper Canada, in 1831, had reached
296,544 ; making the numbers in the entire province, in that
year, 797,982. In 1836 they were but little, if at all below a
million. In 1842 the Canadians probably increased to
1,250,000, being about equal to the population of Denmark,
exclusive of the Duchies of Sledwick Holstein ; and it is sup-
posed from the best calculation, that the population of the
United Province is, at this time, but little short of one million
and a half of inhabitants. With this progressive increase of
population there has been also a progressive rise in the value of
property, and vast extension of its commerce.
The commerce of England with the United States is not so
great as the commerce of the United States carried on with
Canada on the Lakes. Thus :
Tonnage entered from England 496,773
Ditto ditto Canada 535,464
The island of Manhattan, on which stands the noble city of
New York, was purchased two hundred and seventeen years
ago, by the Dutch from the Indians, for the sum of sixty
guilders, or twenty-four dollars ; the tract conveyed for this
trifling sum containing 13,920 acres, as the following commu-
nication testifies : —
" Amsterdam, 5 Nov. 1626.
" Hooge Moghende Heeren, — Hier is ghister * t schip' Wafen
van Amsterdam aengekomen, en is den 23 September uvt Nieu
Nederlandt gezylt uy t de rivier Mauritius. Rapporteren dat
ons volk daer kloec is en vreedigh leven, hare vrouwen hebben
roc kinderen aldaer gebaert ; hebben 't eylandt Manhattes van
de Wilde gekocht voor de waerde van 60 guildeu ; is groot
1 1,000 morgen. Hebben der alle koren half Mey gezeyt en half
Angusto gemayd. Daervan zeynden de munsterkins van Zomer
Koren, als terrew, rogge, garst, haver, boucweyt, knarizaet,
boontjens en vlas.
" P. SCHAGHEN."
AND COLONIZATION. 333
lTranslation.'\
" Amsterdam, 5th Nov. 1626.
" High and Mighty Lords, — Yesterday arrived the ship
* The Arms of Amsterdam ;' she sailed from the River Mauri-
tius [Hudson] in the New Netherlands, on the 23rd September.
They report that our folk there are prosperous, and live in
peace ; their women have borne children there already ; they
have purchased from the Indians, for the sum of sixty guilders,
the island of Manhattan, which is 11,000 morgen large. They
have already sowed grain by the middle of May, and reapt by
the middle of August ; samples of summer crops have come,
such as wheat, rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, canary seed, beans,
and flax.
" P. SCHAGHEN."
In 1840, when the census was taken, the population of the
state of New York amounted to 2,382,571 ; and the city of
New York contained at the same time 312,234 inhabitants.
This state was settled in 1614 by the Dutch. This city, scarcely
inferior to London and Paris, — vastly superior to the latter, in a
commercial point of view, since its splendid ships traverse every
ocean, and are seen in every port, the admiration of every
mariner, and the astonishment of the world , — has produced this
startling result in two centuries, by capital and population, con-
joined to its natural unsurpassed position. One century before
this, the enterprising Frenchman who ascended the St. Law-
rence discovered an Indian settlement, Hochelaga, now the
city of Montreal. This, the most populous city of British Ame-
rica, is situated on the north-west side of the St. Lawrence, at
the head of ship navigation, and 180 miles south w^ard from
Quebec. It stands on the southernmost point of an island
the same name, and about thirty miles long, its surface being
level, with the exception of a fine mountain in the rear of the
town, from which there is a view of the city, the river, and the
surrounding country. The city plot consists of streets running
parallel with the river, crossed by others at right angles ; the
334 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
houses and stores are mostly built in a very substantial manner,
of a greyish stone, resembling granite, and the roofs are covered
with tin. Most of the public buildings are fine structures. Its
population, in 183i, was 27,297. At present it exceeds 40,000,
and is rapidly increasing. Tlie wharves exceed anything of the
kind in America, consisting of a range of massive and solid
masonry extending along the river for more than a mile.
It is but within these few years that Montreal has made
tliese rapid advances : what it might have been, being one cen-
tury older, had it been fostered as the city of New York has
been, it is not possible to calculate ; but as some proof of its
advancement, before even it was detennined on as the seat of
Government, two years since, at a public auction, the sale of
building and villa lots in the St. Mary's suburbs went off with
great spirit, the buyers being principally mechanics. The
prices of lots varied from £18 lOs. to £300 each, and the acre
and villa lots from £125 to £150 per acre. Of 192 acres pur-
chased four months before for £6,000, forty were sold for £9,000,
leaving 152 remaining unsold : a rise in property that has sel-
dom been equalled within such a short period.
On the Ottawa River, the beautiful spot on which the town
of By town is now built, was purchased by Mr. Sparkes in 1822
for £80 : the lot consisted of 200 acres. Since that period one-
fifth of an acre has been sold for £200.
Proceeding to the lakes, after quitting the river, the first
harbour and city is Kingston, one of the oldest towns in Western
Canada. Its admirable location, at the head of the finest bay
on the lake, and at the confluence of the lake and the St. Law-
rence, early pointed it out to the French traders as an important
position for a trading post. About the year 1600, they com-
menced a small settlement, which was at first called by the In-
dian name of Cataraqui, but afterwards Frontenac.
During the last war with the States, Kingston was the naval
depot of the British upon the lakes ; but the remains of an
hundred-gun ship, and the rotten timbers of a few small brigs,
are all that is left of the things which were. Kingston is now
the rendezvous of the Government steamers on the lakes, and
AND COLONIZATION. 335
is defended by Fort Henry, which is built in the modern style,
and is considered the best constructed fortress in Canada.
Kingston itself, being principally built of dark freestone, has
an imposing appearance.
My friend Bishop Macdonell bought 11 acres, in 1816, for
£600, and in 1840, before it had the advantage of the seat of
Government, some of the front portion were formed into lots of
a fifth of an acre and sold at various prices, ranging from £160
to £250 per lot, and averaged £1,000 per acre; these same
lots, in August, 1841, might have obtained purchasers readily
at £400 per lot. The Rev. Mr. Herchimer held 200 acres,
valued, in 1816, at £1,000; 188 of which were purchased by
the Government, in 1841, for £30,000, Mr. H. reserving the 12
acres fronting the lake. In 1 809, the estate known as the Murney
Property, called 100 acres, was purchased from the original
grantee from the Crown, for £500; and, in 1840, the Govern-
ment purchased 32 acres of this property, for which they paid
£19,000. During the period since the seat of Government has
been established at Kingston, 700 houses have been built, at an
expenditure of £400,000.
On the union of the provinces, Kingston was made the seat
of Government, and the immense rise in the value of property
since cannot be fairly adduced as a result of its own advantages,
although the previous facts are convincing proofs of the advances
occasioned by its augmented population. It has the noblest
market-place in America ; and I hope that, from its position and
surrounding country, it will, like Toronto, remain unscathed
from the loss of the seat of Government. Its population is
12,500.
Almost central on the lake, is Cobourg, in which town
also rapid improvements are being made. Several excellent
houses have been built ; the corporation is busy in laying down
side- walks ; the Harbour Company have in their employment
numbers of labourers, perfecting the laying out of cribs to
complete the harbour.
Property, during the last five years, has risen, on the ave-
rage, 35 per cent. The Irish settlers, adverted to in the Address
336 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
of the House of Assembly, were planted in the Newcastle dis-
trict ; and the extent and beauty of their cultivated farms, would
satisfy the vilest grumbler of the wisdom and humanity of the
national expenditure that produced such results.
The town of Peterborough, the capital of the district, stands
at the foot of a series of rapids formed by the scattered inland
lakes and tributary streams, springing from an unsettled and
almost unexplored wilderness, the main artery flowing in a cir-
cuitous route from the margin of Lake Simcoe, and that lake
again throwing off its superfluous waters into the Huron; but
between Lake Huron and the town there are natural impedi-
ments to navigation. As the Colony becomes wealthier, and
the waste lands in the Newcastle district absorb settlers, the
inducements offered by nature will not be neglected ; on the
contrary, the work of civilization and improvement will move
forward step by step, until the interest of the residents be
realized by uniting the waters of Lakes Huron and Ontario,
opening a fine field for settlement and colonization. The Port
Hope Gazette states, that there were last winter more than
100,000 bushels of wheat stored in that town, and that one-
third more, raised in the rear townships, was to come in ; that
there was in Windsor, 60,000 ; in Oshawa, 80,000 ; in Bowman-
ville, Newcastle, and Bond Head, as much as would make
600,000 ; and that, taken with the produce of Cavan and Mo-
naghan, would amount to between 700,000 and 800,000 bushels
of wheat for market.
The splendid English city of Toronto demands more than a
passing remark. There are persons now in Canada who remem-
ber this city with but three houses in it — one tavern and two
log houses ; and its earliest Governor, still living, remembers
it when its first streets were scarcely passable at certain periods
of the year.
In a statistical work of Upper Canada, written in 1817,
the writer, in describing what was then Little York (now the
city of Toronto), says : " Its population is 1200 souls; for five
miles round the capital of Upper Canada, scarcely one improved
farm can be seen in contact with another. The only connected
AND COLONIZATION. 337
settlement is about five miles to the north of Yonge-street ; in
other directions, so far as the district goes, you might travel to
its utmost limits, and not find more than one farm-house for
every three miles." Such was Little York till about 1835. In
1817, it had no brick houses, no tinned roofs, no planked side-
walks ; the stumps remained in the streets, and nothing was
more common than to see teams mired in them, requiring all
the aid which could be obtained to liberate them : what is now
the market was a bog, and the fish-market the resort of wild
fowls — unhealthy, liable to fever and agues, and all the dis-
tressing catalogue of intermittents. No banks; no markets;
a very mean building for a church ; no common sewers ;
scarcely a schooner belonging to it, and few frequenting it ; no
wharf; not a single importer of British goods ; a few, and very
few, insignificant stores, and a few taverns, offering the worst
accommodations. Such was Little York in 1817, now the
celebrated City of Toronto. Behold now its 20,000 inhabitants ;
its rows of splendid brick-built tin-covered houses ; its mag-
nificent churches, and number of places of worship; its banks;
its floating palaces, its beautiful schooners ; its magnificent
stores, some of them rivalling those of the first city of the
world, with their plate glass windows, their spacious areas,
and their splendid contents; its hundreds of thousands of
annually imported goods ; its merchants ; its public reading
rooms ; its Mechanics' Institute ; its Board of Trade ; its pub-
lic baths ; its splendid avenue leading to a noble University ;
its common sewers ; its macadamized streets ; its planked
side-walks, above a mile, or nearer two, from its magnificent
Market and City Hall, in every street, and leading to almost
every house. View its export trade, its wharfs loaded with
produce, and crowded with steam-boats and schooners, the
daily conveyance of the riches of the neighbourhood. Behold
its gas-lighted streets at night ; and now that greatest of all
luxuries — an abundant supply of pure and wholesome water
conveyed to every house. Around it and about it, in all direc-
tions, fine houses, farms, orchards, villas, roads. At a very
low estimate, the fixed and floating property of Toronto cannot
338 STgTBMATIC BMIGEATION
be of a less value tlmn from four to five millions of pounds
currency. From whence has it been obtained ? It is indebted
to its augmented and active population, to its surrounding
agriculture, to its extensive back country, and to the facilities
which have been obtained and afforded by improved approaches
to the city and improved lines of communication, promoted
and effected by a few active and enterprisihg master minds.
Its population has doubled itself within the last ten years ; the
number of inhabitants in June 1842, according to the census,
was 17,805; and, from the great increase since then, it is cal-
culated that in the same month of the present year, the number
will amount to 20,000. The revenue of the port, for the year
ending 6th January, 1844, was upwards of £18,000, of which
fully two-thirds arose on goods imported from the United
States. The total exports, during the same period, amoimted
to £106,000, of which not more than £2,600 were sent to the
United States. Lastly, with reference to the vast increase in
the value of property of the towns on this Lake, and as confir-
matory of my views, I will conclude with that of Hamilton,
which, from its very advantageous natural position, placed at
the head of Lake Ontario, having excellent roads diverging
from it in all directions, and extensive fertile country, hardy
and industrious farmers, and skilful artisans, enlightened and
enterprising merchants, must in a few years become one of
the largest in Western Canada, and also one of the most pros-
perous. Among not the least causes to accomplish this end
will be the enlargement of Burlington Canal, which is now in
progress, and which is the natural outlet for the rich agricul-
tural districts in its rear. From the 6th of April to the Hth of
July, 1841, the revenue was about £880; the amount for the
corresponding quarter in 1842, was £^3,430, an increase of 426
per cent. In 1842, the receipt of customs amounted to£7,()04,
which was considered to be a large sum, when compared with
Toronto, which for the same period jirodnced only £8,300.
During the last year, it will be seen tliat the customs amounted
to £12,190, being an excess over the previous year of £4,686.
The canal tolls have also increased to £1,986, which, added to
AND COLONIZATION. 339
the customs, makes the very large sum of £14,176. The sum
may be added to duty on articles in bond, £2,750 ; so that the
whole amount of customs and toll for the year is £16,926.
In connexion with this gratifying statement I may add, that
a friend of my own was offered forty acres near this town, in
1833, for the sum of £600 ; one acre of which, in 1839, sold
by public auction for £1,250. Proceeding westward, the same
increase in the value of property is every where to be seen.
In 1827, the first tree was felled in the District town of
Guelph, then a dense untrodden wilderness, now the centre of
one of the richest agricultural countries in America ; then
village lots might be procured for the enterprise of building
and settling; now they can command, as town lots, from £100
to £300 per acre. On the margin of Lake Huron, still more
recently settled, the rising district town of Goderich presents
the same results. London, on the forks of the Thames, a
spot selected as a future town by Governor Simcoe, when he
first explored that country by the aid of the Indians, is now
rapidly rising into wealth and importance. The town plot of
this flourishing place was surveyed only in 1826, and in 1842
its inhabitants amounted to 2,660. There are now 700 houses, a
court-house, spacious barracks, several places of public wor-
ship, large market place, schools, public libraries, hotels, and
many excellent merchants* stores. From the original sale of
town lots at £10 per acre, the frontage in the main street is
selling at £50 to £100 one-fifth of an acre. The tolls on
the macadamized roads in Canada amounted, in 1839, to
£1,638 145. 5d., and in 1841 to £6,829 7^. 9d. Nor is this
improvement and increase confined to the western sections of
the province of Canada. The State of Maine, bordering on
Eastern Canada, first settled by the English in 1630, contained
in 1840, a population only of 500,433, and from the severity of
its climate produced that year but 848,166 bushels of wheat,
although its crops of corn, buckwheat, barley, oats, rye, j^ota-
toes, and hay, were considerable ; in 1835, among the private
sales of land at Bangor, a township, owned by Mr. Brown of
Vassal borough, containing 22,040 acres, was sold for ten dollars
z2
340 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
an acre, cash, amounting to 220,400 dollars. Mr. Brown, jun.,
bought the township, in 1829, for 6,400 dollars ; and after his
father had sold it at Bangor for ten dollars an acre, a company
from Albany, within one week, bought it for twelve dollars an
acre, amounting to 204,480 dollars, or about £53,000 sterling ;
a greater sum by more than 100,000 dollars, or £25,000 sterling,
than was asked by Massachusetts, at the time of separation, for
li( r lialf of tlie whole undivided public lands of Maine.* Is it
possible to doubt, with facts like these, that systematic Colo-
nization can be made to defray its expenses out of the increased
value which it creates? I cordially agree with the writer in
the Foreign and Colonial Review, ** On the Causes of Distress,
and on systematic Colonization as a means of preventing future
Distress,*' — " that human industry works its greatest miracles
only when the skill and capital of an improved society are
brought to bear upon the superior lands of a new country.
Under these circumstances, wealth increases at the most rapid
rate ; and labour, producing much more than it consumes in the
production, the largest disposable surplus is created. This
large disposable surplus supplies the source from which the
expense of extended Colonization may be replaced. Land,
capable of yielding a quantity of produce greater than the
quantity expended in cultivating it, acquires marketable value,
even while in an unreclaimed and forest state, as labour and
capital approach. Were the Government to advance, in the
first instance, the means of preparing the colonial wastes for
settlement, it would be able to sell, at constantly advancing
prices, not only the lands on which it might plant an indus-
trious population, but the districts adjacent to the locations and
townships it established. Under the arrangements for pro-
moting the safe and facile transference of labour and capital
which we have ventured to suggest, the sales of crown lands in
the Colonies would yield a revenue greater beyond estimate
• In 1800 the whole population of the entire state of Ohio, containing 38,850
square miles, amounted to 45,365 souls; in 1840, Cincinnati, one of its cities,
contained a population of 46,382 ; and in the same year this state yielded sixteen
millions and a half bushels of wheat.
AND COLONIZATION. * 341
than that which the colonial land sales have hitherto supplied.
Who would undertake to calculate the amount to which this
revenue might be raised ? Who would venture to name the
sum which might be received for unoccupied and now valueless
wastes, as the tide of population and capital flowed from the
Canadian lakes to the Northern Pacific, and as the immea-
surable plains of Australia, the fertile valleys of New Zealand,
and the depopulated regions of Eastern Africa, became the
seats of British nations ? "
And what is to prevent private combinations from achiev-
ing what the Government might do, but will not do, especially
when the result would be equally honourable and lucrative to
those who engaged in such an enterprise? Amongst various
plans for such purposes, the system of leasing first successfully
adopted by the Earl of Mountcashell, and since partially pur-
sued by the Canada Company, is worthy of great consideration,
as 1 shall proceed to demonstrate.
If an Association founded for Colonization were to receive
the appraised lands of proprietors willing to join their lands,
with money, in a capital stock, then ample funds would be
provided for the deportation of Emigrants in families, and
their comfortable settlement on prepared locations ; but even
if a company were compelled to purchase a block of land of
12,200 acres, I will demonstrate how, by proper subdivision and
settlement, it might be made a most advantageous investment.
12,200 acres of land, divided thus : —
80 farms, of 100 acres each 8,000 acres
20 ditto of 200 ditto 4,000
Reserve for mills, villages, kc 200
12,200 acres.
80 farms, at £12 lOs £1,000
20ditto, at 25 05 500
£1,500
Interest on capital 1,233
Leaving for expenses of management, besides
the rent of mills, &c £267
342 t>Yi»T£MATlC EMIGRATION
Cost :— 1-2,2()0 acres, at IO5. per acre £G,100
100 log-liouses, at 1*12 Ws. each 1 ,250
100 acres, cleared and fenced, at £3 per acre 300
100 acres planted iK)tatoes and corn, at
£1 10*. per acre 150
Grist and saw-mill, dams, &c 1 ,500
Expenses of purchase, surveying, &e 350
Clearing roads, building school-house, and
houses for necessary mechanics 350
£10,000
I have formed the above estimate with the calculations all
on the safe side, every item being put down higher than it
would actually cost. I have supposed the land divided into
one hundred farms, on each of which a house should be built,
and an acre of laud cleared, fenced, and planted with potatoes
and corn. 1 propose that each family should have the farm
rent free for ten years, on condition of clearing five acres per
100 every year; and for the second ten years the rent should
be £12 10s. for each 100 acres, the first lease being for twenty
years, and giving the right of pre-emption at its expiration.
The amount of £10,000 in ten years, at six per cent, compound
interest £17,915
Salary to a Manager, £200 per annum, 10 years com-
pound interest 2,G37
The interest on which, i. e. £1,2^33, to be paid by the
rents as above £20,552
At the expiration of that period, the property would be
worth, at the lowest estimate, £50,000. The rent of the mills,
which except saw-mill, need not be built until second summer,
and which for the first few years would not be very much
refpiired, unless it happened to be in the neighbourhood of an
older settlement, might be appropriated to the support of a
clergyman and schoolmaster, as well as the rent of the me-
chanics* houses, and lots of five acres, which should pay rent
from the beginning, or after the first year. Such a settlement
as this would be particularly adapted for small farmers who
AND COLONIZATION. 343
could command, on reaching their destination, from £30 to
£50, to support them for tlie first year, and procure stock and
implements — and for the 200 acre farms, from £50 to £100.
Such a body of settlers would require to be in the prime of
life, or if advanced, to have families capable of working ; and if
in some families there were three, or four, or jfive grown up
sons, less capital would be required, as some might go into
service. They should all be of one religious denomination, — if
from England, Episcopalians ; from Ireland, either all Roman
Catholics or all Protestants; and from Scotland, Presbyte-
rians ; so that one clergyman and one teacher, or one with
an assistant might serve. The terms of settlement should all
be explained fully, and entered into before they leave home.
They could draw their forms by lot, and on coming to Ca-
nada, would have nothing to do but to proceed direct to
their locations, and commence operations without the loss of a
day. If they arrived as early as the 1st of June, they would
commence planting potatoes, corn, and pumpkins ; if not until
the end of June, " slaying the forest," and each family could
have easily five acres cleared and ready for seed by the middle
or end of September ; and as they would have nothing to do
through the winter, they might by the next fall have at least
ten more ready for seed, instead of the five contemplated in the
lease. The stock each would require would be a cow and a
pig, logging-chain, iron wedges and rings for a mallet (a drag-
harrow and yoke of oxen between each two families) a spade,
two hoes, two axes, and seed wheat. This, with what they
would require for sustenance for fifteen months, aided by their
crop of potatoes, would start them most advantageously ; for in
August they would have wheat, at least 100 bushels each, which
would be fifty at least to spare, and which would procure them
additional stock and other necessaries ; and in the year fol-
lowing, besides abundance of hay for the keep of their stock,
which could be very well carried through the first winter on
browse, they would have at least 150 bushels of wheat for the
market, and perhaps some pork to spare over an ample supply
344 SYSTBMATiC EMIGRATION
for their own use. In short, with steadiness, exertion, and
economy, they would be in every respect much more comfort-
able and independent than in any portion of the United King-
dom, and by the time they had to pay rent, would have from
fifty to seventy-five acres of arable land at less than 5s. per acre,
— from 3s. to 5s. according to their extent of clearance. To
show that I have made all the calculations on the safe side for an
Association, and given every item of expense fully higher than
that for which it could actually be done, I shall give the result
of Lord MountcashelTs very successful experiment, the parti-
culars of which have been most obligingly furnished me by his
Lordship, premising it only by the following successful instance
of a farmer in the neighbourhood of Amherst, N. IL, who com-
menced in the world as a day labourer, and who, notwithstand-
ing he has at various times sustained heavy pecuniary losses in
the investment of his funds, is now worth at least one hundred
thousand dollars.
** This man, when thirty years of age, by the avails of his
industry added to a small legacy, was enabled to purchase and
pay, in part, for a farm of oae hundred and thirty acres of land,
one hundred of which was under cultivation, but in a very low
state. The farm is altogether upland, with a soil composed of
loam, clay, and sand, in the chief of which the last preponde-
rates, the former being least considerable. When he com-
menced farming, he adopted a particular system of rotation, to
which he has implicitly adhered from that time to the present,
which is forty years, and his success is the best comment on
the worth of the experiment. His mode was as follows : having
divided his farm into eight fields of equal size, as near as pos-
sible, three of those fields were sowed with wheat each year,
one with rye, one planted with corn, two in clover, and one an
open fallow, on which corn had been raised the year previous.
One of the two clover fields is kept for mowing, the other for
pasture, both of which are ploughed as soon after the harvest
as possible, and prepared for wheat in the fall. All the manure
which is made on the farm for one year is hauled in the spring
AND COLONIZATION. 345
on the field intended for open fallow, which is then ploughed,
and, after one or two cross-ploughings through the summer, is
also sowed with wheat in the fall. The field on which the rye
is sown is that from which a crop of wheat has been taken the
same year, and which had yielded three crops. Corn is planted
on the field from which rye had been taken the year previous,
the stubbles of which are ploughed down in the fall. Clover
seed is sown early in the spring on two of the wheat fields, those
which have been most recently manured. By this method each
field yields three crops of wheat, two of clover, one of rye, and
one of corn, every eight years. Each field, in the meantime,
has lain an open fallow, and received a heavy dressing of ma-
nure, perhaps at an average of fifteen four-horse loads per acre.
His crop of wheat is seldom less than fifteen hundred bushels,
but often much more. His average rye crop is about four hun-
dred and fifty bushels, and his corn crop annually about five
hundred bushels. All which grain, at the present low prices,
would amount to more than two thousand dollars annually, and
at former prices to double that amount ; and his farm is withal
very highly improved."
Three-fourths of Amherst Island, situate in the Bay of
Quinte, consisting of 16,500 acres, was purchased in 1836 by
the Earl of Mountcashell from Mrs. General Bowes, for
£10,000, being about £1, Halifax currency, per acre. But for
the excellence of the land, and its advantageous locality, it
would have been considered a high price. His Lordship
adopted the principle of leasing, and the following are the
results: — In 1836 the population of the island was 700; in
1844 it is 2,100. Sir John Colborne congratulated the pro-
vince in 1835, that its population had doubled in eight years.
The population in Amherst Island has trebled during the same
space of time, whilst its value has increased from £10,000 to
£80,000, — a price his Lordship would find no difficulty in ob-
taining for it. Here is a threefold increase of population, and
an eightfold increase of capital in eight years. The land was
in a wilderness state; Lord Mountcashell selected poor but
346 SYSTEMATIC BMIG RATION
industrious faniilics to settle on it, giving them a lease of fifteen
years, at almost a nominal rent, and re(iuiring annually eertain
portions to be eleared. Before the expiration of five years, a
wealthier class of settlers made application to Lord Mount-
cashell for these lands ; but as he had granted leases of fifteen
years, it was not in his power to comply with the request.
Most of the leases have been since purchased from the original
settlers, who are enabled, with their accpiired capital and com-
petent knowledge, to purchase land in fee simple in other dis-
tricts ; and on all other farms in Amherst Island, the rude log-
hut of the original settler has now disappeared before the
comfortable dwellings of the new purchasers. His Lordship
improved the roads, erected two piers to secure and make ser-
viceable two excellent natural harbours ; he introduced a
clergyman, for whom he provided a good glebe-house, and
gave 150 acres of land for a glebe ; he sent out a surgeon, for
whom also he built a house ; he built a house for an active
agent ; he built and furnished an excellent general store : with
these adjuncts, causing but a very small outlay, he has 110
families, leaseholders, on this fine estate, some of whose farms
are now paying him 3s. per acre for their 200 acre lots. The
steamers to the head of the Bay of Quinte now regularly touch
at the island, affording the inhabitants every opportunity for
intercourse with all parts of the province, and the disposal of
their produce at the best markets. Lord Mountcashell has re-
served 1,000 acres in the centre for timber, which is becoming
now extremely valuable. The best proof of the great value in
the advance of this property is to be found in the fact that Lord
Mountcashell himself, who gave, in 1836, £10,000 for 12,(H)0
acres, in 1841, purchased from a Mr. M*Leod, a proprietor in
that portion of the island not owned liy his Lordship, 200 acres
for £1,000.
Other plans of Colonization have had tlieir advocates, and
have proved successful. Advances by loans, properly secured,
have long been in practice amongst the Chinese in their Emigra-
tion from China, to Manilla, Borneo, Java, and Prince of Wales
AND COLONIZATION. 347
Island ; and although our present intercourse is not yet suffi-
ciently intimate to enable Europeans to ascertain their exact
arrangements in transactions of this kind, being extremely
tenacious upon such points, more especially as Emigration is
not sanctioned by the Government, yet from all that has been
learnt, and from the extensive manner in which it has been con-
ducted, it is evident that it has been through the instrumentality
of joint stock companies, who make the advances, the capital
required and employed being far too great for individuals.
Their system is a small advance for outfit, and the Emi-
grant's free passage, for which amount they grant a bond, pay-
able by instalments, after their arrival at their destination, in
services as a labourer or mechanic ; and the relatives and friends
of the Emigrant become responsible to the party, previous to
his embarkation in China. A gentleman, recently from that
country, has assured me, that he saw a vessel at the mouih of
the Yan-Sea-Kean (or Yellow River) bound to Batavia, with
upwards of 2,000 Emigrants on board, and that there were
many junks similarly employed from the other provinces. In
addition to this system amongst the Chinese, the Portuguese at
Macao have also adopted it for employing their vessels to the
eastern archipelago, and they take Emigrants at £5 sterling,
payable in a similar manner, on the arrival of the Emigrants
at their destination. The Portuguese, however, did not find it
answer so well, from the difficulty they experienced in obtain-
ing security against the Emigrant absconding, which occa-
sionally happened, and which, unless Emigration took place in
families, a mixture of age and youth, would be dreaded in
Canada, from its proximity to the United States. But there
were annually Portuguese vessels despatched from Macao, to
Siam, Manilla, and Amboyna, Borneo, and Batavia, Singapore,
Malacca, and Prince of Wales Island, each conveying from one
to four hundred poor Chinese Emigrants, thousands of whom,
by their extraordinary industry and perseverance, have become
very wealthy and important, by the facilities afforded them by
the guarded and judicious advances made them in the first in-
stance. As bearing directly on this interesting subject, I give
348 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
portions of a communication made to nie, by a very intelligent
settler in Canada, who has directed his attention for a long
period to this matter : —
" The diiHculties which attend Immigrants on arrival here,
arise altogether from * the family,* which, although subse-
quently a source of revenue and prosperity, at first prove only
a burthen and a hindrance to the anticipated success. Employ-
ment for any number of single men can readily be found ; but
the man with a family has much to struggle with, and the
family have much discomfort, and even misery, to undergo
for a time.
** To you, who know at how very small cost a primitive
Canadian log-hut is put up, it may be matter of surprise that
so few farmers (comparatively) are provided with dwellings for
labourers' families. Appeal has been made to them on the
subject, and, I dare say, with effect; but thousands more are
wanting, as well for the relief and comfort of the Immigrant
as to benefit the farmer, and, consequently, advance the general
prosperity. A little agitation on this subject may, perhaps,
open the eyes of the farmers, and induce them to give the sub-
ject a due consideration, as one in which their interests are
deeply involved.
" Employment at public works can very little benefit the
Immigrant with a wife and family on his first arrival ; as, sup-
jwsing the most favourable circumstances, early embarkation,
quick passage, immediate employment, fine season, uninter-
rupted health, and the highest wages, the whole amount which
could possibly be saved from the earnings of the whole season,
would not be more than sufficient to support the family through
the long season, when very little, if any, profitable labour can
be obtained by a newly-arrived Immigrant. The present win-
ter is an exception to this, a considerable number having been
continued at the public works at 2^. a-day. Employment at
the public works is beneficial to the poor settler who has once
fixed his family on a piece of land (say in a labourer's cottage
on a farm), where he can, if necessary, leave them, after having
put in a crop of potatoes, &c., and having a place he can call
AND COLONIZATION. 349
a home to return to, where every species of economy can be
practised, which cannot be in precarious lodgings while em-
ployed in public works. A few dollars cash, earned at public
works or elsewhere, is a help to a man in such a case, to buy
a cow, to give him a start in life, and becomes a nucleus of that
capital and the germ of that independence for which he has ex-
patriated himself, and subsequently suffered so much and severe
inconvenience. The advantages of labourers' houses on farms
would be great indeed, both to the farmer and the labourer :
the farmer could always command a ready supply of labour at
fair wages ; the labourer could afford to pay a small rent to
his landlord, and had better earn seven or eight dollars a-month,
and be at home, than ten, and be away from his family. Occa-
sionally, when labour on the farm grew slack, he would then
betake him to the public works, and reap the benefit as above
described. I consider that every labourer's cottage on a farm
would be really better to the farmer than a protective duty of
five per cent, on agricultural produce, inasmuch as, in bad
times, when produce is low, the farmer could thus improve his
land cheaply to prepare for better times, raising only sufficient
for the supply of his own household, and the additional con-
sumers,— the inhabitants of the cottages ; and in good times, he
would be ready to take advantage of the market, by having
the labour at hand to raise that abundance required for the
supply. An agricultural protective duty will never be well
relished here, where the middling and poorer classes must be
the sufferers from such a tax. Until some well-established and
judicious plan of Colonization is in operation, the Government
works must be looked to for relief, as well to the Immigrant
as to the public ; otherwise the country would be overrun with
paupers, and worse ; for they will come, whether the circum-
stances of the country are such as to invite them or not.
** You have noticed in your letter to Mr. Crawford the case
of the Scotch settlers from the Island of Lewis ; I am happy to
state, that late reports from Bury and Lingwick give a favour-
able account of the progress of these people ; and I beg to
mention, that a party often families, from the same place, who
350 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
came out in 1838, and settled in the same neighbourhood, are
in a prosperous state. Tliis party, when they came out, were
as poor as tliose first mentioned, and were relieved and assisted,
during their first winter, by the benevolence of the Commis-
sioner of the British American Land Company. Some mention
of these people will be found in the * Memorandum of a Settler,'
in the Mercury of the 16th February of last year, chajiter 25.
The assistance afforded to these persons was by way of loan,
not gift. They have repaid the amount thus lent them ; and I
propose calling the attention of the several National Societies
to the great advantage this mode of relief has over that of a
charitable donation.
" Much may be effected by small beginnings ; even penny
weekly societies might, so soon as they collect some £40 or
£60, send out one family, who, in course of two, three, and
four years, would be able to pay the entire loan by a supply of
provisions to a second party, who would, under these circum-
stances, require only an amount suflficient to pay the passage
out, and to carry them to the neighbourhood of their prede-
cessor; the sums so advanced on loan, of course bearing in-
terest, would be continually increasing from this source, as
well as by the continued subscriptions at home ; and, admitting
some losses, by the defection of some and deaths of others, it
might fairly be expected that, from the honourable and grateful
feelings of others, who might be more than ordinarily success-
ful, voluntary tribute (in produce) would more than make up
for deficiencies.
** If the Paisley societies, in like manner, would send out
only so many as their funds will enable them to settle and carry
through the winter, these, with the similar moderate require-
ments and industry as the parties from Lewis, would be enabled,
by their crops of the second year, to repay some portion of the
loan advanced to them, by a supply of part of their produce to
the sustenation, through the first winter, of a second party
from Paisley. This second party would, in like nmnner, be
able to repay the loan with which they had been assisted, by a
supply to a third party, which might, by this time, be con-
AND COLONIZATION. 351
siderably increased in numbers, as passage-money only would
by this time be required. Should this system be carried into
eflPect, and found to work well, as I am confident it may, the
people first sent out will soon be able and willing, beside re-
paying their loans, to offer assistance to their friends and
neighbours left behind, by a supply of a part of their crops, on
loan direct from themselves, and thus increase the means for
augmenting the numbers of Immigrants ; but there will be
plenty of time to mature further arrangements during the pro-
gress of establishment of the first two or three parties.
*' I also take the liberty to suggest, for the North American
Association, that it would be a great encouragement to a similar
hardy race of Emigrants to those from Lewis, as well as others,
if the first party sent to each newly unsettled part of the coun-
try should be permitted to make the whole of their payments
(for land as well as for the necessary assistance which may be
afforded them) in produce and labour, supplied for the assis-
tance of the second and third parties : the second party to be
allowed to pay four-fifths of their debt in like manner, the
third three-fifths, and so on; and, further, that in all cases,
where practicable by sufficient funds, it will in the end be
found the best economy that a place be prepared beforehand
for the reception of the Immigrants, a shanty erected, and
three acres cleared, two of which to be sown with oats, the
other to be planted with potatoes by the Immigrants, if here
by the middle of June. The cost of clearing the three acres
and the shanty would not be more than the cost of maintenance
through the winter, and till the crop of the second year can
be obtained from the ground, and the return of oats and pota-
toes will be of greater value. The place thus proposed to be
provided, not to be the lots whereon the Immigrants are to be
located as their future home, but on one or two lots contiguous,
where the people could be in close proximity, ready to help
each other in case of need, and where none could have more
than ten acres, from which they should remove to the lots
chosen by themselves in due time for the reception of the next
party."
352 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
In continuation of this subject, I received a second letter
from this gentleman, from which communication I also subjoin
the following extracts, by which it will be seen that there was
much force in the despatch of Sir Charles Bagot to Lord Stan-
ley.— " It may be truly said, that in Canada, much has here-
tofore been done to promote immigration — nothing to promote
settlement.*' Colonization is now, however, occupying much of
the attention of the people.
** Independently of the fact, that no real benefit can pos-
sibly result to the Immigrant, beyond the temporary provision
he may receive by being promptly employed at the public
works on his first arrival, even supposing the public works
to be sufficiently extensive to receive all who desire emj)loy-
ment thereat, it cannot be expected that this sufficiency will
continue ; for, as soon as the Grand St. Lawrence Canal shall
be completed, there does not appear much probability of any
other extensive public works being undertaken, for the per-
formance of which a large number of labourers would be
required ; it certainly is not known that any are under imme-
diate consideration, and as the munificent loan from the
Home Government has been already wholly appropriated, it
is not at all clear where further funds are to be found for any
public works of magnitude, however urgently the necessity
for them may be demonstrated: therefore, in contemplating
the prospect of a continued Emigration to this country, we must
look to Colonization alone, as the only sure mode by whicli any
considerable number of Immigrants can be provided for. The
successful settlement of any number of Immigrants, although
expensive, is an affair very easily managed, if the money, neces-
sary for so important a purpose, can be obtained : but here is
the difficulty, and the only one ; it might, however, be very
easily overcome by a very small sacrifice on the part of the
people of England, who would receive a rich return for a very
small outlay, by the removal of so many consumers, who must
now be provided for (whether they can find employment or not,)
at a very heavy, continued, and increasing expense.
** In mentioning the removal of so many persons, I would
AND COLONIZATION. 353
not be misunderstood as intending to refer to the cost of their
removal only : to send them from Britain, and land them here
penniless, would only be shifting the burthen of their support
upon us, who are so immeasurably less able to bear it; it
would be an act of inhumanity (which is too often practised)
to the unfortunate exiles, and of great cruelty to the people of
this country. It would be necessary that people so removed
from Britain should be furnished with the means of proceeding
to the place of settlement previously provided for them, and
with subsistence, until they could raise a supply of food by their
own labour.
" Any schemes, plans, or proposals now brought forward,
can be acted on but to a very limited extent, if at all, during the
present season ; yet it seems that while the subject is directly
and tangibly interesting by the activity every where through-
out Britain, people preparing for and actually leaving home
by so many thousands, it is the proper time to agitate and sug-
gest plans for facilitating Emigration hereafter, so that due
consideration may be given to the subject, that the plans pro-
posed may be thoroughly examined, modified, amended, and
improved, and arrangements made in conformity therewith, for
the benefit of those persons who purpose to Emigrate in the
spring of the following year.
"It is useless to suggest schemes for Emigration, unless
accompanied with the highly necessary information, where the
sources are to be found, and from whence the funds are to be
derived to carry the same into effect. That the funds cannot
be expected to be abstracted from the national revenue, under
present circumstances, is too evident ; that they might be ob-
tained by a small additional impost, levied especially for this
purpose, is equally evident; and from the incalculable national
benefit that would arise therefrom, there can be no doubt it
would be most cheerfully paid.
** But funds in abundance may be procured from other
sources : permit me to allude to one which I have hinted at in
my last, namely, the formation of Mutual Emigration So-
cieties, which your influence and popularity in England and
A A
364 SYSTlrtrAttC EMIGRATION
Scotland might doubtlessly set going : weekly payments might
be received, from one penny upwards, according to the circum-
stances of the sereral parties who might be influenced by a
desire to arail themselves of the advantages to be derived from
the result of this combination of numerous small subscriptions,
or for the benefit of relatives or friends ; besides, receipts from
those, who, independently of any selfish views, but urged by
noble and generous motives, might make donations in aid of
the important object : if once commenced, an impetus might
possibly be given to popular feeling in favour of the establish-
ment of such societies, as to lead to results which would throw
all former national impulses into the shade.
** The several Loan Societies, in different parts of the king-
dottij might also be extensively serviceable in furthering the
g*^at design, by affording assistance to persons who might be
able to procure security for repayment of loans at distant
periods, although unable readily to raise the amount necessary
to enable them to effect their laudable purpose;
** Much detail would be required to perfect dnd cAtry into
effect any plan of Emigration and Colonization, which it is
needless to enter into previously to the necessary funds being
forthcoming. I will, however, by way of a simple illustration,
describe an hypothetical case : suppose £25,000 to be collected
all over the Island in the course of the present year, (a very
mere trifle, if the measure should receive the favourable con-
currence of the public;) £60 would be found adequate for the
conveyance, settlement, and maintenance, for one year, of a
family of five persons ; consequently, upwards of 400 families,
comprising, at least, 2,000 persons, might be sent out next
year, as the precursors of the hundreds of thousands to follow
under the fostering aid of * The Grand National Mutual Emi-
gration Society;* for a continuance of the numerous, petty,
weekly subscriptions, by which the £25,000 would be annually
supplied — (just as easy ten times the sum, under the sunshine
of popular favour) — this, continually applied to the original
purpose, and repaid by the individuals, assisted in the esta-
blishment of their independence ; together with our legal in-
AND COLONIZATION. 355
terest of six per cent, would (at simple interest alone,) in ten
years, amount to the sum of £332,000 ; which sum would
become an annually recurring capital, by which 5,540 families,
or 27,700 individuals, may be certified of independence. The
compound interest, and difference of exchange, would more
than suffice to keep the whole machinery in good working
order, and cover losses. This capital, without further addi-
tional subscriptions, would of itself fructify to an increase of
nearly £20,000 a year; thus enabling the Society to add at least
2,000 more persons to their annual export. This will serve as
a sample of what may be effected from small beginnings.
" Our agricultural population, in common with all others,
is at present in a very depressed state ; but this less affects the
humble farmer, who does his own work, than any other class of
society whatever ; proving most emphatically that Canada is
the poor man's country to thrive in.
" The extremely handsome and favourable terms on which
the Canada Company have announced their readiness to receive
and locate respectable Immigrants, (and , I doubt not, the Bri-
tish American Land Company, and other Companies, will be
equally liberally disposed,) makes settlement in Canada an easy
matter indeed."
I shall quit the further discussion of this subject, by the
following proofs of the increasing value of the public lands, and
the increasing prosperity of those who were indigent settlers.
At the annual meeting of the Canada Company, the Governor,
after stating the operations of the Company for the year 1843,
and that 174,256 acres of land in all had been either sold or
settled by tenants, under leases from the Company, at annual
rents, proceeded to say, that the land so disposed of or settled
exceeded the number of acres, in the year 1842, by 64,111
acres; and also that, since the 1st of January, 1844, there had
been sold 2,300 acres, and leased 41,722 acres ; and that the
monies collected in the province between the 1st of January
and the 19th of February, to which date the latest account had
been received, amounted to £5,665 ; and that both the lands
settled and the money collected were considerably in excess of
A A 2
356 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
those of the corresponding period of the year 1843. That of
the money collected, £1,106 were received for rents of lands ;
and that they continued to come in rapidly, from which it might
be concluded that the new system of leasing worked favourably,
and would answer the expectations of the Company of its
success.
In further illustration of my assertion — that inferior land in
the vicinity of settlement obtains a higher price than vastly
superior land in remote districts, the average sale of the Crown
lands in the scattered districts amounted to 135. Id. per acre,
and 12,838 were sold. In the Huron district, land of match-
less quality sold on the average at 12^. \d. per acre, and 8,705
acres only were sold. This district is of recent settlement.
There were leased by the Company during the year, 88,805
acres, and sold during the same period 194,225 acres. The
sales of land by the British American Land Company amounted
during the year to 34,860 acres, an excess over the preceding
year of 25,547 acres ; the receipts of 1843 amounted to £17,032,
— an increase over that of 1842 of £12,243. Tlie Commissioner
of the Canada Company suggested, some years since, that as
there were many cases of poor industrious persons on their
lands who were desirous, out of their savings, to send small
sums home to their friends or relations, and to whom certainty
and despatch in making these remittances, and exemption from
any expense in the business, would be an important boon, the
Company should undertake the agency for them : it was done
accordingly. During the last year no less a sum than
£2,990 Vds, Ad, was sent home in this manner through the
hands of the Company, chiefly to all parts of the United King-
dom, but in some cases to Germany, and consisted of 329 sums
in all, of an average amount of £9 each; and up to March,
1844, £600 more was also remitted.
If, almost by unaided Emigration, such results have been
produced ; if by aided Emigration the wretched peasantry, who
were removed from rags, filth, discontent, and despair in Ire-
land, during the time a Christian statesman and philanthropist,
—the late Sir R. VV. Horton,— was in the Colonial Oflice, and
AND COLONIZATION. 357
have become most wealthy and prosperous freeholders in Ca-
nada,— if by aided Emigration the starving weavers who left
Paisley to settle in the Bathurst District, could contribute in
1842 to the starving weavers then breathing in Paisley, — if by
a totally unaided and a most improvident Emigration, the
dejected and heartbroken islanders of Lewis could sustain
themselves, and settle in the townships of Lingwick and Bury, —
what results might not rationally be anticipated from a well-
matured, judicious, and provident Colonization ? I have briefly
adverted to the progressive settlement of Canada since the first
Frenchman, who planted the cross on its majestic streams
three centuries ago, to the present period. A century after-
wards the enterprising Charlevoix, in making a very extended
exploration of the vast country, still belonging to France, in
passing through the lakes in 1720, and describing the lands
bordering on the district, remarks : — " They are not equally
proper for every sort of grain, but most of them are of a won-
derful fertility, and I have known some produce good wheat for
eighteen years running, without any manure ; and besides, all
of them are proper for some particular use."
During my ten years' residence in Canada, I have personally
witnessed the most surprising improvements in husbandry,
horticulture, and floriculture. I have seen agricultural socie-
ties forming in every district, wisely stimulating, by the rewards
offered, the collection of seeds and plants from every region, and
adopting such as have been found most congenial to the climate
and soil ; new branches of culture and mechanical industry in-
troduced ; excellent selections from domestic and foreign stock
of the animals which propagate most rapidly, with the least ex-
pense of subsistence, and yield the largest returns to the hus-
bandman's care ; and every inducement held out to stimulate
invention to the discovery of new systems or principles of
tillage, machines, and implements, for increasing the fertility
of the soil, and the productiveness of human labour.
Previously, agricultural improvement had been last, though
it should always be first. By agriculture nations exist; it
358 SYSTEUATIC EMIGRATION
supports and clothes luaiikind ; it furnishes the resources fur
protection ami defence, and the means of even moral iniprove-
inent and intellectual cultivation. Portions of a community,
cities, and even states, may exist by exercising the mechanic
arts, or by going down to the sea in ships; buttliere must, never-
theless, be somewhere some larger agricultural community to
furnish the productions and fabrics indispensable even in such
forms of society. The necessary minerals, iron, lead, copper,
and others, are beneficial only because they are employed in aid
of agriculture, or in preparing its productions for our use ; and
even the metals, which by consent of mankind are called pre-
cious, have no value except as representatives of the fruits of
industry. Other interests may rise and fall, and other masses
may combine, dissolve, and recombino, and the agricultural
mass be scarcely affected, but the whole body politic sympathise
when this interest is depressed and this class suffers.
In England the cost of land fit for tillage is ten time^
greater than in Canada ; the price of labour in America is double
that in Europe. The land generally in Canada is therefore
cultivated imperfectly, and its productions are seldom equal to
one half its capacity. Thus one of its great advantages is coun-
terbalanced by a deficiency of physical force. Notwithstanding
its poi)ulation augments with great rapidity, by domestic in-
crease and immigration, yet such is the deuiand for labour and
service in commercial towns, and in the improvement of roads
and rivers, and so attractive are its new settlements in the West,
that the deficiency of labour continues the same, and its value,
under ordinary circumstances, constantly increases. Immigra-
tion, therefore, is an auxiliary to agriculture. The masses in
Great Britain increase in disproportion to their territory and
subsistence.
Agriculture can never flourish where its rewards are preca-
rious, or inferior in value to those obtained in other depart-
ments of industry. Perpetual care is necessary to diminish the
burthens to which it may be subjected : hence the utility of
improving those inland communications, which serve for the
AND COLONIZATION. 359
conveyance of agricultural productions to places of exchange and
consumption, and of such commercial regulations as secure ad-
vantageous markets either at home or abroad.
The recent remission of duty on the introduction of Cana-
dian produce into British ports, simultaneously with the impo-
sition of a duty on American agricultural produce passing into
Canadian ports, will give a stimulus to Canadian agriculture,
and greatly facilitate any measure of Colonization.
The citizens of the United States, since the period of the re-
volutionary war, have sedulously devoted themselves to agricul-
tural pursuits. Washington, when retiring to his estate at
Mount Vernon, said ; " The task of working improvement on
the earth was much more delightful than all the vain glory which
could be acquired by ravaging it with the most uninterrupted
career of conquests."
Coleman, another great authority, has declared that ** The
great business of our country is agriculture. Because it feeds
us, and furnishes the materials for our clothing ; it gives em-
ployment to five-sixths of our population ; it is the primary
source of national and individual wealth ; it is the nursing
mother of manufactures and commerce ; it is essential to na-
tional independence. Agriculture, manufactures, commerce,
stand together ; but they stand together like pillars in a cluster,
the largest in the centre, and that largest is agriculture. We
live in a country of small farms ; a country in which men cul-
tivate with their own hands their own fee-simple acres ; draw-
ing not only their subsistence, but also their spirit of indepen-
dence and manly freedom from the ground they plough. They
are at once its owners, its cultivators, and its defenders. And
whatever else may be undervalued or overlooked, let us never
forget, that the cultivation of the earth is the most important
labour of man. Man, without the cultivation of the earth, is,
in all countries, a savage. When tillage begins, other arts fol-
low. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of human civi-
lization. If there lives the man who may eat his bread with a
conscience at peace, it is the man who has brought that bread
out of the earth by his own honest industry. The profession of
360 SYSTEMATIC EMIGBATION
agriculture brings with it none of those agitating passions which
are fatal to peace, or to the enjoyment even of the common
blessings of life : it presents few temptations to vicious indul-
gence ; it is favourable to health and to long life, to habits of
industry and frugality, to temperance and self-government,
to the cultivation of the domestic virtues, and to the calm and
delicious enjoyments of domestic pleasures in all their purity
and fulness."
And the Rev. Orville Dewey, in speaking on the same sub-
ject, stated, that " All these improvements which may adorn
or benefit our farms are recommended to us, not only by our
own individual interests, but by the higher sentiment of our
duty to the country. This is essentially a nation of farmers.
Nowhere else is so large a portion of the community engaged
in farming ; nowhere else are the cultivators of the earth more
independent or so powerful. One would think that in Europe
the great business of life was to put each other to death ; for so
large a proportion of men are drawn from the walks of produc-
tive industry and trained to no other occupation except to shoot
foreigners always, and their own countrymen occasionally ;
while here, the whole energy of the nation is directed with in-
tense force upon peaceful labour."
The native fruits of Canada are evidences of its natural pro-
ductiveness : they consist chiefly of the wild strawberry, rasp-
berry, cherry, plum, crab-apple, cranberry, gooseberry, black-
berry, currant, and the grapes luxuriantly tangling their clus-
tering vines around the branches of the forest. Every descrip-
tion of fruit grown in.England has been introduced successfully
into Canada; and in the old French settlements in Western
Canada, fine peach orchards, large pear-trees, and the common
growth of the melon are to be seen in all directions. The
agricultural produce of Canada consists of wheat, corn, rye,
oats, barley, peas, hops, potatoes, buckwheat, turnips, mangel
wurtzel, all the roots and grasses of England, tobacco, beef,
pork, hams, tallow, hides, butter, cheese, sugar, apples, ashes,
timber, &c. &c.
Nearly the same productions are common to Nova Scotia,
AND COLONIZATION. 361
New Brunswick, and Prince Edward's Island ; and the inex-
haustible fisheries round their coasts, in the lakes, and in the
rivers, furnish every requisite for immediate, successful, and ex-
tensive Colonization.
The value of the British American provinces may not only be
inferred from the following testimonies from eminent authori-
ties in the United States, but may prove a useful monition to
the heedlessness of those Englishmen who think lightly of
them, and check the wickedness of those who would criminally
and ignominiously abandon them. During the disturbances in
Canada, a leading senator of the United States assigned the
following reasons for the annexation of Canada to that re-
public : —
" 1st. An eternal fence from European attacks in the rear
and flank of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York,
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
** 2nd. A settling, without trouble, of the North-eastern
boundary question.
" 3rd. The free navigation of the St. Lawrence (almost as
important to the Northern States, as the Mississippi is to the
Southern and Western) ; and then, the free navigation of the
St. John's is of the highest importance to Maine.
" 4th. The fisheries — free and equal privileges in them, a
strengthening of our marine, and crippling of the British
marine.
" 6th. The end of the British monopoly of the fur trade, and
the settlement of many disputes we must, sooner or later,
have about this trade in the Missouri territory, and on the Co-
lumbia river ; — for, with the loss of the Canadas, British Empire
is lost in America.
" 6th. The addition of thousands of miles of a new interior
to the city of New York; the union, by canal, of New York
harbour with the St. Lawrence river. Our own city, our own
wharfs, our own ships, our own merchants, our own labourers
made the channels and the agents of all the trade of the im-
mense British possessions in the interior of North America."
The New York Daily Advertiser, speaking of Canada, says,
362 SYSTEMATIC BMIGBATION
** We look upon the possession and control of the mighty St.
Lawrence — the outlet of the mightiest inland seas upon earth,
the natural highway of all the regions of the north and west, —
as being of immense, of incalculable importance to every
man now residing within two hundred miles of these waters,
from the sources of the Connecticut to the sources of the Missis-
sippi. Whatever be the improvement of canals and railroads,
the bulky agricultural produce of the west can Hud its way to
the ocean by no channel so cheaply as by the natural channel
of the St. Lawrence. It is the straightest and shortest line to
any port in Europe, north of Cape Finisterre ; it is the cheapest
and safest route for carrying the pork and flour, the produce
of the west, to supply the necessary outfit for the fishermen on
the banks of Newfoundland ; and the cheapest route for trans-
porting the produce of the fisheries into the centre of this con-
tinent, and distributing it, at a reasonable price, among the
inhabitants. Look on the map ; and see how easily logs, and
boards, and staves, can be transported across. What a facility is
afforded by Lake Nipissing, and its two outlets, for carrying the
forest on the north of the Ottawa to the western countries, to
be exchanged for the pork, the flour, and the merchandize
that the hardy northern lumber man requires !"
Another Journal : — ** The United States does not want Ca-
nada upon European considerations, — of population or territory ;
but they want it on American considerations, — for convenience
and extension of trade, and security against bad neighbours.
Tliey want the pine forests of Canada to supply countries becom-
ing year by year dispossessed of their most valuable of all
timber, and they must and will have a free access from the pro-
ducers of flour and pork, to the fislierics of Newfoundland and
the ocean." One of their leading men spoke as follows : —
** The conductors of the revolutionary war attempted the con-
(|uest of Canada almost before they began to defend themselves
— conscious that their perils were past, their designs secured,
when the enemy, dislodged from the rear, could only attack
them from the broad and dangerous face of the boisterous ocean.
The legislators of the first Confederation were equally impressed
AND COLONIZATION. 363
with the necessity of making Canada a part of the great family
of independent sovereignties, when they ordained, by the 11th
Article, which still remaius bound up with our written consti-
tutions, that Canada, according to this Confederation, and
joining in the measures of the United States, shall be admitted
into and entitled to all the advantages of the Union; but no
other Colony shall be admitted into the same, unless such ad-
mission be agreed to by nine states. Our forefathers could
distinguish between the straggling outlines of Nova Scotia and
New Brunswick, incapable of defence, and the compact terri-
tory of Canada. This article was signed on the 9th of July,
1778, by men who, in the spirit of the times, were endowed
with a preternatural vision, that foresaw the tendency of all the
acts, and provided remedies for every contingency that might
endanger the working of their new formed design for the per-
fect government of map. Their wisdom and their foresight
have been constantly exemplified in the bursting forth of ques-
tions unlooked for, upon points unheeded, until they appeared ;
and rest assured, that though the necessity of the provisions
regarding Canada may not be now apparent to the thoughtless,
the time is at hand when they will stand in bold relief, as ano-
ther evidence of the superhuman intelligence of those to whom
the western world is indebted for all the greatness of pure de-
mocracy." Another member of one of the States' legislatures
spoke to the same effect; he said : *' I can never look on the
map of that dark territory in the north, commencing at the
sources of the St. John's, and after indenting downwards to the
42nd degree of latitude at Detroit, bearing off again to the 45th
degree, from whence it stretches across to the Pacific, hanging
over the brighter climes of the United States like a gloomy
cloud above the sunshine beauty of a summer's day, without
earnestly dwelling on the vast importance of that dreary waste
and its straggling population to these southern regions."
Another senator, in the same debate, said : " Though the sea-
board line of the United States is of enormous length, and can-
not be fortified, we have nothing to fear from Europe on that
side, though all the powers were combined against us. They
364 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
might command the sea>, bui no armament, however powerful,
could ever cross an ocean of 3,000 miles, and make a perma-
nent lodging upon our coast. The vaunted power of England
could not effect it, when the thirteen original States were but
a ribbon along the Atlantic, offering nearly the same profile to
attack we now possess. Our danger is in the rear. We can
never be prepared for war, for which it is our motto ever to be
prepared, or peace, so long as a foreign power commands the
mighty discharge of all the waters of the north, the grand
highway from the ocean to the sources of the Mississippi. Look
at the map; and you will at once perceive that Canada must be
the theatre of warfare and intrigue whenever England trifles
with America. At present, our position is quite unsafe. The St.
Lawrence is the great and only inlet to the continent. A dam
across the river at Quebec would be a certain defence against
all foreign aggression. One million of soldiers along our pre-
sent frontier would not be. Extension of dominion usually
brings with it extension of frontier ; but it should be ever borne
in mind by us, that the acquisition of Canada would reduce
ours on the north from a thousand leagues to a mile and a half."
1 cannot refrain from giving an extract from a letter of an
American of intelligence, dated Jefferson County, State of
New York, Novembers, 1838, and which was published in the
principal newspapers at that time. He observes : " This frontier
will soon be a theatre towards which the attention, not only of
the whole nation, but of the whole world, will be anxiously
directed. For fifty to a hundred miles from the lines, from Maine
to Detroit, a large portion of the men, and among them per-
sons of the highest standing and intelligence, gentlemen of
princely fortunes, and of every profession of life, are leagued
with the patriots ; secret associations are formed in every town
and neighbourhood ; immense sums of money are raised for
the cause; squads of men are moving from different points
and places to a common rendezvous known only to themselves.
It is estimated that they number 10,000 in this county, and
that there are 40,000 men within one hundred miles of this
place. Be assured, hostilities on a formidable scale will soou
AND COLONIZATION. 365
commence." In a few days afterwards the invasion took place
at Prescott, cheered on by thousands of spectators ; happily,
the valiant yeomanry of Upper Canada crushed this daring
aggression in its bud.
T condude these extracts, from a vast mass of a similar
character, with the following :
In 1836, an American senator, taking an active part in the
agitation then existing in the Canadas, wrote thus : — " Will
the countless thousands now thronging westward in continuous
removal, like the eruptions that overran the states of antiquity,
but with more beautiful designs of Providence m their hands, —
for the old world barbarian was the harbinger of destruction
and death, the American democrat of prosperity and life, — will
they long permit the presence of a foreign deputy at Quebec ?
I answer for them — they will not permit it. The present frothy
Governor of Upper Canada said, in allusion to Americans, in
one of his feeble addresses last summer, * Let them come if
they dare!* The threat will not soon be forgotten. When
the people of Michigan and Wisconsin are ready, — and should
their rifles be pointed eastward, nothing can withstand the tor-
rent of American determination, — it needs but to will, and to
seize opportunities that must occur, and Monarchy, like Ma-
sonry, must be swept from a hemisphere in which it has no
inheritance."
To retain, improve, enrich these valuable possessions. Emi-
gration has been considered indispensable by every Governor,
who has been sent to preside over the Colony by either of
the parties in the State.
In 1805, his Excellency Sir John Colborne thus addressed
the two houses of legislature in the province : — " The exertion,
perseverance, and spirit of enterprise so conspicuous in each
district, and the independency and comfort which the more
industrious portion of your population has speedily attained,
are obviously the early advantages resulting from the flow of
Emigration to the province, and from the useful public works
which have been accomplished under the direction of the
parent state, and of the legislature of this country." In his
906 BTSTBUATIC EMIGRATION
answer to the Address of the House of Assembly, in the same
year, he says : — **The diHicultics which the province encounters,
from a small population being dispersed over an extensive
territory, may, I am persuaded, be gradually removed by your
exertions. The foundation of a vast agricultural community
is laid, and will be speedily raised up, if the flow of Emigration
from the parent State be diligently encouraged."
In 1830, his Excellency again, in his earnest and patriotic
solicitude to make this a thoroughly British province, brings
the subject before the legislature. He then stated : — " The
direct Emigration from the mother country to this Colony last
season has scarcely exceeded the proportion of one-third as
compared with some former years. So far as this diminution
may have been caused by a more general employment at home
of manufacturers and agricultural labourers, it will not be
yiewed with regret. The other causes that have tended to
reduce the number of Emigrants, we may be confident, will not
long operate ; in the meantime, I am convinced that you will
not relax in your efforts to give Emigration every possible
encouragement, and to render this country a secure and con-
venient asylum for sUch of our countrymen as desire to resort
to it. By improving your system of constructing highways,
and giving facilities to commerce, connected as it must be with
your agricultural prospects, by making the means of education
general and easily available, and by attending to the condition
of a people peaceably and prudently exercising the privileges
of a free Government, and firmly attached to the principles of
the British Constitution, you will hold forth the strongest
inducements to your fellow-subjects of the British Empire to
unite their fortunes with yours, and to contribute by their
wealth, intelligence, and industry, to raise this province, at no
distant period, to the first rank in the colonial possessions of
the Crown."
In November, 1836, Sir F. B. Head, in his reply to the
House of Assembly, stated : — " This House reasonably hopes, as
it will earnestly endeavour, to attract the redundant enterprise,
capital, and population of the empire." Again, " The Lieu-
Airo cdtONizAtion. 36*7
tenant-Gorernor of this province had better look steadily for-
ward to its future prosperity and improvement ; that he had
better attract into Upper Canada the superabundant population
and capital of the mother country." At the close of the session
he thus expressed himself: — " I will use my utmost endeavours
to explain to this province, that they want only wealth and
population to become one of the finest and noblest people on
the globe ; that the redundant wealth of the mother country
will irrigate their land, and that her population will convert
the wilderness which sUrl'dunds them into green fields."
At the termination of the first session of thfe present House
of Assembly, he concluded thus : — " The important alterations
you have recommended in the Land Granting Department
will, I am confident, produce a fefeling of general satisfaction
throughout the province ; and I shall exert the new authority-
proposed to be invested in me — to grant lands to actual settlers
on terms more advantageous than the market price, and con-
sequently contrary to your own private interests, solely for the
encouragement of Emigration."
From the tenor of all his addresses, it was very clear that he
considered the future greatness of this province as altogether
dependent on the influx of British Emigrants ; and that, " In-
stead of shutting up this country, destined yet to support many
millions, I wish a policy that will attract to it such a large de-
gree of Immigration, capital, and enterprise from the mother
country, as shall very greatly tend to promote the happiness
and prosperity of all interests, whether Colonial or national."
Nor is the present enlightened Governor of Canada less
sensible of the vast importance of this momentous subject. In
his replies to the various addresses presented to him, he con-
stantly alludes to it.
In that to the county of Frontenac : — ** It is a great comfort to
me to receive the assurance of your fervent love for the British
Constitution, and of your determination to maintain and per-
petuate your connexion with the mother country ; for on such
feelings and dispositions the happiness of Canada appears to
me to depend. Under the auspices of this connexion the popu-
368 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
lation of Canada has increased with a rapidity scarcely known
in any other region : by this connexion, the superabundant
capital and population of the mother country will bring wealth,
strength, and prosperity to Canada ; while the millions who
inhabit this province, consuming the manufactures of the United
Kingdom, will return the same benefits to the maternal bosom
from whence they have emanated."
To the inhabitants of Belleville : — ** I will cherish the hope
that the due care of the prerogative of the Crown and the
rights of the people, equal affection to all well-disposed mem-
bers of the community, equal justice and equal administration
of benefit to all races, classes, and degrees, will in time reconcile
all parties, and produce that state of harmony which may be
expected to unite internal happiness and universal attachment
to the parent state, with the prosperity and wealth that we have
abundant reason to anticipate from the peculiar advantages
enjoyed by this country in splendid natural means, and in the
powerful protection of a mighty Empire.**
To the freeholders and inhabitants of the Eastern District of
Upper Canada : — " The assurance, gentlemen, which you con-
vey to me, of your devoted and unalterable attachment to the
person and government of our most gracious Queen, of your
earnest desire to uphold inviolate the prerogatives of her Crown,
and of your determination to maintain and perpetuate the
happy connexion of this Colony with the parent state, afford
unqualified satisfaction, and demand my grateful acknowledg-
ments.
** Her Majesty relies with confidence on the love and loyalty
of her Canadian subjects, of which abundant proofs have been
afforded in times past, and are likewise manifested in the
numerous addresses which late events in this province have
elicited.
** My warmest thanks are due to you for the affectionate
sentiments and wishes which you have expressed towards me.
My constant aim will be to merit such feelings by showing in
every act of my administration, that I have at heart the welfare
and happiness of this country. Long may it be one of the most
AND COLONIZATION. 369
splendid gems of the British Crown ; long may it flourish a land
of liberty, loyalty, industry, and enterprise, increasing daily in
population and wealth, a place of refuge and comfort for a large
portion of the superabundant numbers which the genius of
Britain sends forth to fertilize and civilize the untenanted re-
gions of the earth. Long may the happy connexion of the
United Kingdom and this Colony, in the voluntary bonds of
mutual affection, be an unfailing source of benefit and prosperity
to both ; and long may Canada rejoice in aiding and upholding
the grandeur, might, and integrity of the British Empire."
I could have multiplied these authorities to a great extent,
but these will amply suffice. I cannot, however, but recom-
mend those who feel an interest in this subject, to peruse with
deep and serious attention the admirable despatches of Sir W.
M^B. Colebrooke, Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick,
in which the whole subject of Colonization has been [ably dis-
cussed.
In the foregoing narrative I have fully demonstrated,
that—
1 . The Unremunerative Capital of England ;
2. The Unemployed Population of the United Kingdom ;
3. The Unproductive Lands of British America —
are the three elements to combine and carry on a most useful
and most profitable scheme of Colonization. It is in their wise
conjunction only where the difficulty lies.
An extremely dense population, existing under great inequa-
lity of condition, a few very rich and the many wretched poor,
on a restricted surface, insufficient to support them, without
assistance from ourselves, is not a state of things other than ca-
lamitous. If it were possible to expand this productive surface
to some two or three times the present extent in the British
isles, can there be a doubt of the relief it would give? Now
this very thing is virtually done for England in her vast and
valuable Colonies. And that the incremental portions are
separated from the mother land by seas and oceans, and are
found in various climes, is very far from a disadvantage. All
B B
370 SYSTEMATIC EMIGBATION
the nations are uniting, as effectually m if in a common cause,
against the commercial and manufacturing interests of Britain.
Great and wonderful as have been the efforts of England in
former times, it was chiefly by her monopoly of manufactures
that she was enabled to make and maintain them. Where her
artisans used to manufacture for all the world, all the world are
manufacturing for themselves, and for any others that will buy.
The seat of Samson's strength is at length discovered, it will
be for him to prevent its translation to other localities. This
will be by diminishing the proportion of manufacturers, and
increasing that of the agriculturists. It is certain England
has become by her long monopoly the richest nation in the
world ; if she would retain that wealth she must see she does
not buy her food of those who will take nothing but cash, but
must raise it for herself in her own Colonies. To any extent she
desires she can do so, in her fertile provinces in British Ame-
rica, by the instrumentality of just government and wise
Colonization. To effect these ends, hopes, and objects, was
the *' British American Association" founded ; and notwithstand-
ing its dissolution, I feel a solemn conviction that some kindred
institution will yet rise phoenix like from its ashes, called for
by the urgent necessities of every interest in the State.
The leading journal of the empire in its recent animadver-
gions on the ** North American Colonization Association of Ire-
land," has extended its criticisms most unjustly and severely
against all who promote the cause of Colonization from the
impulse of self-interest. I shall not enter into an elaborate
argument on this subject, but confine myself to the following
remarks. Has not a large mass of most destitute individuals
from the United Kingdom been vastly benefited by Emigration ?
Are there not a vast number left behind who might be similarly
blessed 1 Could those whose condition has been thus converted
from poverty to independence by any possibility have derived the
same advancement and advantage in this country? And if those
who would unite their unoccupied lands and their unemployed
capital to produce these desirable transformations expect also
AND COLONIZATION. 371
to be rewarded by the industry of those they serve, is there
anything in such an arrangement to justify the denuncia-
tions of the press, or excite the suspicions of the public?
Firmly, indelibly impressed with the conviction alike of the
practicability and advantage of such a combination, I did exert
myself to establish an Association founded on those principles,
and it will require something more than mere declamation,
however eloquent it may be, to prove that there is in such an
effort anything opposed to the tenderest humanity, or the most
scrupulous integrity.
I was perfectly aware that in making this effort, and estab-
lishing this Association, I should encounter difficulties and dis-
couragements ; I should be opposed by companies who had
not made Colonization a portion of their plan, and who had
forgotten that any measure to promote it must ultimately
prove beneficial to themselves as landowners. A check to
my exertions I also anticipated, from that supine spirit which
regards every improvement as innovation, and which perpe-
tually, though falsely, complains that mankind degenerate,
without making an effort to check the progress of error. I
foresaw that I should be regarded as visionary and enthusiastic,
by those who consider skill in acquiring, and success in retain-
ing, wealth as the perfection of human wisdom ; but I did not
forget that such as these seldom bestow their countenance upon
ardent philanthropists or the benefactors of mankind. I was
quite conscious that it is not always those who sow that reap ;
and that instances were too numerous, both in Europe and
America, of the sufferings, the privations, the scorn, the scof-
fings, and the contumely which many pioneers in a good cause
have had to endure.
The celebrated Robert Morris, the financier of the American
revolution, died a bankrupt. Christopher Colles, the earliest,
most enterprising, and most efficient advocate of the inland
navigation of the huge waters of the Western World, was
interred by private charity in the strangers' burying-ground.
The splendid essays of Jesse Hawley, which convinced the
372 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION
American people of the feasibility and importance of a conti-
nuous canal from Lake Erie to the Hudson River and the
Atlantic Ocean, were sent forth from a debtor's prison. De
Witt Clinton, who perfected that glorious enterprise, and whose
name is written upon the capital of every column of the social
edifice in America, was indebted to private hospitality for a
resting-place.
The crowning barbarity and ingratitude remains yet to be
told. Fulton, the immortal Fulton, whilst building, at New
York, the first steam-boat, " The Clermont," we are told, was
treated as an idle projector, whose schemes would be useless to
the world, and ruinous to himself. The labours and difficulties he
had to encounter and overcome were unvalued and uncheered.
The language of the idle groups, whom curiosity attracted to
see the new vessel, was uniformly that of scorn and disparage-
ment. The loud laugh often rose at his expense, the dry jest,
the wise calculations of losses and expenditures, the dull but
endless repetition of " The Fulton Folly,'* " Never," says that
martyr of ingratitude, *' did a single encouraging remark, a
bright hope, a warm wish, cross my path. Silence itself was
but politeness veiling its doubts, and hiding its reproaches."
Even when the day of trial came — that day so brilliant in the
scientific records of the West, when the stately steam ship
threw off the dominion of the winds of heaven, and walked
the waters like a thing of life — in which the illustrious inventor
should have reaped the first-fruits of the well-earned harvest
of his imperisha])le fame, — amongst the friends whom he had
invited to witness the experiment all was silent and moody
distrust. ** I read in their looks nothing but disaster, and
almost I repented me of my efforts." To the silence upon the
first movement succeeded, upon a short and trifling interruption
to their progress, murmurs of discontent, agitations, shrugs,
and whispers. ** I told you how it would be." — ** It is a
foolish scheme." — " I wish we were well out of it." — ^These were
the observations which entertained the projector upon this
interesting, and to him trying occasion. Even when the vessel
AND COLONIZATION. 373
was finally got in motion — when she continued [to move for-
ward— all were incredulous. " We left the fair City of New
York far behind us ; we passed through the romantic and ever-
varying scenery of the majestic Hudson ; we descried at length
the clustering houses of Albany ; we reached its distant shores
— and then, even then, when all seemed achieved, I was the
victim of disappointment. Imagination superseded the influ-
ence of fact. It was doubted if it could be done again. Or if
done, it was doubted if it could be made of any great value."
Notwithstanding, however, the temporary shock caused by
the failure of "The British American Association," I am still
sustained by the conviction, that though individuals may suffer,
and combinations fail, truth is triumphant, and principles sur-
vive. " It is true," as one of the most gifted and distinguished
writers of the age, Dr. Chalmers, remarks, " that a society may
be thrown into discredit by the failure of one or two of its under-
takings, and this will be enough to entail suspicion and ridicule
upon all its future operations. A system may be thrown into dis-
credit by the fanaticism and folly of some of its advocates ; and
it may be long before it emerges from the contempt of a pre-
cipitate and unthinking public, ever ready to follow the impulse
of her former recollections ; it may be long before it is reclaimed
from obscurity by the eloquence of future defenders ; and there
may be the struggle and the perseverance of many years before
the existing association, with all its train of obloquies, and dis-
gusts, and prejudices, shall be overthrown. A lover of truth is
thus placed on the right field for the exercise of his principles.
It is the field of his faith and of his patience, and in which he is
called to a manly encounter with the enemies of his cause. He
may have much to bear, and little but the mere force of prin-
ciple to uphold him. But what a noble exhibition of mind,
when this force is enough for it ; when, though unsupported by
the sympathy of other minds, it can rest on the truth and
righteousness of its own principle ; when it can select its ob-
jects from the thousand entanglements of error, and keep by
it amidst all the clamours of hostility and contempt ; when all
the terrors of disgrace cannot alarm it ; when all the levities of
874 SYSTEMATIC EHIGBATION
ridicule cannot shame it ; when all the scowl of opposition can-
not overwhelm it."
The loss of the United Colonies was a deep dishonour, whilst
it was a grave misfortune ; and the deepest part of the misfor-
tune is, that it is not considered as a dishonour. It is by learn-
ing that it was a dishonour, because our fault, that the same,
though reiterated disgrace, and a similar, but far greater dan-
ger may be prevented, the loss of our still remaining possessions
in North America. These possessions are not more difficult to
keep, nor more easy to lose, than the former. I pray God that-
England may be instructed by the results of her own conduct
in 1770, and that it may not be the task of history to place the
present Administration on a parallel with that of Lord North.
It is to prevent this calamity I give utterance to the expression
of alarm which I cannot exclude, but which will cease when the
nation has shared it.
That British North America should long remain connected
with this country, indeed indissolubly united, until monarchi-
cal institutions have taken firm root in the soil, and have
attained a growth not to be checked or overshadowed by
the surrounding democracy, is a result which every true lover
of England must desire to see accomplished. At a period
when communication between the old and new world was
counted by weeks, and not, as now, by days, the shock of the
American revolt was felt over the whole continent of Europe,
and its contagious influence exhibited itself in the bloodshed,
and horrors, and protracted wars of the French Revolution.
England, though she surmounted, did not escape the convulsion
of nations, and there were seasons during that tumultuous and
memorable era, when every one of her institutions, civil and
religious, was menaced with destruction. Let the patriot and
statesman of the present day contemplate the flood of conse-
quences that would burst over this country from the loss of the
North American Colonies. A few days would convey the tidings
across the Atlantic, and disseminate them throughout the ports
of Europe. The example would not be thrown away upon the
democratic agitator, upon the fomenter of agricultural incen-
AND COLONIZATION. 376
diarism, and the enemy of everything connected with the wel-
fare, exaltation, and honour of the country. If monarchical
institutions be declared, in Canada, to be no longer conducive
to the happiness and prosperity of a free people, would not this
assertion, when reduced into practice, awaken a loud and fearful
echo in the parent isles, if not in the other kingdoms of Europe ?
Would not the loss of our remaining empire in North America
be succeeded, as in a former like case, by change, convulsion,
or dismemberment in every part of the world, now brought by
steam into a state of connexion and relationship so intimate as
almost to justify our regarding its different divisions as mem-
bers of one great body, of which none suffer without a sympathy
running through all ? If Canada, the leader and the greatest
of our North American Colonies, be " lost or given away," the
strongest outwork of the British monarchy will have fallen, and
the Crown have received a dangerous shock, if not the fore-
warning of a greater evil to come. The American Republic
would then occupy the rank so long held by England in the scale
of nations, and the conquests of the East would but little repair
or atone for moral defeat and expulsion in the West.
I do not deem, for a moment, that Colonial dominion is to
be retained at the point of the bayonet, or beyond that time
when the Colonists shall have ceased to regard it as a blessing,
and have begun to complain of it as a yoke or a curse. But I
do fearlessly assert, that the North American Colonies, as a
whole, are still devotedly attached to England, and feel most
keenly the disregard too frequently displayed by those who
should have exhibited a reciprocal affection ; that their very
proximity to the United States aggravates and perpetuates their
aversion to republicanism ; and that nothing but a continuation
of unwise concessions to England's enemies, and a neglect of
those advantages which I have endeavoured to show are within
our reach, can alienate the great mass of the North American
Royalists from the mother country. This I do maintain; and
this, if truly maintained, justifies me in regarding Colonization
as a political, no less than an economical and philanthropic
376 SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION.
instrument. The reflection that every band of Emigrants pro-
ceeding to the backwoods of Canada is about to become an-
other advanced guard of the British Empire, besides a benefit
to that portion of the parent state which it has left, as well as
that distant extremity which it is about to occupy, — this reflec-
tion, I say, so gratifying to the honest national pride, and the
social feelings of every true-hearted British subject, is one that
has long found an abiding place in my mind, and cheered me
under many a disappointment and delay, when endeavouring to
turn the attention of my fellow-countrymen to the vast and
noble subject of British North American Colonization.
W. Lake. Printer, iro, Fleet-street.
UNIVtWITV Of LUNOtt-URBANA
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